[73] The Housemaid’s Secret (The Housemaid, #2) by Freida McFadden
Fiction / Thrillers / Psychological, next in series/buddy read with Sandra, Kindle

Synopsis: It’s been a few years since the events of the first book, and Millie is now juggling school and work as a maid. Her latest job lands her in the home of an ultra-wealthy client, but something feels off – the client’s wife remains hidden behind closed doors, and Millie is strictly warned never to disturb her.

Review: This fast-paced, twisty read captures the same energy as the first book. While I found some of the repeated plot devices a bit frustrating, the story still kept me hooked – I just had to see how it all played out. Overall, a fun and easy read!

Recommend? Sure

[74] One Big Happy Family by Susan Mallery
Fiction / Romance / Holiday, book club with Mom & Snis, paperback

Synopsis: Julie had planned for a quiet Christmas with her boyfriend, but her two grown children have other ideas. They ask to spend the holiday together as a family to honor their father, who passed away in January (even though he and Julie had been divorced for many years). Suddenly, a quiet Christmas turns into a bustling family gathering.

Review: This book… where do I even start? First off, I love reading books with my mom and snis, and I don’t mind if they’re cheesy or over-the-top. It’ll be entertaining to share my thoughts with them when we catch up. But this book was just so cheesy. It felt like a Hallmark movie in book form, and I was not here for it.

The only interesting character was Julie’s daughter-in-law’s bitchy mother – she brought some spice to an otherwise bland cast. The rest felt more like caricatures than actual people. I could list all the little things that bugged me, but what’s the point? I’ll just share the one that drove me the most nuts: Julie’s daughter-in-law has IBS, and the adults in the family keep asking her, “How’s your tummy?” Tummy. For an adult. Do people actually say that? So odd.

Recommend? Um, no

[75] Merry Ever After (Under The Mistletoe Collection #2) by Tessa Bailey
Holiday / Romance, saw collection on Kindle Unlimited, Kindle

Synopsis: A single mother working at a thrift shop finds herself drawn to a farmer who keeps coming in, searching for jeans that are always too small. So she makes him a custom pair.

Review: What is going on with this series? This one was bad, and the next one is even worse. The dialogue is painfully cringy, and the lightning-fast romance makes absolutely no sense. Just… no.

Recommend? Not at all