3.10.2026 - A Far-Flung Life

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Scribner for gifting me a digital ARC of the new novel by M.L. Stedman, author of the wonderful The Light Between Oceans.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 stars!

This is a sweeping and epic story of a family, a tragedy, and the aftermath that reverberates for decades set in remote Western Australia beginning in 1958.  The MacBrides have lived on a vast sheep station, Meredith Downs, comprising of over a million acres.  The lives of the family are changed on a sunny afternoon when a tragedy befalls them.  Matt, the youngest MacBride, is plunged into a moral and emotional dilemma that will haunt him throughout his life.  How do you choose between love and duty, sacrifice and happiness?

At its heart, this is a book about people just trying to do the best they can in their circumstances, not even knowing what the right path would be, and the secrets they hold dear to protect those they love.  I was transported to a different time and place, and felt the weight of the characters' decisions along with them.  While this could be a depressing story, it was hopeful and showed the strength and resilience of our human souls.  I loved the multi-generational aspect of this story and these characters will stay with me.  Highly recommended!

3.10.2026 - She Fell Away

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster | Atria Books | Emily Bestler Books for gifting me a digital and physical ARC of the debut thriller by Lenore Nash.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars!

Lake Harlowe is working as a State Department diplomat in Wellington, New Zealand, running away from her past, hoping for a calmer posting than her last.  But then a young man is found dead in his AirBnB and soon after an exchange student, Bowie Bishop, vanishes.  Lake becomes obsessed trying to find Bowie before time runs out.

I'm so excited with the hope that this is the first in a new series because I loved it.  I'm not sure I've read a book about the duties of diplomats working to protect American citizens overseas, and it was an interesting storyline.  Lake is a wonderful character = multilayered, willing to go outside the lines when she feels it's necessary, full of secrets from a complicated childhood, determined to get answers.  The mystery kept me intrigued from the beginning and I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

3.8.2026 - The Secret Lives of Murderers' Wives

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for gifting me a digital ARC of this debut novel by Elizabeth Arnott - this month's Good Morning America Book Club pick.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars!

In California in 1966, three women, Beverley, Elsie, and Margot, form an unlikely friendship after the discoveries that each of their husbands are convicted killers.  With those husbands either dead or behind bars, the women attempt a new future for themselves.  They each struggle with the fact that everyone questions how they couldn't have known about their husbands' crimes.  When a string of killings hits the news, the three women figure that who is better to catch a killer than those who have lived with one?

Another fabulous book to review on International Women's Day because this book at its heart is a story of female friendship and empowerment.  In the time period, women were definitely second class citizens, and it was so fun to see these women take on the investigation of these murders.  They were not about to accept society's opinions of them and supported each other to the end.  It was also interesting to see the fallout on the families after these husbands were convicted.  Wonderful debut!

3.8.2026 - Served Him Right

Many thanks to NetGalley, Harlequin Trade Publishing | Park Row Books and Megan Beatie Communications for gifting me both a digital and physical ARC of the latest thriller by a favorite, Lisa Unger.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars!

Ana Blacksmith has gathered her closest friends and sister Vera for a brunch to celebrate her recent breakup from her boyfriend Paul. But when shocking news about Paul arrives, all eyes are on Ana, the angry ex with a bad reputation. Suspicions only intensify when Ana’s best friend falls deathly ill after the brunch.  But Ana is not the only one who had a score to settle with Paul. 

This is the perfect book to review on International Women's Day, as it showcases strong women taking back control of their lives.  While this is a bit more of a slow-burn thriller than normal for Unger, I was there for all of it.  I loved the coven and their poisonous/medicinal herb garden, explained perfectly by this quote - "Girls, remember this, the only difference between poison and medicine is the dose."  Be sure to read the author's acknowledgement at the end for the real-life inspiration for this novel.  This was a great revenge novel - Paul was a horrible human and there are many suspects lining up to do him harm, so it will keep you guessing until the end.  

3.7.2026 - This Story Might Save Your Life

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Flatiron Books | Pine & Cedar, and Macmillan Audio for gifting me an audio ARC of this wonderful debut novel by Tiffany Crum, narrated by the fabulous duo of Julia Whelan and Sean Patrick Hopkins.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 stars!

Best friends Benny Abbott and Joy Moore host a very popular podcast about surviving, finding humor in near-death experiences.  Joy's husband, Xander, is their manager.  However, the next survival story may be their own.  When Benny arrives at Joy and Xander's house to record, he finds shattered glass and an empty house.  Benny will stop at nothing to find them, even as the police zero in on him as their prime suspect.

This was a fabulous debut and just a wonderful listening experience.  The narrators are top notch, of course, and the sound effects just totally immersed me into the story.  This book has it all - mystery, suspense, romance - and it kept me guessing until the end.  Told from Joy's POV before and Benny's POV afterwards, the podcast is a major character and there are plenty of other shady characters as well.  I truly felt invested in this story and characters, and it's a true testament to friendship.  Plus - extra points for all the Happy Days references!  Bravo to all involved for a fabulous debut!

3.6.2026 - Ruby Falls

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Grove Atlantic | Atlantic Crime for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest book by Gin Phillips.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4 stars!

In 1928, a Chattanooga man disappears down a hole in the ground and discovers a 150-foot waterfall in the middle of a mountain that he names Ruby Falls, after his wife.  Soon, visitors can buy tickets to see the falls for themselves.  A friend of Rub, Ada Smith, has been sneaking into the caves at night, enthralled with the beauty and freedom.  But it's the Depression and Ruby Falls is struggling.  A famous mind reader and mystic agrees to go into the caverns and attempt to locate a hidden hatpin using only his psychic abilities.  He'll be joined by his wife, his manager, a guide, a businessman and a reporter.  But Ada and another guide, Quinton, will be following the party at a distance in case they run into trouble. .One of them will be dead before the end of the day.

What a unique locked-room mystery - set almost entirely underground in just one day.  It's claustrophobic and full of tension as the group must get back to safety before they completely lose their light.  It takes you back to a different time period in the country, with the Depression looming, and women's rights as a theme.  It was a bit of a slow burn and for some reason I had trouble keeping the characters straight in my mind, but it was a good, atmospheric thriller based on real life (be sure to read the acknowledgements for more info!)..

3.6.2026 - Lady Tremaine

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and St Martin's Press for gifting me a digital ARC of this amazing debut novel by Rachel Hochhauser - the March pick of Reese's Book Club.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 stars!

A retelling of Cinderella - from the evil stepmother's POV.  Etheldreda is twice widowed and now in charge of caring for her two children as well as her spoiled stepdaughter.  Her house is falling apart and she's doing all she can to hide the fact that they have no money, because getting her daughters married to a good man is of the utmost importance.  

It's so hard to believe that this is a debut novel, because Hochhauser has created a world that is so vivid and imaginative that you will fall into it and only look up when the book is done.  I loved how the author took the stereotype we all know of the evil stepmother and turned it around, so we see that what's important is what a mother will do for her children.  It's good to have a reminder that things are not always what they seem behind closed doors - even castle doors.  I loved the way these women eventually figured out that all they needed at the end of the day was themselves, and the ending was perfect.  This book had everything you need for the perfect reading escape, and you'll even learn a bit about falconry too.  Highly recommended!