The Bakery Dragon and the Fairy Cake

The Bakery Dragon and the Fairy Cake is a colorful, magical explosion. The first thing readers will notice is the brilliant colors and details that author and illustrator Devin Elle Kurtz uses. It's impossible not to be sucked right into the story with the characters. In The Bakery Dragon and the Fairy Cake, the dragons love gold and bread. When one little dragon finds out that he is a natural at baking bread, human baker Beatrice trusts him to make the bread while she is out of town. One day, the dragon gets an odd request. A little vegetable named Princess Turnip shows up and requests a cake. The dragon has never heard of the cake the little princess is describing, and after several trials and errors, she finally leads him to a library where they find a cake recipe. The little dragon makes a beautiful cake, and the princess is happy. He even gets invited to the birthday celebration.

Young readers will enjoy the story, but they will love the illustrations. This is the perfect addition to any classroom or home bookshelf.


Sparkles for Sunny: A Lunar New Year Story

Sunny is the third little girl in the Lao family. One of the family rules is to never waste anything. Sunny gets a lot of her sisters' hand me downs. She is not always happy about it because sometimes the clothes are better suited for her sisters' personalities. When Sunny is feeling down, she decides to do something to make the qipao uniquely her own by adding some accessories for not only herself but also her sisters.

This is a heartwarming story, that shows how to make something your own without buying something new. Sunny shows her kindness by making special accessories for her sisters as well. The illustrations are really cute and sweet. This is a fun book to read understand a bit more about Lunar New Year.


The Duke

The Duke is a lush queer regency romance with all the glamour and passion you crave. In a historical setting filled with candlelit balls and aristocratic intrigue, this sapphic love story follows a duke whose confident exterior masks deeper emotional stakes — until a woman from her past returns to upend her carefully ordered life. With rich period atmosphere and sizzling chemistry, this novel marries classic romance sensibilities with modern queer representation, giving Pride Month readers an elegant, heartfelt story of rediscovered love.


Where He Left Me: A Novel

Sadie and Felix have only been married for two years when they move back to Felix’s childhood home, Hemlock House, nestled in the North Cascade Mountains. Felix departs for a planetary conference, leaving Sadie alone. Not long after his expected return, Sadie notices someone at the edge of the property. It isn’t long before Sadie realizes her husband has secrets and they’ve come to call. Where He Left Me, Sadie thinks, is with more questions than answers. ||The story had a fairly slow start. It took a while to get engaged with the characters and plot, and even by the end, it was not as thrilling as expected. I ended the book with more questions than answers, so I related to Sadie in that way. I thought growing up in the setting would endear me more to this story, but the author failed to capture the beauty of the Pacific Northwest, especially the Cascades. If you are looking for something to pass your time, then go ahead and pick this book up. It’s a story, but I wouldn’t classify it as thrilling or atmospheric.


A Recipe for Robbery: Mystery at the Biltmore #3

Elodie LaRue, 11, her friend Oscar, and her dog Carnegie make up the LaRue Detective Agency. They are called upon to solve another baffling mystery at the Biltmore apartments where they live. A fairly new resident, Chef Sebastian, has his recipes stolen on the eve of his bakery's opening. Elodie and Oscar get right on the case and start interviewing people. Chef Sebastian is seen at two different entrances of the Biltmore, but he doesn’t tell a story that matches the witnesses. The owner of a competing restaurant has a solid alibi and feeds all the members of the LaRue Detective Agency. Chef Sebastian’s new assistant is questioned to no avail. Can the kids find the recipes and save Chef Sebastian’s opening?

Author Colleen Nelson has written another romp of a mystery, perfect for young middle-graders, reluctant readers, and emerging readers. The characters are quirky and fun, the members of the detective agency are spunky and smart, and the story is compelling enough to keep young readers engaged all the way through. Cute, cartoonish illustrations by Peggy Collins support the story and add to the fun for youngsters. This book is a great addition to the series.


Tony Stark, Odysseus, and the Myths Behind Marvel: Ancient Heroes in the Modern World

Peter Meineck compiles and presents extensive research into what is known as Tony Stark, Odysseus, and the Myths Behind Marvel that primarily highlights similarities between Marvel characters (Iron Man, Black Widow, Captain America, etc.) and icons of Greek mythology (Hera, Zeus, Athena, and so many others), with the journey taking side turns toward psychology, religions, and quotes from relevant authors to educate the reader and open their eyes to hidden meaning and reasoning behind their interest in some of the most sought after topics. Meineck connects dots that readers may not have been privy to before, but now won't be able to forget or view in their original manner. Comprehension and advancing through the book may be easier for more experienced readers, as each chapter covers material that requires focus and an open mind for retention. Various readers may pick up this book (for interest in Marvel, mythology, etc.), reaching a wide audience and introducing readers to new ideas and thought processes; however, readers without an interest in such topics may do better to look elsewhere because the title is what is promised to readers throughout the book.


S'more is Enough (Food for Thought)

One day, Graham turned into a s'mores with a gooey middle and tasty chocolate bar in the middle. It was just fine until he started to wonder if he was as good as the other desserts. He tried to compare his shape to a donut, but he felt a little empty. He tried other foods but nothing felt quite right. Instead, he decided to be his best self by reading and trying new things and gaining new skills. Then, one day, he knew he was exactly who he was meant to be.

This is a really cute message with a really cute story. We especially liked the part as he was learning new skills and trying new things, but its ok to know that it is ok to be yourself!


The Best Little Motel in Texas

All Cordelia wants is a simple life. But when a previously unknown great aunt dies, she suddenly inherits the Chickadee Motel. It’s not as simple as a trip to Texas to sell and leave. The will has a stimulation that she can’t sell unless the tenants leave or die. When she travels there to convince them to pack their bags, she discovers the motel is actually a brothel where three women in their sixties (called the Chicks) live. The Chickadee isn’t exactly a well-kept secret; even the local pastor often visits. But when his body is found in one of the Chicks’ beds, Cordelia is tasked with searching for the real killer.

Cordelia’s simple plans are quickly turned upside down in the most comedic and chaotic way, and every moment is more fun than the next. The motel is unexpectedly charming with its pink charm and unexpected wholesomeness in the town. The Chicks are three vibrant personalities that bring life, chaos, and warmth to Cordelia’s life. They’re women who know how to live life and are exactly what Cordelia needs, even if she doesn’t realize it. A fantastic female-driven comedy, /The Best Little Motel in Texas/ blends charm, humor, and sleuthing for a mystery that will keep you smiling the whole time.


On This Ground: Hardship and Hope at the Toughest Prep School in America

In the first part of this rambling ode to the durability of St. Benedict’s prep school, the author sets the stage of the violent streets of Newark, New Jersey. However, as the story shifts to inside the school, the focus of the street struggle becomes muddied by stories of students, financial difficulties, administration and the Catholic hierarchy. The book’s blurb about St. Benedict’s being the “toughest prep school in America” is not sustained by these various anecdotes. In addition, the crushing poverty and racial tensions do not seem to be a major part of this story. When, briefly, a student is profiled, his story becomes interesting, but undeveloped. In addition, the laissez faire administrator of the school is an enigma; the story would be well served by discovering his struggles for the sustainability of his school.

Any malfeasance within the school is treated briefly and shrugged off even though the reader is well aware of the mistreatment of youth by Catholic priests and monks. St. Benedict’s may well be a lifeline for the youth of Newark, but that case is not presented in this book. lack Hills and the manifest destiny which drove them away from their spiritual center, the focal point of these historical myths which Mt. Rushmore represents.


Railsong

Railsong by Rahul Bhattacharya is a tender and beautifully observed coming-of-age novel set against the vast, shifting landscape of twentieth-century India. Following Charu, the daughter of a railway worker, the story captures her quiet determination to escape poverty and limited expectations as the nation itself undergoes profound change. Bhattacharya brings the railways to life as both setting and symbol, carrying Charu toward independence, work, and self-discovery. The novel balances social history with warmth and gentle humor, illuminating everyday resilience in the face of upheaval. Sweeping yet intimate, Railsong is a moving portrait of ambition, dignity, and the courage it takes to imagine a life beyond what one is given.


Dandelion Is Dead: A Novel About Life

Dandelion is Dead begins when main character Poppy meets Jake after pretending to be her sister, Dandelion, on a dating app. Feeling grief-stricken with the impending anniversary of her sister's death, Poppy wants to feel close to Dandelion again. What begins as a fun and freeing exploration into her sister's past becomes a journey of self-discovery and deceit. Poppy and Jake find a real connection, yet it is based on lies and their shared melodramas.

This book had me stressed, frustrated, curious, appalled and entertained! Poppy and Jake were very flawed, and their behavior often left me in disbelief. They were masters of betrayal and stayed unfazed by their actions. Both crafted their own storylines about their romantic entanglement and lied to their loved ones about their relationship. Each had some emotional baggage that shaped this arc, however it’s unbelievable that the pair stayed close for most of the book! Overall, this was a book that was very different and unpredictable, so I enjoyed it. I wish a little more time was spent on Dandelion's final days, but perhaps the imagery of her was more important than her actual presence on the page. Some parts felt slow or uncomfortable to read, so my rating reflects this.


How to Save a Library

Casey hasn’t lived anywhere for very long. He and his father, a librarian, move often because Dad seems to want a fresh start. Casey dreams of living in one place and actually owning a couch that won’t fit into a pick-up truck. They have been in the small town of Cornish for a year, and Casey loves it. He had made a good friend, Addison, at the library when he first got to town, but an unfortunate incident ruined that. He didn’t know how to make it right. When needed repairs for the library turn out to be so expensive, it may have to close, Casey and Addison find themselves thrown together in a last ditch effort to save the library.

Author Colleen Nelson has written a very engaging story that is filled with middle-grade drama, some nasty bullies, great friendships, and family issues that will keep young readers turning the pages right to the end. The writing is excellent and the language accessible for young readers. The dialogue is snappy and completely appropriate for the characters' ages. This would make a great classroom read-aloud as it would engender great discussions. Don’t miss this one.


The Discovery of Britain

The erudite Oxford-educated author, Graham Robb, hit on a truly brilliant idea: to connect the history of Britain to his ramblings therein. The combination of the personal with the historic views of Britain intrigued this reader. Unfortunately, as I didn’t know Birmingham from Leeds, this led to a great deal of confusion and displacement on my part. I confess I got totally lost in time and space. Therefore, I would hesitatingly recommend this book to only those who have an in-depth knowledge of Great Britain. Without this insider awareness, the stories may be difficult to track. This reader had difficulty in switching back and forth between the present day and the historic era. Despite these frustrations, many good stories and events kept me intrigued enough to keep reading. And, indeed, it is a very long book. I wish other readers to be fluid enough to go with the flow of time and events.


Last One Seen: A Thriller

Last One Seen by Rebecca Kanner tells the tale of a young woman named Hannah Silver who gets pulled into the drama of a group of MBA writing students at Washington University in Missouri. The group seems like a normal group of college students until another young woman named Justine Updike shows up. The relative of a famous writer, Justine seems to have it all—designer duds, a fancy place to stay, and everyone staring at her. Immediately, Hannah becomes obsessed with Justine, as do the other members of the group—Amelia, Ben, and even Claire.

This book was well-written from the point of view of an unreliable protagonist. The book starts out with Hannah being taken to a cabin by a character named Eli, and we don't find out who he is until later on in the story. The fact that Hannah is bipolar and not taking her meds consistently makes her spiral out of control. That and her use of alcohol and recreational drugs make the reader wonder if anything she's saying is true.

Although I enjoyed Last One Seen, there were several parts of the story that were slow. I kept reading simply because I wanted to find out what would happen in the cabin with Eli.


Daredevil: Born Again (Marvel Age of Comics)

For many Gen-Xers, much of our reading through the 1980s was in the form of comic books. We would rush to our local comic book shop to buy the latest chapter in these sagas. There were so many different stories and characters that it was hard for one person to collect them all. If you had friends who collected comics also, there was a lot of trading, borrowing, and, regrettably, yes, stealing. Still, there were always ways to catch up on many stories. Daredevil was a comic I read but didn’t collect. I remember Daredevil: Born Again. But my reading of this series was never continuous and not complete. Now we have another way to catch up on the series that we missed, Marvel Age of Comics.

DareDevil: Born Again, an Exploration by Chris Ryall is a deep dive into Frank Miller’s saga. This is not a graphic novel; this is an issue-by-issue recap of the whole story. Ryall does not explain the story or offer his opinions or interpretations; he simply retells the narrative. Some of David Mazzucchelli’s art is included, but this is not a comic book. It is a way to catch up or finish a series that, for some reason, readers could never finish.


The Mighty Avengers vs. the 1970s (Marvel Age of Comics)

Growing up in the 1970s and 80s, there was an ongoing debate: Marvel versus DC Comics. Fans of Batman, Superman, and the rest of the Justice League tended to buy DC Comics. Fans of the X-Men and Avengers invested in Marvel. The Avengers became a fan favorite for many because of their versatility and diversity, and for introducing many new characters over the years. The Avengers was an ever-changing team that thought the 70s tackled many of the social changes the rest of the population was experiencing.

The Mighty Avengers Vs. The 1970s: An Exploration by Paul Cornell is a Marvel Age of Comics deep dive into the writers, artists, and storylines of the decade. Created by Stan Lee in 1963, the team of writers saw just as much change as the characters themselves. As a youngster reading the comics, I never followed the writers as much as the artists. Cornell explores the creative minds behind the characters and plots. If you were a fan of the Avengers in the 70s or want a behind-the-scenes look into these comics, this is a fascinating read.


Wait for Me

Wait For Me by Amy Jo Burns is a lyrical and deeply moving novel about music, memory, and the bonds that shape us. Following legendary folk singer Elle Harlow and the young aspiring musician Marijohn Shaw, the story weaves together past and present with emotional precision. Burns captures the highs of performance, the weight of heartbreak, and the longing for connection in vivid, evocative prose. As secrets from Elle’s disappearance come to light, Marijohn is forced to confront her own desires and sense of self, making the story as much about personal discovery as it is about music. Rich, tender, and immersive, Wait For Me is a beautifully crafted ode to love, loss, and the enduring power of song.


Tojo: The Rise and Fall of Japan's Most Controversial World War II General

Hideki Tojo wanted to go out on his own terms. In September 1945, Japan formally surrendered to the Allies, and his role in his country’s defeat led to ignominy. The future didn’t appear this bleak at the outset of the war. Tojo had dedicated his life to service for his homeland, primarily in the Imperial Japanese Army. Tojo oversaw the Japanese campaign in Manchuria in the early 1930s, and his leadership was viewed with awe by loyalists and disdain by detractors. Tojo’s loyalty to the government was unquestioned, despite his ambitions and his perception of the Army as the primary voice in decision-making. As Prime Minister under Emperor Hirohito, Tojo was the point man for Japan’s military successes and failures during World War II. By the time of his failed suicide attempt, Tojo had been cast aside by his contemporaries and the public.

In Tojo, author Peter Mauch assumes the exacting task in writing about an often-maligned figure such as Hideki Tojo, but in this well-crafted and researched biography, Mauch admirably conveys the narrative of the quintessential soldier. While past history has rendered him an unrepentant war criminal, Mauch imbues him with a fair amount of dignity.


Only Friends

This contemporary romantic comedy follows Mariel Rivera, an aspiring screenwriter whose life takes an unexpected turn after a chance (and hilarious) encounter in Times Square. Teaming up with a charismatic model to create Regency-era content for online fans, their professional collaboration slides into a friends-with-benefits situation that begins to feel like something deeper. With charm, sizzling chemistry, and heartfelt moments, Only Friends is perfect for readers who love witty banter, enjoyable character growth, and a love story that blossoms in unconventional ways.


The Kidnapping of Alice Ingold

The Kidnapping of Alice Ingold dominates the news. She’s blond, beautiful, and the daughter of socialite Catherine and AI tech guru Brian. Even more interesting is the fact that the kidnappers are not asking for a ransom. Instead, they pose riddles, inviting everyone to solve them to save Alice. As the search goes on, Catherine and Brian begin to realize what’s really going on, and things are more complex than they seem. The real question is, what exactly are they saving Alice from? ||I’ve read many of Holahan’s books, and this one was by far her most relevant book to the times we’re currently living in. While it wasn’t the most thrilling, especially compared to her other books, this story definitely gets you thinking about the role of AI in America and the impact it will have on society. There are many points made in this tale about how many jobs could become obsolete with the unregulated use of AI. If you enjoy thrillers, maybe choose one of her other books, but if you enjoy getting conversations started about technological advancements, then this is a great place to start.


Seasons of Glass and Iron

Seasons of Glass & Iron by Amal El Mohtar is a stunning collection that showcases the author’s extraordinary range, lyricism, and emotional intelligence. Each story feels like a small, gleaming world, rich with myth, longing, and sharp insight into the human heart. Drawing on fairy tales, folklore, and speculative traditions, El Mohtar reshapes familiar narratives into something intimate and quietly radical.

The collection moves effortlessly between forms, from letters and diary entries to folktales and fragments, yet every piece is bound by a distinctive voice that is both tender and precise. These stories explore love, grief, transformation, and resilience with a rare balance of beauty and bite, offering fairy tales that do not flinch from consequence. Award winning and widely celebrated, the work never feels ornamental; instead, it invites close reading and deep feeling.

Luminous, inventive, and deeply affecting, Seasons of Glass & Iron is a masterclass in short fiction and a lasting testament to Amal El Mohtar’s singular talent.


Letters from an Imaginary Country

Letters from an Imaginary Country is a compilation of short stories from award-winning author Theodora Goss. Known for her novels that use offspring from fictional characters, Goss is extremely adept at shorter fiction. Scattered throughout her 16 short stories are names and places that are very familiar. The beauty of Goss's creations is that those names and places take on new life. From the descendants of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde to a reporter rediscovering the Land of Oz, Goss breathes new life into old stories.

As fun as these stories are, it feels like Goss could have gone further to explore and challenge the original works. Many of the characters descended from the monsters of old and have their own lives. In Goss's tales, these monsters remain monsters. Goss doesn't try to expand, explain, or rectify their character. She does tell compelling stories, but these stories could have been told with any characters. When borrowing from the classics, I wish she had used more of the classic characters themselves, and not just new personalities connected to the old names.


The Take

This new book brings to mind producer Julia Phillips, who spilled the tea on movie-making in a tell-all book.  Also, there is  Aldous Huxley’s AFTER MANY A SUMMER DIES THE SWAN; his book about the rich seeking eternal youth. This book skillfully blends both stories along with character studies of the two protagonists, Maggie and Ingrid. Maggie cannot get started as a writer. Ingrid is an established, but aging Hollywood producer. In her search for relevance, she contracts with Maggie to transfuse Maggie’s youthful blood into her in an untested new method of gaining youth. Maggie sees this as an opportunity for access to the inner circle, who could jumpstart her career. Many a new writer has had their finest work derailed by the plagiaristic methods of Hollywood screenwriting. In a literal way, their blood is sucked dry by the process of movie-making. As Maggie ages in this process, her youthful optimism also erodes. Maggie’s Asian ethnicity and the chauvinism of powerful men are also explored in this riveting story. Kelly Yang’s voice as a storyteller is powerful and relevant.


Beginning, Middle, and End

Beginning, Middle, and End are three important characters in this story and in any story. Shown as different shapes (square, rectangle, and triangle), the first two characters introduce themselves and explain/persuade/argue to the reader as to why they are so important, but when it comes time to learn about "End," he doesn't appreciate being woken up by the loudness of Beginning and Middle, and decides that he doesn't need to be around anymore as long the other two can't get along. This throws the first two for a loop, because you can't have a proper story without an end! They must learn to appreciate what each offers to the story to get everyone back together and on the same page again!

I'm a big fan of reading, so I found lots of enjoyment in this picture book through the imagery of the three main parts of a story as characters. The story will be a hit for younger readers, but even older ones like me will understand it and find it entertaining!


Nightmare on Nightmare Street

Welcome to a house where reality feels like it’s been put through a funhouse mirror. In Nightmare on Nightmare Street, R. L. Stine delivers exactly what readers crave: quick chills, eerie twists, and that creeping sense that something isn’t quite right. The dual perspectives of Joe and Shawn keep the tension high, blurring the line between dreams and reality in a way that’s both confusing and thrilling—in the best way. It’s a fast, spine-tingling ride that invites readers to question everything…including whether they should turn off the lights before bed.


T.S. Eliot: An Imperfect Life

Thomas Stearns Eliot constantly searched for meaning in life, and his pursuit took him from the United States to Europe, where he would live the remainder of his life. Throughout his life, Eliot was a man who often went against the grain, whether it be in his marriage to Vivienne Haigh-Wood in 1915 or his decision to become a writer. In his early years, Eliot’s work was influenced by misconceptions of women and his distrust of them. Despite this occasionally misogynistic perspective, Vivienne encouraged T.S. in his literary pursuits. T.S. & Vivienne’s marriage was fated to end acrimoniously as infidelity, mental illness, and financial issues became insurmountable crosses to bear. Despite personal setbacks, Eliot continued to be a significant voice in Modernist poetry and literature until his passing in the 1960s.

T.S. Eliot: An Imperfect Life is a panoramic biography that offers an unvarnished take on the prolific poet and writer. Author Lyndall Gordon’s scholarly book shows a man who wrangled with issues of his own identity for years and lived a life contradictory to his own desires, yet managed to produce the groundbreaking epic poem “The Wasteland”. Gordon’s work proves both revelatory and quite impressive.


Afterbirth

Eerie and emotionally charged, After Birth is a haunting exploration of sisterhood, bodily autonomy, and desire. Emma Cleary blends psychological unease with cinematic horror, creating a story that feels both intimate and deeply unsettling. The decaying apartment setting and the blurred boundaries between reality and obsession heighten the tension, while the sisters’ fractured relationship anchors the novel in raw human emotion. Cleary’s prose is hypnotic and precise, allowing dread to build slowly and linger long after the final page. Thoughtful, original, and quietly devastating, this debut stands out as a striking contribution to modern “mommy horror.”


The Better Mother: A Thriller

The Better Mother is a fast-paced thriller that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. When Savannah's life plans fall through after her longtime boyfriend leaves her, Savannah meets a guy named Max. They hook up a few times, getting drinks and having sex. A few months later, Savannah finds out she's pregnant. She calls Max and is surprised when he is more than willing to help her with the baby. The catch? He has gotten back together with his ex-girlfriend, Madison. This is where the fatal attraction starts to happen. Madison is obsessed with the baby; she calls the baby "ours" and posts all about it on social media. It turns out that Madison is one sick puppy and will stop at nothing to get her hands on the baby.

Although there aren't too many twists in the book, it was written well and kept me engaged the whole time. The dialogue was a bit unrealistic at times, and characters popped in and out of scenes so much that I had to go back and reread sometimes. Overall, this was a great story, even though the writing wasn't that strong.


The Christmas Companion: Simple Recipes and Creative Ideas for a Magical Festive Season

Christmas is a wonderful time of the year, but it might also be the most stressful time of the year, especially if you are in charge of decorating and cooking and shopping, and wrapping. A Christmas Companion is really a compendium of everything one would need to plan and accomplish a perfect Christmas celebration. Four major sections — Magic Making, Feasting, Making Merry, and Your Christmas — make planning easy. Magic Making covers things like gift wrapping, Advent calendars, stockings, and more. Feasting is over 200 pages of mouthwatering recipes in fourteen sections covering Breakfast and Brunch, Cocktails and Canapés, Entrees, Winter Salads, Cookies and Candies, and much, much more. Making Merry looks at many winter holidays and the different kinds of parties one might have. It will give you ideas for table decorations, edible gifts, buffets, brunches, big parties, and more. The Your Christmas section wraps things up with checklists, planners, notes, and an index. Author Skye McAlpine has written three cookbooks and columns for The Sunday Times and her Substack. Her style is conversational and friendly, and this book, filled with beautiful, colored photos, is very complete with everything Christmas-lovers might need.


The Hospital at the End of the World

Smart, suspenseful, and unsettlingly plausible, The Hospital at the End of the World blends near-future science fiction with a gripping medical mystery. Justin C. Key crafts a world where AI-driven efficiency clashes with human judgment, raising urgent questions about control, ethics, and care. Pok’s search for the truth behind his father’s death gives the novel emotional depth, while the renegade medical school in New Orleans provides a vivid, atmospheric setting. As conspiracies deepen and secrets surface, the story moves with sharp momentum and growing unease. Thoughtful and propulsive, this novel is a compelling exploration of technology, power, and what it truly means to heal.


Bed Chemistry: A Novel

Bed Chemistry is a fun romance book with an interesting premise. When chemistry teacher Ashleigh is fired from her job, she panics. She needs to pay her rent. When she applies to be in a paid sleep study, she finds the unexpected—the guy she snuck out on eleven years ago, Xander. The catch? The director of the sleep study says they only have a spot open for a couple. Ash and Xander team up to complete the sleep study, and of course, their past catches up to them. Ashleigh doesn't date and doesn't do relationships. So, why is she so drawn to Xander after all of these years?

Bed Chemistry has just the right amount of spice to keep readers turning the page. The main character is a mess, but you'll still be rooting for her to get with the hot guy. This is a sweet story with fun characters and an interesting twist on being somewhere you don't necessarily want to be that changes your life forever.


A Year Without Home

Told in luminous verse, A Year Without Home is a deeply moving story that lingers long after the final page. Gao Sheng’s journey from Laos to a refugee camp in Thailand is rendered with tenderness and clarity, capturing both the fear of displacement and the quiet resilience of family. Each poem feels like a snapshot of memory—fragile, vivid, and full of emotion. Bidania’s writing makes history feel immediate and personal, while Gao Sheng’s voice shines with strength and longing. It’s a powerful reminder that home is not just a place, but something we carry within us.


The Chosen and The Damned: Native Americans and the Making of Race in the United States

The monument was set to commemorate the American Indian, a statue to be located in Staten Island. The project fell apart due to a lack of proper funding and proved to be another example of failed promises when it came to Native Americans. The Year was 1913, the United States was more than a century old, and despite the progress of the country, the relationship with the indigenous people remained fraught. A belief in their superiority, both intellectual and ideological, fueled the British and later American attempts to eradicate the Native Americans. The relationships between the early colonists and various tribes were tenuous as alliances quickly deteriorated into bloody hostilities. As Manifest Destiny justified claims on more land, the various tribes were forced to resettle or were eliminated through force. Only the passage of time has forced a reconciliation with the grave sins of our forefathers.

The Chosen and the Damned is a comprehensive and damning account of the divisive relationship between the United States and the Native Americans. Author David J. Silverman looks beyond the textbook dogma in detailing the litany of abuses committed against the men, women, and children of various tribes, resulting in a vital piece of American Historical literature.


Trad Wife

Trad Wife by Saratoga Schaefer is a modern, unsettling horror novel that subverts domestic ideals. The story follows Camille, a “trad wife” lifestyle influencer whose desire for a baby results in a terrifying bargain with a dark creature. As her online persona collides with horrific reality, the novel becomes a visceral critique of societal pressures, gender norms, and the terror lurking beneath curated perfection. With gory, body‑horror elements and provocative themes, this disturbing tale turns the very idea of femininity and motherhood into something frighteningly unpredictable.


The Scent of Oranges

Kathy George reimagines Dickens’s classic through the eyes of Nancy in The Scent of Oranges. Set in 1837 England, this standalone historical novel centers on one of Oliver Twist’s most sympathetic figures, giving voice to her struggles, compassion, and quest for redemption amid the gritty realities of Victorian London. George’s retelling highlights issues of survival, morality, and opportunity in a vividly drawn period setting, merging classic literature with modern emotional resonance.


Innocence Road

Detective Leanne Everheart has been back in her hometown for two years, when she gets a murder case. A young woman has been found in the desert and it resembles a case from sixteen years ago. The killer for that case was put away until recently, when it was discovered he was actually innocent. As Leanne digs further into the case, she discovers that there have been even more bodies found in this same area and comes to the conclusion that there is a serial killer at work. The killer is escalating and Leanne knows that time is running out. The Innocence Road does not exist here and secrets and lies are getting young women killed.

I absolutely loved this book. I couldn’t put it down and was trying the whole time to figure out who had done it. Leanne was the perfect character, with all her flaws, but she made every victim important, no matter their race or what their life was like. I really enjoyed the author’s writing style and hope that Leanne’s story continues. If you love police procedural thrillers, this book is for you.


A Ghastly Catastrophe

Fans of clever historical mysteries will find plenty to love in A Ghastly Catastrophe, the latest adventure featuring the brilliant Veronica Speedwell and her partner Stoker. When a mysterious corpse appears near Highgate Cemetery, the duo soon uncovers a chilling trail that leads to a secret society obsessed with immortality. Raybourn’s signature blend of sharp wit, historical detail, and thrilling intrigue makes this installment especially delightful. With sparkling dialogue and a twisting investigation filled with danger and deception, this Victorian-era mystery offers a perfect mix of humor, suspense, and irresistible charm.


Meet Me Under the Lights

Meet Me Under the Lights is a charming small-town romance packed with summer nostalgia, family rivalry, and heartfelt emotion. Eliza and Reed’s chemistry leaps off the page as childhood history collides with present-day tension. Their opposing family legacies add a Romeo-and-Juliet flavor, while baseball and community theater create a lively, memorable backdrop. Beyond the romance, both characters are figuring out who they want to be beyond their town’s expectations, giving the story genuine coming-of-age depth. Warm, swoony, and full of heart, this is a perfect read for anyone who loves summer love stories with substance.


CATechisms

The title CATechisms initially confused me, because I'm used to hearing the singular "Catechism" from church, but once I delved into the book, it made sense. I also LOVE cats, so a book devoted to words and pictures of them is one that I will read any day. Every other page is a different-styled poem about the author's cat, along with a full-sized, full-colored picture(s) of said cat (its name is Ramen) shown in a new location, position, or attitude that complements the poem. If the reader has any cats of their own, the poems will make sense, and, because most cats act similarly, you could likely insert your cat into the text and your mental image. I have several cats in my home, and I had no trouble noticing how the poems are familiar and remind me of how much I love them, how crazy they can be, and how similar they can be to humans at times. Because the book is about poems and cats, it could reach a large audience.


Intifadas

Not so much a quiet collection as a charged current running through art, memory, and resistance, Intifadas refuses to sit still. Edward Salem, with an introduction by Hanif Abdurraqib, crafts poems that move across Palestine and its diaspora, where uprising takes many forms—political, personal, even intimate. Rather than offering easy resolutions, these poems lean into contradiction: they are furious yet tender, darkly funny yet deeply sincere. Moments of defiance sit alongside small, human gestures, creating a collection that feels both expansive and immediate. It’s a bold, thought-provoking work that lingers, asking what art can hold when the world feels impossible.


Hannibal Lecter

His beginnings were humble; his introduction was as a side character in a best-selling book. By his second appearance, his character became more refined, and while Dr. Hannibal Lecter advised Will Graham and Clarice Starling on how to nab serial killers, there was no disguising the fact that it often takes a monster to catch one. By the time of the third book to feature him, it was inarguable that Hannibal Lecter had become an iconic villain in literature. While his infamy rose, the almost reclusive nature of his creator grew. Thomas Harris was a journalist from down south who had covered many aspects of news but grew fascinated by the criminal mind. “Red Dragon” began his dramatic partnership with Lecter, a relationship that proved lucrative and occasionally frustrating as sequels and movies enthralled audiences while leaving them clamoring for more.

An unputdownable book that chronicles the creator and his literary offspring, “Hannibal Lecter” provides a wealth of information about best-selling author Thomas Harris, along with the catapulting of the villainous Lecter into the pop culture zeitgeist. Author Brian Raftery has done more than a commendable job in covering the lasting impact of Hannibal Lecter on the public.


Graveyard of Demons (Saga of the Forgotten Warrior)

There are six volumes in the Saga Of The Forgotten Warrior. Here is the fifth. I made the mistake of reviewing the last one (so far) Heart of the Mountain before reading any of the others, and cautioned my readers to buy the entire series and start at the beginning of the saga. Do as I say, and not as I did. Names, relationships, allegiances, beliefs, institutions, ranks, and history are elaborate and intricate. They are at least loosely based on the complex Indian/Hindi culture. Personal valor and magics are epic.

Reappearing after long reported dead, Ashok is somewhat shocked by the passage of time, the evolution of events, and even himself.

Seeking his life mate amidst great conflicts and uncertainties, he endures, and as is his wont, vanquishes any who stand in his way.

Previous allies and friends are scrambled, to say the least. Political and mystic machinations abound.

As becomes terribly evident, hordes of mostly marine-dwelling demons are tunnelling even into the drynesses to which much of mankind has retreated. A genocide of the not-men, the “fish eaters,” is ongoing; martial realities are evolving rapidly.||Battles of sweeping dreadfulness are, as in all of Mr. Correia’s work, entrancing and terrifying. Buy the series!


The Moon Without Stars

Softly funny and achingly real, The Moon Without Stars captures the fragile orbit of middle school identity with remarkable honesty. Luna’s journey—from quiet observer to someone pulled into the gravity of popularity—feels authentic in every detail. Miller’s signature illustrations add warmth and intimacy, making Luna’s inner world even more vivid. What resonated most is the story’s gentle insistence that finding yourself sometimes means losing your way first. It’s a thoughtful, comforting read that speaks directly to that in-between stage of growing up, where everything feels uncertain—and full of possibility.


A Dance with Santa Claus

When I was (a lot) younger, my parents read to me stories by Sandra Boynton, and I remember hearing some songs that go along with her stories, too. When I saw her newest book, A Dance with Santa Claus, I wanted to check it out because I had read her books in the past, and because it's an appropriate story for the season (winter/Christmas); I also found the song that goes with this story, which made the reading experience different than if I were just to read it. Particularly special for the season, I recently watched the movie "Elf," and when I learned that the story's singer is Zooey Deschanel (a main character in Elf), I could picture everything more clearly, and it improved my overall enjoyment. The story in itself is more appropriate for younger readers, as there are few words on each page, and it's repetitive. The illustrations are bright and colorful, and everything combined makes this a perfect Christmas story to read (and listen to) each year.


A Girl Like Us: A Novel

Maya just married into the world-famous Sterling family. When her husband’s cousin, Arianna, is found murdered, the whole Sterling family is whisked away to the family estate in England. Arianna was the heiress of the entire Sterling fortune and they discover that she named Maya as her heir. Things start to get ugly as secrets come out and the family does everything they can to get Maya to turn the fortune back over to them. But Maya knows, only A Girl Like Us can get to the bottom of this mystery and she is determined to find out before she too, ends up dead.

Maya may very well be a gold digger, but you can’t help but like her. She is a girl who knows what she wants and goes after it. Her cleverness is in her favor, as well. The author does a fantastic job of exemplifying the horror a rich British family would feel when one of their family members marries a reality tv star. If you enjoy mysteries and watching the wealthy struggle to hide all their secrets, then this is the book for you.


Ghost Boys: The Graphic Novel

Twelve‑year‑old Jerome is a shy, hardworking kid bullied for being a “teacher’s pet.” At home, life with his parents, grandmother, and little sister is steady, and he dreams of becoming a basketball star or even the President someday.

But those dreams end when he is killed by a white police officer.

As a ghost—unseen by most—Jerome searches for meaning in the aftermath of his death. He drifts between his family home and the courtroom where his case unfolds, trying to understand why he cannot move on. One person can see him: Sarah, the daughter of the officer who shot him. Through her eyes, Jerome witnesses the weight of bias and fear. He also meets Emmett Till, another ghost boy, who guides him toward understanding and a sense of purpose.

Ghost Boys: The Graphic Novel is a powerful adaptation of Jewell Parker Rhodes’s acclaimed book. Setor Fiadzigbey’s evocative illustrations deepen the story’s emotional resonance, weaving together themes of race, privilege, grief, and justice. This compelling read invites readers of all ages to confront America’s long history of anti‑Blackness and to grapple with hard-fought possibilities of racial reckoning and healing.


The Vanishing Cherry Blossom Bookshop: Uplifting, poignant healing fiction from the Japanese bestselling author – brand-new for 2025!

The bookshop only appears in the spring when the cherry blossoms are in bloom and you must be reading the exact passage from the same book at the same time as the young shopkeeper in order to find it. Many people have come and gone from the bookshops doors, these are the stories of very different people, for very different reasons at very different times of their lives who were lucky enough to be given a miracle.

What a lovely idea, that there is this place that exists because someone wrote a book. Each story is a gentle reminder of how ordinary moments may not be simple, that life is to lived. The characters were a little bland, without much personality, but they had very different stories and reasons for being at the bookshop. The same information was repeated almost every time someone new entered the bookshop, explained almost the exact same way as well. It did get a little confusing at times when the cat was interchangeably referred to as it and she, probably to do with translation. There are a few things that have to do with names that also get lost in translation, but they are explained in a note at the end.


Yuppies

My son asked very pointed questions about my generation’s obsession with greed and workaholism. Thankfully, this well-researched book will answer many of his generation’s questions about the rampant materialism that pervades our culture. How, in fact, did baby boomers who may have been hippies turn into Yuppies? The thesis in this book portrays a great seduction by Wall Street of college students in the very best universities in this country. Rather than stay in the staid traditions of old money, brokerages went in search of the very talented to transform their industry. In doing this, old money rules were broken, and beginning careers were shifted from industry to wealth manipulation and management.

These brilliant young people devoted themselves wholeheartedly to workaholism, while enjoying huge salaries translated into opulent displays of wealth and privilege. The author has written a very complete history of this traditional time in society.


Happy Ending

From USA TODAY bestselling author Chloe Liese comes a clever, heartfelt rom-com that sparkles with wit and warmth. This friends-to-lovers story follows Thea and Alex, two opposites united by messy divorces and a harmless little lie that grows into something beautifully real. Their fake relationship, born from spite, evolves into a deeply supportive friendship filled with sharp banter, tender moments, and undeniable chemistry. Liese shines at crafting emotionally intelligent characters, blending humor with thoughtful explorations of healing, parenthood, and second chances. Set against the backdrop of a complicated beach vacation, this novel delivers swoon-worthy romance and genuine heart—a satisfying, feel-good escape from start to finish.


Cabaret in Flames

It’s been years since Erik disappeared, leaving Ariadne to inherit his small clinic. She doesn’t mind the work, at least the gul’s she treats are predictable in their violence, unlike the growing political turbulence. But her scrap of normalcy is shattered when an old friend of Erik’s comes knocking at her door looking for him. Quaint isn’t like anyone she’s met, gul or human. They begin the search for Erik, because it turns out he may not have simply packed his bags and walked out the door, and he may be in a lot of trouble. It would be easy to let Quaint do the investigating, but Ariadne wants answers, and if she’s to go into the lion's den, she might as well go with the lion.

This novella is character-driven, with rich personalities and a small cast that’s easy to keep track of who is who. Ariadne has her secrets, and they are hinted at and drawn out until revealed at the right time. The setting isn’t neglected, it’s vast and real, even if it isn’t explored more than it needs to be. The plot is a little boring, but the characters and their journey make up for that.


A Practical Guide to Dating a Demon

Naomi is tired of unsolicited male attention just to meet her high-powered aunt, so she invents a betrothal. To a demon. She claims his name is Daziel, who just happens to be real. He appears suddenly in her rooms but cannot be banished by any spells she’s tried. He moves in, cooking and decorating for her, willing to continue the ruse so he doesn’t have to return home just yet. She’s fighting her attraction, knowing she can’t be betrothed to a demon, but there are bigger things on her mind. The winds and weather are changing, and all the birds have up and left. Meanwhile, her work on some ancient scrolls is finally beginning to progress, with a little brainstorming help from Daziel. She soon realizes that the ancient text may have more modern-day meaning than expected, and Daziel’s secret might have something to do with it.

The dated cover hides a story that is sexy and fun and witty and adventurous. The romance is a slow burn that warms as their adventure becomes more dire. Reynolds deftly folds all the plot points together, creating a flirty fantasy with, strangely enough, cozy chaos. A cute winter read.


Celestial Lights

This celebrated author has written a book from a man’s point of view with incredible insight and resonance. The main character is driven by a passion for engineering. With his work ethic and diligence, he quickly excels in that career, which subverts into a drive to attain supreme heights. His other passion is the obsession with his childhood friend who represented a more earthbound and humanistic approach to life. After he receives a job offer to work in a space program, he becomes the employee of one the world’s richest and most elusive men. After he is chosen to captain an ambitious space program, he faces difficult choices. Does he choose a pinnacle of success and celebrity or the earthbound family he has always wanted? This is a wonderful theme and story relevant to today’s unending focus on wealth and celebrity.  The writing is good and the story brings us to essential moral questions about ourselves.


The Penguin Book of Cults

When we hear the word "cult," we imagine charismatic leaders wielding psychological control, secretive rituals, and followers driven to violence. These movements often conjure disturbing images: sexual exploitation, human sacrifice, and worship of malevolent forces. Yet as science and technology advance, religious movements increasingly weave contemporary physics, medicine, and astronomy into their belief systems.

In The Penguin Book of Cults, religious studies professor Joseph Laycock delivers a fascinating examination of faith movements operating outside mainstream society—from 19th-century Spiritualists to Japan's Aum Shinrikyo, perpetrators of the devastating Tokyo subway sarin attacks.

Laycock skillfully contextualizes the primary sources featured throughout, including the chilling "death tapes" from Jonestown. His approach balances scholarly rigor with accessibility, making complex religious phenomena understandable without sensationalizing them. On a side note, "The Trial of Aleister Crowley" was a most amusing read (perhaps not surprisingly.)

This collection proves essential reading for anyone seeking to understand the psychological dynamics between cult leaders and their adherents. Particularly compelling are historical parallels—such as accusations of incestuous orgies and murderous initiation rites leveled against early Christians—which illuminate how societal hysteria can distort perceptions of "religious others."

Laycock's work ultimately suggests an uncomfortable truth: the capacity for extremism that we find so terrifying in cults may not be as foreign to human nature as we'd like to believe. This book challenges readers to examine both fringe movements and their own assumptions about faith and belonging.


A Natural History of Empty Lots: Field Notes from Urban Edgelands, Back Alleys, and Other Wild Places

Some time back, Christopher Brown, lawyer, sci-fi author, and wildlife enthusiast, turned his hand to exploring a surprising new lifestyle. Hailing from the Midwest, he became a Texan and built a home at the edge of Austin's industrial area. Choosing a site where old building materials, broken pipelines and the like were dumped in and around in a creek, he was rewarded to see increasing numbers of animals and insects he feared had forsaken city living.

While the book's focus is on his surroundings, it is crammed with a remarkable range of topics. His philosophical beliefs about contemporary life contrive to mingle erudition and excitement. A fox? Harvester ants? Millipedes? His memories of a hike decades earlier, in third grade, nourish his need to live alongside nature. But he is realistic: alarmed at seeing gentrification as colonization, and at a certain level, 'there is no authentic life.'

One of the book's distinctions lies in his paternal love, the pleasure of sharing, exploring and discovering the surroundings with his young son. A Natural History of Empty Lots is a commendable, serious read, not one to skim hastily.  Be ready to underline, and scribble margin notes.


Enormous Wings

The premise of Laurie Frankel's Enormous Wings—the title taken from an oft-anthologized Gabriel Garcia Marquez short story—is deeply intriguing. A 77-year-old woman moves to an assisted living facility after a small car accident makes her children worry for her safety. She meets a handsome and charismatic 78-year-old man, who goes by the ridiculous name Moth, and promptly gets pregnant after a night of intimacy. Oh, and her name? Pepper Mills.

The names are a sign of what is wrong with this book. At its heart, it is about the end of Roe vs. Wade and the state of women's healthcare in an increasingly misogynistic country. Pepper lives in Texas, so her health at 77 is not as important as the health of the cluster of cells in her uterus. The novel is populated with people on both sides of the abortion debate, and Pepper herself is wishy-washy at times, which was, for me, the biggest failing of the book. Give her a spine. Have her take a stand. Instead, everything seems to just happen to her.

Towards the end, she becomes an activist—I won't spoil it by telling you exactly what that means--but it was all just a bit too far-fetched with too little teeth for my taste.


The Princess Bride Deluxe Edition Hc: S. Morgenstern's Classic Tale of True Love and High Adventure

For all The Princess Bride fans, the deluxe edition is a must-have. Yes, before the wildly successful cult classic, The Princess Bride, it was a novel by William Goldman. The film follows the book very closely. Every great and overly quoted line from the movie is in the book. As is every sword fight, the ascent up the Cliffs of Insanity, the escape through the Fire Swamp, and the romance between Buttercup and Westley. All in this epic story. Why should you get the book if you’ve already seen the movie, you ask? Because this is the deluxe edition..

Please, judge this book by the cover. It is a beautiful book that can be displayed in any grand or humble book collection. If you need more, the two forewords by the author are entertaining and enlightening. If that is not enough, then the addition of the short story Buttercup’s Baby and Goldman's explanation should convince you. All these reasons should convince any true fan of the movie that this book is worth the investment.


By the Fire We Carry: The Generations-Long Fight for Justice on Native Land

The rise of Native American sovereignty has taken many twists and turns over the past 300-plus years— from when the first European settlers encountered Native American groups, the forced displacement of Native Americans to reservations, to the rise of Native American nationalism in the 1970s. There has been a legal fight, that was largely settled in 2020 by the US Supreme Court, over tribal land and sovereignty that this book chronicles in a large overlapping arc starting back in the 1800s when the Muscogee people were forced into Oklahoma, the fight over land and oil rights, to the final decision granting large swaths of these lands as sovereign to tribal nations where they can police and take their own actions. This book is largely historical, although it primarily focuses on the 2020 US Supreme Court case and the Native Americans of Oklahoma, rather than discussing other groups fighting for justice. People interested in how Native Americans fought the long fight, across multiple generations, for justice will learn a lot from this book, including attempts by local leaders in Oklahoma to make sure they left the Natives Americans as second-class citizens.


I Survived the Dust Bowl, 1935 (I Survived #25)

It is 1935, and Ray and Dolly, best friends, live in a small farming town in the Texas Panhandle. Things had been fine until a drought began. Now, people are losing farms and small businesses to the bank. Many people leave town. Matthew, a nice older boy at school, rides the rails to California to get work. The dust storms are more frequent and severe, and they damage property and people’s health as well. Dolly’s little brother, Skippy, ends up in the hospital with dust pneumonia. The doctors say he can’t stay in Texas any longer, so Dolly’s family is moving away. Ray finds out his parents owe money to the bank, and they might lose the farm. Ray feels like his world is falling apart.

This is Lauren Tarshis’s 25th I Survived novel for middle-grade readers. Her research is exceptional, and her storytelling technique is great. The story of Ray and Dolly is one that young readers will relate to and sympathize with. It is a great way for kids to learn about the history of the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl. Like all the I Survived books, this one is short, well-written, and compelling.


I Love You Don't Die

Tender, raw, and quietly devastating, I Love You, Don’t Die is a luminous meditation on love and impermanence. Jade Song’s lyrical prose captures the ache of loneliness and the strange comfort found in contemplating death, grounding existential dread in the textures of contemporary New York life. Vicky’s emotional journey—through friendship, intimacy, and self-sabotage—feels painfully honest and deeply human. The novel’s exploration of desire, depression, and connection is both unsentimental and compassionate, allowing moments of beauty to emerge from uncertainty. Intimate and introspective, this book speaks powerfully to a generation searching for meaning while learning how, and whether, to hold on.


A Death in Summer: A Novel (Quirke, 4)

“Diamond Dick” Jewell is dead, and no one—not his employees, his family, or his business rivals—is sorry, not even when it becomes clear that murder, rather than suicide, was the cause. Thus opens the fourth mystery featuring pathologist Quirke (even his daughter calls him that for reasons laid bare in earlier volumes), along with Inspector Hackett. A tightly written novel of Dublin noir, this is the kind of mystery more interested in people’s psyches than in following physical clues. Set in the 1950s or perhaps early 60s, in an oppressively hot Irish summer, characters sweat and suffer as do the parched fields. Quirke is immediately drawn to Jewell’s French widow for reasons that he himself doesn’t clearly understand, and yet unraveling those motivations will be key to knowing who fired the gun and why. There are plenty of suspicious characters to consider, with various sordid histories and practices, but most of Dublin’s seamy underbelly is alluded to, rather than pictured in detail. Banville creates atmospheric prose, studded with crystalline metaphors and descriptions, which make the novel a pleasure to read, even though Quirke can be glum and recalcitrant, dragging his past around like chains around his ankles.


Love Goes Viral

Alexander Berman, Camille Stochitch, Estelle Laure

Love Goes Viral is a contemporary YA romance that explores love, social media fame, and authenticity. When aspiring pop star Love Thompson becomes an overnight sensation, she tries to rehabilitate her public image with the help of a small-town boy she once met. What starts as a strategic, fake romance quickly becomes something much more meaningful as real feelings emerge between them. This story combines modern romance with the complexities of social media culture, making it a relevant and heartwarming choice for Valentine’s Day readers who enjoy lively characters, emotional growth, and fun romantic tension.

Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers


Fifty Poems

The art of translating poetry—capturing not just meaning but meter, lyricism, and soul—demands both courage and devotion. In //Rainer Maria Rilke: Fifty Poems//, Australian poet Geoffrey Lehmann rises to the challenge, offering fresh English renderings of the Austrian master's work. For anyone seeking an entry point into Rilke's transcendent world, Lehmann's collection offers an ideal portal.

Rilke, the German-language poet born in Prague, stands among the 20th century's most influential literary voices. Throughout his lifetime, his poetic style underwent remarkable transformations, shaped by encounters with luminaries like Rodin and Cézanne. His most profound verses interrogated classical notions of truth, beauty, and morality.

Lehmann approaches his task with refreshing humility, describing his translations as attempts to "impersonate Rilke in English"—a modest claim that belies the achievement within these pages. He confronts head-on the formidable challenge of preserving the music of German meter and rhyme while maintaining each poem's essential clarity and power. Though I cannot read German myself, I've encountered other English translations of Rilke's work. Lehmann's versions stand out for their exceptional balance of fidelity and artistry.

This carefully curated collection succeeds in conveying Rilke's haunting voice and the existential solitude that pulses through his poetry. The translations feel both measured and alive, honoring the original while speaking directly to contemporary readers.


To Save the Man

Antoine LaMere has been sent off to the Carlisle School so he can assist his family. His attendance at the school will cement his family’s status as Indians in order to receive land under the recently passed Dawes Act. The Carlisle School was founded and is overseen by Captain Richard Henry Pratt, whose objective is to educate the students to the American Way of life while acclimating them to the civilized world. When Antoine arrives at the school, he is introduced to boys and girls from various tribes who are either newcomers like himself or returning students. As the days pass, Antoine sees how rules are enforced with military discipline and how the school seeks to Americanize their hearts and minds. Meanwhile, other students begin to bridle at the forced and regimented environment and plot an escape regardless of consequence.

To Save the Man is the latest exceptional novel from the polished writer and auteur John Sayles. Acclimation at the expense of sacrificing one’s identity is the paradox at the heart of this gripping historical fiction book. The historical wrongs done to the Native Americans reverberate throughout the pages of this masterly work.


The Time Hop Coffee Shop: A Novel – A Charming Magical Realism Story of Second Chances and New Beginnings

The Time Hop Coffee Shop was reminiscent of Toshikazu Kawaguchi's Before the Coffee Gets Cold series which I loved. When coffee commercial star Greta has a difficult time getting cast in her forties, she feels like her life is over. She and her husband, Jim, who she loves dearly, are on a break and living apart, and her fifteen-year-old daughter, Lottie, wants nothing to do with her. She's staying in a crappy flat and is miserable. One day, a flyer is given to her, and with an intriguing message, draws her to a tiny coffee shop that she didn't know existed. She meets a woman named Iris, who gives her special rules about the coffee that is served at this special shop. From there, Greta can make three wishes.

The story is told in a way that made me want to keep reading. Greta is whisked away to Mapleville, a town where everything is perfect, including her husband and daughter. But what will happen if she stays in Mapleville? And does she really want everything to be so perfect? This book will make readers think about the decisions they have to make in life and their consequences. Wonderfully written and wildly entertaining.


Where the Library Hides: A Novel (Secrets of the Nile, 2)

Inez’s adventures are far from over as she continues to seek answers regarding what happened to her parents. But her searching comes with its own tragedy, grief, and betrayal. Tío Ricardo wishes for her to return home, but she refuses to leave Egypt without answers, justice, or the location of a black market auction. When he threatens to cut off her inheritance, she’s faced with an unconventional choice: to marry Whit. But even he has secrets that could prove costly for her.

The story picks up immediately from where the previous book left off, quickly taking you right back into the aftermath. Events happen relatively quickly, with Inez desperate for answers and instead given an ultimatum, which leads her to make a potentially hasty decision: to get married. This feels like a whirlwind romance that gives you everything you were wishing for throughout the first book. The dynamic between the two is slightly different, with more conflict, drama, and passion. The world is expanded with more insight into the magic, Cleopatra, and the black market happenings, which gives more opportunity for action and danger. Where the Library Hides is a smashing conclusion that provides non-stop adventure, romance, drama, betrayal, and answers.


What the River Knows: A Novel (Secrets of the Nile, 1)

Inez Olivera is fascinated by the magic steeped in nineteenth century Buenos Aires, but her heart longs to be with her parents in Egypt. Her dreams are crushed when she receives word of their deaths. Disguising herself as a widow, she travels to Egypt, where she reunites with her uncle, who is searching for the tomb of Cleopatra and his annoyingly infuriating assistant. But as she pushes her way into his journey, the secrets she unveils may reveal truths she isn’t prepared to learn.

This adventure is incredible from beginning to end, drawing you into this stunning world filled with magic and humor. Inez’s wit and relentless stubbornness make her the ideal heroine that every historical adventure needs. Her desire to find answers drives her choices and opens up a deeper mystery as she deals with an uncle she’s met only once and his handsome assistant, Whit. The dialogue between her and Whit is quick and clever, with never a dull moment, as their friction is perfect enemies-to-lovers friction. The magic feels like a natural fit to the world, effortlessly woven into the historical setting, particularly through Cleopatra. What the River Knows will leave you immediately wanting the next book, as the humor, charm, wit, and action are a top-notch adventure from start to finish.


Memory, Memory, Go Away

In Christopher W. Selna’s Memory, Memory, Go Away, the line between clinical salvation and psychological horror is razor-thin. As a reviewer who has seen many "near-future" thrillers come and go, I found this particular narrative to be a hauntingly professional exploration of what happens when we treat the human soul like a hard drive that can be defragmented.

Set against a rain-slicked, atmospheric Seattle, the novel centers on a revolutionary and controversial program led by the enigmatic Addison Cain. The premise is deceptively simple: why suffer from trauma when you can simply have the memory of it surgically extracted? Selna masterfully constructs a world where Memory, Memory, Go Away has become a cultural phenomenon, promising a life of "divine miracles" for those crippled by PTSD, grief, and depression.

The book's power lies in its thematic depth, specifically the interconnectivity of trauma. One of the most striking sequences involves the explanation that memories cannot simply be deleted in isolation; they are a "web," and removing one thread can bring down the "whole fortress". This leads to the theme of inherited sickness—the idea that our pain is often passed down from our parents, a "volcanic rage" or "inherited sickness" that defines our trajectory.

Another prevailing theme is utilitarianism versus morality. Addison Cain argues that "a little more utilitarianism isn’t so bad for our self-centered civilization," yet the "trials and errors" of his program leave behind a trail of "catastrophes" that the public never sees.

As someone in her 40s, I found the book’s focus on the "burden of humanity" particularly resonant. This is a must-read for:

Fans of Black Mirror: Readers who enjoy stories where technology provides a "cure" that is ultimately more terrifying than the disease.

Psychological Thriller Enthusiasts: Those who enjoy "unreliable narrator" tropes and complex character studies, such as the troubled Dustin Kopech or the messianic Addison Cain.

Philosophical Fiction Readers: Anyone interested in the ethics of Big Pharma, the Church, and the federal government's role in personal autonomy.

Memory, Memory, Go Away is a "macabre" journey that asks a terrifying question: if we lose our worst memories, do we also lose the very things that make us human?. It is a gritty, self-published gem that manages to feel both expansive in its world-building and claustrophobic in its psychological tension.


Memory, Memory, Go Away

Malcolm B. Jenners had to break his promise to his wife and daughter because the opportunity was too good to pass up. Malcolm was getting his shot at the big time, the chance to talk to the elusive inventor of Memory, Memory, Go Away” Addison Cain. Malcolm was a happy-go-lucky guy, but he also possessed ambition, and a successful Q&A with Cain would buoy his career. However, Malcolm’s day was beset by misfortunes and sabotage from jealous colleagues, and all appeared lost until he came face to face with the almost unrecognizable Addison Cain.

Malcolm is awestruck to meet the reclusive genius and has more than a few questions for the innovative figure. As Memory, Memory, Go Away is set to reach the public via a merger with the government, Cain proves obliging in explaining the history of his project to his inquisitor. David Bourne is a craven man connected via marriage to an amoral family that has poisoned the public with their harmful drugs. Beatrice Nightingale is the daughter of a powerful Cardinal who looks upon her life as a captive and can’t bear the sight of her three children. Larry Wilks’ life was undone by a coerced liaison. All three figures came to Addison Cain for relief, and Cain and his employees ably assisted the hapless patients. As Cain recites each subject and their trial’s outcome, Malcolm is transfixed and also horrified.

Addison Cain and his product are not what they appear to be. Once memories have been removed, the consequences can still be damaging. Malcolm is pondering Addison Cain’s identity, wondering if he’s more madman than savior. As he learns more and more about Cain, he believes Cain’s recorded recollection resembles a criminal indictment rather than the scoop of the century.

The power of memory is inestimable, particularly when a memory evokes pain or regret. “Memory, Memory Go Away” insightfully delves into a world wherein an individual can be liberated from the harrowing of remembrances. Addison Cain is the enigmatic figure at the center of this beguiling, yet captivating dystopian fantasy. Cain evokes comparisons to P.T. Barnum and Elon Musk, part entrepreneur and part showman, whose larger-than-life persona conceals hidden motives. The plot thrives as a mystery as reporter Malcolm B. Jenners listens to Cain explain his latest innovation, yet the narrative blends with elements of the macabre as Cain’s stories of success feature disturbing outcomes. Author Christopher Selna has written a splendid novel that features a wealth of surprises that will leave more than a few readers’ mouths agape by its stunning conclusion.


The Momma Puzzle: A Memoir

I’ve always felt a bit protective of memoirs that tackle heavy subjects, especially those revolving around family secrets and loss. When you pick up a book like Hilary Plattner’s The Momma Puzzle, a memoir that works to unpack the mystery of her mother's suicide, you might brace yourself for an emotional wallop. And while the book certainly doesn’t shy away from the grief, I was so delightfully surprised by how much light and life Plattner manages to weave through her story. It’s a detective story of the heart, really, and it’s truly wonderful.

Plattner invites us right into her personal quest to understand her mother, a woman she describes as perceptive, loving, and life-affirming, which makes her choice to leave her young children behind all the more baffling. This isn’t a narrative heavy with blame or anguish; instead, it feels like sitting down with a close friend who is showing you a box of old photographs. There's a gentle curiosity and a determination to see the full, 360-degree picture of a person, not just the one defined by her final act.

What makes this book such a compelling read is Plattner's skillful approach to the investigation. She’s not just relying on her own childhood memories, which can be slippery and unreliable. She dives deep, interviewing relatives, and, most movingly, poring over decades of letters. These artifacts turn the book into something much more immersive than a simple reflection. We get to watch, in real time, as "momma’s" true voice and personality emerge from the pages of history. It’s a powerful reminder that every life leaves behind a trail of evidence, and sometimes, the kindest thing we can do for the dead is read the whole file.

The structure is reminiscent of a well-paced novel, a genuine testament to Plattner's clear and engaging writing style. She guides us through the past with such a steady, confident hand, and it keeps the overall tone positive and focused on discovery rather than despair. As a reader, I felt like I was helping her piece together the fragments, the laughs, the small moments of wisdom, the hidden anxieties, that ultimately form the complete woman.

If you’ve ever felt like you didn't quite finish the puzzle of a loved one's life, or if you simply appreciate a beautifully told story of complexity and resilience, this book is a must-read. It’s a comforting, affirming reminder that seeking understanding is a crucial part of healing, and that even the most difficult endings can lead to a deeper appreciation of the beginning. The Momma Puzzle is an absolutely lovely and illuminating memoir, and I highly recommend adding it to your reading list.


IMAGINING MORE and Other Stories

In Panayotis Cacoyannis’s collection, Imagining More and Other Stories, readers are invited into a hauntingly beautiful exploration of the human psyche that feels particularly resonant to those of us navigating the complexities of middle age. I found myself deeply moved by the "retrospective" nature of this first collection, which the author describes in his afterword as a mixture of "preoccupations old and new". Cacoyannis writes with a professional precision that is balanced by a light, sympathetic touch, making the reader feel as though they are witnessing the most intimate moments of lives lived in the "dusty in-betweenness" of reality and imagination.

The titular story, "Imagining More," establishes the collection’s sophisticated tone by focusing on a woman tracing an "irregular S" shaped scar on the face of a sleeping stranger. This moment serves as a gateway into one of the book's primary themes: the delicate balance between vulnerability and trust. Cacoyannis captures the quiet bravery required to step into the unknown, noting that "learning from experience is shorthand for being frightened to live". This sentiment underscores many of the narratives, where characters must decide whether to remain "cowers" or embrace the "magic" found in unexpected connections.

Another powerful theme woven throughout the work is the deceptive and often illuminating nature of truth. In the opening story, the characters engage in a "game of lies," based on the idea that "knowing that something is a lie often helps reveal the truth". This intellectual curiosity is frequently paired with darker, more visceral undertones, such as the "bleak" exploration of fear and "nightmares" found in "A Bowl of Fruit". Cacoyannis’s prose is striking in its ability to be "bold" and "plain" without "clutter," moving seamlessly between the "hubbub of a club in Kings Cross" and the "desolate" stillness of a London canal.

I was particularly struck by a quote from the story "The Scream," which seems to serve as a manifesto for the author’s style: "Be bold. Be plain. No trickery, no clutter. A story of bare bones: a true story". This commitment to authenticity makes the collection a perfect match for a variety of readers. Those who appreciate character-driven literary fiction will find much to admire in the nuanced psychological depth of characters like Michael, who struggles with "alienation" and an obsession with "rooms" and "The Metamorphosis". Urbanites and fans of atmospheric settings will be drawn to the "ghostly shadows" and "dilapidated architecture" that Cacoyannis uses to mirror his characters' internal states. Finally, lovers of short stories who value emotional complexity will find solace in the way these narratives "oscillate in and out of dreams," capturing the "constantly evolving longing to express the inexpressible".

Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0G2DQ8C13


For the Honor of the Agency (The Honor Trilogy)

The refugees’ bid for survival had led to the discovery of Alternate Earth. Many of the cities and states established on the planet were near dopplegangers of Earth. However, there is a growing danger to the residents that has only been revealed to a few members of the government. Margaret Peric serves as Director-General for Food & Agriculture and has become concerned with a potential crop blight that could result in a global famine. Her fears are exacerbated by the brazen assault of a potential tipster named Markus Ackov. Markus wanted to inform Margaret of his belief that the crops may have been infected with a viral agent. In the wake of this information, Margaret will need to contact her superiors in government so they can begin to investigate before it’s too late.

As a government official, Margaret is already under a protective detail led by the skilled agent Jade Carvello. The attempt on Ackov’s life at Margaret’s residence necessitates round-the-clock protection for the Director-General and its new residents, Markus Ackov and his daughter Jessie. In addition, Jade learns she has been assigned to infiltrate an anarchist group that possesses the means, motive, and opportunity to damage the crop. The assignment appears routine enough until Jade becomes smitten with the charming Carlos Babineaux and her loyalties become conflicted. Margaret’s allegiance to her job is tested as well when she discovers that her sister is involved with the suspected anarchist group.

The intriguing and dramatic events in For the Honor of the Agency transpire on an alternate version of Earth, wherein Margaret Peric is attempting to forestall a plague that could devastate the world. Margaret is a woman of great depth and charisma who doesn’t shy away from duty and loyalty, whether it be to her country or fellow man. The danger that Margaret is forced to contend with is wide-ranging, yet she is resolute in confronting the situation head-on. While Margaret retains a relatively stoic demeanor, Jade is slightly more aggressive. In spite of her feelings for Carlos, she is willing to take him down if necessary. The character arcs of both women are dynamic and compelling. The appeal of the story lies in Margaret and the government’s search for the saboteurs, coupled with Margaret’s growing fondness for whistleblower Markus and his precocious daughter. Author Andrew J. Harvey has written a stimulating book that features strong female characters and a linear plot with excellent twists.


Warrior Pose

Warrior Pose, the fourth book in the Yoga Mat Mysteries series, is an absolute triumph in print, delivering everything a fan could hope for and more. Authors Rogers and Roosen manage to strike a powerful balance between high-stakes international espionage and the emotional depth that makes Elaina Williams and Ric Peters such a compelling duo. From a chilling assassination in Jakarta that opens the story to the winding conspiracy that follows, the pages fly by with international intrigue, coded flash drives, and jungle ambushes that feel straight out of a Jason Bourne thriller. I cheered as Elaina came into her own, shedding her role as merely the curious yoga teacher to become a full partner, even tracking Ric to Bali and asserting herself with courage and intelligence in the most dangerous of settings. The book is rich with their signature humor, vivid cultural details, and an impeccable sense of place across Indonesia, Australia, and New Zealand. Critically, the emotional core deepens, exploring Ric’s struggle between duty and domesticity, making the story feel raw and earned, especially when a photo of their private moment is taken without their knowledge, sending chills down the spine as a symbol of their exposed life. The written book is a solid five-star, must-read experience.

However, I must issue a strong warning to anyone considering the audiobook version: it is an incredibly difficult listen that significantly detracts from the thrilling narrative. While the story itself is phenomenal, the narrator possesses an incredibly thick, almost impenetrable Australian accent—a heavy, pronounced drawl reminiscent of Crocodile Dundee—which turns the complex, fast-paced plot into a challenge to decode. I had to slow the audio down to understand what he was saying at times. Unless a listener is already intimately familiar with and fully accustomed to this specific, dense type of dialect, they will spend more time struggling to parse the dialogue and narration than absorbing the story. The clarity required for international intrigue, codes, and swift plot changes is lost, turning what should be an effortless, cinematic experience into a constant, frustrating mental effort. Unfortunately, this dense delivery strips away much of the charm, humor, and emotional nuance that makes the novel so special. For the sake of fully appreciating Rogers and Roosen's excellent work, my strong recommendation is to read this book in print or e-book format and avoid the audiobook altogether; the narrative genius deserves a clearer delivery than this particular narration provides.


The Summer Scrapbook

Cat, Ava, and Becca have been best friends forever. Literally. Their mothers met in an expectant parents group, and the girls were born nearly the same time. They do everything together. But now they are to be separated for their last summer before high school. Cat will be stuck at home while Becca goes away to camp for eight weeks, and Ava and her family are being dragged off to London, where her father will teach at the university for the summer. Cat is a poet and will be home with no friends or fun, Ava is a future politician and knows she will have an awful time, and Becca, incredibly shy, is sure she will have a miserable, lonely summer. But will they?||Author Florence Migga tells a story with plenty of friendship drama and a little romance that young readers will relate to. She tells the story from three points of view in rotating chapters for Ava. Becca, and Cat. Although the voices aren’t very distinct, the settings and story problems are, so it’s easy to keep track. The writing is excellent, and the story is very compelling. Middle-grade girls will love this book.


The Roaring Ridleys

The wealthy Ridley couple adopted seven heirs from around the world, and are now gathering for an announcement about the future of the Ridley empire. Set against the glitz of the 1920s, the siblings find themselves in the middle of a murder investigation when they discover the body of a gossip columnist. The investigation could prove costly for the Ridleys, as each possesses a secret that could test loyalties and put the family's future at stake, while bringing them closer to a killer.

The story is told from alternating perspectives with chapters dipping into the past to relive moments in the sisters’ lives. These take you back to key childhood moments and lead up to the night of the murder. This allows you to get to know the sisters and builds drama around the various secrets, from speakeasy mobster run-ins to friction-filled flirtations. The threats thread suspense into the story, offsetting the elegance of the time. Various themes are explored through their perspectives, specifically sibling tension, secrets, identity, and self-discovery. These push the siblings to not only understand one another, but also what they’d be willing to do for each other. The Roaring Ridleys captures the glamour of the roaring twenties with suspense, danger, murder, and sibling drama, creating an engaging and addictive read.


Along Came a Spider: In Spring (Book 1) (BIRD!)

Along Came a Spider: In Spring by Raymond McGrath is an early reader story; the first in the Bird! series. The story follows Bird as he leaves his nest and his mother to find his own place. Bird discovers a nice tree to call home and begins to set it up, while including a list of things he must do for it to truly be his home and to help him find a best friend. While working through the list, Bird meets Spider. An unlikely duo, the two work together to complete Bird's list, but they can't understand why it isn't working! But then again, maybe it's working better than they realize.

 The Bird! series is likely to be a hit with early readers, and older readers will likely enjoy it too, as I did; with it written in graphic novel format, that will be easier for readers, too. The main theme and problem are clear, and the steps the characters take toward finding a solution are entertaining. I like how the main characters are two types of animals not normally paired together, but it shows that it's okay to branch out from your typical. Also, I loved the colorful illustrations throughout the book!


Honeysuckle

Honeysuckle by Bar Fridman Tell is an enchanting and unsettling debut that blends myth and dark fantasy to explore love, power, and consent. Rory grows up lonely on the border between meadow and forest, with only his older sister for company. To be left in peace, she creates him a friend, Daye, a girl woven from flowers and words. For the first time, Rory knows companionship.

But Daye is not meant to last. At the end of every season, her body decays and must be rewoven, and each unraveling could be her last. As Rory and Daye grow older, their friendship deepens into something more complicated, and Rory becomes determined to save her from this cycle of bloom and decay. His experiments to prolong her life, however, force Daye to confront how little control she may have over her own existence.

Lyrical, haunting, and emotionally rich, Honeysuckle is a striking debut that reimagines myth with rare tenderness and unease.


You Can Tell Me

Melinda Leigh's new book You Can Tell Me is a thriller about two women—a true crime podcast host and a woman who was abducted three years ago. Zoe's podcast has gained traction, and she plans to have her close friend, Olivia, on her podcast to speak about her abduction. When Zoe doesn't show up to their meeting, Olivia knows something is wrong. Zoe's no-good husband is no help and seems to be having a life crisis of his own. Meanwhile, Olivia, with the help of her boyfriend Lincoln, a private investigator, and her niece, Nicki, must find out what happened to Zoe. Was she abducted, or did she have to run from something or someone?

I enjoyed the story, but the pacing was a bit slow for my taste. The characters were well described and realistic. Overall, I felt that there were many unnecessary scenes in the book that added fluff. There were also a couple of parts that weren't explained, such as why Dylan was the way he was. You Can Tell Me was an entertaining read and would be enjoyed by fans of Lisa Jewell and Lisa  Unger.


Gwei the Hungry Ghost

Gwei, the Hungry Ghost is an entertaining and educational story about the Ghost Festival month, celebrated in China and other Asian countries to show respect to ancestors and other spirits as they leave the spirit realm and dwell among us on earth. There are several "types" of ghosts that visit during this time, with this story focusing on Gwei, a hungry ghost, who is excited to sate his appetite during this one time a year, with unlimited, yummy food; unfortunately, he realizes that he can't get full, no matter how much food he consumes. One night, Gwei meets a younger ghost with whom he shares his food and tries to help; while they spend time together, Gwei realizes he's not as hungry but happier.

 The story of Gwei, the Hungry Ghost is entertaining, and the friendship aspect makes it relatable. I found it interesting that I recently learned about the Ghost Festival month in my geography class at school, and then I found this book to read. I loved the food aspect of the story because, well, it's yummy food. The illustrations are full of bright colors and fill the pages, enhancing the story, while containing multiple things to find and view.


Freebourne: A Novel

Harry Coulson walks into his worst nightmare when he exits the railway station at Freebourne and finds a dead body. The close-knit community immediately suspects the newcomer of murder. Fortunately for Harry, the police soon have a person of interest in custody, and the anti-Harry animosity abates. Better still, funding for his AI start-up, Polaris, his lifetime dream, materializes from an unexpected source. His invention allows users to cope with painful memories by helping them to put aside any lingering negative or harmful thoughts and move forward in peace. More bodies, however, begin to appear. Harry again comes under suspicion even though several other suspects have emerged: the original victim’s parents; a group of violent Anthropos, AI Luddites, intent on destroying ‘brain-washing’ devices and their inventors; and the nine murderers released into the general public with new identities as part of a secret government experiment to ‘re-program’ convicted killers.

Freebourne is a gripping mystery with inventive sci-fi overtones and deep philosophic explorations into the meaning of freedom in an increasingly AI world. That is exciting enough, but far from all. The novel’s astonishing conclusion turns the entire story on its head and leaves the reader gasping. An excellent debut.


Biography of a Dangerous Idea: A New History of Race from Louis XIV to Thomas Jefferson

This is a very exciting approach to studying the issue of race. The author begins with Louis XIV and his minister, M. Colbert, and their investment in the capture and delivery of slaves to the New World. If one accepts that history is an ideological construct, then his book is a recording of how and why that history was written. If one is to build an empire with profits from the torture of human beings, one needs to develop a rationale for those actions. The author has us follow this line of history through great philosophers and statesmen who built upon previous fallacies to advance theories of racial inferiority. They did this by defining race by pigmentation or culture. Many of these theories were built by supposition only and not by hard, firsthand evidence.  In this way, the lore of race was built upon a foundation of ignorance and precedent.


The Insomniacs

The Insomniacs offers a fresh, emotionally rich take on the mystery genre. When four sleepless strangers begin meeting at an all-night diner, their late-night conversations gradually forge an unexpected bond. But when one member of the group suddenly disappears, their quiet friendship transforms into a race to uncover the truth. Scotch skillfully combines suspense with heartfelt storytelling, exploring loneliness, trust, and the connections that form in life’s most uncertain moments. With compelling characters and a steadily building mystery, this novel delivers both emotional depth and page-turning intrigue in equal measure.


Society Women

Dark, addictive, and full of intrigue, Society Women is a compelling exploration of power, privilege, and hidden truths. Adriane Leigh creates a tense and immersive atmosphere as Ellie is drawn into an elite women’s group that promises belonging but conceals dangerous secrets. The novel balances psychological suspense with emotional depth, particularly in Ellie’s search for identity and connection. Twists unfold at a steady pace, keeping readers hooked while raising questions about loyalty, family, and control. This is a riveting read that combines glamour with menace, offering a story that is as thought-provoking as it is entertaining.


Fear Less: Poetry in Perilous Times (A Norton Short)

Former Poet Laureate Tracy K. Smith has managed a rather challenging feat: she's written a book for poetry lovers and those just dipping their toes into the poetry pool. Fear Less: Poetry in Perilous Times can be read, understood, and enjoyed by anyone.

I'm a poet, and I teach poetry courses, so there's a great deal here for people like me. In-depth studies of poems like Robert Hayden's "Those Winter Sundays"—one of the most anthologized American poems—lend themselves to individual study as well as class discussions. But the genius of Smith's work lies in the fact that you don't have to write poetry or teach it to see what she's doing. She breaks the work down in terms of word choice, musicality, and the speaker's intention, but there's plenty of framework regarding what those things mean to make the poem accessible to all.

In the latter chapters, she works with other recognizable poets: Joy Harjo, Naomi Shihab Nye, Emily Dickinson, and Anne Spencer, to name a few. In doing so, this book becomes an entry point for those just beginning to read poetry while also writing with enough depth to engage the poetically devoted. The real strength, though, of Fear Less lies in the personal moments when Smith's own observations and process come to the foreground. In the final chapter, Be Not Afraid, she writes, "Poetry is a place writers go not to deposit meaning, but to seek it out."

If you've ever found yourself looking to poetry in that way, or you'd like to try to, //Fear Less// is an exceptional companion on that journey.


Eleanor: A 200-Mile Walk in Search of England's Lost Queen

British historian Alice Loxton recreates the funeral route of early Medieval British Queen Eleanor, wife of King Edward I, in this engaging, though slightly overly long work. Over 700 years ago Eleanor died and Edward led the funeral procession into London from Harby, a distance of some 200-mile long journey stopping at villages, monasteries and churches along the way. Loxton recreates this journey as best she can, though some of the path follows the major highways, to discover any remnants of Eleanor, there are still some, and investigate the places where Edward and Eleanor would have stayed at or visited. It is also a modern look at Britain and how it has changed over the past 700-plus years through Civil Wars, radical changes and the rise of industrialism. Even though American readers might not be familiar with Queen Eleanor this is a highly engaging read, with many pictures, through the countryside, small villages and large towns of England. While at the same time learning about how people would have traveled this route on foot in the past as a type of pilgrimage.


A Box Full of Darkness

Fell, New York is an eerie town where people go missing or die inexplicably. Siblings Violet, Vail and Dodie left for good once their parents passed away, vowing to never return. However, their late brother’s ghost has appeared and called them back. Another unsolved death in the town, the family feels it’s their duty to investigate how 6-year-old Ben disappeared without a trace. The story that follows is creepy, mysterious and hard to fathom, but a page-turner!

The siblings in the story couldn’t be more different, yet they were fun to follow in A Box Full of Darkness. Violet is moody yet calculating. Vail is a daredevil who likes to solve mysteries. Dodie is a spoiled, beautiful troublemaker. When they come together, they annoy each other but remain close due to their rough upbringing. With parents who didn’t love them enough, they needed each other. Parts of the story were majorly creepy, which I loved! There were many references to the Sundown Hotel, which is another novel by Simone St. James that I have yet to read – and now I feel compelled to pick up! There were several unexpected turns that kept me guessing. I enjoyed this one!


The Girls Before: A Novel

The Girls Before is a riveting suspense novel by Kate Alice Marshall. The story takes readers between two points of view. We meet Audrey, a high school counselor, who becomes obsessed with finding a girl named Meghan who is thought to be a runaway. Audrey is a volunteer for Search and Rescue as well. The other point of view is of a girl who is locked up somewhere. As she describes her dark surroundings and messages that the girls before her have left, there is a deep sense of doom, and it feels like her days are numbered.

This story was gripping and almost had a Flowers in the Attic vibe to it with the creepy Hill family. It was obvious the Hills had secrets, but were they the ones holding the girl captive, or was it the angry, vile brothers that lived next door? Audrey is on a mission to find out and gets into quite a bit of trouble as she uses unprecedented measures. The story kept me engaged from beginning to end, although part of the story became so complex that I felt lost while reading a few chapters near the end.