Books from the Backlog - The Girl Who Came Home

Today I'm linking up with Carole from Carole's Random Life of Books for Books from the Backlog.  I really enjoy the chance to feature a book that's been hiding in the piles of books for far too long!

Goodreads:  The Girl Who Came Home by Hazel Gaynor

Blurb:  A voyage across the ocean becomes the odyssey of a lifetime for a young Irish woman. . . .
Ireland, 1912 . . .

Fourteen members of a small village set sail on RMS Titanic, hoping to find a better life in America. For seventeen-year-old Maggie Murphy, the journey is bittersweet. Though her future lies in an unknown new place, her heart remains in Ireland with Séamus, the sweetheart she left behind. When disaster strikes, Maggie is one of the few passengers in steerage to survive. Waking up alone in a New York hospital, she vows never to speak of the terror and panic of that fateful night again.

Chicago, 1982 . . .

Adrift after the death of her father, Grace Butler struggles to decide what comes next. When her great-grandmother Maggie shares the painful secret about the Titanic that she's harbored for almost a lifetime, the revelation gives Grace new direction—and leads both her and Maggie to unexpected reunions with those they thought lost long ago.

Inspired by true events, The Girl Who Came Home poignantly blends fact and fiction to explore the Titanic tragedy's impact and its lasting repercussions on survivors and their descendants.

Why It Needs to Come Off the Shelf:  I have really wanted to read this one since it came out but somehow it just never makes it to the top of the pile.  I have it on my 26 in 2026 list so I have hopes for finally getting to it this year.

The Barn Identity - Cozy Mystery Review

Goodreads:  The Barn Identity (House Flipper Mystery #8) by Diane Kelly

Rating: Really Liked It (4 Stars)
Source:   Publisher

Description:  In Nashville, carpenter Whitney Whitaker is ecstatic when she discovers an abandoned barn perfect for her next project. However, since the surrounding former farmland has now developed into a shiny new shopping center, it seems the decrepit antebellum barn that once served as a livery stable should be torn down to make way for something more modern. Even so, Whitney can’t help but think the barn should be preserved. While unproven, it’s rumored the building once served as a hiding place for escaped slaves as part of the Underground Railroad. She convinces her cousin to take a chance on the old property. After all, the barn would make a unique retail space or, with its high ceilings and wide walls, could be turned into an arthouse cinema.

When a local print journalist reporting on the renovation is found dead on the property, investigators suspect he might have been murdered for any one of several exposés he’d published about local politicians, movers, and shakers. Whitney suspects there’s more to the story, and that the journalist’s fate might be tied directly to the stable renovation. Can she solve the murder and bring a killer to justice? Or might this goal be too lofty?

Genre: Mystery - Cozy

Why I Picked This Book:  I've read several of the other books in the series and have enjoyed them all.

My Impression: This was a lot of fun which I expected from this series.  Whitney and her cousin are working on renovating a barn and Whitney becomes involved in the murder investigation of a journalist.  This didn't have as much renovation detail as I expect from the book or as much time with her cousin and business partner Buck.  However, the changes in Whitney's life make this make sense.

The mystery was a fun one and while Whitney involvement in the investigation does seem a bit over the top at times the solution is satisfying.  I liked how it developed and all the different threads.  There was a little spin at the end that didn't make the most sense to me but it was inconsequential.  This could potentially be the last in the series and while I would be sad to not see any more of these characters it did wrap up nicely.   I also always enjoy the appearances by Whitney's cast Sawdust who is such a sweetie.  
The series as a whole is a fun one with a good mix of renovation and mystery.  I've enjoyed everything I've read by this author and this is a solid cozy series.

 

Would I Read More of this Series/Author?  Absolutely!  I've enjoyed all of the books I've read in tis series and am looking forward to reading more.

Would I Recommend this Book? I wouldn't necessarily recommend jumping in with this book but if you enjoy cozy mysteries the series is one not to miss.  

* I received this book in exchange for an honest review.  As always my opinions and impressions are completely my own. *

Top Ten Tuesday - Ten Buzzwords That Make Me Want to Read or Avoid a Book

Today I'm linking up with Top Ten Tuesday hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl which is all about lists.  Since lists are one of my favorite things this is one of my favorite linkups!  Today's topic is Buzzwords or Phrases that Make Me Want to Read or Avoid a Book.

If I see anything like that mentioned I will immediately add the book to my TBR.

1.  Cold Case - I love a good cold case investigation!

2.  Forgotten/Hidden Letters - I love books involving secrets and old secrets are especially intriguing.

3.  Sisters - I love sister relationships.  I'm an only child so maybe it not hit so close to home!

4.  Road Trip - I love road trips in fiction, real life, or nonfiction!

5. Coming Home - If a character is coming home after an extended absence I am so in.

6.  Cozy and Heartwarming - I've been a big fan of cozy fiction lately especially fantasy and Japanese and if I see cozy AND heartwarming I can't resist.

If I see a hint of any of these, I will avoid the book at all costs unless multiple people with similar reading tastes assure me that I will like it.

7.  Angst - I have very low tolerance for angst in real life and in fiction - especially if it feels like it's angst for no reason.  

8.  Love Triangle - Even if romance is very much not the focus of the book if there is a love triangle I am out.

9.  Cheating - I just can't feel the same about a character that cheats.

10. Anything that sounds like it can make me cry - I'm an escapist reader and I don't like to cry so I tend to avoid any books that look really grim or that are labeled tearjerker.

What buzzwords make you read or avoid a book?

Authors I've Been Meaning to Read - When in Rome by Sarah Adams

At the beginning of the year, I made a list of authors that I've been saying I need to read and commit to reading at least one book by each of the authors in 2026.  Here's my thoughts on one of those books/authors.

Goodreads:  When in Rome by Sarah Adams

Blurb:   Amelia Rose, known as Rae Rose to her adoring fans, is burned-out from years of maintaining her "princess of pop" image. Inspired by her favorite Audrey Hepburn film, Roman Holiday, she drives off in the middle of the night for a break in Rome . . . Rome, Kentucky, that is.
When Noah Walker finds Amelia on his front lawn in her broken-down car, he makes it clear he doesn't have the time or patience for celebrity problems. He's too busy running the pie shop his grandmother left him and reminding his nosy but lovable neighbors to mind their own damn business. Despite his better judgment, he lets her stay in his guest room—but only until her car is fixed—then she's on her own.

Then Noah starts to see a different side of Rae Rose—she's Amelia: kindhearted and goofy, yet lonely from years in the public eye. He can't help but get close to her. Soon she'll have to return to her glamorous life on tour, but until then, Noah will show Amelia all the charming small-town experiences she's been missing, and she'll help him open his heart to more.

Amelia can't resist falling for the cozy town and her grumpy tour guide, but even Audrey had to leave Rome eventually.

My Thoughts:  This was an unexpected delights.  I'm iffy on rom-coms.  Sometimes I enjoy them and sometimes I can't stand them.  This very much landed in the enjoy category.  This is the first book featuring the Walker siblings and we start with big brother Noah.  When he finds a car broken down in his front yard he is confronted by a very suspicious and slightly hysterical woman.  This spiraled into a sweet getting to know you plot with some self-reflection on both characters and a lot of very terrible pancakes.  I did not expect to like Amelia as much as I did but she's an absolute delight and I loved her relationship with Noah.  I'm a sucker for a grumpy/sunshine trope and this was well done with the grump being not too grumpy.  I was also pleasantly surprised by how much of a closed door romance this was.  The focus was very much on the emotional connection between the characters which I very much prefer.  I'm so glad that this is part of a series but I am already eagerly anticipating my next visit to Rome, Kentucky and very much looking forward to seeing more of its residents and the Walker siblings.  My Rating: Really Liked It! (4.5 Stars)

Murder on the Orient Express - Classic Mystery Review

Goodreads:  Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie

Rating: Loved It (5 Stars)
Source:   Purchased

Description:  En route to London, Belgian detective Hercule Poirot has booked winter passage on the fabled Orient Express. Among the assortment of fellow passengers, one wealthy American holds a unique distinction: he has been found dead of multiple stab wounds in the night compartment of the Calais coach. By dawn, thirteen travelers, each bearing a secret, will find themselves suspect in the most ingenious crime Poirot has ever solved...

Genre: Mystery - Classic

Why I Picked This Book:  This was the March pick for the Read Christie Challenge

My Impression:  This is probably one of Christie's best known mysteries and for very good reason.  It's just a stellar read.  Christie really doesn't put a step wrong with an excellent cast of characters, a claustrophobic setting, a strong premise, and an investigation with lots of twists and turns.  I've read this book a number of times and while it is one that sticks with me I always seem to pick up on a new detail every time I read it. This time I couldn't but laugh a few times at M Bouc's observations or side comments.  

Even if you are aware of the ending this is worth a read (or a reread).  If I'm listing my favorite Christie mysteries it's usually not in my top 5 but every time I read it, I'm surprised with just how good it is and how much I enjoy it.  There have been a number of film versions of this book and I've enjoyed all that I've watched.  While the Kenneth Branagh version isn't my favorite I did like most of the casting and it's beautifully shot.  As always, David Suchet's version is my favorite.  

Would I Read More of this Series/Author?  Of course!  I'm looking forward to April's pick (A Caribbean Mystery) which is one of my favorites.

Would I Recommend this Book? I would.  This is one of Christie's best-known mysteries for a reason.  

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.  Hearse and Buggy by Laura Bradford - This is a solid intro to a cozy mystery series set in Amish country with a mix of Amish and English characters.  There's conflict between former Amish and those living in the Amish faith and the other residents of Heavenly, Pennsylvania.  I liked the main character, Claire and her family and friends.  The mystery had a satisfying conclusion and had just enough development that I do want to read the next book.  That said it wasn't the most memorable of stories.   I remember very little about how the mystery played out other than that I was happy with the solution.  I do plan on continuing with the series but it isn't in my must read the next one ASAP list. Liked It! (3.5 Stars)

2.  The Stolen Queen by Fiona Davis - I was so excited when this book came out as I'm fascinated by Egyptian history and the dynamic of the archaeologists and the museums and the people of Egypt.   I've also had good luck with previous books by this author.  I thoroughly enjoyed this book.  I loved the combination of fashion, history, and family secrets.  Annie and Charlotte were fantastic main characters with very different histories but lots of tenacity and spirit.  I really enjoyed all the different storylines and couldn't wait for everything to come together. The audio added to the enjoyment of the story and I'm so looking forward to reading more from this author.  My Rating: Really Liked It! (4.5 Stars)

3.  Miss Marple by Agatha Christie et al - This is a book of 12 Miss Marple short stories written by 12 modern authors.  As with most short story collections this is a bit of a mixed bag.  There were a few I really didn't like both for the story and because they did not seem to capture the spirit of Miss Marple.  On the plus side, there were a number of stories where it was very clear that the author had really done the research and/or already had a lot of love for the sleuth.  Ruth Ware, Val McDermid, and Leigh Barduga's stories stand out especially.  Ruth Ware's story was a bit of extra fun because it felt like a premise that we normally see Poirot in and to have Miss Marple instead was a treat.  Overall, this was a fun collection with a few standouts, a couple of flops and the rest in the middle.  If you're a Miss Marple fan this one is worth giving a try.  My Rating: Liked It! (3.5 Stars)

4.  Apprentice to Villian by Hannah Nicole Maehrer - The first book in this series was one of my absolute favorite reads in 2023.  I love the Villain, I love Evie, and I really enjoyed everyone in their world.  Sometimes when I really love a book I drag my feet about reading the next book in the series and that was definitely the case here.  This came out summer of 2024 (and I preordered it) and I'm just now getting around to reading it.  This feels a bit like what it is - a bridge between book 1 and book 3.  The world is built and the story is setup but nothing can finish just yet.  I enjoyed the story and seeing more of the characters.  I really enjoyed getting to know Becky a bit more.  This is definitely a book that needs to be read in order.  I do highly recommend the audio versions and am so looking forward to reading book 3. My Rating: Really Liked It! (3.5 Stars)

5.  The Wife Between Us by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen - I really enjoyed listening to the audio of this one and was completely pulled into the story from the beginning.  I'm still not sure what I think of the story itself and how everything unraveled but I was interested from page one.  This author team delivers some seriously unexpected twists, turns and character development.  This one definitely has me thinking and this is an author pairing I will definitely be revisiting.  My Rating: Really Liked It (4 Stars)

Books from the Backlog - Innocence Road

Today I'm linking up with Carole from Carole's Random Life of Books for Books from the Backlog.  I really enjoy the chance to feature a book that's been hiding in the piles of books for far too long!

Goodreads:  Innocence Road by Laura Griffin

Blurb: Leanne Everhart knows women have something to fear in her artsy hometown, especially so if they’re not rich, white locals. Returning to town after her father’s death, she sees the ugliest sides of an area that draws people for its severe, untamed natural landscape.
While her department faces mounting backlash over a recent wrongful conviction in the long-ago murder case of a popular local teenager—which is now unsolved—Leanne is called to a fresh crime scene at the edge of the desert. A nameless woman was found murdered, with no clues as to her identity. As Leanne digs into the crime scene evidence, she grows convinced this latest murder case is linked with the local teenager’s murder. And to multiple cold cases, all unnamed female victims, that have all been shelved by her department without leads.

Now, with conflicted loyalties and without allies, Leanne must hunt down a serial killer, one who’s been preying on local women for two decades, growing bolder and more ruthless with every strike.

Why It Needs to Come Off the Shelf:  This is an author I read a few books ago but then haven't revisited for awhile.  This one looks good and I'm looking forward to reading more from this author.