Road Trip by Mary Kay Andrews

Mary Kay Andrews is back with her first novel in two years!

Maeve and Therese Dunigan are sisters—but the two have been estranged for years. They could not be more Maeve, a rule-follower and Therese, a rebel. But when their mother's death brings the family back together, the two find that they have inherited a painting—one that could be worth millions and could save each of them from their respective wolves at the door. 

The only issue is, the painting might be a fake and the only way the can solve the problem is to find the original. This means a road trip—to Ireland, to their family roots, and to a mysterious crime that occurred years ago. 

With tensions simmering, the two hit the road and find themselves on twisty lanes, in colorful villages, at local pubs, and with handsome men whose gift of the gab is surpassed only by their charm. 

Can Maeve and Therese find the real painting, remove a family curse, solve a cold case, and actually survive without killing each other? 

Join Mary Kay Andrews on a road trip that will entertain you for miles.

Audiobook, 14 hours, 57 minutes

Published June 2, 2026

 by Macmillan Audio

3.5/5 stars

This is my second time reading Mary Kay Andrews,  she delivers another warm, character-driven story that hits all the right notes for a lovely beach read. Or listen, since I went the audiobook route.

Road Trip follows two estranged sisters brought together following the death of their mother. One stayed close to home, caring for their mother through her final days. The other was off chasing her dreams. Circumstance throws them together for a trip to Ireland and what unfolds is equal parts grief, humour and some long-overdue honest conversations.

At the heart of the story is a painting that has been in the family for generations, one their mother refused to sell just never said why. As the sisters travel, the history behind that painting slowly reveals itself, adding an intriguing layer to what is already a compelling family story.

Road Trip is a story about family, relationships and the complicated history that exists between some siblings. The trip to Ireland itself brings adventure, new friends and self-discovery as the sisters work to unravel this mystery. It's about resolving differences and coming to understand that every person - including the mother at the centre of it all - has their own story to tell. And true to the author's style, there is also a touch of romance woven in. 

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

Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers by Jesse Q. Sutanto

Put the kettle on, there’s a mystery brewing…

Tea-shop owner. Matchmaker. Detective?

Sixty-year-old self-proclaimed tea expert Vera Wong enjoys nothing more than sipping a good cup of Wulong and doing some healthy ‘detective’ work on the internet (AKA checking up on her son to see if he’s dating anybody yet).

But when Vera wakes up one morning to find a dead man in the middle of her tea shop, it’s going to take more than a strong Longjing to fix things. Knowing she’ll do a better job than the police possibly could – because nobody sniffs out a wrongdoing quite like a suspicious Chinese mother with time on her hands – Vera decides it’s down to her to catch the killer.

Nobody spills the tea like this amateur sleuth.

Paperback, 339 pages

Audiobook, 10hours, 41 minutes

Published March 14, 2023 

by Berkley

4/5 stars

This isn't my first Jess Q. Sutanto book, I love how she can write serious mystery/suspense reads and then a fun, humerous story, though still a murder mystery.

I picked up the audiobook for this read and I'm so glad I did. The the narrator had the perfect voice and accent to bring Vera Wong to life, her personality absolutely shined through.

Vera Wong was the kind of character I couldn't help rooting for. Opinionated, nosy and completely convinced she knows best. She stumbles into a murder investigation the way only Vera could, with complete confidence and zero hesitation. Given this said murder literally happened on her doorstep, how could she not take charge.  But what makes this book more than just a murder mystery is the heart woven through it.  This is also a story about family and friendship, and those threads give the book a warmth that stayed with me.

I really enjoyed the cast of unreliable suspects, they kept me on my toes and just when I thought I had things figured out, the ending surprised me completely. A satisfying conclusion that tied everything together nicely.  Can't wait to read book 2, and yes I will continue the audio route.

Though this book was part of my 2026 Reading Off My Shelf Challenge (#21), I obtained the audiobook from Spodify.

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. 

Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir

A lone astronaut must save the earth from disaster in this incredible new science-based thriller from the #1 'New York Times' bestselling author of 'The Martian'.

Ryland Grace is the sole survivor on a desperate, last-chance mission - and if he fails, humanity and the earth itself will perish.

Except that right now, he doesn't know that. He can't even remember his own name, let alone the nature of his assignment or how to complete it.

All he knows is that he's been asleep for a very, very long time. And he's just been awakened to find himself millions of miles from home, with nothing but two corpses for company.

His crew-mates dead, his memories fuzzily returning, he realizes that an impossible task now confronts him. Alone on this tiny ship that's been cobbled together by every government and space agency on the planet and hurled into the depths of space, it's up to him to conquer an extinction-level threat to our species.

And thanks to an unexpected ally, he just might have a chance.

Part scientific mystery, part dazzling interstellar journey, 'PROJECT HAIL MARY is a tale of discovery, speculation, and survival to rival 'The Martian' - while taking us to places it never dreamed of going.

Audiobook, 16 hours, 10 minutes

First published May 4, 2021

by Amazon Audio

5/5

I’m not a sci-fi reader, I picked up the audio-book after seeing a reel by the narrator, Ray Porter. He explained that he doesn’t do a pre-read before narrating, he goes in cold, meaning he has no idea where the story is going. Because of that, all the tense, funny and witty moments felt completely genuine.

There was also a bit of FOMO when it came to the movie and all its hype, so yes I watched it the day after finishing the audio-book.

I won’t give away spoilers, but at its core the story follows Ryland Grace as he tries to save the world. The narrative shifts between the present day (on the spaceship) and the past, showing how he got there. These timelines are woven together seamlessly and kept me hooked at every opportunity. At roughly 16 hours long, I finished in just a few days, listening whenever I could.

Did the movie live up to the hype? Absolutely. A five-star read and a five-star movie. I can easily see myself rewatching it and relistening. My advice: watch it on the big screen for the full experience.

I’m now curious to read The Martian also by Andy Weir, though I was a little disappointed to learn it has a different narrator. I’ll definitely be on the lookout for more books narrated by Ray Porter.

My audiobook was obtained through a trial subscription to Amazon Music. It’s currently an Audible exclusive, so it’s only available through Audible or Amazon Music, which is a bit disappointing for those without subscriptions.

The Life Impossible by Matt Haig

“What looks like magic is simply a part of life we don’t understand yet…”

When retired math teacher Grace Winters is left a run-down house on a Mediterranean island by a long-lost friend, curiosity gets the better of her. She arrives in Ibiza with a one-way ticket, no guidebook and no plan.

Among the rugged hills and golden beaches of the island, Grace searches for answers about her friend’s life, and how it ended. What she uncovers is stranger than she could have dreamed. But to dive into this impossible truth, Grace must first come to terms with her past.

Filled with wonder and wild adventure, this is a story of hope and the life-changing power of a new beginning.

Paperback, 384 pages

Audiobook, 10 hours 47 minutes

Published September 2, 2025

 by Penguin Books/Harper Audio

2/5 stars

I went into The Life Impossible with mixed expectations. While many readers absolutely loved The Midnight Library, that one didn’t quite work for me. But I was still curious to see what Matt Haig would do next, and the setting for this one grabbed my attention.

The story follows Grace Winters, a seventy-two-year-old retired teacher who is struggling with grief and regret after the losses in her life. When she unexpectedly inherits a house in Ibiza, from a former colleague she barely knew, she travels to the island hoping to uncover the mystery surrounding the woman’s death and why the house was left to her.

The novel actually started out quite strong for me. I enjoyed the reflective tone and the look into Grace’s past along with the mystery surrounding the inheritance kept me interested early on. However, as the story progressed it took a turn into much more fantastical territory than I expected. What began as an intriguing and emotional journey gradually became increasingly strange and hard for me to connect with.

Thankfully, I did switch over to the audiobook, because I’m not sure I would have finished it in print. While I appreciated Haig’s themes of healing, second chances and learning to live again after grief, this one ultimately just wasn’t the right fit for me.

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

The Seven Rings by Nora Roberts

Nora Roberts concludes her Lost Bride trilogy as two women—one dead, one alive—prepare for a terrifying final showdown…

Long ago, Arthur Poole built a grand house overlooking the turbulent ocean, in a Maine village that bore his name. Today, Sonya MacTavish lives in that house—a manor that has been cursed for generations. Within its walls, she has witnessed the deaths of seven brides and the thefts of seven wedding rings. And now, to break the curse and banish a malevolent spirit once and for all, a difficult task must be completed.

After Sonya, her boyfriend, Trey, and their friends are forced to hear, see—and feel—the suffering of the house’s many ghosts as their torment is reenacted by the evil presence, their bond only strengthens and their anger is renewed. Refusing to let her spirit be broken, Sonya searches each room for clues to her ancestors’ hidden story, putting the picture together, unearthing small treasures, and uncovering the moments of joy that existed among the sorrows. She’s determined to bring light to this haunted place—to fill it with people, with life and hope, once again.

But the enemy in the black dress continues to hover, to come at her in frightening forms. They may be illusions—but illusions can be powerful enough to wound and kill. She feeds on fear, and lies are her weapon. This dark-hearted witch wants to be mistress of Poole Manor, at any cost. And Sonya will need to fight a battle across two realms to finally take possession of the house on the clifftop—and of her own future…

Hardcover, 454 pages

Published November 18, 2025

 by St. Martin's Press

2.5/5 stars

The Seven Rings is the third book in series and while it has an interesting mystery and a unique overall premise it ultimately didn’t work for me as the previous 2 did.

This series was my first experience reading Nora Roberts, and I listened to this one as an audiobook. My biggest issue was the length. The story felt far too long, with a lot of time spent on cooking, meal planning and rearranging furniture. In audio format, these sections felt especially drawn out and repeatedly pulled focus away from the mystery to the point where I found myself disengaging.

That said, the underlying plot is unusual and I did appreciate the mystery element running through the series. There is nothing like a good ghost story. Unfortunately, the tone leaned overly sweet for my taste, and the ending felt rushed, particularly after such a long build-up.

As a trilogy, this series felt stretched. In all honesty, I think the story and possibly the entire series, could have worked better as a duology, keeping the mystery tighter and the resolution more satisfying.

All in all an imaginative mystery with a strong premise, but weighed down by length, a too-sweet tone at times (in the relationships department that is) and a rushed conclusion.

The Weirdies by Michael Buckley

This is a very, very sad story. The characters suffer terrible tragedies. People die in unspeakable ways. Only a truly horrible person would be amused by their misfortune.

Nevertheless, it is kind of funny.

My advice is that you listen to this all by yourself. People can be judgy.

If you’re a fan of A Series of Unfortunate Events, Edward Scissorhands, or the darkest bits of Roald Dahl, the Weirdie triplets - Barnacle, Garlic, and Melancholy - will feel like old friends.

 After being left behind when the entire estate of Deadeye Manor is packed up for a doomed vacation cruise, the triplets have to learn how to fend for themselves. (When a staff of 200 servants has taken care of your every need, even brushing your own teeth is a mountainous task.) 

From their time at the Our Lady of the Perpetual Side-Eye Orphanage to their adoptive home on picture-perfect Sunshine Circle, the Weirdies have a lot to learn about the world...but, at least, they have each other.

Audiobook, 1 hours, 47 minutes

Published November 19, 2020

by Audible Originals

4/5 stars

The Weirdies is a wild and crazy ride that blends humor, mystery and just the right amount of weirdness. 

It follows the life of three siblings, triplets as a matter of fact, named Barnacle, Garlic and Melancholy. After they are abandoned in their home, meaning their parents have left along with the 200 servants that serve them. They are taken into an orphanage and then handed off to a kind woman at a cheerful place called Sunshine Circle. 

I listened to the audiobook, which was read by Kate Winslet, she did a spectacular job bringing the whole situation to life while emphasizing the wit and laugh out loud moments along with the bizarre twists that happen.

This is the first book in a series called The Weirdies, it’s a story about being different to put it mildly, and it’s great for readers that love characters that are...well different. This will appeal to fans of the Series for Unfortunate Events.

 Like I said, I listened to the audiobook which I got through Audible Originals, it's a freebie. I am looking forward to book 2, The Weirdies Get Weirder (again read by Kate Kinslet) and #3 The Weirdies: Maybe This is a Bit Too Weirder (read by Helena Bonham Carter). They come in at under two hours in length.

Capture the Moment by Suzanne Woods Fisher

She's ready for adventure--isn't she?

Kate Cunningham is facing the opportunity of a lifetime. As a zoo photographer, she's spent years photographing animals in carefully controlled environments, but now National Geographic has dangled an irresistible prize: If Kate can snag a unique photo of a legendary bear in Grand Teton National Park, they just might publish it. It's the kind of challenge Kate has been waiting for, and she's eager to prove herself in the wild. 

With more enthusiasm than experience, Kate soon realizes that capturing an image of this bear isn't as simple as she hoped. Fortunately, she crosses paths with Grant Cooper, a seasonal park ranger who knows the terrain--and the bears--better than anyone. His tracking skills could be exactly what Kate needs to succeed, and it doesn't hurt that he's easy on the eyes. But they're not the only ones with an interest in the park's most famous bear. And his motives are far from innocent.

A clean, kisses-only contemporary romance and summer read by Suzanne Woods Fisher for wildlife, travel, and photography enthusiasts set in Grand Teton National Park.

Audiobook,  8 hours, 50 minutes

Published May 8, 2025

by Recorded Books

4/5 stars

As a longtime Suzanne Woods Fisher fan, I dove into Capture the Moment and knew she wouldn't disappoint. 

The story kicks off in Grand Teton National Park, where Kate Cunningham, a zoo photographer ventures into the wild for the first time.  Her goal is to capture a picture of Grizzly Bear #399, a picture that could launch a new direction for her in photography.  Maybe, just maybe grab the attention of National Geographic. She’s enthusiastic, but as she soon finds out photographing a legendary bear in its natural habitat is nothing like shooting in a zoo. It doesn't take long before she is known as the zoo girl.

Then there is the rugged, terrain-savvy seasonal park ranger with tracking skills to match his good looks. Along with some great support characters like Maisie (the talkative thirteen-year-old) and Frankie (a moody teen intern) giving some great balance. Together they trek through breathtaking landscapes, waiting and watching for the perfect photo.

But it’s not all sunshine and wildlife: someone else is stalking Bear 399 with less noble motives. Suspense builds for Kate as this multi layer story deals with a lurking poacher and more. Ultimately this is a story of self‑discovery as Kate journeys from zoo girl to a wildlife photographer willing to take bold steps to get what she wants while be mocked and challenged along the way.

Capture the Moment is Christian Fiction with authentic characters, a unique settings and great storytelling, which is why Suzanne Woods Fisher is one of my go‑to authors.

This audiobook was obtained through my Everand subscription.

Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice by Elle Cosimano

Finlay Donovan and her nanny/partner-in-crime Vero are in sore need of a girls’ weekend away. They plan a trip to Atlantic City, but odds are―seeing as it’s actually a cover story to negotiate a deal with a dangerous loan shark, save Vero’s childhood crush Javi, and hunt down a stolen car―it won’t be all fun and games. When Finlay’s ex-husband Steven and her mother insist on tagging along too, Finlay and Vero suddenly have a few too many meddlesome passengers along for the ride.

Within hours of arriving in their seedy casino hotel, it becomes clear their rescue mission is going to be a bust. Javi’s kidnapper, Marco, refuses to negotiate, demanding payment in full in exchange for Javi’s life. But that’s not all―he insists on knowing the whereabouts of his missing nephew, Ike, who mysteriously disappeared. Unable to confess what really happened to Ike, Finlay and Vero are forced to come up with a new plan: sleuth out the location of Javi and the Aston Martin, then steal them both back.

But when they sneak into the loan shark’s suite to search for clues, they find more than they bargained for―Marco's already dead. They don’t have a clue who murdered him, only that they themselves have a very convincing motive. Then four members of the police department unexpectedly show up in town, also looking for Ike―and after Finlay's night with hot cop Nick at the police academy, he’s a little too eager to keep her close to his side.

If Finlay can juggle a jealous ex-husband, two precocious kids, her mother’s marital issues, a decomposing loan shark, and find Vero’s missing boyfriend, she might get out of Atlantic City in one piece. But will she fold under the pressure and come clean about the things she’s done, or be forced to double down?

Audiobook, 9 hours, 5 minutes

Published March 5, 2024

 by Macmillan Audio

3.5/5 stars

This is Book 4 in Finlay Donovan Series, right now I am in the middle of book 5, which releases in March and just realized that I have not done my review for Rolls the Dice. The thing is I listened to this book way back in July and I still remember it. I remember my drive home from north as I listened, shaking my head and thinking oh my what do we have here?

I can honestly say this was an entertaining listen.  It seems as the series progresses it gets a little more outrageous and far-fetched.  And that's not always a bad thing. That being said, it was funny and mysterious all at the same time. If I had to suspend my belief in book 3 at the Police Academy, Roll the Dice takes it up a whole other level. If something is gonna go wrong, then it’s gonna go wrong a hundred fold. And it wasn’t just a case of Finley and her sidekick Vero, but the rest of the family gets involved also.

What has been consistent throughout all her books is a mystery, the mob, Finley‘s new boyfriend who happens to be the police detective, her ex-husband, her kids, her sister, and a very strong case of suspending one’s belief. The star of the show... Kevin Bacon. 

Not much more I can say other than you have to read this series in order. And I highly recommend the audiobook as the narrator does an amazing job.

My copy of the audiobook was obtained through my local library via CloudLibrary

Veronica Ruiz Breaks the Bank by Elle Cosimano

From New York Times bestselling author Elle Cosimano, comes Veronica Ruiz Breaks the Bank—a hilarious short story diving into Finlay Donovan's partner-in-crime Vero's past.

Anyone can spot a window of opportunity, but not everyone can manage to fall straight through one.

Veronica Ruiz is on the run for the first time in her life—though certainly not the last. After being falsely accused of stealing money from her college sorority, she packs up and heads to her cousin Ramón's apartment, planning to change her name and rebuild start over away from backstabbing girls and university drama (and far, far away from her arrest warrant in Maryland).

At the local bank on the first morning of her new life, it occurs to Vero that she'd be a better bank teller than most of the current employees: she may not have much money, but what little she does have, she knows how to manage. Unfortunately, the only available position is a cleaning job and so, desperate for a fresh start, she takes the bank manager’s offer.

But nothing in Vero's world has ever been simple, so of course shortly after she begins work, she overhears a conversation between her new boss and a security guard: someone who works there has been stealing. Seeing a window of opportunity, Vero sets out to find the identity of the thief, present the evidence, and then push for the perfect job. All of which would be easier if her irresistibly infuriating childhood crush Javi wasn’t living in the same damn town.

Offering the insight that listeners have been craving into fan-favorite Vero's past and a closer look at the moment Finlay and Vero first meet, Veronica Ruiz Breaks the Bank is a can't-miss addition to the Finlay Donovan series.

Audiobook, 2 hours, 27 minutes

Published November 7, 2023

 by Macmillan Audio

3.5/5 stars

This is book 3.5 in the Finlay Donovan series. a novella/short story coming in just over 125 pages or 2 hours 27 minutes audio, which is the route I went.

My only disappointment with this book started with a different reader than the rest of the series. Maybe I was just used to her voice and can't handle the change, but suffice to say the other is spot on for Vero's voice.

The previous three books in the series hint at something that happened in Vero‘s past and here we finally get the story of what took place. It was a short listen/read, but gave insight into more of her character and what she is running from. It also offers more insight into how Finlay and Vero first meet.  Not required reading for this series but a fun break.

I obtained the audiobook via CloudLibrary

From Here to the Great Unknown: A Memoir by Lisa Marie Presley & Riley Keough

Born to an American myth and raised in the wilds of Graceland, Lisa Marie Presley tells her whole story for the first time in this raw, riveting, one-of-a-kind memoir faithfully completed by her daughter, Riley Keough.

In 2022, Lisa Marie Presley asked her daughter to help finally finish her long-gestating memoir.

A month later, Lisa Marie was dead, and the world would never know her story in her own words, never know the passionate, joyful, caring, and complicated woman that Riley loved and now grieved.

Riley got the tapes that her mother had recorded for the book, lay in her bed, and listened as Lisa Marie told story after story about smashing golf carts together in the yards of Graceland, about the unconditional love she felt from her father, about being upstairs, just the two of them. About getting dragged screaming out of the bathroom as she ran toward his body on the floor. About living in Los Angeles with her mother, getting sent to school after school, always kicked out, always in trouble. About her singular, lifelong relationship with Danny Keough, about being married to Michael Jackson, what they had in common. About motherhood. About deep addiction. About ever-present grief. Riley knew she had to fulfill her mother’s wish to reveal these memories, incandescent and painful, to the world.

To make her mother known.

This extraordinary book is written in both Lisa Marie’s and Riley’s voices, a mother and daughter communicating—from this world to the one beyond—as they try to heal each other. Profoundly moving and deeply revealing, From Here to the Great Unknown is a book like no other—the last words of the only child of an American icon.

Audible Audio, 5 hours, 42 minutes

Published October 8, 2024

 by Random House Audio

4/5 stars

Though celebrity stories are really not my thing I was intrigued about Lisa Marie Presley‘s story which released last month. It’s not a long book, the audio coming in at about 5 1/2 hours or 304 pages.  I went the audio route, but I am sure that the print copy would also include photos.

Told from Lisa Marie‘s point of view, she had begun this process before she passed away suddenly, and the audio includes excerpts of her recorded interviews. Other than that, Julie Roberts told her story along with Riley Keough, Lisa Marie's eldest daughter.

This is one of those audios that I found hard to listen to as she described her life at Graceland, the death of her father when she was quite young, the relationship with her mother, and then growing up with her addictions and grief.  A very open and honest look at Lisa Marie‘s life that evoked a lot of emotions. Sad for her upbringing without guidance that left her handling her grief on her own. How she married four times and still seemed like she was searching.

I knew very little about Lisa Marie’s life before reading this book and it has opened my eyes to her struggles.

My audio was obtained through my Spotify account

The Honeymoon Crashers by Christina Lauren

A perfectionist maid of honor and a carefree, surfer-bro best man team up to plan a wedding and end up finding a spark of their own in the first audio original from author duo Christina Lauren, a full-cast sequel to their New York Times bestseller The Unhoneymooners.

Ami is determined to break the Torres family wedding curse. Her own disaster of a reception ended with all the guests getting food poisoning, and she left her cheating husband soon after. But even though she’s still processing her own divorce, Ami won’t let her twin sister Olive’s day be anything but perfect. Olive may think she wants a private ceremony in Maui, where she and her fiancé Ethan first fell in love, but Ami knows better and secretly flies the whole Torres family out to surprise the couple. Now she and her meticulously organized binder have less than two weeks to get everything together for the big day, thousands of miles from home.

Enter Brody, Ethan’s best man, who happens to be living in Maui and insists on helping with the preparations. His playfully elaborate schemes and happy-go-lucky attitude are the last thing Ami needs. When sparks start to fly, could it derail all her carefully laid plans?

Equal parts hilarious and swoon-worthy, this full-cast production is your ticket to the ultimate destination wedding, bringing to life both a captivating couple and an unforgettable family. The Honeymoon Crashers is Christina Lauren at their charming, hilarious best.

 Audiobook, 4 hours, 47 minutes

Published August 1, 2023

 by Simon & Schuster Audio Originals

3/5 stars

A cute follow-up to The Unhoneymooners, that takes place in Hawaii.  This novella/short story is one I would have preferred to read vs listen to.  It was different from any audiobook I've listened to before, with sound effects and more dramatization.

The story itself was fun, predictable and a nice addition to its predecessor. Though it would have been nice to have been a little longer, maybe see more of Ami's life after her divorce, amongst other things (possible spoiler).

I listened to this audio via CloudLibrary.

The Paris Widow by Kimberly Belle

A dream vacation turns deadly when secrets from the past catch up to a married couple in Paris in this new edge-of-your-seat thriller from USA Today bestselling author, Kimberly Belle.

When Stella met Adam, she thought she had finally found a nice, normal guy—a welcome change from her previous boyfriend and her precarious jetsetter lifestyle with him. But her secure world comes crashing down when Adam goes missing after an explosion in the city square. Unable to reach him, she panics.

As the French police investigate, it’s revealed that Adam was on their radar as a dealer of rare and stolen antiquities with a long roster of criminal clients. Reeling from this news, Stella is determined not to leave Paris until she has the full story. Was Adam a random victim or the target of the explosion? And why is someone following her through the streets of Paris?

An irresistible, fast-paced read set in some of Europe’s most inviting locales, The Paris Widow explores how sinister secrets of the past stay with us—no matter how far we travel.

Audiobook, 10 hours, 23 minutes

Published June 11, 2024 

by Harlequin Audio

3/5 stars

Kimberly Bell's latest took this reader to different countries in Europe.  There were 2 different points of view, that of Stella and her husband Adam.  Their dream vacation takes a drastic turn when a bomb goes of in a Paris square leaving Stella searching for Adam 

It was an intriguing plot that took me into the black market of stolen art and antiquities. This was very much a telling story that was entertaining, but not as suspenseful and thrilling as I had hoped it to be.

It was mysterious and kept me guessing but it wasn't without issues. Had I read this book vs the audio maybe my thoughts would be different.  But I found the narrators not in tune with the characters personalities. Stella came off as hysterical and gullible with a very whiny and loud voice.  Adam's point of view came in at a slower speed, therefore I was constantly upping and slowing the speed down. Thankfully he didn't get as much time as Stella did.

Like I said, I wish I'd gone the book/ebook route and recommend that way to go.

My audiobook was obtained through Hoopla via local public library.

Cassandra in Reverse by Holly Smale

If you had the power to change the past…where would you start?
Cassandra Penelope Dankworth is a creature of habit. She likes what she likes (museums, jumpsuits, her boyfriend, Will) and strongly dislikes what she doesn't (mess, change, her boss drinking out of her mug). Her life runs in a pleasing, predictable order…until now.
• She's just been dumped.
• She's just been fired.
• Her local café has run out of banana muffins.

Then, something truly unexpected happens: Cassie discovers she can go back and change the past. One small rewind at a time, Cassie attempts to fix the life she accidentally obliterated, but soon she'll discover she's trying to fix all the wrong things.

Audiobook, 13 hours, 15 minutes

Published June 6, 2023

 by Harlequin Audio

2/5 stars

Cassandra in Reverse is the June '23 Reese's Book Club pick, honestly I think it's time Reese and I parted ways. Be forewarned for unpopular comments.

I went the audio route with this book, part of me thinks maybe reading the book might have been better in terms of performance.  Yea there were some jarring moments of raised voices that disrupted the flow and were more dramatic then necessary.

All in one day, Cassandra loses her boyfriend, her job, and her situation with her flatmate is tense. The next day she wakes up and starts all over again. This is my first time reading a Groundhog Day story, I contemplating DNF around the 40/50% mark. It was only through reviews/comments advising to persevere as the ending is good. Sadly, though the action does not start till after the 70/75% mark at which time things really did pick up and the meat of the story shined through. Unfortunately for me it was a little too late. The story was slow and repetitive with characters I didn't necessarily like. It had great potential but sadly it didn't live up to the hype (for me anyways).

My audiobook was obtained through my Scribd membership.

The Great Escape by Paul Brickhill

One of the most famous true stories from the last war, The GREAT ESCAPE tells how more than six hundred men in a German prisoner-of-war camp worked together to achieve an extraordinary break-out. Every night for a year they dug tunnels, and those who weren't digging forged passports, drew maps, faked weapons and tailored German uniforms and civilian clothes to wear once they had escaped. All of this was conducted under the very noses of their prison guards. When the right night came, the actual escape itself was timed to the split second - but of course, not everything went according to plan...

 Audible Audio

7 hours, 36 minutes

Published June 19, 2009 

by Blackstone Audio, Inc.

5/5 stars

Over the years, I have watched bits and pieces of this movie, The Great Escape, since it is one of my husband's favorites. It has an all star cast, some good musical vibes, and tells the story of some brave POWs in World War II. There were some crazy scenarios played out as these prisoners tunnelled 30 feet deep and over 200 feet to escape. There were other things that took place - obtaining authentic passes and identification cards, travel vouchers and even clothing and accessories to make these men blend into society. It’s an entertaining movie, but unbeknown to me this is based on a true story.

Written in 1950 by one of the prisoners, Paul Brickhill, an Australian pilot, he told the story of what actually happened. And it is pretty darn close to the movie which makes this story all the more compelling.

We listen to this audiobook on a recent road trip, though the audiobook comes in at 7 1/2 hours, the time flew by.  Paul Rickman was methodical in his attention to detail, how this group were able to make such a large tunnel so deep in the ground, how the forgeries took place and all the things that I mentioned above.

The Great Escape, well entertaining is a story of courage and resilience, but also sad and heartbreaking. Brickhill researched the last part meticulously to find out what exactly happened to those that got out.  Definitely an audio I recommend.

I obtained the audiobook through Audible, it was a free read with my account.

Josh and Hazel's Guide to Not Dating by Christina Lauren

Hazel Camille Bradford knows she’s a lot to take—and frankly, most men aren’t up to the challenge. If her army of pets and thrill for the absurd don’t send them running, her lack of filter means she’ll say exactly the wrong thing in a delicate moment. Their loss. She’s a good soul in search of honest fun.

Josh Im has known Hazel since college, where her zany playfulness proved completely incompatible with his mellow restraint. From the first night they met—when she gracelessly threw up on his shoes—to when she sent him an unintelligible email while in a post-surgical haze, Josh has always thought of Hazel more as a spectacle than a peer. But now, ten years later, after a cheating girlfriend has turned his life upside down, going out with Hazel is a breath of fresh air.

Not that Josh and Hazel date. At least, not each other. Because setting each other up on progressively terrible double blind dates means there’s nothing between them...right?

Paperback, 309 pages

Published September 4, 2018

 by Gallery Books

Audiobook, 7 hours, 16 minutes

by Simon & Schuster Audio

4/5 stars

This was an impulse audio read.  I can't really say that the writing duo named Christina Lauren is a new to me author.  I've read a couple books last year that I loved.  So for 2023 my goal is to read her backlist.

Josh and Haley is the story of reunited friends (with a past from high school days).After Josh's breakup this pair sets out to create blind dates for each other, but these blind dates are also double dates.  What follows was a laugh out loud read - yes I did almost spit wine on my puzzle a couple times.

Would I have enjoyed it as much if I had read the book?  I can't really say. Nevertheless the plot was fun, the characters well developed, personalities authentic making an entertaining story.

That being said there were a few things that niggled at me.  Josh & Hazel haven't seen each other in over a decade and within moments are the best of friends -bester than their teen years. Plus the epilogue felt a bit over the top IMHO.

But other than that this was an entertaining audio read where I followed along with my print copy.

Audiobook was obtained through CloudLibrary with the print copy being a recent thrift shop rescue.

Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt

For fans of A Man Called Ove, a charming, witty and compulsively readable exploration of friendship, reckoning, and hope, tracing a widow's unlikely connection with a giant Pacific octopus.

After Tova Sullivan's husband died, she began working the night shift at the Sowell Bay Aquarium, mopping floors and tidying up. Keeping busy has always helped her cope, which she's been doing since her eighteen-year-old son, Erik, mysteriously vanished on a boat in Puget Sound over thirty years ago.

Tova becomes acquainted with curmudgeonly Marcellus, a giant Pacific octopus living at the aquarium. Marcellus knows more than anyone can imagine but wouldn't dream of lifting one of his eight arms for his human captors--until he forms a remarkable friendship with Tova.

Ever the detective, Marcellus deduces what happened the night Tova's son disappeared. And now Marcellus must use every trick his old invertebrate body can muster to unearth the truth for her before it's too late.

Shelby Van Pelt's debut novel is a gentle reminder that sometimes taking a hard look at the past can help uncover a future that once felt impossible. 

Audiobook, Unabridged, 11 hours, 16 minutes

Marin Ireland (Narrator)

Michael Urie (Narrator)

Published May 3rd 2022

 by HarperAudio

5/5 stars

To be honest this was a book that was not on my radar even when I started seeing the buzz on Instagram. But when a few of my favourite Instagrammers started raving about it I wanted to be one of the cool kids. I went the audio route and thoroughly enjoyed myself. The narrators (noted above) did a great job bringing this book to life.

Told from a number of POVs (including the non human kind) these different characters who at the beginning have no connection. I loved watching the different journeys and to see how all the pieces fit together. Marcellus the giant octopus who lives at the aquarium where Tova works made this story. He was wise, smart and sneaky.

Remarkable Bright Creatures is a debut novel, it is well written, gripping and was hard to put down.  Humorous at times it’s a story of grief, friendship, loneliness and family.

Well I can’t comment on whether I would’ve felt the same if I had read this book, though I imagine I would.  I highly recommend the audiobook to those that feel inclined and are fans of that method of reading.

My copy was obtained through Scribd as part of my monthly subscription

 

My Wife Is Missing by D.J. Palmer

When a woman disappears with her two children, one husband will do anything to find them—even confront the secrets of his own past—in D. J. Palmer's My Wife Is Missing, a twisty thriller from the author of The New Husband...

A family vacation turns into a nightmare for Michael Hart when he discovers his wife and two children have disappeared from their New York City hotel room. Horrified, he fears they’ve been kidnapped. Michael’s frantic search to find them takes a shocking turn when he discovers that his wife, Natalie, appears to have left quite willingly, taking their children with her. The police want to know why, and so does Michael. But there may be a reason why Natalie ran, something Michael can’t tell the police—the truth about his past.

While untangling his deceptions might be the key to locating Natalie, Michael knows it could also be his undoing. To find his wife, he must now turn to the one person capable of exposing all that he’s been hiding. Natalie thinks she has Michael all figured out and has hatched a plan to escape from him permanently. One detail, though, threatens to derail her efforts: sleep—or more accurately, the lack of it. Since the moment the shocking revelations about her husband came to light, Natalie’s insomnia has worsened to the point that she now suffers from delusions.

Are her fears about Michael valid—or a symptom of her condition? With her children’s lives at risk, the stakes for Natalie could not be higher. On her own, running low on energy and resources, avoiding increasingly close calls with Michael—who is on the hunt and closing in fast—Natalie needs someone to turn to for help. But who can she trust when she can’t even trust herself?

Audiobook, 11 hours, 8 mins

Narrated by Karissa Vacker

Published May 10, 2022 

by Macmillan Audio

4/5 stars

What begins as a family getaway turned into a nightmare for Michael when left in New York City with no idea where his wife and two children have disappeared to.

This is my first time reading DJ Palmer, I went with the audio book which comes in just over 11 hours giving it enough time to develop the characters and plot. Weaving back and forth between Michael and Natalie‘s point of view we also see through her eyes the past that led to her disappearance.

There are many layers to this story along with many secrets. I enjoyed the authors writing style and how he flawlessly went back-and-forth in time, I was kept in the dark as I tried to unravel the clues myself . My wife is Missing is a domestic story with the relationship between husband and wife, secrets of the past along with murder and much more.

I grabbed this audio book via Scribd because of all the hype I was seeing on Instagram about Palmer. I’m glad I did the impulse listen and highly recommend this book for those that like to be kept on their toes.

A Botanist's Guide to Parties and Poisons by Kate Khavari

Saffron Everleigh is in a race against time to free her wrongly accused professor before he goes behind bars forever. Perfect for fans of Deanna Raybourn and Anna Lee Huber, Kate Khavari’s debut historical mystery is a fast-paced, fearless adventure.

London, 1923. Newly minted research assistant Saffron Everleigh attends a dinner party for the University College of London. While she expects to engage in conversations about the university's large expedition to the Amazon, she doesn’t expect Mrs. Henry, one of the professors’ wives to drop to the floor, poisoned by an unknown toxin.

Dr. Maxwell, Saffron’s mentor, is the main suspect, having had an explosive argument with Dr. Henry a few days prior. As evidence mounts against Dr. Maxwell and the expedition's departure draws nearer, Saffron realizes if she wants her mentor's name cleared, she’ll have to do it herself.

Joined by enigmatic Alexander Ashton, a fellow researcher, Saffron uses her knowledge of botany as she explores steamy greenhouses, dark gardens, and deadly poisons. Will she be able to uncover the truth or will her investigation land her on the murderer’s list?

Kindle Edition, 304 pages

published by Crooked Lane Books

Audiobook 8 hours, 13 minutes

published by Dreamscape

on June 7, 2022

3/5 stars

Set in 1923 this book is a combination cozy mystery and historical fiction. I was drawn to this book from the stunning cover.

I did a combination read and audiobook listen, thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for those arcs.

Saffron is a young woman who is determined, resourceful and at times a little foolish. Driven to clear the name of a mentor she impulsively does things that put her own life and others at risk.

It was a fun read and an entertaining listen. With an interesting cast of characters, some likeable some not so much. The mystery played out nicely with adventure, wit and risk. There was a satisfying ending as well. I am not sure if this is the beginning of a series or not but it does have the makings for one.

While there are some comparing this book to Deanna Raybourn‘s Veronica Speedwell Series I don’t think I would go that far.

My thanks to Crooked Lane Books and Dreamscape Media for advanced copies in exchange for a honest review.

The New Neighbor by Carter Wilson

Aidan holds the winning Powerball numbers.

Is today the best day of his life... or the worst?

Aidan Marlowe is the superstitious type—he's been playing the same lottery numbers for fifteen years, never hitting the jackpot. Until now. On the day of his wife's funeral.

Aidan struggles to cope with these two sudden extremes: instant wealth beyond his imagination, and the loss of the only woman he's ever loved, the mother of his twin children. But the money gives him and his kids options they didn't have before. They can leave everything behind. They can start a new life in a new town. So they do.

But a huge new house and all the money in the world can't replace what they've lost, and it's not long before Aidan realizes he's merely trading old demons for new ones. Because someone is watching him and his family very closely. Someone who knows exactly who they are, where they've come from, and what they're trying to hide. Someone who will stop at nothing to get what they want...

Paperback, 384 pages

Audiobook 9 hours 22 minutes

Published April 12th 2022 

by Poisoned Pen Press

3/5 stars

This was an audio read for me. Again it’s another author I read a lot about on Instagram and had to see for myself what the hype was about.

The author doesn’t waste any time getting to the heart of this story. During his wife’s funeral Aidan discovers his Powerball numbers finally came up. What follows is a change of direction and new beginning for him and their children.

Part of me feels I would have liked this book better if I had read the book. Aidan is an unreliable character and while the story started out strong and had the power to continue it started to falter for me. The pacing slowed between back story and the present day threats just couldn’t keep my attention. 

The mystery was intriguing but I wasn’t satisfied with the ending, there were issues unresolved that made it feel flat.  I know I am in the minority with my thoughts, so it could just be a me thing.

My audiobook was obtained through my Scribd account.