I Am Malala: The Story of the Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban by Malala Yousafzai

I come from a country that was created at midnight. When I almost died it was just after midday.

When the Taliban took control of the Swat Valley in Pakistan, one girl spoke out. Malala Yousafzai refused to be silenced and fought for her right to an education.

On Tuesday, October 9, 2012, when she was fifteen, she almost paid the ultimate price. She was shot in the head at point-blank range while riding the bus home from school, and few expected her to survive.

Instead, Malala's miraculous recovery has taken her on an extraordinary journey from a remote valley in northern Pakistan to the halls of the United Nations in New York. At sixteen, she has become a global symbol of peaceful protest and the youngest-ever Nobel Peace Prize laureate.

I Am Malala is the remarkable tale of a family uprooted by global terrorism, of the fight for girls' education, of a father who, himself a school owner, championed and encouraged his daughter to write and attend school, and of brave parents who have a fierce love for their daughter in a society that prizes sons.

Hardcover, 327 pages

Audiobook, 9 hours 55 minutes

Published October 8, 2013 

by Little, Brown and Company

4/5 stars

I'll confess,  I went into this one not fully realizing it took place in Pakistan. Had I known I would have picked it up much sooner. My daughter-in-law is from Pakistan and learning about the country and its culture is something I am always eager to do.

This is a memoir that is equal parts personal story and history lesson. I was stuck that for such a young girl, Malala was remarkably outspoken and carried a maturity well beyond her years. The courage (and support of her father) it took to speak out the way she did, knowing the dangers, is something that has stayed with me.

Malala grew up in Pakistan's Swat Valley, where she became a passionate and very public voice for girls' right to education. When the Taliban moved into the region and began shutting down girls' schools she refused to be silenced. That courage came at a devastating price, her story of survival and what followed is at the heart of this memoir.

I listened to this one in audiobook format, it worked wonderfully for a memoir like this. I'm not sure of the exact runtime, but I can tell you it went by quickly - I was completely captivated by her story, the history of the country and the events unfolding around her. What made it even more personal for me was the realization that some of what she describes overlapped with the four years my son and his family were living in Pakistan. That connection made the experience both more meaningful and, at times, more than a little unsettling.

I am Malala is a powerful and important read, I will be reading, or rather listening to the sequel Finding My Way soon.

Audiobook obtained through my Audible subscription. 

A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

When nineteen-year-old huntress Feyre kills a wolf in the woods, a terrifying creature arrives to demand retribution. Dragged to a treacherous magical land she knows about only from legends, Feyre discovers that her captor is not truly a beast, but one of the lethal, immortal faeries who once ruled her world.

At least, he’s not a beast all the time.

As she adapts to her new home, her feelings for the faerie, Tamlin, transform from icy hostility into a fiery passion that burns through every lie she’s been told about the beautiful, dangerous world of the Fae. But something is not right in the faerie lands. An ancient, wicked shadow is growing, and Feyre must find a way to stop it, or doom Tamlin—and his world—forever.

From bestselling author Sarah J. Maas comes a seductive, breathtaking book that blends romance, adventure, and faerie lore into an unforgettable read.

Paperback, 419 pages

Published June 2, 2015

 by Bloomsbury Publishing

4.5/5 stars

Full disclosure - this was my 4th time reading this book and I honestly can't tell why I never sat down and wrote a proper review before now. Better late than never I guess! I picked it up again to refresh my memory as I work my way through the rest of the series, determined to finish before book six arrives this fall.

This was one of my first forays into fantasy,  what really drew me in originally was the Beauty and the Beast retelling at its heart. Though I will say that it is so much more than that. The world building is intricate and impressive and on this reread I found myself rediscovering details I had completely forgotten.

At the centre is Feyre, a 19 year old who had to grow up too fast and has spent most of her young life taking care of her family even when they didn't appreciate it. She is a character easy to root for. The Spring Court is nicely rendered and the tension that builds between Feyre and Tamlin makes for a compelling read.

The ending is suspenseful and full of tension, introducing new characters while setting up what promises to be a very different journey for Feyre in the next book. Let's just say the girl who entered the Spring Court is not the same and what lies ahead for her is going to test everything she's made of.

I am not counting this as part of my 2026 Reading Off My Shelf Challenge since it is a reread.  I've already reread book 2 and hoping to start 3 shortly.   Kinda like Diana Gabaldon, each book does grow a little more in size.

Woodsong by Gary Paulsen

A LIFE AS EXCITING AS FICTION

Gary Paulsen, is no stranger to adventure. He has flown off the back of a dogsled and down a frozen waterfall to near disaster, and waited for a giant bear to seal his fate with one slap of a claw. He has led a team of sled dogs toward the Alaskan Mountain Range in an Iditarod -- the grueling, 1,180-mile dogsled race -- hallucinating from lack of sleep, but he determined to finish.

Here, in vivid detail, Paulsen recounts several of the remarkable experiences that shaped his life and inspired his award-winning writing.

Paperback, 144 pages

Published May 8, 2007

 by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

3/5 stars

I started reading Gary Paulsen with Hatchet and have been dipping in and out of his work ever since. Every once in a while I step away from the series and grab one of his standalones and Woodsong was exactly that kind of pick. At just 144 pages it was the perfect vacation read and that's exactly where I found myself when I finished it.

This one is a memoir, split into two parts. The first takes place in Minnesota where Paulsen learns some humbling lessons from nature and his sled dogs. The second is during the Iditarod, the grueling 1,180-mile dogsled race across Alaska and that's where things really come alive. Very on-brand for an author who seems happiest in the remote wilderness, this time it's rather chilly also.

If you have a middle grade reader in your life who loves the outdoors and adventure, this is a great one to hand them. Paulsen has a real gift for making the wilderness feel both breathtaking and unforgiving.

This book was part of my 2026 Reading Off My Shelf Challenge, #15

Finding Flora by Elinor Florence

A rollicking historical novel set in turn-of-the-century Alberta about a young woman on the run from her abusive husband who uses a legal loophole to claim a homestead in the Wild West.

In 1905, Scottish newcomer Flora Craigie jumps from a moving train to escape her abusive husband. Desperate to disappear, she claims a homestead near Alix, Alberta, determined to start a new life for herself. She finds that her nearest neighbours are also a Welsh widow with three children; two American women raising chickens; and a Métis woman who makes a living by breaking in wild horses.

While battling the harsh environment (and draconian local attitudes toward female farmers), the five women grapple with the differences of their backgrounds and the secrets each struggles to keep. When their homes are threatened with expropriation by the hostile federal Minister of the Interior, the women join forces to “fire the heather,” a Scottish term meaning raising a ruckus. And as the competition for land along the new Canadian Pacific railway line heats up, Flora’s violent husband closes in, and an unscrupulous land agent threatens the lives and livelihoods of the women just as they’re coming into their own.

Paperback, 384 pages

Published April 1, 2025

 by Simon & Schuster

4/5

This is my second time reading Elinor Florence, after loving Wildwood, I went back to this 2025 release and found the same signature that draws me to her work -  strong women doing things their generation said they couldn't.

Finding Flora is set in 1905 northern Alberta, the historical detail is rich and fascinating. Flora is a young Scottish immigrant carrying a secret, while trying to build a new life on the Alberta prairie under circumstances that were anything but simple for a woman of that era. Land ownership came with strict government restrictions, hostile neighbours who were determined to make life difficult and yet Flora remains determined, resilient and watchful.

What she doesn't anticipate are the connections that form around her,  the relationships she didn't know she needed.

Elinor Florence has a gift for bringing her stories to life through women who feel utterly real and Finding Flora is no exception. I loved the Canadian historical setting and the things that went into building this great country.

This book was part of my 2026 Reading Off My Shelf Challenge #23

One Second Away by Rick Mofina

What happens when your worst nightmare becomes your reality?

One sunny day in California, Jessie is hugging her nine-year-old son, Dylan, goodbye at the airport. He's travelling by himself, all the way across the country, to visit his father, Jessie's soon-to-be ex-husband, and his grandparents. Her heart breaks, but she puts on a brave face and gives her son one last wave as a flight attendant leads him away.

Several hours later, Jessie gets a frantic call from Dylan's grandmother in New York. Dylan is missing.

In a second, Jessie's world turns upside down. The AirTag she'd stuck in his backpack says he's still at LAX. The airline insists that he was picked up at JFK by an elderly couple claiming to be his grandparents—but Jessie's in-laws insist they haven't seen him. Dylan has disappeared into thin air.

At the same moment, miles away, in Toronto, a train operator loses control of a subway train, and the fiery crash injures dozens of passengers.

Jessie doesn’t know it yet, but this crash is inextricably linked to Dylan's disappearance. She has to find out how—and where her son is.

Propulsive and binge-worthy, the latest from bestselling author Rick Mofina is a race-against-the-clock global thriller that will leave you breathless.

Paperback, 400 pages

Published April 28, 2026

 by Doubleday Canada

3.5/5 stars

This is my first time reading a Rick Mofina book, I impulsed purchased this because of the hype on IG and that FOMO moment took over.  Did the hype delivery, as a matter of fact it did.

This story has many layers. At its heart is the disappearance of Jessie's nine-year-old son Dylan, and as a mother, her anguish is immediately felt. But the opening prologue, set on a Toronto TTC subway train signals right away that there is much more at play here than a missing child. As a Canadian reader, that local connection was a definite grabber.

There are a number of pov's, which added to the mystery and of course characters that I kept a watch on. The story does take some time to reveal how all the threads connect and there were stretches in the middle where I had to trust the process. That patience pays off though, the final third was tense and genuinely hard to put down with everything converging in ways that kept me turning pages. An ending that was fitting with a few surprises.

Mofina has earned a spot on my radar and I'll definitely be exploring his backlist. 

This book was part of my 2026 Reading Off My Shelf Challenge, #22

The Lost Book of Elizabeth Barton by Jennifer N. Brown

A dual-timeline murder mystery set in an English country manor, when an ambitious professor discovers the long-lost manuscript of a Reformation-era prophetess.

Historian Alison Sage has made a groundbreaking archival discovery—she found a manuscript containing the prophecies of a 16th century nun, Elizabeth Barton. Barton’s prophecy condemning Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn led to her execution and the destruction of all copies of her prophecies—or so the world believed.

With Alison’s discovery, she is catapulted to academic superstardom and scores an invitation to the exclusive Codex Consortium, a week of research among a select handful of fellow historians at a crumbling manor in England, located next to the ruins of the priory where Elizabeth herself once lived.

What begins as a promising conference turns into a nightmare as the eerie house becomes the site of a murder. Suddenly, everyone is a suspect, and it seems that answers lie at the root of a local legend about centuries-old hidden treasure. Alison’s research makes her best-suited to solve the mystery—but when old feelings resurface for a former colleague, and the stakes of the search skyrocket, everyone's motives become murky.

Alison’s cutthroat world of academia is almost as dangerous as Elizabeth Barton’s sixteenth-century England, where heretics are beheaded, visions can kill, and knowing who to trust is a deadly art. The Lost Book of Elizabeth Barton is a thrilling novel, crackling with the voices of the past and propelled by a mystery that will leave readers in suspense until the very last page.

Kindle Edition, 307 pages

Published April 14, 2026 

by St. Martin's Press

3/5 stars

This is my first time reading Jennifer N. Brown, the premise drew me in: a dual-timeline mystery connecting a present-day academic who discovers a lost manuscript to its author, Elizabeth Barton, a real sixteenth-century nun who prophesied against Henry VIII.  Dual timelines is a trope I always enjoy, and the way Brown connects the two centuries was interesting.

Present day there is Alison, she is presented as a brilliant academic, but I found myself wishing the page backed that up a little more.  Elizabeth, a woman whose visions and convictions put her directly in the path of danger. I found myself thinking that sometimes, especially in sixteenth-century England, it might have been wiser to keep both your mouth and your visions to yourself.

The story-line itself held my interest, but I found the characters a little flat on both sides of the timeline. The plot kept me reading, though I wouldn't call it unputdownable,  it was the kind of book you're happy to pick up but not desperate to get back to.

The Lost Book of Elizabeth Barton is a story of conviction, determination and treasure, yes there is a treasure, or is there really? 

A solid debut with an interesting historical thread. 

My thanks to St. Martin's Press (via NetGalley) for a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Spotlight: The Rainy Day Bookshop by RaeAnne Thayne

A Contemporary Small-Town Story of Family, Community and Books

Paperback, 384 pages

Expected publication June 2, 2026

 by MIRA

Sandwiched between caring for her mother and rebuilding the relationship with her estranged daughter, Emma, Rosie Lucas’s life is full. In the best way. With Emma and her 3-year old daughter, Olive, back home, Rosie has a partner for The Rainy Day Bookshop, the family business, and a chance to fix the past. What she doesn’t have time for is a romantic relationship. And even if she did, Andrew Morgan is the last person she’d choose. Not only is he an arrogant and reclusive writer, but he’s a single dad with two young kids. She’s already been there, done that. Still as an irresistible flirtation builds between them, he becomes her unexpected confidante on the distance Rosie can’t seem to overcome with Emma, a secret she can’t quite unravel…

Emma isn’t proud of her past. But she’s pulled herself up by the bootstraps, caring for her own daughter, and protecting her mom at all costs. Just as she always has. She never told Rosie what she saw all those years ago and she never will. But some secrets refuse to stay buried, and sometimes the truth is more shocking than fiction. Rosie and Emma will have to navigate an unimaginable path forward. Together.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
New York Times 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 six RITA Award nominations from Romance Writers of America and Career Achievement and Romance Pioneer awards from RT Book Reviews. She loves to hear from readers and can be reached through her website, raeannethayne.com.

Our Perfect Storm by Carley Fortune

Best friends have one week in paradise to fix their friendship or fall apart. 

Frankie and George have been best friends since they were eight years old. Both passionate, impulsive, and headstrong—they’ve always clashed . . . and come back together. Until now. It’s the eve of Frankie’s wedding weekend, and she doesn’t know where they stand or even if George will show up as her best man.

Then, at the start of the festivities, in walks George. For one glorious evening, surrounded by her loved ones, Frankie’s life is finally perfect. But it all comes crashing down when her fiancé dumps her the next morning, leaving only a note as an explanation.

Crushed and confused, Frankie returns to her family’s home to wallow. But George has a different idea and a plan for healing Frankie’s broken heart. He wants her to go on her honeymoon. With him. For one week, to the lush rainforests and misty beaches of Tofino.

Frankie agrees, seeing the trip for what it really is: one last chance to repair their friendship. Even if it means unearthing secrets and long buried feelings neither knows how to handle. Even if it means falling apart for good.

Hardcover, 416 pages

Published May 5, 2026

 by Berkley

4/5 stars

Carley Fortune has built a reputation for grounding her books in Canadian settings that appeal to so many Canadian readers, not just myself. In Our Perfect Storm we are in Tofino on Vancouver Island, I've been there, so I felt every bit of it through the pages.

Frankie is jilted on her wedding day. While the beginning was reminiscent of another book I read recently, it quickly went in another direction (thank goodness). Childhood best friend George takes Frankie on her week-long honeymoon to Tofino for some healing and what unfolds is a week of adventure, good food, and fun banter. Also self-discovery and revealed secrets.

What Fortune does so well is weave the past into the present. The history between Frankie and George does a lot of the heavy lifting and it makes their journey all the more interesting to watch.

Our Perfect Storm is a story of friendship, self-discovery and healing. Frankie and George are likeable characters whose chemistry reflects a lifetime of knowing each other. Set against that gorgeous backdrop, I found myself right there with them, with memories of my own Tofino vacation flooding back. I'm pretty sure there will be a spike in tourism to the Island. I know I want to go back; the rain-forests are a sight to behold.

All in all, this might be one of my favourite Carley Fortune books. I can't wait to see where she takes us next.

This book was part of my 2026 Reading of my Shelf Challenge and is #22.

Spotlight: LOVE ON THE SHELF by Sheila Roberts

The battle lines are drawn—between a romance-loving bookseller and the shock jock determined to tear happily-ever-afters apart.

Paperback, 336 pages

Expected publication May 26, 2026

 by MIRA

Alice Willoughby and her mom run HEA Books, a cozy shop devoted to love stories and the people who crave them. Alice is great at matching customers with their perfect happily-ever-after…she just can’t seem to find her own.

Enter Parker Black, a disillusioned radio host who’s reinvented himself as a romance-bashing shock jock. Bitter from his breakup with a romance author who turned love into a four-letter word, Parker takes aim at the entire genre—and his on-air rants start stirring up trouble for Alice’s loyal customers and their partners. He’s arrogant, aggravating, and absolutely not book-boyfriend material.

Parker’s crusade leads to spirited debates and bookstore protests, but when unexpected sparks fly between the two of them Alice begins to wonder if her favorite trope—enemies to lovers—might actually be playing out in real life. Parker may claim romance is a lie…but is he protesting a little too much?

With sharp wit and plenty of charm, USA Today bestselling author Sheila Roberts delivers a modern battle of the sexes where the biggest question is simple:

Are romance novels ruining love—or rewriting it?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
USA Today and Publishers Weekly bestselling author Sheila Roberts has written sixty books ranging from romance and relationship fiction to devotional and self-improvement. Her novels have been turned into movies for the Lifetime, Hallmark, and GAF channels. When she’s not out dancing with her husband or hanging out with friends, she can be found writing about the things dear to her heart: family, friends and love. And chocolate. Sheila splits her time between the Pacific Northwest and Southern California. You can visit her at sheilasplace.com.

The Mad Trapper: The Incredible Tale of a Famous Canadian Manhunt by Helena Katz

This is the incredible story of Canada's largest manhunt. Hundreds of men spent 7 weeks tracking the elusive Albert Johnson for 240 kilometres across the frozen North. He was eventually caught and killed but the identity of Albert Johnson, the Mad Trapper of Rat River, remains a mystery to this day.

Paperback, 128 pages

Published January 1, 2004

 by Heritage Amazing Stories

3.5/5 stars

Hearing little tidbits over the years about The Mad Trapper had me grabbing this book, or rather rescuing it from a thrift shop when I saw it. The Mad Trapper tells the true story of Canada's largest manhunt, whether that title still stands I am not sure.

The manhunt itself is extraordinary. Hundreds of men tracking one person across 240 kilometres of frozen northern wilderness... in the middle of blizzard conditions... by dogsled. That means carrying all supplies not just for themselves but food for the dogs as well. I got the sense of how in tune the searchers were with their environment - reading the weather, knowing when storms were coming, following tracks in the snow. And then there is the added element of an airplane being brought in, which feels almost out of place alongside the dogsleds.

As for Albert Johnson himself, I had no sympathy for him, he was out for himself and showed no regard for human life. But I was genuinely impressed by his cunning. He outmaneuvered hundreds of men for seven weeks, I got the sense he had real experience and knowledge of the land. As for who he actually was, they have their suspicions, but without the forensic means available today, his true identity remains unconfirmed. And honestly that intrigues me more than it frustrates me. Some of history's mysteries stay a mystery.

The Mad Trapper is a story of community, danger and determination. It is about survival and tragedy, and it is a piece of Canadian history that deserves to be known. At just over 130 pages, it is a quick read. I recommend it to anyone curious about Canadian history and the incredible things people were capable of long before the modern world made everything somewhat easier.

This book was part of my 2026 Reading Off My Shelf Challenge, #17.

The Chambermaid's Key by Genevieve Graham

From #1 bestselling author Genevieve Graham, comes a dazzling novel set at an elegant hotel in Toronto in 1929 about a young chambermaid, a handsome waiter, and a murder that will reverberate for a century.

Welcome to the Dominion, where secrets lurk behind every locked door.

1929: Rosie Ryan wants nothing more than to escape the poverty of The Ward, Toronto’s roughest neighbourhood, and become a chambermaid at the brand-new Dominion Hotel. Until she meets Damien, that is—a charming and ambitious waiter who promises her a better life—and adds him to the top of her list. The Dominion offers her a chance to do well, but behind the gleaming chandeliers and polished marble lurk dangerous secrets involving its most notorious guest, a wealthy gangster who’s about to profit from The Crash that will decimate the economy. When a friend is murdered, Rosie finds herself tangled in a web of betrayal—one that just might cost her everything.

Present City building Inspector Bridget Kelly is assigned to scrutinize the recent renovations at the elegant old Dominion Hotel, a task she relishes as a lover of history and architecture, and that gets even better once she starts working with a brilliant and fascinating archivist. But when a routine inspection uncovers mysterious boxes, locked doors, and secret corridors, bringing to light a long-buried clue to a decades-old murder, her inspection is thwarted, and threats rise round her on every side. Bridget soon realizes someone doesn’t want the truth to surface—and they’ll do anything to keep it buried.

Spanning nearly a century, The Chambermaid’s Key is a gripping dual-timeline novel about ambition, betrayal, and the secrets that bind us across generations.

Paperback, 400 pages

Published April 21, 2026

 by Simon & Schuster

4.5/5 stars

Genevieve Graham is an auto read for me, I know I am always going to get a piece of Canadian history I didn't know I was missing and The Chambermaid's Key was no exception.

Rosie Ryan is determined to become a chambermaid at the grand Dominion Hotel. And I mean determined, she didn't talk about applying for the job, she said she was getting it. She took her job seriously, she took herself seriously and I rooted for her every step of the way. In the present day, building inspector Bridget Kelly begins what should be a routine inspection of the now aging Dominion, only to find herself pulled into a mystery that someone very much wants to stay buried. I was rooting for her just as hard.

The things that tie these timelines together was no different from both times. Though it looked different in 1929 than it does today, but the message is the same. Money talks. Graham wraps this all in a richly researched portrait of Toronto, the crash of 1929 and the hard lives of immigrants trying to build something from nothing. 

The Chambermaid's Key is a story of family, corruption and determination, there is mystery and scandal. Another look at Canadian history which Graham excels at.

My thanks to Simon & Schuster CA for a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review. I am also thrilled to have a signed print copy on my shelf.

Summer State of Mind by Kristy Woodson Harvey

After the worst day in her professional life, burnt-out NICU nurse Daisy Stevens runs to Cape Carolina, North Carolina, looking for a new life—and possibly new romance. On her first day at her “simpler” job, high school baseball coach Mason Thaysden discovers an abandoned baby, sending ripples through the entire tight-knit town of Cape Carolina.

Mason is still struggling to reconcile the scars of the injury that kept him out of the big leagues, stuck in his hometown, and searching for a way out. This newcomer and the child they’ve saved together might be just the motivation he needs to stay put. Sparks fly as Mason acquaints Daisy with Cape Carolina, introducing her to his friends and family, including his batty Aunt Tilley, who is looking for relief from long-buried family secrets and her own fresh start.

But as Daisy becomes increasingly attached to this abandoned child, and begins facing her own demons in the process, a startling discovery is made that threatens to rip the entire town of Cape Carolina apart, placing Daisy, Mason, and Tilley in the center of the storm.

In a novel that proves that “Kristy Woodson Harvey is (the) go-to for elevated beach reads” (People), they will each learn that with love, understanding—and a community theater production of Hello, Dolly!—sometimes life conspires to bring us just exactly where we belong.

Paperback, 384 pages

Expected publication May 5, 2026

 by Gallery Books

3/5 stars

Summer State of Mind has all the makings of a breezy beach read, a charming setting, an unexpected new arrival and a budding romance. And judging by the overwhelmingly positive response from readers, most people would agree. For me, however, a few elements kept pulling me out of the story.

The central premise revolves around an abandoned newborn discovered in a dumpster, which sets up what could be a gripping emotional journey. Unfortunately, the handling of this storyline required more suspension of disbelief than I was able to manage, making it difficult to fully invest in the plot.

The romance, while sweet, also felt rushed. The connection between the characters developed so quickly that it was hard to feel the emotional side.  A slower burn would have worked better (for me anyways).

Summer State of Mind is a story of new beginnings, healing past hurts and family - where family doesn't necessarily mean blood connections. Harvey has a warm, inviting writing style that keeps me reading her books.  She still delivered the feel-good resolution fans of her and this genre are looking for. If you're a Kristy Woodson Harvey fan or just need a light summer escape, check this one out, it releases today.

My thanks to to Gallery Books for the advanced copy in exchange for a honest review.

Liberty Street by Heather Marshall

From the author of Looking for Jane comes a riveting novel about one journalist's harrowing journey into an infamous real-life 1960s women's prison—and the detective who uncovers her story decades later.

Toronto, 1961: Emily Radcliffe works as an editorial assistant at Chatelaine magazine, surrounded by the best female reporters in the country, whose articles tackle the controversial topics no other women's publication dares to touch. When a bombshell letter from an inmate at the notorious Mercer Women's Prison lands on Emily's desk, she sees the scoop of a lifetime—one that could launch her career as a journalist. But after going undercover to investigate the inmate's shocking claims, Emily discovers that getting into the prison is the easy part; the real challenge will be getting back out . . .

Huron County, 1996: Unidentified female remains are discovered in an unmarked grave in a small-town Ontario cemetery, and Detective Rachel Mackenzie is tasked with unraveling the mystery. But when the investigation leads her to the now-shuttered Mercer Women's Prison, the family trauma she's kept buried for years threatens to surface.

Inspired by true events, Liberty Street is at once poignant and dazzling—an unforgettable, intertwining story about resilience, mental health, and the power of female connection.

Paperback, 400 pages

Published February 24, 2026

 by Doubleday Canada

5/5 stars

I picked up Liberty Street for a number of reasons: Heather Marshall is a Canadian author whose previous books I'd really enjoyed, also for the historical stories and locations close to home. What I didn't expect was when Bayfield, Ontario appeared on the page. A small town I visited and the very place where I met Heather Marshall just a year ago. 

I knew going in that this story was rooted in Canadian history and setting, which this Canadian loves to read about. Being educated and entertained at the same time in a big win win.

I was genuinely taken aback to discover that a place like the Mercer Reformatory existed right in Toronto, a piece of Canadian history I knew nothing about. I'll also admit that the premise of a journalist going undercover by faking her way into an institution is a trope that doesn't usually work for me. But it worked here. Partly because of how Marshall handles it, but mostly because of what Emily finds once she's inside. The women in Mercer weren't insane - they were women ahead of their time, dismissed and discarded by men who couldn't or wouldn't take the time to understand them. That realization creeped up as I read, and it hits hard.

The 1996 story-line follows Detective Rachel Mackenzie, and she quickly became just as compelling to me as Emily. Rachel is flawed, shaped by a past trauma that Marshall reveals slowly and deliberately. I found myself rooting for her while at the same time being quietly enticed by the mystery of her background, who she is, what made her that way and how it all connects to the case she's unraveling. I won't say more than that without spoiling it, but the way her story concludes is deeply satisfying.

Liberty Street is a story of heartache, for the women forgotten inside Mercer's walls, of friendship found in the most unlikely places and of the grit and determination it takes to unravel the truth at all costs. 

I can't wait to see what Heather Marshall comes up with next.

This book was part of my 2026 Reading Off My Shelf Challenge, #20

Good Joy, Bad Joy by Mikki Brammer

From the author of The Collected Regrets of Clover comes a vibrant, heartfelt novel about friendship over the decades, self-discovery, and what it means to have a life well-lived.

Break the rules. Find your joy.

For over eighty years, Joy Bridport has played by the rules: she's been a devoted wife and mother, contributing to the community in her small Hudson Valley town. But her quiet existence is jolted when she learns that her best friend, Hazel, only has months left to live. Hazel has always been the more adventurous one of their duo, and she seems at peace with all that she’s squeezed out of her long life. Yet Joy realizes she can’t say the same.

Determined to live boldly and make the most of the time that she and Hazel have left together, Joy steps outside of her comfort zone—and into a bit of trouble. But as her foray into rule-breaking escalates into committing petty crime, Joy must consider what kind of legacy she wants to leave behind, and whether there's a way for her to embrace the liberation that "Bad Joy" offers without losing all that she holds dear.

Is it ever too late to become who we're meant to be? With laugh-out-loud hijnks and emotional heft, Good Joy, Bad Joy is a heartwarming and wise celebration of the choices we make, the friendships we cherish, and the lengths we go for love.

Audiobook, 11 hours 5 minutes

Expected publication May 5, 2026

 by Macmillan Audio

3/5 stars

This is one of those books that everyone and their uncle seems to absolutely love…but for me, it just didn't land in that category.

Good Joy, Bad Joy has such a great premise, lifelong friendship, facing the end of life and the idea of finally breaking the rules after decades of playing it safe. Joy and Hazel’s relationship was easily the strongest part of the story, I appreciated the themes around legacy, regret and what it means to truly live. There are definitely some heartfelt and touching moments.

That said, I never fully connected with the story the way I expected to. The emotional impact didn’t hit as deeply as I’d hoped and parts of Joy’s journey, especially the  'rule-breaking' and petty crime elements felt a bit uneven for me. I could see what the author was going for, but it didn’t always land.

I’m really glad I listened this to the audiobook, the narration helped keep me engaged, especially during the slower sections.  

All in all I can understand why this resonates with so many readers, it just didn’t quite live up to the hype for me. Not a bad read by any means, just not a standout.

My thanks to Macmillan Audio for the audiobook ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Widow by Fiona Barton

A loving husband or a heartless killer...she'd know, wouldn't she?

There's a lot Jean hasn't said over the years about the crime her husband was suspected of committing. She was busy being the perfect wife, standing by her man while living with accusing glares and anonymous harassment. Now her husband is dead, and there's no reason to stay quiet. People want to hear her story. They want to know what it was like living with that man. She can tell them there were secrets. There always are in a marriage.

The truth--that's all anyone wants. But the one lesson Jean has learned in the last few years is that she can make people believe anything. For the reporter who has secured the exclusive interview, this is the scoop of a lifetime. For the detective who has lived a half-life since he failed to get justice for the victim, it is a chance to get at the truth that has eluded him for so long. For Jean, it's a chance to defend herself, what she knew--and when.

This is the tale of a missing child, narrated by the wife of the main suspect, the detective leading the hunt, and the journalist covering the case.

 

Paperback, 324 pages

Audiobook, 10 hours, 18 minutes

Published February 16, 2016

 by Penguin Canada

2.5/5 stars

I picked up The Widow because I have the second book, The Child sitting on my NetGalley backlist and figured I should start here first. This is also my first time reading a Fiona Barton book.

The premise is strong and I liked the idea behind the story. The blurb sounds mysterious with a lot of potential.  Even the 3 different pov's usual works for me.  But I did struggle, which is why I switched over to the audiobook. The slow pace and flat tone made it hard to engage, I even struggled to connect with the characters. I never felt any real emotional pull, which made the slower pacing stand out even more.

Overall, an okay read, but not one I was ever fully pulled into. 

Hoping The Child works better for me.

Print copy was rescued from local thrift store (hopefully readers at resort in Mexico are enjoying it), the audiobook obtained via CloudLibrary.

A Founding Mother: A Novel of Abigail Adams by Stephanie Dray & Laura Kamoie

In time for the 250th Anniversary of the birth of the United States comes a sweeping, intimate portrayal of Abigail Adams - wife of one president and mother to another - whose wit, willpower, and wisdom helped shape the fledgling republic. 

In the heart of revolutionary Boston, Abigail Adams raises her children amid riots, blockades, and the outbreak of war. While her husband, John Adams, rises from country lawyer to nation-builder, often away for years at a time, Abigail builds her own independence—managing their farm, making lucrative investments, amassing savings, battling plague and loss, and defending their home. Unafraid to speak her mind, she famously offers fearless political counsel, urging John to “remember the ladies” in the new government. Through it all, she becomes his most trusted confidante and indispensable ally.

When peace is secured, Abigail steps onto the world stage—exchanging ideas with Thomas Jefferson in the French countryside, navigating court life as the wife of the Minister to Great Britain, and presiding over the parlor politics of the early American republic in New York, Philadelphia, and Washington, DC. Even after her husband’s presidential administration, she continues battling political foes and working behind the scenes to advance her family, secure independence for the women in her life, and ensure a better life for the next generation of Americans.

From war-torn streets to the chandeliered halls of power, A Founding Mother is the unforgettable story of a woman ahead of her time—one whose voice, vision, and valor still resonate powerfully today.

Audiobook, 17 hours 20 minutes

Expected publication May 5, 2026

by William Morrow Paperbacks

4.5/5 stars

A Founding Mother is exactly what I've come to expect from this writing duo - they consistently deliver when it comes to well researched historical fiction.

This story brings Abigail Adams to life.  Set against the backdrop of the American Revolution and the early years of the nation, I didn't just see the political world taking shape but also her personal side. While John Adams is off helping to build a nation she is at home managing everything - raising a family, handling finances while also facing the realities of war and loss.

As with their previous books, the writing is detailed but not bogged down with details.  It isn't a small thing either, 464 pages, it is a slower paced, character driven read.  Abigail Adams was a woman ahead of her time.

I listened to the audiobook, which comes in at just over 17 hours.  It was narrated by Cassandra Campbell - one of my favourites.  

I've had the privilege of meeting Stephanie Dray many years ago and felt honored when she started following my blog in its early years.  Knowing what Laura Kamoie has been through in recent years made certain scenes hit that much harder emotionally.

This Canadian definitely appreciates reading about this time in history and can't wait to see what comes next for this duo.

My thanks to William Morrow for the audiobook arc in exchange for a honest review.

Wildwood by Elinor Florence

A single mother, an abandoned farmhouse, and an epic battle with the northern wilderness. Rediscover the Canadian classic by the #1 bestselling author of Finding Flora.

Broke and desperate, Molly Bannister accepts the ironclad condition laid down in her great-aunt’s will: to receive her inheritance, Molly must spend one year in an abandoned, off-the-grid farmhouse in the remote backwoods of northern Alberta. If she does, she will be able to sell the farm and fund her four-year-old daughter’s badly needed medical treatment.

With grim determination, Molly teaches herself basic homesteading skills. But her greatest perils come from the brutal wilderness itself, from blizzards to grizzly bears. Will she and her child survive the savage winter? Will she outsmart the idealist young farmer who would thwart her plan to sell the farm? Not only their financial future, but their very lives are at stake. Only the journal written by Molly's courageous great-aunt, the land’s original homesteader, inspires her to struggle on.

Paperback, 400 pages

Expected publication April 28, 2026

 by Simon & Schuster Canada

4/5 stars

This was my first time reading this author, I was impressed with the atmospheric writing and strong sense of place. 

Wildwood is a well-written survival story that blends the harsh realities of wilderness living with a personal journey of resilience and determination.

Molly Bannister is a interesting character, her desperation to secure a future for her daughter makes her situation feel urgent and real from the very beginning. Inheriting an old, off the grid farmhouse with the stimulation of having to live in it for a year in order to claim ownership is a lot of pressure for someone who hasn't even seen snow before.  Let alone all the other realities of  country living.  Watching her learn to navigate in the unforgiving northern Alberta wilderness was both gripping and at times stressful in the best way. The elements themselves, between blizzards, isolation and the constant threat of wildlife felt like characters in their own right.

One of my favourite aspects was the dual timeline through her great-aunt’s journal. It added depth and a strong sense of history, showing the parallels between two women shaped by the same land.

All in all this was an immersive and atmospheric read, it's a story about survival, motherhood and perseverance. I’ll definitely be checking out more from this author’s backlist.

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

Finlay Donovan Crosses the Line by Elle Cosimano

Life hasn’t been easy for Finlay Donovan lately, but it just got a whole lot harder. Her nanny and partner-in-crime, Vero, has been extradited from Virginia to Maryland, where she’s facing criminal charges for a theft she swears she didn’t commit. A prisoner to an ankle bracelet as she awaits her trial, Vero is forced to live with her overbearing mother and nosy aunt. Threatening messages keep arriving on her mother’s door, demanding Vero “turn over the money . . . or else.” And if she doesn’t figure out who really stole her former sorority’s treasury funds, her next home might be a prison cell.

But proving her innocence might be an impossible feat. Vero was the treasurer of her sorority when the money went missing—one of the only people who had access to the cash. And her alibi is a date who ghosted her. With her court date quickly approaching, and her mysterious stalker on her tail, Vero needs to clear her name fast.

Finlay decides a trip to Maryland is in order. After all, Vero stood by her through her darkest moments, and Finlay will be damned if she lets her best friend and children’s nanny be convicted for something she didn’t do. She sets off on a mission to sus out the real thief and bring Vero home.

Audiobook, 10 Hours, 12 minutes

Published March 17, 2026 

by Macmillan Audio

3.5/5 stars

This the 6th installment in the Finlay Donovan series, Crosses the Line,  picks right up with the chaos I've come to expect, I wouldn’t want it any other way.

This is definitely a series that needs to be read in order. There’s a lot of backstory and character development that carries through each book.  I’d also recommend reading the novellas , they help round out the story nicely.

This time around, the focus shifts a bit more to Vero, which I really liked. Seeing her in the middle of her own mess with an ankle monitor, lots of family drama and a looming court case added a different layer to the usual Finlay focused story.

Finlay, of course is right there diving headfirst into yet another situation she probably shouldn’t be in but that’s part of what makes this series so fun. The dynamic between her and Vero continues to be a highlight, balancing humour with genuine friendship and mystery.

I’ll be honest, it was also kind of nice that her kids weren’t in this one. They’re a busy pair and while they add to the chaos, it gave the story a bit more room to focus on the main plot and Vero’s situation.

The mystery itself kept things moving, the pacing was solid and there were still plenty of those classic chaotic moments that make this series so entertaining.

Overall, a fun, fast-paced read, one that keeps me invested, I’ll definitely be back for book seven - because yea there will be a book 7.

This audiobook was obtained through my Spodify account.

The Anniversary by Alex Finlay

Every Year He Comes For Them.

On one fateful night in 1992, the lives of two seventeen-year-olds are changed and intertwined forever. Quinn Riley, a boy from the wrong side of the tracks, is arrested after he innocently tries to break up a fight but ends up nearly killing someone. Jules Delaney, high school royalty, survives an attack by the elusive and terrifying May Day Killer—a serial predator who strikes every May 1st in midwestern small towns.

A year later, Jules is struggling with trauma and guilt, tormented by one question: Why was I spared? Quinn is newly released from juvenile detention and returns home to fresh the unsolved murder of his mother.

Over the next decade, their lives are revisited on a single day each year—May 1st. As secrets unravel and the paths of Quinn and Jules collide, two mysteries edge closer to the truth. All the while, the May Day Killer is still out there—and the clock is racing toward another May 1st.

The Anniversary is an utterly compelling story of the hunt for a serial killer. But it’s also a heartfelt—and heartrending—novel about fate, innocence lost, and two souls who find that sometimes being broken is the only way for the light to get in.

Kindle Edition, 336 pages

Expected publication May 12, 2026

by Minotaur Books

3.75 stars

Alex Finlay has quickly becoming one of those authors I keep an eye out for, and this one immediately caught my attention. I love the cover.

I was also lucky enough to receive both a digital and audiobook ARC, so I ended up doing a hybrid read again, which worked really well for this one. With the story going back to the same date over multiple years, having both formats actually helped keep everything straight.

The story is told from two points of view, it worked nicely since Jules and Quinn’s lives are so connected. I liked seeing both sides, especially as more pieces started to come together.

Jules and Quinn were both solid characters. The way their lives are tied together from that one night and continue to overlap over the years, it added a bit more depth than I was expecting. It’s not just about the mystery.

The Anniversary is unique in that the story kept going back to May 1st each year. It kept things interesting and I found myself trying to figure everything out as it went along. It’s one of those books where I was trying to connecting the dots.  It is a story about how one moment can change everything and how the truth has a way of coming out, no matter how much time has passed. 

Overall, this was a solid, engaging read and one that kept me turning the pages to see how it would all come together.

My thanks to both St. Martin's Press and Macmillan Audio for advanced copies in exchange for a honest review. 

The Shippers Katherine Center

One of the hottest, fastest-rising rom-com stars delivers her latest swoon-worthy novel about a destination wedding on a cruise ship.

After a whole lifetime of being bad at love, JoJo Burton decides to solve her intimacy issues once and for all at her sister’s destination wedding on a cruise ship. With the help of a little pop psychology, she diagnoses herself with a fixation on the neighborhood guy who was her her first crush and first kiss (and who just happens to be a newly-divorced wedding guest ), and she decides to woo him during the cruise for some long-delayed closure. Only problem is, her sister’s a little busy being a bride at the moment—so JoJo ropes in her childhood bestie, Cooper Watts, to be her wing man. Cooper: who RSVPed no, but then showed up, anyway. Cooper: who left town without a word four years earlier and moved to London. Cooper: who was, if she’s honest, the worst heartbreak of JoJo’s life. It’s bliss for her to see him again, and it’s agony, too—and the more they team up for Project Conquest, the more she obsesses over questions she can’t bring herself to ask.

Shipboard antics ensue in this witty, heart-tugging, childhood-friends-to-lovers romance—as JoJo and Cooper fake flirt, slow dance, share a cabin, sing duets, treat sunburns, get jealous, rescue each other over and over, and finally, at last, figure it all out in the most blissful, swoony, romantic way.

No one does summer romance quite like Katherine Center. THE SHIPPERS will take readers on the cruise of a lifetime in a story awash with romantic longing, top-notch banter, long-held secrets . . . and true love rediscovered.

Kindle Edition, 336 pages

Expected publication May 19, 2026

 by St. Martin's Press

3.75/5 stars

Katherine Center is an auto-read author for me. Ever since reading The Bodyguard, I’ve been slowly working my way through her backlist, and I’ll pretty much pick up anything new she releases.

I was also lucky enough to receive both a digital and audiobook ARC for this one, so I ended up doing a bit of a hybrid read, which worked really well for this kind of story.

The audiobook is narrated by Patti Murin, I’ve listened to a number of books she’s done before and have always enjoyed them. She really does know how to bring a book to life.

A romance set on a cruise ship? As a cruiser myself, I couldn't wait to dig in.

The setting was a lot of fun. Between the wedding prep, the close quarters and all the classic cruise ship moments, it made for a easy, beach read. It has that light, escapist feel her books are known for, but still with some emotional depth underneath.

JoJo is definitely one of those slightly messy, figuring-it-out characters. Her plan to 'fix' her love life added some humour, but also highlighted some deeper issues. I didn’t always agree with her choices but I understood where she was coming from. Then there is Cooper… the childhood best friend who left without a word. Their history is what drives this story. It added tension and gives the romance more weight, even when the story leans into the lighter, rom-com moments.

The romance hits a lot of familiar tropes along with Center's witty banter is always fun to read. Overall, this was a fun, easy read. Not my favourite of hers, but still a solid addition to her backlist and exactly the kind of book I reach for when I want something light and romantic.

My thanks to Macmillain Audio and St. Martin's Press for audio/digital arc in exchange for honest review.

The Happy Ever After Playlist by Abby Jimenez

Two years after losing her fiancé, Sloan Monroe still can't seem to get her life back on track. But one trouble-making pup with a "take me home" look in his eyes is about to change everything. With her new pet by her side, Sloan finally starts to feel more like herself. Then, after weeks of unanswered texts, Tucker's owner reaches out. He's a musician on tour in Australia. And bottom line: He wants Tucker back.

Well, Sloan's not about to give up her dog without a fight. But what if this Jason guy really loves Tucker? As their flirty texts turn into long calls, Sloan can't deny a connection. Jason is hot and nice and funny. There's no telling what could happen when they meet in person. The question is: With his music career on the rise, how long will Jason really stick around? And is it possible for Sloan to survive another heartbreak?

From the USA Today bestselling author of The Friend Zone comes an adorable and fresh romantic comedy about one trouble-making dog who brings together two perfect strangers.

Paperback, 400 pages

Published April 14, 2020

 by Forever

4/5 stars

This is book 2 in The Friend Zone series, which started with The Friend Zone.  You can get away without reading it first but I still recommend it.

The Happy Ever After Playlist is a story of healing and new beginnings.    It's been 2 years since tragedy struck Sloan's life.  Is she ready to move on, open her heart again?  While there is no set time limit on grief, taking that first step is the hardest. 

With the help of Tucker, the doggie, this was a fun read with Jimenez's usual wit, banter and heart. I enjoyed being along side Sloan on this journey as she rediscovers herself and imagines a future for herself.

Coming in at 400 pages, it might have felt a be long but worth it.

This book was part of my 2026 Reading Off My Shelf Challenge, #11

Cinderella and the Beast by Kim Bussing

What would happen if Cinderella found herself in the beast's castle, and Beauty woke up in some evil stepmother's home? Fairy tales meet Freaky Friday in this series, where there’s a magical mix-up for every princess!

Ella’s spent her life dreaming about adventure, but it’s hard to have adventures when you’re stuck with a stepfamily who treat you like a servant. When she unexpectedly wakes up in a land far, far away, she’s thrilled at the chance to embark on an epic quest. That is, until she finds herself trapped once more—this time in the castle of a dangerous beast.

Belle, meanwhile, has plans. Her family’s trading company is on the brink of ruin, and to save it, she’s going to enter—and win—a royal competition in the prince’s honor. But when she unexpectedly winds up in a cellar with a wicked stepfamily who have their own plans to keep her from the competition . . . things get complicated.

Happily-ever-after couldn’t feel farther away. Can Ella escape the beast’s clutches? And can Belle get rid of this stepfamily in time for the competition?

For other Princess Swaps, don't miss Snow White and the Dragon (or, Sleeping Beauty and the Seven Dwarfs)!

Paperback, 304 pages

Published January 7, 2025

 by Random House Books for Young Readers

3/5

The Princess Swap: Cinderella and the Beast  takes two familiar fairy tales and gives them a fun twist, swapping Cinderella and Belle into each other’s stories. It’s unique, kind of a fairy tale Freaky Friday.

The Princess Swap is a story of stepping into someone else's shoes, its challenging and a story of how courage looks different for everyone.  Overall, this was a light, easy read with a clever twist on classic fairy tales. 

There were some fun moments watching Belle and Ella as they suddenly find themselves in completely different worlds.  But I gotta say the closeness of their names got to me a bunch of times, had to rethink where and who I was with.  It's  a nice fit for younger reads - yea you should really know the original fairy tales to get the full effect.

This book was part of my 2026 Reading Off My Shelf Challenge. #4

Out of the Easy by Ruta Sepetys

It's 1950, and as the French Quarter of New Orleans simmers with secrets, seventeen-year-old Josie Moraine is silently stirring a pot of her own. Known among locals as the daughter of a brothel prostitute, Josie wants more out of life than the Big Easy has to offer. She devises a plan get out, but a mysterious death in the Quarter leaves Josie tangled in an investigation that will challenge her allegiance to her mother, her conscience, and Willie Woodley, the brusque madam on Conti Street.

Josie is caught between the dream of an elite college and a clandestine underworld. New Orleans lures her in her quest for truth, dangling temptation at every turn, and escalating to the ultimate test.

With characters as captivating as those in her internationally bestselling novel Between Shades of Gray, Ruta Sepetys skillfully creates a rich story of secrets, lies, and the haunting reminder that decisions can shape our destiny.

Paperback, 348 pages

Published February 12, 2013

 by Philomel Books

4/5 stars

Out of the Easy is my 2nd book by Ruta Sepetys, Between Shades of Gray was my first, which I loved. Departing from WW2 this one is set in 1950s New Orleans, a city teaming with secrets. 

This story follows Josie Moraine, a seventeen-year-old determined to carve out a life beyond what’s expected of her as the daughter of a courtesan. She is driven and ambition, while also loyal and caring, a character I rooted for. Though a suspicious death, she finds herself pulled deeper into a world she’s trying to escape.

Having been to New Orleans myself, I already had a strong sense and visual of the area, which made the setting feel even more vivid. 

Out of the Easy is a story of secrets, ambition and the pull between where you come from and where you want to go. It highlights how the choices we make can shape our future, even when the odds feel stacked against us. An enjoyable read by an author I really need to read more of.

This book was part of my 2026 Reading Off My Shelf Challenge, #9

The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien

Bilbo Baggins is a hobbit who enjoys a comfortable, unambitious life, rarely travelling further than the pantry of his hobbit-hole in Bag End.

But his contentment is disturbed when the wizard, Gandalf, and a company of thirteen dwarves arrive on his doorstep one day to whisk him away on an unexpected journey ‘there and back again’. They have a plot to raid the treasure hoard of Smaug the Magnificent, a large and very dangerous dragon…

The prelude to The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit has sold many millions of copies since its publication in 1937, establishing itself as one of the most beloved and influential books of the twentieth century.

Hardcover, 317 pages

Audiobook, 10 hours, 29 minutes

Published November 8, 2012

 by HarperCollins

3.5/5 stars

The Hobbit has been on my radar (and my tbr shelf) for years. Listening to the advice of my off spring and glowing comments I dived into this hybrid read.  Andy Serkis did an amazing job of narrating The Hobbit - he also does The Lord of the Rings books.

It did take a little bit to adjust to the language and the fantasy elements, things like trolls, dwarves and keeping track of all the names and places. But once I settled into the story, I really enjoyed the adventure.

Bilbo is a wonderful character to follow as he is pulled out of his quiet life and takes a journey far beyond anything he imagined. Along the way there are plenty of encounters that make this story feel like a classic quest.

I used to say fantasy isn't a genre i read alot of, but these days I feel that I read plenty.  And this was a fun read.  My print copy had illustrations which had nice visuals. 

My print copy was part of my 2026 Reading Off My Shelf Challenge (#7)

 and the audiobook purchase via Audible

The Friend Zone by Abby Jimenez

Kristen Petersen doesn't do drama, will fight to the death for her friends, and has no room in her life for guys who just don't get her. She's also keeping a big secret: facing a medically necessary procedure that will make it impossible for her to have children.

Planning her best friend's wedding is bittersweet for Kristen -- especially when she meets the best man, Josh Copeland. He's funny, sexy, never offended by her mile-wide streak of sarcasm, and always one chicken enchilada ahead of her hangry. Even her dog, Stuntman Mike, adores him. The only catch: Josh wants a big family someday. Kristen knows he'd be better off with someone else, but as their attraction grows, it's harder and harder to keep him at arm's length.

Paperback, 384 pages

Published June 11, 2019

 by Forever

3/5 stars

I first discovered Abby Jimenez a few books ago and quickly became a fan.  Her witty banter, fun characters, heartfelt stories and there is always a dog to round things out nicely.   So I was curious to read her back list and started with The Friend Zone and am pretty sure this is her debut.

Again I was treated to all the things I mentioned already.  Her characters are engaging and she has a way of mixing humour with emotional moments.  There is always a strong and relevant message given also.

That being said, this one didn't hit the same level for me as some of her later books.  I still enjoyed the story overall but found parts of it felt a bit repetitive and some of the secrets were drawn out longer than necessary.

Even with that it was an enjoyable read and nice to read Jimenez's earlier works.  I have already finished book 2 in this series, The Happy Ever After Playlist.  That review is coming in a couple days.

This book was part of my 2026 Reading Off My Shelf Challenge, #8

What the River Knows by Isabel Ibañez

The Mummy meets Death on the Nile in What the River Knows, Isabel Ibañez's lush, immersive historical fantasy set in Egypt and filled with adventure, a rivals-to-lovers romance, and a dangerous race.

Bolivian-Argentinian Inez Olivera belongs to the glittering upper society of nineteenth century Buenos Aires, and like the rest of the world, the town is steeped in old world magic that's been largely left behind or forgotten. Inez has everything a girl might want, except for the one thing she yearns the most: her globetrotting parents-who frequently leave her behind.

When she receives word of their tragic deaths, Inez inherits their massive fortune and a mysterious guardian, an archeologist in partnership with his Egyptian brother-in-law. Yearning for answers, Inez sails to Cairo, bringing her sketch pads and a golden ring her father sent to her for safekeeping before he died. But upon her arrival, the old world magic tethered to the ring pulls her down a path where she soon discovers there's more to her parent's disappearance than what her guardian led her to believe.

With her guardian's infuriatingly handsome assistant thwarting her at every turn, Inez must rely on ancient magic to uncover the truth about her parent's disappearance-or risk becoming a pawn in a larger game that will kill her.

Hardcover, 404 pages

Published October 31, 2023

 by Wednesday Books

3.5/5 stars

This was my first time reading Isabel Ibañez, the Egyptian setting is what drew me in along with the cover.  I was lucky enough a number of years ago, while on a Mediterranean cruise, to stop in Alexandria. Being able to experience even a small part of the country, seeing the landscape, learning about its history and even walking through some pyramids made this setting feel a little more real. It definitely added to my reading experience.

Inez was an interesting character, grieving the loss of her parents she impulsively boards a ship for Egypt looking for answers. What she gets me more questions, adventure and betrayal.  

What the River Knows was an interesting read, a tad slow at times.  But the mystery, unreliable characters, history and some magical realism kept me reading. The dynamic between Inez and her guardian's assistant was entertaining, especially with his mysterious past.

Overall this was an intriguing start to a duology.  Knowing this was the first book I didn't go in expecting full disclosure, but more of an introduction.  It definitely left me curious to see what comes next.

This book was part of my 2026 Reading Off My Shelf Challenge. #13