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The Proving Ground by Michael Connelly

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Michael Connelly is one of my favorite authors, and I’m always excited when a new Lincoln Lawyer book is published. The Proving Ground didn’t disappoint. It plunges Mickey Haller into a terrifying case where a mother is suing a tech company, alleging their AI companion essentially programmed a teenage boy to commit murder. If you are fascinated by the whole concept of AI and the negative impact it might have on the young people of today, then you will love this book!

Cover of 'The Proving Ground' by Michael Connelly, featuring a silhouette of a man walking through a modern corridor, with the title and author's name prominently displayed.

4/5 stars ★★★★☆

To read more about the book: https://amzn.to/47NAA0m

Published on: October 21, 2025

From the publisher: From #1 New York Times bestselling author Michael Connelly, the Lincoln Lawyer is back with a case against an AI company whose product may have been responsible for the murder of a young girl.

What I Liked About The Proving Ground:

Mickey Haller returns once again to the courtroom, but this time he is in civil court. Michael Connelly definitely knows how to write an intense courtroom drama and relate it to today’s problems. Artificial Intelligence is such a timely topic, and as a teacher, I truly worry about how it is affecting the youth of today. Sure it is great for research, but as shown in this story, can kids differentiate between what is real and what is AI? I even struggle with it at times. Who is being held responsible for AI anyway?

In the story, a mother takes on a billion-dollar tech company that created an AI companion for a teenage boy. This boy murdered her daughter because the AI companion supposedly told him to. Intrigued yet? I always love how Mickey always finds a way to get to the bottom of what really happened in a court case. The other characters in the story add drama to the book, and that is why I love Connelly books. It’s fun to see Cisco, Lorna, and Maggie reappear and how they add to his character-driven books.

Quotes That Made Me Think From The Proving Ground:

** “Are you saying that an AI program like Wren will carry the biases of those who feed it data and train it? That is absolutely what I’m saying.”

It’s interesting to think that any biases that appear in AI are based on those that have inputted the data. It’s also scary to think about how ideas can be misconstrued but taken as the truth.

** “What is the Eliza effect? In short, it is people’s tendency to attribute human thoughts and emotions to machines.”

I mean, look at how many people have conversations with Alexa? Or Siri? I used to say thank you to Siri for answering my questions.

This, my friends, is why this is such a timely topic and book. Although fiction, it truly makes you think about AI in today’s world.

Where To Buy The Proving Ground and More:

Thank you to NetGalley, Little, Brown, & CO, and Michael Connelly for my free copy of this book. This is my honest review.

Now, I’d love to hear from you: What are your thoughts about AI in today’s world?

The Academy by Elin Hilderbrand and Shelby Cunningham

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As a teacher, each school year brings about hope. There is nothing like meeting your students for the first time. What you don’t picture is a mixture of Mean Girls and Gossip Girl all rolled into one. The Academy by Elin Hilderbrand and her daughter, Shelby Cunningham, takes a fun look at not only working at a boarding school, but the chaos that can happen as a student.

Book cover of 'The Academy' by Elin Hilderbrand and Shelby Cunningham, featuring a young woman sitting on a lawn in front of a boarding school during autumn.

4/5 stars ★★★★☆

Published on: September 16, 2025

From the publisher: From #1 bestselling author of The Perfect Couple Elin Hilderbrand, and her daughter, Shelby Cunningham: the irresistible, deliciously scandalous story of one drama-filled year at a New England boarding school.

To read more about the book: https://amzn.to/4h8KDBm

What I Liked About The Academy:

The mixture of a mother/daughter writer is genius. I felt that both authors could do a great job of bringing their own expertise into this novel based on where they are in life: one offering the authentic teen perspective, the other, the mature, adult faculty perspective.

As a teacher, I could just feel those feelings of a new school year. Simone is a new, young teacher who wants to take on the world and relate to her students. Audre is the head of the school and you could feel the pressure that she was under throughout the book. “Audre thinks of each new school year as a blank composition book, a fresh box of sharpened pencils – but this reveals her age. To these kids, it’s…what? An empty Google doc, the cursor blinking at the top of a laptop screen?”

Charley, a student, reminded me of so many of my past students that loved to read and was every teacher’s dream. Andrew “East” Eastmen reminded me of John Bender in The Breakfast Club, who defied authority, but had a soft side as well. Davi is the “queen bee” on campus, but there is more to her than just her beauty. All of the characters seemed true to life, and this is why I enjoyed the book so much.

It made my heart happy, as an English teacher, that great vocabulary words were introduced, but then there were explanations to go along with them. Just think of the vocabulary that young adults could learn if this was included in all of their books.

I also had to laugh about all of the food that is mentioned in this book. It constantly made me hungry, and it made me wish I could go back to college and eat whatever, whenever I wanted.

Themes Dealt With In The Book:

There are issues introduced in this book that you might want to be aware of ahead of time: bulimia, teacher/student sex, bullying, suicide, and romance. Of course, these issues makes me hope that there is a sequel; I would definitely sign up for next semester!

Final Thoughts on The Academy:

This is an easy read, and the book keeps your attention throughout the story. I found the newly developed app in the story called, “Zip Zap” downright frightening. It exposes the dark secrets of the staff and students on campus. Can you imagine learning THAT lesson? My favorite part was the setting and characters. I think boarding schools are intriguing, and I would love to visit one someday. I’m a big fan of Elin Hildebrand and this book did not disappoint!

Where To Buy The Academy and More:

Thank you to NetGalley, Little, Brown & Co, Elin Hildebrand, and Shelby Cunningham for my free copy of this book. This is my honest review.

Now, I’d love to hear from you: Would you or have you ever attended a boarding school? What was your experience?

Kristin Wollett’s Debut: As a Last Resort

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If you are looking for a slow-flow romance, that isn’t cutesy, then you will enjoy Kristin Wollett’s debut novel, As a Last Resort. The story follows a career-driven woman whose perfect future boyfriend might not be who she expects in a partner, all set against the backdrop of a charming Florida coastal town. It’s the very town that Samantha wanted to run away from.

Book cover for Kristin Wollett's novel 'As a Last Resort'. The illustration features a woman walking along a beach with palm trees, chairs, and a sunset in the background.

4/5 stars ★★★★☆

You can read more about the book at: https://amzn.to/4pjaTwK

Published on: September 2, 2025

From the publisher: “Opposites attract when a real estate developer’s quest for a promotion returns her to the coastal hometown she loathes—where she’s reunited with her teenage crush turned town golden boy.“

What I Liked About As a Last Resort:

Every good rom-com book has entertaining banter between the main characters, and I appreciated this part of the story between Samantha and Austin. It made the story more realistic as two people, who knew each other growing up, would use teasing (and yes, flirting) to get the other person’s attention.

An interesting part of the book deals with the relationship between Samantha and her mother, who is an alcoholic. Samantha didn’t have an easy childhood because of it, but I was still cheering on that relationship as well.

I enjoy books that are relatable and funny but also contain deeper life issues. This book has all three. Although it is somewhat predictable (what rom-com book isn’t?), I enjoyed the storyline. It helped me to forget about life for a while, and that is exactly what I was hoping for while reading.

Favorite Quotes:

  1. “Sometimes life tips the bucket list over and dumps it all on your head, leaving you standing there soaked in all the things that didn’t go as planned.”

This first quote perfectly captures my own philosophy on life, and it made me laugh. One of the things you learn in life is that your plan should be to have no plan. Life has a way of taking your plans and messing with them. Cynical, I know, but that comes from experience. I have never created a bucket list for this reason. Sure, there are things I would still like to do during my lifetime, and I will be just as surprised when they happen.

2. “Family ain’t who you choose…They’re who God gave you to love. There’s a big difference.”

I am close to my family. I really like the thought that they are the people that God chose for me to love.

Where To Buy As A Last Resort and More:

Thank you to NetGalley, Forever (Grand Central Publishing), and Kristin Wollett for my free copy of this book. This is my honest review.

Now, I’d love to hear from you: If you moved away from your hometown, would you ever want to move back?

Influenced by Sara Darer Littman and Cindy L. Otis

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This is such a good read for middle schoolers and up. So many students say they don’t need to study in school because they are going to become an athlete or an influencer. Is being an influencer all that it is cracked up to be? Influenced by Sara Darer Littman and Cindy L. Otis, although fiction, takes a hard look at this lifestyle and how it can change a person’s life.

Book cover of 'Influenced' by Sarah Darer Littman and Cindy L. Otis, featuring a girl with a smartphone, surrounded by colorful bokeh lights, highlighting the theme of friendship and influence.

4/5 stars ★★★★☆

To read the synopsis: https://amzn.to/3UsBGsm

Published on: August 19, 2025

From the publisher: What happens when friendship goes too far?

What I Liked About Influenced:

I’m intrigued by influencers. I’m a sucker for a good reality show. What I don’t usually think about is how the person became an influencer in the first place or how it has changed their life. This story is centered around two high school girls in the 10th grade. Elizabeth, known as “Bliss” online, has cerebral palsy and became an instant Tik Tok sensation by accident. Lainey, like many other people, starts to respond to Bliss and believes that Bliss is now her best friend.

My heart went out to Bliss. She always wanted to be an influencer, until she didn’t. She realizes that it isn’t as easy as it looks, and it can start controlling her life. It also starts controlling her relationships with people. Lainey is dealing with divorced parents, and a twin brother who moves across the country to live with their dad and his new family.

Littman and Otis portrayed the high school characters in a very true way. Between friendships, bullies, family problems and the romances that start to blossom, high school is hard. I’m just so thankful that I didn’t have social media around to throw that into the mix. The characters are realistic, and I believe that young adults will enjoy this book. I also believe that I will never be too old to enjoy a good YA book myself. This would be a great book for discussion in any secondary classroom.

Influenced is an easy read. It is told from two different viewpoints, and in different timelines. I like how the authors threw in some surprises by setting up the book this way.

Two teenage girls sitting outside, engaged with their smartphones. One girl, in a wheelchair, is wearing a gray hoodie and the other has blonde hair in a denim jacket. This is from the book Influenced.

My Favorite Quote From Influenced:

“True friends can spread their roots and grow in different directions. But we’re still part of the same tree, no matter how far our roots spread.”

So many of my past students are heading off to college this month. I kept thinking about them as I read this quote. You can be miles away from your friends. Your life can change drastically, even as an adult, from that of your friends. But if you are true friends, none of that will matter.

Where To Buy Influenced and More:

Thank you to NetGalley, Scholastic, Sarah Darer Littman and Cindy L. Otis for my free copy of this book. This is my honest review.

Now, I’d love to hear from you: Who is your favorite influencer and why? I’d love to hear the stories.

Falling Into Place by Allison Ashley: A Rom-Com Review

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Did you ever “crush” on the sibling of one of your friends? Fantasies about your best friend’s brother usually don’t turn out well, but what if they did? Falling Into Place by Allison Ashley is a witty rom-com that explores just that, making it the perfect read for a cozy summer day. Take an up-and-coming fashion stylist in Oklahoma and mix it with a broody, reclusive doctor, and you have the perfect mix.

Cover of the book 'Falling Into Place' by Allison Ashley, featuring a blue background with pink text, illustration of a male doctor and a female character, along with playful cats and flowers.

4/5 stars ★★★★☆

To read more about the story line: https://amzn.to/3HpDcbG

Published on: August 19, 2025

From the publisher: “Finding a date for a reclusive bachelor is her job. It’s also a risk when she becomes the perfect match in an emotional and hopeful romance by the author of If Tomorrow Never Comes.“

What I Liked About Falling Into Place:

This is a feel-good book, but it was more than that for me. I enjoyed the relationship between the two main characters, Carly and Brooks. Ashley created two characters that were relatable in today’s world. Carly, an accoutant who does personal styling on the side, fantasized about her best friend’s brother, Brooks, while in high school. Brooks was popular in high school, however, he has changed his ways while becoming a doctor. Now, he would rather tend to his garden and play with his cat in his spare time. When Carly starts styling Brooks in order to get a date, things change for both of them. The idea of getting Brooks ready for his dates on a “Bachelor” adventure around Oklahoma was fun to read.

The most compelling part, though, was the relationship between Brooks and his coach from high school. After Brooks’ mom passed away while he was in school, Coach kept pushing him to toughen up and purse his dreams. I think it’s sweet how Coach was always there for him. I also resonated with the relationship that Brooks has with his two older sisters. It was these relationships that made me want to keep reading.

“But with love, it’s not as much about what you win if you hedge your bets just right. It’s about what you stand to lose if you don’t.”

While the ending may be predictable, the journey to get there, filled with heartwarming subplots and authentic character relationships, is what makes Falling Into Place a truly rewarding read. This is why I gave it four stars.

A smiling male doctor in a white coat and scrubs stands next to a stylish woman in a pink blouse and black suit, discussing documents in a bright, modern office setting. These are the characters from Falling Into Place by Allison Ashley.

Where To Buy The Book and More:

Thank you to NetGalley, Montlake, and Allison Ashley for my free copy of this book. This is my honest review.

Now, I’d love to hear from you: Did you ever have a crush on the sibling of one of your friends?

In The Veins Of The Drowning By Kalie Cassidy: A New Romantasy

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A 5-Star Review of Kalie Cassidy’s Unforgettable Siren Story

Are you a big fan of romantasy books (romance + fantasy)? I don’t read a lot of this genre. However, after reading In the Veins of the Drowning by Kalie Cassidy, she has turned me into a fan. The storyline of a Siren becoming bonded with a king hooked me right from the beginning.

Book cover of 'In the Veins of the Drowning' by Kalie Cassidy featuring a Siren in water surrounded by ornate golden designs.

5/5 stars ★★★★★

Published on: July 15, 2025

You can read more about the storyline at: https://amzn.to/3H7V2zW

From the publisher: An “atmospheric and evocative” (Rachel Gillig) romantasy about a threatened Siren who forges a bond with a brooding, self-righteous king in order to flee the king who raised her. Perfect for fans of One Dark Window and For the Wolf. 

What I Liked About In the Veins of the Drowning:

As I said, I am not usually a fan of this genre, so it’s shocking even to me that I gave it five stars.

Imogene’s Character Arc: A difficult past under an oppressive king makes her journey to freedom and self-discovery incredibly compelling.

The Chemistry: The bond between Imogene and Theo is a classic slow-burn romance that had me cheering for them from their first meeting.

Genre: Cassidy masterfully blends a rich fantasy world with the emotional depth of a romance novel. Who knew I would want to learn more about Sirens now?

Even though the storylines don’t align, this book also reminded me a lot of The Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros. It had adventure, romance, evil monsters, war, but in a way, it still seemed realistic.

What I Would Change:

This is part of a series. The second book is currently being written. There is a sneak peek of the first chapter in the back of this book. I wish it had less of a cliffhanger, and was a more independent book. (This might be because I didn’t want it to end!) That is just my own taste, though, because I tend to forget to read more books in a series when they come out. I wish it had more of a definitive ending that would still make me want to read the next book.

Final Thoughts:

I highly recommend this book. It has adventure, romance, war, some sexual content, violence, and of course, fantasy. This book will stay with me for a while. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series. It’s truly hard to believe that this is Cassidy’s debut novel.

Where To Buy The Book and More:

Thank you to NetGalley, Little, Brown & Co, and Kalie Cassidy for my free copy of this book. This is my honest review.

Now, I’d love to hear from you: What is your favorite romantasy book? I think I want to read more. Share your thoughts in the comments below!

From Air by Jewel E. Ann: A Heartfelt Romance

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Have you ever experienced finding love in the strangest of places? From Air by Jewel E. Ann is a good blend of romance, heartache, friendship, and traumatic pasts. The story line pulls you in right away with lovable, realistic characters.

Book cover for 'From Air' by Jewel E. Ann featuring a couple embracing in a field, conveying themes of romance and connection.

Curious about the premise? You can read more about it here: https://amzn.to/3T4veac

4/5 stars ★★★★☆

Published: November 26, 2024

From The Publisher:

“Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author Jewel E. Ann parachutes into the burning, hazardous heart of love in a sexy yet dramatic romance set in Big Sky country.“

What I Liked About From Air:

I sat and read From Air while in Montana, about 2 hours from Missoula, where From Air takes place. I have vacationed around Missoula many times. It is the perfect setting to have firefighters and a traveling nurse all living together.

The characters are well-written, and at times, you will feel their love, friendship, and grief throughout the story. My favorite part was their banter. It worked without being over the top. I always enjoy witty bantering between friends. It’s definitely how I relate to my own friends. You cheer on each of the characters. I find this hard to do while reading most books. There is usually a character that I highly dislike or don’t care about, but that wasn’t the case in this book.

The pacing was good; it is definitely a slow-burn story, but enough happens throughout the story to keep you interested.

This is the first book in the Wildfire series, and I’m excited to read the next one. They are companion books, and both are currently on Kindle Unlimited.

What other books by Jewel E. Ann have you read? Let me know what else I should read by her. This is my first one by this author.

This is how I pictured “Fisk” on the job:

A firefighter in From Air descending by rope from a helicopter, equipped with protective gear and a harness, in front of a smoky forest and visible flames in the background.

My Favorite Quote:

** “…because I made you my person, and you don’t fit in my life, but my life no longer fits me without you.”

The last part of that sentence! It holds so much meaning, and I love how it is worded. Yes, I’m a word geek, and I appreciate when a simple phrase captures a whole feeling.

Extras:

You can buy From Air at: https://amzn.to/43UtS8e

*If you want to read more of my book reviews, you can find them at: https://judiholst.com/book-reviews/

*If you missed my post about my Top Books of 2024, you can find it at: https://judiholst.com/top-20-books-that-i-loved-in-2024/

Thank you to NetGalley, Montlake, and Jewel E. Ann for sharing this book with me. This is my honest opinion.

Promise Me Sunshine By Cara Bastone: A Story About Healing Through Love

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I don’t handle grief well. Let’s just put that out there. I’m terrified of losing anyone that I love. When I saw that Promise Me Sunshine by Cara Bastone was about a woman getting over the death of her best friend, I knew I had to read it. This was such a beautiful story. It isn’t just a romance book. It’s also about learning to live again. I am so glad that I read it!

Book cover of 'Promise Me Sunshine' by Cara Bastone featuring two characters looking out at a sunset by the water, with a peace symbol buoy in the foreground.

5/5 stars ★★★★★

You can buy it at: https://amzn.to/4iuGpDs

What Promise Me Sunshine Is About:

Lenny’s best friend/soul-mate/confidante/roommate just died from cancer. She isn’t sure how to go on living. She can’t return to her apartment because of the memories, and she doesn’t know where to turn. She agrees to a temporary babysitting job, and her whole world changes when she meets Miles, Ainsley, and Reese.

My Thoughts on Promise Me Sunshine:

The romance genre generally isn’t my favorite to read, but I loved this book. I instantly liked all of the characters. Do you know someone who says whatever she thinks, goes to the extreme in what she does, and loves with her whole heart? That’s Lenny. Do you know someone who comes across as gruff, but is a big teddy bear? That’s Miles. Ainsley is a crack-up and a lovable kid. Reese, her mom, is working through the grief of losing her own dad. All of the characters are well-developed in the story, and you can’t help but cheer each of them on.

I love that Lenny made up stories about the people she meets, especially if she feels they could be a love interest. How her future looks with that person always made me laugh. I like doing that about people also.

The Story Line:

It is the story line that truly grabbed me, though. I, too, have a best friend that I met when I was five, just like Lenny and Lou. I can’t imagine life without her. I cried so many times as Lenny learns to deal with her grief. Bastone, the author, does a wonderful job of showing how someone works through the grieving process. It was a list that was created when Lou was sick that takes Lenny on a wonderful adventure, and it’s Miles that shows her how to love life again.

I did have a question about one part of the story. At one point, Lenny and Miles don’t have any electricity, and they have to search for things in the dark. Why didn’t they just use the flashlight on their phone? A minor point, I know, but it made me curious.

I gave this book five out of five stars. I couldn’t wait to get back to the story each time, and that tells me how much I like a book. I like when a book makes me laugh, cry, think, and wish I knew the characters. I definitely recommend it.

This was just published in March, 2025, so it would make a great Mother’s Day gift. You wouldn’t have to worry if she has read it or not. https://amzn.to/44AgM0t

My Favorite Quotes:

By Miles, “Something good for you, something bad for you, and a change in scenery. That’s the winning formula.” It was how he dealt with his own grief.

From Lenny, “I’ve just cracked the code. How to live a perfect existence: just embrace it all, every lovely excruciating color.”

Thank You:

Thank you to NetGalley, Cara Barstone, and Random House Publishers for my free copy of this book. This is my honest review.

Extras:

If you enjoyed this book, I would also recommend because of they are drama/romance books too:

  1. The Favorites by Layne Fargo
  2. Catch The Sun by Jennifer Hartmann
  3. The Days I Loved You Most by Amy Neff

My New Favorite Product:

My Kindle died recently, so I had to get a new one. Of course, this also meant a new cover. I love my new Vori cover because you can hold it with the strap if you are laying down, or use the stand if you are sitting in a chair. You can hold it with either hand. Plus, they have a lot of great designs to choose from. It is absolutely perfect, and I highly recommend it.

https://amzn.to/3RlP684

The Favorites by Layne Fargo: A Compelling Ice-Dance Love Story

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Love. Scandal. Competition. Obsession. What more could you ask for in a book? I’m sure that The Favorites by Layne Fargo will be in my Top 10 books of 2025. I absolutely loved this book.

5/5 stars ★★★★★

https://amzn.to/3E43qhV

About The Favorites:

Take two childhood friends who later become fierce partners in the ice-dancing world. Their goal is the the gold in the Olympics. But at what cost will it take to get there? Is it worth giving up their love, their friendships, and anything that gets in their way?

The narrative alternates between a documentary-type script set ten years later and the point of view of Katarina Shaw. Katarina Shaw, the ice dancer, is the woman who wanted it all. Heath is her ice-dance partner, childhood friend, and lover. They are a fierce couple that I kept cheering on throughout the book.

My Thoughts On The Favorites:

This is a must read! I was entrenched in the story of Katarina and Heath. It’s not a normal love story, if that is what you are looking for in a book. At times, you will love and hate both of these characters, but I couldn’t stop thinking about them. Payne does a magnificent job with characterization and detail. I found myself wondering how she knew so much about the skating world and the players involved.

This would be a great book for a book club. There is so much to discuss. I truly hope that it is made into a movie. There are complex friendships, family problems, views about women in a competitive world of the Olympics, and a scandalous behind-the-scenes look of a torrent love affair.

Kudos, Layne Fargo. I am now a fan of your writing.

Other Books Like It:

  1. Daisy Jones and The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid
  2. Catch The Sun by Jennifer Hartmann

Extras:

You can buy this book at: https://amzn.to/3Wt62MN

*If you want to read more of my book reviews, you can find them at: https://judiholst.com/book-reviews/

*If you missed my post about my Top Books of 2024, you can find it at: https://judiholst.com/top-20-books-that-i-loved-in-2024/

Thank you to NetGalley, Random Books Publishing, and Layne Fargo for my free copy of this book. This is my honest review.

Dorian Box’s The Girl Goes Home (Emily Calby #4)

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I think I squealed a little when I saw there that was another book in the Emily Calby series by Dorian Box. The Girl Goes Home was just published at the beginning of January, 2025. If you haven’t read this series yet, I encourage you to do so. The whole series is heartbreaking and uplifting at the same time.

5/5 stars ★★★★★

https://amzn.to/3WdbxPB

Cover of 'The Girl Goes Home' by Dorian Box, featuring a mysterious road leading into a foggy forest with the title prominently displayed.

I was captivated by the story line of a twelve-year-old girl whose family was murdered, but she managed to escape. In each book, the reader learns more about Emily’s life. I’m not going to share about her life, in case you haven’t read the previous books yet. You should definitely start with Book 1, The Hiding Girl.

A twelve-year-old girl with long blonde hair and a serious expression, standing in an urban alleyway, wearing a gray shirt and a backpack in A Girl Goes Home.

About The Girl Goes Home:

The Girl Goes Home picks up Emily’s life when she is twenty-four and a lawyer. She wants answers to the questions about her past. However, there are too many people that want to keep those answers a secret. Emily’s need to be the heroine in other people’s stories also puts her life in danger. She meets up with her childhood best friend, becomes enchanted with another lawyer in town, and encounters those that only care about money and power. Emily just wants justice. Luckily, Lucas, her protector and father-figure, is there right beside her.

A smiling young woman with blonde hair and a young man with a beard stand closely together, enjoying a sunny day outdoors in The Girl Goes Home.

My Thoughts On The Girl Goes Home:

Once again, Dorian Box has written an exciting, adventurous, heartbreaking, and uplifting book. To be honest, I don’t think I would have loved it as much if I had not read the whole series first. I think you should definitely do that. It answers so many questions from the previous books.

I love the characters of Emily and Lucas. His fierce love as her father-figure is endearing. Plus, Emily is a badass, and you have to love a strong, female character.

Box does a wonderful job of showing how Emily deals with her past trauma. He examines her internal struggles as an adult. He also explores how a childhood trauma can affect every single part of your life.

I definitely recommend this whole series. I would say that Book 2 and 4 were my favorites, but I liked each one.

I gave this book five out of five stars because of the adventure, mystery, and romance part of the book. I hope there will still be more books in this series.

Other Books Like It:

Here are some other books that remind me of this series.

  1. Target Acquired by Lynette Eason
  2. Beyond Reasonable Doubt by Robert Dugoni
  3. House of Glass by Sarah Pekkanen

Extras:

*If you want to read more of my book reviews, you can find them at: https://judiholst.com/book-reviews/

*If you missed my post about my Top Books of 2024, you can find it at: https://judiholst.com/top-20-books-that-i-loved-in-2024/

Thank you to NetGalley, Friction Press, and Dorian Box for my free copy of this book. This is my honest review.

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