Book Review - Count My Lies by Sophie Stava

 

In Count My Lies by Sophie Stava, compulsive liar Sloane Caraway fabricates her way into the lives of a seemingly perfect New York couple as their nanny, only to uncover that their polished facade hides something dangerous underneath. Sloane tells mostly harmless lies to make her life seem more interesting than it is. She cannot help herself when she sees a young girl crying in the park with her very attractive father. Sloane offers to help pull the bee stinger from the girl’s foot and tells the father that she is a nurse, even though she is a nail technician.

Jay and Violet Lockhart, the father and mother of the young girl, are very grateful that Sloane helped their daughter. They offer Sloane a nanny position that comes with great perks. The seemingly perfect couple has a brownstone, their daughter attends a private school, and they summer on Block Island. Since Sloane is the nanny, she now has access to those same perks. As Sloane’s life starts entwining with the Lockharts’, something is amiss…could it be that Sloane isn’t the only one keeping secrets?

The book was an entertaining read. It was full of twists and turns. Some were expected, while a few took me by surprise. The premise felt similar to other books I have read before. I didn’t like Sloane at first, but when the book switched POV towards the end, it became much more interesting. The ending caught me off guard, emerging out of nowhere, and I am not exactly sure it was realistic either. However, I would be open to reading more books by the author.

Book Review - "The Pumpkin Princess and the Forever Night" by Steven Banbury

 

In "The Pumpkin Princess and the Forever Night" by Steven Banbury, Evelyn, an orphan, is adopted by the mythical Pumpkin King.

Newly orphaned, Evelyn escapes her dreary orphanage on Halloween night and is unexpectedly taken in by the Pumpkin King. She becomes the Pumpkin Princess in the magical realm of Hallowell Valley, where she must navigate a world filled with supernatural creatures who are either afraid of or are wary of humans. Just when Evelyn thinks she has won over the town, she uncovers a sinister plot threatening her newfound family. 

The novel was an entertaining read, filled with spooky elements, and offers a heartwarming story of two people trying to define their idea of family. I appreciated how the author incorporated humor throughout the book. My favorite parts involved the scarecrows, making me wish I had a whole gang of them as friends. The mystery had some twists, although I managed to predict a few of them. The book is part of a series, and I can’t wait to dive into their other adventures.

Book Review - Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo

 

Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo follows 17-year-old Lily Hu, a Chinese American teenager who discovers her queer identity and navigates first love with classmate Kathleen (Kath), all while confronting cultural expectations and political paranoia in 1954 America. Lily can’t remember when she started feeling different from other girls; however, she does know that her feelings shifted when she and Kath went to the lesbian bar called the Telegraph Club.

Being in love with another woman wasn’t common or safe in 1954, especially in Chinatown. The Red Scare impacted Chinese Americans like Lily, and with deportation looming over her father, is Lily willing to risk everything for her love for Kath?

The novel is a heartwarming coming-out story that has tender moments when Lily decides to stand up for herself and prioritize her needs. I enjoyed reading about her finding her voice. The book switches between different points of view and time, which I found confusing and didn’t feel this contributed meaningfully to the story.

Although Kath and Lily are main characters, I felt we rarely got to know them deeply. I was surprised to learn that Kath was 17 years old, as she sometimes acts much younger. The novel is a standalone, but the author has another book that includes a conclusion for Lily’s and Kath’s relationship, which remains unresolved at the end of this one. While I liked the book, I don’t think I would go out of my way to read another work by the author.

Book Review - The Snowman Code by Simon Stephenson

 

 The Snowman Code by Simon Stephenson follows a young girl named Blessing, who makes an unlikely friend during a long, unending winter. In London, winter has lasted for months with no sign of easing. One day, instead of going to school, ten-year-old Blessing wanders into a park and discovers a snowman named Albert Framlington—who turns out to be alive.

The two quickly form a friendship, and as they grow closer, Blessing opens up about her struggles. She talks about her mother, who suffers from seasonal depression, and the bullies at school who make her dread attending. Albert explains that every snowman is duty-bound by the Snowman Code to help any child in need.

As Albert supports Blessing through her challenges, he’s also hiding a secret of his own. The reason winter seems never-ending is that Albert is searching for his long-lost love, Clementine, and winter won’t end until every snowman is ready for it to do so. Will the pair be able to help each other find their happy endings?

I thought the book was a fun and cozy read, filled with silly moments that young readers would enjoy. It’s a heartwarming story about learning, taking risks, and being there for one another. While the book addresses some heavy topics, it does so thoughtfully and could serve as a great conversation starter between young readers and their guardians. It’s a cute, wintry read that might even encourage kids to head outside and make a snow-friend of their own.

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. 

 

December 2025 Empties!

 

 

 

My last empties post for the year! I haven't been doing these consistently, but hopefully next year I will get back at it. I finished a few things, but nothing was particularly noteworthy.  

The Just Curls Herbishh Conditioner was okay. I was disappointed that the dispenser didn't work at all. The conditioner didn't have much scent, and it didn't do much to define my waves. I wouldn't get it again.

The Pause Moisture Lock Ultra Hydrator was alright. It didn't have much of a scent. I found it a bit watery, and it doesn't really moisturize as well. I feel like, for something that says Ultra Hydrator, my skin should be drenched, but it wasn't. My skin would feel dry when I wore it overnight. It didn't work as a daily or overnight mask.

The Belief Overnight Mask was okay. It works well and does keep my lips soft overnight. I was disappointed that the jar was so huge, but it only had a small amount.  The lip mask has the consistency of petroleum jelly and has no scent or taste. 

Book Review - "Flamer" by Mike Curato

Set in the summer of 1995, "Flamer" by Mike Curato is a semi-autobiographical graphic novel that follows 14-year-old Aiden Navarro, a Filipino American Boy Scout grappling with his sexual identity, religious beliefs, and the challenges of adolescence amid bullying and homophobia at summer camp. During the summer between middle and high school, Aiden goes to camp. At this stage, every teenager is experiencing changes, but for Aiden, it feels different. He struggles with bullying, managing new friendships, and handling his budding crush on a boy named Elias, whom he can’t stop thinking about.

The graphic novel was an okay read. It features a monochromatic style with occasional uses of red and orange colors. Several times, I had difficulty following along with what was happening. The graphic novel contained many graphic moments, which I am unsure would be appropriate for the younger audience it is targeting. 

Book Review - The Collaborators by Michael Idov

 

The Collaborators by Michael Idov is an espionage thriller that follows disillusioned CIA officer Ari Falk and LA heiress Maya Chou as they unravel a deadly conspiracy linking post-Soviet Russia and Western intelligence. Ari is left adrift after the death of his best asset and finds himself uncertain about his future. Meanwhile, Maya grows concerned when her Russian-American billionaire father goes missing. The two join forces to find him, only to uncover a much larger and more dangerous plot.

The spy thriller is fast-paced, filled with action, and features a large cast of characters moving in multiple directions, which can be difficult to follow. I thought it was an okay read, but I didn’t feel particularly invested in the characters. While it had its moments, I wouldn’t go out of my way to read more books by this author.

Book Review - If I Live by Terri Blackstock

 

If I Live by Terri Blackstock follows Casey, a woman on the run for a crime she didn’t commit. Still wanted in connection with a murder, Casey is running out of places to hide—her face is all over the news, and it’s only a matter of time before she’s either captured or killed by those hunting her. Dylan Roberts, the investigator who was once assigned to bring her in, now believes in her innocence. He becomes Casey’s only hope for finding justice.

This is the final book in the series. While it can technically be read as a standalone, I wouldn’t recommend it. I felt like I was missing a lot of character development and story context by not reading the previous books. My review should be taken with a grain of salt, as this was the only installment I read.

Personally, I found that the book focused more on religious themes than I would have liked. I didn’t connect with any of the characters—they felt one-dimensional, and there were too many to keep track of. The plot lacked unexpected twists or turns, and the romance felt clean but featured hints of insta-love, which didn’t appeal to me.

Book Review - Dying Inside by Pete Wentz

 

Dying Inside by Pete Wentz is a graphic novel about a sixteen-year-old girl named Ash who is tired of living. Ash is chronically depressed and believes that death would be the quickest and easiest route to relief. However, she wants her finale to be memorable—something more than just a "lame" death. She decides to buy a beautiful knife to end her life.

But the knife turns out to be enchanted with a protection spell that prevents Ash from harming herself. Determined, she sets out to find the witch who sold her the defective weapon. That witch turns out to be another depressed sixteen-year-old girl named Liv. Together, the two girls decide to find a way to undo the protection spell so Ash can fulfill her death wish.

The graphic novel is an interesting and engaging read, balancing serious themes with moments of humor. Because it deals with topics like self-harm and suicidal ideation, I wouldn’t recommend it to everyone. I initially picked up this graphic novel because Pete Wentz wrote it, and I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it. I would definitely read more graphic novels by these authors.

Book Review - In The Gospel of Wellness: Gyms, Gurus, Goop, and the False Promise of Self-Care by Rina Raphael

 

In The Gospel of Wellness: Gyms, Gurus, Goop, and the False Promise of Self-Care by journalist Rina Raphael examines the wellness industry and reveals how it exploits women's desires for control and well-being through manipulative marketing and pseudoscientific claims. With the rise of social media and influencer culture, women are pursuing their health like never before. Regardless of the trends, there is something for everyone. 

The industry has grown into a $4.4 trillion behemoth from its modest roots. The wellness industry promises health and vitality in an accessible way. Behind the layers of clever marketing lies a market that offers women something more than just health alone; it promises them the one thing they desire: control.

The book was an interesting read, and it made me re-evaluate some of my habits. For example, I would see a trend promoted by a popular influencer, and I wouldn’t even consider the research they were basing that claim on, or if they were just trying to sell something. It reinforced and reminded me to look at claims critically and do my own research before believing that something is true.

While I enjoyed portions of the book, I felt it could use more clarity. A few times, I wondered what the relevance was for a story the author brought up. I felt the ending left me unsure if the author was suggesting that people be wary of the wellness culture or to avoid it altogether. I also felt that the book jumped around a lot, making it hard to keep track of what was said and how everything is related. I appreciated parts of the book, and I will be more cautious about health claims without evidence to support them. However, I wish the author hadn’t criticized women to convey her point. While I would be open to reading another book by the author, I probably wouldn’t if it’s on the same topic or about the same industry.  

 

Book Review - If Looks Could Kill by Julie Berry

 

 

 

If Looks Could Kill by Julie Berry is about two young women who discover one of them has a supernatural and deadly gaze that can turn someone to stone, and the aftermath of the discovery of their abilities. In autumn 1888, Jack the Ripper is on the run, and the London police are closing in on their suspect. Jack decides to flee to England and to New York City in order to seek new victims and to get away from the scrutiny. The primal force of female vengeance had had enough of the violence against women. It has taken the form of Medusa, with hair of serpents and a fearsome gaze, and it’s on the hunt for Jack.

Tabitha and Pearl are volunteers in the Salvation Army. They spend their time trying to fundraise and help the needy. One day, they come across a newcomer who asks for directions. After helping the young girl, they come across her again, only to realize that the girl has been forced to work in the local brothel.

Pearl and Tabitha feel that they should help her. However, they are unsure how to go about it as they have different personalities and ideas. Tabitha is a girl from upstate who has a wry humor and a thirst for adventure. Pearl is a farm girl who is very pious and serious. As they plan their rescue mission, they find their paths crossing and entwining with Medusa’s and Jack’s.

I was very excited to read this novel. It had everything I could want to read: Jack the Ripper, Medusa, murder and mystery, and strong female leads. However, I found this book to be very boring and confusing. I found it to be all over the place, and it was hard to follow along at times. I felt like nothing was happening page after page. I would have liked it if the author had edited down the novel to only have one storyline instead of having multiple ones at the same time, as I don’t think most of the characters or storylines were well fleshed out. I might be open to reading more books by the author, but I wouldn’t go out of my way.

 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 - Finale by Stephanie Garber

 

Finale by Stephanie Garber is the conclusion of the Caraval trilogy, where sisters Scarlett and Donatella (Tella) Dragna confront the unleashed immortal Fates. It has been two months since the Fates were freed from their prison in the deck of cards. It had been two months since Legend claimed the throne as his own, and it’s been two months since Tella discovered that the boy she fell in love with doesn’t exist. With the Fates on the loose, the empire is in chaos, and everything is hanging in the balance. Tella must choose between trusting Legend or a former enemy.

I am torn between loving and liking the novel. It was an unexpected way to end the trilogy, but I couldn’t help feeling annoyed with the two sisters. The story primarily follows Tella and her quest to eliminate the Fates, but it includes that frustrating “he loves me, he loves me not” trope that appears far too often. I wish the novel had focused more on their other plan to stop the Fates.

My favorite part of the novels was the Fates and the chaos they created. I appreciated how creepy and spooky some of them were. I would be open to reading a series that delves into the backstory or even revolves around the different Fates.

Book Review - The Night We Lost Him by Laura Dave

 

In The Night We Lost Him by Laura Dave, estranged siblings Nora and Sam Noone reunite after their father’s mysterious death at his cliffside home, Windbreak. Liam Noone was many things to many people. To the public, he was a self-made hotel magnate, known for his chain of successful luxury hotels. To his three ex-wives, he was a loving yet distant husband who kept his families and finances carefully separated. But to his daughter, Nora, he remained an elusive mystery—especially following his suspicious death.

While the authorities rule Liam’s death an accident, Nora and Sam aren't convinced. Setting aside their differences, they decide to investigate and uncover the truth behind what really happened to their father.

The novel was an interesting read, with a few unexpected twists. Though marketed as a thriller, it reads more like a family drama story about two siblings reconnecting and learning from their father’s mistakes—especially his tendency to keep people at arm’s length—and re-evaluating their own lives. It’s a slow burn, and not much action takes place through large portions of the book.

The story unfolds through alternating points of view and timelines: the past is told from Liam’s perspective, while the present is narrated by Nora. I appreciated this structure, as it offers a fuller picture of both characters. I’d be open to reading more books by Laura Dave.

Book Review - Phantom Academy by Christine Virnig

 

Phantom Academy by Christine Virnig is about twelve-year-old Finn dealing with his untimely death. Finn learns that even in death he can’t escape going to school. He discovers that he died when a coconut fell on his head. When he passed, he had to make a decision at a crossroads. He could attend Phantom Academy if he follows an unmarked path or the marked path to an unlikeable relative. The academy is a boarding school for underage ghosts who are trying to find their footing in the afterlife, and Finn is the newest student to arrive.

Finn doesn’t understand why he has to attend classes and do homework. He thought making friends would be easy, but he struggles to fit in. As he tries to adjust to his new school and classmates, he realizes that something strange is going on. Will Finn uncover what’s happening before it’s too late?

I read the author’s previous book, A Bite Above the Rest, and enjoyed it, so I was looking forward to this one. While reading, the premise also reminded me of the show School Spirits. Although the storylines are mostly different, both share the same idea of the undead being stuck in school.

I liked that the book had a lot of fun and humorous moments, and I think it would keep young readers entertained and wanting more. I also liked that the book tackled some heavier themes in a lighthearted way. The mystery element was engaging, and it was fun to try to piece together the clues. The ending leaves an opening for a second book, since a few questions remain unanswered. I’m looking forward to reading more of Finn’s adventures.

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 - MindWorks: An Uncanny Compendium of Short Fiction by Neal Shusterman

 

MindWorks: An Uncanny Compendium of Short Fiction by Neal Shusterman is a collection of fictional short stories by the author. The book features both new and previously published stories. It collects tales that scare and entertain fans. 

The book is organized into themes, with stories that focus on each theme. I was a bit nervous to start the book. It’s around 600 pages, and I hadn’t read any of the author’s previous works. I wasn’t sure what to expect. However, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed the book. I loved most of the stories and found them entertaining. The stories are well written, thought-provoking, and engaging. I really enjoyed these creative tales and am looking forward to reading more from the author, including his popular series, “Arc of a Scythe."

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 - Memorials by Richard Chizmar

 

Memorials by Richard Chizmar follows three college students who embark on a road trip in 1983 to document roadside memorials for a class project, only to uncover a chilling pattern of supernatural symbols. The trio, from a small college, initially sets out to complete their final project for an American Studies course. What begins as a fun weeklong journey across long stretches of empty roads—with nightly campfires and growing camaraderie—soon takes a darker turn.

As they venture deeper into the Appalachian backwoods, the atmosphere shifts. The air feels heavier, and the mood less lighthearted. They begin to notice more memorials bearing strange, unsettling symbols that suggest something sinister. It soon becomes clear they may be being watched—or followed—especially when their vehicle and belongings are tampered with. The group starts to question whether the roadside deaths were truly accidents, or if someone—or something—is behind them.

This was my second time reading a book by Richard Chizmar, and I enjoyed this one just as much as the other. He does a great job of creating a spooky, unsettling atmosphere. The book was longer than I expected, and in my opinion, could have been trimmed down. The suspense builds gradually throughout, although the ending wasn't my favorite. Still, there were some twists and turns that genuinely surprised me. Horror fans who enjoy supernatural elements might find this an engaging read. I’d definitely consider reading more of Chizmar’s work.

Book Review - Kill Joy by Holly Jackson

 

Kill Joy by Holly Jackson is a short novel in which a high school student, Pippa Fitz-Amobi, attends a 1920s murder mystery party with her friends and discovers her passion for solving mysteries. Initially, Pippa does not want to attend her friend’s murder mystery party. Instead of dressing up and pretending to solve a murder, she would prefer to stay at home. However, when the game begins, Pip finds herself drawn into a world of mystery, intrigue, and deception. As Pippa plays make-believe detective, another case comes to mind.

The book is a prequel to the “Good Girls Guide to Murder” series. I read it after finishing the series. I thought this book was a waste of time. I felt that the author could have simply written a paragraph or two about why Pippa was motivated to take on the Andie Bell murder in the series; it didn’t need to be a separate book.

The novella didn’t add anything to the series that we don’t already know. I also didn’t like the characters and their behavior in the book. They were quite annoying, particularly Pippa, who became upset when she didn’t get something right. Fortunately, I read this novella after the series, and since I enjoy the series a lot, I would still be open to reading more works by the author, just not those intended as money grabs.

Book Review - Ruin Road by Lamar Giles

Ruin Road by Lamar Giles tells the story of Cade Webster, a high school student who makes a wish to stop being feared, only for it to set off a terrifying series of events. Cade exists between two worlds. He is a respected and well-liked football star at a prestigious school, but he comes from an impoverished neighborhood. Everywhere he goes, people are afraid of him because he is either too big, too ambitious, or too black.

One fateful night, Cade slips into a pawn shop to avoid an encounter with the police. Inside, a ring catches his eye, and he decides to buy it. He tells the shopkeeper that he wishes people would stop being scared around him. Little does he know, his wish is granted.

Cade enjoys the feeling of no longer being feared. However, he soon realizes that people are no longer afraid of anything. Wherever Cade goes, he spreads this newfound “courage,” which leads to chaos as people react violently. Cade fears that something dark is at play and wants to stop it before it harms more innocent individuals.

I have read another book of the author’s, The Getaway by Lamar Giles, and this novel follows a similar premise. It presents a scary story with social commentary woven into it. I found the book to be an interesting read. It was compelling to see how a “simple wish” becomes corrupted, the destruction it causes, and how Cade grapples with it. The first half of the book was slow, but it picked up in the second half. I would be open to reading more works by the author.

Book Review - Concrete Rose by Angie Thomas

Concrete Rose by Angie Thomas is a coming-of-age novel that follows seventeen-year-old Maverick Carter as he navigates the challenges of young fatherhood, gang life, and building a better future for himself and his son. There’s one thing Maverick knows for certain: a real man takes care of his family. The son of a former gang legend, Maverick follows in his father’s footsteps and earns money the only way he knows how—by dealing with the King Lords. The extra money helps his mom cover bills that are piling up, even though she’s working two jobs while Maverick’s father is in prison.

Maverick knows life isn’t easy, but he feels like he has everything under control. He has a beautiful girlfriend and a cousin who always has his back—until he finds out he’s a father.

His son, Seven, depends on him for everything. Things aren’t as easy as they used to be. When Maverick is offered a chance to go straight, he decides to take it, wanting to prove he can make something of himself. However, one of the main components of being in a gang is loyalty. The responsibility of taking care of his son while being involved in the gang begins to tear Maverick apart. Will he be able to choose between the two?

This book is a prequel to The Hate U Give, which I own but have not yet read. Concrete Rose is an emotional read that showcases the struggles many face to put food on the table and how many turn to a life of crime to provide for their families. I enjoyed reading about Maverick trying to piece his life together for his son, even though, at times, he struggles with it. However, there were moments when I questioned his decisions. Not to give anything away, but Maverick, who’s trying to take care of a young child on his own, continues to make choices that jeopardize his financial stability and well-being. Despite this, I’d be open to reading more books by the author, including finally reading my copy of The Hate U Give.

Book Review - The Lesbiana's Guide to Catholic School by Sonora Reyes

 

 

The Lesbiana's Guide to Catholic School by Sonora Reyes follows Yamilet (Yami) Flores, a Mexican American high school student, as she navigates her identity as a queer girl in a Catholic school while dealing with family expectations. Sixteen-year-old Yami would prefer to be known as the girl with the cool eyeliner, rather than being one of the few Mexican students at her predominantly rich and white Catholic school. However, she’d rather have that reputation than for her classmates to discover the other secret she’s hiding.

Yami is gay, but she doesn’t want anyone to know. After being outed by her ex-best friend and crush, she had to transfer schools. Her main priorities now are to keep her brother out of trouble, make her mom proud, avoid falling in love, and save up enough money for an apartment. Despite her best efforts, trouble seems to follow her.

Things get even more complicated when she becomes friends with Bo, the only openly queer girl at school, and Yami feels herself drawn to her. Bo is smart, talented, cute, and outspoken, but Yami is scared. After what happened at her last school, she’s terrified of anyone finding out she’s gay, especially her mother, and fears how her mom might react.

The book is a straightforward read with no unexpected twists or turns. However, it is a heartwarming story about a young woman struggling to find her path and place in the world. I enjoyed reading it, though at times, I found myself frustrated with the characters. I felt Yami’s mother placed too much pressure on her to look out for her brother, and Yami could be so absorbed in her own problems that she didn’t always consider how her actions affected others. Despite these frustrations, I’d definitely be open to reading more books by this author.