Recent Reads

Haunted Ever After by Jen DeLuca (2024)

Looking for a new start, Cassie buys a house in a small town called Boneyard Key.  She likes her new town - and also Nick, who owns a local coffee shop.  But when she discovers her house is haunted, will she stick around?  This has been on my TBR since last fall, and I finally got a chance to read it - unfortunately, I was pretty underwhelmed.  Is it bad that I was more interested in the ghosts than the two main characters?  Cassie and Nick were just bland - I never really felt like I got a clear picture of who they were or what they wanted, or if they were truly on the same page as each other.  I thought the backstories of the ghosts haunting their homes were much more intriguing; there's a twist involving the ghosts that I clocked almost immediately and I was disappointed that it took the characters so long to realize it.  Cute idea for a seasonal romance, but didn't really work for me.  3 stars

Sally's Lament by Mari Mancusi (2024)

In this installment of the Disney Twisted Tales series, Mari Mancusi explores what might have happened if Sally had discovered Christmas Town instead of Jack Skellington.  Sally is entranced by the village, but she soon discovers an evil undertone to the cheeriness of the town.  I have to admit, I'd never seen The Nightmare Before Christmas before I read this book, but I love this series and so wanted to try it.  For me, this was an incredibly successful story.  I felt like there was enough background from the original movie incorporated that I understood the basic premise, and I enjoyed Sally and Jack's adventures in Christmas Town.  Both Sally and Jack feel a bit stunted in Halloween Town, so figuring out the mystery of this new place and helping new friends along the way really helped them.  I thought the writing was fantastic and the story was clear (some of the Twisted Tales can get a bit convoluted).  And don't get me started on that last chapter - so many happy tears!  5 stars

* This post contains affiliate links; I earn a small commission on qualifying purchases.

Nonfiction November 2025: My Year in Nonfiction

 

It's time to start celebrating Nonfiction November!  The first week is hosted by Heather at Based on a True Story and is all about our year in nonfiction.  At the time I'm writing this, I've read 9 nonfiction books this year, and they've all been 4 stars or higher!  My taste in nonfiction tends to be all over the place - so many things interest me, and here are some of my favorites of the year:

The Indifferent Stars Above // The Ship Beneath the Ice // White House by the Sea

My goals for Nonfiction November are to see what everyone else is reading, find some interesting titles for my TBR, and to celebrate the genre of nonfiction!  Here are some I'd like to read this month:

Women in the Valley of the Kings // Nuclear War: A Scenario // Powder Days

What are some of your nonfiction highlights from this year?

Guest Blogger: My Favorite Audiobooks #5

 Michele is back today to share some more audiobook recommendations!

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Up until a few years ago, I had never even considered audiobooks as a way to increase my reading – but then my husband started working for a major audiobook publisher and I got hooked!  Now I listen to them all the time – getting ready in the morning, in the car, exercising, at my daughter’s swim lessons, you name it.  Audiobooks are fantastic for when you can’t physically hold a book and I have listened to some really fantastic performances.  Here are some of my recent faves:

 

Stranger Things: The Dustin Experiment

While we anxiously await the final season of Stranger Things, it is very fun to catch up with our favorite characters in these books.

 Better Luck Next Time

Cara Bastone simply never disappoints and this was another winner!

Run for the Hills 

I have no idea where I even came across this new release but it totally surprised me and I loved it.  Newly discovered siblings on a road trip across the country to confront the father who abandoned them all – sounds sad but was actually very witty and uplifting!

 

Seven Brides for Beau McBride

It was so fun to be back in Buck’s Creek with Junebug and her meddling ways!

 

Spectacular Things

I have a very hit or miss relationship with Reese’s Book Club picks but this one was incredible – it follows the lives of two sisters: one an elite soccer player and the other who supports her every step of the way.

Do you listen to audiobooks?  Do you have any favorites?

Michele's Monday Picks #82

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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Fallen City

By Adrienne Young

Expected Publication: November 4, 2025

From Goodreads:

In the great walled city of Isara, political turmoil ignites a rebellion one hundred years in the making. But when a legionnaire falls in love with a Magistrate's daughter, their love will threaten the fate of the city and the will of the gods.

Luca Matius has one purpose—to carry on the family name, maintaining its presence in the Forum once his powerful and cruel uncle dies. But his noviceship with the city's Philosopher places him in the middle of a catastrophe that will alter the destiny of his people.

Maris Casoeria was raised amidst the strategic maneuvers of the Citadel's inner workings, and she knows what her future holds—a lifetime of service to a corrupt city. But her years of serving as a novice to the last Priestess who possesses the stolen magic of the Old War has made her envision a different kind of future for the city. When she meets Luca, a fated chain of events is set into motion that will divinely entangle their lives.

As a secret comes to light and throws the city into chaos, Luca and Maris hatch a plot to create a calculated alliance that could tip the scales of power. But when an execution forces Luca to become the symbol of rebellion, he and Maris are thrown onto opposite sides of a holy war. As their fates diverge, they learn they are at the center of a story the gods are writing. And even if they can find their way back to each other, there may be nothing left.

Adrienne Young is one of my auto-buy authors so I am definitely looking forward to this one! Do you think you’ll be picking this one up?

Morristown Festival of Books 2025

On Saturday, October 11, we headed to Morristown, New Jersey for the annual Morristown Festival of Books!  Over a hundred authors from all genres (fiction, nonfiction, YA, and children's) gathered for this free event, with several special discussions, panels, and meet-and-greets throughout the day.  I went specifically for one particular talk, but we ended up getting there early, so we first went over to KidsFest, which has its own tent.

Here, several children's, middle grade, and YA authors have tables where they can greet fans and sell their books.  They also had some fun activities such as face painting and some outdoor games.  The weather wasn't the greatest while we were there, so we were glad to be under the tent for awhile!

In the early afternoon, my sister and I went down the street to the Church of the Redeemer for the talk we were interested in: Beatriz Williams, Karen White, and Lauren Willig (aka Team W) in conversation about writing as a trio!  Beatriz Williams is one of my favorite authors, and I have loved all the collaborations between these three authors.

This talk didn't have a moderator; it was really just the three authors having a conversation with each other.  They talked about how they all met and the idea they came up with to write a book together (they've since written five!).  They were all so warm and funny!  They've obviously given this talk before, but you can tell they never really get tired of telling it and are actually all very close.

After the talk, the authors made their way to the signing tent and after quite a long wait, I was able to meet them!  They were clearly a very popular draw at the festival.  Henry was running around nearby as I talked to them, so I pointed him out, and we all had a nice chat about how much energy little boys have.  They were all so sweet and had such a good rapport with each other.  And I got to add two more Beatriz Williams-signed books to my collection!

Can't-Wait Wednesday: A Queen's Match

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

A Queen's Match

Katharine McGee

Expected publication date: November 4, 2025

In the sequel to A Queen's Game, broken hearts and secret loves lead three princesses to their final marriage matches, and their rightful places in the history books--from the New York Times bestselling author of the American Royals series.

As Queen Victoria tries to match her grandchildren with powerful marriages across Europe, matters of the court and matters of the heart collide for three princesses as they close in on the end of their marriage seasons. 

Exiled French princess Helene d'Orleans had no choice but to break it off with Prince Eddy--but that doesn't mean she doesn't have a broken heart. And now her parents have their sights on another prince for her...but his heart is already taken. 

The queen finally understands that her beloved granddaughter Alix of Hesse isn't interestd in a match with Prince Eddy...but the Queen does not approve of Alix's true love. So where does that leave her? 

And May of Teck? She's just looking for a crown. So with Eddy back on the marriage market, she's biding her time, letting his heartbreak settle, before she makes her move.

Set in the last glittering decade of the monarchies, A Queen's Match is the thrilling conclusion to the story that began in A Queen's Game. - from Goodreads

Michele's Monday Picks #81

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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Stranger Things: Starcourt Mall Escape

By Jennifer Brody

Expected Publication: November 4, 2025

From Goodreads:

Explore Hawkins with fan-favorite character Eleven in a novel based on the iconic Netflix series Stranger Things.

It’s summer vacation, and everyone in Hawkins has plans—everyone except Eleven. She feels trapped by her overprotective father and wants to break out and find a normal teen life like she sees in her magazines. Luckily, Eleven’s not alone. Her friend Max needs to flee a troubling home life and an increasingly dangerous older brother. They decide to escape together, and in Hawkins in the summer of 1985, there is only one place to the all-new Starcourt Mall. Will midnight movies and an overnight party in the food court be the solution to their problems? Or will Eleven and Max discover that a little freedom can lead to a lot of trouble, and that the ghosts of the past are never far away? Filled with details from Netflix’s series Stranger Things, this novel explores Hawkins—and Eleven’s place in it—like never before.

I love the TV show Stranger Things and have been listening to all of the books based on it – they have all been fantastic! Do you think you’ll be picking this one up?

Fiction/Nonfiction Quick Reviews: The Out of This World Edition

The Astronaut Wives Club by Lily Koppel (2014)

Many of us have heard of America's first astronauts, but few of us know about the women and families of those men.  Lily Koppel gives us an inside look at the astronaut wives who became overnight celebrities, whether they wanted to or not.  I thought this was a really interesting read - I've read other books about astronauts, how they were chosen, how they trained, and their professional achievements (and sometimes tragedies, unfortunately), but I've never seen a book focus on their wives and family lives.  Koppel explores how these women became somewhat famous in their own right, were touted as the "perfect" wives and homemakers, and had to keep up appearances even when they were going through tough times.  There were a lot of people to keep track of, especially as the astronaut classes grew bigger, but several of the women stood out, and overall I thought this was an honest and intimate look at astronaut wives.  4 stars

Cold Eternity by S.A. Barnes (2025)

Halley is looking for a place to hide while she rides out a political scandal, so she takes a job as a sort of caretaker on a space barge that was previously used as a glamorous place to store the cryogenically frozen bodies of the rich and famous, years ago.  Soon after, though, weird noises and odd images on the security cameras make her wonder if something truly horrible is happening on the ship.  SA Barnes is always good for a space horror, although I have to admit, this one was a bit convoluted for me.  Halley is a well-rounded character, even if her backstory isn't totally clear at first.  The space barge is an eerie, atmospheric setting for a horror novel, with all the defunct cryo chambers around the ship and a handyman who just seems a little off.  The whole bit with AI, though, just added too many layers and made this already unbelievable story almost a bit laughable, unfortunately.  3 stars

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

Indie Bookstore Spotlight: Titcomb's Bookshop

 Another indie bookstore I visited on our Cape Cod trip was Titcomb's Bookshop in Sandwich, MA.  Titcomb's Bookshop is a family-run bookstore that opened in 1969 and is now a three-story bookshop that sells new and old books, rare books, games, puzzles, and cards.

Outside is this little rock garden where people can write the names of their favorite books!

Once you get inside, there are three floors to explore.  The children's books and nonfiction/local flavor books can be found to the left and right of the entrance.  This place is absolutely packed with books!

If you head upstairs, you'll find an open, airy space with some bargain books, gifts, and a large collection of rare and used books.  I had already spent enough time in the store, so I didn't head down to the lowest level, but Tom and Henry found some fun toys to look at down there.

I ended up buying a memoir for myself and a book about lighthouses for Henry (he became obsessed with them on this trip!).  The gentleman working the register was a huge help when I asked if they had any such books - he looked up several for me to choose from!  Lovely staff, great selection, cool atmosphere - definitely stop at Titcomb's Bookshop if you're ever on Cape Cod!

Michele's Monday Picks #80

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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A Time Traveler’s History of Tomorrow

By Kendall Kulper

Expected Publication: November 4, 2025

From Goodreads:

A time-bending love story between a prickly young woman and a carefree stranger, who are tasked with saving the universe—after accidentally destroying it in the first place.

Genevieve Newhouse and Ash Hargreaves weren’t supposed to meet like this. Unless it was always meant to be . . . 

Gen is a fastidious science prodigy with a chip on her shoulder, and she can turn herself invisible. 

Happy-go-lucky Ash has just escaped a sheltered (read: cultish) childhood, and he can manipulate time. 

The gifted eighteen-year-olds cross paths at the 1934 Chicago World’s Fair, where Genevieve’s experimental physics project causes an apocalyptic explosion. Ash tries to avert catastrophe by gallantly rewinding time a few minutes, but instead, he transports them back to 1893. The duo finds themselves trapped in an unfamiliar, unwelcoming era, with no idea how to return to their own time—or if their own time even exists. Their cataclysmic leap across decades might have destroyed the world as they know it . . . 

Fate and free will intertwine in this page turning historical romance that sets two irresistible strangers down a chaotic, potentially apocalyptic path. “Will they or won’t they” takes on a whole new meaning as Gen and Ash fight for survival while falling in love.

I have loved this entire series and I’m excited to learn about the third sister, Genevieve! Do you think you’ll be picking this one up?

Recent Reads

Here One Moment by Liane Moriarty (2024)

A routine flight in Australia becomes something extraordinary when a woman stands up and starts predicting the age and manner of death of each passenger.  While some are well into the future, a few are disturbingly soon.  When some of the predictions start coming true, how will the rest of the passengers react?  I've always enjoyed Moriarty's books - they are refreshing, surprising, even a bit quirky.  Here One Moment explores how people react when faced with their own potentially determined destiny - do the passengers believe the woman who made the predictions?  What do they do with this information?  Do they believe they can stop it, and should they even try?  I liked getting to know each of the passengers featured - they were all so unique.  Moriarty intersperses their chapters with a first-person POV from the woman who made their predictions - I have to admit, I wasn't as taken with her chapters.  I see why Moriarty chose to include her story this way, but until the end, I was almost a little bored with reading about her history.  Interesting, thought-provoking, and a satisfying ending, overall!  4 stars

Reputation by Lex Croucher (2022)

It's Mean Girls in the Regency Era when Georgiana, recently living with her aunt and uncle, falls in with wealthy Frances Campbell and her group of friends, where she's introduced to a world she never dreamed of.  But will the cost of popularity be too high?  I've had this book on my TBR for awhile and finally got a copy of it - I enjoy historical fiction/romances set in this time period, so I had high hopes.  Unfortunately, this was a bit of a disappointment for me.  Frances and her friends are so lackluster - super wealthy but have nothing going on except to get drunk and high seemingly all the time.  It was almost a bit sad to see Georgiana latch onto this lifestyle with little thought; as Georgiana starts to befriend other characters outside Frances' group, I wanted there to be more tension between the two parts of her life, more internal struggle for Georgiana.  It was too little, too late for me.  3 stars

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

Little Free Library Sightings: The Cape Cod 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!  Here are some of the Little Free Libraries we found on our summer trip to Cape Cod!

#195175 - Here's the story: "Visit our Free Little Library and the beautiful campus of Saint Barnabas's Episcopal Church in Falmouth. A bench is provided by the library for you to sit and relax. The campus of StB's has a labyrinth, memorial garden, church, chapel and playground for all to enjoy."

#63092 - How awesome is that door?  I love the intricate design!

#183512 - This is the Gifford Street Little Free Library - so cute!

#101112 - Here's the story of the King Street Little Free Library: "In time of the pandemic, our wonderful Falmouth Town Library was closed. So we started this little library as a way our neighborhood could compensate for the loss of the Main Library! Now we libraries under assault in much of the country we stand proudly with the Big Free Libraries!!"

#1108 - I actually walked right past this one before I opened the app and saw it!  Check out this story: "Located in the heart of Oak Bluffs on the island of Martha's Vineyard, this Little Free Library is kept and curated by the Oak Bluffs Public Library, which is about a five-minute walk away. Take a book, leave a book, and come visit the library for even more great *free* books!"  I love that we were able to find one on the island of Martha's Vineyard!
 

And here are some unregistered ones my husband and brother-in-law came across and sent me pictures of!

Michele's Monday Picks #79

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 Princess Knight

By Cait Jacobs

Expected Publication: October 14, 2025

From Goodreads:

A princess desperate to win back the prince who broke her heart follows him to his kingdom's prestigious military academy—and in doing so, falls in love, saves the realm, and continues to look fabulous in this delightful debut fantasy.

Domhnall and Clía are an ideal match—or so everyone says. They are prince and princess of neighboring kingdoms. An alliance the gods will smile on. Until Domhnall ruins everything by refusing to propose.

Heartbroken but determined, Clía makes the perfect plan: Follow Domhnall to Caisleán Cósta, the military academy he’s attending. Show she can protect her kingdom. Secure the betrothal. Sure, the castle has a brutal reputation. But how hard can dueling really be?

Warrior Ronan promised himself he’d never lose his focus. He fought and sacrificed for his place at Caisleán Cósta, and he has no time for blonde princesses who waltz intro arenas like they’re attending a ball. Even if she and her otter-like pet are…well, cute.

He doesn’t want to be intrigued by Clía. But her hunger to prove herself is something he understands. He tells himself there’s no harm training her. Even if his heart does race around her. Even if Domhnall is his best friend.

But as they say, love is a battlefield—and unfortunately for them all, a very real war is looming on the horizon. It’s a fight that will threaten all their kingdoms…and test all their hearts. 

This book is a take on Legally Blonde, so I have high hopes! Do you think you’ll be picking this one up?

Recent Reads

Long Live Evil by Sarah Rees Brennan (2024)

Rae is dying from terminal cancer when one day she is approached with a mysterious offer - a chance to live by first entering the fantasy world of her favorite book series and retrieving a flower.  With nothing to lose, Rae takes a chance and wakes up as a character in the story, with the world around her feeling all too real.  She's been cast as one of the villains, and she'll have to be truly devious to keep herself from being killed.  I really enjoyed this book!  It took me a little bit to really get into it - the writing is very dense, to create this fantasy world - but the concept is amazing!  A chance to meet some of your favorite characters and experience their world?  Awesome!  As Rae makes it further into the storyline, things are not quite as she expected, and even her own actions will have serious consequences.  I admired Rae's ability to maneuver this world while still being herself, and the cast of characters around her are both terrifying and extraordinary.  I'm excited to see where Brennan takes the story next!  4 stars

Dating After the End of the World by Jeneva Rose (2025)

After spending her childhood unhappily helping her doomsday-prepping dad, Casey left as soon as she could and hasn't looked back.  That is, until a zombie apocalypse surges through the nation and she's forced to return to her childhood home.  There, she finds her father had continued his prepper ways and is now thriving, somewhat, while offering refuge to several other people, including Casey's childhood nemesis, Blake.  This book had a little bit of everything, and I thoroughly enjoyed it!  There's some science fiction, with the zombies, and of course plenty of gore comes along with that.  There's action and drama, as the survivors fight to keep their home safe.  Casey and her father are able to work on their damaged relationship, and I definitely shed some tears there!  And Casey and Blake finally find some common ground and, in working together, love blossoms.  After an explosive ending, I'm hoping for a sequel!  4.5 stars

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

Month in Review: September 2025

 

September was a pretty chill month for us.  After our vacation, it was back to work and back to school - Henry started preschool at daycare, so that has been a fun adjustment!  We decided not to do any structured activities like music classes this fall, so our weekends have been a mix of outings, walks, and playground visits.  We visited a couple Jersey shore lighthouses one Saturday (I've lived in NJ all my life and have only been to like one lighthouse, so Henry's new obsession meant we all got to see something new!).  My sister, niece, and I took a beeswax candlemaking class at a local farm one day, and then the week after we took Henry back to the same farm so he could meet all the animals - goats, geese, and peacocks!  We also did a local Walk to Fight Alzheimer's - it was at a park we often go to anyway, so it was perfect! - and took Henry to a Touch-a-Truck community event at the mall.

The Books

Wait for It // The Witch's Apprentice and Other Stories // Under the Stars // Long Live Evil

Dating After the End of the World // Never Lie // Here One Moment // The Astronaut Wives Club

Reputation

The Posts and Reviews

Recent Reads

Michele's Monday Picks #77

Can't-Wait Wednesday: Circle of Days

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

Michele's Monday Picks #78

Can't-Wait Wednesday: Soul Searching

Recent Reads

Guest Blogger: My Favorite Audiobooks #4

Top Ten Tuesday: My Fall TBR

Can't-Wait Wednesday: Good Spirits

Recent Reads

Indie Bookstore Spotlight: Eight Cousins Books

How are you doing?

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