My reads started off strong for April. I finally had my first DNF (actually 3!) for 2025. It’s ok to not finish a book if it’s not your style. Don’t waste time reading a book if it doesn’t do anything for you. I’m looking forward to May when there’s a lot more of new releases and soon it’ll be summer reads season!
The Wandering Season by Aimie K. Runyon *
FAVORITE
I absolutely loved this read! Veronica works in the restaurant industry and recently found out that she has been adopted. Her family chips in on a month long vacation for Veronica to Ireland, France, Italy and Denmark. Those countries were in her DNA so she went to learn about her ancestors. This was such a beautiful story and inspiring. It was very relatable and a sprinkle of magical realism made it fun!
The Love We Found by Jill Santopolo
HIGHLY RECOMMEND
We were introduced to Lucy and Gabe in the first book The Light We Lost. In this book, it is 10 years later and Lucy has to make some decisions that could be life-changing. Lucy is still coping from what happened (can’t mention it because spoilers!) in the first book as well. As I said about the first book, it is a beautiful story about true love. I was nervous about the sequel ruining the first book, but happily enough I was proven wrong. I really enjoyed this book so much!
The Fisherman’s Gift by Julia R. Kelly
DNF
As beautiful the synopsis sounded… I couldn’t get into the writing style.
The Wedding Dashers by Heather McBreen
DNF
I read about 3 chapters and couldn’t get engaged into this story (pun intended).
Confessions by Catherine Airey
DNF
As much I wish I could say that I liked this book — it had a strong start but then I just didn’t care anymore to continue reading.
The Griffin Sisters’ Greatest Hits by Jennifer Weiner *
LIKED
The book is about sisters, Cassie and Zoe Grossberg who became the famous Griffin Sisters (band) in early 2000’s. The band broke up after a year because of a tragedy. The sisters never spoke to each other again. 20 years later, Zoe’s daughter seeks out the truth about what happened with Griffin Sisters. It was a slow start but the pacing picked up mid-way. What I enjoyed was the 2000s nostalgia and girl bands. The complicated history of Griffin Sisters was a lot but written well. This book is packed with emotions and lessons!
The Dinner Party by Brenda Janowitz
HIGHLY RECOMMEND
Taking place at Passover, The Golds Family are hosting a seder dinner where one of their daughters is bringing her boyfriend’s family. The family happens to be The Rothschilds — really well known in New York City. This is a fun family drama read! Very enjoyable and bingeable. It was the perfect timing to pick this up for Passover this month. I’ve loved all of Janowitz’s books — she never disappoints!
Gandolfini: Jim, Tony, and the Life of a Legend by Jason Bailey *
NO RATING
As a huge fan of The Sopranos, I was intrigued to read this upcoming release about James Gandolfini. I throughly enjoyed the interviews with people from Gandolfini’s life. It was very detailed and intriguing. I liked that the people interviewed were from every project he’s worked on. The author did excellent job of research and putting this book together. It flowed so smoothly and I was glued! This is how all biography books should be like.
How are the books rated:
Favorite — LOVED the book / Couldn’t put it down!
Highly Recommend — Great book / Enjoyed.
Liked — Good book / Liked it while reading, but will not remember.
DNF — Did Not Finish / Do not recommend.
No Rating — I do not give ratings on sensitive subject/memoirs.
Books with * were advanced reader copies received from NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.