Book Review: The Once and Future Queen by Paula Lafferty

Pages: 512

Genre: Adult Historical Fiction/Fantasy

Publisher: Kensington

Pub. Date: December 16, 2025

Source: Personal Copy

My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

 

 

Goodreads says, "Vera always knew she didn’t fit in. When she learns that she is meant to be in another time, she leaps at the chance to embrace a new life in a world of valor, intrigue, and unexpected magic in this bold and romantic retelling of Arthurian legend . . .

22-year-old Vera is at a crossroads: waiting tables, grieving her previous relationship, and jogging aimlessly each morning as if toward an uncertain future. Then an odd man shows up at her workplace, insisting that she was once the legendary Queen Guinevere of Camelot, and that her lost memories hold the key to changing both the past and the present. Somehow, it all feels like the direction she’s been looking for. But when she asks the mysterious man to tell her more about Lancelot, Arthur, and a faithless queen, he can only say that much of what she’s heard about Camelot is wrong. The truth, he claims, is something she must see for herself.

After jumping through a portal in Glastonbury’s historic center, Vera is not prepared for what she finds. Magic is everywhere, but a curse on the kingdom means it dwindles every day. She has no idea how to perform a queen’s duties. Her fast friendship with Lancelot sets gossip flowing, and the stranger she must call “husband” often refuses to meet her eye. Arthur is a puzzle: cold, forbidding, and, while angry to her face, keeps leaving secret tokens of tenderness in her chambers. Worst of all, Vera’s memories—and the answers locked within them—show no signs of returning. If Vera is truly destined to save Camelot, she’ll have to trust her instincts. And her king will have to trust her . . ."

 

Vera is a twenty-two-year-old living with her adopted parents in Glastonbury working at her parents' hotel. She is still grieving the untimely death of Vincent, her boyfriend, who died in a car crash. Her daily life has become monotonous until the arrival of a strange man at the hotel who tells her she must come with him to another time. She is actually Guinevere and has been hiding out in modern day, but must return to King Arthur's court to ultimately save England, which desperately needs her. Obviously, this sounds crazy, but Vera's mother confirms that this message is the truth. The mysterious stranger turns out to be Merlin, who, by using magic, can time-travel through a wormhole. Once back to Camelot, she has to acclimate to the time period and the dynamics at court. There are all the legendary characters present: Arthur, Lancelot, Gawain, and more, but Vera must forget what she knows about King Arthur's court and learn for herself what it's like to live there. It doesn't help that Arthur won't open up to her and avoids her, which is beyond frustrating for Vera. Also, she must figure out her place in this new world, how she can help save England, and what happened to her before her "disappearance" to another time. Paula Lafferty's The Once and Future Queen is a mash-up of various genres and a fun modern take on the King Arthur legend.
 
I have always enjoyed the legend of King Arthur, so I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed Lafferty's modern take on it. The first half of the book really pulled me in. To have Guinevere time-travel back to the court, after spending some time in Modern England, is a fun premise. While the science behind Merlin's wormhole and his magic was lacking, if readers suspend their disbelief and just go along with it, they are in for a lot of enjoyment. Also, the slow-burning romance between Arthur and Guinevere was also enjoyable, and Lafferty really took her time developing their relationship and explaining the backstory as to why Arthur has been so closed off lately. Lastly, Lancelot's friendship with Guinevere was also well done, and that was a entertaining take on the usual legend.

My only gripe with The Once and Future Queen was the length. I felt like it dragged on in the middle, which impacted the pacing. The characters also spoke in a modern way, which didn't feel very authentic for the time period. But other than that, I thought it was an enjoyable time-travel/historical fiction novel with a small side of romance. Fans of the Arthurian legend will especially appreciate this one, as well as fans of romantasy that prefer their fantasies to not include too many spicy scenes. 

Let me know in the comments if you enjoy Arthurian legend and time travel stories. The Once and Future Queen is the start of a promising trilogy, so let me know if you plan on reading it this winter.   

 

 

  

Can't Wait Wednesday: The Calamity Club

 

The Calamity Club by Kathryn Stockett

Pub. Date: April 7, 2026

 

 

 

Goodreads says, "In 1933 Oxford, Mississippi, Prohibition is on the wane, and the Great Depression is tightening its grip. Poor and rich folks alike have fallen on hard times, even as the old social order remains. For women on the margins, the options are few and the price of dignity and self-determination is unbearably high.

Eleven-year-old Meg, one of the unadoptable “big girls” at the Lafayette County Orphan Asylum, fights each day to keep her spirit unbowed. Birdie, unmarried and outspoken, has come to Oxford on a mission to ask her social-climbing sister to help the struggling family she’s left behind. And Charlie is a woman with a past, running low on luck but driven by fire, fury, and grit. When their fates converge, they come up with an audacious plan to take back control of their lives. Together, they form an unlikely sisterhood—but in a place and time where hypocrisy is rife, women’s freedom is fragile, and making an enemy can have dire consequences, will the price they pay for their outrageous risk-taking be too high?

The Calamity Club will make you laugh, cry, and cheer—an epic testament to resilience, friendship, and the fierce, funny 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."

 

Kathryn Stockett, bestselling author of The Help, is finally back with another novel! I hear it's a fantastic novel for book clubs who enjoy historical fiction as well as stories about communities. It's been 15 years since The Help, so this is long-awaited. Let me know in the comments if The Calamity Club is on your spring TBR list.  

 

Audiobook Review - JFK: Public, Private, Secret by J. Randy Taraborrelli

Pages: 592

Genre: Biography

Pub. Date: July 15, 2025

Publisher: St. Martin's

Source: Personal Copy

Other Books By Author: Jackie: Public, Private, Secret

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

 

Goodreads says, "In this deeply researched presidential biography, J. Randy Taraborrelli tells John F. Kennedy’s story in a provocative new way by revealing how public moments in his life were so influenced by private relationships with not only his family, but also Jackie’s.

But it’s the secret life that also surprises. As Congressman, Senator and finally President, JFK was a magnet for women. With exclusive interviews and meticulous research, Taraborrelli reveals not only the man’s many affairs but also the strength and resolve his wife showed in coping with them.

The JFK presented in Taraborrelli’s definitive biography is a complex and endlessly fascinating historical figure, despite—and maybe even because of—his many flaws.

 

 

 

JFK lived an extraordinary life, and there’s no doubt about it. J. Randy Taraborrelli, a Kennedy expert, takes readers on a journey through JFK's life, specifically examining how the relationships around him influenced his world. JFK: Public, Private, Secret by J. Randy Taraborrelli delves into his relationship with his father, his older brother, his religious mother, and Jackie, providing insight into how these interactions shaped his identity.

I have read many a JFK biography, but Taraborrelli manages to cover a lot of information I knew, and also provides some new information based on twenty-five years of his research. I liked learning more about his time in the military and his heroic efforts in the South Pacific. Taraborrelli also dives into his health issues and how that shaped his world. Also, Taraborrelli sheds a bit more light on Jackie and Jack's early marriage days and how they were on the brink of divorce. Lastly, I appreciated the depictions of Jack's family, how he was raised, Rose's behaviors, and how that all impacted Jack and turned him into the person who rose to the presidency. 
 
JFK is one of the most memorable presidents in history, and I always appreciate learning more about him, his struggles, and his family. After reading a JFK biography, I always wonder what life would be like if he weren't assassinated. It's heartbreaking all that the Kennedy family endured. However, Jack's story is one of hope. Even though he had questionable morals at times when it came to women, deep down, he cared about the American people and making a difference. Despite all his chronic issues, pain, and surgeries, he still endured, which I find inspiring.   

JFK: Public, Private, Secret as an audiobook is fantastic and will definitely be one of my favorites of the year. So, let me know if you are you a fan of JFK? Do you plan on reading JFK: Public, Private, Secret? Let me know in the comments below.  

 

Book Review: His & Hers by Alice Feeney

Pages: 320

Genre: Adult Fiction

Pub. Date: July 28, 2020

Publisher: Flatiron

Source: Personal Copy

Other Books By Author: Rock, Paper Scissors, 

Daisy Darker, and Beautiful Ugly

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

 

 

 

Goodreads says, "When a woman is murdered in Blackdown, a quintessentially British village, newsreader Anna Andrews is reluctant to cover the case. Detective Jack Harper is suspicious of her involvement, until he becomes a suspect in his own murder investigation. Someone isn’t telling the truth, and some secrets are worth killing to keep.

His & Hers is a twisty, smart, psychological thriller. A gripping tale of suspense, told by expertly-drawn narrators that will keep readers guessing until the very end."

 

 

 

 

 

 

Anna Andrews thought she had left Blackdown, the sleepy little British town where she grew up, behind for the big city and her dream career as a news anchor. But plans have changed, along with her failed marriage, and the coveted anchor position. When she is sent to Blackdown to cover a brutal murder, she knows she will be reunited with all the people, secrets, and memories she longs to forget. Covering the case is Jack Harper, her ex-husband and head of police in Blackdown. Not only will she have to deal with him, but she will also have to deal with the people she left behind, including her mother and former friends. When they figure out the person murdered is a friend from high school, they realize things are starting to get serious, and the more readers learn, the more they realize that Jack and Anna may be tied to the case in more ways than one. Flashbacks reveal secrets from the past, upsetting events that bind people together, and poor decisions made when they were teens. Add another murder in the mix, and people are starting to suspect (including the readers) that one of them is involved! His & Hers by Alice Feeney is an excellent psychological thriller that kept me flipping the pages; it's complete with explosive plot twists, suspense, and layers of plot.
 
All of the characters in His & Hers are pretty unlikable, but that didn't mean I didn't care about their fate. Anna, a tragically flawed individual, is hard to like at first, but once readers are privy to her past, the events of her teen years, and most recently the events surrounding her failed marriage, readers can gain more sympathy towards her plight. Her relationship with Jack is very complex; so throw in a murder investigation, and you've got yourself a crazy ride. 
 
I really enjoyed how Feeney told the story through three points of view. "Hers" is obviously Anna, and "His" is Jack's, but the third point of view is the killer, which kept me glued to the pages. I was guessing up until the final plot twist and reveal; Feeney really outdid herself with this one!
 
I knew I had to read His & Hers before I watched the show on Netflix, and I am so glad I did. While there were some differences between the show and book, it still captured it well. If you like domestic thrillers, crime fiction, and psychological thrillers, check out Feeney's His & Hers before you watch the hit show on Netflix. You won't be disappointed; it's the perfect show to get lost in during the blustery months of January. 
 
Have you read His & Hers? Are you a fan of Alice Feeney? Let me know in the comments below.   

 

Can't Wait Wednesday: Change of Plans

Can't Wait Wednesday is hosted by Wishful Endings and helps us spotlight upcoming releases we're eagerly anticipating.   

 

Change of Plans by Sarah Dessen

Pub. Date: May 5, 2026

 

Goodreads says, "Finley has always felt most comfortable in someone else’s shadow. Fortunately, she’s got Colin, her magnetic boyfriend, who sweeps her along for activities, friendships, and future plans. Then she goes on a last-minute trip with her distant mom to a family vacation house that Finley didn’t know existed and is now about to be sold.

Her mom was estranged from her own parents and siblings since leaving home for college, and it’s a novelty for Finley to see her aunts and cousins, and to meet the handful of teens who work at the Egg, her aunt’s diner, and make up a found family of their own—including undeniably handsome guitarist Ben.

Then her relationship with Colin goes into freefall, and Finley’s roadmap for life after high school is gone. She has no choice but to live, for the first time, without plans. The longer Finley stays, the closer she gets to the truth about why her mother stayed away—and why she’s brought Finley here now.

And the closer she grows to new friends at the Egg, the more she starts to fall for charmingly awkward, soulful Ben and to realize how much of herself she’s been missing. By the end of the summer, nothing will be the same—for this community or for Finley herself."

 

Cue all the excitement! Sarah Dessen has been, hands down, one of my favorite YA authors for years. I adore her novels, and I’m thrilled she finally has another book coming out. I’ve really missed them. How about you? Are you a Sarah Dessen fan, and do you plan to read Change of Plans?

 

Blog Tour: Anne of a Different Island

 

I love all things Anne of Green Gables, so I when I heard about Virginia Kantra's new novel, Anne of a Different Island, it was a no-brainer for me to join Berkley's blog tour showcasing this new novel. I can't wait to read this Anne inspired tale about Anne Gallagher, who learns to be the heroine of her own life. Plus, I love the idyllic Mackinac Island setting; it's a perfect wintertime escape.

 

Learn More About the Book:

Anne of a Different Island by Virginia Kantra

Pub. Date: January 20, 2026

 

Goodreads says, "She believed life could follow a plotline—until the story she was living unraveled.

Anne Gallagher has always lived by the book. Anne of Green Gables, that is. Growing up on Mackinac Island, she saw herself as her namesake: the same impulsive charm, the same wild imagination, even the same red hair (dyed, but still). She followed in Anne Shirley’s fictional footsteps, chasing dreams of teaching and writing, and falling for her very own storybook hero.

But when a string of real-life plot twists—a failing romance, a fight with the administration, and the sudden death of her beloved father—pulls her back to the island she once couldn’t wait to leave, Anne is forced to face a truth no story ever prepared her for. Sometimes, life doesn’t follow a script.

Back in the house she grew up in, Anne must confront her past and the people she left behind, including Joe Miller, the boy who once called her “The Pest.” It’s time to figure out what she wants and rewrite her story to create her own happy ending. Not the book version. The real one."

 

You can learn more about Virginia Kantra by visiting her website and connecting with on Instagram and Facebook. You can purchase your own copy of Anne of a Different Island at Barnes & Noble, Amazon, and Bookshop.   

Is Anne of a Different Island on your winter TBR list and are you an Anne Shirley fan too? Let me know in the comments!”

 

20 Fantastic Domestic Thrillers

 

There’s something about the cold months of January and February that makes them the perfect time to dive into a domestic thriller. As winter sets in each year, I find myself gravitating toward these kinds of reads. With so many excellent psychological and domestic thrillers out there, I’ve narrowed the list to my 20 favorites, plus some promising picks from my overflowing TBR. I've linked the title to my review when possible. 

 

1. The Housemaid by Freida McFadden

 

2. The Wife Between Us by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen

 

3. Rock Paper Scissors by Alice Feeney

 

4. Verity by Colleen Hoover

 

5. None of This is True by Lisa Jewell

 

6. Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

 

7. The Wife Upstairs by Rachel Hawkins

 

8. The Last Mrs. Parrish by Liv Constantine

 

9. The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins

 

10. The Woman in the Window by A.J. Finn

 

11. Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty

 

12. The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave

 

13. The Mother-in-Law by Sally Hepworth

 

14. The Golden Couple by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen

 

15. Wrong Place Wrong Time by Gillian McAllister

 

16. The Heiress by Rachel Hawkins

 

17. The Other Woman by Sandie Jones

 

18. His & Hers by Alice Feeney

 

19. Famous Last Words by Gillian McAllister

 

20. Something in the Water by Catherine Steadman

 

 

On the TBR:

 

1. The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides

2. The Family Upstairs by Lisa Jewell

3. Then She Was Gone by Lisa Jewell

 

 

4. The Couple Next Door by Sari Lapena

5. The Push by Ashley Audrain

6. The Water Lies by Amy Meyerson

 

 Shop All Books Here:

 

Let me know if you enjoyed any of these books as well in the comments below and be sure to share any recommendations with me, too.  

 

Can't Wait Wednesday: The Romance Revival

Can't Wait Wednesday is hosted by Wishful Endings and helps us spotlight upcoming releases we're eagerly anticipating.   

The Romance Revival by Christina Lauren

Pub. Date: July 14, 2026

 

 

Goodreads says, "Three years ago, Emery Finch did something completely out of character: She got married. To Luca—the impossibly charming landscaper she met on one blistering night in Vegas who made her laugh, made her dance, made her feel.

But now, Emery is consumed by her top-secret job, missing dinners, forgetting anniversaries, and promising herself Luca will understand once her cutting-edge research comes to light. Until the unthinkable happens: A tragic accident takes Luca from her.

Desperate not to lose him, Emery breaks every rule to bring him back. And Luca would probably thank her for it, if only he could remember her. Their first kiss, their Sunny Sundays at the beach, the life they built together...all of it is gone.

It may be a miracle of science, but for Emery it’s her one shot at a second chance. And this time, she won’t waste it—because true love is always worth reviving."

 

 

This summer’s new releases are already looking outstanding! Christina Lauren has a new novel on the way, and it seems like the perfect book to toss in your beach bag. Tell me in the comments if will you be reading it and if are you a Christina Lauren fan?

 

Book Review: The Heir Apparent by Rebecca Armitage

Genre: Adult Fiction/Audiobook

Pub. Date: December 2, 2025

Publisher: Hachette Audio

Source: Personal Copy

My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

 

 

Goodreads says, "Lexi Villiers is a 29-year-old Englishwoman doing her medical residency in Hobart, working too hard, worried about her bank balance, and living with friends. It's a good life, and getting even better, because as the dawn is breaking on New Year's Day, Lexi is about to kiss the man she loves for the very first time.

But by midnight, everything will change. Because Lexi is in fact not an ordinary young woman. She is Princess Alexandrina, third in line to the British throne - albeit estranged from the rest of her family and living in voluntary exile on the other side of the world. But following a terrible accident, Lexi - the black sheep of her family and, until this moment, always destined to be the spare - is now the heir apparent, first in line to the throne once her grandmother, the elderly Queen, dies. Called back to do her duty, she arrives in London to a Palace riven with power plays and media leaks, all the while guarding painful secrets of her own. Palace waters are treacherous, rumours are rife, and selling each other's secrets is a family tradition. And with the Crown just within her grasp, Lexi must choose what bonds she will keep ... and what she is willing to leave behind."

 

Lexi Villiers is a medical doctor in Australia living on an idyllic vineyard in Tasmania. She is estranged from her family due to her life choices, but is living a happy life without them in Australia; she even has a sort-of boyfriend and a promising career. Except her family isn't just any family; it's the British Royal Family. One day, a helicopter lands on the property delivering the bad news that her father (the future King), her twin brother, and his best friend have all died in a tragic skiing accident due to an avalanche. Lexi's world is turned upside down, and her grandmother, the Queen, summons her home to England. Lexi is now the heir apparent, should she choose to take the title; she has one year to decide. If she doesn't accept it and all that it brings, the title falls to her awful uncle Richard. Once Lexi is back in England, all of the reasons why she left come flooding back to her, not to mention all the difficult emotions she has to deal with regarding the loss of her brother and father. This is all triggering to her in that she lost her mother, and the circumstances surrounding her death are still issues that plague her to this day. Also, she has to deal with her grieving and angry sister-in-law, her power-hungry uncle, her grandmother, and all the tabloids that harass the Royal Family at every turn. Ultimately, the question that stresses her out is whether she will accept the title as the heir apparent or choose to pass it along to her uncle. What will happen to her perfect life in Tasmania and her almost-boyfriend, Jack? Can she have it all? Rebecca Armitage's The Heir Apparent is an absorbing audiobook that fans of the Royal Family will enjoy.
 
Lexi has to return to the very life she tried to escape to pursue a career as a doctor, and when she returns, the problems are still there. The grief around her mother's death, now her brother's and father's death, and all the family issues that made her escape to Australia bubble back up to the surface. Lexi is reminded that no matter how far you travel, you still can't escape your problems. Her former life as a doctor is still calling to her, not to mention Jack, and she wonders if she can make this all work. Or does she have to give up her previous life? Heavy is the head that wears the crown!

So many moments in The Heir Apparent felt like they were ripped straight from the tabloids about the Royal Family. It's obvious Armitage has a wealth of knowledge regarding the British Royal Family; however, at times it felt a little too similar - almost fan fiction. Nonetheless, as a Royal Family lover, I enjoyed being lost in a world full of court intrigue, family secrets, tabloids, and extreme wealth.
 
My main issue with The Heir Apparent is the length. The plot meandered too many times around the same plot point, and at times, it got tedious. 416 pages were too much, in my opinion, and due to this, the pacing was uneven despite Shakira Shute's excellent narration of the audiobook.
 
Royal family lovers will especially soak up all the family drama in The Heir Apparent and appreciate the similarities to the current British Royal Family. Have you read The Heir Apparent? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below. 

 

 

 

First Half of 2026: New Releases That Shouldn't Be Missed

A new year means new books to add to your TBR! 2026 is shaping up to be an exciting year for readers, with something for everyone. I’m focusing on releases from January through June, so bookmark this page and refer to it when you’re at the library or bookstore to see which exciting new titles are coming out and when.

 

1. Skylark by Paula McLain (1/6)

"The parallel lives of two women are explored in this grand story of resilience, hope and bravery that takes place centuries apart."

 

 

2. First Time I Saw Him by Laura Dave (1/6)

"Dave delivers a raw and powerful sequel (to The Last Thing He Told Me) continuing the evocative family drama that kept us at the edge-of-our-seats."

 

3. The Storm by Rachel Hawkins (1/6) 

"Hurricane season can be murder." 

 

4. Anatomy of an Alibi by Ashley Elston (1/13)

"Lives unravel as lies resurface in this story of two women who hatch one chilling plan. Ashley Elston, author of First Lie Wins, weaves a web of deception in this suspenseful thriller that will keep you guessing." 

 

 

5. My Husband's Wife by Alice Feeney (1/20) 

"Imagine coming home from a run and being replaced. This is what happens to Eden ... or does it? The author of Rock Paper Scissors returns with another crafty domestic thriller."

 

6. Vigil by George Saunders (1/27) 

"Saunders returns with an imaginative new story about the pivotal moment between life and death. Jill “Doll” Blaine accompanies the dying as they transition to the afterlife—but her latest assignment forces her to reckon with the fragility of humanity."

 

7. It's Not Her by Mary Kubica (2/3)

 "A double murder at a tranquil lake resort — now that’s a thrilling mystery. Suspenseful and twisty, everyone is a potential suspect here. If you love locked room mysteries with true crime vibes, then this one will grip you from the start."

 

8. This is Not About Us by Allegra Goodman (2/10)

"A kaleidoscopic portrait of a modern American family—steadfast, complicated, begrudging, and loving—from the bestselling author of Isola."

 

9. Keeper of Lost Children by Sadeqa Johnson (2/10) 

"Powerful and poignant, three fates intersect across generations in this moving story of family, courage and self-discovery from the author of The House of Eve."

 

10. The Astral Library by Kate Quinn (2/17) 

"Quinn comes a gorgeously written fantastical adventure which poses the question: Have you ever wished you could live inside a book? Welcome to the Astral Library, where books are not just objects, but doors to new worlds, new lives, and new futures."

 

11. More Than Enough by Anna Quindlen (2/24)

 "This tender novel of self-exploration reminds us that it’s never too late to discover something new about yourself. After a surprising ancestry test, Polly embarks on a journey to confront her past, learn from the present and grow into her future."

 

 

12. Kin by Tayari Jones (2/24) 

"The complex relationships between mothers, daughters, sisters, and friends in the American South are examined in this sharp and entertaining story."

  

 

13. Once and Again by Rebecca Serle (3/10) 

"If you had one chance to rewind the clock, would you do it? For the Nowak family this miraculous ability is both a blessing and a curse. Returning to her hometown, Lauren confronts her memories — especially the love she lost a long time ago."

 

 

14. The Night We Met by Abby Jimenez (3/24) 

 "All Chris wants is for Larissa to be happy, but here’s the catch — Chris is not her boyfriend.  A beautiful, compelling novel that revels in laughter, friendship, and the messy choices life can throw our way."

 

 

15. The Calamity Club by Kathryn Stockett (5/5)

"A deeply engaging story of community and survival set in 1933 Mississippi. This conversation-starting second novel from the bestselling author of The Help was fifteen years in the making — and worth the wait." 

 

 

16. Our Perfect Storm by Carley Fortune (5/5)

"Her wedding might be off, but the honeymoon is just beginning. Frankie sets off to paradise with her complicated best friend George, but when their bond begins to shift, friendship may no longer suffice."

 

 

17. The Things We Never Say by Elizabeth Strout (5/5)

"With her award-winning prose, Elizabeth Strout paints a tender and insightful picture of a lonely schoolteacher who reconsiders his own life path and choices after an unexpected secret is revealed."

 

 

 18. Summer State of Mind by Kristy Woodson Harvey (5/5)

 "Woodson returns with a heartfelt escape to coastal Carolina."

 

 

19. Change of Plans by Sarah Dessen (5/5) 

"A romantic coming-of-age novel about an unassuming girl who learns to stand on her own while falling in love during a life-changing summer."

 

 

20. The Shippers by Katherine Center (5/19)

Center's "latest swoon-worthy novel about a destination wedding on a cruise ship."

 

 

21. Dolly All Over Again by Annabel Monaghan (5/26) 

"A hardworking single mom returns to her seaside hometown and stumbles into a fake dating situationship with a wealthy, workaholic scion, from the New York Times bestselling author of Nora Goes Off Script.

 

22. The Midnight Train by Matt Haig (5/26)

"All aboard this sweeping journey through time. If you could travel back to a moment in time, when would you go? After a near-fatal heart attack, one man is given the ultimate chance to relive both his brightest moments and his deepest regrets in this transformative novel."

 

 

23. Whistler by Ann Patchett (6/2)

"Patchett returns with a powerful novel about the choices we make and the ones that are made for us. After reuniting with a prominent figure from her past, Daphne confronts the impermanence of life and the beauty of connection."

 

 

24. Land by Maggie O'Farrell (6/2)

"O’Farrell delivers a sweeping journey through history and memory, loss and survival in a haunting story that captures post-famine Ireland through the eyes of one family." 

 

 

25. It Could Have Been Her by Lisa Jewell (6/23) 

"Jewell brings her signature dark, atmospheric suspense and sharp acuity to this new psychological thriller about a lost dog, a missing woman, and a mysterious house."

 

 

26. The Shampoo Effect by Jenny Jackson (6/30)

"An ambitious young woman insinuates herself into a tight-knit social set, shaking up friendships and marriages in a small seaside town."

  

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 Let me know in the comments which books you are most looking forward to for the first half of 2026. 

Book Review: Conform by Ariel Sullivan

Pages: 416 

Genre: Adult Fiction/Sci-Fi

Pub. Date: October 14, 2025 

Publisher: Ballantine

Source: Personal Copy

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

 

 

Goodreads says, "Centuries after a catastrophic world war nearly decimated the human population, a city arose from the ashes, ruled by an elusive and technologically advanced group called the Illum.

At twenty-seven, Emeline lives in limbo, wasting away her days in a job sorting ancient human art for destruction and waiting to be selected as a Mate for a procreation contract. Where others look forward to being chosen, Emeline has never felt like she fit into a society where a person’s worth is determined by constantly monitored genes, health, and the ability to procreate. She’s struggled to keep her discomfort secret, but when she is finally chosen, her Mate is revealed to be a member of the Illum named Collin, a man who seems to be harboring secrets of his own.

It is the first time an Illum has taken a Mate in decades, leaving Emeline—and others—baffled as to why she was chosen. Soon, she is swept into the dangerous game of Courting, filled with ballgowns, lavish dinners, and watchful eyes, where one wrong move can mean elimination. While parts of this elite lifestyle are unexpectedly appealing, the more embroiled she becomes, the more she sees its dark underbelly—and a rebellion rising in secret. Collin is confusing, both cold and protective, and worse, she finds herself drawn to the very last person she should be falling for: Hal, one of the resistance leaders.

As she draws closer to both Collin and Hal, the Illum exercise their power in increasingly brutal ways, forcing Emeline to question everything—most of all whether she’ll have to give up her heart and even her life to stop them."

 

Emeline works a job on the ground, helping go through old works of art after the Last War. The Last War raged through the world, and now society is left with the main focus being on procreation, but with requirements. The Illum, the elite group of authoritarian rulers, run the show and prioritize procreation, but with people who have the best genes and traits. Emeline, a "minor defect, " is paired with Collin, the youngest Illum, which seems like an unconventional pairing and one that is unprecedented. This could be a way out of the drudgery for Emeline and a way into their world of comfort in the clouds. Except this isn't going to be easy. Emeline has met a charismatic man, Hal, while at her job. He just showed up in her office one day, as he is interested in the art she is going through. They hit it off and have a connection, but she slowly realizes that Hal is on the outskirts of society. With her recent pairing with Collin, how on earth could she actually have a genuine relationship with Hal, and even worse, what if the people in charge find out? While all this is brewing, there is an uprising occurring that makes Emeline question which path she should take. Conform, a debut novel by Ariel Sullivan, is an engaging dystopian, reminiscent of the many young adult dystopians that swept the literary world years ago.
 
I enjoyed the character of Emeline a lot in Conform. She recognizes her place in society, but isn't exactly a conformist. She has dreams and desires outside of what the Illum want for her. While Conform does have a love triangle (Collin vs. Hal), I think it is done well as each man represents a different path Emeline could take. Plus, there are some twists and turns coming down the road as she progresses with her assigned relationship with Collin.
 
My only issue with Conform was the lack of world-building. Usually, dystopian novels really flesh out the setting a bit more, and that wasn't the case here in Conform. I wish Sullivan had explained it a bit more, but other than that, I really enjoyed the novel. 

If you, like me, were really into all those dystopian novels from 10-15 years ago, this will be right up your alley. Conform ended up being one of my favorite books of the year!