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

 

 

Powerful.  Shocking.  Thought provoking.  Timely. 

 

Much like the bees… this book has the ability to sting (the heart) while also creating a sweet salve (for change).  

 

Olivia and her son, Asher, found solace back in her hometown of Adams, NH after running from an abusive relationship.  Lily and her mother, Ava, were new to town, hoping it would be a place they could put down much needed, fresh roots.  Within no time, Asher and Lily fell deeply in love.  But everything came crashing down when Lily was found dead in Asher’s arms. 

 

I closed this book last night with my heart in my throat.  Tears streamed down my cheeks.  There are so many good, resonant stories.  But it’s special to find one that will leave a deeply lasting imprint.  And this book had a profound impact on me that left me forever changed.  

 

Picoult has long been a go-to author for me.  With a depth of research and tender prose, she has a way of shining a new light on areas I think I already understand.  With compassionate execution, she creates the perfect balance and dissonance for growth, allowing an even deeper appreciation of whatever the subject matter.  

 

And while Picoult’s name is the one most recognizable to the majority of us, the plot was (quite literally) dreamed up by co-author Jennifer Finney Boylan.  The seamless execution of this novel amplified the storytelling and put Boylan’s own wealth of writing on my radar.  

 

At just under 500 pages, I expected this story to feel arduous at times.  And yet, I flew through it.  The characters: deeply complex, beautifully rendered.  The plot: fast paced, unputdownable.  The writing: seamless transitions between alternating POV.  It was a stellar execution all around.  

 

But it was the use of the bees as metaphor and foreshadowing that brought a distinct sweetness to this story.  

 

It’s also important to note that I went into this book completely and totally blind.  I wanted the characters to speak for themselves.  And I was deeply rewarded for doing so.  Of course there’s a twist. (There’s always a twist.) But letting it play out created a total experience.  If this is in your queue, I strongly suggest you do the same.    

 

 

Many thanks to my partner @prhaudio for the #gifted audiobook.  

 

“…that all-consuming will of a mother to be with her child”

  

Raw.  Heartbreaking.  And yet deeply hopeful.   This portrait of a mother’s courage, crafted from one of the most abhorrent periods in history, transcends time.

 

Born a slave, Rachel had never known autonomy.  Even the children birthed from her very own body were stolen away and sold.  But a mother’s love knows no bounds.  And so when the law declared her free from slavery, Rachel ran towards the one thing that could give her the kind of independence she had always yearned.  Rachel must find what remains of her children.  

 

This poignant rendering of heartbreak and hope moved me in a way that’s hard to encapsulate.  Above all, this was an intimate journey through the soul.  One that had been pushed to its outermost limits: broken, abused, oppressed.  And yet, a kernel of faith remained alongside a deep well of love.  As Rachel’s story unfolded, it felt as though my heart interlaced with hers.  This wasn’t just her search.  I felt a palpable desperation for her children to be found.  To feel her arms wrapped around their shoulders.  I was as invested as though her children were my very own.  

 

From the multilayered, complex characters to the lyrical prose and the foundation of research, this is a beautifully redemptive story and an all-around well executed debut.  

 

⭐️Make sure to check out the author’s note at the end. 

 

🎧The audiobook narration superbly depicts the accent and tone of the Caribbean. Performed by Debra Michaels, her execution exuded the fierceness and love at the core of this story.  And yet, to properly absorb the beauty in the prose, I found myself turning to the physical copy.  The passages resonated with power and felt more dynamic in print.  My recommendation:  combine the audio and print for a truly formidable experience. 

 

Many thanks to my friends at @williammorrowbooks and @bookclubgirl for the #gifted copy.  

 

Propulsive.  Fast paced.  Totally entertaining.  This is the quintessential binge read perfect for a vacation escape or a pool bag.    

 

Lora Ricci is a new intern at ELLE magazine, but it doesn’t take long for her to gain the attention of enigmatic editor Cat Wolff.  Before long, the two become friends and business partners.  Cat lavishes her wealth on Lora, promising to catapult her into a successful writing career.  And this could be the beginning of Lora’s fulfilled dreams, or it could all be a bit too good to be true.  

 

Even though delayed, this was a total #boookstagrammademedoit read.  Last year, this book hit big and the buzz was unavoidable.  Practically everyone I knew read it and loved it.  And now, I totally see why.  

 

With explosive writing and a fresh format, Cover Story was hard to put down.  Using a variety of storytelling devices (journal entries, emails, texts, newspaper clippings, FBI documents), Rigetti’s approach felt unique and held me captive, constantly questioning what was going on.  

 

It’s rare for a book to keep me guessing as long as this one did.  Even at the 50% mark, I had little to no theories.  And when, finally,  it all came into clarity, the actual ending was still a “chef’s kiss” execution.  

 

I went into this read not having read up on Anna Sorokin or having watched Inventing Anna.  I think that’s one reason the story felt more unique.  Had I known more about either, I’m not sure this “ripped from the headlines” plot would’ve been as engaging for me.  

 

Many thanks to my partners @parkrowbooks @htpbooks and @tlctours for the #gifted copy.  

 

Jenoff pulled me in to the terror of Nazi rule in those first scenes.  A downed pilot in peril.  A pregnant young woman forced to watch her fiancé beaten to death by Nazis. 

 

From there the story settles into slower rhythm through the entwined stories of Micheline (the head of a resistance line), Lily (a complacent Jewish Belgian), and Hannah (Lily’s cousin and active resistor).  

 

The premise of this one is strong and based on a little-known piece of history:  A daring rescue of prisoners bound for Auschwitz.  {I’m eager to learn more about this part of history.} 

 

And while Jenoff’s fictional account of this rescue was the most fascinating part of the story for me, it felt like more of an afterthought than the spotlight. Perhaps this storyline reaches too broadly, attempting to include too many other aspects of WW2?  In such, the buildup to the main event felt slow and a bit muddled.  

 

I do love bold, female heroines though.  And Jenoff is one of the most prolific at showcasing the impact women made in those harrowing times.  This story is worth the read for that point alone.  

 

 

Thank you so much to my partners @celadonbooks and @macmillan.audio for these #gifted copies. 

 

Tender, evocative, poignant.  I was completely absorbed in this epic saga that delves into themes of home and belonging.  

 

As bombs rained down on London, Beatrix was forced from her home in England to the safety of America.  It didn’t take long for her to feel at home with the Greggorys, deeply connected with each member of this new family and blossoming in a way she couldn’t have in Europe.  And yet, when the war was over, she would have to return to her mother and to London.  Belonging to families on both sides of the Atlantic, Bea felt stuck between two worlds and two versions of herself.  

 

This is a sweeping tale, spanning decades.  And I found myself engrossed in the unfolding. It’s a journey through life with all its complexities and challenges.  But mostly, it’s a story of connection and belonging. 

 

Beatrix is our focal point, but it’s the other characters that create the depth in her story. With a heart forever entwined to the Gregory family and a deep abiding obligation to her mother, the shifting POVs allow a broader examination of the juxtaposition with which Beatrix finds herself.  The characters are intricately woven, and the richly layered relationships provide an intimate examination of the variation of bonds that bind. 

 

Features I appreciated:

🌿 Beatrix’ two names- Trixie to those in England, and Bea to those in America.  The names didn’t just indicate with whom she kept company but also with which version of herself she identified at the moment.  

🌿The timeline at the bottom right corner of the pages- With the novel spanning decades, the boldfaced corner feature seamlessly allowed the passage of time without confusion.    

 

There’s some bit of magic Spence-Ash has woven throughout her prose and plot.  I closed the pages of the book nostalgic for a time and place I’d never experienced, longing for connections to people that I’d never actually met.  

 

This is a standout debut, and I’ll be eager to see what Laura Spence-Ash does next.  

 

🎧 The audiobook is beautifully narrated by Nell Potter.  With a lovely British accent and affecting tone, her depiction drew me in.  And even when I wasn’t listening to this one, it was Potter’s voice I continued to imagine for Bea.  

 

 

Many thanks to my partners @tornightfire @macmillan.audio @storygramtours for the #gifted copies

 

I’ve been craving a good haunted house story. And this one delivered. Totally creepy. So much unknown. Completely menacing.   

 

Right away, I became deeply invested in Eric and his girls. There’s a deep love and devotion between them. The way he nurtures his daughters.  The way they trust him.  Yet, why they are on the run? 

 

And that house! Built in anger. Baptized in spite. The Masson House is a character all its own. The idea that a structure can steal your very soul from your being is the stuff of nightmares. The house was a vivid depiction of danger that created a deep sense of foreboding.  With each page I read I kept pondering: while indignation is a powerful emotion, could it come alive in a way that harms even after its originator is gone?

 

With this horror story seeded in traumas of the past, Compton’s story reminds that history has lasting effects. 

 

With abundant POVs, the story did get a bit sidetracked at times.  While I was deeply invested in the main characters, the side characters didn’t add much substance in my opinion.  However, that didn’t prevent my overall enjoyment.  

 

This Black Southern Gothic read was an impressive debut, and I’ll be watching to see what Compton does next.   

 

🎧The audiobook is *excellently* narrated by Adam Lazard-White.  His deep, gravelly voice immediately pulled me in. And his ability to shift tone creates the perfect juxtaposition been disturbing (when talking about the haunted house) and endearing (when depicting Eric and his girls).

Many thanks to my partner @simon.audio for this #gifted copy.  

 

Stunning.  Compelling.  Johnson’s newest novel packs a powerful emotional punch.

 

Two young, ambitious black women, one in high school (Ruby) and the other in college (Eleanor).  Full of dreams.  Whip smart with endless potential.  But when love creates obstacles for both, each must make hard decisions, which creates a trajectory for their lives to intersect in a beautiful and hopeful way.  

 

Johnson boldly excavates the past in this gripping story about the strength of black women and the sacrifices they are willing to make.  

 

The storytelling is masterful, the characters meticulously detailed, and the history richly painted.  I was immersed in the story, enthralled by the prose and entrenched in the emotion.  Wholly unputdownable.  

 

And yet, this is a hard hitting story.  The way Johnson conveys the realities of the time (racism, classism, sexism, poverty) is vivid.  Rich in gray areas and rife with societal contradictions (men/women, black/white, haves/have nots), Johnson shines a light on these uncomfortable spaces of the past, while also mirroring relevant issues of today.  

 

Daring, redemptive, and inspiring.  Johnson boldly showcases resilient black women and has created yet another must read.    

 

🎧 I devoured this audiobook in less than 2 days.  Narrated by Ariel Blake and Nicole Lewis, the portrayal of each character, their thoughts and emotions, felt authentic and distinct.  I found myself lost in the story as though each young woman was talking directly to me. 

 

Many thanks to my partners @macmillan.audio and @librofm for the #gifted audiobook.  

 

Twenty-two years ago Naomi, Olivia, and Cassidy were playing silly little girl games in the woods.  But the games came to a quick end when Naomi ended up stabbed 17 times.  

 

⚠️Three traumatized young girls

⚠️A serial killer

⚠️Small town secrets…lots of secrets

⚠️An ominous atmosphere that supplied all the creep factor

 

This one had a strong start.  I found myself completely engaged with those early details… just WHAT happened in those woods?  

 

But I found my excitement wane as the plot quickly became messy and started to feel a bit too 

clichéd.  I don’t necessarily mind a predictable or implausible plot if well executed.  However, the execution was a miss in this case, which made the predictable and implausible even more frustrating.     

 

🎧The one thing that kept me hanging on even through the blunders… Karissa Vacker.  I am a big fan of her narration, particularly for thrillers.  And for this book, she totally delivers!

 

 

Many thanks to my partners @minotaur_books and @macmillan.audio for the #gifted copies.  

 

Laugh out loud hysterical.  Over the top fun.

 

There aren’t many things I look forward to in winter.  Not the cold temps.  Not the lack of sunshine.  And definitely not the snow.  

 

But the one thing I can count on in the midst of the bleakness… Finlay Donovan!  

 

Each year, Cosimano delivers the exact serotonin punch I need in the form of outrageous hijinks and hysterical shenanigans as Finlay and Vero sleuth out another mystery.  

 

This book picks up right where the last left off… Finlay and Vero need to unmask Easy Clean, a contract killer with possible ties to the police.  With mob boss Feliks looming over their shoulders and demanding answers, they get up close and personal with all the possible suspects at… the citizens police academy.   

 

<enter 300ish pages of belly laughs with a side of 🔥 whenever hot cop Nick shows up>

 

Like the other two installments, this fast paced book is a total laugh out loud binge read.  With a completely implausible plot, we find Finlay and Vero in the most absurd situations.  Yet that is exactly what keeps me coming back.  Just *what* will they get up to next?!   

 

Since each book in this series is a continuation of the previous, I recommend starting with the first book and reading them in order.  

 

Looking for a pick me up?  This pure escapist read with the perfect mix of humor and sizzle is just the book to do it.  

 

Many thanks to my friends at @stmartinspress @macmillan.audio  and @librofm for these #gifted copies.  

 

Say hello to my first 5⭐️read of the year!!!

 

Powerful, authentic, tender, and fresh.  George’s debut is a deeply affecting yet lighthearted must read.  

 

In the words of Juliette, “What’s in a name?”  

 

Maddie was called Maame, or woman, at a young age.  Much too young to assume the responsibilities inherit to the term.  And yet,  those stresses landed firmly on her young shoulders.  

 

The juxtaposition in which we find her is intriguing… able to run a household and care for an ailing parent… but socially naïve and deeply immature in comparison to others her age.  

 

With Google as her guide, Maddie seizes an opportunity to strike out on her own resolute on saying yes to new adventures.  Along the way, this late bloomer experiences many firsts, comes to terms with her past,  and gets to know the woman she wants to be.  

 

George completely captivated me with this poignant coming of age story.  I laughed.  I cried.  I *rooted* for Maddie with everything in my being. 

 

With a strong and distinct voice, Maddie came fully alive to me.  She was multifaceted, and her inner dialogue felt deeply resonant.  I was charmed by her awkwardness, and fully dedicated to her through her most vulnerable times.    

 

I loved every aspect of Maddie’s arc… the naiveté,  the mistakes, the successes.  The funny parts.  The sad parts.  But in those sad parts, those moments of devastation… George’s writing really shines.  Not many authors have the chops George has… that ability to unpack heavy, pertinent topics with humor and lightheartedness.  

 

Seeing Maddie’s growth was deeply rewarding and a powerhouse mental health representation.  

 

My first 5⭐️ read of 2022 became a favorite for the entire year.  Even with 11 months left on the 2023 calendar, I have bets that the same could happen with Maame this year.  

 

🎧 I alternated between the physical and audiobook versions and both were engaging.  Narrated by Heather Agyepong, the audiobook brings to life the Ghanaian tone.  But some areas, such as the Google searches, were easier to digest in print.