11.25.2025 - The Memory Gardener

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster | Gallery Books for gifting me a digital ARC of this charming book by Meg Donohue.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars rounded up!

Lucy has always had an ability to know exactly what scent from the flowers that she grows will return a memory from the past to a person.  She's hid that ability and lived a very nomadic life, going from one gardening job to another.  When her dad needs help after her mother's death, she returns to her home town and gets a job at an assisted-living community, unearthing gardens and transforming the community.

This was just a sweet story, full of magical realism and thoughts about memory - those memories that make us happy or sad, those that keep us trapped, those that move us forward.  I loved the characters - and Gully the dog - and could just imagine the secret gardens and flowers that transformed a place that was inherently sad.  Each chapter began with a description of a different flower and its meaning, making the book even more of a special experience.  I did not see the end coming adding a nice twist to the story.  This was just the quiet book I needed right now!

11.24.2025 - Hemlock Lane

Many thanks to NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing and Brilliance Audio for gifting me an audio ARC of this wonderful audiobook by Marshall Fine, made all the better because of the narration by Helen Laser.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars!

It's the summer of 1967, and the Levitsky family gets together for a long weekend at their home in the suburbs.  But all is not as it seems behind closed doors.  Nora's mother, Lillian, is full of rage, mostly focused on Nora.  Her dad tiptoes around the situation.  Nora's only refuge is Clara, the housekeeper and her surrogate mother.  But things are beginning to crack and secrets are showing.

I loved how this story played out over four days, each day from the perspective of a different family member.  We learn how they got to this day and the secrets they are holding within.  It's tense, with the family dysfunction becoming clearer as we delve deeper into each different personality and the decisions they made along the way.  It's definitely a nod to finding our own true self and those around us who can nurture that.  Quietly powerful and the narration was perfect.

11.23.2025 - A Different Type of Poison

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and One More Page Press for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest thriller by Liz Alterman.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars!

Molly is thrilled that her latest book, Birds at Night is an instant hit.  Newly divorced and raising two children while trying to write another book, she's desperate to keep her name out there and takes every opportunity to promote her book.  She receives an email from a woman in her hometown inviting her to her bookclub.  Since Molly's mom's health and memory seem to be failing, it's the perfect opportunity to check on her and meet some readers.  But she can't quite remember Anna Fox, the woman who invited her.  

Sometimes the book-in-a-book trope works for me, and sometimes it doesn't.  In this book, it sure did.  Molly's book is a dark academic thriller that was compelling in its own right.  Told in alternating POV between Molly and Anna, backstories play out and secrets unfold, barreling towards the ending I never saw coming.  There are lots of themes involved, mostly the danger of keeping secrets, even from ourselves.  Great characters and plenty of twists and turns to keep you glued.  

11.21.2025 - Best Offer Wins

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Celadon Books, and Macmillan Audio for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of this fabulous debut novel by Marisa Kashino, with the audiobook perfectly narrated by Cia Court.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 stars!

Margo is desperate to get out of the cramped apartment she shares with her husband, Ian, and get their real life plans back on track.  But they've spent 18 months and lost 11 bidding wars trying to buy a home in the Washington DC suburbs.  Margo gets a tip about the perfect house in the perfect neighborhood and soon becomes obsessed with buying it before it's listed.  She'll do anything to make it happen.  Anything.

I was likewise obsessed with this book!  The dark humor was pitch perfect, with laugh out loud scenes.  It was like watching a train wreck - I couldn't look away.  Margo was a character who I alternately loved and hated, but I was still rooting for her to get her dream house.  It was captivating from the first page and I was either reading the digital copy or listening to the audiobook.  The narrator totally nailed Margo and made her really come alive.  It's hard to believe this is a debut - bravo!  Can't wait to see what will be coming next from this author.  This is a must read if you like your humor on the dark side.

11.19.2025 - The Burning Library

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for gifting me a digital ARC of the new thriller by Gilly Macmillan.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars!

For over a century, two rival organizations of women have gone to deadly lengths to secure a valuable artifact in hopes that it will lead them to the original medieval manuscript where it came from.  Dr. Anya Brown gains international attention for her translation of a cryptic document, and is handpicked to join the exclusive Institute of Manuscript Studies in St. Andrews, Scotland.  But their motive for her hiring goes much deeper.  Meanwhile, Detective Constable Clio Spicer from Scotland Yard begins a private investigation into some suspicious deaths.  

This is a different type of book from Gilly Macmillan, and if you like smart thrillers with a nod to Dan Brown, you'll love this one.  Meticulously researched, with dark academic vibes and secret societies, the mysteries and puzzles are layered with centuries of corruption and obsession.  From private libraries to ancient churches, strong women are at the heart of this story, even when their motives and actions are more than questionable.  I loved both Anya and Clio, with their strong moral compasses, and thought this story was fascinating.  

11.18.2025 - One Small Mistake

Many thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for gifting me a digital ARC of this thriller by Dandy Smith.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4 stars!

Elodie's dream has always been to become a writer.  She even quit her day job to purse writing full time.  But her latest book was rejected and she's feeling desperate.  She makes one small mistake telling a friend that she got a book deal that she really didn't.  Then things veer completely out of control and Elodie is abducted.

This story spools out from Elodie's POV as well as alternating chapters from her supposedly more perfect sister, Ada.   Ada's life isn't quite as perfect as everyone seems to think, and she will do anything to find her missing sister.  I liked the short, alternating chapters, and the tension built throughout the story.  Both Elodie and Ada are relatable characters, and you can easily see how Elodie felt she needed to stretch the truth.  There was a theme running throughout the book about the validity of a woman's choice to not have children which probably could have been left out, but this was an entertaining read from start to finish.

11.16.2025 - Haven't Killed in Years

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for gifting me a digital ARC of this wonderful book by Amy K. Green.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 stars!

Gwen Tanner is trying to live a quiet life, mostly trying to hide the fact that she is the daughter of a serial killer.  But someone knows the truth because body parts are arriving on her front door with ominous messages.  Gwen must figure out who the killer is without giving up all her secrets.

I loved this book - Gwen is a fabulous main character, full of dark, snarky wit.  She's never been able to have a close relationship with anyone because of her past, but now she fears that the few acquaintances she does have are in danger.  Those other characters are fabulous too, and you'll find yourself rooting for them.  The book is a perfect combination of light and dark, suspense and levity, and touches on our society's obsession with true crime.  Plus, I never, ever saw that ending coming!  Grab this one when it comes out this week!