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.
Daughter of Egypt: A Novel
by Marie Benedict
Reclaiming a Place in History (2/24/2026)
DAUGHTER OF EGYPT
By Marie Benedict
Narrated by Bessie Carter and Suehyla El-Attar
A powerful historical novel about strength, ambition, and women reclaiming their place in history.
I always appreciate how Marie Benedict shines a light on remarkable women overlooked by history, and Daughter of Egypt is no exception. The book follows two compelling figures: Hatshepsut, the powerful female Pharaoh of ancient Egypt, and Lady Evelyn Herbert, the determined daughter of Lord Carnarvon who witnessed the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb.
The dual timelines kept me fully engaged as Benedict seamlessly connects past and present. I was especially drawn to Eve’s growing fascination with Hatshepsut and the mystery surrounding her erasure from history. I loved how the archaeological discoveries were woven together with Eve’s personal drive, giving the story real depth. The tone balances historical detail with character-driven moments, keeping me invested the whole way.
I’ve always been fascinated with archaeology, so I was excited to read Benedict’s book. Her thorough research is evident throughout, and she blends fact with fiction in a way that gives emotional depth and dimension to women whose stories history only partially preserved. At the same time, it highlights how culture, politics, and expectations shaped their lives across the centuries.
I especially appreciated the strong, distinct voices of both women—Eve navigating the tension between tradition and modernity, and Hatshepsut embodying political power and female authority in a male-dominated world.
I alternated between the audiobook and the ebook, which made the story feel even more immersive. Both narrators enhanced the story beautifully, bringing nuance and personality to their respective timelines.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the eARC, and Macmillan Audio for the ALC.
Whidbey: A Novel
by T Kira Madden
A Powerful Debut (2/23/2026)
A dark, immersive portrait of pain and its ripple effects.
Whidbey is a complex, emotionally raw debut exploring character, trauma, and moral ambiguity. The story begins with a hit-and-run that kills Calvin, a convicted abuser, and unfolds through the perspectives of three women: Calvin’s mother, Birdie, and Linzie—both survivors of abuse. The shifting viewpoints reveal how each woman processes her connection to Calvin and to one another, creating a layered, morally intricate narrative.
The prose, especially the lack of quotation marks, takes some adjustment but ultimately, I felt it created a fluid, immersive experience, drawing the reader close to each narrator’s consciousness.
Madden’s writing is lyrical and psychologically rich, weaving multiple perspectives to explore trauma, memory, and accountability. Mood and inner experience drive the tension, making this a quietly powerful and haunting read.
May be triggering to some; please read all content warnings. It is a heavy, intense exploration of suffering and how trauma is shared, observed, and shaped into stories for others. As the author notes, “I have tried to write these scenes with utmost care, and in steadfast solidarity with any person impacted by CSA.”
A powerful debut by T. Kira Madden and I’m excited to see what she brings next.
Thank you to NetGalley and Mariner Books for the eARC.
Fatherland: A Novel
by Victoria Shorr
When a Father Leaves, What Remains (2/9/2026)
Set in the Midwest, this coming-of-age story follows Josie, her two brothers, and their mother as they try to build a life in the absence of their father, who left when they were very young. Lora struggles to keep her dignity and raise her children without their father's presence or any financial support from him.
The novel gives us deep access to the inner lives of Lora and Josie, providing the emotional depth needed to understand how each experiences the loss of a husband and a father. We also hear from Martin, the absent father, as he reckons with his choices—though I never felt his actions were justified. He comes across as a feckless husband and father. I especially appreciated how the author relies not on plot twists, but on quiet, well-chosen details to tell the story.
I appreciated how this story moves at a slow, deliberate pace, allowing the reader to sit with the characters' emotions and see how abandonment shapes them over time. Josie is the emotional heart of this quietly powerful and layered novel, which explores the long-lasting impact of deception on a family.
Shorr's writing style is realistic and restrained, making the family's pain and resilience feel believable and deeply human.
I also thought the cover art captured the story perfectly—it reflects the uncertainty of memory, the fading image of a father, and the hollow space left by his absence.
Thank you to BookBrowse for the ARC.
So Far Gone: A Novel
by Jess Walter
Is Redemption Possible? (2/7/2026)
SO FAR GONE
By Jess Walter
Narrated by Edoardo Ballerini
So Far Gone is about Rhys Kinnick, a former journalist who has cut himself off from the world. When trouble involving his family draws him back in, he has to face the messiness of society and his own past. The novel explores isolation, responsibility, and what it means to rejoin a world you’ve given up on.
The writing is straightforward and easy to read. The tone is reflective and slightly cynical, but softened by moments of humor and empathy. The characters are realistic and flawed, shaped by disappointment, anger, and hope. They feel like ordinary people trying to figure things out in a complicated world, which makes their choices and struggles believable.
Edoardo Ballerini is always spot on, and his performance is excellent in this story. I combined the audiobook with the ebook.
A Good Animal: A Novel
by Sara Maurer
A Coming-Of-Age Debut (2/6/2026)
A GOOD ANIMAL
By Sara Maurer
As someone from Michigan who has visited the Upper Peninsula many times, I thought I had a pretty good sense of life there—but I never once considered sheep farming. The UP is a place where life moves at a slower pace, where time seems to stand still. I certainly didn’t expect to be so drawn into a novel about raising and breeding sheep, yet A Good Animal surprised me.
This coming-of-age debut is set in 1995 on a rural sheep farm outside Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. The story follows Everett, a seventeen-year-old boy whose dreams are rooted in the land he knows—wanting to raise and breed sheep and someday have a family of his own. When Mary, a teenage girl unaccustomed to small rural towns, moves to the area with her father, Everett is immediately smitten. But while Everett’s dreams are quiet and grounded, Mary imagines a much bigger life beyond the boundaries of the UP. One impulsive decision changes the course of both of their lives.
I thoroughly enjoyed this tender coming-of-age story, and Everett quickly held a special place in my heart. A Good Animal is ultimately a story about first love, longing, and the bittersweet process of growing up. The characters felt real and meaningful. I could see this book appealing to mature YA readers as well. I’m partial to debut novels, and this one did not disappoint. I look forward to what Sara Maurer does next.
The writing style is quiet and reflective, capturing the slow pace of life in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Maurer’s prose is subtle and atmospheric, focusing on small moments that carry emotional weight. The tone is tender and restrained, making the story of first love and growing up feel intimate and authentic.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the eARC.
Kin: A Novel
by Tayari Jones
An Unforgettable Story (2/6/2026)
KIN
by Tayari Jones
An unforgettable story of resilience and found family that lingers long after the final page.
A powerful work of historical fiction set in the 1950s and ’60s South, Kin unfolds against the backdrop of the social change leading up to the Civil Rights Movement. We meet Vernice and Annie, whose special bond begins in the cradle and carries through their lives. Both women long for the kind of motherly love they have never truly known.
As they grow into young women and head in different directions, living vastly different lives, I became fully invested in their story. Their paths diverge, their lifestyles contrast sharply, yet they never lose sight of the deep love they share for one another. A devastating situation ultimately brings them back together in a way that is both beautiful and shocking.
The dual POV structure works exceptionally well here, allowing the reader to fully understand each woman’s inner world. The epistolary elements—letters sprinkled throughout the novel—create an even deeper sense of intimacy and connection with the characters. I was especially drawn to Annie’s journey, which pulls her into a world filled with danger and adversity, brimming with life and adventure, and ultimately becomes a fight for survival.
Jones’s writing is haunting and intimate—clear, reflective, and marked by emotional restraint and intellectual clarity. The feeling of being unlovable lingers throughout the novel and is carried by many of its characters, making their struggles feel deeply human and achingly real.
If you enjoy books about found family, complex relationships, messy family dynamics, tragedy, and resilience, this is a must-read. Tayari Jones has crafted a brilliant, soul-stirring story that will stay with you long after the final page. This was my first time reading her work, and it certainly won’t be my last.
What does it mean to be family? How does abandonment shape who we become? Can love—especially maternal love—be replaced, reimagined, or reclaimed?
Thank you to NetGalley and Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor | Knopf for the eARC.
Life, and Death, and Giants: A Novel
by Ron Rindo
The Weight of Life (1/12/2026)
LIFE, & DEATH, & GIANTS
By Ron Rindo
Narrated by Christina Moore, Johnny Heller, Roger Wayne, and Will Damron
A Giant in So Many Ways—
4.5 stars (rounded up)
This was such a moving and emotionally satisfying read, with a gentle sprinkle of magical realism. The character development is exceptional. Sometimes a character—or several—nestles into my heart and stays there, and that’s exactly what happened with Gabriel, his grandmother, and Thomas the veterinarian.
Set in a rural Amish community in Wisconsin, this is the story of Gabriel, who is born weighing a whopping eighteen pounds and measuring twenty-seven inches long. After the deaths of his mother and brother, Gabriel moves in with his Amish grandparents. As he grows—both in size and in interests—his life begins to stretch beyond the boundaries of the Amish household. His presence impacts not only those in his community, but eventually the world beyond it.
The characters are real, layered, and flawed, making this an excellent choice for book club discussion. This is a story of faith, hope, values, family, love, secrets, and belonging.
The narration was flawless and captivating, truly enhancing the emotional depth of the story. Hannah, the grandmother, was the heart of the book for me, and Christina Moore’s performance was absolutely spot-on—bringing warmth and authenticity that made it easy to connect with her.
The writing is beautiful in its clarity and simplicity. Plot is secondary to emotional impact, and the pacing is unhurried and reflective. If you like stories that are thoughtful, character-driven, and emotionally resonant, then you will like this.
Sandwich: A Novel
by Catherine Newman
Changes (1/10/2026)
Narration by Nan McNamara was well done.
This is a fast, easy, hilarious at times, and deeply moving read/listen of three generations of adult family members vacationing in Cape Cod. Rocky is reflecting on past memories and the ever changing day to day life of her grown children, and aging parents, and the struggles that come with menopause. I enjoyed Catherine Newman’s writing and enjoyed the banter between the characters. All the characters were finely portrayed and felt very real to me. Touching on secrets, past decisions, family, love, marriage, PGD (Prolonged Grief Disorder)….(which I had never heard of and yes it is real—a form of mental illness), and the ever-changing of life.
“All of the names of everything have oozed out and away from the drainage holes menopause has punched into my memory storage.”
“I am standing dead centre, still and balanced, living kids on one side, living parents on the other … don’t move a muscle, I think. But I will, of course. You have to.”
Wreck: A Novel
by Catherine Newman
Rocky is Back (1/8/2026)
By Catherine Newman
Narrated by Helen Laser
Another glimpse into Rocky’s life—
It’s been two years since the family trip to Cape Cod, and Rocky is back. This time we find her husband, Rick; their daughter, Willa, home in Western Massachusetts after college; their son, Jamie, now living in New York; and Rocky’s widowed 92-year-old father living with them.
Rocky has new worries and deals with them in her signature witty way—a rash that begins to spread, a wreck that hits close to home. Of course, when confronted with a health concern, Rocky does what many of us do: she turns to Dr. Google, feeding her anxiety instead of easing it.
When Rocky reads about a nearby train wreck, she immediately spirals into a series of what-ifs.
Catherine Newman’s writing is sharp and intimate, blending humor with anxiety in a way that feels deeply human—reminding us that even the smallest moments matter, especially when seen through Rocky’s witty, worry-filled lens.
Helen Laser does an excellent job capturing the emotional layers and smoothly transitioning between moods, making both the humor and the emotional undercurrents work.
A favorite line: “You can visit with the fear but don’t hire a van and move there.”
Saoirse: A Novel
by Charleen Hurtubise
A Character-Driven Novel (1/1/2026)
Narrated by Róisín Rankin
A character-driven novel that lingers in mood and emotion.
Saoirse is a quietly told, character-driven novel with emotional nuance. It follows a young woman from Michigan with a deeply disturbing childhood who retreats to a remote Irish island in search of freedom and a fresh start. As Saoirse settles into island life, long-buried secrets and unresolved trauma begin to surface.
Themes of identity, accountability, silence, and the weight of the past guide the story. This is not a fast-moving, plot-driven novel, but one that favors atmosphere, introspection, and emotional depth. The suspense is subtle and woven throughout the narrative, driven more by character than action.
This will appeal to readers who enjoy literary fiction focused on character, atmosphere, and emotional depth.
I especially appreciated the development of Saoirse and how the story portrays an unprotected child and young woman struggling to understand herself and find her identity. Significant time is spent in her thoughts and emotions, which enhanced my connection to the story.
I combined the digital ARC with the audiobook, and Róisín Rankin’s narration fit the story beautifully. She captured the understated tension and emotional layers, making the quieter moments feel authentic and engaging.
The writing is beautifully done, and the remote Irish island setting was a highlight for me. I was impressed by this being the author’s first U.S. debut, and I’m always excited to discover a new author. I look forward to reading more from Charleen Hurtubise.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the ALC, and Celadon Books for the eARC.
We Do Not Part: A Novel
by Han Kang
Grief, Memory, and the Cost of Silence (12/26/2025)
Narrated by Greta Jung
One must never forget the past so that horrifying moments are never repeated.
We Do Not Part is a complex and deeply moving story in which Han Kang explores the friendship between two women and their pursuit of uncovering the horrific atrocities of mass killings in Korean history, while also confronting how a nation processes and moves forward collectively. Kang emphasizes that both speaking and listening are essential to bringing buried stories into the world, presenting this idea through a simple yet intimate exchange between two friends.
Both Kyungha and Inseon have been deeply affected by personal loss and by the emotional pain connected to Korea’s violent and suppressed political history.
Han Kang’s writing is quiet, and emotional. She uses simple language to explore themes of grief, memory, friendship, and loss. Dreams appear throughout the story, often blurring the line between dream and reality. The symbolism Kang weaves into the narrative—from concealment and lost identity to the physical and emotional obstacles Kyungha endures on her journey, and finally to the possibility of hope— is nothing short of brilliant.
This is my first book by Han Kang and look forward to reading more of her books.
Ain't Nobody's Fool: The Life and Times of Dolly Parton
by Martha Ackmann
More Than A Blonde Wig (12/21/2025)
AIN’T NOBODY’S FOOL: The Life and Times of Dolly Parton
By Martha Ackmann
Martha Ackmann’s biography follows the incredible journey of Dolly Parton, from her humble upbringing in Tennessee to becoming a singer, songwriter, actor, businesswoman, and one of the most beloved philanthropists around.
Ackmann takes a close look at the twists and turns that shaped Dolly’s career. While many people were surprised by her success, Dolly always believed in herself—even at a very young age—and never stopped chasing her dreams. Her generosity really stands out, from starting the Imagination Library and donating millions of books to children, to helping fund research for the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. The book also gives us a glimpse into her longtime marriage to Carl Dean, which she has always kept mostly out of the spotlight.
I’d read a bit about Dolly before, but this book made her story feel especially alive. Ackmann doesn’t shy away from showing both Dolly’s strengths and her struggles as she made her way through the music industry and Hollywood. One detail I found interesting was learning that Nelson Mandela found comfort in one of Dolly’s songs during his imprisonment and what he asked the guards to please do.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the eARC.
We Are All Guilty Here: A Novel
by Karin Slaughter
A Character-Driven Suspense (12/21/2025)
Narrated by Kathleen Early
There are no clean hands—
This is a character-driven suspense/mystery centered on the Clifton family in the small town of North Falls. When two teenage girls go missing, the case becomes personal for Officer Emmy Clifton, as one of the girls is her best friend’s daughter. As Emmy begins to dig into the evidence, it becomes clear she never truly knew these girls. The investigation slowly uncovers the secrets of the teens, as well as the secrets buried within the town.
Karin Slaughter’s writing is harsh and emotionally intense, making readers face uncomfortable truths about responsibility, silence, and shared blame.
The narration by Kathleen Early was excellent and really elevated the tone and emotional impact of the story.
The book ends on a cliffhanger, and I can’t wait for the second book in the North Falls series to see how the Clifton family—and the town—handle what’s coming next.
Atmosphere: A Love Story
by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Reaching For the Stars (12/11/2025)
By Taylor Jenkins Reid
Narrated by Kristen DiMercurio, Julia Whelan, Taylor Jenkins Reid
3.5 stars (rounded down)
Atmosphere is a story about complicated relationships and the secrets that shape us. Parts of the book pulled me in more than others—especially the sections focused on space training and the dynamics among the astronauts, which I enjoyed more than the romance. In December of 1984, during mission STS-LR9, everything changes in an instant, raising the question: Is the chance to travel into space and leave your mark on history worth the risk of your life?
The characters are well developed, and their growth is shown through how they confront past mistakes and learn more about themselves. The pacing is steady—not rushed—giving you time to understand the characters while still keeping the story moving.
Themes include navigating gender and sexual discrimination, ambition and sacrifice, family, and the need for love and belonging.
“Maybe they had not asked for too much. Maybe they would get everything they wanted.”
I combined the book with the audiobook and enjoyed that experience. The narration is clear and expressive, bringing the characters’ emotions to life. The tone and pacing make the story easy to follow and add depth overall.
This is my second book by TJR. I liked it, but I enjoyed Malibu more. I may be in the minority on this one, so I encourage you to read other reviews as well. If you’re a diehard TJR fan, I think you’ll love it—her writing is strong, and she definitely knows how to tell a compelling story.
Dominion: A Novel
by Addie E. Citchens
Intense Debut (12/9/2025)
Narrated by Andre Giles, Angel Pean, Bahni Turpin, and Dion Graham
Dominion is a gripping debut set in the summer and fall of 2000 in Dominion, Mississippi. Through the eyes of Priscilla, the reverend’s wife, and Diamond, his son’s girlfriend, the novel shows the darkness concealed behind a seemingly perfect family. Reverend Winfrey is wealthy, influential, and exerts a firm grip over every part of life in Dominion.
On the surface, the Winfreys look righteous, but underneath, secrets and abuse simmer, threatening to emerge. The story exposes how powerful men often escape accountability, while the women who see the truth feel unable—or forbidden—to speak out.
At just over 200 pages, the book packs in complex, deeply flawed characters, true-to-life dialogue, and steady pacing. The emotional and moral heart rests with the women confronting Wonderboy and the reverend.
The audiobook narration is excellent, with a full cast that enhances the story’s tension and emotional impact. I listened to this alongside the book.
Also, the cover art perfectly captures the novel’s dark, simmering tone—it’s spot on.
Addie E. Citchens is a debut author to watch—I look forward to what she writes next.
Cursed Daughters: A Novel
by Oyinkan Braithwaite
A Family Tale (12/1/2025)
A family tale retold again and again eventually becomes myth—unless it turns into a curse instead.
3.5 stars, rounded up
Throughout this story, which carries a touch of magical realism, we follow Monife, Ebun, and Eniiyi as they shoulder the Falodun curse—an inheritance that haunts their lives and shapes their choices as they navigate childhood, love, and the eerie pull of their family’s past. Across generations, this curse has sabotaged the romantic relationships of the women in the family.
When Eniiyi is born, many believe she is the reincarnation of her aunt Monife, who died under tragic circumstances. Eniiyi must contend with the legacy of a woman she never met, while the family’s silence about what truly happened to Monife hurts her far more than it protects her. Will the family curse continue to influence the women’s decisions? And by believing in the curse so deeply, are they actually creating the very misfortunes they fear?
This was my first read by this author, and I found it a solid, engaging novel. Braithwaite’s writing is smooth and approachable, though the plot becomes predictable at times. You can feel the weight each of the main characters carries, even as they cope with it in very different ways. Monife is the tragic heart of the story, and together, the three women give us a window into how love, loss, superstition, and hope shape their family across generations.
A compelling family drama with a touch of the supernatural. I look forward to reading more from this author
Thank you to BookBrowse for the book.
Power Reviewer
