Read whatever, whenever, however.
In brief: Malak, Kees and Jenna were all best friends until one argument divided them. Now, as they forge their own paths in life they need each other’s friendship and forgiveness more than ever. The good: Three strong female characters doing their best. The not-so-good: Sometimes, these women were being unfairly treated by themselves or... Continue Reading →
In brief: Alice just wants to spend the summer studying for her entry exam for medicine. She didn’t count on the most tumultuous summer ever involving family, friends and her phone. The good: A lot of great characters, all with something fascinating happening. The not-so-good: For the first hundred pages, I really just wanted to... Continue Reading →
In brief: A collection of powerful, brutally honest short stories about women with no holds barred. The good: Lisa Taddeo dares to write what others don’t touch. The not-so-good: Would have loved a full-length story about any of these characters. Why I chose it: Always up for a great short story collection. Thank you to... Continue Reading →
In brief: Joan seems to have it all in 90s Dublin, but time spent in London in the 60s changed her forever. Now the daughter she gave up for adoption wants to make contact… The good: Not what I expected from the cover, but a more nuanced story. The not-so-good: Appearances are everything for many... Continue Reading →
In brief: Kiara is seventeen and at the end of her tether. She’s broke, about to be evicted and looking after her neighbour’s son. So she turns to the streets to make money, but becomes embroiled in police corruption. The good: Realistic and well written with glimmers of hope. The not-so-good: The characters’ lives are... Continue Reading →
In brief: Patrick is a fun uncle to his niece and nephew. But when he has to look after them for an entire summer after tragedy, things become more difficult. Not only do the kids need to face their grief, but Patrick needs to as well. The good: Fantastic story with both sparkles and tears.... Continue Reading →
In brief: A new collection of essays, set just before and during the pandemic. The good: It is hilarious! The not-so-good: I could not stop reading and laughing. Why I chose it: Thank you to Hachette, who got me into David Sedaris in the first place many years ago. Year: 2022 Pages: 259 Publisher: Little,... Continue Reading →
In brief: Alice is only a child when, like her mother, she is admitted to The Coast Hospital indefinitely with leprosy. It’s a small life, and when Guy arrives after World War I, her life becomes richer. The good: Fantastic research and very emotional at times. The not-so-good: The sorrow and stigma for Alice and... Continue Reading →
In brief: Lily Wilder runs treasure hunts in the wilds of Utah, after her beloved ranch was sold. Then her first and only love, Leo, appears on her tour. But this tour will be wilder than anything they can imagine… The good: New Christina Lauren with adventure! Romance! Riddles! The not-so-good: Sometimes the adventure got... Continue Reading →
In brief: Esther Simpson is devoted to her job helping academics leave countries where they are persecuted. In the late 1930s, her job is more important that ever and it’s where she meets scientist Harry Singer. Can their relationship survive World War II and the treatment of refugees? The good: I learned a lot about... Continue Reading →
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