My links are all going to The StoryGraph now, since that's what I'm using instead of GoodReads for tracking (I still have some updates on GoodReads for Netgalley purposes). StoryGraph is Black-woman owned. GoodReads is Amazon owned and fuck billionaires. Please for the millionth time I beg of you, do not buy physical books on Amazon unless they are available literally nowhere else.
You can find me on StoryGraph here.
Engrossing Reads
Lady Tremaine by Rachel Hochhauser - This knocked my socks clean off. Fantastic writing, a stunning flip on a well known story, incredible and imaginative retelling. The last line of the book is perfection, 10/10 no notes. Thanks to St. Martins Press for the free advanced copy via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
Returns and Exchanges by Kayla Rae Whitaker - This book. It will without a doubt be in my top three this year. I loved The characters, the story, the writing. It had grit and heart. Thanks to Netgalley for the free advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. Book publishes May 19
Mad Mabel by Sally Hepworth - Loved the Kenny Lane crew, and I always love a snarky but soft senior lady as a main character. Quietly devastating in spots. Thanks to the publisher for the invite to read an advanced copy via Netgalley
Imposter (Alexander Gregory Thrillers 1) by L.J. Ross - A promising series, we know I love a little mystery series. I can't for the life of me recall where I heard about these. Reddit? Or maybe one was available on Netgalley, and I sussed out it was a series and went back to the beginning. Used paperback, own, passed on in Little Free Library
Almost Life by Kiran Millwood Hargrave - Messy and beautiful and a little devastating in some spots. Human, in other words. Erica was hard to like from the beginning. Thanks to Netgalley for the free advanced copy in exchange for an honest review
Where the Wildflowers Grow by Terah Shelton Harris - I sunk deep into this one - survival, redemption, piecing yourself back together, identity, found family...all with the backdrop of flowers. Thanks to Netgalley for the free advanced copy in exchange for an honest review
The Moonshine Women by Michelle Collins Anderson - I haven’t read many books set during the Prohibition era that were actually about it in some way. I liked that angle, but the term “prohi” drove me completely insane.
That aside, I liked this! It felt fun even when it was serious (and there are some damn serious things within). Loved the Ozarks setting. Shine was a great character. I would have liked more of Lidy and Rebecca.
Thanks to the Netgalley for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review
Passed the Time Just Fine
Hysteria (Alexander Gregory Thrillers 2) by L.J. Ross - A decent follow up, and I'd like to zoom through these but unfortunately they're not easily found in America right now. Heading to Europe next week and will likely look there. Used paperback, own, passed on in Little Free Library
Once and Again by Rebecca Serle - A quick read - who doesn’t love a little magical realism and a beach setting? Thanks to Netgalley for the free advanced copy in exchange for an honest review - I also saw the author on tour for the book so own a hardcover copy and read that one
The Lost Book of Elizabeth Barton by Jennifer N. Brown - Still WTFing this ending a little. I liked The past storyline a lot, feel like it could have ended sooner. The present storyline was a unique perspective/glimpse into that world. Thanks to Netgalley for the free advanced copy in exchange for an honest review
The One Day You Were My Husband by Rosie Walsh - Very interesting premise, and I liked the ending. I struggled with the main character and the intro into her life as it is now and all the things going and with pacing in some spots. Thanks to Netgalley for the free advanced copy in exchange for an honest review, book publishes May 19
All the World Can Holdy by Jung Yun - A little slow but good - brought me right back to the surreal weeks after September 11. This felt more timely than ever. Thanks to Netgalley for the free advanced copy in exchange for an honest review
The Astral Library by Kate Quinn - Least favorite Kate Quinn by a mile. This almost went down into not for me. Library hard cover
Talking to the Wolf by Rebecca Chace - I wasn’t sure I’d stick with this at first, but I’m glad I did. Love and loss and music and female friendship through life’s ups and downs over decades. Thanks to Netgalley for the free copy in exchange for an honest review, book publishes May 19
Rani Deshpande Takes the Wheel by Arushi Avachat - Definitely YA. Cute! A quick read with likable characters. Thanks to Netgalley for the free advanced copy in exchange for an honest review, book publishes May 19
Not For Me
Love at First Bite by Katherine Dyson - A quick read despite being a little slow to get into - I liked the concept, but thought there would be more vampire lore given the description. Thanks to Netgalley for the free advanced copy in exchange for an honest review
Did Not Finish
N/a
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What have you been reading?
