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Release date: May 5, 2020

Publisher: Graydon House

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Blurb:

A modern-day family gathers for a weekend to remember in a novel rich in both humor and heart…

Meredith Parker has made the journey to Bolton, her twins’ college, dozens of times. This weekend, though, is different. Dawn and Cody are about to graduate and move away to separate corners of the country. Meredith is proud of her kids, and she’s proud of herself for helping them get this far. She just never expected the tidal wave of emotions sweeping over her—or the tangled family dynamics complicating everything.

Meredith doesn’t miss her cheating ex, Roger, one bit, but sitting across from his very young, very gorgeous second wife threatens to unravel the graceful facade she’s trying so hard to maintain. Joel, Meredith’s husband, can see she’s feeling the first pangs of empty-nest syndrome and wants to soften the blow—but he’s distracted by a familiar face. Meanwhile, Cody and Dawn are sitting on their own secrets, and Roger’s new wife, Lily, wonders if she really wants to be a part of this wild, mixed-up family.

As tensions simmer with each passing appetizer tray, Meredith’s vision of the perfect weekend goes up in flames. But before the party’s over, as best behavior gives way to brutal honesty, there’ll be a chance for this new blended family to truly come together—in all its messy and glorious imperfection. 

Review:

There’s something about summer approaching that makes me want to read about family drama and when a blended family gets together over one long weekend for a college graduation you just know drama will be at the forefront. You have exes and parents of the graduates, Meredith and Roger and then both of their spouses as well as the kids themselves. Blended families are never easy and when there are secrets and lies floating around things get pretty juicy.

While my own kids are nowhere near college graduation age I still found Meredith to be relatable in the way she worries about her children, does a mother’s anxiety ever decrease even when her kids are full fledged adults? I don’t think so. The ensemble cast of characters were quite the lively and quirky bunch, they were all fun and authentic, they type of people you would encounter in your own life. Add in some scandals, a beautiful New England setting, sharp wit and a light mystery and this is a great summer read!

Overall rating: 4/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

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Release date: October 13, 2020

Publisher: Atria

Genre: Mystery/Thriller

Blurb:

LONDON: On a fine avenue of grand houses, big cars and electronic gates, lies a neglected urban wasteland

It is nearly midnight, and very cold. Yet in this dark place of long grass and tall trees where cats hunt and foxes shriek, a girl is waiting…

When Saffyre Maddox was ten something terrible happened and she’s carried the pain of it around with her ever since. The man who she thought was going to heal her didn’t, and now she hides from him, invisible in the shadows, learning his secrets; secrets she could use to blow his safe, cosy world apart.

Owen Pick is invisible too. He’s thirty-three years old and he’s never had a girlfriend, he’s never even had a friend. Nobody sees him. Nobody cares about him.

But when Saffyre Maddox disappears from opposite his house on Valentine’s night, suddenly the whole world is looking at him. Accusing him. Holding him responsible.

Because he’s just the type, isn’t he? A bit creepy?

Review:

There are a handful of authors that when I get one of their new books in my hands I’ll drop everything to read it and that’s exactly what happened here. I was in the mood for a fast paced and dark thriller and I got this at exactly the right moment for me. It was everything I was in the mood for and then some, I swear LJ gets under my skin like no other author and I urge you to preorder this one, it’ll be a perfect fall read.

Lately when I pick up a thriller I need a few things to keep me engaged. First, rapid chapters that propel me to keep reading, multiple perspectives always keep me intrigued, I need something dark and new plot wise and finally I need a solid mystery that I haven’t seen done already 567 times. I’m happy to report that this delivered for me on all levels, I seriously couldn’t ask for more! Highly recommended by me and if you haven’t read any LJ books you should she’s fantastic!

Overall rating: 5/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

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Release date: April 28, 2020

Publisher: William Morrow

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Blurb:

Maggie, Eliza, and Tricia Sweeney grew up as a happy threesome in the idyllic seaside town of Southport, Connecticut. But their mother’s death from cancer fifteen years ago tarnished their golden-hued memories, and the sisters drifted apart. Their one touchstone is their father, Bill Sweeney, an internationally famous literary lion and college professor universally adored by critics, publishers, and book lovers. When Bill dies unexpectedly one cool June night, his shell-shocked daughters return to their childhood home. They aren’t quite sure what the future holds without their larger-than-life father, but they do know how to throw an Irish wake to honor a man of his stature.

But as guests pay their respects and reminisce, one stranger, emboldened by whiskey, has crashed the party. It turns out that she too is a Sweeney sister.

When Washington, DC based journalist Serena Tucker had her DNA tested on a whim a few weeks earlier, she learned she had a 50% genetic match with a childhood neighbor—Maggie Sweeney of Southport, Connecticut. It seems Serena’s chilly WASP mother, Birdie, had a history with Bill Sweeney—one that has remained totally secret until now.

Once the shock wears off, questions abound. What does this mean for William’s literary legacy? Where is the unfinished memoir he’s stashed away, and what will it reveal? And how will a fourth Sweeney sister—a blond among redheads—fit into their story?

By turns revealing, insightful, and uproarious, The Sweeney Sisters is equal parts cautionary tale and celebration—a festive and heartfelt look at what truly makes a family. 

Review:

It seems like long buried family secrets being brought to light by at home DNA testing is quite the hot topic lately and while I’ve read several heartbreaking tales about people’s real lives being shattered by unexpected results, I was super curious to read about a fictional family dealing with the after effects. I love a good family drama and this one didn’t disappoint!

I love author characters and although William Sweeney wasn’t alive during the events of the book as the sisters deal with his estate after he passes, he was still larger than life here. While I enjoyed all of the Sweeney sisters and what they individually brought to the table he stole much of the show. It’s always interesting to see how a parents influence can affect the dynamics of an entire family and this focuses heavily on how Bill’s behavior and secrets shaped each of his four daughters. Each woman was well drawn and complex and I enjoyed taking this journey with them.

Overall rating: 4/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

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Release date: April 28, 2020

Publisher: Gallery

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Blurb:

Can I just tell you that if you’re a fan of Southern fiction full of charm, heartfelt stories about family and friends and a gorgeous setting that you need to read this and that’s all there is for my review? Haha but seriously I cannot say enough good things about KWH or her books, not only is she one of the most genuinely sweet authors I’ve ever talked to, she’s an amazingly talented writer and hands down one of my favorites.

I was a teeny tiny bit nervous about this book going im but it’s only because the Peachtree Bluff series is so beloved by me I was anxious that I wouldn’t love this one as much. What a dumb thing for me to think because I adored this one just as much. In a time where we’re all longing to be swept away by the books we read this one is the ideal choice. KWH paints the prettiest picture of an idyllic coastal town, I swear there were scenes where I could feel a sea breeze, smell the saltwater and listen to the waves crashing on the shore. Besides an amazing setting you also have fantastic characters who are endearing, messy and utterly relatable. I fell in love with both Gray and Diana and was sad to say goodbye to them when I finished. Another hit from the author, highly recommended by me!

Overall rating: 5/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

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Release date: May 5, 2020

Publisher: Atria

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Blurb:

Six years after the fight that ended their friendship, Daphne Berg is shocked when Drue Cavanaugh walks back into her life, looking as lovely and successful as ever, with a massive favor to ask. Daphne hasn’t spoken one word to Drue in all this time—she doesn’t even hate-follow her ex-best friend on social media—so when Drue asks if she will be her maid-of-honor at the society wedding of the summer, Daphne is rightfully speechless.

Drue was always the one who had everything—except the ability to hold onto friends. Meanwhile, Daphne’s no longer the same self-effacing sidekick she was back in high school. She’s built a life that she loves, including a growing career as a plus-size Instagram influencer. Letting glamorous, seductive Drue back into her life is risky, but it comes with an invitation to spend a weekend in a waterfront Cape Cod mansion. When Drue begs and pleads and dangles the prospect of cute single guys, Daphne finds herself powerless as ever to resist her friend’s siren song.

A sparkling novel about the complexities of female friendship, the pitfalls of living out loud and online, and the resilience of the human heart, Big Summer is a witty, moving story about family, friendship, and figuring out what matters most.

Review:

Raise your hand if you’re a Jennifer Weiner super fan! I know there are tons of us out there and rightly so, I swear I would read absolutely anything she writes and I would probably love it, even if it’s just a grocery list. She’s just THAT good. Something else impressive about her? She’s able to shake things up and write something new for her and she did an incredible job with it here.

The first half of this one feels like classic JW, you have two female friends with a rocky relationship and you slowly learn about the complexities of said friendship via Daphne’s POV. At about the halfway point things take a sharp turn, (it’s what I alluded to about the author trying something new) and it was unexpected and fantastic and that’s really all I’ll say to steer clear of spoilers. I will say that while there are some heavy topics explored, weight, social media backlash, etc this is still very much a beachy, summery read with depth. It was a great escape for me and per usual I found myself adoring and relating to the characters that the author crafts and loving every single page of this one. Highly recommended by me!

Overall rating: 5/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Goodreads|Amazon

Release date: April 21, 2020

Publisher: Berkley

Genre: Mystery/Thriller

Blurb:

They promised to tell their spouses they were leaving and then meet to begin their new life together. But he never shows up.

A new twisting novel of psychological suspense from the acclaimed author of Gone Without a Trace.

Coworkers Ruby and Harry are in love–but they’re married to other people. They decide to tell their spouses that their marriages are over and to start their new lives together. Ruby, who has wanted to leave her controlling husband for a while, tells him she’s leaving him and waits at the hotel where she and Harry are to meet. But Harry never shows up.

Suddenly, Ruby’s life has fallen apart, and she’s lost everything. Harry won’t answer her calls, and she’s fired from her job. She finds a cheap apartment in a run-down part of town, all the while wondering what happened to Harry.

Just as Ruby thinks she’s hit rock bottom, strange and menacing things start to happen–someone is sneaking into her apartment, and someone is following her home late at night–and she is going to have to fight for her survival. 

Review:

There is something about this authors style that just really appeals to me, there’s something subtle about her writing and there’s always this great undercurrent of tension running throughout the story. She also writes fairly short chapters keeping things moving at a fast pace and right now when I grab a thriller that’s basically a necessity for me. It did start out slower than it ended, but that’s kind of her signature style and the last quarter of the book things really gain momentum and there were several pretty decent twists and turns. Did this provide a much needed escape for me? Absolutely. Was it anything groundbreaking? No, but I was entertained and not put off by the parts I did see coming before they actually happened. Overall a fun type of thriller, I’m definitely a fan of MT!

Overall rating: 4/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

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Release date: April 21, 2020

Publisher: Avon

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Blurb:

OMG! Wouldn’t it be adorable if he’s her soulmate???

I don’t see any wedding rings [eyes emoji]

Breaking: #CafeBae and #CuteCafeGirl went to the bathroom AT THE SAME TIME!!!

One minute, Katrina King’s enjoying an innocent conversation with a hot guy at a coffee shop; the next, a stranger has live-tweeted the entire episode with a romantic meet-cute spin and #CafeBae is the new hashtag-du-jour. The problem? Katrina craves a low-profile life, and going viral threatens the peaceful world she’s painstakingly built. Besides, #CafeBae isn’t the man she’s hungry for…

He’s got a [peach emoji] to die for.

With the internet on the hunt for the identity of #CuteCafeGirl, Jas Singh, bodyguard, friend, and possessor of the most beautiful eyebrows Katrina’s ever seen, comes to the rescue and whisks her away to his family’s home. Alone in a remote setting with the object of her affections? It’s a recipe for romance. But after a long dating dry spell, Katrina isn’t sure she can trust her instincts when it comes to love—even if Jas’ every look says he wants to be more than just her bodyguard… 

Review:

If you’re looking for a contemporary romance with humor, depth, sexiness and diversity you must read the Modern Love series. This is the second book and you could totally read it on its own but the first book, The Right Swipe is fantastic as well. I like to think of these books as smart romances with heroines who may be flawed but are sharp as hell and their issues and problems are handled in a mature and believable manner. Add in a super cute romance and kick ass feminist characters and I was a happy girl.

I do want to warn that there are some heavy issues discussed here, PTSD, anxiety, and panic attacks just to name a few but they’re really well balanced with lighthearted plot aspects so I didn’t feel like it was too heavy. This had a few steamy moments but it was more tender than the first book and was lacking a little of the heat and chemistry of TRS but I didn’t care, I was totally into Katrina and Jas and adored how sweet they were together. Definitely recommended by me for any romance fans!

Overall rating: 4/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

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Release date: April 14, 2020

Publisher: MIRA

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Blurb:

Adele and Justine have never been close. Born twenty years apart, Justine was already an adult when Addie was born. The sisters love each other but they don’t really know each other.

When Addie dropped out of university to care for their ailing parents, Justine, a successful lawyer, covered the expenses. It was the best arrangement at the time but now that their parents are gone, the future has changed dramatically for both women.

Addie had great plans for her life but has been worn down by the pressures of being a caregiver and doesn’t know how to live for herself. And Justine’s success has come at a price. Her marriage is falling apart despite her best efforts.

Neither woman knows how to start life over but both realize they can and must support each other the way only sisters can. Together they find the strength to accept their failures and overcome their challenges. Happiness is within reach, if only they have the courage to fight for it.

Set in the stunning coastal town of Half Moon Bay, #1 New York Times bestselling author Robyn Carr’s new novel examines the joys of sisterhood and the importance of embracing change. 

Review:

I can’t even tell you how much comfort Robyn Carr’s books have brought to me lately, I’ve been listening to the Virgin River series and am obsessed with it and was thrilled that she also had this new release as well. She’s the queen of writing authentic and relatable characters who you fully support and adore but she also always infuses her stories with other characters that aren’t as likable but they’re messy, flawed individuals who just seem so very real. Throw in a deeply emotional read, romance, complicated family dynamics and a pretty setting and it’s everything I could ever want.

I always seem to gain some insight and wisdom about life and relationships when I read an RC book and this was no exception. While I always find myself thinking about different passages later on, the addition of humor and heart are what really make her books unforgettable reads. As two sisters, Addie and Justine navigate several challenges, both separately and in their relationship with each other I emphasized with them and also related to them so many times. This is a book that will make you feel all the feels but when I finished I felt hopeful and cozy and really, that’s so important to me nowadays. Another winner from one of my go to authors!

Overall rating: 5/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

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Release date: April 14, 2020

Publisher: Graydon House

Genre: Historical Fiction

Blurb:

With her father recently moved to a care facility for his worsening dementia, Beth Walsh volunteers to clear out the family home and is surprised to discover the door to her childhood playroom padlocked. She’s even more shocked at what’s behind it—a hoarder’s mess of her father’s paintings, mounds of discarded papers and miscellaneous junk in the otherwise fastidiously tidy house.

As she picks through the clutter, she finds a loose journal entry in what appears to be her late mother’s handwriting. Beth and her siblings grew up believing their mother died in a car accident when they were little more than toddlers, but this note suggests something much darker. Beth soon pieces together a disturbing portrait of a woman suffering from postpartum depression and a husband who bears little resemblance to the loving father Beth and her siblings know. With a newborn of her own and struggling with motherhood, Beth finds there may be more tying her and her mother together than she ever suspected.

Exploring the expectations society places on women of every generation, Kelly Rimmer explores the profound struggles two women unwittingly share across the decades set within an engrossing family mystery that may unravel everything they believed to be true. 

Review:

This was one of my most anticipated books for 2020 after absolutely loving The Things We Cannot Say. That book meant so much to me and it touched a part of my soul, it’s definitely one of my all time favorite books and I don’t say that lightly. All of that to say, I had incredibly high expectations for this one and I’m thrilled to say that once again, KR has written a gorgeous story that I won’t forget.

There’s two timelines here, one in the late 1950’s and the other in the 1990’s and both were equally compelling. The author has an uncanny knack for writing about women’s issues from the past that still have relevance today and she explores them with grace and sensitivity. Post partum depression is at the core of this book and seeing the difference between how it was handled in the past (or really not even discussed at all) and in more contemporary times was heartbreaking and thought provoking. This was not an easy read, but it’s an important one and while I myself was lucky enough not to experience PPD after the births of my children I was still able to very easily connect and sympathize with the women in the story. Highly recommended by me and if you’re looking for an author to read during quarantine KR is an amazing one!

Overall rating: 5/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

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Release date: April 7, 2020

Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire

Genre: YA

Blurb:

Nate Jae-Woo Kim wants to be rich. When one of his classmates offers Nate a ridiculous amount of money to commit grade fraud, he knows that taking the windfall would help support his prideful Korean family, but is compromising his integrity worth it?

Luck comes in the form of Kate Anderson, Nate’s colleague at the zombie-themed escape room where he works. She approaches Nate with a plan: a local tech company is hosting a weekend-long survivalist competition with a huge cash prize. It could solve all of Nate’s problems, and Kate needs the money too.

If the two of them team up, Nate has a true shot at winning the grand prize. But the real challenge? Making through the weekend with his heart intact…

Review:

In these super weird times I’m finding comfort in a variety of genres and reading YA romance again is reminding me of just how fun it can be. There’s something soothing to me about reading a somewhat predictable rom com right now, it’s helping me keep my mind occupied and providing me with an entertaining escape and this one surely did that for me!

The thing I loved the most about this one was that while it was adorable it was also quirky and awkward which is quite a great combination in my opinion. Nate and Kate are both lovable nerds and I found them both to be super endearing. The romance here is very low key and this focuses much more on the family dynamics of both Nate and Kate which was fine with me, I never expect too much romance from a YA rom com anyway and I found Nate’s family to be so sweet, I especially loved his little sister Lucy and Kate’s relationship with her father was heartbreaking and just made me like her even more. Overall an enjoyable read that made me want to read more from the author.

Overall rating: 4/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.