A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness - A Review

I remembered the sadness, but I forgot how quietly devastating it is. This story doesn’t rush your grief or try to soften it. It sits with the hardest truths and asks you to look at them straight on, even when you do not want to.

What gets me every time is how honest it feels about anger, guilt, and the thoughts we are ashamed to admit when we are losing someone we love. Conor is not polished or brave in a pretty way. He is messy, exhausted, scared, and painfully real. The monster’s stories feel strange at first, but they slowly peel back layers you didn’t realize were there, until the emotional weight lands all at once.

It is not an easy book to read, even though it is short. It lingers in that heavy space where love and loss overlap, and it does not offer cheap comfort. Still, there is a strange kind of release in how directly it names grief instead of trying to fix it.

Heartbreaking, tender, and memorable. Four stars only because I have to be emotionally prepared to ever revisit it again.

★★★★

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Grace Is the Starting Line

Ephesians 2:8-10

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. (NIV)

 God’s Grace

We can memorize the entire Bible and not be saved for eternal life and forgiven for our sin.  We can go to church every time the doors are open, be a leader or pastor in church and still not be saved.  We can do all manner of what is good and not be saved.  The only way to be saved is by the grace of God.  The way to receive that grace is to ask God for forgiveness and accept His Son, Jesus, into our hearts, minds and lives as the Lord, the ruler of our entire being.  When we accept Him and choose to follow Jesus in obedience to what is recorded in His written word, The Holy Bible, God gives us His grace of forgiveness and adopts us as His children.  He fills us with His love and His Holy Spirit Who enables us to love God.  When we love someone, we want to please them.  To please God, we walk in obedience to His statutes.  When we fall, we ask forgiveness and choose to move on from that falling and walk on.  We bear the consequences of our actions or inactions in our physical bodies, but we also enjoy the forgiveness of God and the knowledge that nothing can separate us from His love once we receive it through His Son, Jesus.  Let us praise and thank God today for the gift of His grace the choose to show Him our love through obedience by allowing His Holy Spirit to love and help others through us.

Devotion by Ginger Chapman

Personal Reflection

Grace is not something I earn, prove, or maintain by being good enough. It is something God gives freely. That truth is both comforting and humbling. Comforting because it takes the pressure off trying to measure up. Humbling because it reminds me I bring nothing to the table except my need.

I think about how easy it is to confuse activity with faith. Doing good things, showing up, knowing the right words. All of that has value, but none of it saves me. Grace is not a reward for effort. It is a gift, plain and simple. And like every gift, it has to be received.

What really stands out is what happens after grace. Once I accept it, my life begins to change, not out of fear or duty, but out of love. When you know you are forgiven and fully loved, obedience starts to feel different. It becomes a response, not a requirement. I want to please God not because I am trying to keep His approval, but because I already have it.

I also appreciate the reminder that falling does not cancel grace. I may face consequences for my choices, but I never fall out of God’s love. Grace gives me freedom to get back up, ask forgiveness, and keep walking forward instead of staying stuck in guilt.

This reflection leaves me grateful. Grateful for a God who saves by grace, stays present when I stumble, and invites me to live out that grace by letting His Spirit love others through me.

Pop It! Dinosaurs by Amanda Sobotka - A Review

Pop It! Dinosaurs is a bright, engaging board book that combines dinosaur fun with an interactive sensory experience young readers love. Each page invites toddlers to press, pop, and explore while learning simple concepts, making this a playful and hands on addition to early learning and storytime routines. The sturdy construction and tactile elements encourage fine motor development and sustained engagement.

Note to the publisher: This is a strong concept that will appeal to dinosaur fans and sensory seeking toddlers and would be a great fit for play based learning collections.

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★★★★

I received a digital review copy of this book through NetGalley. This review reflects my honest opinion.

Total Health Makeover by Marilu Henner - A Review

I first read Total Health Makeover years ago and, like many readers, followed Marilu’s suggestion to skip the dairy chapter if I was not ready to give up milk. Coming back to it now, I realize I passed over the most transformative part of her philosophy.

Marilu’s ten step approach is not a diet but a full lifestyle reset. Her principles on food combining removing the four whites and truly understanding digestion were well ahead of their time especially in light of what we now know about gut health and inflammation.

The tone of the book feels like an energetic and encouraging conversation with a friend. There is no pressure to change everything at once. The section on dairy however is where everything finally clicked. Her explanation of milk as a system blocker makes far more sense when you actually experience the boost in energy and clarity that comes from removing it.

If you skipped the dairy chapter the first time through this book go back and read it. It may be the missing piece you did not know you needed. This is a powerful read for anyone who wants to reclaim their energy and feel better in their body.

★★★★

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The Lighthouse at the Cove by Amy Clipston - A Review

Third person omniscient started driving me nuts after a while. That’s never really bothered me before, but this time it did. The book felt much longer than it needed to be, with a lot of repetitive thoughts and unnecessary descriptions and details. The plot itself is good, and the pacing isn’t bad in theory, but it honestly felt like the story was about twice as long as it needed to be.

I truly liked the storyline and the character development. The problem wasn’t the ideas, it was how often the same thoughts and emotional beats were repeated over and over again. It felt less like a writing issue and more like an editing one. With tighter editing, this could have been a really solid book, and it honestly would have made a terrific short story.

I kept thinking that if there had been stronger editorial feedback before publication, many of these issues could have been easily remedied. With better editing this really could have been a great book.

★★★

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I received a copy of this title from NetGalley and the publisher for review purposes. This is my honest opinion.

How to Make a Koala Laugh by Chris Cate

I enjoyed this one as a read aloud just as much as the Red Panda book. The interactive format works really well, and kids have a lot of fun jumping in with ideas to try to make the very serious koala laugh. The pacing is playful, the humor is kid-friendly, and the facial expressions in the illustrations do a lot of the heavy lifting.

For me, this lands at four stars because the structure is familiar if you have read the other books in the series, but that is also part of the charm for kids. It is predictable in a comforting way and perfect for story time, classrooms, or anytime you want an energetic, participatory read.

★★★★

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Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the digital review copy. All opinions are my own.

How to Make a Red Panda Laugh Chris Cate - A Review

I had fun reading this one aloud. The silly, interactive format really pulled kids in, and they loved shouting out ideas to try to make the very serious red panda laugh. The repetition works in a good way for young listeners, and the red panda’s expressions add a lot of humor.

While it can feel a little predictable for me after a few rereads, kids are clearly the target audience and will happily enjoy it again and again. A solid, lively story time pick.

★★★★

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Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the digital review copy. All opinions are my own

Phonics Makes Readers: Kindergarten Phonics Games

This was a solid, kid-friendly phonics workbook. Everything is bright, simple, and broken into bite-sized activities—perfect for short attention spans and “just one more page” energy. I love that it mixes things up (letter sounds, vowels, blends, word families, rhyming, tracing, matching, etc.), so it doesn’t feel like the same worksheet repeatedly.

What really worked for me is how easy it is to use as a parent/teacher: you can open to any page and go, and there are enough activities here to stretch across summer learning or to use as quick, low-prep practice during the school year. It also feels approachable for kids who might get discouraged—lots of color and clear directions, without cramming too much onto one page.
If you’re looking for a fun, structured phonics supplement for preschool/kindergarten (or an emerging reader who needs extra practice), this is a great pick. 

100 % recommended from a former 5th grade teacher!

Thanks to Callisto Publishing and NetGalley for the eARC. All opinions are my own.

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Ants Work Together by Mélina Mangal - A Review

Kamali and Josiah’s everyday acts of helping in their community make the story makes an easy, kid-friendly connection to show how ants care for one another and take on different roles to keep the colony going.

The language is simple, the message about teamwork and purpose comes through clearly, and the soft, warm illustrations add a lot of charm. The kid-friendly ant facts and the simple activities at the end were highlights for me and do a great job inviting children to observe ants outdoors and stay curious.

It’s a cozy read-aloud that reinforces community, cooperation, and curiosity, and it’s an easy recommendation for classrooms and early elementary home libraries.

I received a free advance copy of this book through NetGalley and Free Spirit Publishing in exchange for an honest review.

★★★★

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Splish by DK Ryland - A Review

This book is such a delight from start to finish. Splish is clever, playful, and pure fun, the kind of story that instantly pulls kids in and keeps them laughing. It is perfect for reading aloud, with a rhythm and silliness that make kids giggle and want to hear it again right away.

The language is simple but smart, and the humor really lands with young listeners. You can tell it was written with children in mind, especially those moments when they love to shout, laugh, and join in. It feels like the kind of book that quickly becomes part of the bedtime routine or story time favorite stack.

This is absolutely one of those books kids ask for again and again. It is joyful, engaging, and just plain fun. A guaranteed hit for little readers and the grown ups reading along. Easily FIVE stars.

★★★★★

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I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

Doing Something New by Mitali Perkins - A Review

This is a really soft, calming book. It’s less of a story and more of a gentle prayer for kids who are nervous about starting something new, a new school, a new place, a new routine. It doesn’t try to fix anything or rush past the fear. It just sits with it and says, you’re not alone.

There’s no big plot here, just reassurance and repetition, which honestly feels right for the audience. The illustrations are quiet and warm, and the whole book feels like something you’d read slowly, maybe more than once, especially during a tender season.

Not exciting, not flashy, just steady and comforting in a way that feels very intentional.

★★★★

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

My Path

 

I don’t need the whole path lit up at once. God’s Word gives just 

enough light for the next step, and that’s often all I need. 

When things feel unclear, this is my reminder to keep walking and keep trusting.

The Bitter Root Inn by Devney Perry

I really connected to Maisy as a heroine. Her quiet strength, her protectiveness over her son, and the way she rebuilt her life piece by piece felt grounded and real. The inn itself felt symbolic of that rebuilding, and I loved how much care and identity she poured into it. Reading her moments of softness and hesitation made me slow down and really sit with her emotions.

Hunter worked for me emotionally, even when I struggled with some of his choices. I appreciated that he wasn’t written as overly smooth or perfect. His hesitation, his guilt, and the weight he carried added to the tension of the story, though there were moments where I wished certain conversations had happened sooner. Still, when they did come, they landed with impact and made the emotional payoff feel earned rather than rushed.

What held this back from being a full five stars for me was the suspense element. While it added tension, parts of it felt a little predictable, and I was more invested in the emotional journey than the mystery itself. That said, the heart of the story, healing from trauma, choosing trust again, and building something lasting, was strong enough that I genuinely enjoyed the experience and closed the book feeling satisfied, reflective, and a little tender.

★★★★ 

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The Shampoo Effect by Jenny Jackson - A Review

This was a struggle for me, honestly. I liked the idea and the coastal summer setting, but I found myself pushing through large chunks of the book and almost DNFing it several times. The writing is polished, but the story moved slowly, and I had a hard time connecting to the characters or staying invested in the drama.

There were moments I appreciated, mostly the atmosphere and the group dynamics, but they weren’t enough to fully carry the story for me. By the end, I was more relieved to finish than satisfied.

It wasn’t a total miss, but it took real effort to get through, and I needed more emotional payoff than it delivered.

I received a free digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

★★★

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Not Over You, Actually by Heidi Stephens

This was a solid, middle of the road romance for me. I appreciated the relatable theme of unresolved feelings that linger longer than expected. The story had moments that genuinely worked, especially when it leaned into character vulnerability instead of clever banter.

There is charm here. The writing is good and engaging, the romance is easy to follow, and readers who enjoy low angst contemporary stories may find this satisfying. 

★★★

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

Sleepy Savanna by Stephen R. Swinburne - A Review

This tender board book is a soothing bedtime read, gently following baby animals as they settle down for the night on the savanna. Calm language and soft, warm illustrations make it ideal for sharing with babies and toddlers as part of a peaceful nighttime routine. The sturdy format and reassuring tone support both early literacy and emotional comfort.

I received a digital review copy of this book through NetGalley. This review reflects my honest opinion.

★★★★ 

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Hammock Company

I’m relaxing in the hammock when my German Shepherd comes right up to check on me, close and confident, full of love. He doesn’t understand relaxing, but he understands being near, and that makes the moment better.

 

The Death Cure (The Maze Runner, #3) by James Dashner - A Review

This finale goes all in on chaos, emotions, and big decisions. After everything the characters have been through, this book feels heavy in a way the others did not. There is less mystery setup and more payoff, but it still manages to keep you guessing right up to the end.

This one focuses on trust and choice. Nothing feels black and white anymore, and it constantly forces you to question who is actually right. The action is intense, the stakes are high, and the emotional hits land harder because you have been through the entire journey with these characters.

Some explanations still feel a little murky, and not every answer is as satisfying as I hoped, but overall it is a strong, gripping conclusion. It wraps up the series with urgency and heart and leaves you thinking about the cost of survival long after you finish.

★★★★

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The Scorch Trials (The Maze Runner, #2) by James Dashner - A Review

This sequel wastes absolutely no time. The moment you think the Maze was brutal, Dashner drops the characters into something even harsher and way more unpredictable. The world opens up fast, and it is chaos basically from start to finish.

I loved how much darker and more relentless this one feels. The Scorch is unforgiving, the choices are brutal, and it constantly feels like no one is really safe. There is a lot more action, a lot more confusion, and way more moments where you are questioning who to trust.

It can feel overwhelming at times, and the nonstop intensity might be too much for some readers, but that wild pacing is also what makes this book so addictive. As a middle book, it raises the stakes, expands the mystery, and leaves you desperate to know how it all ends.

★★★★

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Easy Baked Ziti

A simple, hearty baked ziti made with pasta, seasoned ground beef, and lots of melted cheese, perfect for an easy family dinner.                                                                                        

12 ounces uncooked ziti or small tube pasta

2 pounds ground beef

1 jar (24 ounces) spaghetti sauce

2 large eggs, beaten

1 carton (15 ounces) ricotta cheese

2-1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Cook the pasta and preheat the oven to 350°.   Brown the beef, drain it, and add the spaghetti sauce.   Mix the cheeses and eggs, then stir in the cooked pasta.   Layer meat sauce and pasta in a greased 13×9-inch dish.   Bake covered for 40 minutes, uncover, add cheese, bake 5–10 more minutes, then rest 15 minutes.

The Way We Feel 5-Minute Tales To Explore Our Emotions by Chiara Piroddi, illust. Anna Lang - A Review

This collection is clearly created with good intentions, offering short stories meant to help children understand and talk about their emotions. The messages are gentle, supportive, and age appropriate, and the five minute structure makes it easy to read in small sittings, whether at bedtime or during the school day.

That said, the book does feel quite word heavy for its target audience. For a supposed quick read, it is rather long overall, and some stories require more attention than young readers may be ready to give. The frequent changes in font style, while likely meant to add creativity and emphasis, can feel overwhelming and distracting instead of helpful, especially for children who are sensitive to visual overload.

Overall, this is a thoughtful emotional learning tool with meaningful content, best suited for guided reading with an adult. It falls just short of being fully accessible and engaging, but it still offers useful moments for conversation and reflection.

★★★½

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I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

Lou Lou's Pet Dragon Goes to School by Brenden Bott - A Review

A sweet, playful picture book that makes going to school feel fun and welcoming. Lou Lou’s pet dragon adds a magical twist to a familiar milestone, turning first day nerves into smiles and excitement.

Brenden Bott shares a gentle story that celebrates imagination and reassurance without feeling heavy. With relatable moments and easy pacing, this book is great for young readers and works perfectly as a read aloud. A joyful reminder that a little imagination can make big moments feel easier and more fun.

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★★★★

I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

Little Hands in Motion: Learning Action Signs in ASL Early Signs Collection Book 3 by Vielka Montout - A Review

 

Bright and colorful with attractive artwork, this book is a wonderful five star resource for early learners. The everyday action signs are easy to use and feel natural in daily routines. I especially loved the clear diagrams and simple activities included in the back of the book, which help reinforce each sign and make learning stick. Clear, practical, and engaging for both children and adults.

★★★★★

I received a free digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

The Maze Runner (The Maze Runner, #1) by James Dashner - A Review

This book drops you right into the chaos and honestly, that is part of the fun. No backstory, no explanations, just a kid waking up in a giant maze with a bunch of other confused boys who are clearly hiding a lot. I was hooked almost immediately because I needed to know what was going on just as badly as Thomas did.

The Maze itself is stressful in the best way. It feels dangerous, unpredictable, and always one wrong move away from disaster. The nonstop tension kept the pages turning, and I really liked watching the group dynamics shift as secrets start coming out and trust gets tested.

A few characters could have used a little more depth, and some answers take longer than I wanted, but the pacing never really lets up. As a series opener, it does exactly what it should: pulls you in, keeps you guessing, and makes you want to grab the next book right away.

★★★★

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Country Life

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