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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The Push by Ashley Audrain - A Review

This one definitely made me uncomfortable, which I know is the whole point, but it didn’t fully work for me. The tension is there right from the start, and it does a great job building that creeping feeling that something isn’t right. I was constantly questioning what was real, which kept me turning the pages.

As a mom of five, parts of this hit a little too close. The fear, guilt, and anxiety around motherhood feel turned all the way up, and at times it was just a lot. I do appreciate how honest it is about the darker side of parenting, but it can be emotionally draining. The narrator being so unreliable adds to that, and while it’s intentional, it made it harder for me to stay connected for long stretches.

Overall, it’s an interesting and unsettling read, just not one I’d say I enjoyed. I can see what the author was going for, and it definitely sparks conversations around motherhood and expectations. It’s a strong psychological thriller, but for me, it left me more drained than satisfied.

★★★

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The Color Purple Alice Walker - A Review

This one pulled me in right away. Celie’s letters make everything feel so personal, and her pain is hard to sit with at times. There’s a quiet strength in her that I really admired, even when she couldn’t see it herself. I found myself rooting for her in the smaller moments more than the big ones.

What stood out most was the way the women show up for each other. Shug, Sofia, and Nettie bring warmth into a story that can feel really heavy and suffocating. Those relationships felt like lifelines, and they meant more to me than almost anything else in the book.

I didn’t always connect with the pacing, and some parts felt more emotionally exhausting than engaging. There were moments where the messaging felt a little heavy handed, which made it harder for me to stay fully invested.

Overall, this is a book I respect more than I enjoyed. It’s powerful and important, but for me it was more something to sit with and learn from than something I loved reading.

★★★

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Sunset Beach Andrews, Mary Kay

This was an easy, summery read that I mostly enjoyed, but it didn’t fully pull me in. Mary Kay Andrews always nails the beachy setting, and this one definitely delivers on that. The coastal vibe, the layered secrets, and the mix of romance and mystery keep things moving and make it a nice pick for a relaxed read.

That said, it felt a bit longer than it needed to be. The pacing dragged in spots, and a few of the twists were pretty easy to see coming. I also didn’t connect strongly with all the characters, so some of the emotional moments didn’t hit as hard as I wanted them to.

Overall, it’s a pleasant, low effort read that works well if you want something light and beachy. It just didn’t quite stand out compared to others in the genre.

★★★

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A Return to Love by Marianne Williamson - A Review

I can totally see why this book has such a devoted following. Marianne Williamson's central message, that so much of our lives is driven by either love or fear, is powerful and honestly gave me quite a bit to think about. That's also one of the reasons this book became so popular in the first place.

The discussions about forgiveness, self-worth, and extending grace to us and others were the strongest parts for me.

That said, I didn't love it as much as I expected to. A lot of readers seem to find the book life-changing, but I found myself wishing it was a little more practical and a little less repetitive. The concepts of choosing love over fear and shifting your perspective are valuable, but after a while it felt like the same ideas were being revisited in different ways. 

I'm glad I read it and there were definitely some takeaways I'll hold onto, but it wasn't a book that completely captivated me from beginning to end.

★★★

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Not in the Plan (Single in Seattle #1) by Dana Hawkins - A Review

This was an easy, low effort romance that I could settle into without thinking too hard. I liked the Seattle setting and the overall idea, and there were a few genuinely sweet moments that kept me reading. It has that familiar, comfortable contemporary romance feel where you kind of know what you’re getting.

That said, it was pretty predictable. I never felt surprised by where things were headed, and there were a few spots where the pacing dragged when I wanted more tension or emotional depth. The characters were likable, but I didn’t feel super connected to them, so the romance felt a bit surface level instead of really swoony.

Overall, it’s a solid pick if you’re just in the mood for something light and easy. Not super memorable, but it gets the job done.

★★★

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Jar of Hearts by Jennifer Hillier - A Review

This one definitely hooked me, even when it made me a little uncomfortable. It’s dark, heavy, and not something I could binge for long stretches, but I still felt pulled to keep going just to see how it all played out. Jennifer Hillier really leans into the intensity, and it works.

I liked how layered the story felt. The past and present come together slowly, and a lot of the emotional weight actually hits harder than the mystery itself. The focus on trauma, survival, and buried secrets gives it more depth than your typical thriller, even if it’s not always easy to sit with.

That said, the darkness can feel a bit nonstop, and I found myself wishing for a little breathing room. A few twists didn’t land as strongly as I expected, and by the end I felt more impressed than emotionally invested.

Overall, it’s a solid, memorable thriller. Intense, unsettling, and well written, just a little heavier than what I usually reach for.

★★★½

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The Princess Bride William Goldman - A Review

Reading this after loving the movie for years is such a unique experience, and it really surprised me. I expected it to just feel like a retelling, but it actually feels more like a companion piece. I could hear all the actors’ voices and picture every scene, but the book still manages to have its own personality.

What stood out most was how playful and layered it is. The interruptions, commentary, and overall tone give it a different kind of humor than the movie. Some moments land even better on the page, while others just work perfectly on screen, and somehow knowing the movie made the book even more fun instead of predictable.

That said, the movie still wins for me. There’s just something about the performances, the timing, and how comfortable it feels that’s hard to beat. But the book made me appreciate it even more and showed how well the story works in both formats.

Overall, it’s such a fun, clever read that adds a whole new layer to a story I already love.

★★★★

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Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry - A Review

I really wanted to love this one because I enjoy Emily Henry's writing, but it didn't work for me the way I hoped. I stayed interested enough to finish but never felt fully invested in the characters or their story.

I kept waiting for a stronger emotional connection and more chemistry between the characters, but it never quite clicked. The pacing also felt slow at times, making it harder to stay engaged.

There were moments where Emily Henry's signature writing style shined through, which I appreciated, but this one just didn't deliver the emotional impact I was looking for.

★★ 

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The Hidden Hand of God

In EVERY situation and EVERY circumstance of your life, God is always doing a thousand different things that you cannot see and you do not know.

John Piper

The Art of Mindful Living: How to Bring Love, Compassion, and Inner Peace into Your Daily Life Thich Nhat Hanh - A Review

This is a calm, reflective read that really captures Thich Nhat Hanh’s gentle, grounding approach to mindfulness, but it didn’t fully resonate with me the whole way through.

The biggest strength here is the simplicity. The ideas around being present, practicing compassion, and slowing down are clear and accessible. There are moments that feel genuinely peaceful, almost like a reset, especially when he focuses on everyday mindfulness like breathing, walking, or just being aware of your surroundings. Those sections felt grounding and easy to take into daily life.

It was hard for me to stay fully engaged. Many of the teachings circle back to the same core ideas, and while I understand that’s part of mindful practice, it started to feel a little repetitive rather than deepening over time. I found myself wishing for a bit more variety or practical structure.

There are still some really meaningful takeaways here, especially if you’re newer to mindfulness or looking for something gentle and reassuring rather than instructional or structured. It’s more about presence than productivity, which I can appreciate, even if it didn’t fully click for me throughout.

Overall, this is a soothing, thoughtful read with some beautiful insights, just not one that completely held my attention from start to finish.

★★★

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The Vow: The Kim & Krickitt Carpenter Story by Kim Carpenter

This one was a pretty mixed read for me. The story itself is really powerful, and knowing it’s true adds a whole extra layer to it. What happened to Kim and Krickitt is incredibly emotional, and I definitely found myself thinking about how hard that kind of situation would be to go through.

I liked the heart behind it. You can tell how much commitment and faith played a role in their relationship, and there are moments that really hit, especially when it comes to rebuilding love from scratch. Those parts felt genuine and meaningful.

At the same time, it didn’t always pull me in the way I expected. The writing felt a little flat in places, and I wish there had been more depth emotionally. I kept wanting to feel more connected to what they were going through instead of just hearing about it. Some parts also felt a bit repetitive.

Overall, I’m glad I read it, and I can see why it’s meaningful to so many people, but I just didn’t fully connect with it as much as I hoped.

★★★

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