Review: The Summer That Changed Everything

The Summer That Changed Everything by Brenda Novak
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

If you are looking for a summer read, then this is the book you should get--today!  A little bit of everything is whats in a Brenda Novak book.  And I have read many of her books. This one did not disappoint, it has a little bit mystery, romance and a whole lot of intrigue.  Lucy returns home and tries to prove her fathers innocence while running into an old flame, Ford who helps her.  A real page turner that keeps your interest and you just dont want it to end.  This might be my favorite book by Novak but then again I have said that about all her books!

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Review: The Cemetery Keeper's Wife

The Cemetery Keeper's Wife by Maryann McFadden
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Did you ever get so obsessed over something it takes over your whole life? Well, thats what happens in this book with Rachel who marries Adam, a cemetery keeper. Many of the graves date back to the 1800s and when Rachel finds out what caused Tillie's death she digs into it to the point of damaging her marriage.

Reading this story which is both about sadness and injustice you will find yourself obsessing over what really happened to Tillie.  Its a mystery you wont want to put down. 

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Review: Appetite for Innocence

Appetite for Innocence by Lucinda Berry
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What a twisted book! And you are in for a shock, because if you think you know how this will end up, the surprise will leave you with your mouth open.  We follow Sarah and Ella both kidnapped, held prisoner and then they escape.  That feat alone is mind boggling.  So now we have them coping with what happened to them and the back and forth of total screaming to falling into oblivion.

This cant-put-down book will keep you turning the pages until you think its the end ...but theres more to come.  

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Review: A Daughter's Secret

A Daughter's Secret by Tina Hogan Grant
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A new book by Tina Hogan Grant?  Of course I read it.  Thrilled to get this ARC and again, as usual, she does not disappoint.  What is better than a love story, a mystery, a surprise, family and success all rolled into one book?  We follow Molly and her secret all the way to Montana to start a new life, but there is more.  I felt I was part of this beautiful story and the women who were in it.  I also love a surprise.....did not see that coming at all.  So take the journey and follow Molly and make sure you pre-order this book that will be released July 25th, 2025....you wont regret reading such a delightful story!

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Review: Best House on the Block

Best House on the Block by T.R. Ragan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I am a fan of all T. R. Ragan books and this one was no exception.  Loved the characters although there were  a lot of them I actually had to write their names and relationships on a paper to keep track.  But it paid off especially when each one was unique in their own way.

I felt bad for Rosella, she was a piece of work (do they say that anymore?) but considering her losses maybe thats why she was bitter....until I found out what she did!  As we track each individual household and who is cheating with who, we follow our amateur sleuths, Chloe and Shannon (who have a surprise for us at the end also) Put this one on your TBR list!

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Review: Death Row

Death Row by Freida McFadden
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

While a short read it was a wild read.  Does anyone really know what goes on inside ones head?  Talia is on death row for killing her husband....but insists she is innocent.  As we read the story I would say she really killed him...but then did she?  She really loves him. Did he do wrong or did she misinterpret?  Its a real roller coaster ride.  Was it an accident?  Was he cheating on her?  All I can say is what an intense read and wonderful twist.  

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Review: Michael Without Apology

Michael Without Apology by Catherine Ryan Hyde
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a heart warming story.  When we doubt ourselves and how our body looks to other people. Why do we value their opinion so much?  Michael had been through a traumatic event which will weighs heavily on him.  But we are shown how strong you can be when you dont have any other choice.  And through it all when we think we are not lovable.....love shows up in a different way.  We learn things happen for a reason.  We may not know that reason at the time but it does show up.

Following this young man's life from age 8 through 25 we learn that words can hurt and only when we get older do we step above it to live our life on our own beliefs.  Amazing story but as always Catherine Ryan Hyde sweeps us away.  

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Review: Don't Let Him In

Don't Let Him In by Lisa Jewell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Lisa Jewell has done it again.  A great story - this ARC received from Netgalley was full of suspense constantly going back and forth between the many women involved with Nick.  He really is a charmer (aka psychopath) who woos many women, some he married and had children with but all he won over with his smooth talking.  

At first it was hard keeping up with Nick who not only gave a different name to each woman he was with but also told them different stories.  I started to get confused so I had a small pad and jotted down names to keep track.  But I must admit the ending was thrilling and a surprise.  Worth the read when it is released on June 24, 2025.

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Review: The Birthday Party

The Birthday Party by Shalini Boland
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another great book by this author. She never disappoints. This book starts off with a bang - kidnapping of Elise who is attending her cousins birthday party at a skating rink. We follow what it does to the family - the guilt, the anxiety, and the clashes between family. My only problem with the book was it switched back and forth between then and now. At my age it was a bit hard to follow but I got it eventually.

The best part was the suspense, and then the surprise at the end. Never saw that one coming and the person who I thought was the kidnapper really wasnt. Sorry about that but not good in guessing the culprit. Make sure to put this one on your TBR list.

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Review: The Librarians

The Librarians by Sherry Thomas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Received this book from NetGalley as an ARC and loved the title...anything library, bookstore etc always catches my attention.  The story does center around a library full of librarians who of course turn sleuth and get together to solve not one but two murders.

Although it was a little slow in parts, it kept my attention because as a mystery lover I did want to find out who done it.  Of course there was a little romance and secrets thrown in which I think makes this book good.  It didnt concentrate on one aspect of the story.  Make sure you put this one on your TBR list when it comes out September 30, 2025.

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Review: When We Flew Away: A Novel of Anne Frank Before the Diary

When We Flew Away: A Novel of Anne Frank Before the Diary by Alice Hoffman
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

If you are a fan of historical fiction then this book is for you.  I am not, but I have read some that I loved.  This one was for a book club and so I did manage to finish it.  I guess because I know the story of Anne Frank I found it quite repetitive and drawn out.  Most of it was fiction and I already knew the outcome.  It does give you a look into the life of a young girl who was not your typical child and certainly not a follower.  It also brings out the sadness of those times in history.  If you do read this book, I would highly recommend following it with the Diary of Anne Frank.

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