An assortment of very satisfying reads... 
[3 books arranged next to each other from left to right: The Queen's Spade, Casanegra, First-Time Caller]
The Queen's Spade by Sarah Raughley
historical literary fiction
Harper, January 2025
Sarah Forbes Bonetta has a vengeance to-do list, and her plan includes making everyone who's on it regret that they ever did her wrong. Her mission is packed with intrigue, danger, double-crosses, unexpected allies, and layered historical context encompassing much more nuance than typical white-washed historical fiction. Start reading this irresistible tale when there's enough time to savor it without being interrupted.
Casanegra (Tennyson Hardwick #1) by Blair Underwood, Tananarive Due, Steven Barnes
contemporary mystery fiction
Atria Books, paperback reprint 2025 - originally 2008
Wrong place, wrong time jeopardizes anti-hero Tennyson Hardwick's freedom and his life. Alienation, grief, family drama, and the seedy underground of the entertainment industry form a solid framework for this multifaceted atmospheric mystery as social commentary. Is this reprint indicative of an upcoming movie or limited series featuring Blair Underwood in the lead role? One can hope. Meanwhile, a re-/read of the entire series seems like an worthy idea.
First-Time Caller (Heartstrings #1) by B.K. Borison
contemporary romance
Berkeley, February 2025
from chapter 8:
"What if this is what you've been waiting for? What if it's all a string of choices and moments and events and decisions that have led you to exactly right here? And what if what happens next--what if what happens next is the good part? The part you've been waiting for?"
In this love letter to Baltimore, Maryland that celebrates families created through intentional choice, Lucie and Aiden are each questioning how to move forward in their lives in the aftermath of multiple disappointments and challenges. This author's storytelling super power of combining poignant emotional intimacy with searing sexual tension creates compelling characters, communities of wacky friends, neighbors, and coworkers who resonate as authentic in their struggles, victories, sorrows, and joys. There's laughter and complexity. Fans saddened by the conclusion of the Lovelight Farms series should feel encouraged by this first installment of the Heartstrings series that continues all of the appealing narrative fundamentals of this author's signature strengths.
This week's reading options
[a bookstack of 4 books from top to bottom: A Lifetime in 30 Days, A Tropical Rebel Gets the Duke, Dream Girl Drama, Shattering Dawn; books arranged against a floral background featuring whole and sliced lemons and oranges on a gingham pattern]
Romance is my favorite genre of fiction because hopefulness and happily ever afters are its cornerstones as it celebrates love, family, and community. During these challenging times please focus on self-care of your body, mind, and, spirit, and cherishing those you love who love you in return. Feel your feelings, then think of one action you can do, no matter how small, to make the world healthier, more compassionate, and welcoming for yourself and everyone else. Creating a good life can mean a mutually beneficial one for all of us if we're willing to work together to achieve it.
Happy reading!
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