Spotlight: A Lie for a Lie

I’m always on the hunt for the next great psychological thriller, and I'm part of Berkley's blog tour today featuring a brand-new one: A Lie for a Lie by Ren DeStefano, out now. Described as Black Doves meets Burn Notice, this twisty read is sure to keep you turning the pages.

 

Learn More About the Book:

A Lie for a Lie by Ren DeStefano

Pub. Date: March 10, 2026

 

Goodreads says,"A deadly game of cat and mouse unfolds when a housewife with a secret life takes on a tech billionaire with secrets darker than her own . . . from the author of How I'll Kill You.

Margaux leads a double life that would make most people dizzy. By day, she's a seemingly ordinary interior decorator with a picture-perfect marriage. By night, she works for a mysterious employer known only as Mr. X. Her infiltrating the lives of dangerous targets, gaining their trust, and ultimately exposing their crimes. 

Her latest Unraveling the secret life of Bertram Casimir, a billionaire tech CEO whose career is as mysterious as his past. His sister claims he stole her app to build his fortune. Not only that, his girlfriend may or may not have recently gone missing.

He sees through her carefully constructed facade, matching her move for move. As the lines between hunter and prey blur, Margaux finds herself unexpectedly drawn to Bertram. They share more than she'd like to admit—a dangerous intelligence, a taste for high-stakes manipulation. When the evidence begins to shift, threatening to unravel everything she knows, Margaux realizes this is far more than just another job.

Her secrets—and her life—are now on the line. One lie remains, and it might just save her."

 

You can purchase your own copy of A Lie for a Lie at Barnes & Noble, Bookshop, Books-A-Million, and Amazon.  To learn more about Ren DeStefano, you can connect with her on Instagram and visit her website. 

Let me know in the comments your thoughts on A Lie for a Lie and if you plan on reading it this spring.  

Mini Reviews: New Releases

 

Today I’m showcasing two new releases. Lady Tremaine is a fairy‑tale reimagining of Cinderella as told from the "wicked" stepmother's point of view and a BOTM pick for March, and You & Me and You & Me and You & Me is a time‑travel romance with ’90s vibes.

 

Lady Tremaine by Rachel Hochhauser

Pages: 352

Genre: Adult Fiction

Pub. Date: March 3, 2026

Publisher: St. Martin's

Source: Publisher for review

My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

 

 

Goodreads says, "A widow twice-over, Etheldreda is now saddled with the care of her two children, a priggish stepdaughter, and a razor-taloned peregrine falcon. Her entire life has become a ruse, just like the manor hall they live grand and ornate on the exterior, but crumbling, brick by brick, inside. Fierce in the face of her misfortune, Ethel clings to her family’s respectability, the lifeboat that will float her daughters straight into the secure banks of marriage.

When a royal ball offers the chance to secure the future she desperately desires, Etheldreda must risk her secrets, pride, and limited resources in pursuit of an invitation for her daughters—only to see her hopes fulfilled by the wrong one. As an engagement to the heir of the kingdom unfolds with unnerving speed, she discovers a sordid secret hidden in the depths of the royal family, forcing her to choose between the security she’s sought for years and the wellbeing of the feckless stepdaughter who has rebuffed her at every turn.

As if Bridgerton met Circe, and exhilarating to its core, Lady Tremaine reimagines the myth of the evil stepmother at the heart of the world’s most famous fairytale. It is a battle cry for a mother’s love for her daughters, and a celebration of women everywhere who make their own fortunes.

 

Lady Tremaine is now twice widowed and finds herself in charge of her two daughters and her sullen stepdaughter, who has never liked her. Her estate is in shambles, money is tight, and it's on her to make sure her daughters find a way to survive and end up with strong marriages. She has even taken it upon herself to hunt for food with her beloved falcon in order to provide for her family. When she hears about a royal ball with the prince looking for a suitable match, she thinks this is her chance. But when push comes to shove, it is only Elin, her stepdaughter, who gets an invitation. As time passes, though, they realize that the Royal family and Prince Charming aren't who they cracked up to be, and maybe this isn't a good match for Elin. Ultimately, Lady Tremaine by Rachel Hochhauser turns the Cinderella fairy tale on its head by giving the stepmother a chance to be understood; she is more than just a wicked stepmother. It's a fun reimagining of a classic tale and will have readers rooting for the stepmother in no time.
 
I love reimagined fairy tales, especially those that focus on misunderstood or lesser-known characters. There is so much more to the "Wicked" stepmother concept, and I find it fascinating to explore Lady Tremaine's character. Hocchauser's portrayal of her was wonderful, showcasing her development as not only a feminist figure but also as a caring mother who wants the best for her daughters. I enjoyed Lady Tremaine and recommend it to fans of fairy tale reimaginings.

 

 

 

You & Me and You & Me and You & Me by Josie Lloyd and Emlyn Reese

Pages: 352 

Genre: Adult Fiction/Romance 

Pub. Date: February 10, 2026

Publisher: Penguin

Source: Publisher for review

  My Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

 

 

Goodreads says, "Adam and Jules have been married for twenty-five years when they discover a time machine in their shed - can it bring back their romantic spark? Or will it unravel everything? Written by a real-life couple who fell in love while writing their bestselling debut novel twenty-five years ago. One couple. One past. A million tomorrows.

Meet Adam and Jules. Married for nearly twenty-five years and stuck in a rut, their future looks, well, boring.

Then Adam stumbles across a box of old mixtapes he and Jules made for each other when they were young and falling in love. He dusts off his vintage stereo, inserts one of the cassettes, presses play … and the unbelievable happens.

With the power to travel back in time, he and Jules can revisit pivotal moments in their pasts. Is this the key to getting their sparkle back? They embark on an epic hunt through the multiverse for their perfect love story. But as they visit the past and recapture the headiness of falling in love, they realize that traveling across time could be as dangerous as it is addictive, because the temptation to change just a few small things is irresistible. As the ripple effects spiral out of control, can they find a way back to their messy and imperfect, yet glorious, real life? Or will they lose each other forever?

 

Adam and Jules have been married for twenty-five years, they have two grown children who really aren't settled, and the day-to-day of their life is really getting them down. Adam doesn't like his job, and Jules is working hard to get her company off the ground, while mounting up credit card debt. They aren't connecting in their marriage like they used to and have grown apart. When they find a box of their old mix tapes, Adam is reluctant to throw them away. He listened to one on their old stereo, and magically, he was transported to the time he gave Jules that mix tape. They realize that they have stumbled onto a time machine of sorts and have agreed to partake in it, but not change anything major. At first, they don't; they just are reliving some of the best moments of their lives, but as time passes, the changes become bigger, and they reverberate into their current lives. Josie Lloyd and Emlyn Rees's You & Me and You & Me and You & Me is a romance that, while at times felt repetitive, was sweet overall and sends the message of appreciating the life you have. 
 
I love a good time travel story, so I appreciated that aspect of You & Me and You & Me and You & Me. I went back and forth between reading the novel and listening to the audiobook, and I have to say that the audio was done very well; it hooked me much more than the actual novel did. I also enjoyed all the '90s nostalgia and the music—one of my favorite elements of the book. However, I didn't care for the repetition; it felt very much like Sliding Doors. I was frustrated with Jules and Adam when they hid important things from each other. While this hasn't been my favorite romance read this year, fans of second-chance romances and time travel will likely appreciate it.

 

 

 Have you read either of these books? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below. 

Blog Tour and Giveaway: The Ostriches

I always appreciate a beautifully illustrated chapter book, and that’s exactly what I’m sharing with you today. I also value stories with strong messages for kids, and The Incredible Adventures of Casper the Cat Who Got Lost in Africa, Book 6: The Ostriches by Jennifer Ussi delivers just that. 

The Ostriches is perfect for readers who love wildlife, adventure, and books that spark meaningful discussion. The book reminds readers that even the smallest voice matters and that we can all make a difference.

 

Learn More About the Book:

 

The Incredible Adventures of Casper the Cat Who Got Lost in Africa, Book 6: The Ostriches

Written by Jennifer Ussi

Illustrated by Lekshmi Bose

Ages: 6-10 | 82 Pages

Publisher: Little Boola Books (2026) | ISBN: 978-1923356269

Publisher’s Book Summary: "What happens when the fastest birds on Earth would rather hide than face the truth—and a tiny lost cat refuses to look away?

In The Ostriches, Casper’s journey east leads her into the wide-open savannah, where danger is approaching fast…and no one wants to admit it. The ostriches have perfected the art of avoidance—heads down, problems ignored—but when real threats close in, Casper must help them discover that bravery isn’t about speed or strength, but about choosing to see what matters.

Packed with laugh-out-loud moments, sharp dialogue, and heartfelt wisdom, this story tackles big ideas—fear, denial, courage, and responsibility—in a way that feels playful, empowering, and deeply relatable for young readers. As always, Casper’s kindness, quick thinking, and gentle leadership prove that even the smallest voice can inspire change.

Beautifully illustrated and seamlessly blending adventure, humour, and wildlife education, The Ostriches is a standout chapter in the series—perfect for readers aged 6–10, classroom discussions, and families who love stories with both heart and substance.

A fast-paced, funny, and meaningful read that sparks conversations long after the last page. Ideal for reviewers who love spotlighting children’s books with depth, charm, and purpose."

 

You can purchase your own copy of The Ostriches at Bookshop, Barnes & Noble, and Amazon. Readers can learn more about Jennifer Ussi by visiting her website  and connect with her on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.  

 

 The Giveaway:

I've partnered with Jennifer Ussi to host a giveaway to celebrate the publication of The Ostriches. Enter for the chance to win one of ten paperback copies of The Ostriches. One grand prize winner will receive paperback copies of the first six books in The Incredible Adventures of Casper the Cat Who Got Lost in Africa series. Good luck! 

 

The Incredible Adventures of Casper the Cat Who Got Lost in Africa, Book 6: The Ostriches: Book Giveaway

 

10 Books to Read in March

 

March is here, and that means spring is on the horizon. I can’t wait for warmer days, clear sidewalks (if you know, you know!), sunshine, flowers in bloom, and everything else that comes with the season. There are also some fantastic books coming out this month—here are the ones I have my eye on:

 

1. Daughter of Egypt by Marie Benedict (3/24)

"A sweeping tale of a young woman who unearths the truth about a forgotten Pharaoh—rewriting both of their legacies forever."

 

 

2. It Girl by Allison Pataki (3/10)

"A sweeping, sensational novel of America’s first “It Girl,” whose dramatic journey to center stage echoes through the decades."

 

 

3. The Night We Met by Abby Jimenez (3/24)

"A beautiful, compelling novel that revels in laughter, friendship, and the messy choices life can throw our way. In everyone's life, there's a split-second decision that can change everything..."

 

 

4. Once and Again by Rebecca Serle (3/10)

"An unforgettable tale of a family of women with an astonishing gift: the ability to redo one moment in their lives."

 

 

5. Served Him Right by Lisa Unger (3/10)

A new psychological thriller about when a "woman's brunch with friends quickly turns dark in this gripping thriller." 

 

 

6. Killing Me Softly by Sandie Jones (3/31)

 "What do you do when love turns deadly? A wickedly twisty tale of obsession, and the deadly consequences of loving someone too much."

 

 

7. Lake Effect by Cynthia D'Aprix Sweeney (3/3)

"A wry and tender portrait of two families forever changed by one lovestruck decision that will reverberate for decades."

 

 

8. A Far-Flung Life by M.K. Stedman (3/3)

"A breathtaking and epic novel set in the vast outback of Australia—about tragedy, family secrets, and the enduring power of love."

 

 

9. Lady Tremaine by Rachel Hochhauser (3/3)

"A sinister stepmother or misunderstood matriarch? This retelling of Cinderella brings a new side to a familiar fairy tale for a bold examination of a mother’s love and resilience." 

 

 

10. This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me by Ilona Andrews (3/31)

"The page-turning politics of Game of Thrones meets the worlds-spanning romance of Outlander in this blockbuster new epic fantasy series."

 

Let me know in the comments which books have caught your eye this month. 

Blog Tour and Giveaway: Calliope Callisto Clark and the Search for Wisdom

You all know by now that middle grade fiction is one of my favorite genres. There’s just something about a good coming-of-age story that tugs at my heartstrings—and if it includes a dog, I’m sold.

That’s exactly the case with the new novel I’m featuring today, Calliope Callisto Clark and the Search for Wisdom by Claudia Mills. The story follows Calliope, a “difficult” student who joins a philosophy club in hopes of finding answers for how to handle her even more “difficult” dog. This heartfelt novel by acclaimed children’s author Claudia Mills has already received a starred review from Kirkus Reviews and is a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard selection. It’s one you won’t want to miss!

 

About the Novel:

 

Calliope Callisto Clark and the Search for Wisdom

Written by Claudia Mills

Ages: 9+ | 272 Pages

Publisher: Holiday House (2026) | ISBN-13: 978-0-8234-6050-2

Publisher’s Book Summary: “Difficult” student Callie joins a philosophy club seeking the wisdom she needs to keep her beloved but equally difficult dog in this hilarious, heartfelt middle-grade novel for underdogs and dog-lovers alike!

Once Callie (Calliope Callisto Clark) starts saying something, it’s hard for her to stop. The opinion gets bigger and bigger, her voice gets louder and louder—and she gets in more and more trouble. She’s in trouble with her teacher, who likes order and not Callie. She’s in bigger trouble with her Grampy, who blames Callie and her dog (a.k.a. Best Ever Friend) Archie for his ever-rising blood pressure. Then there’s the biggest trouble of all… just one more strike, and Callie could lose her beloved Archie forever.

When she turns to Greek philosophy for answers on how to solve her problems, she only gets more questions: What is justice? What is fairness? And as her problems get bigger, so do her questions: Is it Callie’s fault when Grampy has a stroke?

Told in Callie’s endearing, energetic voice, Calliope Callisto Clark and the Search for Wisdom is sure to speak to any student who’s ever been called “disruptive.” Acclaimed children’s book author and retired philosophy professor Claudia Mills delivers a heartfelt middle-grade novel for misunderstood readers who feel like they’re living their own Greek tragedies. A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection."

Readers can purchase their own copy of Calliope Callisto Clark and the Search for Wisdom at Barnes & Noble, Bookshop and Amazon. To learn more about Claudia Mills, visit her website and connect with her at Instagram, Facebook, and Blue Sky.  

 

The Giveaway: 

I've partnered with Claudia Mills to host a giveaway for Calliope Callisto Clark and the Search for Wisdom. Enter for the chance to win one of 10 signed hardcover copies of Calliope Callisto Clark and the Search for Wisdom. One grand-prize winner will receive two additional signed books by Claudia Mills, plus an unforgettable one-hour Zoom visit with the author!  

Calliope Callisto Clark and the Search for Wisdom: Book Giveaway  

 

Good luck,