Mini Book Reviews: October 2024

Disclaimer: I received a copy of The Love Elixir of Augusta Stern from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my review. This post contains affiliate links.

It was another busy month but I managed to read five books, including one epic novel which couldn't be rushed. I read a thriller based on lots of positive reviews, but it didn't thrill me. Maybe it was because I read it after I finished the epic novel? There's quite a variety of books here and hopefully, you will find one that you like.

Coming up: Non-Fiction November! I read non-fiction often, but in November, I dedicate the month to nothing but non-fiction. I've compiled a list of books already and hope for some really good reads. Thanks to Liz, our runner friend and book blogger, who is also participating and for sharing the info. This is my second year and I'm really looking forward to it! If anyone is interested in participating or checking out some of the other bloggers who are sharing their favorites, here's the link to Heather's blog.

Augusta is on the cusp of her 80th birthday and living in Florida at a retirement committee when she encounters a childhood friend who broke her heart. The book then takes the reader back to 1920s Brooklyn, when Augusta was a teenager working in his father's pharmacy and living with her great aunt Esther, who had the gift of making herbal concoctions to treat ailments. The book travels deftly between the two time periods, telling the story of the two former sweethearts. This was such a sweet story about love and second chances. The Love Elixir of Augusta Stern is also quite humorous! I could not put it down. Highly recommended!

Told in alternating narratives, Our Wives Under the Sea is the story of a couple whose relationship deteriorates after one of the women returns from a submarine exploration gone wrong. This quietly suspenseful novel not only shares the horror of being trapped at the bottom of the ocean but also explores the relationship between the two women. The wife who returns is not the same person. What's next? This short but intriguing read left me with lots of food for thought. If you've read it, I'd love to hear your thoughts!

This is a really long book and it took me about 100 pages to settle in. I am so glad I stuck with it and you should too! All the Colors of the Dark is an epic novel that takes place over 25-ish years and is the story of two childhood best friends, both misfits, who form an unbreakable bond. Part coming of age, part thriller, part epic story, this is a masterpiece. The author is a gifted writer--I couldn't rush through this one because his prose is worth savoring. I could go on and on about this one--it is one of the best books I've read this year!

A young girl's nanny dies after falling out of a glass window. Was she pushed? And if so, who did it? Stella is an attorney investigating the crime to determine the child's placement after the parents' divorce. The child, Rose, who witnessed the crime, isn't talking. Stella has past trauma to deal with and feels a kinship with Rose, although Rose isn't feeling close to anyone. A lot of readers seemed to enjoy this one, but after reading some really good thrillers this year, House of Glass fell a bit flat for me. The characters felt one dimensional and the story didn't grab me. The ending? It was a surprise, but at the point, I was glad to be done.

"No one will love you more or hurt you more than a sister."

The author had me at the opening quote. Amy and Olivia are sisters that could not be more different. Olivia is a free spirit, unpredictable, and as she gets older, it is evident that she is mentally ill. Amy is steady, reliable, and studious. She is obedient while her parents do everything they can to save Olivia from herself. The story follows the girls into adulthood, where Amy struggles with relationships. The author really nails the disruption that having a mentally ill family member can have on the family unit. Shred Sisters reads like a memoir and it was a quick read for me, but very impactful. 

How was your month of reading? Any books you want to recommend here? Have you ever read a book that you felt you could have written? Will you be participating in Nonfiction November?

I'm linking up with My First 5k and More, Running with Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Run with Pugs, and Zenaida for Fit Five Friday! . I'm also excited to join Farrah for My Month is Booked! Check out the newest link-up: Share Your Shelf with Slices of Life, Memphis Bridges, Overflowing with Thankfulness, and The Other Side of the Road.