So Good To See You by Francesca Hornak

So Good to See You by Francesca Hornak
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

So Good To See You is a sharply observed, emotionally rich novel about a tangled group of university friends who reunite at a wedding in France years after graduating from Oxford. Francesca Hornak masterfully shifts between timelines — from the sun-drenched present in Provence to the murky complexities of their student days — with both wit and gravity. The result is a layered, character-driven story that feels immediate and true.

At the heart of the novel are Rosie, Serge, and Daniel — each one wrestling with their own personal crises. Rosie is trying to steady herself after a painful breakup and is unsure of what comes next. Serge is caught in financial turmoil and a fraught separation from Isla, his partner and the mother of his children. Daniel is battling addiction and simmering with resentment toward the privilege and hypocrisy he sees all around him — especially in Serge.

The book thrives on its nuanced portrayals. Rosie’s evolution from hesitant to quietly empowered is satisfying to witness. Daniel, though deeply flawed, is depicted with empathy — a self-made filmmaker fighting demons and injustice. Serge, perhaps the most difficult to like at first, slowly unravels to reveal deeper layers of vulnerability and remorse. Isla adds another compelling dimension, bringing a grounded, working-class voice to the ensemble and offering a refreshingly honest perspective on parenting and identity.

Hornak’s greatest strength lies in how authentically she captures the messiness of long friendships — the grudges, the secrets, the unresolved tensions. Her dialogue is crisp, her observations astute, and the pacing never falters.

Though the bulk of the action happens over a few chaotic days at a French wedding, the story feels expansive. Hornak seamlessly weaves past and present into a rich emotional tapestry. By the final page, these characters felt like people I truly knew — flawed, fascinating, and unforgettable.

So Good To See You is clever, poignant, and full of heart. An absolute pleasure to read.





View all my reviews

Not About Golf: The Life Changing Joy of Playing The Game by Mike Berland

Mike Berland didn’t set out to become a golfer. His early career took him from the bustling streets of Chicago to the high-stress environment of a political polling firm in New York. Burnt out and searching for a reset, he stumbled into golf during a much-needed vacation—and that’s where everything changed. What began as a recreational escape quickly became a personal passion and a path to a more fulfilling life. Not About Golf is Berland’s love letter to the sport that transformed his mindset. This isn’t a technical manual or a guide for perfecting your swing. Instead, it’s an honest, engaging exploration of what golf offers beyond the game itself—community, clarity, connection, and joy. It’s equal parts memoir, myth-buster, and motivational guide. Berland debunks some of golf’s biggest misconceptions: that it’s only for the wealthy, the elite, or the highly skilled. He’s none of those things himself—he’s not a professional, not an instructor, and by his own admission, not even a particularly good golfer. But what he is is passionate. He writes with humor and heart about how golf can enhance your personal life, deepen friendships, strengthen business relationships, and reconnect you with nature and play. One of the book’s most memorable lines—“My worst day of golf with friends is still one of the best days of my life”—perfectly captures the spirit of this read. Berland’s message is clear: golf isn’t about being great; it’s about being present. Not About Golf is ideal for beginners, casual players, or even those who’ve never touched a club but are looking for something new and enriching. It’s a thoughtful, funny, and inspiring invitation to a sport—and lifestyle—that’s more accessible than you think.

Why I Love Indie Publishers (and Why You Should Too)

Why I Love Indie Publishers (and Why You Should Too) I’ll be honest—there was a time when I thought publishing a book meant landing a deal with one of the Big Five, having a fancy book tour, and seeing your novel in every airport bookstore. That was “success,” right? But over the years, I’ve come to see that some of the most exciting, heartfelt, and downright unforgettable books don’t come from giant publishing houses at all—they come from indie publishers. I’ve been reading more indie books lately, and let me tell you: they hit differently. There’s something raw and real about them, like you’re reading a story that hasn’t been polished into oblivion or shaped to fit some corporate mold. Indie publishers take risks. They publish strange little novellas, bold debuts, genre mashups, and voices that don’t always “sell” in a traditional sense—but should. What I love most is that indie presses actually care. They care about the stories, the authors, and the readers. They’re not chasing the next big trend; they’re looking for something that feels honest and important. And they’re often the ones lifting up writers from underrepresented backgrounds, giving space to stories that haven’t had much of a spotlight before. Plus, you can feel the passion behind every decision—how the cover looks, the way the book is marketed, the interaction with readers. It’s personal. It’s human. And as a reader (and writer), that matters to me. It’s been amazing to see how much indie publishers have grown in the last few years. They’re winning awards, launching big careers, and proving that “small” doesn’t mean “less than.” If anything, it means more freedom, more creativity, and way more heart. So if you’re like me and love discovering something unexpected or beautifully different, give indie books a try. You might just find your new favorite story—and support the people brave enough to tell it their own way.

A Killing Cold by Kate Alice Marshall

A Killing Cold by Kate Alice Marshall
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Theo is newly engaged to Connor Dalton, a charming man from an extremely wealthy, powerful family. As they head to the secluded Dalton winter retreat—a sprawling estate with a grand main house, several luxurious cabins, and a full staff—Theo finds herself deeply out of her element. This isn't your average rustic getaway. It’s rich-people “roughing it,” and for someone like Theo, who grew up scraping by and working for everything she has, it’s both overwhelming and intimidating.

She's never been to the estate before—at least, she doesn’t think she has. But the moment she arrives, strange memories begin surfacing. Things feel familiar in unsettling ways. To make things worse, Theo’s been receiving anonymous warnings to stay away, threats that she can't ignore, especially as odd encounters and gut-level fear begin to mount.

Connor’s family is tight-knit and secretive, and outsiders are never invited to this exclusive annual retreat. But Theo, as his fiancée, has earned a place—whether they like it or not. Still, she’s painfully aware that she’s being judged. Adopted by a cult-like, hyper-religious family after a traumatic early childhood, Theo was raised to believe she was inherently flawed, never good enough. She's fought hard to build a normal life: college, a steady bookstore job, one solid friendship. Now she has the chance to step into a whole new world—if she can just play the part and win over the Daltons.

But nothing about this weekend feels right. Theo starts seeing things, finding things, remembering things. Is she losing her grip, or uncovering long-buried secrets? Can she trust Connor? Can she trust anyone?

A Killing Cold is a sharp, fast-paced thriller with short, addictive chapters and unforgettable characters—some you'll root for, some you'll love to hate. Twisty, chilling, and impossible to put down. Bonus: the dog lives.

View all my reviews

We Live Here Now by Sarah Pinborough

We Live Here Now by Sarah Pinborough
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

If you're craving a slow-burn gothic thriller drenched in atmosphere and psychological tension, We Live Here Now by Sarah Pinborough is a must for your summer reading list. With her signature eerie style, Pinborough delivers a dark, supernatural tale that lingers long after the final page, sinking deep beneath your skin.

The story unfolds inside a haunting house on the edge of Dartmoor, a setting steeped in secrets and creeping dread. Told through multiple points of view, each chapter peels back another layer of mystery, gradually building suspense. The pacing is intentionally slow, allowing the dread to grow in subtle, insidious ways. It’s not a book that rushes—it simmers, sharpens, and then strikes.

One of the most memorable perspectives comes from Freddie. Not because he's likable—in fact, he’s infuriating—but because his voice is so sharply drawn. You don’t root for him; you root against him. His chapters are brilliantly written, revealing just enough to twist the emotional tension tighter.

Emily and Freddie move to Dartmoor for a fresh start after Emily’s brush with death. But their new home feels anything but safe. The fire won’t stay lit. Shadows seem alive. And Freddie dismisses her fears. Emily starts questioning her sanity as strange occurrences multiply. Is the house haunted—or is something darker unfolding between them?

What elevates this novel is its lyrical, almost hypnotic prose and its deliciously gothic tone. Think Edgar Allan Poe meets modern domestic thriller—melancholy, madness, and secrets buried just beneath the floorboards. Supernatural elements drift in and out like mist, never quite solid, always unnerving.

This is more than just a haunted house story—it’s a portrait of a crumbling marriage, a psychological puzzle, and a chilling study in what happens when you can’t trust your mind, your partner, or your own home. Slow, unsettling, and brilliantly executed.

View all my reviews

Happy Wife by Meredith Lavender and Kendall Shores

I love when a female main character transforms into a strong, unexpected baddie—and Nora delivers! I didn’t expect to enjoy the dynamic between Nora and Will as much as I did, especially with a 20-year age gap (she’s 28, he’s 46), but it works. Will, a high-powered attorney, lives in a world of wealth and luxury, while Nora is a museum receptionist working part-time at a swim club. That’s where she meets Will’s teenage daughter, Mia, and eventually, Will himself. Sparks fly, and in no time, he proposes. Adjusting to life in his elite Winter Park, Florida circle isn’t easy. Nora doesn't fit into the country club crowd, and Will’s ex-wife, Constance, is downright vicious—her jealousy toward Nora is off the charts. Then, after a lavish birthday party, Will vanishes. He’d stepped out to get Mia’s jacket from her boat and never came back. Nora assumes he’s holed up at the Ritz working, but when he stops answering calls, concern sets in. Fritz, Will’s pompous law partner, shows up furious and calls the police. Nora is thrown into a nightmare that only worsens when Will’s body is found floating in the lake. Suddenly, Nora’s the prime suspect. The rich social circle turns cold, led by Fritz and his snide wife Gianna. Nora knows she didn’t kill him—but proving it is another matter. With support from her loyal best friend Este and Este’s husband Beau, Nora starts digging. What she finds are secrets, betrayals, and even a hint of romance with charming chef Marcus. But is she ready for that? This mystery had everything: glitz, betrayal, shady characters, and a strong heroine. I loved the over-the-top drama, the social politics, and watching Nora rise. It's a perfect poolside or beach read—sharp, twisty, and satisfying. I’ll definitely be watching for more from this author duo!

All the Books

All This Could Be Yours by Hank Phillippi Ryan

All This Could Be Yours is one of those thrillers you pick up thinking you’ll read a chapter or two—and suddenly it’s midnight and you’ve accidentally finished it. It follows Tessa Calloway, a debut author riding the wave of her first big book tour, which should be a dream come true. Instead, things get weird. Fast. She’s being followed, watched, harassed—and the stalker is only getting bolder. But Tessa isn’t exactly innocent. She’s hiding something—maybe even from herself. As the threats escalate, you start to wonder: is her family really safe back home? Is she? And who the hell is behind all this? The pacing is electric—short, sharp chapters that feel like eating chips out of a bag you can’t stop reaching into. The plot walks this fascinating line between the glittery illusion of fame and the messiness of regular life. Sure, Tessa’s in the spotlight, but she’s still dealing with nosy neighbors, awkward family stuff, and worrying if her house will still feel like hers when she gets back from her tour. What makes this book hit differently is how it plays with the overlap between real life and online life. Fame isn’t just about flashing cameras anymore—it’s about followers, perceptions, and the way your identity can splinter across platforms. Tessa’s story kind of lives in both realities, and the book messes with your expectations in the best way. It’s like a psychological thriller wrapped in a social media fever dream. The lines between character and author, fiction and truth, fan and stalker—blur in a way that makes you feel like you might be part of the story too. Last time I read a Hank Phillippi Ryan novel, I swore I’d only read her during daylight hours. This one? Let’s just say I’m double-checking the locks tonight.

Psychological Thrillers with Crazy Plot Twists!