The Last to Drown by Noelle W. Ihli - Now Released

Now Released 

I absolutely loved The Last to Drown by Noelle W. Ihli. This was an easy five-star read for me and exactly the kind of thriller I can’t get enough of: fast, intense, creepy, and impossible to put down. Noelle has such a talent for dropping you straight into the chaos from page one and keeping the tension high the entire time. Even when I started to piece together some of the bigger reveals early on, it didn’t lessen the experience at all because the real thrill was in watching everything unfold.

The setting and atmosphere were perfect. A women’s whitewater rafting trip already feels intense, but adding the history of a brutal murder on that same stretch of river made everything feel even more unsettling. Once things start going wrong, the story turns into a full-on survival nightmare in the best way. There were several scenes that genuinely had my heart racing. The whole book played out like a movie in my head. I especially loved the little details from The River Guides Almanac woven throughout the story because they added so much to the reading experience.

The pacing is classic Noelle W. Ihli: relentless, anxiety-inducing, and so addictive. There’s no filler, no overdone descriptions, just sharp writing and nonstop momentum. I also really appreciated that underneath all the terror and suspense, there was still something deeper here about survival, healing, and finding the strength to keep going. The female characters were strong, believable, and so easy to root for.

This is my first read by Noelle W. Ihli and already she has earned her place on my auto-read author list, and The Last to Drown is another absolute hit. If you love survival thrillers, wilderness horror, strong character work, and books that make you feel like you’re holding on for dear life right alongside the characters, definitely pick this one up.

★★★★★

Thank you to NetGalley and the Dynamite Books for providing me with an advance reader copy in exchange for my honest review.

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Hello Stranger by Katherine Center - A Review

This one was a sweet, easy read for me. I really liked the concept it felt different and had that mix of light romance and something a little deeper going on underneath. Katherine Center always has a way of making her stories feel hopeful, and this one definitely had that same kind of warmth.

Sadie navigated everything beautifully. There were moments that made me smile, and I liked the way relationships and personal growth were woven into the story. It had a nice balance of emotional and uplifting.

I didn’t feel completely pulled in the whole time, but I still had a good overall reading experience. It’s one of those books that’s comforting and easy to read, even if it doesn’t hit super hard.

Overall, a solid, feel good story that I’m glad I read.
 

★★★

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The Top Five Regrets of the Dying by Bronnie Ware- A Review

This book definitely gave me some things to think about. The regrets about not living authentically, working too much, and not expressing feelings hit the hardest, and more than once I found myself wondering if I'm spending my time on the right things.

That said, I didn't connect with it as deeply as I expected to. The message is meaningful, but some of the stories started to feel repetitive, and I found myself wanting a little more variety and depth.

It felt like a gentle reminder to slow down, be honest with yourself, and focus on what really matters. Not life-changing for me, but still worthwhile.

★★★

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The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning: How to Free Yourself and Your Family from a Lifetime of Clutter by Margareta Magnusson

I liked the overall idea behind it -- it’s simple, a little different, and actually made me think about stuff I usually avoid thinking about. It has quiet, practical wisdom.

It has a straightforward, no-pressure the approach. It didn’t feel intense or overwhelming, just gentle encouragement to be more mindful about what we keep and why. There were a few moments that really stuck with me, especially about making things easier for the people we leave behind.

Some parts felt a little repetitive, and I found myself wishing for a bit more depth in places. But I still appreciated the message and the perspective it offers.

★★★

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The Calamity Club by Kathryn Stockett

This was one of those books that completely snuck up on me. When I first saw that it was over 650 pages long, I honestly expected it to feel like a commitment. Instead, it never once felt like a chore. In fact, I found myself looking for excuses to pick it back up whenever I had a few free minutes. That's a rare thing for a book this size. At 656 pages, it could have easily dragged, but the story and characters kept me invested from beginning to end.

The character development was superb. Meg, Birdie, and Charlie felt so real that by the end of the book, I felt like I actually kew them all.  Even the side characters have personality and life, impressive! They aren't perfect characters, and that's exactly what made them so memorable. They struggle, make mistakes, experience heartbreak, and find strength in ways that felt authentic and deeply human. Watching each of them grow over the course of the story was incredibly rewarding, and I became more attached to them with every chapter.

The friendships and connections between these women were the heart of the book for me. Kathryn Stockett has a gift for creating characters you genuinely care about, and she balances the heavier moments with warmth, humor, and hope. There were scenes that made me smile, scenes that made me emotional, and several moments where I found myself cheering the characters on. 

Honestly, one of the biggest compliments I can give this book is that I kind of hated for it to end. After spending so much time with these characters, I wasn't ready to leave them behind. The final pages left me sitting there wishing I could have just a little more time with this group of women and their world.

The only reason I'm giving it 4.5 stars instead of 5 is that there were a few slower stretches along the way. Even then, those moments helped build the emotional payoff that made the ending so satisfying. Overall, this was an immersive, heartfelt story filled with unforgettable characters, and it's exactly the kind of historical fiction I love to read.

If you're intimidated by the page count, don't be. This is proof that a long book doesn't have to feel long when the characters are this well written. This one is actually worth the hype. 

★★★★1/2

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The Push by Ashley Audrain - A Review

This one definitely made me uncomfortable, which I know is the whole point, but it didn’t fully work for me. The tension is there right from the start, and it does a great job building that creeping feeling that something isn’t right. I was constantly questioning what was real, which kept me turning the pages.

As a mom of five, parts of this hit a little too close. The fear, guilt, and anxiety around motherhood feel turned all the way up, and at times it was just a lot. I do appreciate how honest it is about the darker side of parenting, but it can be emotionally draining. The narrator being so unreliable adds to that, and while it’s intentional, it made it harder for me to stay connected for long stretches.

Overall, it’s an interesting and unsettling read, just not one I’d say I enjoyed. I can see what the author was going for, and it definitely sparks conversations around motherhood and expectations. It’s a strong psychological thriller, but for me, it left me more drained than satisfied.

★★★

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The Color Purple Alice Walker - A Review

This one pulled me in right away. Celie’s letters make everything feel so personal, and her pain is hard to sit with at times. There’s a quiet strength in her that I really admired, even when she couldn’t see it herself. I found myself rooting for her in the smaller moments more than the big ones.

What stood out most was the way the women show up for each other. Shug, Sofia, and Nettie bring warmth into a story that can feel really heavy and suffocating. Those relationships felt like lifelines, and they meant more to me than almost anything else in the book.

I didn’t always connect with the pacing, and some parts felt more emotionally exhausting than engaging. There were moments where the messaging felt a little heavy handed, which made it harder for me to stay fully invested.

Overall, this is a book I respect more than I enjoyed. It’s powerful and important, but for me it was more something to sit with and learn from than something I loved reading.

★★★

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Sunset Beach Andrews, Mary Kay

This was an easy, summery read that I mostly enjoyed, but it didn’t fully pull me in. Mary Kay Andrews always nails the beachy setting, and this one definitely delivers on that. The coastal vibe, the layered secrets, and the mix of romance and mystery keep things moving and make it a nice pick for a relaxed read.

That said, it felt a bit longer than it needed to be. The pacing dragged in spots, and a few of the twists were pretty easy to see coming. I also didn’t connect strongly with all the characters, so some of the emotional moments didn’t hit as hard as I wanted them to.

Overall, it’s a pleasant, low effort read that works well if you want something light and beachy. It just didn’t quite stand out compared to others in the genre.

★★★

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A Return to Love by Marianne Williamson - A Review

I can totally see why this book has such a devoted following. Marianne Williamson's central message, that so much of our lives is driven by either love or fear, is powerful and honestly gave me quite a bit to think about. That's also one of the reasons this book became so popular in the first place.

The discussions about forgiveness, self-worth, and extending grace to us and others were the strongest parts for me.

That said, I didn't love it as much as I expected to. A lot of readers seem to find the book life-changing, but I found myself wishing it was a little more practical and a little less repetitive. The concepts of choosing love over fear and shifting your perspective are valuable, but after a while it felt like the same ideas were being revisited in different ways. 

I'm glad I read it and there were definitely some takeaways I'll hold onto, but it wasn't a book that completely captivated me from beginning to end.

★★★

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Not in the Plan (Single in Seattle #1) by Dana Hawkins - A Review

This was an easy, low effort romance that I could settle into without thinking too hard. I liked the Seattle setting and the overall idea, and there were a few genuinely sweet moments that kept me reading. It has that familiar, comfortable contemporary romance feel where you kind of know what you’re getting.

That said, it was pretty predictable. I never felt surprised by where things were headed, and there were a few spots where the pacing dragged when I wanted more tension or emotional depth. The characters were likable, but I didn’t feel super connected to them, so the romance felt a bit surface level instead of really swoony.

Overall, it’s a solid pick if you’re just in the mood for something light and easy. Not super memorable, but it gets the job done.

★★★

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Jar of Hearts by Jennifer Hillier - A Review

This one definitely hooked me, even when it made me a little uncomfortable. It’s dark, heavy, and not something I could binge for long stretches, but I still felt pulled to keep going just to see how it all played out. Jennifer Hillier really leans into the intensity, and it works.

I liked how layered the story felt. The past and present come together slowly, and a lot of the emotional weight actually hits harder than the mystery itself. The focus on trauma, survival, and buried secrets gives it more depth than your typical thriller, even if it’s not always easy to sit with.

That said, the darkness can feel a bit nonstop, and I found myself wishing for a little breathing room. A few twists didn’t land as strongly as I expected, and by the end I felt more impressed than emotionally invested.

Overall, it’s a solid, memorable thriller. Intense, unsettling, and well written, just a little heavier than what I usually reach for.

★★★½

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The Princess Bride William Goldman - A Review

Reading this after loving the movie for years is such a unique experience, and it really surprised me. I expected it to just feel like a retelling, but it actually feels more like a companion piece. I could hear all the actors’ voices and picture every scene, but the book still manages to have its own personality.

What stood out most was how playful and layered it is. The interruptions, commentary, and overall tone give it a different kind of humor than the movie. Some moments land even better on the page, while others just work perfectly on screen, and somehow knowing the movie made the book even more fun instead of predictable.

That said, the movie still wins for me. There’s just something about the performances, the timing, and how comfortable it feels that’s hard to beat. But the book made me appreciate it even more and showed how well the story works in both formats.

Overall, it’s such a fun, clever read that adds a whole new layer to a story I already love.

★★★★

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Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry - A Review

I really wanted to love this one because I enjoy Emily Henry's writing, but it didn't work for me the way I hoped. I stayed interested enough to finish but never felt fully invested in the characters or their story.

I kept waiting for a stronger emotional connection and more chemistry between the characters, but it never quite clicked. The pacing also felt slow at times, making it harder to stay engaged.

There were moments where Emily Henry's signature writing style shined through, which I appreciated, but this one just didn't deliver the emotional impact I was looking for.

★★ 

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The Hidden Hand of God

In EVERY situation and EVERY circumstance of your life, God is always doing a thousand different things that you cannot see and you do not know.

John Piper

The Art of Mindful Living: How to Bring Love, Compassion, and Inner Peace into Your Daily Life Thich Nhat Hanh - A Review

This is a calm, reflective read that really captures Thich Nhat Hanh’s gentle, grounding approach to mindfulness, but it didn’t fully resonate with me the whole way through.

The biggest strength here is the simplicity. The ideas around being present, practicing compassion, and slowing down are clear and accessible. There are moments that feel genuinely peaceful, almost like a reset, especially when he focuses on everyday mindfulness like breathing, walking, or just being aware of your surroundings. Those sections felt grounding and easy to take into daily life.

It was hard for me to stay fully engaged. Many of the teachings circle back to the same core ideas, and while I understand that’s part of mindful practice, it started to feel a little repetitive rather than deepening over time. I found myself wishing for a bit more variety or practical structure.

There are still some really meaningful takeaways here, especially if you’re newer to mindfulness or looking for something gentle and reassuring rather than instructional or structured. It’s more about presence than productivity, which I can appreciate, even if it didn’t fully click for me throughout.

Overall, this is a soothing, thoughtful read with some beautiful insights, just not one that completely held my attention from start to finish.

★★★

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The Vow: The Kim & Krickitt Carpenter Story by Kim Carpenter

This one was a pretty mixed read for me. The story itself is really powerful, and knowing it’s true adds a whole extra layer to it. What happened to Kim and Krickitt is incredibly emotional, and I definitely found myself thinking about how hard that kind of situation would be to go through.

I liked the heart behind it. You can tell how much commitment and faith played a role in their relationship, and there are moments that really hit, especially when it comes to rebuilding love from scratch. Those parts felt genuine and meaningful.

At the same time, it didn’t always pull me in the way I expected. The writing felt a little flat in places, and I wish there had been more depth emotionally. I kept wanting to feel more connected to what they were going through instead of just hearing about it. Some parts also felt a bit repetitive.

Overall, I’m glad I read it, and I can see why it’s meaningful to so many people, but I just didn’t fully connect with it as much as I hoped.

★★★

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The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom by Miguel Ruiz - A Review

This one is super simple in the best and worst ways. The core ideas are easy to understand, easy to remember, and actually really useful for everyday life. I liked how approachable everything felt, and it definitely encourages you to pause and reflect without feeling overwhelming.

At the same time, that simplicity started to work against it. The book repeats itself quite a bit, and after a while it felt like the same message just being reworded. Some of the spiritual language didn’t fully click for me either, and a few sections leaned more preachy than practical, which had me skimming here and there.

Overall, it’s a solid entry level self help read. Great if you want a few simple mindset shifts or reminders to carry with you. For me, it had helpful moments, just not enough depth to feel life changing.

★★★

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Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone: A Novel by Benjamin Stevenson - A Review

I ended up not finishing this audiobook and rated it 2 stars.

The premise was clever. A family gathering filled with people who have all, in one way or another, killed someone sounded like the setup for a fun and unique mystery.

I had heard so many people describe this book as hilarious, and I went into it expecting a lot of humor. Unfortunately, I just didn't find it funny. While I can see how some readers would enjoy the humor and unconventional approach, it simply didn't work for me.

I also struggled to stay invested in both the mystery and the characters. The pacing felt uneven, and I found my attention wandering more often than not. This is one of those books that I can appreciate for its originality, but ultimately it just wasn't my cup of tea.

This may be a great fit for readers who enjoy meta mysteries and narrators who directly address the audience, but it wasn't the right match for me.

★★

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Happiness for Beginners by Katherine Center - A Review

Helen is freshly divorced, completely out of her comfort zone, and about as excited about a wilderness survival course as I would be. Watching her stumble, sweat, complain, and slowly realize she's stronger than she thinks was incredibly relatable. I loved that her growth wasn't some magical overnight transformation. It came one blister, bad decision, and hard-earned victory at a time.

The hiking adventure itself was one of my favorite parts. There was something satisfying about watching a group of strangers get dropped into the wilderness and having to figure things out together. It made me appreciate my air conditioning, snacks, and indoor plumbing even more.

I also really enjoyed the romance. It was sweet, subtle, and never overshadowed Helen's personal journey. The quiet moments and growing connection worked much better for me than any over-the-top drama would have.

Was it predictable? A little. Did I know where some things were headed? Absolutely. Did I care? Not really. This book made me smile, root for Helen, and close the last page feeling hopeful, which is sometimes exactly what I want from a story.

★★★★

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Cat Life

Our sweet girl. 

 

Summer in the Garden

Fresh tomatoes on the vine and plenty more on the way.

 

The Melody of Love by Wanda E. Brunstetter and Lorine Brunstetter Van Corbach - Now Released

Now Released

At its heart, The Melody of Love explores the fragile balance between calling and commitment, and that part really stuck with me. The heroine’s journey feels so authentic and emotionally honest. Her struggle between duty and desire is not overdone, it just unfolds in a way that feels very real and easy to connect with.

One thing you should know going in is that it is very, very detailed and definitely slow paced. The authors really take their time with every emotion, conversation, and internal struggle. There were moments where it felt like it lingered a bit too long, especially if you are used to faster stories. But at the same time, that detail is what pulls you in and makes everything feel more meaningful and sincere.

The character development is so well done. The main character feels vulnerable and real, especially in her faith journey. It is not perfect or easy, it is something she wrestles with and grows into, which made it feel even more inspiring. The family relationships also add so much warmth. I loved how the story shows love in simple, everyday ways instead of big dramatic moments.

Faith is woven in so naturally. It never feels forced, just a steady presence throughout the story. The message about trusting God, even when things are unclear, comes through in such a gentle but powerful way.

I also really liked how music is used throughout the book. It is more than just a theme, it becomes a symbol of purpose, harmony, and finding where you belong. That part added such a meaningful layer to the story.

It feels sincere and does not rely on huge plot twists or drama. Instead, it is all about those quiet, meaningful moments. It may be slow and very detailed, but if you are in the mood for something reflective and comforting, it really does stay with you.

★★★★★

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced reader copy. All thoughts are my own.

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One Thousand White Women: The Journals of May Dodd by Jim Fergus - A Review

This one came highly recommended. 

Big disappointment.

Honestly, this sounded like it should have been a good book for me. The premise is fascinating, a woman escapes an asylum and joins a controversial program that sends white women to marry Cheyenne men in the 1870s. Historical fiction, adventure, survival, and culture clash? I was all in.

Unfortunately, the execution never matched the idea.

The characters felt flat, the relationships felt rushed, and I struggled to connect emotionally with anything that was happening. The portrayal of Native culture often felt more romanticized than realistic, and the pacing was all over the place. Some sections were interesting, while others seemed to drag on forever. So very, very unrealistic.

What disappointed me most was the lack of emotional impact. This story had all the ingredients for an unforgettable read, yet I finished it feeling surprisingly indifferent.

I can see why so many readers love it, but for me, this was a great premise trapped inside a book that never quite came to life.

Sometimes a book steals your heart. This one mostly stole my reading time.

★★

The Shampoo Effect by Jenny Jackson - Now Released

Now Released

This was a struggle for me, honestly. I liked the idea and the coastal summer setting, but I found myself pushing through large chunks of the book and almost DNFing it several times. The writing is polished, but the story moved slowly, and I had a hard time connecting to the characters or staying invested in the drama.

There were moments I appreciated, mostly the atmosphere and the group dynamics, but they weren’t enough to fully carry the story for me. By the end, I was more relieved to finish than satisfied.

It wasn’t a total miss, but it took real effort to get through, and I needed more emotional payoff than it delivered.

I received a free digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

★★★

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The Emergency Playbook by Amy Edelman and Chris Begley - Now Released

Now Released

This book has strong ideas and clearly comes from experienced voices in emergency management. The authors cover preparation, communication, and leadership in a way that feels grounded in real world situations, and the core message is practical and relevant for anyone involved in crisis planning or response.

Unfortunately, the presentation makes it harder to fully benefit from the content. The book relies on constant changes in font, size, bold text, and italics, which quickly becomes distracting. There are no usable charts or lists, and what could have been helpful visual breakdowns are instead poorly structured and difficult to follow. Because of this, the book really needs reformatting to improve clarity and readability. As a reference style resource, it feels more exhausting than efficient.

Overall, the ideas are solid, but the layout works against them. With cleaner formatting and clearly organized lists or charts, this could be a much more effective and reader friendly guide.

★★★

I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

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