Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine

When Eleanor meets Raymond she doesn’t understand why he is being nice to her. Raymond works in IT and Eleanor never imagined her request for assistance would be the start of an actual friendship - she doesn’t have any of those. At almost 30, she goes to work, gets food and goes home. Her phone chats with mummy and bottles of weekend vodka are the highlight of her week. Raymond introduces Eleanor to his mother, they lunch together and soon, she begins to trust him. An autodidact, Eleanor is highly intelligent, with an extensive vocabulary stemming from years of isolation. She is painfully honest and socially awkward but this does not stop Raymond from encouraging Eleanor to seek the help she needs. As her secrets are slowly revealed Eleanor’s unlikely friendships with Raymond and Sammy provide us with a glimpse of her true character and her own surprise, learning that she’s capable of caring for others. As the story unfolds - sad, captivating, funny - we are cheering for this woman to defeat her demons and live a more fulfilling life. This novel sensitively illuminates the realities of PTSD, addiction, suicide, and abuse—making it a powerful read for Mental Health Awareness Month. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Heartwood

Somewhere in Maine, deep in the woods near the Appalachian Trail, Valerie Gillis goes missing. She is 42 and an experienced hiker that was traveling the last 200 miles of her journey solo. Her husband patiently waited at their designated location for supplies and Valerie never showed up. The State Game Warden is notified and within hours a full fledge search and rescue is underway. Every hour of every day changes the possibility of finding Valerie alive. Beverly is the head warden and as a female she has always had to be tougher and better than the rest. But she also has a big heart and this search becomes personal. Bev deeply feels for the grieving parents and the many teams that she has put together who have been working around the clock. As the days unfold she struggles to keep faith that they will be successful, it seems as if Valerie has vanished. Lena, an aging forager (person who collects edible plants) has spent her life as a scientist and is painfully bored in her retirement home. Lena begins to put the pieces together as she follows the story of the missing hiker. Although Lena essentially keeps to herself she has a way of understanding nature and people better than most. Slow burn mystery filled with the beauty of the AT, the people who hike it and those who protect it.  ⭐⭐⭐⭐

All That Life Can Afford

As a little girl Anna always loved books. The library was her safe space, where she escaped into a dream world through the pages of whatever she was reading. It was only natural she would grow up to study English literature in college and dream of a life in publishing. But her parents didn’t have much and things only got worse as her mothers diabetes and medical issues escalated. When Anna ran away to study in London she never wanted to look back. Anna wanted to reinvent herself as the characters in her beloved novels had done. To make ends meet with her school loans, Anna began tutoring students and met the Wilder family. Pippa was her best and favorite student and Anna did not hesitate when the family invited her to join them and teach Pippa over the holidays in Saint Tropez. Caught up in a world of make believe, Anna was loaned clothes and shoes, taken to wineries and fancy bistros. It was everything she ever imagined. With her pretty face and sweet demeanor, it didn’t take long before she stopped mentioning she worked for the Wilder’s and just became one of the gang. It wasn’t easy to keep up with their social life while barely getting by with her paycheck, these young beautiful people did not have to worry about anything. Their lives seemed perfect and Anna wanted to taste that freedom if only for a moment. As relationships deepened a very fine line was crossed and suddenly Anna found she could not outrun her past. Coming of age story filled with books and London and the dreams of a young girl, I loved every minute of it. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

All the Other Mothers Hate Me

At 31, Florence Grimes never expected to be a single mom, addicted to reality tv and delivering party balloons for a living. She was lead singer in a hit girl band back in the day, experiencing moderate fame and invites to the hottest parties. A decade later she shuttles her ten year old son Dylan to and from his fancy private school where none of the other mums like her very much. One day Dylans class is going on a nature field trip, one he is very excited about. When the bus returns a boy named Alfie, the class bully and most wealthy child in the school, is missing. Some impeccably manicured fingers quickly point to Dylan, who has a troubled history involving a turtle incident with Alfie and was his designated partner on the trip. Florence has a hard time getting any real answers from Dylan who is rather introverted and suddenly secretive. At risk of losing her son Florence decides to take matters into her own hands. If she can figure out what happened to Alfie she can clear Dylan’s name and put an end to these horrendous rumors. With laugh-out-loud snarky humor that transforms into a twisted mystery, this quirky mom spirals through the streets of London, tumbling into a whirlwind of trouble. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Many Mothers of Ivy Puddingstone

Starting in the 1960’s, Annabel, a smart young woman travels to Mississippi to help register black voters. Called Freedom Summer, Annabel’s charitable, god fearing parents are convinced that teaching their daughters to be good and kind and fair is all that matters. That summer changes her life. It introduces Annabel to a world that judges, deprives and punishes people, based on the color of their skin. She is shocked, she falls in love and this sets her on a path for a life she never imagined. Annabel and her partner Guthrie move to Boston while he attends Harvard. They live in a communal house called Puddingstone, shared by 10 adults and a growing number of children. These like minded friends and roommates are all activists. Some fighting for equality in the workplace while others clamor for better welfare benefits. They are intelligent, passionate and want to change the world. As the children grow and now number 7, the adults decide city life is not healthy. It is not safe or pure. They want them to explore nature and their creativity and most of all, the adults want to continue their crusades without the daily complications of childcare. One of the women buys an old farmhouse in Vermont. They set up what they believe is an idyllic place to grow and decide the mothers will visit by rotation, giving the children fresh air and adventure while the adults continue the revolution. Narrated by both Annabel and her daughter Ivy, this novel chronicles decades of their evolving relationship shaped by unique circumstances. It is rich with drama, history, friendship, and the deep-seated yearning for mothering that all living beings need. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Tidy Up Your Life

Tyler Moore and his wife live in a small two bedroom/1 bathroom apartment in New York with their three little girls. It may sound impossible to some who have sprawled out living spaces in the suburbs with multiple bedrooms and bathrooms, not to mention the built in storage of garage, basement and attic. The Moore family had a lot less square footage to maintain. It is interesting to read the challenge of assessing what you “need” and how to keep any sized space clean and organized. With a background as a school teacher and administrator, Tyler was good at accomplishing his to-do-list with little ones underfoot. But stress and anxiety of a busy work life and family responsibilities can take its toll. Tyler discovered methods to keep his home tidy and everyone in it happy. As he morphed into his life as “tidy dad” through social media (some of his videos went viral!) He realized that with space, time and financial budget in mind anyone can create the life they want and most importantly prioritize what you need. This light, entertaining read is filled with great tips and motivating ideas for any sized space. If you are ready to take the spring cleaning plunge, check it out! It took thirty years of marriage for my hubby to start doing the dishes. So, yeah, you can change old habits and it is worth a try! ⭐⭐⭐

The Tell

Amy Griffin spent her early years on the track team in Amarillo, Texas. She ran and ran. It calmed her and helped her maintain focus. In college she ran and in Amy’s later years as a busy, working mother she continued to pound the pavement through New York City, her new hometown. The question that always lurked behind the miles, what was she running from? In her search for the underlying cause of her panic and anxiety, Amy underwent MDMA-assisted therapy where she discovered memories of childhood abuse that had been buried for most of her life. Slowly, visions and stories surfaced that had Amy digging deeper into who, what and where this all happened. And most importantly, how in the world did nobody know? With the unyielding support of her husband and family, Amy slowly put the pieces of her mystery together and confronted the horrifying truth. Without knowing how others would react, Amy basically had to rewrite the idyllic childhood she had always treasured. This beautiful, intelligent woman was a mother, sister, daughter, wife and friend to many and for the very first time Amy would be asking for help. With complete honestly and raw description of her innermost thoughts, Amy’s memoir shares her story with the world. It would be therapeutic for anyone to journal their feelings but to make it public takes a bravery that most people would find impossible. Hopefully Amy’s words help others experiencing this kind of pain if only to know they are not alone. This memoir was super hyped by our famous reader leaders. It is very well written (wow) but sad and painful to read. It is not too long and I think it is worthwhile for many reasons. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

It's A Love Story

Jane Jackson grew up on television. As an adolescent actress she played Janey Jakes on a hit tv show that paid the bills and made her famous. All grown up now Jane works behind the scenes for a Hollywood studio with her eye on the prize - getting a script she discovers the green light. Frustrated at thirty that is hasn’t happened yet, she finally found the one. True Story is a romance she is sure will be a hit! Now Jane must convince her boss Nathan to take a chance. Without the explosions and flash appeal of the action flicks he favors, Jane reaches for her one secret move. Jane is intent on convincing Jack Quinlin, a huge singer/songwriter (she knew back in the day) to write a theme song for the movie. Jane is paired with a cinematographer and her nemesis Dan to make this deal happen. Jane and Dan, who can barely stand each other, head to the east coast for a music festival to beg Jack to help them out. They spend the week nearby at Dan’s family home that is filled with siblings, babies and laughter, revealing a completely different Dan. As the pair search for Jack and finally lower their guards, their chemistry becomes undeniable. Fast paced laugh-out-loud, adorable romance - this beach read is the absolute perfect pick for a day at the beach!  Releases May 27, 2025. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Names

Today is the day Cora must fill out the paperwork at the birth registrars office. She goes into town with little Maia by her side and baby boy in his pram. Silently grieving, she cannot imagine naming this beautiful child Gordon after his father and father’s father. The name denotes a history of arrogant, ruthless men who control her life. As a physician, everyone imagines her husband Gordon is a dream, a catch. Handsome, kind to his patients, intelligent and able to provide all the luxuries life has to offer. Little do they realize what her life is behind the closed doors of their home, virtually a prison. Cora imagines what life would be like to name the baby Julian, while 8 year old Maia dreams of Bear. Cora also envisions the terrifying consequences of going against her husband’s wishes. As the reader delves into the parallel worlds the boy’s given name dictates his future self and in turn simultaneously affects completely different lives for both Maia and Cora. Although the description of domestic abuse is extremely difficult to digest, this debut novel is both gorgeously written and heartbreaking. The themes of generational trauma, personal identity and motherhood make this layered story a thought provoking and necessary read. Releases May 6, 2025.  ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Broken Country

Beth lives in a quaint village in the English countryside. As a teenager in the 1950s, while most of her peers dream of marriage and babies, Beth, a studious girl, dreams of studying literature and poetry at Oxford. The summer before her final year of high school, she wanders through a meadow and meets Gabriel. They fall madly in love. Gabriel, a year older and extremely wealthy, shares her passion for writing. He is beautiful, gentle, and completely captivates Beth’s heart. However, his controlling mother disapproves, believing Beth isn’t good enough for her son. Determined to keep them apart, she does everything in her power to sabotage their relationship. Fast-forward to the late 1960s—Beth is married to Frank. Together, they run a large farm with his brother, Jimmy, while still mourning the loss of their son, Bobby. After a decade of silence, Gabriel suddenly returns. The village erupts in gossip, judging Beth for reconnecting with her first love. Through it all, kind and steadfast Frank remains unwavering in his commitment to their marriage and farm. Shifting between past and present, we are led to a courtroom trial. Someone stands accused of murder. But who is on trial? Who was killed? And why? This novel is a breathtaking rollercoaster of love, heartbreak, and secrets. Suspenseful and beautifully crafted these short, gripping chapters make it utterly unputdownable. The biggest compliment I can ever give a book: I didn’t want it to end. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Wild Dark Shore

The Salt family has spent the last nine years living in a lighthouse on the remote island of Shearwater, near Antarctica. As caretakers of a once-thriving seed bank, they have watched the world’s climate deteriorate into chaos. With the weather growing increasingly hostile, they are tasked with organizing the final seed crates while awaiting naval rescue. Dominic Salt, a tireless problem-solver who can fix anything, has raised three children who have become brilliant autodidactic scientists, each specializing in their own field. Their love for nature, animals, and one another is unwavering. After losing their mother, the family sought refuge on this isolated island, finding solace among seals, birds, and whales, far from human interference. Everything changes when seventeen-year-old Fen discovers an unconscious woman washed up on the shore—an impossible event in this remote place. As they nurse her back to health, they learn her name is Rowan. But the truth of how she arrived unfolds slowly, revealing secrets that threaten to upend everything. This suspenseful, atmospheric novel is filled with beauty, loss, and moral dilemmas. Loosely inspired by Macquarie Island and the Svalbard Global Seed Vault, it will haunt you long after the final page. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Let's Call Her Barbie

In 1956 little girls played with baby dolls. They were practicing to be good mothers and little helpers. Ruth Handler thought otherwise. As she and her husband Elliot led Mattel Toy Company to become one of the largest in the world, Ruth was determined to single handedly change the way the people viewed women and to teach girls to reach for the stars. Ruth’s vision was the Barbie doll and it took three hardworking years to produce the very first 11 inch rubber doll. Barbie would be beautiful, fashionable, successful and independent. As the Mattel creative teams got to work Ruth faced many obstacles in the boardroom and with the public. The fan mail was not always positive and it would take many years for mothers to see the value in purchasing this doll for their children to dream. In an era when men were in charge, this tiny outspoken woman would not accept no for an answer. She created and fought for Barbie, a cultural icon which over the decades has evolved reflecting societal changes and embracing diversity as well as empowerment. To date more than 1 billion Barbies have been sold. Barbie has introduced over 100 dolls representing various ethnicities and has held more than 200 jobs, including roles as an astronaut and a president. This novel is a glimpse into the history of Barbie, alongside the fascinating life of Ruth Handler, a woman way ahead of her time. As Ruth famously quotes “Barbie always represented the fact that a woman has choices." ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Every Tom Dick & Harry

Emma Lewis feels like a kid coming home again. After achieving multiple degrees in college she is back in Harrow, Massachusetts and needs a job. As her parents ready to retire she reluctantly moves into their home and is handed Finders Keepers, their successful estate sales business. As Emma takes on quirky customers with a modern twist she stumbles upon the sale of the century signing up the largest mansion in their town that was just put up for sale. Upon her appraisal inspection Emma discovers that this monstrous home was not the quaint bed and breakfast everyone thought it was. It was secretly or not so secretly a brothel servicing some of the most prominent members in the community. With hidden filing cabinets and a trove of valuable items to sell, Emma puts her personal feelings aside and is ready to make a windfall. At the same time she is falling for the new police chief who she went to high school with. This lanky, shy boy has grown into a confident hunk and the most legible bachelor in town. This light romantic comedy is an adorable breezy read and I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it. Funnily, I find myself itching to do a yard sale or at the very least some spring cleaning! ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Olive Days

Rina Kirsch, a 31-year-old mother of two from Los Angeles, grapples with the expectations of her tight-knit Orthodox Jewish community, including her husband and parents. Though she has always adhered to Jewish tradition unquestioningly, life feels increasingly challenging. At her husband's urging, they delve into a night of sexual seduction to revive their marriage, an experience that leaves Rina questioning everything. Feeling unhinged, she later embarks on a risky affair with Will, her non-Jewish painting teacher, which brings both joy and deep anxiety about her identity as a Jewish mother and wife. The novel delves passionately into these themes, prompting profound reflections on women's roles in religious homes. While the book adeptly explains Jewish customs, its characters, though complex, remain somewhat distant and hard to connect with. Despite this, if the theme intrigues you, it's worth exploring for its poetic exploration of these complicated dilemmas. ⭐⭐⭐

The Queens of Crime

In 1930s London, mystery novels were widely enjoyed but not taken very seriously in literary circles. Determined to change this perception, a group of authors formed a club to support one another and prove their genre’s worth. Among them were Dorothy Sayers and Agatha Christie, the only two female members at the time. To bring more women into their ranks, they embark on an ambitious challenge—not just writing mysteries but solving one. When the body of an English nurse, May Daniels, is found months after her disappearance, the police seem more interested in closing the case than seeking justice, painting May as a problem rather than a victim. Unwilling to accept this, the "Queens of Crime" launch their own investigation, using the same locked-room theories and deductive skills that made their novels famous. Inspired by the real-life Dorothy Sayers, this gripping work of historical fiction weaves together a tale of mystery, friendship, and the relentless fight for women’s independence. A true page-turner, it brings to life the ingenuity and determination of the pioneering women who reshaped the crime fiction genre. I have loved every single book by Marie Benedict, always entertaining and educational, and this latest release is a must!!! ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Counting Backwards

Working tirelessly as a young attorney at a prestigious New York law firm, Jessa has one goal: to make partner. But as it becomes increasingly clear that this dream is slipping away, she is drawn into an unexpected case—one that won’t bring the billable hours her firm so highly values. Instead, it’s a pro bono case for Isobel, a woman detained at a nearby ICE facility. As Jessa delves deeper, Isobel confides in her about troubling medical issues she and other detainees have experienced at the women’s clinic. As the pieces of a disturbing puzzle fall into place, Jessa’s world is further shaken by a long-held family secret revealed by her beloved grandmother. Suddenly, turning her back on these women is no longer an option. For the first time, Jessa also finds herself at odds with her husband, Vance—once her steadfast supporter—who now prioritizes money and reputation over doing what’s right. Caught between career, family, and conscience, Jessa is determined to help these vulnerable women expose the shocking eugenics practices being forced upon them under the guise of medical care. With everything at stake, Jessa must summon the courage to stand up and speak out for those who have been silenced. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

What Happened to the McCrays?

Kyle McCray is back in Potsdam, NY. After two and a half lonely years wandering Kyle is notified that his dad had a stroke. Despite barely making it through their chilly past, he dutifully returns home to help him recuperate. When Kyle left town at the behest of his ex-wife Casey he disappointed a lot of people. After experiencing an unimaginable tragedy there was no choice but to disappear, the pain between he and Casey - his high school sweetheart and love of his life - was simply too much. Kyle is surprised to find open arms welcoming him back; from his hockey coach and former employees to old time neighbors that watched him leave. Everyone, except Casey. Always the diplomat, she is polite to a fault but an unflinching wall remains in place, blocking any emotions they shared over the years. When Kyle has an opportunity to save the beloved middle school hockey team, he extends his stay and falls comfortably back into old routines and the spirit of teamwork that once made him a local superstar. With its raw emotion, compelling characters, and an underdog spirit that shines both on and off the ice, this novel isn’t just about hockey—it’s about love, loss, and the ties that pull us home. A truly unforgettable read that will leave your heart both aching and full. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Isola

Marguerite de la Rocque  is orphaned at a young age. In the sixteenth century as a child of nobility she is placed under the guardianship of a distant cousin named Jean-Francoise Roberval. He is an explorer with favor from the King. Roberval has an explosive manipulative personality and for many years Marguerite remains in her parents estate under the care of Damienne, her nurse and mother figure since birth. Roberval mostly ignores Marguerite’s existence but as he eventually spends her entire inheritance she is no longer marriageable and under complete isolation Marguerite is left with no alternative options other than to accompany him and his crew on a ship searching for New France (later Canada). In this male dominated world Marguerite discovers her own extraordinary strength and faith, never giving up hope for independence. Falling in love, marooned on an island, I never expected an historical novel set in 1546 to be such a page turner! Incredible story of a real-life heroine who fought for her own survival, reminding us that strong women have always broken down barriers in the face of inequality. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐