“What’s Mine and Yours” by Naima Coster
Published by Grand Central Publishing
 
This book started out really strong but then it turned out to just be an OK book.  Part of that might simply be my disappointment in the meat of the storyline.  I knew it would be a dual family drama but was expecting the main story to be centered around school integration via busing.  Instead, that was just a minor plot line that didn’t even come about until halfway through.  So, if you like family drama, I would recommend it because there is plenty of it.  If you want something deeper or inspirational, this isn’t it.
 
Finished 3/30/24 – 3/5 stars
 
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Bye, Baby

“Bye, Baby” by Carola Lovering
Published by St. Martin’s Press
 
I really enjoyed this book!  It’s not a mystery because you learn in the opening chapter that Billie takes Cassie’s baby.  It is suspenseful though, as you find out about their past, how it shaped their current relationships, and wonder just how it will all turn out (which I will not give away here).  I will say, Billie and Cassie’s relationship is a toxic one – Cassie wants to be the center of attention and Billie just wants to be loved.  And neither character is really likable.  As for the storyline, I found it to be pretty far-fetched.  That doesn’t mean I can’t enjoy it – it is a work of fiction, after all. 
 
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 3/12/24 – 4/5 stars
 
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Year of Yes

 

“Year of Yes: How to Dance it Out, Stand in the Sun, and Be Your Own Person” by Shonda Rhimes
Published by Simon & Schuster Audio
 
Whereas I consider this a 4-star read, I can see where others would rate it differently.  This is a book of making changes in your life, finding another side of you.  I think ratings will be reflective of what people get out of the reading experience.  Personally, I really enjoyed it.  I think Shonda is a powerful woman and can be an inspiration to others – find her commencement speech on YouTube for just a taste.  I wish I had the courage to have a year of yes but honestly, it scares me.  And my “yeses” wouldn’t be nearly as big as hers.
 
Finished 3/11/24 – 4/5 stars
 
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After Annie

“After Annie” by Anna Quindlen
Published by Random House
 
I haven’t read an Anna Quindlen book that I haven’t liked – that streak continues.  I really enjoyed this story.  There’s no action or suspense….just a lovely story of grief and the various ways people deal with it throughout the 1^st year.  When Anna dies suddenly, her husband has to figure out how to be a single dad, her children have to adjust to the loss of their mom, and her best friend has to figure out how to live her life without her rock that kept her life on the right track.  They all deal with their personal grief differently.
 
One negative I have for this book is that although in real life 2 people with the same name can be best friends without any issues, I see no need to name 2 of the main characters Annie and Annmarie.  Multiple times I had to stop myself to look back to confirm which character said something.
 
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for the complimentary copy of this book.  As always, the opinions expressed within this review are completely my own.

Finished 3/7/24 – 4/5 stars
 
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