From the publisher:

A debut novel for fans of Jane Austen, Elin Hilderbrand, and Gilmore Girls, Worse Than Strangers is a Nantucket-set retelling of Austen’s Persuasion about finding romance, second chances, and a new path in life.

Rose and Lily are best friends first, mother-daughter second, which is good because right now, Lily could really use a friend. Recently fired from her NYC magazine job and heartbroken, Lily has fled to the family cottage in Siasconset. She is shocked when she stumbles across her first love at the grocery store holding hands with his new fiancé—a fiancé he never mentioned on their many, many late-night phone calls.

Rose has secrets, too. A therapist about to start her own private practice, Rose’s world is rocked by the handsome renter staying in their guest cottage, Thomas Wentworth: the one person she thought she would never see again and the man who has always (unfortunately) held her heart.

A modern retelling of Jane Austen’s Persuasion set against a backdrop of blue and purple hydrangeas, swollen brick sidewalks, tall sea grass, and uniform, shingled houses, Lily and Rose Gardner’s summer journey of second chances, healing, and hope begs the question: Can you repeat the past, and is it ever too late to try again?

https://bookshop.org/a/123058/9781668092514

Leddy’s first novel after her acclaimed memoir, The Perfect Other, feels like a contemporary Persuasion set on sun-drenched Nantucket—exploring love, loss, regret, and second chances with warmth and depth.

Rose and Lily Gardner are mother and daughter and best friends, though Rose keeps a few secrets. When Lily loses her job and returns home, she finds her mother still grieving for the aunt who raised her. Their cottage has a small rental apartment, and Rose is stunned that her new summer tenant is Tommy—her first love, the one she let get away.

Meanwhile, Lily lands a job at the local yacht club after meeting Theo, the tennis pro, who recommended her partly out of self-interest: he is drawn to her but reluctant to pursue anything. Lily, still recovering from an amicable breakup, has just learned her ex is now engaged—a sting she did not expect.

There is plenty of drama, but it’s the tender, layered bond between Rose and Lily that anchors the story and keeps pages turning.

VERDICT A beautifully written ode to mothers and Austen alike, this will delight book clubs and fans of Elin Hilderbrand.

©Library Journal, 2026

6/2026 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

WORSE THAN STRANGERS by Kyleigh Leddy. Gallery Books (June 23, 2026). ISBN: 978-1668092514. 320p.

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From the publisher:

“Queen of the beach read,” (Cosmopolitan) New York Times bestselling author Kristy Woodson Harvey returns with a heartfelt escape to coastal Carolina.

After the worst day in her professional life, burnt-out NICU nurse Daisy Stevens runs to Cape Carolina, North Carolina, looking for a new life—and possibly new romance. On her first day at her “simpler” job, high school baseball coach Mason Thaysden discovers an abandoned baby, sending ripples through the entire tight-knit town of Cape Carolina.

Mason is still struggling to reconcile the scars of the injury that kept him out of the big leagues, stuck in his hometown, and searching for a way out. This newcomer and the child they’ve saved together might be just the motivation he needs to stay put. Sparks fly as Mason acquaints Daisy with Cape Carolina, introducing her to his friends and family, including his batty Aunt Tilley, who is looking for relief from long-buried family secrets and her own fresh start.

But as Daisy becomes increasingly attached to this abandoned child, and begins facing her own demons in the process, a startling discovery is made that threatens to rip the entire town of Cape Carolina apart, placing Daisy, Mason, and Tilley in the center of the storm. In a novel that proves that “Kristy Woodson Harvey is (the) go-to for elevated beach reads” (People), they will each learn that with love, understanding—and a community theater production of Hello, Dolly!—sometimes life conspires to bring us just exactly where we belong.

https://bookshop.org/a/123058/9781668074886

Harvey returns to the charming small town of Cape Carolina (Under the Southern Sky) with a tender, emotionally layered story about love, loss, and what it truly means to be a family.

Daisy, a burned-out NICU nurse, is searching for a quieter life after years in a high-pressure hospital job. She hopes Cape Carolina will offer a fresh start—but on her very first day, everything changes. Mason, the local high school baseball coach trying to outgrow his bad-boy reputation, discovers an abandoned newborn behind the school gym and rushes her to the hospital. Daisy is instantly drawn to the baby—and to the man who found her. Their growing attraction is further complicated by family secrets, especially those involving Mason’s eccentric Aunt Tilly, whose kindness comes with a long-buried confession.

When Daisy is given the chance to foster the baby girl, her attachment runs deep. As she becomes convinced the child is meant to be hers, Mason begins to worry that Daisy’s judgment is skewed.

VERDICT With small-town North Carolina charm, memorable characters, and thoughtful exploration of motherhood, grief, and redemption, this heartwarming novel is a moving story of second chances and unexpected love.

©Library Journal, 2026

3/2026 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

SUMMER STATE OF MIND by Kristy Woodson Harvey. Gallery Books (May 5, 2026). ISBN: 978-1668074886. 384p.

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From the publisher:

This summer, the town’s juiciest secrets are revealed in New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery’s joyful and sparkling new novel

Jax has a slight issue with control—as in, she needs it. Always. Too bad she has power only over the Painted Lady Bookstore, the Victorian mansion turned bookshop she inherited. No one else listens to a word she says. Her ex gets engaged for questionable reasons. Her beloved sister, Ryleigh, wants to move away to find a husband. And the handsome contractor Jax has chosen to convince Ryleigh to stay is only interested in Jax.

Still, she’s living the bookworm dream—until an unhappy accident erases the names from the bookshop lockboxes where the town keeps their diaries. Which means the only way to find a diary’s owner is…to read it.

As secrets spill and scandals surface, life at the Painted Lady Bookstore gets a lot more colorful and chaotic. But for a woman who’s always had to take charge, Jax will see that losing control—especially with the right wrong guy—can set you free.

https://amzn.to/45wbAtm

Mallery (Otherwise Engaged) delivers her signature warmth and humor in this engaging tale. Jax owns a cozy bookstore in a small California town. Divorced and co-parenting two children with her ex, Jax navigates life with the help of her sister, Ryleigh, and her precocious African Gray parrot, Ramon. Ryleigh wants to marry but fears this small town is devoid of any romantic prospects. Her best friend, a widower with a young son, lends her support as she navigates her best path forward.

When the shop needs major renovations, Jax hires a charming young contractor and immediately tries to match him with Ryleigh—only to learn he’s interested in her. Meanwhile, a worker cleans a section of an old brick wall, unaware that the wall conceals secret diaries that townspeople had hidden there. Chaos ensues as customers search for their lost journals. Through unexpected discoveries, heartfelt connections, and a touch of romance, both sisters discover that love can find them when they least expect it.

VERDICT Mallery fans and new readers alike will relish this charming read with plenty of fodder for discussion, and should appeal to Robin Carr or Brenda Novak fans.

©Library Journal, 2026

3/2026 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

THE BOOKSTORE DIARIES by Susan Mallery. MIRA (March 3, 2026). ISBN: 978-1335629708. 384p.

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Heartstrings, Book 2

From the publisher:

“Promises plenty of Borison’s signature banter, emotional nuance, and snowed-in charm.”—New York Times

Two competing meteorologists are forced to find common ground in this opposites attract, When Harry Met Sally inspired romance, from #1 New York Times bestselling author B.K. Borison.

Jackson Clark and Delilah Stewart have had their fair share of run-ins over the years, often ending in disaster. While Jackson thrives on routine and organization from the comfort of his radio booth, Delilah loves the spontaneity and adventure out in the field. When they’re partnered against their will to cover a historic snowstorm, they find themselves scrambling to figure out how to work together.

Eager to be taken seriously as a journalist, Delilah offers Jackson a deal: If he can help her ace this assignment, she’ll help him rediscover his long-lost fun side. With unexplored chemistry burning beneath their clashes, the unlikely partnership quickly tumbles into an easy and surprising friendship.

But when other feelings start to enter the equation, can Jackson and Delilah withstand the storm? Or does what happens in the mountains stay in the mountains?

“The snowy setting, the endearing protagonists’ grumpy/sunshine dynamic, and their slow-burn romance make for a wonderfully cozy and sexy read…Borison writes a delightful romance to get wrapped up in, full of well-executed tropes.”—Library Journal (starred review)

“Fans of Borison’s previous outings will be excited to delve into this warm winter-hug of a novel.”—Booklist

“A wonderfully cozy and warm romance in a cold, snowy setting.”—Kirkus Reviews

https://amzn.to/4kGmlR0

Delilah Stewart is a cheerful, camera-ready meteorologist at a Baltimore TV station who loves her job—but she’s tired of not being taken seriously. When she’s assigned to cover a major weather event, she sees it as her chance to prove herself. The catch? She has to work with Jackson Clark, the no-nonsense radio meteorologist who would rather stick to his carefully ordered world than team up with her.

In And Now, Back to You, the second installment in Heartstrings by B.K. Borison, rival meteorologists are forced together to cover a historic snowstorm in Baltimore. What starts as professional friction slowly builds into undeniable chemistry—especially when forced proximity (hello, one-bed trope) turns up the heat.

Jackson thrives on lists, structure, and routine. He’s a devoted caregiver to his two younger sisters and prefers life behind the scenes. Delilah, by contrast, is spontaneous, optimistic, and a little accident-prone. She’s often dismissed as “too much,” while Jackson worries he’s not enough. Together, they create a beautiful balance—chaos meeting calm in a way that allows both of them to grow.

Their relationship unfolds with mutual respect and emotional honesty. The tension builds naturally, the steamy moments feel earned, and the romance never overshadows the story’s deeper themes of ambition, family responsibility, and self-worth.

Jackson quietly steals the show—steady, dependable, and endlessly supportive—while Delilah remains fiercely committed to her dreams. Neither changes to fit the other; instead, they challenge each other to be braver and more authentic.

With cameos from First-Time Caller and hints at what’s next in the series, this is a warm, satisfying grumpy-meets-sunshine romance that delivers heart, heat, and a perfectly timed snowstorm. An easy recommendation!

2/2026 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

AND NOW, BACK TO YOU by B.K. Borison.  Berkley (February 24, 2026). ISBN: 978-0593953143. 464p.

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Colburn Brothers, Book 2

From the publisher:

College rivals become workplace frenemies-turned-lovers in this warm, sexy contemporary romance from New York Times bestseller Jill Shalvis. First, they were rivals… Now they’re stuck with each other…

Retired hockey player Caleb Colburn needs this construction project to prove himself in the family business, but he also needs to recover from the injury that ended his pro career. Too bad Emma Sumner, architect liaison and Caleb’s college nemesis, is back in town and assigned to the project. They’re going to have to see each other almost every day. Which means once again she’ll make his life a living hell.

As for Emma, her job is on the line with this big project, made all the more challenging by the project manager. Caleb was the one who had snagged the scholarship she’d desperately needed to stay in college. She’s been living hand to mouth ever since and has no intention of ever forgiving the man.

But the beautiful historic building they’re renovating is exactly the kind of project that they both love best. Their surprising common ground and a burning mutual attraction start bringing them closer and closer to a potentially explosive mistake. And that’s even before the secrets come out…

https://amzn.to/45wbAtm

I fell in love with this series when I read He Falls First, and Jill Shalvis absolutely delivers again with Free Falling, the second Colburn Brothers book. This time, we follow Caleb, and there’s far more to him than the charming exterior he shows the world. While the story works as a standalone, I highly recommend starting with book one—these brothers are swoony, imperfect disasters in the best possible way. This small‑town romance is sweet, fun, and deeply satisfying.

Caleb Colburn, a retired hockey star, is trying to prove himself in the family construction business. Taking the lead on their newest renovation project is already stressful enough, but he’s completely blindsided when the architect liaison turns out to be Emma Sumner—his fiercest college rival and harshest critic.

Back in school, Emma was everything Caleb found intimidating: brilliant, driven, and relentless. She fought tooth and nail for every opportunity, while Caleb seemed to breeze through classes and hockey, often landing the very positions she wanted most. To Emma, he was the golden boy with every advantage. To Caleb, she was the relentless overachiever who made his life harder at every turn. Now, years later, those old resentments flare the moment they’re reunited on the job site.

Forced into close collaboration, both arrive with deeply rooted assumptions and unresolved hurt. Emma still sees Caleb as the guy who had everything handed to him, and Caleb assumes Emma is back to make his life miserable. But as they work side by side, those walls begin to crack. Misconceptions fall away, vulnerabilities surface, and they slowly realize how wrong they were about each other—and how much they share beneath the surface.

Their shift from rivals to something much more is heartfelt and immensely rewarding. The tension is electric, fueled by sharp banter, lingering wounds, and undeniable chemistry. What makes their enemies‑to‑lovers arc shine is that it’s grounded in real emotional baggage rather than petty conflict. Watching that tension melt into trust and tenderness is genuinely moving.

Caleb is exactly the kind of hero I adore: protective, dependable, and kind without a hint of toxicity. There’s an emotional safety to this romance that makes it even more swoony. Emma is equally compelling—resilient, hardworking, and easy to root for. Her struggles with housing and job stability after losing nearly everything in a fire add real emotional weight, and seeing her allow herself to be vulnerable is beautiful.

The supporting cast adds so much charm, from Emma’s loyal best friend to the adorable boxers, Calvin and Klein, and Keira’s toddlers. The Colburn family dynamic remains one of the series’ strongest elements, and Caleb’s complicated relationship with his once‑abusive father—now softened by illness with no memory of his past behavior—adds a poignant layer of growth and forgiveness.

Returning to Star Falls, California, feels like coming home. The mansion renovation, the town’s falling‑star soulmate legend, and the strong sense of found family create a warm, inviting backdrop. Jill Shalvis excels at writing characters with real problems and real healing, blending humor, heart, and romance with effortless charm.

Free Falling pulled me in from the first page and never let go. It’s comforting, funny, emotionally rich, and deeply romantic—the kind of story that leaves you smiling long after you finish. If you love small‑town settings, workplace enemies‑to‑lovers tension, strong family bonds, and romances that feel supportive and genuine, this series is absolutely worth diving into. I’m looking forward to the next Colburn Brothers story.

2/2026 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

FREE FALLING by Jill Shalvis. Sourcebooks Casablanca (February 3, 2026). ISBN: 978-1464243929. 384p.

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