Building the Book Pile #505

Welcome to Building the Book Pile!

Happy Sunday

Back home from a day in Portland Maine, it was a lovely day and we ate amazing food while there. I even grabbed a few Christmas gifts in some of the little shops.

Charlie has been doing better this week, the steroids and keeping him and Emma more tame with each other has helped I think. The are A LOT together though - it is hard at times and I feel like I need a break from them, but they are cute. 

While I was productive with pet watching, ripping out the garden (down to all dirt), and getting a few other boxes in to plant garlic - I was not productive on the reading front. I only finished a book. Hoping to get some more reading in this weekend before I am back to work on Monday.

Re: Garden - it got so away from me this year. I fully weeded (read as pulled grass out of all 5 beds) twice, and it still got overrun. So we decided that it isn't sustainable that way anymore and we ripped all the beds out and removed all the weed-block/ rocks and it is a plot of dirt for the winter. We plan to do raised beds with a path through the middle  all on pavers to help prevent the grass/ weed issues. Here is the mock up I built in Garden Planner.

Linking up this week with the Caffeinated Reviewer and her Sunday Post series.

xo steph

Coming up on the Blog

Recent Reads: The Irresistible Urge to Fall for Your Enemy by Brigitte Knightley (Adult)

TBD

Books Received Recently...  

 

Bought

 

Mate by Ali Hazelwood (Bride #2) 

Katabasis by RF Kuang 

Have you missed anything lately?

Early Reader Review:  Rainbow Fish and the Great Escape by Marcus Pfister (Youth) -3 stars

Blog Tour: Review - Suddenly Mine by Kate Evergreen (Adult) -4 stars

Early Reader Review: The Little Ghost that Was a Quilt by Reil Nason (Youth) -5 stars

Donating Caffeine is greatly appreciated ... Donate on Ko-fi

What have you been reading?  How was your week? Feel free to leave a comment!

Happy Reading! 

Early Reader Review: The Little Ghost who was a Quilt by Riel Nason

Source: From LibraryThing Early Reviewer Program and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review. 

The Little Ghost who was a Quilt by Riel Nason 
Series: A Little Ghost Quilt Book
Publisher: Tundra Books
Publication Date:   July 1, 2025

 

Format: Gift Edition Hardback
Source: From LibraryThing Early Reviewer Program and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review. 

Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

When you're a quilt instead of a sheet, being a ghost is hard! An adorable picture book for fans of Stumpkin and How to Make Friends with a Ghost.

Ghosts are supposed to be sheets, light as air and able to whirl and twirl and float and soar. But the little ghost who is a quilt can't whirl or twirl at all, and when he flies, he gets very hot.

He doesn't know why he's a quilt. His parents are both sheets, and so are all of his friends. (His great-grandmother was a lace curtain, but that doesn't really help cheer him up.) He feels sad and left out when his friends are zooming around and he can't keep up.

But one Halloween, everything changes. The little ghost who was a quilt has an experience that no other ghost could have, an experience that only happens because he's a quilt . . . and he realizes that it's OK to be different.

Review: 

This gift edition of The Little Ghost Who Was A Quilt is so pretty. With a beautiful hard binding, no dust jacket, gold sprayed edges and a gold foiled title and accents - this would be a lovely gift for all ages around the spooky season.

The book is about a little ghost that is a quilt instead of the normal plain sheet, and he has a hard time being a ghost because of it. It is colorful and heavy and he is slow and can't swoop away like the others. But he realizes that because he is more than a sheet he can interact with the humans more and does. 

This is a lovely story about acceptance of self and that differences can oftentimes make you special. I think parents and kids will love it. 

The overall book has a whimsical yet spooky vibe, set in dark pages and grey scale art except for some pops of orange, blue and pink. The illustrations are full page spreads that really capture the mood of the images well. 

I really loved this book. The story was great and cute and easy to read and the illustration was gorgeous. Others will surely enjoy it as a spooky season read or year round to reinforce that sometimes your differences are what make you unique and special. 

Blog Tour: Review - Suddenly Mine by Katie Evergreen

Suddenly Mine by Kate Evergreen 

Series: Apex Billionaires Club
Publisher: Choc Lit
Publication Date:  October 6, 2025

 

Format: Ebook
Source: From Zoe Tours for review. This in no way alters my opinion or review.


About the Book:

Tropes:
❄️ Christmas romance
❄️ Workplace romance
❄️ Opposites attract
❄️ Billionaire romance
❄️ Second-chance romance

This Christmas, love might be the holiday miracle she’s been waiting for . . .

Merry Sinclair once believed in the magic of Christmas — until heartbreak ruined her holiday spirit.

Now, working in Carroll’s, New York's famous Department Store, only reminds Merry of what she's lost. That is, until she meets Christian, a new employee with deep chestnut eyes and a smile that seems to warm even the coldest winter days.

Christian Carroll, estranged heir to a powerful family empire, hasn’t stepped foot in Carroll’s in years. But when his father reveals that the company is on the verge of collapse due to sabotage, Christian reluctantly returns — working undercover as a janitor to uncover the truth.

The last thing he needs is a distraction in the form of the warm-hearted and endearingly quirky store greeter, Merry.

But as Christmas magic fills the air, Merry and Christian grow closer. From skating beneath the Rockefeller tree to dancing at the glittering Carroll’s Christmas Ball, every moment feels like a fairytale.

But when Christian’s true identity is revealed, Merry is left torn — can she trust him with her heart? Or will past heartache keep them from finding their own place under the mistletoe?

Set amidst the twinkling lights of New York City at Christmas, this festive, heartwarming and enchanting friends-to-lovers romance is perfect for fans of Christmas Hallmark movies, Laurie Gilmore, Camilla Isley, Eliza J. Scott, Mandy Baggot, Sarah Morgan and Cressida McLaughlin.

 Rating:

This was my third book by this author, she does a great job at pulling me in quickly with characters I wanted to root for. I really felt for Merry, working retail, living paycheck to paycheck, and just trying to get by while the holidays are creeping up around her. She and Christian meet early on, and their chemistry is instant.

Merry was a solid female main character, though I wish her background had been fleshed out a little more. I wanted a little more depth, so that we better understood any hesitations she has around meeting someone new. 

Christian’s “undercover heir” storyline was fun, and I liked the miscommunication/hidden identity trope, but the whole plot about helping his father and the store felt a little underplayed compared to the romance. It could have had a bit more weight given how central it was to Christian’s character.

Overall, this was a cute holiday romance. I didn’t think it even needed the spicy scenes (they felt a bit overdone, honestly), but I still enjoyed the cozy, festive vibes and the love story at the center. A sweet, lighthearted read for the holiday season!

About the Author

Katie Evergreen (aka Kate Galloway Smith) is an award-winning, best-selling author, copywriter, and Consultant Occupational Therapist. Growing up devouring Famous Five, Point Horror, and Sweet Valley High, Katie now lives in Norfolk with her daughter and their cats, where she spends her time writing about people falling in love.

Find the Author

Website | Facebook | Instagram

Early Reader Review: Rainbow Fish and the Great Escape by Marcus Pfister

Source: From the Publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review. 

Rainbow Fish and the Great Escape by Marcus Pfister 

Series: Rainbow Fish #10
Publisher: NorthSouth Books
Publication Date:  October 7, 2025

 

Format: Ebook


Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

The tenth book in the New York Times bestselling Rainbow Fish series encourages care and respect for the ocean and its creatures.

Rainbow Fish and his friends have only ever heard stories about the nets that come through and take away shoals of fish from the ocean. Luckily, they’ve never had to experience that danger for themselves. All is peaceful until one day, Rainbow Fish and his friends come face to face with the trawling net.

Even though getting caught within the net is scary, Rainbow Fish and his friends are quick to act. With the help of crabs and lobsters nearby, they’re able to cut through the net and help everyone trapped within make their great escape.

This thrilling addition is a perfect example of quick problem solving and how to lean on one’s community in difficult situations.

Review: 

I haven’t read the entire Rainbow Fish series, but I’ve enjoyed the first few, and this installment is just as charming. In this story, Rainbow Fish learns about trawler nets and the dangers they bring to other parts of the ocean.

Young readers will love the bright colors, familiar character, and the beautiful underwater scenes filled with fun sea creatures to spot. The text is a bit longer, which makes it better suited for adults to read aloud, and the story carries a clear environmental message.

I’d recommend this one for kids ages 5–8 who can better understand the lesson at play. Overall, it’s a cute and thoughtful addition to the series.

Building the Book Pile #504

Welcome to Building the Book Pile!

Happy Sunday

Hi there... Charlie is doing better. On Monday, we went to our normal vet and they gave him steroids for a few weeks but think the pain is likely IVDD, common in Frenchies. We are going to do the 2 weeks of meds and then see if we need to do advanced imaging to confirm or if we can just monitor him more. That said I am home for the week to chill with him, hoping that while we are resting (much needed by both of us) I get some reading done. 

Work was a bit chaotic this week with Charlie needing extra love and prepping to be out of office. Luckily there isn't too much happening next week but I hate putting 'my' work on others.

While we are bummed that our original vacation was cancelled, we are going to take a night to get away. It is the hubs bday on Friday so we are headed to Portland, Maine for a night ... plan is to eat all the food, visit cute shops, and be near the water for a bit. If you have recommendations let me know. We are both looking forward to it. 

How was your week?

Linking up this week with the Caffeinated Reviewer and her Sunday Post series.

xo steph

Coming up on the Blog

Early Reader Review:  Rainbow Fish and the Great Escape by Marcus Pfister (Youth)

Blog Tour: Review - Suddenly Mine by Kate Evergreen (Adult)

Early Reader Review: The Little Ghost that Was a Quilt by Reil Nason (Youth)

Books Received Recently...  

 

For Review

I went on a requesting binge and was fruitful! Look at these pretty covers ....swoon.

Miss Winter in the Library with a Knife by Martin Edwards

The House Saphir by Marissa Meyer

An Arcane Inheritance by Kamilah Cole

Have you missed anything lately?

Early Reader Review:  Brume, Volume 1 by Jérôme Pélissier (MG, GN) -3 stars

Early Reader Review: The Ocean at Night by Isabella Simler (Youth) -5 stars

Early Reader Review: Watch us Crack by Gabriella Lepore (YA) -4 stars

Donating Caffeine is greatly appreciated ... Donate on Ko-fi

What have you been reading?  How was your week? Feel free to leave a comment!

Happy Reading! 

Early Reader Review: Watch Us Crack by Gabriella Lepore

Source: From the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review. 

Watch Us Crack by Gabriella Lepore  

Publisher: Storytide
Publication Date:  September 23, 2025

 

Format: Ebook


Rating:

Goodreads Synopsis: 

A gripping and tense standalone YA thriller following two teens from rival schools who are each accused of a brutal murder and must identify the real culprit—even if it means destroying their budding romance.

Sadie Morelli and Cason Tano were friends in middle school, back before Cason’s mom died and Sadie transferred to a new school. When they meet again as high school juniors at the local ice rink where Sadie waitresses and Cason’s hockey team plays, what was once friendship blooms into something more. Given the intensity of the rivalry between their schools, their budding romance is a secret for them alone.

But then someone turns up dead at the local train station. Sadie and Cason were both at the station the night of the murder, and both have a reason to want to hurt the victim. With accusations flying and secrets being held close to the chest, Sadie and Cason must decide the lengths they’re willing to go to to clear their own names—and to protect each other.

Review: 

It’s always nice to grab a standalone once in a while, and Watch Us Crack was such a solid pick for fall vibes. This YA mystery-thriller follows a group of teens who suddenly find themselves under suspicion for the murder of another student.

Sadie and Cason go to rival schools but both end up suspects when a body is found across the street from Sadie's house at the train tracks. The victim turns out to be someone they both dislike, but both claim innocence. The plot follows them in dual POV as they try to work out who actually did it and keep themselves safe. 

Although marketed as a thriller, I think it leans a bit more toward mystery with its whodunit set up and the constant finger-pointing/blame-game that the characters experience. The chapters are also interspersed with police interview transcripts and text chains adding to they mystery. I felt the thriller part really come into play at the end as things are coming together and the situations that they are getting into because of it. That said, I liked the transcripts a lot, they added a fun element to the drama between Sadie and Cason. 

One thing to note: hockey is everywhere in this book. Sadie works at a rink diner, and Cason plays for his school, but the constant hockey references felt a little overdone. Still, the author captures the very “high school” thought processes and dynamics well. I also appreciated the contrast between the absent/checked-out parents and Sadie’s dad, who was actively trying to set rules and be present.

Overall, this was a fast-paced and entertaining read, perfect if you’re looking for a fall mystery with a dash of thriller energy.

Early Reader Review: The Ocean at Night by Isabelle Simler

Source: From Edelweiss and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review.  

The Ocean at Night by Isabelle Simler 

Series: Nature by Night
Publisher: Pushkin Children's Books
Publication Date:  October 7, 2025

 

Format: Ebook


Rating:


Synopsis: 

Go under the sea—at night!—with this ocean book for kids ages 4-8 that’s full of jaw dropping illustrations and interesting facts about marine life.

The first installment in the children’s picture book series, Nature at Night, by a celebrated author/illustrator.

Combining jaw-dropping illustrations with poetic language and interesting ocean animal facts, this stunning kids picture book is perfect for ages 5+ who are curious about wildlife and the ocean!

By showing the undersea world at night, award-winning author-illustrator Isabelle Simler presents this mind-blowingly beautiful place in a way that will appeal to the whole family—and ignite a fascination in the mind of any young reader.

• Turtles lay their eggs on a beach by the light of the setting sun.
• Majestic seabirds plunge into the waves as a pod of dolphins leaps from the water.
• Whales trawl the darkening waters below for plankton, and swordfish hunt their prey.
• Rays skim above the sandy seabed where octopuses prowl…

An immersive exploration into the fascinating and mysterious world of the nocturnal ocean that will delight and fascinate kids and parents alike.

Review: 

This was so beautiful! I have already recommended it. 

The Ocean at Night is a gorgeously illustrated book that captures the magic of the ocean from night to day. The vivid colors and sweeping linework create a sense of motion across every page, drawing the reader into a world that is both realistic and whimsical. Each spread brings the ocean and its inhabitants to life—whether they dwell in the sky, sea, or along the shore.

The text is cleverly structured, with the top line narrating the poetic story of the ocean itself, while the bottom lines share interesting facts about the creatures featured. This dual approach makes the book both lyrical and educational, and I think parents and young readers will really adore this approach. 

My favorite spreads were those featuring the moon glowing over the rippling waves and the mesmerizing depictions of microscopic ocean life. These moments were both beautiful and awe-inspiring, highlighting the book's ability to spark wonder in young readers and adults alike. 

Early Reader Review: Brume, Volume 1 by Jérôme Pélissier

Source: From the Publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review.

Brume: The Dragon Awakens by Jérôme Pélissier
Series: Brume, Volume 1
Publisher: Astra Publishing House | Hippo Park
Publication Date:  September 30, 2025

 

Format: Ebook


Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

Brume, a feisty wannabe witch, is on a quest to learn magic in the first volume of this enchanting graphic novel series for kids ages 7–11—perfect for fans of the Hicotea, Hilda, and Sorceline series.

Brume is a tiny but mighty heroine with plenty to prove to the people of her small village. With her newly discovered spellbook and two sidekicks in tow, she'll try her hand at spells, mess up sometimes, and discover magical adventures along the way.

The great witch Naïa has always protected the village—but where has Naïa gone? Enter Brume, a plucky and spirited witch-to-be, who dreams of being able to cast spells. When Brume's father hands her a secret spellbook, she tries out her wand and cauldron--and manages only to cover the whole village in fog! But is the fog a result of Brume's first spell, or is it smoke from a fire breathing dragon who has awakened?

Accompanied by her pig, Hubert, and her best friend, Hugo, Brume sets off to find out what happened—and to save the village one step at a time. Here is a funny, charming, and accessible graphic novel—the first in a series—that is just as heart-warming as it is hilarious.

Review: 

Brume is a young girl obsessed with Naïa a witch known for her greatness from the past. So, she is determined to be a witch as well, even though she is often told that witches don't exist anymore. 

Brume is brave, determined and very stubborn - so she accidently puts a fog over the town in an attempt to be a witch. Now she has to slay a dragon for the items needed to create the solution. 

Our little witch is hilarious. She is so sure of herself in the best way that you are rooting for her even after things get messy and on her adventure to possibly slay a dragon she is still so excited and chill about the situation. The plot is cute and funny as it is mostly Brume making mistakes and her friends -- Hugo and a pig cleaning up after her. 

The artwork was great, cozy and charming with a lovely sense of Autumn and spooky-season vibes. I think that middle grade readers will enjoy it, it is pretty short and I appreciate the show versus dialogue telling that some graphic novels have fallen into. 

Overall, a cute read for this Halloween season... or year round.

Building the Book Pile #503

Welcome to Building the Book Pile!

Happy Sunday

Good morning folks. I hope you had a great week. Ours has been weird - Charlie our Frenchie hurt his back on Monday so we had to take a trip to the emergency vet. They weren't able to determine what was hurting other than 'his back' or why, but gave us some pain meds for him. We have a follow up with our vet tomorrow. 

With Charlie not feeling great - we decided to cancel our upcoming vacation. We were supposed to leave for Las Vegas and Zion National Park on Friday this week but know that we just can't leave him with a pet/house sitter right now. I am super bummed. I have been working SO much and really needed the get away. Sadly that won't happen now. 

The rest of the week was off because we have been monitoring Charlie making sure he really is on strict rest for his back, on top of that I have had a co-worker out for the last week for some personal stuff so there is just more work to do. I am so exhausted. 

I have been reading when I can though and have a few reviews ready for the coming weeks. I hope you are doing better than I am right now.  XOXO

Linking up this week with the Caffeinated Reviewer and her Sunday Post series.

xo steph

Coming up on the Blog

Early Reader Review:  Brume, Volume 1 by Jérôme Pélissier (MG, GN)

Early Reader Review: The Ocean at Night by Isabella Simler (Youth)

Early Reader Review: Watch us Crack by Gabriella Lepore (YA)

Books Received Recently...  

 

For Review/ Won:

  

I went to a virtual panel for some upcoming romance books and won the set! They will be popping in from time to time and I am so excited about them!

The Open Era by Edward Schmit - Won from a Giveaway (no cover image)

Leave me Behind by K.M. Moronova - Won from a Giveaway 

Bought:

 

 

Alchemised by SenLinYu

Tourist Season by Brynne Weaver

Have you missed anything lately?

Early Reader Review: Buzz! Boom! Bang! by Benjamin Gottwald (Youth) - 4 stars

Blog Tour: Review - The Best Wild Idea by Lily Parker (Adult)- 5 stars

Recent DNFs Report

Donating Caffeine is greatly appreciated ... Donate on Ko-fi

What have you been reading?  How was your week? Feel free to leave a comment!

Happy Reading!