#ballantinebooks

pub date - 6/2/26

I often found myself frustrated with the characters and their behavior and decisions; to enjoy this more, I had to remember what times were like for women in this time. 

I really enjoyed the historical detail, but this mostly fell flat for me as I didn’t connect or care for any of the main characters within. 

Other readers will adore it, but it wasn’t a favorite for me. 

Thank you to Ballantine Books and NetGalley for the DRC

pub date - 7/7/26

Love, family, friends, heartbreaking losses, and second chances. The characters are well written, and the story compelling. 

I really enjoyed this, was very invested, and finished this in a day.

Recommended.

Thank you to Ballantine Books and NetGalley for the DRC

pub date - April 7, 2026

I have loved Meg Shaffer’s other books and was thrilled to receive an early invitation to read The Book Witch.

This was the exact book I needed - after reading a few darker themed novels, sinking into this story felt like being happily curled up on an early morning with a mug of tea. Pure perfection.

Rainy March is a main character that any book lover should adore; the story flows wonderfully and has a bit of everything for any reader. I wholeheartedly adored this and recommend to any book lover ❤️

Thank you to Ballantine Books and NetGalley for the DRC

pub date - 2/24/26

I loved the story El-Arifi wrote. History was mostly written by men, and what do some men see when they see a woman claim her power; well we’ve read the history from men that Cleopatra was viewed by these men who preserved history - “seductress, witch, whore, villain” - I think this says enough for itself.

I found myself immersed in the story, loving the historical aspect, and the imaginings of conversations between characters based off of what is historically known.

Having also read the author’s Faebound series, I am looking forward to much more from Ms El-Arifi.

A definite recommendation.

Thank you to Ballantine Books and NetGalley for the DRC

The Martha’s Vineyard Beach and Book Club by Martha Hall Kelly 

Pub date - 5/27/25

Every time I read a novel by Martha Hall Kelly, I’m transported into the story. I was fortunate enough to receive an invitation to read The Martha’s Vineyard Beach and Book Club and was thrilled to do so, as reading her work is such a pleasure. 

Before they married my grandfather was a Marine in WWII and I’ve long been curious about what my grandmother’s younger life in an Eastern coastal town might have been like - she’s no longer here to ask, so I read this also for the relationships between the sisters and their friends, their grandmother, and neighbors. 

A dual timeline story (2024 and 1942) - chapter one found me intrigued. By chapter two, I was already invested and looked forward to finding out what lay in store for Mari and Elizabeth, Briar, Cadence, and Bess - all the characters. 

Although this left me with some unanswered questions, this was still an absolutely utterly enjoyable read. 

A full recommendation from me.

Thank you to Ballantine Books and NetGalley for the DRC 

The Cardinal: A Novel of Love and Power by Alison Weir

pub date - 5/27/25

Show me a book by Alison Weir and that’s a book that I will read.

Tudor history is of a particular fascination to me and Ms Weir is one of the best writers on the subject. An historian, she is able to tell the actual story without losing any of the pertinent information while also being able to weave a powerful tale that will keep the reader’s attention even if they’re already familiar with the history.

While Wolsey has not been a favorite of mine, I know better than to allow my own opinions to stand in the way of a great storytelling experience and I’m glad for that because this novel makes him much more human and his motivations more meaningful.

Whether you’re interested in Tudor history, British royal history, history (with lasting impact), or are just looking for a new read to lose yourself in, I definitely recommend this.

Thanks to Ballantine Books and NetGalley for the DRC

Junie: A Novel by Erin Crosby Eckstine 

Pub date - 2/4/25

Beautifully written, and stunningly poignant, Junie pulled me in immediately and held tight. 

Junie is a compelling and admirable character and her story is one that since I finished reading, I’ve continued to think about. I think I’ll be thinking of this one for a long while. 

Recommended! 

Thank you to Ballantine Books and NetGalley for the DRC

The Full Moon Coffee Shop by Mai Mochizuki 

(translated by Jesse Kirkwood) 

US pub date - 8/20/24

A magical coffee shop that only appears as needed and  run by talking cats who share astrological information pertinent to the guest? The Full Moon Coffee Shop is terrific magical realism read full of kindness and empathy for cat and astrology lovers alike.

This is a coffee shop I’d love to come across. 

I really enjoyed my reading of this; the premise and plot worked well for me, and I found the astrology aspect really interesting - cats discussing birth charts and astrology was something I didn’t know I needed.

Thank you to Ballantine Books and NetGalley for the DRC