THE CHELSEA GIRLS: Fiona Davis
This historical fiction chronicles the friendship of two creative women, Maxine and Hazel, through the McCarthy era in 1950s American history. Hazel is a struggling theater actor who discovers her passion for playwriting, and Maxine is a bold, yet mysterious, actress. They meet while on tour with the USO during WW2 and their friendship blossoms. They spend time apart after the war, but meet again, both moving into the Chelsea Hotel. I enjoyed how the Chelsea Hotel was it’s own character, strong and beautiful. This book was really interesting and well researched. The twists and turns that Hazel and Maxine’s friendship took over the course of the book kept me reading and hoping for the best for them. There were men that got in the way, stabs in the back, and so many secrets. It ended on a somber note, but it felt honest to the time period. This was my second Fiona Davis read and I am a big fan.

THE EX HEX: Erin Sterling
I enjoyed this spooky season romance. Vivi is a timid witch, who puts a seemingly-innocent curse on Rhys, because he left town and broke her heart. She didn’t think it was a real curse, though, until he returns to town 9 years later and things start going haywire. They, along with Vivi’s aunt and cousin, have to figure out how to remove the curse before the town goes up in flames. Of course, Vivi and Rhys’ romance rekindles (and gets pretty hot) as the book goes on. The setting had very *spooky Stars Hollow* vibes, which I loved. I liked the relationships between Vivi and her aunt and her cousin. I appreciate that the plot of “9 years apart” gave Vivi and Rhys time to become their own people, but 9 years just seems like a daaang long time to still be caught up about an ex, especially since the initial relationship was only for 3 months. But it worked out in the end, and there’s no denying they had a passionate connection.

YOU HAVE A MATCH: Emma Lord
This book had such a great feeling, like it kept me warm while I was reading it. It was very wholesome and just a great read. Abby takes a DNA test for a school project and finds out she has an exact match sister, Savannah, who lives close by. They set up a plan to go to summer camp together, to get to know each other and to figure out why Savvy was adopted. I love a good summer camp setting, and though she resisted them at first, the friendships Abby made there were deep and meaningful. There was just enough – but not too much, or unrealistic – teen drama. Abby and Leo’s friendship was so sweet and wholesome. It all wrapped up really nicely!