The Virgin's Lover by Philippa Gregory

The Virgin's Lover My Rating: 4.4

In the autumn of 1558, church bells ring across England announcing that Elizabeth I is the new queen. While the nation celebrates, one woman hears the news with dread. She is Amy Dudley, wife of Sir Robert Dudley, and she knows Elizabeth’s rise to the throne will draw her husband back into the dazzling Tudor court where he has always belonged.

Elizabeth’s triumph is short-lived. She inherits a bankrupt country plagued by treason and the threat of foreign war. Her advisors insist she must marry a powerful prince to secure the realm, yet the man she desires is her childhood friend, the ambitious Robert Dudley. As their bond deepens, one question lingers: could he truly set aside his wife to marry the queen? When Amy is found dead, Elizabeth and Dudley are thrust into a desperate struggle for survival.

Philippa Gregory tells much of this story from the wife’s perspective, highlighting how easily a good woman can be cast aside when ambition and power take center stage, even for a Queen. I especially appreciated this angle.

The only drawback for me was the narration. I’ve become so accustomed to the exceptional performances of Vanessa Kirby and Gemma Whelan that this narrator felt less engaging and, at times, distracted from the story.

The Last Runaway by Tracy Chevalier

The Last Runaway My Rating: 4.5

Honor Bright, a modest Quaker from England, arrives in Ohio in 1850 only to find herself isolated and unsettled in a harsh, unfamiliar land. Ill from the voyage and burdened by personal disappointment, she soon faces family tragedy that leaves her dependent on strangers in a practical and often unforgiving new world. Nineteenth-century America feels precarious and unsentimental—and deeply scarred by the ongoing injustice of slavery. Even within a faith community devoted to equality, Honor discovers that principles are not always lived out in practice.

Gradually, Honor becomes drawn into the clandestine work of the Underground Railroad, a network helping enslaved people escape to freedom. Along the way, she forms unexpected friendships with two women whose quiet courage and defiance leave a lasting impression. Ultimately, Honor must decide whether she will act on her convictions—no matter the personal cost.

This is a gentle, slow-moving novel that beautifully captures the quiet rhythms of Quaker life: gardening, quilting, canning, milking, gathering eggs, and enduring the daily challenges of frontier living (including the endless mud). I found her adjustment to a new country especially relatable, and the story thoughtfully reveals Honor’s quiet strength as it unfolds.

The only aspect I found slightly distracting was the heavy use of “thee” and “thy” among the Quakers while others spoke more conventionally. While there are stronger novels about the Underground Railroad, I still enjoyed this one—largely for its portrayal of Honor’s challenges and the gentle, detailed glimpse into Quaker life.

The Queen's Fool By Philippa Gregory

The Queen's Fool My Rating: 4.9

Winter, 1553. Pursued by the Inquisition, fourteen-year-old Hannah Green flees Spain with her father, leaving behind everything familiar. But Hannah is no ordinary refugee—she possesses the gift of “Sight,” an ability to foresee the future that becomes invaluable in the dangerous world of the Tudor court.

Adopted by the glamorous Robert Dudley, the charismatic son of King Edward’s protector, Hannah is brought to court as a “holy fool,” serving first Queen Mary and later Queen Elizabeth. Though hired as a fool, she is drawn into the role of spy; though promised in marriage, she finds herself in love with her master. Surrounded by the constant threat of heresy, treason, and witchcraft, Hannah must choose between the quiet safety of an ordinary life and the perilous intrigue of the royal court—where her fate becomes inseparable from her own longings and ambitions.

Although part of the Plantagenet/Tudor series, this novel feels different because it doesn’t center on a royal figure. Instead, it follows Hannah, an outsider navigating a dangerous and fascinating world. I quickly became captivated by her courage, her desire for independence, and her struggle as she’s pulled in different directions by those with their own agendas.

Hannah is a sweet, likable character whose life is filled with trials, and I found myself rooting for her and worrying about her safety throughout the story. This was such an enjoyable read, and I’m excited to continue with the next book in the series.

The Love Of My Life by Rosie Walsh

The Love Of My Life My Rating: 3.0

Emma loves her husband Leo and their young daughter Ruby: she’d do anything for them. But almost everything she’s told them about herself is a lie.

And she might just have got away with it, if it weren’t for her husband’s job. Leo is an obituary writer; Emma a well-known marine biologist. When she suffers a serious illness, Leo copes by doing what he knows best—researching and writing about his wife’s life. But as he starts to unravel the truth, he discovers the woman he loves doesn’t really exist. Even her name isn’t real.

When the very darkest moments of Emma’s past finally emerge, she must somehow prove to Leo that she really is the woman he always thought she was . . .

But first, she must tell him about the other love of her life.

This was an entertaining, fast-paced read, but ultimately it felt more like a beach thriller than a deeply layered psychological drama. Many of the plot developments were far-fetched, requiring a significant suspension of disbelief. The twists often felt engineered rather than organic, and at times the story seemed more contrived than compelling.

While the premise is intriguing and the pacing keeps you turning pages, I struggled to fully invest in the characters or the emotional stakes. Enjoyable enough for a light read—but not one that lingers.

The Blessings Of The Animals by Katrina Kittle

The Blessings Of The Animals My Rating: 4.6

Veterinarian Cami Anderson has hit a rough patch. Reeling from a recent divorce, she begins questioning everything she once believed about marriage. Is there a secret to a happy, lasting relationship? Or is the whole institution slowly becoming outdated?

All around her, relationships are shifting and evolving. Her parents are preparing to celebrate their fiftieth wedding anniversary. Her brother and his partner face legal barriers to their dream of marriage. Her former sister-in-law—still her closest friend—is newly engaged. Her teenage daughter’s young romance is already encountering complications. And to make matters even more complicated, three different men—including her ex-husband—become entangled in Cami’s already messy post-marital love life.

In the midst of this emotional chaos, Cami finds unexpected comfort in an unlikely confidant: an angry, unpredictable horse in her care. Through this wounded animal, she begins to untangle her own confusion about love, commitment, and what marriage truly means.

First, the “negative”: there are quite a few storylines woven throughout the book—her brother’s gay relationship, her ex’s family dynamics, friendships, and more. At times, these threads seemed to pull attention away from the central storyline. However, they also added depth and realism, reflecting how complicated and interconnected real life truly is.

Another potential criticism might be that the book could come across as “man-bashing” or overly girl-power driven. Personally, I didn’t see it that way. Instead, I felt the story emphasized individuality and the importance of choosing a partner out of genuine desire—not need. It highlights that relationships should be intentional and chosen freely, not entered into out of obligation or fear of being alone.

What I appreciated most was how authentic everything felt. The relationships were messy, imperfect, and certainly not tied up neatly with a bow. But life rarely is. That honesty made the story both relatable and engaging.

Overall, this was a light, easy read that I truly enjoyed getting lost in—not to mention it beautifully captured my love of animals. Warning: there are a few disturbing scenes involving animal cruelty and rescue. Sadly, they reflect real-life situations.

I would definitely read more by this author.

How To Read A Book by Monica Wood

How To Read A Book My Rating: 4.9

Violet Powell, a twenty-two-year-old from Abbott Falls, Maine, is being released from prison after serving twenty-two months for a drunk-driving crash that killed a local kindergarten teacher.

Harriet Larson, a retired English teacher who runs the prison book club, is facing the unsettling prospect of an empty nest.

Frank Daigle, a retired machinist, hasn’t yet come to grips with the complications of his marriage to the woman Violet killed.

When the three encounter each other one morning in a bookstore in Portland—Violet to buy the novel she was reading in the prison book club before her release, Harriet to choose the next title for the women who remain, and Frank to dispatch his duties as the store handyman—their lives begin to intersect in transformative ways.

There was a lot of swearing in this book. But let's be real—it’s a story about women in prison; you can't exactly expect them to say "fudge!"

Despite the gritty language, the story managed to feel incredibly sweet and wholesome. I fell in love with all the characters, particularly Frank, Bookie, and Violet. And I can’t forget to mention the precious birds—they were such a highlight for me.

At its heart, this is a story about redemption and new beginnings, navigating difficult life lessons. and that it is never too late to start over.

This was an easy, engaging read that left me feeling full of hope. I’ve read several of Monica Wood’s books now, and after this one, I know it won’t be the last.

The Taming Of The Queen by Philippa Gregory

The Taming of the Queen My Rating: 4.9

Kateryn Parr, a thirty-year-old widow secretly in love with another man, has no choice when King Henry VIII—a man old enough to be her father who has already buried four wives—commands her to marry him.

Kateryn understands the danger she faces. The previous queen lasted sixteen months; the one before her barely half a year. Yet Henry adores his new bride, and Kateryn’s trust in him grows as she works to unite the royal family, establishes a radical study circle within the court, and even rules the kingdom as Regent.

But will any of it be enough to keep her safe?

A leader of religious reform and the first woman to publish in English, Kateryn is intelligent, outspoken, and independent—qualities that make her both remarkable and vulnerable. As she fails to protect the Protestants from persecution, Henry’s favor begins to shift. Traditional churchmen and political rivals accuse her of heresy, a crime punishable by death by fire… and the king’s name is already on the warrant.

I am absolutely loving this series, and this book in particular was phenomenal. I felt Kateryn’s emotional journey—from her love for Thomas, to her humiliation at Henry’s hands, to her shock at his willingness to turn against her. I can’t wait to jump right into the next book in the series.

The Scent Keeper by Erica Bauermeister

The Scent Keeper  My Rating: 4.8

Emmeline lives on a remote island with her father, who teaches her about the natural world through her senses. What he won’t explain are the mysterious scents stored in glass bottles that line the walls of their cabin, or the origin of the machine that creates them. As Emmeline grows, however, so too does her curiosity, until one day the unforeseen happens, and Emmeline is vaulted out into the real world--a place of love, betrayal, ambition, and revenge. To understand her past, Emmeline must unlock the clues to her identity, a quest that challenges the limits of her heart and imagination.

The writing in this book was honestly delicious. The way a photograph captures a memory is how Emmeline and her family capture scent — vivid, emotional, and deeply personal. You can almost feel it while you’re reading.

At its core, this is a coming-of-age story about secrets, growing up, grief, love, friendship, and starting over. It’s about what makes a family, how guilt and secrecy shape our lives, and how we find ourselves again after loss.

This book won’t be for everyone. But if it is for you, it’s the kind of story that lets the scents of memory carry you somewhere else entirely — the kind of book that quietly pulls you away from real life for a while.. 

Culpability by Bruce Holsinger

Culpability My Rating: 4.9

When the Cassidy-Shaws’ autonomous minivan collides with an oncoming car, seventeen-year-old Charlie is in the driver’s seat, with his father, Noah, riding shotgun. In the back seat, tweens Alice and Izzy are on their phones, while their mother, Lorelei, a world leader in the field of artificial intelligence, is absorbed in her work. Yet each family member harbors a secret, implicating them all in the tragic accident.

Culpability explores a world newly shaped by chatbots, autonomous cars, drones, and other nonhuman forces in ways that are thrilling, challenging, and unimaginably provocative.

Despite the seriousness of the subject matter, this felt like a light beach read. I was completely immersed in this easy page-turner. I enjoyed both the characters and the storyline. In this new era of AI, the book confronts many of the questions and concerns we are all beginning to face. It’s a suspenseful family drama that explores moral responsibility in the age of artificial intelligence.

The Hearts of Horses by Molly Gloss

The Hearts of Horses My Rating: 4.4

Set in the winter of 1917, The Hearts of Horses follows nineteen-year-old Martha as she saddles up and travels to a remote county in eastern Oregon in search of work gentling wild horses. She comes upon rancher George Bliss, who offers her a job, especially since many of his regular hands have gone off to fight in the war. Beneath Martha’s flashy rodeo outfit, George recognizes a shy yet strong-willed young woman with a deep and serious understanding of horses.

What follows is an irresistible tale of determination and resilience, as Martha tries to carve out a place for herself in a world dominated by men. 

Over the course of the long, unforgiving winter, townsfolk begin to notice something remarkable: Martha speaks to horses in low, gentle tones, calming animals others consider beyond repair—and achieving almost miraculous results. Through this rare gift, she slowly earns the respect of the community and the possibility of making a home for herself..

Perhaps it’s my lifelong love of horses, but I thoroughly enjoyed this story. It transported me back to the rugged days of settlers struggling to survive through hardship and war. The novel is told not only from Martha’s perspective but also through the voices of her neighbors, giving it a rich and intimate feel.

Overall, this book was charming, heartfelt, and quietly powerful.

The Boleyn Inheritance by Philippa Gregory

The Boleyn Inheritance My Rating: 4.6

After the death of his third wife, Jane Seymour, King Henry VIII of England decides to take another bride—but this time, not for love. The Boleyn Inheritance follows three women whose lives are irrevocably changed by the king’s decision, as each must navigate the dangerous and uncertain world of the Tudor court.

Anne of Cleves is brought to England to marry Henry in order to secure a political alliance. Yet from the beginning, her uneasy relationship with the king sets the stage for trouble—not only for Anne, but for the stability of England itself.

Katherine Howard, young and dazzling, quickly captures Henry’s attention even as he prepares to wed Anne. Her spirit is wild and her passions run high, but in a court filled with intrigue, her affection—and fate—may not unfold as she expects.

Jane Rochford, widow of George Boleyn, carries a dark reputation. Her testimony helped send both her husband and her infamous sister-in-law Anne Boleyn to their deaths. Across the realm, she is remembered for jealousy, bitterness, and scandal, yet Gregory offers a fresh and complex portrait of her inner life.

Philippa Gregory once again showcases her remarkable storytelling as she weaves together the voices of these three women. This novel presents a very different portrayal of Jane compared to the previous book, which I found especially intriguing. I also couldn’t help but be entertained by Katherine Howard’s vanity and self-obsession.

What makes Gregory’s novels so compelling is how she fills in the gaps of history. While we know the documented facts—births, marriages, deaths—so much else remains open to interpretation. Gregory connects the dots in a way that feels vivid, dramatic, and utterly riveting.

I can’t wait to dive into the next book in this series.

Great Big Beautiful LIfe by Emily Henry

My Rating: 4.0

Alice Scott is an eternal optimist still chasing her big writing break. Hayden Anderson is a Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist and a full-on human thundercloud. When both land on balmy Little Crescent Island, it’s for the same reason: to write the biography of a woman no one has seen in years—or at least to meet the octogenarian who claims to be the infamous Margaret Ives. Once a tragic heiress, former tabloid darling, and daughter of one of the most storied (and scandal-ridden) families of the twentieth century, Margaret’s life is as mysterious as it is compelling.

Margaret invites Alice and Hayden to stay for a one-month trial period, after which she’ll choose who gets to tell her story. Over the course of that month, secrets unravel, histories collide, and both writers find themselves pulled into something far bigger than a simple biography.

I was in the mood for a fluffy palate cleanser, so naturally I turned to Emily Henry. I’ll admit, Imay be showing my age, but I skimmed over some of the more explicit romance scenes (yes, I know rom-com is Henry’s signature). That said, the rest of the story completely engrossed me. I loved the cast of characters and was especially drawn into the slow, layered unfolding of Margaret’s life. Overall, Great Big Beautiful Life was a fun, bubble-gum read—light, engaging, and perfect when you want a story that goes down easy but still has heart.

Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt

Remarkably Bright Creatures My Rating: 4.9

After Tova’s husband died, she began working the night shift at the Sowell Bay Aquarium, mopping floors and tidying up. Keeping busy has always helped her cope, which she’s been doing since her eighteen-year-old son, Erik, mysteriously vanished on a boat in Puget Sound over thirty years ago.

Tova becomes acquainted with curmudgeon Marcellus, a giant Pacific octopus living at the aquarium. Marcellus knows more than anyone can imagine but wouldn’t dream of lifting one of his eight arms for his human captors-until he forms a remarkable friendship with Tova.

Ever the detective, Marcellus deduces what happened the night Tova’s son disappeared. And now Marcellus must use every trick his old invertebrate body can muster to unearth the truth for her before it’s too late.

Shelby Van Pelt’s debut novel is a gentle, hopeful reminder that revisiting the past—no matter how painful—can open the door to a future that once seemed out of reach.

Remarkably Bright Creatures was an absolute delight: charming, tender, and deeply comforting. I don’t usually enjoy anthropomorphism, yet I completely fell in love with Marcellus. This story beautifully illustrates that loneliness is not inevitable—sometimes all it takes is opening our hearts to the connections already around us. I absolutely loved this book.

The Boleyn Traitor by Philippa Gregory

The Boleyn Traitor My Rating: 4.8

Jane Boleyn watches from the shadows of the Tudor court, where secrets are currency, every choice is dangerous, and even the faintest whisper can seal the fate of queens.

For Jane, survival demands playing every role required of her: a loving wife who conceals her doubts, a devoted sister to Anne Boleyn at the height of her power, and an obedient spy who carefully wields her words. But in a court ruled by ambition and a tyrant’s sword, Jane must rely on her sharp wit and skillful maneuvering to outthink those around her, knowing that one wrong move could cost her everything.

Philippa Gregory masterfully shines a spotlight on the untold story of Jane Boleyn, peeling back the myths to reveal a complex portrait of a woman who dared to survive at any cost. Perfect for fans of thrilling historical drama and readers captivated by the intrigue of the Tudor period, Boleyn Traitor is a must-read.

I love the way Gregory overlaps her novels, allowing the same historical events to be seen through entirely different eyes. Experiencing the Tudor court from Jane Boleyn’s perspective-Anne Boleyn’s sister-in-law-felt especially fresh and compelling. Jane’s ability to remain in favor while those closest to her were repeatedly banished or executed was fascinating, and her constant calculation for survival kept me fully engaged.

One of the strongest elements of the book was the recurring theme of the courtier’s “masque.” Jane’s realization that she had spent her entire life performing roles to stay alive-and the powerful moment when she finally removes that masque—was beautifully written and deeply moving.

My only real complaint is how differently Jane is portrayed compared to her characterization in earlier books. While I appreciate the idea of shifting perspectives, the disparity was so great at times that it was difficult to reconcile this Jane with the one I thought I knew. That said, it didn’t detract enough to lessen my enjoyment. Overall, The Boleyn Traitor is an excellent, thought-provoking read that I thoroughly enjoyed and would highly recommend to fans of Tudor historical fiction.

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.