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25 November 2025

Before I Forget, Tory Henwood Hoen 4
A funny, heartfelt, late coming-of-age story that examines the role of memory in holding us back—and in moving us forward—for fans of The Collected Regrets of Clover and Maame.

Call it inertia. Call it a quarter-life crisis. Whatever you call it, Cricket Campbell is stuck. Despite working at a zeitgeisty wellness company, the 26-year-old feels anything but well. Still adrift after a tragedy that upended her world a decade ago, she has entered early adulthood under the weight of a new burden: her father’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis.

When Cricket’s older sister Nina announces it is time to move Arthur from his beloved Adirondack lake house into a memory-care facility, Cricket has a better idea. In returning home to become her father’s caretaker, she hopes to repair their strained relationship and shake herself out of her perma-funk. But even deeply familiar places can hold surprises.

As Cricket settles back into the family house at Catwood Pond—a place she once loved, but hasn’t visited since she was a teenager—she discovers that her father possesses a rare gift: as he loses his grasp of the past, he is increasingly able to predict the future. Before long, Arthur cements his reputation as an unlikely oracle, but for Cricket, believing in her father’s prophecies might also mean facing the most painful parts of her history. As she begins to remember who she once was, she uncovers a vital truth: the path forward often starts by going back.

With laugh-out-loud humor and profound grace, Before I Forget explores the nuances of family, the complexities of memory, and how sometimes, the people we know the best are the ones who surprise us the most. [from the publisher]

I rarely seriously consider anyone's (publisher or other reader) “perfect for fans of this or that author or book” statements, let alone share them. In this case, I did both. Luckily, the publisher wasn't wrong (for me): I read (as ARCs) and thought highly of both books mentioned—The Collected Regrets of Clover [4.5 stars from me] and Maame [3.66 stars]. Lucky us (author, publisher, reviewer)!

I found Before I Forget full of humor, which helps offset the necessarily heavy themes of the book overall. Trigger warnings include death of a teen [past; mentioned several times in flashback] and caring for parents with Alzheimer's. Cricket is in her late twenties, but is still aimless. When she makes the decision to become her dad's caretaker, she starts to learn to be flexible and creative. The author does a marvelous job of weaving in just enough of the past to explain Cricket's lack of progress and allow us to track her emotional growth through the present-day events.

There is a passage that highlights Sweden's social safety net . . . versus the essential lack of one in the United States of America.

Narrator Barrie Kreinik's voice is clear and pleasant across genders, ages, and more.

This unbiased review is based on ARCs supplied by the publishers—St. Martin's Press and Macmillan Audio. Publication is expected December 2.


18 November 2025

Sorry, Not Sorry: An Unapologetic Look at What Makes Canada Worth Fighting For, Mark Critch 3.5
Known for his sharp-witted skits on CBC’s This Hour Has 22 Minutes, Mark Critch uses his keen observational skills to explore Canadian identity and the new wave of Canadian patriotism.

In Sorry, Not Sorry, Critch delves into the heart of what it means to be Canadian at a time when national pride is on the rise. Examining everything from the historical decision of Newfoundland to join Canada, to the modern-day implications of the Freedom Convoy, and the evolving symbolism of the Canadian flag, he reminds us of where we came from, and of the many reasons Canada is worth fighting for—elbows up!

In chapters like “It Can Happen to You,” “I Want My Flag Back,” and “Operation Trojan Moose,” Critch uses humour and satire while referencing our all-important history to tackle serious questions about national identity and the future of Canada. He offers a unique perspective on the country's relationship with the monarchy, the cultural impact of Canadian celebrities living abroad, and the hypothetical scenarios of provincial separations.

Sorry, Not Sorry is more than just a comedic take on Canadian life; it’s a deeply personal and insightful look at the free country Critch has spent decades satirizing. Whether he’s writing as a lieutenant in a fictional American invasion or penning a love letter to Canada in the voice of Donald Trump, Critch’s essays are sure to entertain, provoke thought, and stir a sense of pride in readers. [from the publisher]

I jumped at the chance to read this collection of essays—parts history, current events, politics, and pop culture—in honor of my half-Canadian heritage. The introduction itself is so funny, snarky, and spot-on that I thought I might never get through the whole book for all the passages I stopped reading to flag. There are, understandably, parts that go over my head, as I've never lived in Canada. I certainly appreciated the vast majority of the content. The author narrates.

If any of my followers are Canadians familiar with Critch, I'd love to hear how you feel about this book or his work in general. For other residents of Canada's unruly southern neighbor, I encourage you to read this perspective.

This unbiased review is based on an ARC supplied by the publisher—Penguin Random House Canada Audiobooks | Viking. Publication is expected November 25.


15 November 2025

Merry Little Bookshop, Ali Brady 4
When her company sends her to tiny Azalea, Texas, to open a holiday pop-up bookstore for the month of December, Shira Schwartz knows the real reason she got the assignment—they figure she won’t mind missing Christmas. What they forgot? She’s also missing Hanukkah.

From the moment she arrives on Thanksgiving Day, Shira is swept up in the town’s charm—and right into the path of Jonny McKay, a local who traded big-city dreams to come home and care for his dad. He’s cocky, flirty, and totally not Shira’s type . . . but he might be perfect for a no-strings holiday fling.

Together, they turn the bookshop into more . . . a gathering place, a haven for new readers, and maybe the start of something magical between them. From cookie-decorating chaos with Jonny’s family to Azalea’s sparkling Christmas tractor parade, the season wraps Shira in warmth she never expected. And when Jonny rallies the townspeople to surprise Shira with their own heartfelt take on Hanukkah, she realizes this assignment might be the best holiday gift she’s ever been given.

MERRY LITTLE BOOKSHOP is a steamy, romantic holiday tale about unexpected love, community spirit, and finding your place where you least expect it. [from the publisher]

I usually save ARC information for the end of my review, but this short novel presented me with an exciting new opportunity. I was chosen to serve as one of a select few beta readers for Merry Little Bookshop. [Look for me in the Acknowledgments—what a treat!] Because of that, I read the full story twice: once in draft manuscript form, and once in its final publication (edited) version, supplied by the authors—Ali Brady is a writing duo—a few days in advance of publication as a thanks to beta readers. This unbiased review is based on those two distinct versions. The book was published November 11. [I enjoyed Ali Brady's One Night, Two Holidays (December 2024 novella), which also featured a romance between a Jewish woman and a Christian man. So, when I applied to be a beta reader for this year's Christmas/Hanukkah (Chanukah to some of us) romance, I mentioned to Ali Brady that, like Shira, I am the Jewish half of an interfaith couple, and that I have experience proofreading and editing.]

Now for the good stuff: The book should have fairly broad appeal for people who love love—romantic love, familial love, platonic love, and love of books. Shira has ride-or-die friends; Jonny has a big, close-knit family; and the community proves to appreciate the joy of books and reading. The book is stuffed full of both humor and sweetness. I'm always thrilled to read mention of places I've been—in this case, in both Austin, TX, and Chicago. There's brisket prepared two ways: traditional Jewish and BBQ. Surprisingly, my contribution to editing the brisket section was not from my heritage, but from my adult experience on road trips with my partner (who has become an excellent smoker, himself—his Thanksgiving brisket was to die for). Our favorite BBQ joints are in Memphis, TN, and Austin, TX.

As for content warnings, this is an open-door romance—if you don't prefer to read explicit sex scenes, you should be prepared to skim certain sections or skip altogether, depending on your tolerance. While I prefer closed-door romances, I chose to read anyway because Ali Brady's overall product is generally so enjoyable. There was only one line that I found cringeworthy enough to flag in both versions. There is notable presence of asking for consent, which is a positive. There is also mention of the Holocaust, which makes complete sense contextually, but might catch readers by surprise in a romance. It was handled thoughtfully.

At the end of my first reading, I wrote a note: “I'm not crying; you're crying!” That's a solid concise testimonial!


15 November 2025

100 Rules for Living to 100, Dick Van Dyke 3.33
On the eve of his 100th birthday, national treasure Dick Van Dyke brings us this autobiographical collection of stories, reflections, and life advice on how he’s maintained a zest for life.

Dick Van Dyke danced his way into our hearts with iconic roles in Mary Poppins, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, and The Dick Van Dyke Show. Now, as he’s about to turn 100 years old, Dick is still dancing and approaching life with the twinkle in his eye that we’ve come to know and love. In 100 Rules for Living to 100, he reveals his secrets for maintaining your joie de vivre and making the most out of the life you’ve been given.

Through stories of his pivotal childhood, moments on film sets, his expansive family, and finding love late in life, Dick reflects on both the joyful times and the challenges that shaped him. His indefatigable spirit and positive attitude will surely inspire readers to count the blessings in their own lives, persevere through the hard times, and appreciate the beauty and complexity of being human. [from the publisher]

Having been born between the releases of Mary Poppins and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, those two family movies were part of my childhood. I watched The Dick Van Dyke Show in syndication. [There weren't many TV stations when I was growing up, and there were no videorecording devices until I was a young teen. You watched what was on the television when you were available, including lots of reruns, especially in the summer.] Van Dyke was born roughly two-and-a-half weeks after my beloved Granny, so it's no wonder that he gives off fun, grandfatherly vibes to me.

In this memoir/self-help mash-up, I learned a few interesting tidbits about Van Dyke. The advice was pretty basic. Regardless, his optimism, playfulness, and delight in his family shine through. The book was pleasant, but not earth-shattering.

The audio edition is narrated by Tom Bergeron (primarily?) and Dick Van Dyke. Honestly, Bergeron did such a good job of bringing Van Dyke's experiences to life that I didn't even think about the fact that it wasn't the man himself speaking.

This unbiased review is based on an ARC supplied by the publisher—Hachette Audio | Grand Central Publishing. Publication is expected November 18.


7 November 2025

Brigands & Breadknives (Legends & Lattes #2), Travis Baldree 4
Fern has weathered the stillness and storms of a bookseller’s life for decades, but now, in the face of crippling ennui, transplants herself to the city of Thune to hang out her shingle beside a long-absent friend’s coffee shop. What could be a better pairing? Surely a charming renovation montage will cure what ails her!

If only things were so simple. . . .

It turns out that fixing your life isn’t a one-time prospect, nor as easy as a change of scenery and a lick of paint.

A drunken and desperate night sees the rattkin waking far from home in the company of a legendary warrior, an imprisoned chaos-goblin with a fondness for silverware, and an absolutely thumping hangover.

As together they fend off a rogue’s gallery of ne’er-do-wells trying to claim the bounty the goblin represents, Fern may finally reconnect with the person she actually is when nothing seems inevitable. [from the publisher]

This third full novel in the series [book 0, the prequel, was published between books 1 and 2] is by far my favorite to date! I still question the designation as “cozy” fantasy. From the opening moments, the language is thoroughly—sometimes disgustingly—descriptive, and profanity and battle violence abound throughout the book. If that doesn't put you off, you're in for a funny, sweet, exciting, suspenseful, action-packed story that also includes character and relationship development. I appreciated Fern's emotional journey. There's a fun twist toward the end.

The author narrates, giving unique voices to an extraordinary range of characters and with excellent energy.

This unbiased review is based on an ARC supplied by the publisher—Macmillan Audio. Publication is expected November 11.


6 November 2025

The King's Ransom (Gabriela Rose #2), Janet Evanovich 4
Gabriela Rose, recovery agent extraordinaire, can find just about anything. Too bad she can’t seem to lose her gorgeous-but-infuriating ex-husband Rafer Jones. And now he needs her help. His cousin, Harley, is in trouble . . . big trouble.

As the president of a too-big-to-fail bank, he invested an astronomical amount of money in insuring some of the world’s most priceless artifacts at the urging of his board. It seemed like a low-risk, high-reward business move, so he jumped in with both feet. But recently, these insured pieces started going missing and worse, there’s no paper trail of Harley being directed to make these risky investments. Unless the artwork can be recovered soon, it looks like Harley is going to be heading to jail as the fall guy for an ingenious crime.

Gabriela knows what she must do: travel around the world with Rafer to find the missing works of art, keep Harley out of jail, and save both his skin and his bank. Along the way, she’ll encounter corruption, threats, murder, mysterious dark forces behind a global conspiracy to destroy the world’s wealth, and a nefarious villain who will stop at nothing to bring the world to the brink of ruin. [from the publisher]

It's been more than three-and-a-half years since we first met Gabriela Rose. I'm glad she's back. If you know Evanovich's Stephanie Plum series but aren't familiar with Gabriela Rose, there are some similarities between the two series. However, Gabriela faces higher stakes, brings mad skills, and travels internationally.

Gabriela's family is not in this installment, but her assistant and her ex-husband Rafer are back. Other characters in this adventure include Rafer's cousin Harley, a guide in Egypt who has useful family connections, and a fixer in Italy. These are just a few of the notable characters—there are many other players.

As is typical, I anticipated at least one major twist, but closer to the time of execution than usual. Brava, Janet! The story is funny, twisty, fast-paced, and suspenseful. There is graphic violence, so take that into consideration.

I think I have an idea of at least one character who might return in book three. I hope I don't have to wait so long to find out what happens next.

This unbiased review is based on an ARC supplied by the publisher—Atria Books. Publication is expected November 11.


25 October 2025

All Over The Map, Lanie Jacobs 3.33
High school junior Kendall Barrows is insanely together, smart, and laser-focused on attending NYU when she graduates. She's not one for spontaneous jaunts, and she hoards her savings for her future in New York. But when a DNA test reveals a genetic heritage her mother has kept from her, she feels a pull that's bigger than her goals, and quite possibly her budget.

Along with her best friend Mia and a “chaperone,” Mia's college freshman brother—Kendall's nemesis—they're off on an unsanctioned road trip to meet Kendall's newly discovered half-brother. Kendall soon learns that sudden siblinghood is not as easy as she had imagined, but when a clue leads to another half-sibling on Instagram, the bend in the road on Route 66 leads them to Bend, Oregon. Here Kendall finds a sister with whom she shares a smile and a sense of wit. And from her, Kendall learns the identity of her father—but she must drive a thousand miles in two days to confront him or miss her chance completely.

Full of cinematic moments and unexpected detours, fights with her best friend and sparks with her best friend's brother, each stop brings new possibilities but also new pressures. And when Kendall unearths a family secret she never saw coming, she discovers that while map apps may work on terrain, they are far less reliable for the geography of the heart. [from the publisher]

The first line is funny, and sounds as if written expressly for one of my besties. The opening might be the height of humor for the book, though. [There is some light humor along the way, including a scene in which the hunt for suitable on-the-fly lodging goes sideways.] Overall, the story is highly emotional, sad, intense, and more angsty than some might find strictly necessary for a smart college-bound teen. The action unfolds just about how one might expect when three teens go off on a completely ill-considered, unsanctioned, unfunded (or, at the very least, underfunded) interstate adventure.

Jorjeana Marie—a repeat performer for me—narrates.

This unbiased review is based on an ARC supplied by the publisher—Tantor Media | Tantor Audio. Publication is expected November 4.


22 October 2025

The Forget-Me-Not Library, Heather Webber 5
Juliet Nightingale is lucky to be alive. Months after a freak accident involving lightning, she’s fully recovered but is left feeling that something is missing from her life. Something big. Impulsively, she decides to take a solo summer road trip, hoping that the journey will lead her down a path that will help her discover exactly what it is that she’s searching for.

Newly single mom Tallulah Byrd Mayfield is hanging by a thread after her neat, tidy world was completely undone when her husband decided that their marriage was over. In the aftermath of the breakup, she and her two daughters move in with her eighty-year-old grandfather. Tallulah starts a new job at the Forget-Me-Not Library, where old, treasured memories can be found within the books—and where Lu must learn to adapt to the many changes thrown her way.

When a road detour leads Juliet to Forget-Me-Not, Alabama, and straight into Tallulah’s life, the two women soon discover there’s magic in between the pages of where you’ve been and where you still need to go. And that happiness, even when lost, can always be found again. [from the publisher]

Folks who've been following my reading journey for a while know that former-me simply would not read romances or cozy mysteries. Recent/current-me needs occasional breaks from my favorite genres: mystery and thriller. My introduction to Heather Blake Webber (who doesn't strictly fit any of the previously mentioned categories, but strays from my longstanding genre tastes) was Midnight at the Blackbird Café, which I first read—and highly rated—in 2019. [I have since reread it, and liked it just as much.] As far as I'm concerned, she's the Queen of Comfort Reads!

I finished my first reading of The Forget-Me-Not Library (with eyes) mid-August, and couldn't get the book out of my mind. When I started rereading (with ears, this time) two months later, it was like being reunited with old, dear friends. The story is warm, comforting, occasionally heartbreaking, but mostly uplifting—it's like a balm to a weary soul.

As is common to Webber's standalone books, multiple generations are represented, and there is significant non-human animal participation. Only a couple of the human characters aren't particularly lovable. Thankfully, they have little page time. Really, there are no wasted characters—pretty much everyone serves a purpose. Her trademark bird-related magical realism plays an important role in the story. There is also the library cat, who comes from a long line of library cats with powers. A dog, Daisy, plays a more basic role facilitating a meet-cute.

The elders' words of wisdom at the start of every chapter are charming and delightful. Throughout the story, I laughed and cried, sometimes simultaneously. The best comic relief is delivered by young Katy—Tallulah's precocious, smart, thoughtful older daughter. I anticipated two major plot points, but was no less-appreciative of them. I was only mildly (but pleasantly) surprised by a certain connection and another plot point toward the end. Anticipated or not, the character and story development were delicious.

The audio edition is narrated fabulously by Hallie Ricardo and Stephanie Willis, who have been paired in at least one of Webber's previous works.

This unbiased review is based on ARCs supplied by the publishers—St. Martin's Press and Macmillan Audio. Publication is expected November 4. If you need a sweet read, move this one to the top of your TBR list!


10 October 2025

A Curious Kind of Magic, Mara Rutherford 4
Everyone in Ardmuir knows that Willow Stokes is a charlatan, including Willow herself. Her father’s shoppe hasn’t sold anything magical in decades, and it’s only hanging on by the skin of the fake dragon’s teeth Willow sells as charms, along with “enchanted” ostrich eggs, taxidermied chimeras, and talismans made of fools’ gold.

Until outlander Brianna Hargrave appears and turns Willow’s fakes into exactly what they’re purported to be. But try as Willow might to enlist Bri’s help, she wants nothing to do with Willow and her curiosities.

Because Brianna is harboring a secret of her own: everything she touches turns to magic, and the consequences have chased her all the way to Ardmuir. All she wants to do is find a particular missing grimoire, which contains a spell that can finally put an end to her curse.

Desperate to keep her father's shoppe, Willow proposes a bargain that could save them both. Together with the frustratingly handsome printer's assistant, the girls will uncover a plot that goes far deeper than either could have imagined. But when Willow is forced to participate in an ambitious collector's quest for the rarest magical object in the world—a quest that risks almost-certain death—she learns that not all treasure is for sale, and that true magic is closer than she ever could have imagined. [from the publisher]

This YA fantasy is mostly sweet and occasionally exciting and suspenseful, with a touch of light humor. Both Willow (orphaned) and Brianna (lacking parental support) are on their own; Willow's childhood friend, Finlay must work to support himself and his sick mother. The three teens are aided by a few adults and magical creatures as they try to solve the girls' predicaments. Love and friendship develop, and there are happily-ever-afters. I thoroughly enjoyed this cozy story, which drew me in and held my interest with magic, adventure, and love.

Narrator Anna Burnett is new to me. She does a wonderful job bringing to life a broad range of characters.

This unbiased review is based on an ARC supplied by the publisher—Macmillan Audio | Macmillan Young Listeners. Publication is expected October 21.


7 October 2025

And to All a Good Bite (Andy Carpenter #32), David Rosenfelt 3.33
Reluctant lawyer Andy Carpenter can't wait for Christmas. He doesn't care much about the season, unless it's football season. Andy's excited to finally relax and watch the games. But when there's a murder related to an old case in Paterson, New Jersey, Andy puts the games on pause.

Two years ago, a gas leak in an office building led to a tragic explosion that killed seven people. Jeff Wheeler was there to pick up his girlfriend and ran into the building to help. All he heard was the barking of a dog, Rufus, and was able to save him. The pup was the sole survivor and Jeff was named a hero. Initially, Rufus went to the Tara Foundation since his owner had died in the accident. But Andy met Jeff and liked him, respecting his courage and allowed him to adopt Rufus. Since then, Jeff and Rufus have formed an unbreakable bond.

The accident never sat right with Jeff. He believed that one of the building owners was responsible for the tragedy. Now that owner has been murdered and Jeff is arrested for the crime, Rufus is left with Jeff's sister, who begs Andy to take the case. Andy remembered Jeff's tremendous bravery and with the lingering Christmas spirit, decides to help reunite the two.

With David Rosenfelt's signature humor and hijinks, it's time to close this case for good and bid it a good night. [from the publisher]

David Rosenfelt's Andy Carpenter mystery series is another twice-yearly treat to which I look forward.

Main character Andy is an attorney who just can't seem to retire. His storytelling style is typically curmudgeonly and self-deprecatory. He gives ample credit to his teammates, both human and canine. One of the former, Marcus, is formidable, and is possibly the biggest of several reasons the series doesn't qualify as cozy. Andy's dogs serve as sounding boards on their many walks. As he so often does, Andy ends up taking temporary custody of his client's dog while his client is awaiting and on trial.

The storyline of this installment is related to another of the recent installments, but there's enough review that this book can stand alone. One plot point involves “found” WWII artwork going to auction as a lot.

The entire series is narrated by Grover Gardner, who gives a hardboiled detective vibe.

I wasn't quite as enthralled with this installment, but it's not chopped liver. If you're a series devotee, a mystery/legal thriller fan, or appreciate the added bonus of dogs, give it a read.

This unbiased review is based on an ARC supplied by the publisher—Macmillan Audio. Publication is expected October 14.


5 October 2025

Five Golden Wings (Meg Langslow #38), Donna Andrews 4
Two of Meg’s cousins, members of Mother’s vast Hollingsworth clan, are getting married, and both have chosen Caerphilly for their Christmas destination wedding . . . on the same day, in the same venues. But while they’re cousins they’re also lifelong enemies. Mother’s efforts to keep the peace are wearing her down, and the battling brides (and their mothers) are making the holiday season miserable for everyone. So Meg steps in to keep the peace. And it was going badly even before she stumbles over the murdered body of the wedding photographer.

Unfortunately, there are plenty of suspects. The photographer has been hitting on many of the guests, bridesmaids . . . possibly even one or both of the brides. He’s also been slinking about and taking candid shots that are unflattering, embarrassing . . . occasionally even incriminating.

Can Meg help the local police nab the killer in time for the weddings to go on as planned? Unless, of course, the killer was one of the brides or grooms, in which case she needs to identify the killer in time to reveal their identity when she hears those fateful words, “If any of you can show just cause why they may not lawfully be married, speak now; or else forever hold your peace.” [from the publisher]

My Christmas reading season would be incomplete without Donna Andrews' second cozy mystery of the year. As always, the entire extended family and town pitch in to the current needs, so it's all hands on-deck for the planning and execution of two weddings. It wouldn't be a Meg Langslow book without birds—in this case eagles—and dogs. There are an extraordinary number of unpleasant characters in this installment, including (but not limited to) the two bridezillas, their mothers, the nasty photographer/murder victim, and a group of entitled teens and their parents. There are multiple overlapping storylines, so there's never a dull moment. I found the conclusion fun and satisfying.

Narrator Bernadette Dunne continues to provide the voices series readers expect. [I have read other series that have more than one narrator. It can be jarring.]

This unbiased review is based on an ARC supplied by the publisher—Macmillan Audio. Publication is expected October 14.


4 October 2025

Death at the Door (Ruby and Cordelia Mysteries #2), Olivia Blacke 3.5
Ruby Young is slowly adjusting to her new life in Boston. A big part of that is her unexpected roommate—the ghost of the woman who lived there before. For Cordelia Graves, she may no longer be breathing, but it’s still her apartment and Ruby is the somewhat unwanted houseguest. They’re both happy they’ve managed to become friends, which is a miracle considering they struggle to communicate with each other. Cordelia even set Ruby up with her old job.

When Ruby discovers the body of a delivery guy at work, the new life she’s been building hangs in the balance. The last time Cordelia dragged Ruby into a murder investigation, it was almost two ghosts living in the apartment, not one. Determined to protect Ruby, Cordelia tries to shield her from the investigation, but Ruby has other ideas. It will take both of them working together to navigate the fine line between the dead and the living to bring a killer to light. [from the publisher]

Last year, I read and reviewed highly the series opener: A New Lease on Death. This sequel is not quite as funny, clever, or engaging as the first. It stretches out some plot points so far that they are no longer interesting or fun. As in the first installment, alcohol and drug abuse are present, and there's a heck of a cliffhanger. Overall, I was invested enough in the story that I expect I'll read the third installment, too.

This unbiased review is based on an ARC supplied by the publisher—St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books. Publication is expected October 21.


29 September 2025

My Cat is a Secret Agent, Daniel J. Mahoney 3
Samantha knows her cat, Walter, is anything but ordinary—he’s a secret agent with the very serious codename Kitty Pants. Unfortunately, no one else appreciates Walter’s superspy-ness. Samantha’s parents think he’s nothing more than your average pet. It’s up to Walter to convince them otherwise.

Operation Kitty Pants is a go. But will this undercover feline prove his impressive espionage skills battling foes, including a butt-sniffing pup, a wild-haired kitty, and a band of mischievous mice, or will he find his missions compromised? With Samantha’s help, perhaps Walter can show that there’s a bit of secret agent in all of us. [from the publisher]

Whenever I have the chance to review audio editions of children's picture books, I place a library hold on the print edition so I won't miss out on the art. In this case, I'm guessing I'll more fully appreciate the story as well. [I might well tweak my rating after reading the print edition.]

The audio is narrated by Amanda Stribling with a cute, young voice for Samantha, as well as appropriate voices for the adult characters. The music and sound effects are upbeat, adding to the storytelling energy without unreasonably excessive distraction.

Grown-ups who plan to read this book to littles in their care might consider using the audio and print editions simultaneously.

This unbiased review is based on an ARC supplied by the publisher—Macmillan Audio | Macmillan Young Listeners. Publication is expected September 30.


26 September 2025

A Ruff Royal Christmas, Karen Schaler 2.5
Princess Ava’s perfectly planned Christmas Eve charity event erupts into chaos when she loses Stormy, the Queen’s mischievous new border collie. With Christmas approaching fast, Ava has no choice but to team up with Justin, a laid-back American dog trainer who’s used to wrangling strays, not royal runaways!

Sparks fly as Justin’s rule-breaking free spirit clashes with Ava’s determination to follow royal protocol. But when their search for Stormy takes them through glittering Christmas markets, festive holiday activities, and snowy winter wonderlands, an undeniable chemistry builds between them.

The more time they spend together, the harder it is to fight their growing attraction, a problem for Ava, who’s already set to marry the perfect duke. Now, she must decide, stay on the safe, traditional path she has always known . . . or risk it all and follow her heart? [from the publisher]

This supposed Christmas rom-com didn't deliver for me. I didn't find Princess Ava to be a sympathetic or pleasant character. She's dull and rigid for the vast majority of the book . . . until she makes a 180-degree turn at the very end, which seems to me to be too little/too late. Ava's mom, the queen, has her own monumental character flaws. There is precious little chemistry between Princess Ava and dog trainer Justin (who is pretty much the only substantial character who is even remotely appealing, though not flawless). The duke to whom Ava has been promised in marriage is downright gross. There's a lot of unhappiness coming from pretty much every direction.

Last week, I participated in a staff-development session for which the ice-breaker was “Which do you prefer—the book or the movie?” My answer is virtually always the book, because I experience it directly through my own imagination—not through the filter of the director's imagination. I also usually prefer the book because a story can be developed more fully when not restricted by typical film length conventions. [There are just a few instances in which I enjoy both a book and its movie adaptation greatly. I'm happy to have one-on-one conversations about those cases.] Schaler has written several royal Christmas stories, including a Netflix movie. I think this book might have performed better as a 90-minute (or less) movie than a more-than-300-page book. Condensing the material might have forced the Ava character to have her change of heart more quickly and less tediously. Too, the runaway Stormy antics might be more entertaining on-screen. While this wasn't a favorite of mine, I wouldn't discourage any tried-and-true Christmas romance readers from giving it a try.

Audiobook narration by Hannah Curtis is somewhat breathy and dramatic, which is suitable to the royal main character, I suppose. Curtis even does a decent American male voice.

This unbiased review is based on an ARC supplied by the publisher—Blackstone Publishing—Audiobooks. Publication is expected September 30.


24 September 2025

The Armchair Detectives, Matt Dunn 4.5
They might be over the hill but they’re far from six feet under and now there’s a murder to solve!

Meet Martin Maxwell. As a former government operative, at eighty-four-years young he always pictured a retirement sipping shaken-not-stirred martinis on a far-flung island. But in need of some care after a new hip, he finds himself at Twilight Lodge on the decidedly cloudy English coast.

From the outside, it’s a picture-perfect place to recuperate. But when popular resident Elsie dies unexpectedly, Martin suspects foul play. She’s the third death in less than two weeks and always had a clean bill of health. Armed with a walking stick and his trusty notebook and pen, Martin decides to investigate.

While nobody believes him—death is an inevitable part of care home life after all—Martin is convinced something sinister is afoot. With his wheelchair-bound sidekick and former nemesis Albie in tow, they begin questioning the residents. Soon they learn that there are several suspects in the frame.

When they discover Albie’s love interest Barbara is in the killer’s sights, Martin knows time is running out. Will Albie’s heart be broken forever, or can they battle the effects of old age and each other, outwitting a murderer before it’s too late? [from the publisher]

From the outset, this book is full of delicious, dry humor—little funnies, comic relief, and outright laughing out loud. The banter between Martin and Albie is fabulous. For safety's sake, Martin's daughter, Dionne, who is now a police officer, had been sheltered from the truth of his employment. In the present, she not only rejects the idea that her dad was ever an agent, she also quashes his and Albie's investigations.

I am easily amused by even the smallest of connections in life. Albie is a big fan of the television series Death in Paradise. The first or second time I watched an episode (I was a latecomer), I was ecstatic to see Robert Thorogood's name in the credits as show creator, as I was already a fan of his Marlow Murder Club book series. Even funnier, I happened to read this ARC concurrently with Thorogood's newly released book four of the series!

Narrator John Hopkins has a deep, clear voice. His performance as a former spy is completely convincing.

From start to finish, this story is a fun and engaging ride. There are plenty of well-developed side characters, many of whom serve as suspects. It appears that there will be at least one sequel, so I have something to look forward to in June 2026. I completely agree with the publisher's suggestion that The Armchair Detectives is perfect for fans of Richard Osman, Robert Thorogood, and Jesse Q. Sutanto.

This unbiased review is based on an ARC supplied by the publisher—Bookouture Audio. Publication is expected October 1.


21 September 2025

Christmas People, Iva-Marie Palmer 4
Some people are Christmas people, but Jill Jacobs is most certainly not. She hasn’t been ever since her hometown love broke her heart on Christmas Eve three years ago. After that, Jill moved to L.A. to pursue her dream of becoming a screenwriter. She hasn’t been home in years to avoid her ex, but this winter she finds herself back in drab, suburban Illinois for the holidays.

After one very hazy night, Jill wakes up to a hometown that's filled with jolly neighbors, covered in pristine white snow, and seasoned with the smell of peppermint. She realizes that this is more than just a bad hangover . . . she's stuck in a Heartfelt movie. One set in her town, starring real people from her life, including her family, her high school crush (uber perfect, owns a bakery, and definitely a Christmas Person), and of course, her ex—handsome as ever and now exclusively clad in plaid flannel.

The only way out of this bizarro world is to complete the plot of the movie, including a holiday bake off and a cookie-sweet love story. To get home in time for Christmas, Jill must act out a picture-perfect holiday romance with the one that got away, all while her ex watches on. Fa la la la freaking la. . . . [from the publisher]

You probably know by now that I—a nice Jewish girl—have an inexplicable affection for Christmas book and movie rom-coms. [I'm also a fan of Chanukah book and movie rom-coms, but they're much harder to come by. Writers: Get cracking!]

Christmas People is funny—and cute, and silly—including taking lighthearted digs at Hallmark Christmas movies . . . I mean, Heartfelt Christmas movies. I'm always excited to see movies and books set in Illinois (especially Chicago and its surrounding areas). Jill's suburban hometown of Powell Park doesn't seem to exist, but there are at least three recreational parks by that name in the state. I give big snaps to the author for making the baseball team of choice The White Sox. My favorite team doesn't tend to get the love and attention it deserves. There are multiple Happily-Ever-Afters!

The book is too sweary and spicy (a few light—not at all detailed—mentions of attraction and foreplay; one explicit/open-door sex scene, which you might choose to skip once you get to it) for a Hallmark equivalent. Overall, it's pretty tame.

Narrator Patti Murin always makes things extra-adorable.

This unbiased review is based on an ARC supplied by the publisher—Macmillan Audio. Publication is expected September 30.


16 September 2025

The Killing Stones (Jimmy Perez and Willow Reeves #1; Shetland #9), Ann Cleeves 3.5
It's been several years since Detective Jimmy Perez left Shetland. He has settled into his new home in Orkney, the group of islands, off the northern coast of Scotland, with his partner Willow Reeve and their growing family. One stormy winter night, his oldest and closest friend, Archie Stout, goes missing. Ever the detective, Perez catches a boat to the island of Westray, where Archie worked as a farmer and lived with his wife and children.

But when he arrives he finds a shocking scene: Archie's body, on an archaeological dig site and an ancient Westray story stone with precise spirals carved into it beside him, the clear murder weapon. The artifact, taken from a nearby museum, seems to suggest a premediated murder.

But Perez is so close to the case that he struggles to maintain an objective distance from the potential suspects. He finds it difficult to question Archie's wife, whom he's known for years. Rumors swirl about the dead man's relationship with a young woman new to the island, an artist. With each new lead, the case becomes more twisted and Perez wonders if he will ever find out what happened in his friend's final days. [from the publisher]

While this is my first Shetland/Shetland-adjacent book, I did watch all the Shetland television seasons that included DI Jimmy Perez (and some beyond that, though I'm not current). From other series by Cleeves, I have read The Raging Storm (Two Rivers #3) and The Dark Wives (Vera Stanhope #11).

As in the associated television series and Cleeves' other books, the viewer/reader follows the detective(s) through the investigation. There are plenty of twists, turns, and suspects. Because the setting is a small community, everyone is affected by each crime, including the detectives themselves.

This book might be enjoyed by any Cleeves fan—regardless of series—and mystery/thriller/police procedural fans in general.

Kenny Blyth, who is new-to-me, narrates the audiobook. I enjoy Scottish accents, and Blyth's is no exception.

This unbiased review is based on an ARC supplied by the publisher—Macmillan Audio. Publication is expected September 30.


13 September 2025

A Mannequin for Christmas, Timothy Janovsky 3.5
A Christmas romance for Barbie fans who wished Ken and Allan got their own love story.

Henry Aster swears he is unlucky when it comes to love. He thought he’d finally found The One, but a sudden break-up has left him hopeless right before the holiday season.

Facing another family Christmas alone, Henry makes a wish for “The Perfect Man.” The next morning, when he arrives at the Jersey Shore vintage shop he manages, he finds one of the male display mannequins has sprung to life and entirely wrecked the place.

The magicked man is gorgeous, of course, but he comes with a Cinderella-style caveat: If he doesn’t experience true, human love before the midnight chime on New Year’s Eve, he will turn back into a mannequin for good.

Now Henry doesn’t have to show up to family Christmas alone. The catch? This new man—self-named Aidan Smith—knows nothing about being a human. Henry has one month to teach Aidan how to be a functioning person in the modern world and the swoony boyfriend that will win over his family. It’s an arduous task that draws them close together . . . but can human love ever really be true? [from the publisher]

I was first introduced to the author by last year's The Merriest Misters. I noted at the time that I'd be open to reading more of his work . . . and here we are!

On the surface, this story is a cute, magical, Christmas love story. But it's also an emotional rollercoaster: Will Henry get his “perfect man”? Will Aiden become a man permanently? What will happen to the shop? How will Henry's strained relationship with his cousin be resolved? Ultimately, the story explores the depths—including both joys and challenges—of love and humanity.

While shopkeeper Henry and mannequin Aiden are the main characters, Henry's Great Aunt Isla stole the show, in my opinion. She was a champion for Henry from the time he was young, giving him unconditional love, support, and space to thrive. Her layered reveal in Chapter 24 had me bawling!

The audiobook is narrated by Lee Osorio and Mark Sanderlin, both of whom are familiar to me from their previous (separate) credits.

This unbiased review is based on an ARC supplied by the publisher—Macmillan Audio. Publication is expected September 30.


2 September 2025

A Tour to Die For (The Serial Killer Guide to San Francisco #2), Michelle Chouinard 4
Capri Sanzio knows that when you give serial killer walking tours for a living, unexpected situations are more common than San Francisco's famous fog. So, when one of her guests claims to see a woman being attacked during a tour, Capri remains unphased. The police search the apartment in question and find no evidence of anything amiss, so they chalk it up to a false report from a true crime fanatic looking to be a part of a case. And Capri thinks they might be right, since lately her tours have been attracting even more obsessives than usual—as it turns out, finding the actual serial killer who committed the “Overkill Bill” murders didn't stop the constant questions about her grandfather's supposed crimes, it only intensified them.

But Capri would never forgive herself if someone is in trouble and she walks away. Plus, something about the whole situation has every one of Capri's investigative journalist instincts going haywire—why would someone lie about seeing an attack? So Capri starts to dig, and when her questions lead to a body, she finds herself at the center of another murder investigation. [from the publisher]

Capri is back, and I am 100% here for it! Also returning are her daughter, ex-husband, tour company partners, parents, and police detective/potential love-interest. The book opens with Capri's tour info about The Barbary Coast, drawing us into the story. Much later, there's a section describing San Francisco's social-justice movements over the years. Several separate storylines keep interest high throughout the book.

Highlights of book two for me include Capri's sassy, fiercely independent qualities (in which I recognize my Number Two Son and myself); a perfectly marvelous Beetlejuice reference; and Capri's mom's excellent monologue late in the story about the importance of the work of investigative journalists. In the acknowledgments, the author gives snaps to her life partner for not being disturbed by her obsession with true-crime podcasts and documentaries. If I become a mystery or thriller writer—based on my affinity for fictional mysteries—my partner will deserve the same. It takes an extraordinary person to accept—or, at the very least, acknowledge—another's fascinations and thought processes, however dark . . . and to continue living confidently with them.

As she did for the first installment, Stephanie Németh-Parker narrates. She has definitely earned a spot on my trusted narrators list.

I'm hopeful that there will be a third installment. I will wait impatiently.

This unbiased review is based on ARCs supplied by the publishers—St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books and Macmillan Audio. Publication is expected September 23.


31 August 2025

My Grandma and Grandpa Rock!, Pat Benatar, Neil Giraldo, and Tiffany Everett (Illustrator) 5
A book for the coolest grandpas and grandmas everywhere!

Grandparents love to rock every way they can—whether it's by singing out loud, dancing to a song in their hearts, or just living their best lives!

From the musical team of Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo comes a lyrical read-aloud that celebrates all kinds of grandparents from all walks of life—from plumbers to yoga instructors to . . . rock stars! [from the publisher]

This book is for all types of grandparents and grandchildren . . . and their kids/parents in between. It's full of energy and love. Illustrations are colorful, inclusive, multicultural, and exuberant. [I found the little socked feet especially adorable.] Families are shown doing things together that are special to both the grandparent and grandchild. A wide range of hobbies and jobs are shown. They even mention a variety of lovey names, noting that some grands have extra-special names just for them (less usual/not listed—mine is Sunny).

Even if the words had not been penned by '80s rockers Benatar and Giraldo, I would have read it. But, it's especially delightful to see them embracing this aspect of their lives . . . and sharing it with all the other grandparents who rock in their own ways!

This unbiased review is based on an ARC supplied by the publisher—SOURCEBOOKS Kids | Sourcebooks Jabberwocky. Publication is expected September 9.


23 August 2025

Season of the Witch (Toil and Trouble #3), Sophie H. Morgan 2.5
It was a passion neither could forget—until he did.

Tia Hightower isn’t sure how she went from being a powerful witch to fake dating her ex at a winter house party.

For eight years, she has refused to speak Henry Pearlmatter's name. Now, with their family businesses merged, she and her insufferable ex must pretend to be together to secure an investment. Sharing a room—and a bed—with Henry is bad enough. Even worse is that Tia might have had a small potion mishap . . . and accidentally erased Henry’s memories of her.

Henry might not remember his ex, but whatever went wrong in the past, he intends to figure it out. Faking feelings for Tia isn’t exactly difficult, but one thing’s for certain: starlight carnivals and mulled-wine kisses can't change history.

With the threat of Henry’s memories hovering over every stolen moment, their time together is running out. But a little bit of Christmas magic and the snow-melting heat between them have Tia wondering if it’s time to risk her heart once more, even if it's with the warlock who once broke it. . . . [from the publisher]

The publisher's blurb of this book sounded really cute to me. A Christmasy paranormal romance? Yes, please! Sadly, it just wasn't my cup of potion. Your mileage may vary, so read on.

I haven't read the first two books in the series, but I was assured by other early readers in one of my bookish social groups that I didn't need to in order to follow and enjoy the story. It reads like a standalone, even though I know supporting characters in this book are main characters in the other books.

The book didn't live up to my expectations because it is so very full of explicit sex and profanity that there's really nothing interesting going on—there's essentially no story to hold it together. I prefer closed-door sex in books because I'm most interested in character development and story advancement, not other people's personal sex lives. I'm not throwing shade on “spicy” romance lovers—it's just not my preference. If I had known this was that, I would have passed it by. [The book listing on two platforms didn't mention it when I was doing my pre-request light research.] Profanity itself isn't generally a problem for me, but I save it for severe situations, not for liberal all-occasion use, when it ceases to have any impact.

  • pro: occasional snarky humor; partially set in Chicago
  • con: too long; bad open-door sex to plot ratio; too many unappealing characters; excessive profanity

The audiobook is narrated by Natalie Duke.

This unbiased review is based on an ARC supplied by the publisher—Harlequin Audio. Publication is expected September 2.


19 August 2025

Sisters in the Wind, Angeline Boulley 3.33
From the instant New York Times bestselling author of Firekeeper’s Daughter and Warrior Girl Unearthed comes a daring new mystery about a foster teen claiming her heritage on her own terms.

Ever since Lucy Smith’s father died five years ago; “home” has been more of an idea than a place. She knows being on the run is better than anything waiting for her as a “ward of the state.” But when the sharp-eyed and kind Mr. Jameson with an interest in her case comes looking for her; Lucy wonders if hiding from her past will ever truly keep her safe.

Five years in the foster system has taught her to be cautious and smart. But she wants to believe Mr. Jameson and his “friend-not-friend”; a tall and fierce-looking woman who say they want to look after her. They also tell Lucy the truth her father hid from her: She is Ojibwe; she has—had—a sister; and more siblings; a grandmother who’d look after her and a home where she would be loved.

But Lucy is being followed. The past has destroyed any chance at safety she had. Will the secrets she's hiding swallow her whole and take away any hope for the future she always dreamed of?

When the past comes for revenge; it’s fight or flight.

Angeline Boulley's award-winning canon of books puts compelling characters and fast-paced action at the center of narratives rich in historical context. Read Firekeeper's Daughter; Warrior Girl Unearthed; and the soon-to-be-released Sisters of the Wind in any order; but like the world itself; there are echoes within each for the other stories. [from the publisher]

While I was invested in Lucy's story in Sisters in the Wind, too much flipping back and forth through the timeline sometimes made it confusing and tedious to read. Too, while I truly appreciated the history, culture, and social justice aspects (as always), Boulley crammed too much into the epilogue and author's note. In Boulley's first two books, I felt that those aspects were given the honor and focus they deserved . . . within the text.

The publisher's blurb indicates that you can read Boulley's first three books in any order: Firekeeper’s Daughter (2021; I rated 3.66 stars), Warrior Girl Unearthed (2023, to which I awarded all 5 stars!), and Sisters in the Wind (2025; this review). I would strongly recommend reading the first book first, as two significant characters in the new book are featured heavily in Firekeeper’s Daughter, and there are several other characters from book one mentioned in—and important to—book three. I don't have strong feelings about which book to read second. No matter what your reading order [1, 2, 3 or 1, 3, 2], don't miss the Firekeeper’s Daughter series.

I anticipated at least two major plot points well in advance, but it didn't detract terribly from my overall enjoyment.

All of Boulley's books are substantive and serious. Content warnings for this book include racism; generational trauma; abuse of the foster system; stolen children and illegal adoptions; incest and sexual abuse, including of minors; and brutal violence, including murder. While these are intense, they are necessary to the honest retelling of the horrors that have been perpetrated against Indigenous people in the United States of America throughout its history. I share the content warnings so each reader can decide for themselves, not as a deterrent to reading whatever one chooses. If possible, I recommend reading these, even though they may be uncomfortable and are certainly upsetting.

The audio edition is admirably narrated by Isabella Star LaBlanc, who might be new to me.

This unbiased review is based on an ARC supplied by the publisher—Macmillan Audio | Macmillan Young Listeners. Publication is expected September 2.


13 August 2025

Troubling Tonsils!, Aaron Reynolds & Peter Brown (Illustrator) 4
From the team behind the New York Times bestselling and Caldecott Medal–winning Creepy Carrots! and its sequels comes the first entry in a spin-off chapter book series in which Jasper Rabbit tells the story of a young marmot whose tonsils get the better of him.

Jasper the Rabbit is back! A little older and wiser, he collects creepy stories to share as cautionary tales. If you’re ready for some chills and chuckles alike, tune in as Jasper weaves the yarn of Charlie Marmot and the particular pickle he found himself in.

See, Charlie here has a problem: his tonsils have become infected and have to come out. No biggie, right? But when he decides he wants to keep them in a jar for show and tell, things get creepy. . . . First, strange slurping sounds in his room keep Charlie awake the night before his surgery. Then, he goes to the doctor only to be told his tonsils are already gone! Could it be they’re out for revenge?

Join Jasper and Charlie in this first Creepy Tale chapter book and learn from Charlie’s mistakes before it’s too late! [from the publisher]

Troubling Tonsils! is an entertainingly creepy and funny chapter book for kids in which Jasper Rabbit tells a cautionary tale about a young marmot named Charlie who needs his tonsils removed. This is my first experience with author Aaron Reynolds. Illustrations by Peter Brown are cute and animated. I loved what I interpreted as visual and textual nods to Rod Serling and the original The Twilight Zone television series (1959–1964—before both author and I were born). References like this in children's media make multigenerational sharing great fun!

While my personal littles (grands) aren't yet ready for chapter books, I'll keep this series in mind for them, and I heartily recommend it for kids who are ready now.

This unbiased review is based on an ARC supplied by the publisher—Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing | Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers. Publication is expected September 2.


11 August 2025

The Marigold Cottages Murder Collective, Jo Nichols 4.5
Mrs. B, the landlady of The Marigold Cottages is a stubborn idealist who only rents to people she cares about: Sophie, an anxious young playwright with a dark past; Hamilton, an agoraphobe who likes to overshare; Ocean, a queer sculptor raising two kids alone; the perfectionist Lily-Ann; and Nicholas, a finance bro who’s hiding secrets.

The tenants live contentedly in their doll-house bungalows in Santa Barbara, just minutes from the beach, until their peace is shattered when Anthony, a quiet, hulking, but potentially violent ex-con moves in. Three weeks later, a dead body is discovered on the streets of the peaceful neighborhood. Anthony is arrested, and the tenants heave sighs of relief. Until Mrs. B, convinced that he's innocent, marches down to the police station and confesses to the crime herself. The tenants band together and form “The Marigold Cottages Murder Collective” to save their beloved landlady. As clues are unearthed and secrets are revealed, the community of misfits only grows more tight-knit . . . until a second body is found. Full of eccentricity, humor, community, The Marigold Cottages Murder Collective will keep you hooked until the last page. [from the publisher]

The publisher's blurb was right this time: The Marigold Cottages Murder Collective did keep me hooked until the last page! Not only that, it so thoroughly entertained me that I'm already certain I'll read it again . . . and perhaps even add it to my personal library (which is, of course, space-limited).

The book is richly descriptive, and stars a motley crew of residents who interact with each other in various combinations and with mixed success . . . until they come together for a common cause.

All told, I found the story to be a delicious blend of tenderness, warmth, humor (running the gamut from corny to subtle to sharp) and darkness (also in various degrees). There are even dashes of life-lessons and social commentary. [Don't be afraid!]

If I were writing this review post-publication, I'd be hard-pressed to decide which—and how many—quotes to share.

The lion's share of the audiobook narration lands on Meg Price, who is new to me somehow, despite nearly 200 credits. She's nothing short of spectacular at voicing the wildly different characters. Jim Meskimen narrates the (fewer) male character chapters.

This unbiased review is based on ARCs supplied by the publishers—St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books and Macmillan Audio. Publication is expected August 19.


6 August 2025

For the Record, Emma Lord 3
Once the most notorious rivals in the music scene, pop princess Mackenzie Waters and punk rockstar Sam Blaze electrified audiences as their bands clashed on stage. But behind the scenes, their simmering tension grew into something more—until suddenly both bands fell apart, and the idea of Mackenzie and Sam did, too.

Two years later, Sam has traded the rockstar lifestyle for a quiet life raising the son he didn’t know about. Meanwhile, Mackenzie is dealing with a postoperative change in her voice by only singing under a pseudonym. The only way to revive their public careers? A joint comeback album.

With fans over the moon and their futures on the line, Sam and Mackenzie face their biggest challenge yet: giving up their old rivalry and learning to work together. But as old sparks fly and new secrets emerge, they set off a chain reaction neither of them could have anticipated—one that proves that sometimes, the greatest hits are the ones yet to be written. [from the publisher]

From the start, For the Record is too angsty for my liking—the story asks an awful lot in exchange for the promised happily-ever-after. As I have in the past, I wonder if I'd be better off sticking to Lord's YA novels (of which I have enjoyed several), where immaturity is at least forgivable. That being said, as the characters' background stories are slowly revealed, the reader can see how all the pieces fit together—why the characters act (and interact) as they do. On that level, Lord does well enough in this book.

Ben (Sam's young son) is barely present, but is the best part of the book. He is sweet, funny, and creative.

Content warnings include parental abandonment.

The audiobook is voiced by Andrew Eiden and Jesse Vilinsky, both of whom are repeat narrators for me. I didn't care for Vilinsky's narration as much as usual—several female characters came across as too breathy and/or whiny. However, the narrator shouldn't be penalized if my probable real objection is not liking those characters.

This unbiased review is based on an ARC supplied by the publisher—Macmillan Audio. Publication is expected August 12.


20 July 2025

For Duck's Sake (Meg Langslow #37), Donna Andrews 4
Meg is in the backyard of the house her brother Rob, Delaney, and their new baby have moved into, supervising some workmen who are using a bulldozer to start digging out a duck pond. She wants to get away from her own house, which has become the staging site for Caerphilly's first Mutt March, which will be held the next day. Meg thinks it will be more peaceful at Rob's house—and it is until the bulldozers uncover a skeleton whose skull has a hole and a bullet rattling around inside.

Meanwhile, Chief Burke begins searching the police records to see if he can identify any missing persons who would fit the bill. He doesn't turn down Meg's offer to help with his identification efforts, and she begins looking in the library and talking to old-timers. She's all the more eager to help because Iris Rafferty, who sold the house to Rob and Delaney and still lives in the mother-in-law suite, disappears the morning after the finding of the body . . . does her disappearance have anything to do with finding the body? Was it voluntary? Or was she kidnapped—possibly by the prowlers who are spotted lurking around the half-finished duck pond at night? Or do the prowlers have sinister designs on one or more of the dogs who will be marching in the parade? [from the publisher]

The Meg Langslow cozy mystery series has become a twice-a-year treat and comfort to me.

As is typical, the entire family—and much of the town—is involved in solving the mystery. Notable features of this installment include multiple storylines; library and bookstore love; a dog parade/adoption event; a vindication; and two crochety old ladies, one of whom stitches off-color samplers. Content warnings include murder (of course), dogfighting, nepotism, and corruption.

Bernadette Dunne continues to be the voice of Meg and crew.

This unbiased review is based on an ARC supplied by the publisher—Macmillan Audio. Publication is expected August 5.


17 July 2025

If All Else Sails, Emma St. Clair 3.5
When Josie's brother sends her to a random address for their (sometimes) annual Super Summer Sibling Extravaganza, she finds neither siblings nor extravaganzas. Instead, ends up at a run-down cottage on the Northern Neck of Virginia occupied by a hockey player she knows and loathes.

A hockey player who isn't just one of her sports agent brother's clients. He's also his best friend. And Josie's sworn enemy.

Oh—and her brother wants Josie to help Wyatt recover from his injury.

Dragging grumpy hockey players to physical therapy is a far cry from bandaging skinned knees, but for the price her brother offers to pay, Josie is willing to try.

Even if it means sharing what she dubs the quaint little murder cottage with Wyatt.

Begrudgingly, Josie starts to see a little more of the man behind the grumpy exterior. And when she finds out he was supposed to sail the Intracoastal Waterway south to Savannah scattering his uncle's ashes, Josie surprises even herself by offering to be Wyatt's first mate.

Smooth sailing is nowhere to be found, and Josie begins to wonder if they'll be able to make it home without killing—or kissing?—each other.

And yet, the longer they share cramped quarters and canned food, the more of Wyatt's layers she peels back until Josie realizes she misunderstood him, their shared history, and perhaps herself as well. [from the publisher]

School nurse Josie and hockey player Wyatt get manipulated into spending the summer together by Josie's brother/Wyatt's best friend. An enemies-to-lovers romance ensues. The publisher's blurb does a great job of summarizing the story . . . pretty much start to finish.

This is my first experience reading St. Clair's work. If All Else Sails is a clean, closed-door romance with banter and mild humor. Overall, it makes for a sensitive, sweet, easy read. It's not all happiness and light, though: Josie alludes to her dislike of athletes so many times throughout the book—and Wyatt brings it up at least once each in the first half and the last quarter—that I became impatient. I felt like Josie's trauma was being pimped—a decidedly unclean tactic—to draw out the friction between Josie and Wyatt. Additional content warnings include the death of a beloved uncle (before the story begins) and temporary peril to a dog. Despite these rough topics, the reader gets the expected happily-ever-after. I feel confident rating the book higher than average, despite my one considerable objection, and I'll consider reading more of the author's work.

Narrators Andi Arndt and Patrick Zeller (new to me) both have pleasant voices and delivery.

This unbiased review is based on an ARC supplied by the publisher—Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio. Publication is expected August 5.


13 July 2025

Savvy Summers and the Sweet Potato Crimes, Sandra Jackson-Opoku 4
When Savvy Summers first opened Essie's soul food café, she never expected her customer-favorite sweet potato pie to become the center of a murder investigation. But when Grandy Jaspers, the 75-year-old neighborhood womanizer, drops dead at table two, she suddenly has more to worry about than just maintaining Essie's reputation for the finest soul food in the Chicagoland area.

Even as the police deem Grandy’s death an accident, Savvy quickly finds herself—and her beloved café—in the middle of an entire city’s worth of bad press. Desperate to clear her name and keep her business afloat, Savvy and her snooping assistant manager, Penny Lopés, take it upon themselves to find who really killed Grandy.

But with a slimy investor harassing her to sell her name and business, customers avoiding her sweet potato pie like the plague, and her police sergeant ex-husband suddenly back in the picture, will Savvy be able to clear the café’s name and solve Grandy’s murder before it all falls apart?

After all, while Savvy always said her sweet potato pie was to die for, she never meant literally. [from the publisher]

Sandra Jackson-Opoku is not a debut author, but this is her debut cozy mystery. It's a real treat!

Set on the South Side of Chicago, with plentiful mentions of the various component neighborhoods (including my own childhood neighborhood—Hyde Park), the story includes quite a range of fully developed characters—mostly members of the immediate community. Savvy is an especially appealing and interesting character—we learn about her childhood, family, relationships, and careers. The story also includes elements of the Great Migration, politics, greed, infidelity, culture, and music. It makes for an immersive experience.

By the time this story takes place, Savvy's Great-Aunt Essie—who raised her after she was orphaned at age 10—has been dead for over 40 years. Unsurprisingly, though, Savvy continues to be heavily influenced by Aunt Essie's expressions, which add so much color, emotion, and humor throughout the story. There is a section at the end of the book that “translates” Essie's expressions, as well as a section with some of her recipes.

It appears that a series is planned. I'm looking forward to reading more!

I was wowed by narrator Karen Chilton—another South Side native. Chilton is multitalented: an award-winning narrator, actor, and writer.

This unbiased review is based on ARCs supplied by the publishers—St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books and Macmillan Audio. Publication is expected July 29.


4 July 2025

The Magician of Tiger Castle, Louis Sachar 3
Long ago and far away (and somewhere south of France) lies the kingdom of Esquaveta. There, Princess Tullia is in nearly as much peril as her struggling kingdom. Esquaveta desperately needs to forge an alliance, and to that end, Tullia's father has arranged a marriage between her and an odious prince. However, one month before the “wedding of the century,” Tullia falls in love with a lowly apprentice scribe.

The king turns to Anatole, his much-maligned magician. Seventeen years earlier, when Anatole first came to the castle, he was regarded as something of a prodigy. But after a long series of failures—the latest being an attempt to transform sand into gold—he has become the object of contempt and ridicule. The only one who still believes in him is the princess.

When the king orders Anatole to brew a potion that will ensure Tullia agrees to the wedding, Anatole is faced with an impossible choice. With one chance to save the marriage, the kingdom, and, of most importance to him, his reputation, will he betray the princess—or risk ruin? [from the publisher]

The news that Louis Sachar was writing his first fiction for adults put me over the moon. I enjoyed his middle grade Holes immensely—both sharing it with my boys when they were young and rereading it on my own once they were adults (perhaps my first read of 2019). [I found the Holes sequel, Small Steps, fun, but not extraordinary.]

It might be unfair of me to hold Sachar to the Holes standard for his adult debut . . . at least that's what I'm trying to convince myself. It's not at all long, but it felt long because I wasn't excited about picking it up for each reading opportunity. By the time I reached the quarter point, my overwhelming thought was that the humor was so immature that maybe Sachar was still writing with middle-graders in mind. Another sticking point for me was that Anatole (Natto, for short) explained too much to the reader, as if they hadn't learned anything about the development of science, printing, language, medicine, or history during their schooling. Just over the halfway point, the story takes a dramatic and dark turn, which improved my interest level a bit.

While the book includes some sex and violence, I don't think there's anything so severe in the The Magician of Tiger Castle that today's middle-graders would be alarmed. However, as always, I would advise parents to preview the story before making decisions appropriate to their own families.

My followers know that I sometimes say “I'm not mad that I read it.” This is one of those cases. I'm glad I read it once, but I don't expect to reread it. I hope Sachar will continue writing for adults—hopefully addressing his adult readers' concerns.

This unbiased review is based on an ARC supplied by the publisher—Berkley Publishing Group | Ace. Publication is expected August 5.


2 July 2025

Mrs. Plansky Goes Rogue (Mrs. Plansky #2), Spencer Quinn 3
Mrs. Plansky is fresh off of winning a thrilling senior tennis championship with her doubles partner, Kev Dinardo, and is gearing up to celebrate with him on his yacht. That is, until the yacht is destroyed in a fire. Kev claims the fire was caused by a lightning strike, pure bad luck, but there's one small problem—Mrs. Plansky didn't see any lightning.

Already certain there's more going on than she's being told, Mrs. Plansky's curiosity turns to concern when Kev goes missing. Her suspicion gets the better of her and leads her to break into his house, only to find it ransacked.

But Kev isn't the only person Mrs. Plansky has to worry about. A conversation with her dad reveals that not long ago, he'd introduced Kev to Jack, Mrs. Plansky's wayward tennis pro son. And now, her dad—distracted by arrangements for his upcoming wedding—either can't remember or has no interest in divulging any details.

Worse? Now Jack has gone missing, too. [from the publisher]

While the series opener, Mrs. Plansky's Revenge (2023), was far-fetched, it was also action-packed and had interesting and well-developed characters. Unfortunately, this sequel takes a step down from the level of charm and energy of the first book.

Loretta herself comes across as flighty and distractible. In the first book, she was feisty and determined. Worse, her dad is simply awful! How much of it is age or illness and how much is just his personality? Regardless, I wish he didn't play such a big part. I can't think of any especially appealing characters this time around, off the top of my head. The mystery itself took a few turns . . . albeit too late to maintain or salvage excitement.

From a cursory glance at other early readers' ratings (not reviews), I don't seem to be alone in my preference for the first installment. However, fans of the first book—or cozy mysteries in general—should decide for themselves.

Petrea Burchard narrates a varied cast of characters well, continuing her role in the series.

This unbiased review is based on an ARC supplied by the publisher—Macmillan Audio from Tor Forge. Publication is expected July 15.


27 June 2025

Death of an Ex (Vandy Myrick #2), Delia Pitts 4.33
Queenstown, New Jersey, feels big when you need help and tiny when you want privacy. For Vandy Myrick, that’s both a blessing and a curse. Now that Vandy’s back in “Q-Town,” her services as her hometown’s only Black woman private investigator have earned her more celebrity—or notoriety—than she figured.

Keeping busy with work helps Vandy deal with the grief of losing her daughter, stitching the seams, cementing the gaps. The memories will always remain, and they come crashing back to the surface when her ex-husband, Phil Bolden, walks back into her life. Promising everything, returning home, restoring family. Until she answers her door to the news that Phil has been murdered. And Vandy decides Phil is now her client.

It’s hard to separate the Phil that Vandy knew from the one Queenstown did. She sees him—and their daughter—in Phil’s son, who attends a prestigious local high school. She sees the layers of a complicated marriage with his wife. She sees all of Phil’s various roles: parent, husband, businessman, philanthropist. But which role got him killed? [from the publisher]

I rated last year's series opener, Trouble in Queenstown, highly. Death of an Ex was even more impressive to me. I'll gladly continue to read this series, if it continues.

This installment includes many connections that unfold gradually, but with big impact. Vandy is certainly flawed. Ultimately, her positive qualities—family ties, friendships, loyalty, sense of justice, curiosity, and determination—power her and make her an appealing character. Despite the content warnings—infidelity; extreme violence, including multiple murders; blackmail; and various other crimes—there is a positive conclusion, of sorts.

The author's background is fascinating—she was a journalist, U.S. diplomat, and a university administrator before leaving academia to begin writing fiction.

Bahni Turpin again narrates the audiobook. Her work is consistently extraordinary.

This unbiased review is based on ARCs supplied by the publishers—St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books and Macmillan Audio. Publication is expected July 15.


22 June 2025

Dogged Pursuit, David Rosenfelt 4
In Dogged Pursuit, David Rosenfelt takes readers back to the start of this beloved series as Andy Carpenter begins his career as a defense attorney in Paterson, New Jersey.

Andy Carpenter has spent the three years since graduating law school working as a prosecutor in Paterson. But having seen how the system never looks out for the little guy, he leaves to start his own practice as a defense attorney. His office might be a little bit of a dump, but he's excited to make a change.

Andy goes to the shelter to adopt a dog, where he meets his beloved golden retriever, Tara, for the first time and feels an immediate connection. The shelter is crowded and Tara's been sharing space with a dog named Sunny; Andy hates to break them up and so asks to take Sunny, too, but since there's a pending criminal case involving the owner, he'll need to get written permission for temporary possession.

Andy discovers that Sunny's owner, Frank Tierney, has been arrested for the murder of his ex-boss. But he takes an immediate liking to Frank and his clear dedication to his dog, and ends up with his first case along with the two dogs.

This prequel to the long-running and perennially popular Andy Carpenter mysteries is a gift for fans and a terrific entry-point for newcomers. [from the publisher]

Regardless of where you fall in the Andy Carpenter universe—returning reader or newbie—this prequel is a good read. I'm a bit of an oddball, having read installments one, seven, and 27 through 30, plus this prequel. I've come to look forward to the two new installments Rosenfelt writes per year. While the canine characters allow for some cozy moments, these really are full-fledged legal thrillers. If you're an exclusively cozy mystery reader, these may not be for you.

Readers are introduced (or reintroduced) to Andy; his District Attorney dad, Nelson; dogs Tara (Andy's) and Sunny (a new client's); first wife, Nicole; and team members Sam Willis, Laurie Collins, and Marcus Clark. The installment includes all the usual sarcastic humor, requisite violence, and questionable investigation tactics. Grover Gardner continues series narration. At this point, no other narrator could possibly seem right. Returning readers will find one of Andy's final statements funny. Let me know when you know what I'm talking about.

This unbiased review is based on an ARC supplied by the publisher—Macmillan Audio. Publication is expected July 1.


22 June 2025

How Big is Zagnodd?, Sandra Boynton 5
Finally, a board book that dares to answer the question: “HOW BIG IS ZAGNODD?” (Spoiler alert: SO big.) From there, we zip around outer space to meet a wild variety of aliens—Boknuk, Fleeb, Igwak, to name a few—who are LONG or FUZZY or BRIGHT or DANCEY or SLEEPY. And then, for reasons that aren’t entirely clear, there’s Steve.

This hilarious new book from the out-of-this-world Sandra Boynton will have Earthlings big and small giggling with delight. [from the publisher]

How cute is this book? Spoiler alert: SO cute! [This has not yet been tested on the grands, but I'm completely entertained.]

19 June 2025

Total Dreamboat, Katelyn Doyle 3
Hope Lanover needs a vacation. Her relationship has imploded, her creative ambitions have flatlined, and she can’t seem to locate the badass girl she used to be. So when her best friend invites her on a luxury cruise, she goes along with it, despite decidedly not being a cruise person.

Felix Segrave, a sober, determinedly single, workaholic chef, hates leaving his restaurant and routine. But when his parents surprise him and his sisters with cruise tickets, he can’t say no—he’s disappointed them too many times in his troubled past.

Hope and Felix are prepared to grin and bear it . . . until they lock eyes at check-in. Suddenly ten days in the Caribbean doesn’t seem so bad, if it means a fling with a sexy stranger. But when their romantic demons catch up to them and a huge fight leaves them stranded in paradise, they must work together—not to mention share a bed—to make their way home. Can they navigate the stormy seas of love or will they face romantic shipwreck? [from the publisher]

I found Total Dreamboat quite funny in the beginning. Unfortunately, there wasn't enough banter for my tastes to make up for Hope's best friend's influencer ickiness, Hope's ex's creepiness, or the rapid and extreme deterioration of Hope and Felix's vacation affair. My favorite romances/rom-coms include a lot of humor, characters I'm rooting for, and deep connections. I didn't feel deeply engaged here. I found Felix's sisters to be the most fun characters. The happily-ever-after is sufficiently satisfying.

Kelli Tager is at least a second-time narrator for me, while Russ Bain might be new to me. Both did a good job with their characters.

This unbiased review is based on an ARC supplied by the publisher—Macmillan Audio from Flatiron Books. Publication is expected June 24.


16 June 2025

The Four Engagement Rings of Sybil Rain (Mistakes We Never Made #2), Hannah Brown 3.5
Starling Ranch Inn promises to be a tropical paradise, and Sybil can’t wait to escape there, all expenses paid. Well technically the expenses were paid—last year, when she was supposed to go to Hawaii for her honeymoon with her then-fiancé Jamie. But the wedding didn’t go as planned (or at all), and now she’s decided to use those hotel vouchers alone, before they expire.

Sybil’s expecting mai tais, med spas and me-time, so she nearly plunges backwards into the infinity pool when she sees that Jamie has had the same idea! His family business is thinking of buying the resort, so he’s here with a gorgeous, tangerine bikini-clad “colleague” to give the property a once-over.

Desperate to save face in front of the ex who broke her heart at the altar, Sybil accidentally-on-purpose blurts out that she’s here with her boyfriend. But what starts as a harmless lie to spare her dignity soon spirals into an ex-fiancé fiasco when Sebastian—the second of Sybil’s three failed engagements—pops by fresh off a photography gig. Seb’s always up for a good time, and happy to play along . . . sparking unexpected jealousy in Jamie.

From snorkeling snafus to stunning vistas to staff parties at the beach, Sybil does her best to juggle two ex-fiancés, but it’s becoming clear that her past of broken promises must be reckoned with once and for all—including that first fiancé, Liam, the one she never talks about. . . .

Is the notorious free-spirit, life-of-the-party, runaway bride Sybil Rain ready to heal from her three past engagements and make room in her heart for a fourth and final chance at love? [from the publisher]

I was somewhat hesitant to read about a young woman who already has three failed engagements under her belt. I'm glad I did. The story has a mix of drama, comedy, action, and romance.

My favorite characters were actually minor ones—in particular, the resort bartender, concierge, and horseback riding instructor. Both fiancé #3, Jaime, and the horseback riding instructor fondly—and significantly—reference their grandparents. [I had one of the GOAT grandparents, so good grandparent characters—no matter how limited—earn bonus points from me every time.] It isn't until around 93% into the book that Sybil realizes she is worthy of great love, and that she already has it from her girlfriends/squad—no surprise to the readers.

This is the second book in a series of undetermined length—the first is Mistakes We Never Made. I don't think I missed anything by reading them out of order. I gave Sybil a slight rating bump because I'm curious enough to go back and read the first installment.

Narrator Cherami Leigh has a pleasant, youthful voice.

Content warnings include infertility, miscarriage, and an emotionally abusive and controlling romantic partner (past).

This unbiased review is based on an ARC supplied by the publisher—Hachette Audio | Forever. Publication is expected June 24.


13 June 2025

Sunny Side Up, Katie Sturino 2
From body-acceptance advocate and MEGABABE founder Katie Sturino comes a heartwarming and hilarious debut.

Sunny Greene is thirty-five, recently divorced, facing the looming prospect of going solo to her little brother’s wedding, and currently trying to find anything plus-sized in the Bergdorf Goodman swimsuit department that doesn’t make her want to cry. It’s not going well. But isn’t rock bottom the perfect place to start a climb?

She decides it’s now or never. Sunny has her PR empire, her gorgeous Chelsea apartment, her two dogs, and her loyal best friends. Maybe it's time to just love her body and accept herself for who she is. With a new commitment to confidence, her journey begins. Who says a plus-sized divorcee can’t put herself first, feel beautiful, and date up a storm?

Of course things are never straightforward in the dating world. Is fate knocking at her door with Dennis, the charming and down-to-earth mailman, or should she be with Ted, the business tycoon who seems ready to make her size-inclusive swimsuit brand a reality? And what should she do about her ex, who shows up unexpectedly, eager to reconnect?

With the same candor and confidence her followers love, Sturino brings us Sunny Greene, a Carrie Bradshaw for the next generation, and her journey through the trials and triumphs of dating, friendship, and finding yourself. [from the publisher]

I didn't know anything about Katie Sturino before I was invited to read her debut novel. I liked the premise of body acceptance. I was also all-in for Sunny's personal empowerment and entrepreneurship. I even was drawn by the comparison to Sex and the City, which I've watched completely more than once (though not in a long time). Somewhere during or after Chapter 4 (roughly 16–20% in), I made a note for myself that I was extremely bored. Despite everything drawing me to the story, I felt like it was being delivered clinically, and that maybe she should have written an autobiography instead. The clinical treatment diminished somewhat as the story developed, but the further I got into the story, the less I liked Sunny as a person.

There were a couple of sections that delivered messages one would expect from a body-acceptance advocate especially well. In Chapter 10, there is a section about mixed messages to girls and women—how they change as we age, and different societal expectations and ideas about girls and women versus boys and men. In Chapter 16, Sunny talks about body neutrality (acknowledgement) being healthier than body positivity (e.g. claiming to love one's cellulite—most likely insincere). Beyond these messages, pros include narrator Yael Rizowy, the character of Sunny's seamstress, and animal companions (in this case, canine). [Yes, I'm grasping at straws.] Cons include foul language, explicit and casual sex with multiple partners (not limited to those mentioned in the blurb), a passive-aggressive mother, and infidelity. The story delivers the expected happily-ever-after, but I didn't feel it was the least bit deserved, considering Sunny's behavior throughout—most specifically the shabby way she treated Dennis and Ted in pursuit of both satisfying her sexual desires and securing a date to her brother's wedding.

While this book wasn't for me, perhaps the author's established followers will enjoy it thoroughly.

This unbiased review is based on an ARC supplied by the publisher—Macmillan Audio. Publication is expected June 24.


11 June 2025

Everything's Coming Up Rosie, Courtney Walsh 3.66
Sometimes what you think you want and what you actually want turn out to be different things. . . .

Rosie Waterman has one dream: to become a working actor. But lately, that hasn't been working out. When she loses her apartment and her job on the same day, she does what she always does—puts herself out there, ready to find the next big thing. But a trip home makes her realize that while she's been struggling to make this dream come true, all her friends have become real adults with careers and weddings and babies on the way. Rosie's been at this for years, and she has nothing to show for it. But how does she simply let go of her dream?

When she's offered a job as the director of a regional theatre's production of Cinderella, she jumps at the chance—even though she's only directed in college and the job is in Door County, Wisconsin, and not in New York. She has no other offers, and at least she'll be getting paid to do something theatrical. But when she arrives, she quickly realizes that the “regional theatre” is actually in a retirement community, and the “actors” are actually senior citizens with no acting experience whatsoever.

Working on the show presents new challenges, forcing Rosie to learn how to step up and be the leader this fledgling theatre troupe needs. The more time she spends with her new cast, the more she begins to rethink what it means to dream big, especially when that big dream hasn't turned out to be at all what she thought it would be. It's not at all what she expected, but could it be exactly what she needs? [from the publisher]

Everything's Coming Up Rosie is full of almost-exclusively likeable characters, starting with Rosie herself (despite her emotional baggage and current job crisis), as well as her best friends from home; retirement community staff—human resources director Connie, hot physical therapist Booker, events coordinator and Rosie's roommate Daisy, and Nurse Louie; teen Dylan, who has been dumped on her grandparents for the summer (she grows on us quickly); and a motley crew of retirement community residents, most notably Booker's grandmother, Bertie, and the curmudgeonly Arthur (who, like Dylan, grows on us). While the book opens in New York City, settings include Rosie's small hometown of Pleasant Valley, Illinois; Door County, Wisconsin, where the bulk of the story takes place; and Chicago; along with a few mentions of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where one of Rosie's besties has taken a news anchor position.

There are some great zingers, including this one (of several) from Bertie: “Ha. Connie never met butter she didn't like to spread.”

Content warnings include family abandonment and parental and spousal death. Overall, though, the book is quite cozy—no foul language or explicit sex scenes.

This is at least my second experience with narrator Jorjeana Marie, who gives a fine performance.

This book was more entertaining to me than Walsh's The Summer of Yes (2024), which also featured a developing friendship between a younger woman and a much older person. This recipe seems to work well for Walsh—the younger and older characters learn from each other's experiences. There were quite a few more-significant relationships in Rosie, which went a long way in my increased enjoyment.

This unbiased review is based on an ARC supplied by the publisher—Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio. It was published June 10.


2 June 2025

Confessions of a Junior Spy, Rosaria Munda 3.66
Bea dreams of becoming a spy like her mom. Growing up in the Pangean Hotel, a secret sanctuary for spies, she spends her time studying self-defense, languages, codebreaking, and field medicine, preparing for the day when she can follow in her mother’s footsteps. But her mom has a different plan for Bea: She wants Bea to attend boarding school like one of the normal folk. Bea can’t think of a worse fate, the Life is all she’s ever known. But you do not say no to the Pangean League’s top spy.

While Bea is juggling test prep and applications with desperate plans to avoid going to normal school at all costs, a new girl moves into the hotel with her family. Chantal’s family is clearly on the run, and Bea and her best friend Tommy are certain they can use their skills and knowledge to help her. . . . If boarding school doesn’t get in the way first. [from the publisher]

I enjoyed this middle grade spy mystery, which is the first installment in a new series. The mission of the international spy organization is world peace, and agents are prohibited from using violence except in self-defense. This makes the book especially well-suited not only for the target audience, but also older readers who like mystery thrillers, but are looking for less-graphic content.

The young main character, Bea, has one spy parent (her mom) and one staff parent (her dad, the chef) in the part spy family sanctuary/part hotel for normal folk in which Bea's family lives. The spy kids have knacks (special skills), that tend to reveal themselves for the first time precisely when they are needed. Old (including Bea's best friend, Tommy) and new (including Chantal, who is from a normal family) friends, other sanctuary staff and spies (adults), and families learn, grow, and work together in various ways throughout the book. There is mild-to-moderate peril to people and animals in the story, but there are no fatalities.

Narrator Jesse Vilinsky's voice is occasionally frantic in this book. I wasn't quite sure if that portrayal felt just right for the few scenes or was a bit too much. Overall, however, her narration was good, covering a broad range of ages, accents, and pitches. Vilinsky is a welcome repeat narrator for me.

This unbiased review is based on an ARC supplied by the publisher—Macmillan Audio from Feiwel & Friends. Publication is expected June 10.


1 June 2025

When You Go to Dragon School, Chelsea M. Campbell 5
Perfect for fans of Dragons Love Tacos and We Don't Eat Our Classmates, this hilarious audiobook is sure to become a favorite storytime read-aloud in every little listener's library—human or dragon. When You Go to Dragon School features music and special effects. Listen along and enjoy the fun!

The human school is full, but don't worry, there's a spot waiting for you at the local dragon school! Even though you might not have scales or wings or the ability to breathe fire, with a little bit of courage and your own special talents, you'll have no trouble fitting in. Even if your classmates are a little bit . . . toothy. [from the publisher]

Right from the start, I was giggling at this super-cute story! The author manages to pack a lot into a picture book. The audio edition is narrated by Eunice Wong, who proves herself versatile—this is the first time I've heard her read a children's book.

I have already placed a library hold on the print edition, so I can enjoy the illustrations by Charlene Chua. I'm looking forward to reading this to my grands—the baby dragons.

This unbiased review is based on an ARC supplied by the publisher—Macmillan Audio | Macmillan Young Listeners from Feiwel & Friends. Publication is expected June 3.


25 May 2025

The Forest in the Sky (Greenwild #3), Pari Thomson 4.33
This is Daisy Thistledown’s greatest battle yet.

With the support of the Iffenwilders and their mighty water magic, Daisy and her new friend Max are finally setting off to rescue the Botanists—including Daisy’s mother—imprisoned in the heart of the Amazon rainforest. But when an unexpected attack sends the rescue mission spinning off course, Daisy finds herself confronting danger alone. With Max shipwrecked on a distant shore, her only hope is to find Amazeria: a wild and wondrous pocket of the Greenwild, hidden in the heart of the ancient forest. But time is running out—and with every passing day, the terrible Reaper King is drawing closer.

In the shadows of the great rainforest, it’s impossible to know who to trust. Daisy and her friends must draw on every ounce of courage they have to fight for Daisy’s Ma, for the Greenwild, and for everything they hold most dear. [from the publisher]

This series conclusion picks up where book two left off, so one really must read the trilogy in order. The events of all three books take place within just a few months. This is, by far, my favorite installment.

Thomson paints a vivid picture of the fantasy worlds, and the story is action-packed. Narrator Sophia Nomvete expertly adds to the excitement and suspense.

As always, each kid contributes some expertise or assistance to resolve the situation. Of course, sometimes the children hatch truly foolhardy plans—probably thinking they are being brave and daring, but maybe simply not really thinking. Luckily, whether by their own devices or with help from others on their team—both children and adults—they pull through. [There is plenty of peril throughout the series, including kidnapping, murder, and deaths of parents and grandparents.]

There's a great twist at around the 90% mark and another exciting revelation at around 94%.

I'm sad that this imaginative and exciting middle grade fantasy trilogy is over, and quite hopeful that Thomson will continue writing . . . for any age group.

This unbiased review is based on an ARC supplied by the publisher—Macmillan Audio | Macmillan Young Listeners from Farrar, Straus and Giroux. Publication is expected June 3.


20 May 2025

He's to Die For, Erin Dunn 3.5
At 29, Detective Rav Trivedi is the youngest member of the NYPD’s homicide squad, and his future looks bright. He may be a bit of an outsider in the department—an ivy-league educated gay Brit with a weakness for designer suits—but his meteoric rise and solve rate prove he belongs.

So when his CO assigns him lead on the high-profile murder of a record executive, Rav is ready for action. He won’t be distracted by TV crews, tabloids, or what’s trending on social media, nor by the ridiculously hot rock star with a clear motive and no alibi.

This is it, his shot, and he is not going to screw it up—certainly not by falling in love with his number one suspect. . . . [from the publisher]

I was surprised to find that He's to Die For is a debut!

The book is funny, especially in its descriptions of Rav's personality—he's what some might call . . . fussy. Some might, more graciously, call him particular. Regardless, Rav is appealing and human. I enjoyed his inner monologue. The book is also sweet and sexy. The first kiss (and more) doesn't come until around the 35% mark, so it's neither quite instalove nor a slow burn. My favorite supporting character is absolutely Aisha Khan—Rav's cybersecurity expert (hacker). I'm not convinced that readers are fed enough information to support the conclusion. Still, I'm open to reading more of Dunn's work in the future.

Content warnings include murder, explicit sex, emotionally neglectful and manipulative parents, and substance abuse.

Sid Sagar is a new-to-me narrator. I enjoyed both his British and American English voices.

This unbiased review is based on ARCs supplied by the publishers—Macmillan Audio and St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books. Publication is expected June 3.


12 May 2025

Palm Meridian, Grace Flahive 4
It’s 2067 and Florida is partially underwater, but even that can’t bring down the residents of Palm Meridian Retirement Resort, a utopian home for queer women who want to revel in their twilight years. Inside, Hula-Hoopers shimmy across the grass, fiercely competitive book clubs nearly come to blows, and the roller-ski team races up and down the winding paths. Everywhere you look, these women are living large.

Hannah Cardin has spent ten happy years under these tropical, technicolor skies, but after receiving a terminal cancer diagnosis, she has decided that tomorrow morning she will close her eyes for the very last time. Tonight, however, Hannah and her raucous band of friends are throwing one hell of an end-of-life party. And with less than twenty-four hours left, Hannah is holding out for one final, impossible thing. . . .

Amongst the guest list is Sophie, the love of Hannah’s life. They haven’t spoken since their devastating breakup over forty years ago, but today, Hannah is hoping for the chance to give her greatest love one last try.

As Hannah anxiously awaits Sophie’s arrival, her mind casts back over the highs and lows of her kaleidoscopic life. But when a shocking secret from the past is revealed, Hannah must reconsider if she can say goodbye after all.

Spanning the course of a single day and seventy-odd years, and bursting with irresistible hope, humor, and wisdom, this one-of-a-kind novel celebrates the unexpected moments that make us feel the most alive. [from the publisher]

This Canadian-born author's debut features rich, descriptive language; deep love of multiple types; unabashed joy; heartbreak; betrayal; and a bit of regret. Main character, Hannah, is an accomplished scientist, stemming from her lifelong desire to fix things. Climate crisis is a major theme of the story, which is told during one day at the end of Hannah's life, bolstered by flashbacks of 70-plus years. The supporting cast of characters includes Hannah's parents, who were academics; childhood best friend/later business partner, Luke; college-and-beyond friend, Esme; love of Hannah's life, Sophie; and various staff and residents of the Palm Meridian Retirement Resort—itself practically a character—in which Hannah lives after she retires, including a married couple: small Eileen and tall Eileen. The Florida resort residents are living their biggest lives—under horrific circumstances—right up until their very ends.

It's not surprising, given the environment of the story, that it includes dark—even morbid—humor, as well as a touch of self-deprecating humor. LGBTQ representation includes at least lesbian, bi, and trans folks.

I became so invested in the storytelling of Hannah's life that Palm Meridian made me cry. Thus, I awarded the book two little rating bumps, just during the time it took me to review my highlights and notes.

This unbiased review is based on an ARC supplied by the publisher—Avid Reader Press | Simon & Schuster. Publication is expected June 10.


9 May 2025

The Other Side of Now, Paige Harbison 3.66
With a leading role on a hit TV show and a relationship with Hollywood’s latest heartthrob, Meg Bryan appears to have everything she ever wanted. But underneath, her happiness is as fake as her stage name, Lana Lord. Following a tiny nervous breakdown at her thirtieth birthday party, she books an impromptu trip to Ireland. Specifically, to the village where she and her best friend Aimee always dreamt of moving.

When Meg arrives, the people in town don’t just recognize her, they seem to know her. She quickly—reluctantly—realizes she has somehow slipped into an alternate reality. One where she did move to Ireland as a teenager, one where she never got famous, and—most shocking of all—one where Aimee is alive and well.

She just wants nothing to do with Meg.

Despite her bewilderment, Meg is clear-eyed about one thing: this is a once-in-two-lifetimes chance to reconnect with her friend and repair what she broke . . . or else risk losing Aimee all over again. [from the publisher]

The Other Side of Now is Paige Harbison's adult debut, and the first of her books I've read.

Content warnings include explicit sex (but no cringey or disrespectful language that I can remember), alcohol use, extreme dieting and body alterations to fit Hollywood standards of beauty, and death.

While the driving force of the story is Meg's discontent and restlessness in her story-opening timeline, the book isn't entirely heavy. Fun ingredients include mentions of The Phantom Tollbooth—my favorite children's book of all time, Hallmark movies, The Killers song Mr. Brightside, and the movie The Holiday. There are loyal and lovely dogs in both universes. As is often the case, I found humor to be the best part of the book—with Irish timeline friend Kiera as the star of the show, in my opinion.

The writing evokes great emotion—often wrenching or desirous. By the end of the story, Meg gains perspective and maturity. We can assume a happily-ever-after, though it's not explicitly stated.

The author narrates the audiobook edition, which is usually a deal-breaker for me. I was grateful that it didn't diminish my enjoyment.

This unbiased review is based on ARCs supplied by the publishers—St. Martin's Press and Macmillan Audio. Publication is expected June 3.


2 May 2025

Friends with Benefits, Marisa Kanter 3.5
Evie Bloom pays attention to the details. Her very job depends on it—as an aspiring Foley artist, she’s responsible for every crisp footstep, smacking kiss, and distinct sound in film and television. So when she’s selected for a fellowship opportunity that would make all her career dreams come true, she’s quick to spot the catch: there are no health benefits, and for someone with a chronic illness, that’s a non-starter.

Theo Cohen is an elementary school teacher who can't afford to live on his own in LA, and is facing eviction after his roommates couple up and move out of their rent-controlled apartment. But there is one loophole in his lease: each tenant must meet an income threshold, unless the tenants are married.

For Theo, the answer is obvious. Marry Evie, his best friend since forever. It’s not as if they don’t spend all their free time together anyways. Not only will Theo be able to keep his apartment, but Evie can be added to his insurance plan so she can accept her dream fellowship. It’s such a logical, practical solution. Never mind that Evie doesn’t really want to be married—not to Theo, not to anyone—ever. Or the small, complicating fact that Theo has always been a little bit in love with Evie.

But it doesn’t have to be a big deal. Marriage. It will just give them space to breathe, and much-needed relief from the daily financial stress. It won’t change anything.

It’s . . . going to change everything. [from the publisher]

Friends with Benefits does a good job of balancing romance and real life—including both legitimate trials and silly, tropey angst.

In terms of the legitimate life trials, the author's opening note lists content warnings including medical gaslighting, health anxiety, illness and death of a parent, parental neglect, and the realities of living with chronic pain. These were all critical to the storyline. Crohn's disease and colorectal cancer, along with commentary on the American employer-based healthcare system, also contribute to the heavy framework of the book.

As for the romance, in my opinion, Evie needed to get there faster! I suppose that wouldn't allow all of the storylines enough time to play out. Familial and platonic love are represented in spades, which is delightful. Evie's paternal grandparents, Theo's mom (via flashbacks), Evie's younger sister (to a lesser degree), and a couple of Evie's mentors are main sources of affection and/or support outside of Evie and Theo's friendship. Evie has multiple professional female role models, which is always refreshing, especially in roles that are historically considered nontraditional for women. [I learned interesting things about some of the items Foley artists use to create believable sound effects.]

Humor peppers the book, giving us comic relief from the health and housing anxiety. Humor came from a broad range of characters, including Theo's fourth-grade students, one of whom is named Milo—bonus points!

Theo absolutely comes across as the hero of the book. He shows amazing thoughtfulness, generosity, and patience, starting from young childhood. This goes beyond his relationship with Evie, right through how much he cares about his students. We read about the field trips he tries to secure for his class, his curated classroom library, how he inspires his students through music, and how hard he works to reach students where they are/in ways they find approachable.

I liked both narrators: Gail Shalan and GM Hakim. In the relatively short amount of time since I added narrators to my personal reading spreadsheet, I've only had one other experience with Shalan . . . as part of a full cast. This was my first experience with Hakim's rich, deep voice.

This unbiased review is based on ARCs supplied by the publishers—Celadon Books (print/e-book) and Macmillan Audio. Publication is expected May 6.


30 April 2025

If I Told You, I'd Have to Kiss You, Mae Marvel 4.5
A few rules for the international superspy:

(1) Never blow your cover.

(2) Never accept the first plan.

(3) Never fall for anyone at the agency. Especially if she’s your ex-girlfriend.

Yardley Whitmer, code name “the Unicorn,” can do no wrong. She’s honed her spycraft and become an instant legend in the field. If only breaking up with her girlfriend were as easy as rappelling off the Eiffel Tower. Living a full-time cover story has slowly eroded her relationship until there’s nothing left but lies.

KC “Tabasco” Nolan, hacker extraordinaire, can crack any code—except the one that would tell her the right moment to confess her secret job to Yardley. Now it’s too late, and she’s in danger of losing the best chance at love she’s ever had.

When an undercover shakedown goes wrong, Yardley and KC discover the unbelievable truth—that they’ve both been working at the agency for years. To salvage the mission, they partner up and fly across oceans, race through winding European streets, and give in to inconvenient passion while hiding in an ambassador’s linen closet. But can they throw away their rules and fight through their secrets to fall in love with each other’s true selves? [from the publisher]

This is my first experience with Mae Marvel—literary and life partners Ruthie Knox and Annie Mare. I first finished reading If I Told You, I'd Have to Kiss You with my eyes in April. While rereading the book in early June—this time with my ears—I found myself marking additional passages, as well as revisiting some passages that had caught my attention during my first reading. During both readings, I not only highlighted quite a few passages, but also made notes of emphasis or agreement. As I have a final print copy of the book in my hot little hands [more on that later], I could share quotes with you . . . but, I would have a beast of a time picking just one quote, and I don't want to spoil anything. If you come across sections that you find especially striking, I'd love to hear from you—we could have a remote book discussion. I enjoyed Mia Hutchison-Shaw's excellent narration, which gave extra life to the story's diverse characters, some of which I had imagined slightly differently. Both experiences (e-book and audio) were enjoyable and valuable. People absorb input in different ways, for many reasons. Aren't we lucky that we have options that meet us where we are at any given time?!

There's a lot going on in Kiss You, as I affectionately (or lazily?) have come to call it. It isn't just a spy story. It isn't just a romance. And it for darn sure isn't a surface-level story. It's sexy, erotic, intimate, suspenseful, action-packed, and sometimes really funny—usually in a clever, sassy, or snarky way. There are spy gadgets, disguises, chases, escapes, vehicles galore, and teamwork; feminist and sociopolitical commentary; love, romance, trust, and deep relationships of all kinds; and competent, skilled, bold, powerful, and strong women in various roles. There are Southern expressions that bring situations to another level. Beyond main characters Yardley and KC, there is an extraordinary cast of supporting characters including (but not limited to) Irish hacker Kris; Yardley's and KC's handlers, Atlas and Gramercy; the first Black woman president of the United States of America, Ada Williams; and British agent Julia.

I found the strongly fem POV of the book refreshing. On top of that, for far too long, there hasn't been representation of so many people I love—and so many more I haven't yet met. I'm overjoyed to see greater representation of people of all types in books for folks of all ages.

Content warnings include death of a parent (in the past and mentioned in passing), neglectful or emotionally abusive parents, family abandonment, infidelity, and at least a couple explicit sex scenes.

While I wrote this review based solely on the notes I made while reading, I was thrilled to have the opportunity to attend a book discussion with Mae Marvel on the Sunday before publication. My thoughtful partner was looking for signed editions of books I've mentioned to him [more than in passing—I don't think he keeps up with all the books I read, and I wouldn't expect him to] and discovered that the authors were scheduled to appear at a romance-only indie bookstore in his hometown—Love's Sweet Arrow, in Tinley Park, Illinois. We spent a delightful afternoon listening to Mae Marvel talk about their books, writing process, marriage, and family. Author Becca Grischow moderated. Now I have additional books from all three authors to read.

This unbiased review is based on ARCs supplied by the publishers—St. Martin's Press | St. Martin's Griffin and Macmillan Audio. Publication is expected June 10.


22 April 2025

Jilted, Vi Keeland 3.5
Weddings. I spend every working minute talking and writing about them, when just the thought of one makes me want to scream. After my fiancé abandoned me at the altar last year, my dream job at Bride magazine has turned into a reoccurring nightmare.

To add insult to injury, the bridezilla at my latest assignment somehow roped me into filling in for a missing bridesmaid. Of course, I had to get paired with the most gorgeous groomsman. Wilder Hayes is perfect—except when he opens his mouth and we end up bickering all evening. That is, until the coat closet incident.

At least I’ll never have to see him again. Or so I think. . . . Until I walk into work on Monday and find out Wilder isn’t just a jerk, he’s also my boss’s son. And I’ll be spending the rest of the season working with him at every single wedding I cover this year.

It's a match made in heaven . . . or hell. Only time will tell. [from the publisher]

Jilted is a slow-burn, occasionally funny, happily-ever-after romance starring a jilted wedding journalist—Sloane—and a wealthy former pro rugby player/commitment-phobe—Wilder.

Of the supporting characters, my favorites were Sloane’s friend/coworker photographer Elijah and Sloane's family—ex-cop father, brothers who are all firefighters or cops, and teenage niece. I might even suggest that scenes with Sloane's family sometimes eclipse the romance.

There is representation of Parkinson's disease, Diabetes, LGBTQ, and single parenting. Content warnings include infidelity (multiple), death of a teenager, death of a parent (multiple), explicit sex, crass and casual descriptions of sex, and unplanned pregnancy.

The audiobook is narrated by Aiden Snow and Andi Arndt, both of whom do an excellent job of voicing characters across age and gender.

This unbiased review is based on an ARC supplied by the publisher—Macmillan Audio. Publication is expected May 6.


26 March 2025

The Love Haters, Katherine Center 5
Katie Vaughn has been burned by love in the past—now she may be lighting her career on fire. She has two choices: wait to get laid off from her job as a video producer or, at her coworker Cole’s request, take a career-making gig profiling Tom “Hutch” Hutcheson, a Coast Guard rescue swimmer in Key West. The catch? Katie’s not exactly qualified. She can’t swim—but pretends that she can.

Plus, Cole and Hutch are brothers. And they don’t get along. Next stop: paradise! But paradise is messier than it seems. As Katie gets entangled with Hutch (the most scientifically good-looking man she has ever seen . . . but maybe a bit of a love hater), along with his colorful aunt Rue and his rescue Great Dane, she gets trapped in a lie. Or two.

Swim lessons, helicopter flights, conga lines, drinking contests, hurricanes, and stolen kisses ensue—along with chances to tell the truth, to face old fears, and to be truly brave at last. [from the publisher]

Katherine Center's spring/summer book release has been a highlight of my year for the past several years. The bulk of this review is based on my first read-through of The Love Haters, in e-book form. [January 1–4] When I finished, my Notes to Self included “Can't wait to read it again with my ears.” My second reading—this time, the audio ARC, narrated by superstar Patti Murin—was every bit as satisfying. [March 24–26]

Early readers are asked not to share quotes from ARCs until they are compared to the final published version. This, of course, isn't generally possible, as the whole point is to create early buzz. Even if I could, I wouldn't know where to start—there are just too many nuggets from which to choose. As I was going through my notes, I decided that I'll order one signed and personalized hardcover and one unadorned hardcover to use as my reading/sticky flagging copy. Who am I kidding? I'll probably buy the audio as well. If you are a KC fan, too, be quick like a bunny to get yourself on the library hold list and/or to Center's website to preorder the book from one of the independent bookstores that have signed books (with bonus swag) available for preorder.

This is what I can tell you: I laughed; I learned; I cried (at least once); I sobbed (at least twice); I might have stopped breathing a few times.

As is typical of KC's recent catalog, deep relationships between a varied cast of characters are featured in the story, including Katie's cousin/best friend Beanie; Katie's jerky coworker Cole; Cole's brother Hutch; Hutch and Cole's Aunt Rue (and The Gals—her besties); and Hutch's rescue Great Dane George Bailey. The fact that Aunt Rue and The Gals reminded me of my Granny and The Girls played no small part in my immersion in the book.

The book is slow-burn hot and sexy, but not smutty—which is my personal preference. The first kiss doesn't happen until Chapter Twelve (almost halfway through). If that's not your favorite, still come for the humor, action, all types of love, and emotional nourishment.

While I have a fairly full pipeline right now, I have no doubt that a third reading is in my not-too-distant future. When life is tough, books like The Love Haters offer restorative positive energy.

This unbiased review is based on ARCs supplied by the publishers—St. Martin's Press and Macmillan Audio. Publication is expected May 20.


22 March 2025

Passion Project, London Sperry 3.33
If your twenties are supposed to be the best years of your life, Bennet Taylor is failing miserably . . . with a big emphasis on the miserable. Where’s that zest she keeps hearing about? She’s a temp worker in New York City with no direction, no future, and no social life. And at the painful center of this listlessness is grief over the death of her first love.

When Bennet runs into Henry Adams just hours after standing him up for a first date, she makes an alcohol-fueled confession: She’s not ready to date. In fact, it’s been years since she felt passion for something. Not even pottery, or organized sports—not anything. Rather than leaving her to ruminate, Henry jumps at the opportunity for adventure: Bennet needs to find a passion for life, and Henry will help her find it. Every Saturday, they’ll try something new in New York City. As friends, of course.

As their “passion project” continues, the pair tackle everything from carpentry to tattooing to rappelling off skyscrapers, and Bennet feels her guarded exterior ebbing away. But as secrets surface, Bennet has to decide what she wants, and if she’s truly ready to move on. With emotional resonance and sparkling banter, Passion Project is a fun, flirty, thoughtful story of finding a spark—and igniting happiness. [from the publisher]

What I liked: Bennet's pros and cons in Chapter Nine, Henry, and Bennet's temp agency coworker, Sal (a grandfather to-be). [Henry and Sal might be reason enough to read the book.]

Things about which I might be ambivalent: Bennet's roommate, Sonya, and Sonya's girlfriend, Jamie, both of whom meddle.

What I really didn't like: Bennet . . . for the vast majority of the book. Starting around Chapter Twenty-Three, Bennet starts to take responsibility for planning some of the passion project activities, at which point she becomes more present, starts caring more about others (Twenty-Four), and becomes more independent (Twenty-Five).

Overall, I felt the publisher's blurb massively misstated the tone of the story. The bulk of the book was oppressively angsty and dark, and there is precious little comic relief. We do eventually get to a happy-ever-after, but the ride is unnecessarily long and painful.

This unbiased review is based on an ARC supplied by the publisher—PENGUIN GROUP Viking | Penguin Books. Publication is expected April 8.


11 March 2025

Another Fine Mess (Bless Your Heart #2), Lindy Ryan 3
For over a hundred years, the Evans women have kept the undead in their strange southeast Texas town from rising. But sometimes the dead rise too quick—and that’s what left Lenore Evans, and her granddaughter Luna, burying Luna’s mother, Grace, and Lenore’s mother, Ducey. Now the only two women left in the Evans family, Luna and Lenore are left rudderless in the wake of the most Godawful Mess to date.

But when the full moon finds another victim, it’s clear their trouble is far from over. Now Lenore, Luna, and the new sheriff—their biggest ally—must dig deep down into family lore to uncover what threatens everything they love most. The body count ticks up, the most unexpected dead will rise—forcing Lenore and Luna to face the possibility that the undead aren’t the only monsters preying on their small town. [from the publisher]

I wish I had reread the first series installment to refresh my memory. If you haven't read Bless Your Heart already, please put down Another Fine Mess until you have! The second installment still has gore, with occasional—perhaps fewer—moments of comic relief. I only took separate, special note of two passages. Based on the ending, I'm guessing there is a third installment planned, which I will read out of continued morbid curiosity. Overall, early ratings of book two are slightly higher than reviews of the first installment. I do not share that opinion. Still, I give this installment a soft recommendation.

The audiobook is again narrated by Stephanie Németh-Parker, whose talent gets a workout with a broad range of characters.

This unbiased review is based on an ARC supplied by the publisher—Macmillan Audio. Publication is expected April 15.


9 March 2025

It's a Love Story, Annabel Monaghan 4
From the USA Today bestselling author of Nora Goes Off Script, a novel about a former adolescent TV actress-turned-Hollywood producer whose “fake it till you make it” mantra sets her on a crash course with her past, forcing her to spend a week on Long Island with the last man she thinks might make her believe in love.

Love is a lie. Laughter is the only truth.

Jane Jackson spent her adolescence as “Poor Janey Jakes,” the barbecue-sauce-in-her-braces punch line on America's fifth-favorite sitcom. Now she’s trying to be taken seriously as a Hollywood studio executive by embracing a new mantra: Fake it till you make it.

Except she might have faked it too far. Desperate to get her first project greenlit and riled up by pompous cinematographer and one-time crush Dan Finnegan, she claimed that she could get mega popstar Jack Quinlan to write a song for the movie. Jack may have been her first kiss—and greatest source of shame—but she hasn’t spoken to him in twenty years.

Now Jane must turn to the last man she’d ever want to owe: Dan Finnegan. Because Jack is playing a festival in Dan’s hometown, and Dan has an in. A week in close quarters with Dan as she faces down her past is Jane's idea of hell, but he just might surprise her. While covering up her lie, can they find something true? [from the publisher]

With one exception, I'm a big fan of Annabel Monaghan's work, so I'm always excited to read her next book. It's a Love Story is the third book of hers that I will likely reread when I'm looking for something funny and sweet to distract me from the world.

In addition to being full of humor, the story includes great love, as well as moments of vulnerability, tenderness, and intimacy. Rich, descriptive language elevates certain more serious scenes. Beyond Jane and Dan, Jane's college and current roommate, Clem, and Dan's entire family—especially parents Reenie and Cormack—are integral to the story . . . and delightful! Young children—students and niblings of Dan's—appear in several parts, adding emotion and depth. The story isn't all happiness and light—Jane is living in the trauma shadow of her childhood stardom; Dan is sometimes overpowered by the outsized personalities of the rest of his family.

I appreciate any work of fiction that treats introversion accurately and respectfully. This one joins those ranks. Don't skip the acknowledgments, which include an especially thoughtful shout-out to the author's editor and well-earned snaps to booksellers and librarians for their reader advisory magical powers.

This unbiased review is based on an ARC supplied by the publisher—Penguin Group Putnam/G.P. Putnam's Sons. Publication is expected May 27.


8 March 2025

When the Moon Hits Your Eye, John Scalzi 3.66
The moon has turned into cheese.

Now humanity has to deal with it.

For some it’s an opportunity. For others it’s a moment to question their faith: In God, in science, in everything. Still others try to keep the world running in the face of absurdity and uncertainty. And then there are the billions looking to the sky and wondering how a thing that was always just there is now . . . something absolutely impossible.

Astronauts and billionaires, comedians and bank executives, professors and presidents, teenagers and terminal patients at the end of their lives—over the length of an entire lunar cycle, each get their moment in the moonlight. To panic, to plan, to wonder and to pray, to laugh and to grieve. All in a kaleidoscopic novel that goes all the places you’d expect, and then to so many places you wouldn’t.

It’s a wild moonage daydream. Ride this rocket. [from the publisher]

For the most part, the story takes place each day of the lunar cycle—chapters are titled Day One through Day Thirty, with a few assorted future days at the end.

There's a lot of wordplay, humor ranging from light chuckles to full-blown hilarity, satire, political and social commentary, pop culture, and even a few philosophical moments.

Among the notable characters are scientists; a president who doesn't read security briefings; a billionaire with pet Congresspeople; a female astronaut who wishes she had become a firefighter instead (and other astronauts); three retired men from different backgrounds who hang out together at a diner (they also interact with a server and a reporter over the course of the book); a pastor and his church community; movie script writers and executives; a group of nerdy highschoolers; feuding brothers who own competing cheese stores in the Wisconsin capitol (Fromagery and DemocraCheese), along with their wives and college-student employees; and an author. I especially liked the beginning of the Annette (Fromagery employee) and Felix (DemocraCheese employee) storyline. Don't skip the Afterword.

This was great vacation reading: I started the book on a flight and continued enjoying it poolside. This definitely isn't my favorite Scalzi work, but I was engrossed and did annotate heavily while I was reading, so I bumped up the rating a bit. Too, I find myself anxious for publication, when I'll be free to share specific parts with certain people and to discuss it generally with even more people. I will likely read it again in the near future, with my ears.

This unbiased review is based on an ARC supplied by the publisher—Tor Publishing Group | Tor Books. Publication is expected March 25.


5 February 2025

Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave (Finlay Donovan #5), Elle Cosimano 5
Finlay Donovan and her nanny/partner-in-crime, Vero, have not always gotten along with Finlay’s elderly neighbor, Mrs. Haggerty, the community busybody and president of the neighborhood watch. But when a dead body is discovered in her backyard, Mrs. Haggerty needs their help. At first a suspect, Mrs. Haggerty is cleared by the police, but her house remains an active crime scene. She has nowhere to go . . . except Finlay’s house, right across the street.

Finlay and Vero have no interest in getting involved in another murder case—or sacrificing either of their bedrooms. After all, they’ve dealt with enough murders over the last four months to last a lifetime and they both would much rather share their beds with someone else.

When the focus of the investigation widens to include Finlay’s ex-husband, Steven, though, Finlay and Vero are left with little choice but to get closer to Mrs. Haggerty and uncover her secrets . . . before the police start digging up theirs. But who will solve the mystery first? [from the publisher]

Note: I originally reviewed the e-book edition, which I finished 31 December 2024: See original review here. The following review of the audio edition has slight additional information. I bookmarked at least a handful more nuggets during my second reading. Will I discover even more in subsequent rereading(s)? It says a lot for the quality of the writing and story that I could be so delighted in two complete readings just over a month apart. When I find a book so satisfying, I tend to purchase it (having originally read it prepublication or having borrowed it from the library) in multiple formats to enable future on-demand rereading.

This fifth installment in the Finlay Donovan series is so funny—bursting with banter and silliness! The series continues to be relationship-heavy, as well, with deepening relationships for some of the recurring characters, and new, interesting relationships between combinations of characters that one wouldn't expect.

Both of Finlay's children—school-age Delia and preschooler Zach—play bigger roles than in previous books. Other characters returning with medium or large roles are ex-husband Steven, nosy neighbor Mrs. Haggerty, hacker Cam, agent Sylvia, nanny/partner in crime Vero, hot cop boyfriend Nick, and even more—I'll keep a few cameos a secret, just for fun. There's a new animal companion with a hilarious name. I'm counting on that feature continuing.

It's hard to believe that the action in all five books takes place within just four months. As I have in the past, I strongly recommend that the series be read in order.

Just like in Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice (book 4), Cosimano ties everything up nice and neat before hitting us with a whammy at the very last minute. She is the Queen of Cliffhangers.

Finlay Donovan never fails to delight and entertain me, and this installment is the best yet! My longtime book buddies know I almost never give 5 stars. Even shocking confusion around how to make poached eggs (Chapter 10) isn't going to deter me from awarding the full score in this case. [Funny story: I don't cook to speak of (though I do bake), but poached eggs are in my repertoire. I'm happy to give lessons.]

Angela Dawe continues to be the perfect narrator for Finlay and friends. I hope she and Cosimano have a long, fruitful working relationship!

This unbiased review is based on an ARC supplied by the publisher—Macmillan Audio. Publication is expected March 4.


31 January 2025

The Aliens Do NOT Want to Go Home, Adam Gustavson 4.5
The alien kids are having a great time invading planet Earth. When their parents show up with spaceship tractor beams, they don't want to go home. They aren't ready, they don't have their shoes on, and besides, it's not even dark yet!

Adam Gustavson's illustrations are expressive, hilarious, and also gorgeous works of art. But most importantly, young beings of any species are sure to get their giggles out and relate to wanting the fun to go on . . . and on . . . and on. [from the publisher]

Adam Gustavson's illustrations are incredibly rich, detailed, and animated. The text is completely relatable to anyone who has tried to retrieve a child from a playdate . . . or remembers being said child themselves. I won't spoil your fun in discovering hilarious details in the illustrations. Multiple readings—as are sure to be demanded by the littles in one's life—offer the opportunity to absorb even more delightful details.

While Gustavson has illustrated more than 30 award-winning picture books for children, The Aliens Do NOT Want to Go Home is only the second that he has both illustrated and written. [I highly recommend the first—The Froggies Do NOT Want to Sleep—as well.]

This unbiased review is based on an ARC supplied by the publisher—Charlesbridge. Publication is expected June 3.


7 January 2025

Head Cases (PAR Unit #1), John McMahon 4.66
FBI Agent Gardner Camden is an analytical genius with an affinity for puzzles. He also has a blind spot on the human side of investigations, a blindness that sometimes even includes people in his own life, like his beloved seven-year-old daughter Camila. Gardner and his squad of brilliant yet quirky agents make up the Patterns and Recognition (PAR) unit, the FBI’s hidden edge, brought in for cases that no one else can solve.

When DNA links a murder victim to a serial killer long presumed dead, the team springs into action. A second victim establishes a pattern, and the murderer begins leaving a trail of clues and riddles especially for Gardner. And while the PAR team is usually relegated to working cold cases from behind a desk, the investigation puts them on the road and into the public eye, following in the footsteps of a killer.

Along with Gardner, PAR consists of a mathematician, a weapons expert, a computer analyst, and their leader, a career agent. Each of them must use every skill they have to solve the riddle of the killer’s identity. But with the perpetrator somehow learning more and more about the team at PAR, can they protect themselves and their families . . . before it’s too late? [from the publisher]

Because I feel confident in my book selection abilities (I have vast reading experience, I know what I like, and I know how picky I'm feeling/how open I am to trying something new-to-me at any given time) I try to restrict my pre-reading information exposure to the most basic of plot summaries—and little, if any, of others' opinions. I often make notes while I'm reading. This time, post-reading review and research of these notes yielded super-satisfying results. Here are a couple:

Note to self: Excellent narrator. Have I heard him before?

Research results: Without reviewing even half of Will Damron's considerable number of credits, I was able to confirm that I have heard him before, including reading Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, by John Berendt, and A Matter of Will, by Adam Mitzner.

Note to self: Hope there will be more.

Research results: Great news—Head Cases is a series debut! As far as I can tell, this is only McMahon's fourth novel—the first three forming a different series.

The story is reminiscent of the television versions of Dexter, Slow Horses (of which I have also read two installments), and Psych (the third for the keen powers of observation/eidetic memory only—Gardner Camden is a more serious character than Shawn Spencer).

It's pretty gory, and no one (e.g. children and women) is exempt from threats of harm. There is precious little comic relief, but one such instance actually made me snort.

I stubbornly stayed up way past my bedtime—I just couldn't stop reading. Not only will I welcome sequels, I am open to reading McMahon's first series as well.

If you like police procedurals, thrillers, smart/clever/talented outcast characters (some differently abled), or logic puzzles—and have at least a moderately high gore tolerance—I'd recommend Head Cases for you.

This unbiased review is based on ARCs supplied by the publishers—Macmillan Audio and St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books (print/e-book). Publication is expected January 28.


4 January 2025

The Rival, Emma Lord 3
At long last, Sadie has vanquished her lifelong academic rival—her irritatingly charming, whip smart next door neighbor, Seb—by getting the coveted, only spot to her dream college. Or at least, so she thinks. When Seb is unexpectedly pulled off the waitlist and admitted, Sadie has to compete with him all over again, this time to get a spot on the school’s famous zine. Now not only is she dealing with the mayhem of the lovable, chaotic family she hid her writing talents from, as well as her own self doubt, but she has to come to terms with some less-than-resentful feelings for Seb that are popping up along the way.

But the longer they compete, the more Sadie and Seb notice flaws in the school’s system that are much bigger than any competition between them. Somehow the two of them have to band together even as they’re trying to crush each other, only to discover they may have met their match in more ways than one. [from the publisher]

I have rated three of Emma Lord's YA rom-coms 3.66 stars. I usually find them to be very sweet and especially fun. I didn't like The Rival nearly as much. It's not bad; it just didn't wow me like the others did.

All too quickly, I was bored by Sadie's repetitive whining. That might have been improved by writing from dual point of view with Seb.

The good: campus activism; Sadie and Seb pushing each other to perform well; Sadie finally asserting herself with her sisters (though this relates to Sadie's likely misperception of their parents' expectations).

The bad: excessive whining; Sadie being terribly dense about her mutual attraction with Seb.

The neutral: college kids finding their independence, even as they're a bit homesick [I'm not sure I ever knew anyone who was].

By far, my favorite characters were Daisy—writer/sunshine wife—and Betty—a pancake restaurateur/grumpy wife. I wish they played much bigger roles in the story, and that I could share a quote from Daisy. If you read it, please let me know when you get to Daisy and whether you are similarly amused by her.

The audiobook is narrated by Jesse Vilinsky, whom I like.

This unbiased review is based on an audio ARC supplied by the publisher—Macmillan Audio/Macmillan Young Listeners. Publication is expected January 21


About

I got my first library card at age 4, at the Blackstone Branch of the Chicago Public Library, and have been a regular user of public and university libraries ever since. I am a trustee of the Palatine [Illinois] Public Library District in my third term, currently serving as board president.

I read books for all age groups, from all time periods, and from practically all genres, though my all-time favorite genre is mystery. I love to talk about books with others, so please join me in conversation about a book we both read or tell me about a book you think I'd like.

I'm never not reading.

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