Humans are complicated and the characters in this week's reads embody that truth in every way.
Fire Sword & Sea by Vanessa Riley
historical fiction
William Morrow, January 2026
This compelling saga reveals layers of identity for Black and Brown women as they improvise strategies to assert their freedom and amass wealth. A cast of characters led by real-life Jacquotte Delahaye and others who are amalgamations of people from the late 17th into the early 18th centuries, make this adventure vibrate with emotional intimacy and personal stakes in a saturation of exquisite historical detail. It's romantic and tragic and awesome in its complexity. Make sure to read the Author's Note, Acknowledgements, and Bibliography, which offers irresistible temptations for TBR list expansion.
Leave Your Mess at Home by Tolani Akinola
contemporary fiction
Pamela Dorman Books, April 2026
Family or self? Who comes first?
Four siblings struggle toward their answers in this poignant, funny family drama about recognition and acceptance, about making peace with what can't be changed and being brave enough to pursue what can.
To offset the emotional complexity and heaviness of the preceding books, the following three offered more whimsical vibes: First Sign of Danger (Haven's Rock #4) by Kelley Armstrong, contemporary suspense, Minotaur, February 2026; It Seemed Like a Good Idea (Darling Springs #1) by Lauren Blakely, contemporary romance, Cosmo Reads, March 2026; Heir of Whitestone by Catherine Coulter, historical romance, A John Scognamiglio Book, February 2026.
And of course my trip to the library to return items led me to the irresistible "new arrivals" display and to my borrowing more books despite the constant demands of family responsibilities and multiple writing and other deadlines. Very privileged to have such challenges.
Always wishing you good health, peace of mind, safety, joy & some pleasure every day
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