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3 Stars. Thanks to Macmillan Audio & NetGalley for my complimentary listening copy. All opinions are my own. This was an incredibly entertaining audiobook from start to finish. The narrators delivered strong, engaging performances that elevated the story & made it difficult to stop listening. The plot moves at a brisk pace, taking readers on a suspenseful, twist-filled journey packed with surprises. Just when I thought I had things figured out, another revelation shifted my p

3 Stars! To begin, thank you NetGalley & Hay House LLC for this ARC. Letters From the Last Apothecary is an enchanting historical fantasy that blends a little bit of everything—magic, medicine, mystery, romance, and, of course, plenty of drama. The story is beautifully crafted, with a rich atmosphere and compelling characters. I especially enjoyed Josie’s perspective; her spirited determination and resilience made her easy to root for. The slow-burn romance was thoughtfully d

3 Stars! A thoroughly enjoyable read, with Emma emerging as a witty, intelligent, and engaging protagonist. As the opening installment in a larger series, this volume serves primarily as a foundation, and while the plot develops gradually, the anticipation of the broader story arc adds to its appeal. The narrative gains significant momentum around the halfway mark, after which it becomes difficult to put down. The writing is strong, and the brief journal-style entries create

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5. (4.5 stars) Historical Fiction at Its Finest. This book is really a 4.5 rating. Thank you to NetGalley and Brilliance Audio for the advanced reader copy of this book. The Gilded Girl is historical fiction perfection. This story completely swept me away, delivering twists I never saw coming, unforgettable characters, and an emotional journey that had me crying, cheering, and swooning all at once. The dual timelines are beautifully woven together, with strong connec

4 Stars I love an unhinged, unreliable narrator, especially one who's fully aware she's a little unhinged. This psychological thriller absolutely delivered. Jodie is chaotic, hilarious, and somehow still the picture-perfect housewife. Every time I thought I knew where the story was going, it took another twist. What starts as a murder mystery quickly becomes so much more. Best of all, it avoids the drawn-out, over-explained ending that so many thrillers rely on. Instead, it k

3 STARS Thank you NetGalley and Tyndale House Publishers for this ARC. I really was excited for this because I loved the Lawyer and the Laundress. Overall, I have mixed feelings about The Heiress and the Woodsman. The first 100 pages felt repetitive and very slow, and I found myself pushing through the long stretches of travel and setup—this is one I actually think might work better as an audiobook. That said, I really enjoy the author's writing style, rich historical detail,

3 stars To begin, thank you NetGalley and Harper Muse for this advanced reader copy. The Shark House was such a fun, calming summer read; it’s the perfect book to pack for the beach. It blends mystery, romance, family history, and a fascinating look at Hawaii's culture and the importance of protecting marine life, especially sharks. One of my favorite aspects was Dr. Minnow Grey. She is an admirable protagonist: intelligent, brave, accomplished, and deeply passionate about he

Solid 4.5 stars!!! The Story Keeper is absolutely breathtaking. It's one of those rare novels that feels richly layered, weaving together a dual timeline and a story within a story in a way that is both seamless and deeply moving. The writing is beautiful, the characters are wonderfully developed in both timelines, and the story is filled with unexpected moments that are equal parts heartbreaking and hopeful. I genuinely loved every character, but the uncle completely stole m

4 Stars A very special thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for this advanced audiobook copy of The Women in White. The Women in White completely surprised me, in the best possible way. When I first started it, I expected a haunting, atmospheric psychological thriller centered around an elderly woman in a creepy old house. Instead, I got something far richer: an intelligent mystery layered with psychology, hidden histories, and some genuinely compelling female relations

4 Stars Wow! What a complex, fun & juicy story! I really enjoyed this book. 3 unique female perspectives of a complex plot. What I thought was solely a murder to be solved became a story with so many twists and turns. Typical suburban wives with crazy problems. The ending was ultimately satisfying & the author did a great job of weaving the storylines & back stories nicely together. I highly recommend this thriller. It’s like peering in from the outside of people’s lives & en

5 Stars The Calamity Club is a masterfully crafted work of historical fiction that succeeds on every level. Rich in detail, emotion, and character development, it delivers an immersive reading experience that lingers long after the final page. What distinguishes this novel is the remarkable depth and complexity of its characters. Each member of the ensemble is carefully developed, flawed yet deeply lovable, and infused with wit and humanity. Meg, in particular, is an unforget

4 Stars Dolly All the Time is the perfect summer romance. I'm not usually a huge romance reader, but this one completely hooked me. It was fun, addictive, and an absolute page-turner, with a fantastic setting and characters I genuinely enjoyed. Best of all, it avoids the overly cheesy, forced romance tropes that can make the genre feel unrealistic. Sure, there were a few moments that made me cringe, and it's definitely not rooted in reality, but I didn't even care. It was pur

4 Stars Wow. This book completely blew me away. What an emotional roller coaster—and such a powerful cautionary tale. Stout captures isolation, fear, depression, and quiet despair with incredible honesty. I rooted so hard for Artie from beginning to end and grew to love him deeply as both a father and a teacher. I'm still torn about the secret he chooses to keep. Part of me understood it completely. I could empathize with wanting to hold onto bitterness and anger as a reminde

3 STARS The Life Experiment had such an interesting premise, and it's one of those books I know I'll think about long after finishing it. I loved the thought-provoking lessons woven throughout the story, and I found myself highlighting and writing down several quotes that I want to remember. It really made me reflect on the purpose of life, where we choose to spend our time, and what truly deserves our attention and value. The romance between Angus and Layla was sweet and enj

3.5⭐️ Fredia just knows how to suck readers in & create the perfect escapism. I think this story really is a great example of what I imagine grooming to look like in a teacher to student scenario & I think it serves as an exemplary cautionary tale from that end. I loved all the twists & unexpected details & story paths in this book. Is it literary brilliance? No. Is it the best book I’ve ever read? No. But did I finish it in 4 days- yeap! Quick read. Great pallet cleanser & f

I loved this book so much. The Half Life is one of those stories that quietly sneaks up on you. The first 30% is definitely a slow build, with a lot of detail and scene-setting, but trust the journey because around the 40% mark, I absolutely could not put it down. At the heart of the story is Eileen O’Malley, and I loved following her journey as she grows from a young woman into an older adult reflecting on the choices, relationships, mistakes, and experiences that shaped her

By Elin Hilderbrand Since the television show is about to be released, I knew I had to read this asap. I love an Elin book. There's a certain comfort her writing brings, and this book did not disappoint. This was a fun & easy read. Love the perspective of all the different women, even the daughter. It really shows the complexity of people’s lives & the value of letting loose & enjoying female friendships. The Nantucket background was gorgeous & idyllic as always. I want a wee

By Matt Haig Another 5 Star Read! I loved the premise of this story. It feels like a novel everyone should read in their early thirties—before life truly accelerates and the weight of our choices begins to shape who we become. Wilbur is a beautifully developed character whose journey reflects the universal experiences, regrets, joys, and turning points that define a life. Through his story, the novel offers profound reflections on the choices we make, what it means to truly l

By Sally Hepworth 5 Star Read This is a book everyone should read! Mad Mabel had me laughing and crying. One minute I was trying to solve a murder, and the next I was wrapped up in Mabel’s childhood—her drama and her trauma. There’s romance, intense family dynamics, and a story that feels both empty of love and full of it at the same time. The suspense of unraveling it all kept me turning pages. It’s one of the most beautifully layered plots I’ve read, and I know it’s going t

Twice by Mitch Albom 5 Stars! Twice is one of those stories that completely pulls you in. I genuinely didn’t want to put it down. The concept is emotionally rich, exploring how the choices we make can shape entirely different paths in life. The writing is beautiful in a way that feels grounded and real. What stood out most is how fairly the author treats every character, no one is perfect, and that’s exactly what makes them feel so authentic. Each character carries their own