The Unraveling of Julia

 

The Unraveling of Julia: A Psychological Thriller. New York: Grand Central, 2025. 400 pages ****

July 15, 2025 publication date

Julie thinks her life is over after the horrific murder of her husband. She then receives a letter informing her that she has been bequeathed a large sum of money and a villa in Italy. Having been adopted, Julia often wonders about her birth mother and considers if the owner of the villa is somehow related biologically to her. Only one way to get her answers, travel to Tuscany and investigate. Amazon synopsis here

Lisa Scottoline is one of my go to authors, I was happy to receive an ARC (Advanced Reading Copy) of this book from NetGalley for a review. Drawn in from the beginning, I read it in two days. Murder, astrology, premonition, and visions, are woven throughout this psychological thriller. Scottoline is a master storyteller in her development of the characters and the scenes in Italy. Who hasn't felt uneasy and questions their reality? Scottoline uses her own birthday to authenticate Julia's astrological connections/info. Highly recommend for Book Clubs, many discussion points. Fans of hers will not be disappointed, prepare to do nothing else once you start reading.

Lisa Scottoline is a #1 Bestselling Author, The New York Times bestselling author and Edgar award-winning author of 36 novels. For more information about Lisa and her books, click here.

Other books by Scottoline:

After Anna

What Happened to the Bennetts

Most Wanted 

Corrupted

Someone Knows

Feared

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The Mystery Quilt Shop Hop 2025

Mystery Quilt Shop Hop 2025

 

My husband and I love Shop Hops, especially Quilt Shop ones. I purchased my Passport at Early Girl Quilts in Audubon, NJ. For 40.00, I received a passport to be stamped, a tote bag, and an informational card. The dates are March 1-9, 2025. There are nine shops listed and you receive two fat quarters at each shop, and at the 7th shop, a hopper receives the pattern designed by Rachel Rossi and at the 9th shop, a goodie bag.

We headed out on the first day and our goal was to visit all 9 shops in order to get the pattern. Our first stop was Pottstown Sewing in Pottstown, PA. There was a line at the door and a crowd inside. I was impressed that I could choose any fat quarter in the store. Definitely a difficult choice because I was getting mixed messages from the other shoppers as to what the theme is and whether the octopus, sea creatures on the bag and passport were a hint. I decided to pick out fabrics I liked and not worry about the theme.

The second store was Seamless Sewing Arts, Phoenixville, PA. This store was very crowded with happy  quilters talking fabric and where to go next!

The third store was Steve's Sew and Vac, Bridgeport, PA. This store was more difficult to locate, the GPS kept telling us we were there and we couldn't see it. Eventually we found it and met others we have seen on the way. Each store seemed to have different fabric, however, with many fat quarters to choose from at each stop. 

The fourth store is Stitch Central, Glenside, PA. They never disappoint!

The store is colorful with many activities. in addition to fabric and quilt supplies, there are many skeins of gorgeous yarn. There were many fq to choose from and I especially liked the flamingos at the entrance. I often shop at this store for their fabric selection including wide backs and many quilting supplies. 

Store 5 - Cut and Sew, Phila., PA. Lots of activity going on here....a child's sewing class was in progress, such fun! I finally remembered to take a picture of my handsome driver, Bob!

Cut and Sew has a large selection of solids and also accepts pre-owned fabric. There is a Little Free Fabric Exchange out in front of the store. (I wish I had taken a picture) There were Quilty gifts and colorful stickers that some of the students have designed, some were even free.

6. Needles and Bolts, Phila., PA A small store packed full of beautiful fabric, pre-cuts and fat quarters. So many colors and patterns! The salesperson offered to cut any fabric into a fat quarter if I saw something I liked on the bolt. 

7. The Quilted Nest, Collingswood, NJ. Woohoo, 7th shop, so I get the pattern. HIGHLY CONFIDENTAL The ladies are so nice and enthusiastic because I was their first shopper to get the pattern. 

8. Early Girl Quilts, Audubon, NJ. The fat quarters start at the front door and are throughout the store. This is the place for low volume fabrics. The back left corner of the store has a SALE corner with 1/2 yard cuts, bolts and gorgeous fabric throughout!

9. Homesewn, Media, PA. A goodie bag filled with coupons, stickers, candy, etc., to top off the day! 

We started at the first store at 10:00 am and left Homesewn at 2:30. What a day! I didn't do much shopping because of the lines and the crowds. I returned on Wed., the 5th with a friend to shop at 4 of the stores. 

The Hop is over, I can now share the pattern... Creatures of the Deep designed by Rachel Rossi!

There are alternative layouts available on Rachel's website. A few quilters have submitted their finished quilts for additional prizes and to be entered into a raffle for larger prizes. (sewing machine, etc.,) I definitely had a fun time and will consider participating in the future. Well-organized, fun theme, and enthusiastic shop owners, all added to this escape from winter challenge. 

My fat quarters are assembled, I purchased a light grey blue for the background and I am ready to sew!!

Stay tuned for the finished quilt!

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#mysteryquiltshophop2025

Book Club for Troublesome Women

 

The Book Club for Troublesome Women by Marie Bostwick. Harper Muse: 2025.   **** Publication April 2025.

No one writes about friendship like Marie Bostwick. She captures the frustration and dreams of women in the 60s and the societal norms that block them. Margaret Ryan has a wonderful husband, children, a nice house and it should be enough, but it isn't. Starting a Book Club with two of her friends takes a turn when she meets the flamboyant Charlotte who suggests they read the book, The Feminine Mystique by Betty Friedan. Published in 1963, Friedan changed the lives of many women who yearned for more from life. "At the age of thirty-three, Margaret sometimes wondered if every woman was destined to become her mother eventually." She and the ladies in the Book Club (The Bettys) eyes are opened to what could be while redefining their roles in their families. 

I was a teenager when Friedan's book was published and remember the controversy surrounding it. I read it in 7th grade and knew not to write a book report on it. Thankfully, I grew up in a family that allowed me to read anything I wanted to. Perhaps, my mother was reading it at the time.  Bostwick captured the empowerment and the fear that this life changing book caused. An excellent companion book to Lessons in Chemistry and relatable especially for any woman who has felt that she is not living her best life.

Recommended for all Book Clubs. Many discussion points for men and women. 

I received a copy from Netgalley to review.

When not curled up with a good book, Marie Bostwick can usually be found in her office, trying to write one. A New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of nineteen uplifting works of historical and contemporary fiction, Marie’s books are beloved by readers across the globe. Marie lives in Washington state with her husband and a beautiful but moderately spoiled Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. For more info, www.mariebostwick.com. 

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#bookclubs #womanfiction #femininemystique

  The Bones Beneath My Skin by TJ Klune. New York: Tor, 2025. 416 pages **

Nate Cartwright feels as if he has lost everything. His estranged parents died tragically and left him a cabin and a truck. Losing his job as a journalist in D.C. forces him to re-evaluate his life and his actions. Arriving at the town closest to the family summer cabin outside the small mountain town of Roseland, Oregon, Nate is pleased to see that nothing has changed since he visited with his parents, time seems to have stood still.

That is, until he arrives at the cabin to find a man and his daughter squatting there acting aggressive and mysterious. Nate is determined to learn the story of the military mn as evidenced by his tattoos, and who names a little girl, Artemis Darth Vader (Art for short)? Nate begins a journey, their journey to get the answers he seeks.Who is tracking them and why are Alex and Art in hiding? 

Originally self-published because his publisher dubbed it "weird." I love TJ Klune as an author and his imagination is beyond comparison, however, this book while entertaining is "weird." His character development is outstanding and I can see Nate, Alex, and Art even now. Describing it as 'spine-tingling" in Amazon seems to be overstating it, however, I found it to be compelling and kept reading to see what else would unfold. Throw in a cult on a farm outside of Bird-In-Hand, PA, aliens, secret government project, love, acceptance, and friendship and you are left wanting more. It may not be for everyone and in the words of TJ "Things explode and helicopters fall from the sky as a little girl (who may not be a girl at all) fights to protect those she loves. Oh, and bacon. So much bacon."

I received an ecopy from Netgalley for a review. 

TJ KLUNE is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling, Lambda Literary Award-winning author of The House in the Cerulean Sea, The Extraordinaries, and more. Being queer himself, Klune believes it's important—now more than ever—to have accurate, positive queer representation in stories. For more info, click here.

Other books by JT Klune:

The House in the Cerulean Sea- Book 1

Somewhere Beneath The Sea - Book 2

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Somewhere Beyond the Sea

 

Somewhere Beyond the Sea (Cerulean Chronicles, 2) by TJ Klune. New York: TOR Publishing Group, 2024.405 pages. *****

In this sequel to The House in the Cerulean Sea, "

Arthur Parnassus lives a good life, built on the ashes of a bad one. He’s the headmaster of a strange orphanage on a distant and peculiar island, and he hopes to soon be the adoptive father to the six magical and so-called dangerous children who live there.

Arthur works hard and loves with his whole heart so none of the children ever feel the neglect and pain that he once felt as an orphan on that very same island so long ago. And he is not alone: joining him is the love of his life, Linus Baker, a former caseworker in the Department in Charge of Magical Youth; Zoe Chapelwhite, the island’s sprite; and her girlfriend, Mayor Helen Webb. Together, they will do anything to protect the children."

I love the House in the Cerulean Sea; the characters and their growth on the island while adapting to being a part of a family are endearing and heartwarming. Somewhere Beyond The Sea surpasses book 1 and is the final one in the series.  Klune was interviewed as part of an author series, https://libraryc.org/ccls/64502, Chester County Library System. Klune is sincere, engaging, and a delight . In this second book, David, a yeti joins the family and provides a buddy for Lucy and completes the circle of family. The interactions between Miss Marblemaw, the inspector from DICOM, and the family are amusing and thought provoking. Arthur and Linus let the children take the lead in this book and many lessons on resistance and acceptance are learned. 

I definitely recommend this book for Book Clubs and everyone. There are so many topics and situations to discuss, especially in light of today's society. Notable for those YA readers who may not have found a book to turn them on to reading. Klune is a master storyteller, I laughed, shed a tear and cheered, often at the same time. Writing from his heart, Klune has a way with words that will resonate for a long time. I suggest that you read the books in order because they read as a continuation of each other.

TJ KLUNE is the #1 New York Times and #1 USA Today bestselling, Lambda Literary Award-winning author of The House in the Cerulean Sea, Under the Whispering Door, In the Lives of Puppets, the Green Creek Series for adults, the Extraordinaries Series for teens, and more. Being queer himself, Klune believes it's important―now more than ever―to have accurate, positive queer representation in stories. To learn more about Klune - https://www.tjklunebooks.com/about

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How To Read A Book

 

How To Read A Book by Monica Wood. New York: Mariner Books, 2024. 280 pages. ****

Synopsis from Amazon

"Violet Powell, a twenty-two-year-old from rural Abbott Falls, Maine, is being released from prison after serving twenty-two months for a drunk-driving crash that killed a local kindergarten teacher.

Harriet Larson, a retired English teacher who runs the prison book club, is facing the unsettling prospect of an empty nest.

Frank Daigle, a retired machinist, hasn’t yet come to grips with the complications of his marriage to the woman Violet killed.

When the three encounter each other one morning in a bookstore in Portland—Violet to buy the novel she was reading in the prison book club before her release, Harriet to choose the next title for the women who remain, and Frank to dispatch his duties as the store handyman—their lives begin to intersect in transformative ways."

How to Read a Book is my Book Club's choice for January. I didn't expect to like it as much as I did. I am a fast reader, the result of wanting to read many books and feeling pressured by time. Wood gives me pause in the way I read and skim passages, she says it best " The writer writes the words. And the book, the unique and unrepeatable book, doesn't exist until the given reader meets the writer on the page." This heartwarming story of friendship, forgiveness, and second chances, provides many topics for book club discussions. Harriet's (affectionately called Bookie by the inmates) love of books and reading is evident in her quest to choose the "right" books to engage the inmates. She lives by example to the women she leads in the group. I recommend this book for all adult readers. 

MONICA WOOD is a novelist, memoirist, and playwright; the 2024 recipient of the Sara Josepha Hale award for excellence in New England literary arts; the 2019 recipient of the Maine Humanities Council Carlson Prize for contributions to the public humanities; and the 2016 recipient of the Maine Writers and Publishers Alliance Distinguished Achievement Award for contributions to the literary arts. She lives in Portland. For more info - http://www.monicawood.com/about.html

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#secondchances, #friendship #forgiveness #bookstagram 

Henry the Highland Coo has joined the girls in reviewing books for 2025!

One Word 2025 - Grace

Created by Inspiritivity on FB

 

After much thought and musing, my word for 2025 is GRACE. I have tried a few other words on for size, however, GRACE keeps calling my name. To extend GRACE to myself and to others. 

Definition from AI:

"Extending grace is an act of forgiveness and unconditional approval that allows someone to be forgiven without holding their sins against them. It can also mean to show kindness, patience, and understanding to oneself. "

Someone once told me that I should show grace to myself and stop being so hard on myself. 

Anne Lamott sums it up best "I do not at all understand the mystery of grace - only that it meets us where we are but does not leave us where it found us" "Grace always bats last."

If you are unfamiliar with the One Word for the year concept, click here.

My Words from previous years;

2024 - Flourish

2023- Reflect

2022- Pause

2021 - Grateful

2020 - Joy  

2019 - Opportunity

2018- Clarity

2017 - Balance  

2016 -  Promise

2015 - Abundance

2014 - Believe

2013 - Simplify 

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#grace