👶👶👶👶👶: 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

👶👶👶👶: The Man in the Stone Cottage by Stephanie Cowell

I have to be honest, I’m ashamed to admit that not only have I never read anything by the Brontë sisters, I wasn't even aware of their fascinating history until now. I owe a big thank you to @cowell.stephanie for writing such a beautiful historical fiction novel that shines a light on the lives of these remarkable women and the hardships they endured.

This story was so thoughtfully crafted, filled with rich nuances and brilliant insights that helped fill in the historical gaps surrounding these incredible minds. I was genuinely surprised by how much I learned about the Brontë family through these pages. Ms. Cowell brought these characters to life in a way that truly humanized them by revealing their struggles and insecurities beyond their renowned intellect.

I truly enjoyed the story and, although somewhat depressing in its reality, the plot was engrossing. What a unique angle from which to tell their stories!

Many thanks to partners, @regal_house_publishing 

and @netgalley for this #gifted review e-copy.

Read 1/16/2026

👶👶👶👶👶: 100 Train Journeys of a Lifetime: The World's Ultimate Rides

I AM SO EXCITED Y'ALL!!! I am so fortunate to have received this magnificent book from TLC Book Tours - I am so incredibly grateful. Thank you so much to everyone that made it happen including National Geographic, Penguin Random House , and Disney Books .

I’m a total train junkie, and I won't lie – I’ve taken some playful ribbing for my passion for trains! In this fast-paced world, there’s something captivating about the nostalgia of trains that I just can’t shake. Whenever I get the chance, whether it’s at an amusement park, a local town, or during a vacation, you can bet I'll hop on board for a train ride. There’s a unique sense of peace and nostalgia that washes over me as soon as I step onto a train – it's really the whole experience that draws me in.

This book is simply GORGEOUS! 😍😍😍 The photos are nothing short of STUNNING, just as one would expect from National Geographic. The sections are organized by geographic areas including Europe, Africa & the Middle East, North America, South America, Asia, and Oceania. Each segment dives deep into these train excursions, and let me tell you, even if you’re not already a train fan, this will definitely change your perspective! I was absolutely thrilled to see Linha do Ouro in Portugal featured – what a gem!

This book is the PERFECT gift for any train lovers in your life, or it would make a fantastic addition to your coffee table collection!

Read 10/7/25

👶👶👶👶: Saoirse, by Charleen Hurtubise

Every once in a while, a novel with such depth and beauty surfaces and it truly makes readers' breath hitch. This novel started out slowly, taking it's time leading up to the reveal, building tension in a very deliberate manner. @charleen_hurtubise was skillful in her method and intentional in her messaging. As readers follow Saoirse (ser - shuh) along her path of fearful discernment of her life circumstances, her desitution becomes palpable. The setting is all at once atmospheric and harsh, revealing beauty just below the surface of the brutal reality. At first, the story may seem scattered, leaving readers feeling slight confusion. However, once the convergence of characters and details occurs, the significance of this novel becomes fervent and markedly relevant. It left me feeling contemplative, and gave me greater empathy for flawed individuals - we truly never know what others have been through in their lives.

I was given the privilege of both listening to the early review audiobook from #partners @macmillan.audio and @netgalley , as well as a hard copy from @celadonbooks . Both were immersive in their own right. @roisin_rankin lended her truly magnificent Irish voice to Saoirse. Thank you to all involved in allowing me the privilege to read this stunning novel.

👶👶👶👶: Family of Spies, by Christine Kuehn

Talk about uncovering some deep dark family secrets! This author takes the cake for revealing some genuinely shocking skeletons in the closet.

Big shoutout to Christine Kuehn for having the courage to share her journey. I'm so glad she ultimately made the decision to bring this story to light.

Without giving too much away, I can confidently say that this is the stuff movies are made of. While oftentimes, nonfiction books are dull and boring, this one was anything but ordinary.

If you are a fan of WWII history like me, this memoir is bound to be a winner for you too!

I'm so grateful to partner, Celadon Books, for this early review copy!

Read 12/22/25

👶👶👶👶: Best Offer Wins, by Marisa Kashino

WOWIE KAPOWIE! WHAT IN THE WORLD DID I JUST READ😲🫣???!!!

This book took such an unexpected turn that I would’ve never seen it coming; I was seriously blown away! Huge shoutout to @marisakashino for absolutely killing it with your debut novel (no pun intended)!🎉🎉🎉

The characters were so surprisingly nuanced that I was completely enthralled from the beginning. And the story itself was so simple, yet so well-developed. Bravo Ms. Kashino!

I don’t usually gravitate towards psychological thrillers, but this one is a game-changer. I can absolutely see it being adapted into a film someday. And I wish I could share more without spoiling the plot, but if you enjoy twists that turn everything you thought you knew upside down, this is the one for you!

I'm so grateful to #partner @celadonbooks for this #gifted early review copy! This was not one I would've ever considered reading if it wasn't for your generosity!

Read 12/9/25

👶👶👶👶: The Seven Rings, by Nora Roberts

What a fun series! Never did I think I'd say that about a spooky series, but I think it ended up being just the right amount of "spooky lite" to make it enjoyable! This final installment of 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑺𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒏 𝑹𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒔 was packed with more action than the previous one, so I was definitely invested. After making it this far, I simply had to find out how they would break that curse!

The characters are such fun and really won me over. I mentioned in my review of 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑴𝒊𝒓𝒓𝒐𝒓 how much I adore the inclusion of dogs as an integral part of the story! And can we talk about the ghosts? They were surprisingly endearing (aside from one) 😂. One of the highlights of the book for me was the fantastic music included in it; @norarobertsauthor has impeccable taste in tunes🎶!

If you, like me, are not a horror fan, but want to dip your toes in an eerie read, this is the series for you! The best part is that you can binge-read the entire series now that it’s complete!

So grateful to St. Martin's Press & NetGalley for this fun adventure!

Read 12/6/25

👶👶👶👶: To Outwit Them All, by Peggy Wirgau

It truly takes a remarkable woman to step up and take action when danger looms, and that’s exactly who Agent 355 was - the only female member of the legendary Culper Spy Ring. In her captivating reimagining, Peggy Wirgau brings us the story through the eyes of Betty Floyd, aka 355.

The novel propels readers into the New York social scene at the height of the American Revolutionary War, and grabs hold of the reader's attention from the beginning.

The character development was excellent, and I really loved Betty's character. I felt her hesitation and uncertainty as if it were my own when she was thrown into the world of resistance. A core part of the story dealt with her indecision as she grappled with whether she was ready or even willing to make the tough decisions that could change the course of history.

Overall, this is a fantastic historical fiction read for anyone fascinated by the American Revolution and the sacrifices it involved. It was the perfect pick to wrap up on #nokings day!

Many thanks to partner, Books Forward for this gifted review copy!

Read 10/19/25

👶👶👶👶: The Lost Garden, by Angela Petch

I'm continually amazed by the stunning stories woven from tragedy. Angela Petch has written a moving coming-of-age novel set against the backdrop in the small town of Sant' Agnese in Mussolini's Italy in the 1930s.

As readers are transported into the world of Castello di Montesecco, we meet Tina, a young girl born into privilege, but missing the influence of her deceased mother, a figure shrouded in secrecy.

The narrative unfolds naturally as Tina becomes entwined in the resistance while under the watchful eye of her militant father.

I was so impressed with Ms. Petch's ability to cultivate characters through time. It felt as though I was growing up right alongside Tina and her friends, experiencing the profound impact of war alongside them. So much of what was written in this novel frighteningly parallels what we are experiencing in the USA today. From the very first page, I was hooked; the writing was simply exceptional!

Many thanks to partners, Bookouture and NetGalley for sharing this stunning historical fiction novel.

👶👶👶👶: Life, and Death, and Giants, by Ron Rindo

Wow, what a novel. The powerful messages woven throughout this story truly resonated with me: faith and doubt, the intersection between religion and the secular world, and the weight of secrets. Sure, there were some tough moments that were hard to digest, but the beauty of the writing completely outweighed the difficult parts of the story. I have to say, I was completely blown away by the direction this novel took! I genuinely never saw the shocking twist coming - and I'm usually pretty hard to surprise. I found myself utterly captivated by this enchanting magical realism story.

Ron Rindo crafted his characters with such care. Gabriel was an endearing young man, and Hannah was just delightful. Thomas really pulled at my heartstrings with his heartbreaking backstory. Even Coach, despite his foibles, managed to evoke a sense of sympathy from me. I will admit, I wasn't as forgiving as Hannah when it came to Josiah's sins - I'm still not sure how I feel about it... when you read it, let's chat!

Get ready for a rollercoaster of emotions as this story unfolds! You’ll find yourself raising an eyebrow, sighing in frustration, cringing in disgust, and smiling with delight. It left me in a very contemplative mood, reflecting on the beauty of life. As I see it, these reactions are all the hallmarks of a truly outstanding novel.

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

Read 9/15/25

👶👶👶👶: The Girl in the Green Dress, by Mariah Fredericks

Is anyone else out there just completely captivated by Zelda Fitzgerald? I can't help but appreciate how Mariah Fredericks has woven such an entrancing historical fiction mystery around this forever fascinating woman. Not only was her marriage to the literary genius, F. Scott Fitzgerald, shrouded in intrigue, but I've always felt her allure is in her wild spirit and flair for drama. Ms. Fredericks has packed this novel with so much depth: the reporter's complex PTSD as well as Zelda's fragile mental health, multiple historical mysteries involving unsolved deaths, and the intense dynamics between Zelda and F. Scott. Plus, we get a glimpse into the shadowy side of fame through the eyes of writer turned reporter, Morris Markey. The author masterfully links the reporter's discoveries to post-WW2 politics and the elite who seem to operate above the law. And all this unfolds in the dazzling backdrop of the Jazz Age! It really doesn't get any better than this!

If you appreciate great historical fiction with several nods to actual historical figures, enjoy gaining new perspectives on unsolved mysteries, and are drawn to the depths of human emotion, don't miss this one!

Many thanks to St Martin's press and NetGalley for this gifted review e-copy!

Read 9/4/25

👶👶👶👶👶: How the Hell Did I Not Know That?: My Midlife Year from Couch to Curiosity, by Lucie Frost

I didn't realize how desperately I needed a book that brought a little humor into my life, and this one was just the ticket!

Lucie Frost has penned a delightful memoir detailing her first year of retirement, which all kicked off with a hilariously drunken resignation text to her boss. It's a riotous tale of her self-created journey, which she charmingly named Project Couch to Curiosity.

The book delves into an ever-growing list of intriguing answers to the wonders that piqued her interest. This quirky trivia began during a leisurely couch potato phase immediately after she retired, and the random facts are both amusing and surprisingly captivating! For instance, she looked into what the best instrument is to learn later in life and discovered that the organ is one of the toughest instruments to master. Turns out I played it when I was young, so now I'm feeling kinda genius😂!!

I just love the cheeky attitude and comical personality of this former lawyer turned comedienne! So if you’re in the mood for a good chuckle and wouldn’t mind picking up some amusing trivia as you read, this book is just what you need!

Many thanks to partners, Kaye Publicity and Trinity University Press for this humorous gifted review copy! 

Read 8/26/25