Villa Coco: A Novel
by Andrew Sean Greer
A Magical Escape (5/31/2026)
VILLA COCO
By Andrew Sean Greer
3.5 stars rounded up
This magical tale is set in the 1990s in a remote corner of Tuscany, where a broke and aimless young American man takes a job working for an eccentric ninety-two-year-old Baronessa in her crumbling villa. Giovedi is hired to catalog her belongings, but he soon discovers he is actually managing the Baronessa’s chaotic household, and the cataloging quickly falls by the wayside.
The Baronessa regales Giovedi with stories from her remarkable life and introduces him to an array of exotic friends and family as she embarks on a quest to reconnect with a lost love.
With its quirky cast of characters, lush Italian setting, and vivid descriptions, this is unlike any book I’ve read. You will fall in love with the Baronessa as what begins as a series of madcap escapades gradually becomes a beautiful ode to life itself. At its heart, it is a story about becoming who you have always wanted to be.
Filled with humor, warmth, eccentric characters, and an immersive Italian atmosphere, this novel allows readers to travel to Italy without the crowds and enjoy a delightful, magical experience.
I also loved the cover, which is what initially inspired me to pick up the book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Doubleday Books for the eARC.
A Fortune of Sand: A Novel
by Ruta Sepetys
Inspired by True Stories (5/23/2026)
A FORTUNE OF SAND
By Ruta Sepetys
4.5 stars rounded up
A strange and quirky read inspired by long-buried true stories from Detroit during the Prohibition era.
Set in Detroit during Prohibition, A Fortune of Sand follows Marjorie Lennox, the overlooked and whimsical daughter of a wealthy, eccentric, and deeply complicated automotive family. Hoping to find freedom and purpose, she secretly joins an exclusive arts residency called “Nightingale.” But when women begin disappearing and unsettling secrets come to light, Marjorie realizes the residency may be far more dangerous than she ever imagined.
Who’s really playing who in this unusual and atmospheric story?
Having lived my entire life in the northern suburbs of Detroit, I especially enjoyed the setting — the sprawling estates along Lakeshore Drive and in Grosse Pointe, along with references to the DIA and the famed Eloise Psychiatric Hospital — which made the reading experience even more engaging for me. I’ve often said of these mansions, “If only the walls could talk — the stories we might hear.”
The writing is straightforward, and the story itself is unique. The Lennox family is a nest of secrets, with the ruthlessness and manipulative games they play contributing to the family’s questionable morals and unethical behavior.
The tone is atmospheric and mysterious, and the quirky, eccentric personalities combined with the dark humor were particularly appealing to me. The Prohibition-era Detroit setting feels historically immersive. The pacing is more measured, with the layers unfolding gradually as secrets come to light. I also enjoyed the witty banter among the Lennox family members, which added genuinely comical moments throughout the story.
I’ve read a few of Ruta Sepetys’ other books and enjoyed them, but I loved this one. Highly recommend.
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for the eARC.
The Mountains We Call Home
by Kim Michele Richardson
An Engaging Read (5/17/2026)
THE MOUNTAINS WE CALL HOME
(The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek No. 3)
By Kim Michele Richardson
Narrated by Katie Schorr
A testament to survival, strength, and the written word.
The legacy of the Book Woman continues in 1953 as Cussy Lovett—a former Packhorse Librarian in the Appalachian Mountains—has been unjustly incarcerated. In this new chapter of her story, her dedication to bringing literacy, knowledge, and hope to the oppressed takes a different form as she becomes a librarian within the Kentucky prison system and to a city neighborhood on the cusp of urban renewal.
In this book, as well as the previous novels in the series, we see the ugliness in some people but also the true meaning of kindness in others.
The tone is emotional, hopeful, and heartbreaking at times, while the writing style is vivid, immersive, and rich in historical detail. Richardson brings the Appalachian setting and characters to life in a way that feels authentic and compassionate. Katie Schorr’s slightly raspy voice is engaging and fits the emotional and Appalachian atmosphere of the novel well.
The author’s note is very informative and shares historical facts.
Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Audio for the ALC.
When No One Else Will
by Amanda Skenandore
compassion, Risk, and Impossible Choices (5/15/2026)
WHEN NO ONE ELSE WILL
By Amanda Skenandore
Narrated by Nicole Poole
Inspired by the true story of an illegal women’s clinic at the center of a landmark trial in 1940s Chicago, this compelling and timely historical novel follows Mimi, a nurse and mother who risks everything to care for women with nowhere else to turn.
Mimi is a compassionate yet conflicted character, torn between her religious beliefs, financial struggles, the demands of a husband wallowing in self-pity, and her growing empathy for the desperate women seeking help at the clinic. As she becomes more deeply involved, she risks not only her nursing career and freedom, but also her reputation, personal safety, and the stability of her family life.
Amanda Skenandore handles a controversial subject with honesty, compassion, and emotional depth, exploring the impossible choices many women faced during that era. The story raises difficult moral questions while remaining deeply human and character-driven.
Nicole Poole’s narration adds warmth and emotional nuance to Mimi’s journey. Combining both audio and ebook made the experience especially immersive and impactful.
Amanda Skenandore blends historical detail with emotionally driven storytelling. The prose feels heartfelt and engaging, with a strong focus on character development and the ethical dilemmas Mimi faces. The pacing allows the emotional weight of the story to build naturally, making it both compelling and reflective.
“…we must know our past to fully understand our present, navigate what lies ahead and build a better future.”
I’ve read one other book by Skenandore and enjoyed it, and this too is a well-written and compelling story.
Thank you to NetGalley, Kensington Publishing, and Highbridge Audio | RB Media for the eARC and ALC.
Look Closer
by David Ellis
Unreliable Narrators Done Right (5/14/2026)
LOOK CLOSER
By David Ellis
Narrated by Will Damron, Hillary Huber, Elizabeth Garrett, and Steve West
A crime thriller that follows married couple Simon Dobias and Vicky Lanier after the murder of a wealthy Chicago socialite begins unraveling their relationship and exposing long-buried secrets. Told through unreliable narrators and shifting timelines, the story is filled with twists, deception, and elaborate schemes.
There are many twists and turns in this cleverly crafted story that will have your head spinning. Trust and betrayal are central throughout, with the story examining how far people will go to protect themselves—or get what they want.
The characters are flawed, morally gray, and often difficult to trust, which adds to the suspense.
David Ellis is a new author for me and I will definitely be reading more of his work.
The narrator’s all do a great job and enhance the twisty atmosphere of this suspense thriller.
The Foursome: A Novel
by Christina Baker Kline
An Intimate Look at an Unconventional Marriage (5/12/2026)
THE FOURSOME
By Christina Baker Kline
Christina Baker Kline’s The Foursome draws on the real-life story of the famous conjoined twins Chang Bunker and Eng Bunker, who first rose to fame touring before eventually settling in North Carolina. It was there that they met and married the Yates sisters, Adelaide and Sallie, going on to build an unconventional life together and raise a combined 21 children.
Told from Sallie’s point of view—the more hesitant sister, shaped by limited choices after a teenage scandal—the novel spans five decades and offers an intimate look at this unusual marriage and the bond between the sisters. It explores what it meant to step into a life that would always draw attention, and how four strong personalities navigated marriage, privacy, and family within such a complicated arrangement.
This is a quiet, character-focused story that finds tension in the everyday. The characters feel nuanced, carrying the weight of their choices in a way that makes an unusual situation feel real and intimate. Sallie often seems alone in her decisions, particularly when it comes to running the household and the plantation. She comes across as more empathetic than the others, who often appear aligned. I also felt that Eng frequently deferred to Chang, rather than standing firm in his own decisions.
I’ve enjoyed other books by Christina Baker Kline, and this one continues to show her strength in exploring complex relationships. Even more interesting—the sisters are distant cousins of the author. If you’re drawn to stories about sisterhood and complicated family dynamics—woven with themes of love, marriage, intimacy, identity, race, and gender inequality—The Foursome is worth reading.
Definitely a great pick for book clubs—it has plenty of layers to spark thoughtful discussion.
Thank you to NetGalley and Mariner Books for the eARC.
Heather: A Novel
by Caitlin Mullen
Buried Secrets in the Pine Barrens (5/4/2026)
HEATHER
By Caitlin Mullen
Narrated by Bailey Carr, Christine Lakin, Mia Wurgaft
A slow-burn suspense novel set in the New Jersey Pine Barrens, Heather follows Police Chief Callie Hauser as she returns to her small hometown and makes an arrest that unexpectedly reopens a cold case from the 1990s. Two sixteen-year-old twin girls vanished years earlier, and Callie’s investigation begins to unsettle the town as long-buried secrets start to surface. As past and present collide, she finds herself questioning everything she thought she knew—about the case, the town, and even herself.
This is a slower-paced, dark, and atmospheric story with a quiet sense of unease. The pacing may not work for everyone, but it suits the moody, character-driven nature of the novel. Told through dual timelines, it focuses on complex women and how their pasts, relationships, and secrets shape their lives. The writing is descriptive and layered, exploring themes of trauma and memory.
This was a solid read for me, and I’d be interested in reading more from Caitlin Mullen. The narration was very well done, and I would definitely recommend the audiobook.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the ALC.
Dark Is When the Devil Comes: A Novel
by Daisy Pearce
Creepy and Suspenseful (5/1/2026)
DARK IS WHEN THE DEVIL COMES
by Daisy Pearce
Narrated by Catrin Walker-Booth
Set in the small town of Idless in the English countryside, this follows Hazel, who returns home after a devastating divorce and personal struggles. When she plans to reconnect with her estranged sister, Cathy—but then fails to show up—the story begins to take a darker turn.
The tone is dark and atmospheric, with a steady sense of creepiness and dread building with each chapter. Pearce leans heavily on mood and setting, using layered prose to gradually reveal what’s really going on. I tend to enjoy this slower, more measured pacing in a thriller, especially when it’s used to build tension and unease.
This is very much a character-driven read, with a strong focus on inner thoughts and emotional undercurrents. There’s also a blurring between the supernatural and possible mental illness, particularly with Hazel, which adds to the ambiguity.
That said, some elements involving Cathy and Suzie felt a bit far-fetched and required a real suspension of disbelief. Readers looking for fast pacing or clear answers may find this too slow and ambiguous, as it leans more on atmosphere and psychological unease, with touches of folk horror running through it, than plot-driven momentum,
This was my first book by Daisy Pearce, and while I didn’t love everything, I did find it a solid read. The overall creepiness—especially surrounding the house in the woods—was effective and memorable, and I would consider reading more by her.
The narration by Catrin Walker-Booth was very well done and added to the experience.
Burn Down Master's House: A Novel
by Clay Cane
Stories History Tried to Erase (4/21/2026)
BURN DOWN MASTER’S HOUSE
By Clay Cane
This historical fiction book, set during the Civil War, is told through four interconnected stories that focus on enslaved people whose acts of rebellion have been left out of history. The main characters are real, while the secondary characters are named after the author’s enslaved ancestors.
Cane’s writing does not shy away from the physical and psychological violence experienced by enslaved people. The portrayal of rebellion is equally direct and intentionally brutal, showing the violence present in both oppression and resistance without softening it.
This was a one-of-a-kind read for me and very different from the usual books written about slavery. The tone is dark and intense, and the prose is vivid and straightforward, making for a heavy but purposeful reading experience. The author draws on court records and other research to tell these stories, and the inclusion of an abolitionist character with a complicated past added an unexpected layer.
The book explores themes of, suffering, love, courage and the desire to be remembered.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for the eARC. Publication date: January 27, 2026.
This Story Might Save Your Life: A Novel
by Tiffany Crum
Mystery Thriller With Romantic Undertones (4/21/2026)
THIS STORY MIGHT SAVE YOUR LIFE
By Tiffany Crum
Narrated by Julia Whelan & Sean Patrick Hopkins
Podcasting about survival is one thing—living it is another.
Best friends and podcast hosts Benny and Joy have built a career on survival stories—until Joy vanishes and Benny becomes the prime suspect. As secrets surface and time runs out, the truth behind their friendship may be the most dangerous story of all. I loved the banter between Benny and Joy during the podcast segments—it added humor and heart to the narrative.
This is an addictive, genre-blending mystery thriller with romantic undertones. The story is fast-paced and compulsively readable, pulling you from chapter to chapter as the suspense builds. I was thoroughly impressed by this excellent debut and will definitely be watching for what Tiffany Crum does next.
The narration was flawless and truly enhanced the listening experience. I’ve enjoyed both Julia Whelan and Sean Patrick Hopkins in previous audiobooks, and this was no exception—their performances captured the tone and emotions perfectly. The added multimedia elements in the audio further elevated the experience.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the ALC.
Mad Mabel: A Novel
by Sally Hepworth
The Woman Behind “Mad Mabel” (4/21/2026)
MAD MABEL
By Sally Hepworth
Narrated by Hannah Fredericksen and Jennifer Seedman
A character-driven, psychological, and darkly funny suspense story told in dual timelines of then and now.
We meet Elsie, a prickly eighty-one-year-old who has lived on her quiet street in Melbourne for sixty years. When an elderly neighbor passes away suddenly, Elsie is forced to reflect back on a difficult time in her life when she was known as “Mad Mabel.” From there begins a fast and entertaining read.
Even though some elements are predictable, they don’t take away from the story. I especially loved the friendship between Elsie and Persephone, a precocious seven-year-old neighbor girl. I found myself curious about Mad Mabel and wanting to see her humanity rather than fearing her.
Themes of misjudgment, isolation, gossip, empathy, and mental health stigma run throughout the story. The tone is suspenseful, compassionate, and reflective. The writing is clear and straightforward, and I appreciated the gradual unfolding of the story, which built intrigue and kept me wanting to read more.
The narration was executed well and fit the story beautifully—capturing the voices of the characters perfectly and elevating the overall experience.
Sally Hepworth has become a go-to author for me, and this is another enjoyable read that I highly recommend.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the eARC, and Macmillan Audio for the ALC.
Soon to be published on April 21, 2026.
Her Last Breath: A Novel
by Taylor Adams
A Descent into Terror (4/20/2026)
HER LAST BREATH
by Taylor Adams
Narrated by Sophie Amoss
A claustrophobic suspense novel following two friends, Allie and Tess, on a caving expedition that quickly turns terrifying. Deep in the cave system, a stranger appears and begins to harass them. When Tess becomes trapped in a narrow crawl space, her fight for survival begins.
Twenty-four hours later, Tess is in a hospital, recounting her ordeal to a detective—who reveals unsettling secrets about Allie. As Tess begins to question whether the encounter was truly random, the detective’s investigation unfolds alongside the underground nightmare. When the two timelines finally meet, the impact is devastating.
I was hooked from the start. The tight, enclosed cave setting adds an extra layer of intensity, making everything feel immediate and suffocating. The pacing builds steadily as the story goes deeper underground, and I found myself holding my breath right along with Tess as she struggles to survive. The contrast between Tess and Allie adds an extra layer of tension, especially as secrets begin to surface and shift your perception of them.
The writing is clean and direct, with a steady forward momentum that works perfectly for this kind of story. I’ve also read No Exit and enjoyed that one as well—I’ll definitely be reading more by this author.
Sophie Amoss’s narration fits the story well, capturing both the tension and the emotional undercurrents, and adding to the overall intensity of the experience.
Won't Be Long Now
by Elizabeth Hardinger
Quietly Searching for Where She Belongs (4/17/2026)
WON’T BE LONG NOW
by Elizabeth Hardinger
Narrated by Jeannie Sheneman
(3.5 stars, rounded down)
Won’t Be Long Now is a slower-paced, character-driven novel that focuses more on internal thoughts and emotional development than plot. It was hard for me to stay engaged at times, but I eventually started to enjoy Billie’s journey.
Billie felt authentic in her own way. She needed love and acceptance and didn’t get it when she most needed it. She carries her anxieties, isolation, and uncertainties on her own and does the best she can to make sense of them.
The writing is spare and doesn’t over-explain, letting small details and inner thoughts unfold naturally. This gives the story a quiet, introspective tone.
Jeannie Sheneman’s narration really fits the story. She captures the quiet emotion and subtle tension, making the softer moments feel real.
Set in 1950s–60s Kansas, this is a coming-of-age story about a bright but awkward girl who has always felt different. After her father’s death and her mother’s withdrawal, her loneliness deepens, especially after a painful rejection. In the end, Billie is forced to face hard truths and begins to find her way toward forgiveness and self-acceptance.
Thank you to BookBrowse, NetGalley, HighBridge Audio, and RB Media for the ARC/ALC.
Enormous Wings: A Novel
by Laurie Frankel
Who Gets to Decide? (4/7/2026)
Take a quirky, and slightly surreal premise, add a good dose of emotional depth and thought-provoking themes, and sprinkle in some sharp humor—you get Enormous Wings.
We meet Pepper Mills, a seventy-seven-year-old who’s just moved into a retirement community in Texas—against her better judgment. Then she falls in love with Moth, and becomes pregnant…crazy, right? You can imagine what happens when her children, grandchildren, doctors, and even the press get ahold of the news. Suddenly, Pepper has a lot of decisions to make—and not all of them are entirely up to her.
Laurie Frankel’s writing is so engaging. She pulls you in right from the start, and even when tackling heavier topics, she does it in a way that feels approachable and easy to connect with. I really appreciated how real and imperfect the characters felt—no one is all right or all wrong, which made the story feel more grounded.
What stood out most to me was that constant push and pull between personal freedom, family pressure, and outside judgment. It gives you a lot to think about.
The audiobook, expertly narrated by Becky Ann Baker, was an excellent companion to the book and really added to the overall experience. She nailed the tone and voices.
If you enjoy character-driven stories with a touch of the unexpected and don’t mind suspending disbelief, this one delivers with themes of family, autonomy, and choice.
Thank you to NetGalley and Henry Holt & Company for the eARC, and to Macmillan Audio for the ALC.
Publishing May 5, 2026
Other Birds: A Novel
by Sarah Addison Allen
A Heartwarming Tale (4/7/2026)
OTHER BIRDS
By Sarah Addison Allen
A Heartwarming Tale of Family, Secrets, and Second Chances
Set off the coast of S.C. on the fictional Mallow Island, in a tucked-away, little-known area, sits a small cluster of condominiums called Dellawisp.
A cozy, magical story about Zoey, who moves to this quirky condo community and finds an unexpected sense of family. Each neighbor carries their own past and secrets, and as friendships grow, so do themes of healing, second chances, and belonging. With touches of mystery and magical realism, this is a heartwarming read about finding home in people, not places.
This book was picked for a book club read, and I’m glad it was—it wasn’t on my radar, and I really enjoyed this gem. It’s my first read by Sarah Addison Allen, and I look forward to exploring more of her work.
The Moonshine Women
by Michelle Collins Anderson
Sisterhood (3/27/2026)
THE MOONSHINE WOMEN
By Michelle Collins Anderson
Strong women, risky choices, and a bond that won’t break.
3.5 stars rounded up
A story of sisterhood set in the Prohibition-era Missouri Ozarks, The Moonshine Women follows three sisters forced to take over their family’s moonshine operation. As they try to keep things running, they face danger, the law, and tough choices just to survive.
The sisters are strong but very different, and while their personalities sometimes clash, it’s also what helps them endure.
The writing is descriptive and vivid, making it easy to picture the Ozarks setting and the harsh realities of life during Prohibition. The multiple perspectives add depth and give a better understanding of each character. The tone is often tense due to the danger and illegal activity, but it’s also emotional and heartfelt, especially in its focus on family bonds. There’s a sense of hope in how the sisters keep going despite everything.
I especially enjoyed the sister banter and personality clashes—particularly Shine, whose bold, sarcastic attitude adds some lighter moments.
I also enjoyed the author’s previous book, The Flower Sisters, and this was another engaging read.
Thank you to BookBrowse and Kensington Publishing for the ARC.
Wolf Worm
by T. Kingfisher
Creepy-Crawly (3/22/2026)
WOLF WORM
By T. Kingfisher
Narrated by Mary Robinette Kowal
Set in North Carolina in 1899, Sonia, a scientific illustrator, eagerly accepts a position at a remote manor owned by the eccentric Dr. Halder, where she is tasked with illustrating his insect collection. However, an eerie sense of unease settles in almost immediately. The woods feel unnatural, animals behave strangely, and locals whisper about “blood thieves.” As Sonia digs deeper, she begins to question what really happened to Halder’s wife—her mysterious predecessor.
This is an atmospheric horror story with a strong gothic tone and slow-building tension. It starts off slowly, and while the middle picks up somewhat, it still felt like it dragged at times before reaching the end.
The characters come across as practical and reserved, with their personalities shown through small details and understated dialogue. I did find it a bit surprising that Sonia didn’t seem more frightened by some of the things she encountered—though perhaps that’s due to her familiarity with nature.
This was my first book by T. Kingfisher, and the cover and premise initially drew me in. If you enjoy creepy fantasy with strange creatures and lots of unsettling, crawling insects, this may appeal to you. However, since I’m new to this author’s style, it ended up being just an okay read for me.
The narration was good, but I think I might have enjoyed reading it myself more.
I do encourage reading other reviews, as many readers seem to have enjoyed this more than I did.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the ALC.
The Astral Library: A Novel
by Kate Quinn
A Book Lovers Fantasy (3/17/2026)
THE ASTRAL LIBRARY
By Kate Quinn
Narrated by Saskia Maarleveld and Kate Quinn
A book designed for book lovers. Take a ride through the pages.
This novel marks a major departure from Kate Quinn’s well-known historical fiction, as she ventures into the realm of fantasy for the first time. In doing so, she invites readers on an imaginative journey that asks: who wouldn’t want to step inside the pages of a beloved book and meet its characters face to face?
Alix, a young woman down on her luck, unexpectedly stumbles upon the Astral Library, a hidden and magical place tucked away within the Boston Public Library. The library itself feels like a character in its own right—mysterious, responsive, and central to everything that unfolds.
What begins as a chance discovery quickly turns into an adventure. Before Alix even has the opportunity to enter the pages of the book she’s chosen, an unprecedented threat occurs to the Astral Library, forcing both Alix and the Librarian to flee into other literary worlds in order to escape.
Will Alix find her place in a literary world where she can find refuge and healing? Will they be able to escape this mysterious threat?
I wasn’t sure at first if Kate Quinn could pull off magical realism, but she absolutely does. The premise is brilliant, and her writing is as captivating as ever. I quickly found myself drawn into the fun characters and the magical idea of traveling through the pages of different books. The Librarian is my favorite character, with her sarcastic bite, pragmatism, and humor. I especially appreciated the witty and engaging dynamic between Alix and the Librarian.
The narration by Saskia Maarleveld is excellent and really elevates the story. She is a favorite narrator of mine and has narrated many of Kate Quinn’s books.
If you enjoy stories about books, magical libraries, and literary adventures, I’m sure you will like this one. I thought it was an imaginative and creative way to highlight why protecting books and libraries matters. This would be an excellent book club choice. The author’s note is optional. I chose to read it and found it worthwhile.
Yesteryear: A Novel
by Caro Claire Burke
A Wonderful Debut (3/13/2026)
YESTERYEAR
By Caro Claire Burke
Behind every perfectly curated life is a reality waiting to crack.
In this debut darkly satirical psychological novel, we meet Natalie Heller Mills, a social media “tradwife” influencer known for promoting a nostalgic, “perfect” lifestyle online.
But when her carefully curated image begins to crack, she’s forced to confront the reality behind it. One day Natalie awakens in the year 1805, living a life that isn’t hers—a living nightmare, a hoax, or something more sinister? Yesteryear explores social media culture and the tension between appearance and reality with a sharp mix of satire, humor, and psychological insight.
This isn’t like any book I’ve read before. I’m not really into social media; however, I still found myself absorbed in this bizarre world of Natalie and her family. The steady pacing and sharp, satirical writing create a darkly humorous and unsettling look at curated online lives.
The characters (except for the kids) are not very likable. I love an unreliable protagonist, and Natalie definitely does not disappoint. She has a childlike outlook and constantly misreads others, leading to moments that are strange, darkly funny, and unsettling. I was surprised by the ending and felt it left me with a few questions that weren’t fully addressed.
If you enjoy unreliable, selfish, and flawed characters, you’ll probably appreciate what Yesteryear offers. I look forward to what this talented author has to share with us next.
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House | Knopf for the eARC.
Publish Date: April 7, 2026
Now being adapted into a major film starring Anne Hathaway.
Keeper of Lost Children: A Novel
by Sadeqa Johnson
Another Forgotten Moment in our History (3/5/2026)
KEEPER OF LOST CHILDREN
By Sadeqa Johnson
Narrated by Ariel Blake, Karen Chilton, Adam Lazarre-White, and Sadeqa Johnson
If only we could rewrite history…
This historical fiction explores the lives of biracial children in postwar Germany, abandoned due to racism and social pressures. Johnson brings their struggles and hopes to life in a way that is both heartbreaking and inspiring.
I loved the multiple perspectives—they made the story immersive and helped me connect deeply with the characters, especially Ethel, whose compassion drives the story. The narrators were perfect, capturing the emotions of each character beautifully.
What stands out most is how Johnson sheds light on overlooked moments in history with empathy and detail. Her books have become a go-to for me because she consistently tells stories that are both meaningful and emotionally powerful.
Power Reviewer