Readers' Favorite

June 26, 2025

What We Leave Behind by Sue Halpern ~ a Review

by Susan Roberts
 

A tenderhearted story of two very different women grappling with the messy emotional legacies passed down by their parents.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site.  A free book was provided for an honest review.   

June 25, 2025

3 Romance Novels to Read This Summer

by MK French


Are you looking for love? You will find it in the pages of these books.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. Free books were provided for an honest review.

June 24, 2025

Eliza and the Duke by Harper St. George ~ a Review

by MK French


Eliza Dove is a hopeless romantic, hoping for a night of freedom before she settles into a respectable marriage of convenience. Simon Cavell is known as "The Duke," and a prizefighter hoping to secure one last win and leave the streets. He's willing to tangle with Eliza long enough to ensure her secrecy, but one night isn't enough for her. Now Eliza must come up with a plan that will secure him, or both will be ruined.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. A free book was provided for an honest review.

June 23, 2025

Murder Takes a Vacation by Laura Lippman ~ a Review

by Donna Huber


Mrs. Blossom is not the kind of woman to play the lottery. She is practical, a devoted grandmother, and has a knack for blending into the background, which was an asset during her days assisting private investigator Tess Monaghan. But when Mrs. Blossom finds a winning ticket in a parking lot, everything changes...including Mrs. Blossom. She is determined to see the world that sometimes feels as if it’s passing her by.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. A free book was provided for an honest review.

June 22, 2025

No More Yesterdays by Catherine Bybee ~ a Review

by Susan Roberts


Catherine Bybee lights the fuse, and the Stone siblings must rely on their wits and hearts to uncover a dangerous enemy…and an explosive secret.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. A free book was provided for an honest review.  

June 21, 2025

Free Read! Fireworks and Frenemies by Elle Rush

by Donna Huber


I'm on vacation, enjoying lots of time reading and other fun things. Here is a free ebook that you can enjoy whether you are on vacation or just hanging out at the pool for the weekend.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site.

June 20, 2025

Two Female-Centric Stories to Read

by MK French


Women's fiction is a catch-all category for books that focus on the growth of a female character. Sometimes it involves romance, and other times it is more focused on the career or other life goals of the character.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. Free books were provided for an honest review.

June 19, 2025

Holocaust Stories in Fiction and Nonfiction

by Susan Roberts


I read a lot of historical fiction and am always interested in WWII-era fiction.  Even though the market is very saturated with books from this time period, authors continue to find heroes who have been forgotten or write about fictional brave people who made a difference in their worlds during this time.  Today I have reviews of three new books that look at this time period from new directions - one is historical fiction closely based on the true story of one man and his goal to help children, one is fiction about a 16 year old girl that was inspired by a true story and the third is a nonfiction book about a family that hid in a small building for 2 years while being helped by their brave neighbors. 

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. Free books were provided for honest reviews.

June 18, 2025

2 Interesting Books Set in England

by Susan Roberts


Summer is a time for travel and relaxation. Sometimes we don't get to travel very far but that's the great thing about books - you can travel through time and space in the pages of a book. Today, I have two books set in England. The first book will also have you traveling back to the 1800s. Even if you don't have a trip planned, you can grab some relaxation time with these two novels.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. Free books were provided for an honest review.

June 17, 2025

The Everyday Naturalist by Rebecca Lexa ~ a Review

by Donna Huber


When I saw this book was coming out in June, I thought it was the perfect book to read while preparing for my summer vacation at Naturalist Camp. 

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. A free book was provided for an honest review.

June 16, 2025

5 Books for Fans of Speculative Fiction

by MK French


Speculative fiction is an umbrella genre. It encompasses all genres that deviate from reality: fantasy, mythology, dystopian, science fiction, magical realism, etc. This is a fun genre as it lets us explore what-ifs and dig deeper into sensitive issues that might be more difficult to address in real life. 

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. Free books were provided for an honest review.

June 15, 2025

Books to Read for Juneteenth

by Donna Huber


Probably before Juneteenth was made a federal holiday in 2021, many people hadn't heard of it (I hadn't). The Juneteenth National Independence Day Act made it an official federal holiday. My state has also added it as a state holiday so I have the day off. For those who might not be familiar with what Juneteenth is - it commemorates the day in 1865 when the slaves in Texas were declared free (more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation). Here is a list of books to read to celebrate Juneteenth. Don't worry; it isn't all history books.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. 

June 14, 2025

Writing Mr. Right by Alina Khawaja ~ a Review

by MK French


Ziya Khan is a legal secretary and aspiring novelist, getting frustrated with her many rejection letters. On her thirtieth birthday, Ziya finds the living version of her muse standing in her kitchen. Aashiq inspires Ziya to write, to live and stand up for herself at work. They grow closer, but as she takes joy in writing again, he starts to disappear. Ziya will have to choose between Aashiq and her writing.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. A free book was provided for an honest review.

June 13, 2025

The Call of the Wrens by Jenni L. Walsh ~ a Review

by Donna Huber


The Call of the Wrens
introduces the little-known story of the daring women who rode through war-torn Europe carrying secrets on their shoulders.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. A free audiobook was provided for an honest review.

June 12, 2025

A Most Puzzling Murder by Bianca Marais ~ a Review

by MK French


Former prodigy and orphan Destiny Whip is alone, but she was used to it. A letter invites her to interview for the position of Scruffmore family historian, but she never applied in the first place. Encoded in the letter is a promise to learn her own family secrets, so she goes to Eerie Island to meet the Scruffmores. They all mistrust one another and carry untold secrets themselves. In the midst of cryptic ciphers, hidden passages, and the family’s magical line of succession, Destiny is certain of two things: one of the Scruffmores is going to die and she’s running out of time to stop it.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. A free book was provided for an honest review.

June 11, 2025

Death at the Paris Hotel by Verity Bright ~ a Review

by Donna Huber


Eleanor and Hugh (along with Clifford and Master Gladstone, of course) are off to Paris for their honeymoon. They have barely enjoyed the delights of married life when a dead body literally falls in Eleanor's lap. 

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. A free book was provided for an honest review.

June 10, 2025

Measure of Devotion by Nell Joslin ~ a Review

by Susan Roberts
 

In this debut novel set during the American Civil War, a pro-Union South Carolina woman leaves home to retrieve her wounded Confederate son, staking everything in a mission of danger, privation and emotional turmoil.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site.  A free book was provided for an honest review.

June 9, 2025

4 Must Read Young Adult Novels

by MK French


Are your teens already bored with summer? Or are you looking for young adult fiction for your own beach bag? Either was,y these young adult titles are must reads. 

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. Free books were provided for an honest review.

June 8, 2025

Hidden Nature by Nora Roberts ~ a Review

by Susan Roberts


A new novel about an injured cop who must fight to bring down a pair of twisted killers…

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site.  A free book was provided for an honest review.

June 7, 2025

The Summer We Ran by Audrey Ingram ~ a Review

by Susan Roberts


Does your past define your destiny? Told through multiple perspectives, rich with emotion and immersive dual timelines, The Summer We Ran weaves together a story of lost love, devastating secrets, shocking sabotage, and the painstaking decision two people must make in order to fulfill the futures they each desire.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site.  A free book was provided for an honest review.

June 6, 2025

The Yellow Dog by Georges Simenon ~ a Review

by Donna Huber


First published in 1931, this French mystery novel has been republished dozens of times and translated into many languages. The Inspector Maigret series is comprised of 75 novels, plus a book of Christmas short stories (which I will totally be looking for this holiday season). I wonder if this is one of the longest-running series, which began in 1930, and the last book was published in 1972. Georges Simenon, a Belgian writer, died in 1989. He is considered one of the most prolific writers of the 19th century with over 400 novels plus memoirs and short story collections.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. A free book was provided for an honest review.

June 5, 2025

3 Enjoyable Stories of Historical Fiction

by Susan Roberts


Historical fiction is one of my favorite genres. I've read previous books by all three of the authors and their new books did not disappoint. Each book is about a different point in time, but they are all enjoyable reads.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. Free books were provided for an honest review.

June 4, 2025

He's to Die For by Erin Dunn ~ a Review

by MK French


Detective Rav Trivedi is the youngest member of the NYPD’s homicide squad and has an incredible solve rate. As an ivy-league educated gay Brit wearing designer suits he doesn't quite fit in, but he's always eager to prove himself. Now he gets the lead position on the high-profile murder of a record executive. The main suspect is a hot rock star with a clear motive and no alibi, and unfortunately, Rav seems to be falling in love with him.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. A free book was provided for an honest review.

June 3, 2025

Pearce Oysters by Joselyn Takacs ~ a Review

by Susan Roberts


A family drama set along the Louisiana coastline during the 2010 BP Oil Spill, Pearce Oysters follows a third-generation oyster farmer whose business, family, and livelihood are on the brink of collapse. 

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site.  A free book was provided for an honest review.

June 2, 2025

The Martha's Vineyard Beach and Book Club by Martha Hall Kelly ~ a Review

by Donna Huber


Two sisters living on Martha’s Vineyard during World War II find hope in the power of storytelling when they start a wartime book club for women in this spectacular novel inspired by true events.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. A free book was provided for an honest review.

June 1, 2025

The Palace at the End of the Sea by Simon Tolkien ~ a Review

by MK French


In 1929, New York City, Theo Sterling is caught between different worlds. His father is a Jewish businessman, and his mother is Catholic. Disaster strikes the family, and charismatic friends convince Theo he can fight fascism. Rebellion carries a high price, making him question other ideologies as well.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. A free book was provided for an honest review.

May 31, 2025

Road Trip, Summer Camp, and Adventures Oh My!

by Donna Huber


I leave for my summer vacation in a couple of weeks. I spend a week in the mountains at a summer camp for adults. There's no internet or cell phone service but there is a lot of hiking, playing in the river, and exploring the natural world. There is also time for just relaxing with a book. In addition to choosing an audiobook (or two) for the road trip there and back (check out my audiobook recommendations for a road trip), I'm also thinking about what I'll read while there. I've been looking through the Goodreads challenge Armchair Explorer for inspiration. If you are trying to decide what to read to complete that challenge, here are our recommendations.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site.

May 30, 2025

Two Fun Reads From Author Lian Dolan

 by Susan Roberts


I recently read a book by Lain Dolan and enjoyed it so much that I had to read another book by her.  I have several of her other books on my to-be-read list.  Here are reviews of two of her books.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. Free books were provided for honest reviews

May 29, 2025

11 Audiobooks for Road Trips

by Donna Huber


I have a little road trip planned for this summer, and I'm already thinking about what book I will listen to on the drive. I listen to a lot of audiobooks, so I thought I would give you a few recommendations of my favorite reads. I really like listening to memoirs and nonfiction, so I have a few of them on this list. I also tried to recommend a variety of lengths. My road trip will only be about 4 hours one way, and I'm not sure if I'll choose two shorter books for a longer one that I can listen to half on the way to the mountains and then the other half on the way back. That's what I did last year.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site.

May 28, 2025

The Grief Nurse by Angie Spoto ~ a Review

by MK French


Lynx is the grief nurse assigned to the Aster family, and had grown up on their secluded Scottish island. When their eldest son dies Lynx alleviates their sorrow, but as guests arrive for his wake secrets emerge that threaten to tear the family apart.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. A free book was provided for an honest review.

May 27, 2025

22 Books to Read for Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

by Donna Huber


We've highlighted a few books for Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, but in case you missed them, trying to fit one more in before the end of May, or still trying to decide what to read for the Heritage Reads bookmark, here are our recommendations. We've narrowed the Goodreads list of 189 down to 22. There is a good mix of genres on our list - fantasy, historical fiction, mystery, young adult, romance, nonfiction, etc. MK reviewed most of the books in this selection but Susan and I lent a few titles to the list as well. Happy reading!

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site.

May 26, 2025

The Girls of Good Fortune by Kristina McMorris ~ a Review

by Susan Roberts
 

She came from a lineage known for good fortune…by those who don't know the whole story. 

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. A free book was provided for an honest review.

May 25, 2025

Murder at the English Manor by Helena Dixon ~ a Review

by Donna Huber


At home in Devon, Kitty is attending a ball at the very grand Markham Hall. With celebrations in full swing and everyone kitted out in their glad rags, Kitty and Matt enjoy the champagne. But the next morning, the party feels well and truly over when Kitty stumbles across a body while out walking her dog, Bertie. The maid, Agnes, is dead, and everyone at Markham Hall is a suspect…

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. A free book was provided for an honest review.

May 24, 2025

The Love Haters by Katherine Center ~ a Review

by Susan Roberts


It’s a thin line between love and love-hating.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site.  A free book was provided for an honest review.

May 23, 2025

White Light by Jack Lohmann ~ a Review

by MK French


The element phosphorus is one of the six that are important for life functioning. Whether it's the phosphates that add to fertilizers or is present in rocks and makes ecological or biological systems work, or the explosive element when added to water, in this book, we're guided through the history of what we know about this element and how we can use it.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. A free book was provided for an honest review.

May 22, 2025

The Paris Promise by Suzanne Kelman ~ a Review

by Susan Roberts
 

Paris, 1943: Keeping her eyes fixed on the Nazi officer, Antoinette slowly reaches under the pillow for the knife hidden there. Her hands are shaking, but she knows what she must do to save her husband and child…

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site.  A free book was provided for an honest review.

May 21, 2025

The Game's Afoot - Can You Solve These Mysteries

by Donna Huber


It's definitely feeling like summer - hot, humid, and thunderstorms. But truly, it is great weather for sitting on the porch with a cool drink and a good book. If you are looking for something entertaining when it is too humid or wet to do anything else, check out these two new books.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. Free books were provided for an honest review.

May 20, 2025

Two Light Reads Perfect for a Day of Relaxation

by MK French


As the weather warms, we start planning our summer vacations and weekend getaways. While those plans may still be weeks away, you can still grab a day of relaxation with a light read. 

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. Free books were provided for an honest review.

May 19, 2025

Run for the Hills by Kevin Wilson ~ a Review

by Susan Roberts


An unexpected road trip across America brings a family together in this raucous and moving new novel

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site.  A free book was provided for an honest review.

May 18, 2025

Love Romance Novels? Love Fantasy Novels? Read These 2 Romantasy Novels

by MK French


Did you see the new category in last year's Goodreads Choice Awards? Romantic fantasy has been on the rise for years, and Goodreads recognized that by having a whole category featuring Romantasy. Here are two books coming out later this month that you will want to add to your reading list.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. Free books were provided for an honest review.

May 17, 2025

The Last Secret Agent by Pippa Latour and Jude Dobson ~ Review

by Donna Huber


The world recently celebrated the 80th anniversary of V-E Day - the day Germany surrendered and ended WWII in Europe. 80 years ago, Pippa Latour signed off and made her way to Paris. She served as a radio operator in occupied France for the British Special Operations Executive. The Last Secret Agent is her story.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. A free audiobook was provided for an honest review.

May 16, 2025

Skin and Bones: And Other Mike Bowditch Short Stories by Paul Doiron ~ A Review

by Susan Roberts
 

A collection of eight gripping original short stories in the bestselling Mike Bowditch series―including one brand new, never-before-published story―from Edgar-award nominated author Paul Doiron.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site.  A free book was provided for an honest review.

May 15, 2025

3 Books to Read for Asian American Heritage Month

by MK French


May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. I've shared a few books about and/or by Asian Americans in previous reviews this month, but in case you are looking for more, I have 3 new books for you.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. Free books were provided for an honest review.

May 14, 2025

Near the Forest, By the Lake: Discovering Nature Close to Home by Angela E. Douglas ~ a Review

by Donna Huber

As the days grow warmer and longer, we tend to spend more time outside. But how much do we notice about the natural world around us?

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. A free book was provided for an honest review.

May 13, 2025

Two Books for Fans of Women's Fiction

by Susan Roberts


Soon summer will be here, which means that days spent at the beach, lake, or pool are just around the corner. Women's fiction is one of the most popular genres to pop into your summer bag. If you are planning your summer reading, get a jump on it these these two books.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. Free books were provided for an honest review.

May 12, 2025

2 Young Adult Fantasy Novels to Read Now

by MK French


Whether you are looking for young adult fantasy novels for yourself or for your teen, you don't want to miss these. 

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. Free books were provided for an honest review.

May 11, 2025

Dying to Meet You by Sarina Bowen ~ a Review

by Susan Roberts


A twisty thriller that probes how well we actually know the men in our lives.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. A free book was provided for an honest review.

May 10, 2025

The Language of the Birds by K. A. Merson ~ a Review

by MK French


Arizona’s mother goes missing on a family trip, and a note in their ransacked Airstream indicates she was kidnapped. The kidnappers believe Arizona’s dead father took a secret to his grave, and it's up to her to solve the puzzles, codes, and riddles left throughout the Western US to find her mother. She is only seventeen, but is very comfortable going through pages of ancient texts and forgotten corners of U.S. history looking for a centuries-old prize. She had never been comfortable on her own before, and now realizes that finding other people who understand her isn’t so impossible after all.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. A free book was provided for an honest review.

May 9, 2025

2 Mysteries to Keep You Guessing

by Donna Huber


I love losing myself in a good mystery - one that keeps me guessing the whole time. I recently read a couple of mysteries with unexpected elements that would be great for a weekend binge read or to toss in your beach bag this summer.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. Free books were provided for an honest review.

May 8, 2025

Parents Weekend by Alex Finlay ~ a Review

by Susan Roberts
 

In the glow of their children’s exciting first year of college at a small private school in Northern California, five families plan on a night of dinner and cocktails for the opening festivities of Parents Weekend. As the parents stay out way past their bedtimes, their kids—five residents of Campisi Hall—never show up at dinner.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site.  A free book was provided for an honest review.

May 7, 2025

2 Thoroughly Enjoyable Fantasy Novels

by MK French


Do you want to add a little magic to your reading? Check out these two fantasy novels.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. Free books were provided for an honest review.

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