Happy book birthday to Linda Hamilton's The Fourth Wife! This debut gothic novel takes readers to 1880s Utah and a polygamous Mormon family. Hazel and her childhood friend Elijah have long planned to marry only each other, but when she's pushed into a marriage to another man, Hazel reluctantly accepts. She's now Jacob's fourth wife,... Continue Reading →
One of my most anticipated releases last week was Aicha, the debut novel from Soraya Bouazzaoui. It's set during the Portuguese occupation of Morocco and inspired by the Moroccan legend of Aicha Kandicha. I knew nothing about this myth, but was excited to get to know it through this retelling. In the 1700s, Aicha is... Continue Reading →
CG Drews recently released their adult debut novel, You Did Nothing Wrong. This psychological horror follows Elodie, the 22-year-old mother to her six-year-old son, Jude. She spent years with her neglectful parents in Australia, but upon meeting Bren, she packed up her life to live with him in the United States. Bren has a large... Continue Reading →
Considering how much I loved TJ Alexander's 2025 novel, A Gentleman's Gentleman, it's no wonder that their followup has been high on my list of this year's releases. A Lady for All Seasons came out last week, and it's just as absorbing as the previous book. It starts with Verbena, a calculating woman intent on... Continue Reading →
For a couple of years, I've been anticipating Ana Holguin's novel, Second Chance Duet. So much so that, while I was waiting for it, I read her first book, Up Close & Personal! At long last it is here, and what a treat it is. Celia García is a composer whose goal is to score... Continue Reading →
Last year, I adored Mia Sosa's romance, When Javi Dumped Mari, so I've been ready to jump into more of her books. Today sees the rerelease of The Starter Ex: It first came out as an audiobook in 2024, and now it's available in print and ebook editions as well. In a nod to How... Continue Reading →
For over a decade, I've been interested in Elizabeth Báthory, who allegedly killed dozens (if not hundreds) of girls in early 17th-century Hungary. I learned of her story through the band Ghost's song "Elizabeth," on their debut album from 2010; I've also seen a movie about the supposed serial killer. Despite the allegations and persisting... Continue Reading →
I loved Saara El-Arifi's debut novel, The Final Strife, and have been eager to read more from her. Her newest release is Cleopatra, a retelling of the famous last Pharaoh of Egypt. From her difficult political leadership and motherhood to her medical work and her undying love for her country, this work of historical fiction... Continue Reading →
The Encore by Juliet Izon wasn't initially on my radar, but when I saw it on NetGalley, I was instantly intrigued. It starts with Anna Buckley and Will Pendleton in 2003, when they're both students at a prestigious school studying music. They're friends, not lovers, but one hookup before they part ways leaves Anna pregnant.... Continue Reading →
Amanda's Book Corner 