"Reading is Dreaming With Your Eyes Open"

Here are four books I dove into recently that I definitely recommend adding to your TBR list. I would love to hear feedback on these if you have read them. Happy Reading!

Under Currents by Nora Roberts

Zane Bigelow grew up in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina in a gorgeous home in Lakeview Terrace with a successful family. His father- Dr. Bigelow was the chief of surgery at the local hospital. Unfortunately- things aren’t always what they seem on the outside. Dr. Bigelow and his wife, Eliza portray themselves as loving parents however the scary truth comes out one night when 14 year old Zane comes home from a school dance and has yet another altercation with his violent father.

18 years later- Zane is moving back to Lakeview from Raleigh and plans to open a law practice. On the other side of town- Darby McCray is escaping from her own violent past and moves to Lakeview to run a successful landscaping company. As fate would have it- Zane and Darby cross paths and take a chance on one another. Will the ghosts of their vicious pasts haunt them and tear them apart?

This was the first Nora Roberts book I have ever read and I was impressed! It has a feel good ending and the plot had several twists I did not expect. I definitely recommend this one if you are into Nora Roberts.

Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid

I have read so many mixed reviews on this book and I’ll have to admit I felt the same in that I wanted the book to end a different way. It’s an incredible story however I did not agree with the direction of the plot. Not to say the book isn't wonderful - This story really makes you think and I would be interested to hear your thoughts if you have read it or are planning to!

Emira is a 25-year-old Temple University graduate who is unsure of her next move and undecided on her career pathway. She feels lost among her friends who all have started their careers and are headed for success. Emira gets a job with the Chamberlains – babysitting their 3-year-old daughter, Briar. One evening, Alix Chamberlain calls Emira and asks her to take Briar to the grocery store to get her out of the house. A grocery shopper ends up reporting Emira to security claiming Emira has kidnapped this young white toddler.

Meanwhile- a guy named Kelley has filmed the entire altercation. Fast-forward a few days later – Kelley and Emira meet on the bus and exchange numbers. After the grocery store altercation- Alix Chamberlain feels guilty and attempts to befriend Emira and get to know more about her and her life. Emira brings Kelley- now her boyfriend- to the Chamberlains where they have been invited for Thanksgiving dinner. Alix has a surprising revelation because as it turns out she knows Kelley from high school and is not his biggest fan. (In fact- she hates him.) Both Kelley and Alix want what is best for Emira but who has the best intentions?

This book has you questioning the motives of each character. The story highlights tough subject matter – white privilege, interracial relationships, and the power of money. I thoroughly enjoyed this read because it had me asking questions throughout the story. This was Reese Witherspoons book club pick for January.

Long Bright River by Liz Moore

When I found this book through Book of The Month Club I thought it would be a good read but I didn’t expect it to be this good. Mickey and Kacey are two adult sisters who are living in a town called Kensington outside of Philadelphia. These sisters are close in age but could not be more opposite. They haven’t spoken in years yet Mickey does not stop worrying about her sister. Mickey rides the streets every day in her police car while Kacey walks the streets every day looking for her next fix. Philadelphia is in the midst of an opioid crisis when a string of murders occurs and Mickey can’t stop worrying that her sister will be the next victim. Mickey becomes sick with the fear of finding her sister dead and let’s the thoughts consume her and interfere with her job. When it becomes evident that no one has heard from or is looking for Kacey, Mickey takes matters in her own hands to find out Kaceys fate even if that means losing everything.

This book is incredibly raw, emotional, and highlights the struggles of addiction. This quote grabbed me while reading – “Within minutes an ambulance arrived, and I rode with my sister in the back of it, and watched as she was narcanned, raised from the dead, violently, miraculously, crying out in pain and nausea and despair, begging us to let her go back. This was the secret I learned that day. None of them want to be saved. They all want to sink back toward earth again, to be swallowed by the ground. To keep sleeping. There is hatred on their faces when they are roused from the dead.”

This book is available wherever you normally shop for books but is also available if you have Book of the Month credits. If you are not a member of Book of the Month- you can get your first book for $5 if I send you a referral link. Please reach out to me if you want to get your hands on this book (or many others) for $5!

Dear Edward by Ann Napolitano

Warning: this book is heart wrenchingly sad. Books don’t make me cry often but this one did. The Adler Family consists of Dad-Bruce, Mom- Jane, Older brother- Jordan, Younger brother-Edward. They are moving from New York City to Los Angeles and on a flight across the country when their plane crashes in the middle of a valley in Colorado. Edward is the only survivor of the 191 passengers. This story follows Edwards path after the crash and his struggles of being the only survivor and finding joy in the aftermath. This book also tugs at your emotions because the author flips back and forth between Edwards life and also the thoughts of several other unique passengers during the plane ride. You will have to read this incredible story to find out if Edward is able to find joy and purpose in his life after a horrible tragedy.