Thank you to NetGalley and American Legacy Media for providing this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own. Charleston, 1861: Anna Itgen is a young German immigrant, newly married and expecting her first child when war upends her life. After her husband is killed, she must navigate single motherhood in a besieged city … Continue reading Harboring the Enemy
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own. The Civil War may be one of the most thoroughly researched—and still widely misunderstood—periods in American history. Scholars continue to debate the forces that drove the nation to war and the extent to which Abraham … Continue reading The Confederacy Myth
A thoughtful but highly academic review of Taylor Swift’s lyrics as poetry, Meet Me in the Afterglow offers close readings of 46 songs while exploring metaphor, narrative, and literary craft. Best for Swifties who enjoy scholarly music analysis.
B.P. Walter’s The Christmas Guest is an atmospheric psychological thriller set on a remote island estate, where family secrets, murder, and rising tides create a tense holiday mystery. A slow start gives way to suspenseful twists, dangerous relationships, and plenty for thriller fans and book clubs to discuss.
A witty, heartfelt romantasy sequel, The Dark Lord’s Guide to Honeymooning (and Other Acts of Tyranny) sends Arabella and Kazimir into a chaotic honeymoon filled with dark magic, dangerous secrets, sharp banter, and emotional healing. Perfect for fans of humorous fantasy romance and villainous love interests.
A review of Kate Westbury’s The Oxford Society of Scandal and Lies, a 1950s Oxford historical mystery filled with espionage, secret societies, romance, and Agatha Christie-style intrigue. This atmospheric debut follows Gin and Sidney as MI5 pairs them to investigate a spy’s murder, uncovering danger, class tensions, and unexpected chemistry along the way.
Discover this week's Southern Gothic theme, where small-town settings, family secrets, moral ambiguity, and the weight of the past create unforgettable stories. Featured picks include Sean Dietrich's The Incredible Winston Browne, a moving Florida-set novel filled with hidden histories and memorable characters, and Marc Cameron's new release Backtrack, the latest Arliss Cutter thriller that blends family legacy, danger, and suspense across Alaska and Texas. Plus, an important announcement about the future of this newsletter and what's coming next.
In this review of Sex Positive by Brooklyn Rose, I share why this bold college romance earns 4 out of 5 stars. Blending witty banter with conversations about sexual health, consent, reproductive freedom, and self-advocacy, Sex Positive offers a timely coming-of-age story for older teen and adult readers who enjoy contemporary romance with strong social themes.
In this review of Killing Lincoln by Bill O’Reilly and Martin Dugard, I share why this fast-paced nonfiction account of Abraham Lincoln’s final days earns 5 out of 5 stars. Blending presidential history, Civil War drama, John Wilkes Booth’s assassination plot, and the manhunt that followed, Killing Lincoln makes one of America’s most familiar historical events feel fresh and immediate. Readers who enjoy narrative nonfiction, American history, or books by Brian Kilmeade and David McCullough will find this gripping, accessible, and highly readable.
In this review of Abraham Verghese’s Abscond, I explore how this brief but powerful short story captures grief, family expectations, cultural tradition, and the quiet turning point between childhood and growing up.
