READING
BOOK-CLUB-SHELF
Crown Chronicles
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Past Page Turners
TM
"Verity" by Colleen Hoover
Twists, turns, and jaw-dropping secrets? Say less. For our first book club read, we dived into the wild ride of Verity, and whew—let's say you wanted to buckle up. Whether you were a Colleen Hoover newbie or a seasoned CoHo stan, this one had us flipping pages and questioning everything.
Verity had me stressed out in the best possible way. From the first chapter, I was hooked and questioning everyone. The characters were chaotic, the twists were unsettling, and I never knew what was coming next.
The real fun came during our book club discussion—we were all equally confused, disturbed, and suspicious of everyone. If you enjoy psychological thrillers that keep you guessing long after the final page, Verity is definitely worth the ride.
Christal rated it
4/5
"The Great Alone" by
Kristin Hannah
We once journeyed through The Great Alone, a novel that carried us deep into the untamed beauty of Alaska—a place where the wilderness was as unforgiving as it was mesmerizing. The story unfolded as a stirring exploration of resilience, love, and the hidden reserves of courage we often discover only when life gives us no other choice.
Kristin Hannah painted a tale as vast and haunting as the Alaskan frontier itself, leaving us with a read that lingered long after the final page.
Maria rated it
5/5
The reviews that I saw of this book warned me that it would be a tearjerker, and they weren’t kidding! This was an emotional roller coaster of a read. It’s definitely an inspirational story of strength and resilience against unpredictable darkness and wilderness, and made me appreciate even the most basic comforts that I have in my own life. Because I certainly couldn’t tough it out growing up in Alaska like Leni. Very excited to continue reading books by this author, though I hope I shed less tears over the next one!
"I Who Have Never Known Men" by Jacqueline Harpman. Translated by Ros Schwartz
Our last book club pick, I Who Have Never Known Men by Jacqueline Harpman, invited us into a world both haunting and unforgettable. In this stark and mysterious story, thirty-nine women lived in confinement, cut off from the world they once knew, until a sudden chance at freedom changed everything. The novel quietly unraveled questions of who we are when the world we know no longer exists.
Thought-provoking, atmospheric, and deeply human—this novel sparked rich conversation and reflection.
Maria rated it
5/5
As a lover of dystopian and science fiction, this dark little book was definitely up my alley. The story never promises an explanation or a happy ending, and left me with more questions than answers. I was left wondering about my own choices, freedom, and what role I would play in the world within this book. My questions made me reflect on my own life, which is something I really value as a reader. 5 stars!
"The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo" by Taylor Jenkins Reid.
We stepped into the glittering, shadowed world of old Hollywood with The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid. Through the voice of a reclusive icon finally ready to tell her truth, we explored the price of fame, the weight of secrets, and the many lives a single woman can live in plain sight.
Maria rated it
4/5
It's not easy to get through a book where the protagonist is both unlikable and unrelatable. But I'm glad I pushed through to get the answers to the mysteries the author sets up for us from the start. Who is the real love of Evelyn's life? How did Evelyn and Monique's lives intertwine? And how do their stories end? Getting a glimpse of how chaotic life may have in early Hollywood did make me feel sympathy for the seemingly perfect women who "had it all" - the real women who inspired Evelyn's character.
"The Nightingale" by Kristin Hannah.
We stepped into the powerful and heart-wrenching world of The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah, a story that carried us into wartime France through the lives of two sisters whose courage is tested in very different ways. As the realities of war close in, we witness how ordinary women can rise to extraordinary strength when faced with impossible choices.
Through their journeys, we explored the quiet resilience, sacrifice, and fierce love that can endure even in the darkest times. This unforgettable novel sparked meaningful conversations about bravery, survival, and the enduring power of the human spirit.
Maria rated it
5/5
This book is a great example of why I love World War II historical fiction. I think everyone should read this genre to be reminded of both how cruel and how beautiful humanity can be. You really get a sense of what it's like to live through wartime from this book. I especially appreciate that it shows what it took to survive the war as a woman. People often only think about the suffering endured by men on the frontlines. Meanwhile, as this book shows, women back home carried heavy burdens, stepped up with great courage, and risked their own lives to protect their loved ones and their country. It's a beautiful, vivid, heart-wrenching read.
