Right from my reviewers' mouths

Or is it, "Out of the mouths of reviewers?"

I write what I like and what I’m feeling. But I also listen. That is why reviews and feedback from readers are so important and necessary to writers. They not only tell us what they want to read, what resonates or what doesn’t, but what they need to read. Whether it’s purely for the entertainment value or something they can relate to on a personal level, they point us the way.

Here are just a few lines from my most recent reviewers for Elizabeth’s Mountain:

“Could not put it down. 5:45 am. Good thing I am retired and can sleep all day. This book has a heart!”

“Great story, left me wanting more. Where does the story go from here? Love through the generations is a great thing.”

“I am seldom so pleased with a novel that I bother with a review, but Elizabeth’s Mountain was so satisfying that I want to encourage others to read it. Like other reviewers, I want more. I hope Ms. Guarino has many more stories to write.”

“From the first page I was captivated. The only thing that was disappointing was that the book ended. Maybe a sequel?”

For those who’ve asked: Yes, a stand-alone sequel is slated for May 2026!

…and from reviewers for my newest novel, Lunch Tales: Suellen:

“This book was great. …I was not quite prepared for the emotion elicited for me. It’s much more complex than the title would lead you to believe.”

“This is the kind of book that sneaks up on you. Suellen is flawed in the most relatable way, and her journey through fear, love, and self-doubt felt honest and deeply human. I loved the dynamic with her coworkers and how her past quietly shaped every choice she made. This was a great weekend read!”

"“Guarino’s writing is deeply evocative, bringing to life the emotional depth of Suellen’s journey in a way that feels incredibly real. The romance is tender and sophisticated, striking a balance between passion and the raw struggles that come with love in the real world. …The friendships between the four women add another layer of richness to the story, reminding readers of the power of support and connection.”

“Lunch Tales: Suellen will leave you full of hope, wanting to read the next book in the series, and craving a lunch date with your besties.”

Six more days to enter the Goodreads Giveaway for a print copy of Lunch Tales: Suellen.

To all the readers out there—whether you’re a voracious reader or a casual reader—I appreciate you!

I, myself, have been doing a lot of reading and will be recommending some of them in my next post.

As always, thank you for spending some time with me.

Lucille