The universe works in funny ways. The morning before I started reading The Place Where They Buried Your Heart, I was typing up my notes for a Dark Side of the Word episode. And I wrote down, with much regret, that “nothing really scares me anymore” because I’ve read so many horror novels.
That night, I was awake until 2am reading this new supernatural suspense novel from Christina Henry. And I was totally afraid to get out of bed and...
I waited a long time to read The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon. At least, it feels like I did.
This historical fiction novel published in December 2023, and I started seeing its beautiful book cover appear on Instagram not long after. Everyone who recommended it to me told me it was a great “winter read.”
I love me a good seasonal read, so even though my library had the book in stock somewhere around June 2024, I held off. I wanted to read...
First of all, many thanks to author Gail Priest for reaching out to me about her novel Soul Dancing. Gail’s a loyal Tartlet, and she offered to send me a review copy of her book since she knows I love women’s fiction and supernatural stories.
Well, Gail, let’s remove all the suspense – I loved Soul Dancing. I’m so glad you sent it my way!
What’s Soul Dancing about?
We meet elderly main character Shirlene at the very beginning of...
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...
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 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...
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...
