Book ~ "Blood Typed" (2026) Jane Doucet

From Goodreads ~ Welcome to the NOVA Prize gala dinner, where one Nova Scotian author will go home with the $100,000 grand prize ... unless they don't go home at all.

Val Jenkins is stuck. A journalist for the Halifax Post, she's been writing a local books column for over a decade. But ever since she was a precocious Nancy Drew wannabe, she's longed to cover the crime beat.

When the gala ceremony approaches for the annual NOVA Prize, one of the most prestigious literary awards in Canada, Val anticipates more of the same old thing: authors in various interpretations of "formal" wear, hiding their simmering jealousies while dreaming of the life-changing prize money. But this year, something happens that no one could have expected.

Murder.

The off-beat cast of shortlisted authors each has their own secrets and grudges to hide: the well-published romance writer Sonya King; Victor Comeau, a narcissistic professor with delusions of grandeur; Sally MacPhee, a terminally ill writer who just wants to add "award-winning" to her bio; and Alexander Fitzgerald, a literary darling who has the Canada Revenue Agency on his back.

Rounding out the cast are an embittered editor with dreams of authorship, an octogenarian bookie with indigestion, a pair of homicide detectives hot on the case, and one nosy historical portrait. 

This story follows Val, a journalist for the Halifax Post who has spent years covering the local literary scene while hoping for the opportunity to report on crime. Val is assigned to cover the annual NOVA Prize gala, a prestigious Nova Scotia literary award with a $100,000 prize. The event brings together four shortlisted authors, judges, publishers, editors and other members of the province's literary community. Beneath the formal atmosphere, many of the attendees have personal rivalries, financial problems and professional grievances. 

During the gala, a murder interrupts the proceedings, turning the awards ceremony into a crime scene. As police investigate, Val begins gathering information on her own, hoping to prove she is capable of covering more than book news. Her inquiries reveal connections among the suspects and uncover hidden motives, past conflicts and long-held secrets within the literary community. 

I've read a few novels by this author and thought this one was okay. It's a quick read. I liked that it's set in Nova Scotia. It's written in third person perspective from a variety of characters. I thought the banter between Val and Kevin, her boss, was fun. As a head's up, there is swearing.

Book ~ "Getting Away With Murder" (2026) Shari Lapena

From Goodreads ~ Jill and Ted adore their New York brownstone the way others adore their children. They have carefully, expensively, made every inch of it their own. It reflects who they are, their status and tastes. With the grand mahogany staircase and state-of-the-art kitchen, it is the stuff of glossy magazines and real-estate dreams. It is their sanctuary.

So when Ted’s inheritance runs out and he makes a bad investment, they panic. How can they protect their beloved home and enviable lifestyle?

The answer is obvious. Or at least, it is obvious to Jill and Ted. The death of one wealthy family member - from whom they stand to inherit millions - could solve all their problems. Together, they will get away with murder.

As long as they trust each other.

As long as neither makes a mistake.

As long as there are no surprises.

Married couple, Jill and Ted, are suddenly faced with losing the wealthy lifestyle they've always enjoyed. Desperate to avoid financial disaster, they come up with a plan to kill a rich family member and collect the inheritance. What seems like the perfect crime quickly starts to fall apart. As the police investigate and people around them begin asking questions, Jill and Ted find themselves dealing with suspicion, secrets and unexpected complications. Keeping the truth hidden becomes harder and harder as the pressure builds and they must decide how far they're willing to go to protect themselves.

I’ve read a few books by this author and thought this one was okay. I liked the writing style. It’s told in third person and shifts focus among several characters. It was interesting knowing right away what Jill and Ted had done and to whom. We see how things don't go as planned and how they scramble. As a head's up, there is swearing.

Book ~ "The Night We Met" (2026) Abby Jimenez

From Goodreads ~ In everyone’s life, there’s a split-second decision that can change everything.

For Larissa, it came when choosing which guy to ride home with after a concert. That night, she had no idea she’d met the perfect man. She and Chris are great together, co-parenting a slightly unhinged rescue Yorkie, sharing their favorite books and judging bread (pumpernickel for the win!). For the first time amid all her side hustles to scrape by, things finally feel easy.

But Chris isn't the one who drove Larissa home all those months ago - Chris is her boyfriend's best friend. All Chris wants is for Larissa to be happy. Standing by on the sidelines is slowly killing him but making a move would destroy someone else. And he’s just not that guy.

Larissa's life changes because of a single decision. After attending a concert with a friend, she's offered a ride home by two different men ... best friends Mike and Chris. She chooses Mike and they begin a serious relationship. As time goes on, she gets to know Chris better. Although they'd only briefly met before, Larissa and Chris discover they have a strong connection and many shared interests. Their friendship continues to grow and they find themselves co-parenting a rescue dog.

As Larissa and Mike's relationship becomes more serious, Chris finds himself caring for Larissa more than he should. But Mike is his best friend so he keeps his feelings to himself. Meanwhile, Mike is struggling with demons and Chris is constantly covering for him and trying to fix the problems he leaves behind.

I liked this story and found it to be an easy read. It's written in alternating first-person perspectives from Larissa and Chris, with each chapter labeled. I did find Larissa and Mike to be an unusual couple, as they didn't seem to have much in common. I was also surprised that Mike never seemed bothered by how much time Larissa and Chris spent together. Another thing I found a bit unrealistic was that Larissa never seemed to notice everything Chris did to protect and support her. As a head's up, there is lots of swearing.

Book ~ "Call me Dave: Behind the Counter with Dave Thomas, Founder of Wendy's" (2026) Denny Lynch

From Goodreads ~ Dave Thomas turned a boyhood dream of owning a hamburger stand into a worldwide success story. He proved that honesty, integrity, friendliness and hard work never go out of style. Denny Lynch, Dave's close friend and former Wendy's SVP of communications, offers an intimate look at the man behind the apron, tracing Dave's rise from a determined young busboy to one of America's most beloved spokesmen. 

Featuring personal reflections and anecdotes from his wife, daughters, employees, friends, and Wendy herself, "Call Me Dave" explores Dave's quest to build the nation's best hamburger chain while staying true to his principles. Dave never forgot where he came from and created a second legacy-the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption - dedicated to finding loving homes for more than 130,000 children lingering in the foster care system.

I like reading memoirs and bios/autobios. Dave Thomas seemed like a nice fella and I figured he would have an interesting story.  This book is written someone who spent a lot of time with him professionally and personally.

This book tells the story of Dave Thomas (1932 - 2002), who founded Wendy's. It follows Dave's journey from a tough childhood ... he was adopted, lost his mother at a young age and never finished high school ... to becoming one of America's most successful entrepreneurs. Along the way, we learn how his strong work ethic, common-sense approach to business and genuine care for people helped him build Wendy's into a global brand. The book doesn't just focus on Dave's business successes but also his personal missions such as starting the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. 

The author shares stories that highlight Dave's humility, sense of humor and belief in treating employees and customers with respect. The book also explores his passion for adoption advocacy, a cause that was deeply personal to him.

I liked this book. I enjoyed the writing style and getting to know Dave. It seems that he was likeable but firm and fair. I appreciate that all author profits are being donated to the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, continuing Dave's lifelong mission to find every child a forever home.

Book ~ "Dead Men Don't Play Fetch" (2026) David Rosenfelt

From Goodreads ~ It’s defense lawyer Andy Carpenter’s dream to retire. That goal is once again thwarted when he gets a call from Lou, an old friend who he simply cannot refuse, asking for a favor. Lou runs a rehab center, and when one of his patients, a homeless vet, is charged with first degree murder, he needs Andy's help. And of course, Andy will also be called on to care for the accused’s dog, but that’s okay, what's one more dog?

The man that Jason Maddox is accused of stabbing to death is none other than billionaire Paul Vincent, an eccentric businessman and inventor. Bickert dedicated a great portion of his life to philanthropy, with a soft spot for dog-related causes. This led him to befriend Jason, a physicist and war hero, whose life fell apart to the point where he ended up on the streets with his dog, just trying to survive.

But why would Jason possibly have wanted to kill him? Well, for one thing, he was to receive a fortune in Vincent's will. That, coupled with the fact that Jason was at the scene, his fingerprints were on the knife, and Vincent's wallet was in his jacket, made it a slam dunk arrest.

Once again, Andy is enmeshed in a puzzling, twisty case. But in order to reunite a man and his dog, Andy will have to untangle it all.

Andy Carpenter is a criminal defense lawyer who doesn't really want any clients. Thanks to the money his father left him and a few lucrative cases over the years, he can afford to spend most of his time running the Tara Foundation, a dog rescue he founded with his friend Willie. He's happily married to Laurie, they have a teenage son, Ricky, and share their home with three dogs. 

Jason Maddox, a homeless veteran and recovering addict, is accused of killing wealthy businessman, Paul Vincent. The evidence against Jason is overwhelming ... he was found at the scene, his fingerprints are on the weapon and he appears to have a financial motive. Despite this, Jason insists he's innocent and Andy agrees to defend him because he has a dog and as a favour to a friend.

While investigating the case, Andy discovers that things are more complicated than they first appear. With help from his team, he digs into Vincent's background, uncovers secrets and hidden connections, and searches for the real story behind the murder. Andy works to clear his client's name and uncover the truth about who killed Paul Vincent and why so he can be reunited with his dog, Hope, who is being taken care of by Willie.

This is the 33rd book in the Andy Carpenter series. I've read them all and I'm still enjoying them. While there are references to previous books, this one works well as a standalone so new readers can jump right in without feeling lost. The story is told primarily from Andy's first-person perspective and his observations are funny, sarcastic and amusing. 

I like Andy. He seems like he'd be a lot of fun to spend time with, and he's generous with both his time and his money. He never charges clients for his services and always picks up the tab for his friends at his favourite restaurant, even when he's not there. Andy is the first to admit that he's a wimp, which is why he relies on the K-Team ... Laurie, a former police officer turned investigator, handles much of the legwork, Marcus has his own unique way of dealing with bad guys, Cory, another former police officer, rounds out the team along with his former police dog, Simon Garfunkel and Sam, Andy's accountant and computer hacker, who is always eager to get involved in the action whenever he can.

Book ~ "Dreamer's Daughter: Surviving My Childhood and Raising My Father" (2026) Lori Thicke

From Goodreads ~ In a mining town where hope is as tapped out as the gold, a mother abandons her two children, leaving them in the custody of their free-spirited father. Colorful and larger-than-life, Dacker is a dreamer who fails spectacularly at everything except loving his kids. When they lose everything in a house fire, Dacker considers this the ultimate freedom and leads his children on a cross-country road trip that will force them to rely on his wits and dubious judgment. Amid the chaos, Lori must raise herself and her younger brother - and, on occasion, her father. When she strives for independence, she discovers that it’s hard to leave home when home has wheels and keeps following you around.

"Dreamer’s Daughter" is a life-affirming story about forgiving our parents - and ourselves. It’s a celebration of the love we find in even the most unconventional families, and how sometimes we need to leave home to find our way back.

I like reading memoirs and bios/autobios, especially when they happen here in Canada.

This is the author's memoir about growing up with a father who was loving and charismatic but rarely able to provide stability. After Lori and Brad, her younger brother, are abandoned by their mother, their father, Dacker, raises them on his own while chasing a series of big dreams and business ventures that rarely work out. As a result, the family moves frequently, struggles financially and lives an unpredictable lifestyle. The author often finds herself taking on adult responsibilities at a young age, helping care for her brother and, in many ways, looking after her father. Despite the challenges, she shares many adventures with him and has a deep bond with him. 

This memoir follows the author from childhood into adulthood as she tries to make sense of her unconventional upbringing, her relationship with her absent mother and the impact her father's choices had on her life.

I thought this book was okay. I found myself frustrated with the choices her father (whose brother was the late Alan Thicke's father) made and his belief that everything would work out (sometimes it did but usually it didn't). I was also frustrated with the actions the author made as a teenager, though they can be excused since she was dealing with the bad decisions her parents had made. The memoir ends in 1986 as she is heading off to Paris, Dacker had driven to Mexico and Brad was living on Vancouver Island. It would have been nice to have a summary chapter at the end to let us know what happened to her, Dacker and Brad in the last 40 years. As a head's up, there is swearing and drug use.

Book ~ "Brassy Bit of Aging Crumpet: A Memoir in Pieces" (2026) Mary Walsh

From Goodreads ~ In this sharply observed and wryly funny collection of essays on identity, family, and belonging, Mary Walsh takes readers on a rollicking—and sometimes difficult, but never boring—journey through her life. Her subjects range from the heartbreak of growing up next door to her family, to Newfoundland’s vibrant and not altogether happy entry into the Canadian confederation, to the behind-the-scenes of her wildly popular CBC shows, including This Hour Has 22 Minutes, to her complicated relationship with her complicated mother, and to her struggles with alcohol, self-doubt, and what it means to connect with those around her. 

The result is a collection of essays that are deftly comical, vividly rendered, heartachingly vulnerable and, above all, hopeful. In the end, Mary learns the trials and hurdles (some self-inflicted) that she endured in her younger years only make the process of aging all the sweeter. The message she now has is a powerful her older years are her best ones yet, because she’s finally learned to accept who she is.

This memoir is a series of personal essays. It explores key moments from Walsh’s life, including her childhood in Newfoundland, her family relationships, her experiences in Canadian entertainment and her personal struggles with alcohol and self-doubt. 

With the essays, Walsh reflects on themes of identity, belonging, family, aging and personal growth. She tells of memories of growing up, examines her relationship with her mother, and discusses Newfoundland’s history and place within Canada. The memoir also includes behind-the-scenes accounts of her work on CBC productions, including "This Hour Has 22 Minutes". 

The essays combine personal stories with reflections on the challenges and experiences that shaped her life. She traces her journey from childhood and early adulthood to later life, focusing on the events, relationships and experiences that influenced her understanding of herself and the world around her.

I like reading memoirs and bio/autobio and I like Mary Walsh, a Canadian actress, comedian and writer. I figured she would tell an interesting story and she did. I knew nothing about her childhood and most of the events that happened must have been traumatising. I'm glad she's been able to find peace and living life as she wants. Though it's written in essay format, not a style I usually enjoy, I liked the writing style and this book. As a head's up, there is swearing.

Book ~ "The High Road: Confessions of a Homicide Cop" (2026) Hank Idsinga

From Goodreads ~ From the age of ten, Hank Idsinga knew he wanted to become a homicide detective, when he learned that his grandfather had been murdered by the Nazis in the Second World War. He prepared to be a police officer his entire youth and soon found himself in ill-fitting suits training for the job. More than competent - smart, incisive, caring, respectful - Idsinga ingratiated himself to his fellow officers and to his superiors. He was as capable of tracking down a getaway man as he was informing a mother that her son, lost to crime, would never return home. Idsinga found himself at the center of some of the most notable crimes in recent Toronto history, from the Jane Creba shooting on Boxing Day to shootouts on Yonge Street to helping track down some of the most vicious serial criminals the city has ever seen.

But it was in homicide that Hank Idsinga would prove such a vital asset to the Toronto Police Services. Idsinga teamed up with his partners, including future chief of police Mark Saunders, on many murder calls - some one-offs, others more nefarious - taking in the scene with his excellent recall, finding the motive and the method faster and more insightfully than most. Idsinga and his team of seasoned detectives participated in taking down some of the worst Toronto has to offer, perhaps none more so than serial killer Bruce McArthur, who had terrorized the gay village for years. Idsinga became the public face for that investigation, and despite the criticism of the police force’s handling of the murders, Idsinga always appeared strong and compassionate in front of the media’s camera flashes.

I like reading memoirs and bios/autobios and also true crime. This memoir was especially interesting because it happened here in Toronto. 

Hank Idsing is a former Toronto homicide detective who spent three decades with the Toronto Police Service. This book traces his journey from a childhood decision to become a detective after learning that his grandfather was murdered during the Holocaust to eventually leading one of Canada's most prominent homicide units. Idsinga talks about his career investigating murders, gang violence, shootings and serial homicide cases in Toronto. He describes the realities of police work, the challenges of solving complex crimes and the emotional impact that violent deaths have on victims' families, investigators and communities.

This memoir also talks about several high-profile Toronto cases, including the investigations surrounding the murders committed by serial killer Bruce McArthur, for which Idsinga became a public spokesperson. I remember most of the cases he spoke about so it was interesting to get the inside scoop on them. He also mentions the racism and favouritism that exists within the police force. I liked the writing style. I found it to be honest and interesting. As a head's up, there is swearing.

Book ~ "I'm Not the Only Murderer in My Retirement Home" (2026) Fergus Craig

From Goodreads ~ Carol is delighted to be leaving her tiny prison cell behind to take her place in a luxury retirement home. She's hoping her past as a serial killer won't come to light so she can make a few friends and find some murder-free hobbies. But it's not long before a fellow resident - who happens to be a former police commissioner - drops dead, and Carol's true identity is leaked - making catching up over daily activities of bingo and baking rather awkward.

Just her luck, Carol soon realizes that the victim wasn't the only former law enforcement officer at Sheldon Oaks - it's filled to the brim with former cops, barristers and government representatives, her newfound friends included. And everyone thinks Carol's guilt is a no-brainer but she is ready to prove them dead wrong ... without killing anyone, for once.

Carol is a 75-year-old woman who has just been released from prison after serving decades for a series of murders committed in her younger years. Determined to leave that chapter of her life behind, she moves into Sheldon Oaks, an upscale retirement community, hoping to enjoy a quiet and uneventful retirement. Carol quickly discovers that fitting in isn't easy. Many of the residents have backgrounds in politics, law enforcement and public service, and when her criminal past becomes known, she finds herself viewed with suspicion. Things get even more complicated when a fellow resident is found dead under suspicious circumstances. 

Because of her history, Carol becomes an obvious suspect in the eyes of many around her. To clear her name, Carol begins investigating the murder herself. As she digs deeper, she uncovers hidden tensions, long-held grudges and unexpected secrets among the retirement home's residents. She also forms unlikely friendships with several fellow seniors (Geoffrey, Catherine and Margaret), each with their own unique personalities and histories. 

This was a cute story and funny in parts (like the manscaping discussion, for example). It's written in third person perspective with a focus on Carol, Geoffrey, Catherine and Margaret. It was interesting to read a story written from the point of view of seniors who are 70+ as they navigate today's world, especially for Carol who has been in prison for most of her life. I was okay with the whodunnits but not the ending. As a head's up, there is swearing.

Book ~ "The Armchair Detectives on Holiday" (2026) Matt Dunn

From Goodreads ~ Fresh from their last case at Twilight Lodge, Martin and Albie reward themselves with a relaxing trip to the sun-soaked island of Menorca.

But when they head down to breakfast one morning, they happen upon a panicked husband reporting his wife, bestselling author Karen Squires, missing. Soon afterwards they’re shocked to discover Karen’s body on the beach.

Local police call it a tragic accident: one look at the broken safety fence on the cliffs above suggests Karen fell. But the victim’s perfectly-manicured nails tells Martin that this was no accident. She was pushed.

Back at the hotel, the duo discover that Karen was running a retreat for writers, all of whom seem shocked by her untimely passing. But which one of them may have had a motive for murder? Was a fellow writer jealous of her success? Did her devoted husband feel sidelined?

As they hunt for clues, they realise that the answer may be found in one of Karen’s bestsellers and luckily for them, Albie’s girlfriend, Barbara, is her number one fan. A killer is hiding in plain sight. But to get to them, can they separate the fact from the fiction before it’s too late?

Martin is in his mid-80s and a widower, who recently had hip surgery and had checked into Twilight Lodge, a seaside care home to recuperate. There he ran into his old partner, wheelchair-bound Albie, who was also at the home. They both had worked for “The Company” (something very spy-like). Martin takes Albie, Dionne, his daughter, and Custard, his late wife's dog, on vacation to Menorca for a week. 

One morning, Martin and Albie meet David, who is in a panic because he can't find his wife, Karen,  a famous author. They are at a writers' resort at the same hotel Martin where is staying. Martin and Albie offer to help look for her and find her at the bottom of a cliff. The local police assume she fell but something doesn't look right to Martin and Albie and they start investigating.

This was a fun story. It was interesting to have it written from the first person perspective of a mid-80s man as he doesn't have a clue about today's technology (for example, he doesn't own a cell phone and confuses "Zumba" with "Zooming"). It's a cozy mystery so there is no swearing or violence. The interactions between Martin and Albie were cute. There are lots of red herrings and I was okay with the whodunnit (I had figured it out). It's the second in the Armchair Detectives series (I'd read the first one last year) and I look forward to reading more in the future.

Book ~ "Dogs, Boys, and Other Things I’ve Cried About" (2026) Isabel Klee

From Goodreads ~ A Jersey girl by birth, Isabel Klee had always wanted to live in New York City. At age 20, she got her chance, ditching her college upstate and moving into a grungy basement apartment in Manhattan. Dog-obsessed since childhood, her first post-grad job was becoming an assistant to a dog photographer, and something clicked into place: a career focused on helping dogs was the new dream.

Isabel quickly found a passion for rehabilitating rescue dogs and helping them get adopted. At the same time, she was caught up in a whirlwind of friendships, parties, fickle boyfriends and grand romances, which she recounts in honest, tender and sometimes devastating chapters about the search for love and belonging.

Isabel’s first true love, though, was Simon, a fluffy puppy who’d been saved from the meat trade. As the highs and lows of her twenties hit Isabel in wave after wave, it was Simon who kept her grounded. Together, Isabel and Simon created a community of dog-lovers and a tight-knit group of friends pursuing their dreams.

In this honest and moving memoir, Isabel weaves together the stories of her foster dogs—and the challenges she helped them overcome - with tales of complicated relationships, hard decisions and great loves in New York City, all leading to a happy ending not only for the rescue pups, but for Isabel herself.

I've never heard of Isabel Klee or this book but I saw it was an Indigo pick of the month. I like memoirs and reading about dogs (and animals) so thought I'd check it out, especially since I volunteer with a cat rescue and a charitable organization dedicated to ageing dogs. 

I enjoyed the parts about her putting her hand up to foster dogs who had issues and socializing them for adoption. I didn't find her overly likeable, though, and it got tiresome hearing the details of all her broken romances and dating adventures, which took up the bulk of the book. Against her better judgement, she moved in with men who professed they loved her and she loved them but then she would end up moving out because she was their whole world.

The editing could have been tighter. At one point, she talks about Ruby, the family dog when she was growing up, who passed away when she was 16 and then just three paragraphs later, she says she was 17 when Ruby passed away. The timeline jumps around so sometimes I found it confusing when things were happening. As a head's up, there is swearing.

Book ~ "Road Trip" (2026) Mary Kay Andrews

From Goodreads ~ Maeve and Therese Dunigan haven’t spoken in years. Raised under the same roof in Savannah, the two sisters could not be more opposite - Maeve the rule follower, Therese the unapologetic rebel. But when their mother’s death pulls them back together, they inherit more than just grief: a mysterious painting that may be worth millions ... if it’s real.

Determined to uncover the truth - and desperately in need of the money - the sisters set out on a journey to Ireland, tracing their family’s roots and the origins of the portrait. What begins as a search for answers soon becomes something deeper - a reckoning with the past, as they uncover secrets that span generations and reshape everything they thought they knew about their family.

With tensions simmering, the two hit the road and find themselves on twisty lanes, in colorful villages, at local pubs and with handsome men whose gift of the gab is surpassed only by their charm.

Thirty-something sisters Maeve and Therese haven’t been close for years. After their mother dies, they find out that instead of splitting the family home, they discover their mother had taken out a second loan and there's almost $400,000 owing. In addition to inheriting is a painting that could be valuable (if it's real), their mother also left them a coffee can with a small amount of money with the stipulation that they use the cash to take a trip to Ireland to figure out the painting’s history and learn more about their family’s past. When they arrive in Ireland, the sisters deal with old tensions, unexpected discoveries and a mystery tied to their ancestors. Along the way, they meet new people, uncover long-buried secrets and slowly start to reconnect with each other.

I thought this story was okay. It was more serious than I was expecting from the description. It's not really a "road trip" as they don't venture much further from the town in Ireland Kathleen, their great grandmother, was originally from. It's written in third person perspective in Maeve, Theresa and Kathleen's voices. In the beginning, it jumps back and forth in time to Kathleen's time (which I found interesting) and the sisters' present time. I found it a bit draggy at times and could have been tighter. As a head's up, there is swearing and some adult activity.

Book ~ "The Astonishing Lives of Older Women: How to Create Pleasure Over Peril in Peak Longevity" (2026) Moira Welsh

From Goodreads ~ There is a seismic shift underway in how we think about aging for women - and Moira Welsh is leading the conversation.

But beneath the glossy narrative of “aging well” lies a more complicated truth.

In "The Astonishing Lives of Older Women", Welsh combines immersive reporting with unforgettable real-life stories to reveal what growing older actually likes like for a massive - and rapidly expanding - demographic of women.

You’ll meet:

• A woman in her 70s forced to live in her car 
• A widow navigating love, rejection and financial insecurity 
• A lifelong professional quietly outliving her savings

These stories expose the hidden realities shaping women’s later years:

• The gender pension gap 
• Rising housing insecurity 
• Loneliness, ageism, and invisibility 
• The financial cost of caregiving, divorce, and survival 

But this isn’t just a diagnosis. It’s a guide to what comes next.

Drawing on insights from a CEO, a legal scholar and a feminist economist, Welsh offers essential, clear-eyed advice on careers, pensions, financial planning and relationships. It all underscores a critical truth: financial independence isn’t optional.

And yet, this is not a story of defeat.

As women live longer than ever before, many are redefining what those extra decades can mean: new love, deep friendships, sexual freedom, purpose and power on their own terms.

Part urgent social investigation, part cultural manifesto, The Astonishing Lives of Older Women captures a pivotal moment - for a massive demographic of women, and for anyone rethinking aging, longevity, and the future of women’s lives.

Before I retired, I worked in the group retirement industry, meeting with clients to help them save and invest for their future. Over the years, I spoke with women of all ages and in many cases, they weren’t on track to be financially ready for retirement. So that's why this book caught my eye.

This book looks at what life is actually like for women as we get older, especially now we are living longer than ever before. The book mixes real-life stories (with a focus on Susan, Pat and Elizabeth), reporting and expert input to show both the challenges and realities older women face. It covers things like ageism, gaps in healthcare, financial struggles, lack of relationships and intimacies and issues in affordable housing. Welsh talks to a wide range of women and professionals to show what aging can look like across different situations. 

For the most part, I liked the writing style ... I liked it more when the focus was on the personal stories. It's an eye opener for women and the choices we have made throughout our lives and careers that effects our retirement savings such as taking time out to have and raise children, being a single mother, leaving an abusive relationship, etc.

Book ~ "Here We Go: Lessons for Living Fearlessly from Two Traveling Nanas" (2025) Eleanor Hamby and Sandra Hazelip

From Goodreads ~ Life lessons and wisdom from two women whose global adventures as budget travelers reveal how to live fearlessly at any age, how to hold onto joy and gratitude, and the power of female friendship.

Eleanor Hamby and Dr. Sandra Hazelip, the two irresistible women who have become known as the TikTok travelling grannies, deliver a book of life lessons drawn from their late-in-life friendship, and the daring and transformational adventures they've undertaken. Together, they have traveled to twenty countries since they turned 80.

Life on the road at their age has given them essential wisdom, and they have written this reflection with the goal of sharing their affirming and joyous insights with the world. Ellie and Sandy's life lessons come from the intersections of their discoveries about aging, their shared faith, and their deep friendship.

The photographer and doctor duo immerse themselves in the communities they visit, always learning more about themselves and the world around them. Boldly and independently traveling without a guide or staying at resorts, the fullness of Eleanor and Sandra's lives makes for a book you can return to in the face of loss, uncertainty and to inspire new beginnings.

This is a memoir about two longtime friends who decide to travel the world together in their later years and set out on a trip to visit all seven continents. The book follows their journey through different countries, sharing what they see, who they meet and what happens along the way. It also looks back at their lives before the trip and how their friendship developed over time. 

As they travel, they describe navigating new places, dealing with unexpected situations and adjusting to the realities of long-term travel. The story mixes their day-to-day experiences on the road with thoughts on getting older, staying active and exploring new environments.

I like reading bios/autobios and this was a cute and interesting one. They are both widows in their 80s who aren't letting their age hold them back. They experienced some amazing adventures and I liked that the descriptions were written at a high level with just enough detail. They sound like a couple of fiesty women who would be fun to hang out with. I hope I have that much energy and excitement when I'm their age!

Book ~ "Strangers in the Villa" (2026) Robyn Harding

From Goodreads ~ Sydney Lowe’s life in New York is shattered when her husband, Curtis, admits to a meaningless affair with a client. Begging for forgiveness and vowing to prove his devotion, Curtis suggests the couple retreat to a remote hilltop house in Spain to repair their marriage. 

High above the Mediterranean, Sydney and Curtis are working on the isolated property and their relationship when a pair of Australian travelers turns up at their door in dire need of help. Lonely for companionship and desperate for free labor, Sydney and Curtis invite the attractive young couple to stay. But as the days pass, dark secrets come to light, the Lowes’ bond is tested and not everyone will leave the villa alive.

Curtis had confessed to an affair and now he and his wife, Sydney, are trying to rebuild their relationship with a fresh start in Spain. Sydney is still feeling hurt and betrayed and is trying to trust Curtis again and Curtis is committed to earning that trust back. They’ve bought a run-down villa with dreams of transforming it into a winery, though the property requires a lot of repairs. A few months into their new life, Damien and Bianca, a young Australian couple, unexpectedly arrive after their van breaks down nearby. With the replacement part delayed, Sydney offers them a place to stay in exchange for helping with the renovations.

I thought the story was interesting but was disappointed with the ending. After all the stress and tension that had been built up, it was a letdown. The story is written in third person perspective with a focus on Sydney, Curtis, Damien and Bianca, which lets us get to know them and what their motives are. The pacing could have been better as it took a long time to find out what had really happened in the past, which explained why things were happening today. As a head's up, there is swearing.

Book ~ "The Tribe and I Have Spoken" (2026) Rob Cesternino, Alex Kavutskly and Sam Bond

From Goodreads ~ Rob Cesternino has probably talked more Survivor than any other person on the planet. After playing in "Survivor: The Amazon" and "All-Stars", Rob built a community amongst "Survivor"’s online fans with "Rob Has a Podcast". 

Now this foremost scholar of the show takes readers from the beaches of Borneo on the first season all the way to the landmark fiftieth season. This beautifully illustrated ode to the show includes "The Heroes and Villains Hall of Fame", the greatest "Watercooler Watershed Moments" in the show’s history, and Rob’s "Ultimate Survivor Playbook" (no refunds) to winning that million-dollar prize.

The Tribe and I Have Spoken is a detailed look at the world of Survivor, told from the perspective of someone who has both played the game and covered it for years. The book goes through the history of the show, touching on major seasons, standout players and the strategies that have shaped how the game is played. It breaks down how alliances, blindsides and twists have evolved over time and talks about key moments from tribal councils and challenges. The author also brings in insights from his podcasting and interviews with some of the players. Along the way, the book highlights how Survivor has grown and changed, both on-screen and behind the scenes.

I’ve been watching Survivor since around season five so I found this book interesting overall. It’s packed with stories about past players. There are so many that I kept having to pause and Google who was being talked about (I still didn’t remember a lot of them). It was cool getting a look at the history of the show, how much it’s evolved and behind-the-scenes details. My favourite part was chapter six, which lays out the ultimate Survivor playbook, from getting cast all the way to winning (or not). Fans of Survivor will enjoy this book.

Book ~ "Happiness Included: Jan Brady and Beyond" (2026) Eve Plumb

From Goodreads ~ It’s finally time for Jan, Jan, Jan!

As Jan Brady, America’s most memorable middle child on the beloved TV sitcom, "The Brady Bunch", Eve Plumb has been an enduring icon of American pop culture for over 60 years. Now in an engaging, intimate memoir, she shares the behind-the-scenes story of her colorful and impressively versatile Hollywood career and revelatory recollections of her off-camera life along the way - complete with many photos from her private archives.

Recognized world-wide as Jan Brady, the wonderfully misunderstood middle sister on television’s "The Brady Bunch", actress Eve Plumb has embraced the association that seemed destined at age 10 when she was cast on "The Brady Bunch". The iconic 1970s TV series has been in perpetual reruns for five decades and is well known by three generations of children and adults. Her engaging memoir reveals that her stint on "The Brady Bunch" was only the beginning of her TV career, a young lady with the confidence and spunk that her on-screen character often humorously lacked.

Today, Eve is a talented visual artist, with thirty-five years of experience, whose oil paintings have been displayed and sold in galleries here in the U.S. and Europe. Chock-full of Brady Bunch nostalgia and the skinny on countless classic TV shows with recollections straight from the set, this is Eve Plumb as you’ve never seen her.

Happiness Included: Jan Brady and Beyond is a memoir by Eve Plumb, best known for portraying Jan Brady on the television series The Brady Bunch. This book traces her life from childhood through her acting career and later creative pursuits. Plumb describes her early entry into the entertainment industry, including auditions, commercials and the process that led to her casting on The Brady Bunch. She explains the production of the show, her experiences working with fellow cast members and the impact the series had on her public identity. The memoir also addresses the challenges of being closely associated with a well-known role and the limitations it created in securing later acting work. 

Beyond her television career, Plumb outlines her efforts to expand into other areas including stage acting and visual art. She discusses her training, exhibitions and the development of her painting practice. The book also touches on aspects of her personal life including relationships and decisions that influenced her career path. Throughout the memoir, Plumb situates her experiences within the broader context of the entertainment industry, describing changes over time and the realities of maintaining a long-term career in the public eye.

I wasn't a fan of this show but like reading bios/autobios. I didn't know a lot about Plumb so it was interesting to learn more about her, her family and her career. And it was fun to learn more about the celebrities she'd worked with. I liked the writing style ... it was at a high level with not a lot of fluff and detail. There are apparently many pictures from her private archives in the book ... I read an advanced copy and there were none (it would have been nice to see them).

Book ~ "Liberty Street" (2026) Heather Marshall

From Goodreads ~ 1961: Emily Radcliffe works as an editorial assistant at Chatelaine magazine, surrounded by the best female reporters in the country, whose articles tackle the controversial topics no other women's publication dares to touch. When a bombshell letter from an inmate at the notorious Mercer Women's Prison lands on Emily's desk, she sees the scoop of a lifetime - one that could launch her career as a journalist. But after going undercover to investigate the inmate's shocking claims, Emily discovers that getting into the prison is the easy part; the real challenge will be getting back out.

1996: Unidentified female remains are discovered in an unmarked grave in a small-town Ontario cemetery and Detective Rachel Mackenzie is tasked with unraveling the mystery. But when the investigation leads her to the now-shuttered Mercer Women's Prison, the family trauma she's kept buried for years threatens to surface.

In 1961, Emily Radcliffe works as an editorial assistant at Chatelaine magazine in Toronto. After receiving a letter from an inmate at the Mercer Women’s Prison describing conditions inside, she arranges to go undercover in the institution to investigate. Her experience inside the prison is her story as she encounters the realities faced by the incarcerated women who were placed there because of criminal offences, "moral" offences, mental health issues or being "incorrible" (that's why she was admitted by her father).

In 1996, a separate storyline follows Rachel Mackenzie, a detective in rural Ontario assigned to investigate human remains discovered in an unmarked grave. Her investigation leads her to the now-closed Mercer Women’s Prison, possibly connecting her case to events from the earlier timeline. 

This book was interesting, not just the story but also the history, especially since I live just north of where Mercer Women's Prison used to be (it was closed and demolished in 1969 and there is a stadium there now). I knew some of its history and it was interesting to learn more (the author obviously did a lot of research). At the end of the book, the author includes historical info related to the treatment of women in institutional settings, including mental health and incarceration practices in mid-20th-century Canada. Some of the characters are real or based on real people.

It is written in third person perspective in Emily and Rachel's voices in their time periods (the chapters are labeled) and how the past and present are connect. The treatment of women in Mercer Women's Prison is heavy and not light reading. Though I did find it interesting, I found the book long and draggy at times. Emily and Rachel's stories were interesting but I could have done without Rachel's detailed backstory. I didn't think it impacted Emily's story, which to me was the point of the book, and could stand alone as its own book. As a head’s up, there is swearing and disturbing situations.

Book ~ "The First Survivor: Life With Canada's Deadliest Mass Shooter" by Lisa Banfield, Sherri Aikenhead and Maureen Banfield

From Goodreads ~ On April 18, 2020, Lisa Banfield's life shattered.

After nineteen years in a controlling and often abusive relationship, she escaped a violent assault by her partner, Gabriel Wortman - unaware he was about to carry out the deadliest mass shooting in Canadian history. In "The First Survivor", Banfield tells her story for the first of being groomed and surviving years of intimate partner violence, and of the horrific night she fled barefoot into the freezing woods as Wortman began a murderous rampage that left twenty-two people and an unborn child dead.

Told with raw honesty and courage, Banfield's memoir is more than a personal account of life with a man she tried to heal - it's a call to action. With intimate reflections and her own transformation, she exposes the failures in how society sees, supports, and judges survivors of domestic abuse.

This is a powerful story of trauma, survival, and one woman's journey reclaiming her voice and redefining her life.

This memoir is Lisa Banfield’s account of the events surrounding the April 18 and 19, 2020, attacks in Portapique, Nova Scotia. After nearly 20 years in a relationship marked by control and abuse, Banfield escaped a violent assault by her partner, who then carried out the deadliest mass shooting in Canadian history, killing 22 people and an unborn child. In the book, Banfield details her experiences leading up to that night, the hours she spent hiding in the woods and the aftermath that followed. She also addresses the public scrutiny she faced and the realities of intimate partner violence.

This was a shocking story out of Nova Scotia at the beginning of COVID and I was interested to read more about what and why it happened and those involved. It was a tough story to read. 

I've never experienced domestic violence but even after witnessing it when I was growing up, I don't understand why people stay in these relationships (regardless of the crappy childhoods they may have had). After the first beating Banfield received from her partner, she left him ... but he quickly talked her into getting back together and she stayed with him for 19 years (they were supposed to celebrate their anniversary that night). If someone I was involved with ever laid a hand on me, I'd be gone and there would be no going back. 

After the way he abused her and the killings of innocent people, I found it amazing that it wasn't until 5 years later that she FINALLY deleted the pictures of their life together from her phone and threw away his cremated ashes (why did she even take some of the ashes of this monster??!!).

While I don't blame her for his actions and no one deserves the abuse she put with, I had a hard time feeling a lot of sympathy for her when she talked about the benefits of being with him like a new career and business, a house and a cottage, being able to shop and buy whatever she wanted, the vacations, etc.