Category: book releases

A Murder Mystery with a Supernatural Twist: Reviewing Marty Roppelt’s ‘Last Words’

‘Last Words: A Supernatural Murder Mystery’ by Marty Roppelt. Photo: Amazon

“Last Words: A Supernatural Murder Mystery” is a murder mystery novel by Marty Roppelt. It follows Chicago police Detective Myles Hanson as he navigates a world of crime and unsettling revelations. After a nighttime raid on a drug lab ends in a deadly shootout that claims the life of an undercover detective, Myles transfers transfers out of the Organized Crime Unit.

On his first night in the Violet Crimes Unit, Maria Peski, a midwife with a normal quiet life is savagely murdered. Back at the station, while filling out the paperwork and listening to music on his headphones, he hears static and voice calling his name. From there, he begins to experience haunting visions and auditory hallucinations that include voices and static on the digital recorder that he uses to take notes.

When a second murder rocks the city with startling similarities, Myles is forced to accept what he fears most: some clues lie beyond the realm of the living. As the line between the supernatural and the real begins to blur, Myles realized that he is hearing the final words of the murder victims, fragments of their unfinished thoughts. Those voices give him clues to help him solve their murder. Together with his new partner Hank ‘The Tank’ Brewer, they race against time to catch the vicious killer before he strikes again.

Marty Roppelt’s new novella takes readers on an eerie journey into the world of the paranormal and crime-solving. As Hanson begins to have paranormal experiences, he must navigate the fine line between solving the crime and protecting his sanity.

Roppelt’s writing is atmospheric, creating a tense, thrilling narrative that keeps the reader hooked. The blending of the supernatural with a traditional murder mystery provides an intriguing twist, adding an extra layer of suspense to the already gripping storyline. Myles Hanson is a well-crafted protagonist, balancing the skepticism of a seasoned detective with the growing realization that the paranormal forces at play are very real. The suspenseful plot twists keep the reader guessing until the end.

The pacing of the novel is steady, allowing the mystery to unfold gradually, and Roppelt’s descriptive narrative of the killer’s viewpoint as he is getting rid of the evidence and then preparing to strike again is unsettling but gripping. The language while describing Myles’ hallucinations is vividly descriptive: “The woman – Maria Peski- stared back at him in the mirror. Dead eyes, frozen deep in their sockets, gazed through him.” The narrative is in the third person point of view that alternates between the characters and towards the end, it hints at an unreliable narrator when the police is interviewing a witness who crossed paths with the killer.

Overall, “Last Words: A Supernatural Murder Mystery” explores the themes of good vs evil, identity, and family. The unique premise of a haunted detective elevates this novel beyond the typical whodunit. Judging by the ending, this is only the beginning of Detective Myles Hanson’s paranormal experiences. It’s a captivating read for fans of both supernatural thrillers and crime mysteries by authors like James Patterson and John Sandford.

“Meandering through the growing crowd as carefully and slowly as he could, he positioned himself to within an arm’s length of his intended victim’s back. He stopped there. How easy it would be to simply stab her in the liver from here, and be done with her…”

Rating: 5 out of 5.

*The author received a copy of this book for an honest review. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.

Discover Ireland’s Quirky Side: ‘Weird Ireland’ by Brinsley McNamara

‘Weird Ireland: An Unofficial Guide to the Island’ is the new book by Brinsley McNamara. Photo: Barnes & Noble

Travel guides are essential tools for explorers seeking to navigate unfamiliar destinations. They provide detailed insights into local attractions, history, culture, cuisine, and practical travel tips. Whether in print or digital form, these guides help travelers plan their itineraries by highlighting hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path locations, ensuring that visitors experience a destination beyond the typical tourist spots.

For readers who love learning more about specific destinations, including lesser known, but just as fascinating, locations and oddities, consider the new book by Brinsley McNamara that’s all about Ireland’s more eccentric points of interest.

Brinsley McNamara is a writer, video maker and adventurer. He is the protagonist of the Weird Ireland social media channel where he wanders around the Emerald Isles looking for weird and fascinating stuff to document and quests to complete. He plans on clearing Ireland before moving onto elsewhere. Brinsley hails from County Westmeath, a place immortalized in the book “The Valley of the Squinting Windows” by Brinsley McNamara, who also hailed from the same spot. “Weird Ireland: An Unofficial Guide to the Island” is his first book. (Mobius & Laurence King Publishing, 2025)

A hill in County Down that cars roll up?
A bridge in County Mayo that plays music?
A chair that can cure madness in County Louth?
Giant monster sightings on the lakes and seas of Ireland?
The sensational summer of the moving Mary statue in County Cork?
Even Irish ice pop lore?

From the social media phenomenon Weird Ireland comes a journey through strange and fascinating stories from across the island, as Brinsley McNamara shares his oddity obsession in the distinctive voice fans have come to love – witty, precise, and straight up weird.

UFOS and fairy forts, whispering arches and matchmaking festivals, relics and Sheela na Gigs, standing stones and moving statues, lake monsters and healing rocks, it’s all featured in this strictly off-the-beaten-track journey into the bizarre.

Featuring illustrations by acclaimed Dublin illustrator Eoin Whelehan, this is a book to be cherished by all seekers of the strange, rare and peculiar.

Heartfelt and Suspenseful: My Thoughts on ‘The Whole Time: Part 1’

‘The Whole Time: Part 1’ is the first book in the series by Maizy Ren.

“The Whole Time: Part 1′ by Maizy Ren

The story is set in Plainview, New Jersey, where Hunter Key is a member of the Pests, an underground criminal organization. They are just one of the gangs that control the city and their corruption runs deep. Hunter is an Informant and recently, he has sat in at the Inner Circle’s meeting and is hoping to someday be the leader. He sees them as family, and family means everything. Before that can happen, he is given a big job: kidnap Locklyn Elwell, the only child of the wealthy Elwell Enterprises, for ransom.

Locklyn Elwell doesn’t want to inherit the family business, but for now has to go along with what her distant parents dictate, even if it means taking a slap or two to the face. She has mad computer skills, which she uses to bypass the security cameras on the estate and has tried to run away several times. Her constant entourage of security guards include Dayton, who is more of a father figure than her own father. She has been homeschooled her whole life, but now her parents are sending her to Plainview Academy. At first she doesn’t have any friends, but eventually she gains the friendship and acceptance of a small group of outcasts.

Hunter tries to get close to Locklyn at school and waits for the perfect time to get her away but the more time they spend together, the less he wants to complete the job. Not to mention that his reality is shattered when he finds out what the Pests do when no one is looking and that there’s more to Locklyn than meets the eye.

This is Part 1 of The Whole Times series of books, four in total and a captivating and promising start to the series. The story revolves around a group of diverse characters navigating complex emotions and situations, with a particular focus on love, loss, and self-discovery. The writing is emotive, drawing readers into the world of the characters and making them feel every moment of the journey. “The blackness in his wandering eyes match the blackness of the night surrounding us.”

The characters of Hunter and Locklyn are relatable and multi-dimensional, struggling with inner conflicts that feel authentic and modern. The relationships in the book—whether romantic, familial, or friendships—are examined at length, highlighting the tenderness and the intensity of human connection.

The pacing is well-balanced, with moments of reflection and tension that keep the action moving. It is written in the 1st person point of view, including Hunter, Locklyn, Zachni, Dayton, and others, so we see the world through their eyes and hints at unreliable narrators. While the first part in the series leaves readers wanting more, it sets the stage for an exciting continuation of the story.

Overall, “The Whole Time: Part 1″ explores the themes of family, love, identity, and coming of age. Fans of contemporary romance, mystery, suspense, and character-driven narratives will find it a compelling read.

“I feel small under the weight of his stare. Weak. Like a tiny animal being hunted. His eyes study me as if calculating my every move.”

Rating: 5 out of 5.

*The author was contacted for an honest review of this book. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.

Blood Ties and Haunting Secrets: The Chilling World of ‘Listen to Your Sister’

‘Listen to Your Sister’ by Neena Viel. Photo: Barnes & Noble

Neena Viel is a horror writer who lives in a cabin in the Washingtonian woods with her husband and the best dog on the planet. Her passion for philanthropy (almost) rivals her love for ghost stories. For fans of Jordan Peele’s films, Stranger Things, and The Other Black Girl, “Listen To Your Sister”is a laugh-out-loud, deeply terrifying, and big-hearted speculative horror novel from electrifying debut talent Neena Viel. (Barnes & Noble, 2025)

“Listen To Your Sister” – Twenty-five year old Calla Williams is struggling since becoming guardian to her brother, Jamie. Calla is overwhelmed and tired of being the one who makes sacrifices to keep the family together. Jamie, full of good-natured sixteen-year-old recklessness, is usually off fighting for what matters to him or getting into mischief, often at the same time. Dre, their brother, promised he would help raise Jamie–but now the ink is dry on the paperwork and in classic middle-child fashion, he’s off doing his own thing. And through it all, The Nightmare never stops haunting Calla: recurring images of her brothers dying that she is powerless to stop.

When Jamie’s actions at a protest spiral out of control, the siblings must go on the run. Taking refuge in a remote cabin that looks like it belongs on a slasher movie poster rather than an AirBNB, the siblings now face a new threat where their lives–and reality–hang in the balance. Their sister always warned them about her nightmares. They really should have listened.

“A knockout debut.” -Ashley Winstead

“Incredibly original and seriously scary.” – Nick Medina

“A brilliant fever-dream of a novel that effortlessly dances between horror, literary, and family saga—sure to appeal to fans of Grady Hendrix, Tananarive Due, Mona Awad, and Stephen King.” – Maria Dong

Mystery, Suspense, and Organ Trafficking: Exploring the Depths of Cristina LePort’s ‘Change of Heart’

‘Change of Heart’ is the exciting new medical thriller by Cristina LePort. Photo: Amazon

After Amy Winter, a promising young medical student is found dead, Detective Kirk Miner is called to the scene and quickly uncovers a chilling conspiracy involving organ donations and high-stakes crime. As the investigation unfolds, Miner realizes the case is far more complex and dangerous than it initially seemed.

FBI Agent Jack Mulville and Special Agent Charlotte Bloom join forces with Miner to find Amy’s killer. Together, they unravel a web of corruption, revealing that her death is connected to a ruthless organ trafficking ring. Her death triggers an investigation that pulls Miner, Mulville, and Bloom into a labyrinth of deceit and desperation. As they dig deeper, they discover that Amy’s heart is not just a donor’s gift but a coveted prize in a deadly game controlled by criminals willing to kill to keep their secrets hidden, revealing the lengths to which people will go to secure life-saving transplants. Amidst the danger, they face moral dilemmas and personal risks, pushing them to their limits as they strive to protect innocent lives and dismantle a powerful criminal network.

Review:

“Change of Heart” by Cristina LePort is a gripping, fast-paced thriller that unearths the dark world of organ trafficking, exploring the moral and ethical dilemmas surrounding life-saving transplants. The story follows Det. Kirk Miner, FBI Agent Jack Mulville, and Special Agent Charlotte Bloom, as they investigate this unusual case and bring their own unique skills and motivations to the pursuit of justice. As they uncover a network of illegal organ trade, they are forced to navigate dangerous alliances and face tough choices about what is right and what is necessary for survival.

The narrative is full of suspense, where the stakes grow higher with every twist. With relatable characters that are well-developed, their personal stakes—whether it’s a search for redemption, vengeance, or justice—add emotional depth to the story. Special Agent Charlotte Bloom is naive but determined to make it as an FBI agent, even if it puts her life in danger. By exploring the lengths to which people will go for a lifesaving transplant, it is thought-provoking and disturbing. The plot twist at the end took me by surprise but it explains so much.

Right from the beginning, I was hooked by the descriptive language used to describe the damage done to Amy’s head by the bullet: “The bullet carrying Amy Winter’s name whooshed through her hair at a speed of fifteen hundred feet per second, burned a jagged hole into her smooth 24-year-old flesh, burst through the thin layer of her temporal muscle, and shattered the temporal bone.” The author’s medical knowledge gives it an authentic voice.

Overall, “Change of Heart” is a compelling and intense medical thriller that will resonate with anyone interested in the intersection of crime, morality, and the human condition. It explores the themes of power and corruption, family, and identity while tackling complex issues like the value of human life and the gray ethical areas in medical practices, making readers question the price of survival. I recommend it for fans of medical dramas and suspenseful thrillers by authors such as Robin Cook, Patricia Cornwell, and Michael Palmer.

“A jagged, irregular line, like a drawing by a shaking hand. Her heart wouldn’t beat or squeeze any longer. Her heart muscle would just wiggle – flaccid, without power. She was going to die.”

Rating: 4 out of 5.

*The author received a copy of this book for an honest review. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.

‘Son of Birmingham’: Randall Woodfin’s Powerful New Release

‘Son of Birmingham: A Memoir’ by Mayor Randall Woodfin. Photo: Barnes & Noble.

Birmingham, AL – “Son of Birmingham,” the highly anticipated memoir by Birmingham’s youngest modern-day mayor, Randall Woodfin, is available now. This gripping narrative weaves together Mayor Woodfin’s life story with his bold vision for a more equitable future, offering an intimate look at the man reshaping the urban South. (Iron City Communications, 2025)

Through candid storytelling, Woodfin shares how his roots in Birmingham, the lessons from Morehouse College, and the beats of Southern hip-hop shaped his journey. From bagging groceries as a teenager to addressing systemic challenges as mayor, “Son of Birmingham” is a call-to-action for servant leadership, resilience, and unity.

Randall Woodfin was born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama. After earning his degree at Morehouse College and later his law degree at Samford University, he returned home to serve his community. Elected mayor in 2017, Woodfin has been nationally recognized for his progressive leadership, including a keynote speech at the 2020 Democratic National Convention.

Key Topics in the Book

  • The journey from grocery store clerk to mayor
  • Southern hip-hop’s influence on leadership and grit
  • Declaring gun violence a public health crisis
  • Building unity across Birmingham’s 99 neighborhoods
  • Leading Birmingham through pivotal moments in history

Don’t miss this unforgettable story of hope, resilience, and the power of leadership.

Praise for Son of Birmingham

“Being from the South, I know the power of legacy and tradition. Mayor Randall Woodfin embodies that. Son of Birmingham is a love letter to Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik, and I’m honored he accredits inspiration to Outkast.” – Antwan “Big Boi” Patton, Grammy-winning member of Outkast

“A love letter to Birmingham and the resilience of its people. Woodfin combines modern hope with timeless wisdom.” – Geoffrey Canada, President of the Harlem Children’s Zone

“Woodfin’s journey fills my heart with hope. His leadership is a blueprint for justice and inclusion.” – Medaria Arradondo, former Minneapolis Police Chief

“Son of Birmingham captures the story of a city in transformation and the leader guiding its evolution. This memoir is a must-read for anyone who believes in the power of change.” – Wes Moore, Governor of Maryland

“If Alabama has a chance to overcome its past and reach its potential, it will be because of leaders like Randall Woodfin. Son of Birmingham is a moving memoir of perseverance and progress.” – Roy Wood Jr., Comedian and Journalist

The Spiritual Path to Personal Growth: ‘Transforming the Legacy’ by Cyndi Dale

‘Transforming the Legacy’ by Cyndi Dale. Photo: Amazon

Books on New Age and spiritual healing offer readers a path to self-discovery, emotional well-being, and inner peace. By exploring themes like energy healing, meditation, mindfulness, and the power of positive thinking, they offer tools to help individuals navigate life’s challenges. Their appeal lies in their promise of personal transformation, empowerment, and deeper connection to the universe. In a world of increasing stress and uncertainty, these books provide a sense of comfort and hope, inviting readers to explore alternative ways of thinking and being. They encourage growth, balance, and healing, appealing to those seeking spiritual and emotional fulfillment.

“Transforming the Legacy: The Subtle Body Approach to Honor and Heal Your Inherited Lineage” by Cyndi Dale presents a unique and powerful subtle body approach to heal issues caused by ancestral lineage and inherited patterns. It will be released on February 11 and is available for pre-order. (Sounds True, 2024)

Cyndi Dale is an internationally renowned author, speaker, and intuitive healer. She offers private sessions and workshops through her company, which she has led worldwide. She has written several groundbreaking books on the chakras and subtle energy anatomy, including The Subtle Body series, “Energy Healing for Stress, Trauma & Chronic Illness,” and “Advanced Chakra Healing.” Her work has been published in twenty languages.

“Transforming the Legacy” – Many people feel stuck in the past from time to time, but what if your past is impacting your present in significant ways? In reality, the past has created your present. Your inherited traits—those acquired through biological means and your soul—determine much of who you are. Some of those patterns and programs might be supportive of your true self. But others? Not so much! The good news is that you can change your inheritance through an easy-to-access mechanism: the subtle body.

Cyndi Dale presents a unique and powerful approach for transforming soul-based and lineage-ancestry issues through the main structures of energetic anatomy—your chakras, meridians/nadis, and auric fields. Using accessible practices, you’ll learn to address your genealogical and soul history through these structures, shifting from stuck-ness to the freedom of “becoming your own best ancestor”—the self who can sort through history and establish future pathways of love and good health.

Here you’ll explore:

• How your personal and ancestral legacy can impede or help you
• Reasons the cacophony of inherited traits and attitudes makes it difficult to be your true self in everyday life
• Science and psychological research showing that you can assess and even change your inheritance
• Various roles the subtle body’s structures play in working through legacy issues
• Ways you can immediately empower yourself to alter complicated inheritances
• Tools for meeting—and even conversing with—your own ancestors
• Journeys into your own past, concurrent, and possible future lives

Sometimes, to move forward, we must first move back. Discover the underlying energy that’s inherent in you. Get grounded in your lineage, connect to your experiences across time, and access and heal your history. It’s time to alter what has been in order to stand entirely in the present, reconnect with your true self, and create your best path forward.

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‘When I Hear Spirituals’: A Heartfelt Journey Through Music and History in Children’s Literature

New from Cheryl Willis Hudson and London Ladd – “When I Hear Spirituals.” Photo: Amazon

Illustrated children’s books play a crucial role in early literacy development by combining visual and textual elements to engage young readers. The vibrant images capture attention, making stories more accessible and easier to understand, while the text introduces new vocabulary and concepts. These books stimulate imagination, foster emotional growth, and help children connect with the world around them. The visual storytelling also supports comprehension and retention. Illustrated books offer a pleasant aesthetic experience that can make reading enjoyable, encouraging a lifelong love for books. Their appeal lies in their ability to entertain while nurturing cognitive and emotional development.

Out this month is the illustrated children’s book “When I Hear Spirituals” by Cheryl Willis Hudson and illustrated by London Ladd. (Holiday House Publishing, 2025)

Cheryl Willis Hudson is an author, editor, publisher, and respected member of the children’s book community. She is cofounder of Just Us Books, publisher and packager of books that celebrate African American children, as well as co-author of “Bright Eyes, Brown Skin,” a groundbreaking picture book. Cheryl enjoys singing spirituals a cappella and creating handmade story quilts. She lives in New Jersey with her husband Wade Hudson.

London Ladd is a graduate of Syracuse University with a BFA and MFA in illustration. His critically acclaimed artwork has been featured in picture books, newspapers, magazines, and community-based murals. “When I Hear Spirituals” is his first book for Holiday House. London lives in Syracuse, New York.

“When I Hear Spirituals” – A girl connects with heritage, history, and a higher power through the lyrics of twelve beloved spirituals and four seminal events in African American history.

A beautiful keepsake to be shared by multiple generations.

When I hear spirituals
Sometimes
A big, full feeling
Grows in my chest . . .

Her heart pounds, she gets a lump in her throat, and tears flow down her cheeks. She wants to clap her hands and stomp her feet. There is healing, tenderness, strength, pride, and above all, hope.

The author of the classic picture book “Bright Eyes, Brown Skin,” Cheryl Willis Hudson, has woven together lyrics of twelve timeless, Black spirituals with a moving exploration of how music holds memories, emotions, and empowerment.

Songs include “Go down, Moses,” “Nobody Knows the Troubles I See,” “Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child,” “Rock-a-My Soul,” “Get on Board, Little Children,” and more.

Evocative illustrations by award-winning artist London Ladd depict important people and places in Black history and culture: Harriet Tubman, Martin Luther King, Jr., the Great Migration, and the Enslaved People’s Uprising of 1811.

Journey through Black history and music in this layered picture book.

Reading age: 6-9 years
Grade level: 1-4
Pages: 40

A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection

“No matter the level of reader familiarity with spirituals, this title brims with lyricism and soul-lifting strength through its emotional illustrations and compelling text.”—School Library Journal, Starred Review

“A deeply resonant work that speaks to these songs’ historical—and present—meaning.”—Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review

“Willis Hudson movingly exalts the power of African American spirituals in a lyrics showcase that pairs existing verses with feelings they can evoke.”—Publishers Weekly, Starred Review

“Cut paper, tissue paper, and acrylic paint give the art layered depth, much like the spirituals themselves, and the various changes in perspective and composition echo the emotion behind the songs;”—The Bulletin, Starred Review

“A personal tribute to a beloved American art form.”—Booklist, Starred Review

Truth, Lies, and the Deep Blue Hour: A Gripping Psychological Thriller by Peter Stamm

‘In a Deep Blue Hour: A Novel’ is the new novel by Peter Stamm. Photo: Barnes & Noble

Psychological thrillers are some of my favorite books. They go into the inner workings of characters’ minds, exploring their thoughts, emotions, and motivations. This genre often blurs the line between reality and perception, creating complex, unpredictable narratives that challenge readers’ understanding of truth. The appeal lies in the deep emotional engagement it fosters, inviting readers to confront their own psychological experiences and question the nature of identity, memory, and consciousness. By emphasizing internal conflict, psychological thrillers offer a more intimate, introspective experience compared to traditional plot-driven stories. This immersive exploration of the human psyche resonates with readers seeking to understand themselves and the complexities of human behavior.

From Other Press, the latest addition to acclaimed Swiss author Peter Stamm’s impressive body of work, “In a Deep Blue Hour: A Novel” will be released on March 18, 2025. It is available for pre-order. (Other Press, 2024)

“In a Deep Blue Hour: A Novel” – A documentary filmmaker uncovers the secrets of an enigmatic author in this subtly enthralling novel from “one of Europe’s most exciting writers” – (New York Times Book Review).

For days, documentary filmmaker Andrea and her team have been waiting for Richard Wechsler in his Swiss hometown. During their first shoots in Paris, the famous writer had not wanted to reveal much about himself, and now the whole film threatens to fail.

In the narrow streets and alleys of the village, Andrea searches for traces of Wechsler’s life, contrary to their agreement. But it is not until she starts reading his books again that she discovers a clue to a childhood sweetheart who might still be living there. An old love who influenced his whole life, but whom no one ever knew about.

Written with Stamm’s trademark subtlety and devastating precision, “In a Deep Blue Hour: A Novel” is a captivating work of psychological fiction perfect for lovers of Jon Fosse’s “Septology,” Jenny Erpenbeck’s “Kairos,” and Stamm’s previous work. In this elusive novel, Stamm explores the meeting point between reality and fiction. I hope to stay in touch with you about possibilities for it.

Peter Stamm is the author of the novels “The Archive of Feelings,” “The Sweet Indifference of the World,” “To the Back of Beyond,” “All Days Are Night,” “Seven Years,” “On a Day Like This,” “Unformed Landscape,” and “Agnes,” and the short-story collections “It’s Getting Dark,” “We’re Flying,” and “In Strange Gardens and Other Stories.” His award-winning books have been translated into more than forty languages. For his entire body of work and his accomplishments in fiction, he was short-listed for the Man Booker International Prize in 2013, and in 2014 he won the prestigious Friedrich Hölderlin Prize. He lives in Switzerland.

About the Translator: Michael Hofmann has translated the work of Gottfried Benn, Hans Fallada, Franz Kafka, Joseph Roth, and many others. In 2012 he was awarded the Thornton Wilder Prize for Translation by the American Academy of Arts and Letters. His “One Lark, One Horse: Poems” was published in 2019, “Where Have You Been? Selected Essays” in 2014, and “Selected Poems” in 2009. He lives in Florida and London.

“In a Deep Blue Hour: A Novel” by Peter Stamm • Translated by Michael Hofmann
Other Press Trade Paperback Original
On-Sale Date: March 18, 2025 • Price: $17.99

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Exploring Love and Choices in ‘Something Better’ by Diane Parrish: A Reflective Review

‘Something Better’ is the debut novel by Diane Parrish. Photo: Amazon

“Something Better” by Diane Parrish centers around Ruth, David, and Annabeth. Ruth and David are a seemingly happy couple living in the suburbs. After Annabeth’s parents die in a tragic car accident, their lives intersect in ways that will test all three of them.

Annabeth’s father, Jack Brady, was a close friend of David’s, so when Annabeth arrives in town, David and Ruth help her out during her time of grief. Ruth is a lawyer who dreams of starting a family, but then she gets the opportunity of a lifetime at work with a new client, Brian Bishop, in San Francisco. She decides to take the new client despite it being on the West Coast and having to spend time apart from David.

David is a successful landscape designer but he’s having trouble tackling all the work, so he hires Annabeth to work in the office. David grows closer to Annabeth while Ruth develops an attraction to Brian and before it’s all over, relationships will be tested. Each must decide if they will remain faithful or risk it all for the promise of ‘something better.’

Review:

This debut novel by Diane Parrish is best described as literary fiction combined with contemporary women’s fiction. Set in a small Connecticut town, it follows the journey of Ruth and David, as they navigate a turbulent time in their life while they struggle with loss, betrayal, and the search for inner peace.

Parrish’s writing is poetic and descriptive, offering readers a glimpse into the emotional landscape of someone struggling with difficult truths about love, redemption, and the choices we make. It explores the main theme of forgiveness without offering easy answers but allowing the characters to struggle with their decisions, creating a narrative that feels authentic and relatable.

The subtle interplay of faith—both religious and personal—adds another layer to the story, prompting readers to reflect on their own beliefs and the role of grace in healing. The narrative is from multiple points of view and the language is simple and easy to understand. While the plot of strained marriages is far from original, the character exploration is intriguing.

Overall, “Something Better” is a thought-provoking work of literary fiction that aside from forgiveness, also deals with the complex themes of faith, family, love, identity, and human resilience. Parrish gives us a story about the human capacity to change, to forgive, and to hope—no matter how impossible those actions may seem. This novel is a quiet, powerful meditation on life’s challenges and the possibility of redemption. It is recommended for readers who enjoy character driven literary fiction with religious undertones.

“…he would have to learn to live with the silence of his shame, his own frailty, his unspeakable desire, all the things that made him unworthy to call himself Ruth’s husband, not good enough for anyone who loved him, let alone himself.”

*The author received a copy of this book for an honest review. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.

Rating: 4 out of 5.