9.3.2026 - Under Story

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Putnam Books for gifting me a digital ARC of the new novel by Chloe Benjamin.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4 stars!

Laurel Salter, a biologist working as a dishwasher at an isolated research base in Antarctica. When a mysterious light called the Arc appears, it draws a team of physicists—including her estranged ex-husband, Eli—prompting them to explore whether they can turn back time and restart their lives.

This is an ambitious novel centering around love, guilt, loss and just what we would do to have a chance to turn back time to prevent loss.  I thought the first part of the book, taking place in Antarctica was especially fascinating.  Once the book progresses to the time portal and discovery of an anti-verse, I'll admit that sometimes I found my brain spinning because I'm not always great with stories of time travel.  This one bounces around time a bit, but I loved the beautiful writing, the themes behind the travel, the mourning of the persons we were or could have been.  I'm still thinking about this one, which marks the sign of a good book in my mind.

9.2.2026 - Why You Should Read Children's Books, Even Though You are So Old and Wise

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House Children's Books for gifting me a digital ARC of this short essay book by Katerine Rundell.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars!

How could you not love a book that celebrates how important children's books are no matter how old you are?  Plus, it celebrates libraries, which can't get enough love.  I adored the history of some of the popular fairy tales - I hadn't heard of many of the versions.  Just lovely to spend a little time with an important subject.

9.2.2026 - The Truth About Ruby Cooper

 

Many thanks to NetGallery and Simon & Schuster | Gallery Books | Scout Press for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest thriller by Liz Nugent.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 stars!

Ruby and her older sister, Erin, live a comfortable life in their Boston home with their pastor father and Irish mother, until "the incident."  Afterwards, the family is never the same.  

Go into this one as blind as possible, knowing that you are going to be reading an uncomfortable book, but one that will grip you until that last line.  The story alternates between Erin and Ruby's perspectives over two decades, highlighting how their lives diverged.  I'm a big fan of Liz Nugent but do I dare say that this is my favorite of her books?  I would gush more but I don't want to give even a hint of a spoiler.  Just know that this is a must read book and very highly recommended!

9.1.2026 - Paper Ghosts

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, St Martin's Press, and Macmillan Audio for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of the latest book by Sarah Addison Allen, with the audiobook narrated by the fabulous Marin Ireland.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars!

For decades, the women of Wester House have been the source of talk in their small North Carolina town.  Told in two timelines, we first meet Willamena in 1976, when she's desperate to escape the Wester legacy and have some freedom.  In the present day, her granddaughter, Bailey, returns to Wester House.  As she reconnects with Wills, she begins to understand the choices that shaped the women in her family.

I love generational books and was equally fascinated with both timelines.  It's both a coming-of-age story and one of generational trauma, as Wills repeats the pattern of isolation impressed on her.  I really liked the magical realism part of this story, and the those that haunt us for various reasons. Between that and the small-town isolation, you could feel the past settling over the characters.   Marin Ireland's narration just added to that gothic atmospheric tone.  Wonderful!

8.31.2026 - The Treasure House

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Ballantine | Dell for gifting me a digital ARC of the new book by Amy Matthews.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars rounded up!

Zoe and her daughter, Flo, need a new start but they can't afford one, until she finds a listing for a cottage in Maine.  It's in their price range but it's a treasure house - filled to the brim with junk and sold as is.  We go back in time to read about Marly, the woman who lived in the cottage before.  Can Zoe and Flo find a new forever home or have they made a big mistake?

I loved this author's previous book, Someone Else's Bucket List, and this is just as heartwarming and sweet, with no hint of sappiness.  I had certainly heard of hoarder homes, but love the term "treasure house."  Both timelines were so good and I was equally intrigued with both.  I could picture the small coastal town, where everyone becomes family.  There's some romance, plenty of cats and even a dog, and wonderful characters.  Put this one on your TBR now!

8.30.2026 - Mother Daughter Sister Stranger

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, St Martin's Press | Minotaur Books, and Macmillan Audio for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of the latest thriller by a favorite, Hank Phillippi Ryan, with the audiobook wonderfully narrated by Stevi Incremona​.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars rounded up!

Eliza and her sister, Bea, were the sole survivors of the plane crash that killed their parents.  Now, 11 years later on the exact anniversary of the crash, Bea fails to pick up her daughter, Piper, from a sleepover at Eliza's.  Eliza knows that she would never leave her behind and fears the worst.  

This story had me glued trying to figure out just what happened to Bea, and the suspense just kept building until the end.  I thought I had things figured out but I didn't, which is always fun.  It's fast paced, with plenty of twists and turns, and complicated family dynamics.  Piper is a star for sure and I loved her spunky character.  The narrator did a fabulous job and let me listen when I couldn't read because I just had to know what happened - highly recommended for a gripping thriller!

8.27.2026 - Before You Were Anne

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for gifting me a digital ARC of this wonderful book by Emiko Jean.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 stars!

Things are finally going well for Detective Chelsey Calhoun in her job and personally, and she's expecting her first child.  Then she gets a case that blows all that up.  A mother is found dead and her teenage daughter is missing.  Chelsey is desperate to find Naomi before she becomes the next victim.

I absolutely adored the first book in this series, The Return of Ellie Black, where we were introduced to Detective Calhoun.  She is such a strong woman, not able to rest until she can figure out the latest puzzle.  This story is told in three distinct voices - the detective, the victim now known as Anne, and her daughter, Naomi.  Each voice was so powerful and I was completely invested in their story.  It's a story about family, heritage, and belonging.  A fabulous police procedural and more, beautifully written, compelling, heartbreaking, and powerful.  You wouldn't have to read the first book, but you definitely should.  Highly recommended and I've got my fingers crossed for more in this series.