Cats of Rome is a cute book. I had no idea there were so many stray cat colonies in Rome so it was informative. The photography is okay and what has let me down a bit; there are several great photos but most of them leave something to be desired, usually in the way of composition. I looked up this photographer and her other photos are stunning so this could be an issue of just the ARC file having low-quality…
The Gorgon’s Fury (Tales of Newel and Doren #1) by Brandon Mull 5/5 StarsI’ve been an avid reader of Brandon Mull’s since probably 2007 or 2008 and I am just ecstatic that in 2025 we are still getting more books in the Fablehaven world. The Gorgon’s Fury is the first book in a new series based on everyone’s two favorite Fablehaven satyrs, Newel and Doren. I had a difficult time getting into the book because the first chapter gives a…
A Sea of Unspoken Things by Adrienne Young 4/5 StarsA few weeks out from reading this one, it feels like a beach read to me. I did enjoy reading it and love the atmosphere of the whole book, but it is a forgettable one. I had to read the synopsis to begin to remember what the book was about. Be Ready When the Luck Happens by Ina Garten 3/5 StarsThis is not one that I would have picked up on…
I do love a cozy mystery and this one is no exception. It has a strong sense of place and a large cast of characters who I found were very distinguished from each other, making it easy to keep everyone straight. Each character felt real and dynamic. Nora Breen is my first main character that was a former nun and I enjoyed the speculation on what challenges someone becoming a member of the public after so many decades would encounter….
Upon a Starlit Tide by Kell Woods 5/5 StarsWhat a fantastic story. Kell Woods must be a sea maid herself to have created such a tale. I don’t love a character who gives and gives and gives, and Luce is mostly that, trying to give everyone around her the benefit of the doubt. But as her story goes on she gets stronger and stronger and finds herself in the end (I don’t consider this a spoiler). The Bretagne setting is…
We Shall Be Monsters by Alyssa Wees 4/5 StarsA dark magical realism fairy tale, We Shall Be Monsters made me feel that if only I had a forest at the edge of my yard, these creatures would be waiting for me. I liked this story, this world, and I liked that there was adventure as well as deep dark soul searching. I would have liked to see a little more character development and a little more of the protagonists proving…
The third book in The Lost Queen series (no longer a trilogy, woohoo!) was impatiently awaited by me for over a year. I was so happy to get back into this series and world that captivated me so much. The characteristic that sets this third book apart from the first two is what I believe to be its biggest weakness: points-of-view from four different characters. The first book was just Languoreth, the second was Languoreth and Lailoken, and this one…
A Fate Inked in Blood by Danielle L. Jensen 5/5 StarsOne of those books that I loved so much I don’t know what to say about it. I read a physical copy in two days which is not easy for me. Can’t wait for book 2!! The Wild Huntress by Emily Lloyd-Jones 4/5 StarsThis book follows Branwen, Gwydion, and Pryderi as they work together in the wild hunt after they realize their ambitions align. I really enjoyed The Wild Huntress,…
I was utterly bewitched by this book! So many things about it stand out to me. There’s a strong sense of place. It feels very “October.” I like that it has a more natural or innate-ability witch aspect than a one that is more focused on spells. I LOVE the chemistry between Kate and Matthew. There’s a lot of mention of recipes, food, and cooking which is right up my alley. We learn about a few different kinds of witches…
Dark Tide: Growing up With Ted Bundy by Edna Cowell Martin & Megan Atkinson 5/5 StarsAt first I was unsure about this one. It seemed more a memoir of Edna’s than anything else, and it is, but the farther into the book you get you realize what a gift this is. Edna is a deeply private person and was not known publicly until the release of this book. We get her full background, and with it, Ted’s background from the…