Showing posts with label family. Show all posts

Saturday, August 30, 2025

The Phoenix Pencil Company by Allison King

Rating: 4 of 5 stars

Pages: 368 pages
Published: June 2025

The Phoenix Pencil Company marks a stunning debut for Allison King, and reading it throughout August was a true delight. I believe King has a long writing career ahead of her, and I'm thankful for this recommendation from the Modern Mrs. Darcy Book Club.

The story revolves around Monica, the main character, who spends most of her time on the computer working on the EMBRS project as part of her collegiate studies in the northeastern part of the United States. During her research, she unexpectedly connects with Louise who is studying nearby and had previously met with Meng in Shanghai while traveling abroad. Meng is the cousin of Monica's ailing grandmother. Together and through various epistolary communication methods, these four women weave a narrative that is rich and magical, bridging the past and present. The result is an inspirational and emotional story of love, loss, and restoring familial legacies through storytelling.

King's writing style includes rich descriptions that tug on the heartstrings on the reader. She effortlessly immerses the reader into the enchanting world of The Phoenix Pencil Company crafting a narrative that explores survival during tumultuous times. The contemporary conflict between Monica and Louise, who develop a romantic relationship, is portrayed with sensitivity and depth, making it an important aspect of the story.

Recommendation: I found this novel to be heartfelt, creative, and meaningful. I am glad I read it, as it broadened my understanding of the historical challenges of the Asian community and highlighted the transformative power of communication. This book is a must-read for anyone looking for a touching and enriching literary experience.

Until next time ... Read on!

Regardless of whether I purchase a book, borrow a book, or receive a book in exchange for review, my ultimate goal is to be honest, fair, and constructive. I hope you've found this review helpful.

Run for the Hills by Kevin Wilson

Rating: 3.5 of 5 stars

Pages: 256 pages
Published: May 2025

I grabbed a copy of Run for the Hills by Kevin Wilson on recommendation from the Modern Mrs. Darcy Book Club. This short yet adventure-packed novel was the perfect light-hearted read for fun summer day. As my first experience with this author, I found myself appreciating his craft even more after listening to his author chat with the MMD Book Club. However, I'm not sure I would necessarily seek out his other works. While he is undoubtedly talented, I believe, as I've often said, not every book is for every reader, and this one was just middle of the road for me.

Run for the Hills is a story about found family and looking for the apology you just may never get. One random day, Reuben Hill shows up at Madeline Hill's farm she shares with her mother and informs them he is the first son of the father they share. Reuben proposes a road trip to find their father as well as the three other unknown Hill children. Madeline, who didn't know about these siblings, or that her father was even still living, reluctantly agrees to join Reuben. And along the way they pick up their siblings - in chronological order! - and learn more than they ever knew about their father and themselves.

What I enjoyed most about this book was the sense of physical movement as the siblings embarked on this road trip across the United States. The journey was not only a literally one but also emotionally moving due to the nature of the plot and exploration of relationships. While the story was entertaining, I found some of the scenarios a little far-fetched. I also wanted more resolution of their father's character.

Recommendation: I found this book to be reflective and, at times, humorous. Although, the story dragged on a little for me, and the ending felt lackluster, I valued the relationships between the siblings and the quest to find their father, which ultimately led to them discovering more about themselves and each other.

My Friends by Fredrik Backman

Rating: 5+ of 5 stars

Pages: 448 pages
Published: May 2025

If you follow my reading blog, you must know Fredrik Backman is my auto-buy author. I love everything he writes, and I hope one day to have at least 1/16 of the talent he has when writing creatively. So, as you might suspect, I pre-ordered his latest novel, My Friends, and was downright giddy when it arrived in time for my long haul trip to Greece in late May. What can I say about My Friends? It's, of course, about a friend group. But it's so much more. It's about community, art, surviving, creating, dying, growing. It's about what Backman writes best - the human condition. Let me try to provide a succinct summary, and then I will attempt to convey my feelings about this stupendous novel.

In My Friends, Backman brings us four teenagers whose friendship is so strong, it literally stands the test of time and ultimately affects a complete stranger, in the very best way, when one of the friends meets the stranger decades later after another of the friends has succumb to an illness. The friend who has passed on was a famous artist, and his first painting has moved millions but specifically, Louisa - the stranger, who is an aspiring artist herself. A chance encounter with the artist's friend leads them both down a path of self-discovery (Louisa) and healing (the friend). The story is complex, and a paragraph blurb about the plot simply cannot do it justice. As with most of Backman's stories, he creates layered nuisances that slowly come full circle not only providing a satisfying conclusion, but an emotionally-filled one as well. This book made me laugh, think, and cry.

Backman's prose is top-notch. His storytelling is vulnerable, and it reaches the depths of souls. I follow the author on social media, and I know he fights against a darkness that many of us do. Before this book was released to the public, some of his social media posts hinted at the possibility that this may be his last writing. While I hope it is not, I am so grateful for what he has provided the literary fiction community thus far. Do yourself a favor and grab a copy of this book today.

Recommendation: My Friends captures the very essence of friendship and celebrates the ties that hold us together, even in the face of the most devastating tragedies. Backman's signature writing style touches on so many themes and is sure to catch the eyes of many readers and all the bestseller lists this summer.

A Winter in New York by Josie Silver

Rating: 4 of 5 stars

Pages: 372 pages
Published: October 2023

I snagged a copy of A Winter in New York by Josie Silver when I had a Book of the Month subscription in late 2023. I tucked the book away in one of my TBR (to be read) piles and quickly forgot about it. Then, I got stung by the Christmas bug in 2024 and wanted to read something light and happy that aligned with this joyful time of year. So, I opened up my Libby app and downloaded a copy of this book. I kept thinking, gosh that cover looks familiar. I soon realized a couple of pages in I owned a hard copy. So, I returned the library book for someone else and switched to the physical copy.

Silver presents a heartwarming story that begins with a meet cute ... in a bookstore! ... between the two main characters Iris, a young chef, and Gio, whose family owns the local gelato shop in her neighborhood. Iris is recovering from a very difficult romantic relationship, and Gio is trying to figure out how to save his family's shop as his uncle, the only person who knows the secret family recipe to the one gelato flavor the shop is famous for, is ill and unable to recall. On top of those challenges, Iris soon realizes she has a familial connection to this shop that could jeopardize Gio's uncle and her budding friendship with Gio.

The author is an excellent writer who beautifully captures the magic of the season and the New York setting. Her writing is engaging and creates a moderately-paced novel. As with most romcoms like this, the plot is mainly predictable, but there are definitely some deviations that took me by surprise. Overall, I enjoyed the story and found the novel delightful and meeting the needs of the read I was looking for this season. I wish some of the secondary characters were better developed and Iris didn't drag her lies (by omission) on for so long, as it became trite over time.

Recommendation: I enjoyed the romance with a touch of holiday spirit that provided a cozy escape for the holiday season. The book reminded me of the movie While You Were Sleeping with Sandra Bullock, so I watched that shortly after to continue the good feels!

Sisters with a Side of Greens by Michelle Stimpson

Rating: 5 of 5 stars

Duration: 12:38:00
Published: March 2024

I learned about Sisters with a Side of Greens from one of my book community groups on Facebook, and I am so thankful I did. After listening to the audiobook I borrowed from my local library, I already know I would appreciate reading more by Michelle Stimpson who has a knack for women's fiction that speaks to women in general and African American women specifically. This story is about ... you guessed it ... two estranged sisters who are struggling to find forgiveness with each other and more forward to their third act in life.

Rose, who has recently retired from the U.S. Post Office plans to complete her unfilled dream of starting a restaurant using her mother's secret seasoning to pave her way to success. Her sister, Marvina, is living in east Texas and much of her identity is wrapped up in serving her community and church. However, Rose needs Marvina's cooperation and financial help to get her restaurant started. Marvina's primary church outreach service is coming to an end, and she needs to find a new life purpose. The sisters are both strong-willed and opinionated, and the author takes us on their journey of discovering what's happened in the past, what's next, and their love for each other again.

I truly enjoyed this story, and it was a bonus that it was set in Texas, so there were familiar points of reference in the novel. Stimpson has created realistic characters, a memorable story, and an entertaining read that kept me company for a couple of days on my commute to work. I can't wait to read what she writes next.

Recommendation: I am thankful for this recommendation I got through Facebook. As a reader, a foodie, and a sister, I found the story quite relatable and very enjoyable. I strongly recommend this book.

Jackpot Summer by Elyssa Friedland

Rating: 3 of 5 stars

Pages: 384 pages
Published: June 2024

Jackpot Summer by Elyssa Friedland was a top pick in the Modern Mrs. Darcy Book Club's 2024 Summer Reading Guide. It was listed under family drama, and this book had plenty of that. A year after their mother dies of lung cancer, the four adult Jacobson children gather in their family's beloved beach home for one last vacation before their father sells it to retire in Florida. While cleaning out their things, the youngest sibling, Noah decides to buy a lottery ticket. The two sisters go in with him, but their older brother and his wife refuse to participate. As luck would have it, they win and are quite literally millionaires overnight. But as we have often learned in real life, money does not buy happiness. Instead this family gets a lot of unfulfilling material items, emotional baggage including guilt and resentment, and a large physical rift amongst the haves and have-nots within the Jacobson clan.

The story was engaging and kept my interest in that I was curious to learn what happened to this fictional family, but I didn't really care. It wasn't like they were truly struggling before, and the winnings brought out some of their most undesirable traits. I do appreciate the greater lesson, the author crafted along the way. I do enjoy this particular author's writing style (see The Most Likely Club), but this story just didn't live up to the hype like I thought it would. It was a light summer read with a happy ending, and, upon reflected, I think that's all I should have expected.

Recommendation: This book was a little on the long side, and it wasn't my favorite read for the summer nor was it the worst thing I've read. I'm putting this one in the take it or leave it category.

The Guncle by Steven Rowley

Rating: 3 of 5 stars

Duration: 11:24:00
Published: May 2021

I've had an audio copy on my Audible app of The Guncle by Steven Rowley for a couple of years now. The premise sounded intriguing, and I suspected I might enjoy it audibly. Guncle is a portmanteau of gay and uncle, and in this story, Patrick is the titular character. He is often referred to as guncle and also gup for Gay Uncle Patrick by his niece and nephew, Maisie and Grant respectively. Sadly, we meet the children just after their mother, Sarah, has died from cancer, and their father is trying to overcome depression and drug addiction. Greg, the father, asks his brother, Patrick, to take care of the children over the summer in California while he is at a nearby recovery facility. So, Patrick reluctantly takes the children from the east coast to his home to help his brother and help the children during this dark time.

Patrick has some sadness of his own he's trying to heal from and in the midst of helping Greg, he self-actualizes and fulfills a greater purpose for his extended family. Throughout the novel, he espouses his "guncle rules." I think the author intended these as comedic relief for heavier topics; however, I honestly do not remember many of them. They were a lot and difficult to keep up with on audio. I do remember chuckling at some of them and the scenarios that necessitated the rules.

My main issue with this book is the religion bashing. I don't understand why religion and homosexuality always have to be pitted against one another and we can find a way to co-exist in real life and in fiction. The multiple religious mentions in a condescending manner were a put off and soured the book.

Recommendation: I finally hit play on this audiobook in hopes to quickly move to the sequel - The Guncle Abroad. However, this one didn't meet my expectations, so I instead, moved to something else more appealing. I think this book is for a specific audience that I am not a member of.

Until next time ... Read on!

Regardless of whether I purchase a book, borrow a book, or receive a book in exchange for review, my ultimate goal is to be honest, fair, and constructive. I hope you've found this review helpful.

Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt

Rating: 5+ of 5 stars

Pages: 360 pages
Published: May 2022

I read Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt, and now I am in love with an endearing character named Marcellus who happens to be an octopus living out his last days at the Sowell Bay Aquarium. He is a smart sea animal who is very observant of Tova who is the tenured aquarium custodian. Having recently lost her husband and being the mother of a son who went missing more than 30 years ago, Tova's third act is a bit of a lonely, sad one. But when her ankle injury requires her to reduce her workload at the same time that Cameron — with problems of his own — comes to town, Marcellus uses his intelligence to help them both find the closure they need to carry on.

This book is a debut for Van Pelt, and it is wonderfully done. The writing is so beautiful and evokes a myriad of emotions. The mystery that runs as the book's central theme keeps the reader engaged, and the ending provides a satisfying, although not completely happy, ending. The story was well balanced and executed perfectly. It satisfied all my literary joys.

I typically like to read stories that I believe could really happen, so having a book with an octopus narrating as one of the main characters seemed to be a stretch for me. But there's something about the magic that Van Pelt created in crafting this story that makes the reader believe the seemingly impossible is possible.

Recommendation: This book made many book of the year lists in 2022 and deservedly so. I thought about this book long after I finished reading it, and I've also become more intrigued by octopuses. My only regret is I waited two years to procure my own copy.

Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey

Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Duration: 06:42:00
Published: October 2020

Alright, alright, alright ... let me tell you all about Matthew McConaughey's memoir, Greenlights. Full disclosure - he is one of my favorite actors, and I admire his public persona and the causes he supports. I had this book on my TBR literally since it was published, and this year I am listening to my fair share of audiobooks so I snagged a copy from Audible, and it did not disappoint.

The book is read by McConaughey, only as he can. He is, after all an actor. He makes his stories come to life just like he does on the big (and small) screen. Throughout the telling of his life, he shares what he labels as "green lights". And while I may not have agreed with all of his conclusions, I appreciated the creativity in which these were shared. The author provides many back stories to some of his famous films like how unlikely it was for him to get cast as the lead in A Time to Kill, how Dallas Buyers Club almost didn't get made and how "alright, alright, alright" were the first words that launched his career. McConaughey does a great job reflecting back and looking forward.

My only criticism is the varying volume levels. I found that sometimes he was yelling rather than acting and it became distracting. Additionally, I think this is part of his true character; however, personally, I didn't care for all the very colorful language. I don't think it really added to the stories he shared.

Recommendation: In summary, McConaughey has taken his passion, acting, and made a successful career of it, but more importantly he has made a well-rounded life for himself and his family. This book is another feather in his cap. I found it to be spiritual, thoughtful and methodical. At just under seven hours, it's a quick listen that provides private depth and knowledge to an otherwise very public person. I would recommend this for mature, adult listening and reading.

The Vacationers by Emma Straub

Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Pages: 292 pages
Published: May 2014

I was gifted The Vacationers by a coworker who read this Emma Straub novel during her honeymoon to Kaua'i. Since I was going to the same island for my honeymoon, albeit years later, I thought I'd save the book for a nice beach read during my stay. And I successfully implemented my plan. Husband. Check. Beach. Check. Book. Check!

The story is about the Post family who travels to Spain during the summer holiday where their teenage daughter, Sylvia, will be immersed in Spanish with a personal tutor. Joining them is their adult son, Bobby and his girlfriend and their two family friends, Charles and his husband Lawrence. Together, they will celebrate what will be Franny and Jim Post's 35-wedding anniversary. However, as with most families, dysfunction and secrets kept that eventually spill make for a challenging time over the course two-week vacation.

This is one of those stories where there isn't a ton of action. It's more-so just a peek into normal character's lives and the challenges they face. There are some deeper topics, but nothing too heavy, and the book's pace allowed me to participate in the Posts vacation while I was on mine. The book is less than 300 pages, and made for a nice and easy read while soaking up some sun.

Recommendation: I enjoyed this book. I suspect I enjoyed it because of circumstance and surroundings, but I enjoyed it nonetheless. I would recommend it as a light read to help readers get out of a reading slump. And if sun, sand, and water can be your backdrop while reading it, I highly recommend that too!

People Person by Candice Carty-Williams

Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Pages: 336 pages
Published: April 2022

People Person by Candice Carty-Williams is her second novel after bestselling and award-winning novel, Queenie, which I also adored! While I did see some similarities in the main character, Dimple, of People Person, the more recent book is a complete departure from the first. This is not a criticism. I find it refreshing when authors can write and offer something new rather than formulaic. Well, I am getting a little ahead of myself. Let me tell you about the book.

It centers around Dimple and her four half-siblings: Nikisha, Danny, Lizzie, and Prynce. Having grown up without financial or emotional support from their absent father, Cyril Pennington, the siblings don't know a whole lot about one another until one day when Cyril picks them up in his gold Jeep and takes them to the park for ice cream. For the remainder of their formative years, they largely grow up with little interaction (save the oldest, Nikisha, and the youngest, Prynce, who have the same mother). However, at the age of 30 Dimple finds herself in a troubling situation and remembering her oldest half sibling, Nikisha, told her she could call if she ever needed anything on that fateful day they all met in the park, Dimple takes her upon that offer. Nikisha calls the other three siblings and together they find themselves in a tense situation that brings them together and helps them learn more about one another ... and their absent father too.

When I first began this book, I thought there is no way I am going to be able to enjoy it and follow this cast of characters than Carty-Williams sets up in the first chapter. However, she is such an excellent storyteller than I quickly found myself engrossed in the shenanigans that the Pennington siblings were trying to resolve as a family unit. Each character is distinctly developed that makes it easy to follow and fall in love with their flaws. Having said that, some characters, like Dimple, were a little more frustrating at times than others. But isn't that the way people work outside of books too?

I found this story to be driving, funny, and endearing further solidifying my love of Carty-Williams' writing. We need more stories like this that feature people of color.

Recommendation: I highly recommend this book. I snagged my copy at Barnes & Noble, but I am sure you can find it at your local library or discount book store since it's been over a year since initial publication. I think it would make for a fun Saturday afternoon read.

Please note there are some descriptions of violence, domestic abuse, and a couple of mild sex scenes.

Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano

Rating: 5 of 5 stars

Pages: 400 pages
Published: March 2023

I would not be surprised if Hello Beautiful by Napolitano was selected as a finalist for Book of the Month's Book of the Year recognition. My very first order with Book of the Month was Napolitano's Dear Edward, and while Hello Beautiful was different, it was just as beautifully written. This coming of age novel reminiscent of Louisa May Alcott's Little Women follows a decades-long story of the four unique and endearing Padavanos sisters and their relationship with another primary character, William Waters.

William spends his formative years in a loveless, wordless home with parents who simply could not cope (nor parent, for that matter) after a horrible tragedy caused by no one. Upon graduation from high school, they send him packing and he goes to college in the Chicago area where he meets his future wife Julia and her enigmatic, albeit dysfunctional in some respects, family who are overall way more kind and loving to William than his own. Grasping on to those emotions that he's never experienced before, he marries Julia (and her family also) without truly thinking things through or even having to capability to know what he needs to be happy. Headstrong Julia is set on living her life one way - hers. As a result, William experiences a breakdown, and the marriage ends. But that's only the beginning of this family saga between the Padavanos and William.

The remainder of the story is simply a beautiful tale of a family experiencing life together. While there is certainly a driving conflict that propels the story forward, I think the book is more about character development, beautifully constructed sentences, and what it means to truly understand one's self. I really enjoyed this saga, and I would read it again and again if there weren't so many other books on my list.

Recommendation: Napolitano has gotten literary fiction down to an art, and to step into her world is pleasure. I can't wait to read what she writes next!

Before I Let Go by Kennedy Ryan

Rating: 3 of 5 stars

Pages: 400 pages
Published: November 2022

Before I Let Go by Kennedy Ryan is a romance novel, but it’s not your typical romance novel. Yes, there are some steamy, blush-worthy scenes (that I didn’t necessarily have to read), but the book is so much more than a couple of romps in the hay. The story is about an affluent Black couple living in an Atlanta suburb who experience devastating loss that tests their relationship as lovers, spouses, and parents. One loss leads to another which fractures their marriage, but just when they think all hope is lost a night of passion makes them both question the major decisions made in the midst of grief.

I enjoyed a lot of things about this book. I enjoyed the characters and the way most of them were presented - as just a normal family trying to live out their dreams. I appreciated the academic success that was attributed to the son. I admired the entrepreneurial spirit of the leading couple. Overall, I felt as though I could relate to these characters. They could be my neighbors or people in my circle.

Having said that, this is not my favorite read of the year. It took me forever to get through this book. It was the only novel I was able to complete in March because I just couldn’t sit down and knock it out. I do wonder if the author purposefully wrote the book this way to help the reader experience the lengthy feeling and waves of grief or if she could have benefitted from some heavier editing. Additionally, I was a bit disappointed in the physical or “romance” aspect of the book. It seems like the main characters were more concerned about having sex than truly working through their issues with each other. I also didn’t understand the Biblical scripture added in at the last chapter when the none of the characters were presented as religious. It just seemed like a careless, incongruent afterthought. Lastly, I found the relationship between the mother and daughter to be wholly unrealistic.

The bright spot in this book is the emphasis on mental health and continually seeking professional help until you find the right counselor for you. I think this “character” (mental health) is an important aspect, especially because the main characters are African American and oftentimes seeing a therapist is deemed unnecessary in our community.

This is the first book in a series featuring the neighborhood, Skyland, that the couple lives in. I am hopeful in future books the author will explore more relationship development between the couple and further character development of some of the secondary characters (e.g., children, girlfriend circle, etc.)

Recommendation: If I said it once, I’ve said it 100 times; not every book is for everyone. This one was just ‘eh’ for me. I am glad I read it. I am glad I participated in the author talk with my online book club, but I don’t think I’ll be picking up the remaining books in the series. After attending the Zoom-based author talk, I find her quite delightful and wish her the best in her voracious writing career!

Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin

Rating: 5 of 5 stars

Pages: 401 pages
Published: July 2022

The last and only book I’ve read by Gabrielle Zevin, before Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, was The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry. That book was before A Page Before Bedtime, but I do recall it being lovely and giving me all the feels. So, I had high hopes when I snagged this copy as part of my Book of the Month Club subscription. Little did I know it would be one of the most popular books of the summer. After reading it, I can definitely say it is worth the hype.

The complex story is about the complicated relationship between two childhood friends (Sam and Sadie) and a third, secondary character, whom they met in college during an entrepreneurial venture in the video gaming industry. Over the course of the many years the books covers, we learn more about the layers of the personal and professional relationships as well as the backstory of each major character that contributed to their current personality make-up in present day. In this story, Zevin tackles some heavy subjects (trigger warnings: grooming, abuse of power, death, etc.)

I listened to a couple of podcasts where Zevin was interviewed about this book, and I believe her when she tells the reader that this is a story about love, a story about relationships, but not necessarily one about romance. I agree that you truly can have a loving relationship with people who you are in a platonic relationship.

Recommendation: It’s so hard to sum up this book. It’s about so many things. I am not a gamer, but I don’t think this is necessarily a book about gaming. It’s a book about people and interpersonal relationships and gaming is the vehicle that helps propel the story forward. The plot evokes many emotions and points to ponder long after the last page is read. I highly recommend this book when you have time to truly appreciate the excellent work of contemporary literature it is.

Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson

Rating: 5+ of 5 stars

Pages: 385 pages
Published: February 2022

I love Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson so much! This book is my favorite read of 2022 ... so far ... there are still a lot of reading days left; however, it will take something pretty substantial to replace it.

This generational story begins with siblings, Bryon and Benny, coming together after Eleanor's their mother, death to discuss their inheritance with the family attorney. Much to their surprise, they learn the attorney has a voice recording their mother left behind that instructs them to partake of a family recipe - a traditional Caribbean black cake with someone from Eleanor's past. Through this final piece of communication, their mother reveals some long-buried secrets about herself, their father and the family they thought they knew.

Through flash backs and flash forwards to present day, we, as the reader, are able to put together the pieces of the puzzle of life Eleanor, which culminates in a beautiful love story of friendship, family and the perseverance to overcome the most challenging struggles. I really enjoyed the Wilkerson's writing style and ability to tell a story in such a way that is complex but also engaging and arresting.

Recommendation: This book gave me all the feels. We never know where one choice may take us, but the choices we make can create an intricately-woven life for us and those we love. I highly recommend this read when you have time to really enjoy it. It is not long, but it is deep and should be consumed with care.

Not A Happy Family by Shari Lapena

Rating: 3.5 of 5 stars

Pages: 349 pages
Published: July 2021

Not a Happy Family is an aptly-named mystery by Shari Lapena. It is about a very (white) privileged trio of siblings who immediately upon learning their parents have been murdered begin to calculate what benefits they will reap from their untimely deaths. Enter their bitter aunt who is sure their father (her brother) has adjusted his will to include a larger portion for her, and the siblings absolutely lose their mind because instead of inheriting tens of millions, they may only get a few million dollars. The whole plot, while realistic in some circles, was almost laughable.

Most of the book vacillates between each of the family members providing more information with each short chapter leaving the reader more confused as to who the actual murderer was. You do learn at the end, but it's just beyond that revelation that the author introduces a twist that provides a satisfying ending.

This book was a Book of the Month Club selection, and it didn't disappoint. My rating is a little low just because I couldn't really relate to the characters and their "problems." But it was an interesting read. I was invested to complete it. The author does a great job creating suspense and intrigue, thus engaging the reader.

Recommendation: I would definitely recommend this novel as a quick read for mystery lovers. It will keep you guessing until the very end!

The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave

Rating: 4 of 5 stars

Pages: 320 pages
Published: May 2021

One of my May reads was a new release snagged from Book of the Month. The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave is a mystery thriller that features protagonist, Hannah, who is about a year into her marriage with Owen while also trying to bridge the sometimes awkward step-parenting gap with his 16-year old daughter Bailey. On a seemingly normal day, Owen does not come home from work but instead leaves, separately, Bailey with a bag of cash and Hannah a note that seems to point to Bailey reading: Protect her. The bulk of the story is Hannah trying to figure out where her husband has absconded and why and also how to fulfill his request to protect Bailey. In a search for answers, both Hannah and Bailey find themselves traveling from the west coast to central Texas, and ultimately learning that they will have to close that awkward gap in order to survive - physically, relationally and emotionally.

I found this story to be intriguing. The characters were well-written and the dialogue engaging enough to keep me invested as a reader. The plot was solid, albeit with a few holes, and the ending was fulfilling. Overall, it was fun read.

Recommendation: I would recommend this read as an entertaining, driving choice ... just in time for your summer reading list.

Until next time ... Read on!

Regardless of whether I purchase a book, borrow a book, or receive a book in exchange for review, my ultimate goal is to be honest, fair, and constructive. I hope you've found this review helpful.

Arsenic and Adobo by Mia P. Manansala

Rating: 4 of 5 stars

Pages: 307 pages
Published: May 4 2021

Arsenic and Adobo by Mia P. Manansala is a spicy and fun cozy mystery that I snagged via my Book of the Month subscription. The book centers around Lila Macapagal, her family, friends, and the folks in her small hometown she returns to after she finds her fiancé cheating on her with their next-door neighbors (yes, neighborS) in Chicago. While back in town, she attempts to help revive her aunt's failing restaurant. As if that wasn't challenging enough, Lila has to face another ex-boyfriend from high school, Derek Winter, who is a local restaurant critic and who can't seem to give Lila and her aunt a break from negative food critiques. When things seem as though they can't get any worse, Derek experiences a health episode at the restaurant and later dies at the hospital as a result of it. Lila and her family are now suspects in his death. Together, with the help of some friends and community members, Lila attempts to to solve the mystery before her aunt's restaurant (and only form of livelihood) is closed ... for good!

This book has all the makings of the light murder mystery genre, known as a cozy. What gives it depth is the inclusion of the Asian American community and the cultural contributions of the members of that community. I also appreciated the abundant and strong female characters in the book. The plot is easy to follow, making the book a relatively quick read. I think most readers could finish it in a day or two. The only thing that slowed me down is I continually had to reference the glossary and pronunciation guide in the front of the book as well as look up some words that were not provided. Having said that, I think this book might be easier read via audio or eReader, where you can either hear or quickly look up phrases with a simple click.

Recommendation: Summer is just around the corner, and this would be a great beach read. Just make sure you have something to munch on nearby. The author provides vivid descriptions of the cuisine with some recipes in the back to try on your own!

The Kindest Lie by Nancy Johnson

Rating: 4 of 5 stars

Pages: 336 pages
Published: February 2021

The Kindest Lie by Nancy Johnson is a literary fiction debut by Chicago native, Nancy Johnson. In this novel, she takes us back to 2008 on the heels on Obama's presidential election where her protagonist, Ruth Tuttle, an engineer and her equally successful husband, Xavier are living a comfortable middle class life in Chicago, Illinois. They've been married just long enough for Xavier to start getting excited about expanding their family. What he doesn't know is what is holding his beloved wife back. She was forced to give up a child she bore when she was a senior in high school. As secrets often do, this one finds its way out into the light and threatens Ruth and Xavier's bond. To qualm her anxieties about the decision she was pushed into nearly a decade prior and in hopes of reconciling with Xavier, Ruth goes back home to Indiana. While there, she befriends a young boy, Midnight, and their lives intertwine as she searches for answers.

This story was equal parts literary and mystery as the reader follows Ruth on her path to learn about the son she gave up and how it affected the grandmother who raised her and older brother who felt responsible for protecting her. The story alternates between the third person perspectives of Ruth and Midnight that provide pieces of information that ultimately bring the story full circle in the end. With the novel set in the not too distant past, I think it made it more interesting to read with the awareness of present-day situations, such as race relations and economic positions. Overall, I found the novel to be a bit predictable with a satisfying conclusion. I would have liked the author to develop Xavier's character a bit more by including him more in the middle of the book (not just the beginning and short ending).

Recommendation: Falling into the same generation as the protagonist and understanding her academic and professional aspirations, I found this book very relatable. However, I think it is a worthwhile read for anyone looking for something to devour over the weekend.

This Close to Okay by Leesa Cross-Smith

Rating: 5+ of 5 stars

Pages: 320 pages
Published: February 2021

I'll say it again: Welcome to 2021! Now, this is how to start the year reading. This Close to Okay is my first read by author Leesa Cross-Smith, and I think I am in love. In this deeply-moving novel, she shares a story about two strangers who meet at a pivotal time in both their lives. Both Tallie and Emmett are struggling with some demons and attempting to deal with them mentally and physically. A chance meeting leads to them spending a three-day weekend together and learning about each other and more about themselves.

This is one of those books that you have to enjoy the journey. At only 320 pages, the book may seem short, but there's so much to unpack, it is best to consume it slowly and let it sit with you a while. I found Cross-Smith's writing to be thoughtful, thorough and descriptive. Some passages were so vivid I could truly picture the scenes and the characters as she proffered them. To me, this is a wonderful talent. And I must say she wrote in such a descriptive way, not to sell movie rights (although I'd love to see it on screen), but rather to truly ignite a reader's imagination.

Recommendation: This book was wonderful. You want to learn how it all ends, but the prose is too beautiful to rush. I savored this book like a rich piece of cheesecake. Its purchase pushed me into BFF status with BOTM, and it was a good buy. I highly recommend it - so much so that I plan to re-visit it, something I rarely do with books but often with cheesecake!

Saturday, August 30, 2025

Monday, June 16, 2025

Saturday, June 7, 2025

Saturday, November 30, 2024

Saturday, August 24, 2024

Sunday, July 28, 2024

Wednesday, July 17, 2024

Saturday, April 6, 2024

Friday, February 23, 2024

Thursday, October 26, 2023

Monday, August 14, 2023

Thursday, May 11, 2023

Thursday, March 9, 2023

Sunday, July 17, 2022

Thursday, February 24, 2022

Saturday, September 4, 2021

Monday, May 17, 2021

Wednesday, April 21, 2021

Monday, March 29, 2021

Wednesday, January 6, 2021

Search This Blog

Pages I've Turned

About Melyssa

Instagram

Fable

The StoryGraph

Contact for Book Review

Review Policy

Readers I Follow

Fellow Page Turners