Publisher: William Morrow
Genre: Fiction
Source: I own it. Listen to from the library

Goodreads:  “Stitched together with love, this is a story just waiting for your favorite reading chair. With her signature style and skill, Susan Wiggs delivers an intricate patchwork of old wounds and new beginnings, romance and the healing power of friendship, wrapped in a lovely little community that’s hiding a few secrets of its own.”   — Lisa Wingate, New York Times Bestselling author of Before We Were YoursThe #1 New York Times bestselling author brings us her most ambitious and provocative work yet—a searing and timely novel that explores the most volatile issue of our time—domestic violence. At the break of dawn, Caroline Shelby rolls into Oysterville, Washington, a tiny hamlet at the edge of the raging Pacific.

She’s come home.

Home to a place she thought she’d left forever, home of her heart and memories, but not her future. Ten years ago, Caroline launched a career in the glamorous fashion world of Manhattan. But her success in New York imploded on a wave of scandal and tragedy, forcing her to flee to the only safe place she knows.

And in the backseat of Caroline’s car are two children who were orphaned in a single chilling moment—five-year-old Addie and six-year-old Flick. She’s now their legal guardian—a role she’s not sure she’s ready for.

But the Oysterville she left behind has changed. Her siblings have their own complicated lives and her aging parents are hoping to pass on their thriving seafood restaurant to the next generation. And there’s Will Jensen, a decorated Navy SEAL who’s also returned home after being wounded overseas. Will and Caroline were forever friends as children, with the promise of something more . . . until he fell in love with Sierra, Caroline’s best friend and the most beautiful girl in town. With her modeling jobs drying up, Sierra, too, is on the cusp of reinventing herself.

Caroline returns to her favorite the sewing shop owned by Mrs. Lindy Bloom, the woman who inspired her and taught her to sew. There she discovers that even in an idyllic beach town, there are women living with the deepest of secrets. Thus begins the Oysterville Sewing Circle—where women can join forces to support each other through the troubles they keep hidden.

Yet just as Caroline regains her creativity and fighting spirit, and the children begin to heal from their loss, an unexpected challenge tests her courage and her heart. This time, though, Caroline is not going to run away. She’s going to stand and fight for everything—and everyone—she loves.

Ope’s Opinion: I really enjoyed listening to this book. It had my attention and interest from the beginning to the very end. I felt like I was a part of the story. This was a very heartwarming story of young love becoming mature, a woman finding herself and friendships that last through all that life sends your way. 

Caroline ( the MC ) is stronger than she knows. She is very supportive of other woman. This has a love story ( mostly closed door ) at the center of it, but it is more about woman finding out what makes them fulfilled in their lives.

It was such a good book. I did find out later that a portion of the proceeds go to domestic violence charity – that makes me want to go buy a few more copies and send them to my friends. I have enjoyed reading Susan Wiggs and will continue to look for her books.

My daughter Kristi gave me this for Christmas. 
It combines my love of books and enjoyment of puzzles.
This actually looks like me!

This is the poster that came with the puzzle. 
Makes me want to frame it.

This was so much fun!
The pieces were very nice.

Thank you Kristi! 
You always pick out the best puzzles.

Publisher: The Dial Press
Genre: Romance
Source: The Dial Press ( Netgalley )

Goodreads: A surprise pregnancy leads to even more life-changing revelations in this heartfelt, slow-burn, friends-to-lovers romance of found family and unexpected love.

Eve Hatch is pretty content with her life. Her apartment in Brooklyn is cozy and close to her childhood best friend Willa, but far from her midwestern, traditional family who never really understood her. While her job is only dream- adjacent , she’s hoping her passion and hard work will soon help her land a more glamorous role. And sure, her most recent romantic history has consisted of not one but two disappointing men named Derek. At least she always knows what to expect…until she finds herself expecting after an uncharacteristic one-night stand.

The unplanned pregnancy cracks open all the relationships in her life. Eve’s loyal friendship with Willa is feeling off , right when she needs her most. And it’s Willa’s steadfast older brother, Shep, who steps up to help. He has always been friendly, but now he’s checking in, ordering her surprise lunches, listening to all her complaints, and is… suddenly kinda hot? Then there’s the baby’s father, who is supportive but conflicted. Before long, Eve is rethinking everything she thought she knew about herself and her world.

Over the course of nine months, as Eve struggles to figure out the next right step in her expanding reality, she begins to realize that family and love, in all forms, can sneak up on you when you least expect it.

Ope’s Opinion: Oh, this was such a cute read with lots of depth to the characters. All the characters felt like they could be real people in my life. Their reactions to the situation were realistic. The whole story is charming and fun to read. The romance was a slow one ( which I like ), but when it did heat up there were too many details ( which I don’t care for ). The ending is everything I wanted it to be.

I had not read Cara Bastone before. She swept me off my feet, so now I am going to have to go back to see what else I want to read by her.

Publisher: Canary Street Press
Genre: Romance
Source: Emer at Harper Collins

Goodreads:  The rules of summer book club are
•          No sad books 
•          No pressure 
•          Yessssss, wine! 

Besties Laurel and Paris are excited to welcome Cassie to the group. This year, the book club is all about fill-your-heart reads, an escape from the chaos of the everyday—running a business, raising a family, juggling a hundred to-dos. Even the dog is demanding (but the bestest boy).

Since Laurel’s divorce, she feels like the Worst Mom Ever. Her skepticism of men may have scarred her vulnerable daughters. Cassie has an unfortunate habit of falling for ridiculous man-boys who dump her once she fixes them. Paris knows good men exist. She’s still reeling after chasing off the only one brave enough—and foolish enough—to marry her.

Inspired by the heroines who risk everything for fulfillment, Laurel, Paris and Cassie begin to take chances—big chances—in life, in love. Facing an unwritten chapter can be terrifying. But it can be exhilarating, too, if only they can find the courage to change.

Ope’s Opinion: I enjoyed the friendship between the three female main characters. They were good to each other, honest even when it was hard to hear and supportive. The book club part of the story was small and not really the center of what was going on. 

Each main character had obstacles to overcome to be happy. It was enjoyable to watch each of them figure out their individual path. There were a few times information was repeated when it was not necessary. The ending felt a little rushed.

Goodreads: A surprise pregnancy leads to even more life-changing revelations in this heartfelt, slow-burn, friends-to-lovers romance of found family and unexpected love.

Eve Hatch is pretty content with her life. Her apartment in Brooklyn is cozy and close to her childhood best friend Willa, but far from her midwestern, traditional family who never really understood her. While her job is only dream- adjacent , she’s hoping her passion and hard work will soon help her land a more glamorous role. And sure, her most recent romantic history has consisted of not one but two disappointing men named Derek. At least she always knows what to expect…until she finds herself expecting after an uncharacteristic one-night stand.

The unplanned pregnancy cracks open all the relationships in her life. Eve’s loyal friendship with Willa is feeling off , right when she needs her most. And it’s Willa’s steadfast older brother, Shep, who steps up to help. He has always been friendly, but now he’s checking in, ordering her surprise lunches, listening to all her complaints, and is… suddenly kinda hot? Then there’s the baby’s father, who is supportive but conflicted. Before long, Eve is rethinking everything she thought she knew about herself and her world.

Over the course of nine months, as Eve struggles to figure out the next right step in her expanding reality, she begins to realize that family and love, in all forms, can sneak up on you when you least expect it.

My review will be coming soon.

Publisher: Random House Group
Genre: Fiction
Source: Random House Group ( Netgalley )

Goodreads:  In this heartwarming novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Danielle Steel, adult siblings find their way back home—and back to each other—after loss.

Preston and Constance Whittier have built a happy life together with a brood of six children raised in a beautiful historic Manhattan mansion. Now, with a nearly empty nest, it’s easier than ever for the Whittiers to maintain their tradition of a solo romantic “wintermoon” ski trip.

But with this year’s trip comes tragedy. Suddenly, their adult children find themselves reuniting in the family home without their parents for the first time ever. The oldest, Lyle, is reaching a breaking point in his marriage and must decide whether a divorce would be best for him and his two children. Gloria’s big job on Wall Street has kept her single at forty, and growing ever more cynical. The twins, Caroline and Charlie, moved out long ago to start a fashion business that may now be faltering. Benjie, with special needs, is hit hard by the loss of his parents and needs his siblings’ help. And Annabelle, the youngest, drops out of college and starts to spin out of control.

The eldest four are forced to put aside their personal issues and their grief to keep the family together and support each other and their two youngest siblings. Selling the house, along with all the memories that live in its walls, feels like yet another devastating loss. Could there be another way, as unconventional as it seems?

In The Whittiers, Danielle Steel delivers an inspiring story about the everlasting bonds of one unforgettable family.

Ope’s Opinion: I really enjoyed watching the Whittier children grow up and support each other. They each had their own story inside this story. They didn’t always agree, but they were supportive and understanding of each other. 

This was a positive, easy, quick read and definitely a predictable story. There were some times I felt like the writing was on repeat. As usual, Danielle Steel told the story instead of making you feel like you were a part of it – that is her writing style.

Publisher: Bookouture
Genre: Historical Fiction
Source: Bookouture ( Netgalley )

Goodreads: An utterly gripping and epic World War 2 novel

Germany, 1939:“Quickly, take this emerald. This was my late mother’s gem, and it will keep you safe. And I promise, we will all meet again in Paris…” When Sophie Weiss boards the SS St Louis, she has no reason to stay in Germany. The Nazis have taken everything from her, and her only hope is escape. But when she meets fellow Jewish refugees Rosa, Hannah and Rachel on board, the friendship they form gives Sophie hope that there can be happiness in her future, after all. But their worst fears are realized when the boat is refused entry at a port they thought would be safe. Terrified of being sent back to Europe, the women cling together and desperately wait for news. At last, word reaches the ship that a friend of Sophie’s father is willing to take her in — but there is only room for her. Quickly, Sophie unpicks the lining of her coat, revealing her late mother’s emerald hidden in the lining. She hands a piece of the precious stone to each of her friends, and the women promise to meet in Paris when this nightmare is over. Watching the SS St Louis grow smaller on the horizon, Sophie’s heart breaks. How can she embrace her freedom when those she loves face an unknown fate? And what can she do to help them? Gripping her emerald with a fierce determination, she fixes her eyes on the I will find a way to help you, no matter what… This is the first book in the unmissable Emerald Sisters series that follows the incredible stories of four brave young women, as they each forge their futures against the backdrop of the Second World War. Perfect for fans of Roberta Kagan, Kristin Harmel and Kate Quinn.

Ope’s Opinion: I am not a huge historical fiction reader, so take my thoughts with a grain of salt and look at other reviews.

I found this story interesting, but not riveting. It felt like it was factually accurate. Parts of it kept my attention and other parts almost felt like I was reading a history book – which for me is not really a fun read. 

This is the first in a series. I think if you read this one and enjoy it, you will enjoy the whole series. 

Publisher: Ballantine Books
Genre: Fiction, Romance
Source: Ballantine Books ( Netgalley )

Goodreads:  Heather Willette has a good life in Concord, Massachusetts–complete with a husband who runs his own business and a son to take up his mantle one day. But now that her marriage has fizzled out and Ross, her only child, is graduating from college and getting serious with his girlfriend, Heather wonders if that life is the one she really wants. Ready to seek out her own happiness and discover herself again, Heather decides to leave her husband and rent a cottage on Nantucket. And her plan is going perfectly–until Ross announces he’s moving to Nantucket to work at his girlfriend’s family’s construction business instead of going back home to work with his own father, like he’d promised. Worst of all for Heather, this means having to get along with her.

Kailee Essex is thrilled that Ross is willing to move to her hometown. She has big hopes for their happily ever after, especially now that her parents are finally showing interest in her career. She’s less thrilled, however, about his mother living nearby. Kailee has clashed with Heather since the day they met. But anything is possible in the summer sun and sea breezes of Nantucket–even reconciliation. And when change comes sooner than either Heather or Kailee expect, they must learn to overcome their differences to fight for the future they want.

With All the Days of Summer, beloved storyteller Nancy Thayer delivers a moving novel that explores the complexity of family and the unexpected ways fate can guide you forward.

Ope’s Opinion: I have enjoyed several of Nancy Thayer’s books – unfortunately this one was not one of them. I did read it in the cold of winter – may have enjoyed it more on the beach with my toes in the sand. I also felt like the story was being told to me, not drawing me in – it felt monotone.

The characters were negative and self centered. Marriage was not cherished (too easily just tossed aside ). Kailee was an entitled, spoiled adult, who only thought about how circumstances would affect her. It was hard to find a likable character.

I did keep reading with the hopes that everyone would grow up. I saw some improvement at the end, but not enough to make the read worth it.