The Bookbinder's Secret by A.D. Bell

Every book tells a story. This one tells a secret.

A young bookbinder begins a hunt for the truth when a confession hidden beneath the binding of a burned book reveals a story of forbidden love, lost fortune, and murder.

Lilian ("Lily") Delaney, apprentice to a master bookbinder in Oxford in 1901, chafes at the confines of her life. She is trapped between the oppressiveness of her father’s failing bookshop and still being an apprentice in a man’s profession. But when she’s given a burned book during a visit to a collector, she finds, hidden beneath the binding, a fifty-year-old letter speaking of love, fortune, and murder.

Lily is pulled into the mystery of the young lovers, a story of forbidden love, and discovers there are more books and more hidden pages telling their story. Lilian becomes obsessed with the story but she is not the only one looking for the remaining books and what began as a diverting intrigue quickly becomes a very dangerous pursuit.

Lily's search leads her from the eccentric booksellers of London to the private libraries of unscrupulous collectors and the dusty archives of society papers, deep into the heart of the mystery. But with sinister forces closing in, willing to do anything for the books, Lilian’s world begins to fall apart and she must decide if uncovering the truth is worth the risk to her own life.

Kindle Edition, 391 pages

Expected publication January 13, 2026 

by St. Martin's Press

3.5 stars

The Bookbinder’s Secret was my first time reading A.D. Bell,  I was instantly drawn into the early 1900s setting and the dusty, bookish theme. It releases in a months time.

Following  Lily, a skilled bookbinder who uncovers clues to a mystery dating back over fifty years. As she starts piecing together a past that was mysteriously woven into the binding of an old book her life takes a turn of intrigue, mystery and ultimately danger.  This danger has her traveling far and wide, searching and running. 

Where the novel didn’t land as strongly for me was in the romantic thread. It felt underdeveloped and because of that, I struggled to connect with Lily on a deeper emotional level. The plot held my interest, but the character dynamics didn’t quite resonate.

Still, the atmosphere, unique plot, and compelling old mystery made this a solid, enjoyable read. Honestly though I would have loved more of the past story to even things out a bit.

My thanks to St. Martin's Press for a digital arc in exchange for a honest review.

The Lost by Sarah Beth Durst

A re-release of a fully updated and expanded edition of THE LOST, with a brand-new ending. Against the backdrop of a desolate and mystical town, this arresting, fantastical novel explores one woman’s impossible journey—and her quest to find her fate.

Lost your way?

Your dreams?

Yourself?

Welcome to Lost.

It was supposed to be a small escape. A few hours' driving before turning around and heading home. But once you arrive in Lost…well, it's a place you really can't leave. Not until you're Found. Only the Missing Man can send you home. And he took one look at Lauren Chase and disappeared.

So Lauren is now trapped in the town where all lost things go—luggage, keys, dreams, lives—where nothing is permanent, where the locals go feral and where the only people who don't want to kill her are a handsome wild man called the Finder and a knife-wielding six-year-old girl. The only road out of town is engulfed in an impassable dust storm, and escape is impossible…

Until Lauren decides nothing—and no one—is going to keep her here anymore.

Kindle Edition, 340 pages

Published November 11, 2025

 by MIRA

3.5/5 stars

The Lost is a a compelling blend of YA fantasy and magical realism, a re-release by one of my favorite go-to authors.  Sarah Beth Durst builds worlds that are unique, kinda quirky and delivers relevant subject matters.

Built around a quietly unsettling premise: a town where lost things and sometimes lost people, seem to gather. When Lauren stumbles into this place, her ordinary life slips away, replaced by strange rules, unusual residents and a sense that nothing quite behaves as it should.

On one hand the atmosphere is almost dreamlike and kinda disorienting yet it is grounded enough that Lauren’s emotional journey remains relatable. It was mysterious as well with a cast of characters who each bring their own layers of intrigue and unpredictability.

Even though the pacing drifted in a few spots, overall the story delivers an imaginative escape with touches of whimsy and tension. The Lost is an engaging YA read that blends fantasy and magical realism in a thoughtful, slightly eerie way, perfect for readers who enjoy stories that sit between the real and the impossible.

My thanks to the publisher for a digital arc (via Netgalley) in exchange for a honest review.

Strangers in the Villa by Robyn Harding

A psychological thriller about a couple rocked by infidelity who moves to a villa in Spain’s Costa Brava to rebuild their relationship, only to welcome a pair of visitors who have no intention of leaving.

Sydney Lowe’s life in New York is shattered when her husband, Curtis, admits to a meaningless affair with a client. Begging for forgiveness and vowing to prove his devotion, Curtis suggests the couple retreat to a remote hilltop house in Spain to repair their marriage.

High above the Mediterranean, Sydney and Curtis are working on the isolated property and their relationship when a pair of Australian travelers turns up at their door in dire need of help. Lonely for companionship and desperate for free labor, Sydney and Curtis invite the attractive young couple to stay. But as the days pass, dark secrets come to light, the Lowes’ bond is tested, and not everyone will leave the villa alive.

Kindle Edition, 336 pages

Expected publication March 3, 2026

 by Grand Central Publishing

4.5/5 stars

Robyn Harding is a Canadian author who has long been an auto-read for me, so I was thrilled to get an early look at Strangers in the Villa, which releases in March...yea I couldn't wait to read it.  I picked it up one evening 'just to start' and before I knew it, I had devoured the whole thing within a couple days.

The story follows Sydney and Curtis, a couple from bustling New York hoping that a dramatic change of scenery and pace will help them reconnect and reset their marriage. Their solution? Buying a secluded villa in Spain, a gorgeous property full of promise, potential, and the hope of second chances. But isolation can be a double-edged sword and when an Australian couple shows up on their doorstep with car trouble, Sydney and Curtis welcome the company… at first. It doesn’t take long before the cracks begin to show, the atmosphere tightens, and the sense of unease slowly but steadily creeps in.

What unfolded was a intriguing and twisty mystery that kept me on my toes from start to finish. Every character comes with their own baggage, some heavier than others - and while I wouldn’t say I sympathized with any of them, that actually worked in the book’s favor. The different povs kept me on alert as to what was slowing playing out.  It was suspenseful with a nice pace, shortish chapters and cliff hanger chapter endings.  Everything I love in a good suspense mystery.

Another winner from an author I’ll always read.

Big thanks to  Grand Central Publishing for a digital arc (via Netgalley) in exchange for a honest review.

A Box Full of Darkness by Simone St. James

Siblings return to the house they fled eighteen years before, called back by the ghost of their long-missing brother and his haunting request to come home.

Strange things happen in Fell, New York: A mysterious drowning at the town’s roadside motel. The unexplained death of a young girl whose body is left by the railroad tracks. For Violet, Vail, and Dodie Esmie the final straw was their little brother's shocking disappearance, which started as a normal game of hide-and-seek.

As their parents grew increasingly distant, the sisters were each haunted by visions and frightening events, leading them to leave town and never look back. Violet still sees dead people—spirits who remind her of Sister, the menacing presence that terrorized her for years. Now after nearly two decades it’s time for a homecoming—because Ben is back, and he’s ready to lead them to the answers they’ve longed for and long feared.

Kindle Edition, 344 pages

Expected publication January 20, 2026

by Berkley

3.25/5 stars

Simone St. James has been one of my go-to Canadian authors ever since The Broken Girls, a book I absolutely loved and continue to recommend every chance I get. Her signature blend of mystery and the paranormal has always worked for me, so I was eager to dive into this her latest, A Box Full of Darkness, which releases next month.

This story follows three adult siblings who return to their childhood home 18 years after the disappearance of their six-year-old brother, Ben. It happened on a snowy winter day during a simple game of hide-and-seek… and then he is just gone. No footprints in the snow, no signs he left the property, nothing. That impossible mystery has haunted them ever since and their return home forces them to confront the truth about what really happened.

St. James leans even more heavily into the paranormal here, weaving an atmosphere that’s moody, eerie, and full of tension. While I enjoyed the setup and her trademark supernatural flare the story didn’t grip me quite as tightly as some of her earlier novels. And I have to admit, the ending did left me with a number of unanswered questions, more than I usually expect from her work.

Still, the central mystery of what happened to little Ben kept me turning the pages. A solid, atmospheric read with that classic Simone St. James chill, even if it isn't my personal favourite. I’ll always be excited for whatever she writes next.

Big thanks to Berkley Publishing (via Netgalley) for a digital arc in exchange for a honest review.

The Charmed Library by Jennifer Moorman

The Charmed Library, a love letter to libraries, favorite childhood stories, and readers who have fallen for fictional heroes.

Like many other public libraries, the one in Blue Sky Valley, North Carolina, is a haven for readers. But it's also unlike any other. In this library, fictional characters step off the page into real life. Assistant librarian Stella Parker has no idea. Still reeling from her father's death and--more recently--a breakup, she hasn't noticed. All she knows is she's stuck in a job she's overqualified for and stumped about what to do with her life.

Everything changes when she burns her beloved journal.

Words matter to Stella. For as long as she can remember, she's seen them. Words appear--in varying colors and fonts--rising from surfaces, bouncing over objects, and even wiggling out of people. Words give her insight into emotions and untold stories. But the words change for Stella after she burns her journal. Suddenly they're demanding, urgent--and painful.

Then Stella stumbles upon strange characters in the library after hours. One is an oddly familiar World War II soldier who introduces himself as Jack--Jack Mathis, the main character from her favorite book. A fictional hero and Stella's first crush. Standing in front of her in the flesh.

Jack tells Stella about the magic hidden in the library. Skeptical, Stella rashly invites a villain to visit, and chaos ensues. As she discovers the importance of protecting the library's secret and gets to know the real Jack, words continue to appear. What are they trying to tell her?

Much too quickly, Stella is faced with the reality that all stories must end, and magic comes at a price. The characters who visit the library can only stay for fourteen days. And Jack's time is almost up.

The Charmed Library invites readers to escape to a world where words come alive and book boyfriends leap off the page.

Kindle Edition, 352 pages

Audiobook, 11 hours, 41 minutes

Expected publication

January 6, 2026 by Harper Muse

3.5 stars

This was my first time reading Jennifer Moorman, I read part on Kindle and listened to part on audio, which made it easy to sink into the story no matter where I was.

The book follows Stella, who’s had a rough go of things lately  - dealing with her father’s passing and a recent breakup. Just when she needs a little light in her life something magical begins to happen, a character from her favorite book comes to life. How could any book lover resist that?

The Charmed Library has a cozy, heartwarming feel that made me think of a Hallmark movie.  The magical realism gave it a whimsical touch and while I’ve read a few stories lately with a similar vibe this one still felt unique and charming in its own way.

A sweet, imaginative read that blends grief, healing and a bit of bookish magic. Perfect for a cozy weekend read when you’re in the mood for something light and hopeful.

My thanks to the publisher (via NetGalley) for both the digital and audio arcs in exchange for a honest review.

Joe & the Wreck of the Tribune by Jacqueline Halsey

Middle grade historical fiction inspired by the real 18th-century shipwreck off Halifax Harbour, and the local boy who risked his life to save those on board.

It's 1797. Joe has lived with Gram ever since the crusty old midwife found him on her doorstep thirteen years ago. He must now earn his keep working as a fisher boy for her bad-tempered bully of a son, Eli. Joe loves the ocean, with its unpredictable moods and rolling waves. Could the Atlantic Ocean be his ticket to freedom? The battered, abandoned rowboat he finds could be his chance to break free from his miserable life and earn his own living. But mysteries surround the boat. The local carpenter is upset at the sight of it, and the initials carved on the boat match those on an old sea chest hidden in the back of Eli's shed. Could this have anything to do with what happened to Joe's parents?

Joe spends his time fixing up the boat and trying to solve these mysteries until a cold, stormy November day when a frigate wrecks at the mouth of the harbour. Joe's neighbours don?t dare launch their boats into the raging storm to save the survivors. Can Joe stand by and listen to the desperate cries of the exhausted sailors, or should he brave the wild Atlantic in his patched-up rowboat and attempt to rescue them?

Inspired by the true story of the shipwreck of the HMS Tribune on the Herring Cove cliffs and the heroism of a boy known as "Joe Cracker," this exciting coming-of-age adventure story is brimming with rich detail and captivating suspense.

Paperback, 175 pages

Published May 27, 2025

 by Nimbus Publishing Limited

4.5/5 stars

Joe and the Wreck of the Tribune is a wonderful piece of Canadian middle-grade historical fiction that completely drew me in. Set in Halifax, this story blends adventure with real moments from our past, giving younger readers (and adults like me) a vivid window into a time and place that doesn’t always get the spotlight.

The story follows Joe, a boy abandoned as an infant on the doorsteps of some cranky people.  But it's his resolute and determination that lead him on a journey of self discovery.  It was this journey that colided with the Tribune wreck.  It was an event that shaped the community and left a lasting mark on Halifax’s maritime past. I loved how the author wove factual history into Joe’s personal journey, making the learning feel natural and engaging rather than heavy or textbook-like. It’s the kind of historical fiction that sneaks in the education, it's not a long book but has depth, adventure and even some mystery.

There’s a great sense of atmosphere here, from the salty air, bustling harbour life, in the year 1797, along with a strong feeling of what it meant to live in coastal Nova Scotia during this era. Joe himself is an easy character to root for - curious, thoughtful and very much the kind of protagonist middle-grade readers will latch onto.

Joe and the Wreck of the Tribune feels like both a history lesson and an adventure. A perfect pick for young readers who enjoy real-world stories, and a great reminder of the rich maritime history in our own backyard.

My thanks to Nimbus Publishing (via Netgalley) for a digital copy in exchange for a honest review.

The Wild Robot by Peter Brown

Wall-E meets Hatchet in this illustrated middle grade novel from Caldecott Honor winner Peter Brown

Can a robot survive in the wilderness?

When robot Roz opens her eyes for the first time, she discovers that she is all alone on a remote, wild island. She has no idea how she got there or what her purpose is--but she knows she needs to survive. After battling a violent storm and escaping a vicious bear attack, she realizes that her only hope for survival is to adapt to her surroundings and learn from the island's unwelcoming animal inhabitants.

As Roz slowly befriends the animals, the island starts to feel like home--until, one day, the robot's mysterious past comes back to haunt her.

From bestselling and award-winning author and illustrator Peter Brown comes a heartwarming and action-packed novel about what happens when nature and technology collide.

Paperback, 320 pages

Published April 7, 2020 

by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

4/5 stars

The Wild Robot is a book I’ve been wanting to read for ages, a recent vacation finally gave me the perfect excuse to dive in. This was my first time reading Peter Brown, I quickly understood why this series is so beloved, I actually picked up Book 2 the moment I finished.

This story follows Roz, a shipwrecked robot who washes up on a remote island with no humans in sight. She has to learn everything from scratch, well she knows a lot just not how to survive, how to communicate with the animals, and ultimately how to carve out a place for herself in this wild, unfamiliar world.  Roz ends up becoming the mother of a gosling, you have to read the book to see why this happens. When this happens things shift, transforming Roz from an outsider into a caregiver and giving the story its beating heart.

I loved the blend of gentle adventure, humour, and unexpected friendships. The island comes alive through short, engaging chapters, and Roz’s journey from mechanical newcomer to devoted mother is both sweet and surprisingly moving.

A delightful start to the series, its warm, charming and full of heart, glad to finally be following Roz on her adventure.

This book was part of my 2025 Reading Off My Shelf Challenge -#45

Overdue by Stephanie Perkins

Is it time to renew love or start a new chapter?

Ingrid Dahl, a cheerful twenty-nine-year-old librarian in the cozy mountain town of Ridgetop, North Carolina, has been happily dating her college boyfriend, Cory, for eleven years without ever discussing marriage. But when Ingrid’s sister announces her engagement to a woman she’s only been dating for two years, Ingrid and Cory feel pressured to consider their future. Neither has ever been with anybody else, so they make an unconventional decision. They'll take a one-month break to date other people, then they'll reunite and move toward marriage. Ingrid even has someone in mind: her charmingly grumpy coworker, Macon Nowakowski, on whom she’s secretly crushed for years. But plans go awry, and when the month ends, Ingrid and Cory realize they’re not ready to resume their relationship—and Ingrid’s harmless crush on Macon has turned into something much more complicated.

Overdue is a beautiful, slow-burn romance full of lust and longing about new beginnings and finding your way.

Kindle Edition, 416 pages

Published October 7, 2025 

by Saturday Books

3/5 stars

Overdue was my first time reading Stephanie Perkins, the bookish title immediately caught my attention. I’ve been on a streak with bookish-themed reads lately, so this felt like it would be right up my alley. 

Overdue follows Ingrid, a 29-year-old librarian who has been with her college sweetheart, Cory, for eleven years. When the relationship starts to feel a little stagnant, they decide to take a one-month break, it should send Ingrid on a path of reevaluating who she is and what she really wants.

It didn’t take long for me to realize that this book might not be for me. Ingrid had one thing on her mind during that break and that focus made it harder for me to connect with her choices. At 416 pages the story also felt a bit long for what it was trying to accomplish. I eventually switched over to the audiobook, which - thanks to an excellent narrator - helped me push through and stay engaged.

While I did appreciate the overall premise and some of Ingrid’s reflective moments, I found myself wishing for more balance. A point of view from Macon, and even Cory, would have added depth and rounded out the story nicely, especially given the emotional weight behind everyone’s decisions.

In the end, Overdue had an intriguing setup and a cozy, bookish vibe.

My thanks to Saturday Books for a digital arc (via Netgalley) in exchange for a honest review.

The Secret of Secrets by Dan Brown

Robert Langdon, esteemed professor of symbology, travels to Prague to attend a groundbreaking lecture by Katherine Solomon—a prominent noetic scientist with whom he has recently begun a relationship. Katherine is on the verge of publishing an explosive book that contains startling discoveries about the nature of human consciousness and threatens to disrupt centuries of established belief. But a brutal murder catapults the trip into chaos, and Katherine suddenly disappears along with her manuscript. 

Langdon finds himself targeted by a powerful organization and hunted by a chilling assailant sprung from Prague’s most ancient mythology. As the plot expands into London and New York, Langdon desperately searches for Katherine . . . and for answers. 

In a thrilling race through the dual worlds of futuristic science and mystical lore, he uncovers a shocking truth about a secret project that will forever change the way we think about the human mind.

Hardcover, 688 pages

Published September 9, 2025

 by Doubleday

3.5/5 stars

I haven’t picked up a Dan Brown novel in a very long time, so diving into The Secret of Secrets felt a bit like revisiting an old reading era. What I didn’t initially realize was that this book clocks in at a hefty 680 pages, but once I was in I was committed. It did take me a while to get through, but overall I’m glad I stuck with it.

This story stays true to the classic Brown formula:  high-stakes, short timeline, plenty of action  and a pace that moves quickly even when the page count doesn’t. There are bursts of adrenaline, twists layered throughout and more than a few moments that lean heavily into science and technical detail. At times it did feel quite scientific, but that’s part of his style - mixing fact, speculation and high-tension storytelling.

The central mystery itself was intriguing and kept me on my toes, especially when the pieces started clicking into place. Even when things got dense, the momentum was enough to keep me reading and wanting to know how everything would unfold.

A long but engaging ride, it was clever, packed with twists and a classic Dan Brown read. A solid return to an author I hadn’t read in years.

This book was part of my 2025 Reading Off My Shelf Challenge (#46)

Detective Aunty by Uzma Jalaluddin

When her grown daughter is suspected of murder, a charming and tenacious widow digs into the case to unmask the real killer in this twisty, page-turning whodunnit—the first book in a cozy new detective series from the acclaimed author of Ayesha at Last.

After her husband’s unexpected death eighteen months ago, Kausar Khan never thought she’d receive another phone call as heartbreaking—until her thirty-something daughter, Sana, phones to say that she's been arrested for killing the unpopular landlord of her clothing boutique. Determined to help her child, Kausar heads to Toronto for the first time in nearly twenty years.

Returning to the Golden Crescent suburb where she raised her children and where her daughter still lives, Kausar finds that the thriving neighborhood she remembered has changed. The murder of Sana’s landlord is only the latest in a wave of local crimes that have gone unsolved.

And the facts of the case are Sana found the man dead in her shop at a suspiciously early hour, with a dagger from her windowfront display plunged in his chest. And Kausar—a woman with a keen sense of observation and deep wisdom honed by her years—senses there’s more to the story than her daughter is telling.

With the help of some old friends and her plucky teenage granddaughter, Kausar digs into the investigation to uncover the truth. Because who better to pry answers from unwilling suspects than a meddlesome aunty? But even Kausar can’t predict the secrets, lies, and betrayals she finds along the way…

Paperback, 336 pages

Published May 6, 2025 

by HarperCollins Publishers

4/5 stars

Detective Aunty was a fun and engaging read, and as someone who already enjoys Uzma Jalaluddin’s books I was excited to dive into this one. The fact that it’s set in Toronto was a big bonus for me - I love a good Canadian setting, and she really brings the city to life in all the best ways.

The premise is a great mix of heart and mystery. After living in North Bay for the past seventeen years following the heartbreaking loss of her son, Kausar Khan returns to Toronto after a frantic phone call from her daughter. There has been a murder and she is the prime suspect. What starts as a worried mom trying to get answers turns into a full-on amateur sleuth adventure, complete with community gossip, unexpected clues and plenty of determination on her part.

There’s a nice balance of humor, heart, and mystery here. Kausar is a great character - warm, stubborn, sharp, and just chaotic enough to make the whole thing feel lively and real. The mystery moves at a good pace and I loved how Jalaluddin weaves in family, culture, and neighbourhood dynamics without ever making it feel heavy.

Overall, this was a enjoyable read - a little twisty, a little heartfelt, very Canadian and completely entertaining. This is the first in new series, I can't wait to see what happens next.

This book was part of my 2025 Reading Off My Shelf Challenge (#44)

Circle of Days by Ken Follett

From Ken Follett comes the deeply human story of one of the world’s greatest the building of Stonehenge.

A FLINT MINER WITH A GIFT
Seft, a talented flint miner, walks the Great Plain in the high summer heat, to witness the rituals that signal the start of a new year. He is there to trade his stone at the Midsummer Fair, and to find Neen, the girl he loves. Her family lives in prosperity and offer Seft an escape from his brutish father and brothers within their herder community.

A PRIESTESS WHO BELIEVES THE IMPOSSIBLE
Joia, Neen’s sister, is a priestess with a vision and an unmatched ability to lead. As a child, she watches the Midsummer ceremony, enthralled, and dreams of a miraculous new monument, raised from the biggest stones in the world. But trouble is brewing among the hills and woodlands of the Great Plain.

A MONUMENT THAT WILL DEFINE A CIVILIZATION
Joia’s vision of a great stone circle, assembled by the divided tribes of the Plain, will inspire Seft and become their life’s work. But as drought ravages the earth, mistrust grows between the herders, farmers and woodlanders—and an act of savage violence leads to open warfare . . .

Truly ambitious in scope, Circle of Days invites you to join master storyteller Ken Follett in exploring one of the greatest mysteries of our Stonehenge.

Kindle Edition, 697 pages

Published September 23, 2025

 by Grand Central Publishing

3.5/5 stars

Circle of Days is Ken Follett’s newest door-stopper, and in classic Follett fashion it’s an ambitious, deeply researched epic. This time he turns his attention to the earliest days of Stonehenge, imagining the people, politics, rivalries, and beliefs that might have driven its creation.

At the heart of the story are Seft, a skilled flint-miner whose life takes an unexpected turn when he leaves all he knows to join a new community. And there is Joia, a young priestess with passion and determination to set the monumental project in motion.  There are many layers as rival clans clash, power shifts and the dream of a great stone circle begins to take form.  Told from a couple different angles gave a vivid glimpse into the history of the times and the struggles that felt authentic.  The research shines through here.

Like many of his novels this one takes its time.  A fair sized cast of characters was a little hard to follow at times.  I was invested in this story, in awe of what could have happened. It’s a fascinating and imaginative take on Stonehenge’s origins, richly detailed and sweeping in scope, even if it didn’t fully hold me in every chapter. 

My thanks to Grand Central Pblishing for a digital arc (via Netgalley) in exchange for a honest review.

Forget You Saw Her by Noelle W. Ihli

She lost her daughter once. Now, she’ll go to hell and back to find her.

Seventeen years ago, Sabina made the most difficult decision of her giving her newborn daughter, Andrea, up for adoption. She’s lived with the guilt ever since, clinging to the hope that Andrea was safe, happy, and loved.

Then the letter from the police arrives.

Andrea Beaumont is a missing person.

Desperate for answers, Sabina dives headlong into a frantic search for the daughter she never knew. But the deeper she digs, the more certain she becomes that Andrea isn’t coming home.

And yet … as Sabina follows the disturbing trail of evidence, she swears she can feel her daughter reaching through her dreams, warning her—and guiding her toward the truth.

But someone else is watching—and keeping close tabs on Sabina’s search. And they’ll do whatever it takes to make sure the truth stays buried.

Inspired by true events, Forget You Saw Her is a standalone prequel to the international bestseller Ask for Andrea.

Kindle Edition, 370 pages

Expected publication November 4, 2025

 by Dynamite Books

5/5 stars

Though Forget You Saw Her is the prequel to Ask for Andrea, it works as a standalone , but honestly I highly recommend reading both. They complement each other with each read offering a unique emotional punch with that touch of paranormal mystery that Noelle W. Ihli does so well.

This is the story of Sabrina, a young woman who made the heartbreaking decision to give up her baby for adoption when she was just a teenager. Seventeen years later the past won’t stay buried, and what follows is an emotional and eerie story about love, loss and the ties that never really break. There’s that paranormal element that is woven in, in the same vibes as Ask for Andrea. It set the tone nicely with the haunting edge respecting a very human story.

Ihli has such a gift for writing emotional suspense. Her characters felt real and flawed, her pacing kept me engaged and the story hits all the right notes - heartbreaking at times, hopeful at others and unforgettable.

If you enjoyed Ask for Andrea you’ll definitely want to pick this one up. And if you’re new to Noelle W. Ihli, like I was then this is a great place to start, just be prepared for a story that will stay with you long after you turn the last page.

My thanks to Dynamite Books for a digital arc (via Netgalley) in exchange for a honest review.

The Forget-Me-Not Library by Heather Webber

A detour. A chance encounter. Two women who alter the pages of each other’s story.

Juliet Nightingale is lucky to be alive. Months after a freak accident involving lightning, she’s fully recovered but is left feeling that something is missing from her life. Something big. Impulsively, she decides to take a solo summer road trip, hoping that the journey will lead her down a path that will help her discover exactly what it is that she’s searching for.

Newly single mom Tallulah Byrd Mayfield is hanging by a thread after her neat, tidy world was completely undone when her husband decided that their marriage was over. In the aftermath of the breakup, she and her two daughters move in with her eighty-year-old grandfather. Tallulah starts a new job at the Forget-Me-Not Library, where old, treasured memories can be found within the books—and where Lu must learn to adapt to the many changes thrown her way.

When a road detour leads Juliet to Forget-Me-Not, Alabama, and straight into Tallulah’s life, the two women soon discover there’s magic in between the pages of where you’ve been and where you still need to go. And that happiness, even when lost, can always be found again.

Kindle Edition, 346 pages

Expected publication November 4, 2025

 by St. Martin's Press

4.5/5 stars

This was my first time reading Heather Webber and what a delightful surprise it turned out to be! The Forget-Me-Not Library is a fun, quirky heart-warming story that blends small town charm with a touch of magical realism.

The story begins when Juliet unexpectedly finds herself stranded in the town of Forget-Me-Not after her car breaks down. What should have been a brief stop quickly becomes something far more meaningful. It didn't take long for Juliet to sense that this is no ordinary town, its where people seem to arrive for a reason. At it's center is the mysterious library where Juliet slowly uncovers that the town and its residents may be connected to her own past and what she truly needs to heal and move forward.

The town itself is a magical character that gently nudging people toward what (and who) they’re meant to find.  With a wonderful cast of unique characters - each one quirky, kind and full of heart. Even Deckle the librarian cat is a little aloof but knows what she's doing.

The Forget-Me-Not Library is a layered and uplifting story and was a pleasure to read.  I will definitely be on the lookout for more by this author.

My thanks to St. Martin's Press for a digital arc (via Netgalley) in exchange for a honest review.

Nash Falls by David Baldacci

When Walter Nash is recruited by the FBI to help bring down a global crime network his life is turned completely upside down.

Walter Nash is a sensitive, intelligent and kindhearted man. He has a wife and a daughter and a very high-level position at Sybaritic Investments, where his innate skills and dogged tenacity have carried him to the top of the pyramid in his business career. Despite never going on grand adventures, and always working too many hours, he has a happy and upscale life with his family.

However, following his estranged Vietnam-veteran father’s funeral, Nash is unexpectedly approached by the FBI in the middle of the night. They have an important request: become their inside man to expose an enterprise that is laundering large sums of money through Sybaritic. At the top of this illegal operation is Victoria Steers, an international criminal mastermind that the FBI has been trying to bring down for years.

Nash has little choice but to accept the FBI’s demands and try to bring Steers and her partners to justice. But when Steers discovers that Nash is working with the FBI, she turns the tables on him in a way he never could have contemplated. And that forces Nash to take the ultimate step both to survive and to take his revenge: He must become the exact opposite of who he has always been.

And even that may not be enough.

Kindle Edition, 448 pages

Expected publication November 11, 2025

 by Grand Central Publishing

3.5/5 stars

Nash Falls by David Baldacci marks the beginning of a brand-new series and delivers a very different feel from his previous novel, Strangers in Time, which I really enjoyed. While that book drew me in through its emotional depth and strong sense of connection, Nash Falls moves in a darker direction, one that explores how a single decision can alter everything.

At the center of the story is Walter Nash, a man whose choice sets off a chain of events with serious and far-reaching consequences. As the story unfolds through shifting points of view I was able to see into the secrets and truths that some remain unaware of. This added tension and some nail biting on my part seeing the ripple effects of  Nash's actions from multiple angles. 

Again this was another combo reading and listening formats for me, keeping me immersed when I didn't want to stop reading (listening).  Nash Falls didn’t quite hit the same emotional mark for me as Strangers in Time, it was still an engaging and well-written read. With its mix of perspective, buried secrets and  suspense/mystery setting a strong foundation for what could become a very promising series. I’m curious to see where Nash goes next.

My thanks to Grand Central Publishing and Hachette Audio for the digital arcs (via Netgalley) in exchange for a honest review.

The Perfect Hosts by Heather Gudenkauf

A couple’s gender reveal party turns deadly and everyone is a suspect.

Is it a boy or a girl? They would die to know…

Cordelia and Wes Drake have invited two hundred of their closest friends and family to their sprawling horse ranch for the most anticipated event of the year: a “pistols and pearls” gender reveal party so sensational it is sure to make headlines. But the party descends into chaos when the celebratory explosive misfires, leaving one woman dead and a trail of secrets.

As the aftershocks of the bloody party ripple across the small town, Agent Jamie Saldano is brought on the scene to investigate. Battling his own demons from the past, Saldano unearths a web of deceit spun around the Drakes. The appearance of some unexpected houseguests only deepens the mystery. And as tensions mount, it becomes clear that the explosion wasn’t just an unlucky accident. But who was the target, and why? As the shadow of a killer looms, the happy parents-to-be must unravel the truth before it’s too late.

Kindle Edition, 320 pages

Expected publication November 4, 2025 

by Park Row

3.5/5 stars

Heather Gudenkauf has long been one of my go-to authors, I try to stay up to date with all of her new releases. 

The Perfect Hosts starts with a bang, quite literally, when a gender reveal celebration goes terribly wrong. The opening chapter introduces a wide range of characters, each with their own backstory and connections to the central couple, Madeleine and Wes, the wealthy parents-to-be.

This is a story about secrets, privilege and the fallout of choices made behind closed doors. The addition of a firearms agent’s point of view brings a strong investigative thread and deepens the mystery. While I didn’t connect with most of the characters, Agent Jamie stood out as the most grounded and engaging presence throughout. His past was mysterious and that thread I found more intriguing.

The Perfect Hosts is a domestic suspense with plenty of layers and an explosive premise, though for me it lacked some of the emotional pull found in Gudenkauf’s earlier works. Still, it’s a solid, twisty read that kept me guessing right till the end - yea didn't see that coming.

My thanks to Park Row for a digital arc (via Netgalley) in exchange for a honest review.

Spotlight: The Shattered King by Charlie N. Holmberg

Brandon Sanderson calls Charlie "a vibrant writer with an excellent voice and great world building."

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The kingdom of Cansere is on the brink of war. Young men are conscripted from their homes, and a royal decree from the queen has made healing the only legal form of craftlock. Nym, a healer and beekeeper, is the sole provider for her family of seven now that her younger brother has been sent to the warfront. But when a letter comes from the queen, summoning Nym to the palace to heal Prince Renn, the kingdom’s ailing shut-in, Nym finds herself making the tumultuous journey from her family’s apiary to the capital city. Nym is determined to fail the queen’s mission and return to her younger siblings as soon as she can.

But escaping the castle’s hold isn’t as easy as failing a simple test. Prince Renn is cold and distant, and his illness is nothing like Nym has ever seen before, nothing she could ever imagine treating. In a moment of connection with Prince Renn, Nym manages to remedy the faintest symptom of his ailment―only to discover that no healer before has made such progress. Forced to become the prince’s official healer and a ward of the castle, and with her only hope of returning to her family hinging on the prince’s recovery, Nym must navigate the castle’s cruel and twisted court and uncover the haunting truth behind Prince Renn’s illness―even as she finds herself irrevocably drawn to him.

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Kindle Edition, 328 pages

Published September 2, 2025

Charlie N. Holmberg is a Wall Street Journal and Amazon Charts bestselling author of fantasy and romance fiction, including the Paper Magician series, the Spellbreaker series, and the Whimbrel House series, and writes contemporary romance under C. N. Holmberg.


She is published in over twenty languages and is a Goodreads Choice Award, ALA, and RITA finalist. Born in Salt Lake City, Charlie was raised a Trekkie alongside three sisters who also have boy names. A BYU alumna, she discovered in her thirties that she’s actually a cat person. She lives with her family in Utah.

Happiness Falls by Angie Kim

When a father goes missing, his family's desperate search leads them to question everything they know about him and one another--both a riveting page-turner and a deeply moving portrait of a family in crisis from the award-winning author of Miracle Creek.

"We didn't call the police right away." Those are the first words of this extraordinary novel about a biracial Korean-American family in Virginia whose lives are upended when their beloved father and husband goes missing.

Mia, the irreverent, hyperanalytical twenty-year-old daughter, has an explanation for everything--which is why she isn't initially concerned when her father and younger brother Eugene don't return from a walk in a nearby park. They must have lost their phone. Or stopped for an errand somewhere. But by the time Mia's brother runs through the front door bloody and alone, it becomes clear that the father in this tight-knit family is missing and the only witness is Eugene, who has the rare genetic condition Angelman syndrome and cannot speak.

What follows is both a ticking-clock investigation into the whereabouts of a father and an emotionally rich portrait of a family whose most personal secrets just may be at the heart of his disappearance. Full of shocking twists and fascinating questions of love, language, race, and human connection, Happiness Falls is a mystery, a family drama, and a novel of profound philosophical inquiry. With all the powerful storytelling she brought to her award-winning debut Miracle Creek, Angie Kim turns the missing person story into something wholly original, creating an indelible tale of a family who must go to remarkable lengths to truly understand one another.

Hardcover, 387 pages

Audiobook, 14 hours, 4 minutes

Published August 29, 2023

 by Hogarth/Random House Audio

3.5/5 stars

This was my first time reading a Angie Kim novel.  I was intrigued by the blurb and grabbed when it became available through my BOTM account.  

Happiness Falls begins with the sudden disappearance of Mia's father during what should have been an ordinary day. The story is narrated by Mia, one of the teenage twins, whose sharp and sometimes unreliable voice guided me through the search for answers. What complicates the situation further is that her younger brother, Eugene, who was the last to see their father, has a rare genetic condition that makes him unable to speak. His silence adds another layer of tension, as the family struggles to interpret what he knows and cannot say.

This was a thought-provoking exploration of family bonds, communication and the secrets people keep from each other. Though the mystery of the father’s disappearance is what drives the plot forward, the heart of the novel lies in how each member of the family processes this time of uncertainty and grief.

This was a gripping story with meaningful themes, though the pacing felt uneven at times and occasionally pulled me out of the story. But still, it was a story that opened my eyes to the different layers, seeing through someone elses eyes and felting empathy for an immigrant family, their language barriers and the special bonds with a son/brother with special needs.

Happiness Falls is an original, layered story that is part mystery, part family drama, one that still lingers even though I finished last month.

This book was part of my 2025 Reading Off My Shelf Challenge, #41

Ask for Andrea by Noelle W. Ihli

Meghan, Brecia, and Skye have just one thing in common.

They were all murdered by the same man.

He hunted them online, masquerading as an eligible bachelor. Then he played the perfect gentleman, a thick layer of charm and a thousand-watt smile hiding the fact that his first dates end in shallow graves.

He’s gotten away with murder three times now.

The only thing that might keep him from killing again? The women he murdered.

Meghan, Brecia, and Skye might be dead, but they’re not gone. They’ve found each other. And they won’t rest until they find a way to stop him.

The haunt is on.

Kindle Edition, 295 pages

Original Published April 15, 2022 

by Dynamite Books

4.5/5 stars

Ask for Andrea was an intense, gripping and heartbreaking read. This was my introduction to Noelle W. Ihli and it has left its mark.  

The premise is chilling: three young women, strangers to one another yet each find themselves in vulnerable situations that lead to tragic ends. Though the story jumps around quite a bit it was never hard to follow and the shifting perspectives only added to the tension. As the story unfolds I listened to their voices as they relived what they endured and how their lives intersected in unexpected ways. It was haunting to witness, especially as their final moments were revealed. It's not graphic but more heartbreaking.

This isn’t a light story by any means, but it’s powerful and deeply affecting. Noelle W. Ihli delivers a suspenseful narrative with raw emotional depth, honoring the voices of her characters while keeping me on edge.

My thanks to Keningston Publishing for reaching out with a digital arc and introducing me to this new-to-me author.

The Hitchhikers by Chevy Stevens

The open road beckons.
A chance for them to reconnect.
Then they make a fatal mistake.

It’s the summer of 1976 and Alice and Tom set out on the remote Canadian highways in their new RV, hoping to heal their broken hearts after a devastating tragedy.

They’ve planned the trip perfectly, taken care of every detail. Then they meet two young hitchhikers down on their luck and offer them a ride. But Simon and Jenny aren’t what they seem. They’ve left a trail of blood, destruction, and madness behind them.

Now Alice and Tom are trapped, prisoners in a deadly game, with nowhere to turn. As the tension builds, the lines blur, and the question becomes, In whose heart does evil truly lie? What secrets are Jenny and Simon hiding? And who will live another day?

A chilling, twist-laden ride to the final page, THE HITCHHIKERS is that rare novel that will break your heart as well as hold you in suspense. The author of the classic thrillers STILL MISSING and THOSE GIRLS has delivered her next breathtaking novel.

Kindle Edition, 379 pages

Expected publication October 7, 2025 

by St. Martin's Press

3/5 stars

Chevy Stevens has long been an auto-read author for me, and one I’ve managed to stay current with over the years. She’s one of those writers I can always count on for an intriguing premise and The Hitchhikers certainly started out with one that had me curious from the get-go.

A chance meeting changed everything for Alice and Tom, especially when they discover who Simon and Jenny really are. Taking place in the 1970's was a refreshing change and getting the different points of view rounded things out nicely. That being said, while the setup was strong I found parts of the story a bit repetitive and the pacing slow at times. Once the last quarter hit, the tension really picked up and I ended up binging the final 25%, and the ending definitely took me by surprise (well, aside from a few unanswered questions that lingered).

What I did enjoy was the strong Canadian setting. Having traveled to some of those same location myself, it wasn’t hard for me to visualize it and that made the backdrop feel even more vivid and authentic. Despite some of my struggles with the flow, there’s no denying Stevens knows how to capture a sense of place.

With all the glowing reviews out there please take this one with a grain of salt. For me, The Hitchhikers landed at 3 stars,  Chevy Stevens remains an author I’ll continue to follow and I look forward to seeing where her next book takes me.

My thanks to St. Martin's Press for a digital arc in exchange for a honest review.

The Austen Affair by Madeline Bell

Two feuding co-stars in a Jane Austen film adaptation accidentally travel back in time to the Regency Era in this delightfully clever and riotously funny debut

Tess Bright just scored her dream role starring in an adaptation of Jane Austen’s Northanger Abbey. It's not just the role of a lifetime, but it’s also her last chance to prove herself as a serious actress (no easy feat after being fired from her last TV gig) and more importantly, it’s her opportunity to honor her mom, who was the biggest fan of Jane Austen ever. But one thing is standing in Tess’s way—well, one very tall, annoyingly handsome person, actually: Hugh Balfour.

A serious British method actor, Hugh wants nothing to do with Tess (whose Teen Choice Awards somehow don’t quite compare to his BAFTA nominations). Hugh is a type-A, no-nonsense, Royal Academy prodigy, whereas Tess is big-hearted, a little reckless, and admittedly, kind of a mess. But the film needs chemistry—and Tess’s career depends on it.

Sparks fly, but not in the way Tess hoped, when an electrical accident sends the two feuding co-stars back in time to Jane Austen’s era. 200 years in the past with only each other to rely on, Tess and Hugh need to ad-lib their way through the Regency period in order to make it back home, and hopefully not screw up history along the way. But if a certain someone looks particularly dashing in those 19th century breeches…well, Tess won’t be complaining.

A wickedly funny, delightfully charming story, The Austen Affair is a tribute to Jane Austen, second chances, and love across the space-time continuum.

Audiobook, 10 hours, 31 minutes

Published September 16, 2025 

by St. Martin's Griffin

4/5

I’ll confess right up front that I am not a big Jane Austen fan, and I usually avoid Austen retellings altogether. But The Austen Affair managed to win me over. It has that Austen-inspired charm without feeling heavy-handed.

Tess Bright is still navigating her grief after losing her mother. She’s someone I connected with, her determination and vulnerability made her an interesting character. .Then there’s Hugh, someone rough around the edges and seems to have lost all sense of joy in life. As their paths cross it was enjoyable to witness how this story played out.  It was a complicated relationship especially when they find themselves stranded in Jane Austen era.

The Austen Affair is a story of family, grief and determination. There is witty dialogue and heartfelt moments without going overboard for this non Jane Austen reader while at the same time peeking my interest into some of her books  

I listened to the audiobook, the narration was excellent, it enhanced the story.  I ended up finishing the whole thing within just 24 hours.

Overall, The Austen Affair was a delightful surprise and a solid read for me. It’s charming, smart and heartfelt, with characters you can root for and a plot that kept me turning pages (or in my case, listening straight through).

My thanks to Macmillan Audio for advanced copy in exchange for a honest review.

Shadows in the Moonlight by Santa Montefiore

To settle the restless ghost haunting an English manor in the present day, timeshifter Pixie Tate travels to the Victorian era to solve the mystery of a missing child. There, she accidentally meets the love of her life. 

A restless ghost. A forbidden love. An impossible choice…

When Pixie Tate is summoned to the wild Cornish coast to unravel a curious mystery at the stately St Sidwell Manor, she knows that something quite extraordinary must be hiding in its shadows.

Over one hundred years ago, in the dark of night, a child vanished from his bed never to be seen again—and Pixie must now discover the truth of those final moonlit hours.

As she loses herself in the past, secrets are revealed, love affairs exposed and, ultimately, Pixie will be forced to make a devastating choice that will change her life forever...

Paperback, 368 pages

Published August 19, 2025

 by Simon & Schuster

4/5 stars

Shadows in the Moonlight is set against the sweeping beauty of the English countryside, a story that revolves around an old estate that holds secrets spanning generations. When the present collides with the past family mysteries that have long been buried begin to surface, changing the lives of those in the modern day.

Santa Montifore has yet to disappoint me.  She can weave between timelines smoothly, blending the historical storyline with the present. Her characters are unique and I loved Pixie Tate.  She is the thread that connects these 2 timelines with warmth, wisdom and some mysticism. 

Not only is the past richly drawn, full of atmosphere and detail, but the present day has relatable characters wondering if it was a huge mistake to move to this manor in the dead of winter. 

Montefiore’s descriptive writing shines here, the moonlit gardens, ancient halls and rolling countryside all felt vivid and alive, pulling me deeper into the story. Actually the estate itself almost became a character, with its hidden corners and echoes of history.

Shadows in the Moonlight is a story about how the past lingers and continues to shape the present and how secrets - no matter how deeply buried - always find their way back. 

I recommend this to readers who love a good dual timelines story with historical family dramas.

My thanks to Simon & Schuster CA for a print ARC in exchange for a honest review.

The Ghost of Wreckers Cove by Angelica Del Campo

Two young girls and their father move next to an abandoned lighthouse, where the girls meet a strange new friend and work together to try to solve the mysteries of Wreckers Cove.

Eisner award-winning cartoonist Liniers and writer Angelica del Campo recreate the world of 19th century lighthouse keepers in a delightful supernatural tale about ghosts and shipwrecks, inspired by the real-life story of a heroic young woman who tended an isolated Maine lighthouse many years ago. 

Two young sisters Cristina and Martha and their dad, move to a summer home in a small coastal town located near an old nonworking lighthouse. As the two sisters explore the beach and the old lighthouse, they encounter a friendly, albeit unusual, red-haired girl, who turns out to be a ghostly local legend with a heartbreaking story shrouded in mystery.

Kindle Edition, 185 pages

Published November 8, 2022

 by John Lind Publishing and Media

3.5/5 stars

The Ghost of Wreckers Cove is a middle grade graphic novel that blends adventure, history and just the right amount of the supernatural. It follows a grieving father and his two daughters who come to the cove hoping for a fresh start, only to discover much more than they bargained for. The seaside setting is wonderfully atmospheric, mysterious and a little eerie, yet still safe enough for younger readers to enjoy.

I liked how the story kept its focus on family and friendship at the heart of this adventure. The bond between the girls and their dad felt genuine and the ghostly mystery added suspense without overshadowing the emotional core. While it didn’t completely sweep me away, it was still an engaging and heartfelt read. I think middle grade readers who enjoy a mix of family, courage and a little spookiness will have fun with this one.

My thanks to the publisher for a digital copy in exchange for a honest review.

Call of the Camino by Suzanne Redfearn

From the bestselling author of In an Instant comes a deeply moving novel following the transformative journeys of two women walking entwined paths on a legendary route across Europe a generation apart.

Reina Watkins lost her father when she was eight. Seventeen years later, she still carries that grief. When her budding journalism career takes an unexpected turn, it leads her to the ancient five-hundred-mile Camino de Santiago in Spain. Now she finds herself embarking on the same pilgrimage that her father made at her age, unaware of how profoundly it will change her.

Back in 1997, Isabelle Vidal is a teenager on the run. Fleeing from her boarding school, she heads straight for the Way of Saint James. She’s heard the Camino will provide. And so it does, in the form of a handsome young American and the promise of a new life. But it could all fall apart if her troubles catch up with her.

One woman is coming to grips with her past; the other is grasping for her future. But as each treads the same hallowed trail, it will knot their destinies together in a most miraculous way.

Kindle Edition, 295 pages

Expected publication October 1, 2025

 by Lake Union Publishing

4/5 stars

I enjoyed Hush Little Baby by Suzanne Redfearn and jumped at the chance to review this her latest.  Call of the Camino was a rewarding read. Set along the famous Camino de Santiago, this novel is as much about the journey of the soul as it is about the miles walked. I was immediately pulled into the pilgrimage atmosphere with its breathtaking landscapes, the mix of strangers becoming companions, and the way each step seemed to bring the characters closer to their truths.

Layered with multiple perspectives each character carried its own secrets and struggles and slowly watching these unfold added a richness to the story and emotional depth. The central mystery kept me turning the pages,  I enjoyed how the past and present wove together seamlessly, giving the book a sense of both urgency and reflection. It’s the kind of story that makes you think about your own journey and what you carry with you along the way.

Like I said this is only the second book I’ve read by Suzanne Redfearn, but it’s convinced me to dive deeper into her backlist. If Call of the Camino is any indication, there are many more powerful, heartfelt stories waiting.

My thanks to Lake Union Publishing for a digital ARC in exchange for a honest review.

The Executioners Three by Susan Dennard

From New York Times bestselling author Susan Dennard comes The Executioners Three, a mystery filled with rivalry, romance, best friends, and a gruesome curse that dates back centuries.

Freddie Gellar didn't mean to get half the rival high school arrested. She’d simply heard shrieks coming from the woods, so she’d called the cops like any good human would do. How was she supposed to know it was just kids partying?

Except the next day, a body is found. And while the local sheriff might call it suicide, Freddie's instincts tell her otherwise. So, like the aspiring sleuth (and true X-Files aficionado) she is, Freddie sets out to prove there's a murderer at large.

Kindle Edition, 304 pages

Audiobook, 9 hours, 12 minutes

Published August 26, 2025

 by Tor Teen and Mcmillan Audio

4/5 stars

I was attracted to The Executioners Three because of the cover which was quickly followed up with the blurb. 

I was drawn within the first couple of chapters.  With a cast of unreliable characters and that supernatural element that drew on past events. This was my kind of mystery that had tension and suspense.  Add in some good banter and I was in my happy place. 

Told from a number of different view points rounded everything out, each one added a fresh layer and kept me piecing things together in new ways. This unique mystery kept me guessing all the way through, there were plenty of twists that made me want to keep turning the pages. The past storyline wove in nicely creating a Gothic feel. Freddie is a fun character, she is creative and kinda fun to hang out with.

Susan Dennard is a new author for me, I will be checking out her backlist.

My thanks to Tor Teens and Mcmillan Audio for digital arcs in exchange for a honest review.

Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt

From Newbery Honoree and E. B. White Award–winning author Natalie Babbitt, Tuck Everlasting is a spellbinding modern-day masterpiece about immortality, friendship, and growing up that’s sure to be an all-time favorite for every generation.

What if you could live forever? In this timeless story young Winnie Foster learns of a hidden spring in a nearby wood and meets the Tuck family, whose members reveal their astonishing discovery of the spring’s life-changing power. Now Winnie must decide what to do with her newfound knowledge—and the Tucks must decide what to do with her. But it’s not just the curious girl who is interested in their remarkable tale. A suspicious stranger is also searching for the Tucks, and he will stop at nothing until he finds them and uncovers their secret.

Audiobook, 3 hours, 10 minutes

Expected publication September 2, 2025

 by Macmillan Audio

3.5/5 stars

This was my first time experiencing Tuck Everlasting, having heard about it I didn't know what it was about so went in blind. Considered a modern classic I was excited to read...well I listened to the audiobook.  The special 50th anniversary edition releases Sept 2.

Tuck Everlasting is a gentle story of life, mortality and what it means to truly live. Sounds like a heavy load but it wasn't really. The narration was clear, though maybe at times a little too subdued. I didn't really feel the key emotional moments, might have been different if I had read the book.  The tension lacked somewhat, I wasn't drawn in like I had hoped. The story itself was interesting enough and for middle grade readers it fits the bill. There is adventure, mystery and family all packed in.

It isn't a long audiobook and the book itself is only 148 pages, a nice way to spend a rainy (or hot, hot) afternoon.

My thanks to Macmillan Audio for an e-audio in exchange for a honest review.

The Portal Keeper by David Alexander Robertson

Eli and Morgan experience life-changing revelations in the fourth adventure in the award-winning, Narnia-inspired Indigenous middle-grade fantasy series, now in paperback.

While exploring World's End, an area in Aski they've just discovered, Morgan and Emily delight in their developing relationship, while Eli struggles to understand his new-found the ability to locate a portal. A shocking turn of events leads them to a new village, Ministik, where the animal beings who live there are going missing. Horrified to discover who is responsible, the children vow to help and turn to friends, old and new. But it's getting harder and harder to keep the two worlds separate, especially when details of a traditional legend change everything. 

Forever.

Paperback, 256 pages

Audiobook, 7 hours, 35 minutes

Published July 2, 2024

 by Tundra Books

3.5/5 stars

The Portal Keeper, is the 4th book the Misewa Saga. It's another imaginative and heartfelt journey into the richly woven world of Indigenous storytelling. Robertson continues to blend fantasy and Cree culture in a way that feels both magical and meaningful.

Morgan and Eli continue into new realms and face fresh challenges that test their courage, wisdom and friendship. Being the 4th book I wondered what could be next and again the Misewa world expands in new ways  that offer new characters and settings.

I don't really want to say too much, especially for those that haven't started this series.  Book 6 just released today.  Suffice to say this is an adventure filled series with emotion and cultural insight.  I definitely recommend reading this series in order.  Though written for the middle grade readers this adult is enjoying this series.

This book is part of my 2025 Reading Off My Shelf Challenge - #40