Everything I Read in September 2026 – Part 2
Yesteryear
This book has been on my TBR list for months though I was unsure how I would feel about it. It’s a polarizing book with people either loving it or hating it. Once I finished it, I could understand why. I loved this book but mainly because I hated everything about every character. I know that sounds strange but I want a book that makes me feel something deeply. That could be love, sadness, hatred, disgust, etc but negative feelings about characters does not always mean the book is bad. Additionally, there was a strong satirical element to this story that I have not seen before which it so much more interesting. The premise of the book is detailing the life of a trad-wife social media influencer. It follows her life up until she wakes up one day in the 1800’s without any of the modern conveniences she is used to. She feels trapped and conflicted living in a time that she has been cosplaying in modern day. Honestly, I could write an entire essay on this book and dissect every little detail because it has so much to unpack. This was a personal favorite but I can see why so many dislike the book. Rating: 9
Two Kinds of Stranger
I’ve read another book in this series which I really loved. I did not love this one as much as the previous but it was still an entertaining read. The series follows a lawyer, Eddie Flynn, who spent the first formative years of his life as a conman committing crimes. Because of his checkered past, he brings a unique perspective to his current role as a defense attorney. Eddie is SOOOOO New York which is probably why I love this series so much. LOL Social media influencer, Elly Parker, has built her entire platform around random acts of kindness. So when she finds her fiancee and best friend in bed together, she immediately retreats from the spotlight. While trying to decide how she will rebuild her life, she offers to help a man on crutches carry his suitcase down into the subway. The simple act of kindness sets off a domino effect that will result in her being accused of murder. She retains Eddie as her defense attorney because she has heard he is the best at what he does. And she needs someone who will fight with everything to save her life. Rating: 8.5
Dissection of a Murder
This book was very different from anything I’ve read which really captivated me from the beginning. And when you finally get to the twist!!! You will be left in complete shock. Leila is trying her first murder case as a public defender. And since she is married to one of the district attorneys, she will be arguing this case against her husband. The case centers around the murder of a prominent local judge who was brutally killed in an apartment above a nightclub. Leila feels confident in her ability to try this case though her biggest hurdle is her client (the defendant) will not give her a defense. No statement, no explanation as to what happened and only a request that he be put on the stand to tell the story to everyone (including her) at the same time. A slow burn but totally worth it in the end! Rating: 9
The Anniversary
Meh. That’s my first inclination when I want to describe this book. It’s ok but nothing special. Jules and Quinn are only teenagers when they first meet but their paths would continue to cross for decades to come. The hunting of a serial killer will be what finally brings them together in hopes of finding the man that has been terrorizing a community on the first of May every single year. The story can be a tad dull at times and doesn’t build anticipation in a meaningful way. Rating: 7
The House of Eve
Sooooo many emotions went through me while reading this book. But the story was so beautiful and worth the read. The book follows two different characters living in two separate cities who seemingly have nothing in common. And their story lines remain parallel until the very end. Ruby is a young black teenager living in Philadelphia in the 1950’s. She dreams of a way out of her current life and is on track to become the first person in her family to go to college. That is until she gets pregnant. Eleanor is a young black coed attending Howard University in Washington D.C. Coming from humble beginnings, Eleanor doesn’t want to squander this opportunity that she has to be at a prestigious university. Her plans get derailed after she falls in love with a Howard University med student who comes from one of the most prominent black families in Washington D.C. They aren’t accepting of her which threatens to ruin their relationship until they find out she is pregnant. These two women seemingly living separate lives will come together in a way no one would expect. Rating: 9
The Thoroughbreds
If you need an easy fall read that gives you cozy vibes, this sequel to The Academy is a must read. It’s one of Elin Hildebrand’s first series not set on Nantucket island. It follows students living at an elite New England boarding school and the drama surrounding their lives. There are a ton of characters but she makes it easy to follow so you can keep up with each storyline. I loved it as I do all of Hildebrand’s books despite it’s new setting. Rating: 8.5
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