By Any Other Name: A Novel
by Jodi Picoult
Two Women Fighting to be Heard (11/25/2025)
Narrated by a full cast: Billie Fulford-Brown, Laura Benanti, Jodi Picoult, Jayne Entwistle, Andrew Fallaize, Joe Jameson, John Lee, Nicholas Guy Smith, Simon Vance, Steve West
Two Women Fighting to Be Heard
3.5 stars rounded up
The novel tells the stories of two women living in different times: Melina Green, a playwright in today’s New York City, and her ancestor Emilia Bassano, a talented woman from Elizabethan England. As the book goes on, their stories become connected.
I’m not adding a plot summary here—the book description already does a great job!
I liked the dual-timeline structure of Melina in present-day NYC and her ancestor Emilia in Elizabethan England, and how their stories parallel each other—both wanting their voices heard. I enjoyed Emilia’s storyline and thought the author portrayed the Elizabethan period well. While Emilia sometimes feels more like a modern woman than an Elizabethan, it’s possible she represents one of the few outspoken women of her time.
The narrators did a nice job with this feminist historical fiction—though some voices were stronger than others. The cover art, with a woman’s face partially obscured by flowers, is beautifully done. Picoult uses creative license here, knowing the theory of Emilia writing for Shakespeare isn’t solid history, and clearly frames the book as fiction. Plausibility vs. probability—you decide.
Overall, I enjoyed listening to this, but felt it could have been shorter—it ran a bit long for me. Picoult writes with clarity and emotion and continues to highlight women’s voices. I’ve read a number of her books and always look forward to what she does next. The pacing was steady overall, though it slowed in the middle.
Themes:
• Women trying to gain independence
• How women’s work often goes unnoticed or unappreciated
• The importance of having a voice
Carolina Moonset
by Matt Goldman
A Heartfelt Mystery (11/17/2025)
CAROLINA MOONSET
By Matt Goldman
Narrated by Bradford Hastings
(3.5 stars)
Joey Green returns home to Beaufort, South Carolina, to help his mother care for his father, Marshall, whose dementia is rapidly worsening. As Marshall’s short-term memory fades and long-buried memories rise to the surface, long-kept secrets begin to spill out—secrets that could shatter lives and change Joey’s future forever.
This is my first time reading (or listening to) Matt Goldman, and I found this mystery blended with heartfelt family drama to be well written and engaging. The pacing is slower and more character-driven, which worked for me. Joey is very relatable—divorced, a father, and uncertain about the next chapter of his life. Marshall, meanwhile, is unforgettable and truly the emotional heart of the novel.
Bradford Hastings’ narration was clear, compelling, and dynamic. His tone, pacing, and character voices kept me fully engaged throughout the audiobook.
Nesting: A Novel
by Roisín O'Donnell
A Mother’s Courage to Begin Again (11/12/2025)
By Roisin O’Donnell
Narrated by Louisa Harland
This debut novel follows Ciara Fay in Ireland, 2018, as she escapes her family home with her two young children—and a third on the way. Her husband, Ryan, has been controlling and threatening for years, and Ciara finally finds the courage to get out.
What really struck me was how the story shows the lack of support for women and children in these situations. With the housing crisis in Ireland at that time, so many families like Ciara’s ended up living in hotels. You can feel her daily struggle to keep her kids safe, fed, and cared for while trying to rebuild their lives from scratch.
It’s such a raw and honest look at what it’s like to leave a toxic relationship—especially when kids are involved. Ciara is constantly questioning herself: Was leaving the right thing to do? How do I give my kids some kind of normal? Where will we live? Will I be able to provide for my children?
You can’t help but root for Ciara and her children. I caught myself wondering, Why did she stay so long? But by walking in her shoes, you start to understand how complex and painful that choice is.
Roisin O’Donnell’s writing feels so real and compassionate. Louisa Harland’s narration really brought Ciara’s story to life, though I’ll admit the daughter’s voice grated on me a bit at times. And wow—there’s a lot of gaslighting here, which made the story tough but important to read.
Overall, this was an emotional and character-driven read—heartbreaking but hopeful, and definitely worth reading. I picked it up at a timely moment, as it’s well known that domestic violence often increases during the holidays. I was impressed that this was O’Donnell’s debut novel, and I’m really looking forward to reading more from her in the future.
Haven't Killed in Years
by Amy K. Green
Buried Truths (11/11/2025)
Thank you to BookBrowse for the ARC of this book.
3.5 star read
Gwen Tanner has spent the past two decades trying to escape the shadow of her past — as the daughter of a notorious serial killer, she’s built a quiet life for herself. But everything begins unraveling when she returns home to find a box left on her doorstep containing a body part and a chilling note: I know who you are.
As Gwen is forced to confront her dark past and the secrets she’s tried so hard to bury, she must decide how far she’ll go to protect the new life she’s built.
This is a tense, atmospheric thriller that explores guilt, trauma, identity, and family legacy. The pacing is mostly fast-moving, though there are a few lulls along the way. The tone blends dark humor with classic thriller tension, and the dual timelines — present-day Gwen and her past life — add depth to her story.
Overall, it was a decent read. Every major character carries emotional or psychological baggage, and that weight threads through the entire story. I’ll definitely keep an eye out for future books by Amy K. Green.
Family of Spies
by Christine Kuehn
The Secrets We Inherit (11/11/2025)
Narrated by Erin Bennett
An incredibly fascinating, never-before-told story of the Kuehn family’s shocking involvement as Nazi and Japanese spies during WWII—and their connection to the bombing of Pearl Harbor.
It all began with a call from a screenwriter to Christine Kuehn, asking about her father’s family and their wartime espionage. That call set off a thirty-year journey into the Kuehn family’s hidden past. Her father, Eberhard, had carried the burden of his family’s secret for years, dreading the day his daughter and the rest of the family would discover the truth.
Christine’s research and storytelling are astounding. She could have hidden this part of her family’s history, but instead chose to share it, weaving together facts, emotion, and history in a way that feels more like a gripping narrative than a textbook. The details about the Nazis, the Japanese, and the wartime spy network are remarkable.
If you’re interested in WWII history, Pearl Harbor, or espionage, this book is a must-read. It absolutely blew me away.
Thank you to NetGalley and Celadon Books for the eARC, and Macmillan Audio for the ALC. I read along with the audiobook, and Erin Bennett’s narration was excellent.
The Storm: A Novel
by Rachel Hawkins
A Brewing Storm (11/11/2025)
THE STORM
By Rachel Hawkins
Narrated by Alex Knox; Cathi Colas; Dan Bittner; Jane Oppenheimer; Patti Murin; Petrea Burchard; Stephanie Németh-Parker
3.5 stars
I combined the ebook with the audiobook for this one, and the full cast narration was a nice touch—the narrators did a fine job bringing the story to life.
In The Storm by Rachel Hawkins, Geneva Corliss, owner of the struggling Rosalie Inn in St. Medard’s Bay, Alabama, is thrilled when a true-crime writer books a long-term stay. But she soon learns he’s brought along Lo Bailey—the woman accused of murdering her lover, political heir Landon Fitzroy, during a 1984 hurricane, in St. Medard’s. Now in 2025, Lo claims she’s back to clear her name, but Geneva can’t help wondering what really brought her to town. As a storm barrels toward St. Medard’s, another is brewing within the town—where the past and present collide in a tangle of secrets and lies.
While the premise was intriguing, I found the pacing a bit slow through the first half, and I kept waiting for something to happen. The second picked up and pulled me in a bit more, but more towards the end. I enjoyed the unreliable characters and the sense of not knowing who to trust. The small coastal town setting and the impending storm added some great atmosphere and anxiety.
It was a good read overall—just was hoping for more. That said, others have loved this one, so definitely check out their reviews too! I’ll still look forward to whatever Rachel Hawkins writes next.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the eARC, and to Macmillan Audio for the ALC.
The Mad Wife: A Novel
by Meagan Church
The Price of Perfection (10/22/2025)
THE MAD WIFE
by Meagan Church
Read by Susan Bennett
A historical fiction with psychological suspense, this story follows Lulu Mayfield, a 1950s housewife slowly unraveling under the pressure of her life. She’s expected to please her husband, host guests at a moment’s notice, manage the household, and care for her children—all while losing pieces of herself along the way.
I thought the author did a good job portraying what Lulu and other women experienced during this time period. Many were labeled as “hysterical” and had their voices silenced. The pacing is slow to moderate, but it didn’t take away from the story for me. Overall, I liked the book, though it didn’t present anything I wasn’t familiar with. It raises the question: have we truly changed in how we view women’s roles and voices?
Themes include medical gaslighting, postpartum depression, identity, secrets, and lies, and the blurry line between reality and perception.
The narration was solid—good pace and tone that fit the story well. I would recommend it to others.
Thank you to NetGalley and RBmedia for the ALC. I combined both the eBook and audiobook.
I See You've Called in Dead: A Novel
by John Kenney
A Journey Through Grief and Growth (10/4/2025)
I SEE YOU’VE CALLED IN DEAD
By John Kenney
Read by Sean Patrick Hopkins
I really enjoyed this character-driven book, and the narrator, Sean Patrick Hopkins, did an incredible job capturing the essence of the story. The writing is witty, engaging, and moving—it all felt real. You’ll laugh, even though themes of death, and grief are woven throughout the novel.
The pacing is a bit slow, but for me, it didn’t take away from the experience. Bud, a middle-aged, recently divorced, and depressed obituary writer, drunkenly writes and publishes his own obituary—an impulsive act that sets off a chain of events and leads him on an unexpected journey of self-discovery and learning how to truly live.
I enjoyed all the characters in this heartfelt story, especially the sarcastic banter between Bud and his good friend Tim.
This was a first read by John Kenney, and it won’t be my last.
The Vanishing Place
by Zoë Rankin
A Haunting Debut (9/23/2025)
The Vanishing Place
by Zoe Rankin
An impossible-to-put-down, haunting debut
An impressive, atmospheric thriller debut that pulled me in right from the start. Effie, a police officer on the Isle of Skye, is called back to New Zealand when a blood-covered girl—who looks eerily like her—is found in a store.
Effie had sworn she’d never return to the bush, but this girl may hold the key to long-buried family secrets. The author does an excellent job of immersing us in the haunting setting of the New Zealand bush. The story has a slightly cult-like vibe, especially with how the bush-people are portrayed, which added to the tension and mystery.
Themes of family, love, loyalty, and survival. A solid debut—I’ll definitely be watching for what Zoe Rankin writes next.
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for the e-ARC
At Last: A Novel
by Marisa Silver
A Heartfelt Read (9/16/2025)
AT LAST
By Marisa Silver
A heartfelt story about family, change, and connection
In At Last, we meet two widows—Helene (Tom’s mom) and Evelyn (Ruth’s mom)—in 1971, Omaha, Nebraska, brought together by the marriage of their children. These two women couldn’t be more different: Helene is proper, reserved, and affluent, while Evelyn is sharp, no-nonsense and from a more modest upbringing. As wedding preparations unfold, their contrasting personalities inevitably clash.
As time moves forward both women must learn how to navigate not only their new roles as co-grandmothers but also lives without their spouses. The story moves back in time to explore their vastly different childhoods and the complexities of their marriages and family lives. Over the decades, we see both women—and their children and granddaughter—evolve and grow in unexpected ways.
I especially enjoyed the backstories of both grandmothers and appreciated how each chapter centers on a specific moment or event of a character’s life. This is an emotionally layered story about family, memory, and how the past continues to shape us. The relationships are messy and real—just like life.
This is a first read for me by this author and I will definitely check out other books by her.
Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for the e-ARC
Too Old for This
by Samantha Downing
One More Time (9/14/2025)
TOO OLD FOR THIS
By Samantha Downing
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for the ARC
What’s one more murder anyway?
Lottie Jones has spent decades hiding from her past, living a quiet life in a small town where Bingo nights and church gossip are the highlights of her week. But when a journalist shows up asking questions about cold cases, her peaceful retirement is suddenly at risk.
This is a fast-paced, darkly funny thriller with a refreshingly unconventional protagonist. Lottie is sharp, sarcastic, and absolutely not the sweet old lady people take her for. The short chapters make it a breeze to read, and while it’s not a traditional mystery full of whodunit questions, the story unfolds with sly twists and unexpected turns that keeps things interesting.
This is my second read by Samantha Downing, and I enjoyed this fun, clever ride with just the right touch of wickedness.
The Wedding People: A Novel
by Alison Espach
A Wedding to Remember (9/14/2025)
THE WEDDING PEOPLE
By Alison Espach
Narrated by Helen Laser
3.5 ??
The Wedding People is a contemporary novel set in post-Covid Newport, Rhode Island, following Phoebe Stone’s journey to rediscover her purpose and sense of self. After checking into a luxury hotel, she unexpectedly finds herself swept up in all the chaos of a multi-day wedding celebration, becoming the sound board for Lila, the bride-to-be, in a twisted story of sadness and love.
I enjoyed the luxury hotel setting and was initially drawn in by the mystery behind Phoebe’s escape. There were some humorous moments, but many fell flat for me. I struggled to connect with most of the characters—even though I do enjoy reading flawed personalities, Lila’s self-absorption made her difficult to take, and several others didn’t feel all that believable.
Ultimately, this one missed the mark for me. It didn’t pull me in the way I had hoped. That said, many others loved this book, so I encourage you to check out their reviews. I would consider reading other books by this author.
The narration by Helen Laser was done very well, especially in capturing Phoebe’s voice and emotional tone.
Themes of relationships, love, marriage, personal challenges, and finding purpose.
Buckeye: A Novel
by Patrick Ryan
A Must Read (9/9/2025)
BUCKEYE
By Patrick Ryan
Read by Michael Crouch
A slow-paced family drama, Buckeye interweaves the lives of two married couples in the small town of Bonhomie, Ohio, over a span of thirty years. A chance encounter between Cal Jenkins and Margaret Salt on VE Day sets the stage for this intimate and layered story.
We are introduced to Cal’s wife, Becky, who possesses a spiritual gift, and Margaret’s husband, Felix, who is serving aboard a Navy cargo ship. The consequences of a long-held secret become the thread that binds these families together. Can secrets remain buried forever?
Even though the story takes its time, I really enjoyed the journey. Patrick Ryan’s prose captures the emotional depth and realism of these nuanced characters. His descriptions are vivid—clear and deeply felt—bringing each moment to life. While the story begins slowly, the pace picks up noticeably in the final portion. I found myself liking some characters more than others, but Ryan does a superb job exploring the complexities of each one.
Michael Crouch‘s narration was perfectly done for this story. He leaned into the reflective tone, allowing the prose to speak for itself—and I really liked that.
Themes of family, identity, secrets, memory, war, marriage, and small town life are woven throughout. I look forward to seeing what Patrick Ryan does next.
This Here Is Love: A Novel
by Princess Joy L. Perry
Unforgettable Characters and Powerful Storytelling (8/6/2025)
THIS HERE IS LOVE
By Princess Joy L. Perry
This Here Is Love is a powerful and moving debut novel that pulls you deep into the lives of three unforgettable characters living at the close of 17th century Virginia. Princess Joy L. Perry writes with heart and honesty, showing how love, family, and freedom are tested in the harshest of times. Conveying the grit and sorrow of slavery and indentured servitude.
Bless is taken from her mother to serve the slaveowner's daughter and must decide where she truly belongs. David, sold away from his family, keeps his feelings hidden while quietly longing for connection. Jack, an indentured servant, tries to change his future, but risks losing his sense of right and wrong in the process.
Their lives come together where they challenge each other and confront painful truths. As they struggle with their pasts and their choices, they each must decide what love and freedom really mean.
I really enjoyed this beautifully written, haunting, and captivating novel, filled with unforgettable characters. The emotional depth and historical detail pulled me in from the start, and I found myself thinking about the characters long after I finished. It's hard to believe this riveting saga of love, betrayal, and resilience is the author's debut—I'm excited to see what she brings us next.
Thank you to BookBrowse for the ARC of this riveting read.
The Lies They Told
by Ellen Marie Wiseman
The Lies They Told Us (7/27/2025)
By Ellen Marie Wiseman
Narrated by Elizabeth Rodgers
How one young woman’s dream of a better life in America is shattered by eugenics…
Thank you to NetGalley, RBmedia, and Kensington Publishing for both the audio and ebook, which I paired during my reading.
This historical fiction novel is set in the 1930s and follows Lena Conti, a young immigrant who has just arrived from Germany with her two-year-old daughter. After witnessing families being forcibly separated on Ellis Island, Lena finds herself in rural Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, caring for the home and children of a distant relative, Silas Wolfe. But what she and the townspeople face there is unthinkable—a chilling and dark chapter in American history.
I thought the author portrayed the emotional turmoil of the characters in rich, vivid detail. The story touches on trauma, grief, and resilience. Lena, in particular, is portrayed with depth—compelling, and deeply human. The blend of historical fiction with suspenseful drama is done exceptionally well.
Elizabeth Rodgers’ narration was also excellent—she brought the characters to life with emotion and nuance, capturing both their strength and vulnerability in a way that deepened the impact of the story.
This is my sixth book by Ellen Marie Wiseman, and I continue to be impressed by her ability to bring history to life. I look forward to reading more of her work.
The American eugenics movement, which plays a central role in this novel, is shocking and disturbing. The U.S. was the first country to implement forced sterilization, and many of its ideas were later adopted by the Nazi regime. We all know what happened in the Nazi regime in Germany. The author’s note provides even more astonishing historical context. It’s well worth reading. A powerful book club choice—there’s so much to discuss, especially the disturbing role eugenics played in our country’s past.
The Door-to-Door Bookstore: A Novel
by Carsten Henn
A Charming Read (7/27/2025)
THE DOOR-TO-DOOR BOOKSTORE
By Carsten Henn
Narration by Raphael Corkhill was very enjoyable. I paired audio with the book.
“A novel is like a bow, and the violin that produces the sound is the reader’s soul.” — Stendhal
A charming feel-good fiction read about a reclusive bookseller and a spirited nine-year-old girl who unexpectedly form a bond—their interactions begin to change their lives—and the lives of the people they visit. A comforting, heartwarming read for anyone who loves books.
Exploring themes of intergenerational friendships, value of community and kindness, healing, and the power of books.
My Friends: A Novel
by Fredrik Backman
A Beautiful Story of Friendship (7/27/2025)
MY FRIENDS
By Fredrik Backman
Read by, Marin Ireland, a favorite narrator, who always makes a story come alive. This is a tender, heartfelt, and beautiful story that explores the unbreakable power of friendship, the impact of art, and the lingering presence of the past. This is told across dual timelines, following Louisa, an aspiring artist who inherits a mysterious painting, and a group of teens whose lives were forever changed during one unforgettable summer 25 years earlier.
Backman crafts a beautifully told story that captures the nuances of friendship and connection, memories, the passage of time, art, grief, healing, identity, self-discovery, and the fragility of life. His characters are well developed: Louisa’s vulnerability and strength as she grapples with grief and loss on her journey of self-discovery, makes her relatable and inspiring. Ted, characterized by his loyalty and inner reflection, bridges the gap between the past and present. Joar, is a very memorable character, and his passionate and rebellious nature impact the dynamics of this story. Ali, who has a quick wit, independence, and a loyalty to those she loves. The artist, (C. Jat) has a mystery and depth to his character. His creation of the painting becomes the so called “spark” that ignites this narrative. He captures the essence of the group’s experiences, that influences the lives of others. Fish, is primarily in Louisa’s memories, but her presence is felt throughout the novel. I enjoyed the spirited banter of Louisa and Ted.
Backman’s writing is always beautiful and descriptive, gentle but powerful, and deeply character driven. There is a sadness that plays out in this story with laughter in the shadows. This has child abuse and dysfunctional family drama that plays out in this story. I throughly enjoyed the audiobook and know that I’ll return to it again —there’s so much depth in this novel to revisit and reflect on.
Wayward Girls: A Novel
by Susan Wiggs
Wayward Girls (7/27/2025)
By Susan Wiggs
Narrated by Susan Wiggs, Jane Oppenheimer, and Cynthia Farrell
3.5 stars, rounded up to 4
Set in 1968 Buffalo, Wayward Girls explores the heartbreaking reality of girls sent to Catholic reform schools.
We meet 15-year-old Mairin, who is sent to the Good Shepherd reform school, where she befriends other girls who have also been placed there under painful and often unjust circumstances. Mairin is determined to escape and to seek both redemption—and justice.
The narration by Susan Wiggs, Jane Oppenheimer, and Cynthia Farrell is finely done and adds depth to the story and its characters.
Though their time together was brief, the bond between these girls proves lasting. When they reunite years later, they find that no one else understands them the way they understand each other.
Wiggs shines a light on institutions like Catholic reform schools and Magdalene laundries—places meant to “reform” girls labeled as morally deviant. The reality for these girls was heartbreaking—emotional and physical abuse, being cut off from the outside world, and forced to work under the name of faith and discipline. Families, influenced by the Church, often believed they were helping their daughters, even when abuse was reported. As we now know, the Church too often prioritized its reputation over the protection of children. And of course, money played a role.
This was my first book by Susan Wiggs, and I appreciated her storytelling and writing. I’m open to reading more of her work.
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperAudio Adult | HarperAudio for the advanced listening copy.
The Names: A Novel
by Florence Knapp
A Compelling Debut (7/7/2025)
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
There’s no place like home. (6/18/2025)
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.
Power Reviewer
