Nov 28, 2024

Happy Thanksgiving 2024


As the year winds down, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to you. Thank you for being an incredible part of this blog community. Your time, support, and engagement mean the world to me, and I’m so thankful to have you here—whether you’re a long-time reader or just stopping by.

To my readers in the US, I wish you a joyous and meaningful Thanksgiving filled with love and gratitude. And to everyone else, I hope today (and every day) brings you reasons to smile and feel appreciated.

Thank you for being the wonderful, kind, and supportive internet friends that you are. You truly make this space special. 💖

xo - Steph 

Nov 26, 2024

Recent Reads: The Lost Portal by Lenore Borja

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

The Lost Portal by Lenore Borja
 
Series: Mirror Realm #2
Publisher: SparkPress
Publication Date:  October 8, 2024



https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/27405327-pop-manga-coloring-book?from_search=true  https://www.amazon.com/Pop-Manga-Coloring-Book-Beautiful/dp/0399578471?ie=UTF8&SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0399578471&linkCode=as2&redirect=true&ref_=x_gr_w_bb&tag=x_gr_w_bb-20


Format: Ebook
 

Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 
For fans of Kendare Blake’s Goddess War series comes this second installment in a gripping YA fantasy series that follows a band of huntresses taking on a world of demons and gods.

For years, Hadley Caldwell kept humanity safe by hunting demons. But that came to an end when the Mirror Realm disappeared. Now her life is filled with bridesmaid dresses, family pressures, and—oh yeah—hosting ancient deities in her sleep. It’s not world-saving work, but if dream-hosting is all it takes to keep the gods happy, she’s willing to play along and leave her huntress days behind her. That is, until the gods demand something the Portal of Osiris.

The Portal was part of the Realm. It shouldn’t exist anymore. But the gods believe it does, and claim it holds the key to their salvation. The quest for the Portal takes Hadley and her band of huntress sisters on an enigmatic adventure to the sands of Egypt and beyond. But chasing a portal isn’t as easy as outrunning your past, and soon the only things Hadley knows for certain are that the gods can’t be trusted . . . and some portals should never be found.

Join Hadley, Alice, Olivia, and Soxie in this electrifying second book of the Mirror Realm series as they traverse the globe on an ancient scavenger hunt full of mystery, magic, intrigue, and sisterhood.
Review: 
The Lost Portal is book 2 in the Mirror Realm series. In the first installment, we followed Alice as she became a Huntress and learned about her powers, the mirror realm, and these other girls that share the duty of protecting their realm and human existance. 

This installment in the series shifts focus to Hadley, offering a new perspective within the unique world established in the first book. The premise—a group of four girls gifted powers by Greek deities to combat demons through mirrors—remains somwhat intriguing. The sisterhood among the hunters and the Greek mythology elements are also still compelling, though this book, like the first, struggles with pacing and cohesion. I really struggled to be engaged throughout the book. I had a hard time wanting to pick it up, but also really feeling immersed in the story. 

The plot centers on Hadley and the girls searching for a portal to appease gods haunting their dreams. While the story builds on the fascinating mix of Greek and Egyptian mythology and supernatural concepts introduced earlier, it doesn’t fully deliver on its potential. Much like the first book, the narrative feels disjointed at times, with slow-moving sections and plot holes that interrupt the flow. Transitions between dreams and reality are particularly unclear, making the story harder to follow. The plot was interesting and a good continuation but it felt like there were big pieces missing to make things work correctly for the story to progress, like sections had been edited away that were necessary.

That said, Hadley’s perspective brings fresh character dynamics and I appreciate learning more about the background of the other characters that seemed a bit thrown-in in that last book.  The mix of mythology and world-building remains an interesting highlight, though it leaves me wanting more depth and explanation.

Overall, while it’s enjoyable to revisit this imaginative world, this installment feels less engaging than its predecessor. Fans of the series may still find value in Hadley’s story, but the pacing and gaps in the plot make it just an okay addition.

Nov 25, 2024

Blog Blitz w/ Giveaway: Last Call by A.S. Kelly

Last Call by A.S. Kelly
(Love At Last #1)
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Allow me to introduce myself.
My name is Niall Kerry. I’m almost forty years old, and I’m drowning in something that begins with ‘S’ – it doesn’t quite seem appropriate to write it down here.

After a lifetime out on a sports field, living as a champion – as someone who never had to ask for anything – I’ve suddenly found myself starting from scratch. I’m living in the middle of nowhere with my parents, I’m jobless, and I have a teenage daughter who hates me. Oh, and I have to try and regain the trust of everyone I know.

It’s not easy to convince people that, deep down, you’re not so bad; that you’re no longer that troublesome kid they once knew. It’s not easy to work my way into the heart of my favourite headmistress, Jordan.
It’s especially difficult when she wants nothing to do with me.

But you know what? I’m not the kind of guy who just sits back and accepts defeat, or who stops at the small print at the bottom of the page. I’m someone who plays right until the final whistle.
And when her heart is on the line, I’m ready to make my strict, sexy headmistress an offer she can’t refuse.

Each book in the Love At Last Series is standalone:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/27405327-pop-manga-coloring-book?from_search=true  https://www.amazon.com/Pop-Manga-Coloring-Book-Beautiful/dp/0399578471?ie=UTF8&SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0399578471&linkCode=as2&redirect=true&ref_=x_gr_w_bb&tag=x_gr_w_bb-20


Last Call, Love At Last #1

“Please, Jordan. Tell me there won’t be any more contracts to sign.”
I slowly open my eyes and turn my head a little.
“As long as you tell me there’ll be no need for them.”
“Do you really need me to say it?”
“I just want you to be honest.”
“About what?”
I gather my courage. “About us.”
His eyes widen, his hands moving onto my hips.
“Skylar is in the other room,” I remind him. “She might see us.”
“You’re lucky she’s here,” he teases, “or no one could save you from me.”
“I’m not scared of you.”
He grins smugly. “I like that you’re not scared of me. And I like that you used that word.”
“What word?”
“Us.”
“It’s actually more accurate to call it a personal pronoun.”
“Don’t make me close that mouth for you.”
My body shivers at the thought of his mouth on mine.
“Even though something tells me you’d like it.”
I part my lips instinctively, as he gazes at my mouth.
“I know you’d like it, Headmistress.”
“Oh, shut up,” I manage, miraculously.
“Or what?” he teases, pressing his chest against mine. “Will you put me in detention?”

About the Author

A. S. Kelly writes Rom-Com, Romantic Fiction and Family Saga.
Avid reader, hopeless romantic, lover of yoga, knitting and home baking.
She was born in Italy but lives in Ireland with her husband, two children and a cat named Oscar.


Find the Author 

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / X / Instagram / Bookbub / Newsletter


GIVEAWAY!
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Nov 24, 2024

Building the Book Pile #468

Welcome to Building the Book Pile!

Hello Readers, Bloggers, and Awesome people! 

And we are home... so happy to see all the pets but so sad to be back to reality.

I didn't read much while away and honestly was trying to finish a review book for a Friday review, but I didn't complete the book til yesterday on the plane... so sorry for the delay on that one.

I am participating in the HoHoHo Readathon for the next week..so holiday reads and reviews are coming 🎄

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

xo steph


Coming up on the Blog


This Week

Blog Blitz w/ Giveaway: Love At Last Series by A.S. Kelly 

Recent Reads: The Lost Portal by Lenora Borja (YA) - delayed sorry hoping to have this up this week.


Books Received Recently...  
 
 

Unlock the Dark by Sasa Hawk - From the publisher for review.
The Rose Bargain by Sasha Peyton Smith - From the publisher for review.

Have you missed anything lately?
What have you been reading?  Leave a comment for me.

Happy Reading!

Nov 20, 2024

Recent Reads: Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas

Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas  
Series: Throne of Glass #2
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
Publication Date:  February 14, 2023



https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/27405327-pop-manga-coloring-book?from_search=true  https://www.amazon.com/Pop-Manga-Coloring-Book-Beautiful/dp/0399578471?ie=UTF8&SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0399578471&linkCode=as2&redirect=true&ref_=x_gr_w_bb&tag=x_gr_w_bb-20

Format: Paperback & Audiobook
Source: Bought/ Own


Rating:




Goodreads Synopsis: 
"A line that should never be crossed is about to be breached.

It puts this entire castle in jeopardy—and the life of your friend."

From the throne of glass rules a king with a fist of iron and a soul as black as pitch. Assassin Celaena Sardothien won a brutal contest to become his Champion. Yet Celaena is far from loyal to the crown. She hides her secret vigilantly; she knows that the man she serves is bent on evil.

Keeping up the deadly charade becomes increasingly difficult when Celaena realizes she is not the only one seeking justice. As she tries to untangle the mysteries buried deep within the glass castle, her closest relationships suffer. It seems no one is above questioning her allegiances—not the Crown Prince Dorian; not Chaol, the Captain of the Guard; not even her best friend, Nehemia, a foreign princess with a rebel heart.

Then one terrible night, the secrets they have all been keeping lead to an unspeakable tragedy. As Celaena's world shatters, she will be forced to give up the very thing most precious to her and decide once and for all where her true loyalties lie... and whom she is ultimately willing to fight for.
Review: 

Celaena is champion now and tasked with killing on behalf of the king, but she is doing it her way. I felt like so much happened in thei sequel and I don't want to spoil things, so here are just some overall thoughts.

There was a lot to this book, Celaena is a badass but we see more of that now through her actions than we were allowed to see in book one. There is more determination and character growth overall, not just the survival instinct. She is going through a lot of changes and information being thrown at her. I liked the politics that weave through these books so far. 

There was also a lot more romance in this story than the first.. more chaos and it was just more twisty. Some parts were so sad, tragic really and it was hard to read them when you are loving things that are happening and then they go up in smoke. I really enjoyed this installment and jumped right into the next... guess I am part of this cult now.

Nov 18, 2024

Early Reader Review: Take It from the Top by Claire Swinarski

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


Take It from the Top by Claire Swinarski 
Publisher: Quill Tree Books
Publication Date:  November 19, 2024



https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/27405327-pop-manga-coloring-book?from_search=true  https://www.amazon.com/Pop-Manga-Coloring-Book-Beautiful/dp/0399578471?ie=UTF8&SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0399578471&linkCode=as2&redirect=true&ref_=x_gr_w_bb&tag=x_gr_w_bb-20

Format: Hardback


Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 
Set at a camp over the course of six summers, this novel dives into the falling-out of two girls from different backgrounds who thought they'd be friends forever. Claire Swinarski, regional indie bestseller of the ALA Notable What Happened to Rachel Riley?, tackles privilege, perspective, and the power of friendship in this page-turning puzzle that readers will devour.

Eowyn Becker has waited all year to attend her sixth summer at Lamplighter Lake Summer Camp. Here, she’s not in the shadow of her Broadway-star older brother; she’s a stellar performer in her own right. Here, the pain of her mom’s death can’t reach her, and she gets to reunite with her best friend, Jules Marrigan—the only person in the world who understands her.

But when she gets to camp, everything seems wrong. The best-friend reunion Eowyn had been dreaming of doesn’t go as planned. Jules will barely even look at Eowyn, let alone talk to her, and Eowyn has no idea why.

Well, maybe she does…

There are two sides to every story, and if you want to understand this one, you’ll need to hear both. Told in a series of alternating chapters that dip back to past summers, the girls’ story will soon reveal how Eowyn and Jules went from being best friends to fierce foils. Can they mend ways before the curtains close on what was supposed to be the best summer of their lives?
Review: 
This is a heartfelt story set in a theater camp beautifully captures the bond between two young girls from very different worlds. Told from dual points of view, it delves into themes of privilege, jealousy, family dynamics, and friendship. 

Eowyn's struggles with her distant father contrast with Jules' loving and supportive family. The girls are dealing with jealousy but also their gratitude for their opportunity to attend camp. The story portrays a nuanced exploration of their differences and changing friendship. 

The emotional depth and relatable characters made this a compelling read that left me reflecting on the importance of empathy and understanding. I think that middle grade readers will really enjoy the different points of view and how the girls interact with each other and their lives. The theme is relatable in some ways and a bit much at times as well, but overall the story is well put together and the pacing is great as you learn about the summers the girls have spent together previously and how we have gotten to this point. 

... And with the upcoming release of Wicked the musical/ movie... Younger readers will also know that sotry and the songs that go along with it. 

Overall, this was a fun and quick read. It was emotional on both sides but also a very fun story. 

Nov 17, 2024

Building the Book Pile #467

Welcome to Building the Book Pile!

Hello Readers, Bloggers, and Awesome people! 

Hi there! It has been a few weeks, sorry about that. We have been dealing with house things, illness, and just being burnt out lately. I have been reading but not doing much here... sadly. I know LIFE... boooo.
(Adulting is really dumb)

This weekend we left NH and are currently in Las Vegas for a week on vacation. We need it, both of us are tired of work and working ... So I hope to share some fun pics next week when we return. 

xo steph


Coming up on the Blog


This Week

Early Reader Review: Take it from the Top by Claire Swinarski (MG)
Recent Reads: Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas (Adult)
Recent Reads: The Lost Portal by Lenora Borja (YA)


Books Received Recently...  
 

The Three Year Tumble by Dayeon Auh - From the publisher for review.



Have you missed anything lately?
What have you been reading?  Leave a comment for me.

Happy Reading!

Nov 15, 2024

Early Reader Review: It's Not Me, It's You by Alex Light

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

It's Not Me, It's You by Alex Light 
Publisher:  HarperCollins
Publication Date:  November 5, 2024 



https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/27405327-pop-manga-coloring-book?from_search=true  https://www.amazon.com/Pop-Manga-Coloring-Book-Beautiful/dp/0399578471?ie=UTF8&SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0399578471&linkCode=as2&redirect=true&ref_=x_gr_w_bb&tag=x_gr_w_bb-20

Format: Paperback


Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 
The snark and instant chemistry of Better Than the Movies meets the indulgent summer fun and family hijinks of The Summer of Broken Rules in this compulsively readable rom-com from Alex Light, author of The Upside of Falling.

Jackie Myers is a fraud. Or she might be a genius—the jury’s still out.

The thing is, she secretly runs pleasebreakmyheart, a gone-viral account aimed at breaking hearts and ending relationships…. And she just used it to break up her insufferable eternal nemesis's picture-perfect relationship.

Wilson is the buttoned-up, type A assistant manager of her nightmares—but it turns out he’s also, apparently, a really great boyfriend.

So with her conscience (and paycheck) on the line, Jackie decides there’s only one thing to do: She’s going to help Wilson win his ex-girlfriend back. Which should be easy, considering Jackie hates him…right?
Review: 

This coming-of-age story dives into the complexities of finding your own way when life feels stuck in neutral. The story captures the loneliness of losing your best friend to new horizons and the feelings of being left behind, especially when you’re grappling with a job you can’t stand and no clear path ahead. 

The MC, Jackie, is struggling with her lack of direction and wrestles with a workplace rivalry that evolves into an unexpected romance. 

While certainly an enemies-to-lovers trope, it is refreshing, and adds a touch of romance that never overshadows her growth but complements it. What I liked most about this story was the heartwarming layer of sisterly love that enriches the story, grounding her journey in a broader web of support and self-discovery. Through relatable fears and messy emotions, the book offers a hopeful look at finding meaning beyond friendships and finally seeing the potential for something more—even if it’s uncertain or unconventional. I really appreciated the character growth throughout this read. I think that young adults will really enjoy it. 

All that said, if you are looking for more romance you are likely to be disappointed. While there is some there, it really takes a backseat to Jackie's family, finding herself, and her attempts to help people. 

While marketed for a Young Adult audience, this book is a great read, especially for readers at any stage of figuring out what comes next, this story will resonate with so many readers.

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Nov 13, 2024

Recent Reads: The Shape of Lost Things by Sarah Everett

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

The Shape of Lost Things by Sarah Everett 
Publisher: HarperCollins
Publication Date:  October 22, 2024



https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/27405327-pop-manga-coloring-book?from_search=true  https://www.amazon.com/Pop-Manga-Coloring-Book-Beautiful/dp/0399578471?ie=UTF8&SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0399578471&linkCode=as2&redirect=true&ref_=x_gr_w_bb&tag=x_gr_w_bb-20

Format: Hardback


Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 
From the award-winning author of The Probability of Everything, which has been called "one of the best books I have read this year (maybe ever)" (Colby Sharp, Nerdy Book Club) and "Powerful" (Kirkus Reviews, starred review),comes a heartfelt exploration of family and change as twelve-year-old Skye reunites with her older brother, Finn, after he spent four years on the run with their father.

Skye Nickson’s world changed forever when her dad went on the run with her brother, Finn. It’s been four years without Finn’s jokes, four years without her father’s old soul music, and four years of Skye filling in as Rent-a-Finn on his MIA birthdays for their mom. Finn’s birthday is always difficult, but at least Skye has her best friends, Reece and Jax, to lean on, even if Reece has started acting too cool for them.

But this year is different because after Finn’s birthday, they get a call that he’s finally been found. Tall, quiet, and secretive, this Finn is nothing like the brother she grew up with. He keeps taking late-night phone calls and losing his new expensive gifts, and he doesn’t seem to remember any of their inside jokes or secrets.

As Skye tries to make sense of it all through the lens of her old Polaroid camera, she starts to wonder: Could this Finn be someone else entirely? And if everyone else has changed, does it mean that Skye has to change too?
Review: 
The Shape of Lost Things is about Skye, a young girl dealing with a unique family situation. Her brother was taken by her father and they have been missing. Every year she has to deal with this loss as her mother celebrates his birthday without him, but they both hope that someday he will come home... and he does, but it is awkward in a number of ways. Skye must deal with a number of emotions and come to terms with her brother bring back.

This book was a beautifully nuanced portrayal of a young girl’s struggle to reconnect with a family member who feels both familiar and foreign. There were layers of confusion, hope, and healing from a young girls perspective that will help young readers navigate a variety of emotions and overcoming difficult situations. 

The book really was lovely. Skye is young, coming to terms with both the loss of a brother but then also his return, however things are different and change is hard. She copes through taking pictures so she can remember every detail but she is also living through her lens which allows her to be slightly detached from the world around her as well. 

I think that young readers will be interested by this book, it is such a different story from things that I have read for the middle grade audience. It is deep and depicts tangled emotions really well - there is an emotional depth and completity to it that I think will give middle grade readers something new.

Nov 11, 2024

Monthly Recap (Sept/Oct) & TBR Pile (Nov '24)



Hello Readers, Bloggers, and Awesome people! 

Here is the progress from September and October...
There was no October TBR but some of these ended up October reads due to work craziness.

I haven't been good about posting my plans... need to get back on track.




~~Books I Read in Sept/Oct 2024~~   







 TBR for the rest of November


  • The Shape of Lost Things by Sarah Everett (review, read)
  • Take it From the Top by Claire Swinarski (review)
  • It's Not Me, It's You by Alex Light (review)
  • Heir of Fire by Sarah J. Maas
  • Christmas Corpse by Katie Forrest (HoHoHo Readathon)
  • Slay Bells Ring by Katie Forrest (HoHoHo Readathon)
How was your Fall reading?  

Feel free to share it in the comments below! I would love to know what you are reading!