12.16.2025 - She's Going to Pay

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for gifting me a digital ARC of this thriller by Alexandra Ivy.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars!

Jesse Hudson left her small hometown of Canton, Missouri, behind, and has been trying to find a place to land ever since.  Her mom died when she was very young, and when she was a teenager, her stepmother and stepsister disappeared.  Her beloved dad, Mac, became a murder suspect but he too vanished.  Jesse is back in Canton to try and sell her dad's old bar and declare him dead so that she can move on for good.  But things don't go quite as expected.

The latest pick of the Between the Chapters Book Club, this is a twisty mystery that had me questioning every character for their part in the story.  The story had a little bit of everything - mystery, suspense, creepy happenings, even a hint of romance.  It kept me quickly turning the pages to figure out all the twists and the ending was satisfying.  Jesse was a relatable character, damaged by her childhood trauma, but desperate to find meaning and validation.  You'll be rooting her on to find out all the answers she's been seeking.  

12.15.2025 - The Heir Apparent

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Cardinal and Hachette Audio for gifting me an audio ARC of the December Reese Book Club Pick by Rebecca Armitage, with the audiobook wonderfully narrated by Shakira Shute.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars!

Lexi is in her second year of her medical residence in Australia and lives on a farm with her two best friends, Finn and Jack, and hoping to become more than friends with Jack.  Then the news hits that her father and twin brother have been killed in a skiing accident.  Suddenly, Lexi is whisked back to England, because her grandmother happens to be Queen, and now Lexi, or Princess Alexandria, is next in line for the throne.  This is a role she publicly disavowed, and the public is not thrilled that she's back.  Her grandmother needs an answer, her sister-in-law is grieving, her uncle is determined to oust her and claim the throne, and Lexi's world in Australia with Jack feels very far away.

This may seem at first glance like just a light-hearted book, but it really delves into a lot of territory.  There's loss, grief, family secrets, loyalty, and self-discovery all wrapped up in a really good story.  If you are intrigued by the Royal Family (and who isn't?), you'll see obvious parallels and learn a lot about traditions and expectations.  But there are terrific characters in their own right in this book, and you'll be rooting for them. The narration and production were great and I loved the accents of the different characters.

12.14.2025 - The Birdwatcher

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing | MIRA for gifting me a digital ARC of the new book by Jacquelyn Mitchard.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own – 4.5 stars!

Felicity Wild and Reenie Bigelow were childhood best friends, although they grew apart as they got older.  But when Felicity is on trial for a double murder, Reenie knows she didn't do it.  A journalist for a woman's magazine, she convinces her boss to let her investigate for a story she will write on the case - a brilliant grad student turned high-priced escort, now charged with murder.  

This is a slow-burn mystery, with an emphasis on female friendship.  I really liked how each chapter begins with a description of a unique and fascinating bird and their behavior, symbolically relating it to the story.  As with all Mitchard novels, the story rich in character development and those relationships are more important than the mystery of exactly how the two men died.  Felicity stays silent through her defense, highlighting the mystery, but it's the characters you will be invested in.  Beautiful writing.

12.13.2025 - Crush

Many thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Group | Viking Penguin for gifting me a digital ARC of this book by Ada Calhoun.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 3.5 stars rounded up.

A couple has been married for a while, with a teenage son.  The wife is a flirt and men always respond.  Her husband, Paul, who doesn't work, enjoys watching her flirt and asks her to consider opening their marriage, as long as she tells him about it later.  The wife isn't particularly interested, although she misses kissing, but soon starts up an online relationship with David, a college professor from her past.  It doesn't get physical because they are geographically far apart, but David soon occupies all her thoughts.  

This is apparently semi-autobiographical, and was an interesting take on marriage and relationships.  There's even a trip to a counselor and best friend nearby to unpack their issues.  It's also a book big on books, with lots of quotes and passages from other books that she shares mostly with David.  It's written in a conversational tone and thankfully doesn't get graphic.  Thought provoking for sure!

12.13.2025 - Dear Writer

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books | Washington Square Press for gifting me a digital ARC of this helpful book by Maggie Smith.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars!

I adore Maggie Smith's poems and have bought her books for myself and gifts.  She's also a teacher, and this book is a wonderful guide for anyone interested in writing (especially poetry).  She breaks down creativity into ten essential components, with prompts and examples.  But even if you are not a writer (me!), I loved the gentle reminders to take time to stop and look around at all the blessings in the world.  Magic can be found in the every day.  Any book from Maggie Smith is a treat.

12.11.2025 - Wreck Your Heart

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Minotaur Books and Macmillan Audio for gifting me an audio ARC of this wonderful story by Lori Rader-Day, perfectly narrated by Lauren Ezzo.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own – 5 stars!

 

Dahlia “Doll” Devine had a tough upbringing and has had no contact with her mom since she was six.  She’s now singing country songs at McPhee’s Tavern, owned by Alex, who continues to rescue her.  But now her boyfriend, Joey, left her and took the rent money with him, so she’s back to relying on Alex.  Then out of the blue, her mom shows up at the bar, only to go missing soon after, and the stepsister she didn’t know she had turns up looking for her as well.  Then a body is discovered outside the tavern.  It all sounds like a country song.

 

This was just so good.  I loved the way it was written, as if Dahlia is sitting across from you telling you her tale and even asking you questions along the way.  This book has it all – family drama, an intriguing mystery, a hidden treasure, wonderful characters, a touch of romance, and even dogs.  You won’t be able to stop rooting for Doll and the ending was very satisfying.  The narration was perfect – sounded just like I would expect Dahlia to sound.  This is a new to me author and I now need to go back and read her others!

12.9.2025 - Loves of Our Lives

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster | Simon Element for gifting me a physical and digital copy of this gorgeous book by Josie Balka.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 stars!

I was a huge fan of Balka's book, I Hope You Remember, buying copies for myself and as gifts.  I will be doing the same with this new book of poems, covering the entire human spectrum of love.  With chapters exploring Romantic Love, Lost Love, Family Love, Toxic Love, Friendship Love, and Self-Love, you will find yourself laughing, crying, reflecting, feeling.  I'm not typically a poetry person, but Balka will touch you with this collection in so many ways.  Highly recommended!