Sunday Salon: Letting Go of September by Sandra J. Jackson

 

Books reviewed

Letting Go of September by Sandra J. Jackson, July 31, 2024; BooksGoSocial

Genre: thriller, family drama

Themes: reflective, suspenseful, nature descriptions, dramatic, family 

I picked this book because of the unusual title, Letting Go of September, piqued my interest.

Garrett Emerson has lost his wife, Ember, who disappeared after leaving a note of farewell, which he finds both puzzling and uncharacteristic of her. He lives alone now in his big house with his dog Sam, at the edge of his acres of forest land, flipping houses for a living. 

 Life goes on until there is tension when the remains of unidentified women begin to crop up around the area, making Garrett and the others uneasy. 

 A young couple, Elizabeth and Josh, move in nearby.The lives of the couple and Garrett intersect, their history seemingly connected through a past romantic fling of Garrett's and the unknown mother of Elizabeth who had disappeared when she was only 11-years-old. 

The theme of disappearing women flows through the book, as the lives of those people who knew or who miss the women are affected. This was a well planned thriller, even though connections become clear before the book's ending. I like the suspense, the main characters, and the natural surroundings. 

The writing is clear, descriptive, and effective. The poetic view of nature in autumn and winter are excellent, especially as the setting plays such an important part in the drama of the story.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy of this book.

The Magic of Lemon Drop Pie by Rachel Linden, August 2, 2022; Berkley

Genre: magical realism, romance

The title of this book made me choose it,  as I love both lemon pie and the idea of lemon pie! One of my favorites.

In this story, Lolly is approaching 33 years of age, yet is stuck in an uneventful present, having forgotten her youthful hopes of opening her own restaurant, finding love, and moving to a new city. Her duties towards an ailing father and a younger sister keep her at their struggling family diner, her lost high school crush always on her mind.

When great-great Aunt Gert gives Lolly three magic lemon drops to take overnight, giving her three tries at a different life for one day, Lolly sees what her life might have been if she had chosen a different path earlier on, and decides which of the three she would really want right then. She uses this information about herself to try and move forward on a path closer to her dreams. 

An easy to read romance with a likeable main character, and a unique plot, plus a fabulous recipe for lemon drop pie at the end. This was a light but enjoyable romance read.

 Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance version of this book. 

To Read:

Ex Marks the Spot by Gloria Chao, publication Dec. 31, 2024, Penguin Random House

A YA book set to be published New Year's Eve. If I stay in that day, this could be my read. 

Set in Taiwan, it's a rival-to-lovers romance. For a treasure hunt leading to her inheritance from a grandfather, Gemma flies to his home in the city of Taipei and its vibrant street scenes. 

I've read books in setting in Korea and China and other Asian cities, but only a few in Taiwan. It's time to armchair travel there to find out more about it. 

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance version of this book. 

I’m considering one or more of these challenges posted by  https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/

Around The Blogosphere

• 2025 Cloak and Dagger Reading Challenge hosted by Carol’s Notebook 
• 2025 COYER Out to Lunch Challenge hosted by Because Reading Is Fun 
• 2025 Library Love Challenge hosted by Angel’s Book Nook & Books of My Heart

What are you reading or watching this week? 

Memes:  The Sunday Post, It's Monday: What Are You Reading, Sunday Salon, and Stacking the Shelves