Stolen Heir by Sophie Lark

Stolen Heir by Sophie Lark -- 430 pages

They murdered my father, so I stole their daughter…She’s my captive, my little ballerina who dances only for me. Nessa is sweet and innocent. She doesn’t deserve any of this. But that’s how our world works - the wolves eat the lambs, no matter how gentle they may be. I’ll use her to get my revenge. Unless I give in to my hunger first...

Invisible by Christina Diaz Gonzalez & Gabriela Epstein

Invisible by Christina Diaz Gonzalez & Gabriela Epstein

208 pages

⭐⭐⭐.5/5

Synopsis (from Goodreads)

How can you be yourself when no one sees the real you?
Five students meet in the school cafeteria when they’re forced to complete their school community service hours.

There’s Jorge: the brain
Sara: the loner
Dayara: the tough kid
Nico: the rich kid
And Miguel: the athlete

They immediately know that they have nothing in common with each other... even though their school administration has decided that they all belong together.
None of the kids wants to be there, and each has their own issues they're dealing with in their life outside of school. But when they encounter someone who truly needs their help, they might just be able to come together to work as a team—and help their community—after all.

Thea Stilton and the Dragon's Code by Thea Stilton & Geronimo Stilton

Thea Stilton and the Dragon's Code by Thea Stilton & Geronimo Stilton

Thea Stilton #1, 176 pages

⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

Synopsis (from Goodreads)

Geronimo's adventurous sister Thea takes center stage in this super special that's packed with mystery, adventure, and friendship! When Geronimo's sister, Thea, is invited to teach a journalism class at a college on Mouse Island, she has no idea that she's going to be called on to help solve a mystery. But when a student disappears, it's up to Thea and five of her students to find out what happened. A nail-biting mystery ensues, complete with secret passages, underground tunnels, and more than a few surprises along the way. Readers will love following the clues to help Thea and her new friends through their first adventure together!

The Benevolent Society of Ill-Mannered Ladies by Alison Goodman

The Benevolent Society of Ill-Mannered Ladies by Alison Goodman, 452 pages

From the MARC: "A high society amateur detective at the heart of Regency London uses her wits and invisibility as an 'old maid' to protect other women in a new and fiercely feminist historical mystery series from New York Times bestselling author Alison Goodman."

One of the biggest selling points of this novel was the fact the heroines are middle-aged women, and it's a refreshing change of pace, especially for historical fiction novels. Goodman did a wonderful job building the world of the Colebrook sisters--not just the trappings of the aristocracy but also the humdrum life details that are so removed from our own--without making it feel alien or too unfamiliar to understand and enjoy.  I also appreciated that the covert details of the shennanigans were never quite predictable. 

I can't wait to read the next installment, and I'm hoping there will be more to this series. I have questions that need answers! 

 

The Love Haters

The Love Haters by Katherine Center | 309 pages | 2025

Katie Vaughn has been burned by love in the past—now she may be lighting her career on fire. She has two choices: wait to get laid off from her job as a video producer or, at her coworker Cole’s request, take a career-making gig profiling Tom “Hutch” Hutcheson, a Coast Guard rescue swimmer in Key West.

The catch? Katie’s not exactly qualified. She can’t swim—but fakes it that she can.

Plus: Cole is Hutch’s brother. And they don’t get along. Next stop paradise!

But paradise is messier than it seems. As Katie gets entangled with Hutch (the most scientifically good looking man she has ever seen . . . but also a bit of a love hater), along with his colorful Aunt Rue and his rescue Great Dane, she gets trapped in a lie. Or two.

Swim lessons, helicopter flights, conga lines, drinking contests, hurricanes, and stolen kisses ensue—along with chances to tell the truth, to face old fears, and to be truly brave at last.

(Synopsis taken from Goodreads)

This sweet Florida-based romance is the bright and colorful book your summer needs. With a cast of supporting characters that make you want to hang out with them by the pool, a giant Great Dane who loves toads, and a strong theme of learning to love yourself - it's a warm hug and a cold fruity drink in book form.

Tower of Dawn

Tower of Dawn by Sarah J. Maas | 688 pages | 2017

Chaol Westfall and Nesryn Faliq have arrived in the shining city of Antica to forge an alliance with the Khagan of the Southern Continent, whose vast armies are Erilea's last hope. But they have also come to Antica for another purpose: to seek healing at the famed Torre Cesme for the wounds Chaol received in Rifthold.

After enduring unspeakable horrors as a child, Yrene Towers has no desire to help the young lord from Adarlan, let alone heal him. Yet she has sworn an oath to assist those in need—and will honor it. But Lord Westfall carries shadows from his own past, and Yrene soon comes to realize they could engulf them both.

(Synopsis taken from Goodreads)

The Sheet Pan by America's Test Kitchen

 

The Sheet Pan by America's Test Kitchen -- 326 pages

I really liked this cookbook.  It had a lot of great recipes using just a sheet pan -- including things I never would have thought of.  I would definitely recommend this book.