Tuesday, October 27, 2026

Worth Fighting For Book Review

 

Worth Fighting For

By: Jesse Q Sutanto

Publish Date: June 3, 2025

Publisher: Hyperion Avenue

General Fiction (Adult)/Romance

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I would like to thank both NetGalley and Hyperion Avenue for allowing me to read and review this book. All opinions are my own.

Book Review:

 I enjoyed this book and gave it 4 stars. It is the fifth book in the Meant to be series. The good thing about this series is you don't have to read them in any order.

This story is a remake of Mulan. Mulan is the name of the main character and in this story, she is in finance in her father's firm. She works hard but isn't taken seriously. Her dad wants to buy a whiskey company which is a family run business by fellow Chinese. Mulan thinks this is a bad idea because the company isn't doing well figure wise. Her father wants her at the meeting any way to listen in. Before that happens, her father has a heart attack and is in the hospital and now it is up to her. The catch to the thing is that this company will not deal with females but only with the men. Mulan has to tell a little fib to even get them to let her try to convince them. 

What I like about this book is how Mulan is able to handle herself in these conditions. She is focus and has the ability to work things out in her mind and with her cousin who backs her up and helps give her confidence. I like how the company takes her in even though they may not sale to her dad company. The family base company has some female members who don't have a vote, but they take in Mulan and treat her like family. I also like how Mulan's family love her and have trust in her and don't get extremely mad when she makes mistakes. The other thing about this book is the romance in this book is closed door.

Sunday, October 18, 2026

Upstate Book Review

 

Upstate

By: Kim Van Alkemade

Publish Date: October 27, 2026

Publisher: William Morrow/William Morrow Paperbacks

General Fiction (Adult)/LGBTQIA+/Women's Fiction

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I would like to thank both William Morrow and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this book. All opinions are my own.

Book Review:

I enjoyed this book and gave it 4 stars. It was an easy read and went fairly quick. 

This book starts out as the pandemic starts and there are some triggers so beware of those. The warners are death of parent and spouse and suicide. This book is told in a dual time in my opinion. The dual part is through magazine articles and letters. 

In the current timeline a young woman is dealing with loss of her spouse and isn't sure what she truly wants to do. One day she sees an ad for the sale of a home and bookstore. The catch is the new owner has to start up the bookstore again before the trust fund will allow the purchase. 

In the past timeline you have a young librarian and a magazine writer who meet at a camp for lesbians. They become interested in each other at the camp and continue with the relationship afterwards. The librarian is going to move to New York to be with her new friend, but her brother isn't doing well at home, and she needs to be there for him. The writer decides that she will make the move instead and there is a home not far from the librarian and decides to buy it and do articles on how she fixes it up. This is told through her articles and the letters that the librarians write

The new widow decides to buy the house and bookstore with cash to start a new life. The book talks about her struggles with her loss and how to make the home and store work for her. She struggles but is able to make new friends along the way and they help her.

I like how the author writes and it makes you feel like you are there for all the struggles in both timelines. I like the friendships and relationships also. I would recommend this book.


Monday, October 5, 2026

Weekly Wrap-up

 

Here is my wrap-up for the short first week of October. It went from the 1st through the 4th. I read five books which brings my yearly total to 180 books.


Sunrise on the Reaping

By: Suzanne Collins

I finally got this book read. This is another prequal to the Hunger Games. I really enjoyed this book and now can understand why Haymitch acted the way he did in the original books. I gave this book 4 stars.


We Don't Talk About Carol

By: Kristen L. Berry

I read this book because it was a book club book. I was actually surprised that I enjoyed it. I gave this book 4 stars. 



In the Company of Witches

By: Auralee Wallace

This was another book club read. I also gave this book 4 stars. This is the first book in the Evenfall Witches B&B Series. The series only has 2 books, and I have the other to read soon. This is a cozy mystery series that takes place in a small town.



Dream Big

By: Shannon Hale

This is the second book in a middle grade graphic novel series. I didn't realize it was the second book so I have the first book coming from the library so I can read it. It was a quick fun read, and I gave it 4 stars.



Curtain

By: Agatha Christie

This is the final case for Hercule Poirot. It was sad to read the last case, and I only thought it was ok. I gave it 3 stars. I haven't read all of cases because I grab them as I can get them from the library.

I hope these books give you an idea of things to read. I am still working on a few more books that I didn't get finished before the week ran out. I will try to remember to keep you updated on what I have read. Until next time, keep reading.

Friday, October 2, 2026

September Book Haul

 

For the month of September, I acquired 8 books. These are the books that I bought. I bought them from Barnes and Noble and Amazon. I will be using good reads for the synopsis as I tell you about them

 

Spy Family Volume 16

By: Tatsuya Endo

When Melinda comes to Loid for counseling, he lucks into a great opportunity to gather intel. During their session, even Loid is shocked by what he learns about Donovan Desmond. Meanwhile, it’s a new term at Eden Academy, and Anya’s found herself in the middle of an international dispute!


The Beast and the Bethany 

Battle of the Beast 

By: Jack Meggitt-Phillips

After being vanquished in spectacular fashion that included an umbrella with human-puddling capabilities and a darn good show, the beast is transferred to a hidden island and placed in an impenetrable cage where it can no longer hurt anyone or carry out its dastardly plan to make Bethany its next meal. Meaning Bethany and Ebenezer’s lives are finally beast free and they can pursue their do-gooding activities in peace—even if the “gooding” part is questionable.

But when it’s revealed that the beast has lost its memory and D.0.R.R.I.S. declares that it’s no longer dangerous, the beast is delivered back where it came Ebenezer and Bethany’s house.

Can the beast really be good? Or, if its newfound manners aren’t to be trusted, what could it be planning next?


The Beast and the Bethany

The Final Feast

By: Jack Meggitt-Phillips

Ebenezer Tweezer has spent the best part of 512 years doing whatever he wanted, but that all changed when he met Bethany – a rude, snotty-nosed prankster. Ebenezer has come to care for this strange, slightly smelly little scowler more than he has cared about anyone or anything before.

It’s just as well, because when this story begins, Bethany needs a friend. She has just discovered that her parents Augustus and Gemima were dreadful criminals before they died in an only slightly more dreadful fire.

Except – it seems her father did NOT die at all. Augustus returns to Bethany’s life, begging for Bethany’s help to clear his name and show him how to live a life that is free from crime.

As the action barrels towards celebrations for Ebenezer’s 513th birthday, Ebenezer, Miss Muddle and Geoffrey have to figure out Augustus’ true motives for coming back into Bethany’s life. Can they show Bethany the true meaning of family, before it’s too late?


The Lincoln Conspiracy

By: Brad Meltzer

Everyone knows the story of Abraham Lincoln’s assassination in 1865, but few are aware of the original conspiracy to kill him four years earlier in 1861, literally on his way to Washington, DC, for his first inauguration.

The conspirators were part of a pro-Southern secret society that didn’t want an anti-slavery President in the White House. They planned an elaborate scheme to assassinate the brand-new President in a Baltimore train station as Lincoln’s inauguration train passed through en route to the Capital. The plot was investigated by famed detective Allan Pinkerton, who infiltrated the group with undercover agents, including one of the first female private detectives in America. Had the assassination succeeded, there would have been no Lincoln Presidency, and the course of the Civil War and American history would have forever been altered.

The bestselling team that brought you The First Conspiracy now turns their attention to the story of the secret society that tried to kill Abraham Lincoln and the undercover detectives who foiled their plans.


We Chase Shadows

By: Richard Osman

Back together.
Back on the case.
And back to solving murders . . .

At sunrise, high in the Italian hills, a body is found on the steps of a beautiful private villa. On the body is a threatening note, signed by a mystery man.


Back at We Solve Murders HQ, Amy, Rosie, and Steve leap at the chance to take on their first proper case. So, what if their new client seems to have his own reasons for avoiding the police? All they need to do is uncover who left the note and then find them. Simple.

But once they start digging, the suspects keep piling up: there’s Sweden’s most-wanted criminal, a canny ex-wife and a fierce business rival – yet the murderer keeps evading them. And as the trio chase a villain through the shadows, danger travels closer to home . . .

Between Italy and Palm Springs, via Barcelona and Steve’s village pub, can the team catch an elusive killer who knows EXACTLY where to hide?


Taipei Story

By: R. F. Kuang

College freshman Lily Chen is off to spend the summer in Taipei at an intensive language program like so many Chinese American students before her, hoping to connect with the culture she inherited but never fully understood. But a promising start quickly unravels. Her classes are grueling, her roommate is driving her insane, and a reckless trip to the hot springs with a guy she barely knows soon has her classmates viciously gossiping. She feels adrift, a foreigner in a country she thought would feel like home.

Then shocking news Lily’s grandfather has passed away. The loss forces her to grapple with now-unanswerable questions about her family history. As Lily grieves, she’s drawn into a journey of self-discovery—piecing together memories, stories, and silences over a series of hilarious and devastating attempts at connection.


In the Spirit of French Murder

By: Colleen Cambridge

After moving to France, Tabitha Knight has a new friend in fellow expat and Cordon Bleu student Julia Child, whose culinary tips can come in quite handy. But something’s cooking in postwar Paris, and it isn’t just cheese soufflĂ©…

Tabitha has enjoyed an entertaining afternoon in Julia’s kitchen, but her return home is a bit jarring. As she arrives at her grandfather’s rue de l’UniversitĂ©mansion, a woman bursts out the door babbling about messages from spirits and a warning Grand-père must heed. Oncle Rafe angrily sends the woman on her way, and neither man will answer Tabitha’s questions.

It’s not the last she sees of the mysterious visitor. While she’s on a date that evening, she’s accosted by her again—and learns that Madame Vierca is a medium who claims to have visions of a dark fate that awaits Grand-père and Oncle Rafe. The very next night, Tabitha’s messieurs host a soiree at their new restaurant, inviting fellow Resistance fighters from the war known as the Nine Bluets. To commemorate the work of the Resistance network, the vase on the dinner table sports nine of the pretty blue flowers.

But shortly after the revelers leave the restaurant, one of Grand-père’s old friends is found dead on the street . . . and one of the nine flowers is missing from the vase. When a second member of the Nine Bluets is found poisoned the next day, and a bluet flower is left with the body, Tabitha cannot ignore Madame Vierca’s frightening predictions about her dear messieurs. She has no choice but to share her suspicions and fears with the enigmatic and unruffled Inspecteur Merveille.

Tabitha soon finds herself caught up in an investigation that takes her and Merveille to the seediest, most dangerous parts of the Left Bank—home of strange, fantastical legends, disquieting events, and unusual people. As she and Merveille desperately try to find a killer, they know they don’t have much time before the rest of the Nine Bluets are targeted . . . including Grand-père and Oncle Rafe.


Our Strange Duet

By: Erin A. Craig

Christine Daaé. Her Voice. Her Story. As it's never been told before.

Our Strange Duet is a reimagining of Andrew Lloyd Webber's Phantom of the Opera, told through the eyes of Christine Daaé as she rises to fame while torn between love, ambition, and the haunting secrets of the opera house, from #1 New York Times bestselling author Erin A. Craig.

She was never just the voice he shaped . . .

A rising soprano with a gift she is only just learning to embrace, Christine Daaé has moved through the glittering world of the Opera Populaire longing to find her purpose. Instead, she finds herself caught between two men who refuse to let her slip quietly into the chorus.

One is Raoul, her childhood friend turned devoted admirer, offering her a future filled with warmth, safety, and a love that feels like sunlight. The other is a mysterious masked figure who lurks beneath the opera The Phantom. His brilliance, obsession, and dangerous devotion to nurturing Christine’s talents ignites a dark and complicated passion in her heart. As Christine’s star ascends, so does the tension between Raoul and the Phantom. She must decide who she is when the curtain falls – and what she’s willing to risk for the life she wants.

Set against the haunting, romantic world of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Phantom of the Opera, Our Strange Duet allows Christine DaaĂ© to take centre stage to tell her own story.


Thursday, October 1, 2026

Best Wishes from the Full Moon Coffee Shop Book Review

 

Best Wishes from the Full Moon Coffee Shop

A Novel

By: Mai Mochizuki

Publish Date: October 28, 2025

Publisher: Ballantine/Ballantine Books

General Fiction (adult)/Sci-Fi and Fantasy

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I would like to thank both NetGalley and Ballantine Books for allowing me to read and review this book. All opinions are my own.

Book Review:

This is a translated book, and I gave it 4 stars. There are three stories in this volume, and they all are connected in some way. I gave this second book 4 stars. This book takes place around Christmas time.

In this book the full moon coffee shop is going to open more than usually. It is the holiday season and the owners thought it would be nice to be around more often and to help out some people that have requested help.

The first story is about a young who wants a puppy. Her mom isn't so sure because of her growing up with a hard to please father. They are now estranged from each other. But the little girl's dad also wants a puppy, so they end up getting one. They think it is great that the person putting on the adoption is dressed like a cat. Also, there is a coffee truck near the adoption place.

The second story is about the young girl's aunt who helped organized the adoption clinic. She wasn't able to attend so she sent a temporary worker in her place, her story is the last story.

What does they coffee shop have to do with the three individuals. Well, they serve them what they need the most and try to help them along the way to figure out what they truly want out of life.

I enjoy how the cats/people interact with each individual and how they don't judge the person while they figure things out.

There is a lot of talk about stars and that goes over my head a little, but it doesn't influence my reading enjoyment.

Do you need to read the first book to read this one? No, you don't have too. I wouldn't want to read them back-to-back because of the talk about stars, but I will continue the series as the books are translated.

Saturday, September 26, 2026

The Secret Bookstore Sleuth Society Book Review

 

The Secret Bookstore Sleuth Society

By: Lindsay Currie

Publish Date: September 15, 2026

Publisher: Sourcebooks Kids/Sourcebooks Young Readers

Children's Fiction

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Book Review:

I really enjoyed this book and gave it 4 stars. This is a different type of book for her to write. She usually writes about ghost and having the young person help them out. In this book the young children are solving a crime with the help of a grandma.

In this book a young girl is being homeschooled because the family needs to saves money and the school she was going to was a private school. The reason they need to save money is because her grandma needs to have dialysis and the medical bills are expensive. On this particular day there is an ice storm coming and they need to get home before it comes. Unfortunately, this doesn't happen because a car accident happens outside the shop where her mom works. While they are outside dealing with the accident inside the store something is happening that no one expects. 

The accident happened to be between her grandma and her friend's mom who was picking the children up from school. When it is all settled they all go inside while they wait for the police when they get inside, they hear a scream and find a dead body. The girl knows the man who is dead at her table which she uses as a desk.

When the police arrive for the accident, they are told about the man in the storage room. The police rule it as an accidental death, but the girl doesn't believe it because of the wet shoe prints on the floor. 

That is all I am going to tell you because I want you to read the book.

What I liked about the book is the friendship and the family. I love how they work together and protect each each other. The girl realizes that her grandma isn't as bad as she thought.

Thursday, September 10, 2026

Pocket Bear Book Review

 

Pocket Bear

By: Katherine Applegate

Publish Date: September 9, 2025

Publisher: MacMillan Children's Publishing Group/Feiwel and Friends

Children's Fiction/Middle Grade

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I would like to thank both NetGalley and MacMillan Children's Publishing for allowing me to read and review this book. All opinions are my own.

Book Review:

I just love reading the books that this author writes. She makes you feel all the feelings. I gave this book 4 stars. In this book a bear is rescued from the trash bin, and a smaller bear is charge of a group of rescued toys in a second chance shop. The owner's daughter cleans them up and gives them a little biography. The little bear is called a mascot bear, and he is from the first world war. He thinks he knows something about the new bear and it has affected him. Will the owners discover the truth about the new addition and what will they do. 

I really enjoy the way the author included this history about two different types of bears. It is a great way to learn, and the children will love it. In fact, I would say read it with your children because it can lead to a great discussion about the past. 

Sunday, September 6, 2026

The Beast and the Bethany: Revenge of the Beast Book Review

 

The Beast and the Bethany

Revenge of the Beast

By: Jack Meggitt-Phillips

Publish Date: March 22,2022

Publisher: Simon and Schuster children's Publishing/Aladdin

Children's Fiction

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I would like to thank both NetGalley and Simon and Schuster for allowing me to read and review this book. All opinions are my own. I'm sorry it took me so long to read this book.

Book Review:

This will be hard to review since it is the second book in a series, and I don't want to give away any spoilers. I did enjoy it and gave it 4 stars. The book picks up where it left off in the first book. You get more back story about Ebenezer in this book. The two are trying to change their image and the town is not believing them and think there is something behind their attempts. Their new friend Claudette is helping them, but she hasn't been feeling well since her last known meal she has eaten. What will the three of them do to help their image and will Ebenezer ever feel normal since the loss of his beast. How will the beast do his revenge.

I love the relationship between Bethany and Ebenezer. Ebenezer is learning how to love someone besides himself. Bethany may be bossy, but she also is lonely and she is trying. Can people change or not? You will have to read the book to find out. You do need to read the first book before you read this one so you know what is happening.

Wednesday, September 2, 2026

Tell the Ghosts I'm Gone Book Review

 

Tell the Ghosts I'm Gone

By: Kalynn Bayron

Publish Date: September 1, 2026

Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Children's Books/Bloomsbury YA

Horror/Teens and YA

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Book Review:

This is my kind of horror of book. I am not fan of very scary books and this book was just right for me. I gave this book 4 stars. I love the authors writing style and how the story flows and how invested you get in the plot. I am an older adult, so I have to remember that how she writes the characters in this book is actually how most teenagers act towards a parent figure. I love the family and how even though they are not all related how they treat each other just like they born into the family.

In this book there are four young adults with special abilities, and they are struggling with how to control them, so the mom has bonded them together and their abilities until they are old enough to control them. unknown to the mom is that the four has created a web site for them to help others with paranormal sitings. They end up getting into deep and need help from the mom. 

Tuesday, July 28, 2026

Felix Powell, Boy Squirrel Book Review

 

Felix Powell, Boy Squirrel

By: Erin Entrada Kelly

Publish Date: August 18, 2026

Publisher: HarperCollins Children's Books/Greenwillow Books

Children's Fiction/Middle Grade/outdoors and nature

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Book Review:

This is a younger middle grade that is fun and easy to read. I gave this book 4 stars. I have read from this author, and I have enjoyed most of her books. 

This book is about a young boy who enjoys being outside and has an imagination like you wouldn't believe. He lives with his grandma, and they have a special relationship. He also has a little dog that goes everywhere with him. One day while Felix and his dog are outside, they are a playing a game about flying dinosaurs. Felix ends up falling asleep under his favorite blanket and when he wakes up, he discovers that he a squirrel and his blanket is in a tree that he isn't in. He meets another squirrel who is afraid of almost everything and request his help on how to get his blanket back. 

The moral of the story is how Felix is able to help this squirrel with his fears and makes new friends with other in the long run. This is a cute story and there are some pictures that make it easier for the younger reader to figure out with ease.

Wednesday, July 8, 2026

Eight Enchanting Elixirs Book Review

 

Eight Enchanting Elixirs

Book 8 of Kitchen Witch Mysteries

By: Lynn Cahoon

Publish Date: July 28, 2026

Publisher: Kensington Publishing/Kensington Cozies

Mysteries and Thrillers

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Book Review:

I enjoyed this book and gave it 4 stars. It did take me a minute to get back into this world because I haven't read all the books and I was a little confused. Once I got back into the world, I enjoyed myself and got invested into the story. 

Someone is after Mia and isn't happy that she is testing so well. She has to do retest sooner than she planned and she is a little stressed. Her Grandma is also stressed because an ex-lover is back in town and she is engaged to someone else. Grandma is also Mia's trainer, so she stressed about that. Mia's test was really hard, and it almost kills her because the tester thinks she cheated the first time and ends up being furious when Mia's test results are higher than last time.

Mia doesn't want to be at the new level because she just wants to be a kitchen witch and cook for people. This higher level has a lot more responsibilities. 

The day after her test results the small town finds the tester dead. She has frozen to death. Who killed her and why. Luckily Mia is able to prove it wasn't her because she had friends and family over waiting for the results of the test. 

Mia's boyfriend and the police chief's wife and daughter are stuck in a home for training of their hellhounds and aren't able to help her figure out who is after her. 

The coven wants her to join the local group and keep pushing her, but she is more interested in who killed the tester than becoming a member of the coven. Soon it comes to the acknowledgement of the small town that the incident is ruled an accident, but in actually means that the incident is a coven problem and they will take the case into their hands and figure out who the killer is. 

What I like about this book is the family and friendships between all the characters and the love they show each other. I would recommend this book but also read them in order so you are able to follow the story line better.

Thursday, July 2, 2026

Japanese Gothic Book Review

 

Japanese Gothic

A Folk Horror Novel of Japanese Mythology, murder, and Family Duty Across Two timelines

By: Kylie Lee Baker

Publish Date: April 14, 2026

Publisher: Harlequin Trade Publishing/Hanover Square Press

General Fiction (Adult)/Horror/ Mystery and thrillers

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Book Review:

This is Kylie's second book, and I enjoyed it but not as much as her first book. I gave this book 4 stars. 

I wouldn't call this book horror because I wasn't scared, but it did have some moments that I was given the eek. This book takes place in Japan during two timelines. Present day and 1877. 

In present day a young man comes to Japan to be with his father who has a heart condition. They are both originally from the states, but his father decided he wanted to be in Japan for the time being. The young man, Lee, is taking a break from college and he has some mental issues. 

In 1877 there is a young woman, Sen who is training to become a samurai by her father. This is unusual for the time period. During this time women are not thought of as warriors and the samurais are coming to an end. She isn't sure where she fits in the world.

They meet through the closet in the house that Lee's father has rented which use to be Sen's home.

The story was very interesting, and you can tell that the author did a lot of research on this subject. I like how she was able to combine two different time periods together and make it interesting. I love how the two characters got along for the most part and tried to help each other out. The ending of the story was one I had to read twice before I was able to figure it out. 

Monday, June 22, 2026

The Mountains We Call Home Book Review

 

The Mountains We Call Home: The Book Woman's Legacy

By: Kim Michele Richardson

Publish Date: April 21, 2026

Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark/Sourcebooks Landmark

General Fiction (Adult)/Historical Fiction/Women's Fiction

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Book Review:

I loved this book and gave it 5 stars. It was great to back in Cussy's world. We find out what happens to her and her small family after the first book. You can read this as a standalone, but you would have no idea what she went through and be a little lost in their story. I would advise you to read the two books before this one.

In this book Cussy and Jackson are in prison because they are married. Cussy is a Blue and so considered colored. She isn't ill or anything like that she just has a genetic defect that not too many people have. There is a shot that she can take to make her "normal", but the side effects make her ill and she can't live a normal life. While in prison Cussy is able to work in the kitchen and befriends a person who is the grandmother of her daughter Honey. Cussy not only cleans the kitchen but keeps the books and has helped greatly with their budget. Eventually she gets the job of prison librarian and makes a big difference in the prison, and she becomes well liked even by the guards. She has even gone over to the men's prison and help over there.

Soon Cussy is loaned out to help a colored library with the literacy program. Just before she goes, she finds out she is pregnant and is hoping she doesn't have return because once she returns, they will abort the baby and sterilize her. 

She has been a great help and again everyone likes her. 

I won't tell what happens when she is helping the library because I want you to read Cussy's story in full.

This is a great series, and Kim does an excellent job with her research. You are rooting for Cussy and her family and you are cussing out the government at the same time.

Wednesday, June 10, 2026

The Fervent Whites Book Review

 

The Fervent Whites

By: De'Shawn Charles Winslow

Publish Date: June 6, 2026

Publisher: Random House/One World

General Fiction (Adult)

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I would like to thank both NetGalley and Random House/One world for allowing me to read and review this book.

Book Review:

I gave this book 4 stars. I really enjoyed myself while reading it.

This book is set in a small New York town that is now mostly a black neighborhood. One of the residents in the area are returning back home after being in prison for 18 months. People are trying to figure out why they would want to return to the old neighborhood after what happened. There are two residents who are worried because of what they did. They didn't do anything wrong but are scared, nonetheless. What did they do; one testified against them and the other told a secret. In their defense they thought the couple were locked up for life. 

The author does a great job because you get to know all the characters and you feel for them. Even the couple from prison. As the story goes the couple who were released from prison have issues and they let everyone know and they aren't nice.

This is a short book, so a lot happens and it is full of action. What I like about the story is the friendships and the small-town togetherness. 

The book takes place in the year 1982, so during this time is the HIV virus and one of the characters is gay. There is also hatred about the gays and the blacks even in this small town and the towns surrounding it. Just beware when you read it because the n word is used a couple of times.

Wednesday, May 20, 2026

No Mercy for the Innocent Book Review

 

No Mercy for the Innocent

By: Nancy Herriman

Mystery of Old San Francisco #8

Publish Date: May 6, 2026

Publisher: Beyond the Page Publishing

Historical Fiction/Mystery and Thriller

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Book Review:

Even though this is book eight in the series it is the first book I have read. I did enjoy it and I gave it 3 stars. I would suggest that you start with the first book so you can follow all the characters from the beginning. The author does do a great job on giving you the information that you need so you don't feel lost.

In this book Celia is going to the Geysers with an acquaintance and her cousin for a small vacation. What she doesn't expect is for a murder to happen to the acquaintance. She was traveling with a group of people, and this group is a troubling group with unknown secrets and issues. They meet up with a stranger as they travel to the geysers. This stranger is being accused of the murder. Which makes thing bad for him is that he has stolen a horse and taken off.

They head back home sooner than planned and Celia wants to investigate what happened to her acquaintance because it doesn't feel right. She finds things out and which causes her to have more questions and no answers.

When she gets home there is another murder and she wonders if it is connected to her acquaintance. Can she solve the murders before they come after her? Are the murders connected and if so, why were they killed?


Monday, May 18, 2026

Coconut Drop Dead Book Review

 

Coconut Drop Dead

By: Olivia Matthews

Publish Date: December 26, 2023

Publisher: St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books

Mystery/Thriller

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I would like to thank both St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this book. Sorry it took me so long to read it. All opinions are my own.

Book Review:

This is the third and looks like the final book in the series called Spice Isle Bakery Mystery. It does end where another book can be written and I hope so because there are a few things that were left hanging and I am dying to find out some answers.

This book starts off were book two ended and that is that the Caribbean American Heritage Festival is about to take place.

The festival proves to be all that Lyndsay thought it would be and the business is really starting to take off.  Everything seems to be going well until the body of the lead singer to an upcoming band is found at the bottom of some stairs. This band was well liked because of the charity work they were doing for the Caribbean countries.

Lyndsay's cousin Manny who runs the studio were the band recorded their music is saying he thinks there was foul play because the body was found face up which makes him think that the singer was pushed and not just fell. He proves his point to Lyndsay by doing a reenactment and she agrees with him. She brings this up with police who are looking into it. At first, they don't want to agree but once the report comes back from coroner, they seem to be more interested. 

This time no one in Lyndsay's family is being charged with the murder but the police have officially asked her to be a consultant in the case. She is able to get people to be more open and reveal a little more information than the police can.

Things don't seem to be happening until about 3/4 of the way through the book but then someone says something and this makes Lyndsay think about something that happened near the beginning of the book.

Does Lyndsay finally figure out who did it? Will she do so without getting herself killed? You will have to read the book to find out.

What I like about these books is the family is pretty much always supportive to the main character and the friendships that are being built in the story.

Monday, May 11, 2026

Slow Burn Book Review

 

Slow Burn

By: Katy Grant

Publish Date: April 1, 2026

Publisher: Rosen Publishing Group/West 44 Books

Middle grade/outdoors and nature/Parenting, Families, Relationships

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Book Review:

This was a quick read, and I gave the book 4 stars. This book is in verse which makes for the quick read. It is a story about a young man and his father trying to connect.

Baylor is being raised in a single mom household, and his father doesn't come around much. His mom has been making excuses for the father. One summer the father has asked for Baylor to come stay with him and help him with his job, which is being a fire watcher. Baylor doesn't really want to go but decides to go to hopefully get to know his dad better. There is a lot of adjusting for both of them and they are learning things about each other. Some of the things Baylor is learning isn't what he was hoping for. Do they learn how to get along and are they able to finally build a relationship between them. You will have to read the book to find out.

Sunday, May 10, 2026

Platform Decay Book Review

 

Platform Decay

By: Martha Wells

The Murderbot Diaries #8

Publish Date: May 5, 2026

Publisher: Tor Publishing Group/Tor Books

Sci Fi and Fantasy

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I would like to thank both Tor Publishing and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this book.

Book Review:

It is always hard to review a book, but it is even harder to review the eighth book in a series without giving anything away. I liked this book and I gave it 3 stars. 

In this book the murderbot is on a rescue mission. He is to help a human mom rescue her family and take them to a safe place. Things don't go as planned and this is the adventure they end up on. The murderbot does have help from a couple of other humans. 

I like how the author gives the murderbot human feelings and he keeps checking into them. I like how the humans are there for him and actually help him along the way.

In all it was a nice addition to the series.

Friday, May 1, 2026

Stakeouts and Strollers Book Review

 

Stakeouts and Strollers

A Mystery

By: Rob Phillips

Publish Date: March 17, 2026

Publisher: St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books

Mystery and Thrillers

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Book Review:

I really enjoyed this book, and I gave it 4 stars. This is debut book and I am looking forward to reading more books from him.

This book is about a new private investigator, and he happens to be a new dad as well. He works for former police officer and use to be a crime reporter for a newspaper. In his first case he is following a married woman who is having an affair, and he has to get proof. What actually happens is more than he bargains for. While getting the proof he needs, he ends up seeing an assault on the gentleman who the woman is having the affair with. He has also met up with a young girl who happens to have witness the same thing. Why she was in the same area as him he doesn't know at this point.

As the story goes on he has befriended the young girl and has found out why she was there and who she is looking for, which happens to be her father. They both find themselves in a deep problem and everything happens to be connected in some way. Can they figure out what is truly going on or will they die in the process.

This book keeps you turning the pages. Even though this book isn't supposed to be a start of a series it does leave off with a possible next book.

Sunday, March 15, 2026

Cats, Carats and Killers Book Review

 

Cats, Carats and Killers

By: TC LoTempio

Book 4 of Urban Tails Pet Shop Mysteries

Publish Date: March 19, 2024

Publisher: Beyond the Page Publishing

Mystery and Thrillers

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I would like to thank both NetGalley and Beyond the Page Publishing for allowing me to read and review this book. Sorry it took me so long to do so. All opinions are my own.

Book Review:

I really enjoyed this book and gave it 4 stars. This book was a fast read at only 184 pages. 

In this book they are doing a fund raiser for the local animal shelter. Shells mom was able to get the help from a friend who appraises antiques. The customer donates money to the shelter and then can get their item appraised. Someone has dropped off a jewelry box to get appraised since she just picked it up an estate sale. This jewelry box causes some hype because it seems like everyone wants it and is willing to pay top dollar for it. The owner wont sale until it is appraised.

Go back ten years to a jewelry heist in the small town. The jewels have never been recovered. Does this jewelry box have something to do with it since now everyone seems to have an interest in it. You will have to read the book to find out.

I really enjoy these cozy mysteries because you get involved with everyone in the story. They become to you as you read each book. I love the friendships in this book and even the mother daughter relationship. 

Tuesday, March 10, 2026

Hafsa's Way Book Review

 

Hafsa's Way

By: Aisha Saeed

Publish Date: March 10, 2026

Publisher: Penguin Young Readers Group/Nancy Paulsen Books

Children's Fiction/Middle Grade

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Book Review:

Not only is the cover beautiful but so is the story. I gave this book 5 stars. Near the end of the story, I was in tears. This book is about a young girl who wants to become a doctor in a culture that thinks girls/woman are second class. This young lady fights for everything she has accomplished. This time she has help from her brother-in-law and older sister. 

Hafsa wants to become a doctor when she gets older and she has learned about a summer program that will be a great advantage. She had to apply which she did secretly and was surprised to find out that she was accepted into the program. The only problem is she hasn't even mentioned this to her parents. 

When she finally tells her dad his answer is no and takes the letter and nothing is said about it anymore. then she realizes he hasn't even told her mother, and she goes looking for the letter to show her mom and her mom supports her father. A few days later her sister and brother-in-law come for a short visit and Hafsa brings it up and has support from them. The brother-in-law even will pay for the program, and she can stay with them. This her parents cannot refuse because it would be impolite to her sister and her husband.

On her first day of the program Hafsa realizes that the medical program isn't until next year and she is going to a program about climate issues. She ends up still staying and learning a lot. The teacher feels a little sorry for her and gives her a laptop that has the recording from the year before medical program that Hafsa can listen to. 

Hafsa learns more about her sister's new life and is concern that she has given up on her dream to help the mother-in-law with a Galla event that will bring money into the hospital that her husband works at. Hafsa has a lot to learn and understand and gets into a fight with her sister and then realizes that it isn't always what you see.

Hafsa also is understanding what the climate can do the area you live in and the effects it has the animals around you. She finds herself drawn to an elephant in a ran down zoo. This elephant has a great effect on her, and she finds herself wanting to help it. 

Can she figure things out for herself and this elephant? 

This book has a wonderful family element to it and the support of a teacher, and one friend can be a start.

Thursday, March 5, 2026

The Baby Dragon Bookshop Book Review

 

The Baby Dragon Bookshop

By: A.T. Qureshi

Book 3 of Baby Dragon Series

Publish Date: February 3, 2026

Publisher: Harper 360/Avon

General Fiction (Adult)/ Romance/Sci-Fi and Fantasy

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Book Review:

I enjoyed this book and gave it 3 stars. It dragged for me in the middle and I just wanted it to get to the end and the results of the contest.

In this book two different coffee bean roaster companies are vying for an investment from a well-known person. Since they don't want to work together the investor has given them 6 weeks to work up a proposal and she will pick the best one. The two companies' owner do know each other, and they aren't friendly towards each other due to a past history.

The owner of the dragon roaster company is Emmy, and the owner of the other roaster company is Luke. They are forced to work in the same office at the bookshop where the new coffee shop will be to work on their proposals. Unknown to each other they both have feelings for each other, but Emmy is adamant about keeping her feelings hidden and to do what needs to be done to get this investment for her to expand her company. Luke on the other hand wants to have a relationship but he also needs this investment to keep his business running. 

As the weeks go on they are learning things about themselves and each other. Luke is caring and helpful and Emmy is a control freak and learning maybe she has to relax and enjoy life more. This is hard because she is the oldest in the family and even her mom thinks she needs to be there for everyone when mom can't be.

What happens between Luke and Emmy? Who gets the investment? You will have to read the book to find out.

What I like about the book is the friendship that is being developed between the two. 

Tuesday, March 3, 2026

A Smoking Bun Book Review

 

A Smoking Bun

A Bakeshop Mystery

By: Ellie Alexander

Publish Date: February 20, 2024

Publisher: St. Martin's Press/St. Martin's Paperback

Mystery and Thrillers

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I would like to thank both St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this book. Sorry it took me so long. All opinions are my own.

Book Review:

I gave this book 4 stars. It is book 18 in the series. I have read several of the books in this series and you don't have to read them in order but if you want to follow along with the lives of the main character then you should start with book one. Otherwise, the author does a good job with letting you know what has happened.

In this book it is wintertime and Carlos' son has been staying with them for the year. It is just before the new year, and Carlos' ex and her new family have come for a visit. Everyone is getting along which is great and they are having a great time. During one of the events, the downhill dummy race, something happens. Someone is killed and the police need to figure out who did it and why. The person who was killed wasn't well liked and that causes to have too many suspects. The main one is a friend and of course Jules needs to look into things. Things are found out about the lodge which can cause it close which isn't good for the small town. Can Jules figure out who the killer is before they come after her.

What I also like about these kinds of books is the support of the family and friends.

Sunday, February 22, 2026

In Farm's Way Book Review

 

In Farm's Way

By: Amanda Flower

Publish Date: February 21, 2023

Publisher: Poisoned Pen Press

Mystery and Thrillers

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I would like to thank both Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this book. Sorry it took me so long to do so. All opinions are my own.

Book Review:

This is the third book in the series Farm to Table. It is also the first book I have read in the series. I would recommend that you start with book one, so you get everything that has happened to this point. Luckily the author does a good job with letting you what has happened, so you aren't totally lost.

In this book Shiloh, who is the main character, is on her way to a beer tasting contest and she slides off the road. It is wintertime and the roads are slick. An old friend who is a firefighter comes up behind her and pulls her out. This old friend is from high school, and he was friends with Shiloh's fiancĂ©, who was killed in a car accident years ago. The only reason why she is going to the tasting contest is to support her friend's husband who has entered the contest. Unfortunately, her friend's husband doesn't win. All seems well until the next day. In the morning Shiloh takes her father to an ice fishing contest out on the lake. She leaves him with her friend and his daughter and heads back to help out with one of the booths. On her way her dog Huck finds a body. This body happens to be the owner of the place where the beer tasting contest took place. After a quick investigation it is realized that the person was murdered and the suspect is her friend's husband.  So of course, Shiloh is going to help her friend. Things are found out about the owner and his family, and it isn't all good. Can Shiloh prove her friend's husband innocence's? Or will she end up dead herself. You will have to read the book to find out.

What I like about this book is the friendships between all the characters and the love she has for father.