This Book Made Me Think of You by Libby Page

Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars 

Pages: 416 pages
Published: February 2026

This Book Made Me Think of You by Libby Page was recommended to me by a dear friend who has known me a long time and understands my love of reading good books. So it’s no surprise that while I read the first 45 pages of this book slowly over three busy days, I quickly devoured it once I reached the weekend. This emotionally enriched novel follows Matilda “Tilly” Nightingale who has just lost the love of her life to a serious illness. At the book’s opening she learns that her husband, Joe, has arranged for her to receive one book per month for an entire year–a final act of love meant to guide her through her grief. What unfolds over the book’s 400+ pages is a journey of self-discovery, adventure, friendships, and healing. 

There were so many things I loved about this book. First, it’s a story about books, which is always a win for me. Part of it is told in epistolary format, which is one of my favorite literary devices. And I adored that it was centered around an independent bookshop. Let’s be honest these type of shops don’t get a lot of love in real life or fiction these days. Finally, I loved that each book Joe selected took Tilly somewhere new–either physically or emotionally–often where she experiences unforgettable meals. In that way, the novel became a delightful blend of fiction, food, and fun, which are three things that speak directly to my heart. But beyond its charming premise, Page explores deeper themes: grief, resilience, and the difficult work of creating a new life when you’ve been handed an unfair curveball. Those themes resonated with me personally this year, and the story helped me put a few things in my own life into perspective. 

Because what better place to get lost than among shelves of stories? 

As she reads about a little girl who shares her name and who loves to read, the world beyond the pages of the book disappears. And inside her a door that she thought was locked nudges open, letting in a shaft of light.

“But isn’t that one of the great things about fiction?” he says. “It’s an escape. Somewhere to go when you don’t want to be where you are.”

Crying like that had emptied her out completely. But maybe she needed to feel empty so that this moment could fill her right back up again.

“I wish I could show you when you are lonely or in darkness the astonishing light of your own being.”

Maybe this is what books do, she thinks, whether stories real or imagined or poems compiled in one place for people to flick through in search of what they need. They offer something universal but allow you to find your own meaning among the words. They are for everyone and yet they are for you too.

But we’re still here. And I think we owe it to him, and to ourselves, to live. Nothing can take away your memories. But it’s OK to make new ones too.”

Maybe I’ll have to take a permanent job in the future, but I like the idea of the freedom of working like this. I can do it how and when and wherever I like. And life is too short not to try.” 

***

Additionally, Page conveys the grief process with remarkable clarity. Tilly’s emotions, her numbness, her longing, and her careful steps toward hope, felt so real to me. This was one of the rare books that made me laugh, pause, and cry. Any form of art that evokes this range of emotion is doing exactly what it’s meant to do. My only criticism is the formulaic and predictable nature of the plot. Where you think it’s going is exactly where it ends up and everything ties together neatly in the end. For some readers, that’s a comfort; for me, it was simply a matter of personal preference. I think sometimes a reader needs a completely satisfying conclusion. 

Overall, this book made me feel grateful for grief because deep grief only exists where immeasurable love once lived, and I think we all deserve that kind of love. 

Recommendation: I’m grateful for friends who know me well enough to share books they believe will move me. There’s something intimate and special about someone loving a novel and knowing it will speak to you, too. I highly recommend picking up This Book Made Me Think of You–because I’m thinking you deserve a feel-good read, so this book, indeed, made me think of you. 

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.

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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. 

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.

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The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins

Rating: 3.5 of 5 stars 

Pages: 257 pages
Published: December 2024

Probably like many of you, I heard about the viral sensation, Let Them, on various forms of media - social, radio, podcasts, etc. At the beginning of the year, when one of my coworkers mentioned she was going to read the book, I offered to buddy read and discuss it with her. Mel Robbins, along with her co-author and daughter worked on this practical self-help guide to help readers give themselves permission to pursue dreams, confront fears, and embrace their authentic selves. 

The book opens explaining the "Let Them theory". Robbins posits it as a "proven method that teaches you how to protect your time and energy, and focus on what matters to you" (p. 12). While the "let them" portion of the theory is catchy and memorable, the rub is in the second part, which is "let me." The author explains that by letting go of trying to control others; you create space to let yourself live freely and authentically. She simply reminds the reader: "The only person you are in control of is you" (p. 30). Throughout her book, she provides scientific research and academic studies to bolster her position. Robbins uses personal stories and experiences in a conversational tone to offer useful advice in the form of actionable tips that any reader can implement immediately. 

While I found this motivational book to be empowering and comprehensive, I did think most of the perspectives she shared were something any middle-aged adult should know. However, like most self-help books, I found this to be a good reminder of what we should be doing to live our life to the fullest. Robbins' overarching message of strength and perseverance resonates throughout the book and creates inspiration for readers to take control of their mind, body, and soul. 

Recommendation: This book is an inspiring self-help formula for crafting better relationships by embracing one's own authenticity. It serves as a reminder that we are in control of what we do and how we react to what others do, but we cannot control other people. Whether you're at a crossroads in your career or personal life, this book provides the common sense tools and encouragement needed to embrace your true self. I recommend it to those needing that reminder. 

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.

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You Are Here by David Nicholls

Rating: 5 of 5 stars 

Pages: 368 pages
Published: May 2024

You Are Here by David Nicholls was selected by Anne Bogel for her annual 2024 Summer Reading Guide as part of my benefits as a member of the Modern Mrs. Darcy Book Club. Bogel always does a good job with picking diverse selections for the organization, even if they don’t always hit home with me. Gratefully, this one did. It’s one I slowly savored over its nearly 400 pages and thought about long after I closed the hardback cover. 

The story centers around Michael and Marnie, both recovering from romantic relationships that have come to an end. Michael, a geography teacher in London plans to embark on a weeklong coast-to-coast walk on the English countryside in solitude. His colleague, boss, and well-meaning friend, Cleo, asserts herself into the adventure by tagging along. She also invites Marnie, another friend who has become a bit of a recluse in the years following her divorce from her difficult husband. As a freelance proofreader who worked in the field during the Covid pandemic, she has become comfortable and accustomed bo being alone. Cleo attempts to play a bit of a matchmaker by bringing a female friend for Michael and a male friend for Marnie along for the journey. However, due to circumstances beyond all their control, the hike starts with many and ends up with Michael and Marnie on the trek alone together. 

I really enjoyed the slow burn of this book. The prose is captivatingly descriptive, and there isn’t much dialogue. Nicholls does an excellent job of painting vivid pictures with his words. As someone who found love later in life, and traveled the bumpy road to get here, I was drawn to this book because of the parallels in my own life. While the story was relatable it provided so much more. The talking and walking that Michael and Marnie engaged in was akin to getting a voyeuristic gateway into the relationship development of others, making the story enticing. I especially loved the section of the book where Marnie extended her walk with Michael and they listened to and shared their favorite songs and meanings that impacted their respective formative years. As a music lover and bibliophile, this scene was simply perfect. 

Private, intimate, a book was something she could pull around and over herself, like a quilt. -p. 51 

She would shrug off this self-pity but shrugging hurt and here it was, creeping in again like damp in the walls, the loneliness, present even in company. -p. 86 

For the moment she felt content, not because she’d spoken but because she’d been listened to. -p. 153 

In the Lavender Suite she had felt like a teenager but also exactly her own age, and that combination was thrilling and rare, lust and experience, together at last. -p. 242 

Perhaps solitude is more frightening when something is snatched away. -p. 244

While the ending wasn’t neatly wrapped up in a bow, it was satisfying and left me feeling fulfilled. I read Nicholl’s One Day years ago, but I have to say this one found me at just the right time, and I loved it all the more. My one minor criticism is based on my limitations in geographic knowledge of the UK. The map provided in the front of the book did help provide some context, but I wish I had more first-hand experience with the area for a greater understanding. 

Recommendation: If you’ve ever been in love or overcome (or are overcoming) heartbreak, I think you could find value in this novel. Just keep in mind, it’s not about the destination. It’s the slow, quiet journey through two characters’ perspective. 

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.

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Do the New You: 6 Mindsets to Become Who You Were Created to Be by Steven Furtick

Rating: 5 of 5 stars 

Pages: 304 pages
Published: February 2024

I will preface this review by saying I consider Pastor Steven Furtick my pastor and Elevation Church my church. I know there's a whole debate questioning whether attending online services constitutes going to church. I will tell you this: I am a happier and better person by being a part of this international ministry. So, when Furtick released his newest book, Do the New You: 6 Mindsets to Become Who You Were Created to Be, I snagged a copy. Not only because I wanted to read and learn but because I am also a part of a small group that meets virtually each week and we were tasked with studying it together. 

The book is relatively short and easily digestible. In it, Furtick proffers 6 memorizable statements to lean into when life gets you down and you need to get recentered and refocused on God. They are as follows: 

1. I'm not stuck unless I stop. 
2. Christ is in me. I am enough.
3. With God there's always a way, and by faith I will find it. 
4. God is not against me, but He's in it with me, working through me, fighting for me. 
5. My joy is my job. 
6. God has given me everything I need for the season I'm in. 

The book is divided into six parts that align with those mindsets, and each part contains four or five short chapters where Furtick shares personal and Biblical stories to illustrate his points. If I am being honest, nothing he is saying is earth-shattering. It all makes sense, especially if you've read the Bible and attended church before. Even more, if you've attended Elevation Church, you'd probably heard some of the content before reading the book. However, the gem is in the creative presentation and the gentle reminders that we all need from time to time to help get us back where we need to be. 

I read the physical book while listening to the audio (courtesy of Spotify). The language is easily understood, and the audiobook is narrated by the author giving deeper meaning to the content, especially his personal stories. I also noticed that the audio does not follow the book word-for-word. It appears Furtick took a more conversational approach, like he preaches, with the audio version. However, the overall meaning is the same. 

Recommendation: I find the author to be an effective writer, an engaging speaker, and an exceptional communicator. He is able to take Biblical foundations and make them applicable to real-world, present-day scenarios. He is gifted, and this book was a delightful read that I will probably turn to time and time again. Highly recommend! 

P.S. If you consume the audiobook, there are goodies at the end including a beautiful song by Elevation Worship that got me through the season of my Grandmother's last days on this side of heaven. 

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.

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The Mostly True Story of Tanner & Louise by Colleen Oakley

Rating: 5 of 5 stars 

Pages: 337 pages
Published: March 2023

The Mostly True Story of Tanner & Louise by Colleen Oakley is not your usual humorous chick lit novel. Basically, the book is a fun telling of a female friendship between the unlikeliest of characters. Tanner, a 21-year old who is down on her luck after a horrible accident at college and Louise, an elderly woman living alone who has a fall and breaks her hip. Her adult children, who do not live nearby, hire Tanner to move in and help take care of their mother. Being pushed into the job by her mother, Tanner begrudgingly shows up to do the bare minimum. Similarly, Louise does not think she needs the help, so the two spend most of their time speaking as little as possible to one another. But when Louise shows in Tanner's room at 1 a.m., with a bag of cash, insisting they leave right away and offers to pay Tanner to drive, the two go on the trip of a lifetime. 

Through everything they encounter while they're traveling, to the text message exchanges between Louise's three adult children who are trying to find where Tanner and Louise have absconded, to its satisfying conclusion, the story is definitely a well-rounded one. The tone is mainly lighthearted, but there are some nuggets of wisdom that Louise offers in her dialogue with Tanner and that the author provides through her omniscient narration both give this lovely book some depth. This is my first book by Oakley, and I will certainly be reading more of her stories. 

Honestly, I didn't really like Tanner at first, but through witty prose and careful character development, Oakley was able to win me over to both ladies, and I absolutely adored their relationship in the end. 

Recommendation: This is a light, laugh out loud, fun summer read. I finished it in a couple of days - and enjoyed every page turned! 

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.

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Everything's Fine by Cecilia Rabess

Rating: 4.75 of 5 stars 

Pages: 335 pages
Published: June 2023

I stumbled upon Everything's Fine (and that beautiful cover) by Cecilia Rabess through the Mocha Girls Read Book Club. The synopsis captivated me, so I put my name on the list at my local library and soon got the electronic loan. The story begins with Jess, an African American woman, who has recently graduated from college and starting an entry-level gig at Goldman Sachs. On her first day she learns she's on the same team as her conservative college nemesis, a white man named Josh. From day one, it is clear they Jess and Josh are opposites in just about every way, and from there a love-hate relationship develops and evolves. 

While romance is not my favorite genre to read, I thought this book was done well as it not only focused on the romance but other challenges that women of color, particularly Black women, face in corporate America. The sexual tension between the main characters on the backdrop of the challenges of being a woman of color in a largely white male world all while two people on diametrically opposing sides of the political aisle makes for an engaging, albeit frustrating, read. Additionally, there's the struggle of developing an interracial relationship in a society that's on the tail end of the Obama administration and on the cusp of what we now know as at the hot mess of the Trump administration. The ending was real but unsatisfying in a challenging way because it was so real. It left me returning back to a question I've often pondered as a societally-defined undesirable woman: Can you truly be known and seen by someone who doesn't understand your day-to-day struggle? After reading this novel, my answer remains the same ... a resounding no. I think the character would figure this out in a future time period. Maybe Rabess can gift us a sequel! 

Recommendation: I really enjoyed this book. One; because I'm in a time period of intense romantic love and could relate to those feeling and two; because I also deal with microaggressions in a largely white male-dominated field every day. It was all very relatable to me, and while I didn't necessarily agree with all of Jess' choices, I could totally empathize with how she felt in certain scenarios. Having said that, I would never (and I know they say: "never say never") rely on a man (of any color) for financial stability. 

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.

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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! 

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.

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