“I have seen the bravery and intellligence that it takes one of color to survive under the cruelest of conditions.” The story of James, Sukey, Pan, Robert, Henry and so many others may be difficult to read because of the injustices they face in slavery is so abhorrent, but their story is powerful and representative of a crucial piece of history. Different character POVs and development, this is a story that will stay with me.

Jude wants what all mothers want - the very best for her children. As she navigates her twins high school trajectory, the family practically adopts Lexi, a girl who has gone through way too much in her short life. Friendships and first love blossom, dream colleges acceptance, but when a seemingly innocent night turns deadly, it devastates the family dynamic.

Book two of this series gives readers hades POV in his relationship with his destined wife, Persephone. Repetitive storyline from book one and same ole sexy scenes make this feel like a longer read than it should. Romantsy, with an emphasis on romance and not much else.

“Don‘t fuck with a woman who knows how to pray.” The first half of this book was tremendous and as a young girl who grew up loving Britney‘s music, I found myself enthralled with her plight and journey in the biz. However, the last part of this book becomes repetitive and one note, but it is still great overall! You can feel Britney through the pages, which I believe is always her intent - to connect with the audience genuinely.

Persephone, daughter of Demeter, strikes a deal with Hades in his nightclub while disguised as a mortal college student. Persephone has six months to figure out how to create life in the underworld. She‘ll come to find a life worth living while doing so. Meanwhile, hades has another deal with aphrodite in the works that may impact this one. Steamy and sinful, yet focusing on the overall underlying good in humanity, this is romantsy at its best!

Nine seemingly unconnected strangers receive a strange piece of mail with only their names brandished on the letter. They start being killed via drownings, shooting, carbon monoxide poisoning, etc one by one. Will they figure out why they are being targeted and how to stop them before it‘s too late?

For a thriller, this was a bit slow and too far fetched for me personally.

Listened to this on audio which was done by the author herself. Amazing style of quick witted writing that has an emotional punch. The story of a child actors plight with fame and an obsessed mother who will go to any extreme for her daughters success, even if it‘s hurting her in the process.

A story set in 60s and 70s political tumult in Mexico. The hawks, formed by America CIa, work against communist groups . Protagonist “Elvis” has had a tough life, works hard and loves music. Trying to make his way with some thuggish skirmishes, he catches eyes for Maite, one of the ladies he is suevelling. a plain Jane brought into this dangerous story over some pictures her neighbor took that she possesses. A bit long winded, the time/settinng

A bit of a slow start/middle, but finishes at the speed of lightning. Betrayals, navigating family, detecting true friendships, and escaping powerful purviews all while wishing on stardust makes this a great fantasy read! Sisters Beatriz and Daphne find self reckoning as they cope with the aftermath of their sister Sophie‘s death and the role their mother, empress Margaux played in it.

A series of short stories that are immersive, poignant and entice the reader to reflect and inspect the trappings of relationships and decisions we do (or don‘t) make that impact relationships.

A perfect summer read that is the essence of a Hilderbrand novel. I could feel the ocean breeze as I devoured through the story of Martin, retired judge, who is aging with Alzheimer‘s and his family. Louise, his daughter, struggles with marriage issues, raising3 children,trying to juggle motherhood and a successful career, aging parents - and now a half sister she knew nothing about. There‘s love, friendship, & family issues to keep you hooked

A beautiful book of thirty daily short readings to help you reflect, re-examine and possibly rebuild close relationships in your life. Contemplative with a tie to Christian faith, this had nuggets of wisdom sprinkled throughout l. Thought provoking and helped you look at yourself and own actions in relationshop. Well done!

A behind the scenes perspective on the underbelly and unethical inner workings of American and foreign politics and the role PR firms play in shaping the narrative and creating their version of an agenda. A firsthand account of the mental toll this can take, also. ( audiobook listen)

Once you read the first third of this book, you‘ve read it all. With a promising start - an exciting story of Herr Hoffman developing LSD, but like a bad trip this story lingered on with the despair of Joanie and Fitz, a psychologist who is a grad student , that take the “sacrament” in hopes of achieving second light. There is communal living and a cultish drug house masquerading “research” with their tripping to achieve group consciousness.

A beautiful, but challenging book that makes u look mortality straight in the face. On a delayed flight filled with frustrated passengers, the Death Lady tells each passenger their date& cause of death. As several predictions come true, passengers come to see the meaning of life once they realize it‘s something we won‘t always have. Following several characters makes this a speed read with a hopeful ending, despite some sadness along the way!

A heartbreaking journey of Noa and Astrid‘s & their circumstances that lead to their involvement of the circus during WWII. When there is so much sadness & brokenness, the circus serves as a beacon of hope for the circus employees and show goers. Enduring raids, loss of lives & love, and being ostracized, the unlikely pair form a sisterly bond through the trapeze. Life is fragile, but their resilience is strong as the rope that holds in the sky.

An enrapturing fantasy read that follows the triplet sisters who are betrothed to other kings/ kingdoms through a mastermind plan of their mother, the empress. Magical stardust, reckoning of self, and treason make this a quick read. The ending was heartbreaking but left me salivating for the sequel!

Beautifully motivational and relatable. Love yourself!

A slow moving narrative spanning from the protagonists childhood to current age in midlife - there is no real plot arc or storyline other than insights to the ups and downs of friendship, sibling and parent relationships. Love Atwood‘s style of writing, but this was a bit bizarre and long-winded overall.

Devoured in one sitting. Twists and turns keep you hooked. When idealistic sisters, Cassandra and Janie, bring Shay Miller, a lonely and detail oriented woman who recently witnessed the suicide of the sisters friend amanda, shay feels a sense of belonging and companionship she‘s longed for. Little does she know how havoc is about to wreck her life thanks to these sisters. What do they have to do with Amanda‘s suicide?

A beautiful about four siblings who know their impending death dates thanks to a local fortune teller. Varys, the oldest, is driven to study longevity to try to defy death. Daniel is reliable until losing his job pushes him over the edge. Klara infuses inspiration through her magic& youngest Simon who lived life boldly as it was predicted to end by the age he was 21. Throughout are themes that really make you think about living with purpose.

A beautiful story about a woman who was burned by love so bad it prevented her from loving and appreciating what was right in front of her for fifteen years - a devoted husband and two children in a friendly community. An accident on a horse puts Mikaela in a coma. When she awakens her memories have gaps. By trying to regain her memories, she is finding and understanding love in a new way that is better than she was before.

Evelyn Hugo will do mostly anything - and anyone - for power in fame and security in money. She employs a particular writer to coin her biography because there is an underlying related item that ties them together - the death of the writers father. Loved the friendship between Harry and Evelyn and everyone deserved to have a great love like Evelyn and celia st James!

While the typical lusty scenes of this series are prevalent, this particular book had a meaningful underlying message that consists of forgiving yourself and letting go of your past so you can move forward to being the best possible version of yourself.

A fantasy novella filled with lusty and boozy scenes. No major plot, just main characters getting ready for the big Solstice party, worrying about presents and peace. Glimpses of how Velarís is not the same since the war, finding ways to give back to their people, and staying aware of rumblings of potential enemies. Feyre and Rhys make a big decision at the end of the book that could be life changing. Simple, sweet and not challenging to read.

Beautifully written prose that threads decades of events into a linear & reflective perspective from Iris. Iris married a money mogul to save her family, but it ends up hurting her sister Laura in ways she can‘t imagine. At the end of her life, iris invites us into glimpses of her life, past and present, to provide her perspective of the human heart and our fixation on wanting to live on in memories. A bit morbid, yet reflective& inspiring.

“Real life is unbelievable. Souls are snatched away from us, flesh and blood turn to dust, people you love betray you, men go to war over nothing. It is all preposterous. That‘s why we have novels, to make sense of things.” Mia is raised in Community, a cult that bans books. Inspired by “scarlet letter”, Mia is able to run away to lead a normal life. Instead, she finds herself time traveling in love with N Hawthorne author of her sacred novel.

Lusty but lengthy. The beginning and ending of this book were great, but the middle was too drawn out. A tale of how Feyre finds her mate in Rhys and they love their hidden city, until they go looking for the Cauldron and find it.

A poignant and beautiful family drama that shows the young protagonists have an unlikely love story and build a family of four daughters while the father builds his doctoral career and the mom stays at home, by circumstances and not choice, to navigate life together. The intricacies of siblings is revealed to the reader with a captivating story on how relationships form our outlook on life. This may not be for everyone, but it was for me!!

A phenomenal book that takes us into the life of Russian (Ukrainian really, but the story explains) single mother who desires to be a historian, but training, will and natural ability forge her into a sniper in WW2. Her kill count at over 300 leads her to a campaign where she befriends First Lady Elenor Roosevelt. She finds love & loss during her time on the front, with her second hubby dying in her arms. Living by the mantra, “don‘t miss” - read!

A chilling and haunting story that offers insight into the misconduct and neglect of poor souls who are institutionalized in the 1960s. The main character, Sage, goes looking for her twin sister Rosemary and instead ends up being locked up and trapped. Largely overpopulated and sorely understaffed, the “hospital” has patients starving to death, sitting in their own soil and filth for days, and no treatment other than sedation. Worth the read!

Not on my top five list, but a delightful read nonetheless. Prohibition, politics and family secrets keep you hooked during this narrative that traces back from modern time characters to their relatives or traces of acquaintances that date back to prohibition times. How far will individuals with a scandal go to cover their tracks?

The world of cormorán strike and robin ellacottt is immersive, indulging and addictive, so thank goodness it‘s a series! Written in prose that makes you a better person, yet enticing enough it hooks you from the start, I am always in edge for the mystery and potential romance in this series. Wonderfully and intelligently written, how does social media and groups being themselves into a bigger picture

“Why can‘t healing happen as quickly as wounding?” What a phenomenal book about the trajectory of time, memories and the steadfast heart of human nature. READ THIS IF YOU HAVE THE CHANCE!! top of my favorites now

“Were the accomplishments of a genius worthwhile if it meant going a little crazy? What if the insanity is only temporary?” This is such a raw and intense look in those few young athletes who give up everything they have for greatness. Is success measured by accomplishments and Olympic medals or by normalcy and happiness? Sera‘s gymnastic plight and discovery will stay with me for quite some time. Enthralling and best read I‘ve had in a while!

Similar to her other books, Brown creates a world filled with suspense, conflict, tumultos situations and a little bit of lust. Bad boy Shaw kinnard is an undercover FBI agent who “kidnaps” Jordie Bennet in one of his cases. Jordie is connected to her brother who helped mobster Billy Panella embezzle millions from innocent people. Hickman and Wiley are local cops who are the backbone of the case and characters. Justice vs sibling relationship

A haunting and tragic tale of how we seek to help each other heal brokenness. Poor Lewis watches his mom drown at only 9 years old and endures an emotionally unavailable father who remarried within the same year and sends him off to boarding school. Sweet kit has always loved Lewis but has her own travesty with an abusive father. characters who feel incomplete continuously seek out broken souls to help fill their void. So sad, but beautiful prose.

A bit long-winded & felt like going round & round on the same merrygo round by end, but probably to be expected for a story of reincarnated souls finding themselves in different lives. Twists & turns keep you hooked when learning about a small town girl who lives in Tennessee mountains and rumored to be possessed by a demon bc she has visions of her former lives. Interesting characters and left wanting to know more about the Ousberoune Society

A long-winded build up to a swift and far-fetched ending. Bizarre storyline that has turns that keep the reader interested and guessing. A tight knit neighborhood community is wary of outsiders after a recent murder happened in House 12. Reminiscent of big little lies, this has suspense and intrigue. Leo hurts Alice by the secrets he keeps, and Alice becomes suspicious of her surroundings. Can your mundane neighbor be capable of murder?

An eerie story of a young woman who has never felt truly part of something or fully happy with her life. She joins a cult-like school to learn academia, but begins to decipher friendship, rebelliousness and belonging. The bizarre yet intriguing plasm concentration studies lurks everywhere though and it‘s up to Ines, the protagonist, to decide if she will overcome plasm or if it will overcome her. Betrayed by Theo, saved by Yaya, Ines makes her way

While this will never surf one of my top favorites lists, I am glad I took time to experience this book. I don‘t say read because it really does feel like an experience with the imagery throughout, bizarre and long-winded writing style, and emotionally evoking perspectives from different family members. A young boy loses his dad in 9/11 and his journey to seek comfort and his dad after death makes us realize how fragile and beautiful life is.

An emotional , thought-provoking novel that still has a “beach read” feel to it. Viví is the cornerstone of her family so when she dies from a hit and run accident it turns the Howe family upside down. Her “viewing window” allows her three nudges to use to help set her family back on track. Her kids, Carson is larger than life and so is her pain, Leo is confused and scared and Willa remains resilient as the oldest sibling.

You‘ll be dizzy with all the twists and turns, although it does become predictable at a certain point. While there are many characters that are emotionally hurt in this book, my heart reached out to Leo. The little brother who is overshadowed by his sisters disappearance, a mom whose supposed suicide left him motherless at a age too young for him to remember her, and a father too grief stricken to be there for him. You‘ll breeze through this read!

As always, picoult does a masterful job of connecting the characters hearts to its readers. Young love, escaping from domestic violence, a manslaughter trial, and family relationships make up this book. We are all looking not only to find love, but be loved and accepted ourselves. An enjoying and emotional read.

Too many violent and dark themes throughout the book for my personal liking. A heart racing mystery lures you in to keep on reading. Twisted, but that‘s to be expected with Karin slaughter. A great read if you enjoy this genre

“The loss that comes with realizing that parents are profoundly human and helpless, pitiful even.” This is a must read that invites the reader to contemplate family, love, racism, poverty and relationships. Linda sipping coffee while navigating love, Beth‘s heartbreaking trauma while trying to raise a family, and Paula‘s steeliness make for great characters you can‘t help but fall in love with and care for. This will make you think after finished.

A historical fiction novel that takes readers into the brothers and brutality of ancient Pompeii. There‘s love, hope and characters who showcase humanity even though they derive from location and time frame far from now, some things such as family, friendships, and loyalty that are timeless. Loved this one!

Heart wrenching. Showcases multiple characters points of view. What happens when a dedicated girlfriend, a mother, and best friend all lose the man they love - how are they supposed to survive and should their circles intertwine? Emotional and this book has made me even think about music differently because of the main characters hatred of music. You won‘t regret this read.