Penitence: A Novel | 
pickThis is a brilliant debut novel about family, secrets, love, and ultimately forgiveness. While there is a murder that is central to the plot, and some legal drama, I do not feel it read as a mystery or thriller. Instead, it was a beautifully told story of families facing tragedies and trying to survive. It is both sad and thought provoking and I really enjoyed it. Thank you to both Edelweiss+ and NetGalley for the digital ARCs. 4.5/5
pickThis was interesting story telling. The author had the chops to turn this into a legal drama but opted to keep it more family drama. I was a little frustrated the characters spent so much time inside their own heads, but as the story unfolded I was surprised at a major turn. I also thought the ending was complete, and I appreciate that in a mystery.
Lots of great books this month! 📚📚📚
3 audiobooks 🎧
3 physical books 📕
My favorite was the tagged, but I still have questions!!
The Favorites was really great on audio! All of these books were really good! 😊
#LitsyLove
2/28/2025
Thank you so much Amy for the wonderful surprise! I am really looking forward to reading this one (also that cover is just so striking). I hope that you are feeling better and appreciate your kindness so much.
Reading this today. It‘s my Book of the Month pick for February. Yep I‘m late getting started 😩 but it‘s been busy this month for me, in my mind and just stuff going on to keep me from starting. This book is a crime/mystery/fiction novel by Kristin Koval. So far it‘s a great read. So I‘ve high hopes for this one. Happy Reading! #LitsyReads #BookoftheMonth #crimemystery #fiction #crime #Reads2025
so-so3.5⭐
•This has five-star potential, but ultimately I was left feeling unfulfilled and even low-key enraged with the author‘s idea of closure.
•The narration was performed wonderfully by Thérèse Plummer.
This is really good so far! Heartbreaking though 💔 it‘s giving me “My Sisters Keeper” vibes…
#LitsyLove
pickWhat a strong debut novel! I literally couldn‘t put this one down, staying up way too late to finish in one sitting! The book opens with a terrible family tragedy & though the plot‘s turns are not unexpected, it‘s a satisfying read that‘s sure to stir great conversations amongst readers! I can see why this is a #BOTM option for February! It reminds me of early Jodi Picoult but before she got all info-dumpy & preachy! Definitely recommend this one!
Tonight, I attended a webinar as part of @celadonbooks Read Together initiative. I read “Penitence” by @kristinkovalwriter with @charliegirl.loves2read , @bookserireads , @rebecca.is.reading and @jamieruegsreads . They are on Instagram. My group had wonderful discussions about this story of forgiveness.
Tonight‘s webinar with @burnsamyjo who wrote “Mercury “ and @kristinkovalwriter was amazing!
My BOMC choice. Murder, family drama….checks my boxes.
I believe this is a debut novel. It‘s one you don‘t want to miss. It has so many feelings and will give you such deep emotions. In parts I got goosebumps and sure shed lots of tears. But the overall story is so good. It made me look at some things in a whole new way. Especially where kids who have committed crimes are concerned.
Full review: https://lsmoore49.blogspot.com/2025/01/penitence-by-kristin-koval.html?m=1
pickWhat a powerful book about grief in all its different forms, and the fact that it is a debut novel makes it even more incredible. I was completely wrapped up in this story and all the ins and outs of it. The characters are relatable and feel like people you would know in your own life. Kristin Koval's writing allows the reader to understand not only our interconnectedness with each other but also the effects that tragedy can have on those bonds.
pickKristin Koval's first novel explores a shocking murder in which a thirteen year old girl kills her brother who had been diagnosed with Juvenile Huntington's disease.
This is a story of mercy, judgment, truth & memory anecdotes explores the juvenile prison system & how it impacts all that it affects.
This story of forgiveness is complicated. The option is that forgiveness can & should play a role in all of our lives.
Book 5/100.
📬 𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐝𝐨𝐧 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐓𝐨𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐈𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 📖
Thanks to Celadon Books for a copy of 𝗣𝗲𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 by 𝐊𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧 𝐊𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐥, which will be published on 𝘑𝘢𝘯𝘶𝘢𝘳𝘺 𝟸𝟾, 𝟸𝟶𝟸𝟻. I'm looking forward to reading this literary thriller with a group of three other readers with Instagram accounts.
🎄 𝕸𝖊𝖗𝖗𝖞 𝕮𝖍𝖗𝖎𝖘𝖙𝖒𝖆𝖘 𝖙𝖔 𝖆𝖑𝖑 𝖜𝖍𝖔 𝖆𝖗𝖊 𝖈𝖊𝖑𝖊𝖇𝖗𝖆𝖙𝖎𝖓𝖌! 🎁
