A Page Before Bedtime

Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murders by Jesse Q. Sutanto

2026-02-08T14:49:00.066-06:00

Rating: 5 of 5 stars

Pages: 352 pages
Published: March 2023

Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers was my first read by Jesse Q. Sutanto, and I picked it up to read along with the Modern Mrs. Darcy Book Club. I'm so glad I did. This cozy mystery brings together a lively community of San Francisco residents who are all connected by a suspicious death that occurred in the titular character's tea shop. What follows if less about the murder and more about the relationships and healing that result from the unexpected tragedy.

I respected how this novel explored themes of estranged family members, ageism, and the universal desire to belong. Vera is a wonderfully quirky character, who might seem overbearing at first, but whose quirks become an endearing part of her personality. As the central literary figure, she becomes the glue that holds this mismatched community together. Sutanto beautifully illustrates how community can emerge from the most diverse group of people an unlikely circumstances. The connection, rather than the answer to the mystery, becomes the integral component of healing for all the individuals touched by this death.

Another aspect I really appreciated was how prominently the Asian culture was woven throughout the story. From traditions to family dynamics to language and humor, the culture richness added depth and authenticity from the author. It was a nice reminder that fiction, while imagined, can be based in fact and a powerful teacher by offering a window to experiences, histories, and identities that may be different from our own.

And bonus! As a foodie, I was drooling at the descriptions of Asian cuisine. I found myself craving noodles, dumplings, and the speciality teas as described by the Sutanto. There is emotional power in food, and the author used this device in her storytelling to show how food comforts, connects, and communicates love without saying a word. Cooking for someone is its own kind of tenderness.

Recommendation: This cozy mystery has heart, humor, and a strong sense of community and friendship. It's culturally rich and full of memorable characters. And the best part? You don't have to leave Vera behind once you're finished. There's a second book, Vera Wong's Guide to Snooping (on a Dead Man), and you guessed it, it's on my list to read soon!

Until next time ... Read on!

Regardless of whether I purchase a book, borrow a book, or receive a book in exchange for review, my ultimate goal is to be honest, fair, and constructive. I hope you've found this review helpful.

Say You'll Remember Me by Abby Jimenez

2026-01-29T13:40:00.109-06:00

Rating: 5 of 5 stars

Pages: 416 pages
Published: April 2025

Well, Abby Jimenez has done it again. Say You'll Remember Me delivers all the lovely, funny romantic-comedy moments she's known for, but it also reaches deeper. The story explores emotional themes of abandonment, complicated family dynamics, and the challenges of caring for a loved one with dementia. Jimenez's books are always lighthearted, but they also pack a punch by pairing the romantic and comedic elements with more thoughtful elements. This story is no exception. Like many of her others, this is the kind of story that sneaks up on you. One minute you're laughing so hard you're wiping away tears, and then a few pages later you're truly crying for an entirely different reason.

I've read many of Jimenez's books over the years, and they always give me all the feels. Her storytelling style is comforting like a nice warm cup of hot cocoa on a cold day. She does a great job balancing real-life heaviness with hopeful promise. And her novels can be a bit formulaic and predictable, but honestly that's part of the charm. When you pick up one of Jimenez's books, you know you're going to confront some hard truths. But when you turn the last page, you feel full of hope and inspiration. And sometimes, that's exactly what I need in my reading journey.

In this latest book, the reader jumps right into a Minnesota meet-cute between Samantha and veterinarian Xavier when Samantha brings her kitten to his clinic. At first the doctor comes off as emotionally distant and a bit rash in his bedside manner, but his tough exterior is all a facade as he's trying to cover up his attraction. After a memorable first date, he learns Samantha is moving back to California the next day to help her family. Samantha thinks this is a one and done, and Xavier wants to respect her boundaries, but sometimes love knows no distance and a tender, heartfelt relationship unfolds.

Recommendation: If you're a fan of romantic comedies with emotional weight, this deserves a spot on your TBR today. Jimenez gives us what she's best known for - a sincere story that blends humor and vulnerability. And what's more is this book is the first in a series, with the second one scheduled to release this spring. You already know I'll be snagging a copy.

The Wilderness by Angela Flournoy

2026-01-18T09:38:00.120-06:00

Rating: 2.5 of 5 stars

Pages: 304 pages
Published: September 2025

When I first read the synopsis of Angela Flournoy's, The Wilderness, I was genuinely excited about reading it. A coming-of-age story about a group of Black women growing together through their young adulthood to mid-life? Sign me up! The novel sets out to explore how their friendships evolved over the years. At its core, the novel is about connection - how they support one another, the histories they share, and how they sometimes disappoint each other and themselves. Friendship and personal growth are two themes I'm always drawn too, plus I love literary fiction, so I was eager to see how the author would bring this story together.

The story began strong, but the execution quickly let me down. It was very difficult for me to settle into the narrative because Flournoy uses a non-linear timeline, shifting between characters with no structural set-up. These abrupt transitions often left me disoriented as I read. I spent a large part of the reading trying to figure out where the characters were in time and which character I was following. Perhaps Flournoy used this device to help the reader experience those confusing yet pivotal seasons of adulthood. However, for me, it didn't deepen the emotional impact. Conversely, the structure weakened the story, and the message was lost.

Another challenge for me was the way the characters' voices were written. The women all shared similar tone, so it made it difficult to distinguish one from another until a clarifying detail was presented revealing which character was driving a particular chapter and where I, as the reader, found myself in the journey of their lives and friendships. While this stylistic choice may have been intentional to highlight the friends' (and possibly the readers') shared experiences, it again created confusion and made it harder to connect with each woman as an individual.

I recently watched a virtual author talk featuring Flournoy, and her passion for writing is undeniable and inspiring. I have heard rave reviews about her debut novel, The Turner House. And to be fair, I saw glimpses of her talent in how she captured the elements of womanhood, friendships, and relationships as well as how these evolve as life becomes more complicated. I can see why some readers have connected with this book, and why it has received critical acclaim. My experience may very well be in the minority.

Recommendation: If you enjoy character-driven stories, non-linear structures, and don't mind a reading journey that feels a little disjointed, this may be the book for you. While I didn't fully appreciate this novel, the presented themes of connection and enduring bonds of friendship still resonated.