Recent Reads

Royal Heirs Academy (Royal Heirs Academy #1) by Lindsey Duga (2025)

After fifty years on the throne, King Leander is finally ready to name an heir - but first, he's going to make his three grandchildren and one stranger duke it out for the ultimate role by making them all attend an elite school and tracking their progress.  Titus, Alaric, Emmeline, and Sadie must face challenging classes, interpersonal feuds, and fierce competitions for the chance to take the throne.  This book was full of teen angst as the 4 young adults get to know each other and their new situation.  I appreciated how each character's backstory was very different, yet they all ended up in the same place.  I did think the level of scheming and just overall intelligence/skills attributed to both the throne contenders and their schoolmates was a bit unbelievable, and there was some odd tension between the story wanting to be gritty but still somewhat innocent that was a bit jarring, but I cannot resist a royal story, so overall I did enjoy this one!  4 stars

An American Beauty by Shana Abe (2023)

A fictionalized account of the life of Arabella Huntington, a Southern woman who came from nothing to become one of the richest women in America in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.  Arabella worked at a gambling parlor until she began an affair with Collis Huntington, a railroad baron.  He brought her to New York and gave her a life she only dreamed of, but she was also shrewd and intelligent, amassing her own wealth through land and property deals.  Eventually, she and Collis married, but her story didn't end with Collis.  I really enjoyed this book - although the Huntington name is well-known, I didn't know really anything about Arabella and this book piqued my curiosity.  This depiction certainly painted her as smart (but not cunning), loyal, and with impeccable taste.  I really felt the partnership between her and Collis - a love affair, yes, but also respect and admiration (not to say that affairs are acceptable!).  The Gilded Age setting also came through really well.  4 stars

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Recent Reads: The Twin Edition

 A Sea of Unspoken Things by Adrienne Young (2025)

James and Johnny Golden were twins who always had a strong connection.  When he is killed in what is thought to be a tragic accident, James must return to their small hometown to settle his affairs.  While there, she realizes there is more to Johnny's accident than there first appeared.  Although it felt overwritten at times, and there was too much pushing to show Johnny as this mysterious, brooding man, I enjoyed this book.  It's not a heart-pounding mystery/thriller - it's a quiet exploration of James as she confronts her past and strives to learn what happened to her brother.  There are some light supernatural elements and the conclusion to the story did surprise me, although I also can't say that the revelations were totally satisfying.  4 stars

Maya & Natasha by Elyse Durham (2025)

Maya and Natasha are twins born to and abandoned by their ballerina mother in the mid-20th century in Russia.  The girls grow up with the intention to both be ballerinas, but when the critical moment arrives, only one can be chosen for the premier company.  Throughout the years, Maya and Natasha both must decide if they should look out for themselves or the person they love most in the world.  This was such a captivating novel - although I sometimes had issues with the dialogue not feeling authentic, the story and characters drew me in.  Maya and Natasha are twins but still rather different, and they face an uphill battle with the restrictive society they've been born into.  Both sisters make choices that seem unforgivable, but in the end, can they find their way back to each other?  I couldn't turn the pages fast enough to discover what would happen to the twins next.  4.5 stars

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Recent Reads

Any Trope But You by Victoria Lavine (2025)

Margot is a romance author facing backlash after her "Happily Never After" document is released to the public.  She heads to Alaska to work on a murder mystery and there she meets Forrest, who helps run the resort with his father.  Although there are sparks, both try to avoid an entanglement, until it becomes impossible not to.  This was a cute read that managed to mix in some serious topics; I enjoyed the way the author played with romance tropes and how Margot couldn't escape them.  Forrest did seem like the perfect guy and they kept finding themselves in some cliche situations.  I liked how Forrest really seemed to understand Margot and they bonded over their family members being ill.  But while there was a lot of tongue-in-cheek humor at romance novels, I wish this one hadn't succumbed to some of the more tired romance tropes, like the third-act break-up.  Overall, though, this was a fun read!  4 stars

The Family by Naomi Krupitsky (2022)

Sofia and Antonia are best friends growing up in NYC in the 1930s and 1940s.  Their fathers are both also in the mafia.  When Antonia's father "disappears" one night, their lives are forever changed.  I thought this was an interesting read - Antonia and Sofia are so different but forever linked by their fathers' jobs.  The story follows the girls from childhood to marriage and motherhood.  Their relationship ebbs and flows through the years, especially after Antonia's father's disappearance, and we see the girls questioning the family business and their roles in it and also what they envision for their own lives.  The third-person POV allows us to be with both girls and also other characters as the book goes on, and the writing style is quite elegant and ethereal.  That being said, I often had to stop and remind myself which character I was reading about and the story moves quite slowly.  4 stars

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Fiction/Nonfiction Quick Reviews: The Tudor Edition

The Waiting Game: The Untold Story of the Women Who Served the Tudor Queens by Nicola Clark (2025)

King Henry VIII's six queens were served by numerous ladies-in-waiting (and weirdly enough, four of them became Queen themselves!), and Nicola Clark dives deep into history to tell their stories.  This was an absolutely fascinating read.  The Tudor era is a particular favorite of mine, and Clark has added new dimension to it by exploring the lives of those who served, somewhat of a blank spot in our knowledge.  Yes, there are some we know more about (Jane Boleyn, for example), but others have remained fairly hidden until now.  Told in chronological order, Clark introduces us to many of these ladies-in-waiting, some of whom will have short stints while others will linger for years, serving multiple queens.  She tells us about their personal lives, while also revisiting famous people and events, adding interesting layers to things we thought we knew about.  I enjoyed how Clark explores some accepted rumors of the era and debunks them, and I was truly impressed by her research and how detailed the story is.  Yes, the amount of people (and the fact that many share similar names) can get overwhelming, but this is a small price to pay for such a comprehensive and entertaining read.  4.5 stars

Boleyn Traitor by Philippa Gregory (2025)

Phillipa Gregory is back with another installment in her Plantagenet/Tudor series, and this one focuses on the court life of Jane Boleyn, wife of George and sister-in-law to Queen Anne Boleyn.  It follows her from her time with Anne to her downfall with Kathryn Howard.  Jane served five of King Henry VIII's six queens, so she certainly saw a lot.  Gregory imagines her as a wily, intelligent lady-in-waiting, much relied on by her queens.  It's interesting to get this perspective of the Tudor court, all the behind-the-scenes things, as we watch Jane not only serve her queens, but also exert a lot of power as she guides them.  Gregory's writing is refined and elegant, really evoking the time period.  Another fascinating installment!  4 stars

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Recent Reads

Here One Moment by Liane Moriarty (2024)

A routine flight in Australia becomes something extraordinary when a woman stands up and starts predicting the age and manner of death of each passenger.  While some are well into the future, a few are disturbingly soon.  When some of the predictions start coming true, how will the rest of the passengers react?  I've always enjoyed Moriarty's books - they are refreshing, surprising, even a bit quirky.  Here One Moment explores how people react when faced with their own potentially determined destiny - do the passengers believe the woman who made the predictions?  What do they do with this information?  Do they believe they can stop it, and should they even try?  I liked getting to know each of the passengers featured - they were all so unique.  Moriarty intersperses their chapters with a first-person POV from the woman who made their predictions - I have to admit, I wasn't as taken with her chapters.  I see why Moriarty chose to include her story this way, but until the end, I was almost a little bored with reading about her history.  Interesting, thought-provoking, and a satisfying ending, overall!  4 stars

Reputation by Lex Croucher (2022)

It's Mean Girls in the Regency Era when Georgiana, recently living with her aunt and uncle, falls in with wealthy Frances Campbell and her group of friends, where she's introduced to a world she never dreamed of.  But will the cost of popularity be too high?  I've had this book on my TBR for awhile and finally got a copy of it - I enjoy historical fiction/romances set in this time period, so I had high hopes.  Unfortunately, this was a bit of a disappointment for me.  Frances and her friends are so lackluster - super wealthy but have nothing going on except to get drunk and high seemingly all the time.  It was almost a bit sad to see Georgiana latch onto this lifestyle with little thought; as Georgiana starts to befriend other characters outside Frances' group, I wanted there to be more tension between the two parts of her life, more internal struggle for Georgiana.  It was too little, too late for me.  3 stars

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Recent Reads

Wait for It by Jenn McKinlay (2021)

Annabelle is looking for a fresh start when she moves to Arizona to work for her friend's design company.  Her landlord Nick is recovering from a stroke, fearful about leaving his home, but when he and Annabelle finally meet, sparks fly.  Could they help each other find happiness?  I really enjoyed this book!  I have to say, it wasn't even really about the romance for me; it was about the journeys that Annabelle and Nick each take in overcoming their own issues (but of course, the way they help each other and come together didn't hurt, either!).  I liked watching Annabelle tackle her workplace issues and also make some realizations about her romantic history.  Nick's medical issues and past family traumas made his storyline a bit heaver but equally compelling.  4 stars

Under the Stars by Beatriz Williams (2025)

Audrey and her mother have returned to Winthrop Island to get Meredith sober.  While there, Audrey reconnects with her father and they discover a chest full of paintings, uncovering many secrets in the process.  In a second timeline, a young woman gives her account of surviving a shipwreck near Winthrop Island two centuries earlier.  I love dual timeline stories and seeing the way the stories eventually come together, often in surprising ways.  This was no exception!  I was anxious to see how Williams would tie the present-day and past timelines; Providence (the woman who survived the storm) was especially compelling to me.  I felt like the present-day story had all the hallmarks of a Beatriz Williams book, with family and secrets and love, but also felt a bit... grittier?  There was a lot of cursing and it did detract from the story a bit for me, but I enjoyed getting to know Audrey and Meredith and seeing them work on their relationships.  I also love the way Williams writes romance - it's not so obvious and in your face, it's in the glances and subtle wording and small moments.  4.5 stars

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Recent Reads: The Oz Edition

Before Dorothy by Hazel Gaynor (2025)

In Before Dorothy, Hazel Gaynor imagines a new story for Emily Gale (Auntie Em to Dorothy), exploring how she and Henry came to Kansas and ending up raising their niece.  The Wizard of Oz is such a beloved story and movie, so it is a little nerve-wracking to enter that territory in a new way, but Gaynor does a beautiful job making Emily a truly well-rounded character.  We see her strained relationship with her sister, fall in love with Henry, and struggle through difficult years on the farm.  I loved all the nods to the original story, all those little Easter eggs that make this story even more special.  It's nostalgic, it's heartbreaking at times, but watching Emily become Auntie Em is really incredible.  4 stars

After Oz by Gordon McAlpine (2024)

After being missing for four days, Dorothy returns to the Gale farm with a fantastical tale of spending time in Oz, including accidentally killing a witch.  When a local spinster is then found murdered, the townspeople begin to wonder if something more sinister happened.  I thought this was a very interesting take on The Wizard of Oz - what happened after Dorothy returned?  Did people believe her story?  In this case, no, and she is committed to an asylum, but one doctor, after hearing of the case, is determined to prove Dorothy's innocence.  Themes of religion, persecution, and prejudice are woven through the novel, which is a short but satisfying read.  Although the ending went a bit off the rails for me, I enjoyed the journey.  4 stars

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Recent Reads

 A Queen's Game by Katharine McGee (2024)

Katharine McGee has fictionalized the lives of three real princesses - Alix of Hesse, Helene d'Orleans, and May of Teck - as they navigate the world of royal romances.  I love historical fiction, especially one that involves royalty, and it's really interesting how intertwined the lives of these three young women were.  As two of them are related to Queen Victoria (who makes some very fun appearances), they know that marriage is their end goal, though it seems like strategy is more important than romance, much to their dismay.  I appreciated that McGee tried to stick to the facts when she could, but there is an entirely invented character that does play a big role in this book.  I felt very invested in the ladies' stories, even going so far as to look them up online to learn more about them - and now I'm even more excited for the second book.  4 stars

The Princess and the Scoundrel by Beth Revis (2023)

Han Solo and Princess Leia get married and embark on a honeymoon aboard the Halcyon, a luxury space vessel.  But for Leia, work is never done, and she and Han become embroiled in a dangerous situation with Imperial forces.  Admittedly, I am not a big Star Wars fan.  I have a basic understanding of some of the stories, but this book came so highly recommended that I wanted to give it a chance.  I definitely felt a little lost when it came to some of the characters, but I was able to follow the story well enough.  I thought Revis did a great job depicting Leia as someone who has to constantly juggle public and private roles, and the relationship between Han and Leia was so romantic, the way they were so tuned into each other.  4 stars

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Recent Reads

 The House Across the Lake by Riley Sager (2023)

Casey spends her time at her family's lake house by spying on the people living in the house across the water - but when the wife disappears, Casey becomes obsessed with trying to figure out what happened to her.  The first half of this book felt very cliche - the drunk, unreliable narrator using binoculars to watch her neighbors, convinced something nefarious is going on.  It didn't feel fresh or new, but it wasn't necessarily bad.  Then, the second half took a strange, supernatural twist, and that's where Sager lost me.  It was a bit surprising but unfortunately didn't work for me at all.  3 stars

The Paris Novel by Ruth Reichl (2024)

After her mother's death, Stella travels to Paris.  At first, Stella is careful and cautious, but after impulsively purchasing a beautiful dress, Stella discovers a whole new side to Paris - and herself.  Reichl's memoir Save Me the Plums was a favorite of mine a couple years, so I was excited to read a fiction book from her.  I love a Paris setting and no one writes about food like Reichl does - and Stella eats a lot of fabulous meals.  Stella meets a lot of new people during her time in France, solves an artistic mystery, and opens herself up more than she ever dreamed she could.  The story felt a little twee to me, as things just keep working out for Stella in kind of unbelievable ways, and I just never felt as invested in the story as I wanted to be.  3 stars

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Fiction/Nonfiction Quick Reviews: The Astor Edition

 Astor: The Rise and Fall of an American Fortune by Anderson Cooper and Katherine Howe (2024)

The Astor family is probably one of the most well-known throughout American history, starting from humble beginnings to become one of the wealthiest families in the country.  In this book, Anderson Cooper and Katherine Howe detail the Astor family tree, from how they started, to ruling the Gilded Age, to falling in spectacular fashion in the early 2000s.  I've always loved Gilded Age history and the Astors factor prominently there, so I was excited to learn more about this family.  It does get a bit confusing when so many family members have similar names, and some of the chapters made me scratch my head at why they were even included, but I did really enjoy this book.  4 stars

The Second Mrs. Astor by Shana Abe (2021)

This novel imagines the courtship and brief marriage of John Jacob "Jack" Astor and Madeleine Force, his second (and much younger) wife, before his untimely demise on the Titanic.  Madeleine is just 17 when she begins a relationship with Jack, and this coupled with his famous name cause them to be swamped by press.  Even in tragedy and heavily pregnant, Madeleine cannot escape them.  I thought this book was just beautiful.  It's practically impossible to know the true nature of their relationship, but Abe imagines it as a love match on both sides.  The feelings she is able to evoke through her words are so lovely - it's romantic, it's ethereal, the way the two are so entranced with each other that everything else fades away.  I truly felt transported and invested in their story, although it is bittersweet knowing how quickly and sadly their story would end.  5 stars

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Quick Reviews

A Brilliant Night of Stars and Ice by Rebecca Connolly (2022)

A Brilliant Night of Stars and Ice is a story of the Titanic disaster told from unique perspectives.  It is based on the true story of the ship Carpathia, which answered the Titanic's distress call and was able to save some of its passengers.  The narrative switches between the viewpoints of the captain of the Carpathia, Arthur Rostron, and Kate Connolly, a third-class passenger on the Titanic who is able to make her way to a lifeboat.  The Titanic has always been a fascinating topic to me, how this supposedly unsinkable ship didn't make it through its first voyage and what its passengers went through, so I eagerly read this book.  Having the POV of Captain Rostron was especially inspired - we see the heroism of him and his crew despite not knowing what they were headed into.  It's a part of the Titanic story that many people may not know about.  I did think the pacing was a bit off - some of the action happens off page and feels glossed over - and the writing style is very formal.  I think it captures the era well, but it also feels stiff at times.  Overall, though, an admirable addition to the Titanic historical fiction genre.  4 stars

Heir, Apparently by Kara McDowell (2024)

After surviving a near-apocalypse, Wren and Theo (now the King of England) are thrown back together when their reunion is caught by the paparazzi.  Theo's advisors need Wren to come back to England to determine what the next steps are, but of course, with these two nothing is easy, and their plane crashes on a deserted island.  With their friends and siblings, they face volcanoes, injuries, and tough decisions - what will their future hold, if they even make it out alive?  The first book in this duology was one of my favorites of last year, so I was so looking forward to the next chapter of Wren and Theo's story - and it was near perfection for me!  I don't know what it is about these two, but even with all the crazy antics, the misunderstandings, the rapidly changing feelings, I can't help but root for them.  McDowell adds even more layers to their story by bringing in Theo's siblings, so there are all these discussions about the monarchy and their duty to their country.  The action is practically non-stop; it felt like most chapters ended on some sort of minor cliffhanger, which made me want to keep reading.  Yes, it's over the top; yes, there's a lot of drama (these are teenagers, after all).  But it's a fun, funny, surprisingly tender at times story about a boy and a girl who always seem to find themselves in dire situations, falling in love despite the odds against them.  My only quibble is, as much as I love Wren, at times I wanted Theo's POV, only because he can be quite stoic and sometimes maddening, so to know what's going on in his head would add even that much more to the story!  4.5 stars

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Fiction/Nonfiction Quick Reviews: The Windsor Edition

 Elizabeth & Margaret: The Intimate World of the Windsor Sisters by Andrew Morton (2021)

Although very different, Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret grew up extremely close and the best of friends.  However, their dynamic changed once their uncle abdicated the throne, leaving their father as king and paving the way for Elizabeth to eventually become queen.  Now, Elizabeth had a new purpose in life and a reputation to uphold, and Margaret was somewhat left in the shadows, not to mention that Margaret was beholden to Elizabeth in many aspects of her life, which naturally created some tension.  Well-known biographer Andrew Morton explores the sibling bond and relationship between Queen Elizabeth and her sister Princess Margaret in this book that spans the decades.  I thought this book was well-written and included a lot of information that I didn't previously know, especially in regards to Margaret's relationship with Peter Townsend, probably one of the most infamous aspects to Queen Elizabeth's early reign.  As Queen Elizabeth's life became steadier and more duty-filled, I found that the narrative focused more on Margaret, particularly her private life.  Such a unique relationship - I think Morton does a good job of summarizing, in an easy to read and entertaining way, the public lives of two very famous women, but also how privately they were able to maintain their sisterly bond.  4 stars

The Woman Before Wallis by Bryn Turnbull (2020)

Before Wallis Simpson contributed to the abdication of King Edward (Prince David), another woman held his heart - Thelma Morgan.  Thelma was an American who married into the British aristocracy, which led her to move in the same circles as the Prince.  Her affair with him spans years, yet it's her relationship with her twin sister Gloria that eventually starts to cause its breakdown.  Many of us know the story of Wallis Simpson, Prince David, and the infamous abdication that eventually led to the spectacular reign of Queen Elizabeth II.  But, most people probably don't know a lot about the Prince's earlier years (except that maybe he preferred affairs with married women and never actually wanted to be king).  This story focuses on one of those affairs, but it's more than just a royal love story.  A large part of Thelma's story involves her sister, who married into the Vanderbilt family and then was caught up in scandal and legal cases over the custody of her daughter.  Thelma is torn between her love for David and her love for her sister.  I thought the story was well-written and engaging, and I enjoyed the first-person narrative.  It fizzled a bit at the end, unfortunately, but overall, this was a solid read.  4 stars

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Quick Reviews

The Fake Mate by Lana Ferguson (2023)

Noah, an unmated alpha werewolf, needs to show the hospital board he has a mate in order to keep his position.  Mackenzie, an ER doctor at the hospital, wants her grandmother to stop hounding her to find a partner, so the two decide to fake date/fake mate in order to satisfy both of their situations.  What they don't expect to happen is their feelings and fate playing a role in their alpha/omega pairing.  Although I read a lot of romance, I don't read a ton of paranormal ones, so I was excited for this one.  While I did have some issues, overall I enjoyed it.  Fake dating is always a fun trope, because part of me is always like, come on!  Of course you're going to end up having feelings for each other!  Mackenzie and Noah didn't really know each other before starting their fake relationship, so it was interesting seeing them get to know each other.  Noah is a bit grumpy, a bit stoic, and I loved those moments when he lets his guard down and can't help smiling at Mackenzie, who is such a ray of sunshine.  The premise lost me a little bit when the two hang out with friends/coworkers and after like 2 minutes, everyone is saying how perfect they are for each other and how in love they seem, when they had literally never seen them together before.  It just felt like it moved too fast.  I did also think the sex scenes took over a bit.  I think the author did a good job with the werewolf lore and creating this universe where such creatures are not only out in the open, but pretty well-accepted.  My only quibble with this is that she points out that alpha-omega pairings are so powerful and fated, yet Mackenzie and Noah worked together for a year and never really came across each other?  Once they're together, though, sparks fly.  4 stars

Starring Adele Astaire by Eliza Knight (2023)

In Starring Adele Astaire, Eliza Knight brings readers into the life of Adele Astaire, sister of the famous Fred Astaire, and an accomplished dancer and actor in her own right.  Having spent years dancing and touring with her brother, Adele is now at a point in her life where she wants to settle down, get married, and start a family - but can she leave the limelight behind?  Juxtaposed with her story is the life of character Violet Wood, an aspiring dancer who has faced much adversity in life.  The two women become friends during Adele's time in London.  I honestly did not know that Fred Astaire had a sister, so I was eager to learn more about her.  I think the author did a great job with researching Adele's life and describing her professional highs and personal lows.  Adele came across as a spitfire, always with a quick joke or a dance move.  I think her desire to retire and start a family came across as clunky and heavy-handed at the beginning, though, especially since it takes several more years for her to get married.  Less telling and more showing was needed.  I liked Adele, but the parts of the story with Violet unfortunately brought it down a little for me.  I appreciated the beginning of their friendship - it felt natural as Violet auditions for an Astaire show in London.  But, as the years go on and they lose touch, the times when they would come back together felt forced, like it was a bit unrealistic that Adele and Violet would end up in the same club at the exact same time after years of not talking.  I did think the setting was nice, as a lot of it takes place in London, and the author does a good job of bringing the long time period to life.  3.5 stars

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Fiction/Nonfiction Quick Reviews: The Romanov Edition

The Last Grand Duchess by Bryn Turnbull (2022)

The end of imperial Russia (and the reigning Romanov family) is told through the point of view of eldest daughter Olga, Grand Duchess.  From her sheltered childhood, to some freedom at the home of her aunt, to helping out during the war effort, to finally being confined with her family after the Bolsheviks take power, the reader experiences a critical time in Russian history through the eyes of a young woman.  The story moves back and forth between Olga's teenage years and work as a nurse during the war and the time when the Romanov family was removed from power and confined to various houses, awaiting their fate.  Olga is portrayed as someone who is somewhat naive, very sheltered, and fiercely loyal to her family, although she does speak out occasionally.  Despite their royal roles, the Romanovs come across as a very close family, and Nicholas as a particularly loving father.  Knowing what eventually happens to the Romanovs made for some tension as the book went on (and the book ends on quite a note), but overall, this is a well-written but quiet historical fiction novel.  4 stars

The Romanov Sisters by Helen Rappaport (2015)

In The Romanov Sisters, Helen Rappaport uses extensive research in the form of letters, diaries, and documents from private collections (many before unseen) to provide a view into the lives of the last Grand Duchesses of Russia, Olga, Tatiana, Maria, and Anastasia.  Although famous due to their positions and family, the girls lived quite sheltered lives, and Rappaport shows that despite their duties, their close-knit family was the most important thing to them.  Rappaport does spend quite a lot of time setting up the eventual births of the sisters and their longed-for brother (their mother Alexandra ends up being probably the largest figure in the book), but the use of their letters and diaries really helps us get to know the young women.  Because the family was so private, I think there is a sense that we still don't know a lot of about them, but this book does an admirable job of peering into those quiet family moments and giving us glimpses of what their day-to-day lives were like, even into such things as potential love interests and illnesses suffered.  The writing is a little long-winded at times (many paragraphs are entirely too long) but also very matter-of-fact, in that the author doesn't delve into the many conspiracy theories surrounding the tragic deaths of the Romanov family members.  4 stars

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Quick Reviews

Silent Came the Monster by Amy Hill Hearth (2023)

Inspired by the 1916 shark attacks along the New Jersey shore, Silent Came the Monster is a fictionalized version of those events.  Dr. Halsey, after examining the body of the first victim, is convinced a shark is stalking the coastline, but many do not believe him.  After more people are killed, will they finally listen to him?  I don't often come across books set in New Jersey, so I was interested to read this; unfortunately, it had a lot of issues.  The story itself is intriguing, but the writing is lackluster, awkward, and often juvenile.  At times it felt like it wanted to be a nonfiction book because it included so many random facts.  The author also places the attacks in the bigger picture of the era (a world on verge of war, a medical epidemic claiming the lives of babies), but whenever the characters talked about these other events, it didn't feel natural or like it fit with the story.  I think the author did a great job with the research, but it didn't all come together for me in the way I wanted.  3 stars

Kiss the Girl by Zoraida Cordova (2023)

Ariel is a famous pop star who just wants to take some downtime before starting her next career move, but her father has other plans.  Ariel, however, decides to put herself first for once and decides to go on the road, anonymously, with an up-and-coming band and its dreamy lead singer, Eric.  Obviously, this is a Little Mermaid reimagining and I couldn't resist!  Elements of the story were cute - I liked seeing how the author took pieces of the story/movie and fit them into this new setting and time period.  Seeing Ariel try to act like a "regular" woman was fun, getting to experience all these things, some seemingly mundane, for the first time.  However, I had trouble connecting with Ariel and Eric.  Even though they are in their mid-to-late twenties, they just felt so young and immature.  The slow burn between them was just waaayyy too slow for me, and I thought the villanous character of Ariel's father was just a bit too much.  3 stars

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Quick Reviews

The Prince & The Apocalypse by Kara McDowell (2023)

Wren's perfect trip to London doesn't go as planned, especially when she ends up helping Prince Theo of the Royal Family escape a pack of tourists.  When she gets to the airport later that day, Wren learns that a huge comet is heading towards Earth, poised to destroy all life on the planet in just 8 days.  Now, the only person she can rely on to get her home to family is the prince.  Folks, I just loved this book.  Every time I picked it up, I got lost in Wren and Theo's story and I had to keep reminding myself that the world was not, in fact, ending in 8 days.  Wren's need to always have a plan was endearing and relatable, and you could feel her frustration in the impossible situation she's found herself in.  And on one hand, she's attracted to Theo, but on the other, he's still pretty much a stranger - how much can she really trust him?  And Theo - I love me some royalty in my books, so to get that little glimpse behind the curtain was fun, although I felt for him and how trapped he felt by his position.  Wren and Theo have to work together and come up against some crazy obstacles, but you'll be rooting for them the whole way.  Part love story, part road trip, part adventure, part apocalypse - so many elements that work together seamlessly.  And - I can't wait to find out what happens next!  5 stars

Strangers in the Night by Heather Webb (2023)

 

In this novel, Heather Webb explores the relationship between crooner Frank Sinatra and actress Aa Gardner, set against the backdrop of Old Hollywood.  I know a little about Frank Sinatra but really nothing about Ava Gardner, so I was interested to learn more about the both of them.  Their tumultuous relationship leaps off the page - the high highs and the low lows, so much jealousy, so many breakups and makeups.  The glimpses we get of how Hollywood worked back then were also really interesting.  However, the story is very repetitive - the two are having a good time, then one small thing sets off a huge fight, and they find a way to come back together, over and over again.  There's so much drama between Sinatra and Gardner that just felt unnecessary to include and their relationship is so volatile that it almost felt uncomfortable at times.  3 stars

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Quick Reviews

 Jackie and Maria by Gill Paul (2020)

Jackie and Maria tells the story of Jackie Kennedy and Maria Callas, a famed opera singer, and how the two women's lives intersected because of one man, Aristotle Onassis.  When we first meet Jackie, she is married to JFK, who has not yet even become President.  Maria is in a somewhat loveless marriage, but when she meets Onassis, she comes to love him deeply.  Their long love affair, though, never results in marriage, and after JFK is assassinated, Jackie eventually marries the Greek businessman, much to most people's surprise and dismay.  The Kennedys, particularly Jackie, are a subject I enjoy reading about, both in fiction and nonfiction, and it was interesting to dive into more of her life after JFK, although there is a lot of book to get through before then.  Because it's been done so many times before, I kind of wish Paul had spent less time on the Jackie/JFK years.  Maria's chapters were very interesting, and it was riveting to see how this one man was able to attract so many women.  Although he had undeniable charm, he was also unfaithful and temperamental.  4 stars

Business or Pleasure by Rachel Lynn Solomon (2023)

Chandler is a ghostwriter who is having complicated feelings about her most recent project when she meets a cute guy at a bar.  When their one-night stand turns out terribly for her, she's willing to write it off - until she learns that her lover is the subject of her newest ghostwriting project, forcing them to spend a lot of time together.  It eventually comes out that Chandler was supremely unsatisfied with their night together, leading her to jokingly suggest she give Finn some pointers - which he immediately takes her up on.  But will their personal relationship mess up their professional one?  I wanted to love this so badly - possible ethical issues aside, I thought the premise was really cute, that these two people working together also have a no-strings attached relationship where she's the one teaching him.  However, it all felt a bit off.  Chandler was not super likable to me, for some reason I can't put my finger on.  Also, it was a little weird that because she minored in human sexuality (?) in college, that makes her an expert in the bedroom?  Her "lessons" were too clinical and yet also too personal - things that work for her might not work for the next person.  Although, let's be real, there won't be a next person for Finn because he's obviously in love with her from the start.  I did, however, enjoy getting to know Finn and get an insider look at the life of a minor celebrity/actor.  3.5 stars

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Historical Fiction Quick Reviews

 The Last Lifeboat by Hazel Gaynor (2023)

During WWII, widow Lily is faced with a terrible decision - keep her children in dangerous London with her or evacuate them to Canada, alone.  She eventually decides to send them on the boat, where they are chaperoned by Alice King.  When their boat is struck by a torpedo, a single lifeboat attempts to make its way back to shore.  This book introduced me to an aspect of WWII history that I was unaware of - I knew British children were evacuated from London to the countryside, but I didn't know they were also sent to other countries.  The tragedy in this book is based on a real life event, which Gaynor brings to life in the most heartwrenching of ways.  Reading about Alice, the children, and other passengers clinging to life in the Atlantic while Lily desperately tries to find out what happened to her children was riveting.  Definitely a must-read for WWII historical fiction fans.  4.5 stars

The Beach at Summerly by Beatriz Williams (2023)

Winthrop Island has two kinds of people - year-round residents and wealthy summer vacationers.  Emilia is caught between the two worlds - her father is the caretaker for the home of the Peabody family, while she counts the Peabody sons as her closest friends.  This summer, the first after WWII, a mysterious new woman stays at the Peabody's house, an aunt who has lived a fascinating life.  As she pulls Emilia into her orbit, Emilia's life as she knows it will change forever.  Beatriz Williams is one of my go-to authors, so I was excited to read her newest book.  Although not one of my favorites, this was still a solid read.  It's told in dual timelines, one a summer on the island and the second almost a decade later, as Emilia comes face to face with the Soviet spy she helped put in prison.  It's an interesting time period and brought to life well, although it took too long to get to "the point" and was slightly disappointing in that regard.  4 stars

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Quick Reviews

 Dream On by Angie Hockman (2022)

When Cass wakes up from a coma after a car accident, she is convinced that she is dating a man named Devin - she knows what he looks like and all these things about him.  But, no one in her life knows Devin.  Then, Cass actually meets him, the real Devin, in a flower shop a year later.  Is a relationship meant to be?  I wanted to love this one - the premise is so unique!  Cass has memories of someone she's never met, and then they cross paths!  However, it was evident from very early on in the book what was actually going to happen once Cass and Devin start dating for real.  Even though he seemed like a nice guy, Cass always had some issue with something he did or said.  I did enjoy the glimpses into Cass' work life (starting a job as a lawyer while still trying to recover from her accident), and her friends and family seemed pretty great.  I just wanted more whimsy, more charm, and this ended up falling flat for me.  3 stars 

 

The Spectacular by Fiona Davis (2023)

 

Dancer Marion takes a big chance on trying out for the Rockettes and is thrilled to find out she made the cut.  But, her family and boyfriend are not happy about her new career, and when the Big Apple bomber strikes Radio City Music Hall, Marion will have some tough choices to make in the wake of personal tragedy.  Fiona Davis quickly became an auto-buy author for me, and her books just keep getting better and better.  While I've always loved her writing, in this book it just felt like she hit an amazing groove.  Marion is a character that you're going to love - she wants more from her life than what her father and boyfriend expect of her.  She's passionate and determined.  After the bombing, she wants to get more involved in the investigation, worried that the police aren't doing enough.  She starts working with a friend, a doctor, who helps the police create a psychological profile of the bomber.  The story is the perfect blend of a coming-of-age story of sorts for Marion combined with a murder mystery - there's a little something for almost any reader.  I can't wait to read more from Davis and see what iconic NYC building she chooses next.  4.5 stars

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Quick Reviews

The Social Graces by Renee Rosen (2021)

High society, the Gilded Age, a feud between Caroline Astor and Alva Vanderbilt - so much to enjoy in this book!  Caroline Astor has been at the top of society for decades, but now Alva Vanderbilt is on the scene, intent on breaking into the upper echelons.  Alva, having come from nothing but now wanting for nothing, doesn't understand why she can't be accepted by the other wealthy women.  It was so interesting to learn about the social norms of the time, the distinctions between old and new money, etc.  I've always enjoyed reading about the Gilded Age, and Rosen does a great job of bringing the time period, and the characters, to life.  There wasn't perhaps as much interaction between the two women as I was maybe expecting, but I did learn more about each one, especially all the heartache Caroline Astor endured in her life.  The story petered out a bit at the end, but it was still an enjoyable read.  4 stars

Dear Henry, Love Edith by Becca Kinzer (2023)

Edith is recently widowed and biding her time before leaving for a volunteer position in South Africa.  She rents a room from what she assumes is an elderly man, who also assumes she's an elderly woman.  While they never see each other in the house, they leave notes where they get to know each other, unbeknownst to the fact that they actually keep running into the other in town, forming a growing bond.  I thought this book was adorable!  I love the mistaken identity aspect and kind of wish it had gone on even longer in the story, where it then moves to a fake dating trope and a little bit of opposites attract.  Edith did not have a great marriage, so I was rooting for her from the beginning to open herself up to love again, although I also liked the idea of claiming her independence and doing something for herself.  Henry was super charming and I loved his devotion to the family business.  The small town setting is very fun, although a little ridiculous with how fast (and wrongly) rumors spread.  A sweet, clean romance, I didn't realize it was Christian fiction at first.  It didn't really hamper my enjoyment of the story, but it can be nice to know these things ahead of time.  4 stars

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