Goodreads

Release date: June 16, 2026

Publisher: William Morrow

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Synopsis:

A sizzling, soapy summer debut, in which two women in a wealthy lakeside suburb clash over a cute male nanny, pulling the town’s darker secrets to the surface.

When Danika Crawley attends events at the Aldon Lakes Country Club, heads turn. Danika has it all—beauty, money, a successful husband, and two perfect children. She plans on making this summer her best season yet and has a secret weapon to secure the envy of her neighbors.

Augie Elling has lost it all. Reeling from a post-grad scandal amidst her now-former life in New York, she returns to Aldon Lakes with her tail between her legs. Augie wants to keep her head down, save money, and find a way to leave her hometown for good, but someone keeps distracting her.

Danika and Augie have one thing in they are both a little obsessed with Chat, the male nanny Danika hired for the summer. But, unbeknownst to either woman, Chat’s appearance in town sets off a chain reaction that threatens Aldon Lakes’ carefully maintained ecosystem. As the heat rises between the three of them, the truth behind a long-buried scandal comes to light, and everyone at the club must reckon with the consequences.

The Lake Club is both an addictive, rollicking beach read, and a stylish, deft exploration of a lesser-known region of American wealth.

Review:

The Lake Club is exactly the kind of juicy, addictive summer read that begs to be packed in a beach bag or tossed into a pool tote. Lina Patton leans fully into the glossy drama, messy relationships, and suburban scandal in a way that feels delightfully soapy without ever taking itself too seriously. From the wealthy country club setting to the simmering gossip and secrets hiding beneath polished exteriors, this was the definition of a breezy page turner. The Midwest lakeside backdrop also gave the story a fun twist that helped it stand out from the typical coastal summer drama vibe.

The story follows Danika and Augie, two women whose lives become tangled through the arrival of Chat, the attractive male nanny at the center of the town’s growing obsession. The characters themselves are deeply flawed, often frustrating, and not necessarily likable in the traditional sense—but honestly, that’s part of the fun. Watching rich people make messy decisions, stir up drama, and unravel long buried scandals made this incredibly entertaining. The light mystery element added just enough intrigue to keep the pages flying while the fast pacing made it dangerously easy to read in one sitting.

What worked especially well was how readable and compulsively entertaining the entire book felt. It’s frothy and dramatic in the best possible way, balancing gossip filled fun with enough tension and secrets to stay engaging throughout. If you love stories packed with wealthy suburban chaos, complicated women, simmering scandals, and country club drama, this one absolutely delivers. Perfect for fans of escapist summer fiction that’s equal parts glamorous, messy, and impossible to put down.

Overall rating: 4/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Goodreads

Release date: June 2, 2026

Publisher: William Morrow

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Synopsis:

From the bestselling author of Mansion Beach, a summery drama following three sisters who return to their childhood home, each with their own secret, perfect for readers of Sandwich and Pineapple Street.

It’s the week after Fourth of July, and the Shipman sisters are returning to their picturesque summer home on the New Hampshire coast for what they believe is a family reunion, the first without their late mother. However, their tranquil setting quickly becomes a stage for drama when their father, Calvin, drops the bombshell news that he plans to sell the cherished beach house.

Mae, the youngest daughter, who has a newfound penchant for attracting trouble, is distraught, already dealing with her own emotional scars and a problematic rescue dog. Natalie, the middle sister and social media darling known for her seemingly idyllic life as a tradwife, is equally anxious, especially since her flawless public image is on the verge of imploding. Meanwhile, Jordan, the eldest, a high-powered crisis communications expert, is ready to be rid of the house so she can tend to her own professional disaster.

As old memories are stirred up and the sisters navigate both the packing of the house and their personal crises, the arrival of Calvin’s new wife pushes Jordan, Natalie, and Mae to decide how far they’re willing to go to preserve the Shipman bond.

A delicious summer read that explores the enduring power of family and sister connections, Down with the Shipmans is a humorous, heartfelt reminder that home is not a place, but the people who love you, no matter how imperfectly.

Review:

There’s something about a big messy family drama set in a dreamy coastal summer house that just works every single time for me, and Down with the Shipmans absolutely delivered. This was the kind of summer read that feels tailor made for poolside afternoons — entertaining, emotional, funny, layered, and full of complicated family dynamics that keep you completely invested. The New Hampshire beach house setting was perfect, giving the story that nostalgic, windswept coastal energy that makes you want to pack a tote bag and disappear to the shore for a week. It’s warm and readable in the best way, but it also has real emotional depth underneath all the family chaos.

What I loved most was how relatable the Shipman sisters felt. Since they’re all in such different stages of life, there’s truly something here for every reader to connect with. The story balances grief, humor, resentment, love, and sisterhood so naturally, especially as the family continues navigating the loss of their mother while dealing with the possible sale of the house that holds so many memories. Each sister brings her own baggage, struggles, and perspective to the story, which made the family dynamic feel rich and authentic rather than one note.

Meg Mitchell Moore does such a great job writing character driven stories that still feel incredibly bingeable. This has the heart and emotional weight of a deeper family drama while still being the exact kind of compulsively readable beach read you want during summer. If you love stories about sisters, complicated relationships, family tension, personal reinvention, and emotionally messy but lovable characters, this one is absolutely worth adding to your summer TBR.

Overall rating: 4/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Goodreads

Release date: May 26, 2026

Publisher: Kensington Cozies

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Synopsis:

The first in a brand new, multi-generational cozy mystery series introduces three generations of strong, no-nonsense women who head the Holbrook family seafood dynasty in Downeast Maine…and a murder the Holbrook matriarch and her granddaughter must solve, even as it entangles them in a web of small-town secrets, and a Hatfields and McCoys-level chowder rivalry.

Ever since Halibut Cove’s popular eatery, The Chowder House, started serving matriarch Maggie Holbrook’s famous clam chowder it’s been in high demand. Cooked up at the restaurant by Maggie’s ambitious 19-year-old granddaughter, Audrey, the dish even has a regular nightly customer, retiree Chips Hogan. . . . Until one fateful Sunday night.

After serving Chips his chowder, Audrey rushes off to Maggie’s hilltop home for the weekly family dinner with the rest of the Holbrooks—her three uncles, and her mom, Jill. But before the meal’s end, Jill, a police chief, gets an alarming call. Chips has been found in the street—dead. Jill races out to investigate . . . and is shocked to learn Chips’ chowder was poisoned.

When a Chowder House server recalls seeing local diner cook Waldo Duggan in the alley that same evening, he becomes a suspect. And when it’s uncovered that Waldo bitterly believed the Holbrooks stole the lucrative chowder recipe from the Duggans in the 1930’s, he’s only further implicated . . .

Despite everything, Maggie can’t believe Waldo would murder anyone. For fair-minded Maggie, to keep an innocent man out of jail, and to ease Audrey’s guilt over serving the chowder, there’s no choice but to team-up to crime solve. Soon grandmother and granddaughter are immersed in a stew of rivalries, long held feuds, and looming threats. Because beneath the surface, even a pretty town has its ugly side . . .

Review:

Lee Hollis kicks off a brand new cozy mystery series with The Chowder House Murder, and it’s exactly the kind of small town New England mystery that feels instantly welcoming while still delivering plenty of drama, secrets, and murder fueled chaos. What really made this one stand out was the multi generational family dynamic at the center of the story. Maggie, Audrey, Jill, and the entire Holbrook family bring so much personality to the page, and the constant involvement in each other’s lives creates the perfect mix of warmth, humor, tension, and gossip. The family seafood dynasty angle paired with the decades long chowder feud gives the story such a fun foundation, especially with the Hatfields and McCoys style rivalry simmering beneath the surface of this charming coastal town.

The setting itself is another major highlight. Halibut Cove feels lived in and authentic, full of longtime grudges, local history, busybody residents, and layered small town relationships that make you want to keep exploring the series. Lee Hollis has always had a strong, approachable writing style, and the dialogue here especially shines. Conversations feel lively and natural, helping the large supporting cast feel memorable right from the start. Even with so many characters, the story never felt overwhelming because everyone added something to the town dynamic and ongoing tension.

Beyond the cozy atmosphere and entertaining family drama, the mystery itself was solid and engaging throughout. The poisoned chowder setup is both clever and perfectly on theme for the series, and the investigation unfolds alongside old resentments, town secrets, and plenty of entertaining suspicion between families. There’s a wonderful balance here between humor, heart, and mystery, making this a very strong first installment with tons of potential moving forward. If you love gossipy small towns, coastal New England settings, family feuds, buried secrets, and cozy mysteries packed with personality, The Chowder House Murder is absolutely worth picking up.

Overall rating: 4/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Goodreads

Release date: May 26, 2026

Publisher: Dell

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Synopsis:

A bookshop, a boathouse, and a budding new romance…

When Sophie Bennet gets fired from her high-profile marketing job and dumped by her boyfriend for being “too boring,” she decides to take a risk–fueled by wine–and launches a crowdfunding campaign called “Help a Boring Girl Buy a Bookshop.” To her shock, what started as a joke goes viral, raising enough money for her to leave London and buy a rundown boathouse in the sleepy small town of Solace Springs, Washington, marking the start of her new chapter.

Local boatbuilder and professional grump Luke Rhodes has had it with outsiders coming to Solace Springs and disturbing his carefully cultivated quiet life. So when Sophie, his annoyingly attractive next-door neighbor, moves in with her endless optimism, relentless determination, and distracting curves, he wants nothing to do with her renovation project. Too bad fate—and the town residents—have other plans. As Luke gets roped into working with Sophie, he starts to find that the cherry blossoms aren’t the only thing blooming in town.

In the midst of clashing over paint samples and arguing over structural integrity, things start to heat up between the town local and the new resident. But just as Luke’s carefully constructed walls begin to crack, Sophie’s sudden viral fame threatens the tranquility of Solace Springs. They’ll have to decide if their unexpected connection will wilt away or bloom into something more.

Review:

There was something so instantly comforting and charming about The Cherry Blossom Boathouse by Laura Bloom. From the moment Sophie traded her chaotic London life for a rundown boathouse in Solace Springs, I was completely swept away by the cozy small town atmosphere and whimsical setup. A bookstore on a boathouse? Honestly, that alone sold me. It felt unique, dreamy, and perfectly tailored for readers who love stories that feel warm and escapist. The cherry blossom filled setting added such a soft, magical quality to the novel, and the entire town had that comforting “everyone knows everyone” energy that makes small town romances so addictive.

I also really loved how clearly this book lays the foundation for a larger series. Solace Springs feels alive with quirky residents, nosy but well meaning neighbors, town traditions, and side characters who already seem primed for future stories. You can tell there’s so much potential waiting to unfold in later books, which made the world feel even richer and more inviting. The community dynamic was one of my favorite parts because it gave the story such a cozy, lived in feeling.

At its core, this is an easy breezy, lighthearted escape with warmth, humor, charm, and just enough romance to keep things sweet. Sophie and Luke had that classic sunshine/grump dynamic that worked really well against the peaceful lakeside backdrop, and I loved watching Luke slowly soften as Sophie settled into town. If you’re looking for a quick, cozy romance filled with whimsy, community, and bookstore charm, this is such a lovely start to a new series. I’m already excited to return to Solace Springs for the next book.

Overall rating: 4/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Goodreads

Release date: May 26, 2026

Publisher: Macmillan Audio

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Narrator: January LaVoy

Synopsis:

A young author becomes the object of a fan’s desire―and rage―in the gripping new thriller by the #1 New York Times-bestselling author of Hidden Nature.

He showed up at Arden Bowie’s debut author appearance with a copy of her novel and an eager smile. He showered her with compliments and got her autograph. Then he came to her next event. And the one after that.

Dustin was just an aspiring writer who wanted advice, Arden reassured herself. But after giving in to one of his incessant invitations and chatting with him over coffee, she discovered that ignoring her inner alarm bell had been a terrible mistake…

An introvert at heart, Arden had long craved solitude―but now, after a harrowing assault, she finds herself hiding behind locked doors and startling at every sound. And her relief at his imprisonment is tempered by anxiety when Dustin’s wealthy mother helps to get him a paltry five-year sentence at a psychiatric facility.

Arden decides to write a new story for herself, moving to a tiny Oregon town and befriending Gideon, an ex-LAPD detective. But while she learns to thrive, Dustin remains his delusional, twisted self, as fixated as ever and now seething with anger. He still believes Arden’s purpose on earth is to serve and please him. And his job is to protect her. But who will protect her from him?

Review:

Nora Roberts continues to prove exactly why she’s considered a legend in with The Final Target. The combination of her polished storytelling and January LaVoy’s phenomenal narration made this audiobook impossible to stop listening to. January brought so much life and emotional depth to Arden, capturing everything from her dry humor and intelligence to her fear, resilience, and vulnerability after the trauma she experiences. Together, Roberts and LaVoy are such a powerhouse duo, and hearing them team up again felt like a masterclass in storytelling and performance.

What really worked for me was how character driven the story felt despite the constant tension simmering underneath the surface. Arden was exactly the kind of heroine I love following, she’s smart, sharp, witty, and endlessly compelling. I also loved that she’s an author because the behind the scenes glimpses into her writing process and career were fascinating to me as a reader. Roberts makes Arden feel incredibly grounded and real, which only heightens the suspense once Dustin’s obsession spirals into something deeply disturbing. Getting inside his head was genuinely chilling at times; he’s unhinged in the most unsettling way, and the psychological elements added such an eerie layer to the story.

The suspense itself is tense, creepy, and dangerous throughout, but the romance balances everything beautifully. Gideon brought warmth and steadiness to Arden’s life without overshadowing her own growth and healing journey. Between the strong character work, gripping suspense, unsettling villain, and immersive narration, this ended up being another fantastic read from one of the absolute queens of the genre.

Overall rating: 5/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Goodreads

Release date: May 19, 2026 (reissue)

Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Synopsis:

He’s a tattooed shirtless bad boy. My best friend’s brother. And the jerk on the other side of my bed.

I didn’t know bridesmaid was code for babysitter for the bride’s brother , but if that’s what my best friend needs of me for her dream wedding to go off without a hitch, that’s what I’ll do.

Even if Theo Monroe has been a pain in my rear since third grade.

Even if he should be responsible enough to not wreak havoc at his sister’s destination wedding.

Even if it means we have to share a hotel room in Hawaii, which might be the final duty that breaks me.

Not only does Theo know exactly how to push my buttons, but he never wears clothes, he’s hiding a litter of kittens in his room, and he keeps showing up with fresh-baked cookies that seemingly come from nowhere.

Also?

I have no idea what’s up with the tension between him and the groom.

Or why he’s so proud of the world’s strangest wedding gift.

Or why I suddenly want to know what makes him tick. The story behind his tattoos. How he can afford to rent a convertible in Hawaii. And if maybe all of that utter frustration and irritation I’ve felt for him for years is suppressed attraction that a good girl like me isn’t supposed to feel for the biggest bad boy of Snaggletooth Creek.

But I do know one thing.

When I find out his biggest secret and the answer to all of my questions, it will change everything .

The Worst Wedding Date is a frolicking good time of a destination wedding enemies-to-lovers romcom, complete with a good girl bridesmaid, her best friend’s troublemaking but secretly big-hearted brother, and more than one hitch on the way to happily ever after. It stands alone, has no cheating, and comes complete with ooey gooey goodness.

Review:

The Worst Wedding Date by Pippa Grant is exactly the kind of lighthearted destination romance that works perfectly as a summer escape read. Set against a dreamy Hawaiian wedding backdrop, this enemies to lovers romcom leans fully into the chaotic, quirky fun that makes beach reads so addictive. Between forced proximity, shared hotel rooms, kittens, cookies, and nonstop banter, Theo and Laney were genuinely entertaining together from the start. I especially loved how their relationship pushed both of them outside their comfort zones in different ways — Laney slowly learning to loosen up and embrace spontaneity while Theo confronted deeper insecurities about his own worth beneath the “tattooed bad boy” exterior.

One thing I appreciated was that the story attempted to balance its humor and romcom antics with a more emotional layer involving Theo’s secret. While I absolutely understand what the author was going for emotionally, I’ll admit my immature side occasionally giggled because the reveal itself felt a little over the top and unintentionally silly at times. Still, it added intrigue throughout the story and gave the romance more emotional weight beyond the tropical vacation vibes and comedic chaos. The cat subplot was also ridiculously cute and honestly one of my favorite recurring details in the book.

At times the story felt a bit longer and more drawn out than necessary, especially in the middle, but overall this was still a sweet, quirky, feel good romance that delivers exactly the kind of breezy escapism many readers look for during summer reading season. If you love destination wedding romances, opposites attract dynamics, playful humor, and emotionally guarded characters helping each other heal and grow, this is definitely worth tossing into your beach bag. Overall, this was a solid 3.5 star read for me, it’s fun, charming, and easy to recommend if you’re in the mood for something cute and summery.

Overall rating: 3.5/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Goodreads

Release date: June 2, 2026

Publisher: Little Brown

Genre: Contemporary Fiction, Suspense

Synopsis:

Stepford Wives meets Big Little Lies in this twisty thriller that uncovers the untruths, petty grievances, and local school politics underneath a seemingly quaint small town.

Hamilton, Massachusetts is one of those suburban towns that appears untouched by the outside world where stay-at-home moms wear 2ct diamond studs to the playground, where a million-dollar property is “affordable,” and where the Parent Teacher Organization is a hotbed of controversy. Sure, some people struggle to make ends meet, but residents would say discussing such ugly matters is impolite. Hamilton has been like this forever, and everyone likes it that way. almost everyone.

It’s not that Anna Plummer doesn’t like Hamilton, but she never thought she’d be married with two young kids, comfortable, complacent…and growing more bored by the minute. So, when she realizes her second grader won’t be able to attend the “Ziti with Your Sweetie” school dance because she didn’t pay for a “Premium” membership, she snaps. She sends an email to the terrifying president of the PTO—and all hell breaks loose.

One year later, Anna is found dead in the frozen Ipswich River. Left to pick up the pieces, her husband, Denny, is shaken to his core. He’s no expert, but he’s seen enough Dateline to know that the police think he’s the main suspect. If they aren’t going to get justice for Anna, he will. Told through the alternating perspectives of Anna and Denny exactly one year apart, and with a shocking concluding twist, Valley of the Moms is a gripping look at the underpinnings of grief, the social structures of wealth, and the secrets people keep—even among friends and loved ones.

Review:

Valley of the Moms ended up being much quieter and more emotionally layered than I expected in the best way. While it’s being pitched with flashy thriller comparisons, this feels far more like a simmering domestic suspense story centered on grief, wealth, social politics, and the quiet unraveling of a marriage and community. The dual timelines worked especially well for me: Anna’s chapters slowly build this creeping sense of dread as her frustrations with Hamilton’s performative perfection and vicious PTO culture escalate, while Denny’s sections after her death are steeped in grief, confusion, and loneliness. There’s a heaviness to his perspective that gives the story far more emotional depth than a typical suburban mystery.

What I appreciated most was how subtle the suspense was. This isn’t a fast paced, twist every ten pages kind of thriller, and I think readers expecting that may come away disappointed. But I never really viewed it as that type of book going in. Instead, the tension comes from anticipation; watching Anna spiral further into this wealthy, image obsessed community while knowing from page one that tragedy is coming. Hannah Selinger captures the ugliness beneath polished suburban motherhood so well, and “rich mean moms behaving badly” will forever be a trope I eat up. The social dynamics, passive aggression, and school politics felt painfully believable.

Even though the ending didn’t fully land for me emotionally, I still really enjoyed the ride getting there. Some of the twists genuinely surprised me because they weren’t overly dramatic or telegraphed in an obvious way. Overall, this is less of a traditional thriller and more of an atmospheric, emotionally driven domestic suspense novel with sharp commentary about privilege, appearances, and the stories people tell themselves to survive.

Overall rating: 3.75/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Goodreads

Release date: May 19, 2026

Publisher: Berkley

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Synopsis:

A tantalizing novel about a struggling chocolatier who is granted a magical vision of the future of her dreams, only to realize that her heart may desire something else entirely, from the bestselling author of The Magic of Lemon Drop Pie.

Paris trained chocolatier and single mother Emmie Wynne gave up her own dreams six years ago when she returned to her Pacific Northwest coastal tourist town to run her family’s struggling candy store. Now on her thirty-fourth birthday, Emmie has only one wish, to be granted the vision that every Wynne woman is given once in her lifetime—a shimmering glimpse of her true destiny. This year, when she blows out her candles, it finally comes true.

Her vision is more delectable than she could’ve imagined—her very own artisanal chocolate shop filled with decadent truffles and caramels, and her celebrity crush, Henry Summers, down on one knee. And when Henry suddenly arrives in town for the summer, offering Emmie the opportunity of a lifetime, the future in her vision suddenly seems possible.

But a rekindled connection with Jakob, her former high school best friend turned hunky, brooding tattooed baker, forces Emmie to grapple with the bittersweet realization that her destiny may not be what her heart truly longs for. As the culmination of her vision draws nearer, can Emmie find the courage to create a happiness of her own making?

Review:

Rachel Linden really has such a gift for writing stories that feel warm, whimsical, and comforting while still carrying emotional depth, and A Sprinkle of Sweet Serendipity was another delightful escape. Set against the dreamy backdrop of a Pacific Northwest coastal town, this story blends magical realism, family bonds, romance, and mouthwatering foodie details into something that feels equal parts cozy and enchanting. I absolutely loved the magical vision element and how it pushed Emmie to question whether the life she thought she wanted was truly the one that would make her happiest. The whimsical touches never overwhelmed the emotional core of the story, and that balance worked so well for me.

One of my favorite parts was simply immersing myself in Emmie’s world. Rachel Linden describes food in such a vivid, sensory way that I could practically taste every chocolate truffle and fudge creation along the way. The candy shop atmosphere and small town charm made this feel incredibly cozy, and the strong sense of community added so much heart to the story. I especially adored Emmie’s relationship with her son Gus, who brought so much sweetness and warmth to the book, and the bond between Emmie and her mother was equally tender and meaningful.

Beyond the romance and magical elements, this was ultimately a story about choosing your own happiness and rediscovering the dreams that truly matter. Between the charming coastal setting, lovable characters, whimsical magic, and delicious foodie vibes, this felt like the perfect comforting escape. If you love magical realism mixed with romance, family, and small town charm, this one is such a fun and heartfelt read.

Overall rating: 4/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Goodreads

Release date: May 19, 2026

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Synopsis:

From the author of The Bright Years, the story of April and Leo, a couple on the brink of collapse. When their house goes up in flames, family secrets and thorny histories emerge as they are forced to decide what is worth salvaging.

When April and Leo’s house burns in the middle of the night, they escape with their two young children and the quiet knowledge that the fire is not the only thing threatening their family. They retreat to April’s childhood home in Dallas, where her spirited parents and siblings provide both comfort and complication.

As the family reckons with the aftermath—grief, guilt, logistics, and memories scorched and intact—the fire exposes the cracks already forming in April and Leo’s marriage. The novel unfolds in alternating perspectives: from April, who feels the crushing weight of motherhood, marriage, and self-blame; from Leo, a high school history teacher shaped by a lonely, fractured childhood; from Deb, April’s generous and no-nonsense mother who has to contend with her husband’s recent Alzheimer’s diagnosis; and from flashbacks that trace April and Leo’s relationship from its earliest days of connection to the devastating decisions that led them here.

A family saga suffused with humor, longing, and heartbreak, The Burning Side is about what we inherit and what we choose, about forgiveness and the ache of being known. It is, above all, about the meaning of home and the costs of long love.

Review:

Sarah Damoff’s The Burning Side is the kind of family drama that slowly works its way under your skin, building an emotional portrait of love, marriage, parenthood, and grief that feels deeply authentic from beginning to end. After loving The Bright Years, I went into this one with incredibly high expectations, and it absolutely lived up to them. Damoff has such a talent for rich, layered storytelling that captures both the tenderness and strain within families, exploring how people can love each other fiercely while still struggling to truly understand one another. This is a heavily character driven novel, the kind that prioritizes emotional depth and relationship dynamics over fast moving plot, and it completely pulled me in.

The aftermath of the house fire becomes less about the physical loss and more about everything simmering beneath the surface of April and Leo’s marriage and family life. Through alternating perspectives and glimpses into the past, the novel carefully unpacks resentment, guilt, exhaustion, longing, and the complicated realities of long term relationships. I especially appreciated how nuanced every character felt — no one is simplified into being fully right or wrong, which made the emotional conflicts feel all the more real. Deb’s storyline involving her husband’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis added another layer of heartbreak and reflection about aging, memory, and the shifting roles within a family.

Despite the heavier themes, The Burning Side never feels emotionally bleak for the sake of it. There’s warmth, humor, tenderness, and genuine love woven throughout the story, balancing the sadness beautifully. It’s ultimately a novel about what remains after loss, what we inherit from the people closest to us, and the ways families continue trying to rebuild even after damage has already been done. This feels like the perfect book club read because there is truly so much to unpack and discuss, especially for middle aged readers and parents, though honestly anyone could find pieces of themselves somewhere within these relationships and experiences.

Overall rating: 4/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.