Hello friends!

I have been doing a TON of reading recently, and I think I’ve found my way out of my reading slump. I’m grateful to report that all of the books I have read in the last month or so have been five star reads, but there is one book that stands out to me.

The Family by Naomi Krupitsky

This book was so good that when I wasn’t reading it I was thinking about reading it, and when it was over I wished there was more of it. The story follows two best friends, Antonia and Sofia, growing up in Brooklyn as the daughters of men connected with the mafia. It’s a coming of age story of these two girls and what happens to their lives and friendships over a twenty year (I think it’s twenty year) span, including marriage, motherhood, and career. What I loved so much about this book was the vivid way the world was described. I felt like I was there with Antonia and Sofia and found myself really invested in their stories.

The writing was interesting and took me a minute to get into because it’s more literary. The story is told from third person omniscient point of view, so we get a little bit of everyone’s story. And there’s not a lot of dialogue. Sometimes the narration changes between characters in the middle of a paragraph, which can be a little confusing. But overall, this book was phenomenal. I love books like this to begin with, but it’s been a while since a book really stuck with me after I finished reading it.

Honorable Mentions

Fantasy: Legends and Lattes by Travis Baldree

This book has been on my radar for quite some time, and I was excited to dive into it. It’s a low stakes fantasy about an orc named Viv who gives up the adventuring, warrior life to open a coffee shop in a little town. The story is cozy and comforting, as well as a very quick read. I think it’s only 250 pages. (I read it on my Kindle). I really enjoyed the story and following Viv as she staffed her cafe and introduced a new world to the little town where she settled. And the pastry chef is probably my favorite character. So adorable! Like a slice of life fairy tale. Worth a read.

Historical Romance: Ana Maria and the Fox by Liana De La Rosa

I am a huge fan of historical fiction and this did all the things I love. It was set during the 1860’s (if I remember correctly) and tells the story of Ana Maria Luna and her sisters, Isabel and Gabriela, as they are sent away to London by their family to stay safe from the French invasion of Mexico. Ana Maria’s uncle wants her to show Britain the wonders of Mexican society through Ana Maria and her sisters in order to inspire Britain to protect Mexico from the French. But Ana Maria soon falls for Gideon Fox, a biracial parliament seat holder looking to stop the slave trade to countries that still honor it. Ever since I read The Hacienda and Mexican Gothic, I have been obsessed with historical fiction set in or in some way about Mexico. This book was a fast read. I was invested in the characters. And the book was very vivid in it’s descriptions, making you feel as though you were there with the characters.

Final Thoughts

That’s it for now folks!

I’m currently reading One of Us is Dead by Jeneva Rose, The Star-Crossed Sisters of Tuscany by Lori Nelson Spielman, and Love and Saffron by Kim Fay. All of these books are fabulous, and I highly recommend them. And, of course, I’d love to discuss your thoughts about them in the comments.

Hope you have a wonderful week filled with books and Spring time!