20 Best Adult Books (2023 Update)

This book highlighted some disturbingly familiar issues in our society which takes place in an unfamiliar, wild and unforgiving environment. It takes the reader on a journey of emotional highs and lows. It has all the elements which touch our heart; love, hope, tragedy and disappointment. It shows the characters as complex multi dimensional beings, which we come to understand as their stories unfold.Maggie

As a cradle Catholic, I found this book difficult. I struggled with the perspective of being written by Jesus' wife Ana. It would have been more in keeping with my upbringing if the perspective had been that of Mary Magdalen. I usually pass my books along, I will not do that with this book. Our book club has a diverse membership, our Jewish members are not familiar with the New Testament, and they struggled with keeping the characters straight. Our Indian members had similar struggles, but they had some knowledge of the complete Bible. We are a well educated group of women, doctors, engineers, teachers, lawyers, etc. Definitely not a book I will recommend.RosieG

Audible version review: The story was decent and the narration was great. However, when she described anything, everything, and all things, the book became incredibly, astonishingly, and boringly repetitive . I don't need 3 adjectives to describe the color blue (cerulean, turquoise and crystal) , the snow sitting on the mountain (bright white with a million sparkling diamonds in the shining sun) AND the sound of the boat as it laps, slaps, and caresses the waves. It got to the point that I would entertain myself by counting the number of adjectives the author gave each time she describe what something looked like. If you think this review is boring, then you are getting the picture.sheri.g

Who knew we needed a sequel. A Wonderful addition to the characters lives. Although the first book made me sad I loved that there was hope at the end. To have a storyline/book where it truly is focus on Atlas and Lily was a fabulous added touch. I truly enjoyed the Theo character what a lovable grown up boy he was. I enjoyed the other subplot storyline that happened. This book was very realistic in the way it depicts what happens when a divorce mother begins dating and has to deal with possible fallout of the ex-husband not being okay with it. Another exceptional storyline by Ms. Hoover bravo to her.Ann-Marie B.

The Perfect Sequel to It Ends With Us This was such a perfect end to a story we didn t know we needed a sequel to. It Ends With Us ended on a perfect note and we kinda gather what was going to happen to Lily and Atlas. It Starts With Us gave such an incredible story a love story we needed to read. I loved it for so many different reasons Lily is a superhero! Atlas is perfection and Rile is in desperate need of someone who can help him I cant help but feel bad for him I know I shouldn t but I can t help it. Colleen you ve done it again and I can t recommend this book enough. 2 people found this helpfulYady S.

The uplift we all need I have read everything Colleen Hoover has written so I had been counting the days until “It Starts With Us” was released. Meanwhile I reread “It Ends With Us” to refresh my memory of the characters. (It made me realize that I want to go back and reread all her books.) I fell in love all over again with Lily and Atlas. It was a hard heartfelt read. “It Starts With Us” picks up where the first book ends and we readers not only wanted that we needed it. These books will hit home with many people and it will offer them encouragement and hope. And we all need that. It s an absolute perfect read and you walk away feeling content. We all need that too.KNH

You was interesting and highly engrossing from the very beginning. I enjoyed that the story is from 2nd narration. The story is a little bit creepy, but not too creepy. It does feature lots of stalking, violence, and murder, just so people are aware before starting the book.Peppermint1991

This was definitely very different than what I have ever read before. Creepy. Odd. Messes up with your mind but addicting. This book is not for everyone. *Note: I read this way before the TV series came out. Still haven't watched it yet.I am so conflicted in whether I like or hate Joe Goldberg. He is a creepy,smart, psychotic stalker. I should dislike him for that but sometimes I don't. He is a hopeless romantic that needs help. But I don't think any help will actually help him. He knows what he is doing therefore none of his actions are acceptable. Joe meets Guinevere Beck at the bookstore he works at and is instantly obsessed. He will do anything for her, and he does. Every other character in this book isn't any better than him in a way. Yes they don't stalk and hurt people but their actions and personality aren't the greatest either. This book is a crazy read. It will make you so conflicted because you will hate yourself for liking this guy.tiffany.l

Received a copy of this novel as an advanced reader edition in my store a month or two before the release date. While I lay hands on nearly every new release of the year, this one immediately caught my attention and I took it home to read. I found the use of the 2nd person pov a refreshing perspective and was instantly caught up in a love affair with the narrator – his keen wit, unconventional viewpoints and social awkwardness were very endearing. A little into the novel, I started thinking "This guy might be a little creepy." A little further, I started thinking, "Yeah…this guy is kinda creepy.". A little further, and I realize, "Yes. Yes, this guy is definitely a creeper," but yet I'm still somewhat enthralled. His actions and conclusions seem so normal and such a matter-of-course to him, it's very easy to sympathize and see him as the victim rather than the victimizer. I sometimes hesitate to recommend this book to customers as it's so incredibly creepy, but if you are a mature reader with a love for psychological thrillers, this book is an absolute must read!Lisa, GM

This book lived up to the positive reviews – it is a fun read with the book within the book within the book as its organiser. There are amusing red herrings and distracting layers that all come together well. Recommended!Annie

This was the most confusing book I've ever read! I had to go back and read the ending 3 times before I could figure out what happened, and I'm still unsure about who Leo actually is. I am not enamored of her writing style and probably wouldn't recommend it. Can someone send me a good review of this book? Thanks – you folks usually hit a home run! Although Women in the White House was another book that was poorly written, many spelling and grammatical errors. I was almost embarrassed to leave it in a little library in Georgia!Jackie

This was such an engaging, clever and original book. I read it very quickly as it's quite an easy read. The plot was incredible and I'm very happy with the ending as I did not expect it. Highly recommend to anyone looking for their next mystery.mollyj

I loved Louna's romantic relationship with Ethan and her evolving relationship with Ambrose. These three characters and (discovering if) my hopes for their futures were the only things that made me continue reading the story. Although the plot to the story wasn't enjoyed by myself, I think many others would like it. My favourite part of the storyline was the ending, not because the story ended but it was what I hoped for and envisioned.S.E.N

A little slow at first, didn't see the Sarah Dessen spark, but I tell you what: She HITS you with it there at the end. Another complete hit.Court

I LOVE Sarah Dessen. I will read whatever she comes out with no matter how old I am. What I really love about her books is I am immediately taken back to 16 with every one. I thought this was a perfect summer read and very relevant to today's culture. I don't really understand why no one really liked this book, I think it is one of my favorites. Also let's talk about the names in this book because they are kind of strange Louna, Ambrose, Jilly, Michael Salem??? However, I did feel toward the end the book was dragging on. You already knew what was going to happen and were literally just waiting for Louna to stop being such a baby, but I understand. All in all, I really did like this book and I will continue reading Sarah Dessen even as a twenty-something female.brittany.r

I think everyone see Colleen Hoover and they lose their mind. I have read 8 of her books in 3 months. Ugly love is garbage and this one is a close second. This one should come with a trigger warning as it talks about fertility issues. I wouldn’t recommend this one of you love. If you want a pretty good story, that shows how far CoHo’s writing has come, regretting your or reminders of him would be my recommendations.HearherB

Wasn’t a favorite of mine like her others. Took me a few days to get through the book, wasn’t one I just couldn’t put down. My favorite part of the book was Graham. He is the perfect man to have (aside from on little mistake he makes). He endures so much from his wife due to what she goes through but he still fights for his marriage. Quinn is suffering with not being able to conceive but she was a little frustrating to me with how unreceptive she was to her husband. It has a great ending though so that was nice.boymom2

This story starts off with Quinn and Graham sitting in a hallway listening to THEIR partners cheat on the other side of the door while they talk and eating takeaway food that they stole of the delivery guy before it reached Ethan's door. Then many years later by fate as what Graham believes, ends up with Quinn and marrying her. Then after some years goes by Quinn and Graham's marriage starts to have troubles after many years of trying to have a baby and being unsuccessful, due to unsuccessful pregnancies Quinn goes start to distance herself from Graham emotional and even physical due her pain of not getting pregnant and which resulted in Graham owning up to kissing another woman. A heartbreaking story about infertility which affects so many people and couples in real life and cheating which effects most people one time or another. Then Graham turns up to Quinn's sister's home with their wedding present which was a box with letters in it, which wasn't meant to be opened until their 25th anniversary but due to trying to save his marriage gets Quinn to open it now. This one gesture and action saves their marriage. So lucky they worked it out because not everyone ends up being together after what they went through. A lot of people brake up because it's just too painful. It still hurts Quinn that she can not have children but instead of hiding her tears from Graham, she cries in front of him. It does help because yes she still cries, just not as much now. They end up getting a dog and naming it August. A story of infidelity, infertility, sadness, truth, honesty and love. A powerful story that I'm so happy that Colleen Hoover had the courage to write.J.Vick loves books

Debbie has done it again. A perfect Christmas book my favorite. I absolutely love Hank and Pete. It would make a wonderful movie. Thanks Debbie.stacey

This a really feel good read, and it really shows the true meaning of Christmas. A grandmother telling a real story to her grandchildren, and a true one, not a Once Upon A Time, and she has to tell her Grandson when there is kissing! Love it! The story is so heart warming, and kind of unbelieveable, a pastor and a bar tender trade jobs! Ok, can you imagine the surprises of the patrons and parishioners! Wouldn't you love to be a fly on the wall at both places! We have changes of hearts and many surprises, who would have thought that the bartender would give bible lessons? You don't want to miss this sweet read, I really enjoyed it, in fact once the first page was turned I kept reading to the end! I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Random House Group – Ballantine, and was not required to give a positive review.MaureenT

Bought this book a while back and absolutely adored it. The pacing is brilliant. And the characters are so realistically nuanced you can’t help but feel invested in the story. The theme of over-sexualisation (of women) is portrayed exceptionally. Mick Riva is the only reason why this book could be given anything less than five stars; if you know, you know…maria271

5 stars. 5 beautiful, hard earned stars. Holy cow, Malibu Rising shook my very soul. This is a book I'll keep thinking about for a long time. I've been on a huge kick lately of reading books with beautiful settings, and this one takes the cake for sure. TJR has clearly spent a lot of time researching early 80s Malibu, and she painted the most beautiful picture of it. Just….. wow. I'm stunned after finishing this book. It was so beautiful and sad and hopeful and deep and intense. It pulled me in from the first line and was impossible to put down. I'm a sucker for books told from multiple perspectives because I love the added depth and the fuller picture. Malibu Rising tells two stories across different decades, and the moment they intersect is so fulfilling. There are a ton of different narrators, ranging from the four main Riva siblings to random party attendees, and it kept the story interesting and well-paced. TJR has an incredible ability to transport readers across time and place and into a world you've never even dreamed of. I want nothing more right now than to hop on a plane to Malibu and start learning to surf just so that I can feel more connected to the Rivas, a fictional family that I didn't know existed three days ago but that I'll now remember forever. This was truly an incredible story of family, fame, hurt, surfing, and a seriously crazy party.Gracie C.

This book was about a bird who didn't yet know how to fly. The bird has to decide if it will try to fly, but it was not sure if it wants to. The bird thought, "If I never forever endeavor" then I won't ever learn. On one wing, he worries he might fail and on the other wing he thinks of how he may succeed. He worries that if he tries, he may get lost in the world. That makes him want to stay in his nest where he's safe. I think this book would help other children to learn that trying new things can be scary, but sometimes when we try, we can find things that make us happy too. And this book will help others know that mistakes are okay and part of learning. My favorite part is that the bird tried and learned that she could fly. I also liked that I read this book because it gave me a chance to talk to mom about making mistakes and how I don't like making them. Then I learned they are good and part of learning. Boys and girls who are 3 to 8 years old would like this book because it teaches about trying a new thing and how it's important to get past being scared so you can learn new things. I give the book 5 stars since I think it's important for other children to learn about courage.ckoo-68

This book is about tricking your mind into thinking differently than you were tricked into thinking. The stars are for the author taking common self-help strategies and resharing them in an amusing voice with witty headlines. It was entertaining… yet problematic. Here are some disappointing things you'll read: 1. Under "Delegate or Die," regarding having more time to build your business: “You could ask your husband to empty the dishwasher." Yes, we often have to ask for what we need (and learning to ask and receive can be hard). But does Jen Sincero know about the concept of emotional labor? A woman should not have to do the unpaid labor of being her household's project manager, when the adult man living there is fully capable of not only doing chores, but taking the initiative to do chores, in his own house, on his own. 2. "First Rule of Wealth Consciousness: Come From a Place of Abundance, Not Lack": Author claims that some people born into poverty live in cardboard box homes by the highway, while others born into it make actual successes of their lives. She claims the "one key" difference between the two outcomes is the mere BELIEF that they can accomplish anything. This mindset is extremely naive and ignorant to the ways that poverty is systemic (rooted in discrimination, racism, politics, etc.) and propagandizes the false concept of meritocracy (except that instead of claiming a person will succeed because they "worked hard," claiming that all it takes is "thinking hard" enough). 3. In "Money, Your New Best Friend": "Ever notice how when your rent is due in a week and you have no idea how you're going to pay it…you always manage to somehow figure out how to get the money just in time?" For instance, Sincero says you can "transform your life" if you "borrow from a friend." Many readers point out the faults in her luxury car anecdote (buying the pricey ride instead of the practical one she could afford, then worrying about payment later). Let me share my own anecdote. A former roommate of mine was a previously-homeless, now-living-in-Beverly-Hills conspiracy theorist and voracious reader of money mindset literature. When she began subletting with me, we created a payment plan for her security deposit. She lived with me for 1.5 years and somehow never had the funds to pay up; yet when I submitted our 30-day notice to end the lease, on move-out day she suddenly had—you guessed it—a whole damn car of her own! She also liked giving me her rent money a few days late, which meant I had to front my own money to the landlord (see "borrow from a friend"). When she got back from yoga teacher training in India, she asked if she could sleep on the couch instead of in her room in order to pay NO RENT (please note that I am not, in fact, her parents). Our last month together, when I dared break the lease during Mercury Retrograde instead of waiting to "discuss things after both retrograde AND its shadow period are over," she accused me of obsessing so much over money that it destroyed our relationship. She felt superior because she held the author's mindset that, per Sincero, "Money is energy." (Maybe I should write a book, instead of a book review, about my experiences with her!) The author is enabling a mindset that will make those around you resent you. Potential readers, if you pick up this book, take what you need (with a grain of salt) and leave the rest.jessica.b

I am not a huge self-help book reader at this point in my life, but I got this many years ago as a gift from my beloved sister, and a friend of mine picked it as a read for our book club (digital) this month. I really enjoy Jen Sincero and the way she lays it all out there. She is witty and charming and I will be reading her other books as well. I decided to listen to this as an audiobook (on youtube, narrated by Jen herself, if you are interested) so I could multitask. I genuinely felt inspired to be a better me while/after listening to this book. It is filled with honest, good advice and different ways of looking about things. It isn’t super long, which for some of us that is a bonus because we are busy/slow readers/have kids/work all the time/etc. It just is really good. 10/10 would recommend.haley.s

Every day I use something within this book. Greg's examples resonate with me, and have empowered my approach to my personal and professional time management and understanding of how to tackle life.Ruth

This is an incredible book for all ages. If you really want to focus on the things that matter, this book provides you with very practical tools to start implementing it in your every day life. This is must to read. I loved the book!Mekishkojin

The absolute BEST way to relax and release stress! My favorite adult coloring book so far. I got mine off of amazon, but I’m sure you could find in your local book stores. The pages are sturdy and thick so you could use the marker tip pens to color (which is my FAVORITE the colors are so bright). Each picture ranges from easy-hard so need to feel overwhelmed with only hard intricate pages. Overall, 10/10 recommend 🙂kaylie.l

Such interesting , well drawn pages.I felt as though I was with the character climbing the tree, escaping from the confines of HER sad-feeling, empty home. I'm reminded of too many escapes from places/times like that. Coloring soothes me, takes me far away from the present and to another world where I can rest from my REAL life, hang my pain-sack on the book's tree limb and have an adventure . While I'm putting my colors inside the lines so creatively drawn by the REAL artist, I'm CREATING. This " coloring book" reminds me I TOO am an artist, creative and able to also escape. It's a great tale without words. I enjoyed it so much that I've given several as gifts. My order arrived fast and book was well packaged. Great experience.peachesmama_6

Johanna basford is a very common name when you mention coloring. She is an amazing artist and with each stroke from your pencil or pen, her illustrations come to life in a huge way. It's fun to search for the hidden items, or to color the page and search after. The pages are double sided, there are a few two-page spreads, and the pages are also serrated for easy removal. Overall, I would absolutely recommend this book or any other by her. Amazing quality!jennifer.p

Francine has done a phenomenal job in translating the book of Hosea in the era of the Gold Rush. This story is about redemption of a young woman who had little choices in life. The first edition of this story I think was the best. Other editions had changes that I felt left a more vanilla view. I would recommend this book as a good read for anyone but especially for those who want to understand more deeply the scriptures. I went straight to the book of Hosea and read the whole thing with different eyes!hooverjax

Redeeming Love is one of those rare books that, while relating the main characters' stories, also tells our own. Angel is a young woman brutalized by many and dismissed by the rest as a lost cause, but when Michael Hosea enters the picture, Angel is given the opportunity to change the future that she believed to be set in stone. Though beginning to love an entirely different kind of life, the past confronts Angel through Michael's embittered brother-in-law and her own unnerving suspicion that she will be found unworthy in the end. In a desperate move to remember who she was before she was given the name 'Angel,' she returns to the confines of the city, only to stumble upon a freedom and sense of purpose she never believed she could find. Unaffected and honest, Francine Rivers weaves a story of unconditional love at its finest, pulling readers in and convincing them, page by page, that it cannot be set aside.Alexandria M

Purchased this book many years ago in a Christian book store near Hilton Head while vacationing there. The sales agent said: If you love Christian fiction books, I promise you this one is one you will always remember…… I purchased it and could not put it down or get away from its message! Does God really Love someone like Michael loved Angel even when she is unfaithful time and again..? I could go on but the book of Hosea in the Bible will never be the same to me again after reading Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers… Highly recommend this book-I purchase it for gifts now….1964ski

I read this book from start to finish all in one day I could not set it down! I have followed along with the author Ashley Flowers and her podcasts (huge crime junkie fan) for a long time now and she did not disappoint with this book. Every time I thought I knew what was gonna happen next there was another twist in the story and it kept me on the edge of my seat the whole book. This is by far my new FAVORITE book and I will be buying multiple copies for Christmas presents. I would love for Ashley to write more books in the future and would buy them all in a heart beat.Kailey

If you've ever involuntarily blurted out 'And I'm Britt', this is the book for you. If you've pounced on this book before reading the blurb, allow me to enlighten you: this is a novel, not a super long episode of Crime Junkie in book form. Not that I'd ever open a book, see A Novel after the title and question every assumption I've ever made. All Good People Here (A Novel) primarily takes place in Wakarusa, Indiana, where Ashley and Britt grew up. In 1994, six year old January Jacobs died. Everyone in town knew Krissy, January's mother, murdered her but the case has officially remained unsolved. "You don't want to go back to that sad little town where that terrible thing happened." Margot hasn't lived in Wakarusa for twenty years but has returned to care for her beloved Uncle Luke. When a young girl is reported missing in a nearby town, Margot believes the person who killed her childhood friend has struck again. Margot is determined to use her crime reporting skills to solve the cases but she seems to be the only one seeing their similarities. This may be a small town but many of its residents are living with secrets. "What did you do?" Hearing the story from Krissy and Margot's perspectives, you learn about the dynamics of the Jacobs' family, how the investigation into January's death unfolded and the impact it has had on everyone close to the case in the subsequent years. A few key details about January and her death made me think of JonBenét Ramsey. Once I made that connection, I had trouble seeing anything else. I enjoyed tagging along as Margot followed up leads, although I did get a bit bogged down at times with what was happening with Luke. I guessed some of the reveals but, rather than being disappointed by this as I usually would be, it made me feel like I was being a good Crime Junkie. It's taken me two weeks since finishing this book to attempt writing a review and that's mostly due to the last time we see Margot in this book. Readers will likely either love or hate this scene. I loved it but, because I don't want to get all spoilery, I can't tell you why I loved it and that's what I really want to talk about. I'm looking forward to reading future books by Ashley. Until then, I'll keep getting my Crime Junkie fix whenever I can and remembering to always "Be weird. Be rude. Stay alive." Content warnings are included on my blog. Thank you so much to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK for the opportunity to read this book.Schizanthus Nerd

As someone who typically doesn't read thrillers or mysteries, I truly enjoyed this debut novel from Ashley Flowers! The characters are well developed & enjoyable and the small-town-everyone-knows-everyone setting felt realistic but mystical at the same time. The twists and turns had me on the edge of my seat literally until the last word. The ending was UNBELIEVABLE! I hope to read more from Ashley in the future.gap0802

A challenging and intense read from a top author. The issues of abandonment, violence and opioid addiction make it one not for the faint hearted.Ruth

Only the most talented and intrepid novelist would dare to take on Charles Dickens and one of his most famous masterpieces. That Barbara Kingsolver is such an author is apparent with her outstanding rendering of Dickens' David Copperfield. It may not be necessary to have read the original to enjoy Demon Copperhead but reading these two books in succession is extremely rewarding. Whereas Dickens places his unlucky David in Victorian England, Kingsolver has her Demon emerge from Appalachia in the early 2000s. Both narrators experience devastating hardship right from birth and are helped or hindered by a remarkable cast of fully fleshed and memorable secondary characters. Kingsolver embraces the classic bildungsroman theme, changing the names and circumstances for a fresh and relevant reinvention. Both books are sprawling, enthralling, and even repulsive at times. Demon Copperhead, however, is not merely a copy of David Copperfield-the fraught journey of Kingsolver's hero provides a reminder that our societal ills and inequalities have not changed all that much.jnmegan

Demon Copperhead is the ninth novel by award-winning best-selling American author, Barbara Kingsolver. It's in August of his eleventh year that life falls apart for Damon Fields. Despite his inauspicious beginning and life in a double-wide trailer with his single mother, his first ten years are happy ones. With strong Melungeon features, flame red hair, green eyes and darker skin, inherited from a father who died before he was born, Damon soon acquires the name Copperhead, Demon being the natural warp of his given name. A good student with a talent for drawing, he excels at school and enjoys spending his free time with his best friend, Maggot, grandson of his mother's landlady, Nance Peggot. The catalyst for change seems to be the arrival into their lives of Murrell Stone, known as Stoner, whom Damon quickly assesses as bad news. That he is a bully, expert in gaslighting, is soon obvious: "Mom took up with a guy that believed in educating with his fists, that bullied and brainwashed her till the day she died." By the time he arrives in his father's hometown in Tennessee, the now-eleven-year-old has suffered the physical and psychological abuse of his new step-father, lost his pregnant mother, been fostered out into two differently neglectful homes, done hard physical labour, worked an illegal job, missed school to harvest tobacco, been half-starved, and robbed. From there, the story follows Demon's rollercoaster fortunes in life: patronage from his paternal grandmother, a football coach and an art teacher; recognition of his talents and abilities; injury and drug addiction; the deterioration and loss of people close to him. He proves to be resilient, and eventually learns that not all the people he chooses end up being true friends. With her reinvented David Copperfield set in modern-day Appalachia, Kingsolver illustrates the potent impact on young lives of the poor choices that people themselves make, or are made by those charged with their care, often when there is, realistically, no choice at all. When those people in his life who have good intentions but no means are unable to step up, her protagonist ends up at the mercy of people rorting the welfare system for their own gain or merely their survival, under the supposed care of poorly-paid and under-resourced people stuck in a poorly funded and disorganised system. All of this will feel wholly realistic to those with experience of said system. Shown, too, is the Appalachian(?) mindset perpetuated by some teachers at less well-off schools that their students lack the intelligence to compete academically with richer schools. This can result is students believing, often to their detriment, injury-wise, that sport or unskilled labour is their only option. Credibly presented is the casually indiscriminate use of prescribed narcotics in teens with its ensuing downward spiral into addiction, and also the power of the intelligent cartoon. Damon's feels like an authentic voice which gives the story added credibility. Kingsolver gives her young protagonist insight: "A mean side to people comes out at such times, where their only concern is what did the misfortunate person do to put themselves in their sorry fix. They're building a wall to keep out the bad luck." And makes him perceptive: "A dead parent is a tricky kind of ghost. If you can make it into more like a doll, putting it in the real house and clothes and such that they had, it helps you to picture them as a person instead of just a person-shaped hole in the air. Which helps you feel less like a person-shaped invisible kid." And, of course, the reader can rely on Kingsolver for gorgeous descriptive prose: "I found a good rock and watched the sun melt into the Cumberlands. Layers of orange like a buttermilk pie cooling on the horizon. Clouds scooting past, throwing spots of light and dark over the mountainheads. The light looked drinkable. It poured on a mountain so I saw the curve of every treetop edged in gold, like the scales of a fish. Then poured off, easing them back into shadow." Many of Dickens' characters are easily identifiable by their slightly altered names and roles; several are sterling characters, although the one with that name is the polar opposite. Those familiar with it will find elements of the story somewhat reminiscent of AB Facey's memoir A Fortunate Life. Included is a bonus essay revealing Kingsolver's inspiration for this tale. Moving and thought-provoking: a wonderful read. This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Faber & Faber.Cloggie Downunder

I read this as a library book a while back and loved it 's believable characters and evocative story telling. It's not the usual run of the mill love story. There are certain books that I know I will read again and again and this is one of them.dudleywa86

An excellent depiction of life in rural Kentucky during the Great Depression. Brave women ride horses to deliver books to those who need them most and have the least access. Lots of small town drama and deepening of friendships between the women. Romance and intrigue too. You will be grateful you are a woman in this century.LORI

This book keeps you engaged from the first line. Wonderful story about strong, courageous women who bonded together, despite differences and difficult times. I laughed and cried several times during the story. This is one book you won't want to end. Loved it!Felisha

What do you get when you mix twin sisters, wedding chaos, a clash between the Bride & Grooms siblings, food poisoning and a 10-day trip to Maui? You get the fun and romantic story of Olive and Ethan in The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren. For Olive, things never seem to go her way. Her twin sister is her opposite even getting her dream wedding completely financed through winning all kinds of contests. A wedding nightmare ensues and in a twist of both fortune and misfortune, Olive is getting a free trip to Maui. Only catch, Ethan who she hates, will be going with her. They spend the next 10-days pretending to be the happy newlywed couple. In doing so they realize things about one another and spending lots of time together which seems to be turning this nightmare into a not so horrible experience. This book is a fun way to explore the love/hate, will they/won't they relationship. Christina Lauren help invoke humor, genuine emotion and true relatability in the story and characters. Seeing the main characters grow individually throughout adds to the charm of this story. Another great addition to anyone's reading list, especially to take on a trip to the beachThirstyReadingQueen

This was such a fun, relaxing read. I loved Ethan and Olive and all their crazy. Olive has the worse luck ever. Her sister does not. But when the tables turn and Olive’s sister and brand new brother-in-law are laid low from food poisoning, it’s possible her luck has changed. With a new job lined up and her relationship with Ethan moving from enemies to something more, things are looking up. Now if they can hold it together once the honeymoon is over. I absolutely adored this heroine, which is rare for me as I’m all about the hero. Olive had such a great, quirky outlook at life, even if it did seem a bit Eeyore-ish at times, a condition she eventually realizes and corrects. She’s the type of person I’d totally hang out with and love every minute of it. Her inner thoughts had me grinning and laughing as well as shaking my head at some of her antics. I would reread this book all over again because of her. We don’t get a look into Ethan’s thoughts until the epilogue and I really missed having it. It wasn’t easy to tell what he was thinking and his actions didn’t always speak louder than words. As the story unfolds and we are given information from him I grew to love him. He’s not an alpha hero, but something, dare I say…better? He’s the type of man you’d want in your life always. He’s just a regular guy with regular reactions and some insecurities as well as being fallible. In the end, with that epilogue, I was sold completely. This is such an entertaining read, a little lengthy but never boggy and with some drama that didn’t consume the whole story. The chemistry between these two was felt but not sizzling and I’d consider this a bit lite on the smexy times. Nevertheless, it was a wonderful book and I’d recommend it to anyone who enjoys a light hearted, low angst, enemies-to-lovers romance.carvanz

This book was so engaging and easy to follow! I read it in a day, and I wish there was more because of how good it is. I love the setting and adore the characters. I recommend to anyone looking for a feel good romantic comedy to read during the warm weather. This was a vacation read, which was perfect.tnace13

I have never read a Shari LaPena book but the blurb was intriguing, so I bit. I have always loved to read, but life was so busy I was down to reading only magazines. How I longed for the time to read a real book. Pandemic hit, I now had time, so I have bought several books now and have started enjoying being able to read real books again. This was a great story. Glad I bought it!madlib

What would you do if you got a letter saying that their son broke-in your house & snooping on your laptop? Another amazing suspense from Shari Lapena, Lately I have been very lucky with all my recent thrillers that I read & no doubt Someone We Know was also a 5 star for me. I love a thriller which is fast paced and moves right into action. We all do, right? This is exactly like that. A #whodunnit case which is gets complex with every page & it becomes a little difficult to know who did it until the last few pages. I loved how the story of other characters was connected & it gave a hard time to the police to actually keep up with new evidence & secrets emerging every now & then, they moved one step ahead & 2 steps backward arresting suspects but their theory didn't add up. There was so much secret between each family, like it was difficult to know if they were telling the truth. I love a story with so much happening in it that you just want to keep turning the pages faster and faster. I loved Olivia how she wanted to do what is right even if it could cause trouble for her own family. I would definitely recommend it Thank you Viking Books for gifting me a copy of this book.BookishAnki

A real page turner, kept me gripped from beginning to end & I had no idea who the killer was until it was revealed! Another fantastic book from Shari Lapena, she never disapointsJani

Love the book, loved the story even more! I would have given it 5 stars, but it had a long smudge stain on one of the pages going from the main characters face down to a dialogue bubble. Other than that, it was great. The story kept me on the edge of seat and my heart was pounding loudly with suspense of what was to come.Lulu

This book will captivate you on page one. It is thought-provoking and entices you to reflect how you would react if this story was real.NJAD