The Star Society by Gabriella Saab @harpermusebooks #bookreview #historicalfiction

Overview

Inspired by the indomitable spirit of Audrey Hepburn, this gripping story follows two extraordinary sisters as they reunite after World War II, embarking on a journey of justice, survival, and secrets amid the backdrop of the Red Scare in Hollywood.

A new name, a new country, and a coveted title as Hollywood’s newest rising star: by 1946, actress Ada Worthington-Fox has discarded the life she left in war-torn Arnhem, where she worked for the Dutch resistance before Gestapo imprisonment prompted her to flee after release. But that life is thrust back into the spotlight when Ingrid–the sister she believed dead–shows up on her doorstep.

Politically-minded Ingrid escaped the Nazi invasion of Arnhem and fled to Washington, DC, where she became a private investigator. Now, she has been sent to root out Communist influences in Hollywood. Her target: Ada Worthington-Fox, the sister she long thought lost to her. Ingrid must hide her true purpose as she shields Ada from sneaky reporters, damaging rumors, and increasing threats, all while fighting to uncover which side her sister is truly on before Ingrid’s efforts to help her are too late.

Yet, Ada has her own mission: locating the Gestapo agent who terrorized her hometown and bringing him to justice. But delving into her past would risk alerting the press to a life too personal to expose. As the rising fear of Communism threatens everyone, she turns to her sister, believing Ingrid’s ties to Washington may be her only hope for success.

But the connections between Ada’s elusive Nazi and Ingrid’s Communist witch hunt might be stronger than they realize. Both sisters share the darkest secret of all, one that risks their very lives if ever exposed. As they come closer to identifying Ada’s target and as Ingrid’s investigation intensifies, they will need to decide what is more important: justice or safety, keeping silent or taking a stand, and, above all, if their loyalty to one another is worth risking the post-war lives they’ve fought to build.

A thrilling historical novel that transports readers from the shadows of the Dutch resistance to the glitz and glamour of Hollywood.

Review

A new name, a new country, and a coveted title as Hollywood’s newest rising star: by 1946, actress Ada Worthington-Fox has discarded the life she left in war-torn Arnhem, where she worked for the Dutch resistance before Gestapo imprisonment prompted her to flee after release. But that life is thrust back into the spotlight when Ingrid–the sister she believed dead–shows up on her doorstep.

This story starts a bit slow but stick with it. It turns into a family drama, a war tale, a romance, a red scare and more!

I enjoyed how this played out. You cannot help but love Ada and Ingrid. Both have different issues going on. And trust me! The drama between these two will keep the reader on their toes. Throw in their mother…oh boy!

The narrator, Saskia Maarleveld, has become one of my favorites narrators over the past year. She does a great job.

Need a twisted, Hollywood tale…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.

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The Shop On Hidden Lane by Jayne Ann Krentz #bookreview @berkleypub

Overview

New York Times bestselling author Jayne Ann Krentz dives into an enthralling new romantic suspense novel filled with deeply entrenched grudges, psychic dangers, and a conspiracy that threatens not only two families but also the entire paranormal community.

The Harper and the Wells families have regarded each other with deep suspicion for four generations. The Harpers have been known to offer their psychic talents for less-than-legal purposes, and the powerful Wells clan has a reputation for playing both sides of the street. But for all the years of history and distrust between them, there is a mysterious pact binding the two. They share the responsibility for protecting a long-buried and very dangerous secret.

Sophy Harper and Luke Wells are shocked to learn that her aunt and his uncle have been sleeping together—and now they are both missing. Not only that, but the last traces of them are at the scene of a murder soaked in negative paranormal energy. Clearly, someone is willing to kill to obtain the secret their families have been charged with protecting. Despite their mutual distrust, which, as far as Sophy is concerned extends to Luke’s hellhound of a dog, they both know that the terms of the pact must be honored. 

Their investigation uncovers a psychic trail leading to a bizarre desert art colony where nothing is as it seems. But Luke and Sophy are concealing a few secrets, too. By a strange twist of fate, a Harper and a Wells have no choice but to trust each other and the fierce attraction that is binding them as surely as the pact between the families.

Review

I have not read this author in decades. She was a staple in my teens and twenties. So, reading this book was like coming home! Now, this is not my normal genre. I am not a big romantasy reader. But no one creates characters quite like this author.

Sophy Harper and Luke Wells are shocked to learn that her aunt and his uncle have been sleeping together—and now they are both missing. These two team up, despite a family feud. Their investigation uncovers a psychic trail leading to a bizarre desert art colony where nothing is as it seems. But Luke and Sophy are concealing a few secrets, too. By a strange twist of fate, a Harper and a Wells have no choice but to trust each other and the fierce attraction that is binding them as surely as the pact between the families.

Oh boy! I loved Sophy. I enjoyed her mystical “talent”. Then there is Luke. He is the strong silent type. That is, until Sophy is in danger. Add in the dog, Bruce, and you have one heck of an investigation team.

This is a tale which will have you chasing strange situations in the Arizona desert.

Need an enemies to lovers romance…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

I received this novel for a honest review.

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The Storm by Rachel Hawkins #bookreview #audiobook @macmillamaudio

Overview

HURRICANE SEASON CAN BE MURDER • A January 2026 Indie Next Pick • “Sexy and full of surprises, The Storm is an ideal curl-up-by-the-fire read.” —Real Simple

St. Medard’s Bay, Alabama is famous for three things: the deadly hurricanes that regularly sweep into town, the Rosalie Inn, a century-old hotel that’s survived every one of those storms, and Lo Bailey, the local girl infamously accused of the murder of her lover, political scion Landon Fitzroy, during Hurricane Marie in 1984.

When Geneva Corliss, the current owner of the Rosalie Inn, hears a writer is coming to town to research the crime that put St. Medard’s Bay on the map, she’s less interested in solving a whodunnit than in how a successful true crime book might help the struggling inn’s bottom line. But to her surprise, August Fletcher doesn’t come to St. Medard’s Bay alone. With him is none other than Lo Bailey herself. Lo says she’s returned to her hometown to clear her name once and for all, but the closer Geneva gets to both Lo and August, the more she wonders if Lo is actually back to settle old scores.

As the summer heats up and another monster storm begins twisting its way towards St. Medard’s Bay, Geneva learns that some people can be just as destructive—and as deadly—as any hurricane, and that the truth of what happened to Landon Fitzroy may not be the only secret Lo is keeping…

Review

Now, this is not my favorite book by this author. It is still a good read. My favorite is The Heiress. But you cannot go wrong with any of her books!

St. Medard’s Bay, Alabama is famous for three things: the deadly hurricanes that regularly sweep into town, the Rosalie Inn, a century-old hotel that’s survived every one of those storms, and Lo Bailey, the local girl infamously accused of the murder of her lover, political scion Landon Fitzroy, during Hurricane Marie in 1984.

Let me start with saying, the setting of this book is great. It is the Alabama gulf coast. I have spent quite a lot of time down there so this book has me wanting to go back!

The mystery slowly builds around great characters. I enjoyed Lo and her story. Then there is August. He is definitely an enigma and one you won’t soon forget!And the final twist…I did see that coming!

This is narrated by whole team, Alex Knox, Cathi Colas, Dan Bittner, Jane Oppenheimer, Patti Murin, Petrea Burchard, Stephanie Németh-Parker. This just made the whole story so much better. I love a good tag team.

Need a good southern mystery…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today!

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.

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Just Add Happiness by Julie Hatcher #bookreview

Overview

From the author of Not Quite by the Book comes a deliciously witty novel about second chances, secret identities, and the art of rising above life’s bitter moments.

At forty-six, Sophie Bianco’s life is half baked—trapped in a controlling marriage and estranged from her critical mother. Her only solace? The Invisible Baker, her secret business helping overwhelmed moms create Pinterest-worthy moments.

When her mother’s death coincides with the last straw in her marriage, Sophie grabs her chance. Armed with divorce papers and her savings, she reclaims her childhood home. But freedom comes with complications: hoarder-level chaos, plumbing disasters, and an ex-husband plotting revenge. When her daughter announces an engagement that echoes Sophie’s own mistakes, the past threatens to repeat itself.

Desperate for income, Sophie takes a position as a pastry chef, finding unexpected sweetness in both the work and the charming restaurant owner. But as family drama and professional opportunities collide, Sophie must finally answer the question she’s been avoiding: Who is she when she’s no longer invisible?

Review

I absolutely loved Sophie!

At forty-six, Sophie Bianco’s life is half baked—trapped in a controlling marriage and estranged from her critical mother. Her only solace? The Invisible Baker, her secret business helping overwhelmed moms create Pinterest-worthy moments.

There is so much I loved about this book. I loved Sophie. I loved the premise for her hidden bakery. I enjoyed the family secret, just to name a few. Add in the secrets her ex husband is keeping and you will be quickly engrossed in this book.

This was very close to a five star read for me. The only reason I floundered in that rating is the money. There are quite a few places that Sophie talks about being out of money, but yet she turns around and spends a lot on certain things like a forensic accountant and yet she can’t pay a plumber. It’s minor I know. This just bothered me a little bit.

But y’all! This book will keep you glued to the pages…yes I know that is a cliché..but it really will!

Need an all around good tale…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

I received this novel for a honest review.

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My Five Star Reads of 2025 #bookreviews # 5starreads #wrapup

Every year I say I am going to start on this post earlier and I never do. And it takes some time to pull all this together. Maybe I will get my act together in 2026 and do it as I go!

Here are my stats for the year!

Without further ado….these are in order of appearance!

The Stolen Queen
The Lotus Shoes
Good Dirt
Come Fly With Me
Every Precious and Fragile Thing
The Jackal’s Mistress
The Story She Left Behind
Fun For the Whole Family
The Song of the Blue Bottle Tree
Coram House
The Other Sister
The Last Secret Agent
The Love Haters
The Ghostwriter
King of Ashes
The Stolen Life of Colette Marceau
Wayward Girls
That Last Carolina Summer
Under the Stars
The Lies They Told
We Are All Guilty Here
A Thousand Ways to Die
The Mad Wife
Bon App!
The Missing Pages
The First Time I Saw Him
Falling Apart and Other Gifts From the Universe
Nash Falls
Before I Forget
The World At Home
Kentucky Bourbon
Skylark

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The Ex-Girlfriend Murder Club by Gloria Chao #audiobook @harlequinbooks

Overview

An Instant USA TODAY Bestseller!

In this laugh-out-loud murder mystery, three women dating the same man band together to get revenge, but when they discover his body, they’ll need to solve his murder before they go down for it.

The body in the closet was going to be a problem. Kathryn Hu knew it. Yes, Tucker Jones was a cheating scumbag, and yes, she’d agreed to meet Olivia and Elle—Tucker’s other girlfriends—to exact revenge for all he’d put them through… But then they found him. Dead. 

Do they look guilty? Yes.

Do they feel guilty for having wished him dead just hours before? Maybe a little.

But—solid motive and a crime scene covered in their DNA aside—they’re innocent. They swear.

To clear their names, Kat, Olivia, and Elle team up to find the real killer. But as they go undercover and lie to everyone, including the hot detective working the case, they realize that every person in their ex’s life had a reason to want him dead. Will they uncover the truth before they go down for a murder they didn’t commit?

Filled with humor and shenanigans, The Ex-Girlfriend Murder Club is a romp of an adventure by award-winning author Gloria Chao, perfect for fans of Dial A for Aunties, Finlay Donovan Is Killing It and John Tucker Must Die.

Review

Three women dating the same man band together to get revenge, but when they discover his body, they’ll need to solve his murder before they go down for it.

This is not as “laugh out loud” funny as it says in the blurb. But it is cute and adorable. I found myself smiling on more than one occasion.

I loved these characters, especially Kathryn Hu. She is a woman after my own heart. And her mother….she is a hot mess! Add in Olivia and Elle and you have a great “Get out of jail free” card.

This is more than just a murder mystery with revenge. It is all that…but it is also about friendship and having each other’s backs!

This is narrated by Carolyn Kang. I loved her!! Excellent job!

Need a quick, fun read…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.

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Daughter of Genoa by Kat Devereaux #historicalfiction #bookreview

Overview

Enthralling and eloquently bittersweet—a vivid historical portrait of the pivotal yet overlooked struggle to save Italian Jews in WWII, and how one unforgettable woman risks everything for love. Devereaux writes with great authority and masterfully blends imagination and history. A deeply affective novel that captivated me from the first page.” — Shelly Sanders, bestselling author of Daughters of The Occupation and The Night Sparrow

“Based on a true story, The Daughter of Genoa is a moving and inspiring story, revealing the hope, humanity, and quiet heroism of ordinary people in their extraordinary efforts to help others. A powerful journey of heartbreak, love, and bravery, this is a book that will stay with readers for a long time.” — Madeline Martin, New York Times bestselling author of The Booklover’s Library 

The author of Escape to Florence returns with a thrilling adventure set in the war-torn 1940s and inspired by true events, about a young woman who risks everything to help Jewish Italians flee the fascists, and falls in love with the brave aviator behind a daring secret rescue operation.

Anna’s family fled to America years ago, to escape the Fascist regime, but Anna had stayed behind. Alone and terrified of discovery, Anna meets Father Vittorio, a Jesuit priest who takes her to shopkeepers Bernardo and Silvia, an older couple who offer shelter and safety without question. But when Anna discovers that this kind, quiet couple is part of a network of ordinary people daring to help Father Vittorio smuggle Jewish citizens, stripped of their status and rights, out of Italy, she is determined to help.

Anna offers skills essential to the cause: she has a deft hand at ledgers and forgery, talents she learned at the high-powered job she held before the Racial Laws were passed—a past she conceals. Working in secrecy, not knowing others’ real names or sharing her own, Anna begins producing fake identity cards and soon meets another member of the operation: a man known as Mr. X., whom she recognizes instantly as the wealthy aviator Massimo Teglio. And suddenly, without warning—despite the threat of imprisonment, torture, and death—Anna finds herself taking the most dangerous of risk of all: falling in love. And she’s not the only one.

Based on the true story of the DELASEM—the Delegation for the Assistance of Jewish Emigrants, an organization of brave volunteers working tirelessly to save innocent lives from the concentration camps—Daughter of Genoa is a poignant look at those who loved and lost yet continued to risk everything to create a better world.

Review

Anna’s family fled to America years ago, to escape the Fascist regime, but Anna had stayed behind. Anna meets Father Vittorio, a Jesuit priest who takes her to shopkeepers Bernardo and Silvia, an older couple who offer shelter and safety without question. But when Anna discovers that this kind, quiet couple is part of a network of ordinary people daring to help Father Vittorio smuggle Jewish citizens, stripped of their status and rights, out of Italy, she is determined to help.

This story has a bit of everything…romance, forbidden love, loss, war and resilience.

Anna is such a strong character. I loved her tenacity. And Father Vittorio endears himself to the reader in so many ways.

Now, I will say some of the conversations seemed a bit “canned”. But the story itself is unique and to know it is based on a true story just made it so much better!

The narrator, Carlotta Brentan, did a great job. And there are quite a few male voices and she was distinctive with each one.

Need a tale of strength and resistance…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.

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The Book of Reservations by Laura Buchwald #bookreview

Overview

Between the living and the lost, one woman delivers the truth.

Josie Gray has always believed Miss Sylvie’s Bistrot could be a sanctuary for the living… and the dead, with whom she can communicate. As the restaurant struggles to survive in Greenwich Village, the challenges of running a kitchen collide with the demands of her gift, and Josie finds herself stretched thinner than ever.

Her partner, Derek, is becoming distant, unable to reconcile Josie’s insistence on setting the ghost table each night with the practical realities of their business. The tension between them grows, threatening the dream they once shared. Meanwhile, the staff begins to unravel, caught in the schemes of a manipulative new manager and a mysterious sous chef, and the spirits Josie communicates with grow increasingly restless.

Pulled into the unfinished stories of the living and the dead, Josie is tasked with delivering long-buried truths and messages that could alter lives. Each encounter forces her to confront what she owes to others and to herself, and to question whether she can remain anchored in a world that rarely believes in the things she sees.

In the second installment of The Ghost Table trilogy, Josie discovers that every haunting begins with a longing to be heard. Amid the clatter of the kitchen and the whispers of the departed, she must learn how to nourish not just the living, but her own restless heart.

Review

Let me start with…I love this cover.

Josie Gray has always believed Miss Sylvie’s Bistrot could be a sanctuary for the living… and the dead, with whom she can communicate. As the restaurant struggles to survive in Greenwich Village, the challenges of running a kitchen collide with the demands of her gift, and Josie finds herself stretched thinner than ever.

I enjoy a good ghost story and this one is full of ghosts. This added so much to the charm and secrecy of this tale.

However, this is 3.5 stars rounded up. I got a bit bored with all the restaurant stuff. And to tell you the truth, I wanted to slap Derek on more than one occasion. He does realize how he is treating Josie. And Josie is a bit too forgiving. This drove me a bit nuts as well. She does it with everyone. I wanted her to grow a backbone.

But like I said, I love the ghosts. And the ghost table is a unique idea!

Need a good ghost story to start your week…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

I received this novel for a honest review.

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An Arcane Inheritance by Kamilah Cole #bookreview @pppress

Overview

Elle Magazine Best Fantasy and Science-Fiction Book of 2025

A modern-day dark academia fantasy with a twist, perfect for fans of Babel and A Deadly Education.

Warren University has stood amongst the ivy elite for centuries, built on the bones—and forbidden magic—of its most prized BIPOC students…hiding the rot of a secret society that will do anything to keep their own powers burning bright. No matter who they must sacrifice along the way.

Ellory Morgan is determined to prove that she belongs at Warren University, an ivy league school whose history is deeply linked to occult rumors and dark secrets. But as she settles into her Freshman year, something about the ornate buildings and shadowy paths feels strangely…familiar. And, with every passing day, that sense of déjà vu grows increasingly sinister.

Despite all logic, despite all reason, despite all the rules of reality, Ellory knows one thing to be true: she has been here before. And if she can’t convince brooding legacy student Hudson Graves to help her remember a past that seems determined to slip through her fingers as if by some insidious magic…this time, she may lose herself for good.

“Draws readers into its spell before asking readers to consider who pays the true price of power—and what it means to refuse to let the powerful win.” — Laura R. Samotin, author of The Sins on Their Bones

Review

Ellory Morgan is determined to prove that she belongs at Warren University, an ivy league school whose history is deeply linked to occult rumors and dark secrets. But as she settles into her Freshman year, something about the ornate buildings and shadowy paths feels strangely…familiar. And, with every passing day, that sense of déjà vu grows increasingly sinister.

This is very descriptive. Honestly, this author would use 3 adjectives to describe one thing. This occurred in the first half of the book pretty regularly. The second half had quite a bit of drama so it wasn’t as bad. So, in other words, the pacing is a bit off.

This also had some great potential. It could have been a ghost story, a secret society, a magical fantasy tale. But, to me, it failed to meet any of these until the very end. I wanted so much more.

I did love the setting of the Ivy League college. I also loved Ellory. She is a very determined young lady!

Need a fantasy tale set on an Ivy League campus…THIS IS IT. Grab your copy today.

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.

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The Winter Visitor by B. P. Walter #bookreview #christmasmystery

Overview

The perfect family Christmas. The perfect murder… 

You would think we were a happy family. That we have everything we could dream of. But as we gather at our grandmother’s house, to swap presents under the towering, sparkling tree, none of us can meet each other’s eyes.

Because we can only survive if we keep lying to each other. Keep pretending that terrible Christmas Eve twenty years ago never happened.

But this year, our grandmother says it’s time to be honest. And then out of the snowstorm a stranger knocks on the door, with an impossible claim that will destroy everything.

In the morning, we will find the body…

But which of us was willing to kill to keep our secrets? And how far will we go to protect our family now?

Review

Talk about a messed up family!!

This has a fabulous setting of the Highlands in Scotland. Plus it takes place in the family castle! What is not to like! Well…there is the family secrets…lots of family secrets!

I enjoyed this tale. Probably because most of my Christmas reads this year have been romances. And this book is soooo not a romance. Such a good change of pace.

Now is it the best book I have read. No! These brothers…they are a piece of work. I did not really like a single character. They are all spoiled and I wanted to slap each and every one. Even the grandmother. She…well just read this to find out.

Now the secrets are what keep you reading. And believe me, there are multiple secrets, trust me, murder and mayhem!

The narrator, Oliver J. Hembrough, is either a true Scotsman or he practiced saying “loch” because he nailed it. I am here for it! 💙🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

Need a change of pace for a Christmas read…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.

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