When looking for a read that will take me away from the world for a time, contemporary romance is not my usual choice. I selected this for book club in the hope it would be appealing just because it is different. I have had a few tell me they didn‘t finish. Alas, I did. Although I wanted to sit the main character down to talk a few times, I did appreciate the friendships. We could all use a happy place that includes friends and family. 3/5 ⭐️

I am happy I discovered Kelley Armstrong. The characters are engaging and the plots are interesting. This is the second in this series and we discover why Rosalind disappears leaving behind her husband and young son. When Rosalind finds a way home after 3 years she devises a plan to ease back into her old life. This story was a bit too complicated and the main characters less developed, but still a satisfying 3 of 5 ⭐️ pick.

First in another series by Kelley Armstrong, A Stitch in Time is the story of Bronwyn, William and their home, Thorne Manor. After her aunt‘s death, Bronwyn returns after a long absence, but everything has changed for them both. An enthusiastic 4 ⭐️ pick with time travel, ghosts and rekindled love.

This was a delight. Brendan O‘Hea and Dame Judi cover her extensive work in numerous productions of Shakespeare‘s plays. In the audio, Judi recites famous lines from memory and her reminiscences are read by Barbara Flynn. Their discussions reveal a spirited kind woman in love with her craft and the words of the man who pays the rent. I am inspired to watch Judi‘s past performances. 4.5 ⭐️

A novella from the Rip in Time series, Cocktails & Chloroform finds Mallory and Gray uncovering a trafficking ring preying on young Edinburgh women. A fast paced adventure that is a 3.5 ⭐️ blast.

In Find Me, Hope, a young woman with no memory of her past decides she needs to leave her best friend and the community that embraced her in order to begin a new independent life. When Hope goes missing her best friend, Lindsay will stop at nothing to find Her. No big surprises, but some fun twists keep it interesting for 3/5 ⭐️.

Before this novel, Harmel wrote contemporary romantic fiction. Hope and her grandmother, Rose‘s stories changed that. Hope is losing everything. She can‘t repay the loans on her family bakery and her beloved Mamie has Alzheimer‘s. On a lucid day, Mamie writes several names on a piece of paper and asks Hope to find them. Hope‘s journey will change both their lives. An ultimately uplifting pick for my first book of 2025. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Friends have always called Tanzi a witch, but she believes she is just more intuitive. Landing fewer acting gigs means she needs to take on a job at Mystery Pot, a new age shop. Tanzi soon learns she does have a gift and that it is great fun to help others with it, but it can be scary too. This cheekily spirited romp is 3.5/5⭐️. Note: the language and drinking may be too much for some. I did get to look up a lot of great British slang! 68|2024

My first by Deaver. I jumped on the holds list with so many others when Tracker aired. I liked that we met Shaw and his Scooby gang after he was established as a rewardist. Interesting change from book to screen for one character. The unsub is kidnapping people and recreating a video survival game with more vicious scenarios at each level. The flashbacks and personal mystery were slightly more interesting than the main plot in this 3+⭐️ thriller.

I attempted a few times, but I eventually bailed. Lovely romanticized descriptions, but it seemed like the retelling of a dream instead of memories. My first try reading this celebrated author. I am not convinced I will try another of her works.

New series with a new murder solving team. As others stated the back and forth between very different and new main characters was a bit confusing initially, but the narrative soon evened out and the short snappy chapters propelled the story forward. With an engaging cast and the knowledge that Steve and Amy could drive to Cooper‘s Chase and meet the TMC gang it earned a 4 of 5 ⭐️ rating from me.

Third in the series. The members of the Secret, Book & Scone Society continue to move past their difficult histories and open themselves up to others. Nora meets a local artisan and the new owners of the inn. After Danny, the potter is found dead in the rain swollen river, Nora discovers that there is a mystery from the past that may be connected with the murder. Loved the characters in this ⭐️⭐️⭐️+ pick.

This was a personally important read for me. It is a thoughtful heartfelt reminder of the need to give up a modicum of independence and comfort to find and hold on to good friends. Allen shares a lot of advice to give the reader confidence in the process. A helpful pick at 4/5 ⭐️.

Some poets took the title literally with trees, a cactus, parks, the ocean and other natural places central to their prose. Other contributors described their internal “here.” It was less engaging than I had hoped. Some favorites: When the fact of your gaze…, Aia I Hea Ka…, Unendangered Moths, Remembering a honeymoon and To think of Italy… Only 3 ⭐️ for this collection.

It has been several years since my Civil War class in college (shout out to my prof with unbelievable recall); but as I read DoU I was reminded that the missteps, misunderstandings and mistakes on both sides seemed to fan instead of douse the flames of war. The declarations of secession for many of the confederacy were honest; it was about slavery 1st and state‘s rights 2nd. A 4/5 ⭐️ read with contemporary insights.

In this novel, Quain dreams up a young adult Sense and Sensibility on a cruise ship. Margaret is planning a summer on the sea with her sensible oldest sister Elinor before leaving for college, but the romantic middle sister Marianne appears after another shattering breakup. Margaret devises a plan to find new love for Marianne, but Margaret is the one in danger of falling when she meets Gabe. A 4⭐️ pick for a sassy heroine full of wit and love.

Jefferson Davis - “Our separation from the old Union is complete. No compromise, no reconstruction can now be entertained.”

I suspended my hold so as to not read this at such a fraught time, but in a moment of weakness I downloaded it when it was again available. That was a mistake. It is a difficult read at this time in history.

The Secret Book & Scone Society friends and the Miracle Springs community are still reeling from the murders and financial fallout of the summer. A new mystery arrives at Nora‘s door in the form of a young woman in need of help. The friends take her under their wings, but is she behind a new murder? I was a little less invested in the murder mystery, but did appreciate how Nora and the others worked together to help a newcomer. It‘s a ⭐️⭐️⭐️+ pick

Mallory is making a place for herself in 1869 Edinburgh. She is the assistant to Dr. Gray and aids him and McCreadie in their investigations. The friends are invited to a mummy unwrapping, but the unwrapping unveils murder and ruins Mallory‘s borrowed dress. There is a mystery to solve and Mallory is given an unexpected opportunity. Interesting historical notes in this entry. A 3+⭐️ pick. I guess I now have to wait for the 4th installment.

Still trapped in 1869 Edinburgh, Mallory along with Dr. Gray and company investigate three mysterious deaths. The stakes are raised when Gray and Isla‘s older sister, Anis is under suspicion for poisoning her husband. Another satisfying 3+ ⭐️ read from Armstrong. I am enjoying the series and when I have finished one title I promptly download the next.

Mallory is in Edinburgh to visit her grandmother, but on a run she sees a young woman being attacked. While distracted, the police detective is strangled and left for dead. Impossibly, Mallory wakes up in Victorian Edinburgh and struggles to adjust and find a way home. This was a fun time travel mystery. Interesting characters and detail. Some details were repetitive. It is a pick with 3+⭐️. I am reading the next in the series.

I have decided to keep my reading light or uplifting. This entry in the Ellie Avery series is an engaging addition to my list. Ellie‘s organizing business is sidelined & she finds herself caught up in parenthood & planning too many parties. Ellie discovers two dead bodies in one grave, joins the search for a missing person and can‘t help but begin her own investigations. Three ⭐️ for a few interesting plot twists, Ellie & nice narration.

Glory is a feisty member of a Lafayette Catholic Church & Red Hat Ladies group. She‘s also a bookie working out of a local coffee shop each Sunday. One Sunday she learns of a police call to her best friend‘s apartment. When Glory arrives she finds her Catholic nun friend dead. Glory can‘t shake the feeling that something is deeply wrong and with the help of her daughter begins to investigate even though she has problems of her own. A 4⭐️📖with❤️.

Hattie only needs to survive senior year, but when she is asked to be an ambassador to new student Kit, Hattie‘s carefully constructed facade falls to reveal the grief and hurts she has shouldered for 3 years. The pain and angst feel real, but the ghost hunting less so. I did like the relationships between Hattie, Kit and her family. The narrator did a fine job. A pick with ⭐️⭐️⭐️ for a fun diversion and the joy of young attraction.

Seventh grader, Jordan wants to go to an art school, but with the help of financial aid his parents are able to send him to a private academy known for academics, but not diversity. A sweet story about fitting in, finding friends and standing up for yourself. A 4 of 5 ⭐️ pick for this story with great illustrations and lots of heart.

In 1892 Bombay, a recently medically discharged army Captain becomes interested in the mysterious death of two young women. He is inspired to investigate and is welcomed into the home of the grieving family. With a flair for disguise, Captain Jim methodically follows clues, uncovering more mysteries. With lots of characters, locations and plot twists the audio was at times confusing, but well done. 4/5 ⭐️ for a rousing debut novel.

I had trouble with the way the author played with the timeline, but that does not detract from the power of this novel. A plot that begins as a retelling of Huckleberry Finn from Jim‘s viewpoint, but evolves into a compelling commentary on injustice and a narrative of self-actualization. A work worthy of its many accolades. A 4+/5⭐️pick.

It is difficult to believe that Jim would have time to launch Huck in the canoe and then walk to the cave. Once there he first practiced writing and then completed an essay before returning to the bank of the river to see Huck arrive on the other side. How wide was the river? Impactful read, but I am finding some of the continuity issues distracting.

After reading a few reviews here, I checked out an audio copy. I loved it. A contemporary take on Pride & Prejudice this YA novel features Georgiana Darcy and her very real, very teen problems as she returns for her junior year at a prestigious academy after a traumatic sophomore year. Georgie has a plan to fix everything and find love for her brother. If only real life was as easy as things on her favorite series. A 4 ⭐️ read. Thank you Littens.

I had high hopes that this might be a bit of a romp. I haven‘t read or seen anything Bridgerton, but I always like a woman that knows her own mind and has the means to make her own way. The title was off-putting as was some of the treachery and violence against women. The MC, Petra and her friends are the biggest draw. This 2.5/5 ⭐️ didn‘t meet expectations.

Maddie sneaks away to spend the weekend at her grandparents empty apartment and is left behind after her Colorado community is evacuated. She finds herself alone with only a Rottweiler for company as the days turn into weeks and months. With no way to get help or reach her family, Maddie needs to learn how to survive. This YA novel in verse is reminiscent of a similarly themed classic, but its MC and contemporary setting is a fresh take-4/5 ⭐️.

Dark, classic and sophisticated mystery featuring Edgar A. Poe. After a gruesome murder at West Point Academy, retired investigator Augustus Landor is tasked with finding the killer. His “inside man” is none other than Cadet Edgar A. Poe. The two bond over drinks and late night philosophical discussions. Will their bond help them solve the murders? By turns smart and emotional to earn 4 of 5 ⭐️.

Charles Paris, an alcoholic underemployed actor finds himself investigating the disappearance of his former flame‘s lover. The missing man is found dead of natural causes, but Charles‘s snooping has put him in danger. This was nearly a DNF. The 1970‘s setting and the MC‘s constant pursuit of alcoholic oblivion was frustrating. I was interested in the mystery and held on till the bitter end, but I won‘t continue the series. Didn‘t age well⭐️⭐️.

First in a series featuring Nora, a small town bookstore owner that can give you the right books to help you through a difficult problem. Nora and three other women come together to solve the murder of a man trying to absolve his guilt about the work he does for a local land development co. Each of the women learn to trust each other with their secrets and will need that friendship to survive their investigation. Satisfying read at 3+/5 ⭐️.

Amusing romantic comedy featuring a badly hurt chicken and the two hurt humans that rescue her. Trixie and Bear (Barrett) meet when Trixie stops traffic to rescue an injured chicken and Bear runs interference. They become roommates, but both have difficulty being themselves and demonstrating their feelings. A 2+⭐️ rating for chicken chaos, humor, cute main characters, family hurts and love.

Loved the fourth installment in this series. A friend of the club is murdered. With many suspects and a rising body count, the four Thursday Murder club members each play an important part as they work to solve this dangerous series of crimes. A heartbreaking loss reminds each one that life and love is precious. Great character development and a mystery that kept me guessing merits 4•/5 ⭐️.

A new listing for Kate is a beautiful, but run down mansion. It has potential, but also a body killed in a grisly murder years ago. The original guests from the last dinner party are returning to the house to protect their secrets. Sara, Kate and Jack want to solve the 25 year old murder. The suspects seem too nice and the trio learn that relationships evolve. Another solid entry in the series with 3+⭐️s.

This was a recent Libby Big Library Read. The MC, Tuyet is a recently divorced mother in Vietnam in the early 1940‘s. After an encounter with a corrupt official, Tuyet is wooed by an occupying Japanese soldier. They begin a life together, but as the country remains a pawn of the French, the violence and misery for the family and Vietnam increases. A slow start, but ultimately emotional satisfying novel for 4 ⭐️.

Miles Morales is having a bad day. He is serving in-school suspension for standing up for himself and so distracted by thoughts of bad teachers, fairness and girls that he almost misses the villain sitting near him. The “day in a life” narrative is told with simple exposition punctuated with spare gorgeous poetry. Four ⭐️s for this novel that has Miles take on racism and other critters.

“A pit, boiling, burning, bubbles bursting in me…”
What spider-sense feels like

Elizabeth, Joyce, Ibrahim and Ron are back with a new case involving the disappearance of a local TV personality 10 years ago. The gang keeps growing as each member brings friends and enemies into the fold. The case has a lot of twists and turns and romance is afoot, but each member remains true to themselves. TBTM is endearing, funny and sad at 3+⭐️.

Kendra and Adam are pulled into a new case when a serial killer reappears after 15 years and the daughter‘s of one of his victims disappear. More straightforward investigating and less reliance on Kendra‘s sensory superpowers. When are directed clandestine activities a cover for evil? No big surprises, but always satisfaction that there is some justice. Fast paced and expectations met. 3/5⭐️

I wanted to read a graphic novel on my eReader and selected Super Boba Cafe with few expectations. Aria is escaping trouble at home and spending the summer with her grandmother helping at the Boba Cafe. Her grandmother has a secret and it is up to Aria to free her from it. The story was a little goofy and a little sweet. Three ⭐️ for the adorable kittens.

This author read audio book kept me engaged until the end. A young houseboy fulfilling a promise and an apprentice dressmaker working at a dancehall to pay her mother‘s debts are thrown together with dangerous results. Choo‘s novel explores family relationships against the lush backdrop of 1930‘s Malay. Adding more Choo titles to my TBR after this 4/5 ⭐️ read.

Orphaned Crow lives on one of the small Elizabeth Islands off of Massachusetts. It is 1925 and at 12 she begins to ask the difficult questions her guardian Osh has trouble answering. Ostracized by the other islanders, Crow can‘t help but want to learn about her parents, but this search becomes dangerous and Crow learns she has more friends than she knew. Only 3⭐️ for a this one.

This is a lovely children‘s novel. Eleven year old Sophia‘s best friend is her 87 year old neighbor Sophie. When Sophie‘s son has concerns about his mother‘s wellbeing, young Sophia devises a plan to keep her best friend close. A sweet reminder that friendship is not limited to age, experience or distance. Four ⭐️ recommendation for friends of all ages.

A horrible murder is discovered and Din must go investigate and then report back to his superior, Ana. They discover it is only one of a series of violent deaths. It is a world with helpful and dangerous plants, peopled by individuals enhanced in ways to better do their work, protecting the empire from leviathans from the sea. Rushing to discover the truth, Ana and Din forge a strong partnership. Solid characters and an interesting world merit 3⭐️

Another great Towles novel. A Gentleman had a MC tied to one place, but The Highway takes us on a road trip. Emmett & his younger brother, Billy are on their own and ready to drive The Lincoln Highway to California to start a new life. But, first they have to deal with two workhouse runaways with other plans. At turns, funny & heartbreaking, this novel will take you on an epic journey worthy of 4+ ⭐️. Amazing narration elevates Towles‘ prose.

A tragic fire at a controversial oxygen therapy clinic leaves 2 dead and 3 injured. On trial is a mother, but everyone lies to cover up their secrets. The plot has nice pacing and it kept me engaged with the story. I did want to know who set the fire. I did not like any of the characters and had mixed feelings about the outcome. So a so-so at 3 of 5 ⭐️.

Andrea and her brother Pablo are young Puerto Rico born children living with their parents in a small rural factory town in Massachusetts. Their mother flees with them to PR and their lives are up ended as they are caught between their parents and two different cultures. They return home, but fitting in and growing up against the backdrop of the 1960‘s and 1970‘s is lonely and painful. A 4 ⭐️ pick for an inspiring and beautiful novel.