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Save the Date: 2 ARC's That I've Loved

  • marylaurensizemore
  • Apr 17
  • 2 min read

The Final Target by Nora Roberts: Coming May 26, 2026

No Spoilers…But Nora Roberts Delivers 


This was my first experience reading anything by Nora Roberts, & I was immediately struck by the elegance of her prose. Roberts writes with a vivid, almost cinematic descriptiveness that immerses the reader fully in both setting & emotion. Her language is not only beautiful but also purposeful, creating a narrative atmosphere that feels richly textured & deeply engaging. One of the novel’s greatest strengths lies in its character development. The ensemble cast is thoughtfully constructed, with relationships that feel authentic & layered. 


With the antagonist, Roberts offers a chilling glimpse into the psyche of instability, crafting a figure whose presence casts a persistent shadow over the narrative. This psychological depth heightens the suspense, subtly permeating even the novel’s more joyful moments with unease. What initially appears to be a straightforward psychological thriller gradually unfolds into something far more multifaceted.  The audiobook narration further enhances the experience, bringing the characters & their emotional landscapes to life with nuance &  clarity. It is a particularly engaging way to experience the story. The novel concludes on a deeply satisfying note. The resolution is emotionally resonant without being excessively harrowing, offering closure that feels both earned & thoughtfully rendered. Overall, The Final Target is a compelling blend of suspense, emotional depth, & understated romance. For a first encounter with Nora Roberts, it is an impressive and memorable introduction, one that leaves me eager to explore more of her work.


Peregrine Hill by Nina de Gramont: Coming November 10, 2026


This book is complete perfection . This is historical fiction at its finest.

From the moment I started, I didn’t want to put it down, honestly, it was all I could think about. I completely fell in love with Mariah. I’ll admit, I felt conflicted about her at first, but as the story unfolded, so did my appreciation for her depth & complexity, ultimately she is the most level of all the characters. 


And Isabelle, without giving anything away, that storyline genuinely shocked me. I did not see it coming, & it added such a powerful layer to the narrative.

The novel explores themes of male dominance, the pressure for an heir, & the way youth is often valued over wisdom & partnership. These tensions create a rich, emotionally layered story that feels both authentic & thought-provoking. Even John Whitten, with all his flaws, became someone I felt for. In fact, that’s one of the strongest elements of this book, nearly every character is deeply human, imperfect, & simply trying to navigate the circumstances they’ve been given. What surprised me most were the moments of humor, playful, light, & beautifully woven in. 


Overall, this is an extraordinary read &  one I can absolutely see myself returning to. I was completely wrapped up in its complexity & beauty. A stunning example of what historical fiction can be. I am wanting more books like this from

this author & can’t wait to read some of her previous works. 

 
 
 

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