Stephany Writes

Categories: Books

What I’m Reading (4.27.26)

How to Solve Your Own Murder by Kristen Perrin (★★★★☆)

Audiobook • Libby • Mystery • 2024

Short synopsis: After a fortune-teller predicts her murder in 1965, Frances Adams spends her life investigating the crime before it happens. Decades later, the prophecy comes true and Frances’s great-niece Annie arrives at her estate to unravel the mystery. 

This was a fun, easy-to-read mystery that works well as a palate cleanser. The story alternates between Frances’s diary entries from the late 1960s and the present-day plot, where Annie, a struggling mystery writer, must solve her great-aunt’s murder to inherit her estate. The characters are engaging, and I loved the heartfelt mother/daughter and friendship dynamics. Plus, there’s a gruff but attractive detective who helps Annie, lending a tiny bit of romance to the story. I did not suspect the “whodunit,” either, so it was a clever ending from my perspective!

The Love Haters by Katherine Center (★★☆☆☆ 1/2)

Print • Owned (Book of the Month) • Contemporary Romance • 2025

Short synopsis: Katie, a video producer, lands a dream assignment in Key West, only to get tangled in lies, family tension, and unexpected romance with a guarded Coast Guard rescue swimmer named Hutch.

I should have trusted myself. Katherine Center’s books don’t usually work for me, but after hearing so many rave reviews, I wanted to give this romance the chance to change my mind. Alas, it was not to be. This romance started strong, and I was so captivated by Katie and Hutch. They had sizzling chemistry from their first interaction! I was fully prepared to give this book a rave review… until the story took a sharp turn a little more than halfway through and completely lost me. Suddenly, we had villainous characters with no nuance, a bizarre subplot, and an ending that was so unbelievable, I wanted to throw the book across the room.

A major part of this book is Katie dealing with body image issues, including elements that could be triggering for those with ED histories. I didn’t feel these themes were handled with the care or depth they deserved. More than anything, I didn’t believe in Katie’s emotional journey. Her shift toward self-acceptance felt rushed and surface-level, and I needed more complexity and development to make it feel earned. All in all, this wasn’t the right book for me, and I’m officially jumping off the Katherine Center train.

The Appeal by Janice Hallett (★★★★☆)

Print • Owned (indie bookstore) • Mystery • 2021

Short synopsis: When a small-town theatre troupe rallies to fund a child’s experimental cancer treatment, simmering doubts and hidden motives erupt into a shocking dress rehearsal death, leaving two young lawyers to unravel a killer lurking in plain sight.

I had a lot of fun reading this book! It’s one of those mixed-media mysteries told through emails, text messages, police interview transcripts, and academic papers, which makes for a really engaging reading experience. I didn’t find it too hard to keep up with the cast of characters, as the author does a great job of giving each character a distinct voice and a believable motive for the murder. There were times when I thought, “People don’t email like this. This is madness!” and times when I was delighted by how she captured both the drama and absurdity of a close-knit community. It was also fun seeing the lawyers’ notes as they essentially read alongside me and we reached similar realizations in real time. Overall, it’s a clever, interactive mystery that invites you to play along. It was my first Janice Hallett book, and it definitely won’t be my last.

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Categories: Books

What I’m Reading (4.15.26)

Let’s Make a Scene by Laura Wood (★★★★☆)

E-Book • Libby • Contemporary Romance • 2025

Short synopsis: A decade after their explosive on-screen chemistry—and off-screen hatred—turned a small film into a cult classic, two rival actors are forced to reunite for the sequel and revive their fake romance for the cameras, only to discover their long-buried feelings might not be entirely fictional.

I really liked this romance! At first, the back-and-forth timeline (it switched between the present day and when the characters first met) was a little frustrating because I was much more engaged with the past storyline. But as we spent more time with the present-day chapters, I found myself falling more and more in love with Cynthie and Jack. I especially enjoyed seeing how they had matured and how their relationship evolved over time. I also appreciated what Laura Wood had to say about fame, the experience of being a woman in Hollywood, and the importance of female friendship. Overall, it was a sweet romance. Maybe a little forgettable (I don’t think this will make my favorites list at the end of the year), but sometimes, you just need a light-hearted, enjoyable story, and that’s exactly what this was.

Unmissing by Minka Kent (★★★☆☆)

Print • Owned (Amazon) • Thriller • 2022

Short synopsis: After her husband’s first wife returns alive ten years after being presumed dead, Merritt’s attempts to help her rebuild unravel into a chilling web of lies, secrets, and dangerous truths.

This was a solid but ultimately forgettable thriller. While the story had plenty of twists and turns that genuinely surprised me, the writing itself wasn’t particularly strong, I found the dialogue to be somewhat stilted, and some parts of the plot didn’t feel believable. I also struggled to connect with the characters, as their motivations and personalities sometimes felt inconsistent. I wanted the author to dig a little deeper into her characters and make me care a little more for them. Just… meh.

Lake Effect by Cynthia D’Aprix Sweeney (★★★★★)

Audiobook • Libby • Contemporary Fiction • 2026

Short synopsis: In 1977 Rochester, a bored housewife’s affair with a neighbor ignites a scandal that shatters her family. Decades later, Clara, the oldest daughter, must confront the lingering fallout when she returns home and faces a life-altering choice.

Sweeney has definitely leveled up with this book. It was excellent and the kind of audiobook I didn’t want to stop listening to. I also appreciated that this novel didn’t have the typical alternating-chapters trope; instead, the story unfolds in three distinct sections set in 1977, 1994, and 1998. The first and third parts were the most engaging for me, while the middle section—though crucial to the story—had a bit of a “mushy middle” feel. Still, the novel is beautifully written, with complex characters I couldn’t help but root for, even when they were making terrible decisions. Sweeney brings so much tenderness to every thread of the story: the affair and the weight it carries for Clara’s mother, Clara’s response to it, and the way everything ultimately comes together. The ending was beautiful and actually made me tear up, even though I was finishing the audiobook on a walk. Overall, it’s an impressive novel from Sweeney and one that’s quickly climbing my favorites list.

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Categories: Books

What I’m Reading (4.6.26)

The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna (★★★★★)

Print • Owned (indie bookstore) • Fantasy • 2022

Short synopsis: A lonely witch who secretly posts fake spell videos online is summoned to a mysterious house to teach three young witches to control their magic.

This book was adorable in every sense of the word. I loved the magical world that Mandanna created. It felt like sinking into the softest sweatshirt–cozy, warm, and comfortable. Mika, the witch at the center of the story, is full of life and incredibly easy to root for. As an orphan raised without the community she longs for, she’s spent most of her life following strict rules meant to keep witches hidden and separate. It’s led to a lonely existence for Mika until she is summoned to Nowhere House and meets an unforgettable cast of characters. Every character in this novel is fully formed and so precious to me. The children are delightful, and I just adored the the found-family dynamics. As a bonus, there is a romance woven into the story like a small gift tucked between the pages. I adored this book, and it’s already a strong contender for one of my favorite reads of the year. (Recommendation source: IRL friend, Lynn)

Homeseeking by Karissa Chen (★★★☆☆)

Print • Owned (indie bookstore) • Historical Fiction • 2025

Short synopsis: An epic and intimate tale of one couple across sixty years as world events pull them together and apart, illuminating the Chinese diaspora and exploring what it means to find home far from your homeland.

This is a tough one for me to review because it’s a book so many people love, and I went in expecting to feel the same way. I’m usually a big fan of historical fiction, especially stories that immerse me in a time and place I don’t know much about, but this one just didn’t land for me emotionally. While the writing is beautiful, I never felt particularly compelled to pick it up and found myself struggling to connect with the characters. The shifting timelines were occasionally confusing, and the present-day chapters felt somewhat unnecessary to the overall story. Ultimately, it just felt like a bit of a slog to get through. I can absolutely see why this book resonates with so many readers, but it just wasn’t the right fit for me.

Mrs. Quinn’s Rise to Fame by Olivia Ford (★★★☆☆)

Audiobook • Libby • Contemporary Fiction • 2024

Short synopsis: After nearly sixty years of marriage, Jenny Quinn takes a chance and tries out for Britain Bakes. She’s surprised to be cast, only to find that the pressures of the show stir long-buried memories and a decades-old secret that could unravel her marriage.

This novel had all the ingredients (see what I did there?) of something I should love—reality TV, an adorable older protagonist, and a touch of found family—but it ultimately left me a bit bored. The story jumps back and forth in time, which was particularly confusing on audiobook; for the first 15% or so, I genuinely thought there were two different protagonists—a young baker named Jenny and then Mrs. Quinn—when in fact they were the same person, just sixty years apart. I struggled to fully buy the central premise of Jenny keeping such a massive secret from her husband for SIXTY years, as it didn’t quite align with how her character was portrayed. That said, I loved the behind-the-scenes look at reality TV and especially the tender relationship between Jenny and her husband. What I loved most was the portrait of a marriage that has endured for sixty years, full of quiet support and deep love, and the unsettling question that runs beneath it all: how does one of them go on when the other is gone? While it’s not a book I’d rush to recommend, it makes for a light, cozy palate cleanser filled with plenty of delicious baking scenes.

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Categories: Books

What I’m Reading (3.30.26)

Inhale Exhale by Nicole MacPherson

Print • Owned (giveaway) • Contemporary Fiction • 2026

Short synopsis: After decades devoted to motherhood and work, Michelle decides to enter the dating world and finds unexpected love—but as secrets surface and family tensions rise, she must confront her past to decide whether she can truly move forward.

Our friend wrote a whole-ass book!! It was such a joy to step into Michelle’s life. I was especially touched by the relationship between her and her teenage daughter, Livvy, which felt incredibly real to me. I loved their bond, and Nicole captured the nuances of the mother/daughter dynamic so well. (It reminded me a lot of my own relationship with my mom when I was a teenager. At once, I wanted her close, and within a split second, I could lash out at her for the most inane reason. Ahh, teenagers!)

I’ll be honest: I was nervous about the dating plot (so many writers do not understand the true nuances of online dating), but it turned out to be a delight and definitely made me laugh out loud at times. More than anything, I’m just in awe of Nicole for writing and completing a novel and for creating characters that feel so true to life. There’s something really special about seeing someone you know bring a story like this into the world!

(Note: I’m choosing not to rate this one since the author is a personal friend.)

What Happens in Amsterdam by Rachel Lynn Solomon (★★★★☆)

Print • Owned (romance bookstore) • Contemporary Romance • 2025

Short synopsis: Dani, a directionless thirty-something, takes a leap of faith when she accepts a job in Amsterdam. There, she reunites with her ex, enters a marriage of convenience for a visa, and starts to discover herself.

This romance has a pretty silly premise (Dani marrying her ex, Wouter, so he can inherit his family’s canal house), but I was able to push past the absurdity to enjoy the story for what it is—the uncertainty of being in your thirties and not knowing what you’re supposed to do with your life. Solomon brings Amsterdam to life in such a beautiful way (she genuinely made me want to book a trip immediately!). I loved watching Dani fall for the city at the same time she’s falling back in love with her high school boyfriend. It’s a sweet, charming read. Nothing groundbreaking, but an enjoyable escape.

Open-door romance – I’d give this one 3.5 chili peppers!

Under the Skin: The Hidden Toll of Racism on American Lives and on the Health of Our Nation by Linda Villarosa (★★★★★)

Audiobook • Spotify • Nonfiction • 2022

Short synopsis: In Under the Skin, Linda Villarosa exposes how systemic racism—embedded in medicine, environmental policy, and everyday life—drives stark health disparities that cause Black Americans to suffer worse outcomes and shorter lives than their white counterparts.

This book is a masterpiece. Each chapter explores a different system that shapes our lives, revealing how Black people continue to suffer under systemic racism. Villarosa pairs rigorous research with powerful personal stories—from a woman whose pregnancy nearly ended in tragedy because doctors dismissed her concerns to a family grappling with a son’s addiction and its ripple effects. The result is an impactful book that shines a clear light on the profound health consequences of racism and racist policies. A must-read for anyone on an antiracism journey. (Recommendation source: Lisa.)

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Categories: Books

What I’m Reading (3.23.26)

Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro (★★☆☆☆ 1/2)

Print • Library • Science Fiction • 2010

Short summary: At 31, Kathy reconnects with childhood friends Ruth and Tommy and reflects on their sheltered upbringing at Hailsham, gradually confronting the disturbing truth about their past and the purpose of their lives.

I picked up this book after hearing it recommended on the Zero to Well Read podcast, where one host said it was the one book she wished everyone would read from all the books they discussed in 2025. I’ll be honest: it didn’t fully land for me. I considered abandoning it after 50 pages, but kept going because I wanted to understand the hype. I can see why people love this book so much. After finishing the book, I listened to the Zero to Well Read episode where they discussed Never Let Me Go, and it definitely gave me a different appreciation for what Ishiguro did. I just found the novel to be very slow and deeply sad. I prefer books with more plot, and this one leans heavily on character and atmosphere. It won’t be making my favorites list, but I’m still glad I finally read it.

Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston (★★★★★)

Print • Owned (indie bookstore) • Contemporary Romance • 2019

Short summary: The son of the first female U.S. president is forced to stage a fake friendship with his rival, Prince Henry of England, to avoid a political scandal—only for their relationship to turn real and threaten both a reelection campaign and international diplomacy.

This is one of my all-time favorite romances, and I hadn’t reread it since my first read in 2019. Thankfully, it holds up, and I’d still consider it an all-time favorite! I love Alex and Henry so, so much. Their banter is perfect, their rapport is so fun, and their love story is genuinely sweet in a way that still gives me heart eyes. I also love how beautifully queer this story is—Alex and Henry are supported by their parents without it being treated like a scandal, just two people who deserve to be loved and happy. And I, once again, appreciated reading an alternate reality where the U.S. elected its first female president instead of a reality TV star, which somehow feels even more poignant in these dark times. This romance is funny, heartfelt, and I want the best for Alex and Henry always.

Vera Wong’s Guide to Snooping (on a Dead Man) by Jesse Q. Sutanto (★★★★☆)

Audiobook • Libby • Mystery • 2025

Short synopsis: When a mysterious influencer’s unidentifiable body surfaces, meddlesome teashop owner Vera Wong eagerly dives into the case to cure her growing boredom with a murder-free life.

This is the second book in the Vera Wong series, and I’m not tired of Vera’s schtick yet! I adore this meddlesome woman and her insistence on feeding everyone she loves. In this story, we’re introduced to a new cast of characters pulled into Vera’s orbit by way of a new murder investigation, and there is just something about Vera that brings people together. She can be exhausting at times, but ultimately, her heart is always in the right place. She truly wants the best for those around her! While this mystery didn’t feel quite as high-stakes as the first, I still loved being back in Vera’s teahouse and following along as she pieced everything together. These books are best on audio, so I highly recommend that format!

What are you reading?