5 stars Genre: Cozy mystery Mulled to Death Another wonderful addition to the series. Love the way Lansing infuses a conversational chatty tone to the book. The younger main character is refreshing and feels real. I also appreciate how Lansing tackles some deeper issues like ongoing grief, complex female friendships, and thorny personal histories. Mulled to Death takes place over a very short time period with a lot of dizzying events. It’s suspenseful while being a … [Read more...]
Book Review: The Kindest Lie
September 27, 2021 Leave a Comment
5 stars Genre: Contemporary fiction/women's fiction The Kindest Lie I really appreciated this book by Nancy Johnson, which is a story about motherhood, secrets, and more. It was fascinating to see the plot take shape through the dual perspectives of Ruth and Midnight. Having the different points of view really allows for a deeper take on things. I’m grateful for this entertaining journey of one woman’s discovery of her past—and herself. There are a lot of key points about race … [Read more...]
Book Review: Winter Counts
June 14, 2021 Leave a Comment
5 stars Genre: Crime fiction/thriller Winter Counts David Heska Wanbli Weiden wrote an amazing debut that brings to life Lakota culture and brims with suspense. I love how the main character, Virgil Wounded Horse, has to come to terms with his history, grief, and disappointments in life. I was also emotionally invested in his relationship with his nephew. Weiden does a great job of painting a nuanced picture of reservation life. He’s also able to weave in current issues, … [Read more...]
Book Review: Blacktop Wasteland
April 12, 2021 Leave a Comment
Blacktop Wasteland 5 stars Genre: Crime fiction/thriller An amazing joyride of a book. I loved the way Cosby builds up the main character of Bug. The descriptions interwoven in the book are both gritty and poetic. Cosby is able to really shine a light on the intertangled nuances found across various relationships—with family, friends, and enemies. I’m especially in awe of how he depicts the father and son relationships in this book. A gripping race of a book that … [Read more...]
Book Review: The Tiger Mom’s Tale
March 16, 2021 Leave a Comment
The Tiger Mom's Tale (July 6, 2021)5 stars Genre: Contemporary women's fiction/family/Asian American This book was soooo good. I loved the complexity with which Lyn Liao Butler draws the world where Lexa lives. All the characters are very intriguing. I admire how artfully the backstory and present timelines are woven together. I also really appreciate the difficult questions that Lexa reflects on and how they haunt her. This novel is very accurate in how it depicts reality, along … [Read more...]
Book Review: How to Fail at Flirting
February 22, 2021 Leave a Comment
How To Fail At Flirting 5 stars Genre: Contemporary romance This is a novel layered with both romance and the deeper theme of partner violence. Williams does an excellent job of developing the chemistry between the protagonists while exploring Naya’s troubled past and internal turmoil. I really appreciated that domestic violence is addressed in the novel. This is definitely a steamy book (hotter than I usually read), and I enjoyed the lighter intimate connection between the … [Read more...]
Book Review: Real Men Knit
November 30, 2020 Leave a Comment
Real Men Knit 5 stars Genre: Contemporary romance I love the premise of this book with the Strong brothers running a yarn shop. This slow-burn romance really works with the two main leads. More than that, I really appreciated how Jackson weaves in authenticity about Harlem, the myriad obstacles facing the characters, and the strength of community.A winner of a romance, woven with sweet heat and much heart Find more of my book ratings and reviews here. … [Read more...]
Book Review: Iced in Paradise
August 3, 2020 Leave a Comment
Iced in Paradise 5 stars Genre: Contemporary cozy mystery Hirahara pens an excellent ice-cold murder mystery in Iced in Paradise, her first book in the new Leilani Santiago series. As always, Hirahara does an excellent job of infusing interesting historical and contemporary details into her story. I particularly like the insider’s perspective on living in the Islands as opposed to the typical Mainlander view. All the characters in the novel are strong and unique. Leilani, the … [Read more...]
