Two things guaranteed to always uplift my mood—books and theatre. And here, Walsh provides the most heartwarming blend of the two!Utterly delightful!
Two things guaranteed to always uplift my mood—books and theatre. And here, Walsh provides the most heartwarming blend of the two!
When Rosie headed off to Broadway after graduation, everyone expected her to make it big. But years later, all she has is one “dead body” credit to her name (though it was on Law & Order!). Now, she’s struggling to hold her dreams together as she directs a community theatre production of Cinderella.
I immediately found myself endeared to Rosie. Her big dreams. Her snarky zingers and perfectly timed theatre quotes. Her quirky demeanor. Watching her journey of growth felt so relatable and authentic. It reminded me of big dreams I’ve had and how oftentimes the actuality was even better than what I’d dare hope.
The supporting cast of characters brought the fun and threatened to steal Rosie’s spotlight a time or two! The elderly might’ve been cranky at times, but their wisdom and encouragement added depth and warmth to the storyline. And her adorable love interest was the sweetest cinnamon roll hero.
But it was curmudgeonly Arthur, with his grunts and wisecracks, that had me wanting to jump through the book for a BIG ole hug. I loved watching him come out of his shell and would happily adopt him as my own grumpy grandpa.
Don’t miss the author’s note at the back. Walsh’s love of the theatre shone through every part of this read, but her lived experiences added even more heart to her creation.
This read was pure sunshine. It brightened my (otherwise drab) days and left me with a big smile on my face.
Powerful. Unforgettable. A standout, 5⭐️ debut worthy of all the praise!
Not many books leave me speechless, but this one did. I closed the pages with Powerful. Unforgettable. A standout, 5⭐️ debut worthy of all the praise!
Not many books leave me speechless, but this one did. I closed the pages with my heart full to overflowing. And I did something I never do. I started it over.
I was completely absorbed by the Bright family and their journey through love, loss, and addiction. Their moments of joy uplifted me, and their times of heartbreak devastated me.
Damoff beautifully showcases the fullness of life— the breathtaking surprises, the everyday mundanity, the earthshattering mistakes. There was a raw honesty to the storytelling. An emotional resonance within the messiness. And it all felt so soul filling authentic.
Literally, there was nothing I did not love about this book. The characters were genuine and complex, and the writing was immersive. Damoff embraced heavy topics with such a tender touch, and the storytelling was full of humanity and heart.
This book was so much more than I could’ve expected. A true bright spot in my reading year. I won’t be surprised when this one ends up on my 2025 favorites list.
Marguerite de La Rocque was born into a life of nobility. But fate and a cruel cousin had other plans for her.
➡️(4.5⭐️) Heartbreaking and inspiring.
Marguerite de La Rocque was born into a life of nobility. But fate and a cruel cousin had other plans for her.
➡️The synopsis and many reviews reveal details that I found most fascinating by discovering at the author’s hand. I recommend you go into this one with little more detail than I have outlined above and below.
A compelling story of resilience and survival, Isola seemed almost too harrowing to be believable. And yet, the story is steeped in historical fact.
More times than not, I couldn’t see a way forward for Marguerite. And yet, this inspiring woman and character proved that faith won out over fear. I found myself rooting for this unlikely heroine and stirred by her determination and inner fight.
Don’t miss the author’s note recounting how Goodman learned of Marguerite and her inspiration for writing this novel which includes a nod to her bestseller, Sam.
This was a haunting story of faith and survival that reminds—women have always been a force of nature!
No doubt you’ve seen a review or two about this new favorite. Truth be told, I don’t read a lot of romantasy, aHeart melting, toe curling perfection.
No doubt you’ve seen a review or two about this new favorite. Truth be told, I don’t read a lot of romantasy, and I certainly do not add new series reads to my TBR readily. But when I saw @reading.rambo ’s review that this would be THE read of the summer, I took note.
And BOY was she right.
I want to tell you that I was obsessed with the kingdom and the monsters. (I mean... they were both engaging and worthy of praise. I have no doubt that true fantasy readers will appreciate the depth and creativity.)
But ultimately, for me, this turned out to be a slow burn romance that I didn’t even know I was pining for.
The feistiness of the redheaded FMC. The heat that radiated off the broody MMC. The questions. The banter. The training. The poor excuse for spying. The way she longed for him, and the way he hated to leave her...though neither was prepared to admit such.
The tension was palpable. And the way it slowly increased scene after scene had me hanging on EVERY single moment that they were together. This could’ve made me impatient or exasperated. Instead, it just made everything burn so much hotter. And in the end...
It. Was. Worth. The. Wait.
I could not get enough of this book. Of these characters. Of their connection. And now I sit in a book hangover haze wondering... just how long will I have to wait for the next installment?
Florez-Cerchiaro well blends history and horror to create this Gothic tale burgeoning with Colombian culture.
A mansion—lavish and opulent—nestled intFlorez-Cerchiaro well blends history and horror to create this Gothic tale burgeoning with Colombian culture.
A mansion—lavish and opulent—nestled into a mountainside and overlooking one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the region. Yet, this place—Antonia’s childhood home and the last spot she saw her mother alive—now haunts her dreams.
Based on lore and legend surrounding the real Hotel Del Salto, Florez-Cerchiaro paints a tale rich in the complexities of the past. The combination of historical detail with mythology and folklore created a compelling backdrop teeming with eerie atmosphere.
Though the novel begged for stronger characterization within its large cast, it flourished in its rich cultural underpinning that explored colonialism, cultural appropriation, and the role of the Catholic Church.
With the narrative largely focused on Antonia resisting the norms of society, one of those norms being a woman’s dependence on a man, I found the romance subplot both unnecessary and inconsistent with the messaging. Even so, this didn’t hinder the other overarching themes.
Bochica, with its stellar mix of history and horror, proves that Florez-Cerchiaro is a new voice in Gothic literature worth watching!
With his trademark brand of humor and heart, Wilson is back with another outrageous storyline that entertains as much as it deWitty. Tender. Offbeat.
With his trademark brand of humor and heart, Wilson is back with another outrageous storyline that entertains as much as it delights.
Organic farmer, Mad, sold out of eggs. That’s not unusual. Neighbors and strangers alike frequented her farm stand. But something completely new—an unexpected visit from, not a shopper, but a before-unknown half-sibling. Even more surprising, her willingness to take a cross-country road trip with him in search of 2 other previously unknown siblings. But PT Cruisers, even if absurd, are made to be filled with family and trekked across many a mile on a journey of discovery.
I’ve come to expect Wilson’s plotlines to be distinct and zany. (My first foray with him involved combustible children, after all.) And while I kept shaking my head at the clown-car-eque addition of siblings, I also found myself deeply engaged in watching the seemingly impossible become a warm and uplifting storyline rife with laughter and poignancy.
The true beauty in this read is its eccentric cast of characters. Each character was fully unique, and yet inextricably linked to the others. From an author to a farmer to a star athlete and a burgeoning film maker. Stoic yet needy. Resilient yet broken. Different and yet innately similar. These four, once strangers and now siblings, became a family right in front of my eyes—as though a necessary fulfilling of fate.
At its heart, Run for the Hills is a light yet affecting story about what makes a family and how we choose to let family define us. It’s a look at the ways absence shapes us, and the ways that connection heals.
And while the storyline could’ve explored its themes with more depth and definity, I think this more open-ended assessment allowed broader resonance.
Every May, I start to daydream about sun kissed skin, sandy toes, and those warm breezes that come straight off the coastal waterways. All the while, Every May, I start to daydream about sun kissed skin, sandy toes, and those warm breezes that come straight off the coastal waterways. All the while, I’m hunkered down under a cozy blanket in dreary, cold Ohio.
And every year, KWH comes to my rescue. When Beach House Rules landed in my mailbox, it felt like a pure ray of sunshine directly from my southern, low-country roots.
Full of charm and utterly delightful, Harvey’s latest book was the serotonin boost I desperately needed!
It’s full of all the things I love about summer... Evenings on the beach. Laughter among friends. Some dishy drama and a healthy dose of gossip. It even added a tinge of mystery as a bonus.
But the heart of the novel—and where KWH’s writing really shines—is in the women supporting women focus. The cast of characters is made of richly crafted, multifaceted women. Each with flaws. Each with hardships. But together, they form a steely bond steeped in respect and comradery. They shun judgement and bring out the best in each other.
This book is an ode to sisterhood and found family. It’s a celebration of womanhood and the strength found in lifting each other. I cheered for these women and found myself wanting to be a part of their mommune.
The best summer rules are no rules. But if you need just one—throw this book in your pool or beach bag! I’m certain it’ll enchant and uplift you, just as it did me!
“Wuhang was the epicenter of body bags and NYC was the epicenter of anti-Asian hate crimes.”
Part ghost sTense. Gory. Impactful and thought provoking.
“Wuhang was the epicenter of body bags and NYC was the epicenter of anti-Asian hate crimes.”
Part ghost story, part serial killer mystery, part unflinching commentary on how our worst fears can lead to illogical fear and blame. Bat Eater is a deftly layered story that’s as gruesome and intense as it is original and affecting.
This is the kind of story meant to be told through horror elements!
Haunted by her sister’s murder...and maybe even her sister’s ghost...Cora grapples with fear. Fear of the germs killing people. Fear of the hungry ghosts wanting fed. And fear of a serial killer targeting Asian women.
Baker has delivered a suffocatingly intense narrative that is rife with uncomfortable truths. The complex storyline skillfully explores the inner turmoil of grief and trauma Cora faces while also expounding upon the external turmoil of seeing Asian women hunted and brutalized. It’s no surprise that the writing is raw and provocative to match the tone of the read. And while the richly crafted characters and the dark humor sometimes offset the sense of foreboding, the narrative never quite let’s go of its sinister nature.
This is a rage filled horror novel that is meant to evoke deep feelings. And for me, Baker well delivered through this perfect blend of Chinese lore and incisive commentary.
I finished this book last night and still feel completely raw. My soul aches.
Who are we? Are we defined by one moment in tiBrutal. Timely. Impactful.
I finished this book last night and still feel completely raw. My soul aches.
Who are we? Are we defined by one moment in time or the sum of our deeds? Does all good become void in the shadow of a life-altering mistake? Are all mistakes forgivable? Justice or punishment?
Those are some of the many questions I’ve ruminated on since finishing The River is Waiting.
The storyline follows Corby, a dad incarcerated following a tragic accident, on a journey through guilt and grief. It’s a fight for survival and forgiveness. It’s a look at a life scarred by one horrendous moment in time that begs the question as to whether a person can be both deeply flawed yet innately good. It’s a rich portrait of a fully complex character.
As this book unfurled, I became keenly aware that the narrative felt deeply personal to Lamb, who volunteered at a correctional facility for two decades. The writing is intimate and honest. But with the narrative hard to stomach, I often found myself mired in the slowness of the plot. There was a lot of layering that felt important and impactful. And yet, at nearly 500 pages, a better edit could’ve helped the pace and kept me more engaged in the middle section. But what to cut...?
Most importantly, Lamb provides a necessary reflection on how we view other people— who we willingly seek justice for verses who we judge; who we willingly extend empathy to verses who we refuse to see as human; who we allow to make mistakes verses who we sternly expect more of; and who we choose to SEE verses who we choose to overlook.
I am so thankful that @rachelllovesbooks and I read this one together. I desperately needed to unpack the range of emotion I felt after finishing this book.
The River is Waiting will stay with me for some time. It’s deeply impactful and a necessary reminder that we are all more than the boxes or labels we get assigned.
Many thanks to my friends at @marysueruccibooks for the free #gifted copy. #partner...more
Shocking and unsettling. This debut delves into the dark side of social media with wry humor and an over-the-top plotline.
I closed this book thinkingShocking and unsettling. This debut delves into the dark side of social media with wry humor and an over-the-top plotline.
I closed this book thinking, “What the hell did I just read?!” This book was a truly WILD ride that I did not expect.
Julie is a nobody. She’s broke and barely living. Her life is far from full. Her twin, Chloe, is a mega-influencer known to millions and living a lavish lifestyle that is the envy of all. So, when Chloe suddenly dies, Julie decides to ditch her boring life and take on Chloe’s vibrant one.
With short chapters, I flew through this book. While the first half focused in on Julie’s psyche, the second part took a disturbing turn into a cult frenzy. The story was thrust from dark tones into the truly sinister, and the plotline became fully unhinged.
The commentary was sharp in the beginning but somewhere along the way it started to meander and took on a less biting, more confusing nature towards the end. However, I did appreciate the look at identity, race, and influencer culture.
Be forewarned: chapter 50 is immensely gross and not for the faint of heart. I almost vomited. I wish I had skipped it. (If you want to skip it but also want the deets, message me.)
I was glad to have read this with friends @bookmarked.by.becky and @rachellelovesbooks because this book demands discussion.
This made for an unsettling read that I couldn’t put down. But... was that because I enjoyed it, or I just couldn’t look away??? I’m still not sure.
I started this nineteen-hour audiobook on a whim, and I could not stop listening! Every free moment was spent wit(4.5⭐️) Totally addictive. PURE FUN.
I started this nineteen-hour audiobook on a whim, and I could not stop listening! Every free moment was spent with this book in my ears. And now that I’m finished, I am distraught that it’s over. HOW will I wait for book 2??? (Answer: very impatiently.)
So, I guess you could say this book was... is... an obsession for me.
It’s gritty and full of danger and action packed. What really captured my attention were the blurred lines between good and evil. The exploration of Primes and Mods created a world rife with gray areas, and the battle lines between the oppressors and resistance felt timely even as this book is set 150 years in the future.
But honestly, it was the romance that had me full throttle addicted. I could not get enough of Wren and Cross.
She’s a feisty female heroine that I could see notes of myself within. (Who me? A stubborn overthinker?!) He’s a commanding officer that was bossy and charming and thoughtful. (The way I DROOLED over him.) Together they were pure combustion. The tension was off the charts and the sizzling heat kept me in a chokehold.
I’m sure you’ve seen rumblings of this being reminiscent of a romantasy that released right about this same timeframe a few years ago. And to a degree, it is. But dare I say... for me, this was better. Even without the dragons. ...more
Last Friday evening you would’ve found me sitting in the sun on my back porch surrounded by freshly potted flowers and chattering birds. Simply soakinLast Friday evening you would’ve found me sitting in the sun on my back porch surrounded by freshly potted flowers and chattering birds. Simply soaking up the beauty of life.
But it wasn’t the flowers or the sun or the birds that had me paused in that moment, deep in thought and full of gratitude.
It was the fact that I had just read the last lines of Backman’s latest book, My Friends.
Oh, the way his books nourish my heart!
To be clear, it took me a month to get to that point. Why? Because I savored EACH and EVERY word.
I let myself truly live in the moments that unfolded with those four friends on that pier so many summers ago. And it was GLORIOUS.
“Because who can make you grieve for a person you never even knew, so that it hurts this much?” Backman, of course.
These four teens—the artist, Ted, Joar, and Ali—they aren’t just richly crafted fictional characters full of depth and complexity. No... They became my friends. They became part of me.
This book is about finding refuge and the importance of connection. It’s about the challenges we face and the joys we find in unexpected places. It’s a richly woven tapestry full of heart and humanity and humor.
And, in Backman’s own words, “Great art is a small break from human despair.” Yes. Indeed, Fredrik. This story was the greatest break and pure manna for my starving soul.
Rolling my eyes. Laughing. Shaking my head. Laughing. Rinse and repeat.
That’s basically me throughout the entirety of this book. You also coulRolling my eyes. Laughing. Shaking my head. Laughing. Rinse and repeat.
That’s basically me throughout the entirety of this book. You also could’ve heard me saying things like: HOW do you get yourself into these situations? This cannot be true. Do you have a brain?
All joking aside, I became a fan of Comedian Nate Bargatze after I was introduced to him on SNL. (Seriously... the skits of him portraying Washington crossing the Delaware are some of the best of the show. Go watch them if you haven’t.)
His deadpan delivery and quirky, nice guy routine easily entertains. And in this new book, it’s much the same but with all new stories (except one that was worth repeating).
This book was sarcastic and funny and heartwarming and entertaining. Some of the stories were absurd, and yet, he managed to make them relatable and amusing. There was no strong purpose or, truth be told, rhyme or reason to what he shared. Just a bunch of ramblings. And yet, it all worked.
Freddie and Emily are far from the perfect couple. She has a secret. He has a secret. But, after Emily’s near-death (4.5⭐️) Eerie. Unhinged. Twisted!!
Freddie and Emily are far from the perfect couple. She has a secret. He has a secret. But, after Emily’s near-death experience, they moved to the country for her to recover and, perhaps, start afresh. Only... their new house, Larkin Lodge, has a secret too....
Laced with nods to Poe, Pinborough flawlessly blended psychological suspense and supernatural horror to create a compelling and disturbing storyline that I couldn’t read fast enough. It was gritty. It was claustrophobic. The atmosphere was chilling, and the gothic tones amplified the immense dread within the plot.
There was a (brief) moment where I questioned whether this book would fall prey to the “unreliable, crazy woman” storyline—which I hate. But let me assure you without giving anything away, Pinborough did not disappoint. Also on that note, go in blind. This one is best enjoyed without knowing too much at the start.
And that ending... THAT ENDING!!! Oh man. Jaw dropping. Absolutely brilliant. Perfectly executed.
A deliciously sinister book about marriage and murd3r that I thoroughly enjoyed!
Margot is jaded. Happily ever afters seem to elude her time and again. And yet, as a famous romance author, she’s(3.5⭐️) Witty, STEAMY, and oh so fun.
Margot is jaded. Happily ever afters seem to elude her time and again. And yet, as a famous romance author, she’s the queen of writing them for other people. But when her sister forces her into a vacation that’s overwrought with romance tropes and a brawny man, it might be enough to soften her cynical heart.
Oh Forrest. He was broody brilliance. I’ve never enjoyed a sleeping bag as much as I did in this camping scene. ...more
This weekend, I drove up to Cleveland to see my mom after she had a bad fall resulting in surgery and rehab. Intense. Suspenseful. Hard to put down.
This weekend, I drove up to Cleveland to see my mom after she had a bad fall resulting in surgery and rehab. I had hoped to avoid the extremely bad weather that was predicted, but luck wasn’t on my side... unless you count the fact that I had this book in my queue.
I started Witness 8 on audio hoping it would entertain and distract me on my drive. And BOY DID IT!
With a gripping and fast paced storyline, I was fully engaged with the read (even amid rain I couldn’t see through ...more
Saddle your horses! This western was a HOOT of a good time!
Haidie Richardson and her younger brother headed out west to gold mining territory in searSaddle your horses! This western was a HOOT of a good time!
Haidie Richardson and her younger brother headed out west to gold mining territory in search of their Pa, and their adventure was an action-packed homage to True Grit that had me kicking up my boots.
At only 14 years old, Haidie was a force to be reckoned with! Smart, sassy, scrappy... I loved watching her outwit full grown men as she navigated territories typically dominated by males. Haddie was full of tenacity and clever earning her place along the wagon train. But it was her devotion to her brother and fervent hope in finding her father that most endeared her to me.
“I’ve never met a man I admired as much as you. “ –Corny
This was a vividly depicted, fast-paced tale. I enjoyed the sense of adventure alongside the looming danger. The secondary cast of characters delighted as well. From gamblers to preachers to spinsters... the whole gang added to the fun. And the ending! Perhaps a bit unlikely. Yet, I whooped in enjoyment.
A big, goofy grin and a heart overflowing with happiness— that’s an exact description of me finishing this book.
Last week, I was in desperate need ofA big, goofy grin and a heart overflowing with happiness— that’s an exact description of me finishing this book.
Last week, I was in desperate need of sunshine, both literal and figurative. And since the weather wasn’t cooperating, I turned to another tried and true source... Katherine Center and her newest book, The Love Haters.
Don’t take the title too seriously. There’s nothing to hate here. As always, Center delivers a swoon worthy romance full of satisfying sighs and laugh out loud moments while tackling some relatable heart-centered issues.
Set in the Florida Keys, there’s plenty of summer fun to be found in this read, and no doubt it is ideal for reading by the pool or at the beach. It’s also important to note that Hutch, our MMC, is a broody and oh-so-fit man in uniform. Whooo! ...more
Jessa thought her night couldn’t get any worse. So, coming home to find a runaway child being chased by a monster of a Dark. Chilling. All consuming.
Jessa thought her night couldn’t get any worse. So, coming home to find a runaway child being chased by a monster of a father was much more than she bargained for. Still, she couldn’t say no to helping the boy. But that meant they both had to go on the run.
Cassidy’s writing was engrossing. The blend of gruesome horror with spine tingling psychological suspense immediately grabbed hold of me. With every new scene, tension mounted, and the anticipation of what would come next made for an adrenaline-fueled race to the end. Maybe most frightening was the horrifying sense that, in the end, “no one would be spared,” though maybe not in the way I had first imagined.
This is a dark and consuming read full of brutality and raw terror. But it’s also an emotionally charged narrative about the ways fear can shape and control us. This juxtaposition between the two fights—one for sheer survival and the other an introspective one against inner demons—enriched the plot and the messaging. Because sometimes, it’s hard to decide if what’s in your head is scarier than what’s right in front of you.
The ending! Pure brilliance. So creative and smart. And listening to Cassidy’s reflections in the afterward heightened the entire experience. Chef’s kiss.
This was my first read by Cassidy, but I already have Nestlings and Mary queued up!