The setting for most of the novel is not actually Greenwood but instead the Threatt family’s filling station, which becomes a safe haven for these sisters, as well as others needing groceries, gasoline, or some hope along the highway in Jim Crow America. This setting and the family who owned it provided inspiration for the true parts of this fictional tale. Most chapters of The Filling Station begin with a related quote from the Red Cross relief report, which I found to be interesting.

A very sad story, this novel also provides some hope and healing as the sisters and their beloved neighbors rise from the destruction to rebuild their community. Overall, I found parts of the narrative a bit repetitive and the pacing of the story to be uneven. Much of the story was predictable, but it still provides good narrative insight into an often-overlooked part of American history.

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

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If you enjoy historical mystery with a strong female lead and a bit of romance, this book is for you. It’s also a wonderful family-centered, women’s fiction drama. This lyrical novel takes place in the first half of the 20th Century. I loved that it was not war-centered, as so many seem to be these days. Patti Callahan Henry, a fabulous storyteller and one of my favorite authors, has created another lovely tale, following on the heels of 2023’s The Secret Book of Flora Lea.

The audiobook is a narrative duet between Theo Solomon and my favorite female narrator, Julia Whalen, so that is worth checking out if you prefer audiobooks.

Thank you to NetGalleyand Atria Books for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
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This book is women’s fiction with a sweet and funny story and a side of clean romance.The banter is fun and believable. The seniors in the retirement community add a layer to the story which I really enjoyed. Theater lovers especially will enjoy many of the references and situations in this novel. Last year I read one of author Courtney Walsh’s other books,The Summer of Yes, and found it inspirational and amusing. She has definitely found her sweet spot in writing these kinds of stories. 

I listened to the audiobook and enjoyed Jorjeana Marie’s narration. This book is set to release June 10, 2025. Thank you to NetGalley, as well as Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio, for the ARC audiobook. All opinions are my own.

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Told chronologically in chapters for each woman’s story, Propaganda Girls jumps right into the action with Betty MacDonald’s experience as a resident of Oahu on December 7, 1941 (Japan attacks Pearl Harbor). Zuzksa Lauwers’ story starts in Czechoslovakia with her fleeing the homeland for America after Hitler’s invasion in March 1939— after a quickie marriage to a Belgian-American makes it possible for her to leave. The wife of a naval attache at the American embassy in Tokyo, Jane Smith-Hutton loved learning the Japanese culture and being in foreign land —until the attack on Pearl Harbor made the family captives in enemy territory. Finally we are introduced to our fourth, and most famous, woman in this book: Marlene Dietrich. The German actress was living in America when Hitler and the Nazis came to power in her homeland where her family still lived and sought to distance herself from their “disgusting” ways. 

The first quarter of the book tells the stories behind their why, followed by how these women became involved in the secret work of black propaganda for the Allied Forces. Their unique tales are told in an engaging way that almost makes you forget you’re reading non-fiction. The book ends with a chapter on what each woman did after the war and a brief wrap-up of her life. Propaganda Girls is a great way to learn more about women’s history and World War II. It is a rather quick read, too. (If you’re reading on kindle, the final fifth of the book is actually notes and sources.) 

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

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I have read and loved many of this author’s books, but the first chapters felt like I was reading something different, and to be honest, I did not love it. The story had a different vibe and some of the language stood out as too modern. In the past I have felt that the stories radiated a timeless quality. However, I stuck with it and soon fell in love with the story of Emma and her family. As per usual for Shipman’s novels, the heroine has to overcome some predicament and experience personal growth along the way. I particularly appreciated that this novel was not at all a romance. If anything, it was about Emma’s relationship with her recently deceased grandmother GiGi and her sister Jess. 

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

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Told in his usual rambling, self-deprecating way, the book is a collection of amusing bits from this Southern comedian born in the 1900s. He expands upon material from his numerous comedy specials and will have his fans laughing out loud or chuckling to themselves as they read more of his silly stories. The audiobook of Big Dumb Eyes is narrated by the comedian, which truly is the best way to enjoy this short book, in my opinion. It’s just over six hours in length and has some special laughs in store just for those listening to the audiobook. Just like rewatching the comedy specials, Big Dumb Eyes is a book I would listen to again and again.

This book is set to be released May 6, 2025.Thank you to NetGalley and Hachette Audio for the ARC audiobook. All opinions are my own.
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The chapters mostly alternate viewpoints between Moxie and the male love interest Wyatt. Both of them have issues in their pasts to overcome before they can be in a true relationship. I liked the creative jobs the characters had (blackjack dealer and outdoor adventures guide), as well as the dynamic of the friendship with Hannah, who set them up. The Colorado setting made me wish I could see what the characters were viewing. I felt the feud between Wyatt’s and Hannah’s parents was a stretch at times. Also, personally, I prefer less spice in my romances but they fit the character of Moxie very well and did not feel as if they were gratuitous.

An Ex-citing Proposition was my third book by Ohlert and I think I would read anything she wrote. She knows how to combine romance and comedy for a satisfying read. This is book one in the Date My Ex series. I look forward to reading An Uncharted Ex-perience, which will beHannah’s story.

Thank you to Kelly Ohlert for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

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I felt the way the past was revealed to the reader could have been done more smoothly. Oftentimes I found myself confused about what had actually happened to the childhood sweethearts and why Avalee felt so much anger. Perhaps it was because of the first-person point-of-view the story was told in, since she herself had conflicting and unresolved feelings.

Lowcountry Lost definitely was meant to inspire hope and healing. However, unlike the first book I read by this author, Under the Magnolias, this one did not flow well for me. Where I could not put down Magnolias, this book took me much longer to finish. I would recommend it for someone who wants to read about renovations and enjoys all of the details involved. I honestly felt the story got bogged down with the color of paint and the type of flooring used. That being said, I gave it four stars because I found the final third of the story more interesting and focused on family dynamics.

Thank you to NetGalley and Tyndale House Publishers for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

Trigger warning: This story deals with multiple child deaths.

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The last thing Finlay and her live-in accountant/nanny/partner-in-crime Vero want after their crazy trip to Atlantic City is another mystery. “Hot Cop” Nick and Finlay are working on building their relationship. Vero and Javi are also working on things since their surprise drunken nuptials. Delia gets in trouble at preschool and Zach starts potty training, both adding so much fun (and heart!) to this installment. Ex-husband Steven is in even more trouble, and Finlay is the only one who believes him. Cam provides comic relief, technical support, and unexpected sweet moments.

If you haven’t read the other books in the series, go back and start at the beginning before jumping into book five. The Finlay Donovan series is perfect for those who need something fun to read. The mysteries are not totally predictable, and the characters’ antics supply much needed laughs. This book had me laughing out loud so many times. Of course it ends with another problem to be resolved in book six. Until that one is available, I may just have to re-read this entire series.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for ARC. All opinions are my own.

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Over the course of five years, Jack, Olive, and the Royal Family continue to overlap. History buffs will appreciate the interwoven facts about the Queen which bring the story to life. The authors have done their research to make the character on the page multi-dimensional. Additionally, through Jack’s narrative, readers learn more about Prince Philip’s personality. Though I have never been much into following royalty, I was enthralled with their personal stories of growing into their new roles in the monarchy.

The dual POV storytelling works well for this tale. While not strictly a romance, it’s obvious from the beginning certain elements are pushing these two characters into a relationship. Yet, Olive is keeping a secret from Jack. For his part, he is still mourning the relatively recent loss of his beloved wife, who was a member of their friend group after the war. Christmas with the Queen is a joy to read for history buffs, romance fans, and readers of women’s fiction. I highly recommend the audiobook as well, which is well performed by Fiona Hardingham, Gary Furlong, and Esther Wane.

Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

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