Lori Nelson Spielman lives in East Lansing, Michigan, with her husband and a very spoiled cat. A former speech pathologist and guidance counselor, she currently works as a homebound teacher for inner-city students. Lori enjoys fitness running, traveling, and reading, though writing is her true passion. She spends her winters cursing the god-awful Michigan winters, and her summers sailing the glorious shores of Lake Michigan. THE LIFE LIST is Lori's first novel.
The Memory Gardener (2025) Meg Donohue "Meg Donohue transports her readers into another world of flora and fauna so gloriously described that I could feel the air cool when we stepped into the shady gardens. The Memory Gardener is sensual, lush, mesmerizing, and magical."
A Dark and Secret Magic (2024) Wallis Kinney "Wallis Kinney weaves a bewitching tale of magic and romance. With a heady dose of dark magic tempered by beautiful prose and smart, loveable characters, A Dark and Secret Magic is a celebration of love and hope."
Nice Work, Nora November (2024) Julia London "I love a gal with a list, and Nora November makes hers in reverse! With equal measure of heft and humor, this clever novel is brimming with inspiration, tenderness, hope, and heart. If you're looking for a feel-good story that will bring cheers and groans, laughter and tears, look no further than NICE WORK, NORA NOVEMBER. It is a triumph to the dreamer, to the nonconformist, to the one who dares to take control and change her life."
The Incorrigibles (2024) Meredith Jaeger "The Incorrigibles is a sensitively explored and thoughtfully rendered story showcasing the courage and determination of two strong-but-wronged women from different generations. Jaeger deftly weaves dual timelines so equally compelling that each time the narrative shifted, I was disappointed to see it end. The Incorrigibles is a heartbreaking admonition of women's oppression, and a hopeful reminder of their resilience and grit. A triumphant tale chronicling the cruel bonds of oppression and the sweeping, invincible bonds of friendship. A captivating read! One of those rare books that both captivates and elucidates. I savored every page."
The Unfortunate Side Effects of Heartbreak and Magic (2023) Breanne Randall "An enchanting tale of love and loss, heartbreak and hope that bewitched me from get-go! Breanne Randall combines exquisite prose and vivid worldbuilding to create an utterly charming novel filled with magic, mystery, and mouthwatering recipes. If you're in need of a bit of magic and a heaping dose of hope, look no further than The Unfortunate Side Effects of Heartbreak and Magic. Fans of Alice Hoffman and Sarah Addison Allen will flock to this enchanting novel. Breanne Randall's magical debut is sure to cast a spell on its fortunate readers."
La Vie, According to Rose (2023) Lauren Parvizi "Lauren Parvizi deftly weaves romance and intrigue, hardship and humor, culminating in a clever, thoughtful novel that's at once light-hearted and tender. La Vie, According to Rose reminds us that sometimes everything we've been searching for is right in front of us - or perhaps in Paris! A charming romp through Paris and Provence, a mysterious expat, a blossoming romance between two delightfully flawed characters - this novel has it all! Magnifique! A treat from start to finish!"
Jane and Edward (2023) Melodie Edwards "I adored this book! Jane & Edward is instantly captivating and utterly charming. I found myself smiling (sometimes through tears) from start to finish. This sexy, funny, razor-sharp rom-com is one of the best books I've read all year. Melodie Edwards delivers a first-rate, modern take on the classic Jane Eyre, so deliciously romantic that Charlotte Bronte herself would be dazzled."
The Spice Master at Bistro Exotique (2022) Samantha Vérant "The Spice Master of Bistro Exotique is a romantic and culinary delight, from its delicious start to its tantalizing finish! In Samantha Verant's signature style, mouthwatering recipes are woven into a steamy rom-com, resulting in a story that will leave you sated and smiling and deeply satisfied. With a gorgeous Parisian setting, mouthwatering recipes, and two hilarious and worthy protagonists, Verant knocks it out of the park with this laugh-out-loud funny romantic comedy."
Out of the Clear Blue Sky (2022) Kristan Higgins "Reading a Kristan Higgins novel is like spending time with a dear friend, one who understands your soul, captivates your senses...and every now and then makes you snort with laughter. Higgins never disappoints! If you're looking for a novel brimming with heart and humor, look no further than Out of the Clear Blue Sky. Each time I opened this book, it felt like reuniting with a dear friend. With her trademark wit, Higgins' tackles tough issues, and does so with sensitivity and heart. Out of the Clear Blue Sky is everything I love in women's fiction--smart, hilarious, and brimming with heart and hope."
The Last Dress from Paris (2022) Jade Beer "I devoured this multigenerational masterpiece! Jade Beer invites her reader on a glamorous treasure hunt through Paris, searching for exquisite Dior dresses and secrets from the past. The Last Dress from Paris is a stunning mix of haute couture, romance, scandal, and intrigue. With breathtaking prose and a stunning Paris backdrop, Jade Beer offers a tender, heartfelt look at love and friendship, and the sacrifices we make for both."
Our Last Days in Barcelona (2022) (Cuba Saga, book 5) Chanel Cleeton "Fans who've come to expect Cleeton's brilliant storytelling, vivid descriptions, historically accurate events, and beloved characters will rejoice in this extraordinary novel of heartbreak and resilience."
Everything Must Go (2022) Camille Pagán "I adored Everything Must Go! There is so much wisdom and heart packed into these pages, and the Francis sisters stole my heart; I found myself wishing I were part of this complicated, lively, and lovable family. A beautiful exploration of love and friendship, secrets and regrets, exquisitely presented with Pagan's lyrical prose and trademark wit, this novel is a must-read for anyone who has a dream deferred and is finally ready to reclaim it."
The Next Thing You Know (2022) Jessica Strawser "Jessica Strawser does it again-first-rate storytelling, a fresh, unique premise, and a didn't-see-that-coming twist, resulting in a book that's unputdownable! Strawser spins a wise, thought-provoking story that crackles with tension and intrigue. Perfect for book clubs, The Next Thing You Know will have you pondering end-of-life issues, and guessing the final, shocking twist."
The Myth of Surrender (2022) Kelly O'Connor McNees "A brave and important book. McNees's literary acumen is on full display in this beautiful, deeply affecting novel. She explores what it meant to be unwed and pregnant in mid-century America with sensitivity, erudition, and first-rate storytelling. Impossible to put down, this is a spell-binding tale of deceit, abuse, and ultimately, reclamation."
30 Things I Love About Myself (2022) Radhika Sanghani "I adored everything about this hilarious, clever, uplifting novel! 30 Things I Love About Myself is a laugh-out-loud, feel-good novel that will leave you inspired and hopeful and downright happy! A truly gifted storyteller... Sanghani's charmingly flawed characters are so lovable and authentic you'll feel like you're part of the Mistry family. In turns uproariously funny and tenderly touching, 30 Things I Love About Myself is the perfect antidote for today's stressful world."
To Sir, With Love (2021) Lauren Layne "Fans of Nora Ephron will adore this ... Lauren Layne puts a fresh spin on a favorite classic, creating a charming, witty, heartfelt tale of hope and love and second chances."
Lizzie & Dante (2021) Mary Bly "Prepare to be swept away on an Italian holiday, one that sizzles with romance, intrigue, and mouthwatering cuisine."
The Break-Up Book Club (2021) Wendy Wax "The Break-Up Book Club is a glorious celebration of female friendships and empowerment. Once again, Wendy Wax, the queen of women's fiction, hits a homerun. She shows us what it means to be let down, only to be lifted up, higher and more determined than ever.... A heartfelt lesson in the beauty of book clubs, where people of every age, race, and social status unite behind their love of words, and ultimately, each other. Every town should have a Break-Up Book Club!"
Lost, Found, and Forever (2021) Victoria Schade "Chock full of heart and humor, anyone who has ever been redeemed by the love of a dog will treasure this uplifting, big-hearted novel."
Hadley and Grace (2021) Suzanne Redfearn "Three children, two women, and one goal: freedom. Suzanne Redfearn takes us on a wild and highly entertaining cross-country romp with two lovable female fugitives hell-bent on starting anew. I cheered, I whooped, I cringed and cowered…this book captures every emotion. If you’re looking for a fun, fast-paced story with hilariously humane characters you grow to love, look no further than Hadley and Grace. Move over, Thelma and Louise…Hadley and Grace have arrived!"
The Night Portrait (2020) Laura Morelli "Laura Morelli’s The Night Portrait is simply a masterpiece. Morelli imagines a sophisticated plot, fleshes it out with historically significant characters, and spins it into a truly spectacular read. Rarely have I been so caught up in a book as I was with this unforgettable tale of bravery and love, hope and redemption. Fans of Kristin Hannah’s The Nightingale and Anthony Doerr’s All the Light We Cannot See will delight in this epic novel."
Well-Behaved Indian Women (2020) Saumya Dave "Well-Behaved Indian Women is a lesson in dreaming passionately, loving deeply, and living authentically. Dave reminds us that it's never too late to resurrect an abandoned dream. This stunning debut is a celebration of women-- their loves and loyalties, dreams and disappointments, hopes and heartbreaks."
Brunch and Other Obligations (2020) Suzanne Nugent "Brunch and Other Obligations is women’s fiction at its finest! A tender, witty, heartfelt novel that had me laughing out loud in one chapter and reaching for tissues in the next. With humor, heart, and hope, Nugent reminds us that, once in a lifetime, if we’re very, very lucky, we just might find a friend who knows us better than we know ourselves."
Woman on the Edge (2019) Samantha M Bailey "A captivating thriller. . . . Bailey masterfully spins a chilling tale of deceit and duplicity that will have you guessing until the very end. Filled with unexpected twists, tight prose, and penetrating characters, this novel heralds the arrival of an immensely talented author."
We Hope for Better Things (2019) Erin Bartels "Storytelling at its finest. A timely, sobering, moving account of how far we've come . . . and how much distance remains to be covered."
Mrs. Saint and the Defectives (2017) Julie Lawson Timmer "I savored every page of this delicious novel. Charming and poignant, funny and wise, Mrs. Saint and the Defectives is perfect for fans of Fredrik Backman and Anne Tyler."
In This Moment (2017) Karma Brown "[A] heartbreaking yet hopeful tale... Karma Brown is a talented new voice in women's fiction."
Unstrung (2017) Laura Spinella "Spinella’s writing is flawless and her story-telling captivating. A must-read for anyone who has ever looked back and wondered, ‘What if…’"
