Everything We Never Knew.

 

 

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

 4.5★

A dazzling and heartwarming novel from Emmy Award winner Julianne Hough and Rule author Ellen Goodlett . 

When the stars align, anything can happen. On stage at an awards banquet is the last place Lexi Cole expected to drown. But as she accepts the award for top-seller at her realty firm, something unusual catches Lexi's a man surrounded by a dark haze. Then she hears a woman screaming for help, and the taste of saltwater overwhelms her. Just as Lexi's throat begins to close, the man leaves the room and the sensation of drowning abruptly stops. Later that night, the man dies of an overdose, and Lexi learns about the traumatic boating accident that killed his sons and tore his family apart. 

Lexi wants to believe it's a bizarre coincidence. Any other explanation would disrupt the normal, comfortable life she's worked so hard to build. Lexi is an expert at denial, a pro at fitting in. But as more strange events unfold, Lexi can't deny the something is changing inside her. She feels other people's emotions, sometimes even glimpses their private memories. By embracing her new abilities, Lexi can help heal people―though not until she confronts the past she's spent a lifetime burying. But when a vision reveals her husband is in danger, Lexi must face her inner demons or lose the person she loves most. 

 

 🌷

 
I had no idea what to expect from Everything We Never Knew when I first came across it. Although I know Julianne Hough, the story's title and cover drew me in. was intrigued by the cover and title before reading the book blurb. It tells its own story. After finishing Everything We Never Knew about Lexi's transition, the cover and title made much more sense and went wonderfully with the story. My only regret is that I hadn't read this book sooner. This book received mixed reviews, but I decided to read it regardless, and I'm pleased I did. I can't stop thinking about this story; I never expected it to have such an impact on me. Everything We Never Knew. is not a story you can forget after reading. Part of me wants to re-read the book. 

This story's imagery was fantastic; I could feel every emotion Lexi was experiencing as if we went through it together. I couldn't help but adore Lexi, and I'm pleased she had some people who believed in her. I wanted to like Lexi's husband, and I did at times, but I despised how he treated her once she told him what was happening to her. A part of me understood why he acted the way he did and if there was a purpose. So much was happening in this book, and each page made it harder to put it down. I’m still thinking about Lexi’s journey. 

Everything We Never Knew is the best book I've read about self-discovery and transformation. Even with the supernatural themes in the plot, Julianne Hough & Ellen Goodlett made it feel real and made us go on the journey with Lexi. It was such a beautifully written novel that I am still thinking about it after finishing it last night. I had never heard of Saturn's return before reading this book, and after finishing it, I undertook my own research since I was so intrigued by it. I highly recommend checking this book out. A story that will take you somewhere you've never imagined.

Junie.

 

 

 

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

 

A young girl must face a life-altering decision after awakening her sister’s ghost, navigating truths about love, friendship, and power as the Civil War looms.

 
Sixteen years old and enslaved since she was born, Junie has spent her life on Bellereine Plantation in Alabama, cooking and cleaning alongside her family, and tending to the white master’s daughter, Violet. Her daydreams are filled with poetry and faraway worlds, while she spends her nights secretly roaming through the forest, consumed with grief over the sudden death of her older sister, Minnie. 

When wealthy guests arrive from New Orleans, hinting at marriage for Violet and upending Junie’s life, she commits a desperate act—one that rouses Minnie’s spirit from the grave, tethered to this world unless Junie can free her. She enlists the aid of Caleb, the guests’ coachman, and their friendship soon becomes something more. Yet as long-held truths begin to crumble, she realizes Bellereine is harboring dark and horrifying secrets that can no longer be ignored. 

With time ticking down, Junie begins to push against the harsh current that has controlled her entire life. As she grapples with an increasingly unfamiliar world in which she has little control, she is forced to ask herself: When we choose love and liberation, what must we leave behind? 

 

 🌷

 
Junie is a book that will draw you in from the first page and will stay with you long after you turn the last page. I am still thinking about the story, even though I finished the book a few days ago. This book is unlike any other historical fiction book I have read; it touched me in many ways. I loved that the historical fiction was mixed with magical realism, and the author made it feel so real, as if I could feel Minnie’s spirit. I liked how Junie's path was intertwined with Minnie's spirit. I was constantly curious about what might happen next when they interacted. I did feel that there was something that Minnie wasn’t sharing with Junie as to why she wanted Junie to complete the tasks. 

Junie was a beautiful and heartbreaking story. June's voice hooked me and most of the story; the descriptions were practically poetry-filled, and I couldn't put it down. The tension builds with every page, pulling you into Junie’s world more. I loved how connected to nature Junie was, which is something that I could relate to since I love nature. I liked most of the characters, except a few that I disliked, but my favorite was Junie. The character development in this novel was incredible; even the minor characters stood out to me. I loved the setting and the detailed descriptions that made me feel like I was there, surrounded by nature. I was rooting for Junie from beginning to end. I was hoping that she would be able to find her happiness. 

I had doubts about the friendship between Violet and Junie. Although I was happy that Junie had a friend, there were moments when I questioned whether Violet was acting like a friend because of how she occasionally treated her. It's hard to believe this was the author's first novel; it was fantastic in many respects. There were a few slow moments in the book, but I couldn't get enough of Junie's story. I'm excited to see what Erin Crosby Eckstine has in store for us next!

Murder In Mesopotamia(Hercule Poirot,#14)

 

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Suspicious events at a Middle Eastern archaeological excavation site intrigue the great Hercule Poirot as he investigates Murder in Mesopotamia, a classic murder mystery from Agatha Christie. 

Amy Leatheram has never felt the lure of the mysterious East, but when she travels to an ancient site deep in the Iraqi desert to nurse the wife of a celebrated archaeologist, events prove stranger than she could ever have imagined. Her patient's bizarre visions and nervous terror seem unfounded, but as the oppressive tension in the air thickens, events come to a terrible climax--in murder.With one spot of blood as his only clue, Hercule Poirot must embark on a journey not just across the desert, but into the darkest crevices of the human soul to unravel a mystery which taxes even his remarkable powers. 

 

 🌷

 
Agatha Christie has been among my favorite mystery authors for years. I'd read books from her Hercule Poirot series and Miss Maple . I haven't read them all because there are so many, but I loved the ones I read. I came across Murder In Mesopotamia while I was at the library, and since it’s been a while since I have read Agatha Christie, I decided to check it out. Once again, I wasn't disappointed and loved that this story was written from the Nurse's perspective; however, at times, I wondered what the other characters were thinking, especially during the investigation. As always, I was curious about what was going through Poirot’s mind while he was interviewing people; what clicked in his mind about the murder of Mrs. Leidner. I suspected it was someone Mrs. Leidner knew, and I even made a guess as to who it may be, but I was always mistaken. 

Murder In Mesopotamia had a good setting and cast of characters; each was unique. I enjoyed how each character was depicted from the perspective of nurse Amy. When Poirot questioned others, they viewed them in a whole different way. I loved the descriptions of the setting; it felt like I was there with Poirot, trying to solve the mystery. I enjoyed the journey leading up to the mystery's resolution; it kept me on the edge of my seat. There were a few slower moments in between, but putting down the book was still difficult for me. Every page had me wondering who the murderer could be and his reason. Everyone seemed to have their own take on Louise Leidner; some had more reasons to kill than others. Of course, I was more interested to see what Poirot had discovered. 

My favorite aspect of Hercule Poirot's mysteries is when he gathers everyone to reveal the outcome of his investigation. I admire his descriptions and his strong sense of observation. In this book, however, I was dissatisfied with the mystery's resolution; it simply did not make sense to me as it had in prior books. However, I liked how he expressed his observations from the investigation. I'm pleased I read Agatha Christie again after so many years. It reminded me of why I love her writing and how she makes the reader feel like they are a part of the story. I intend to read more of her books this year; the only challenge is deciding which one to read next. I would recommend this to Agatha Christie and mystery fans.

The Strawberry Patch Pancake House (Dream Harbor,#4)

 

 

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

As a renowned chef, single-dad Archer never planned on moving to a small town, let alone running a pancake restaurant. But Dream Harbor needs a new chef, and Archer needs a community to help raise his daughter, Olive. 

Iris has never managed to hold down a job for more than a few months. So when Mayor Kelly suggests Archer is looking for a nanny, and Iris might be available, she shudders at the thought. But in need of money she reluctantly agrees. 

As Archer and Iris get used to their new roles, is it possible that they might have more in common than they first thought, or is Olive just determined to play match-maker… 

 

 🌷

 
I've been looking forward to this book since I read Christmas Tree Farm in December. I've been intrigued about Iris since her appearance in the previous book. Strawberry Patch Pancake House is my new favorite in the series. I like how the story had a child, which set it apart from her previous books. Having a child can make it difficult to be together. Perhaps Olive knew what was happening, or that was my impression while reading the novel. Olive was too cute to resist; it couldn't have been easy for her to live with someone she had never known after losing her mother. I admired how Archer went to Dream Harbor to care for his daughter. Not everyone who finds out they had a child will act like Archer did. 

I had a hunch thing would get tough when Iris took on the role of live-in nanny. I felt the connection between Archer and Iris from when Iris arrived at the interview, even if none wanted to admit what was happening. I wondered if Iris would accept the job if it did not include a place to live, given her lack of experience with children. I adored Iris' bond with Olive, how she made her feel at ease, and how much Olive looked up to her. Olive seemed to want Iris to become part of the family. I adored the friendship Olive eventually formed with Archer. I couldn't help but wonder how it would grow further after turning that final page. I have always enjoyed reading about father-daughter relationships. I really hope they make an appearance in the next book. 

The meetings are one of my favorite parts of the novel, and I like how everyone started coming up with suggestions after Archer asked for help. Strawberry Patch Pancake House made me crave pancakes, particularly with strawberries. I'm looking forward to seeing what comes next for Iris and Archer. Archer and Iris had something about them that made me fall in love. In general, I love the world of Dream Harbor that Laurie Gilmore has created, and I wish I could escape into real life. It sounds just like a place I would love to live in. I’m excited for Annie and Mac’s story in Gingerbread Bakery !

Fangirl Down(Big Shots,#1)

 

 

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

 4.5★

 

Wells Whitaker was once golf’s hottest rising star, but lately, all he has to show for his “promising” career is a killer hangover, a collection of broken clubs, and one remaining supporter. No matter how bad he plays, the beautiful, sunny redhead is always on the sidelines. He curses, she cheers. He scowls, she smiles. But when Wells quits in a blaze of glory and his fangirl finally goes home, he knows he made the greatest mistake of his life. 

Josephine Doyle believed in the gorgeous, grumpy golfer, even when he didn’t believe in himself. Yet after he throws in the towel, she begins to wonder if her faith was misplaced. Then a determined Wells shows up at her door with a wild proposal: be his new caddy, help him turn his game around, and split the prize money. And considering Josephine’s professional and personal life is in shambles, she could really use the cash… 

 
As they travel together, spending days on the green and nights in neighboring hotel rooms, sparks fly. Before long, they’re inseparable, Wells starts winning again, and Josephine is surprised to find a sweet, thoughtful guy underneath his gruff, growly exterior. This hot man wants to brush her hair, feed her snacks, and take bubble baths together? Is this real life? But Wells is technically her boss and an athlete falling for his fangirl would be ridiculous… right? 

 

 🌷

 

 
Josephine and Wells…What can I say about those two? Expect that I completely fell in love with both characters. I loved their relationship; they had become one of my favorite sports romance couples. I believe the two of them balanced each other out. I adored that their relationship began with Josephine being his number one fan; given how he acted, I was shocked she supported him for so long. I might have loved him later in the book, but that’s not how it started out. I did not like him in the beginning; the way that he acted, I wasn’t surprised that nobody wanted anything to do with him later. I wondered if Josephine would agree to be his caddie even if she didn't need the money. I loved how passionate and seriously she took the job and sent positive vibes his way, even when Wells wasn’t sure of himself. You couldn’t help but love Josephine. 

At first, I couldn't help but imagine how their relationship would work, given how different Wells was from Josephine. I also didn't like how he sometimes treated her, which seemed very controlling. I understand he thought he was protecting her, but that is not what I noticed. As the book progressed, Wells changed, and I knew Josephine was the reason behind his change. My view of Wells changed, and it was harder to dislike him. Instead, I found myself rooting for him through his tour and for him and Josephine. I've read a few sports romances in the past. Fangirl Down was the first to feature golf and a Type 1 diabetes character. I liked how both characters were interested in golf in different ways and wondered why they bonded so quickly. 

Their relationship moved a bit too fast. I felt that it didn’t have enough time to develop. I adored their relationship, though. Part of me hopes they make an appearance in the next book in the series. I have been hearing about Tessa Bailey for a while, and I’m glad that Fangirl Down was the first book that I read by her. I loved Josephine’s best friend Tallulah, and I love Hockey, so I’m excited to read The Au Pair Affair. I am eager to check the rest of the author’s books. I would highly recommend this for romance fans.

True Life In Uncanny Valley.

 

 

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

 

Thank you to publisher, Labyrinth Road for providing me with ARC via Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

  4.5★

Eleanor, like so many others, is used to watching her famous father from afar. To the world, Hugo Harrison is the brilliant and charismatic tech genius whose AI inventions seem to create a new, better reality. But to Eleanor, whose mother had an affair with Hugo years ago, he is something even more intriguing, and dangerous—a secret. 

When Eleanor’s spying leads her to a posting for a live-in summer nanny job for Hugo's young son—her half-brother—she knows she has to apply. This is finally her chance to learn about her father, his family, and the life that could have been hers. She only has to do one become someone else. With just a few well-placed lies, Eleanor is catapulted into an unfamiliar, intoxicating whirlwind of money and ego, and into a new romance with a cute boy who works for Hugo. But in a place where image is everything and reality can be rewritten, is anything real—even the Harrisons themselves? 

Caught between her own secrets and the ones she’s uncovering about her father and his latest invention, Eleanor faces a question that technology can't what is your true self, and how do you know when you find her? 

 🌷

 
Heartwarming and inspirational. 

I love Deb Caletti's novels. I've been reading her books since 2011, and there hasn't been a single one that I didn't love. True Life in Uncanny Valley was no different, and don't you love the title? The title will interest you even if you've never read her books. This book was unlike any of her other books, which was one of my favorite aspects. The first few chapters were slow as the characters were introduced, but interesting enough to keep me reading since I wanted to know what happened to Eleanor. Once Eleanor moved in with her father, I couldn't get enough of the story and found it difficult to put down. When I wasn't reading, I thought about what would happen next. I feared what would happen if the truth about Eleanor came out. Eleanor's character development was my favorite; she matured significantly from the beginning of the novel. I wanted to see more of her and see what happened to her afterward. 

I tried to like Eleanor's mother and sister but couldn't tolerate them. I despised the way they treated her. Both made her believe that it was her fault, that she was the one who was doing something wrong, even though it wasn't true. Eleanor was better off living with her father, even if he wasn’t aware that she was his daughter. I felt that Eleanor was more appreciated there. Even when Eleanor did something kind for her mother and sister, it wasn't enough. I'm happy Eleanor had her best friends, Clementine and Arden Lee, who, in my opinion, have the most interesting names. I loved how supportive and sympathetic they were and how they were always there for her. With the way that her mother and sister treated her, she needed friends like them. The connection the three of them shared; I sensed it would last a lifetime. 

I admired the relationship that she developed with her half-brother, Arlo. I smiled throughout most of their scenes together. It was evident from how she acted and everything she did for Arlo how much she loved him. I also loved the friendship between Eleanor and Aurora. Aurora needed someone like Eleanor, someone who would treat her nicely. I was not fond of how Hugo treated her. He was another character I didn't care for. I had an uneasy feeling about him. I love the small comic strips about Miss Fury at the beginning of each chapter. There was so much I loved about this book, and I'm still feeling a lot of emotions after reading it. I have a feeling this is the book that will stay with me. I’m excited to see what adventure Deb Caletti will take us on next!

Last Twilight In Paris.

 

 

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

 4.5★

 

A Parisian department store, a mysterious necklace and a woman’s quest to unlock a decade-old mystery are at the center of this riveting novel of love and survival, from New York Times bestselling author Pam Jenoff 

London, 1953. Louise is still adjusting to her postwar role as a housewife when she discovers a necklace in a box at a secondhand shop. The box is marked with the name of a department store in Paris, and she is certain she has seen the necklace before when she worked with the Red Cross in Nazi-occupied Europe —and that it holds the key to the mysterious death of her friend Franny during the war. 

Following the trail of clues to Paris, Louise seeks help from her former boss Ian, with whom she shares a romantic history. The necklace leads them to discover the dark history of Lévitan—a once-glamorous department store that served as a Nazi prison, and Helaine, a woman who was imprisoned there, torn apart from her husband when the Germans invaded France. 

Louise races to find the connection between the necklace, the department store and Franny’s death. But nothing is as it seems, and there are forces determined to keep the truth buried forever. Inspired by the true story of Lévitan, Last Twilight in Paris is both a gripping mystery and an unforgettable story about sacrifice, resistance and the power of love to transcend in even the darkest hours. 

 

 🌷

Beautifully written, mysterious. 

Over the years, WWII became one of my favorite topics to read about. I'll read historical fiction if it's set during World War II. Since it was my first novel by Pam Jenoff , I wasn't sure what to expect from Last Twilight in Paris . I knew it would be about World War II, but it was unlike the other WWII books I had read. The history of Levitan was one of the topics I wasn’t aware of during World War II. That was one of the things that I loved about this book; it made me learn something new. After finishing the book, I even did my own research because I was so captivated by the history. In addition to learning about Levitan's past, I found it interesting to read Louise's account of her experience working for the Red Cross. Reading Louse's story reminded me of a research paper I wrote in high school about the Red Cross. That was my favorite part of Louse’s story. 

Dual-timeline novels are my favorite to read. It is a perfect fit for the stories of Louise and Helaine. Though in different ways, both women suffered greatly during the war. How might the author integrate the two timelines together? Like Louise, I wanted to know if the heart-shaped necklace was the same one she had seen during the battle. What could she find, I wondered? Although I enjoyed both romances, I thought Helaine and Gabriel had a stronger bond than Louise and her husband. Throughout, I couldn't help but cheer for Helaine and Gabriel. I admired Louise and Helaine's courage and determination; they were such strong women. Though Helaine has advanced significantly from the start of the book, both had outstanding character development. After reading their story, I couldn't help but wonder what became of Louise and Helaine. Both made a big impact on me. 

Although I enjoyed both Louise's and Helaine's stories, I was particularly interested in Helaine's. I was always looking forward to her perspective. I loved the hint of mystery, which had me wondering until the end. Last Twilight in Paris is a story you won't soon forget; it will shock you and make you cry multiple times. The conclusion was the only aspect I wasn't sure about; it seemed a little rushed. I couldn't believe it took me so long to read a book by Pam Jenoff , and now I can't wait to see what else she has in store for us! I recommend this book to fans of both historical fiction and mystery.

The Break-Up Pact.

 

 

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

 

Two best friends who haven’t spoken in ten years pretend to date after break-ups with their respective exes go viral, in this delightfully fun and deeply emotional novel. 

 
June and Levi were best friends as teenagers—until the day they weren’t. Now June is struggling to make rent on her beachside tea shop, Levi is living a New York cliché as a disillusioned hedge fund manager and failed novelist, and they've barely spoken in years. 

But after they both experience public, humiliating break-ups with their exes that spread like wildfire across TikTok rabbit holes and daytime talk shows alike, they accidentally make some juicy gossip of their own—a photo of them together has the internet convinced they're a couple. With so many people rooting for them, they decide to put aside their rocky past and make a pact to fuel the fire. Pretending to date will help June’s shop get back on its feet and make Levi’s ex realize that she made a mistake. All they have to do is convince the world they're in love, one swoon-worthy photo opp at a time.
Two viral break-ups. One fake relationship. Five sparkling, heart-pounding dates. June and Levi can definitely pull this off without their hearts getting involved. Because everyone knows fake dating doesn’t come with real feelings. Right?

 🌷

 
How did I not read this author sooner? 

When I picked up The Break Up Pact , I didn't know what to expect because I hadn't read anything by Emma Lord; nevertheless, I had heard fantastic things about her. The story started out a little slow, and it took a few chapters to get into the story. When the story picked up, I realized I was in trouble and would have issues putting the book down. I adored June and Levi from the beginning, and the moment they started talking and hanging out again, you could tell how much history there was between them. I loved how realistic their connection was; unlike some romance novels, it wasn't hurried. I was cheering for June and Levi even before the fake dating began. I hoped they'd realize how much they mean to each other. 

I admired how realistic most of the story was. Both Levi and June were dealing with serious adult issues, with both their careers and moving on past their breakups. You feel for both and probably can relate to most of the issues they were dealing with. It made it simpler to identify with both characters. The one thing I didn’t understand was why they became famous after their public breakups. It did make it for a much more interesting storyline, though. There were a couple of instances where I burst out laughing. I adored that it was humorous. In addition to June and Levi, I adored most of the supporting characters, including June's brother and his fiancée, June's best friend. I loved how June and Levi were surrounded by so much love and support. It was very touching. 

The Break Up was such heart-warming story. I loved going on the journey with June, Levi, and their friends. I loved how fake dating worked out in this book; it’s one of the best and most believable ones that I have read. I enjoyed Emma Lord's novel so much that I picked up her newest one, The Rival , at the library and can't wait to start reading it! I highly suggest it to anyone who enjoys romance.

Until Next Summer.

 

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

  4.5★

 

Two former best friends each find love at an adults-only summer camp in this romantic and nostalgic novel that proves “once a camp person, always a camp person.” 

Growing up, Jessie and Hillary lived for summer, when they’d be reunited at Camp Chickawah. The best friends vowed to become counselors together someday, but they drifted apart after Hillary broke her promise and only Jessie stuck to their plan, working her way up to become the camp director. 

When Jessie learns that the camp will be sold, she decides to plan one last hurrah, inviting past campers—including Hillary—to a nostalgic “adult summer camp” before closing for good. Jessie and Hillary rebuild their friendship as they relive the best time of their lives—only now there are adult beverages, skinny dipping, and romantic entanglements. Straitlaced Hillary agrees to a “no strings attached” summer fling with the camp chef, while outgoing Jessie is drawn to a moody, reclusive writer who’s rented a cabin to work on his novel. 

The friends soon realize this doesn’t have to be the last summer. They’ll team up and work together, just like the old days. But if they can’t save their beloved camp, will they be able to take the happiness of this summer away with them? 

 🌷

 
Heartwarming. 

From the summers of 2010 to 2012, I worked as an assistant camp counselor. Except it was a day camp. However, reading Until Next Summer brought up many memories from those years; like Jessie and Hillary, I enjoyed every minute of it. I never attended summer camp but loved working as a camp counselor. I became aware of my desire to become a teacher during those summers. I had always loved reading stories that took place in the summer, especially summer camp as the setting. Anything that happens outside appeals to me because I love camping and the outdoors. The descriptions made me wish I was at Camp Chickawah alongside everyone else. This is the perfect book for summer, and I will re-read it then. I adored the idea of adult summer camp! I liked the activities they organized and how well everyone got along. I found myself imagining I was at camp. 

I was completely absorbed in the book from the start. I was hoping for Jessie and Hillary to reconcile and rekindle their friendship. It was obvious how much they missed and needed each other. If Jessie and Hillary had talked earlier, they could have worked out their issues and remained friends. However, I loved that despite what happened, Hillary was still there for Jessie when it came to trying to save the camp. It was clear that camp wasn’t only important to Jessie and Hilary. I loved how determined the two of them were. Even though Jessie was originally stubborn, I'm glad they had each other while at camp. I think that their friendship was one of my favorite parts of the book. 

I enjoyed reading from dual perspectives. I loved both romances, even if I first didn't like Luke. At first, I was skeptical of Jessie and Luke since he acted like a child most of the time, which was unfair to Jessie. He grew on me, and I could tell he cared for Jessie. Of course, I adored those two best friends and wrote a book about best friends. Until Next Summer is much more than a romance book about friendship, second chances, and forgiveness. Until Next Summer was my first book by Ali Brady , and I can’t wait to see what other adventures they will take us on next!