Can't Wait Wednesday!

Can’t-Wait Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Tressa at Wishful Endings that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

I am combining CWW with Books From the Backlog hosted by Carole at Carole's Random Life in Books. This will allow me to feature some newly "rediscovered" books, which I plan on reading, alongside a new release.

This week I can't wait for

---

The Mistletoe Mystery by Nita Prose
Published by Ballantine Books on October 1, 2024
Age/Genres: Adult, Mystery
Goodreads

Molly the Maid has a whole new mystery to solve this holiday when a Secret Santa gift exchange raises questions about who she can and cannot trust—a heartwarming story about the true spirit of the season, by #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Maid and The Mystery Guest

Molly Gray has always loved the holidays. When Molly was a child, her gran went to great lengths to make the season merry and bright, full of cherished traditions. The first few Christmases without Gran were hard on Molly, but this year, her beloved boyfriend and fellow festive spirit, Juan Manuel, is intent on making the season Molly’s most joyful yet.

But when a Secret Santa gift exchange at the Regency Grand Hotel raises questions about who Molly can and cannot trust, she dives headfirst into solving her most consequential—and personal—mystery yet. Molly has a bad feeling about things, and she starts to wonder: has she yet again mistaken a frog for a prince?

A heartwarming, magical story about the true spirit of the season, The Mistletoe Mystery reminds us that love is the greatest mystery of all.

Who wouldn't want more Molly the Maid? I adore this character and her world and was excited to see we were taking a trip back during the holidays. Molly's mystery lean cozy, so a holiday book is perfect. I am hoping the whole gang is back together for the holidays, too, because their charm is amplified when all gathered in the same place. 

---

---

Out of the Clear Blue Sky by Kristan Higgins
Published by Berkley on June 7, 2022
Age/Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Fiction
Goodreads

A funny and surprising new novel about second chances--and why the lies we tell ourselves are the most dangerous.

Lillie Silva knew life as an empty nester would be hard after her only child left for college, but when her husband abruptly dumps her for another woman just as her son leaves, her world comes crashing down. Besides the fact that this announcement is a complete surprise (to say the least), what shocks Lillie most is that she isn't...heartbroken. She's furious.

Lillie has loved her life on Cape Cod, but as a mother, wife and nurse-midwife, she's used to caring for other people...not taking care of herself. Now, alone for the first time in her life, she finds herself going a little rogue. Is it over the top to crash her ex-husband's wedding, dressed like the angel of death? Sure! Should she release a skunk into his perfect new home? Probably not! But it beats staying home and moping.

She finds an unexpected ally in her glamorous sister, with whom she's had a tense relationship all these years. And an unexpected babysitter in of all people Ben Hallowell, the driver in a car accident that nearly killed Lillie 20 years ago. And then there's Ophelia, her ex-husband's oddly lost niece, who could really use a friend.

It's the end of Lillie's life as she knew it. But sometimes the perfect next chapter surprises you...out of the clear blue sky.

I am reading this book because I am working my way through Higgins' backlist. I am late to the party with this author, but greatly enjoying all her books. I have started this one, and as expected, the story is told via multiple points of view. I, however, did not anticipate it being the "other woman's" point of view. An interesting choice that I am sure will make sense in the long run. I feel like I will probably even be sympathetic towards her in the end because that is something Higgins is really good at - making me care for characters I really shouldn't. I also know the main character, Lillie, will find happiness by the end and am eager to accompany her on this journey. 

What are you waiting on?
Let us know in the comments!