I’ve always been fascinated by the intersection of commerce and art, the vertex where so much that I love—pop culture, genre, and kitsch—makes its home. A prime example is the merchandising-driven show, designed mainly to pitch toys to the kids watching at home. When I was young, this was the domain of the Saturday morning […]
Ashley Audrain’s debut novel “The Push” delivers a gut-wrenching psychological thriller that burrows into your consciousness like a splinter you can’t extract. With unflinching precision, Audrain crafts a narrative that dismantles the romanticized notions of motherhood, replacing them with something far more complex and disturbing. This is not a comfortable read—nor is it meant to […]
In the crowded landscape of crime fiction, Daniel G. Miller’s “The Orphanage By The Lake” stands out with its refreshingly authentic protagonist and a plot that expertly balances contemporary issues with classic detective tropes. This first installment in the Hazel Cho series introduces readers to a private investigator who breaks the mold – she’s flawed, […]
In the crowded landscape of Civil War fiction, Chris Bohjalian’s “The Jackal’s Mistress” carves out distinctive territory by exploring the profound moral complexities faced by ordinary people caught in extraordinary circumstances. Set in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley in 1864, this meticulously researched novel draws inspiration from an actual historical episode while crafting an original narrative that […]
In horror films, there’s always that one girl who makes it to the end—the one who outsmarts the killer, who turns the tables, who survives until sunrise when the credits roll. But what happens after? What sort of life awaits someone who’s witnessed unimaginable carnage, who’s faced down a monster and lived? This is the […]
Elena Armas, the author who charmed readers with The Spanish Love Deception, returns with a slow-burn, heartfelt, and deeply introspective second installment in her Love Deception series: The American Roommate Experiment. This novel focuses on Rosie Graham and Lucas Martín—Catalina’s best friend and cousin, respectively—as they navigate proximity, emotional vulnerability, and the creative paralysis of […]
In her adult debut novel, Summer in the City, Alex Aster—best known for her #1 New York Times bestselling YA fantasy series Lightlark—demonstrates her versatility by crafting a witty, emotional, and deliciously satisfying contemporary romance. Set against the backdrop of a sweltering New York summer, this story delivers all the trappings of a great rom-com […]
Same Place, Same Stars by Katey Taylor Genre: Literary & General Fiction / Psychological ISBN: 9781732750449 Print Length: 333 pages Amazon Reviewed by Joelene Pynnonen This ultimately hopeful psychological drama digs into the complexities of mental health treatment and the stigma surrounding it. When Natalia Sokolov is admitted to Awana, a mental health treatment facility, […]
Alexandra Kiley’s sophomore novel “Scot and Bothered” delivers a heartfelt second-chance romance against the breathtaking backdrop of Scotland’s Isle of Skye. Following her charming debut “Kilt Trip,” Kiley returns to the Scottish landscape she clearly adores, this time taking readers on an emotional and physical journey along the challenging Skye Trail. The novel artfully braids […]
Black Cliff Chronicles by Steve Sterling I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion. Synopsis: Three intertwined time travel rescue missions reveal how ordinary people rise to extraordinary acts of valor, driven by selflessness and a willingness to sacrifice for others. The thriving university town of New […]