I had a great time reading Making Friends Can Be Murder by Kathleen West! The premise—a group of women, all named Sarah Jones, getting tangled up in a murder case—was fresh and fun, and the mystery kept me hooked. Sarah, the main character, is new to town and just looking for community, but she ends up in the middle of a fraud case, an FBI investigation, and a decades-old cold case with ties to a summer camp. There's a great mix of humor, suspense, and quirky characters (a nun with a mysterious past? Yes, please!). It's entertaining, light, and twisty—perfect for a weekend read.

Fans of character-driven mysteries, light thrillers with humor, and stories about small-town secrets will enjoy this one.

DAUGHTERS OF SHANDONG by Eve J Chung is a captivating debut novel that delves into the author's family history, offering a poignant and enlightening perspective on the impact of the Communist revolution in China. The narrative follows a mother and her daughters as they escape to Taiwan, unraveling a tapestry of values and traditions that significantly influence the lives of women. Chung skillfully explores the trauma experienced by refugees, shedding light on the pervasive sexism ingrained in the culture of the time.

One of the novel's strengths lies in its portrayal of how increased access to education becomes a powerful tool for overcoming societal obstacles and breaking harmful cycles. The story is well-paced and well-written, immersing readers in the characters' struggles and triumphs. DAUGHTERS OF SHANDONG not only provides a window into a tumultuous period of history but also serves as an enlightened reflection on the resilience of women and their ability to reshape their destinies against the backdrop of cultural challenges. Chung's narrative skillfully weaves together personal and historical threads, making this novel a compelling and insightful read.

Banyan Moon by Thao Thai is a mesmerizing and poignant first novel that immerses readers in the lives of three generations of Vietnamese American women who are navigating the profound loss of their matriarch. Within the pages of this book, these women confront the weight of life's challenges, expectations, and situations, all while unearthing long-buried secrets.

I loved the exquisite prose and the compelling development of the characters, making it a true joy to read. I eagerly anticipate Thao Thai's future literary work, curious to discover what this talented author will deliver next!

Paper Names by Susie Luo is a wonderful debut that examines the immigrant experience. Two families become tied together for decades after a violent attack. The things that motivate them and the choices they make have generational impact. I enjoyed this fast-paced, tightly written novel and look forward to seeing what the author writes next!

Once We Were Home by Jennifer Rosner is the thoughtful and heartbreakingly beautiful story of displaced children in Europe following WW2 and their struggle to find what was stolen from them—identity, family, and a sense of belonging. The book focuses on the aftermath and consequences of the decisions made on behalf of these children.

Once We Were Home is one of those special books that will stay with me. Fans of Ruta Sepetys will appreciate this author's focus on bringing little known history to light. I highly recommend this intricately layered story. This would also be a wonderful book club selection.

In the Time of Our History by Susanne Pari is the story of the Jahani family adapting to life in the United States after the 1979 Iranian Revolution. Shireen is the dutiful, obedient wife dominated by her overbearing husband. Mitra is a rebellious first generation American daughter fleeing the expectations of her father and is struggling to find her identity after her sister's tragic death. The book explores generational and cultural differences in immigrant communities. The characters are flawed and well developed. The story is raw and hopeful, and the characters feel authentic as they experience challenging circumstances. They deal with grief, infidelity, trauma, and sponsorship. They also struggle with class, political, and cultural barriers. This book reminds me of the plight of immigrants suspended between two worlds and belonging to neither.

In the Time of Our History would be a timely book club pick with the current events in Iran. I felt entertained and informed as I read the beautiful and powerful prose. I highly recommend this one!

Peach Blossom Spring by Melissa Fu is a story that spans several generations beginning with the second Sino-Japanese War. Fu not only looks at the historical events, she also examines the consequences and generational impact of the trauma associated with the war, aftermath, and political fallout. Sensitive subject matter is carefully handled.

The passion the author has for this story is evident in her research and attention to detail. This resilient story will stay with me. I highly recommend this debut novel. Fans of Min Jin Lee's Pachinko will savor this one!

“Home. It was the one place I yearned for - the place that haunted all my stories - and it had never been a place at all.”

Shiner by Amy Jo Burns is an Appalachian fiction novel with memorable characters and beautifully layered revelations. Burns explores themes of friendship, home, sacrifice, culture, and generational cycles.

I was captivated by the story of Wren Bird as she uncovered secrets and tried to overcome her circumstances. If you enjoyed Where the Crawdads Sing, I recommend this vivid, atmospheric coming-of-age novel!

The Man Who Died Twice by Richard Osman is the second installment in the The Thursday Murder Club Mysteries. Like the first book, it’s delightfully entertaining with lots of twists and turns along the way. These characters make me laugh. I’m still ready to move into Cooper’s Chase Retirement Village so that I can join their adventures!

I listened to the audiobook on Libby, and I enjoyed Lesley Manville’s narration.

The Thursday Murder Club is so fun! It’s a delightfully entertaining mystery with lots of twists and turns along the way. I’m ready to move into Cooper’s Chase Retirement Village so that I can join their next adventure!

In Diane Chamberlain’s latest novel, The Last House on the Street, she tackles the history of racism in the south through a dual timeline story of a civil rights volunteer in the mid-1960’s and a present day architect facing challenges as she moves into a home in a new subdivision.

I was fascinated to learn about the discriminatory voting practices adopted in many southern states and the obstacles faced by the volunteers trying to canvas the black communities to assist with voter registration. Chamberlain does a great job weaving this history into her suspenseful story.

I thought this book was well written, thoughtful, and relevant. This would be a great book club selection! I was immediately drawn into the story and felt invested in the characters. This was my first Diane Chamberlain book, and I now understand why she is such a popular author. I look forward to reading more of her books!

Fiona Davis has layered a fictional mystery over the Frick home, art collection, and family history. A 1919 unsolved mystery is stumbled upon when clues are discovered in 1966. This enjoyable novel had me pondering estate planning, society, class, racism, and the art world of the Interwar period and the sixties. Fans of The Personal Librarian and historical fiction will love this one!

The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles is quite a journey. I loved this 10-day road trip adventure set in 1954. With a nod to Huckleberry Finn, the tale follows four boys wanting to start a new life but with the tension of differing goals. Through the course of the story, we examine friendship, family, trust, justice, and self discovery. This is an amazing, beautifully layered novel. Fans of This Tender Land won’t want to miss this one!

I listened to the audio version. The cast does a wonderful job with the narration.

The Almost Sisters by Joshilyn Jackson is a wonderful, quirky novel. The author uses humorous drama to explore race, family, and long kept secrets. Set in a small Alabama town, we get a glimpse of the complexity and layers that still exist in the south. I loved the church gatherings and authentic southern food that made me feel right at home in Birchville.

Chosen as the January pick for our local book club, this was my first Jackson novel. I look forward to reading more from this author! This book is perfect for fans of Southern Fiction and Southern Gothic Fiction. If you enjoyed Call Your Daughter Home by Deb Spera and Where The Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens, check out The Almost Sisters!