Some of My Highly Anticipated Reads for 2025

 If there is one thing my partner knows about me, it's that I will never turn down a gift card to a bookstore. Armed with my B&N gift cards, I'll be making a few purchases this year. Most of these titles are out in early 2025 and I'm giddy about them! 

In no particular order, here are some of the books I can't wait to read this year:

Author of The Lost Apothecary. Enough said. 

Civil War novel--sign me up! 

Ooh, this historical thriller gives me Da Vinci Code vibes. 

Horror on the plains. I suspect this one will be intensely good. 

I adored Wayward, and just the cover of this novel makes me giddy. 

One of my favorite historical fiction authors. She's delving into archaeology, another interest of mine. 

The Snow Child was amazing; this is a retelling of Beauty & the Beast. 

Historical fiction. Librarians. The American West. I'm sold. 

There are plenty more books out there that are calling my name, but this is a good start. It's always a treat to have a book to look forward to; I enjoy waiting for them to be published, making the trip to the bookstore, and buying my copy. Sometimes if I'm lucky I can grab one at the library. 

Happy reading! 

The Bookalicious Babe (Sue)

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Some of My Highly Anticipated Reads for 2025

Bookalicious Babe's Top Ten Reads of 2024

 Here it is...my annual Top Ten. I have a weird way of picking my top ten. I look over the books I've read for the year, and jot down the titles that I get a gut reaction to when I see the book cover. The I start numbering them from ten down to one, and make a few adjustments. That's it. That's my process. Pretty simple. 

I've always said I can't remember the names of characters and most times only half of the story, but I do always remember how I felt reading a book. For me it's always how the book made me feel.That's how I keep track of books that either annoyed me, gave me an ugly cry, or maybe left me dwelling on it for days.

I'll confess I was disappointed in my lack of reading this year. I just didn't get to the many books I have stacked at home. I can't force myself to read books just because they are there; I have to be pulled to it, and then I'll read it. Some books stay pretty darn quiet, and others demand to be read right away. So I'm hoping 2025 is the year that many of the books I have at home start yelling and get my attention. 

One more thing, before I reveal my list. A few days ago, a dear fellow book lover--a woman I've known for years; someone who joined my book groups at B&N, attended book talks I put on, and commented on so many of my blog posts, passed away. I'm so very sad for her sweet Mom, her husband, her children and grandchildren. Dawn was a voracious reader, and we usually read a lot of the same books. So Dawn, I know you're up with the stars, and I hope wherever you land, there is a great big library just for you. This Top Ten is for you, Dawn Stephens. 

10. 

9.    

8. 

7. 

6.  

5.

4.

3.

2.

 

And my Top Read of the Year:

1.

It's an interesting mix for me--and to have a memoir be my top read of the year is amazing! Here's to a new slate in 2025 and an exciting year of reading ahead! 

Happy Holidays and Season's Readings--

Sue AKA The Bookalicious Babe

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Bookalicious Babe's Top Ten Reads of 2024

November Reads: Where I Re-discover the Enjoyment of Short Reads

 November was all about reading short stories.  My attention span is zero, so reading shorter bits really fit into my November reading. I thought I would be raring to go with holiday romances, but it hasn't really hit, and I haven't bought a single one so far, which is a record for me. 

I did discover Kindle's Under the Mistletoe collection, which are short holiday romances by some of the most popular romance authors today. Those were fun, and short, which I loved. I've finished three and have two more to go, which I'll read through soon. I've got a few books lined up that I really, really want to finish in December, so I'm going to huddle at home and have a mini readathon for myself. 

Here's what I read in November, in no particular order:

 

Short romance with some sizzle!

Two childhood pals reconnect during a snowstorm

Two college professors trapped in a "weinermobile" during a snowstorm find something to occupy their time

First in a series about the Winston Brothers. Lots of world building here and introducing all the brothers--will read more!

Absolutely loved this book of short essays about food and the memories created by even the simplest of dishes. 

The sequel to The Bookstore Sisters

Love me a Mary Kay Andrews holiday story! This was cute and a fast read. 

This was a heck of a good read--worthy of a book club discussion. 

I'm working on my December reads, and I'll also be posting my top reads of 2024 later in the month. In the meantime, enjoy the season, take time to read and enjoy the comfort of cozy winter nights. 

Happy Holidays!

The Bookalicious Babe

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November Reads: Where I Re-discover the Enjoyment of Short Reads

October Reads: Where I Get it Together and Dive Back into Reading

 It's been a  hot minute since I posted or reviewed any books. A welcome break that involved a family visit, lots of cleaning, and investing some time in resetting my home for the upcoming winter months. I guess you could say I was "nesting" and it was wonderful. It is wonderful. I'm ready for a Midwest winter and spending my evenings reading. 

I read more in October than I have in months, and it was absolutely the best mental health medicine I could have asked for! Here's what I read in October, in no particular order:

This was a delightful cozy romance. Super popular right now. Will read the next two in this series. 

Loved this historical novel about a lending library in England during World War 2. A single mother struggles to keep her daughter safe while secretly working under a ban that prevents widows and married women from working. An ode to the power of books to soothe sad hearts. 

I didn't like this as much as I adored The Midnight Library, but it was definitely worth a read and will leave you pondering life, the universe, and our place in it. 

Very interesting non-fiction about a Navajo Ranger and his experiences with the paranormal during his years working in the vast Navajo nation. 

Just had to read this romantic suspense set in Jerome, Arizona. I've been there, and it was fun to revisit. Definitely some steamy sizzle between the two main characters, and an interesting plot. 

This was just a heartbreaking read. Reading about Lisa Marie's life as told through her own words, and the experiences of her daughter Riley, was eye-opening. One of the best memoirs I've read. 

I have been waiting months for this memoir, and gobbled it up was soon as I bought it! Ina's memoir is just as delightful as she is; there are many surprises revealed. You don't have to be a cook, or a fan of her show to be fascinated by the experience of working as a professional woman in the 1970's. Highly recommend!

I was thrilled to read a few memoirs, from two women whom I admire. I'm continuing my reading binge, and oh, it feels so good! 

I'll keep updating my Goodreads account, so feel free to follow me there. I'll be back in November with more reads. 

Sue AKA The Bookalicious Babe

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October Reads: Where I Get it Together and Dive Back into Reading

1.101 Posts: It All Started on March 28, 2010

 I'm stunned I've been blogging for over 14 years. Gobsmacked. I started off with just a handful of people finding my blog, and now I look at views on my posts and they are in the thousands, which is simply amazing to me. Most of that's due to social media (Facebook) and maybe folks clicking on my links in Goodreads. 

In any case, I'm thrilled people are finding my reviews. I got into blogging because a friend of mine said "you should do a blog" and what started as a blog about musings and weird life stuff quickly evolved into my need to talk about books. Working at a bookstore fulfilled some of my love of book talk, but reaching out to others around the US (and the world!) was just the best thing for me. I read so much; I look back and am amazed at my capacity for devouring numerous books a week. 

This blog has meant a lot to me over the years. It's seen me through some painful losses, bleak times, and career changes that tested my mental strength. As you all know, books are the best kind of comfort. I always find just the right book at the right time for me. I spent hours reading every week, and loved every moment. 

Life is different now, and while my adoration for books will never end, I'm running out of steam with this blog. I've given it a good run, but it's time to step back and regain some time for me. I find myself stressing about posting reviews; rethinking what I'm reading and changing to another book. I want to regain my enthusiasm and quite frankly, read whatever I want. That may mean I read four books devoted to fantasy and maybe one thriller; nonfiction about cooking and interesting people in history. Kids books! Oh lord, so many great kids titles it makes my head spin. 

I will post occasionally to this blog, but mainly I'll be sharing book reads on my Facebook page (@Bookalicious Babe Book Reviews) without the long reviews--just short blips on what I'm reading. I'll continue my Top Ten at the end of each year, too. I love to see everyone's favorite reads and usually discover something new. 

So there you have it. I've been thinking about this for a few years, but I'm finally at a place where I'm ready. 

Thank you all for reading my reviews and following me over the years. I hope I've steered you towards some amazing reads. Follow me on Facebook and Goodreads (Sue Gerth The Bookalicious Babe). 

With much love and gratitude, 

Sue

AKA The Bookalicious Babe

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1.101 Posts: It All Started on March 28, 2010

August Read: In the Lonely Hours by Shannon Morgan

 

We had a short run of cooler temperatures and sweet sleeping nights a few weeks ago and now we're back into the hellscape of heat and humidity. It didn't sway me from jumping into my "Fall feels" and now I just want to read my spooky, moody, gothic, magical novels. I'm ready for pumpkin bread, soup, and early nights. I'm done with summer!

This novel was exactly what I needed to give me that shove into the fall season. Shannon Morgan is a new author to me, and I'll definitely read her first novel Her Little Flowers.  

Taking place on a remote Scottish island, we join Edie Nunn and her daughter Neve. Edie, who grew up in an orphanage and never knew who her parents were, finds out she's inherited an island and a castle from her family, the Maundrells.  Off they go, to check it out and stay for just a few days. No way Edie can keep the castle; it will be sold. 

The castle and the island are filled with ghosts of every shape and size, including Viking ghost ships in the blood red loch (yes, it's red water!), a witch, the evil former owner who scares every other ghost in the castle, and creepy shadows that slither around, waiting to pounce. Edie's ready to leave after just one night; Neve is curious and wants to dig into the family history, which includes the hunt for the infamous Maundrell Red, a diamond coveted by more than one person, living and dead. It disappeared in 1965, and no one has ever found it. Neve wants to figure out the mystery and find the diamond. But is someone else on the island looking for the diamond? Are Edie and Neve safe, as Samhain (October 31) approaches? Will the witch claim Edie and Neve as victims, as the family curse has promised over the years?

At first I had a bit of a time keeping everyone straight as the story bounces from Edie and Neve to 1965 and the Maundrell family. There's a handy family tree included in the book to help you keep track. The haunting is immediate, and there's lots of creepy stuff on the island and in the castle. The history goes back thousands of years, so there's plenty of trauma and death soaked into the island. 

Ghost story fans will love this gothic novel. The setting is well done, and definitely gives you the bone-deep chills only a damp, haunted castle can do. Edie and Neve's relationship is solid and grows with their experiences. And, you are invested in finding out who Edie's parents are...there's plenty of possibilities. The bad people are definitely bad--no doubts about it--and beyond redemption. 

I'd say fans of Carol Goodman, Wendy Webb, and Simone St. James would enjoy this author. 

Rating: 4/6 for an intriguing family curse and mystery wrapped in a historical castle and island, haunted by creatures that will keep you looking into the shadows. 

Available in paperback, audio, and ebook. 

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August Read: In the Lonely Hours by Shannon Morgan

August Read: Sandwich by Catherine Newman

 

I was curious about this novel as it's taken off at my library and has a lengthy holds list. I think word of mouth has made it pop. It's a short novel--around 220 pages, so you can easily read it in a day. 

Sandwich is about a couple: Rocky (Rachel) and her husband, Nick. They're in their early fifties, and are returning to Cape Cod for their annual family week-long stay, in the same rental house they've always stayed in. Joining them are their grown children Willa and Jamie, and Jamie's girlfriend Maya. In a few days, Rocky's parents will also join them for the remainder of the week. 

Told in Rocky's POV, this novel is about a family and the dynamics at play. It's also about menopause and the feeling women have of being at the mercy of their bodies and hormones pretty much their whole lives. Rocky's hot flashes are random and intense; her flares of rage both bewildering to her and also cathartic. She adores her husband and also is completely annoyed and angry with him; she adores her children but remembers vividly the exhaustion and mental struggles she had as a young mother. 

The characters are all interesting; the repartee between parents and children, and between siblings is at times hilarious and heartbreaking. Rocky's memories of past vacations at the Cape and her children form a lot of the backbone of this novel. 

I've read a few reviews that said "this is boring, nothing happens". A whole lot happens, but not action-wise. Emotionally, a lot happens. Sandwich is about being the generation that not only raises children, but is tasked with taking care of elderly parents, but also ties into Rocky's absolute thrill to create sandwiches for her family that please all of them, no matter how much work is involved. Sounds silly, but she really is dialed in on the sandwiches for their beach trips. It says something about mothering, and the little details that maybe aren't appreciated or noticed by the rest of the family. A mother who centers her life around her children. 

There's a lot to this novel, and it's worthy of a discussion. So many subjects are touched upon: pregnancy, miscarriage, abortion, raising children, mental health, sexuality, elderly parents, empty-nesters, women's health, menopause. So much stuff packed into a little novel. Worthy of a read. 

Rating: 5/6 for a novel that packs a punch; loved the writing laced with humor and moments of honesty that hits you in the heart. 

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August Read: Sandwich by Catherine Newman