Murd3rous menopausal women?  YES, please.    

 

Y’all....the way I LOVED this book.  I was needing a socially acceptable release for all my grumpiness and pent-up rage.  And boy did Rayburn deliver for me! 

 

This read had everything I needed.  From the snarky dialogue to the laugh out loud scenes, I was fully engaged.  The plot was filled to the brim with action and adventure making it hard to put down but easy to binge.  (I finished in less than 24 hours!)  

 

But it was the bada$$ group of 60-something femme-fatales that had me wholly devoted to the unfolding.  Each assassin was dynamic and richly painted.  They were full of complexity and endearing.  I found myself relating to them and cheering them on.  But ultimately, Billie was my favorite.  (I want to be her when I grow up!)  

 

It’s also worth mentioning that the European backdrop allowed me a bit of armchair travel which is one of my favorite by-products of reading.  The scenes in Venice took me back in time to our jaunts there and made me long for the canal lined streets.  

 

I am not normally a dedicated series reader.  But Rayburn has me hooked, and I can’t wait to see what happens next with this k!ller crew! 

 

🎧 I partnered the audiobook with my print copy.  And truly, you can’t go wrong with either.  The audiobook is exceptionally narrated by Jane Oppenheimer and Christina Delaine.  Their depictions enhanced the action and adventure while bringing our MC, Billie, to life in the current and past timelines.  

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

When Diane Simmons inherits bric-a-brac from family friend, Eva Eldridge, she discovers a treasure trove of information regarding the societal changes women underwent during the WW2/post war era as well as a fascinating story of bigamy in the 1950s.  

 

The first half of the book focused on Eva leaving the family farm to serve in the women’s war effort.  What began as a focus on serving country soon shifted into an era of independence.  It was apparent that Eva greatly enjoyed the social freedoms as well as that of earning her own money.  Simmons’ well showcases the stark divide between the ideology of previous generations and Eva’s own propensity to remain independent. 

 

As men came home from the warfront and accessibility of women’s jobs lessened, Eva faced an uncertain future.  But in what seemed a turn of fate, she met, fell in love, and married Vick.  However, in a surprising twist, Vick disappeared within the first year of marriage.

 

The second half of the book unfolded as Vick’s life was brought into focus revealing other wives and several children.  

 

Throughout the entirety of the book, there’s also much discussion of PTSD and the life changing affects it had on soldiers.  

 

There were many interesting historical details within the book—especially the women’s war efforts and the newfound freedoms they appreciated.  However, the writing itself often felt disjointed and lacking in cohesiveness.  Rather than one overarching theme and/or goal, this nonfiction title reads as though two books being forced together.  

 

🎧The audiobook narration is soft, breathy, and reticent in nature.  While this seems apropos of the more demure housewives of the time, it didn’t reflect the boldness that I associated with Eva.  

 

 

Addictive.  Enthralling.  Utterly FUN.  Y’all.... the way I LOVED this book!  

Some of my besties told me that I would be immediately captivated, and they were right. 

But what they didn’t tell me was that this read would become my ENTIRE personality.  That I would be absolutely OBSESSED with Cate, and that I’d be completely distraught when the book came to an end.  

The elusive Cate Kay is a bestselling author—one of the most successful of her generation.  Only that’s not her real name.  Throughout all her literary achievements, she managed to maintain her anonymity...hiding a multitude of secrets.  But now she’s ready to tell her story—the good and the ugly—with a little help from those in her circle.  And what a story it is! 

Written in memoir-esque fashion, this story excelled in its clever structure and engaging premise.  The plot was fast paced and intricately layered with secrets galore.  The characters were multifaceted and richly drawn, and the relationships were beautifully complex. 

But it was Cate that truly dazzled.  Every aspect of her life was sharply observed, and I found myself mesmerized.  I appreciated her struggles and sometime shook my head at her choices.  But mostly, I rooted for her.

Given that her story is both an exploration of self and connection, it seemed fitting that Cate felt like an old friend by the time the book concluded.  

This was a refreshing tale full of quirks and ripe with love.  I couldn’t have enjoyed it more, and I can’t wait to see what Fagan writes next.  

🎧 This full cast audio will be one of my FAVORITES of the year!  With multiple narrators, I was fully immersed into the unfolding story, told by Cate and her close-knit circle.  It breathed life into Cate and made her feel as though she was a real person.  

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

Powerful. Eye opening. 

Ah...those bygone days of college. The papers. The parties. The early morning classes and the all-night study sessions. No doubt those early adulthood years are a critical juncture. 

Here, Genova drops us into the NYU scene with our MC, Maddy, as she explores that coming-of-age journey alongside the complexities of a new mental health diagnosis. 

Immediately, I felt immersed in Maddy’s life as she grappled with the distinction between being bipolar or having bipolar disorder. It’s a moving and nuanced portrayal that felt authentic and compassionate while also showcasing the visceral, raw emotion Maddy and those supporting her felt. 

There’s such stigma around mental health. The burden. The shame. But Genova’s sensitive portrayal of Maddy highlighted her humanity rather than the stigma of the disorder making this a powerful and necessary narrative. 

Truly, this is an affecting and beautifully told story that educates even as it entertains. 

🎧 Tessa Albertson’s narration for More or Less Maddy is an AudioFile Earphone Award winner and with good reason. Albertson breathed life into Maddy’s voice and her struggles. She imbued the performance with honest emotion. It’s a thoughtful portrayal that well honors the storyline. 

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

Fascinating. Enlightening. 

Jessie Redmon Fauset should be one of the most prominent names in literature. But like many other hidden figures in Black history, her impact has gone largely unknown... until now.

Trailblazer. Firecracker. Jessie was a force of nature and a woman ahead of her times. Fauset shined as the first Black female literary editor for The Crisis. That role allowed her to champion Black voices and nurture young Black authors, dubbing her the literary midwife of the Harlem Renaissance. Her influence catapulted the works Langston Hughes, Alaine Locke, Nella Larson, and County Cullen. 

Truly, Jessie was the star of this book, and I found myself in awe of her life and accomplishments while equally mystified that I had never learned of her previously. And in such, this book is a necessary read.

As with all real people, life is complex. And Murray does not shy away from the difficulties Fauset found navigating life and love, wants and needs. The exploration of her supposed affair with WEB DuBois amplified this. 

However, I found the affair to overshadow Jessie’s legacy. I wanted the primary focus to be on her triumphs rather than a (possible) affair. Women like Jessie deserve the spotlight outside of the men in their lives, even—maybe especially—when the men are powerful and prominent. 

Even so, I loved learning about Fauset and the incredible impact she had on literature. She was a captivating individual, and I am glad to see her accomplishments getting the attention they deserve. 

🎧 Robin Miles’ performances never disappoint, and here Miles’ depiction captivated as she breathed life into Jessie as though she was telling her own story. The audiobook amplified Murray’s storytelling and endeared me to Jessie all the more. 

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

Heartwarming and full of magic. 

I have a deep, abiding love for Sleepless in Seattle. Those 90/00s romances are the stick by which all others should be measured. (I will die on this hill.) 

Knowing this was inspired by that OG rom-com, I had to pick it up to see if it could live up to the hype. And I’m happy to report that I finished the book totally SMITTEN with Aiden and Lu. 

Borison’s first foray into the new Heartstrings series is full of Nora Ephron vibes. I was a goner for this sweet and nostalgic storyline from the opening scene—a much needed escape from the stress of everyday life for sure.

Like the series title suggests, First Time Caller pulled at my heartstrings, showcasing the best rom-com elements from the witty banter to swoon worthy lines.

Even as tender as the romance was, Borison knew when to turn the spice up. That scene in the radio station’s closet still has me sweating! 🔥

But what really stood out to me in this book was the family element. The supporting cast of characters that included Lucy’s daughter, her ex, and her ex’s husband added a fullness to Lucie’s life and made her finding a romantic partner even more satisfying. 

🎧 The dual narration by EJ Bingham and Hathaway Lee was engaging. I was easily immersed into the radio talk show envisioning both sides of the radio waves with a big ole smile on my face. 

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

Impactful.  Compelling.  This book was the feminist history lesson I didn’t know I needed.  

I’ve always feared my need of a r@pe kit. But as a woman, I know my vulnerabilities, and I know how some men, especially the ones in power, see women.  As such, the r@pe kit feels like the most necessary tool—one that fights patriarchal atrocities and empowers victims.  

But that wasn’t always the case, and to be honest, I had never given thought to the times before women had such a tool...even though it wasn’t so long ago.  

I’m not going to say this was an easy read.  It was gut wrenching and anger inducing at times.  Much work went into changing the ideology surrounding women’s bodies, and even now, we see lasting implications regarding that thinking proving there is more work to be done.  

Marty Goddard led the fight in a brazen and innovative manner.  I found myself in awe of her relentlessness to stand up to societal norms and protect victims.  Though, that wasn’t without scars.  She suffered greatly—from this battle and from her own experience as a victim—and sadly, is an unsung hero that never knew the impact she made on the future.  

Even as emotional as this read was, it was deeply impactful and a history lesson I needed as a woman.  It well honored Marty and reminds that this fight is not over.

➡️Truly, it is timely that this novel is out in this moment.  As drastic cuts are currently being made, data from thousands of r@pe kits are stored at the FBI and are in harms’ way.  There is a critical need for us to come together to protect s3xual assault data.

🎧 I partnered the physical book with my audiobook, a winning combination for sure.  I could not resist CLAIRE DANES narration.  She well honored this difficult material with her calm and assured tone.  While her depiction was emotional, as the text demanded, it also supported me as a reader, never leaving me in the depths.

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

Gripping.  Clever.  Thought provoking. 

Is there any harder day in a mother’s life than sending her first born off to nursery school for the first time?  Well, if you ask Camilla, she’d tell you that having to do that on the same day as learning your husband is holding a gun over hostages is markedly worse.  

I started this audiobook on a whim—not knowing where my mood was leading—and immediately McAllister hooked me!  I devoured Famous Last Words in less than 24 hours, deeply engaged with its addictive nature and propulsive plot!

At its core, this is a suspenseful, fast paced thriller that had me on the edge of my seat.  But there’s also an underlying love story that pulled at my heartstrings the whole way through.  McAllister managed to pull both off with aplomb.  And that is what I found most satisfying about this story.  It’s a skillful look at life’s most unexpected moments and the complexities of love.  

It’s also a look at everyday people, ones that feel utterly relatable, grappling with the unbelievable—yet in a wholly believable way.  I love stories that examine the gray areas of life, and this book does so in the most compelling and thought-provoking manner.  

And unsurprisingly, I found Camilla’s love of books (and the catharsis found within them) so endearing and relevant. That felt like an extra cherry on top!

McAllister is a master at crafting a wholly original premise with complex characters, and she’s at her best in Famous Last Words.  An all-around winning read.  

🎧 Emilia Fox gives an impeccable performance as narrator.  Her lovely accent drew me in from the title page (I’m always a sucker for an accent.).  But it was the emotional resonance of her depiction that held me rapt.  She imbued the story with poignancy while maintaining the tension and suspense within the pacing.  A truly fantastic listen!

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

Compelling.  Emotional.  Powerful.  

To simply say this book is important and necessary undercuts the fullness of its essence and messaging.  This book is that and so much more.  It’s VITAL.  It’s empowering.  It’s an education and a call to action.  It’s a cry for mercy and a haunting look at the trauma Indigenous women continue to face.  

It’s also utterly engrossing and totally bingeable.  The sense of urgency in the writing made it hard for me to put the book down.  Dread loomed over each scene painting a sinister picture while also showcasing fierce, strong female characters that I respected and rooted for.  

With each new detail, Rendon showcased the complexity of the situation.  The utterly horrifying details mixed with palpable emotion.  The danger.  The absolute NEED to see justice.  And most telling, the way the female characters responded in juxtaposition to the men, loved ones and authorities.  

It felt utterly intense.  My heart raced.  And the further into the storyline I got, the more I felt solidarity with the community of women—raging at this unnecessary epidemic of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.  

Truly, I’m shocked this read isn’t getting more attention.  It’s both a solid thriller and profound look at the ongoing issues faced by Indigenous women.  

🎧 Indigenous voice actor, Erin Tripp has become a favorite for me.  As a member of the White Earth Nation of Minnesota, I find that her performances always exemplify the narrative and give credence to the storyline.  Here, Tripp well depicted the complexity of the emotion—ranging from anger to grief to fear—felt by both our main character, Quill, and the community at large. Tripp’s nuanced and quiet tone embodied the haunting tone of this novel.    

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

Stories about strong, resilient women call to me, and at its heart, The Sirens is a dark, genre bending tale that highlights the determination of women to overcome.  

 

The author’s note at the beginning immediately captured my attention.  Hart’s nod to an historical period I know little of had me committed, especially as I hoped the fantasy elements would enhance the symbolism while well honoring the past.  

 

But the anticipation I felt quickly slipped into disappointment.  While there are many workable elements to this read, the overall execution was a miss for me.  I love bold, strong female characters, and yet I could not connect with these.  And the glaring plot holes and slow pace of the storyline left me less than engaged.  I found myself putting the book down and forgetting to pick it back up.  

 

The one element that Hart gets very right—the atmosphere.  The read was eerie and full of foreboding.  As a female, that felt shockingly astute and very representative of the emotions I currently feel in real life.  

 

In the end, I wanted more from the fantasy aspects.  I needed the magic to give credence to the story and reinforce the feminist themes, but not only was there not enough for me, it didn’t truly show up until the very end. 

 

👯‍♀️ Surprisingly, @brandy_reads and I were reading this book at the same time, and I loved the impromptu buddy read and getting to discuss this one with her.  

 

🎧 The audiobook was the reason I saw this book through to the end.  It is exceptionally executed by one of my favorite award-winning narrators, Barrie Kreinik.  I found myself lost in beautiful lilt of her voice, and she well embodied these characters, each in a distinct tone.  

Many thanks to my friends at @macmillan.audio for the free #gifted copy of this audiobook.