Alchemy of Secrets by Stephanie Garber

YOU'RE HERE BECAUSE OF A STORY . . .

It starts with a class in an old movie theatre. Folklore 517: Local Legends and Urban Myths, taught by a woman called the Professor.

Most students believe the Professor's stories are just fiction, but Holland St. James has always been convinced that magic is real.

Her search for the truth leads her to a dazzling new world, a deadly ultimatum hidden at the heart of Los Angeles, and into the path of a magnetic stranger who claims he's been sent to save her life.

But everyone in this intoxicating new world is lying to her, even this stranger. And if she can't figure out whom to trust, her magical reality could change from a Hollywood dream to a nightmare.

Alchemy of Secrets is the spectacular new novel from global phenomenon Stephanie Garber, the multimillion-copy bestselling author of the Caraval and Once Upon a Broken Heart series. Fusing spellbinding Hollywood secrets with a cinematic mystery, it will transport you into another world.

Hardcover, 336 pages

Published October 7, 2025

 by Gollancz

4/5 stars

Alchemy of Secrets is Stephanie Garber's first adult novel, and I went into it not quite sure what to expect. The first book I ever read by her was Once Upon a Broken Heart, which I absolutely loved. It felt like such a refreshing YA fantasy - magical, with adventure and fairy tale vibes and imaginative without relying on spice or excessive violence. Because of that, I was really curious to see how Garber would handle a move into adult fiction.

This book steps away from full on fantasy but still carries her signature sense of magic, leaning more toward magical realism or maybe fantasy - I'm not really sure.  The theme is unique, the characters unreliable and the mystery gripping. There was still some YA vibes, especially in tone and character interactions, which didn’t bother me. 

Alchemy of Secrets is a creative, magical-leaning story with a unique premise that came with this gorgeous cover.  While getting ready to post this review I learned that its the first in a new series, which honestly explains the ending a little better.  Can't wait to see what happens next.

This book was part of my 2025 Reading Off My Shelf Challenge (#51)

The Seven Rings by Nora Roberts

Nora Roberts concludes her Lost Bride trilogy as two women—one dead, one alive—prepare for a terrifying final showdown…

Long ago, Arthur Poole built a grand house overlooking the turbulent ocean, in a Maine village that bore his name. Today, Sonya MacTavish lives in that house—a manor that has been cursed for generations. Within its walls, she has witnessed the deaths of seven brides and the thefts of seven wedding rings. And now, to break the curse and banish a malevolent spirit once and for all, a difficult task must be completed.

After Sonya, her boyfriend, Trey, and their friends are forced to hear, see—and feel—the suffering of the house’s many ghosts as their torment is reenacted by the evil presence, their bond only strengthens and their anger is renewed. Refusing to let her spirit be broken, Sonya searches each room for clues to her ancestors’ hidden story, putting the picture together, unearthing small treasures, and uncovering the moments of joy that existed among the sorrows. She’s determined to bring light to this haunted place—to fill it with people, with life and hope, once again.

But the enemy in the black dress continues to hover, to come at her in frightening forms. They may be illusions—but illusions can be powerful enough to wound and kill. She feeds on fear, and lies are her weapon. This dark-hearted witch wants to be mistress of Poole Manor, at any cost. And Sonya will need to fight a battle across two realms to finally take possession of the house on the clifftop—and of her own future…

Hardcover, 454 pages

Published November 18, 2025

 by St. Martin's Press

2.5/5 stars

The Seven Rings is the third book in series and while it has an interesting mystery and a unique overall premise it ultimately didn’t work for me as the previous 2 did.

This series was my first experience reading Nora Roberts, and I listened to this one as an audiobook. My biggest issue was the length. The story felt far too long, with a lot of time spent on cooking, meal planning and rearranging furniture. In audio format, these sections felt especially drawn out and repeatedly pulled focus away from the mystery to the point where I found myself disengaging.

That said, the underlying plot is unusual and I did appreciate the mystery element running through the series. There is nothing like a good ghost story. Unfortunately, the tone leaned overly sweet for my taste, and the ending felt rushed, particularly after such a long build-up.

As a trilogy, this series felt stretched. In all honesty, I think the story and possibly the entire series, could have worked better as a duology, keeping the mystery tighter and the resolution more satisfying.

All in all an imaginative mystery with a strong premise, but weighed down by length, a too-sweet tone at times (in the relationships department that is) and a rushed conclusion.

The Last Watchman of Old Cairo by Michael David Lukas

A young man journeys from California to Cairo to unravel centuries-old family secrets.

Joseph, a literature student at Berkeley, is the son of a Jewish mother and a Muslim father. One day, a mysterious package arrives on his doorstep, pulling him into a mesmerizing adventure to uncover the tangled history that binds the two sides of his family. For generations, the men of the al-Raqb family have served as watchmen of the storied Ibn Ezra Synagogue in Old Cairo, built at the site where the infant Moses was taken from the Nile. Joseph learns of his ancestor Ali, a Muslim orphan who nearly a thousand years earlier was entrusted as the first watchman of the synagogue and became enchanted by its legendary—perhaps magical—Ezra Scroll. The story of Joseph’s family is entwined with that of the British twin sisters Agnes and Margaret, who in 1897 depart their hallowed Cambridge halls on a mission to rescue sacred texts that have begun to disappear from the synagogue.

The Last Watchman of Old Cairo is a moving novel from acclaimed storyteller Michael David Lukas. This  multigenerational tale illuminates the tensions that have torn communities apart and the unlikely forces—potent magic, forbidden love—that boldly attempt to bridge that divide.

Kindle Edition, 288 pages

Published March 13, 2018

 by Random House

3/5 stars

The Last Watchman of Old Cairo is a reflective, slower-paced novel told through a dual time period storyline, it blends history and family with an underlying mystery.

The story unfolds across past and present as Joseph, Ali and twin sisters Agnes and Margaret search for meaning, connection and answers tied to an ancient synagogue and its guardians. There’s a quiet mystery at the heart of the novel, along with threads of romance and personal searching that link the timelines together. While these elements added interest, they never fully pulled me in emotionally.

One of the strongest aspects for me was the setting. The book takes place in Egypt and having been there myself, it wasn’t hard to visualize the streets, the atmosphere, and the sense of place. Old Cairo in particular felt vividly drawn. Not just the atmosphere but the lifestyle, traditions played a big role also.

Overall, this is a thoughtful novel with a strong sense of place and family. 

My thanks to Random House for a digital arc (I'm a little late, this released in 2018) in exchange for a honest review.

The Memory Stone by Bryan Davis

A Girl with Powers Beyond Her Understanding.

A Boy Sworn to Protect Her.

And a Kingdom Veering into Madness.

Camelot is becoming increasingly dangerous for dragons and their allies. When a fear-inducing toxin seeps into the water supply, Merlin, Hawk, and Sabina suspect sorcery. Could this be Lady Morgan’s doing? But when Lady Morgan pleads innocent and offers a truce to save her poisoned sister, the trio hesitantly believes her. Using a supernatural device called the memory stone, the team splits up to embark on an epic journey to Dragon’s Rest and portals beyond to uncover the mystery. 

Readers of Bryan Davis’s previous books will devour this fast-paced read following the thrilling adventures of heroic new characters.

Perfect for teen and tween readers of Christian fiction, this magical, YA fantasy adventure includes:

-Clues to Sabina’s Underborn heritage
-Suspenseful escapes and rescues
-An epic battle of good dragons and dragon riders versus the forces of evil
-Clean action adventure, portal fantasy, and supernatural mystery
-Cameo appearances by characters from Oracles of Fire series
-Multiple POVs from humans and dragons
-Strong faith themes focused on the power of prayer

Kindle Edition, 224 pages

Expected publication January 6, 2026

 by Tyndale Kids

3.5/5 stars

The Memory Stone is the second book in this new middle grade fantasy series, Dragons of Camelot. It follows The Sacred Scales, which I really enjoyed. This story returns to a reimagined Camelot where Merlin is king, dragons are real and danger is never far away.

This installment continues the journey with Sabina and Hawk at the center of the adventure. There’s plenty of action, magic and tension as they face an evil witch and uncover secrets tied to the mysterious memory stone. I liked spending more time with these two and getting to know some others. Also seeing the world expand and getting to know more about the dragons.

One thing I appreciate about this series is how it blends fantasy with faith. Themes of trusting God, courage and doing what’s right are woven naturally into the story. At the same time, the book introduces elements like Hades and ideas about the afterlife that aren’t strictly biblical. Because of that, I think this is a good read for opening discussions between parents and kids about faith, discernment and how fantasy elements differ from Scripture.

Overall, this is an enjoyable continuation of a promising middle grade Christian fantasy series, especially for readers who love dragons, adventure, and a Camelot-inspired setting with a spiritual foundation. I haven't read any of Davis's other books, which I understand characters are shown here also, I guess a reason to check them out of our church library.

My thanks to Tyndale Kids for a digital arc (via Netgalley) in exchange for a honest review.

Her Cold Justice by Robert Dugoni

To save a client accused of murder, defense attorney Keera Duggan must fight a complex web of corruption in a riveting novel of suspense by New York Times bestselling author Robert Dugoni.

In a quiet South Seattle neighborhood, a suspected drug smuggler and his girlfriend are murdered in their home. When a young man named Michael Westbrook is accused of the brutal double homicide, his uncle JP Harrison turns to Keera Duggan to defend him. JP is Keera’s trusted investigator, and he desperately needs Keera to save his nephew against escalating odds.

The evidence is circumstantial—Michael worked with one of the victims, drugs were found in his possession, and he bolted from authorities. Ruthless star prosecutor Anh Tran has gotten convictions on much less. With the testimony of two prison informants, the case looks grave. But Keera never concedes defeat. To free her client, she must dig deep before Tran crushes both of them.

As the investigation gets more twisted with each new find, Keera is swept up in a mystery with far-reaching consequences. This case isn’t just murder. It’s looking like a conspiracy. And getting justice for Michael could be the most dangerous promise Keera has ever made.

Kindle Edition, 380 pages

Expected publication January 27, 2026

 by Thomas & Mercer

4/5 stars

Her Cold Justice is the third book in the Keera Duggan Series. While the central case stands on its own, there are ongoing references to past events, and I do think reading the first two books helps give those moments more context.

This story follows the story of Michael Westbrook, a young man accused of two brutal murders. Keera Duggan takes on this case but standing in her way is a district attorney with a reputation for winning, which raises the stakes from the outset.

There are many layers beyond the courtroom. Alongside the trial, Dugoni weaves in sibling rivalry, fractured friendships and long-standing tensions, all of which influence what happens both in and out of court. The courtroom scenes feel authentic and grounded, which is not surprising since Dugoni is a lawyer himself,  the legal strategy and dialogue ring true.

A few stretches lean more heavily into procedural detail, but there are twists and the ending is satisfying. Her Cold Justice is a well-written, layered legal thriller that balances courtroom drama with personal conflict.

My thanks to Thomas & Mercer for a digital ARC (via Negalley) in exchange for a honest review.

The River by Gary Paulsen

They want him to go back. . . .

Two years after Brian Robeson survived fifty-four days alone in the Canadian wilderness, the government wants him to head back so they can learn what he did to stay alive. This time Derek Holtzer, a government psychologist, will accompany him. But a freak storm leaves Derek unconscious. Brian's only hope is to transport Derek a hundred miles down the river to a trading post. He's survived with only a hatchet before—now can Brian build a raft and navigate an unknown river?

For the first time it's not only Brian's survival that's at stake. . . .

Paperback, 176 pages

Published March 13, 2012

 by Ember

3.5/5 stars

The River continues Brian’s story 2 years after Hatchet. 

Here Brian is trying to live a more ordinary life despite everything he endured in the wilderness. Then he’s asked to return to the woods, this time as part of a survival study.   He agrees to this hoping his hard-earned knowledge can help others. What begins as a controlled trip quickly becomes a fight for survival all over again.

I enjoyed revisiting Brian and seeing how the events of Hatchet shaped him. There is tension once the river journey takes a dangerous turn. Paulsen’s writing reflects his knowledge of the outdoors, highlighting some intense moments. That said, the story didn’t feel quite as immersive or emotionally gripping as the first book where some moments moved a bit too quickly for me to fully settle into the experience. That being said this book comes in at only 176 pages long.

Still, it’s a solid follow-up with strong outdoor adventure, vivid nature writing and a compelling look at Brian’s resilience. A steady 3.5 stars for a worthy continuation of the series. And yes I will be reviewing the next in series next Monday.

This book was part of my 2025 Reading Off My Shelf Challenge (#49)

Gone to the Woods by Gary Paulsen

A mesmerizing memoir from a literary legend, giving readers a new perspective on the origins of Hatchet and other famed survival stories.

His name is synonymous with high-stakes wilderness survival adventures. Now, beloved author Gary Paulsen portrays a series of life-altering moments from his turbulent childhood as his own original survival story. If not for his summer escape from a shockingly neglectful Chicago upbringing to a North Woods homestead at age five, there never would have been a Hatchet . Without the encouragement of the librarian who handed him his first book at age thirteen, he may never have become a reader. And without his desperate teenage enlistment in the Army, he would not have discovered his true calling as a storyteller.

An entrancing account of grit and growing up, perfect for newcomers and lifelong fans alike, this is the famed author at his rawest and most real.

Paperback, 368 pages

Published January 10, 2023

 by Square Fish

4/5 stars

Gone to the Woods was my first real experience with Gary Paulsen’s writing, even though his books were a big part of my kids’ reading growing up. I went into this memoir not quite knowing what to expect, but it didn’t take long to realize this was going to be a honest, no-frills look at the life behind his stories.

Paulsen writes about a childhood filled with neglect, instability and he doesn’t soften it. The woods weren’t just a setting for him, they were an escape and in many ways, a way to survive. Seeing how nature, books, and eventually writing became lifelines added a lot of depth to the story.

This isn’t a light or nostalgic memoir, some parts are tough to read, especially with his straightforward approach. That being said, there’s a quiet strength that runs through this book, especially in how Paulsen reflects on the role storytelling played in shaping his life.

Gone to the Woods is a compelling and eye-opening introduction to his stories.  I have already read a couple and will most likely continue and introduce him to my grandkids.

This book was part of my 2025 Reading Off My Shelf Challenge  (#43)

The Girls Trip by Ally Condie

From the author of  The Unwedding comes a novel of suspense and friendship as three friends decide to disappear from their lives for a few days while on a trip to a national park—only to have one of them vanish.

Hope, Ash, and Caro met at an online book club. Over the past two years, they’ve been there for each other in every way—except in person. When each of their lives reach a crossroads, they decide to meet in real life at the gorgeous Sonnet Resort at Eden National Park.

Hope, an actress, has become entirely too famous and needs to get away from it all. Ash, a successful online entrepreneur, isn’t sure what has happened to her marriage. Caro, a doctor, has lost a patient and doesn’t know if she wants to carry on or start all over.

Kindle Edition, 320 pages

Expected publication April 7, 2026

by Grand Central Publishing

2.75/5 stars

The Girls Trip was my first time reading Ally Condie,  the premise hooked me immediately. Three friends vanishing from their everyday lives for a few days. With no phones, no explanations and no one knowing where they’ve gone, felt like the perfect setup for a tense, escapist read. The opening delivered on that promise, I was genuinely intrigued about what was taking place.

As the story moved, things began to feel a bit disjointed. It wasn't until the last third or so that personal histories and background layers really come into play. But unfortunately by that point, I found myself wishing those elements had appeared earlier to deepen connections and give the twists more impact. There are also several red herrings sprinkled throughout, some more effective than others.  

While the concept is compelling and the early chapters pulled right me in, the uneven pacing and later structural shifts held this one back for me. But I did finish since I was intrigued enough to know what was going on.

My thanks to Grand Central Publishing (via Netgalley) for a digital arc in exchange for a honest review.

Hatchet by Gary Paulsen

Brian is on his way to Canada to visit his estranged father when the pilot of his small prop plane suffers a heart attack. Brian is forced to crash-land the plane in a lake-and finds himself stranded in the remote Canadian wilderness with only his clothing and the hatchet his mother gave him as a present before his departure.

 Brian had been distraught over his parents' impending divorce and the secret he carries about his mother, but now he is truly desolate and alone. Exhausted, terrified, and hungry, Brian struggles to find food and make a shelter for himself. He has no special knowledge of the woods, and he must find a new kind of awareness and patience as he meets each day's challenges.

 Is the water safe to drink? Are the berries he finds poisonous? Slowly, Brian learns to turn adversity to his advantage-an invading porcupine unexpectedly shows him how to make fire, a devastating tornado shows him how to retrieve supplies from the submerged airplane. 

Most of all, Brian leaves behind the self-pity he has felt about his predicament as he summons the courage to stay alive. A story of survival and of transformation, this riveting book has sparked many a reader's interest in venturing into the wild.

Paperback, 186 pages

Published January 1, 1987

 by Scholastic

4/5 stars

I picked up Hatchet after reading Gary Paulsen’s Gone in the Woods, his autobiographical look at the childhood experiences that shaped him. Having that background made Brian’s story even more compelling, so many of the themes in Hatchet echo moments from Paulsen’s own life, especially his resilience and deep connection to the natural world.

In Hatchet, I watched as Brian was stranded alone in the Canadian wilderness after a plane crash, armed with nothing but a hatchet and his own determination. Paulsen’s writing is spare but vivid, capturing the rawness of survival - the hunger, the hope and the sheer grit it takes to keep going. The wilderness feels alive on the page, and Brian’s growth is both believable and satisfying.

While some moments move quickly, the emotional weight and survival tension make this a standout adventure story. Reading it after Gone in the Woods gave it an extra layer of meaning, and I appreciated the story all the more.

This book was part of my 2025 Reading Off My Shelf Challenge (#48)

The Bookbinder's Secret by A.D. Bell

Every book tells a story. This one tells a secret.

A young bookbinder begins a hunt for the truth when a confession hidden beneath the binding of a burned book reveals a story of forbidden love, lost fortune, and murder.

Lilian ("Lily") Delaney, apprentice to a master bookbinder in Oxford in 1901, chafes at the confines of her life. She is trapped between the oppressiveness of her father’s failing bookshop and still being an apprentice in a man’s profession. But when she’s given a burned book during a visit to a collector, she finds, hidden beneath the binding, a fifty-year-old letter speaking of love, fortune, and murder.

Lily is pulled into the mystery of the young lovers, a story of forbidden love, and discovers there are more books and more hidden pages telling their story. Lilian becomes obsessed with the story but she is not the only one looking for the remaining books and what began as a diverting intrigue quickly becomes a very dangerous pursuit.

Lily's search leads her from the eccentric booksellers of London to the private libraries of unscrupulous collectors and the dusty archives of society papers, deep into the heart of the mystery. But with sinister forces closing in, willing to do anything for the books, Lilian’s world begins to fall apart and she must decide if uncovering the truth is worth the risk to her own life.

Kindle Edition, 391 pages

Expected publication January 13, 2026 

by St. Martin's Press

3.5 stars

The Bookbinder’s Secret was my first time reading A.D. Bell,  I was instantly drawn into the early 1900s setting and the dusty, bookish theme. It releases in a months time.

Following  Lily, a skilled bookbinder who uncovers clues to a mystery dating back over fifty years. As she starts piecing together a past that was mysteriously woven into the binding of an old book her life takes a turn of intrigue, mystery and ultimately danger.  This danger has her traveling far and wide, searching and running. 

Where the novel didn’t land as strongly for me was in the romantic thread. It felt underdeveloped and because of that, I struggled to connect with Lily on a deeper emotional level. The plot held my interest, but the character dynamics didn’t quite resonate.

Still, the atmosphere, unique plot, and compelling old mystery made this a solid, enjoyable read. Honestly though I would have loved more of the past story to even things out a bit.

My thanks to St. Martin's Press for a digital arc in exchange for a honest review.