I've read several books by Mitch Albom and loved them all.  I'm probably one of a very few people who hasn't read The Five People You Meet in Heaven, and I was slightly worried that since this was a sequel of sorts or a continuation of that story that I might have trouble following the book.  I found this not to be the case at all.  I was touched by this story and feel that it can definitely stand on its own.  

Mitch Albom's books always make me take a step back and think about life, how every day we touch someone's life, sometimes without even knowing it.  I'd love to talk about all the ways this book was special to me, but I feel that it would only spoil the reading experience for others.  I will just simply say this book is worth the journey and I highly recommend it.  Mitch Albom is a tremendous storyteller and this book is certainly no exception.  I think it would make a lovely gift and you could even package both The Five People You Meet in Heaven along with The Next Person You Meet in Heaven as a special present.  

I received this book courtesy of Harper Collins through Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.  

My Squirrel Days basically details Ellie Kemper's rise to fame and her journey along the way.  I enjoyed her quirky character on The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt and since my son is a big fan of Julie's Greenroom on Netflix, I've watched the episode numerous times where Ellie teaches the kids about improv. 

While I enjoyed learning about how Ellie became the star she is today, I probably most enjoyed the stories about her personal life and growing up.  My favorite passages were about her unique method of washing her dad's car and also her reaction to germs as a first time mom.  Those were both laugh out loud moments for me.  

I received this book courtesy of Scribner through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  

Jodi Picoult is a literary icon and the thing I most appreciate about her books is how she deals with controversial topics and makes you see sides of an issue that maybe you had not considered before or enlightens you to an alternative viewpoint.  A Spark of Light is no different.  It considers all the lives that are touched when a shooter enters an abortion clinic in Mississippi.  It features a diverse cast of characters: Wren, the young high schooler who entered the clinic to obtain birth control; Bex, Wren's aunt, that took Wren to the clinic so that she wouldn't have to get her father's consent; Joy, who is at the clinic for an abortion; Janine, who is a pro-life advocate that entered the clinic posing as a pregnant woman wanting an abortion so that she could uncover information to be used against the clinic; Izzy, the clinic nurse who is also pregnant herself; George Goddard, the shooter who came to avenge his daughter; Dr. Louie Ward, the doctor who performs the abortions; and Hugh, the hostage negotiator and Wren's father.  

A Spark of Light is so well researched and really delves into such a weighty issue with a finesse that only Jodi Picoult can.  It is the epitome of a conversation starter and it touches on things that could only benefit people on both sides of the issue to consider.  

I would recommend this novel, but I will say that the format of the storytelling takes a little getting used to.  The story opens with the ending of the day at the clinic and then flashes back an hour at a time, so for me, that did interrupt the flow of the storyline some.  After finishing the novel, I did go back and re-read the first chapter so that I could remind myself how the storylines ended for a few of the characters.    

This is a novel that will stay with me for some time and as always, I have a deeper appreciation for Jodi Picoult's prowess as an author after reading her work.  

I received this book courtesy of Random House Publishing Group Ballantine Books through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  

The Glass Ocean provides a unique historical glimpse into two very different female passengers as they set sail on board the RMS Lusitania and in 2013, a young writer looking for inspiration for her next novel decides to delve into her family's  connection to the RMS Lusitania.  

There couldn't be two more diverse personalities than Savannah's southern princess Caroline Hochstetter and scrappy Tessa Fairweather who has had her share of hard knocks in life, but their paths are destined to cross when they board the ill-fated Lusitania.  In the middle of both ladies is the charming Robert Langford.  

Sarah Blake is desperate to come up with a followup to her previous bestseller and decides she must travel to England to explore her family's link to the Lusitania and determine the answer to the mystery which has been closely held by her family for generations.  

I truly enjoyed this novel and the opportunity to learn more about this time in history. The Glass Ocean is mystery, intrigue, romance and historical fiction rolled all into one.  I love the concept of three of my favorite authors working together to create these unique stories and hope that there is more to come.  I think historical fiction fans will find this book very satisfying and anyone who just simply enjoys a well told story will be happy too.  A solid four star read! 

I received this book courtesy of William Morrow Harper Collins through Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.