April 2026 | Book Nerds Across America

Monday, April 6, 2026

(Spoilers!) Quicksilver by Callie Hart

Synopsis: Do not touch the sword. Do not turn the key. Do not open the gate. Twenty-four-year-old Saeris Fane is good at keeping secrets. No one knows about the strange powers she possesses, or the fact that she has been picking pockets and stealing from the Undying Queen’s reservoirs for as long as she can remember. In the land of the unforgiving desert, there isn’t much a girl wouldn’t do for a glass of water. But a secret is like a knot. Sooner or later, it is bound to come undone. When Saeris comes face-to-face with Death himself, she inadvertently reopens a gateway between realms and is transported to a land of ice and snow. The Fae have always been the stuff of myth, of legend, of nightmares…but it turns out they’re real, and Saeris has landed right in the middle of a centuries-long conflict that might just get her killed. The first of her kind to tread the frozen mountains of Yvelia in over a thousand years, Saeris mistakenly binds herself to Kingfisher, a handsome Fae warrior, who has secrets and nefarious agendas of his own. He will use her Alchemist’s magic to protect his people, no matter what it costs him… or her. Death has a name. It is Kingfisher of the Ajun Gate. His past is murky. His attitude stinks. And he’s the only way Saeris is going to make it home. Be careful of the deals you make, dear child. The devil is in the details... Now with an embossed cover, silver foiling, and an updated interior design.

Pro:

Ummm... what?

Con:

I don't know how to express how much I disliked this book. Honestly, I think I'm the one reader in the world who didn't like this book because this is a top-rated book on every book site, and I cannot figure out how. The constant twists and turns not only gave me whip lash, but it was like the author smashed every troupe of fantasy books and slathered them onto the pages. This whole storyline was complete nonsense and couldn't keep up with it. First, they hate each other, then Fisher is off saving her at every turn, then they hate each other, then they're having sex, then that can't stand each other ... then they're

(SPOILERS FROM THIS POINT ON!!!)

fae-vampires, on top of vampires already being the enemy ... THEN MATES.... then she's a queen and he's the king ...

It's not worth the read! There are better stories out there than this.... trust me

Sunday, April 5, 2026

The Book Club for Troublesome Women by Marie Bostwick

Synopsis:

Four dissatisfied sixties-era housewives form a book club turned sisterhood that will hold fast amid the turmoil of a rapidly changing world and alter the course of each of their lives. By early 1960s standards, Margaret Ryan, Viv Buschetti, and Bitsy Cobb, suburban housewives in a brand-new "planned community" in Northern Virginia, appear to have it all. The fact that "all" doesn't feel like enough leaves them feeling confused and guilty, certain the fault must lie with them. Things begin to change when they form a book club with Charlotte Gustafson--the eccentric and artsy "new neighbor" from Manhattan--and read Betty Friedan's just-released book, The Feminine Mystique. Controversial and groundbreaking, the book struck a chord with an entire generation of women, helping them realize that they weren't alone in their dissatisfactions, or their longings, lifting their eyes to new horizons of possibility and achievement. Margaret, Charlotte, Bitsy, and Viv are among them. But is it really the book that alters the lives of these four very different women? Or is it the bond of sisterhood that helps them find courage to confront the past, navigate turmoil in a rapidly changing world, and see themselves in a new and limitless light?

Pros:

This is it. This is my book of the year. I've had it on my TBR since it came out, but I just now picked it up. Now, I wish I would've read it earlier.

To be frank in this review, as I always am, I had some concerns about this book. I feared it would turn out to be a purely political work focused on feminism and women’s empowerment. Don’t misunderstand me—I believe in equal rights for everyone, not just a select few. But when I pick up a book, I want an escape from reality and all my adult duties. Thankfully, it wasn’t a political book, and I found that this story touched on many themes close to my heart: yearning for more, striving for something different, and longing for change.

This book presents four perspectives, but the narrative remains clear. All women are married; three have children, one does not (no spoilers). Margaret forms the group, and Charlotte's arrival brings energy. The ladies read The Feminine Mystique, a pivotal text for the 60s and 70s feminist movement. While its impact feels less dramatic today, it's important to understand its historical significance. Some scenes, such as Margaret's bank experience, were frustrating for me as a married woman, but I won't reveal any spoilers.

What makes this particularly interesting—and refreshingly non-political—are the perspectives shared by the book’s female readers. Three are in their mid-to-late thirties and one is in her twenties, while I’m in my late forties and married, which matters to what comes next. At some point, each character reaches a turning point—a 'moment'. I experienced this myself in my late thirties: that sense of feeling stuck, whether at home, at work, or just in life. You’re not sure how to move forward; you simply feel trapped. This is where I really appreciate the author’s storytelling, as she guides every character toward their own unique journey. I also commend her for avoiding politics and respecting housewife and stay-at-home mom roles.

I would like to share my perspective: I chose not to have children and instead pursued a professional career. However, I hold deep respect for individuals who dedicate themselves to raising families at home. This role is demanding and often underappreciated. I highly recommend this book; it would be an excellent choice for a book club.

Bonus Pro:

At the end of the book Marie Bostwick, the author, pens a letter to the readers. It brought me to tears to hear the sincerity and kindness in her words. It tied the book perfectly together.

Cons:

I have no cons for this book.

Saturday, April 4, 2026

Weyward by Emilia Hart

Synopsis:

2019: Under cover of darkness, Kate flees London for ramshackle Weyward Cottage, inherited from a great aunt she barely remembers. With its tumbling ivy and overgrown garden, the cottage is worlds away from the abusive partner who tormented Kate. But she begins to suspect that her great aunt had a secret. One that lurks in the bones of the cottage, hidden ever since the witch-hunts of the 17th century.

1619: Altha is awaiting trial for the murder of a local farmer who was stampeded to death by his herd. As a girl, Altha’s mother taught her their magic, a kind not rooted in spell casting but in a deep knowledge of the natural world. But unusual women have always been deemed dangerous, and as the evidence for witchcraft is set out against Altha, she knows it will take all of her powers to maintain her freedom.

1942: As World War II rages, Violet is trapped in her family's grand, crumbling estate. Straitjacketed by societal convention, she longs for the robust education her brother receives––and for her mother, long deceased, who was rumored to have gone mad before her death. The only traces Violet has of her are a locket bearing the initial W and the word weyward scratched into the baseboard of her bedroom.

Weaving together the stories of three extraordinary women across five centuries, Emilia Hart's Weyward is an enthralling novel of female resilience and the transformative power of the natural world.

Pro:

Wow! Just ... WOW. That is how I'd describe this book to others.

It has been a long time since I've read a book in one sitting, but this is one of them I can add to the list. Word after word chapter after chapter, I couldn't put this book down. Kate, Altha and Violet are characters that will live within your book nerd soul. Seriously. It's hard to put into words just how fantastic this book is. What I can say is this:

Please check the trigger warnings - there are some very difficult scenes, but are very important for the storylines
Kate's storyline made me cry the most. Watching her go from broken, scared and then trying to put herself together hit me hard
Altha ... outstanding! She's incredible and her story keep your eyes glued to the page
Violet's story ... heartbreaking. She is someone you want to reach through the pages and protect her at every situation.

The end - and how the stories tie together - are complete perfection! This story will stay with you forever!

Cons:

I have no cons for this book. Not one. This is a five star read through and through

Friday, April 3, 2026

The Lost Bride Trilogy by Nora Roberts

Inheritance (Book #1)

Synopsis:

1806: Astrid Poole sits in her bridal clothes, overwhelmed with happiness. But before her marriage can be consummated, she is murdered, and the circle of gold torn from her finger. Her last words are a promise to Collin never to leave him…

Graphic designer Sonya MacTavish is stunned to learn that her late father had a twin he never knew about―and that her newly discovered uncle, Collin Poole, has left her almost everything he owned, including a majestic Victorian house on the Maine coast, which they will stipulates she must live in it for at least three years. Her engagement recently broken, she sets off to find out why the boys were separated at birth―and why it was all kept secret until a genealogy website brought it to light.

Trey, the young lawyer who greets her at the sprawling clifftop manor, notes Sonya’s unease―and acknowledges that yes, the place is haunted…but just a little. Sure enough, Sonya finds objects moved and music playing out of nowhere. She sees a painting by her father inexplicably hanging in her deceased uncle’s office, and a portrait of a woman named Astrid, whom the lawyer refers to as “the first lost bride.” It’s becoming clear that Sonya has inherited far more than a house. She has inherited a centuries-old curse, and a puzzle to be solved if there is any hope of breaking it…

Pro:

Nora Roberts' books are hit and miss for me. There are several that I can say I have DNF through the years and some I couldn't put down.

This is one I couldn't put down.

This book starts with a BANG and continues chapter to chapter. Sonya had already planned to get married and live her life. However, it all changed in one quick blink. Then - to add to that - she finds out her dead dad had a twin, and he left her a house ... well, it's actually a manor. A haunted one.

Now, I love a good ghost story, but the twists to this one is a bit more unbelievable than most. However, Nora Roberts knew how to keep me engaged and turning page after page.

Cons:

How much wine could one charact drink in a book? I'm not joking. I was wondering if Sonya was an alcoholic. There isn't a scene where a wine bottle isn't being popped open. It didn't matter if it was an 'action' scene or her just finishing work. POP! "Let's have some wine!"

The Mirror (Book #2)

Synopsis:

When Sonya MacTavish inherits the huge Victorian mansion on the coast of Maine, she has no idea that the house is haunted. The footsteps she hears at night, the doors slamming, the music playing, are not figments of her imagination. In her dreams she sees glimpses of the past. In the present she finds portraits of brides. And when she has visions of an antique mirror, she is drawn to it, sensing it holds dark family secrets.

Then one night the mirror appears and Sonya glides through this looking glass, into the past—and sees a bride murdered on her wedding day, the circle of gold torn from her finger. It is a scene that will play out again and again—a centuries-old curse that must be broken—and a puzzle she must solve if there is any hope of breaking the curse.

Pros:

In all my reading years, especially those when reading a trilogies or series, the second books always end up being my favorite. I cannot explain why, but it's true.

This is no different.

This book is my favorite for several reasons. One, we get more backstory of the Manor and Brides. Two, DOG and CAT! I love animals, and those in a book are always a hundred times better. Three, the MIRROR. Evey time the Mirror came on the scene I pulled the book closer. I don't want to give any spoilers, but the Mirror scenes are by far the best of the book.

Cons:

WINE ... need I say more!

The Seven Rings (Book #3)

Synopsis:

Long ago, Arthur Poole built a grand house overlooking the turbulent ocean, in a Maine village that bore his name. Today, Sonya MacTavish lives in that house—a manor that has been cursed for generations. Within its walls, she has witnessed the deaths of seven brides and the thefts of seven wedding rings. And now, to break the curse and banish a malevolent spirit once and for all, a difficult task must be completed.

After Sonya, her boyfriend, Trey, and their friends are forced to hear, see—and feel—the suffering of the house’s many ghosts as their torment is reenacted by the evil presence, their bond only strengthens and their anger is renewed. Refusing to let her spirit be broken, Sonya searches each room for clues to her ancestors’ hidden story, putting the picture together, unearthing small treasures, and uncovering the moments of joy that existed among the sorrows. She’s determined to bring light to this haunted place—to fill it with people, with life and hope, once again.

But the enemy in the black dress continues to hover, to come at her in frightening forms. They may be illusions—but illusions can be powerful enough to wound and kill. She feeds on fear, and lies are her weapon. This dark-hearted witch wants to be mistress of Poole Manor, at any cost. And Sonya will need to fight a battle across two realms to finally take possession of the house on the clifftop—and of her own future…

Pros:

I'm glad it was over and that everything tied up nicely (that's about all I can say as a pro)

Cons:

Don't get me wrong, there were parts that were my favorite, but this book kept on ... and on ... and on. I really feel like (especially after reading the other two books) this one didn't seem to end and could've been half of what it was.

Oh ... and ... WINE!!!

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