2022 Spring Reads

Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo – Taylor Jenkins Reid
I finally jumped on the Evelyn Hugo bandwagon and she didn’t disappoint. I thought it was a fascinating story of career, love and trueness of self. I didn’t guess the twist exactly, but I had a feeling something was connected!

After I finished it, I couldn’t stop thinking about how, as humans, we truly have no idea what other people are going through unless they choose to tell us. It was a great reminder to take the media headlines with a grain of salt.

Ties that Tether – Jane Igharo

Almost immediately upon starting it, I really liked this book with it’s interesting, layered, diverse characters. Azere and Raphael’s chemistry was great from the start, especially when they reconnect at work.

The middle third of the book was hard to read. It is obvious that Azere respects her Nigerian culture, her mother and her late father, but also obvious that those things have a lot of boundaries and rules. At many points, her and her mom’s relationship was so toxic that it was uncomfortable to read about. I really wished Azere would have stood up for herself earlier on in the book.

Azere often goes back and forth in her thoughts about should she/shouldn’t she be with Rafael based on their cultures, race, ect, and that results in her and Raphael going back and forth in their relationship status. It takes both of their sisters and a best friend to encourage them to get their shit together and figure it out. And finally, she listens, and the scene when she confronts her mother is a turning point (but again, it felt like it happened too late in the book.)

The book ends hopeful, with strength and real connection. I recommend it.
The Magnolia Palace – Fiona Davis

Fiona Davis does it again! Her signature style of an impeccably-researched, dual perspective/timeline that eventually comes together answering all the many questions she has created through the story. I never fail to want to know more about the subject once I’ve finished reading, and the Frick Collection is no different.

I’ve read almost all her books (except the Address, but it’s on my shelf) and this wasn’t my fave fave of hers (those would be the Chelsea Girls and Lions of 5th Ave) but still such a good story with generous New York city history and big characters, like Lillian and Helen, who you want to know more about.
The Unsinkable Greta James – Jennifer E. Smith

This book was a lot of things, and when I was done, I was sad it was over.

Greta has finally made it as a rock star when her mom suddenly passes away. Her mom was her biggest fan and closest friend. Her dad was neither of those things for Greta. But her dad is still here and they are both grieving, so she reluctantly joins him on what should have been her parents’ 40th anniversary cruise in Alaska.

This is a story of stories. Of how Greta got to where she was in her career, of her upbringing and relationships, and through the stories of her past she is able to see how she can forgive her dad now. And he does some work on himself, too. Their conversations towards the end made me tear up. Simple words, but big feelings and breakthroughs.

Great side characters, a little bit of just-met-you-on-a-cruise lust, and lots of gorgeous Alaskan scenery imagery.

Winter 2021 Reads

RED, WHITE & ROYAL BLUECasey McQuiston
This might be my favorite book of the year. It was so good. When I wasn’t reading it, I wished I was reading it. I also think I had a dream about it last night. Anyways.

Alex is the first son of the United States, his mom the first woman president ever. He’s smart, handsome, part Mexican, and has the perfect plan for his future in politics. His one downfall is His Royal Highness Henry Prince of England: Alex has never liked him, hated him, even. After a cold conversation and a misunderstanding at Prince Philip’s royal wedding, they create a huge scene and threaten the reelection of Alex’s mom.

To save face with the media, Alex and Henry are forced to pretend they are friends. And of course, while they’re pretending, they fall in love. A love that is so tender, honest, sweet and true, and also… forbidden. So they see each other in secret. They take care of each other’s hearts, write emails to each other until they can see each other again. The growth and emotion of their relationship is one of the best I’ve ever read.

There was so much nuance written into each character. Unapologetic Alex, his protective and smart older sister June, their forever bestie Nora, along with Henry and his band of characters, are never only one thing. I felt like I knew each character, and wanted to be friends with them to get to know them even more.

LOVELIGHT FARMS – B.K. Borison
I loved this book! It had the perfect amount of Christmas whimsy, best friends, small town shenanigans and a sweet, sweet romance. Stella asks her best friend of 9 years, Luka, to be her fake boyfriend to win an Instagram contest. She needs this to go well, as the prize money will help her Christmas tree farm stay in business. I’ve read the fake relationship plot a few times and this was definitely one of the best. Since they started out as best friends, it really all just was a sweet and romantic situation. Luke is really a dreamboat, maybe the best book boyfriend I’ve ever read.

THE GUEST LIST – Lucy Foley
An eerie, moody, truly thrilling and unexpected read. Definitely one of my faves this year.

Power couple Jules and Will are getting married on a remote island with intense weather and rumors of ghosts. Their closest guests arrive the night before, battered and wet from the voyage on the sea, to start the celebrations. Festivities begin, spirits are high, the alcohol flows freely. The men morph back into their rowdy boyhood selves. There is a way about the island that makes people feel like they need to prove themselves. Makes people feel powerful. Makes people feel small.

Over the course of the weekend, some guests are celebrating, and some begin to learn that the people you thought you knew, aren’t always who you think they are. To say that I GASPED when it all came together. Still thinking and overthinking 24 hours later. It took a while before I could start a new book!

Fall 2021 Book Faves

THE CHELSEA GIRLS: Fiona Davis
This historical fiction chronicles the friendship of two creative women, Maxine and Hazel, through the McCarthy era in 1950s American history. Hazel is a struggling theater actor who discovers her passion for playwriting, and Maxine is a bold, yet mysterious, actress. They meet while on tour with the USO during WW2 and their friendship blossoms. They spend time apart after the war, but meet again, both moving into the Chelsea Hotel. I enjoyed how the Chelsea Hotel was it’s own character, strong and beautiful. This book was really interesting and well researched. The twists and turns that Hazel and Maxine’s friendship took over the course of the book kept me reading and hoping for the best for them. There were men that got in the way, stabs in the back, and so many secrets. It ended on a somber note, but it felt honest to the time period. This was my second Fiona Davis read and I am a big fan.

THE EX HEX: Erin Sterling
I enjoyed this spooky season romance. Vivi is a timid witch, who puts a seemingly-innocent curse on Rhys, because he left town and broke her heart. She didn’t think it was a real curse, though, until he returns to town 9 years later and things start going haywire. They, along with Vivi’s aunt and cousin, have to figure out how to remove the curse before the town goes up in flames. Of course, Vivi and Rhys’ romance rekindles (and gets pretty hot) as the book goes on. The setting had very *spooky Stars Hollow* vibes, which I loved. I liked the relationships between Vivi and her aunt and her cousin. I appreciate that the plot of “9 years apart” gave Vivi and Rhys time to become their own people, but 9 years just seems like a daaang long time to still be caught up about an ex, especially since the initial relationship was only for 3 months. But it worked out in the end, and there’s no denying they had a passionate connection.

YOU HAVE A MATCH: Emma Lord
This book had such a great feeling, like it kept me warm while I was reading it. It was very wholesome and just a great read. Abby takes a DNA test for a school project and finds out she has an exact match sister, Savannah, who lives close by. They set up a plan to go to summer camp together, to get to know each other and to figure out why Savvy was adopted. I love a good summer camp setting, and though she resisted them at first, the friendships Abby made there were deep and meaningful. There was just enough – but not too much, or unrealistic – teen drama. Abby and Leo’s friendship was so sweet and wholesome. It all wrapped up really nicely!

5 star Summer Reads

MALIBU RISING: Taylor Jenkins-Reid
I really enjoyed this book and flew through it. It centers around the Riva siblings, and the story switches between present day (which, in the book, is 1983) and their family history starting in the 50s. The trials these siblings have faced are many, and the trauma they hold is deep. The writing was very fluid and nuanced. I enjoyed the siblings honest relationships and “through thick or thin” spirits towards each other. I felt like I “knew” Nina and Hud the best, with Jay and Kit being a little more vague. Part One was all the family history and Part Two was the party scene in present day. Part Two was fast paced and full of a wide range of characters. Both parts intertwined so well. A feelings book, for sure.
THE OTHER BLACK GIRL: Zakiya Dalila Harris
This was a really interesting read. I was hooked by the main character, Nella, from the get go. She was thoughtful, smart and complicated. The main overall theme was about living and navigating the world as a Black woman in the corporate world, which is an important perspective to be reading about. This book has a major twist, and it was a slow burn. It took almost to the end to get there, but mystery is intertwined from the first chapter, building and totally reframing the story by the end. It was a bit hard for me to keep track of the small details between the character switches in some chapters, and I missed some nuances towards the end of the book. I had to flip back to make sure I understood what was happening, so I think part of the surprise was delayed for me. But I still think it’s an important book and would recommend it!
THE INVISIBLE HUSBAND OF FRICK ISLAND: Colleen Oakley
*(spoiler alert)*
I super enjoyed this book. The characters were interesting, helpful and well rounded. Piper’s husband dies in a boating accident, but she still lives her daily life like he never left. Anders is a budding reporter and wants to find out why. The outcomes of the slight (and interesting) mysteriousness to Tom and Piper’s relationship (the flashbacks) and the reasoning of why Piper still acted like Tom was there, just seemed so normal. There was so much great buildup to these potentially interesting reasonings, and the reasons were….developing the island, and, because she wanted to. Like, they are fine outcomes, but I was left feeling like meh. But I truly did like this book. The story line keep me reading. The sense of place was lovely, the island becoming almost like an entire other character. The characters were varied and authentic. And the themes of community, mental health, grief and small town life were all well written.

Spring 2021 Reads

HAPPILY EVER AFTERS: Elise Bryant
I enjoyed this quirky love story. Teen Tessa is a romance writer who “loses her words” due to her anxiety and “imposter syndrome” when she starts attending a prestigious arts high school. Her best friend formulates a plan for Tessa to find her own happily ever after to hopefully inspire her writing to return. Easily written, with great, loveable, diverse characters and fun moments. I appreciated the inclusion of a character (Tessa’s brother) with autism. Overall a great book.
LIONS OF 5TH AVENUE: Fiona Davis
I really enjoyed this book! It switches between storylines and perspectives of Laura, a housewife who decides to pursue journalism in 1913, and Sadie, a library curator in 1993. Laura is ambitious and feeling stuck in her role of mother and caretaker. Sadie is down on love and misses out on a promotion. Their stories connect, but readers don’t find out why or how until later in the book. It has love, family, feminism, and suspense, and the NYC Library feels like another character. It’s not at all ‘slow’, but I did notice it picks up in the last third of the book, I couldn’t put it down.
THIS CLOSE TO OK: Leesa Cross-Smith
This book kept my attention with every word. The writing was beautiful and the characters were loving, mysterious, cautious, caring and complicated. One night Tallie stops a man from jumping off a bridge, invites him into her home. Though they don’t know much about each other, their lives change, and their souls tie. TW: suicide, child death.

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