BandSBookClub on LTK

Battle of the Bookstores by Ali Brady ⭐⭐⭐⭐💫 Pub Date: June 3, 2025 Pages: 432 Audiobook Length: 12 hours We had the pleasure of being part of the teamenemiestolovers on the traveling arc book tour of battleofthebookstores Thank you @alibrady for this opportunity! Bethany's Review: This book solidified the reason why I love Ali Brady books! The enemies to friends to lovers, the Jewish rep, books about indie bookstores, opposites attract, the banter – all of it! I loved both characters: Josie and Brian – I mean Ryan. The relationship between them and between the side characters was wonderful to read about. What makes it even better is they felt relatable. I fell in love with all of them. I love the literary references throughout the entire story. The ending of the book was perfection! I can’t wait to see what they come up with next! Sara's Review: I absolutely love Ali Brady books - and this one did not disappoint. It had all my favorites - enemies to lovers, bookstores, jewish representation, big city with a small town feel. I just loved it all. The characters were adorable - their banter, their chemistry, the growth and change throughout the book. They were well developed and wonderful. I loved the banter and the constant connection and importance of books in the story. I felt like I actually knew the characters, that they were friends or family members and I was so upset when the book ended! Despite it being a long book, I FLEW through it - read it in less than 48 hours! This book felt like a warm hug (even when I found myself crying!) Do yourself a favor and preorder this for the summer! LTKOver40 LTKFindsUnder50 LTKSeasonal

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Best slippers! For you, for friends, for family! The best gifts for everyone!

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Cozy Classic Reading Vibes!

As fall is really setting in, the mornings and evenings are cooler weather. I can't help but think about cozy reading vibes! This is the 4th Cozy Corner Book Nook in the series. There are more to come!

I love the colors of this one. Cozy yet clean and delicate lines.

Chair in photo is restoration hardware, Link is not working, so found something similar to link

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The weather outside is frightful… and all I want to do is cuddle on the couch with a perfect blanket. Here are a few in my wishlist… and a few I already own!!

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One Golden Summer by Carley Fortune ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Thank you @prhaudio and #netgalley for my #gifted copy!

Pub Date: May 6, 2025
Pages: 400
Audiobook Length: 11 hours, 49 minutes

This may be my favorite Fortune book! I loved all the characters: Alice, her grandmother (Nan) and Charlie. The only thing that bothered me was that Charlie kept calling Alice by her full name “Alice Everly”. I do not know why that was such a bother, but it was. Alice, always behind the lens of her camera, took a picture many years ago on the lake that she has always loved. Wanting more, but not sure what, Alice spends the summer figuring out herself. I was surprised by the depth that this story had. The storyline and the characters felt real and I really appreciated that. There was a lot more to it than just a summer romance. With some romance and some self-discovery, this makes for a perfect summer read!

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The Ascent by Allison Buccola ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I went into this book with zero expectations and it was such a treat. The writing was incredible, I was sucked into the suspense of the story from page one and I was fully engaged until the end. Parts of the book were predictable, but it did not ruin any aspect of the story for me. I found myself struggling to trust any of the characters, making for an “on the edge of the seat” kind of thrilling read. The characters were well developed and the plot was great. Another book taking place in Philadelphia, which is always a win for me. Lee spent the first 12 years of her life living in a cult, until one morning she woke up and everyone was missing. Fast forward 20 years, she is married, a mom to a 7 month old and dealing with some undiagnosed postpartum anxiety. When a woman shows up at her door, claiming to be someone from her past, but also threatening the quiet life she has built. This book takes you on unexpected twists and turns and will keep you up at night turning the pages. If you are looking for a fun thriller, I suggest this one (and I am a tough critic of thrillers!)

Thank you Netgalley for my advanced reader copy.

#LTKSummerEdit #LTKSeasonal #LTKFindsUnder50

What Not to Do on Vacation by Rachel Magee ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Pub Date: May 20, 2025
Pages: 320
Audiobook Length: 9 hours, 56 minutes

This book was an absolute pleasure to read and a breath of fresh air. It was a fun read that I was excited to pick up each time I had to put it down for real life. This was a fun beach read that I could not put down! Savannah and her two sisters rent the beach home they rented as a family years ago to recreate their beach summers. This was a heartwarming combo of my two favorite rom com movies: How to Lose a Guy in 10 days and 10 Things I Hate About You. The characters were fun, the plot line was easy to follow and the romance was cute. Each sister finds herself again in a new light. This was a cozy story that I finished in two days. I listened to the audiobook and the narrator was fantastic! A perfect summer read!

Thank you #netgalley for my #audiobook #arc

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The Griffin Sisters’ Greatest Hits by Jennifer Weiner ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I loved the dynamics between the two sisters and the mother daughter relationship. I found the different POV and timelines to flow smoothly and to be very interesting. The story is about two sisters, who despite being complete opposites, find fame in music. They are household names, until after a year of performing they breakup with no explanation. One sister, Cassie, goes off the grid and no one knows where she is. The other sister Zoe, finds herself a suburban mom, with a daughter, Cherry, trying to break into the music industry. When Cherry goes on a mission to find her aunt and figure out what happened to the Griffin Sisters years before. I enjoyed the emotion and explanations in the book - I did find that there were parts of the book that were completely unnecessary. I also struggled to like the characters, but the writing was so engaging that it did not seem to matter too much. Much of the book takes places in the Philadelphia area, which is home to me, so it was fun to be able to picture exactly where the story took place! A story about family, fame and how the consequences that follow choices we make. A well written and engaging book.

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artha’s Vineyard Beach and Book Club by Martha Hall Kelly

Thank you @prhaudio and #netgalley for my #gifted copy!

Pub Date: May 27, 2025
Pages: 336
Audiobook Length: 10 hours, 35 minutes

Bethany's Review: ⭐⭐⭐⭐This was a wonderful historical fiction story set on Martha’s Vineyard during WWII. I loved the dual timelines following Mari in 2016 who is visiting the island and in 1942 following two sisters, Cadance and Briar, who live on the island. All the characters were well developed and relatable. Even though the story was set in WWII, it did not fully feel like every other WWII novel out there. This story focused more on U-Boats and spies in the open waters after a German washes ashore. It was a nice change. I had no idea that military drills happened on Martha’s Vineyard back then and it prompted me to do a bit of research myself. This was an emotional read as there were parts of the story that I laughed and cried alongside the characters. Another beautiful historical fiction by Kelly.

Sara's Review: ⭐⭐⭐💫 I struggled with this one more than I expected. On the one hand, I really enjoyed the historical aspect of this book. I was unaware that U-boats were present off the coast of Martha's Vineyard and loved learning about something new. I thought that the multiple POV were clear, well written and very easy to follow. I enjoyed the characters, their growth, personalities and interactions. However, I felt that the story line was superficial and not as in depth or realistic as I would have liked. I think that maybe there were too many smaller side stories which distracted me from other parts of the book that I liked more. Overall I am still a big fan of Martha Hall Kelly - the amount of research and time that she puts into a book is awe inspiring. Her writing is descriptive and easy to follow, making it enjoyable to read. For fans of romance and historical fiction, this is a fun one.

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Songs of Summer by @janelrosen ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I truly enjoyed this book, and would probably have enjoyed it even more if I had realized it was part of a trilogy. Don’t get me wrong, it can easily be read as a standalone, but I think that I would have enjoyed it even more having read the earlier books. The characters were incredible - I loved all of them. They were dynamic and flawed, real and emotional. Their interactions felt authentic and I truly enjoyed all of their stories. I loved the descriptions of Fire Island and all of the sites and scenes. It was all well developed and flowed seamlessly. I laughed, I cried, I yelled at the pages and I just wanted to give the characters hugs. I felt connected to the story from page 1 through the end. Maggie Mae lives in the midwest, but finds herself spending time on Fire Island to find her birth mother at the wedding of the season. While there, she finds herself in the middle of a family drama and falling for a fake boyfriend. A great book for the summer!

Thank you netgalley for my advanced reader copy.

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32 Days in May by Betty Corrello

Pub Date: May 13, 2025
Pages: 320
Audiobook Length: 9 hours, 25 minutes

Bethany's Review: ⭐⭐⭐⭐A beautifully written and heartbreaking story about a young woman, Nadia, who is recently diagnosed with Lupus and is slowly learning what this means for her mentally, her body and her future. Nadia falls for this guy; Marco and she tries to keep her diagnosis from him. This was an emotional read as I followed Nadia on her new journey of re-self-discovery. This felt like an authentic story that showcased the isolation that can happen after a diagnosis and how important it is to have friends or family to help pick you up. This was a wonderful story about grieving what once was, friendship and connection.

Sara's Review: ⭐⭐⭐⭐💫Wow, what a beautifully written book. Get ready for an emotional roller coaster with this one. It follows a young woman who is dealing with the emotional and physical toll of a Lupus diagnosis. When she fake dates someone for a month, she not only finds herself in love, but also living again. This story was about your support systems, the trauma of a diagnosis, the journey to find who you are and how to move forward with life. It made me laugh and cry and everything in between. I thought the characters were realistic and incredibly well developed. I loved that it took place at the Jersey Shore and in Philadelphia. A wonderfully written book. I listened and read this and both versions were wonderful.

Thank you #netgalley for my #audiobook #arc

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Maine Characters by Hannah Orenstein ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Make sure you have tissues ready when you read this book! There were a lot of tears. I liked the idea of this book - two sisters who do not meet until after their father passes away. It was very Parent Trap like in idea, but not really in execution.The location of this book in Maine is incredible. The descriptions transported me right onto the pages of the book. Unfortunately, I still struggled to find the interest to pick this up to read. The characters were really difficult to like - I felt like there were too many side stories woven throughout the book too, which felt distracting. This book was told in multiple POV and at times it was difficult to figure out which character was which. It was a very slow beginning, however it did drastically improve towards the end of the book. Overall, this book was fine. I did not feel like it was an incredible read, however I pushed through and found parts that were enjoyable.

Thank you netgalley for my advanced reader copy.

Pub Day: May 13, 2025
Pages: 400 Pages
Audio Length: 11 hours 57 minutes

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Left of Forever by Tarah DeWitt ⭐⭐⭐💫

Thank you @macmillan.audio and #netgalley for our #gifted copy

Pub Date: May 20, 2025
Pages: 336
Audiobook Length: 9 hours, 18 minutes

Bethany's Review: I did not enjoy this romance at all. I never connected with any of the characters. I usually can get behind a second chance troupe but this one did not do it for me. The amount of inner dialogue of “I shouldn’t be doing this because the person treated me badly” was too much. The communication skills between Wren and Ellis were awful. They are 4 years post-divorce and go on a vacation to rekindle their marriage. The writing felt amateur and left a lot of opportunity on the table. I listened to the audiobook and found my mind wandering the entire time. I could not stay engaged.

Sara's Review: Unpopular opinion, but this book just felt forced and unrealistic. I found that the main characters, despite being adults, behaved like toddlers throughout the book. I felt like their story was not believable - despite 5 years apart and a son together, they still both had feelings for one another. It took a road trip to take their son to college for them to realize they still were in love. The issues and bumps in the road felt very forced and not natural. To the reader their love was very obvious, but for some reason they continued to find reasons that it was not really there. I loved the setting and never considered making this a DNF, I just found myself frustrated through the majority of the book. Maybe you enjoy the slow pacing and incredibly slow burn romance more than I do and will love this?! I would love to know how you felt about this one (if you read it!)

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Where the Rivers Merge by Mary Alice Monroe ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Pub Day: May 13, 2025
Pages: 352
Audiobook Length: 12 hours, 20 minutes

This was a beautifully written story starting with Eliza Rivers in 1908 who grows up on the Mayfield Estate in South Carolina. She befriends the help’s black daughter, Covey, and insists that Covey attends school with her. I loved the dual timeline, Eliza in her late 80’s and when she was a child. There was a lot of information about the plants and wildlife in that area. I felt that I could see the landscape with the descriptions. I loved that a lot of the story focused on the friendship between Eliza and Covey. The love story was woven in nicely. The ending felt a bit abrupt and I wish there was more to it.

Thank you #netgalley for my #audiobook #arc

#LTKSeasonal #LTKFindsUnder50 #LTKHome

The Last Secret Agent by Pippa Latour ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This book was actually hard to believe! My jaw actually dropped during different parts of the story. I am so glad that Pippa told her story, because she was truly amazing. A World War II British Spy, Pippa’s story was kept secret until now. Not only was she one of a small number of women in a position like this, she exceeded all expectations in the amount of information she was able to obtain and share with the Allies until Paris was liberated. It is impossible to review this without giving away too many incredible details and side stories - but if you are a fan of history, strong women and WWII spies, this is a must read. An inspiration to everyone and a story that we should all be so glad that she shared!

The Parisian Chapter by Janet Skeslian Charles ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Overall, I enjoyed the storyline and writing style of this book. I loved that it took place at the American Library in Paris, any books in Paris and about libraries are a win in my world! I, however, did not love the audio book. I found that it made it kind of difficult to keep track of the different perspectives and times, since the stories were all so closely related and woven together. I enjoyed the characters and liked that this book was about their lives, but I was hoping for a little more history written into it, although it was also nice to have such a small focus in a book. Lily and her friend Mary Louise arrive in Paris from Montana to work. Lily finds herself working for the American Library in Paris, trying to help save it from financial ruin. We meet a lot of characters and drama throughout the pages, learning about their life, love and drama. A quick and engaging read, focusing on the lives of those in the American Library in Paris.

Thank you netgalley for my advanced reader copies.

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Beach House Rules by Kristy Woodsen Harvey

Pub Date: May 27, 2025
Pages: 368
Audiobook Length: 11 hours, 42 minutes

Bethany's Review: ⭐⭐⭐⭐This book is all about found family. Charlotte and her daughter, Iris, move into the mommune after they are kicked out of her home due to an ongoing investigation against her husband Bill. Right away they find a new home, family, and friends. I loved how the women supported each other and helped each other rise up in various ways. Each character was going through something on their own and needed the other three women to work through the problems. The character development was spot on. I enjoyed reading this book, but at some points the story dragged a bit. The Juniper Shores Socialite chapters were fun and reminded me of Gossip Girl. This will be the perfect summer read.

Sara's Review: ⭐⭐⭐💫I liked the idea of this book - the women down on their luck who move into a home together with their kids. They work together to support one another - I loved the strong and supportive women. The families we create vs the families by blood. I thought that the characters were all enjoyable and dynamic and there was a ton of growth between them. I just found that the book moved slowly. I wanted a little more "drama" in the story - not necessarily between the women, but more in their lives and their stories. The stories were all difficult in their own way, but I did not feel like they were the focus of the book, so it seemed like details were not always there. It would have supported the relationship between the women more if there was more feeling in the other parts of the book. Overall a cute read that would be perfect for a summer beach day!

Thank you #netgalley for my #arc

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It’s A Love Story by Annabel Monaghan ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Pub Date: May 27, 2025
Pages: 368
Audiobook Length: 8 hours, 56 minutes

Bethany's Review: This was a wonderful summer romance! I blew through reading this. Literally could not put it down and stayed up way too late. Jane was very relatable, which I appreciated. I absolutely loved the forced proximity troupe and the banter between Jane and Dan. I really enjoyed the chemistry between the two of them. I also loved that Dan’s family was included which made it all that more special. His family just wraps Jane up and immerses her into their life. The only thing I wish I could get rid of is the 3rd act breakup that is always predictable and always seems to occur. I cannot wait to read another Monaghan book!

Sara's Review: This book felt like sitting in a coffee shop with my best friend. Warm, inviting, fun and wonderful. The pacing was incredibly well done, the characters well developed, the romance adorable. I loved that this was a slow burn, forced proximity book - it worked so well. There was plenty of time to get to know the characters and for the characters to build a friendship first. The chemistry was felt before we knew they would have a fling. I truly enjoyed the banter, not just with the main characters but the supporting characters too. I found the descriptions to literally transport me into the pages of the book - it often felt like watching a show or movie, and not like reading a book. It is a great escape, a quick read and perfect book for the beach this summer!

Thank you #netgalley for my #arc

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All The Signs By Jessie Rosen ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This book was the most wonderful surprise - nothing like I expected it to be, but somehow 10 times better. This book made me stop and think about the characters’ lives and my own life. It made me happy, sad, frustrated and I even laughed. Parts of this book were so ridiculous and unbelievable, but other parts were truly thought provoking. I enjoyed the balance of the two and the portrayal of someone else’s life. I enjoyed the character growth and development and found myself invested in what happened next. Dr. Lockhart has taken over father’s obgyn practice in their small town, when she has a health scare. Around the same time, she agrees to an astrology reading, despite being a non-believer. When challenged to disprove the reading, she embarks on a journey to find her “star twins” and along the way discovers things about herself and her family. I loved how this book was about astrology - believers and non-believers, love, personal identity, and how they are all woven together. I thought Rosen did an incredible job of connecting the difficult parts of life with humor and joy. I thought this book would be more about romance than it actually was, but honestly, it was so well done that I did not miss the chemistry/spark through most of the book. It was there, but not front and center. A really wonderful book about the discovery of finding out who you are, not who you are told to be.

Thank you netgalley for my advanced reader copy.

Pub Day: May 6, 2025
Pages: 300
Audio Length: 8 hours 17 mins

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Jilted by Vi Keeland ⭐⭐⭐💫

Thank you @macmillan.audio and #netgalley for my #gifted #audiobook #arc

Pub Date: May 6, 2025
Pages: 272
Audiobook Length: 8 hours, 45 minutes

Parts of this story I enjoyed and other parts left me questioning why. Why did the spicy scenes feel so raunchy and not in a good way? The storyline of this book was fun. Sloane and Wilder meet at a wedding where Sloane is writing a Wedding Journalism piece. Sloane is dealing with some of her own stuff as she was left at the alter 6 months prior. This felt very 2000’s romcom (think 27 dresses paired with misogynistic views and sex.) I cringed at a lot of the spicy scene’s word choices. Not my style. The number of weddings Wilder attending and Sloane wrote about was a lot. Some of the banter was fun to read and I enjoyed the dual POV and dual narrators in this audiobook.

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The Roommate Experiment by Camilla Isley ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Pub Day: May 27, 2025
Pages: 316
Audio Length: 8 hours 25 minutes

This book was adorable, a quick read and fun. I just wish there was a little more oomph in the middle of the book. It had a strong start and a strong end, but the middle fell a little short for my liking. Not enough drama, banter, and chemistry for my liking. I loved that Hunter hid many years of love for her best friend’s big brother, the brother, Dylan, does not wake up to similar feelings until he moves in with Hunter. The chemistry was there from the start. I loved that we had the perspective from both Dylan and Hunter in this book, both were entertaining and strong. The story flowed seamlessly. The part that bugged me was Dylan being in a relationship that he wasn’t feeling from the start. It just did not seem to support the other parts of his personality and character. It felt very forced instead of natural. I did enjoy the banter between the characters, the awkward moments, the sweet moments. I found myself laughing and smiling throughout the story. A predictable ending, but it did not ruin the fun of the book. Overall, a great easy read for the beach!

Thank you netgalley for my advanced reader copy.

#LTKSeasonal #LTKGiftGuide #LTKFindsUnder50

The Missing Half by Ashley Flowers ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Thank you @prhaudio and #netgalley for my #gifted copy!

Pub Date: May 6, 2025
Pages: 272
Audiobook Length: 8 hours, 11 minutes

Bethany's Review: The main twist at the end, I did not see coming from a mile away. Is that good? Or does that mean it was pulled out of thin air? I may have to reread to see if there were any clues along the way. Two missing girls, who went missing a week apart 7 years ago. Nic, an alcoholic and younger sister to one of the missing girls, teams up with Jenna, who is sisters with the other missing girl, to find out if there is anything linking the two cases. It has been a while since I have read a mystery / thriller /psychological suspense novel so this was much needed. There were lots of themes explored such as grief, addiction, and families with strained relationships. I listened to the audiobook and thought the narrator was fantastic. This was a fast-paced read with lots of twists and turns to keep you questioning what happened throughout the story.

Sara's Review: This book kept me engaged and on my toes from the start. I enjoyed most of the twists and turns. The focus on what families and loved ones look like years later, after someone that they love goes missing. I enjoyed that the book was about the two surviving sisters teaming up together to look for their sisters 7 years later. They went missing a week apart, but the cases were similar and thought to be connected. I enjoyed the dynamics between these two women, the support and the strength. Seeing how grief, addiction, and difficulty moving on were woven through the day to day life of these women was incredibly well written. I did not see the end coming and although I did not love it, I liked that I was unable to guess it. I thought this was a fast paced, easy read that kept me on my toes from start to finish.

#LTKGiftGuide #LTKFamily #LTKFindsUnder50

More or Less Maddy by Lisa Genova ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Pub Date: January 14, 2025
Pages: 368
Audiobook Length: 9 hours, 47 minutes

A wonderful story about Maddy, a young woman in college who is diagnosed with bi-polar disorder. The writing was beautiful as Genova carried us through Maddy’s life as we watched her manic episodes, times that she was OK and times she was depressed as she learns to live her day-to-day life with this disorder. Genova’s books are always well researched about mental illness which I really appreciate. I loved that Genova showed the daily struggles of bi-polar. The characters were purposeful as was every scene in this story. I highly recommend this story that showcases the roller-coaster of constantly dealing with this specific mental health issue.

Thank you @gallerybooks for my #finishedcopy

#LTKFamily #LTKFindsUnder50 #LTKSeasonal

Happy May! The B and S Book Club Pick for May is What Happens in Amsterdam by Rachel Lynn Solomon! Even though this book isn't officially published until May 6th, we just couldn't wait!

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April 2025 favs!

Bethany's Favorite: Bright Years

Sara's Favorite: The Mademoiselle Alliance

#LTKTravel #LTKFindsUnder50 #LTKGiftGuide

Jane and Dan at the End of the World by Colleen Oakley ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Thank you @prhaudio and #netgalley for my #gifted copy!

Bethany's Review: As odd as this book was, it was such a fun read! Was it a masterpiece? No. Was it truly thought provoking? No. Was it greatly entertaining? Yes! I blew through this audiobook in one day. I couldn’t put it down. The premise was fun: Jane and Dan are out at an exclusive restaurant in a remote location celebrating their anniversary when Jane tells Dan she wants a divorce. During this already odd dinner, terrorists enter and hold everyone in the restaurant hostage. I loved the moments when we were inside Jane and Dan’s head as each contemplated what to do. Once they realize that the hostage situation was following Jane’s failed novel it gets even weirder. I loved the characters and thought Oakley did a wonderful job creating them. If you go in looking for entertainment, then this one hits the jackpot.

Sara's Review: This was one of those books that from page one you are sucked in and the next thing you know the book is finished. I thought that it was fun and entertaining, which is exactly what I wanted in a book (and did not fully expect given the topic!) The book was weird, the characters were entertaining. I loved all the dialogue, in their heads and in real life. I thought that it was ridiculous, yet found myself laughing and questioning what I would do. It was really well written, making it a quick and fun read. If you are looking for a serious masterpiece, this is probably not it. Jane and Dan are out for their anniversary when Jane announces she wants a divorce. They suddenly find themselves in a hostage situation, and the terrorists are following the pages of Jane's book - which means Jane and Dan are the only ones that know what is coming next and how to stop it. It is far-fetched and at times completely ridiculous, but I found that to be part of the draw. It was a great book to escape life from and I will recommend it to anyone looking for a fun read.

#LTKGiftGuide #LTKTravel #LTKFindsUnder50

Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Thank you @prhaudio and #netgalley for my #gifted copy!

Pub Day: April 2, 2025
Pages: 432
Audiobook Length: 12 hours, 2 minutes

Bethany: As much as I love Emily Henry’s books, this one is a bit different than her others. It is being sold as a romance, and I’m not really seeing it there. It seems more like women’s fiction with a bit of mystery included. Henry’s writing was fantastic as usual, and I loved the literary elements in all of her stories, just the storyline felt like something was lacking. Alice Scott and Hayden Anderson are both competing to write the memoir of Margaret Ives, an heiress who hasn’t been seen in years. The back and forth between interviewing style and present day was a good choice. The entire story felt like a slow-burn. I did guess some of the twists along the way. I listened to the audiobook and enjoyed the narrator.

Sara: I love Emily Henry but did not LOVE this one. Maybe I set my expectations too high? Maybe I miss the style from her previous books? I do not actually have a major issue with the book, it just was not one of those “I can’t put this book down” reads to me. I enjoyed the romance tied into the book, but I actually wanted more of it. I was not totally feeling the mystery portion of the book and could have done without it. I enjoyed the back and forth between the characters, the banter and the style of writing. The book moved slowly, which may be why I didn’t feel like this was a can’t stop reading kind of book. Overall, I am still a huge fan of Emily Henry and can’t wait for her next read. I just hope it is more romance, less mystery.

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See How They Fall by Rachel Paris ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I thought the mystery/thriller aspect of this book was very well done. I never knew what to expect next or who to trust. There were tons of twists and turns, it was dark and twisty and definitely messed up. I loved that it was a family drama, A wealthy family, lots of family and business secrets, gaslit women and two poisoned family members. I thought that the two perspectives were great - I loved the detective who was strong, intelligent and not willing to give up and the mom, living in a web of lies while her daughter is in the ICU. I wish that there were fewer “main characters” as I think that it made parts of the book feel more surface level than I wanted. The book was well paced and I could not put it down. The ending was not what I expected. Overall an incredibly twisted, on the seat of your chair, psychological thriller debut. I look forward to more of Rachel Paris in the future!

Thank you netgalley for my advanced reader copy.

#LTKFamily #LTKFindsUnder50 #LTKGiftGuide

Climbing in Heels by Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas ⭐⭐⭐

Thank you @macmillan.audio and #netgalley for my #gifted copies. #MacAudio2025

Pub Day: April 29, 2025
Pages: 384
Audiobook Length: 13 hours, 46 minutes

Bethany's Review: It’s always disappointing when you were really looking forward to a book and it doesn’t live up to your expectations. The idea of the book is great, three secretaries and a Hollywood agency in the 1980’s who rise to the top while dealing with inappropriate and corporate men of that time. There were too many characters, and most of them fell flat – there was no connection with any of them. Normally I enjoy some spice, but here it felt wrong, for some reason, it didn’t work. There was no emotional aspect in the storyline. I walked away from the story feeling meh. I listened to the audiobook and the narrator did a decent job with what she had to work with.

Sara's Review: I wanted to love this book. Women in Hollywood in the 1980's is definitely a fun topic... but I did not find that I loved it. There were too many characters, which made it hard to connect to any of the characters and even their stories. I did not find that there was a ton of character growth or even that I truly got to connect and know the characters. I think fewer characters would have allowed there to be more of an emotional connection. I also found that the book overall did not portray women during that time well - there was too much sex and drugs and not enough of the positive, in my opinion. The book dragged on in the middle because of these things. I wish that there was more of the humanness to the book, since I think this is a great period to discuss women, especially working women.

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Up Close and Personal by Ana Holguin ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Pub Day: April 29, 2025
Pages: 384
Audiobook Length: 11 hours, 35 minutes

If you enjoy romance and any type of workout classes, such as Peloton, then this one is for you! Jo is one of the hottest and most sought out spin teachers in NYC. Silas, a journalist, is writing an article about Jo. I loved that Jo had real anxiety and some mental health stuff that she must overcome every day, some that stems from being a “celebrity” spin instructor. The relationship and romance that buds between Jo and Silus is adorable. He is so supportive in her well-being. This was a slow burn romance that was fun to read. This was a great debut from Holguin. I can’t wait to see what she writes next.

QOTD: Do you workout? What types of workouts do you do?

Thank you #netgalley for my #audiobook #arc

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The Road to Tender Hearts by Annie Hartnett ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Thank you @prhaudio and #netgalley for my #gifted copy!

Pub Day: April 29, 2025
Pages: 384
Audiobook Length: 11 hours, 48 minutes

Bethany's Review: Lately I have been enjoying stories about old men finding joy in life again. I love the idea of an elderly guy, PJ, who happens to be an alcoholic, finds out that his estranged brother’s grandkids are orphaned and he is listed to take care of them. With very little questions asked, he takes them in and tries to change his ways. They leave school a week early and embark on a road trip to find some answers and so much happens along the way. I listened to the audiobook and loved the narrator. The relationship between PJ, the two kids (Luna and Ollie) and PJs adult daughter, Sophie was different and special. I loved that Pancakes, the cat, came on the road trip with them and played a large part in the story with its own inner dialogue. This would make a great movie or even mini-series. There were many laugh out loud moments as well as some sad ones as I joined this diverse cast of characters on their adventures. This story is about the struggles of life, hope, forgiveness, and love. I have never read Annie Hartnett before, and now will have to pick up her previous books.

Sara's Review: What a fun story. I adored the characters! I loved PJ, the main character, a lonely alcoholic, who ends up the legal guardian of his estranged, deceased brother's grandchildren. Together, with his adult daughter and cat pancake, he goes on a cross-country road trip to win back his high school sweetheart. I loved the special and unique relationship between the characters. There were lots of laughs, lots of tears but an overall wonderful story. The character development is incredibly well done, the descriptions and dialogue are wonderful. I quickly got wrapped up in their life and adventures and did not want to stop reading. A quick and wonderful book about life, love, loss and second chances.

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Last Twilight in Paris by Pam Jenoff ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Pub Date: February 4, 2025
Pages: 336
Audiobook Length: 10 hours, 31 minutes

Bethany's Review: Historical Fiction is a go-to genre for me. I enjoyed the dual timelines going from 1943 and 1953, and the characters were wonderfully developed. There were pieces of history presented in this well-researched story that I hadn’t known about and I did some research on my own after the fact. I love when that happens. Some parts of the story were predictable, but I still enjoyed following Helaine and Louise on their journeys. I absolutely love stories about strong women and that was showcased here. This was a great historical fiction novel where I learned something new.

Sara's Review: I am a big historical fiction fan and a big Jenoff fan. As always, I was impressed with her ability to weave history with fiction. The amount of research she puts into her books is astounding and obvious from page one. I enjoyed the characters, their growth, their challenges, their determination and grit. I found the love story connected to a lost necklace to actually detract from the rest of the story though. I think I would have enjoyed it more if we were more focused on the characters and their experiences than on their connection to a lost necklace. I liked that this story took place mostly in Paris during WWII, focusing on the high end department story that became a "home" for prisoners during the war. The descriptions and experiences during this time were horrific, and the strength of some during this time is awe inspiring. If you are a fan of historical fiction, especially centering on a not often written about part of WWII, this is a must read.

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The Eights by Joanna Miller ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Ehhh, I struggled with this one and am still struggling with how to review this one. I loved the concept and history of this book. Who wouldn’t want to read about the first 4 women to matriculate at Oxford University in the 20?! The history was incredibly well done and I could picture the time period through the words. But unfortunately, that is where the enjoyment ended for me. I found that the 4 main characters were hard to keep track of. They all had their own trauma, personalities and experiences, but also very similar. The way the book was written made it at times difficult to keep track. I enjoyed the friendship and bond between these history-making women, but also wanted more personality from them as individuals to make it easier to differentiate. I truly enjoyed the history part, what Oxford was like after the first World War, misogyny and the threat of influenza. There was a ton of research done, which was obvious throughout the book, which was my favorite part of the story.

Thank you Netgalley for my advanced reader copy.

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Don’t Forget to Write by Sara Goodman Confino ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Pub Day: September 1, 2023
Pages: 334
Audiobook Length: 9 hours, 2 minutes

I loved this beautiful story of finding love (not always romantic), self-discovery, and finding your place in the world. In the 1960’s women were expected to marry and reproduce young. Marilyn Kleinman has a different view of her life. After an embarrassing moment with the rabbi’s son at synagogue, Marilyn’s parents demand that she marries him. When Marilyn refuses, she is sent off to Philadelphia, to live with her great-aunt, Ada for the summer. Ada is a single woman, matchmaker, and has a strong personality. She tells it like she sees it. This book has been on my TBR for a long time. I am so glad I was able to pick it up and read it. I loved the writing. I absolutely loved both Marilyn and Ada’s characters. I loved the challenge they brought to the typical gender roles of the 1960’s and the feminist vibes throughout the entire book. As always, the Jewish references are wonderful to read. When a book such as this one gives you all of the emotions, you know it is a good one and you must recommend it.

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The Bright Years by Sarah Damoff

Pub Day: April 22, 2025
Pages: 288
Audiobook Length: 8 hours, 50 minutes

Bethany's Review: ⭐⭐⭐⭐💫This was a beautiful yet heartbreaking story. I was crying during the last couple of chapters (glad I finished in my home and not on the plane). Another amazing debut for 2025! A beautiful family drama that showcased the ups and downs of family life, addiction, death, grief, and forgiveness. There was so much loss and love for Lillian, Ryan and Elise and Georgette “Jet” in this generational family drama. I loved how each section of the book was from a different characters POV. The writing was captivating and I didn’t want to put down this book. Each character supports each other in the ways that they know how. This is a shorter book, under 300 pages, but I enjoyed reading every minute of it. I did not feel that anything was missing and appreciated that there was not extra fluff in there. This books is now on my recommend list to everyone.

Sara's Review: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐This is a must read for everyone - do yourself a favor and add it to your TBR. Make sure you have the tissues ready though. A beautifully written story that will completely break your heart - touching on tragedy, addiction, loss, and the ever complicated family dynamics. 4 generations, told from different points of view, this book displays family life and how decisions can impact generations to come. I loved the writing and flew through this book (read it in a few hours) and was disappointed when it ended. I loved how realistic this book felt - the characters had their flaws and issues (some bigger than others!) but they all cared for one another and did their best to support each other. There was a lot of trauma and a lot of love felt throughout the chapters which flowed seamlessly. I truly loved this book and think everyone should pick it up.

Thank you #netgalley for my #arc

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The Book Club for Troublesome Women by Marie Bostick ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Pub Day: April 22, 2025
Pages: 384
Audiobook Length: 11 hours, 10 minutes

Bethany's Review: 1960’s housewives, Margret, Viv, Bitsy and Charlotte start a book club by reading the Feminine Mystique. For those that don’t know, this book was a well-known novel that created a second wave of feminism because it explored the gender roles of staying at home and raising kids and how not all women were fulfilled by doing so. This book would change the lives of these four women forever. I love historical fiction and this was a good one. Each of the women changed and grew throughout the story. Some of their spouses were not OK with the change and others were. The writing was wonderful and I quickly became absorbed into the story. I loved the sisterhood shown and the women in the story that became strong and learned how to stand up for themselves in what they want in life.

Sara's Review: I thought this was really well done. I loved the history surrounding the feminine mystique - how it changed life for women at the time. I thought that the main characters were incredibly well done. Well developed, realistic, unique and wonderful. I thought their relationships and how they all changed and grew was incredibly well done. I both listened and read this book and truly enjoyed both. A very well done historical fiction book highlighting strong women.

Thank you #netgalley for my #audibook #arc

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