Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Genre: Young Adult
Source: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers ( Netgalley )

Goodreads: All the Bright Places meets You’ve Reached Sam in this teen psychological thriller about two girls on the precipice.

Welcome to Meadowlark, Long Island—expensive homes and good schools, ambition and loneliness. Meet Chase Ohara and Lia Vestiano: the driven overachiever and the impulsive wanderer, the future CEO and the free spirit. Best friends for years—weekend trips to Montauk, sleepovers on a yacht—and then, first love. True love.

But when Lia disappears, Chase’s life turns into a series of grim snapshots. Anger. Grief. Running. Pink pills in an Altoids tin. A cheating ring at school. Heartbreak and lies. A catastrophic secret.

And the shocking truth that will change everything about the way Chase sees Lia—and herself.

Ope’s Opinion: This book was not for me, so you might want to go check out other reviews. I just could not get invested in Chase. I was a little worried about Lia, so I kept reading. It was hard to believe such a gifted student was so easily turn to drugs and toxic relationships.

I am sure there are a lot of students who can relate to these characters, but for me it was too dark and took some of things too far.

Publisher: Algonquin Books
Genre: True Crime / Nonfiction
Source: Library

Goodreads:  A riveting deep dive into the unsolved murder of two free-spirited young women in the wilderness, a journalist’s obsession, and a new theory of who might have done it

In May 1996, Julie Williams and Lollie Winans were brutally murdered while backpacking in Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park, adjacent to the world-famous Appalachian Trail. The young women were skilled backcountry leaders who had met—and fallen in love—the previous summer while working at a world-renowned outdoor program for women. But despite an extensive joint investigation by the FBI, the Virginia police, and National Park Service experts, the case remained unsolved for years.

In early 2002, and in response to mounting political pressure, then-Attorney General John Ashcroft announced that he would be seeking the death penalty for Darrell David Rice—already in prison for assaulting another woman—in the first capital case tried under new, post-9/11 federal hate crime legislation. But two years later, the Department of Justice quietly suspended its case against Rice, and the investigation has since grown cold. Did prosecutors have the right person?

Journalist Kathryn Miles was a professor at Lollie Winans’s wilderness college in Maine when the 2002 indictment was announced. On the 20th anniversary of the murder, she began looking into the lives of these adventurous women—whose loss continued to haunt all who had encountered them—along with the murder investigation and subsequent case against Rice. As she dives deeper into the case, winning the trust of the victims’ loved ones as well as investigators and gaining access to key documents, Miles becomes increasingly obsessed with the loss of the generous and free-spirited Lollie and Julie, who were just on the brink of adulthood, and at the same time, she discovers evidence of cover-ups, incompetence, and crime-scene sloppiness that seemed part of a larger problem in America’s pursuit of justice in national parks. She also becomes convinced of Rice’s innocence, and zeroes in on a different likely suspect.

Ope’s Opinion: I really enjoyed this true crime story. This is not my usual read, but I am a fan of watching Dateline and 20/20 on tv. This felt a lot like one of those programs. There were a few of the descriptions that were very detailed and a bit gruesome. Some of the specifics of the investigation slowed the story down for me, but I do think for some people it would be fascinating.

I live near where these crimes were committed, so that made it more engaging for me.

Kathryn Miles conclusions were interesting and she had supporting facts to back it up. Not everyone will agree with her interpretation. 

Publisher: Macmillian Audio
Genre: Mystery
Source: Library

Goodreads:  A handsome stranger moves to the small Pennsylvania town of Central Valley, and his name is Chris Brennan. He’s applying for a job as a teacher and varsity baseball coach at the local high school, and he looks perfect, on paper. But his name is an alias, his resume is false, and everything about him is a lie. And he has a secret plan – for which he needs a pawn on the baseball team.

Susan Sematov loves her younger son Raz, the quirky and free-spirited pitcher of the team. But Raz’s adored father died only a few months ago, and the family is grief-stricken. Secretly, Raz is looking to fill the Daddy-shaped hole in his heart.

Heather Larkin is a struggling single mother who’s dedicated to her only son Justin, the quiet rookie on the team. But Justin’s shy and reserved nature renders him vulnerable to attention, including that of a new father-figure.

Mindy Kostis is the wife of a busy surgeon and the queen bee of the baseball boosters, where her super-popular son Evan is the star catcher. But she doesn’t realize that Evan’s sense of entitlement is becoming a full-blown case of affluenza, and after he gets his new BMW, it’s impossible to know where he’s going – or whom he’s spending time with.

The lives of these families revolve around the baseball team – and Chris Brennan. What does he really want? How far will he go to get it? Who among them will survive the lethal jeopardy threatening them, from the shadows?

Enthralling and suspenseful, One Perfect Lie is an emotional thriller and a suburban crime story that will keep readers riveted to the shocking end, with killer twists and characters you won’t soon forget.

Ope’s Opinion: I own the hardback copy of this book, but decided to listen to it from the library instead. The narrator was George Newbern. He did a good job of distinguishing the voices of the characters. His female voices were a little bit funny, but good.

In the beginning of the story I didn’t like Chris. I didn’t trust him – I don’t think I was suppose to. As the story moved along, I started to like him more – I can’t give you too many details as to why or it would ruin the story.

Lisa Scottoline is one of my favorite authors. I like her as a person and I like her writing. This story was a good one. I recommend it to anyone who likes a quick mystery. 

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.