1.21.2025 - The Rival

Many thanks to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, Wednesday Books, and Macmillan Audio for gifting me an audio ARC of the latest by Emma Lord, narrated by Jesse Vilinsky.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own – 4 stars!

Sadie feels like it’s now her time.  She’s a freshman at the college she’s always dreamed of attending and is hopeful to get a coveted spot on the school’s famous zine.  Plus, she needs a break from being the peacemaker in her loud family, and from the intense rivalry she’s always had with her neighbor, Seb.  But now, Seb got pulled from the waiting list and is once again in competition with her.  

This is a cute, rival to lover, young adult story.  That is not my normal go-to genre, but I’m a fan of Emma Lord’s past books, so had to read this one too.  And her writing does not disappoint.  Besides the interaction between Sadie and Seb, there are more important subjects in the book such as unfair expectations on college scholarship students and the disproportionate funding of athletic teams.  It’s fun to watch these characters come into their own and learn to stand up for themselves and their friends.

1.21.2025 - When You Care

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Gallery Books for gifting me a digital ARC of this insightful book by Elissa Strauss.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars!

Journalist Elissa Strauss delves into the history and power of caregiving in our personal lives and our wider community.  This is a subject that explores how our current societal value system ignores the subject and price of caregiving, but it's a subject that every human will face - as a carer and as a receiver of care.

As someone who has spent the last 3+ years caring for an aged parent in our home, this book struck a chord with me.  I loved how Strauss talked about the privilege of not only giving care but receiving it.  She uses many historical and personal stories talking about the value of caregiving of children, spouses, parents, strangers.  She also acknowledged all the challenges caregivers face - from monetary, to stress, to resentment, to fulfillment.  Those in charge of making policy decisions would be aided by reading this book.

1.20.2025 - Clever Little Thing

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Penguin Group Viking/Pamela Dormer Books for gifting me a digital ARC of this psychological thriller by Helena Echlin.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars rounded up!

Charlotte is the mother of Stella, a somewhat difficult child by everyone else's measuring stick, but Charlotte loves Stella's spirit and drive.  However, now pregnant with their second child and enduring terrible morning sickness, they rely on help from Blanka, their babysitter.  When Blanka leaves suddenly and then dies, Stella's personality suddenly changes.  Charlotte is convinced that Stella spirit is being overtaken by Blanka.

This was such a creepy tale, and I was completely engrossed in it!  It was a nod to the difficulties of motherhood and caretaking, of not being taken seriously.  Charlotte was an unreliable narrator, surrounded by everyone not believing her and thinking her crazy.  I loved Charlotte's strong maternal instinct and the powerful way she fought for Stella.  Told in timeframes of Then and Now, this was definitely a clever book!  Anxious for more from this author.

1.17.2025 - The Favorites

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

Katarina Shaw and Heath Rocha have been connected since they met as children.  Both had difficult and abusive childhoods, but Katarina had a dream and she brought Heath into it with her.  She dreamed of being an Olympic ice dancer like her idol, Shelia Lin.  Through true grit and determination, they became a duo not to be dismissed, until an incident at the Olympic Games brings their partnership to an end.  As the 10-year anniversary of their final skate approaches, an unauthorized documentary reignites the public's obsession with Shaw and Rocha.  Sensational rumors have always swirled around them, but it's time to set the record straight.

I absolutely loved this novel!  The story spools out from first person POV to the transcript of the documentary interviews and it's the perfect way to tell this story,  It's not only a fascinating look into the ice dancing world, but it's such a good story about the characters' drive, dedication, and the obsession to win at all costs.  I couldn't read fast enough because I loved all the drama, tension, and excitement.  If you're a fan of Taylor Jenkins Reid or couldn't get enough of the Tanya Harding story, this book is for you.  It's a must read!

1.16.2025 - The Last Room on the Left

Many thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest thriller by Leah Konen.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4 stars!

Kerry has hit rock bottom.  Her husband left her, her drinking is out of control, and her book deadline is looming and she can't write a word.  She accepts a caretaker position at a redone remote motel in the Catskills, where the lack of internet and people will hopefully spur her to write.  Then a blizzard hits and she sees a dead, frozen body buried in the snow.  Or did she?

I am a fan of Leah Konen's books, and this one should be read with as little info as possible.  It's a good locked room mystery, with the blizzard and lack of creature comforts adding to the creepiness.  Plus, there are unreliable narrators and plenty of unsavory behaviors from different characters.  Again, I'm keeping this review as simple as possible because reading without spoilers is important!  Pick it up - just hope the lights don't go out while you're reading!

1.15.2025 - Cross My Heart

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest thriller by Megan Collins.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars rounded up!

Rosie was dumped in her wedding dress, and dreams only of finding that one true love.  She's a year out from a life-saving heart transplant and working at her parents' bridal shop.  She begins messaging local celebrity author Morgan Thorne, through an anonymous service called DonorConnect, to learn more about Daphne, his deceased wife who she believes was her donor.  She becomes convinced that they are meant to be together.  But then she discovers rumors that Morgan might have had something to do with Daphne's death.

This was a great thriller and just what you would expect from Megan Collins.  Rosie was such a fun main character - heart of gold, but with a history of obsession and bad decisions.  I loved the plot and it kept me guessing as to just what was happening and who was trustworthy.  Text messages were incorporated into the storyline as well, which I always enjoy.  Definitely a must read if you love twisty thrillers!

1.15.2025 - When She's Gone

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing Thomas & Mercer for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest thriller by Rea Frey.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 stars!!

Cora Valentine, a gymnastics Olympic hopeful, is kidnapped from a haunted house on Halloween.  She finally escaped but no one was ever charged.  In the present, Cora has a young daughter and lives a quiet life, desperate to protect Lulu from harm.  But her worst fears come true when Lulu goes missing on Halloween.

I'm a huge Rea Frey fan and her latest is gripping, suspenseful, and twisty, as well as an inside look into the competitive gymnastic world.  Told in dual timelines, this book shows you the underbelly of sports and humankind - greed, jealousy, revenge, stress.  Cora was such a realistic character and I felt for her the entire book, as she struggled with coping with her past trauma, family issues, and fear.  This one hit all the marks for me and I couldn't put it down.  Bravo!