It was a lovely reading month. I read two of the four “big books” I had hoped to read this year (thank you, audiobooks!). I once again slowed down and focused on only reading one book (and one audiobook) at a time. I made an effort to catch up on Netgalley titles, which I’ll share more about in an upcoming post. Here are the titles I gave five stars this month. A list of all the titles I read this month is at the end of this post. 

Tell me – what have you read that you enjoyed?

Coach by Jason Reynolds

“In this companion to Jason Reynolds’s award-winning and New York Times bestselling Track series, meet Coach as a boy striving to come into his own as a track star while facing upheaval at home.”

If you loved the Track series (and how could you not), then this is a must read. I highly recommend picking up the entire series on audio – they are fabulous. You must, though, read the rest of the series before diving into this one. And then once you do you will be so happy. It’s everything we love about Jason Reynolds – it’s funny and thoughtful and kind and emotional and I just wanted to hug everyone in the story. Thank you, thank you, for one more entry into this series. It was just what we needed. Five stars. 

Are You Mad at Me? By Meg Josephson

“Psychotherapist Meg Josephson is here to show you that people-pleasing is not a personality trait. It’s a common survival mechanism known as “fawning”: an instinct often learned in childhood to become more appealing to a perceived threat in order to feel safe.” Gahhh, just go ahead and buy this book. I did. It’s thoughtful and fascinating and affirming and a book I absolutely needed and will re-read. 

Without a Shadow of Doubt (Olivia Penn Mysteries #5) by Kathleen Bailey

This is one of my most favorite mystery series, and I’m so happy to report that this latest addition was everything I had hoped it would be! Like the other books in the series, I was immediately drawn into the story. I love Apple Station, so opening my book felt like visiting my favorite place with many old friends. Kathleen has a lovely writing style that strikes the perfect balance of cozy details and strong plotting so that the pages fly by. I was fully immersed, only stopping to throw some dinner together for my family.

This new entry into the series featured a complex mystery that I did not figure out ahead of time, but I sure did enjoy tagging along with Olivia as she pieced together clues and analyzed the suspects (so many suspects!).She’s such a wonderfully developed character – brave, determined, kind and loyal. I’d love to be her friend. She’s like a grown up Nancy Drew!

The Scottish Highland Games in town was a creative subplot and added extra flavor to the details of the setting. Olivia is also surrounded by a wonderful cast of side-characters (her dad being my favorite), as well as adorable pets.

Readers simply cannot go wrong with this series, and Without a Shadow of Doubt is another five star read!

A Hunger Like No Other (Immortals After Dark #1) AND Wicked Deeds on a Winter’s Night (Immortals After Dark #3) by Kresley Cole

 This paranormal romance series is SO good. It is VERY spicy so if that’s not your thing just pass this on by. I read the first three in November and am obsessed. There’s adventure, humor, SPICE, and awesome characters and world building. Book 2 was good, but book 1 and 3 I absolutely inhaled. I’m late to the party on this series, but so glad I found it. 

The Nine Moons of Han Yu and Luli by Karina Yan Glaser

“Breathtaking suspense, unforgettable characters, and a pinch of magic combine in the dual stories of two young people—one in 731 China, and one in 1931 Chinatown—on perilous journeys to save their families.” 

I absolutely love Karina Yan Glaser – the Vanderbeekers are books I think about all the time. I was so excited when my library hold came in for her newest middle grade novel and it was absolutely wonderful. It’s an adventure, historical fiction story told from the point of view of two kids – one in ancient China and one in Chinatown during the Great Depression. As with all of her books, there’s mystery, hope, adventure and such wonderful characters. The way she can tell stories featuring found families is brilliant. The author’s note is a must. I loved every page. 

Homicide in the Indian Hills (A Jane Wunderly Mystery #6) by Erica Ruth Neubauer

This is one of my most favorite historical mystery series and book six did not disappoint!

“Intrepid American newlywed Jane Wunderly learns that tigers aren’t the only dangers lurking in 1920s India, when a murder in a popular resort town threatens to destabilize the local government and undermine the resistance movement for Indian self-rule . . .”

While readers could jump in at any point, the whole series is excellent and allows you to follow Jane and Redvers’ relationship.

The descriptions of the setting were transportive, and the action surrounding the mystery is page turning. There is one scene towards the end (no spoilers here) that had me sitting straight up and holding my breath.

Wonderful writing and loveable characters – this is a great series and this entry is five stars!

Becoming Madam Secretary by Stephanie Dray

“New York Times bestselling author Stephanie Dray returns with a captivating and dramatic novel about an American heroine Frances Perkins.”

I bought this book the minute it came out as I have been fascinated by Frances Perkins and FDR and wanted to learn more. And then it sat on my shelf because I was intimidated by the over 500 pages length. Earlier this year, though, I made a commitment to read four big books I had purchased but was putting off because of the length (see the post here). 

I grabbed this one on audio and listened over two days where I was in the kitchen preparing for Thanksgiving (and then later as I worked on a puzzle). Fascinating and captivating are the perfect words to describe this work of historical fiction based on a real life heroine. I only knew vague details about Perkins, but found her work to be so admirable that I wanted to know more. This was so well researched, yet didn’t read like a boring textbook. Dray is a master storyteller, bringing history to life. The author’s note is a must read. Fans of history and strong women should take the plunge with this five star book. 

A list of all the books I read in November 2025:

Claws for Concern Lesley A. Diehl

Death Comes to Jane Austen Town Rosemary Stevens

A Pantomime of Peril Victoria Tait

The Holiday Photo Murder Jeanne Quigley

Ink And Shadows Ellery Adams

In The Blink of a Pie Catherine Bruns

Murder on the Marlow Belle Robert Thorogood

The Secret Book Society Madeline Martin

Murder at Gulls Nest Jess Kidd

No Rest for the Wicked Kresley Cole

The Impossible Fortune Richard Osman

The Undertaking of Hart And Mercy Megan Bannen

A Discovery of Witches Deborah Harkness

Crescent City Christmas Chaos Ellen Byron

Coach Jason Reynolds

Are You Mad At Me Meg Josephson

Without A Shadow of Doubt Kathleen Bailey

Wicked Deeds on a Winter’s Night Kresley Cole

A Hunger Like No Other Kresley Cole

The Nine Moons of Han Yu and Luli Karina Yan Glaser

Homicide in the Indian Hills Erica Ruth Neubauer

Becoming Madam Secretary Stephanie Dray