Book #6:

A Lady’s Guide to Fortune-Hunting by Sophie Irwin (Length: 336 pages) This is such a fun read! A la the Bridgerton series (which I haven’t read), this is a Regency-era romance where the eldest daughter of 5 heads to London in the early 1800s to find a wealthy man to save her sisters from destitution after their parents pass away. I adore the sharp repartee and snarky dialogue between the main characters, and shenanigans abound. This typically isn’t my cup of tea but I couldn’t put this one down because it’s so well-written and the marriage plot is out loud and proud–a very memorable plot and book and I LOVED it! 

Book #7:

The Last Flight by Julie Clark (Length: 283 pages).  This is a thriller that I’ve had in my Kindle for a while. A bit of a stressful read about two women who switch flights and lives, as both are escaping from harrowing situations. One of the women is the wife of a popular politician, and she’s got quite a bit to lose if she’s discovered. The plot is VERY propulsive (ie, don’t start right before bedtime), if not super-believable. You absolutely need to set aside your disbelief at the coincidences that have to occur for this plot to work. The writing is strong and very descriptive, and I couldn’t wait to see where the author was taking both of the women. 

Book #8:

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte (Length: 436 pages). For some reason, I always thought I had read this classic but it turns out I hadn’t. I was aware of the general plot but didn’t know all of the details. I loaded this one up on the free Serial reading app, which breaks down classics into daily installments of 8-15 minutes a day until you complete the novel. I looked forwarded to each new installment and would read during my lunch hour at work. Obviously the male lead characters (both Rochester and St John) are VERY misogynistic in how they treat and address women, which was of the time period of course but I still found their patronizing tone and condescension toward Jane to be very annoying. The writing is also uber-flowery, again, characteristic of the writing of the time period, but I’m glad I finally read this one and I’m very glad I wasn’t born in this time period. 

Book #9:

Holiday Romance by Catherine Walsh (Length: 352 pages). I was in the mood for a true holiday rom-com and this title was mentioned as one of the better ones. I agree! This is officially my favorite holiday romance ever. The set up is 2 Irish college students in the U.S. head home each Christmas for an entire decade, and over the years their friendship develops into something more, step by slow step.  The central romance is believable, yet not sickeningly sweet, the dialogue is snappy and FUNNY, and holy chemistry, Batman! I give this one 5 stars. 

Book #10:

Josh & Hazel’s Guide to Not Dating by Christina Lauren (Length: 320 pages). This mouthful of a title rom-com was suggested by a host of a book podcast I listen to as their favorite Christina Lauren (a writing duo of two best friends) book so I wanted to check it out as I’m also a fan of their writing style. This is a very cute rom-com featuring Hazel, a super quirky elementary school teacher and Josh, the brother of Hazel’s best friend, who Hazel ends up becoming best friends with too, even though she’s had a crush on him since college. The chemistry between the two is super believable and charming, the central story is sweet, the dialogue is witty and the writing is strong. There’s nothing earth-shatteringly different here but it made my top 13 books of the year, so it’s definitely memorable and I’d absolutely recommend it. 

Book #11:

Magnolia Parks by Jessa Hastings (Length: 442 pages). This rom-com featuring billionaire twenty-somethings in London is not a book I’d typically be drawn too as rich people (especially SPOILED rich young people) behaving badly isn’t a trope I generally enjoy. However, as a few people I follow on Bookstagram rave about this series, saying it’s a guilty pleasure, I decided to check out this first novel to see what all the fuss is about. The plot is VERY soap opera-ish, featuring a years-long on again, off again romance between the titular Magnolia Parks and her boyfriend BJ Ballentine. There’s a lot of label-dropping (of labels worn by billionaire kids) that went over my Athleta and Gap wearing head and I detested both of the main characters, and frankly most of their friends, but man, this was a fun ride, on balance. I kept reading because I wanted to find out how the central romantic conflict would resolve, while enjoying the peeks at the characters’ insanely moneyed lifestyles. I’m not sure I’ll keep reading (the series currently stands at 5 books total) but I’m glad I finally checked this one out. 

Book #1:

My Man Jeeves by P.G. Wodehouse (Length: 178 pages) I’ve had this book on my TBR for years, so I decided to knock it out at the end of the year because it’s so short. This is a collection of humorous essays written by one of England’s most famous humorists (like America’s Mark Twain). The majority in this first volume (of 16!) focus on a butler/servant, Jeeves, who is quietly in the background surveying and judging his employer’s sartorial and lifestyle choices. Jeeves helps Bertie Wooster (and his friends) get out of various social scrapes in 1920s New York City by using his clever mind. I enjoyed the stories focused on Jeeves the best here. This is easy to pick up and read a few essays at a time, and I’d give it 4 stars. Jeeves is the best!

Book #2:

The Caretaker by Ron Rash (Length: 252 pages).  This is another short novel (can you tell I’m trying to reach my annual reading goal?!) that is a wonderful read. Set in 1951 in a small town in North Carolina during the Korean War, the main characters are Blackburn Gant, a cemetery caretaker who suffered from polio as a child, his childhood best friend Jacob Hampton and Jacob’s young bride, Naomi Hampton. The writing is beautiful, and this literary novel is also very accessible to every reader (my favorite combo). There is a bit of a twist in the plot, and I couldn’t put this novel down after I started it. I adore this book and it’s going to land on my top 10 books of 2023. 

Book #3:

Meow If It’s Murder by T.C. LoTempio (Length: 306 pages). This cozy mystery is the first in a series of 6, called the Nick and Nora Mysteries series. Nora is a retired investigative reporter who returns to the CA coastal town of Cruz to run her departed mother’s sandwich shop and Nick is a cat with eerily human qualities who has a nose for solving murder cases. The mystery at the center of this novel is pretty straightforward and easy to figure out. There is a large cast of characters/suspects but it’s a cozy mystery so just go along for the ride and don’t stress about following the plot. The cat is the best part of this book and it’s an adorable set up. The series is apparently very popular and the next time I’m in the mood for a cozy mystery, I’ll definitely reach for the second book here to spend more time with the cute and sassy Nick. 

Book #4:

Counting the Cost by Jill Duggar (Length: 287 pages). I am a bit embarrassed to admit to have read this but having watched the TLC show 19 Kids and Counting for several years, I grabbed this memoir from the library to see if it, indeed, containing any “shocking” revelations. Jill is the second oldest daughter of this evangelical Christian family and has “left” the show and the nuclear family, along with her husband Derick. This memoir is HORRIBLY written and edited and there’s little new information here that hasn’t already been divulged by various websites and tabloids. I do appreciate that she recognizes the cult of Bill Gothard (a pastor the family followed for child-rearing advice) is harmful to children and families, and that she publicly disowns her pedophile, child abuser brother Josh, but on balance, I’d recommend skipping this one! 

Book #5:

Lady Tan’s Circle of Women by Lisa See (Length: 357 pages) I LOVE this book! This is a sweeping family saga set in 15th century China. The protagonist, Yunxian, is a young woman who was raised by one of the only female doctors in China, her grandmother, and becomes one herself. This is a fascinating exploration of women in China via the interplay of concubines and the original wife as well as the process of foot binding and of births. Yunxian also has an opportunity to visit the Forbidden City which is fascinating. There is a bit of a mystery in the background of the story here and I found the reveal to be excellent. The plot isn’t propulsive because of this mystery, however, but it’s hard to put down because you’ll be so invested in Yunxian and you’ll want to see what happens to her and her life. This is a 5 star book for me!

Book #5:

Scythe by Neil Shusterman (Length: 464 pages) This is a YA (12 and up) dystopian novel, the first of a trilogy. I’ve seen it on so many “Best of” lists that I wanted to finally read it and I LOVE it! The writing is excellent. The plot is similar to Hunger Games, but not as angsty. The premise is that 300 years in the future, thanks to Thunderhead (ie, a turbo-charged Cloud) there is no more death or disease or climate change, but as a result, the population explodes out of control. Enter these Jedi-type warriors called Scythes who have yearly quotas of people to kill. The plot is very memorable and this is fantastic. It’s violent but not gory and it’s an absolute must-read. It will make my top 10 books of the year.

Book #6:

The Last One by Will Dean (Length: 445 pages).  This novel has to be the most unique thriller I’ve ever read. 50 year-old Caz sets off on a week-long cruise from England to NYC with her new boyfriend. The first morning she wakes up and the entire ocean liner is empty of passengers and crew. The plot is propulsive–I read this in a few days. The writing quality is fantastic and it’s compulsively readable. I thought about it after setting it down until I was able to pick it up again which is my favorite kind of novel. I really enjoyed the resolution. I give it 4 stars.

Book #7:

Finlay Donovan Knocks ‘Em Dead by Elle Cosimano (Length: 361 pages). This is #2 in a series featuring Finlay Donovan, a recent divorcee with 2 young children and her sidekick/nanny Vero. In this novel Vero is harboring a mysterious secret and once again the pair stumbles into a murder and tries to solve it. More bumbling capers ensue. The writing is solid, the quips are smart and I enjoyed the side romance much more in this one. I will eventually get around to reading the 3rd book the next time I need a literary palate cleanser. A solid 3 star read.

Book #8:

A Dead Djinn in Cairo by P. Djeli Clark (Length: 47 pages). I listened to this novella because I heard rave reviews about it on a podcast. Set in 1912 in an alternate universe in a “steampunk” Egypt where other-worldly creatures mix with humans. I loved the female investigator’s character/protagonist and found the plot to be super-propulsive. There’s not a dull moment. This is so inventive and you’re in this fantasy world immediately. The dialogue is snappy, the murder at the center is interesting and it’s just a lot of fun! If you’re looking for a quick audiobook or a quick read to act as a palate-cleanser between books, give this one a try!

Book #9:

Boys in the Valley by Philip Fracassi(Length: 335 pages) This is a horror novel–think the Exorcist mixed with The Lord of the Flies. Truly the scariest novel I’ve ever read, this is set in a boys’ orphanage in the early 1900s in a remote Pennsylvania valley. There’s true evil afoot here. Please don’t read anything else about the plot online as it will spoil it–just trust me that this novel is beautifully written, with a gorgeous sense of place and a truly unforgettable plot. Not a word is wasted, and it’s simultaneously horrifying yet hopeful. A fantastic horror novel that will rank amongst the best I’ve ever read.

Book #10:

The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz (Length: 153 pages). I’ve had this slim self-help book on my bookshelves for a while. It styles itself as “A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom” and is organized around 4 simple agreements the author suggests one should adopt in their own life: 1) Be impeccable with your word; 2) Don’t take anything personally; 3) Don’t make assumptions and 4) Always do your best. There’s nothing ground-breaking here but this book contains several great reminders. I know of several people who swear by this book so I’m glad I finally got around to reading it.

Book #11:

Someone Else’s Shoes by JoJo Moyes (Length: 447 pages). This is SUCH an enjoyable book. The plot revolves around two women in London who mistakenly switch gym bags. One bag contains red Christian Louboutin pumps and the other, cheap black bumps. Ultimately both women experience what it’s literally like to walk in someone else’s shoes. The premise sounds a bit cheesy but I found a surprising amount of depth here and I really enjoyed this book a lot. The resolution of the plot lines is so satisfying to read and the plot is more memorable than the average rom-com. Definitely pick this one up–a great vacation read!

Book #12:

Starling House by Alix E. Harrow (Length: 312 pages). I‘m a sucker for a gorgeous cover and I ADORE this book. Set in a small town with a “creepy” old house and a family-owned coal mine turned power plant, the three main characters are Opal, in her mid-twenties, her younger brother Jasper, a high school junior and the man who lives in the creepy Starling House, Arther. The writing is gorgeous and so evocative, the characters are beautifully drawn and developed. This is part horror, part fantasy and I enjoyed every word. Five stars from me!

Book #13:

The Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie (Length: 320 pages). This Hercule Poirot novel is often mentioned as readers’ favorite Agatha Christie mystery so I was excited to check it out. The plot is fast-paced, the clues are numerous and interesting and I didn’t figure out this locked room mystery at all. Such a fun read and Hercule Poirot is delightful here. I read this using the Serial App which I recommend–I use the free version and it’s nice to read classic novels bit by bit each day.

Book #1:

Congratulations, the Best is Over! by R. Eric Thomas (Length: 231 pages) This is a book of essays written by a gay black man wedded to a white pastor, living in Baltimore, MD. There are several LOL funny lines, but these essays are more often a poignant look at the author’s life journey–through the pandemic and after the pandemic, as well as his life-long battle with depression. This is SO well-written! I enjoyed the mix of fun, pop-culture references mixed with his deeper analyses of society and today’s political climate. This is a truly memorable book, and I hope you get a chance to check it out.

Book #2:

The Kiss Curse by Erin Sterling (Length: 315 pages). This is the sequel to The Ex Hex, which I reviewed in September. This obviously has the same snappy dialogue, adorable setting and a mild mystery just like the first. I could see this series getting a bit repetitive, but I thoroughly enjoyed the ride this time through just as much. This is an open-door romance and features the relatives of the romantic leads in the first book, so you’ll get to see those characters again, which is a nice bonus. I love all of the fall atmosphere and the witchy vibes, and the strong sense of place here. I give it a solid 3 stars–nothing phenomenal but definitely worth the time to read.

Book #3:

The September House by Carissa Orlando (Length: 352 pages). YES! This is a TRULY creepy horror novel with a very original premise. A couple finally moves into their dream house and quickly discover that each September, it becomes truly terrifying . . . think blood pouring down the walls, lots of dead children who clearly died in horrific ways walking about, and the entity in the basement grows even wilder. This a bit gory and violent in parts, but the payoff is truly worth it here. I will say in the beginning the plot jumps forward quite a bit in the second chapter–almost 2 years ahead–and that was pretty confusing, so if you find yourself similarly confused, just push through and it will make sense. At the 30% mark (in the Kindle edition), I was fully invested, and I could no longer put it down. This is a lot of fun and VERY scary in parts. An awesome read for sure!

Book #4:

Hello Stranger by Katherine Center (Length: 325 pages). I’m a big fan of this author’s work (Things You Save in a Fire is one of my favorite rom coms of all time) so I was excited to pick this one up. The premise here is that Sadie, a portrait artist living in Houston, Texas, is involved in an accident which results in her having possibly temporary face blindness, which is a real thing. This obviously causes problems for Sadie as it affects how she makes a living, and she’s a finalist in a national portrait show/contest with a monetary prize that could greatly improve her life circumstances. Sadie also happens to have two simultaneous new love interests which makes her life even more complicated. The central romance(s) are cute, and I enjoyed the different premise. I found Sadie to be a bit mopey and whiney, all things considered, and I would’ve liked to see the characters more fully fleshed out here, but overall, I enjoyed this closed-door romance. A solid 3 stars from me.

Thank you for joining me here!   I hope you enjoy this series and I’d love to hear from you about what you are reading these days.

Book #1:

Mrs. Nash’s Ashes by Sarah Adler (Length: 344 pages) This is a lovely rom-com! The premise is that two young adults who are barely acquainted, Millicent and Hollis, are on an impromptu road trip from Washington D.C. to Key West after a missed flight. Millicent is heading to Florida to deliver the eponymous ashes of Mrs. Nash to her lost love, and Hollis is heading there for a romp in the hay with a casual lover. This novel is well-written, with fleshed out characters and very snappy dialogue (my favorite!). The plot is super memorable (rare with rom coms) and the central romantic device (curmudgeon and sunshine girl) is adorable. I give it 5 stars!

Book #2:

Heartburn by Nora Ephron (Length: 194 pages). For whatever reason, I never got around to reading this book which describes the protagonist, Rachel Samstat, a food writer who is very pregant, finding out about her husband’s affair. I listened to the audio because I read that it’s narrated by Meryl Streep and her narration is absolute perfection! The elements of the story here are a bit dated (ie, calling lesbians the “D” word) but much of the sentiments still resonate today. Allegedly this is loosely based on Nora Ephron’s second marriage (and divorce) from Carl Bernstein, the journalist. This is a delightful read, and chapter 2 (where Rachel describes her mother being in hospice) had me rolling with laughter. This is a super quick read (or listen) and since the audio is such a gem, I’d recommend going that route here.

Book #3:

Life After Life by Kate Atkinson (Length: 512 pages). This is my book club’s October read, and it’s a BIG book featuring Ursula Todd, born in England in 1910. Over the course of the novel, Ursula lives and dies over a dozen times (a la Groundhog Day). While I found this plot device to be super-annoying in the beginning, about a quarter of the way into the novel, it grew on me. The novel actually begins with Ursula killing Hitler in the early days of the war, and then starts right at the beginning of her “first” life. So you’re told up front what the purpose of her multiple attempts of life is. The writing here is very skilled and the characters are fully fleshed out (eventually, of course). Again, it’s a bit slow to start but it builds up quite quickly and you’ll find yourself not wanting to put it down (always a good sign in a long novel such as this). I’d recommend skipping the audio on this in favor of the print version as the various timelines are confusing without the benefit of the chapter titles.

Book #4:

Finlay Donovan Is Killing It by Elle Cosimano (Length: 368 pages). This is a fun mystery that’s been on my TBR for way too long. The first in a series of 4, this features an aspiring mystery novelist who is the mom of two young children and who is recently divorced. While meeting with her literary agent and discussing the topic of her next novel, a diner at the table next to them is eavesdropping and assumes that Finlay is actually a killer-for-hire. With the prospect of a much-needed $50,000 payday and some mistaken steps taken, the plot is on. This is NOT believable at all, by any stretch of the imagination, but just go with it here. The relationship between Finlay and her nanny Vero is my favorite, and while I wasn’t a fan of the romance(s) here (they feel rushed and not necessary to the plot), I will continue reading the rest of the series as I enjoyed the ride in this first novel. Definitely recommend this one!

Book #5:

The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren (Length: 429 pages). As soon as I finished this cute rom-com, I immediately texted a few of my rom-com loving friends and recommended this to them. The writing quality is great, the dialogue is snappy without being too snarky and the love scenes are minimally open door. The premise is that one twin sister marries a brother, and the entire wedding party is hit with a virus, leading to the other twin sister and brother to use the honeymoon tickets (which are, of course, totally non-refundable) for 10 days in Maui. The kicker is that the latter two hate one another. I enjoyed so much about this, including the fun details about the island, how the two purposefully call each other by the wrong name and how their evolving relationship is truly believable and aspirational. I am a fan of this author writing duo and I haven’t found a book yet written by them that I haven’t enjoyed.

Book #6:

Truly Darkly Deeply by Victoria Selman (Length: 330 pages). This is a very well written and creepy mystery written from the point of view of a 12-year-old girl whose mother is dating a suspected serial killer in London in the 1980s. This isn’t gruesome as the murders happen off screen and many of the details aren’t made known; the murders aren’t the focus, but the narrator’s relationship with her mother and Matty are the focus here and it’s fascinating to read. There are a few twists and turns in the plot but nothing too surprising. I went along for the ride and I was glad I did.

Book #7:

Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld (Length: 320 pages). I LOVE this book! Based on a Saturday Night Live type show called The Night Owls, this romance details a romance between one of the female comedy writers for the show who is of “average” beauty and one of the show’s musical guest stars/hosts who is stereotypically “hot.” I enjoyed the behind the scenes of the show which seems to be super accurate to the real thing, and the jokes and dialogue between all of the characters are often LOL funny. This is a rom-com that I’ll actually remember the details after reading and I’m already recommending it to several people in real life. Definitely pick this one up if you can!