Mary Maiden, Mother, Matriarch by Ana Brigida Gomez

Rated:  5 star rating 

Trigger Warnings:

Violence and Death

I just finished reading Mary: Maiden, Mother, Matriarch by Ana Brigida Gomez, and it is a wonderful book. 

The story follows the life of Mary from her early days growing up in Nazareth, through the years of raising Jesus, and into her later role helping the early Christian community. To flesh out the history, the author adds creative details and conversations that are not found in scripture. A great example of this is a fictional character named Bethany, who is introduced as a close friend of Mary to help illustrate what daily life and friendships were like for women during that time period.

There is also a lot of imagined detail about Jesus as he grows from a young boy into a man, showing his everyday interactions with Mary and Joseph in their small town before his ministry begins.

 Even with these fictional additions, the book provides a very good rendering of the Bible, Jesus, Mary, and the rest of the family.  It treats the source material with great respect and successfully makes these historical figures feel relatable and human. I definitely recommend it as an engaging and inspiring fictional Christian read.

Thank you BookSirens, Astrogea Books, and author Ana Brigida Gomez, for providing me with this ebook review consideration, in exchange for an honest review.  

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

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Parables Up the Mountain A Seeker's Trail by Joey Doherty

Rated: 4 star rating

I recently read Parables Up the Mountain by Joey Doherty, and it was a really surprising read. Just to clear something up first, it isn't actually a nonfiction book, but it's a fictional story that teaches lessons about real life. The author is a real clinical counselor and wilderness guide, so he uses his actual background to tell a neat story about finding peace.

The story is about a guy called the Seeker who is totally sick of modern society and wants answers about life and God. He decides to climb up a huge mountain to find a legendary Master who is supposed to know everything. The Seeker wants to do this all by himself, but he runs into a very strange, peculiar guy on the trail, named Coyote. Coyote says he believes in Jesus Christ. I feel Seeker isnt sure what he believes, he says he doesnt believe in God. But, like his name, i believe he is seeking.

They end up hiking together, and Coyote keeps telling riddles and parables that challenge how the Seeker views the world. The characters are simple but they make you think about your own life.

The Seeker represents all of us when we get stressed out and want answers. Coyote is like that friend who makes you look at things differently, and the Master is the goal everyone is trying to reach. The mountain itself feels like a character because the author writes so much about nature and how being outside helps heal your mind.

It is a quick and easy book to read, but it leaves you with a lot to think about. It feels like an old folklore story, but it helps with modern problems like stress and fear of failing. If you feel burnt out by the world or just love being out in nature, I definitely recommend giving this one a try. I think this would be good read as an audio book, too.

Thank you BookSirens, Skyroot Books, and author Joey Doherty, for providing me with this ebook review consideration, in exchange for an honest review. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

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Curses, Critters, and Other Complications A Lancaster Witch Chronicle: Book 1 by Kat Farrow

Rating: 5 star rating

You are going to love Curses, Critters, and Other Complications by Kat Farrow. It fits into the adult cozy fantasy and contemporary fantasy genres, but it has that amazing young adult crossover appeal because it is such a clean, gentle, and universally relatable read.

The story takes place in the quiet town of Lancaster and follows a multigenerational family of witches who have hidden their magic from the world, and from some of their own family, for years. In fact, Sara has kept her mother's witchcraft a secret from her husband, Nathan, for nine whole years! Everything gets turned upside down during a weekend visit when Sara's daughters bring their pet guinea pig, Ralph, to grandmother Ellen's house. It turns out Ralph isn't a guinea pig at all, but a shapeshifter locked under a crazy, layered curse. To handle it, Ellen and her witch friend Margie secretly swap the real Ralph for a magically bespelled decoy guinea pig, triggering a giant domino effect of magical accidents.

Suddenly, the daughters' own magical gifts start rapidly breaking through, making the big family secret impossible to hide anymore.

The characters are incredibly lovable and fun. There is Ellen, the wise grandmother witch, and Sara, who is totally stressed out trying to manage the chaos. Nathan is a super perceptive dad who starts demanding real answers to all the unexplainable, weird things happening around the house. My favorite character is Murgawth, Ellen’s telepathic cat companion, who is the first to notice something is wrong with Ralph and has the most hilarious, sarcastic wit.

We also learn pretty quickly that Ralph absolutely despises a reclusive old hag living in the area and is doesn't want to be taken back to her, because he hates her.. However, as the family unravels the magical mystery, they eventually track down the old hag. When they find her, she finally explains the real history and truth behind their relationship, and they end up giving Ralph back to her.

What makes this book so special is how naturally the magic fits right in with everyday family chaos, chores, and domestic life. The ending wraps up with a great sense of closure, completely solving the mystery of Ralph's curse and bringing the family together for a emotional reconciliation where the family finally tell each other the truth. It leaves you feeling incredibly warm inside and perfectly sets up the story for the next book in A Lancaster Witch Chronicle series. I definitely recommend giving this one a read.

Thank you NetGalley, Lore Weaver Press, and author Kat Farrow, for providing me with this ebook review consideration, in exchange for an honest review.

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Last Day on the Blue Wonder by Les Carroll

Rated: 5 star rating

Please note that this book deals with heavy topics including sexual assault, drugging, military combat violence, physical peril, and the grief of losing a parent.

I really loved Last Day on the Blue Wonder by Les Carroll. It is an intense, gripping book about Andy Herring, an American soldier who retires from the military after a severe battlefield injury in Afghanistan that prevents him from deploying, so instead of taking an administrative or instructor type job, he decides to just retire instead. Just days after retiring, his mom breaks the devastating news that his father has passed away. Andy moves back home to Gloucester, Massachusetts, to honor his dad's dream by taking over his old tuna-fishing boat, the Blue Wonder.

Things get complicated when Andy runs into Amanda, the brave military medic who saved his life overseas. Amanda is escaping an abusive situation and a horrific trauma after a fellow military man drugged and assaulted her without consent. Andy tries to help Amanda and her young daughter start over, but they are followed by danger. Out on the ocean, they must navigate treacherous waves while escaping threats from their past. 

This romance and suspense thriller feels incredibly real because the author is a veteran. I won't give away the ending, but the final ocean chapters are amazing. You should grab a copy of this book. I felt it was a great read.

Thank you, NetGalley, Köehler Books, and author Les Carroll for this ebook review consideration. All review opinions are my own.

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The Bachelor Spy A Freddie and Grace Mystery by Pepper Basham

Rated: 5 star rating

I just finished reading The Bachelor Spy by Pepper Basham, and it is a great, cozy mystery that is a must-read. The book starts off with intense action during a ship sinking, where a British intelligence operative named Stephen Blake is shot and survives. Months later, Stephen is sent on an undercover mission to Havensbrooke Hall, an English estate owned by his cousin Frederick. 

The estate has been turned into a World War I convalescent hospital for wounded soldiers while Frederick is serving on the war front. Stephen's top secret mission is to root out a dangerous German spy known as the "Midnight Angel" who is hiding out at the house. 

Things get highly complicated because Stephen's former spy colleague, Evie Montgomery, is also undercover at the estate disguised as a maid. In the meantime, Stephen and Evie try to figure out each other's secret motives. 

Frederick's wife, Lady Grace Astley, is running the hospital. Grace is such a lovable character with a spunky personality, and she is completely obsessed with reading mystery novels. Even with her soft heart, she becomes a force to be reckoned with. She notices that household items are being stolen around the mansion and starts her own parallel investigation. The espionage and the thievery plots collide in a surprising climax. 

The story is filled with exciting details like a kidnapping, cases of mistaken identity, a romantic closet scene, and a race against time through a crumbling subterranean tunnel beneath the old clergy house.  

It is a wonderful, lighthearted, and exciting book that keeps you guessing until the end. This ebook is a must-read.

Thank you, NetGalley, Barbour Publishing, and author Pepper Basham for this ebook review consideration. All review opinions are my own.

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Decluttering at the Speed of Life Winning Your Never-Ending Battle with Stuff by Dana K. White author and narrator

Rated: 5 star rating

I am so glad I found the audiobook for Decluttering at the Speed of Life. I absolutely love how the author, Dana K. White, does her own narrating because her voice keeps you interested to the very end. She is funny and honest about her own messy house, so you never feel judged while listening. It feels like you are just listening to a friend talk about controlling all the extra stuff taking over your home.

I can't wait to listen to this method and use it while I clean. Her main rule is the Container Concept, which means your closets and shelves are only meant to hold so much, they are the container. If your things do not fit, you have to get rid of stuff until they do. She also talks about using the one in, one out rule to help control the container that is filling up. She gives you a plan where you start by tossing real trash, moving things that already have a home, and getting rid of obvious junk. If you get stuck on an item, she says to ask yourself where you would look for it if you lost it. I plan to repeat, repeat, and repeat this process every time until it becomes second nature for me. 

This book is perfect if you feel completely overwhelmed by your house. It is simple, it makes sense, and it is the best book I have found to help you finally clear out your rooms without getting stressed. This is a great book for decluttering and you definitely need to get this audiobook

Thank you, NetGalley, HCCP & HCF Audio, author and narrator Dana K. White, for providing me with a copy of this audiobook review consideration. All review opinions are my own.

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This is a review of the audiobook.

Return to Sender A Novel by Stephanie Parente

Rating: 3 star rating

I just finished Return to Sender by Stephanie Parente. This story has graphic sexual content alongside heavy emotional themes like grief and the death of a parent. The main characters include a queer teen female and two bisexual adults. LGBTQIA+ content.

The story is a classic grumpy meets sunshine romance mixed with a cross-country road trip, but it also deals with some really heavy family stuff. It follows a twenty-six-year-old woman named Violet, who suddenly has to raise her rebellious fourteen-year-old sister, Phoebe, after their dad tragically dies in a car crash. 

Violet is drowning under the stress of overnight parenthood, especially after her fiancé heartlessly dumps her right after the funeral. They sell their fathers house in Rhode Island and move into a tiny new apartment in Boston to get a fresh start. They receive a romantic love letter that shows up in their mailbox marked return to sender. Phoebe, who is a witty but depressed queer teen navigating terrible grief, opens the letter. Seeing the mystery behind it is the first thing that makes her smile since the accident, so Violet is willing to do absolutely anything to keep that smile on her face. To keep her sister happy, Violet tracks down the guy who wrote the letter, a brooding, prickly, and heavily guarded guy named Benji "Dex" Dexter. He works at a local center for at-risk LGBTQIA+ youth, which shows he secretly has a huge heart under his harsh, quiet exterior.  

Phoebe somehow convinces Dex and Violet to all jump into a beat-up car together for a cross country road trip to deliver the letter to Dex's long-lost ex-girlfriend, Catalina. As they drive farther west, sleeping in cheap motels and eating diner food, the close quarters force Violet and Dex to lower their defenses. They start building an undeniable, slow-burning chemistry, which gets super complicated since they are literally driving toward the woman Dex originally set out to win back. When they finally reach their destination, everyone is forced to stop running from their pasts and face reality. 

The ending doesn't feel like a fairy tale but gives you a realistic, happy romantic ending. Even better, it focuses a lot on how the sisters heal from losing their dad and how they finally learn to move forward together, which was my favorite part. 

If you like slow-burn romances with a lot of feelings and a good road trip vibe, you will love this ebook. It is an easy, fast read that will make you laugh and cry. But some of the content I personally did not agree with, so i only gave it a 3 star rating, but others may not agree.

Thank you, NetGalley, Random House, author Stephanie Parente, for this free ebook review consideration. All review opinions are my own.

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Fortune's Price A Gold Rush Odyssey by Frank Nissen

Rated:  5 star rating

Fortune’s Price by Frank Nissen is a really great book about a 14 year old kid named Pegg who is trying to make it during the California Gold Rush.  After his dad dies of a fever, on the way out west, Pegg gets stuck with the lousy partner named Fred Hoyt.  

Hoyt is a total jerk who just drinks, gambles, and hates on the Chinese miners, so Pegg dumps him to work on his own.  Pegg gets help from some good Chinese friends, Sun Shu and Chen Yi, who look out for him and his dog Bugle. To keep his gold safe from Hoyt, Pegg has to hide his money in tobacco tins, use fake names, and get tips from a smart bank clerk girl named Lila.  

He works hard digging in the river with older miners like Harvey and Osher, all while finding out from his mom's letters that Hoyt had cheated his family back home, too.

The story has awesome action, like Pegg tracking Hoyt's crutch prints through the bushes. It all ends in a crazy, dangerous fistfight right in the middle of a rushing river.  Hoyt gets violent, but Pegg fights him off in the deep rapids, saves Fortune’s Price by Frank Nissen is a really great book about a 14-year-old kid named Pegg trying to make it during the California Gold Rush. After his dad dies on the way out west, Pegg gets stuck with a lousy partner named Fred Hoyt. Hoyt is a total jerk who just drinks, gambles, and hates on the Chinese miners, so Pegg dumps him to work on his own. Pegg gets help from some good Chinese friends, Sun Shu and Chen Yi, who look out for him and his dog Bugle. To keep his gold safe from Hoyt, Pegg has to hide his money in tobacco tins, use fake names, and get tips from a smart clerk girl named Lila. He also works hard digging in the river with older miners like Harvey and Osher, all while finding out from his mom's letters that Hoyt had cheated his family back home, too.

The story has awesome action, like Pegg tracking Hoyt's crutch prints through the bushes. It all ends in a crazy, dangerous fistfight right in the middle of a rushing river.  Hoyt gets violent, but Pegg fights him off in the deep rapids, saves his gold, and finally beats the bad guy. This a great book that you need to check out.

Thank you, NetGalley, Black Rose Writing, and author Frank Nissen, for providing me with a copy of this ebook for book review consideration.  All review opinions are my own.

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Leaving Marinella An Italian Immigrant Family Saga, from Sicily to America by Christopher Amato

Rated: 5 star rating 

This book is absolutely incredible. It is a huge family story that starts in the fictional town of Marinella, Sicily, back in the late 1800s and goes all the way to modern times. 

The story begins with a couple named Saverio and Rosa, but after a tragedy, their young son Tommaso ends up coming to America alone as an orphan in 1900. He has a really rough time moving between places like New York, Detroit, and finally Norfolk, Virginia. He changes his name to Thomas and tries so hard to just be a regular American that he lets go of his Italian roots just to survive.  

Then, the book jumps way into the future to his grandson,Tony. Tony ends up going back to Sicily to figure out his family history, learn the language, and he falls in love with a local woman named Michela. 

It is amazing how the story comes full circle. The author knows Italy really well because you can practically smell the food and see the beautiful coast when Tony is exploring.  

I loved how this book showed the difference between the grandpa who had to give up his culture to survive, and the grandson who got to go back and find it. It makes you really think about your own family history. It is a beautiful, emotional, and easy to read story that keeps you interested the whole time. 

If you love a good family story, with beautiful settings, and historical details that feel real, you have to read this book.

Thank you, NetGalley, Black Rose Writing, and author Christopher Amato, for providing me with a copy of this ebook for book review consideration. All review opinions are my own.

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The Dragon Mountain by Mathieu Pierloot author Illustrated by François Maumont

Rated: 5 star rating

I just read The Dragon Mountain by Mathieu Pierloot, and it is such a cute, fun little fantasy book. The digital version looks awesome because the pictures by François Maumont are full of bright colors that really make the story pop. 

The story is about two young witch nieces named Lilith and Medusa. They are out in the woods looking for potion stuff when they run into a boy named Julian and his pet duck. They look in his bag and find out he stole a huge dragon egg from some sleeping robgoblins. The kids end up naming the baby dragon Fabulous, and they find out he is actually a legendary Stormbringer's baby. 

Since a mad mother dragon will be looking for her little one, the kids have to team up, cross a magical lake, and get Fabulous back home safely. The characters are great together. Their uncle Otto is a goofy wizard who helps a bit, but the kids have to do the heavy lifting. Lilith and Medusa are really smart, Julian is brave even though he is in over his head, and the duck is super funny. The writing is simple and makes you laugh out loud.  

Overall, it is just a nice, happy adventure about friendship and doing the right thing. It is not dark or scary at all. It is perfect for kids starting chapter books or for a sweet bedtime story. I highly recommend it if you want something fun and easy to read.

Thank you, NetGalley, Publisher Spotlight Post Wave, and author Mathieu Pierloot and Illustrator François Maumont, for providing me with a copy of this illustrated ebook for ebook review consideration. All review opinions are my own.

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Bookmarked for Love by Sarah Monzon, author with Allyson Morgan, narrator

Rating:  5 star rating

I just finished the audiobook of Bookmarked for Love by Sarah Monzon, and it is such a sweet, funny romance. The story is narrated by Allyson Morgan, who does a great job of making the characters sound real and bringing out all the humor.  It is a completely clean, feel-good listen that kept me smiling the whole time. 

The plot follows a plus-size children's librarian named Martha Aldridge who is about to lose her job due to budget cuts.  To save her library programs, she goes to her old childhood crush, Julien King, who is a silver-fox heir to a publishing company. 

Julien needs to save his company's kids' book division to prove himself to his dad, but he knows nothing about the industry.  He agrees to fund Martha’s library if she temporarily joins his office to help him find a bestselling manuscript.  

Working together leads to some great banter, a business trip with only one hotel room available, and a lot of old feelings coming back to life.

Martha is funny and relatable, and Julien is a respectful guy who truly values her.  I loved that they act like mature adults who actually talk out their issues instead of letting misunderstandings ruin things. 

The ending wraps up both the library's future and their relationship perfectly.  I highly recommend this lighthearted, comforting romantic story.

Thank you, NetGalley, RBmedia, author Sarah Monzon, Allyson Morgan narrator,  for this audiobook review consideration.  All review opinions are my own.

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This is a review of the audiobook.

Woman of Shadows The Scáthach Cycle by Donald Quill

Rating: 4 star rating

I just read "Woman of Shadows" by Donald Quill, and I really enjoyed it. It is a dark fantasy based on old Irish myths, but you don't need to know anything about mythology to follow along.

The story follows Scáthach, a tough warrior woman running a fighting school on a cold, foggy island. A bunch of young fighters show up, wanting her to train them.

   

My favorite part was when the Morrigan showed up disguised as a creepy old lady to deliver dark warnings about the future; it added such a cool, eerie vibe to the whole story.

The writing is super easy to read and gets right to the point. The sword fights are awesome and realistic without being confusing, and Scáthach is just a really cool lead character who has to make tough choices.

If you like fantasy books with tough female leads, ancient legends, and a dark atmosphere, definitely check this one out. I give it a solid 4 out of 5 stars!

Thank you, NetGalley, Forgotten Rites Publishing, and author Donald Quill, for providing me with a copy of this ebook for book review consideration. All review opinions are my own.

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Escape from Rome A Decide-as-You-Go Adventure by Kathryn Butler

Rating: 4 star rating

I just finished Escape from Rome by Kathryn Butler, and it is such a unique book idea. It is part of The Lamplight series and written as a decide as you go adventure, which means you are the main character making all the choices. 

The story starts with you and your cousin Lusi getting bored at a museum. You find an ancient oil lamp, and before you know it, a mysterious blue light transports you both right into ancient Rome. The timing couldn't be worse because you landed right in the middle of the Great Fire of Rome under Emperor Nero. Since it's written in the second person, meaning "you," you get to decide how to escape the spreading fire, avoid Roman guards, and help Lusi stay safe. 

What surprised me was that it wasn't just about survival. The choices really test your character. It asks you to think about faith, helping others, and doing the right thing under pressure.

There are lots of different ways the book can end. If you make a bad call, you might get captured or trapped, but the book lets you flip back and try again. Your ultimate goal is to use your brain to solve the mystery of the lamp and find a way to get back home. It is fast-paced, packed with historical detail, and great for kids or anyone who loves interactive fiction games. You can reread it to see the different choices you can get, to change the story and make different outcomes. This would be a great book for kids. It's a must read.

Thank you, NetGalley, Crossway, and author Kathryn Butler for this free ebook review consideration. All review opinions are my own.

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Her Silence by S. T. Ashman

Rating: 4 star rating

I just finished Her Silence by S. T. Ashman and It was one big surprise. The story starts years ago with Nicole as a teenage single mom building an unbreakable bond with her baby girl, Lacey. 

Years later, while baby sitting her grandchildren, Nicole gets a hurried phone call from Brian, her son-in-law telling her to get to the hospital. Lacey is found covered in blood in the woods next to her best friend's stabbed husband. The shock leaves Lacey completely mute, so the local police instantly lock her up and call it a day.

Nicole refuses to believe her daughter is a killer. She steps in to be Lacey's voice and launches her own investigation, hunting for clues and digging up dark political and family secrets to find the truth. The assigned detective steps in behind the scenes to try and help the family find real justice.

At the same time, Lacey's 16-year-old son, Dylan, steps up to keep the family together. He is a patient, loyal kid who takes after his grandmother. Nicole starts investigating things, and after asking the tough questions, everyone else missed. There is more that happens years later, but I will stop, so there are no spoilers. Great read.

The author keeps changing perspectives between the family members. It is a perfect mix of family drama and a fast-paced thriller. You think you have it figured out, and then a complete twist in the last thirty pages completely drops your jaw. 

I recommend it, but you may need to skip some parts. For those that need warnings, there is mention of sexual prostitution with bjs, violence with stabbing, and some cursing.  

Thank you, NetGalley, St. Ashman Books, author S. T. Ashman, for this free ebook review consideration. All review opinions are my own.

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The Lord of the Wood A Novel by E.M. Anderson

Rating: 4 star rating

I just finished, "The Lord of the Wood" by E.M. Anderson, it features LGBTQ+ content with multiple queer story arcs, alongside spooky elements of body horror and folk horror that get a bit dark at times.  

I picked it up because I love a good "Beauty and the Beast" retelling, but this book really surprised me with how unique it is. It balances these slow burn romances with a creeping forest vibe that keeps you completely hooked.

The story follows a quiet clockmaker named Arthur Throckmorton who takes a dangerous, high-paying job into Shiftleaf, an enchanted forest that killed his dad years ago. After being attacked by monster birds, Arthur stumbles into a hidden valley and meets Ira, the legendary Lord of the Wood. Instead of a perfect fairy prince, Ira is a lonely, brooding guy suffering from a curse that is slowly turning him into a beast. To save the dying forest and break the curse, they must journey to the heart of the woods on a massive ticking clock, forming a beautiful romantic bond along the way.

The book gives us a dual perspective by also following Arthur's sister, Charlotte, who heads into the forest to rescue her brother alongside a woman named Elspeth. Charlotte starts out deeply closeted, but as she and Elspeth brave the dangers of the woods together, they develop a slow burn romance that mirrors the queer elements of Arthur and Ira's journey.

Arthur is autistic, has chronic pain, and uses a cane to navigate the treacherous forest floor, while Ira wears a knee brace and is blind in one eye. Their disabilities aren't just a checkbox; they actually matter to the story and affect how they survive the woods together, highlighting their mutual resilience. 

The ending is perfect and gives you closure without relying on magical fixes. It wraps up the curses, brings resolution to both romances, and just leaves you with a good feeling.

Thank you, NetGalley,Harlequin Trade Publishing, Hanover Square Press, and author E.M. Anderson, for providing me with a copy of this free ebook in exchange for an honest review.

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Millions of Cats Retold and Illustrated for Young Readers by Juliana Montoya; Wanda Gág

Rating: 5 star rating

This version of Millions of Cats is a charming update to a classic story, making it a great pick for toddlers and preschoolers around ages 2 to 5. The plot follows an elderly, lonely couple living in a quiet house who decide they want a pet. The husband journeys across the hills to find a feline companion but stumbles upon a hidden valley with trillions of cats. Unable to choose just one, he brings the entire group back home. When they arrive, his wife points out that they can not possibly feed so many cats, so they ask the cats to decide who is the prettiest. This triggers a massive argument because the cats are full of vanity, and they end up driving each other away. 

Only one tiny, scrawny kitten was left behind because it was too scared of all the arguing. It was shy, kind, and humble. The couple welcomes this little kitten into their home, feeds it milk, and watches it grow into a beautiful pet. 

Wanda Gág’s 1928 original relied entirely on black and white artwork, but this fresh edition features bright, engaging colors that are perfect for keeping a child's attention. This is a legitimate, high-quality publication carefully crafted by actual human creators, completely avoiding the robotic, generic feel of an AI-generated book. Illustrator and adapter Juliana Montoya reworked the wording so it flows better for younger listeners, and she even added original puzzle activities at the end.  

It is a fantastic choice for a bedtime story that delivers a wonderful message. Being humble and kind can get you a long way in life. It even got the kitty a forever home. 

Thank you, NetGalley, BooksGoSocial, author, and illustrator Juliana Montoya and Wanda Gág, for this free ebook review consideration. All review opinions are my own.

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With Her Baby on Her Back A totally gripping and heart-wrenching historical novel by Suzette D. Harrison author with Jeanette Robinson (Narrator); Megan Gage (Narrator)

With Her Baby on Her Back

A totally gripping and heart-wrenching historical novel

by Suzette D. Harrison author

with Jeanette Robinson (Narrator); Megan Gage (Narrator)

Rating: 5 star rating

I just finished listening to the audiobook for With Her Baby on Her Back by Suzette D. Harrison. It is a great historical fiction book inspired by the true story of Biddy Mason, an enslaved woman who walked thousands of miles to freedom. The story jumps back and forth between two different moms, one from the past and one from today, and it is just such a beautifully emotional story from start to finish.

The historical part starts in 1848 with an enslaved midwife named Zinnie. Her owners force her to walk two thousand miles all the way to California from Mississippi, behind their wagons. She has to do this grueling trail with her two little girls walking next to her and her newborn baby strapped to her back. She goes through so much physical pain and is terrified of losing her kids, but her strength is amazing. She is determined to survive and find a way to get her family their legal freedom.

The modern part of the story is about Lynette, a single mom and teacher in Texas. She is totally stressed out trying to raise her son, who has autism, while also taking care of her grandmother who has dementia. She finds an old sapphire brooch in the attic, which starts a big family mystery. As she digs into her roots, she realizes she is directly connected to Zinnie's journey, and learning about her ancestors helps her find the strength to handle her own tough life.

The audiobook has two different narrators, Jeanette Robinson and Megan Gage, which was a great choice. One reads the past and the other reads the present, and they both sound so real and emotional. It is about 12 and a half hours long, but it goes by fast because you get so hooked on the mystery.

Even though it talks about heavy stuff like slavery, it doesn't leave you feeling down. The ending is actually really happy and inspiring. It is a great reminder of how strong moms can be and how important it is to know where you come from. I highly recommend getting this one if you want a great book for listening in your car or at home while doing chores. I just loved it.

Thank you, NetGalley, Bookouture Audio, author Suzette D. Harrison, Jeanette Robinson narrator and Megan Gage narrator, for this audiobook review consideration. All review opinions are my own.

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PSAT/NMSQT Reading and Writing Practice Questions by Vibrant Publishers

PSAT/NMSQT Reading and Writing Practice Questions

by Vibrant Publishers

Rating: 5 star rating

I got this to help my daughter get ready for the PSAT. Honestly, she is way smarter than me, so I just needed something that would actually challenge her and help her lock down a better method. This book was great.

It starts with a quick test to show you exactly what to work on and gives you super easy study schedules to follow. The questions range from basic to tough, which kept her on her toes. My favorite part is the answer key; it doesn't just give you a letter. It actually explains the logic so she could learn from her mistakes. 

It also clears up all the confusing National Merit scholarship stuff and comes with awesome online extras like bonus vocab lists. She finished up with the full practice test at the end to get her timing down.

Skip the eBook and buy the print version. Flipping between long text passages, questions, and explanations on a screen is a total nightmare. Having the physical book open in front of her made studying so much easier. Highly recommend.

Thank you, NetGalley, BooksGoSocial, and the author, Vibrant Publishers, for the book review consideration. All opinions are my own.

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The Hodder Bible Commentary: Psalms 1-41 by Benjamin Sargent

The Hodder Bible Commentary:

Psalms 1-41

by Benjamin Sargent

Rating: 5 star rating

I am so glad I picked up this book! I usually find Bible commentaries dry, but Benjamin Sargent writes with a warm heart that makes you feel like you are studying with a friend.

The format is great, and it places the full NIV Bible text right next to the commentary so you don't have to constantly flip pages. It breaks Psalms 1 through 41 down into short chunks that are absolutely perfect for a morning devotional routine.

Sargent focuses heavily on how these ancient prayers are full of human emotions like fear, crying out for help, and praising God. Which also connects us to our daily struggles.

Reading these insights on finding refuge in God, when life gets chaotic, gave me so much peace.

It wraps up beautifully at Psalm 41, leaving you feeling totally encouraged. If you want a trustworthy commentary, you will love this one.

Thank you, NetGalley, John Murray Press US, and Benjamin Sargent for this book review consideration. All review opinions are my own.

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The Hodder Bible Commentary: Esther by K.A. Ellis

The Hodder Bible Commentary: 

Esther

by K. A. Ellis

Rating: 5 star rating

I absolutely love this commentary on Esther by K.A. Ellis. She makes heavy theology feel totally easy to grasp. I liked the way the commentary has a side by side format where the NIV Bible verses are printed right next to her commentary. This makes for a perfect devotional routine without constantly flipping pages.

Ellis does a beautiful job explaining how God is always working behind the scenes, even when life is scary or when it feels like He is silent.

What I loved most was how she explained the true ending of the book and the establishment of Purim. Ellis explains that Purim isn’t just a historical party; it represents the ultimate "reversal of lots." She highlights how Haman cast lots to destroy the Jews, but God flipped it around to deliver them instead.

If you want a quick, trustworthy guide that connects Esther and this historic feast to our modern hope, you will love this. This i found fascinating because I wasn't familiar with Purim.

Thank you, NetGalley, John Murray Press US, and K. A. Ellis for this book review consideration. All review opinions are my own.

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The Hodder Bible Commentary: 1 & 2 Chronicles by Peter Hon Wan Lau

The Hodder Bible Commentary: 

1 & 2 Chronicles

by Peter Hon Wan Lau

Rating: 5 star rating

Most of us just want to skip it whenever we get to 1 & 2 Chronicles, because of all those endless family trees, names we have trouble pronouncing, and lists of temple gold that can make your eyes cross. I felt the exact same way until I found this book by Dr. Peter Hon Wan Lau. It changed the way I study and enjoy scripture.

What makes this book encouraging is the author himself. Before he started teaching the Bible full time, he actually trained to be a medical doctor. Because of that, he doesn’t write like a stuffy professor trying to look smart. He writes like a normal person and uses great examples that actually make sense.

He does a great job explaining what Chronicles is actually about. He walks you through how the book spans thousands of years; starting way back with Adam, he focuses on the stories of King David and King Solomon and ends with the Babylonian exile. 

Instead of just repeating what happens in the books of Kings or Samuel, Dr. Lau shows you the deeper meaning. He dives into why the writer included specific details about the temple singers, the dramatic prayers during wartime, and the way God kept some of His people alive through a national catastrophe.

The book is perfect for a small group or during your morning coffee time because every chapter is broken down into three quick steps: Listen gives you a quick summary of the section so you don't feel lost. Explain tells you what the verses mean in plain, everyday English. Then, apply shows you how to take that ancient history and live it out today.

There are no academic footnotes to get in the way. It just focuses on how to pray when life gets messy, how to stick together as a church community, and how God cares about people beyond just Israel.

By the time you finish, you feel so encouraged. It proves that Chronicles isn't just a dusty history of ancient failures. It’s a beautiful reminder that God always keeps His promises to us. If you want to understand these books in this series without getting a headache, pick up one and try it.

Thank you, NetGalley, John Murray Press US, and Peter Hon Wan Lau, for this book review consideration. All review opinions are my own.

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When Thoughts Get Stuck Peace of Mind in the Battle Against OCD by Will Van Der Hart and Thea Joshi

When Thoughts Get Stuck

Peace of Mind in the Battle Against OCD

by Will Van Der Hart and Thea Joshi

Rating: 4 star rating

I just finished reading the ebook version of When Thoughts Get Stuck by Will Van Der Hart and Thea Joshi, and I highly recommend it. Will is an Anglican priest and Thea is a mental health communicator, and they both open up about their own real life struggles with OCD. Their personal stories make it feel like you are reading advice from friends who truly understand your pain. It personally helped me understand OCD much better and figure out whether I might actually have it or not, because I felt a lot of the exact things they talked about in the book. The book does an great job breaking down how obsessive thinking tricks your brain. It dives deep into "thought-action fusion," which is the psychological trap where your brain treats a bad thought as if it is just as terrible as a physical action, or convinces you that thinking about a bad event makes it more likely to happen in real life. They also tackle religious moral integrity, showing how easily OCD can hijack your faith and cause constant, unearned guilt. Reading through these heavy topics completely takes away the shame and isolation of these mental battles. Instead of just explaining the problem, they give you practical psychological tools, spiritual encouragement, and guided prayers at the end of every chapter.

It wraps up by showing you how to embrace grace instead of chasing perfectionism. It is a comforting read that gives you a real peace of mind. I definitely recommend this book for anyone dealing with OCD.

Thank you, NetGalley, John Murray Press US, and authors Will Van Der Hart and Thea Joshi, for this book review consideration. All review opinions are my own.

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No. 10 Doyers Street by Radha Vatsal

Rating: 5 star rating

I really loved No. 10 Doyers Street by Radha Vatsal. It is an great, fast paced historical mystery set in the corrupt streets of 1907 New York City rather than fancy high society. 

The main character is Archie Morley, a sharp Indian immigrant journalist who wears trousers, defies traditions, and uses her outsider perspective to see things other reporters miss.

The plot kicks off after a crazy theater shooting in Chinatown. Archie investigates the neighborhood's notorious gang leader Mock Duck, but the case takes a turn when crooked politicians, led by the ambitious Mayor McLellan, try to use the violence as an excuse to tear down Chinatown completely. 

Things get personal when city workers raid Mock Duck’s house and take his young daughter away. With the help of her American doctor husband, who gives her access to high society, Archie races through dark alleys and corrupt government offices to expose the truth.

For readers who prefer a clean mystery, this book is a great choice with absolutely no graphic sexual content or heavy cursing. It does feature some intense historical themes, including gun violence, political corruption, and systemic racism against immigrant communities. I highly recommend it if you want a clean, suspenseful crime thriller with a tough, unconventional female lead.

Thank you, NetGalley, Level Best Books, and author Radha Vatsal, for providing me with a copy of this free ebook in exchange for an honest review.

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Closer to God A 10-Week Study on Prayer by Emily Wickham

Rating: 4 star rating

I really love Closer to God by Emily Wickham. As someone who always struggled to keep a consistent prayer life, I think she did a great job making everything easy to understand. I really like how each day includes a story from the author, a prayer, a way to apply the Bible, and a space for writing your own prayer. There are tons of great daily questions in here that really make you think, and she did an great job keeping things simple.  

I am rating this a 4 because I feel like she could have explained things a little better with more detail. Specifically, I feel she should explain or give personal examples of how to prepare a prayer, because it doesn't come easy for everyone to put their thoughts on paper. I also wish there was a web link for visual learners to see real video clips of her teaching the lessons. Overall, it is still a great workbook for beginners, and I definitely recommend it if you want a deeper relationship with God.

Thank you, NetGalley, Our Daily Bread Publishing, and author Emily Wickham, for providing me with a copy of this free ebook in exchange for an honest review.

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Soul Journey Transform Your Present by Rediscovering God in Your Past by Barbara L. Peacock

Rating: 4 star rating

I just finished reading Soul Journey by Dr. Barbara L. Peacock. She shares a lot of her life stories and uses them to help you look back at your past to see where God has been working, even during the really hard times. What I loved about it, is that it is hands-on. Instead of just reading, you are actually answering journaling questions, praying, and mapping out your own spiritual story. It takes time and energy to do the exercises, so it might feel slow if you just want a quick read, but it is totally worth it.  

This book provides a sense of closure by showing you how to carry these lessons into your everyday life. By the time you finish the pages, you walk away with a framework of your faith, a sense of purpose, and a deeper relationship with God. 

I recommend this book if you are feeling stuck in your faith and want an encouraging way to sort through your journey.

Thank you, NetGalley,Our Daily Bread Publishing, and author Barbara L. Peacock, for providing me with a copy of this free ebook in exchange for an honest review.

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Strength Training for Longevity Simple Workouts for a Lifetime of Health and Mobility by Matt Schifferle

Rating: 5 star rating

I really love Strength Training for Longevity by Matt Schifferle. As someone who is completely inexperienced with working out, I think he did a great job making everything easy to understand. I really like how he lists out exactly what basic equipment you need, and he does an awesome job explaining how to do the body form correctly so you do not get hurt.

There are tons of different exercises in here that I have never even seen before, especially the calisthenics moves that use your own body weight to build strength and muscle. My only real complaint is that I wish there were more photos included or maybe a web link for visual learners like me to see real people doing the actions. Overall, it is a great book for beginners, and I definitely recommend it if you want to stay active as you age.

Thank you, NetGalley, Zeitgeist, author Matt Schifferle, for this free ebook review consideration. All review opinions are my own.

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Hope Is Life's Treasure and Other Poems by Daisaku Ikeda, author with Orlando Bloom, narrator

Rating: 5 star rating

I absolutely love this poetry collection. I just finished listening to the audiobook of Hope Is Life’s Treasure and Other Poems by Daisaku Ikeda, and I had to share how incredible it is. It features twenty-two philosophical poems that take you on a journey through resilience, mentorship, and finding light in dark times, emotional at times, with mentions of war and loss of freedom.  

Orlando Bloom’s narration is completely stunning. His voice is so soothing, grounded, and sincere. His calm pacing perfectly matches the natural flow of the translated poetry, giving the words room to breathe. He shifts from quiet nostalgic memories, to a powerful passionate tone, when urging the younger generation to stand up for peace. There is even message at the end where he shares what these poems mean to him personally. 

The poems pull from Ikeda's earlier works like Journey of Life and The Sun of Youth, creating a wonderful flow that lifts you out of everyday stress. The opening track, "Morigasaki Beach," sets a peaceful mood. The verses celebrate real historical figures who stood up against massive hardships, like Ikeda's mentors Tsunesaburo Makiguchi and Josei Toda, along with icons like Cicero and Beethoven.

It runs just under four hours and ends with a moment of optimism. It left me feeling inspired and full of hope. I highly recommend it if you need a little extra peace and encouragement right now.

Thank you, NetGalley,World Tribune Press/Middleway Press, and author Daisaku Ikeda with Orlando Bloom narrator for providing me with a copy of this free audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

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This is a review of the audiobook.

The Mentor's Daughter A Psychological Suspense Thriller by Steve Hadden

 Rating: 5 star rating

I just finished reading the eBook for The Mentor’s Daughter by Steve Hadden, and if you love psychological thrillers, you seriously need to add this one to your to be read list. The story starts on a freezing night in Tulsa when Eli Scott goes to meet his long-time mentor, Jim Munro. Instead of Jim, his daughter, Hope, shows up. She tells him her father has completely vanished. What starts as an investigation quickly turns into a race filled with toxic family secrets and old corporate rivalries. Eli is forced into a pretty shaky alliance with Hope, who has a public reputation as a cold, calculating sociopath. Eli constantly distrusts her throughout the investigation, leaving her true motives entirely unclear as they dig into the past.

Eli is a great main character because he is deeply loyal but totally haunted by his past. The story flows well, and since the author has a background in the oil industry, the technical details feel real without slowing down the fast pace of the story. 

The ending delivers a massive psychological twist that makes you rethink the entire story from the beginning. It is an original journey from start to finish, and I highly recommend it for your next read.

Thank you, NetGalley, Mahoghany Row Press, and author Steve Hadden, for providing me with a copy of this free ebook in exchange for an honest review.

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In Search of the Optimal Human Diet A Layperson's Guide to Nutritional Science by Jonathan Spitz

Rating: 4 star rating 

I just finished reading In Search of the Optimal Human Diet by Jonathan Spitz, and it was eye-opening. I picked it up because I was sick of all the conflicting diet advice you see, and this book took a different approach by looking at the history of how nutrition science came to be. 

It's like a medical research story. It started years ago with old school doctors like James Lind. Who was trying to figure out how to cure scurvy on ships, and the complex biology like the Krebs cycle; which is the chemical process our bodies use to turn nutrients into everyday energy. 

The author does an great job of showing how we got off-track with our modern diets, but he breaks down that science into simple terms so you can follow along. It really makes you think about how processed junk food, we eat, links to modern chronic disease and illnesses. 

By the end, it finishes with a conclusion on how a whole-food, plant-based lifestyle is what our bodies were actually meant to run on.

This would probably be good on audiobook because you listen closer to what is said. But the book is good for quick reference. I may get both. If you want a genuinely interesting read that will completely change how you look at your grocery list without being boring, you should definitely check this one out.

Thank you, NetGalley, 6th Sense Press, IBPA, and author Jonathan Spitz, for providing me with a copy of this free ebook in exchange for an honest review.

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The Girl on the Bathroom Floor Held Together When Everything is Falling Apart by Amber Emily Smith author and narrator.

Rating: 5 star rating

I just finished listening to the audiobook The Girl on the Bathroom Floor by Amber Emily Smith, and it was an astoundingly wonderful listen. Amber, the wife of former country singer Granger Smith, shares the honest truth about losing their three year old son, River, to an accidental drowning. This tragedy gave the book its title, representing the physical space where she collapsed in total despair and grief. However, the bathroom floor wasn't the only place she expressed her grief; her heartbreak spilled over into her everyday spaces like her car and her closet, too.

Because the memories at their old house were too painful, the family decided to pack up and leave. They ended up living in an RV while waiting to build a new house, which added stress to an already difficult situation. They almost didn't get to buy the land at all because COVID-19 hit right in the middle of everything, but Amber personally managed to talk the realtor into finalizing the sale anyway.

Amber narrates the audiobook herself, and hearing emotion in her voice makes it personal. She avoids easy answers or toxic positivity. She shares how separating her identity from her trauma, helped her deal with it better. Also, she explained how faith allowed grief and joy to coexist. I felt this was smooth audiobook experience, and I definitely recommend this listen.

Thank you, NetGalley, W Publishing Audiobooks, and author and narrator Amber Emily Smith, for providing me with a copy of this free audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

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Not That Fancy Simple Lessons on Living, Loving, Eating, and Dusting Off Your Boots by Reba McEntire author and narrator

Rating: 5 star rating

I absolutely loved this audiobook. She narrates the whole thing herself, and her Southern drawl instantly makes you feel like you need to get ready for a cozy listen. Since it is a lifestyle memoir, it follows the story of her life from her early days on an Oklahoma cattle ranch to the stages of Nashville. Reba shares her down to earth philosophy and shows how she believes in God, family, love, and hard work. The audio version includes exclusive, built in interviews with her family and friends. You get to hear directly from Dolly Parton, Ronnie Dunn, Kix Brooks, Carrie Underwood, Lauren Daigle, Vince Gill, Luke Bryan, Kristin Chenoweth, Carly Pearce, Tony Brown, Terri Clark, and Hillary Scott, and more.

They share some funny behind the scene stories, music history, and pranks. It wraps up with Reba talking about her life today, her restaurant, and finding peace as she gets older. It leaves you with the reminder to not make it harder than it should be, but focus on what matters, because the best things in life really are not that fancy. It even comes with a downloadable PDF for all the recipes and photos, making it a heartwarming listen and read..

Thank you, NetGalley, Harper Celebrate Audio, Reba McEntire author and narrator, for this free audiobook review consideration. All review opinions are my own.

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The Long Call A Detective Matthew Venn Novel by Ann Cleeves

Rating: 4 star rating

I just finished The Long Call by Ann Cleeves, and if you love British mysteries, you may want to check this one out . It introduces a new detective, Matthew Venn, who is quiet and intense. 

He starts off weighed down by his past, but as the case continues it forces him to face his childhood trauma, you see him slowly growing and learning to trust his team and he starts to open up with them.

The story takes place in a coastal town in North Devon. It starts with Matthew watching his estranged father's funeral from a distance because he was kicked out of his family's strict religious group years ago, so he cant attend the funeral.  Right after the funeral, a troubled ex-soldier named Simon Walden is found stabbed to death on the beach.

Then shortly after the murder, a handicapped young woman goes missing, and the clues lead straight to a community center run by Matthew’s husband, Jonathan. Matthew is forced to investigate the religious community that rejected him, which adds personal tension. 

Heads up for those looking for LGBT representation or wanting a content warning: the main detective is gay, and the book features clean romantic moments and kissing between Matthew and his husband, Jonathan. It is completely wholesome and PG-style intimacy, but it is a central part of his life and identity.

The side characters get great development too. His sergeant, Jen Rafferty, starts as a tough single mom escaping an abusive past, but she really steps into her own authority here. Even the victim, Simon, feels real as you uncover his past guilt from a fatal car accident, that killed a young child. You also get Dennis Salter, the controlling leader of the local church, that his parents attended and who holds a massive grudge against Matthew.

It is definitely a slow-burn mystery that focuses on psychological tension rather than big action scenes. The best part is that you get closure at the ending. The killer is unmasked, every single loose end is tied up, and Matthew takes some huge steps toward healing from his past. It's a completely satisfying read that leaves you genuinely excited for the next book.  

I really enjoyed this mystery series, there was some details I personally overlooked, but I really like the authors writing. This is my first time reading this authors books, I love her writing. Her writing flows so well.  

Thank you, NetGalley, St. Martin's Press Minotaur Books, author Ann Cleeves, for this free ebook review consideration. All review opinions are my own.

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Curing Christianity Overcoming Doubt, Fear, and Confusion to Rediscover a Healthy Christian Faith by D. L. Webster author and narrator

Rating: 4 star rating

If you have ever felt burned out or hurt by church culture, Curing Christianity is a breath of fresh air. D. L. Webster does not write like some scholar or pastor talking down to you from the pulpit. He is not angry or trying to destroy your faith, he just wants to help people heal. 

He gets into the stressful topics that a lot of churches use to make people feel guilty, like purity culture, toxic leaders, and scary rules about hell. He talks about how fear motivates, and this why a lot of churches use it. Webster shows that a lot of the things making us anxious are not actually what Jesus taught at all.

One issue I have with the book is that the subtitle promises to help you overcome doubt, fear, and confusion, but I feel like the author should have covered those specific things a lot more. He frames doubt as a normal step toward a stronger relationship with God, but he spends way more time talking about specific church doctrines and rules than he does giving deep advice on how to actually process your internal fear and mental confusion. If you are looking for a deep emotional dive into handling those three specific feelings, you might find the book a little lacking because it focuses so much on breaking down church culture. But I enjoyed the way Webster covers his topics and he follows it up with scripture. He has a gentle way of covering this information.

If you are tired of religion feeling heavy or fake, you still might want to give this a read. It leaves you feeling comforted and shows that you do not have to walk away from God just because pastors or people may cause a lot of human doubt, fear, and confusion, that is placed onto the church and God. 

My biggest complaint is about the audiobook. The author narrates it himself, and it sounds like he has a piece of candy rolling around in his mouth the whole time. Those wet mouth noises are incredibly distracting to listen to, and I really think he needs to hire a professional narrator to re-record it. Because the audio was so annoying, and because I wanted more focus on the doubt and fear aspects, I give the actual content of the book a solid four stars. I think reading the actual book may be a better choice for some.

Thank you, NetGalley,Spherical Media & Publishing, and author and narrator D. L. Webster, for providing me with a copy of this free audioebook in exchange for an honest review.

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My Son's Duty by Roberta Kagan

Rating: 5 star rating 

I just finished My Son's Duty by Roberta Kagan. It is a intense book set in Berlin back in 1933 when the Nazis army took effect. 

The main guy is a young German named Ziggy who is living a nightmare. His dad is a mean Nazi officer who runs their house like a drill sergeant. 

The saddest part is when the girl Ziggy secretly loves, but is his best friends girlfriend, ends up killing herself because she got pregnant by his ex-best friend Alex. Ziggy tries to save her from the shame of it all, but it is just too late. Then, his dad forces him into an arranged marriage just so the family can get more power in the Nazi party.

Later Ziggy comes home to find his mom, Greta, risking her life by running a secret rescue operation. She is literally hiding Jewish people right in their basement while the Gestapo is hunting everyone down. When Ziggy finds them, he is caught in the middle. After getting over his surprise, he stands up for his own beliefs of right and wrong, by choosing to help his mom instead of blindly following orders. 

Fair warning though, the book ends on a massive cliffhanger, it leaves you totally hanging for book three. If you like historical WWII stories, you should definitely read this one. It was a great story, and I definitely recommend it. 

Thank you, NetGalley, Book Whisperer, and author Roberta Kagan, for providing me with a copy of this free ebook in exchange for an honest review.

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The Summer War by Naomi Novik

Rating: 4 star rating

Fantasy Folk Tale with Big Heart.

I just read The Summer War by Naomi Novik, and it is the kind of fantasy read I have been looking for. It is a short standalone novella at about 144 pages.

The starts off with a girl named Celia who accidentally releases her hidden magic while being completely heartbroken and grieving over her favorite older brother, Argent, who is leaving home for good. Out of sorrow and anger, she puts a curse on her brother, that traps her brother into a lonely life of empty fame where he can never find real love. Fast forward a few years, and her ruthless father tries to use her as a piece in a political game, forcing her into an arranged marriage with their Kings son, the prince. Which becomes connected to the summerland wars against the immortal fae folk known as the summerlings. 

To fix her curse, save Argent, and protect herself, Celia has to join forces with her ignored middle brother, Roric, while navigating danger from a mysterious Summerling Prince.

There is so much character development packed into such a short book. Celia starts out pretty self-absorbed, but she transforms into a sharp-witted sorceress/witch who knows how to outplay the corrupt royals.

Argent shifts from a proud, untouchable knight into someone way more vulnerable, and Roric finally gets his moment to shine when his musical talents become the key to saving everyone. I loved watching these siblings actually grow closer and learn to respect one another instead of the story just focusing on a predictable romance.

Just a quick LGBT content warning for anyone who likes a heads-up, there is a gay romance subplot here. It features some kissing scenes between male characters, but the sexual content stays clean/closed door.

The best part is that the book gives you complete closure. There are absolutely no annoying cliffhangers or sequel setups; the curse gets broken, the war wraps up, and everyone walks away with a genuinely earned happy ending.  

Thank you, NetGalley, Del Rey, Random House Worlds, Inklore, author Naomi Novik, for this free ebook review consideration. All review opinions are my own.

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The Cure at Walden Pond A Guide to Recovering Our Humanity by Thomas Moore, author with Graham Winton, narrator

Rating:  5 star rating

If you're drained by the daily stress, you need to check out this audiobook. In The Cure at Walden Pond, Thomas Moore takes Henry David Thoreau’s old 19th-century ideas and turns them into a real survival guide for our sanity.  It turns out Thoreau was dealing with the exact same stuff we are today, feeling totally overwhelmed by overwork and buying things we don't need, even all the way back in the 1850s.  Moore shows us how simple habits like long walks and journaling can completely reset your mind.  

He introduces this beautiful idea of painting an "angel" as a protest against cold digital technology.  It’s his way of telling us to slow down and protect our human, soulful moments. You don't have to go live near a lake to fix your life; you just need to protect those quiet spaces where you already are. 

The narrator, Graham Winton, is fantastic. His voice is incredibly calm and gives you plenty of time to actually process the ideas. By the end, you're left with real clarity and a way of finding your own peace in a noisy world. Highly recommend. This book really makes you think.  It's calming to listen to.

Thank you, NetGalley, RBmedia, author Thomas Moore, and Graham Winton, narrator, for this free audiobook review consideration.  All review opinions are my own.

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This is a review of the audiobook.

Candy Apple Kisses A cozy, low-spice fall romance by Amy Clipston

Rating: 5 star rating

I just read Candy Apple Kisses, and it was great read. I really enjoyed this book. It is a clean, romance about two best friends named Emily and Jake, that were raised together since they were young.

Emily left her hometown after her parents were killed in a plane crash, and doesn’t come back until years later. Then she doesn't come back until Jake asks her to come back and help him with his families apple orchard. She then comes back to help Jake by using her artistic abilities with their 100 year old anniversary. He also has new competition with a new apple orchard and they need to do something to make their festival better than the competition. 

They have great chemistry, and it is really sweet watching them finally realize they have feelings for each other while working side by side.

The only downside for me was Jake’s ex-girlfriend, Claire. Claire is always starting drama and trying to get in between them.

But the autumn feeling and the happy ending made up for it. The story ends with the orchard festival details and the great relationship ending, leaving you feeling good. If you love sweet, small town romances, you should definitely give this one a read. This was a great read for me, I really loved it.

Thank you, NetGalley,Thomas Nelson Fiction, and author Amy Clipston, for providing me with a copy of this free ebook in exchange for an honest review.

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The Bird Tribe The Dreambird Chronicles, Book Three by Lucinda Roy

Rating: 4 star rating

I just finished The Bird Tribe, and Lucinda Roy does a great job bringing The Dreambird Chronicles to an end.

The story jumps ahead two years after Ji-ji shocked everyone by growing literal wings and flying. If you are expecting a war right away, that is not what happens. Instead, everything has come to a stop. 

The people that were in bondage on the slave plantations, who are called "seeds" under a botanical system, are completely losing hope. They are starting to think the old legends of the Flying Africans were just a fairy tale they made up to survive.

To save her people, Ji-ji has to lead a dangerous pilgrimage across the broken landscape of the Disunited States. She is trying to find the truth about her heritage. She is wondering, were the "wingchildren" like her just genetically engineered in a lab by their oppressors, or are they actually the descendants of an ancient, mythical tribe? 

Ji-ji is amazing because she isn't perfect superhero; she is just a fierce, exhausted young woman carrying the weight of being a symbol of freedom.

Ji-ji’s friend, Afarra, goes on this survival journey too, and she fights through her own trauma and the hardships of her past. The best character might be Man Cryday, a tough, grumpy 85-year-old elder woman who steps in to protect the kids. She lives by a code that the older generation has a duty to secure a future for young ones. Standing in their way is the scary and arrogant villain, Dream Master Amadeus "I'm-a-God" Nelson, who uses psychological manipulation and weapons to keep everyone living in fear. He is an example of how religious authority can be abused.

The author does not leave you on a cliffhanger. We get real closure, and the book answers the mystery of where the wingchildren's powers come from. It is an emotional and bittersweet, conclusion that makes reading the entire three book series worth it.

Thank you, NetGalley,Tor Publishing Group, and author Lucinda Roy, for providing me with a copy of this free ebook in exchange for an honest review.

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The Elvis Presley Cookbook Fun Facts and Simple Southern Comfort Recipes Fit for a King by Elizabeth McKeon; Ralph Gevirtz; Julie Bandy

Rating: 5 star rating

This is the Elvis Presley Cookbook: Fun Facts and Simple Southern Comfort Recipes Fit for a King. It has good old-fashioned comfort food. This book was written by Elizabeth McKeon, Ralph Gevirtz, and Julie Bandy. It is a 160-page hardcover book, but it is not just a recipe book. It is packed with old photos of Elvis and his family with music trivia. There are nearly 100 recipes, and they came from Alvena Roy, who was Elvis’s actual cook at Graceland.

This is some of the food Elvis ate. The food is all simple Southern cooking. There is the famous fried peanut butter and banana sandwich, but also regular stuff like buttermilk biscuits, meatloaf, pork chops with sauerkraut. It even tells you exactly what Elvis ate during major moments in his life. The recipes use cheap, normal ingredients that you can buy at any grocery store.

The book ends by explaining how much Elvis loved sharing food. It does not get into any of the sad or tragic stuff about the end of his life, which I really liked. 

This is a quick read, and it would look great on a coffee table or make a great gift for friends or family.

Thank you, NetGalley, Harper Celebrate, and the authors Elizabeth McKeon, Ralph Gevirtz, and Julie Bandy for the book review consideration. All opinions are my own.

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The German Sisters Completely heartbreaking and unforgettable World War Two fiction by Marty Wingate

Rating:  5 star rating

This book really got to me. It’s about two sisters, Dagmar and Heike, who are sent away from Germany in 1938 to keep them safe during the war. Their parents take them to the train station and put them on a Kindertransport-type evacuation, so it’s not like they’re being  abandoned; they’re being sent away for their protection.  This is still heartbreaking because they’re so young and confused.

They are taken to their new home placement, Goodfellow House, and are there for a while, trying to adjust and just survive day to day without their parents. Dagmar, being the older sister, basically takes it on herself to look after Heike all the time.

A fire breaks out in the Goodfellow House a couple of years later and damages it too much to live in.  A fire inspector is brought in to inspect the fire and determine what was the cause of the fire.  In the meantime, Dagmar starts worrying in her head that maybe Heike accidentally caused the fire. She never says it out loud, but you can feel how guilty and scared she is because she is worried and overthinking it.  Eventually, they find out what really caused the fire, and it’s not what Dagmar feared at all. 

There’s also this lost letter from their Aunt Miriam and Uncle Rafe, who moved to Argentina, that later shows up and helps explain more about what’s going on with their family.  With the help of the family and friends of the second home placement, the Oxburrow home, they are able to discover what has happened to their family.

The story just feels very real and emotional. It’s more about fear, guilt, and trying to hold the family together when everything around them is falling apart. It’s not a big action war book; it’s more about what war does to kids and families in everyday life.

If you like WWII stories that are sad but are also about family and survival, this is a good one.

Thank you, NetGalley, Bookouture, and the author Marty Wingate for the book review consideration.  All opinions are my own.

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One More Hour of Daylight by C. M. Gray

Rating: 5 star rating

I just finished One More Hour of Daylight by C.M. Gray. It’s a big change for this author since he usually writes fantasy books, but he totally crushed this WWII spy thriller.

The story gets you right from the beginning, in September 1939. A 17 year old British kid named Derrick Sedgley finds a wounded German pilot who parachuted from his plane into a field near an Essex barn. The pilot asks for just one more hour of daylight before he does anything else. Derrick makes a promise to bring him breakfast and protect him but he panics and breaks his promise before morning.

Four years later in 1943, and Derrick is still eaten up by the guilt. He's a hardened spy for the SOE - Special Operations Executive in occupied Europe. He is running routes through Burgundy and sneaking downed Allied airmen to the Spanish border. Everything blows up when a mission in Hamburg goes completely wrong. Derrick goes on the run with a German woman named Lotte Braun, who has secrets that put a target on their backs.

Now the SS are raiding safe houses, and the southern escape corridor is compromised. The original german Luftwaffe pilot from 1939 is back and this time he is the enemy.

Derrick and Lotte end up on a freezing trek up into the Pyrenees mountains being shot at, and trying to survive. The cold of the mountains, and their fear from hiding in safe houses is causing paranoia to set in.

There are no cliffhangers. The ending gives you closure and ties everything up. It's a bittersweet wrap-up that brings the whole 1939 promise full circle right into the final 1943 mountain chase. It will definitely show you how you will feel about the cost of doing the right thing too late. I would definitely recommend this ebook. I love WWII stories, and this one didn't disappoint. Great book.

Thank you, BookSirens, Constance Books, and author C. M. Gray, for providing me with a copy of this free ebook in exchange for an honest review.

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Dear Ophelia by Yours Truly

Rating: 5 star rating

I just finished reading Dear Ophelia by Yours Truly, and it is a collection of personal letters and poetry addressed to a modern-day version of Ophelia. The text is written from the author voice known as "Yours Truly," with the clear purpose of helping Ophelia push through grief, life trials, and depressed mental status.

What makes it stand out is the way it deals with deep depression. Instead of allowing Ophelia to be a depressed figure who succumbs to her life like in Shakespeare's classic play. This book makes her into a survivor.  

In the middle of the book, it takes the worst of life's difficulties and turns it around. Instead of letting the pain break Ophelia, the poetry acts as a shield, and it motivates her to keep moving on, and it shows what the power of friendship can do to help a person.  

The final pages offer emotional closure. It leaves you with a sense of hope, friendship, and choosing to look forward.

This is a quick read, but it is the best book of poetry that i have ever read. It deals with depression in a special way. I have never understood poetry very much, but this book i can actually read and understand. My only complaint is that some of the poetry seemed repetitive, but i still enjoyed it. I definitely recommend picking this book up.

Thank you, NetGalley, ACTE IV, and author Yours Truly, for providing me with a copy of this free ebook in exchange for an honest review.

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Beyond Words A Poetic Awakening by J. Newman

Rating: 4 star rating

I just finished Beyond Words: A Poetic Awakening by J. Newman. This is a beautifully written, debut collection that reads like a deep, personal journey. The book is driven by the poet's own voice, using a free verse and conversational style. Instead of relying on strict, old-fashioned rhyming patterns, Newman uses layered, modern imagery and concise, punchy lines. It feels grounded, pulling you into deep, reflection without feeling overly complex or academic.  

The journey tracks the full spectrum of emotions we all go through. It starts out heavy, dealing with the raw, messy side of pain, grief, and personal suffering. From there, it shifts into light observations of the quiet, everyday moments we usually rush past, finding peace in stillness, nature, and simple presence. The focus is about waking up to who you are, moving past a crowded mind, and finding genuine self-love. 

By the end, you get a sense of peace. It leaves the pain behind and leaves you with a feeling of comfort, hope, and clarity. It also leaves you with a lasting reminder to live more intentionally. If you like poetry and appreciate this modern, minimalist style, this would definitely be a great book to pick up.

Thank you, NetGalley, Books Go Social, and the author J. Newman, for the book review consideration. All opinions are my own.

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Skyring Water by Louis L'Amour and Beau L'Amour

Rating: 4 star rating

This Cold War spy thriller will completely surprise you, if you only know Louis L'Amour for his old Westerns. This story is set in 1961, and starts off with an ex-Navy salvage diver named Mike Fowler, discovers his partner, a German scientist with a dark WWII past, standing over a dead blackmailer. 

They uncover a secret. The location of 30 tons of stolen Nazi gold hidden inside a sunken submarine at the bottom of the ocean. This turns into a global cat and mouse chase. They have to put a diving team together while running for their lives from the CIA, Israeli spies, and a creepy underground Nazi group. The story takes you all over the place; from France and Venezuela to a freezing island right in the Skyring Water region off the coast of Patagonia, South America.

The story itself was good, but honestly, I think it could have been better. My biggest issue is that the book gets way too detailed. It felt like every time a gun or a boat was brought out, the story stopped to give me the exact make, model, and mechanical history. Unless you are a total military or submarine nerd, a lot of this talking just slows the pacing down. 

The book does a great job showing that finding a massive treasure isn't always a blessing. The characters quickly hint at the idea that 30 tons of cursed Nazi bullion might just be an inescapable trap that puts a permanent target on their backs. The final act turns into a brutal, cold fight for survival as they close in on the wreck, and it becomes a question of whether anyone will even make it off that freezing island alive.  

It's a cool, old-school adventure book that the author's son, Beau L'Amour, finished decades after his dad started it. It’s worth a read, just be prepared to skim through a lot of heavy technical descriptions.

Thank you, NetGalley, Ballantine, and the authors Louis L'Amour and Beau L'Amour, for the book review consideration. All opinions are my own.

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Out of the Depths by Viktor Rose

Rating: 5 star rating

Out of the Depths by Viktor Rose is a supernatural thriller that I just couldn't put down. It is a fiction book (about 318 pages), but it feels so real because it deals with the true spiritual warfare that happens all around us every single day.

The story is about a woman named Angela. She is struggling in life, fighting a bad drinking problem, and separated from her young son. One night, she gets kidnapped by a very sick, broken man named Marshall. Marshall had a terrible childhood and is actually being manipulated by a demon, though he doesn't realize it. While a detective is trying hard to find Angela, the book shows us the real battle; the spiritual war between angels and demons fighting over these souls.  

Being locked up forces Angela to sober up and face her demons, literally and spiritually. Instead of giving up, her faith and survival spirit start to break down her kidnapper's control. I won't give away the ending, but the author wraps everything up in a great way.  

There are no tricks, it just shows that God gave us free will, and that even in our darkest moments, there is hope and redemption. It is a dark and spooky story at times, but it left me feeling so inspired about the power of prayer, angels, and God's love. If you love a good mystery with deep Christian themes, you need to read this.

Thank you, NetGalley, V&E Rose Publishing, and author Viktor Rose for this free book review consideration. All review opinions are my own.

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Hard Shadows by J. B. Turner

Rating: 5 star rating

This is for fans of deep state government conspiracy stories.  

This is book 16, Hard Shadows, in the Jon Reznick series, but it feels totally different from the older books. Usually, Jon is blowing things up and getting into gunfights, but this time, it's like an intense detective mystery. Jon has to use his brains and investigative skills more than his fists, which is a different change of pace.

The story starts when Jon gets a call while in New Orleans. A high-level CIA director named Stephen Leahy has been thrown into a secure mental hospital in Maryland, and everyone thinks he has gone completely crazy. But he tells Jon a terrifying secret about dirty politicians in the government and they are planning a fake attack on American oil companies over in Guyana so they have an excuse to blame Venezuela and launch an invasion to steal their oil reserves. Jon isn't sure if he should believe this story at first, but then Leahy’s dad mysteriously drowns right after finding out the truth. That is when the action kicks into high gear. 

Jon teams up with his reporter friend Caroline, who uses her contacts, to get them some help in nailing all this information down. Suddenly, Jon is running from government assassins, getting shot at and attacked. Jon and Caroline are then both running across different states, trying to dodge elite assassins and find secret contacts who are too terrified to talk.

It gets a bit slower in the middle because there is a lot of dialogue, talking to informants, and moving things around. But the tension never stops building. The ending doesn't wrap up every single little detail, but Jon manages to stop the immediate danger and stay alive. It leaves the door open for chaos later, and it sets up the next book Hard Blood, book 17 in the series.

Thank you, NetGalley, Amazon Publishing UK, and author J. B. Turner for this free book review consideration. All review opinions are my own.

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Typology-Understanding the Bible's Promise-Shaped Patterns How Old Testament Expectations are Fulfilled in Christ by James M. Hamilton, Jr.

Rating: 5 star rating

Masterpiece of Intrinsic Historical Design—How the Whole Bible Fits Together

If you want to understand how the entire Bible ties together, James M. Hamilton Jr.’s book Typology, is an eye opening book. This book is a factual work of biblical theology. Hamilton gives a real, text based breakdown of how the Old Testament connects to the New Testament. His main point is that the human authors of the Old Testament knew exactly what they were doing. They intentionally wove repeating historical patterns into their writing that find their true, factual fulfillment in the life of Jesus.

Hamilton organizes his study into three real world categories: historical people, events, and institutions.

First, he traces the matching profiles of historical figures like Adam, Moses, and King David, showing how their life experiences created a blueprint for the coming Messiah. 

Second, he looks at massive historical events, like the original Creation and the Exodus from Egypt. He explains how biblical writers used these real events as templates to predict a future "New Creation" and "New Exodus." 

Third, he looks at God's established institutions, like marriage and the Tabernacle, showing how they were physical symbols of deeper spiritual truths.

A major highlight is how Hamilton connects the Old Testament animal sacrifices to the New Testament through what he calls "intrinsic historical design." This simply means that the connections between the two testaments are a built in, intentional feature of real history, not a coincidence or something later Christians made up. He shows that the rules of animal sacrifice and the rituals of the High Priest were physically engineered from the beginning to act as a placeholder. These real world practices deliberately trained people to look forward to Jesus, who would become the ultimate High Priest and the final sacrifice on the cross.

Hamilton rejects imaginative guessing. He gives readers tools to find patterns by following Bible quotes, matching sequences of events, and the reuse of specific vocabulary words. 

The book builds to a finish by showing how the first promise in Genesis 3, that a savior would come to crush the serpent, creates a snowball effect through history. The ultimate takeaway is that the Bible is a coordinated masterpiece where every unfulfilled Old Testament pattern hits an absolute resolution in Christ. 

While some scholars debate how conscious the ancient writers were of these long term patterns, this book remains a must read for anyone who wants to see how the whole Bible structurally fits together.

This book was purchase by myself. All opinions are my own.

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Brighter than Before A feel-good novel about finding yourself and falling in love again by Courtney Walsh with Patti Murin, narrator

Rating: 5 star rating

I just finished listening to Brighter than Before by Courtney Walsh. If you need a good, hope filled story, you have to pick this one up. 

Claire, is 46 and an empty nester. After her husband's highly public cheating scandal, she leaves her country club life in Denver behind. She moves to Chicago and gets an apartment and tackles a "Checklist of Fears" from her therapist to reinvent her life. This includes confronting her comfort zone by starting her own baking business.

Her neighbor and landlord, Miles, is a highlight of her life. He has sworn off committed relationships but steps up to support her dreams when she doesn't believe in herself.

The relationship between Claire and her daughter, Minnie, who is studying abroad in London, is very special. Minnie actually takes over her mom’s online dating profile and teams up with Miles to filter out suitors and hand pick her dates. This leads to some of the most hilariously disastrous first dates I've ever read, but through every single flop, Miles there to comfort and encourage her. 

The book gives you the perfect clean ending with complete closure, proving it is never too late to get out of your comfort zone and find yourself. 

Patti Murin’s narration is great. She handles the quick witted banter perfectly and does an amazing job with Miles's voice. I recommend this one for anyone who wants a sweet, wholesome romance with actual emotional depth.

Thank you, NetGalley, Thomas Nelson Fiction, and the author Courtney Walsh and Patti Murin, narrator for the book review consideration. All opinions are my own.

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This is a review of the audiobook.

Learning to Breathe Again: A Novel, Book One of the Work of Becoming Trilogy by Tonya Cam, author with Lily Redfield, narrator

Rating: 5 star rating

Learning to Breathe Again by Tonya Cam is a beautiful, heart wrenching piece of historical fiction. The story follows Mary Simons, a grieving young mother in 1933 Miami whose world is shattered after losing her baby. She spent months recording respiration rates on medical charts instead of baby milestones, and the heartbreak is palpable.

Then there’s Elena Wagner, a woman from New York, who hides behind beautiful silk dresses and an adoring husband, Arthur, trying to run from the painful memories of nursing her late mother and sister. When an unplanned pregnancy threatens to drag Elena back into that caregiver role, she is terrified.

A chance encounter at the Chicago World’s Fair brings Mary and Elena together. But their bond truly cements when economic desperation forces Mary’s husband, Frank, and Elena's husband, Arthur, to take work in the grueling sugarcane fields of Clewiston, Florida. Mary has difficulty living around the oppressive heat and the smoke of the cane burns, due to her bad asthma attacks. So this is part of the ending of the story.

I listened to the audiobook edition narrated by Lily Redfield, and her performance brought so much raw emotion to their struggles. The ending doesn't wrap everything up perfectly, but it provides a satisfying sense of emotional survival and closure. It highlights the saving grace of female friendship and sets up the next book in The Work of Becoming Trilogy. You absolutely need to add this to your TBR list.

Thank you, NetGalley, Hammock Oak Publishing, and the author Tonya Cam and Lily Redfield, narrator for the book review consideration. All opinions are my own.

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