👶👶👶👶: The Unhappiest Place On Earth, by Jade Gonzalez

As you all know, I'm a massive Disney enthusiast! So when this author reached out, offering me a review copy of her indy book that takes place in Disneyland, how could I say no?!

Ms. Gonzalez has crafted a charming YA novel that's bound to enchant the young teens in your life. It's perfect for anyone who loves the magic of Disney; my favorite part was all the references to classic rides. It sure took me back to my days visiting the park as a teen (and all the awkwardness of those bygone days). In fact, similar to this plot, my senior trip was scheduled to be in Disneyland, but it ended up being completely derailed. So, for me, this story felt like a little piece of what could've been!

I'm confident that young girls, and maybe even some guys, will fall head over heels for this book—it's squeaky clean and really sweet! The only part they'll struggle with is that it ends with a massive cliffhanger - so unfair😩!

Thank you so much, Jade Gonzalez, for sharing this review copy with me! It really took me back!

Read 7/13/25

👶👶👶👶: Blonde Dust, by Tatiana de Rosnay

One of the first books that sparked my passion for historical fiction was 𝘚𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘩'𝘴 𝘒𝘦𝘺, an international bestseller by Tatiana de Rosnay. So, when I stumbled upon news of her latest project, I couldn't wait to get my hands on it! This captivating story is set in Reno, NV, in 1960, at the iconic Mapes Hotel and Casino, the epitome of vintage glamour in the west.

What unfolds in this narrative is quite unexpected. We follow Pauline, a young maid at the hotel, as she forms an unlikely friendship with Mrs. Miller. To her surprise, Mrs. Miller happens to be none other than the legendary Marilyn Monroe! What unfolds is a multi-layered story with wild mustangs, intriguing movie history, and a life-altering experience for sweet Pauline.

I was genuinely moved by how the author portrayed Marilyn Monroe's humanity. It offered me a new perspective on her life and the misconceptions that surrounded her. Plus, the behind-the-scenes glimpses into the filming of her last movie, 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘔𝘪𝘴𝘧𝘪𝘵𝘴, were absolutely fascinating. Hats off to you, Ms. de Rosnay!

Many thanks to partners, Grand Central Pub & NetGalley , for this gifted review copy!

Read 6/19/25

👶👶👶👶: The Jackal's Mistress, by Chris Bohjalian

I genuinely make an effort to explore all sorts of books, but I always find myself irresistibly pulled back into my favorite genre: historical fiction. It’s amazing how much I’ve learned over the years from such talented authors, especially considering I didn’t exactly shine in history class!

In his latest novel, Chris Bohjalian has crafted a truly compelling story that immerses readers in the gripping realities of survival during the Civil War. I have such a deep appreciation for narratives that come from a place of empathy and compassion. The protagonist, Libby Steadman, beautifully captures this essence, guiding us through a time filled with fear and mistrust. Libby is surrounded by a cast of memorable characters that are as endearing as they are strong, and it was so easy to get attached to them all. Bohjalian reminds us that at the core, we’re all human beings, deserving of understanding and respect, even when our beliefs differ.

Kudos to Mr. Bohjalian for reminding us of this crucial lesson!

Many thanks to partners Doubleday and NetGalley for this gifted review e-copy.

Read 6/15/25

👶👶👶👶: The Ruins in Which We Bleed, by Steve N. Lee

Books such as these are always so important, especially as we live through these very uncertain times. We can not forget history, lest it repeats itself.

This novel is no exception. Inspired by a true story, Steve N. Lee has shared important events that were all too common during the Holocaust. In this particular story, 13-year-old Helena is attempting to survive a world that is literally crumbling around her. Her courage and determination are so inspiring as she attempts to survive the hatred aimed at her and her people.

I appreciated that this novel could be read by adults and teens alike, as it is crucial that they, too, learn about the myriad of events that occurred in the lead-in to this unimaginable human atrocity.

Many thanks to Mr. Lee for providing me with this gifted review e-copy.

Read 6/14/25

👶👶👶👶: The Girls of Good Fortune, by Kristina McMorris

Kudos to Kristina McMorris for once again shedding light on little known US history. There's nothing like a good historical fiction novel to teach me something I was completely oblivious to. I hesitate to admit I had no idea what getting "shanghaied" meant, nor had I any inkling about the Shanghai tunnels until I read this novel. If you've never heard of either one, this novel will teach you quite a bit about a time in our history that was absolutely laden with anti-Chinese sentiment.

This was quite an adventurous novel filled with several seemingly implausible turns. However, it held my attention from the beginning. Celia is a formidable character filled with grit and determination who finds herself in a situation that could have grave repercussions not only for herself, but for others in her orbit as well. This engaging story also came fully loaded with a satisfying ending - gotta love those full circle moments!

Kristina McMorris has always been an author who does her homework for the topics she tackles, and this was no exception! This is the fourth novel that I've been privileged to read by Ms. McMorris, and each time, I am better for it.

Many thanks to Sourcebooks & NetGalley and for this gifted review e-copy!

Read 6/9/25

👶👶👶👶👶: John & Paul: A Love Story in Songs, by Ian Leslie

ＷＯＷＯＷＯＷ!!!!!! Gather round Beatles fans! This is the winning ticket! What an impeccably researched, authentically conveyed, and exquisitely executed book! This book delves into the complicated and intense relationship between John Lennon and Paul McCartney, two of the most creative singer/songwriter duos of our time. The author had the brilliant idea of sharing their history through the songs they wrote and recorded; what a magnificent journey it is. I had no idea of much of this history, and each song not only brings back a flood of memories but a deeper understanding of these ingenious artists. All at once, uplifting and heartbreaking, this book is one that will absolutely stand the test of time.

Many, many thanks to partner Celadon Books for this beautifully rendered, gifted biography. I will treasure it for years to come!

Read 4/9/25

👶👶👶👶: Tough Luck, by Sandra Dallas

In traditional Sandra Dallas style, this western fiction novel is as inspiring as it is thought-provoking . Having loved her novel, 𝑾𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝑪𝒐𝒚𝒐𝒕𝒆𝒔 𝑯𝒐𝒘𝒍, I was so happy when St. Martin's Press shared this #gifted review e-copy with me - thank you . I'm such a sucker for the Old West, having grown up in Arizona, so this one was a treat! This coming-of-age story follows 14-year-old Mary "Haidie" Richards and her younger brother "Boots" as they follow their heart to find their father, whom she is convinced has struck gold in Denver. Setting off an adventure from Smoak, Illinois, Haidie disguises herself as a young boy and meets a wild (literally) cast of characters along the way!

Read this one if you enjoy coming-of-age, spunky female characters with 𝑻𝒓𝒖𝒆 𝑮𝒓𝒊𝒕 (for which this novel pays tribute).

Read 5/3/24

👶👶👶👶: Fun for the Whole Family, by Jennifer E. Smith

Gotta love a book that quotes Jerry Seinfeld, "There's no such thing as fun for the whole family!"

This was a sweet family saga with surprising depth by the talented Jennifer E. Smith. I appreciated the family dynamics as each character had something to bring to the narrative. And while there were somewhat dubious details and the ending was a bit predictable, it didn't take away from the storyline. I really loved the way it was written from each sibling's perspective, both in the past and present - it made the story so compelling.

I do so enjoy reading stories about siblings from large families, as I often ponder my own children's relationship with each other in hopes that they will always remain close.

I'd recommend this book for fans of family dramas, sibling rivalry enthusiasts, and devotees of the Rashomon approach.

Many thanks to partners Penguin Random House and NetGalley for this gifted review e-copy!

Read 4/19/25

👶👶👶👶👶: Propaganda Girls: The Secret War of the Women in the OSS, by Lisa Rogak

I love that more and more stories are coming out about the integral role women played in the outcome of WWII. This particular book, by celebrated author Lisa Rogak, pays tribute to four brave and forward-thinking women, all of whom contributed immeasurably to the war campaign. As members of the OSS, Betty MacDonald, Zuzka Lauwers, Jane Smith-Hutton, and Marlene Dietrich developed secret black propaganda aiming to break Axis soldier's morale by discrediting the Reich.

Ms. Rogak does a tremendous job in describing these gallant women's backgrounds and efforts in striking detail. As opposed to some nonfiction accounts, this one held my attention from the first page. In a time when women and minorities' voices are being silenced and erased, this novel brings to light the incredible contributions that ALL people can bring to the table.

Many thanks to partner, @stmartinspress for this 5-star gifted novel! I enjoyed learning about so much of this unknown history!

Read 4/1/25

👶👶👶👶👶: The Lost Passenger, by Frances Quinn

ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT Frances Quinn!!! It's been a minute since I've read a 5-star novel, but this book earned every one of those stars! What a unique perspective of the sinking of the Titanic Ms. Quinn has presented. The most fascinating part of it all is that I honestly would not even bill this novel as just another "Titanic story." There was SO MUCH more to this novel.

I ran the gamut of emotion as I read this exquisite tale of Elinor Coombes, the daughter of the self-made "Cotton King," who worked for every penny of the wealth he was not born into. We learn that her father's wealth is enough for her new aristocratic husband's elitist family, but not Elinor's less-than-acceptable upbringing and mannerisms. She finds herself in a loveless marriage, in a life where every part of who she is seems to be dictated by her heartless mother-in-law, right down to the infant son she bore that they manage to tear away from her care.

Enter a gift from her father for first-class tickets on the maiden voyage of the Titanic... she is elated to escape the clutch of her in-laws and get some well-deserved time alone with her son. Though you well know the fate of the giant ship, you'll just have to read the novel to find out what happens to Elinor in the aftermath of this tragedy. It's a doozy that kept me on the edge of my seat until the end! I will share that Elinor is full of grit and determination, and each character along the way is so well fleshed out!

And to think I won this novel in a Goodreads giveaway! I hadn't won one in quite a while, so it was really fun to be chosen as a winner! Many thanks to Goodreads and Random House for this remarkable novel! And thank you, NetGalley, for also allowing me to read the gifted e-copy late into the night!

Read 3/29/25        

👶👶👶👶: The Serpent Bearer, by Jane Rosenthal

When Booksparks reached out asking if I'd be interested in a WWII historical fiction spy thriller, I was all in!!!

The Serpent Bearer has all the elements that interest me. With a dual timeline, WWII history, and endearing characters, I was captivated from the first page.

Ms. Rosenthal managed to strike a delicate balance between the realities of war and the more glamorous aspects of espionage. With a current-day Solly Meisner falling deeper into dementia, the story unfolds as Solly slips into the past and slowly reveals secrets he intended to keep buried.

I appreciated the weaving in of so many diverse characters in various parts of the world. It was truly a unique adventure.

Read 3/14/25

👶👶👶👶The Queens of Crime, by Marie Benedict

What a fun, cozy mystery! @authormariebenedict has managed to bring together the 5 most prominent women crime writers: Dorothy Sayers, Agatha Christie, Ngaio Marsh, Margery Allingham, and Emma Orczy for a tribute to the power of friendship and teamwork.

I enjoyed reading the crime-solving story from the viewpoint of actual mystery writers. I've never thought about the fact that these women have all the skill and experience from researching for their own novels, so it wouldn't be a huge leap for them to solve an actual murder. And that's exactly what Ms. Sayers figured they could do to solve a murder that seemed poorly handled by authorities.

With wit and determination, these gals have what it takes to undertake a daunting task! Ms. Benedict has written an entertaining novel with a nod to some legendary authors!

Many thanks to partners, @stmartinspress
& @netgalley for this #gifted review e-copy!

Read 3/4/25

👶👶👶👶: Junie, by Erin Crosby Eckstine

 
I feel so giddy when an author knocks it out of the park for their debut novel! Erin Crosby Eckstine has written such a powerful novel that I would've NEVER guessed this was her first! Bravo, Ms. Eckstine💯!

Junie, a 16-year-old enslaved girl, is a character that will stay with me long after the last page was turned. The author managed to create a feisty character with heart and an indelible spirit unlike any I've encountered in the recent past. A well-crafted cast of characters joins Junie as this coming-of-age story unravels seamlessly.

Despite the addition of magical realism, a genre that requires a deft ability to reach a precise balance between suspension of disbelief and a realistic plot line, the author managed to hit the nail on the head. Her writing is silky smooth, and I just couldn't put the book down!

This historical fiction novel is based on the author's ancestral grandmother, and the care and precision with which she writes has resulted in a stunning tribute.

If you're looking for an Own voices historical fiction novel with a twist to read during Black History Month, look no further. This book will readily transport you to the pre-civil war era and will leave a lasting imprint on your heart.

Many thanks to partners, Random House and NetGalley for this gifted review copy!

Read 2/20/24

👶👶👶👶👶: The Sun's Shadow, by Sejal Badani

Sejal Badani has done it again! She has managed to rip my heart out, tear it into shreds, and then reconstruct it in a way that leaves me with more empathy than I had before. I am telling you now, if you've never read a book by this phenomenal writer, now is the time.

I can not tell you how much I despise reading books about a cheating spouse - it makes me so angry that I can't even appreciate the novel I'm reading. And yet, Ms. Badani has written a book that had me glued to the pages, needing to know how the story would unfold and how the characters would survive their circumstances. It's fascinating how Ms. Badani humanizes even the most despicable characters.

The addition of a child's cancer diagnosis was so gut-wrenching and unexpected, and yet it offered perspective that so many of the characters desperately needed.

Ultimately, this was a story about forgiveness and redemption. It was a story about self-discovery and owning the truths that sometimes hurt to admit. It was beautiful and tragic, desperate and heartfelt. I always appreciate this author's ability to explore the secrets that hold people back and often ruin lives. It is a beautiful story that I've come to expect from Sejal Badani, as she has quickly worked her way up on my list of well-respected authors.

I cried and rejoiced as I read this novel and came away with a sense of wholeness that truly is her signature culmination.

Many thanks to Lake Union and NetGalley for this gifted review copy.

Read 1/28/25

👶👶👶👶: The Good Liars, by Anita Frank

This novel sure is a Whodunit that kept me guessing! Agatha Christie fans listen up - this novel read like one of hers and certainly had some unforseen twists. For fans of dark murder mysteries, this will be right up your alley, with plenty of secrets abound. The novel also dealt with the horror of WWI and the impact it had on the young men who served. And yes, the characters are indeed, good liars!

Many, many thanks to partners, TLC Book Tours and HQ Stories for this gifted review copy!

Read 12/24/24

👶👶👶👶: The Mirror, by Nora Roberts

Truth be told, I'm not a huge fan of reading full series, especially those that aren't complete yet, and I will admit that the wait for this second installment about killed me. However, in a plot twist of my own, I have fallen in love with this particular series, which is very unusual in more ways than one. First off, I REALLY don't do scary, but what I love about these books is that they're more spooky than scary. And yet, because there are ghosts involved, now I feel like I can brag that I, too, can read horror😂! Secondly, I'm not a big romance fan, and yet, the characters are so darn endearing that it just works for me (I especially love the non-human figures (dogs, not ghosts). Finally, I have a hard time suspending disbelief, and yet, the story truly kept me engaged from beginning to end.

I have only one gripe, which is that the storyline wasn't propelled forward as much as I'd have liked in this sequel. I was looking forward to getting a bit closer to the resolution and honestly didn't need as much superfluous detail as was provided. So I'll really be interested to see how Ms. Roberts will wrap it up in the final book.

Never having read Nora Roberts' books prior to this series, I must admit, I'm definitely a fan. Her stories are whimsical, and her characters are loveable!

I'm so grateful to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for this gifted review e-copy. It was quite an adventure.

👶👶👶👶: The Sunflower House, by Adriana Allegri

What a magnificent debut by Adriana Allegri ! This is an impeccably researched historical fiction novel that rendered me speechless despite the mountains of WWII novels I have read in the past. Ms. Allegri has a true gift as a writer and had me glued to the pages from the get-go.

We meet Allina, a spirited young lady who struggles with staying quiet in the midst of all the injustice she is surrounded by. After a series of horrific events, Allina finds herself forced to work at the Hochland Home, a Nazi baby factory, mirroring one of the real-life Lebensborn facilities opened by Hitler to perpetuate the "German master race." Readers follow Allina's journey as a member of the resistance as her life intersects with Karl, an SS officer, who harbors his own hidden skeletons.

Allegri does an incredible job with the dual timeline. She seamlessly transitions between Allina's modern-day life with her daughter, to whom she eventually discloses the atrocities of the past.

I look forward to reading more of Allegri's work in the future - with such a strong start, I'm sure she will continue to grace readers with her amazing words.

Many thanks to partners, St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for this gifted review copy.

Read 11/12/24

👶👶👶👶: Gather Me: A Memoir in Praise of the Books That Saved Me, by Glory Edim

What a stunning tribute to the power and importance of books! Glory Edim wrote an intellectual, spirited ode to books in this memoir that had me experiencing all the feels. As the daughter of immigrants, so much of what Ms. Edim said brought back a flood of memories from my own childhood, allowing me to recall the power of books in my own life and how they offered me a means me to rise above the difficulties of growing up as "other".

"𝑩𝒖𝒕 𝒔𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒆𝒔, 𝒂𝒎𝒊𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒐𝒔, 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒄𝒂𝒏 𝒃𝒆 𝒂 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒅, 𝒐𝒓 𝒂 𝒔𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆, 𝒐𝒓 𝒂𝒏 𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒓𝒆 𝒑𝒂𝒈𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒄𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒔 𝒂 𝒇𝒍𝒊𝒄𝒌𝒆𝒓 𝒐𝒇 𝒘𝒂𝒓𝒎𝒕𝒉, 𝒐𝒇 𝒍𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 - 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒎𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒓𝒚 𝒇𝒍𝒂𝒎𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒄𝒂𝒏 𝒊𝒍𝒍𝒖𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒕𝒆 𝒂 𝒏𝒆𝒘 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝒉𝒐𝒑𝒆𝒇𝒖𝒍 𝒑𝒂𝒕𝒉."

There are so many more worthy quotes in this book, and the storytelling is magnificent. Ms. Edim certainly learned the art of storytelling from her father. I was absolutely hooked from the first page!

For a stunner of a memoir that is so relevant today, look no further!

My gratitude goes out to partners, Penguin Random House & NetGalley, for this gifted review copy.

To read more of my reviews, please check out my blog at www.mamasgottaread.blogspot.com or follow me on Instagram at www.instagram.com/mamasgottaread. 

Read 10/29/24

👶👶👶: Small Things Like These, by Claire Keegan

This was a very atmospheric novel, and one must be in the mood for melancholy in order to appreciate it. Claire Keegan certainly writes beautifully, and one has to recognize understated truths to grasp the depth in this novel. She does a tremendous job of allowing her readers to feel the reality of life in a town ravaged by poverty in the late 80's, Ireland.

What I appreciated most was the historical aspect of the book, shedding light on the tragic "Laundries" of Ireland that operated well into the late 20th century. These were institutions headed by the Church that took in "fallen women" who had become pregnant out of wedlock. It was a place of degradation that viewed any pregnancy, whether consensually or by rape or incest, as the young lady's fault, and treated these women as abominations. Their babies were taken, and they were mistreated and held in enslavement under the guise of charity. Ultimately, unmarked graves of 155 women were found, which led to a formal apology by the state (unfortunately not by the church) in 2013.

Overall, I appreciate authors that illuminate these dark times in the past, so that such cruelty will not repeat itself. Kudos to Claire Keegan for informing her readers.

Of special note is that a movie based on this novel will be released on November 8th!

Read 12/8/23

👶👶👶👶: Love at a Girls' School and other stories, by Diana Altman

What a delightful collection of stories by Diana Altman! I'm a sucker for short stories, and so many of these resonated with me. What a joy to catch a glimpse into someone's life for a short moment in time, and come away with plenty to ponder. Ms. Altman has done a wonderful job in connecting readers with each of her protagonists, and as is so often the case with short stories, I didn't feel unsatisfied after these tales. Most of them ended at just the right time were just the right length!

Most fun was the imagination that Ms. Altman brought to the table. Several of these stories brought really vivid images to life. Who couldn't use a tiny purse secretary here in the real world👩?! And what about an eye on the end of your finger to see around corners👁?! Don't let the silly nature of those 2 imaginative scenarios cause you to discount this little gem of a book. On the contrary, many of the stories were incredibly thought-provoking.

Many thanks to Mckinney Media Group for this gifted review copy! It was truly enjoyable!

Read 9/19