Marmee: A Novel by Sarah Miller

What a charming and emotional novel! A retelling of Little Women from the perspective of Marmee. The story is told through journal entries, and the style works well for this book. Margaret felt very real to me. There is so much strength in her character. Her insights on life and death will have you pausing to reflect on her words. The writing is simply beautiful.

While civil war rages in the South, Margaret March is raising four daughters alone. Her husband is serving in the army and money is tight. Even through the toughest of times, Margaret manages to find good in the world. She guides her family through each trial with love and compassion.

Don’t take this book on vacation unless you want to be crying on the beach!

None of This is True by Lisa Jewell

A popular podcaster, Alix Summers, meets an unassuming woman, Josie Fair. They are both out celebrating their forty-fifth birthday. After a second chance encounter, Josie convinces Alix that she would make an interesting subject for a podcast. Alix soon discovers that Josie’s life is complicated and that she may be hiding some dark secrets. And soon, she finds herself as the subject of her own true crime podcast.

This book keeps you guessing. I couldn’t put it down. Don’t miss this thrilling, mysterious, dark, and twisty novel!

The Adventures of Amina Al-Sirafi by Shannon Chakraborty

Magic and adventure on the high seas!

I loved this book. Shannon Chakraborty has some serious writing skills. The plot felt very different and fresh. I am happy this book is part of a series because I need more!

Amina, a 40-year-old mother, used to be one of the Indian Ocean’s most notorious pirates. She thought she’d retired to live a life of piety with her family. But when a mother of a former crewman tracks Amina down, she offers Amina a job she can’t refuse—a kingly sum to find her missing granddaughter. Amina rounds up her old crew for one last adventure. However, things aren’t as simple as they seem. What follows is a legendary adventure!

*This author also wrote The Daevabad Trilogy—a series that I highly recommend.