The Thing in the Snow

by Sean Adams

Publication Date: January 3, 2023
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Katherine's Review:
This unique book will have you questioning what is going on during the entire book. While some reviewers mention feeling a lot of dread and suspense, I didn't feel much of that until the last 25%. There is a lot of quirky humor in the interactions between the three employees and because it's told from the perspective of only person, you're never quite sure of the whole story. Overall I enjoyed reading this book, it's certainly different than most books I pick up.

Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries

by Heather Fawcett

Release Date: January 10, 2023
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Katherine's Review:
This book was just what I needed and I thoroughly enjoyed it. From the very start I was drawn into the story and the characters. I really ended up liking Emily and Wendell and am hoping there are plans for another book about them. Heather Fawcett's writing is wonderfully descriptive and I thought the pacing in the book was great. Some complained about the beginning being slow, but that was not my experience at all. This book grabbed my attention right away and didn't let go. I'm looking forward to reading future books by Heather Fawcett.

All My Knotted-up Life: a Memoir

Beth Moore

Publication Date: February 21, 2023
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Gwen's Review:
This book is best read in audio format. It's read by the author and is shocking, honest, hilarious, insightful and amazing all at the same time.

Madame Restell

by Jennifer Wright

Publication Date: February 28, 2023
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Katherine's Review:
Jennifer Wright did a fantastic job of sharing the fascinating story of the life of Madame Restell as well sharing the historical context for her story. Madame Restell was a fascinating woman and I really enjoyed learning about her. However, I do feel like there were more tangents and side stories than there really needed to be.

The Golden Spoon

by Jessa Maxwell

Publication Date: March 7, 2023
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Joyce's Review:
This book was everything I thought it would be except that it wasn’t. It seemed to be a straightforward mystery at a baking show competition but it developed unexpected plot twists and character twists often leaving me to wonder what could possibly come next. A very enjoyable read. It was her first novel – I look forward to more from her.

A House with Good Bones

by T. Kingfisher (pseudonym of Ursula Vernon), narrator - Mary Robinette Kowal

Publication Date: March 28, 2023
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Kelly's Review:
Sam Montgomery gets to spend some extended vacation time with her mom. Once Sam arrives in North Carolina she realizes her mom's house has changed. Its atmosphere reminds Sam of her not so kind grandmother, whose father could have been involved in the dark arts. After finding a jar of teeth buried in her grandmother's impeccable rose garden, the mystery of the house starts unraveling for Sam and a great cast of characters.

I liked the diverse characters, the insight into vultures, and the different strains of roses, but the ending evolved into a horror situation that was just a bit too weird for me. Otherwise, narration and writing is good.