The Reimagining of Thornwood House
by Jaleigh Johnson
Imagination and Magic (4/30/2026)
I loved this book. The characters were very likeable and easy to relate with. Evie's ability for magic didn't overwhelm her character like some fantasy stories do. I loved all that she did to help Ruby and get the adoption approved. I loved her courage and wisdom. I think it would be a great book for a book club discussion.
The Take
by Kelly Yang
Cost of Dreams (4/19/2026)
Two women with their goals and how they get there. Learning along the way or following fears and the past. Using others to meet your goal and needs or learning how to stand on your own and do things your own way. It is quite controversial - whether to do things via control to gain your desire or to with what is true for you. One succeeds and the other loses all.
The House of Hidden Letters
by Izzy Broom
Mystery and discovery (2/23/2026)
I enjoyed this book. At first, I thought it was going to be slow because it started out with "what is the rest of the story." As it went on, I had a hard time putting it down. There are 2 mysteries in the book, and both are enjoyable and tied together well.
The Pie & Mash Detective Agency
by J.D. Brinkworth
Mystery and discovery (1/22/2026)
Although this book started off slowly, it soon gained momentum. The characters are charmingly romantic, adventurous, and a bit quirky. During their detective training, they developed their own unique techniques that ultimately helped crack the case. Pie and Mash make an excellent team. I hope there will be another book with their adventures.
My Heart Underwater
by Laurel Fantauzzo
Warmth, joy and friendship (11/17/2025)
I enjoyed this book. It demonstrated the pleasure of reading, the friendship shared and for the community desire and ability to help others. It shows how a change in perception to give a more rounded way of thinking and sharing that helps others.
The World's Greatest Detective and Her Just Okay Assistant
by Liza Tully
Mystery and discovery (3/12/2025)
A very great read. The mystery and intrigue were great. I loved how the "Okay Apprentice" worked diligently to solve the mystery and was not deterred by the not so flattering comments and 'missing' statements that the detective provided. The Apprentice diligently stayed with the case and added twists to the plot.
Serial Killer Games
by Kate Posey
Mystery and thriller (2/3/2025)
Did not really enjoy this book. I jumped around trying to find the love story and it was in there, but the planted seed of a serial killer was always foremost. I am a believer in always looking for the good in things, but the idea of a serial killer is something I couldn't get my head around as being very positive.
Songs of Summer
by Jane L. Rosen
Discovery and Love (1/13/2025)
This was a good book. I enjoyed reading it and following Maggi's journey. She was hesitant to find her mother and open herself to trust. She succeeded and I always like a happy ending.
Girl Falling: A Novel
by Hayley Scrivenor
Mystery and discovery (9/15/2024)
I really enjoyed this book. The plot kept you interested and intrigued. It also helps a person understand manipulation and how someone can be sucked in when they provide the opportunity. A very good description of a type of mental illness. I recommend this book.
Pony Confidential
by Christina Lynch
Fantasy (7/2/2024)
It was hard to follow the story. It was not the type of book I normally read and jumping from the human to pony was hard to follow. It took a long time to really get to the "meat" of the book. It's okay but I would not reread it.
The Funeral Cryer: A Novel
by Wenyan Lu
Understanding (2/11/2024)
When I started reading, I didn't know if I would be able to finish it. I learned some about Chinese culture and the importance of a funeral cryer is to there beliefs. I felt sorry for the main character for the circumstances she lived and how she was "awakening" her life and what she really wanted and deserved.
I thought the author did a pretty good description of how women around the world are starting to realize that they deserve to be treated better and be happy with themselves. She also had an understanding of death and dying that most people are afraid to look at.
Thank you, Wenyan Lu.
Day: A Novel
by Michael Cunningham
Family members and how they handled the pandemic (11/1/2023)
The story came across to me as a dysfunctional family. They did not appear to be happy with themselves or each other. The introduction of Wolfe got me confused at first. The other characters I really didn't get why they were involved. I only managed to read the first day before I lost total interest and didn't pick it up again.
The September House
by Carissa Orlando
Kept my attention (5/5/2023)
I do not usually read horror stories but this one was good. It captured my attention from the prologue. I loved Margaret's tenacity to solve the issues with the spirits in the house. I don't think I would watch it as a movie, but really enjoyed the book.
The Long Ago: A Novel
by Michael McGarrity
Easy captivating read. (3/16/2023)
A great book. I read it in 2 days. I hated to put it down. It's a mystery with a captivating plot. The characters are in different areas of the search and they all work together for a successful completion. A very nice plot, enjoyable read and well written.
Stealing: A Novel
by Margaret Verble
A brave little girl who survived despite odds (1/7/2023)
When I started reading this, it was slow. As the story unfolded, I had a hard time putting it down. A little girl with the odds against her, she stayed true to herself and was willing to fight for herself and what was right. I wish the ending was different but it left it open for another adventure to read.
