This might be a first. Every single book I read this month earned a solid 4 stars. No duds, no eye rolls, no DNFs—just a strong lineup of good reads featuring a wildly eclectic cast. I crossed paths with Judy Garland, shadowed an assassin, rode shotgun with a S.W.A.T. medic, and followed a Russian spy through enemy territory. I also eavesdropped on Bonhoeffer, argued with a socialite, admired an artist, and got oddly attached to a bookshop with a mind of its own. Oh, and there was an Egyptian scribe too—because why not? If you like your reading list varied and your characters unforgettable, Amy’s Picks and Pans, Issue 38 has you covered.
The Castle Keepers
By Aimie K. Runyan, J’nell Ciesielski, Rachel McMillan
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Love, War, and Legacy: A Journey Through The Castle Keepers
Collaborative novels like The Castle Keepers are on trend for good reason—they bring fresh perspectives and layered storytelling. Written by Aimie K. Runyan, J’nell Ciesielski, and Rachel McMillan, this book weaves three tales of love, war, and resilience. While the concept is solid, it didn’t wow me.
Set during the Gilded Age, the Great War, and post-WWII, the stories follow three women navigating societal constraints and class divisions. The setting—a castle overshadowed by a family curse—adds an air of mystery that unites the narratives.
The novel shines with its strong female characters, rich historical detail, and intriguing themes. The first two novellas stood out: Beatrice’s rise from scandal in “The Truth Keepers” and Elena’s tender bond with a disfigured soldier in “The Memory Keepers” were packed with emotion and depth. However, the final novella, “The Dream Keepers,” shifted focus to Alec’s postwar struggles, leaving Brigitta’s perspective underdeveloped and breaking the female-driven pattern.
The romances, while heartfelt, felt predictable, and the varied writing styles didn’t always flow seamlessly. Still, the historical snapshots and the Alnwick family drama added complexity. The book effectively explores how love and war shape both people and places, even if it stumbles in consistency.
The Castle Keepers is a solid choice for historical fiction fans, offering characters to root for—and to loathe.
** Thanks to NetGalley and Harper Muse for a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review. The opinions are my own.
Figure Eight: A Northern Lakes Mystery
By Jeff Nania
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A Gripping Mystery in the Heart of the Northwoods
Figure Eight hooked me from the start with its vivid portrayal of small-town life and a haunting mystery set in Wisconsin’s Northwoods. John Cabrelli, a former cop grappling with the loss of his career, inherits his uncle’s cabin and stumbles into a tangled web of secrets. As he digs deeper into his uncle’s suspicious death, Cabrelli faces danger and uncovers truths that could change everything about the place he once called home.
Jeff Nania’s background as a law enforcement officer and conservationist shines through. The details about the land and the characters’ interactions with their environment feel authentic. The town’s culture—the festivals, quirky personalities, and close-knit community—reminded me of my own visits to small northern towns in Wisconsin and Minnesota. Nania captures Midwest spirit perfectly.
The book’s plot is engaging, with enough twists to keep you guessing but never straying from its grounded storytelling. It’s clear authors like William Kent Krueger inspire Nania. While Nania doesn’t quite hit Krueger’s level of polish, Figure Eight is a strong debut, with characters you care about and a mystery that keeps you turning pages.
I can’t wait to dive into the sequel, Spider Lake.
** Thanks to Edelweiss+ and Feet Wet Writing for a comp. The opinions are my own.
Finding Dorothy
By Elizabeth Letts
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Behind the Curtain: A Beautifully Imagined Story of Maud Baum and The Wizard of Oz
As a child, The Wizard of Oz was a magical event in my household, airing only once a year on TV. The music, characters, and story were unforgettable, and when I later learned the tragic details of Judy Garland’s life added a bittersweet layer. When my book club picked Finding Dorothy by Elizabeth Letts, I couldn’t wait to dive into the history behind the beloved film.
This enjoyable novel centers on Maud Gage Baum, the widow of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz author, L. Frank Baum. Told through Maud’s eyes, the story alternates between her younger years as a suffragette’s headstrong daughter and her later life, when she visits the 1939 Wizard of Oz film set. Maud’s connection with 16-year-old Judy Garland, especially after hearing her sing “Over the Rainbow,” is poignant. Judy’s struggles on set with overbearing demands from the director, producer, and even her mother are heartbreaking, and Maud’s efforts to protect her are touching.
What stood out most to me was how Letts brought historical figures to life, blending real events with a richly imagined narrative. I loved the glimpse into Frank and Maud’s early years and the inspiration behind Dorothy. The behind-the-scenes look at the movie’s costumes, sets, and near-miss with cutting its iconic song was fascinating.
This is an uplifting story about dreams, resilience, and finding meaning in life’s challenges. Finding Dorothy left me inspired—and eager to explore Frank Baum’s original works.
The Lost Bookshop
By Evie Woods
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A Magical Journey of Love, Loss, and Connection
The Lost Bookshop is a heartwarming blend of mystery, historical fiction, and contemporary storytelling, woven together through a magical bookshop brimming with secrets.
The novel follows three storylines: In 1921, Opaline defies societal norms by escaping a forced marriage and finding refuge at a bookstore in Paris. In the present, Martha rebuilds her life after fleeing an abusive marriage, and Henry searches for a missing manuscript tied to the enigmatic bookshop.
At its heart, the story centers on a hidden bookshop that transcends time and space, offering solace and second chances. Woods’ vivid descriptions bring the settings to life, from Dublin to Paris, and the bookshop itself, with its dusty shelves and lost stories, is a dream for any bibliophile. Beyond the magic, the novel explores themes of grief, resilience, and identity, which add depth and heart.
The three narratives come together seamlessly, revealing surprising connections, though the shifts between timelines—especially in audiobook format—can be tricky to follow. The characters feel real, flawed yet hopeful. Opaline’s journey from heartbreak to rediscovery stood out as especially poignant and uplifting.
Ultimately, The Lost Bookshop is a delightful read with strong, relatable characters and a deeply satisfying conclusion. A solid story.
** Thanks to NetGalley and Harper 360 for a complimentary review copy. The opinions are my own.
The New Kingdom
By Wilbur Smith
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Revenge and Redemption in Ancient Egypt
Wilbur Smith, the legendary master of historical adventure, immerses readers in ancient Egypt with The New Kingdom. Known for his vivid storytelling, Smith’s novels span continents and eras, and this book certainly adds to his impressive legacy.
Hui, a young scribe, sees his life shattered when betrayal and murder tear his family apart. Cast out by a conniving stepmother and brother, Hui’s journey takes him from the comforts of Lahun to the harsh realities of exile. Along the way, he joins the Hyksos—a formidable army of outlaws—and transforms into a fierce warrior. His quest for vengeance becomes intertwined with the fate of Egypt itself, as gods and mortals collide in a battle for the nation’s soul.
Smith’s meticulous research shines through in his portrayal of ancient Egypt’s bustling cities and harsh deserts. The setting feels alive, rich with vivid details of temples, marketplaces, and chariot warfare. However, the novel falters slightly with its reliance on one-dimensional characters and stretches of heavy narrative, which might test some readers’ patience.
Despite these flaws, the fast-paced action and Hui’s transformation keep the story engaging. The book works well as a standalone, even for those unfamiliar with Smith’s earlier Egyptian novels.
While The New Kingdom didn’t fully ignite my interest in Egyptian history, it proved Smith’s skill as a storyteller. For those craving an epic adventure, this is worth a read. Next, I’m eyeing one of his African-set novels, which promise just as much excitement.
** Thanks to NetGalley and Bonnier Zaffre USA for a review copy. The opinions are my own.
Our American Friend
By Anna Pitoniak
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A Glamorous Cold War Spy Tale with Modern Echoes
Our American Friend takes readers on a journey of espionage, love, and political intrigue. Journalist Sofie Morse, disillusioned after covering President Henry Caine’s administration, is invited by First Lady Lara Caine to write her biography. Lara, a Russian-born former model, shares her secretive past, drawing Sofie into a tale of Cold War espionage, betrayal, and a doomed romance with dissident Sasha, whose influence reshaped her life.
Anna Pitoniak alternates timelines between 1970s Paris, where Lara’s youthful idealism clashes with Soviet realities, and Sofie’s present-day efforts to understand Lara’s motives. The story’s global settings—Moscow, Paris, and Washington, D.C.—and complex characters add depth.
The novel’s structure can feel disjointed, especially in audio format, and its conclusion is overly tidy. Still, Pitoniak’s focus on Sofie’s ethical struggles and Lara’s layered personality keeps the narrative engaging. While steeped in familiar spy tropes like coded messages and KGB operations, the story offers fresh angles through its character-driven approach.
An improvement over The Helsinki Affair, this novel will appeal to fans of Stephanie Marie Thornton’s A Most Clever Girl. It’s a compelling mix of historical fiction and political thriller. 4 stars.
** Thanks to the NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for a comp. The opinions are my own.
Target Acquired
By Lynette Eason
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
High-Stakes Suspense with Heart
Lynette Eason delivers another pulse-pounding thriller with Target Acquired. This second installment in the Lake City Heroes series seamlessly blends intense action, buried family secrets, and a touch of romance, making it a standout read for fans of clean suspense.
Kenzie King has fought hard to earn her place as a tactical medic on the all-male SWAT team, but proving herself isn’t easy. With rumors swirling that her position came from connections, not skill, she’s determined to show she belongs. When team members become targets of a deadly assailant and Kenzie herself receives threats, the stakes skyrocket.
S.W.A.T. leader Cole Garrison has his own struggles—balancing his growing feelings for Kenzie with his commitment to the team. As danger mounts, the pair must work together to untangle a web of threats tied to a decades-old family feud and Kenzie’s mother’s suspicious death.
Eason excels at crafting fast-paced narratives, and this novel is no exception. Action-packed scenes and gripping twists keep readers on edge, while deeper themes of faith and redemption add emotional weight. The nuanced portrayal of SWAT life and Kenzie’s resilience as an unconventional heroine add richness to the story.
While the intertwining storylines occasionally falter, the book’s riveting suspense and strong character dynamics more than compensate. Target Acquired is a breathless ride full of danger, buried secrets, and the hope of second chances.
** Thanks to the NetGalley and Revell for a comp of this novel. The opinions expressed are my own.
Until next time,
Read on!