Here are my 2025 Reading Goals! I‘m looking to continue clearing my shelves, and set a pages goal to help encourage me to pick up some chunksters this year! 🎉❤️📚

In 2024 I set a goal of 40 books. I ended up reading 51! That‘s the most ever since I began tracking my reading on 2017! 🎉

42 of those books were backlist and 9 were published in 2024. My top genre was Mystery/Thriller (31%), followed by General/Literary Fiction (21.5%).

An imaginative new series! This entertaining read introduces Kathy Valence, a transition specialist for the Secure Collection, Yielding, and Transportation of Human Essences, or SCYTHE – a corporate take on grim reaping. Kathy loves and excels her job, but her latest case throws her into a mystery as she‘s dealing with a personal crisis. Heavier themes are balanced with wit and charm. This series has potential! ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (3.5)/5 ❤️📚

Cat is a home makeover show host who swoops in to save the Christmas Festival of Merry, CT after a devastating flood. Cat‘s expertise & her show‘s budget might be able to save it, but Noah, the town manager, is determined to protect his town from a reality TV invasion. Enemies-to-lovers with a Hallmark-movie-worthy holiday setting…though this story is too spicy to for Hallmark! Predictable, but also sweet, sentimental, and steamy. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 ❤️📚

My #bookspinbingo for the month of January. Let's go!! I started a Grim Reaper's Guide to Catching a Killer on audio yesterday and I have The Women ready to start today. #bookspin and #doublespin numbers are in the same diagonal line...Maybe a Bingo this month? ❤️📚

Fast-paced, like diving into a salacious tabloid article. Reid keeps you turning pages with the promise of a big reveal, all while unraveling the life of Evelyn Hugo, a Hollywood actress with secrets as bold as her career. You‘re not just caught up in Evelyn‘s story; you‘re also trying to uncover why she picked Monique, an unknown journalist, to write her biography. Highly entertaining, moving, and beautifully written. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 ❤️📚

An emotional journey that delves into themes of love, loss, and resilience. The middle section of the memoir, while still meaningful, slowed compared to the emotionally gripping beginning and end. This memoir is heartwarming and heartbreaking, a testament to the bonds of family and the complexities of living under immense fame. It‘s a hard story, but told with incredible authenticity. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 ❤️📚

Trigger warnings in the comments.

Ready for the first Bookspin of 2025! 🎉❤️📚 Let‘s go!

@TheAromaofBooks

As a longtime fan of the Stephanie Plum series—over 20 years—I anticipate each new installment, knowing exactly what to expect: laugh-out-loud humor, quirky misadventures, and a cast of characters that feel like old friends. This book was fast-paced, entertaining, and filled with laugh-out-loud moments. Not the strongest entry, but still a satisfying and fun read. As long as Evanovich is writing them, I am going to read these books. ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ❤️📚

If you love history, memoirs, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into powerful lives, Clint Hill's Five Presidents is a must-read—or in my case, a must-listen! As a former Secret Service agent, Hill's experiences with presidents Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, and Ford are recounted with extraordinary detail. Hill's perspective offers a mix of reverence, heartbreak, and raw honesty. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 ❤️📚

A spellbinding journey into the magical world of Brookmere, where Fae rule and nothing is as it seems. Brookmere is richly detailed, filled with magic and intrigue. Illiana‘s journey keeps you hooked from the start. I couldn‘t put this book down. I am eagerly awaiting the next installment! If you love strong heroines, magical kingdoms and shadow-daddy romance, this one is a must-read! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 ❤️📚

This book is a cozy hug! Eve‘s journey through a surprise pregnancy, discovering herself & friends-to-lovers romance is predictable but perfect. The warmth, charm and heartfelt moments shine. There‘s also a found family vibe here. The audiobook was fantastic, bringing these lovable characters to life. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 ❤️📚

Karen has a car accident that erases her memory of the hours before. Her husband is worried, her neighbor supportive, and everyone is keeping secrets. The plot has potential but the execution misses the mark. The writing is repetitive, lacks subtlety and there is too much 'tell' and not enough ‘show'. Still, the idea behind the plot is decent. If you pick this one up, I recommend going in blind to let the suspense unfold. ⭐️⭐️💫 2.5/5 ❤️📚

This was my book club‘s most recent pick, and while the others struggled to dive in, I was completely captivated! This National Book Award finalist reads more like a memoir than a science text. Through chapters dedicated to the different octopuses she meets, Montgomery explores her admiration and curiosity for these creatures. This book leaves you feeling hopeful and in awe of the wonders of marine life. Great on audio! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 stars ❤️📚

Emily Henry does it again! After Daphne‘s fiancé calls off their wedding—because he's fallen for Miles's girlfriend—she ends up as roommates with Miles, and the two begin to heal together. This book gave me all the feels, and I related so much to Daphne. Her trauma and mine are different, but the effects feel so familiar. Likable, relatable characters and so much heart, Funny Story is a must-read if you like romance with depth. ? ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

The Runner is book 5 in Peter May‘s China Thrillers series. It‘s another fast-paced thriller that kept me turning the pages! Li Yan and Margaret Campbell are back in China, investigating the suspicious deaths of several top athletes. I enjoyed the mystery, but the resolution felt a little too neatly packaged. Despite that, if you‘re a fan of a good, suspenseful mystery, in an international setting, it‘s worth picking up. ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫/ 5 (3.5/5) ❤️📚

Last weekend was the #deweys24hourreadathon. My plan was to focus on these two books. It was a gorgeous day, and I had a good start, but my son was going through something and needed his Mama to listen. I‘m so grateful that he wanted to talk and that I could help him get some feelings out. I only got 10 hours of reading in, instead of my normal 12-14, so I didn‘t quite finish either book. Being there for my kid was worth it. ❤️📚 #deweysreadathon

This book introduces Inspector Gamache and the residents of Three Pines, a small town in Canada. The mystery kicks off when a beloved resident turns up dead under mysterious circumstances. The quirky cast of characters and cozy setting are what really sell this series. The audiobook format wasn‘t ideal for an intro to so many characters though. I‘ll stick with reading this series in print for now and look forward to more Three Pines. ⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 ❤️📚

This novel centers on a true crime podcast host as she records her next season focusing on a controversial rape trial. She begins receiving notes from a girl who believes her sister was murdered years ago. The story alternates between the two mysteries. It‘s a compelling, plot-driven story, but it‘s also brutal and highlights sexual assault (if this kind of content is triggering, be mindful.) Great on audio! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 ❤️📚

The 4th in the China Thrillers begins with a gripping premise - a virus infecting Chinese immigrants that could spark a pandemic. The strongest element is its prescient story nearly 20 years after publication. There is also a heart-stopping conclusion that leaves readers eager for the next book. But the setting in the US doesn't work as well as the other books in the series. An engaging addition, though not the strongest of the series. 3.5/5 ⭐️

This story is set in a robot-ruled future, full of humor, imagination, found family and love in all its forms. The characters were mostly likable, but I didn‘t connect with the story, especially the second half. While it wraps back into its emotional heart by the end, the journey felt tedious. I had such high expectations after absolutely loving The House in the Cerulean Sea, but this one just didn‘t hit the mark for me. ⭐️⭐️💫/5 ❤️📚

Beautyland blends light sci-fi with literary fiction. A sweet coming of age story, charming and emotionally rich offering a perspective on the human experience through the eyes of an outsider. For 80%, I found it charming and compelling, but the story lost steam toward the end. Still, it‘s a unique take on human nature. ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫/5 ❤️📚

Nelson DeMille has died. He was one of my Dad's favorites, and everything of his that I read I really enjoyed. I have a couple of my Dad's Nelson DeMille books because he was a favorite.

With each change in the landscape of what used to be known to my Dad, I feel like I lose another piece of him. I am grateful that I have those Nelson DeMille books on my shelf. ❤️

https://www.nydailynews.com/2024/09/18/nelson-demille-author-dead-81-long-island...

This charming novel tells the story of three strong, independent women divided by money and dreams. With humor, heartache, and insights into the male-dominated beer industry, it's a touching family saga filled with Midwestern spirit. If you love stories about family, ambition, and resilience, this one‘s for you. This book gave me all the feels! Audiobook is superb! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 ❤️📚

The 3rd in Sarah Grunder Ruiz‘s series “Love, Lists & Fancy Ships”. It follows Raine, a free-spirited singer-songwriter with ADHD and Jack, a local pub owner whose OCD keeps him from making the changes he's dreamed of for his business. It was refreshing to avoid the usual romance tropes—no unnecessary breakups over miscommunication! Feel-good romance, endearing characters and a fun setting. Works fine as a stand alone. ⭐⭐⭐💫 (3.5/5) ❤️📚

This popcorn thriller was just what I needed, and I‘m so glad I went into it completely blind—no back cover reading, just a recommendation from a bookish bestie. The short chapters and multiple perspectives made this a lightning-fast read; I could barely keep up with how quickly I was flipping pages. Go into this one blind and just let yourself enjoy the ride. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 for pure entertainment value! ❤️📚

Gorgeous morning! ☀️Enjoying this book! It‘s charming. ❤️📚

This novel mixes mystery, fantasy, and historical fiction with a touch of cozy. My book club chose this during a very quick book store visit. However, unpopular opinion here- this slow-paced tale didn‘t quite resonate with me, despite its unique premise. Ultimately, this book didn‘t hit the mark for me and I just didn‘t connect with the characters. Many readers have loved it, including all of the other members of my book club. ⭐⭐⭐/5 stars. ❤️📚

Going into this one blind is the way to go, so I‘ll keep this vague and short. Molloy takes you on a wild ride, flipping the story on its head just when you think you know what‘s happening. It‘s twisty and fast-paced, part mystery, part love story, and part psychological thriller. I listened to the audiobook, and it added so much to the experience with multiple narrators and entertaining performances. ❤️📚 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

Popcorn thriller, fast paced with super short chapters, perfect follow up to my last read which was slower paced. Plus, it‘s Labor Day weekend, just before the start of school here, which makes the timing of this read pretty perfect.

I am going into this one completely blind, except for the recommendation from a bookish bestie who loaned it to me. ❤️📚

Enjoyed reading this one on the beach on vacation. The settings couldn‘t be more different though…. 😆❤️📚🌊❄️

The second in Ruiz's mega yacht series, this story follows the chief stew and chef. It falls short of the first book. The main character's choices feel forced and situations contrived. However, as a light escape, it succeeds. The setting keeps you engaged, even if attempts at depth miss the mark. It's a quick, entertaining read that serves as a good palate cleanser. Not memorable, but fulfills its purpose as easy entertainment. ⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 ❤️📚

The second in Yarros' Empyrean series, continues Xaden and Violet's thrilling journey. Seamlessly blending adventure, romance, and intrigue, it's as unputdownable as Fourth Wing. Yarros expands this rich world and deepens character relationships, keeping readers enthralled. While the ending left me wishing for a different choice, it doesn't diminish my excitement for the series. I'm eager for the next installment. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 ❤️📚

Romantasy with dragons! What more can I say? Everyone has already talked about this book and said it all. I didn‘t expect to like it as much as I did. I absolutely loved it! I couldn‘t turn the pages fast enough and dove right into the next book. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 ❤️📚

First in a romance series set in the world of private yachts - think "Below Deck" with a dash of rom-com flavor. Our protagonist, a yacht stewardess fresh off charter season, grapples with personal loss while attempting to tick off items on her 30th birthday bucket list. Despite typical romance tropes, character choices that didn't quite ring true and a predictable plot, the story kept me engaged enough to see it through to the end. ⭐️⭐️⭐️/3 ❤️?

A heart-wrenching tale of motherhood, friendship, love, and the strength of women set in the 1970s. The story follows Ginny and Ab, a couple whose seemingly perfect life masks deeper issues. When Ginny gives birth to a daughter with Downs Syndrome, the child is whisked away and placed in an institution. Years later, when Ginny discovers the institution may be unsafe, a fierce maternal instinct drives her to action. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 ❤️📚

An unexpected gem! This fast-paced, beautiful story explores imagination, the human experience, and love in all its forms. It follows Megs as she seeks answers about 'The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe' for her sick brother, leading her to C.S. Lewis himself. Her quest becomes a journey of self-discovery, unexpected friendships, and the magic of losing oneself in a good book. It'll remind you why we fall in love with books. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ❤️📚

Deeply moving novel that explores themes of loss, betrayal, family, childhood trauma, friendship, motherhood, coming of age, self-discovery, forgiveness and the healing power of books. Set against the serene backdrop of a sleepy South Carolina town by the water's edge, this book makes for a perfect summer read, seamlessly blending family drama with a gripping missing person mystery. Loved it! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 ❤️📚

We are vacationing with two other families this year, and almost all of the readers going have read this and the second book in the series. My BFF, my sis in law, my BFF‘s daughter and my two bonus daughters (my sons‘ GFs). I don‘t want to feel left out! I borrowed my daughter‘s copy - she hasn‘t read it yet. Hoping I can finish both before we go on vacation. Was slow to start for me, but it‘s picking up. ❤️📚

Started this one on audio a few days ago. Heartbreaking and bringing out fierce Mama vibes. ❤️📚

Book club pick! We are meeting Wednesday night. I better get reading!! ❤️📚

Outstanding addition to the China Thrillers series, and my favorite so far. A dark, gripping mystery that intertwines dramatic personal conflicts with the intensity of a chilling investigation. Lead detective, Li Yan, is called to Shanghai to assist in the investigation of a mass grave filled with dismembered bodies. He teams up again with American pathologist Margaret Campbell to discover who is behind the killings. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 ❤️📚

This novel merges the intensity of a thriller with the emotional resonance of a love story, delivering a reading experience that is compelling and emotionally rich. The fast pace and propulsive writing create tension. The slow burn on the reveals adds layers of intrigue and suspense without sacrificing emotional depth and an underlying sense of hopefulness. Walsh has created a story that is both suspenseful and moving. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 ❤️📚

A gripping, dark psychological thriller with morally ambiguous characters. Swanson's writing is propulsive & easily readable. The plot has just enough twists & surprise reveals without feeling over-the-top. I didn't realize until after that it‘s part of a series (noted as book # 1). I was satisfied with the ending and not sure how to feel about it being part of a broader story arc. Regardless, the book works well on its own. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 ❤️📚

Currently reading - Peter May is so good at suspenseful police procedural thrillers! Forever grateful to @Crazeedi and @EadieB for the introduction to him! ❤️📚

I need to update my Litsy account with reviews! I‘ve gotten behind. So busy with house projects and my visiting MIL, I haven‘t had much time to read, let alone write reviews. She‘s going to be with us through the end of the year, so I‘m hoping to settle into more of a routine soon. 💕

Cara is in midlife and has been laid off. As a requirement of her unemployment benefits, she attends sessions with an employment counselor. This is the account of those visits, interspersed with the paperwork she completes. Cara is a good human to her soul. She loves fiercely, takes care of everyone around her to her own detriment. She doesn‘t always make the best decisions, but her heart is what matters. Excellent on audio. ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5 ❤️📚

I listened to this on audio while I was painting doors. (We are in the midst of some renovations.) It‘s a novella set in rural Ireland about a little girl sent to live with another family for a summer. She doesn‘t know when she‘ll return home, but finds that this home is full of love, much different from the house she came from. I didn‘t want the story to end, much like the little girl felt at the end of her summer. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 ❤️📚

Exploring themes of grief, starting over, finding oneself & family, this novel follows a woman rebuilding her life by running a family bookstore after a loss. It‘s a sweet, tender story with likable characters, but fell flat for me. Reading in short spurts contributed to a sense of detachment. The mystery of a family treasure felt underdeveloped & the story resolved too conveniently. Overall, a charming tale & an enjoyable read. ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 /5 ❤️📚

This novel follows Advika, an aspiring screenwriter, and her whirlwind romance with Julian Zelding, an "A-list" producer. Their relationship takes a turn when Advika discovers that Julian is concealing his past and has a hidden agenda. An intriguing premise, but it fails to deliver on its potential because the novel lacks depth. This story could have been much more compelling. ⭐️⭐️.5/5 ❤️?

Up next! ❤️📚 A friend passed this on after she finished it. Looking for a bit of a cozy read after the emotional toll of my last read.