In Her Defense: A Novel
by Philippa Malicka
The negative effects of hiding the truth (1/13/2026)
This is a unique psychological thriller - you grow to dislike every single character - but you can appreciate why they can’t be likable. I know that sounds strange but the themes in this book - belongingness, truthfulness and acceptance (both individually and socially) - help carry this off.
Anna Finbow, an artist influencer and popular British celebrity, is being sued for defamation by Jean Guest, an unlicensed therapist. Anna believes her daughter, Mary, has been brainwashed by Jean, hence the reason for publicly announcing her separation from them. Enter the narrator, Augusta “Gus” who tells the background story as well as updates us on the trial.
This is a plot-driven book. It flows back and forth in time as secrets are revealed and cruelty and selfishness abound as Gus waivers over the truth. She holds the case in her knowledge of the past but she is so torn in her loyalty and need to belong, it is difficult for her until she confronts the serpent in her world. By then it’s too late to rescue herself and the trial.
Thank you NetGalley and Scribner for allowing me to read this ARC.
Lost Lambs: A Novel
by Madeline Cash
A dysfunctional family to love (1/9/2026)
This was my January 2026 BOTM and it was a great choice. This is a story about joy, hope, coming together and that “the important realities are often the ones that are the hardest to talk about (page 298).
The Flynns are a modern family - dysfunctional, self-absorbed but really seeking connection within and without the family. In this book, though, the author has a rip roaring good time in telling the Flynns’s story playing word games, and making fun of details. For instance, the book starts with the local parish priest, Father Andrew, having a problem with gnats - and they infest every word that has “nat” in it!
The characters are fascinating. Each had a quirk that plays out in the story. Amelia, Louise and Harper are the three daughters of Bud and Catherine. The marriage is disintegrating and the girls are adrift. When Bud joins the Lost Lamb group, a self-help group sponsored by the church of Our Lady of Suffering, things start to change. There’s a mystery to the story that’s cleverly incorporated into the story and the ending is just the best.
This is a perfect read for those who like a bit of zany comedy telling a story that packs a message. Loved it.
#MadelineCash
#FarrarStrausandGiroux
Everything Lost Returns: A Novel
by Sarah Domet
A little magical realism mixed with historical fiction (1/4/2026)
As one review states about this book: “A heady concoction of spiritualism, chemistry, ambition and sex.” And that’s a very apt description for this weirdly strange, compellingly addictive, and oddly satisfying story about the spirit of women seeking the ability to be free to be themselves but understanding the need to connected to each other as well.
Set in alternating periods of 1910 and 1986 - the 75 years between the appearance of Hailey’s comet - the story follows Opal Doucet (1910) and Nona Dixon (1986). Both are part of the Earthstone Soap family as employees and friends to the owners. Both though are trapped by the circumstances of their connection to them as well as being women.
Opal comes with more baggage than Nona so she’s central to understanding the story’s plot line. Opal is a spiritualist but she also has great compassion for the women who work with her as their lives are burdened having to work and run a household. Without giving too much away, Opal helps these women and is then blamed for that. What transpires then is Nona’s investigation into Opal which ultimately reveals that women do have collective power and can determine their own fate.
This is a book for lovers of magical realism, feminist tropes and engagingly clever plots that make you think and feel deeply for the characters in the novel.
I want to thank BookBrowse and the publisher to giving me the book to review.
Women of a Promiscuous Nature
by Donna Everhart
Great historical fiction (1/4/2026)
I love historical fiction as l've written before. This genre opens the past more often than not of real events long forgotten. This is true in the case of this novel. The American Plan referenced in the Author's Note at the end was a heinous law (Chamberlain
-Kahn Act of 1918) to combat venereal disease. This act gave the government the power to "quarantine" any women "suspected" of having an STD. This law lasted until the 1950s.
Such was the case of Ruth Foster in the 1940s walking to work, unmarried, alone. She's taken by the police to be tested for an STD - never mind that's she hasn't had any sexual contact. The law says "suspected." Her test comes out positive and she's carted off to a home where she's incarcerated to learn how to be a better woman. The home is run by puritanical and nasty women who devise awful punishments for women who overstep the rules. Another person assigned to this home is 15-year old Stella Temple who's been raped by her father and is pregnant. Their stories are interwoven with the vile. superintendent of the home, Dorothy Baker. It's a mesmerizing read!
As I read I grew so angry at the lot of all these incarcerated women. They were abused and tortured for frivolous things. Some of the women tell stories of how they ended up in the home which curdle your insides. In our world today, while these homes aren't available, women's rights are contested daily which makes this story very relevant today.
This is a well written book. The ending is a bit of a surprise but it's one given the times make sense. I was just so relieved! This book grabs you, keeps your attention and doesn’t let you down on a compelling read.
I want to thank NetGalley and Keningston for allowing me access to this book.
Crucible
by John Sayles
Corporations versus the workers. (1/4/2026)
Spectacular historical fiction - again, as I have written before, giving us insight into something forgotten or lost in our history (which is why historical fiction is such an important genre). This book takes on the history of the Ford Motor Company between the 1920s-1940s. Henry Ford has launched a plan to create a rubber plantation in the Brazilian rainforest called Fordlandia, to grow his own rubber. This part of the story involves the local man, João, hired to run the plantation and the American man and Ford employee, Jim, who's sent to manage the clearing of the land. The undertaking is fraught with problems: blight on the trees, worker revolt and a romance between João's son, Flavio, and Jim's daughter, Kerry. While things happen in Brazil, things happen in Michigan where the multicultural workers in the First plants are upset over working conditions and call a wildcat strike. Both the American and Brazilian workers are being exploited (my word). These revolts test the powers that be. Subplots also abound: it's the Prohibition Era and Diego Rivera is making his brilliant murals in the Detroit Institute of Art.
This is an epic novel exploring the plight of workers, the dehumanizing of their work efforts - all in the name of capitalism and greed (which in today's context seems to be returning). The book is rich in story and history. It's difficult to look away when reading from what is happening in this book as the message is so striking and sad. The book also captures the period of American industrialization and offer a glimpse into why the wealth of the billionaires are built on the backs of the worker who get shafted all the time. Greed is America's great sin.
I want to thank NetGalley and Melville Publishing for granting me access to read this book.
Maya & Natasha: A Novel
by Elyse Durham
Beautifully told historical fiction (12/31/2025)
I was intrigued by the beautiful cover for this book and the topic of Russian ballet. While a bit slow in starting, the story of twin girls, Maya and Natasha, rescued by a friend of their mother, shortly after their birth and her death is compelling. Each girl is different and each girl has dreams and aspirations but a rivalry for a position at the Kirov Ballet leads to a tragic choice affecting each girl. As Maya and Natasha go their separate ways we experience the repressive life in Russia in the 1950s and 1960s and how that affects new choices the sisters face. Both are deeply affected by the Cuban Missile crisis and an unexpected outcome occurs that again shatters the sisters who appear to be reconciling. As their lives converge but separate, Maya feels she’s betrayed Olaf, a young man from her ballet school days who has emerged as a world-respected dancer and Natasha wants to see her sister again when given a chance by the government to go to America but her handlers thwart that. The ending is reaffirming though the breach in the sisters relationship is sad. The author’s note at the end gives interesting historical information about people and events in the book. I listened to this book; it was well narrated. And the story was so interesting.
Victorian Psycho: A Novel
by Virginia Feito
Weirdly odd but captivating (12/31/2025)
Weirdly horrifying but oddly comedic is this tale of a governess who definitely is nothing like any governess you’d find in a Dickens, Elliot or Austin book. Winifred Notty arrives at Grim Wold Manor to tutor the two children of the Pounds, Andrew and Drusilla. Miss Notty tells her charges to call her “Fred” for the demon who lives inside her - hint, hint! Told with in an almost whimsical manner (each chapter begins with a statement in the manner of many a 19th c novel), we follow Miss Notty’s thoughts and dreams as she starts acting out her bloody revenge (you have to read the book to find out what this is). If you like the strange and bizarre, this book is definitely a must read.
We Were Never Here: Reese's Book Club: A Novel
by Andrea Bartz
Can't put it down thriller (12/31/2025)
An intense atmosphere surrounds Emily and Kristen’s friendship. They are almost bonded at the hip before their adventures around the world and these tie the bonds even tighter especially after the last trip Chile leaves another man dead! The tension is taut as you read the book and an eerie feeling creeps in as Emily grapples with what happened in Cambodia and Chile. And then there Kristen sudden return to Milwaukee to be with Emily. Where is all this leading? Except for a few things about the ending, I could not put this book down. No spoilers here; you have to read the book to know know.
The Road to Tender Hearts: A Novel
by Annie Hartnett
Enjoyable read (12/31/2025)
What a sweet, tender book, if a bit edgy and dark at times, it is filled with humor and fun. PJ Halliday is a bit of a loser, an alcoholic he’s lost a daughter to a tragic accident, and a wife, Ivy, to divorce (though she remains the love of his life). After inheriting a niece, Luna, and nephew, Ollie, Pj, 30-days sober, takes them and his surviving daughter, Sophie and a cat, Pancakes, on a cross country journey to unite Luna with her biological father, and reconnect with his high school sweetheart, Michelle. Along the way they meet bite people, see some unique sights and experience family and love. As secrets unravel, PJ grows into the man he’s always wanted to be. This is an enchanting book because of PJ, a truly marvelous character.
The Amalfi Curse
by Sarah Penner
Mystery lurks around the Amalfi Coast (12/31/2025)
A bewitching and captivating story of what really matters in life. Set in the beautiful Amalfi Coast, Penner creates a story that alternates between 1821 and present time. Positano, one of the Amado Coast cities, never has pirate ships come to its shores. A strong coven of witches (strenga),led by Mari, prevent the waters from allowing them in. Two nefarious brothers are bound to find these women and stop them and break “the curse.” In present time Haven has been given charge of an archaeological dive, Project Relic, to explores wrecks in the area, only to have it taken away when it appears the waters may be affected by volcanic activity. These two stories collide as we find out what happened to a ship whose wreckage is found by Haven that goes back to 1821. No spoilers here; you must read the story to find out more. Suffice it to say, these stories review that treasure is less that matters then relations.
The Hollow Half: A Memoir of Bodies and Borders
by Sarah Aziza
A poignant memoir (12/31/2025)
I had the pleasure of meeting the author recently when she was moderating a discussion for another’s author’s book. I was struck then by her uncommon serenity and insightful observations about the other author’s book. So it was no surprise that her book reflects this. It is insightful in her exploration of her Palestinian roots as well as she tackled her own “war” and displacement with eating. Yet it is so raw by so rich in laying bare who she is, who she discovered she was and how it is important to know where you come from. For those who do not like nonlinear books, the book’s structure may be off putting, but in putting together her story this way, I think the author was trying to show she came to more awareness - which is never often a linear process. Finally, this book is beautifully written. I enjoyed how she tried to explain Arabic words and how language influences so much; it was this in particular that I thought brought serenity to the book. Also I learned so much about Palestine since the British gave away these people land. I appreciated this book.
Fair Play: A Novel
by Louise Hegarty
A homage to the detective novel (12/31/2025)
This is a homage to the detective story, particularly those of the 1920s. A group of friends meet at a house to celebrate one of their birthdays and complete the annual “who dunnit” charade. The next morning one of them is dead. At this point the book takes a different slant to give the reader the outline of what detective stories of the 20s should/should not do and the “game is afoot” as we are introduced to a fictitious detective on the order of Hercule Poirot. While working on solving a mystery, the book also explores grief. Who is the culprit? You have to read the book to find out. I listened to this book and enjoyed it immensely.
Eat the Ones You Love
by Sarah Maria Griffin
Little Shop of Horrors (12/31/2025)
Continuing with my horror reads, this book is “Little Shop of Horrors” meets Dracula. This is a horticultural horror book but with an underlying theme of what happens when you stay in an abusive relationship. Shell, coming off numerous setbacks finds herself back st her family home at age 33. She’s debated and demoralized but when she sees a sign that says “HELP NEEDED,” she goes in and gets the job. What she doesn’t know is that an evil orchard, Baby, has ensnared the shop’s owner and is slowly invading her physically and emotionally. I will stop at this point because to have to read the book in order to know what happens. Baby is pure evil and his creepy, destructive ways are those of an abuser. This is not a book for everyone but I did enjoy its complexity.
Big Chief
by Jon Hickey
Okay read (12/31/2025)
Greatly anticipated reading this book but found it rather disappointing. The theme of politics on a Native American reservation was intriguing and that held me during the read. The corruption and dictatorial governing helped the story along and that kept me reading. But the side story of Mitch and Layla was off putting and I don’t think added much to the story or Mitch’s character development- and he wasn’t a very likable character in the beginning. The book had some good moments like Mitch being sent to his supposed death in the winter only to survive. It was an okay read for me.
The Bookbinder's Secret: A Novel
by A. D. Bell
Delightful historical mystery (12/28/2025)
A delightful mystery that keeps you riveted! Lilian "Lily" Delaney is an apprentice binder and n Oxford. It's 1910. Lily is quite talented and she is requested by a customer to do a binding for a business ok that belongs to his wife. While there she obtains a book that has been partially burnt. When the binding comes off, Lily finds pages detailing a story of girl being forced into a marriage.... And we are off into a journey to find out more about the people written on these pages. The book twists and turns and Lily meets interesting people along the way. While there are things that can be easily figured out, these do not detract from this well written book. I'd like to thank NetGalley and the publishers for allowing me to read this ARC.
When Trees Testify: Science, Wisdom, History, and America's Black Botanical Legacy
by Beronda L. Montgomery
A delight excursion into black history (12/28/2025)
An absolutely delightful and important book! I really didn't know how trees were important in black history, so this is what drew me initially to this book. And, having read Finding The Mother Tree by Suzanne Simand, I'm hooked on books about trees.
The author takes us on an historical journey - and in part memoir - about how trees impacted blacks or how blacks contributed to American agriculture with the knowledge they brought over to this native country as slaves (and important piece of history that has been erased or forgotten and needs to be brought to the light). And then as she highlights each tree's significance, we are called to see the beauty of the tree as well as at times its tragic relationship to black history, such as the willow or the sycamore tree.
I really enjoyed the history in this book. The author highlights a tree in each chapter and points out important facts about it in history - whether they are associated with black history or not, these should not be forgotten. In particular I enjoyed the Willow chapter and its discussion of the Elaine Massacre.
One of my favorite books is On the Laps of Gods by Robert Whitaker which is about this event - and when the case came before the Supreme Court (lead by Scipio Africanus Jones), it set legal precedents for the civil rights movement. I also enjoyed learning about all the oak trees associated with significant black events. Blacks may not have erected vile civil war statutes whites seem to need to do, they did whites one better: their monuments are living in nature. I especially was stirred by the sycamore chapter and its reference to it being a tree associated with lynchings. To violate a living and beautiful piece of nature this way is a sad statement on man.
In our days of craziness over "woke," this book points out why "woke" is important: you may think you can erase history but you can't. Thank you, Brenda! Truth will always prevail. This is a must read!
I'd like to thank NetGalley and Henry Holt & Company for allowing me to read this exceptional book.
The Poet Empress
by Shen Tao
Fantasy at its best (12/28/2025)
I listened to this captivating fantasy (granted through NetGalley and publisher, Macmillan Audio). It is a splendid debut novel of intrigue, suspense, revenge and hope.
Wei Yin, a peasant girl, seeks to become a concubine to a prince of the Azalea House, to bring prosperity and hope to be beleaguered family and community. While the odds are against her, she is chosen by the cruel prince, Guen Terren, who is at war with his older brother, Maro.
The magic of this world lies in the poetry of its princes. Terren, the second oldest, is named heir because his poetry. Wei Yin as a woman and peasant cannot read so once in the duplicitous world of the Azalea Court she seeks someone to teach knowing if found out she could lose her life. She does this so she can compose a poem of love to save herself and her country. But this can be no ordinary poem either - it must come from the heart challenging Wei in ways she's never known. The book's themes of feminism, courage, and the power of words are beautifully expressed in the atmosphere of an atmosphere of dark political intrigue.
I enjoyed this epic fantasy excellently narrated. Highly recommend.
Discipline: A Novel
by Larissa Pham
Tender coming-of-age story (12/28/2025)
What a passionate, enchanting, and tender coming-of-age novel. Frankly I didn't know what to expect when I was approved to read this ARC (thank you NetGalley and Random House) and even the beginning threw me off, but once Cynthia's voice reached out to me, I was hooked. This is my first book by this author, though she has published a nonfiction book (essays). Pham tells a story with such honesty and clarity.
Cynthia, a young writer, is on a book tour for her novel which is appears to be autofiction of her affair with her graduate art mentor. Cynthia chronicles her tour stops and her experiences filled with exceptional observations of places, things, art and observations of people she sees or meets. In doing this we enter into Cynthia's inner turmoil, wrestling with her earlier decisions particularly the one that took her from painting to writing. In a moment of insight, she goes to Maine to confront her former mentor whom she now calls the "old painter." While the ending may be a bit expected, it still wrenches the heart.
This short novel is beautifully written. While I usually don't like reading long paragraphs, somehow there was a fluidity and pacing to the works that I didn't notice length. I loved the art description and how each piece aligned with Cynthia. And the poetic introductions to each character was so clever.
Highly recommend.
Butterfly Games: A Novel
by Kelly Scarborough
Lovely historical fiction (12/28/2025)
A lovely piece of historical fiction based on true events set in post-Napoleonic Sweden. The setting itself is unusual which is what intrigued me as someone who had enjoyed Desireé by Annemarie Selinko (and has seen the 1956 movie of the same name). Jaquette Glydenstolpe, a real person, falls in love Prince Oscar (Desireés son), a forbidden love.
Times are chaotic as Prince Charles Jean has been placed on the Swedish throne by Napoleon. There are factions (the Gustavians who favor the deposed Crown Prince and those favoring the French usurpers) which adds tension to the novel. As Jaquette's and Oscar's love becomes complicated and the tensions between the factions erupts into conflict, events overtake the two. No spoilers here; you must read the book. This was a fascinating book.
I'd like to thank NetGalley and the publishers for allowing me to read this ARC.
This Is Where the Serpent Lives
by Daniyal Mueenuddin
Caste never changes (12/28/2025)
This is simply brilliant! I don't know what I expected when I read this but as the story went on, I was so locked into the characters it was difficult to put the book down. And, the writing is beautiful and stirring. First, the pacing and structure of this book is excellent. I particularly liked how the author told the interconnected stories of two different set of castes - the servant and the master. Starting with ambitious Yazid and ending with Saqib, the gardener's son turned outlaw and the with the obnoxious Atar family in between. Like bookends, this story is written to show how the caste system in feudal contemporary Pakistan works - the have-nots always being crushed by the haves. But this happens on all countries making this a universal story.
The tile's clever reference to "serpent" plays out as the author shows that there is always someone bringing spite into one's life. In particular the upper caste's disdain for their servants (never paying them well) but their expectations of loyalty is so distorted: the servant is there for one purpose only and the servant must never forget that. So the serpent must be wary. The ending to the book is stunning. As always the upper caste can be disdainful of their decisions but the lower caste must never forget their place.
I really enjoyed this novel. My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, Knopf, for allowing me to read this ARC.
Highly recommend.
Power Reviewer
