Today’s book reviews include mystery, quirkiness, romance, and reality (sadly, not all in a single book—wouldn’t that make for an interesting read!). Let’s get right to the reviews! When We Left Cuba, by Chanel Cleeton: Sugar heiress Beatriz Perez is living in Palm Beach, Florida, where she and her family were forced to take refuge… Continue Reading
Immigration is one of the most high-profile issues of our time, but until quite recently, I have been woefully uniformed about immigration—legal and otherwise—in America. It wasn’t until the 2016 presidential election that I began to think more critically about this issue. Like many Christians, I started to recognize immigration as more than just a… Continue Reading
If we’re friends offline, you likely know that I’m an expert question asker. I’m endlessly curious, and asking meaningful questions is one my few refined social skills. (I have yet to refine the art of asking questions without turning the conversation into a one-sided interrogation. . . .) I recently put this knack for question… Continue Reading
The five books I’m reviewing today were all 4-star reads for me, but that’s where the similarities end. A glitzy historical tale, an epistolary novel, a thriller, and two inspiring memoirs—all books I’m glad that I read and am happy to recommend. Let’s get into the reviews! As Long as We Both Shall Live, by… Continue Reading
How do you choose which book will be your next read? While I build up my TBR based on recommendations from podcasts, book bloggers, and readerly friends, the decision of which book to read next is largely dictated by library holds, Kindle deals, and books I’m reading for a specific group or purpose. Of the… Continue Reading
I began seeing my first therapist when I was 15 years old. He was a small, fastidious man in his fifties with a gentle demeanor and a meticulous office. He began each session by sharpening two No. 2 pencils, used for taking copious session notes on a sheet of unlined computer paper—the only item on… Continue Reading
An old favorite, two though-provoking nonfiction books, a parable, and a thriller all made their way into today’s Quick Lit round-up. Let’s dive right in! The Stranger Inside, by Laura Benedict: Kimber Hannon receives the shock of her life when she comes home from a weekend away to discover that the locks have been changed… Continue Reading
I am so excited to share these reviews with you today. There are a couple of titles I LOVED, and all five of them prompted fairly strong reactions. Let’s get to the reviews! A Curse So Dark and Lonely, by Brigid Kemmerer: In this very loose retelling of Beauty and the Beast, Prince Rhen of… Continue Reading
As often happens, nearly every book in today’s roundup evoked mixed opinions: a little to love, a little to loathe, and plenty in the middle. On a positive note, these inconclusive reactions make for much more compelling reviews. Let’s get to them! My Sister, the Serial Killer, by Oyinkan Braithwaite: Korede and Ayoola are two… Continue Reading
As every mom and dad knows, this parenting business is no easy feat. Being Charleston’s mother is the most wonderful, natural thing I have ever done, but it is also the most difficult. There is SO much about motherhood that is hard, and in my efforts to serve my child well, I often find my… Continue Reading