Sample Saturday is when I wade through the eleventy billion samples I have downloaded on my Kindle. I’m slowly chipping away and deciding whether it’s buy or bye.

Same As It Ever Was by Claire Lombardo

Why I have it: lots of love for it in my Goodreads feed.

Summary: After a youth marked by upheaval and turbulence, Julia finds herself on the placid plateau of mid-life. She’s unprepared, though, for what comes next: a series of family events that threaten to draw her back into the patterns that had previously kept her on a razor’s edge.

I’m thinking: No.

Checkout 19 by Claire-Louise Bennett

Why I have it: appeared on one of my ‘waiting for’ lists (years ago!).

Summary: The adventures of a young woman discovering her own genius, through the people she meets – and dreams up – along the way.

I’m thinking: No.

Diving, Falling by Kylie Mirmohamadi

Why I have it: spotted on a 2024 ‘best of’ list.

Summary: For years, Leila has been the mediator in her family, including enduring the volatile moods and endless affairs of her husband, acclaimed artist Ken Black. All this, for the quiet hum of creative freedom her marriage provides. Or so she tells herself. When Ken dies, leaving his estate to their two sons, and the pointed amount of sixty-nine thousand dollars to his muse, Anita, Leila decides she’s had enough.

I’m thinking: yes.