Cooking with Fruit by Rose Miles - Now Released

Now Released

This bright and engaging book is a delightful blend of education and hands on creativity. Cooking with Fruit stands out immediately for its vibrant, colorful pages that draw readers in and make the learning experience feel fun and inviting from the very beginning.

Rose Miles does a wonderful job connecting simple, approachable recipes with educational themes, making this more than just a cookbook. Each recipe feels thoughtfully paired with learning opportunities, helping readers understand not only how to prepare the food, but also why it matters. It is especially effective for younger readers or families who want to bring learning into everyday activities in a natural, enjoyable way.

The recipes themselves are practical and easy to follow, making them accessible for beginners while still being interesting enough to hold attention. The focus on fruit adds a fresh, healthy element, and the variety keeps things from feeling repetitive. It is easy to imagine using this book in a homeschool setting, classroom, or even just for fun weekend cooking with kids.

What truly makes this book shine is the balance between education and enjoyment. It never feels overly instructional or dry. Instead, it encourages curiosity, creativity, and confidence in the kitchen while reinforcing useful knowledge.

Overall, Cooking with Fruit is a cheerful, well-designed resource that successfully blends learning and cooking into one enjoyable experience. It is a wonderful addition for anyone looking to make education more interactive and delicious.

★★★★★

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.

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The Unlikely Yarn of the Dragon Lady by Sharon Mondragón - A Review

This book came highly recommended by my mother and sister, and after reading it, I can understand why it touched them so deeply. In fact, they were so moved by the story that they started their own prayer shawl ministry. Knowing how much it impacted them made reading it even more meaningful for me.

Aura, known around town as the "Dragon Lady," isn't someone people easily warm up to at first. She has built walls around herself and keeps others at a distance. As her story unfolds, little by little, the reasons behind her behavior become clearer, and I found myself looking at her very differently.

The friendships that develop throughout the book felt genuine. The knitting group brings together people from different backgrounds who support one another through life's challenges, joys, losses, and new beginnings. The sense of community was one of the things I enjoyed most about the story.

There were several moments that tugged at my heart. The book reminds us that kindness matters, that people often carry burdens we cannot see, and that friendship can appear when we least expect it.

The pacing was a little slow in places, but the characters made up for it. By the end, I was glad I had spent time with them and could easily see why this story inspired my mother and sister to take action in their own community.

This is a touching story about friendship, compassion, healing, and finding purpose. I would happily recommend it to anyone who enjoys books centered on relationships and community.

★★★★

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Who Is Maud Dixon? by Alexandra Andrews - A Review

This was an entertaining read, even though I figured out some of the surprises before they were revealed.

Florence is desperate to become a successful writer and lands a job working for the famous, reclusive author known as Maud Dixon. What starts as an exciting opportunity quickly turns into something much more complicated as secrets begin to surface.

Florence is not always easy to like, but she kept me curious. Her ambition often got her into trouble, and I wanted to see how far she would go to get the life she believed she deserved. The tension builds steadily, and there were enough twists to keep me reading.

The setting and the mystery surrounding Maud Dixon added intrigue, but parts of the story felt predictable. A few developments were easy to see coming, which took away some of the suspense for me. It was still quite entertaining.

Even with that, the book held my attention and was an enjoyable way to spend an afternoon. If you like stories about ambition, secrets, identity, and complicated characters, this one is worth picking up.

★★★

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Sharing with the Flock

The chickens are no longer here but the memories are. One of my favorite little routines was tossing extras to the chickens and watching the madness unfold. Just another small, good moment in backyard life.

 

Pumpkin Smash! by Michelle Schaub - Now Released

Now Released

I loved the concept right away—taking leftover Halloween pumpkins and turning them into a hands-on lesson about composting and caring for the environment. As a gardener, this really clicked with me and made the subject matter even more enjoyable. It’s creative, approachable, and makes sustainability feel exciting and doable for kids instead of something overly instructional.

The rhyming text is lively and playful, with a bouncy rhythm that makes it perfect for reading out loud. It has that natural Storytime appeal where kids can easily get pulled in, and I can definitely see this being a hit in classrooms and group reads.

That said, while the illustrations are bright and colorful, they are not as crisp and clear as I would have liked. At times, the slightly fuzzy, busy look made it harder to fully follow what was happening, especially for younger readers who depend on visuals to guide the story. The style has a lot of personality, but I kept wishing for a bit more clarity and simplicity in certain scenes.

This is a strong and meaningful picture book with a great message about reducing waste and thinking about where things go after we’re done with them. It’s fun, educational, and perfect for the season—I just think sharper illustrations would have taken it to the next level.

★★★★

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy. All opinions are my own.

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Not in Love by Ali Hazelwood - A Review

This one pulled me in almost immediately. There’s a natural tension between the characters right from the start, and I found myself completely invested in seeing how their story would unfold.

Neither character felt perfect. They’re both carrying their own baggage, keeping parts of themselves guarded, and making mistakes along the way. Watching them slowly lower those walls and let each other in, little by little, was what kept me turning the pages. It wasn’t an instant transformation, and I appreciated that their connection developed over time.

Their dynamic was probably my favorite part of the book. There’s plenty of back-and-forth between them, but it never felt overdone. The tension kept things interesting, and I loved that their conversations often hinted at deeper feelings beneath the surface. Every interaction felt like it mattered, and I found myself looking forward to every scene they shared.

The pacing also worked really well for me. The story kept moving without feeling rushed, and I never hit a point where I felt bored or tempted to put it down. It’s the kind of book that makes you want to read just one more chapter and suddenly realize you've stayed up way later than planned.

Overall, this ended up being a strong four-star read for me. It kept me engaged from beginning to end, gave me characters I could connect with, and delivered a romance that felt layered, complicated, and believable. While it wasn't quite a five-star favorite, it was definitely a story that stayed with me after I finished.

★★★★

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How to Kiss Your Best Friend by Jenny Proctor - A Review

Friends-to-lovers is one of my favorite tropes, and honestly, the idea of two best friends slowly realizing they're meant to be something more always gets me. There's already so much history, trust, and comfort built into that kind of relationship, so I went into this one really hoping it would be a new favorite.

What I enjoy most was the natural friendship between the main characters. They genuinely felt comfortable with each other, and I liked seeing those little moments where their relationship started to shift. The teasing, the growing awareness, and the realization that there might be something more than friendship were some of my favorite parts of the story. Jenny Proctor does a great job creating a sweet, wholesome romance that is easy to settle into.

That said, I never fully connected with the romance on a deeper emotional level. I wanted a little more tension, more vulnerability, and more of those heart-tugging moments that make me completely invest in a couple. While I could see their feelings developing, I kept waiting for that big emotional moment that would make everything click for me, and it never quite got there.

The pacing is quick, the story is light and easy to read, and it's the kind of book you can finish in a day without much effort. I enjoyed my time with it, but once I turned the last page, it wasn't a story that stayed with me for very long.

Overall, this was a sweet, clean friends-to-lovers romance with likable characters and plenty of charm. If you love wholesome romances and best-friend love stories, it's definitely worth picking up. For me, though, I just wanted a little more depth and emotional payoff to make it truly memorable.

★★★

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My Catholic Mass Reflections by Thomas Nelson - A Review

Pub Date: Feb 16, 2027

This is a wonderful resource for anyone who wants to be more engaged during Mass and spend time reflecting on God's message throughout the week. While I am not Catholic, I attended a Catholic school in sixth grade and participated in weekly Mass. Those experiences gave me an appreciation for the beauty and structure of the liturgy that has stayed with me over the years.

Lately, I have become extremely interested in Catholicism and regularly watch several Catholic services and faith-based programs on YouTube. Because of that growing interest, I found this book to be especially helpful and encouraging. It offers a simple and thoughtful way to prepare for Mass, reflect on the readings, and consider how the messages apply to everyday life.

This book does a great job of helping readers become more intentional and active participants in the liturgy without feeling overwhelming. It encourages deeper thought, personal reflection, and a stronger connection to Scripture.

I reviewed this as an eBook, but I enjoyed it enough that I fully intend to purchase a copy when it becomes available. It is the kind of resource I can see myself returning to week after week as I continue learning more about the Catholic faith and growing spiritually.

I highly recommend this book for beginners, those curious about Catholicism, and anyone looking for a meaningful way to engage more deeply with the Mass experience.

★★★★★

I received an advance digital copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

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My cat is cooler than your cat

Wanda the Warthog Who Worried by Frances Stickley - Now Released

Now Released

This one was an easy five stars for me. I’m always looking for picture books that open the door to real conversations without feeling heavy-handed, and Wanda the Warthog Who Worried does that beautifully. The writing has a gentle, reassuring tone (with a few genuinely funny moments), and the message about comparison and self-acceptance comes through in a way that feels kind—not preachy. The illustrations are bold and expressive, and they add so much personality.

This great read-aloud will connect, comfort, and spark a conversation. I’d happily recommend this to families, classrooms, and anyone who wants a warm story that helps kids feel good about being themselves.

I received an advance review copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

★★★★★

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The Campervan Detectives by Maeve Haran - Now Released

Now Released

This was such a fun, comforting cozy mystery that pulled me in right away and honestly felt like a little escape while I was reading. Sadie Sutton’s life completely unravels when she catches her husband with her best friend, and I really felt for her in those opening chapters. I loved how she didn’t overthink it though, she just grabbed her dog and left London behind for a fresh start in a bright orange campervan. It felt messy, brave, and exactly what she needed.

The coastal town of Winching added so much to the story for me. It has that classic seaside charm with a slightly faded feel, full of quirky locals, community spaces like the gardens, and that sense that everyone knows more than they say. I could really picture the salty air, the quieter pace, and the contrast between Sadie’s new, slightly chaotic van life and this close-knit town with deep roots and buried secrets. It made the mystery feel both cozy and a little tense underneath.

Of course, Sadie’s fresh start does not stay quiet for long. Before she even settles in, she finds a dead body and spots someone running from the scene. When the police quickly settle on an obvious suspect, I found myself just as frustrated as Sadie and completely on board with her decision to start digging deeper.

The Vanettes were easily one of my favorite parts. Their friendship felt genuine and uplifting, and I loved how each of them brought something different to the group. Watching Sadie slowly open up, gain confidence, and start figuring out who she is on her own was just as satisfying as the mystery. It gave the whole story a really warm, hopeful feel.

The mystery itself follows a familiar cozy pattern, and while I did find parts a bit predictable, I was still second-guessing things enough to stay engaged. The added twists and rising stakes kept it interesting without losing that light, easy tone that makes this genre so enjoyable.

Overall, this felt like the kind of book you curl up with when you want something cozy but still engaging. It is a great mix of mystery, friendship, and fresh starts, and I would happily continue on with this series.

Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC.

★★★★

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Graceful Warrior by Gary Sinise - A Review

Publish Date November 10, 2026

This was a difficult book to read at times, not because of the writing, but because of the reality behind it. Gary Sinise shares his family's journey through his son Mac's battle with a rare cancer, while also celebrating the life, talent, faith, and strength that defined him. The book centers on family, love, and the determination to keep moving forward during unimaginable circumstances.

As a mother of five children, this story affected me on a very personal level. I found myself thinking often about what Gary and his family experienced and trying to imagine facing that kind of loss. It is hard to even comprehend. The love he has for his son is evident on every page and knowing this is a true story made many moments especially emotional.

The way the family carried one another through the hardest days through grief, fear, and heartbreak was amazing.  There was also faith, courage, and an incredible amount of love. Mac came across as a remarkable young man whose impact on those around him continues long after his passing. 

I appreciated that the book never felt self-pitying. It honestly acknowledged the pain while also focusing on gratitude, family bonds, and the memories that remain. Those moments gave the story warmth and hope even when the subject matter was heartbreaking.

A few sections felt repetitive as similar emotions and experiences were revisited throughout the memoir. Even so, the sincerity of the story kept me engaged from beginning to end.

This is a touching tribute from a father to his son and a reminder of how precious time with loved ones truly is. While every reader may take something different from it, I finished the book feeling grateful for my own family and holding my children a little closer.

★★★★★

Thank you to NetGalley, Nelson Books, and Gary Sinise for providing me with an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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Something Wilder by Christina Lauren - A Review

The story follows Lily and Leo, and I felt the tension between them right away. Their past felt present in every interaction, and I found myself paying attention to even the smallest reactions because everything tied back to what they had been through together.

I really connected with Lily. She’s strong and capable, but also guarded in a way that adds quiet emotional weight. Watching those small moments where her walls started to shift kept me invested in her journey.

Leo brought in a different layer with the regret he carries. It felt sincere, not rushed, and I could see him trying to make sense of who he used to be versus who he is now. That made his growth and his moments with Lily feel more meaningful.

Their relationship leaned more emotional than physical, which I really appreciated. The chemistry builds through shared moments and what goes unsaid, and I found myself drawn to that tension more than anything else.

The desert setting and treasure hunt added energy and suspense, though there were times I missed being more in the emotional side of the story.

The focus on forgiveness and second chances gave everything more weight, and the ending felt earned in a way that left me satisfied.

★★★★

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How to Keep House While Drowning by KC Davis - A Review

This one really leans into a compassion first approach, and I liked that right away. The idea that a messy house isn’t a moral failure is honestly refreshing, and the tone is super gentle and understanding. I can definitely see this being really validating for people who need that reminder.

That said, it started to feel a bit repetitive for me. The core message is solid, but once I got it, there wasn’t a lot of new ground being covered. It felt more like encouragement than actual how to, and I found myself wanting more concrete, practical strategies instead of mostly reassurance.

Overall, it’s a kind, affirming read that’s easy to get through. It just didn’t have enough depth or actionable takeaways to fully stick with me. Helpful in parts and comforting in tone, just not a standout for my needs.

★★★

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The Perfect Marriage (Perfect, #1) by Jeneva Rose - A Review

This one definitely kept my attention, even if it didn’t fully live up to the hype for me. It’s fast paced, super easy to read, and honestly hard to put down. The short chapters and constant tension make it really bingeable, and I flew through it wanting to see how everything would unravel.

That said, a lot of the twists felt more shocking than clever. I guessed quite a few things ahead of time, and some of the character choices felt more like plot moves than real decisions. The drama is definitely there, but the emotional depth doesn’t always match it, which made it harder for me to fully buy in.

Overall, this is a classic popcorn thriller. Messy, dramatic, and entertaining while you’re reading, but not something that stuck with me afterward. A solid pick if you want something quick and twisty.

★★★

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Simple Moments, Sweet Memories

These are the little moments I'll always cherish. Our flock is no longer here, but the memories remain. 

 

One Italian Summer by Rebecca Serle - A Review

This one is all about the vibe. The Italian setting is beautiful, and the whole story has this soft, dreamy feel that makes it more about the experience than the plot. It really does feel like wandering through grief instead of moving toward a clear destination.

I liked the focus on the mother daughter relationship and how it handles loss. There are some really tender, reflective moments that capture that weird space where memories feel more real than what’s happening in front of you. Those parts worked well for me.

At the same time, it felt slow and a bit repetitive. I kept waiting for something deeper to click into place, and it never quite got there for me. It’s emotional, but in a quiet way that didn’t fully land.

Overall, this was a gentle, atmospheric read that I’m glad I tried, but it didn’t leave a big impact. I can see it really working for the right reader, it just stayed kind of middle of the road for me.

★★★

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The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang - A Review

This was a refreshing, feel good romance that still had emotional depth. I went into The Kiss Quotient expecting something light and a little steamy, but I ended up getting way more heart and character growth than I anticipated, which made me love it even more.

Stella was a unique and relatable main character. I like how her analytical mindset and struggles with relationships were portrayed with honesty and respect. Her journey didn’t feel forced or dramatized. It felt, especially the way she approached love almost like a problem to solve. Watching her slowly open up and realize that connection isn’t something you can “perfect” was one of my favorite parts of the book.

Michael completely stole my heart. He’s charming and his patience and emotional intelligence made him incredibly easy to root for. I liked that he had his own struggles and responsibilities, which made him feel like a fully developed character instead of just a love interest. The dynamic between him and Stella felt natural and balanced, which made their relationship growth believable.

The romance itself was definitely on the steamy side, but it never felt excessive or out of place. It actually added to the emotional connection between them instead of taking away from it. I do think at times the pacing leaned a little repetitive, especially in the middle where the push and pull dragged just a bit longer than necessary.

The story blended vulnerability, humor, and romance. It wasn’t just about falling in love; it was about learning to accept yourself and letting someone see you fully. That emotional layer is what pushed it into a solid four star read for me.

This was a sweet, engaging, and slightly unconventional romance that left me smiling. It’s perfect if you want something heartfelt with strong characters and a meaningful love story that still delivers on the swoony moments.

★★★★

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10% Happier by Dan Harris - A Review

I liked the honesty in this, especially around anxiety, burnout, and trying to make sense of mindfulness without fully buying into it at first. That angle felt real and relatable, and I appreciated how it tries to make meditation feel less intimidating.

It lost me was in the follow through. It starts strong, but it was repetitive, and the pacing dragged. The meditation parts were interesting at first, but they never really went deep enough to feel super helpful or practical. The name dropping and media references also pulled me out of it and made it feel more like a personal story than something I could actually apply.

Overall, I can see why this works as an introduction to mindfulness, especially if you’re new to it. For me, though, it didn’t have enough depth or fresh insight to really stick. Interesting in parts, but not very impactful.

★★

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Are You There, Vodka? It's Me by Chelsea Handler - A Review

This one just didn’t land for me. I went in expecting sharp, self aware humor, but most of it came off more cringe than funny. A lot of the jokes lean on shock value, and after a while it started to feel repetitive and kind of dated instead of bold.

The essays also started to blur together. The humor often felt more mean or messy than clever, and instead of laughing, I found myself skimming and waiting for something that would actually hit.

Overall, this just wasn’t my kind of comedy. I get that it has its audience, but for me it felt more exhausting than entertaining. Not something I’d come back to or recommend unless you already know you like this style.

★

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The Last to Drown by Noelle W. Ihli - Now Released

Now Released 

I absolutely loved The Last to Drown by Noelle W. Ihli. This was an easy five-star read for me and exactly the kind of thriller I can’t get enough of: fast, intense, creepy, and impossible to put down. Noelle has such a talent for dropping you straight into the chaos from page one and keeping the tension high the entire time. Even when I started to piece together some of the bigger reveals early on, it didn’t lessen the experience at all because the real thrill was in watching everything unfold.

The setting and atmosphere were perfect. A women’s whitewater rafting trip already feels intense, but adding the history of a brutal murder on that same stretch of river made everything feel even more unsettling. Once things start going wrong, the story turns into a full-on survival nightmare in the best way. There were several scenes that genuinely had my heart racing. The whole book played out like a movie in my head. I especially loved the little details from The River Guides Almanac woven throughout the story because they added so much to the reading experience.

The pacing is classic Noelle W. Ihli: relentless, anxiety-inducing, and so addictive. There’s no filler, no overdone descriptions, just sharp writing and nonstop momentum. I also really appreciated that underneath all the terror and suspense, there was still something deeper here about survival, healing, and finding the strength to keep going. The female characters were strong, believable, and so easy to root for.

This is my first read by Noelle W. Ihli and already she has earned her place on my auto-read author list, and The Last to Drown is another absolute hit. If you love survival thrillers, wilderness horror, strong character work, and books that make you feel like you’re holding on for dear life right alongside the characters, definitely pick this one up.

★★★★★

Thank you to NetGalley and the Dynamite Books for providing me with an advance reader copy in exchange for my honest review.

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Hello Stranger by Katherine Center - A Review

This one was a sweet, easy read for me. I really liked the concept it felt different and had that mix of light romance and something a little deeper going on underneath. Katherine Center always has a way of making her stories feel hopeful, and this one definitely had that same kind of warmth.

Sadie navigated everything beautifully. There were moments that made me smile, and I liked the way relationships and personal growth were woven into the story. It had a nice balance of emotional and uplifting.

I didn’t feel completely pulled in the whole time, but I still had a good overall reading experience. It’s one of those books that’s comforting and easy to read, even if it doesn’t hit super hard.

Overall, a solid, feel good story that I’m glad I read.
 

★★★

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The Top Five Regrets of the Dying by Bronnie Ware- A Review

This book definitely gave me some things to think about. The regrets about not living authentically, working too much, and not expressing feelings hit the hardest, and more than once I found myself wondering if I'm spending my time on the right things.

That said, I didn't connect with it as deeply as I expected to. The message is meaningful, but some of the stories started to feel repetitive, and I found myself wanting a little more variety and depth.

It felt like a gentle reminder to slow down, be honest with yourself, and focus on what really matters. Not life-changing for me, but still worthwhile.

★★★

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The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning: How to Free Yourself and Your Family from a Lifetime of Clutter by Margareta Magnusson

I liked the overall idea behind it -- it’s simple, a little different, and actually made me think about stuff I usually avoid thinking about. It has quiet, practical wisdom.

It has a straightforward, no-pressure the approach. It didn’t feel intense or overwhelming, just gentle encouragement to be more mindful about what we keep and why. There were a few moments that really stuck with me, especially about making things easier for the people we leave behind.

Some parts felt a little repetitive, and I found myself wishing for a bit more depth in places. But I still appreciated the message and the perspective it offers.

★★★

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The Calamity Club by Kathryn Stockett

This was one of those books that completely snuck up on me. When I first saw that it was over 650 pages long, I honestly expected it to feel like a commitment. Instead, it never once felt like a chore. In fact, I found myself looking for excuses to pick it back up whenever I had a few free minutes. That's a rare thing for a book this size. At 656 pages, it could have easily dragged, but the story and characters kept me invested from beginning to end.

The character development was superb. Meg, Birdie, and Charlie felt so real that by the end of the book, I felt like I actually kew them all.  Even the side characters have personality and life, impressive! They aren't perfect characters, and that's exactly what made them so memorable. They struggle, make mistakes, experience heartbreak, and find strength in ways that felt authentic and deeply human. Watching each of them grow over the course of the story was incredibly rewarding, and I became more attached to them with every chapter.

The friendships and connections between these women were the heart of the book for me. Kathryn Stockett has a gift for creating characters you genuinely care about, and she balances the heavier moments with warmth, humor, and hope. There were scenes that made me smile, scenes that made me emotional, and several moments where I found myself cheering the characters on. 

Honestly, one of the biggest compliments I can give this book is that I kind of hated for it to end. After spending so much time with these characters, I wasn't ready to leave them behind. The final pages left me sitting there wishing I could have just a little more time with this group of women and their world.

The only reason I'm giving it 4.5 stars instead of 5 is that there were a few slower stretches along the way. Even then, those moments helped build the emotional payoff that made the ending so satisfying. Overall, this was an immersive, heartfelt story filled with unforgettable characters, and it's exactly the kind of historical fiction I love to read.

If you're intimidated by the page count, don't be. This is proof that a long book doesn't have to feel long when the characters are this well written. This one is actually worth the hype. 

★★★★1/2

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