Jodi Picoult is a smart writer, no doubt about it. Wish You Were Here starts off strong, with Diana O’Toole heading to the Galápagos solo when her surgeon boyfriend Finn stays behind in New York to deal with COVID. Stranded on Isabela Island with no luggage, no Wi-Fi, and no plan, she finds shelter with a local woman and bonds with a troubled teen named Beatriz and her (very available) dad. Diana begins to rethink her carefully plotted future. The first half is beautifully written, full of rich detail and emotional weight. The island setting pops, and the early pandemic backdrop is all too real. Picoult’s research shows—whether she’s describing […]
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Secrets, Lies, and Baby Bumps: A Twisty London Thriller
Greenwich Park starts with prenatal yoga and ends with a punch to the gut. Katherine Faulkner’s debut is a twisty domestic thriller that unwraps like a baby shower gift with something sinister inside. Helen is pregnant after years of loss, married to a charming architect, and living in a dreamy Victorian home. But when she meets Rachel—a chain-smoking, wine-guzzling hot mess at her prenatal class—her carefully built life cracks. Rachel latches on fast. She’s fun, unpredictable, and clearly hiding something. So is everyone else, apparently. We get multiple narrators (Helen, her chic sister-in-law Serena, and Katie, a dogged reporter), all tied together by a dark event from their Cambridge days. […]
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Unveiling a Hidden Heroine: A Review of Let Us March On
Shara Moon’s Let Us March On brings overdue attention to Elizabeth “Lizzie” McDuffie, a maid in FDR’s White House who quietly advocated for civil rights. Known as the “Secretary-On-Colored-People’s-Affairs,” Lizzie acted as a vital bridge between the Black community and the President—an incredible feat for a woman in her position during the 1930s. Told through Lizzie’s eyes, the story offers an inside look at the Roosevelts and the political landscape of the time. Moon captures Lizzie’s strength and determination, showing how she used her role to push for justice in subtle but powerful ways. That said, the pacing lags in spots, especially when it gets too bogged down in politics. […]
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A Tender Look at Grief, Growth, and the Messiness of Moving On
Anna Quindlen’s After Annie is an emotionally raw story—but oh so beautiful. It opens with a gut punch: Annie Brown collapses and dies, leaving behind a stunned husband, four grieving kids, and her best friend, Annemarie. From there, Quindlen doesn’t build a plot so much as she gently lays out the emotional wreckage and lets you sit with it. Thirteen-year-old Ali takes center stage, trying to step into her mother’s shoes while barely understanding her own grief. Her relationship with Annemarie—who’s battling her own demons—is messy, tender, and real. There’s not a ton of action here, but that’s the point. This is about the quiet, day-to-day unraveling that comes after […]
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Say Yes to This Book: A Sweet Road Trip You’ll Be Glad You Took
Okay, so I rarely fall into the chick-lit camp. But The Summer of Yes by Courtney Walsh got me good. It’s quirky, heartfelt, and just the kind of book you want to read with your feet up and something fruity in hand. Kelsey Worthington is a junior editor who’s all about routines and playing it safe—until she gets smacked by a car and ends up in the hospital. That’s where she meets Georgina Tate, a powerhouse businesswoman with a terminal illness and more regrets than she’ll admit. Kelsey, fresh off her brush with death, pitches a wild idea: say “yes” to life. Georgina rolls her eyes… then goes along for […]
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Treachery, Betrayal, and Romance in 17th Century Britain.
Susanna Kearsley is back doing what she does best—serving up rich historical fiction with a side of slow-burn romance and just a sprinkle of second sight. The King’s Messenger is set in 1613, after the death of Prince Henry, heir to King James I. Rumors swirl the prince was poisoned, and Andrew Logan, one of the King’s Messengers (who’s hiding his own mystical secret), is sent north to arrest Sir David Moray, a close friend of the late prince. Phoebe Westaway is dragged into the mission to assist her aging father, who’s acting as the trip’s scribe. She’s not a fan of Andrew—at all—but over the course of the dangerous […]
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Heartache, Hope, and Healing, Along Route 66
4.5 stars Vanessa Miller tackles a brutal chapter of American history with honesty and heart in The Filling Station. Sisters Margaret and Evelyn flee the devastating Tulsa Race Massacre, finding refuge at the Threatt Filling Station along Route 66. Miller shines a necessary spotlight on Greenwood, Oklahoma, and its violent destruction, a tragic event overlooked by many history books. Margaret, practical and cautious, struggles with shattered faith. Evelyn dreams of escape and a brighter future. Both women feel vividly real, their flaws and strength equally believable. Miller carefully shows how trauma shapes them differently, making their journey toward healing messy but meaningful. Some plot points land predictably, yet strong character […]
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A Gentle, Hope-Filled Picture Book for Tough Days
Expected 12 Aug 25 Every Breath, Every Blessing is a beautifully illustrated book that helps kids navigate the hard stuff—big feelings, fears, and the difficulties of life. With poetic text and warm, comforting images, it reassures kids they’re not alone, even on the toughest days. The message is one of gratitude, peace, and presence. It’s aimed at ages 4–8, but I’d say it’s better suited for the older end of that range. Some ideas might be a little deep for the youngest listeners. The mention of the “Giver of Breath” is thoughtful, though I was hoping for a clearer connection to God. Still, it’s a tender book that offers comfort and […]
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A Heartwarming Guide to Prayer for Kids
This sweet picture book is a gentle and thoughtful introduction to prayer that kids (and their grown-ups) will love. In All the Things I Say to God, little Abby wonders if she can pray to God all by herself. What follows is a tender, faith-filled journey as she learns that prayer doesn’t need to be fancy or follow rules—it’s just talking to God, anytime, anywhere, about anything. The message is simple and powerful: God is always listening. Whether you’re thankful, scared, joyful, or quiet—He’s there. The illustrations by Anita Schmidt are soft and lovely, and they perfectly match the calm, inviting tone of the story. When I read and review […]
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A Game-Changing Guide to Business Influence and Innovation
In Certainty: How Great Bosses Can Change Minds and Drive Innovation, leadership expert Mike Mears takes readers on a fascinating deep dive into the science of influence, offering practical strategies to create workplaces that hum with energy and innovation. With a background that includes founding the CIA Leadership Academy, Mears brings a wealth of real-world experience and insider knowledge to the table. And no, you don’t need to be a spy to use these techniques—his insights apply to leaders in any industry. The book’s central premise? Great leadership isn’t about fighting human nature—it’s about working with it. Instead of pushing against the brain’s natural instincts, Mears shows how to harness […]
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