Book Review - Welcome to Murder Week by Karen Dukess

 

Welcome to Murder Week by Karen Dukess follows thirty-four-year-old Cath, who flies halfway across the world when her mother unexpectedly passes away. Cath feels ambivalent about the loss of her mostly absentee mother. Living in Buffalo, New York, Cath keeps herself grounded by following the same predictable routine every day, determined not to become like her impulsive, thrill-seeking mother. After putting off sorting through her mother’s belongings, Cath is stunned to discover tickets to an upcoming “Murder Week” in England’s Peak.

For one week, the entire town stages a fake murder mystery to attract tourists and raise funds for the community. Confused by her mother’s secret trip and with no way to cancel it, Cath ends up going in her place.

Once she arrives, she meets her two new roommates, both devoted mystery fans. Wyatt Green, forty, unhappily works at his husband’s birding store. Amity Clary, fifty, is a divorced romance writer struggling with writer’s block. As the trio prepares to solve the staged murder, Cath slowly uncovers the real reason her mother planned to attend and realizes she may not have known her mother nearly as well as she thought.

I thought the novel made for a nice cozy read. There are two mysteries, and both have satisfying conclusions. The story does move a bit slowly at times, with stretches where not much happens, but I enjoyed the scenes with the trio trying to piece together the clues. Overall, I thought it was an okay read, and I would be open to reading more books by this author. If you enjoy cozy mysteries or quaint, Hallmark-style small-town stories, you might enjoy this one.

Book Review - Finding Her Edge by Jennifer Iacopelli

 

Finding Her Edge by Jennifer Iacopelli follows competitive ice dance skater Adriana Russo as she navigates the pressures of fame, family expectations, and financial strain while trying to find her own voice. Adriana comes from a legendary figure skating family: both of her parents are gold medalists, and her older sister, Elisa, is Olympic-bound. All Adriana wants is to live up to her family’s name and legacy.

Her dream is to stand atop the ice dance podium at the Junior World Championships. However, fame doesn’t equal financial security. Despite their reputation, the Russo family is struggling financially. Their iconic skating rink is barely staying afloat due to her father’s and sister’s lavish spending, and the family is burning through money faster than they can earn it. Their only chance to keep the rink open is to host the rest of the Junior Worlds team before the competition in Paris.

As if Adriana doesn’t already have enough on her plate, her first crush, Freddie, is part of the team staying with them. Two years earlier, Adriana had been forced to replace Freddie with her current partner, Brayden, because Freddie was too short and not strong enough to perform certain lifts. Since then, the once-close pair have barely spoken, and now they’ll be living under the same roof.

Just before Adriana is set to leave for Paris, her family’s finances take another hit, and losing their home suddenly feels inevitable until Brayden suggests they pretend to be a couple to convince fans and sponsors that their on-ice chemistry extends off the ice. As Adriana trains with Freddie while pretending to date Brayden, the situation grows increasingly complicated. Torn between her past and her present, Adriana struggles to protect her family’s legacy without jeopardizing her own future.

I found the book boring. It felt like nothing happened for pages at a time, which didn’t help given that none of the characters were particularly likable. Adriana came across as a spineless doormat who took far too long to stand up for herself, and the two love interests were about as exciting as a bag of rusty nails. We barely get to know Brayden or Freddie, and their supposed feelings for Adriana felt unearned since they rarely interacted with her. One of them even claims to have been in love with her all along, despite consistently dating other people, including her sister.

The plot was predictable, and nothing felt new or surprising. Since I’m not familiar with ice dance, much of the terminology went over my head, which made it harder to connect with that aspect of the story. Overall, I wouldn’t go out of my way, or even bother to read another book by this author.

Book Review - These Impossible Things by Salma El-Wardany

 

These Impossible Things by Salma El-Wardany explores the lives of three Muslim best friends navigating the complexities of love, sex, and faith. Malak, Kees, and Jenna have been best friends since childhood. Under the watchful eyes of their families, they learn to live their lives while trying to meet expectations of being good Muslim women. They often blend lies to fulfill those expectations; for example, they disguise staying at their boyfriends’ places as sleepovers at each other’s houses. They spend their days partying and blame fatigue from studying. 

They live in a moment of perceived perfection, knowing that as they grow older, they will have to change. The delicate balancing act between rebellion and religion will become harder to manage. Malak desires a Muslim partner and community, wanting her love and faith to coexist harmoniously. She longs for this so badly that she's willing to break her own heart to obtain it. Kees is in love with Harry, a white Catholic man her parents don’t know about. When Harry proposes, Kees will face the heartbreaking choice between the man she loves and her family and community. Jenna is the lively, adventurous one, always ready for something new. Yet, despite her numerous relationships and activities, she often feels lonely. Though the three have always supported each other, a single incident as college ends will change their lives forever.

I am not a Muslim, but I can understand what these women are experiencing. Still, I struggled to fully relate, especially when two of the characters pursue relationships outside their faith, despite wanting someone within it. It felt like they might be setting themselves up for heartbreak, particularly since their relationships seem serious. Aside from that, I found the characters well-written, even if they are frustrating at times. I was worried about some risky choices they made, and some situations seemed downright dangerous. My inner older sister or mom personality kept saying, “don’t do that!” Overall, I found the book emotionally compelling, and I even shed a few tears. I would be interested in reading more works by the author.

Book Review - Abeni's Song by P. Djèlí Clark

 

Abeni's Song by P. Djèlí Clark tells the story of a young girl named Abeni, who witnesses her village being destroyed and her struggles to save her friends and family. While celebrating a festival in their small village, Abeni and her family are visited by Asha, an old woman from the forest, who delivers an ominous warning. She warns that the villagers ignored her prior cautions, and now it is too late to escape.

Soon after, warriors with burning swords attack the village. A horned man plays a cursed flute, enchanting children to follow him blindly. Abeni narrowly escapes but sees her friends and family being captured or led away by the horned man. The old woman magically teleports Abeni away from the destroyed village. They then live together in the forest, where Abeni reluctantly begins her magical training. All she can think about is rescuing her loved ones instead of hiding. Will Abeni succeed in saving her family?

I was very surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. I found it well-written and entertaining. It strikes a good balance of humor and emotional depth. I loved watching Abeni grow into her own person, discovering her voice and courage to do what is right. This book is the first in a series, and I plan to keep reading the subsequent books.

Book Review - The White Hot by Quiara Alegría Hudes

 

The White Hot by Quiara Alegría Hudes is a mother’s love letter to her daughter she abandoned. April Soto is a young mother raising her daughter, Noelle, in an intergenerational home. April’s only refuge is to hide in the bathroom, lock the door, and listen to music. One day, she finds herself spiraling into a deep rage she calls the white hot. The voice in her head tells her to walk away. April decides to buy a one-way ticket to the furthest destination she can afford. Her journey triggers an awakening that will change April and Noelle’s lives forever.

I thought the book had an interesting premise, and I was excited to read it. I found the writing style difficult to get into at times. I felt like the writing was raw and emotional, but sometimes I struggled to understand what the author was trying to convey. I also found the book quite boring. I read more than half of it, and nothing really happened. I don’t have children, so I couldn’t relate to April and her situation, and I didn’t feel invested enough to finish the book. While the book isn’t for me, I can see others enjoying it, but I won’t be reading any more books by the author.

Book Review - The Dead of Summer by Ryan La Sala

 

The Dead of Summer by Ryan La Sala follows three friends dealing with an outbreak that’s quickly impacting their friends and family on their island home. Ollie Veltman is returning home to Anchor’s Mercy after being away for a year while his mom, Grace, fought cancer. His homecoming should be joyful since his mom is now cancer-free, and she is determined to make this summer the best ever. However, Ollie’s two best friends, Elisa and Bash, are wary of his return. When his mother had cancer, Ollie had shut down and distanced himself from their friendship.

Ollie comes back with many questions about the island. He feels that the island might somehow be causing his mom and others to get sick. His search for the truth becomes dangerous when a storm hits the island, revealing long-buried secrets.

This is the first book in a series. I didn’t realize it initially, but it is a series, and the book ends on a cliffhanger. I’ve read the author’s previous book, “The Honeys,” and was excited to read this one. The writing is very vivid and descriptive; at times, I felt like I was experiencing the outbreak firsthand. However, I thought some characters acted more childish than their actual ages. I also wish the author had ended the first book differently. It didn’t feel like there was enough material for a second book, especially since the first moved quite slowly at times. Overall, I found the novel to be a decent read, but I’m not sure I was invested enough to see what happens next.

Book Review - The Lost Children by Shirley Dickson

 

 

The Lost Children by Shirley Dickson follows eight-year-old twins Molly and Jacob as they struggle to survive after being sent away from home. In 1943, the siblings endured night after night of bombs and screeching planes overhead. They live in constant fear, never knowing if they will survive long enough to see the next day. Their mother, Martha, is desperate to keep them safe and decides she has no choice but to evacuate them to the countryside, where many families are sending their children to escape the bombings.

At the train station, Martha is heartbroken at the thought of saying goodbye, but she knows this is the only way to protect them. Fearing she may never see her children again, she gives Jacob a letter and tells him to keep it safe. Under strict instructions, he is to read it only if they are in danger and have no other options.

Molly and Jacob try to adjust to their new lives with strangers in the countryside. They dream of returning home to their beloved mother. However, they soon receive devastating news: Martha has been killed in an explosion, leaving them orphans.

The war has taken everything from Molly and Jacob except each other. They fear that no one will want them and that they will spend the rest of their childhood in an orphanage. When Jacob finally opens the letter, they must face whether its message will change their lives for the better or worse.

I thought this was a heartbreaking read, though it had a few moments of joy. I felt deeply for the twins and liked seeing how they navigated life at such a young age. The book was well written and compelling. The only part that confused me was the storyline about the twins’ parentage. It felt like the narrative led readers to believe one thing, but then a character suddenly made an offhand comment about their father that contradicted it. I’m still unsure who the father actually is or why the author chose to present it that way. I also found the pacing uneven—the middle moved slowly, while the ending felt rushed. Overall, though, I would be open to reading more books by this author.

Book Review - The Paris Apartment by Lucy Foley

 

The Paris Apartment by Lucy Foley follows a woman named Jess who goes to visit her half-brother, Ben, but immediately senses something is wrong when he isn’t there to meet her. Jess needs a fresh start after leaving her job under murky circumstances and running out of money. She asks Ben if she can stay with him until she gets back on her feet. He doesn’t seem thrilled about the idea, but he also doesn’t refuse.

When Jess arrives, she’s surprised by how upscale Ben’s apartment is—and even more unsettled when she realizes he’s nowhere to be found. At first, she assumes he simply forgot she was coming, but as the hours stretch into days, her concern deepens. She begins investigating his disappearance and quickly crosses paths with Ben’s eclectic neighbors, all of whom Jess suspects are hiding something.

I was very excited to read this novel because I had heard so many good things about it. In the end, I thought it was an okay mystery/thriller, but it felt somewhat predictable. I was able to guess several of the twists early on. I also didn’t like any of the characters; they all felt selfish and irritating, which kept me from fully enjoying the book. Still, the pacing was quick and the story had enough entertainment value that I finished it. I’d be open to reading more books by the author.

Book Review - The Forbidden Garden: The Botanists of Besieged Leningrad and Their Impossible Choice by Simon Parkin

 

The Forbidden Garden: The Botanists of Besieged Leningrad and Their Impossible Choice by Simon Parkin is about a group of botanists who tried to protect the world’s first seed bank while their city was under siege during World War II. In the summer of 1941, German troops surrounded the city of Leningrad with a plan to besiege it, but first, they aimed to starve its citizens to make the takeover easier. This began the longest blockade in recorded history. 

According to records and historians, the siege claimed around three-quarters of a million lives, and this was just a conservative estimate. In Leningrad at the time, it housed the largest collection of seeds and plants, stored in a converted building in the city center. The seeds were hand-collected under the leadership of the world-famous explorer Nikolai Vavilov. His and his staff’s efforts created the greatest living library of plants ever assembled, with materials collected from all over the world, including rare seeds. Their attempts to evacuate the collection before the siege failed, leaving the seeds and plant material trapped in a city where supplies were limited, and the population was starving. The botanists faced a terrible dilemma: do they use the seeds to feed the starving city or preserve them so scientists can breed crops to prevent future famine and address world hunger? 

The book is emotionally challenging to read.I did feel the book was longer than it needed to be, and some parts were repetitive.  The author did a great job researching and writing it. However, it was hard to read about the harsh and horrible conditions inflicted by the occupiers and even by their own government, which failed to protect them and their country. I liked that the book sheds light on a subject I was unfamiliar with. I learned a lot about plants and the people of Leningrad. 

I do not envy the difficult decisions those botanists and scientists had to make. I am saddened that their sacrifices are mostly forgotten or discredited to make them look bad. I questioned myself multiple times while reading if I could make the same selfless choices they did, and I know I probably could not. Sometimes, given how they were treated by their government, I was surprised they managed to hold onto their ideals and continued to think about the future of mankind. It is an interesting read, but full of death and sadness. However, if you are a history buff with an interest in World War II, I think this would be a good read for you.

Book Review - The Real Michael Swann by Bryan Reardon

 

The Real Michael Swann by Bryan Reardon follows Julia Swann, a woman who discovers that her husband, Michael, may be involved in a terrorist plot. One summer day, Julia is on the phone with Michael when the call suddenly drops. She isn’t worried at first, assuming it’s just a bad connection. However, news soon breaks that a bomb has gone off in Penn Station—where Michael was waiting for a train home—and the entire city has erupted into chaos.

Panicked and desperate, Julia decides to go into the city to look for him. She creates flyers with Michael’s photo and posts them everywhere, hoping someone has seen him. When she finally receives a call from someone claiming to have spotted her husband, she’s relieved—but also uneasy, especially since Michael still isn’t answering his phone. Julia becomes increasingly frantic, worrying about what might have happened to him and why he hasn’t reached out.

At first, I really liked how the novel began, but by the midpoint, I hated it. The extremely short chapters felt like an attempt to create urgency and suspense, but instead the story dragged. There were pages and pages where nothing meaningful happened.

The book alternates between the present and Julia’s memories of meeting and falling in love with Michael. I think the author intended these scenes to humanize the characters, but as the story went on, I found myself disliking both of them. Julia was incredibly frustrating; she rarely seemed to think through the consequences of her actions and often leapt before looking. Some plot elements also felt far-fetched and unbelievable. While the ending was somewhat redeeming, it wasn’t enough to make the rest of the book feel worth it. Overall, I found it disappointing and tiresome.

Book Review - Dry by Neal Shusterman and Jarrod Shusterman

 

Dry by Neal Shusterman and Jarrod Shusterman follows a teenage girl, Alyssa, and her family as they struggle through an extreme drought in California. Recently, the state has been hit with unseasonably warm weather, and it hasn’t rained in a long time. The drought has lasted so long that people have started calling it the “Tap-Out.” Everyone is trying to adjust to their new normal of not using water excessively while hoping water levels eventually return to normal.

Then one day, the taps run dry. Suddenly, Alyssa’s quiet suburban street becomes a war zone as neighbors and families turn against one another in the hunt for water. Alyssa’s parents leave to refill their water jugs, but they never return. Worried for herself and her younger brother, Garrett, Alyssa decides to take matters into her own hands. She’s forced to go up against people she once considered friends and must make hard decisions if she hopes to survive.

I found the novel to be an interesting read. I thought it was well-written, though at times I got frustrated with how irritating Alyssa could be. She often made selfish and reckless decisions that affected everyone around her. The novel tackles important themes—water conservation, climate change, political corruption, and the dangers of privatizing natural resources. It was gripping reading about Alyssa’s harrowing search for water. However, one thing that stayed in the back of my mind was why characters never considered ordering water from other regions. The drought didn’t seem to affect the entire world, and some places were even experiencing excessive flooding. Overall, the story carries important messages, and I would be open to reading more books by this author.

Book Review - Sister, Maiden, Monster by Lucy A. Snyder

 

Sister, Maiden, Monster by Lucy A. Snyder follows three women during an outbreak and the aftermath of the planet’s transformation. The world is collapsing as a virus devastates people worldwide. It turns people into monsters and causes unforeseen changes. Erin was infected, and her personality begins to change. She starts to develop a taste for a specific woman and her brain. Erin knows that acting on her desire could lead to disastrous results.

Savannah used to sell her body so others could satisfy their sexual desires. Now she has a new deadly obsession. She loves committing brutal murder and that helps her get off sexually. Since childhood, Mareva’s body has been plagued with tumors that seem to constantly grow and create new ones. Mareva realizes she has an important role in the apocalypse, but she’s afraid of the damage it might cause.

I was on the fence about this novel. It's divided into three parts, each narrated from the perspective of that woman. I found this structure strange and thought a lot of far-out things happened. Sometimes, I think the author added a lot of strange and weird details just to confuse and shock readers. At times, I felt the writing was all over the place.

I didn’t quite love or hate the novel. It had a few interesting moments, but I don't think I would read anything else by the author. Some readers might enjoy the storyline, but it wasn’t for me.

Book Review – Olivia Gray Will Not Fade Away by Ciera Burch

 

Olivia Gray Will Not Fade Away by Ciera Burch is about a middle schooler, Olivia Gray, trying to navigate the challenges of feeling invisible while coming to terms with her asexual identity. As Olivia begins the seventh grade, she knows this year will be different from last year. Her beloved brother has come out and found a boyfriend. Instead of spending time with Olivia, he spends all his time with his crush. Her friends only want to talk about boys, who likes who, and school dances.

When Robbie, the most popular boy in school, asks Olivia to the dance and she unknowingly rejects him, her life is thrown into a tailspin. Olivia goes viral on the social app KruSHH after rejecting Robbie. Now the chatter about Robbie and dating is nonstop among her friends, and Olivia feels left out and invisible.

When Olivia feels invisible, only the new librarian and Jules, a friendly kid she met who also struggles with feeling invisible, notice her. As Olivia tries to figure herself out and come to terms with being asexual, she struggles to find where she fits in and to deal with the negative perceptions of the label. All Olivia wants is to fit in with her friends.

I thought the book was a cute read. I have read another book by the author, and this one seemed geared toward older kids who are struggling with their identity. At times, I did get annoyed with Olivia, as while she tried to fit in, she wasn’t always receptive to other people’s wants and needs, especially when they didn’t align with hers. I did like seeing her grow and become a better friend and sister. I would be open to reading more books by the author.

Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own and were not influenced by the publisher or author. 

Book Review - Moonsick by Tom O’Donnell

 

Moonsick by Tom O’Donnell follows two teenagers, Heidi and Cam, who become infected with a contagious disease that transforms people into werewolves. Heidi Mills is a high school senior who seems to have it all—wealthy parents, a popular boyfriend, and supportive friends. When her mom and stepdad leave for a vacation in Hawaii, Heidi promises her friends that she’ll host a party at her house to celebrate the end of high school.

The party is scheduled for the next night, but tonight is a full moon. A global epidemic has ravaged the population, and anyone who becomes infected turns into a savage werewolf. Heidi believes she’ll be safe in her mansion thanks to a state-of-the-art lockdown system designed to keep the monsters out.

She expects to simply wait out the night and enjoy the party tomorrow. However, two intruders break into her house, assuming it will be an easy target with everyone gone. Everything Heidi has taken for granted begins to unravel. She realizes how quickly her life of privilege, comfort, and security can be stripped away—especially now that she’s directly exposed to the virus. Desperate to survive and find a cure, she is even willing to team up with Cam, the boy who broke into her house.

Overall, I thought the novel was an okay read. The plot was interesting, though somewhat predictable. I enjoyed watching Heidi confront her privilege, her humanity, and the monstrous aspects of herself. It was satisfying to see her take control of her life and stand up for what she believed in. I think it was a cute read, and I’d be open to reading more from this author. If you enjoy books about pandemic-level diseases with a unique twist, you might enjoy this one too.

Book Review - Once and Again by Rebecca Serle

 

Once and Again by Rebecca Serle explores the lives of the women in the Novak family, who are born with the gift of turning back time, but only once. When Lauren was fifteen, she knew her mother, Marcella, had saved her father, Dave, after he was involved in a deadly car accident. After Marcella used her only wish to bring him back, Dave has been alive and happy ever since. However, Marcella lives in fear of losing him since she used up her only chance.

Marcella’s mother, Sylvia, is the complete opposite. She is a free-spirited woman who refuses to be tied down or share her past. Lauren has grown up between these two women, helping mold her into the woman she has become.

One summer, Lauren’s husband, Leo, takes a new job in New York, and Lauren decides to move back home into her childhood house. She looks forward to surfing with her dad, spending time with her mom, and hopefully repairing their fractured relationship. However, she didn’t expect her first love, Stone, to move back home after his mother is diagnosed with cancer. As Lauren reconnects with her family and Stone, she begins to question her choices and the decisions that brought her to this moment. She starts to wonder whether she should use her wish.

I had high hopes when I started this novel. I thought it would be a grand sweeping romance that would leave me emotional for days. However, I found the story boring and lackluster. I didn’t like any of the characters, who felt a bit one-dimensional. The author hints at a great mystery involving Sylvia, but I feel like we barely get to know any of the characters. At times, it was confusing who was narrating and what time period it was. I wish the author had made the timeline and narration clearer in each chapter. After finishing the book, I felt like it was pointless and that I was robbed of my time.

Book Review - The Infamous Gilberts by Angela Tomaski

 

The Infamous Gilberts by Angela Tomaski chronicles the decline and secrets of the eccentric Gilbert family as their crumbling English manor, Thornwalk, as it is set to be transformed into a luxury hotel—uncovering forgotten loves, hidden motives, and the lasting weight of legacy.

Thornwalk was once a beautiful and enviable estate, but over time, it fell into disrepair. The property is eventually sold to a luxury hotelier who plans to completely renovate and modernize the old manor. As the manor gets its facelift, the secrets and memories of its past risk being erased. Meanwhile, one of the family’s neighbors takes it upon themselves to document the Gilberts’ history, offering a final guided “tour” through the rooms and revealing long-buried stories and mysteries.

I found myself on the fence with this novel. It began with promise, but the middle dragged, and although the ending was enjoyable, I might have just been relieved to reach it. I struggled to stay engaged throughout.

The story is narrated by an anonymous, mysterious figure, which I didn’t love. The writing style was difficult to connect with, and while the chapters were short and easy to read, they lacked cohesion. Each chapter focused on an object from Thornwalk and told a story about its connection to the family—but many of these vignettes felt incomplete or irrelevant. It often seemed like we were getting fragments rather than a full picture, and I couldn’t see how they fit into the larger narrative.

The timeline spans from the eve of World War II to the early 2000s, but the shifts in time felt abrupt and disorienting. Overall, the novel read more like a collection of disjointed mini-stories than a cohesive family saga. While I do think the author writes beautifully, the storytelling style just wasn’t for me, and the lack of payoff left me unsatisfied.