The Crash.

 

 

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

 4.5★  

The nightmare she’s running from is nothing compared to where she’s headed.

 
Tegan is eight months pregnant, alone, and desperately wants to put her crumbling life in the rearview mirror. So she hits the road, planning to stay with her brother until she can figure out her next move. But she doesn’t realize she’s heading straight into a blizzard. 

She never arrives at her destination. 

Stranded in rural Maine with a dead car and broken ankle, Tegan worries she’s made a terrible mistake. Then a miracle she is rescued by a couple who offers her a room in their warm cabin until the snow clears. 

But something isn’t right. Tegan believed she was waiting out the storm, but as time ticks by, she comes to realize she is in grave danger. This safe haven isn’t what she thought it was, and staying here may have been her most deadly mistake yet. 

 
And now she must do whatever it takes to save herself—and her unborn child.

 

 🌷

 
Another amazing story by Freida McFadden. Although, it wasn't as surprising as The Tenant, or at least I didn't feel like there were as many twists. However, it kept me on the edge of my seat, especially when I got to Part 2. I couldn't put the book down. A part of me was worried about how the story would end for Tegan. I hoped Tegan would find a way to get out of the situation that she was in, but given that she was pregnant and injured, I knew that it would be difficult. All through the book, I was rooting for Tegan. 

Although the book's pacing was slow at first, the rest of it was fast-paced, and I was so captivated by both the story and the characters that I couldn't stop turning the pages. It’s not surprising why she’s such a popular thriller writer. I loved how Freida set the tone for each chapter and character. I love her descriptions and the way she portrays the characters' emotions, making you feel them. I felt Tegan's fear as well as her anger while reading from her perspective. I adored Tegan; I admired how, despite everything she was going through, she kept trying and fighting. I felt that it changed Tegan in a few ways. 

I like how Freida writes her books from various perspectives; it helps you get to know each character and understand why they did what they did. However, in this book, I did question the characters' decisions several times. The ending was the most unexpected twist, and the few chapters leading up to it were when I couldn't put the book down. Even if you haven’t read any Freida books, I would highly recommend this book for any thriller fans.

The Tenant.

 

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 

 

There’s no place like home… 

Blake Porter is riding high, until he's not. Fired abruptly from his job as a VP of marketing and unable to make the mortgage payments on the new brownstone that he shares with his fiancee, he's desperate to make ends meet. 

Enter Whitney. Beautiful, charming, down-to-earth, and looking for a room to rent. She's exactly what Blake's looking for. Or is she? 

Because something isn't quite right. The neighbors start treating Blake differently. The smell of decay permeates his home, no matter how hard he scrubs. Strange noises jar him awake in the middle of the night. And soon Blake fears someone knows his darkest secrets...
Danger lives right at home, and by the time Blake realizes it, it'll be far too late. The trap is already set.

 

 🌷

 
Wow! 

There are no words, at least right now; I'm still trying to comprehend what I read. The Tenant was one of the most intense and addictive thrillers that I have read. I've heard that Freida McFadden is known for the most unexpected twists. I read The Co-Worker earlier this year, but this one had a lot more unexpected twist. Just when I thought I knew what was going to happen next, the twist had me on the edge of my seat, completely shocked. There wasn't a single page in this book that didn't keep me turning the pages, mostly because I knew things were going to get worse. Part of me was afraid that it wouldn’t end well for Blake. It was clear that something was setting him up. Of course, I couldn't help but wonder why they did it. It made me wonder if Blake was hiding anything. 

It was fascinating to read from Blake's point of view, and the descriptions were so vivid that I could imagine it happening to me. I was suspicious of Whitney from the start; there was something about her that I couldn't quite figure out. But the way she looked at Blake and the sneaky smile she gave him made me wonder if she was behind everything that was going on. I was always curious about what she was up to; I was as suspicious of her as Blake was. This book had so much going on at one point that I began to wonder when it would end. That's one of the things I enjoyed about it: it keeps you on the edge of your seat. 

The Tenant, my second book by Freida McFadden, is my favorite so far. Overall, it's one of the best thrillers I've read in a while. I understand why so many people rave about Freida. I’m even more excited to check out her other books now. I would highly recommend this to thriller fans. Be prepare for a wild ride!

Poison Sun(Star Touched:Vampire Bride,#2)

 

 

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

After a shocking betrayal, Amber Benson was forced to do the unthinkable: drink a potion that will bring shadow souls—the dark forces trying to take over the city—straight to her.
If that wasn’t bad enough, the potion is eating away her sun magic. Poisoning her. Weakening her with each passing day. 

Then, there’s Damien. The vampire king who abducted Amber and tricked her into living in his palace in a twisted attempt to make her his bride.
He’s furious with her for drinking the potion. 

Unfortunately, they’re going to have to figure out how to work together. Because after the downtown vampires kill humans on Damien’s territory, it means war between the clans. And Amber might be the tool they need to stop the downtown vampires from going totally feral. 

On top of all this? The potion’s doing one more thing Amber never expected. It opened a connection between her and the Shadow Lord. He’s appearing in her dreams, and she can’t resist the way he calls to her, mesmerizes her, and toys with her in the one place she should always be safe—her own mind. 

 

 🌷

 
A magical journey you won’t forget! 

I've been reading Michelle Madow for years and have most of her books on Kindle. I shouldn't be surprised by now, but this book completely took my breath away. I am still trying to process the story. I loved the first book, Vampire Bride, but I loved Poison Sun even more because there was much more action in this book. Every page had me so engrossed in the plot that I lost track of time. After the conclusion to the previous book, I couldn't help but wonder what would happen to Amber next, and how drinking the potion would affect her. I liked the way Madow expressed the characters' feelings; it made me experience them. I hoped Morgan could find a way to help her. 

One of my favorite aspects of Michelle Madow's books is the magical world she creates. She does it so wonderfully that it's obvious how much effort and commitment she puts into her writing. I enjoyed that Poison Sun was written from Amber and Morgan's perspective, and although I love Amber, I loved reading from Morgan's perspective; there is a way that she explains everything that you can't help but get captivated in her story. I’m hoping that the next book in the series will have her perspective as well. I understand that Damien is trying to protect Amber, but sometimes I feel that he is too harsh with her. I feel that he might push her away if he keeps doing it. 

Even though I sometimes doubt her judgments, I love Amber; she came a long way from the first book. There wasn’t a single page in this book that didn’t keep my attention, I found myself turning the pages, wanting to know what would happen next. I am eager to pick up the next book in series, and see what adventures and challenges await Amber, Damien, Morgan next! I would highly recommend this book to any fantasy fans.

A Resistance Of Witches.

 

 

  ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 

 Thank you to publisher,Penguin Group|Viking for providing me with E-ARC via  Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.

 

Stubborn, plain-spoken and from an unimpressive family, Lydia Polk never expected to be accepted into the Royal Academy of Witches. Eight years later, with Hitler’s army rampaging across Europe, the witches of Britain have joined the war effort, and Lydia is key to the she must use her magic to track down magical relics before Hitler—known to be obsessively seeking the artifacts himself—and his sycophants can. Then a Nazi witch infiltrates the Academy with heart-breaking consequences, leaving the coven shaken, exposed and the elder British witches have no interest in further loss of coven life in service of a government that has forced them into hiding for decades, no matter the consequences to the world. But with the discovery of the Grimorium Bellum, an ancient book that leaves a trail of death and destruction wherever it goes—one the Nazi coven is desperate to get their hands on—Lydia’s mission has never been more urgent. 

Alone and woefully outnumbered, Lydia makes her way to the heart of occupied France, where she finds allies in Rebecca Gagne—a fierce French resistance fighter chockful of secrets—and Henry Boudreaux—a handsome Haitian-American art historian with a little magic of his own. Together, they traverse the country, stalked by the natural and supernatural alike, in search of the grimoire. But, as Lydia soon discovers, finding the Grimorium Bellum is only half the the book has a dark agenda of its own. Lydia must subdue it before the witches of the Third Reich can use it—but she’ll have to survive the book herself, first. 

 

 🌷

 
What an intriguing and beautifully written debut! 

I had a feeling that I was going to love this, just from reading the synopsis of the book. I love historical fiction and books about witches, so I couldn't help but be captivated by this story. This story blew me away from the first to the last page, and when I got to the end, I wished there had been more. A Resistance of Witches affected me in so many ways; there is so much I can rave about this story. I've been reading books about witches since middle school, and I'd say this was the most unique one I've ever read. I loved the characters, their backgrounds, the action, and, particularly, the magical world created by Morgan Ryan. There wasn't a single page where I wasn't captivated by the story; every page had me wondering what would happen next to Lydia, Rebecca, and Henry, and whether they would all survive. 

A Resistance Of Witches is not a book you will be able to easily put down; I had trouble putting it down because I was so immersed in the story. There was so much going on that you couldn't help but turn the pages, and before you knew it, it was the middle of night. If it weren't for classes, I'd probably spend the whole night reading. I loved the way that author blended magic into the real world. The characters and their development throughout the story were amazing, especially Lydia, Rebecca, and Henry. Each of those characters had such depth, and the way they were written made them seem so real. I could say so much more what I loved about each of them, but I don’t want to give too much away. You will have to read for yourself to find out. 

A Resistance Of Witches is one of the best combinations of historical fiction and fantasy I've read. I loved how she described the book's characters and setting. The relationships in this book, particularly family relationships, were beautifully written. Morgan Ryan is an author to look out for! I’m eager to see what adventures she will take us on next. Highly recommended for fans of historical fantasy.

The Getaway.

 

 

  ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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

 

 

 RELEASE DATE: JUlY 25,2025.

 

Maddie and her long-term boyfriend, Tom, dream of a life living and working abroad, though right now they’re settling for a lovely vacation in the sunny European beach town. 

When Maddie is befriended by a lovely-seeming couple, who are living the digital nomad lifestyle, they make her an offer that feels hard to refuse… 

Swap houses, swap lives – just for a couple of weeks - and see if living abroad is a lifestyle that would really suit them. 

But as soon as they’ve handed keys over to their home in London, it becomes clear the couple aren’t who they’d seemed to be. And Maddie and Tom’s dream getaway is about to become a nightmare they could never have imagined…

 

 🌷

 
Wow, what a wild ride! Rona Halsall is a new author for me, so I was unsure what to expect from the story when I picked it up. I never know what to expect when I come across an author I've never read before. The Getaway surprised me in so many ways; I had trouble putting this book down at times. I was hooked from the first page until nearly the end of the book. There were a few pages in between that didn't capture my interest as much, but those didn't last long. One of my favorite aspects of this book was that there was always something happening on almost every page. One more page usually turned into hours because I couldn't seem to find a good stopping point. The best thriller/suspense books are those that keep you on the edge of your seat. 

I had conflicting feelings about some of the characters. I was suspicious of Tom from the moment his secret was revealed. If he kept that secret for so long, what else did he not tell Maddie? I was wary of him and wondered if what he told her was true, or if there was more. I loved the suspense; it was what kept me turning the pages, wanting to know what would happen next. Maddie, I liked her, but I had some conflicting feelings about her, mostly because of some of her decisions. For example, swapping houses with a couple she hardly knew? I knew nothing good would come of that decision. I liked how, despite everything that was going on, she never gave up. 

The cover and title are what drew me to the book. I'm extremely picky when it comes to thriller/suspense novels. I'm glad I had the opportunity to read this book; I enjoyed the pacing of the story and most of the characters. This is a book that will keep you on the edge of your seat, with quite a few unexpected twists. I'm excited to check out the other books by the author.

Baby, It's You(Clairesville,#1)

 

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

   Thank you to the author,Nicole Mikell for E-ARC, in exchange for an honest review.

 

 

 

 RELEASE DATE: JULY 30,2025.

 

Olive has spent years managing Whiskey Jane’s- a local dive bar tucked in the Tennessee mountains, famous for its strong drinks, wild theme nights and walls covered in written memories. It might not technically be her bar, but it’s her home. 

When Jane, the bar’s elderly owner, is no longer able to run it, and her absentee son Tripp decides to show up with a plan to sell it off, Olive knows she must think fast. 

In walks Hunter, a skateboarding filmmaker with a YouTube channel and an eye for a good story. What starts as an awkward first encounter leads to an unexpected partnership as they hatch a plan to work as a pair and save the bar. Together, they uncover decades of love, loss, and unforgettable nights. 

In the process of saving a place full of memories, they might just create their own. 

 

 🌷

There are so many emotions that are going through me right now. This book made me feel every emotion felt by the main characters, Olive and Hunter. I loved both of those characters, even though I didn't always agree with Olive's choices. I adored their connection, and I liked how it took time to develop; it felt realistic. All the characters were realistic, and that was one of the things I admired about this book. There were only a few characters I didn't like, but that was because they were difficult to like; especially Tripp, if it were me, I would have lost patience long ago. I was rooting for Olive and Hunter, hoping that their plan would be enough to save Whiskey Jane's. 

I adored the community, particularly at Whiskey Jane's, and how they looked out for one another. When Hunter and Olive interviewed others, I enjoyed hearing about their experiences with Whiskey Jane's and how it affected them. I fell in love with the bar after listening to their stories. I was rooting from the moment I found out what Tripp intended to do with the bar. I liked how it was told from both Olive's and Hunter's perspectives, giving us a glimpse of each character and forming a connection with both. It was clear that Hunter fell first for Olive. I was rooting for two of them all through the book. 

I adored the friendship between Ivy and Olive. It reminded me of myself and my close friends. The two of them had a true friendship. The character development in this book was outstanding, particularly for Olive. She changed in so many ways from the beginning of the book. I'm so glad I got to read this book. I'm excited to read Ivy's story in 20206. I highly recommend checking this book out!

Beach House Rules.

 

 

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

When Charlotte Sitterly’s husband is arrested for a white-collar crime, she and her daughter Iris are locked out of their house by the FBI and—what’s potentially even worse—thrust into the spotlight of @JuniperShoresSocialite, the town’s snarky anonymous Instagram account. Cut off from her bank accounts and feeling desperate, Charlotte takes up an acquaintance’s offer to stay at a beachfront former bed-and-breakfast that’s home to a community of single mothers and draws plenty of gossip in the small coastal North Carolina town. 

Charlotte and Iris find solace and are surprised by how much fun they’re having with the other families despite their circumstances. But when the women discover a secret link between them, it changes everything they thought they knew about the unconventional family they’ve created and leaves them wondering whether their coming together was a coincidence at all. Will the skeletons in the mommune closets help Charlotte and Iris reclaim their place in the Juniper Shores community—or shatter the sisterhood forever?

 

 🌷

 
I've been wanting to read Beach House Rules since I heard Kristy Woodson Harvey was writing a new book. In 2023, I discovered Kristy Woodson Harvey after reading her book, The Summer Of Songbirds. This is my third book by the author, and it will not be my last. I'm trying to find words to describe how this book made me feel; so many different emotions ran through my mind while reading it. I adore beach reads and have read several over the years; they are the type of books I can read all year. Beach House Rules was unlike other beach reads that I had read before, and that was one of the things that I liked about it; it was different. I liked the concept of mommune community and how all of those families came together and were always there for one another. I loved how Alice opened her home and tried to help others. Their bond and friendship reminded me of a few of my closest friends. 

I enjoyed reading Juniper Shores Socialite posts and how they developed throughout the story. However, just like everyone else, I couldn't help but wonder who was behind the posts and how they knew so much about everyone. I made a few guesses as I read the story. I enjoyed reading the book from three different perspectives, but it took me a while to connect with Iris' point of view. I thought it was slow at first, but as the story progressed, her point of view became more interesting, to the point where I couldn't put the book down because I was curious to see what would happen next. I was eager to see what would happen between her and Merit. I admired Iris' dedication to proving her father's innocence. 

I loved reading from Charlotte and Alice's perspectives; they were the two characters to whom I felt the most connected. I was hesitant about Alice at first, but as the story progressed, my views on her changed, and I found myself unable to believe the gossip about Alice. Within a few chapters, I was captivated by the plot and adored most of the characters. I felt like most of the characters in the mommune community were impossible not to love; they were all amazing in their own way. The setting was so vividly written, I imagined myself there with everyone. I’m so glad that I got a chance to read this book, and I cannot wait to check out rest of Kristy Woodson Harvey books. I know I'll be reading this author for years to come.

Atmosphere.

 

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

 

Joan Goodwin has been obsessed with the stars for as long as she can remember. Thoughtful and reserved, Joan is content with her life as a professor of physics and astronomy at Rice University and as aunt to her precocious niece, Frances. That is, until she comes across an advertisement seeking the first women scientists to join NASA’s Space Shuttle program. Suddenly, Joan burns to be one of the few people to go to space. 

Selected from a pool of thousands of applicants in the summer of 1980, Joan begins training at Houston’s Johnson Space Center, alongside an exceptional group of fellow candidates: Top Gun pilot Hank Redmond and scientist John Griffin, who are kind and easy-going even when the stakes are highest; mission specialist Lydia Danes, who has worked too hard to play nice; warm-hearted Donna Fitzgerald, who is navigating her own secrets; and Vanessa Ford, the magnetic and mysterious aeronautical engineer, who can fix any engine and fly any plane. 

As the new astronauts become unlikely friends and prepare for their first flights, Joan finds a passion and a love she never imagined. In this new light, Joan begins to question everything she thinks she knows about her place in the observable universe. 

Then, in December of 1984, on mission STS-LR9, everything changes in an instant.

 🌷

 
Another beautifully written, yet heartbreaking story by Tayor Jenkins Reid. 

This book affected me in so many ways; there are so many emotions that are going through me now. I had a feeling I would enjoy this book, but I had no idea how much it would affect me. I'm still thinking about the story and what happened. My emotions were all over the place during the ending. I shouldn't be surprised because I've read a few of Taylor Jenkins Reid's books and haven't found one that I didn't love. Aside from The Seven Husbands Of Evelyn Hugo, this is my favorite. I believe that Atmosphere is one of her most emotional books. I loved that it was about female astronauts in NASA during the 1980s. I enjoy reading science and space-related books, and this is already one of my favorites. There is a part of me that wonders what happened after the final page. I can't get this story out of my head, especially the characters, Joan and Vanessa. 

Dual timelines worked very effectively for this book. I adored them all; I enjoyed reading about both the mission and the process that led them there. I found myself almost holding my breath during the December 1984 timeline. There were so many emotions running through my mind as I was transformed into that mission; I felt everything the characters felt, including their fear and hope. I can't imagine having such a terrifying experience. When I was reading that timeline, there was no putting the book down because I was constantly on the edge of my seat. I loved reading the timelines that led to Joan, Vanessa, Lydia, Donna, Hank, and Griffin becoming astronauts, as well as the bond that some of them formed as a group. I was curious to see if they would end up on a mission together or separately, and who would be chosen first. 

I adored Vanessa and Joan's relationship. It felt very real and raw. They had a special connection from the moment they met. I liked how their relationship progressed and how they looked out for each other. I think they're one of my favorite couples. I was rooting for the two of them since the beginning. Besides their relationship, I adored the relationship between Joan and her niece, Frances. I smiled at the most scenes between the two of them. Frances needed someone like Joan. I enjoyed learning about stars and NASA's astronaut selection program. I felt like I learned a lot more just from reading this book. I even did my own research after finishing the book. This is an inspirational book that you won't forget.

The Au Pair Effect(Big Shots,#2)

 

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

 

Tallulah is smart, vivacious, and studying to be a marine biologist. She’s also twenty-six and broke. So when Burgess, a battle-scarred hockey veteran and newly single dad, offers her a job as his live-in nanny, she jumps at the opportunity to get paid while living in a super fancy neighborhood and being around Lissa, his cool but introverted tween. 

Her tween charge isn’t the only one who could use some help fitting in, though. According to…well, everyone except Burgess, he needs to get back on the dating scene, and adventurous Tallulah is just the girl to show him how. But as boundaries are slowly crossed and Burgess finds himself pulled between his daughter, who wants her parents back together, and his insane chemistry with Tallulah, a huge rift is formed, and Tallulah does the “right” thing—breaks her own heart and walks away. 

Though Burgess knows it’s for the best—he’s too jaded, with too much baggage—a chance meeting, and a new push from his daughter, forces him to put everything on the line and fight to prove he learned his lessons well and is worthy of a happily ever after with Tallulah. 

 

 🌷

 
I am officially in love with this series. I now understand why people are talking about Tessa Bailey; my only regret is that I did not start reading her books earlier. There is something about the way Bailey writes her books, especially the way she portrays the characters' emotions, that you cannot help but fall in love with. I have been curious about Tallulah since she appeared in the first book, Fangirl Down . When she accepted the job in the first book, I was already looking forward to the next one and wondering if she would regret working for a guy she barely knew. I could tell that there was instant connection between Tallulah and Burgess, even if Tallulah was too stubborn to admit. Burgess's dedication to Tallulah was charming, though he could be overprotective at times. 

I adored Lissa and Tallulah's relationship; Lissa clearly looked up to Tallulah. However, I was curious if her feelings for Tallulah would change if she knew how she felt about her father. I was relieved Lissa had someone like Tallulah; she needed someone like that in her life. I believe Tallulah and Burgess needed someone like that in their lives. I'm curious to see what happens to three of them after the last page, and where their lives will take them next. Tallulah is the type of character that you can't help but love, and I love the way she makes friends with others, such as Chloe. Tallulah had such an impact on almost everyone she met, particularly Burgess. 

Even though this was a fictional story, I appreciated how it addressed some real-world issues. I wish there was more hockey in the book; it was briefly mentioned, but not as much as I expected. I enjoyed the humor in the book, which made it much more enjoyable to read. I'm excited to check out Sig and Chloe's story in Dream Girl Drama; something about their connection in this book makes me curious about what happens next. Highly recommended for romance fans.

Heartless Hunter(Crimson Moth,#1)

 

 

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

 

Spending her days pretending to be nothing more than a vapid young socialite, Rune spends her nights as the Crimson Moth, a witch vigilante who rescues her kind from being purged. When a rescue goes wrong, she decides to throw the witch hunters off her scent and gain the intel she desperately needs by courting the handsome Gideon Sharpe – a notorious and unforgiving witch hunter loyal to the revolution – who she can't help but find herself falling for. 

Gideon loathes the decadence and superficiality Rune represents, but when he learns the Crimson Moth has been using Rune’s merchant ships to smuggle renegade witches out of the republic, he inserts himself into her social circles by pretending to court her right back. He soon realizes that beneath her beauty and shallow façade, is someone fiercely intelligent and tender who feels like his perfect match. Except, what if she’s the very villain he’s been hunting?

 🌷

 
I heard about Heartless Hunter and picked up the book several times. However, I did not have a chance to read it until now. I was excited when Heartless Hunter was selected for my book club book for July. I was hooked on the story after only a few pages. I was eager to find out what adventures and challenges Rune encounters. I was curious about what would happen between Rune and Gideon. I was curious whether the two of them would be able to pretend or fall in love. At first, I didn't notice anything between the two of them, especially since I knew they were pretending. Then I noticed it: Gideon was acting differently around her, and I knew it wasn't an act anymore. I found myself rooting for both. I wanted them to end up together. 

Then there was Alex, and I loved their friendship. Although I could tell Alex cared about Rune, it wasn't just friendship. Part of me wanted Rune to end up with Alex instead; he was a safer option for her. However, I had a feeling she didn't feel the same way about Alex as she did about Gideon. I didn't feel the same connection between Alex and Rune that I did between Rune and Gideon. Yet, I was eager to see what would happen. I thought there would be more character development for Rune than there was. 

I enjoyed escaping into this magical world. I love books about magic and witches. I had read several books about witches. This was a unique perspective on witches and witch hunters. The end...I still can't get over that ending; it made me wish I had the next book to find out what happens next. I kept thinking about it after I finished the book. I liked how it was written from Rune's and Gideon's perspectives, giving us a different perspective on the story. I can't wait to pick up Rebel Witch and see how everything ends.

Counting Miracles.

 

 

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Tanner Hughes was raised by his grandparents, following in his grandfather’s military footsteps to become an Army Ranger. His whole life has been spent abroad, and he is the proverbial rolling stone: happiest when off on his next adventure, zero desire to settle down. But when his grandmother passes away, her last words to him are find where you belong. She also drops a bombshell, telling him the name of the father he never knew—and where to find him. 

Tanner is due at his next posting soon, but his curiosity is piqued, and he sets out for Asheboro, North Carolina, to ask around. He’s been in town less than twenty-four hours when he meets Kaitlyn Cooper, a doctor and single mom. They both feel an immediate connection; Tanner knows Kaitlyn has a story to tell, and he wants to hear it. To Kaitlyn, Tanner is mysterious, exciting—and possibly leaving in just a few weeks. 

Meanwhile, nearby, eighty-three-year-old Jasper lives alone in a cabin bordering a national forest. With only his old dog, Arlo, for company, he lives quietly, haunted by a tragic accident that took place decades before. When he hears rumors that a white deer has been spotted in the forest—a creature of legend that inspired his father and grandfather—he becomes obsessed with protecting the deer from poachers. 

As these characters’ fates orbit closer together, none of them is expecting a miracle . . . but that may be exactly what is about to alter their futures forever.

 

 🌷

 
A beautifully written, yet heartbreaking story that you will never forget. 

Another astonishing story by Nicholas Sparks. I shouldn't be surprised given that I've been reading his books since I was 16 years old. He's the author who got me into romance books. I own most of his books and look forward to his new ones. I received Counting Miracles as a gift last year, and now that I finally had a chance to read it, I wish I had read it sooner. I loved most of Nicholas Sparks that I read over the years, but I think this one has become one of my favorites. My heart broke several times while reading Counting Miracles, but I couldn't stop reading; I wanted to see the characters find their happily ever after, or at least I hoped they would. 

Counting Miracles is told from three perspectives: Kaitlyn, Tanner, and Jasper. I knew there was a reason why Jasper's story was told separately, and I couldn't help but wonder how the two stories would connect. It came together in the most unexpected way; again, Sparks surprised me, and I loved it. His writing, particularly from Jasper's point of view, was so vivid and almost poetic that I could see the story playing in my head, like a movie. I was so intrigued by the white deer that I conducted my own research after finishing the book. I loved the descriptions of the setting; I felt transformed there. Reading Sparks' books, I feel as if I'm learning so much about North Carolina. 

At the beginning, I was as into Jasper’s story, I was more interested in what would happen with Kaitlyn and Tanner. However, as the story progressed; once Jasper heard about the white deer, his story got more intriguing for me. I adored Tanner and Kaitlyn's relationship, but I wondered how it would work when Tanner left. I couldn't get enough of this book; every page left me craving more. Even if you haven't read Nicholas Sparks but love stories about family, love, loss, and faith, I would recommend checking this book out! I'm already looking forward to his next one!

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.