Blog Tour + Review: The Witch's Apprentice and Other Stories by Ekta R. Garg

Today I'm partnering with WOW! Women on Writing to celebrate the release of The Witch's Apprentice and Other Stories by Ekta R. Garg!  I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Book Summary

Have you ever wondered why Jack and Jill needed that pail of water in the first place? Or how Sleeping Beauty managed to prick her finger despite a royal order to destroy every spindle in the kingdom?

Fairy tales and nursery rhymes have given us some of the most iconic characters and images in storytelling; think Cinderella’s glass slipper or Jack’s oversized beanstalk. But what about the in-between moments? The ones that never made it to the page?

In this enchanting micro-collection of short stories, award-winning author Ekta R. Garg explores the untold scenes between the lines of some of our most loved tales. Find out what the Wicked Witch of the East was doing in the road before Dorothy’s house fell on her. Learn where Goldilocks came from. Meet the conmen who convinced the emperor he had new clothes and more.

Rediscover the wit, heart, and magic of the classics, and see them as you’ve never seen them before in The Witch’s Apprentice and Other Stories.

Purchase a copy of The Witch’s Apprentice and Other Stories on Amazon. You can also add this to your GoodReads reading list.

In this micro-collection of stories, Ekta Garg has been inspired by some very famous fairy tales and other stories - The Wizard of Oz, Jack & Jill, Goldilocks, you name it! Instead of straightforward retellings, Garg takes those small overlooked or off-the-page details and creatively expands upon them, adding imagined context to these classic stories. For example, why were Jack and Jill going up the hill to fetch a pail of water in the nursery rhyme? Who was Goldilocks before she entered the bears' house? It was so fun to explore and think about these stories in a new way, and I especially enjoyed the way Garg wove some fairy tales together in unexpected but clever ways.

4 stars

Can't-Wait Wednesday: Circle of Days

Can't-Wait Wednesday is hosted by Tressa at Wishful Endings and helps us spotlight upcoming releases we're eagerly anticipating!

Circle of Days

Ken Follett

Expected publication date: September 23, 2025

From a bestselling author of epic fiction comes the deeply human story of one of the world’s greatest mysteries: the building of Stonehenge.

A FLINT MINER WITH A GIFT
Seft, a talented flint miner, walks the Great Plain in the high summer heat, to witness the rituals that signal the start of a new year. He is there to trade his stone at the Midsummer Fair, and to find Neen, the girl he loves. Her family lives in prosperity and offer Seft an escape from his brutish father and brothers within their herder community.

A PRIESTESS WHO BELIEVES THE IMPOSSIBLE
Joia, Neen’s sister, is a priestess with a vision and an unmatched ability to lead. As a child, she watches the Midsummer ceremony, enthralled, and dreams of a miraculous new monument, raised from the biggest stones in the world. But trouble is brewing among the hills and woodlands of the Great Plain.

A MONUMENT THAT WILL DEFINE A CIVILIZATION
Joia’s vision of a great stone circle, assembled by the divided tribes of the Plain, will inspire Seft and become their life’s work. But as drought ravages the earth, mistrust grows between the herders, farmers and woodlanders—and an act of savage violence leads to open warfare . . .

Truly ambitious in scope, Circle of Days invites you to join master storyteller Ken Follett in exploring one of the greatest mysteries of our age: Stonehenge. - from Goodreads

Michele's Monday Picks #77

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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The Taylors

By Jen Calonita

Expected Publication: October 7, 2025

From Goodreads:

Four girls . . . all named Taylor. Read New York Times bestseller Jen Calonita's origin story of an unforgettable friendship! And don't miss the sister Love Stories (The Taylors Version #1) by Elizabeth Eulberg.

Taylor (aka Teffy to her family) is terrified to start middle school.

She wishes she could fade into the background, unnoticed. But on the first day of school, she finds herself in the spotlight when it's revealed that her homeroom class has four girls all named Taylor! There's a couple of things they can agree Taylor Swift is the greatest singer-songwriter of all time...and they are definitely going to need nicknames.

Soon, Teffy's outside her comfort zone, going out for cheerleading and starting a friendship bracelet making business. And when the Eras tour comes to town, the four friends will do whatever it takes to get tickets.

But then, a surprise betrayal changes everything. Teffy's learning to speak up for herself, but it's hard. Can she say what's on her mind and keep her new friends for good?

Love Stories (The Taylors Version)

By Elizabeth Eulberg

Expected Publication: October 7, 2025

From Goodreads:

Four girls, all named Taylor, make for one unforgettable friendship! New York Times bestseller Elizabeth Eulberg follows four stories of first love, friendship, and heartbreak. Don't miss the sister novel, Jen Calonita's The Taylors!

Not all friendships are forever and always . . .

Teffy, Tay, Taylor, and TS have been best friends since middle school. As they enter their high school freshmen era, relationships bring on the drama.

Teffy is crushing on the boy next door who belongs to someone else. Tay finds herself down bad for a tortured poet. Things get treacherous as an older boy starts flirting with Taylor. And TS is definitely focused only on soccer and doesn't fancy her new teammate, a cute London girl . . . right?

Suddenly, it feels like everything has changed. Pulled in different directions between navigating high school and new relationships, will their friendship be long lived or is it so long, Taylors?

Two for one today! This is such a great concept, where Jen Calonita introduces us to this friend group in her middle grade novel and Elizabeth Eulberg picks up their stories a few years later in her YA!  Do you think you’ll be picking these up?

Recent Reads

 The Tenant by Freida McFadden (2025)

After getting fired from his job, Blake and his fiancée Krista are forced to take in a tenant to make ends meet.  Whitney seems nice at first, but then weird things start happening, and Blake beings to wonder if something more sinister is going on.  This was a quick and captivating audiobook - the first part is from Blake's POV, and it's interesting to see him become more unhinged as the story goes on.  He's convinced Whitney is out to get him, but Krista doesn't believe him.  I will admit, McFadden definitely surprised me with the twist, but the reader has to majorly suspend disbelief, because, to me, the odds of this working out the way it did were basically zero.  Points for creativity, but even in the world of thrillers, this was out there.  3.5 stars

Love Story by Lindsey Kelk (2024)

Sophie has a big secret - she's a bestselling romance novelist.  She published her book under a different name to prevent backlash from her school community and family.  But when Joe finds out her secret, and the two are forced to spend the weekend together at her dad's birthday party, could this be the end of her anonymous publishing days?  This book was a mixed bag for me - it started off interesting, floundered a bit in the middle, but then came back strong at the end.  Sophie and Joe find themselves both attracted to and repulsed by each other when they first meet, and they fight these feelings over the course of a weekend in the country.  I thought Joe was a well-rounded character - at times smarmy and cocky, he could also be extremely vulnerable and I loved watching him try to prove himself to Sophie.  Sophie's family adds some fun (but also at times obnoxious) flair to the story, but overall, this is about Joe and Sophie, and Sophie finding the courage to be herself.  4 stars

* This post contains affiliate links; I earn a small commission on qualifying purchases, at no cost to you.

Month in Review: August 2025

 

Hey, everyone!  I'm back from my blog break with a recap of August.  Henry had his last music class of the summer. We went to a pool party at my sister's house.  We celebrated Tom's birthday and Henry had a playdate with our nephew at an indoor trampoline park.  Henry's daycare went on a field trip to Planet Playskool, an indoor activity space inspired by Hasbro toys.  The highlight of our month, though, was our big family trip to Cape Cod! My dad and stepmom, 4 of my 5 siblings, and all their families traveled to Falmouth, MA, and stayed in a big inn-turned-private rental house, right across the street from the beach (which was perfect for the early risers).  We played in the sand and water, went mini-golfing, visited a children's museum, checked out a bunch of lighthouses, and took the ferry to Martha's Vineyard.  It was tiring but a lot of fun spending so much time with everyone and exploring a new place!

The Books

Love Story // Ladykiller // Under the Black Flag // Under Loch and Key

Without a Hitch // Lucky Break // Do You Remember? // The Enemy

The Match

The Posts and Reviews

Michele's Monday Picks #75

Can't-Wait Wednesday: Too Old For This

Recent Reads

Little Free Library Sightings: The DE/PA Edition

Blog Tour + Review: Grandma Yogini by Raven Howell

Michele's Monday Picks #76

Can't-Wait Wednesday: Pitcher Perfect

How are you doing?

* This post contains affiliate links; I earn a small commission on qualifying purchases, at no cost to you.

Blog Break

 

The summer is winding down, so I'll be taking a brief break from the blog to soak up these last days!  Thanks for stopping by, and I look forward to talking books again in September!

Can't-Wait Wednesday: Pitcher Perfect

Can't-Wait Wednesday is hosted by Tressa at Wishful Endings and helps us spotlight upcoming releases we're eagerly anticipating!

Pitcher Perfect (Big Shot #4)

Tessa Bailey

Expected publication date: September 9, 2025

#1 New York Times bestselling author Tessa Bailey is back with an all-new enemies-to-lovers, fake-dating sports romance about a playboy hockey rookie and the disciplined softball pitcher completely immune to his charms.

Boston Bearcats rookie Robbie Corrigan is living the dream. He’s made it to the NHL, his best friend/teammate and fellow “orgasm donor” is his roomie—and the women of Boston love them both. Life is sweet. That is, until he meets Skylar Paige, division 1 softball pitcher, girl least likely to take anyone’s bull…and the one member of the opposite sex immune to his charms. Robbie might be dazzled by the badass pitcher, but Skylar pegs him as a filthy player and wants nothing to do with him.

When he discovers she’s carrying a serious torch for her brother’s best friend, Robbie knows he should just go back to clubbing and whipped cream bikini parties, but he can’t seem to leave Skylar to flounder on her romantic quest to land another man. Nor can he miss out on the opportunity to spend time with her and hopefully redeem himself. Before Robbie knows it, he’s agreed to be Skylar’s fake boyfriend/love coach at an upcoming family wilderness competition where her crush will be in attendance. What could go wrong?

Through a series of contests that require them to trust each other, Robbie and Skylar grow closer and closer until their fake relationship starts to feel like the realest thing they’ve ever known and the sizzling lessons in sensuality burn out of control.

But it’s all just pretend…right? - from Goodreads

Michele's Monday Picks #76

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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The Entanglement of Rival Wizards

By Sara Raasch

Expected Publication: September 2, 2025

From Goodreads:

Ali Hazelwood meets Dungeons & Dragons in this enemies-to-lovers fantasy academia romcom where rival grad student wizards are forced to work together without killing―or falling for―each other.

Will they conjure love, or evoke chaos? Two rival wizards are about to find out.

Sebastian Walsh: twenty-four. Grad student at Lesiara University in the Mageus of Evocation program. Human. The first of his family to go to college rather than the military (and it goes over at family get-togethers about as well as you’d think).

Elethior Tourael: also twenty-four. Also a grad student, but in the far more inferior Mageus of Conjuration program. Half-elf. The latest in a long line of Touraels to grace the hallowed halls of Lesiara U (what would the world do if the Touraels ran out of rich douches to lead their magical weapons manufacturing empire?).

―and the other finalist for the Mageus Research Grant.

Sebastian needs that grant to fund the last few months of research for his degree, after which he’ll get a job that actually helps people. He isn’t about to let anyone snatch this from him, least of all a snob who doesn’t even need the money because his family is loaded thanks to war profiteering.

But there’s something worse than having a conceited academic nemesis steal grant money from you: you could be forced to work with him. Thio is secretive, broody, and his stunning biceps take up far too much shared lab space―but even as volatile as their partnership is, Sebastian just might find himself falling for his rival―and it could blow up his whole future.

I have become such a huge fan of Sara Raasch over the last couple years and this sounded so fun! Do you think you’ll be picking this one up?

Blog Tour + Review: Grandma Yogini by Raven Howell

Today I'm partnering with WOW! Women on Writing to celebrate the release of Grandma Yogini, the latest book from children's author and poet Raven Howell!  I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Grandma Yogini

by Raven Howell (illustrated by Alexander Santos)

Published August 5, 2025

Henry and his sister, Meredith can hardly wait for Grandma to arrive for a visit. But what should they expect? Among the children's diverse friends and their grandmothers who bake, create art, and speak Spanish, will Grandma be able to share something unique and fun with the kids?

Henry's fears are alleviated when, not long after arrival, they flutter like butterflies, slither like snakes, and enjoy other challenges of stretching their muscles and calming their minds. This is no run-of-the-mill grandma, and when it’s time for goodbye, the kids know this was the BEST grandma visit ever.

Grandma is coming for a visit, and Henry and Meredith are so excited - what will they do with Grandma?  As the neighborhood children also come over to play, Grandma introduces them all to various yoga poses.  I thought this was a really cute book.  I loved how it looked like a graphic novel and the illustrations help young readers grasp how the yoga poses should look.  The transition from Grandma arriving to almost immediately starting yoga was a bit awkward, but I think young children will enjoy how they can pretend to be animals while also learning yoga (I know my son loves to act like different animals!).  Showcasing a loving relationship between grandparents and grandchildren is also something to be celebrated!

4 stars

Little Free Library Sightings: The DE/PA Edition

It's always fun to see a Little Free Library "out in the wild!"  I love to spot them, browse their selection, leave a book if possible, and then look them up on the official website, because sometimes they have interesting stories to go along with them!  There's also an app you can download to find local Little Free Libraries where you can even "check in" to keep track of the ones you've visited!  We recently took a weekend trip to Delaware and Pennsylvania, and there were SO MANY Little Free Libraries!  

 #92971 - This LFL is located inside the Brandywine Zoo, and Henry was the one to spot it!

#130653 - The Quillen-Strauss library was the first we visited in a neighborhood near our hotel just filled with Little Free Libraries!  I love the flowers painted on the side.

#101973 - The Catfeather Library has such a sweet story: "My 6 children grew up on Catfeather Farm where we gardened, raised sheep and lots of other farm animals. We lived a wonderful life full of exploration, learning and making memories. Time marches on and everyone has left the nest (farm) including myself. For Mother's Day my now adult children gave me a Little Free Library and in memory of our shared past I call it Catfeather Library."

#197910 - The Sharpless Little Free Library was another we visited in the neighborhood!

#74741 - The Little Red Library has a beautiful message: "Come to our little red library at the house with the red door! Take a book or leave a book - or both! We love sharing our love of reading with the neighborhood and hope you will find inspiration, knowledge, and solace in the books found within."

#60346 - This library was a high school project that was finished two years later!

#116878 - Tania's Library is another one with a lovely story: "This library was made possible by New County and a CARES grant. I have dedicated it to my mother's memory as she was a lifetime reader, reading specialist, and teacher. She would be so happy with this Little Library!"

#63052 - You can't tell me that the story behind the Mark A. Kelleher Little Free Library doesn't bring a tear to your eyes: "This library was built by my local high school students with Autism in a STEM Class. I bought the materials and they designed and completed the project. My parents, Marlene and Jim Jacono painted & designed the exterior. My brother Vince and wife Roz, sister Cissy & husband Kevin and their families continue to support our family and the library. It honors Mark A. Kelleher, who was a devoted husband and father. Mark passed very suddenly in 2008. If he wasn’t holding one of our children’s hands, he was holding a book! Thanks to so many wonderful friends members of our Community who help keep his Spirit alive. 💗"

#74311 - This LFL is actually located outside a restaurant, Meghan's Restaurant!  I think that's such a cool idea!

#160194 - This LFL is located in a shopping center - another great idea!  People can browse the shops while others stop by the LFL, grab a book, and sit to read!

#160195 - This LFL is also located in the same shopping center, just across the street.  It had a great selection and I actually took 3 books!

#75108 - This LFL is also located at a cute little shopping center, the Chadds Ford Barn Shops Village!  It was set up to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the village.  We actually talked to the woman who was painting the LFL (it's undergoing a little renovation but there were stacks of books nearby!).

Recent Reads

 Have You Seen Him by Kimberly Lee (2025)

After being abandoned by his family at the airport when he was 11, David was adopted by a loving couple and grew up to be an attorney.  His entire life is turned upside down, however, when one day he sees a photo of himself in a missing child ad - making him question everything.  He is drawn into a web of secrets, medical mysteries, and danger, all while trying to figure out who he truly is.  Lee starts the story off with a bang and doesn't let up from there.  The story is quick-paced as we meet David, his girlfriend Gayle, his adoptive father, and others, and they all find themselves on a hunt for David and the reason why other (seemingly dangerous) people are searching for him.  I was intrigued to find out David's past and was not disappointed by Lee's twists and turns, although I do wish at times that the story would slow down a bit and incorporate more backstory or some more explanation.  Everything was wrapped up pretty quickly but also a bit open-ended, which left me wanting more.  I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.  4 stars

Slow Burn Summer by Josie Silver (2025)

A famous author writes a book completely outside their normal genre but doesn't want the world to know - enter Kate Elliott, hired by the publishing company to pretend to be the author and promote the book.  She has to work with Charlie, from her former talent agency, but will the whole thing be a total disaster?  I don't know, guys, I feel like Josie Silver is fading for me as an author.  I loved her first book, but they've unfortunately gone downhill from there for me.  This book, while having a fun premise, just didn't excite me while I was reading it.  It was a slow read, and the real drama of the story came too early, forcing some eye-rolling and ridiculous situations.  3 stars

* This post contains affiliate links; I earn a small commission on qualifying purchases, at no cost to you.

Can't-Wait Wednesday: Too Old For This

Can't-Wait Wednesday is hosted by Tressa at Wishful Endings and helps us spotlight upcoming releases we're eagerly anticipating!

Too Old For This

Samantha Downing

Expected publication date: August 12, 2025

A retired serial killer’s quiet life is upended by an unexpected visitor. To protect her secret, there’s only one option left—what’s another murder? From bestselling author Samantha Downing.

Lottie Jones thought her crimes were behind her.

Decades earlier, she changed her identity and tucked herself away in a small town. Her most exciting nights are the weekly bingo games at the local church and gossiping with her friends. 

When investigative journalist Plum Dixon shows up on her doorstep asking questions about Lottie’s past and specifically her involvement with numerous unsolved cases, well, Lottie just can’t have that.

But getting away with murder is hard enough when you’re young. And when Lottie receives another annoying knock on the door, she realizes this crime might just be the death of her… - from Goodreads

Michele's Monday Picks #75

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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How Far I’ll Go

By Keala Kendall

Expected Publication: September 2, 2025

From Goodreads:

What if Moana broke the heart of Te Fiti?

After a devastating battle with Te Kā, Moana’s worst fears are realized: the heart of Te Fiti is in ruins, Maui is frozen in volcanic rock, and darkness threatens to envelop her beloved home. Desperate to fix things, Moana stumbles upon an island already crumbling under the blight. All life is gone, save one sole survivor—a young woman named Noe.

Moana is relieved to find another wayfarer, even if this stranger is more than a little intimidating. Better still, Noe has an idea how to fix the heart: using the tears of Te Fiti, gems infused with the goddess’s essence. The catch? The tears are said to be scattered throughout the realm of monsters.

Banded together, Moana and Noe set a course for an impossible mission to find the powerful lost tears. Will Moana be able to restore the heart amid secrets and monsters? Or will the blight overtake everything Moana holds dear?

I absolutely love the Disney Twisted Tales series and this cover is gorgeous! Do you think you’ll be picking this one up?

Month in Review: July 2025

 

July was a busy month!  We celebrated the 4th of July at my sister's house, and Henry had a great time in the pool.  We took a quick weekend trip to Delaware and Pennsylvania, stopping at the Brandywine Zoo, Winterthur for an artisan market, and Longwood Gardens.  I went into the office one day to see our new space and attend some meetings.  Tom and a bunch of his coworkers got together for a picnic at a local park.  Lastly, we went to the zoo for a fieldtrip with Henry's daycare.  He got to feed the giraffes!

The Books

Before Dorothy // Once Upon a Royal Summer // After Oz // It Had To Be You

The Wedding People // Have You Seen Him // Atmosphere // Slow Burn Summer

The Tenant // The Simple Wild (reread) // What If... Wanda Maximoff and Peter Parker Were Siblings?

The Posts and Reviews

Indie Bookstore Spotlight: Thunder Road Books 

Mid-Year Goals Check-In

Top Ten Tuesday: Books I Love to Reread

Recent Reads

Can't-Wait Wednesday: Under the Stars

Recent Reads: The Oz Edition

Michele's Monday Picks #74

Recent Reads

Indie Bookstore Spotlight: Huxley & Hiro

How are you doing?

* This post contains affiliate links; I earn a small commission on qualifying purchases, at no cost to you.

Indie Bookstore Spotlight: Huxley & Hiro

 We recently took a quick weekend trip to Delaware, so of course we had to stop at an indie bookstore in Wilmington!  Huxley & Hiro was founded by two friends (also college professors) after the only other indie bookstore in Wilmington closed in 2018.  They were inspired to bring a bookstore back to the area and finally made that dream a reality in 2023.  The store is named after their pets - her cat and his dog!

The space is tucked into a quiet street in downtown Wilmington.  Although it may not look big from the outside, visitors are in for a surprise once they enter!

As you can see, the inside of the store is very long and it seems to go on forever!  Tall ceilings and interesting lighting make the space feel even bigger.  The exposed brick walls give the space an industrial feel.  There are lots of bookshelves featuring an eclectic mix of offerings - including a section on local interests and history.

Henry made a beeline for the children's section in the back and immediately found the Little Golden Books, so of course we had to get one!

This bookstore had such a cool vibe, and I would highly recommend making a stop if you're passing through Wilmington, Delaware!