Friday Fives - Five Quick Reviews for Books I've Read Recently

I'm in a list making kind of mood so I thought I'd start making random five lists.  Sometimes they'll be bookish other weeks not so much. This week I'm sharing 5 quick reviews for books I've read recently.

1.  Sweet Little Lies by Jill Shalvis - This was a fun romance with likable main characters and a large group of supporting characters who will all have their own books as the series progresses.  Pru and Finn both have baggage but I did appreciate that they were both able to communicate with each other and with the people around them.  There is a Secret which is one of my least favorite plot devices - especially when it takes awhile to be revealed.  However, the response to the Secret wasn't overdone and provided a moment for the characters to figure a few things out.  I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the books in the series that I haven't gotten to yet.  My Rating: Really Liked It (4 Stars)

2.  Murder at Kensington Palace by Andrea Penrose - I'm really enjoying this mystery series involving the Earl of Wrexford (Rex) and Charlotte who is not all what she seems.  The character development was really interesting and I especially enjoyed how they used all facets of Charlotte's past to solve the mystery.  The mystery was a good one with an interesting investigation and a solid reveal.   I'm looking forward to reading more of this series and seeing more of these characters.   My Rating: Really Liked It (4 Stars)

3.  Perfect Storm by Paige Shelton - This was the most recent book in a mystery series involving writer Beth  Rivers who has taken refuge in a remote town in Alaska.  Now there is evidence that the man who kidnapped and terrorized her is free and on his way to finish the job.  There's also been a murder at an even more remote settlement that is splitting the resources that are available.  This was decent.  I like the community that Beth has built and I like seeing her come to a decision after her running is over.  I got a bit annoyed with Beth as the book went on and her determination to not change anything about her life.  I get it but there's a such thing as taking independence far into TSTL territory and we were definitely there.  Overall, I enjoy this series but this wasn't a favorite.  My Rating: Liked It (3 Stars)

4.  The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst - This was an absolute delight from the beginning until the end.  I loved Kiela and Caz (especially Caz) and while her initial desire is to lay low she can't help but get involved in the community that she has returned to.  I enjoyed every character and this is found family at it's very best.  I don't want to say too much because I knew very little going in and couldn't have loved it more.  I will read anything this author writes and now I want cinnamon rolls - and jams.  My Rating: Loved It! (5 Stars)

5.  What You Are Looking For Is In the Library by Michiko Aoyama - This was a reread and one of my first picks from my Audio TBR jar.  It was a 5 star read when I read it in 2023 and I might have enjoyed it even more listening to it 18 months later. I love the stories, the characters, and everything about this book.  I wasn't sure how it would hold up to a reread/listen but it did and I was able to appreciate some of the little details even more.   It will definitely go on my permanent reread list.  My Rating: Loved It! (5 Stars)

What have you read lately?