2025 : book no.95 SHUGGIE BAIN by Douglas Stuart Emotional coming-of-age. It’s very sad. I didn’t like it as much as John of John 4⭐️

2026 : book no.94 JUST FOR THE SUMMER by Abby Jiminez Sweet romance with lots of family trauma. 4⭐️

July 2026 Reading Wrap-up I read more ebooks this month than usual. I was in a bit of a reading funk at the end of the month THE THINGS WE NEVER SAY by Elizabeth Strout was definitely my favorite. Other notable standouts: • THESE HEATHENS • DOLLY ALL THE TIME What was your favorite read in July?

2026 : book no.93 LADY TREMAINE by Rachel Hochauser I really enjoyed this fairy tale retelling—A sympathetic stepmother. 4.5⭐️

2026 : book no.92 DOLLY ALL THE TIME by Annabel Monaghan Charming and sweet—a great summer romcom 4.5⭐️

2026 : book no.91 WITH LOVE FROM HARLEM by ReShonda Tate Great historical fiction! I loved learning about Hazel Scott. I also watched several of her performances online and she was amazing! 4⭐️

2026 : book no.90 THE FOURSOME by Christina Baker Kline Fascinating historical fiction. Skilled story telling 4⭐️

2026 : book no.89 THE ASTRAL LIBRARY by Kate Quinn Eh. This was disappointing—heavy handed. I need to stop falling for the magic library subgenre. I def prefer her historical fiction 3⭐️

2026 : book no.88 THESE HEATHENS by Mia McKenzie Great historical fiction—all in one weekend 4.5⭐️

2026 : book no.87 OUTLANDER by Diana Gabaldon I’ve had a copy on my shelf for years. Finally decided to tackle the clunker while I’ve been sick. At times it was great and sometimes wild but definitely too long. I doubt I ever read the sequels 4⭐️

2026 : book no.86 THE THINGS WE NEVER SAY by Elizabeth Strout Sigh. So good, it made me cry 5⭐️

2026 : book no.85 SISTERS IN THE WIND by Angeline Boulley Important and thrilling 4.5⭐️

2026 : book no.84 THE CITY WE BECAME by N.K. Jemisin It’s not The Fifth Season but it’s super unique and a lot of fun. The audiobook narrator is also fabulous 4⭐️

2026 : book no.83 NINTH HOUSE by Leigh Bardugo It took me some time to get into this chunker but I liked it and will continue the series. 4⭐️

June 2026 Reading Wrap-up What a month! I really liked everything I read. WHISTLER was my favorite. What was your favorite book this month?

2026 : book no.82 MANSFIELD PARK by Jane Austen It’s about time I read this one. A fascinating cast of characters. 4⭐️

2026 : book no.81 A FAR-FLUNG LIFE by M.L. Stedman An emotional family epic with memorable characters. Tragic and hopeful. 5⭐️

2026 : book no.80 WHISTLER by Ann Patchett Sigh. And that’s why I always buy her books 5⭐️

2026 : book no.79 MY NAME IS ONA JUDGE by Suzette D. Harrison Fabulous historical fiction telling of the story of Ona Judge 4⭐️

2026 : book no.78 WE ALL WANT IMPOSSIBLE THINGS by Catherine Newman Devastatingly beautiful 4.5⭐️

2026 : book no.77 BURN DOWN MASTER’S HOUSE by Clay Cane Amazing and important story telling. I would recommend the physical over the audiobook 4.5⭐️

2026 : book no.76 ERNIE’S ARK by Monica Wood I’m already a big fan of Monica Wood and I’m enjoying her backlist. It’s so Maine. 4.5⭐️

2026 : book no.75 NIGHT OBJECTS by Eli Raphael Coming-of-age, boarding school, secret society—good storytelling 4⭐️

2026 : book no.75 THE HOUNDING by Kenobe Purvis I really liked this. Atmospheric and clever 4⭐️

2026 : book no.73 THE SELLOUT by Paul Beatty Brilliant satire but absolutely indescribable. I don’t think I can rate it.

2026 : book no.72 CROWN ME YOURS by Liv Zander Satisfactory. Quick read but it drags on a bit at the end 3.5⭐️

2026 : book no.71 JOHN BY JOHN by Douglas Stuart Wow! I loved this book 5⭐️

2026 : book no.70 CROWN ME DEAD by Liv Zander Not my usual read but I’m going to immediately start the second book in the series. 4⭐️

2026 : book no.68 WATER MOON by Samantha Sotto Yambao Gorgeous fantasy book with great vibes and a sweet romance 4⭐️

2026 : book no.69 BAT EATER AND OTHER NAMES FOR CORA ZENG by Kylie Lee Baker Really creepy and also powerful. Great writing and a Covid novel 4.5⭐️