11.4.2025 - The Tortoise's Tale

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for gifting me a digital ARC of this debut novel by Kendra Coulter.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars rounded up!

A giant tortoise (initially named Magic but she will have many other names) finds herself in an exclusive estate in southern California, where she becomes an observer of the humans and society she encounters, as well as the other animals living on the estate.  She's well loved by the young girls who are part of the owner's family, but all things must change.  But everything leaves a mark on the world and the tortoise's heart.

This story takes place from the 1950s to the 2020s, and we see the events through Magic's eyes.   While she understands what is going on around her, she cannot communicate with the humans.  The entire book is so creative and I loved how Magic saw the world and narrated the book with so much heart.  There are so many other endearing characters as well, although it's definitely more positive female representation than male.  The book is indeed magical and sweet, even when the storyline becomes sad, and your heart will definitely feel all the feels.  Because the author is a professor in animal ethics, those views are very prevalent throughout the book.  

11.3.2025 - We Love You, Bunny

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Simon & Schuster, Simon Element, and Marysue Rucci Books for gifting me a physical and digital ARC of the prequel/sequel to Bunny, by Mona Awad.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4 stars!

In Bunny, Samantha Mackey was a lonely outsider student at a highly selective MFA program, seduced by a clique of creepy-sweet rich girls who call themselves "Bunny."  Now, Sam has just published her first novel to critical acclaim.  But the Bunnies, furious at the way they were portrayed in the book, kidnap her, and it's her turn to hear their side of the story.  One by one, they take turns.

I would definitely recommend you read Bunny first, but that's no guarantee that you will be any less confused by this story!  But stick with it because  these books are addictive, taking you down literal and figurative rabbit holes into dark academia look at love and obsession.  Dark humor abounds, which I love, but be prepared for crazy!

11.2.2025 - The Kidnapping of Alice Ingold

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Amazon Publishing | Thomas & Mercer, and MB Communications for gifting me a physical and digital ARC of the latest novel by Cate Holahan.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4 stars!

Alice Ingold is the college-aged daughter of an heiress and AI-tech icon.  Her mother is beside herself when she discovers that Alice has been taken from her apartment near Berkeley University.   The kidnappers are sophisticated and send the FBI on a scavenger hunt throughout the country, complete with riddles that must be solved.  Instead of a ransom, they want everyone to know the dangers of AI and the wealth disparity in the country. 

This story plays out with dual narrators, mother and daughter.  The AI plot line felt so real and scary, since you can definitely see it playing out in real life.  There's a big twist in this novel that shocked me, and from that point on, it was such a twisty cat-and-mouse game that I couldn't look away.  It was fascinating and I loved how it all wrapped up.

11.1.2025 - The New Year's Party

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Harlequin Trade Publishing | MIRA, and Harlequin Audio for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of this novel by Jenna Satterthwaite, with the audiobook narrated by the one and only Karissa Vacker.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars rounded up!

The New Year's party used to be an annual thing, as old friends gathered for games, food, and drink.  But as they've gotten older, they've gotten less close and it's been a few years since they gathered.  This year, they're going to set aside all of life's issues and have fun.  Only, can they put aside all their secrets?

This is just juicy fun and I was there for every minute.  Every character is hiding something along with life's normal stresses, so they are ready to just relax.  But it doesn't quite work out that way.  I loved how it was told from multiple POV so that we got to dig deep into what was going on with the characters and could just wait for the collisions you could feel were on their way.  There's dark humor, lots of drama, twists and turns, from the beginning to end.  Karissa Vacker makes every story she narrates better - she's fabulous.  

11.1.2025 - Falling Apart and Other Gifts From the Universe

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 a favorite, Catherine Ryan Hyde, with the audiobook wonderfully narrated by Michael Crouch and Coleen Marlo.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 stars!

Security guard Addie Finch is tough on the outside.  But on the inside, she's lonely, estranged from her son, and struggling through AA.  At work, she encounters Jonathan, a homeless teenager abandoned by his mother.  She offers his temporary shelter in her garden shed in exchange for maintaining her property.  When Addie faces a situation that sends her world spinning, her connection to Jonathan becomes her lifeline.

I don't know how Catherine Ryan Hyde continues to do it - her books always touch on a current theme and make the reader see and feel all aspects of the issue.  This time it's the unhoused and vulnerable, and the intricacies of Alcoholics Anonymous, making us look at groups of people that we may otherwise ignore.  It's also a look at found family and second chances, at processing our past and making peace.  As always with her books, very highly recommended.  The narration was perfect as well, allowing me an immersive experience between both formats.

10.30.2025 - Call of the Camino

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing | Lake Union Publishing for gifting me a digital ARC of the new book by Suzanne Redfearn.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars!

Reina Watkins is still grieving her father who died when she was eight.  Now a copyeditor looking for her journalism break, she ends up with the assignment to write about walking the 5--mile Camino de Santiago in Spain.  Decades ago, her father made the same trip, and we get to learn his adventures through Isabelle, a young woman on the run.  One woman is coming to grips with her past; the other is grasping for her future. 

This was a wonderful, totally immersive story told from these two women's POV a generation apart.  Both seeking a new life, they come to learn so much about themselves over their pilgrimage.  I loved the community both women encountered on their walk, teaching us all that we need friends to help us along the way.  The descriptions of the walk and scenery were amazing, and you'll really feel like you are along for the ride (minus horrible blisters and other ailments!).  Great story!

10.29.2025 - A Little Book of Self-care for Caregivers

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Girl Friday Productions | Flashpoint for gifting me a digital ARC of this lovely book, edited by Sara Speed Addicott.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 stars!

"I like to say that there are only four kinds of people in the world - those who have been caregivers, those who are currently caregivers, those who will be caregivers, and those who will need caregivers."  Rosalynn Carter

What a simple, beautiful book, filled with affirmations, quotes, wonderful watercolor illustrations.  It's a small book, one that could be picked up and read in one sitting, or one that could be picked up and read a page at a time when you need a boost.  As caretaker for my elderly mother with Alzheimer's, I read it quickly and it left my soul feeling a bit lighter.  I am going to purchase a hard copy to have and be able to access at any time.  Just lovely.