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Hi, all! I'm taking a belated "spring break" from the blog to enjoy some family time and (hopefully!) good weather. Thanks for stopping by, and I look forward to talking books again soon!
Wednesday, May 6, 2026
Monday, May 4, 2026
Michele's Monday Picks #95
Angela is so generous to let me pop in with my series, Michele’s Monday Picks! I’m not a blogger or bookstagrammer, but I love getting excited about new releases with the rest of you. Here I’ll be sharing new books I’m really looking forward to!
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By Amalie Howard
Expected Publication: May 19, 2026
From Goodreads:
A young heiress must disguise herself to attend a prestigious, all-male university, where she unexpectedly falls for her handsome tutor, in this swoony historical romance by the USA Today bestselling author of Queen Bee.
Lady Rosalin Chen has a secret—she isn’t as vapid as she pretends to be. In fact, she’s a computing genius and smarter than most of her peers in the ton, including her own cousin, Ansel. It’s a secret she’s kept for years, not that hiding her intelligence has done her any favors in the marriage department.
In fact, after several dismal social seasons in London, she’s practically considered a spinster. With little to lose, she decides to set her sights on getting a proper education rather than finding a husband. Disguised as Ansel, who truly could be her twin, she attends Cambridge University while he galivants around Europe on a secret Grand Tour.
There Rosalin crosses quills with the Trinity College’s mathematics prodigy and her tutor Tarik St. Clair. For the first time in her life, Rosalin is genuinely intrigued by a boy. His mind seems to be as sharp as hers. Unfortunately, as a commoner, Tarik doesn’t fit her parents’ expectations. But what if he could? What if she concocted one more audacious plan that could raise his station and finally take her off the market? She just has to hope that her lies don’t catch up to her.
I have loved this whole series so far and the cover is stunning! Do you think you’ll be picking this one up?
Friday, May 1, 2026
Month in Review: April 2026
Whew, April was so busy! My birthday was at the beginning of the month - not gonna say how old I am now (I cringe!), but it was a good day with my guys, despite having to work a bit! My in-laws came over for Easter and Henry had a fun time doing his egg hunt. For Henry and his cousins, their big joint Christmas gift was to see a movie in the theater together, and when The Mario Galaxy Movie came out, we knew it would be perfect! We were actually able to get a private AMC theater - I thought it was going to be a tiny room since it was only meant for up to 20 people, but it was actually huge! Like, at least 60 seats and looked just like a normal theater. The kids all had a great time, even if they didn't sit for the whole movie, and it was Henry's first time in a movie theater, so that was exciting! The April 15 tax deadline came and went, and my company generously gave us the two days off after the deadline, so we got a nice 4 day weekend. Tom and I decided to officially join Kiwanis, so we attended a couple events and meetings. Tom ran his first 5k, which was really fun! Henry and I were at the finish line to cheer him on. Henry started tball this month; I have to admit, the first couple practices were stressful for me. Henry's attention span is like nonexistent, so he didn't participate that much, and I am "that mom" on the sidelines trying to get him to pay attention. I want him to join in with the other kids and have fun, but also be safe! Wandering the infield kicking dirt is unfortunately a good way to get hit with the ball! But, he did much better at his first game, got some good hits and even played the field a little, and Tom did a great job coaching! I enjoyed the game much more than practice - it was nice hearing all the parents cheering for everyone!
The Books
The Posts and Reviews
How are you doing?
* This post contains affiliate links; I earn a small commission on qualifying purchases, at no cost to you.
Monday, April 27, 2026
Michele's Monday Picks #94
Angela is so generous to let me pop in with my little series, Michele’s Monday Picks! I’m not a blogger or bookstagrammer, but I love getting excited about new releases with the rest of you. Here I’ll be sharing new books I’m really looking forward to!
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By Sara Shepard
Expected Publication: May 5, 2026
From Goodreads:
When Agatha Harkness finds herself yanked out of her mysterious past and plopped in a modern-day high school, the race is on to find the key to saving her coven while discovering first love and battling an ancient foe.
Agatha Harkness is a powerful witch stuck living amongst an untalented group of witches in 1690s Salem, Massachusetts. That’s all right—the dreary coven meetings and fake herbal potions will all be worth it once she finally gets her hands on one of the most magical artifacts in the Darkhold, a book of extraordinary power. But just as it’s within her grasp, disaster strikes the coven!
Agatha is about to reluctantly save the day when she is rebuffed by the nosy, stuck-up Martha. Now, thanks to the interference, Martha, Agatha, and the Darkhold have been unceremoniously dropped in one of the most terrifying locations a witch has ever encountered—modern-day high school.
Armed with just her smarts and her spells, Agatha embarks on a quest to recover the Darkhold and an incognito Martha. Along the way, she encounters a meddlesome crow, a potential first crush, and a new coven. She almost starts to feel like she’s found her home, until Martha returns from the shadows—this time with dire consequences.
I love anything Marvel related! Do you think you’ll be picking this one up?
Friday, April 24, 2026
Recent Reads
Maggie and her daughter Piper travel to charming New Hope, PA for a knitting retreat but their weekend is interrupted by a bachelor party at the same inn. Relationships are tested as the weekend continues. Ugh, I wanted to love this one! It sounded so cute - I love New Hope, PA, and I really felt like the book transported me there, but the characters were a bit of a downer for me. Maggie is a single mom who had her daughter young - while on the surface their relationship seems good, Maggie desperately wants more for Piper than the life she had, and Piper is always doing things that will make her mother happy instead of herself. Maggie just felt a bit overbearing. There were too many extraneous side characters to keep track of, and a whole lot of unnecessary drama. I did enjoy the character of Belinda, the inn keeper, though. She and her husband have contrasting ideas on their next steps in life - keep the inn or retire? The ending was underwhelming, unrealistic, and rushed, unfortunately. 3 stars
When southern England receives a nuclear bomb alert, giving people just 59 minutes before the attack, three women find themselves willing to do anything to get to their loved ones. Carrie is a young mother trying to get across London to her daughter and girlfriend. Frankie, who just found out she's pregnant, is on vacation when she's separated from her boyfriend. Mrs. Dabb is an older woman who realizes her daughter is missing during the alert. This premise is absolutely terrifying to me - knowing you only potentially have minutes to live and desperately wanting to be with your family or other loved ones. What would you do to get to them? This was a quick, absorbing read - short chapters kept the rapid pace, and I couldn't read fast enough to see how each woman would fare as the minutes counted down. I was heartbroken for them as they faced insurmountable odds and had to make unimaginable choices. But, I was shocked further when I realized there was a twist, and the story definitely ends in an unexpected way! 4.5 stars
* This post contains affiliate links; I earn a small commission on qualifying purchases, at no cost to you,
Monday, April 20, 2026
Michele's Monday Picks #93
Angela is so generous to let me pop in with my little series, Michele’s Monday Picks! I’m not a blogger or bookstagrammer, but I love getting excited about new releases with the rest of you. Here I’ll be sharing new books I’m really looking forward to!
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By Alexandra Oliva
Expected Publication: April 28, 2026
From Goodreads:
Arrival meets Wild Dark Shore in this captivating novel that follows a family for over fifty years—a bold and compassionate exploration of the universe around us and what it truly means to be human.
It’s March 1980, and Carol Girard and her husband are living an ordinary life in a small town in the Adirondacks. They have just had their first child, and though Carol is struggling with the challenges of new motherhood, her future seems clear. Until something extraordinary happens: an inexplicable flickering of light in the sky, which is ultimately determined to be communication from intelligent life on another planet. But these beings are eleven light-years away, and nothing is known about them other than the fact that they seem to know we exist too. And so begins a decades-long exchange of messages with this mysterious, faraway civilization.
As humanity reels from a shifting understanding of its place in the universe, we follow the stories of the Girard family: Carol, whose fascination with this other life sparks a desperate search for spiritual meaning; Michael, her loyal son, who finds solace not in the stars above his head but in the ground beneath his feet; and Ro, Carol’s bright and ambitious daughter, whose childhood goal to work in interstellar communication will evolve into something far grander.
Tracing five decades of love, loss, ambition, and self-discovery, The Radiant Dark is a stunning examination of a family navigating their lives with the knowledge that we are not alone.
I thought this sounded so unique! Do you think you’ll be picking this one up?
Friday, April 17, 2026
Recent Reads
Royal Heirs Academy (Royal Heirs Academy #1) by Lindsey Duga (2025)After fifty years on the throne, King Leander is finally ready to name an heir - but first, he's going to make his three grandchildren and one stranger duke it out for the ultimate role by making them all attend an elite school and tracking their progress. Titus, Alaric, Emmeline, and Sadie must face challenging classes, interpersonal feuds, and fierce competitions for the chance to take the throne. This book was full of teen angst as the 4 young adults get to know each other and their new situation. I appreciated how each character's backstory was very different, yet they all ended up in the same place. I did think the level of scheming and just overall intelligence/skills attributed to both the throne contenders and their schoolmates was a bit unbelievable, and there was some odd tension between the story wanting to be gritty but still somewhat innocent that was a bit jarring, but I cannot resist a royal story, so overall I did enjoy this one! 4 stars
A fictionalized account of the life of Arabella Huntington, a Southern woman who came from nothing to become one of the richest women in America in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Arabella worked at a gambling parlor until she began an affair with Collis Huntington, a railroad baron. He brought her to New York and gave her a life she only dreamed of, but she was also shrewd and intelligent, amassing her own wealth through land and property deals. Eventually, she and Collis married, but her story didn't end with Collis. I really enjoyed this book - although the Huntington name is well-known, I didn't know really anything about Arabella and this book piqued my curiosity. This depiction certainly painted her as smart (but not cunning), loyal, and with impeccable taste. I really felt the partnership between her and Collis - a love affair, yes, but also respect and admiration (not to say that affairs are acceptable!). The Gilded Age setting also came through really well. 4 stars
* This post contains affiliate links; I earn a small commission on qualifying purchases, at no cost to you.
Wednesday, April 15, 2026
Indie Bookstore Spotlight: Monty and Milo
I'm a little embarrassed to admit this, but I didn't know there was a small indie bookstore just in the next town over from me! Monty and Milo opened in Somerville, NJ, in February 2025, and recently I saw a short news article about their re-opening in a new, bigger location around the corner. So of course, Henry and I made a visit this past weekend!
Monty and Milo (named after the owners' cats!) is a small store dedicated to books, stationary, puzzles, and other gifts. The front of the store is mainly devoted to things other than books - puzzles, art prints, pens, and other stationary supplies.
There is a small children's section with used books and some cute new toys and stuffies.
You can tell they are new to the space, and I'm excited to see how they fill and decorate the space further! Henry and I each nabbed a used book, and we look forward to coming back!
Friday, April 10, 2026
Recent Reads: The Time Travel Edition
The Forgotten Sister by Nicola Cornick (2020)Amy (Robsart) Dudley is married to Robert Dudley, favorite courtier of Queen Elizabeth I. Amy wants to escape her loveless marriage, but her actions have repercussions that apparently trickle down through the centuries. In the present day, pop star Lizzie finds herself in a scandal with her best friend and his wife's family, with links to the past. I wanted to love this book - I love the Tudor era, I love dual-timeline stories - but it was such a mess. The "past" timeline was really good - I enjoyed learning about Amy and more about a side of the Tudor era I don't normally come across. However, the "present" timeline was a total dud. Silly names, convoluted characters and backstories, extraneous details, magical realism that felt gimmicky. Unfortunately, it brought the whole reading experience down for me. 3 stars
Sometime in the near future, the ability to time travel has been achieved by a large company, allowing people to visit one hour in their past without repercussions for their future. Unfortunately, while in the past, four "travelers" are stranded for more than their allotted hour. As they cross paths with one another, they are all forced to take a closer look at this pivotal time in their lives. I really enjoyed this book! I loved the fairly new take on the time travel genre. Seeing how all these seemingly unrelated people and stories were actually quite intertwined was beautiful storytelling - I loved seeing all the connections and how the travelers used their future knowledge to maybe, perhaps change their circumstances from what happened previously. I have to admit, this book was a lot more introspective than I anticipated - I was expecting a thriller, but it delved more into themes about being present in a moment and how we can create our own second chances. 4 stars
* This post contains affiliate links; I earn a small commission on qualifying purchases, at no cost to you.
Monday, April 6, 2026
Michele's Monday Picks #92
Angela is so generous to let me pop in with my little series, Michele’s Monday Picks! I’m not a blogger or bookstagrammer, but I love getting excited about new releases with the rest of you. Here I’ll be sharing new books I’m really looking forward to!
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By India Holton
Expected Publication: April 21, 2026
From Goodreads:
When two history professors and best friends are forced to fake hate to protect their reputations, chaos ensues, in the next rollicking historical-fantasy rom-com from beloved author India Holton.
Magical-antique experts Amelia Tarrant and Caleb Sterling have been best friends forever, although lately each has begun secretly wishing for more than friendship. But when rumors about their relationship spread, they're forced to fake being enemies to protect their reputations and keep their jobs.
The resulting arguments spark havoc across Oxford University, and when they cause an explosion while fighting over a magical antique, it’s the final straw for their exasperated faculty head. He dispatches them to a job in Cumbria where even they can’t get into trouble.…
Which proves just how wrong one man can be. In a stormbound old manor house, Amelia and Caleb face magical mayhem and rampaging ghosts that make the previous havoc look mild in comparison. Most troublesome of all, though, is the secret of how they feel about each other. When it comes to tackling deadly antiques, hiding the truth in their hearts could destroy them for real.
It wouldn’t be spring if I wasn’t recommending the newest India Holton book! Do you think you’ll be picking this one up?
Friday, April 3, 2026
Recent Reads
Gradchanted by Morgan Matson (2025)Cass is celebrating her high school graduation at Disneyland's Grad Nite. After spending her childhood constantly moving for her dads' work, she wants one magical night before she leaves again. However, the night is a total disaster and Cass is shocked to find herself reliving the night, over and over and over again.. I love a time loop novel, from the main character discovering and accepting they're in one to how they figure out how to get out of it - it's always fun! I loved the Disneyland setting of this one, and I appreciated how Cass finally came to terms with how her childhood affected her ability to get close to people. I thought there was WAY too much time spent on Cass trying to help musician Freddie, believing that was her key to escaping the loop. Clearly, it had to be about her and the mistakes she's made. But overall, I thought this was a clever, spirited addition to the time loop genre! 4 stars
Julia discovers she has the ability to time travel, and she uses it to hopefully meet the man of her literal dreams, who she discovers died a year ago while trying to save others. However, Julia realizes that her attempts to change the past have effects on the future that she never anticipated. I love a time travel romance, so I was excited for this one; however, it was a bit of a letdown. The writing is so clunky; the transitions aren't good, things are not explained well, and Julia is not a character I found myself sympathizing with. I wanted to like her, but she was so over-written, almost to the point of caricature. 3 stars
* This post contains affiliate links; I earn a small commission on qualifying purchases, at no cost to you.
Wednesday, April 1, 2026
Month in Review: March 2026
March was a fun month! We took advantage of our zoo membership and went one weekend; it was a little chilly, so we didn't see all the animals, but we still had fun! We've signed Henry up for tball, so we got ready for that - picked up his equipment, met his coach, and started practicing in the backyard. Tom and I have been toying with the idea of joining Kiwanis, a service organization (we met doing volunteer work in Circle K, the college level of Kiwanis), and since there are a couple clubs in our general area, we've been going to various meetings and events trying to figure out which club would be the best fit for us. We did a Project Linus service project with one club where we made fleece blankets for kids, and Henry had a great time practicing his scissor skills and charming all the ladies in the room, ha! We also went to Medieval Times for a Kiwanis get-together, and Henry loved being back at the castle!
The Books
The Posts and Reviews
How are you doing?
* This post contains affiliate links; I earn a small commission on qualifying purchases, at no cost to you.
Friday, March 27, 2026
Blog Tour + Review: Dibs the Dragon and the Marshmallow Rescue
Today I'm partnering with WOW! Women on Writing to celebrate the release of Dibs the Dragon and the Marshmallow Rescue by Ellie Ross! I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Book Summary
How does a bubble-blowing dragon make his very first friend?
In the magical land of Lickitypop, Dibs the Dragon hears a tiny cry for help from the sticky syrup swamp and discovers Mooch, a marshmallow mole who is very, very stuck. With a licorice vine, a bit of bravery, and a whole lot of heart, Dibs leaps into action—and begins a friendship that will change everything.
This gentle, whimsical picture book is filled with kindness, imagination, and cozy read-aloud moments that celebrate the joy of helping others and the magic of making friends.
Whether you're a parent, teacher, librarian, or cozy-color enthusiast, this sweet story is sure to become a beloved favorite on your shelf—and a magical introduction to the Lickitypop series.
Purchase a copy of Dibs the Dragon and the Marshmallow Rescue on Amazon. Be sure to also add it to your GoodReads reading list.
Dibs the Dragon is kind and helpful, but he's a little lonely and is looking for a best friend. One day he finds Mooch, a marshmallow mole, stuck in syrup, and he uses his ingenuity to rescue him, leading to an inseparable friendship. This book was so adorable! The illustrations are colorful and whimsical, and it has a great message for kids - there's a friend out there for everyone, and it's also really good to be kind and helpful to others! Dragons, candy, and a sweet story with a lovely message - what more could you ask for in a children's book?
5 stars
Wednesday, March 25, 2026
Can't-Wait Wednesday: Adventure Is Out There!
Can't-Wait Wednesday is hosted by Tressa at Wishful Endings and helps us spotlight upcoming releases we're eagerly anticipating!
Liz Braswell
Expected publication date: April 7, 2026
Adventure is out there in Disney’s New York Times best-selling A Twisted Tale series that asks, “What if it was Ellie who went UP to Paradise Falls?”
16-year-old Ellie Mullins is fed up. Sure, for some, life in small town Americana is idyllic. Nothing but picket fences and USO dances and holiday parades. But Ellie has long dreamed of towering mountains and tangled jungles and most of all…traveling to the incredible South American landmark, Paradise Falls.
Ellie thought these dreams made her strange, until she met her sweet best friend Carl (when he promptly broke his leg in her clubhouse). Carl is Ellie’s closest confidante. He’s also the only able to talk her off the ledge. But things between them seem weird lately as Ellie grows increasingly frustrated with his quiet way of doing things. And is it just her, or are there new feelings bubbling up between them?
Then Ellie begins her dream internship at the local zoo, where the flashy millionaire owner organizes an expedition to the Paradise Falls to collect new specimens. But the star newcomer, a bird given to him by Charles Munz himself, doesn’t adjust well to his new home and Ellie is put in charge of its hopeless-seeming recovery. Carl advises Ellie to laylow, to not make waves. But that’s not something Ellie has ever been good at. And when an opportunity comes for a last minute, emergency rescue mission, she decides to take it.
Will Ellie’s impulsiveness finally get the better of her? Or will she get the adventure she always wanted . . . and at what cost? - from Goodreads
Friday, March 20, 2026
Fiction/Nonfiction Quick Reviews: The Storm Edition
Northeaster: A Story of Courage and Survival in the Blizzard of 1952 by Catherine Pelletier (2023)In 1952, a huge snowstorm hit New England, and Maine in particular, and Northeaster tells the true stories of what happened to several real people during those days. The narrative flows in a chronological way and moves from person to person, giving you brief insights before revisiting them later. Pelletier covers a wide range of individuals, from teenagers, to housewives/mothers, to soldiers. Where I live experiences occasional blizzards and northeasters, so in one sense I was able to relate to the individuals, although I've never been in a storm of this magnitude, with snowdrifts piling 20 feet high, causing people to be trapped for days, so many of the stories were also shocking to me. There were so many instances of neighbors helping neighbors, people helping strangers, doctors going above and beyond to help their patients. However, be prepared because not every story has a happy ending. 4 stars
A grandmother and granddaughter are trapped at a lavish estate when a snowstorm crops up during a party, and to make matters worse, the party host is found dead in her room. With the police unable to get there during the storm, the duo takes it upon themselves to investigate the murder. Although not without its issues, this was a fun little murder mystery. Grandmother Mimi is blackmailed into going to her neighbor's charity auction/party, and she invites her granddaughter Addie to go with her. Addie is the co-inventor of a popular murder mystery video game, so she believes this gives her experience in crime solving. In any event, the two interview suspects and look for clues, while the bodies continue to pile up. I did think the story moved kind of slowly, and I couldn't get a good read on Mimi - although she doesn't seem like a loving grandma, she is also consistently referred to as someone that people are drawn to and open up to. Kinda contradictory. But, the story had its humorous moments and I did not guess the killer, so there's that! 3.5 stars
* This post contains affiliate links; I earn a small commission on qualifying purchases, at no cost to you.
Wednesday, March 18, 2026
Can't-Wait Wednesday: The Write Off
Can't-Wait Wednesday is hosted by Tressa at Wishful Endings and helps us spotlight upcoming releases we're eagerly anticipating!
Kara McDowell
Expected publication date: April 7, 2026
Two rival authors are forced to confront a decade of love and heartbreak on the campus where it all started in this captivating debut romance by Kara McDowell.
It’s been thirteen years since Mars Darling first met West Emerson on a bench outside their writing class. What started out as a friendly rivalry turned into a best friendship and then, for a brief time, a romance. Now over a decade later, as Mars stands at their college campus as a once-esteemed YA fantasy author, ready to take on a book festival, she comes face to face with West—the muse behind her infamous trilogy’s heartthrob hero, the man who betrayed her in the worst way.
Mars is determined not to let her comeback tour be ruined by the fact that West is also at the festival as an author. But the longer they are on the campus that holds so many shared memories, the more time they have to untangle their past, and Mars starts to question if maybe it’s not only her writing career that deserves a second chance.
Told in two unfolding timelines—Mars and West’s frenzied college days where they grapple with their undeniable connection, and their tension-filled present of heartache and familiar yearning—this charming romance shows that while you can’t rewrite the past, it’s never too late to chase your happily ever after and get back the one that got away. - from Goodreads
Monday, March 16, 2026
Michele's Monday Picks #91
Angela is so generous to let me pop in with my series, Michele’s Monday Picks! I’m not a blogger or bookstagrammer, but I love getting excited about new releases with the rest of you. Here I’ll be sharing new books I’m really looking forward to!
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By Jennifer Mandula
Expected Publication: March 31, 2026
From Goodreads:
When a Victorian fossil hunter discovers a baby pterodactyl, she vows to protect him with the help of a fellow scholar—her former fiancé—in this enchanting and transporting historical fantasy.
Mary Anning wants to be a geomagician—a paleontologist who uses fossils to wield magic—but since the Geomagical Society of London refuses to admit women, she’s stuck selling her discoveries to tourists instead. When an ancient egg hatches in her hands, revealing a loveable baby pterodactyl Mary names Ajax, she knows this is the kind of scientific find that could make her career—if she’s strategic.
Mary contacts the Society about her discovery, and they demand to take possession of Ajax. Their emissary is none other than Henry Stanton, a distinguished (and infuriatingly handsome) scholar... and the man who once broke Mary's heart.
Henry claims he believes in the brilliant Mary, and that he only wants to help her obtain the respect she deserves. She knows she can't trust her fellow scholars, who want to discredit her and claim Ajax for their own—but can she even trust Henry, who seems intent on winning Mary back?
Now Mary has a new mystery to solve that's buried deeper than any dinosaur She must uncover the secrets behind the Society and the truth about Henry. As her conscience begins to chafe against her ambition, Mary must decide what lengths she’s willing to go to finally belong—and what her heart really wants.
This book sounds so unique! Do you think you’ll be picking this one up?
Friday, March 13, 2026
Review: My Name is Rusha
Tirusha Dave
Published February 8, 2026
Rusha is a joyful, curious little girl who loves to play, learn, read, dance, and make new friends. But one day, when someone says her name the wrong way, Rusha feels a little unsure. Is her name really that hard to say?
With courage, kindness, and a big heart, Rusha learns that her name is special — and that her voice matters. As she gently teaches others how to say her name correctly, Rusha discovers something important: being yourself is something to be proud of.
This is a story about her name, her voice, and her bright heart that shines just the same.
Perfect for children ages 3–7, this beautifully illustrated picture book encourages:
- Confidence and self-expression
- Respect for names and identities
- Kindness, empathy, and friendship
- Early conversations about diversity and inclusion
Whether read at home, in classrooms, or during storytime, My Name is Rusha is a heartwarming reminder that every name deserves care — and every child deserves to feel seen, heard, and celebrated. - from Amazon
Recently, Tirusha, a friend of mine who is also an early childhood education professional and content creator, had her first children's book published! So, of course we had to get a copy of it and add it to our home library!
My Name is Rusha tells the story of young girl whose name is mispronounced. At first she's a little upset, but then she remembers that her name is an important part of who she is and she proudly explains to her friends how to pronounce it.
This book is absolutely adorable! The illustrations are bold and colorful, totally engaging for younger readers. The story is told in simple rhyming sentences, letting children easily follow along. But most importantly, it has a great message. Rusha is a little girl who many children will relate to, in the way she likes to dance, read, and play with her friends. But, she also has a name that some children might not have heard before - and that's ok! It's a chance for children to both learn from and teach others about identity, culture, and the things that make us perfectly, uniquely "us!"
5 stars
Monday, March 9, 2026
Michele's Monday Picks #90
Angela is so generous to let me pop in with my series, Michele’s Monday Picks! I’m not a blogger or bookstagrammer, but I love getting excited about new releases with the rest of you. Here I’ll be sharing new books I’m really looking forward to!
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By EB Asher
Expected Publication: March 24, 2026
From Goodreads:
Set in the same magical, madcap world as E. B. Asher’s USA Today bestseller This Will Be Fun, this heartwarming, hilarious fantasy follows an unlikely band of heroes who must get to the bottom of an assassination plot gone wrong without breaking the one rule of do not fall in love with your questmates.
Galwell True was the perfect hero, the legend who sacrificed himself to save the realm…only for his friends to unexpectedly resurrect him ten years later. These days, he’s feeling less “Galwell the Great” and more “Galwell the Lost.”
River Pricemark is an excellent assassin. When the Deathrose Guild, an organization known for banishing evil, tasks her with eliminating Galwell, she sees her chance to climb the ranks. So, it’s bad luck when her ambush is interrupted by Celine Hazelton, a scribesheet reporter who questions why the Guild is targeting Galwell at all. It’s worse luck that Celine is also her childhood crush.
Queen Thessia of Mythria is tired of being the damsel. She’s just married the kind and handsome King Hugh and is meant to live happily ever after—but her story feels incomplete. Upon learning Galwell, her ex, is in danger, she turns her royal honeymoon into a rescue, bringing everyone overseas to the opulent land of Vestriya.
Between underground lairs, magical grottos, horseball matches, and masquerades, Galwell must rely on his newfound questmates—including beautiful Vestriyan criminal Mona Grandhart, who seems determined to corrupt him in more ways than one. Good thing he’s set a single rule for everyone on this quest: no romance.
But we all know how this ends, don't we?
Filled with dangerous impersonators, the inimitable power of friendship, and the realm’s most infamous horseball championship, This Will Be Interesting is a slow burn, cozy, and hilarious quest romantasy.
I read the first book in this series last year and absolutely fell in love! Do you think you’ll be picking this one up?
Friday, March 6, 2026
Recent Reads
The Guilt Pill by Saumya Dave (2025)Maya is a new mom, struggling in her new role while also trying to maintain her job as CEO of her company. When she meets successful entrepreneur Liz Anderson, she finds Liz might have the answer to all her problems - a pill that erases her feelings of guilt, allowing her to move forward without constantly second-guessing herself. But the pill comes with some major downsides, and Maya finds herself on the brink of losing it all. I thought portions of this book were really relatable - I think most working moms feel a struggle between their personal and professional lives, feeling like they're never able to fully give 100% to either without the other suffering. So, I enjoyed those messages, even if it was a little heavy-handed at times. I had to laugh at some of the double standards between Maya and her husband, too. The climax of the book went a little off the rails for me, unfortunately, but overall, this was a decent read. 3.5 stars
Julie is a middle-aged woman who believes her co-worker, 25-year-old Sean, is her soulmate - the problem is, he's with someone else. But Julie isn't about to let that get in her way; she'll help Sean "escape" his relationship, even if it means resorting to murder. This book was so fun - I mean, I know that's weird to say about a serial killer story - but it's true! Julie is so deliciously delusional, finding meaning in the smallest things, and constantly convincing herself that men are in love with her and need her help in getting out of their current relationships. The way Julie sees herself and the way others see her are so drastically different, it was comical at times. I felt a bit sorry for her, because she's just looking for connection, but instead of it happening organically, she misinterprets everything, making for some very cringey and awkward moments. The story moved a tad too slowly, especially when the reader just wants to know if Julie is ever going to have to take responsibility for her actions. 4 stars
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Monday, March 2, 2026
Month in Review: February 2026
February was a pretty mixed month! I took my niece on her annual birthday outing - Panera and Barnes & Noble, with a stop at a craft store, too! I had my yearly physical and unfortunately the results were not what I hoped, so I have some work to do! I celebrated Valentine's Day with my guys and we also volunteered that day, cooking a meal for a homeless shelter. Then, we had the blizzard! More than a foot of snow was dumped. Thankfully, it is starting to warm up and the snow is melting!
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