WILD DARK SHORE by Charlotte McConaghy

Read by: Cooper Mortlock; Katherine Littrell; Saskia Maarleveld; Steve West

All of the readers did a great job of narrating this book. Saskia Maarleveld is a favorite narrator of mine.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the Advanced Audiobook

An eco-fiction thriller with the theme of the world in crisis because of climate change, but told without preaching. Set on the remote island of, Shearwater, between Australia and Antarctica—is a research station where scientists have been studying environmental change. The island is receding and will soon disappear. Researchers have left and Dominic, the island’s caretaker and his three kids will be picked up on a second ship. A woman, Rowan, washes ashore unconscious. Why is this woman anywhere near Shearwater, Dominic is wondering and why is the family here alone, Rowan is wondering, after she has come around. Suspicions grow, dark secrets come to light, and the impossible choices we make to protect those we love, are all in this adventurous dark medium-paced read.

I enjoy Charlotte McConaghy’s beautifully written works and her story telling of the challenges of protecting the environment. I liked her previous books, Migrations, and Once There Were Wolves.

PENITENCE by Kristen Koval

Therese Plummer does a fine reading of this suspenseful story. This is Kristen Koval’s debut and I thought it was well written and I’m excited to see what she does next.

Opening family wounds and bringing dark truths to light with the guilt we live with.

Lives are shattered when Angie and David discovery a shocking murder in their home. Turning to a mom of a former boyfriend of Angie’s, for legal counsel, both Angie and David are confronted by impossible decisions. Digging into the intricacies of forgiveness and human frailty. The journey of finding forgiveness, compassion, and mistakes is not always a clear path.

The Edge of Water by Olufunke Grace Bankole

Nicole Cash does a wonderful job of capturing the essence of this debut book with her reading of this epic tale following the lives of three generations of daring women.

is told in alternating chapters by Esther, a strong-willed Yoruban matriarch and her daughter, Amina. In letters to her daughter, Esther narrates her life growing up in Ibadan, Nigeria. Some chapters are voiced by an Iyanifa, a title for a priestess in the Yoruba tradition. Amina arrives in New Orleans after dreaming of a better life and opportunities hoped for in America. After becoming a single parent to her daughter, Laila, and finally starting to find her way, a hurricane is threatening to destroy the city. Years later Laila is wanting to know more about her mother and her distant relatives of Nigeria.

This book is filled with folklore, Yoruba Christianity, traditional religion, mother/daughter relationships, betrayals, love, and heartbreak. I thought this was a very good debut and I liked the development of the characters and her writing style. I look forward to future books by Olufunke Grace Bankole.

Thanks to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the audiobook

Paul Brightman is a man on the run, living under an assumed name in a small New England town with a bounty on his head. His security is breached and he must flee before Russian operatives locate him.

Alternating between two timelines — the present as Paul is struggling to stay alive and the recent past with the telling of how Paul got himself into this precarious situation in the first place. His survival is questioning everything and trusting no one, in this fast paced thriller.

Joseph Finder’s prose gives just enough detail to keep the reader interested without going overboard. I enjoyed The Oligarch’s Daughter.

Thank you to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster for the ARC read now ebook.

This is the author’s US debut and you will fall head over heels with this unputdownable read. A sweeping story set primarily in the 1960’s but toggles back in the past too, with so many layers it is hard to describe. It is a coming-of-age story, a love story, a family drama story, and a bit of a thriller. So many secrets are revealed in this passionate love triangle of Beth, her loving husband, Frank, and Gabriel Wolfe, Beth’s young love. Beth must make a choice — between the woman she once wanted to be, and the woman she has become. There are twists I didn’t see coming in this compelling read and a big satisfied sigh upon the end.

I enjoyed the simplicity of her writing style and the character development. I am not a fan of romance novels, but this is so much more than that. I am looking forward to what this author will write next. This will be out March 4, 2025.

Narrated by: Stina Nielsen and Saskia Maarleveld both do a wonderful reading of this beautifully illustrated debut.

A historical fiction debut about obsession and loss…

Set in the eastern
Netherlands 1960s post-war; following Isabel, an awkward and closed off 28-year-old woman living in her deceased mother’s home. Isabel’s brother brings his girlfriend, Eva, to stay with Isabel while he’s away. Isabel becomes obsessed with this forward young woman and struggles to accept her friendship.

There are romantic and erotic components in this poetic love story, (long descriptions of sensual encounters, that may offend some) with a central theme of home throughout. Touching upon relationships, unspoken truths, xenophobic and antisemitic tendencies, and misogyny.

I enjoyed her writing and found the story very compelling. Most significant is the character development of Isabel over the course of the novel. I was surprised of learning the things the Dutch government did post-war. I am looking forward to reading more from this talented author.

Lula Dean's Little Library of Banned Books by Kristen Miller

Narrated by: January LaVoy

This is all about the power of books ——

January does a wonderful reading of this provocative satirical read set in Troy, Georgia, a small southern town, in the spring and summer of 2024. The town is in an uproar over banned books and “Lula’s Little Library” changes everything. Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books falls under the categories of censorship, politics, and satire fiction. It’s hysterical at times even though it deals with some heavy topics. The way the author delivered this was very clever. Some may think it’s too political, but it really doesn’t delve into the topics in detail. Themes of, the power of books, protecting southern small-town secrets, and information wars, are in the book. There are lessons for all in this read. A light read, with heavy topics…an oxymoron, but true. May ruffle a few feathers, especially for the more conservative. For me it’s more of a mature YA/Adult book because of the writing style. I will take a look at her other book, The Change, and I look forward to what she writes next.

Another reader, mentioned this and I believe she’s right: Interesting how the author chose the name Troy, for the town. Not sure if she chose the name “Troy” to be ironic or not. Think “Trojan Horse”. It’s a brilliant name for the town in this book.

Quote: …. “Betsy knew that a book hadn’t turned their son gay any more than the romance novels she’d once loved had made her a harlot”.

The novel includes discussions of violence, suicide, sexual assault, enslavement, physical and emotional abuse, antisemitism, anti-LGBTQ bias, and murder.

The Queens of Crime by Marie Benedict

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC eGalley — pub. date February 11, 2025

A historical fiction book that is well written and researched of a group of strong women, by Marie Benedict. Five great women crime authors come together to form a secret society to show their male counterparts of the legendary Detection Club that they will not be treated as second class citizens. Writer, Dorothy L. Sayers is the leader of this club with writers, Agatha Christie, Ngaio Marsh, Margery Allingham, and Baroness Emma Orczy. They call themselves the Queens of Crime. They decide to solve a murder of a young woman that was strangled in France and bring the culprit or culprits to justice.

I had never heard of this Detection Club, formed by a group of British mystery writers in 1930. This club still exists today. I thought the author skillfully wove the personalities and working relationships the crime writers had into this story. I appreciate how Marie Benedict writes about strong women and matters concerning them; usually something I’m not familiar with. I did think this was unlike some of her other books I’ve read. Written more like a cozy mystery read. A perfect read for a February 11th pub date, with a cup of tea and snuggled up in a blanket by the fire.

Isola by Allegra Goodman

4.5 stars
Inspired by the real life of a sixteenth-century heroine, Isola is the timeless story of a woman fighting for survival. French noblewoman, Marguerite de la Rocque de Roberval, who lives to tell the tale of her exile on an island off the coast of New France. She was orphaned by age three, and Marguerite and her nurse, Damienne, are placed in the care of Marguerite’s deceitful cousin. He also squanders Marguerite’s inheritance to pay his debts and fund his naval expeditions. She is to accompany her guardian on an expedition to New France. While on the ship, Marguerite befriends her guardian’s servant and the two form a loving relationship. When discovered they along with Marguerite’s servant, Damienne, are punished by being banished to an isolated island of no inhabitants. Once a child of privilege now finds herself at the mercy of nature. Marguerite is a survivor too. She must learn to climb and hunt and wrestle with despair.

I was so excited that I was able to read an ARC of this. Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for this beautifully written story of this courageous woman whose story is now being told. It is a page turner and you will find yourself rooting for Marguerite and also grieving with her on this incredible journey of her life. This is my first time reading anything by Allegra Goodman and I will be following what this talented author does next. I will check out her previous book, Sam.

The Jackal's Mistress by Chris Bohjalian

Thank you to BookBrowse and NetGalley along with the publisher, Doubleday Books for the ARC to read.

This historical fiction read is inspired by a true story and set in Virginia near the end of the Civil War.

4.5 stars
We are introduced to Libby Steadman who is struggling to keep the farm and gristmill running, while her husband, Peter, is fighting for the Confederacy. She has the help of a formerly enslaved married couple, Joseph and Sally, along with her saucy and precocious niece, Jubilee.

Upon finding a severely injured Union officer, Jonathon Weybridge, Libby has impossible choices to make; does she leave him to die, or try to nurse him back to health and try to negotiate a trade for her husband? How can she hide him so no one knows? The characters are memorable and brought to life by Chris Bohjalian’s writing.

I was fully invested in this compelling story right from the start. Chris Bohjalian is a great storyteller and this was such an enjoyable read. Make sure to read the author’s note at the end. I always look forward to what Chris Bohjalian does next.

FROM HERE TO THE GREAT UNKNOWN by Lisa Marie Presley and Riley Keough

A raw and immersive look into the lives and complexities of this iconic family.

This book offers us a glimpse into the private world of Lisa Marie, who lived in the shadow of greatness. Though it is captivating, it is also heartbreaking. Told with memories of joy, pain, and resilience we see Lisa Marie’s life from happy little “daddy’s girl” to a broken woman whose heart could not take anymore pain. She had a complex life with fame from the beginning. We see bits of what her marriages were like, including her marriage to Michael Jackson, along with her battles with addiction like her father, Elvis, and her legacy of love and resilience. She held a special bond with her children, which is shown throughout the memoir. Riley Keough, seems to have been the thread holding this family together, as well as, her father, Danny Keough.

This is a fast-paced read and I enjoyed the glimpse into this famous family. You will smile, laugh, cry and shake your head in disbelief in parts of it. A special mother, daughter bond that is profoundly moving.

After the Ocean by Lauren E. Rico

Thank you to NetGalley and RBmedia for the audiobook of After the Ocean

Narrated by Victoria Villareal, Robb Moreira, Frankie Corzo who did a fine job of making this book so enjoyable and come to life. I paired this with the book.

A compelling multi-layered read that brings Emily Oliver’s past reeling back after answering a phone call claiming—-Paul may be alive. Thirty years ago Emily Oliver was, Emilia Oliveras, and a newlywed on a honeymoon cruise, when her husband Paul disappeared. Emily now has two grown daughters and her second marriage has failed due to the secrets of her past. Emily decides to go to Puerto Rico to find answers she has always needed. Her daughters, unbeknownst to Emily, have also traveled to Puerto Rico. Shocked to find their mother isn’t the woman they thought she was and how much of their lives have been a lie.

This is my first read from this author and I look forward to reading more from her. I thought the writing was good and I was engaged in the story from the beginning. Touching upon love, relationships, heartbreak, family drama, mysteries, secrets, and redemption.

COUNT THE WAYS by Joyce Maynard

I paired the book with the audiobook. The narration was very enjoyable and read by the author herself.

Set in the 1970s and 1980s, this story goes back and forth between past and present.
“Count the Ways” is the story of Eleanor, a children’s book writer, mother of three, and ex-wife of Cam. The novel opens with Eleanor’s return to the farm, in New Hampshire, where she once lived as mother and wife, before life tore the family apart.

The wedding of Al, Eleanor’s firstborn, who is a transgender man is why Eleanor has returned. Why has Eleanore left the place she loved and what tore the family apart? Life was good until it wasn’t. The family is rich in nuances and complexities. Moving through several decades this explores themes of mistakes made that fester, sorrow, divorce, reconciliation, forgiveness , friendship, family and home.

I enjoyed reading/listening to this story. The timeframe of this novel was relatable as a young mom myself in the 80s. The music references, as well as, the tragedies that happened during this time, brought back memories.

Capturing the intricacies of human emotions and relationships in this quirky family. I think it was a tad too long and could have been edited. I was surprised that this was a first read of Joyce Maynard for me. I do look forward to reading more by her.

THE BLUE HOUR by Paula Hawkins

The Blue Hour is a slow-burn psychological thriller and a different read from her other books. I thought this was well written and enjoyed reading it. A discovery is made in the sculpture of a well known artist that starts this story off. Setting is on an isolated Scottish island where there is only access to it every twelve hours.

The novel’s setting is a character unto itself. We meet Grace who lives in isolation in the house on the island where the artist, Vanessa Chapman, once lived. Paula Hawkins captured the feeling of this isolated island with her depictions of the environment, sea, and woods of this eerie landscape. Becker, who works in the art world and did his thesis on Vanessa Chapman will travel to the island and meet with Grace to collect art pieces for an exhibition. Secrets are abound and clues are slowly revealed in this intriguing read.

The title refers to a time at dusk before the stars come out when the color leaches from the day but it’s not yet full dark. Themes of love, friendship, obsession, and insecurities. I always look forward to what Paula Hawkins does next.

BEFORE THE MANGO RIPENS by Afabwaje Kurian

Thanks to NetGalley and RBmedia for the audiobook

Dele Ogundiran does a great reading of this novel. I also paired with the book.

Set in Nigeria in 1970s just after the nation’s independence, Afabwaje Kurian has written a debut novel with flawed characters on all sides trying to find their place and identity in a new post colonial nation. Explores themes of — faith, racial and cultural tensions, authority and power, disillusionment, hope, and the search for belonging. Secrets start to be unveiled as this story unfolds and people start pushing back against colonialism.

A beautifully written debut novel and immersive read that I thoroughly enjoyed. I was surprised this was a debut as it was so well written and I am excited to see what this author does next.

Thank you to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Dutton for the ARC ebook to read.

From New York City to Cairo and back, anthropology student Charlotte Cross is offered a coveted spot on a dig in Egypt’s Valley of the Kings, in 1936 and jumps at the opportunity. A heartbreaking tragedy strikes and Charlotte knows her life will never be the same.

This story is set in 1978 NewYork City, with flashbacks to 1936 Egypt. In 1978, Charlotte is associate curator at the Met’s Department of Egyptian Art. The upcoming “party of the year” is coming to the met. The night of the gala an unexpected event happens when an artifact goes missing. Together, Charlotte and Annie, the assistant to organizer of the Met Gala, team up to search for this missing antiquity. Charlotte will have to confront demons of her past as they travel to Egypt, where Charlotte swore she would never return.

I’ve read other books by, Fiona Davis, and this too is set in New York. I do like reading about anthropology and archaeological digs and found that portion of book to really grab my attention. All in all this is a good read and I do recommend it, however, I have enjoyed some of her other books more.

I paired the book with the audiobook read by Sarah Borges who does a nice reading of this novel.

Looking for Jane is a historical fiction novel, following three main characters living in Toronto from the 1960s to 2010s. All three are deeply impacted by the struggle for reproductive rights in Canada. Their lives become intertwined with a secret network of volunteers and health care providers known as, Janes, who risk arrest and other dangers to provide illegal abortion services. Exploring reproductive rights, choices, motherhood, and justice under unjust systems.

I enjoyed reading and listening to this novel and I’m surprised it’s a debut. I found it to be a well written novel with relatable characters. A powerful reminder of why it’s important for women to fight for their rights. Abortion has been legal in Canada since 1988. “What we have to remember is that before it was legalized many, many women died seeking abortions, and many, many fought – at great personal risk – to make abortion legal.”

I will be eagerly awaiting Heather Marshall’s next book.

Narration by, Karissa Vacker, Theo Stockman, and Maggi-Megan Reed, was very well done and enjoyed listening to all of them.

A PULITZER PRIZE WINNER 2024 — Night Watch is a historical fiction novel that follows ConaLee, a young girl in post-Civil War West Virginia, as she and her mother, Eliza, struggle to survive in the immediate aftermath of the conflict. ConaLee struggles to raise her mother’s children, protect herself and her mother, and find her father in the decade after the Civil War.

A war veteran has forced himself into ConaLee’s and her mother’s world. The novel is split into parts that take place in 1864, 1874, and 1883, following Eliza and ConaLee’s life in the Appalachian Mountains and the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum. They become swept up in the life of the facility — the man called the Night Watch; the orphan child, called Weed; the fearsome woman who runs the kitchen; the doctor who runs the facility. This explores themes of, trauma with its long term effects, the importance of family, and the impacts of war.

I enjoyed her writing and the entire story of ConaLee and her mother, Eliza. This is my first read by, Jayne Anne Phillips and look forward to reading more by her.

Reading by Jessica Regan was very well done. I paired this with the book.

This is a perfectly crafted literary fiction debut novel that is set in County Donegal in 1994, just before the critical referendum that would finally legalize divorce in Ireland. (Note that this referendum only passed by less than one percentage point.) The Coast Road focuses on three women trapped by marriage.

The Coast Road, tells a story about the limits placed on women’s lives in Ireland only a short time ago and the aftermath women have suffered while trying to gain independence. An Ireland where what people think of you is more important than your happiness and dignity. This has a strong cast of female characters.

I enjoyed everything about this book: the writing, the story, and the characters. I’m excited to see what this accomplished author does next. This is my last read of 2024 and I love it when I end the year on a really good book.

Narration by Saskia Maarleveld is always spot on. Her ability with accents and dialects is amazingly done to perfection. A favorite narrator of mine.

“It’s seen three wars, ten presidents, and countless tenants… but until tonight, never a murder. Now its walls smell of turkey, pumpkin pie, and blood, and the house is shocked down to its foundations.”

An eclectic group of women living at a boardinghouse, called Briarwood House, in Washington, D.C., set in the McCarthy era. The prologue is written from the POV of the house. Each chapter follows a different character, resulting in nine narrative voices giving us insight into what makes each of them tick. Grace, a tenant of the boardinghouse, holds a weekly impromptu dinner party in her attic-room for the other tenants, thus forming the Briar Club. Prior to this, the tenants have kept to themselves and now a diverse group of people have come together. They all have their fair share of secrets, some more terrible than others. When an act of violence tears apart the house, the women must decide once and for all: Who is the enemy in their midst?

“Quinn’s novels feature strong female protagonists who must navigate the constraints of their male-dominated cultures to assert their right to self-determination.” I thoroughly enjoy reading Quinn’s books and her writing style. The Briar Club is no exception. I liked the concept of the house becoming something of a character in its own right and having a voice in this story. I found each of the characters stories compelling and wanting to know all about them. I liked that she incorporated recipes at beginning of each chapter. She is a favorite author of mine and I always look forward to her next book.

Themes of McCarthyism, struggles of freedom, friendship, finding support and overcoming differences, misogyny, progression of insularity to community, abuse, systemic racism, and reproductive rights.