I Cheerfully Refuse
by Leif Enger
Adventurous and emotional (12/6/2025)
Rainy was such a likable character that despite the darkness of the world around him, this was still an enjoyable read. I was happy to be part of his sea voyage, meet the various characters and his adventures. This was my second book by this author and I was surprised by how much I liked this since I had thought the previous one was just ok.
Wild Dark Shore: A Novel
by Charlotte McConaghy
Deeply moving (12/6/2025)
This author has consistently given me 5 reading experiences and this did not disappoint. I felt for all of the characters in this novel. The themes of isolation, climate change, grief, and forming connections worked well in this.
The Raven Scholar: Eternal Path Trilogy #1
by Antonia Hodgson
Highly entertaining (12/6/2025)
I thought this would be a fun blend of mystery and fantasy. But it turned out to be more than that. This was one of the fastest-paced fantasies I’ve read in a while. Neema, the main character, and her cohort are likable characters (except for the evil characters, of course) with an intriguing plot and world. It is also full of humor. I loved it and can’t wait for the next one.
The Bandit Queens: A Novel
by Parini Shroff
Entertaining (12/6/2025)
For a book that didn't grab me right away, I was surprised by how much I ended up liking it. First of all, this is not a book to take too seriously because it doesn't. Some important and relevant issues are covered in the novel but it's done in a way that makes you laugh while thinking about them. Geeta is a well-rounded, great character, who doesn't always make the right choices but you understand them. The side characters could have been better but most of them are at least entertaining. Another issue is how one-dimensional Geeta's husband is and the Bollywood-style shenanigans that occur, which were occasionally annoying. But I still ended up loving this overall.
Remarkably Bright Creatures: A Novel
by Shelby Van Pelt
Delightful (12/6/2025)
This was such a delightful book with mostly wonderful characters, Marcellus, the octopus, and Tova, the elderly sprightly woman. Cameron was occasionally annoying with him being a man-child. Even the side characters were all likable. I also liked how grief was an underlying theme throughout the whole book. It made it have more depth. My only complaint is that I wanted more of Marcellus!
The Frozen River: A Novel
by Ariel Lawhon
Strong character (12/6/2025)
This was an enjoyable historical fiction. The mystery part does not play a big part in the novel. It's more about the life of the midwife main character, Martha Ballard and how she handles the challenges that come her way. I liked how I came away with a better understanding of what happens when a crime occurs during that time and the limits white women faced.
Sister: A Novel
by Rosamund Lupton
a moving thriller (6/12/2011)
When I started this book, I wasn’t sure if I was going to like it. The book is written in the perspective of the main character talking directly to her missing sister and brings up a lot of anecdotes from the past while still in the present. I found it hard to keep track of what is happening. However, once I became accustomed to the unique narrative style, I was drawn into the story. I had to know what happened to the missing sister. They mystery was attention grabbing and was not easy to figure out. I found the main character to be deeply faceted. This book would appeal to readers who like mysteries and/or thrillers. I think the author did a fine job with her first novel. I could not give this the highest rating because I think her writing needed some polishing, especially in the beginning of the novel. But I would definitely read her next novel.
