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.
What are you reading?
I really liked Let’s Make a Scene too. And to your point, I can’t remember if it’s the one in the duo where they reunite after years apart to make a sequel and have the scene with him riding the horse or if that is the other book. LOL. Both were enjoyable though!
Oh wow! I need to request Lake Effect that is right up my alley!
I am reading Ryder and the Airplane Flying Handbook.
There is a scene with a horse in Let’s Make a Scene! The horse is, like, OBSESSED with the girl’s assistant/best friend. It’s really adorable!
I think you would enjoy Lake Effect. You’ll have to let me know what you think!
I plan to read Lake Effect – I’ve heard such great things! It will be my first read by this author.
I’m reading “Family of Spies” right now which is a memoir/general non-fiction book written by a woman that discovers that her grandparents were German/Japanese spies during WWII and played a part in the plans to attack Pearl Harbor. It’s really interesting and I’m learning a lot about the lead-up to the bombing and all the planning that went into it. Next I will read the memoir “Strangers” which I’ve heard great things about!
I’m soooo interested in your thoughts about Lake Effect since it deals with infidelity. But I think it’s handled in a nuanced way, so hopefully it works for you, too!
I cannot wait to read Lake Effect! I’m waiting on it from the library. It sounds like something I’ll really like. Right now I’m rereading an Agatha Christie while waiting for my library holds to come in.
I can’t wait to hear your thoughts on Lake Effect. I really enjoyed it!
I am in the library queue for Lake Effect, but since it’s only “on order” it’s going to be a while. I did not like The Nest, but there was another book she wrote that I absolutely loved. What was it? Hang on.
I’m back! Good Company. I loved that.
Nooooo, I need your library to hurry up and get Lake Effect! Gah. Hopefully you’re high up in the queue at least? Maybe??
I read and loved The Nest but haven’t read Good Company yet. I did find a used copy of it at Goodwill, so it’s on my bookshelf at least!
I don’t read romances, but that one sounds interesting. I’ve not heard of Lake Effect. It sounds really good.
I’m still reading – almost done with Good Dirt. Next up I have Road to Tender Hearts checked out of the library.
Ohh, The Road to Tender Hearts was one of my favorite books from 2025! I hope you love it just as much as I did. It’s really sweet and darkly funny.
I’m reading Good People on my Kindle and I’m absolutely SUCKED IN. I just want to read and read and read, but I have other things to do and that’s SAD NEWS. I’m also reading Ruins by Lily Brooks-Dalton and I have given 4.5/5 stars to two of her books, but this one is not as solid for me. Oh, well. It’s not terrible, just not as good as the others!
Ooh, I heard a rave review about Good People on a podcast and it moved its way up my TBR list. Now I’m even MORE excited!