Reviews

New York Times bestselling author Rachel Hawkins has written various young adult fantasy and romance novels. She recently starting writing adult psychological thrillers as well. The Wife Upstairs is one of my favorite 2021 reads and I am looking forward to her upcoming novel Reckless Girls. I was pleasantly surprised to find out that the witchy romcom I picked up by Erin Sterling was the pen name for Rachel Hawkins.

The Ex Hex is a lighthearted, quick read to get you in the holiday spirit. Think Sabrina the Teenage Witch, with a little bit Hocus Pocus and Practical Magic thrown in. The story centers on Vivi, who after a summer fling with Rhys ends badly, curses the man who broke her heart using a Bath and Body Works candle. Vivi moves on with her life until Rhys waltzes back into her life 9 years later and it just happens maybe Vivi's curse worked after all.

This second chance romance includes humorous banter and steamy chemistry. While the plot could be predictable at times, I still found this is a great read for getting into the spooky season, and perfect for anyone who needs a good light romcom.

Women’s fiction is a genre that continues to evolve and provide us a window into the lives of strong female protagonist.

Jamie Brenner’s newest novel, Blush, is a complex, domestic, multi-generational, family drama centered on the Hollander family.  It's a story of 3 generations of women who are trying to save their family vineyard. Leah Hollander, a NYC cheese shop owner, is visiting her family home, Hollander Estates Vineyard, when she abruptly finds out that her father needs to sell. Her own daughter, Sadie, shows up unexpectedly for the weekend at a crossroads in her life.

Sadie finds a secret journal detailing her grandmother's long-ago romance book club and begins to read these 80’s "trashy" novels along with the other women in the family. They soon come to realize that the book’s characters show them a whole different way of being a strong woman.

This was a terrific story, backed by excellent writing. Brenner develops characters with such a sense of immediacy and familiarity that you feel like you know these women and are part of their journey. Blush is perfect for a lighthearted book discussion and end of summer beach read. Don’t forget to pair it with a good glass of wine and cheese!

I am a sucker for any book that takes place in Italy.  Lori Nelson Spielman's The Star-Crossed Sisters of Tuscany was an engrossing combination of all my favorite things about a book, a little romance, a little mystery, some historical references, and a generous helping of beautiful scenery. The Fontana family has had a curse on the second-born daughters for over 200 years. Always to remain spinsters, true love will never find any of them. Emilia has unknowingly resigned herself to the fact that the curse is a real thing as she remains consistently unlucky in love. Her cousin Lucy is unlucky in love as well, falling often yet never really connecting with anyone. When their 80-year-old, estranged aunt Poppy calls offering the two a trip to Italy and an opportunity to break the curse forever, they reluctantly agree.

Speilman provides her readers with an amazing story that crosses generations and completely captivates them as secrets unfold. Aunt Poppy's dual storyline growing up in Italy was riveting and emotional. From New York to Italy, The Berlin Wall to a tiny church in Ravello, we root for these 3 resilient women to find the love and peace they deserve. This is definitely a book that I will be recommending to others. Ciao Bella!

Angie Hockman's debut book, Shipped , is a entertaining, enemies-to-lovers rom-com which confronted some serious issues to enhance the plot. The two main characters, Henley Evans and Graeme Crawford-Collins work for an adventure cruise line and are vying for the same promotion. They are sent on a cruise to the Galápagos Islands to work on some new marketing ideas that will decide who will get the coveted Digital Marketing Director position.

A majority of the story takes place in the gorgeous Galápagos Islands. The natural beauty and habitat of this region was truly a star feature in the book.  I also really appreciated the awareness of environmental issues throughout the story.

I highly recommend this book to those looking for a light rom-com in an exotic setting to read this spring.

Our Italian Summer by Jennifer Probst is a story is about three generations of Ferrari women who love each other, yet do not always see eye to eye. Francesca- a workaholic, single mother who hardly has time for herself yet alone her family. Allegra who is in those pivotal years between teenager and adult trying to figure out who she is and what she wants in life. All she knows is she does not want to be like her mother. Sophia, the matriarch, hates seeing her girls suffer and yet holds a secret of her own. The solution to their problems is a trip of a lifetime to Italy. Through breathtaking cities, scrumptious food, awe-inspiring churches, ancient villages and a handful of extraordinary people the Ferrari women found a way to come together.

Even though there is some romance, truly, this is a story about rebuilding a family, learning to let go, and finding yourself at any age.  

This contemporary family drama will have you wanting to visit Italy and savor the food, wine, and history.  A perfect read and escape for 2021!

The Midnight Library by Matt Haig was an extraordinary example of literary fiction along with a healthy helping of fantasy thrown in. 

Nora Seed is having a really bad day. She is mugged, loses her job, blamed for other’s people’s failures, and her cat is run over by a car. She is also seriously depressed. This day is one of many bad days that Nora has experienced over the last decade of her life. She can’t take life anymore and attempts suicide.

When she wakes up, Nora discovers that she is in the space between life and death known as The Midnight Library.

“Between life and death there is a library, and within that library, the shelves go on forever. Every book provides a chance to try another life you could have lived. To see how things would be if you had made other choices… Would you have done anything different, if you had the chance to undo your regrets?”

This magical library, overseen by a version of Mrs. Elm, Nora’s kindly grade school librarian, offers Nora the opportunity to choose “books” that are variations on her life that exist in a kind of alternate universe. Technically she’s able to try on lives to see if there is one she wants to live. The only catch is that the library and any opportunities therein will disappear forever if she doesn’t ultimately decide she wants to live.

This book makes you ponder your own life, and if you’re living your truest and best version of yourself. Matt Haig is such a talented writer and knowing that he has struggled with depression and thoughts of suicide made this book all the more meaningful. If you enjoyed Taylor Jenkin Reid’s book Maybe in Another Life this should be your next read. It would make a perfect book discussion choice as well.

"Don't you ever wish your problems would take care of themselves?"

Be careful what you wish for!  In Lisa Unger’s newest psychological suspense novel, Confessions on the 7:45 this wish takes on a deadly turn.

Selena Murphy realizes her husband Graham is cheating yet again, this time with the nanny Geneva. One evening on the 7:45 train home from work she unburdens her problems to a stranger who reciprocates. This stranger is Martha. A day later, Geneva disappears and Selena’s life gradually implodes.

Told from multiple narratives, primarily those of Selena, Anne, and Pearl, this story is cleverly woven into a very compelling tale...one I wasn't entirely able to predict, which is how I like my suspense stories.

I actually listened to the story on eAudiobook. The narrator was captivating as she was able to pull me into the story and immerse me into the drama unfolding. I highly recommend this book for all psychological suspense fans.

Fiona Davis is one of my favorite go-to authors of historical fiction.  She does not disappoint with her newest book, The Lions of Fifth Avenue.  As someone who works in a library and loves to visit libraries whenever I travel, I loved the setting of the New York Public Library.  The dual perspectives of Laura and Sadie, as well as the dual timelines made the reading experience feel fast-paced and weaved a bigger picture into a historical event. Davis did an amazing job of keeping the story moving with an interesting mystery, while also touching on more serious topics such as women's rights and sexism in the workplace. I will definitely be recommending this one and consider it for a future book discussion at our library.

This writing duo Christina Lauren hit it out of the park again.  I love all of their books and this one does not disappoint.  In a Holidaze is sure to be the perfect holiday read for 2020.  Everything from the cozy winter setting to the family dynamics made this a must read.  Maelyn was a flawed relatable character who was in love with her childhood family friend, Andrew, and stuck in a Groundhog Day scenario. The supporting character were quirky and added a ton of depth to the story.  I especially loved Uncle Bennie!  Chaos, laughter and little romance is the perfect mix for this crazy 2020 holiday season.

I love a book with good banter, and Romeantically Challenged by Marina Adair does not disappoint. The two main characters, Annie and Emmit, are strong yet flawed and have a realistic chemistry. Even though the story will have you laughing, it also has depth and brings up many real life hardships, such as adoption, grief, and mixed families.  My favorite part was the three dads raising a teenage girl. Sometimes it takes a village! I cannot wait for Levi and Beckett’s story in the next book, Hopeless Romeantic of the When in Room series. I highly recommend this book to all Contemporary Romance fans.