Summer Book Reviews 2026

 1.) You with the Sad Eyes by Christina Applegate

From Goodreads:

Beloved star and Emmy-winning actress Christina Applegate's raw and darkly funny memoir illuminates the life of a childhood star, turned iconic comedic actress, turned tenacious example of how to find the beauty in our messy lives...In You with the Sad Eyes, Applegate will unveil the full story of her years in the public eye, and the painful moments the public didn't see. She writes about gravitating to the grunge that defined the 90s and finding belonging in the legendary scene at The Viper Room; sparkling on set with fellow comedy icons in the soon to be canonized franchise Anchorman; sharing her love of dance in the Broadway revival of Sweet Charity; and returning to the Emmy stage to a standing ovation in 2024 after her diagnosis of MS. She’ll dive into the darker moments underpinning her outward her relationship with her mother who fought addiction and won, even in the wake of her father’s abandonment; the self-doubt and body dysmorphia that have dogged her from a young age; and the abuse and depression that eroded her health. Her path is ever lit though, by lifelong friends, chosen family, and her experience as a mother. By working through her legacy on the page, Applegate invites readers to take her hand and hear a story not even those closest to her know fully.

I needed a palate cleanser and thought that a celebrity memoir would do the trick but this is a pretty heavy memoir. Most of it was very difficult to read. Christina Applegate's story is mostly a sad story. She's experienced a lot of trauma and sorrow. She has faced two very scary diagnoses too. Breast cancer and now MS. She's mad and I don't blame her. She is brutally honest about how horrible and debilitating MS is and all that it has robbed her of. Christina says that she is done hiding her feelings. Her writing is raw and unfiltered. She is a fighter and often uses dark humor to cope.

Christina discusses her traumatic and messy childhood growing up in Laurel Canyon, CA. The abandonment that she experienced and the domestic violence and addiction that she grew up surrounded by. She is very close to her mother Nancy but I think she lets Nancy off the hook a little too much for some of the trauma that she experienced. She talks about being a young Hollywood star in the 90s and all the toxicity and drug use that came with the lifestyle she was living and the famous pals she hung around with and dated. The memoir was fascinating at times...her work, celebrity life, and behind-the-scenes information...and very depressing the rest of the time.

Christina Applegate is tough as nails and pulls no punches. She doesn't come off as a particularly warm and approachable person. More like a force to be reckoned with and I think it serves her well with the trials she has had to face...abuse, depression, cancer, eating disorder, and now MS. She is very transparent and vulnerable and unflinchingly honest about the toll these experiences have taken on her life. The feeling of being trapped in darkness and struggling to find any meaning, let alone joy, in her reality...especially not being able to act anymore. She does seem to have a core group of long time friends and family who are her support system and she is devoted to her daughter. Christina's resilience is commendable.

My Rating: Not an easy read.

2.) The Wedding People by Alison Espach

From Goodreads:

It’s a beautiful day in Newport, Rhode Island when Phoebe Stone arrives at the grand Cornwall Inn wearing a green dress and gold heels, without luggage, alone. Everyone in the lobby mistakes her for one of the wedding people at an impending wedding on the site, but she’s actually the only guest at the Cornwall who isn’t there for the big event. Phoebe is there because she’s dreamed of coming for years. She hoped to shuck oysters and take sunset sails with her husband, only now she’s here without him, at rock bottom, and determined to have one last decadent splurge on herself. Meanwhile, the bride has accounted for every detail and every possible disaster the weekend might yield except for, well, Phoebe and Phoebe's plan—which makes it that much more surprising when the two women can’t stop confiding in each other.

This book is on a lot of "best-of" lists and was the winner on Goodreads for Reader's Favorite Fiction in 2024. People rave about this book in real life, online, and in book reviews. For me it was just okay. I give the author props for writing about mental health and depression. The book starts with a dark plotline of a woman checking into a luxury hotel to end her life. The beginning is pretty bleak and hopeless. Thankfully there is a redemption arc.

I liked the setting of the luxurious historic Cornwall Inn in Rhode Island that has been booked for a week by a large wedding party. It gave the book a great setting and atmosphere. This is a character-driven novel with a large and quirky cast of characters. The main character of Phoebe finds herself living, what to her, feels like a meaningless invisible life with no chance of improving. Phoebe is a high insight but low change character. Life could improve if Phoebe was willing to take a chance. I think that is relatable for most readers. The knowing that something needs to change to make life better but being afraid to take the first step. Thankfully through various interactions with a wedding party, Phoebe finds herself again, and realizes her worth. This is a story of second chances and the effect we can have on the people around us. We all strive to belong...to be loved...and to find meaning in our lives. And sometimes good things can also happen when life doesn't work out like you planned. By the end of the novel a sad story ended up being quite hopeful.

I listened to the audiobook but wish I would've read the physical book. There is a lot of banter and I didn't love the audio narration of it. Particularly characters like Lila, Marla, and Jim. It got tedious but I think it would have been less so reading their words rather than hearing them.

My Rating: Okay.

3.) The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles

This book came highly recommended by my husband. It was also our book club selection for June 2026.

From Goodreads:

In June 1954, eighteen-year-old Emmett Watson is driven home to Nebraska by the warden of the juvenile work farm where he has just served fifteen months for involuntary manslaughter. His mother long gone, his father recently deceased, and the family farm foreclosed upon by the bank, Emmett’s intention is to pick up his eight-year-old brother, Billy, and head to California, where they can start their lives anew. But when the warden drives away, Emmett discovers that two friends from the work farm have hidden themselves in the trunk of the warden’s car. Together, they have hatched an altogether different plan for Emmett’s future, one that will take them all on a fateful journey in the opposite direction—to the city of New York.

This coming-of-age epic road trip novel was fantastic! I loved it. It was so good and beautifully written. A story of heroes and scoundrels and a meandering journey down the Lincoln Highway full of ragtag traveling companions, villains, mishaps, and detours. It's an epic journey for Emmett and his brother Billy who are trying to get to San Francisco but end up in New York City.

The writing is Steinbeckian with call backs to Huckleberry Finn, The Odyssey, and Of Mice and Men. I loved the evocative setting of 1950s America. Having recently read James by Percival Everett and having also read Huckleberry Finn, I was struck by the similarities and homage to these novels. The characters are memorable and interesting...the brothers, Duchess, Woolley, and the others that they meet along the way. The story was absorbing as I followed along on their journey hoping for the best but fearing the worst. The ending is controversial but I didn't mind it. As we learn in Doctor Abernathy's Compendium...all hero journeys start in the middle. The themes of human nature, fate, friendship, and unintended consequences kept me reading. I loved the allusions to myths, legends, literature, and classic movies. Even more so I loved the Easter Egg that Wooley is the nephew of Wallace Wolcott from Towles' book Rules of Civility and that the Wolcott's Adirondack lake house was also featured in Rules of Civility. 

The facility with which Towles can flip from writing about a Russian Aristocrat in 1920s Moscow to New York's upper crust in the late 1930s to 1950s Nebraska is captivating. He is able to pull his readers into different cities, countries, social strata, and time periods with ease. There were so many quotes to mull over and think about but my all-time favorite quote from the book...maybe ever...was when the character of Sally is fed up with doing all of the work around her house and talks about Mary and Martha from the Bible. I literally laughed out loud and whole-heartedly agreed. 

She says:

"At last week's Sunday Service, Reverend Pike read a parable from the gospels in which Jesus and his disciples, having arrived in a village, are invited by a woman into her home. Having made them all comfortable, this woman, Martha, retreats into her kitchen to fix them all something to eat. And all the while she is cooking and generally seeing to everyone's needs by filling empty glasses and getting second helpings, her sister, Mary, is sitting at Jesus's feet. Eventually Martha has had enough and lets her feelings be known...Lord, she says, can't you see that my idler of a sister has left me to do all the work? Why don't you tell her to lend me a hand? Or something to that effect. And Jesus, He replies: Martha, you are troubled by too many things when only one thing is needful. And it is Mary who has chosen the better way. Well, I'm sorry. But if you ever needed proof that the Bible was written by a man, there you have it. I am a good Christian. I believe in God, the Father Almighty, creator of Heaven and Earth. I believe that Jesus Christ, His only begotten Son, was born of the Virgin Mary, and suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, was buried, and on the third day rose again... I am even willing to believe that Moses was spoken to by a burning bush, but I am not willing to believe that Jesus Christ, Our Savior--who at the drop of a hat would heal a leaper or restore sight to the blind--would turn His back on a woman who was taking care of a household. So I don't blame Him. Whom I blame is Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, and every other man who has served as priest or preacher since."

That is some terrific writing!! Amor Towles is a classic in the making. His books are head and shoulders above most of the over-hyped books these days. While A Gentleman in Moscow is still my very favorite of his novels; this one was excellent too.

My Rating: I loved it!

4.) Theo of Golden by Allen Levi

This book came highly recommended to me from many different sources. It is a work of sweet literary fiction but it wasn't quite what I expected. It was more a collection of people and stories and the ties that bind us as humanity rather than a page-turning plot driven novel.

From Goodreads:

One spring morning, a stranger arrives in the small southern city of Golden. No one knows where he has come from…or why…His name is Theo. And he asks a lot more questions than he answers. Theo visits the local coffeehouse, where ninety-two pencil portraits hang on the walls, portraits of the people of Golden done by a local artist. He begins purchasing them, one at a time, and putting them back in the hands of their “rightful owners.” With each exchange, a story is told, a friendship born, and a life altered.

This book has had a lot of traction. It is well-loved. I appreciated the themes of empathy, compassion, and kindness that were personified in the person of Theo. The writing is gentle and quiet. I loved the Southern setting of a small town in Georgia and a mysterious 86 year old stranger who finds his way into this community and into their hearts. It is a contemplative novel that explores connection and love and was often quite moving. 

Unfortunately the story got bogged down in the middle. The pacing was slow. Theo going from person to person with his art bestowals and then hearing their stories had me wondering if we were going to hear all 90+ stories. That made it hard for me to stay engaged. I don't enjoy a repetitive trope in novels. 50 first dates. 10 summer vacations. It made me antsy wondering how long the book was going to be.

But there were some beautiful quotes that left me appreciating life and feeling gratitude.

"Everybody has a story worth telling. Sometimes they just need someone to listen."

"Sadness can make us bitter or wise. We get to choose."

"Do good, bestow kindness, strive for beauty, seek and find the river that leads to life everlasting, and draw from the fountain that never runs dry."

This was a feel good story of friendship and love with a rather unexpected ending. I closed the book feeling inspired to live more beautifully, do more good, and deepen my connections with those around me. I think my book club would love this book. 

My Rating: A gentle read.

5.) Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy

From Goodreads:

A family on a remote island. A mysterious woman washed ashore. A rising storm on the horizon. Dominic Salt and his three children are caretakers of Shearwater, a tiny island not far from Antarctica. Home to the world’s largest seed bank, Shearwater was once full of researchers, but with sea levels rising, the Salts are now its final inhabitants. Until, during the worst storm the island has ever seen, a woman mysteriously washes ashore. Isolation has taken its toll on the Salts, but as they nurse the woman, Rowan, back to strength, it begins to feel like she might just be what they need. Rowan, long accustomed to protecting herself, starts imagining a future where she could belong to someone again. But Rowan isn’t telling the whole truth about why she set out for Shearwater. And when she discovers sabotaged radios and a freshly dug grave, she realizes Dominic is keeping his own secrets. As the storms on Shearwater gather force, they all must decide if they can trust each other enough to protect the precious seeds in their care before it’s too late―and if they can finally put the tragedies of the past behind them to create something new, together.

This book has been marketed as an environmental thriller. I wouldn't call it that. It is more of a mysterious family drama. A father and his three children are caretakers on an island near Antarctica that is the world's largest seed bank. Normally the island is teeming with scientists but the ocean is rising and for reasons unknown it is only the Salt family left until a woman washes ashore. 

The Salts are a family with secrets. The father, Dom, was the most interesting of the bunch but it was the island that was the standout character for me. Incredibly atmospheric, the haunting remote setting added so much to the story. There is also a bit of a dystopian vibe. The reader isn't quite sure what is happening in the rest of the world but we know that climate change is the culprit and that the alarming effects are being felt on Shearwater Island.

I loved the wildness of the island and the sea. The writing was vivid, lush, and introspective. There were lovely descriptions of sea life, birds, animals, vegetation, and water. The themes of climate change, environmental conservation, isolation, loneliness, and grief inspired reflection. Unfortunately, the plot and mystery just weren't as captivating as I hoped they would be. 

My Rating: An introspective slow burn mystery.

6.) I Choose Me by Jennie Garth 

From Goodreads:

Through personal stories, practical advice, and the wisdom earned through her own hard lessons, Jennie lights a path back to self-love and clarity. I Choose Me is for anyone who’s ever felt lost in their roles, struggling to give themselves permission to ask, “What do I want now?” It’s an invitation to honor your own journey, embrace self-care, and believe with compassion that choosing yourself is the bravest, kindest thing you can do.

A small part of this book was memoir and then it was all self-help. Too much self-help. It got boring. Jennie Garth talks about the struggles she has faced...mental health issues, divorce, addiction, body image issues, problematic relationships...and while I appreciated her candor...the preachy self-help was too much. Her repeating trendy buzz words and doling out life coaching advice while positioning herself as an enlightened guide got old quickly. It was too self-indulgent.

The best parts of this book were the brief glimpses we got of pop culture...90210, Luke Perry, her complicated relationship with Shannon Doherty, and celebrity friendships. When the narrative switched back to more psychobabble I lost interest. 

My Rating: Okay. 

7.) Funny Story by Emily Henry

From Goodreads:

Daphne always loved the way her fiancé, Peter, told their story. How they met (on a blustery day), fell in love (over an errant hat), and moved back to his lakeside hometown to begin their life together. He really was good at telling it... right up until the moment he realized he was actually in love with his childhood best friend Petra. Which is how Daphne begins her new story: stranded in beautiful Waning Bay, Michigan, without friends or family but with a dream job as a children’s librarian (that barely pays the bills), and proposing to be roommates with the only person who could possibly understand her predicament: Petra’s ex, Miles Nowak. Scruffy and chaotic—with a penchant for taking solace in the sounds of heart break love ballads—Miles is exactly the opposite of practical, buttoned-up Daphne, whose coworkers know so little about her they have a running bet that she’s either FBI or in witness protection. The roommates mainly avoid one another, until one day, while drowning their sorrows, they form a tenuous friendship and a plan. If said plan also involves posting deliberately misleading photos of their summer adventures together, well, who could blame them? But it’s all just for show, of course, because there’s no way Daphne would actually start her new chapter by falling in love with her ex-fiancé’s new fiancée’s ex... right?

This is my favorite Emily Henry book thus far! I enjoyed this fun fake dating and opposites attract romance novel! I wasn't sure about Miles at first but by the end I was rooting for both he and Daphne. I loved the setting of the Michigan resort town and the community found there. I thought that Miles and Daphne had good chemistry and banter and that by the end they both exhibited heartfelt character growth. Emily Henry's writing is always engaging and fun. This book was the perfect summer read.

My Rating: Delightful!

8.) Royal Spin by Omid Scobie and Robin Benway

From Goodreads:

An irresistibly entertaining story about a young American woman who takes a job at Buckingham Palace—where she finds herself tangled in a royal mess she might not be able to spin her way out of. She can handle the press...but can she handle the Palace? With the British monarchy reeling from a wave of scandals, young American politico Lauren Morgan is plucked from the White House press office to breathe new life into the Buckingham Palace communications team and improve the royal family’s streak of bad headlines. But the Palace is an institution steeped in tradition and strict protocol, and Lauren quickly discovers that change is far from easy, or welcome, especially when you’re dealing with culture clashes, displeased royal aides, and a risky new love interest—or two. Just as Lauren finds her footing at work—and with a charming royal reporter who may be more than just a press contact—an unexpected encounter from her past threatens the career she’s worked so hard to build. And when scandal looms over the dashing duke who Lauren has developed a special bond with, she finds herself torn between duty, loyalty, success, and happiness.

I love a good Royal family book even if it is fiction. This book was a nice summer read. British fluff. Nothing too deep nor scandalous. In this contemporary romance an American is working at Buckingham Palace and conflict and potential love interests ensue. It was okay. Good enough to keep my attention but not exactly riveting.

I believe this is the first book in a forthcoming series which is good because the plot meandered a bit and the ending just kind of drops. If this isn't the first book in a series then the plot was basically pointless.

My Rating: Okay.

9.) The Calamity Club by Kathryn Stockett

From Goodreads:

In 1933 Oxford, Mississippi, Prohibition is on the wane, and the Great Depression is tightening its grip. Poor and rich folks alike have fallen on hard times, even as the old social order remains. For women on the margins, the options are few and the price of dignity and self-determination is unbearably high. Eleven-year-old Meg, one of the unadoptable “big girls” at the Lafayette County Orphan Asylum, fights each day to keep her spirit unbowed. Birdie, unmarried and outspoken, has come to Oxford on a mission to ask her social-climbing sister to help the struggling family she’s left behind. And Charlie is a woman with a past, running low on luck but driven by fire, fury, and grit. When their fates converge, they come up with an audacious plan to take back control of their lives. Together, they form an unlikely sisterhood—but in a place and time where hypocrisy is rife, women’s freedom is fragile, and making an enemy can have dire consequences, will the price they pay for their outrageous risk-taking be too high?

I loved this book! It is great Depression era historical fiction. Set in Oxford, Mississippi this funny and moving novel stole my heart. Kathryn Stockett has created an incredible cast of vivid and unforgettable characters. Her writing is rich and her storytelling fantastic. Despite being a very character-driven novel the plot still took a twist that I did not anticipate! I loved the dual narration of two very strong female POVs. The book was entertaining and engaging from start to finish.

This book explores many different themes: resilience, survival, class, privilege, race, and female roles in society. It especially explores the very limited options of women and the social realities of that time and place. This novel was unique and, at times racy, but still so heartfelt. I love a book that you can just immerse yourself into and invest in the characters. I thoroughly enjoyed my reading experience. I already miss these endearing characters...especially Meg. She was a firecracker! Was it worth waiting 17 years for Kathryn Stockett to write another novel? Yes.

My Rating: I loved it!

Spring Book Reviews 2026

 1.) Tilt by Emma Pattee

From Goodreads:

Annie is nine months pregnant and shopping for a crib at IKEA when a massive earthquake hits Portland, Oregon. With no way to reach her husband, no phone or money, and a city left in chaos, there’s nothing to do but walk. Making her way across the wreckage of Portland, Annie experiences human desperation and kindness: strangers offering help, a riot at a grocery store, and an unlikely friendship with a young mother. As she walks, Annie reflects on her struggling marriage, her disappointing career, and her anxiety about having a baby. If she can just make it home, she’s determined to change her life.

I loved this book and was riveted until the VERY LAST PAGE and then I wanted to throw the book across the room. HARD! I was furious!! The premise was so good! The setting was so good! The plot was so good! I stayed up until 3am to finish it and then was so enraged with all the time (and sleep) that I wasted. I am so over this literary trend of leaving endings open. The book just ends. We don't know the fates of anyone. After all that we have been through with them. There is no resolution. No nothing. This is the second book like this that I have read this year. Another debut novel. Another great premise and another non-ending. Make a choice authors and end your story. This kind of writing drives away readers. Let me tell you how much I want to read another book by this author. Zero.

It is unfortunate because this survival story was propulsive and urgent. I was all in as Annie was trying to make her way to her husband. As she walks through the rubble of Portland and the terrible aftermath of a giant earthquake... she talks to her unborn child. All of her reminiscing and inner dialogue is directed to the baby she is carrying. I was so invested in the safety of baby Bean. Everything Annie sees...the destruction...the people...and the shape they are in is difficult and tragic reading. The aftermath details seemed realistic and horrifying. As Annie painstakingly makes her way across town, trying to get to her husband, she reflects on the past. Her life choices, the unexpected and devastating loss of her mother, her unhappy relationship with her husband, and her conflicting feelings about impending motherhood. 

This book was so good all the way through until the end. I could feel the panic. I have been to this IKEA many times and traveled all over Portland. I was familiar with many of the areas that Annie went. That really added to the experience but the ending is unforgiveable.

My Rating: Infuriating.

2.) The Academy by Elin Hilderbrand and Shelby Cunningham

From Goodreads:

It’s move-in day at Tiffin Academy and amidst the happy chaos of friends reuniting, selfies uploading, and cars unloading, shocking news: America Today just ranked Tiffin the number two boarding school in the country. It’s a seventeen-spot jump – was there a typo? The dorms need to be renovated, their sports teams always come in last place, and let’s just say Tiffin students are known for being more social than academic. On the other hand, the campus is exquisite, class sizes are small, and the dining hall is run by an acclaimed New York chef. And they do have fun—lots of parties and school dances, and a piano man plays in the student lounge every Monday night. But just as the rarefied air of Tiffin is suffused with self-congratulation, the wheels begin to turn – and then they fall off the bus. One by one, scandalous blind items begin to appear on phones across Tiffin’s campus, thanks to a new app called ZipZap, and nobody is safe. From Davi Banerjee, international influencer and resident queen bee, to Simone Bergeron, the new and surprisingly young history teacher, to Charley Hicks, a transfer student who seems determined not to fit in, to Cordelia Spooner, Admissions Director with a somewhat idiosyncratic methodology – everyone has something to hide.

Elin Hilderbrand books are often hit or miss for me but I enjoyed this one. It is different from her usual fare. It's not set in Nantucket. It's not only about adult characters. This novel is set at a New England boarding school. We follow a large cast of students, teachers, and administrators over the course of a year at this prestigious and elite school. Very atmospheric. This was very much rich kids and adults behaving badly...full of scandals, secrets, and drama. I was pulled right in. I love a campus novel.

Elin Hilderbrand co-wrote this contemporary fiction novel with her daughter Shelby Cunningham who contributed some of her own experiences from attending boarding school. The third person POV definitely gives a Gossip Girl vibe. I thought it was a good mix of being character-driven AND plot-driven. This is the first book in a two book series so don't expect all of your questions to be answered but I will definitely read the second book when it comes out. This would be a good book to read in the fall if you enjoy a seasonal Academia read. I think this is my favorite Elin Hilderbrand book thus far.

My Rating: Enjoyable.

3.) The Secrets of Adulthood by Gretchen Rubin

From Goodreads:

Drawing from her long studies of happiness, and also from the challenges she’s faced herself, writer Gretchen Rubin has discovered the “Secrets of Adulthood” that can help us manage the complexities of life. To convey her conclusions, she turned to the aphorism—the ancient literary discipline that demands that a writer convey a large truth in a few words.

I'm a fan of Gretchen Rubin's Happier podcast and many of her books. This small book is a collection of aphorisms. It is exactly that...nothing more...nothing less. If a collection of aphorisms isn't your jam then this book isn't for you. I read it all at once but it would've been better to read an aphorism a day, mull it over, decide if I agree or disagree, rather than just blazing through a whole bunch of them. My favorite section was "Simple Secrets of Adulthood." 

A few good aphorisms:

The forbidden pleasures of childhood often become the luxuries of adulthood.

If you're not sure how to have fun, ask yourself: "What did I do for fun when I was ten years old?"

Misadventures often make the best memories.

If you don't know what to do with yourself: go outside or go to sleep.

What can be done at any time is often done at no time.

If we can't be loving, we can be kind; if we can't be kind, we can be courteous; if we can't be courteous, we can be quiet.

When uncertain about how to proceed, make a choice that allows you to: choose the bigger life, step into the future, live in an atmosphere of growth, deepen or broaden your relationships, and put your values into the world.

My Rating: Enjoyable for what it is...a list of all kinds of aphorisms.

4.) Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter

This is a super cute book! It's reminiscent of To All the Boys I've Loved Before. I've been duped by all kinds of YA novels that claim to be as cute as those books; but this is the closest one I've found. 

From Goodreads:

Perpetual daydreamer Liz Buxbaum gave her heart to Michael a long time ago. But her cool, aloof forever crush never really saw her before he moved away. Now that he’s back in town, Liz will do whatever it takes to get on his radar - and maybe snag him as a prom date - even befriend Wes Bennet. The annoyingly attractive next-door neighbor might seem like a prime candidate for romantic-comedy fantasies, but Wes has only been a pain in Liz’s butt since they were kids. Pranks involving frogs and decapitated lawn gnomes do not a potential boyfriend make. Yet, somehow, Wes and Michael are hitting it off, which means Wes is Liz’s in. But as Liz and Wes scheme to get Liz noticed by Michael so she can have her magical prom moment, she’s shocked to discover that she likes being around Wes. And as they continue to grow closer, she must reexamine everything she thought she knew about love - and rethink her own ideas of what happily ever after should look like.

It was a such a fun quick read. I loved the nostalgic rom-com movie and pop culture references. I also loved the music playlist at the end of the book. I was transported back to my own teenage years...full of awkwardness and angst. I thought this book was adorable and I had fun reading it. I was rooting for both of the main characters...Liz and Wes. I happily handed this book over to my own teenage daughter. 

My Rating: A very cute YA romance novel.

5.) Facing the Mountain by Daniel James Brown

This is the true story of Japanese American heroes in WWII. It's written by the same author who wrote The Boys in the Boat. It was my book club's pick for March 2026. Everyone liked it and we had a good discussion.

From Goodreads:

Facing the Mountain is an unforgettable chronicle of war-time America and the battlefields of Europe. Based on Daniel James Brown's extensive interviews with the families of the protagonists as well as deep archival research, it portrays the kaleidoscopic journey of four Japanese-American families and their sons, who volunteered for 442nd Regimental Combat Team and were deployed to France, Germany, and Italy, where they were asked to do the near impossible. But this is more than a war story. Brown also tells the story of these soldiers' parents, immigrants who were forced to shutter the businesses, surrender their homes, and submit to life in concentration camps on U.S. soil. Woven throughout is the chronicle of a brave young man, one of a cadre of patriotic resisters who stood up against their government in defense of their own rights. Whether fighting on battlefields or in courtrooms, these were Americans under unprecedented strain, doing what Americans do best--striving, resisting, pushing back, rising up, standing on principle, laying down their lives, and enduring.

This is an important and compelling account of Japanese Americans, their experiences, and incredible bravery during WWII. We follow the stories of three Japanese American soldiers and one conscientious objector. We are introduced to these men and their families. One of the men, Fred Shiosaki, was from Spokane which made his story even more compelling and interesting.

The racism, bigotry, discrimination, and shameful treatment of Japanese Americans due to wartime hysteria was absolutely heartbreaking. The FBI had the authority, after the attack on Pearl Harbor, to round up legal Japanese immigrants, Japanese American citizens, and anyone of Japanese ancestry, and relocate them to internment camps. In addition to that... their homes, businesses, and farms were appropriated and taken from them. It was a shameful chapter of US history.

The majority of this book is an account of the 442nd Regiment which was an all Japanese American Regiment and their heroic service to our country and their incredible bravery. The 442nd Regiment distinguished itself and was one of the most decorated regiments in the war. Their account is brutal. They were often called upon to do the impossible. Their valor in the face of extreme injustice and opposition was not only inspiring but played an integral part in the war effort.

My Rating: Heavy and inspiring. Should be required reading.

6.) The Book of Guilt by Catherine Chidgey

This book is SO GOOD! 5 BIG FAT STARS!! It is the best book that I've read so far this year and honestly one of the very best books I've read in several years. Read it! I highly recommend it.

From Goodreads:

After a very different outcome to WWII than the one history recorded, 1979 England is a country ruled by a government whose aims have sinister underpinnings and alliances. In the Hampshire countryside, 13-year-old triplets Vincent, Lawrence and William are the last remaining residents at the Captain Scott Home for Boys, where every day they must take medicine to protect themselves from a mysterious illness to which many of their friends have succumbed. The lucky ones who recover are allowed to move to Margate, a seaside resort of mythical proportions. In nearby Exeter, 13-year-old Nancy lives a secluded life with her parents, who dote on her but never let her leave the house. As the triplets' lives begin to intersect with Nancy’s, bringing to light a horrifying truth about their origins and their likely fate, the children must unite to escape – and survive.

I was instantly pulled into this slightly dystopian, alternate history, science fiction novel. I couldn't put it down. All I wanted to do was read. It's incredibly well-written and descriptive. The atmosphere and setting were so vivid and rich. I was absorbed... especially as the tension and unease began to build. This isn't a popcorn thriller. This is more of an eerie gothic mystery as the reader attempts to understand what is really happening at the Captain Scott Home for Boys in England that drips with 1970s nostalgia.

I was immersed in this incredibly nuanced story. There is so much to unpack as the author explores: science, ethics, morality, societal complicity, nature vs nurture, and the value of human life. The characters are unforgettable and moving. I stayed up late into the night reading as the warm fairytale like story creeped toward sinister.

I don't want to say much more and don't read a bunch of reviews about this book. They give too much of the story away. Go into it blind and let Chidgey take you on her journey. Then find someone you can discuss the book with as soon as possible! This would be a great book club selection. There is so much to discuss. I absolutely loved this book. It is superb and I look forward to reading more of Chidgey's work.

My Rating: Addictive and elegant! A must read.

7.) Sister Wife by Christine Brown Woolley

I haven't watched the reality TV show Sister Wives in years. I got extremely tired of misogynist Kody Brown and his narcissism. I picked this up randomly because it was available at the library and I was in the mood for a memoir.

From Goodreads:

Christine Brown Woolley had always dreamed of having a picture-perfect family—beautiful children, an adoring husband, and of course, a sisterhood of wives to share him with. Raised in Utah by practicing polygamists, Christine knew her life was less than normal, but that didn’t stop her from loving the full house of her childhood any less. Becoming Kody Brown’s third wife in 1994, Christine finally found the big, happy family she had hoped for. When TLC’s hit show Sister Wives premiered in 2010, Christine knew it was her chance to shine a light on the brighter side of polygamy—the helping hands, the lively discussions, and their unmatched devotion to each other. But the cameras also revealed a much darker truth. Now, in this candid tell-all, Christine shares for the first time the journey that led her away from the Mormon church and the bold path she is carving to live apart from all she has ever known. Moving, genuine, and insightful, this is a uniquely powerful tour de force of Christine’s journey toward and beyond her time in the spotlight as a sister wife.

I am actually shocked by how much I enjoyed this book. It was compelling and highly readable. Christine tells her story openly, honestly, and yet still respectfully. I think you could've watched all of the seasons of Sister Wives and still learn some new insights from this memoir. Christine verified things that fans had suspected for a long time and gave more context to situations on the show. I thought the behind-the-scenes look at their show, production, real family situations, and dynamics were quite interesting. I appreciated Christine's candor and vulnerability in sharing her story. 

As I've always known...Kody is detestable. I thought I couldn't dislike him more. Oh but I can...and I do. I am so glad that Christine and Janelle are free of this man (and Meri too). It was interesting hearing Christine's side of their story and how she found her voice, strength, and independence. I hope that one day Janelle and even Meri will write about their experiences too. I wish them well.

This was a quick read. Christine writes in an easy conversational tone. I thought this would just be an *okay* memoir but surprisingly it turned out to be an interesting book.

My Rating: Surprisingly good.

8.) You Better Believe I'm Going to Talk About It by Lisa Rinna

From Goodreads: 

In You Better Believe I’m Gonna Talk About It, Lisa peels back the curtain on her rollercoaster career and her unapologetic approach to life, dishing on the highs, the lows, and the “did-she-really-just-say-that?” moments that made her a household name. Yes, she’s spilling all the tea from the soundstages of Days of Our Lives to the drama of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, but she’s also opening up about what it means to grow older in an industry obsessed with youth, the lessons she’s learned about reinvention, parenting a daughter with a chronic illness, keeping her well-documented marriage alive and healthy, and being forced to grieve in public after the loss of her mother and beloved Beverly Hills fan favorite, Lois. Bold, brash, refreshingly honest, and told with her signature wit and candor, You Better Believe I’m Gonna Talk About It is the story of a woman who understands that you go the furthest by playing by your own rules. It’s the story of a woman who realizes aging is just a chance at a new chapter. It’s the story of a Hollywood icon who refuses to let the world script her story for her. And she’s owning every bit of it, baby!

This memoir was funny, cringy, and slightly horrifying. Rinna is Rinna so you know what you are getting. In this book of essays, she spills the tea, throws shade, and names names just like you know (and hope) she will. That's just who she is. This book is definitely not boring. It's written in a very casual and conversational tone. If you listen to the audiobook version...Lisa reads it herself.

There were parts that were quite interesting. She gives a lot of inside information on what it is really like to be a Bravo Housewife and a lot of behind-the-scenes information. It sounds terrible, fake, and expensive. She answers all the questions that you want answered. Lisa also doesn't hold back and gives you her *honest* opinion about her co-stars. Yikes. She talks a bit about her time on Days of Our Lives which was intriguing to this long-time Days fan. I wish she would've talked more about that than RHOBH to be honest. I also enjoyed hearing how she got into acting, met Harry, and started their family. Learning about her oldest daughter's health struggle with PANDAS was saddening. 

Lisa Rinna can be quite funny...unfortunately she is also quite petty. She is the definition of *mean girl* and her talking about how others were mean girls to her didn't ring true. She's an unreliable narrator. This grown woman is hell bent on defending and justifying her terrible behavior and treatment of others. She deflects and blames others for her own shortcomings. Despite her catch phrase of "own it" she takes zero accountability. Nothing is HER fault. It's the Karens, her ex-Bravo fans, her parents deaths, the haters...She's unapologetic. To be clear, her Bravo fans turned against her because she was absolutely despicable on RHOBH and her behavior was unacceptable regardless of what was or wasn't happening in her life.

If you want a quick Bravolebrity memoir with juicy gossip galore. This is the perfect book for you. It is propulsive and like I said...entertaining. Lisa can be amusing and charming when she wants to be. She is also dramatic, chaotic, and full of contradictions. Love her or hate her. She makes for good reality tv.

My Rating: Rinna is Rinna. You know what you are in for.

9.) Big Dumb Eyes by Nate Bargatze

From Goodreads:

Nate Bargatze used to be a genius. That is, until the summer after seventh grade when he slipped, fell off a cliff, hit his head on a rock, and “my skull got, like, dented or something.” Before this accident, he dreamed of being “an electric engineer, or a doctor that does brain stuff, or a math teacher who teaches the hardest math on earth.” Afterwards, all he could do was stand-up comedy.* But the “brain stuff” industry’s loss is everyone else’s gain because Nate went on to become one of today’s top-grossing comedians, breaking both attendance and streaming records. In his highly anticipated first book, Nate talks about life as a non-genius. From stories about his first car (named Old Blue, a clunky Mazda with a tennis ball stick shift) and his travels as a Southerner (Northerners like to ask if he believes in dinosaurs), to tales of his first apartment where he was almost devoured by rats and his many debates with his wife over his chores, his diet, and even his definition of “shopping.” He also reflects on such heady topics as his irrational passion for Vandy football and the mysterious origins of sushi (how can a California roll come from old-time Japan?). 

I love Nate Bargatze's stand up comedy. He is hilarious. This book is definitely more of a humorous memoir rather than a book of his stand up comedy. That didn't appeal to some readers but I enjoyed his storytelling. His life was interesting to me and I liked learning more about his upbringing and family. His stories made me smile. Bargatze narrates the audiobook and I recommend that format. I love his dead pan delivery, observational humor, and there is nothing better than a good ol' Southern storyteller!

My Rating: Good!

10.) Meet the Newmans by Jennifer Niven

I had such high hopes for this book! Look at that gorgeous cover! It sounded so fun. The behind-the-scenes story of a perfect Ozzie and Harriet type TV family where the lines get blurred as to who they are in real life versus who they play on TV.

From Goodreads:

For two decades, Del and Dinah Newman and their sons, Guy and Shep, have ruled television as America’s Favorite Family. Millions of viewers tune in every week to watch them play flawless, black-and-white versions of themselves. But now it’s 1964, and the Newmans’ idealized apple-pie perfection suddenly feels woefully out of touch. Ratings are in free fall, as are the Newmans themselves. Del is keeping an explosive secret from his wife, and Dinah is slowly going numb—literally. Steady, stable Guy is hiding the truth about his love life, and the charmed luck of rock ‘n roll idol Shep may have finally run out. When Del—the creative motor behind the show—is in a mysterious car accident, Dinah decides to take matters into her own hands. She hires Juliet Dunne, an outspoken, impassioned young reporter, to help her write the final episode. But Dinah and Juliet have wildly different perspectives about what it means to be a woman, and a family, in 1964. Can the Newmans hold it together to change television history? Or will they be canceled before they ever have the chance?

This historical fiction novel is set in 1960s LA. The setting was so vivid and evocative! Los Angeles...the entertainment industry...TV studio lots. I loved it! In this novel, the Newmans are a real life family who also portray a family on TV. They are beloved by their fans but their long-running TV show is on the verge of cancellation due to the shifting values of 1960s America. Their ratings are down because the Newmans haven't evolved with the times and the public sees them as a bit out of touch. The Ozzie and Harriet type shows are becoming irrelevant as more women are entering the workforce. Jennifer Niven explores the gap between public image and private reality; a topic still quite relevant in today's social media influencer world. The Newmans aren't a perfect family. They each have their own secrets, disappointments, and challenges.

This family drama is a good retrospective view of what it was like to be a woman, wife, and mother in the 1960s and all the challenges and frustrations that came along with it. The book also addresses other social issues of the time like family dynamics, middle marriage, feminism, gender roles, free love, sexism, homophobia, and racism. Unfortunately most of these issues only got surface level attention.

I was wanting more of a frothy fun nostalgic Nick-at-Night-with-some-drama novel about a family growing up in the public eye while also navigating changing times. This wasn't exactly that. The book could've used more plot and direction. It was too slow and heavy-handed. While I was intrigued by the concept and premise of the novel...the execution fell a bit flat. Still it was fun to see Dinah come into her own as a newly liberated woman and watch the men in her life try to come to terms with it! I enjoyed the female empowerment part of the story. Although the irony (that no one ever mentions) is that Dinah IS a working woman. She is a successful employed actress! Unfortunately this book just wasn't as memorable as it could be. I wanted more of the Newman family and their interactions (that is where this novel shined) and less of the side characters. I got a little bogged down reading. It could be slow and dull in parts but once I got reading I usually found it to be fairly entertaining.

My Rating: Okay.

11.) The Road by Cormac McCarthy

This was my book club's pick for April 2026. I've read it before. The first time I read it, it was too bleak. I had to DNF it. It never stops being bleak but now I can see beauty in the haunting bleakness.

From Goodreads:

A father and his son walk alone through burned America. Nothing moves in the ravaged landscape save the ash on the wind. It is cold enough to crack stones, and when the snow falls it is gray. The sky is dark. Their destination is the coast, although they don’t know what, if anything, awaits them there. They have nothing; just a pistol to defend themselves against the lawless bands that stalk the road, the clothes they are wearing, a cart of scavenged food—and each other.

This novel follows a father and son as they make their way along a road heading south in a vague post-apocalyptic world. We don't know what has happened only that it is bad. Society has completely collapsed. Not many people are left alive. We meet the nameless father and son in what feels like the middle of their journey. It's their survival story. Their search for safety. They are trying to survive day-to-day in a burned and ash-covered world. The details are sparse. There is an intentional lack of description. The prose is sparse.

Life is hard and dark. The relationship of the father and son is the only bit of light in the novel. I read on pins and needles concerned for their safety even though I knew almost nothing about them. The father is trying to raise his son to be a morally good person in a world where that is now a disadvantage and dangerous. It is now everyone for themselves. Protecting his son is his entire purpose. The son is anxious to know if they are the "good guys." There is profound love and tenderness between this parent and child and yet the entire story from cover-to-cover emits a constant sense of dread.

The story is brutal and intense especially if you are a parent. It is also compelling and unique. It is unlike any other post-apocalyptic novel that I have read. Even stylistically the structure is uncommon and that somehow adds to the bleak desperate feeling of the story. This isn't an easy read but it is a worthwhile one.

My Rating: Brutal. 

12.) Never Enough: When Achievement Becomes Toxic and What We Can Do About It by Jennifer Breheny Wallace

From Goodreads:

In the ever more competitive race to secure the best possible future, today’s students face unprecedented pressure to succeed. They jam-pack their schedules with AP classes, fill every waking hour with resume-padding activities, and even sabotage relationships with friends to “get ahead.” Family incomes and schedules are stretched to the breaking point by tutoring fees and athletic schedules. Yet this drive to optimize performance has only resulted in skyrocketing rates of anxiety, depression, and even self-harm in America’s highest achieving schools. Parents, educators, and community leaders are facing the same how can we teach our kids to strive towards excellence without crushing them? In Never Enough, award-winning reporter Jennifer Breheny Wallace investigates the deep roots of toxic achievement culture, and finds out what we must do to fight back. Drawing on interviews with families, educators, and an original survey of nearly 6,000 parents, she exposes how the pressure to perform is not a matter of parental choice but baked in to our larger society and spurred by increasing income inequality and dwindling opportunities. As a result, children are increasingly absorbing the message that they have no value outside of their accomplishments, a message that is reinforced by the media and greater culture at large...Packed with memorable stories and offering a powerful toolkit for positive change, Never Enough offers an urgent, humane view of the crisis plaguing today’s teens and a practical framework for how to help.

This was such a good book. Kids today are under extreme pressure to achieve...not only academically but in sports, music, dance, clubs, volunteering, church responsibilities, and all kinds of other extracurricular activities. Toxic achievement culture is real and the toll it takes on teen mental health is also real.

“Our kids are absorbing the idea that their worth is contingent on their performance—their GPA, the number of social media followers they have, their college brands—not for who they are deep at their core. They feel they only matter to the adults in their lives, their peers, the larger community, if they are successful.”

“It’s not only that there are more areas in which a child needs to be “exceptional”; it’s also that the bar for what is “exceptional” keeps rising, offering our kids more and more ways to feel like they are not enough. Children absorb constant messages from our achievement culture that they need to be thin, rich, smart, beautiful, athletic, and talented to be worthy of likes, love, and attention. Like dutiful soldiers, our kids comply with these crazy demands. Over time, they internalize them.”

I found this book very readable and informative. As the mother of four, three of whom are grown, and one a junior in high school; I wish I would've read this book years earlier. So while my children weren't headed for the Ivy League...they still felt incredible pressure to achieve. I think it is very rampant in my religious culture. 

Parents and educators need to help kids widen their definition of success from just personal achievement. The mental load of perfectionism wears kids down. Children need to be valued for who they are and not for what they achieve. Self-worth needs to be untangled from achievement and success needs to be redefined. "Success is finding meaning in life."

The author explores the concept of "mattering." We need to give kids a sense of mattering. “Beneath the illusion of scarcity, beneath the fear and anxiety and envy and status seeking, we are all starving for the same basic human needs: to feel valued, to belong, to be known and loved for who we are at our core.” That is the key to combating toxic achievement culture...knowing you matter to your family, friends, school, and community. Serving others in your community and contributing to your household and family are also important to mattering.

There were a lot of practical tips for parents and educators to help children set healthy limits and achieve more balance in their lives. "The difference between a 91% and 99% is a life." It's not just academics but things like expensive all-consuming travel sports teams add to the toxic achievement culture and are taking a toll on our children's mental health. Kids are missing out on holidays and extended family gatherings, friends, activities, after school jobs, and a life. 

"The antidote for burnout isn't powering off...It's reengaging with the world around us."

"Resilience rests on relationships."

I think this would be a great book club selection. So much to discuss.

My Rating: Excellent.

13.) Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke

This is the hot book of the year right now. Everyone is talking about it. The premise is fascinating. I love the romanticized rural influencer life as much as the next person. I couldn't wait to dive in.

From Goodreads:

Natalie lives a traditional lifestyle. Her charming farmhouse is rustic, her husband a handsome cowboy, her six children each more delightful than the last. So what if there are nannies and producers behind the scenes, her kitchen hiding industrial-grade fridges and ovens, her husband the Republican equivalent of a Kennedy? What Natalie’s followers—all 8 million of them—don’t know won’t hurt them. And The Angry Women? The privileged, Ivy League, coastal elite haters who call her an antifeminist iconoclast? They’re sick with jealousy. Because Natalie isn’t simply living the good life, she’s living the ideal—and just so happens to be building an empire from it. Until one morning she wakes up in a life that isn’t hers. Her home, her husband, her children—they’re all familiar, but something’s off. Her kitchen is warmed by a sputtering fire rather than electricity, her children are dirty and strange, and her soft-handed husband is suddenly a competent farmer. Just yesterday Natalie was curating photos of homemade jam for her Instagram, and now she’s expected to haul firewood and hand wash clothes until her fingers bleed. Has she become the unwitting star of a brutal reality show? Could it really be time travel? Is she being tested by God? By Satan? When Natalie suffers a brutal injury in the woods, she realizes two things: This is not her beautiful life, and she must escape by any means possible.

I didn't like it. What a bummer. A social media influencer selling an aesthetic by cosplaying the perfect farm life. In real life social media accounts like this are both fascinating and horrifying. So a novel about how one of these influencers suddenly finds herself in the 1800s living the historical life that she has been purporting online sounded intriguing. Unfortunately it wasn't. 

I did not enjoy any of the characters except for the children. All the adults were caricatures and morally bankrupt. The protagonist Natalie was especially awful. She is smug, cynical, and rage-filled. She had zero empathy for anyone. She was awful from the first page to the last page.

This novel is marketed as sharp social satire about influencer culture, religion, conservative politics, and feminism with some readers even calling it darkly funny. I didn't think it was funny in any way...more disturbing and unhinged. It was too harsh and sharp for me especially knowing how the novel ends. I'd call it sad and tragic.

Interesting themes were discussed....tradwives, social media, validation, perfect families, religious obsession, politics, and misogyny. The storyline could've handled these topics better. They should be discussed and debated.

The vague religion of Natalie weakened the plot. We don't know anything about what she actually believes and what was supposedly driving her. Natalie doesn't even appear to be a practicing Christian. She doesn't go to church (after college) or have any interest in organized religion. She doesn't read the Bible in fact she often misquotes it. She thinks that all the Christians she knows are dumber than her. Being the figure head of a movement doesn't actually mean that you are one of its followers. That is the case for Natalie. She is selling a fantasy and it starts an unhinged spiral.

There were also some pacing issues in the middle. I kept waiting for it to get good. The ending was controversial and unexpected. I didn't hate it...it was on par with the rest of the novel. Although I would've liked more of a redemption arc. I also didn't love that it is loosely based on Ballerina Farms. I follow Hannah and while I do see things that are problematic...she is a far cry from Natalie. Although Hannah's creepy husband Daniel is a dead ringer for Natalie's creepy husband Caleb. All in all...this novel wasn't what I expected.

My Rating: Depressing and unhinged. 

14.) James by Percival Everett

This is another much talked about novel and a multiple award winning one at that. It is a reimagining of Huckleberry Finn but from Jim's perspective, Huck's runaway slave companion, as they take their dangerous journey down the Mississippi. 

From Goodreads:

When Jim overhears that he is about to be sold to a man in New Orleans, separated from his wife and daughter forever, he runs away until he can formulate a plan. Meanwhile, Huck has faked his own death to escape his violent father. As all readers of American literature know, thus begins the dangerous and transcendent journey by raft down the Mississippi River toward the elusive and unreliable promise of the Free States and beyond.

I was glad that I had done a reread of Huckleberry Finn a few years ago. While not necessary it definitely enhanced my reading experience. I liked James immediately. I was hooked from the first sentence, "Those little bastards were hiding out there in the tall grass." (Tom Sawyer is the worst.) To the last sentence, "My names is James." So powerful.

In Everett's retelling Jim isn't exactly who he appears to be. He is a self-educated philosopher and avid reader who has taught other enslaved people to read and write. We experience everything that happens through Jim/James' eyes. I loved the in depth exploration of Jim/James and what he is thinking and feeling. It added such great nuance, complexity, and dimension. Slavery is a heavy topic. Everett doesn't sugar coat anything. The reader is forced to reckon with it. I felt all the emotions. The addition to this classic literary cannon of James speaking his own words was fantastic.

The adventurous journey that Huck and Jim take down the mighty Mississippi on a raft was harrowing, heartbreaking, and full of real consequences, as they encountered kindness and cruelty. It is the story of resilience and survival. Everett's writing was propulsive and creative. There were several interesting and unexpected twists. I thought this novel was smart and fresh as it explored the importance of freedom, identity, and even language. It is a great reimagining of a classic. 

My Rating: Good!

15.) Lady Tremaine by Rachel Hochhauser

5 BIG FAT STARS!!! This novel is definitely deserving of the attention that it has received. I LOVED it! That is saying something because I don't like fairytale reimagings or fantasy but I couldn't put this book down! I was immersed in this fairytale world and I loved every minute of it. This debut novel by Rachel Hochhauser turns the tale of Cinderella on its head. What if the story of Cinderella isn't what we thought it was? 

From Goodreads:

A breathtaking reimagining of Cinderella, as told through the eyes of its iconic "evil" stepmother, revealing a propulsive love story about the lengths a mother will go to for her children. A widow twice-over, Etheldreda is now saddled with the care of her two children, a priggish stepdaughter, and a razor-taloned peregrine falcon. Her entire life has become a ruse, just like the manor hall they live grand and ornate on the exterior, but crumbling, brick by brick, inside. Fierce in the face of her misfortune, Ethel clings to her family’s respectability, the lifeboat that will float her daughters straight into the secure banks of marriage. When a royal ball offers the chance to secure the future she desperately desires, Etheldreda must risk her secrets, pride, and limited resources in pursuit of an invitation for her daughters—only to see her hopes fulfilled by the wrong one. As an engagement to the heir of the kingdom unfolds with unnerving speed, she discovers a sordid secret hidden in the depths of the royal family, forcing her to choose between the security she’s sought for years and the wellbeing of the feckless stepdaughter who has rebuffed her at every turn.

I started this book wary. I basically read it for the beautiful cover. But wow...this book was fantastic! In  Lady Tremaine we get the backstory of Cinderella's...or in this case Elin's... stepmother and how she and her daughters and stepdaughter came to be. Their story is set in a vivid gothic atmosphere of a crumbling manor house in dark woods that border royal lands. The writing is so lyrical and lush that it was its own kind of magic.

This is the story of a strong resilient woman who is trying to raise strong and resilient daughters. Is Etheldreda an evil stepmother or is she a tenacious mother in desperate circumstances making hard decisions and sacrifices for her daughters to give them a secure future? It is also an exploration of motherhood and complex mother/daughter relationships. It is fierce and feminist in the best possible ways. This is not a whimsical Cinderella retelling. There is depth, grit, grief, and pain. It was unputdownable.

I loved the redefining of a story that we think we know. The character development was incredible and rich in personality. The world building was vibrant, descriptive, and immersive. I liked that the novel leans more toward historical fiction rather than fantasy but there were still elements that felt dreamlike. There were some incredible twists and turns in the narrative along with surprising revelations. I can't wait to read future novels by this author!

My Rating: Spectacular!

Winter Book Reviews 2025/2026

 1.) Rest Ye Murdered Gentlemen by Vicki Delany

This was my book club's pick for December 2025. It's the first book in a new series. It was a big disappointment.

From Goodreads:

In Rudolph, New York, it’s Christmastime all year long. But this December, while the snow-lined streets seem merry and bright, a murder is about to ruin everyone’s holiday cheer…As the owner of Mrs. Claus’s Treasures, Merry Wilkinson knows how to decorate homes for the holidays. That’s why she thinks her float in the semi-annual Santa Claus parade is a shoo-in for best in show. But when the tractor pulling Merry’s float is sabotaged, she has to face facts: there’s a Scrooge in Christmas Town. Merry isn’t ready to point fingers, especially with a journalist in town writing a puff piece about Rudolph’s Christmas spirit. But when she stumbles upon the reporter’s body on a late night dog walk—and police suspect he was poisoned by a gingerbread cookie crafted by her best friend, Vicky—Merry will have to put down the jingle bells and figure out who’s really been grinching about town, before Vicky ends up on Santa’s naughty list…

We were hoping for a cozy, cheery, Christmas-y mystery and unfortunately this fell flat. The main character was childish, dull, and often grouchy. The townspeople weren't full of the Christmas Spirit more like the spirit of commercialism. Most of them were caricatures rather than characters. The writing was simplistic. I will always dock a star when an adult says the word "tummy" referring to themselves and not a child. Ugh. The best character was the St. Bernard puppy. Our book club was hoping for more of a twist at the end and even discussed where there was the potential for a good one. I'm not sure why this book is as highly rated as it is. Our book club gave it two thumbs down. I will not be continuing on with the series.

My Rating: Disappointing.

2.) Understood Betsy by Dorothy Fisher Canfield

From Goodreads:

For all of her nine years, fragile Elizabeth Ann has heard her Aunt Frances refer in whispers to her "horrid Putney cousins." But when her aunt can no longer care for her, Elizabeth Ann must leave her sheltered life to live in the wilds of Vermont with those distant relatives. In the beginning, Elizabeth Ann is shocked by country living—pets are allowed to sleep in the house and children are expected to do chores! But with country living comes independence and responsibility, and in time, Elizabeth Ann finds herself making friends and enjoying her new family. When the year is up and Aunt Frances comes to get her niece, she finds a healthier, prouder girl with a new name—Betsy—and a new outlook on life.

This middle grade classic was written in 1917 and is as charming as can be. It's beautifully written and evocative of a bygone time and yet still has a good message for today's helicopter parents. This is a sweet and heartwarming story about building self-confidence in children. Enjoyable for kids and adults alike. I loved it.

My Rating: Wonderful.

3.) The Christmas Book Hunt by Jenny Colgan

Last year I read both of Jenny Colgan's Christmas Bookshop books and I was hoping for more of the same. I also wanted to read something quick and Christmas-y.

From Goodreads:

Mirren’s beloved great-aunt Violet is seriously ill. Her one Christmas wish is to be reunited with a long-lost hand-illustrated book from her childhood, a challenge Mirren gladly accepts to give Violet some much-needed festive cheer...with no sign of the cherished volume online, Mirren falls into the fascinating world of rare books. From London to snowy Hay-on-Wye and Edinburgh’s cobbled streets, she chases leads from bookshop to bookshop—and bumps into mysterious, charming Theo, who, unbeknownst to her, is searching for the same book for reasons of his own…As the two join forces to track the book down before time runs out for Violet, will Mirren find her Christmas miracle—and maybe even a kiss under the mistletoe?

This wasn't super Christmas-y but was a fun, quick, seasonal read. I loved the UK setting. I especially enjoyed that the characters in this book, on their quest to find a rare book, found their way to Carmen and Mr. McCready's bookshop in Scotland and we got a little update on them. Enjoyable.

My Rating: Cute

4.) A Boy Called Christmas by Matt Haig

From Goodreads:

You are about to read the true story of Father Christmas.
It is a story that proves that nothing is impossible.
If you are one of those people who believe that some things are impossible, you should put this book down right away. It is most certainly not for you.
Because this book is FULL of impossible things.

This is a cute middle grade book. It is an origin story of Santa Claus. A poor little boy growing up in the snowy woods of Finland goes on a magical adventure in search of his father. On his journey he finds elves, the power of magic, and the belief that nothing is impossible. This was a fun holiday read. It has also been made into a movie on Netflix.

My Rating: Sweet.

5.) Prophets See Around Corners by Sheri Dew

From Goodreads:

Sheri Dew has had the unique opportunity to be in the presence of prophets, seers, and revelators hundreds of times, if not thousands. In Prophets See around Corners, she shares her firsthand witness that these inspired men are indeed called of God and that they have the ability to help us in ways no other leader or influencer can. As she explains, “There is a crucial difference between prophets, seers, and revelators...They have priesthood keys that allow them to see things we do not yet see and understand things we do not yet understand.” This is why prophets have a singular capacity to prepare us for life’s unexpected turns. This is how they can see around corners. As she answers common questions about prophets and affirms the myriad ways they point us to Jesus Christ, Sheri Dew reminds us that prophets are an extraordinary gift to those who believe. The revelation they receive is for us today―revelation that contemplates the unique circumstances in the world now. Why should we listen to prophets? Because, as the author teaches, “Those who follow the prophet are actually following and placing their trust in God the Father and in His Son Jesus Christ.” As we study and follow the counsel of prophets, the trajectory of each of our lives will change. We will be protected from deception and prepared for all that lies ahead.

I thought that this was an interesting and relevant book. One that was good for me to read at this particular time. It was uplifting and enlightening. Great insights from Sheri Dew. I loved reading about her interactions and experiences with prophets and apostles. I loved it.

My Rating: Insightful.

6.) The Pumpkin Spice Cafe by Laurie Gilmore

This book has been all over BookTok for years. I was influenced.

From Goodreads:

When Jeanie's aunt gifts her the beloved Pumpkin Spice Café in the small town of Dream Harbor, Jeanie jumps at the chance for a fresh start away from her very dull desk job. Logan is a local farmer who avoids Dream Harbor's gossip at all costs. But Jeanie's arrival disrupts Logan's routine and he wants nothing to do with the irritatingly upbeat new girl, except that he finds himself inexplicably drawn to her. Will Jeanie's happy-go-lucky attitude win over the grumpy-but-gorgeous Logan, or has this city girl found the one person in town who won't fall for her charm, or her pumpkin spice lattes…

This contemporary romance had all the things...perfect New England autumn setting...charming and quirky small town...Gilmore Girls-esque vibes...a grumpy handsome local...and WAY more spice than this book cover would lead you to believe. LOL. Yes, this book reads like a Hallmark movie. Yes, this book has insta-love. Yes, it is cheesy. But... I didn't hate it! ;)

My Rating: A spicy romance.

7.) The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street by Karina Yan Glaser

From Goodreads:

The Vanderbeekers have always lived in the brownstone on 141st Street. It's practically another member of the family. So when their reclusive, curmudgeonly landlord decides not to renew their lease, the five siblings have eleven days to do whatever it takes to stay in their beloved home and convince the dreaded Beiderman just how wonderful they are. And all is fair in love and war when it comes to keeping their home.

This was a charming middle grade novel. A perfect book to read over the holidays. The story takes place the week leading up to Christmas as the delightful Vanderbeeker children try to save their home. I was charmed by this wonderful, big, diverse family. The Vanderbeekers are great characters who are loveable, interesting, bright, and unique. Each child has their own interests and hobbies. I loved the descriptions of their home and Harlem neighborhood. I loved their rambunctious house filled to the rafters with children, pets, lots of activities, quirky neighbors, and extended family. The Vanderbeekers are a great family who love and serve those around them and bring joy to their neighborhood. This was a warm and fuzzy feelgood book.

My Rating: A modern day classic.

8.) The Compound by Aisling Rawle

From Goodreads:

Lily—a bored, beautiful twentysomething—wakes up on a remote desert compound alongside nineteen other contestants on a popular reality TV show. To win, she must outlast her housemates while competing in challenges for luxury rewards, such as champagne and lipstick, and communal necessities to outfit their new home, like food, appliances, and a front door. The cameras are catching all her angles, good and bad, but Lily has no desire to leave: Why would she, when the world outside is falling apart? As the competition intensifies, intimacy between the players deepens, and it becomes increasingly difficult to distinguish between desire and desperation. When the producers raise the stakes, forcing contestants into upsetting, even dangerous situations, the line between playing the game and surviving it begins to blur. If Lily makes it to the end, she'll receive prizes beyond her wildest dreams—but what will she have to do to win?

This was my first read of 2026. It was an interesting satirical take on reality tv shows, consumerism, materialism, fame, and greed. I loved the premise of an intense reality show with performative tasks that ramp up dramatically to entertain the viewers that become increasingly more unhinged and unsettling.

The contestants wake up in the compound and have to couple up and perform tasks and challenges to win prizes for the compound and themselves. They aren't even guaranteed basic necessities like food and water; as they plot to not be banished from the compound. We follow Lily a beautiful but vapid girl as she competes to be the last one standing.

This definitely gives a Love Island, Big Brother, Survivor vibe but also hints at a dystopian war-ravaged world outside the compound that the contestants are trying to escape. We don't get a lot of context about the contestants or what is happening in the world. We have to try to figure out what is going on inside and outside of the compound. The contestants begin going off the rails as time progresses with no contact with the outside world.

This book had a lot going for it. It was interesting and propulsive. I really enjoyed the first two thirds of the book but the ending was an absolute let down. It is definitely controversial. It tanked the book for me. I wish the author would have ended it in a different way and it would have been a four star read.

My Rating: An interesting social commentary with a terrible ending.

9.) The Secret of Secrets by Dan Brown

From Goodreads:

Robert Langdon, esteemed professor of symbology, travels to Prague to attend a groundbreaking lecture by Katherine Solomon—a prominent noetic scientist with whom he has recently begun a relationship. Katherine is on the verge of publishing an explosive book that contains startling discoveries about the nature of human consciousness and threatens to disrupt centuries of established belief. But a brutal murder catapults the trip into chaos, and Katherine suddenly disappears along with her manuscript. Langdon finds himself targeted by a powerful organization and hunted by a chilling assailant sprung from Prague's most ancient mythology. As the plot expands into London and New York, Langdon desperately searches for Katherine . . . and for answers. In a thrilling race through the dual worlds of futuristic science and mystical lore, he uncovers a shocking truth about a secret project that will forever change the way we think about the human mind.

This is the sixth installment in the Robert Langdon series. This time he is in Prague with his current love interest, a world famous scientist, Katherine. Robert Langdon books are always interesting and entertaining. This isn't the best in the series but it does discuss interesting subject matter...the nature of human consciousness and neuroscience. Dan Brown loves to include some real world science to build his theories and storylines upon. He includes a good mix of fact and fiction and a lot of philosophical discussion. Dan Brown books always give the reader a lot to think about. I like that about his books. I also loved the descriptions of Prague with its historical sights, political and international intrigue, twists and turns, and theories upon theories that come with these novels, all of which kept me turning the pages. It's always nostalgic to be back in Robert Langdon's world.

What I didn't love were the constant long-winded science/historical/philosophical lectures given by Robert (and Katherine) over and over again to anyone and everyone. I felt like every few pages I was getting another Wikipedia information dump. The information was not given in a normal and natural way and it made for some very stilted dialogue. There was too much droning on about the mind/consciousness for way too many pages. It made a very interesting subject matter feel tedious. There was also too much repetition. Langdon tells us the same things over and over again. We get it. It felt condescending. The book, at almost 700 pages, was too long and the storyline dragged. I felt like the plot had basically wrapped up and there were still many more chapters to go.

The way Dan Brown writes Robert Langdon feels extremely dated. It feels like he is writing for a man in the 1980s or 1990s rather than today. Langdon's quirks and eccentricities seem from a few decades back and don't even get me started on how Dan Brown writes women and romantic situations. Ick. Being in Robert Langdon's head became tiresome. So much pontificating and everything is lecture or a teaching moment. There is nothing Langdon loves more than to tell everyone how smart he is. Robert Langdon needs an upgrade and not be written like a character in a Danielle Steele novel.

Still...this book was interesting and getting to armchair travel to Prague with all of its mysteries and intrigues on a cold January night was entertaining. You know what you are getting into with these books. If you like them...you like them. If you don't...you don't. 

My Rating: Okay.

10.) The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon

This was my book club's pick for January 2026.

From Goodreads:

Maine, 1789: When the Kennebec River freezes, entombing a man in the ice, Martha Ballard is summoned to examine the body and determine cause of death. As a midwife and healer, she is privy to much of what goes on behind closed doors in Hallowell. Her diary is a record of every birth and death, crime and debacle that unfolds in the close-knit community. Months earlier, Martha documented the details of an alleged rape committed by two of the town's most respected gentlemen—one of whom has now been found dead in the ice. But when a local physician undermines her conclusion, declaring the death to be an accident, Martha is forced to investigate the shocking murder on her own.

This was a fantastic book. Rich historical fiction inspired by the life of an actual woman, Martha Ballard, who was the first recorded midwife. I enjoyed this novel immensely. As did our book club. The writing was wonderful and the characters were well written. The Ballard family was exceptional. I was immediately immersed in 1789 Maine. I love a story with a strong female protagonist. Martha Ballard was a formidable 54 year old woman in a loving marriage and still guiding and directing her adult children. She was smart, strong-willed, and compassionate. In addition to being a gifted healer and midwife; she was also a strong advocate for justice and challenged societal expectations for women in a time when women were silenced. I loved the vivid descriptions of the realities of colonial life. Throw in a murder mystery and this book was the whole package. This is my first five star read of 2026. There is also an interesting author's note at the end of the book that is a must read.

My Rating: Absorbing! I loved it.

11.) Dinner For Vampires by Bethany Joy Lentz

From Goodreads:

In the early 2000s, after years of hard work and determination to breakthrough as an actor, Bethany Joy Lenz was finally cast as one of the leads on the hit drama One Tree Hill. Her career was about to take off, but her personal life was slowly beginning to unravel. What none of the show’s millions of fans knew, hidden even from her costars, was her secret double life in a cult...Only when she became a mother did Lenz find the courage to leave and spare her child from a similar fate. After nearly a decade (and with the unlikely help of a One Tree Hill super fan), she finally managed to escape the family’s grip and begin to heal from the deep trauma that forever altered her relationship with God and her understanding of faith. Written with powerful honesty and dark humor, Dinner for Vampires is an inspiring story about the importance of identity and understanding what you believe.

I'm not a One Tree Hill fan and didn't know much about the actress who played Haley before reading this book; but I do remember hearing something about her potential cult involvement back in the day. I enjoy celebrity memoirs and this was recommended on a book podcast that I like. It was a quick read. The book cover is misleading and didn't really go with the story. There also wasn't a ton of behind-the-scenes information about One Tree Hill either. The majority of the book discusses Lenz's decade long involvement in a religious cult. She happened to be in this cult while also starring on the hit TV show.

What started off as a Hollywood Bible study group...other members were actors from soap operas and other TV shows...slowly and subtly morphed into a controlling cult who became her *family.* It's sad to read about how lonely she was and how she went looking for acceptance and connection and instead found herself manipulated and abused. It is heartbreaking what she went through. Cult leaders preyed on her and used her faith against her to control her and to steal over $2 million dollars from her. It's unnerving how easily she was manipulated and isolated from her family, friends, and colleagues.

Lenz was vulnerable and showed how easily someone could become involved in a cult, thinking that they are doing something good, or that they have found acceptance, or belonging in a group. It is tragic how long it took for her to realize what was happening. This was a good window book that allows the reader to see inside someone else's world. Her day-to-day life and interactions with this group were disturbing. I'm glad that Lenz finally came to the realization that she needed to get herself and her daughter out of that situation and ultimately out of her marriage too. She was married to the cult leader's son. I am glad that she is now providing a healthy life for her daughter and living one herself.

My Rating: Interesting and unsettling.

12.) Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry

From Goodreads:

Alice Scott is an eternal optimist still dreaming of her big writing break. Hayden Anderson is a Pulitzer-prize winning human thundercloud. And they’re both on balmy Little Crescent Island for the same reason: To write the biography of a woman no one has seen in years--or at least to meet with the octogenarian who claims to be the Margaret Ives. Tragic heiress, former tabloid princess, and daughter of one of the most storied (and scandalous) families of the 20th Century.

This wasn't my favorite Emily Henry book but I still enjoyed it. It was sweet but a tad too long. Henry was trying something a little different with this novel. More literary fiction and a bit less rom-com. I'm fine with that. This had a dual storyline and covered several generations of an uber wealthy family. It definitely had some The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo vibes. Unfortunately, I felt like too much time was spent on Margaret's story and that really slowed down the pacing of the book. When the story shifted back to the Ives family saga I often got bored and would set the book down.

I really liked the female main character of Alice Scott. She was sunny and fun. I loved her positive personality. Hayden was an interesting character too once he started opening up to Alice. This is a grumpy/sunshine and rivals-to-lovers slow burn. I loved the Georgia island setting that was giving Tybee Island vibes. Perfection. Margaret on the other hand wasn't as likeable. I don't think we needed to go so far back in her family history either...to her great-grandfather, grandfather, father...and then finally to her. It took way too long to get to her.

This novel is a bit of several genres crammed into one: literary fiction, romance, and mystery. It made the story choppy. Plus there were several characters that it would have been interesting to get more back story on... Laura, Ruth, Cosmo, Jodi, Cecil, and even Nicollet. Characters that were contemporaries of Margaret. Despite wanting more character development for these characters and definitely more time spent with Alice and Hayden...it was still a fairly entertaining book.

My Rating: Good but gets slow in parts.

13.) Chicken Fried Women by Melissa Radke

I am a Melissa Radke fan. I think she is hilarious! I read her previous book and follow her on social media. She is a good time and always makes me laugh. This book was the same!

From Goodreads:

Melissa Radke—television star, podcaster, and bestselling author of Eat Cake. Be Brave—writes a love letter to the strong, opinionated Southern women who raised her and the women who surround each one of us.   Lucy and Ethel. Laverne and Shirley. Dorothy and Sophia and Blanche and Rose. It’s the women around us who make us who we are, and Chicken-Fried Women is a celebration of them. It’s about the women who raised us, made us, taught us to cook and clap back. It’s the ones who prayed for us, raged at us and humbled us a notch or two when we needed it. It’s about the women who gave us our first perm, told us we “don’t have legs for a skirt that short” and admitted that cankles run in the family. These are the women who have encouraged us, teased us, chastised us, and mortified us. And as they fill up the seats around our table, we realize we wouldn’t have it any other way.

This is Southern humor at its finest. I laughed out loud so many times! I listened to this on audiobook and I highly recommend doing that because Melissa reads it herself and the voices that she does for each of her family members had me giggling. I loved it! She is an incredible storyteller. The antics of Melissa's granny, mother, aunts, and cousins were an absolute delight!

This memoir is voicy and full of heart. It is also at times incredibly touching and poignant. I loved this collection of stories about a family of larger-than-life-sassy-filter-less Southern women. It is a celebration of womanhood, kinship, and community. It is a love story to the women who raised us (and who we have raised.)

Lily the lamb, Melba and Annette in the church bathroom, giving certain actions names like "Don't be a (fill in a name) or a Hello (fill in the name) when you do a specific thing (This is so true!!) and had me crying with laughter.

I love a family of feisty females. I am raising some! No one gets me laughing harder than they do. It also had me remembering hilarious times with my mom and the predicaments that she would get herself into along with both of my grandmas and my Nana. Good times!

This book was truly a joy to read and so relatable. I loved it and highly recommend it!

My Rating: Fantastic and hilarious!

14.) My Friends by Fredrik Backman

From Goodreads:

Most people don’t even notice them—three tiny figures sitting at the end of a long pier in the corner of one of the most famous paintings in the world. Most people think it’s just a depiction of the sea. But Louisa, an aspiring artist herself, knows otherwise, and she is determined to find out the story of these three enigmatic figures. Twenty-five years earlier, in a distant seaside town, a group of teenagers find refuge from their bruising home lives by spending long summer days on an abandoned pier, telling silly jokes, sharing secrets, and committing small acts of rebellion. These lost souls find in each other a reason to get up each morning, a reason to dream, a reason to love. Out of that summer emerges a transcendent work of art, a painting that will unexpectedly be placed into eighteen-year-old Louisa’s care. She embarks on a surprise-filled cross-country journey to learn how the painting came to be and to decide what to do with it. The closer she gets to the painting’s birthplace, the more nervous she becomes about what she’ll find. Louisa is proof that happy endings don’t always take the form we expect in this stunning testament to the transformative, timeless power of friendship and art.

I love Fredrik Backman's books and I eagerly anticipated this one. I enjoy his unique layered storytelling. In this novel there are dual timelines that we move back and forth between as the story unfolds. We have Louisa's story in the present and the story of the teenagers from 25 years ago. Just like in his other novels we have complex and quirky characters and unlikely friendships. And just like in his other novels Backman doesn't shy away from tackling difficult subject matter. But this one felt different. This story was touching and absolutely brutal. There are many good things about this book but this one just wasn't for me. It was way too heavy. Too hard. Too sad. Every single character had an incredibly difficult and painful back story. There were moments of levity and joking around but it didn't land for me. The majority of the story was sad and somber with A LOT of trigger warnings. I needed either a quicker pace or a few more soft places to land in between all of the sad and hard parts. 

I give this moving coming-of-age story three and a half stars. Be prepared that the themes of grief, art, belonging, friendship, and found family will rip your heart out. It was too bleak for me. It is still a worthwhile read but not my favorite Backman.

My Rating: Heavy.

15.) Love Walked In by Marisa de Los Santos

From Goodreads:

When Martin Grace enters the hip Philadelphia coffee shop Cornelia Brown manages, her life changes forever. But little does she know that her newfound love is only the harbinger of greater changes to come. Meanwhile, across town, Clare Hobbs—eleven years old and abandoned by her erratic mother—goes looking for her lost father. She crosses paths with Cornelia while meeting with him at the café, and the two women form an improbable friendship that carries them through the unpredictable currents of love and life.

This was my book club's pick for February 2026. This was a fun book for February and a quick read for a short month. It is a backlist title from about 20 years ago. It also isn't your typical boy-meets-girl story nor straight forward romance novel. It has its fluffy moments but there was also some gravitas that was unexpected.

We have two narrators in this novel and we flip back and forth between them. The first one is Cornelia, a thirtysomething café manager in Philadelphia, and the second one is Clare, a lonely eleven year old girl. Cornelia is a diehard romantic and her narration is chatty and wistful. Cornelia imagines that her life is like an old classic movie. There were so many references to old movies and classic actors and actresses. It was incessant and got a little tedious. Clare's narration was more real and grounded in reality. It was heartbreaking and vulnerable. I didn't love Cornelia's storyline until it intersected with Clare's.

There was a cast of likeable (mostly) characters. Particularly those who come to the aid of Clare. I particularly loved those characters who rallied and extended love and care to a scared little girl. I felt that some of the plot points were improbable and yet my emotions were tangled as I rooted for both Cornelia and Clare to get their happy endings. I enjoyed this book of found family, friendship, and belonging.

My Rating: Enjoyable.