Last month I shared a backlist book, April and Oliver, by author Tess Callahan. Continuing that dramatic and intensely emotional story with her newestLast month I shared a backlist book, April and Oliver, by author Tess Callahan. Continuing that dramatic and intensely emotional story with her newest book, Dawn Land, we now have a shiny new book about April and Oliver.
Oliver is April’s brother-in-law, and along with their families, they are in Cape Cod, visiting a pristine beach called Dawnland. April and Oliver are long settled into their marriages; however, the spark between them is not gone. Not only that, but there are fractures all around them with this family… No one is on the most solid footing. There’s a sense of dread from the very beginning of the story. Will the family survive this week spent together as all their secrets are unearthed?
As with April and Oliver, the writing is beautiful here. Tess Callahan’s characters feel complex and authentic. It’s a solid exploration of family secrets. It’s also about all the different kinds of love, but most of all, love and loyalty for family. Most of all, it feels relatable and like real life, which are always my favorite kinds of stories.
Quick thoughts: Everyone on Goodreads has been loving this book, and I could not wait to pick it up! Unfortunately, I read it in March and missed postQuick thoughts: Everyone on Goodreads has been loving this book, and I could not wait to pick it up! Unfortunately, I read it in March and missed posting my review. I would not want to miss sharing this one!
The synopsis is the perfect lead-in. I’m really tempted to leave it at that. Did Tate Kinsella commit murder? The way Ruth Mancini has layered and fashioned this intricately woven, complex tale, you’ll be kept guessing from beginning to end.
If you are looking for an original and true psychological thriller, don’t miss The Woman on the Ledge! What a ride! This was exactly the type of fresh thriller I enjoy most.
I will read anything Jane Green writes, and I was super excited to spend time with this clever short story.
Lucy is recently divorced, but unlike the I will read anything Jane Green writes, and I was super excited to spend time with this clever short story.
Lucy is recently divorced, but unlike the other divorcees in her circle, she’s not looking to get back into a relationship right away. She finally meets Elle, and they become fast friends. It’s almost too good to be true how close they become. It turns out Elle may not be at all who she seems.
In a mere 44 pages, Jane Green has delivered an all-consuming story full of emotion. Wait until the ending! ...more
Aimie Runyan’s newest historical novel has a fascinating French flair. Have you ever wondered how the Eiffel Tower came to be, this that story throughAimie Runyan’s newest historical novel has a fascinating French flair. Have you ever wondered how the Eiffel Tower came to be, this that story through Claire Eiffel’s eyes. Claire was a real historical figure, and the re-imagining of her life is so compelling.
When her mother passes away, Claire becomes the maternal figure for her siblings. She is also an artist. She helps her dad with his work and continues to make sacrifices throughout her life.
The story goes on to cover her friendship and later marriage to Adolphe. The writing is silky smooth and fully immerses one in this grand story.
Overall, Mademoiselle Eiffel is a beautiful tribute to family and the tower that became a landmark for generations. Another favorite by this author.
Catherine Newman’s We All Want Impossible Things was one of my favorite books of 2023, and just as soon as I saw Sandwich hit @goodreads, with its earCatherine Newman’s We All Want Impossible Things was one of my favorite books of 2023, and just as soon as I saw Sandwich hit @goodreads, with its early blank cover, I added it to my TBR and began stalking its release, and here it is!
How does Catherine Newman pack so much into this slim story? The emotion… the HUMOR… I read this one in a couple of quick sittings and shared many anecdotes with my mom that had her chuckling, too. Life is so much easier when you can find the humor in the mundane, especially when you can laugh at yourself, which Newman conveys so well though the insights of her characters.
Rocky is the star of the novel, and she’s perfectly imperfect. If you’ve ever had a single hot flash, you can understand some of her emotions, and if you’ve ever made a hard choice you may have second guessed for years, you will feel seen by Rocky’s story, too.
The story takes place during a week spent at the beach together, following a family tradition held for years. The same house, the same family members with an addition or two, the same big love, and also the secrets lingering just below the surface.
I’m most grateful for a story of someone meandering through midlife the best she can, with real struggles, lots of emotion, and shifting dynamics; all balanced with characters who have good hearts, who feel like real people, and who make it through, with the help of each other, even when it’s very, very hard.
Sandwich is what I call the perfect read. It has everything I want in a story and delivered every ounce of what I hoped it would be. I sent Catherine Newman a DM while reading and asked if she could please write all the books. ...more
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted book. I also purchased the audiobook, narrated by the author, from @librofm for an exceptional read/listen. Thank you to the publisher for the gifted book. I also purchased the audiobook, narrated by the author, from @librofm for an exceptional read/listen. If you are a fan of audiobooks, I highly suggest the audio.
If you read through that synopsis, you know Brittany Means has had more than her share of trauma and difficulties. Her childhood was filled with truly horrific experiences. It was not easy to read, and I mean that with all sincerity. So tough. So hard. This was Brittany’s early life, and she so bravely shares it for us to witness, and through her sharing we come to find how she heals.
One of the most unique aspects of the sharing is that Brittany relays the complexity of those who hurt her; that they themselves have been hurt, too. Brittany Means’ story of resilience is built from empathy and understanding; it’s one that leaves a mark and one I know will stay with me for a very long time.
Friends with Secrets is a fun thriller with characters, Ainsley and Nikki. Ainsley’s life is picture-perfect. Her husband is a politician, and they haFriends with Secrets is a fun thriller with characters, Ainsley and Nikki. Ainsley’s life is picture-perfect. Her husband is a politician, and they have two beautiful children. But Ainsley is not who she appears, and she worries constantly she will be found out.
Nikki is a stay-at-home mom of four. Her life is very low profile, and she misses the television news job she used to have.
Eventually, Ainsley shares her dark past with Nikki, and they work together to expose someone new in their lives, while also forging a friendship.
Friends with Secrets is described as funny, and it really did make me giggle at times. It’s an unconventional story of friendship and how much more you can get accomplished when you have someone there to rely on. And it’s just more fun with friends, too. Overall, I really enjoyed this journey with Nikki and Ainsley and their well-done story.
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