A Book A Week

Nita Prose first captured my imagination with her novel The Maid, which I read last summer. I was instantly charmed by her original protagonist, Molly the maid—a neurodivergent hotel cleaner who unexpectedly becomes the prime suspect in a murder investigation. I loved her so much that I immediately picked up the sequel and devoured it just as quickly. When a Christmas-themed novella featuring Molly was released last fall, I didn’t hesitate to read that too. Prose has a knack for blending witty scenarios, clever mysteries, heartwarming romance, and the theme of found family into books that are a true delight. Naturally, I was eager to pick up her latest installment, The Maid’s Secret.

The last few years have brought plenty of change for Molly. First, her Gran succumbed to cancer, leaving her to face the world alone. It could have been terrifying—and at first, it was—but Molly soon found herself surrounded by people who accepted her, quirks and all. Since then, she’s been promoted to Head Maid at the Regency Grand Hotel, found herself entangled in two high-profile police cases, reconnected with her long-lost grandfather, and even got engaged to the love of her life, Juan Carlos, a cook at the hotel. Yes, change has been a constant, and with a wedding on the horizon and a recent promotion to Special Events Coordinator (in addition to her duties as Head Maid), Molly is learning to embrace it in all its forms.

But nothing could prepare her for the biggest change yet.  A film crew has arrived at the hotel to shoot the hit reality TV show Hidden Treasures. Just for fun, Molly brings in a shoebox of her Gran’s old belongings for appraisal, and to everyone’s shock, one item turns out to be a rare and priceless artifact. Suddenly, Molly becomes a rags-to-riches story, the kind that captures audiences across the nation. But just as she begins to process this overwhelming turn of events, another twist hits. The artifact is stolen in a bold heist.

The key to solving the mystery may lie in the locked diary of her late grandmother. To find the stolen treasure and regain control of her rapidly spiraling life, Molly will have to confront her family’s past and uncover secrets of Gran's history before it's too late. 

With The Maid's Secret, Nita Prose continues to expand the world of her beloved heroine, pushing Molly’s story forward while peeling back the layers of her family's past. As the series has evolved, the sharp, twisty mysteries that defined the first two books have given way to narratives that lean more toward the cozy mystery genre. The stakes are lower, and the primary focus shifts more toward romance and personal discovery. It’s still enjoyable, but I’ll admit I miss the intrigue and tension that made the earlier books so gripping.

Prose alternates between present-day chapters and entries from Gran’s diary, offering a deeper glimpse into family history. While these glimpses eventually tie into the current mystery, I found myself less engaged with the diary sections. Ultimately, The Maid's Secret retains many of the elements that made the first book such a delight (Molly’s unique voice, the hotel setting, the warmth of found family), but their impact has softened. It’s a fun, feel-good read, just not quite a must-read.

For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2025, 49)

Happy Pride Month! While I try to read books that feature diverse stories year-round, having dedicated celebratory months is a great reminder to keep making space for them. I’ve always been a sucker for a good mystery, devouring crime novels as quickly as I can, so when I saw that Erin Dunn had written a murder mystery and a gay romance, it felt like the perfect match. I dove in eagerly, and He's To Die For turned out to be, well… to die for.

Detective Rav Trivedi is a hotshot, and he knows it. At 29, he’s the youngest homicide detective in the NYPD, with a solve rate that even seasoned vets envy. He stands out in more ways than one. He’s a gay Brit with an Ivy League education and an impeccable sense of fashion. But his instincts are razor-sharp, and he has the track record to prove it. So when a high-profile record executive turns up dead, Rav is the obvious choice for the case.

He approaches the investigation with the confidence and precision it demands. The media is watching, the tabloids are circling, and social media is already buzzing. Rav stays focused until he meets Jack, the smoldering, emotionally tortured rock star with a potential connection to the crime. Is Jack a suspect? Absolutely. Is he also the kind of swoon-worthy distraction Rav doesn’t need but can’t resist? Also yes. And just like that, things start to get very complicated.

He's To Die For is a delightful genre mash-up that delivers something for everyone. There's a compelling murder mystery to satisfy crime lovers, and a slow-burn romance full of chemistry and charm for fans of love stories. Dunn strikes a smart balance between stakes and levity, infusing the novel with plenty of heart and humor. It’s the kind of feel-good, fast-paced story that’s incredibly hard to put down.

No, the mystery isn’t the most shocking I’ve ever read, but that’s not the point. This is warm, escapist fun that just happens to center on a queer love story, and that representation makes it all the more enjoyable. A little murder, a little romance, a lot of charm—He's To Die For is a stylish, satisfying read that's a perfect pick for Pride.

For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2025, 44)

Dating in New York City isn’t easy, and Jane knows this all too well. While striving to make it as a playwright, she’s also on a quest for true love. Nothing less will do. It’s a tall order, so it’s no wonder her romantic luck has been dismal. That is, until she meets Colin, a kind, thoughtful software engineer who seems to understand her in a way no one else does. After six perfect dates, Jane is convinced he’s The One. So when Colin suddenly ends things, she’s blindsided but not discouraged. To her, it’s just a minor setback. She knows they’re destined to be together, and she’s determined to prove it.

Things take a turn when Colin starts dating Zoe, a rising Brooklyn artist who’s maddeningly perfect and, even worse, genuinely kind. But Jane is convinced Zoe can’t love Colin like she can. Determined to show him the truth, Jane takes matters into her own hands. When she sneaks into Colin’s apartment to dig up intel on her so-called rival, she makes a discovery that completely unravels her plan. What begins as a romantic pursuit quickly spirals into a tangled web of deception, secrets, and ultimately, murder.

In So Happy Together, Olivia Worley delivers a campy, twisty, over-the-top story of obsession, delusion, and desire. Told entirely from Jane’s perspective, we’re given full access to her warped logic and increasingly questionable motivations. I was immediately reminded of Caroline Kepnes’s Joe Goldberg from You, another character whose obsession is tethered to a bizarre sense of morality that only makes sense in their own mind. Worley writes with propulsive energy, dropping twists, reveals, and red herrings at just the right moments. It all culminates in a finale that’s as satisfying as it is unhinged. Is it realistic? Not at all. But that’s not the point. This is a quick, wild, and thoroughly entertaining page-turner that leans into the absurd, and that’s precisely what makes it so much fun.

For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2025, 43)

Being a teenager is tough. For Charlie, it’s even tougher. He transitioned last year, delaying his start at Valentine Academy for Boys. Now, fully transitioned and learning to accept himself, he’s finally ready to begin this new chapter—on one condition: he gets a private room. Charlie isn’t prepared for anyone to know he’s trans, especially at a place like St. Valentine, a campus steeped in old-school tradition and not exactly known for being open-minded. But he mailed the check for the single-room fee well before term started, so things should be fine… right?

Wrong. When Charlie arrives on campus, he finds out the Academy never received his check, and all the private rooms are gone. He’s been assigned a roommate. Panic sets in. Maybe he wasn’t ready for this after all. How can he possibly keep his secret living with another boy?

And then he finds out his roommate is none other than Jasper Grimes, the boy who broke Charlie’s heart the year before he transitioned. Except Jasper doesn’t recognize him. Not yet. The clock is ticking. But there might be a way out. If Charlie agrees to help Jasper write anonymous love letters for the other boys on campus, he'll help him get his own room. Charlie figures he can survive a few late nights ghostwriting romance. What could possibly go wrong?

In And They Were Roommates, author Page Powars crafts a sweet coming-of-age romance that explores identity, acceptance, and the delicate balancing act between standing out and simply fitting in. At a time when trans kids are being demonized for political gain, this story is a powerful reminder that they’re just kids. Yes, some of the challenges they face are uniquely difficult, but so many of their struggles are universal. Growing up is hard, and adults shouldn’t be the ones making it harder. Powars writes with humor, grace, and deep empathy, making this charming romance all the more resonant and relatable. It’s a book that entertains while gently urging us to lead with compassion, and we could all use a little more of that.

When I read Charlotte McConaghy’s sophomore novel, Once There Were Wolves, in 2021, I was captivated by its quiet profundity, sweeping exploration of nature, and deeply intimate character development. It became one of my favorite books of the year and left me eager to read more from the Australian author. So when her publisher offered me an audiobook copy of her latest release, Wild Dark Shore, I jumped at the chance. Once again, McConaghy dazzles, maintaining her signature exploration of the connection between humanity and the natural world while expanding her storytelling into a deeply personal tale that functions as both a gripping mystery and an unexpected romance.

Dominic Salt and his three children are the caretakers of Shearwater, a tiny island not far from Antarctica and home to the world’s largest seed bank. Once bustling with researchers, the island is now nearly abandoned, its last inhabitants preparing the seeds for relocation as rising sea levels threaten its future. But while Shearwater’s wild beauty is undeniable, its isolation has taken a toll on the Salt family. Reeling from his first heartbreak, eighteen-year-old Raff takes his frustration out on a punching bag. Seventeen-year-old Fen spends her nights among the island’s seals. Nine-year-old Orly, obsessed with botany, fears losing the natural world he loves. And Dominic, burdened by the past, can’t seem to move forward from the tragedy that led them to Shearwater in the first place.

Then, during the worst storm the island has ever seen, a woman washes ashore. As the Salts care for the stranger, Rowan, their initial suspicion turns to affection, and for the first time in years, they begin to feel like a family again. Rowan, who has long guarded her heart, is also drawn to them. But she isn’t being entirely truthful about why she came to Shearwater. And when she stumbles upon sabotaged radios and a freshly dug grave, it becomes clear that Dominic is keeping secrets of his own. As the storms surrounding Shearwater intensify, the characters must decide whether they can trust one another enough to protect the precious seeds in their care—and whether they can finally let go of their pasts to build something new together.

In Wild Dark Shore, McConaghy expands on her signature themes of nature’s intrinsic value and our fragile, complex relationship with it, crafting an intimate and atmospheric story about family, grief, and survival. Her prose is breathtaking, bringing Shearwater’s rugged landscape to life with a vividness that makes even the smallest moments feel vast and significant. The novel’s characters are among the most deeply drawn I’ve read this year. McConaghy alternates between the perspectives of the five main characters, allowing us to fully inhabit their inner worlds until we understand them on an almost instinctive level. It all builds to a gut-wrenching conclusion that left me breathless. Wild Dark Shore is a profoundly moving novel that lingers, not with bombast, but with the quiet, lasting power of its exploration of people and the world they share.

For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2025, 18)

Casey McQuiston first captured my heart with their debut novel, Red, White, and Royal Blue. I was completely enamored by the story of the American President's son falling in love with the British Prince. The cleverly plotted forbidden romance, along with a diverse and brilliantly crafted supporting cast, made the world feel incredibly real. Naturally, I eagerly anticipated more from McQuiston, but their next book, One Last Stop, didn’t quite meet my high expectations. McQuiston returns now with another new novel, The Pairing, a globe-trotting second-chance romance.

Kit and Theo have known each other since childhood. As best friends, their bond eventually blossomed into a romantic relationship. However, their romance fell apart during a trip to Europe, culminating in a nasty breakup on a plane that ended any chance of a future together. Part of the fallout included canceling a planned European food and wine tour. They went their separate ways, left with nothing but a voucher to reschedule the nonrefundable tour.

Four years later, Kit and Theo are living completely separate lives. Theo returned to the US, working as a craft cocktail mixologist while studying to become a sommelier. Kit stayed in Europe, attended pastry school, and became a pastry chef in a world-class Paris restaurant. The wounds of their past relationship have started to heal as they focus on their individual careers and casual relationships. But when they both decide to redeem their food and wine tour voucher at the last possible moment, Kit and Theo are suddenly thrust back into each other’s lives.

There’s a lot happening in The Pairing that should have made me enjoy it. Casey McQuiston forces her protagonists into a second chance at love by placing them on a weeks-long tour, where they have no choice but to interact. Theo knows wine, and Kit knows food. It's a perfect match, leading to the pair coming together naturally during this food and wine expedition. McQuiston's novels have always been inclusive, and this one is no exception. Both characters are pansexual, and one is revealed to be nonbinary. I loved how McQuiston effortlessly switched to using neutral pronouns for this character after the revelation. It truly is that simple, and it baffles me why or how anyone could have an issue with using someone’s preferred pronouns.

Unfortunately, that’s where the positives ended for me. Kit and Theo decide to challenge each other to see who can sleep with the most people during their tour. This premise felt contrived and out of character for them. The competition aspect seemed off and made the plot feel repetitive. Each new section was another city, filled with more descriptions of meals and the sexual conquests of the main characters with the ever-willing locals. This pattern persisted for most of the book, and by three-quarters of the way through, I was just ready for the story to end. 

Most disappointing, though, were the main characters themselves. All their troubles stemmed from a simple problem: they didn’t talk to each other. Miscommunication caused their breakup and continued to hamper their supposedly rekindled feelings for each other. Ultimately, The Pairing features a clever setup that never fully comes together into an emotionally satisfying whole. While I appreciate McQuiston's knack for writing diverse characters into romances, I’m starting to think their debut was a lightning-in-a-bottle moment that may not be captured again.

For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2024, 61)

Childhood trauma is inevitable, though its impact varies for each individual. Stella Hudson's trauma, stemming from losing her mother to drug addiction, has led her to a career as an attorney specializing in child advocacy. Her latest case involves nine-year-old Rose Barclay. Rose's parents, Ian and Beth, are in the midst of a divorce, and Stella has been called in to determine Rose's final custody. Both parents have agreed to abide by Stella's decision as a neutral third party. During her investigation, Stella gets to know the parents, Ian's mother, Harriet, who lives with the family, and, of course, young Rose.

Divorce isn't the only dark shadow over the Barclay family. Rose's young nanny, Tina, recently met a tragic end, falling from the third-story window of the family home and plummeting to her death. Rose witnessed this event and has been so traumatized that she hasn't spoken a word since. Beth was equally impacted, developing a phobia of glass that has led the family to replace all the windows with plexiglass. Ian was affected in a more personal way. Before Tina's death, he had been involved in a passionate affair with her. The investigation into Tina's fall found no obvious sign of foul play, but the question lingers: was the young nanny pushed? If so, who was responsible? Was it the father, Ian, or the scorned mother, Beth? Or, most disturbingly, could the quiet young Rose be the one responsible for the tragedy?

Sarah Pekkanen has a knack for crafting page-turning thrillers centered on compelling family dramas, and her latest book, House of Glass, is no exception. After enjoying her previous standalone thriller, Gone Tonight, I was eager to dive into her newest release and was thrilled to receive both a physical and audio copy from her publisher. Pekkanen skillfully plays with genre conventions, using familiar tropes to present tantalizing red herrings. I'll admit, I thought I had the plot figured out, only to be surprised by an unexpected twist at the end.

House of Glass hooked me from the start, drawing me into the mystery of a mute child whose perspective may hold the key to the truth. This irresistible puzzle kept me reading non-stop. I had noted some uneven pacing in Pekkanen's previous novel, but House of Glass showed no such inconsistencies. It's sheer fun, popcorn reading at its finest—slightly over the top but thoroughly enjoyable.

For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2024, 60)

"Just because someone says they love you doesn't mean they'll never say it to someone else."

Love was in the air this past week as my family celebrated my brother's wedding. It was a great time with family and friends, and it made me want to read a romance novel. I decided to pick up Here's To Us, a sequel to Becky Albertalli & Adam Silvera's hit novel What If It's Us. That YA gay romance charmed me back when I read it in 2020. While I wasn't sure that the characters needed a sequel, I was eager to find out what would happen next. 

Love is complicated. It isn't a simple happily ever after like you see in the movies. When we reconnect with Ben and Arthur, the former couple is learning this lesson for themselves. Ben is still in New York, slogging through classes for a creative writing major. He still lives with his parents and even works part-time with his dad. Life just isn't what he thought it would be. Even his best friend Dylan is being cagey, not his normal happy-go-lucky self. The only real bright spot right now is Ben's writing partner Mario, a cute guy who has captured Ben's heart and encouraged him to dream big with his aspirations of being a novelist. Despite his infatuation with Mario, Ben can't shake his thoughts of the last boy he gave his heart to. At a time when he's dreaming of his future, he can't run away from his past. 

Arthur has found new love too. Mikey is the sweet reliable boyfriend that any guy would be happy to have. The stability of their relationship is about to be put to the test when Arthur accepts an internship that takes him back to New York. Being the intern to the assistant of the director of an off-Broadway play isn't the glamourous job of his dreams, but it does get his foot in the door of the theater industry. Being back in the city has him reminiscing about his first love. In some kind of cosmic destiny, Arthur seems to be running into Ben all around the city. But Arthur is perfectly happy with Mikey, and Ben seems to be head over heels for his new beau too. Plus, it isn't like there is any chance of rekindling their old flame. Or is there?

Like its predecessor, Here's To Us is an irresistibly readable novel with a cast of affable characters who you can't help but root for. This is the kind of story that makes objective critique nearly impossible. As it is a sequel, you'll want to read the first book before diving into this one. Albertalli and Silvera continue their story in a way that thoughtfully explores the implications of maintaining a friendship post-romance. The main characters have grown from their teenage years into young adulthood, bringing new maturity and a host of new challenges. Life isn't as simple as it once was, and the authors relish in their characters grappling with more complex issues. There's a will they/won't they aspect to the relationship that helps to drive the plot forward. Toss in enough dry humor to add some levity to the more serious subject matter, and you've got a great continuation to an already wonderful story. Here's To Us is another hit and a must-read for any romance fans. 

For more information visit Albertalli's website, Silvera's website, Amazon, and Goodreads.

(2022, 58)

I recently completed my goal of reading 52 books in a year. This is the fastest I've ever completed this objective, meaning that I read at a pace that exceeded a book a week. For the first time in A Book A Week's ten-year history, I'm left with the luxury of an entire extra month of reading time. I have a few recently published books that I'd like to get to, but first I've pulled a title from my backlogged TBR list. Mexican Gothic made huge waves when it was first released back in 2020. I had freshly started my own bookstagram account, and it seemed like every reader was reading Silvia Moreno-Garcia's book. The wonderful @lindseyreviews passed her copy of the novel on to me, and it has been sitting unread on my shelf ever since. 

Noemí's life has been one of privilege. As the daughter of a wealthy Mexican businessman in 1951, she lives out her days as a socialite, going to grand parties and constantly changing her studies on a whim. Her father has never asked much of her. He allows her to live her life in relative peace. But now an urgent letter from Noemí's cousin Catalina has arrived, and he wants her to intervene. Catalina was hastily married in secret and has since lived at her husband's compound, a dilapidated vestige of his family's glory days. Catalina's letter is vague, but there is no doubt that she is in some kind of distress. Noemí is tasked with visiting her cousin's new home and checking in on her well-being. 

The crumbling walls of High Place stand as battered reminders of the place it used to be. As Noemí enters the country estate, she is greeted by a peculiar cast of characters, each as inscrutable as the next. Each family member who inhabits the manor greets our heroine with a standoffish air of superiority, either unwilling or unable to illuminate the truth behind Catalina's mysterious affliction. The longer she stays in the home, the more peculiarities arise. There is something off about this place. There is something even more off about the people who call it home. As strange happenings begin to unfold around her, Noemí will need to solve the riddle of Catalina's message before she completely falls under the spell of High Place. 

I notoriously put off reading hyped books for far too long, only to fall in love with them years after the hype has passed. With Mexican Gothic, I find myself in that place again. Moreno-Garcia's writing in this book is pure magic. Atmospheric suspense fills each page, tantalizing us along the slow-burning mystery that unfolds with precision. There's a lyrical quality to the prose. The physical location and time period become like the characters themself, as much a part of the overall story as the people who inhabit them. More akin to gothic romance than horror in the traditional sense, Mexican Gothic expertly balances character development with supernatural intrigue. I will admit that I did see the ending coming well before it was revealed, but the ambiance of the writing more than made this one worth the read. Mexican Gothic has got the goods. I totally understand and agree with the hype it has received. 

For more information visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2022, 54)

I was pretty disappointed by the last thriller I read, so I decided my next read needed to be completely different. My bookstagram buddy Jonathan (@rainbow.readerjsw) recommended Alison Cochrun's debut novel The Charm Offensive as a cute queer romance. I figured that was about as different from a thriller as I would probably find, so I made it my next read. It was exactly the change of pace I needed! The book reinvigorated my exuberance with reading, thoroughly pulling me from the edges of my potential reading slump. 

At his core, Dev is a romantic. So much so, in fact, that he finds himself as a producer on the hit reality TV show, Ever After. Dev has made a career of crafting the perfect fairy tale romance, the kind of manufactured love story that draws millions of viewers in with each new season of the show. Despite his expertise, Dev's personal life has no sign of romance. In fact, he finds himself on the outside of yet another unsuccessful relationship, this time with his producing partner Ryan. As much as he wanted the coupling to succeed, the relationship fell apart into an irredeemable vat of toxicity. Worse, Dev now has to face seeing his ex daily at work. This has the makings of a very long season. 

On the outside, Charlie looks like the perfect Prince Charming. He has the kind of hunky good looks that are sure to make the women and viewers swoon. As filming begins it becomes clear that appearance will only get Charlie so far. You see, he's a rich tech tycoon who was recently ousted from the very company he devoted his life to creating. Charlie doesn't believe in true love. He's only agreed to do the show in order to rehabilitate his public image. When the cameras roll, the would-be prince is crippled with anxiety, stunted into an awkward mess of a man, not the kind of person that fairytales are made of. That's where Dev comes in. He's tasked with turning this aloof doubter into the man of everyone's dreams. 

There's something irresistible about Alison Cochrun's writing in The Charm Offensive. She imagines a love story unfolding amongst the artificial version of love that is presented in a reality show akin to The Bachelor. There's a classic opposite attract angle to the romance that is given a fresh twist by the romance occurring between two men. While the main plot unravels much as you would expect it to, Cochrun elevates the material by peppering deeper thoughts around coming to terms with sexuality and coping with mental illness. I found her treatment of the latter to be one of the most impactful parts of the entire work. The Charm Offensive hits all of the right emotional notes, sticking to the formula while offering just enough deviations to stand above similar fare. This is a feel-good read that isn't afraid to go deeper. Cochrun has a holiday-themed romance dropping next month, so I'm happy to say that I'm now eagerly anticipating that release too. 

For more information visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2022, 42)

How do you choose your next read? I'm typically a mood reader. I choose whichever book strikes my fancy at any given moment. This strategy helps me from getting burned out on reading, but it also means that some books that I've agreed to review for publishers have to wait until I'm in the right mindset to read them. Yerba Buena by Nina LaCour is one such casualty. I received an ebook and audiobook of the novel well before it was published in May, but the queer coming-of-age story wasn't what I wanted to read then. I've been more about a quick-paced plot as of late, so thrillers have been my go-to read for the last couple of weeks. Still, I've found that books in that genre just aren't giving me the character development that I can latch on to.  So here I am, in the perfect mood to read a book like Yerba Buena. 

Sara is looking for an escape. She finally felt like she could accept herself when her secret girlfriend was found dead. Either unwilling or unable to cope with that loss at such a young age, Sara did what any enterprising teenager would do. She ran away from home. In her attempt to put the traumas of her past behind her, she encountered new ordeals that would haunt her into her future. All this is to say that Sara carried a lot of baggage as she entered adulthood. Years later she found a kind of safe haven and peace with her job as a bartender at the trendy restaurant Yerba Buena. It is here that her path would collide with Emilie, changing the trajectory of her life forever. 

Emilie is feeling stuck. She's been in college for seven years, cycling through five different majors only to feel as if she still hasn't found her path in life. Low on time, patience, and money, she randomly takes up a job with a flower shop. Emilie finds refuge in the task of floral arrangement, a process that allows her creativity to flourish while also earning her some much-needed money. As her obvious talent reveals itself, she is entrusted with arranging bouquets for different clients. One of these clients just so happens to be the restaurant Yerba Buena. 

Yerba Buena sees successful YA author Nina LaCour successfully transition to a work geared more for adult audiences. There are still echoes of her writing for younger readers, especially in moments that show the main characters before they are adults. In this case, that works to LaCour's benefit, imbuing the young characters with an authenticity that I was immediately able to connect with. The novel is as complex as the people who inhabit it, a work that tackles topics of sexuality, coming of age, and family trauma through layered scenarios, time periods, and relationships. This is a slow burn of a read. LaCour allows her story to unfold at a natural pace, freeing her characters and their emotions to dictate what comes next. This means that the characters, not the plot, drive the momentum of the novel. It was a bit of an adjustment for this seasoned thriller reader, but I was ultimately happy to have this change of pace. Yerba Buena works as an expertly written romance and coming-of-age story that brims with a purity that is rarely found in character-driven works. 

For more information visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2021, 32)

Take a moment to think back to the early spring of 2020. What was your life like right before the pandemic forced us all into a lockdown? I had just purchased my first home and had spent the week off of work, moving in. I returned to work and was surprised to learn that we were attempting to social distance. Up until that point, COVID was something affecting people on the other end of the world, not something we had to worry about at home. How wrong I was. A week later, everything was shut down and I was working from home, unsure of what the future would hold. 

As the pandemic went from being a short two-week lockdown to the long-term "new normal" that we've grown to live with for nearly two years, it was inevitable that this reality would find its way into books. I mean, how could an author avoid at least tangentially touching upon an event that was impacting the majority of civilization? Enter Catherine Ryan Howard and her latest thriller 56 Days. I first learned of her intent to write a "COVID thriller" as she publicized her novel The Nowhere Man during an Instagram Live interview. I was instantly drawn to her willingness to embrace the pandemic head-on. In an ultimate lemonade from lemons scenario, she was attempting to turn the uncertainness that comes with a lockdown into a thriller. As soon as her publisher offered a copy of the novel to me, I jumped at the chance to read her work. 

The novel begins innocently enough. When we first meet Ciarra and Oliver, COVID-19 isn't on anyone's mind. The couple meets at the local supermarket and instantly connects over a shared interest in space exploration. Both are new to the city and haven't really put themselves out there up until now. A first date goes well and the pair vow to meet again. Here's where things begin to get tricky. As the couple prepares for date number two, the entire country enters a lockdown. COVID is beginning to spread, so citizens are asked to quarantine with their own households, work from home, and avoid traveling for any "non-essential" needs. 

Eager to not lose the momentum of their new relationship, Ciarra and Oliver decided to proceed in an unconventional way. Rather than postpone their next meeting until after the two-week lockdown has been lifted, they decide to quarantine together. As the pair begin their time together, the truth behind their motivations begins to be revealed. Ciarra sees their quartine as a chance to truly get to know each other, find out if their love will flourish, and avoid the scrutiny of her family and friends. Oliver sees things a bit differently. While he tells Ciarra that he's locked down with her for the same reasons, he is actually keeping something from her. He knows that if Ciarra learned of his true identity, their relationship would be over in an instant. What Ciarra doesn't know can't hurt her. Or can it?

In 56 Days Catherine Ryan Howard spins the COVID pandemic into a devilishly twisted thriller that strings the reader along through paranoia-driven suspense. She employs shifting perspectives and jumps back and forth in time to slowly reveal her hand, only giving the reader a tease of the things to come with each chapter. I'm always a bit hesitant at this tactic, but Ryan Howard uses it to maximum effect. My enjoyment of the novel was probably heightened by my own connection to quarantining during the pandemic. Every time a new ripple of the COVID crisis unfolded, I was reminded of my own experience going through those same developments. As such, it will be interesting to see how the novel plays when we are further removed from that history. With a timely plot, intriguing characters, and a twist ending that I didn't see coming, 56 Days gave me everything I could have dreamed of in a COVID thriller. I hope to work my way back to The Nowhere Man soon and will be eager to read whatever Catherine Ryan Howard conjures up next. 

For more information visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2021, 32)

Back in 2019, I was driving from Texas to California and needed an audiobook to help pass the hours on the road. I had just returned from a vacation in London, so I was instantly drawn to Casey McQuiston's Red, White, and Royal Blue. That slow building romance between the President's son and a Prince of England instantly drew me in and had me longing to read more from McQuiston. It has been three years, but she's finally released a new work. Fortunately for me, her publisher was kind enough to send me a copy of it. 

Like most young people her age, August has moved to New York City intending to pave her own path in the world. At home in New Orleans, her life was mostly tied to her mother's obsessive search for her long-lost uncle. While August gained an abnormal proficiency in the art of investigation, that is by no means her own passion. She's got a degree of her own to finish, and New York seems like the perfect place to start anew. Her apartment, a small place that towers above a Popeye's Chicken of all things, comes with a band of quirky roommates who instantly accept August as their own. She lands a job bussing tables at a local diner. Life isn't glamourous by any means, but August feels good about the place she's in. 

Each day, August rides the Q to work and school. If you've ever ridden on a New York subway, you'll know about the interesting cast of characters that you usually find riding with you. August tries to mind her own business during her daily commute, but she can't help but notice the gorgeous girl who is always on the train. Jane is everything that August isn't. She's effortlessly cool with a vintage style that is all her own. She's confident and kind, not afraid to step in and help out a complete stranger. As August continues her daily ride on the Q, her crush on Jane grows and grows. The pair strike up a friendship that begins to veer toward romance, but a relationship isn't exactly in the cards for them. You see, Jane has ridden these rails since the 1970s, frozen in time as the world has moved on around her. She is bound to this train, unable to leave or travel anywhere else. August might be the only person who can help her escape this phenomenon, but she risks threatening their relationship in the process. 

Casey McQuiston follows up her hit debut novel with One Last Stop, another captivating romance that will instantly draw you in. McQuiston excels in building chemistry between two characters, and I found her writing of the brimming relationship between her two main characters to be the highlight of this novel. You can't help but root for the two women and dream of them being able to come together. McQuiston fills the story with a supporting cast that represents the diversity of the city she's writing about, a move that I'd love to see more fiction authors follow. Having characters of different nationalities, ages, genders, and sexual orientations added a richness to this story that others in the genre usually lack.  

Strong characters aside, I just couldn't fall in love with this book. I really wanted to love it, but the plotting surrounding the story's central mystery just fell flat for me. I think it came down to a lack of balance between the "frozen in time" hook and the actual relationship between the characters. So many pages were devoted to a plot point that just didn't pay off for me. As the ending approached, I was enthralled by the relationship, but frustrated with a twist that was all too convenient. Even the ending seemed unsure of which way to close the story. As the novel concluded, I was left feeling that the individual elements of the novel were more satisfying than the story as a whole. There's much to love about One Last Stop, and I seem to be in the minority of reviewers on it. While I didn't love the book, I still think it is a worthy addition from an obviously gifted author. I'll still be the first in line to read whatever Casey McQuiston comes up with next. 

For more information visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2021, 21)

"We artists are powerless against our passions."

Music has always been a huge part of my life. I've played piano since I was a child and hold multiple degrees in the subject. I've always had a soft spot for the works of George Gershwin, a composer and performer who bridged the gap between classical and popular music at the start of the 20th century.  His ability to mix elements of jazz within the more traditional sounds of an orchestra allowed his works to transcend time and place. His famous Rhapsody in Blue is still played in concert halls today. I'd bet that even if you've never heard of the composer or his music, you'd recognize the shrill exuberance of the opening clarinet solo from that piece in an instant. When author Mitchell James Kaplan offered me a copy of his latest novel Rhapsody, I was excited to read this historical fiction based upon one of my favorite subjects. 

The novel is centered around Kay Swift, a renowned composer and pianist in her own right. We meet her just as she's heard George Gershwin's new piece Rhapsody in Blue for the first time. The raucous performance is quite the departure from the sounds her classically trained ears are tuned to admire, but she can't deny the appeal of the music. Days later, Kay finds herself still thinking about the piece, even using her perfect pitch to play the bits of the piano part that she remembers. The exhilaration she finds in this music allows her mind to wander a bit from the doldrums of being a woman of high society. Kay studied music at the college that would one day become known as Julliard and played in a trio that gained quite the acclaim among the New York social circle. These days, her musical endeavors are somewhat of an afterthought. Kay dutifully supports her husband and attends the very parties she used to entertain. 

Kay's relationship with her husband has always been one built from expectation rather than love. She married the man from a prominent family and set off on fulfilling the life that was expected of her. Kay knows her husband strays from their marriage when he travels. In fact, the couple has agreed it is in their best interest to seek the lust of others. Kay doesn't act on this arrangement until she catches the attention of Gershwin. What starts as an infatuation over music soon turns into a full-on affair. For Kay, this relationship is the chance at the kind of happiness she's only dreamed of having, a bond that intertwines passion for the arts with devotion to each other. But George sees things a bit differently. He's still a prominent man in an age where parties and excess are the norms. Kay's sense of loyalty wavers between two men, both of who seem keen on not returning the fidelity. 

In Rhapsody Mitchell James Kaplan draws on the rich musical and cultural history of the Jazz Age to inform his brilliant fiction. He sticks mostly to the facts, only turning to fiction to imagine the dialogue between characters and slightly alter dates to keep the narrative flowing. From the opening chapter, I was drawn in by the rich descriptions of the music. Kaplan's ability to express the sounds of the time through written words helps to place the reader directly into the same rooms as the characters. We are enveloped by the sights and sounds. Once placed into this point in history, it is the characters who propel us through the story. The complex relationship between Kay Swift and her lover George Gershwin is brought to life through Kaplan's carefully drawn narrative, paving the way for an emotional connection to a story that until now has only lived in the history books. I was completely captivated by Rhapsody. Kaplan has written a radiant homage to a bygone era, a love letter to music and the people who create it. 

For more information visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2021, 10)

"Sometimes you just jump and hope it's not a cliff."

I'm very late to the party with this one. I've seen Red, White & Royal Blue shared by countless other bloggers and reviewers over the last year or so. I actually listened to this one with my boyfriend as we drove from Texas to California last summer. A month before, we spent several weeks touring London and the surrounding area with his family. When we returned from our trip, we longed to relive our time there. A friend recommended this one to me, and a gay romantic comedy that just so happened to feature a member of the royal family seemed like the perfect way to spend the next three days traveling halfway across the country.

Alex's life is far from normal. His mother is currently serving as the President of the United States, making Alex first son. His life is scrutinized by the press almost as much as by his mother and her team. She is mounting her reelection campaign, so her family must maintain their pristine image. Naturally, Alex puts all of this into jeopardy when he attends a royal wedding. He gets into a very public and very hostile situation with none other than Henry, Prince of England. The two have never been more than cordial to each other, but this instance pushes things over the edge. The geopolitical ramifications of their sparring force the two countries to formulate a plan for redeeming their image. For better or worse, Alex and Henry must put aside their differences and play nice for the cameras.

At first, their meticulously planned play dates are excruciating. Both Alex and Henry completely loathe each other. Spending time together, even if it is for the better of their respective countries, is unbearable. But soon, the hard shell of their rivalry begins to deteriorate. It turns out that being the children of high-profile world leaders is a unique experience that they can both relate too. Plus, there is an undeniable physical attraction between the two. Alex slowly begins to question his own sexuality. He's always dated girls, but there's something about Henry that he just can't shake. Maybe he's bisexual?

"Straight people, he thinks, probably don't spend this much time convincing themselves they're straight."

As their rivalry gives way to romance, Alex and Henry begin to grapple with what their relationship will mean for them personally, their families, and their countries. Alex obviously doesn't want his sexuality to become firing power for his mother's political adversaries, especially during a contentious presidential campaign. Henry is wrestling with the obligation of tradition that has spanned the history of his royal family. A prince marries a princess. There's not really any gray area there. So the battle wages on two fronts. They must deal with the normal growing pains of a new relationship, understanding each other's flaws and intricacies, while also managing the impending global fallout of their relationship becoming public.

I don't normally read romance novels, but there is something about Red, White & Royal Blue that just sucked me in completely. Casey McQuiston imbues this rival to romance story with the kind of heart and reality that just rang completely true to me. Yes, the situation itself may seem a little bit outrageous (I mean, what are the odds?), but she grounds the entire novel in a sense of reality that is undeniable. McQuiston takes her time building the romance, allowing her characters to grow and change in a way that made the characters all the more relatable. Alex coming to terms with his own sexuality, in particular, was portrayed in such a thoughtful and genuine way. Beyond the two main characters, McQuiston inhabits her story with a supporting cast that is equally fleshed out, bringing a further sense of reality to the narrative. As much care and detail are provided for Alex and Henry's physical relationship as their emotional one. This is the kind of representation that is vital in literature today, and I was very pleased to see it play out in such an honest and respectful way. Red, White, & Royal Blue was an absolute joy from start to finish, and I highly recommend it as a must-read.

For more information visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads.
(2019, 40)

"Does goodbye really mean forever?"

Sebastian Hart is no stranger to heartbreak. When he was just a boy, he lost his mother to cancer caused by secondhand smoke from his father. The rest of his father's short life was spent with guilt and grief, leaving Sebastian without the support that he desperately needed. Now, on the eve of his fortieth birthday, Sebastian is still reeling from his latest misfortune. Exactly one year ago, Sebastian's husband Frank was killed in a tragic accident. The usually loving couple had an argument immediately preceding the incident, and Sebastian can't forgive himself for allowing this negative moment be his final memory of the love of his life.

To make matters worse, Sebastian's dream of being a choreographer for a Broadway show seem more out of reach than ever before. As a soon to be forty-year-old man, he's seen the coveted spots as members of the chorus become nearly unattainable. Directors seem to only cast young boys. Instead of managing a large production, Sebastian struggles to coordinate a simple number for his community tap class. Without Frank as a second source of income, he turns to temp jobs as a dog walker and office clerk to make ends meet.

On the night of his birthday, Sebastian's best friend Chloe, a retired Rockette who partakes in plenty of men and alcohol, believes she has the cure to his perpetually sour state. She tries to set him up with Reid, a hunky landscaper who has also joined Sebastian's tap class. Deep down, Sebastian's heart will always belong to Frank, but could it be time to move on? Will his heart ever be capable of loving again?

 In his debut novel The Truth About Goodbye, Russell Ricard writes about love, loss, and the insecurity that can come with aging. I immediately began to make comparisons with another story about loss that features a gay couple, A Single Man by Christopher Isherwood. I appreciated the way Ricard brought the topics explored in that groundbreaking work into the 21st century. It is amazing to reflect upon both the shared troubles and remarkable progress of the LGBT community between the two time periods.

Despite all of the positive intent of this novel, I felt myself wanting more from it. Large sections of dialogue, especially those dealing with the more internalized conflicts of guilt and grief, came off as disingenuous. This made it difficult to relate to Sebastian's situation. This wouldn't be frustrating if there weren't glimmers of brilliance throughout the work. Ricard's description of the behind the scenes drama in a Broadway show and any section featuring his fierce character Chloe were vividly written.The clarity of these moments caused the rest of the story to pale in comparison. Overall, The Truth About Goodbye, is a mixed bag that merely scratches the surface of the intriguing ideas that it teases.

For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads.

Charlotte Kramer is making history. As the first female President of the United States, she faces even greater scrutiny than her predecessors. Working closely with her Secretary of Defense, Charlotte has made great strides in the Middle East. After years of violence and political turmoil, the region prepares to hold its first truly democratic election. Charlotte is proud of the amount of good she has accomplished in her three years on the job, but she knows that she needs to do more to secure a second term. Despite all of her progress abroad, things are not as positive back at home. Under her leadership, the economy is failing to recover in the way she promised it would. Bitter partisan politics have hindered any policy discussions.  Worse, a less than ideal showing at the midterm elections has left a congress that is waiting for any opportunity to end her career. With little time to reframe her reputation, Charlotte turns to her family, friends, and political advisors to take a final shot at retaining her spot in the White House.

Melanie Kingston is a fixture of Washington politics. Fifteen years ago, she lied about being a student to gain an internship at the White House. Ever since then, she has worked her way up the ladder, serving as campaign manager and press secretary for the previous administration. Now, as the White House chief of staff,  she is one of Charlotte Kramer's most trusted advisors. Every aspect of Charlotte's administration, from policy decisions and speeches to wardrobe, runs through Melanie. But this loyalty has taken a toll on her personal life. She is the most respected woman in Washington, besides the President of course, but with one failed marriage and no children, she has little personal fulfillment. When a local reporter contacts Melanie about a story of infidelity in the President's marriage, she kicks it into high gear. A story like this doesn't stay out of the spotlight for long. If news of a Presidential affair surfaces, it threatens to not only derail the President's reelection campaign, but to completely tarnish Melanie's lifetime of work.

Dale Smith is the new kid on the block. Young, smart, beautiful, in love, she seems to have it all. Dale is the White House correspondent, weekend anchor, and a shoe in for future nightly anchor at one of the national networks. Despite her clear success, Dale is still finding her way in the town where seniority reigns supreme. To prove herself and cement her place among the best journalists in the nation, she must gain access to the hard hitting interviews and breaking news stories that garner ratings and prestige. Lucky for her, she has a secret weapon. During her short time in Washington, Dale has gained the trust and heart of one of the people closest to President Charlotte Kramer. . . her husband.

Eighteen Acres is a stellar novel that mixes political and personal drama into a page turning, edge of your seat read. Author Nicolle Wallace uses her firsthand political knowledge to bring the behind the scenes aspects of the political game front and center. Her experience at the White House allows for each page to ring with authenticity. Political aptitude aside, this is a fascinating character study that stands on its own merits. It is great to read a book about three smart and beautiful women that focusses on their struggle to maintain their personal lives amidst the demands of their high profile careers. Wallace dives headfirst into questions about the double standards of women in the workplace while never becoming preachy. The political intrigue combines with the equally well developed characters to form the perfect mix in this smart, timely, and entertaining novel.

For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and GoodReads.

(2015, 11)

As someone whose life has been intimately touched by cancer, I was extremely hesitant to read The Fault in Our Stars by John Green. Regardless of the positive reviews, bestselling status, and movie adaptation, I simply was not ready to subject my emotions to a book about the awful disease. As time passed, however, I was overcome with curiosity. A year after cancer invaded my life, I finally broke down and read the book that everyone was talking about.

Sixteen year old Hazel has a terminal case of cancer. An experimental drug has held the tumors at bay, but the threat of the disease remains. Her lungs regularly fill with fluid and she requires the assistance of an oxygen tank to help her breathe. There is no denying the truth. Cancer will kill Hazel. But there is much more to this character than her illness. A voracious reader, college student (she completed her GED while undergoing treatments), and fan of America's Next Top Model, Hazel shares many attributes of a typical teenage girl. At the insistence of her overbearing mother, who fears her daughter is becoming a recluse, Hazel finds herself at a weekly support group for  critically ill teens. She grudgingly attends the meetings, but the shallow sentiments of the group leader and rotating group of teens (it's hard to keep a consistent membership when all of the members are terminally ill) do little to interest Hazel.

It is at these meetings where Hazel first meets Augustus Waters. A lanky, attractive, former high school basketball star, Gus lost one of his legs to cancer. The young man seems to live life by his own rules. For example, Gus frequently places an unlit cigarette in his mouth, a metaphor for controlling  something that has the power to kill him. The two immediately hit it off, bonding over literature and philosophizing about life and death. As their romance blossoms, they face the ugly truths about cancer and the ways the disease will inevitably affect their relationship.

John Green does an incredible job of accurately portraying the horrors of cancer and the way it shapes the lives of those who come in contact with it. As a young adult novel, this book could easily have fallen into the trap of romanticizing a love story about teens facing the hardships of a disease. Fortunately, Green's characters are written with the kind of depth that allows readers to naturally become enraptured in their story. It is great to see an author write intelligent characters who are smart because of their thoughts and actions. . . not because he told us they were! There are no "against all odds" or "wisdom beyond age" sentiments in this story. Rather, the character grapple with the fear and unknown that comes with a terminal diagnosis. We see the horrific toll that cancer can take on the human body, mind, and soul. Yes, cancer largely influences the story, but it is the incredible, once in a lifetime kind of love between Hazel and Gus, that makes The Fault in Our Stars the rare, must read book that it is.

For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and GoodReads.

(2015, 5)

Nick and Amy Dunne seem like the perfect couple. Living a dream life in New York, the pair of writers appear to have it all. She, a stunning blonde, star of her parent's children book series, and writer of magazine quizzes, is the perfect mix of brains and beauty. He, good looking, smart journalist, with the perfect wife to match, is the stereotypical all American boy. Together, they live their perfect life in their perfect home. But all that changes when both are laid off from their journalism jobs. With no viable job prospect in the city, Nick decides that they should move to his childhood hometown in  Missouri, where both of his health stricken parents and twin sister Margo live. Amy reluctantly agrees.

On the morning of their fifth wedding anniversary, Nick is at the bar that he owns with Margo. He is contemplating the inevitable anniversary scavenger hunt, a quirky and romantic tradition that has Nick retrace the steps of the couple's relationship, when he receives a courtesy phone call from his neighbor alerting him that his front door is ajar. Concerned, he comes home to discover that some furniture has been knocked over, and that Amy is nowhere to be found. Immediately, the police are notified, and an investigation ensues.

Through Amy's diary entries, we learn that their picture perfect marriage was anything but. These entries alternate with accounts of the ongoing investigation from Nick's perspective. As the authorities and 24/7 news networks delve deeper into the case, Nick's story begins to break down, making him the prime suspect in Amy's disappearance. With Nick continuing to profess his innocence, the entire community begins to question how well they know the people who surround them each day.

This is a first rate thriller from top to bottom. Each character is crafted with the kind of gray morality that both mimics real life and provides plenty of natural misdirection throughout the story. Flynn reveals  the flaws in everyday people, and places them into situations that bring horror into their mundane lives. Many reviewers have found the ending to be disappointing. I also was a bit taken aback by the way the narrative wraps up, but after contemplating it for a while, the ending seems to be inevitable. In the end, Flynn does not give us the tidy package that we have come to expect from similar novels. Instead, she maintains the dark and twisted nature that reality too often provides. This novel definitely deserves all the hype and acclaim it has received, and I highly recommend it.

For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and GoodReads.

(2014)

Dr. Kate Philo is on an arctic expedition to discover frozen lifeforms. She works for a team of scientists who study cell reanimation. Basically, they have the technology to bring small frozen lifeforms, mostly krill, back to life. As with all science, the process is not full proof. In fact, the creatures come to life for only a short period of time before dying again for good. But the young doctor is optimistic at the promises of the project. So much so that she gave up her university position, which she really loved, to take on the expedition full time. One day the team, sailing under the banner of the Carthage Institute, comes across an unusual find. They come upon a giant "candidate berg" that has the largest carbon signature ever recorded. As they begin digging into the berg, they expect to find some sort of sea creature like a seal. But as the divers dig deeper into the ice, they see something poking out that they never expected to find . . . a human hand.

To say journalist Daniel Dixon is ambitious would be an understatement. He has spent his career searching for that one high-profile story to propel him to the top of his field. It is no wonder then that he agreed to be the sole journalist to cover the Carthage Institute. He has seen the reanimation of krill with his own eyes, and was aboard the ship when the team, led by the beautiful Dr. Kate Philo, discovered the frozen remains of a human man. Now the leader of the institute, Dr. Erastus Carthage, has called upon Dixon to be the sole reporter, as the institute, recently renamed the Lazarus Project, attempts to reanimate their largest subject to date. But Daniel Dixon has an ulterior motive. Yes, being the sole reporter for the historic attempt to bring a man back to life will bring his writing international exposure, but Daniel believes there is more to the story than meets the eye. In fact, he is certain that the Lazarus Project is nothing more that an elaborate hoax, meant to bring fortune and political power to its founder.

Dr. Erastus Carthage is not a nice man. As the head of his privately funded institute and as the leading scientist on cell reanimation, he has become accustom to getting his way, no matter what. With the discovery of a frozen human, he prepares himself for the windfall that is sure to come when he brings the man back to life. But he knows this will not be easy. The project has it's fair share of detractors. Many protest the project, claiming that God and only God has the power to revive human life. Carthage is certain of his science and the powerful possibilities that reanimation of human life could present. He is aware of the various thoughts for and against his work and will stop at nothing to see his work through.

In The Curiosity, author Stephen P. Kiernan masterfully blends science, morality, and romance into a stunning novel. Each chapter is told from the perspective of either Dr. Kate Philo, Daniel Dixon, or Dr. Erastus Carthage, allowing the reader to delve deeper into the motivations of each character and their reactions to the actions of the others. Kiernan explores the issue of morality in science and the lengths that people are willing to go to fulfill their ambitions. Despite the exploration of some potentially controversial themes, Kiernan never pushes an agenda upon the reader, opting instead to let the characters and events speak for themselves.

The novel is hard to place within one genre, reading as a kind of cross between At The Mountains Of Madness by H.P. Lovecraft, Dan Brown's Deception Point, and Eowyn Ivey's Snow Child.  The novel presents a strong romantic thread to it's plot, about halfway through. Fortunately, Kiernan devotes as much effort to building a believable romance as he does in convincing us that reanimation could actually occur. In the end, The Curiosity is a masterful novel, equally entertaining and heartbreaking. It will force you to reevaluate some of your own beliefs while never leading you to a definitive answer. In the end, readers are sure to devour this thought provoking novel and still be thinking about it for weeks to come.

For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and GoodReads.

(2013: week 28, book 28)