The Names by Florence Knapp

Can a name change the course of a life?

In the wake of a catastrophic storm, Cora sets off with her nine-year-old daughter, Maia, to register the birth of her son. Her husband, Gordon, respected in the community but a controlling presence at home, intends for her to follow a long-standing family tradition and name the baby after him. But when faced with the decision, Cora hesitates....

Spanning thirty-five years, what follows are three alternate and alternating versions of their lives, shaped by Cora's last-minute choice of name. In richly layered prose, The Names explores the painful ripple effects of domestic abuse, the messy ties of family, and the possibilities for autonomy and healing.

Through a prism of what-ifs, Florence Knapp invites us to consider the "one ... precious life" we are given. Full of hope, this is the story of three names, three versions of a life, and the infinite possibilities that a single decision can spark. It is the story of one family and love's endless capacity to endure, no matter what fate has in store.

Hardcover, 328 pages

Published May 6, 2025

 by Pamela Dorman Books

3.5 stars

The Names is a strong debut. At its heart, this book asks an intriguing question: does your name really shape who you become? 

That question sits at the center of the story, which I do think should come with trigger warnings for domestic abuse. While I don’t know if that counts as a spoiler, it’s central to the narrative and important to know going in.

The book is told through three “what if” scenarios rather than traditional timelines. What if this baby boy is named Bear or Julian or Gordon - after his well respected Dr. father.  A decision his mother Cora makes.  What follows is a look at of how their lives might unfold under each name. The writing was smooth and kept me engaged, though I did feel taking too long a break had me pausing to remember where I was and which story I was in.

The Names is a thoughtful, imaginative and emotional debut.  One that has stayed with me weeks after I finished.

This book was part of my 2025 Reading Off My Shelf Challenge (#52)

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 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)

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 Wild Robot by Peter Brown

Wall-E meets Hatchet in this illustrated middle grade novel from Caldecott Honor winner Peter Brown

Can a robot survive in the wilderness?

When robot Roz opens her eyes for the first time, she discovers that she is all alone on a remote, wild island. She has no idea how she got there or what her purpose is--but she knows she needs to survive. After battling a violent storm and escaping a vicious bear attack, she realizes that her only hope for survival is to adapt to her surroundings and learn from the island's unwelcoming animal inhabitants.

As Roz slowly befriends the animals, the island starts to feel like home--until, one day, the robot's mysterious past comes back to haunt her.

From bestselling and award-winning author and illustrator Peter Brown comes a heartwarming and action-packed novel about what happens when nature and technology collide.

Paperback, 320 pages

Published April 7, 2020 

by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

4/5 stars

The Wild Robot is a book I’ve been wanting to read for ages, a recent vacation finally gave me the perfect excuse to dive in. This was my first time reading Peter Brown, I quickly understood why this series is so beloved, I actually picked up Book 2 the moment I finished.

This story follows Roz, a shipwrecked robot who washes up on a remote island with no humans in sight. She has to learn everything from scratch, well she knows a lot just not how to survive, how to communicate with the animals, and ultimately how to carve out a place for herself in this wild, unfamiliar world.  Roz ends up becoming the mother of a gosling, you have to read the book to see why this happens. When this happens things shift, transforming Roz from an outsider into a caregiver and giving the story its beating heart.

I loved the blend of gentle adventure, humour, and unexpected friendships. The island comes alive through short, engaging chapters, and Roz’s journey from mechanical newcomer to devoted mother is both sweet and surprisingly moving.

A delightful start to the series, its warm, charming and full of heart, glad to finally be following Roz on her adventure.

This book was part of my 2025 Reading Off My Shelf Challenge -#45

The Secret of Secrets by Dan Brown

Robert Langdon, esteemed professor of symbology, travels to Prague to attend a groundbreaking lecture by Katherine Solomon—a prominent noetic scientist with whom he has recently begun a relationship. Katherine is on the verge of publishing an explosive book that contains startling discoveries about the nature of human consciousness and threatens to disrupt centuries of established belief. But a brutal murder catapults the trip into chaos, and Katherine suddenly disappears along with her manuscript. 

Langdon finds himself targeted by a powerful organization and hunted by a chilling assailant sprung from Prague’s most ancient mythology. As the plot expands into London and New York, Langdon desperately searches for Katherine . . . and for answers. 

In a thrilling race through the dual worlds of futuristic science and mystical lore, he uncovers a shocking truth about a secret project that will forever change the way we think about the human mind.

Hardcover, 688 pages

Published September 9, 2025

 by Doubleday

3.5/5 stars

I haven’t picked up a Dan Brown novel in a very long time, so diving into The Secret of Secrets felt a bit like revisiting an old reading era. What I didn’t initially realize was that this book clocks in at a hefty 680 pages, but once I was in I was committed. It did take me a while to get through, but overall I’m glad I stuck with it.

This story stays true to the classic Brown formula:  high-stakes, short timeline, plenty of action  and a pace that moves quickly even when the page count doesn’t. There are bursts of adrenaline, twists layered throughout and more than a few moments that lean heavily into science and technical detail. At times it did feel quite scientific, but that’s part of his style - mixing fact, speculation and high-tension storytelling.

The central mystery itself was intriguing and kept me on my toes, especially when the pieces started clicking into place. Even when things got dense, the momentum was enough to keep me reading and wanting to know how everything would unfold.

A long but engaging ride, it was clever, packed with twists and a classic Dan Brown read. A solid return to an author I hadn’t read in years.

This book was part of my 2025 Reading Off My Shelf Challenge (#46)

Detective Aunty by Uzma Jalaluddin

When her grown daughter is suspected of murder, a charming and tenacious widow digs into the case to unmask the real killer in this twisty, page-turning whodunnit—the first book in a cozy new detective series from the acclaimed author of Ayesha at Last.

After her husband’s unexpected death eighteen months ago, Kausar Khan never thought she’d receive another phone call as heartbreaking—until her thirty-something daughter, Sana, phones to say that she's been arrested for killing the unpopular landlord of her clothing boutique. Determined to help her child, Kausar heads to Toronto for the first time in nearly twenty years.

Returning to the Golden Crescent suburb where she raised her children and where her daughter still lives, Kausar finds that the thriving neighborhood she remembered has changed. The murder of Sana’s landlord is only the latest in a wave of local crimes that have gone unsolved.

And the facts of the case are Sana found the man dead in her shop at a suspiciously early hour, with a dagger from her windowfront display plunged in his chest. And Kausar—a woman with a keen sense of observation and deep wisdom honed by her years—senses there’s more to the story than her daughter is telling.

With the help of some old friends and her plucky teenage granddaughter, Kausar digs into the investigation to uncover the truth. Because who better to pry answers from unwilling suspects than a meddlesome aunty? But even Kausar can’t predict the secrets, lies, and betrayals she finds along the way…

Paperback, 336 pages

Published May 6, 2025 

by HarperCollins Publishers

4/5 stars

Detective Aunty was a fun and engaging read, and as someone who already enjoys Uzma Jalaluddin’s books I was excited to dive into this one. The fact that it’s set in Toronto was a big bonus for me - I love a good Canadian setting, and she really brings the city to life in all the best ways.

The premise is a great mix of heart and mystery. After living in North Bay for the past seventeen years following the heartbreaking loss of her son, Kausar Khan returns to Toronto after a frantic phone call from her daughter. There has been a murder and she is the prime suspect. What starts as a worried mom trying to get answers turns into a full-on amateur sleuth adventure, complete with community gossip, unexpected clues and plenty of determination on her part.

There’s a nice balance of humor, heart, and mystery here. Kausar is a great character - warm, stubborn, sharp, and just chaotic enough to make the whole thing feel lively and real. The mystery moves at a good pace and I loved how Jalaluddin weaves in family, culture, and neighbourhood dynamics without ever making it feel heavy.

Overall, this was a enjoyable read - a little twisty, a little heartfelt, very Canadian and completely entertaining. This is the first in new series, I can't wait to see what happens next.

This book was part of my 2025 Reading Off My Shelf Challenge (#44)

Happiness Falls by Angie Kim

When a father goes missing, his family's desperate search leads them to question everything they know about him and one another--both a riveting page-turner and a deeply moving portrait of a family in crisis from the award-winning author of Miracle Creek.

"We didn't call the police right away." Those are the first words of this extraordinary novel about a biracial Korean-American family in Virginia whose lives are upended when their beloved father and husband goes missing.

Mia, the irreverent, hyperanalytical twenty-year-old daughter, has an explanation for everything--which is why she isn't initially concerned when her father and younger brother Eugene don't return from a walk in a nearby park. They must have lost their phone. Or stopped for an errand somewhere. But by the time Mia's brother runs through the front door bloody and alone, it becomes clear that the father in this tight-knit family is missing and the only witness is Eugene, who has the rare genetic condition Angelman syndrome and cannot speak.

What follows is both a ticking-clock investigation into the whereabouts of a father and an emotionally rich portrait of a family whose most personal secrets just may be at the heart of his disappearance. Full of shocking twists and fascinating questions of love, language, race, and human connection, Happiness Falls is a mystery, a family drama, and a novel of profound philosophical inquiry. With all the powerful storytelling she brought to her award-winning debut Miracle Creek, Angie Kim turns the missing person story into something wholly original, creating an indelible tale of a family who must go to remarkable lengths to truly understand one another.

Hardcover, 387 pages

Audiobook, 14 hours, 4 minutes

Published August 29, 2023

 by Hogarth/Random House Audio

3.5/5 stars

This was my first time reading a Angie Kim novel.  I was intrigued by the blurb and grabbed when it became available through my BOTM account.  

Happiness Falls begins with the sudden disappearance of Mia's father during what should have been an ordinary day. The story is narrated by Mia, one of the teenage twins, whose sharp and sometimes unreliable voice guided me through the search for answers. What complicates the situation further is that her younger brother, Eugene, who was the last to see their father, has a rare genetic condition that makes him unable to speak. His silence adds another layer of tension, as the family struggles to interpret what he knows and cannot say.

This was a thought-provoking exploration of family bonds, communication and the secrets people keep from each other. Though the mystery of the father’s disappearance is what drives the plot forward, the heart of the novel lies in how each member of the family processes this time of uncertainty and grief.

This was a gripping story with meaningful themes, though the pacing felt uneven at times and occasionally pulled me out of the story. But still, it was a story that opened my eyes to the different layers, seeing through someone elses eyes and felting empathy for an immigrant family, their language barriers and the special bonds with a son/brother with special needs.

Happiness Falls is an original, layered story that is part mystery, part family drama, one that still lingers even though I finished last month.

This book was part of my 2025 Reading Off My Shelf Challenge, #41

The Portal Keeper by David Alexander Robertson

Eli and Morgan experience life-changing revelations in the fourth adventure in the award-winning, Narnia-inspired Indigenous middle-grade fantasy series, now in paperback.

While exploring World's End, an area in Aski they've just discovered, Morgan and Emily delight in their developing relationship, while Eli struggles to understand his new-found the ability to locate a portal. A shocking turn of events leads them to a new village, Ministik, where the animal beings who live there are going missing. Horrified to discover who is responsible, the children vow to help and turn to friends, old and new. But it's getting harder and harder to keep the two worlds separate, especially when details of a traditional legend change everything. 

Forever.

Paperback, 256 pages

Audiobook, 7 hours, 35 minutes

Published July 2, 2024

 by Tundra Books

3.5/5 stars

The Portal Keeper, is the 4th book the Misewa Saga. It's another imaginative and heartfelt journey into the richly woven world of Indigenous storytelling. Robertson continues to blend fantasy and Cree culture in a way that feels both magical and meaningful.

Morgan and Eli continue into new realms and face fresh challenges that test their courage, wisdom and friendship. Being the 4th book I wondered what could be next and again the Misewa world expands in new ways  that offer new characters and settings.

I don't really want to say too much, especially for those that haven't started this series.  Book 6 just released today.  Suffice to say this is an adventure filled series with emotion and cultural insight.  I definitely recommend reading this series in order.  Though written for the middle grade readers this adult is enjoying this series.

This book is part of my 2025 Reading Off My Shelf Challenge - #40

She Didn't See It Coming by Shari Lapena

When a beloved wife and mother disappears, a luxurious condo building transforms into a potential crime scene, and the investigation begins: can the detectives find her before it's too late?

Bryden and Sam have it all: thriving careers, a smart apartment in a luxury condominium, supportive friends and a cherished daughter. The perfect life for the perfect couple.

Then Sam receives a call at his office. Bryden–working from home that day–has failed to collect their daughter from daycare. Arriving home with their little girl, he finds his wife’s car in the underground garage. Upstairs in their apartment her laptop is open on the table, her cell phone nearby, her keys in their usual place in the hall.

Except Bryden is nowhere to be seen. It’s as if she just walked out.

Paperback, 352 pages

Published July 29, 2025

 by Doubleday Canada

4.5/5 stars

Shari Lapena’s She Didn’t See It Coming was a gripping page‑turner that was a fast paced story that opened with a chilling twist: Bryden, a devoted mother and wife vanishes mysteriously from her upscale condominium while working from home. Her keys, phone, and laptop are all in place, everything suggests she never left...but she’s nowhere to be found.

The novel flows with multiple viewpoints and as suspicion grow throughout the building as an investigator pieces together secrets that some want to keep secret. What kept me reading was the premise, it was captivating in the sense of Bryden's portrayed perfect life which makes her disappearance baffling. The characters were flawed but authentic.  The plot I found to be tight, the twists were cleverly executed - I've come to expect that with Lapena's books.

She Didn't See It Coming isn't just a suspense mystery, it's also a story of family and trust. In the end I grabbed the audiobook through my Spodify account so I could listen to the last half, highly recommend both formats.

This book was part of my 2025 Reading Off My Shelf Challenge, #39

Maus I: A Survivor's Tale: My Father Bleeds History by Art Spiegelman

The first installment of the Pulitzer Prize-winning graphic novel acclaimed as “the most affecting and successful narrative ever done about the Holocaust” (Wall Street Journal) and “the first masterpiece in comic book history” (The New Yorker).

A brutally moving work of art—widely hailed as the greatest graphic novel ever written—Maus recounts the chilling experiences of the author’s father during the Holocaust, with Jews drawn as wide-eyed mice and Nazis as menacing cats.

Maus is a haunting tale within a tale, weaving the author’s account of his tortured relationship with his aging father into an astonishing retelling of one of history's most unspeakable tragedies. It is an unforgettable story of survival and a disarming look at the legacy of trauma.

Paperback, 154 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 1987

 by Penguin Books

4/5 stars

Art Spiegelman tells the story of his father’s experience surviving the Holocaust, but what sets it apart is its format, this is a graphic novel, with Jews drawn as mice and Nazis as cats. It might sound unconventional, but it’s genuinely effective in conveying the dehumanization and horror of war.

What struck me was how layered the narrative is. It’s not just a Holocaust story, it’s also about inherited trauma, complicated family dynamics, guilt and memory. Spiegelman doesn’t sugarcoat his relationship with his father, Vladek, who is portrayed as both a survivor and a deeply flawed human being. It gives the book even more emotional weight.

I gave it 4 stars only because the structure felt a bit fragmented at times, especially in the shifts between past and present. While Vladek’s personality was challenging to engage with, it kinda felt intentional - it reflects the lingering effects of trauma and the complexity of survival.

What’s worth noting is that Maus has been banned in some school districts, which only underscores how powerful this book is. Challenging books often make us confront uncomfortable truths and Maus does that with unflinching clarity and depth.

Ultimately, Maus is heartbreaking, insightful, and deeply personal. It's one of those books that has stayed with me as it shows the ripple effect the war had through the generations.

This book was part of my 2025 Reading Off My Shelf Challenge, #37

The Stone Child by David Alexander Robertson

It's a race against time to save Eli, in this third book in the award-winning, Narnia-inspired Indigenous middle-grade fantasy series.

After discovering a near-lifeless Eli at the base of the Great Tree, Morgan knows she doesn't have much time to save him. And it will mean asking for help — from friends old and new. Racing against the clock, and with Arik and Emily at her side, Morgan sets off to follow the trail away from the Great Tree to find Eli's soul before it's too late. As they journey deep into the northern woods, a place they've been warned never to enter, they face new challenges and life-threatening attacks from strange and horrifying creatures. But a surprise ally comes to their aid, and Morgan finds the strength to focus on what's most saving her brother's life.

 

Paperback, 256 pages

Published July 5, 2023

 by Tundra Books

3.5/5 stars

I really enjoyed The Stone Child. It’s a solid addition to David A. Robertson’s series, The Misewa Saga. 

It's a race against time for Morgan to save Eli, and she has to step out of her comfort zone and ask for help. Good on her! Though it is slower paced compared to the previous books. That said, the story still kept me interested with its mix of adventure, mystery and deeper themes. Eli and Morgan continue to grow in meaningful ways, plus the world-building remains strong and imaginative.

While it didn’t quite grab me as much as earlier installments, it still felt like an important stepping stone in the series. I’m definitely looking forward to seeing where things go next in The Portal Keeper.

This book was part of my 2025 Reading Off My Shelf Challenge #38

The Wedding People by Alison Espach

A propulsive and uncommonly wise novel about one unexpected wedding guest and the surprising people who help us start anew.

It's a beautiful day in Newport, Rhode Island, when Phoebe Stone arrives at the grand Cornwall Inn wearing a green dress and gold heels, not a bag in sight, alone. She's immediately mistaken by everyone in the lobby for one of the wedding people, but she’s actually the only guest at the Cornwall who isn’t here for the big event. Phoebe is here because she’s dreamt of coming for years―she hoped to shuck oysters and take sunset sails with her husband, only now she's here without him. Meanwhile, the bride has accounted for every detail and every possible disaster the weekend might yield except for, well, Phoebe―which makes it that much more surprising when the women can’t stop confiding in each other.

In turns uproariously, absurdly funny and devastatingly tender, Alison Espach's The Wedding People is a look at the winding paths we can take to places we never imagined―and the chance encounters it sometimes takes to reroute us.

Hardcover, 384 pages

Published July 30, 2024

by Book of the Month

4.5/5 stars

This was a Book of the Month pick, I remember all the rave reviews and awards which might have made me shy away from reading just to ease my expectation level.

Did it live up to the hype?  Actually it did. It’s one of those books that quietly pulls you in, it started with a setup that grabbed my attention and went from there.  With it's a seaside wedding venue, where no one really knows why they’re there, but then slowly becomes something much deeper and more emotionally resonant. Alison Espach has such a unique way of creating atmosphere - it's my first time reading one of her books. 

Phoebe, our main character, is instantly relatable in her grief and confusion. She arrives at the venue feeling completely out of place and with plans set in motion.  But then things change once she meets the bride and groom, both with different personalities and both will affect Phoebe in ways she never imagined.

The Wedding People is character driven story that is ultimately a story of self discovery (not just Phoebe), it's about letting go and having the courage to move forward.  A slow paced story, with some witty banter and tender moments. 

 I'll definitely be on the lookout for more by this author.

This book was part of my 2025 Reading Off My Shelf Challenge, #35

The Rebel Witch by Kristen Ciccarelli

The highly anticipated sequel to The Crimson Moth.

A WITCH…

Rune Winters is on the run. Ever since the boy she loved, Gideon Sharpe, revealed who she was and delivered her into enemy hands, everyone wants her dead. If Rune hopes to survive, she must ally herself with the cruel and dangerous Cressida Roseblood, who’s planning to take back the Republic and reinstate a Reign of Witches―something Cressida needs Rune to accomplish.

A WITCH HUNTER…

Apparently it wasn’t enough for Rune to deceive Gideon; she’s now betrayed him by allying herself with Cressida―the witch who made his life a living hell. Gideon won’t allow the Republic to fall to the witches and be plunged back into the nightmares of the past. In order to protect this new world he fought for, every last witch must die―especially Rune Winters.

AN IMPOSSIBLE CHOICE…

When Rune makes Gideon an offer he can’t refuse, the two must pair up to accomplish dangerous goals. The more they’re forced into each other’s company, the more Gideon realizes the feelings he had for Rune aren’t as dead and buried as he thought. And now he’s faced with a terrible choice: sacrifice the girl he loves to stop a monster taking back power, or let Rune live and watch the world he fought so hard for burn.

In Kristen Ciccarelli’s The Rebel Witch, the exciting conclusion to The Crimson Moth duology, love has never been so deadly.

Hardcover, 458 pages

Published February 27, 2025

 by Magpie

4.5/5 stars

The much-anticipated sequel to The Crimson Moth had me going in with both excitement and a tad nervous.  Kristen Ciccarelli did not make things easy for Rune and Gideon at the conclusion in The Crimson Moth. The enemies-to-lovers setup between the witch and the witch hunter? Yeah, it was looking pretty doomed by the end of book one.

But yes, Ciccarelli does deliver here.

Set in the smartly imagined world as the first, The Rebel Witch picks up with Rune and Gideon very much at odds - still reeling, still hurting and still tangled up in a complicated mess of magic, betrayal and fate. The weight of the Rebellion, the danger of magic in hiding and the complexity of a society built on fear and control. 

And the story? Completely gripping. Ciccarelli knows how to keep me turning the pages with just the right mix of action, heartbreak, and the kind of emotional slow burn that makes enemies-to-lovers one of the best tropes when it’s done right. (Spoiler: It’s done right here.) But really it wasn't a slow burn pace but action packed throughout.

If you liked The Crimson Moth and were afraid of where it was all heading, trust me: pick up The Rebel Witch. It’s intense, magical, and worth the emotional rollercoaster.

This book was part of my 2025 Reading Off My Shelf Challenge, #30

Munro vs. the Coyote by Darren Groth

Since the sudden death of his younger sister, Evie, sixteen-year-old Munro Maddux has been having flashbacks and anger-management issues. 

He has a constant ache in his right hand. And there's a taunting, barking, biting voice he calls "the Coyote." Munro knows a six-month student exchange will not be the stuff of teenage dreams, but in Brisbane, he intends to move beyond his troubled past. 

It is there, at an assisted-living residence called Fair Go Community Village, that Munro discovers the Coyote can be silenced. Munro volunteers as a "Living Partner" and gets to know the team of residents he is assigned to. The burden Munro carries, however, is not so easily cast aside. When one of the team makes the decision to leave, the Coyote gets a new life. When a second resident is taken away, the specter of trauma and death looms larger than ever. 

Will Munro learn how to silence the voice? Or will the Coyote ultimately triumph?

Paperback, 288 pages, 

Published May 11, 2021

 by Orca Book Publishers

4.5/5 stars

Munro vs. the Coyote was a thoughtful and emotionally honest read. It is the story of a teenage boy dealing with grief after the sudden loss of his sister. It tackles some heavy themes that include mental health, suicide, guilt, and resilience - with a quiet strength and empathy that doesn’t feel forced or preachy.

Munro is a believable and hurting character. His grief feels raw and genuine, and the way he interacts with the 'Coyote' his internal voice of doubt and pain is both clever and heartbreaking. The metaphor might seem quirky at first, but it becomes a powerful symbol of the internal battles so many young people face.

Darren Groth writes with a simple, clear style that lets the emotional weight of the story come through without over-explaining. There are moments of dark humor, genuine warmth and small flashes of hope that keep the story grounded, even as it explores a difficult subject.

It’s not a fast-paced book, and there were a few spots that felt a little slow or repetitive, but overall, it’s a deeply meaningful story about love and loss and learning how to keep going when everything feels broken.

I’d definitely recommend this to older teens or adults looking for a raw, compassionate take on grief and healing.

This book was part of my 2025 Reading Off My Shelf Challenge #17 - I read this in March and struggled putting the words together until now.

Warbird by Jennifer Maruno

Etienne is called on an adventure in the new world... 

In 1647, ten-year-old Etienne yearns for a life of adventure far from his family farm in Quebec. He meets an orphan destined to apprentice among the Jesuits at Fort Sainte-Marie. Making the most impulsive decision of his life, Etienne replaces the orphan and paddles off with the voyageurs into the north country. 

At Sainte-Marie, Etienne must learn to live a life of piety.

 Meanwhile, he also makes friends with a Huron youth, Tsiko, who teaches him the ways of his people. 

When the Iroquois attack and destroy the nearby village, Etienne must put his new skills into practice. 

Will he survive?

 Will he ever see his family again?

Paperback, 120 pages

Published September 1, 2010

 by Napoleon and Co

4/5 stars

I was drawn to this book because of the Canadian historical fiction theme. And also the author is local for me.

It’s 1647 in Quebec, which was a time of exploration and for 10-year-old Etienne a time for adventure. When he switches places with an orphan boy destined for Fort Sainte-Marie, he gets more of an adventure than he ever thought possible. Coming in at 120 pages might not seem like a lot but for the middle grade reader it is enough to get a look at what voyageurs and explorers went through in the early settlements of Ontario.

Warbird is ultimately a story of friendship, history and a close look at the struggles between the Iroquois, Jesuits and Hurons.  A great book to learn about history in Ontario with an entertaining read.

This book was part of my 2025 reading off my shelf challenge and is book # 29

Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians by Brandon Sanderson,

AN ANCIENT RIVALRY REAWAKENS.

Everything I'd known about the world was a lie.

On my thirteenth birthday, I, Alcatraz Smedry ( yes, I got named after a prison, don’t ask ) received my a bag of sand . And then I accidentally destroyed my foster parents’ kitchen. It’s not my fault, things just break around me, I swear !

I thought the sand was a joke until evil Librarians came to steal it. You’re probably thinking, “Librarians are nice people who recommend good books,” but that’s just what they want you to think! It turns out they’re actually a secret cult keeping the truth from you―a hidden world filled with magical eyeglasses, talking dinosaurs, and knights with crystal swords!

Or so my Grandpa Smedry claimed when he suddenly showed up to rescue me. So now I have to go with him to invade the local library and get that sand back, before it's used to conquer the world. And Grandpa says how I keep breaking things is actually an amazing talent. There’s no way that can all be true, right?

Will I ever make it back home alive?

Paperback, 320 pages

Published May 3, 2022

 by Starscape

4/5 stars

This middle grade gem was actually recommended to me by my son, who is well past the target age group, but insisted it was too fun to miss. And I have to say, he wasn’t wrong. Brandon Sanderson (yes, that Sanderson) takes a break from his epic fantasy worlds to deliver something totally different here: a quirky, funny and delightfully weird story full of wild imagination and clever twists.

Our hero, Alcatraz Smedry (yes, like the prison but apparently its the other way around) turns 13 and discovers on his birthday that he’s not your average kid. He’s part of an ancient feud with - you guessed it, evil librarians.  While most of us think of librarians as kind, quiet people (and many definitely are, I know some), in this world they’re actually part of a secret cult trying to control information and rule the world. Naturally.

There’s a full cast of equally oddball characters with names like Leavenworth and Sing Sing, plenty of puns (some delightfully cringe-worthy) and nonstop action. It's told from Alcatraz's point of view and he's sarcastic, self-deprecating and not exactly the most reliable narrator - which makes the whole thing even more entertaining.

Yes, it’s silly. Yes, it leans into the absurd. But underneath all the humor and chaos, there are some lovely themes about courage, trust and learning to believe in yourself. I laughed out loud more than once and definitely plan to keep going with the rest of this six-book series.

“So, when people try to give you some book with a shiny round award on the cover, be kind and gracious, but tell them you don't read "fantasy," because you prefer stories that are real. Then come back here and continue your research on the cult of evil Librarians who secretly rule the world.”

“By now, it is probably very late at night, and you have stayed up to read this book when you should have gone to sleep. If this is the case, then I commend you for falling into my trap. It is a writer's greatest pleasure to hear that someone was kept up until the unholy hours of the morning reading one of his books. It goes back to authors being terrible people who delight in the suffering of others. Plus, we get a kickback from the caffeine industry...”

This book is part of my 2025 Reading Off My Shelf challenge.

The Thirteenth Fairy by Melissa de la Cruz

Nothing ever happens in Filomena Jefferson-Cho's sleepy little suburban town of North Pasadena. The sun shines every day, the grass is always a perfect green, and while her progressive school swears there's no such thing as bullying, she still feels bummed out. But one day, when Filomena is walking home on her own, something strange happens.

Filomena is being followed by Jack Stalker, one of the heroes in the Thirteenth Fairy, a series of books she loves about a brave girl and her ragtag group of friends who save their world from an evil enchantress. She must be dreaming, or still reading a book. But Jack is insistent--he's real, the stories are real, and Filomena must come with him at once!

Soon, Filomena is thrust into the world of evil fairies and beautiful princesses, sorcerers and slayers, where an evil queen drives her ruthless armies to destroy what is left of the Fairy tribes. To save herself and the kingdom of Westphalia, Filomena must find the truth behind the fairytales and set the world back to rights before the cycle of sleep and destruction begins once more.

Hardcover, 336 pages

Published December 1, 2020

 by Roaring Brook Press

4/5 stars

This is the first book in the Never After series, and while it’s aimed at middle-grade/young adult readers, I think anyone who loves fairytales will find something to enjoy here - I did.

The story follows Filomena, a book-loving girl who's obsessed with a popular fairytale series that she and her friends can’t get enough of. But when the newest book in the series doesn’t release as promised, things start to get weird. Really weird. One of the characters from the story shows up in real life, and before Filomena knows it, she’s pulled into the magical world of her favorite books - complete with a shady Jack (as in Jack and the Beanstalk) who's not exactly trustworthy.

This was such a fun and quick read! It’s packed with familiar fairytale characters, but they’re all given unique twists. The 13th Fairy mixes magic, secrets, family ties and a solid dose of adventure.  It totally sets things up for book two in what will eventually be a five-book series. I’m already looking forward to seeing where it goes next.

This book is part of my 2025Reading Off My Shelf Challenge #34

You Will Never Be Me by Jesse Q. Sutanto

When cracks start forming in an influencer’s curated life, she finds out that jealousy is just as viral as a video in this riveting suspense novel by bestselling author Jesse Q. Sutanto.

Influencer Meredith Lee didn't teach Aspen Palmer how to blossom on social media just to be ditched as soon as Aspen became big. So can anyone really blame Mer for doing a little stalking? Nothing serious, more like Stalking Lite.

Then Mer gets lucky; she finds one of Aspen's kids' iPads and swipes it. Now she has access to the family calendar and Aspen's social media accounts. Would anyone else be able to resist tweaking things a little here and there, showing up in Aspen's place for meetings with potential sponsors? Mer's only taking back what she deserves—what should have been hers.

Meanwhile, Aspen doesn't understand why her perfectly filtered life is falling apart. Sponsors are dropping her, fellow influencers are ghosting her, and even her own husband seems to find her repulsive. If she doesn't find out who's behind everything, she might just lose it all. But what everyone seems to forget is that Aspen didn't become one of TikTok's biggest momfluencers by being naive.

When Meredith suddenly goes missing, Aspen's world is upended and mysterious threats begin to arrive—but she won’t let anything get in the way of her perfect life again.

Hardcover, 336 pages

Published August 20, 2024

 by Berkley

3/5 stars

Going into You Will Never Be Me I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. I’ve had my fill of influencer-driven stories and wasn’t convinced there was much new to say. Still, I picked up the audiobook and ended up doing a hybrid read—and I’m glad I did.

The story follows Meredith Lee and Aspen Palmer - two former best friends whose relationship shattered six months ago. Now they’re more like bitter rivals. Told from alternating perspectives the book dives deep into the glossy, curated world of social media. It shows the pressure to maintain a perfect image and the unraveling that happens when real life doesn’t match the feed.

This was a twisty, suspenseful read. As Aspen’s carefully constructed online persona starts to fall apart, the tension steadily builds until a major twist completely caught me off guard. From that point on, I couldn’t stop reading.

The book doesn’t just explore the online drama but also reveals how the influencer lifestyle affects their personal lives, families and especially mental health. Some scenes felt a little over the top or cringe-worthy (was that intentional). Overall it did heightened the drama. The conclusion was satisfying and wrapped things up well.

You Will Never Be Me is a compelling, dark take on the influencer world. 

This book was part of my 2025 Reading Off My Shelf Challenge (#33)