5.30.2024 - You Me Her

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Bookouture and Bookouture Audio for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of the latest domestic thriller by a favorite, Sue Watson; as always, perfectly narrated by Tamsin Kennard.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars rounded up!

Rachel and Tom have been separated while she and their son worked to sell her father's home and he finished getting their new home ready.  When they are finally together the first night, Rachel is shocked when Chloe lets herself into their home.  Tom says that she was the estate agent, and later tells Rachel not to trust Chloe.  When Rachel sees Chloe again at school drop-off, they start a friendly relationship.  But can she be trusted?

It's always a good day when there's a new Sue Watson book to devour, and I loved being able to switch between the digital and audio versions so that I could keep flipping the pages!  It's best to go into this as blind as possible to better enjoy all the drama, twists, and turns.  This one kept you wondering who you could trust and which secrets to believe.  Loved the ending!  Add this one to your summer list for sure!

5.29.2024 - The Act of Disappearing

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Harlequin Trade Publishing MIRA Books for gifting me a digital ARC of this beautiful debut by Nathan Gower.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 stars!

Julie White is having a hard time.  Her first book didn't sell well, she's working at a bar but not making ends meet while faced with her mother's medical bills.  Then there's Ryan - her ex-boyfriend who's ghosting her after a one-night stand.  Then an opportunity comes knocking - Johnathan Aster, famous photographer, wants to meet with her about a story.  He shows her a never-before-seen photo of a woman falling from a train bridge with a baby in her arms.  Julie is intrigued and heads to Kentucky to research.

This book is incredible.  Alternating between present day in Brooklyn and in Kentucky in the 1960s, we are privy to both what Julia is going through as well as the past events.  I don't want to give anything away, because this book unfolds in such a magical way.  The writing is beautiful, haunting, and will make you feel the characters' yearnings, desperations, fears.  It's a small town story, where growing up with everyone talking about your family is impossible to escape.  It's finding the people that make you feel safe and loved.  It's a story of motherhood, especially the bonds between mothers and daughters.  The fact that these emotions are perfectly portrayed by a man is an accomplishment in itself!  It will transport you to the past and feel hopeful for the future.  Have I gushed enough to make you go read this book?  Can't wait to see what's next from this author - bravo on a fabulous debut!

5.28.2024 - Camino Ghosts

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Doubleday books for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest John Grisham book, #3 in the Camino Island series.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars rounded up!

Bruce Cable, owner of Bay Bookstore, has had a copy of a self-published book by Lovely Jackson for sale in his store.  She declares herself the last descendent of Dark Isle, off Camino Island.  The island indeed has a dark history of slaves and curses.  But after Hurricane Leo changed the landscape and made a bridge to the island more possible, a development company has made notice that they want to build a casino, hotel, golf course and more on the island.  With Lovely claiming that she is the rightful owner, the state of Florida claiming it's their property, and the development company wanting it, a lawsuit is set in motion.

As with the other books in the Camino Island series, this isn't a typical Grisham legal thriller, although this one does prominently feature a trial.  You don't have to read the other books to enjoy this one, but I went back and binged them and you certainly get to appreciate the characters more if you read them all.  I like Mercer's character so it was interesting to see her story continue.  I think this is the best of the bunch because the story of Nalla, kidnapped from Africa and brought to the US as a slave is so compelling.  Lovely is such a great character as well and you will be rooting for her all the way.  

5.28.2024 - There is No Ethan

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Grand Central Publishing, and Hachette Audio for gifting me an audio ARC of this gripping nonfiction book by Anna Akbari, narrated by the author and Justin Price.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars rounded up!

In 2011, three successful and highly educated women fell head over heels for the brilliant and charming Ethan Schuman. Unbeknownst to the others, each exchanged countless messages with Ethan, staying up late into the evenings to deepen their connections with this seemingly perfect man. He always had reasonable excuses about why they couldn't meet in person or even on video, or why plans were canceled at the last minute.  He wasn't after money, so they had no reason to not believe him.  But eventually, they discovered each other and through their investigations, they found dozens of other victims.  

Wow - this was gripping and definitely a must read by everyone, especially those who are using online dating apps.  These were very educated, successful women who fell for this con, and while I was screaming at them to pay attention to the red flags of never meeting in person, we all could fall prey to deception.  Even in this world of fake news and catfishing being a thing, we are still at our cores trusting people.  When you add emotional connections to that, it's more understandable.  But it's appalling what are immediate changes in his life so that there are no further victims.  Bravo to these women for opening their private lives to the public in order to help prevent this from happening to others.  Eye opening for sure.

5.27.2024 - Joe Nuthin's Guide to Life

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Gallery Books for gifting me the sophomore book by Helen Fisher.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 sparkling stars!

Joe-Nathan is neurodivergent and lives with his mom, Janet.  Janet has done all she can to keep him safe and make him a productive member of society.  She created the blue book for him - explicit instructions on the day-to-day parts to a life.  Unbeknownest to him,  she also created the yellow book.  In case of her death, it's helpful advice for all those things he may have to face on his own.  Joe-Nathan likes predictability, loves his job at the Compass store, and his supervisor, Hugo Boss.  There is Mean Charlie at work but also Chloe, who is becoming a friend.  

Oh my gosh - this book!  I completely loved Faye, Faraway and now Helen Fisher has outdone herself with this book.  Without being too sickly sweet, this book is filled with sage life advice for all of us and characters I won't soon forget.  It's about the family we make for ourselves and looking out for those we love.  The characters feel like family but they aren't perfect either - just like none of us are.  I'm already sad that it's over.   It's funny, it's tender, it's perfect.  An absolute must read!

5.26.2024 - If Something Happens to Me

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, St Martin's Press Minotaur Books, and Macmillan Audio for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of the latest thriller by a favorite, Alex Finlay, wonderfully narrated by the cast of Helen Laser, John Pirhalla, and Paul Dateh.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars rounded up!

In high school, Ryan and his girlfriend Ali were parked at the local lover's lane when the car door was ripped open and Ryan got a blow to the head.  He was yanked from the car, hearing Ali's screams as she was taken.  No trace of Ali or the car was found, and while Ryan was considered a suspect, he was never charged.  But Ryan can't forget that night and has dreams of the man who took Ali.  Five years later, Ryan has changed his name and is in law school, trying to put his past behind him.   But then in Italy with classmates, Ryan gets a call from his father that Ali's car was found with two dead men inside and a note from Ali inside.  When Ryan sees the man that has haunted his dreams, he begins a race to find him.

Another thriller that will keep you on your toes from Finlay!  Told from multiple POVs - Ryan; Poppy, the detective on the case; and Shane O'Leary, a Philadelphia mobster.   It was atmospheric, as Ryan chased his man, and I enjoyed Poppy's character immensely.  You may have to suspend reality along the way, but isn't that why we read?  This book was tense and gripping and had me glued to the pages to see how all these characters would intersect and the mystery would end.  Bravo!

5.24.2024 - A Lovely Lie

Many thanks to NetGalley, Penzler Publishers Scarlet, and High Bridge Audio for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of the latest thriller by Jaime Lynn Hendricks and perfectly narrated by Hillary Huber.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars!

In 1999, on the night of their big senior picnic, Scarlett and her best friend, Pepper, were involved in a car accident that left two of their classmates dead.  They lied to the police, trying to protect each other.  Pepper left town and they never communicated again.  Currently, Scarlett is working at a hotel, married to Vince, and raising their son, Luke.  But Pepper's daughter Zoey comes to town with news that Pepper is dead and Zoey is investigating who her father is.  Everything that they tried to suppress all those years ago is coming to light.

This story unspools in both past and present timelines, from multiple POV, including snippets of police transcripts.  There are so many buried secrets among the characters, and the reader gets to see the character development from high school to present - of course, in some more than others.  This was a very fast-paced novel that will have you second guessing what actually happened after that party so many years ago.  I loved alternating between the audio and digital, especially when the narration is done by Huber.  Pack this one along in your beach bag!

5.23.2024 - Seven Summers

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest book by Paige Toon.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars rounded up!

Six summers ago, Lilv and Finn meet while she's working at a bar on the Cornish coastline and he was a fill-in singer for the band.  Their first night together ends in tragedy and binds them forever.  However, Finn's life is in LA and Liv's is in Cornwall.  They make a promise that Finn will return every year.  If they are both single, they will spend the summer together.  This summer, Live meets Tom and begins to fall in love.  Can she trust herself enough to commit to him and leave Finn in the past?

Just like Toon's previous book, Only Love Can Hurt Like This, this is not a rom-com. This is a story about grief, family ties, second chances, love.  I liked how the story told us what happened all the previous summers, alternating with the present-day story of this summer.  It was the perfect way to meet and really understand the characters.  And I loved all these characters.  To have friends like these, who are there for you and wanting only the best for you, and family that you were completely loyal to.  I also really liked how the characters were passionate about their work, no matter whether it was working at the bar or sculpting.  This book had me feeling so much - I'm already anxiously awaiting anything else Toon writes.  This is a must read this summer!

5.21.2024 - Still Waters

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Tor Publishing and Macmillan Audio for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of the latest book by Matt Goldman., with the audio perfectly narrated by Helen Laser.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars!

Liv and Gabe Ahlstrom are estranged siblings, along with their older brother, Mack.  But then Liv gets a call from Mack's wife saying that Mack died from a seizure.  Right afterwards, both Liv and Gabe receive a scheduled email from Mack, stating, If you’re reading this email, I am dead. I know this will sound strange, but someone has been trying to kill me.  The siblings return to their family-run resort in the Northwoods of Minnesota to investigate.  But they are soon enmeshed in family and small town secrets and someone is not happy they are there.

I alternated between the digital and audio versions of this book, but was totally enthralled with the narration and the Minnesota accents (think Fargo).  It just really added to the atmospheric feel of this book.  The characters felt real, especially Liv and Gabe, with their estrangement and resulting feelings coloring everything.  This book was the perfect blend of family and small town drama and mystery.  It was an easy, quick read and I thought the ending was perfect.  

5.21.2024 - The Guncle Abroad

Many thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for gifting me a digital ARC of this wonderful book by Steven Rowley.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 stars!

He's back!  Patrick O'Hara, lovingly dubbed The Guncle (gay uncle) or GUP (Gay Uncle Patrick) by his niece, Maisie, and nephew, Grant, is finally getting his career back.  But he's pushing 50 and missing his partner, Emory, after breaking things off with him.  His brother Greg is getting married in Europe but his kids aren't happy about it, still mourning their mother's death.  So Patrick decides to take the kids for an adventure before the wedding, hoping he can teach them a few things above love.

These books are such fun, yet filled with so much heart and good advice.  You could certainly read this as a stand alone but please read The Guncle first to understand all the back stories.  This one felt like you were going on a European vacation along with them.  While the kids' grief and sadness over their father's impending remarriage, Rowley handled that subject lightly with so very many teachable moments.  It's about family, second chances, and of course, love.  But it's still laugh-out-loud funny.  These are must read books!

5.20.2024 - The Last Murder at the End of the World

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Sourcebooks Landmark and Tantor Audio for gifting me an audio ARC of the latest novel by Stuart Turton and amazingly narrated by James Cameron Stewart.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars!

The world was destroyed by a fog, killing anyone it touched.  Only the island remains.  It's a wonderful place with 122 villagers and 3 scientists living together happily.  The villagers do whatever the scientists tell them to do to keep their world going.  But everything changed when one of their scientists is found stabbed to death.  Even worse, the murder triggered a lowering of the security system that kept the fog away.  If the murder isn't solved in 107 hours, they will all die.  Unfortunately, the security system wiped everyone's memories of what happened, so someone is a murderer and they don't even know it.

This is such a complex, immersive, atmospheric novel that incorporates mystery, science fiction, and a post-apocalyptic thriller.  The descriptions of the cast of characters makes them feel alive and you'll be trying to figure things out right along with them, especially Emory.  The narration was perfect, and highlighted the wonderful writing.  Best go into this one without too much information, so you get the full impact of the reveals!

5.18.2024 - One Perfect Couple

  

Many thanks to NetGalley, Gallery Books Scout Press for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest thriller by a favorite, Ruth Ware.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars!

Lyla's post-doctoral virology research is not going well and she's worried about her future.  Her boyfriend, Nico, is an aspiring actor with no steady work.  When an opportunity arises for Nico to take part in a new reality tv show, The Perfect Couple, he convinces Lyla to join the cast.  Before they have time to catch their breath, they are on the boat to a private resort island in the Indian Ocean.  They will be competing with four other couples.  But things go wrong right away and a bad storm takes things to a crisis point.  They are no longer worried about winning, just surviving.

This was a tense, atmospheric thriller, with the locked-room genre that I always enjoy.  Told from Lyla's point of view, we still hear from all the characters without any confusion - helpful with so many characters.  There are also intermittent journal entries included that will have you thinking.  Lyla is a very relatable character and Ware highlighted the tension between all the characters to perfection.  I felt like I was actually watching a reality TV show, yet the stakes were so much higher so the tension was ratcheted up to high.  I couldn't put it down - a great read!

5.17.2024 - When We Were Silent

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Flatiron Books, and Macmillan Audio for gifting me an audio ARC of the debut novel by Fiona McPhillips and wonderfully narrated by India Mullen.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars!

In the 1980s, Louise was the new student at Highfield Manor, Dublin’s most exclusive private school.  Lou’s working-class status makes her the outsider, until she is befriended by some of her beautiful and wealthy classmates.  However, Lou has a secret agenda and when she tries to bring the secret to light, her time at Highfield ends with a dead body.  Thirty years later, Lou gets a phone call that a lawyer needs her to testify against the school.  Married and with a troubled teenager of her own, Lou is torn between keeping her secret and confronting the past.

Wow - I thought this was a wonderful debut.  It's dark and the subject matter of abuse is never easy, but McPhillips didn't exploit the situations.  Instead, she crafted such a realistic, sinister environment and put you in the mindset of high school girls in the 1990s, before #MeToo.  Then she contrasted that with a mother's instinct to hide the dark parts and protect her child, this was a very compelling read.  There are themes of classism, toxic environments, social media impact.  Great debut - can't wait to read more from this author!

5.16.2024 - Long Time Gone

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Kensington Books, Recorded Books Media for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of the latest thriller by a favorite, Charlie Donlea, and perfectly narrated by Vivienne Leheny.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 stars!

Sloan Hastings is studying to become a medical examiner.  Her assigned research project is to study forensic genealogy.  She starts by submitting her DNA to a genealogy site.  Sloan has always known she was adopted and never desired to find her birth parents.  But when the results come back, they show that she was actually Baby Charlotte, a 2-month-old who disappeared along with her parents 30 years ago in Nevada.  She meets the sheriff of the small town from where she went missing, and he has a mystery of his own to solve that may be related.  

Wow - this was such a suspenseful, intriguing book!  I started reading the digital but found I had to keep going, so I switched to the audio which was perfectly narrated.  I was pulled in from the very beginning, as the subject of forensic genealogy is so fascinating,  Sloan was a very likable character and I felt like I was going along on her journey to discover the secrets of her past.  The story is told in both the past and present timelines, and the tension kept building throughout the book.  Clear some time and read this one!

5.16.2024 - Under the Palms

Many thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer Amazon Publishing for gifting me a digital ARC of the second book in The Kingsley series by Kaira Rouda.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars!

They're back!  The Kingsley family that we met in Beneath the Surface is back, this time they are all gathered at a corporate retreat at a luxurious resort.  Paige is now President, but not for long if her estranged husband, Ted, and his brother, John, have anything to say about it.  Paige isn't without her supporters though, patriarch Richard's ex is back along with his older daughter, both squarely on team Paige.  As the Santa Ana winds kick up, so does the drama!

This is a great series - definitely read the first book before this one so that you understand all the family dynamics and secrets.  Told through multiple POV, we are privy to all the drama - and there is a lot of drama!  This is non-stop action and the twists had me whirling, especially that ending.  It's Dynasty on steroids, full of characters you will love to hate, and a glimpse at how the other half (or 1%?) live.  So much fun and the perfect summer read!

5.14.2024 - Long After We Are Gone

Many thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for gifting me a digital ARC of the new book by Terah Shelton Harris.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 stars!

"Don't let the white man take the house."  Those were the last words King Soloman says to his son before he dies.  The Kingdom, their ancestral home in North Carolina, is now being threatened.  All four Soloman siblings must fight together to save their home, as well as the secrets each are keeping from each other and themselves.  Junior, the oldest son and married to his wife for 11 years, is secretly in love with another man. Second son, Mance, can't control his temper, which has landed him in prison more than once. CeCe, the oldest daughter and a lawyer in New York City, has embezzled thousands of dollars from her firm's clients. Youngest daughter, Tokey, wonders why she doesn't seem to fit into this family, which has left an aching hole in her heart that she tries to fill in harmful ways. 

This was a beautifully-written family saga with perfectly imperfect characters just trying to live up to their legacy without destroying themselves.  It's about the power of family and generational trauma, and mostly about communication - the troubles that come about when we don't communicate as well as the power of passing down stories.  It's an eye-opening look into another way that Blacks in the south lost their family lands - be sure to read the author's note on that subject.  Highly recommended!

5.14.2024 - My Perfect Husband

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Bookouture and Bookouture Audio for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of the latest thriller by a favorite, Georgina Cross, with the audio perfectly narrated by Stephanie Cannon.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4 stars!

Lauren has struggled for 12 years, since her younger sister, Ellie, vanished in New Orleans.  But when she met Alex, she felt she had met a kindred spirit.  Because Alex's sibling was also missing.  But when police find Ellie's dead body, they show Lauren a picture that was in her pocket - a picture that shows Alex with Ellie on the day she died.

Wow - another twisty thriller that will have you second guessing everyone!  The story is told in multiple timelines from Lauren's POV.  The author really put you in the New Orleans atmosphere, and those familiar with the city will appreciate all the love.  The narrator did a great job with all the voices - pack this one in your beach bag!

5.12.2024 - The Last Time She Saw Him

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper Perennial for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest thriller by Kate White.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4 stars!

Kiki broke up with Jamie right before their wedding.  When she's invited to attend a friend's party in Connecticut, she's anxious to go until she learns that Jamie will be there as well.  She reaches out to him and he seems fine that she will be at the party.  While there, Kiki overhears Jamie talking to a friend about her and tries to talk to him before he leaves.  But then a gunshot rings out and Jamie is dead.  The authorities rule it a suicide, and Kiki feels that she might be responsible for his despondency.  Then questions arise and Kiki decides to stay longer in Connecticut to investigate.

This was a good thriller that kept me intrigued until the end, which I didn't see coming.  I did feel that Kiki, a career coach, was too heavily invested in the search for answers, but it made for a good story.  There were other little mysteries along the way to keep things interesting.  There were quite a few characters to keep track of, but it made for a big pool of suspects.  

5.11.2024 - Very Bad Company

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Flatiron Books and Macmillan Audio for gifting me an audio ARC of this book by Emma Rosenblum and perfectly narrated by a favorite, January LaVoy.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4 stars!

The trendy tech startup, Aurora, has gathered the company's top employees for an exclusive retreat in Miami.  Aurora is led by John, obsessed with all things Churchill, has just hired Caitlin as Head of Events.  Caitlin is pulled in by her huge salary, stock shares and bonus so if Aurora doesn't really do events and she doesn't know what her job entails, who cares?  Then another top executive goes missing - with Aurora's future on the line, everything is at stake.

While this was obviously over the top, anyone who's worked for a company is probably familiar with all this drama and forced team-building on a much smaller scale.  This was like watching a train wreck - you just couldn't look away!  When money and power are involved, people do bad and crazy things.  There were a lot of characters here, and January LaVoy once again was outstanding.  

5.11.2024 - Safe and Sound

Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House for gifting me a digital ARC of this wonderful thriller by Laura McHugh.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars rounded up!

Sisters Amelia and Kylee are desperate to escape small town Beaumont, where the only thing they have to look forward to is a job at the local meatpacking plant. Their cousin, Grace, used to tell them that they had to get out.  Only Grace disappeared one night while babysitting the sisters and has never been found.  Six years later, a body is found in the woods and the sisters are desperate for answers.

This was such an atmospheric book.  You could feel the oppression of the town and its hold on its residents who don't even dream of something different.  Amelia, Kylee and Grace's home lives left much to be desired, but Grace loved the sisters and they knew she would never leave them.  The story is played out in both the present and the past, as the reader learns Grace's story as well as the sisters and you will be rooting for all of them..  This was a tense, suspenseful read and I never guessed the ending.

5.6.2024 - The Return of Ellie Black

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for gifting me a digital ARC of this wonderful police procedural/thriller by Emiko Jean.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars rounded up!

Chelsey became a detective, following in her dad's footsteps, and is still haunted by the murder of her sister when they were teenagers.  Chelsey becomes obsessed when she receives a call that Ellie Black, a girl who disappeared years ago, has been found alive.  After interviewing her, Chelsey is convinced that Ellie knows more than she is letting on and she fears there may be more victims.

Wow - this was a wonderful book and I gasped out loud at the twist!  Chelsey was such a good character - a good detective, but still reeling from her past and not able to move on.  Written from Chelsey's POV as well as from Ellie's, we learn of Ellie's experiences in captivity and they will chill you to the bone; the fear is palpable.  We see the emotional toll that an investigation like this takes on Chelsey's personal life and relationships.  I also appreciated Ellie's therapy session info to help us understand her.  The ending was perfection.  This is a new to me author, but I highly recommend this book and can't wait to read more from her.

5.5.2024 - The Stolen Child

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and WW Norton for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest book by a favorite, Ann Hood.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 stars!

Three storylines that come together beautifully, as we follow Nick, an elderly grumpy WWI veteran, as he tries to bring closure to an issue that has haunted him for decades before he dies.  Jenny, a young college dropout working at IHOP, answers his ad in the paper for an assistant.  They soon travel to France, meeting interesting characters along the way, to solve the mystery of what happened to a baby entrusted into Nick's hands during the war.

Such a beautifully-written story - the characters are flawed, realistic, yearning to be better.  I adored the Museum of Tears, an Italian craftsman's life work, and Enzo's story brought me to tears.  The depictions of France and Italy, as well as the food descriptions, made this such a transportive read.  The story mostly takes place in the 1970s, which added an element of romance and mystery to the struggles of communication before cellphones.  Themes throughout of regret, fate, forgiveness make this book a very highly recommended read!

5.3.2024 - Summers at the Saint

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, St Martin's Press and Macmillan Audio for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of the new book by the queen, Mary Kay Andrews, and perfectly narrated by another favorite, Kathleen McInerney.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own.  5 summery stars!

Everyone refers to the St. Cecelia as “the Saint.” If you grew up coming here, you were “a Saint.” If you came from the wrong side of the river, you were “an Ain’t.” Traci Eddings was an "ain't" who worked at The Saint with her best friend, Shannon, one fateful summer.  As fate would have it, she met and married the boss's son, only to lose him in a plane crash.  Now the owner of the hotel, she's determined to restore it to its glory days, even with post-pandemic financial issues and staff problems.  Her brother-in-law, Rick, is determined to see that she fails.  

Summer can officially begin now that Mary Kay Andrews has a new beach read!  This one has heart and humor, plus a mystery with plenty of twists, along with wonderful descriptions of locale and food.  Traci was a great character; determined to do things the way her husband would have wanted, always being respectful of his family even when they were anything but.  There's a coming-of-age factor here too, with young people anxious to set their own paths, despite what their parents may think they should do.  I had both the audio and digital versions, but mostly listened to it because McInerney's narration is always perfection.  A must read for the summer.

5.1.2024 - Real Americans

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Knopf Books for gifting me a digital ARC of this wonderful book by Rachel Khong - just picked as the May 2024 Read with Jenna Book Club pick.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 stars!

This story opens on the precipice of Y2K in NYC.  Lily, daughter of Chinese immigrants, is an unpaid intern at a media company and meets Matthew at a company party.  Matthew is the scion of a wealthy family and offers Lily an unimaginable life.  They marry and then have a son.  We are next introduced to Nick, living on an island off Washington with Lily, who has kept him completely sheltered from his father and grandmother, as well as the world at large.  With prodding from a friend, he eventually finds out who is father is.  The next part of the story has Nick graduated and working, and he meets Mei, Lily's mother, and she tells him her backstory in China.  

This is an amazing story and is going to be a fabulous book club pick because there is so much to ponder here, all wrapped up in beautifully-written prose.  I loved how the different generations' stories were told - not necessarily in order, but letting us know the characters before filling in all the backstories.  The big question that this will have you thinking about is choice - are we the product of our choices, or are those made for us?  It will have you feeling so lucky to be born when and where you were - but is that all down to luck?  An exploration of classism and racism, as well as the concept of time.  Can too much money be just a struggle as not enough?  I could go on and on - so very much to think about but I loved every page!