Book Review: "Trying: A Memoir" by Chloe Caldwell I stumbled upon "Trying: A Memoir" by Chloe Caldwell on NetGalley, and I can honestly say that it was an impulse I’m incredibly grateful for. From the very first page, I was drawn into Caldwell’s world—one that expertly weaves humor and heartbreak into a raw, nonlinear narrative that feels both deeply intimate and universally relatable. Set for release on August 5th, 2025, this precious little memoir had me hooked faster than I ever anticipated. In "Trying," Caldwell bravely takes us through the...

Book Review: The Secret of Dunhaven Castle: A Cozy Time Travel Mystery (Cate Kensie Cozy Mysteries Book 1) As soon as I spotted The Secret of Dunhaven Castle by Cate Kensie, I knew it was a book I had to dive into. A cozy mystery mixed with time travel set in an enigmatic Scottish castle? Sign me up! The blend of Scottish heritage, history, and a quest for family secrets sounded like the perfect recipe for an engrossing read. The protagonist, Cate Kensie, is a down-on-her-luck history professor whose life...

Book of Lives: A Memoir of Sorts by Margaret Atwood: A Love Letter to an Icon When I saw the latest memoir by Margaret Atwood hit the shelves, I felt an instinctive pull—a quirky blend of excitement and nervousness, like finding an old friend open to intimate conversation. Having read my fair share of memoirs (176 to be exact), I approached Book of Lives as both a fan and a seeker of deeper understanding about the woman behind The Handmaid's Tale. Little did I know, this would not just...

Little Red Writing: A Charming Pencil Adventure As someone who often finds joy in the nuances of storytelling, I was immediately drawn to Little Red Writing by Joan Holub and illustrated by Melissa Sweet. The premise alone—transforming the classic tale of Little Red Riding Hood into a whimsical journey of a little red pencil—sounded both innovative and entertaining. I couldn’t resist picking it up, thinking it would be a delightful addition to my collection of children’s literature. From the moment I turned the first page, I was captivated by the...

Time Traveling with Tension: A Spellbinding Review of The Austen Affair As a devoted Jane Austen fan, the premise of The Austen Affair by insert author's name instantly piqued my interest. Time travel and clashing personalities whirling into Regency England? Count me in! I envisioned witty banter filled with Austen references, romantic misadventures, and the delightful enemies-to-lovers scenario that makes my heart race. The initial pages embraced me like a cozy blanket, but little did I know that this light-hearted read would morph into a riveting exploration of character...

Discovering The Game Master’s Book of Non-Player Characters: A Mixed Bag While leafing through the shelves at Barnes & Noble, I stumbled upon The Game Master’s Book of Non-Player Characters: 500+ Unique NPCs by Jeff Ashworth. As a tabletop RPG enthusiast always on the lookout for tools to enrich our gaming sessions, the concept of a comprehensive guide filled with NPCs piqued my interest. The hardcover format and a reasonable price were just cherries on top. With anticipation bubbling beneath the surface, I dove into the pages, only to...

Discovering Myself: A Journey Through This is Me: 1001 Questions to Learn More About Yourself I stumbled upon This is Me: 1001 Questions to Learn More About Yourself (Volume 31) from the Creative Keepsakes series and immediately felt a spark of curiosity. I’ve always been fascinated by self-discovery and the art of reflection, so the idea of exploring my thoughts through the lens of guided questions was incredibly appealing. The author behind this intriguing journal—not specifically mentioned but clearly centered around facilitating personal growth—has created a delightful space for...

Embracing the Art of Self-Editing: A Review of On Editing by Helen Corner-Bryant and Kathryn Price As a writer, the journey from first draft to polished manuscript can often feel like navigating through a dense fog. I found myself wrestling with overwhelming self-doubt and uncertainty—those pesky crows, circling overhead, mocking me with every typo and plot hole. When I stumbled upon On Editing: How to Edit with Confidence and Elevate Your Writing, authored by the insightful Helen Corner-Bryant and Kathryn Price, it felt like the gentle nudge I needed...

Finding Clarity Through the Chaos: A Review of Amazon Basics Steno Books Isn’t it fascinating how a simple notepad can reignite the flame of creativity or productivity in our busy lives? That’s exactly what I felt when I stumbled upon the Amazon Basics Steno Books—a tidy stack of 12 snugly packaged note-takers, ready to catch my fleeting thoughts and grocery lists with ease. This wasn’t just a random purchase; it felt like finding an old friend during a chaotic season of life. A Breath of Fresh Paper At first glance, the...

Book Review: Beyond Thoughts by Joseph Nguyen Have you ever felt like the thoughts in your mind are too loud, too persistent, almost like uninvited guests at a party that just won’t leave? I’ve certainly been there. That’s why I was drawn to Beyond Thoughts: An Exploration of Who We Are Beyond Our Minds by Joseph Nguyen. In a world that often feels saturated with noise and emotional turbulence, this poetry collection offers a serene sanctuary for the soul—a gentle guide back to inner peace. Nguyen’s work is beautifully curated,...