Genre: Historical Fiction

Average Goodreads Rating: 3.82

Bernadette Swift is an ambitious copyeditor at Lenox & Park Publishing, determined to earn a promotion her sexist boss is trying to block. After joining a feminist book club at the New York Public Library, she finds support and the courage to challenge workplace discrimination, all while dealing with office sabotage and a growing attraction to a charming editor.

I really enjoyed this historical fiction novel. Knight effectively captures the realities women faced in the 1960s at the start of the Women’s Rights Movement, highlighting both the obstacles and the persistence required just to be taken seriously. Bernadette’s refusal to back down makes her a compelling protagonist and a reminder of the rigid, often unreasonable expectations placed on women at the time. The story is engaging and informative, though her elevated vocabulary occasionally sent me reaching for a dictionary. Overall, I’d recommend this to readers who enjoy historical fiction or chick lit.

Genre: Mystery/Thriller

Average Goodreads Rating: 3.83

Lottie Jones believed her criminal past was long behind her. After reinventing herself years ago, she now enjoys a quiet small-town routine of bingo nights and friendly conversations. But when journalist Plum Dixon starts digging into Lottie’s possible connection to a series of unsolved cases, that calm life is suddenly at risk.

I absolutely loved this book. The concept is wonderfully original, and the writing is so sharp and fast-paced that it was impossible to put down. Centering a story on an elderly former serial killer is a daring choice, and Downing masterfully weaves suspense with dark humor. The characters are well drawn, the scenes vivid, and Lottie’s blunt, no-nonsense personality is irresistible. I also appreciated the thoughtful portrayal of aging—how, despite physical limitations, Lottie is determined to prove she’s still very much alive, adding both warmth and wit to the story. This is a must-read for fans of thrillers and mysteries with a darkly comic twist.

Genre: Mystery/Thriller

Average Goodreads Rating: 4.22

Mackenzie Casper has always been known as the daughter of a bestselling thriller writer. After her mother’s death in what appears to be an accident, she receives a cryptic letter from a self-proclaimed “#1 fan,” prompting her to dig into the circumstances surrounding it. As she uncovers buried family secrets, Mackenzie begins to suspect that her mother’s success was built on dark truths that may have ultimately led to her demise.

I picked up this novel after seeing it highly recommended in several book groups and wanted to see if it lived up to the buzz. While the premise initially felt a bit far-fetched, the strong writing quickly pulled me in and made that easy to overlook. Xander skillfully maintained suspense, especially in unraveling the mystery behind the letters and revealing who Mackenzie could truly trust. The pacing was steady and intentional, allowing both the twists and the emotional moments to land effectively.

Genre: Holiday/Mystery

Average Goodreads Rating: 3.07

After the death of a patient, nurse Hannah Mark returns to her hometown of Greenridge, a small community known for its Christmas candle tradition. But as each candle is lit, another calamity strikes—fires, vanishings, and a growing sense of dread. Drawn into the unfolding turmoil, Hannah soon realizes these events are no accident and that someone is determined to force the town to confront a long-buried past.

I was excited to try an Advent-style novel, as the format was new to me and seemed like a creative, festive way to tell a story. Unfortunately, it never lived up to its potential. The pacing was sluggish, with little momentum from chapter to chapter, and the plot failed to build real tension. The heavy reliance on metaphors also became distracting; instead of enhancing the imagery, it often pulled me out of the narrative.

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Average Goodreads Rating: 4.13

The Secret Lives of Church Ladies explores the inner lives of Black women and girls as they navigate faith, desire, and identity. Across nine connected stories, the characters grapple with who they are versus who the church expects them to be, balancing devotion, secrecy, and self-expression.

While I expected a sharper contrast between “church life” and private life, the collection unfolded more subtly. The use of Southern dialect was a standout, adding authenticity and making the voices feel vivid and real. I also appreciated the nuanced treatment of faith, especially in stories that challenged traditional views on same-sex relationships. However, some pieces felt overly long, and the repeated focus on infidelity grew tiresome and, at times, uncomfortable. Despite my mixed feelings, the book has received strong praise, and I’d encourage others to read it and form their own opinions.

Genre: Thriller

Average Goodreads Rating: 4.05

Veronica and Ryan Hartley are the stars of Auburn Drive. At the neighborhood’s annual progressive dinner party, their charm and movie-star good looks captivate everyone. But behind the glamorous smiles and smoldering glances, is their perfection just an illusion?

This short story exceeded my expectations. The shifting perspectives of neighbors at a dinner party create a layered, engaging narrative, with each scene carefully crafted to add depth and meaning. The story builds to a surprising climax, but it’s the final twist that truly lingers, leaving a lasting impression. Underneath the plot, themes of sisterhood, solidarity, and quiet feminine strength shine through, giving the story emotional weight. Brief yet rich and thought-provoking, it’s a compelling read that stays with you long after the last page.

Genre: Mystery/Thriller

Average Goodreads Rating: 3.64

Haunted by a life-changing decision, a wealthy Californian risks everything to make amends for a mistake from her past. Though Hillary Jean seems to have it all, a DNA match sends her on a frantic search for the daughter she gave up twenty-five years earlier—a search that threatens to upend the life she’s carefully built.

This emotionally charged short story offers a moving exploration of a mother’s love and the lasting effects of loss. Even without personal experience with adoption, the story conveys pain, longing, and emotional turmoil with remarkable sensitivity and realism. I thought I had the plot figured out early on, but the ending completely defied my expectations, leaving me heartbroken for Hillary. Clark masterfully captures the desperation, hope, and unwavering determination of a mother striving to reconnect with the child she never truly wanted to let go of.

Genre: Holiday/Romance

Average Goodreads Rating: 3.51

Ivy Steadman isn’t in love with her boss—technically, he’s not even her boss—and she’s far too professional to fall for a client. Alec Ames, however, is completely smitten with his PR specialist. Despite his efforts to stay professional, he can’t ignore their chemistry and is convinced Ivy might feel the same. His plan? Win her over at the company’s big holiday party, complete with elegant Christmas décor and a string quartet playing her favorite holiday song. What could possibly go wrong?

This isn’t a genre I usually enjoy, though I’m open to giving these tropes a try in short story form. The story began reasonably well, following an employee’s crush on her boss, but the lack of realism quickly pulled me out of it. The depiction of his immense wealth, the lavish gifts to staff, and the ease with which professional boundaries were ignored all felt far-fetched. I didn’t actively dislike the story, but it didn’t capture my interest either. If it had been any longer, it likely would have overstayed its welcome. Fans of brief, romance-focused tales may enjoy it more, but for me, it ultimately fell flat.

Genre: Horror

Average Goodreads Rating: 3.84

A struggling teenager, worried about his mother’s declining health, pours his fears into a letter and slips it through the mail slot of an abandoned showhouse. To his shock, a reply arrives—offering good fortune in exchange for the life of someone he despises. He’d do anything for his mother, but the true cost may be far higher than he ever imagined.

After reading the positive reviews on Goodreads, I was curious to see what the hype was about. The story had an interesting and unpredictable premise, and I appreciated how it explored ethical struggles realistically. However, I found myself less engaged than I hoped. I figured out who was sending the letters early, and the supernatural aspect didn’t resonate with me. More attention to the characters’ personalities and growth, rather than the magical elements, might have made this book more memorable.