This collection of short stories is so good on audio. Be prepared for risqué content. This book offers a glimpse into the varied lives of several black women, of how they navigate the reconciliation of their upbringing to their own wants, needs, and dreams.

Joan is a professional thirty-something New Yorker who lives alone and is beyond dedicated to her role as a well respected doctor. About halfway through this novel I thought, no, Joan is not okay. I speculated that she must be exhausted, on her way to burn out, so very lonely, and I felt sad for her. Others seem to also. Her new neighbour tries to take her under his wing and help her rectify the lack in her life. Joan’s brother and his wife try to convince her to move out to the suburbs, to begin the next phase of her grown-up life and find more work/life balance. 

The novel is written simply and directly from Joan’s perspective and the style isn’t for everyone. Joan’s personality and demeanour can be frustrating, however, just when you get to the point where you may want to throw the book against the wall, it all starts coming together beautifully. The story explores family relationships and love, immigration, the importance of knowing oneself and living authentically, and allowing others the freedom to forge their own path to happiness and joy. Best of all, Joan really is okay. 

Thank you to Random House Publishing and Net Galley for the advance reader copy in exchange for my honest review.

What an absolutely enchanting story - 5 sparkling stars. The audiobook was such a delight.

I thoroughly relished this novel set behind the Iron Curtain in Russia. Immersed into the life of the main character, Sasha, I was enraptured, and at times, awestruck, by the cultural experience the author envelopes us in by means of her gorgeous writing. The story begins with a young Sasha living her childhood in a small provincial town. The texture of Sasha’s relationships with her family and friends, and her dreams for the future, set the stage for this historical fiction gem. The novel is rich in love, devastation, sadness, family secrets, fear, and hope. I was captivated.

Thank you to Lake Union Publishing (and Cindy Burnett) for the advance reader copy, in exchange for my honest review.

Greenwich Park is a dark thriller from a debut author, Katherine Faulkner, that will have you turning the pages in anticipation of how the story all comes together. 

The novel centres around pregnant Helen, her husband Daniel, Helen’s brother Rory and his wife Serena, as well as their friend Katie. The story unfolds in alternating chapters from each female character’s point of view, which makes for a riveting progression of events. 

In the beginning of Greenwich Park, Helen makes a new friend, Rachel, when at her first birthing class. Rachel is somewhat mysterious, rebellious, and has an uncanny way of showing up around Helen outside of class. They become friends, however, there’s a quality to Rachel that starts to arouse an uncomfortable suspicion in Helen that there’s more to her. 

The story becomes more intriguing and heart pounding as the chapters go by with the unreliable characters ratcheting up the tension. It is twisty and the story does wrap up in the end with no loose ends which is very satisfying for the reader.

If you are looking for a solid thriller that will make you catch your breath, I would recommend Greenwich Park. 

Thank you to Simon & Schuster Canada for the advance reading copy in exchange for my honest review.

this story about a serial killer was quite creepy and had me guessing all the way through. The alternating chapters in the first person by Anna (hers), Jack (his), AND the killer, make this novel a heart-pounding thriller.