I had really high hopes for The Alchemy of Flowers by Laura Resau. This women’s fiction novel promised magical realism, romance, mystery, and lots and lots of flowers. While all these things appear in the book, I still feel there could have been more.
A little more magical realism. A little more suspense. And a lot less romance.
Let’s get into it.
What is The Alchemy of Flowers about?
The Alchemy of Flowers is about mid-forties...
Smoke on the Wind is the perfect read for #cozygirlsummer.
This novel by Kelli Estes is set in the glorious Scottish Highlands. It transports you to a land steeped in ancient Celtic folklore and mystery; a starkly beautiful landscape amidst rolling fog; and fires burning in the hearth after long country walks.
Are you looking for a summer read that's not set on a sun-drenched tropical island? Then run to your nearest bookstore to pick up Smoke...
I wanted to read all of Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea. But I DNF’d this women’s fiction novel about a bitter woman who's a shitty friend, mentally absent and resentful mother, obnoxious daughter-in-law, and iffy wife. Oh, yeah, she's also an alcoholic.
I could easily go on a ten-page rant about all the things that bothered me about this book. But, I’m going to keep this review concise. Kinda.
What’s Between the Devil and...
Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall is the hot new book in town. It’s being compared to Where the Crawdads Sing, and it was the March 2025 pick for Reese’s Book Club. I’m sure a movie adaptation is in the works, whether we’ve heard of it or not.
What did I think of Broken Country? I liked it. But, I didn’t love it. It’s no Where the Crawdads Sing, I’ll tell you that much. Let’s get into it!
What’s Broken Country about?...
Tartlets, I was super excited when I saw the publication announcement for The Medici Curse by Daco S. Auffenorde. It promised Gothic suspense, missing family jewels, a potential family curse -- and, it's set in Italy. It all sounds so good.
Unfortunately, I added The Medici Curse to my DNF pile. Let's talk about why.
What’s The Medici Curse about?
In The Medici Curse, Anna de’ Medici Rossi inherits her childhood home: an opulent...
I’m just gonna say it: The Paris Express is my least favorite Emma Donoghue novel. *cries*
But I’ve loved so many of this author’s books that I suppose she’s allowed a clunker here and there, right?
Right???? *sigh*
What’s The Paris Express about? The Paris Express is a multi-POV novel (yep, another one) about people aboard a fast-moving train traveling across France that is – not a spoiler – doomed to crash. It’s based on a...
I’m announcing it right now: the book of the summer is The Amalfi Curse.
Tartlets, I devoured this new novel from Sarah Penner in a little over one day. I could not put it down, and I adored every page of this literary blockbuster.
What’s The Amalfi Curse about? The Amalfi Curse introduces us to modern-day Haven, a nautical archaeologist (aka, a scuba diver who loves exploring shipwrecks) who’s sent on a diving expedition off the coast...
Congrats to When the Wolf Comes Home for being my first five-star read of 2025. Tartlets, this book. Blew. My. Freaking. Mind.
Nat Cassidy is a relatively new author to me. I read his previous novel, Nestlings, which I thought was fantastic. When the Wolf Comes Home is billed as a monster story, which isn’t my favorite genre of horror. I was tempted to sit this one out.
I am SO glad that I didn’t miss reading this one!
What’s When the...
It’s rare when a new literary voice stops me in my tracks, but that's exactly with The Continental Divide did.
There seem to be more debut books than ever these days, and I’m often left wondering how certain people ended up getting voted into the literary field of acceptance. Bob Johnson is a debut author who 100% deserves to be published. His book of short stories is a wonderful example of what great writing can do for you – or, do to...
My 50-page rule strikes again! It took me a little while to become invested in Mirror Me. I’m glad I persevered because I ended up really enjoying this unique and twisty psychological thriller from Lisa Willamson Rosenberg.
What’s Mirror Me about? Mirror Me is about Eddie, who dramatically demands entrance to a psych hospital one night after thinking he murdered his lover, Lucy (who also happens to be his brother’s fiancé…). The...
