Mini Reviews: Middle Grade Reads

 

My first love will always be compelling middle grade novels. I enjoy coming-of-age stories as well as engaging mysteries and fantasies. Today, I’m sharing two wonderful new additions to the middle grade bookshelf.

 

The Traitor Moth by Katharine Orton

Pages: 304

Genre: Middle Grade 

Pub. Date: April 7, 2026

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Source: Publisher for review

My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

 

 

Goodreads says, "Catclaw dreams that one day he will have the gift of prophecy, just like his Dreamkin ancestors.

But many moons ago, the Dreamkins were exiled from the other noble moth clans for a crime too awful to even speak of, and their gift of prophecy was lost. No Dreamkin has seen the future in generations. So when Catclaw receives a vision telling him that all the moth clans are in terrible danger, he’s branded a liar and exiled.

Catclaw knows it’s the right thing to protect his fellow moths, even if his own clan doesn’t believe him, so he sets out alone on the long and treacherous journey back to Queen Adeia’s Kingdom to warn them.

But there is more to the moth clans’ history than Catclaw ever knew, and the closer he gets to the kingdom, the more the danger grows.

 

In this fantasy world, there are five moth clans, with one of them, the Dreamkins, banished. This particular clan has been linked to prophecies, and Catclaw, a moth and an outsider, has always hoped that his clan would be accepted once again and the prophecies would return. He has grown up with Master Saturna, who shares his wisdom and the history of their world. But things aren't going well for the moths. Bluetails, or murderous wasps, have been tormenting the moths, and Catclaw finally has a vision. It's not good, and it deals with the Bluetails. He wants to warn the Queen and his fellow moths, but who will believe him? Catclaw's heroic journey is detailed in The Traitor Moth, and it's quite an adventure--perfect for readers of the Warriors series.
 
The Traitor Moth presents a fun and unique concept. I love stories that personify animals and bring them to life, making readers truly care about them. This novel accomplishes just that. Catclaw is such an underdog; how could anyone not root for him? His adventures are bound to keep young readers on the edge of their seats.  The Traitor Moth is the beginning of a promising new series.
 

 

Sneaks by Amy Tern

Page: 240

Genre: Middle Grade

Pub. Date: July 7, 2026 

Publisher: Candlewick

Source: Personal Copy

My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

 

 

Goodreads says, "Valory has developed an unfortunate reputation as a thief—primarily because she steals things—though she has resolved to change her ways.

Rook is a total asparagus-eater (a.k.a. a good kid), but he likes to spy on his neighbors. Nobody’s perfect, right?

The twelve-year-olds form an unlikely alliance when they encounter suspicious behavior in an “empty” apartment across the alley from Rook’s house. While agoraphobia keeps home-schooled Rook trapped on his property, confident and street-smart Valory can roam the scene undetected. Their opposite personalities might, in fact, be key to their success.

But their amateur detective mission morphs into something more sinister when they realize the apartment next door could be connected to a recent kidnapping. When the sleuths realize they’re also being watched, the pressure is on to unmask the villain… before she snatches them, too.

 

Valory lives in an apartment in Boston with her single mother, who cleans homes. She is struggling with some decisions she made in the past and has a compulsion to steal things. On one of her mother's jobs, she befriends Rook, who is the opposite of her. Rook has grown up in the lap of luxury, is an accomplished pianist, homeschooled, but has his own set of issues. For starters, he has agoraphobia and has a mother who is a helicopter parent; she doesn't let him out of her sight. He also has to live up to his parents' expectations regarding his music and piano competitions; this all causes him to suffer from anxiety. When Rook and Valory are hanging out, they notice the apartment building that Rook can see from his balcony. While out there, they notice a child that they think is being held against their will in the apartment, Faden House, which is across the way. In the news, there has been a missing kid spotlighted; could this be that kid? Their adventure ensues and an unlikely friendship is formed as well, in Sneaks, a debut novel by Amy Tern.
 
The chapters in Sneaks alternate between two characters, Rook and Valory. Each of them is grappling with personal challenges, but their shared interest in a missing child brings them together. Tern skillfully navigates Rook's anxiety and Valory's struggles with stealing, as well as her mother's new dating life, addressing these difficult issues with empathy. Sneaks reminded me of a middle-grade version of Only Murders in the Building. Fans of mysteries will appreciate this book and Sneaks would make a fantastic addition to a middle school library.

 

 

Are you a fan of middle grade novels? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.  

Mini Reviews: Memorable Women

I love reading books about women who were misunderstood or long forgotten—women written off as secondary characters in the pages of history. Today, I’m sharing two new books about notorious (and often misunderstood)! women: Anne Boleyn, Queen of England and one of Henry VIII’s wives, and Peggy Shippen, also known as Mrs. Benedict Arnold.

 

The House of Boleyn by Tracy Borman

Pages: 416

Genre: Adult Historical Fiction 

Pub. Date: August 4, 2026 

Publisher: Grove/Atlantic

Source: Publisher for review

My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

 

 

Goodreads says, "When nobleman Thomas Boleyn, lord of Hever Castle, is called to London in 1509 to present himself to the newly-anointed eighteen-year-old king, Henry VIII, Thomas's young daughter, Anne, implores him not to leave. "Well, make sure the prize you bring me is worth it, Father," Anne demands of him. "I will try," he responds. "But I'll wager even a crown wouldn't satisfy you." Such premonitions resonate convincingly throughout Tracy Borman's rich and compelling novel. Blending the history she knows so well with the creativity of her imagination, Borman brings the Boleyn family's three-decade rise and precipitous fall to vivid life.

Borman surrounds the main dramatic events of the Boleyn saga with a colourful tableau in which servants play key roles, familial and inter-familial rivalries threaten, and true love often loses out to keen ambition. Anne's ever-loyal attendant Agnes Frideswide, and Thomas Boleyn's perfidious steward Robert Cranwell, are as memorable as Cardinal Wolsey, Thomas Cromwell, or anyone in the increasingly dangerous orbit of Henry VIII's court, as he pursues Anne relentlessly, only to abandon her when she can't give him the son and heir he desperately seeks."

 

Everyone knows the story of the Boleyn family, who took Henry VIII's court by storm; the rise and fall of this family is legendary, and of course, everyone knows what happened to the ill-fated Anne Boleyn. However, Tracy Borman, a Tudor Historian, delves deeper into the Boleyn family as a whole, starting with Anne's father, Thomas. The story of this family spans three generations and offers a fresh perspective by examining not only the usual Boleyns (Mary, Anne, and George, along with their father) but also their grandmother, Margaret. Her story is complex, and other secondary characters come to the forefront, one being Anne's attendant, Esther, and Thomas's steward, Robert Cranwell (not to be confused with Cromwell!). Since Borman is a Tudor historian, readers can appreciate the level of detail in The House of Boleyn and the fresh perspective on a much-told story.
 
Borman did a superb job of bringing Tudor England to life; she truly knows the topic. I felt like I was there! Anne is portrayed as bookish, smart, charming, interested in politics, and a little unconventional, much to her mother's dismay. The House of Boleyn depicts her sister, Mary, (with an interesting take on her situation), George, George's wife (also an interesting take), and the other usual suspects: Cromwell, Cardinal Wolsey, and more. Even though I knew Anne's fate, Borman made the story feel fresh; I appreciated the new perspectives. Fans of stories centered on the Tudors, as well as Philippa Gregory, will appreciate The House of Boleyn the most.

 

 

 

Mrs. Benedict Arnold by Emma Parry

Pages: 320

Genre: Adult Historical Fiction 

Pub. Date: April 28, 2026

Publisher: Zando

Source: Publisher for review

My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

 

 

Goodreads says, "Philadelphia in the 1770s. Peggy Shippen longs for the war she’s living through to end. Though not always appreciated at home, she finds her curiosity is welcomed by a lively and influential circle of friends, including a glamorous rising star in the British army, Captain John André.

When the war separates them, Peggy is devastated—both by his absence and the horrors of ongoing conflict—before finding consolation in a man whose heroics for the Patriots have captured the world’s imagination: General Benedict Arnold.

As she trades Loyalist balls for Patriot salons, entertaining the most prominent figures of early America, and navigating the country’s lethal political currents, she conceives of an audacious scheme to achieve peace and her family’s survival, unleashing what would become the most famous act of treason in history.

When uncertainty and bloodshed are the only constants, Mrs. Benedict Arnold asks, how far will one woman go for safety?

 

This debut novel, which focuses on Peggy Shippen, otherwise known as Mrs. Benedict Arnold, will pull in any fan of the American Revolution. I knew a little about the Arnolds and mostly had a negative impression of them, like most people. However, Parry did a great job bringing Peggy Shippen's story to life and humanizing her. Peggy grew up in a wealthy family in Philadelphia and was mostly concerned about balls and clothing. She brushed shoulders with the British soldiers in the city; however, her family was well-known for not getting involved in politics, but had Loyalist tendencies. She forms a relationship with British Major John Andre, but once he leaves the city, their romance dwindles, much to her dismay, but they keep up a correspondence. Then Benedict Arnold comes into her circle and her world is forever changed. Despite her father's Loyalist tendencies, she starts a relationship with Arnold, the Continental military commander of Philadelphia. What ensues is a story of intrigue, espionage, conspiracies, romance, and more. Emma Parry's debut, Mrs. Benedict Arnold, is perfect for fans of Hamilton as well as AMC's Turn.
 
I have always enjoyed stories about the American Revolution, and Parry does an excellent job of bringing Peggy Arnold to the forefront. Oftentimes, she is merely a footnote in the history of the American Revolution, but she actually played a significant role in the conspiracy, which Parry highlights in Mrs. Benedict Arnold. What surprised me most about this novel was that I found myself feeling sympathy for the Arnolds. Their situation was complex, and when learning about these events, we often don't get the full picture of what Benedict endured. It’s definitely a complicated story. My only issue with the novel was the use of modern language throughout, which felt jarring. I’m not sure why this wasn’t edited to more appropriate phrasing for the time period. Nevertheless, I enjoyed Peggy's story, and I now appreciate her much more. She is much more than just a "spy" or the wife of the notorious Benedict Arnold.

 

 

Have you read either novel? Are you a fan of the Tudors or the time period of the American Revolution? Let me know in the comments below.  

 

Book Review: The Three Graces of Pearl Street by Elizabeth Wellington Rollins

Pages: 416

Genre: Adult Fiction

Pub. Date: September 1, 2026

Publisher: Atria

Source: Personal Copy

My Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

 

Goodreads says, "In this wise and warm debut novel, an Italian American grandmother, daughter, and granddaughter all named after the Roman myth of the Three Graces find their lives—and their secrets—colliding when, after years apart, they come to live under the same roof.

Graziella, a ninety-six-year-old former nun, spends her days running the parish’s food kitchen, convinced it is her responsibility to keep everyone fed in their working-class New York neighborhood. Her daughter, Grace, a respected psychology professor, appears accomplished and composed, yet finds herself unmoored as her personal life falters. Ella—Graziella’s granddaughter and Grace’s daughter—is weary of defending her vegan diet and anti-capitalistic lifestyle; blind to her own brilliance, she longs, above all, for a place to belong. Living together again, the three Graces reckon with the distances that have shaped them, and with what it means, at last, to be fully known.

Populated by unforgettable characters, The Three Graces of Pearl Street explores the delicate balance between tradition and modernity, and the quiet courage it takes to move through the world with true grace."

 

 

Graziella Valentini, a woman in her nineties, lives in New York's Little Italy. She helps out her community, works at the parish's food pantry, and is a well known and generous person who is always willing to lend a hand. After all, she was a former nun! Her daughter, Grace, is a psychologist in the city and is going through a divorce. She is at a major fork in the road of her life. Meanwhile, her daughter, Ella, is also going through some difficulties. She dropped out of MIT, is working at a thrift store in the city, and has lost her way. Things aren't great between the two women until a freak accident involving Ella brings them together under the same roof. Elizabeth Wellington Rollins’s debut novel, The Three Graces of Pearl Street, draws on the Roman myth of the three Graces. It’s charming and heartfelt, and it’s perfect for readers who enjoy generational sagas.
 
I adored Graziella from the start. Her brash demeanor, tough can-do attitude, and insightful observations about life were the highlights of The Three Graces of Pearl Street. After the untimely death of her husband, she has worked hard to pick herself up and channel that energy into giving back to her community. Her main project is the parish's food pantry, which she dedicates herself to day and night. When her granddaughter, Ella, moves back in with her, Graziella takes her under her wing and encourages her to work at the food pantry as well. She helps Ella get her life back on track. Then there's Grace who is navigating the challenges of her divorce and adjusting to being an empty nester. However, all three women are hiding secrets that living under the same roof will likely expose. Additionally, Ella keeps running into her former friend and crush, who happens to be her grandmother's accountant. As the Valentini women face numerous changes in their lives, it is comforting to know they have each other for support.
 
Rollins does a phenomenal job bringing Italian Americans to light. Quite often this book made me think about my grandmother, the Italian American immigrant experience, and even more about the culture. I enjoyed every aspect of that part of the novel - Graziella's Italian, her dedication to the church, the food pantry, her recipes, and more. Fans of Adriana Trigiani's novels will especially appreciate this aspect of The Three Graces of Pearl Street.
 
While I felt part of the story in the middle lagged a bit, overall, I thought it was an excellent debut. The story and the characters were so heartfelt and charming. It even brought a tear to my eye. Needless to say, I am a fan of Rollins and look forward to reading what she writes next.   

 

Mini Reviews: A Touch of Magic

 

Sometimes some of the best romances are the ones with touches of magic in it. That's the case with these two new romances that are perfect for a light summer read.

 

 

An Infinite Love Story by Chanel Cleeton 

Pages: 352

Genre: Adult Fiction/Romance

Pub. Date: July 7, 2026

Publisher: Berkley

Source: Publisher for review

Other Books By Author:  The House on Biscayne Bay,

The Last Train to Key West,  When We Left Cuba, Next Year in Havana, Our Last Days in Barcelona, The Lost Story of Eva Fuentes,

The Cuban Heiress,  The Most Beautiful Girl in Cuba, 

My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

 

 

Goodreads says, "When Joe Mitchell launches into space, the world is watching. It’s 1968, and the country waits with anticipation and excitement for another successful mission, another celebration as America sets its sights on the Moon. And then comes the knock at the door.

Joe Mitchell’s spacecraft has lost contact. He and his fellow astronauts onboard are feared to be dead. It’s his wife Vivian’s worst nightmare come to life, her grief suddenly taking center stage as the nation waits and mourns. In her quiet moments, Vivian relives their memorable story, unable to accept that this is the end to a love that felt as though it was written in the stars.

As the investigation surrounding Joe’s lost spacecraft intensifies and the mishap is written off as an operator error, Vivian is determined to clear her husband’s name and uncover the mystery of what happened in space. When someone starts sending Vivian messages—messages she believes only Joe could send—she begins to wonder if their love is stronger than space and time, and she’ll do whatever it takes to bring her husband back to her."

 

 

Vivian Mitchell is a former journalist from D.C. and is now married to Joe, an astronaut at NASA. It's the 1960s, the peak of the Space Race, and her husband is on a mission to the moon. Joe's spacecraft loses contact with mission control. NASA says that Joe and his crew are now lost in space and is pointing the blame at Joe, who was the mission commander. Vivian knows this can't be right, and from talking for countless hours with Joe, perhaps NASA rushed this mission, and things weren't as safe as they thought. She plans on partaking in an interview with a top journalist in D.C. about this very issue, but then Vivian starts to get weird and unexplainable messages from Joe, who is supposed to be dead. One message says, "Wait for me," and now it has Vivian thinking about wormholes, time travel, and more. How could Joe be communicating with her? Chanel Cleeton's An Infinite Love Story is just that. It's a swoonworthy romance set during the space race of the 1960s. It's compelling, emotional, and a perfect summer escape. 
 
I really loved Joe and Vivian's romance from the start in An Infinite Love Story. Cleeton provides flashbacks to the start of their courtship and Vivian's time working as a journalist. Cleeton does a really great job bringing to life the 1960s and the excitement around astronauts, NASA, and the race to get to space. The real star of the show is Vivian and Joe's romance, which was oh-so-sweet and memorable. Even when the story started to venture into magical realism with the discussion of wormholes and time travel, I was still entirely invested. While it wasn't my favorite of Cleeton's historical novels, I thought it was a solid novel about a most compelling time period in America.

 

 

Every Version of You by Natalie Messier 

Pages: 368

Genre: Adult Fiction/Romance

Pub. Date: July 7, 2026

Publisher: Gallery

Source: Publisher for review

My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

 

 

Goodreads says,  "Joey Vasquez’s life is the definition of good on paper. At thirty-two, she’s a Los Angeles lawyer on the cusp of making partner, but while she’s a professional success, she’s a personal disaster. Her social life mostly consists of nights spent watching TV with her elderly cat. Life isn’t quite what she dreamed when she was younger, but really, whose life is?

But a dinner party with the best friend she’s secretly pined after for years and its aftermath changes everything.

When Joey is given a second chance at life, she finds herself in college again. Armed with memories from her first life, Joey is certain she’s come back to finally convince the one man she ever loved to love her back—so why does she find herself strangely drawn to the man she thought she hated?"

 

 

 

 

Josephina Vasquez, or Joey for short, is a corporate lawyer living a most uninspired life. She isn't talking to her best friend, things with her family are strained, and she has so many regrets. Regret number one: never sharing her feelings with her college crush, Elijah Aarons. She missed her chance, and Elijah, or Ellie for short, is now married. During a dinner party at his house, she finds out that he and his wife are expecting a baby, and to top it off, she finds herself in an argument with another college friend, Alex, who drives her nuts. Feeling rather forlorn, she drives home in a cloud of sadness and gets into an accident. Then she finds herself in a strange room being offered a second chance at her life. So Joey finds herself able to start fresh again; she is back at college and able to do everything all over. Maybe she doesn't want to be a lawyer anymore, and maybe this time she will pursue Ellie differently and make her feelings known. But what is even more compelling is the fact that she finds herself hitting it off with Alex this time around. Every Version of You by Natalie Messier is a lovely story involving some magical touches and second chances.
 
Who doesn't wish they could wake up and re-do parts of their life again? Knowing what you know now, maybe you would play it out differently this time? Well, Joey gets this chance due to her many regrets, and she finds herself back at college, where her regrets really started. She has a chance to pursue Ellie, change things with her family, and even switch her major, ultimately starting a different career. Who says she wants to be a lawyer anyway? Every Version of You examines life and how every moment counts and makes you think about the decisions we make. It tugged on my heartstrings for sure, so if you are looking for an emotional and contemplative summer read, this fits the bill.

 

 

Have you read An Infinite Love Story or Every Version of You? Let me know in the comments below.  

 

Book Review: Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke

Pages: 400

Genre: Adult Fiction

Pub. Date: April 7, 2026

Publisher: Knopf

Source: Personal Copy

My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

 

Goodreads says, "Natalie lives a traditional lifestyle – and her followers are sick with envy. Her charming farmhouse on her working ranch is artfully cluttered, her husband is a handsome cowboy, her homemade sourdough boules are each more beautiful than the last. So what if there are nannies and producers and industrial-grade ovens behind the scenes? What her followers don’t know won’t hurt them.

Then, one morning, Natalie wakes up in a strange, horrible version of reality. Her home, her husband, her children—they’re all familiar, but something’s off. Is this a hoax? A reality show? A test from God? Natalie knows just two things for sure: this isn't her perfect life, and she must escape, by any means possible.

As darkly funny as it is shocking and gripping, Yesteryear is an electrifying examination of tradition, fame, faith and the grand performance of womanhood, from a thrilling new talent in fiction."

 

 

 

Natalie Heller Mills is living what looks like the perfect life online. She has married into a powerful political family; she and her husband share a bunch of kids on an idyllic farm in Idaho, and she has scored a ton of internet followers by peddling her tradwife life on her ranch, Yesteryear. She isn't your usual country wife though; she churns her own butter, makes her own bread, takes care of the farm, and lives (what appears to be) a life on her sprawling farmhouse. Except behind the scenes, she has two nannies, a marriage that is crumbling, and a team of producers to film her. She doesn't even spend time with her kids; instead, she cultivates her online presence and exploits the children for her online fame. When a new producer, Shannon, comes on board, she threatens to expose online Natalie versus offline Natalie, and in turn, her world threatens to come crumbling down. Plus, there's the huge problem that after some indeterminate amount of time, Natalie wakes up at Yesteryear, but in 1855. Her kids look like her kids, but aren't, and same with Caleb, her husband. She is trapped in a different and dangerous time, and she wants out. Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke is a sizzling debut that is satirical, compelling, and at times, very dark.
 
Natalie is a character that you can't help but dislike right from the start in Yesteryear. I knew this going into Yesteryear, but her character really bothered me. She is so tragically flawed that I found it difficult to get through the book. It's clear that she struggles with mental health issues, and I didn't enjoy being immersed in her world. The stress! The flashbacks to her childhood and college years do help to illustrate her background and how she ended up to became an online tradwife influencer. I don't know much about tradwife influencers. I've heard that Ballerina Farms inspired this novel, but perhaps that lack of knowledge affected my understanding of the story. It felt like the book was trying too hard to convey a message about women, MAGA culture, unconventional society, and a specific group of individuals who believe this is the superior way to live. Natalie appeared to be deluded, and I found it uncomfortable to navigate her existence, which involved medicating just to get through the day and dissociating from reality. 
 
Nonetheless, Yesteryear made for a compelling novel. It was like a car crash on the side of the road. I knew it was going to be rough, but I couldn't stop looking as we drove past. I will give Burke a lot of credit, though; she created a novel that is compulsively readable and crafty. I just wish it was easier to stomach. I look forward to reading more of her work in the future. 
 
Have you read Yesteryear? Many people feel it is one of the best books of the year, but ultimately, it was just ok for me. Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.  

 

Book Review: Wasp's Nest by Kat Stoddard

 

Pages: 272

Genre: Adult Fiction

Pub. Date: June 23, 2026

Publisher: Celadon

Source: Publisher for review

My Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

 

 

Goodreads says, "Tess wants nothing more than for her upcoming society wedding to overshadow the failure of her first marriage. Her fiancé Warren, a steady soon-to-be state senator, is nothing like her first husband. Tess’s relationship with working-class artist Peter was a passionate crash-and-burn, and a chapter of her life that she's ready to forget.

Peter hasn’t seen Tess in five years, so he’s shocked to receive an invitation to her wedding. But he’s moved on too, and it wouldn’t hurt to prove it by showing up with a handsome younger man as his plus-one. Mitch, an aspiring writer, is intrigued by Peter and jumps at the chance to pry into the lives of his Waspy ex-in-laws. What he’s not bargained for is developing serious feelings for both Peter and Peter’s ex―Tess, the bride. But Peter and Tess have complex desires of their own, and Mitch is dangerously close to uncovering them.

Wasp's Nest is a fast-paced, humorous, and heartfelt exploration of the shape of our affections that proves real love triangles connect on all sides.

 

 

 

Tess Lowell is planning her second wedding on her family's gorgeous Cape Cod estate. Her society wedding will be quite an affair, especially since her future husband has senate plans. Except things aren't going quite as planned. Her mischievous brother, Sebastian, has invited her ex-husband, Peter, to the wedding. Tess divorced Peter years ago when he was dealing with his addiction issues and Peter hasn't heard from her since. Peter isn't as acceptable to her high-achieving family as he is merely an artist, but he wants to attend the wedding to get some closure. He decides to bring Mitch, an aspiring writer, whom he met at a dinner party; this should throw them all off! Mitch agrees to attend as he needs inspiration for his next writing project. What ensues over the next seven days on Cape Cod is anything but a simple family wedding. Kat Stoddard's debut, Wasp's Nest, is inspired by The Philadelphia Story and is a juicy, if somewhat, superficial beach read.
 
Much like The Philadelphia Story, Tess comes from a well-off family and her parents have high hopes for her second marriage. However, the sparks are still there between Tess and Peter and things get complicated when Mitch is thrown into the mix. This triangle (it's messy!), plus a wealthy Cape Cod wedding, is sure to keep readers flipping the pages as this is a juicy beach read. But that's where the sparkle ended for me. 
 
I am a huge fan of The Philadelphia Story, so I had high hopes for Wasp's Nest, but the characters weren't nearly as endearing as the original story, not to mention the lack of humor like the original tale. Wasp's Nest felt a little more serious at times. While I did appreciate the allusions to the original story, the new touches definitely modernize the story, as there is bisexuality, current politics, and more. Unfortunately, the Wasp's Nest characters were unlikable, and I didn't find myself caring what happened to them, which ultimately made the story never really take off.
 
I love the idea of a modern The Philadelphia Story, but unfortunately, Wasp's Nest didn't hit its mark or capture the magic of the original story, and it ended up being just an ok read. Have you read the debut novel, Wasp's Nest? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.  

 

Book Review: June Baby by Shannon Garvey

 

Pages: 352

Genre: Adult Fiction

Pub. Date: May 12, 2026

Publisher: Random House

Source: Publisher for review

My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

 

 

Goodreads says, "At seventeen, Ruth lost her mother to cancer, and her father, unable to handle his grieving daughter, shipped her off to Block Island with nothing but a name scribbled on the back of a Diana Beckett. Diana, a renowned photographer, took Ruth in for the summer, and Block Island became Ruth’s refuge, a place of beauty and creativity, a place where she could nurture her dreams of being a writer, a place where she could fall in love for the first time—with Diana’s nephew, Charlie. 

Now, at twenty-seven, Ruth has spent the last ten summers living and working among the lucky few who get to vacation in this wealthy beach town, and the rest of the year just scraping by, yearning to return to the place where she feels safe and unburdened. But then Ruth’s world is upended by tragedy again. Desperate for an anchor, she reaches for the person she’s been pining for since she met him—Charlie—who has his own startling revelation to share. And when another surprise comes in the form of a box left to Ruth by Diana, its contents raise questions about just how well she knew the two women who raised her. • Torn between what to believe about her past, and what her future might hold, Ruth is faced with another choice: does she dare to rewrite her story entirely?

Both a heartfelt coming-of-age story and a tender exploration of love and grief, set against a backdrop of golden dunes and seaside sunsets, June Baby shows us what it might look like to embrace a life shaped not by loss, but by possibility.

 

Ruth is seventeen years old, and her world is turned upside down when her mother dies of cancer. Her dad, unable to deal with it all, sends her to her mother's friend on Block Island. Diana is a successful photographer with her images in Vogue and other prestigious magazines. Ruth looks forward to the change of scenery and working with Diana on her upcoming book. Ruth has always aspired to be a writer, and after Diana's push, she wants to help her write her photography book. Ruth also has a transformative summer when she meets Diana's nephew, Charlie. Sparks fly, and their relationship crosses many years, all set against the backdrop of glistening Block Island. Years later, Ruth is still on Block Island, but she no longer has Diana as her anchor, and things with Charlie are strained. June Baby by Shannon Garvey is a compelling and emotional debut novel that is part coming-of-age story and part beach read. 
 
The first quarter of June Baby is heavy; it's filled with a lot of grief as Ruth deals with her mother's death from cancer. She has a lot to work through, and the book takes readers through Ruth's process. This felt pretty heavy for a beach read and, if I am honest, pretty depressing because the story kept coming back to that. It also tackled other serious topics like abortion, and at times, it felt too heavy for me. Once Ruth was able to process her grief a bit more and start her transformation while on Block Island, I felt like a heavy weight was lifted. 

I enjoyed Ruth's relationship with Diana and kept wondering what her connection was to her mother. Many secrets unfold throughout the story that kept me flipping the pages, especially those tied to her mother. Also, the romance between Charlie and Ruth was beautifully executed and perfect for a summer read. The picturesque setting of Block Island, with its dunes, seafood restaurants, sunny paths, and stunning sunsets, added to the charm. Garvey effectively brought the setting to life, creating a very atmospheric experience in June Baby.
 
While I do not like my beach reads this heavy, I still enjoyed the novel overall, and June Baby would be best suited for those readers who like a more emotional beach read than something fluffy and light. Let me know in the comments if June Baby is on your summer TBR list. 

 

Book Review: Last Kiss of Summer by Jessica M. Felleman

 

Pages: 320

Genre: YA Realistic Fiction

Pub. Date: April 28, 2026

Publisher: G.P. Putnam

Source: Publisher for review

My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

 

 

Goodreads says, "When Sera Watkins and her family arrive at their summer house on Cape Cod, she has one goal in mind: protect her heart from the boy who broke it, her next-door neighbor, Luke Tisdale. The problem is, Luke still has a piece of her heart—literally. When Sera received a new heart as a baby, the healthy valves of her old heart were given to Luke. Forever bonded, Luke and Sera grew up together, spending sun-soaked days swimming at their secret beach and painting at art camp.

Then, two summers ago, their friendship almost turned into something more. Key word: almost. Because one fateful night, everything changed. Sera’s health took a turn for the worse. A family secret sent Luke spiraling. And they weren’t there for each other when it mattered the most.

Now, Sera is ready for a fresh start, which means no more pining over the boy next door. But Luke has grown up a lot since she’s seen him, and the chemistry she felt two summers ago? It’s still there. Sera isn’t sure she’s brave enough to risk it all again, but when she gets some difficult news, she realizes there’s no time to waste. Maybe it’s finally Luke and Sera’s moment, their chance to enjoy the sweet kiss of summer together—before it’s too late."

 

 

Sera Watkins has returned to Cape Cod. She is looking forward to a summer of fun, but her next-door neighbor and ex-friend, Luke, is also back in town for the summer. They had a falling out and haven't reconnected since, which is a shame as they share a deep connection stemming from childhood. They are both organ transplant recipients. Sera has had a heart transplant, and Luke received Sera's heart valves, and the families have been connected by this event ever since. Thanks to flashbacks provided by Felleman, readers are privy to their previous summers together, the growing feelings between them, and the eventual fallout. Jessica M. Felleman's Last Kiss of Summer is a heartfelt YA summer novel that packs an emotional punch.
 
I really enjoyed Sera from the start of Last Kiss of Summer, and I think many YA readers can relate to her, especially if they have a chronic medical condition. She has to deal with that every day: the limitations, her parents' worry and hovering, in addition to a myriad of other issues - not to mention the everyday pressures of being a teenager. The more the summer progresses, the more Sera realizes that what went down between her and Luke was really just a product of miscommunication. Could they get back to the place they were before? However, in the back of her mind, Sera is worried about her current medical struggles.
 
The fictional beach town on Cape Cod is the perfect setting for a summer read. I really enjoyed that aspect of Last Kiss of Summer. I also really appreciated Felleman's take on chronic medical conditions as well as organ transplant recipients. Readers could tell that Felleman did her research and brought to the forefront what goes into the daily life of living with this condition. Felleman did it with sensitivity, and it brought a deeper level to the story. Lastly, fans of Nicholas Sparks and A Walk to Remember will especially appreciate this YA novel that gives readers all the feels. Grab your tissues for this one!

 

Book Review: Meet Me Under the Lights by Cassie Miller

Pages: 384

Genre: YA Realistic Fiction

Pub. Date: March 3, 2026 

Publisher: Viking for Young Readers 

 Source: Publisher for review

My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

 

 

Goodreads says, "High school junior Eliza Crowley is known as the Princess of Fairfield, a farm town in North Carolina that loves two things—tradition and baseball. Although Eliza loves “the game,” her life goal is to become a lighting designer on Broadway. Shaking off her reputation as the rich girl and focusing on her town's community theater production are what she’s set her sights on this summer, and nothing will stand in her way. That is until Reed Fulton, the grandson of a struggling Fairfield farmer, and ace pitcher of the Fulton Hawks, returns to town.

Reed dreams of putting the catastrophe of last season behind him and leading the Hawks to a championship victory against the Crowley Cardinals. But when his childhood friend turned stranger, Eliza, strolls back into his life, she makes his heart accelerate quicker than his fastball, and he’s not sure he can stay away from the girl he’s supposed to despise.

Small-town summers and baseball draw Reed and Eliza together, even though the Crowleys and the Fultons are determined to run each other out of town. When the families make a deal to settle their thirty-year-long dispute once and for all, Eliza and Reed are stuck in the middle during the most important summer of their lives.

Heartwarming, captivating, and full of emotion, Meet Me Under the Lights is a pitch-perfect romance that will have readers hooked right off the bat."

 

 

The Crowleys and the Fultons have been feuding for years. Years ago, they co-owned the town's stadium, and the Fultons, a farming family, poured their blood, sweat, and tears into maintaining it. The Crowleys, who are wealthier, have always had a leg up on the Fultons. They leveraged their finances to take over ownership of the stadium. This is when the feud began, and combined with some "friendly" betting on their baseball teams, it only added fuel to the fire. Eliza Crowley, a senior, is a theater lover and the town's sweetheart. She has always been friends with Reed Fulton, an ace pitcher, since they were children, but the friendship faded when he moved away. At his grandfather's request for summer baseball, Reed is back and in town. Due to their family's tension, things between Eliza and Reed are shaky at best until they start to have feelings for one another. When their families make a bet to end their feud once and for all, Eliza and Reed find themselves stuck in the middle. Meet Me Under the Lights is a cute YA romance perfect for summer, as it captures small-town baseball and summer romance very well.
 
I really enjoyed the Romeo and Juliet-inspired drama in Meet Me Under the Lights. The Crowleys and the Fultons have been in conflict for years, which places Eliza and Reed in a challenging position. However, as they spend more time together, they begin to realize their feelings for one another. This enemies-to-lovers romance is executed beautifully in Meet Me Under the Lightss, especially since Miller provides alternate points of view that effectively highlight the characters' emotions and the strain caused by class differences.

Miller effectively captures the joy of summer baseball in her writing. She begins each chapter about Reed with a baseball quote, which enhances the baseball elements of the story. This will certainly resonate with baseball fans. Additionally, she beautifully showcases Cassie's love for theater by detailing the intricacies of lighting a play, and she includes intriguing quotes about theater before each of Eliza's chapters. Remarkably, Miller successfully intertwines the themes of theater and baseball, making it all come together seamlessly!
 
I love a small-town romance, and if it includes baseball, even better! So, I was pleasantly surprised by Meet Me Under the Lights. It's the perfect YA romance for spring.  

Mini Reviews: New Releases

 

Today I’m showcasing two new releases. Lady Tremaine is a fairy‑tale reimagining of Cinderella as told from the "wicked" stepmother's point of view and a BOTM pick for March, and You & Me and You & Me and You & Me is a time‑travel romance with ’90s vibes.

 

Lady Tremaine by Rachel Hochhauser

Pages: 352

Genre: Adult Fiction

Pub. Date: March 3, 2026

Publisher: St. Martin's

Source: Publisher for review

My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

 

 

Goodreads says, "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.

 

Lady Tremaine is now twice widowed and finds herself in charge of her two daughters and her sullen stepdaughter, who has never liked her. Her estate is in shambles, money is tight, and it's on her to make sure her daughters find a way to survive and end up with strong marriages. She has even taken it upon herself to hunt for food with her beloved falcon in order to provide for her family. When she hears about a royal ball with the prince looking for a suitable match, she thinks this is her chance. But when push comes to shove, it is only Elin, her stepdaughter, who gets an invitation. As time passes, though, they realize that the Royal family and Prince Charming aren't who they cracked up to be, and maybe this isn't a good match for Elin. Ultimately, Lady Tremaine by Rachel Hochhauser turns the Cinderella fairy tale on its head by giving the stepmother a chance to be understood; she is more than just a wicked stepmother. It's a fun reimagining of a classic tale and will have readers rooting for the stepmother in no time.
 
I love reimagined fairy tales, especially those that focus on misunderstood or lesser-known characters. There is so much more to the "Wicked" stepmother concept, and I find it fascinating to explore Lady Tremaine's character. Hocchauser's portrayal of her was wonderful, showcasing her development as not only a feminist figure but also as a caring mother who wants the best for her daughters. I enjoyed Lady Tremaine and recommend it to fans of fairy tale reimaginings.

 

 

 

You & Me and You & Me and You & Me by Josie Lloyd and Emlyn Reese

Pages: 352 

Genre: Adult Fiction/Romance 

Pub. Date: February 10, 2026

Publisher: Penguin

Source: Publisher for review

  My Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

 

 

Goodreads says, "Adam and Jules have been married for twenty-five years when they discover a time machine in their shed - can it bring back their romantic spark? Or will it unravel everything? Written by a real-life couple who fell in love while writing their bestselling debut novel twenty-five years ago. One couple. One past. A million tomorrows.

Meet Adam and Jules. Married for nearly twenty-five years and stuck in a rut, their future looks, well, boring.

Then Adam stumbles across a box of old mixtapes he and Jules made for each other when they were young and falling in love. He dusts off his vintage stereo, inserts one of the cassettes, presses play … and the unbelievable happens.

With the power to travel back in time, he and Jules can revisit pivotal moments in their pasts. Is this the key to getting their sparkle back? They embark on an epic hunt through the multiverse for their perfect love story. But as they visit the past and recapture the headiness of falling in love, they realize that traveling across time could be as dangerous as it is addictive, because the temptation to change just a few small things is irresistible. As the ripple effects spiral out of control, can they find a way back to their messy and imperfect, yet glorious, real life? Or will they lose each other forever?

 

Adam and Jules have been married for twenty-five years, they have two grown children who really aren't settled, and the day-to-day of their life is really getting them down. Adam doesn't like his job, and Jules is working hard to get her company off the ground, while mounting up credit card debt. They aren't connecting in their marriage like they used to and have grown apart. When they find a box of their old mix tapes, Adam is reluctant to throw them away. He listened to one on their old stereo, and magically, he was transported to the time he gave Jules that mix tape. They realize that they have stumbled onto a time machine of sorts and have agreed to partake in it, but not change anything major. At first, they don't; they just are reliving some of the best moments of their lives, but as time passes, the changes become bigger, and they reverberate into their current lives. Josie Lloyd and Emlyn Rees's You & Me and You & Me and You & Me is a romance that, while at times felt repetitive, was sweet overall and sends the message of appreciating the life you have. 
 
I love a good time travel story, so I appreciated that aspect of You & Me and You & Me and You & Me. I went back and forth between reading the novel and listening to the audiobook, and I have to say that the audio was done very well; it hooked me much more than the actual novel did. I also enjoyed all the '90s nostalgia and the music—one of my favorite elements of the book. However, I didn't care for the repetition; it felt very much like Sliding Doors. I was frustrated with Jules and Adam when they hid important things from each other. While this hasn't been my favorite romance read this year, fans of second-chance romances and time travel will likely appreciate it.

 

 

 Have you read either of these books? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.