Recent Reads
I love a good book. Something to curl up with as the weather gets colder and I focus more on meaningful relaxation time. All of these were dynamic and beautiful reads that each scratched a different itch and kept me entertained throughout. If you haven't tried audible, get a ">FREE TRIAL HERE!
Kristin Hannah’s The Women is a deeply moving novel that shines a spotlight on the untold stories of women who served during the Vietnam War. Following the journey of Frances “Frankie” McGrath, a young nurse thrust into the chaos of war, Hannah masterfully captures the raw emotions of love, trauma, and the struggle to find one’s place in a world that doesn’t understand.
The novel’s strength lies in its richly drawn characters and the vivid depiction of both the war-torn landscapes of Vietnam and the cultural turmoil back home. Frankie’s growth—from a naive young woman to a hardened survivor—is both heartbreaking and inspiring, as Hannah explores the toll of war on the women who served and the battles they faced upon returning home.
While the story is compelling and beautifully written, the ending does feel a little too long, dragging out in places where the emotional payoff has already been achieved. That said, Hannah delivers an unexpected and satisfying conclusion that ties the story together with a sense of closure and hope.
With its exploration of resilience, female strength, and the hidden cost of war, The Women is a gripping and heartfelt novel that honors the sacrifices of women who fought to be seen and remembered.
Freida McFadden once again proves she is the queen of psychological suspense with The Boyfriend. This gripping novel pulls readers into a web of secrets, lies, and jaw-dropping twists as the story unfolds. The pacing is sharp, the tension builds masterfully, and just when you think you have it all figured out—McFadden delivers another twist that leaves you reeling.
The characters are well-developed, with just enough ambiguity to keep readers on edge. The unreliable narration adds a delicious layer of mystery, making it impossible to know who to trust. Every chapter feels like a new clue in a puzzle you can’t wait to solve, and the payoff is well worth it.
Freida McFadden’s signature style—fast-paced writing, shocking reveals, and clever plotting—is on full display here. The Boyfriend is the kind of book you devour in one sitting because putting it down is simply not an option.
Here One Moment is a beautifully written novel that explores the fragility of human relationships and the impact of life-changing moments. The story pulls readers into an emotional journey, balancing grief, hope, and the search for meaning when everything feels uncertain. The characters are compelling and relatable, each grappling with their own struggles in ways that feel authentic and raw.
The prose is lyrical and poignant, capturing the emotions of love and loss with sensitivity and grace. The pacing, while steady for most of the book, does slow down at times, which can feel like it drags the momentum slightly. However, the story ultimately delivers a satisfying emotional payoff that lingers long after the final page.
With its blend of heartache and healing, Here One Moment is a powerful reminder to cherish the people we love and embrace the moments that define us.
Abby Jimenez delivers another engaging and heartfelt story with Just for the Summer, a novel that seamlessly blends romance, humor, and emotional complexity. The characters are wonderfully crafted—flawed, relatable, and brimming with chemistry that leaps off the page. Their banter is sharp and entertaining, keeping the tone light even as the story explores deeper themes of trust, vulnerability, and personal healing.
The premise, while playful and fun, is elevated by Jimenez’s signature emotional depth. The progression of the relationship feels natural and satisfying, with moments of tenderness that make readers root for the characters. At times, the story lingers a little longer than necessary, slowing the pacing, but the payoff is well worth it, with an ending that is both unexpected and heartwarming.
With its combination of laugh-out-loud humor and poignant moments, Just for the Summer is a standout romance that reminds readers of the power of love and second chances.
Kristin Hannah’s The Four Winds takes readers on an emotional journey through the Dust Bowl era and the Great Depression, following Elsa Martinelli as she struggles to protect her family and find a better future amidst unimaginable hardship. Hannah’s vivid prose paints a haunting picture of the environmental and economic devastation of the 1930s, bringing to life the desperation of families forced to fight for survival.
Elsa’s character is the heart of this novel—her growth from a woman filled with self-doubt to one of fierce determination is both heartbreaking and inspiring. Hannah’s talent for crafting rich, emotional narratives shines through, drawing readers into Elsa’s world and the sacrifices she makes for love and family.
While the novel is powerful and emotionally gripping, there are moments where the pacing feels slow, and some readers might find the unrelenting bleakness overwhelming. However, the raw honesty of Hannah’s portrayal of this historical period makes The Four Winds an important and compelling read.
With themes of resilience, motherly love, and the American dream, The Four Winds resonates deeply, offering a moving tribute to those who persevered through one of the darkest times in history.
Kristin Hannah’s The Nightingale is an absolute triumph of historical fiction. Set in Nazi-occupied France during World War II, the novel follows two sisters, Vianne and Isabelle, as they navigate the horrors of war, each in their own courageous way. Hannah’s storytelling is gripping and immersive, weaving a narrative that is equal parts heart-wrenching and inspiring.
What sets The Nightingale apart is its ability to bring to life the often-overlooked roles of women during the war. Through Vianne’s quiet strength and Isabelle’s fiery determination, Hannah beautifully explores themes of love, loyalty, and survival against impossible odds. The prose is lush and evocative, pulling readers into a vividly rendered world where every moment feels raw and real.
This book is more than just a story—it’s an emotional journey. Prepare to cry, cheer, and hold your breath as you turn the pages. It’s a reminder of the extraordinary heroism found in ordinary people and the power of love to endure even in the darkest of times.
A masterpiece in every sense, The Nightingale is a must-read for fans of historical fiction and anyone who appreciates a story that lingers long after the final page.
