Earth

The second story in John Boyne’s Element series, features two famous footballers (soccer athletes) caught up in sexual assault charges. They are good looking, popular and surrounded by boys will be boys attitudes. Since Evan left the small Irish island he grew up on he has excelled to attain the dreams of his father while secretly and quietly hiding his sexuality and lifelong desire to be a painter. In a short span of time this story manages to cover difficult topics and ethical dilemmas. How far would you go to save yourself? While the reader equally likes and dislikes a dynamic cast of characters, the outcome will have you on the edge of your seat.  ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Fire

Freya is a well known surgeon who specializes in burns. She is a role model and mentor with a dark buried past. Raised on her own due to a dangerously negligent mother and barely there grandmother - Freya has had to fend for herself as far back as she can remember. When the reader learns the chilling truth of her bizarre and dangerous behavior outside of work it is hard to comprehend how Freya became this way. As the truth is slowly and uncomfortably revealed the reader debates an individuals innate qualities versus the personal experiences that make us who we are. An impossible question that will keep you on your seat throughout this mindblowing short story by the amazing John Boyne.  ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

What Happened to Nina?

A beautiful couple. Young, in college, in love - the world is their oyster. The Fraser family has known Simon forever. In their small Vermont town everyone knew the Jordans. Extremely successful and wealthy, they lived in the biggest house in town. Leanne and Andy Fraser never doubted their daughter Nina’s safety with Simon, they had been together since they were sixteen. So when Nina and Simon went on a hiking trip to Stowe to stay in his parents second home, an hour away, it didn’t cross their minds to worry. Until Simon returned and Nina did not. #WhatHappenedtoNina becomes a viral hashtag and the biggest mystery this small town has ever witnessed. Simon’s story is filled with holes but when his rich parents hire an expensive PR firm the internet goes wild with off the wall accusations and the search for Nina becomes national news. The local detective and his assistant are doing their best to follow the evidence while the Jordan’s pulls all the strings. Each chapter narrated from a different point of view reveals the role the internet is playing with our lives and the lengths a parent will go to protect their children. Fast paced train wreck that twists and turns all the way to the truth. Could not put this one down. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Is She Really Going Out With Him?

Journalist Anna Appleby writes a column for Bath Living (Bath, England, not the tub). A rather quiet city famous for Jane Austen nostalgia, Anna focuses on the arts and culture scene. At 38, recently divorced and learning to coparent while her ex has already shacked up with a gorgeous Swede - Anna’s social life is basically non existent. One day she is informed that the magazine is being taken over by a new publisher and her well written but “dull” column may become redundant. On a mission to revive her job and her love life Anna is challenged by hunky co-worker Will to record their dating experiences side by side for a number of weeks in a dating competition. Icing on the cake, Anna’s partners will be chosen by her precocious  children, 7 and 12 year olds that sense her loneliness when they are at their Dad’s house. From the grumbling widow neighbor who never lets up about the hedge, to the friendly postman and hot waiter, Anna is sent on a variety of hilarious outings that are both entertaining and life affirming. Not always a love match she becomes open to all kinds of new friendships and is finally excited to begin the rock era of her life. As the dating exceeds her wildest imaginations it is the weekend retreat with hot Will that sends the competition off the grid. This laugh out loud romcom is fast paced, well written and pure joy! Loved every minute of it! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Famous Last Words

Camilla is a new mom. On the morning she is to return to her job as a book editor after a lengthy maternity leave, her adoring husband Luke is nowhere to be found. The house is mysteriously quiet and an odd note scribbled on a small piece of paper lies in his place: One side reads “If anything” but it’s been crossed out. The other side “It’s been so lovely with you both. Lx.”. Camilla is confused but doesn’t have time to worry as dropping her little girl off at day care for the first time consumes her. But later that day she is summoned by the police. There is a hostage situation in a London warehouse and three people are being held. Immediately frantic that Luke is in danger she can’t stop thinking of the note and his leaving earlier than usual. That is when the coppers tell Camilla that Luke is the gunman. After the siege goes awry, Luke disappears and the world as she knows it abruptly ends. This fast paced mystery is filled with suspense and danger as the puzzle must be drawn together from a mismatched pile of pieces. Just as Niall, the hostage negotiator cannot let go of this case that he bungled, Camilla knows deep in her heart that the man she loves is out there somewhere. An unputdownable page turner and must read for February 2025! ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Come Fly With Me

Judy had to find a way out. The emotional and physical abuse in her small town horrible marriage has pushed her over the edge. In 1962 it was nearly impossible for a woman to do anything on her own. Where would she go and how would she survive? With the help of her neighbor/friend she devises a plan. Judy applies to become a Pan American stewardess. She fits the very specific requirements, secretly sends in the application and waits. Beverly has everything a girl could ever dream of. She lives in her magnificent family home in NYC, attends teas and balls wearing only the finest ensembles and has a very fitting suitor waiting to pop the question. Although Judy and Beverly have very different reasons for desperately wanting this opportunity with Pan Am, their bags are packed and they are ready to go on this once in a lifetime journey. As only 1 in 50 applicants have a chance to wear the lipstick and tailored uniform, they do everything they can to pass the many tests given. Focusing on their hearts desire for the first time in their lives encourages the drive they need to be selected. An unlikely friendship blossoms as the two very different women travel the world and find their wings to fly. Romance, intrigue, and suspense, this novel is your ticket to a fascinating bygone era. Releases in February 2025! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Shine A Light

All Ellie Bloom ever wanted in her whole life was to be an actress. But after her parents passed away time got the best of her. Stuck in a good paying but unfulfilling job at the bank, Ellie avoided memories of the past and kept saving to follow her dreams of acting. One night as she prepares dinner for a date a small mishap sends the apartment up in flames. Luckily the fire department arrives quickly and the only damage is to her unit. The night is a disaster despite the firefighter who shows up and happens to looks like a movie star himself. Once again putting off dreams of Hollywood, Ellie heads back to stay with her sister’s family in the town she was raised. She offers to help out with the Hanukah play her nephew’s perform in, something her mother had done for years. Dredging up painful memories of the life she lost and career she never attained, Ellie quietly reflects as she lights the menorah each night. As fate would have it Ellie sees Mr. Hunky Fireman in the window next door. Jonah Spellman may have dropped out of the seminary but he is doing his best to mend fences with his father, the Rabbi. Each carrying their own disappointments, what begins as a secret nightly menorah lighting turns into a friendship that will change everything. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Dirty Diana

Diana and Oliver are married raising a young daughter in Dallas, TX. They appear to be an average couple busy with the mundane events of daily life. But lately every time Oliver reaches for Diana she cringes. Their once romantic escapades have withered along with the yearning she once felt for her handsome and very kind husband. As Diana reflects on her earlier life we are taken to Santa Fe, a decade before Oliver and her mind numbing office job. In the old days she was an artist, a painter. She was curious, sexual, spontaneous - and young. Diana published a small art book focusing on women and their secret desires through words and portraits. She was deeply in love with Jasper, a breathtaking photographer who appreciated everything that was beautiful and encouraged her art and ideas. When present day Diana is called back to Santa Fe for a funeral, her confusion deepens. She returns home even more distant, no longer recognizing the housewife she has become. Most importantly she still cannot connect with Oliver and as their marriage collapses she reexamines her abandoned art project, interviewing women to restart painting and possibly reignite her own sexuality. The grass is not always greener but can you spend your life faking happiness to please someone else, even if you love them? As Diana continues her exploration, this trilogy will take the reader on a roller coaster of emotions. What began as an award winning podcast for this best friend writing duo developed into three novels that will soon become a mini series. Would be an incredible book club discussion if women were brave enough and felt comfortable enough to talk about this sensitive subject matter. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Greatest Lie of All

Whoever said diamonds are a girls best friend never met Gloria Diamond - a bestselling romance novelist with thirty novels on her shelf and a reputation for happy endings. In reality Gloria lives an isolated lonely existence bossing her assistant around and desperately hanging on to her grown son’s dwindling adoration. When Amelia, a pretty, semi-successful actress is offered the lead in Gloria’s biopic, she jumps at the opportunity to escape Los Angeles. The unexpected loss of her mother and very public breakup with Jase - a too handsome actor and rising star - has become more than she can handle. In preparation for the role Amelia heads to Washington State to spend a few days with Gloria prior to filming. A Method actress, Amelia wants to capture the essence of what makes Gloria tick. Upon arrival Amelia immediately senses a coldness she cannot understand. The adoring assistant tries to remain neutral but it appears the only one who can reveal the truth about Gloria is her son. Will is a kind, charming lawyer who doesn’t fawn over Hollywood actresses and doesn’t even watch television. As Will and Amelia get closer and she learns about Gloria’s past, too many things don’t add up. A stack of old photos sends the couple on a goose chase they never expected as they discover the fine line between fiction and the truth. Quick, easy read filled with suspense and a great cast of characters. Always love a good book in a book with a twist! ⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Christmas You Found Me

When Guy walked into the local coffee shop Sienna immediately thought it was part of the joke. As the divorce had just finalized, her best friend Jess hung up flyers around town featuring “a husband wanted” ad. But Guy was not laughing. The man that approached her begged with his blue eyes for work, he was willing to do anything. Guy admitted that his young daughter Emma was suffering from stage 5 kidney failure and was on the transplant list. He desperately needed insurance and a paycheck for the meds that would not be covered. Even though Sienna’s heart broke hearing the details of Emma’s illness, there was not much she could offer. After the divorce the family ranch, rich in history and beauty was all she had. Her bitter ex-husband made sure she didn’t have two cents to rub together. Unable to stop thinking about this startling handsome man and the love he had for his child, Sienna came up with a plan. She could marry this stranger, put him on her insurance, and with her connections probably scramble up some local jobs. As the holidays approach Sienna, Guy and Emma become a little family. Having previously shut down all emotional attachments, Sienna is surprised to find herself falling in love the two of them. Laser focused on getting Emma the care she needs, they are simply praying for a Christmas miracle. Heartfelt, loving holiday story you will be thinking about long after the final page. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Love We Found

A decade is a long time and yet it feels like yesterday Lucy lost Gabe. Finally saying goodbye is more painful than she ever imagined. Divorced for seven years, Darren has remarried and Lucy is blessed to get along with his new wife and their children, smoothly transitioning to a large blended family. A ten year commemoration of Gabe’s award winning photography book is underway and a prestigious gallery show is being organized. As executor of his estate Lucy is drawn back into her memories, literally opening boxes she sealed long ago. One day she finds an address in Rome and a drawing that mysteriously pulls at her emotions. She cannot close this chapter until she knows for sure what it all means. Whether coincidence or fate, Lucy, whose heart has been closed to even the notion of another love, meets Dax, an NGO doctor working across the globe. Wondering if things happen by chance or another part of life we simply cannot understand, Lucy wants to set things straight. She starts by deciding it is time to tell her youngest Sammy why he looks different from his siblings and who his biological father really is. Brimming with themes of divorce, motherhood, and the complexities of friendship, Lucy discovers that while it may take years, when one door closes, another truly opens. I couldn't put down this captivating sequel to my all-time favorite romance, The Light That We Lost. Thank you, Jill Santopolo, for bringing heartfelt closure to such a beautiful story. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

More or Less Maddy

Freshman year at NYU is not turning out exactly how Maddy imagined her college life to be. Happy to be distanced from the watchful eye of her mother’s country club mentality, Maddy expected more fun and freedom to follow. Instead she is finding classes difficult, focus nearly impossible and as her high school boyfriend Adam is thriving at Columbia, she is faking most of their time together. Finally accepting some assistance at the student health center Maddy goes on a widely used antidepressant that immediately takes effect. She has more energy than a rocket ship and school, partying and visions of a future become crystal clear. Until they don’t. With the fog lifted Maddy falls into a severe mania that spirals out of control landing her in the hospital, diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Her family cannot understand how a perfectly healthy girl with every opportunity is falling apart before their very eyes. While her mother grabs the reins to rebuild Maddy’s life, and keep her safe, Maddy falls further into a complex world of drug cocktails with multiple side effects leaving her a shadow of her former self. One she cannot recognize or love. Maddy must learn to navigate this new world she did not choose and does not know if she can ever accept. Once again incredible author Lisa Genova introduces her readers to the unpredictable world of bipolar disorder, formerly called manic-depressive, a mental health condition that causes extreme mood swings and episodes of mania. As these characters capture our hearts and imaginations we learn about an illness that effects an estimated 4.4% of adults nationwide. This novel educates, fosters empathy and forces us to ask questions. I could not put it down. Releases in January, this is a must read for 2025!! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Like Mother, Like Mother

Lila Pereira grew up without a mother. At only two years old, she and her siblings were abandoned into the care of their abusive, heartless father and his distant, mysterious mother. The story they are told is that Zelda was crazy and after being admitted to a mental hospital, killed herself. For Lila and her brother and sister Michigan in the 1960’s was a nightmare they just had to survive. With drive and perseverance Lila makes her way to college where her strength and beauty captures the heart of Joe, the perfect guy. He is handsome, kind and smart. Joe never shouts and commits to raising their three daughters as Lila’s career soars and for obvious reasons she never learned how to be a proper mother. The girl’s excel and the family lives in DC where Lila is a big time editor at The Globe and is rarely home. Grace, their youngest is also a talented writer and as journalism becomes her life she can not let go of the unanswered questions surrounding her mother’s past history and the possibility that more relatives may be waiting to be found. This generational story about mothers and families and friends that are like family was unputdownable. I loved the fast paced writing and numerous references to books and authors. Once you dive into their world there is no escape but to sit down and read. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐