Book Review: Westerly by Susan Donovan Bernhard

Westerly: A Novel by Susan Donovan Bernhard
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Westerly is a poignant, multi‑generational tale that begins in 1946 with two German sisters sent to Ireland under Operation Shamrock. Decades later, in Maine, Faye Sullivan’s carefully built life is shaken when an old Irish newspaper clipping resurfaces, threatening to expose long‑buried secrets.

Bernhard’s writing is tender and immersive, weaving together survival, identity, and the fragile bonds of family. The novel shines in its exploration of motherhood and sisterhood, showing how one desperate decision can ripple across generations. That said, the pacing leans toward the slow and reflective, with the narrative focusing on introspection over action. Still, the emotional resonance and richly drawn settings from post‑war Ireland to coastal Maine makes this a rewarding read.

I switched seamlessly between the audio and eBook. The narration was quite good and moving, adding emotional weight to the slower, more reflective passages. Thanks to Little A, Brilliance Publishing, Brilliance Audio, and NetGalley for the ARC and ALC in exchange for my honest review.

Overall, this is a slow-burn contemporary family drama about secrets, survival, and reconciliation, with glimpses into history and not quite a tightly structured Historical Fiction.

3.75/5⭐.

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Book Review: Wildflower by Becky Jenkinson

Wildflower by Becky Jenkinson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Not as wild as the title promised, but still quite flowery-delicate and layered.

Felicity Farrow, a florist cursed to never lie, made me sympathize with her but was too shallow and dull for my liking. The male lead, however, was engaging with his polished exterior masking deeper fears and anxieties. The writing kept me glued, especially to uncover the mystery behind all the strained relationships, but since, the villain is revealed right at the beginning, the suspense lies only in the “why” and “how.” The magic system and world had potential, yet they weren’t fleshed out enough, leaving only crumbs instead of a full feast.

The cast is mostly late teens, with mothers who matter but barely appear, giving the book a YA feel, even though it wasn’t marketed that way. Since YA isn’t my go-to genre, that added to my disconnect.

Thanks to Del Rey, Random House Worlds, Inklore, and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review.

Overall, a promising framework with delicate layers, but the story needs more depth. An uneven yet readable tale, a 3.5 star read!

3.5/5⭐️.

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Book Review: My School Has Superheroes by hyeyoung lee

My School Has Superheroes: Because Kindness Is The Greatest Superpower by hyeyoung lee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sophia & Hyeyoung Lee’s My School Has Superheroes is pure joy. Bright, inclusive, and full of heart, it celebrates everyday heroes in a way that makes kids feel empowered and seen. The illustrations are vibrant and engaging, while the story delivers a clear message: courage, kindness, and community make us all superheroes.

My two‑year‑old (soon to be three) doesn’t yet understand autism or neurodiversity, but she was still able to empathize with Joshua’s struggles. For her, Joshua was simply a shy child who needed more love and attention. Books like these help me add more understanding to her small world and prepare her to grow into a kinder, more inclusive person.

A wonderful read that nurtures empathy and imagination, making it a perfect addition to any child’s bookshelf.

Thanks to Purple Diamond Press Inc, Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

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Review: Three of Hearts

Three of Hearts by Katie Cotugno
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Katie Cotugno’s Three of Hearts didn’t resonate with me. While the premise had potential, the story felt thin and lacked the emotional depth I was hoping for. The characters never fully came alive, making it hard to connect with their struggles or care about their choices.

It’s a quick read, but ultimately unsatisfying. More surface than substance, leaving me detached rather than invested.

Thanks to Amazon Original Stories and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.

1.5/5⭐️.

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Review: Winter Breakage

Winter Breakage by David Levithan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

David Levithan’s Winter Breakage is a tender, compact coming‑of‑age short story that captures the awkwardness of friendship, identity, and belonging during a single winter afternoon in New York City. At just 36 pages, this short story manages to feel both intimate and expansive, following Eric, a college freshman, through a day in New York with his dormmates. The story explores visibility and invisibility in friendships, the anxiety of being the “new one” in a group, and the courage it takes to reveal your true self. The prose is gentle yet piercing, balancing the quiet ache of isolation with the warmth of unexpected connection.

I found Eric’s inner voice relatable. It captured the insecurity of wondering whether you’re truly wanted in a group. The dormmates, though sketched briefly, reveal surprising layers as the day unfolds, reminding us that everyone carries hidden vulnerabilities. Loved how the backdrop of New York City is utilized; it mirrors Eric’s feelings of being both overwhelmed and exhilarated. The bustling streets amplify his sense of invisibility, while small moments of honesty between friends carve out space for belonging.

Though short, the story lingers. Winter Breakage leaves you reflecting on your own friendships and the times you’ve felt both seen and unseen.

Thanks to Amazon Original Stories and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.

3.5/5⭐️.

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