Story for the Week
Every year, I join the Goodreads reading challenge. I typically average a book a week, so my goal is around the 50 mark to allow life to get in the way. I started out really strong this year—finishing six books in January and five in February. I averaged five a month until July when I only finished two. Don’t ask me what happened there. I have no idea. 🙃
I discovered a new group this past year—The Creepy Book Club—run by someone I follow on TikTok and her best friend. They have a Facebook group, merch, monthly Zoom meetings to talk about the book of the month, and annual retreats. I haven’t yet experienced the retreat, but I hope to in the near future. They sound like a ton of fun.
If you like tracking what you read like I do, a new app also made its way onto my phone. Obviously, I still track on Goodreads (along with Beanstack, which our local library uses for its reading program logs). But early in the year, someone in the My Book Friends Facebook group shared a screenshot of her month in books, and I loved the look of it. The app is called Bookmory. I don’t take advantage of all the features, but it’s an easier way to see all the books I’ve finished in a month.
Speaking of My Book Friends, if you love to read, this is the Facebook group for you. It is my absolute favorite. I joined a couple of years ago. Organized by about a dozen authors, they have almost two dozen now who moderate. A different author hosts each day, they share personal stories, and they engage and interact with group members. It’s an amazing and uplifting and positive group.
One of my favorite highlights of the year in this group is Bookapalooza, which happens on the first Sunday in December. There are giveaways galore throughout the day, and each author offers a prize of some sort. Some of them ask you to follow them, subscribe to newsletters. Others just want you to comment in response to a question they pose. Winners are chosen at random.
But it’s not just the two dozen authors who run the group for Bookapalooza. They invite other authors to join in the fun. This year, more than 50 authors offered prizes ranging from free books to gift baskets to a new Kindle Fire 11! It’s crazy trying to keep up with all the posts, but so much fun to see the interaction and to discover new authors.
I read some fantastic books this year, and there were also quite a few snoozers and books that were just ok—more than last year anyway. I finished 48 in total, so I set my goal for 50 again in 2024. Maybe, just maybe, I’ll surpass it.
If you haven’t yet read the books (and the blog posts) highlighted below, I highly recommend these 4- and 5-star reads. Next week, I’ll write about what I know I’ll be reading and reviewing in 2024. I already have 23 books in the queue with every week planned out until the end of June and a couple of stragglers into August. 😲
I hope you enjoy my book year in review. Bring on 2024!
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4-Star Reviews Of 2023 (Includes 3.5 Star Reviews)
- The Promise Of Us by Jamie Beck—contemporary fiction, romance, women’s fiction
The bullet wound that ended Claire McKenna’s promising professional tennis career drove her to make a quiet life in her hometown. Then there was the boyfriend who dumped her to pursue her adventurous childhood friend. When her business hits a financial snag, she thinks she can survive anything…until her teen crush, Logan, returns to town with his sister, Claire’s traitorous friend.
Featured in The Perspective of Living in the Moment (March 5) - Even When You Lie by Michelle Cruz—general fiction, mystery, romance, thriller/suspense
Former intelligence officer Reagan Reyes is currently the in-house investigator for pricey criminal defense attorney, Cade McCarrick…and she’s his lover, despite the law firm’s rules forbidding romantic relationships between partners and staff. Their relationship is pushed to its limits when a mysterious woman leaves an envelope for Cade and is soon discovered dead.
Featured in Forever Spoiled by A Time to Kill (March 19) - The Personal Assistant by Kimberly Belle—domestic thriller, psychological drama, thriller/suspense
When Alex first began posting unscripted family moments and motivational messages online, she had no intention of becoming an influencer. Overnight it seemed she’d amassed a huge following, and her hobby became a full-time job. But all the good-will of her followers turns toxic when one controversial post goes viral in the worst possible way.
Featured in No One Escapes Their Internet Past (April 2) - The Shadow Sister by Lily Meade—mystery, teen/young adult, thriller/suspense
Casey is furious when her sister Sutton goes missing. She knows Sutton is manipulative, meanwhile everyone paints a picture of her perfection. People don’t look for missing Black girls—or half-Black girls—without believing there is an angel to be saved. When Sutton reappears, Casey knows she should be relieved. Except Sutton isn’t the same.
Featured in No Danger of Walking Alone in the Woods (June 11) - The Senator’s Wife by Liv Constantine—psychological drama, thriller/suspense
After a tragic chain of events led to the deaths of their spouses two years ago, D.C. philanthropist Sloane Chase and Senator Whit Montgomery are finally starting to move on—with each other. As Sloane returns to the world of White House dinners and political small talk, she’s also preparing for an upcoming hip replacement. And they hire the perfect home health aide Athena Karras. But Sloane slowly begins to deteriorate, and her uncertainty quickly turns to paranoia as she begins to suspect the worst.
Featured in What’s Not to Love About a Medical Drama? (June 18) - Forever Hold Your Peace by Liz Fenton and Lisa Steinke—general fiction, women’s fiction
When their newly engaged kids ask all four divorced parents to meet each other over brunch, it’s not the impulsive couple’s quick engagement that’s under the microscope. As it turns out June, mother of the bride, and Amy, mother of the groom are ex-best-friends who haven’t spoken since their explosive falling out more than 25 years ago.
Featured in The Best Friends Become Your Family (June 25) - The One That Got Away by Charlotte Rixon—women’s fiction
2000, Benjamin’s world is turned upside down the night he meets Clara. A devastating mistake on their last night at university will take their lives in very different directions. 20 Years Later, Clara has a high-profile job and a handsome husband. But she knows that a piece of her heart still belongs to Benjamin, the boy whose life she fears she ruined. When a bombing is reported in the city where they first met, Clara is pulled back to a place she tries not to remember and the first love she could never forget.
Featured in “We Were on a Break!” (August 6) - The Big Bang Theory: The Definitive, Inside Story Of The Epic Hit Series by Jessica Radloff—entertainment
The definitive, behind-the-scenes look at the most popular sitcom of the last decade, The Big Bang Theory, packed with all-new, exclusive interviews with the producers and the entire cast.
Featured in Big Bang Theory Binge Ended with a BANG (August 20) - When The Rain Ends by Mary Ellen Taylor—contemporary fiction, family life, women’s fiction
When artist Dani Manchester learns she’s slowly losing her vision only months after the unexpected death of her ex-husband, Dani and her preteen daughter are left grief stricken. On a whim, Dani sells her waterfront home and buys an old farm inland near the Virginia state line. But Dani’s daughter recoils at the sudden, drastic change. As mother and daughter navigate the fiercest storm of their lives, they learn that instead of waiting for the skies to clear, they can withstand the wind and rain, so long as they do it together.
Featured in Navigating Obstacles and Life Lessons (September 17) - None Of This Is True by Lisa Jewell—mystery, thriller/suspense
Popular podcaster Alix Summer crosses paths with an unassuming woman called Josie Fair while they are both celebrating their 45th birthday at a local pub. A few days later, Josie tells Alix she is on the cusp of great changes in her life and might be an interesting subject for Alix’s podcast series. Alix slowly starts to realize that Josie has been hiding some very dark secrets, and before she knows it, Josie has inveigled her way into Alix’s life—and into her home.
Featured in How Many People Share Your Birthday? (October 29) - Hanging By A Thread by Liz Talley—amateur sleuth, mystery
Being a part-time private investigator isn’t as glamorous as antiques store owner Cricket Crosby thought it would be. That is, until she finds herself eyeballs deep investigating the attempted murder of a wealthy matriarch. When Annabelle actually turns up dead, Cricket and Ruby join forces to solve the mystery.
Featured in Knowing Your Talent and the Importance of Being Humbled (November 12) - The It Girl by Ruth Ware—mystery, psychological drama, thriller/suspense
Vivacious, bright, occasionally vicious, and the ultimate It girl, April Clarke-Cliveden quickly pulled Hannah Jones into her dazzling orbit at Oxford. Together, they developed a group of devoted and inseparable friends during their first term. By the end of the year, April was dead.
Featured in Memories of College Campus Life (December 3) - Midnight Is The Darkest Hour by Ashley Winstead—psychological drama, thriller/suspense
A twisted tale of murder, obsessive love, and the beastly urges that lie dormant within us all…even the God-fearing folk of Bottom Springs, Louisiana. In her small hometown, librarian Ruth Cornier has always felt like an outsider, even as her beloved father rains fire-and-brimstone warnings from the pulpit at Holy Fire Born Again.
Featured in Unusual Rituals from Everyday Life (December 17)
5-Star Reviews Of 2023 (Includes 4.5 Star Reviews)
- No Strangers Here by Carlene O’Connor—mystery, thriller/suspense
The body of 69-year-old wealthy racehorse owner Johnny O’Reilly washes up on a rocky beach in the southwest of Ireland. A cryptic message is spelled out next to the body with 69 polished black stones, and a discarded vial of deadly veterinarian medication lies nearby. When Detective Inspector Cormac O’Brien is dispatched out of Killarney to lead the murder inquiry, he’s determined to unearth every last buried secret.
Featured in What’s in a Name…Really? (January 22) - The Last Party by Clare Mackintosh—psychological drama, thriller/suspense, women’s fiction
It’s the party to end all parties…but not everyone is here to celebrate. On New Year’s Eve, Rhys Lloyd has a house full of guests. By midnight, Rhys will be floating dead in the freezing waters of the lake. On New Year’s Day, Ffion Morgan has a village full of suspects.
Featured in I Love Your Accent…No I Love YOUR Accent! (January 29) - Deconstructed by Liz Talley—amateur sleuth, family life, romantic comedy, women’s fiction
Antique-store owner Cricket Crosby’s life is turned upside down when she discovers that the rumors of her husband’s affair aren’t just leisurely southern gossip. Her plan: hire an investigator; find an attorney; enlist the help of her new assistant, Ruby; and make her husband pay.
Featured in Shout Out to Some of My Favorite Movie Quotes (February 5) - If The Dress Fits by Liz Talley—amateur sleuth, humor
Cricket Crosby is back…and she’s licensed to snoop! Fresh off divorce and a private investigator’s course, Cricket’s ready to balance running her antiques store with proving her PI chops…if someone will take a chance on her. As a former Long Pines Correctional inmate, Ruby has a lot to lose. She’s a finalist in a local fashion competition and receives an invitation to New York City Fashion Week. When Ruby is arrested and made the prime suspect in a theft case, everything she’s dreamed of begins to unravel.
Featured in Haute Couture? More Like No Couture (February 12) - The Memory Of You by Jamie Beck—contemporary fiction, family life, romance, women’s fiction
When Steffi Lockwood returns to Sanctuary Sound to start over, she has no idea she’ll also get a second chance with her first love. Although Steffi and public defender Ryan Quinn are different people now, dormant feelings rekindle. But when Steffi’s secrets begins to surface, will it bring them together—or tear them apart for good?
Featured in Dads Against Daughters Dating…Until They’re 30 (February 19) - What Have We Done by Alex Finlay—general fiction, mystery, thriller/suspense
Twenty-five years ago, Jenna, Donnie, and Nico were the best of friends, having forged a bond through the abuse and neglect they endured as residents of a group home. Each went on to live accomplished―if troubled―lives, but now someone is trying to kill them.
Featured in You Really Do Get Only One First Impression (February 26) - The Wonder Of Now by Jamie Beck—contemporary fiction, family life, romance, women’s fiction
Peyton Prescott would give anything for the carefree life she knew before breast cancer changed everything. But instead of using her second chance to move forward, she’s stuck promoting the memoir her brother convinced her to write, thus reliving the very battle she wants to forget.
Featured in Reliving the Hardest Time in My Life (March 12) - All The Dangerous Things by Stacy Willingham—domestic thriller, psychological drama, thriller/suspense
One year ago, Isabelle Drake’s life changed forever: her toddler son, Mason, was taken out of his crib in the middle of the night while she and her husband were asleep in the next room. Isabelle cannot rest until Mason is returned to her―literally. Except for the occasional catnap or small blackout where she loses track of time, she hasn’t slept in a year.
Featured in Mom Guilt…It’s Totally a Thing (April 16) - The Angel Maker by Alex North—thriller/suspense
Katie Shaw lived a charmed life. At the cusp of graduation, she had big dreams, a devoted boyfriend, and a little brother she protected fiercely. Until the day a violent stranger changed the fate of her family forever. Detective Laurence Page faces the brutal murder of a distinguished professor of fate and free will just hours after the professor fires his staff.
Featured in Is the Future Predestined or Subject to Change (April 30) - Halfway To You by Jennifer Gold—family life, literary fiction, women’s fiction
Forty years ago, aspiring writer Ann Fawkes left the United States for a Mediterranean adventure that opened her heart to travel and love. After a chance encounter propelled her into the publishing world, she released her first novel, an instant bestseller―and the last book she ever wrote. Podcaster Maggie Whitaker convinces the reclusive Ann to sit for an interview, and Ann agrees on one condition: Maggie must keep her story off the record.
Featured in Last One Left in the Nursery (May 14) - The Comeback Summer by Ali Brady—contemporary fiction, family life, women’s fiction
Hannah and Libby need a miracle. The PR agency they inherited from their grandmother is losing clients left and right, and the sisters are devastated at the thought of closing. The situation seems hopeless—until in walks Lou, an eccentric self-help guru who is looking for a new PR agency. Her business could solve all their problems—but there’s a catch. Whoever works with Lou must complete a 12-week challenge as part of her “Crush Your Comfort Zone” program.
Featured in Breaking Out of My INTJ Comfort Zone (June 4) - Hello Stranger by Katherine Center—romance
Sadie Montgomery never saw what was coming…literally! One minute she’s celebrating placing as a finalist in the North American Portrait Society competition. The next she’s lying in a hospital bed diagnosed with a “probably temporary” condition known as face blindness. As she struggles to cope, hang on to her artistic dream, work through major family issues, and take care of her beloved dog, Peanut, she falls in love―not with one man but two.
Featured in When Life Gives You Lemons…. (July 2) - I Know What You Did by Cayce Osborne—general fiction, mystery, thriller/suspense
Petal Woznewski is content with her quiet, introverted life in New York City: she has her junk food, her movies, and her on-again, off-again boyfriend, Gus. That peace is shattered when her name appears on the dedication page of an anonymously written thriller with a cryptic note: “I know what you did, Petal Woznewski. And now everyone else will, too.”
Featured in No Limits With a Good Book (July 9) - The Beauty Of Rain by Jamie Beck—general fiction, women’s fiction
Winning the lottery changed Amy Walsh’s life, but the cost was greater than she could bear. Worried, her older sister, Kristin DeMarco, invites Amy to live with her family while she heals. Unfortunately, this arrangement leads to trouble for Kristin. As the sisters help each other reimagine their futures, life’s unpredictability sends them to surprising places that test their love and resilience.
Featured in Celebrate Life Before the Afterlife (July 16) - Gone Tonight by Sarah Pekkanen—mystery, thriller/suspense
Ruth Sterling is quiet, hardworking, and lives for her daughter Catherine. All her life, it’s been just the two of them against the world. But now, Catherine is ready to spread her wings, move from home, and begin a new career. And Ruth Sterling will do anything to prevent that from happening.
Featured in Sleep is Over-Rated When the Book is That Good (July 23) - The Only One Left by Riley Sager—horror, thriller/suspense
At seventeen, Lenora Hope hung her sister with a rope, stabbed her father with a knife, took her mother’s happy life. “It wasn’t me,” Lenora said, but she’s the only one not dead. The Hope family murders shocked the Maine coast one bloody night in 1929. While most people assume 17-year-old Lenora was responsible, the police were never able to prove it. It’s now 1983, and home-health aide Kit McDeere arrives at a decaying Hope’s End to care for Lenora who can only communicate with Kit by tapping out sentences on an old typewriter. One night, Lenora uses it to make a tantalizing offer—I want to tell you everything.
Featured in “Johnnie and Susie, Sittin’ in a Tree….” (August 13) - All Good Things by Amanda Prowse—women’s fiction, family life
Daisy Harrop has always felt like she exists in the background and would give anything to leave the shabbiest house on the street and be more like the golden Kelleways next door, with their perfectly raked driveway and flourishing rose garden. Winnie Kelleway is proud of the beautiful family she’s built. Celebrating her golden wedding anniversary is truly proof of their happiness, a joyful gathering for all the neighbors to see. As one bombshell revelation leads to another and events start to spiral out of control, Daisy and Winnie are about to discover that things aren’t always what they seem.
Featured in What You See is Never What You Get (September 3) - The Starfish Sisters by Barbara O’Neal—family life, women’s fiction
Phoebe and Suze used to be closer than sisters. Growing up in a quiet and wildly beautiful coastal town in Oregon, they shared everything. Until the secrets they couldn’t share threatened their bond and complicated their lives. Now, decades later, Suze is back in town. Phoebe has discovered keeping a secret means she can’t let anyone get close. Can the two women who’ve never confronted their past do it now when the choice is between healing and survival?
Featured in Remembering the Wonderful Art of Letter Writing (November 19)
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