April reads
April was the month to read more of my NetGalley ARCs (advanced reader copy). I had some great reads and no DNFs for this month! I’m particularly excited for May and June as that is prime time for new releases! I hope I can keep up and read them all this year!
Note: NetGalley is a website for book reviewers, librarians, book sellers, etc. where they receive ARCs to give honest opinions.
HIGHLY RECOMMEND
This book caught my eyes as I have family connections to the town. I love to read books with familiar settings. This book apparently is a follow up to a previous novel (CENTRAL PARK WEST). Truthfully, I did not read that one but had no problems reading this as a standalone. We follow Nora who moved to Westport, CT to work at a hedge fund. She does this to investigate a possible crime within the company. A co-worker ends up murdered and Nora became a prime suspect. This was a very well written thriller that takes us on the journey of the investigation as it unfolds, a real who-did-it. I found this very compelling, I’m tempted to check out the first book now. Hope this won’t be the last!
Thank you to NetGalley and Penzler Publishers | Mysterious Press for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
Pub day: May 21
HIGHLY RECOMMEND
This was my first Rebecca Serle novel and I’m in love! I enjoyed this read. Daphne is single and every time she starts to date a guy, she gets a slip of paper. The paper tells her how long the relationship will last. If we knew what the future holds for us, would we let it steer our life? This was a unique romance story and it had all the feels. I loved the magical realism but there were some real life lessons that we could use. I was not expecting the twist and I was glued enough to read this in two sittings. I look forward to reading the backlist titles [ONE ITALIAN SUMMER, THE DINNER LIST, IN FIVE YEARS] by Rebecca Serle.
NO RATING
I won’t go in details about the current events as we all are aware. I am interfaith, but unfortunately never have visited Israel. I wanted to read up more on the history of the country so I picked up this book as recommended. It is not your typical boring history book at all, the author did a great job of research and reporting the facts. She included some of her personal family history which was interesting to read.
HIGHLY RECOMMEND
This was a really interesting picture book to flip through. Clint Hill, the author, is former Secret Service who protected Mrs. Kennedy. He shares many stories from their travels around the world. Some were funny, some were sad (it does briefly cover the tragedy of JFK). Hill is a great storyteller! I recommend this book if you have any interest in the Kennedys.
FAVORITE
Courtney Preiss’ debut novel was a fun read! I throughly enjoyed everything about it - the Jerseyness, Bruce Springsteen, baseball and Jewish rep. We watch Caroline return home to New Jersey after a breakup, losing her job and to help her dad with health issues. She also subbed for her dad in the local baseball league team. While this was labeled as a romance - it did covered serious issues such as health issues, alcohol dependency/drugs addiction, sexism/harassment. Caroline struggling with “what’s next” in her life made her seem very real and messy, but the growth was rewarding too. I loved the writing style, I was glued and intrigued to see where this went and wished the book was longer! I look forward to more books from this author in the future.
Thank you to NetGalley and G.P. Putnam’s Sons for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
LIKED
I am a fan of Hannah Reynolds’ YA novels - THE SUMMER OF LOST LETTERS and EIGHT NIGHTS OF FLIRTING. This book SUMMER NIGHTS AND METEORITES is #3 of the Golden Doors series. Jordan goes to Nantucket for the summer to stay with her dad. On the ferry ride over she hooks up with a guy that she met. Only to find out that the guy, Ethan, is her dad’s research assistant. Throughout the summer, Jordan tries to ignore her developing feelings for Ethan. I enjoyed the banter between them! While on Nantucket, Jordan also decided to get a summer job doing research for a local female astronomer. It does include a lot of astronomy and science, but it wasn’t too difficult to follow. This is a perfect read to aspire women in STEM. This book is full of growth, relationships and communication. I might be biased as someone living in New England but I also love the New England connection! I adored this comfort read! Thank you NetGalley and G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
Pub day: May 21
FAVORITE
I’m officially a fan of Emily Henry. I LOVED following roommates Daphne and Miles who just broke up with their fiancees. Their fiancees are engaged to each other. We feel the emotions of the break up/moving on. The roommates bond on that and become friends… or more than that? Especially when they faked their relationship to make their exes jealous. I love the small town vibes, opposites attraction, how well rounded all characters were. The flow of this read was so smooth that I binge read thru in one day. I think this may be my favorite Emily Henry book — It’s so good that I want a sequel!
FAVORITE
I LOVE Katherine Center. I always read everything she writes. In THE ROM-COMMERS, Emma Wheeler had been a full time caregiver for her dad, until she gets the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to write a movie with one of her favorite screenwriters, Charlie. Emma moves to California for 6 weeks only to find out that Charlie is stubborn to work with and doesn’t want Emma’s help. Eventually he gives in. To write a good rom-com movie, Emma tries to make Charlie a believer in love. I loved their banter, Charlie’s grumpiness, and Emma’s energy. I found myself laughing and rooting for them. Katherine always has the ability to make you feel while you read! This is one of her best novels yet! Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
Pub day: June 11
How are the books rated:
Favorite — LOVED the book / Couldn’t put it down!
Highly Recommend — Great book / Enjoyed.
Liked — Good book / Liked it while reading, but will not remember.
DNF — Did Not Finish / Do not recommend.
No Rating — I do not give ratings on sensitive subject/memoirs.