Too Many Toucans - Paula Bowles

 Too Many Tocans - Paula Bowles

Pub. Date: March 3, 2026

She Read

Toco the toucan is trying to find a new home. He thinks he has found the perfect spot and knows exactly what he wants. Other toucan “helpers" appear with their own ideas about his home, and it becomes a nightmare.  He needs to speak up and let his desires be known!

Published by the American Psychological Association, this book encourages children to stand up for themselves confidently and respectfully. The colorful, cute illustrations make the book engaging and enjoyable for children and adults. There is a section at the conclusion of the book for adults that provides advice to help children learn to communicate assertively and politely. This is a fun, helpful book for children, parents, teachers, and counselors alike. 

Thanks to @NetGalley and @MaginationPress for the DRC.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book provided by the publisher, American Psychological Association, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own

*****

Her Cold Justice - Robert Dugoni

 Her Cold Justice - Robert Dugoni

Pub. Date: Jan. 27, 2026

She read

Keera Dugan, a former chess champion turned attorney, worked for the prosecutor’s office until a romantic relationship with a supervisor ended. She left that position and joined her family’s law practice headed by her father, known as the Irish Brawler who was on a downward career path due to his drinking problem. Keera has had some successful past cases and is now a rising star.

The firm’s investigator seeks Keera’s assistance for his nephew who has been accused of a heinous double murder based on circumstantial evidence. As she delves into the case, a dangerous conspiracy is uncovered.

This is the third in the Keera Duggan Series. I am a big fan of Robert Dugoni’s books and did read the first two installments. This one, however, would work as a stand alone. Dugoni always weaves a good tale. Legal thriller that is part police procedural with lots of family drama, it is a well plotted engrossing read with good character development.  I like Keera , a strong, capable female protagonist. I look forward to the next in this series.

Be sure to read the author’s note at the back of the book.

Thanks to @NetGalley and @AmazonPUblishing #Thomasandmercer for the DRC.

*****

The Fair Weather Friend - Jessie Garcia

 The Fair Weather Friend - Jessie Garcia

Pub.  Date: January 20, 2026

She read

Faith “Fair Weather" Richards is a popular TV meteorologist. There is even a fan club devoted to her with some fanatical followers. But all is not as sunny in her life as it may seem. One Friday, she leaves for her dinner break and does not return. The next day, her body is discovered, strangled to death. There is a list of suspects she herself had identified prior to the discovery of her body. 

This is another fast and engrossing read from this author. Lies, deceit, secrets, obsessions, jealousies abound. There are multiple timelines and POVs peppered with twists and turns. Many of the characters are unlikable and the plot a bit over the top, but that does not diminish the enjoyment of this escapist read. The conclusion is sure to spark a moral/ethical debate among readers.  

Thanks to @NetGalley and @StMartinsPress for the DRC.

****

The Croatian Island Library - Eva Glyn

 The Croatian Island Library - Eva Glyn

Pub. Date: Jan. 16, 2026

She read

A three-person staff is hired as an experiment to bring a traveling library to the picturesque islands near Dubrovnik during the summer. Ana, a young woman seeking clarity about her future, owns the beloved catamaran that will serve as their home and transportation between the islands. Lloyd, a grieving widower from the UK, is hired as the librarian despite a previous dismissal from his teaching job. Natali has never had a supportive family, was bullied in school, and did not do well as a student. Yet she is a crack mechanic and a good cook. When Lloyd’s history years ago with a young woman in Korcula threatens to end this experiment, all of them work together to save it. 

Beautifully written, this heartwarming story is for fans of people united by love of books, found family, coming-of-age, finding love, self-discovery, and moving forward in life. I read the author’s prior work, The Dubrovnik Book Club, and enjoyed the cameo appearance of characters from that book.

Thanks to @NetGalley and @onemorechapterhc for the DRC.

****

The Storm - Rachel Hawkins

 The Storm - Rachel Hawkins

Pub. Date: Jan. 6, 2025

She read

Fictional St. Medard’s Bay on the Alabama coast is renowned for its formidable hurricanes, an enduring old hotel, the Rosalie Inn, that has weathered them all, and the mysterious death of the wealthy son of the governor during a hurricane in 1984. Local beauty Lo Bailey was charged but not convicted of his murder.

The Rosalie is now run by Geneva Corliss, whose parents owned it, although her father is now deceased and her mother is in a facility due to Alzheimer’s. Lo returns to the Rosalie with a writer who intends to chronicle her story. Not sure of Lo’s guilt or innocence, Geneva gets entangled in the story as certain events from that fateful time in1984 are revealed. As another killer storm races toward St. Medard’s, secrets are uncovered and danger looms large.

Told in multiple timelines, some of the chapters are titled not by human characters, but by the names of infamous storms that have struck St. Medard’s. This Southern gothic novel has it all…murder, deceit, scandal, deadly weather. There are lies, secrets, twists, and turns; all those qualities that make for another suspenseful read from this author. 

Thanks to #NetGalley and @StMartinsPress for the DRC.

****

Breasts - Jean Hannah Edelstein

 Breasts - Jean Hannah Edelstein

She read

The author discusses her relationship with her breasts and their impact on her through three stages of life: sex, food, and cancer. As she matures, she realizes the effect of breasts on herself and others. As a young mother, breasts acquire a new significance and bring their own set of challenges. Finally, as someone diagnosed with breast cancer facing a mastectomy, she comes to terms with the harsh reality. She has the added burden of dealing with a diagnosis of Lynch syndrome, a genetic condition that increases the likelihood of different types of cancer. 

Although this is a very personal memoir, there is something in this short read for which every woman can relate at some point in her life. Divided into three sections, the final, “cancer”, is particularly poignant and brought tears to my eyes. 

Thanks to @NetGalley and @phoenix_books for the DRC.

****

The Dark Angel - Elly Griffiths

 The Dark Angel - Elly Griffiths

Published 2018

She read

UK archaeologist Ruth Galloway is invited to Italy to assist a fellow archaeologist in identifying some bones found in an excavation. She encounters mysterious behaviors from some of the locals, seemingly related to the area’s history of resistance during World War II. When an earthquake hits the area, DCI Nelson appears to make sure all is well with his former paramour and their daughter. While there, a murder occurs and Ruth and Nelson are of assistance to the local authorities.  Meanwhile, Nelson’s wife and family back in the UK may be in danger when a criminal he arrested and who vowed revenge is released. 

This is another book that has been on my TBR for a long time. It is the tenth installment of fifteen. I read the fifteenth as my first introduction to the series. I liked it and vowed I would go back and read some of the prior stories. 

This is a well-written, engrossing, fast-paced read. The characters are richly drawn in this well-plotted, atmospheric novel. I loved the setting and the Italian flavor in this story. For me, the personal relationships among the characters were more intriguing than the mystery to be solved. And now I feel compelled to read number eleven!

Thanks to #NetGalley and @marinerbooks for the DRC.

****