3.16.2026 - Life: A Love Story

 

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

Flo Greene is 92, recently diagnosed with cancer, and is writing a letter to Ruthie, a younger woman who grew up next door but is still like a surrogate daughter.  She is leaving the house and its contents to Ruthie, but is explaining the value of things that would easily be discarded.  But Flo is also not done living, and is helping another neighbor, Teresa, to take more chances.

I just loved every page of this short but so meaningful book.  It's definitely a reminder that the small things in life are what make up our lives, and we should never take them for granted.  It's also a testament to sticking things out when they get hard, and making forgiving a conscious act.  Of course, probably every senior can relate to the fact that their house is full of stuff - meaningful to us, but not appreciated or wanted by our children.  I loved the idea of putting the meaning of these things in a letter, but Flo also realized that they still may not be important to others and suggested relevant donation options.  It was just lovely, made me feel all the emotions, and is very highly recommended!

3.15.2026 - The Last Page Cafe

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Avon Books for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest book by Kate Storey.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars!

Erin runs The Bookmark Cafe, a local community hub where people can relax with a coffee and treat while reading or working.  Erin is scarred from a previous relationship and is scared of any change or risk, so much so that her book club reads the last page of their selection first just to make sure it's worth the chance.  When a new member arrives, Erin is uncomfortable with her feelings towards him.  She's also scared because she's received a letter raising her rent, and she fears she will have to shut down the cafe.

What a lovely novel and just what I would expect from this author. The characters are all wonderful (even the cat!) and you just can't help rooting for all of them to make some changes.  It's also the story of the power of a community, both for having safe places for people to gather and the larger aspect of caring for each other.  I liked how the book club embraced their name in a new way, and the ending was just perfect.

3.15.2026 - Someday This Will Be a Funny Story

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor for gifting me a digital ARC of this collection of quotes by Nora Ephron.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 stars!

Nora Ephron was the queen of looking at everyday life and giving us a reason to smile.  I loved this little collection of her quotes - there will be something for everyone in here.  You'll nod your head in understanding, smile, and maybe even tear up a bit.  Because isn't that life?  Loved it.

3.14.2026 - You Did Nothing Wrong

Many thanks to NetGalley, St Martin's Press and Macmillan Audio for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of this wonderful book by CG Drews, with the audio narrated perfectly by the wonderful Saskia Maarleveld.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars rounded up!

Elodie is a single mother to Jude.  They've been rescued from a bad situation by Bren, who whisked her away to a whole new life.  He's renovating his parents' old home and they have a new baby on the way.  But Jude starts hearing voices in the wall.  What's going on?

Okay – wow – that was crazy good!  I never knew what was happening and what was coming next, but the creepy feeling is so strong throughout the entire book.  Is the house haunted?  Is Elodie an unreliable narrator?  Is Jude?  Bren?  It was brilliantly written so that I questioned everything and everyone up until that ending.  Lots of themes explored but especially motherhood and past trauma.  I think I was traumatized in the best possible way after reading this – don’t miss it!  I had both formats, but I'm such a huge fan of Saskia Maarleveld's narration that I mostly listened to this one.  

3.14.2026 - Such Sheltered Lives

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Simon & Schuster | Atria Books | Emily Bestler Books for gifting me a digital ARC of the adult debut by Alyssa Sheinmel.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4 stars!

Rush’s Recovery the Hamptons  promises its wealthy guests the utmost discretion. But when a body is discovered, how long can the center’s secrets stay buried?  The current guests are a British aristocrat, Lord Edward; Amelia Blue, daughter of a 90s rock legend; and Florence Bloom, a pop star.  There are strict rules of interaction between the guests, but they don't always listen.  

This was definitely a slow-burn mystery, but I loved the premise and setting.  A recovery center in the Hamptons for the wealthy?  It's a look into those issues that affect humans no matter their bank statement - addiction, mental health, self-worth, and family problems.  The characters appeared unlikeable in the beginning, but as the story progressed, my feelings towards them changed.  It's also a look into these recovery centers and the control they wield over people.  Very atmospheric!

3.12.2026 - Once and Again

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster | Atria Books for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest novel by a favorite, Rebecca Serle.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars!

The three women in the family share a special gift - they are each given a silver ticket at birth that allows them to go back in time and change events - but only one time.  The three women also share a complicated relationship with their mother, with each feeling not quite enough.  The matriarch, Sylvia, lives in a cottage on their Malibu beach home, with Marcella and Dave in the main home.  The daughter, Lauren, is now married to Leo and living in West Hollywood.  But one summer changes things for all of them.

I love Serle's writing and this magical realism book about second chances and the impact of the choices that we make every day is the perfect example of why she's a favorite.  It was more of a quiet book, focused more on Lauren, motherhood, and the relationship between the women.  But it's also emotional and will make you cherish the present and the people in your life.  Even though the women characters take the main stage, there are plenty of good male characters in here as well, and Lauren's relationship with her dad is special.  Keep your tissues close!

3.11.2026 - Darkening Song

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, St Martin's Press | Saturday Books, and Macmillan Audio for gifting me a digital and audio ARC of this wonderful novel by Delphine Seddon, with the audiobook perfectly narrated by Cherise Silvestri, Mei Mei MacLeod, and Milly Oldfield.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars!

Eva is just 18 years old and an intern at a record label when she discovers 16-yer-old Alora online.  When no one at her label is interested, Eva takes matters into her own hands.  She offers Alora representation as her manager, with neither of them knowing what's involved.  But Eva was right and Alora is soon a superstar.  But fame is difficult and soon their lives start to unravel.

Novels set around music acts are a hit or miss for me, because it's sometimes hard to relate to that world.  But this novel pulled me in from the beginning as these two teenagers take on the male-dominated music industry.  There are heartbreaking moments, past trauma that rears its head, and ambition taking center stage over friendship.  This is a cautionary tale in a profession that values fame at all cost, and we've seen real life examples forever.  There are a lot of trigger warnings to pay attention to if needed, but the darker parts of this book were important and the ending was pitch perfect.  The audiobook production was wonderful and included songs, which further pulled me in, and I would highly recommend this book in that format.