Book Review - Sister, Maiden, Monster by Lucy A. Snyder

 

Sister, Maiden, Monster by Lucy A. Snyder follows three women during an outbreak and the aftermath of the planet’s transformation. The world is collapsing as a virus devastates people worldwide. It turns people into monsters and causes unforeseen changes. Erin was infected, and her personality begins to change. She starts to develop a taste for a specific woman and her brain. Erin knows that acting on her desire could lead to disastrous results.

Savannah used to sell her body so others could satisfy their sexual desires. Now she has a new deadly obsession. She loves committing brutal murder and that helps her get off sexually. Since childhood, Mareva’s body has been plagued with tumors that seem to constantly grow and create new ones. Mareva realizes she has an important role in the apocalypse, but she’s afraid of the damage it might cause.

I was on the fence about this novel. It's divided into three parts, each narrated from the perspective of that woman. I found this structure strange and thought a lot of far-out things happened. Sometimes, I think the author added a lot of strange and weird details just to confuse and shock readers. At times, I felt the writing was all over the place.

I didn’t quite love or hate the novel. It had a few interesting moments, but I don't think I would read anything else by the author. Some readers might enjoy the storyline, but it wasn’t for me.

Book Review – Olivia Gray Will Not Fade Away by Ciera Burch

 

Olivia Gray Will Not Fade Away by Ciera Burch is about a middle schooler, Olivia Gray, trying to navigate the challenges of feeling invisible while coming to terms with her asexual identity. As Olivia begins the seventh grade, she knows this year will be different from last year. Her beloved brother has come out and found a boyfriend. Instead of spending time with Olivia, he spends all his time with his crush. Her friends only want to talk about boys, who likes who, and school dances.

When Robbie, the most popular boy in school, asks Olivia to the dance and she unknowingly rejects him, her life is thrown into a tailspin. Olivia goes viral on the social app KruSHH after rejecting Robbie. Now the chatter about Robbie and dating is nonstop among her friends, and Olivia feels left out and invisible.

When Olivia feels invisible, only the new librarian and Jules, a friendly kid she met who also struggles with feeling invisible, notice her. As Olivia tries to figure herself out and come to terms with being asexual, she struggles to find where she fits in and to deal with the negative perceptions of the label. All Olivia wants is to fit in with her friends.

I thought the book was a cute read. I have read another book by the author, and this one seemed geared toward older kids who are struggling with their identity. At times, I did get annoyed with Olivia, as while she tried to fit in, she wasn’t always receptive to other people’s wants and needs, especially when they didn’t align with hers. I did like seeing her grow and become a better friend and sister. I would be open to reading more books by the author.

Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own and were not influenced by the publisher or author. 

Book Review - Moonsick by Tom O’Donnell

 

Moonsick by Tom O’Donnell follows two teenagers, Heidi and Cam, who become infected with a contagious disease that transforms people into werewolves. Heidi Mills is a high school senior who seems to have it all—wealthy parents, a popular boyfriend, and supportive friends. When her mom and stepdad leave for a vacation in Hawaii, Heidi promises her friends that she’ll host a party at her house to celebrate the end of high school.

The party is scheduled for the next night, but tonight is a full moon. A global epidemic has ravaged the population, and anyone who becomes infected turns into a savage werewolf. Heidi believes she’ll be safe in her mansion thanks to a state-of-the-art lockdown system designed to keep the monsters out.

She expects to simply wait out the night and enjoy the party tomorrow. However, two intruders break into her house, assuming it will be an easy target with everyone gone. Everything Heidi has taken for granted begins to unravel. She realizes how quickly her life of privilege, comfort, and security can be stripped away—especially now that she’s directly exposed to the virus. Desperate to survive and find a cure, she is even willing to team up with Cam, the boy who broke into her house.

Overall, I thought the novel was an okay read. The plot was interesting, though somewhat predictable. I enjoyed watching Heidi confront her privilege, her humanity, and the monstrous aspects of herself. It was satisfying to see her take control of her life and stand up for what she believed in. I think it was a cute read, and I’d be open to reading more from this author. If you enjoy books about pandemic-level diseases with a unique twist, you might enjoy this one too.

Book Review - Once and Again by Rebecca Serle

 

Once and Again by Rebecca Serle explores the lives of the women in the Novak family, who are born with the gift of turning back time, but only once. When Lauren was fifteen, she knew her mother, Marcella, had saved her father, Dave, after he was involved in a deadly car accident. After Marcella used her only wish to bring him back, Dave has been alive and happy ever since. However, Marcella lives in fear of losing him since she used up her only chance.

Marcella’s mother, Sylvia, is the complete opposite. She is a free-spirited woman who refuses to be tied down or share her past. Lauren has grown up between these two women, helping mold her into the woman she has become.

One summer, Lauren’s husband, Leo, takes a new job in New York, and Lauren decides to move back home into her childhood house. She looks forward to surfing with her dad, spending time with her mom, and hopefully repairing their fractured relationship. However, she didn’t expect her first love, Stone, to move back home after his mother is diagnosed with cancer. As Lauren reconnects with her family and Stone, she begins to question her choices and the decisions that brought her to this moment. She starts to wonder whether she should use her wish.

I had high hopes when I started this novel. I thought it would be a grand sweeping romance that would leave me emotional for days. However, I found the story boring and lackluster. I didn’t like any of the characters, who felt a bit one-dimensional. The author hints at a great mystery involving Sylvia, but I feel like we barely get to know any of the characters. At times, it was confusing who was narrating and what time period it was. I wish the author had made the timeline and narration clearer in each chapter. After finishing the book, I felt like it was pointless and that I was robbed of my time.

Book Review - The Infamous Gilberts by Angela Tomaski

 

The Infamous Gilberts by Angela Tomaski chronicles the decline and secrets of the eccentric Gilbert family as their crumbling English manor, Thornwalk, as it is set to be transformed into a luxury hotel—uncovering forgotten loves, hidden motives, and the lasting weight of legacy.

Thornwalk was once a beautiful and enviable estate, but over time, it fell into disrepair. The property is eventually sold to a luxury hotelier who plans to completely renovate and modernize the old manor. As the manor gets its facelift, the secrets and memories of its past risk being erased. Meanwhile, one of the family’s neighbors takes it upon themselves to document the Gilberts’ history, offering a final guided “tour” through the rooms and revealing long-buried stories and mysteries.

I found myself on the fence with this novel. It began with promise, but the middle dragged, and although the ending was enjoyable, I might have just been relieved to reach it. I struggled to stay engaged throughout.

The story is narrated by an anonymous, mysterious figure, which I didn’t love. The writing style was difficult to connect with, and while the chapters were short and easy to read, they lacked cohesion. Each chapter focused on an object from Thornwalk and told a story about its connection to the family—but many of these vignettes felt incomplete or irrelevant. It often seemed like we were getting fragments rather than a full picture, and I couldn’t see how they fit into the larger narrative.

The timeline spans from the eve of World War II to the early 2000s, but the shifts in time felt abrupt and disorienting. Overall, the novel read more like a collection of disjointed mini-stories than a cohesive family saga. While I do think the author writes beautifully, the storytelling style just wasn’t for me, and the lack of payoff left me unsatisfied.

Book Review - One Night with the Duke by Jodi Ellen Malpa

 

One Night with the Duke by Jodi Ellen Malpas follows nineteen-year-old Eliza Melrose, who is determined to avoid an arranged marriage but finds herself drawn to the reclusive and enigmatic Duke of Chester, who recently returned to London amid rumors of family murder.

Eliza has always cherished her independence while living in the countryside, where she could do as she pleased—whether taking midnight strolls or writing articles for her father’s newspaper. However, after her father’s newspaper gains wealth and notoriety, the family relocates to London, where every move and thought is judged by society’s elite.

To make matters worse, her father insists she marry to secure their social standing. Eliza believes that marrying the man her father chooses will strip away her freedom. When the new Duke of Chester moves into his long-abandoned family home across the square, her curiosity gets the better of her. She’s determined to uncover whether the rumors about him murdering his family are true—and whether he truly is the rake everyone claims. The more Eliza interacts with him, the more captivated she becomes. But as she digs deeper into his past, she realizes she might not be the only one with secrets and ulterior motives.

The novel is a quick read with a few steamy moments, though they’re brief. The plot felt somewhat predictable, and while the characters were fine, I didn’t feel especially connected to them. At times, Eliza’s character was a bit frustrating—particularly her repeated insistence that she’s “no lady.” The pacing could also feel choppy and rushed in places.

However, if you’re looking for a light romance with a touch of intrigue and mild steam and something that feels more contemporary than truly Regency, you might still find it enjoyable.

Book Review - Big Nate: Aloha! by Lincoln Peirce

In Big Nate: Aloha! by Lincoln Peirce, sixth grader Nate Wright tries to win over his crush, Daisy, survive a disastrous haircut, and stumble through many other fun adventures. While the book is part of a series, it can easily be enjoyed on its own. Most of the comics connect to form longer storylines, though a few stand alone outside the larger arc. Fans of the series will be glad to see their favorite characters return for another adventure, and the book delivers the same humor and playful jokes that readers have come to love.

Book Review - Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng

 

Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng explores the lives of two families whose paths become intertwined, leading to hidden secrets being exposed. In Shaker Heights, Cleveland, the community is centered around order and meticulous planning. Longtime resident Elena Richardson lives by the principle of following the rules.

Mia Warren and her daughter, Pearl, rent a house in Shaker Heights from the Richardsons. The two families are contrasting: Mia is a single mother and artist who lives by her own rules. Soon, Mia and Pearl become more than just tenants to the Richardsons.

The Richardson children are drawn to the mother and daughter, and their lives become interconnected. When old family friends of the Richardsons attempt to adopt a Chinese American baby, the custody battle fractures the town, pitting neighbors against each other, including Mia and Elena. Elena is suspicious of Mia’s wandering lifestyle and is determined to uncover her secrets. As Elena probes into Mia’s past, she realizes that the truth could come at a great cost.

I was excited to read this novel because I heard many positive reviews, and it was one of my book club’s picks. Unfortunately, I struggled to get into it. I found the writing style very dull and dry. It was hard to stay interested in the characters because of the way the story was narrated. It felt like nothing was happening for pages, and when something did, it wasn’t always clear. The book does explore interesting themes about family, belonging, and motherhood, but sadly, it wasn’t for me.

April 2026 Empties!

 

One thing I’ve been working on this year is consistently using up my products and keeping track of my empties. I’m happy to say I’ve stuck with it for three months (I missed January) so far! Hopefully, I can keep the momentum going for the rest of the year.

I finished a few things this month. Some were great, and some were just okay.

I love perfume, so I picked up Commodity Gold… and this is exactly why you should never blind buy perfume, especially multiples. It has beautiful sweet vanilla notes, but on me it basically smelled like nothing. It was like I sprayed air. Even when I smelled my clothes, there was no scent. I’m not sure if I got old stock or if it just doesn’t work with my body chemistry.

I also tried the Biche White Tomato Cream. It has a faint scent, but the texture is wonderfully creamy. My skin felt amazing after applying it. It’s not too thick or heavy, but it provides lasting hydration. I would definitely repurchase this one.

The Sel:ph Microdose Retinol Concentrate was interesting, but ultimately a fail for me. The dispensing method was frustrating. You had to turn the bottle upside down and press the bottom. It made it hard to measure the right amount and nearly impossible to get the last of the product out.

The Vacation Lip Treat in Strawberry Jello Salad felt overhyped. It smells pleasant but has no flavor, and it was surprisingly drying. My lips felt moisturized for only a few minutes before I needed to reapply. This brand seems to be everywhere, social media, magazines, recommendation lists but for me, it didn’t live up to the hype.

I also tried Papatui soap by Dwayne Johnson, and it was just okay. I used the Sandalwood Suede bar. It’s generously sized and has a pleasant, masculine scent, but the lather is average, and it’s not very moisturizing.

Did you finish anything this month that you liked? 

Book Review - Coleman Hill by Kim Coleman Foote

 

Coleman Hill by Kim Coleman Foote follows two Black women who migrate north during the Great Migration and the ways their families’ lives become intertwined across generations. In 1916, Celia Coleman and Lucy Grimes fled the racism and poverty of the South and moved to Vauxhall, New Jersey, hoping for a better life.

They quickly realize that life in the North is no easier. Like in the South, women are hired mostly for domestic work, money is scarce, opportunities are limited, their children struggle in school, and Black men often die young. Within only a few years of their arrival, both women lose their husbands, leaving them to navigate an unforgiving new environment alone.

Relying on one another for support, Celia and Lucy become close friends and confidantes, and their children grow up together as well. But when an incident occurs, their bond begins to fracture. Over time, the rift between the families deepens, and the consequences ripple through future generations, leaving lasting trauma.

I found this novel both powerful and difficult to read. It is a story steeped in trauma, grief, and abuse, with no lighthearted or uplifting moments, which at times made it emotionally heavy. What I especially appreciated, however, was the structure—each chapter is told from the perspective of a different character in a different time period, giving the novel a rich, multigenerational depth. That said, I often wished the narrator of each chapter had been made clearer at the start, since the large cast of characters sometimes made it hard to keep track.

Overall, Coleman Hill was a compelling, if heavy, read. Though emotionally challenging, Kim Coleman Foote’s storytelling was strong, and I would be open to reading more of her work in the future.

Book Review - The Wish Switch by Lynn Painter

 

The Wish Switch by Lynn Painter  follows sixth-grader Emma, who accidentally loses her magical wishes to her classmate, Jackson, and must find a way to retrieve them before one of her wishes causes real harm. Before her beloved Nana passed away, she told Emma that magic exists and left behind detailed instructions on how to access it. Hoping to make her middle school year more memorable, Emma decides to give magic a try.

She carefully follows Nana’s instructions at the magical wishing well, planning every step perfectly—until Jackson, the new kid, interrupts and tosses in his own wishes, knocking hers astray. At first, Emma doesn’t understand why none of her wishes are coming true, until she realizes that Jackson is the one benefitting from them. When she confronts him, the two uncover that one of Emma’s wishes could have serious consequences for their families unless they work together to undo the mix-up.

I thought the book was an okay read with a few fun moments. However, I found the tone a little confusing. At times Emma and Jackson acted like children their age, but other times their dialogue and behavior felt much older, which made me unsure who the intended audience was. The pacing also felt uneven—it started off slow and then picked up very quickly near the end. I also wish the magic system had been explained in more detail, since it felt a bit underdeveloped.

While this wasn’t a standout read for me, I would still be open to trying more books by Lynn Painter in the future, though I wouldn’t necessarily seek them out.

Book Review - Cast, Catch, Release: Finding Serenity and Purpose by Marina Gibson

 

Cast, Catch, Release: Finding Serenity and Purpose by Marina Gibson is a memoir where Marina shares the rekindling of her childhood passion for fly fishing and discovering a greater life purpose. On her twenty-first birthday, Marina’s parents offered her a choice between two gifts: jewelry or fishing rods. Marina decided to pick up the fishing rods and reconnect with a childhood passion and family tradition initiated by her mother. She has fond memories of fishing with her family in the rivers of the Scottish Highlands.

As Marina focused more on fishing, she wanted it to become a full-time career. She enjoys the silent moments of angling and the mysteries of the river. The rituals of casting have provided her a sanctuary for her failing marriage and a sense of comfort for her mind and soul.

I wasn’t sure what to expect when I started reading this book. I’ve been trying to read more books outside my comfort zone, and this was one of my recent picks. The book had some interesting moments, but it wasn’t something I would read again.

Marina is a talented angler, as is evident from her technically dense writing. The book is divided into three sections: cast, catch, and release. Each chapter also has three parts: a technical fishing story, the biology behind salmon, and a personal story. I liked the personal stories the most. I found the background on salmon to be quite interesting. I didn’t realize that salmon have so many life stages and different migration patterns. The fishing stories were somewhat interesting but often over my head, as Marina used many technical terms I wasn’t familiar with. I’ve never been fishing, so many of the terms were new to me, and my eyes glazed over during that part of the book. While it isn’t a bad book, I think people who enjoy fishing or have experience with it might find it more engaging than I did, as none of the personal experiences shared offered insights that could be applicable to me.

Book Review - Break Wide the Sea by Sara Holland

 

Break Wide the Sea by Sara Holland follows a young woman, Annie Fairfax, as she navigates dangerous waters to break a centuries-old curse that has haunted her family. The people of Kirkrell have long feared the finfolk—bloodthirsty fae who haunt the seas, cursing those who cross them and their bloodlines. These sea-dwellers are known for sinking the ships of those who hunt the magical whales. The magic from the whales has brought prosperity to Kirkrell.

Nineteen-year-old Annie inherited her family’s business, the Fairfax Whaling Company, after the tragic death of her parents. Although the family has been successful, their fortune comes with a dark cost: they are cursed to slowly turn into monsters if they experience heartbreak. Since her parents’ deaths six years ago, Annie has begun to grow scales that creep up her arms, and claws have started to emerge from her fingertips.

Her fiancé, August, has been a steadying presence in her life—until she hears rumors that he plans to take over her company. After learning this, her curse intensifies, growing stronger with each passing day. Annie begins to fear that her time may be running out.

When she discovers that Silas Price—a young captain who is half-finfolk, half-human—might be able to help, she jumps at the chance. Silas promises to take her to the finfolk queen who can lift the curse, but only if Annie agrees to end whaling forever.

As they sail north, Annie struggles with the promise she’s made. She’s determined to find a way to cure herself without ending the whaling that sustains her city. But as she hesitates and begins to backpedal, she realizes she’s not the only one hiding secrets. Her feelings for August begin to fade, while her connection with Silas deepens. Torn between duty and desire, Annie feels the weight of her responsibility as the heir to the company. But as her curse worsens, she must face an impossible question: will she choose to save herself or preserve her family’s legacy?

I found this novel to be an interesting read. The writing style was engaging and made it easy to feel transported into Annie’s world. The book started off strong, though I found the middle section a bit slow. It did pick up again toward the end, but I was expecting a more satisfying conclusion—only to realize it’s part of a series. That said, I’m definitely curious to see what happens next, especially with the cliffhanger ending.

I especially enjoyed the scenes with Annie, her siblings, Silas, and his cursed crew. I wish we had learned more about each crew member’s curse and how it affected the story. Their dynamic reminded me of one of my favorite pirate crews, the Straw Hat Pirates from One Piece. While some parts of the book were repetitive and a bit slow, I still enjoyed the overall experience and would be open to continuing the series.

Book Review - Madga The Big Tournament by Nicolas Wouters

Madga The Big Tournament by Nicolas Wouters follows a twelve-year-old named Madga competing in a galaxy-wide children’s cooking competition called the Intergalactic Cooking Tournament. Madga was born on Azuki, a tiny moon planet renowned for its incredible plant life, especially broccoli. Madga is a bit of a messy child, but she is a talented chef who creates unique and delicious dishes. Kids all over the galaxy hope to win a chance to compete in the challenge. The prize is Nectar, a precious resource that can reshape worlds and save dying ones. As Madga participates in the competition, she uncovers something sinister at play.

It took me a while to get into the graphic novel. I didn’t really like the drawing style. I felt like the graphic novel needed more world-building details because everything was new. As someone who loves cooking shows, I would have preferred it if they used real food ingredients and techniques instead of imaginary ones. I think that would have made me more invested in the story. I also sometimes felt unsure about where the story was heading, and there were elements that didn’t add much to the narrative. Unfortunately, it ended on a cliffhanger, but I am in no rush to find out what happens next.  

 

Book Review - These Savage Shores by V. Ram

 

These Savage Shores by V. Ram is about an ancient shape-shifting Rakshasa named Bishan who takes on a great evil that comes to his homeland. In 1766, India, after the Anglo-Mysore war, the East India Company sought to expand its interests in India. The company sent a vampire to help secure its position. He hopes to make India his new home and hunting ground. Little does he know that something much older and more dangerous is also in India, and it doesn’t like it when someone tries to take over its territory.

I thought the graphic novel had beautiful illustrations. The story was entertaining, but there were a few times I was confused about what was happening. I think there were many side stories happening that didn’t come together very cohesively. I would have preferred if the graphic novel had focused on one main storyline and developed it more thoroughly. I would be open to reading more books by the author.

Book Review - The Beachside Bed and Breakfast by Hope Ramsay

 

In The Beachside Bed and Breakfast by Hope Ramsay, widowed innkeeper Ashley Howland Scott, who is raising her young son, Jackie, and mourning her husband’s death, finds unexpected romance and healing. Ashley inherited the inn, the Howland House, and the adjacent Rose Cottage from her grandmother. Like her grandmother, Ashley hosts weekly meetings for the local quilting club, where the latest gossip is shared.

Micah St. Pierre is the new minister and the latest target of the gossip. Before joining their church, he was a Navy Chaplain for a decade, and his combat experience made him question his faith. He also feels guilty for abandoning his younger brothers and father when they needed him. The quilting club believes that if Micah finds a wife, he will feel better and that it will solve his problems. The club has a list of available women they think would be a good match for him. Ashley finds Micah attractive, but after her husband’s death, she has closed off her heart to finding someone. However, she worries that Jackie needs a male role model, and she wonders if Micah might be the right one for both of them.

The book is the fifth in the series but can be read as a standalone. I struggled to connect with the characters because I felt like I didn’t really get to know them; I felt like I was missing something. If I had read all the other books in the series, I might not have missed some character nuances. I also thought the pacing was a bit slow. I was confused about why they added a supernatural side story, as I found it odd to include that. It might have been better without the supernatural element, focusing more on grief and letting go. The novel is a clean, cozy romance with some closed-door scenes.