Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall

Broken Country My Rating: 4.9

Beth and her gentle, kind husband Frank are happily married, but their relationship relies on the past staying buried. But when Beth’s brother-in-law shoots a dog going after their sheep, Beth doesn’t realize that the gunshot will alter the course of their lives. For the dog belonged to none other than Gabriel Wolfe, the man Beth loved as a teenager—the man who broke her heart years ago. Gabriel has returned to the village with his young son Leo, a boy who reminds Beth very much of her own son, who died in a tragic accident.

As Beth is pulled back into Gabriel’s life, tensions around the village rise and dangerous secrets and jealousies from the past resurface, this time with deadly consequences. Beth is forced to make a choice between the woman she once was, and the woman she has become.

A sweeping love story with the pace and twists of a thriller, Broken Country is a novel of simmering passion, impossible choices, and explosive consequences that toggles between the past and present to explore the far-reaching legacy of first love.

Much to my surprise, I truly loved all of the characters — even when I disagreed with their choices or questioned their decisions. That, to me, takes a gifted author: someone who can draw you so deeply into a character’s humanity that you care about them anyway.

If you enjoy character-driven stories that stay with you long after you finish, I HIGHLY recommend Broken Country. It’s the kind of book that makes you think, feel, and keep turning the pages late into the night.SO GOOD! Thank you to @shoegaljeanna for this great recommendation.

Michael Jordan The Life by Roland Lazenby

Michael Jordan My Rating: 4.6

 The Shrug. The Shot. The Flu Game. Michael Jordan is responsible for sublime moments so ingrained in sports history that they have their own names. When most people think of him, they think of his beautiful shots with the game on the line, his body totally in sync with the ball -- hitting nothing but net.

But for all his greatness, this scion of a complex family from North Carolina's Coastal Plain has a darker side: he's a ruthless competitor and a lover of high stakes. There's never been a biography that encompassed the dual nature of his character and looked so deeply at Jordan on and off the court -- until now.

Basketball journalist Roland Lazenby spent almost thirty years covering Michael Jordan's career in college and the pros. He witnessed Jordan's growth from a skinny rookie to the instantly recognizable global ambassador for basketball whose business savvy and success have millions of kids still wanting to be just like Mike. Yet Lazenby also witnessed the Michael Jordan whose drive and appetite are more fearsome and more insatiable than any of his fans could begin to know.

Michael Jordan: The Life explores both sides of his personality to reveal the fullest, most compelling story of the man who is Michael Jordan. Lazenby draws on his personal relationships with Jordan's coaches; countless interviews with Jordan's friends, teammates, and family members; and interviews with Jordan himself to provide the first truly definitive study of Michael Jordan: the player, the icon, and the man.

During our commutes between our homes, we decided to listen to Michael Jordan: The Life on audio. I’ll admit, I went into this book a bit skeptical—I’m not a huge sports fan, and biographies about athletes aren’t usually at the top of my list.

Much to my surprise, I ended up really enjoying it. The author tells Jordan’s story in a way that feels both objective and deeply human. Rather than just listing career highlights and stats, it dives into the complex layers of his life—his upbringing, struggles, triumphs, and relentless drive.

What struck me most was how the book balanced admiration with honesty. It doesn’t shy away from showing the intensity and at times controversial sides of Jordan’s personality, yet it never loses sight of what made him such an extraordinary figure—not just as an athlete, but as an individual with vision and determination that pushed him to legendary heights.

Even if, like me, you’re not a sports enthusiast, you may still find this biography surprisingly compelling. It’s a story of discipline, sacrifice, and what it really takes to become the best. Listening to it on audio made the commute something to look forward to, and it sparked a lot of great conversations afterward.

If you’ve been curious about Michael Jordan beyond the highlights reels—or if you enjoy biographies that really dig beneath the surface—I’d recommend giving this one a try.

Magic Hour by Kristin Hannah

Magic Hour  My Rating: 4.9

In the rugged Pacific Northwest lies the Olympic National Forest—nearly a million acres of impenetrable darkness and impossible beauty. From deep within this old growth forest, a six-year-old girl appears. Speechless and alone, she offers no clue as to her identity, no hint of her past.

Having retreated to her western Washington hometown after a scandal left her career in ruins, child psychiatrist Dr. Julia Cates is determined to free the extraordinary little girl she calls Alice from a prison of unimaginable fear and isolation. To reach her, Julia must discover the truth about Alice’s past—although doing so requires help from Julia’s estranged sister, a local police officer. The shocking facts of Alice’s life test the limits of Julia’s faith and strength, even as she struggles to make a home for Alice—and for herself.

I absolutely loved Magic Hour. Kristin Hannah drew me in from the very start with her beautiful writing and deeply human characters. I became so invested in Julia, Ellie, and especially the mysterious little girl that by the end, I found myself in tears.

This story of healing, family, and second chances is both heartbreaking and hopeful. Even though some parts were a bit predictable, it didn’t matter—I cared so much about these characters that I couldn’t put the book down.

A moving, unforgettable read that I know will stay with me.

Magician: Apprentice: Riftward Book #1 by Raymond E. Feist

Magician: Apprentice My Rating:4.6

To the forest on the shore of the Kingdom of the Isles, the orphan Pug came to study with the master magician Kulgan. But though his courage won him a place at court and the heart of a lovely princess, he was ill at ease with the normal ways of wizardry. Yet Pug's strange sort of magic would one day change forever the fates of two worlds. For dark beings from another world had opened a rift in the fabric of spacetime to being again the age-old battle between the forces of Order and Chaos.

I recently listened to The Magician’s Apprentice on audio, and I think the narration played a big part in why it felt like a charming children’s fairytale to me. The story was light, whimsical at times, and full of heart — which made it perfect to have on while I did chores around the house.

I really enjoyed the cast of characters, especially Pug, Rowland, and Princess Carline (I kept wanting to call her Colleen!). They each had their own arcs and quirks, and I found myself rooting for them even when I wasn’t laser-focused on every plot detail.

What I loved most about this book was that it didn’t demand 100% of my attention to still feel immersive and satisfying. It felt like stepping into a classic fantasy world with familiar tropes done in a comforting, nostalgic way.

While I do plan to continue reading the series, I think I’ll take a short break first — sometimes it’s nice to let a story sit before diving back in. Overall, if you’re looking for a light, enjoyable fantasy with endearing characters, The Magician’s Apprentice is worth adding to your list — especially if you enjoy audiobooks that let you drift in and out without losing the magic.

The Hallowed Hunt by Lois McMaster Bujold

 The Hallowed Hunt  My Rating: 3.5

The half-mad Prince Boleso has been slain by a noblewoman he had intended to defile -- and Lord Ingrey kin Wilfcliff must transport the body to its burial place and the accused killer, the Lady Ijada, to judgment. With the death of the old Hallow King imminent and the crown in play, the road they must travel together is a dangerous one. And though he is duty-bound to deliver his prisoner to an almost certain death, Ijada may be the only one Ingrey dares trust. For a monstrous malevolence holds the haunted lord in its sway -- and a great and terrible destiny has been bestowed upon him by the gods, the damned, and the dead.

I recently finished The Hallowed Hunt, the third book set in the World of the Five Gods series by Lois McMaster Bujold. While I truly enjoyed the first two books (The Curse of Chalion and Paladin of Souls), this installment didn’t work for me.

The book started off promisingly, with Bujold’s trademark immersive world-building and graceful prose. Unfortunately, it quickly took a darker turn that I found deeply unsettling. The inclusion of animal slayings was particularly off-putting, and the story leaned heavily into demonic themes that I found disturbing rather than intriguing.

Bujold is undeniably a talented writer, and her ability to create complex, layered characters remains impressive. However, for me, the darker content overshadowed what could have been another captivating tale. In the end, I would recommend skipping The Hallowed Hunt, even to fans of the series. Despite my admiration for Bujold’s skill, I’m now unsure whether I’ll continue exploring her other works.

Find You First by Linwood Barclay

Find You First My Rating: 4.6

Tech millionaire Miles Cookson has more money than he can ever spend, and everything he could dream of—except time. He has recently been diagnosed with a terminal illness, and there is a fifty percent chance that it can be passed on to the next generation. Two decades ago, a young, struggling Miles was a sperm donor. Somewhere out there, he has kids—nine of them. And they might be about to inherit both the good and the bad from him—maybe his fortune, or maybe something much worse.

When Miles eventually connects with one of his kids, their excitement at finding each other is overshadowed by a series of mysterious and terrifying events. One by one, Miles’s other potential heirs are vanishing—every trace of them wiped, like they never existed at all.

Who is the vicious killer—another heir methodically erasing rivals? Or is something even more sinister going on? It’s a deadly race against time . . .

I was pleasantly surprised by how engaging this book turned out to be. One thing that really stood out was the character development — each character felt distinct and real enough to keep me invested in the story, even as the plot took some pretty wild turns.

Admittedly, there were moments where the story seemed to “jump the shark” a bit — twists and developments that stretched believability. But even so, it was undeniably entertaining, and the fast pace helped smooth over some of those more unbelievable elements.

Overall, Found You First delivered an enjoyable reading experience. It’s a solid choice if you’re in the mood for a suspenseful thriller that balances a compelling premise with characters you’ll actually care about, even if it occasionally veers into the implausible.

Paladin of Souls by Lois McMaster Bujold

Paladin of Souls My Rating: 4.8

Three years have passed since the widowed Dowager Royina Ista found release from the curse of madness that kept her imprisoned in her family's castle of Valenda. Her newfound freedom is costly, bittersweet with memories, regrets, and guilty secrets -- for she knows the truth of what brought her land to the brink of destruction. And now the road -- escape -- beckons. . . . A simple pilgrimage, perhaps. Quite fitting for the Dowager Royina of all Chalion.

While I initially missed the presence of Cazriel from The Curse of Chalion, I was immediately drawn into Ista’s journey—and quickly fell in love with her as a character. Her wit, weariness, and quiet strength pulled me in from the first chapter. Ista’s dry humor and unique perspective on the world made her one of the most relatable and refreshing protagonists I’ve read in a long time.

What I appreciated most was the deep emotional and spiritual thread running through her story. It’s rare to see a middle-aged heroine not only take center stage but do so with such grace, vulnerability, and growth. The supporting characters were just as well-developed, adding layers of richness and purpose to Ista’s path.

Bujold’s writing continues to shine with beautiful prose, intelligent plotting, and thoughtful worldbuilding. Paladin of Souls is both introspective and adventurous—balancing divine mystery with deeply human struggle. I can’t wait to start book three!

The Curse of Chalion

 The Curse of Chalion My Rating: 4.8

A man broken in body and spirit, Cazaril returns to the noble household he once served as page and is named secretary-tutor to the beautiful, strong-willed sister of the impetuous boy who is next in line to rule. It is an assignment Cazaril dreads, for it must ultimately lead him to the place he most fears: the royal court of Cardegoss, where the powerful enemies who once placed him in chains now occupy lofty positions.

But it is more than the traitorous intrigues of villains that threaten Cazaril and the Royesse Iselle here, for a sinister curse hangs like a sword over the entire blighted House of Chalion. And only by employing the darkest, most forbidden of magics can Cazaril hope to protect his royal charge -- an act that will mark him as a tool of the miraculous . . . and trap him in a lethal maze of demonic paradox.

If you're someone who typically shies away from fantasy, The Curse of Chalion might just surprise you. Other than the fictional setting, the first three-quarters of the book feels more like rich historical fiction than fantasy. The magical elements don’t truly take center stage until the final quarter—and by then, you're already deeply invested in the characters and the world.

The strength of this book lies in its rich character development. Cazaril, the main character, is a refreshing departure from the typical young, brash fantasy hero. Instead, we follow a deeply wounded, middle-aged man navigating politics, trauma, and purpose. His inner journey is slow at times, but that’s also what makes the emotional payoff so satisfying.

This is a book that rewards patience. The plot builds gradually, giving room for its themes of faith, loyalty, sacrifice, and healing to fully bloom. And once the spiritual and magical threads do begin to weave in, they’re as thought-provoking as they are surprising.

I didn't expect to enjoy this as much as I did, but by the end, I was eager to continue on to the next book in the series. The Curse of Chalion is a thoughtful, beautifully written story that I think even non-fantasy readers could appreciate—and maybe even love.

The Matchmaker's Gift by Lynda Cohen Loigman

 The Matchmaker's Gift My Rating: 4.6

Even as a child in 1910, Sara Glikman knows her gift: she is a maker of matches and a seeker of soulmates. But among the pushcart-crowded streets of New York’s Lower East Side, Sara’s vocation is dominated by devout older men—men who see a talented female matchmaker as a dangerous threat to their traditions and livelihood. After making matches in secret for more than a decade, Sara must fight to take her rightful place among her peers, and to demand the recognition she deserves. 

Two generations later, Sara’s granddaughter, Abby, is a successful Manhattan divorce attorney, representing the city’s wealthiest clients. When her beloved Grandma Sara dies, Abby inherits her collection of handwritten journals recording the details of Sara’s matches. But among the faded volumes, Abby finds more questions than answers. 

After reading The Love Elixir of Augusta Stern, I knew I wanted more of Lynda Cohen Loigman's storytelling in my life. She has a gift for crafting stories that feel both timeless and refreshing—filled with warmth, rich tradition, and a gentle thread of magic that ties generations together. The Matchmaker’s Gift did not disappoint. Like The Love Elixir, it masterfully blends the old world with the new, creating a narrative that feels rooted in heritage while also exploring modern questions about purpose, identity, and legacy. The characters are lovable and layered, and the sense of place—whether it's the bustling streets of early 20th-century New York or the quiet reflections of a modern-day protagonist—draws you in completely. What I especially loved was how wholesome and heartwarming the story felt without being overly sweet. There’s depth here—of emotion, of culture, and of storytelling. Lynda’s writing continues to remind me of the power of intuition, tradition, and the beautiful mystery of love that transcends generations. If you enjoy books that honor the past while gently tugging at the heartstrings in the present, this one is a must-read. I will continue to read more by this author.

The Will Of The Many by James Islington

The Will Of The Many My Rating: 4.6

I tell them my name is Vis Telimus. I tell them I was orphaned after a tragic accident three years ago, and that good fortune alone has led to my acceptance into their most prestigious school. I tell them that once I graduate, I will gladly join the rest of civilized society in allowing my strength, my drive, and my focus—what they call Will—to be leeched away and added to the power of those above me, as millions already do. As all must eventually do. I tell them that I belong, and they believe me.

If you enjoy stories with layered world-building, moral ambiguity, and a dash of school-based intrigue, The Will of the Many might be your next favorite read. I went into it not knowing exactly what to expect and came out fully invested—and now I’m counting down the days until the sequel releases in November. The story follows Vis, a sympathetic and intelligent orphan who's easy to root for. He’s navigating a brutal, hierarchical society and ends up at a prestigious school where competition is fierce, alliances are murky, and secrets are everywhere. In many ways, it gave me Harry Potter vibes—think of Hogwarts, but darker and much more political. There’s the familiar feel of getting to know classmates, uncovering hidden truths, and facing dangerous forces, but the themes here are far more adult. What I loved most was the grayness of the characters. You’re constantly asking yourself: Can I trust this person? What are their true motives? James Islington does a masterful job of keeping you guessing without making the plot feel convoluted. And while Vis is clearly the emotional heart of the story, the surrounding cast adds depth and complexity. This book delivers not just in plot and pacing, but in emotional weight and philosophical questions—especially around power, loyalty, and free will. Highly recommend for fans of dark academia, adult fantasy, and character-driven stories with a punch.

The Love Elixir of Augusta Stern by Lynda Cohen Loigman

The Love Elixir of August Stern  My Rating: 4.8

On the cusp of turning eighty, newly retired pharmacist Augusta Stern is adrift. When she relocates to Rallentando Springs—an active senior community in southern Florida—she unexpectedly crosses paths with Irving Rivkin, the delivery boy from her father’s old pharmacy—and the man who broke her heart sixty years earlier.

I loved this book. It’s the perfect blend of heart and charm—wholesome without feeling sappy. Augusta Stern is a quietly magical character whose love elixirs may or may not work, but her impact on the people around her is undeniable.

Lynda Cohen Loigman delivers a story that feels comforting and uplifting, with just enough depth to keep it grounded. The writing is gentle, warm, and full of heart. If you’re looking for a feel-good read that’s both smart and satisfying, this is it.

The Charm School by Nelson DeMille

The Charm School My Rating: 4.9

On a dark road deep inside the Russian woods at Borodino, a young American tourist picks up an unusual passenger with an explosive secret: an U.S. POW on the run from "The Charm School," a sinister operation where American POWs teach young KBG agents how to be model U.S. citizens. Their goal? To infiltrate the United States undetected. With this horrifying conspiracy revealed, the CIA sets an investigation in motion, and three Americans--an Air Force officer, an embassy liaison, a CIA chief--pit themselves against the country's enemies in a high-powered game of international intrigue.

The Charm School is an absolutely gripping thriller that had me hooked from page one. Nelson DeMille masterfully blends suspense and realism in this Cold War-era story about a secret Soviet facility training Russian spies to pass as Americans.

It reminded me of The Americans—but with an even scarier, more realistic twist. I’d never considered how spies like that were trained, and the way DeMille presents it feels terrifyingly possible. The pacing is sharp, the characters are compelling, and the story sticks with you long after you finish.

If you enjoy smart, chilling espionage thrillers, this one’s a must-read!

The Hidden Girl by Lucinda Riley

The Hidden Girl My Rating: 4.2

In a small village on the Yorkshire moors, Leah Thompson grows more beautiful with each passing day. When she catches the attention of the influential, troubled Delancey family, she knows her life will never be the same again.

Years later, Leah takes the modelling world by storm, travelling from Milan to London and New York and living life in the lap of luxury. But her past follows her like a dark shadow, mysteriously intertwined with the tragic tale of two young siblings in Poland during the Second World War.

As two generations of secrets threaten to explode, Leah is haunted by a fatal, forgotten prophecy from her past, and must fight to challenge the destiny that has been mapped out for her in the stars . . .

I really enjoyed this book and found myself pulled into the story from the very beginning. Lucinda Riley has a way of writing that makes her characters feel vivid and real, and I was quickly invested in their lives. While some plot points were a bit predictable, it didn’t take away from the enjoyment—in fact, it added a comforting familiarity to the unfolding drama.

That said, the ending stretched believability a little too far for me. It felt a bit over the top compared to the rest of the book, which was otherwise grounded and emotionally resonant. Still, it didn’t ruin the experience, and I would definitely recommend The Hidden Girl to anyone who enjoys layered family mysteries, strong emotional undercurrents, and atmospheric storytelling.

Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy

Wild Dark Shore My Rating: 3.9

Dominic Salt and his three children are caretakers of Shearwater, a tiny island not far from Antarctica. Home to the world’s largest seed bank, Shearwater was once full of researchers, but with sea levels rising, the Salts are now its final inhabitants. Until, during the worst storm the island has ever seen, a woman mysteriously washes ashore.

Isolation has taken its toll on the Salts, but as they nurse the woman, Rowan, back to strength, it begins to feel like she might just be what they need. Rowan, long accustomed to protecting herself, starts imagining a future where she could belong to someone again.

But Rowan isn’t telling the whole truth about why she set out for Shearwater. And when she discovers sabotaged radios and a freshly dug grave, she realizes Dominic is keeping his own secrets. As the storms on Shearwater gather force, they all must decide if they can trust each other enough to protect the precious seeds in their care before it’s too late—and if they can finally put the tragedies of the past behind them to create something new, together.

From the very first pages, Wild Dark Shore pulled me into its rugged landscape and the stark, cold remoteness of its setting. The atmosphere is vivid and haunting, and I found myself completely immersed in the world the author created.

The story of Dom and his three children was compelling and layered, offering a raw look at survival, family dynamics, and the human spirit in extreme circumstances. While quite a few of the plot elements felt a bit far-fetched and she also put in a heavy dose of fear mongering (climate change) that detracted from the story, I was willing to go along for the ride.

Overall, this was an enjoyable read—atmospheric, emotionally resonant, and just unpredictable enough to keep me turning the pages.

The Paris Orphan by Natasha Lester

The Paris Orphan My Rating: 4.2

1942: When American model Jessica May arrives in Europe to cover the war as a photojournalist for Vogue, most of the soldiers are determined to make her life as difficult as possible. But three friendships change that. Journalist Martha Gellhorn encourages Jess to bend the rules. Captain Dan Hallworth keeps her safe in dangerous places so she can capture the stories that truly matter. And most important of all, the love of a little orphan named Victorine gives Jess strength to do the impossible. But her success will come at a price...

France, 2005: Decades after World War II, D'Arcy Hallworth arrives at a beautiful chateau to curate a collection of famous wartime photos by a reclusive artist. It's the opportunity of a lifetime, but D'Arcy has no idea that this job will uncover decades of secrets that, once revealed, will change everything she thought she knew about her mother, Victorine, and alter D'Arcy's life forever.

I was deeply drawn into the 1942 storyline in The Paris Orphan—the historical narrative was compelling and richly developed. Natasha Lester did an excellent job with character development, especially in portraying the women navigating life and war during such a turbulent time. I was particularly invested in Jess's work as a correspondent, especially the way the novel explored the overlooked roles women played during WWII and how they were often dismissed or mistreated. These parts of the novel felt both emotionally resonant and historically significant.

However, the 2005 storyline didn’t hold the same weight. The modern thread felt superficial and somewhat fluffy by comparison, lacking the depth and emotional pull of the wartime plot. I found myself disengaged from the characters in that timeline, and their stories didn’t seem to add much to the book overall. Unfortunately, this modern-day arc detracted from what could have been a truly excellent historical novel.

In all, The Paris Orphan is worth reading for its vivid depiction of female strength and resilience during WWII, but I wish the dual timeline had been more balanced in tone and substance.