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The Same Bright Stars by Ethan Joella My rating: 5 of 5 stars I am officially an Ethan Joella fan. I will read anything he writes at this point because he simply doesn't disappoint. His writing makes me think of Anne Tyler with real characters in small towns living beautiful, ordinary lives. People whom you can't help but connect to and grow to love. People whom you root for and who end up feeling like family. People you remember long after the story is finished. Jack is no exception. He stays with the reader long long after the book is over. So do all the other characters from the diner. Joella's books make me feel less alone in the world. They are the best of what fiction can do which is give you a whole world to get lost in, remind you of the beauty of community and of the extraordinary in our ordinary lives. I love every moment I get to spend with his books. I hope there are many, many more to come. with gratitude to netgalley and Scr...

Anita de Monte Laughs Last by Xóchitl González My rating: 4 of 5 stars I loved her previous novel and I loved this one, too. I didn't know about the true story behind this novel. I thought it was really well covered even if the male POV was a bit over the top. It was strong, impactful and well-written. View all my reviews

The Stranger by Kiersten Modglin My rating: 3 of 5 stars 3.5 stars. Twisty. You know something is wrong. You're not sure what it is. You keep changing your mind. Until the end :) View all my reviews

Funny Story by Emily Henry My rating: 4 of 5 stars Emily Henry knows how to deliver stories that are fun and characters that stay with you. I always look forward to her stories and she never disappoints. She didn't this time either :) View all my reviews

Christa Comes Out of Her Shell by Abbi Waxman My rating: 4 of 5 stars I loved this book on audio. Others said it was too cute or too romancy. I didn't care. I love Waxman's writing and this one was no exception. Fun, light, and sweet. View all my reviews

Like Mother, Like Daughter by Kimberly McCreight My rating: 4 of 5 stars Once I started this book, I could not stop reading it. I didn't even care if I could guess some of the twists. The pacing, the mix of storylines, and the momentum of the novel got my attention and would not release it until I was finished. Do not pick this up if you have other things you need to get done, you are unlikely to finish any other tasks before the end of the story. with gratitude to netgalley and Knopf for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. View all my reviews

Somehow: Thoughts on Love by Anne Lamott My rating: 5 of 5 stars Lamott truly never disappoints. She's kind, generous, true and makes you feel less alone in the world by not only existing alongside all of us but sharing her stories so we can feel a deeper sense of belonging. View all my reviews

Waking Up to Your Self: A Guide to Living Your Truth by Patrick Marando My rating: 4 of 5 stars This is a great book to keep by your bedside and read again and again as you need. It is a guide to connecting with yourself and being who you are. I am a big proponent of inside-out living and this book has strong guidance on how to do that. How to feel your feelings and ensure you can move through them. The author groups categories of emotions and helps guide you on how to move through them and is always gentle, encouraging and kind. I will refer to my copy again and again. with gratitude to netgalley and Collective Ink Limited for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. View all my reviews

Long Island by Colm Tóibín My rating: 5 of 5 stars What an extraordinary writer Colm Tóibín is. A few years ago, I read The Magician and that was my first novel by him. Even though I had heard of Brooklyn, I have never read it so when I saw this sequel I wasn't sure if it would stand alone but I decided to request it anyway. I am so glad I did. This is such a quiet novel. I loved Eilis as the main character. In fact, I loved all the characters and I loved how real this book felt to me. All that repressed sorrow. All the repressed dreams. Loneliness and desire and loss. The story of a mother torn between her own principles and support of her children and going after her own happiness. The story of a mother trying to save her future. The story of widows learning to make do. The story of a family trying to find a way out of a tough situation. So much said and so much not said. I loved reading this story and now I am going to have to go back and read...