The Hidden Life of Trees

Part memoir and part interesting tree facts, it is clear that German environmentalist Peter Wohlleben loves trees. 

I'm not a big non-fiction or graphic novel reader but this blend of the two genres was a good pick for me. Wohlleben keeps the natural science to a laymen's level for the everyday reader and the artwork by Benjamin Flao helped to clarify some of the more 'sciency' ideas for me.

A bit preachy at times (but honestly, rightful so), this book taught me a lot about trees, their impact on the environment and humans' negative impact. I learned quite a few interesting facts - like the cool relationship between trees and fungi and other interesting tidbits - that will, no doubt, pop into my head at the oddest of times. 

You will finish this book marveling at what nature has given us. Wohlleben's hope is that humans will gravitate towards conservation and appreciate trees and natural forests to ensure that generations to come can enjoy and understand the importance of trees in all of our lives. Hopefully before it's too late.

Thanks to my public library for the loan of this book and to Ontario Library Association RA in a Day event that brought this book to my attention.

My Rating: 4.5 stars

Author: Peter Wohlleben

Illustrator: Benjamin Flao

Genre: Nonfiction, Memoir

Type and Source: Graphic novel from public library

Recommended by: Ontario Library Association 'RA in a Day' training

Publisher: Greystone Books

First Published: Oct 29, 2024

Read: May 21, 2025

Book Description from GoodReads: The graphic novel adaptation of Peter Wohlleben’s international bestseller, with breathtaking illustrations and easy-to-follow text that will delight readers young and old.

Are trees social beings? For forester Peter Wohlleben, the answer has always been yes, the forest is a social network. Trees live like human families: tree parents live together with their children, support them as they grow, share nutrients with those who are sick and struggling, and even warn each other of impending dangers.

This vibrantly illustrated graphic novel follows Peter as its loveable main character, revealing the secret network of the forest and sharing struggles and triumphs from his career protecting trees. Told in Peter’s warm, conversational voice, not unlike that of a beloved grandfather chatting fireside, this visually stunning book offers scientific insights and pearls of wisdom gained from Peter’s decades of observing forests, including how trees impact weather and climate, how they communicate with each other, and how they interact with fungal networks deep within the ground. It also offers poignant memories from Peter’s personal life.

Featuring 240 pages of full-color illustrations and text covering the entirety of The Hidden Life of Trees, this adaptation honors the spirit of the original book by seeking to change the way the world looks at trees, and will inspire generations of readers to celebrate the natural world and protect our last remaining forests before it’s too late.

The Martha's Vineyard Beach and Book Club

I read a lot of Historical Fiction - often set in WWII - so I appreciate it when I find a book that gives a different perspective of how war impacts people. In her latest book, author Martha Hall Kelly brings her readers to Martha's Vineyard and tells a story that is inspired by real people - some from the author's own family.

Told in two timelines, the modern storyline in 2016 grabbed my attention initially but ended up having very little page time. The bulk of the story is set in 1942 which focuses on sisters Cadence and Briar who start a book club on the island. And although the book club features in the title, it plays a minor role. Instead, we see the impact of war on small-town Americans. There's also an element of mystery, family drama and romance (insta-love), but I had hoped for more depth in all these elements. 

What I loved in this book is the 'found family' that these women create with each other! I also appreciated how this American author acknowledged the crucial role Canadian soldiers played in the war - particularly in the battle of Dieppe - which is too often ignored.

This story is set in a turbulent time when the enemy was quite literally on the doorstep, but it is told with a light hand. With a beautiful setting, blend of history, small-town life, love and loss and an ending that ties up neatly, this is a good pick for readers who enjoy lighter historical fiction reads based on real-life experiences.

My Rating: 3 stars

Author: Martha Hall Kelly

Genre: Historical Fiction (WWII)

Type and Source: ebook from publisher via NetGalley

Publisher: DoubleDay Canada (PRHC)

First Published: May 27, 2025

Read: May 20 -25, 2025

Book Description from GoodReads: Two sisters living on Martha's Vineyard during World War II find hope in the power of storytelling when they start a wartime book club for women—a spectacular novel inspired by true events from the New York Times bestselling author of Lilac Girls.

2024. Mari lands on the storied shores of Martha's Vineyard, fresh off the heels of her mother's funeral, with plans to meet the famous painter, Elizabeth Devereux. She is there to paint, but few understand why the notoriously reclusive Ms. Devereux would agree to take Mari on. It soon becomes clear that her teacher brought Mari there for a She holds the key to Mari's past and among this magical island's sandy beaches and the shimmering ocean, the history of her family and their fateful connection to this place becomes clear.

1942. The Smith sisters, still reeling from the explosion of war and their brother's enlistment, are left to care for their family's Martha's Vineyard property—alone. Briar, the rambunctious younger of the two, begins to suspect that a German U-boat lurks on the horizon, spying on a neighbouring Army base. Ginny, the eldest, dreams of being a writer in New York and falls headlong into a passionate romance with a British Navy Officer. When they start up a book club that pores over Armed Service Editions, what begins as an attempt to bolster the war effort by getting books into the hands of soldiers becomes a powerful means of connection for the women who have been left behind to fend for themselves. But when a German soldier washes ashore, one who claims to have knowledge of their brother's whereabouts, paranoia seeps Who can they trust? And who among them is telling the truth?

Traversing time to tell a remarkable story of the power of literature to unite communities, acclaimed author Martha Hall Kelly's epic novel explores one of America's most renowned locales and its role at the forefront of the greatest war humankind has ever known.

A Most Puzzling Murder

A Most Puzzling Murder is the upcoming book by Canadian author Bianca Marais and I couldn't be more excited! It's a unique story where mystery meets fantasy and there's also a fun interactive element - so get your sleuthing caps on, readers!

The story centres around Destiny Whip, a child prodigy and enigmatologist, who is invited to a mysterious and secluded island. There's a locked room, Clue board game vibe to this entertaining story that introduces readers to the Scruffmore family who controls the island and has more than its fair share of secrets ... as Destiny is about to find out.

What sets this mystery apart are the interactive puzzles for readers to solve (don't worry, the answers are in the back, and you can email Destiny for clues along the way!). There are also a few 'choose your own conundrum' sections which give readers two interesting options but don't impact the general story. So, if you're feeling intrepid you can dive into these entertaining extras.

The creepy tale is told by a variety of POVs in this colourful cast of characters - each of whom has their own motivation for murder and desire for power. With shocking reveals, a family tree that gets a few updates, a prophecy, and family tension up the wazoo, readers are in for quite a wild ride. There's a big cast and lots going on in this story, so I'd recommend not leaving too much time between your reading sessions.

This is an ambitious, zany and unique story that gives readers a bit of a challenge, a compelling 'whodunnit' and a bird's eye view into the messy family goings-on in the Scruffmore clan. Preorder it today for its June 10th pub date!

Disclaimer: My sincere thanks to the publisher for the advanced reading copy of this book which was given to me at the Ontario Library Conference.

My Rating: 4.5 stars

Author: Bianca Marais

Genre: Mystery, Fantasy

Type and Source: Trade paperback from publisher

Publisher: MIRA

First Published: June 10, 2025

Read: May 7 - 20, 2025

Book Description from GoodReads: How do you solve a murder that hasn't happened yet?

Destiny Whip is a former child prodigy, world-renowned enigmatologist and very, very alone. A life filled with loss has made her a recluse, an existence she’s content to endure until a letter arrives inviting her to interview for the position of Scruffmore family historian. Not only does an internet search for the name yield almost nothing, it’s a role she never applied to in the first place!

After she decodes the invitation’s hidden message with ease, the promise of her family secrets being revealed is too powerful a draw for the orphaned Destiny, who soon finds herself on Eerie Island. It’s a place whose inhabitants are almost as inhospitable as the tempestuous weather. The Scruffmores themselves turn out to be not much better, a snarled mess of secrets and motives connected by their mistrust for one another.

Their newly arrived guest proves to be just as much an enigma to them as they are to her. While Destiny slowly works to unravel the mysteries hidden throughout the ominous castle, she struggles to interpret disturbing nightly visions of what is to come. In the midst of cryptic ciphers, hidden passages, and the family’s magical heritage and line of succession, Destiny is certain of two things: one of the Scruffmores is going to die and she’s running out of time to stop it.

Interspersed with riddles and puzzles that both Destiny and the reader must solve, A Most Puzzling Murder is a one-of-a-kind mystery that will leave you guessing and gasping until the very last page!

A Dead Draw

This new book in the Tracy Crosswhite suspense/police procedural series knocks it out of the park! 

This book felt like going home for this reader when Tracy returns to Cedar Grove, the small town of her childhood and the scene of her worst memories. Tracy returns to keep her family out of the line of fire when a mad man with a link to Tracy's past wants to hunt her down. 

This 11th book in the series is tightly connected to the first book, My Sister's Grave (which I read almost 10 years ago!). To better understand Tracy's history and its emotional impact on her, I strongly recommend you at least read the first book in the series so you understand the backstory and loss that will always haunt Tracy.

One of the strengths of this series is its secondary characters and we see a bit of Faz and Kins but they lie low for the most part. Instead, we meet a unique, new character who Tracy meets in Cedar Grove and through this relationship Tracy undergoes rigorous (and well-described) training to improve her shooting skills. 

This is a non-stop, tension-filled, twisted game of cat and mouse and while I saw the big twist coming, it was satisfying to see it all play out. This is a story of revenge and a past that has come back to haunt Tracy. 

I'm not sure how long this series will continue but I am in it for the long haul. If you haven't yet picked up a book by Robert Dugoni, you're going to want to fix that right away. He's got lots of series (and a couple of standalones) to choose from and I just know you'll love them. 

Disclaimer: My sincere thanks to the publisher for the complimentary advanced digital copy of this book which was given in exchange for my honest review.

My Rating: 5 stars

Author: Robert Dugoni

Genre: Suspense, Police Procedural

Series: Tracy Crosswhite 11

Type and Source: ebook from publisher via NetGalley

Publisher: Thomas and Mercer

First Published: May 27, 2025

Read: May 15 - 20, 2025

Book Description from GoodReads: A killer fueled by revenge. A detective haunted by the past. They are headed for a high-stakes showdown in this bone-chilling new Tracy Crosswhite novel by New York Times bestselling author Robert Dugoni.

Detective Tracy Crosswhite isn’t one to lose her cool. Until her interrogation of the taunting and malicious Erik Schmidt, a suspect in two cold case killings. Schmidt also has unnerving ties to the monster who murdered Tracy’s sister, stirring memories of the crime that shaped Tracy’s life. After a critical mistake during a shooting exercise, Tracy breaks.

Haunted by nightmares and flashbacks, Tracy heads to her hometown of Cedar Grove to refocus. Just a peaceful getaway with her husband, her daughter, and their nanny at their weekend house. But Tracy’s sleepless nights are only beginning. A legal glitch has allowed Schmidt to go free. And Tracy has every reason to fear that he’s followed her.

Forced into a twisted game of cat and mouse, Tracy must draw on all her training, wits, and strength to defeat a master criminal before he takes away everyone Tracy loves.

The Roommate Pact

The friends to lovers trope is one of my favourites and this story had a good premise and funny banter, but I never felt truly pulled into the romance. 

This would be a good pick for readers who enjoy low to no spice since all readers get is listening to the characters talk about how good the sex was but all the spicy bits are fade to black. 

There's also the third act conflict (complete with miscommunication) between Graham and Claire that felt silly since the reason she wants to break it off is because of Graham's dangerous job as a firefighter -- except that Claire is an ER nurse who also sees the darker side of life in her own job. I didn't get it.

Narration: Anne Marie Gideon did decent job narrating except that her pronounciation of 'Graham' sounded like 'Gram' and I initially thought Claire's roommate was her grandmother. 

In the end, this was just a 'meh' kind of listen for me. While the banter was good and I loved the dog named Gertie, one cannot live on funny banter and canines alone. Sadly, this will be a romance that will quickly fade from my memory.

My Rating: 3 stars

Author: Allison Ashley

Genre: Romance

Type and Source: eAudio from public library

Narrator:Anne Marie Gideon

Publisher: Harlequin Audio

First Published: August 1, 2023

Run Time: 8 hours 14 min

Read: May 10-14, 2025

Book Description from GoodReads: All of the fun, none of the heartache…as long as they stick to the agreement.

The proposition is simple: if ER nurse Claire Harper and her roommate, firefighter Graham Scott, are still single by the time they’re forty, they’ll take the proverbial plunge together…as friends with benefits. Maybe it’s the wine, but in the moment, Claire figures the pact is a safe-enough deal, considering she hasn’t had much luck in love and he’s in no rush to settle down. Like, at all. Besides, there’s no way she could ever really fall for Graham and his thrill-seeking ways. Not after what happened to her father…

Just as things begin to heat up way before the proposed deadline, Graham’s injured in a serious rock-climbing accident—and he needs Claire’s help to heal. She’ll do whatever it takes to nurse him back to health…even if it means moving into Graham’s bed and putting up with his little dog who hates her. But with this no-strings arrangement taking a complicated turn, keeping “for now” from turning into “forever” isn’t as easy as they’d planned.

The Girls of Good Fortune

This historical fiction story is an enlightening and entertaining story for readers. Set in 1880's Oregon the story centres around Celia Hart, a biracial young woman - half white, half Chinese - who passes as white in a society where racism and mistreatment of minorities, particularly of Asian descent, is rampant and often deadly.

Told in two timelines, the first shows Celia in a frightening situation, leaving readers to wonder how she got there. The second timeline takes readers to the beginning of Celia's story when she was a servant in the home of the mayor, until she became pregnant and is sent to work as a cleaner in a brothel. There Celia finds her own 'found family' and raises her child until her past influences the present and sends Celia on a quest to stand up for the rights of Chinese workers.

This book has a decidedly different feel in the first half compared to the second half and it was jarring, to be honest. The first half felt like a historical fiction novel with great insight and atmosphere (reminiscent of Janie Chang and Kate Quinn's The Phoenix Crown). The second half relies on Celia's naive and impulsive decisions (which were at times frustrating) that send her on a dangerous quest filled with kidnapping, ships, train jumping and more that required me to suspend disbelief.

This is a well-researched story that goes a bit off the traditional historical fiction rails. The first half is atmospheric as it teaches readers about racism, long-forgotten massacres against Chinese Americans and the limited choices of women, while the second half is more of an entertaining madcap adventure. Personally, I preferred the first half and found the second half was too over-the-top, but the ending will appeal to readers who like their stories tied up nice and neatly.

Disclaimer: Thanks to Sourcebooks Landmark for the complimentary digital copy of this book which was given in exchange for my honest review.

My Rating: 3 stars

Author: Kristina McMorris

Genre: Historical Fiction, BIPOC

Type and Source: ebook from publisher via NetGalley

Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark

First Published: May 20, 2025

Read: May 13-15, 2025

Book Description from GoodReads: The New York Times bestselling author of Sold on a Monday and The Ways We Hide shines a light on shocking events surrounding Portland's dark history in this gripping novel of love, lore, and betrayal. 

She came from a lineage known for good fortune…by those who don't know the whole story. 

Oregon, 1888. Amid the subterranean labyrinth of Portland's notorious Shanghai Tunnels, a woman awakens in an underground cell, drugged and disguised. Celia soon realizes she's a "shanghaied" victim on the verge of being shipped off as forced labor, leaving behind those she loves most. Although well accustomed to adapting for survival—being half-Chinese, passing as white during an era fraught with anti-Chinese sentiment—she fears that far more than her own fate hangs in the balance.

As she pieces together the twisting path that led to her abduction, from serving as a maid for the family of a dubious mayor to becoming entwined in the case of a goldminers' massacre, revelations emerge of a child left in peril. Desperate, Celia must find a way to escape and return to a place where unearthed secrets can prove deadlier than the dark recesses of Chinatown.

A captivating tale of resilience and hope, The Girls of Good Fortune explores the complexity of family and identity, the importance of stories that echo through generations, and the power of strength found beneath the surface.

Abigail and Alexa Save the Wedding

This was a light, no spice read and it had some unexpected layers that I loved. It's a wedding tale told from the perspectives of Abigail and Alexa as they acclimate to their new roles as MOG (Mother of the Groom) and MOB (Mother of the Bride) for the upcoming nuptials of their kids. 

Abigail and Alexa are two very different women. Abigail (MOG) is a married upper middle-class woman living in Connecticut who is tired of putting up social pretenses when, in private, their finances are in shambles. Alexa (MOB) is a single-by-choice mother and a successful businesswoman who wonders if her choices have set her daughter up for success on the marriage front. 

When things go off the rails, can these two mothers get over their differences and rescue the wedding? When they join forces with some behind-the-scenes mom scheming and get help from the Merry Widows (a hilarious gaggle of sassy, rich old dames), nothing is going to stop them! 

As a 50-something mom of three 20-somethings, I loved that this story focuses on two middle-aged women from different walks of life. Through them we witness their insecurities, struggles and ultimately the similarities between them as they try to help their kids get hitched. I also enjoyed the advice columns at the start of chapters by 'Aunt B", a wedding etiquette blogger, that added humour and some solid advice that showed how our roles as mothers change and transition as our kids get married. 

This is a delightfully predictable and heartwarming story with a cozy vibe that is just in time for the popular summer wedding season! 

Disclaimer: Thanks to William Morrow Books for the complimentary advanced digital copy of this book which was given in exchange for my honest review.

My Rating: 4 stars

Author: Lian Dolan

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Type and Source: ebook from publisher via NetGalley

Publisher: William Morrow

First Published: May 20, 2025

Read: May 5 - 12, 2025

Book Description from GoodReads: Everyone loves—and hates—a big fancy wedding! From the author of Lost and Found in Paris and The Marriage Sabbatical comes a champagne-sparkling summer read about two very different women planning their children’s wedding in glamorous Montecito, California.

You’re invited...to a delightful modern comedy of manners about two moms, the best-laid plans, and one very memorable wedding.

Penelope and Chase make a lovely couple. She’s a bubbly Southern California girl with killer work ethic. Chase is smart and charming and has political aspirations. They’re planning a spectacular California wedding, wrapped in peonies and thousands of little white lights, soaked in custom cocktails and romantic hashtags. Everyone’s excited about Penny and Chase’s wedding­­­­­­—except their mothers.

The Mother of the Bride, suave Greek-born Alexa Diamandis, doesn’t understand why any woman would get married. Ever! Raised in Athens and now perfectly situated in sun-splashed Montecito, California, she raised Penny as single mother by choice, supported by Lord Simon Fox, her old college friend who just happens to be an English aristocrat, and a wealthy circle of lady friends who call themselves the Merry Widows.

The Mother of the Groom, Abigail Blakeman, is a garden club stalwart firmly planted in coastal Connecticut. She thinks the whole enterprise would be so much easier if the wedding was at their golf club. Especially because the Blakeman’s fortunes have taken a turn for the worse—not that you would ever know it by looking at Abigail. Keeping up appearances is exhausting, but it is everything.  

But when a sudden twist of fate calls them into action, these two very different women are forced to take over the wedding planning. Despite their differences, Alexa and Abigail charge in to save the day. How far will two moms go to make their children’s dream wedding a reality?

Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea

This debut novel is a slow burn, character-focused story that explores motherhood, complicated family dynamics, identity and alcoholism. Leah is the mother of three young kids who feels like she's the black sheep of her husband's very tight knit, conservative family where motherhood seems to be the ultimate goal. 

The story started out light but soon took a darker turn as the focus turns to the less talked about sides of motherhood - the sacrifices made, the unfulfilled dreams and how addiction can impact a mother and the family around them. It's an uncomfortable read at times (probably the author's aim) as we witness Leah's decline into addiction which was inspired by the author's own experiences with substance abuse. Among the darker topics, there are moments of light, specifically Leah's bond with her sister-in-law Amy, which was my favourite part of the book.

I have mixed feelings about this story. On the one hand, I appreciate the topics addressed but felt that the story was too slow burn for me and despite enjoying complicated and flawed characters, a lot of page time focused on Leah's long-winded introspection (mainly her obsessive hatred towards her mother-in-law) which bogged down the story and made her a hard character to connect with.

I think this story will connect more with people who are deep in the parenting trenches and all the demands and expectations they face and while this story didn't quite grab me, I think it will appeal to people who enjoy literary fiction that digs deep into poignant topics and it would make a great book club pick for the discussions it will instigate.

Disclaimer: My sincere thanks to Harper Muse for the complimentary digital copy of this book that was given in exchange for my honest review.

My Rating: 3 stars

Author: Jessica Guerrieri

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Type and Source: ebook from publisher via NetGalley

Publisher: Harper Muse / Harper Collins Focus

First Published: May 13, 2025

Read: April 29 - May 5, 2025

Book Description from GoodReads: Leah O'Connor is torn between her current existence and the allure of a phantom life that can no longer be hers.

Swept off her feet by the gentle charm of Lucas O'Connor, Leah's unexpected pregnancy changes the course of her carefree and nomadic existence. Over a decade and three children later, Leah is unraveling. She resents the world in which her artistic aspirations have been sidelined by the overwhelming demands of motherhood, and the ever-present rift between herself and her mother-in-law, Christine, is best dulled by increasingly fuller glasses of wine.

Christine represents a model of selfless motherhood that Leah can neither achieve nor accept. To heighten the strain, Lucas's business venture, a trendy restaurant that honors his mother, has taken all his attention, which places the domestic demands squarely on Leah's shoulders. Seeking an ally in her sweet sister-in-law Amy, Leah shares a secret that, if made known to the wider family, could disrupt the curated ecosystems that keep the O'Connors connected.

As Leah dances with the devil while descending further into darkness, her behavior becomes more erratic and further alienates her from both Lucas and the wider family. Leah's drinking threatens the welfare of her family, prompting Amy to turn to Christine for support. A duel for loyalty ensues. When the inevitable waves come crashing down, it's the O'Connor women who give Leah a the truth of what they've all endured. But Leah alone must uncover the villain of her own story, learn how to ask for help, and decide if the family she has rejected will be her salvation or ultimate undoing.

Rebel Witch

Rebel Witch is the conclusion to The Crimson Moth duology, and it does not disappoint.

I'm not an avid Fantasy reader, mainly due to my fear of complex/confusing fantasy world building but this duology has a fantastical world that was easy to slip into and understand. 

The first book - Heartless Hunter - was a great start to this duology. I loved the magic, main characters and tension - particularly one action scene that was a nailbiter! Readers are left with a cliffhanger and leads readers directly into Rebel Witch. 

Rebel Witch picks up right after the first book ended, thrusting readers back into this world where witches are at war with non-magical people. Ciccarelli dives in with a story full of action, romance and intrigue in this very high stakes story that grabbed me from the beginning and didn't let go for 450 pages.

This was an excellent end to this duology! It's a fast-paced story that blends great tension, forbidden romance (with some spicy sizzle), intrigue and edge-of-your-seat action scenes that will have readers reading 'just a little bit more'. 

Author Event with Kristen - May 8, 2025

Tonight. I had the pleasure of meeting Kristen at an event at my library.  We had 60+ people in attendance and, moderated by the lovely Kayleigh Platz, it was a fun evening celebrating Kristen's Crimson Moth series.

My Rating: 4.5 stars

Author: Kristen Ciccarelli

Genre: Fantasy, Canadian

Series: The Crimson Moth 2

Type and Source: Hardcover, personal copy

Publisher: Wednesday Books

First Published: February 18, 2025

Read: May 1-6, 2025

Book Description from GoodReads: The stakes are even higher in this epic, romantic conclusion to the New York Times bestselling Crimson Moth duology.

A WITCH...
Rune Winters is on the run. Ever since the boy she loved, Gideon Sharpe, revealed who she was and delivered her into enemy hands, everyone wants her dead. If Rune hopes to survive, she must ally herself with the cruel and dangerous Cressida Roseblood, who’s planning to take back the Republic and reinstate a Reign of Witches—something Cressida needs Rune to accomplish.

A WITCH HUNTER...
Apparently it wasn’t enough for Rune to deceive Gideon; she’s now betrayed him by allying herself with the witch who made his life a living hell. Gideon won’t allow the Republic to fall to the witches and be plunged back into the nightmares of the past. In order to protect this new world he fought for, every last witch must die—especially Rune Winters.

AN IMPOSSIBLE CHOICE...
When Rune makes Gideon an offer he can’t refuse, the two must pair up to accomplish dangerous goals. The more they’re forced into each other’s company, the more Gideon realizes the feelings he had for Rune aren’t as dead and buried as he thought. Now he’s faced with a terrible choice: sacrifice the girl he loves to stop a monster taking back power, or let Rune live and watch the world he fought so hard for burn.

In Kristen Ciccarelli's Rebel Witch, the exciting conclusion to The Crimson Moth duology, love has never been so deadly.

PS I Hate You

Disclaimer: I listened to this book at the same time I was reading Say You'll Remember Me by Abby Jimenez ... so this book had some big competition. Unfair? Definitely.

I liked parts of this book - the initial feel as we meet Maddie and Dom and the premise - Maddie's older brother Josh, who recently passed away from cancer, asked Maddie and Dom, his best friend, to do his bucket list trip together which included 8 different destinations to sprinkle his ashes. 

The problem is Dom broke Maddie's heart years prior, and she continues to hate the man. Now she's stuck traveling with him, the only thing ensuring this will happen is Dom and Maddie's love for Josh.

This book went from sweet RomCom to contemporary fiction (with some uncomfortably/cringy spicy scenes sprinkled in) and heavy trauma lingering in the background. I appreciated how Connolly shows how people handle grief differently, but I felt like the more I got to know Maddie and Dom, the less I liked them. I liked Dom's twin brothers and Josh, the dead brother, more than the main couple. 'Nuff said.

Beefs: Maddie was insufferable much of the book. And while I loved how she tells off her mom (who is the queen of narcissism), Maddie often came off as rude and immature. There was also too much miscommunication and the animosity between the couple felt contrived. 

I wanted to swoon. I wanted more emotion and connection. What I got was a good premise, solid narration by Klarissa Vacker but a story and main couple who fell flat for me. PS, I didn't love this book.

My Rating: 2.5 stars

Author: Lauren Connolly

Genre: Romance

Type and Source: eAudiobook from public library

Narrator: Karissa Vacker

Run Time: 11 hours, 22 min

Publisher: Penguin Audio

First Published: December 3, 2024

Read: April 27 - 29, 2025

Book Description from GoodReads: Maddie Sanderson would be proud to honor her older brother’s dying wish, that she scatters his ashes over eight destinations that the adventurous 29-year-old never got to visit before he died from cancer. But in his will, Josh assigned her an impossible partner to help complete the mission—Dominic Perry. Seriously, if Maddie weren’t already at his funeral, she would have killed him for this.

Sure, Dom was Josh’s life-long best friend. He’s also the infuriating man who broke Maddie’s heart back when she was naïve enough to give it to him. But since Dom insists on following the rules and Josh didn’t leave much room for Maddie to argue the matter, they embark together on a farewell trip that spans thousands of miles, exploring new places and revisiting their complicated history along the way.

After a snowstorm leads to a shared bed, Maddie starts to wonder if her brother might be matchmaking from the grave. But when grief also reopens old wounds between them, Maddie will need more than Josh’s ghostly guidance to trust Dom again.

Say You'll Remember Me

This is a book I'll remember (and won't shut up about)

Abby Jimenez has a way of writing wonderful characters, sweet romance and a story that envelopes poignant and pertinent issues of family, relationships (and often) mental health.

In Say You'll Remember Me, we meet a couple (Xavier is a vet and Samantha is in online marketing) who have a perfect first date. But when life soon separates them, they struggle with staying connected while also juggling all that life is throws at them. Samantha is a hoot who has a lot on her plate and Xavier is the 'outwardly grumpy with a cinnamon roll interior' perfect leading man.

This is a family drama with a sweet romance where Jimenez does what she does best - tackles many poignant issues with a compassionate and honest hand. In this book she focuses on: 

• the toll on family caregivers who are caring for a loved one with dementia
• loss
• letting go of toxic family
• long-distance love
• impact of past trauma ... 

Personally, the dementia aspect hit close to home as I have had a few family members who have suffered this horrible disease. As with many of her books, Jimenez advises readers to take care of themselves and adds trigger warnings at the beginning of her books. 

“There is nothing more beautiful than being a witness to someone’s life. To know them inside and out and to be with them through everything, share the same memories. Memories are everything.”

Tropes + Themes:

• Long distance romance
• Insta-Love + slow burn (but it works!)
• Fun meet cute
• Dual POV
• Poignant family issues
• Animal love (with awesome pet names)
• Heartwarming and heartbreaking

Relatable and empathic, poignant and playful, this book had me giggling, tearing up and relating to these characters who burrowed into my heart. Filled with a strong secondary cast (including furry friends), family dynamics and condiment love, this book is full of humour and heart and I'm throwing all the stars at it. I cannot wait to see what Abby Jimenez comes up with next.

My Rating: 5 stars

Author: Abby Jimenez

Genre: Romance, Contemporary Fiction

Series: Say You'll Remember Me 1

Type and Source: Trade Paperback, personal copy

Publisher: Forever (Grand Central Pub.)

First Published: April 1, 2025

Read: April 27 - 30, 2025

Book Description from GoodReads: There might be no such a thing as a perfect guy, but Xavier Rush comes disastrously close. A gorgeous veterinarian giving Greek god vibes—all while cuddling a tiny kitten? Immediately yes. That is until Xavier opens his mouth and proves that even sculpted gods can say the absolute wrong thing. Like, really wrong. Of course, there’s nothing Samantha loves more than proving an asshole wrong…

. . . unless, of course, he can admit he made a mistake. But after one incredible and seemingly endless date—possibly the best in living history—Samantha is forced to admit the truth, that her family is in crisis and any kind of relationship would be impossible. Samantha begs Xavier to forget her. To remember their night together as a perfect moment, as crushing as that may be.

Only no amount of distance or time is nearly enough to forget that something between them. And the only thing better than one single perfect memory is to make a life—and even a love—worth remembering.