AUDIOBOOK REVIEW - With Her Baby on Her Back

 

Title:   With Her Baby on Her Back

Author:  Suzette D. Harrison

Publisher:  Bookouture

Genre:   Historical Fiction

Format:  ALC

Narrators:  Megan Gage, Jeanette Robinson

Length:  12 hrs 29 mins  

No. of Pages:   380

Date of Publication:   July 13, 2026

My Rating:   5 Stars

DESCRIPTION:

Will she ever see freedom for her babies?

Mississippi, 1848. It’s a bright spring morning when enslaved midwife Zinnieis forced to begin an unimaginable two thousand miles on foot. Her newborn baby is strapped to her back, her two little girls holding her hands, as she walks behind the slavers’ wagons.

Every mile brings blistered feet, aching limbs and the constant terror of what might happen to her children. But Zinnie carries an unbreakable determination to protect them. When they cross state lines, could it be her chance to fight for their freedom?

California, present day. Elementary school teacher and single mom Lynetteis exhausted, balancing work, motherhood and life-changing decisions about her future. Then, while sorting through her grandmother’s attic, she discovers a sapphire brooch hidden among long-forgotten treasures.

The brooch unlocks an extraordinary family story of courage, sacrifice and a woman who refused to give up. As Lynette uncovers the truth about her ancestors, will it have the power to change her life forever?

This utterly heart-wrenching and unforgettable novel is inspired by the true story of Biddy Mason, an African American woman and midwife who fought for her family’s freedom and saved countless lives. Perfect for fans of emotional historical fiction by Amy Harmon, Olivia Hawker and Marie Benedict.

MY THOUGHTS:

Suzette D. Harrison’s dual timeline story draws inspiration from the true life of Biddy Mason, a remarkable woman who fought for and won her freedom despite being born into slavery. Biddy’s diverse talents included nursing, midwifery, and real estate entrepreneurship. Notably, she became the first African-American woman to own land in Los Angeles.

Set in 1848 Mississippi, With Her Baby on Her Back introduces readers to Zinnie, an enslaved midwife whose life is forever changed when she is forced to endure a grueling 2,000-mile journey. Traveling in a long caravan with her three young daughters, Zinnie faces unimaginable hardships. Through it all, her greatest concern is keeping her children safe. This is a task that is often both heartbreaking and harrowingly dangerous.

In the present day, readers meet Lynette, a dedicated schoolteacher and loving mother to her neurodivergent son. Like many working mothers, she struggles to find a healthy work-life balance while ensuring her son has everything he needs. When she discovers an old brooch while cleaning out her grandmother’s attic, it sparks a deep curiosity about her family’s past and sets her on a journey to uncover her ancestors’ story.

Suzette D. Harrison has written another wonderful novel that seamlessly blends the past and the present. I thoroughly enjoyed both timelines, especially knowing that Zinnie’s character was inspired by a real woman. Her story is one of extraordinary resilience, courage, and a mother’s unwavering determination to protect her children against impossible odds.

Lynette’s storyline resonated with me just as deeply. She felt like a genuine, relatable Black woman whose love for her son and longing to understand her family’s history made her an engaging and authentic character. Watching her piece together her family’s legacy added an emotional richness that beautifully complemented Zinnie’s journey.

I have read several of Ms. Harrison’s books, and I continue to find them thoughtful, compelling, and deeply moving. I especially appreciate the way she brings real people and historical events to life through fiction, making history feel both personal and unforgettable.

The book’s narration, featuring two narrators, each voicing either Zinnie or Lynette, truly brought the story to life. With Her Baby on Her Back is another remarkable novel, and I eagerly anticipate her next work.

Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Suzette D. Harrison, is an award-winning author of 10 books celebrating African American life and culture. A native Californian and the middle of three daughters, Suzette grew up in a home where reading was required, not requested. Thanks to a culinary degree in Pastry & Baking, when not busy on her next novel, you might find Suzette whipping up a batch of cupcakes. 

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AUDIOBOOK REVIEW - Whistler

Title:  Whistler

Author:  Ann Patchett

Publisher:  Harper

Genre:   Literary Fiction 

Format:  ALC and Kindle ARC

Narrator:  Ann Patchett

Length:  10 hrs 44 mins

No. of Pages:   304

Date of Publication:   June 2, 2026

My Rating:  5 Stars

DESCRIPTION:

The acclaimed, prize-winning #1 New York Times bestselling writer returns with a moving, luminous novel that reminds us of the sweetness and impermanence of life and the power of connection to defy time.

When Daphne Fuller and her husband Jonathan visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art, they notice an older, white-haired gentleman following them. The man turns out to be Eddie Triplett, her former stepfather, who had been married to her mother for a little more than year when Daphne was nine. Now fifty-three, Daphne hasn’t seen Eddie for many years, not since the fateful event that changed the direction of both their lives. Meeting again, time falls away; while their relationship was brief, it had a profound impact on them both, and now that they are reunited, they have no intention of ever being separated again.

Whistler is a story about two adults looking back over the choices they made, and the choices that were made for them. It’s a story about bravery, memory, the often small yet consequential moments that define our lives, and the endless stream of loss that in time comes for us all. Beautiful in its simplicity, it is ultimately about how love endures, and how the feeling of being known by one other person, even for a short period of time, can change everything.

Link to purchase the book

MY THOUGHTS:

Readers choose books for all sorts of reasons. In the case of Whistler, I was drawn in by Ann Patchett’s name and the captivating cover. When I discovered that Patchett narrates the audiobook herself, I couldn’t resist starting it immediately. The experience proved to be one filled with profound emotion, compassion, and joy. While the cover may seem somewhat misleading at first glance, it ultimately carries deep significance, beautifully reflecting both the characters and the heart of this remarkable story.

At the center of the novel are Daphne Fuller and Eddie Triplett. While visiting the Metropolitan Museum of Art with her husband, Jonathan, Daphne is unexpectedly approached by an older man. The stranger is Eddie, a man who was briefly her stepfather many years ago. The two have not seen each other in decades, and the circumstances surrounding their separation were heartbreaking, as the story gradually reveals.

From the moment Daphne and Eddie reconnect, the bond between them is unmistakable. It becomes immediately clear that neither wants to lose the other again. Their reunion forms the emotional core of the novel, bringing depth, warmth, and poignancy to every page. Patchett’s writing is elegant and deeply moving, and her narration adds an extra layer of intimacy to the story. Together, they create an unforgettable reading experience that was impossible to put down.

Whistler is a beautifully crafted novel about love, loss, memory, and the enduring connections that shape our lives. Thoughtful, heartfelt, and richly rewarding, it is a story that will linger long after the final chapter.

Many thanks to Harper, Libro.fm and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

ANN PATCHETT is the author of ten novels, The Patron Saint of Liars, Taft, The Magician’s Assistant, Bel Canto, Run, State of Wonder, Commonwealth, The Dutch House, Tom Lake, and the forthcoming Whistler. She was a guest editor of Best American Short Stories and has written four books of nonfiction–Truth & Beauty, What now?, This is the Story of a Happy Marriage, and These Precious Days. She has collaborated with illustrator Robin Preiss Glasser on three children’s books, Lambslide, Escape Goat, and The Verts. She also released an annotated version of one of her most beloved novels, Bel Canto.

Patchett has been the recipient of numerous awards, including a National Humanities Medal and the PEN/Faulkner Award. Her novel, The Dutch House, was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize. She was named one of TIME’s 100 Most Influential People in the World and is a member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters. She is a frequent contributor for The New Yorker, Harper’s Magazine, and The New York Times. Her books have been both New York Times Notable Books and New York Times bestsellers, and her work has been translated into more than thirty languages.

In November, 2011, she opened Parnassus Books in Nashville, Tennessee. She has since become a spokesperson for independent booksellers, championing books and bookstores on NPR, PBS Newshour, and the TODAY Show. She was the inaugural ambassador for the Book Industry Charitable Foundation (BINC), and she founded the Parnassus Books Foundation, which gives books to children in Title I schools in Nashville.

Ann Patchett lives in Nashville with her husband, Karl VanDevender, and their dog, Nemo. She makes weekly appearances on Parnassus’s social media, where her videos have amassed millions of views. On Tuesdays, she joins the Laydown Diaries crew to talk about the week’s new releases, and she can often be found making "new to you" recommendations on Fridays.

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BLOG TOUR - Otherwise Engaged

DESCRIPTION:

A twisty, tender and wise look at how secrets can transform the powerful—and sometimes problematic—bond between mothers and daughters, from #1 New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery.

When Shannon gets engaged, her beloved mom, Cindy, is the first person she wants to tell—and the last. Cindy’s engaged, too, and has already hinted at a double wedding. The image of a synchronized bouquet toss with her mom fills Shannon with horror. She’ll keep her engagement a secret until Cindy’s I-dos are done.

Victoria has never been proper enough for her mother, Ava, so she stopped trying. She lives on her own terms and amuses herself by pushing Ava’s buttons. Ava loves but doesn’t understand her stuntwoman daughter. When a movie-set mishap brings Victoria home, Ava longs to finally connect.

Chance brings the four women together at a wedding venue, where a shocking secret comes tumbling out. Twenty-four years ago, desperate teenager Cindy chose wealthy Ava to adopt her baby—then changed her mind at the very last second. The loss rocked Ava’s world, leaving her unable to open her heart to the daughter she did adopt, Victoria. As Shannon and Victoria deal with the fallout from the decisions their mothers made, they wrestle with whether who they are is different than who they might have become.

BUY LINKS:

Amazon | Barnes & Noble |Bookshop

Libro.fm |Books-A-Million | Target

Walmart | Indigo | Kobo

AppleBooks | Google Play

Title:   Otherwise Engaged

Author:  Susan Mallery

Publisher:   MIRA

Genre:   Women’s Fiction

Format:  Kindle ARC

No. of Pages:   368

Date of Publication:   November 4, 2025

My Rating:   5 Stars

MY THOUGHTS:

Susan Mallery’s Otherwise Engaged is a heartwarming and character-driven novel that explores the complexities of family, identity, and the intricate web of love. Through a series of interconnected stories, the book delves into the lives of four women—Ava and Victoria Rogers, and Cindy and Shannon Van Horn—mothers and daughters who are navigating personal upheaval. The novel beautifully captures the powerful bonds that both tear and strengthen the mothers and daughters, highlighting the messy yet beautiful nature of love.

At just twenty-four, Victoria Rogers finds her life abruptly derailed by a serious injury sustained during a stunt performance. Her protective father, Milton, insists she return home to recover, and her mother, Ava, sees the chance to reconnect with the daughter she’s long struggled to reach. As Victoria heals physically, old family tensions resurface, revealing just how deeply a parent’s love—and fear—can shape a child’s choices.

Meanwhile, Shannon Van Horn is adrift. Self-deprecatingly calling herself “Shannon Disaster Van Horn,” she’s flunked out of college and is aimlessly working for her mother. When her boyfriend of eleven months, Aaron, proposes, Shannon panics—not because she doesn’t love him, but because her mother Cindy is planning her own wedding. The thought of a double wedding fills Shannon with dread, and her reluctance becomes a lens through which Mallery explores independence, family expectations, and the courage it takes to chart one’s own path.

Through alternating perspectives, Mallery captures the complexity of mothers and daughters—how love can both protect and suffocate, and how forgiveness often requires vulnerability on both sides. With warmth and humor, Otherwise Engaged reminds readers that even when life feels aimless or broken, connection and understanding can bring healing.

A touching and relatable story, this novel will resonate with anyone who’s ever struggled to balance family obligations with self-discovery. Susan Mallery once again delivers an emotional, engaging tale about love in all its imperfect forms.

Many thanks to  and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

Please enjoy the following excerpt:

How does the horse look?

Victoria Rogers pressed her good arm to her very bruised, almost broken ribs. “Dad, don’t,” she said, trying to stay as still as possible. “You can’t be funny. It already hurts to breathe. It wasn’t a horse.”

Her father frowned. “I was told you were thrown off a horse.” “I was thrown out of a truck.”

“Then how’d you get the black eyes?”

“The ground was a little bit pissy when I hit it and punched me back.”

There wasn’t a part of her that didn’t hurt. The good news was that now that the medical staff had determined she didn’t have a head injury, they were going to give her drugs to help with the pain. She’d already said she didn’t want any of that weak-ass pill stuff. She wanted a nurse to give her a shot of something that would work instantly and let her rest. Because in addition to the bruised ribs, requisite scrapes and contusions, she had a broken left leg and a sprained wrist. Her previously dislocated shoulder also throbbed, but that was kind of the least of it.

As she lay in her hospital bed, feeling like death on a tortilla, she had the thought that maybe stunt work wasn’t for her. Injuries came with the job, but this was the third time in five years she’d landed in the hospital. The first time she’d messed up, so that was on her, but the other two had just been plain bad luck. The incident with the truck had come about because one of the tires had blown, causing the however many ton vehicle to jump the curb—an action that had sent her flying up and over the side. Gravity, being the bitch it was, had flung her onto the sidewalk. Hence the injuries.

Her father studied her, his brows drawn together in concern. “None of this makes me happy,” he told her.

The incongruous statement nearly made her laugh. She remembered—just in time—that her ribs wouldn’t appreciate the subsequent movement and they would punish her big-time.

“Today isn’t my favorite day either,” she admitted, trying not to groan. “I didn’t wake up with the thought that I should try to get thrown out of the back of a pickup.” Although technically getting thrown out of the truck had been the stunt. Just not when it had happened and without warning or a plan.

“I’m worried,” her father told her.

“I’ll be fine.”

“This time.” She winced, and not from pain. “Now you sound like Mom.”

Her father, a handsome man only a few months from his sixtieth birthday, brightened. “Thank you, Victoria. That’s such a nice thing to say.”

Given her weakened condition, she let that comment slide. Honestly she didn’t have the strength to deal with it right now, even though she knew her father understood exactly what she’d been saying. He was only pretending to not get it.

“If you’re going to act like that, you should go,” she said, then amended what could be construed as a catty comment into something more kind. Mostly because she only had the emotional energy not to get along with one of her parents, and her mother had already claimed that prize. “Besides, they’ll be bringing my drugs any second. I plan to surrender to sleep, so I’m not going to be very conversational.”

As if to prove her point, one of the nurses walked in with a syringe. “Ready to feel better?” he asked cheerfully.

“Yes, and let me say, you’re my favorite person ever.”

He winked. “I get that all the time.”

He slowly injected whatever the medication was into her IV. Victoria drew in a shallow breath as she waited to feel that first blurring of the edges of the pain. Modern medicine was a miracle she intended to embrace.

The nurse left. Milton took her good hand in his.

“I’ll let you rest,” he told her. “But I’ll be back later tonight.” He squeezed her fingers. “Tomorrow, when you’re released, I’m taking you home.”

Ugh. Victoria knew that her father wasn’t talking about the pretty condo he’d bought her when she’d turned twenty-one. Instead he meant the house where she’d grown up. The one where her mother still resided.

“I don’t need to move back,” she protested, feeling the first telltale easing of the pain. “I have a few bumps and bruises.”

“Along with a broken leg. And what about your ribs? You can barely move without wincing.” “I have zero pain tolerance. I’m a total wimp.”

He frowned. “You’re tough and stoic. If you’re showing signs of pain, it’s bad. You’ll stay with your mother and me until you’re well enough to be on your own.” He pointed at her. “I mean it, Victoria. You don’t get a vote.”

Her father was rarely stern with her, so his sharp tone warned her he wasn’t kidding. And she knew from twenty-four years of experience that arguing with the man would get her nowhere. Milton didn’t take a stand very often, but when he did, he was the immovable object.

“I wish you loved me less,” she murmured, feeling a little floaty and stumbling over her words. “Okay, I feel drugs. Let me enjoy the experience of breathing without, you know, wanting to die.” Oh, baby girl. You’ve always been difficult.”

“I know. It’s one of my best qualities.” Her eyes drifted closed. “Love you, Dad.”

“Love you more.” He kissed her cheek. “I’ll see you tonight.”

“Come alone.”

His soft chuckle was the last thing she heard.

Excerpted from Otherwise Engaged by Susan Mallery, Copyright © 2025 by Susan Mallery Inc. Published by MIRA Books.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

SUSAN MALLERY is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of novels about the relationships that shape women's lives―family, friendship, romance. Library Journal says, “Mallery is the master of blending emotionally believable characters in realistic situations," and readers seem to agree―40 million copies of her books have sold worldwide. Her warm, humorous stories make the world a happier place to live. She’s passionate about animal welfare, which shows in the many quirky animal characters she has created. Susan grew up in California and now lives in Seattle with her husband and adorable poodle. Visit her at SusanMallery.com.

Social Links:

Website: https://susanmallery.com/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SusanMallery 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/susanmallery 

Instagram: https://instagram.com/susanmallery 

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/susanmallery/ 

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/susanmallery 

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/susan-mallery 

Mailing List: https://susanmallery.com/join-mailing-list.php 

BLOG TOUR - The Midnight Bakery

DESCRIPTION:

Frankie Nightingale bakes by moonlight, kneading loaves and preparing pastries in a tiny bakery on a quiet backstreet, safe from those who have broken her heart in the past. Her new job is a chance to start again.

But one night she hears a tap at the window and handsome but shy William steps unexpectedly into her life. The welcoming scent of freshly baked bread and warm sugar tempts in more nighttime regulars, and Frankie soon finds herself surrounded by kind faces and laughter.

Frankie looks forward to her evenings, and especially William’s visits. Slowly she begins to open up to him about secrets she’s held onto for so long. Over hot chocolate and homemade shortbread, William makes her smile again, and she starts to believe her heart can be healed.

Yet just as glimmers of hope and friendship flicker in the moonlight, Frankie finds a letter neatly folded on the countertop. As she unfolds the perfect creases, her heart plummets as she sees an R scrawled at the end: will everything she’s been building towards be undone in an instant?

Can Frankie find it in herself to fight for the new beginning she deserves? Or will she have to leave the midnight bakery for good?

Fans of The Last List of Mabel Beaumont, Sally Page and Amanda Prowse will adore this totally uplifting and page-turning novel of finding friendship and belonging in the most unexpected of places.

BUY LINK:

https://geni.us/B0DT745CL4social

MY THOUGHTS:

 

Title:   The Midnight Bakery

Author:  Emma Davies

Publisher:  Bookouture

Genre:   Cozy Mystery

Format:  Kindle ARC

No. of Pages:   369

Date of Publication:   April 15, 2025

My Rating:   5 Stars

Frankie Nightingale finds solace in the bakery where she works. Although she might have grown up as a happy child, her adult life proved otherwise. Her five decades of being known as Francis has now changed and she has become Frankie, a woman who yearns for a better life, like a butterfly transforming into something more beautiful. Despite her solitary existence, Frankie’s life is about to change.

While this book centers around Frankie’s rebirth, there are other protagonists whose lives also undergo significant transformations. There’s William, Beth, and Tam. Their stories are equally captivating, rivaling Frankie’s. Frankie first meets Beth, a hardworking nurse who becomes her close friend. Beth is a devoted wife who faces challenging circumstances. Then there’s William, who appears like a knight in shining armor, and it’s easy to imagine him as a friend. Lastly, we have Tam, who is living rough and comes with a compelling story of his own.

The bakery serves as the enchanting backdrop for this wonderful story, transporting the reader to its cozy atmosphere. The enticing aroma of Frankie’s delectable creations fills the air, making it almost as if the reader is savoring them alongside her. I found myself deeply connected to Beth, empathizing with her hard work and dedication at both her job and home, as well as her unwavering love for her husband. Tam’s story truly broke my heart, while William’s story revealed the deceptive nature of first appearances.

Emma Davies weaves a compelling tale of love, trust, friendship, and more. The intertwining stories come together seamlessly, creating a captivating narrative that lingers in the reader’s mind long after the last page is turned. 

Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

After a varied career, Emma Davies once worked for a design studio where she was asked to provide a fun and humorous (and not necessarily true) anecdote for their website. She wrote the following: 'I am a bestselling novelist currently masquerading as a thirty something mother of three.' Well the job in the design studio didn't work out but she's now a forty something mother of three and is happy to report the rest of her dream came true.

After many years as a finance manager she now writes full time, and is far happier playing with words than numbers. She lives with her husband, three children, and two guinea pigs in rural Shropshire where she writes in all the gaps in between real life. It's a county she adores, her love of its beautiful people and landscapes providing endless inspiration for her books, and in fact the only thing that would make Shropshire more idyllic is if it were by the sea.

Pop over to her website www.emmadaviesauthor.com where, amongst other things, you can read about her passion for Pringles and singing loudly in the car. You can also wave to her on twitter @EmDaviesAuthor or find her on Facebook (a little too often than is good for her).

Social Media

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emmadaviesauthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/EmDaviesAuthor

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authoremmadavies/

Website: www.emmadaviesauthor.com

Bookouture Email Sign-up: https://www.bookouture.com/emma-davies

SERIES REVIEW and BLOG TOUR - To Sicily with Love

Link to ship the series

Title: Our Italian Summer

Author:  Jennifer Probst

Series:   Meet Me In Italy

Publisher:  Berkley

Genre:   Women’s Fiction; Romance 

Format:  Audiobook

No. of Pages:   384

Date of Publication:   January 12, 2021

My Rating:   5 Stars

DESCRIPTION:

From New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Probst comes a new women's fiction novel featuring three generations of Ferrari women who need to heal the broken pieces of their lives...and one trip of a lifetime through Italy.

Workaholic, career-obsessed Francesca is fiercely independent and successful in all areas of life except one: family. She struggles to make time for her relationship with her teenage daughter, Allegra, and the two have become practically strangers to each other. When Allegra hangs out with a new crowd and is arrested for drug possession, Francesca gives in to her mother's wish that they take one epic summer vacation to trace their family roots in Italy. What she never expected was to be faced with the choice of a lifetime. . . .

Allegra wants to make her grandmother happy, but she hates the idea of forced time with her mother and vows to fight every step of the ridiculous tour, until a young man on the verge of priesthood begins to show her the power of acceptance, healing, and the heartbreaking complications of love.

Sophia knows her girls are in trouble. A summer filled with the possibility for change is what they all desperately need. Among the ruins of ancient Rome, the small churches of Assisi, and the rolling hills of Tuscany, Sophia hopes to show her girls that the bonds of family are everything, and to remind them that they can always lean on one another, before it's too late.

MY THOUGHTS:

Three generations of Ferrari women are traveling to Italy. Sophia is the matriarch and is hoping that this trip will bring her and her daughter Francesca and her granddaughter Allegra closer together. There has definitely been a disconnect and Sophia hopes to change that. 

The scenery is certain to be idyllic and hopefully some of the problems they have will be able to be ironed out. The trip is going to be going to be hard on each of them for different reasons. For Francesca, she is tethered to her phone, as her career has taken first place in her life. With regard to Allegra, a recent drug possession charge has both Francesca and Sophie quite concerned. Will this trip be the last line of defense for Sophia, making this a desperate final attempt to bond the three of them?

Allegra’s grandmother Sophie feels that her granddaughter has just got mixed up with the wrong crowd and hopes that Francesca will really see Allegra, will reconnect with her daughter. The trip proves bright for Allegra as she meets a young man planning on going into the priesthood. The two spend a lot of time together and this becomes a healing bond to Allegra. Francesca struggles to put her phone down and continues to handle meetings and crisis after crisis despite being thousands of miles away. Especially problematic is how this affects her relationship with Allegra. Really concerned for Francesca and Allegra while Sophia has a secret is difficult to manage. She is in the middle of dealing with a serious health scare and does not want to run out of time bringing her daughter and granddaughter back together. 

Oh my, what an emotional and compelling read. It was easy to feel for and to even connect with all three of the Ferrari women. As a daughter, mother and grandmother myself, I could see myself in each of their shoes. This story was not just an emotional read filled with sadness. No, it was an uplifting read. One filled with hope and promise and the ride along the way was well worth the trip.

- - - - -

Title:  The Secret Letters of Olivia Moretti

Author:  Jennifer Probst

Series:   Meet Me in Italy #2

Publisher:  Berkley

Genre:   Women’s Fiction; Romance

Format:  Audiobook 

No. of Pages:   384

Date of Publication:   February 22, 2022

My Rating:   5 Stars

DESCRIPTION:

A secret romance sends three estranged sisters to the Amalfi Coast to follow clues about their mother's past, and challenges them to a whole new future, in this emotional novel from New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Probst.

Priscilla, Devon, and Bailey haven't been close in years, but when the sisters are forced to come together to settle their mother's estate, they discover a secret. In an old trunk, they happen upon ownership papers for a house on the Amalfi Coast, along with a love letter to their mother from an anonymous man, promising to meet her in Italy during the summer of her sixty-fifth birthday.

Now they're questioning everything they knew about her history. In order to get answers about the woman they thought they knew, they'll have to go back to where it all started. The sisters embark on a trip to the stunning cliffside village of Positano, Italy, to track down the mysterious ex-lover, and figure out who their mother really was.

As Priscilla, Devon, and Bailey unearth the truth, they also experience the magic of Italy, the power of sisterly love, a little unexpected romance, and newfound hope for the future.

MY THOUGHTS:

Priscilla, Devon, and Bailey—three sisters estranged and vastly different—are about to settle their mother’s estate. Amidst their belongings, they stumble upon unexpected ownership papers for a house on the Amalfi Coast. Compelled by this discovery, they embark on a journey to Italy, where they must confront their past, sell the house, and reclaim their separate lives.

Pris feels disconnected from her husband. This trip with her sisters should be a good time for her to reset and to see where her future lies. Devon is the serious sister, on the spectrum, and just wants this business over. Bailey is the creative one of the trio, and feels that she couldn’t be more different from her sisters.

I loved the delivery of this novel. We get to know each sister, as well as their conflicts in both their personal lives and with each other. But we also meet and learn much about a young Olivia, their mother, and what her life was like in Greece.  Olivia’s story is intriguing. She was young and in love with the mysterious “R”. The sisters hope that their trip will uncover secrets that have been hidden for decades. 

As each of their sisters have shares in the house, it doesn’t take them long to disagree about settling. The Amalfi Coast trip emerges as a potential balm for their fractured relationship, offering an opportunity to heal and discover their future paths. 

- - - - -

Title:  A Wedding in Lake Como

Author:  Jennifer Probst

Series:   Meet Me in Italy #3

Publisher:  Berkley

Genre:   Women’s Fiction; Romance

Format:  Kindle ARC 

No. of Pages:   400

Date of Publication:   May 14, 2024

My Rating:   5 Stars

DESCRIPTION:

A destination wedding in Italy’s Lake Como brings three best friends back together to face the secrets of the past in this romantic novel from New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Probst.

Best friends Ava, Madison, and Chelsea made a pact to reunite for each other’s weddings when their careers sent them in different directions. But after one of them makes a choice that tears the group apart, an upcoming wedding might be their last chance to heal old wounds.

Ava is about to marry the man she loves in a lavish ceremony on the shores of Lake Como, but she’s haunted by the mistakes she’s made.

Madison’s made a name for herself as an influencer in the fashion world but is threatened by a scandal impacting everything she holds dear.

And Chelsea has the perfect family she always craved, but her professional dreams have fallen by the wayside.

As they return to Italy’s gorgeous coast, the three women revisit their life-changing first trip to Lake Como during college. When Madison comes face-to-face with the college sweetheart who was at the heart of one of the most pivotal times of her life, can they forge a new way forward?

MY THOUGHTS:

Best friends Ava, Madison, and Chelsea are going back to Italy where they went when they were sophomores in college. Hopefully, they will soon be attending one another’s weddings. As this touching story unfolds, we have an after and we have a before, mostly told from Maddie’s perspective. We learn a lot about each of their women. Ava is the bright light everyone wants to be around. Chelsea is described as a straight shooter. Maddie wanted to be a model, something she would be perfect for. 

Their friendship has been frozen in time, especially after Ava’s actions shattered Chelsea’s life. Amidst this turmoil, Ava and Maddie share a secret that Chelsea remained unaware of. Ava offers Maddie something seemingly unattainable—a glimpse into a life of safety and fulfillment. Maddie is determined to protect her friend and would do anything for her. However, this bond is unhealthy, blurring the lines between friendship and something more.

Like the previous books in this series, this one is packed with depth and intrigue. While reading the series in order isn’t strictly necessary, especially considering the changing characters and locations in Italy, each book offers memorable reads that resonate with readers. We connect with the characters, their stories, and the hope they hold dear. Interestingly, while conflicts arise between the trio, I thoroughly enjoyed witnessing the evolution of these conflicts through Jennifer Probst’s writing. It offered a chance to find goodness in each character. 

Many thanks to Berkley and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

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Title:  To Sicily With Love

Author:  Jennifer Probst

Series:   Meet Me In Italy

Publisher:  Berkley

Genre:   Women’s Fiction; Romance 

Format:  Kindle ARac

No. of Pages:   384

Date of Publication:   

My Rating:   5 Stars

DESCRIPTION:

When she learns she has a big Italian family she never knew about, a lonely woman travels to Sicily for a life-changing summer in the new romance from New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Probst.

Aurora York had it all loving parents, a steady relationship, and a promising career. But after she loses both parents unexpectedly, she can’t seem to stay on track any longer. Lonely and lost after a public meltdown that threatens her professional credibility, she’s shocked when DNA test results show a blood relative in Sicily. When her cousin reaches out online and begs her to come to Italy to meet everyone in person, Aurora makes the leap.

Aurora arrives in Sicily for a month, and there she meets a colorful, dynamic family steeped in tradition. The younger generation is fascinated by her social media fame in America, and even though her grandparents have more traditional viewpoints, Aurora begins to heal from her grief…and enjoys the attention of a kind and handsome Italian man.

But when the summer ends, a new opportunity calls her back to the States and her old habits threaten to reemerge. Will Aurora leave everything in Sicily she loves behind, or take the chance on a whole new future?

Link to purchase the book

MY THOUGHTS:

Aurora, still reeling from the sudden death of her parents, is unhappy that her boyfriend Jason tells her he wants a break. As a social media influencer with a massive following, she breaks down during a podcast, causing her book contract to be delayed. Amidst her relationship issues, contractual problems, and public embarrassment, an unexpected DNA result sends her on an unexpected trip to Sicily. Unbeknownst to her, she has numerous relatives in Italy, closely related to her family tree.

Aurora plans a month-long stay in Italy, hoping to reset her life and get back on track. Discovering her Italian relatives leaves her curious about their history and why her mother kept that side of her family a secret. Learning the truth might just be the healing balm she needs, all while reveling in the attention of an attentive Italian man.

This heartwarming story feels like a coming-of-age tale. Aurora once had it all, having surpassed her personal goals. However, her losses were adding up, and this trip to Italy provided the perfect reset she needed. Faced with new choices and the newfound connection to her family, it creates a compelling story for readers who enjoy connecting with the characters. Aurora’s protagonist makes choices that ultimately lead to her happiness.

The family aspect of the story is heartwarming, especially as most of them welcome her with open arms. Aurora needs this bond with them, and it’s wonderful to witness their connection as the story unfolds. 

Many thanks to Berkley and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Jennifer Probst wrote her first book at twelve years old. She bound it in a folder, read it to her classmates, and hasn’t stopped writing since. She holds a masters in English Literature and lives in the beautiful Hudson Valley in upstate New York. Her family keeps her active, stressed, joyous, and sad her house will never be truly clean. Her passions include horse racing, Scrabble, rescue dogs, Italian food, and wine—not necessarily in that order. 

She is the NYT, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of sexy and erotic contemporary romance. She was thrilled her book, The Marriage Bargain, spent 26 weeks on the NY Times. Her work has been translated in over a dozen countries, sold over a million copies, and was dubbed a "romance phenom" by Kirkus Reviews. She loves hearing from readers. Visit her website for updates on new releases at www.jenniferprobst.com. Sign up of her newsletter at www.jenniferprobst.com/newsletter for a free book.

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