Hot Chocolate on Thursday by Michiko Aoyama

In this delightful short novel, the story starts at the Marble Cafe in Tokyo, where Wataru, the manager, has feelings for a regular customer that he has nicknamed Ms. Hot Chocolate. From there, in each subsequent chapter the reader meets characters who are tangentially connected to one another. There's Ena who is reprimanded by senior teacher Yasuko for wearing nail polish to her job as a kindergarten teacher and  Yasuko, who gets her own story about her friendship with childhood friend Risa (who is getting married). Risa and her husband, Hiroyuki, then honeymoon in Sydney, where several of the stories are set. Hot Chocolate on Thursday then comes full circle with the last story told by Maco, Ms Hot Chocolate. A cozy, heartwarming read.

Life: a Love Story by Elizabeth Berg

As Flo Greene nears the end of her life at ninety-two years old, she begins to write letters to a woman named Ruthie. Ruthie grew up next door to Flo and they developed a strong friendship. Flo has decided to leave her house and possessions to Ruthie in her will, since Flo and her late husband Terrence had no children. Throughout Life: a Love Story, Flo recounts the events of her life, both major and minor, through the possessions she's leaving behind. A heartwarming story of connection and love.

Once and Again by Rebecca Serle

When the women in Lauren's family are born, they are given a ticket that they can use once to turn back time. Lauren's mother, Marcella, used hers when Lauren was fifteen and Lauren's father, Dave, died in a car accident. Lauren's grandmother, free spirit Sylvia, still has hers, as does Lauren. The three generations of women, along with Dave, lived together in a house in Malibu (that Sylvia bought in the 1960's) until Lauren grew up. Lauren, now married to Leo, is coming back to the house as Leo is working in New York City for the summer. There has been strain in Lauren's marriage of late, owing to their inability to have a child. Leo wants to stop trying and move on, Lauren does not. When Lauren's first love, Stone, comes back into the picture she finds it hard to resist his charms. Once and Again explores the relationship between mothers and daughters and how the opportunity of a "do over" affects people's lives.

The Patient by Tim Sullivan

In this third book in the DS Cross series, George and his colleagues Ottey and Mackenzie investigate the death of a young woman named Flick after her mother, Sandra, repeatedly tries to tell the authorities that she was murdered rather than having died of a drug overdose. The team finds evidence that seems to support her claim, along with several suspects that deserve a look. The Patient is a satisfying police procedural that continues to develop the personal relationship between George, Ottey, and Mackenzie. Give to readers who enjoy Ann Cleeves and Peter Robinson.

The Midnight Taxi by Yosha Gunasekera

Siriwathi "Siri" Perera drives a taxi in New York City. One evening she picks up public defender Amaya Fernando and Siri senses they could possibly be friends, since both are Sri Lankan. While in Brooklyn, Siri then gets another fare and is stunned soon after to find the man dead with the knife still in his chest in her back seat. She then calls Amaya for help and, after calling the police, Siri is then arrested for murder. While out on bail, with Amaya's help, Siri must investigate who the man she supposedly murder was, in addition to finding the real killer to clear her name. The Midnight Taxi is a debut mystery featuring an likable main character in Siri, with a rich backstory.

One & Only by Maurene Goo

Soon to turn forty, Cassia works in the family business--One & Only Matchmaking--in Los Angeles. It was started by Cassia's grandmother Halmoni and her great aunt Emoni, and has been very successful. All the women in the family have the ability when meeting someone to be able to see their past lives and loves, so they are able to produce a name of the person who is their perfect match for their clients. Cassia has known the name of hers, Daniel Nam, for ten years, but hasn't had any luck finding him. When she meets a much younger guy named Ellis, they have an instant connection and sparks fly. Then Ellis introduces Cassia to his boss, Daniel Nam. Can Cassia forget Ellis and be with her fated, Daniel? One & Only is the adult debut of young adult author Maurene Goo.

My Husband's Wife by Alice Feeney

When Eden Fox comes back from a run, she's perplexed because her key won't open the front door of her house, Spyglass. The woman that answers the door looks like her and tells Eden that she can't possibly be Eden Fox because she is. Even her husband, Harrison who's home at the time, tells Eden to leave. The big question for the reader becomes just who the real Eden Fox is. Another storyline in the book is told through the eyes of a woman named Birdy who six months ago inherited Spyglass from her estranged grandmother. In My Husband's Wife the stories of Eden, Birdy, Harrison, and those around them are told as Feeney reveals one surprise after another in her signature style.