Many thanks to my friends at @stmartinspress and @macmillan.audio for the #gifted copies of this books. 

There’s no greater power than that of a good read. 

They change hearts. They touch souls. They make us feel less alone. They make us feel seen. They give us hope. They challenge. They soothe. 

Books enrich our lives. 

In Bauermeister’s No Two Person’s we see this play out in ten unique vignettes. 

One writer. Her own soul longing for a release. Nine readers. All so different. All in need. And it’s the written word that fulfills. Ten lives impacted by mere words and pages. 

In her latest release, Bauermeister reaches out to the core of book lovers everywhere with her messaging on the power of the written word. Dare I say, every reader will see him/herself within some aspect of this story. And in such, No Two Persons becomes not only a reminder of why we love reading, but a champion of the power found within a book. 

While the messaging was on point, I went into this expecting a novel. And a novel, it is not. Instead, this is a collection of short stories connected through messaging. It is a quality collection. It’s well written with uniquely drawn characters. 

BUT. It lacked the overall cohesiveness and depth that I yearn for, which is why I tend to shy away from short stories in general. 

Moral of the situation… go into this one knowing it is a set of short stories, and then be charmed by the messaging. 

🎧 This is performed by a full cast, which allowed each individual story to uniquely portray each section’s main character, allowing the entire collection to come alive in a dynamic way.🎧 This is performed by a full cast, which allowed each individual story to uniquely portray each section’s main character, allowing the entire collection to come alive in a dynamic way.

 

 

 

Many thanks to my friends at @forgereads and @macmillan.audio for the #gifted copies of this book.  

 

Heartwarming and utterly enchanting.  

 

Webber excels at creating the perfect small town atmosphere overflowing with charm.  The front porch swings.  The nosey neighbors.  The coffee shop steeped in “well-meaning” gossip.  

 

Add to that a few slow strolls in the sand, and I was almost ready to pack up my Ohio home to head to Driftwood.   

 

This story follows Ava and Maggie, both bold characters wrestling with the past.  With a depth of characterization, it was easy to feel for both and cheer along their personal growth journeys.

 

At its core, this is a story about grief and acceptance.  It’s teeming with emotion and easily relatable with important reminders.  

 

But it’s the strands of magical realism thread throughout the story, full of warmth and whimsy, that really make this story shine.  

 

Once again, I was swept away by the magic in Webber’s writing.  Her books always feel like a warm hug for my soul, and this one was just the comfort read I was needing.   

 

🎧 The narration by Hallie Ricardo and Stephanie Willis (and their perfect southern accents) made both characters come alive in a rich way that added charm of this read. 

Many thanks to my friends at @tornightfire and @macmillan.audio for the #gifted copies of this book.  

“I dream sometimes of a house I’ve never seen.”

 

Part fairy tale, part gothic horror.  This book oozes the very essence of fall and begs to be read snuggled under a cozy blanket.  

 

It’s the kind of story that holds you spellbound. I found myself fully transported to a magical world laden with secrets and monsters that hid in plain sight.  

 

With lush writing and lyrical prose, Harrow’s storytelling enchanted.  The imagery was cinematic in detail, the atmosphere exuded gloom, and the richly developed characters (tortured, brooding, and prickly) felt like friends that I wanted to protect (though they clearly didn’t need such).  

 

But it was the moody mansion that was the true standout in this book.  

 

“What had begun as stone and mortar had become something more, with ribs for rafters and stone for skin.  It has no heart, but it feels.  It has no brain, but it dreams.”

 

An ever-changing labyrinth.  Rotting yet alive.  A haunted house that somehow felt like home.  It didn’t take me long to understand why Opal came to dream of this sentient place.  

 

And while the house held me captive, this wasn’t the dark and tortured read I had expected.  Part reckoning.  Part love story.  With elements focused on found family and belonging, the truest monsters were made of greed and hungry for power.  

 

Still, I found myself swooning… over the atmosphere… over the unlikely love story… over the magic.  

 

🎧 The audiobook is expertly narrated by Natalie Naudus, a favorite.  Her performance embodied the emotion within this book and amplified the masterful storytelling.   

 

 

 

Many thanks to my friends at @librofm for this #gifted audiobook. 

 

Some books hit at just the right time.  After a rough start to the month (thank you, back to school germs), my grumpy attitude met it’s match in Isadora Bentley.  

 

Waiting in the grocery checkout line, Isadora comes across a (hokey!) magazine article guaranteeing happiness.  She’s immediately annoyed (how dare this person call herself a “doctor”) and determined to prove every single word of it wrong.  

 

But there’s one thing Isadora’s research expertise can’t prepare her for:  the emotional journey of self-discovery and acceptance she’s about to take.  

 

I loved this exploration of happiness and the focus on living life to its fullest.  Isadora’s journey from loneliness to love was easily relatable and full of important reminders. 

 

This book was over-the-top sweet in all the best ways.  It delighted me.  It made me smile from ear to ear.  And ultimately, like a hug to my soul, it rooted out any grumpiness that I had lingering. 

 

🎧 Jorjeana Marie’s narration embodied Isadora’s quirkiness from the very beginning. But then Isadora’s inner voice turned documentary-style voiced by, none other than, Sir David Attenborough, and somehow, Jorjeana Marie’s eccentric narration immediately switched to poised and proper.  Those sections became my favorite of the audio.  A standout performance.  

 

Many thanks to my friends at @berkleypub and @prhaudio for the #gifted copies of this book. 

 

A horror film star.  A cult.  And an abundance of family secrets.   

 

Tis the season for all things macabre and sinister, and Black Sheep hits ALL the dark and creepy notes.   

 

In this wholly unique premise with sharp-edged, fast paced writing, Harrison delivers a dark and twisted family drama full of gore and laden with dark humor.  

 

Maybe most surprising about this book.  It’s relatability.  Vesper is a snarky, badass character full of angst.  I found it easy to root for her as she battled old demons, internal and external, in search of self-acceptance.   

 

My biggest suggestion:  go in blind!  This is a twisty story with clever reveals.  Just as I thought I had a handle on the premise, Harrison would upend everything I’d expected.  

 

Those jaw dropping moments made this one WILD ride perfect for spooky season.  

 

🎧 This was my first read with narrator Jeremy Carlisle Parker, but let me tell you… I will be seeking her out in the future.  Her voice oozed emotion.  This was not a reading.  This was a performance.  She embodied every detail of Vesper and brought the story to life.

Many thanks to my friends at @bookclubfavorites @marysuerucci and @simon.audio for the #gifted copies of this book. 

 

Riveting.  Unapologetic. POWERFUL.  

 

I devoured this book.  Absolutely flew through its pages… even knowing it would haunt my dreams.  

 

And when I turned the last page, I wanted to cheer.  FINALLY.  A book that addresses our rightful RAGE at rapists and murderers being made into celebrity.  

 

“Sometimes I think The Defendant is just another old wives’ tale.”  

 

In this enthralling blend of fact and fiction, Knoll reclaims this story, ripping it away from the inflated notions of a smart, charismatic man.  Replacing him with the nose-picking truth. 

 

The spotlight here is on the women.  Those brutalized.  Those that survived.  Those that picked up the pieces.  Those that grieved.  Those that fought back, demanding justice.  

 

Bright and young.  Bold and fierce.  In the shadow of horror, this is a picture of sisterhood and resilience.  

 

An absolute must read.  

 

🎧 I partnered my physical book with the audio, and it created a dynamic experience.  Sutton Foster and Imani Jade Powers brought the primary POV to life, full of emotion and nuance as though I was listening to them recount their story.  

 

 

Many thanks to my friends at @berkleypub and @prhaudio for the #gifted copies of this book. 

 

What would you do if your dream house suddenly shifted into a thing of true horror?  

 

September is officially here.  Many of my friends have already turned into pumpkins and are craving all things spooky.  

 

Queue this unique haunted house debut.  You’ll find no cutesy fall decor here.  

 

Instead, each September, this house comes alive in the most disturbing and terrifying ways.  The walls bleed and sink drains clog with fresh flesh.  There’s a polite, tea-making housemaid, but part of her head is missing.  And the nine-year-old boy has fangs that leaves scars.  Beware.  

 

Reminiscent of Grady Hendrix, September House starts spooky season off with plenty of gore and ick.  

 

The main character, Margaret, was my favorite part of the book.  Bold and brazen, she was a force.  Where most would flee the terror, Margaret stood firm, undaunted and determined to keep what was hers.  

 

This was a slower read for me, though many reviewers have mentioned the opposite.  It’s also important to note that I had a few qualms with the plotline, particularly the one focused on abuse.  

 

But this book proves that there’s no reason to wait until October to be properly spooked!  This haunting officially begins in September.  

 

🎧 I had both print and audio versions of this book and found myself grabbing for the audio most often.  The narration by Kimberly Farr well portrayed Margaret and brought her voice to life.  

 

Many thanks to my friends at @getredprbooks for this #gifted book and perfectly cultivated goodies.  

 

Hilarious.  Tender.  Utter perfection.  

 

This book captured my heart and exceeded my expectations.  It’s an irresistible tale that took me through the gamut of emotions and made me sad to say goodbye when it ended.   

 

I laughed.  I cried.  I swooned.  I sobbed.  And that ending…. I CHEERED!  

 

When Marilyn is found making out with the Rabbi’s son, she’s quickly ushered off to spend the summer with her stern great aunt Ada.  

 

Between Marilyn’s fierce “against all odds” nature and Ada’s perfect one-line zingers, there was a richness to these characters that made them leap off the page.  I saw myself in them (determined, strong women unite!) and longed to be a part of their family.  

 

Ada might go down as one of my favorite characters ever.  Her wit.  Her spunk.  Her charisma.  She was a bold woman ahead of her time.  Her persistence to live life on her own terms was admirable and inspiring.  What a firecracker!  Oh, to have an aunt like her!  

 

This book is pure magic!  With engaging writing and a storyline as entertaining as it is thought provoking, Confino solidifies her spot as a must-buy author for me.  

 

Many thanks to my friends at @prhaudio for the #gifted copy of this book. 

 

Quite possibly the PERFECT goodbye.  

 

Honestly, I’m still in denial the series is truly ending.  I remember binge reading the first book, deep in the throes of covid lockdown.  I was immediately drawn into this alternative reality and have remained a loyal subject through each new release.  

 

All my favorite characters returned in this last installment that’s packed with the same over-the-top drama and fun I’ve come to expect from the series.  I vacillated between binging (I had to know all the details!) and savoring (not wanting it to end) Reign.  

 

McGee meticulously honed each character’s arc into the most rewarding finale. I found myself rooting for each female (yes, even Daphne!) and pleased with each’s inner growth.  

 

Though I’m sad the journey is over, I was thrilled by the oh-so-satisfying end.  I can’t wait to see what McGee does next.  

 

🎧 Brittany Pressley is back as narrator, and just like in the previous books, she excelled at bringing the characters to life.  

Many thanks to my friends at @simonbooks and @simon.audio for the #gifted copies of this book.  

 

Riveting.  Raw.  Thought provoking.  

 

What if you were judged solely on the worst day of your life? 

 

What a memoir!  I read this book in less than 24 hours, completely captivated by Hardin’s unflinching honesty.  

 

“Reading was my first addiction.” 

 

Me too, Lara. Me too!  From the first words, I was immediately captivated.  

 

“The truth is I’ve only ever had one addiction.  The white whale of addictions: escape.” 

 

And just like that, the story of a soccer mom turned heroin-addicted felon had my full attention. 

 

Listening to Hardin recount her story felt much like sitting down with an old friend for an overdue coffee date.  She bravely bares her soul exposing her most vulnerable thoughts and actions.  But even in its most shocking details, it’s a story that oozes with humor and heart.  I found myself cheering for Mama Love at every setback,  in awe of her tenacity.   

 

It’s easy to see how Hardin is a four-time NYT bestselling author after reading this memoir.  Her writing is effortless and engaging.  She’s a fierce talent, and I can’t wait to read more books penned by her.  Up next: The Sun Does Shine.

 

Hardin accomplishes much in her memoir.  With themes of perseverance and forgiveness, this book is easily relatable.  And with necessary commentary on the justice system, it’s an education we all need.  

 

I closed the last page of this book in complete awe of Lara’s transformation.  This is a book I won’t soon forget and will be added to the ranks of other favorite memoirs (Jennette McCurdy, Chanel Miller, Trevor Noah, Viola Davis…).  

 

🎧 Narrated by the author, the audiobook brims with authenticity and emotion.  It added to my overall experience, and I highly recommend reading the print and audio in tandem.  (You’ll appreciate the print version for all those great quotes!)