Review: Good Joy, Bad Joy by Mikki Brammer

Goodreads Blurb

For over eighty years, Joy Bridport has played by the rules: she’s been a devoted wife and mother, contributing to the community in her small Hudson Valley town. But her quiet existence is jolted when she learns that her best friend, Hazel, only has months left to live. Hazel has always been the more adventurous one of their duo, and she seems at peace with all that she’s squeezed out of her long life. Yet Joy realizes she can’t say the same.

Determined to live boldly and make the most of the time that she and Hazel have left together, Joy steps outside of her comfort zone—and into a bit of trouble. But as her foray into rule-breaking escalates into committing petty crime, Joy must consider what kind of legacy she wants to leave behind, and whether there’s a way for her to embrace the liberation that “Bad Joy” offers without losing all that she holds dear.

Is it ever too late to become who we’re meant to be? With laugh-out-loud hijnks and emotional heft, Good Joy, Bad Joy is a heartwarming and wise celebration of the choices we make, the friendships we cherish, and the lengths we go for love.

My Review: Rated 4 out of 5 stars

It’s a heartfelt story of what it’s like to have an everlasting friendship. Someone who is there for you through thick and thin. It brings comfort when you have a bestie who will support you in your happiest or saddest moments. Not everyone gets the chance to find a friend like Joy and Hazel’s friendship. It took me years to finally find a friend who truly cares and understands me. We might live in different states, but our bond makes it feel like she lives next door. This story is about the strong bond of friendship and what happens when you find out your bestie has a terminal illness, and how you are willing to break a few rules, if that means your friend gets to have another laugh and enjoy a little gossip.

A quote that resonated with me was: “Everyone blooms in their own time, even if it takes eighty-nine years. Sometimes, we need a few false starts before we come into our element, but it’s never too late.”

As someone who abides by the rules and has many fears about life, I connected with Joy. I felt her loneliness and lack of belonging. It takes courage and confidence to stand up and feel empowered. When Joy broke a few rules, she felt invisible but exhilarated. I also felt her exhilaration. If you are invisible already, then causing a little havoc might not be so bad. This was a heartbreaking story of second chances and a friendship that lasted decades through many ups and downs.

Author Goodreads Biography

Mikki Brammer is an Australian journalist and author who hails from Tasmania. She is now based in Brooklyn, New York (by way of France and Spain) where she writes about design, architecture and art for publications such as Architectural Digest, Dwell and ELLE Decor. ‘The Collected Regrets of Clover,’ her bestselling debut novel, was named a Best Book of Summer 2023 by the New York Times Book Review and a Best Book of 2023 by NPR, and is being published in 27 languages. Her second novel, ‘Good Joy, Bad Joy,’ was published in May 2026 and was the Barnes and Noble Book Club pick. .

Author Event: Mary Kubica

I had a great time meeting Mary Kubica at the Paramus Barnes and Noble. I’m looking forward to reading this thriller.

Goodreads Blurb

A scream shatters the silence…
Courtney Gray’s peaceful vacation turns into a nightmare when she discovers her brother and sister-in-law dead in their lakeside cottage. Her niece Reese is missing. Her nephew Wyatt is asleep upstairs—unharmed.

A town full of secrets…
As police swarm the quiet resort, dark truths about Courtney’s family—and the town itself—begin to surface. Is Reese a victim… or the killer?

A truth no one saw coming…
With everyone hiding something, Courtney races to uncover the terrible mystery. But the closer she gets, the harder it is to know who—or what—to trust.

Review: The Correspondent by Virginia Evans

Goodreads Blurb

Filled with knowledge that only comes from a life fully lived, The Correspondent is a gem of a novel about the power of finding solace in literature and connection with people we might never meet in person. It is about the hubris of youth and the wisdom of old age, and the mistakes and acts of kindness that occur during a lifetime.

Sybil Van Antwerp has throughout her life used letters to make sense of the world and her place in it. Most mornings, around half past ten, Sybil sits down to write letters—to her brother, to her best friend, to the president of the university who will not allow her to audit a class she desperately wants to take, to Joan Didion and Larry McMurtry to tell them what she thinks of their latest books, and to one person to whom she writes often yet never sends the letter.

Sybil expects her world to go on as it always has—a mother, grandmother, wife, divorcee, distinguished lawyer, she has lived a very full life. But when letters from someone in her past force her to examine one of the most painful periods of her life, she realizes that the letter she has been writing over the years needs to be read and that she cannot move forward until she finds it in her heart to offer forgiveness.

Sybil Van Antwerp’s life of letters might be “a very small thing,” but she also might be one of the most memorable characters you will ever read.

My Review: Rated 5 out of 5 stars

It is a brilliant novel of life and the unexpected moments that will stay with you until you’re gone. This incredible novel will tell you the life story of Sybil Van Antwerp through the letters she writes and the correspondence she receives. Virginia Evans is a masterful storyteller who wrote a story that can place any one of us in these heartbreaking moments of life. This story has some heartbreaking moments that Sybil carries around, as if the weight of the world is on her shoulders. In her daily letters, she writes to someone that the reader doesn’t quite know yet who they are, and these letters are not sent to anyone in particular. They give her a sense of connection to this person and find peace in telling this person her most intense feelings and thoughts. I connected a lot with Sybil. As someone who has a brother whose name closely resembles her son’s and her issues with her vision, I had some procedures done on my eye last year. She was a strong woman who fought for what’s right, until a terrible moment in time, she made a terrible decision that would haunt her for the rest of her life. Guilt for what happened to her son and a decision she makes at work will lead her in search of forgiveness. I was heartbroken in the end. She finally found some peace, but it was time to be reunited with her beloved Gilbert.

Review: The Leaf Thief by Alice Hemming

Goodreads Blurb

A brilliantly funny picture book about seasons, written by Alice Hemming and illustrated by Nicola Slater. Squirrel is so cross. Yesterday there were loads of beautiful leaves on his tree, but today? Today some are missing and Squirrel is convinced that someone has stolen them… there’s a leaf thief on the loose! Join Squirrel on a mission to find the culprit, and meet so many fun animals on the way, while you find out how the world takes on different colours as the months pass by. A laugh-out-loud book about the changing seasons, with extra information in the back for especially curious minds Perfect as a companion reader to children learning about seasons in school A brilliant picture book that explores feelings, moods and times where we feel out of control.

My Review: Rated 5 out of stars

It’s a fantastic story about autumn and the changes it brings. I loved this story so much because I love squirrels, and the illustrations were so beautiful and colorful; I also enjoyed this funny story of following the squirrel to find the one stealing the leaves. Afterward, all the leaves weren’t stolen by a person or an animal, but it was the wind. When the weather changes and the leaves change color is the best part of autumn, I love driving and having the leaves fall on my car while driving. There is more information at the end of the book about the changes in autumn and why they occur. It’s a fun story that everyone will enjoy.

Goodreads Author Biography

Alice Hemming is the author of over fifty books for children, including the bestselling Dark Unicorns series (Scholastic), and picture book, The Leaf Thief with illustrator Nicola Slater (Scholastic 2020), which has sold across the world and been translated into nineteen languages. Alice lives in Hertfordshire, UK with her husband and two children, and works in a writing shed at the top of her garden.

Review: Why a Son Needs a Dad by Gregory E. Lang

Goodreads Blurb

A New York Times and USA Today bestseller! The perfect Christmas Day gift of love or sweet keepsake to show why Dad is so amazing! A boy’s first hero is his dad. A touching picture book for kids ages 3-7 and beyond showcasing all the ways a father will help his son grow, this is the gift for every dad and little boy to celebrate their special bond. Featuring charming animal illustrations and heartwarming rhymes about the loving moments fathers and sons share, Why a Son Needs a Dad is the perfect story to connect father and child together. From the moment that I saw your beautiful face, Held you close to my heart in a father’s embrace, I promised to help you grow with strength and grace. My dear one, my sweet son, my boy. For new dads, fathers-to-be, or for that perfect father-son moment at birthdays and other special occasions all year, this sweet storybook celebrates how a father guides his little boy to grow with strength and love.

My Review: Rated 4 out of 5 stars

A heartwarming story of a father giving words of wisdom to his child. It is a very uplifting story in a rhythmic style that will truly uplift anyone who reads it. The illustrations were so beautiful with different animals of a father and son. The words in this book will make anyone feel loved, appreciated, courageous, and supportive. This book is perfect for a son and even a father on Father’s Day. This book makes a father the number one cheerleader for his son.

Review: Too Crowded by Lena Podesta

Goodreads Blurb

A hilarious, heartwarming picture book with subtle lessons about the importance of sharing, home, and friendship.

Gil the Goldfish lives in a fishbowl with 138 pebbles—he counts them every day—and a castle. It feels TOO CROWDED! When Gil leaves his bowl in search of open spaces, he finds a world full of many interesting…and loud … and possibly dangerous creatures.

It turns out that life outside the bowl might not be right for a fish. Thank goodness for Turtle, a citizen of the not-so-great outdoors who comes to Gil’s rescue! Will Gil make peace with his home sweet home, and maybe even find room for a friend in the process?

My Review: Rated 4 out of 5 stars

A funny story of a fish that feels overcrowded in his glass bowl house and decides to search for a new home, unfortunately being a fish in search of a new home with other animals, might not be ideal. Fish wanted a bigger home but didn’t find what he was looking for without other dramas like noise and danger. He went back to his crowded home and ended up with a new friend. They might be crowded, but not alone. A friendship was made that made a difference in his life. Children will enjoy the funny story of a fish rooming around without water.

Goodreads Author Biography

Lena Podesta is an American-born illustrator, writer, and animator who mostly creates character driven work for kids (and their adults) that is a little bit sweet and a little bit wicked too. She writes and illustrates books of her own and also illustrates books written by other authors.
Her animation work includes directing, visual development, storyboarding, and character animation for TV shows, movies, and commercials.
She likes being outside, old, falling apart things, bugs, dark jokes, and ice cream.
She currently lives in Portland, OR with her husband and two kids.

Review: Agne’s Place by Marit Larsen

Goodreads Blurb

Agnes knows she is at home before she even opens her eyes in the morning. The sounds and smells and people swirl around her—she always knows what everyone is up to in the tight-knit apartment building where she lives. But she also knows what it is like to be the only child in a place full of adults who never have time.

So when a little girl moves in to the building, Agnes is excited and sends her a subtle message. But the girl doesn’t respond. Then things start to change around Agnes’s place—and Agnes knows exactly who is to blame. It seems like the girl is interested in everyone except for Agnes!

Will Agnes and the new girl ever meet? And what secrets does the new girl hold? First published in Norway.

My Review: Rated 4 out of 5 stars

An adorable book about a new neighbor and the magical friendship they will have. Agnes was the only kid in the building she lived in and knew what all the adults did each day. A new girl arrives, and she leaves her a picture to come join her by the swings, and the girl never comes. Agnes is hoping the girl will come be her friend, but she thinks she doesn’t want to. The girls finally meet, and the magic begins of a strong bond of friendship, and magical adventures begin.

Goodreads Author Biography

Marit Larsen is a Norwegian songwriter and musician. Agnes’s Place, her debut picture book, was first published in Norway and will also be published in Denmark and Italy. She currently resides in Brooklyn, New York.

Currently Reading: The Rest of Our Lives by Ben Markovits

Goodreads Blurb

What’s left when your kids grow up and leave home?

When Tom Layward’s wife had an affair he resolved to leave her as soon as his youngest daughter turned eighteen. Twelve years later, while taking her to Pittsburgh to start university, he remembers his pact, and keeps driving West.

An unforgettable road trip novel, The Rest of Our Lives beautifully explores the nuance and complications of a long term marriage.

Review: The Snow Dancer by Addie Boswell

Goodreads Blurb

Young dancer Sofia wakes up to a quiet, white world—it’s a snow day! She makes her way outside to the neighborhood park, where a field awaits her, white and shining and open. It isn’t long before the rest of the neighborhood wakes its sleepy head—and the other kids make their way to the park, scattering all of Sofia’s beautiful silence. But with the help of a new young friend, Sofia is ready to show everyone what a snow dancer can do on a perfect day like this. With lyrical language and gorgeous art, this book sparkles with all the joy and beauty of a snow day.

My Review: Rated 5 out of 5 stars

A snow day turns to a peaceful place to enjoy a dance. This book brings those beautiful moments when there is fresh snow that no one has stepped on yet. Can you hear the crunch of snow on your shoes? A girl finds it so peaceful and quiet that she starts dancing around the snow, enjoying the peace, until all the children from the town arrive. They start playing and enjoying the snow, but the girl finds a little girl who loved her dancing. They both dance around the other children until a game of snowball fight begins. I loved this beautiful book that brings us to those beautiful days that snow magically makes the world peaceful and beautiful.

Review: How to Catch a Yeti by Adam Wallace and Andy Elkerton

Goodreads Blurb

When our brilliant Catch Club Kids hear about the legendary Yeti, they head to the mountains to catch a glimpse and prove it really exists! Full of hilarious high jinks, bright illustrations, and clever STEM traps, this funny picture book for kids is a fun-filled ride you won’t want to miss! Will our Catch Club Kids prove the Yeti exists, or will he remain a mystery to the world? We’ve all heard unexplained tales of the Yeti, Bigfoot, Sasquatch, and more… do YOU have what it takes to catch one? Find out in this action-packed story for children, the perfect read aloud all winter, as a Christmas gift for kids, for classroom activities, and beyond!

My Review: Rated 4 out of 5 stars

Adventures await all the children who want to catch a Yeti. This book has some fun moments when a group of friends decide to go hunt for a Yeti. They come up with some fun ideas in hopes of catching a Yeti, but those Yeti are just way too fast and smart. Children are really going to love joining in this adventure and having a blast with all the tricks the group of friends have to capture the Yeti. The illustrations are so colorful and eye-catching. Very detailed illustrations. Everyone will enjoy this fun book. I think all of us would be super thrilled if we were able to see a real life Yeti.

Goodreads Author Biography

Adam Wallace is a New York Times, USA Today and Amazon Bestselling author of the How to Catch series!
Adam’s passion is to bring excitement and energy and humour and joy to children (of all ages!) through his books and videos.
He spends his non-writing time thinking about writing and going to as many live music shows as he can. He’s also teaching himself piano, and plays golf too.