This American Woman: A One-In-A-Billion Memoir by Zarna Garg

★★★★★  The publisher provided a copy for review

I've been meaning to read this book anyway, written by an Indian-American comic. She is smart and funny, but brutally honest about her values and expectations, both from her past and as an immigrant mom, wife, and business person. This American Woman is a moving and hilarious retelling of her of cultural expectations, even with its raw and gritty street language.

As the child of an immigrant and an expat since my late-20s, I recognize many of #zarnagarg's feelings and her caricatures of life as a perpetual stranger. Moving away from our first communities means making constant adjustments as we learn about our host culture.

One of the funniest and most real women in comedy today? Garg writes as she speaks, with the fresh view and freakouts of a newcomer to American life, history, and politics.

As a naturalized American citizen, I understand the lessons learned from the life that you leave behind. I also resonate with the weirdness of being the cultural outsider, living within the local "new normal," which people around you assume is "just the way it is."

From the introduction, you'll be captured by another way of looking at American life and an appreciation of the challenges of living in the USA. If you can handle raw and gritty street language, you'll be captured from start to finish.

Within Arm's Reach by Ann Napolitano

 ★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.

When your family is imperfect but has expectations of perfection, it's an effort to live as though "nothing is going on." Napolitano offers a story of generations affected by moral failure and shame. She touches on the love that remains and is reshaped by being human and fallible.

A wonderful story that will keep you turning pages and sympathizing with the cares of everyday life and passing years.

Earthly Utopias by Yolanda Zappaterra

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.

 Christian scripture reminds us to love God more than we love his creation and to worship only him. That said, life started in a garden and we are always drawn into the love of nature. Whether we create beauty or enjoy what others shape, the appreciation of religious settings is worldwide. We long to be back to the first utopia on earth.

This book of gardens will delight the eyes and give you ideas of how to shape your own setting for meditation, learning, and quiet reflection.

Neighbor, Love Yourself by Bryan Crum

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.

As a hospital chaplain, Crum has heard many regrets. With stories and examples, he challenges the reader to live life fully. He offers encouragement to the reader: value who you are as individuals and the beloved child of God. 

If you need to hear a voice of hope and possibility, you'll enjoy this book. If you need an uplift and push to see yourself as God does, pick up a copy.

One Year Ago in Spain by Evelyn Skye

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.

 A story of suspense and doubts and expectations. What happens when the person you love is utterly unlike you? When you have a choice to be there for him or live life in the safety of your habits and cultures. Claire is about to find out whether her boyfriend is who she thought he was - or if their relationship is worth pursuing.

Lots of romance, questions, and the long process of finding hope and joy with another person.

Sing Me Home to Carolina by Joy Callaway

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.

Anytime a novel has "Carolina" in the title, I expect a sweet romance and family story. This one doesn't disappoint. 

When your heart is torn between family and career, between romance past and present, where do you land? In helping her family find their way, Hattie uses her skills and experience to create an unexpected path that opens up relationships and possibilities that she doesn't expect.

A good story, a satisfying twist of the heart, and a happy ending.

Darker Than the Sky by Matt Tracy

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.

Across the States, a tale with gripping descriptions and a mysterious treasure. A son and his father embark on an unwanted and unexpected adventure after their plane crashes. This was a good story - with likable and confusing characters who kept me guessing until the end.

Recommended to those who like treasure hunts, mysteries, good descriptions, and suspense. That might be you - on a commute or trip. Toss it into your briefcase?

A Million Little Miracles Study Guide by Mark Batterson

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.

You don't need the original book though it's helpful. You can take a group through this study guide or work through it yourself. Batterson carves out hopeful ways of seeing life and moving from one blessing to another, no matter what the circumstances are.

The author encourages us to consider a God of miracles, at work in us and in love with his world and his creatures. If you're looking for a new and fresh perspective, pick this us and meet some friends in a coffee shop to discuss ways that God is intervening and how you are part of him creating new things in the world.

Knife River by Justine Champine

★★★☐☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.

A life of broken relationships, in the escape from and return to the past. It's gritty at times, sad often, and deals with issues that touch modern families.

It's almost impossible to find novels or films without at least some gender bending relationships and that spoiled this one for me. That said, it was a compelling story. And a heartbreaking one.

A Visit to Stoneybrook by Marina McLune

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.

A story filled with drama and romance and choices. Our lives often don't go smoothly on the path we have chosen for ourselves, and Millie's is the same. With dreams of how things should be, she finds herself on a journey of obstacles, unexpected relationships, and hope.

Recommended if you want clean romance and compelling characters, wrapped up in a tender tale of possibilities. 

Death with a Double Edge by Anne Perry

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.

 Daniel Pitt is an unlikely and unconventional detective, which makes this series even more interesting. As usual, Perry weaves a story of back rooms and alleys and unexpected clues. If you can puzzle it out before the last chapter, you're better than I am.

I wouldn't read it late at night, but I enjoyed it cozied in my library in midafternoon, day after day until it was done. For those who like mysteries with a touch of history.

Since the Day We Fell by Kerk Murray

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.

An unlikely pair, Lisa and Noah must decide whether they have the courage to restart and rewrite their futures. This story of hope and possibilities is fraught will challenges and potential detours.

A good book for a commute or vacation. The ending will leave you smiling and satisfied.

Open Season by Jonathan Kellerman

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
 Another Kellerman novel that catches you by the throat and won't let go. Making connections is Alex Delaware's gift, and when one murder leads to another, and another, he begins to tie the stories together.

I found this gripping, suspenseful, and was relieved at the resolution. Good for those who like adventures, thrillers, and mysteries. 

The Lost Passenger by Frances Quinn

★★★★★  The publisher provided a copy for review

Oh my - couldn't put this one down! If you were reinventing life, how would you go about it? When the sinking of the Titanic provides a way of escape for Elinor and her son Teddy, she grabs it.

Learning a new way, leaving behind status and fortune, Elinor creates a new future - and the telling of how it happens will have you turning page after page. Exciting, compelling, and satisfying in the end, this is a wonderful tale. Well written and paced.

Well worth buying a copy and passing it on to a friend when you turn the final page.