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Spotlight Review: WAYWARD GIRLS by Susan Wiggs

July 15, 2025

From the publisher:

From New York Times bestselling author Susan Wiggs, a wrenching but life-affirming novel based on a true story of survival, friendship, and redemption. Set in the turbulent Vietnam era in the All-American city of Buffalo, New York, six girls are condemned to forced labor in the laundry of a Catholic reform school.

In 1968 we meet six teens confined at the Good Shepherd—a dark and secretive institution controlled by Sisters of Charity nuns—locked away merely for being gay, pregnant, or simply unruly.

Mairin— free-spirited daughter of Irish immigrants, committed to keep her safe from her stepfather.

Angela—denounced for her attraction to girls, sent to the nuns for reform, but instead found herself the victim of a predator.

Helen—the daughter of intellectuals detained in Communist China, she saw her “temporary” stay at the Good Shepherd stretch into years.

Odessa—caught up in a police dragnet over a racial incident, she found the physical and mental toughness to endure her sentence.

Denise—sentenced for brawling in a foster home, she dared to dream of a better life.

Janice—deeply insecure, she couldn’t decide where her loyalty lay—except when it came to her friend Kay, who would never outgrow her childlike dependency.

Sister Bernadette—rescued from a dreadful childhood, she owed her loyalty to the Sisters of Charity even as her conscience weighed on her.

Wayward Girls is a haunting but thrilling tale of hope, solidarity, and the enduring strength of young women who find the courage to break free and find redemption…and justice.
https://amzn.to/4bvMJIU

Wiggs’s new novel (after The Twelve Dogs of Christmas) is compelling historical fiction set in Buffalo, NY, during the late 1960s. The story primarily takes place in the Good Shepherd Home for Wayward Girls, a reform school run by nuns, which operates like a Dickensian workhouse. The story follows a few young women who are there for various reasons, including perceived protection from abuse, sexuality, and family circumstances. The main character, Mairin, is sent there when her stepfather tries to rape her; her brother is being deployed to Vietnam, and her mother is a strict Catholic who thinks the nuns will protect her daughter. Little does she know about the harsh conditions the girls face, including forced manual labor in a Magdalene laundry, nightly confinement, and severe punishments for rule infractions. Mairin and a few of the girls become friends, and eventually, some of them escape. The book follows these girls throughout their lives, including the traumatic aftereffects of their childhoods and their subsequent pursuit of justice.

VERDICT Wiggs offers a poignant and enlightening look into a dark chapter of recent history in this powerful and unforgettable read. Readalikes include The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead and This Tender Land by William Kent Krueger.

©Library Journal, 2025

7/2025 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

WAYWARD GIRLS by Susan Wiggs. William Morrow (July 15, 2025). ISBN: 978-0063118270. 400p.

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Audiobook Sunday: REASON TO BELIEVE by Rebecca Yarros

July 13, 2025

Dual narration by Carly Robins & Tim Paige

The Legacy Series, Book 1

From the publisher:

“I’ll take them!”

That’s what I tell the social worker when my pre-K student and his baby brother need an emergency foster placement. I’ll do anything to keep the brothers from being split up. But my apartment’s flooded and there’s only one house I can take them to on such short notice . . . his.

Knox Daniels, my brother’s best friend, offers his new place without hesitation. He’s not moving back to our town until next month—that’s when all our hotshot firefighters are returning for their only chance to rebuild our father’s fallen, iconic crew.

It doesn’t matter that I’ve been in love with Knox since we were kids. It can’t matter that we pretend that prom night kiss never happened. It won’t matter that my feelings for him could destroy his lifelong friendship with my brother and threaten the certification of their crew. Because I’ll be out of his house long before he gets back.

Except Knox just walked in . . . a month early. He’s gorgeous as always and I’m covered in baby puke. He takes one look at the boys and tells me we can make this work—we can temporarily fake a relationship to keep them from being separated by the system.

Suddenly, everything matters.

Contains mature themes.

https://amzn.to/44FxaMR

Knox and Ryker have been best friends for years. They work side by side as firefighters and share the painful bond of having lost their fathers to the same profession. There’s always been a spark between Knox and Ryker’s younger sister, Harper, but Ryker made it crystal clear: Harper is off-limits. That unspoken boundary shatters the night of Harper’s senior prom, when she kisses Knox. It’s just one kiss—but it ruins both of them for anyone else.

Seven years later, Knox has bought a house in their small hometown, though he’s not planning to move back for another month. Harper now runs her own preschool, and when one of her favorite students, Liam, loses his mother unexpectedly, she steps up to foster him and his baby brother until their father can be located. The father took off during the second pregnancy—he’s never even met his younger son.

There’s just one problem: Harper’s apartment was recently flooded, leaving her temporarily homeless. She’s staying with Ryker, but there’s no room for two young children. Desperate, she texts Knox to ask if she can crash at his empty house for a few days. She figures she’ll be gone before he even returns.

What she doesn’t know is that Knox is already on his way home.

Knox may not understand why there are suddenly two little boys in his house, but when Harper needs him, he doesn’t hesitate. He agrees to help her foster the children, but their plan hits an unexpected snag in court. The judge refuses to grant them custody unless they’re a real couple, insisting that without this, the boys will be separated and sent to different foster homes in another town. Though the social worker supports their case and no law actually requires foster parents to be married, the judge remains inflexible.

Knox’s grandmother saves the moment by slipping him her engagement ring, allowing them to claim they’re engaged. Even this isn’t enough for the demanding judge, who insists they must actually marry before he’ll grant custody. Despite the far-fetched situation, they go through with an immediate courthouse wedding to keep the brothers together.

Knox’s house is spacious enough for everyone to have their own room, but the emotional boundaries are harder to navigate. Neither realizes their feelings are mutual—both secretly longing for the other while believing it’s one-sided. Ryker is furious about the marriage, but as Knox and Harper spend time together as a makeshift family, their connection deepens naturally.

As the months pass without any sign of the boys’ father, Harper and Knox continue to care for them as a team. When the father is finally found, he’s granted only supervised visits due to his abandonment. Meanwhile, Knox and Ryker are working toward getting their team certified as hotshots*—an elite firefighting crew. It’s a tribute to the fathers they lost, and a grueling commitment that often leaves them out of reach for long stretches during fire season.

As their marriage of convenience transforms into something real, both Knox and Harper must confront their emotional baggage. Knox carries deep wounds that Harper helps him heal without him even realizing her influence. Harper, who has loved Knox for most of her life, initially accepts whatever relationship she can have with him. Fortunately, Knox eventually recognizes his true feelings, and both find their way to happiness.

Their journey isn’t without genuine challenges that test their ability to function as a couple facing life’s difficulties together. The story’s resolution is so satisfying that the epilogue feels essential rather than merely added—a perfect conclusion to their hard-won love story.

There are a couple of novella-length prequels to this book—not usually my favorite format—but Yarros is a terrific storyteller, so I’m all in.

*Hotshots are elite wildland firefighters, officially known as Interagency Hotshot Crews (IHCs), renowned for their high level of training, experience, and physical fitness. They are deployed to the most challenging parts of wildfires, often in remote areas, and work long hours with minimal logistical support. (Google AI)

7/2025 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

REASON TO BELIEVE by Rebecca Yarros. Narrators: Tim Paige & Carly Robins. Tantor Audio. February 6, 2024. Listening Length: 11 hours and 5 minutes.

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EAT POST LIKE by Emily Arden Wells

July 11, 2025

From the publisher:

A Stirring Novel of Self-Discovery, Resilience, and Culinary Adventures from New York to Italy and Paris, Unraveling the Secret Life of a Lost Love—Perfect for Summer Reading

Eat Post Like is a heartwarming debut novel of self-discovery, resilience, and the transformative power of food.

Cassie Brooks has her life all figured out.

Make partner at the prestigious law firm she works at by age 35

Put in as much work as required to make goal #1 happen

Spend as much time as possible with her boyfriend, James Colwell

Work might be exhausting, but for now she’s satisfied making good money and enjoying New York City with James. He’s an accountant but has surprisingly eclectic taste in food. Cassie is starting to think he could be the one when her life flips upside down with one call: James has died tragically.

Months into her grief, she uncovers a worn diary belonging to James and stumbles upon a remarkable revelation: James was the mastermind behind the hottest, anonymous foodie account in the city. With detailed food reviews, lists of new restaurants, and a tantalizing plan to involve Cassie, James had been preparing for an adventure of a lifetime.

When Cassie unwittingly accepts a dinner reservation on behalf of James’s viral account, she embarks on a whirlwind journey filled with unforgettable meals and unexpected connections. She goes from endless hours on-call as a lawyer to savoring exquisite pasta in Italy and indulging in the finest French cuisine in Paris.

But as Cassie navigates the demands of being an influencer and embracing her newfound passions, she struggles to find balance. Does she have what it takes to maintain her secret identity while pursuing her own dreams? Can she balance her grief of losing James with the thrilling possibilities that lie ahead?

https://amzn.to/3HVUMUP

Cassie is an ambitious lawyer clawing her way toward partnership, which means she’s perpetually on call and utterly consumed by work. This devotion to her career wreaks havoc on her two-year relationship with James, a man of seemingly infinite patience. In Cassie’s ruthless prioritization, work comes first, she comes second, and James trails a distant third. He endures this treatment because he’s deeply in love and holds onto the hope that someday Cassie will realize he matters more than billable hours. Tragically, that day never comes—James dies in an accident before Cassie can reassess her priorities.

With no family of his own—like Cassie—James leaves everything to her, including his apartment. Cassie steels herself to sort through his belongings. Hidden in his closet, she makes a startling discovery: multiple fake identities complete with costumes, IDs, and credit cards. What initially seems sinister reveals itself as something entirely different—James was secretly @NewYorkSecretDiner, the anonymous and wildly popular food critic with millions of followers.

After accessing his phone and social media accounts, Cassie discovers an invitation for James to join the prestigious Viand review team (think Michelin) for a European food tour. Seizing this opportunity, she requests a sabbatical from work and heads to Europe, determined to honor James’s memory by stepping into his shoes.

Despite having shared countless meals with James and following his Instagram account, Cassie faces the daunting challenge of masquerading as an expert among elite food bloggers and a renowned cookbook author. She throws herself into preparation—studying restaurants, researching chefs, and learning food photography—all while terrified of being exposed as a fraud.

The journey proves transformative. As Cassie navigates grief while experiencing extraordinary restaurants and luxury accommodations, the book becomes rich with meticulously detailed descriptions of real establishments and cuisine. The author, herself a food writer, brings authentic expertise to every page. While I’ll likely never afford to dine at most of these places (Noma has permanently closed, and the others are simply beyond my budget), I savored every description. Though I consider myself something of a foodie, I’m not as adventurous as this author—sometimes I prefer reading about exotic dishes rather than actually eating them.

This is fundamentally Cassie’s story of personal growth and self-discovery. While there’s a touch of romance, food remains the true star. The secondary characters, though not deeply developed, serve their purpose as mirrors reflecting Cassie’s transformation.

If you love food and travel writing, this book will satisfy your appetite. If you’re seeking complex character development or intricate plotting, you might want to look elsewhere. For what it sets out to accomplish, I found it genuinely enjoyable.

7/2025 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

EAT POST LIKE by Emily Arden Wells. Avon (June 3, 2025). ISBN: 978-0063307438. 384p.

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COURTROOM DRAMA by Neely Tubati Alexander

July 11, 2025

From the publisher:

Legally Blonde and Jury Duty meet The Real Housewives in this high-stakes courtroom love story—a sexy and sweet but heartfelt novel about friendship, romance, and reality television from the acclaimed author of Love Buzz and In a Not So Perfect World.

Sydney Parks thinks she might be the first person in the world to look forward to serving jury duty. When Margot Kitsch, an OG cast member of the hit reality show Authentic Moms of Malibu is arrested after the untimely death of her cast member husband, Joe, Sydney knows being selected for the jury is the most interesting thing that ever happened to her.

However, it doesn’t take long for Sydney to realize that being part of a sequestered jury in a high-profile case is not at all what legal dramas had led her to expect—especially when she learns that her childhood best friend, Damon, whom she hasn’t seen in ten years, is also a jury member.

As the trial wears on, Sydney realizes there’s a lot more to the case than she first thought. And there’s also a lot more to Damon—she soon finds herself falling under his spell despite the court’s instructions not to fraternize. His tendency to break the rules and find adventure is hard to resist in their otherwise dull juror’s world. But getting close to Damon also means having to face the complicated reasons their friendship abruptly ended just when they were on the precipice of something more.

With all the drama in and out of the courtroom, how is Sydney supposed to ignore the fraught history between them? How is she supposed to avoid him when he’s sitting next to her in the jury box every day with his broad shoulders and intoxicating smell? And how is she supposed to ensure Margot gets a fair trial if her unfinished business with Damon causes the mistrial of the century?

“Taking the forced proximity trope to the limit, Tubati Alexander (In a Not So Perfect World) delivers a wildly entertaining romance between two members of a sequestered jury. . . . Tubati Alexander impressively drives forward both the murder trial and the romance, conjuring real chemistry between her leads and soapy, salacious intrigue in the courtroom. This is pure popcorn.” — Publishers Weekly

“A good pick for all romance collections, Alexander’s (In a Not-So-Perfect World) funny and moving novel is likely to be popular with reality television fans and those who enjoy the estranged friends-to-lovers trope.” —Library Journal
https://amzn.to/447l5Qo

Sydney Parks is obsessed with Authentic Moms of Malibu, a reality TV show in the vein of Real Housewives. When one of the show’s stars, Margot, gets arrested for murdering her husband Joe, Sydney can hardly contain her excitement to see how the drama unfolds.

That excitement reaches new heights when Sydney receives a jury summons and discovers she’s been selected for Margot’s murder trial. But the biggest surprise comes when she spots a familiar face among her fellow jurors: Damon, her childhood best friend who mysteriously vanished from her life years ago without explanation.

As the trial progresses and her old friendship rekindles, Sydney finds herself torn between loyalties. She desperately wants to believe in Margot’s innocence, but the mounting evidence begins to shake her faith. Meanwhile, being sequestered with the other jurors in an abandoned hotel gives Sydney and Damon plenty of time to reconnect and uncover the secrets that drove them apart. Their renewed friendship quickly blossoms into romance, but they must keep their relationship hidden to avoid causing a mistrial. As tensions rise both in the courtroom and between the sheets, Sydney faces increasingly difficult choices about justice, loyalty, and love.

This compelling blend of courtroom drama, reality TV satire, and forbidden romance creates an irresistible page-turner that keeps readers guessing until the very end. A super fun read!

7/2025 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

COURTROOM DRAMA by Neely Tubati Alexander. Harper Perennial (May 20, 2025). ISBN: 978-0063428287. 352p.

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Spotlight Review: THE VIEW FROM LAKE COMO by Adriana Trigiani

July 8, 2025

From the publisher:

From the beloved New York Times bestselling author Adriana Trigiani, a “dazzling” storyteller (Washington Post), and a “comedy writer with a heart of gold” (NYT), comes a novel about one woman’s quest to build her own life before it’s too late.

Jess Capodimonte Baratta is not living the life of her dreams. Not even close.

In blue-collar Lake Como, New Jersey, family comes first. Recently divorced from Bobby Bilancia, “the perfect husband,” Jess moves into her parents’ basement to hide and heal. Jess is the overlooked daughter, who dutifully takes care of her parents, cooks Sunday dinner, and puts herself last. Despite her role as the family handmaiden, Jess is also a talented draftswoman in the marble business run by her dapper uncle Louie, who believes she can do anything (once she invests in a better wardrobe).

When the Capodimonte and Baratta families endure an unexpected loss, the shock unearths long-buried secrets that will force Jess to question her loyalty to those she trusted. Fueled by her lost dreams, Jess takes fate into her own hands and escapes to her ancestral home, Carrara, Italy.

From the shadows of the majestic marble-capped mountains of Tuscany, to the glittering streets of Milan, and on the shores of enchanting Lake Como (the other one), Jess begins to carve a place in this new/old world. When she meets Angelo Strazza, a passionate artist who works in gold, she discovers her own skills are priceless. But as Jess uncovers the truth about her family history, it will change the course of her life and those she loves the most forever. In love and work, in art and soul, Jess will need every tool she has mastered to reinvent her life.

Fed by the author’s cherished Italian roots comes a bighearted, hilarious novel of the moment: the story of one woman’s determination to live a creative life that matters, with enough room left over for love. With a one-way ticket to Italy, Jess is determined to write a new story on her own terms–this time, in stone.
https://amzn.to/41zzi65

Trigiani’s latest, after The Good Left Undone, is a compelling story that masterfully weaves together themes of self-discovery and an Italian-American family’s unique cultural nuances and traditions. Jess is a young divorced woman struggling with family dynamics as she strives to find her place in the world, which leads her from Lake Como, New Jersey, to Carrara, Italy. Jess has worked for her uncle in the marble business for several years, and she inherited the business when he passed away. She also inherited another shell company, an FBI investigation, and a massive tax liability. While fully cooperating with the FBI and the IRS, she goes to Italy to learn about the family business and herself; in the process, she learns the importance of letting go of the past to embrace change and finds new family and love. This is the book Trigiani fans have been waiting for.

VERDICT Trigiani’s hallmark charm and love of family, along with a touch of romance, make this a captivating and memorable read. Recommend to readers who enjoy Dorothea Benton Frank, Lisa Scottoline, or Kristy Woodson Harvey.

©Library Journal, 2025

7/2025 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

THE VIEW FROM LAKE COMO by Adriana Trigiani. Dutton (July 8, 2025). ISBN: 978-0593183359. 416p.

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Audiobook Sunday: THE THINGS WE LEAVE UNFINISHED by Rebecca Yarros

July 6, 2025

Dual narration by Carly Robins & Tim Paige

From the publisher:

Told in alternating timelines, THE THINGS WE LEAVE UNFINISHED examines the risks we take for love, the scars too deep to heal, and the endings we can’t bring ourselves to see coming.

Twenty-eight-year-old Georgia Stanton has to start over after she gave up almost everything in a brutal divorce―the New York house, the friends, and her pride. Now back home at her late great-grandmother’s estate in Colorado, she finds herself face-to-face with Noah Harrison, the bestselling author of a million books where the cover is always people nearly kissing. He’s just as arrogant in person as in interviews, and she’ll be damned if the good-looking writer of love stories thinks he’s the one to finish her grandmother’s final novel…even if the publisher swears he’s the perfect fit.

Noah is at the pinnacle of his career. With book and movie deals galore, there isn’t much the “golden boy” of modern fiction hasn’t accomplished. But he can’t walk away from what might be the best book of the century―the one his idol, Scarlett Stanton, left unfinished. Coming up with a fitting ending for the legendary author is one thing, but dealing with her beautiful, stubborn, cynical great-granddaughter, Georgia, is quite another.

But as they read Scarlett’s words in both the manuscript and her box of letters, they start to realize why Scarlett never finished the book―it’s based on her real-life romance with a World War II pilot, and the ending isn’t a happy one. Georgia knows all too well that love never works out, and while the chemistry and connection between her and Noah is undeniable, she’s as determined as ever to learn from her great-grandmother’s mistakes―even if it means destroying Noah’s career.

“Yarros masterfully weaves two love stories—one in the present day and one during WWII—into an ambitious story of family, sacrifice, and trust . . . [the] characters are vibrant and her story gripping. Readers will be wowed.”—Publishers Weekly

“With two equally engrossing storylines, this book will draw in even seasoned romance readers . . . A charming dual-timeline romance about learning from past mistakes.”—Kirkus Reviews

https://amzn.to/3TKm6ru

I read Rebecca Yarros’s mega-bestseller Fourth Wing, a fierce, fast-paced romantasy, and while I enjoyed it, it didn’t compel me to continue with the rest of the trilogy. I can only take romantasy in small doses, but even though the genre isn’t my favorite, it was clear Yarros is an exceptional writer.

Looking for something new to listen to, I remembered hearing that she had written more traditional romances before Fourth Wing. I checked Hoopla, my go-to library app, and sure enough, several of her earlier titles were available. Some leaned more into the New Adult category, featuring college-age protagonists I wasn’t in the mood for—but then I found this one and decided to give it a try. I’m so glad I did—I loved it.

The novel follows two intertwined storylines. In the present day, we meet Noah, a bestselling author known for writing emotional, Nicholas Sparks–style tearjerkers, and Georgia, the granddaughter of Scarlett, a legendary romance novelist. After Scarlett’s death, Georgia inherits her home, her wealth, and her literary legacy.

Georgia was once a successful glass artist, but gave up her career to work with her husband, a film producer. Together, they adapted several of Scarlett’s novels for the screen. But after one betrayal too many, Georgia divorces him, walking away from their company and their New York City apartment, moving into Scarlett’s house in Colorado. There, she discovers a manuscript—part novel, part memoir—based on Scarlett’s real-life romance with an American pilot stationed in England during World War II. The manuscript is unfinished, and Scarlett’s publisher wants Noah to finish it, guaranteeing a blockbuster hit.

Georgia isn’t a fan of Noah’s work—she prefers her grandmother’s uplifting endings—but she can’t deny her attraction to him. Noah, on the other hand, is a longtime admirer of Scarlett’s writing and wants to do the manuscript justice. But there’s a conflict: Scarlett wants the book to reflect the truth, no matter how painful, while Noah wants to preserve her legacy with a happily-ever-after. As the two spend more time together, romance blossoms, though Noah quickly realizes he must tread carefully with the deeply wounded Georgia.

The story alternates between Scarlett’s wartime romance and Georgia and Noah’s present-day relationship. Both timelines are easy to follow, filled with twists, and one shocking revelation near the end that made me go back and re-listen to that entire chapter.

My only gripe? Noah says he grew up in the Bronx and is required to be a Mets fan—except the Mets play in Queens! The Yankees are the “Bronx Bombers”, and while I was thrilled Noah was a Mets fan, I wasn’t thrilled that no one picked up on that error. A minor detail, but it irked my Mets-loving heart.

Both storylines were completely captivating and easy to follow, brought to life by phenomenal narrators who kept me engaged throughout. Though this was longer than most audiobooks I tackle, I savored every minute. Highly recommend!

7/2025 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

THE THINGS WE LEAVE UNFINISHED by Rebecca Yarros. Narrators: Tim Paige & Carly Robins. Tantor Audio. February 23, 2021. Listening Length: 14 hours and 32 minutes.

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Spotlight Review: THE PECULIAR GIFT OF JULY by Ashley Ream

July 4, 2025

From the publisher:

With a dash of magic and a cast of oddball, small-town characters, this feel-good novel explores forgiveness, family, and the sense of humor it takes to live with the ones we love the most.

Ebey’s End is a small town on an island off the Pacific coast, reachable only by ferry (assuming the gods are with you and it’s not a Tuesday). It’s a comfortable, familiar (but okay, fine, sometimes lonely) life for its resident grocer Anita Odom. That is, until fourteen-year-old July shows up on her doorstep.

Taking in the recently orphaned daughter of an estranged cousin had not been on Anita’s to-do list. In fact, it’s a terrible idea. Anita is ill-suited, ill-prepared, and absolutely certain the entire enterprise will end in disaster—for both of them.

From the moment she arrives, July seems to “know” what each customer at the Island Grocery needs. They’re small things: a housekeeping magazine slipped into old Mr. Daly’s basket or a coconut cream pie pressed into the hands of Pastor Chet. But one by one, these gifts start to change the lives of nearly everyone in town in ways much larger than they—or July—could have imagined.

It’s not long before secrets are exposed and questions emerge, and everyone in Ebey’s End has to open their hearts a little wider to make room for it all.
https://amzn.to/4j5KK0s

Ream (Before We Were Innocent) pens an engaging family tale tinged with magical realism. Set on Ebey’s End, a fictional small island off the coast of Washington State, it is home to quirky characters who love to gossip. Anita, the never-married owner of a local grocery store, becomes the unexpected guardian to July, a 14-year-old orphaned relative she never knew about. Anita is extremely observant; she parses out her customers’ lives based on how they shop and what they buy. July helps out in the store after school, and Anita quickly realizes that July has a remarkable gift: an intuition for providing customers with ordinary items, like magazines or pies, that somehow transform their lives. On her first day of school, July meets Malcolm, the pastor’s introverted son, and they form a friendship that helps her adjust to her new life on the island. July’s search for her birth mother leads her to take a DNA test with unexpected results and leads to a beautiful ending, while the undercurrent of humor lends lightness to the story.

VERDICT This poignant novel with fantastical elements should appeal to readers and book groups who enjoy Maria Semple, Anne Tyler, or Rachel Linden.

This is sure to make my best books of the year list. Don’t miss it!

©Library Journal, 2025

7/2025 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

THE PECULIAR GIFT OF JULY by Ashley Ream. Dutton (July 1, 2025). ISBN: 978-0593853726. 416p.

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THE DUKE AND LADY SCANDAL by Christy Carlyle

July 4, 2025

Princes of London, Book 1

From the publisher:

Action-Packed Historical Fiction with a Grumpy Hero, Uncover the Plot to Steal the Crown Jewels!

In the swoon-worthy opener of her Princes of London series, Christy Carlyle takes readers on a breathless chase through Victorian London as a wild bluestocking from a family of treasure hunters and a handsome, serious gentleman from the Scotland Yard butt heads while attempting to thwart a plot to steal the Crown Jewels, inspired by National Treasure.

Alexandra Prince is clever, outspoken, and, yes, perhaps a bit impulsive. Yet she’s always been overshadowed by her siblings. While they are off on adventurous expeditions, she’s the one left to keep the family’s antique shop going while she works on a book about lady pirates—and longs for an adventure of her own. When she overhears a group of suspicious customers whispering about a plan to steal the Crown Jewels, she knows it’s her opportunity to shine. But she needs a little help.

Detective Inspector Benedict Drake takes his duties at Scotland Yard seriously. In fact, he takes almost everything seriously. Except for the breathless beauty who crashes into his office to tell him about a ludicrous scheme to steal the Crown Jewels. Despite his turning her away, she keeps popping up wherever he goes, and he’s not sure whether she’s determined to cause a scandal or is trying to drive him to distraction. Just when he thinks he’s rid of her, an event compels him to believe her account, and he begrudgingly enlists her aid to thwart the theft of the century.

But while thieves seek the Crown Jewels, the troublesome bluestocking he can’t seem to keep away from might just steal his heart…

“For the launch of her new Victorian Princes of London series, Carlyle serves up a cleverly conceived romance that seamlessly blends a danger-infused plot with an engaging cast of characters that includes a charming heroine with a penchant for historical female pirates, a smolderingly sexy, career-driven hero, and a villain who could double for Moriarty.” — Booklist

“Carlyle starts a new Victorian-set romance-adventure series about Detective Inspector Benedict Drake, an ambitious, determined police officer, and Alexandra Prince, the smart, equally determined aspiring adventurer and proprietor of her family’s antique shop . . . Carlyle’s fans will be delighted, and those who enjoy historicals but also want adventure romances will be happy to find this series launch.”—Library Journal

“A plot to steal the Crown Jewels animates this rip-roaring Princes of London series launch from Carlyle . . . Carlyle makes her progressive leads perfectly matched: dogged detective Ben values Allie as his intellectual equal, and plucky bluestocking Allie loosens him up a bit. This is a promising start.”—Publishers Weekly

“A fast-paced Victorian romance packed with as much criminality as chemistry.” —Kirkus Reviews

https://amzn.to/4jMbkf7

Alexandra “Allie” Pierce grew up in a family of adventurous antique dealers, but her childhood illness kept her home while her siblings traveled the world in search of treasures. Now an adult, she manages the family shop while her older brother and sister continue their globe-trotting antiquities hunts. Years of being left behind have left Allie restless and hungry for her own adventure, though her experiences have also forged her into a strong, independent woman.

Everything changes when Allie overhears a conversation at the neighboring coffee shop—strangers discussing plans to steal the crown jewels. Despite her brother’s warnings about jumping to conclusions, her instincts tell her this threat is real. She marches into Scotland Yard demanding to speak with someone in charge.

That someone is Detective Ben “Duke” Drake, a by-the-book investigator who dismisses Allie’s story as fantasy. Ben has worked hard to rise above his impoverished background and dreams of becoming Chief Inspector. He’s not sure whether this case connects to his ongoing blackmail investigation—or whether he’s simply drawn to the spirited woman before him.

When one of the men from Allie’s overheard conversation visits her antique shop asking about gem cutting, and someone later breaks in, Ben finally takes her seriously. As he investigates the jewel theft and its potential connection to his other case, he and Allie grow closer.

Ben’s difficult past drives his commitment to justice and making a difference in the world. Allie, who never planned on marriage and values her independence, finds herself powerfully attracted to the detective. In a bold move that reflects her direct nature, she confesses her feelings and proposes they have an affair.

The story shines in Ben’s character development—watching him evolve from a single-minded, career-focused detective to a man whose priorities shift after meeting Allie. With strong characters, a slightly steamy romance, action, and intrigue, this story delivers on multiple fronts. Carlyle consistently delivers engaging reads that satisfy on every level.

7/2025 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

THE DUKE AND LADY SCANDAL by Christy Carlyle. Avon (April 1, 2025). ISBN: 978-0063347342. 368p.

Kindle

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Audiobook Sunday: WRITING MR. WRONG by Kelley Armstrong

June 29, 2025

Duet narration by Patricia Santomasso & Sean Patrick Hopkins

From the publisher:

From a New York Times bestselling author, a second-chance rom-com about a debut author who unexpectedly goes viral when readers discover her hero was inspired by a beloved pro hockey player—and her high school crush.

Debut author Gemma Stanton knows romance readers love a bad boy—and she has the perfect prototype for her novel: Mason Moretti. High school hockey god-turned-pro player, Mason was Gemma’s first crush, but she couldn’t forget the sting of his very public rejection. So, she casts him as a hot-headed Highlander in her spicy new historical romance. She never expected readers would find out on live TV when a morning show host invites Mason for a surprise on-air reunion…

As an aging hockey player with a rep for being ruthless on the ice—and roguish off of it—Mason has an image problem. So, when his meet-cute with Gemma goes viral, Mason proposes they build on the momentum with a few fake dates to boost her book sales…and his sagging profile. But when the fictional flirting gets a little too real, Mason realizes Gemma actually makes him want to become a better man—someone worthy of her trust and her love.

Will Gemma give him a second chance? Mason knows it’s a long shot, but taking shots is sorta his thing, and besides, who loves a redemption arc more than a romance author?

https://amzn.to/3ZLIjcl

Gemma is finally releasing her debut romance novel, featuring an alpha hero inspired by her high school crush, now a pro hockey player with a notorious playboy reputation. The twist? Her book is a historical romance set in Scotland, so no one is supposed to know the hero is based on Mason Moretti. That is, until her publicist schedules a segment on a local morning talk show, hosted by none other than her high school nemesis.

The host has pieced everything together and orchestrates an ambush by bringing Mason on as a surprise guest. Suddenly, Gemma finds herself trapped in a narrative where she’s the sweet romance writer who penned what amounts to fanfiction about her famous hockey player ex—and now they’re getting a second chance at love. The interview goes viral, and both their publicists see dollar signs, pressuring the pair to date publicly to rehabilitate his reputation and boost her book sales.

Gemma agrees to fake dating reluctantly, haunted by memories of high school heartbreak. Mason, however, is all in—he’s determined to win back the girl he let slip away. What starts as a publicity stunt becomes something deeper as they navigate their complex history and present circumstances.

This second-chance romance works so well because both Gemma and Mason are grounded, mature characters. She’s working to rebuild her confidence, and he’s grappling with the uncertainty of an aging sports career. There’s no forced miscommunication here—just two adults navigating their baggage and reconnecting through open, honest conversations. It’s refreshing.

As their faux relationship plays out in public—complete with hand-holding and carefully staged selfies—their old friendship quietly rekindles. Neither addresses where this relationship might be heading, but the sexual tension is palpable from the start, building into a satisfying slow-burn romance that eventually sizzles.

I usually skim my reviews to remind myself what I’ve read by an author, and I was stunned to see how many genres Armstrong has mastered—fantasy, urban fantasy, thrillers, horror, romance, YA. Having read her work in a few of these categories, I was truly impressed by her versatility; the woman has mad skills!

The audiobook production deserves special mention. The dual narration is excellent, enhanced by a first for me, a sound effect—a text message “ding” whenever characters read texts. This small detail adds remarkable authenticity and immediacy to the experience. The production quality is exceptional and elevates the entire experience. I absolutely loved it.

6/2025 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

WRITING MR. WRONG by Kelley Armstrong. Narrators: Patricia Santomasso & Sean Patrick Hopkins. Forever. June 24, 2025. Listening Length: 9 hours and 4 minutes.

Kindle

Paperback

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THE LOVE FIX by Jill Shalvis

June 27, 2025

Sunrise Cove, Book 8

From the publisher:

A Heartwarming Novel of Reconciliation, Forgiveness, and Unlikely Love in the Midst of Family Secrets and Life’s Unexpected Turns

Welcome back to Sunrise Cove for this heartwarming enemies-to-lovers tale where found family, forgiveness, and love may just be the key to finding yourself, from New York Times bestselling author Jill Shalvis.

Lexi Clark’s life is falling apart around her, so when she’s summoned home to Sunrise Cove, the last thing she wants to do is face all the complications she left behind. Her past, her stepsister Ashley, and especially her infuriatingly gorgeous childhood nemesis-turned-crush Heath Bowman.

Yep, Lexi’s pretty sure being home again just might kill her. She’s an overachieving art appraiser who doesn’t believe in trust, love, or Happily Ever Afters. Free spirit Ashley, on the other hand, is so full of life it hurts to look at her. But Lexi can’t refuse Ashley’s plea to honor their late mother’s final wish to make amends with the people she’d wronged. So, on behalf of her estranged mother’s estate—and with Heath in tow as the executor—Lexi embarks on a road trip to repay all the people her gambling addicted mother owed money to.

Complicating everything are the feelings that well up for Lexi: for her mom, for Ashley, and most of all, for Heath. And for the record, she doesn’t like it, or the way he has of scaling the walls she’s built around her heart. The road trip shenanigans that ensue are both funny and heartbreaking, but Lexi finds something shocking along the way. Acceptance. Family. And unbelievably—if you ask Lexi anyway—love.

https://amzn.to/3QIhG31

Jill Shalvis (Better Than Friends) continues her Sunrise Cove series with this eighth entry centering around stepsisters Lexi and Ashley and their childhood friend, Heath. Ashley and Heath have lived in Sunrise Cove pretty much all their lives, but when Lexi was ten years old, her father got sole custody and brought her to live with his second wife and her children.

Lexi had a very unhappy childhood, first with her mother, Daisy, who was an inveterate gambler, and then with her father’s new family, who were cruel to her. The final straw was when her long-time boyfriend and boss dumped her when she was accused of stealing from the antique appraisal company where they both worked. An investigation was launched, and Lexi didn’t worry since she knew she was innocent, but nonetheless, it hardened her heart even further.

Shortly before Daisy died, she won quite a bit of money in the lotto. After her death, she leaves instructions with her lawyer, Heath, that he follows to the letter. A year after her passing, both Lexi and Ashley are to distribute six letters, in person, to people Daisy felt she wronged, along with checks for varying amounts. Lexi had no relationship with her mother, so she was surprised when Ashley insisted she had to come home to Sunrise Cove to take care of this. Since she was no longer employed and running out of money, Lexi couldn’t really say no.

Ashley is thrilled that Lexi agrees, and the stepsisters start to get to know one another again as adults. Ashley is big hearted and kind, and Lexi can’t help her heart thawing towards her. More surprising is how she feels about Heath. Heath also had a tumultuous childhood, but neither of them knew that about the other. They have a bit of history, none of it very good, but slowly he worms his way into her heart, and she into his.

As Lexi, Ashley, and Heath work on fulfilling Daisy’s final wishes, they reconnect as adults, creating a heartwarming tale of found family, forgiveness, and love. The setting of Sunrise Cove is the tie-in for this series, and each book stands alone beautifully.

VERDICT Shalvis’s fans will love this, and it should gain her new fans as well. Recommend to readers who enjoy Susan Mallery, Kristan Higgins, or Lori Wilde.