👶👶👶👶👶: Separation of Church and Hate: A Sane Person's Guide to Taking Back the Bible from Fundamentalists, Fascists, and Flock-Fleecing Frauds, by John Fugelsang

If you're feeling overwhelmed by the divisive atmosphere in our nation, tired of the endless stream of confusing rhetoric, or even if you're convinced that the current events in the United States are straight out of the bible, then you MUST READ THIS BOOK NOW! Everyone across the political spectrum - from both sides of the aisle - would benefit from this book.

@johnfugelsang has crafted an in-depth - albeit sometimes slightly irreverent - exploration of the true motives behind the actions of today’s administration. Are these actions aligned with true Christian principles? You’ll have to dive in to this book to fully understand. It’s penned by a comedian whose unique perspective comes from being the son of a former Catholic nun and a Franciscan brother, so you’ll certainly gain a whole new perspective by reading it!

I WHOLEHEARTEDLY RECOMMEND this book to both believers and non-believers alike! It’s a fantastic resource to help you navigate the tumultuous times we’re facing.

Read 6/1/26

👶👶👶👶: The Shippers, by Katherine Center

What an absolute joy to attend a book signing for @katherinecenter ! This author is the absolute bomb .com! We gained so much insight into her writing process. For starters, we found out that she has written most of her novels in Galveston (a local author🎉), which is also the embarkation port in her latest story. Secondly, her dedication to thorough research - something not always common in the Romcom genre - is likely why I connect so well with her work. I've tried reading other authors in this space, but I've often struggled to suspend my disbelief... enter 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑩𝒐𝒅𝒚𝒈𝒖𝒂𝒓𝒅 and I was all in! And this latest book was just as engaging. We also discovered that miscommunication is a recurring theme in her stories, and while she playfully acknowledges that it can sometimes get slightly exasperating, I can see why she keeps it in her toolbox. It’s a fantastic way to drive the plot and build anticipation!

Now that I've gushed about what a delight Ms. Center is as a human, let's talk about this book! The characters she created are such a joy; I was genuinely invested in the outcome for the whole cast of quirky misfits. The premise was fantastic (which is surprising coming from a historical fiction enthusiast like me) - it's a childhood friends-to-lovers story and I was all in!!! And the setting? A cruise ship! I was thrilled to discover that the author shares my obsession with The Love Boat!

Also, I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the fabulous
@pattimurin who narrated this audiobook - wowza! What a talent! And Lori who owns @then_and_now_bookshop had the foresight to book the @thegrand1894operahouse venue
...just amazing!!! The whole experience was sublime...

So, all this to say, Katherine Center has definitely gained a new fan in me! She was an absolute delight and I whole-heartedly recommend her books! If she’s ever in your area, make sure to stop by and say hello! She's as charming as can be!

Read 6/12/26

👶👶👶👶: A Twist in the River, by Stig Abell

This was my first Jake Jackson mystery and it was quite enjoyable as a standalone! It's a classic whodunit, with possible suspects at every turn. The countryside setting was beautifully depicted allowing me to vividly imagine the charming location where Jake Jackson has chosen to retire.

Of course, retirement is the last thing on Jake Jackson’s mind while a series of murders along the river haunt the small community. As the situation shifts from mere coincidence to something much more sinister, Jake has to navigate the chaos and uncover the truth lurking beneath the surface (pun intended🤪).

While some might label this a cozy mystery, I struggle with that terminology where murder is involved. Nevertheless, it certainly fits the genre, and the title is perfectly suited for this twisty tale!

If solving crimes is your passion, this might be just the novel for you!

Many thanks to #partner @harperperennial for this #gifted review copy! What an adventure!

Read 6/30/26

👶👶👶👶: Liberty Street, by Heather Marshall

A mere week ago, @heathermarshallauthor released her latest book, and I was intrigued from the get-go. As you know by now, I'm a sucker for a historical fiction novel that opens my eyes to lesser-known facts from the past. This particular novel explores the dark history of all-female reformatories in the early 60s Canada, specifically the Andrew Mercer Reformatory, where women and girls aged 16-35 were sent under the Female Refuges Act (aka, the Incorrigible Law). Under this law, anyone - from parents to teachers, or even concerned citizens - could bring these females before a magistrate claiming she was unmanageable or leading an idle life, and initiate her institutionalization. As you can imagine, not only were these laws exploited by citizens to control girls and women, but the employees of the institutions themselves abused their authority over them.

This story delved into the inhumane treatment of these women through the eyes of brave female reporter, Emily Radcliffe, who decides to enter Mercer Women's undercover in 1961. Little did she know the chilling reality she was about to face.

The story also weaves in a second timeline set in 1996, where Detective Rachel Mackenzie unravels a mystery intricately linked to the past.

This novel was certainly a page-turner that had me disgusted at how women were seen as so dispensable back then. A law that would incarcerate women for such subjective behavior is absolutely mind blowing🤯. You can bet I went down the rabbit hole to delve into similar institutions in the US😱.

Many thanks to partners @ballantinebooks , @penguinrandomhouse , and @netgalley for this #gifted review copy.

Read 6/22/26

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👶👶👶👶👶: The New Perimenopause: An Evidence-Based Guide to Surviving the Zone of Chaos and Feeling Like Yourself Again, by Mary Claire Haver

I have to kick off this post with a huge shoutout to the amazing @drmaryclaire, the powerhouse leading the menopausal revolution🎉🎉🎉!!! I can't express enough how grateful I am to this incredible doctor (who’s a local gem in TX, by the way‼️) for paving the way for women like me to access the healthcare we truly deserve - without any stigma attached. What a privilege to enter into the “zone of chaos” loaded with vital information laid out in this book!

My mom’s generation navigated this hormonal transition without any guidance and women like her ended up facing a full hysterectomy in their early 40s (which is absolutely wild🤯). Had it not been for trailblazers like Dr. Haver and the researchers that came before her, I could have easily ended up in the same situation.

This book is packed with in-depth research and actionable steps you can take right now to reclaim your hormonal health. I've already implemented several of her recommendations and am truly noticing a difference!

A massive thank you to Dr. Haver and her fantastic team for creating this guide. You’re making a positive impact on so many lives! And a special thanks to partners @harmonyrodaleconvergent , @randomhouse , and @netgalley for providing this #gifted review e-copy.

Read 6/20/26

👶👶👶👶: Where the Girls Were, by Kate Schatz

I can’t believe I waited so long to dive into this incredibly meaningful book! It was so filled with heart and emotion, brimming with the hopes and dreams of women of a bygone era. I found myself feeling an empathy I never expected for unwed mothers in the 60s, and honestly, it made me think about young women throughout history. These girls often found themselves in circumstances they couldn’t fully understand, mostly because they had never been given the knowledge or support to navigate their situations. Meanwhile, the men involved were most often free to move on with their lives unscathed while these poor girls were branded sinful and vile.

@k8shots really did a tremendous job with sweet Baker, and all of her characters. She even threw in some unexpected curveballs that added layers of depth to the story. It was truly beautiful.

Many thanks to partners @thedialpress and @netgalley for this unexpected gem of a novel!

Read 6/5/26

👶👶👶👶: Leave Your Mess at Home, by Tolani Akinola

In this surprise debut novel, @tolani_akinola brings to life the challenges that grown immigrant children face as they try to balance two vastly different worlds. As a daughter of immigrants, I completely resonated with the struggle of trying to fulfill my parents' traditional expectations while also attempting to fit into American culture. Reading this novel presented such a familiar tug-of-war; the need to stay true to myself while trying so hard not to let them down.

I also loved diving deeper into the experiences of Nigerian Americans and their dynamic with Black Americans—a topic I never realized I was so ignorant about. To boot, the characters were well developed; I genuinely found myself invested in their journeys and where they would lead. Ms. Akinola truly hit it out of the park with her debut!

Many thanks to @pameladormanbooks and @netgalley for sharing this #gifted early review e-copy. I am always grateful to delve further into immigrant stories.

Read 5/21/26

👶👶👶👶: We Burned So Bright

At its core, this is a powerful story of love, grief, and compassion. It captures the human condition in a way that is as edifying as it terrifying. The author highlights the best of humanity that stems from hope and kindness as well as the worst that emerges from fear and ignorance. This book wrecked me😭😭😭... given our current vulnerabilities as humans, the emotional weight is even more profound.

I will warn you, this novel is unlike any other TJ Klune novel I've read. It is not the uplifting, good-humored writing that I've grown accustomed to from this author. Much of it is depressing, unsettling, and raw. Having said that, the fact remains that TJ Klune is a master with words. His ability to weave empathy into his stories is nothing short of magical. I appreciate that inclusion always plays an important role in Klune's narratives; in this particular story, the gay protagonists have shared their lives for 4 decades so there is a depth in their shared experience that is relatable to everyone who has ever been in a long-term relationship.

More than anything, Klune challenges readers to reflect deeply on their place in the world. He always manages to encourage us, through his work, to find ways to make it a better place. It is in the most difficult times that finding the light that "burns so bright" in each of us is most important, no matter how hopeless things may get.

Many thanks to partners, @torbooks and TJ Klune for sharing this #gifted early review copy.

Read 4/28/26

👶👶👶: Tom's Crossing, by Mark Z. Danielewski

Wowza, I finally finished this massive novel! Coming in at a whopping 1232 pages, it certainly gives War and Peace a run for its money! It took me a long minute to finish it, but I can't say I didn't enjoy it. If you’re wondering whether I was invested in the story... yes. But could it have been consolidated a bit? I hate to admit it, but absolutely🫣...

I truly admire the author for pouring so much of himself into this saga, and I absolutely fell in love with the characters and setting. The story itself was also full of heart. It was an epic journey, and had several twists and turns. I cherished the close bonds formed over time and the deeper meaning woven into the narrative. That said, all of this could've been conveyed in fewer pages. Nonetheless, if you're a fan of westerns and coming-of-age stories, this might just be your ticket!

Many thanks to @aaknopf & @pantheonbooks for this #gifted review copy!

Read 4/7/2026

👶👶👶👶👶: The Calamity Club

Well color me happy, Kathryn Stockett has done it again! That’s right, the one and only @kathrynstockettauthor, famous for her beloved novel The Help from 2009, is back with yet another incredible underdog story! I just love how this author captures the essence of girl power and had me cheering out loud for these amazing gals right from the start!

This new novel shines a light on the harsh options available to girls and women in the 1930s, often forcing many of them to make high-risk decisions with their limited options.This book was so heartfelt, and each character was incredibly memorable. I honestly believe characterization is Kathryn Stockett's superpower; every time I pick up one of her books, I feel like I’ve made new best friends. She has a knack for crafting protagonists who may be downtrodden and flawed but are undeniably good at heart - it makes it impossible not to root for them!

And y'all know I'm a sucker for a good southern fiction novel - and this one had all the elements that I look for in this genre: rich dialogue between eccentric characters, a slow atmospheric unfolding of family secrets, thought-provoking racial and religious dynamics, and an exploration of social change. Of course, a young spunky southern girl always enhances the narrative, and 11-year-old Meg definitely fit the bill!

What a joy to be #gifted this early review copy from @spiegelandgrau & @netgalley ! Thank you so much! This was my NUMBER ONE MOST ANTICIPATED READ of the year, and boy was it worth the wait! Kathryn Stockett, you're a QUEEN!

Read 5/5/26

👶👶👶: The Manhattan Confessions, by Jocelyn Green

This third installation of On Central Park continues in the rich setting of The New-York Historical Society where Ivy Malone serves as head librarian. As she juggles her role as a preservationist, she inadvertently finds herself caught up in a whirlwind of transformative events tied to the world of high society. This latest novel delivers a mix of intrigue, romance, and a wealth of historical details, all wrapped up in this fast-paced new release!

As a big fan of historical fiction and an admirer of New York, I relished in the plot. Once again, the author dives into an impressive array of topics in this narrative, ensuring that you’ll be thoroughly engaged. So if you prefer wholesome historical fiction with a side of conspiracy (and some scripture thrown in as well), this novel is available now!

Many thanks to @author_jocelyn_green and @bakerpublishinggroup for this #gifted review copy!

Read 4/21/26

👶👶👶👶👶: Mad Mabel, by Sally Hepworth

WOWZA!!! It's been ages since I've managed to read a book in one day! So, if that doesn't speak volumes (pun intended) about how excellent this book is, I'm not sure what will! This book had me hooked from the very first page:

"𝐼𝑡'𝑠 𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡𝑜 𝑛𝑜𝑡𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑡𝑤𝑜 𝑔𝑟𝑜𝑢𝑝𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑝𝑒𝑜𝑝𝑙𝑒 𝑤ℎ𝑜 𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑟𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑙𝑦, 𝑖𝑓 𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑟, 𝑠𝑢𝑠𝑝𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑜𝑓 𝑚𝑢𝑟𝑑𝑒𝑟. 𝑇ℎ𝑒𝑠𝑒 𝑔𝑟𝑜𝑢𝑝𝑠 𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑒𝑙𝑑𝑒𝑟𝑙𝑦 𝑤𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑛 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑙𝑖𝑡𝑡𝑙𝑒 𝑔𝑖𝑟𝑙𝑠...

...𝐼'𝑣𝑒 𝑎𝑙𝑤𝑎𝑦𝑠 𝑙𝑖𝑘𝑒𝑑 𝑡𝑜 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑘 𝐼 𝑤𝑎𝑠 𝑠𝑝𝑒𝑐𝑖𝑎𝑙."

C'mon! How could anyone put a book down after an intro like that?! And that was just a snippet of the prologue... This novel was EXTRAORDINARY!!! I am such a sucker for stories about old curmudgeons, and this was no exception. To boot, Mabel had such spunk; I found myself rooting for her right from the start! I ran the gamut of emotions throughout the story. @sallyhepworth you really outdid yourself!

There’s so much to unpack about this book, but can we take a moment to appreciate that this kind-hearted author included a beloved fellow late bookstagrammer as a character?! I was so touched to see Linda Raiti @lilyraiti in the story—it was such a magnificent tribute.

Speaking of character development - it is simply sublime. I felt as though I knew each individual intimately in such a short span. I adored the relationship between Mabel and Daphne, and oh, sweet Persephone. The description of Cess as a fascinating contradiction stopped me cold - that could've been me. Fun fact: my nickname in grade school? Maybelline!!! I could go on and on about this book.

Absolutely ALL. THE. STARS!!! Run to the bookstore NOW!!!

Many thanks to #partners @stmartinspress and @netgalley for this #gifted early review copy! Loved every minute!

Read 4/21/26

👶👶👶👶: Upward Bound, by Woody Brown

I don't even know where to begin with this insightful novel. It was so unexpected and really tugged at my heartstrings. I am so grateful that @penguinrandomhouse reached out with an early review copy; I honestly might have missed out on the profound depth of this story otherwise. I went into it relatively blind - just skimmed the first couple of sentences of the blurb and thought it looked intriguing. Little did I know that I would be swept away by the author’s authenticity. It wasn't until the end that I read "about the author" and was blown away!

I instantly fell in love with Walter and was hoping the whole book would be told from his perspective. But as the story unfolded, I actually enjoyed getting to know the other characters intimately as well, which added a wonderful dimension to the narrative.

This book is an absolute must-read! As someone who thought they had a solid understanding of the autistic community, I now find myself with a fresh perspective on non-verbal autistic adults and children. It was a truly eye-opening revelation for me!

Read 4/17/26

👶👶👶👶: The Hired Man, by Sandra Dallas

I can always rely on Sandra Dallas to deliver a captivating story that often takes place in the Old West. Set against the backdrop of the Dust Bowl in a small town in Colorado, the story unfolds when a mysterious stranger comes to the rescue of a young boy in a near-death situation. In the midst of the struggle to live out these difficult days, the town must also come to terms with this newcomer. In addition, the oldest daughter of the family that takes him in, must also sort through her conflicted feelings about this hired man as well.

In true Sandra Dallas style, the focus is on a compelling female lead —young Martha Helen—whose coming-of-age journey reveals the profound struggles families faced during this challenging period in history. I was completely taken by surprise by the twist at the end! While I’m still processing my feelings about the resolution, it’s clear that the author did her homework with regard to the conditions. I felt completely absorbed by the despair and resilience of that time!

Many thanks to @stmartinspress for sharing this #gifted review e-copy.

Read 4/10/26

👶👶👶👶👶: Life: A Love Story, Elizabeth Berg

What an absolutely beautiful novel. Elizabeth Berg has a remarkable talent for capturing the beauty in life’s simpler moments. Reading her work feels like a warm embrace, inviting you to settle into the soothing comfort of her prose. If you've never read a book by Elizabeth Berg, I highly recommend you grab this one - I guarantee you'll be hooked.

In this particular story, we meet Flo, a vibrant 92-year-old woman grappling with a terminal diagnosis. Her joie de vivre is contagious, and this particular character trait is the lens through which the reader experiences gratitude for the smallest of wonders.

This novel had me grinning from ear to ear, experiencing moments of frustration, and even shedding a tear or two. If you’re on the hunt for a book that gives you all the feels, this is definitely the one!

Many thanks to #partner @randomhouse and @randomhousebooks for sharing this early review copy. It was just the sweetest story.

Read 3/22/26

👶👶👶👶: It Girl, by Allison Pataki

I'm absolutely captivated by the stories of lesser-known historical figures! @allisonpataki has truly outdone herself with her early-1900s revisionist historical fiction novel, 𝑰𝒕 𝑮𝒊𝒓𝒍, which shines the spotlight on the real iconic "Gibson Girl," Evelyn Nesbit.

In order to lend creative license to her work, the author focuses on a first-person narrative of Evelyn Talbot, a Gilded Age sensation who rose from humble beginnings to fame. It was heartbreaking to follow this poor young girl's path as she was exploited right from her earliest days as a model and muse. Her own mother did little to shield her from the abuse of wealthy, powerful men.

What I love most is how the author artfully navigates the complex dynamic of beauty, showcasing both the power it can bring and the objectification and dehumanization that often accompany it. You know you've found a fantastic book when it inspires readers to dive deep into research and learn more about the subject. Kudos to you, Ms. Pataki!

Many thanks to #partner, @ballantinebooks for sharing this #gifted early review copy.

Read 3/14/26

👶👶👶👶: The Bigger Picture: My Blockbuster Life & Lessons Learned Along the Way, by Jon Landau

Sometimes it's those who don't seek recognition that make the biggest impact. Jon Landau was a extraordinary talent, teaming up with the legendary James Cameron on blockbuster hits like Titanic and Avatar, yet he never craved the spotlight. While @jamescameronofficial has become a household name for his top-grossing films, Jon's vital contributions to American cinema often slipped under the radar. Thankfully, this posthumous memoir shines a well-deserved light on his life and work.

This memoir by @jonplandau was penned during his corageous battle with cancer, making it a deeply personal and raw tribute to his journey. His behind-the-scenes glimpses are captivating, and his generous spirit truly shines through. It's astonishing to recognize that he played a key role in bringing 3 of the 4 highest-grossing films to life, overcoming numerous challenges along the way!

I wholeheartedly recommend this memoir for anyone looking to appreciate the incredible talent and heart of Jon Landau. You won't want to miss it!

Many thanks to #partners @tlcbooktours and @hyperionavebooks for this #gifted review copy.

Read 2/21/26

👶👶👶👶: More Than Enough, by Anna Quindlen

Anna Quindlen has an incredible talent for crafting words that draw me in every time. Her novels are always an immersive experience, even when the topics are not personally relatable. Her writing is not only captivating, but it offers a fresh perspective that deepens my empathy for others.

In her latest story, we meet Polly, a middle-aged woman struggling with infertility and navigating a host of personal challenges. With an ancestry kit revelation, a fraught relationship with her mother, and a tragic turn of events involving a friend, it's truly a wonder she manages to keep her head above water. @annaqwrites writes about life’s unexpected trajectories in such an effortless and tranquil manner. Her novels are truly special, and I find myself wishing they would never end because the beauty she creates is simply irresistible!

If you've never read a novel by Anna Quindlen, you just don't know what you're missing! This gem is out next week.

All my gratitude to partners @randomhousebooks and @netgalley for this #gifted early review copy.

Read 2/16/26

👶👶👶👶: The Blackwoods, by Brandy Colbert

What a treat to receive a box of surprise book mail from @harpercollins , one of which was this unexpected delight, The Blackwoods. The cover is absolute🔥🔥🔥 as you can see, and the story was just as hot!

It was a tale of 3 generations of black women in Hollywood who really made a name for themselves throughout the decades. The matriarch, Blossom Blackwood, had to make some truly difficult decisions along the way to foster her own career. Having had a mother who spent some time in Vaudeville, but ultimately moved on from her career, Blossom made it her mission to become successful. Being a black woman in Old Hollywood proved to be a most difficult task, and yet she was able to pave the way for the next generations in her family, Hollis & Ardith. This book was so clearly a labor of love for the author, and this heartfelt sentiment came across in her vibrant characters.

I especially loved reading the author's note, in which she recounts her inspiration for writing this book. Watching a wide assortment of TV shows growing up, one in particular stood out to her, featuring Diahann Carroll (love her❤️). She noted what a pioneer she and others were in Old Hollywood, and acknowledged what a triumph it was for these trailblazers to build the foundation for future generations of black actors. What a powerful tribute @brandycolbert has written here👏👏👏!

It was a really entertaining story and one that I was so glad to have been #gifted by the publisher. Thank you again, Harper Collins!

Read 6/1/24

👶👶👶: Sike, by Fred Lumer

This novel was definitely one of a kind! I can really tell that the author has a brilliant mind—his writing is quite cerebral and thought-provoking.

I was quite intrigued by the idea of AI glasses with an app that functions as a psychotherapist around the clock. We’re actually not too far from that reality! My son has a pair of Meta sunglasses equipped with a built-in camera and AI that can identify whatever he's looking at. They can even send messages and make calls—how cool is that? So, I was really captivated by the concept explored in this book.

However, I did find the story a little disjointed, which made it tough for me to keep up with the plot. I tend to connect with characters right away, and I struggled to do that here.

I really don’t like to undervalue anyone’s work, especially knowing how much effort and passion this author must have put into his debut. I also believe there’s a “smarter-than-me” audience out there that would absolutely appreciate this kind of intellectual writing. If you enjoy a clever novel that delves deep into the human psyche, this could be just the book for you!

Many thanks to partner, @celadonbooks for this surprise book mail!

Read 8/22/25