The Favorites by Layne Fargo

The Favorites My Rating: 3.0

Katarina Shaw has always known that she was destined to become an Olympic skater. When she meets Heath Rocha, a lonely kid stuck in the foster care system, their instant connection makes them a formidable duo on the ice. Clinging to skating—and each other—to escape their turbulent lives, Kat and Heath go from childhood sweethearts to champion ice dancers, captivating the world with their scorching chemistry, rebellious style, and roller-coaster relationship. Until a shocking incident at the Olympic Games brings their partnership to a sudden end.

As the ten-year anniversary of their final skate approaches, an unauthorized documentary reignites the public obsession with Shaw and Rocha, claiming to uncover the “real story” through interviews with their closest friends and fiercest rivals. Kat wants nothing to do with the documentary, but she can’t stand the thought of someone else defining her legacy. So, after a decade of silence, she’s telling her story: from the childhood tragedies that created her all-consuming bond with Heath to the clash of desires that tore them apart. Sensational rumors have haunted their every step for years, but the truth may be even more shocking than the headlines.

I grew up watching figure skating and really expected to love this book. I’m probably in the minority, but ugh—this book needed a strong editor. At 448 pages, it felt far too long, and the characters lacked the development needed to make you care about them. The sheer amount of dysfunction, rather than creating compelling drama, became overwhelming and desensitizing—you end up not caring at all. If I hadn’t been listening on audio, where I could zone out a bit, this would have definitely ended up in my DNF pile.

Vera Wong's Guide To Snooping by Jesse Q,. Sutanto

Vera Wong Rating: 4.4

Vera comes across a distressed young woman who is obviously in need of her kindly guidance. The young woman is looking for a missing friend. Fortunately, while cat-sitting at Tilly and Selena's, Vera finds a treasure trove: Selena's briefcase. Inside is a file about the death of an enigmatic influencer—who also happens to be the friend that the young woman was looking for.

Online, Xander had it all: a parade of private jets, fabulous parties with socialites, and a burgeoning career as a social media influencer. The only problem is, after his body is fished out of Mission Bay, the police can't seem to actually identify him. Who is Xander Lin? Nobody knows. Every contact is a dead end. Everybody claims not to know him, not even his parents.

Vera is determined to solve Xander's murder. After all, doing so would surely be a big favor to Selena, and there is nothing she wouldn't do for her future daughter-in-law.

If you read the first book in this series, you know that Vera is a hilarious meddling Chinese woman looking to help people, whether they want her to or not! This is a light, easy read and you have to suspend reality (no pun intended with the social media theme) and just go with it. I highly recommend the audio version which does a great job with Vera's accent. Delightful.

Thanks to @shoegaljeana for bringing this to the top of my queue.

This Naked Mind by Annie Grace

This Naked Mind My Rating:  4.5

Many people question whether drinking has become too big a part of their lives, and worry that it may even be affecting their health. But, they resist change because they fear losing the pleasure and stress-relief associated with alcohol, and assume giving it up will involve deprivation and misery.

This Naked Mind offers a refreshing and compassionate alternative. In this book, Grace clearly explains the psychological and neurological aspects of alcohol use using current science. She also exposes the powerful cultural, social, and industry influences that normalize and encourage drinking in all of us. Woven throughout are surprising insights into why we drink, along with Annie’s candid and compelling personal story. The book shines a light on the role alcohol plays in our culture—and how the stigma surrounding alcoholism and recovery prevents many people from seeking help.

When a gf recommended I read this book I was skeptical. I am a very casual drinker and very rarely is it social. Still, I was open minded enough to give it a try. I enjoyed this book and it is making me look at things differently. Marketing affects every part of our lives and alcohol is no different. When you have your eyes opened, you can't unsee. I am not saying I won't continue to drink but, more and more, my unconscious mind is quieted as I choose to reach for a mocktail when I would have grabbed a glass of wine. 

The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory

The Other Boleyn Girl My Rating: 5.0

When Mary Boleyn arrives at court as an innocent fourteen-year-old, she quickly catches the eye of the handsome and charismatic King Henry VIII. Dazzled by his attention, Mary falls in love, not only with her golden prince, but with her growing role as his unofficial queen. Yet it isn’t long before she realizes how little control she truly has. Used as a pawn in her family’s ambitious political schemes, Mary watches helplessly as the king’s interest fades and shifts to her best friend, and greatest rival, her sister Anne.

With her future suddenly uncertain, Mary is forced to confront the harsh realities of court life and decide whether she will continue to be used or take her fate into her own hands.

 

Wow. The political conniving and relentless plotting were both fascinating and heartbreaking. It’s astonishing, and deeply sad, to see how these young women were treated as expendable tools for power. The story held my attention from beginning to end. My heart ached for Queen Catherine and for Mary, and just as the author intended, I found it nearly impossible to like the manipulative and calculating Anne. A compelling, emotionally charged read that brings the Tudor court vividly to life.

Home Front by Kristin Hannah

Home Front  My Rating: 4.9

Like many couples, Michael and Jolene Zarkades are juggling the pressures of everyday life—children, careers, bills, and chores—while their twelve-year marriage quietly begins to unravel. When Jolene is deployed into active combat, everything shifts. Michael, a defense attorney, is suddenly left at home, unprepared for the realities of single parenthood with their two daughters.

As a mother, Jolene is heartbroken to leave her family behind; as a soldier, she understands duty and sacrifice all too well. In her letters home, she paints a softened, almost idealized version of life on the front lines, shielding her family from the harsh truth. But war has a way of changing people, often in ways no one can predict. When tragedy strikes, Michael is forced to confront his deepest fears and fight a battle of his own—for his family, his marriage, and everything that truly matters.

Kristin Hannah has written a story that feels both tender and powerful—light in its readability, yet deeply heavy in its subject matter. Home Front offers a moving and honest look at the impact of war, not just on the battlefield, but on the families left behind. The characters are deeply relatable, their struggles authentic and gripping. An emotional, beautifully written novel, and an excellent way to start off the year.

The Bright Years by Sarah Damoff

The Bright Years  My Rating: 4.9

Ryan and Lillian Bright are deeply in love—newly married and welcoming their baby girl, Georgette, into the world. But beneath the surface of their happiness lie devastating secrets: Lillian has a son she has never told Ryan about, and Ryan is hiding a growing alcohol addiction from his wife. As Georgette grows up, she witnesses her parents’ marriage rise and fall under the weight of these unspoken truths.

When a shocking loss shatters their already fragile family, Georgette distances herself from everything that reminds her of her parents. Years later, Lillian’s son comes searching for his birth family, forcing Georgette to return to her roots, confront her family’s history, and decide whether she can open her heart to love—both for them and for herself—while there is still time.

Told through three intimate points of view, The Bright Years is a tender, true-to-life debut that explores how trauma echoes through generations, and how grace and love can slowly piece a family back together.

Wow. I truly can’t believe this is the author’s first novel. The writing is so accessible, yet incredibly rich and deep. It captures the complexity of family, grief, and love in a way that feels honest and raw. I found myself tearing up more than once.

Normally, when a book switches narrators, it takes me time to adjust to each new perspective, but not here. I slipped effortlessly into the voice of each character, which is no small feat and speaks to how skillfully this story is told.

This is a beautiful reminder that life is, indeed, worth the risk of loving.

This is another fabulous recommendation from my book twin @shoegaljeana on Instagram - thank you! ♥

Three Sisters, Three Queens by Philippa Gregory

My Rating: 4.8

As sisters they share an everlasting bond; as queens they can break each other’s hearts…

In Three Sisters, Three Queens, Philippa Gregory brings to life the powerful and often painful bond between three royal women destined to wear three crowns. Katherine of Aragon, Margaret Tudor, and Mary Tudor are bound not only by blood, but by ambition, rivalry, loyalty, and the brutal realities of royal marriage.

When Katherine of Aragon arrives at the Tudor court as a young bride, Margaret—the eldest sister—immediately takes her measure. With a single glance, the two women recognize one another as rivals, allies, and pawns in a political game far bigger than themselves. Alongside their younger sister Mary, the three form a unique sisterhood that will see them crowned queens of England, Scotland, and France.

Though united by family ties and affection, their lives soon place them at odds. Katherine commands an army against Scotland, leading to the death of Margaret’s husband, King James IV. Yet fate turns again when Margaret’s son becomes heir to the Tudor throne after Katherine loses her own child. Gregory masterfully shows how love, grief, and ambition can both bind and divide—even sisters.

At the beginning of this novel, I’ll admit I hated Margaret. I felt deep sympathy for Katherine, perhaps because the previous book focused on her story and had already won my heart. But as the story unfolded, my feelings completely reversed. Margaret’s struggles, resilience, and heartbreak began to shine through, while Katherine’s choices took on a harsher edge. Only a writer as skilled as Philippa Gregory can make you feel so deepl, and so differently, as history progresses.

As always, Gregory kept me spellbound. Her ability to humanize these iconic women while staying rooted in historical drama is unmatched. I turned the final page eager and excited to dive straight into the next book in the series.

If you love historical fiction filled with complex women, emotional depth, and royal intrigue, Three Sisters, Three Queens is a compelling and unforgettable read. 

Seascraper by Benjamin Wood

Seascraper My Rating: 4.8

Twenty-year-old Thomas Flett leads a quiet, deliberate life in Longferry, Northern England. He works as a shanker, scraping shrimp along the drizzly shore with his horse and cart, sells his catch, and spends his afternoons dreaming of music and pining for his neighbor, Joan Wyeth. At heart, Thomas is a folk musician, but it remains a private dream, tucked away beneath the salt and sea-scum of his daily life.

Everything changes when a mysterious American, Edgar, arrives in town. He enlists Thomas’s help in scouting the perfect location for his next movie. Initially skeptical, Thomas slowly begins to trust Edgar, and the promise of Hollywood glamour shakes him from the monotony of his routine. But as Thomas is drawn further into Edgar’s world, questions arise: How much of Edgar’s vision is real? And how far can Thomas allow himself to be inspired?

Wow. This short novel completely captivated me. I can’t quite explain why, but it was just so good. The atmosphere is moody and grey, the writing lyrical and emotional. I could feel the chill of the fog and the hardship of Thomas’s life on the shore - my heart went out to him (and his horse!) as he labored through each day.

Benjamin Wood has a gift for crafting emotional landscapes that linger long after the last page. I’ll definitely be reading more of his work. Seascraper was longlisted for the 2025 Booker Prize, and it’s easy to see why.

A huge thanks to @shoegaljeana on Instagram for this fantastic recommendation!

The Martha's Vineyard Beach and Book Club by Martha Hall Kelly

My Rating: 4.9

Set in 1942, the story follows the Smith sisters—nineteen-year-old aspiring writer Cadence and sixteen-year-old war-obsessed Briar—as they struggle to hold their family farm together while the U.S. Army arrives on Martha’s Vineyard. In the midst of wartime uncertainty, Cadence and her best friend, Bess, start a book club to bring some normalcy to their lives. What begins as a small gathering quickly grows in members and influence, especially after they connect with a fabulous New York publisher who could make Cadence’s literary dreams come true. 

The plot thickens with the arrival of a mysterious man who washes ashore and whispers of a spy in their midst. Suddenly, trust becomes a precious commodity in this tight-knit island community. Could a small book club really change the course of the war before it’s too late?

I am sorry to say that I judged this book by it's cover (and the fluffy title) and wasn’t sure if I would enjoy it , but knowing that I’ve enjoyed most of Martha Hall Kelly’s previous books, I decided to give this one a try—and I definitely wasn’t disappointed.

I found this book to be an easy page-turner with surprising depth. I learned a lot about the WWII activity in Martha’s Vineyard—a piece of history I hadn’t known before—and was completely captivated by the characters. Each one felt fully realized and memorable, from Cadence and Briar to the supporting cast of islanders.

If you enjoy historical fiction with strong, relatable characters, a touch of mystery, and a love of books woven into the story, Martha’s Vineyard Beach and Book Club is a must-read. It’s charming, wholesome, engaging, and thought-provoking—all at once.

The King's Curse by Philippa Gregory

The King's Curse My Rating: 5.0

As an heir to the Plantagenets, Margaret Pole is viewed by the King’s mother - the formidable Red Queen - as a threat to the Tudor claim to the throne. Married off to Tudor loyalist Sir Richard Pole, governor of Wales, Margaret lives a quiet life in service, becoming guardian to Arthur, the Prince of Wales, and his young bride, Katherine of Aragon.

But Margaret’s bloodline was never meant to stay hidden. After tragedy plunges her into poverty, a royal death brings her back into the glittering but dangerous world of Henry VIII’s court, where she serves as chief lady-in-waiting to Queen Katherine. From this unique vantage point, she witnesses the queen’s early influence over Henry, her heartbreaking decline, and the slow unraveling of the Tudor dynasty.

As the court grows more unstable and Henry VIII becomes increasingly tyrannical, Margaret is forced to decide where her loyalty truly lies—with the unpredictable king or with the queen she loves. All the while, she carries the knowledge of an ancient curse said to rest on the Tudor line… and watches as it begins to unfold.

I loved this retelling of Queen Katherine’s reign through Margaret’s eyes. What a time to be at court—though honestly, was there ever an easy season at the Tudor court? 

We all know the broad strokes of Henry VIII’s reign, but I was fascinated by the glimpse into his childhood and what may have shaped him into the man (and monarch) he became. Don’t skip the author’s note - there’s a genetic theory discussed that completely captivated me.

Margaret’s journey is a true emotional rollercoaster, full of loyalty, loss, and resilience. The trials her family endured were overwhelming, and the ending absolutely wrenched my heart. Such a powerful and incredibly sad conclusion.

Highly recommend this one for anyone who loves Tudor history, strong heroines, or Philippa Gregory’s richly imagined world.

 

I loved this retelling of Queen Katherine's reign through Margaret's eyes. What a difficult time to be in court (not that there ever really was an easy time lol!)  I think we all know about Henry the VIII but I didn't realize his childhood and what made him into who he was. Don't miss the afterward telling about a genetic possibility that made him into who he was. Fascinating! The rollercoaster that Margaret and her family went through was so timultous. My heart was wrenched at the end - so incredibly sad. 

Surprise, Kill, Vanish by Annie Jacobsen

Surprise, Kill Vanish My Rating: 3.6

Surprise, Kill, Vanish dives deep into the CIA’s Special Activities Division (SAD), the highly classified, elite branch responsible for some of the most daring black operations in American history. From sabotage and subversion to the morally complex world of assassination, the book explores how SAD has evolved from the president’s guerrilla warfare corps to today’s covert defense force. Jacobsen clearly did her homework, offering fascinating insights into operations that most Americans will never hear about.

However, despite the meticulous research, the book had noticeable flaws. Factual errors: like misidentifying Bob Dole as Speaker of the House, were distracting, and the slow, heavily detailed pace made large sections feel tedious. While there were moments of genuine intrigue and compelling anecdotes, overall the book struggled to maintain momentum.

For those deeply interested in intelligence history and covert operations, Surprise, Kill, Vanish may offer some worthwhile insights, but for readers seeking a gripping narrative, this one might feel more like a slog than a page-turner. We listened to this in the car and Mark enjoyed it more than I did so this may be a "guy's book". 

The Indigo Girl by Natasha Boyd

The Indigo Girl My Rating: 4.6

Set in 1739 South Carolina, The Indigo Girl tells the compelling story of sixteen-year-old Eliza Lucas, a young woman thrust into an impossible role. When her father leaves her in charge of their family’s three struggling plantations, Eliza suddenly carries the weight of their survival on her shoulders. Political tensions, the threat of war, and unrest among the enslaved community all simmer beneath the surface while her mother longs to abandon the colonies and return to England.

When Eliza learns of the French desire—and high price—for indigo dye, she becomes convinced it could save her family from financial ruin. But indigo is a guarded secret. Everyone insists it can’t be done, and those who can help refuse to share their knowledge. Undeterred, Eliza forms unlikely alliances: an elderly horticulturalist, a married lawyer, and a courageous enslaved man who agrees to teach her the ancient, intricate process of creating the dye… if she will risk everything to teach the slaves to read, defying the laws of her time.

I’ll admit—this book took a little time to draw me in, but once it did, I was completely immersed in Eliza’s world. Her perseverance, her courage, and her willingness to defy expectations—especially as a young woman in the 1700s—made her journey both inspiring and deeply engaging.

What I enjoyed most was learning that many parts of her story are rooted in true historical events. That gave the novel an extra depth and richness, reminding me how often “ordinary” people in history did extraordinary things through quiet, steadfast bravery.

If you enjoy historical fiction with strong female leads, rich detail, and a story that lingers in your mind long after you turn the last page, this one is worth adding to your list.

The Constant Princess by Philippa Gregory

The Constant Princess My Rating: 4.8

Philippa Gregory brings Katherine of Aragon to life in The Constant Princess, offering a deeply personal view of a young woman bound by royal duty yet determined to shape her own destiny. Born to Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand of Spain, Katherine is fated to marry Prince Arthur of England. Their marriage blossoms into love, but tragedy strikes when Arthur dies at fifteen, leaving Katherine with a deathbed promise to marry his brother, Henry, and fulfill their shared dreams.

For seven years, Katherine navigates the dangerous Tudor court, enduring poverty, humiliation, and political intrigue, all while waiting for her moment to claim her role as Queen. Gregory portrays Katherine as brave, clever, and unyielding—a woman whose resilience and determination are inspiring.

I absolutely loved experiencing Katherine’s story through her own eyes. The only downside was that my audiobook was abridged, but even so, I felt I didn’t miss any key moments. This is a compelling, emotional read, and I’m diving straight into the next book in the series!

The White Princess by Philippa Gregory

The White Princess My Rating: 4.8

Philippa Gregory once again weaves a masterful tale of intrigue, betrayal, and tangled loyalties in The White Princess, the latest chapter in her sweeping Cousins' War series.

The story opens on the battlefield of Bosworth, where Henry Tudor claims the crown and, with it, the burden of uniting a fractured kingdom. His solution? Marry his enemy’s daughter—Elizabeth of York. It’s a strategic match meant to bind the houses of York and Tudor, but beneath the surface lies a world of suppressed grief, hidden loyalties, and the lingering ghost of Richard III—Elizabeth’s slain lover.

Oh, what a tangled web we weave! Gregory pulls readers directly into the paranoia and fear that grips Henry VII, a king who, though victorious, can never truly rest. His reign is haunted by whispers of a surviving York heir and the constant threat of rebellion. Elizabeth, caught between duty and hope, must navigate her role as queen while her heart mourns the past and her family remains suspect.

This novel is drenched in emotional conflict—tension between husband and wife, loyalty to blood versus loyalty to crown, and a nation still reeling from decades of war. Henry’s relentless dread isolates him from those he most needs, including his queen. Meanwhile, Elizabeth’s strength shines as she bears the weight of being both symbol and pawn.

Gregory’s prose is rich and evocative, drawing you fully into the 15th-century court where every gesture and rumor can shift the balance of power. Though steeped in history, the storytelling feels immediate and immersive.

This was another delightful retelling of history by Gregory—full of heartache, political drama, and human complexity. I found myself deeply moved by Queen Elizabeth’s plight and eager to follow the next threads in this gripping saga. I’ll be diving into the next book right away!.

The Kingmaker's Daughter by Philippa Gregory

The Kingmaker's Daughter My Rating: 5.0

The daughters of the man known as the Kingmaker, Richard Neville, Earl of Warwick: the most powerful magnate in fifteenth-century England. Without a son and heir, he uses his daughters, Anne and Isabel, as pawns in his political games, and they grow up to be influential players in their own right.

At the court of Edward IV and his beautiful queen, Elizabeth Woodville, Anne grows from a delightful child to become ever more fearful and desperate when her father makes war on his former friends. Married at age fourteen, she is soon left widowed and fatherless, her mother in sanctuary and her sister married to the enemy. Anne manages her own escape by marrying Richard, Duke of Gloucester, but her choice will set her on a collision course with the overwhelming power of the royal family.

Wow! I struggled with the unlikable characters in the last book and was honestly hesitant to continue with the series. But I absolutely loved this one. Anne was so lovable, and I felt deeply for everything she endured — what a difficult life she had. The plotting and treachery of the court surpass even today’s politics (if that’s possible!). I’m really enjoying rereading each period of history from different perspectives. This was absolutely excellent. I can’t wait to dive into the next book in the series!