Recent Reads

Cross My Heart by Megan Collins (2025)

Rosie, in need of a heart transplant, has received a donor organ and now believes she's meant to be with the husband of her donor.  This book was a wild ride - Rosie is a bit delusional, a bit obsessive, so desperate for her happily ever after that she tends to see things that aren't there.  The new object of her obsession is Morgan, a local author whose wife recently passed away (and whose heart Rosie now has).  But there are pesky rumors that Morgan had something to do with his wife's death - what will Rosie do now?  There are so many misdirections in this story - it seems like no one is ever telling the truth, which led me to suspect the wrong person until the very end.  I definitely didn't see it coming!  But, the story does ramble a bit, and Rosie was not the most likeable main character.  3.5 stars

Book Boyfriend by Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegemund-Broka (2025)

Jennifer is so excited to attend an immersive fan event for her favorite fantasy book series, until she finds out that her co-worker Scott is also there - and he has been so disdainful of Jennifer and her love for fantasy books.  However, Scott wants to learn about the characters in order to help his own love life, and the more time he and Jennifer spend together, the more they realize that they could be the perfect couple in real life.  I have to admit, I have not had luck with this author duo before, but I really liked this book!  Funny that it's also one of their lower-rated ones!  But, I thought this was such a love letter to readers, especially fantasy readers, and there were some good discussions about comparing book characters to real people and never living up to the fantasy.  It did feel a bit overly long, but I enjoyed the journey for Scott and Jennifer and all the side characters, who definitely added some flavor to the story.  4 stars

 

 

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Can't-Wait Wednesday: And Then There Was You

Can't-Wait Wednesday is hosted by Tressa at Wishful Endings and helps us spotlight upcoming releases we're eagerly anticipating!

And Then There Was You

Sophie Cousens

Expected publication date: November 18, 2025

She's found the perfect man . . . There's just one big twist.

Stuck in a Production Assistant job and living at home with her parents after a painful breakup, thirty-one-year-old Chloe Fairway isn’t where she wants to be in life. The last thing she needs is to face the people who once voted her "most likely to succeed" at her upcoming ten-year college reunion. And she definitely doesn’t want to see her former best friend, Sean Adler, who is now a hotshot film director living the life Chloe dreamed of. Desperate to make a splash—and to save face in front of the man who might be the one that got away—she turns to a mysterious dating service.

Enter Rob, her handsome, well-read, and charming match, the perfect plus-one to take to her reunion. The more she gets to know him, the more perfect he appears to be. Could it be that this dating service knows her better than she knows herself? And can she overlook the one big catch? As Chloe reconnects with old friends, she begins to question everything she thought she wanted. Maybe, just maybe, revisiting the past is exactly what she needs to move forward. - from Goodreads

Month in Review: October 2025

 

October was such a busy month!  We decorated some pumpkins, and I attended my first big puzzle swap, which was a lot of fun!  I came home with so many new puzzles.  Tom and I celebrated our 12th wedding anniversary (and 22 years together!).  We attended the Morristown Festival of Books and I got to meet one of my favorite authors, Beatriz Williams!  My company had a get-together, a "hoe-down" at a farm, complete with goats and cows and BBQ and s'mores!  We took a little trip to the zoo, and then of course all the Halloween activities started!  My stepmom and dad hosted their annual party for the grandkids and they all had a great time.  We went to a trunk or treat hosted by Henry's daycare and then attended his school parade - the kids were all adorable in their costumes!  Henry did significantly more trick-or-treating than he did last year, covering the whole street instead of just a couple houses.  Our little Captain America had a great time!

The Books

Cold Eternity // The Wife Upstairs // Haunted Ever After // Sally's Lament

Left of Forever // A Cruel Thirst // Cross My Heart // A Rebel Without Claws

Book Boyfriend // Vanderbilt

The Posts

Can't-Wait Wednesday: Boleyn Traitor

Recent Reads

Michele's Monday Picks #79

Little Free Library Sightings: The Cape Cod Edition

Recent Reads

Michele's Monday Picks #80

Indie Bookstore Spotlight: Titcomb's Bookshop

Fiction/Nonfiction Quick Reviews: The Out of This World Edition

Michele's Monday Picks #81

Can't-Wait Wednesday: A Queen's Match

Morristown Festival of Books 2025

Michele's Monday Picks #82

Guest Blogger: My Favorite Audiobooks #5

Nonfiction November 2025: My Year in Nonfiction

Recent Reads

How are you doing?

* This post contains affiliate links; I earn a small commission on qualifying purchases, at no cost to you.

Recent Reads

Haunted Ever After by Jen DeLuca (2024)

Looking for a new start, Cassie buys a house in a small town called Boneyard Key.  She likes her new town - and also Nick, who owns a local coffee shop.  But when she discovers her house is haunted, will she stick around?  This has been on my TBR since last fall, and I finally got a chance to read it - unfortunately, I was pretty underwhelmed.  Is it bad that I was more interested in the ghosts than the two main characters?  Cassie and Nick were just bland - I never really felt like I got a clear picture of who they were or what they wanted, or if they were truly on the same page as each other.  I thought the backstories of the ghosts haunting their homes were much more intriguing; there's a twist involving the ghosts that I clocked almost immediately and I was disappointed that it took the characters so long to realize it.  Cute idea for a seasonal romance, but didn't really work for me.  3 stars

Sally's Lament by Mari Mancusi (2024)

In this installment of the Disney Twisted Tales series, Mari Mancusi explores what might have happened if Sally had discovered Christmas Town instead of Jack Skellington.  Sally is entranced by the village, but she soon discovers an evil undertone to the cheeriness of the town.  I have to admit, I'd never seen The Nightmare Before Christmas before I read this book, but I love this series and so wanted to try it.  For me, this was an incredibly successful story.  I felt like there was enough background from the original movie incorporated that I understood the basic premise, and I enjoyed Sally and Jack's adventures in Christmas Town.  Both Sally and Jack feel a bit stunted in Halloween Town, so figuring out the mystery of this new place and helping new friends along the way really helped them.  I thought the writing was fantastic and the story was clear (some of the Twisted Tales can get a bit convoluted).  And don't get me started on that last chapter - so many happy tears!  5 stars

* This post contains affiliate links; I earn a small commission on qualifying purchases.

Nonfiction November 2025: My Year in Nonfiction

 

It's time to start celebrating Nonfiction November!  The first week is hosted by Heather at Based on a True Story and is all about our year in nonfiction.  At the time I'm writing this, I've read 9 nonfiction books this year, and they've all been 4 stars or higher!  My taste in nonfiction tends to be all over the place - so many things interest me, and here are some of my favorites of the year:

The Indifferent Stars Above // The Ship Beneath the Ice // White House by the Sea

My goals for Nonfiction November are to see what everyone else is reading, find some interesting titles for my TBR, and to celebrate the genre of nonfiction!  Here are some I'd like to read this month:

Women in the Valley of the Kings // Nuclear War: A Scenario // Powder Days

What are some of your nonfiction highlights from this year?

Guest Blogger: My Favorite Audiobooks #5

 Michele is back today to share some more audiobook recommendations!

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Up until a few years ago, I had never even considered audiobooks as a way to increase my reading – but then my husband started working for a major audiobook publisher and I got hooked!  Now I listen to them all the time – getting ready in the morning, in the car, exercising, at my daughter’s swim lessons, you name it.  Audiobooks are fantastic for when you can’t physically hold a book and I have listened to some really fantastic performances.  Here are some of my recent faves:

 

Stranger Things: The Dustin Experiment

While we anxiously await the final season of Stranger Things, it is very fun to catch up with our favorite characters in these books.

 Better Luck Next Time

Cara Bastone simply never disappoints and this was another winner!

Run for the Hills 

I have no idea where I even came across this new release but it totally surprised me and I loved it.  Newly discovered siblings on a road trip across the country to confront the father who abandoned them all – sounds sad but was actually very witty and uplifting!

 

Seven Brides for Beau McBride

It was so fun to be back in Buck’s Creek with Junebug and her meddling ways!

 

Spectacular Things

I have a very hit or miss relationship with Reese’s Book Club picks but this one was incredible – it follows the lives of two sisters: one an elite soccer player and the other who supports her every step of the way.

Do you listen to audiobooks?  Do you have any favorites?

Michele's Monday Picks #82

Angela is so generous to let me pop in with my little series, Michele’s Monday Picks!  I’m not a blogger or bookstagrammer, but I love getting excited about new releases with the rest of you.  Here I’ll be sharing new books I’m really looking forward to!

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Fallen City

By Adrienne Young

Expected Publication: November 4, 2025

From Goodreads:

In the great walled city of Isara, political turmoil ignites a rebellion one hundred years in the making. But when a legionnaire falls in love with a Magistrate's daughter, their love will threaten the fate of the city and the will of the gods.

Luca Matius has one purpose—to carry on the family name, maintaining its presence in the Forum once his powerful and cruel uncle dies. But his noviceship with the city's Philosopher places him in the middle of a catastrophe that will alter the destiny of his people.

Maris Casoeria was raised amidst the strategic maneuvers of the Citadel's inner workings, and she knows what her future holds—a lifetime of service to a corrupt city. But her years of serving as a novice to the last Priestess who possesses the stolen magic of the Old War has made her envision a different kind of future for the city. When she meets Luca, a fated chain of events is set into motion that will divinely entangle their lives.

As a secret comes to light and throws the city into chaos, Luca and Maris hatch a plot to create a calculated alliance that could tip the scales of power. But when an execution forces Luca to become the symbol of rebellion, he and Maris are thrown onto opposite sides of a holy war. As their fates diverge, they learn they are at the center of a story the gods are writing. And even if they can find their way back to each other, there may be nothing left.

Adrienne Young is one of my auto-buy authors so I am definitely looking forward to this one! Do you think you’ll be picking this one up?

Morristown Festival of Books 2025

On Saturday, October 11, we headed to Morristown, New Jersey for the annual Morristown Festival of Books!  Over a hundred authors from all genres (fiction, nonfiction, YA, and children's) gathered for this free event, with several special discussions, panels, and meet-and-greets throughout the day.  I went specifically for one particular talk, but we ended up getting there early, so we first went over to KidsFest, which has its own tent.

Here, several children's, middle grade, and YA authors have tables where they can greet fans and sell their books.  They also had some fun activities such as face painting and some outdoor games.  The weather wasn't the greatest while we were there, so we were glad to be under the tent for awhile!

In the early afternoon, my sister and I went down the street to the Church of the Redeemer for the talk we were interested in: Beatriz Williams, Karen White, and Lauren Willig (aka Team W) in conversation about writing as a trio!  Beatriz Williams is one of my favorite authors, and I have loved all the collaborations between these three authors.

This talk didn't have a moderator; it was really just the three authors having a conversation with each other.  They talked about how they all met and the idea they came up with to write a book together (they've since written five!).  They were all so warm and funny!  They've obviously given this talk before, but you can tell they never really get tired of telling it and are actually all very close.

After the talk, the authors made their way to the signing tent and after quite a long wait, I was able to meet them!  They were clearly a very popular draw at the festival.  Henry was running around nearby as I talked to them, so I pointed him out, and we all had a nice chat about how much energy little boys have.  They were all so sweet and had such a good rapport with each other.  And I got to add two more Beatriz Williams-signed books to my collection!

Can't-Wait Wednesday: A Queen's Match

Can't-Wait Wednesday is hosted by Tressa at Wishful Endings and helps us spotlight upcoming releases we're eagerly anticipating!

A Queen's Match

Katharine McGee

Expected publication date: November 4, 2025

In the sequel to A Queen's Game, broken hearts and secret loves lead three princesses to their final marriage matches, and their rightful places in the history books--from the New York Times bestselling author of the American Royals series.

As Queen Victoria tries to match her grandchildren with powerful marriages across Europe, matters of the court and matters of the heart collide for three princesses as they close in on the end of their marriage seasons. 

Exiled French princess Helene d'Orleans had no choice but to break it off with Prince Eddy--but that doesn't mean she doesn't have a broken heart. And now her parents have their sights on another prince for her...but his heart is already taken. 

The queen finally understands that her beloved granddaughter Alix of Hesse isn't interestd in a match with Prince Eddy...but the Queen does not approve of Alix's true love. So where does that leave her? 

And May of Teck? She's just looking for a crown. So with Eddy back on the marriage market, she's biding her time, letting his heartbreak settle, before she makes her move.

Set in the last glittering decade of the monarchies, A Queen's Match is the thrilling conclusion to the story that began in A Queen's Game. - from Goodreads

Michele's Monday Picks #81

Angela is so generous to let me pop in with my little series, Michele’s Monday Picks!  I’m not a blogger or bookstagrammer, but I love getting excited about new releases with the rest of you.  Here I’ll be sharing new books I’m really looking forward to!

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Stranger Things: Starcourt Mall Escape

By Jennifer Brody

Expected Publication: November 4, 2025

From Goodreads:

Explore Hawkins with fan-favorite character Eleven in a novel based on the iconic Netflix series Stranger Things.

It’s summer vacation, and everyone in Hawkins has plans—everyone except Eleven. She feels trapped by her overprotective father and wants to break out and find a normal teen life like she sees in her magazines. Luckily, Eleven’s not alone. Her friend Max needs to flee a troubling home life and an increasingly dangerous older brother. They decide to escape together, and in Hawkins in the summer of 1985, there is only one place to the all-new Starcourt Mall. Will midnight movies and an overnight party in the food court be the solution to their problems? Or will Eleven and Max discover that a little freedom can lead to a lot of trouble, and that the ghosts of the past are never far away? Filled with details from Netflix’s series Stranger Things, this novel explores Hawkins—and Eleven’s place in it—like never before.

I love the TV show Stranger Things and have been listening to all of the books based on it – they have all been fantastic! Do you think you’ll be picking this one up?

Fiction/Nonfiction Quick Reviews: The Out of This World Edition

The Astronaut Wives Club by Lily Koppel (2014)

Many of us have heard of America's first astronauts, but few of us know about the women and families of those men.  Lily Koppel gives us an inside look at the astronaut wives who became overnight celebrities, whether they wanted to or not.  I thought this was a really interesting read - I've read other books about astronauts, how they were chosen, how they trained, and their professional achievements (and sometimes tragedies, unfortunately), but I've never seen a book focus on their wives and family lives.  Koppel explores how these women became somewhat famous in their own right, were touted as the "perfect" wives and homemakers, and had to keep up appearances even when they were going through tough times.  There were a lot of people to keep track of, especially as the astronaut classes grew bigger, but several of the women stood out, and overall I thought this was an honest and intimate look at astronaut wives.  4 stars

Cold Eternity by S.A. Barnes (2025)

Halley is looking for a place to hide while she rides out a political scandal, so she takes a job as a sort of caretaker on a space barge that was previously used as a glamorous place to store the cryogenically frozen bodies of the rich and famous, years ago.  Soon after, though, weird noises and odd images on the security cameras make her wonder if something truly horrible is happening on the ship.  SA Barnes is always good for a space horror, although I have to admit, this one was a bit convoluted for me.  Halley is a well-rounded character, even if her backstory isn't totally clear at first.  The space barge is an eerie, atmospheric setting for a horror novel, with all the defunct cryo chambers around the ship and a handyman who just seems a little off.  The whole bit with AI, though, just added too many layers and made this already unbelievable story almost a bit laughable, unfortunately.  3 stars

* This post contains affiliate links; I earn a small commission on qualifying purchases, at no cost to you.

Indie Bookstore Spotlight: Titcomb's Bookshop

 Another indie bookstore I visited on our Cape Cod trip was Titcomb's Bookshop in Sandwich, MA.  Titcomb's Bookshop is a family-run bookstore that opened in 1969 and is now a three-story bookshop that sells new and old books, rare books, games, puzzles, and cards.

Outside is this little rock garden where people can write the names of their favorite books!

Once you get inside, there are three floors to explore.  The children's books and nonfiction/local flavor books can be found to the left and right of the entrance.  This place is absolutely packed with books!

If you head upstairs, you'll find an open, airy space with some bargain books, gifts, and a large collection of rare and used books.  I had already spent enough time in the store, so I didn't head down to the lowest level, but Tom and Henry found some fun toys to look at down there.

I ended up buying a memoir for myself and a book about lighthouses for Henry (he became obsessed with them on this trip!).  The gentleman working the register was a huge help when I asked if they had any such books - he looked up several for me to choose from!  Lovely staff, great selection, cool atmosphere - definitely stop at Titcomb's Bookshop if you're ever on Cape Cod!

Michele's Monday Picks #80

Angela is so generous to let me pop in with my little series, Michele’s Monday Picks!  I’m not a blogger or bookstagrammer, but I love getting excited about new releases with the rest of you.  Here I’ll be sharing new books I’m really looking forward to!

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A Time Traveler’s History of Tomorrow

By Kendall Kulper

Expected Publication: November 4, 2025

From Goodreads:

A time-bending love story between a prickly young woman and a carefree stranger, who are tasked with saving the universe—after accidentally destroying it in the first place.

Genevieve Newhouse and Ash Hargreaves weren’t supposed to meet like this. Unless it was always meant to be . . . 

Gen is a fastidious science prodigy with a chip on her shoulder, and she can turn herself invisible. 

Happy-go-lucky Ash has just escaped a sheltered (read: cultish) childhood, and he can manipulate time. 

The gifted eighteen-year-olds cross paths at the 1934 Chicago World’s Fair, where Genevieve’s experimental physics project causes an apocalyptic explosion. Ash tries to avert catastrophe by gallantly rewinding time a few minutes, but instead, he transports them back to 1893. The duo finds themselves trapped in an unfamiliar, unwelcoming era, with no idea how to return to their own time—or if their own time even exists. Their cataclysmic leap across decades might have destroyed the world as they know it . . . 

Fate and free will intertwine in this page turning historical romance that sets two irresistible strangers down a chaotic, potentially apocalyptic path. “Will they or won’t they” takes on a whole new meaning as Gen and Ash fight for survival while falling in love.

I have loved this entire series and I’m excited to learn about the third sister, Genevieve! Do you think you’ll be picking this one up?