Ms. Mebel Goes Back to the Chopping Block
by Jesse Q Sutanto
Uplifting and clever (5/8/2026)
I enjoyed this book more than I expected. This was a surprisingly refreshing look at later-in-life reinvention. It felt much deeper than the cover and the blurb suggested. I wondered at first Mebel might come off as a caricature of a bored housewife, but she shows depth and emotional growth. She went from focusing on how to get her husband back to figuring out what she really wants.
I appreciated the supporting cast too as they seemed like real people. And I enjoyed the cozy mystery too.
This was a nice palate-cleanser after reading some heavier, darker books.
The Irish Goodbye: Micro-Memoirs
by Beth Ann Fennelly
Grief, humor, and tenderness (12/17/2025)
This is a quiet, emotionally intelligent book that has stayed with me in the weeks since I finished it. I appreciate O'Neill's talent for capturing the things people don't say out loud. The characters feel complex and messy but relatable. It wasn't propulsive in that I was able to set it down between chapters which worked for me during busy days, but it kept my interest and I wanted to pick it up and continue every night (although it was short enough to finish in one shot).
The Original: A Novel
by Nell Stevens
Perfect fall read! (6/19/2025)
Aatmospheric books that aren't too dark or creepy are hard to find but this one fits the bill. I really enjoyed it! The main character, a woman with face blindness who works as an art forger, was easy to root for. The only thing that irked me a bit was a misunderstanding that could have been cleared up with a simple conversation. Still, the story was entertaining , and I'd recommend it to anyone who likes historical fiction with classic literature vibes (Moonstone) and an original (ha!) perspective.
Pieces of Blue
by Holly Goldberg Sloan
Second chance charm (2/28/2023)
I love book with characters I can connect with making choices that intrigue me. I love to see the possibilities of my own life play out in a well-written story. I don't love narratives that bounce from person to person in every chapter. But, you know what? It works here.
The Secrets of Love Story Bridge
by Phaedra Patrick
Good but was hoping for more (1/10/2020)
This is a sweet, quiet story of the power of love and the lasting impact of words. I would have liked to find out more about the stories behind the locks. They didn't play a significant role and there was no real connection to the main characters. The mysterious woman's story was a bit dated. Maybe there could have been messages for her family on the locks which Poppy could have discovered while researching her report. Oh well...maybe that'll appear in the sequel.
While I was intrigued by the romance of the locks, and the love and loss that can go with them, the 'mystery' and Mitchell's love story didn't resonate with me as much as I'd hoped.
