Review: The Girls Who Grew Big

The Girls Who Grew Big by Leila Mottley

Amazon/Goodreads

Synopsis: From the author of Oprah's Book Club pick and New York Times best seller Nightcrawling, here is an astonishing new novel about the joys and entanglements of a fierce group of teenage mothers in a small town on the Florida panhandle.

Adela Woods is sixteen years old and pregnant. Her parents banish her from her comfortable upbringing in Indiana to her grandmother’s home in the small town of Padua Beach, Florida. When she arrives, Adela meets Emory, who brings her newborn to high school, determined to graduate despite the odds; Simone, mother of four-year-old twins, weighs her options when she finds herself pregnant again; and the rest of the Girls, a group of outcast young moms who raise their growing brood in the back of Simone’s red truck.

The town thinks the Girls have lost their way, but really they are finding it: looking for love, making and breaking friendships, and navigating the miracle of motherhood and the paradox of girlhood.

Full of heart and life and hope, set against the shifting sands of these friends’ secrets and betrayals, The Girls Who Grew Big confirms Leila Mottley’s promise and offers an explosive new perspective on what it means to be a young woman.

My Review:

Despite her debut Nightcrawling earning so much critical acclaim, this is my first Leila Mottley novel —  and it surely won't be my last. I really enjoyed The Girls Who Grew Big, a gritty yet beautiful novel about teenage mothers in Padua Beach, a small, impoverished Florida town. 

The novel follows three characters: Simone, Emory, and Adela. Simone, the leader of The Girls, is a single mom with toddler twins. Emory is a recent mother to a newborn and she is determined to finish high school and attend a top-tier college. Pregnant Adela has been sent away by her mortified parents to have her baby quietly. Their lives become entangled in various ways, and each girl has her own strong, unique voice.

The first thing I loved about this book is how Mottley expertly transports the reader to Padua Beach. Everything jumps off the page — from the sandy beaches and swimming pools to the McDonald's that Adela’s grandmother adores. I could picture it all perfectly, from the torrential hurricanes to the gritty birth scenes. Mottley has a gift for realism, even when her prose is sophisticated, flowery, and metaphorical.

That brings us to Mottley’s writing. There is no doubt about it; she is a talented storyteller with a knack for symbolism. Most of the time, I adored her prose. However, my one complaint is that, occasionally, her characters go off on long spoken monologues that feel unnatural compared to their usual conversations.

Finally, I loved that this novel is unafraid to portray heartbreaking moments while ultimately being about resilience, hope, and girlhood. From girls kicked out of their homes to awful experiences at conservative, fear-mongering abortion clinics, the novel depicts the horrors and isolation of teenage pregnancy. It doesn’t shy away from brutal truths that are very much a part of young mothers' lives. However, it also shows their inner strength and the joy they receive from their children and community. It’s a book about sisterhood and support.

I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this novel to… anyone. It’s wonderfully done.

*I received an e-ARC for free in exchange for an honest review*

Publication Date: July 10th, 2025

Review: Cover Story

Cover Story by Mhairi McFarlane

Amazon/Goodreads

The unputdownable, brilliant new novel from the Queen of Romcom. 

Bel’s joined the Manchester office of a big national paper from her award-winning podcast. There’s only three of them – Bel, her relentlessly ambitious colleague Aaron, and the new intern. And when the intern turns out to be a thirty-something man called Connor, she gets off on totally the wrong foot. She’s patronising, he’s hostile. It’s a terrible start. 

Then Bel gets a sniff at a really big story, Connor gets caught in the crossfire, and before they know it, they have to convince people they’re a couple – and a couple in love at that. If they mess up, Bel’s cover is blown and the biggest story she’ll ever land will disappear, along with justice for its sources.

But as time goes on, who’s double crossing whom – and which feelings are real? It’s Mr & Mrs Smith meets The Hating Game – and sparks will fly …

So much fun! Cover Story is a wonderful enemies-to-lovers romance about investigative journalism, holding abusive men in power accountable, and overcoming first impressions. 

The novel is told from two POVs: Bel and Connor. Bel is a capable, respected journalist reeling after a bad break-up and troubling encounters with a stalker. Connor is an ex-finance bro attempting to start a new career in journalism, running away from mental health difficulties in London and an absolutely awful (if I do say so myself) long-term girlfriend. Bel happens upon an intriguing lead for a story about the exploits of a smarmy, manipulative mayor who preys on young girls. She and Connor go undercover to unveil proof, determined to expose him. Of course, they end up fake dating despite their mutual dislike for one another. 

With such a promising plot and McFarlane's wonderful writing, what could go wrong? (Nothing, that's the true answer here.) Cover Story is funny, clever, and, most importantly, deals with important and relevant social issues. I appreciated that the romance didn't overshadow the important passages about mental health, women's safety, and the necessity of justice. Yet, at the same time, the novel is still sincerely thrilling and lively, not depressing. 

Moreover, Bel and Connor are such likeable, well-rounded characters. They’re hardworking, have an excellent sense of humour, witty rapport, and a comical ability to misunderstand each other. The other side characters such as Shilpa and Ian are similarly delightful. Also, as a side note, I really enjoyed the Manchester setting. I lived there during lockdown (long story) so it was refreshing to read a novel based in this Northern city instead of London for once. 

In conclusion, Cover Story is a must-read. McFarlane's suspenseful, funny, and romantic adventure kept me turning pages, eager to know what happens. This is my first foray into McFarlane's work, and I'm excited to read more from her... I see why she is so beloved. 

*I received an e-ARC for free in exchange for an honest review*

Publication Date: May 8th, 2025

Review: This Monster of Mine

This Monster of Mine by Shalini Abeysekara

Amazon/Goodreads

She knows the taste of death. He'll stoke her hunger for it.

Eighteen-year-old Sarai doesn't know why someone tried to kill her four years ago, but she does know that her case was closed without justice. Hellbent on vengeance, she returns to the scene of the crime as a Petitor, a prosecutor who can magically detect lies, and is assigned to work with Tetrarch Kadra. Ice-cold and perennially sadistic, Kadra is the most vicious of the four judges who rule the land - and the prime suspect in a string of deaths identical to Sarai's attempted murder.

Certain of his guilt, Sarai begins a double life: solving cases with Kadra by day and plotting his ruin by night. But Kadra is charming and there's something alluring about the wrath he wields against the city's corruption. So when the evidence she finds embroils her in a deadly political battle, Sarai must also fight against her attraction to Kadra - because despite his growing hold on her heart, his voice matches the only memory she has of her assailant...

A dazzling Ancient Rome-inspired romantasy debut, This Monster of Mine is a bloodbath of manipulation, deception, and forbidden love.

This 2025 release absolutely needs to be on your TBR list. Abeysekara's debut novel, This Monster of Mine, is wholly original, gripping, and fierce. 

The story takes place in Edessa, a city loosely based on Ancient Rome. Sarai moves there to uncover who attempted to murder her when she was only 14 years old. She was tossed off a tower, and the head trauma removed most of her memories. Everyone believes that Sarai (known as the Sidran Tower Girl) is dead, and because she's been healed from her injuries with a new appearance and face, she can investigate without her assailant knowing her identity. 

Meanwhile, while Sarai searches for the truth, she becomes a Petitor assigned to the deadly Tetrarch Kadra. Essentially, she acts a type of prosecutor with magical abilities who assists the Tetrarchs in serving justice. However, Sarai faces constant danger, as someone is killing off Petitors one by one. And by investigating what happened to the The Sidran Tower Girl, she puts an ever larger target on her back. 

This intricate, original plot kept me on my toes for the entire novel. I loved how Abeysekara portrays Sarai's anger and determination, and I enjoyed solving the mystery alongside her and her allies. Moreover, the romance in this book is wonderful — intense, exciting, and tender. 

Kadra, Sarai's Tetrarch, is a brutal, enigmatic figure who may or may not have been involved in her fall. Sarai must grapple with whether she can trust him. The story also features a vibrant cast, including other Petitors and Tertrachs. I loved Anek and bitterly disliked Cisure and Harrion, Sarai's fellow Petitors. 

The novel's strongest quality is its portrayal of an intricate magical and legal system that still hides corruption, classism, and evil. Sarai and Kadra attempt to serve justice fairly, if viciously, and must navigate a system riddled with bullies, oppressors, and crooked businessmen. 

Overall, This Monster of Mine is a highly satisfying romantasy — dark, clever, bloody, and immersive. I hope to read more from Abeysekara, either in a sequel (perhaps Cisure's redemption story?) or in a new venture. 

*I received an e-ARC for free in exchange for an honest review*

Publication Date: April 3rd, 2025

4.5/5 stars 

Review: The Love We Found

The Love We Found by Jill Santopolo

Amazon/Goodreads 

The long-awaited follow-up to the Reese’s Book Club pick and New York Times bestselling global phenomenon The Light We Lost: a thrilling love story about the roles fate and choice play in shaping a life

It’s been ten years. In case you’re out there somewhere—in case you’re listening, I’m here. And I have so much to tell you.

It’s been nearly ten years since Gabe’s been gone when Lucy finds a tiny piece of paper in a box of his old photos. An address in Rome. Why did Gabe keep it, and what was he doing in Italy? Lucy buys a last-minute ticket. Impulsive, but Gabe always brought that out in her.

Lucy’s journey to uncover Gabe’s secret leads her to Dr. Dax Amstrong, a New Yorker in Italy working with an NGO. His broad shoulders and sad, intense eyes draw Lucy in. His touch reaches her in a forgotten place—one that no one has neared since Gabe.

But her old life awaits, along with an earth-shattering decision—whether she and Darren should tell their son Samuel the truth about his real father. How can Lucy move forward while she’s rooted in regret? Fate broke her heart in the past. Can finding new love set her free?

The Love We Found wasn't my cup of tea. To me, it feels like a somewhat unnecessary sequel that lacks the emotional intensity of The Love We Lost.

The narrative style remains the same as in the first book — Lucy narrates her story to Gabe, addressing him as "you" throughout. However, in this sequel, the unique narration feels somewhat strange and distracting, especially since Gabe isn’t present in the story. The novel centers around a promising premise: Gabe’s editor wants to publish a retrospective of his work on the tenth anniversary of his death. I believe this would have been enough to keep Gabe in the reader’s mind without relying on the same narrative style as before.

My biggest issue, however, was the romance. The novel leans heavily on the infatuation-at-first-sight trope, making it feel shallow, convenient, and a bit unbelievable. I struggled to connect with the new love interest, though I’m glad Lucy has found someone new. Moreover, Lucy herself is, at times, an unlikable protagonist. Of course, given her actions in The Light We Lost (cheating, lying, etc.), this is to be expected. In that sense, I appreciated that The Love We Found addresses the consequences of her choices.

That said, there were parts of the novel I really enjoyed. I liked the emphasis on the kids’ personalities and the evolving relationships between Lucy and Darren, as well as Lucy and her family. This book definitely leans more into family drama, fleshing out characters who were somewhat sidelined in the first novel. Additionally, I enjoyed the continued focus on Lucy’s career as a TV producer for children’s shows.

Overall, The Love We Found didn’t draw me in as much as the first novel. However, I do think that fans of the first book who are dying to know what happens to the characters will be pleased.

*I received an e-ARC for free in exchange for an honest review*

Publication Date: March 18th, 2025

Review: So Good To See You

So Good to See You by Francesca Hornak 

Amazon/Goodreads

2004. Serge, Rosie and Daniel are enjoying their final weeks of university. They are young, inseparable and full of optimism.

Fifteen years later, they are guests at a lavish three-day wedding in Provence - and no longer friends.

Life has not turned out quite as planned since their heady days at Oxford. Film-maker Serge is winning awards, but hiding a huge debt and fractured relationship. Behind Rosie's social ease, she is heartbroken. And with Daniel's fame has come spiralling anxiety.

Now, with four days of organised fun ahead, all three are armed with their best conversation and brightest smile. At least everyone is following the same do not bring up the past. But as the Champagne flows, appearances slip and true feelings emerge.

So Good To See You is a hilarious, poignant and beautifully observed examination of relationships, class, creative differences and pretending to have it all.

So Good To See You is an incredible feat. Hornak drew me into the catastrophe of an old university friend group reunited at a wedding in France, and I loved every minute.

Hornak's work is vibrant, at times humorous, and other times heartbreaking. Our protagonists — Rosie, Serge, and Daniel — are struggling in various ways at the beginning of the novel. Rosie is recovering from her break-up with Serge and worried about her future. Serge is in debt and navigating a trial separation with his girlfriend, the mother of his twins. Daniel is struggling with addiction, upset with Serge over a previous injustice, and raging against an elitist culture prevalent at Oxford and in the film industry. 

Each of these characters has their own rich narrative and backstory, and I really enjoyed their chapters. Rosie is very likeable and I enjoyed watching her show courage and develop a backbone at the wedding festivities. Daniel's backstory is sympathetic and I really felt for the way he was treated by his more privileged peers. Although he makes many bad decisions, he is shown as a hardworking self-made creative with a lot of love for film. 

Serge, on the other hand, starts off as an extremely unlikable figure. However, he miraculously semi-redeems himself and I understood his character more as the story progressed. Like Daniel, he is a good guy who makes some bad choices. Similarly, I really enjoyed chapters from the POV of Isla, his girlfriend and mother of his children. As a make-up artist raised by a single, unreliable mother, she introduced a more grounded, working-class perspective. I also appreciated how Hornak treated her struggles with motherhood with such care. 

Although most of the story takes place at Caspar's wedding, there are also chapters set in the far past during the friends' time at Oxford, and some chapters are set only a couple years before the wedding in Provence. Hornak excels at making her cast of characters feel very real, known, and accessible to the reader. By the end, I felt like an imaginary guest at the wedding, and an honorary member of the friend group. 

Overall, So Good To See You is a sprawling epic that takes on a multitude of povs, social issues, and timelines. Hornak's novel is entertaining, smart, and a captivating visit to the South of France with some distinctive, extraordinary characters. 

*I received an e-ARC for free in exchange for an honest review*

Publication Date: May 1st, 2025

Review: The Favourite

The Favourite by Fran Littlewood 

Goodreads/Amazon

From the New York Times bestselling author of Amazing Grace Adams comes a wryly resonant and deeply moving family dramedy investigating the question so many of us have asked ourselves: do my parents have a favorite?

Vivienne and Patrick Fisher have done an excellent job raising their three daughters, Alex, Nancy, and Eva. They’re well-adjusted women with impressive careers, caring partners, exciting hobbies, and sweet children. So it’s with great anticipation that three generations of Fishers gather at a beautiful glass house in the English countryside for a weeklong celebration of Vivienne’s seventieth birthday. But when Patrick’s reaction to a freak accident on the first day of the trip inadvertently reveals that he has a favorite daughter, no one is prepared for the shockwaves it sends through the family.

Decades-old unresolved sibling rivalries are suddenly unmasked. And be it newly uncovered smoking habits, ancient crushes, or private doubts about life decisions both big and small, no one’s secrets are safe. Still-tender wounds are reopened amid an audience of friends, husbands, grandchildren, and even coworkers, and as the family's past is re-written, they find themselves suddenly unmoored.

In a lively, poignant examination of memory, sisterhood, and family ties, Fran Littlewood reminds us just why it is that people in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones.

Wow, that reading experience was a lot to wrap my head around. The Favourite is a chaotic and complex family drama that has its shining moments but ultimately left me unsatisfied. 

Littlewood's latest endeavour experiments with a stream-of-consciousness style of narration that feels disorganised and turbulent. The run-on sentences and jarring flashbacks are unruly and confusing, distancing the reader from the narrative. 

Moreover, there are so many characters to keep track of. This isn't an issue in itself (for instance, I recently read My Other Heart and found that Strenner's large cast added a lot of value to the story). However, Littlewood fails to keep the extensive family tree understandable, and there so many side plots that the overall narrative becomes lost. 

Essentially, the story is about three sisters... and their parents, their partners, and their children. The Favourite explores ideas of jealousy, insecurity, feelings of inadequacy, and competition after Eva, the youngest daughter, is revealed to be Patrick's (the father's) supposed favourite. Despite my critiques, I enjoyed the psychological exploration of how this event impacts the entire family. 

Nancy, the middle child, is the most admirable character in my opinion. She's a doctor and is embarking upon a new romance after a failed marriage. Alex and Eva, the eldest and youngest, are a bit too unlikeable. In fact, many of the characters in this novel are at times unpleasant. 

The novel's strongest features are passages when Littlewood hits onto some wonderful observations about life. For instance, when Nancy struggles to recall a memory, Littlewood describes the situation with keen insight and grace about the vulnerability of aging. Furthermore, I did enjoy the novel's conclusion and enjoyed the unexpected plot twist. 

Overall, The Favourite has a lot of potential and holds some genuine, wonderful insights about family, love, resentment, forgiveness, memory, and growing older. However, the novel felt too crowded, messy, and ambitious in parts, which impacted the resonance of the central storyline. 

*I received an e-ARC for free in exchange for an honest review*

Publication Date: June 12th, 2025

Review: My Other Heart

My Other Heart by Emma Nanami Strenner

Amazon/Goodreads

A mother's missing child, a search for identity, and ever-changing notions of “home”—class and race intersect with belonging in this stunning debut novel of mothers, daughters, and best friends.

In June 2000, Mimi Truang is on her way home to Vietnam when her toddler daughter vanishes in the Philadelphia airport.

Seventeen years later, two best friends graduate from high school in the WASP-y town of Chestnut Hill, Pennsylvania. Kit is half-Japanese, half-American, and interracially adopted by white well-to-do parents. Sabrina is the daughter of a Chinese immigrant single mother who brandishes strict household rules to hide her own secrets.

During that last summer before college, Kit travels to Tokyo, determined to uncover her Japanese identity. Her dizzying weeks in Tokyo offer her a critical distance from everything she holds dear—and a taste of first love that refines her understanding of what it means to belong.

Sabrina had hoped to take a similar trip to China, but money is tight. Her disappointment quickly subsides, however, as her bold, uncompromising boss becomes a mentor, prompting Sabrina to ask questions she’s avoided all her life. Meanwhile, Mimi purchases a plane ticket to Philadelphia. She finally has a lead to renew her search in the country where she and her daughter were parted.

When Mimi, Kit, and Sabrina come face-to-face at the end of this transformative summer, they will confront the people they truly are, dismantling their own assumptions about belonging and the importance of blood ties.

Bloody brilliant. I am so impressed by My Other Heart, Strenner's immersive debut novel. This astounding piece of work is an unflinching exploration of Asian-American identity, discrimination, adoption, and classism. At the same time, the novel makes sharp observations about friendship, family, and the pangs of first love.

First of all, My Other Heart seamlessly integrates a complex web of characters, settings, and viewpoints into a coherent, impactful narrative. While the novel takes place in diverse locations such as Pennsylvania, Tokyo, and Vietnam, Strenner never loses touch with her over-arching story and ensures the reader never feels lost. 

Sabrina Chen and Kit Herzog are the protagonists we spend the most time with throughout the novel. Sabrina is intelligent, hard-working, and struggling to find her place in a very white, privileged suburb. She is a remarkably resilient, lovable character and I cherished watching her find her voice and make meaningful connections. While Kit is much more privileged than Sabrina and a tad unlikable at times, she is also an interesting and sympathetic character that grapples with finding her identity as a child of a closed-adoption. 

The bonds between mother and child are depicted with care and nuance. Mimi Truong’s relentless search for her long-lost daughter, even from across an ocean, is deeply moving. Lee Lee, though somewhat stern, admirably works to impart Chinese values to Sabrina while navigating the challenges of being a single, low-income parent. Meanwhile, Sally wrestles with the emotional complexities of raising an adopted daughter and allowing her to explore her roots by visiting Japan for the summer.

The ending of this book is fantastic, at times heartbreaking and other times joyfully life-affirming. Moreover, the plot twists and dramatic revelations are masterfully executed. Every single aspect of the novel, from the teenage romances to the struggles faced by undocumented immigrants, is written with remarkable sensitivity, depth, and heart. 

I cannot praise My Other Heart enough. This is a novel that spans decades and continents, yet remains deeply intimate and moving. Do yourself a favour and read it as soon as it's released — you'll thank me later. 

*I received an e-ARC for free in exchange for an honest review*

Publication Date: July 17th, 2025

Review: The Launch Date

The Launch Date by Annabelle Slator 

Amazon/Goodreads

What if the secret to finding true love on a dating app was meeting them IRL first?

In this witty and fun rom-com debut from Annabelle Slator, rival coworkers become reluctant daters after they're forced to work together on a brand-new dating app in hopes of winning a promotion—perfect for fans of Sally Thorne’s The Hating Game.

Grace Hastings’s dream job at the popular “true love” dating app, Fate, has turned into a nightmare. Her boss is a leech, her career is stagnating, and her fiancé has just brutally dumped her. Her hope for finding her own love story is waning, and she feels like a fraud for promoting a concept she no longer believes in. When the company’s CEO offers her an opportunity to earn a big promotion, she resolves to fight her imposter syndrome to show she deserves a seat at the table.

The opportunity? To launch a brand-new app focusing on IRL dating and genuine connection. The problem? She must develop and test-drive a series of “first dates” with the other person gunning for the job: notorious socialite playboy and Grace’s biggest work rival, Eric Bancroft.

During their disastrous hikes, dangerous cooking classes, and steamy yoga sessions, they begin to realize their stark differences may just be surface level and Eric might just be the perfect person to challenge Grace’s perceptions of love, dating culture, and self-worth.

What a wonderful read for drizzly January! The Launch Date is a charming, vibrant, and laugh-out-loud rom-com perfect for adding a little warmth to the grey winter season. Annabelle Slater's debut novel is one that will keep you smiling and chucking while you turn the pages. 

Grace Hastings and Eric Bancroft are terrific protagonists. Grace's inner monologue is endlessly entertaining, and you really feel sympathetic for her struggles both at work and in her love life. I particularly loved the focus on her relationships with her female friends, as well as the emphasis on her work ethic and professional ambition. 

Bancroft, meanwhile, is far from the Machiavellian villain that Grace believes him to be. Watching his true character unfold was a highlight, as was the gradual progression of their hate-to-love relationship. Their friends-to-enemies backstory makes their tale even more intriguing and compelling. 

The main plot points of developing a new dating app and competing for the same role are well thought out and engaging. I enjoyed watching Grace and Eric go on trial dates for their newest business endeavour and appreciated Slater's detailed and nuanced depiction of working in marketing. 

My only minor criticisms are the portrayal of Grace’s aversion to exercise, which is played for humour in a way that felt a bit problematic, and the somewhat predictable, formulaic elements of the story. However, these small issues didn’t detract significantly from my overall enjoyment.

The Launch Date is set to release around Valentine's Day, and it is definitely the perfect heartwarming read to revive anyone's romantic and adventurous spirit. (You might even find a fun date idea within its chapters!) I would recommend this lovely read to any rom-com enthusiasts.  

*I received an e-ARC for free in exchange for an honest review*

Publication Date: February 13th, 2025