Two disparate people—lost in their own way—find an unexpected healing connection in a poignant novel about redemption and chosen family by New York Timesbestselling author Catherine Ryan Hyde.
An army veteran with a career as a beat cop behind her, security guard Addie Finch is tough—on the outside. Internally, she’s in crisis mode. She’s lonely, introverted, struggling through AA, estranged from her son, and, at sixty-two years old, questioning her role as a protector. She also has a soft spot for the underdog that’s about to change her life.
Addie finds Jonathan, a homeless teenager abandoned by his mother, holed up in a warehouse and vulnerable to the elements and to predators. Touched by the boy’s gentle nature and a wisdom beyond his years, Addie offers him temporary shelter in her garden shed in exchange for maintaining the sprawling property. It’s an act of kindness and purpose that means the world to Jonathan. But when Addie faces a situation that sends her internal world tumbling, the emotional connection with Jonathan, once the unlikeliest of strangers, becomes her lifeline as well.
As both process past traumas, Addie and Jonathan forge a surrogate grandmother-grandson bond—a chosen family that could restore trust and heal hearts they thought were broken forever.
Review
I love this author’s books. And this one did not disappoint!
Addie finds Jonathan, a homeless teenager abandoned by his mother, holed up in a warehouse and vulnerable to the elements and to predators. Touched by the boy’s gentle nature and a wisdom beyond his years, Addie offers him temporary shelter in her garden shed in exchange for maintaining the sprawling property.
Addie is a flawed character but I loved her dearly. She lost her career as a cop to alcoholism. But she has been sober now for several years. So, when she does something terrible to protect Jonathan, it sends her into a spiral.
Jonathan definitely didn’t deserve all that has happened to him. I loved his strength and his desire to “pay it forward”. I could say so much more about him..JUST READ THE BOOK!
This is an emotional read you do not want to miss. Heck, all of this author’s books will send you into emotional turmoil. My favorite is Just A Regular Boy, just in case you want to add that one as well!
Need a story that will keep you emotionally hooked from start to finish…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today!
I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.
Two sisters, a failing family business, and a whole lot of hairspray—Good Hair Days is a modern twist on Steel Magnolias with a little extra Dolly Parton flare.
“I’ve really messed it all up, Georgia,” Junie says. “And this time it’s the shop. June’s is in trouble.”
June’s Beauty Shop is a staple in Whitetail, a small Southern town north of Atlanta. It may look like an outdated hole-in-the-wall slathered in Dolly Parton memorabilia, but to the women in town, it is a sacred space.
To Georgia and Junie Scott, it is their family legacy, particularly their late mother’s. For generations, the shop has been passed to the oldest daughter, always named June. But Mama wanted more for her firstborn.
Now Georgia is living the life everyone expected, the life everyone wanted for her. Everyone, that is, except her. But what can a girl do when her mother’s last wish was for Georgia to get out of Whitetail? So that’s what she did. She lives in Atlanta, has a swanky job, drives a fancy car, and—as far as her family knows—makes the big bucks.
It should be no surprise then when Junie asks for fifty grand to fix her latest mess. But Georgia’s never had that kind of money. Dad and the aunts don’t have it either. To save June’s, they’ll have to get creative.
Bursting with energy, heart, and sass, Good Hair Days is about a family pulling together for a common purpose, finding healing from the past, and moving forward courageously as they encounter their hardest trial yet.
Review
June’s Beauty Shop is a staple in Whitetail, a small Southern town north of Atlanta. It may look like an outdated hole-in-the-wall slathered in Dolly Parton memorabilia, but to Georgia and Junie Scott, it is their family legacy.
I do not think there is a main character in this book that I did not like. I especially loved June. She is struggling in more ways than one (you need to read this to find out) but she always has a great outlook.
Then there is Georgia. She really had no idea that it was time to come home. But once she arrives, she realizes this is where she needs to be.
This is a wonderful story about family, overcoming obstacles and forgiving yourself! And let me tell you, it has some great emotional issues that just might make you shed a tear or two.
These two narrators, Natalie Duke and Reba Buhr had excellent pacing. They were perfect for this novel.
Need a sweet tale that just might make you cry…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.
I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.
A detour. A chance encounter. Two women who alter the pages of each other’s story.
Juliet Nightingale is lucky to be alive. Months after a freak accident involving lightning, she’s fully recovered but is left feeling that something is missing from her life. Something big. Impulsively, she decides to take a solo summer road trip, hoping that the journey will lead her down a path that will help her discover exactly what it is that she’s searching for.
Newly single mom Tallulah Byrd Mayfield is hanging by a thread after her neat, tidy world was completely undone when her husband decided that their marriage was over. In the aftermath of the breakup, she and her two daughters move in with her eighty-year-old grandfather. Tallulah starts a new job at the Forget-Me-Not Library, where old, treasured memories can be found within the books—and where Lu must learn to adapt to the many changes thrown her way.
When a road detour leads Juliet to Forget-Me-Not, Alabama, and straight into Tallulah’s life, the two women soon discover there’s magic in between the pages of where you’ve been and where you still need to go. And that happiness, even when lost, can always be found again.
Review
Juliet Nightingale is lucky to be alive. Months after a freak accident involving lightning, she’s fully recovered but is left feeling that something is missing from her life. When a road detour leads Juliet to Forget-Me-Not, Alabama. Juliet soon discover there’s magic in between the pages of where you’ve been and where you still need to go.
Forget-Me-Not Alabama is a magical town. It is full of quirky characters, a wonderful library and a cat that has everyone’s number. But it is also a place that will help you heal. And Juliet definitely needs this.
This is a charming story where each person is coming back from a heartbreak or a trauma. But Forget-Me-Not heals them and envelopes the reader in a warm hug.
This book hit me at the right time. Such a sweet and encouraging read.
This is narrated by Hallie Ricardo and Stephanie Willis. And I felt they did a good job. Anytime narrators do NOT overdo the southern accent and fail…that is a win.
Need a sweet tale that will give you hope…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.
I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.
This heartwarming small-town Christmas romance set in the snowy Colorado mountains is perfect for readers who love cozy Christmas stories with found family and unexpected holiday romance.
Lila McAllister has built a successful career as a hospitality consultant, but this Christmas she isn’t chasing five-star ratings, she’s chasing answers. Facing her first holiday alone, she sets out to find the birth mother who gave her up for adoption on Christmas Day thirty-four years ago.
Her only clue is a handmade baby quilt that leads her to Pine Ridge Inn, a cozy mountain retreat in Colorado. But what begins as a quiet search turns into something much more when she’s drawn into the charm of the town’s festive traditions and the warmth of a found family. Then there’s Brady Hanson, the inn’s handsome but protective manager who challenges her need to control every situation.
As Christmas Eve approaches, long-buried secrets come to light, forcing Lila to choose between the carefully built life she left behind and the family-and love-she never expected to find.
Brimming with holiday magic, heartwarming emotion, and a setting as cozy as drinking hot cocoa by the fire, this story will stay with you long after the last chapter. Perfect for fans of Debbie Macomber, Sarah Morgan, and RaeAnne Thayne.
Review
I love this author’s books. But I think this is my favorite.
Lila McAllister has built a successful career as a hospitality consultant, but this Christmas she isn’t chasing five-star ratings, she’s chasing answers. Facing her first holiday alone, she sets out to find the birth mother who gave her up for adoption on Christmas Day thirty-four years ago.
I enjoy a book that has me hunting down a family secret. And Lila is on the hunt for her birth mother. I think my favorite thing about this was the clue of the quilt. It just made it more real.
Then there is the Inn. Oh my! This is so atmospheric. I could just picture the fireplace and all the decorations…even the coffee pot that keeps falling apart.
Need a good holiday tale with a great family secret…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.
You don’t know who to trust or where loyalties lie in The Perfect Hosts. I loved every minute of this fun, twisty wild ride!”–Mary Kubica, New York Timesbestselling author of Local Woman Missing
A couple’s gender reveal party turns deadly and everyone is a suspect in this gripping thriller from the New York Times bestselling author of The Overnight Guest.
Is it a boy or a girl? They would die to know…
Madeline and Wes Drake have invited two hundred of their closest friends and family to their sprawling horse ranch for the most anticipated event of the year: a “pistols and pearls” gender reveal party so sensational it is sure to make headlines. But the party descends into chaos when the celebratory explosive misfires, leaving one woman dead and a trail of secrets.
As the aftershocks of the bloody party ripple across the small town, Agent Jamie Saldano is brought on the scene to investigate. Battling his own demons from the past, Saldano unearths a web of deceit spun around the Drakes. The appearance of some unexpected houseguests only deepens the mystery. And as tensions mount, it becomes clear that the explosion wasn’t just an unlucky accident. But who was the target, and why? As the shadow of a killer looms, the happy parents-to-be must unravel the truth before it’s too late.
Review
This is a twisted story that takes you on a wild ride.
Madeline and Wes Drake have invited two hundred of their closest friends and family to their sprawling horse ranch for the most anticipated event of the year: a “pistols and pearls” gender reveal party so sensational it is sure to make headlines. But the party descends into chaos when the celebratory explosive misfires, leaving one woman dead and a trail of secrets.
This has several threads to follow and trust me…this author keeps them alive and well in your head.
There is Jamie the ATF agent. He is back investigating the bombing at the gender reveal. But he also has an ulterior motive. His sister came up missing from this town and he is hoping to discover more…and boy does he!
Then there is Madeline and Wes. Not all is as it seems. Enter Lucy, Madeline’s sister. She is a piece of work. I didn’t quite know what to think of her. I did know she was hiding something. Don’t worry…it all comes out.
Talk about some family drama! Keep your eyes open because this has some twists you may not see coming!
I have said this before and I will say this again, I love a good tag team. This is narrated by Brittany Pressley and Xe Sands. These two did a great job.
Need a gender reveal gone bad…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.
I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.
A twisty, tender and wise look at how secrets can transform the powerful—and sometimes problematic—bond between mothers and daughters, from #1 New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery.
When Shannon gets engaged, her beloved mom, Cindy, is the first person she wants to tell—and the last. Cindy’s engaged, too, and has already hinted at a double wedding. The image of a synchronized bouquet toss with her mom fills Shannon with horror. She’ll keep her engagement a secret until Cindy’s I-dos are done.
Victoria has never been proper enough for her mother, Ava, so she stopped trying. She lives on her own terms and amuses herself by pushing Ava’s buttons. Ava loves but doesn’t understand her stuntwoman daughter. When a movie-set mishap brings Victoria home, Ava longs to finally connect.
Chance brings the four women together at a wedding venue, where a shocking secret comes tumbling out. Twenty-four years ago, desperate teenager Cindy chose wealthy Ava to adopt her baby—then changed her mind at the very last second. The loss rocked Ava’s world, leaving her unable to open her heart to the daughter she did adopt, Victoria. As Shannon and Victoria deal with the fallout from the decisions their mothers made, they wrestle with whether who they are is different than who they might have become.
Review
Twenty-four years ago, desperate teenager Cindy chose wealthy Ava to adopt her baby—then changed her mind at the very last second. The loss rocked Ava’s world, leaving her unable to open her heart to the daughter she did adopt, Victoria. As Shannon and Victoria deal with the fallout from the decisions their mothers made, they wrestle with whether who they are is different than who they might have become.
This is a story of love, friendship and life changing decisions.
Ava and Victoria have a rocky relationship. This relationship is so different from Shannon and Cindy. Their relationship is almost codependent. And when the secret comes out, both Shannon and Victoria have their worlds rocked. And they each handle it differently. I love it when an author get sh the characters right!
I will say that if I heard the narrator say charcuterie board one more time, I was going to pull my hair out. This was definitely overdone by the author. But, luckily the story is fast paced and enjoyable. This is minor but enough to notice!
This is narrated by Tanya Eby. I enjoyed her cadence and her voices.
Need a good family drama…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.
I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.
Set amongst the glittering backdrop of London’s iconic Savoy hotel, a young woman is forced to confront her troubled past as she uncovers the story of the hotel’s first female bartender who has been erased from the history books—”an exhilarating, tender read that will leave you smiling” (Fiona Jackson, bestselling author).
Six years ago, Cinnamon Scott was a young writer on the rise in New York City. But since the sudden loss of her parents, she’s been stuck in place, retreating to a life of endless partying—made possible by the massive fortune she’s inherited. Despite their tragic loss, she and her older sister Rosemary have always had each other to lean on. But now, with Rosie living in London and about to give birth to twins, Cinnamon feels more lost than ever.
When Rosie is put on bedrest, Cinnamon flies to her sister’s side, where she’s temporarily living at The Savoy. Immediately swept away by the beauty and history of the legendary hotel and its famed American Bar, Cinnamon finds ample opportunity to distract herself. When the late shift bartender tells her the story of Ada Coleman, the woman who crafted the cocktail recipes The Savoy popularized in its famous handbook a century ago, Cinnamon is inspired by the bartender’s vivid stories of Ada’s fearlessness and can’t understand why Ada’s name is nowhere to be found.
After meeting a handsome historian researching the hotel and realizing that Ada is likely to be once again overlooked, Cinnamon must decide if she can overcome her demons and stand up for Ada’s story. And, along the way, she might just save her own story too.
Review
Cinnamon has been a party girl ever since she lost both her parents. But, now she must get her act together. Her older sister, Rosemary has been put on bed rest with her pregnancy. Cinnamon rushes to be by her side at the Savoy Hotel in London. Cinnamon starts to spend a lot of time at the American Bar where she discovers stories about Ada Coleman, the Savoy famous mixologist.
Cinnamon is a bit damaged. She has never gotten over the death of her parents. As a matter of fact, she blames herself. This tragedy completely derailed her life. But, since she has arrived in London, she is starting to face some things about her life.
Enter Ada! I loved learning about Ada. And let me tell you, this book had me researching. She was a fascinating lady! She is known for the Hanky Panky cocktail!
This story is a bit slow, especially at the start of this book. But hang with it! It picks up. It is full of great history and a bit of family drama you do not want to miss!
Christin Larkin is the narrator. And she has quite a few female voices. I love how she made each one distinctive, especially Rosemary and Cinnamon.
Need a good tale about a forgotten person in history…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.
I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.
People and secrets from the past threaten to disrupt Nola Trenholm’s new life in New Orleans in the third novel of the Royal Street series by New York Times bestselling author Karen White.
Nola is ready to focus on starting over in the Big Easy. She wants to get back to work on the renovations of her Creole cottage, and she is eager to launch a new murder-house-flipping business with contractor, closet psychic, and part-time nemesis Beau Ryan. After a near-death ghostly encounter and the return of Beau’s missing sister, they are confident that the ghost of his mother can finally rest.
Nola believes the shotgun house on famed Esplanade Avenue is a prime fixer-upper for her first project. It may have been the site of a woman’s murder and the disappearance of an entire family, but the house will be perfect for new-to-town Cooper Ravenel—who happens to have caused Nola’s first heartbreak.
That’s the least of Nola’s worries, though. In addition to the elusive spirit of an angry young woman who accompanied Cooper to New Orleans, the house on Esplanade has its own ghosts, including one that is becoming increasingly dangerous as he tries to hide his dark secrets. And the wet footprints from the spirit of Beau’s mother have returned to let them know there is still unfinished business before she can rest. Spectral danger is headed toward them, and it’s up to Nola to convince Beau to help before it’s too late. .
Review
Nola believes the shotgun house on famed Esplanade Avenue is a prime fixer-upper for her first project. It may have been the site of a woman’s murder and the disappearance of an entire family, but the house will be perfect for new-to-town Cooper Ravenel—who happens to have caused Nola’s first heartbreak.
Let me start off with this is book 3 in The Royal Street series. This is a stand alone book. But, for fun, I would read the others too 😜.
I will say, this story is a bit wordy in places. It probably could have been several pages shorter. But, I will also say…I enjoyed it! I mean, it has a ghost or two or three…and not all are nice!! It also has a creepy doll that keeps reappearing when it shouldn’t. What is not to love?! Add in the great city of New Orleans with its mystical history and you have a very good book to keep you up at night.
Need a ghostly tale set in the great town of New Orleans…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.
I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.
A phony psychic vision goes wrong when a woman unexpectedly finds herself involved in a murder investigation, perfect for fans of May Cobb and Catherine McKenzie.
Twenty-five-year-old Jade Crawford spends her days selling crystals, conducting séances, and reading tarot cards in her shop in Winston-Salem, NC. But her connection to the other side is all a facade. After losing their mother to a terrible accident and their father serving jail time, Jade and her younger sister Stevie do what they can to survive. When a local politician goes missing, Jade sees a lucrative opportunity to drum up new clients and inject some much-needed cash into their pockets.
Jade submits a “psychic vision” to the police tipline only to discover that her shot in the dark is chillingly accurate when the police find the politician’s body. Caught in a media whirlwind, Jade revels in her newfound popularity and success, but she quickly finds herself the target of not only a police investigation but of the killer who is still on the loose.
With stunning suspense that is perfect for fans of Samantha M. Bailey, Finley turns the screws tighter into a taut and thrilling read.
Review
Jade submits a “psychic vision” to the police tipline only to discover that her shot in the dark is chillingly accurate when the police find the politician’s body. Caught in a media whirlwind, Jade revels in her newfound popularity and success, but she quickly finds herself the target of not only a police investigation but of the killer who is still on the loose.
I enjoyed Jade. She tries to do the right thing, she just can’t. She has good intentions they just fall apart because she has bills to pay so she reverts back to what she knows and that is conning people. And trust me, she goes above and beyond on quite a few of her schemes.
This story takes you on a wild ride of tarot readings and seances. However, it is a bit slow in spots but I was rooting for Jade. I know she is a con artist but she is just doing what she has to do to survive.
The narrator, Sarah Beth Pfeifer, did a very good job, especially with Jade.
Need a story about a fraud that gets herself in some hot water….THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.
I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.
Powerful, haunting, and precise.” —Fiona Davis, New York Times bestselling author of The Stolen Queen
These aren’t just stories. They’re love letters.
Told through a mix of true stories and new fiction, Dear Orchid opens the heart in unexpected ways: through loss and love, silence and recovery, and the hard-won resilience of people who don’t always fit the mold.
With tenderness and heart, Dear Orchid is an Asian American author’s homage to Mary-Louise Parker’s Dear Mr. You, through letters to a girl newly freed from East Berlin, an aunt lost to Communist-era borders, and Purple Heart-decorated heroes. These intimate portraits explore the messy beauty of friendship, family, disability, and belonging.
You’ll meet a wounded hero who jokes through his pain, a beloved cat with a crayon note taped to his back (“HELP ME”), and characters who refuse to be defined by what they’ve lost.
The final chapter brings a fictional reunion with the unforgettable cast from the Goodbye Orchid trilogy, offering healing, closure, and a second chance romance.
Written in a lyrical, letter-style format, this collection blends memoir and imagination in a deeply personal exploration of grief, identity, and human connection. It’s a window into private moments that echo something universal. Underneath the heartbreak and humor runs the quiet pull between star-crossed lovers, whose stories unfold across time, distance, and impossible odds.
Whether you’re drawn to true stories of survival or fictional narratives filled with tenderness and truth, Dear Orchidoffers an emotional journey that celebrates love in all its forms.
A collection for anyone who’s ever loved, lost, or longed to understand the emotional truth behind the quiet moments that shape us.
Includes elements of multicultural and medical romance, true stories, and unforgettable moments of vulnerability and hope.
Excerpt
Was it a hand-me-down? Had you found it in a thrift bin? You boarded my New Jersey Transit train wearing khaki pants, loafers, and a decidedly unfashionable oatmeal-blue sweater. Scratchy wool hairs sprouted from its worn surface, its V-neck revealing a button-down shirt underneath. But you also sported a warm smile and a pile of books, not a common accoutrement at eleven p.m. on a Saturday night.
So, when you indicated with a nod that you wanted to join my row of three orange seats, I scooted towards the window, leaving an empty space between us. In that moment regarding you, I instantly absorbed an array of impressions. You seemed genuine, trustworthy, warm, and—I don’t know how else to put it—safe.
That night, your literary choice made all the difference.
“Is that John Irving’s new book?” I asked, my tone trending towards excitement as I eyed the patterned grey cover printed with the words A Prayer for Owen Meany.
“Yeah, he spoke at my sister’s college graduation, so I wanted to read it,” you said, your voice new to my ears. Yet you seemed familiar to me, like we’d known each other a long time already.
As the train swayed, you spoke over the clatter of the tracks to tell me about the book and your work as an engineer. You made me chuckle, acting out scenes from the British comedy troupe Monty Python. “It’s just a flesh wound,” you cried, mimicking the tone of the Black Knight after King Arthur dealt a blow that was clearly more than a nick. I always said if there was one quality I needed in a person it was a sense of humor.
In most ways, you weren’t like other men I was drawn to. In those young college days, I tended towards creatives, artists, an edgy style, and a hint of angst. Still, I was disappointe to hear that you’d be getting off at the next stop to change trains.
Then your big brown eyes lit with an idea. “At night, I work at Brentano’s Bookstore to help pay down my student loans. Just give me
your address and I’ll ship you a copy of John Irving’s book.” The train slowed to enter your station.
You were a stranger. Yet your demeanor seemed kind. I calculated a split-second judgment call. I took the pen you offered and scribbled an address into your notebook. Not my actual physical address, but a safe, central location for mail.
You studied my college P.O. Box address and granted me a smile.
“Bye,” you said.
I waved as you left.
It wasn’t goodbye.
A week later, I visited my post office to find a brown paper-wrapped book. Using your return address, I sent a thank you card. Then you wrote me a letter telling me about yourself. You mentioned your parents’ impending divorce. I replied, telling you about my life at school and expressing sympathy for the hard time you must be going through. A few letters later, you wrote to ask me for my phone number.
We spent hours talking, trading stories both heartfelt and funny. One day, you suggested that we meet for dinner.
On our first date, our clashing sartorial choices almost ended our evening prematurely. Your conservative 3-piece blue suit seemed to promise a professorial lecture rather than a fun-filled meal. You later admitted that my outfit gave you pause. My minidress nipped at the waist, black-and-white striped stockings, and shiny patent shoes with oversized bows seemed quirky.
Luckily, those first impressions soon melted away. Once we sat down for dinner, it felt as though there wasn’t enough time for all we wanted to say and do. We prolonged the evening by imbibing drinks at my friend’s bar, laughing and talking all the while. Then we rode the train to New Brunswick to dance at my favorite college hang-out, The
Melody, until its two-a.m. closing time.
When did you sense this wouldn’t be the last time we saw each other?
***
Our early correspondence now lives together with keepsakes from our travels, alongside handmade pottery from our international assignment to China, our twin’s grade school finger paintings, and marble tiles from our two-year home renovation. On a treasured bookshelf, two copies of A Prayer for Owen Meany have spent the decades of our marriage tucked side-by-side, like a long-time wedded couple.
Somewhere among the stuff we’ve collected over the years, if we dig deep enough, perhaps we could even find your scratchy wool oatmeal blue V-neck sweater. I no longer question your fashion choices. Your favorite “uniform” of a sky-blue button-down shirt, khaki pants, and loafers suits you. As does your kindness, care, and always, your good humor. Thank you, dear Mr. Blue Sweater, thank you for our laughter and our own stories. Enough to fill books, our hearts, and a lifetime of memories.
CAROL VAN DEN HENDE is an award-winning novelist who pens stories of resilience and hope. Her novels Orchid Blooming, Goodbye, Orchid and Always Orchid draw from her Chinese American heritage, and have won 40+ literary awards, including the American Fiction Award, IAN Outstanding Fiction First Novel Award, and Royal Dragonfly Awards for Disability Awareness and Cultural Diversity. Buzzfeed, Parade, and Travel+Leisure named “heartwarming, heartbreaking” Goodbye, Orchid a most anticipated read. Glamour Magazine recommended this “modern, important take on the power of love.”Woman’s World called Always Orchid “One of 7 Books You Won’t Be Able to Put Down.” The International Pulpwood Queens selected Goodbye, Orchid, Orchid Blooming and Always Orchid as Books-of-the-Month. Carol’s mission is unlocking optimism as a writer, speaker, global marketer, digital strategist, Board Trustee and Climate Reality Leader. One secret to her good fortune? Her humorous husband and twins, who prove that love really does conquer all.
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