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.

Book Review - The Crossing Places by Elly Griffiths

 

In The Crossing Places by Elly Griffiths, forensic archaeologist Dr. Ruth Galloway is drawn into a chilling investigation when a child's bones are discovered near ancient sacred grounds, uncovering dark secrets buried in both the past and present. 

Ruth loves living in Saltmarsh, a remote area near Norfolk that was once sacred to the people of the Iron Age. The region is swampy and treacherous, with the sea capable of swallowing anyone who isn’t careful or who loses their way.

When Ruth isn’t teaching at a local college, she participates in archaeological digs in the area. So, when a child’s bones are discovered on a desolate beach near her home, Detective Chief Inspector Harry Nelson requests her help with the investigation.

Nelson believes the bones may belong to Lucy Downey, a little girl who went missing ten years ago and hasn’t been heard from since. He has been receiving taunting, cryptic letters about Lucy’s disappearance, filled with references to rituals, sacrifice, and religion. However, the bones turn out to be over two thousand years old and unrelated to Lucy’s case. Despite this, Ruth finds herself increasingly drawn to the mystery of Lucy’s disappearance and the unsettling letters. When another child goes missing, Ruth and Nelson are determined to find her before it’s too late.

I thought the book was an okay read. It had a few unexpected twists and turns—some of which I was able to guess, but not all. One aspect I didn’t like was how often the narrative commented on Ruth’s weight and appearance. When I converted her weight to pounds, it came out to about 170–175, which didn’t seem especially large. We aren’t told her height, but based on the way characters react to her and how she describes herself, I expected her to weigh significantly more—around 300 pounds or more. It was off-putting to constantly read about her and other characters putting her down about her weight.

Another issue I had was with the pacing and scene transitions. It was sometimes hard to tell when a scene ended, and how much time had passed between events. I was also surprised that some characters who committed crimes didn’t seem to face any real consequences. As far as I know, creating fake evidence and misleading the police is illegal.

Overall, I’d be open to reading more books by the author, but I wouldn’t go out of my way to do so. The book had a few standout moments, but there were also several confusing or frustrating parts that left me scratching my head.

Book Review - The Doomsday Vault (Everwhen School of Time Travel) by Thomas Wheeler

 

The Doomsday Vault (Everwhen School of Time Travel) by Thomas Wheeler is about three young kids who get accepted into a highly acclaimed time travel school. In 1878, Bertie Wells did something unexpected. He accidentally created a black hole in his bedroom. The last thing he expected was for someone to step out of the black hole and know who he was.

Darla Marconi doesn’t speak or dress like anyone he knows. However, she has an offer for him that he cannot refuse. She invites Bertie to attend the College of Space Machines, Multiverses, and Other Odd Sciences (or COSMOS).

Bertie is excited but wary about attending, even though his father is against the idea of Bertie attending the school. Bertie decides to follow his heart and join the school, where he is transported to 2022 for his first day. At the new school, he meets new friends, Zoe Fuentes and Amelia da Vinci.

As the trio befriends each other and tries to make the most of their time together, they will need to stick together when something or someone threatens the timeline, just as the dean of the school has disappeared. Will they be able to save the timeline before it is too late?

I have been reading a lot more young adult or children’s novels focusing on fictional schools. I find the genre can be overdone, but sometimes it can be clever. I was a bit wary about reading a book about time travel because I find the whole idea confusing.

I thought the book was an okay read. I felt it took a bit of time before the book became interesting. I also felt that the book could have used more worldbuilding. I am curious what happens to the students when they graduate. Do they take the knowledge back to their time zone, or do they stay at the school? I felt like I had more questions than answers. The book did have some quirky humor that some readers might enjoy.

I also don’t like that the ending had a huge build-up and then faded to black for a happy ending. I feel like we were strung along without any real closure. The ending does leave the book open for a second book or series, but I am not sure I am invested enough to read more.

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. 

March 2026 Empties!

 

 

Wow, I can't believe it is already March! Although I am excited for the warm weather. It can't come fast enough. I have been keeping up with my goal of logging and posting my empties every month. Hopefully, I can keep it up until the end of the year. 

I love taking baths and have used Kneipp's products before. I have tried two new oils, and they both work very well. I tried the soft and silky, which had a pleasant almond rose scent. It left the skin feeling soft and silky. The joint and muscle one is great for achy muscles and tired joints.  It was relaxing to soak in it after a long day.

 I got this bath kit called "Mama Detox," but really, anyone can use it. I wish the name were a bit more inclusive, as it was a great set. It included salts, oils, a tab to purify the water, an electrolyte drink, a bath bomb, a loofah, and a few other things. It was a great way to unwind and relax. The only downside was that the kit cost $44 and was one-time use. It is nice for a once-in-a-while thing, but otherwise it is completely out of my price range for my weekly baths. 

I tried a lip mask by Florence by Mills, and it was interesting. It was a jelly-like consistency. It had a pleasant Jolly Rancher scent. It was hydrating, but unfortunately, it didn't have much staying power. It was more like a regular lip balm than an overnight mask.  

Hopefully, will see ya next month with more finished goodies. 

Book Review - Beth Is Dead by Katie Bernet

 

 Beth Is Dead by Katie Bernet is about three sisters, Meg, Jo, and Amy, uncovering the truth about their sister’s murder. When their sister, Beth March, was found dead in the woods near their home on New Year’s Day, they promised to find her murderer. However, there is no shortage of suspects. There is their neighbor, who has a crush on two of the sisters; Meg’s conniving best friend; Amy’s creepy and flirty mentor; and Beth’s first love.

As the sisters try to grieve and cope with their beloved sister’s death, they realize that each has a secret that could have led to Beth’s death. Jo has a huge following on social media and is an aspiring author. She has been facing writer’s block, and her publisher has been threatening to pull her book deal if she doesn’t come up with a viable story.

Amy dreams of studying art in Europe but can’t afford it. The only way she can is if she asks their Aunt March for money. Unfortunately, their aunt has already promised to give money to Beth and isn’t able to help Amy. Meg wouldn’t hurt her younger sister, but she does have a boyfriend who doesn’t always see eye to eye with Beth. He feels that Beth has been given a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and is wasting it.

As everyone becomes a suspect, it’s hard to pin down a killer, especially since the family was thrown into the limelight by their father. He penned a controversial bestseller about his own daughters that caused a frenzy. Anyone could have killed Beth, and will the sisters be able to find the truth?

I was torn between really liking the novel and loving it. The novel started off strong with a whole heap of suspects. It was fun trying to figure out who the murderer was before it was revealed. The book is narrated by all four sisters and is told in both past and present tenses, except for Beth, who is told only in the past tense.

I like that the characters were interesting and well-written. However, I am not sure why the young women were so quick to believe the men in their lives, even with evidence that might prove they were lying. Even when they admitted they were lying, the sisters were quick to forgive them. It was annoying to me because they didn’t give each other that grace or other women in their lives the benefit of the doubt. I didn’t like that the sisters claimed they loved each other and were close, but believed strangers over their own sisters.

I have not read Little Women, nor am I familiar with the characters. I know that some fans of the original book might not like the retelling or how the characters are portrayed. As I am not familiar with the book, I read it as a completely different and new story. I think if you like murder mysteries, you might enjoy this book. It’s an engaging debut, and I would read more by the author.

Book Review - Afia in the Land of Wonders by Mia Araujo

 

In Afia in the Land of Wonders by Mia Araujo, sixteen-year-old Afia leaves her beloved twin and family to travel to a mysterious land in search of adventure. Afia has always felt out of place, as if she were only half a person because she has a twin sister, Aya. Unlike Afia, who is a daydreamer eager to explore life beyond their small village of Dafra, Aya is content to follow their family’s expectations.

Afia’s longing for adventure comes true when she crosses paths with a shape-shifter named Bakame. Bakame tells her about a magical place called Ijábù. Intrigued by the wonders he describes, Afia resolves not to let her parents dictate her destiny. Although afraid, she decides the risk is worth leaving everything she knows behind including her beloved sister.

She follows Bakame into the forbidden forest, a place rumored to swallow travelers whole, never to return. Along the way to Ijábù, Afia witnesses many mystical sights and senses something shadowy pursuing her. When she finally arrives, she meets the enchanting Queen, who is both beautiful and mysterious. At first, Ijábù seems to be everything Afia ever dreamed of but she soon discovers that not everything is as it seems, and her dreams may come at a terrible cost.

I found the book to be an interesting retelling of Alice in Wonderland. It includes many playful references to the original while adding its own unique spin. I especially enjoyed the illustrations, which were filled with gorgeous artwork, and I liked seeing how Afia grew and learned to follow her own voice. However, I didn’t enjoy the ending; it felt abrupt, and I was unclear about how much time had passed or whether Afia truly achieved what she wanted. While the book is geared toward middle-grade readers, I found some parts rather gruesome and possibly unsuitable for younger audiences. Overall, I would be open to reading more books by this author.

Book Review - Wake the Wild Creatures by Nova Ren Suma

 

Wake the Wild Creatures by Nova Ren Suma is about a young woman who lived with her mother off the grid her entire life and was forced to return to civilization. Until three years ago, Talia lived in the ruins of Neves, a once-beautiful and grand hotel that had been abandoned, with her mother, Pola, and a community of like-minded women in the Catskills Mountains area. Each woman had her own reason for coming to Neves. Some came to escape men; others were hiding from the law, but they all found safety, comfort, and connection when they arrived.

Neves is cloaked in a mysterious, magical mist that keeps intruders and anyone who isn’t welcome away. As their numbers grew, so did their complications. Someone had betrayed the community and called the police on Pola. The uniformed men descended on their sacred community and arrested her, calling her a murderer and a fugitive, which caused Talia to be taken away and left their community in shambles.

Talia is now sixteen and eager to return to her community. She currently lives with her mother’s sister, Rachele, and her family. Talia doesn’t like how the world revolves around ideals the women of Neves stood against. Talia is desperate to return to her home, but she is awaiting a signal from her mother. As Talia waits, she questions everything she knew about her past and is desperate to know whether she can ever return to the life she left behind.

I thought the book was an okay read. I think it was nicely written and easy to follow along at times but can be confusing when it would switch between past and present. The book is told from Talia’s perspective and alternates between the past and present. It was interesting to read about Talia’s past and how she was coping in the present. However, I felt the ending left me with more questions, such as what happened to the mother, why they waited so long to give her a signal, what would happen to Talia, her mother, and the others, and why the place is magical.

At times, the book was hard to read because I didn’t care for Talia. I felt like she was an unlikeable person and very self-centered. I also wondered what the point of the book was, because the ending felt very unresolved for me. Sometimes the book would focus heavily on her past, and I would be very interested in seeing what role it played in the present, but sometimes nothing came of it. The book was very boring at times, with almost no twists or turns, and even though it is billed as a mysterious thriller, it is not. I think it’s an okay read, but I wouldn’t read it again or be in a hurry to read another book by the author.

Book Review - Winnie-the-Pooh by A. A. Milne

 

 

Winnie-the-Pooh by A. A. Milne is a collection of stories about Winnie-the-Pooh and his friends. The book follows the honey-loving bear and his adventures in the Hundred Acre Wood. Each chapter features a new adventure that Pooh and his friends embark on together.

I remember watching the TV show as a kid and loving it, and I still clearly remember some of the episodes. At times, scenes from the show played in my head while I was reading certain chapters. I was surprised by how some of the characters came across on the page. I always liked Rabbit and Eeyore, but reading about them changed my perception a bit. I hate to say it, but Eeyore can be a bit of a drama queen, though I still love him. The illustrations were charming and added a fun, nostalgic touch to the story.

The only drawback of this newer edition is its soft, fuzzy cover. While I love how it feels, it definitely needs a protective cover. The fuzz comes off easily, traps dirt, and gets dirty quickly. Overall, though, it’s a classic that readers familiar with the characters will enjoy revisiting.

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.