The Homemade God.

 

⭐️⭐️⭐️

  3.5★

 Thank you to publisher,Random House|Dial Press for providing me with E-ARC via  Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.

 

 

World-famous artist Vic Kemp has relied on his four children ever since their mother died when they were young. Netta, the oldest, is a litigator who often serves as co-parent to her siblings; Susan, a housewife who cooks and cleans for both her husband and her father; Goose's own thwarted artistic ambitions have left him resigned to a job in Vic's studio; and Iris, the baby, drops everything the moment her father calls.

When Vic summons the siblings with the promise of big news, they hope their father is about to tell them he has finished the mysterious masterpiece he claims will be the capstone to his career. Instead, he announces he’s getting remarried. Bella-Mae, his wife to be, is apparently beautiful, a fellow artist—and twenty-seven to his seventy-six years. When his children dare to express concern, Vic decamps with Bella-Mae to his summer home in Italy. Six weeks later, he is found dead. There is no sign of his will, or his promised final painting. 

Netta, Susan, Goose, and Iris gather at the house on Lake Orta to piece together what happened and prepare to bring their father’s body home. They spend the summer in a waiting game, living under the same roof as Bella-Mae, and forced to confront Vic's legacy and the buried wounds they have incurred as his children. So who is Bella-Mae? Is she the woman their father believed her to be? Or is she the force that will destroy the family for good? How long can their old bonds hold? 

 

 🌷

 
This was my first book by Rachel Joyce, so I had no idea what to expect from the story. When I read the book's summary, it caught my curiosity enough to make me want to read it and find out what happens. Yet, The Homemade God wasn't what I had expected the story to be about; I thought it would be more mystery, but it mostly consisted of family drama. Even though I enjoy reading about family drama and have read a few books on the subject, I felt there was too much drama in this book. I understood why the siblings couldn’t seem to agree on some things, but it felt that all they did was argue. However, following the death of their father, they did come together and try to figure out what happened. I do think that siblings love each other, even if they don’t show it. 

I enjoyed how vivid some of the writing was, particularly while they were in Italy. I enjoy books that take place in Italy. I liked that the story had a bit of mystery in it, even if it wasn't the type of mystery I was expecting. From the beginning, I felt curious about Bella Mae; sometimes I questioned if she was real, given how he appeared to keep her hidden. I couldn’t help but wonder what Bella Mae’s story was. I felt for her; I couldn’t imagine that it was easy to lose her husband so fast. In the beginning, I had trouble keeping up with all the siblings because some of the transitions were a bit confusing. However, as the book progressed, it go easier to keep up with them. I enjoyed the premise of the story, but I found myself unable to connect with half of the characters. I felt that some of the characters were more developed than the others. 

I loved the end; it was one of my favorite parts of the novel. I liked how the author emphasized the complex connection between the four siblings. In overall, there were a few exciting events that kept me turning the pages, eager to see how everything would end. I'm thankful I had the chance to read this book.

The Layover That Changed Everything.

 

 

 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

  4.5★

 Thank you to publisher,The Author Agency & Author,Persis Lassier for providing me with E-ARC via  Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.

 

 

 RELEASE DATE: JUlY 15,2025.

 

 

Two years after walking away from an eight-year relationship that left her shattered and uncertain of her worth, Delilah is finally ready to start over . 

 
With no ties left in Texas and a heart still healing, she sets out on a soul-searching journey across the country—one one-way ticket at a time—in search of something she’s never truly a place that feels like home. 

Flight after flight, city after city, she convinces herself she’s chasing freedom. But deep down, she’s running—from the ghosts of her past, from the ache of loneliness, and from the fear that home might not exist for someone like her. 

Then, during a routine layover in Raleigh, North Carolina, everything changes.
High above the clouds, on a nearly empty flight, Delilah meets Jon—a quiet, magnetic stranger with his own baggage and his own reasons for running. 

What begins as a casual conversation stretches into hours. Stories are shared. Secrets unfold. And somewhere between turbulence and touchdown, Delilah finds herself opening up in ways she hasn’t in years. 

Drawn to his kindness and intrigued by his silence, she begins to 

What if home isn’t a place at all? 

What if it’s a feeling—unexpected, consuming, and impossibly timed? 

 
And what if this unplanned detour is exactly where her story was always meant to begin? 

A heartfelt winter romance about second chances, the power of serendipity, and falling in love when—and where—you least expect it. 

 

 🌷

 
This book broke my heart on several occasions, only to put it back together again. 

The Layover That Changed Everything affected me in many ways. I'm still thinking about the story, and I've already suggested it to a few friends. I was hooked on this book from the first page, and I know if it weren't for school, I'd finish it sooner. There were a few times when I read after midnight because I wanted to see which adventures Deliah and Jon were going to experience next. You will experience all types of emotions while reading The Layover That Changed Everything , including rage, grief, laughter, and astonishment. That was one of my favorite things about this novel; the amount of time that I found myself laughing I loved the author’s descriptions in the book; it made me feel like I was there with Jon and Deliah. An adventure I will never forget. 

Of course, I couldn’t help but fall in love with Nacho; actually, I fell in love with all the animals. I loved how Nacho traveled with them. It reminded me of my dog, Lucy, when she was still alive; she had been everywhere with us. I adored the relationship between Delian and Jon and the special connection that the two of them shared right from the start, and how they took care of each other. I loved that it was based on a true story. It was unlike any romance story I’d read before. I’m very glad I got a chance to read John and Deliah’s story. I loved how each chapter had a playlist, and there were a couple songs I knew and loved. 

There were so many things that I loved about this book, but I don’t want to give too much away. The Layover That Changed Everything is type of story that will stay with you; long after you turn the last page. I’m already excited about the next book. I would highly recommend this book to any romance fans.

The Art Of Vanishing.

 

 

⭐️⭐️⭐️

  3.5★

 Thank you to publisher,Random House Publishing|Ballantine for providing me with E-ARC via  Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.

 

Jean’s life is the same day in and day out. Frozen in time by his painter father, the legendary Henri Matisse, Jean observes the ebb and flow of museum guests as they take in the works of his father and other masters like Renoir, Picasso, and Van Gogh. But his world takes a mesmerizing turn when Claire, a new museum employee, enters his life. 

Night after night, Claire moves through the gallery where Jean's painting hangs, mopping the floors, talking softly to herself to stem her loneliness and gazing admiringly at the masterpieces above. The alluring man in the corner of the Matisse—is he watching her? Why does she feel a deepening pull to him, like he can see her truest self, her secrets? Did he just move? 

In an extraordinary twist of fate, Claire discovers she can step through the frame of Jean's painting and into a bygone era, a lush, verdant snapshot of family life in France in the throes of World War I. She and Jean begin a seemingly impossible affair, falling in love against the backdrop of the gallery’s other paintings come to life—glittering parties, exhilarating horse races, and windswept beach bluffs, that they can move through together and where Claire is seemingly the only modern visitor, alone in possession of this gift. 

But as their happiness is threatened by challenges both inside and outside the museum, Claire and Jean find themselves in a fight to preserve the love they’ve only dared to dream of. Will their extraordinary connection defy the confines of reality, or will the forces conspiring against them shatter their carefully curated happiness? 

 

 🌷

 
When I picked up The Art Of Vanishing, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I enjoyed the fact that it featured art, and from the summary, it sounded like a unique idea. I love the idea of someone who can travel through paintings, a unique twist on time travel. I couldn't help but be curious about the story and wondering how things would work out between Claire and Jean, given that Jean is part of a painting. I enjoyed the first half of the book, especially the relationship between Jean and Claire, even though I felt it moved too quickly. I felt Jean and Claire didn't really get to know each other, and the next thing I know, they're falling in love. However, I adored the bond that the two of them formed and the way they traveled through the other paintings. It always left me wondering where the two of them would go next. 

I loved the premise of the book, and the writing style. The Art of Vanishing reminded me of Night Of Museum; except this was on more romance level. I adored that it took place in museums, I adore art and museums. I loved how the author weaved together real artwork, which I ended up looking up once I finished the book. There was a connection between Claire and Jean, but I felt that there should have been more emotional connection between the two of them, and I felt that the dialogue between the characters was sometimes forced. I enjoyed the dual POV, which allowed me to feel more connected to each of the characters. I enjoyed both characters’ perspectives, but I felt a stronger connection to Jean's than Claire's. 

The second half of the book was slower and seemed rushed at times. There were some interesting points, but it didn't keep my attention like the first half of the book did. I loved the atmospheric vibes. I adored the concept of this book. The Art Of Vanishing was interesting enough to keep me turning the pages. It made me want to investigate other books that combine art, history, and museums. Readers who enjoy romance, magical realism, and art history will enjoy this book.

Lucky Break.

 

 

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

 4.5★ 

  Thank you to publisher, Avon& Harper Voyager for providing me with E-ARC via  Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.

 

 RELEASE DATE: JUlY 15,2025.

 

When a spate of bad luck upends her life, Eliza moves to a charming—and mysterious—Midwestern lake town, where she just might find herself while trying to find the truth.

 
Eliza has always had a plan—until her meticulously plotted life implodes, and her engagement falls apart. At thirty-two she suddenly finds herself second-guessing the picture-perfect future she'd always envisioned, one that included raising 2.5 children near her tight-knit Italian family in San Francisco.
Then she is offered the chance to start over in Juneberry Lake, a small Midwestern town eager to lure remote workers to their picturesque community. Shocking everyone, including herself, she packs up her apartment and buys a lake house sight unseen. 

Juneberry Lake is as delightful as it looked in the pictures. And the pictures didn’t even include Joel, a fellow new arrival who works alongside her every day in an adorable coffee shop. But if Eliza is hoping to spy her uncertain future in the shimmering waters of Juneberry Lake, she’ll find herself out of luck. Because her friendly Midwestern neighbors are keeping a marvelous secret—one that will help Eliza see that her recent spate of bad luck was never her fault…and that the tide can turn when you least expect it.

 🌷

 
Heartwarming. 

It's official: small towns have become one of my favorite tropes. Something about small towns appeals to me, and I find myself picking up books set in small towns. I adored the setting in Lucky Break Juneberry Lake, and that’s one of the things that grabbed my attention when I was reading the summary. Books set in a lake or beach house are my favorites. Lucky Break reminded me of a Hallmark movie, and I think this book would make a cute Hallmark movie. I loved almost all the characters in the book; there were only a few that I didn't like. I adored how welcoming everyone was to Eliza when she arrived at Juneberry Lake. There was one person who wasn't as friendly, but I suspected he had a reason for it. Despite how welcoming everyone was upon Eliza's arrival; I had a suspicion that they were hiding something. Like Eliza, I was curious about what they were hiding. 

The characters were extremely realistic, and I found it easy to relate to them. I loved that the book had both LGBTQIAP and Disability representation, and both of those were represented beautifully. I loved the names of the dogs, and I adored Eliza's instant bond with her dog, Potato. Everyone seemed to love that dog, and I couldn't blame them. I lost my dog last month, and reading a book about animals touched me in many ways. I liked the character development, especially Eliza's; I felt like she had matured significantly since arriving in Juneberry Lake. 

I occasionally wished Juneberry Lake existed so I could go there to escape while reading. It seemed real to me. The mystery aspect was what I expected, but I enjoyed all of the clues leading up to the reveal and found myself guessing several times throughout the book. Lucky Break was my first book by Jaclyn Westlake, and I'm glad I had the chance to read it. I'm eager to check out her other works now.

Six Days In Bombay.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

When renowned painter Mira Novak arrives at Wadia hospital in Bombay after a miscarriage, she's expected to make a quick recovery, and Sona is excited to spend time with the worldly woman who shares her half-Indian identity, even if that's where their similarities end. Sona is enraptured by Mira's stories of her travels and shocked by accounts of the many lovers she's left scattered through Europe. Over the course of a week, Mira befriends Sona, seeing in her something bigger than the small life she's living with her mother. Mira is released from the hospital just in time to attend a lavish engagement party with all of Bombay society and invites Sona along. But the next day, Mira is readmitted to the hospital in worse condition than before, and when she dies under mysterious circumstances, Sona immediately falls under suspicion. 

Before leaving the hospital in disgrace, Sona is given a note Mira left for her, along with her four favorite paintings. But how could she have known to leave a note if she didn't know she was going to die? The note sends Sona on a mission to deliver three of the paintings—the first to Petra, Mira's childhood friend and first love in Prague; the second to her art dealer Josephine in Paris; the third to her first painting tutor, Paolo, with whom both Mira and her mother had affairs. As Sona uncovers Mira's history, she learns that the charming facade she'd come to know was only one part of a complicated and sometimes cruel woman. But can she discover what really happened to Mira and exonerate herself? 

Along the way, Sona also comes to terms with her own complex history and the English father who deserted her and her mother in India so many years ago. In the end, she'll discover that we are all made up of pieces, and only by seeing the world do we learn to see ourselves.

 

 🌷

 
What a beautiful story! 

I've heard about Alka Joshi for a while, but I haven't read her books. Six Days In Bombay was the first book I read by her. This story touched me in a lot of ways. Art-related books are my favorite to read, and I've read a few of them. I loved the way that Joshi portrayed art in Six Days In Bombay ; which was unique from the other books that I ‘d read. I loved the vivid descriptions in this book; they transported me to Sona's time and place. I imagined myself traveling to all the places Sona went to, as if I were there with her. I could vividly imagine everything Sona had gone through while traveling as a woman at the time. Sona was one of the characters I felt most connected to. I admired her determination and loyalty. 

I adored the relationship between Sona and her mother, and Sona and Mira. Sona and her mother's close relationship reminded me of my own and my mother's relationship; I could tell her anything. I was glad that Sona could come home to a loving home; especially since her job wasn’t easy. Despite my mixed feelings about Mira, I was glad Sona had someone like Mira to talk to, and their friendship felt genuine. . I liked how Mira always tried to include Sona and asked her questions; it was clear how much she cared about her. I was curious about what Sona would discover about Mira once she visited Prague, Florence, and Paris. 

I loved how each section was written from a different location Sona visited. I loved the descriptions; they were breathtaking. I could tell how much research went into this book because I learned so much simply by reading it. I liked how Mira was inspired by a real-life painter. There wasn't a single moment where it didn't hold my interest. I'm so glad I got to read this book, and I'm excited to see what else the author has written!

The Sirens.

 

 

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

  4.5★

2019: Lucy awakens in her ex-lover’s room in the middle of the night with her hands around his throat. Horrified, she flees to her sister’s house on the coast of New South Wales hoping Jess can help explain the vivid dreams that preceded the attack—but her sister is missing. As Lucy waits for her return, she starts to unearth strange rumours about Jess’s town—tales of numerous missing men, spread over decades. A baby abandoned in a sea-swept cave. Whispers of women’s voices on the waves. All the while, her dreams start to feel closer than ever. 

 
1800: Mary and Eliza are torn from their loving home in Ireland and forced onto a convict ship heading for Australia. As the boat takes them farther and farther away from all they know, they begin to notice unexplainable changes in their bodies. 

A breathtaking tale of female resilience, The Sirens is an extraordinary novel that captures the sheer power of sisterhood and the indefinable magic of the sea. 

 

 🌷

 
What a mystical and haunting story! 

I loved Emilia Hart's ability to blend mystery and historical fiction. From the very first page, she draws you into the story. One of the aspects of the story that drew me in was the description of the coastline and the mystery surrounding the disappearance of all those men over the years. I couldn't help but get sucked into this story; I needed to know what happened to them, and if there was a reason for their disappearance. Like Lucy, I was drawn to the mystery, and I was curious to see if Lucy would be able to uncover the truth. I adored both timelines, though Mary and Eliza's story was more difficult to follow at first. 

I loved the way that the two timelines intertwined, and of course I wondered if there was a reason behind Lucy's dreams, and how it related to Mary and Eliza. It kept me on the edge of my seat. Almost every page had me guessing what would happen next, what Lucy would discover, and most importantly, what Jess was hiding. I had a feeling that Jess was hiding something, but I didn't know how big it was. I am still thinking about that twist. Despite all of the clues, I did not expect that ending. One of my favorite aspects of the book is those with the most unexpected twists. 

Although I've read books about sirens before, this one was the most creative. I loved the way that she merged two genres together, making it even more intriguing to read. There were slow parts at the beginning of the book, but once it picked up, I spent hours reading. I adored how atmospheric this book was, and the descriptions were fantastic! I could tell from reading the book how much research had gone into it. It was one of the most beautifully written books I've read. The writing felt almost lyrical to me, which is why I couldn't stop reading for hours. It felt as if Siren was calling to me. I read Weyward earlier this year and loved it, so I was looking forward to this. I enjoyed The Sirens as much as Weyward, if not more. I've only read two of Emilia Hart's books, but I already know she's an author to watch out for! I cannot wait to read more of her work!

The Banned Books Of Berlin.

 

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

 

  Thank you to publisher, Avon Books UK for providing me with E-ARC via  Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.

 

Berlin, 1933. The night skies are burning bright with huge bonfires of banned books. The Nazi party is swelling in number, Berlin is no longer a safe place for young Freya.
She can only watch on, horrified, as her beloved city falls to fascism – and the usually law-abiding Freya is forced to make a choice: continue being a bystander, or sacrifice herself to save the lives of others…

 
New York, present day. Maddie commutes home to her family to reset. Struggling to fully turn off from her work, she’s is shocked to come across a pre-war German diary amongst her Grandpa’s things. And when she starts to dig into the diary, Maddie’s shocked by what she finds. 

And so begins a journey that will take Maddie beyond America as she searches for the truth about Freya, and how she changed people’s lives across the globe…

 

 🌷

 
An inspiring story of family, friendship, love, courage, sacrifice, and hope. 

I can’t get this book out of my mind. I know that this is a story that will stay with me for a long time. I was captivated by this book from the first to the last page. I had always enjoyed dual timelines, but in the past, I seemed to prefer one over the other; that was not the case with this book; I loved both. Both Freya and Maddie's stories intrigued me, and I struggled to find a stopping point because I didn't want to stop; I wanted to see what else Maddie would discover, and what would happen to Freya next. I've read a few historical fiction books about banned books, but The Banned Books Of Berlin provided a unique perspective that I loved. Every page will make you fall deeper in love with the story and its characters. 

The story flowed beautifully. The two timelines worked so well together. Of all the other books that I read by Daisy Wood this one was the most touching one and my favorite one. I must admit that there were a few points in the story where I couldn't help but cry. I felt myself experiencing the same emotions as Freya and Maddie. Within a few pages into the book, I felt such a deep connection with both Maddie and Freya. I loved the historical details, especially the timelines from the 1930s, which provided me with a vivid picture of life in Berlin during the war. I know I can't imagine Freya's fear and anger, but I felt like I did. There is so much more I can say about what Freya faced during that time, but I don’t want to give too much away. The mystery aspect in the story made it harder to put down. 

I discovered Daisy Wood in 2022, and The Banned Books of Berlin is my third book by her. It’s safe to say that she has become one of my favorite historical fictions’ writers. There hasn’t been a book by her that I didn’t love. I find myself looking out for new books from her. I adore how she manages to make you feel a connection to each character. I adored Freya, Maddie and even most of the minor characters. When I wasn't reading, I was either thinking about the story or discussing it with my friends. I think the cover alone is enough to make you want to pick up the book. I wish I could give this book more than five stars. Highly recommended!

Three Days In June.

 

 

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Gail Baines is having a bad day. To start, she loses her job—or quits, depending on whom you ask. Tomorrow her daughter, Debbie, is getting married, and she hasn’t even been invited to the spa day organized by the mother of the groom. Then, Gail’s ex-husband, Max, arrives unannounced on her doorstep, carrying a cat, without a place to stay, and without even a suit. 

But the true crisis lands when Debbie shares with her parents a secret she has just learned about her husband to be. It will not only throw the wedding into question but also stir up Gail and Max’s past. 

 

 🌷

 
When I first picked up this book, I had no idea what to expect, but it was not this. I had no idea it was a novella until I checked it out from the library. I loved this book for a variety of reasons, and I'm still thinking about it. How such a simple story managed to capture my heart. I quickly fell in love with most of the characters, except for Kenneth, who I'm still not sure how I feel about. I enjoyed reading from Gail's point of view, but I did wonder what other characters were thinking or feeling, such as Max or Gail's daughter, Debbie. Three Days In June was simple, light, and humorous, and sometimes that's the kind of story you need. 

I loved the message in the story; it’s not just about love; it's also about family, connections, and self-discovery. I enjoyed escaping into Gail's world, while there were a few instances where I disagreed with her actions and couldn't help but wonder what she was thinking. I hoped she wouldn’t do anything that would mess up Debbie’s wedding. There were few times during the story, during the transition where it was a bit confusing if it was past or present time. I adored Max. I knew there were moments when I shouldn't, but I couldn't stop myself; there was something about him that you couldn't help but love him. I wondered whether something may happen between him and Gail; I had a feeling that both had unresolved feelings, despite their attempts to deny it. 

I enjoyed the humor in this novel, particularly the banter between Gail and Max. I believe that's why I was able to identify with those two characters. I found this book to be very realistic, and Gail's portrayal of all those feelings was amazing. Although I was never in her shoes, I felt the same emotions as she experienced. I related to her the most out of all the characters in the novel. Three Days In June is the first book that I read by Anne Tyler and it won’t be last! I can’t wait to check out her other works.

Promise Me Sunshine.

 

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

 

Lenny’s a bit of a mess at the moment. Her best friend, Lou, recently passed away after a battle with cancer, and her death has left Lenny feeling completely lost. She’s avoiding her concerned parents, the apartment she shared with Lou, and the list of things she’s supposed to do to help her live again. The only thing she can do is temporary babysitting gigs, and luckily, she just landed a great one, helping overworked, single mom Reese and her precocious daughter, Ainsley. It’s not perfect: Ainsley’s uncle, Miles, always seems to be around, and is kind of... a huge jerk. But if Lenny acts like she has it all together, maybe no one will notice she’s falling apart. 

Miles sees right through her though. Turns out, he knows a lot about grief and, surprisingly, he offers her a proposition. He’ll help her complete everything on her “live again” list if she’ll help him connect with Ainsley and overcome his complicated relationship with Reese. Lenny doubts anything can fill the Lou has left behind, but she begins to spend more time with Miles, Lenny is surprised to discover that, sometimes, losing everything is only the first step to finding yourself, and love, again. 

 🌷

 
It didn’t take me long to fall in love with the story and the characters. Promise Me Sunshine is a tender yet tragic tale of love, friendship, grief, and healing. I have no words to fully express how many emotions went through me while reading this story. It was one of the most emotional books I'd read this year, but it was so beautifully written and full of emotion that I couldn't stop reading. My heart broke for Lenny on several occasions, and I wanted to draw her into an embrace. Lenny is the character that you can easily understand and empathize with, even if you have never experienced the type of loss that she has. I didn't lose my best friend, but I lost my grandmother to cancer when I was 16, and then my cousin nine years ago, both of whom were my best friends. I remember experiencing the same emotions that Lenny was feeling, as if part of me was missing, and feeling guilty for the times I was okay when they were gone. Promise Me Sunshine had me in tears on several occasions. 

The writing blew me away. The feelings portrayed in this novel were realistic and genuine. Bastone portrayed grief so perfectly; one minute you think you're fine, and then it hits you and you can't stop crying. I believe that of all the books I've read about sorrow, Lenny was one of the characters with whom I could most connect with. Miles: I could say so many things about him. I loved how he tried to help Lenny 'live' again despite his own grief. It demonstrates how everyone may deal with grief differently. It didn't take long for me to fall in love with Miles; not only did he make an effort to get to know his niece, but he also did everything he could to help Lenny heal. It didn't take long for me to see that the friendship had transformed into love, something I had predicted before either of them. Some of what he did for her was not something you would do unless you were in love with them. 

Lenny's emotions were genuinely raw and heartbreaking. I cried beside her. I believe Lenny was intended to get the job and meet Miles. I adored how Miles and Lenny transitioned from strangers to friends, and it felt so natural and genuine. Their bond took time to grow. I loved the scenes between the two of them, and there were a few quotes that made me smile and experience a variety of feelings. Promise Me Sunshine was the first book that I read by Cara Bastone and I cannot wait to check out the others.

Backhanded Compliments.

 

 

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

 4.5★ 

  Thank you to publisher, Atria Books for providing me with E-ARC via  Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.

 

 

 

Juliette Ricci dreams of only one being the best women’s tennis player in the world. She’s worked nonstop with her strict father/coach to prepare for her big chance in the Australian Open. Unfortunately, she’ll be playing Lucky Luca Kacic, an aloof player whose unorthodox style and reigning popularity deeply irritate Juliette. 

For months they’ve traded sly insults in their press conferences leading up to their showdown on the court, and their first ever match is the most anticipated of the season. But Juliette refuses to let her nerves—or Luca’s annoyingly perfect abs—get the best of her.
Meanwhile, Luca seemingly has everything Juliette desires but there’s one thing missing from her love. When she shakes hands with Juliette after an agonizing match and sees her rival’s name appear on her wrist, it feels like a cruel joke. Juliette is a spoiled, arrogant brat who wants absolutely nothing to do with Luca or a soulmate. 

But despite their personal and professional clashes, the two grow closer after late-night massages and one too many shots of limoncello. Their chemistry is tangible, but Luca’s anxiety tells her that Juliette is just messing with her head to throw her off her game, and Juliette can’t understand why Luca is so hot and cold. With the pressure of the world scrutinizing their every move, they will have to decide what’s more important—being together or being number one. 

 🌷

 
I had always loved sport romance. In the past year, I got back into sports romance, and there is something about those books that I can’t seem to get enough of. Even though I've only played tennis once, it's my favorite sport after baseball and hockey. My great grandmother used to be a tennis instructor and taught me about the game and rules when she was still alive. I've read a few sports romances in the last year, but there aren't many that focus on tennis, which is one of the things I love about this one: it is different. Chandler's description of the tennis matches was so vivid that I felt as if I were there, rooting for Luca and Juliette. . To be honest, I cheered more for Luca at first because I wasn't sure if I liked Juliette. By the middle of the book, I found myself rooting for both. I hoped one would win. 

I love books with magical realism. I didn't think it was a major focus in this novel, but it worked so beautifully with the plot. I like that it is about soulmates; my friend and I are working on a series on soulmates, but ours is more fantasy-based. So, I couldn't help but love it! I wondered if the two of them would get together, especially given how Juliette acted and treated Luca at the beginning. One of the reasons I had conflicting feelings about Juliette was the way she acted. As I read more of Backhanded Compliments , I began to question if Juliette's behavior was due to her denial of her feelings. It was difficult for me to put the book down since I was curious about what would happen between Juliette and Luca. 

I enjoyed how this book focused on anxiety. I can really connect because I've had anxiety since I was a teenager. I admire books with mental health representations. The title is what drew me to the book first and made me curious about the story. Backhanded Compliments was far more than I expected. There were a few slow parts and several tensions that were resolved far too quickly, but I enjoyed the majority of the story. I couldn't get through the pages fast enough. I liked how you fell in love with not only Juliette and Luca, but also with the minor characters; there weren't many people I disliked Katie Chandler done a wonderful job with character development and making people fall in love with the plot, characters, and even the game. After reading Backhanded Compliments, I found myself pursuing for more tennis books to read. I'm really grateful for the opportunity to read this amazing story. I can't wait to see what Chandler has planned for us next!

Don't Open Your Eyes.

 

 

 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

  

 Thank you to publisher, Random House Publishing|Ballantine for providing me with E-ARC via  Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.

Annabelle has everything she’s ever wanted. A devoted husband, two wonderful daughters, and a career she loves. She couldn’t be happier. So why is she suddenly plagued by disturbing dreams of a future where she hates her husband and her daughters’ lives are at risk? At first, she chalks the dreams up to an overactive imagination. But when details from her dreams, details she couldn’t possibly have predicted, begin to materialize, she realizes these aren’t just dreams but rather premonitions of a terrifying future. They all point to a singular choice, an unknown moment that holds Annabelle’s life in the balance. 

Then Annabelle has a dream that her daughter, Scarlett, is in immediate danger. Someone wants Scarlett dead and Annabelle has no idea who or why. Suddenly, every choice she makes is fraught with peril, with no inkling of which move could bring this terrifying vision to life. As her present life starts to collide with the future in her dreams, she wrestles with how much control she really has over her destiny and whether or not she can change what is meant to be.

 

 🌷

 
What a ride! 

I was unsure what to expect when I picked up this book. I have heard about Liv Constantine for the past couple of years, but I haven’t had a chance to check out the books yet. The title and the cover captured my attention. Once I read the book's synopsis, I was even more intrigued and needed to find out what would happen. I have read a lot of mystery/ thriller books. Don't Open Your Eyes is unlike any thriller I have read. I am still trying to process the story. The plot took so many unexpected turns that I eventually stopped attempting to predict what would happen next. I love the idea behind the story, dreams that end up coming true? I can't even begin to understand Annabelle's feelings of fear, especially since she didn't know when it might occur. I understand why her husband, James, responded the way he did, but he could have handled it better. I sensed something strange about him from the start, but I couldn't figure out what. I just knew I didn't trust him. 

I enjoyed reading the book from several perspectives, primarily because the characters were all different. I did occasionally shake my head at Scarlett's decisions. I had a feeling it would bring her into trouble someday. It was intriguing to read from the perspective of a teenager. Scarlett annoyed me at times, especially when it came to how she handled her mother, but her character grew on me. The descriptions of the characters' emotions, particularly Annabelle, were fantastic; I could sense her anxiety. Overall, all the details were so clear that I could envision everything, like a movie playing in my head. 

The first few pages were slow for me, and there were few character conversations that didn’t feel realistic to me. Once the plot picked up, I couldn’t stop reading, I was constantly on the edge of my seat. I loved Annabelle, even if at times it didn’t seem like it, she was a strong character, and no matter what was happening, she kept on going. I felt like I should seen it coming, but with all the twists and turns in the book, the ending was the most shock of all. Those at the types of books that are my favorites, the ending that you didn’t see coming. I’m so thrilled that I got a chance to read this book! I would recommend this to any thriller/ mystery fans. Be prepared for a exhilarating ride!

The Jackal's Mistress.

 

 

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

 4.5★

Virginia, 1864—Libby Steadman’s husband has been away for so long that she can barely conjure his voice in her dreams. While she longs for him in the night, fearing him dead in a Union prison camp, her days are spent running a gristmill with her teenage niece, a hired hand, and his wife, all the grain they can produce requisitioned by the Confederate Army. It’s an uneasy life in the Shenandoah Valley, the territory frequently changing hands, control swinging back and forth like a pendulum between North and South, and Libby awakens every morning expecting to see her land a battlefield. 

And then she finds a gravely injured Union officer left for dead in a neighbor’s house, the bones of his hand and leg shattered. Captain Jonathan Weybridge of the Vermont Brigade is her enemy – but he’s also a human being, and Libby must make a terrible decision: Does she leave him to die alone? Or does she risk treason and try to nurse him back to health? And if she succeeds, does she try to secretly bring him across Union lines, where she might negotiate a trade for news of her own husband? 

 

 🌷

 
Gripping. Beautifully written. 

I've been a fan of Chris Bohjalian since I read his thriller, The Flight Attendant in 2021. I loved it so much, I ended up re-reading it. There's something about his writings that makes you fall in love with the characters, even when you know you shouldn't. One of my favorite aspects of his books is the vivid description throughout, which transported me to the Shenandoah Valley in the 1800s. I felt Libby's anxiety and anger. When she found the soldier, she had to make a big decision. Libby knew what would happen if she decided to help him. The friendship between Libby and Captain Jonathan Weybridge is unlike any I've read about before. I loved that it was based on a true story and ended up doing my own research, once I read the author’s note at the end. I was intrigued by the actual story. 

I was captivated by the title of his recently released novel, The Jackal’s Mistress. The title and the cover would intrigue you to pick up the book even if you had never read the author before. It wasn’t long into the book where I understood the idea behind the title. I loved that it took place in Northern Virginia, where I had lived for 15 years. Also, most of the historical fiction books I've read appear to take place during WWII, so I liked this one during the Civil War. I loved his descriptions of the settings and everything that happened during the Civil War. I could see it all clearly. The Jackal's Mistress was a powerful story in so many ways, I still can't get it out of my mind. 

Every page was filled with so much tension, action, keeping me at the edge of my seat. The beginning started slow but within a few pages, I was so captivated by the story, I read late into the night, finding hard to put down. I wanted to see what happens with Libby and Weybridge next. It’s clear how much research was put into this book. Character development, especially for Libby and Weybridge, was phenomenal. A beautiful story about friendship, found family, love, trust, and survival. I can’t wait to see what Chris Bohjalian adventures has for us next.