I gave The Haunting of Paynes Hollow three stars, mostly out of kindness. I read it quickly, but more out of boredom than suspense. The story felt very unrealistic, and for me, a good horror novel needs at least a touch of realism to make the scares truly land. Maybe this genre just isn‘t for me. The author‘s writing itself wasn‘t bad, but the story didn‘t resonate, and I don‘t think I‘ll seek out similar books in the future.

I can see why A Wrinkle in Time is popular with preteens and younger readers. I enjoyed parts, but the story felt a bit young for me. It was imaginative, and the afterword helped me understand the author‘s intentions. I plan to watch the movie, and I think it might resonate with me more on screen.

My Friends is one of those rare books I‘ll actually keep and share. I loved the characters and felt like I truly knew them by the end.The story is filled with meaningful life lessons and captures the beauty and complexity of friendships that last from childhood into adulthood. It can be a bit slow at times, but that pace makes it feel all the more real—true to life in the best way. A heartfelt, thoughtful read that lingers long after the last page

The Jackal‘s Mistress is a powerful &captivating Civil War novel.I learned so much about the war and the people who fought and suffered through it.The characters, especially the main protagonists, were unforgettable.The hardships civilians faced on both sides were heartbreaking.I loved how everything came together at the end,explaining why the war was fought and justifying its outcome.Kudos to the author for a thoughtful, beautifully written story

The Heiress was a fairly quick and entertaining read, and I liked the way the audiobook was structured—told through alternating past and present timelines with different narrators. That made it easy to follow and kept things interesting. However, I found the story a bit predictable overall, aside from one surprise near the end. I also didn‘t find the female characters particularly likable, which made it harder to connect with the story.

I loved seeing a more personal side of Queen Elizabeth II and her husband, Prince Philip. The author did a wonderful job of bringing warmth and humanity to these iconic figures. I enjoyed how a touching love story was woven throughout the novel.Christmas is my favorite time of year,& I loved reading about how the Royal Family celebrated it across different years.This book beautifully captures both royal tradition &the timeless spirit of Christmas.

What a Story!
Mexico by James Michener is an absolute masterpiece. This author is so talented—he has a rare gift for blending historical fact with rich, compelling fiction. The story gave me a completely new perspective on Mexico, its people, and its history. While some of the bullfighting scenes were brutal, they were also exciting, vivid, and deeply enlightening. Michener‘s ability to bring a culture to life on the page is unmatched

This was one of the better thrillers I‘ve read in a while. It‘s full of twists and turns,and just when I thought I had things figured out,something unexpected happened.Nobody was who they seemed to be,which kept me guessing right up to the end.I listened to the audiobook version and thought the narrators did an excellent job bringing the story to life.Im a big fan of Frieda McFadden,&this book is another example of why her stories never disappoint

I was born just after JFK was assassinated,so much of what I learned here surprised me.I knew he was a ladies‘ man, but I didn‘t realize the extent of it. While it‘s fiction, it feels heavily based on fact. The writing is strong and kept me engaged from start to finish. I was also fascinated—and shocked—by all the scandal woven through the story, from Cuba to the Mafia to hired guns.A great read for anyone interested in history mixed with intrigue

I read Seduction Theory by Emily Adrian in record time,but that‘s probably because it‘s just over 200 pages long. The story felt very true to everyday life—nothing particularly exciting or extraordinary happens. The writing was fine, & it wasn‘t a bad book,but it just wasn‘t for me. The main theme centers on the infidelity of a married couple and how they navigate the fallout, which some readers might find compelling, but it didnt hold my interest

The White Queen is the second book in Philippa Gregory‘s series, and it absolutely leaves me wanting more. It‘s beautifully researched and written, bringing this fascinating period of history to life. At times, it can be confusing with so many characters sharing the same names—so many Edwards, Elizabeths, and Margarets!—but that‘s true to the era and part of what makes it feel authentic. I‘ll definitely be continuing with this series!

When I first picked up These Blue Mountains, I thought, “Oh no—another book on this topic.” It‘s not that the subject isn‘t important, I just wasn‘t ready for another story like it. But I was wrong. This book offered a fresh, moving perspective, following a young German woman as she builds a new life in the U.S. The storytelling felt both unique and heartfelt, and I loved the major decision she made at the end. A powerful and unexpected read.

There was so much I loved about this book. The design & sprayed edges are stunning.I also loved the setting and the way magic was woven into the story. However,something about the plot fell a little flat for me.There were moments where I found myself confused or losing interest.The beginning drew me in, &the ending pulled me back,but the middle didn‘t hold my attention. Still, it was an enjoyable read overall.

Local Woman Missing started off strong and immediately drew me in. I was invested in the story and the characters, but about halfway through it lost momentum. Some parts felt repetitive, and a few plot points stretched believability. By the end, I was left feeling flat and unsatisfied. It wasn‘t my favorite read, though I can see how others might enjoy the suspense early on.

The Lady of the Rivers is a captivating story of Jacquetta of Luxembourg, who rises from servant to near royalty. Her life is filled with both terrifying and fascinating challenges—family betrayals, battles, and shifting alliances. Gregory‘s writing vividly brings this turbulent world to life, showing how different and dangerous life was in the years leading to the Tudors. An engaging and dramatic read—I look forward to the rest of the series.

I loved the setting.It was rich & atmospheric,the kind of place that stays with you.The blend of historical fiction and mystical realism was intriguing, though I found myself wishing for more of the historical side.The time travel element made the story less believable for me,and at times there seemed to be too many characters to keep track of. The authors writing is engaging & evocative,& the novel offered a unique, imaginative reading experience

This book sat on my shelf for years, and my first attempt at reading it went nowhere. McEwan‘s writing style isn‘t easy for me—long chapters with little straightforward narrative made it a challenge.

The story is powerful, centered on the lifelong weight of guilt and the pursuit of forgiveness that may never truly be achieved. While the writing style wasn‘t my favorite, the content itself was enlightening and left me with a lot to think about.

read There Are Rivers in the Sky in record time—it completely drew me in. It‘s a fascinating account of how water has shaped lives, cultures, and history. The characters and settings were vivid, and I especially loved learning about Mesopotamia and the modern countries that now exist in that region. The multiple timelines were equally compelling, and the depiction of the atrocities people endured was heartbreaking. A powerful, immersive read.

This was the first book I‘ve read written in verse, and I really enjoyed it. It tells the story of a young boy growing up in a rough neighborhood, surrounded by gang violence and shootings. During an elevator ride, he‘s visited by ghosts from his past, which reminded me a bit of A Christmas Carol. It‘s a powerful, thought-provoking story that I finished in just about an hour. I‘d recommend it to anyone looking to try something new and unique.

I gave The Death of Mrs. Westaway 3 stars. It was well written and definitely fit the thriller category, though that‘s not usually my favorite genre. The story kept me reading until the end to see who was responsible, but like many thrillers, it followed a familiar pattern that ended in a chase scene—my least favorite part of any story. It wasn‘t a bad book, just not all that thrilling to me.

I gave this book 4 stars. The plot was very engaging and kept me hooked right to the end. I don‘t usually read thrillers, but this one really drew me in and kept me guessing almost the whole way through. Lisa Jewell did a great job showing how dark, selfish, and truly horrible people can be, which made the story both chilling and compelling.

I gave Black Woods Blue Sky 4 stars. The vivid descriptions of Alaska made me want to visit even more. I struggled with Birdie—her selfishness and poor mothering made her hard to like, though I see how those traits served the story. Arthur and the bear, on the other hand, were magnificent. The novel left me wondering if the mysteries and magic it portrays could truly exist in real life.

How to explain how much I loved this book? The author makes magic with words. His character development is outstanding—I especially loved Marion. His medical background shines through, making the surgical details fascinating. I also learned so much about Ethiopia. If I could give 100 stars, I would.

Believe it or not, I‘d never read The Secret Garden until now—and I loved it. This classic is full of gentle life lessons about nature, wellness, and friendship. The garden itself was described so vividly, I wished I could step right into it. The characters felt real, with both strengths and flaws. A magical, heartwarming read that left me smiling. I‘m excited to watch the movie.

I gave The Paper Palace 4 stars. The writing was strong, and the story—though rooted in everyday life—was compelling. I didn‘t like the main character; her choices felt selfish, and her betrayal of her family was hard to stomach. A painful past doesn‘t excuse hurting others. Still, the book kept me reading, and I found it moving in its own way.

Life, too, is like that. You live it forward, but understand it backward.

Finding Grace is a well-written and engaging debut novel. I really enjoyed it and was hooked from the first chapter, which ended on quite the cliffhanger. The characters felt real and well-developed—I felt like I truly got to know them. The male protagonist frustrated me more than a few times, especially with his lack of honesty in his new relationship. I kept waiting for him to come clean. Still, the story kept me invested all the way to the end.

The River is Waiting is beautifully written but deeply sad—so much so that I almost gave up after the first chapter. Life doesn‘t always have happy endings, and this book leans into that truth from beginning to end.Still,the characters & story were powerful and unforgettable.I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 only because the emotional weight was overwhelming at times. It‘s a heartbreaking but memorable read that‘ll stay with me for a long time

⭐️⭐️⭐️
We Used to Live Here is dark, eerie, and full of suspense. The story kept me hooked and guessing right up until the end. I loved the creepy atmosphere and unsettling vibe. However, it left a few too many questions unanswered for my taste. I don‘t want to spoil anything, but I finished still wondering about a lot. If you enjoy open-ended psychological thrillers, this one might be a good listen.

I give No Place Like Oz 3 stars. I love the original Wizard of Oz, so I was curious about this prequel. It definitely has a young adult feel, but the characters didn‘t quite work for me. I struggled with Dorothy being mean-spirited at times, especially toward her aunt and uncle. While the book puts a unique spin on the classic, it wasn‘t the kind of twist I personally enjoyed. Fans of darker retellings might appreciate it more than I did.

The Amalfi Coast setting was absolutely dreamy.I could almost taste the salt air.I loved learning about sea witches,something totally new to me,and the dual timelines were both engaging with a few twists I didnt see coming.That said,the story didn‘t fully hook me.It was missing that special spark or emotional pull I look for in a favorite read.Still,if you enjoy atmospheric,lightly magical stories with rich descriptions,this one‘s worth picking up

Well written, but not really my style. I found The Cuckoo‘s Calling on my bookshelf and decided to give it a shot—not realizing it was a mystery, which isn‘t usually my genre. Still, it kept me turning the pages, and I was surprised by the ending. It‘s the first in a series, but I probably won‘t continue. Just not my cup of tea.

I gave Coraline 3 stars. It was a very strange and surreal story—I found myself confused about what was happening through much of it. I read it as part of a book challenge, and while it wasn‘t my usual pick, I did enjoy the dark, creepy atmosphere. The eerie world and unsettling “other mother” were definitely memorable. Overall, it had some interesting moments, but the plot was hard to follow at times.

I‘m not a gamer, so I wasn‘t sure I‘d enjoy Ready Player One, but I was quickly pulled into the richly imagined world of the OASIS. Ernest Cline brings the virtual universe to life with vivid detail and fast-paced storytelling. The 80s pop culture references added fun depth even if you‘re not a tech expert. A surprisingly engaging read that kept me hooked from start to finish. I‘d definitely recommend it—even to non-gamers like me!

Certainly! Here‘s your revised review with the rating included, still under 550 characters:

I gave What Kind of Paradise 4 stars. Loosely based on the Unabomber, it makes you question which life is more dangerous—one lived in total isolation, free from technology, or one surrounded by AI advancing into every part of modern life. A smart, unsettling story that stays with you.

I loved this book. It felt like many powerful stories woven into one—touching on WWII, the Holocaust, the Vietnam War, and more. The settings, from the American South to Rome, were beautifully described. What stood out most was the deep character development; by the end, I felt like I truly knew them. A rich, emotional, and unforgettable read. 5 stars!

This is an excerpt from this book written in 1995. It refers to the Vietnam War—but it goes to show you, some things don‘t change:
“After the smoke had cleared, I promised myself I would never lose a friend over something as subjective and slippery as political belief.
‘I‘m an American,‘ I announced to all around me. ‘And I get to think anything I want to—and so do you, by God, so do you.‘”
Powerful words. Still just as true today

Ace: Marvel Spy by Jenni Walsh tells the incredible true story of a tennis star turned WWII spy. While the detailed play-by-plays of Wimbledon were a bit much for someone who‘s not into tennis, I was fascinated by her courageous spy work. It‘s amazing that this was based on a real person—her bravery and determination truly shine through.

Though I read it cover to cover, Lula Dean‘s Little Library of Banned Books exaggerated both sides politically, often painting conservatives unfairly. As someone who leans right, I didn‘t feel represented accurately. While it‘s not badly written, I can‘t recommend it due to the biased portrayal. ⭐⭐⭐

A beautiful, unforgettable story of love, loss, and fate. The Stationery Shop moved me deeply. The emotional depth, especially the grace shown by her husband, was powerful. His quiet strength and understanding left a lasting impression. A poignant, tender read—I‘ll carry it with me always. ★★★★★

Having lived in Charleston, I loved how South of Broad brought the city to life—from Market Street to Hurricane Hugo. The vivid landmarks made the story feel real. It‘s a powerful tale of deep friendships, personal tragedy, and the enduring spirit of the South. A moving, atmospheric read.

The Names is a bold, inventive novel structured around three possible lives of one protagonist—each shaped by a different name. It‘s thought-provoking and unlike anything I‘ve read, though often confusing. I‘m still unsure about the epilogue, but the originality made it worth the read.

Quick, engaging read—I couldn‘t wait to see how it ended. I suspected foul play, but was surprised and pleased by the uplifting resolution. Meissner weaves past and present well, though it didn‘t fully wow me. A satisfying story with a hopeful ending.

I gave The Griffin Sisters‘ Greatest Hits 4 stars. I really enjoyed the music industry setting, especially the reality TV show tryouts. The flashbacks to the sisters‘ 90s band felt authentic and reminded me of real groups from that era. A heartfelt, fun story about fame, family, and second chances.

I‘m not a mystery fan and have never read Agatha Christie, but The Queens of Crime completely won me over. I loved the clever idea of turning famous mystery writers into real-life sleuths. Following the clues with them was engaging and fun, even for someone unfamiliar with their work. A smart, imaginative blend of true crime and literary history. Definitely worth a read.

This was my first James Michener book.It will not be my last.All I can say is WOW!It was a very long read-over 1K pages,small font and barely any margins.It‘s one of the best books I‘ve ever read.I learned so much about the history of Hawaii,beginning at its birth during the ice ages.To me,the moral of this story is that it takes all kinds to build a strong community,and it‘s better to work together than to fight. Something we can all learn from

The setting of this novel is London during WW2. Much of the story centers around a bookshop, and the important role that it (and its owner) played during the war. While the story was good, it seemed similar to other books I‘ve read in this topic. I don‘t think that it‘ll be a book that I remember for years to come as I found it so-so.

Glamorous Notions had some fascinating historical details, especially about the hidden recordings of Nagasaki and Hiroshima and the use of X-ray sheets for music. But overall, the plot didn‘t go anywhere and failed to keep me engaged. I found it more interesting in parts than as a whole.

I listened to this audiobook as part of the Goodreads 2025 52 Week Challenge.It‘s a fairy tale retold.The story is a very clever sci-fi version of Pinocchio.Most of the characters are robots who roam the earth after the humans have been eradicated.The author has a unique way of adding humor to this very serious topic. The banter between the robots is hilarious,especially between the robotic vacuum and the medical machine.This was a very good book

I love when I learn something new from a book, and I almost always do with historical fiction. In this novel, I learned of the important role that the Chinese played in France during WW1. The story gave a good perspective from both the Chinese and the French side. I did the audio version, and found the narrators very good. I read this book as part of the Goodreads 52 Week Challenge.