Nothing More of This Land by Joseph Lee (audiobook)
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
Tuesday, July 22, 2025
REVIEW - Care and Feeding (audiobook)
Care and Feeding by Laurie Woolever (audiobook)
OVERVIEW
This audiobook was good, but not great, for the first one-third or so. But, then it dissolved into a repetitive mess about her addictions, including graphic drug, alcohol, and sexual promiscuity.
Since this book was presented as a candid and funny memoir, there is a big disconnect between the marketing and the actual audiobook itself. It was a horrifying and scary descent into the darkness of the restaurant world.
OVERALL REVIEW: 3.0 stars
Writing: 3.5 stars
Laurie writes well, but this book did not showcase her skills well. This book was circular and repetitive in its storytelling. It was the same drug, alcohol, and sex filled stories over and over. It really became tiresome and boring.
Narration: 3.0 stars
The narration was done by Laurie, but it was so slow and lifeless. It really didn't have the emotion that I would expect in a memoir.
Character development: 3.0 stars
The main characters are Laurie and her poor life choices.
The secondary characters are Mario Batali and Tony Bourdain.
The tertiary characters are Alex (her husband) and Eli (her son). Notice that her work came before her family.
There are many characters throughout the memoir, from culinary school, the literary/publishing scene, and her friends and family.
The character development was okay for Laurie. But we never got into why she abused herself with drugs, alcohol, and sex.
Memorable: 3.0 stars
I could have been happy not reading this memoir except for two things. It confirmed that Mario Batali was a tool like I expected. Tony Bourdain was a wonderful human, and someone I would have enjoyed eating Los Angeles street food with.
Entertaining/Educational: 3.0 stars
This memoir made me look at restaurants in a totally different way, and not necessarily a good way.
Book cover: 3.5 stars
Okay.
Book title: 2.0 stars
This was not about Care and Feeding at all.
Lukewarm recommend
Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL) borrow: audiobook
Care and Feeding by Laurie Woolever
12 hours, 45 minutes
HarperAudio
Release date: 3/11/2025
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL)
TRIGGER WARNINGS: Graphic alcohol use, drug use, sexual content, and cursing; death of an animal, death of a parent, suicide, mental illness, alcoholism, pregnancy, abortion, infidelity, eating disorder
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
Monday, July 21, 2025
My next eARC/ebook is ...
The Man in the Stone Cottage by Stephanie Cowell (eARC/ebook)
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
REVIEW - The Girl in the Green Dress (eARC/ebook)
The Girl in the Green Dress by Mariah Fredericks (eARC/ebook)
OVERVIEW
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This is the first book by Mariah that I have read. Unfortunately, this book didn't hit the mark for me. I actually almost gave it up on two occasions, but I wanted to find out what happened to the characters.
It was a slow slogging book with many real-life characters that I didn't like, including most of the characters. I didn't like the writing or writers, the Jazz Era, or much of anything from the 1920s. I'm really at a loss as to why I chose to read this book.
There are many notable characters, but other than the Fitzgeralds, I didn't know who they were. I had to research them all through the Author's Note.
Side note - this is my one hundred book of the year!
OVERALL REVIEW: 3.5 stars
Writing: 4.0 stars
The writing is good, but so very descriptive. Normally, most writing is not descriptive enough for me, but Mariah is very descriptive. The overly descriptive passages and flashbacks really bogged this book down.
Character development: 3.5 stars
The main characters are Morris Markey (newspaper reporter), Zelda Fitzgerald (yes, her), and Joseph Bowne Elwell (bridge coach).
The secondary characters are writers like F. Scott Fitzgerald and Dorothy Parker, to socialites like Leonora Hughes and Selma Lewisohn.
The tertiary characters include police, attorneys, politicians, neighbors, reporters, editors, service workers, and many others. An enormous cast of characters really slowed this book.
The character development was adequate - it wasn't weak, but it wasn't strong either.
Storyline: 3.5 stars
The storyline is the discovery of a body in a locked house (both inside and outside) in 1920s NYC. Then, utter chaos ensues and a new mystery genre is born.
There is also another short timeline in 1950, Virginia, at the beginning and ending of the book.
The location was New York City and the surrounding areas.
Memorable/Informative: 4.0 stars
I had no idea how depraved and excessive New York City was in the "Roaring Twenties". Wowza!
Book cover: 5.0 stars
Gorgeous.
Book title: 3.5 stars
The title is a bit misleading.
Recommend
NetGalley eARC/ebook
The Girl in the Green Dress by Mariah Fredericks
336 pages
Minotaur Books
FUTURE release date: 9/2/2025
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
TRIGGER WARNINGS:
Alcohol, alcoholism, murder, medical content, gun violence, death, violence, sexual harassment, war, mental health issues, and moderate cursing.
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
Saturday, July 19, 2025
Storygraph Audiobook Giveaway Winner!
YES!! My first win from Storygraph!
There are lots of giveaways at Storygraph - you can check them out HERE! While you're signing up for Storygraph and checking out the giveaways, don't forget to become my friend!
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
Friday, July 18, 2025
REVIEW - The First Gentlemen (ebook)
The First Gentlemen by Bill Clinton and James Patterson (ebook)
OVERVIEW
This is the third collaboration by Bill Clinton and James Patterson. I have read all three books, but this one is not the strongest (I think the second book was the best, by far).
I liked this book, but didn't love it. It was a fast and easy read; however, I figured out the mystery about one-third of the way through the book.
A huge pet peeve is the huge amount of white space in this book. It could have been consolidated so much better.
OVERALL REVIEW: 3.5 stars
Writing: 3.5 stars
The writing is meh. I assume that President Clinton wrote most of the legal and president-adjacent material, which is the most interesting part of the series to me. James probably wrote the plot outline with President Clinton doing the heavy lifting.
I have felt that James' books have deteriorated in quality of writing for the past fifteen years or so. Most especially, once he started writing with partners.
Character development: 3.5 stars
The main characters are Maddy (the President), Cole (the First Gentleman), and Burton (the President's Chief of Staff). The three have been friends since they were undergrads at Dartmouth over twenty years ago.
The secondary characters are Garrett and Brea (a lawyer-journalist writing team) and Suzanne (a murdered woman).
The tertiary characters include various attorneys, mobsters, police, FBI, coworkers, family, and friends of the main and secondary characters. There are a lot of characters, which is to be expected in a procedural crime mystery.
The character development was adequate - it wasn't weak, but it wasn't strong either.
Storyline: 3.5 stars
The storyline is the discovery of Suzanne's body and the police and prosecution's case against the suspected killer. The plot goes in multiple directions, which helped me figure out the mystery.
The locations were New Hampshire, Dartmouth, and Washington, D.C.
Memorable/Informative: 4.0 stars
It really made me realize that politics is a "dog-eat-dog" proposition and how back-door deals make things run in Washington, D.C.
Book cover: 3.0 stars
I don't understand who it is or what it is about.
Book title: 4.0 stars
There was much more to the story - it wasn't just about the First Gentlemen.
Recommend
Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL) borrow: ebook
The First Gentlemen by Bill Clinton and James Patterson
474 pages
Little, Brown and Company
Release date: 6/2/2025
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL)
TRIGGER WARNINGS:
Alcohol, death of a parent, grief, cancer, medical content, gun violence, murder, death, car accident, violence, rape, and strong cursing.
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
Wednesday, July 16, 2025
My next ebook is ...
The First Gentleman by Bill Clinton and James Patterson (ebook)
I am also reading an eARC/ebook. However, since this is a library book with a borrowing time limit, I will finish this book first!
Happy reading,
Dorothea💜
Tuesday, July 15, 2025
Review - Don't Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight (audiobook)
Don't Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight by Alexandra Fuller (audiobook)
OVERVIEW
This is a beautifully written memoir about a horrific time in Africa. It was difficult to absorb and understand, so I listened to it slowly, so I could "try" to understand it. But, honestly, I don't understand it all.
I don't understand the recent colonialism in Africa (or anywhere, actually), the subjugation and discrimination against the African Blacks, and the civil wars with the white minority fighting to retain their power.
Additionally, I wouldn't say that I enjoyed this memoir, but it was an enlightening and important book to read.
OVERALL REVIEW: 4.0 stars
Writing: 5.0 stars
Alexandra writes beautifully about the good, bad, and ugly during her childhood in multiple countries in Africa.
This was written in first person, so it was shocking to know and understand that a child experienced these horrific, tragic, and violent events. It was exceedingly graphic, at times.
Also, this was not a linear memoir so it can be a little confusing at times.
Narration: 4.5 stars
The narration was done by Lisette Lecat, who did a fantastic job with the various voices and accents. However, I prefer that the author narrate their own memoir.
Character development: 4.5 stars
The main character is Alexandra (Bobo).
The secondary characters are Alexandra's parents, Tim and Nicola, and her sister Vanessa.
There are many characters throughout the memoir, but they are all the same stereotypical individuals transplanted in different places. That is how they seemed to me, honestly.
The character development was incredible for Alexandra as she is shocked and surprised by so much throughout the book. Alexandra's parents and sister are developed, but they are not the focus of the book.
I must be honest and state for the record that I despised Alexandra's parents as well as the other white colonizers.
Memorable: 5.0 stars
I was shocked at the entitlement and superiority of the white colonists, in general. This memoir was set during the 1970s/80s, which is somewhat recent.
There was a comment by the mother, Nicola, that asked why there isn't a white country for whites in Africa. That was and is the core of the problems in Africa - everyone wants their piece.
Entertaining/Educational: 4.5 stars
This memoir made me realize how much has been taken from Africa and the individual governments by the colonizers, but little is given back to the native peoples. It is a very uneven and abusive set of relationships.
Book cover: 5.0 stars
Perfect - loved the black and white picture.
Book title: 5.0 stars
On point.
Definite recommend
Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL) borrow: audiobook
Don't Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight by Alexandra Fuller
10 hours, 11 minutes
Recorded Books, Inc.
Release date: 12/1/2001
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL)
TRIGGER WARNINGS: Graphic blood, gore, and violence, death of an animal, death, medical content, medical trauma, mental illness, alcohol, alcoholism, colonialism, racism, xenophobia, cursing, pregnancy, loss of a child
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
Tuesday, July 8, 2025
My next eARC/ebook is ...
The Girl in the Green Dress by Mariah Fredericks (eARC/ebook)
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
REVIEW - The Witch's Orchard (eARC/ebook)
The Witch's Orchard by Archer Sullivan (eARC/ebook)
OVERVIEW
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This is Archer's debut novel! What a great start to a long writing career. This novel is a love letter to the small towns, families, and life in the Appalachians.
This is a multi-genre novel that includes contemporary fiction, storytelling, mystery, and Appalachian folklore, with a sprinkle of romance for good measure.
I thought multiple times that I figured out the plot twist and solved the mystery - I was wrong over and over again! I really love the main character, Annie Gore, and would love a series about her, please, Archer!
OVERALL REVIEW: 4.5 stars.
Writing: 4.5 stars
The writing is strong. It flowed like a mystery novel with choppy endings and cut-outs, which is to be expected in this genre.
However, at times, Archer hit her poetic stride with beautiful writing with her exquisite storytelling. I would love for her to expand upon this in her next book, even if it is another mystery. I love beautiful words with storytelling!
Character development: 5.0 stars
The main characters are Annie (a private investigator), AJ (a local police deputy), and Max (the client from Appalachian North Carolina).
The secondary characters are Jessica, Olivia, and Molly (missing girls whom Annie is hired to find), Shiloh (the town baker and Annie's friend), and Susan (the town psychic and herbalist).
The tertiary characters are the missing girls' parents and families, the townspeople, neighbors, and friends.
The character development was strong. I really understood the well-developed back story for the main and secondary characters.
Storyline: 4.5 stars
The storyline focuses on finding the three missing girls by Annie, who is hired by Max (Molly's brother). The small town where this occurs is very similar to where Annie grew up. Annie comes to town, pokes the hornet's nest, and all hell breaks loose.
The location was primarily fictional, Quartz Creek, North Carolina.
Memorable/Informative: 4.5 stars
It is heartbreaking that little towns, like the fictional Quartz Creek, are dying out as people leave them for jobs and lives elsewhere. We are losing our Americana traditions.
Book cover: 4.0 stars
It was a little creepy and weird, but it was exactly the point.
Book title: 5.0 stars
Excellent!
Strong recommend
NetGalley eARC/ebook
The Witch's Orchard by Archer Sullivan
304 pages
Minotaur Books
FUTURE release date: 8/12/2025
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
TRIGGER WARNINGS:
Alcohol, alcoholism, drug use, drug production, murder, kidnapping, violence, gun use, death of a parent, grief, medical content, moderate cursing, pregnancy, and infidelity.
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
Monday, July 7, 2025
My next eARC/ebook is ...
The Witch's Orchard by Archer Sullivan (eARC/ebook)
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
REVIEW - Ever After (eARC/ebook)
Ever After by Amanda Prowse (eARC/ebook)
OVERVIEW
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I love Amanda's books because they are based on real-life family situations, from new love to loss of love and everything else in between. Most of Amanda's books are contemporary fiction or women's fiction, but she has also written two very personal non-fiction books.
I have read over twenty books written by Amanda and will continue to read them as long as she is willing to write them! What a great symbiosis.
This book was another lovely, perfect, and palate-cleanser for the chaos in the world!
OVERALL REVIEW: 5.0 stars.
Writing: 5.0 stars
Amanda wrote this book beautifully, descriptively, and thoughtfully. There were many sensitive issues covered, but she handled them with grace and sensitivity.
Plus, Amanda always throws in a few author words that I don't know, but not in a pretentious way. I always love learning new vocabulary.
Character development: 5.0 stars
The main characters are Enya (a widow and Aiden's mother), Aiden (Enya's son and Holly and Iris's friend), Holly (Aiden's neighbor friend), and Iris (Aiden's "airplane friend" - read the book to understand this reference).
The secondary characters are Jenny (Enya's BFF and neighbor), Angela (Enya's sister), and Jonathan (Enya's deceased husband).
The tertiary characters are the other neighbors, friends, and family of the main characters (as well as the secondary characters). primary and secondary characters, and lots of "throw-away" characters.
The character development was strong, as always. The main characters grow, develop, and learn together.
Storyline: 5.0 stars
The storyline focuses on Enya's grief over the loss of her husband, Jonathan, while trying to keep everyone else together, putting her needs last. Aiden travels to Italy for a work trip, and everything changes for everyone during the three weeks that he is gone.
The locations were Essex and Bath, England, and Portugal.
Memorable/Informative: 5.0 stars
This book is about serendipity. You never know who or how you will meet a person who will become special in your life!
Book cover: 5.0 stars
Perfect.
Book title: 5.0 stars
Lovely!
Highly recommend
NetGalley eARC/ebook
Ever After by Amanda Prowse
412 pages
Late Union Publishing
FUTURE release date: 8/12/2025
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
TRIGGER WARNINGS:
Alcohol, alcoholism, death of a parent, grief, cancer, medical content, moderate cursing, pregnancy, and infidelity.
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
Sunday, July 6, 2025
My next audiobook is ...
Don't Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight by Alexandra Fuller (audiobook)
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
Saturday, July 5, 2025
REVIEW - The Women at Ocean's End
The Women at Ocean's End by Faith Hogan (ebook)
OVERVIEW
This is the sixth book by Faith Hogan that I have read. I have a one-word summation of them all - LOVELY!
I love that this book was based on a fictional island off the coast of Ireland. Apparently, there are many uninhabited and inhabited islands, so adding to my bucket list!
OVERALL REVIEW: 4.5 stars.
Writing: 5.0 stars
Faith writes so beautifully. It is so descriptive that I can picture it all in my mind while I am reading it! That is the best writing for any reader!
Character development: 4.5 stars
The main characters are Constance and Dotty (best friends), Heather (Dotty's daughter), and Ros (park ranger).
The secondary characters are Maggie (Constance's mother), as well as Norman and Sylvie (Dotty's parents).
The tertiary characters are all the various people, including friends and family, primarily on the fictional Pin Hill Island. It is a large cast of characters!
The character development was strong. I just always want more. Most especially about the secondary characters.
Storyline: 4.5 stars
The storyline is told in two main storylines with a lot of overlapping of different times, also told in flashbacks. But, basically, Constance and Dotty are best friends. Constance and her mom move to Pin Hill Island, and Dotty and her mom join the move. Time continues to pass until secrets are revealed and discovered.
The locations were fictional Pin Hill Island, Dublin, and London.
Memorable/Informative: 4.0 stars
It was wonderful to learn about the islands off the coast of Western Island.
Book cover: 5.0 stars
Faith ALWAYS has beautiful covers!
Book title: 4.5 stars
There appears to be confusion as to the correct title on various book sites. Either one is perfect!
Strong Recommend
Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL) borrow: ebook
The Women at Ocean's End by Faith Hogan
401 pages
Aria
Release date: 6/5/2025
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL)
TRIGGER WARNINGS:
Alcohol, alcoholism, death of a parent, grief, cancer, medical content, death of an animal, and mild cursing.
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
REVIEW - Walking with Ghosts
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Walking with Ghosts by Gabriel Byrne (audiobook)
OVERVIEW
This is a beautiful, albeit difficult, memoir to read. It primarily focuses on Gabriel's childhood and young adulthood, with important life experiences in his adulthood sprinkled throughout.
I knew there was a difference between an autobiography and a memoir. But this link puts it succinctly, "A memoir is a nonfiction narrative in which the author shares their memories from a specific time period or reflects upon a string of themed occurrences throughout their life. An autobiography is a factual and historical account of one’s entire life from beginning to end." The more you know, LINK.
OVERALL REVIEW: 5.0 stars
Writing: 5.0 stars
Gabriel's writing is so poetic, lyrical, and beautiful. This is a very personal, real, and raw memoir - he spills all of his secrets, and it appears to have been cathartic for him. He has a gift for writing and should write more books, seriously.
There are very few mentions of famous people or name-dropping, so if you are looking for that, this is not the book for you. Additionally, there are many triggers, so please be aware.
Narration: 5.0 stars
The narration was done by Gabriel, and it was perfection. He read the truly horrific parts with raw emotion and sincerity.
Character development: 5.0 stars
The main character is Gabriel.
The secondary characters are Gabriel's friends and family in Ireland, England, and the U.S.
There are many Catholic priests and nuns, as they were at the heart of the Irish community at the time Gabriel was growing up. Also, some Hollywood hangers-on once Gabriel became a "name".
The character development was incredible for Gabriel, specifically. The secondary and tertiary characters don't really change or grow much.
Memorable: 5.0 stars
I was shocked at the ubiquity of alcoholism and depression in Ireland. It seems that the local pub is the heart and soul of the community, like the parish church.
Entertaining/Educational: 5.0 stars
The abuse by Catholic clergy was horrifying. It included emotional, sexual, and physical abuse, which created shame and humiliation for Gabriel and all of the other boys involved.
Book cover: 5.0 stars
Perfect - loved the black and white picture.
Book title: 5.0 stars
On point.
Highly recommend
California Bookshelf borrow: audiobook
Walking with Ghosts by Gabriel Byrne
6 hours, 57 minutes
Recorded Books, Inc.
Release date: 1/12/2021
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
TRIGGER WARNINGS: Death, grief, death of parent, medical content, medical trauma, mental illness, sexual abuse, physical abuse, emotional abuse, child-adult relationships, alcoholism, sexual content, cursing, drug use.
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
Thursday, July 3, 2025
DNF - These Memories Do Not Belong To Us (eARC/ebook)
These Memories Do Not Belong to Us by Yiming Ma (eARC/ebook)
I will not be finishing this book.
This book is set in a dystopian future where every citizen is equipped with a "Mindbank" that controls their memories. China is the victor of a war and now controls the U.S. There is no back story as the book is told in random memory vignettes.
There was nothing wrong with the book - it just wasn't my type of book and may appeal to others!
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
Wednesday, July 2, 2025
July 2025 - Amazon First Reads
Hi, booksbydorothea blog friends!
One of the perks of your Amazon Prime Membership is a FREE monthly Kindle book (and sometimes a short story)! The program is called Amazon First Reads, and you can find out more HERE.
The July email for Amazon First Reads was delivered, July 1st! There is a choice of two free Kindle books out of eight book choices (no short story this month). But, this was an easy month to choose my two picks to read!
My two free Kindle book choices for July 2025 are:
The Fourth Daughter by Lyn Liao Butler (Kindle eARC, ebook)
The Women of Arlinton Hall by Jane Healey (Kindle eARC, ebook)
Also, "buy" AND download the freebies from Amazon! You can't read a book that hasn't been downloaded! I am going to download them both NOW!
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
booksbydorothea - The Storygraph May 2025 Monthly Recap
Hi, booksbydorothea blog friends!
After using both The Storygraph and Goodreads in tandem for six months, there is no comparison in terms of quality or quantity. You can check out my profile, booksbydorothea, HERE.
The FREE book statistics are beautiful, creative, and wildly informative. You can also sign up for more comparative statistics with the monthly Plus plan. Currently, the free account works well for me. Click here for the free statistics that I get HERE.
Come on over, please be my "friend" as I really want all of my friends (thank you, Chelsea for joining me!) on The Storygraph, as it is so superior to the "other site"! Click the LINK, which will direct you to the sign-in/sign-up page.
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
Tuesday, July 1, 2025
California's Bookshelf and the Palace Project
If you didn't know, Californians now have access to more library books! If you didn't know, no worries. I didn't find out until last night, and this program has been active since March 26, 2025!
"Every Californian with an email address and an internet connection can now visit California’s Bookshelf and access more than 300,000 eBooks and eAudiobooks."
To learn more about this program, including the Palace project used to access the books, click HERE.
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
booksbydorothea - June 2025 - Monthly Wrap-up
Hi, book blog friends!!
June 2025 is in the books! It was another busy and fun month for our family! My husband’s cousin celebrated his 90th birthday, my husband celebrated HIS birthday and Father’s Day, along with lunches with friends, movies, and school break for our daughter, and it is getting hot in Southern California (with high fire danger, already).
As you probably know from reading my blog, since November 2024, I have been living in a bubble by avoiding the news and social media (except book-related accounts). However, due to the chaos in my beloved city of Los Angeles, I was using my personal Instagram account, but I am tapering off again. I am still not watching the news or using Facebook (as it doesn’t work for me anymore). My best advice is to use social media judiciously, as it is a time vampire and a mental health destroyer.
June was a fabulous reading month with seventeen books (audiobooks and ebooks; no physical books).
In June, there were eight five-star books: seven ebooks, one audiobook, and no physical books.
BEST BOOKS FOR JUNE 2025 (plus previous months)
ebooks 2025
JANUARY (10)
The Love Elixir of Augusta
Stern by Lynda Cohen
Loigman
The Stolen Queen by Fiona Davis
What Happened to the
McCrays? by Tracey Lange
More or Less Maddy by Lisa Genova
Paris Undercover by Matthew Goodman
The Bookstore Keepers by Alice Hoffman
Come Fly with Me by Camille Di Maio
The Memory of Cotton by Ann K. Howley
The Secret History of
Audrey Jones by Heather Marshall
Looking for Jane by Heather Marshall
FEBRUARY (4)
The Sirens by Emilia Hart
Swimming to Lundy by Amanda Prowse
The Fall Risk by Abby Jimenez
The Dressmakers of London by Julia Kelly
MARCH (4)
This One Life by Amanda Prowse
Austen at Sea by Natalie Jenner
Isola by Allegra
Goodman
The Book Club for
Troublesome Women by Marie Bostwick
APRIL (7)
The Wandering Season by Aimie K. Runyan
The Girls of Good Fortune by Kristina McMorris
Where the Rivers Merge by Mary Alice Monroe
Marsha by Tourmaline
Abigail and Alexa Save the Wedding by Lian Dolan
The True Happiness Company by Veena Dinavahi
The Martha's Vineyard Beach and Book Club by Martha Hall Kelly
MAY (7)
The Library of Lost Dollhouses by Elise Hooper
Homeseeking by
Karissa Chen
These Heathens by Mia McKenzie
Before
Dorothy by Hazel Gaynor
Wayward
Girls by Susan Wiggs
The
Bookstore Family by Alice Hoffman
Under the
Stars by Beatriz Williams
Abscond by Abraham Verghese
Lightening
in a Mason Jar by Catherine Mann
The Eights by Joanna Miller
Smoke on
the Wind by Kelli Estes
The Names by Florence Knapp
A
Resistance of Witches by Morgan Ryan
The Matchmaker's Gift by Lynda Cohen Loigman
YTD TOTAL: 39
Audiobooks 2025
JANUARY (2)
Me by Elton John
Let’s Call Her Barbie by Renée Rosen
FEBRUARY (3)
Never by Rick Astley
Unlovable by Darren Hayes
Sorry I'm Late, I Didn't
Want to Come by Jessica Pan
MARCH (0)
-NONE-
APRIL (4)
Everything is Tuberculosis by John Green
The Next
Day by
Melinda French Gates
Time to
Thank by Steve
Guttenberg
Change
the Recipe by José
Andrés
MAY (3)
Medicine
River by
Mary Annette Pember
Read This
to Get Smarter by
Blair Imani
Accidentally on Purpose by Kristen Kish
Boat Baby by Vicky Nguyen
Physical books
JANUARY-FEBRUARY; APRIL-JUNE (0)
MARCH
(1)
This
One Life by
Amanda Prowse
YTD TOTAL: 1
2025 READING GOAL
My goal is to read 101
books in 2025. As of June 30th, I have read 93 books, or 92.0% of my goal.
JUNE 2025 STATISTICS
17 total books
12 ebooks; 5 audiobooks; 0
physical books
4 books - ARC (Advanced
Reader Copy)
13 books - Library
0 books – Purchased
1 book - Amazon First
Reads
2 books - Book Club Girl
0 books – author gifted
0 books – friend gifted
JUNE 2025 BOOK RATINGS
with BOOK COVERS
ebooks 2025
5.0-star ebooks
Abscond by Abraham Verghese LINK
Lightening in a Mason Jar by Catherine Mann LINK
The Eights by Joanna Miller LINK
Smoke on the Wind by Kelli Estes LINK
The Names by Florence Knapp LINK
A Resistance of Witches by Morgan Ryan LINK
The Matchmaker's Gift by Lynda Cohen Loigman LINK
3.5-star ebooks
The Flower Sisters by Michelle Collins Anderson LINK
The Booklover's Library by Madeline Martin LINK
The Poppy Fields by Nikki Erlick LINK
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig LINK
3.0-star ebooks
25 Alive by James Patterson & Maxine Paetro
*PLEASE NOTE: There were no 4.5 or 4.0-star ebooks this month.
Audiobooks 2025
5.0-star audiobooks
Boat Baby by Vicky Nguyen LINK
4.5-star audiobooks
We Might Just Make It After All by Elyce Arons LINK
4.0-star audiobooks
The Parisian Chapter by Janet Skeslien Charles LINK
3.5-star audiobooks
Eternal Flame by Jennifer Otter Bickerdike LINK
*PLEASE NOTE: There were no 3.0-star audiobooks this month.
Physical books 2025
There were no physical books read this month.
If you want to read my full review of any of these books, there are individual review links for each ebook or audiobook next to the book title and author (under JUNE 2025 BOOK RATINGS with BOOK COVERS just above). Click on the specific book link to get to that book review.
What are the books you are reading by the pool, or audiobooks you are listening to on your vacation drive, or physical books you are reading at the beach? Please share!
Happy reading!
Dorothea 💜
P.S. For
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Glossary: LINK
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