Reviews of the 9 Books I Read in November 2025

1. Back in the Saddle by Maggie Eckersley

Caroline escapes Scotland after a brutal divorce, swearing off love for good.

But one whisky-fuelled kiss with Hunter, a charming Oklahoma cowboy, throws her plans off-course.

With his family ranch on the line and her past still raw, neither is looking for a spark… yet their connection refuses to fade.

My Rating: ★★★

This had all the ingredients of a book I usually inhale. Small-town tension, brooding cowboys, ranch dust floating in the air, but something in the execution felt a little under-seasoned.

Sweet and easy to read, but the emotional beats didn’t land as deeply as I hoped.

Still a pleasant weekend read if you love second-chance romance with gentle drama.

2. Somewhere Beyond the Sea (2) by TJ Klune

Returning to the magical world of Marsyas Island, this sequel follows Arthur, Linus, and the children as they fight to protect their home from political threats and shifting tides in the broader magical world.

It’s a story of chosen family, courage, and the quiet power of love.

My Rating: ★★★★

Tender, warm, and full of that signature TJ Klune glow.

The humour sparkles, the heart is huge, and revisiting these characters felt like stepping back into a safe harbour.

A little slow in parts, but the found-family magic makes up for it. A lovely sequel that deepens the themes without losing the charm.

3. A Day Like This by Kelley McNeil

Annie Beyers wakes up after a car accident to a reality where her daughter doesn’t exist, and her old life has vanished.

She embarks on a desperate search for answers, trying to untangle grief, memory, and the question of which reality is truly hers.

My Rating: ★★★

Such an intriguing premise, and the early chapters had me fully hooked.

But the momentum dips, and the emotional payoff didn’t quite match the promise.

Still, the atmosphere is dreamy and disorienting in a way that keeps you turning pages, and the themes of motherhood and identity are handled with care.

4. In Five Years by Rebecca Serle

Corporate lawyer Dannie has her whole life perfectly planned, until she has a vivid vision of herself five years in the future, living a completely different life with a man she’s never met.

As her carefully built world begins to shift, she’s forced to confront fate, friendship, and love in unexpected ways.

My Rating: ★★★

Emotional, bittersweet, and nothing like the rom-com the cover suggests.

I liked the themes of friendship and the idea of destiny weaving in unexpected directions, but the pacing felt uneven, and the ending didn’t fully hit the notes I wanted.

Still, it delivers some memorable, tender moments.

5. My Policeman by Bethan Roberts

In 1950s Brighton, schoolteacher Marion falls in love with Tom, a policeman who is secretly in a passionate relationship with museum curator Patrick.

What follows is a heartbreaking story of longing, repression, and the cost of choosing safety over truth.

My Rating: ★★★★

Quietly devastating. The writing is elegant and restrained, and the emotional tension builds in a way that feels almost tidal.

It’s not a fast read, but it lingers with you, heavy and aching. Beautifully crafted and deeply human.

I’ll be watching the movie adaptation with Harry Styles as soon as possible.

6. The Wedding People by Alison Espach

When a grieving woman finds herself unexpectedly staying at a seaside wedding resort, she becomes entangled in the celebrations of strangers while wrestling with her own loss.

The story explores renewal, connection, and the strange intimacy of temporary communities.

My Rating: ★★★

There’s something wonderfully offbeat about this book, and I loved the setting and the quirky mix of characters.

But the emotional through-line wavers, and the plot occasionally feels unfocused.

A contemplative, character-driven read, just not one that fully swept me away.

7. Do Not Disturb by Freida McFadden

A woman on the run checks into a remote motel, hoping to hide from her violent husband.

But as the night unfolds, secrets between guests and staff explode into a web of chaos, danger, and suspicion.

My Rating: ★★★

Pure Freida McFadden: fast, twisty, slightly unhinged.

This one feels more pulpy than her best work, but still highly readable.

I didn’t love the ending, but the pace makes it perfect for when you want a quick, popcorn thriller without overthinking things.

8. The Naturals (1) by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Cassie is recruited into a secret FBI program that trains talented teens to solve cold cases.

Living in a house with other brilliant (and sometimes unnerving) teens, she’s drawn into a dangerous investigation that hits closer to home than she expected.

My Rating: ★★★★

Addictive and atmospheric.

It’s YA Criminal Minds with great pacing, clever twists, and a cast you immediately want to spend more time with.

A little trope-y, but in a way that works. I’m definitely continuing the series.

9. I Hope This Finds You Well by Natalie Sue

When a frustrated employee accidentally gains access to her coworkers’ private messages, she goes from invisible office nobody to someone who suddenly knows everything. Truths, secrets, betrayals, and confessions included.

Chaos and clarity ensue.

My Rating: ★★★★

This is sharp, funny, and surprisingly heartfelt.

The premise is irresistible, and Natalie Sue balances humour with a quiet exploration of burnout and loneliness.

Short, punchy, laugh-out-loud and perfect if you like contemporary fiction with a bit of bite.