January was a good month with mostly 4 stars books! I kicked off 2025 with a 5 stars read. I also focused reading a lot of ARC’s (advanced reader copy) that I received via NetGalley (website) this month. Many great books are coming out this year! I’m looking forward to them.
FAVORITE
Taking place in Vermont, we meet Abby who owns a coffee shop. Her town is hosting the first-ever Hanukkah festival. Abby has been put in charge of the festival since she is Jewish. Seth is the other Jewish local who enjoys going to the coffee shop every morning. Abby needs inspiration to plan the festival and Seth needs help to get his mom to stop playing matchmaker. Abby visits Seth’s parents in NYC and is in a fake relationship with Seth. I enjoyed the Hanukkah festitives in NYC and the description of the food — I literally could smell it! This is officially my favorite Hanukkah themed read!
HIGHLY RECOMMEND
Adrienne Young is one of the best storytellers. All of her books have been AMAZING. This newly released, A SEA OF UNSPOKEN THINGS was beautifully written. There were twists and secrets! It’s one of those books where my mind was reeling trying to figure it all out. It is an emotional packed mystery/thriller taking place in a small town read. The bond between the twins, whew! You never can go wrong with Adrienne Young!
*Thank you NetGalley and Delacorte Press for the ARC - all opinions are my own.
HIGHLY RECOMMEND
I am a big fan of Tracey Lange’s books. Her beautiful storytelling and family saga books are always an enjoyable read. This newly released book was no different. It was a beautiful read, VERY emotional. I was invested in the story of Casey and Kyle from the beginning to the end. I’m in awe how Lange has the ability to make the story flow so perfectly. This book has a lot of hope, love, family connections, strong small town community and many more. Highly recommended to read!
*Thank you to NetGalley and Celadon Books for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
HIGHLY RECOMMEND
I was excited to read another book from Lindsay Hameroff! NEVER PLANNED ON YOU introduces us to Ali, a wedding planner who hooked up with a British guy named Graham years ago and they also got matching tattoos. Ali bumps into Graham years later when she is planning his wedding. This rom com read was so fun and lighthearted. I enjoyed all the pop culture references in the book (the nostalgia!) and the humor. I couldn’t put down this book! You’ll want to put this on your TBR - perfect read for Valentine’s Day.
*Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC. All opinions are my own. Out on February 18th.
REALLY LIKED
Jennifer Coburn did it again with a very well-researched historical fiction book. It was a gripping read about Theresienstadt, one of the camps during WWII that created propaganda films. The films were shared with the public that the Jews were thriving in the camps. I wasn’t familiar with Theresienstadt so it was educational read for me. I liked how there were two different POVs. I did found it to be slow at the beginning, but I knew it would be worth it to continue. I’m glad that I did because it is a compelling book. It was tough to read too!
*Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
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.