👶👶👶👶: Blue Hours: A Novel, by Daphne Kalotay

I recently finished listening to this unexpectedly meditative novel, and honestly, I'm not even mad that it wasn't the ending I'd hoped for; in fact it was more poetic than my reasonable mind could have conjured up. The story was raw and intelligent, and had some truly resonant moments. Sure, the plot stretched the limits of believability, yet somehow I was still moved. @daphnekalotay has a way with words that take hold, and suddenly there I was on an unexpected journey with 2 unlikely souls from the hip early 90s in NYC to the chaos of war-torn Afghanistan in the 2000s. While it was a bit of a mental stretch, I also found it uniquely effective. Also, shout out to Ms. Kalotay on the development of the character Awesome! What a breath of fresh air he brings to the storyline, providing just the right amount of comedic relief and giving us someone to truly root for during the most intense moments.

I'm always a sucker for a book narrated by @justjuliawhelan so when I was given the chance to listen this audiobook, my response was an immediate YES!!! Ms. Whelan has this amazing ability to breathe life into novels and she's a big part of why I enjoy Kristin Hannah's work so much. Her character portrayals are spot-on, the accents are so authentic, and the emotional depth to her voice is unequaled.

Many thanks to partner @tlcbooktours - it's always a joy to read and promote your books!

Read 9/25/26

👶🏼👶🏼👶🏼👶🏼👶🏼: Backslide: Reclaiming a Faith and a Nation After the Christian Turn Against Democracy, by Robert P. Jones

I must somehow communicate the importance of this optimally researched book! If ever you have ever racked your brain to understand how this administration rose to power with the help of the Christian right, this is an absolute must-read. @robertpjonesdc , a theologian and social scientist with endless credentials, has crafted a timely and effective depiction of the chaos we're experiencing, shedding light on how it has intensified. The writing is so accessible and the data is absolutely fascinating. I especially appreciate the clever double meaning of the title, *Backslide*, which captures the regression in both moral standards and democratic ideals.

I wholeheartedly encourage everyone, regardless of their faith or lack thereof, to pick up this book to fully grasp the current state of our nation. It lays out the ways in which our democracy is faltering and the historical and cultural context that brought us here.

As I read, I found myself nodding along to so much of what Mr. Jones shares. We are living in a pivotal moment where the choices we make now could either lead to serious consequences or guide us back to a righteous path. Don't miss out on this eye-opening book!

Many thanks to partners, @stmartinspress and @netgalley for sharing this critical review e-copy!

Read 9/15/26

👶🏼👶🏼👶🏼👶🏼: The Truth Chamber, by Duncan Ritchie

WOWZA!!! WHAT A DEBUT!!! Hold on to your hats, everyone! This political thriller is sure to send your pulse racing! I'm still wrapping my brain around what I just read... a story that has terrifying parallels to our current-day political landscape. It has all the right elements of an excellent political thriller: fast pacing, verisimilitude, strong characters, and an intelligent plot.

What I find most compelling is how the author sheds light on the fragile nature of our Democracy—showing how easily our foundational norms can be rearranged or disregarded by those pursuing their own political and financial interests. Sound familiar? I think the most unsettling thing is that @duncan.ritchie began writing this book back in 2022, when much of what he wrote seemed unimaginable... sadly, what was once implausible is now all too familiar.

Mr. Ritchie has succeeded in not only entertaining, but informing through his work. It's clear to see he's done his homework and researched real-life political figures, as the similarities are hard to miss. His quotes carry a sense of urgency as expressed by one of his characters, Presidential hopeful, Anna Hoffman:

"We inspired democracy to flourish around the world for two and a half centuries. We fought hunger and poverty. We helped people find their feet, steered them away from tyranny, and inspired them to make a better world... That world cries out for us to stand tall. This is our moment. If we want to keep our republic, we must stand together, not as Republicans and Democrats, but as Americans. "

I highly recommend you move this provocative read to the very top of your TBR! You won't be disappointed!

Many, many thanks to #partners , @booksforwardpr and @netgalley for this #gifted early review copy!

Read 8/31/26

👶🏼👶🏼👶🏼👶🏼: The Amateur, by Chris Bohjalian

In my opinion, authors who can seamlessly navigate multiple genres are the true talent in the literary world. The first book I picked up by @chrisbohjalian was 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑱𝒂𝒄𝒌𝒂𝒍'𝒔 𝑴𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒔, a captivating piece of historical fiction that gave me a deeper understanding of the Civil War. This latest novel, however, was a whole different experience. It served as a sharp critique of the outdated perspectives of the late 1970s while also providing an insightful psychological exploration of youthful misconceptions. Mr. Bohjalian has done an incredible job of bringing us right into the mind of the young protagonist.

In this gripping story set in 1978, we follow 18-year-old Mira as she grapples with the aftermath of a tragic incident where she accidentally killed her classmate with a golf ball during practice. In the wake of this terrible tragedy, readers discover revelations about Mira's life, including her own complicated self-image.

Mr. Bohjalian has definitely excelled in immersing his readers in the culture of the late '70s, shedding light on the social norms of that time period. It is certainly a cautionary tale about a morally questionable era that we should remain cautious about revisiting, especially as we seem to be experiencing a social setback as of late.

Many thanks to partners @doubledaybooks and @netgalley for this #gifted review copy!

Read 8/17/26

👶👶👶👶: The Ladies Hall, by Vanessa Miller

It absolutely infuriates me to discover more and more of the struggles that Black Americans have endured for so long due to racial injustice. And to see society regress in this manner in this day and age, especially after so many remarkable strides, is just incensing,.

On a positive note, this new historical fiction novel by Vanessa Miller shines a light on three extraordinary women who paved the way for countless generations of Black women. In the mid 1880s, Mary Church Terrell, Anna Julia Cooper, and Ida Gibbs Hunt encountered relentless racism while attending Oberlin college, the first university to adopt a race-blind admission policy in the US. Yet, with great courage they broke barriers not just for people of color, but specifically for Black women. I genuinely cannot fathom why someone's skin color or gender should ever dictate their potential for success or achievement - yet, here we are grappling with this reality.

A big thank you to Vanessa Miller for this thoroughly-researched treasure of a novel. I truly appreciate your talent in conveying the immense challenges these women faced and the significant advancements they made along the way. Also a big shout out to Angel Pean_ - what an excellent narrator you are!

Thank you also to partners, Thomas Nelson Publishing, Zondervan Audiobooks, and NetGalley for this gifted audio review copy.

Read 8/4/26

👶👶👶👶: The Secret Society of Librarians, by Kate Thompson

Leave it to Kate Thompson to uncover all the wartime bookish history! Every time I pick up one of her books, I know that I will be immediately transported. While her stories often delve into the harsh realities of the past, there's a sense of hope that shines through. and I truly relish her stories. I've been fortunate enough that Read Forever Publishing has gifted all three of her latest novels focused on bookish themes during World War II, and I can honestly say I've never been disappointed. Her research is impeccable as always, and can we just rave about the gorgeous covers???!!!


In this particular story, we are privy to 2 concurrent and heartbreaking narratives - one unfolds in Poland and the other in England during the occupation. Joyce and Dorotha, both librarians and cherished friends, find their lives turned upside down by the war. In a story as compelling as it is tragic, I found myself cheering out loud for these courageous women who risked it all for the love of books and the pursuit of freedom.

Read 7/24/26

👶👶👶👶👶: 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