The Baking Bookworm

Brighter Than Before

2026-06-08T21:51:43.435-04:00

Charming + heartwarming, this was such a feel-good read.

First off, I loved that this story centres around a middle-aged woman! Love and self-discovery do not end as perimenopause begins! Claire is in her 50's, divorced with an adult daughter and ready to make it on her own. She moves to Chicago to start a new life, creating a to-do list to ensure she reaches outside her comfort zone in love and life experiences.

Enter Miles, her new neighbour who keeps his personal life to himself. He befriends Claire and makes it quite clear he's not searching for love, but he will help Claire meet her Mr. Right by aiding Claire's daughter, Minnie to vet Clarie's blind dates. Her dates are a mishmash of bad and sweet as Claire finds out the kind of man she wants to share the next chapter of her life with and who will support her and her exciting new endeavours.

The main and secondary characters were all amazing and I'm a total sucker for the found family trope! My only wee beef is the main conflict and the couple's refusal to communicate their issues went on a bit long, otherwise this was a delightfully predictable story that hit the spot.

Brighter Than Before is a charming, heartwarming read with bits of cute humour and wonderful messages about standing up for yourself, second chances, finding your people and following your dreams so you can live life to its fullest!

If you're looking for a sweet read with closed door romance and characters you'll rally behind, you've found it. It hits stores on June 9, 2026!!

Other books I'd recommend by this author:

The Summer of Yes

Disclaimer: My sincere thanks to the publisher for the complimentary digital advanced copy of this book which was gifted to me in exchange for my honest review.

My Rating: 4.5 stars

Author: Courtney Walsh

Genre: Romance, Contemporary Fiction, Light Read

Type and Source: ebook from publisher via NetGalley

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

First Published: June 9, 2026

Read: June 2-8, 2026

Book Description from GoodReads: Life has a way of changing your path--and Claire Karadec certainly didn't plan on a fork in the road in her forties.

After a painfully public discovery shatters her marriage, along with her picture-perfect, country club life, Claire finds herself suddenly single and faced with a blank page for a future. On that page she writes a simple list that reads like equal parts dare and daydream--Move to a new city. Make a real friend. Get a job I love--and she vows to accomplish every single one.

Before she can talk herself out of it, she takes a step of faith, puts her old life in the rearview mirror, and leases an apartment in Chicago, the city that has always had her heart. This one step sends Claire on a journey of self-discovery, giving her the courage to conquer her fears, one checklist item at a time, and showing her that life can be a whole lot brighter than she imagined.

She rediscovers a love for baking, stumbles into new friendships, and even allows her daughter, Minnie, to create a dating profile and choose her dates for her. Perhaps the biggest surprise, though, is Miles, the charming, off-limits neighbor whose kindness makes it hard to remember why he's off-limits at all.

Between late-night journaling, disastrous first dates, great big lessons and priceless small victories, Claire learns to quiet the voice telling her she wasn't enough and listens to the one that asks the harder question . . .

What do I really want?

As old expectations loosen their grip, Claire discovers that belonging isn't a place you're invited to--it's a life you build one brave choice at a time. And the sweetest things often show up when you finally get out of your own way.

From New York Times bestselling author Courtney Walsh comes a witty, warm, and uplifting novel about second chances, found family, and the courage it takes to become yourself--perfect for fans of Annabel Monaghan and Sarah Adams.

It's Not What You Think

2026-06-06T21:40:37.948-04:00

This is a well-named book! Be prepared for a smart and twisty read, my bookish friends!

What starts with a suspicious girlfriend quickly turns into something much more sinister! When Nadeeka finds her boyfriend violently murdered, the police are called and Nadeeka's world is turned upside down. Detective Chief Inspector Lauren Caldwell and her team investigate and reveal a series of lies, secrets and nefarious plans.

The very short chapters (the best kind!) keep the story at a fast pace and through the POVs of a few characters, the true story is revealed, taking readers on a wild ride that will keep them eagerly turning the pages. And that TWIST!! She got me. Clare totally got me. I didn't see it coming. Well played!

I can't say too much without risking spoilers. Just know that this is a hard to put down fast-paced police procedural/thriller with strong, well-developed characters. Mackintosh brings first-hand experience as a British police inspector for an authentic feel and I appreciated the relevant and important social themes that are woven into the story, making this fantastic fodder for book club discussion.

This well-crafted police procedural is the perfect book to go into blind. Don't read the blurb, just slide into this tense, edge-of-your-seat read and enjoy the ride!

Author Event: Burlington Public Library - Burlington, ON Canada

Today I met Clare Mackintosh at an event at the public library in Burlington, Ontario. It was another amazing event (my second event there this week!) and worth the 90-minute drive.

Clare fielded some great questions from moderator, journalist and cultural commentator Sarah Laing, attendees got insight into the book (without any spoilers - a hard feat!) and a few laughs were had along the way.

What a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon!

My Rating: 5 stars

Author: Clare Mackintosh

Genre: Suspense

Type and Source: trade paperback, personal copy

Publisher: HarperCollings Canada

First Published: March 26, 2026

Read: June 2-6, 2026

Book Description from GoodReads:

He has a secret. She knows he's lying…

YOU THINK YOU KNOW THE PEOPLE YOU LOVE

Nadeeka is certain Jamie is having an affair. She knows the tell-tale signs.

She's been here before.

YOU THINK YOU KNOW WHO YOU CAN TRUST

When Jamie claims to be at work late, she knows he's lying. He's with another woman, and she's determined to catch him in the act.

YOU THINK YOU KNOW HOW THE STORY ENDS

But when Nadeeka arrives home to confront him, Jamie can't explain himself. The house has become a crime scene…

Jamie is dead.

IT'S NOT WHAT YOU THINK

The Valencia Expat Club

2026-06-04T19:33:33.069-04:00

This is a coming-into-herself kind of novel. It's light, predictable and the author paints a beautiful picture of Spain that will have readers eagerly booking their next trip to España. It's a summery read and while I enjoyed the corny humour, it was a bit of a miss for me.

The gist: Dahlia's personal life takes a nosedive, and she moves to Spain to find out who she wants to be in this next chapter of her life. There's slow burn love, some family dysfunction and vivid descriptions of Spain's food and people. But I'll be honest, it bothered me that things go exceedingly easy for her — she gets a job, meets long-lost family, gets a 'new' man and blends in with the locals seamlessly. As one does. Hmm.

I know this is a lighter read, but I wanted more! More conflict, more chemistry and depth to the characters and expected more culture shock for Dahlia. There's a great 'long-lost family' plot line with long-held grudges with Dahlia's vibrant Spanish family, but they were largely ignored.

I also don't understand why the prior connection between the main couple was included since it didn't add to the plot and was too serendipitous for my liking. And don't get me started on the MANY similes that were sprinkled throughout with a very heavy hand. They soon became quite distracting.

This is a light, feel good story about a woman finding out who she is in this next part of her life that has a Hallmark vibe, but unfortunately, I wanted a spicy paella, and this was too under seasoned to be memorable.

Disclaimer: My sincere thanks to Atria Books for the complimentary digital advanced copy that was given to me in exchange for my honest review.

My Rating: 3 stars

Author: June Patrick

Genre: Romance, Light Read

Type and Source: ebook from publisher via NetGalley

Publisher: Atria Books

First Published: June 2, 2026

Read: May 28-30, 2026

Book Description from GoodReads: One Italian Summer meets Eat, Pray, Love in this heartwarming novel following a recent divorcee’s escape to Spain where delicious food, romantic adventures, and the transformative magic of starting over leads her to reconnect with family, forge new friendships, and rediscover herself.

Dahlia Delaney’s marriage just imploded, her friend group picked a side (not hers), and her fancy San Francisco life now fits into a single suitcase. Armed with a broken heart, a freelance marketing gig, and one blurry childhood memory of her abuela’s garden, she impulsively hops on a flight to Valencia, Spain, to reconnect with distant family—and maybe herself.

But Valencia isn’t just sunny plazas and sangria. There’s her chaotic new job at a quirky expat bar, a family she barely knows but who embrace her like she’s always belonged, and a brooding American bar owner who’s frustratingly attractive and entirely too familiar.

As Dahlia stumbles through language mishaps, clashing cultures, and late-night paella with new friends, she begins to realize that the fresh start she came for might turn into something even better—if she can let go of the life she planned and embrace the one unfolding around her.

Perfect for anyone who’s ever dreamed of starting over somewhere with better wine, The Valencia Expat Club is a sparkling, laugh-out-loud romantic escape about second chances, delicious detours, and finding home where you least expect it.

Beneath a Broken Sky

2026-05-30T19:29:37.059-04:00

I have read the previous three books in this small-town police procedural. I have enjoyed the tension and particularly, the main character Ben Packard, whose personal life is woven into the books, including his struggles as a gay police officer in a very small conservative town in Minnesota. The secondary cast is also strong and the banter between him and his police partner Jill Thielen is delightfully snarky (my favourite kind).

Unfortunately, I didn't find this fourth installment as strong as the previous book. There were a lot of subplots without enough focus on any of them. There's murder, some romance, a connection to Ben's past, arborists and roofers, oh my!

Personally, I thought the story felt convoluted with too much focus on the itinerant storm chasing roofers (and comments about Canadian wildfire smoke - we're sorry, eh!) than the actual murder. The pacing picks up in the last quarter, but readers will have to be patient to see how all of the pieces the story fit together.

This wasn't my favourite book of the Ben Packard series so far, but I enjoy slipping into Ben's world and seeing how Moehling blends Ben's personal life and emotional elements into his suspense stories and look forward to reading the next book in the series.

Disclaimer: Thanks to the publisher for the complimentary advanced digital copy of this book which was given to me in exchange for my honest review.

My Rating: 3 stars

Author: Joshua Moehling

Genre: Suspense

Series: Ben Packard 4

Publisher: Poisoned Pen Press

First Published: May 26, 2026

Read: May 23-27, 2026

Book Description from GoodReads: From award-nominated and USA Today bestselling author Joshua Moehling comes a tense, atmospheric thriller about one detective's search for a mysterious killer in the chaos following a deadly storm…

Detective Ben Packard has put down roots in the small town of Sandy Lake. A difficult thing to do; it's a hot, miserable summer, and a tornado has swept through causing irreparable damage. Trees are felled, homes destroyed, and people are desperate. Worse, the storm has also blown in a group of storm chasers with something to hide.

Then a woman is killed in her home. The mother of a gay boy and unpopular among the locals for the hell she recently raised at school when the administration refused to punish a group of students who were bullying her son, there's almost too many suspects to count.

But to Packard, the case hits close to home. And when someone from his past shows up on his doorstep out of the blue, he realizes he'll have to confront the reality of navigating life as a gay man in a small town bent on tradition, no matter the cost.

The heat suffocates. The violence simmers. Before the summer is out, someone else will die.

Find Her Alive

2026-05-28T19:59:08.480-04:00

Find Her Alive is the eighth installment of the Detective Josie Quinn series. Part police procedural, part suspense, this is a series you'll want to read from the beginning since Regan weaves Josie's compelling past into her stories.

The book starts out with Josie and her sister, Trinity, a well-known TV news anchor, having a sudden heated exchange ending with Trinity leaving and going to a remote cabin for some time alone. Josie gives her sister some space, but three weeks later, her family realizes she's disappeared and is shocked when human bones are found nearby. The hunt for Trinity, with her twin sister at the helm, begins.

Readers learn of Trinity's past but, from what I remember of Trinity, it felt like it came out of left field and didn't fit with the Trinity we've met. There's lots of family drama and a poignant moment or two, but the pacing felt slower and I miss the gritty Josie from previous books and had hoped for the story to grab me more. Readers will also have to suspend disbelief with a few decisions the sisters make and how Josie solves the crime after the FBI already had a go at it.

Overall, this is a decent addition to the series, and I certainly hope the FBI agent makes another appearance.

My Rating: 3 stars

Author: Lisa Regan

Genre: Suspense

Series: Det. Josie Quinn 8

Type and Source: ebook, personal copy

Publisher: Bookouture

First Published: April 15, 2020

Read: May 15-22, 2026

Book Description from GoodReads: Detective Josie Quinn hasn’t heard from her sister since Trinity stormed out of the house in the heat of an argument three weeks ago. So, when human remains are found at the remote hunting cabin where Trinity was last seen, Josie can only assume the worst.

Gathering her team, Josie feels a surge of relief when the dental records match a different body – that of a missing single mother from a neighboring town. But now Josie’s is not the only broken family desperate for answers.

Dusting the crime scene for prints, a name smudged into the side of a nearby car is the first in a trail of clues Trinity left for Josie. In need of a big story to save her journalism career, it seems Josie’s sister was attempting to make contact with a dangerous serial killer known for creating sculptures with his victim’s bones. And Trinity won’t stop until she’s found him, even if it means becoming his next masterpiece…

Josie is certain there’s a critical clue in the ivory hair comb delivered to Trinity just days before she went missing. But as more bones surface, each set more likely to be Trinity’s than the last, time is running out to find her alive. Can Josie’s team trust her instincts in a case that is so deeply personal? Can she find her sister without putting other innocent lives in danger?

Shield of Sparrows + Rites of the Starling

2026-05-26T20:03:41.089-04:00

Double Review: Sheild of Sparrows and Rites of the Starling

I am not an avid Fantasy reader but like to dip my proverbial toe into this genre now and again. I prefer an easy-to-slip into story with world building that's not overly complicated. Is that too much to ask?

The first two books of the Shield of Sparrows series had the perfect blend of world building, romance, interesting characters and adventure. It also had great banter and a lot of fantastical creatures (which, admittedly, were a bit of a struggle to remember while listening to the audiobook).

Book 1: Shield of Sparrows

This first book in the series is a quest across dangerous lands with a strong female main character in Odessa. There's some good romance and spice, but honestly it wasn't overly swoony. There are a lot of mythical monsters and adventure, but the main strength of this book is the cliffhanger ending. It's a doozy so you may want to keep Rites of the Starling close by so you can immediately jump into it!

(scroll down for my review of Rites of the Starling)

My Rating: 4 stars

Author: Devney Perry

Genre: Fantasy, Romance

Series: Shield of Sparrows 1

Type and Source: eAudio from public library

Publisher: Tantor Media

First Published: May 6, 2025

Narrators: Samantha Brentmoor, Jason Clarke

Run Time: 20 hours

Read: April 20 - May 3, 2026

Book Description from GoodReads: Devney Perry's Shield of Sparrows, a swoon-worthy romantic fantasy filled with legends and monsters, is The Witcher meets Cinderella.

The gods sent monsters to the five kingdoms to remind mortals they must kneel.

I’ve spent my life kneeling—to their will and to my father's. As a princess, my only duty is to wear the crown and obey the king.

I was never meant to rule. Never meant to fight. And I was never supposed to be the daughter who sealed an ancient treaty with her own blood.

But that changed the fateful day I stepped into my father’s throne room. The day a legendary monster hunter sailed to our shores. The day a prince ruined my life.

Now I’m crossing treacherous lands beside a warrior who despises me as much as I despise him—bound to a future I didn’t choose and a husband I barely know.

Everyone wants me to be something I’m not—a queen, a spy, a sacrifice.

But what if I refused the role chosen for me? What if I made my own rules? What if there’s power in being underestimated?

And what if—for the first time—I reached for it?

Book 2: Rites of the Starling

Sometimes the second book of a series hits stronger and that's what we have here. A big part of that may be the amazing cliffhanger at the end of Rites and how this book hit the ground running! I felt the story and characters in Rites felt more well-rounded than Shield and getting the POVs of two pairs of characters on their own journeys (with Caspia's outshining Odessa's just a smidge) added a lot more depth to the story.

There is a big reveal later in the story which I loved, and I just generally felt like I stayed in the moment as I listened to this audiobook instead of trying to figure out the twists.

Beasties, action, prophecies and secrets abound and will keep listeners glued to their headphones.

The narration: The two books were decently narrated. I liked Samantha Brentmoor's narration, but I found Jason Clarke's voice to be MUCH too deep and so low that I had a very hard time hearing what he was saying. One does not need a bass voice to be manly.

My Rating: 4.5 stars

Author: Devney Perry

Genre: Fantasy, Romance

Series: Shield of Sparrows 1

Type and Source: eAudio from public library

Publisher: Recorded Books

First Published: April 7, 2026

Narrators: Samantha Brentmoor, Jason Clarke

Run Time: 18 hours

Read: May 9-20, 2026

Book Description from GoodReads: A princess journeys across a cursed realm to find the truth about her family, only to discover her quest intertwines with the fate of a lost warrior. Love, danger, and magic collide in a captivating romantasy perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas and Rebecca Yarros.

Calandra's five kingdoms are on the verge of destruction. The crux migration is coming. And in the wake of a devastating attack, I've been separated from the man who owns my heart.

I'm lost. Terrified. Homesick. Hunted by monsters, driven to exhaustion, and kidnapped by a powerful priest, the only thing keeping me going is the little girl counting on me to keep her safe. It's my turn to become the Guardian.

Our lives change one fateful night. A night of death. A night of monsters. A night of truths. That night, when I learn the real meaning of fear—and the depth of my own strength.

Everyone wants me to be something I'm not—a queen, a spy, a sacrifice. But what if I embrace my crown? What if the secrets I uncover save our realm? What if my sacrifice means salvation for the man I love?

For too long, I've feared the monsters we make. It's time to discover the monster within.

Murder at the Hotel Orient

2026-05-24T17:47:51.986-04:00

Murder mystery lovers, just when you think you've 'read it all'! Set in a modern-day Viennese 'love hotel', this is an atmospheric and oh-so-saucy murder mystery that stands out from the mystery crowd.

There were three things that grabbed my attention immediately. First, the love hotel which felt like its own character, filled with secrets, hidden rooms and a long history in Vienna. Second, the main character Sterling, a concierge who is smart, sassy and smart-assy (especially with her BFF Fernando). And third, and the thing that delighted me the most, was the humour that had me regularly giggling to myself.

I enjoyed the Vienna setting and readers who 'sprich deutsch' (speak German) will enjoy the German phrases which are liberally sprinkled in the dialogue. Personally, they went over my head but fear not, there's a German glossary at the back of the book (sadly I wasn't aware of it until I finished the book).

The story has a lot of characters for potential culprits (who had unique aliases to help me remember who was who) and the pacing was good (except for a bit of a lull in the second half). The story ramps up with a great twist that I didn't see coming and ends with a solid finish.

This is an impressive debut for mystery lovers! It's an entertaining whodunnit with a touch of slutty whimsy, great atmosphere and a cast of unusual characters. It was spicier than expected (but probably won't have the average readers clutching their proverbial pearls) and will give armchair sleuths a mystery they'll love to dig into.

I predict this isn't the last we've seen of Sterling and her crew.

Disclaimer: Sincere thanks to Gallery/Scout Press books for the complimentary digital advanced copy that was given to me in exchange for my honest review.

My Rating: 4 stars

Author: Allessandra Ranelli

Genre: Mystery, Spicy

Type and Source: ebook from publisher via NetGalley

Publisher: Gallery/Scout Press (S&S)

First Published: May 19, 2026

Read: May 18-23, 2026

Book Description from GoodReads: A spicy whodunnit with Golden Age style, set in a timeless location inspired by a real Viennese no-tell love hotel.

'Sultry, sinister and smart. Sterling Lockwood is going to steal your heart - just don't trust her with it' Stuart Turton, author of The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle

In modern Vienna, the infamous Hotel Orient glitters at the heart of the city, luring lovers inside for an evening of debauchery. Behind its velvet curtain, cameras are forbidden, aliases are required, and every guest has something to hide.

For those seeking illicit liaisons, Sterling Lockwood is the perfect concierge. Sultry and poised, she's the ultimate keeper of secrets, including her own.
But when dawn breaks and two of the anonymous guests are found dead in their suite, Sterling must break the Orient's sacred code of discretion, turning detective to find a killer and clear her own name.

Alongside Fernando, her quick-witted friend and bellhop, Sterling steps beyond the hotel's stained-glass doors, venturing from grand coffee houses where power whispers between porcelain cups, to dimly lit bars where the curious seek rapturous oblivion, and risking everything to solve an impossible case.
Check into the Hotel Orient and prepare for a thrilling case that will leave your heart pounding. Don’t be shy, darling, ring the bell . . .

It's Different This Time

2026-05-21T19:57:51.456-04:00

This was a wonderful contemporary romance set in New York City filled with two of my favourite romance tropes: second chance romance and friends to lovers. Add in great tension, some spice and found family, and I was totally swooning over this debut book by Canadian author Joss Richard.

This is a story about two ex-roommates who are forced back into each other's lives after their former landlord leaves them his amazing brownstone in NYC. Naturally. It gives serious RomCom movie vibes with its setting, awesome banter, romantic NYC setting and unresolved feelings between two people who have a LOT of history.

The story is told in dual timelines, both of which were equally compelling and the complications between the two felt so REAL! Adam was *sigh* perfection and June was ... complicated. She had a lot of insecurities, but I appreciated how Richard helped the reader understand June's internal struggles and how her emotional baggage continued to impact her life.

This is a page-turner of a romance for readers who like some humour, heart, complicated feelings and a couple you'll totally root for. I don't know who recommended this book (I have a feeling it was a fellow bookstagrammer) but THANK YOU!

I am delighted to have found this author and was in awe that this was her debut. I cannot wait to read Joss' upcoming book Let's Kiss and Tell which hits stores in August 2026!

My Rating: 4.5 stars

Author: Joss Richard

Genre: Romance, Canadian

Type and Source: Trade paperback from public library

Publisher: Viking (PRHC)

First Published: Sept 30, 2025

Read: May 14-17, 2026

Book Description from GoodReads: In this sweeping, second-chance romance, a twist of fate forces two former roommates to move back into their beloved New York City brownstone and face the events that led to their estrangement—and confront their unresolved feelings for each other.

Subject 74 Perry Street

So begins the email that turns June Wood’s entire world on its head. Five years ago, she lived on Perry Street with her former best friend Adam Harper. But why is the management company reaching out to her about it now?

Still smarting from the news of her hit TV show being canceled, June has nothing else to lose. She boards a plane from Los Angeles to New York City to find out more about the mysterious email and the promised opportunity it alludes to. It turns out that, thanks to an unbelievable legal loophole, if she and Adam can live together in the stunning West Village brownstone for a month, it’s theirs. Any true New Yorker knows you don’t pass up prime city real estate, and that fall in the city is magical—so what’s there to think about?

And yet, though most things have changed in the time since they last spoke, one thing hasn’ June and Adam have unfinished business. They didn’t exactly end on good terms when they each went off to chase their dreams. Now, confronted with the consequences of their choices, they must navigate the minefield of their past the best way they know together.

Every day they move closer to owning Perry Street reveals misunderstandings, long-term resentments, and long-buried feelings . . . which are suddenly feeling very, very not so buried. But they’ve already lost their friendship once before, devastating them both. Can they risk losing it again for something a little different this time?

All Rise For Murder

2026-05-19T20:11:47.776-04:00

All Rise For Murder is the latest book by Canadian author Roz Nay and is a bit outside of Nay's usual twisty thriller genre and I was happy to see her stretch her literary muscles! This is a Canadian small-town mystery that allows Nay's sense of humour to shine.

The story is centred around three generations of Kirby women: Matriarch Val, the fashionable clothing store owner looking for love, her daughter Maude who has come home after her marriage imploded, and Maude's teenage daughter Rhette who isn't happy about being dragged to a small town. When Maude gets a job as a court clerk and believes a young man is wrongly accused of murder, the trio decide to prove his innocence, each having her own ideas on how to solve the murder.

With a hearty dose of messy family life, small-town drama and a trio of women who can't keep their noses out of trouble, this was an entertaining and quirky small-town mystery. For me, the family dynamics overshadowed the mystery a bit in the middle, but Nay gives wonderful depth to her characters, some poignant moments and an ending that surprised this seasoned mystery lover.

Heartwarming, with bouts of humour, this first book in a new whodunnit series doesn't take itself too seriously and brings readers along for a fun ride of family dynamics and small-town mystery.

Disclaimer: Thanks to Viking Books for the complimentary digital advanced copy that was given to me in exchange for my honest review.

My Rating: 3.5 stars

Author: Roz Nay

Genre: Mystery, Cozy, Canadian

Series: Madam Clerk Mystery 1

Type and Source: ebook from publisher via NetGalley

Publisher: Viking (PRHC)

First Published: May 12, 2026

Read: May 2-13, 2026

Book Description from GoodReads: A truly Canadian cozy mystery, All Rise for Murder finds three generations of Kirby women suddenly under one roof in charming West Elk—just as the peaceful town seems to become the centre of a devious plot to frame an innocent young man for murder.

Maude Kirby has recently been dumped by her diplomat husband and has moved back to her quirky hometown of West Elk, BC, to live with her ever-optimistic, fashion-forward mother, Val. On the ropes financially, and with her confrontational fifteen-year-old daughter, Rhette, to look after, Maude applies for a clerking job at the local courthouse, and to her surprise, gets it. How hard can it be?

Told to remain professional during court cases, Maude nevertheless finds it impossible not to get emotionally invested when eighteen-year-old Levi is charged with poisoning a local gym owner. No one else seems concerned that the prosecution’s case rests on dubious "facts," but Maude can’t help speaking up for the quiet teen. Things get more complicated when Maude runs into her first love, who appears to have aged very well—and also appears to be dating Maude's prime suspect!

Reminiscent of beloved mysteries such as The Maid, The Thursday Murder Club, and Finlay Donovan is Killing It, All Rise for Murder features quirky characters, old grudges, hidden crushes, surprising twists, and a satisfying ending that will leave the reader eager for the next installment of the Madam Clerk series.

Our Perfect Storm

2026-05-17T19:52:39.443-04:00

Canadian author Carley Fortune, known for her romance novels that celebrate beautiful parts of Canada, has set this latest book in stunning Tofino, British Columbia (Heads up Tofino!! Prepare for the clamouring of many romance lovin' vacationers to visit you! Just ask PEI. #iykyk)

Our Perfect Storm is a story about complicated family dynamics centred around BFFs since childhood, George and Frankie. George gives off Clark Kent vibes - hot, strong, and sensitive - complimenting the more immature and frenetic nature of Frankie. This book grabbed me from the start and is the kind of story that you can sink into. It balances complex family issues, atmospheric descriptions that set the reader in place and its banter is perfection!

It also has one of my all-time favourite tropes - Friends to Lovers! There's just something about the bond between friends and that awkward and thrilling jump into romance that gets me every time - perhaps it's because my husband and I were friends for years before adding romance into the mix.

I really enjoyed this book but had a wee beef or two:

- miscommunication trope (but it wasn't too bad)

- romance happened at a breakneck pace (1 week)

- the second half wasn't as strong as the first (I missed the amazing secondary cast who added depth and humour)

- the ending felt a bit rushed

With its similar vibes, this would be a great pick if you loved Emily Henry's People We Meet On Vacation. It's a great summer romance set in beautiful B.C and I hope it's on YOUR summer TBR!

My Rating: 4.25 stars

Author: Carley Fortune

Genre: Romance, Canadian

Type and Source: Hardcover, personal copy

Publisher: Berkley

First Published: May 5, 2026

Read: May 5-10, 2026

Book Description from GoodReads: Best friends have one week in paradise to fix their friendship or fall apart in this heart-stopping, utterly romantic new novel from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Every Summer After and One Golden Summer.

Frankie and George have been best friends since they were eight years old. Both passionate, impulsive, and headstrong—they’ve always clashed . . . and come back together. Until now. It’s the eve of Frankie’s wedding weekend, and she doesn’t know where they stand or even if George will show up as her best man.

Then, at the start of the festivities, in walks George. For one glorious evening, surrounded by her loved ones, Frankie’s life is finally perfect. But it all comes crashing down when her fiancé dumps her the next morning, leaving only a note as an explanation.

Crushed and confused, Frankie returns to her family’s home to wallow. But George has a different idea and a plan for healing Frankie’s broken heart. He wants her to go on her honeymoon. With him. For one week, to the lush rainforests and misty beaches of Tofino.

Frankie agrees, seeing the trip for what it really is: one last chance to repair their friendship. Even if it means unearthing secrets and long buried feelings neither knows how to handle. Even if it means falling apart for good.

Mother Tongue

2026-05-15T19:40:10.528-04:00

Part non-fiction history book with its focus on Deaf culture, language deprivation and Deaf experience and part memoir, this book was a great exploration of the author's experiences and a crash course in oppression and advocacy.

Sara Nović was born hearing and became deaf in her early teens. In Mother Tongue, she shares her experiences, struggles and successes as a friend, daughter, and mother, helping readers to better understand what it feels like to not fit in; the exhausting and constant battle to be seen and valued in a society that is heavily influenced by ableism, devaluing anyone different from the status quo.

I went into this book knowing a lot about Deaf culture, history and ASL as a former ASL interpreter, but I appreciated Novic's deep dive into the politics, her experiences with adoption and the dark hold ableism still has over society. She goes into a lot more detail with some subjects than I was expecting, giving the book a nonfiction feel, but brings it back to how history and today's politics impact her and her young family. She keeps readers a bit at arm's length, but I respect how she draws the line, sharing with her readers only the bits of her life she's comfortable with.

Compelling and informative, Mother Tongue is an exploration of disability, oppression, Deaf advocacy and history, motherhood and the long-lasting impact of language deprivation. It will be an eye-opening read for many readers, giving them a better understanding of what it means to be Deaf in today's world.

Disclaimer: Thanks to the publisher for the complimentary digital advanced copy of this book which was given to me in exchange for my honest review.

My Rating: 4 stars

Author: Sara Nović

Genre: Memoir, History, Deaf

Type and Source: ebook from publisher via NetGalley

Publisher: Random House

First Published: May 5, 2026

Read: May 1 - 5, 2026

Book Description from GoodReads:The New York Times bestselling author of True Biz retraces her path out of the hearing world and into the deaf community—and seeks to understand what it means to raise children who are different from her—in this emotionally rich memoir.

Sara Nović’s early years were steeped in music, Bible study, and a strong desire to fit in. But when she failed her school’s mandated hearing test, her worldview was thrown into chaos. Desperate not to be marked as different, she told no one, staying in the hearing world for as long as she could by brute force.

Eventually unable to ignore the fact that she was deaf, Nović sought out other deaf people and was welcomed into a tight knit community rooted in the beauty and joy of American Sign Language. Nović realized that rather than maintaining the facade of her old life or trying to straddle two worlds, she would need to cultivate an existence in the space between.

Now the mother of two young sons—one, biological and hearing, the other, adopted and deaf—Nović reflects on her life both before and after parenthood. She’s raising her children within the deaf world, offering them things her younger self needed, all the while knowing that as her children grow, their own paths will branch off from hers in ways she cannot fully predict or plan for.

Interwoven with Nović's personal story is a remarkable portrait of America through reflections on some of its most complex the rise of the Christian right, the thorny world of international adoption, and above all, the deaf and disabled communities’ stubborn survival in the face of persistent oppression.

Nović’s clear, bold voice is one readers will hold onto, learn from, argue with, and be inspired by, as she asks us to recognize difference as a source of opportunity rather than fear, as a chance to draw families and communities together, and to build something new.

Christine Falls

2026-05-13T17:45:00.718-04:00

I grabbed the audio format of this book after chatting with a library staffer at the central branch of the Dublin Public Library. Chosen as their community read, I thought it would be a nice listen when I returned home from my trip.

Right away I loved the dark atmosphere which only got better from Timothy Dalton's narration. Eerie, a bit sinister and set in 1950's Dublin, the story centres around Dr. Garret Quirke, a grumpy morgue pathologist who catches his brother-in-law Malachy meddling with the files of a recently deceased woman, Christine Falls. This pulls Quirke (and the reader) into a mystery of the young woman's death.

Initially, I loved Quirke's character and how the story began to unfold. This was atmospheric with a capital A! But this is the sloooowest of slow burn reads (definitely not my jam) and when you add in a lot of page time devoted to Quirke's backstory, things become convoluted with a lot of characters and how they're all connected to each other. Honestly, Quirke's 'quirks' (namely his curmudgeonly demeanor and regular inebriation) felt like they overshadowed what I had hoped to be, a competent sleuth. Perhaps his skills will be seen in future books?

Final Thoughts: Loved the 1950's Dublin setting and the eerie vibe but wanted more mystery and less family/character dysfunction.

My Rating: 3 stars

Author: John Banville (aka Benjamin Black)

Genre: Suspense, Historical

Series: Quirke 1

Type and Source: eAudio from public library

Narrator: Timothy Dalton

Run Time:

Publisher: Macmillan Audio

First Published: Jan 1, 2006

Read:

Book Description from GoodReads: It's not the dead that seem strange to Quirke. It's the living. One night, after a few drinks at an office party, Quirke shuffles down into the morgue where he works and finds his brother-in-law, Malachy, altering a file he has no business even reading. Odd enough in itself to find Malachy there, but the next morning, when the haze has lifted, it looks an awful lot like his brother-in-law, the esteemed doctor, was in fact tampering with a corpse, and concealing the cause of death.

It turns out the body belonged to a young woman named Christine Falls. And as Quirke reluctantly presses on toward the true facts behind her death, he comes up against some insidious and very well-guarded secrets of Dublin's high Catholic society, including members of his own family.

Set in Dublin and Boston in the 1950s, the first novel in the Quirke series brings all the vividness and psychological insight of Booker Prize-winner John Banville's fiction to a thrilling, atmospheric crime story. Quirke is a fascinating and subtly drawn hero, Christine Falls is a classic tale of suspense, and Benjamin Black's debut marks him as a true master of the form.

The Shippers

2026-05-11T22:22:00.000-04:00

This was a cute romance that's set on a cruise ship and features a story with good banter, a few tropes and a delightful 'cinnamon roll' of a leading man in Cooper. It was a fun read but wasn't quite the page-turner romance I was expecting after loving Center's previous book The Love Haters last year.

I enjoyed the forced proximity and childhood friends to lovers trope that's complicated by messy feelings the duo keeps hidden from each other. And the story was delightfully easy and satisfyingly predictable, making it a good book to read while I was on holiday.

I just wish I loved the FMC Jojo more. I love that she's smart on paper (she's got a PhD in Mathematics), but she's an excessively flawed, chaotic character who's prickly socially and doesn't take responsibility for her mistakes which was frustrating. But I loved her sweet relationship with her dad and the excellent banter with her best friend. He was the saving grace for Jojo (and the story). Cooper was a swoony, vest-wearing fella who always has Jojo's back, despite some of her less than brilliant decisions.

Heartwarming and a bit goofy, this book is about messy, complicated relationships, friends, family and finally seeing what's been right in front of you the whole time.

Disclaimer: My sincere thanks to St Martin's Press for the complimentary digital advanced copy that was given to me in exchange for my honest review.

My Rating: 3.75 stars

Author: Katherine Center

Genre: Romance

Type and Source: ebook from publisher via NetGalley

Publisher: St Martin's Press

First Published: May 19, 2026

Read: April 21-29, 2926

Book Description from GoodReads: One of the hottest, fastest-rising rom-com stars delivers her latest swoon-worthy novel about a destination wedding on a cruise ship.

After a whole lifetime of being bad at love, JoJo Burton decides to solve her intimacy issues once and for all at her sister’s destination wedding on a cruise ship. With the help of a little pop psychology, she diagnoses herself with a fixation on the neighborhood guy who was her her first crush and first kiss (and who just happens to be a newly-divorced wedding guest ), and she decides to woo him during the cruise for some long-delayed closure. Only problem is, her sister’s a little busy being a bride at the moment—so JoJo ropes in her childhood bestie, Cooper Watts, to be her wing man. Cooper: who RSVPed no, but then showed up, anyway. Cooper: who left town without a word four years earlier and moved to London. Cooper: who was, if she’s honest, the worst heartbreak of JoJo’s life. It’s bliss for her to see him again, and it’s agony, too—and the more they team up for Project Conquest, the more she obsesses over questions she can’t bring herself to ask.

Shipboard antics ensue in this witty, heart-tugging, childhood-friends-to-lovers romance—as JoJo and Cooper fake flirt, slow dance, share a cabin, sing duets, treat sunburns, get jealous, rescue each other over and over, and finally, at last, figure it all out in the most blissful, swoony, romantic way.

No one does summer romance quite like Katherine Center. THE SHIPPERS will take readers on the cruise of a lifetime in a story awash with romantic longing, top-notch banter, long-held secrets . . . and true love rediscovered.

City of the Muse

2026-05-09T07:22:00.000-04:00

City of the Muse is a mystery for lovers of Egypt history.

Told in dual timelines in the early 1900's and 2019, I loved the story's brief Toronto connection and how it centres on the perspectives of two strong female characters who are connected to a 120-year-old murder at an ancient Egyptian site.

Egyptology is fascinating but the extent of my knowledge is visiting the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto. I was eager to learn more and through this story I now know about papyrology (the study of ancient papyrus) and have a greater understanding of the experience of female archaeologists and papyrologists who worked in the very male-dominated business of unearthing and preserving Egyptian history and its relics.

The mystery was more of a slow-burn kind that simmers in the background before revealing itself later on. What shines is Hilton's passion for Egyptian history as she creates a very atmospheric story, bringing her readers to dig sites to witness power struggles and the flippancy of the wealthy elite who fund excavations for their own greedy benefit with little regard to preserving history.

This is an atmospheric tale of buried mysteries, murder, stolen relics, Egyptian curses and women in STEM going up against the 'boys club' in the very male-dominated field of Egyptology.

I had the pleasure of seeing this author at an event last weekend.

Disclaimer: My sincere thanks to the author for sending me a trade paperback copy of this book which was gifted in exchange for my honest review.

My Rating: 3.75 stars

Author: Kate Hilton

Genre: Historical mystery

Type and Source: Trade paperback from author

Publisher: Simon and Schuster Canada

First Published: April 14, 2026

Read: April 14 - May 1, 2026

Book Description from GoodReads: For fans of The Lost Apothecary, a gripping dual-timeline novel about the mysterious death of an indomitable female papyrologist during an archaeological dig in the early 1900s and an aspiring young female researcher’s present-day quest to find out who killed her.

An ill-fated dig. An ancient city believed to be cursed. And a century-old mystery at the heart of it all.

Egypt, 1903: When renowned papyrologist Helen Gardiner arrives at an excavation site in the ancient city of Calliopolis, she learns that she has been given the job because her predecessor has disappeared under mysterious circumstances. One of the only women on the dig, Helen—tasked with restoring and cataloguing the thousands of papyrus fragments recovered at the site—soon discovers that there’s more to Calliopolis than meets the eye. The archaeologists on the dig, mostly men, all have not only their own towering egos, but their own agendas, including secrets they might kill to protect.

Toronto, 2019: Archivist Maddie Sloan is at a dead she feels like her academic career is stalled, and she’s still healing from her recent breakup with her former partner, Ben. To make matters worse, Ben still works with Maddie’s father, a famous archaeologist, and with whom Maddie has had a major falling out. It feels like her father has chosen Ben over her.

When famous TV archaeologist Peter Bahar arrives at the Toronto Archaeological Museum to verify the provenance of objects from their Egyptian collection believed to be from Calliopolis, Maddie jumps at the opportunity. After all, she has her own ties to the Cursed City of Calliopolis through her grandmother, Iris, who worked at the site. As Maddie and Peter begin digging into the objects and circumstances surrounding the excavation, they learn that two papyrologists seem to have abruptly disappeared from the dig without explanation. Suddenly, a search for providence becomes a quest to uncover a history shrouded in secrets and lies—and a murder that has been covered up for more than a century.

The Forgotten Midwife

2026-05-06T19:17:00.000-04:00

Set in Ireland with dual timelines with resilient women at its heart, I was thrilled to read this book as I travelled across Ireland two weeks ago - our train even passing through the town where the book is set (Thurles, County Tipperary).

The story follows two women:

1950's - Margaret Lannigan is forced by her family and her priest to abandon her future plans to become a nun at a convent with secrets of its own.

Present-day - Riley is a young woman who is searching for answers and her family's history and unearths more than she could ever imagine.

This is my first book by Irish author Laura Anthony, and it won't be my last. Her story, which is inspired by real events, pulled me immediately into the Irish setting, Irish history and lives of these two women.

I appreciate how Anthony doesn't shy away from emotional elements: the few choices granted women of the time, the suppression and outright denial of women's rights, the power of the Church and the greed of those who were meant to help and lead others. While there could be a sense of hopelessness with this heavy subject matter, Anthony gives readers characters they will cheer on; those who go against the greater power with subterfuge and determination to make the lives of others better. There are also characters you'll love to hate (I hold a serious grudge, so I wish they suffered worse fates).

Poignant, powerful and thought-provoking, this read shows how individuals can make a big impact despite going against a much greater power. It's a story about resiliency and the tenacity of the 'underdog' that will give readers (and book clubs!) much to discuss. Highly recommended.

Disclaimer: My sincere thanks to Gallery Books for the complimentary digital advanced copy of this book that was given to me in exchange for my honest review.

My Rating: 4.5 stars

Author: Laura Anthony

Genre: Historical Fiction

Type and Source: ebook from publisher via NetGalley

Publisher: Gallery Books (S&S)

First Published: May 12, 2026

Read: April 19-29, 2026

Book Description from GoodReads: Set in the dual timelines of present-day and 1950s Ireland and based on real historical events, a powerful, poignant novel of feminism and resilience that follows the life of a young woman consigned to work in a home for “fallen girls” who quickly realizes she must risk everything to protect them.

New Jersey, 2023. Riley Carmichael is getting married and finally joining a huge, loving family but can’t help but feel the emptiness of her own side of the church. For most of Riley’s life it’s just been her and her wonderful grandmother, Betty, but as late-stage dementia overtakes her grandmother’s mind, Riley knows she’s losing her, too. On one of Riley’s visits to Betty’s nursing home, she encounters her grandmother in one of her increasingly rare moments of lucidity as Betty desperately hands Riley a tatty birth certificate for an unknown baby born in Ireland in the 1950s. Full of questions about her heritage, Riley embarks on a trip to Ireland to find that elusive sense of home.

Tipperary, Ireland, 1954. Margaret Lannigan’s life is made up of weekly dances and spending time with the love of her life, Joseph. But when Margaret’s older sister suddenly passes away, it falls to Margaret to fulfill the family’s commitment to the the eldest daughter of the Lannigan family has joined the Sisters of Mercy nuns for generations. Forced to part with Joseph and take the veil, Margaret is sent to a Home for Fallen Girls to care for expectant mothers who fell pregnant outside of marriage. With no training or midwifery skills, she must fight to provide compassionate care she feels these women deserve amid the cruelty and abuse they face.

When Margaret meets a young and terrified Delia O’Rourke, the sister of her childhood best friend, she must find the strength she needs to protect this young woman and her baby in the face of a system built to ensure they disappear.

Based on true historical events, The Forgotten Midwife is a powerful and emotional story of the women lost to Ireland’s “mother and baby homes,” as well as the young women forced to join the orders that ran the establishments. Told with courage and heart, it’s a haunting, hopeful novel of feminine strength, found family, and love that transcends oppression.

Lady Tremaine

2026-05-04T15:10:00.000-04:00

When I saw that this book was a retelling of Cinderella but from the 'wicked stepmother's perspective, I snagged a library copy.

The Reese sticker on the front should have warned me off.

This book had an interesting premise but didn't deliver. Initially I was intrigued with getting the evil stepmother's perspective and perhaps seeing Cinderella in a new (and negative) light, giving credence to the stepmother's poor treatment of her stepdaughter.

But the first third of the book is dull, excessively wordy with a weak plot and an ending that's tacked on like a bookish Hail Mary. I assume it was added to give some much needed (yet icky - iykyk) oomph to a slow-moving story that didn't have enough of the original fairy tale in it.

I'm not sure what the author was trying to do here but it didn't work for me. Who is the reader supposed to root for? Ethel? Personally, I loved Sigrid (and Lucy the hawk) and that's not a good sign.

Final Thoughts: Premise with potential. Awkward and uneven execution. It's a nope for me but I'm in the minority.

My Rating: 2.5 stars

Author: Rachel Hochhauser

Genre: Historical Fiction, Retelling

Type and Source: Hardcover from public library

Publisher: St Martin's Press

First Published: March 3, 2026

Read: April 16-19, 2026

Book Description from GoodReads: A breathtaking reimagining of Cinderella, as told through the eyes of its iconic "evil" stepmother, revealing a propulsive love story about the lengths a mother will go to for her children

A widow twice-over, Etheldreda is now saddled with the care of her two children, a priggish stepdaughter, and a razor-taloned peregrine falcon. Her entire life has become a ruse, just like the manor hall they live grand and ornate on the exterior, but crumbling, brick by brick, inside. Fierce in the face of her misfortune, Ethel clings to her family’s respectability, the lifeboat that will float her daughters straight into the secure banks of marriage.

When a royal ball offers the chance to secure the future she desperately desires, Etheldreda must risk her secrets, pride, and limited resources in pursuit of an invitation for her daughters—only to see her hopes fulfilled by the wrong one. As an engagement to the heir of the kingdom unfolds with unnerving speed, she discovers a sordid secret hidden in the depths of the royal family, forcing her to choose between the security she’s sought for years and the wellbeing of the feckless stepdaughter who has rebuffed her at every turn.

As if Bridgerton met Circe, and exhilarating to its core, Lady Tremaine reimagines the myth of the evil stepmother at the heart of the world’s most famous fairytale. It is a battle cry for a mother’s love for her daughters, and a celebration of women everywhere who make their own fortunes.

This Story Might Save Your Life

2026-05-02T19:36:00.000-04:00

This book has been all over the Bookstagram universe. It was a combination of a couple of genres (mystery and a titch of romance), but I'll be honest, the romance element surprised me and didn't quite win me over. Instead, I thought the strength was in the tension and the friendship between the two main characters.

This is a solid suspense read with lots of red herrings and narrators Julia Whelan (one of my all-time favs!) and Sean Patrick Hopkins bring the connection between best friends Benny and Joy to life. The different sounding podcast elements were also a nice addition.

My wee beef: There's a pretty big secondary cast which made me pause as the twists were revealed as I tried to remember who that characters was in relation to the others.

But when I initially finished this audiobook, I wasn't sure how I felt about it and had to sit with it for a bit. It was a good read in the moment but isn’t a book whose details will stay with me long.

It's definitely twisty and it lives up to its hype ... but just barely.

My Rating: 4 stars

Author: Tiffany Crum

Genre: Suspense

Type and Source: eAudiobook from public library

Narrators: Julia Whelan, Sean Patrick Hopkins

Run Time: 10 hours, 39 min

Publisher: Macmillan Audio

First Published: March 10, 2026

Read: April 15-19, 2026

Book Description from GoodReads: Best friends Benny and Joy like to say they’ve been saving each other’s lives since the moment they met. Until the day Joy disappears and Benny is suspected of murder . . .

Benny Abbott and Joy Moore host one of the most beloved podcasts in the world. Each week, they delight listeners with a different “against all odds” survival story, gleefully finding the weird, life-affirming humor in near-death experiences. Since their first episode on Joy’s experience with severe narcolepsy, they’ve been the best friends everyone wants to befriend—and thanks to the meticulous management of Joy’s husband, Xander, they’ve built a lucrative empire.

The problem is, their next survival story may be their own. When Benny arrives at Joy and Xander’s one morning to record, he finds shattered glass and an empty house. The one clue shedding light on the couple’s disappearance is the incomplete, previously unseen first draft of Joy’s memoir. Benny is desperate to find them, even when the police soon zero in on him as their prime suspect.

Millions of devoted listeners think they know the “real” Benny and Joy. But as the hours tick by, and the odds seem increasingly stacked against Joy and Xander being found alive, not even the most devoted fans could guess the terrible secrets their favorite famous BFFs have hidden from the world—and from each other.

Everybody's Favorite Guy

2026-04-20T15:40:00.001-04:00

This short story centres around two childhood best friends who had a falling out back in high school. Now they find themselves stranded overnight in a cabin, in the middle of winter, in the Rocky Mountains. Their interfering BFF moms are thrilled, but can Lily forgive Walker's actions from years ago?

I love me a locked room (or snowed in cabin) setting with lots of emotional baggage to unpack and some smart and funny banter t'boot. But I'll be honest, I needed a bit more here. Center does go for the emotional jugular when readers find out what happened to Lily and Walker back in high school, but I wanted more - more banter, tension and romance and I finished this book feeling like it would have been more satisfying as a full-length story so Center could do a deeper dive into the issues and feelings.

This Hallmark-y story has a lot of emotional baggage and a long-held (and oh-so-overly dramatic) high school conflict all squished into an itty-bitty book. It was an okay read but doesn't show off Center's wonderful story writing skills. I am very eager to read her upcoming book - The Shippers!

My Rating: 3 stars

Author: Katherine Center

Genre: Romance, Short story

Type and Source: ebook, Amazon First Reads

Publisher: Amazon Original Series

First Published: March 17, 2026

Read: April 19, 2026

Book Description from GoodReads: He’s the last man she ever wanted to see again—or get snowed in with. It’s going to be a rocky reunion in this bittersweet romantic comedy.

For Lily, falling in love with her childhood friend Walker was the easiest thing to do back in high school. His sudden rejection was unforgettably crushing. Seven years later, their families have conspired to bring them back together at a cabin in the Rockies when a sudden snowstorm traps them overnight with no power. Thanks to a cozy fire, a prowling bear, and a little forced time in an open-air gondola, they confront their unresolved feelings—and a past more complicated than Lily knows.

The Breadwinner

2026-04-18T20:39:00.003-04:00

This is a story about the courage and tenacity of an 11-year-old girl who is forced to work around the strict rules against women and girls that were enforced by Taliban law to provide for her family.

Parvana is an 11-year old girl living in a one-bedroom apartment with her parents and three siblings in Afghanistan when the Taliban was at the height of its power. Through her perspective, readers witness the effects of the Taliban's extreme and restrictive rules against women and girls, including being forbidden to leave their homes. To help her family earn money to survive and to allow her to move freely in public, Parvana disguises herself as a boy to work in the market.

I appreciate how Canadian author Deborah Ellis vividly and honestly portrays Parvana's struggles in her daily life. There were a couple of scenes that were more graphic than I was expecting for a middle grade read (**see brief spoiler below book description), but I think it's important that Ellis doesn't sugarcoat Parvana's experiences. This book provides a good conversation starter between parents and middle school kids and reminds us that some people are still fighting for basic human rights.

This first book in the Breadwinner series is inspiring, eye-opening and powerful and is a multiple award winner for good reason. Highly recommended.

My Rating: 4.5 stars

Author: Deborah Ellis

Genre: Middle Grade, Historical Fiction

Series: Breadwinner 1

Type and Source: ebook from public library

Publisher: Groundwood Books

First Published: Sept 1, 2000

Read: April 14-15, 2026

Book Description from GoodReads: The first book in Deborah Ellis’s riveting Breadwinner series is an award-winning novel about loyalty, survival, families and friendship under extraordinary circumstances during the Taliban’s rule in Afghanistan in the late 1990s.

Eleven-year-old Parvana lives with her family in one room of a bombed-out apartment building in Kabul, Afghanistan’s capital city. Parvana’s father — a history teacher until his school was bombed and his health destroyed — works from a blanket on the ground in the marketplace, reading letters for people who cannot read or write. One day, he is arrested for the crime of having a foreign education, and the family is left without someone who can earn money or even shop for food.

As conditions for the family grow desperate, only one solution emerges. Forbidden to earn money as a girl, Parvana must transform herself into a boy, and become the breadwinner.

The fifteenth anniversary edition includes a special foreword by Deborah Ellis as well as a new map, an updated author’s note and a glossary to provide young readers with background and context. All royalties from the sale of this book will go to Canadian Women for Women in Afghanistan. Parvana’s Fund supports education projects for Afghan women and children.

Spoiler below

Descriptions of the hands of thieves being chopped off and young gilrs digging up human bones to make money.

Step

2026-04-18T20:39:00.001-04:00

Like Sit, the first book in Onward, the Middle School short story series, Step has a similar thread that binds each of its 9 short stories together. In Step, the stories feature young main characters who have just turned 11 years old.

Through their perspectives, readers witness an array of experiences - from different family dynamics, impact of war, migrant children in detention centres, discrimination, violence, child labour ... Heavier subjects for sure, but they are handled with care and compassion and create good jumping off points for discussion.

I'm not a big reader of short stories (I often feel like I don't get enough of a feel for the book before it's over), but Canadian author Deborah Ellis weaves each story that feels complete and full of poignant, sometimes heartbreaking moments.

Thought-provoking, empathetic and honest, this is a great collection of brief stories that pack an emotional punch. I appreciate that Ellis doesn't temper or downplay her descriptions of these topics for her young readers, experiences which may be vastly different from their own.

My Rating: 4 stars

Author: Deborah Ellis

Genre: Middle Grade

Series: Onward 2

Type and Source: ebook from public library

Publisher: Groundwood Books

First Published: March 1, 2022

Read: April 16-17, 2026

Book Description from GoodReads: A collection of 9 stories, each featuring an 11 year-old child. Each story portrays a child seeing his or her life or the lives of others in a new way and taking a "step" forward in life. The book would be enjoyed by both middle graders as well as adults. The stories provide food for thought and explore the importance of thinking of others. An excellent sequel to her previous collection, Sit.

The Calamity Club

2026-04-16T18:52:00.000-04:00

Seventeen years after writing The Help, Kathryn Stockett is back with a new book!

This slower paced, character-driven 650-page behemoth of a read is set in the 1930's American south and pulls readers into the lives and struggles of women as they navigate a tumultuous time with few choices at their disposal.

The story is centred around two women: Birdie, a 'spinster' at 24-years-old, visits her self-centred, married sister Frances to ask her for money to pay the back taxes that threaten to leave Birdie, their mother and grandmother homeless. But Frances' new life is not as rosy as expected and through her connections, Birdie meets 11-year-old Meg who was abandoned by her mother and now lives at a girls' orphanage at the mercy of a ruthless head mistress.

Using the POVs of Birdie and Meg, Stockett introduces interesting issues, particularly how women were viewed and treated and the limitations put upon them in a system that was made to keep them down. But I felt these emotionally charged issues were handled with a light hand and while I enjoyed both POVs, Meg's storyline was more interesting and heartfelt compared to Birdie's moneymaking initiative (that has some readers clutching their proverbial pearls).

This was a good read, but I wanted more ... and less. More tension building (it lacked a big 'ta-da' moment), more depth and more connection between the two storylines. But less pages. Lawd! This was a long story that could have been whittled down by 200 pages (with less time spent on the day-to-day happenings with Birdie and her girls).

I enjoyed this book, just not as much as I had hoped (it had some BIG shoes to fill after The Help). I think fans of historical fiction will enjoy this story that features strong women who are up against small minds and unfair societal expectations. There are characters you'll cheer on and a couple you'll love to hate.

The Calamity Club would make a good book club pick with its focus on the resiliency of women who do what they need to do in order to survive.

Disclaimer: My sincere thanks to Spiegel & Grau for the complimentary digital and paperback copies of this book that were gifted to me in exchange for my honest review.

My Rating: 3.5 stars

Author: Kathryn Stockett

Genre: Historical Fiction

Type and Source: trade paperback/ebook from publisher

Publisher: Spiegel & Grau/DoubleDay PRHC

First Published: May 5, 2026

Read: March 31 - April 13, 2026

Book Description from GoodReads: The multimillion-copy-selling author of The Help returns with a bold, big-hearted novel about a group of unbreakable women, fighting for what’s rightfully theirs—and the power of friendship to change everything.

Oxford, Mississippi, 1933.

Abandoned by her mother one Christmas Eve, eleven-year-old Meg Lefleur has learned the hard way to rely on no one. Now one of the unadoptable "big girls" at the Lafayette County Orphan Asylum, she fights each day to keep her spirit unbowed.

Birdie Calhoun, unmarried and outspoken, has come to Oxford to ask her socialite sister to help the struggling family she's left behind. But as the Depression tightens its grip, Birdie discovers her sister's seemingly charmed life is a tapestry of lies.

Then, Birdie encounters Charlie, a woman running low on luck with little left to lose. When their fates—and Meg's—converge, Charlie comes up with an audacious plan to claim what's rightfully theirs. But in a place and time where hypocrisy is rife and women's freedom is fragile, even the smallest act of defiance can have dangerous consequences.

The Calamity Club will make you laugh, cry, and cheer—an epic testament to underestimated women who know that calamity can be the spark of new beginnings. This is Kathryn Stockett at her most confident, heartfelt, and hilarious—the triumphant return of one of the most beloved storytellers of our time.

A Ghastly Catastrophe

2026-04-14T18:12:00.001-04:00

The Veronica Speedwell series is one of my favourites. It's the whole historical mystery enchilada -- good mystery, a cool setting (Victorian England) and a main couple who excel at snarky banter. This is a perfect blend of well-researched history, humour and a mystery solving duo readers will love to cheer on.

In this 10th book, Veronica and Stoker are rarin' for a new murder to solve and jump at the chance to help Detective Mornaday with a double homicide where one victim appears to have puncture wounds on his neck and his body drained of blood. Vampires, anyone?

My Take: The mystery was pretty good (if a bit convoluted in its explanation) but what I continue to love about this series is its:

a) Victorian setting

b) a strong main couple who don't give one wit about what anyone thinks of them or their chosen professions (lepidopterist and taxidermic artist, naturally).

c) the abso-freakin'lutly amazing banter between Veronica and Stoker (as well as the continually growing respect and connection they have for one another).

The highlight of the book for me was the inclusion of two characters from one of Raybourn's other series. Seeing this duo interacting with Veronica and Stoker gave me book nerd palpitations and I was actually giddy to see this quartet on the page together. *New book nerd level unlocked* I hope we see more of this foursome in future books.

If you're looking for a historical mystery series to get into, then you've found it. This ten book series is amazing in print/ebook and exceptional as an audiobook with the amazing Angele Masters narrating.

I eagerly look forward to more in this series. This book is in stores now!

My Rating: 4 stars

Author: Deanna Raybourn

Genre: Historical Mystery

Series: Veronica Speedwell 10

Type and source: Hardcover from public library

Publisher: Berkley

First Published: March 3, 2026

Read: April 9-13, 2026

Book Description from GoodReads: Veronica and Stoker are practically dying for a new adventure but when their wish is granted, they find themselves up against a secret society and a darkly seductive duo in this landmark historical mystery from beloved New York Times bestselling and Edgar Award–nominated author Deanna Raybourn.

When the corpse of an entitled young man is found entirely drained of blood in a carriage next to Highgate Cemetery, Veronica’s interest is piqued. And then a second victim is found, his death made to look like a suicide, and Veronica and her intrepid beau, Stoker, know the hunt is on. The two men share one link: they were both members of a society so secretive that only a singular mention of it can be found anywhere.

Thirsty for more clues, Veronica and Stoker hear that a young Roma boy may know more about their first victim, but the only way to the boy is through an old acquaintance of Stoker’s, Lady Julia Brisbane. Lady Julia and her dashing husband, Nicholas, occasionally track down murderers and are only too happy to help. But as it becomes clear the secret society is a dangerous sect looking to entice immortality seekers, Veronica and Stoker find themselves ensnared by a decidedly more sinister couple.

The professed leader of the society claims to be a creature of the night; his partner practices witchcraft and they both fancy themselves emissaries of the otherworldly. Just as Veronica and Stoker get closer to learning the true purpose of the society and unraveling this macabre mystery, another body turns up, and they quickly discover they’ve gone from being the hunters to the hunted. . . .

This Weekend Doesn't End Well For Anyone

2026-04-09T20:26:00.001-04:00

This latest book in the Vacation Mystery series finds Eleanor Dash in the Bahamas as one of the speakers at a Mystery writer conference. But murder continues to follow our main character when she and her boyfriend, Oliver arrive at their room and find a dead body. As the body count rises, the cast of mystery writers, ardent fans and people from Eleanor's past provide potential culprits for Eleanor to suss out.

This series has a unique way of telling a mystery with Eleanor speaking to the reader as if they were mystery writer wannabes. It has a locked room vibe and is a clear extension of the previous books with several characters and storylines reappearing. [I strongly recommend reading these books in order!]

I liked this book but feel like the story was more complicated than it had to be. There were a lot of characters and previous storylines to keep track of and Eleanor's inner monologue and copious her footnotes kept popping me out of the mystery. The strengths of this book are in the tension (sibling and friend), lots of red herrings and fun pop culture references where the author can let her Swiftie side shine. Eleanor continues to be a flawed character with a snarky side, but it was Oliver, her cinnamon roll of a boyfriend, who stole the show for me.

This has been a cute series so far (and I adore the cover art and quirky titles). It's an intricately plotted mystery that gives a hearty nod to the bookish community and mad respect to famed mystery writers like Dame Agatha Christie. This irreverent cozy mystery series is a good pick for fans of Elle Cosimano's Finlay Donovan series and lovers of old school mysteries.

Disclaimer: My sincere thanks to Minotaur Books for the complimentary digital copy of this book which was given in exchange for my honest review.

My Rating: 3 stars

Author: Catherine Mack

Genre: Mystery, Canadian

Series: Vacation Mysteries 3

Publisher: Minotaur Books (St Martin's Press)

First Published: April 28, 2026

Read: April 1-6, 2026

Book Description from GoodReads: The third in the witty and captivating series following bestselling author Eleanor Dash, who once again has to swap her sun hat for her detective hat, when a body is found at a murder mystery writing conference in the Bahamas.

Eleanor Dash can never catch a break. Not only has she had to solve two real-life murder plots in the past year, but both times it was when she was meant to be on vacation. Now she’s finally got a ticket to a relaxing weekend—an all-inclusive resort at the Bahamas where she’s speaking at a conference for murder mystery writers—but she arrives to find a body on the floor of her hotel room. Because of course she does.

With plenty of familiar faces at the resort, any one of them could have been the intended target or the culprit behind it all. Was it Oliver Forrest, Eleanor’s dashing boyfriend who’s in danger of getting dropped by his publisher because his sales are dwindling? Or Connor Smith, Eleanor’s infuriating ex-lover-turned-bestselling-rom-com-author with a sordid past of his own? Or her sister Harper, whose own stilted writing career has been a sore point for years as Eleanor’s has soared? Perhaps it’s one of the other writers also in attendance, as friends, frenemies and foes from Eleanor’s past all seem to be invited to the island.

Surrounded by mystery writers who know all too well the many ways to craft the perfect crime, Eleanor is determined to get to the bottom of the mystery and do whatever it takes to get out of this weekend alive.

Sit

2026-04-07T20:09:00.000-04:00

Short but powerful.

Sit is a compilation of nine short stories by Canadian author Deborah Ellis who has gained international acclaim for her books that give insight into the lives of children living in developing countries.

In Sit, each of the nine stories begins with a young main character from different countries and times sitting and observing the world around them. Through these perspectives, Ellis illustrates social issues like homelessness, war, child labour, violence, refugees, privilege, unhappy family life and more. I was surprised to see one story centred in my own community where there is a strong Mennonite presence and I appreciated how the final story circles back for a satisfying conclusion.

Due to the topics discussed, I'd recommend this collection of stories for kids 10 years and up. It is a great conversation starter with middle grade readers and their adults about social issues that impact kids around the world. The topics and perspectives will hopefully encourage empathy and compassion in young readers as they see the world through the eye of other children.

Sit has a quiet but undeniable power, and though brief, the stories have great impact. This a book that will stay with me for quite some time. I already have Ellis' The Breadwinner waiting for me on my Kobo and eagerly look forward to reading her other collections Step and Go.

Literary Award: OLA Silver Birch Award Nominee for Fiction (2019)

My Rating: 5 stars

Author: Deborah Ellis

Genre: Short stories, middle grade, Canadian

Type and Source: ebook from public library

Publisher: Groundwood Books

First Published: Oct 1, 2017

Book Description from GoodReads: Nine poignant and empowering short stories from the author of The Breadwinner.

The seated child. With a single powerful image, Deborah Ellis draws our attention to nine children and the situations they find themselves in, often through no fault of their own. In each story, a child makes a decision and takes action, be that a tiny gesture or a life-altering choice.

Jafar is a child laborer in a chair factory and longs to go to school. Sue sits on a swing as she and her brother wait to have a supervised visit with their father at the children’s aid society. Gretchen considers the lives of concentration camp victims during a school tour of Auschwitz. Mike survives seventy-two days of solitary as a young offender. Barry squirms on a food court chair as his parents tell him that they are separating. Macie sits on a too-small time-out chair while her mother receives visitors for tea. Noosala crouches in a fetid, crowded apartment in Uzbekistan, waiting for an unscrupulous refugee smuggler to decide her fate.

These children find the courage to face their situations in ways large and small, in this eloquent collection from a master storyteller.

The Chambermaid's Key

2026-04-03T19:16:00.000-04:00

I can always count on Genevieve Graham to give me an entertaining, well-researched story that brings bits of Canadian history to life, connecting past to present, with an interesting cast of characters. Her usual 'M.O.' is to build a story around a historical tidbit she's unearthed, but this book also has a Fiona Davis vibe in that the story centres around a famous Toronto building — The Royal York Hotel (which is fictionalized as The Dominion).

This is a story about two tenacious women, from different eras who face their own hardships and get pulled into deception and coverups at a famous luxury hotel:

1929 — the stock market crash is on the horizon and jobs are scarce. Young Rosie Ryan is thrilled to be hired as one of the recently built luxury hotel's chambermaids to help her small family who live in The Ward, a lower-class area of Toronto where many immigrants live.

2025 - Bridget Kelly, a building inspector is brought in to ensure the quality of the new renovations of the hotel, but stumbles upon mysterious parts of the old building and secrets that others want kept hidden at all costs.

I found the two timelines and main characters equally compelling and enjoyed how Graham includes themes of family, sweet romance, and mystery while also giving readers social context - particularly the sobering contrast between the ultra-wealthy 'haves' and the working class 'have nots' who cater to the rich hotel guests every whim. The setting of the hotel is the perfect backdrop with its underground tunnels, rumoured ghosts and the addition of some bad guys who won't just 'fo-get about it' give the story good tension.

This is a page-turner of a read for lovers of history and mystery with themes of love, family, ambition, secrets and greed. It has its poignant moments and showcases Graham's skill at weaving dual storylines with historical facts (that will have you deep diving into Toronto history), interesting characters and some fun, serendipitous connections while maintaining an heartwarming feel.

Disclaimer: My sincere thanks to Simon and Schuster Canada for the complimentary advanced digital and print copies of this book which were given in exchange for my honest review.

My Rating: 4.5 stars

Author: Genevieve Graham

Genre: Historical Fiction (Canada)

Type and Source: ebook and trade paperback from publisher

Publisher: Simon and Schuster Canada

First Published: April 21, 2026

Read: March 27-30, 2026

Book Description from GoodReads: From #1 bestselling author Genevieve Graham, “the reigning queen of Canadian historical fiction” (Kristen Harmel, #1 New York Times bestselling author) comes a dazzling novel set at an elegant hotel in Toronto in 1929 about a young chambermaid, a handsome waiter, and a murder that will reverberate for a century.

Welcome to the Dominion, where secrets lurk behind every locked door.

1929: Rosie Ryan wants nothing more than to escape the poverty of The Ward, Toronto’s roughest neighbourhood, and become a chambermaid at the brand-new Dominion Hotel. Until she meets Damien, that is—a charming and ambitious waiter who promises her a better life—and adds him to the top of her list. The Dominion offers her a chance to do well, but behind the gleaming chandeliers and polished marble lurk dangerous secrets involving its most notorious guest, a wealthy gangster who’s about to profit from The Crash that will decimate the economy. When a friend is murdered, Rosie finds herself tangled in a web of betrayal—one that just might cost her everything.

Present Day: City building Inspector Bridget Kelly is assigned to scrutinize the recent renovations at the elegant old Dominion Hotel, a task she relishes as a lover of history and architecture, and that gets even better once she starts working with a brilliant and fascinating archivist. But when a routine inspection uncovers mysterious boxes, locked doors, and secret corridors, bringing to light a long-buried clue to a decades-old murder, her inspection is thwarted, and threats rise round her on every side. Bridget soon realizes someone doesn’t want the truth to surface—and they’ll do anything to keep it buried.

Spanning nearly a century, The Chambermaid’s Key is a gripping dual-timeline novel about ambition, betrayal, and the secrets that bind us across generations.