Tracey Lange has crafted an absolute gem with “The Connellys of County Down.” This novel dives deep into the complexities of family, loyalty, and second chances in a way that feels both poignant and incredibly relatable. The Connellys are messy, flawed, and imperfect—just like most families—but their fierce love and loyalty for one another shine through on every page.

Parts of the story felt bogged down by philosophical musings, which slowed the pace. Some plot points didn‘t work for me, and while Rahel‘s inner strength shines, her misfortunes and heartbreaks can sometimes feel overwhelming.

If you‘re looking for a novel that‘s not just about history but also about people—full of heart, beauty, and resilience—“Half a Cup of Sand and Sky” is absolutely worth your time. It‘s the kind of book that stays with you long after you‘ve finished it.

Rothstein‘s sharp wit and keen observations about family life are on full display, making this a book that alternates between heartfelt and laugh-out-loud moments. From the drama of a blended family to the touching realization that it‘s never too late to find yourself, this book strikes an emotional chord while keeping things lighthearted.

Reading “A Very Coral Christmas” by Jan Moran is like wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket with a mug of hot cocoa—if your blanket smelled like the ocean and your cocoa came with a side of sandy toes and sunshine! This delightful novella brings all the charm, romance, and heartwarming vibes you‘d expect from Summer Beach, with a festive twist that‘s guaranteed to put you in the holiday spirit.

While the psychological twists and darker tones were compelling, I found it hard to feel the raw grief and pain of these women. I wanted to care deeply about their healing, their friendships, and their journeys—but I just didn‘t.

This book is an absolute gem! It delightfully captures the magical, cozy bond between a little girl and her grandparents. Daisy‘s Saturday adventures with her Grammie and Pupa will bring back sweet memories for some of the parents reading this book. The story perfectly showcases the joys of simpler times—helping in the garden, baking, playing games, and just basking in the love that only grandparents can give.

Cantor‘s writing is lush and emotionally resonant. The themes of friendship, grief, and self-discovery are beautifully handled. This is easily one of Jillian Cantor‘s finest works!

An intriguing family saga filled with complex relationships and rich cultural descriptions, set against the backdrop of Kolkata. The novel does a beautiful job capturing the sights and sounds of Kolkata, immersing readers in the vibrancy of the city and the multifaceted Lahiri family. But can feel a bit drawn out

This book isn‘t just historical fiction; it‘s a life-affirming tale that lingers long after you turn the final page. For anyone who loves stories of courage, love, and the triumph of the human spirit, A Light Beyond the Trenches is a must-read. Five glowing stars!

Set in a family-owned hotel on the coast of Maine, it‘s filled with drama, secrets, and a hurricane to boot. The Bishop sisters—Vicki, Iris, and Faith—come together after their father‘s death, and things quickly spiral into a mess of old grudges and murder.

I have to say, the ending was a little over-the-top, but that didn‘t ruin the experience for me. If you‘re into family drama and some twisty thriller vibes, this one‘s worth picking up.

This book has love, redemption, & real emotional weight. The pacing was good, & I enjoyed how it captured the struggles of Russian Jews at that time. However, while some characters felt fleshed out & relatable, a few key ones came across as one-dimensional. Also, the abrupt ending surprised me —it‘s part of a series, but it still felt a bit jarring.

All in all, a solid read, worth checking out, even if it does repeat itself in places.

Joy Jordan-Lake has created a haunting, well-researched novel that beautifully portrays both the personal & historical impacts of war. The scenes on St. Simons Island GA are vividly brought to life. The dual timelines—following Hadley, a present-day event planner, and the wartime experiences of Joanie and the three men—are skillfully woven together, each timeline enhancing the emotional depth of the other.

Madeline Martin has done it again with “The Booklovers‘ Library” —a moving story that blends the magic of books with the struggles of wartime England. This book had me hooked from the very beginning, following the journey of Emma, a widow in Nottingham, as she navigates the difficulties of finding work, sending her daughter to safety, and discovering the power of community in the darkest of times. LOVED IT!

An emotional and historically rich story set against the backdrop of the Berlin Wall's construction in 1961. The premise is gripping: young lovers, Lise Bauer and Uli Neumann, find themselves cruelly separated by the sudden division of their city, forcing them to navigate life on opposite sides of the Iron Curtain.

However, while the plot had plenty of action and conflict, I found the characters lacking in depth.

Offers a unique glimpse into the lesser-known history of WWII Shanghai, where Chinese inhabitants, Jewish refugees, and Japanese occupiers lived in uneasy proximity. Through the eyes of Aiyi, a Chinese heiress, and Ernest, a Jewish pianist, Randel crafts a poignant tale of love and survival under harrowing circumstances.

Despite the slow pace, Grimalkin's perspective and his love for humans make for an entertaining read. His adventures, especially helping Hannah, a university student dealing with difficult flatmates, add a touching element to the story.

“Magical Meet Cute“ by Jean Meltzer offers a whimsical journey into the life of Faye Kaplan, a Jewitch potter navigating love, identity, and the consequences of her magical creations. While Meltzer's witty prose and exploration of serious themes add depth to the narrative, the fusion of romance, fantasy, and weighty topics did not resonate with me.

While “Hum“ offers a compelling premise and thought-provoking commentary, it struggles with character development and cohesive storytelling. The world-building is impressive, and the themes of privacy, technology, and family resonate strongly. However, the book ultimately falls short of delivering a fully impactful narrative.

“Only One Survives“ combines suspense, drama, and psychological twists in a way that feels fresh and thrilling. McKinnon's knack for creating believable characters and maintaining a sense of unease throughout makes this book a standout. If you‘re into psychological thrillers or stories about the dark side of fame, you‘ll find this one satisfying.

Giveaway Facebook group Reading is My Passion. For details go to: http://facebook.com/groups/ReadingisMyPassion

The giveaway is a Once Upon a Book Club box containing THE WOMEN by Kristin Hannah and four gifts to open at designated pages. US ADDRESSES ONLY. And PLEASE share. Open July 20-30.

I just finished reading “Coral Memories” by Jan Moran, and it was such a heartwarming story! This final chapter shines a light on the amazing Ginger Delavie, a brilliant mathematician and codebreaker whose adventures took her all over the world. Now, in her later years, Ginger decides it‘s time for her grandson-in-law, Jack, to write her story.

It warmed my heart as I recognized that Ron did indeed follow Michael‘s wishes for him. Ron has immersed himself fully in the culture of Paris. Even more satisfying was to read that as Michael had taken Ron into his care, so has Ron mentored Louie, a young man struggling with self-identity. Their relationship blossomed into something genuine and supportive.

A riveting mix of history & intrigue. Protagonist Alienor's quest is deeply personal as she uncovers her family‘s past, filled with heartbreak & resilience. Her Jewish/Arabic lineage weaves a rich tapestry of history, culture, & tragedy that informs her investigation into Spain's “stolen babies“—a dark chapter where infants were taken from mothers deemed unfit by Franco‘s regime.

“All the Broken Places“ grabs you from the start and doesn‘t let go. It‘s a story about facing your darkest parts and finding the bravery to make different choices, no matter how hard. Boyne‘s writing is engaging and emotional, making it a book you won‘t want to put down.

“The Paris Widow“ is a must-read for anyone who loves a good thriller with a mix of glamour, danger, and mystery. Prepare to be glued to the pages as you follow Stella‘s quest through the captivating and treacherous streets of Paris. Kimberly Belle has delivered another five-star thriller that‘s perfect for your summer reading list.

It's a compelling mix of mystery, politics, history, and romance. I appreciated its relevance to current political and cultural issues, especially its commentary on extremism and the importance of intercultural respect and cooperation.

This is a gorgeous story of a woman alone in a marriage and the deepest bonds she rekindles on her return to the place and people she left behind, to ways of living and loving she thought she‘d lost.

“You Will Never Leave“ is an outstanding thriller with a spooky setting, intriguing characters, and non-stop suspense. N.L. Hinkens has crafted a story that will keep you hooked from start to finish. If you love a mystery that keeps you guessing, this book is a must-read.

Loved it! The characters in this novel are incredibly relatable and endearing, each with their own set of flaws and vulnerabilities. I couldn't help but like them all, despite their imperfections and the questionable choices they sometimes made.

“What You Wish For” is a thrilling read that hits all the marks. Dive in for a wild ride of secrets, lies, and justice-seeking that‘ll keep you flipping pages 'til the end!

This is a story of love, betrayal, and the enduring power of art, spanning decades from pre-World War II Germany to contemporary America. Inspired by the real-life Allach porcelain factory in Dachau, the novel is set against the backdrop of the Bauhaus movement in 1929 Weimar. LOVED IT!

I did find myself struggling a bit with the execution of the plot. The story became overly complicated and somewhat tedious. Still, “The Library Thief“ is a captivating read with its haunting narrative and fresh take on the Victorian mystery genre.

Silvertale's strength lies in her ability to create quirky and relatable characters that readers can't help but root for. Mitzy's wit and determination make her a captivating protagonist, and her dynamic with Erick adds a touch of romance to the story. Additionally, the supporting cast, including Silas and Pyewacket, contributes to the book's charm and humor.

“Magical Meet Cute“ by Jean Meltzer offers a whimsical journey into the life of Faye Kaplan, a Jewitch potter navigating love, identity, and the consequences of her magical creations. While Meltzer's witty prose and exploration of serious themes add depth to the narrative, the fusion of romance, fantasy, and weighty topics did not resonate with me.

Jan Moran's “Seabreeze Gala“ unfolds with the promise of restoration and renewal while also alluding to the challenges that threaten the cherished Seabreeze Inn. As the tenth installment in the Summer Beach series, Moran once again delivers a captivating narrative filled with strong women, enduring friendships, and the resilience of family bonds.

The novel alternates between two timelines, effortlessly drawing readers into both the past and the present. In 1928, the explosion at Lamb's Dance Hall left one twin dead and the other forever changed, casting a shadow over the lives of the survivors. Fifty years later, Rose's granddaughter, Daisy, embarks on a quest to uncover the truth behind the tragedy, unraveling long-held secrets and confronting the ghosts of the past.

This is a captivating and well-researched novel. I was immersed in the dangerous and heroic world of resistance fighters during Nazi-occupied Europe. The book's exploration of themes such as sacrifice, bravery, and the resilience of the human spirit resonated strongly with me.

I highly recommend it for fans of historical fiction and World War II literature.

“If you find a Leprechaun, it will help you find where you belong.”

The fairy's message sets Rich on an adventure. The search is difficult. Will he be able to find what he is searching for?

This book‘s magical elements and positive message are particularly suitable for young readers. The colorful illustrations contribute to the overall appeal of the book.
Great gift for children.

One of the standout aspects of the novel is its exploration of real-life issues, such as body image, family dynamics, and workplace sexism, with sensitivity and humor. Rothstein tackles these topics with a light touch, allowing readers to laugh and empathize with the characters while still recognizing the seriousness of the underlying issues.

The blend of science fiction and horror elements is executed seamlessly, creating a truly immersive experience that left me breathless. From its spine-tingling premise to its heart-pounding conclusion, “Dead Silence” is a gripping rollercoaster ride of suspense and terror that will linger in my mind long after the final page.

The book‘s compelling narrative kept me hooked from beginning to end. The characters were well-developed. The protagonist, Frankie McGrath, is a complex, relatable character. Her flaws and strengths were so realistic she could have been any of us. The pacing of the book is fast and engaging, with rapid page-turning action in the first half of the novel specifically.

Hollander's debut novel is a page-turner, skillfully combining elements of mystery, psychological suspense, and drama. The narrative unfolds through Charlie's perspective, providing insight into her struggles with PTSD, survivor's guilt, and the weight of the past. The use of flashbacks and Charlie's recollections keeps the reader engaged and invested in unraveling the truth behind the “Scarlet Christmas” tragedy.

Donna Everhart, one of the best historical Southern fiction authors you will ever find, gives us a protagonist who stays true to her convictions despite the many challenges she faces.

“Catching Dawn“ offers a poignant and thought-provoking exploration of animal rescue, poverty, and the transformative power of love.

“The Boy with the Star Tattoo“ receives five stars for its intricate storytelling, well-researched historical context, and the exploration of post-war challenges faced by Jewish families. Fans of complex historical fiction will find this novel to be a compelling and informative read.

In this book, I really enjoyed the female friendships and the diversity in age and background of the main characters. The support and camaraderie among the women in the story were a central theme that resonated well with me.

Vivienne in Paris follows a young Parisian girl on a journey through Paris to find what makes her tick. Join Vivienne as she discovers the sights, smells, tastes, and sounds of the city that make her feel alive. What better place to explore, observe, and delight in her senses than Paris?

This book tells a story of mindfulness and insight into how the surrounding world can really move you.

I recommend this book for readers who enjoy emotional stories with well-crafted characters, surprising twists, and themes that tug at the heartstrings.

“Adam Unrehearsed“ is a nostalgic and relatable coming-of-age story set in Flushing, Queens, in the early 1970s. The novel follows twelve-year-old Adam Miller as he navigates the challenges of adolescence, faces muggings, shifts in friendships, family issues, and the complexities of growing up in a rapidly changing urban environment.