Buckle up—we’re taking a whirlwind tour through stories set in places as wild and varied as Hollywood, ancient Israel, the muddy banks of the Mississippi, and the candlelit alleys of Venice. This issue has something for everyone: a dash of historical drama in WWII London, a taste of revolution in New York and Philly, heartland tales from the Upper Midwest, and Southern soul from North Carolina.
Some of these reads were extraordinary—books I’ll be recommending for years. Others? Let’s just say they didn’t live up to the hype. But that’s part of the fun, right? Come see which ones soared and which ones sputtered.
The Last Exchange
By Charles Martin
“Scars are just the body’s response to things that shouldn’t be there. A reminder of the pain.” This line from The Last Exchange perfectly captures the heart of Charles Martin’s latest novel, where suspense and deep emotion blend into a story that lingers long after the last page.
In The Last Exchange, Martin introduces us to MacThomas “Pockets” Pockets, a former Scottish Special Forces soldier. Pockets lands a role as a bodyguard to Hollywood star Maybe Joe Sue, a woman with a picture-perfect public life but a private world marred by trauma and a desperate longing for a child. Martin’s portrayal of Maybe’s two lives—the glitz and glamour versus her private struggle—is powerful and authentic, drawing readers into the depths of her pain and resilience.
When Maybe’s life spirals, Pockets doesn’t walk away. Instead, he steps in, willing to risk everything to save her, even if he gains nothing in return. The story journeys from the flashy streets of L.A. to the quiet beauty of rural Montana, challenging readers to reflect on what it truly means to love someone unconditionally.
The audiobook adds an extra layer to the experience, with the narrator capturing the tension and tenderness in Martin’s prose. It’s a beautiful, intense, and heartbreaking journey to the end.
Charles Martin has a rare gift for writing stories that touch the soul, and this novel is no exception. The Last Exchange left me feeling closer to God and more appreciative of the sacrifices we make for those we love. It’s a 5-star read, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a story that combines gripping suspense with a profound emotional journey.
** I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, and all opinions are my own.
Shield of the Mighty
By Connilyn Cossette
“We serve the God who spoke the universe into existence. The God who split the sea to rescue his people. The God who conquered death with an empty tomb. There is nothing at all that he cannot do. So keep your eyes on the Lord, my friend, for he is at your right hand. Do not be shaken (Psalm 16: 8).”—Connilyn Cossette, Shield of the Mighty.
Connilyn Cossette’s latest addition to the King’s Men series delivers a powerful story of love, loyalty, and redemption set in ancient Israel. Zevi, a seasoned captain in King Saul’s army, returns to his hometown of Maresha on a mission to recruit soldiers and skilled artisans for the king. Here, he encounters Yochana, a fiercely independent widow and talented perfumer who harbors deep resentment toward the king responsible for her husband’s death. Their lives collide, sparking tension and a reluctant attraction that slowly grows into something undeniable.
Cossette masterfully captures the emotional landscape of ancient Israel, weaving a richly detailed world of faith, vengeance, and unexpected romance. Zevi’s journey from captor to protector and Yochana’s reluctant transformation from anger to understanding keep the stakes high, while Cossette’s attention to historical accuracy lends authenticity to each scene. Told in alternating perspectives, the story immerses readers in the characters’ struggles, making for a deeply engaging and beautifully written narrative.
This novel excels not only in historical richness but also in its exploration of inner conflict, resilience, and redemption. Cossette balances action and romance perfectly, making it a captivating read that will leave fans eagerly awaiting the next installment.
4.5 stars rounded up to 5.
James
By Percival Everett
In James, Percival Everett brilliantly reimagines The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn from Jim’s perspective, offering a fresh and thought-provoking take on Twain’s classic. Instead of the childlike portrayal of the original, Jim emerges as a deeply intelligent, strategic man.
When Jim overhears he’s about to be sold, he hides on Jackson Island. There, he encounters Huck, also on the run, and the two launch into a familiar yet newly meaningful journey down the Mississippi. Through Jim’s eyes, each run-in with danger, every brush with conmen, and the odd moments of luck take on rich layers, highlighting the horror of slavery and the absurdity of the racial norms in the antebellum South. Watching Huck gradually confront these harsh realities and recognize Jim’s humanity and strength are moving.
This novel does more than add action and humor to a well-loved story; it gives Jim a powerful, much-needed voice. Everett deftly weaves historical details—such as the minstrel songs “Old Dan Tucker” and “Dixie”—into Jim’s journey, grounding it in the troubling realities of its time. Supplementing the eBook with the audio version made this experience even more interesting.
James is a gripping page-turner and a brilliant commentary on racism and survival. Its unique take on slavery left a lasting impact. I enjoyed it immensely.
4.5 stars
My Dear Hamilton
By Stephanie Dray, Laura Kamoie
Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie’s retelling of Eliza Schuyler Hamilton’s life in My Dear Hamilton is rich with historical detail and vibrant prose. They bring Eliza to life not just as Alexander Hamilton’s wife, but as an influential figure who helped shape a nation. Through extensive research, including thousands of letters, they explore Eliza’s journey from spirited young woman to the grieving widow of a flawed yet brilliant man. Eliza’s fierce love for her country and her complex relationship with Hamilton lie at the book’ heart, and her character shines against the backdrop of a nation struggling to find its footing.
The story is episodic, immersing readers in historical details that make the revolutionary era feel alive. Through Eliza’s eyes, readers witness both glittering inaugural balls and bloody street riots, while learning about lesser-known aspects of early America, from smallpox warfare to the Six Nations Confederacy. Eliza’s encounters with figures like James Monroe and Aaron Burr add layers to her character as both a helpmate and moral compass to Hamilton.
While some of the political details are dense and could have been shortened, this is a beautiful, immersive read. Dray and Kamoie offer a nuanced look at a remarkable woman who navigated betrayal, loss, and forgiveness. I closed the book feeling enriched by the history and eager to read more from these talented authors.
4.5 stars
Forsaken Country
By Allen Eskens
Allen Eskens delivers another standout suspense novel with Forsaken Country, an intense, heartbreaking story set against the wild beauty of Minnesota’s Boundary Waters Canoe Area. This latest installment in the Max Rupert series works seamlessly as a standalone, blending emotional depth with pulse-pounding action.
Max Rupert, a former homicide detective, has retreated into isolation after the tragic loss of his wife. But his friend Lyle breaks through his solitude when he begs for help. Lyle’s daughter Sandy and grandson Pip have vanished, and the local authorities refuse to investigate. Max reluctantly agrees to dig deeper, uncovering a dangerous trail that leads to Sandy’s ex-husband Reed.
Eskens crafts a riveting cat-and-mouse chase through the unforgiving wilderness, where Max and Lyle confront not just criminals but their own grief and fears. The vast Boundary Waters—a remote 1.3-million-acre rugged stretch of boreal forest—becomes a haunting character in itself, its beauty and brutality adding to the tension. (I’ve camped there, and believe me, it is not for sissies).
The plot escalates with clever twists and expertly timed confrontations. Eskens weaves in themes of guilt, redemption, and the lengths one will go for justice. His prose captures both the raw emotional weight and the visceral danger of the pursuit.
Whether you read or listen to the audiobook, Forsaken Country is an unmissable thriller that keeps your heart racing to the very last page.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5 stars)
** Thanks to the publisher for a review copy of this novel. The opinions are my own.
The Underground Library
By Jennifer Ryan
In The Underground Library, Jennifer Ryan masterfully captures the enduring strength of women and the profound power of books during one of history’s darkest times. Set against the backdrop of the Blitz, the story intertwines the lives of three resilient women: Sofie, a Jewish refugee seeking solace from her tragic escape; Juliet, a determined new deputy librarian fighting to transform the quiet Bethnal Green Library into a sanctuary; and Katie, a young woman grappling with personal loss and a life-altering secret.
When bombs threaten to reduce their beloved library to rubble, Juliet bravely moves it to the Bethnal Green Underground Station. Here, amid air raids and uncertainty, books offer a lifeline to the community, fostering connection, courage, and hope.
Ryan’s novel is meticulously researched, shedding light on lesser-known historical events—such as the Isle of Man’s refugee camps—while balancing fictional storylines with real-life details. Each character’s journey is well drawn, though the sometimes overly tidy resolutions can feel contrived for the turmoil of wartime. Still, the book shines in its depiction of community resilience and the unbreakable spirit of these women, making it a moving tribute to libraries and the lives they touch.
For fans of WWII fiction and heartwarming tales of courage, The Underground Library is a touching, insightful read.
4 stars
** Thanks to the publisher for a review copy. The opinions are my own.
The Girls We Sent Away
By Meagan Church
Lorraine Delford’s story is equal parts heartbreaking and enraging. Set in the 1960s, the novel follows Lorraine, a high-achieving teen with dreams of space exploration, whose plans are derailed by an unplanned pregnancy. Her disloyal boyfriend abandons her, and her parents, more concerned with appearances than their daughter’s well-being, whisk her away to a maternity home. Here, Lorraine endures a stifling regimen of “ladylike” lessons, where she’s pressured to give up her baby to restore her family’s “honor.”
The narrative digs into Lorraine’s inner turmoil, highlighting her strength and fierce love for her unborn child. The author skillfully immerses readers in Lorraine’s despair and determination, illustrating a chilling reality: societal views on teen pregnancy have changed little since then. Fathers often evade responsibility, and young women still face heavy judgment. Lorraine’s struggle against a system built to erase her agency is both gripping and enraging.
This book is thought-provoking and ideal for a book club discussion, as it confronts family, societal pressures, and the heartbreaking sacrifices some parents demand. Readers will root for Lorraine, but the novel doesn’t promise simple answers, only a raw exploration of autonomy and resilience. 4 stars
** Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a comp of this book. The opinions are my own.
Portrait of an Unknown Woman
By Daniel Silva
Daniel Silva’s 22nd Gabriel Allon installment returns the legendary spy to his original passion: art restoration. Now retired, Allon’s peaceful life in Venice with his wife and children gets upended when he’s drawn into the high-stakes world of art forgery. His old friend Julian Isherwood faces ruin over a dubious Van Dyck painting, pushing Allon back into the game. What follows is a skillful blend of art and espionage as Allon crafts forgeries of his own to ensnare a shadowy forgery syndicate and its financial backer.
Silva’s sharp storytelling and insight into the art world shine, giving readers an inside look at the craft and deception of forgery. The plot is meticulously detailed, especially as Allon prepares canvases that could fool the best experts. While Silva’s dive into the lifestyles of the ultra-wealthy felt over-the-top, it does add intrigue. Silva avoids the political tangents he went off on in his last couple of novels, making this one a refreshing, more focused thriller.
For Silva fans, Portrait of an Unknown Woman is a solid, suspenseful throwback to the series’ early days, though those less invested in art collecting may find parts slower. It’s packed with Silva’s trademark research and enough plot twists to keep you reading.
4 stars
** It’s best to read these books in order.
The Unwedding
By Ally Condie
Ally Condie’s adult debut, The Unwedding, sets a classic locked-room mystery against the picturesque backdrop of Big Sur. Ellery Wainwright, recently divorced and alone, goes to the luxurious Resort at Broken Point for what would have been her 20th wedding anniversary. Instead of peace, she finds chaos: she finds the groom at a wedding held there dead in the pool, and a sudden storm traps the guests with no hope of rescue. As bodies pile up, Ellery and two other guests, Ravi and Nina, step into the unlikely roles of amateur detectives.
While the setup is promising, the execution falls flat. The characters, including Ellery, don’t leave a lasting impact, making it hard to care about their fates. The calm reactions to the murders stretch believability, and the idea of vacationers stepping into detective roles feels implausible. Despite moments of intrigue and the unique addition of art throughout the resort, the story struggles with uneven character development and a resolution that doesn’t satisfy.
Condie’s exploration of grief and resilience adds some depth, but it’s overshadowed by plot issues and shallow characterization. For readers craving a stormy escape with a touch of mystery, The Unwedding might suffice, but it’s not the standout it could have been.
A generous 3 stars
** Thanks to the publisher for a comp in exchange for an honest review. The opinions are my own.
Distant Sons
By Tim Johnston
Johnston’s latest literary suspense novel paints a vivid picture of a small Wisconsin town haunted by the mysterious disappearance of three boys in the 1970s. The story centers on Sean Courtland, a drifter who ends up working for Marion Devereaux, a man shrouded in suspicion. Alongside Sean is Dan Young, another wanderer with his own secrets, and Denise Givens, a local waitress whose life becomes entwined with Sean’s after a bar altercation. Detective Corrine Viegas, determined to uncover long-buried truths, watches as these lives intersect and set off a chain of events leading to devastating consequences.
While the premise holds promise, the execution is slow. The first half drags with disjointed scenes that fail to build momentum. I repeatedly waited for the story to take off, but the payoff was minimal. Despite well-crafted, three-dimensional characters, the narrative lacked urgency. The book’s pacing and fragmented storytelling left me frustrated, making it hard to stay invested.
If you appreciate stories heavy on atmosphere and slow-build character interactions—or have a fondness for DIY projects—you might find this worthwhile. However, if you’re looking for a plot with more action or intrigue, this might not satisfy. For me, it was a miss.
2.5 stars rounded up to 3
** Thanks to the publisher for an advance copy. The opinions are my own.