PositiveAssociated PressIf Emily Henry makes herself laugh at the character’s dialogue in her own books, it’s understandable. She is a master at witty repartee ... Just about every Hallmark movie — and plenty of romance novels — feature a protagonist from a big city who find themselves in a small town where they learn about themselves, what they want in life, and of course, find love. While Book Lovers has that scenario, it also deconstructs it.
Stephanie Wrobel
PositiveThe Associated Press... a psychological thriller that tackles themes of family, abuse, shame and the wellness industry. If you’re a fan of stories about cults, the underbelly of the self-help industry and family secrets, this one is for you.
Rebecca Serle
RaveAssociated PressYes, you’ll want to keep reading to figure out what is happening and, yes, you’ll have to suspend belief to enjoy the story but in these cynical times full of snark and memes, it’s nice to surrender to magic every now and then. Plus, the wanderlust that the book conjures is worth it as is ... One Italian Summer is a story about love, loss and that point in adulthood where we learn our parents are human, too, and not always perfect.
Lizzie Damilola Blackburn
PositiveAssociated PressYinka, Where is Your Huzband is more than a book about a woman looking for a man. It addresses themes such as female friendships, Black beauty standards and religion. This is not a romance novel, unless the journey to self-love qualifies.
Nikki May
PositiveThe Associated PressIt\'s a slow burn, to learn Isobel\'s true motives, but worth the read to find out. Wahala, indeed.
Zakiya Dalila Harris
RaveThe Associated PressCongratulations are in order for debut novelist Zakiya Dalila Harris. Her first book The Other Black Girl, is one of the most highly-anticipated novels of the summer, if not the year, and it lives up to the hype ... An intriguing mash-up of mystery, thriller, sci-fi and social commentary ... Dalila Harris’ book peels back the curtain on recent efforts of corporate America to embrace diversity, but also shows the weaknesses behind its intentions. It’s a sharp, surprising, original work by an author with a long future ahead of her.
Emily Henry
PositiveThe Associated PressWhat Henry is especially skilled at is writing dialogue. The banter between Poppy and Alex is so natural, quick and witty that it would make Shonda Rhimes do a slow clap. It also reminds the reader why these two come alive with each other in a way that they do not with anyone else ... Whether or not Poppy or Alex can resolve their difference remains to be seen, but Henry creates a story where you’ll want to stick with it to see what happens.
Laura Dave
RaveThe Associated Press... suspense is a new genre for [Dave] and it works. Set aside some time because this one is a page-turner with a mystery you’ll want to get to the bottom of quickly. You can almost imagine the race against time that Hannah is under with a Jack Bauer-esq 24 clock ticking away.
Taylor Jenkins Reid
RaveAssociated Press\"Like a poignant song with lyrics that speak to your soul, Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid will transport you to another place and time ... Each character is compelling but Daisy Jones is the star ... In this era with so much content and stimuli, where we’re on the internet while watching TV, what’s great about this book is it draws you in, drowns out the noise and you’re just focusing on Daisy, Billy and their story ... Daisy Jones & The Six really [cements Jenkins Reid\'s] status as an author with a gift for storytelling who is worth following.\
