Joanna and Nicholas were both raised, separately, in isolation, taught to revere the spell books in their families' possession. Esther, Joanna's sisteJoanna and Nicholas were both raised, separately, in isolation, taught to revere the spell books in their families' possession. Esther, Joanna's sister, has been on the run for the last decade, staying away from her family in order to protect them. This is a gorgeously written tale, with elements of magical realism and a strong found-family element, about the power of books and connection. By the end of this book, I was so wrapped up in the story that I switched off between audiobook, print and Kindle, so I could keep reading wherever I was. I can't wait for more from Törzs....more
Annabel is a student at Oxford. Brown takes you through one day in her life, putting you deep into her mind. Annabel optimizes her life, treating it lAnnabel is a student at Oxford. Brown takes you through one day in her life, putting you deep into her mind. Annabel optimizes her life, treating it like a monastic existence. She wakes up before everyone and goes as long as she can without turning her heater on, freezing herself studying and working tirelessly on an essay about Shakespeare's sonnets. For a break, she takes long meandering walks around campus, daydreaming about the scholar and the seducer, two characters she's made up who have a spicy, tempestuous relationship with each other. Not much happens in this all-vibes novel, and I ate it up. I only wish I knew of a similar book to read next, but this novel is unique....more
This fictionalized Taylor Swift/Travis Kelce romance was so fun to read. International pop star Lacey Logan is not someone you can casually date, as MThis fictionalized Taylor Swift/Travis Kelce romance was so fun to read. International pop star Lacey Logan is not someone you can casually date, as MLB Orioles catcher Hodges discovers when the two meet and sparks fly. Due to her extreme level of fame, Lacey's world needs to be carefully crafted. This isn't easy on a relationship, and Jimmy has baggage of his own as well.
I stayed up late reading this and finished it in two sittings. Recommend this to all the Swifties in your life. ...more
School librarian Julie Chavez is taken aback when a bad reaction to an allergy shot, combined with other factors in her life, lead her to experience sSchool librarian Julie Chavez is taken aback when a bad reaction to an allergy shot, combined with other factors in her life, lead her to experience severe anxiety. In this brief 240-page memoir, she candidly examines this time in her life, as a working mom to two children, with a spouse who frequently travels for work. I appreciated Chavez' honesty as she works through the anxiety, learning tools to get through it. What works for her: medication, therapy, prioritizing her mental health and saying no to commitments, re-organizing her family structure so that the others in her family take on additional duties, exercising, setting time to do things she is passionate about, and more. I tore through this 240-page memoir in two sittings. Highly recommended for modern-day moms....more
Hannah's latest novel is a tour-de-force. She follows Frankie, a 20-year-old nurse who has been raised on her father's stories of the heroic men in thHannah's latest novel is a tour-de-force. She follows Frankie, a 20-year-old nurse who has been raised on her father's stories of the heroic men in their family. When Frankie's brother Finley is drafted into the Vietnam War, Frankie decides to put her nursing skills to use and join the army. Hannah details Frankie's time in country, working as a surgical nurse dealing with horrific injuries, and her struggles to acclimate when she returns home. I loved the lifelong friendships between Frankie and her two nurse roommates, and Frankie's post-war difficulties were well-researched and eye opening. An incredible book. I couldn't put it down and I can't wait to read it again. This would make a great book club pick....more
Rosie Kinchen had recently returned from maternity leave to her work as a London journalist, when she found out that she was pregnant with her second Rosie Kinchen had recently returned from maternity leave to her work as a London journalist, when she found out that she was pregnant with her second child. Thrown into a period of mourning for this unexpected change, her difficulties are compounded when her second child is born with a condition that makes it painful for him to eat, and this goes diagnosed for months. Struggling, Kinchen discovers a nearby garden therapy class, and finds solace connecting to plants, both inside and outside. She learns about the histories of plants and reads a memoir by Victorian explorer Marianne North, whose paintings she discovers in dedicated room at Kew Gardens. I found solace in this memoir about motherhood, going through a tough time and plants....more
After a health scare, Nantucket Police Chief Ed Kapenash is serving his last summer, training in the upcoming Chief Zara Washington, before he retiresAfter a health scare, Nantucket Police Chief Ed Kapenash is serving his last summer, training in the upcoming Chief Zara Washington, before he retires. Ed, his wife, and their friends, spend the summer being invited to parties by the new couple in town, Leslee and Bull Richardson. The Richardsons purchased a huge estate and are throwing money around like they have an unending supply. Ed's adult daughter Kacy is home for the summer and she becomes instant friends with Coco, the Richardson's personal concierge. Before the summer is over, Ed and his friends will be avoiding the Richardsons and their house will have burned to the ground. This is Elin Hilderbrand's 30th novel, her last before she retires from writing yearly summer beach reads. I can't wait to see what she does next. This drama includes a beachy setting, and Elin Hilderbrand puts you into the lives of Nantucket's (fictional) occupants....more
Penny Roundtree is full of energy and enthusiasm. She's a familiar, waiting on a long list to be selected for training by a witch or warlock. Willem SPenny Roundtree is full of energy and enthusiasm. She's a familiar, waiting on a long list to be selected for training by a witch or warlock. Willem Sauer is a reclusive warlock who has been banned from taking a familiar as punishment for a crime he was framed for. He's okay with the fact that people don't generally like him. When the two meet, the result is this super fun, spicy, grumpy/sunshine romance. I loved Clare's writing and can't wait to read the first book in this series; I had no problem reading this (book 2) out of order. This was a refreshing romance that helped mix up my reading....more
The four Jacobson siblings and their father Leo are spending the first summer at their family's Long Beach Island house since matriarch Sylvia died thThe four Jacobson siblings and their father Leo are spending the first summer at their family's Long Beach Island house since matriarch Sylvia died the previous summer. Each sibling has different money and relationship woes, and Leo has announced that he's selling the beach house and moving to Florida to enjoy his retirement. When three of the four siblings go in together and win the Powerball (awkward...), they discover that money won't solve all of their problems in this engaging family drama. This was another win for me from Elyssa Friedland. Like in her previous novel "Last Summer at the Golden Hotel," she details the family's life from each character's perspective. I especially loved the family text thread, which popped up throughout the book. I couldn't put this one down....more
When veterinarian Charlotte Walker sets off for the remote island of Tuga, she is excited about more than just researching gold-coin tortoises for a yWhen veterinarian Charlotte Walker sets off for the remote island of Tuga, she is excited about more than just researching gold-coin tortoises for a year; she's seeking connection and the possibility of a father she's never known. After weeks of sea sickness, she arrives at the island now friendly with fellow passenger Dan, a local who has spent years in England training to become the island's doctor. The current doctor, Dan's Uncle Saul, is retiring, and it's time for Dan to come home. The (fictional) island of Tuga is charming but not romanticized, and the islanders and their lives are portrayed by Segal with depth. The island is closed off from the rest of the world from June (referred to as Island Clsoe) through December, with boats arriving once a month during Island Open season. With casual over consumption of goods being the American norm, it was interesting to have a novel set in a place where you can't get anything shipped to your door overnight, or even within weeks. Fans of character-driven stories, such as Elin Hilderbrand's novels, will enjoy this one. I also loved Segal's memoir "Mother Ship," about birthing her twins 10 weeks early and the harrowing time she spent in the NICU with them....more
Ukrainian journalist Yaroslav Trofimov (Wall Street Journal), details the Russian invasion of Ukraine from February 2022 through the summer of 2023. TUkrainian journalist Yaroslav Trofimov (Wall Street Journal), details the Russian invasion of Ukraine from February 2022 through the summer of 2023. Trofimov was on the ground in Ukraine from the first day of the war, moving between different parts of the country, speaking with personnel at all levels (including Ukraine's president Volodymyr Zelenskyy,) documenting the war. This is a detailed, heartbreaking account of the initial year (and then some) of the war. Extremely well written; I couldn't put this book down....more
Emma Wheeler spent her 20s mothering her younger sister and taking care of her father, who was severely injured in a family rock climbing trip. She's Emma Wheeler spent her 20s mothering her younger sister and taking care of her father, who was severely injured in a family rock climbing trip. She's put her dreams of screenwriting on indefinite hold to teach at a local college. Her ex-boyfriend from high school, a big shot agent to the stars, calls with the opportunity of a lifetime: move to LA for 6 weeks to help her favorite screenwriter, Charlie Yates, write a rom-com. His screenplays are famous, but for the first time he's written a rom-com and it's beyond terrible. The two writers work together to fix the screenplay while teaching each other about love and how to live. This closed-door romance is funny (famous Charlie at one point lovingly takes care of his ex-wife's guinea pig,) clever, propulsive and satisfying. I loved the main character Emma. This is my first Katherine Center novel and now that I see why everyone loves her books, I can't wait to read her backlist! Highly recommended for fans of Emily Henry....more
What's Daphne to do when her fiancé decides during his bachelor party that he's actually in love with his best friend and by the way Daphne must move What's Daphne to do when her fiancé decides during his bachelor party that he's actually in love with his best friend and by the way Daphne must move out ASAP so said best friend can move in with him and be his new fiancée?: move in with the new fiancée's now ex-boyfriend who suddenly has more space in his apartment. Emily Henry is true to form in her latest release. This is a funny, steamy romance with characters who have depth. You'll root for Daphne and Miles as they work to overcome childhood trauma and find their footing. If you like this book, read Abby Jimenez's "Just for the Summer," which is also a steamy romance about two main characters working through childhood trauma....more
Rocky spends a week every summer with her family at the same Cape Cod rental. She's now in the sandwich generation, where her kids are adults and her Rocky spends a week every summer with her family at the same Cape Cod rental. She's now in the sandwich generation, where her kids are adults and her parents are facing more serious health issues. I felt so seen by Newman's story of a woman in her midlife. For me, Rocky's looks back at early motherhood and the difficulties of parenting young children were spot on. I devoured this short, funny, relatable, character-driven novel in one day, and then read it again 6 months later. This will be on my perpetual re-read list and I can't wait to read it with a book club. Fans of Ann Patchett should try Catherine Newman. Highly recommended....more
Emma is a travel nurse. She had a traumatic childhood during which she was abandoned by her mother, and as a result she closely guards her heart. JustEmma is a travel nurse. She had a traumatic childhood during which she was abandoned by her mother, and as a result she closely guards her heart. Justin is grappling with his mother's imminent prison sentence--during which he will have to take on new responsibilities. Despite the weighty topics, this is a delightful Minnesota summer romance filled with witty banter. This is the first book I've read by Minnesotan Abby Jimenez. I can't wait to read more!...more
I loved Lee Morgan's memoir about his 12 years spent as a volunteer veterinarian for the Iditarod. Morgan starts with his rookie year training, then tI loved Lee Morgan's memoir about his 12 years spent as a volunteer veterinarian for the Iditarod. Morgan starts with his rookie year training, then takes the reader through each checkpoint of the race, sharing stories about caring for the sled dogs, what it is like for volunteers (hint: amenities are scarce) and tales of mushers' experiences. I especially enjoyed his highlights of the unique personalities of huskies (I have three of them.) Highly recommended for dog lovers and fans of outdoor narratives such as the Iditarod memoirs "Fast Into the Night" and "This Much Country."...more
Phoebe is ready to end it all. After years of failed infertility treatments, her husband leaves her during COVID for a fellow professor. Phoebe spendsPhoebe is ready to end it all. After years of failed infertility treatments, her husband leaves her during COVID for a fellow professor. Phoebe spends the next semesters all alone, teaching remotely, hurting for human connection. She books herself a night at the nicest hotel she can think of, on the coast of Rhode Island, prepared to end her life. However, when she gets to the hotel, she finds that the rest of the hotel is booked by a wedding party. Lila and Gary are getting married, and their family and friends have taken over the hotel. Soon they take over Phoebe's heart as well. I loved this clever, funny book about the power of human connection. Perfect for fans of "A Man Called Ove" by Fredrik Backman....more
Eve was not expecting to get pregnant. Four weeks after a one-night stand (during which they used protection,) this is her reality. Eve is funny and rEve was not expecting to get pregnant. Four weeks after a one-night stand (during which they used protection,) this is her reality. Eve is funny and realistic, and I loved following along as she works through some of the tough, messy parts of life, like pregnancy, anticipating becoming a parent, and deciding how she really feels about her job. She lives in New York City and has the support of her childhood best friend, Willa, and Willa's brother Shep--who has been playing an increasingly important role in her life. I fell completely in love with this book. I highly recommend this smart, page-turning read....more
This is Simone Gorrindo's stunning memoir about becoming an unlikely army wife. Gorrindo--who had protested against the Iraq War--was living in New YoThis is Simone Gorrindo's stunning memoir about becoming an unlikely army wife. Gorrindo--who had protested against the Iraq War--was living in New York City, working as an editor, when her fiance told her that he was compelled to join the military--specifically a rapid deployment special forces unit. Taken aback and after couples therapy, Gorrindo and her now husband move to an apartment outside Fort Benning, Georgia, where he spends his first years in the military. Gorrdino takes us through her first years as an army wife as she tries to find her identity as a writer, reconcile her love with her husband with what he does in the military, and survive while he is deployed. Before parenthood, during pregnancy and early childhood, 28-year-old Gorrindo connects with a network of other army wives who, despite their many differences (including that many of them are much younger,) must lean on each other to survive. Compelling and fascinating. I could not put this book down. One of the best books I've read this year. You'll stay up way too late reading this memoir. Highly recommended....more