by Jennifer A. Jones Overall: Although it’s called The Mom Group, this novel is mostly about one woman who identifies primarily as a wife and mother. After years as a stay-at-home mom, Erika Thompson has reached a bumpy patch in her life. Both her kids are away at college and her husband barely sees her,Continue reading “The Mom Group”
Author Archives: Liz Helfrich
The Marriage Portrait
by Maggie O’Farrell Overall: Hamnet was one of my favorites this year, so as soon as I realized that Maggie O’Farrell would publish The Marriage Portrait in September, I got on my library’s hold list. I’m so glad I did! I love historical fiction and stories about women’s lives, and this is a beautiful exampleContinue reading “The Marriage Portrait”
The Golden Enclaves
by Naomi Novik Overall: I loved the first two books of the Scholomance series (A Deadly Education and The Last Graduate). The Golden Enclaves wraps up the trilogy with a bang! As book 2 ends on a cliffhanger (almost literally), and I don’t want to give anything away for those who haven’t read the wholeContinue reading “The Golden Enclaves”
Taste: My Life Through Food
by Stanley Tucci Overall: I love food, cooking, and movies, so I expected Taste: My Life Through Food to hit all the sweet spots, and it did not disappoint. This memoir-cum-cookbook takes us through the actor’s life, providing recipes periodically as we move from his childhood in a close-knit Italian family in New York stateContinue reading “Taste: My Life Through Food”
Oh William!
by Elizabeth Strout Overall: I have loved Elizabeth Strout’s novels since I first picked up Olive Kitteridge years ago, and this latest slender volume is a wonderful addition to her oeuvre. This work of contemporary fiction picks up the threads left at the end of Strout’s earlier book Lucy Barton and explores Lucy’s life followingContinue reading “Oh William!”
Memphis
by Tara M. Stringfellow Overall: This is an incredibly powerful book. Memphis tells the story of the North family through the voices of Hazel, her daughters Miriam and August, and Miriam’s daughter Joan. These women’s lives span the 20th century, but aside from being united by blood, they are also united by their experiences asContinue reading “Memphis”
Dawnlands
by Philippa Gregory Overall: I loved Philippa Gregory’s series about the wives of Henry VIII (The Other Boleyn Girl is the best-known) and her series about the Wars of the Roses (The Cousins’ War series). She’s deservedly one of the top authors of historical fiction about England, and her latest series, Fairmile, takes on theContinue reading “Dawnlands”
Dead and Gondola
by Ann Claire Overall: Calling all cozy mystery lovers! This delightful book is a love letter to the genre. Ellie Christie (sadly, no relation to the famous author) has recently returned to the charming hamlet of Last Word, Colorado, to help her sister Meg take over the family bookstore, the Book Chalet. Ellie’s in loveContinue reading “Dead and Gondola”
My Best Friend’s Exorcism
by Grady Hendrix Overall: I really enjoyed The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires, so when I started seeing My Best Friend’s Exorcism everywhere, I knew I would be reading it in time for Halloween. The cover! I know I don’t often talk about covers, but this one is amazing. It’s a creepy timeContinue reading “My Best Friend’s Exorcism”
Salem’s Lot
by Stephen King Overall: I don’t read a ton of horror books. The ones I do read tend to be classics or what I describe as horror-adjacent (heavy on suspense not gore). There are occasional exceptions, though. I love vampire books, especially Dracula, and so I decided I should probably try Salem’s Lot. I’ve onlyContinue reading “Salem’s Lot”
Liz Helfrich 