BOOK REVIEW – Where Butterflies Wander by Suzanne Redfearn

Published February 6, 2024 by Lake Union Publishing

I’m pretty sure I’ve given all of Suzanne Redfearn’s novels five stars and Where Butterflies Wander was no different. I loved it!

After a tragedy, the Egide family is hoping a change in location will help them with a fresh start. Marie, her husband, Leo and their three children travel to New Hampshire and the family estate that was left to Marie by her late grandfather. They plan to spend the summer getting the estate read to sell.

Unfortunately, plans are drastically changed after they meet Davina, a veteran many locals call “the river witch”. Davina has been living in a cabin on the property for many years. They quickly learn that Davina has no plans on moving. Needless to say, Marie is not happy about the change in plans. Davina and Marie both stand their ground. Their personalities collide and a standoff ensues.

I devoured this book!!

I was completely engrossed in this beautifully written story with its perfectly imperfect characters. The story is told from six points of view. We hear from Marie, her husband, Leo, their three children, as well as Davina the river witch. All the points of view melded together wonderfully.

Where Butterflies Wander is a compelling and moving story about grief, love, family, loss and healing. Realistic characters and a unique plot are among the many reasons I had a difficult time putting this book down.

The audio for this book was also phenomenal. Great narrators that were perfect for the characters they portrayed.

This is definitely one of my favorite reads of 2024!

I’d like to thank the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this novel. All opinions are my own.

BOOK REVIEW – The Women by Kristin Hannah

Published February 6, 2024 by St. Martin’s Press

Heartbreaking and intense but also uplifting and inspirational!

I don’t read a lot of historical fiction, but when it comes to Kristin Hannah, I will read anything she writes. She is definitely one of my very favorite authors and I’m always THRILLED when a new book comes out.

When I read Kristin Hannah’s stories it’s easy to forget all the other things that usually crowd my busy mind. Her stories take me away and on top of being entertained, I learn things too.

The Women was story of resilience and sacrifice. Kristin Hannah often writes about inspiring women who have done amazing things and The Women is another example of that. The writing pulled me into the story immediately and refused to let go until I finished. 480 Pages felt like nothing.

The Women was a deeply compelling and impactful read that will likely stay with me for a very long time. This intense and emotional story was not always easy to read but I couldn’t put it down.

I had both the ebook and audiobook and both were excellent. The audiobook was narrated by Julia Whelan and was very well performed.

5 Stars!!!!

I’d like to thank the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this novel. All opinions are my own.

BOOK REVIEW – No One Can Know by Kate Alice Marshall

Published January 23, 2024 by Macmillan Audio

I read and enjoyed Kate Alice Marshall’s previous novel “What Lies in the Woods.” The description for “No One Can Know” was intriguing and I was looking forward to getting started.

When Emma returns home one afternoon, she is surprised to find her husband, Nathan is also home already. Then he says “We need to talk”. It turns out, Nathan has just lost his job. This news is especially upsetting since they just put down $10,000 on a house that they now can’t afford. Unfortunately, that money is non-refundable. Their duplex is going up for sale and they will have to leave by the end of the month. On top of all of that, Emma is pregnant.

Nathan suggests living in the house Emma owns with her estranged sisters. Emma hasn’t spoken to her sisters since their parents died years earlier. Emma doesn’t want to go back to the house or to Arden Hills. Unfortunately with no money, no job, and a baby on the way? Emma may not have a choice. They need a place to live.

“People in Arden Hills don’t forget”

Emma has told Nathan most of what happened in her past but there’s a few things she hasn’t mentioned. What will happen when Nathan hears the entire truth? Will Emma and Nathan regret their decision before they even get there?

A compelling and exciting read!!

I really liked this audiobook. The storyline was engaging and original with some good twists and turns. I did find the ending a little bit rushed but still thought this was a great read. The story was narrated by Karissa Vacker who was excellent as usual. She is definitely one of my favorite narrators.

I look forward to seeing what kind of story Kate Alice Marshall comes up with next!

I’d like to thank the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this novel. All opinions are my own.

BOOK REVIEW – The Heiress by Rachel Hawkins

Published January 9, 2024 by St. Martin’s Press

I have enjoyed many of Rachel Hawkins’s previous novels but I’m pretty sure The Heiress is my favorite so far.

When three year old, Ruby McTavish went missing from a family picnic in 1943, the nation was gripped by her disappearance. Part of the interest was likely due to the fact that Ruby’s father was one of the wealthiest men in North Carolina. Thankfully, a year later, Ruby was found safe and sound living in Alabama with the Darnell family.

This wasn’t Ruby’s only brush with notoriety. She was given the nickname, “Mrs. Kill-more” as she had been married (and widowed) four times. Of course, the nickname was usually whispered behind her back. Ruby lived for many years on the family estate, Ashby House which was located high in the Blue Ridge Mountains. After she passed, her estate and her fortune was left to her adopted son, Camden McTavish. But Camden had no interest in the home or the fortune. Instead he moved to Colorado and eventually married Jules.

Married for a decade, Cam and Jules have led very private lives. They live in Colorado. He’s an English teacher and she works at a living history museum acting as a “pioneer woman” playing the part of a farmer’s wife.

When Jules comes home from work one evening she is surprised to see that Cam is already home. He usually tutors Wednesday evenings. Immediately she knows something is up. Cam seems distracted. Then he tells her something that will change their lives forever.

“It’s my family. They want me to come home.”

When Camden McTavish left Ashby House he swore he’d never look back. Now Cam and Jules are heading back to the Blue Ridge Mountains AND Ashby House.

Cam hasn’t told Jules much about his family. Just like his mother, Ruby, Cam also has secrets. But as it turns out, his wife may be keeping secrets too.

Will coming back to the Blue Ridge Mountains be a huge mistake for Cam and Jules?

I had both The Heiress audiobook and ebook and both were terrific!!

The majority of the story is told from Jules and Cam’s point of view. We learn more about Ruby as letters from her are interspersed throughout the book. There’s also newspaper and magazine articles which help tell the story.

I was completely engrossed in this domestic suspense novel. Rachel Hawkins has written another intelligent and clever story with interesting and complex characters. I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait to read more from this talented author.

I’d like to thank the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this novel. All opinions are my own.