Over the past month, my bookshelf has seen a little bit of everything—book club selections, short reads, chunky novels, timeless classics, fresh non-fiction and a captivating beta read. How about you? My cohosts and I would love for you to join the conversation—drop a comment or link up with us through InLinkz below. And don’t miss the invitation to our upcoming book club chats at the end of this post. We’d love for you to participate!
5 Stars
Oliver Twist, Dickens
I loved this book from start to finish. Dickens’ melodic prose, sharp wit, and scathing social critique make Oliver Twist truly unforgettable. It’s a powerful, heartbreaking reflection of Dickens’ era that sadly remains relevant today.. It deserves its place as a timeless classic.
This book was recently discussed in both of my book clubs. Their verdict? Both groups agreed that the writing was brilliant but that they often had to take breaks while reading because of the story’s sadness. We were all relieved with much (but not all) of the final outcome.
5 Stars
Witness for the Prosecution, Christie
The Witness for the Prosecution is the first Agatha Christie book I’ve ever read—and damn her, I was fresh out of five-star ratings. But I had no choice. This one was absolutely flawless: clever, zigzagging, and masterfully told.
4 Stars
The Comfort Book, Haig
A warm hug, a cozy blanket, a cup of tea, freshly baked cookies—and wise words from a trusted friend. The Comfort Book by Matt Haig is all of these things and more. When you need a lift or a moment of peace in a chaotic world, this is the book to reach for.
4- Stars
The Uncommon Reader, Bennett
What if the Queen of England developed a passionate love of reading later in life, and it changed everything? In The Uncommon Reader, Alan Bennett explores this whimsical premise with wit, cheek, and quiet humour, taking book lovers on a delightful literary adventure along the way.
4 Stars
The Book of Hygge, Thomsan Brits
I listened to the audiobook while prepping for houseguests. The narrator’s voice felt like hygge itself. The author’s insights turned my chores into unexpected moments of contentment. Curious about the book? Go for the audio—whether you’re folding laundry or curled up by the fire, it’s the perfect match for the message.
3+ Stars
Careless People, Wynn-Williams
This memoir offers a rare insider’s view of Facebook (now Meta). Wynn-Williams raises important questions about accountability in tech, but at times, she sounds gossipy, with a tone of personal score-settling. Still, I’m glad I read it. Despite its flaws, Careless People is a bold and timely contribution to the ongoing conversation about power, greed, and ethics in Silicon Valley.
3 Stars
The Tales of Beedle the Bard, Rowling
This was my first time reading anything by Rowling. I quite enjoyed this small taste. These Grimm-style tales packed a surprising punch; a few even made me gasp. The stories varied in appeal, but Dumbledore’s commentary didn’t do it for me. Bonus points: 90% of profits go to Lumos, Rowling’s charity to end child institutionalization.
3- Stars
Women Who Run With Wolves, Estes
This book simply wasn’t for me. Early on, the author calls out Grimm’s Fairy Tales for biased retellings, yet proceeds to do much the same herself—irony at its finest. That said, I understand what she was trying to convey and appreciate that her ideas have been meaningful and inspiring to many.
Murder in the Mangroves is the second book in the Whale Bay Mysteries—a romantic and cozy whodunnit series with a touch of tarot and astrology. Author (and friend) Jo Tracey has a gift for drawing readers in with authentic, complex, and highly believable characters.
This time, Clementine Carter’s world is shaken by the arrival of her boyfriend’s not-quite-ex-wife and the discovery of a body in the mangroves. What unfolds is a twisty, satisfying mystery that explores loyalty, unspoken truths, and the complicated ties that bind.
One of my favourite things about Jo’s writing is how she lets her characters lead the way—often not knowing whodunnit herself until late in the process. In fact, this time she was only two chapters from the end when the real killer revealed themselves. That spontaneity keeps the plot fresh, surprising, and far from predictable.
Coming Soon…
For the past four years, the Simply Stunning Classic Book Club – that’s Sue, Debbie, Jo, and me – has been meeting regularly to talk about books. Not just any books, mind you – classics.
We started with the Brontë sisters (yes, all of them), moved on to Jane Austen, and we’ve branched out from there. Over time, our reading list has grown to include Charles Dickens, Virginia Woolf, Aldous Huxley, Evelyn Waugh, Oscar Wilde… and that’s just for starters.
Some of the books we’ve adored. A few we’ve endured. Others have surprised us – either in the moment or in hindsight – and more than once we’ve found ourselves saying, “That is frighteningly relevant today.” Some have been rereads, others are first-timers, and a few fall into the glad I’ve read it but once was enough” category.
What they’ve all had in common is this: they’ve sparked brilliant conversation. Not just about the books themselves but also about the authors, the context, the history, and the occasional rabbit hole we tumble down while reading. We’ve learned so much. About literature, about the world, and about each other.
We invite you to participate – virtually, of course. Starting with our next book, The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame, we’ll be recording our Zoom chats and releasing them as a podcast on Substack.
We’d love to have you join us. You can subscribe here.
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