The Many Lives of Mama Love: A Memoir of Lying, Stealing, Writing, and Healing

by Lara Love Hardin

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ✰

This was a fascinating memoir about hitting rock bottom and fighting your way back to the top. Lara Love Hardin brings to light some of the major problems with the judicial system and highlights how challenging it can be for anyone to succeed after being incarcerated. I was pulled in from page one and found it fascinating to be a fly on the wall throughout her experiences. Her resiliency and determination against the odds are inspiring.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press and #NetGalley for allowing me to read a pre-release of this novel. My review is voluntary, and all opinions are my own.

 

Hello Stranger

by Katherine Center

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ✰

Katherine Center has done it again! She never fails to deliver a laugh out loud funny, tear-jerking, banter-filled novel that I love every minute of. I also enjoyed learning about acquired apperceptive prosopagnosia (face-blindness and did lots of googling for even more information. Who knew that was a thing?! Read this if you enjoy smiling.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press and #NetGalley for allowing me to read a pre-release of this novel. My review is voluntary, and all opinions are my own.

@katherinecenter @katherinecenterfans @stmartinspress
#HelloStrangerNovel #KatherineCenter #StMartinsPress

 

The Soulmate

by Sally Hepworth

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ✰

I enjoyed this one even more than The Mother-in-Law (which I loved)! Gorgeous setting, unique POV, lovable characters and a story line that will keep you guessing.

In addition to receiving this as an ARC, I also had the immense pleasure of meeting Sally Hepworth in person at a book event on her pub-day. She is an absolute delight. I highly recommend seeing her in person if you ever have the opportunity. If not, follow her on Instagram - you won't be disappointed!

Thank you to St. Martin's Press and #NetGalley for allowing me to read a pre-release of this novel. My reviews are voluntary and all opinions are my own.

 

Maame

by Jessica George

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ✰

Fantastic debut novel. Maame is a coming-of-age story about Maddie who has spent her life taking care of her father and who struggles with finding out who she is when she is finally able to move out on her own. Maddie has a unique voice and I enjoyed delving into the Ghanaian culture.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for allowing me to read an advance copy of this novel. My review is voluntary, and all opinions are my own.

Carrie Soto is Back

by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Couldn't put this one down! I'm not a tennis fan and was a bit hesitant when I saw that was the focus of this novel, but I was hooked from page one. Much like Fredrik Backman's Beartown, you don't need to be a fan of the sport to find this one addicting. I enjoyed Malibu Rising and adored Daisy Jones and the Six, but Carrie Soto is Back is my new favorite Taylor Jenkins Reid novel. Carrie is tough as nails on herself and everyone around her, but you can't help but love her and route for her.

Thank you to Random House Publishing Group and NetGalley for allowing me to read an advance copy of this novel. My review is voluntary, and all opinions are my own.

 

One of the Girls 

by Lucy Clarke

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐✰

Loved everything about this one! Gorgeous Greek Island setting, great cast of characters, quick pace, and kept me guessing right to the end. Thank you to Penguin Group/Putnam and NetGalley for allowing me to read a pre-release of this novel. My review is voluntary, and all opinions are my own.

The Maid by Nita Prose

The Maid by Nita Prose

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Molly is an eccentric and endearing maid whose whole world revolves around her job at The Grand Regency hotel. Her life is thrown into an upheaval when she discovers the body of a well-known guest in one of the rooms. Molly's social awkwardness and difficulties interpreting the actions of her peers keep the reader guessing and make this the perfect "cozy mystery"! I wasn't familiar with this genre prior to reading this book, but I'm definitely a fan. I immediately adored Molly and still find myself thinking about her and the other characters weeks later. Thank you to Random House Publishing and NetGalley for allowing me to read an advance copy of this novel. My review is voluntary, and all opinions are my own.