👶👶👶👶👶: 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

👶👶👶👶: 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

👶👶👶👶: 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.

👶👶👶👶: The Cover Girl, by Amy Rossi

Wow, what a page turner! This story grabbed my attention right from the start. Having briefly ventured into the modeling world as a teen myself, the beginning of this story was so familiar. It also made me so grateful I didn't pursue it as a career.

After a current-day(ish) intro, the split timeline continues in the mid-70s as Birdie is discovered; the narrative then weaves through her life. I couldn’t help but cringe at how this young girl was treated, with her parents providing little to no protection, which resulted in a morally reprehensible relationship for which she had no frame of reference to understand. She was thrust into a world that valued nothing but her appearance, a storyline all too common from that era, where being a fashion model came at an incredibly high price.

Amy Rossi writes with such a lyrical flair, often hinting at situations and allowing the reader to fill in the gaps. It was a very unique writing style that made the novel all the more powerful. The emotional depth she brings to the table is something so many authors struggle to achieve. To boot, she was unafraid to tackle some very uncomfortable subjects. Truly, you won't believe this is HER DEBUT NOVEL!!!

So grateful to Kaye Publicity for this gifted, compelling read!!!

Read 8/5/25

👶👶👶👶👶: 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 Love Elixir of Augusta Stern, by Lynda Cohen Loigman

This was such an unexpectedly delightful novel! Generally, I'm a pretty serious reader, and most days, you'll catch me reading a historical fiction novel or memoir. But when the opportunity for this unique magical realism novel was presented, I thought, 𝑾𝒉𝒚 𝒏𝒐𝒕? and my goodness, am I happy I did!

Told in dual timeline format, this story dips into Augusta Stern's life both as a teen in New York and later as an 80-year-old woman in Florida, where she encounters an old flame. The entire time, the reader is brought along on this mini mystery quest to find out why their relationship ended all that time ago.

Generally, in dual timelines, I am most often immersed in the past, as it is often a richer, more in-depth story. However, I'll be honest, both of these time periods had me fully invested. I truly adored the focus on octogenarians and their ability to lead a very fulfilling existence, despite their old age.

If you're looking for a charming, insightful novel that's sure to bring a smile to your face, look no further!

So grateful to St. Martin's Press for this gifted review copy.

Read 10/8/24

👶👶👶👶: After Annie, by Anna Quindlen

I was so grateful when Random House reached asking if I had interest in Anna Quindlen's newest novel, After Annie. Many years ago, I read Quindlen's Every Last One, and I STILL see the events of that novel unfolding in my mind's eye. She just has the ability to bring her work to life - the tragedy, the resilience, the forever-altered lives that follow.

This story follows the same pattern and yet is completely unique. The author captures the human spirit in a way that makes the reader contemplate their own life. As in her previous novel, Ms. Quindlen's writing is simple, yet profound.

It's so sad to witness a mother's life come to a tragic end, and even more sad to watch events unfold as her closest family members and friends handle her loss. However, Quindlen manages to tie in a message of hope and redemption, through beautifully-rendered characters and truly impactful situations, ultimately leaving the reader inspired.

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

Read 3/12/24

👶👶👶👶: Hello Beautiful, by Ann Napolitano

Now, ya'll know I'm a huge Oprah fan, but most times, her book picks aren't my fave. Sorry, Oprah 🫣. I must admit, though, this time, I actually did enjoy it! Although I wasn't completely blown away like she was, it was definitely a great family drama. Of course, expectations may have been a smidge too high because #bookstagrammademedoit 🤷‍♀️, but that's okay!

Right away, I was drawn into the lives of the Patavano sisters and their big love for one another. I was such a fan of William (he became the newest member of the family early on), and oh, how I loved the girls' Daddy! But Julia got on my very last nerve - what a spoiled brat🙄. And I must also gripe about the fact that Mama Patavano was incredibly selfish in her decision (wish I could say more🤷‍♀️). However, despite the frustrating personalities, this story propelled me forward, wanting to know exactly what would unfold. So bravo to Ann Napolitano for writing an irresistible storyline!

Many thanks to #partners NetGalley and The Dial Press for this gifted e-book.

Read 4/13/23

👶👶👶👶: The Rain Gypsy: A Novel, by S.A. Smith

Well, if it wasn't for the chaos of the holidays, I would've finished this book ages ago! I promise it had nothing to do with the quality of content, but everything to do with my insane schedule: once November hits, I barely have time to breathe.

Okay, I'm going to be quite honest... I went into this book with a bit of trepidation. After all, I'd been booksta buddies with Susan for quite some time, and I've never known an author as a human being before I've read their work. And what an awesome human she is. So when she approached me wondering if I'd be willing to read an ARC of her debut novel, I hesitated for a moment. I'm nothing if not honest in my reviews, and I didn't want to jeopardize our friendship. That lasted all of 2 seconds before I recognized that no matter what, her work would have heart, and I'm a sucker for a book with heart❤️.

Ladies and gents, not only did she not disappoint, but she surprised the heck out of me! This novel kept my attention from start to finish and the character development was such that I felt as if the protagonist was an old friend. The story progressed at a good clip and I was fully invested in the outcome. Her research was remarkable and I learned SO MUCH about the Romani culture! That, of course, was my favorite part: learning about a culture I was unfamiliar with. Did I have preconceived notions about "Gypsies"? Absolutely! Did Susan shatter those stereotypes? Yes indeed! She handled the topic of prejudice against Romani-Americans with sensitivity and respect.

BRAVO, my friend! I am duly impressed by your debut novel👏! Your hard work and dedication certainly paid off!

Read 12/22/22

👶👶👶: November 9, by Colleen Ho

 🎉𝑰 𝑭𝑰𝑵𝑨𝑳𝑳𝒀 𝑹𝑬𝑨𝑫 𝑨 𝑪𝑶𝑯𝑶 𝑵𝑶𝑽𝑬𝑳!!!🎉

And now I see what all the fuss is about (mostly anyway)😜...

@litladysandra unknowingly reminded me that I have been attempting for 2 years now to read this novel in time for this perfect date! And voila! I DID IT!!!

But now you get to listen to me gripe... The first 3/4 of this book, I was ALL IN! I loved the whole concept of the aspiring novelist writing a story about his burgeoning relationship with this unsuspecting sweet girl who really needed some positivity in her life. Colleen Hoover had me fully in her grasp, had me accepting the insta-love (even though I usually hate it), had me lost in this fool's paradise, the whole November 9 yards, and then WOT IN THE WORLD HAPPENED???!!! Suddenly, it took a turn, a disturbing, dark, and what in Heavens just happened kinda turn😲! I was immediately turned off and bummed out😩. She had me at Hello, literally, and then said "See ya!"😢

So here's the dealio... I see what y'all have been telling me so long about her writing. She is a masterful writer (clearly, cuz I read it in a day), but I'm REALLY hoping if I give her another go, she doesn't break me, only to take it back and leave me feeling foolish for falling for it...

Sorry... unpopular opinion, I'm sure, but... I'm nothing if not honest. Don't worry, I haven't given up on her completely!

⚠️TW: suicide, depression, addiction

Read: 11/8/22

👶👶👶👶👶: Mad Honey, by Jodi Picoult & Jennifer Finney Boyaln

Jodi Picoult has long been an auto-buy author for me, and this pairing w/ Jennifer Finney Boylan - what a powerhouse!

This novel captured my heart from the very first sentence and had me glued until the last. I can always count on Ms. Picoult to offer new perspective, to raise questions about controversial topics, and to leave me more enlightened than before. And I would say she and Ms. Finney Boylan have accomplished just that.

Readers are taken on a journey that shows the best in people, the worst in people, and the fine line that separates it all. I, much like Lily, have always sought to believe people's goodness, but have often been disappointed to discover that people aren't always whom I expect them to be.

"𝑰𝒕'𝒔 𝒊𝒏𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒄𝒆𝒊𝒗𝒂𝒃𝒍𝒆, 𝒊𝒇 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒌 𝒂𝒃𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒊𝒕, 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒑𝒍𝒆𝒙 𝒘𝒂𝒚 𝒑𝒆𝒐𝒑𝒍𝒆 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒆 𝒖𝒑 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒃𝒆𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒉𝒐𝒓𝒓𝒊𝒃𝒍𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒆𝒂𝒄𝒉 𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓."

Not only do readers learn fascinating information about bees and their intricacies (which is a brilliant metaphor in this story), but there is so much more to unpack in this novel.

Many thanks to Penguin Random House and Net Galley for gifting me with this advanced reader's copy - I am under no obligation to review this book, but I just couldn't wait to share my thoughts on it!

Read 10/5/22

👶👶👶: A Woman in Time, by Bobi Conn

Many thanks to TLC Book Tours & Amazon Publishing for gifting me this lovely novel and including me on this book tour!

Mixing magical realism and women's fiction, Bobi Conn's debut novel is as ethereal as it is grimly palpable. Knowing little about the Appalachian way of life prior to reading this novel, the author did a tremendous job of drawing me in to the reality of it all.

Conn imagines women that are strong, but restricted by the time and place they inhabit. In the case of the main female protagonist, that strength is nearly vanquished, which allows the reader to experience her complete sense of dejection. The story is evocative and engrossing, and the setting is incredibly vivid. I found myself rooting for Rosalee, and later Bethany, hoping for reprieve for these poor, sweet girls.

I struggled with the age that these young girls were forced into marriage, but know it was a way of life for many during this time period and beyond. As with any novel that deals in the harsh realities of historical fiction, it was hard to read some of the scenes. The physical and sexual abuse toward women of each generation was a lot to stomach, but sadly necessary to portray the truth.

Kudos to Bobi Conn for a well-written, immersive novel.

Read 9/12/22         

👶👶👶👶: Beartown, by Fredrik Backman

🍂🍁Happy first day of fall y'all! I thought it might be appropriate to start off this autumn with a "chilly" read, even though it's anything but chilly here in Texas (99° today🥵), but alas, one can dream...

It is now officially fact for me: Fredrik Backman just never disappoints... I don't know how he does it, but @backmansk captures the human spirit so incredibly well in all of his books. He is able to garner empathy from his readers even toward his most despicable characters and it always surprises me. I end up wondering how in the world I could feel sympathy for a drunk who neglects his daughter, or a convict who has major anger issues. He must have a heart of gold, this Fredrik dude, cuz he sure knows how to write a book that pulls at my heartstrings EVERY. SINGLE. TIME.

I knew so little about hockey going into this novel, and I learned so much about what it is to live in a hockey community by the end. I appreciated how Backman handled the horrific crime that occurred, and was so fascinated at how he included every single person that was affected. He really put some thought into how different decisions would play out - it was impressive indeed.

Of course, as with all of his novels, there are such indelible characters in this series, from sweet Maya, to her best friend Ana (I love how they met), and of course Amat, and dear old Sune... ah, I could go on and on. This author has such a knack for creating unforgettable individuals.

👏👏👏Bravo. Bravo. Bravo.

Read 8/15/22

👶👶👶👶👶: Count the Ways, by Joyce Maynard

Many thanks to partner, TLC Books Tours and William Morrow Books for including me on this awesome book tour!

Wow, this book... so much to take in, so much to embrace. Joyce Maynard has tackled a lot in this novel, so be ready for a brimming cup. There were times I thought there was no way she could offer closure for the myriad of situations, but once again, she didn't disappoint. Maynard is queen at presenting impossible dilemmas that really make readers think, and boy did it make me contemplate my life as a mother. And as much as you want to hate the people and the situations they're in, as much as you want to kick them for their decisions, you end up instead with a much different perspective than you would imagine. This author has a way to make the reader's empathy grow, and that, in my opinion, is solid gold.

2 weeks later, I still haven't stopped thinking about this novel... there is so much to unpack, and so much of it just lingers, in a very powerful, yet melancholic way. It has evoked long-lasting emotion. Read it... you'll understand...

Thank you @therealjoycemaynard for sharing such amazing work with your readers.

For 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 8/27/22

👶👶👶: The Hero of This Book, by Elizabeth McCracken

Thank you so much, partners @bibliolifestyle @eccobooks for this #gifted copy!

Elizabeth McCracken is certainly a talented writer. With what seemingly began as a a jumble of thoughts, ended as a poignant tribute to "the narrator's" mother. Why do I put those words in quotations, you might ask? Well, the writing seemed so personal, so raw, that it truly read like a memoir, though her mom would hate that idea😂... so again, we'll just call it a tribute.

Initially, I struggled with the method of writing - a continuous stream of consciousness that left me exhausted. But as I grew accustomed to it, I actually laughed out loud at her dry humor, "𝑇ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝑖𝑠 𝑠𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑤𝑟𝑜𝑛𝑔 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑎 𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑠𝑜𝑛 𝑤ℎ𝑜 𝑙𝑜𝑣𝑒𝑠 𝑏𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑝𝑜𝑖𝑛𝑡 𝑝𝑒𝑛𝑠. 𝐼 𝑏𝑒𝑙𝑖𝑒𝑣𝑒 𝑛𝑜𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑠𝑜 𝑑𝑒𝑒𝑝𝑙𝑦 𝑎𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑠." In addition, I was touched by the tender relationship that @elizmccrack rendered in these pages. It made me think of my own mom, and gave me hope that we may have time to go off on adventures together as well.

Overall, if you are game for a witty, self-deprecating narrator, whose sentimentality outweighs her cynicism, you may really enjoy this one!

Read 9/14/22

👶👶👶👶: The Lincoln Highway, by Amor Towles

I went into this overhyped novel with few expectations, knowing full well that the higher the anticipation, the greater the disappointment. Thankfully, I was pleasantly surprised and really ended up enjoying this novel more so than A Gentleman in Moscow.

This novel, which takes place over a period of ten days, was certainly adventure-filled! I truly enjoyed reading Towles' admiring shoutouts to the various American landmarks and I absolutely fell in love with the characters who were really well fleshed out. Wooly was by far my favorite, showing the sweet characteristics of a child, with surprising wisdom and insight. The plot moves along at a steady clip thanks to young Billy's love for books and his plan to reunite with his mother, which partially spurs the journey to begin with. Mr. Towles also makes reference to various social and racial inequalities of the time that sadly still exist today. I must admit, he is a very thoughtful writer in this respect, including many different types of people in his stories.

I must point out that this novel was reminiscent of This Tender Land (which was a 5-star for me) with mostly older characters.

👶👶👶👶: Such Big Dreams, Reema Patel

Hooray for incredible debut novels!!! Reema Patel has really written an impressive, eye-opening narrative set in the streets of Mumbai. Rakhi, a young office assistant, who knows all too well how precarious life can be, learns just what it takes to survive in a world where she never quite feels she belongs. Her story pulled on my heartstrings from page one. The harsh realities of life in the city of Mumbai are brought to light in this novel that ignites a fire in both characters and readers alike.

Many thanks to @randomhouse and @NetGalley for gifting me with this advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review.

Read 7/8/22

👶👶👶👶: Black Cake, by Charmaine Wilkerson

Wow. This. Book.

What a master telling of the human experience and the devastating repercussions secrets can have on families. Charmaine Wilkerson, @charmspen1 , really had me glued to every page throughout this novel. Not only was the imagery rich, but the descriptions were vivid enough to activate all my senses.

I'm only disappointed that it took me this long to read! Complex and illuminating, this novel will have you thinking about family and the choices you make with regard to all the relationships in your life. I won't even discuss the characters in depth for fear of giving too much away.

Many thanks to @NetGalley and Ballantine Books for gifting me with this incredible E-galley in exchange for an honest review.

Read 7/25/22

👶👶👶👶: Our Little World, by Karen Winn

What a moving debut novel by author Karen Winn. I don't usually gravitate toward fictional crime dramas (especially ones involving a child), but when the publisher reached out saying the protagonist, Bee, would capture my heart, I just couldn't resist. And boy was she right. Bee was such a captivating character, as was her sister, Audrina, and I felt every emotion right along with her. Throw in the 80s setting, the sisterly bond, and the coming-of-age uncertainties, and this novel was a definite win.

@kbookwriter did an incredible job in allowing the reader to experience the palpable fear of the community, and the genuine angst of the teenagers in the story. And despite having to put the novel down a few times because of the chaos of life, the story was SO vivid that I never forgot the characters or the situation they were in when I had to put it down. In other words, it was deeply affecting.

There was more to the narrative than just the overarching tragic mystery. The author delves into the themes of sibling rivalry, family dynamics, survivor's guilt, and the angst that children of immigrants experience (of which I have first-hand knowledge).

This one is definitely worth your time, my friends!

Many thanks to Dutton Books, Penguin Random House, and Net Galley for gifting me with this advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review.

Read 6/10/22

👶👶👶: The Latecomer, by Jean Hanff Korelitz

When Celadon Books reached out with this ARC, I had to take them up on it... a story about a family with a several children, and one VERY late addition, sounded like something I was familiar with! We have our very own "Latecomer", having had our sixth child when my youngest was already 8 and my oldest almost 18😲!

This novel is divided into three separate sections: whereupon we learn about the parents, then the triplets who were born from the early stages of IVF, and finally the "Latecomer" and fourth sibling, born when the triplets were 17 years old. Talk about starting over😲🤯!!!

This was definitely a character-driven novel, in which none of the characters were actually very endearing😩. The triplets were completely unlikeable and the idea of them being so averse to each other from the cradle on was not entirely believable. The father angered me for reasons I cannot disclose since I don't want to share spoilers. And Stella - I won't even go into my issues with her role in this story.

There were a couple redeeming characters... I could empathize with the Mama's feelings of impending purposelessness as her triplets were about to fly the coup. Personally, as a woman whose identity is based primarily on being a mother, I understood her pain. In fact I just had this discussion with a dear friend of mine - it's hard to watch your babies grow up so quickly. Phoebe, the "Latecomer" herself, was also a redeeming character, but that redemption doesn't come until the last third of the book.

The family dynamics were frustrating, to say the least, and not something I could relate to. The entire family seemed devoid of love. Of course, there was infidelity thrown in, which just irritated me🙄. But honestly, I cannot say it was poorly written. There was just something about the writing that kept me interested throughout.

Many thanks to Celadon and NetGalley for gifting me with this advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review!

Read 5/31/22