Shaking Off the Slump: Finding Chills and Thrills with The Twisted Tree I have been in such a slump, and it’s only the second month of the year—but you know what? I got this. To shake things up, I joined a readathon with a goal to dive into award winners. Thank you, Kindle Unlimited, for helping me find this gem! The Twisted Tree by Rachel Burge is a moody, atmospheric read that blends Norse mythology with a chilling ghost story. The story follows Martha, a girl who gains an eerie ability to sense emotions by touching clothing after a traumatic accident. When she travels to Norway to visit her grandmother, she stumbles into a world filled with secrets, spirits, and an ancient curse. Burge does a fantastic job of setting the scene. The icy, isolated Norwegian landscape is so vivid, I felt the chill in my bones. The infusion of Norse mythology is refreshing and adds a layer of intrigue that kept me turning the pages. The story’s blend of supernatural elements with a coming-of-age twist worked well, and I found myself genuinely invested in Martha’s journey. However, while the book had some solid strengths, it didn’t fully pull me out of my slump. The pacing wavered at times, and certain plot points felt a bit rushed, especially toward the end. I also wanted a deeper dive into some of the supporting characters, who often felt like missed opportunities. Overall, The Twisted Tree is an enjoyable read with a unique premise and a beautifully eerie setting. It might not have completely snapped me out of my reading funk, but it was a worthy pick for my readathon. If you’re in the mood for a story with mythological twists and a good dose of suspense, this one might just hit the spot.

Collins Captivates Again The frigid weather we’ve been experiencing lately has been good for one thing: curling up with a great book. And "Cross My Heart" by Megan Collins was exactly that—a thrilling and thought-provoking read that I couldn’t put down. This is my third Megan Collins book, and while it didn’t quite reach the five-star heights of her previous works for me, it’s still a solid four-star read that captivated me from the very first page to the final twist. "Cross My Heart" is a dark, twisted tale of love, loss, and obsession. The story follows Rosie Lachlan, a woman recovering from both a heart transplant and the heartbreak of being left at the altar a year earlier. As she adjusts to her new life, Rosie begins to suspect her heart donor was Daphne Thorne, the wife of local celebrity author Morgan Thorne. Compelled by this connection, Rosie reaches out to Morgan through an anonymous platform called Donor Connect, hoping to uncover more about Daphne—and herself. What follows is a suspenseful journey filled with unexpected twists and shocking revelations. Rosie’s need for answers pulls her deeper into Morgan’s world, where truths blur with lies, and nothing is as it seems. The novel expertly keeps readers guessing, unraveling the layers of both Rosie’s and Morgan’s lives until a jaw-dropping conclusion. If you enjoy psychological thrillers with a romantic edge, "Cross My Heart" is a must-read. Megan Collins once again proves her talent for crafting gripping, emotionally charged stories that linger long after the final page.

A Riveting Legal Drama I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been urged to read Defending Jacob. It sat on my Kindle for nearly a year before I finally picked it up—and I couldn’t put it down. William Landay’s novel is a captivating mix of legal drama and family turmoil that keeps you hooked from beginning to end. And the ending? Absolutely unforgettable. The story follows Andy Barber, a respected assistant district attorney in an affluent Boston suburb, whose life takes a dramatic turn when a local teenager is murdered. As Andy works the case, his own family is drawn into the investigation, threatening everything he holds dear. I’ve intentionally kept this review vague because I think this is a book best experienced with as little prior knowledge as possible. Part of the thrill lies in uncovering its twists and turns for yourself. I want to share how much I enjoyed it without spoiling anything—trust me, going into this one blind makes it even more rewarding. Landay masterfully explores themes of parental love, loyalty, and the lengths we go to protect those we care about. The story also raises compelling questions about how well we really know the people closest to us and how far we’re willing to go to defend them. What makes the book especially gripping is the way it balances the emotional weight of family relationships with the intricacies of the legal system. Landay, a former prosecutor, brings authenticity to the courtroom scenes, providing a fascinating glimpse into the strategies and tactics of both the defense and prosecution. If you’re looking for a thought-provoking and suspenseful read, Defending Jacob is a must. Go in blind, and you won’t regret it.

First 5-Star Read of 2025 This is my fourth book of the year, and wow—what a game-changer. Lightlark by Alex Aster is officially my first 5-star read of 2025, and I am utterly blown away. Thank you, Audible Plus catalog, for introducing me to this incredible story! I can’t believe it took me so long to pick it up, especially since my nephew read it first. Now that I have, I’ve already bought the second book because I NEED more of this world. Set in a vivid and dangerous world, Lightlark follows Isla Crown, the ruler of Wildling, as she competes in the deadly Centennial—a series of trials designed to break curses that plague the rulers of the six realms. These trials are brutal, full of secrets and betrayals, and Isla’s survival hinges on her ability to outwit her rivals while protecting her heart. Along the way, she grapples with trust, loyalty, and the weight of her destiny. The stakes are sky-high, and every twist left me breathless. Alex Aster’s writing is dark, poetic, and absolutely immersive. Her world-building is rich and layered, and I loved how the details of this magical universe unfolded naturally, without overwhelming info-dumps. Lightlark felt like a fresh take on YA Fantasy, reminiscent of The Hunger Games with its high-stakes competition, but entirely original in its execution. I also have to commend the audiobook narration by Suzy Jackson. Her voice is soothing and dynamic, perfectly capturing the story’s emotional depth. While I wished the male voices were a bit deeper, it didn’t detract from the overall experience. This book captivated me from start to finish. The characters, the tension, the twists—I can’t stop thinking about it. If you’re looking for a story that will completely sweep you away, Lightlark is a must-read. And trust me, you’ll want to have the sequel ready because once you finish, you won’t want to leave this world. 2025 is off to an amazing start, and I’m so excited to see what’s next for Isla and this unforgettable series!