Category Archives: Book Review

Book Review: Perfect Plans by J. T. Tierney

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Perfect Plans by J. T. Tierney

A Contemporary Rom-Com Novel published by Curtiss Street Press (08/12/25)

I received an Advanced Review Copy (or ARC) on Reedsy Discovery

Summary:

“I’m beginning to see that human variables, though messier, have their own kind of structure. Like snowflakes—unique, ephemeral, and shaped by invisible principles.”

Ryan Porter sees the world through spreadsheets and systems—thanks to a childhood spent in an Arctic research station with scientist parents. People? Still confusing. When he starts working at a chaotic New York event-planning company, he’s thrown into a world of bizarre clients and unpredictable drama. Sofie Chen, his coworker, is his total opposite—intuitive, people-smart, and quick on her feet. As they deal with event disasters and office messes, they both start to question how they see the world—and each other.

Keywords:

Romance, Rom-Com, New York, Data, Convention Planning, Event Planning, Rivalry, Ex

My Review:

The very first sentence was a strong hook, and I couldn’t put the book down from there. The story pulled me in with its compelling plot, sharp dialogue, and a pair of main characters (the two love interests) who feel mismatched and yet absolutely perfect for each other.

Ryan is the human embodiment of a spreadsheet—precise and data-driven. If a computer and Mr. Darcy had a baby who was raised in a remote research station, you’d get Ryan. He’s brilliant, baffling, and charming in his rigidity. He struggles with unexpected change and chaos, but he’s learning to adapt. He’s genuinely adorable to watch. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to be neurodivergent, Ryan is a fantastic lens. He sees the world in patterns, but can’t “turn off” that thinking, which creates tension. He will have to learn to accept the chaos and to find joy in the illogical to grow as a person.

Sofie, although not as different from Ryan, is neurodivergent in a distinctly different way. She’s empathy personified. She feels everything deeply and relies on instinct, nuance, and emotional intelligence. Her world is ruled by relationships and perception. She’s learned the hard way that the most dangerous people at work aren’t the obvious bullies, but the manipulators—the ones who make you feel special until you realize you’re just playing a part in their one-man show.

Then there’s Trevor. The perfect catalyst. The perfect ex. The perfect bit of drama. But he’s not one-note—we get a few chapters from his perspective that add layers and nuance. I loved the depth we get into his backstory, even if it doesn’t excuse his behavior.

I also have to mention the workplace/convention space itself—it practically functions as a third main character. The chaos and hilarity of event planning are part of why I couldn’t stop reading. It’s unpredictable, it’s messy, and it’s revenue-driven chaos at its best. The conventions themselves are often celebrations of people’s niche obsessions, which is just fun to read about.

Every sentence in this book feels deliberate and sharp. The writing distills big truths about human behavior and relationships with clarity and heart. I did a lot of highlighting as I read. It’s the most fun I’ve had reading in a while, and also one of the most insightful portrayals of how two wildly different brains navigate the same chaos. If you’re a fan of rom-coms or just love reading about flawed, fascinating humans figuring things out, you’ll enjoy this contemporary novel.

This novel was published by Curtiss Street Press 08/12/25 and is available on Amazon here.

TL;DR Star Rating: 5.00

Links for more information:

J.T. Tierney’s Website

Goodreads

Book Review: Beelitz-Heilstätten: Where Ghosts Never Die by Marina Osipova

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Beelitz-Heilstätten: Where Ghosts Never Die by Marina Osipova

A Historical Fiction Book published on (05/01/25)

I received an Advanced Review Copy (or ARC) on Reedsy Discovery

Summary:

A Russian-American writer’s return to her homeland leads to an unexpected journey through time. In a WWI hospital, she falls for a doomed doctor and meets a patient tied to history’s turning point. As love and truth collide, she must choose between changing the past or protecting the future.

Keywords:

Romance, Historical Fiction, Germany, 1900’s, Time Travel, WWI, Hospital, Nurse

My Review:

The story follows the main character Marion in a first-person narrative. We’re deep in her head from the start, and that doesn’t really let up. She reflects on love, regret, identity, and memory. Most of the story is set in Beelitz-Heilstätten, a former sanatorium. There’s a romantic relationship with her husband Hans that grounds her in the present, but her true focus is the past and a longing to reconnect with her birthplace. The visit to Heilstätten carries weight, but the meaning stays just out of reach. You feel it matters, even if you’re not entirely sure why. That mystery pulls you further into Marion’s quest for answers. At times, I wasn’t even sure why I couldn’t put the book down, but it lingered in my mind as persistently and unsettlingly as it did in Marion’s.

The characters are quiet but layered. Marion feels out of place in the hustle and bustle of modern life. She spends most of her time in her own head, but also seems slightly lost. Hans is kind but possessively overprotective. The female nurses of Beelitz-Heilstätten are exacting and ever-present, though often on the periphery. The doctor is intriguing but almost unknowable, while patients come and go.

The story is divided into three parts, though structurally it reads more like an emotional arc than a traditional plot. The pacing is slow and deliberate. At times, it’s unclear where it’s headed, but you still want to follow. You need to know why, and that why feels inevitable.

There’s a sense of something stirring beneath the surface, pointing to a deeper, possibly darker truth behind Marion’s daily life in the past. Her discomfort with a particular patient, the recurring storms, her dreams, and ghostly phrases all hint at hidden layers beneath the story’s surface.

What really works in the novel is its emotional depth and immersive setting. The way the author describes the landscape, the weather, and even the silence in a room mirrors the characters’ moods and ties to the narrative. Cultural and historical details add richness without feeling forced. For readers craving thoughtful historical fiction, this delivers.

The writing itself is thoughtful, poetic, and full of sensory detail. While it’s clear English isn’t the writer’s first language, the phrasing and structure create a unique literary feel rather than a distraction. It reminded me of something you’d find on a book club list. There’s plenty to unpack in the story, from the characters to the themes to the writing style itself.

Overall, this is a quiet, introspective story about memory, longing, and how the past never really stays in the past. It’s beautifully written and emotionally on point. If you enjoy reflective, character-driven fiction with a slightly eerie edge, this is absolutely worth reading.

This novel was published on 05/01/25 and is available on Amazon here.

TL;DR Star Rating: 5.0

Links for more information:

Goodreads

Book Review: Altitude & Arrogance by Bella G. Raine

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Altitude & Arrogance by Bella G. Raine

An Action and Adventure Romance Book published on (06/14/25)

I received an Advanced Review Copy (or ARC) on Reedsy Discovery

Summary:

“That was the fundamental difference between pilots and passengers—fear didn’t get a seat up front.”

A fiery enemies-to-lovers romance takes flight when a daring test pilot and a secretive tech heir are forced into a high-stakes mission that threatens not just their hearts—but the fabric of reality itself.

Keywords:

Romance, Pilots, Flying, Aliens, Encounter, Love Triangle

My Review:

The writing in this book is rich, emotional, and often poetic. The author blends sharp, realistic dialogue with thoughtful, reflective moments. The story feels deep and intense, with lots of vivid descriptions and strong word choices. These details give the book a dramatic, cinematic feel. But sometimes the writing gets so detailed that it’s hard to follow the plot. You really have to focus while reading, since the meaning is often hidden between the lines. This book is less like a fast-paced action story (Independence Day) and more like a slow-burning, thoughtful film (Nope). You can’t just skim or read without fully paying attention.

This isn’t a typical science fiction novel. It mixes elements of sci-fi, thriller, romance, and literary fiction. If you like stories that blend genres, you might enjoy what this one offers.

However, the poetic style has some downsides. The heavy use of metaphors can sometimes make the story harder to understand. The pace slows down in some scenes, especially during long inner thoughts. Some emotional moments like grief, fear, and wonder happen all at once, which weakens their impact. The dialogue sometimes feels over-the-top, and important scenes can be unclear because there’s too much focus on description.

Still, the book stands out for its ambition and depth. It explores big ideas such as identity, love, loss, and choice, presented in a thoughtful and serious tone. The final scene leaves a strong impression and hints that the story isn’t over yet.

On the other hand, the romance subplot doesn’t work as well for me. The writing feels slow and repetitive in the early chapters, and the emotional side of the romance is underdeveloped. The romantic tension shows up too soon, before we’ve had a chance to connect with the characters.

This book is a good fit for readers who enjoy poetic writing, exploring deep emotions, and engaging with thoughtful themes. But if you prefer fast pacing, strong romance, or a clear story structure, it might not be for you. It’s a bold book with flashes of brilliance.

This novel was published on 06/14/25 and is available on Amazon here.

TL;DR Star Rating: 2.50

Links for more information:

Goodreads

Book Review: Tell Me It’s Wrong by Katie Wismer

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Tell Me It’s Wrong by Katie Wismer

A Contemporary Romance Novel published by Ahimsa Press (04/14/25)

Summary:

Adult single mother Christine lives in the small conservative town of Sweetspire. A series of encounters brings her and local bartender-entrepreneur Fletcher together again and again. As they spend time together, they start to fall for one another. In this conservative small town, a 9-year age gap might be unforgivable, but the more they are together, the harder it is to be apart.

Keywords:

Romance, New Adult, Small Town, Sibling, Best Friends, Age Gap, Conservative Town

My Review:

This is the second book in the Sweetspire series. We do see some of the characters from book one, but this is a standalone novel. This emotionally charged sequel blends a taboo age-gap romance with raw introspection and small-town pressures. This story centers on a single mom trying to find herself again, just as she falls for a man nine years younger. He has more ties to her past than she’s prepared for. This book leans into the messiness of grief, shame, and emotional vulnerability, all wrapped in a simmering romance that feels as impossible as it does inevitable.

The leads are complicated and real, both carrying wounds that shape how they love. Their chemistry is undeniable, but it’s the quiet, intimate beats, including the self-doubt, the yearning, the hard-won forgiveness that give this story its emotional weight. The small-town backdrop adds tension and texture, balancing warmth and suffocation in equal measure.

If you’re in the mood for something a little heavier, with flawed characters, high stakes, and feelings that don’t fit neatly into a happily-ever-after box, this book delivers. I couldn’t put this one down until the end, and I can’t wait for the next book in this series or more from Katie Wismer.

This novel was published by Ahimsa Press 04/14/25 and is available on Amazon here.

TL;DR Star Rating: 5.0

Links for more information:

Katie Wismer’s Website

Goodreads

Book Review: Chalk Dust and the Olympic Promise by Laura Shouse

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Chalk Dust and the Olympic Promise by Laura Shouse

A YA Short Book published on (06/11/25)

I received an Advanced Review Copy (or ARC) on Reedsy Discovery

Summary:

“Who is Amanda Scott without a leotard? Is she just a gymnast? What would happen if the dream, this consuming, all-encompassing Olympic dream, didn’t work out? The thought, usually buried under layers of discipline and determination, now surfaced, raw and terrifying. If she wasn’t tumbling, wasn’t vaulting, wasn’t perfecting a routine, then who was she? What did she offer?”

Sixteen-year-old Amanda Scott isn’t just chasing Olympic gold—she’s battling the voice in her head that questions if she’s ever enough. In the quiet before routines and the stillness between each breath, doubt presses harder than any rival. The gym is her sanctuary and her test, where perfection is the expectation and every misstep feels monumental. As the dream of the Olympics glimmers ahead, Amanda must decide if she has the strength not just to perform, but to believe she belongs.

Keywords:

Gymnastics, Olympics Dream, Training, Injury, Competition, Short Book, Teen

My Review:

This book starts with an essay-tyle recap of what will happen in the following chapters as if it’s a summary of a previous book. Chapter 0 outlines what’s to come, referencing later chapters in parentheses, which felt disorienting. Then Chapter 1 begins at the true start of Amanda’s story: she’s 16 and training for her Olympic dream.

While the depiction of elite gymnastics offers a window into the physical and mental demands of the sport, the story lacks the shape of a traditional narrative arc. Instead, there are small emotional ups and downs. The pacing is slow, and I found myself wishing for more tension, more drama, more something.

Amanda, the protagonist, doesn’t feel fully realized. Aside from Anya, her trainer (who also feels underdeveloped), there are few other characters, and Amanda’s world exists almost entirely within the gym. There’s little exploration of who she is outside her athletic identity, although she does question this identity. When I follow a real-life Olympic hopeful, I’m drawn in by the full story behind the talent—what makes this athlete different from the rest. Here, Amanda feels too narrowly defined by her sport to be compelling on the page.

The first real moment of tension appears when Amanda hits a setback beyond her own internal conflict. That’s when the story briefly finds momentum, and I started to care—if only a little—about her journey. But just as it starts to build, the story ends abruptly. The epilogue mirrors the prologue in tone and structure, reading like an essay summary.

The perspective is psychologically rich and emotionally introspective, but sometimes to a fault. Inner monologues stretch on, and the repetitive sentence structure creates a kind of narrative loop—training, doubt, incremental progress—without much sense of movement. While there are moments of emotional insight, they’re buried under layers of reflection that bog down the pacing.

This reads like a literary sports memoir than a fictional narrative. For readers who identify with the nostalgia of elite sports or Olympic dreams, there may be something compelling about reading this story but for anyone digging for plot, they won’t find much here.

This novel was published on 06/11/25 and is available on Amazon here.

TL;DR Star Rating: 3.25

Links for more information:

Laura Shouse’s Website

Goodreads

Book Review: The Verdict of My Heart by Laura Shouse

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The Verdict of My Heart by Laura Shouse

A YA Short Book published on (06/07/25)

I received an Advanced Review Copy (or ARC) on Reedsy Discovery

Summary:

“The Northwood Public Library wasn’t just a building to Maria; it was a sanctuary, a lifeline, a second home.”

Teen activist Maria fights to save her town’s library from a greedy developer, clashing with easygoing Sean as they navigate activism, identity, and unexpected connection.

Keywords:

Short Book, Teen, Activism, Romance

My Review:

From the very first page, this book drops readers directly into the heart of the story, opening with a “chapter 0” that lays out the stakes and summarizes the upcoming story. Main character Maria, often dismissed as the “weird activist girl,” is on a mission to save the Northwood Public Library and green space next door from a predictably profit-hungry developer who only cares about the money.

Maria is portrayed as sharp, independent, and fiercely committed to her cause. Her unwavering passion and need for control make her both admirable and, at times, difficult to connect with. Her character is rigid. She struggles to give others the benefit of the doubt and occasionally comes off as self-righteous or robotic. She has a lot of potential for character growth. While she initially comes across as intense, moments of humor and witty turns of phrase help soften the otherwise stiff tone.

Sean is another main character, but not the focus of the story. Maria’s strategic, hyper-focused activism contrasts with Sean’s more emotionally driven, human-centered approach, offering an interesting dynamic between the two approaches (what feels like right-brained vs. left-brained).

The writing itself favors telling over showing and sometimes lacks specificity. For example, they add music to a presentation but only describe it as Indie. Or they see a movie but don’t specify what it is. This reduces the visual impact but heightens the emotional focus for Maria, Sean, and the reader. As a result, the novel reads more like a middle-grade story. Its simplicity and structure feel more like a single episode than a full-length book, though it still stands alone with a clear beginning, middle, and end.

Still, the story tackles compelling themes. It blends civic urgency and duty with a slow-burn friendship to newly dating romance (light and age-appropriate without any steamy bits). It also explores the tension between community and capitalism, as well as different types of activism.

In the end, the story’s strength lies in its message more than its execution, and I would recommend it more for younger readers (middle-grade) versus young adult readers.

This novel was published on 06/07/25 and is available on Amazon here.

TL;DR Star Rating: 2.75

Links for more information:

Laura Shouse’s Website

Goodreads

Book Review: Mission: Red Scythe: A James Vagus Teen Espionage Thriller by C.W. James

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Mission: Red Scythe: A James Vagus Teen Espionage Thriller by C.W. James

A YA Spy Novel published by Insundry Productions Books on (06/12/25)

I received an Advanced Review Copy (or ARC) on Reedsy Discovery

Summary:

“Just moments ago, he didn’t have an idea about his future. Now, he was being offered the opportunity to become a secret agent — it was all too much to take in.”

In 1965, rookie teen agents James Vagus and Dakota Walker dive into a deadly mission to stop a global conspiracy. From Miami to Madras, they race against time, facing betrayal, espionage, and a threat that could change history.

Keywords:

Short Book, Teen, Spy, Thriller, Espionage, Orphan, Mission, Cold War,

My Review:

The story wastes no time pulling readers into the action with main character James’s first mission: an assignment that immediately goes off the rails. The story may have skipped past the classic training montage, but we immediately get a sense for what James learned and how he reacts under pressure when things don’t go as planned. The stakes are set early and escalate with each chapter, pulling the reader deeper into an adrenaline-filled adventure.

The writing is tight and focused, zeroing in on the action without getting sidetracked. The pacing keeps you right alongside James, allowing you to experience the tension, urgency, and thrill of the moment with him. He might keep his cool, but I was on the edge of my seat. I felt fully immersed in what was happening, with each scene pulling me deeper.

The setting is a fitting backdrop for a young spy, as it takes place in Miami, where there is sun-soaked energy and an undercurrent of youthful mischief. The setting feels alive and layered, and the action remains in Miami long enough to build out the world of the story before expanding internationally.

There’s something wonderfully cinematic about the whole setup. The time period, mysterious plot threads, and fast-paced momentum remind me of a young, trained Indiana Jones story, blending classic adventure with covert espionage back in time (the 1960’s).

The world-building is balanced, and the story is strong but not overpowering of the immediate action. The story doesn’t try to be overly expansive because it focuses on what’s right in front of James. This is exactly what gives the world a sense of authenticity. We get just enough backstory on James and eventually Dakota to make us care about them as people and as spies on a mission.

Tension is built masterfully throughout, keeping stakes high without ever feeling forced. If you are a fan of a good action spy thriller, then this is a great and quick read.

This novel was published by Insundry Productions Books on 06/12/25 and is available on Amazon here.

TL;DR Star Rating: 4.75

Links for more information:

C.W. James’ Website

Goodreads

Book Review: Hopeful Romantics by Susan Rufai

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Hopeful Romantics by Susan Rufai

A Contemporary Romance Novel published by Susan Rufai (07/11/25)

I received an Advanced Review Copy (or ARC) on Reedsy Discovery

Summary:

“Loneliness can have you bringing people into your life that aren’t good for you, just to fill the emptiness.”

Maya just got out of a relationship with someone at work and she vows not to bring that kind of drama into her life again. She’s a love cynic until she meets Damian, the new hire. He’s a hopeful (not hopeless) romantic. Does she dare date another coworker?

Keywords:

Romance, POC, authors, publishing, senior editor, office romance, micro-aggressions, exes

My Review:

From the first chapter, I was hooked. The voice is strong, and the setup is quite promising from the get-go.

Maya is a people pleaser with a toxic tendency to fall for her coworkers. Her last workplace romance ended so badly that she still has emotional whiplash. It wasn’t just that Maya and Ramon weren’t a good fit, but he was trying to mold her into his life, ignoring the reality of her own. Kudos to Maya for having the personal strength to end it, but the guilt of the breakout keeps her from really moving on. You can feel the weight of her choices and her internal tug-of-war as she navigates office politics, but you might also get just as mad as I was for Maya every time Ramon tries to make her feel bad for ending their relationship.

It’s not all relationship woes for Maya; she’s also navigating her position in a company that promotes diversity but doesn’t always live up to that pledge. Maya sometimes feels like the token diversity hire, but she’s also sometimes treated like one, too. I’m not sure if I was madder at Ramon for how he acted post-break-up or the other dude bros and her sometimes micro-aggressive boss Bruce.

“Moments like this are when I doubt myself, questioning whether I belong in this company. Bruce constantly undermines my choices, giving amazing offers only to the books he can relate to, while paying my author’s dust. It’s a perpetual battle I keep losing.”

This book doesn’t shy away from the very real challenges faced by women of color in professional spaces — Maya must fight for almost every inch of her voice to be heard. You can clearly read the privilege in the room during the scenes at Peelback Publishing, but at least Maya isn’t completely overlooked. That’s where the weight of reality hits. The book feels contemporary and like an authentic and honest story without being overly dramatized.

Maya isn’t the only character with depth and backstory. She’s been shaped by her past just as much as the book’s love interest, Damian.  He is opinionated but truthful, telling it like it is. Watching them circle each other with their emotional baggage was so satisfyingly messy.

The cast of characters feels like it’s just the right size, and they are all impressively well-developed. No one felt like filler, and every subplot added to the main story without feeling too complex. If you love realistic romances with depth, you’ll enjoy this perfectly balanced book.

 

This novel was published by Susan Rufai 07/11/25 and is available on Amazon here.

TL;DR Star Rating: 5.00

Links for more information:

Susan Rufai’s Website

Goodreads

Book Review: USA: The Land with At Least 50 Options: A Hilarious and Eye-Opening Tour of America’s States, One Grocery Aisle at a Time by Robert Okine

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USA: The Land with At Least 50 Options: A Hilarious and Eye-Opening Tour of America’s States, One Grocery Aisle at a Time by
Robert Okine

A Non-Fiction Travel Guide published by Fifty Options Press (05/03/25)

I received an Advanced Review Copy (or ARC) on Reedsy Discovery

Summary:

“The humble, beautiful, chaotic places where real food meets real life. Where culture, comfort, convenience, and chaos all live under fluorescent lights.”

This book is full of 51 short essays about each of the different grocery personalities in each state of the US (plus DC). This book is part cultural commentary and  part comedic observation of everyday American life.

Keywords:

Travel, Grocery Stores, USA, Ecotourism, Humor, Essay, Shorts

My Review:

This is not a book about grocery stores. It’s a love letter, an ode, or an epic poem to the land of choices and dinner opportunities: The United States of America. The diversity of grocery stores in America reflects the diversity of the people and the experiences one might have in America.

Each short, quippy chapter describes a different state. Each state is represented by its grocery store: not just what’s on the shelves, but the vibe, the culture, and the personality. It’s like a travel guide, TL;DR, giving you a snapshot of who and what each state is and who or what the people are like in that state.

Why California first? The list is neither alphabetical nor in order of most outlandish to most ‘normal.’ It’s as if the author took the country and arranged it by feel, not geography.

Reading this, I felt like I was watching Forrest Gump when Bubba talks about shrimp. There are numerous varieties, much like the types of potatoes in Idaho or the various milk options in California.

Each word is so intentional, so well-placed, and sometimes they are in bold typeface, giving extra emphasis.

Even when the state’s grocery store stereotype leans on the obvious, it never feels lazy because it is so fun and loudly humorous. Like someone who sees America in all its absurd and beautiful forms.

Everyone eats, so everyone shops. This book is for anyone, even if you don’t live anywhere in the US but want a snapshot of what it’s like to live in any one of the different states. We are a melting pot of flavors – inside and outside of our grocery stores.

You’ll start wondering where you’d want to live, not just by climate or cost of living, but by grocery energy. (I think I identify most with Nevada, which tells you a lot about what kind of person I identify as.)

One of the most fun, funny, and sneakily accurate things I’ve read this year.

This novel was published by Fifty Options Press 05/03/25 and is available on Amazon here.

TL;DR Star Rating: 4.25

Links for more information:

Robert Okine’s Website

Goodreads

Book Review: Rainbows and Lollipops by Mo Fanning

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Rainbows and Lollipops by Mo Fanning

A Comedic Fiction Novel published by Spring Street Books (06/12/25)

I received an Advanced Review Copy (or ARC) on Reedsy Discovery

Summary:

Multiple POV with three main characters and their stories is told as 6 episodic minis that get entangled between Jake, Vicky, and Lucy. When Jake’s partner suddenly dies, grief is overwhelming. When Vicky takes on new clients someone will threaten her in a new scary way. When Lucy’s perfect wedding isn’t coming to plan, she’ll have to figure out if it’s the fiancee or something else. All three are connected.

Keywords:

Loss, Grief, Friendship, Mystery, Crime, Multiple POV, Gay, Lawyer, Episodic Story

My Review:

At the beginning of the story, the author provides a reader’s guide that describes how the novel merges traditional storytelling with the visual language of a TV screenplay. There are abbreviations that are defined that I had to go back and reference for the first few scenes. I’m not sure the visual language is necessary for the story; however, it’s a clever way to define the environment in a succinct and no-nonsense way.

Time is not linear as the author builds relationships in parts and pieces through the three main characters’ voices: Jake, Vicky, and Lucy. We spend so much time with Jake that it almost feels like being torn away from the story when we move on to Vicky. Soon enough Vicky’s story is just as intriguing as Jake’s. It’s jarring again to jump into Lucy’s story but slowly the connections between the three people are revealed and I highly enjoyed all three points of view.

It’s truly a house of cards in this entanglement of threads between Vicky, Jake, and Lucy. The three stories are connected but distinct just like the three characters are similar but unique in their own ways.

Vicky is a trans, Black, and an exceptional lawyer. “She is overworked, under-loved, hoping to make named partner but knowing the title would likely go to someone far less capable and far more male. And white.” (Page 83).

Jake had a loved one, a stable home, and a future before everything fell apart when his partner Tom suddenly died. Grief will hit him in all the ways. As a reader, we can recognize the stages and know that until Jake has a fresh start with a fresh home he won’t be able to move on. It is especially hard for Jake because he questions the life and love he had. Jake needs to find his voice and himself through his grief.

Lucy Penrose is the annoying friend who you need in your life. She seems to create her own problems in her life. This time it’s the fiancée Colin. Lucy has only known him for a short time but is already committed to marrying the man. While planning her dream wedding she’ll find out Colin has more baggage than she realized and that there’s something up with her future mother-in-law.

The author’s writing has a wonderful flow and there are many, many wisdom nuggets about love, friendship, grief, and bravery in this book. As a reader, I feel like I learned so much about the human condition and how to be wise real, and human. If you love contemporary novels or tragicomedies like After Life, you will enjoy this book.

This novel was published by Spring Street Books 06/12/25 and is available on Amazon here.

TL;DR Star Rating: 4.75

Links for more information:

Mo Fanning’s Website

Goodreads