3.5 stars. Totally fun "brain candy" reading. It's a rom com, but a little more "open door" than I was expecting, so beware if you are sensitive to that. A perfect beach read or palette cleanser between heavier books.

I love Bill Hodges as a character, and am excited to read the next installment. I loved his team of misfits, and seeing each of them grow, and their relationship with one another. The perspective of the killer was a bit much for me (too vulgar / disturbing), but I understand it's Stephen King.

📚rec: Dumplin‘ had been in my TBR for awhile, and I only wish I‘d read it sooner! It‘s YA in the very best way - easy to read, engaging characters, and though focused on teenagers, the themes resonate with women of all ages. I absolutely loved it, and it left me with all the warm & fuzzies. Can‘t wait to check out the Netflix adaptation!

I picked this book up on a whim from a B&N buy one, get one 50% table - very successful impulse purchase! I am perpetually on the hunt for well written “women‘s fiction” that‘s engrossing and a quick read, but also touches on deeper themes. “The Memory House” is just that, and is a mix of family, romance, self reflection & mystery.

I had been eagerly anticipating this book for months, and snagged it as part of B&N‘s #bookhaul sale. It did not disappoint! “Searching for Sylvia Lee” is part mystery & part family saga, and explores the Chinese immigrant experience in both the US & the Netherlands. It‘s multi-viewpoint, which is always a selling point for me. A rare combination of thought provoking & fast paced. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This was way too much for me, on many levels. The story centers on a family in the taxidermy business. While the taxidermy portion could have been quirky and interesting, it instead was incredibly graphic, and it felt like every other page had a graphic description of dissembling an animal. The family dynamics were interesting, but weren‘t really explored beyond a superficial level, and everyone‘s issues were centered almost exclusively on sex.

A lovely read for book lovers. The author did an amazing job weaving in book references, and creating the bookish clues must have taken an eternity! It reminded me a bit of "Mr. Penumbra's 24 Hour Bookstore" in that it's just the right amount of quirky. I loved the mix of family drama and mystery. Definitely recommend!

3.5 stars. I appreciate that the author was going for a mix of genres (psychological thriller and courtroom procedural), but it didn‘t quite work for me. The three part narrative was interesting, but dragged on too long.

Absolutely loved it! This had been in my TBR for awhile, and after reading (and loving) Daisy Jones & the Six, it moved to the top of the list. Just like Daisy Jones, Evelyn Hugo is told in a creative, multi-media format. I loved the way the book was divided by husband, and was utterly entranced the whole way through.

I loved this! It's a standalone mystery, and has a great Gothic feel. I loved the shifting viewpoints and integration of books and writing within the story. I also loved the heavy spotlight on Herbert, the family dog. ;)

I read this when it first came out and loved it. I recently got into audiobooks, and was curious about memoirs / first person books that are narrated by the author. I love Mindy Kahling, so it's no surprise that I loved listening to her narrate her book. It felt like hanging out with with my most hilarious friend.

An adorable story of teenage love. I listened to the audio book, and really enjoyed the narrators. They did a nice job bringing Hugo and Mae's voices to life. I loved the train setting, and really appreciated how the author wove in themes of race and non-traditional family structure without being too heavy-handed. A feel good book that's just the right side of light and sweet.

3.5 stars. One of the review blurbs described this as "Gossip Girl in the 1950s," which is a perfect description. It was such a fun, dishy read. I initially found the descriptions of the designer brands and jewels off-putting and too over the top, but once I got into the feel of the book, they didn't bother me. If you're in the mood for over the top opulence and gossipy fun with a bit of mystery, this will be a great summer read for you.

I read about 2/3 of this when it came out, but then "over savored" and couldn't remember the plot details enough to get back into it, so I started anew on audio book. The latest installment of the series did not disappoint, and I appreciated that it didn't have the too over the top gore / shock value of some of the previous installments. I loved being reunited with Strike and Robin!

Listened to this on audio, and really enjoyed it. An interesting perspective on the era of Japanese internment camps. It had a similar feel to books like "Queen Sugar" and "The Secret Life of Bees" in that it looks through historical events through the lens of a small town.

Such a fun Litsy Postal Book Club package from @Laughterhp ! Today is perfect tea weather & anytime is a good time for Reese‘s! Love the adorable bookmarks and fun notebook & can‘t wait to dive into Bellman & Black. @DebBates101 your package will be en route tomorrow!

I‘d been feeling meh on Book of the Month lately, but I‘m so excited about the new BFF perks! A free tote and 2 books?!? 🙌🙌🙌

I loved this book! It reminded me a lot of "An American Marriage," but I enjoyed it much more. I really liked the multiple viewpoints, and seeing the effects of crime/imprisonment on multiple generations and people with vastly different relationships to the couple. This book dealt with a lot of really hard issues, but in a very accessible manner. It left me thinking but not horribly depressed, which is a tough accomplishment.

I‘ve been in the mood for light girly books, and this one did the trick (though the underlying premise is sad). Cute, though a tad too long. Will check out the movie next!

Such a light, fun read. I hadn't read a Sophie Kinsella book in years, but was pleased to discover that I remain a fan. Her books are fun and beachy, but still well-written and internally consistent, which can be difficult to find. I also appreciate the character development of not only the main character, but also supporting characters. If you're looking for a fun escape (with the bonus of being set in England), this one's for you.

I really enjoyed this installment! It had been awhile since I last read the series, and it was fun to get back into Norfolk and the characters. I found this mystery particularly engaging, and enjoyed the range of characters. The proportion of mystery and Ruth's personal storyline was just right.

I loved the idea of this book, and thought it had so much potential, but just didn't deliver. The characters weren't fully developed, and the most interesting characters were given such short shrift, while the less compelling characters got too much focus. The encounters with historical figures felt like superficial name drops, and just tried too hard.

I loved it! Such a perfect mix of family, friendship, romance, and personal growth. It takes a lot for a non-thriller to be a "page turner" for me, but "Mambo in Chinatown" was just that. I loved the story and was fully enveloped in Charlie's world, and was so sad when I had to leave.

I‘ve heard rave reviews from multiple places, and I really tried to get into it, but this just wasn‘t for me. Way too much crass language, and I couldn‘t deal with the dog fighting / cruelty.

Loved it! It‘s definitely a bit of a departure from Liane Moriarty‘s typical style, but in just the right amount. It‘s told from multiple perspectives like her other books, but there are more narrators than usual, who span a wide spectrum of ages and backgrounds. It was the perfect blend of connecting the characters in the shared experience of the health retreat, and also telling each character‘s individual backstory.

3.75 stars. A solid psychological thriller that was a perfect plane read. I enjoyed the shifting settings (psychiatric facility and homes), time & character viewpoints.

For the first time in a very long time, I actually got through most of the books I brought on vacation! (Naturally I was worried I‘d run out on the flight back so bought 2 more just in case.)
Under the Harrow - 3.5 stars
The Clocks - 4 stars
Heft - 4 stars

This was a much anticipated book for me, and I was sadly disappointed. It just didn't hook me, and I actually put it down for a few weeks, which is a bad sign for a thriller. Once I got back into it, the last 1/3 or so had my attention, but I found the majority of the book to be too slow and uninteresting. As another reviewer noted, the major plot points of Ms. Ware's novels seem to be bleeding into each other.

Starting Thanksgiving off with a long anticipated read and ☕️. Happy Thanksgiving, Littens!

Weekend reading 💕💕💕

I was attracted to this book because I absolutely loved "The Storied Life of AJ Fikry." This is a very different feel. It‘s a fun read, and goes very quickly. It reminded me of "Where'd you go Bernadette?" - it involves mothers and daughters, is funny and quirky, and is told in shifting perspectives and formats. I was looking for something light, but not too light, and this fit the bill perfectly.

A great pick by @DebBates101 for our postal book club! @Laughterhp , this will (finally) be on its way to you tomorrow.

I liked the premise and the story line, but in practice, it was a little too gritty for me. It was just a stylistic preference - I can definitely see readers with different preferences enjoying it more.

Such an amazing #LTLPBC package from @DebBates101 ! I LOVE macarons & macaroons, and the packaging is so pretty. Can‘t wait to get into the spooky spirit with the Victorian ghost stories while enjoying the naughty vicar (😂😂😂). Thank you so much!!

The absolute cutest package from @DebBates101 ! The stickers make me SO happy. Saving for tonight to open. :) @Laughterhp , your package will be on its way later this week!

Settled in with a cup of tea and @DebBates101 ‘s #LMPBC pick!

Overall, a fun, lovely story. The first half really dragged for me, and I took a couple week hiatus because of the pace. The second half really picked up, and held my attention. A warning that the title is not an exaggeration - there are a LOT of the ladies‘ “stories” featured throughout the book. It may have been the audiobook format, but I thought there were too many - I could have certainly done with fewer descriptions of “members.” 😬

I absolutely loved this book! I was expecting fluffy chick lit, but it turned out to be so much more. A well rounded, endearing cast of characters, with drama, mystery & travelogue. I loved learning about the world of musical instrument creation, and more about classical music generally. 100% recommend!

The most wonderful #achristieswapisannounced package from @rubyslippersreads !! I cannot wait to read all the books and also display the gorgeous edition of Miss Marple Stories. Love the tea, bookmark, and pin (“I do not approve of murder”), and the card is 👌. Thank you, thank you! My first order of business after this post is making a cup of Agatha ChrisTea and choosing which book to read first! 👇

Such pretty wrapping by @rubyslippersreads ! #achristieswapisannounced

Such an amazing #fallingforfallswap from @AmyG !! I absolutely love the scarf (and knew it was an infinity scarf 😂), bookmark and page stickies. I am such a to do list person, so the notepad is perfect for me! I can‘t wait to read the books, and I love the variety! Thank you so much for your thoughtfulness and generosity!

It‘s opening time!!! Thank you so much, @AmyG ! Your candy and tea selections are 👌!

A belated post from seeing Reese! She is just the sweetest, and is such an amazing champion of women. 💕💕💕

The coolest gift, made (!!!) by @DebBates101 . My own secret garden! Also included is a close-up of the gorgeous card. Thank you, thank you!

Oh my goodness @DebBates101 , you have spoiled me so much!! The teas smell AMAZING, and I can‘t wait to try them! The fudges are to die for, and I can‘t get over the adorable packaging. I gasped when I saw two books in the package - I‘ve heard so much buzz about Sweet Little Lies, so perfect pick. The card may be the most beautiful card I‘ve seen! The gift you made will get its own post, coming shortly.

This wasn't my favorite Liane Moriarty novel. The plot centers around Alice, who loses her memory after an accident and has forgotten the last 10 years of her life. The book follows her attempts to understand what has happened during the “lost” time. An interesting concept, but I just didn't buy that someone in her life wouldn't just tell her all this information. I did enjoy the supporting characters and their relationships to Alice.

A fun new-to-me mystery series. The protagonist is an archaeology professor in Norfolk, and it seems like it's going to be the kind of series where she stumbles upon murders. It's set in the UK, which I always love for a cozy series. Light and easy to read, well-written, and a relatable protagonist - what else can you ask for?

#fallingforfallswap and #achristieswapisannounced packages heading out tomorrow!

Yeeeeees! 😱😱😱

Loved reading @4thhouseontheleft and @riversong153 ‘s comments on my #LMPBC pick! Thank you for the fun goodies, @riversong153 - I love inspirational quotes!! @4thhouseontheleft , I promise Sister of my Heart will be on its way to you this weekend!