2025 Summer Reading Reviews & Ratings

Shared with permission.

Moving Through Cancer: An Exercise and Strength Program for the Fight of Your Life by Kathryn Schmitz

5 stars
5 out of 5

The Man Who Died Twice by Richard Osman

5 stars
5 out of 5

An easy and entertaining read. 2nd in the The Thursday Murder Club series. A detective story with some whimsical characters.

-Leslie R.


On Love by Alain de Botton

This book describes kinds of love and illuminates how and why love ends in pain. The book follows an unnamed narrator who meets a woman, Chloe, on a flight from Paris to London. Their relationship begins with passion and excitement but gradually face misunderstandings, emotional tension, and eventually, separation. Key stages of love: infatuation, idealization, anxiety and doubt, breakup and reflection.
Philosophical lnsights: Drawing on literature and philosophy from Madame Bovary to Dante, de Botton presents love as a search for meaning, identity, and connection. He treats love not just as emotion but as a mental and existential project.

-Farahnaz J.


The Glass Room by Ann Cleeves

Another suspenseful murder mystery in the Vera Stanhope series

-Leslie R.


The Amber Spyglass by Philip Pullman

This final chapter in the trilogy is perfect. I love how it pulls not just this world and mystery together, but the ending leaves you sitting and contemplating your own choices that have brought you to this point and the longing for what if’s. As a child I loved Narnia. This is so much better.

-Nicole K.


The Subtle Knife by Philip Pullman

Following Lyra and Will as they try to unravel the mystery surrounding them is so fun. You must have Book 3 ready to go as soon as you finish!

-Nicole K.


The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman

Great kickoff to a stellar fantasy trilogy. The characters and world pull you in immediately. Lyra is enchanting and so fun to read.

-Nicole K.


The Book of Dust by Philip Pullman

After revisiting His Dark Materials trilogy, I was excited to jump into this new novels with Lyra. Here we find her as an infant and learn how she comes to be at Jordan College. Again we are drawn into a rich and enticing world in a boom that is hard to put down.

-Nicole K.


Rolling Towards Clear Skies by Catherine Ryan Hyde

5 stars
5 out of 5

-Marilyn E.


The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman

5 stars
5 out of 5

A different type of a detective series. A light read that really holds your interest. Looking forward to the Netflix movie adaptation.

-Leslie R.


Triangle: The Fire that Changed America by David von Drehle

5 stars
5 out of 5

The death of 146 needle trade workers (most of them Jewish and Italian young women) in March 1911 at what was the “safest” clothing factory in lower Manhattan still stands as N.Y.C.’s worst industrial disaster. As the main exit stairs were blocked so that “the girls” could not smuggle out shirtwaist patterns to sew on their own, this tragedy could have been prevented. As a result the American Labor Movement and the fight for woker safety began.

-Abbott G.


How Markets Fail: The Logic of Economic Calamities by John Cassidy

5 stars
5 out of 5

After reading John Cassidy’s Capitalism and its Critics, I knew that I needed to follow up that reading with Cassidy’s explanation of how Market knowledge accumulation is no more effective in discerning which investments should be made than that of a free press or of governments. This led me to, How Markets Fail, and this book did not disappoint! As investing houses’s primary intention is to market various instruments, their objectivity cannot be our presumption and as a result, we cannot assume that capital markets are all knowing.” Take that; Ayn Rand, Alan Greenspan, and Mr. Hayek!

-Abbott G.


Glass House: The 1% Economy and the Shattering of the All-American Town by Brian Alexander

5 stars
5 out of 5

This book was an excellent take on how venture capital investors prevented Anchor Glass from continuing to be the main industry in what Forbes Magazine magazine once called, “The Best Small Town in America.” As a result basic machinery was not upgraded, local kids turned to drugs, and the best detective in Lancaster, Ohio, came to the conclusion that arresting everyone with a drug habit, or a hand in the drug trade would not set things right.

-Abbott G.


Isola by Allegra Goodman

5 stars
5 out of 5

Excellent read.

-Mary Clare F.


The Last Camel Charge: The Untold Story of America’s Desert Military Experiment by Forrest Bryant Johnson

5 stars
5 out of 5

After the Mexican-American War (1848), the US found itself in possession of much new territory in the southwest. Easterners going west with their possessions, needed horses and mules to cross the dry desert landscapes. These animals required large quantities of oats and grain as well as water. It was rumored that there was an animal called a “camel” which could carry four times what a horse could, would eat desert vegetation including thorns, and go without water for 15 days. Camels were found in the Middle East. The US Army was interested in this beast of burden and sent trustworthy envoys there. They purchased 70 camels to make up the US Army’s Camel Corps. One interesting incident stands out. It was the army’s crossing of the Colorado River.: A few mules, then horses went into the water and were swiftly swallowed by the strong currents. Then the camels seemed to balk — perhaps at having seen what happened to the other animals. But then Hi Jolly (a native camel driver) whispered something in the camel’s ear, holding his massive neck, then went to each individual one doing the same. He then led the camels and they crossed without any fuss or problem! Despite the success of the camel corps, the country soon became embroiled in the Civil War and the experiment was dropped. The camels were sold or escaped. (There is one episode of “Have Gun Will Travel” which features an escaped camel, “The Great Mojave Chase”)

-Vivian H.


Long Shadows by David Baldacci

5 stars
5 out of 5

-Marilyn E.


The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods

4 stars
4 out of 5

Cute and fun.

-Amanda M.


One Golden Summer by Carley Fortune

4 stars
4 out of 5

-Abby P.


Three Days in June by Anne Tyler

4 stars
4 out of 5

-Abby P.


Blood Moon by Sandra Brown

3 out of 5 stars
3 out of 5 stars

-Marilyn E.


Beautiful Ugly by Alice Feeney

3 out of 5 stars
3 out of 5 stars

-Abby P.


Notes on an Execution by Danya Kukafka

3 out of 5 stars
3 out of 5 stars

-Abby P.


The Martha’s Vineyard Beach and Book Club by Martha Hall Kelly

The book starts in 2016 with Mari looking for info on her deceased mother. The bulk of the book takes place in 1942 in Martha’s Vineyard with tow sisters who are very different. Briar is a tomboy and interested in anything to do with the war. Cadence is the older who loves books and starts a book club. Many characters intersect in their lives including a German soldier who they hide. Wonderful story of family and friends trying to survive during wartime. Great Story!


Thus With a Kiss I Die by Christina Dodd

Funny and awesome.


The Berry Pickers by Amanda Peters

5 stars
5 out of 5

Excellent story of a family and their struggles when a child disappears. It’s told from the viewpoint of the missing child and her brother who feels responsible for her disappearance. Both sides are captivating and poignant. Very well written and an interesting read.


A Witch’s Guide to Magical Inkeeping by Sangu Mandanna

4 stars
4 out of 5

Too Old for This by Samantha Downing

4 stars
4 out of 5

Frigid by Jennifer L. Armentrout

3 out of 5 stars
3 out of 5 stars

Quick read.


Every Time I Go On Vacation Someone Dies by Catherine Mack

3 out of 5 stars
3 out of 5 stars

Yet Here I Am: Lessons from a Black Man’s Search for Home by Jonathan Capehart

5 stars
5 out of 5

I had been looking forward to reading Jonathan Capehart’s memoir since I learned he was writing it. Jonathan is a younger alumnus of the college I attended and he is a big deal among the college’s alumni. Jonathan is a brilliant journalist and disciplined analyst of political news. His memoir describes his early childhood with his mom, his school and college years, career path and the people who influenced and supported his work with NBC’s Today Show, the New York Post, Bloomberg News, the Washington Post, PBS News Hour, and MSNBC. He writes very well and I will read anything he writes in the future.


Killers of a Certain Age by Deanna Raybourn

Killers of a Certain Age is a great read! One of my book groups was criticized (by someone outside the group) for always choosing books that have no action. Not this selection, this book is packed with witty action! The characters are distinctly different and each would be your friend if you had the chance to know them. Who knew a book about an organization whose mission is to rid the world of villains by skillful female assassins could be so entertaining? The book was great.


On Earth We are Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong

3 out of 5 stars
3 out of 5 stars

-Barbie B.


Cottage by the Sea by Debbie Macomber

Really sweet love story, how sometimes loss and pain is what brings us to a place that can bring love and Joy. Annie lost her entire family in a mudslide that she felt eternal remorse since she should have been there and lost her life with them, except she was too stubborn to change her plans to be with them. In a strange twist of events, a natural disaster occurred and she lost her entire family. Through her depression she has to dig deep to find a way to be happy again, and for her it was to rebuild her life in the cottage by the sea, the same cottage her family would rent for a week each summer for several years.

-Krystina S.


The Other Bennet Sister by Janice Hadlow

Well written and a fun revisit to Pride and Prejudice through the eyes of the often overlooked Mary. I loved how this adaptation breathed new life into this story that often doesn’t look past Elizabeth and Darcy. I fell in love with Mary’s journey and you will too!

-Nicole K.


Wandering Stars by Tommy Orange

5 stars
5 out of 5

The Bane Witch by Ava Morgyn

4 stars
4 out of 5

Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez

4 stars
4 out of 5

Enjoyable, deeply moving as well – for a rom com. Had me crying, laughing, and eager to finish. Excited to read more Jimenez books!

-Dauna D.


The Stolen Life of Colette Marceau by Kristin Harmel

5 stars
5 out of 5

Once again, historical fiction novelist Harmel draws the reader into a compelling World 2 drama. This book features a French mother-daughter team of jewel thieves, who, like Robin Hood, steal from the corrupt to give to the innocent. The story shifts from Paris in the 1940s to Boston in 2012, and many mysteries—such as a priceless stolen bracelet and the murder of a young girl—will be solved by a courageous elderly woman who finds love in the final chapter of her life.

-Deborah L.


Original Sin: President Biden’s Decline, Its Cover-Up, and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again by Jake Tapper

5 stars
5 out of 5

What a sad story about a very important person who ruined everything they had worked so hard for at the very end. It was also very difficult to read about how those he loved and trusted the most let him down when he needed them the most.

-Ben L.


A World of Hurt by Mindy Mejia

3 out of 5 stars
3 out of 5 stars

OK.

-Mary Clare F.


The Guardian by Nicholas Sparks

5 stars
5 out of 5

Could not put down!

-Marilyn E.


The Third Gilmore Girl by Kelly Bishop

5 stars
5 out of 5

A very thorough interesting overview of Bishop’s life. Especially recommend listening to the audiobook as Bishop reads it herself!!

-Melanie K.


The President’s Shadow by James Patterson and Richard DiLallo

3 out of 5 stars
3 out of 5 stars

OK.

-Mary Clare F.


Sandwich by Catherine Newman

4 stars
4 out of 5

Maggie; Or A Man and a Woman Walk into a Bar by Katie Yee

3 out of 5 stars
3 out of 5 stars

Silent Voices by Ann Cleeves

Another great Vera Stanhope mystery. I was sure I knew who the killer was at least 5 times, wrong each time. Hard to put the book down.

-Leslie R.


With a Vengeance by Riley Sager

Excellent book!

-Mary Clare F.


Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt

4 stars
4 out of 5

Embrace the Suck: The Nave SEAL Way to an Extraordinary Life by Brent Gleeson

5 stars
5 out of 5

Rage by Linda Castillo

Excellent read!

-Mary Clare F.


The Inmate by Freida McFadden

5 stars
5 out of 5

-Marilyn E.


The Berry Pickers by Amanda Peters

5 stars
5 out of 5

The beautifully written saga, in chapters, of a Nova Scotia indigenous family who live through love and tragedy. The family are migrant berry pickers in Maine during the summer. They are likeable and endure the unthinkable loss of children. The story alternates with the kidnapping of a child, whose resolution is paced dramatically in counterpoint. A powerful read – the best of what can be read this summer. A winner!

-Edie S.


All the Beauty in the World: The Metropolitan Museum of Art and Me by Patrick Bringley

5 stars
5 out of 5

The Metropolitan Museum of Art is revealed through the eyes of one of its many guards! This is an insider’s look at what it is like to be surrounded by the magnificent treasures thousands see each day. The training of what it takes to be literate, polite, and well versed is anecdotal and charming. For example, did you know there is an $80 dollar per year sock allowance for each guard? (Standing on your feet is part of the job.) The different exhibits, the floors that demand the most vigilant attention, frequent questions asked by visitors, security, theft and the delight of seeing art through a different focus, I felt as if I were visiting the museum for the first time. As a touching tribute to the author’s late brother, the author brings the humaneness of a loving family into the pages. This is a personal tour of the Met and it hidden wonders you cannot afford to miss.

-Edie S.


Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter

5 stars
5 out of 5

The Swedish Art of Aging Exuberantly: Life Wisdom from Someone Who Will (Probably) Die Before You by Margareta Magnusson

3 out of 5 stars
3 out of 5 stars

Breasts: The Owner’s Manual – Every Woman’s Guide to Reducing Cancer Risk, Making Treatment Choices, and Optimizing Outcomes by Kristi Funk

5 stars
5 out of 5

Informative and helpful.


The Housemaid’s Secret by Freida McFadden

4 stars
4 out of 5

The Tenant by Freida McFadden

4 stars
4 out of 5

The Wife Upstairs by Rachel Hawkins

4 stars
4 out of 5

A Promise of Peridot by Kate Golden

5 stars
5 out of 5

Do Not Disturb by Freida McFadden

3 out of 5 stars
3 out of 5 stars

Never Lie by Freida McFadden

4 stars
4 out of 5

Telling Tales by Ann Cleeves

5 stars
5 out of 5

Second in the Vera detective series. A chilling tale of an innocent person incarcerated and not even her own father believed her.

-Leslie R.


Nightshade by Michael Connelly

5 stars
5 out of 5

Michael Connelly adds Detective Stilwell to his already formidable stable of detectives. A Jane Doe case based on Catalina Island instead of Connelly’s usual Los Angeles is an easy read that is very hard to put down.

-Leslie R.


Hidden Depths by Ann Cleeves

5 stars
5 out of 5

Third in the Vera detective series. Two murders are committed with the same ritualistic setting. DI Vera Stanhope tries to find the common ground in order to solve the crimes. Hard to put down.

-Leslie R.


The Wedding People by Alison Espach

5 stars
5 out of 5

An easy and enjoyable read. Some predictable with some interesting turns as well.

-Melanie K.


Red Side Story by Jasper Fforde

4 stars
4 out of 5

Long, hard to get into unless read Shades of Grey novel. But overall Ok

-Tatiana A.


Circe by Madeleine Miller

4 stars
4 out of 5

This was a really great retelling of a classic myth, with much more emphasis being put on Circe as a main character, a daughter, a witch, mother, and woman. The book expresses themes of self-worth, sexism, assault, immortality, morality, and the simple question of if you live forever, do the people around you matter?

-Ann I.


The President’s Shadow by James Patterson

4 stars
4 out of 5

-Marilyn E.


Matchmaking for Psychopaths by Tasha Coryell

4 stars
4 out of 5

The Forest King’s Daughter by Elly Blake

3 out of 5 stars
3 out of 5 stars

The world building was very intricate and interesting and the characters were fleshed out well. However the book ramped up and at its climax seemed to fall flat.


The Martian by Andy Weir

4 stars
4 out of 5

This book was full of science, sarcasm, laughter, and heart. The main character was incredibly funny and you can’t help but root for him through all the trials he faced. The science was also very accurate and well explained. The ending was also incredibly satisfying and heart warming.


The Housemaid by Freida McFadden

4 stars
4 out of 5

The book very quickly grabs your attention and keeps it. Whenever you believe you definitely know what’s going on, who to trust, and who not to trust, McFadden will prove you wrong. The plot twists were hard to predict but very satisfying. Definitely kept me up reading and never guessing what comes next.


Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi

5 stars
5 out of 5

Time travel is always an interesting concept, what would you change, but this book explores the concept what if you couldn’t change anything? Would you still go back? And what would you change in your present to change your future? This book does an incredible job at both providing some answers but also letting the reader draw their own conclusions. I definitely recommend!


The Secret Lives of Booksellers and Librarians: True Stories of the Magic of Reading by James Patterson and Matt Eversmann

5 stars
5 out of 5

The Housemaid is Watching by Freida McFadden

4 stars
4 out of 5

Vow of Thieves by Mary E. Pearson

3 out of 5 stars
3 out of 5 stars

The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams Bianco

5 stars
5 out of 5

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

4 stars
4 out of 5

Say What You Will by Cammie McGovern

2 stars

The Lost Souls of Benzaiten by Kelly Murashiga

4 stars
4 out of 5

To Sleep in a Sea of Stars by Christopher Paolini

1 star
1 Out of 5 Stars

Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter

5 stars
5 out of 5

The Coworker by Freida McFadden

I’ve read several books by this author, and feel this book had an interesting twist. I enjoyed thinking about who was the actual killer, how is the main character responsible for her coworkers murder or is she. This was again a fun read, not scary, but had me thinking who really was framing the main character.

-Krystina S.


To Catch a Storm by Mindy Mejia

Great read.

-Mary Clare F.


Horns by Joe Hill

3 out of 5 stars
3 out of 5 stars

Strangers in Time by David Baldacci

5 stars
5 out of 5

-Marilyn E.


Battle Mountain by C.J. Fox

4 stars
4 out of 5

-Marilyn E.


Vera, or Faith by Gary Shteyngart

4 stars
4 out of 5

Between Two Kingdoms: A Memoir of Life Interrupted by Suleika Jaouad

4 stars
4 out of 5

We All Live Here by Jojo Moyes

5 stars
5 out of 5

This is my first time reading a Jojo Moyes novel and I enjoyed this book. It’s a multi-generational story. The main character is Lila who husband has left her for a younger woman. Lila has two daughters that she in now fully responsible for. Her mom who has been an inspiration to her, has recently died. So she takes in step father who is still grieving the loss of his wife. Other characters come into the story and life which leads to lots of trial and tribulations which make for an interesting and unpredictable story.


If Something Happens to Me by Alex Finlay

5 stars
5 out of 5

Another thriller from Alex Finlay, I always enjoy reading his books and highly recommend this one.


A Dawn of Onyx by Kate Golden

4 stars
4 out of 5

A Curse Carved in Bone by Danielle L. Jensen

3 out of 5 stars
3 out of 5 stars

So Far by Kelsey Grammer

A bit self-serving. Interesting to read this book now, which was written about 30 years ago, and comparing it to what has happened in the time since publication to the author and his life.

-Ben L.


The Women by Kristin Hannah

Where do I begin? This was a smooth read, filled with feelings that placed me in the room throughout each scene. Kristin Hannah writes with an energetic sorrow that I can feel in my gut. Her ability to make me fall in love with the main character was breathtaking. This story is poignant, yet simple. Nothing screams unrealistic, yet everything feels surreal. I cannot wait to read this again.

-Dauna D.


Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave by Elle Cosimano

4 stars
4 out of 5

Quicksilver by Callie Hart

5 stars
5 out of 5

Birding with Benefits by Sarah T. Dubb

3 out of 5 stars
3 out of 5 stars

The Enemy by Sarah Adams

4 stars
4 out of 5

Uncultured: A Memoir by Daniella Mestyanek

4 stars
4 out of 5

Friends with Benefits by Marisa Kanter

4 stars
4 out of 5

Rift: A Memoir of Breaking Away from Christian Patriarchy by Cait West

4 stars
4 out of 5

Forget Me Not by Julie Soto

4 stars
4 out of 5

A Plain Death by Amanda Flower

3 out of 5 stars
3 out of 5 stars

Fair, got boring.

-Mary Clare F.


Poppy Harmon Investigates by Lee Hollis

2 stars

OK.

-Mary Clare F.


Veronica Ruiz Breaks the Bank by Elle Cosimano

3 out of 5 stars
3 out of 5 stars

Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice by Elle Cosimano

4 stars
4 out of 5

Strangers in Time by David Baldacci

4 stars
4 out of 5

-Marilyn E.


Paranoia by James Patterson

4 stars
4 out of 5

-Marilyn E.


Nightshade by Michael Connelly

5 stars
5 out of 5

-Marilyn E.


Parents Weekend by Alex Finlay

5 stars
5 out of 5

I throughly enjoyed reading this book. It was filled with lots of twists and turns. When I picked this book up, I had a hard time putting it down. I would highly recommend Parents Weekend.


The Summer Guests by Tess Gerritsen

4 stars
4 out of 5

Former spy Maggie and her book club of retired ex-CIA friends prove that age is not a detriment in solving a murder in this quiet Maine town.


2 Sisters Murder Investigations by James Patterson and Candice Fox

5 stars
5 out of 5

Another can’t put it down mystery by these famous authors. The partnership of these two very different sisters is humorous, chaotic and brilliant.


The Memory Library by Kate Storey

4 stars
4 out of 5

Very touching story of the love between a mother and daughter through years and miles, expressed through library books.


The Buffalo Hunter by Stephen Graham Jones

4 stars
4 out of 5

Fascinating story of the revenge of an American Indian for the massacre of his people & their main source of life- the Buffalo.


Verse and Vengeance by Amanda Flower

3 out of 5 stars
3 out of 5 stars

OK.

-Mary Clare F.


Finlay Donovan Knocks Them Dead by Elle Cusimano

4 stars
4 out of 5

Gingko Season by Naomi Xu Elegant

3 out of 5 stars
3 out of 5 stars

The Crow Trap by Ann Cleeves

5 stars
5 out of 5

This is the first in the Vera Stanhope series of mysteries. Ms. Cleeves does an excellent job with character development. The plot takes twists and turns throughout all 529 pages and holds your interest till the very end. My only semi-negative was unfamiliarity with certain UK slangs. Definitely a very good read and I am looking forward to continuing the series. As a footnote this is the same Vera as the BBC television series.

-Leslie R.


Finlay Donovan Jumps the Gun by Elle Cosimano

4 stars
4 out of 5

Crimes and Covers by Amanda Flower

3 out of 5 stars
3 out of 5 stars

Fair.

-Mary Clare F.


Finlay Donovan is Killing It by Elle Cosimano

4 stars
4 out of 5

The Girls Who Grew Big by Leila Mottley

4 stars
4 out of 5

Yellowface by R.F. Kuang

5 stars
5 out of 5

The Whispered Word by Ellery Adams

3 out of 5 stars
3 out of 5 stars

Good mystery series for book fans. My favorite parts are the book quotes at the beginning of each chapter.

-Caitlin R.


Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall

5 stars
5 out of 5

Wonderful love story set in the 1960’s in a small farm town. The ending was a surprise with lots of twists and turns.


The Guardian by Nicholas Sparks

5 stars
5 out of 5

This is the first book that I read by Nicholas Sparks. I saw it on a post on Facebook and thought I would try it. I did enjoy the book. The main character is a woman living in a small southern town trying to get on with her life after the death of her husband. The one thing he leaves her is a Great Dane puppy who becomes her guardian. He is there through thick and thin. I enjoyed the book.


Beach Vibes by Susan Mallery

5 stars
5 out of 5

Susan Mallery’s books are a nice change of pace….easy reading. If you like Hallmark movies, you will enjoy her books. This one focuses on a woman who runs a sandwich shop in a beach town in CA. She meets a man whose sister is dating her brother. Lots of complications arise and she much deal with them and the fallout. A quick summer read!


Only the Beautiful by Susan Meissner

5 stars
5 out of 5

If you enjoyed Lisa Wingate’s Before We Were Yours, this book is for you. Roughly based on historical events, it focuses on a young woman dealing with an unexpected pregnancy in 1938. She’s fighting to keep her daughter and trying to fight an archaic system where young women who are alone with no family support have no rights. This is one of the best books that I have read in a long time. Wonderful story which held my interest.


Prose and Cons by Amanda Flower

4 stars
4 out of 5

Cute book, enjoyed it.

-Mary Clare F.


First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston

5 stars
5 out of 5

A book that keeps you on your toes…..Part mystery, part love story and part crime story. This book has lots of twists and turns and also a lot of past storie and present day drama. Evie Porter is the main character who is sent on jobs by Mr. Smith. She works job after job trying to work her way up his list of top employees. Her latest mark is Ryan Sumner but he has his own secrets. A different type of book which was a nice change of pace.


Nobody’s Fool by Harlan Coben

5 stars
5 out of 5

This book is full of twists and turns. I know you will enjoy reading it.


The Ex by Freida McFadden

4 stars
4 out of 5

Super easy and light reading. This book is not as intense as some of the other books written by McFadden, although it did not disappoint as it too has an unexpected twist you only find at the end of the book.

-Krystina S.


The Better Sister by Alafair Burke

4 stars
4 out of 5

Interesting thriller that explored family dynamics in a new and interesting way.


25 Alive by James Patterson

5 stars
5 out of 5

A Women’s Murder Club thriller. Another excellent read. These are easy fast reads.

-Mary Clare F.


Crime and Poetry by Amanda Flower

Cute book, easy read.

-Mary Clare F.


Skin & Bones by Renaee Watson

5 stars
5 out of 5

Unbelievable, insightful.

-Tatiana A.


Lenny Marks Gets Away With Murder by Kerryn Mayne

5 stars
5 out of 5

Captivating, very easy read, keeps you guessing.


A Daughter of Fair Verona by Christina Dodd

5 stars
5 out of 5

So much fun!!

-Tatiana A.


The Life Impossible by Matt Haig

5 stars
5 out of 5

Great read.


Yellowface by R.F. Kuang

3 out of 5 stars
3 out of 5 stars

The Second Chance Convenience Store by Ho-yŏn Kim

4 stars
4 out of 5

The Emperor of Gladness by Ocean Vuong

4 stars
4 out of 5

Flowers and Foul Play: A Magic Garden Mystery by Amanda Flowers

4 stars
4 out of 5

A good one.

-Mary Clare F.


Bookman Dead Style: A Dangerous Type Mystery by Paige Shelton

4 stars
4 out of 5

Fair.

-Mary Clare F.


To Helvetica and Back: A Dangerous Type Mystery by Paige Shelton

4 stars
4 out of 5

Good.

-Mary Clare F.


Missing You by Harlan Coben

4 stars
4 out of 5

A good read.

-Mary Clare F.


The Passing Storm by Christine Nolfi

5 stars
5 out of 5

It was a really good book! Very gripping!


Karen: A Brother Remembers by Kelsey Grammer

3 out of 5 stars
3 out of 5 stars

A bit long-winded and a winding story, but a decent read. I almost gave up a few times – it can be difficult to follow at times – but I’m glad I stuck with it.

-Ben L.


Death and Daisies by Amanda Flower

An easy read.

-Mary Clare F.


4 stars
4 out of 5

Accidental Shepherd: How a California Girl Rescued an Ancient Mountain Farm in Norway by Liese Greenfelder (Libby ebook)


Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid (Libby ebook and e-audiobook)

4 stars
4 out of 5

Left of Forever by Tarah Dewitt

5 stars
5 out of 5

The Mother Next Door: Medicine, Deception, and Munchausen by Proxy

5 stars
5 out of 5

In Good Company by Kat Singleton

3 out of 5 stars
3 out of 5 stars

The Essential Guide to Children’s Sleep: The Tired Caregiver’s Workbook for Every Age and Stage by Roth, Deutsch and Harris

4 stars
4 out of 5

So Far Gone by Jess Walter

4 stars
4 out of 5

The God of the Woods by Liz Moore

4 stars
4 out of 5

So Far Gone by Jess Walter

4 stars
4 out of 5

Framed by John Grisham

Framed isn’t fiction—it’s a powerful collection of real stories about people who were wrongly convicted of crimes they didn’t commit. John Grisham shares how these innocent people ended up in prison because of things like false evidence, bad lawyers, or unfair systems. It’s shocking, eye-opening, and honestly heartbreaking at times. What’s even more upsetting is that this still happens today. This book really makes you think about how justice doesn’t always work the way it should.


Story of My Life by Lucy Score

4 stars
4 out of 5

The Two-Week Roommate by Roxie Noir

4 stars
4 out of 5

Prequel: An American Fight Against Facism by Rachel Maddow

5 stars
5 out of 5

Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of Family and Culture in Crisis by J.D. Vance

4 stars
4 out of 5

-Abby P.


The Whispers by Ashley Audrain

4 stars
4 out of 5

In this book, the author, Ashely Audrain, shows why different women make the choices they do and depicts how they punish themselves (and each other) for those choices. This book tugs at the heartstrings of new moms and those navgating postpartum struggles or other mental health challenges.

-Dina C.


The Overnight Guest by Heather Grudenkauf

5 stars
5 out of 5

Amazing writing. Made me cry and glued me to the pages. A twist I didn’t expect! Definitely a must read for any thriller readers.

-Devan M.


25 Alive by James Patterson

5 stars
5 out of 5

A Women’s Murder Club series thriller. Another excellent read. These are easy fast reads.

-Mary Clare F.


Crochet Flowers by Sierra Miral

If you want a relaxing activity, learn how to crochet. Crochet Flowers will teach you how to make beautiful flowers and adorable pots to hold them. I really enjoyed reading this book and learning new techniques.


Level Up: How to Get Focused, Stop Procrastinating, and Upgrade Your Life by Rob Dial

5 stars
5 out of 5

The Second Chance Convenience Store by Ho-yŏn Kim

4 stars
4 out of 5

Missing You by Harlan Coben

4 stars
4 out of 5

A good one.

-Mary Clare F.


Stuart Woods’ Finders Keepers by Brett Battles

4 stars
4 out of 5

Ok for a Stone Barrington Novel.

-Mary Clare F.