Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians by Brandon Sanderson,

AN ANCIENT RIVALRY REAWAKENS.

Everything I'd known about the world was a lie.

On my thirteenth birthday, I, Alcatraz Smedry ( yes, I got named after a prison, don’t ask ) received my a bag of sand . And then I accidentally destroyed my foster parents’ kitchen. It’s not my fault, things just break around me, I swear !

I thought the sand was a joke until evil Librarians came to steal it. You’re probably thinking, “Librarians are nice people who recommend good books,” but that’s just what they want you to think! It turns out they’re actually a secret cult keeping the truth from you―a hidden world filled with magical eyeglasses, talking dinosaurs, and knights with crystal swords!

Or so my Grandpa Smedry claimed when he suddenly showed up to rescue me. So now I have to go with him to invade the local library and get that sand back, before it's used to conquer the world. And Grandpa says how I keep breaking things is actually an amazing talent. There’s no way that can all be true, right?

Will I ever make it back home alive?

Paperback, 320 pages

Published May 3, 2022

 by Starscape

4/5 stars

This middle grade gem was actually recommended to me by my son, who is well past the target age group, but insisted it was too fun to miss. And I have to say, he wasn’t wrong. Brandon Sanderson (yes, that Sanderson) takes a break from his epic fantasy worlds to deliver something totally different here: a quirky, funny and delightfully weird story full of wild imagination and clever twists.

Our hero, Alcatraz Smedry (yes, like the prison but apparently its the other way around) turns 13 and discovers on his birthday that he’s not your average kid. He’s part of an ancient feud with - you guessed it, evil librarians.  While most of us think of librarians as kind, quiet people (and many definitely are, I know some), in this world they’re actually part of a secret cult trying to control information and rule the world. Naturally.

There’s a full cast of equally oddball characters with names like Leavenworth and Sing Sing, plenty of puns (some delightfully cringe-worthy) and nonstop action. It's told from Alcatraz's point of view and he's sarcastic, self-deprecating and not exactly the most reliable narrator - which makes the whole thing even more entertaining.

Yes, it’s silly. Yes, it leans into the absurd. But underneath all the humor and chaos, there are some lovely themes about courage, trust and learning to believe in yourself. I laughed out loud more than once and definitely plan to keep going with the rest of this six-book series.

“So, when people try to give you some book with a shiny round award on the cover, be kind and gracious, but tell them you don't read "fantasy," because you prefer stories that are real. Then come back here and continue your research on the cult of evil Librarians who secretly rule the world.”

“By now, it is probably very late at night, and you have stayed up to read this book when you should have gone to sleep. If this is the case, then I commend you for falling into my trap. It is a writer's greatest pleasure to hear that someone was kept up until the unholy hours of the morning reading one of his books. It goes back to authors being terrible people who delight in the suffering of others. Plus, we get a kickback from the caffeine industry...”

This book is part of my 2025 Reading Off My Shelf challenge.

The Thirteenth Fairy by Melissa de la Cruz

Nothing ever happens in Filomena Jefferson-Cho's sleepy little suburban town of North Pasadena. The sun shines every day, the grass is always a perfect green, and while her progressive school swears there's no such thing as bullying, she still feels bummed out. But one day, when Filomena is walking home on her own, something strange happens.

Filomena is being followed by Jack Stalker, one of the heroes in the Thirteenth Fairy, a series of books she loves about a brave girl and her ragtag group of friends who save their world from an evil enchantress. She must be dreaming, or still reading a book. But Jack is insistent--he's real, the stories are real, and Filomena must come with him at once!

Soon, Filomena is thrust into the world of evil fairies and beautiful princesses, sorcerers and slayers, where an evil queen drives her ruthless armies to destroy what is left of the Fairy tribes. To save herself and the kingdom of Westphalia, Filomena must find the truth behind the fairytales and set the world back to rights before the cycle of sleep and destruction begins once more.

Hardcover, 336 pages

Published December 1, 2020

 by Roaring Brook Press

4/5 stars

This is the first book in the Never After series, and while it’s aimed at middle-grade/young adult readers, I think anyone who loves fairytales will find something to enjoy here - I did.

The story follows Filomena, a book-loving girl who's obsessed with a popular fairytale series that she and her friends can’t get enough of. But when the newest book in the series doesn’t release as promised, things start to get weird. Really weird. One of the characters from the story shows up in real life, and before Filomena knows it, she’s pulled into the magical world of her favorite books - complete with a shady Jack (as in Jack and the Beanstalk) who's not exactly trustworthy.

This was such a fun and quick read! It’s packed with familiar fairytale characters, but they’re all given unique twists. The 13th Fairy mixes magic, secrets, family ties and a solid dose of adventure.  It totally sets things up for book two in what will eventually be a five-book series. I’m already looking forward to seeing where it goes next.

This book is part of my 2025Reading Off My Shelf Challenge #34

A Cake Without Candles by Pete Fanning

Nettie Betts has a long list of goals to conquer before she starts middle school. Most importantly:

1. Finish the fort in the woods.
2. Get rid of Aunt Bethany.
3. Track down her runaway mom.

Number One is coming along, no thanks to Cole, her fleeting best friend. Number Two is no easy task, as Aunt Bethany is looking to strangle her after Nettie snuck a garden hose through the window and drenched her while she sat on the couch. Number Three is more of a life goal.

Things are okay until Nettie’s dad’s truck breaks down halfway across the country. From then on, survival becomes her top priority. With her father stranded, Aunt Bethany is ready for revenge. But when she slips and falls trying to extract it, Nettie feels partly to blame.

With her aunt’s foot stuck in a walking boot, a truce of sorts is established. Nettie is surprised to find her aunt can prep and cook like a five-star chef. She has a way with gambling. She cuts hair. She’s a talented artist and has terrible taste in men. Most importantly, she’s an excellent source of family information as Nettie sifts through the bits and pieces she can collect about her mother. But the more Nettie learns, the more things don’t seem to add up. And sure enough, as sixth grade begins, on the eve of her eleventh birthday, Nettie finally lands that missing piece to the past. Only it doesn’t quite fit the picture she had in mind.

Kindle Edition, 188 pages

Expected publication July 1, 2025 

by Apeiron

5/5 stars

How have I not stumbled across Pete Fanning before? A Cake Without a Candle was a total impulse grab on NetGalley - and honestly, what a win!  It might have been the cover.

The story follows Nettie, she is almost 11, school’s out for the summer and with her dad off traveling she is stuck with Aunt Bethany (who makes complicated relationship look like an art form). Cue awkward bonding time.

This book was so funny. The banter is sharp, the characters are messy in the best way and Nettie is pure chaos with a heart. She hangs with people way older than her (thinking 3 hippie ladies), acts before she thinks and constantly stirs the pot. But it’s hard not to root for her when you realize what she’s carrying underneath it all.

A Cake Without a Candle is part coming-of-age, part family drama and part laugh-out-loud therapy session. One minute I was giggling, the next I was hit with a wave of quiet feels. It was sneaky like that.

I’m now officially on a mission to read more by Pete Fanning. Never seen him on social media, which is a shame, his writing deserves more buzz.

Big thanks to BoooksGoSocial for the digital copy in exchange for an honest review.

You Will Never Be Me by Jesse Q. Sutanto

When cracks start forming in an influencer’s curated life, she finds out that jealousy is just as viral as a video in this riveting suspense novel by bestselling author Jesse Q. Sutanto.

Influencer Meredith Lee didn't teach Aspen Palmer how to blossom on social media just to be ditched as soon as Aspen became big. So can anyone really blame Mer for doing a little stalking? Nothing serious, more like Stalking Lite.

Then Mer gets lucky; she finds one of Aspen's kids' iPads and swipes it. Now she has access to the family calendar and Aspen's social media accounts. Would anyone else be able to resist tweaking things a little here and there, showing up in Aspen's place for meetings with potential sponsors? Mer's only taking back what she deserves—what should have been hers.

Meanwhile, Aspen doesn't understand why her perfectly filtered life is falling apart. Sponsors are dropping her, fellow influencers are ghosting her, and even her own husband seems to find her repulsive. If she doesn't find out who's behind everything, she might just lose it all. But what everyone seems to forget is that Aspen didn't become one of TikTok's biggest momfluencers by being naive.

When Meredith suddenly goes missing, Aspen's world is upended and mysterious threats begin to arrive—but she won’t let anything get in the way of her perfect life again.

Hardcover, 336 pages

Published August 20, 2024

 by Berkley

3/5 stars

Going into You Will Never Be Me I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. I’ve had my fill of influencer-driven stories and wasn’t convinced there was much new to say. Still, I picked up the audiobook and ended up doing a hybrid read—and I’m glad I did.

The story follows Meredith Lee and Aspen Palmer - two former best friends whose relationship shattered six months ago. Now they’re more like bitter rivals. Told from alternating perspectives the book dives deep into the glossy, curated world of social media. It shows the pressure to maintain a perfect image and the unraveling that happens when real life doesn’t match the feed.

This was a twisty, suspenseful read. As Aspen’s carefully constructed online persona starts to fall apart, the tension steadily builds until a major twist completely caught me off guard. From that point on, I couldn’t stop reading.

The book doesn’t just explore the online drama but also reveals how the influencer lifestyle affects their personal lives, families and especially mental health. Some scenes felt a little over the top or cringe-worthy (was that intentional). Overall it did heightened the drama. The conclusion was satisfying and wrapped things up well.

You Will Never Be Me is a compelling, dark take on the influencer world. 

This book was part of my 2025 Reading Off My Shelf Challenge (#33)

Night Watcher by Daphne Woolsoncroft

Nola Strate, a late night radio host in Portland, Oregon, listens to stories of hauntings and cryptic sightings for a living. But one foggy evening, a caller describes an eerie scene that triggers memories of Nola’s childhood escape from a serial killer, and she fears he’s back to finish what he started.

Nola Strate is being watched, again.

After an encounter with a notorious serial killer in the Pacific Northwest as a child, Nola has grown up and tried her best to forget her traumatizing night with the Hiding Man. She installed security cameras outside her Oregon home, never spoke of her experience, and now hosts Night Watch, a popular radio call-in show her semi‑famous father used to run. When coincidences lead Nola to believe that she is being stalked, and a caller on Night Watch has a live incident with an intruder in the caller's home—the description of whom is chillingly familiar—Nola is convinced that the Hiding Man has resurfaced and is coming for her.

With a mysterious next‑door neighbor lurking in the shadows, more people getting hurt, the police not taking her concerns seriously, and evidence pointing towards her own father, Nola decides to become, like her listeners, a Night Watcher herself, and uncover the monster behind the Hiding Man's mask.

Kindle Edition, 332 pages

Audiobook, 9 hours, 7 minutes

Expected publication July 8, 2025

 by Grand Central Publishing

3/5 stars

This was my first time reading anything by Daphne Woolsoncroft.

The story follows Nola Strate, a late-night radio host whose world gets shaken when a caller brings up something that drags her straight back to a traumatic night in her past, the night her babysitter was brutally murdered. As new crimes start popping up around the city, Nola can’t shake the feeling that history might be repeating itself and 'The Hiding Man' is back.

There’s a good mix of mystery and some tension here. The story of the past slowly unraveled and showed parallel similarities. I read this one in a mix of audio and Kindle,  both formats worked really well. The audiobook narrator added some emotional weight to the tense moments. That being said, something felt just a little off,  it was intriguing, but not fully immersive for me. I wanted a bit more punch or surprise from the ending. Still, it was a satisfying read overall.

Thanks to Hachette Audio for the audiobook and Grand Central Publishing for the digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Stolen Life of Colette Marceau by Kristin Harmel

Kristin Harmel,  returns with an electrifying new novel about two jewel thieves, a priceless bracelet that disappears in 1940s Paris, and a quest for answers in a decades-old murder.

Colette Marceau has been stealing jewels for nearly as long as she can remember, following the centuries-old code of honor instilled in her by her mother, take only from the cruel and unkind, and give to those in need. Never was their family tradition more important than seven decades earlier, during the Second World War, when Annabel and Colette worked side by side in Paris to fund the French Resistance.

But one night in 1942, it all went wrong. Annabel was arrested by the Germans, and Colette’s four-year-old sister, Liliane, disappeared in the chaos of the raid, along with an exquisite diamond bracelet sewn into the hem of her nightgown for safekeeping. Soon after, Annabel was executed, and Liliane’s body was found floating in the Seine—but the bracelet was nowhere to be found.

Seventy years later, Colette—who has “redistributed” $30 million in jewels over the decades to fund many worthy organizations—has done her best to put her tragic past behind her, but her life begins to unravel when the long-missing bracelet suddenly turns up in a museum exhibit in Boston. If Colette can discover where it has been all this time—and who owns it now—she may finally learn the truth about what happened to her sister. But she isn’t the only one for whom the bracelet holds answers, and when someone from her childhood lays claim to the diamonds, she’s forced to confront the ghosts of her past as never before. Against all odds, there may still be a chance to bring a murderer to justice—but first, Colette will have to summon the courage to open her own battered heart.

Paperback, 384 pages

Published June 17, 2025

 by Gallery Books

4/5 stars

Kristin Harmel’s The Stolen Life of Colette Marceau (just released last week) is dual-timeline novel that blends historical fiction with emotional depth. Told from Colette’s perspective in both 1942 and 2018, the story moves between occupied France during WWII and the present day efforts to preserve that history.

I’ve read a few of Harmel’s books, I think she keeps getting stronger, in terms of unique themes and emotion, with each new book. This one pulled me in right away, especially with the Robin Hood theme - those risking everything to help the France Resistance, contrasted with the modern-day work tied to doing good. It’s a compelling setup that explores how the past still echoes decades later.

Things take an emotional turn when Colette, now nearly 90, comes across something that sends her straight back to the trauma of losing her little sister during the war and the guilt associated with those events and how it shaped her life. The characters felt real - some admirable, some frustrating, but all believable. There’s a lot here about memory, family, and what it means to do the right thing even when it's complicated.

The Stolen Life of Colette Marceau is a moving story about guilt, resilience and the importance of preserving history without getting stuck in it. It reminded me that healing sometimes means finally facing what you’ve spent your whole life avoiding.

My thanks to Simon & Schuster Canada for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

The Curiosities by W.H. Eatons

Siblings Marlow and Zach Metzler are curious about EVERYTHING – asteroid-bound space probes, pirate ships in the woods, abandoned hotels hidden high in the mountains. Leo, a neighborhood cat, is curious about NOTHING – not pizza slices, not peacock feathers, not even laser pointers (especially not laser pointers).

But when all the neighborhood birds, insects, and even their favorite teacher vanish, the three face a mystery that neither can solve alone. Racing to find all the missing creatures and stop a possible alien invasion, Marlow, Zach, and Leo must lead a ragtag band of new friends and kitty commandos against zombies, monster cats, and earthquakes to save their town and maybe, THE WORLD!

Audible Audio, 6 hours, 42 minutes

Published May 19, 2025

by Southbound Films

4/5 stars

I snagged the audiobook of The Curiosities from NetGalley when it popped up as a Listen Now and I’m so glad I did, it was a fun middle grade adventure!

The story follows siblings Marlow and Zach, who are curious about literally everything. Then there’s Leo the cat, who’s the total opposite, he wants nothing to do with curiosity (you know, because of the whole 'curiosity killed the cat' thing… he takes that very seriously).

At just under seven hours, this sci-fi/fantasy mystery was a quick and entertaining listen. Nature starts acting weird, a teacher goes missing and suddenly Marlow and Zach are thrown into a wild mystery they’re determined to solve. It’s got a great mix of adventure, weird science fiction and heartwarming sibling teamwork.

The audiobook was well done, but I can imagine the print version, with illustrations would be fun to flip through also. It’s a great story about loyalty, bravery, and stepping outside your comfort zone to protect the people, wild life (and pets) you love.

My thanks to Southbound Films for the e-audio in exchange for an honest review!

Before Dorothy by Hazel Gaynor

Long before Dorothy visits Oz, her aunt, Emily Gale, sets off on her own grand adventure, leaving gritty Chicago behind for Kansas and a life that will utterly change her

Chicago, 1924: Emily and her new husband, Henry, yearn to leave the bustle of Chicago for the promise of their own American dream among the harsh beauty of the prairie. But leaving the city means leaving Emily’s beloved sister, Annie, who was once closer to her than anyone in the world.

Kansas, 1932: Emily and Henry have established their new home among the warmth of the farming community in Kansas. Aligned to the fickle fortunes of nature, their lives hold a precarious and hopeful purpose, until tragedy strikes and their orphaned niece, Dorothy, lands on their doorstep.

The wide-eyed child isn’t the only thing to disrupt Emily’s world. Drought and devastating dust storms threaten to destroy everything, and her much-loved home becomes a place of uncertainty and danger. When the past catches up with the present and old secrets are exposed, Emily fears she will lose the most cherished thing of Dorothy.

Bursting with courage and heart, Before Dorothy tells the story of the woman who raised a beloved heroine, and ponders the what is the true meaning of home?

Kindle Edition, 367 pages

Published June 17, 2025

 by Berkley

3.5/5 stars

As a big Wizard of Oz fan I was excited to get an early read of Before Dorothy. The idea of exploring Aunt Em and Uncle Henry’s lives and how Dorothy ended up with them sounded intriguing, this felt like a fresh angle on a familiar story.

The book moves between Chicago in 1924 and Kansas in 1932, which gave a really clear sense of the contrast between bustling city life and the tough, gritty reality of prairie living during the Dust Bowl. It’s definitely a slower-paced read, but it shines in the way it builds Emily’s character, her relationships, her strength, and the heartbreak she endures. You can really feel the weight of the time period.

While it wasn’t the most fast-moving plot, I appreciated the emotional depth and the way it quietly asked big questions about family, resilience, and what 'home' really means. As a fan of Oz, the subtle nods to the original story were a lovely touch.

Overall I liked it. It didn’t blow me away, but it added a thoughtful layer to the Oz universe and gave some heart to characters we only see in the background.

My thanks to Berkley for a digital arc in exchange for a honest review. 

False Note by David Lagercrantz

A toxic father-son relationship unleashes dark impulses and unthinkable betrayals in a riveting short story by the New York Times bestselling author of The Girl in the Spider’s Web.

William’s father is a beloved opera singer in Stockholm, charismatic and unpredictable. Raised in the shadow of his father’s addictions—women, drink, and cruelty—he knows the man’s dark side. William believes he’s found the light when he falls in love with a fellow university student, a young woman named Ebba. But his father’s hold on his life is not so easily broken. Even in death.

David Lagercrantz’s False Note is part of Alibis, a collection of stories about lies, truth, and deception. It’s just a matter of what you can get away with. They can be read or listened to in one sitting.

Audiobook, 1 hour, 9 minutes

Kindle Edition, 41 pages

Published June 2, 2025

 by Amazon Original Stories

2.5/5 stars

False Note is part of the Alibis Short Story collection recently released through Amazon Original Stories. Each story is written by a different author and they’re all standalone, so you can jump in wherever. This is book 3 and my first time reading David Lagercrantz.

One thing I like about these short story collections is discovering new writers - sometimes it leads me to explore more of their work. 

False Note follows William and his strained relationship with his father, it is set in Stockholm. It’s clear early on that things between them aren’t great and that tension is the main focus throughout the 41 pages. There's a theme of deception and while there’s definitely a lot packed into such a short read, it was an okay story.

I listened to the audiobook version, it was mildly entertaining, the plot felt rushed, pretty predictable and honestly not very original. I couldn’t help but feel like it might’ve worked better as a full novel with more room for depth of character and plot development. But given the size it was an ok read, actually a listen since I went the audio route.

My thanks to Brillance Publishing for a e-audio copy in exchange for a honest review.

Writing Mr. Right by Alina Khawaja

In this charming, delightfully original rom-com, a struggling writer’s muse suddenly comes to life, but can they create their own happily-ever-after?

Legal secretary by day, aspiring novelist by night, Ziya Khan pours herself into writing stories featuring the kinds of diverse characters she loves. In exchange, she’s got a growing pile of rejection letters. When yet another “thanks but no thanks” arrives on the eve of her thirtieth birthday, Ziya decides to throw her novel and her dreams in the trash. End of story.

Except that when Ziya wakes up, there’s a flesh-and-blood version of her muse standing in her kitchen. His name is Aashiq, and it’s his job to inspire Ziya to write again. From singing karaoke to standing up for herself at work, he’s pushing Ziya out of the sidelines and into the world, showing her how to live and love fully.

Even more impossibly, something starts to blossom between them. But as Ziya rediscovers the joy of writing, Aashiq starts to disappear. His job is almost done. And it seems soon Ziya will have to choose: her art…or her heart?

Kindle Edition, 296 pages

Published June 10, 2025

 by MIRA

3/5 stars

Writing Mr. Right caught my eye because of its bookish theme and it's unique premise.  A struggling writer, Ziya, is ready to give up on her dream after yet another rejection. She deletes everything she’s written... only for her muse to show up the very next day. In person. And yes, he’s charming, quirky, and oddly insightful, not to mention kind of attractive.

The story kicks off with a fun and comical tone as Ziya adjusts to being followed around by this mysterious muse named Aashiq.  The banter is light and their interactions entertaining, especially as she starts to open up again creatively. It doesn't take long to know the direction these 2 are heading but the twist, of course, is that he isn't really real. Which adds an intriguing layer to the whole thing.

The author’s writing style is very descriptive, sometimes beautifully so, capturing emotions and settings with vivid detail and at other times it felt a little too much, especially when it came to describing sights, sounds and even smells. But that could just be a me thing.

Overall it’s a sweet, magical read that blends romance, creativity and self-discovery. If you enjoy books about books with a hint of magical realism and feel-good vibes, Writing Mr. Rright is worth checking out.

Thanks to Harlequin Trade Publishing for the digital ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Don't Let Him In by Lisa Jewell

Three women are connected by one man in this kaleidoscopic thriller.

“Who are you? Who are you really?”

Nick Radcliffe is a man of substance and good taste. He has a smile that could melt the coldest heart and a knack for putting others at ease. He’s just what Nina Swann needed in her life after her husband’s unexpected death. But to Nina’s adult daughter, Ash, Nick seems too slick, too polished, too good to be true. Without telling her mother, Ash begins digging into Nick’s past. What she finds is more than unsettling…

“Because there are things that don’t make sense, and I’ve been so patient, so very patient…”

Martha is a florist living in a neighboring town with her infant daughter and her devoted husband Alistair. But lately, Alistair has been traveling more and more frequently for work, disappearing for days at a time. When Martha questions him about his frequent absences, he always has a legitimate explanation, but Martha can’t share the feeling that something isn't right.

“You know that’s mad, don’t you? I’m your husband. We know everything there is to know about each other.”

Nina, Martha, and Ash are on a collision course with a shocking truth that is far darker than anyone could have imagined. And all three are about to wish they had heeded the same warning: Don’t let him in. But the past won’t stay buried forever.

Kindle Edition, 368 pages

Expected publication June 24, 2025

 by Atria Books

2/5 stars

Lisa Jewell has long been one of my go-to authors - an auto-read whose unique plots and unexpected twists usually has me finishing within a couple days. Naturally, I dove into her latest release, Don’t Let Him In without reading any reviews or even looking at the blurb. I was anxious to experience the story fresh, trusting in Jewell's talent to deliver a gripping story.

The novel follows a man who appears charming and confident - someone who believes he's irresistible to women - but beneath that facade lies someone far more sinister. He preys on women from various walks of life, manipulating them with ease. As suspicions grow, the truth about him begins to unravel piece by piece, like a jigsaw puzzle slowly taking shape.

While the premise had all the ingredients of a compelling psychological thriller, the execution didn’t quite hit the mark for me. The pacing was so slow, there were many characters to keep track of and the execution - jumping between similar characters and multiple timelines - made it difficult to stay engaged. By the time the story picked up, I found myself emotionally detached from the characters and their outcomes.

Don’t Let Him In had promise, and I appreciated the clever setup of its central mystery. But overall, it didn’t captivate me the way Lisa Jewell’s previous books have. Longtime fans might still find elements to enjoy, but for me, this one fell short of the mark.

My thanks to Atria Books for a digital arc in exchange for a honest review.

The Maid's Secret by Nita Prose

A wedding. A heist. A secret.

Molly Gray’s life is about to change in ways she could never have imagined. As the esteemed Head Maid and recently promoted Special Events Manager of the Regency Grand Hotel, good things are just around the corner, including her marriage to her beloved fiancé, Juan Manuel, only two months away.

But Molly’s entire existence is upended when a film crew descends upon the hotel to shoot the hit reality TV show Hidden Treasures, starring popular art appraisers Brown and Beagle. On a whim, Molly brings in a shoebox containing a few of her gran’s old things for appraisal, and much to everyone's surprise, one item turns out to be a rare and priceless treasure. Instantly, Molly is both a multi-millionaire and a media sensation—the world’s rags-to-riches darling—until the priceless piece vanishes from the hotel in the boldest, brashest antiquities heist in recent memory.

The key to the mystery lies in the past, in a long-forgotten diary written by Molly’s gran. For the first time ever, Molly learns about Gran’s true-to-life fairytale, a young girl to the manor born, the only child of a wealthy magnate. But when Gran falls head over heels in love with a young man her parents deem below her station, her life is thrown into turmoil. As fate would have it, the greatest love of Gran’s life is someone Molly knows quite well….

Together with her friends, Molly combs the past and the present to catch the thief before looming threats against her become real.

A spirited heist caper and an epic love story, The Maid’s Secret is a spellbinding whodunnit that will capture and warm your heart.

Hardcover, 336 pages

Audioboook, 11 hours, 3 minutes

Published April 8, 2025 

by Ballantine Books/Viking

4/5 stars

And here we have the conclusion to Molly the Maid Series, or is it really ?

This was an audio read for me and I quite enjoyed it. Again told from Molly‘s point of view, but also from her Grans as she takes us through her life story. I’ll confess that I really enjoyed Grans story more, because of its history and what takes place.

Molly‘s journey to the altar is interrupted when she discovers that one of her Grans possessions is worth millions, therefore Molly has now become a target for unsavory characters and the media. How Gran was able to possess such an item is what her past story highlights.

This was a great audiobook and an enjoyable mystery, it was a story of hope, family and love & friendship.  A fitting conclusion for Molly.

This book was part of my 2025 reading off my shelf challenge and is booked number 32.

Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry

Two writers compete for the chance to tell the larger-than-life story of a woman with more than a couple of plot twists up her sleeve in this dazzling and sweeping new novel from Emily Henry.

Alice Scott is an eternal optimist still dreaming of her big writing break. Hayden Anderson is a Pulitzer-prize winning human thundercloud. And they’re both on balmy Little Crescent Island for the same reason: To write the biography of a woman no one has seen in years--or at least to meet with the octogenarian who claims to be the Margaret Ives. Tragic heiress, former tabloid princess, and daughter of one of the most storied (and scandalous) families of the 20th Century.

When Margaret invites them both for a one-month trial period, after which she’ll choose the person who’ll tell her story, there are three things keeping Alice’s head in the game.

One: Alice genuinely likes people, which means people usually like Alice—and she has a whole month to win the legendary woman over.

Two: She’s ready for this job and the chance to impress her perennially unimpressed family with a Serious Publication

Three: Hayden Anderson, who should have no reason to be concerned about losing this book, is glowering at her in a shaken-to-the core way that suggests he sees her as competition.

But the problem is, Margaret is only giving each of them pieces of her story. Pieces they can’t swap to put together because of an ironclad NDA and an inconvenient yearning pulsing between them every time they’re in the same room.

And it’s becoming abundantly clear that their story—just like the tale Margaret’s spinning—could be a mystery, tragedy, or love ballad…depending on who’s telling it.

Hardcover, 432 pages

Published April 22, 2025

 by Berkley

4.5/5 stars

This is Emily Henry’s newest release that felt unlike anything she has written before.

Told from the point of view of both Alice Scott and Hayden Anderson, they are vying for the opportunity to write Margaret Ives biography.  A recluse for the past 20 years her life have been filled with scandal, it's quite the story.

Not only do we get Alice and Hayden‘s point of view but we also get Margaret and what it was like growing up in a family with so many secrets, along with tragedy that made headlines. Suffice to say her family was very scandalous over the century.

Great Big Beautiful Life is a story of tragedy, family, and surprises. I know that not everyone enjoyed Henry’s departure from her usual signature writing, but I found this book quite enjoyable. It could be the history buff in me that enjoyed reading about Margaret’s past or rather her family's and what transpired over the years to bring her to where she is now.  Her story is one of heartache along with  twists that took me by surprise and worked perfectly here.

I alternated with the audiobook, which was read by Julie Whalen, she’s one of my favourites and knows how to transport me into the story as well as bringing the characters to life.

This book was part of my 2025 reading off my shelf challenge (#31). The audiobook was obtained through Cloud Library.

The English Masterpiece by Katherine Reay

Set in the art world of 1970s London, The English Masterpiece is a fast-paced read to the end, full of glamour and secrets, tensions and lies, as one young woman races against the clock to uncover the truth about a Picasso masterpiece. Perfect for fans of Kate Quinn and Ariel Lawhon.

As the recently promoted assistant to the Tate's Modern Collections keeper Diana Gilden, Lily helps plan a world-class Picasso exhibit to honor the passing of the great artist--and she's waited her whole life for this moment. The opening is beyond anyone's expectations--the lighting, the champagne, the glittering crowd, and the international acclaim--until Lily does the unthinkable. She stops in front of a masterpiece and hears her own voice say, "It's a forgery." The gallery falls silent.

Lily's boss, Diana, is polished perfection, schooled in art, and descends from European high society. She's worked hard to become the trusted voice in London's modern art scene and respected across the Continent. The Tate's Picasso Commemorative is to be her crowning achievement, featuring not only the artist's most iconic and intimate works, but a newly discovered painting--one she advised an investor to purchase. But when Lily makes her outrageous declaration, suspicion and scandal threaten everything Diana has achieved, as museums and collectors across Europe, already doubting most post-war acquisitions, fall into chaos and rumors of a world-wide forgery run wild.

All Lily has ever wanted is to follow in Diana's footsteps and take the art world by storm in her own right. Yet one comment puts not only her own career at risk but also her mentor's. Unless . . . Was she right? With the clock ticking and the clues starting to pile up against her, Lily must uncover the truth behind the Picasso before she loses not only the career she's always wanted, but her freedom.

Block off your calendar and lose yourself in The English Masterpiece, a thrilling read that will keep you on the edge of your seat till the very end from the author who brought you The London House and The Berlin Letters.

Paperback, 304 pages

Expected publication June 10, 2025

 by Harper Muse

4/5 stars

Katherine Reay has turned into one of my auto read authors, I am still going through her back list and jumped when offered a print arc of her newest read which releases tomorrow (June 10).

I love that the setting takes place in 1970s London, England. A world void of social media and electronic devices, however it was a time when women were not always accepted in the workplace. In The English Masterpiece Pablo Picasso has just passed away. His art is in demand, and when Lily, assistant to a highly respected Art curator, utters three words her life changes in an instant. Those three words, 'it's a forgery'. Not only is Picasso's painting on display but up for sale as well.

Told from the point of view of both Lily and her boss Diana, we enter into the world of modern art with its inner workings and suspicious activity. I really enjoyed this read. I found it interesting and appreciate the research to the author undertook to bring this story to light. It was well written with authentic characters and certainly reflected the time period.

While The Berlin Letters is still my favorite Reay book, The English Masterpiece follows close behind.  I am looking forward to continuing with my dive into her backlist. I can’t wait to see what she comes up with next.

My thanks to Harper Muse for a print arc in exchange for a honest review.

The Sapphire Widow by Dinah Jefferies

A sweeping, breath-taking story of love and betrayal.

Ceylon, 1935. Louisa Reeve, the daughter of a successful British gem trader, and her husband Elliot, a charming, thrill-seeking businessman, seem like the couple who have it all. Except what they long for more than anything: a child.

While Louisa struggles with miscarriages, Elliot is increasingly absent, spending much of his time at a nearby cinnamon plantation, overlooking the Indian ocean. After his sudden death, Louisa is left alone to solve the mystery he left behind. Revisiting the plantation at Cinnamon Hills, she finds herself unexpectedly drawn towards the owner Leo, a rugged outdoors man with a chequered past. The plantation casts a spell, but all is not as it seems. And when Elliot's shocking betrayal is revealed, Louisa has only Leo to turn to...

Kindle Edition, 365 pages

Published April 5, 2018

by Penguin

2.5/5 stars

Dinah Jefferies is an author that I have been wanting to read for a while. I’ve heard great things about her book The Tea Planter’s Wife, but it was this The Sapphire Widow as my first foray into her writing. Plus I had it on my Kindle.

The Sapphire Widow is the story of Louisa, a recent widow, which takes place in 1935 Ceylon. This was a atmospheric story in that the author vividly described the scenery, the sunsets, basically setting the scene and placing me there. Louisa's story following the death of her husband is one of revelations, secrets and her journey through them all.

I found this to be a slow paced story, though well researched, not as gripping as I hoped it would be. The plot itself was familiar and given that it took me a couple weeks to read this not as captivating. I found I struggled to connect with any of the characters and honestly feel any emotion through this tragic situation.

All in all in OK read for me and I will probably try The Tea Planter's Wife to give this author a second chance.

My thanks to Crown Publishing for a digital copy in exchange for a honest review.

The Sacred Scales by Bryan Davis

A middle grade faith-building fantasy adventure from the bestselling Dragons in Our Midst story world.

In King Arthur’s Camelot where dragons are outlawed, a poor apprentice boy and a dragon-raised orphan girl unravel an evil plot to exterminate dragons from this world and the next.

Hawk spends his days trying to survive as a lowly apprentice in the harsh employ of Master Andrew—a sly shopkeeper making illegal bargains with dragons. But when Master Andrew is hired by Lady Morgan to cheat the dragon Clefspeare out of his promised gemstone payment, Hawk’s faith in God spurs him to action.

Sabina hasn’t had contact with humans in years, not since the kind-hearted dragon Legossi rescued her from the ruins of her burned village. But the forest is no place for a young girl to come of age, so Legossi agrees to have a knight take Sabina to Lady Morgan’s estate. Yet Sabina quickly realizes Lady Morgan has a sinister scheme to wipe out dragons in this realm and beyond. Can Hawk and Sabina warn the dragons and foil Lady Morgan’s plans before it’s too late?

Kindle Edition, 226 pages

Published June 3, 2025

 by Tyndale Kids

4/5 stars

The Sacred Scales is the start to a new series, Dragons of Camelot. Faith based that puts good vs evil as its theme.

A Christian Fantasy that mixes the Arthurian legends along with strong elements of Biblical faith.  There are authentic characters, nice world building and a plot that was intricately woven...plus it has dragons. Following along with Hawk and Sabrina on this journey to protect the dragons was a story of courage and friendship.  I'm looking forward to the next book in series, yes that door is open for a sequel.

This is my first time reading a Bryan Davis book,  I've been eyeing them in our church library though.  I requested as soon as I saw this on offer on Netgalley.  A Christian fantasy that fits right along side of Narnia and geared for middle grade readers.  I am much older then that and quite enjoyed the ride and can't wait to introduce my grandsons to this book.

My thanks to Tyndale House for a digital arc in exchange for a honest review.

The Busybody Book Club by Freya Sampson

A dysfunctional book club must pull together when one of their members goes missing in this bighearted new mystery from the USA Today bestselling author of Nosy Neighbors.

The five members of the St. Tredock Book Club disagree on everything, from the books they read to the biscuits they eat. But when one of the group suddenly disappears and a dead body is discovered at his house, these bibliophiles must put their differences aside to solve the mystery.

Having recently moved to Cornwall, Nova Davies started the book club to impress her new colleagues at the community center, but so far it’s a disaster. To make matters worse, six thousand pounds is stolen from the community center during one of her meetings, putting both her job and the whole center at risk.

Suspicion for the theft falls on book club member Michael, especially when a dead body is discovered at his house and Michael disappears. The police think he’s simply run away, but the other members have their own theories. Agatha Christie superfan Phyllis is determined to prove he’s a murderer as well as a thief, while secret romance reader Arthur believes Michael’s eloped with his mistress, and teenage sci-fi fan Ash thinks dark forces are at play.

While trying to find Michael and recover the money, each book club member has their own secrets to protect. With inspiration from their favorite fictional sleuths, they won’t rest until they’ve cracked the case and everyone is safe at home where they belong.

Kindle Edition, 384 pages

Published May 27, 2025

 by Berkley

4/5 stars

I don’t usually gravitate toward cozy mysteries—if this even fits that genre—but I have to say, this was a surprisingly fun read.

The story centers on a newly formed book club made up of five very different individuals, each with their own quirks, secrets, and backgrounds. What unites them is their shared love of reading—though not everyone is thrilled with every book pick, the meetings are more about connection than the literature itself. (The blurb gives a good rundown of who's who.)

Things take a dramatic turn when a large sum of money goes missing, and Nova finds herself accused. That accusation sets off a chain of events involving a dead body, long-buried secrets, and a determined effort by the group to clear Nova’s name—and save her job in the process.

The Busybody Book Club is ultimately a heartwarming story about unexpected friendship, healing old wounds, and solving a pretty compelling mystery along the way. The characters are delightfully quirky, easy to root for, and the plot had enough twists to keep me engaged throughout. It was a genuinely enjoyable ride.

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

Fifty Fifty by Steve Cavanagh

Two sisters on trial for murder. They accuse each other. Who do you believe? 

“911 what’s your emergency?”

“My dad’s dead. My sister Sofia killed him. She’s still in the house. Please send help.”

“My dad’s dead. My sister Alexandra killed him. She’s still in the house. Please send help.”

One of them is a liar and a killer.

But which one?

Kindle Edition, 384 pages

First published September 3, 2020

Rereleased June 3, 2025

 by Atria Books

3.5/5 stars

Here is another chapter in the Eddie Flynn series, I have read book 8 and 1 - in that order and now the 5th book.  I think they work fine as a stand alone, though I am curious about some of the players.  I hope to read the rest of the series in order.

Fifty Fifty is a fast paced story about two sisters each charged with the murder of their father, both say the other one did it. The story alternates point of view between each of the sisters and Eddie along with another one. It was an intriguing read that kept my attention. There was action along with familiar faces from his other books and yes, I did have to suspend my belief a couple times.

If you like an addicting read with courtroom drama, twist and turns along with unreliable characters, mystery and suspense then I highly recommend Steve Cavanaugh.

Thanks to Atria Books for a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

Spotlight: The Lost Book of First Loves by RaeAnne Thayne

THE LOST BOOK OF FIRST LOVES

By RaeAnne Thayne

Publication Date: June 3, 2025

Canary Street Press

  From New York Times bestselling author RaeAnne Thayne comes a brand-new story about two women, a family secret and a lost manuscript that changes everything… 

Raised by her literary icon father Carson Wells, Alison Wells always felt loved, even though her mother died when she was a teen. But when she takes a DNA test on a whim and discovers she has a sister she never knew about, it’s clear there are things her father didn't tell her before he died. Determined to meet Juniper—her half sister—and unravel the truth of what happened all those years ago, Ali finds herself taking a job as Juniper’s intern. She’ll eventually figure out a way to tell Juniper the truth of their relationship. But she never could have imagined what would happen next… 

Juniper Connolly has always been incredibly healthy…until she wakes up in the hospital after experiencing cardiac arrest, with her new—and recently red—intern to thank for saving her life. It’s clear June needs to de-stress her life a little, so when Ali offers her the use of her family’s cabin in a small Wyoming town, June has no reason not to go. But when she arrives, her life will never be the same. 

Under the wide-open spaces of the Wyoming summer sun, Ali and June will untangle the secrets and lies their lives were built on to discover who they really are and what family really means. But even more than that, they'll build a real relationship with one another and finally become sisters. 

“Readers can always depend on Thayne to provide a compelling story with lots of heart, featuring endearing characters and serious life issues.” —Booklist

 “RaeAnne Thayne will capture your heart with her beautiful, touching stories.” —Robyn Carr, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Virgin River series 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 #1 Publishers Weekly, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author RaeAnne Thayne finds inspiration in the beautiful northern Utah mountains where she lives with her family. Her books have won numerous honors, including seven RITA Award nominations from Romance Writers of America and a Career Achievement Award from RT Book Reviews magazine. RaeAnne loves to hear from readers and can be reached through her website at raeannethayne.com

Beach House Rules by Kristy Woodson Harvey

Kristy Woodson Harvey returns with a delightfully moving new novel about a mother-daughter duo learning to lean on their community of women—and each other—after their world is turned upside down.

When Charlotte Sitterly’s husband is arrested for a white-collar crime, she and her daughter Iris are locked out of their house by the FBI and—what’s potentially even worse—thrust into the spotlight of @JuniperShoresSocialite, the town’s snarky anonymous Instagram account. Cut off from her bank accounts and feeling desperate, Charlotte takes up an acquaintance’s offer to stay at a beachfront former bed-and-breakfast that’s home to a community of single mothers and draws plenty of gossip in the small coastal North Carolina town.

Charlotte and Iris find solace and are surprised by how much fun they’re having with the other families despite their circumstances. But when the women discover a secret link between them, it changes everything they thought they knew about the unconventional family they’ve created and leaves them wondering whether their coming together was a coincidence at all. Will the skeletons in the mommune closets help Charlotte and Iris reclaim their place in the Juniper Shores community—or shatter the sisterhood forever?

Beach House Rules is a charming exploration of the joy of friendship, the true meaning of family, and reclaiming the power to reshape our own destiny.

Paperback, 368 pages

Expected publication May 27, 2025 

by Gallery Books

3.5/5 stars

There is a lot going on in Kristy Woodson Harvey’s new book, Beach House Rules.   

Beginning after Charlotte‘s husband is arrested for security fraud, she is at her wits end as she has to deal with no access to her bank account and even her home. Through a chance encounter, she becomes part of a community called mommune. A home for single moms struggling to get back on their feet.

Told from a couple points of view, one being Charlotte herself, but also her daughter and the owner of this mommune. What follows is a story of rumors, some mystery, family dynamics, trust and coming to terms with the past. It was an interesting premise with a few twists that caught me by surprise.

Beach House Rules is a perfect beach read, it is a story of friendship but maybe a little on the lighthearted side.

My thanks to the publisher for a print arc in exchange for a honest review.

The Bookshop of Dust and Dreams by Mindy Thompson

What does all the magic in the world matter if it can't save the ones you love?

It's 1944 Sutton, NY, and Poppy's family owns and runs, Rhyme and Reason, a magical bookshop that caters to people from all different places and time periods. Though her family's world is ravaged by World War II, their customers hail from their past and their future, infusing the shop with a delightful mix of ideas and experiences. The shop runs on a set of rules handed down from one generation of bookseller to the next, with their cardinal rule their most strict: shopkeepers must never use the magic for themselves.

But then Poppy's brother's best friend is killed in the war and her brother wants to use the magic to save him. Young Poppy is caught between her love for her brother and loyalty to her family, all the while knowing that her brother's actions could have devastating consequences that reach far beyond the bookshop, feeding an insidious, growing darkness.

Hardcover,  30 pages

Published October 26, 2021

 by Viking Books for Young Readers

4/5 stars

This was another one of those middle grade books that did some serious damage to my TBR, a book about books, that only stands to reason.

Taking place in 1944 in  Sutton, New York, the setting for Poppy‘s family and the bookstore that they run. But the bookstore is different than your average bookstore, it is magical in that you see people from different places and different time. Which all seems normal for Poppy.

Told from Poppy‘s point of view it also uses the shop Rhyme & Reason as a character, a character with feeling and emotions that it isn’t shy to express them.

When Poppy‘s brother tries to rearrange history, after the death of his best friend, things really go haywire in the magical world and young Poppy is left in charge to try to right the wrongs her brother does.

This was a fun read, it was unique in it’s story and it had authentic characters, characters with a wide range of emotions. There were times that I felt maybe the story might’ve been a bit too twisty for the target audience, the dark vs light and rules I had to pay attention to.

I did love all the references to other middle grade books from different eras. Yes I googled and yes my tbr has expanded, thank you very much Mindy Thompson.

All in all a fun story that I think would be geared more towards the girls than the guys. Also while I love the cover this book had more serious undertones than the whimsical feeling from the cover.

This book was part of my 2025 reading off my shelf challenge and is book #26.

We All Live Here by Jojo Moyes

The #1 New York Times bestselling author, whose books so many love, brings us a fresh, contemporary story of a woman and her unruly blended family

Lila Kennedy has a lot on her plate. A broken marriage, two wayward daughters, a house that is falling apart, and an elderly stepfather who seems to have quietly moved in. Her career is in freefall and her love life is... complicated. So when her real dad—a man she has barely seen since he ran off to Hollywood thirty-five years ago—suddenly appears on her doorstep, it feels like the final straw. But it turns out even the family you thought you could never forgive might have something to teach about love, and what it actually means to be family.

Hardcover, 450 pages

Published February 11, 2025

 by Pamela Dorman Books

4/5 stars

Jojo Moyes latest book released this past February. It is the story of a newly divorced woman with two daughters and still grieving the recent loss of her mother. Her stepfather has moved in with her to help her cope, and her career is slowly spiraling down the drain . There’s a lot going on in this book, but weaves together nicely.

We All Live Here is a well written story of a woman who seems lost as her life is not turning out the way she expected. They were funny moments, there were cringe worthy moments as Lila struggles to be a mother to teenagers, write her latest book and then to top everything off her estranged father shows up on her doorstep. Coming in at 450 pages it seemed a little longer than necessary, but it was still an interesting read that felt authentic, I felt exhausted myself reading some of the things she was going through. There are a couple different points of view here besides Lila, one being her daughter who is being bullied at school. So yea there is some relevant subject matter going on.

All in all an entertaining read with likeable characters in real life situations.

This book was part of my 2025 reading off my shelf challenge and is book #14. Yeah I read it back in February when it was released.

The Other Side of Now by Paige Harbison

A hilarious and heartfelt novel about how loves and lives are never truly lost, for fans of Rebecca Serle and Taylor Jenkins Reid.

With a leading role on a hit TV show and a relationship with Hollywood's latest heartthrob, Meg Bryan appears to have everything she ever wanted. But underneath the layers of makeup and hairspray, her happiness is as fake as her stage name, Lana Lord. Following a small breakdown at her thirtieth birthday party, she books an impromptu trip where she knows the grass is greener: Ireland. Specifically, the quaint little village where she and her best friend Aimee always dreamt of moving—a dream that fell apart when an accident claimed Aimee’s life a decade ago.

When Meg arrives, the people in town are so nice, treating her not as a stranger, but a friend. Except for the (extremely hot) bartender giving her the cold shoulder. Meg writes it all off as jetlag until she looks in the mirror. Her hair is no longer bleached within an inch of its life, her skin has a few natural fine lines, and her nose looks like… well, her old nose. Her real nose.

Her phone reveals hundreds of pictures of her life in this little town: with an adorable dog she doesn’t know; with the bartender who might be her (ex?) boyfriend; and at a retail job unrelated to acting. Eventually, she comes to accept that she somehow made a quantum slide into an alternate version of her life. But the most shocking realization of all? In this life, her best friend Aimee is alive and well…but wants nothing to do with Meg.

Despite her bewilderment, Meg is clear-eyed about one thing: this is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to reconnect with her friend and repair what she broke. She finagles an opportunity to act in the play Aimee is writing and directing and as the project unfolds, Meg realizes that events as she remembers them may not be the only truth, and that an impossible choice looms before her.

Kindle Edition, 320 pages

Audiobook, 10 hours, 22 minutes

Expected publication June 3, 2025 

by St. Martin's Press/Macmillian Audio

4.5/5 stars

From the time I requested this on Netgalley until I read it I totally forgot what this book was about. So I headed in blind, which is so much fun.

The book starts on Meg Bryan’s 30th birthday, she is a Hollywood star and out of sorts. On impulse she books a trip to Ireland and left immediately. The story begins when she steps off the plane and begins exploring her way through this acquaint little town.  But something just feels off. Turns out she stepped into a alternate timeline where things that happened in the past 12 years didn’t actually happen.

I really enjoyed this book, it was witty, had some great characters and the storyline worked. The changes in her life begin to mess with her mind, because maybe she just likes this  new life better.

The Other Side of Now is a story of family, friendship, grief, and forgiveness.  It's about second chances and following your heart. I love the Ireland setting, yeah it’s on my bucket list.

The blurb advertises that this is great for fans of a couple well-known authors, but I think Ashley Poston would be a better comparison.

This was a hybrid read for me, the audio and the digital e-book, I highly recommend both formats.

My thanks to Macmillan Audio and Saint Martin’s press for advanced copies of both the digital and audiobook.

My Friends by Fredrik Backman

Fredrik Backman returns with an unforgettably funny, deeply moving tale of four teenagers whose friendship creates a bond so powerful that it changes a stranger’s life twenty-five years later.

Most people don’t even notice them—three tiny figures sitting at the end of a long pier in the corner of one of the most famous paintings in the world. Most people think it’s just a depiction of the sea. But Louisa, an artist herself, knows otherwise and she is determined to find out the story of these three enigmatic figures.

Twenty-five years earlier, in a distant town, a group of teenagers find refuge from their difficult home lives by spending their days laughing and telling stories out on a pier. There’s Joar, who never backs down from a fight; quiet and bookish Ted who is mourning his father; Ali, the daughter of a man who never stays in one place for long; and finally, there’s the artist, a boy who hoards sleeping pills and shuns attention, but who possesses an extraordinary gift that might be his ticket to a better life. These four lost souls find in each other a reason to get up each morning, a reason to dream.

Out of that summer emerges a transcendent work of art, a painting that will unexpectedly be put into eighteen-year-old Louisa’s care. As she struggles to decide what to do with this bequest, she embarks on a surprise-filled cross-country journey to learn the story of how the painting came to be. The closer she gets to the painting’s birthplace, the more she feels compelled to unleash her own artistic spirit, but happy endings don’t always take the form we expect in this fresh testament to the transformative power of friendship and art.

Kindle Edition, 448 pages

Published May 6, 2025

 by Atria Books

4/5 stars

Fredrik Backman’s new book released last week, it's a tad different in writing style, but the story has his signature wit, one-liners and heartbreak.

There are alternating perspectives, even changes within a page or scene and Backman makes it work. The common denominator throughout is a painting, as the story alternates between present day and 25 years previous. It revolves around this painting and 4 teenagers, their unique friendship and their life.

A unique story by an auto-read author, it was full of memorable quotes that had me pausing to reflect on them. It took me back to my teen years and those carefree summers by the water.  It was filled with memories that explored many themes and the repercussions years later.   With authentic characters, a slow burn weaving of the past to the present, Fredrik Backman has again pulled at heartstrings.

Released just last week, I recommend both the print and audiobook.

My thanks to Atria Books for a digital arc in exchange for a honest review.

The Bookstore Family by Alice Hoffman

New York Times bestselling author Alice Hoffman takes her sweet bookshop series to Paris with an emotional short story about chasing your dreams—and finding your passion where you least expect it.

Growing up, Violet was so busy helping others realize their dreams, she found little time to pursue her own. But five years ago, she took the chance of a lifetime, leaving the family bookshop on Brinkley’s Island, Maine, to attend culinary school in Paris. Now she’s working her dream job as a pâtissiere in an upscale Parisian restaurant—yet all she can think about is home.

Feeling unmoored, Violet finds herself still searching for something…Connection? Maybe. She hasn’t made any real friends in the city. Inspiration? Possibly. Her desserts are lovely, but they’re definitely lacking something.

After her aunt Isabel urges her to keep on looking, Violet finally gets a taste of what she’s been missing in the café at the Museum of Romantic Life. But just as life begins to come into focus, she’s abruptly called home to Maine. Like her aunt before her, Violet soon learns that family could hold the key to discovering what she truly needs.

Kindle Edition, 43 pages

Published May 13, 2025

 by Amazon Original Stories

4/5 stars

This is the 4th book in the Once Upon a Time Bookshop Stories. I’ve read the previous 3 and have quite enjoyed myself. They come in around 43 pages so a quick read and again I was left feeling that this would make a great full length story. But alas, this installment was still an enjoyable read.

It was great to get caught up with his family again. This installment takes place mostly in Paris as Violet is working for a Patissiere. She seems at odds within herself and feels a little lost. Then she meets someone.

Haven’t gotten to know the two sisters that run the family bookstore this point of view from Violet, the daughter/niece brought the story full circle. It was sad and happy at the same time. A powerful message in a short story

My thanks to Amazon Original Stories for an advanced copy in exchange for a honest review.

Say You'll Remember Me by Abby Jimenez

There might be no such a thing as a perfect guy, but Xavier Rush comes disastrously close. A gorgeous veterinarian giving Greek god vibes—all while cuddling a tiny kitten? Immediately yes. That is until Xavier opens his mouth and proves that even sculpted gods can say the absolute wrong thing. Like, really wrong. Of course, there’s nothing Samantha loves more than proving an asshole wrong…

. . . unless, of course, he can admit he made a mistake. But after one incredible and seemingly endless date—possibly the best in living history—Samantha is forced to admit the truth, that her family is in crisis and any kind of relationship would be impossible. Samantha begs Xavier to forget her. To remember their night together as a perfect moment, as crushing as that may be.

Only no amount of distance or time is nearly enough to forget that something between them. And the only thing better than one single perfect memory is to make a life—and even a love—worth remembering.

Paperback, 416 pages

Audiobook, 9 hours, 59 minutes

Published April 1, 2025

 by Piatkus/Forever

5/5 stars

This is Abby Jimenez's new book and I went into it totally blind. I had no idea what it was about, but it’s Abby Jimenez, so I knew that I would love it.

Told from the point of view of Xavier, a veterinarian who just happens to be gorgeous and that of Samantha, a spunky woman who brings her kitty in for a pet visit. What follows is the perfect date and then life gets in the way with Sam moving across the country.

I listened to most of this in audio format on a recent road trip.  The reader did a fantastic job of bringing this story to life, but ultimately it was the author that wove an intricate story about Xavier and Samantha's relationship and the struggles they faced. As someone who has dealt with dementia in an elderly parent, this book was spot on in all the struggles that come with that diagnosis. For Samantha, I could feel what this family was going through.

Say You’ll Remember Me is a story of caregivers, family, loss, past hurts and long distance romance. Along with all those serious subject matter, Abby was able to write a story that played on a pile of emotions, I laughed out loud, my heart broke for this family, I felt anger of past betrayals and I enjoyed the furry friends that rounded this cast out nicely.

The ending was nice and considering this is book one in a series I can’t wait to see what happens next.

This book was part of my 2025 reading off my shelf challenge (#27) with the audio through the library via CloudLibrary