What are you reading lately?

In 2025, I attempted to read one book per month. This was in an effort to get my second book published before the end of Spring and my third book more fully written, So, my reading world was kind of slow.

I did still review each book I read, even if only publishing my reviews here on my website.

Please feel free to share in comments below about any of the books you read as well, or want to read in future.

Love & hugs, Virg

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January 2025

DOLLY: My Life and Other Unfinished Business

Dolly Parton

My Review: “All about how Dolly grew up, fell in love with music, and became a star….As I read Dolly, I could hear her voice throughout her retelling of her childhood, how she discovered and fell in love with singing and music, and how she set out to make a life for herself in the world of country music. It was fascinating to learn her perspective on life, love, and other societal norms. It was also interesting to read about her years with Porter Waggoner and Kenny Rogers, the movies she starred in, and how she met, fell in love with, married, and has maintained a relationship with her husband, Carl Dean, all these years. If you love Dolly, you’ll enjoy this book. The beginning chapters are filled with Dolly’s life growing up but be sure to read them as it’ll help you know much of what she refers to later on in her life story.”

Book Quote:

“…It was a small class, so each of us in turn got a chance to stand up and announce our plans for the future. “I’m going to junior college,” one boy would say. “I’m getting married and moving to Maryville,” a girl would follow.

When it came my turn, I told what I considered to be the truth: “I’m going to Nashville to become a star.” I said as straightforwardly as I could. The entire place erupted in laughter. I was stunned. What were they laughing at? I remember thinking to myself, “They don’t know. They just don’t know.” Somehow that laughter instilled in me an even greater determination to realize my dream in a kind of “I’ll show them” way. It is very likely that I might have crumbled under the weight of the hardships that were to come, had it not been for the response of the crowd that day. Sometimes it’s funny the way we find inspiration. Those of us who know God don’t find it all that strange.“

Dolly Parton, Dolly: My Life and Other Unfinished Business (Page 139)

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February 2025

INFERNO

Dan Brown

My Review: “A book that challenges our ideas about evolution, life, and the choices we make….Dan Brown did it again. From the first page of Inferno, I was hooked. But this fast-paced book had my attention throughout. Not only is it action-packed with characters and dialogue, but it kept me guessing; being surprised, especially as the story progressed; and finally thinking, really thinking – about life, death, overpopulation, genetic altering, and how I feel about these things. If you like to have your thought-processes challenged, this book is definitely one to consider. Not only that, but you’ll get a tour of Venice, Florence, and Istanbul through the eyes of main character, Robert Langdon. Not a boring read at all.”

Book Quote:

Sienna rolled her eyes. “Cute, but believe me, it’s very real. Denial is a critical part of the human coping mechanism. Without it, we would all wake up terrified every morning about all the ways we could die. Instead, our minds block out our existential fears by focusing on stresses we can handle—like getting to work on time or paying our taxes. If we have wider, existential fears, we jettison them very quickly, refocusing on simple tasks and daily trivialities.”

Main characters, Sienna Brooks in a conversation with Robert Langdon, Dan Brown, Inferno (Page 214)   

Special Note: Inferno was gifted to me for Christmas by a friend in 2013 – in Spanish. She discovered this as she started to gift wrap it and tried to exchange it or buy a copy in English but wasn’t successful at the time. So, she wrote me a note and included it in the book, which I just read again while I was writing my review. It was cute and adorable and touching. It’s hard to believe that it took me 11 years to read it – especially since I have enjoyed Angels & Demons, The Da Vinci Code, and The Lost Symbol. Obviously, I eventually got a copy of the Inferno in English – how? I’m sorry to say, at this point, I don’t remember. But next, to watch the movie, then to read Origin by September…just in case I get gifted a copy of Mr. Brown’s new book, The Secret of Secrets, release date, September 9, 2025.

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March 2025

PRAIRIE TALE: A MEMOIR

Melissa Gilbert

My Review: “A memoir full of love, grit, endurance, and hope….I found Prairie Tale interesting and heart-warming. And it was wonderful to hear Ms. Gilbert’s voice in her writing. I was amazed at her repertoire of movies after her life and role of Half Pint on the set of Little House on the Prairie. I had no idea she had gone on to have such a long and varied work life as an actress. I was also impressed with, in the sharing or telling of their connections with her, how she strived to preserve the dignity of all those she worked with, from Michael Landon to her husbands to those in the Screen Actors Guild. I have always liked Melissa Gilbert and felt closer to her after reading her memoir. I look forward to reading her next one after this, because of it, and watching some of her movies.”

Book Quote:

“….For years, I had been afraid of people judging me harshly if they knew I had a problem, even though it was almost de rigueur in Hollywood to have a drug or drinking problem. In reality, I only feared one person finding out the truth: me. And as soon as I came to terms with that, well, facing the facts of my life was a lot easier and less tiring than running away from them.”

Melissa Gilbert, Prairie Tale: A Memoir (Page 347)

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April 2025

BARBACOA, BOMBA, AND BETRAYAL: A Caribbean Kitchen Mystery

Raquel V. Reyes

My Review: “A light but intriguing mystery for young and old and family alike….The author did a superb job presenting another believable mystery starring main character, Miriam Quinones. I enjoyed the cultural nuances and Cuban-American phrases thrown into dialogue for authentic conversation which reminded me of growing up with my mom’s family of Mexican-American culture and descent. And I especially loved not knowing until the very end if Miriam’s suspicions about the possible culprit to forcing her parents out of their property were indeed correct or not. I look forward to reading more of Ms. Reyes’ stories and writing. If you love a great easy-going mystery with diversified supporting characters and with some good food ideas thrown in, then this may be your new kitchen-mystery series.”

Book Quote:

“I didn’t want to scare her by telling her about the guy that had gotten shot. And she was right. It was a tourist town. I’d walked around unworried last night.

But, Miriam, you came back to a threatening note.

And then tonight, you get an anonymous gift.

That’s a little creepy….

….Ay, Dios, do I have a stalker?

Calmete, Miriam. It’s probably from UnMundo. Go to bed. You are loopy.”

Raquel V. Reyes, Barbacoa, Bomba, and Betrayal (Page 62)

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May 2025

BURNT TOAST: And Other Philosophies of Life

Teri Hatcher

My Review: “A memoir written in short story form….I loved this book! It is so down-to-earth and filled with life lessons. I enjoyed reading about Ms. Hatcher’s life but mostly about how she handled life. I highly recommend her book to anyone interested in higher thinking and learning how to better handle life in general.”

Book Quote:

“Your world is what you make of it. It’s a collection of steps, one in front of the next, that form a path from your childhood to your present. Sometimes you’re led against your will. Sometimes you want to stop but have to keep going. Along the way you may think you know who you are and what you want. Some elements of that may stay the same forever, and others may change every year. Regardless, you have to take ownership of your destiny and be honest about what you want, even if it’s hard to admit. Even if the people around you don’t think you’re making the right decision.”

Teri Hatcher, Burnt Toast and Other Philosophies of Life (Page 39)

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June 2025

SWEET REVENGE: A Goldy Schulz Cozy Mystery

Diane Mott Davidson

My Review: “Another culinary mystery that won’t disappoint….This is my favorite of Ms. Davidson’s Goldy Shultz series so far. I was gripped from the start and have to admit, though I’m not a cook or baker by heart, that I might have to try some of the recipes in her books. It amazes me that Goldy, the main character, can get herself into so many situations with the known and unknown suspects, including some real tumbles, and still come home and have the energy to start a recipe. I think this series would make a great TV show.”

Book Quote:

“Okay, Goldy, but after trashing the Lexus, and seeing Sandee, why didn’t you just go home? Boyd and Armstrong told me they saw you, and that you were in bad shape. They didn’t take you home because of the traffic, and because you promised them you’d just walk up to our place.”

“I swore to them that I wouldn’t try to come though the taped-off area. And I didn’t. What I did was cross the street, the parking lot, and then the creek—.”

Dianne Mott Davidson, Goldy and husband, Tom, in Sweet Revenge: A Novel of Suspense (Page 240)       

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July 2025

YOU NEVER KNOW: A Memoir

Tom Selleck with Ellis Henican

My Review: “Finding out there is more to Tom Selleck than expected….Honestly, I don’t think I ever knew Tom Selleck existed before Magnum, P.I. I was oblivious and had no idea he had already built such a repertoire of movies for at least a decade. Several of the movies or series he starred in were long before he became famous as Thomas Magnum, yet I had thought they were a result of his success and great acting on the Magnum series. The book flows well from start to finish and my only disappointment is there wasn’t any reference to his acting in the Jesse Stone movies. However, although there is a hint that there may be a second memoir covering those years as well as Blue Bloods, there is no reference in any of the many biography write-ups out there at this time. If you are a Tom Selleck fan, I highly recommend You Never Know. You will enjoy Mr. Selleck’s easy writing. I didn’t get bored once!”

Book Quote:

“I love my work. I love the craft of acting. How fortunate that the somewhat aimless path I was on was altered simply by serendipity. How fortunate that one single accidental opportunity would open my eyes to the possible.”

Tom Selleck with Ellis Henican, You Never Know: A Memoir (Page 332)       

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August 2025

THE GIFT: A Novel

C. D’Angelo

My Review: “A novel with a real-life feel….I absolutely loved The Gift by my writing friend, C. D’Angelo. This is her third book and the first in her Vintage Vines Series. It had me at the start. This story has so much to offer. Inner turmoil and growth. Wine tasting. Chasing of and following one’s dreams. Wine. Relationship struggles. Food. Vineyards. And, of course, more wine (I know, I know). As Toni Agosti learns more about her family roots, she starts to wonder about her life-long dream career – and then, inadvertently, her ten-year marriage. Sure, who doesn’t want a happily-ever-after in a marriage. But reality is we need more stories like this that show it’s okay to question our relationships when someone has failed to grow with us and instead tears us down rather than builds us up. Also, that it’s definitely okay when dreams change and, better yet, to pursue new dreams when old ones no longer seem to fit just right.  C. D’Angelo’s writing is easy to read, and her stories are filled with family, tradition, real life, and love. If you haven’t read The Gift, I highly recommend you get a copy soon. And it makes a great gift!”

Book Quote:

“By the time day one as a cellist in the LA Philharmonic rolled around – words that are still surreal – I convinced myself that being there was the perfect combination of my desires. I could fulfill my childhood dream for a few measly years while working toward my ultimate adult dream. It seemed realistic.

But now, after the daily morning rehearsals and multiple evening concerts in this first week, my neck is on fire in a way previously unknown – or expected….”

C. D’Angelo, The Gift: A Novel (Page 333)

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P.S. ALL THE DIFFERENCE: A Novella

C. D’Angelo

My Review: “A bonus book that adds to the first….This book was a great follow-up to Ms. D’Angelo’s first book, The Difference. I loved how her story continued ten years later with Rachel Granza learning more about her grandfather’s life story. I especially appreciate how Rachel, being afflicted with anxiety throughout her life, uses coping skills to keep her mind steady as she searches for more information about her grandfather, leading her to a fuller perspective of her own life. We need more stories about real life and real issues that gently help us grow into better versions of ourselves. If you haven’t read The Difference yet, I suggest starting with it and then reading this short but sweet, icing-on-the-cake bonus book. You won’t be disappointed!”

Book Quote:

“I should have listened to my own therapy interventions, educating people to refrain from expectations. They’re the fastest way to feel defeated, and I know that too well now….”

C. D’Angelo, P.S. All the Difference: A Novella (Page 57)

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September 2025

CHER: The Memoir

Cher

My Review: “How talent and adversity became Cher….I have always admired Cher for being what I considered a trendsetter and leading lady back when I was younger and looking for a role model. And so, I found it especially noteworthy that she nor Sonny felt a need to do drugs. It was interesting to learn that her first love was acting rather than singing and that she made a success of both. Overall, Cher is exactly who I imagined her to be – from her stage fright to her humor to her desire of not just following but pursuing her dreams. And I’m looking forward to reading Part Two of her memoir when it comes out in the spring.”

Book Quote:

“School was never easy for me, though there were some good times. I loved drawing, sports, and history. I was really good at kickball, dodgeball, and handball so all the boys wanted me on their teams. Still, I was the poorest student in class and often felt embarrassed and isolated.”

Cher, The Memoir: Part One (Page 71)

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October 2025

NIGHT SCHOOL: A Jack Reacher Novel

Lee Child

My Review: “Fast-paced, suspenseful novel which carries forward in some ways but also stands alone….Night School is the first book I’ve read by Lee Child. I’ve seen the two Jack Reacher movies with Tom Cruise; but not once did I feel that the Jack Reacher in Night School was Tom Cruise. Lee Child’s Jack Reacher in Night School was definitely his own person and, of course, the benefit of a book is getting inside the heads of the author and characters. Whereas, in a movie, you can usually only read their facial cues and behavior, unless there is a voice-over. This all being said, I enjoyed the writing and storyline quite well and will most likely read another Jack Reacher novel in future. The fast-paced writing was a plus for me, however, there were a few scenes I still question as necessary. So, if you’ve never read a Jack Reacher novel and do not want to be unnecessarily educated in the underworld happenings, fair warning about the unpleasant moments although short-lived, which I felt detracted from my reading pleasure.”

Book Quote:

“Then Reacher went next door to his room and went to bed. He was tired. He had been awake more than thirty hours….He took off his jacket and hitched it straight on the back of a chair. A pocket crackled. Griezman’s envelope. The fingerprint. He had thought about giving it to Orozco, but he had forgotten.

Next time, maybe.

He took a shower, and cleared a dozen green brocade pillows from his bed, and then he climbed in and went to sleep.”

Night School: A Jack Reacher Novel, Lee Child (Page 127)

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ICY SPARKS: A Novel

Gwyn Hyman Rubio

My Review: “A story of growing up not knowing what was wrong and doing everything to hide it….Icy Sparks was an interesting character-driven story of growing up with a “condition.” Not knowing when “it” was going to happen, knowing it was precedented by high emotion, yet – often – not being able to control it causing more uncertainty, and trying to hide it from everyone, family and classmates, making it all that much harder to live a normal life was more than Icy could bear. The storyline was great and the different characters Icy met kept the story and her life engaging. Definitely worth reading, especially if you find “conditions” worth reading about.”

Book Quote:

“After that, I heard nothing.

Around and around, I twirled. Until colors bled. And odors blended. Around and around. Until faces blurred. Swirling and swirling. Until I was lost in the whirlwind. Whirling and whirling. Until I was caught in the eye of the storm.”

Icy Sparks: A Novel, Gwyn Hyman Rubio (Page 184)

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November 2025

Might As Well Laugh About It Now

Marie Osmond with Marcia Wilkie

My Review: “Bits and pieces of a life well-lived with an attitude love and laughter….I have always liked Marie Osmond. There was just something infectious about her beautiful smile. I even imagined growing up to be her, well, except for all the glamour and attention the life she led brought. And little did I know until I read her book just how much a singer or entertainer must endure to share their talents with the world. The work, sweat, and tears is much more than I could ever deal with in my life. And I guess this is why Marie Osmond is who she: Marie. I enjoyed Might As Well Laugh About It Now and look forward to reading more of her books in the future. And I think you will, too.”

Book Quote:

“My parents strongly believed that philanthropy was not only something we could do in our spare time but something that was to be part of our weekly schedules. It was, in their view, as important a time commitment as finding time to eat. Oe nourished the body, the other the spirit.”

Might As Well Laugh About It Now, Marie Osmond with Marcia Wilkie (Page 52)

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JUST A GUY: Notes from A Blue Collar Life

Bill Engvall with Alan Eisenstock

My Review: “A comedian with blue-collar heart….I absolutely love how Bill Engvall chose to write his book. Not only does he sound like himself, but his everyday humor is so welcome. I love good down-to-home stories and felt pulled into his life in a gentle and easy way. I loved learning about his journey from natural child comic to the comedian we all know as the guy who coined, “And here’s your sign.” If you like memoir in short story essay form, you’ll enjoy this entertainer biography.”

Book Quote:

“According to my parents, grandparents, and close family friends, I was born in Galveston, Texas, on July 27, 1957, right in the middle of Hurricane Audrey.

According to everything I’ve ever read, Hurricane Audrey hit Galveston on June 27, 1957. So either those people were drinking heavily or my birth lasted a month. Or, as I actually believe, my entrance into the world came on like a hurricane.”

JUST A GUY: Notes from A Blue Collar Life, Bill Engvall with Alan Eisenstock (Page 6)

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THE FORGOTTEN WAY: The Saint James Master Plan

Matthew Kelly

My Review: “A book to change our life by the way we speak….I have read many of Matthew Kelly’s books over the years, but The Forgotten Way is by far the most concise guide for a meaningful life of purpose. If you are looking to change your life for the better, this book is for you. It is filled with words that don’t just lift and inspire but motivate. By learning The Forgotten Way, we cannot just improve our life, we can change it completely.”

Book Quote:

“Words can change your life. Words can transform your character. The Forgotten Way is a powerful guide. It provides startling clarity in a confusing world.

Our speech should be positive, purposeful hopeful, and optimistic – that is The Forgotten Way.”

THE FORGOTTEN WAY: The Saint James Master Plan, Matthew Kelly (Page 12; 54)

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December 2025

HOPE IN A JAR: A Novel

Beth Harbison

My Review: “When hope in jar becomes hope in life….This is my first novel by Ms. Harbison and I loved it in so many ways. The friendship between the main characters. The plot development. The characters themselves. The author did a great job of capturing identity-crisis, high school misunderstandings that affect future choices, and working through the muddle to mend valued relationships. The only drawback for me was the constant back and forth between present and junior/high school. Otherwise, the story was easy to follow, and I could have finished it in five days rather than twenty. There are a more book titles by this author which sound interesting, and I may read in future.”

Book Quote:

“…..”What do you do when someone you love is doing something you’re absolutely sure is a horrific mistake?”

Her mother slipped her hand through her arm and gave her a squeeze, “You stand by their side anyway,” she said. “And hope they figure it out for themselves.”

HOPE IN A JAR: A Novel by Beth Harbison (Page 189)

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HOME SAFE: A Novel

By Elizabeth Berg

My Review: “When life happens and the meaning of home safe changes with it….I read at least two of Elizabeth Berg’s books several years ago and absolutely loved them. So, it was a pleasure to be reading Home Safe, as an impromptu last book of the year, which I absolutely enjoyed – for various reasons. The main character is an author who is struggling with writer’s block due to the sudden death of her husband the year before. She gets asked to teach a writing class, something I know I would enjoy from mentoring others in their writing along the way. And I felt the author did a great job of capturing the complex relationship between herself and her adult daughter. Then, add in the mysterious disappearance of a large sum of money, and the idea that she isn’t as comfortably set for retirement as she had initially thought. Home Safe is a delightful story filled with several warm and interesting surprises. If you like to be inspired on several levels, you’ll truly enjoy this delightful read.””

Book Quote:

“Not long ago, she was waiting in line at the post office, irritated at how long it was taking. Finally, there was just one old man ahead of her, a gentleman with a walker. He made his laborious way to the clerk and held up a window envelope, a bill being paid. He said, “I’ve got a little problem here. As you can see, the paper inside the envelope has moved up and now you can’t read the address where it’s going.” The clerk took the envelope from the man and examined it carefully, front and back. Then he said, “Hmmm. You know what might help?”

The old man stood watching intently.

The clerk tapped the window sharply on the desk and the paper fell into place.

“Oh,” the old man said. “I see. Well, thank you.”

“Good to see you, Charlie,” the clerk said. And then, after he’d given the old man plenty of time to get out of the way of the next customer, he called, “Next?” Helen came forward, mailed her package, and then headed home. A simple thing. But the world she stepped out into was so different from what it had been before.”

HOME SAFE: A Novel by Elizabeth Berg (Page 140-141)

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My 2025 goal was to read one book per month, and when it looked like I might just get in 16 books before the end of December, I got one more in. I was pleasantly surprised as I enjoy reading and because the book I selected, Home Safe by Elizabeth Berg, was a total joy to read.

I thank you for tuning in with me on my 2025 journey of reading (and writing).

Remember to share what you’re reading with me. I’d love to hear what you like to read.

Happy reading!