THE NAMES
By Florence Knapp

Florence Knapp’s debut novel, opens in 1987 with Cora Atkin, a young mother trapped in an abusive marriage. As she is preparing to register her newborn son’s name, she faces pressure from her husband, Gordon, to name the baby after him. Instead, she contemplates two alternative names that represent different hopes she holds for her child. That single decision becomes the foundation for three parallel versions of the same child’s life.

The effects of domestic abuse lie at the heart of all three narratives. Spanning 35 years, the novel illustrates how a single choice can alter the course of multiple lives. The novel portrays not only the physical and emotional impact of domestic abuse but also the possibility of resilience and healing.

I was impressed that this is a debut; Knapp’s writing is skillfully crafted and emotionally engaging. This is a deeply character-driven story with strong emphasis on family dynamics. While the novel does explore domestic abuse, the subject is handled with sensitivity—more focused on the effects and the resilience that follows than on graphic scenes. I tend to gravitate toward debut novels, and this was an excellent one. It would make a great choice for book clubs.

BEFORE DOROTHY
by Hazel Gaynor

I loved Hazel Gaynor’s 2023 release, The Last Lifeboat, so I wanted to read this historical fiction read by her. From only seeing Auntie Em in the movie, The Wizard of Oz, as an older woman, it was nice to see her transformed to Emily Gale — a vibrant young woman who journeyed from Chicago to the Kansas prairie. We see her as a newlywed ready to move where Henry wanted to farm — the Great Plains. Emily had a special bond to her sister, Annie, which became strained by distance, secrets, and the paths that each chose. When tragedy strikes and Dorothy lands on Emily and Henry’s doorstep, Emily struggles with her own limitations. The landscape of the prairie lifestyle that Gaynor portrays is with a deep sense of realism. You can taste and feel the dust and grit. I think she captured the stark beauty of the prairie along with the relentless hardships of life in the Great Plains. The bond with Dorothy shifts from distant, to duty, to something more richer with the shared grief, and quite understanding they form. Gaynor’s blending of historical fiction with literary reimagining of this classic (The Wizard of Oz) worked for me. I enjoyed all the “Easter Eggs” throughout as a nod to The Wizard of Oz.

This is a story of identity, family, the resilience of women, bonds between sisters, mothers, and daughters, and the quiet courage it takes to carry on when everything seems lost.

Thank you to BookBrowse for the book to read.

HOMECOMING
By Kate Morton

I paired the book with audiobook book that was wonderfully done by Claire Foy.

A woman discovers that everything she knows about her family is a lie.

A slow paced family drama story alternating between two timelines, 1959 and 2018, to unveil the truth behind a tragic event with mysterious circumstances in Tambilla, Australia. In 2018, Jess, a journalist, returns to Australia due to her grandmother’s fall, and investigates the tragic event, uncovering family secrets along with seeking to reconnect with her estranged mother.

A book about loss, motherhood, mother-daughter relationships, and what it means to come home. Kate Morton skillfully weaves together past and present storylines, gradually revealing secrets and connections over time. There are gothic elements in her writing that I appreciate. She crafts characters that feel real — shaped over the course of the story. I always look forward to reading her books.

THE POPPY FIELDS
By Nikki Erlick

Narration was well done by the cast of: Marin Ireland; Dan Bittner; Stacey Glemboski; Graham Halstead; Mia Barron; Callie Dalton; Janina Edwards; Shawn K. Jain; Christian Barillas; Jason Culp.

Thanks to NetGalley and HarperAudio Adult for the
ALC

I was drawn to the unique premise of this speculative fiction novel exploring grief and healing through the treatment center, The Poppy Fields. I liked it being told through multiple POV and transcripts from the various applicants to The Poppy Fields. Ellis the enigmatic founder of The Poppy Fields, just wants to leave her mark on the world, and with the Poppy Fields, she has done so. We get to meet four people traveling together to The Poppy Fields for various reasons. Could there really be a cure for the broken-hearted? Can you sleep through the pain and accept the shadowy side effects? How do we heal in the wake of loss? How far does one go in order to be healed? Touching upon heartache, healing, self-discovery, friendship, forgiveness, and hope.

Nikki Erlick’s portrayal of grief in this speculative fiction read was compelling and engaged me from the beginning. The characters are dynamic and complex, with each carrying emotional burdens and seeking healing. This book would be a perfect book club pick. Her debut, The Measure, was a brilliant read and The Poppy Fields is another solid, enjoyable read as well. I can hardly wait to see what Nikki Erlick has in store for us in her next hit.

KING OF ASHES
By S. A. Cosby

Narration by Adam Lazarre-White is always spot on.

A fast-paced dark gritty southern crime thriller set in a run-down Virginia town, Jefferson Run. Roman Carruthers has been called home because his father is in a coma after a car accident. He finds his younger brother, Dante, in debt to dangerous thugs and his sister, Neveah, trying to hold the family and the family business together. When Roman learns his father’s car crash was not an accident and because Dante’s immaturity and recklessness has put the family in extreme danger, Roman knows he must now step in. Also, there is a mystery as to why their mother disappeared years ago. How far would you go to protect yourself and your family?

S. A. Cosby’s writing is gorgeous, raw, gritty, and brutal. This book starts out with the gas petal down and never lets up. An intense read of multifaceted, well developed characters. S. A. Cosby is an outstanding author who tells a story brilliantly. This is going to be made into a series, by Higher Ground (Barack and Michelle Obama’s production company) along with Amblin Entertainment (Steven Spielberg’s).

Thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio
Published June 10 2025

THE GIRLS WHO GREW BIG
By Leila Mottley

This is a raw and emotional read portraying teenage motherhood in a small town on the Florida panhandle. Centered around three young women navigating the complexities of raising children while they are basically children themselves. Young girls making decisions they shouldn’t have to be making at their age. You see the struggles and hardships they face, but also the sisterhood, bonds, and hopes they share. Each of these young mothers share their perspectives, thus making their experiences raw and authentic. A character driven story that does not shy away from the heart-wrenching hardships, but also shows the hopes along the way. The choices these girls and young men make are extremely frustrating and you feel for them and their children. Also frustrating is that they don’t have the parental guidance or understanding, especially from society, that they so desperately need. I didn’t relate to these girls and the circumstances of their day-to-day living, but I did care about them and their children. I felt I wanted to lecture them and also hug them. Will they mature and find their path and their way to happiness? You will be rooting for each of these young women as you read their story by this young author who skillfully writes an emotional, powerful, and painful read portraying them. Leila Mottley’s writing is vivid, poetic, lyrical, raw and authentic, and reflects on both trauma and beauty in her language. She writes with such depth and skill beyond her young age — there is no doubt she will have a remarkable future ahead. I am going to go back and read her debut, Nightcrawling; I started this and because it is about marginalized lives in Oakland, it was a difficult read. Her debut was written at 17-years-old and published at 19-years-old.


Touching upon young mothers, young fathers, family, choices, self-esteem, relationships, hardships, compassion, and hope.

Thanks to NetGalley and Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage and Anchor | Knopf for the ARC ebook

DON’T LET HIM IN
By Lisa Jewell


Aisling (Ash) Swan’s father has suddenly died, and her mother begins to date again —Ash quickly becomes suspicious of her mother’s new companion.

This creepy psychological thriller intricately weaves the lives of three women—Nina, Ash, and Martha—who become drawn into the lives of two elusive men, Nick and Alistair. Do you ever truly know those you let into your life? How many red flags is too many? Not knowing too much about this book and going in totally blind and letting this twisted story unfold is best.


Lisa Jewell’s plot unfolds through multiple points of view, building suspense slowly but compellingly. There is unease and hidden danger that lurks behind the facade of normal life. Her writing is clear and approachable. It started off a bit slow for me and became more fast-paced midway through. I always look forward to Lisa Jewell’s books. Explores themes of trust, truth and deception, obsession, and the complexities of relationships. Delving into the darker aspects of human nature.

Thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for the ARC ebook.

THE GHOSTWRITER by Julie Clark

Can ghostwriting bring you closure? That’s what Olivia Dumont, a ghostwriter is asking herself.

June, 1975, two teenage siblings are found dead in their home. Vincent, the only surviving sibling has never been able to shake the whispers and accusations. Decades later Vincent has had a great career of being a horror writer and his estranged daughter, Olivia, has reluctantly agreed to ghostwrite her father’s last book. Is Vincent ready to talk and tell the truth after fifty years of silence? Is Olivia ready to face the disfunction and trauma at the core of her family?

Another riveting read by Julie Clark. The characters are relatable and well developed in this dysfunctional family drama thriller. Poppy was my favorite character in this story, as I found her to be true to herself at such a young age. The deadly secrets from Vincent’s childhood will keep you turning the pages. I look forward to what this skilled author does next.

Thank you to BookBrowse and publisher for the ARC to read.

CORAM HOUSE
By Bailey Seybolt

You can leave Coram House but you can’t leave it behind.

3.5 stars
In 2016 Alex Kelley, a true crime writer hoping to redeem herself from her last book, takes a job as a ghostwriter for a book revolving around the shadowy inheritance of the Catholic orphanage, Coram House, in Vermont. For generations there have been stories of abuse and the disappearance of a boy named, Tommy, at the orphanage back in 1968. As Alex delves into the mysteries she becomes overly obsessive and a bit of a nuisance with authorities. Did Tommy actually exist? Her investigation takes a chilling turn when Alex discovers a body near the lake and believes it has something to do with Coram House. The past just won’t stay buried.

There is a gothic vibe in the eerie setting of Coram House on Lake Champlain with the cemetery next to it. A debut inspired by true events. I liked the atmosphere and setting of the story. It is a slow-burn suspense/thriller with some twists and turns, and a lot of red herrings. I didn’t connect with the MC; probably because she was so complex and scattered all the time. I thought for a debut it was a pretty good read. I will keep an eye out for what she does next.

HOME OF THE HAPPY: A Murder on the Cajun Prairie
By Jordan LaHaye Fontenot

Reading by: Christine Lakin was very well done.

A journey of reinvestigating a kidnapping and murder in 1983 and interwoven with Louisiana history.

Jordan LaHaye Fontenot’s great-grandfather was kidnapped and murdered in Mamou, Louisiana in 1983. This impacted her family deeply, as well as, many in her hometown. Jordan tells this tragic story from when her great-grandfather was kidnapped, the ten days of the search and FBI investigations, before his body was found floating in the Bayou Nezpique. She tells of the trial and conviction of, John Brady Balfa. As a journalist, Jordan LaHaye Fontenot, wants to get all the facts and has done extensive research on this.

I can only imagine how difficult it was for this young journalist and author to be objective against her responsibility to family. “Yes, Home of the Happy is a book about a murder. But it’s also a memoir—the story of a family and of a place, and of the culture that defines both.” From Country Roads Magazine

This debut book/memoir was heartfelt and the rawness and openness of her storytelling was impressive. Her writing is so vivid, you see, feel and even smell the descriptions that she so skillfully has written. I look forward to what she writes next.

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperAudio Adult | HarperAudio for the audiobook

THE BONES BENEATH MY SKIN
By T. J. Klune

Narration by Kirt Graves was very well done and brought the story to life with his reading, in this sci-fi whimsical storytelling by T. J. Klune.

Taking place in 1995 when Nate returns to his family cabin in Oregon after the violent deaths of his parents, losing his job, and a brother who is estranged. Nate encounters two strangers in his cabin, Alex and a 10-year-old girl named, Artemis Darth Vader (Art). Art isn’t your typical 10-year old girl as Nate soon discovers. Things start to happen fast and Nate must make a decision to wallow in his grief, anger and memories or make a future for himself, once and for all. This is an unforgettable journey and Artemis Darth Vader will steal your heart with her charm and quirkiness. It’s a sci-fi suspense read with some humorous moments as well. This is my first read by this author and I will definitely read more by him.

Exploring sexuality, identity, grief, loss, family, home, love, and relationships.

THE BRIGHT YEARS by Sarah Damoff

Thank you to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster for the ARC ebook of this brilliant story.

This is Sarah Damoff’s debut and I have to say I was impressed by her incredible writing skills of telling this beautiful, heartbreaking, and inspirational story. Starting in 1958-2019 and told from three intimate points of view, of a Texas family of four generations; dealing with real life experiences and how these experiences impinge upon their lives. Ryan and Lillian are deeply in love, but each harbor secrets that impact the relationship. Years later their daughter, Georgette, unearths her family’s history and has decisions to make.

This is a well paced multigenerational story with themes of addiction, secrets, trauma, grief, love, choices, heartbreak, and joy. I will be eagerly awaiting Sarah Damoff’s next book.

VERA WONG’S UNSOLICITED ADVICE FOR MURDERERS
By Jesse Q. Sutanto

Reading by Eunice Wong was very good. I paired audio with the book.

A cup of tea, food, and a corpse …

A cozy mystery taking place in a small neighborhood of San Francisco. We meet 60-year-old Vera Wong who finds a corpse in her tea shop and decides to investigate the murder herself. Through her meddlesome process, she befriends four young individuals, taking them under her wing and providing the mothering she was born to give, all while unraveling the mystery behind the corpse.

This is a genre I don’t normally read, but a light read, such as this, is nice after a heavier read. This is a first read for me by this author and it was a fun quirky whodunnit. All in all, a quick and entertaining read and look forward to book #2 in the Vera Wong series. Themes of motherhood, identity, relationships, family, heartbreak, and death.

THE WOMEN ON PLATFORM TWO
By Laura Anthony

Narrated by: Jessica Regan, Shakira Shute, and Maeve Smyth The narrator’s all did a fine job reading this story.

1970s Ireland —— a time when women had no rights to their bodies and forms of contraception were prohibited.

Dublin, 2023 we meet Saoirse who realizes she may never want to be a mother. It was only a few decades ago that a group of women made this option possible for her. Saoirse meets Maura, a woman on the same train she is on; Maura recounts a story from 1969 of herself and a friend of hers named Bernie.

Based upon a little-known true event this haunting story …could not be timelier. A powerful read of resistance and resilience. A group of trailblazing women who shaped history. I thought this was a very good debut and enjoyed her writing. She brought the characters to life and kept me engaged. I look forward to future books by this author. Touches upon relationships, domestic abuse, misogyny, friendships, contraception, and rights to choose.

Daughters of Shandong
By Eve J. Chung

A work of historical fiction inspired by Chung’s family who was displaced during the Communist Revolution in China. The Daughters of Shandong is told through the eyes of Hai, the eldest daughter of the Ang family. Hai along with her mother and sisters are turned out of their home in Zhucheng during the Revolution, enduring a long and difficult journey to reunite with their father and husband. This is about self-preservation, community, and achieving goals within a culture that devalues women. Through the experiences of Hai and her loved ones, we see the consequences of war, trauma, displacement, and gender-based discrimination while telling a story of survival and triumph.

I was fully invested in these memorable characters. With all the ups and downs this family and others endured, was difficult to fathom. It is an extraordinary debut; and I love when a new author can pull me in from the beginning, and when it happens, it’s like magic. Also, the cover of this book is so beautiful. I am so looking forward to what is next from this brilliant author.

Thank you to BookBrowse and the publisher for the book.

The Song of the Blue Bottle Tree
by India Hayford

Narration by, Zura Johnson, Matt Godfrey, and Laura Jennings was very good.

3.5 stars
A haunting Southern gothic story with sprinkles of magical realism, that takes place in rural Arkansas in 1967. Genevieve, at a young age has lost her mother, father and grandmother and after suffering abuse from trusted family, decides she must find her way in life on her own. She returns back to her childhood home where she discovers that her own need for healing is part of a larger tapestry of suffering.    

Exploring themes of family, loss, fundamentalist religion, the resilience of women, and folk magic. I like reading Southern gothic stories and with the magical realism thrown in made this debut a good read. At times I didn’t understand the reasoning and choices some women chose, but after reading an article of how the author created her story, helped me to understand. Her writing is good and I look forward to reading more from her.

Thanks to NetGalley and RBmedia for the ALC of this.

Tilt by Emma Pattee

A pregnant overwhelmed woman’s epic journey across a ravaged city with the weight of her past and her hopes for the future.

Narration by Ariel Blake was very well done for this rapid paced literary thriller debut. An impressive read set over the course of a day, in Portland, Oregon, where a massive earthquake has rocked the city. Annie, nine months pregnant, out shopping, must now try and survive and protect her little “bean” trying to get back home to her husband. Annie encounters the human desperation and kindness of others; reflecting on her marriage, career, the anxieties of becoming a mother, and how to pursue your dreams and deal with your disappointments.

I thought this was written beautifully and I was impressed by this dynamic debut. For a 240 page novel, it has a powerful impact. I’m eagerly awaiting her next book already.

The River Knows Your Name by Kelly Mustian

This haunting atmospheric southern story paints a vivid picture of the Mississippi Delta and its people. The characters are well developed; complex and nuanced with compelling backstories. Kelly Mustian created an immersive read that engaged me from start to finish. We follow Nell and her sister, Evie, who discover their mother, Hazel, is not Evie’s mother. For nearly thirty years, Nell promised to never reveal what they found. Told in dual storylines, Nell, forty-two in 1971, delves into her past to uncover buried secrets, and Becca, a struggling young mother trying to survive during the thick of the Depression in 1930s.

A story touching upon secrets, heartache, betrayal, survival, endurance, love, family, mother-daughter relationships. Enjoyed her debut book, The Girls in the Stilt House, and I enjoyed this one, as well.

Thanks to BookBrowse and Sourcebooks Landmark for the ARC of this beautifully written book.

Dream Count by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

The readings by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Sandra Okuboyejo, A’rese Emokpae, and Janina Edwards, are all very well done. I paired the audiobook with the book.

Is true happiness ever attainable or is it just a fleeting state?

Set in Nigeria and America, Dream Count is centered around four women depicting the complexity of each of their lives: Chiamaka, Zikora, Kadiatou, and Omelogor, each reflecting of becoming the best versions of themselves. Chiamaka, a travel writer yearning for a soulmate; Zikora, an ambitious lawyer wanting a career, and the so called, “perfect” family; Kadiatou, a maid seeking opportunities in America; and Omelogor, a financial powerhouse in Nigeria who begins to question how well she knows herself.

Themes of love, motherhood, identity, privilege, longing, regret, and the search for connection are explored in this complex and layered story. A distinctly feminist note rings throughout the book. The atmosphere of pre-lockdown uncertainty of 2020 pandemic is only a backdrop for the reminiscing of the characters. This is my first read of Adichie’s and I really enjoyed it, but felt it was a tad too long. The gender strictures put upon them is the culture of what is expected of Nigerian women. The universal yearning to be known and loved ties each of these women together. I found the character of Kadiatou to be the centerpiece of this book. Adichie, is a gifted storyteller and her writing is beautiful and poetic. I will be reading more from this skilled author.

Thank you to BookBrowse and Penguin Random House for the book to read and discuss.

SALTWATER by Katy Hays

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for the ARC ebook

In 1992 the wealthy Lingate family is vacationing in beautiful Capri, when playwright, Sarah Lingate, is found dead below the cliffs. Sarah leaves behind a three-year-old daughter, Helen. Many believe the Lingate family is responsible even though her death is ruled accidental. The Lingate’s continue to vacation every year in Capri and on the thirtieth anniversary of Sara’s death in Capri, Helen, who is now thirty, along with the family assistant, Lorna, hatch a plan for Helen to escape her controlling family. A necklace that Sarah was wearing the night she died, suddenly appears at the manor where all are staying. Things quickly go sideways when Lorna disappears…
What is happening? Who is Lorna really? Where is Lorna? What really happened to Sarah all these years ago? So many questions, so many secrets.

I enjoyed this sophomore book by Katy Hays, as well as, her first book, The Cloisters. I liked the writing style and all the secrets each character harbors. The story was compelling and I enjoyed the twists throughout. I look forward to what Katy Hays does next. Saltwater will be available to read on March 25, 2025.