8.12.2026 - Stay Buried

 Many thanks to NetGalley and Gallery Books for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest horror/thriller by Jennifer McMahon.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars!

In 1919, Frankie is working with her uncle, the town doctor, when a mysterious illness strikes the town.  The community suspects supernatural forces and blame the town's knackerman, a recluse who collects dead and dying farm animals to make use of their parts.  In 2016, Siblings Ashley and Malcolm lost their mother suddenly two years ago.  When their grandmother dies, she leaves them with many questions as well as a property in Boone's Ferry, Vermont.  The two set out to investigate the town.

Jennifer McMahon has once again gifted us with such a creepy story and intriguing characters.  I was so involved in both timelines, whose chapters always seemed to end with a cliffhanger, and I was desperate to get back to each setting.  The Knackerman was such a creepy character in both timelines.  What I truly loved was the strong women in this book, women who stuck to their guns, even when they knew it wasn't going to end well for them.  Even little Mini was a superstar.  But that ending - mind blown.  If you love a dark, historical twist to your scary reads, this one is definitely for you!

8.12.2026 - A Thousand Little Goodbyes

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest book by Lucy Gilmore.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4 stars!

Chrissie and Scarlett have been best friends since they met at a hospital when they were both young.  Their friendship has endured throughout the years, and they finally get the chance to take the cross-country road trip they've been wanting to do for a long time.  They plan on stopping at only small hotels and at every weird roadside attraction along the way.  But life is always there to throw a curve.

I'm a fan of Gilmore's books and this was another emotional read.  The friendship between the two women was strong, even with very different personalities.  There was a bit of melodrama in it and I saw the plot twists coming, but I still thoroughly enjoyed being a quiet passenger along for this road trip.

8.10.2026 - Under the Falls

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Knopf for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest book by Pulitzer Prize-winning author, Richard Russo.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4 stars!

Tyler Sinclair left Stone Mountain at 18 with no plans of returning.  Now, he's the famous frontman of a band called Stone Mountain, and he's returning to his hometown for the first time for a benefit to support his friend, Doc.  The concert doesn't go as planned and things go terribly wrong afterwards.  

After I read the prologue of this book describing Upstate NY, I was sold.  Okay, I think the internet folks have said that this book has some questionable events and might well have been better suited to the TV series it was first imagined for.  But I still thoroughly enjoyed it and could easily overlook the supposed flaws.  Because it was still an interesting story, with morally gray characters and behaviors, in a setting that doesn't always allow for more.  I'd bet it would make a really good TV series too.

8.10.2026 - Brimstone Hollow

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, St Martin's Press | Minotaur Books and Macmillan Audio for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of the 2nd book in the Annie Gore series, with the audiobook perfectly narrated by Emily Pike Stewart.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars rounded up!

Katie May's estranged father is one of Appalachia's last snake-handling preachers, but when she learns that he has been fatally bitten and a funeral held within 24 hours, she is rightly questioning just what happened.  She hires PI Annie Gore to take the case.  When Annie arrives in the small Eastern Kentucky town, she realizes that this won't be a quick trip and that someone is looking to stop her investigation.

Another wonderful book following her debut, The Witch's Orchard.   I loved heading back to the Appalachian Mountains with Annie in her beloved Datsun 260Z named Honey (BTW, my husband has a 280Z!).  Annie is the perfect PI - a tough, ex-Air Force investigator, with her own past to reckon with.  The small town atmosphere keeps the plot swirling with secrets and tension, and the characters all feel realistic.  I highly recommend the audiobook for both of these books - the narrator is wonderful and I will forever get chills thinking about her snake noises!  

8.9.2026 - Most Ardently Yours

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest book by Freya Sampson.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4 stars!

Zoe dreams of being a romance writer, but her ex-boyfriend convinced her she wasn't good enough.  Now she's sworn off men except for fictional ones, and of course her favorite is Austen's Mr. Darcy.  She stumbles across a bookshop in London and the owner, Nick, refuses to sell romance novels.  When she finds a copy of Pride & Prejudice on a top shelf, she takes it.  But after reading from it, she realizes she has summoned Mr. Darcy to the present day.  Can he ever be as good as he is in the novel?  

I'm surprised that this one is not getting better reviews, because even as someone like me who is not an Austen superfan enjoyed it!  Yes, it's filled with magical realism but it's also filled with all those things that Freya Sampson does so well - found family, charming characters, and just a fun storyline.  Pick this up when you need an escape from reality that will surely bring a smile to your face.

8.9.2026 - When Lemons Give You Life

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for gifting me a digital ARC of the sophomore book by Anna Johnston.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars rounded up!

Retired Michelin-star chef Griff Barlow has lost his appetite for life.  He's living in an aged care facility and decides to make himself one last meal - a lemon tart.  But the act of cooking brings a spark back to his life, and he's soon sneaking in the kitchen regularly, while trying to maintain a big secret from the staff and his sister, Lisa.  Lisa has her own troubles but feels brighter with a new man in her life.  Can these siblings make things right before it's too late?

I was a huge fan of Johnston's debut, The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife, and this book was similarly wonderful.  Johnston has a gift of writing about older characters that will steal your heart, while at the same time imparting wisdom into their care.  I fell in love with these flawed characters as they try to deal with many complex issues in the best way they can.  Of course. you have to suspend some belief, but that's the magic of fiction.  The story spools out between Griff and Lisa's POV over various time periods, giving the reader needed background into just how they ended up where they are.  I loved the compassion Griff showed to the residents and how he stressed their worth, no matter what.  Definitely something we all need to remember.  Be sure and read the author's note at the end.  

8.8.2026 - Sex on Murder Island

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Ballantine | Bantam for gifting me a digital ARC of the second in the Luella van Horn series by Jo Firestone.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 3.5 stars!

Marie Jones (aka PI Luella van Horn) finds herself on the verge of eviction when she gets a call that changes everything.  She's asked to find evidence of a woman having an extramarital affair.  The job requires her to go to Murder Island, a private island for the very rich just outside of NYC.  Then the suspected lover is found murdered and she soon finds herself in the midst of another crazy investigation.

This series is crass and crazy, but there's something about the snarky voice of Luella that has me laughing out loud.  These books are not for the delicate among us, but they are a riot and do leave me wanting more.  I liked that Luella gathered a few friends in this investigation as well.

8.8.2026 - Getting Away With Murder

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Viking Penguin | Pamela Dorman Books for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest thriller by a favorite, Shari Lapena.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars!

Jill and Ted are happily married, love their renovated NY brownstone, and have money to spare.  Well...not really.  Unbeknownst to Jill, Ted's inheritance is almost gone and his sure-fire investment tanked.  How can they maintain their home and lifestyle?  If Ted's brother was gone, Ted would inherit all his money which would solve all their problems.  But can they get away with murder?

This was a fun, fast-paced thriller where you know from the start who did it.  The only question is if they can get away with it.  There aren't any likable characters here and you may find yourself resenting the rich person privilege most of these people have.  But watching them try to stay out of trouble is lots of fun.  There were a few jaw-dropping scenes that I wasn't expecting, but no spoilers here.  Pack this along in your beach bag for some summer thriller fun!

8.7.2026 - Time to Burn

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest book by the writing duo known as Ellery Lloyd.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4 stars!

Controversial tech entrepreneur Inigo Frank offers the very wealthy a chance to go back in time to witness pivotal moments in history through his company Tempus Tours.  To showcase his achievement, Frank hires filmmaker Phoebe Hunt to create a documentary.  On her first day, she is set to witness the return of a property developer and his family from their trip to the past.  But instead, she sees the group arriving bloodied and traumatized, with one of their party missing.  Phoebe also recognizes the missing woman and realizes she's not who she claims to be.  

I have a love/hate relationship with time travel, going back decades to watching Star Trek spinoff episodes that left my head spinning.  Thankfully for my brain, this book is more of a mystery with time travel elements, although the end had my head spinning a bit.   It's more about the consequences of time travel than the possible science that would make it possible.  That said, I felt that the 1940s time period was done really well and I almost did feel like I was back in time.  There's also a cult theme, which I always like.  Very intriguing read!

8.6.2026 - The Vampire's Cult

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks for gifting me a digital ARC of this true crime story by Chet Hardin.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4 stars!

After a Tinder date, 24-year-old Sydney Loofe disappeared without a trace from Wilber, Nebraska.  Days later, her dismembered body was found scattered across nearby fields.  This is the story of the perpetrators of that horrendous crime and how they lured vulnerable young women into their world, with deadly consequences.

I had not heard of any part of this story before, but it's a wild one.  I felt the investigation, reporting and writing of this book were all very well done.  It does focus almost solely on Aubrey Trail, an aging con man, that somehow convinced women that he was all-knowing and all-being, the head of a coven of witches; and Bailey Boswell, the woman who worked by his side.  It's truly amazing how horrible people like this are able to convince others to go along with what they did, that people are willing to override common sense, especially when this was not a charming, charismatic man as so many cult leaders are but the polar opposite who showed no signs of his apparent wealth.  A sad story indeed and definitely yet another cautionary tale to social media!

8.6.2026 - Homewrecker

Many thanks to NetGalley and Spiegel & Grau for gifting me a digital ARC of this wonderful book by Becky Mandelbaum - my pick for Camp NetGalley and it was a great choice!  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 stars!

When your ex-boyfriend offers to pay you to move in with him and his fiancée, you should definitely say no. Piper says yes.  She picks up her sad life in Kansas and moves to Washington to help his fiancée illustrate her book, putting her own book dreams in the past, along with the rest of her troubles.  But will it all come crashing down?  

I’m sometimes annoyed with characters that cheat on their partners and then wonder why their lives are a mess.  But I absolutely loved this book!  It was written in a light tone, with supernatural elements and deeper themes of grief, loss, and betrayal.  This book pulled me in, and I was so invested in Piper’s story that I couldn’t put it down until I knew the ending.  Which of course I loved.  I’m trying to gush without saying too much to ruin the experience for anyone else.  Just read this book!

8.6.2026 - Sunlight Finds You

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Riverhead Books for gifting me a digital ARC of this wonderful book by Laura Moriarty, this month's Read With Jenna Book Club pick.  All opinions expressed in this book are my own - 4.5 stars rounded up!

It's 1949 in Florida, when 17-year-old Nora meets Leonard, shy and brilliant, at school.  One incident causes his parents to force Nora to not see Leonard, setting off a chain of secrets and lies that will follow them into adulthood.  

What a beautifully written story set in a time period where women really had so few options on so many fronts.  It was both heartbreaking and beautiful to watch the power of first love between Nora and Leonard, as well as follow them through the years.  It's a story of loss, class differences, and how decisions cause ripple effects throughout our lives, but it's also a story of long-lasting love, forgiveness, and second chances.  The characters felt so real, their journey so emotional, that I didn't want this book to end.  Highly recommended!

8.5.2026 - One of the Family

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster | Atria Books for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest thriller by Mark Edwards.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4 stars!

It's the first time that Patrick will meet Holly's family as they head to her family home in Scotland.  Patrick is a true crime documentary filmmaker and becomes intrigued by the case of a man found frozen to death the previous year.  But there's plenty of intrigue going around in the family, as the patriarch brings home a new woman who just happens to look like his deceased first wife, as well as everyone acting very strange indeed.

Mark Edwards always gives his readers a twisty thriller full of secrets and lies.  I liked the remote, small town setting with the family castle on a cliff.  Small towns always have hidden secrets and knowledge that outsiders just aren't privy to.  I always like a dysfunctional family story and this one kept me guessing until the end.

8.4.2026 - The Nightingales

Many thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster | Avid Reader Press for gifting me a digital ARC of this debut graphic novel by Emil Wilson.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 stars!

A gorgeously rendered story of the friendship between a man dying of AIDS in the 1980s and a teenage girl, based on real events.  The beautiful illustrations and unique graphic concept allowed the reader to be transported back to this fraught time period to see the impact that this disease had on just one family, yet also see the far-reaching ripple effects it had on the characters.  Some of my favorite spots were the mother talking to the Virgin Mary, and the dogs brought some comic relief into a heartbreaking yet hopeful story.  Stunning debut.

8.4.2026 - The Amateur

 

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

One moment is all it takes to ruin lives.  In 1978, a young woman golf prodigy, accidentally kills a caddy with a stray ball at the country club.  The investigation of this freak accident reveals a dark and shocking tale of secret affairs, predatory men, and a teenager on trial.

I’m a big fan of Chris Bohjalian, and this one ranks as one of his best in my mind.  I was mesmerized by not only the story but the way it was told.  He was able to inhabit the soul of both a young woman and an older one looking back on the experience and writing it as a memoir.  Our attitudes in the 1970s versus today were made so powerful in this manner.   The story is just so emotional, suspenseful, and gripping that I couldn’t stop reading and you'll feel for these characters.  Long-time readers will also find Easter eggs geared toward his own books and biography.  Bravo! 

8.3.2026 - Breathing Under Water

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper Muse for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of this wonderful book by Jacqueline Friedland with Cassandra Campbell and Annalee Scott narrating the audiobook.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 stars!

We follow two women - Berry, a school vice principal, and mother to an older son as well as 16-year-old autistic Leo.  McKenna is a college student on scholarship for swimming, with a tough past, who is trying to care for her beloved grandmother with dementia.  These women's paths converge in an unexpected way.

The story opens with Leo missing, then takes us back to alternate POV between Berry and McKenna, each voice so compelling.  McKenna's story is heartbreaking, having lost her mother early, and now dealing with the world on her shoulders.  She's trying so hard but also has a breaking point.  Berry has worked so hard to give Leo all he needs, but she knows he needs more social skills to survive in the real world.  Watching both these women face real struggles while trying to keep all the other balls in their life in the air is both difficult and encouraging.  Leo is the star, of course, and has the biggest heart.  I loved every minute spent with these characters and was sad it was over, and would highly recommend it to everyone.  It would make a great book club pick with so many themes to discuss.  The audiobook was fabulous and I ended up listening to it most of the time.  Reading this treasure is why I so appreciate NetGalley and the publishers who offer these ARCs - this is a new to me author and I'm now desperate to go and read her backlist.  

8.3.2026 - How to Ruin a Wedding

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Amazon Publishing | Mindy's Book Studio, and MB Communications for gifting me both a digital and physical ARC of this adorable book by Elba Luz.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars!

Lucy has turned her desperation for money into a business as a professional wedding wrecker.  But she'll only do it for the right reasons - she wants to prevent others from making the same mistakes she's made.   Then she crashes the wrong ceremony, only to meet Anders.  He offers her the kind of money she can't refuse to get his sister to cancel her upcoming wedding.  They come up with a scheme to fake-date so Lucy can infiltrate the family enough to make the scheme work.  But sometimes love has other plans.

This was such a fun read - there are absolutely laugh-out-loud moments, sweet moments with both human and fur people, as well as lots of life lessons in between.  You can't help but root for Lucy in all her craziness, because her heart is always in the right place.  Anders may be a bit too good to be true, but isn't that what we want in our rom coms?  There's also lots of sister love here and staying true to following your dreams.  Perfect for a summer read!

8.2.2026 - The Women in White

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, St Martin's Press, and Macmillan Audio for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of the latest thriller by Sarah Pekkanen., with the audiobook narrated by the brilliant Saskia Maarleveld.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars!

Riley is recently divorced, looking for a job and a place to live.  She is hired to be a caretaker for Betty, an elderly widow.  It’s strange, because both Betty and her home seem frozen in time.  Riley begins investigating into just what happened to Betty and her three college friends who all disappeared in the 1960s.

Told from Betty’s POV in the past and Riley’s in the present, this is a sad but fascinating peek into a real event – women subjects forced to take part in parapsychology experiments.  Of course, this book can’t help but delve into women’s standings during that period, but also into their resilience.  The mystery of what happened to these women is creepy and frightening, and the tension will keep you glued.  As always, Sarah Pekkanen has written another wonderful thriller!

7.31.2026 - Meet Me in Paris

 

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

Nine Americans in Paris and seven interlocking love stories, with fresh starts, second chances, and enduring love.  With a step away from her normal historical fiction, this is also a love story to Paris, and I felt like I traveled along for the ride.  These stories are full of self-discovery and the knowledge that it's never too late for true love.  While there are a number of characters, you won't have any trouble keeping them straight.  Just be sure and have your tissues handy!  Be sure and read the author's note for a personal look into the writing of this story.

7.31.2026 - Cruise to Nowhere

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing | Citadel for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest true crime book by James Renner.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars!

Most of us are familiar with the Amy Bradley case - the young woman who was on a cruise with her family in 1998 and just disappeared.  The author delves completely into this mystery, beyond even what was portrayed in the Netflix documentary.  What I like about Renner's books is the personal aspect.  He not only gives you his research, but you feel like you are along for the ride as he tells you what's going on in his life and just how he investigated.  I liked that he went for a cruise on the same ship, took trips to sometimes scary locations, all to find out more.  While we still don't know what happened to Amy, this is a comprehensive look into the case.  Since I lived in the Cleveland/Akron area for decades, his books always have a nostalgic feel for me.  Another intriguing read from this author!

7.30.2026 - Helpless

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Scribner for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest thriller by Jessica Knoll.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 3.5 stars!

Faye and Henry have history, and even though both are married, when they find themselves in the same location after many years, things spark once again.  But soon things turn very dark and someone is out for revenge.

I love Jessica Knoll's books but know that this one is a bit different.  I appreciated the dark, twisty thriller and really liked the ending, but it seemed a bit too Fifty Shades of Gray to get there.  But get there it did.  Loved the Adirondack setting and it added to the dark feel of the book.

7.29.2026 - Buyer Beware

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest thriller by Catherine Ryan Howard.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4 stars!

Ellie just moved into a cottage only to find out that someone had come in and made a huge mess.  That's just the beginning of the break-ins and issues.  Ellie just wants to be left alone, but that doesn't seem to happen with such curious neighbors.  We also hear from Erin in the past as well as Hannah, both involved with Jason.  What do these women have in common with 1 Delaney Row?

This was more of a slow-burn mystery but Catherine Ryan Howard is one of my favorites, so of course it kept me glued.  The different timelines and perspectives kept me guessing, along with nosy neighbors and interesting characters.  The house, of course, is its own personality and character, always feeling just this side of creepy.  The ending pulled everything together in a perfect way.

7.29.2026 - Dad, Love, Me

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster | Avid Reader Press for gifting me a digital ARC of the memoir by Matthew Quick, author of The Silver Linings Playbook.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars rounded up!

Memoirs can be tricky, but Quick has nailed this one.  I believe, just as he hoped, that it will have ripple effects on those who read it.  After a traumatic childhood and a difficult relationship with his father, with a successful career, life should be good.  But the one thing we can't run away from his ourselves.  Quick tried alcohol, which numbed things, but didn't help.  Once sober, he struggled with depression and writer's block.  Then his dad's dementia diagnosis forced a whole new life and perspective.  So many kudos to Quick and his wife, for stepping up in a major way when others would have just turned away, with good reason.  This one will make you think that it's never too late to forgive and to repair relationships.

7.27.2026 - The Weight of Sunshine

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and High Frequency Press for gifting me a digital ARC of the debut novel by Robin Maguire.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 stars!

We follow along life's trajectories of Nina and Jackson for 5 decades, starting in college.  As the timeline progresses, we meet some of the important people in their lives at that time, for better or worse.  

This is a fabulous debut and it was a privilege to discover a new writer, one that I'm sure we will be hearing more from.  I got lost in this story and these characters, and loved the way it was told.  We hear from the perspectives of many different people, showing the impact others have on our lives.  It shows how decisions made can have ripple effects on future generations.  Just like all our lives, there are difficult relationships, bad decisions, but hopefully in the end love wins out, even in the most unlikely of ways.  There's both humor and sadness, set in atmospheric locations.  Do yourself a favor if you love character-driven novels and pick this one up when it is published tomorrow!

7.25.2026 - Guilty Creatures

  

Many thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books | One Signal Publishing for gifting me a digital ARC of this true crime book by Mikita Brottman.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4 stars!

Denise & Mike Williams had been best couple friends with Brian & Kathy Winchester forever, all growing up in the same Southern Baptist community.   Then Mike disappeared while duck hunting and his body never found.  Things got complicated when Brian divorced Kathy and married Denise.  Just what happened decades earlier?

I knew of this story from various documentaries, and I recently read that it will be a new streaming series on Apple TV.  All of that reminded me that I had somehow missed reading this book and it was languishing in my TBR pile.  Even though I knew most of this story, I felt the research and writing of the book was top-notch and I appreciated the sensitivity given to the victim and his mother.  Anxious to watch the series now!

7.25.2026 - Hidden Strangers

Many thanks to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing | Thomas & Mercer for gifting me a digital ARC of the final book in the Dangers Strangers Trilogy by Minka Kent.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars!

With no where else to go, Camille escapes her husband and her life and flees with her two young children to her estranged mother's home in Chicago.  There, Camille meets Lucinda's new husband, Rob, their daughter Zoey, and even a mysterious tenant living above the garage.  But it doesn't take long before everyone's behavior is suspect and Camille realizes that Zoey is right when she said - everyone lies.  

This has been such an entertaining series - I would definitely recommend reading from the beginning to learn everyone's backstory and the reason for Camille's behavior.  This one took a slow turn in the middle, but the ending more than made up for that.  I wouldn't be sad if there were more to come, but it all came to a very satisfying ending.  Great series!

7.22.2026 - The New People

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Little, Brown & Company for gifting me a digital ARC of the debut novel by Andrea Uptmor.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 stars!

Newlyweds Emma and Rachel move from Chicago to a conservative Indiana college town when Rachel, a best-selling novelist, gets a job as a tenure-track professor.  Emma is struggling in her job as an adjunct professor at the college, desperate for something to call her own.  The house they bought cheap when the housing bubble burst and the recession hit, seems to have a new issue daily, and Emma feels a strange presence in the house.  Maybe it's because they aren't alone.  Charlotte and Dirk lost the house to foreclosure and are secretly living in the attic above the garage.  Charlotte is desperate to make the new people leave.

This book was fabulous and it's hard to believe it's a debut.  Told from the alternating POV of Emma and Charlotte, it is an emotional read, without ever veering into maudlin or sappy territory.  I felt so invested in these characters, and felt especially bad for Charlotte and Dirk.  They are representative of so many stories from that time, when greed ruled and individuals didn't matter.  It's definitely an exploration of grief and loss, but it's so much more.  It's filled with bright spots, humor, empathy for others, and the ending had me crying happy tears.  I loved this book and highly recommend it - I'm here anxiously awaiting for more from this author!

7.22.2026 - Indie Darling

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Flatiron Books, and Macmillan Audio for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of the new book by Lauren Nossett with the audiobook perfectly narrated by Amara Jasper.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4 stars!

Kelly Williams is a private investigator in Nashville who only takes women for clients.  Her latest client, Sarah-Faith, comes to her after receiving threatening messages, and Kelly soon realizes that she is better known as Seraph, the lead singer of the indie music sensation The Garden Snakes.  After an incident at a performance, Kelly is soon pulled into a dangerous web of secrets and lies.

So creative and inventive - I loved the Nashville music scene as well as the lyrics that give hints to the story.  This one is a little hard to review without inadvertently giving anything away, but it's a mystery that will keep you guessing until the very end.  Then, once you're done reading, be sure and check out the author's website for a final clue!  Kelly was such a great main character - I'd love to see this be the start of a series featuring her investigations.  The narrator did a great job voicing all the characters.

7.22.2026 - Deadly Does It

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for gifting me a digital ARC of the second in the Mason & Mann Mystery series by Abbi Waxman.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4 stars!

Mason and Mann are on a new case - one that hits close to home.  Mason's AA sponsor is in danger, but investigating the reasons could put the detectives in trouble as well.

The first book in this series, One Death at a Time, was so fun and I was eager to dive back in.  I would recommend reading that one first but it's not completely necessary, as enough details are given.  This book has the humor, crankiness, and smarts of the first and we get some backstory into Mason and her family as well, plus following along with the latest mystery.  The perfect summer mystery book!

7.20.2026 - The Half Life

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest novel by Rachel Beanland.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars!

Eileen is still mourning the death of her brother in Vietnam when she meets Paul, a Navy officer.  Soon afterwards, he gets orders to report to the Mediterranean island of La Maddalena, where Paul will be heading up Radiological Controls aboard a submarine tender.  Rather than be separated, they quickly marry and Eileen finds herself newly married in a country where she doesn't speak the language and the rules for a Navy wife are long.  She soon becomes involved in the local politics and meets an Italian journalist, who awakens her in many ways.

I really enjoyed this look at a woman in the 1970s who is just on the cusp of figuring out who she is.  I couldn't help but relate it to my mom who got married quickly when my dad was being sent to France in the late 1950s.  The pressure on being perfect in a situation where you don't know the language or culture had to be so difficult.  Eileen was a strong woman, trying to keep her marriage going, but discovering that there's a big world out there.  Beautifully written and a personal story (be sure and read the author's note), it was told in the form of a written letter to a person unknown until the very end of the book.  That person may have learned more than she wanted to!  Very entertaining and informative as only the best historical fiction is.

7.20.2026 - Destination Funeral

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, St Martin's Press, and Macmillan Audio for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of the latest novel by Paige Harbison, with the audiobook perfectly narrated by the author.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars!

When Babe dies, her two daughters, Didion and Sammie, and their two friends, Matt and Austin, are summoned to Mercy Island for the reading of the will.  Didion arrives and realizes that all the old resentments and hurts traveled along with her.  What should be a quick weekend takes a twist when they wake up and it's Saturday - again.  And then again.

Told from Didion's POV and from two different timelines - the present and summers past - we gradually learn exactly what happened to break all these people apart.  While at first I wasn't a fan of Didion's character, I gradually changed my mind and found her relatable.  Any daughter who has had to step up to family responsibilities will understand her complicated feelings and will be more compassion towards her.  I was a huge fan of Harbison's previous book, The Other Side of Now, and she once again did magical realism to perfection.  It never felt hokey to me but instead was a wonderful way of peeling back all the layers.  Extra kudos because the author once again narrated the audiobook and did it to perfection, showing her great range of dialects.  Perfect book for this summer.

7.19.2026 - The Story Keeper

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, HTP Books | MIRA Books, and Harlequin Audio for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of the new historical fiction novel by Kelly Rimmer, with the audiobook wonderfully narrated by Siho Ellsmore.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars!

Fiona Winslow once called Wurimbirra home, and after her uncle's death, she bought it with the hope of restoring it.  She quickly learns that the townspeople consider the house haunted, and she begins wondering when strange things happen.  When she finds a book, The Midnight Estate, in her uncle's library, she is plunged into a tale that seems to mirror her own.  

This is a book-in-a-book story done so well – I was equally invested in both storylines and was anxious to get back to both.  The creepy, possibly haunted, Gothic mansion in Australia with a graveyard in the back was the perfect setting for this mysterious tale.  I felt emotionally for so many of these characters in both stories – this book was a testament to the power of the stories of those before us that have shaped our lives.  Another great read by this author, and the narration was perfect!

7.18.2026 - The Last to Drown

Many thanks to NetGalley and Dynamite Books for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest thriller by a favorite, Noelle W. Ihli.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 stars!

Kaia is going on a women's rafting trip as a way to honor her deceased husband.  But now all she feels is dread.  Because there are stories about what happened at Camas Creek seven years ago, when a rafting guide murdered a group of rafters on this same stretch of water.  The true-crime community has never stopped asking questions.  Apparently for good reasons.

Noelle Ihli is now a must-read author for me - each of her books has been a non-stop thrill ride.  But this one had me so gripped from the first page that I'm not sure I breathed well the whole time.  I just couldn't put it down because it was so intense.  The descriptions of the white water rafting were so frightening - good thing that's not on my bucket list!  Besides all the action, I felt very connected to these characters and invested in their stories, especially Kaia.  If you like high-intense books, this is a must read!

7.17.2026 - The Death Row Club

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Gallery Books | Scout Press for gifting me a digital ARC of the debut book by V.A. Vazquez.  All opinions expressed in this book are my own - 4 stars!

An invitation to the Death Row Club brings adult children of serial killers together for a secret retreat.  The retreat is founded by Greer Woods, the host of the hit true crime TV show To Catch a Killer.  Nicola's world has just fallen apart as her father is arrested for the murder of five women.  Nicola counted on Greer as a friend, but she hasn't returned a call since the show about her father aired.  Then a mysterious girl arrives at the retreat, shattering the club's fragile peace.

This was an intriguing debut - I loved the fact that the book mostly focused on the victims and the children of the serial killers, as opposed to the killers themselves.  The story is told from two POV - Nicola and Steffanie, a young woman desperate to escape from her father.  It was a twisty locked-room mystery and an ending I wasn't expecting.  I will be looking forward for more from this author!

7.17.2026 - Heat Trap

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Amazon Publishing and Brilliance Publishing for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of the Amazon Original short story by Ellery Lloyd.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4 stars!

A group of friends gets together every year for a summer getaway.  As per usual, Lizzie has taken on the task of organizing everything for their stay in France.  This year, she's excited to bring along her new boyfriend, Mal.  But something sinister is happening.

This was a quick read - actually, I listened to the audiobook, which was done well.  For a short story, this one had all the requisite thriller components to keep me completely interested, and it could have been fleshed out into a novel.  But I enjoyed my little time with these characters and story!

7.17.2026 - Catch the Devil

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Knopf for gifting me a digital ARC of this true crime story by Pamela Colloff.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 stars!

This is the true story of the murder of a young girl in Florida in the 1980s and the man wrongfully imprisoned for that murder.  The conviction relied on the testimony from Paul Skalnik, an inmate, conman, and pedophile who received deals for snitching.  

The book was so well researched and documented, first giving us the history of Paul's exploits before delving into the story of the convicted man, James Dailey.  How incredibly sad that the legal system has allowed this man to linger in jail on death row for decades based on the false story from a conman, who was freed to continue his crimes over and over again.  The author's account of this travesty of justice is gripping and compelling.  So many people in this book should be so ashamed of themselves for allowing this mistreatment.  I pray that it gets the word out to someone who can possibly allow this man to live his remaining few years in freedom.  Highly recommended.

7.16.2026 - The Romance Revival

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Gallery Books for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest romance novel by the writing duo known as Christina Lauren.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4 stars!

Emery and Luca have been married for 3 years.  He's the love of her life, but he would never know it.  Her top-secret job consumes her, and she keeps waiting for things to calm down.  Which they never do.  Until an accident takes Luca from her, and she'll break all the rules to bring him back.

As you would expect from this duo, this was a sweet romance that will have you thinking about how much you take people in your life for granted.  What you might not expect is the medical/science plot line, but I loved it.  This is not a rom com, and has a mystery involved that I certainly didn't guess right about.  I liked that the story is told from both the POV of Emery and Luca, giving us access to their private thoughts.  Wonderful second chance romance novel - with a twist!

7.15.2026 - Perfect Life

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Ballantine | Bantam for gifting me a digital ARC of the new book by the writing duo of Meredith Lavender and Kendall Shores.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4 stars!

Este Walker didn’t move to Winter Park, Florida, to make friends. Five years ago, she ghosted her life in California to reinvent herself among the lakefront estates of Florida’s elite.  Now, her husband Beau and her best friend Nora are the only company she needs.  But Este's secrets are catching up with her, and Beau may be keeping secrets of his own.  Then a mysterious death causes Este to go into investigation mode.

I read and enjoyed the first book in the Winter Park series, Happy Wife, which centered on Nora.  While I would recommend reading that one just for the back story, it's not necessary to enjoy this one fully.  Told from two different timelines and full of interesting characters in an atmosphere where everyone has a few skeletons in their closet, the twists and turns in this book will keep you flipping the pages.  I'm always up for a good domestic suspense because who knows what all those neighbors are getting up to in their so-called perfect lives, so here's hoping for another book in this series!

7.14.2026 - This Changes Everything

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for gifting me a digital ARC of the new novel by one of my long-time favorites, Lisa Scottoline.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars rounded up!

Julia' rushes from Tuscany back to Pennsylvania when she learns that the grandmother of her best friend, Courtney, has been murdered.  Julia hasn't had any psychic abilities since she got married and had her daughter, but during a phone call with Courtney, she has a premonition.  Despite all the turmoil back home, she is adamant that she must try to help Courtney find the murderer.

This is a sequel to The Unraveling of Julia, and I loved it.  I used to say that I would read a shopping list if Lisa Scottoline wrote it, and that still holds true.  While I'm probably more partial to her legal thrillers, she has proven that she can write wonderful books in just about any genre.  These books have a supernatural element, but still have the tense atmosphere of her normal thrillers.  Plus, this one is ripped out of today's headlines, and there are so many secrets in this small town.  Long time readers will appreciate getting reacquainted with Bennie Rosato and Mary.  Dare we hope for another book featuring Julia? 

7.14.2026 - Country People

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest novel by Daniel Mason, this month's Good Morning America Book Club Pick.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars!

Kate and Miles move with their two children, Olive and Wesley, from California to rural Vermont, where Kate has received a one-year visiting professorship position at a small college.  Miles has been working on his PhD dissertation for years, with no paying job to his name.  The culture shock from organic liberal California to the country is big, but the family and their dog, Giuseppe, enjoy exploring their new world.  In fact, Miles gets involved with a group searching for a mythical world below ours as well.

This is not always an easy read, and there's no real extreme plot.  But I liked the immersion into the every day of their lives into their new world, because it's the every day that makes up our lives.  The intermittent transcripts of radio calls added satire and humor into the sometimes difficult topics of Russian folktales and literature.  What sold me was the family and community bonds, and I closed the book with a smile on my face.

7.13.2026 - By the River's Edge

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing | Thomas & Mercer for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest true crime novel by Gregg Olsen.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4 stars!

In 1990 in Washington state, three women's bodies were found on the banks of the Spokane River. They were part of a close-knit alliance of sex workers whose oath to protect each other was, in the end, hopeless. For twenty-two years their brutal murders went unsolved.  In 2012, a DNA cold hit pointed to Douglas Perry.  A repeat offender, he was currently incarcerated in Texas.  But there was a twist - the facility was for female prisoners.  The man they were hunting was now a woman.

I will always read anything Gregg Olsen writes - and I've read a lot of his books.  The subject matter is always meticulously researched and, especially important in this book, sensitively written.  The story of the nation's first transgender serial killer is a wild one, and it is most definitely sad.  It showcases how mental illness, addiction, and poverty cause so many to live on the fringes of society, always in harm's way, and how evil people exploit that.  The true heroes of the story were the law enforcement officers who were diligent about keeping the women's names and stories in the forefront for decades, wanting to bring some semblance of peace to their families.  

7.13.2026 - The Forest Becomes Her

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, St Martin's Press, and Macmillan Audio for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of this wonderful novel by Julie Carrick Dalton.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars!

In Concord, Massachusetts, a centuries-old forest has been removed to make way for a new, eco-friendly housing development.  The locals are upset, but out-of-towners are flocking to put down roots in their dream homes.  A tragedy soon leaves one of those new residents unmoored, and she feels the pull of the absent forest.  And she's not alone - two other women are experiencing their own trauma and relationship to the land.  They are drawn to save the last remaining oak tree.

This story really touched me, with the three main women characters going through the natural stages in life – adolescence, pregnancy, menopause, illness, grief, guilt, death.  These themes are all entwined with our obligation to take care of our natural world as well.  I felt for each of these characters and loved how they helped each other.  There’s plenty of magical realism here, but it fits in well with the characters’ paths and their connections to each other as well as to nature.  Plus, there’s the underlying mystery of the development and the desecration of the forest.  Fascinating!  The audiobook production and narration were very well done.

7.12.2026 - In Wonderland

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Little A for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest novel by one of my favorite authors, Joyce Maynard.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 stars!

It's 1986, and 14-year-old Frances has always dreamed of a different life, away from her parents too busy fighting with each other to pay attention to her.  When she gets the opportunity to go to the Maine summer home of her dad's childhood friend, Forrest, and spend the summer being a mother's helper, she feels like she stepped into her dream.  But nothing at Wonderland is quite what it seems.

I'm a huge fan of Joyce Maynard, and she has yet again shown why.  While this is a relatable and heart-breaking coming-of-age story and a nostalgic look at a time before our electronic screens took all of our attention, it's also a perfectly-written psychological thriller.  I felt so much for Frances, longing for love and desperate to be an adult, not quite realizing that the adult world and relationships can be so complicated.  She gets drawn into the relationship between Forrest and his wife, Regina, not realizing the consequences.  It explores themes of manipulation, neglect, classism, family secrets.  Absolutely loved the ending.  This is a book that I couldn't put down and is absolutely a must read.

7.11.2026 - Sisterhood Above All

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, St Martin's Press | Saturday Books, and Macmillan Audio for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of the new book by Kathleen Barber, this one co-written with #BamaRush content creator Amayah Shaienne.  The audiobook production featured a full cast narration, which I'm a huge fan of.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4 stars!

Ava has dreamed of being a Gamma at Southern State University forever.  It's the last connection she has to her late mother and she's determined to wear the Gamma letters.  But prospective pledges are expected to earn their spots, so when president Madison asks her for a special favor, she grudgingly goes along with it, only for there to be disastrous consequences.  Rival sorority Theta president Shay tries to rise above all the hyper-rush mentality, but she and Madison have a grudge that goes way back.  

Sisterhood above all - whew!  There is enough drama and mean girl behavior in these pages to curl your hair!  I do love an academic thriller, and this certainly gave a different side of college life.  I have zero experience with Greek life, but appreciate what it should be.  It was good to see some of that positivity and supportive behavior from some of these women.  But reality aside, this was a soapy, fun thriller. - perfect for a summer beach read!

7.10.2026 - Hot Girl Murder Club

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, St Martin's Press | Minotaur Books, and Macmillan Audio for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of the new book by Ashley Winstead, with the audiobook narrated by the wonderful Brittany Pressley.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 3.5 stars rounded up!

Scout Sage, is still grieving the death of her sister 10 years ago at a Hollywood party.  Now an aspiring pop star, Scout becomes the prime suspect in a string of Hollywood murders and all her dreams as well as justice for her sister take back seat.  The young detective assigned to the case begins to unearth secrets about fame and power in Hollywood.

This was entertaining, with lots going on and multiple POV and timelines, as well as focusing on lots of important issues, such as exploitation and harassment, and female empowerment.  I liked Grey, the detective, and her dedication to investigating her own past trauma.  I mostly listened to Brittany Pressley narrate this story, and she was as brilliant as always.

7.8.2026 - The Man

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Putnam Books for gifting me a digital ARC of the new book by Laura Sims.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars rounded up!

It's the 1960s, and Judith Stanley wants to do something just for her.  She takes a photography class at the local junior college, and when she shows her professor, Paul Sorenson, her work, he says that she is extraordinary.  He wants her to consider publication, but she refuses.  But she begins receiving strange phone calls and knows that someone is following her - his shadow shows up in every picture.  She's sure that her attacker from the past is back.  

This book was wonderful in all the best, creepy ways.  You could feel the fear and tension pouring off of Judith, as she tries to pursue her passion.  She's unaccustomed to the praise she receives from Paul, but is frightened and not willing to take things further.  In the second part of this book, things have taken a turn, and we see how quickly ambition can take over our morals.  It left me questioning just what was real and what wasn't, and the ending just added to that feeling.  It's a psychological suspense novel that will leave you looking over your shoulder.   I loved this author's previous book, How Can I Help You, and this was another winner.

7.7.2026 - Habits of the Sea

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster | Atria Books for gifting me a physical and digital ARC of the new book by Shea Ernshaw.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars rounded up!

The night Clay Lockhart's wife dies, a violent storm tears their home and the land beneath it away from the Scottish coast, sending it adrift into the Atlantic.  Thirty years later, 12-year old Ellie discovers the fabled floating island and finds Clay still living in the farmhouse on the hill.  When the island vanishes overnight, no one believed that Ellie saw the island and she even questions herself.  But decades later, the island resurfaces.  Ellie, now in her 30s, returns, determined to uncover the truth.  What she finds is Clay, who hasn't aged a day.

This book is a lot of things - a mystery, a romance, magical realism, climate control warning - but it is all wrapped up perfectly with such beautiful, lyrical writing.  It's magical, mystical, and I was entranced from the beginning.  Clay and Ellie's story is the central part of the book, and it's definitely a love story for the ages.  It's a book that will break your heart, but yet it still feels hopeful, that life and love will outlast everything.  I truly felt transported while reading this and was sorry when it was over.  Don't miss it!

7.7.2026 - Pretty Dead Things

Many thanks to NetGalley, St Martin's Press | Minotaur Books, and Macmillan Audio for gifting me a digital and audio ARC of the new book by Kelsey Cox, narrated by a talented cast.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars!

Twenty-five years ago, Isabelle Whitmore vanishes without a trace.  In the present, Isabelle's sister, Ingrid, returns home just in time for a construction crew to start digging up the ranch owned by Isabelle's boyfriend, who was always suspected of the crime.  The pagent girls and now pagent moms, and the same toxic relationships fester.  Everything comes to a boiling point as an ice storm brings down the power grid during the pagent, trapping everyone inside.  

The full cast on this audiobook made this a real listening treat, to go along with a wonderful, twisty story told from two different timelines, including a cold case disappearance from decades ago.  Taking place in small town Texas, where the girls are mean and the pageant life is all important, it’s filled with so many potential suspects.  So of course it’s also filled with over-the-top situations, but that ending?  Mind blown.  After Cox’s wonderful debut, Party of Liars, definitely no sophomore slump here.  The perfect summer thriller is here!

7.6.2026 - Everything Was Beautiful and Nothing Hurt

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster | Avid Reader Press for gifting me a digital ARC of this amazing debut novel by Ben Reeves.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 stars!

Travis is Death in the modern world. He doesn't look like the Grim Reaper; instead, he's young and handsome, wears jeans and a T-shirt and lives in a small town.  He's a watcher whose job is to offer people comfort in their final hours of life.  He remembers each death he witnesses.  Then he meets the neighbors across the hall - single mother, Dalia and her young daughters - and he loses some of his detachment.

Oh my goodness, this book.  I sincerely hope that readers don’t pass this book by because it is sad.  It is sad and a reminder that death will come for all.  But it's such a beautiful look into ordinary lives and what's meaningful at the end.  Of course it's a reminder to appreciate life while we have the privilege to have it, but it's so uniquely written as to go beyond those platitudes.  In between the main story of Travis's burgeoning feelings for Dalia and her family, we get little glimpses into some of the deaths that he witnesses.  It's also interesting that Dalia is a midwife, bringing new life into the world as Travis shepherds them home.  These stories are indeed sad and yet so comforting to those who grieve, reminding us that life is all the more precious because it is not forever.  I'm hoping that we all have a Travis to be with us as we begin life after this one.  A remarkable debut that I'll be thinking about for a long time.  Highly recommended.

7.5.2026 - The Great Wherever

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Henry Holt & Company, and Macmillan Audio for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of the debut novel by Shannon Sanders, with the audiobook narrated wonderfully by Keylor Leigh.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4 stars!

Aubrey is grieving the recent loss of her father as well as the end of a relationship.  At 32, she's working multiple gig jobs and struggling to survive in Washington DC.  When she learns that she has inherited a shared stake in a Tennessee farm from her father, she's hoping it will help get her out of debt.  But when she meets with the relatives with whom she now shares ownership of the farm, she discovers the backstory of the land.  The wishes of the Black man who bought and owned it ended up dividing the family and drawing attention from outsiders.  

Okay, first, this book makes me feel that everyone really needs to prioritize inheritance issues, because what we want may not be what happens.  I really liked the combination of the supernatural narration of this complicated family drama along with the story of the characters in multiple timeframes.  Plus, the snarky humor from the deceased as well as from Aubrey made for lighter reading portions.  The subject of Black land ownership was eye opening, as always with these historical racism themes.  I felt that the audiobook production was great and the narrator brought life to the story and voices - even the dead ones!  Anxious to read more from this author.