May was a bit of a slower reading month for me—I finished six books and had one that I ended up setting aside. Life got a little busy, and honestly, I just wasn’t in the mood to power through anything that wasn’t holding my attention. That said, there were still a few gems in the mix! Let’s dive into what I read (and what I DNF’d) this month.
Genre: Historical Fiction
Average Goodreads Rating: 4.30
Sage Singer is a baker who works overnight to avoid loneliness and bad memories. She befriends an elderly man named Josef Weber from her grief support group. When Josef reveals a shameful secret and asks for a favor, Sage faces moral and legal consequences. This challenges her assumptions about her life and family.
Minka’s fictional story dominated a large portion of the book, and while it was detailed, it started to feel like too much without really moving the plot forward. By the halfway point, I was definitely wishing for more focus on the present timeline. That said, I really appreciated Sage’s journey toward self-acceptance—it was heartfelt and powerful. And the twist at the end? So well done. It left a lasting impression and really highlighted the author’s storytelling skills.
Genre: Fiction, Contemporary, Short Stories
Average Goodreads Rating: 3.58
Betrayal can manifest in numerous ways. It could be a spouse betraying their partner, a parent betraying their child, or a person feeling betrayed by the absence of their soulmate. It often catches you off guard, but it is inevitable.
This book is a series of loosely connected short stories that circle back to the characters from the first chapter. I could see what Ringwald was aiming for, but the execution felt forced—whole chapters introduced new plots that were tied back with just a line or two. The stories shared some themes but felt disjointed, with uneven pacing and a tone that came off as flat.
Genre: Mystery, Short Stories
Average Goodreads Rating: 3.46
When Harold Pardee suddenly reports his wife’s death, the neighborhood is stunned—most didn’t even know the odd TV repairman had a wife. Within hours, dark rumors swirl about what she may have endured over the past thirty years… until the Pardees’ tightly kept world begins to unravel.
This short story lacked a clear, cohesive plot, which made it tough to follow from start to finish. The narrative felt disjointed, jumping between scenes and ideas without much connection or development. I often found myself confused about what was going on and unsure if the story had any real direction or purpose.
Genre: Nonfiction, Memoir
Average Goodreads Rating: 3.78
Betty’s collection of short personal stories and reflections offers a heartfelt glimpse into the life and career of a woman who charmed fans for decades. What shines through most is her remarkable ability to see beauty and positivity in every situation—a trait that continues to resonate with admirers. Her deep love for animals and steadfast commitment to her values truly set her apart. While the storytelling itself may not be groundbreaking, anyone who admired Betty White for her warmth and compassion will find joy in these pages. I hope to carry her gentle wisdom with me for years to come, inspired by her grace and kindness.
Genre: Mystery, Thriller
Average Goodreads Rating: 3.91
Rowan Caine can’t resist when she finds a high-paying live-in nanny job at a stunning smart home in the Scottish Highlands. At first, Heatherbrae House seems like the perfect escape—but it quickly unravels into a nightmare. A child ends up dead, Rowan lands in prison, and though she admits to lying to get the job, she insists she’s not guilty of murder.
I struggled to stay invested in this story. The narrative was bogged down by excessive details, and the plot took far too long to gain momentum—nearly 200 pages before anything truly gripping happened. After all that buildup, the lack of a strong, cohesive storyline left me feeling disappointed and unsatisfied.
Genre: Mystery, Thriller
Average Goodreads Rating: 3.73
Talia Kemper is on death row for the murder of her husband—a crime she swears she didn’t commit. Despite having an alibi and no clear motive, her claims of innocence have always been dismissed. But during a routine visit, Talia sees a man she’s certain is her supposedly dead husband. Could the man she was convicted of killing still be alive?
This short story was a bonus read through Amazon Prime First Reads in May, and I was genuinely surprised by how much I enjoyed it—especially after feeling let down by some of McFadden’s recent books. The way the author blurred the line between reality and Talia’s perception kept me hooked. The twist was clever and unexpected, making this a fast-paced and engaging read.
DNF:
Genre: Mystery, Thriller
Average Goodreads Rating: 3.46
May Hanover has always played by the rules. But during a weekend getaway with her longtime friends, a drunken prank goes wrong—putting May at the center of a police investigation. As secrets unravel, she starts to question how well she really knows her friends—and what she’s willing to risk for them.
I kept hoping the story would pick up, but it never really went anywhere. It just kept cycling through the same three characters—the “rich bitch,” the “wild party girl,” and the one who’s been “boring since COVID.” Their dynamics felt shallow and repetitive, with very little growth or plot development to keep me engaged. About halfway through, I realized I wasn’t invested in the characters or where the story was going, so I ended up putting it down.
That’s a wrap on my May reading roundup! It wasn’t the fastest month, but I still found some great stories and a few that didn’t quite hit the mark. I’m looking forward to what June has in store and hoping to pick up a few new favorites along the way. Now I’m curious—what did you read last month? Any favorites or recommendations? Drop your picks in the comments—I’m always on the lookout for my next great read! Let’s swap some book love and keep the reading inspiration going!
Related posts:
