The White Hot

 
“The White Hot” by Quiara Alegria Hudes
Published by One World
 
I initially thought this was going to be a great book – the premise of the story sounded good, and the writing flowed beautifully, but then everything changed.  The majority of this book is a letter from a mother to her daughter.  A mother that abandoned her daughter at age 8 and wrote a letter for her to open when she turned 18.  In this letter, she explains what she did during the 10 days she had disappeared prior returning to then just drop her off at her father’s house (that she didn’t know).  Initially the letter was fairly normal and seemed like she just needed a break but then it just got stranger and stranger.  Some people loved this book, I’m just not one of them.
 
Side note – there are no chapters in this book.  There are breaks in pages, but no real chapters.  Although the book is less than 200 pages, I know that will bother some people, so I wanted to mention it.
 
Thank you to NetGalley and One World for the complimentary copy of this book.  As always, the opinions expressed within this honest review are completely my own.
 
Finished 11/9/22 – 2/5 stars
 
#thewhitehot #quiaraalegriahudes #oneworld #netgalley #2025reads

Your Favorite Scary Movie

 “Your Favorite Scary Movie” by Ashley Cullins
Published by Plume / Penguin Random House
 
I may love reading a good murder mystery, but I am not a fan of thrasher/horror movies.  The exception being the movie “Scream” – I really enjoyed that one.  Part of the reason I enjoyed it so much was because it wasn’t like other movies in its genre.  This book gives you insights into how and why the Scream franchise is so different, a look behind the scenes of making the movies.  One of my favorite facts to learn - because of the ghostface costume and a separate voice actor used for the character; they were able to keep it a secret from the full cast as to who the murderer was in each movie.  Actors were hired and began filming not knowing if they were going to be a victim or the killer(s). 
 
Knowing that I’ve only seen the first movie and was able to enjoy learning about all the movies in the franchise, tells me that fans of these movies are going to love this book.  I do think you need to have at least watched one of the movies though.  Now, I need to go watch the rest.
 
Thank you to Penguin Random House for the complimentary copy of this book.  As always, the opinions expressed in this honest review are completely my own.
 
Finished 10/27/25 – 3.5/5 stars
 
#yourfavoritescarymovie #ashleycullins #scream #plume #penguinrandomhouse 

In a Dark, Dark Wood

 
“In a Dark, Dark Wood” by Ruth Ware
Published by Scout Press
 
This one started off strong, got a little slow in the middle, and then became very unrealistic towards the end.  Actually, throughout the book I kept finding myself thinking “this would never happen” or “who would do that?”.  But yet, I kept reading it because I enjoyed it and wanted to know how it ended.  I think I’ve simply come to the conclusion that although I thought “The Woman in Cabin 10” was a 5-star read, all her other books I’ve read so far have just been OK.  I still have a couple more of her books to read – maybe I’ll find another 5-star read in one of those.
 
Finished 10/20/25 – 3/5 stars
 
#inadarkdarkwood #ruthware #scoutpress #2025reads

The Perfect One

 
“The Perfect One” by Shelly M Patel
Independent Author
 
I thought this was a great story and an enjoyable read.  It’s a page turner with multiple points of view, allowing you to see different sides of what is happening along the way, adding to the suspicion of different characters.  You will change your mind multiple times as to who the guilty party is.  Unfortunately, there were a couple plot holes and points that went unanswered, so the ending was a little dissatisfying, causing my rating to be a little lower.  Even with that said, I do recommend it because I did enjoy it and think others will as well.  However, please read my addition note below because this book might not be for everyone.
 
Side note – I’m used to reading ARCs so errors don’t normally bother me, however, knowing this is the final, published version I must give a heads up that if you are one of those people in which errors bother you, you will probably not enjoy this book as much.  There are missing words, misspelled words, a character misnamed, and a subway/metro in VA Beach where one has never existed (I assume initially the book was to take place elsewhere).  The writing itself was fine, and I think this author has potential, but she needs a new editor.
 
Thank you to the author for the complimentary copy of this book.  As always, the opinions expressed within this honest review are completely my own.
 
Finished 10/11/25 – 3.5/5 stars
 
#theperfectone #shellympatel #indyauthor #2025reads

The Hitchhikers

 
“The Hitchhikers” by Chevy Stevens
Published by St. Martin’s Press
 
What a ride!  This is my 4^th book by Chevy Stevens and all of them have been 4 or 5 stars.  She definitely knows how to write a page turner that will keep you picking up the book to read anytime you have more than 5 minutes free and then keep you up later than planned to read “just one chapter” over and over.  Did I guess the ending?  Yes.  Did that make a difference in my enjoyment of the story?  Absolutely not.  I loved every page of it.  I definitely recommend this one – you’ll fly through it.
 
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the complimentary copy of this book.  As always, the opinions expressed within this review are completely my own.
 
Finished 10/7/25 – 4.5/5 stars
 
#thehitchhikers #chevystevens #stmartinspress #netgalley

The Fountains of Silence

 
“The Fountains of Silence” by Ruta Sepetys
Published by Philomel Books
 
In a nutshell, I liked it, but it dragged in the middle.  There are various points of view with many intertwined storylines.  I think the one regarding bull fighting could have been removed, keeping it more focused on the main stories that all come together in the end.  It’s historical fiction, which is my favorite genre, and I learned quite a bit about Spain’s past.  I just think I would have enjoyed it more if it was a little shorter and didn’t drag.  For me it was an average read but I’m glad I did, and I do recommend it.
 
Finished 10/3/25 – 3/5 stars
 
#thefountainsofsilence #rutasepetys #philomelbooks #botm #2025reads

The Autumn Springs Retirement Home Massacre

 

“The Autumn Springs Retirement Home Massacre” by Philip Fracassi
Published by Tor Nightfire
 
Who knew a thriller/mystery could be such a fun read.  I truly enjoyed every page of this book.  Not only is the mystery itself good, the characters are absolutely wonderful.  You just can’t get too attached because you never know who will be next, or how.  Each person is murdered in a different way and because all the victims are older, not all deaths appear suspicious, delaying the investigation.  But not all the residents are fooled.  Some of these senior citizens are ready to take charge and figure it out themselves, hoping to stay alive in the process.  I highly recommend this one even if thrillers aren’t your thing because this book is much more than a slasher book.
 
Thank you to NetGalley and Tor Nightfire for the complimentary copy of this book.  As always, the opinions expressed within this review are completely my own.
 
Finished 9/23/25 – 5/5 stars
 
#theautumnspringsretirementhomemassacre #philipfracassi #tornightfire #netgalley #5starreads

The Vanishing Place

 
“The Vanishing Place” by Zoe Rankin
Published by Berkley
 
What a fantastic debut thriller!  This one is just being released and I’m already excited for whatever she writes next.  There is family drama, cultish behavior, mystery, suspense, and a little sprinkle of romance all in one page-turner.  You’ll fly through it simply because you’ll want to pick it up and read every spare minute you have.  At least I did.  I highly recommend it.
 
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for the complimentary copy of this book.  As always, the opinions expressed within this review are completely my own.
 
Finished 9/12/25 – 5/5 stars
 
#thevanishingplace #zoerankin #berkley #netgalley #5starread #2025reads

Tell the Wolves I'm Home

 
“Tell the Wolves I’m Home” by Carol Rifka Brunt
Published by Random House
 
This may be a coming-of-age story but it is truly so much more.  The story is very much relationship driven, woven through a variety of pairings and situations.  There is love, friendship, forgiveness, and compassion but there is also loss, jealousy, anger, and fear.   You witness the characters grow and evolve through all these emotional experiences and struggles, both teenagers and adults alike.  I absolutely loved every page.  And as a Gen X’er who was only slightly older than the sisters during this time, I also enjoyed all the 80s references and the portrayal of the freedoms and independence they had.  I think it was very well done and I definitely recommend it.   
 
Finished 9/9/25 – 5/5 stars
 
#tellthewolvesimhome #carolrifkabrunt #randomhouse #5starreads #2025reads

The Yellow Bird Sings

 
“The Yellow Bird Sings” by Jennifer Rosner
Published by Flatiron Books
 
The writing in this book is simply beautiful, making it a wonderful read.  It’s historical fiction taking place in WWII Poland, in which a mother and her young daughter are forced into hiding.  To try to keep her daughter quiet, she tells her the story of a yellow bird that will sing whatever tune is in your head while being quiet.  The imaginary bird not only helps keep her quiet but also instills a greater love of music.  The yellow bird and the mother/daughter bond play a large part in their struggle to survive. 
 
Sidenote, I found out that this is the author’s debut novel.  Knowing that makes this book even more impressive.  I will be adding her 2^nd novel, Once We Were Home, to my list of books to read.
 
Finished 8/27 – 5/5 stars
 
#theyellowbirdsings #jenniferrosner #flatironbooks #5starreads #2025reads

The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek

 
“The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek” by Kim Michele Richardson
Published by Sourcebook Landmark
 
This is historical fiction taking place in the Appalachia mountains in Kentucky during the 1930s.  Not only did I learn more about the Pack Horse library service there, but I also learned that there were blue-skinned people living there.  Their skin was blue due to a recessive genetic disorder that passed down through generations of inbred cousins.  I had no idea that they existed.  As for the story within this book, I thought it was really good but found it to be a little slow in the middle and then seems to end quite abruptly.  The characters were great, and I loved the majority of their interactions – true neighborly compassion, looking out for one another.  Of course, there were also some ignorant racist individuals as well – those I didn’t care for.  Overall, I definitely recommend it.
 
Finished 8/19/25 – 3.5/5 stars
 
#thebookwomanoftroublesomecreek #kimmichelerichardson #sourcebooklandmark #2025reads #genxreads
 

One by One

 
“One by One” by Ruth Ware
Published by Scout Press
 
I really wanted to love this one, but I felt it dragged up until probably the last 100 pages and it felt repetitive a good amount of the time.  Some of that is simply because occasionally when the POV changes, you are getting new thoughts about a scene you just read from a different perspective.  That can be insightful, but in this case, I felt it took away from the flow of the storyline and made it drag even more.  Seeing as how this book takes place over just a few days, one would expect it to be a page turner with a lot going on during that short amount of time but there just wasn’t.  Unfortunately, I don’t recommend this one.  I’ve enjoyed other books by Ruth Ware and have more on my bookshelf, so this won’t be my last book by her, but it definitely wasn’t my favorite.
 
Finished 8/13/25 – 2.5/5 stars
 
#onebyone #ruthware #scoutpress #2025reads #genxreads

The Guest List

 
“The Guest List” by Lucy Foley
Published by William Morrow
 
None of the characters in this book are likable but I did like the concept of the storyline and think the setting works perfectly for it to all come together. The multiple points of view provide additional insight into certain situations and there are twists and turns to keep you turning the pages, but I thought it felt forced and didn’t flow well.  I’m giving it an average rating of 3, but I don’t think I’d recommend it to most people I know.
 
Finished 8/10/25 – 3/5 stars
 
#theguestlist #lucyfoley #williammorrow #botm #2025reads #genxreads

The Locked Ward

“The Locked Ward” by Sarah Pekkanen
Published by St. Martin’s Press
 
Another great psychological thriller by Sarah Pekkanen.  This is the 5^th book of hers I’ve read and I’ve enjoyed them all.  I think it’s safe to say she has become an auto-buy author for me.  Most were fairly short (under 350 pages) and all have been quick page-turners with short, intense chapters.  She doesn’t put a lot of “fluff” in her books so almost everything you read plays some part in the overall main plot/story, although you might not realize it initially.  Did I have a hard time wrapping my head around and believing certain aspects of it?  Yes, but that doesn’t mean I enjoyed it any less.  I definitely recommend this one.
 
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the complimentary copy of this book.  As always, the opinions expressed within this review are completely my own.
 
Finished 8/6/25 – 4/5 stars
 
#thelockedward #sarahpekkanen #stmartinspress #netgalley #2025reads #genxreads
 

Keep Your Friends Close

 
“Keep Your Friends Close” by Lucinda Berry
Published by Thomas & Mercer
 
Well, this was quite a ride.  It’s starts with a dead body in a pool at a party of women who are all members of a glitzy mom’s club in LA.  As the police investigation goes on, you find more potential suspects but no real motive. There is plenty of drama and scandals among this group, but it becomes a little slow in the middle.  It ends with a lot happening all at once though.  You might be able to predict some of the ending, but probably not all of it.  This is my first book by Lucinda Berry, but I don’t imagine it will be my last. 
 
Finished 8/3/25 – 3/5 stars
 
#keepyourfriendsclose #lucindaberry #thomasandmercer #2025reads #genxreads

Perfect Match

 
“Perfect Match” by Jodi Picoult
Published by Washington Square Press
 
I greatly enjoy Jodi Picoult’s books, however, this is not one of my favorites.  As is the case with most of her books, the author takes on moral and emotional conflicts that make you think and self-reflect with questions like “What if that happened to me?”, “What would I do in that position?”, or “How would I handle that situation?”  For this novel, I would hope to never be in the main characters shoes, but if I were, I don’t think I’d handle the situation the same way.  Regardless, I truly didn’t like the way this one ended.  I enjoyed the storyline up until probably the final 50 pages.  It would have been a 4-star read up until that point.  I can’t tell you why without spoiling it though.
 
Finished 7/30/25 – 3.5/5 stars
 
#perfectmatch #jodipicoult #washingtonsquarepress #2025reads #genxreads

The Nightingale

 
“The Nightingale” by Kristin Hannah
Published by St. Martin’s Press
 
The first half of the book wasn’t grabbing me and if it weren’t such a highly rated book, I might have put it aside.  The second half of the book was much better and fully kept my interest.  It is a story of female heroism and bravery during WWII.  It is a story of standing up for humankind, protecting those in danger, and what one will do for those they love.  Overall, I’m glad I stuck with it and do recommend it.
 
Finished 7/27/25 – 3.5/5 stars
 
#thenightingale #kristinhannah #stmartinspress #2025reads #genxreads

The Nickel Boys

 
“The Nickel Boys” by Colson Whitehead
Published by Vintage Books (Penguin Random House)
 
This book was hard to read but definitely worth the read.  It’s painful, depressing, heartbreaking, and yet important too.  It takes place in a boys reform school in the 60s, where a teenage black boy is sent for being at the wrong place and the wrong time.  The abuse these boys had to endure was horrific.  And what makes it worse, is knowing that although this story is fictional, it is based off actual events that happened at an actual school.  So, although a difficult read, I feel it’s an important read to shed light on the past, to try to prevent it ever happening again in our future.
 
Finished 7/13/25 – 4/5 stars
 
#thenickelboys #colsonwhitehead #vintagebooks #penguinrandomhouse #2025reads #genxreads

The Little Liar

 
“The Little Liar” by Mitch Albom
Published by Harper (HarperCollins)
 
“The Book Thief” has Death as a narrator.  “The Little Liar” is narrated by Truth, and it is so well done.  I absolutely loved every part of this book and in reading it, learned more about the Holocaust that I was unaware of.  This story begins and ends in the Greek town of Salonika, the town with the highest percentage of Jewish population of all the cities the Nazis destroyed.  It started with about 50,000 Jewish citizens prior to WWII and was left with a mere 2,000 afterward.  I’m glad the author decided to share this story, for people like me, to learn about how this part of Greece was so strongly affected.  And he did so in such an interesting way.  I highly recommend you pick it up to read.  And if you are an English teacher, I think it would make for great assigned reading.  Not just for the story, but for the writing and the discussions it could provoke. 
 
Finished 7/11/25 – 5/5 stars
 
#thelittleliar #mitchalbom #harper #harpercollins #5starreads #2025reads #genxreads

All the Ugly and Wonderful Things

 
“All the Ugly and Wonderful Things” by Bryn Greenwood
Published by Thomas Dunne Books (St Martin’s Press)
 
The 1^st half of this book introduces you to a sweet and innocent relationship between a young girl in need of an adult in her life to love and take care of her and a man is his mid-20s who does just that.  The 2^nd half of this book takes an uncomfortable turn.  At one point, I truly didn’t want to keep reading but I did because I needed to know how this troubled young girl’s life turned out.  She had such a horrible childhood, you just wanted her to find true happiness and safety.  It’s well written and I gave it 3 stars, but I have such mixed feelings about it that I don’t know that I can recommend it.
 
Finished 7/9/25 – 3/5 stars
 
#alltheuglyandwonderfulthings #bryngreenwood #thomasdunnebooks #stmartinspress #botm #2025reads #genxreads

The Unraveling of Julia

“The Unraveling of Julia” by Lisa Scottoline
Published by Grand Central Publishing
 
I had to suspend some of my beliefs in reality to enjoy this book, but enjoy it I did.  There is romance, mystery, and a touch of the spirit world.  She is an auto-read author for me, but this is not my favorite of hers.  I loved the setting and some of the characters, but there were times I just felt it unrealistic and frustrating in that an area was not investigated that to me, would have been one of the 1^st places I would have gone at the time (can’t say more to avoid spoilers).  Overall, it was a good read and kept me very entertained, just not as believable as some of her other stories.
 
Thank you to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for the complimentary copy of this book.  As always, the opinions expressed within this review are completely my own.
 
Finished 7/8/25 – 3.5/5 stars
 
#theunravelingofjulia #lisascottoline #grandcentralpublishing #netgalley #2025reads #genxreads
 

Finding Grace

“Finding Grace” by Loretta Rothschild
Published by St. Martin’s Press
 
Chapter 1 had me hooked and chapter 2 had me crying.  Overall, it was a predictable romance, but I truly enjoyed it (and I don’t read a lot of romance).  Actually, it wasn’t completely predictable.  I was expecting one twist that never came.  I really liked the characters and the development of relationships, although one character completely frustrated me, but I’m pretty sure that was supposed to be the case.  I also felt there were a couple plot holes, but it didn’t take away from the storyline.  For a debut novel, I think the author did great.  I definitely recommend it.
 
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the complimentary copy of this book.  As always, the opinions expressed within this review are completely my own.
 
Finished 7/6/25 – 3.5/5 stars
 
#findinggrace #lorettarothschild #stmartinspress #netgalley #2025reads #genxreads 

The White Crow

 
“The White Crow” by Michael Robotham
Published by Sphere UK
 
I didn’t enjoy this one as much as the 1^st in the series.  I like the main character and the dynamics surrounding her relationship with her family, but I felt the storyline was slower this time around and not as smooth. If this series continues, I think the focus needs to be much more on the main character and the cases she’s involved in, and less involvement with her criminal family.  They should be a side story, not part of the main plotline.  I enjoyed it but I think it is much more mystery than thriller.  If you are looking for a mystery, I would recommend it.  But if you are looking for a good thriller, this isn’t it.  There just isn’t a lot of suspense throughout, just at the end.
 
Thank you to NetGalley and Sphere UK for the complimentary copy of this book.  As always, the opinions expressed within this review are completely my own.
 
Finished 7/4/25 – 3/5 stars
 
#thewhitecrow #michaelrobotham #sphereuk #netgalley #2025reads #genxreads

The Girls Who Grew Big

 

“The Girls Who Grew Big” by Leila Mottley
Published by Knopf
 
At times I felt like there were 2 different authors writing this.  Maybe it was done purposefully because the 3 POVs had different levels of education.  I’m not sure, but at times the writing was beautiful.  With regards to the story itself, I enjoyed it but felt it dragged at times and some of the storylines were a little hard to believe.  Granted, I’ve never been in these girls’ shoes.  Although, I do know I would do anything and everything to keep my kids safe and healthy, but it seemed to take these girls a little longer to grasp that part of motherhood.  Overall, I enjoyed reading it and would recommend it.
 
Thank you to NetGalley and Knopf for the complimentary copy of this book.  As always, the opinions expressed within this review are completely my own.
 
Finished 6/25/25 – 3/5 stars
 
#thegirlswhogrewbig #leilamottley #knopf #netgalley #2025reads #genxreads

The Survivors

 

“The Survivors” by Jane Harper
Published by Flatiron Books
 
When I saw Netflix made it into a show, this book moved to the top of my TBR.  I didn’t find it to be a fabulous read, but it is definitely a good one.  And I think it will make for a good show, although I’m curious to see if they’ll change the ending at all.  There are a couple mysteries in one town, 15 years apart, with potential guilt insinuated on a few characters for each one.  It’s not fast passed, but it will hold your interest to keep turning the pages until the end, when everything is revealed. 
 
Finished 6/21/25 – 3/5 stars
 
#thesurvivors #janeharper #flatironbooks #botm #netflix #2025reads

Remarkably Bright Creatures

 

“Remarkably Bright Creatures” by Shelby Van Pelt
Published by ecco (HarperCollins)
 
I put off reading this because I wasn’t sure how I’d do with an animal as a main character.  I should have known it wouldn’t bother me since I loved Racing in the Rain and that has a dog as a main character.  Sure enough, I loved this one too.  The intertwined storylines were all good, the character development was great, and it made me wish I lived in a little town like Sowell Bay where everyone looks out for one another (and knows all your business).  It even made me tear up in a couple spots.  I highly recommend this heartwarming book.
 
Finished 6/20/25 – 4/5 stars
 
#remarkablybrightcreatures #shelbyvanpelt #ecco #harpercollins #2025reads

The Stolen Life of Colette Marceau

“The Stolen Life of Colette Marceau” by Kristin Harmel
Published by Gallery Books
 
Another wonderful historical fiction from Kristin Harmel.  The other two I’ve read were 5 star reads but this one fell a little short of that for me.  It was still a great story and wonderfully written, but I didn’t like the ending.  I can’t tell you why because I don’t include spoilers in my reviews, but I would have preferred less of a “wrap up”.  I was also really hoping for a “this was based on X’s life” in the author’s note because I really wanted Colette to be a real person.  And maybe she did exist and just stayed anonymous.  That’s what I’m going to tell myself because sometimes we need true Robin Hoods in this world.
 
Thank you to NetGalley and Gallery Books for the complimentary copy of this book.  As always, the opinions expressed within this review are completely my own.
 
Finished 6/13/25 – 4/5 stars
#thestolenlifeofcolettemarceau #kristinharmel #gallerybooks #netgalley #2025reads #genxreads
 

The Girl with the Louding Voice

 

“The Girl with the Louding Voice” by Abi Dare

Published by Dutton Books

 

I can only recommend the audio of this book.  The physical book is written in extremely broken English and my brain couldn’t easily translate while reading.  The audio was much easier to understand and follow. 

 

In this book, the main character is an innocent and naïve girl in Nigeria with such drive and determination to better herself.  All she wants is to go to school, become a teacher, and have a voice, but life continues to throw hurdles in her way.  Her story is both sad and inspirational.

 

Finished 6/10/25 – 3/5 stars

 

#thegirlwiththeloudingvoice #abidare #duttonbooks #botm #2025reads #genxreads

The Animators

 
“The Animators” by Kayla Rae Whitaker
Published by Random House
 
There were parts of this story I did enjoy but the majority of it wasn’t for me.  The relationship between the two main characters was so unhealthy.  There were many situations that I didn’t find very believable and/or would just make me angry.  Plus, I was expecting strong female characters, overcoming challenges.  These women weren’t just troubled, they were weak.  I’m actually disappointed that a female author wrote it.  I can’t recommend this one.
 
Finished 6/8/25 – 2.5/5 stars
 
#theanimators #kaylaraewhitaker #randomhouse #botm #2025reads #genxreads

Everything I Never Told You

 
“Everything I Never Told You” by Celeste Ng
Published by Penguin Books
 
This is a very heavy and depressing book, yet I really enjoyed it.  It’s a family drama with lots of dysfunction.  When the oldest daughter goes missing and then is found dead in the nearby lake, the family falls apart.  But truly, they had fallen apart years before.  Not one character is happy, although you will become attached to them all.  There are no feel-good moments, but you’ll keep turning the pages, hoping to find one.  It may be sad, but I still recommend it as long as you are in the right headspace for it.
 
Finished 6/5/25 - 4/5 stars
 
#everythinginevertoldyou #celesteng #penguinbooks #2025reads #genxreads

The Night Swim

 
“The Night Swim” by Megan Goldin
Published by St. Martin’s Press
 
I really enjoyed this one – it’s 2 mysteries in one.  The main story is that of a podcaster who travels to a small beach town to cover a rape trial.  On her way there, she stops at a rest stop where someone has left a note on her car, asking her to look into the death of her sister that happened in that same beach town 25 years prior.  So, while covering the rape trial for her podcast, she is also digging into the town’s past.  There are some aspects/concepts of the book that I had a hard time believing but overall, I thought it was really good. 
 
Fair warning – there aren’t any trigger warnings listed in the book, but I can’t imagine a rape or assault victim reading it because there are some intense scenes.
 
Finished 6/3/25 – 3.5/5 stars
 
#thenightswim #megangoldin #stmartinspress #botm #2025reads #genxreads

My Next Breath

 
“My Next Breath” by Jeremy Renner
Published by Flatiron Books
 
I tend to not review the audio books I listen to but when it’s a 5-star read, I make an exception.  Listening to Jeremy tell you his story and hearing the 911 call with his moaning in the background is intense.  The first half of the book is about the accident and its immediate aftermath, and I can’t tell you how many times I cried.  His will to live was nothing less than extraordinary.  The second half is about his recovery.  His determination is so inspiring.  Hawkeye may not have any superpowers, but Jeremy Renner sure does.
 
Finished 6/1/25 – 5/5 stars
 
#mynextbreath #jeremyrenner #flatironbooks #hawkeye #5starreads #2025reads #genxreads #booktok

The Murderer's Daughters

 

“The Murderer’s Daughters” by Randy Susan Meyers

Published by St. Martin’s Press

 

When I pick up a book to read, I just dive in without reading what it’s about.  Obviously, something intrigued me when I bought it or added it to my TBR list, so I just go in blind.  This book was not what I expected.  Based on the title, I thought I was diving into a thriller or mystery, but I was wrong.  This is a family drama about the lives of two sisters whose father kills their mother in a drunken fit of rage when they were just young girls.  One carries guilt because she’s the one who let her father into the apartment, ran for help, but couldn’t save her.  The other is left wondering why her father also tried to kill her before turning the knife on himself unsuccessfully.  The weight of the situation and their different reactions to the trauma greatly shape how they approach different situations, their sisterly bond, and the women they become.  I was hooked from page 1 and read it in 2 days.  It will break your heart a few times as they struggle through life, but you’ll keep hoping for the best, that they’ll be OK.  I definitely recommend it.

 

Finished 5/28/25 – 4/5 stars

 

#themurdersdaughters #randysusanmeyers #stmartinspress #2025reads #genxreads

Blonde Dust

 
“Blonde Dust” by Tatiana De Rosnay
Published by Grand Central Publishing
 
This is the story of Pauline, a young woman who becomes Marilyn Monroe’s housekeeper during her stay at a fancy hotel in Reno.  Through their daily interactions, they formed a bond that then changed her life in many ways, for the better.  Part of the storyline also involved the wild mustangs in Nevada and the fight to keep them free while taking care of the sick and wounded.  Pauline, like the mustangs, needs to be able to spread her wings and live the life she intended.  Overall, it’s a nice feel-good story with some insight into Marilyn Monroe’s last couple years of unhappiness.  It’s nothing close to the level of writing as her best seller, “Sarah’s Key”, but it was still a good story that I would recommend.
 
Thank you to Goodreads and Grand Central Publishing for the complimentary copy of this book I won in a giveaway.  As always, the opinions expressed within this review are completely my own.
 
Finished 5/26/25 – 3/5 stars
 
#blondedust #tatianaderosnay #grandcentralpublishing #goodreads #2025reads #genxreads

The Ghostwriter

 
“The Ghostwriter” by Julie Clark
Published by Sourcebooks Landmark
 
Another roller coaster thriller from Julie Clark.  This is the 3^rd book of hers I’ve read, and all have been page turner mysteries.  This one changes directions so many times, you might get whiplash, especially at the end.
 
When 2 teenage siblings are found murdered in their home, the town all points their fingers at the surviving brother, but no one is charged.  Fifty years later, he wants to write a book, telling everyone what really happened that night but because his memory is failing, he hires a ghostwriter to assist – his estranged daughter.  Can she put all the pieces together to figure it out?  Wanting to know what really happened fifty years ago, will hook you quick.  I really enjoyed it.
 
Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for the complimentary copy of this book.  As always, the opinions expressed within this review are completely my own.
 
Finished 5/24/25 – 4/5 stars
 
#theghostwriter #julieclark #sourcebookslandmark #netgalley #genxreads #2025reads

All the Broken Places

 
“All the Broken Places” by John Boyne
Published by Penguin Books
 
I know my words won’t do this book justice, but I’ll try because I absolutely loved every page of it.  It truly made me feel all my feelings, although somehow, I didn’t cry.  This is Greta’s story, told in dual timelines – fleeing Germany at the end of WWII through the 1950s and then current day, when she is in her 90’s.  Throughout, she needs to hide her true identity, keep secret the fact that her father commanded a concentration camp, and bury the guilt she feels over the small part she played in her brother’s death. It is a lot for a person to carry, especially a young adult.  Afterall, she was only 12 at the time.  In the current day, as a widow living alone, she meets a young boy needing her help but she is so conflicted by her past, she doesn’t want to get involved, risking her world falling apart if the truth comes out.  But could saving this one child make up for all the people she didn’t save during the war, including her brother?
 
Please know that yes, this can be a stand-alone book, BUT I feel like you wouldn’t have the true emotional connection to Greta’s brother without first reading (or watching) “The Boy in the Striped Pajamas”.  If you are going to read Greta’s story, you should first read Bruno’s.  Both are absolutely fabulous books.
 
Finished 5/21/25 – 5/5 stars
 
#allthebrokenplaces #johnboyne #penguinbooks #5starreads #2025reads #genxreads

Summer of ''69

 

“Summer of ‘69” by Elin Hilderbrand

Published by Little, Brown and Company

 

This is one family’s story, taking place in the summer of 1969.  The only son is fighting in Vietnam, one daughter is adjusting to married life and pregnant, one daughter is spreading her wings to find her own identity, and the youngest daughter is starting puberty, dealing with everything that comes with it.  They each have a storyline, as well as the mother and grandmother, and they are all woven together with a little bit of politics thrown in for no real reason.  For me, it was just an OK read. Some would probably categorize it as a beach/vacation read.

 

Finished 5/17/25 – 3/5 stars

 

#summerof69 #elinhilderbrand #littlebrownandcompany #2025reads #genxreads

Speak to Me of Home

“Speak to Me of Home” by Jeanine Cummins
Published by Henry Holt and Co.
 
My book of the year for 2023 was “The Outside Boy” by Jeanine Cummins.  There is a high probability that my 2025 book of the year will be by the same author.  I absolutely loved every page of this book.  It is the story of 3 generations of women, spanning from the 1960s to current day, taking place in both Puerto Rico and the United States.  It bounces between each woman’s story, at different times of their lives, yet is easy to follow.  There is family drama, romance, parent/child relationships, sibling relationships, cultural issues, racism, and other “hot topics” all braided into one book. And it is just so beautifully written. I can’t think of one piece I didn’t enjoy.  I highly recommend it.
 
Thank you to NetGalley and Holt for the complimentary copy of this book.  As always, the opinions expressed within this review are completely my own.
 
Finished 5/7/25 – 5/5 stars (publication day is 5/13/25)
 
#speaktomeofhome #jeaninecummins #henryholtandco #netgalley #5starreads #2025reads #genxreads

 

I Will Blossom Anyway

“I Will Blossom Anyway” by Disha Bose
Published by Ballantine Books
 
I love when I learn new things while reading for pleasure.  It’s one of the benefits of reading diversely.  With this book, I learned about the Indian culture and family traditions.  It’s a coming-of-age book in which a 20 something woman has fled her family in India to start her own life in Ireland.  She wants the freedom to find her own true love rather than her family arranging a marriage for her.  What she really needs to find is her own true self and to determine which aspects of her family culture and traditions she wants to hold on to while still being an independent woman.  It’s a balance she’ll have to find for herself.  I felt it dragged occasionally but overall, it was a good book.  And the title is quite fitting.  I recommend it.
 
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for the complimentary copy of this book.  As always, the opinions expressed within this review are completely my own.
 
Finished 5/2/25 – 3.5/5 stars  (release date is 5/6/25)
 
#iwillblossomanyway #dishabose #ballantinebooks #netgalley #2025reads #genxreads

 

The House on Beartown Road

 

“The House on Beartown Road: A Memoir of Learning and Forgetting” by Elizabeth Cohen
Published by Blackstone Audiobooks
 
I think the writing of this book was the author’s personal therapy.  Whether it was frustration with her sister, her mother, or her husband….it all came through loud and clear but those feelings were all valid.  I was frustrated with them as well.  The love she had for her daughter and father was constant though.  Did it bother me that she referred to him as Daddy the entire time?  Yes, I’ve never liked hearing an adult woman calling their father Daddy rather than Dad.  I also had issues with the way some situations were handled but those were also personal preferences.  There was plenty I did enjoy but overall, I don’t think I’d recommend this one.  The exception might be for someone who is also taking care of a loved one with dementia or Alzheimer’s and wants another person’s perspective and insight.  They’d probably be better off with an actual support group though.
 
Finished 4/28/25 – 2.5/5 stars
 
#thehouseonbeartownroad #elizabethcohen #blackstoneaudiobooks #2025reads #genxreads

Waltraud

“Waltraud: A True Story of Growing Up in Nazi Germany” by Tammy Borden
Independently published
 
I first heard about this book on TikTok and I’m glad I did.  It’s the story of young girl growing up in war torn Nazi Germany, but without the holocaust aspects.  There are hints of it, like some people just go missing, but that’s about it.  It’s more about the Hitler requirements that had to be followed, the lack of food, the air strikes, etc.  Because she was young and in a small town, I believe they probably were sheltered from the hatred and aggression towards the Jewish population that was very prominent in larger towns and cities.  It certainly wasn’t going to be in the German news but it was odd to read a book that takes place during WWII without it.
 
I definitely recommend it and if you do read it, make sure to read the author’s notes in the back.  This is her mother’s story so at the back you get pictures and an update on the rest of Waltraud’s life.
 
Finished 4/26/25 – 3.5/5 stars
 
#waltraud #tammyborden #indyauthor #2025reads #genxreads
 

The Dutch House

“The Dutch House” by Ann Patchett
Published by Harper Audio
 
I listened to Tom Hanks read this to me and really enjoyed it.  Ann Patchett has yet to let me down in the books I’ve read of hers so far.  This one is a family drama with a strong brother and sister bond.  It covers many years with multiple hurdles to overcome, holding my interest the entire time.  I definitely recommend it.
 
Finished 4/20/25 – 4/5 stars
 
#thedutchhouse #annpatchett #tomhanks #harperaudio #genxreads #2025reads

 

Magic Hour

 

“Magic Hour” by Kristin Hannah
Published by Ballantine Books
 
This book is heavier on the romance side than the mystery side of things, to the point that at times I got frustrated that they weren’t focused on finding out what happened. But I love a good mystery so that’s probably why I was wanting more in that aspect.  There is a lot more than just romantic love within this story though.  There is the love between sisters that grows to be much stronger as adults than they were as children as well as the love a care giver will have for a child.  If I were to rate it simply on the storyline it would probably be a 3 but the emotional attachment to a few of the characters brings it up to a solid 4.  I do recommend it.
 
Finished 4/19/25 – 4/5 stars
 
#magichour #kristinhannah #ballantinebooks #genxreads #2025reads