20 Years!!!

I spent the last 20 years recording the books I have read in Thoughts of Joy. This blog has taken many twists and turns in how I have interacted with it, but no matter how I went about it, it has been a great placeholder for my thoughts. 

My choice of favorite genres hasn’t changed much in the last 20 years - I virtually like what I like. It has broadened a little though. I’m open to try other genres every once in a while, especially as palette cleansers. 

For the last several years, I have participated in a couple challenges that I adapted to my needs. The biggest change I implemented has been to only choose books from my shelves. This has helped me tremendously to read what I own; however, ultimately I have read most of them via audio. 😝  I still love my collection of books whether they are hardcover, paperback or ebooks. That hasn’t changed. 

A major change in my reading habits has only happened within the last year or two. I have learned to DNF without guilt. I wish it didn’t take me this long to get to this point, but I’m glad I’m exercising that now. I’m 20 years older, as well as the blog, so that probably has made the greatest difference. Life Is too short to waste my time and effort on books that I’m not enjoying.

Providing I’m still reading and this blog site is still available, I plan on continuing posting about my reads. What format that takes may change, but I’ll still be sharing my thoughts.

Until next time . . . Happy Reading!

(That's what I'll be doing.)

📚 Joy 📚 

June Reads

(searching for)

41.  A Flicker in the Dark (Willingham) ~ 3/5 (just okay), Audiobook, Thriller

If I heard any form of the word "flicker" one more time ... 😬.  I knew the bad guy from the beginning and guessed other twists, too.  Not much of a thriller for me.  6-1-26

42.  That's Not My Name (Lally) ~ 3.25/5 (just okay +), Audiobook, YA Thriller

I didn't realize this was YA until I was a little bit in.  I decided to give it a chance.  It's really a 3, but I liked the twist.  6-4-26

43.  Adrift (Dean) ~ 3.5/5 (good), eBook, Psychological Thriller, NetGalley

This was a slow moving story, but somehow kept my interest.  The three main characters were very realistic.  Their emotions were palpable.  Something was missing, though.  Still a good read.  6-4-26

44.  The Man Made of Smoke (North) ~ 3/5 (just okay), Audiobook, Thriller

I never really was invested in this story.  I didn't care for the manner in which it was told, either.  I had very similar thoughts with another of North's books.  I don't think he's an author for me.  6-7-26

45.  One Perfect Couple (Ware) ~ 3.25/5 (just okay +), Audiobook, Thriller

I enjoyed the concept of this book, but it didn't deliver.  The first half was intriguing, and I was hoping for some twists in the end.  Didn't happen. 6-10-26

46.  Break Him (Grace) ~ 3.5/5 (good), Audiobook, Thriller

This revenge story kept me entertained, but it's difficult to rate.  I did not like anybody or their choices; however, I continued to listen.  6-11-26

47.  Strangers (Burden) ~ 3/5 (just okay), Audiobook, Memoir

The actual concept of divorce is definitely a difficult, frustrating and genuinely sad thing to go through.  I felt like this rendition was mundane - virtually the journaling of the dissolution of a marriage/family.  Yes, devastating, but unfortunately common.  Against her belief, I do believe it was a cathartic journey; however, writing what you know is a generalized process.  This could be very valuable to others to know they are not alone.  

6-13-26

DNF - Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil (Schwab) @ 21%, Audiobook, Vampires (!?!)

Not interested.  I gave it a good go.  6-14-26

48.  The Ghostwriter (Torre) ~ 3.75/5 (good +), Audiobook, Fiction

This is a character study with a bit of a twist.  It's a sad, slow read on several levels, but one that gripped me.  I didn't care for the narration, though.  Had I read it with my own eyes, I might have rated it higher.  6-18-26

49.  Dissection of a Murder (Murray) ~ 4/5 (very good), Audiobook, Legal Thriller

I enjoyed the ride very much, but knew what was coming early on.  Obviously I didn't know the details, so I was still able to enjoy the process.  6-21-26

DNF - It Should Have Been You (Mara) @ 21%, eBook

It simply wasn't keeping my attention.  I never wanted to pick it up.  Maybe it just wasn't the right time.

6-21-26

50.  Just For the Summer (Jimenez) ~ 3/5 (just okay), Audiobook, Romance

Could not hear the word "small" one more time!  Other than that, I liked bits here and there, but it was filled with so much stuff that the romance got lost.  6-22-26

51.  The Family Upstairs (Jewell) ~ 3.25/5 (just okay +), Audiobook, Thriller

I kept getting jolted out of timelines, and there were too many people.  Not a fan of that kind of storytelling.  6-26-26

52.  His Other Woman (Keogh) ~ 3.5/5 (good), Audiobook, Thriller

The twists in this one weren't shocking, but I didn't expect them.  I would have rated it higher, but I didn't really like the ending.  I'm not sure what outcome would be best, though.

6-28-26

53.  Best Offer Wins (Kasino) ~ 3.75/5 (good +), Audiobook, Thriller

This was good, but believe it or not, not as unhinged as I expected it to be.  There was a slow portion that didn't interest me, so that took away .25.  6-30-26

May Reads

(searching for)

33.  Middle of the Night (Sager) ~ 3/5 (just okay),  Audiobook, Thriller

It's currently days after finishing this, and I don't remember the reason why it was "just okay".  It's definitely not memorable.

5-5-26

34.  The Last Party (Torre) ~ 3.5/5 (good), Audiobook, Thriller 

It took me a minute to get invested, but once I was, it kept my interest.  I was disturbed by the main plot and felt like the reason behind it all was unrealistic.  5-8-26

35.  Not Quite Dead Yet (Jackson) ~ 3/5 (just okay), Audiobook, Thriller, NetGalley

Some parts were better than others, but overall it was just okay.  The redundancy of death jokes got old quickly and the overuse of the F word was ridiculous.  I liked the idea of solving her own murder, so that part was interesting to follow.  5-11-26

36.  What Lies in the Woods (Marshall) ~ 2.75/5 (eh +), Audiobook, Thriller

I wasn't thinking much of this book for the longest time, but it finally picked up a bit.  It was twisty - some I guessed, some I did not.  5-14-26

37.  Famous Last Words (McAllister) ~ 4/5 (very good), Audiobook, Thriller

This started with a bang.  It slowed down, but still had my attention.  There were twists - most were expected in one way or another, but still satisfying.  I enjoyed it.  5-16-26

38.  This Time Next Year (Cousens) ~ 2.75/5 (eh +), Audiobook, Romance

None of the chapters appealed to me, and the storyline wasn't very interesting.  5-21-26

39.  Count My Lies (Stava) ~ 3.5/5 (good), Audiobook, Thriller

It kept my interest, but it didn't present anything new for this type of thriller.  5-25-26

40.  My Husband's Wife (Feeney) ~ 3/5 (just okay), Audiobook, Thriller

I felt confused for a portion of this book.  I never felt grounded and think there were too many twists that made it feel convoluted.  5-27-26

April Reads

(searching for)

23.  The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion Vol. 3 (Brower) ~ 3/5 (just okay), Audiobook, Historical Fiction

Hmmm.  I'm not as enthralled with this series as everybody else.  It's a bit boring.  I will listen to Vol 4 to see if it picks up.  4-4-26

24.  My Sister, the Serial Killer (Braithwaite) ~ 3.5/5 (good), Audiobook, Thriller

Despite this being a short book, I felt like I knew the main characters.  4-7-26

25.  The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion Vol. 4 (Brower) ~ 3.25/5 (just okay +), Audiobook, Historical Fiction

There were some pleasantly warm scenes in this volume, but boring parts continue.  4-9-26

26.  The Mad Wife (Church) ~ 3/5 (just okay), Audiobook, Historical Fiction

This was a very slow moving story with a lot of depressing themes.  4-11-26

27.  Strangers in the Villa (Harding) ~ 3.5/5 (good), eBook, Thriller, NetGalley

I was really enjoying this until close to the end.  There were some events that just didn't make sense.  Suspending disbelief is required.  4-13-26

28.  Adelaide (Wheeler) ~ 3/5 (just okay), Audiobook, Fiction

I didn't know what this book was about when I picked it up.  I wasn't even sure of its genre.  It had a very dour feeling to most of the book.  I'm giving it 3 stars because the writing was good enough for me to feel the emotions.  However, I didn't like the actual story.   4-13-26

29.  Dear Debbie (McFadden) ~ 3.5/5 (good), Audiobook, Thriller

This kept me entertained throughout.  It was fast pace, twisty story that was over-the-top, but somewhat amusing.  4-14-26

30.  The Last Witness (Boydell) ~ 3.75/5 (good +), Audiobook, Thriller

A new-to-me author that I randomly picked up on audio that turned out to be a good read!  I enjoyed the surprises, some of which I did not see coming.  4-20-26

DNF - Blue Sisters (Mellors), Audiobook, Fiction

Only listened to a few chapters - just not interested.  4-20-26

31.  Such Quiet Girls (Ihli) ~ 3.25/5 (just okay +), Audiobook, Thriller

My main complaint is that there is a child's perspective that plays a large role in the story.  I'm not a fan of that.  Also, there were so many holes int he storyline that could have been addressed/rectified with a single sentence.  4-24-26

DNF (soft) Mad Mabel (Hepworth) @ 33%, Audiobook, Fiction, NetGalley

Too slow and boring, but willing to revisit.  

32.  Guess Again (Donlea) ~ 3.75/5 (good +), Audiobook, Thriller

This was very engaging until the last quarter.  It went off the rails by being wild just to be wild.  4-29-26

March Reads

(searching for)

17.  What Happened to the McCray's? (Lange) ~ 3.25/5 (just okay +), Audiobook, Fiction

All I wanted to know was what happened.  3-1-26

18.  We Are All Guilty Here (Slaughter) ~ 3.75/5 (good +), eBook, Police Procedural

Excellent writing, but a bit too long.  There were realistic characters and twists, one of which I guessed.  3-8-26

19.  On a Quiet Street (Glass) ~ 4/5 (very good), Audiobook, Domestic Thriller

Little bit of a slow start, but once it gets going - it doesn't stop.  3-10-26

20.  The Perfect Wife (Pierce) ~ 3.25/5 (just okay +), Audiobook, Domestic Thriller

The greatest reason for my average rating is because of the narrator.  I simply did not care for the voice and how it portrayed characters.  Although the story felt choppy, as well.  3-14-26

21.  Heartwood (Gaige) ~ 3/5 (just okay), Audiobook, Fiction

Not sure what I was expecting, but this was nothing special.  The Appalachian Trail setting was interesting.  3-16-26

DNF - We Used to Live Here (Kliewer) @ 75%, Audiobook, Horror

Ridiculous.  The first 50% was okay, after that . . . 😞.  I stayed with it while waiting for other audiobooks to become available.  3-19-26

22.  Nobody Knows You're Here (Greenwood) ~ 4/5 (very good), Audiobook, Thriller

I was interested the whole way through.  It is riddled with many triggers, so look them up before diving in.  3-24-26

February Reads

(searching for)

DNF - Flawless (Silver) @ 70%, Audiobook, Romance

While waiting for an audiobook to become available, I discovered this one.  I was curious about Silver's writing style.  I found it wasn't for me.  As soon as my audiobook arrived, I stopped.  2-1-26

DNF - I See You Called in Dead (Kenney) @ 67%, Audiobook, Fiction

I thought this was going to be a very good read.  The whit provoked a couple chuckles, but the general storyline lost its sparkle.  I kept with it longer than I should have.  Love the narrator, though.  2-2-26

12.  The Lost Apothecary (Penner) ~ 2.5/5 (eh), Audiobook, Historical Fiction

There were only a few parts that I found interesting.  The rest was slow and . . . whatever.  Should have DNF.  2-6-26

13.  Atmosphere (Reid) ~ 3.5/5 (good), Audiobook, Historical Fiction

This hype surrounding this book affected my rating.  I was truly expecting more.  This was a character driven novel, which I do enjoy on occasion.  However, I prefer an action or twisty plot.  2-11-26

14.  Don't Open Your Eyes (Constantine) ~ 3.5/5 (good), Audiobook, Thriller, NetGalley

This had some good twists that I didn't expect, but overall it wasn't anything that wow'd me.  I never fully decided whether I liked or disliked the concept of her dreams.  2-14-26

15.  Ready or Not (Bastone) ~ 3.25/5 (just okay +), Audiobook, Romance

While I enjoyed the general love story, I'm just not a fan of reading spice.  Also, I got bored with the main topic.  2-20-26

16.  The Widow (Grisham) ~ 3.5/5 (good), Audiobook, Mystery

Grisham almost always gives me a good read.  This was no different.  2-24-26

January Reads

(searching for)

1.  You Killed Me First (Marrs) ~ 4/5 (very good), Book, Thriller

What a whirlwind!  There was a trio of crazies with a lot going on, but I was able to keep it all straight.  Love the short chapters and was always wanting to pick it up.  All his books have been very different from one another, and they are always a pleasant surprise!  1-2-26

DNF - Mary Jane (Blau) @ 44%, Audiobook, Historical Fiction

There was nothing wrong with this book.  It's a historical fiction, coming-of-age story that I was not enjoying.  In general, I'm not a big fan of coming-of-age stories in the first place.  1-4-26

2.  The House of My Mother (Franke) ~ 4.25/5 (very good +), Audiobook, Memoir

Shari did a great job sharing her presence in the Ruby Franke story.  I felt like she was respectful and told her truth.  So nice to know that the 7 remain together.  1-7-26

DNF - The Storm (Hawkins) @ 24%, eBook, Thriller, NetGalley

This was heading towards a low rating, so I decided to stop - even in the middle of a chapter!  I couldn't stay engaged.  I have enjoyed other books by Hawkins, sadly not this one.

1-12-26

3.  The Graduation of a LifeTime (Lavigne) ~ 3.75/5 (good +), Book, YA Sci-Fi

This was a unique read for me.  I hadn't read any sci-fi like this before.  It kept my interest throughout, and it didn't feel too YA.  I, also, liked the integrated mystery.  1-12-26

4.  First-Time Caller (Borison) ~ 3.5/5 (good), Audiobook, Romance

Whoa.  This had a heavy dose of spice that did not suit my reading taste.  However, I enjoyed the dialogue and actual story.  1-14-26

5.  More or Less Maddy (Genova) ~ 4/5 (very good), Audiobook, Fiction

Another winner by Genova.  This one focused on a female in her late teens who has bipolar disorder.  1-18-26

6.  A Family Matter (Lynch) ~ 3/5 (just okay), Audiobook, Historical Fiction

I happened to see this audiobook available, so I picked it up.  While it tells a story of the recent past, that is thankfully the past, I thought it was a bit boring.  1-18-26

DNF - Warning Signs (Sierra) @ 16%, eBook, Thriller, NetGalley

I could not get into it.  It was incredibly slow.  Nothing was happening, so I didn't want to pick it up; hence, DNF.  1-22-26

7.  The Boyfriend (McFadden) ~ 3.5/5 (good), Audiobook, Thriller

I enjoyed this, but it wasn't anything special.  1-23-26

8.  The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion, Volume 1 (Brower) ~ 3/5 (just okay), Audiobook, Historical Fiction

Picked this up due to the hype.  It was very slow, but I'm interested to hear more.  1-24-26

9.  The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion, Volume 2 (Brower) ~ 3.5/5 (good), Audiobook, Historical Fiction

This one had more depth and the variety of characters were entertaining.  1-25-26

10.  Love, Mom (Xander) ~ 3.5/5 (good), Audiobook, Thriller

I picked this up while waiting for something else and was pleasantly surprised.  It was a good thriller, although I guessed some of the twists.  1-28-26

11.  The Compound (Rawle) ~ 3.5/5 (good), Book, Dystopian

While I didn't care for several scenes for different reasons, I was invested and was curious as to where the story was going to go.  Ultimately, I had highs and lows, so landed at 3.5/5.  1-28-26

  

Not that I'm trying to collect them, but I had 3 DNFs this month.  I am so thankful that after decades of reading, I am finally embracing the importance of DNFing books.  No shade towards the authors; the books just don't fit me.

Best Reads of 2025

What an interesting year.  I truly thought that my ratings were going to be higher than previous years.  I purposefully set myself up with books that I thought would lead me there, but alas, I'm landing in nearly the same spot at 3.22/5.  However, I improved on my ability to DNF books.  I put down a whomping 10 after giving them a good chance.  Out of 100 books, I rated 47 of them 3.5/5 (good) or higher, which is not bad.  Could be better, but it's not bad.  I'm still listening to audiobooks a lot (80%) and most likely will continue to do so in 2026.  I am going to focus on DNFing more, so I can rid myself of books that I ultimately end up rating below 3/5 (just okay).  I don't need to continue reading when I'm not truly enjoying them.

In order of how I read 100 books, here are the Best Reads of 2025 that I rated 4/5 (very good) and up:

1.  The Family Experiment (Marrs) - 4.5/5, Sci-Fi

2.  Blacktop Wasteland (Cosby) - 4/5, Thriller

3.  The Housemaid's Secret (McFadden) - 4/5, Thriller

4.  The Frozen River (Lawhon) - 4/5, Historical Fiction

5.  The Day the World Came to Town (DeFede) - 4.25/5, Non-Fiction

6.  The Favorites (Fargo) - 4/5, Fiction

7.  Gray After Dark (Ihli) - 4/5, Thriller

8.  All Rhodes Lead Here (Zapata) - 4/5, Romance

9.  Don't Let Him In (Jewell) - 4/5, Domestic Thriller

10.  What Happened to Nina? (McTiernan) - 4/5, Thriller

11.  All We Ever Wanted (Giffin) - 4/5, Fiction

12.  The Lies I Tell (Clark) - 4/5, Thriller

December Reads

90.  Swipe (Belsky) ~ 3.25/5 (just okay +), Audiobook, Thriller

This was a fast read.  It's many weeks since reading this, and I have forgotten what I thought about it at the time.  I  know I didn't dislike it, so it's getting the benefit of the doubt rating.  12-2-25

91.  If It Makes You Happy (Olivia) ~ 3/5 (just okay), Audiobook, Romance

This was not all that I thought it would be based on the hype it has received.  I definitely prefer closed door bedroom scenes, and I didn't care for the POV in the epilogue.  In general, I have read better romance novels that suit my taste better.  12-7-25

92.  Silent Echo (Constantine) ~ 3.25/5 (just okay +), Audiobook, Thriller, Novella

I don't have much to say about this one.  I was short, but kept my interest.  Nothing too exciting.  12-9-25

93.  Writers & Lovers (King) ~ 3/5 (just okay), Audiobook, Romance

Nothing special here.  It was a bit dull.  12-13-25

94.  Darling Rose Gold (Wrobel) ~ 3.5/5 (good), Audiobook, Thriller, NetGalley

I have mixed feelings about this one.  There were many parts that I thought were despicable and difficult to read.  However, I didn't want to stop.  In general, I knew where it was going, but was still surprised by one twist.  12-17-25

95.  Someone Knows (Keeland) ~ 3/5 (just okay), eBook, Thriller, NetGalley

I really enjoyed The Unraveling, so I was looking forward to this one.  It was a fast read with an interesting plot, but way too predictable.  12-17-25

96.  The Fair Weather Friend (Garcia) ~ 2.5/5 (eh), Audiobook, Thriller, NetGalley

This was a bit "fair weathered."  The plot and reasons behind the plot weren't realistic at all.  I have better memories of The Business Trip.  This author may not be for me. Also, I didn't care for the way the narrator made the characters sound whiny.

12-22-25

97.  Too Old For This (Downing) ~ 3.5/5 (good), Audiobook, Thriller

This kept me entertained on a long drive.  12-28-25

98.  Marriage at Sea (Elmhirst) ~ 2.5/5 (eh), Audiobook, Non-Fiction

This kept me somewhat entertained on a long drive.  It's just someone telling the story of someone else's story, which came from their own books.  12-28-25

99.  The Gift (McFadden) ~ 2.5/5 (eh), Audiobook, Thriller

This was a twist on a well-known story.  12-28-25

100.  Holiday Hideaway (Andrews) ~ 2.5/5 (eh), eBook, Romance

This was a short story that had a storyline that really needed more than a short story format.  The texts were the only part I thought were cute, which weren't very many.  12-30-25

November Reads

86.  Penitence (Koval) ~ 3.5/5 (good), Audiobook, Fiction

I pretty much knew all the major events that happened, but I still was willing to go with it.  All them minor details kept me interested.  It provided food for thought.  I enjoyed the narration.  11-6-25

87.  All the Lies (Sanders) ~ 3.5/5 (good), Audiobook, Thriller

Ahhh!  There were scenes that were vaguely familiar, but I just discovered that I read this in 2023!  It's a popcorn thriller that I enjoyed just as much as the first time.  11-12-25

88.  The Bright Years (Damoff) ~ 3.75/5 (good +), Book, Fiction

I enjoyed this family saga.  It had some touching moments, but I never felt a true tug at my heartstrings.  I was invested throughout, but it did lose some momentum.  11-14-25

DNF ~ The Names (Knapp), Audiobook

This was incredibly slow, boring and too disjointed.  I could have finished it, but there was no point in adding a low rating to my reads.  DNF'd at 44%.  11-19-25

89.  Don't Tell Me How to Die (Karp) ~ 3.5/5 (good), Audiobook, Thriller

I enjoyed some of this, but cringed at many points.  However, once again, I wanted to know the ending, so something kept me intrigued.  Going with "good".  11-26-25

October Reads

76.  The Housemaid is Watching (McFadden) ~ 2.5/5 (eh), Audiobook, Thriller

Too many ridiculous scenarios that made me roll my eyes.

10-3-25

77.  The Missing Half (Flowers) ~ 3.75/5 (good +), Audiobook, Thriller

I was engaged throughout, with one twist surprising me.

10-5-25

78.  Good Bad Girl (Feeney) ~ 3/5 (just okay), Audiobook, Thriller

I had a lot of confusion keeping characters straight at first.  Ultimately, it was just an okay read for me.  10-9-25

79.  The Business Trip (Garcia) ~ 3/5 (just okay), Audiobook, Thriller

This made me angry for reasons I can't share without spoilers.  Let's just say you need to suspend your disbelief, and be ready for over-the-top scenarios.  All the while, try not to dislike everybody.  My rating isn't lower, because I wanted to know what happened next.  10-12-25

80.  I Know Who You Are (Feeney) ~ 2/5 (not enjoyable), Audiobook, Thriller

Ick.  10-17-25

81.  Make Me Famous (Ventura) ~ 3/5 (just okay), eBook, Fiction, NetGalley

I enjoy Ventura's writing style, but this one was a bit too repetitious.  Also, I didn't care for the main character and her obsession - just not my thing.  10-20-25

82.  The Long Walk (Bachman/King) ~ 3/5 (just okay), Book, Horror

I actually thought there would be something more to the plot, so I'm a bit disappointed.  He did make me feel a lot of emotions throughout, and I don't think I'll forget it anytime soon.  (It is currently mid-December, and I still think about this book.)  10-22-25

83.  If We Were Villains (Rio) ~ 3/5 (just okay), Audiobook, Fiction

I'm very glad that I read this, so I don't have to keep wondering if I would enjoy it.  I was bored and thought it was slow, but I also somewhat enjoyed it and wanted to know the outcome, which I did predict.  10-22-25

84.  Worst Wingman Ever (Jimenez) ~ 3.5/5 (good), eBook, Fiction, Novella

Cute story with some depth.  10-24-25

85.  The Intruder (McFadden) ~ 3/5 (just okay), Audiobook, Thriller

The storyline wasn't enjoyable, but I remained interested.  However, there was one twist I didn't expect.  I have read so many of McFadden's books and will continue to do so, but I hope for something more thrilling.  10-28-25

DNF ~ A Winter in New York (Silver), Book, Fiction

Simply not interested in a gelato recipe plot.  10-28-25

DNF ~ UpGrade (Crouch) ~ Audiobook, Sci-Fi

I was interested in the first 30%, then forced myself until 71%.  Can't do it anymore.  10-31-25

September Reads

67.  Pretty Things (Brown) ~ 3.5/5 (good), Audiobook, Thriller

This could have been a novella.  I was truly only interested in one major aspect of the storyline.  8-12-25

DNF ~ Tweet Cute (Lord), Book, Fiction

DNF'd this at 40%.  There was nothing really wrong with it.  I just didn't see myself rating it above a 2.5/5 (eh), so why bother finishing it?  9-7-25

68.  What Happened to Nina?  (McTiernan) ~ 4/5 (very good), Audiobook, Thriller

Yay!  A book that actually kept me engaged.  I enjoyed the writing style, and the narrators were excellent.  9-10-25

69.  My Sister's Daughter (Constantine) ~ 3.5/5 (good), Audiobook, Domestic Thriller, Novella

Quick read with some twists.  9-12-25

DNF ~ Welcome to the Hyunam-Dong Bookshop (Bo-reum), Audiobook, Fiction

Was curious.  Curious no more.  9-13-25

70.  A Good Marriage (King) ~ 3/5 (just okay), Audiobook, Thriller, Novella

Not much to say.  I would have enjoyed it more if there was a different narrator.  9-14-25

71.  The Apartment Across the Hall (Dane) ~ 3/5 (just okay), Audiobook, Thriller

I guessed much of the plot and what I didn't know was over-the-top, but it still kept my interest.  9-17-25

72.  All We Ever Wanted (Giffin) ~ 4/5 (very good), Audiobook, Fiction

This was not a fluffy, chick-lit book.  It had so much depth covering several very important topics.  It was realistic, and makes you think.  9-22-25

73.  Yours Truly (Jimenez) ~ 3.75/5 (good +), Audiobook, Romance

I really liked Jacob.  This could have had a higher rating, but I didn't care for the narrator's interpretation of Brionna's voice - not literal voice, her attitude.  9-23-25

74.  The Lies I Tell (Clark) ~ 4/5 (very good), Book, Thriller

The dual perspective in which this was told was perfect.  I look forward to the other books by this author that I have on my TBR shelves.  9-28-25

75.  Witness 8 (Cavanagh) ~ 3.5/5 (good +), Audiobook, Thriller, NetGalley

I liked this except for two things.  There were too many characters, and I didn't like the mob aspect.  Tone both of those down, and I would have liked it more.  9-29-25

  

August Reads

59.  The Bookseller (Koegh) ~ 2.75/5 (eh +), Audiobook, Thriller

This could have been a novella.  I was truly only interested in one major aspect of the storyline.  8-12-25

60.  Someone in the Attic (Mara) ~ 2.5/5 (eh), Audiobook, Thriller

This had potential.  It had too much going on and the shift in storyline with every new chapter annoyed me.  8-12-25

61.  The Housemaid's Wedding (McFadden) ~ 3.25/5 (just okay +), Audiobook, Stort Story, Thriller

I thought more would have transpired, but it was a short story, so . . . .  8-12-25

62.  The Crash (McFadden) ~ 3.25/5 (just okay +), Audiobook, Thriller

  It kept my attention while doing other things.  I liked one twist.  8-17-25

63.  One By One (McFadden) ~ 3.5/5 (good), Audiobook, Thriller, NetGalley

Most of it was your typical 'one by one' trope, but I was still curious as to how it would all turn out.  I guessed many things that happened; however, the ending was unexpected.  8-19-25

64.  Daughter of Mine (Miranda) ~ 3/5 (just okay), Audiobook, Mystery

It was a bit boring, and I lost interest.  Could even rate it lower.  😑  Definitely more mystery than thriller.  8-24-25

65.  Finding Grace (Rothschild) ~ 3.5/5 (good), Audiobook, Fiction, NetGalley

I had no idea what this was about going into it.  I was initially surprised, then went along for the emotional ride of relationships.  I liked the writing and will look for more from this author.  8-24-25

66.  Say You'll Remember Me (Jimenez) ~ 3.5/5 (good), Audiobook, Romance

This didn't follow a traditional 3rd act issue, so that was nice.  The story had a 'real' feeling, and I appreciated the true representation of a family experiencing health issues.  8-29-25

July Reads

51.  The Wedding People (Espach) ~ 3/5 (just okay), Audiobook, Fiction

I don't understand the hype surrounding this book.  I found it a little bit boring and somewhat annoying at times.  Also, the major plot points didn't ring right to me.  Ultimately, just an okay read.  7-1-25

52.  I Who Have Never Known Men (Harpman) ~ 3.75/5 (good +), Book, Sci-Fi

Intriguing, thought-provoking and bleak.  7-1-25

DNF ~ The Ministry of Time (Bradley)

Simply not interested.  DNF @52%.

53.  A Talent for Murder (Swanson) ~ 3.5/5 (good), Audiobook, Thriller

I liked the first half better than the second, but it was good.

7-6-25

54.  Don't Let Him In (Jewell) ~ 4/5 (very good), eBook, Domestic Thriller, NetGalley

It was a little confusing in the beginning, but I was engaged - engaged all the way to the last word.  It's fictional, but sadly this concept has been reality for some.  7-12-25

55.  All the Colors of the Dark (Whitaker) ~ 2/5 (not enjoyable ), Audiobook, Fiction

I held out hope, but this was so disappointing.  I found it slow and boring.  My interested waned with every chapter.  By the end, I didn't care at all.  7-14-25

DNF ~ A Novel Love Story (Poston), NetGalley

Sometimes you have to read what a book is about.  Magical realism is usually not my go-to.

56.  The Woman in the Cabin (Day) ~ 3.5/5 (good), Audiobook, Thriller

There were some ridiculous choices made that made me roll my eyes.  Other than that, it was a decent read.  7-23-25

57.  Our Last Resort (Michallon) ~ 2.5/5 (eh), Audiobook, Thriller, NetGalley

This was very slow and not very interesting.  I don't remember much to say anything else.  The Quiet Tenant was a bit more to my liking.  7-28-25

58.  Everybody is a Liar (Constantine) ~ 3/5 (just okay), Audiobook, Thriller

It was a short, twist thriller that had a good ending.  7-31-25  

19 Years!

Here we are again, after another year that has flown by.  In general, it has been a very good year.  Specifically reading-wise, it's been a decent year.  I'm still trying to read off my shelves, but still manage to veer in other directions.  I've picked up numerous ebooks, but still listening to audiobooks has been my preference.  Although, the routine of having three books (audiobook, ebook & physical) going at the same time still holds true.  So, not much has changed on the reading front.  Even my average remains close to last year.  It currently is 3.25/5, which indicates better than "just okay".  The hunt continues for those elusive 4 and 5 star reads. 

I hope your search for those Best Reads has been fruitful.

Thoughts of Joy 

  

June Reads

44.  Funny Story (Henry) ~ 3/5 (just okay), Audiobook, Romance

I liked the general storyline, but didn't find it to be anything special.  6-4-25

45.  All Rhodes Lead Here (Zapata) ~ 4/5 (very good), Audiobook, Romance, NetGalley

My first Zapata book was a success!  It felt more realistic than other romance novels I have read.  I enjoyed that.  It was a slow burn romance with some quirks (Buddy!?!) that I didn't care for, but I was interested in the character's lives.  6-11-25

46.  Annie Bot (Greer) ~ 3.25/5 (just okay +), Book, 

Sci-fi

I didn't know anything about this book when I picked it up.  It definitely was not what I was expecting.  Once I got past the beginning, I wanted to know how it would end.  6-17-25

47.  The Vacancy in Room 10 (Glass) ~ 2.5/5 (eh), eBook, Thriller, NetGalley

Some of this was okay, but it lacked something.  It was slow, and I had a hard time picking it up.  6-19-25

48.  Broken Country (Hall) ~ 3.75/5 (good +), Audiobook, Fiction

This was an emotional read.  I was chasing the answer to WHO? from the beginning.  Ultimately, I enjoyed the writing, but am still sorting out my feelings regarding the conclusion.  6-19-25

49.  Bunny (Awad) ~ 2/5 (not enjoyable), Audiobook, Fiction

Weird and wild.  And ... not for me.  Glad I now know what it's all about, though.  6-21-25

50.  The Tenant (McFadden) ~ 3.5/5 (good), Audiobook, Thriller

A good addition to my McFadden reads.  This was exactly as expected with its anticipated twists, turns and fast-paced storyline.  6-25-25