Building the Book Pile #513 - Happy Spring (?)

Welcome to Building the Book Pile!

Hi! Happy Sunday!

I hope you had a great week. It has been uneventful here, which is good.  I got my partner sick though and I feel bad about it. Whatever is going around is a horrible head cold and it was rough. 

As far as reading goes - I have been slower lately... I think I am getting a little burnt out, but hoping to get some done today 🙃 It is sleeting/snowing again and we are going to relax today ... so Happy Spring (LOL)!! 

How are you? What are you reading? How do you get out of reading slumps?

Linked up with Caffeinated Book Reviewer Sunday Post 

xo steph

Coming up on the Blog

THIS WEEK - 

Blog Tour: Review - A Scottish Summer Escape by Ellie Henderson (Adult)

Early Reader Review: Fabulous Creatures by Cornelia Funke (Youth)

Early Reader Review: House of Spells & Secrets by Ivy Cassidy (Adult)

NEXT WEEK - 

Early Reader Review: Shrinking Violet by Laurel Snyder, Illustrated by LeUyen Pham (Youth) 

Blog Tour - Review: Between the Pages and the Rink by Meadow Thompson

Books Received Recently...  

 

Used Audible Credits on - 

  

The Hearth Witch's Guide to Magic & Murder by Kiri Callaghan (in the BOGO)

Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone by Benjamin Stevenson (in the BOGO)

Queen of Shadows by Sarah J. Maas

Ordinary Monsters by J.M. Miro

From Booktrovert - 

 

Eternal is the Night by Alayna Ravenwood

Wretched Mage by J. B. Pinheiro

Reviews and Such

Early Reader Review: Selma–The Story of a Stellar Spider by Tini Malina (Youth) - ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Spotlight: Landslide by Betty Culley (MG)

Early Reader Review: Finding Joy by Anika Toro (Art, Poetry, Adult) [w/giveaway] - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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 w/ Giveaway!: Finding Joy by Anika Toro

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

Finding Joy by Anika Toro 

Publisher: Meerkat Press
Publication Date: March 17, 2026

 

Meerkat Press | Bookshop.org

Format: Ebook


Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

Discover the magic of serendipity and artistic exploration in "Finding Joy"! This mixed media art book takes selections from nine different copies of the same book, showcasing Anika's transformative and playful approach to the original text.

Each page spread uses hand-selected text, left unaltered from its original position. Through a process of erasure and blackout, Anika redacts everything except a newly found message, thought, idea, or poem, without adding any new text. Analog collages, paint, photography, embroidery, and more celebrate unique narratives, exploring creativity, spontaneity, and the profound moments that emerge from reimagining existing ideas. 

Above all, Anika believes that creating should be fun! She hopes this book is a testament to the delight in making and that in exploring this book, you too find a bit of inspiration on your own path to joy.

Review: 

Finding Joy is a mixed media art book that takes selections from "An Invitation to Joy" and uses erasure or blackout to recreate. With art and poetry, Toro creates a cool concept that incites happiness.  Not something I would normally pick up, but was happily surprised by it. 

Here are a few of my thoughts from the read-through:

• I loved the concept of reimagining an older work and transforming it onto something entirely new through erasure and blackout. It felt creative and meaningful. 
• The erasure on some was also art itself not just a vehicle for words but part of the overall visual storytelling.
• The vibrant pages made the entire experience feel alive and joyful
• Sometimes the word paths were a bit hard to follow, this might have been because of the e-ARC, I have not seen a finished copy to check.
• I enjoyed the fun images added throughout with the poems, especially one that was "it is square lines with trees" it felt so whimsical and fun. Collages and images were immersive and added a lot to the text. 
• I appreciated the moments that leaned less abstract and more literal. Like the image of her on a horse paired with text about being on a horse. Those instances made me pause, giggle, and shake my head in the best way.

Overall, Finding Joy was a creative, vibrant, and unexpectedly delightful read that truly lives up to its name. While not my normal type of read, I am so glad that I took a chance on it.

 

About the Author

Anika Toro is a ____________ artist, lover of ____________, and a self-proclaimed ___________! Her award-winning ____________ can be found on the walls of ____________throughout the world and has been displayed in ____________, as well as on the walls of ____ and in the ______________ museum of art.

She resides in East ___________ with her musical __________, clever teenage _________, and the very adorable_______ known as “Pilgy”. When she’s not immersed in her studio, Anika enjoys ________, _________, and ____________ all of which bring her endless inspiration and make it a challenge to leave the house.

Although not on social media, Anika would love to hear from you! Please send any jokes, questions, or requests via _________ or by mail. She believes that genuine connection and shared creativity can only make the world a better place!

MEERKAT PRESS $25 GIFT CARD

Spotlight: Landslide by Betty Culley

Just in time for Earth Day in April comes a "gripping middle grade novel and conversation starter about environmental peril and familial love."

 

Landslide by Betty Culley 
Publisher: Nancy Paulsen Books
Publication Date: March 10, 2026

Pages: 208 pages

 

About the Book:

Nathan Savage has always been fascinated by anything that moves, and he sees movement others don’t usually notice. But what he sees now out of his living room window sets off major alarm bells. The massive landfill across the road is gradually shifting and moving every day and could be heading toward a catastrophic landslide. The more Nathan watches the landfill, the more worried he becomes. As his dad continues to go to work driving the compactor that squishes the garbage into smaller piles, Nathan begins to wonder what will happen to his father if he doesn’t act soon. But how does a ten-year old boy stop the force of nature? In this fascinating and fast-paced story, Culley exposes kids to plenty of garbage, and the natural and environmental impact country landfills have on local towns.

Inspired by the true events of the 1989 Norridgewock, Maine landfill collapse, this gripping narrative delivers thrilling action, sheds light on the environmental hazards posed by landfills and the impact of human waste. Perfectly timed for Earth Day, LANDSLIDE is a powerful conversation starter on climate anxiety, and environmental conservation. Drawing on her extensive research and deep Maine roots, Betty Culley brings authenticity and urgency to this compelling story. 

About the Author

Betty Culley is the award-winning author of young adult and middle grade novels. 
As a child, she was in foster care and then adopted and read everything she could get her hands on. Before becoming an author, she worked as an obstetrics nurse and as a pediatric home hospice nurse. She lives in a small town, where she tends a garden and a growing crabapple orchard and floats in her farm pond during Maine’s brief summers.

Find the Author

Website | Instagram | Facebook | X

Early Reader Review: Selma–The Story of a Stellar Spider by Tini Malina

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

Selma–The Story of a Stellar Spider by Tini Malina

Publisher: NorthSouth Books
Publication Date:  March 24, 2026

 

Format: Ebook

Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

A standout new picture book talent spins the story of a one-of-a-kind spider with an unstoppable artistic spirit.

Also available in Spanish: Selma–la historia de una araña estelar.

Selma is no ordinary spider. Most spiders make webs to catch flies, but not Selma. She wants to capture the Splendor of the Universe. But it’s hard to reach the stars from so close to the ground!

So Selma sets off to discover just how far a humble spider must spin to become out of this world . . .

Review: 

Like most books for children... short book = shorter review as to not spoil things for parent readers.

This sweet story follows a little spider who dreams of spinning webs not just for food, but to make the world a more beautiful place. Determined to reach the sky and new heights and to prove that her way is valid, she climbs higher and higher, weaving intricate, colorful webs that reflect her creativity and courage.

It’s a lovely tale about following your own path, even when others tell you not to, and celebrating the beauty in being different. The illustrations are simple yet vibrant, with bold colors that will easily capture the attention of young readers. A charming and inspiring read for little dreamers and the ones that just want to do things their way.

Building the Book Pile #512 - It's been a minute

Welcome to Building the Book Pile!

Hi! Happy Sunday!

It has been far too long since I have posted a book pile check in... sorry. Other things have just taken priority.  I am writing this Sunday morning ... riiiight before posting 🙀. I have a cold and sound gross, but today will hopefully be a good reading day from bed. I hope to visit some blogs today too... I miss you all 💕

Work is starting to slow down a little. Students are on Spring Break so I am just debriefing with companies lately, lots of meetings but good ones. All seems to be going well.

I have been reading a fair amount lately and honestly am feeling both blessed and overwhelmed by the publisher outreach lately. I want to read all the books... there is just never enough time to get to them all so I have to be better about managing time.

How are you? Has Spring hit where you are yet? It is still cold and snowy in NH. We had a few days of fake-Spring but are back to cold again for a bit. 

Linked up with Caffeinated Book Reviewer Sunday Post 

xo steph

Coming up on the Blog

THIS WEEK - 

Early Reader Review: Selma–The Story of a Stellar Spider by Tini Malina (Youth)

Spotlight: Landslide by Betty Culley (MG)

Early Reader Review: Finding Joy by Anika Toro (Art, Poetry, Adult) [w/giveaway]

NEXT WEEK - 

Blog Tour: Review - A Scottish Summer Escape by Ellie Henderson (Adult)

Early Reader Review: Fabulous Creatures by Cornelia Funke (Youth)

Books Received Recently...  

 

From Publishers for review consideration, stay tuned for reviews...

  

Reviews and Such

Only going back ~1 Week. I will be working on some recap posts though!

What's for Dinner? by Larysa Maliush (Youth)-⭐⭐⭐⭐

Witch of the Shadow Wood by Tori Anne Martin (YA) - ⭐⭐⭐

DNF Review: Spellbound by Murder by Stacie Ramey (Adult)

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: What's for Dinner? by Larysa Maliush

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

What's for Dinner? by Larysa Maliush 
Publisher: NorthSouth Books
Publication Date:  March 17, 2026

 

Format: Ebook

Rating:

Goodreads Synopsis: 

Precious bunny Bunkins meets a ferocious new friend in this laugh-out-loud tale that proves not all Big Wolves are bad!

Wolves eat bunnies. Or do they?

One night, Big Gray Wolf finds a bunny in the forest. According to Wolf Rules, he has to eat it. But it’s so tiny, and so fluffy! What’s more, the rabbit family has promised a scrumptious feast to anyone who brings Bunkins home safe. What’s a wolf to do?

Review: 

Short review for a short book.

What's for Dinner? Is about a wolf that is supposed to eat anything/ anyone that is found in the forest after dark... and he comes across a bunny. The bunny, named Bunkins, has a note on him that mentions a big meal if he is returned home.

This was a cute picture book with fun and detailed images. It was great to see a nice wolf in a story. This one decides to help Bunkins. They go on a little adventure to get him back home and the wolf is happy to find a great meal waiting for him. 

Overall, this was a fun illustrated children's book about doing the right thing and both the wolf and Bunkins are fun characters to follow. I think young kids and parents will enjoy the book.

Early Reader Review: Witch of the Shadow Wood by Tori Anne Martin

Source: From the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This in now way alters my opinion or review. 

Witch of the Shadow Wood by Tori Anne Martin 

Publisher: Alcove Press
Publication Date:  March 10, 2026

 

Format: Paperback ARC

Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

A feminist cozy romantasy retelling of the classic fairy tale Hansel and Gretel, complete with a sapphic love story and a revenge tale, from USA Today bestselling author Tori Anne Martin, perfect for fans of The Spellshop.

Fifteen years ago, a little girl’s father bartered her away to the old witch in the woods for some magic. Abandoned by her brother, Hans, who promised to keep her safe, Greta learns to embrace her new life as an apprentice to the witch, and starts a new life as Miria.

Two years ago, she rescued a young woman who was lost in those woods, and she fell in love.

Just now, she learned that woman was engaged--against her will--to a man who once was complicit in trading his little sister, who'd used the magic her life had bought to give her former family wealth and power beyond measure, and then forgot all about her.

Soon, the young witch will leave the woods. Stop the wedding. Save the woman she loves. Get revenge.

But beyond the woods, nothing is ever that simple.

Review: 

Witch of the Shadow Wood is a loose Hansel and Gretel retelling focusing on the siblings getting separated and instead of an evil witch, Greta is bought by a witch that then trains her to also become a witch. The plot centers on Greta as she learns more and also falls in love with a girl she finds lost in the woods.  Greta takes on her new life as Miria and becomes a witch in the woods herself, and now she is set on helping Adaline get out of an arranged marriage. 

I was really curious how this book was going to balance being both a cozy cottage vibe and a revenge story. The cozy atmosphere comes through well in the beginning, especially in the quiet moments in the woods and Miria’s new life learning magic. But once the plot starts moving toward revenge and confrontation, the tone feels a little less cozy. There isn’t a lot of violence, but the shift in stakes makes the vibe change a bit.

One of the strongest parts of the book for me was the slow-burn romance between Miria and Adaline. Their relationship develops in a sweet, gentle way that fits the cozy fantasy elements. I also thought the characters were well developed, particularly Greta/Miria. I enjoyed the flashbacks showing her learning magic and growing into her role as a witch. Her relationship with her Nana/Yali added a lot of warmth to the story.

That said, the timeline was sometimes confusing. The story moves between past and present quite a bit, and at times the shifts felt jumbled. Because of that, some of the emotional moments didn’t land as strongly as they might have if the narrative had been more linear.

The revenge plot and the mystery surrounding the sick children were interesting ideas, but they really only start to take shape in the second half of the book. Because of that, the pacing felt quite slow, and some readers might struggle to stay engaged until the story fully picks up or give up on it entirely. If you are able to hold on, the ending is very sweet and the twists more the plot along swiftly. 

Overall, this was an interesting feminist retelling with strong character development and a sweet romance, but the uneven pacing and timeline jumps kept it from fully landing for me.

DNF Review: Spellbound by Murder by Stacie Ramey

Source: From Netgalley and the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This in now way alters my feedback or review. 

Spellbound by Murder by Stacie Ramey 

Series: A Mystic Hollow Bookshop Mystery #1
Publisher: Crooked Lane Books

Publication Date:  March 10, 2026

 

Format: Ebook

Rating: DNF at 35%


Goodreads Synopsis: 

Gilmore Girls meets Charmed in this spellbinding cozy mystery featuring a magical bookshop run by three generations of women.

When her grandmother suffers a nasty fall and asks for help managing the family business, coffee-addicted single mother Veronica Blackthorne moves her sixteen-year-old romcom-obsessed daughter to Mystic Hollow, Connecticut. Veronica is ecstatic to return to New England but when she arrives, she quickly finds out that Mystic Hollow Books, her grandmother’s pride and joy, needs more than a little TLC.

Hoping to save the bookstore from a big box rival, Veronica enlists her sometimes-mentor and sometimes-crush Adam Whitford, a controversial but popular author, as the keynote speaker to kick off a literary festival that will hopefully bring in a new wave of customers. But when Adam turns up dead, all that romantic potential turns into a nightmare as Veronica becomes the prime suspect in his murder.

As the local sheriff investigates his murder, Veronica decides to take matters into her own hands to solve the case and clear her name. With the bookstore’s future on the line, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Until her gran reveals the biggest secret of all–the bookstore is magical and it was a botched love spell that led to this entire mess.

Witty and heartfelt, this mystery explores the price of magic and how it might be more hefty than one can hope, perfect for fans of Amanda Flower and Nina Simon.

Review: 

I was initially drawn in by the note about Gilmore Girls and Charmed vibes, but unfortunately it felt like the book wanted to be those shows rather than simply be inspired by them.  The plot felt too in the weeds with those fandoms for me to fully immerse myself in the story that was meant to be here. 

The sarcastic (or what they thought was witty) vocabulary lessons came across as more pretentious than clever, which made it harder to connect with the characters.  The mother read much younger and more naïve than I expected, and I found myself wishing the daughter and especially the grandmother had been given more depth and focus or even the spotlight really, I think I could have connected with them better. 

In the end, the plot just didn’t carve out enough of its own identity for me to stay invested. I set it down and moved on. 

That said, I think that if you are looking for something that heavily relies on its inspirations and are a lover of Gilmore Girls or charmed, this could be for you. I stopped right as they mystery was starting to unfold, so there might be some fun that I missed out on.

Early Reader Review: Davy: A Garden for Everyone by Brigitte Weninger

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

Davy: A Garden for Everyone by Brigitte Weninger, Illustrated by Eve Tharlet 
Series: Davy
Publisher: NorthSouth Books
Publication Date:   March 10, 2026

 

Format: Ebook

Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

This final title in the celebrated Davy series is a warm-hearted, intergenerational story about helping one's neighbors and gardening as a community.

In Davy’s neighborhood there’s a garden that was once beautiful, but is now all overgrown. The elderly owner can no longer take care of it, and she urgently needs help. Luckily, Davy and his family come to the rescue! A charming tale about cooperation and community spirit.

Review: 

I didn't realize this was a part of a series, but it was fine as a stand alone book as well. This was a cute introduction to Davy, a little rabbit. In this installment he helps his neighbor reclaim their garden from overgrowth and saves it from a sudden downpour that threatens to flood all their hard work.

The story gives off strong 'sharing is caring' vibes and has cute, soft, but detail illustrations. Children will like the family of rabbits and their little world. The story is sweet and heartwarming.

Parents will like the positive message of helping others and it is a quick read with lovely images. 

Overall this is a cute book coming just in time for Spring. Readers will enjoy the pastel tones and gardening themes right around the time that many places are experiencing them in the real world as well.