100+ Books in 2025 discussion

Wishing everyone good reads in 2022! May everyone have a peaceful, healthy year.

I hope to read at least 100 books including one book that appears to be about three books in one (S by J.J. Abrams and Dorst).

1. The Venus School by Golden Angel
This erotic novel features Jessica, who wants to explore her sexuality in different ways than her ex did when he broke up with her, calling her a "freak." By going to the Venus School, Jessica discovers her true sexual nature through classes and the two instructors, Mr. Flood and Mr. Fire (Justin and Chris). These two instructors, especially, bring her out of her shell sexually in SO many ways.

2. The Dogs of Christmas by W. Bruce Cameron
A feel good story of a man, Josh Michaels, who ends up taking on, albeit reluctantly, an pregnant dog, five abandoned newborn puppies, and the woman, Kerri, who works at the shelter, teaching him what it takes to deal with dogs.

3. Carnegie's Maid by Marie Benedict
The fictional story of Mrs. Carnegie's lady's maid who helps transform Andrew Carnegie into a philanthropist through their association.

Clara Kelley comes to the US to help out her family, and she is mistakenly taken to be a different Clara Kelley, who died while at sea. When she gets the job, she does her utmost to keep it, but if or when the lie is exposed, what next? In the meantime, she and Andrew Carnegie meet, and both are transformed.

4. The Keeper of Happy Endings by Barbara Davis
This is a story of love found, lost, and found again, which is set during World War II in France and 1980s Boston.

Told from the perspective of two characters, Rory and Soline, it is a story of discovering family in a unique way. These two women share a similar fate, losing their loves during wartime. Will they ever see them again? Is it possible to live on hope?

This is a tender, heartbreaking, poignant story, which may cause some shedding of tears. One of the best books this reader has read in a long time.

5. Landline by Rainbow Rowell
Neal and Georgie are married, but should they be? It takes a Christmas miracle and a magic landline to help Georgie sort it out when she stays home, ostensibly for a work emergency, in California while her husband and her two daughters still travel to Omaha.

Neal is angry, angrier than she ever remembers except for that year when he actually traveled all the way overnight to ask her to marry her on Christmas Day.

Now he won't take her calls on his cell phone, and her cell phone is kaput. Only the landline seems to connect them, but it seems like 1998, rather than 2013. Still, she connects with him recalling their dating days, and all the drama back then. Is this for real? Is there a way to save their marriage, or should they never have married at all?

And then there is Seth, who is her best friend and writing partner. He doesn't understand what is going on with Georgie, and time is running out for their big break. Why isn't she cooperating? Why is she blowing him (and this script) off?

Will Neal and Georgie work things out before Christmas?

6. The Christmas Journey by Donna VanLiere
This is a re-telling of the birth narrative from a more realistic point of view (condemnation of others, labor pains, messiness of birth, etc.). It also shows the strength and goodness of Joseph who takes on the child as his own.

7. Celebrity in Death by J.D. Robb
Eve Dallas, Roarke, and Peabody are becoming celebrities because one of their cases made famous by Nadine Furst's book chronicling it is now being filmed.

When the actress, K.T. Harris, who is playing Peabody is killed, there are plenty of suspects. K.T. managed to piss off everybody, and the night she is killed, it seems like she went out of her way to argue with everyone including Eve herself.

It's Eve's job to stand for the dead including K.T, but determining truth from lies and narrow down those who had motive won't be easy.

8. Under the Sheets by Shirley Hailstock
A romantic suspense novel about a woman in the Witness Protection program for her testimony against a crime syndicate. Unfortunately for her and her young daughter, she has had to let go of her husband to protect him.

When an improbable blood shortage causes Robyn/Brooke to give the doctor her husband's name for a blood transfusion, it starts a cascade of events including finding out she is alive.

8.5 Nicky and Vera by Peter Sis
A children's book about the man, Nick Winton, who quietly saved the lives of nearly 700 children from Czechoslovakia from the hands of the Nazis. Told in a few words and some amazing drawings, it is a story worth reading for its message.

9. A Sense of Danger by Jennifer Estep
An urban fantasy novel about an analyst, Charlotte Locke, who works for a secret organization that fights terrorists, criminals, and evil paramortals from hurting mortals and other law-abiding paramortals.
When she is paired with a hot cleaner (assassin), Desmond Percy, she is re-assigned to help with a mission. Will they succeed or not?

10. The Cat Who Came for Christmas by Cleveland Amory
This is the story of the cat, which self-professed curmudgeon Cleveland Amory rescued one Christmas Eve night. It was injured, hungry, and soaked, and it turned this dog-loving man into a man who was owned by a cat.

An influential member of Funds for Animals (sort of a precursor to PETA), Amory was rescuing animals long before it was mainstream. This group was instrumental with stopping the clubbing of baby seals (by painting them non-toxic paint) and certain whale-killers.

His adventures with this cat he finally named Polar Bear are by turns serious, funny, clever, and informative.

One particular section in which he describes his battles with giving a tablet to his sick cat was absolutely hilarious, and it was true to what this cat-owned person has experienced.


As an aside, my mother, for some reason, did not like this author. I thought it might be because of his editorials, but now I suspect it is because he uses 50-cent words and has convoluted sentence structure. After having finished the book, I understand her misgivings.

11. Hidden Roots by Joseph Bruchac
A coming-of-age story about a youth, Howard Camp, who grows up knowing little to nothing about his ancestry. His father has anger issues; his mother and he often pay the price, and his Uncle Louis helps both of them despite his father's issue with the man.

The new school librarian helps Howard too with suggestions of what to read.

What is it about Uncle Louis that makes his father so angry? Who is Uncle Louis actually?

This is a book for children, but it definitely should be read by anyone. 3.5 stars actually.

Thanks, Edwina, for sending this one to me.

12. Never Buried by Edie Claire
A body shows up in a hammock, which is discovered by Leigh, the main character. The man has been dead for ten years so who is in his grave?

More than that, this starts harassment related to a 50-year-old case, that Leigh wants to solve. Was it a murder or a suicide, and if so, who did it?

13. Both Sides Now by Shawn and Dawn Inmon
a true love story written from the perspective of Dawn. Kept apart by Dawn's mother, the pair reunites thirty years later. Dawn tells her side of the story with help from Shawn...they meet when she is eleven and slowly become friends and then first loves.

14. Isaac's Storm by Erik Larson
Larson's books read a bit like novels after the reader gets through all the background (people, places, etc.) at the beginning, and this one was no different.

The lead-up to the hurricane seemed a bit tedious (maybe because of how well meteorologists track storms now) and the effects of the storm took some time to get to the "novel" stage, and once there, the writing was raw, graphic, and illuminating.

At times, the reality of the storm, the aftermath, the devastation, and the deaths was almost too much, yet it was well worth the read.

15. The Trouble with Valentine's Day by Rachel Gibson
This contemporary romance features Kate Hamilton, who has suffered one too many heartbreaks, and she propositions a man in a bar only to be turned down flat. She's on her way to help out her grandfather with his store, and she figured she'd never see the guy again.

On the first day working at the store, guess who she runs into? Yep, the guy (Roy Sutter) who turned her down.

Roy Sutter is an ex-hockey player, who has already met one psycho female at a bar and he's not making that mistake again, but when he runs into Kate again, well, maybe there is something there.

Kate doesn't want to be hurt again; Roy doesn't want to have sex again, but they keep running into each other. Will they get together or not? Will Kate get her heart broken again?

A cute Valentine's romance with few WTT trends (green-eyed character and a smirk or two).

16. Undaunted Optimist (Essays on life, laughter, and cheerful perseverance) by Chris Rodell

A book of essays with an optimistic look at life from the man who brought the world, "Use All the Crayons."

Some of them are humorous; some are poignant, and some are irreverent, but all have the author's knack for enjoying life in all its many colors.

The section on food and wine especially the "Rebuild Napa/Guzzle Wine" was especially fun reading because the author's take on wine echoes mine. Quoting from the essay:
"As he poured till half of the bottle was gone, he told us about the clever nuances within each sip, the oaky textures, the piquant aftertaste.
'What you're about to savor is the result of years of patient wine-making genius...Enjoy!'
"I sipped..
"Yup, it is wine all right!"
(Yeah, I feel the same way about wine, but single malt whisky story altogether...well, that's different, but I digress.)

Throughout there are other gems to consider, gems to laugh at or with, and everything in between, some of which most of us haven't even thought.

The book itself is not very long, and it could be read in a sitting or two, but this reader preferred to savor them....kinda like wine!

A few typos, which could have easily been caught with another read, but there were NO what-the-tuck trends seen!

Mine is even a personalized, signed copy, thanks Chris.

17. Unlikely Friendships by Jennifer S. Holland
Forty-seven stories of friendships/relationships between two (or more) different species such as the one story about a rat snake and a hamster. What would appear as antithetical friendships worked for these diverse species. Just a feel-good book. If only...
Been reading this a little at a time since I first received this book from a Bookcrosser many years ago.

18. The Missing Sister by Elle Marr
Twins separated by miles and sibling rivalry is the basis for this thriller. Shayna goes to Paris, France to identify her sister's body, but could Angela still be alive? If the hidden code on her white board is to be believed, she may be and Shayna goes looking. Yet, there is a serial killer out there and Shayna may be walking right into his hands.

19. Heaven is for Real by Todd Burpo with Lynn Vincent
the memoir of a four-year-old boy's trip to heaven and back after a near-death experience. What he sees and experiences during his time in heaven astounds his family and friends as he reveals things he shouldn't know, but does.

20. The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman
A fantasy novel as told through the main character's perspective about his childhood, particularly when he was seven and evil entered his home.

21. The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah
Alaska is the setting for this novel of a family who move to an off-the-grid village, Kaneq. Alaska is tough, but the people have to tougher, For the Allbright famiy (Ernt, Cora, and Leni) it is a stiff learning curve to become true Alaskans. There is darkness in Ernt because of his experience in Viet Nam, and Alaskan winters bring it out with abuse for his wife. Will his daughter and wife survive his abuse? Will Ernt's jealousy affect them all? What happens when it becomes all too much?

The odds are good, and the goods are odd.

22. The Last Chance Library by Freya Sampson
A story with heart, a little romance, and more. June Jones, library assistant, lives a fairly boring life until she gets involved with saving the library. With a group of library patrons, they take on the local council to keep this library open. From tweets to placards to an occupation by various patrons, June and the others will fight to keep it open. Will they be successful? Will June finally do something besides hide out at home and read books?

23. The Chocolate Rose by Laura Florand
A contemporary romance between a chef and the daughter of a chef.

Jolie Manon, daughter of Pierre Manon, goes in search of chef Gabriel, who is suing her father for stealing the Chocolate Rose and putting it on the cover of his new cookbook. She finds him only to discover that her father did steal his Rose and claim it for his own. Can she convince Gabriel to let the suit be canceled considering her father has just had a massive stroke? What happens when the chemistry between Jolie and Gabriel is so hot that it can't be ignored?

Gabriel hates Pierre Manon with a vengeance ever since Pierre fired him and claimed his creation for his own. Jolie is straddling a fine line between the two men, not to mention spending time with both of them. Will Jolie stomp all over Gabriel's heart, or will she find that it is possible to love a beast of a chef?

A relatively clean romance with descriptions of mostly kissing. A few What-the-tuck trends as well as a few typos (errors). Some French language scattered throughout the novel, which is set in France. Some strong language. Still trying to figure out the meaning of the French word, putain. Sometimes it seemed like one word, other times it didn't--especially within the context. Will have to talk to a person better versed in the French language than me (Denise??)

A modern retelling of Beauty and the Beast, I believe.

24. The Awful Mess by Sandra Hutchison
A newly divorced woman moves to the town of Lawson to start a new life. What she finds is nosy neighbors, an Episcopal priest, a handsome police officer, an ex-husband, and too much religion. She may also find that she gets more than she bargained for: an awful mess.

25. Misquoting Jesus: The Story Behind Who Changed the Bible and Why by Bart D. Ehrman
Textual criticisms of how the New Testament came to be and why.

Using various passages in the Gospels (mainly Mark, Luke, and Matthew), the author explains how changes occurred in the Scriptures and even why there were changes.

Complex, fascinating reading, which should make the reader think (and it did). Having had a bit of an education helped, but also brought up more questions, too.

26. Firekeeper's Daughter by Angeline Boulley
First off, the cover is one of the most unique and compelling covers I have seen in a long time. The thumbnail photo shown above does not do it justice. There is just so much to see and experience.Yes, I do judge books by their covers, and this story not only rose to the challenge of the book cover, but far exceeded it.

It is a YA novel about a young Objiwe woman in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan near Sault St. Maire (on the border with Canada). Daunis Fontaine, eighteen years old, doesn't quite fit in with either of her two cultures, and she can't wait to leave for college where she'll play hockey at the collegiate level. That is, until her uncle dies and she stays on to take care of her fragile mother. Now, she finds herself going to the local college and watching friends become involved with crystal meth.

There's a new guy in town, and he is a member of the local high school hockey team. Jamie Johnson and his uncle Ron become part of the community and Daunis is tasked with helping Jamie assimilate into the town and hockey team. This seems like is a natural fit since she knows the sport, the team, and the coach.

When her best friend, Lily, is killed by her ex-boyfriend in a crystal-meth infused rage, Daunis is pulled into a FBI operation concerning the crystal meth as a confidential informant (CI). Not only that, but she and Jamie are now on the same side, or are they?

With trust as an issue, Daunis is playing detective among her friends and family.

Who is behind the meth operation? Who can she really trust?

Figuring out what is going on may cost Daunis and Jamie both friends and family and maybe their lives. Lots of twists and turns making the race to the end a real thriller.

Loved all the cultural heritage and language that was explained throughout the novel. I learned so much while reading the novel. In fact, that was one of the main reasons the story was so compelling--trying to learn about the culture and the language from context clues. That is reason alone for reading it.

Thanks, Charli, for the book. Truly appreciated it and the story.

27. Suzanne's Children: A Daring Rescue in Nazi Paris
This well-researched nonfiction follows the Nazi occupation of Paris and the woman, Suzanne Spaak, who sets out to save as many Jewish children as she could from deportation to Drancy and the German concentration camps once she realizes that children were being targeted, too.

Tapping into several organizations, Suzanne Spaak gathered people who were more than willing to put their lives on the line to secret children out of UGIF orphanages before they were deported and placing them with willing families. She further made sure the families were compensated and that documentation for the children was provided.

Powerful story and emotional as well. Near misses, danger to all concerned, and all while trying to protect her family and friends, many of which are involved.

28. The Charmer (Assassin's Guild #1) by C.J. Archer
This is a historical romance of a little different story line. An assassin is hired to kill a young woman, who has had two husbands die while married to her.

Orlando Holt is the assassin; Susanna is the young woman who is just trying to keep her family farm going. In fact, she is trying to keep a small grove of orange trees alive so that her marmalade and succades will help add to the farm's revitalization. Sounds easy enough, but she, her father, and several servants live in England (hardly the typical environment for growing oranges).

As winter is nearing, she must figure out a way to prepare the trees for survival. This is when Orlando shows up. Before he will assassinate her, he wants to research the deaths of her husbands. Could she have killed them? If so, why? To get closer to her, he asks for a job. He claims he is a gardener, but he certainly doesn't act like one.

The servants don't quite trust him; Susanna certainly doesn't quite trust him; and her ailing father is hardly in a position to question his motives. The neighbors aren't particularly helpful, either. Yet, he gets the job, works hard, and finds only that someone wants her dead.

Who wants her death? Will Orlando figure it out and kill her despite a growing desire for her? Will she marry again? Her neighbor Walter asks repeatedly, but she doesn't wish to marry again. Can a woman run an estate considering the time this novel is set?

The chemistry between pair (Susanna and Orlando) heats up, but what will happen to them? She doesn't wish to ever be married again; he works for the Assassins Guild and can't be married.

29. To Sir Phillip, With Love by Julia Quinn
This reader has never seen any of the Bridgerton series, nor had never read the previous four novels, but this historical romance could be read as a stand-alone. Yes, there were references to previous events (marriages, relationships), but it was easily understood.

Eloise Bridgerton starts a correspondence expressing condolences on the death of one of her cousins to Sir Phillip Crane. His wife Marina (Eloise's cousin) has died of influenza, and Eloise is one person who writes letters frequently.

Sir Phillip responds to the letter with one of his own. They keep writing letters in return. Although they have never met, after a year's worth of letters, he invites Eloise to visit (chaperoned, of course) and with the idea that they might marry.

Impetuous Eloise arrives on his doorstep soon after, and thus begins the possibility of marriage for the pair IF they suit each other.

Is it possible that they really will marry? Is it possible to find true love especially when each holds back secrets from the other? What will Eloise do when she finds out Phillip has a set of eight-year-old twins?

This is a relatively clean romance; the sex scenes are relatively tame, and it is had not one, but two epilogues. Overall, this reader would consider reading more of the series.

30. Impossible to Forget by Imogen Clark
This contemporary novel begins with five people gathered at a solicitor's (attorney for non-Brits) office. A letter is read by the five, and four of them (Maggie, Leon, Tiger, and Hope) are given the task of guardianship for the fifth, eighteen-year-old Romany. The letter is written by single parent Angie, who has died. Each of the four has a particular job to help Romany through her last year of school (A-levels) prior to her time at a university.

Do they dare refuse this last request? Can they give Romany the support and love she needs in this time of grief for all of them?

How these four meet and become friends with Angela is what the novel is all about. Their lives through the next few decades and the year during which they spend more time (and quality time at that) with Romany makes for fascinating reading. The story is at times funny, poignant, heartbreaking, and uplifting. What more could a reader ask for?!

Having never read this author before, but based on this novel, this reader plans on checking out others by Clark.

31. The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne
The story (a fable) of the Holocaust as told by a nine-year-old German boy, who doesn't quite understand what is going on.

He and his family move from a comfortable home in Berlin to a new place, a place that seems rather forbidding to young Bruno. His best friends have been left behind, and he is lonely. Exploring the outside of the house, he discovers a young boy on the other side of a fence, and over time, they become friends. Who is his friend? Why does he wear the same thing day after day? Why does he seem so sad and live on the other side of the fence?

Discover the secret of Out-With along with Bruno. This story is powerful in its message; it is provocative, and this is one story everyone should read.

32. A Train to Moscow by Elena Gorokhova
The life and love of a young Russian girl, Sasha, post-war during Stalin 's time and beyond. A family, friends, and a small village called Ivanovo cannot hold back the dreams of Sasha to be an actress, but will this be enough for her? Will her dreams come true when she takes that train to Moscow?

33. The Second Life of Mirielle West by Amanda Skenandore
a re-read about the woman who has leprosy and the life she leads henceforth

34. The Women With Silver Wings by Kathryn Sharp Landdeck
the stories of women pilots who flew for the USA as citizens during World War II and their quest for legitimacy after their disbandment by the government

35. The Hanover Square Affair by Ashley Gardner
Captain Gabriel Lacey is drawn into a missing person's case and in the process solves several mysteries connected to it.

A young woman and her maid disappear and her father's attempt to get answers comes to naught. Lacey intervenes on the family's behalf. Can he locate the missing pair?

Along the way, a man is murdered gruesomely; one of the girls is found; another has gone missing. Will Lacey be able to solve all of these mysteries, and all without making more enemies?

A complex mystery, the first in a series which is set in London post-Napoleonic Wars.

36. The Good Girl's Guide to Rakes by Eva Leigh
This is a historical romance that is truly different, which made for not only a good story, but also had it moments of humor.

Two up-and-coming families of the ton are suddenly on shaky grounds. After a young woman is jilted at the altar, the men connected to this wedding fiasco are put on notice by their elders. Finn, Kieran, and Dom must find respectable brides by the end of the year or they will inherit nothing. To do so, they must give up their wicked ways (gambling, drinking, etc.) and become responsible members of the society.

To this end, Kieran strikes a bargain with Celeste. She will make him respectable and introduce him to society and all that goes along with it IF he is willing to take to some of the seedier places in London. She wants adventure and a bit of freedom before she is married off to Lord Montford, an earl, and help her family to rise in society.

As the two work together in their own fashion, they become involved. Celeste is not so proper; he is not so much of a scoundrel. She dresses as the mysterious Salome during their romps into a gaming hall, a decadent party, etc. and really comes alive. Kieran is invited to events, parties, and balls where he was wasn't before.

What will happen when they discover they have feelings for each other? Both may be their families downfall. What happens if Celeste's secret identity is revealed? Will she be ruined?

This romance was such a refreshing change. The 'will-they-won't they' scenario is more complex than usual.

The main characters are also refreshing for their candidness and lively manners, particularly Celeste. Overall, just a fun read that has this reader hoping there are more novels by Eva Leigh.

A few what-the-tuck trends of smirks and winks, but that is about it.

37. Roommaid by Sariah Wilson
For Madison Huntington, these manipulation and love go hand in hand. Her parents, particularly her mother, have her life choices all mapped out. Who she will marry, what career she will have, the list goes on and on. Madison, however, has a mind (and dreams) of her own and wants something different, and she no longer wants to be manipulated, but out on her own.

To this end, she looks for a place of her own, and with the help of her aunt, finds nothing but roach-infested apartments except for sharing a place with a guy for light cleaning and dog watching. Is this for real?

Enter Tyler the man with the awesome place. Only one rule: no getting involved. Can she do it? Especially as she develops feelings for him? And his dog Pigeon?

Still despite everything, Madison gets manipulated over and over. Is she always to be betrayed and manipulated by those she loves?

A cute romance with characters the reader roots for, and only a few WTT trends (mostly smirking and winking).

38. Delusion in Death by J.D. Robb
A Toxic Mix of drugs cause delusions and manic hysteria which leads to mass murder in this thirty-fifth book by Robb.

Eve Dallas and her crew are dealing with these murders before the murderer strikes again. Will she solve them and bring the murderer to justice?

Scary, heart-pounding suspense throughout, which will keep the reader turning the pages till late at night. What makes it so scary is the possibility of this reality occurring, but it's worth reading. Each novel is unique, a different type of murder scenario, but they move the characters forward, characters a reader will root for.

39. A Kiss at Midnight by Eloisa James
This is a fairy tale, a take-off on Cinderella. Kate is standing in for her step-sister Valerie in order to secure the prince's agreement with her and Algie's betrothal and wedding. Valerie had her nose bitten and scratched by one of her foo-foo dogs, and Kate is pretending to be Valerie. The prince, Gabriel, becomes enamored with Kate, believing her to be Valerie. Penniless Kate, too, becomes enamored of Gabriel, but he is not free to marry her...he needs a woman with a good dowry and there's a Russian princess who he is supposed to marry. But will he? Marry Princess Tatiana and leave Kate brokenhearted?

40. Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides
A saga of Greek immigrants that affects the life of Calliope/Cal in most interesting ways.

Told from the perspective of Calliope and later Cal, the story of her/his grandparents and her/his parents, all lead to their story of how they came to be.

This reader understands why it won the Pulitzer. While the novel is written in early 2000s (2001?), it is still pertinent today especially considering the LGTBQ community and the fight for equality.

A lively discussion by the book group.

41. Confessions of a Curious Bookseller by Elizabeth Green
Redemption at the end

Unreliable narrator for sure in this epistolary novel about a woman, Fawn, who tells lies in e-mails, who is rude in letters, and who is outrageous with other businesses. Oh yeah, she also drinks way too much wine and harbors ill will towards her family. Fawn can't even be honest about her cat, Butterscotch, and her death (the cat probably starved to death since cats can throw up, unlike rats and mice).

The only redeeming part was the ending because she finally became almost nice, almost. And almost honest with herself and others.

I know this was supposed to be humorous, but Fawn was over the top in everything to the point it was difficult to like her. It's hard to connect with such a character. 2.5 stars, the last .5 star for the redemptive ending and Dawn's realization that she acted so inappropriately with just about everyone and finally did the decent thing.

42. Calculated in Death by J.D. Robb
Some cases are worse than others, and this case is one of them for Eve Dallas, Delia Peabody, and the rest of NYPSD's Homicide division.

An accountant with a husband and young children is murdered, and Dallas and crew is on the case. It was supposed to look like a mugging gone wrong, but it turns out to be murder. Why would anyone kill an accountant?

As they investigate, they find the killer is becoming more ruthless and out of control, and Dallas puts herself out as bait. Will they catch the killer, or will they be killed?

Never noticed this "trend" before until the last two novels in the series, but Dallas misquotes/messes up sayings all the time. Did she do it in previous ones? I don't recall it happening so frequently.

43. The Passion of Patrick MacNeill by Virginia Kantra
This is a slow-burning romance between a physician and a father of a young boy.

Jack, who was burned badly in the car accident that killed his mother, is five months old when the novel opens. To the nurses and doctors on the burn unit, he's known as Iron Man. His father Patrick is not only grieving the loss of his wife, but also dealing with his son's burns. Dr. Kate Sinclair is leaving for more medical training, but knows the case all too well.

Four years later, she is back at the burn unit as one of the physicians under Dr Gerald Swaim, the physician in charge of the burn unit. There she meets four-year-old Jack and his father Patrick. Her compassion and regard for the patients are often at odds with the head physician. She wants what is best in the long run, and it is this that brings Patrick and her together. Jack isn't her patient, but she sees things differently than Swaim and Patrick.

For Patrick, Jack is his main (only) focus, and he wants Jack to have reconstructive surgery to remove scars and damaged areas on his face.

A relationship is beginning to form despite Kate's reservations to keep it professional. Is it possible to be professional and have a relationship with a patient's father? Or is just a disaster in the making, costing Kate her dream position? And what about Patrick's lingering grief?

One complaint: the constant use of the phrase "lady doctor" in regards to Patrick's thoughts and comments about Kate.

44. Girl, Stop Apologizing by Rachel Hollis
Following up her bestseller, Girl, Wash Your Face, Rachel Hollis has written about how women can successfully achieve their dreams (no matter what they are) IF they stop sabotaging themselves with excuses.

Not only that she continues with ways to achieve those dreams if her ideas are followed (the same ones that she has used to great success in her own business and life).

45. Tear Down the Throne by Jennifer Estep
In this second book in the Gargoyle Queen trilogy finds Crown Princess Gemma of Andvari at a trade summit with her father and his wife. Enemies of Andvari are trying to cause problems for Gemma and her country especially Queen Maeven of Morta and her children, Milo, Delmira, and the handsome, charming Leonidas.

Gemma and Leo are thrown together, and it may be his life that is forfeit if he can't perform well in an arcane ritual of the summit. What's worse is everyone is gunning for the pair, and that includes some of the people from the other countries attending the events.

Will Leo succeed, and will Gemma finally admit to having feelings for him (and vice versa)?

Love the series, love the author's writing style, and can't wait for the third book.

46. On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century by Timothy Snyder
This is a book everyone, who cares about our democracy, should read.

It has lessons to teach about history as well as how to counteract forces that wish to destroy our democracy.

By page count, it doesn't take long to read, but each of the twenty lessons requires thinking about what Snyder suggests to counteract tyranny afterward.

Although this was a library copy, this reader will purchase a copy to re-read as reminders.

47. The Kew Gardens Girls at War by Posy Lovel
a World War II historical novel about the Dig for Victory gardens and the young women who did their part to help the war effort in England. It features two women in particular: newly married Daisy and a nurse Beth, who only wants to become a physician. A more complete review will be posted on www.pedometergeek.wordpress.com review site.

48. The Messy Lives of Book People by Phaedra Patrick
Forty-two year old Liv (Olivia) has always dreamed of being a writer, but the reality is she is a maid and cleans houses to help keep her family afloat.

One of them is Essie Starling, the author of her favorite books, the adventures of Georgia Rory.

Over time, Liv finds that Essie and she are becoming friends, maybe. Then Essie dies after a complication from a surgery, and her solicitor Anthony tells Liv of Essie's last request: to finish her Book Twenty about Georgia and to keep her death a secret until November 1.

This starts a journey of discoveries for Liv as she must enter the realm of Georgia Rory to bring her story to a successful end by the deadline. Can she do it? Write the last book and keep her death a secret? Will it affect her family relationships especially her husband? How will this affect her? Especially as the date draws near?

Liv is not only a fan of the Starling novels, but has read them so often that she knows them inside and out. She is also a great reader and there are some excellent book titles and authors mentioned throughout. Just reading this novel for book recommendations alone would be a good reason to read it, but read it for the story itself because book people do have messy lives.

49. Champagne and Lemon Drops by Jean Oram
a contemporary romance featuring Beth, a young woman who is torn between two men...her fiance Oz and her rebound guy. She wants Oz, but he wants some space first. Can she accept this or will she run toward the new physician in town, Nash Lehem?

50. Didn't See That Coming: Putting Life Back Together When Your World Falls Apart by Rachel Hollis
Rachel Hollis shares her insights into dealing with unexpected trauma caused by a major upheaval by discussing ways to survive. In her case, it was the pandemic, the demise of her marriage, and the lingering trauma caused by her brother's death when she was fourteen.

She gives suggestions to heal and return to a better life.

The chapter on finance may be the most useful chapter in the book as it doesn't really repeat much of the material that can be found in her previous books. For that chapter alone the book is worth reading.