Our Tomato reviewers bring together three powerful, emotionally resonant novels that explore kindness, community, reinvention, and the quiet moments that shape who we become. From the soulful reflections of Theo of Golden, to the heartfelt resilience in Summer State of Mind, to the deeply introspective journey at the center of More Than Enough, these stories remind us why we read: to feel seen, to feel connected, and to witness the extraordinary within ordinary lives.

The Book Everyone’s Buzzing About

Theo of Golden by Allen Levi is a deeply reflective and emotionally rich novel that explores kindness, human connection, and the quiet power of listening. Set in the fictional Southern town of Golden, the story begins with the arrival of a mysterious stranger named Theo, whose simple but unusual mission gradually transforms the lives of the people around him. By purchasing pencil portraits hanging in a local coffee shop and returning them to their subjects, Theo invites each person to share their story, creating a chain of conversations that reveal heartbreak, hope, regret, and redemption.

What makes the novel especially compelling is its gentle pace and emphasis on character over plot. Rather than relying on dramatic twists, Levi focuses on the emotional journeys of ordinary people. Each interaction Theo has feels intimate and meaningful, allowing readers to reflect on the importance of empathy and being truly “seen” by others. Theo himself is an intriguing figure—wise, compassionate, and quietly enigmatic.

As the town wonders about the identity of their mysterious benefactor, Theo struggles to keep his secret while confronting his own emotional wounds. The final third of the book reveals the full depth of Theo’s past tragedy and culminates in a powerful moment of collective gratitude and community connection.

Levi’s writing is filled with vivid descriptions and thoughtful dialogue. The small-town setting is lovingly portrayed, creating a comforting atmosphere that complements the novel’s themes of generosity and community. The story serves as a gentle meditation on how intentional kindness, empathy, and grace can heal both the giver and the receiver. GET THE BOOK.

~Joan Pagano, CEO Joan Pagano Fitness, NY, NY

Another Wow Book from Kristy Woodson Harvey

Kristy Woodson Harvey has done it again with another fabulous five-star read.  Summer State of Mind is not your typical beach read because it has so much emotional depth to it.  I highly recommend this book.  I loved it so much, and I also think this is her best book yet.  Congratulations, Kristy, on another fantastic read.  You did not disappoint with this book.

Set in a fictional coastal town in Cape Carolina, North Carolina, this is a story about Daisy Stevens, a burned-out NICU nurse.  She runs away to this charming town after a shattering professional experience, and she hopes that a quieter life by the sea will help her to heal.

Almost immediately upon her arrival, Daisy finds herself caught up in a situation involving an abandoned newborn baby.  Mason Thaysden, a local high school baseball coach, and his star player find baby Jane Doe.  The two take the baby to the hospital to be checked out, and this is when Mason meets Daisy. They began to connect over this newborn baby, who she is, who her parents are, and of course, the main question: how could anyone abandon a newborn baby?  As Mason and Daisy get to know each other, she begins to have feelings for him while also starting to love his family.   Her favorite family member is his Aunt Tilly, her quirks and all.  She was also one of my favorite characters in this book.

When Daisy takes the baby home to her apartment until they can find the parents, the town really comes out to support her.  The Mothers in town help fill a nursey with all the things she will need: a bed, clothes, a rocking chair, and a changing table. The attachment that Daisy feels for this baby is real and believable.  She quickly learns how exhausting it is caring for a newborn baby while working full-time.

This story is a beautiful example of a person being able to rebuild a life after heartbreak and disappointment.  Also shows how a community can come together when someone needs it the most. Lots of emotions in this book, and I loved all of them.  Make sure you read this one; you will not be disappointed. GET THE BOOK.

~Francene Katzen, advocate for parents of children with drug addictions, Richmond, VA

On My Reading List

Anna Quindlen is one of my favorite authors, and her latest novel, More Than Enough, is already on my reading list. Quindlen has always had a gift for illuminating the quiet turning points in a woman’s life—the moments that look small from the outside but feel seismic on the inside. Her new novel promises that same blend of emotional acuity, elegant prose, and deeply human insight.

At the center of More Than Enough is a woman standing at a crossroads, confronting the gap between the life she built and the life she still longs for. Quindlen traces her journey with the kind of clarity and compassion that have defined her work for decades. The novel explores themes of identity, reinvention, aging, and the courage it takes to claim a life that feels authentically one’s own.

Readers can expect richly drawn characters, layered relationships, and Quindlen’s signature ability to turn everyday moments into revelations. It’s a story about what happens when a woman finally stops asking whether she is “too much” or “not enough” and instead begins to imagine what it means to be whole.

If you love character‑driven fiction, introspective storytelling, and novels that linger long after the last page, More Than Enough looks like a standout addition to Quindlen’s body of work—and one that will spark conversation among readers navigating their own seasons of change. GET THE BOOK.