It’s been a great month for books, some recently published and some older. I’ve been lucky with my choices, based on some recommendations, and one from NetGalley that I read pre-publication that just published. I’ve linked to the Amazon page for all so you can read more about them, or find an audio version. Thank you for using my links when you can.

The Echo of Old Books by Barbara Davis – Rare book dealer Ashlyn comes across a bound diary telling a story of love lost and regret. Days later, she finds a companion, bound the same way, with the other side of the story, also full of regret. So, we know from the start that the lovers story did not end well, but why? Who were the lovers, and are they still alive? As Ashlyn digs for answers, she is certain there is more to these stories as her special gift is reading emotions from books, left by their owners. The story is a refreshing change in the manner in which it is told, as the reader is shown the diaries, then the present day search. As Ashlyn finds answers, she also comes to grips with her own trauma. Ultimately, the book is about forgiveness, and how releasing anger and hurt benefits the person holding onto those emotions. Recommend. Available in Kindle, Audio, Hardbound and paperback.

No Two Persons by Erica Bauermeister – This novel once again showcases Bauermeister’s signature style of character studies told in short stories with a common thread. In this case, the people who read a particular novel, Theo, beginning with the author who writes it, to the agent that publicizes it, to the audio actor who records it, and then to various other people who read it. At each point in the lives of the people encountering the book, they take something different away from it. This is the essence of the title, that no two people will see the same story in the same way. The author has a gift for character development, fully fleshing out her characters in the space of a short story, yet the reader is drawn into their thoughts and feelings. As the book progresses, some of the characters cross paths, and Theo becomes a point of commonality. The plot of Theo is slowly revealed as different people identify with different aspects of that story. An interesting premise, and nicely written. Just published on May 2, available in hardbound, Kindle and Audio.

The Magic of Lemon Drop Pie by Rachel Linden – What if you could live just one day in an alternate version of your own life where you made a different choice? What might you learn from that life? This is the premise of this heartwarming story, in the magical realism genre. A woman who sacrificed her own life after the death of her mother to remain with her father and help raise her young sister gets the chance to see how her life would have turned out differently if she had followed a different path. A bit of an “It’s A Wonderful Life” kind of story, except that she cannot stay there, she only has one day, then it is back to reality. She learns that each choice made has consequences, both good and bad. There are some surprises in the book, and the outcome is not as predictable as you might think. Recommend.

I finished the next two installments in the Murderbot series. The story continues with Murderbot still trying to find out what happened when a number of humans were slain, and expose the evil corporation GreyCris part in murdering colonists in its quest for profit. There is a lot of fighting evil, with Murderbot’s sarcasm and sometimes hilarious observations.

How To Stop Time by Matt Haig – How would you spend your life if you only aged 1 year for every 15 that you live? This is the premise of this story about a man who lives through harrowing times. The narration is of his life in the present day, with chapters recalling earlier times in his life. He knows he cannot fall in love, but he does, and his daughter inherits his ‘condition’. When he must leave in order to protect those he loves, he then spends centuries trying to find his daughter again. The society formed to protect those with the same condition, providing new identities and support may not be working in his best interest. It is a wonderfully written story, easy reading, and although it starts a bit slow, it is hard to put down after about half of the book. This is a character study kind of fantasy novel, something different to read than your usual genre.

The Golden Spoon by Jessa Maxwell – Mystery and intrigue at a baking competition where the six contestants all have their own agendas. Add in a secret that proves a career based on lies, sabotage on the set, and a slimy co-host forced on the originator of the bake-off show and the stage is set for mayhem. The writing is easy reading, but the one thing I did not like was that there were too many narrators. Six points of view all in first person, and then a seventh in third person for the show host was a little difficult to follow. You really have to pay attention to the chapter titles to know who is speaking. But the premise was a fun read. This is a murder mystery of sorts, but the murder happens at the end of the book, and isn’t the main focus of the mystery. Overall an interesting read. Just published in March, available in hardback, Kindle and audio.

Just a reminder, Esme Cahill Fails Spectacularly by Marie Bostwick publishes on May 29, just a few days from now. Esme loses her marriage and her job, and returns to her North Carolina home too late to learn what her grandmother wanted to tell her. She has to come to terms with her estranged mother, and a grandfather sliding into dementia, all while trying to help save the family retreat from financial ruin. The story is of resilience and perseverance in the face of disappointment and tragedy, picking up the pieces again and again, refusing to let problems defeat her, learning from the past, forgiveness, and looking to the future. Heartbreakingly tender at times, and laugh out loud funny at others. Quilts are an integral part of the story, from Esme’s discovery of her grandmother Adele’s unconventional style, to the stories that are discovered about her past. I enjoyed the rich character development, and layered storylines. Highly recommend, five stars!

Do any of these books look good to you? What are you reading now?

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