Reviews at Amazon: October-December 2025

We're posting some reviews at our Amazon (or Goodreads) accounts, as either they've been sitting in our queue for a while and deserve their time in the sun, fall under our featuring policy, or they're new reads that we couldn't wait to post at the blog. You can check them out at the links below. Hope we can help you find your next favorite book!

Melissa:
The Underdog by Sagit Schwartz
Bad Publicity by Bianca Gillam
The Expat Affair by Kimberly Belle

All the Signs by Jessie Rosen

Napkins and Other Distractions by M.A. Wardell

What's Mine is Yours by Leah Mercer

Good Grief by Sara Goodman Confino

Luck, Love & Lemon Pie by Amy E. Reichert

Top Five by Judith Natelli McLaughlin

Joyride by Ellen Meister

Remain by Nicholas Sparks with M. Night Shyamalan

Far from the A-List by Stephanie Burns

Delayed Intention by Barbara Rachel

The Weekend Crashers by Jamie Brenner

Grace & Henry's Holiday Movie Marathon by Matthew Norman

Merry and Bright by Debbie Macomber

I Made It Out of Clay by Beth Kander

Challah-day Fling by Amanda Usen

Comfort & Joy by Kristin Hannah

Latke'd and Loaded by Jessica Topper

Merry Little Bookshop by Ali Brady

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Top picks for 2025

There were so many great books published in 2025 that it was very hard to choose between the ones we read. Here are some of the books that topped our lists. (We limited ourselves to five each, at the most.) However, any book we gave glowing reviews and five stars to this year is definitely recommended for your TBR! 

**Links are to reviews**

Melissa

Far and Away by Amy Poeppel

Battle of the Bookstores by Ali Brady

Good Grief by Sara Goodman Confino

Such Good People by Amy Blumenfeld

Grace and Henry's Holiday Movie Marathon by Matthew Norman

I read over 100 books this year, most being contenders for these top five spots. I am featuring some other top picks for the year at my Bookstagram (those picks include books outside the genre, books that I also would have loved to include on this list, and books published in other years).

Sara:

A Showgirl's Rules for Falling in Love by Alice Murphy 

We Don't Talk About Carol by Kristin L. Berry

Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall

Serial Killer Games by Kate Posey

The Keeper of Lost Art by Laura Morelli

Jami:

Lucky Night by Eliza Kennedy

The Griffin Sisters Greatest Hits by Jennifer Weiner

The Break-In by Katherine Faulkner

The Kidnapping of Alice Ingold by Cate Holahan

Tilt by Emma Pattee

Allyson:

The Other Side of Now by Paige Harbison

We All Live Here by Jojo Moyes

Grace and Henry's Holiday Movie Marathon by Matthew Norman

The Names by Florence Knapp

The Seven O'Clock Club by Amelia Ireland

Visit my Bookstagram to see more of my 2025 top picks!

Becky:

Don't Let Him In by Lisa Jewell 

(My other favorites weren't published in 2025.)

What are your top picks from this year?

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Book Review: The Frozen River

By Melissa Amster

Maine, 1789: When the Kennebec River freezes, entombing a man in the ice, Martha Ballard is summoned to examine the body and determine cause of death. As a midwife and healer, she is privy to much of what goes on behind closed doors in Hallowell. Her diary is a record of every birth and death, crime and debacle that unfolds in the close-knit community. Months earlier, Martha documented the details of an alleged rape committed by two of the town’s most respected gentlemen—one of whom has now been found dead in the ice. But when a local physician undermines her conclusion, declaring the death to be an accident, Martha is forced to investigate the shocking murder on her own.

Over the course of one winter, as the trial nears, and whispers and prejudices mount, Martha doggedly pursues the truth. Her diary soon lands at the center of the scandal, implicating those she loves, and compelling Martha to decide where her own loyalties lie.

Clever, layered, and subversive, Ariel Lawhon’s newest offering introduces an unsung heroine who refused to accept anything less than justice at a time when women were considered best seen and not heard. The Frozen River is a thrilling, tense, and tender story about a remarkable woman who left an unparalleled legacy yet remains nearly forgotten to this day.Hard to put down. Wasn't expecting to feel as connected to it as I did. Really well told and I got so angry sometimes. Relevance to present times even though it took place in late 1700s. Interesting to learn about what life was like back then and how much we take for granted in comparison. (Synopsis courtesy of Amazon.)

I had received a lot of recommendations for The Frozen River. I am so glad I listened and decided to check it out because it was really good. It takes place in the late 1700s in Maine, which I didn't know would be of interest to me, but Ariel Lawhon totally grabbed my attention with this novel and didn't let go! It was very hard to put down when I had to get back to real life.

Martha Ballard is a new historical figure for me, but she sounds like a really interesting woman. The situation in the story could have taken place now as it felt so relevant to current events. There's a lot of heartbreak in this story, as well as some really great moments. I got so angry with people at times. Men haven't changed in over 200 years, when it comes to protecting their own self-interests over the well-being of women. I was just infuriated by the injustices that took place in this novel!

Since this took place during colonial times, everything was so different in terms of what we take for granted in the present day. They had to make their own candles! It's also sad how Martha lost some of her family during an epidemic since healthcare was a lot different back then. 

Overall, this was an incredible story that I still think about! The narrative flowed well the entire time and the details were easy to visualize without taking away from the story itself. Be sure to read the author notes after you finish the story.

In terms of casting, I didn't really have anyone in mind aside from Rebecca Wisocky as Martha. I pictured her as soon as I started this book. They're the same age and have curly hair, and Rebecca has the personality to pull off this role so well if this novel was ever made into a movie.

Now I need to read Ariel's other books! I heard she has a new one coming next year.

(Trigger warnings below.)

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TW: Graphic description of rape, stillbirth, death of children, physical violence, description of a dead body, killing animals

Just in the "St. Nick" of time!

Today we are featuring two Christmas rom-coms that came out this year. It's not too late to check them out, even with Christmas right around the corner! 🎄

Christmas People by Iva-Marie Palmer

Some people are Christmas people, but Jill Jacobs is most certainly not. She hasn’t been ever since her hometown love broke her heart on Christmas Day three years ago. After that, Jill moved to L.A. to pursue her dream of becoming a screenwriter. She hasn’t been home in years to avoid her ex, but this winter she finds herself back in drab, suburban Illinois for the holidays.

After one very hazy night, Jill wakes up to a hometown that's filled with jolly neighbors, covered in pristine white snow, and seasoned with the smell of peppermint. She realizes that this is more than just a bad hangover… she's stuck in a Heartfelt movie. One set in her town, starring real people from her life, including her family, her high school crush (uber perfect, owns a bakery, and definitely a Christmas Person), and of course, her ex —handsome as ever and now exclusively clad in plaid flannel.

The only way out of this bizarro world is to complete the plot of the movie, including a holiday bake off and a cookie-sweet love story. To get home in time for Christmas, Jill must act out a picture-perfect holiday romance with the one that got away, all while her ex watches on. 

Fa la la la freaking la….

"Palmer’s first adult novel knocks it right out of the snow globe." ―Library Journal

"Switching from writing for kids and teens, Palmer presents her first adult novel, a sublimely entertaining holiday romance with a cleverly calibrated mix of snappy wit, sexy chemistry, and sweet charm, all perfectly on point." ―Booklist, starred review 

From Iva-Marie's website

Iva-Marie Palmer is the author of numerous books for children and teens, including the highly-acclaimed YA rom-com Gimme Everything You Got and The Jules Verne Prophecy series with Larry Schwarz.

Before turning full-time to writing, she worked as a web editor and writer for the Walt Disney Company, as an award-winning reporter, and up close and personal with many a Christmas person as a Hallmark store employee. Iva-Marie currently resides in Burbank, California, with her husband and two sons. Christmas People is her first adult novel. Visit Iva-Marie at her website and on Instagram.

Christmas Fling by Lindsey Kelk

Is a fake boyfriend really just for Christmas?

One fake romance. One magical Christmas. One chance to fall in love.

Laura was all set for a quiet solo Christmas – just her, a bottle of wine, and flat-sitting for a stranger. But when the stranger’s parents mistake her for his mystery girlfriend, she’s swept off to the snowy Scottish Highlands with Callum and his whole family.

Between the cosy sleeper train, charming pubs and breathtaking views, this could be the no-strings-attached Christmas of Laura’s dreams.

But stranger Callum is hot, hilarious and their ‘fake’ chemistry is off the charts.

So is this just a Christmas fling? Or the start of something more? (Synopsis courtesy of Amazon.)

Praise for Lindsey Kelk's rom-coms:

'So funny, so charming, so romantic' ― Beth O'Leary

'Lindsey Kelk is the Taylor Swift of romance writing – she makes me PROUD to be a romance reader!' ― Daisy Buchanan

'Impossibly funny, wildly romantic and extremely hot – I could not have loved it more’  ― Rosie Walsh

From Facebook

Lindsey Kelk is a Sunday Times bestselling author, podcaster, and proud defender of The Cheesecake Factory. She’s the author of the I Heart series, The Christmas Wish, Love Story, and the YA romantasy series The Bell Witches.

When she’s not writing, Lindsey co-hosts Tights and Fights, a pro-wrestling podcast on the Maximum Fun network (yes, really—pro wrestling).

Off the clock, she’s probably reading, binge-watching TV, texting the group chat, or planning a karaoke night (despite being unable to sing).

Born and raised in South Yorkshire, Lindsey lived in London and New York before settling in Los Angeles with her husband and two cats. (Bio adapted from Lindsey's website.)

Visit Lindsey online:

Website * Facebook * Instagram * TikTok

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Book Review: The Poppy Fields

By Melissa Amster

What if there were a cure for the broken-hearted?

Welcome to the Poppy Fields, where there’s hope for even the most battered hearts to heal.

Here, in a remote stretch of the California desert, lies an experimental and controversial treatment center that allows those suffering from the heartache of loss to sleep through their pain...and keep on sleeping. After patients awaken from this prolonged state of slumber, they will finally be healed. But only if they’re willing to accept the potential shadowy side effects.

On a journey to this mystical destination are four very different strangers and one little dog: Ava, a book illustrator; Ray, a fireman; Sasha, an occupational therapist; Sky, a free spirit; and a friendly pup named PJ. As they attempt to make their way from the Midwest all the way west to the Poppy Fields—where they hope to find Ellis, its brilliant, enigmatic founder—each of their past secrets and mysterious motivations threaten to derail their voyage.

A high-concept speculative novel about heartache, hope, and human resilience, The Poppy Fields explores the path of grief and healing, a journey at once profoundly universal and unique to every person, posing the questions: How do we heal in the wake of great loss? And how far are we willing to go in order to be healed? (Synopsis courtesy of Amazon.)

After reading The Measure (reviewed here), I wanted to read The Poppy Fields as soon as possible and I am glad I got a chance to do so recently. I liked it as much as, if not more than, The Measure.  I enjoyed getting to know each of the characters and learning more about their backstories.

The Poppy Fields is about a place where people can sleep for a month or two in order to relieve their grief and feel better about their loss. However, people run the risk of a heartbreaking side effect. Three strangers journey there for different reasons and form a bond along the way. I don't want to say anything more to keep the rest of it a surprise.

This was a great story with a lot of nice character development. I found myself absorbed whenever I picked it up. I was so interested in seeing what would happen next and where the story would go. It was a really interesting and thought-provoking story that had some light nods to The Wizard of Oz. Would you sleep off your grief for a month or two, if you knew you could risk having a psychological side effect? Definitely something to ponder. 

I did have a couple concerns, but nothing that took away from my enjoyment overall. Nikki would blend the narratives in a lot of the chapters. We'd start with Sasha's narrative and suddenly we'd get Ava's perspective and then Ray's, without a break inbetween. Also, there were a lot of coincidences like in The Measure. The ending felt kind of anticlimactic, but the story also wrapped up nicely.

Regardless of my concerns, I loved this novel and am eagerly awaiting whatever Nikki writes next!

(Trigger warnings at the bottom of this post.)

Movie casting suggestions:
Ava: Cailee Spaeny
Ray: Scott Eastwood

Sasha: Natasha Liu Bordizzo

Sky: Hannah Love Lanier

Ellis: Brie Larson

Yasmin: Jameela Jamil

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TW: Death of sibling, death of grandparent, death of young child, death of fiancee, death of best friend, PTSD

What's in the (e)mail

This is going to be our last "What's in the (e)mail" post. Although we enjoy sharing our bookmail with you, putting together this post has become time-consuming, even with just posting general links at the top. We will be sharing a lot of great books and authors at CLC in 2026 and can't wait for you to see what's in store! We also hope to get more bookmail into your hands, so keep entering all our giveaways. 

All (or most) of these books can be found on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Bookshop.org, Apple, Kobo, etc.

NG = NetGalley

Melissa:

Girls Our Age by Phoebe Thompson from Lake Union (NG)
The Players Club by Rachel Mills from Atria (NG)
Liberty Island by Virginia Hume from St. Martin's Press (NG)
The Naysayers by Liz Fenton & Lisa Steinke from Little A (NG)
Soon by You by Dahlia Adler from St. Martin's Press (NG)

Seeing Other People by Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegemund-Broka from Berkley (print)

The May House by Jillian Cantor from Atria (NG)
She Took My Baby by Steena Holmes from BookSparks (NG)

The Mountains We Call Home: The Book Woman's Legacy by Kim Michele Richardson from Sourcebooks (NG)

Out of Touch by/from Elle Grand (NG)

Rules for Mothers by Julie Swendsen Young from Greenleaf Book Group Press (NG)

Challah-day Fling by/from Amanda Usen (ebook)

Latke'd and Loaded by/from Jessica Topper (ebook)

Over and Over by Becky Hunter from Forever (NG)

Like Wafers in Honey by Leah Eskin from Levine Querido (NG)

Consequences of Normal by Elle Baade from Lake Union (NG)

The Foursome by Christina Baker Kline from Mariner (NG)

Big and Lily by Lisa Roe from Harper Perennial (NG)

The Shippers by Katherine Center from St. Martin's Press (NG)

Everything Has Happened by T. Greenwood from Crooked Lane (NG)

Deadlines, Donuts & Dreidels by Jennifer Wilck from @adina.reads (ebook)

You'll Love It Here by Natalie Sue from William Morrow (NG)

One Week to Win the Chocolate Maker by Timothy Janovsky from Harlequin (NG)

Ideal Life by Evelyn Skye from Atria (NG)

Bump, Set, Sparks by Jennifer Moffatt from St. Martin's Press (NG)

Together On Our Own by/from Eliana Megerman (ebook)

This Story Might Save Your Life by Tiffany Crum from Flatiron (NG)

Romantic Hero by Kirsty Greenwood from Berkley (NG)

The Good Mothers by Caitlin Weaver from Storm Publishing (NG)

Most Ardently Yours by Freya Sampson from Sourcebooks (NG)

Dead Set on You by Lexi Alexander from Crooked Lane (ebook)

You & Me and You & Me and You & Me by Josie Lloyd and Emlyn Rees from Putnam (NG)

Missed You the First Time by/from Julia Carpenter (print)

Mare by Emily Haworth-Booth from Farrar, Straus, and Giroux (NG)

Sara:

The Hundred Man Plan by/from Misty O'Hara (ebook)

While You Were Seething by Charlotte Stein from St. Martin's Press (NG)

Yours Always by Corinne Sullivan from MB Communications (NG)

A Shore Thing by Portia MacIntosh from Rachel's Random Resources (NG)

The Name Game by Beth O'Leary from Berkley (NG)

Jami:
Phoebe Berman's Gonna Lose It by Brooke Averick from Crown (NG)
The Better Mother by Jennifer van der Kleut from BookSparks (NG)

Ship of Dreams by Donna Jones Alward from Angela Melamud (NG)

The Last Woman of Warsaw by Judy Batalion from Dutton (NG)

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Book Review: My Husband's Wife

By Sara Steven

When Angela DiMarco loses her husband in a sudden car accident, her world shatters overnight. In the tight-knit Italian-American neighborhood of Boston’s North End, she had built a life filled with love, tradition, and the comfort of family. But everything she believed to be true is nothing but a lie when she learns her husband, Michael, had a secret he had been hiding. Michael was not alone when he died. With him was his Italian lover and pregnant ‘wife,’ Isabella Russo. 

As Angela struggles to make sense of this betrayal, she faces an impossible choice: walk away or take in the baby who is now without a mother or father. Her decision to care for Nina takes Angela to the sunlit hills and lemon groves of Sorrento, where she meets Isabella’s grieving family. Tension and distrust fill the air, but slowly, Angela and the Russo family find common ground in their shared love for Nina. 

My Husband’s Wife is a powerful novel about loss, forgiveness, and the courage it takes to start over. Tracey Wheeler Noonan has curated a story that reminds us that family can be born out of heartbreak and that hope often waits in the most unlikely places. (Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads)

At first, after Angela finds out that her husband died in a car accident and he wasn’t alone in the car when it happened, she is disoriented and shocked, completely caught off guard by the fact that Michael had another woman in his life. But as time progresses and the chapters unravel, the reader is given insight into when Angela can pinpoint subtle division in her marriage. There are even more moments that not only help Angela in coming to terms with such a horrendous event, but it also helped me to see what had really happened, and why Michael made the choices he’d made that would have completely damaged what he and Angela had.

The fact that Angela makes the decision to care for Nina really shows what kind of character she is. I don’t know if many of us could have that kind of conviction, but the story also dives deeper into some of the reasons behind Angela’s choices, too. From her standpoint, Isabella was given opportunities that Michael didn’t want to give to Angela. It’s better understood as to why that was, but it was still hurtful. I had a tough time feeling sorry for Michael, and an even harder time feeling something for Isabella, especially after a shocking revelation that is offered towards the end of the book. 

Having been through my own divorce and at times, concerns about custody, I could completely relate to how Angela feels. I felt torn between feeling like Nina belonged with her Sorrento family, given who her mother was, but Angela set aside her pain in order to do all she can for a guiltless child. Despite everything, Nina’s existence helps to heal Angela, a chance at new beginnings and a new life. When Angela and Nina travel to Sorrento, it was a pivotal moment, and I was on bated breath waiting to see how the exchange would go between two opposing worlds. 

I’ve never tried limoncello before, but after reading My Husband’s Wife, it’s definitely something I want to add to my to-do list. That wasn’t something I’d expect as a takeaway from the story, but given the deeply rich descriptions and mouthwatering illustrations, it was a nice byproduct to the drama. Angela’s story of perseverance in the face of pain was a very motivating and inspiring story!

Thanks to Wicked Good Entertainment for the book in exchange for an honest review.

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