The Wish by Heather Morris

 

First Published: May 5, 2026

Jesse is a 15 year old girl who is battling cancer. Alex is a reclusive game designer. Their worlds collide when Jesse makes a wish and Alex is tasked with making it happen. 

Jesse's wish is rather complex and hasn't been done before. Alex isn't sure he can make it happen or if he wants to but the more he leans about Jesse the more motivation he has to make it come to fruition. Complications arise but Alex is determined to get past them regardless of the cost.

The Wish is emotional and deals with the reality of love and grief. The book feels off and reads more like a movie script which makes it a bit difficult to fully immerse yourself into. I struggled to continue reading it but pushed forward based on Jesse's character. The first and last quarter of the book make the read worth it but the middle is sluggish. 

** I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. 

Matched (Matched #1) by Ally Condie

 

I read Matched back in 2011. I recall enjoying the Matched but not caring much for book 2 or 3. I decided to revisit the series and I still like the book.  

Condie creates a world that is seemingly perfect but you just know that underneath it all lays something sinister. As things unfold  and our main character Cassia leans truths about the society she lives in and has to decide how she will handle them.

Matched is about a young girl name Cassia who lives in a society that provides food, shelter, jobs and she is preparing for two major life events. One of these is her matched ceremony. This ceremony will match her with ideal mate. Cassia is not only surprised by her unexpected match but by a glitch in the system that makes her start to doubt the society she thought she loved.

Jessi Ramsey, Pet-sitter: A Graphic Novel (The Baby-Sitters Club Graphic Novels #18) Ellen T. Crenshaw (Adapter) , Ann M. Martin

Jessi Ramsey is a member of the Baby-Sitters Club but this baby sitting job doesn't deal with children. She will be watching the Mancusis's pets. They have dogs, hamsters, snakes and so many other types of pets! It's like their own personal zoo! There is chaos at pet sitting gig  and within the baby sitters club. 

The illustrations are adorable and this is a short read that can be done in under a few hours. 

Mallory and the Trouble with Twins: A Graphic Novel (The Baby-sitters Club #17) | By Ann M. Martin (Author)

 

Mallory has been tasked with babysitting the Arnold twins. The twins wear matching outfits, are hard to tell apart and look cute but once they are alone with Mallory they become terrors. Mallory has to figure out how to get past their naughty antics and make her job easier and fun.

The illustrations are beautiful and help tell to tell the story. I am incredibly surprised at how much I am enjoying the graphic novels of a beloved childhood series. I think it's an excellent way to bring books that might be outdated to current day. It might also be a way to encourage reading for younger generations while creating nostalgia for past ones. 

Reminders of Him | By Colleen Hoover

 

Kenna Rowan has just been released from prison. She has returned to scene of the crime in hopes that she can reconnect with her four year old daughter and make amends. This is going to prove to be difficult or nearly impossible.

The difficult meter increases when she meets Ledger. The last thing she wants is romance and more she learns about Ledger the more complicated her life gets. Ledger is an overall good guy and wants to help Kenna. Kenna fights against it despite wanting his help.

 Ledger has a connection with Kenna's daughter and she doesn't want to risk losing or ruining her only chance by entering into a relationship with him. 

Kenna's story unfolds and the more you learn about her the more you like her. You will find yourself rooting for her while also hurting for the other parties involved. 

Reminders of Him is a super easy read about second chances. Expect sadness and grief. 

This Story Might Save Your Life | By Tiffany Crum

 

Benny and Joy host a popular podcast. It's based on survival stories, against all odds and near death experiences. 

Benny and Joy have been best friends for decades. They are the type of people you want to befriend. Their ability to tell stories and entertain listeners all over is what makes them popular. Xander, Joy's husband manages the podcast which helps to contribute to their success but their popularity is about to soar when Joy and Xander go missing. They just might become one of their own stories. 

A massive search takes place keeping you entertained and intrigued. This debut novel is character driven and hooks you in. 

The New Girl: First Crush: A Graphic Novel (The New Girl #2) Book 2 of 2: New Girl | by Cassandra Calin

 

Cassandra Calin has done it again! The 2nd book in the New Girl  series is a hit. The art work is creative and the storyline shows true struggles young women go through. 

Lia is navigating periods, crushes, family and friendships. She's learning how to be a friend and find herself. 

This is a perfect book for preteens and teens. It deals with acceptance, different perspectives and owning personal mistakes. This novel is believable and true to life. 

The artwork is beautiful and eye catching. I love each panel and how it highlights the story. 

A Beautiful, Terrible Thing: A Memoir of Marriage and Betrayal Book | By Jen Waite

Jen Waite's life is turned upside down when she comes to the realization that her husband and father of her child is a psychopath. Jen's memoir details her life with her husband in first person. It is raw, honest and heartbreaking. 

Waite shares the discovery of the email that leads to her uncovering the infidelity, betrayal and lies in her marriage. There are lies hidden under lies and the manipulation runs deep. 

Waite tells her story in before and after chapters. We learn about the first meeting, the courtship, the marriage and everything leading up to the end. 

This is a super easy and fast read. 

Caller Unknown | By Gillian McAllister

Publication Date: May 5, 2026

A vacation in Texas goes wrong for UK residents Simone and Lucy. 

Simone awakens to find that her daughter Lucy is gone. A ransom call instructs Simone to not call the police and to meet at a certain location. The demand is dangerous and revolves around illegal activities. 

There is evidence that Lucy is alive and Simone will do anything to get her daughter back. The demand for Lucy's return isn't money - it is something much more dangerous. Simone refuses to tell her husband where she is going and what the demand is. She instructs him to not call the police. Damien urges her to contact the police and Lucy choses to lie to him making things much more complicated.

Simone must commit a crime to get her daughter back but it could be costly.

Caller Unknown starts of strong. Slows down to a slow crawl and then builds back. It isn't the usual fast pace I expect from McAllister and the ending tied up way too neatly for me. There were too many moments that felt unreal however the story shows the length a mother's love will go save their child. 

** I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. 

The Happy Ever After Playlist (The Friend Zone #2) | By Abby Jimenez

 

A dash of golden fur rushes into the street. Sloan slams her brakes to avoid hitting the dog and to her surprise the dog jumps into her car via the sunroof and snuggles her with love. In an effort to return the dog to it's owner Sloan leaves message after message but doesn't hear back. 

Sloan quickly finds herself falling in love with Tucker. He is helping her get through the grief of losing her fiance by giving her purpose. She's finally leaving the house, going on walks and living. When Tucker's owner, Jason returns her call she makes arrangements to continue caring for him until Jason returns from Australia. 

Sloan keeps Jason updated on Tucker and they quickly build a bond. They have long conversations and flirt. They have a strong attraction for one another and when the meet sparks fly. 

Jason neglected to tell Sloan that is is the Jaxon Walters! A musician who is on the cusp of becoming internationally famous! Sloan and Jason need to decide what the future holds for them and Tucker.

The story unfolds beautifully. The build up of the relationship is sweet, sexy and fun. The character's  are well developed and interesting. Tucker is mischievous and loving. Jimenez has a way of bringing dogs to life on the pages of books. She makes you fall in lov

e with them.

I wasn't aware that this was the 2nd book in a series. It stands alone and you do NOT need to read the first book. This is a romance book you will enjoy reading. 

The Soulmate Project (YA Verse) The Soulmate Project (YA Verse) by Anna Lindwasser |

 

Expected Publication Date: June 26, 2026

The Soulmate Project is told in verse. I was surprised and impressed with how easy it made the read. It explores a variety of themes and have diverse characters. It's a fast read that can be done in under a few hours. 

This book is set in a dystopian future in which AI is used to connect 18 year olds with a romantic partner. The government assigns partners because people are no longer allowed to find love on their own. 

 Delphine thinks she can challenge the system and manipulate it so that her and her boyfriend Tobias can be matched to one another. 

When their plans fails and they are assigned to different people Delphine and Tobias began to question,  explore and discover who they are. 

If you love the Matched series by Ally Condie this book is for you. 

** I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.