Thank you to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, Delacorte Press.

This is one of those “what did I just read?” twisty, emotional, absolutely breathtaking books. Adrienne’s writing drew me in from page one and I just didn’t want to put this down. I was constantly wondering what would happen and consistently surprised - this book is really a level up. It’s complex, has elements of fantasy/magical realism, mystery, contemporary and historical fiction, and romance. You’ll be immersed into the town of Jasper, feel all of June’s emotions, and want to be in a giant group hug with all of these characters. I will be thinking about this book for a LONG time and can’t recommend it enough.

Read if you:
- need to be completely absorbed into a story
- enjoy Shea Ernshaw’s writing
- are cool with magical realism and mysteries that aren’t scary
- want an emotional love story
- are looking for a book with fall vibes

Thanks to St. Martin's Griffin for the copy of this book!

Maggie Vine watched her mother go through life avoiding a lasting love, so she did her best to make sure it wouldn't happen to her by making the "if we're 35 and still not married, we'll get married" pact with two men, Garrett and Asher. Now she's 35 and they're both back in her life, so she's left with some choices to make.

Alison Rose Greenberg is so good at writing books that are really addictive and hard to put down. Maybe Once, Maybe Twice was a fun read wondering who Maggie would end up with and definitely going on a team for one of the guys over the other. But - Alison also explores some more emotional themes that are very real for women today, like not wanting kids when your partner does, sexual assault, and the reality of having kids when you're over 35. I loved the dual timeline aspect of this to really add into the "both guys could work" concept. While I liked the ending, it was a little rough... but I expected it to not be a straightforward HEA after reading Alison's first book, Bad Luck Bridesmaid.

Read this if you:
- enjoy celebrity romance
- think someone can love two people
- have had a conversation about having kids with a partner
- are 35 years old
- like plot and lots of emotions with your romances

Modern-day witch / witch hunter romance and found family? Yes please.

Thanks to St. Martin's Press for the advance copy of this book.

I looooooved reading a book centered around “women can be heroes.” This book is so important to the often-forgotten stories of women veterans.

Part 1 of this book is phenomenal - all the stars. The medical trauma of the Vietnam War was shocking and heartbreaking, and I just keep thinking about it all.

Part 2 showing the effects of the War on the US and veterans got a little unhinged with what I’d say are too many twists to one character, but I still really enjoyed it. Kristin did a fantastic job detailing the desperation of the women veterans and showing the coping mechanisms they used as they were shunned from VAs and told “there were no women in Vietnam.” To experience such tragedy and have so many people dismiss your experience would be absolutely devastating.

This book was very eye-opening to the reality of the Vietnam War, and I’m so glad Kristin chose to tell the story of the women heroes and honestly just insanity & absurdity of the War. She's so good at evoking strong emotion from her readers and I'll be thinking about this book for a long time.

Thanks to Forever Pub for the gifted copy.

In the Shadow Garden is what I would consider a perfect Fall read. It’s full of magic and mystery, really atmospheric and in a small town, follows the generational story of the town’s founding families, and has multiple romance storylines. My favorite characters were Kaden and Irene, whom I fell in love with instantly, but the whole cast is just wonderful. I loved the multiple POVs in this book and the way the flashbacks to the past were done. You’ll be sucked right in for a binge read trying to figure out what happened in the summer 20 years ago and rooting for what’s blossoming in the present.