9.13.2026 - The Wonder of One

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Amazon Publishing | Lake Union Publishing, and Brilliance Publishing for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of the latest novel by Suzanne Redfearn, with the audio wonderfully narrated by Natalie Naudus and JD Jackson.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars!

Vivien Kendall was born with a birthmark covering much of her face, and has been the target of much bullying and mistreatment, even by her own mother.  Thankfully, she was shown love from her Somalian nanny and her early teacher.  A chance encounter with an ice skating coach sets her dreams to skate in the Olympics.  Along the way, she'll discover the wonder of one - the power within each of us to change things.

This was another inspirational book by Redfearn, and a glorious coming-of-age story.  It's filled with themes of childhood trauma, parental neglect, prejudice, bullying, but also strength and determination, and a found family that will always have your back.  Told in varying timelines and from the POV of both Vivien and the local sheriff, there's also a murder to be solved..  The narration was beautiful although I always startled a bit when the deep voice of Jackson appeared!  A great read.  

9.12.2026 - The Witches of Cambridge

Many thanks to NetGalley and Scribner for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest book by Alice Hoffman, the first in a new series, and this month's Read with Jenna book club pick.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars!

In 1950's Cambridge, Massachusetts, Ava and Lauren meet at Radcliffe College.  Both are recruited to join the Lilith Society, a secret organization of witches dating back to colonial times.  As they learn more about their legacy, they form a close bond that will be put to the test.  They also realize that the witch trials of the past may not be as deeply buried as they once believed.

Alice Hoffman is the master of creating magical worlds where witches move among us, and I always look forward to immersing myself in her latest work.   This book certainly explores witches, but also the dark side of academia, friendship, love, and those outside the societal norms.  It's also a strong nod to strong female friendships, even as they ebb and flow.  Plus there are crows that just add to the atmospheric feel of this novel.  I'm excited that this is the start of a new series, and will be anxiously awaiting the next chapter.

9.11.2026 - Lump

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Little, Brown and Company for gifting me a digital ARC of this wonderful book by Allison Sweet Grant.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 stars!

It would be a rare person today who hasn't been touched by cancer, either personally or through someone they love.  Allison Sweet Grant was not even 40, married with 3 children, when diagnosed with breast cancer.  Writing was her means of processing, and she has done a huge service to all the rest of us.  I'm not typically one who seeks out poems but Sweet Grant is now added to my list of poets that I won't miss whatever they write, like Josie Balka and  Maggie Smith.  Just like with their books, I will be buying Lump for myself and to give to others.  It's beautiful, heartbreaking, full of strength and compassion.  Absolutely a must read for all of us.

9.10.2026 - We Already Dug the Grave

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest book by Emma C. Wells.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4 stars!

The Robinson women have a reputation - those of them that have the sight at least.  Milly did, but since an incident in a Tennessee meadow a decade ago, she stays away from reading tea leaves.  That incident also left her estranged from the rest of her family - her aunts and her sister, Francis.  But then Francis shows up on her doorstep, begging for Milly's help escaping her husband.  They'll both have to go back home, where all their secrets are buried.

This had such a good, southern Gothic feel to it and you can't help but get pulled into the story.  The relationships between the Robinson women is fascinating - they will go to the ends of the earth to protect each other, even if that means leaving each other alone.  There are supernatural elements passed down in the family, adding even another creepy feel to this story.  Told from the two timelines of Then and Now, I was quite surprised at the way things turned out.  This book is a perfect start to the spooky reading season.

9.10.2026 - I've Got a New Complaint

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Brilliance Publishing and Little A for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of this collection of essays by Laurie Notaro, with the audiobook narrated by the fabulous Hillary Huber. All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4 stars!

Anyone over the age of 50 will be able to relate to these essays and won't be able to not see themselves in its stories. As I'm well beyond 50, I found myself relating both to Laurie and even to her parents! I think the best way to approach aging is to laugh, because otherwise old age is going to be awfully depressing. I actually listened to this one on audiobook in one sitting. A new to me author and one that I'll be checking out her backlist! Narration by Hillary Huber fabulous as always!

9.10.2026 - Until She Dies

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing | Montlake for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest book by a favorite, Kendra Elliot.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 stars!

A search dog locates a mass burial ground deep in the Oregon forest.  Detective Noelle Marshall is tasked with the hunt for a serial killer and FBI Agent Max Rhodes is also brought onto the case.  The two are partners in life as well, and this case is getting personal quickly.

I'm a huge fan of Elliot's books and this series, and love how so many characters are intertwined between series.  Plus, they are all such good police procedurals, really giving you a peek into the hard work that detectives do to solve crimes.  This one shows how much time is put into tips received from the public, most of which are bogus but none can be discounted.  Until She Dies is a gripping thriller, with multiple victims, and I had no clue where it was all going.  Could you read it as a stand alone?  Absolutely, but I love watching these characters' relationships grow.   Best news?  There are going to be 3 more books in this series - bring 'em on!

9.9.2026 - Switzy

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest book by Emma Cline.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 stars!

A private plane flies through the night.  David, a retired executive, is accompanied by his assistant, Cody, as they make their way to Zurich, with a few planned stops along the way.  David's world, once so powerful and knowable, is anything but now, although he can't always remember that.  What's left when the remembering is gone?

Emma Cline is a genius.  How did she inhabit David so perfectly?  Written in third person, the reader is privy to all his thoughts and wanderings.  Just like real life where you just gotta laugh lest you cry, this book will make you do both.  The writing is perfection, the story heartbreaking, and it will all make you think.  This book hit me on such a visceral level.  First, as an older person who knows that things don’t matter but who still hangs on to all this stuff, both physically and mentally.  Then, as a daughter who held her mom’s hand for years through her battle with Alzheimer’s.  Bravo.  Don't miss this one.