Ever wondered what mourning looked like before hashtags and sympathy casseroles? In How to Grieve Like a Victorian, Amy Carol Reeves takes us on a delightfully macabre stroll through the 19th century, where grief wasn’t just an emotion—it was practically a lifestyle. Think jet-black dresses, elaborate etiquette manuals, and enough memorial jewelry to make Hot […]
Dive into the captivating world of deception and self-discovery with Jillian Cantor’s The Greatest Lie of All. This intriguing novel intricately weaves the lives of its characters with a compelling narrative that kept me guessing throughout. Cantor’s storytelling prowess shines through as she explores the themes of truth, lies, and the profound impact they have […]
Stepping into the pages of Gu Byeong-mo’s Apartment Women is like entering a vibrant tapestry of everyday lives intricately woven with themes of community, resilience, and the quiet strength of women. This remarkable novel offers a window into the heart and soul of apartment living in modern South Korea, bringing to life a chorus of […]
Imagine yourself swept away to the lush landscapes and vibrant spirit of Hawaii, where secrets from the past intertwine with the present in a gripping tale of love, loss, and courage. Welcome to the world of The Maui Effect by Sara Ackerman. As a reader who revels in stories that transport you to another place […]
This week I listened to the latest book from Brenda Novak, THE BANNED BOOKS CLUB. This book is full of small-town gossip, family loyalty being put to the test, and emotional reckonings. Here’s an excerpt and my review is at the end. “Wait…you’re not still running that book club you started in high school, are […]
Happy weekend! I ended this week with a fantastic historical novel set in England during World War II, THE BOOKLOVER’S LIBRARY. Featuring a widow who’s entire life has been books just trying to get by with her daughter when World War II becomes a real threat to Nottingham. Here’s an excerpt and my review is […]
Do you love novels with dual timelines that feature strong-willed and ambitious women who seem to have the odds stacked against them? Sara Ackerman writes fantastic historical novels with ties to the present, and this time it’s set in her home state of Hawaii. A woman who wants to fly in the Dole Air Race […]
I’ve never read a Robyn Carr book, so I was glad to dive into her latest novel, THE FRIENDSHIP CLUB. Here’s an excerpt from the book and my review of the audiobook follows. ONE “And that’s a wrap,” the director said. “I think I have everything I need. I’ll do some editing and you can […]
THE ROARING DAYS OF ZORA LILY by Noelle Salazar is my favorite book that I’ve listened to so far this year. It was absolutely magical and heartbreaking, yet full of love and hope as well. Here’s an excerpt from the book and stick around for my review at the end. Washington, DC, 2023 The fluorescent […]
Happy Friday! It’s that time of year again: the time for all the wonderful holiday books that are launching in the next few months. Today, I have an excerpt from Sarah Morgan’s latest book, THE BOOK CLUB HOTEL. I also purchased the audiobook from Audible, so my review is after the excerpt. Hattie “Maple Sugar […]
JOHANNA PORTER IS NOT SORRY is such a refreshing debut novel with a very interesting main character. Here’s an excerpt from Sara Read’s book and my review follows. The Pinedo family cordially invites you to a private party to celebrate the opening of the Nestor Pinedo Retrospective. Friday, January 20. Nine o’clock. Shimon-West Gallery, North […]
Happy Friday! I’ve enjoyed RaeAnne Thayne’s work for a while now, and I had a lot of fun listening to the audiobook for her latest release, Summer at the Cape. Here’s an excerpt for you to whet your appetite, and stick around at the end for my review. 2 VIOLET WILD, FRENZIED BARKING RANG […]
Novels that blend historical and modern timelines can be hit or miss. I really enjoyed Polly Crosby’s latest book, THE WOMEN OF PEARL ISLAND. Check out the excerpt from Chapter 1, and stick around at the bottom for my review. ONE Tartelin Summer 2018 “I do not require diaper changing, I do not require […]
