Reading with Rochelle Weinstein: January
Hello Readers & Friends,
January was a fabulous month for books. Clearly, I had my own thriller fest—so many great ones to choose from! But here’s a question. Have you ever set a book down? Whether it be the subject matter or your mood, sometimes we call it quits. It’s typically 50-100 pages for me. How about you? And have you ever returned to a book? I did. The Measure. Sometimes we’re unable to “get into” a book. It could be the content, or our own mindset. It’s okay! But I’m so glad I gave this one a second chance. Has that ever happened to you? Tell us about it in the comments below and enjoy my January reads and the one that almost got away!
The Measure, Nikki Erlick, Audible
When boxes land on doorsteps with strings that predict life expectancy, these characters figure out a way to manage their fate.
What to expect: As mentioned above, I gave up on this one last summer. While the subject matter may be uncomfortable for some, there’s a beautiful message about life and living.
Beartown, Fredrik Brickman, Audible
A small-town hockey community is torn apart by scandal. The first book in a series.
What to expect: Sports culture, excellent character development, and players and family having to choose sides.
Someday, Maybe, Onyi Nwabineli, Hardcover
Gut-wrenching tale of a woman surviving her husband’s suicide.
What to expect: Nwabineli writes so realistic and haunting, the novel reads like a memoir. Should you ever face difficult times, you will wish you had Eve’s tight-knit Nigerian family and close friends surrounding you.
The Perfect Marriage, Jeneva Rose, Audible
His mistress is dead, and his criminal defense attorney wife is the only person who can save him.
What to expect: Rose writes a fast-paced thriller with naughty characters you love to hate.
One of Us Is Dead, Jeneva Rose, Audible
Shannon, Crystal, Olivia, and Jenny. Meet the women of Buckhead. One of them ends up dead.
What to expect: Female friendship and betrayal, complex alliances, and a satisfying, girl-power conclusion.
How to Fall Out of Love Madly, Jana Casale, eBook
Joy. Annie. Celine. Three women struggling with identity and self-worth.
What to expect: Any woman who has ever endured an unsatisfying relationship with her body, career, or boyfriend should read this book. Allison Winn Scotch recommended.
The House Guest, Hank Phillippi Ryan, Net Galley Audio
Two women brought together by betrayal and dangerous relationships, but who can be trusted in this twisty thriller?
What to expect: Another smart, suspenseful read by Phillippi Ryan. Every time I thought I had the “bad guy” figured out, there was another turn I didn’t see coming. Masterful and immersive.
Available 2/7/23
Make A Wish, Helena Hunting, Net Galley Audio
In a moment of weakness, Harley Spark kisses the widowed father of the baby girl she nannies for. Humiliated, their lives go in separate directions until Gavin Rhodes returns with his nine-year-old daughter and wants to have lunch with Harley.
What to expect: This is the third installment in the Spark House Series. A sweet story of second chances with Hunting’s signature charm and feel-good finales.
Available 2/7/23
The Power Couple, Alex Berenson, Audible
Husband and wife and high-powered government officials Rebecca and Brian Unsworth have drifted apart. When they take their teenaged children Kira and Tony on a European getaway for their twentieth anniversary, Kira is kidnapped, and the family’s fault lines are revealed.
What to expect: International espionage and family secrets in a heart-thumping thriller. A surprise ending.
Just The Nicest Couple, Mary Kubica, Hardcover
Nina Hayes’ husband Jake is missing. But what do their friends Lily and Christian Scott have to do with his disappearance?
What to expect: Kubica is a brilliant storyteller who weaves a fantastic, page-turning mystery.
The Jeweler of Stolen Dreams, M.J. Rose, Paperback ARC
A young auctioneer and a famous jeweler are drawn together by a mysterious trunk which leads the reader to Paris and a secret past.
What to expect: Dazzling! World War II and jewelry mixed with a touch of magical realism. Inspired by the real-life legend Suzanne Belperron. M.J. Rose will captivate readers with this beautiful gem.
Available 2/7/23
Hello Beautiful, Ann Napolitano
William Waters is a broken man when he meets Julia Padavano and her three sisters. When the pair marry, he’s thrust into their close-knit world. But when a family rift tears them apart, can that once closeness bring them back together?
What to expect: For fans of Dear Edward (I didn’t think I could love anything as much). The delicate strands of family are pulled through this big book of big emotions. Through Napolitano’s thoughtful, affecting writing, we learn how family defines us and sustains us. Hello Beautiful is just beautiful.
Available 3/14/23
Pretty Things, Janelle Brown, Audible
A grifter and a heiress brought together by fate and circumstance where they must face the demons of the past and each other.
What to expect: Two protagonists I couldn’t help but root for—one more damaged than the other. Set in Lake Tahoe, this sexy game of cat and mouse was a one day read.
Someone Else’s Shoes, JoJo Moyes, Net Galley eBook
When confusion over a gym bag lands one woman’s priceless Louboutins on someone else’s feet, the mix-up sends two women on a journey of self-discovery and friendship.
What to expect: An easy, fun read with a cast of characters who will have you laughing and cheering through marital woes, identity, and what it means to be a real friend.
Available 2/7/23
Good Company, Cynthia D’Aprix Sweeney, Hardcover
Fiona’s marriage and close friendship is called into question when she locates an envelope with the wedding band her husband claimed to have lost years ago.
What to expect: Beautiful, effortless writing of lifelong relationships, secrets, marriage and betrayal.
Can you say…..amazing reads? Add these to your TBR and you’ll be delighted for days.
Rochelle
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Rochelle B. Weinstein is the USA Today and Amazon bestselling author of six women’s fiction novels. Rochelle spent her early years, always with a book in hand, raised by the likes of Sidney Sheldon and Judy Blume. A former entertainment industry executive, she splits her time between sunny South Florida and the mountains of North Carolina. When she’s not writing, Rochelle can be found on NBC 6 in the Mix sharing book recommendations, teaching workshops at Nova Southeastern University, hiking, reading, and finding the world’s best nachos. Her seventh novel, What You Do Me, releases October 2023. Please visit her on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, or subscribe to her newsletter at www.rochelleweinstein.com.
Category: On Writing
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