New Reviews 2026

The Ten Thousand Doors of January by Alix E. Harrow

All Booked Up by Melody CarlsonI don’t know where to start. I loved so many things about this book. The characters are phenomenal. I walked right into this story, like I was there with Riva. I identified with her immediately, that library! Riva, a recent widow struggles with grief and staying in her home with a mound of medical bills. Forming connections, she invites four women to move into her home and her life is changed forever. There is growth among the characters, the setting is wonderful in an old Victorian home with a sizeable library.This book embodies so much about surviving grief and healing. The group of women that are brought together and the issues they have are so perfect in relaying the author’s message of redemption, forgiveness, and love.I don’t want to give away too much but I really couldn’t walk away for a minute. I was invested and immersed in the story. It’s about grief, healing, friends, found family, grace, and it has books, a home library, and a book group. That’s all I’m going to say. I was so pleased to be given an opportunity to review an ARC of this book, and I will sing its praises. If you’re over 50, and you want an uplifting story, this is your book! I would like to thank Melody Carlson and NetGalley for the opportunity to review an ARC of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are my own. 5/5⭐

Welcome to the Honey B& B by Melody Carlson

Run on Red by Noelle Ihli

Art of Deception by Cara Putman

Awake by Jen Hatmaker

Waylaid on Whidbey Island by Laurie Herlich

The Bookshop Below by Georgia SummersI really wanted so much more from the mention of a magical bookstore and a secret society.Cass inherits a book shop that she is immediately overwhelmed by. It’s not in the best condition, gets worse, and then it’s better from one chapter to the next. No real growth there.The repetitive tone of her being unfit to run the shop drowns the story. She is a thief by nature and circumstance and finds trouble without really trying. It took so long for any magical elements to surface, the story was kind of stagnant from the beginning.The villains or “secret society” are after the magic within the shop. Their stories were not developed fully and seemed to leave the reader wanting more connection.

The Faraway Inn by Sarah Beth DurstI loved this one in so many ways! It was whimsical, sweet, with found family and a little magic! Sarah Beth Durst did it again! She has become a favorite author of mine!Calisa plans to go help her great aunt with her B&B for the summer, after being encouraged by her parents. Heartbroken and hopeful, she arrives to something much different than what her memories held. It appears run down and in desperate need of rescue. Her great aunt makes it abundantly clear that she is unwelcome. Auntie Zee is determined to send Calisa home. Bent on staying, Calisa is persistent in trying to earn her keep and prove her worth. She enlists the groundkeeper’s handsome son to aid in her efforts. There are strange things aloof and hints of magic everywhere,As Calisa attempts to unravel secrets, she also tries to save the inn from closing.There is so much packed in this wonderful book! I don’t want to give anything away but the character and world building are phenomenal! This one goes on my favorites list for 2026! 5+/5⭐

Rise of the Siren by A. Gordon

Appalachian Song by Michelle Shocklee