Building the Book Pile #518

Welcome to Building the Book Pile!

Hi! Happy Memorial Day Weekend

Hope everyone had a great week and is having a good long weekend (in the US).

Weekly re-cap:

I took Monday off as a mental health day. While my partner was headed to Canada then to South Korea for the start of his trip, I went out to a place called the Sparkle Barn with my bestie. It was in a little town in Vermont and it is a gift shop on the first floor and an immersive art installation thing on the 2nd floor. It was very Alice in Wonderland meets Honey I Shrunk the Kids vibes. After shopping we headed to Chipotle for lunch and then grabbed ice cream on the drive back home. It was a beautiful day and we had a fun time just hanging out. 

 

Tuesday I was back to the grind with a bunch of meetings with my team and some students. I was able to draft up the weekly emails that I send regularly and then I had to pop home and let the dogs out and change before heading to softball practice. 

Wednesday - work wasn't as crazy and I had some time to myself in the afternoon, but I started the day with a migraine so it was a struggle to get up. It eventually went away and the day turned out pretty good overall.

Thursday I worked from home with the doggos and while they took naps in the sunny spots, I worked on a data/presentation for my team to talk about the events we hosted this year. I love pulling the data and dissecting it. In the evening, I met up with a friend to go watch Casablanca in the college theatre. I have never watched it so it was nice. 

Friday I worked from home again and my computer and programs were giving me issues from the start, but I had some chatty time with a friend on Zoom and then helped host a check in for my side-hustle/ business. After work I ran out to Tractor Supply for some things, the grocery store and Petsmart for dog food. 

 

Saturday I was excited because I invited friends over for a Cozy reading day with snacks. I made a big charcuterie board and got some outdoor furniture ready in case people wanted to sit outside. While I was bringing the hammock stand out... I rolled my ankle and fell on my foot - virtual appt thinks I have a mid-foot sprain, ankle is fine, I can walk on it... it just sucks. Friends came and we had a good time but I felt awful.

Today - I have been in bed most the day with my foot all swollen and bruised. I have done a bit of reading and Youtube watching

Linking up with Caffeinated Book Reviewer Sunday Post 

xo steph

Enter my Giveaways! Still Open!

  

Coming up on the Blog

THIS WEEK - 

Spotlight w/ Giveaway! Lake Life by Tanya Boteju (YA)

Recent Reads: Wild Card by Elise Silver (Adult)

Books Received Recently...  

  

For Review  

Pumpkin Apocalypse by M. D. Payne - from the Publisher

Alchemy of Souls by Adriana Mather- from the Publisher

For the Love of the Quest: A Novel by Alexandra Ammon Parthun -  from the Publisher

Reviews and Such

Recent Reads: The Amazing Generation: Your Guide to Fun and Freedom in a Screen- Filled World by Jonathan Haidt (MG) - ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Recent Reads: The Replacement: A Short Story by Liv Constantine (Adult) - ⭐⭐⭐.5

Recent Reads: Reach by Celesta Rimington (MG) - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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! 

Recent Reads: Reach by Celesta Rimington

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

Reach by Celesta Rimington 

Publisher: Nancy Paulsen Books
Publication Date:  January 27, 2026

 

Format: Hardback


Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

Wishtree meets Song for a Whale , in this beautifully moving story about a boy whose wish for his family to return to the way it used to be, teaches him the real meaning of roots and the new ones that can grow if we let them.

Ever since getting a little stepbrother named Harlan, Denver hasn’t felt like he fits into his own family. Lots of people find Harlan charming, but not Denver. His pesky stepbrother tags along everywhere Denver goes, breaking things and wanting Denver’s attention every. single. second. After an especially disastrous morning, Denver escapes to the forest, experiencing a whiff of ancient magic when he meets an old and dignified but lonely tree named Spiro. When Spiro offers to turn Harlan into a tree for a few hours, Denver jumps at the chance—only to realize he’s made a mistake when nobody, including his mom and stepdad, seems to remember Harlan existed. And now Spiro isn’t certain he can reverse the transformation.

To save Harlan, Denver will need to find out what happened to Spiro to make him so disconnected from the other trees in the forest . . . but to do so the change he might have to make first is within himself.

Review: 

The story follows Denver a young boy who is learning how to be a part of a new family with his step-father and brother, and his dad and step-mom have a baby too, so everything has changed pretty suddenly for him.

This was such a magical and emotional middle grade read. Denver felt so relatable, especially as he struggled with suddenly having to adapt to new family dynamics without really getting the support or understanding he needed. The sibling and family relationships felt very realistic, and you could genuinely feel Denver’s frustration, jealousy, and loneliness through the story.

The fantasy elements were wonderful. I loved the idea of the trees being able to communicate with people, and Spiro was such an interesting tree. He was wise, lonely, and mysterious all at once... The magic in the forest felt enchanting, but there was also a tension that kept the anxiety building. 

One of the strongest parts of the book was how well the themes were handled. Denver’s journey toward understanding both himself and the people around him felt natural and meaningful, even though he figures it all out through helping Spiro and Harlan. It all felt very heartfelt.

The pacing was excellent and the tension built surprisingly well as Harlan became more tree-like and people stopped remembering him. For a middle grade story, there were moments that felt genuinely unsettling, which made the emotional payoff even stronger.

Overall, this was a beautifully written story with magic, heart, and real emotional depth. Definitely one of my favorite middle grade reads lately.

Early Reader Review: The Replacement: A Short Story by Liv Constantine

The Replacement: A Short Story by Liv Constantine
Publisher: Amazon Original Stories
Publication Date:   June 1, 2026

 

Format: Ebook
Source: From Amazon First Reads (May)

Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

A Hollywood icon struggling to revive her career befriends a gifted newcomer with a secret agenda in a twisty short story about the true price of fame by a New York Times bestselling author.

Once Hollywood royalty, Veronica Van Arden has been upstaged by box office flops and tabloid gossip. But when she lands a role in a promising film, a comeback finally seems possible, especially with the support of her young and adoring costar, Sienna Vale. As Veronica weathers a new scandal, Sienna stays firmly by her side, a bright spot in Veronica’s days. But as Veronica welcomes her protégé into every part of her life, they both might find that the brightest lights cast the darkest shadows.

Review: 

Short stories tend to be very hit or miss for me, so I was surprised that this one landed somewhere comfortably in the middle. It did not completely blow me away, but it also kept me invested enough to finish in one sitting.

The story follows Veronica Van Arden, an actress hoping her latest film will help rebuild her career after a string of flops and public scandals. She is excited to play the older sister to an up and coming actress named Sienna Vale. As they film, Veronica and Sienna become close.. while Veronica is unsure about her from the beginning and Veronica's closest people warn her about it. 

The book is a Hollywood drama mixed with a mystery. It is both a fast read but at times feels incredibly slowed down, which is very interesting to experience as a reader. Most short stories fly by and this one lingered in weird ways that attached to plot points really well. 

The writing also captures the fragile nature of fame well, especially through Veronica’s perspective. Her desperation to reclaim relevance and her growing attachment to Sienna make her an interesting, sometimes frustrating protagonist. That emotional vulnerability added depth beyond the mystery elements.

There is a twist near the end that I found intriguing, but it felt somewhat rushed once everything was revealed. I actually wanted more exploration of the final reveal and its consequences because it was more compelling than some of the buildup that came before it. The ending wraps things up quickly.

Overall, this was an entertaining and atmospheric read with effective tension and a solid mystery, even if the conclusion felt slightly underdeveloped.

Recent Reads: The Amazing Generation: Your Guide to Fun and Freedom in a Screen-Filled World by Jonathan Haidt

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

The Amazing Generation: Your Guide to Fun and Freedom in a Screen-Filled World by Jonathan Haidt
Publisher: Rocky Pond Books
Publication Date: December 30, 2025

 

Format: Hardback


Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

Inspired by The Anxious Generation, this new book for kids and tweens is a comprehensive guide for living a happy and exciting life that isn’t hijacked by a smartphone.

Whether or not kids already have smartphones or social media accounts, this guide is packed with surprising facts, a graphic novel, interactive challenges, secrets that tech leaders don’t want kids to know, and real-life anecdotes from young adults who regret getting smartphones at a young age and want to help the next generation avoid making the same mistakes.

But this isn’t just a book about what not to do. It’s a bold, optimistic, and practical guide to growing into your most authentic, confident, and adventurous self. Readers won’t just discover how to avoid becoming the next Anxious Generation. They’ll learn how to become amazing.

Review: 

This was an informative and engaging read that tackles smartphone and social media use in a way that feels both realistic and fantastical enough to keep younger readers interested. I thought the book did a great job explaining what social media and constant phone use can do to the brain, but in language that kids and t/weens can actually understand without feeling overwhelmed.

One of the strongest parts of the book was how practical the advice felt. Rather than simply telling kids that phones are “bad,” it focuses on helping them build confidence, independence, and healthier habits. The tone walks a good line between cautionary and empowering, but there are definitely some times where it comes off a bit preachy as well (at least that is how it felt to me).

The graphic novel elements were also a lot of fun and helped break up the more informational sections. I liked the storyline, which focused on kids feeling left out. I think it will resonate with readers on both sides: kids who already have phones and social media, and kids who don’t. It encourages empathy while also showing how complicated these experiences can feel at that age.

What stood out most to me was that the message didn’t just feel relevant for kids. Even as an adult, it made me reflect on my own phone habits, which feels like a strong sign that the book’s ideas are meaningful and well presented overall. 

Building the Book Pile #517

Welcome to Building the Book Pile!

Hi! Happy Sunday!

Hope everyone had a great week!

Weekly re-cap:

Monday - Wednesday were a bit of a blur, I had so many meetings and work was busy. We are in that time of year where we are wrapping one cycle and planning for the next in tandem - so there is just a lot of little things going on. 

On Tuesday, we went to the local pub for dinner after the crazy day.

On Wednesday, I worked from home for the pets. The Hubs is normally somewhat WFH on Wednesday to let them out midday, but he is going away today for 2 weeks so he had a lot of work to finish out before leaving. It was a bit rainy, which was good for the drought we are experiencing, but work was busy again.

Thursday I was working from home and it was really rainy. The vibe was really pulling me to stop working and just read a book or nap but I couldn't. I was able to get through a bunch of my to do list while the dogs napped under my desk. 

Friday I was work from home again and luckily the meetings were much lighter. I was able to get some laundry done in between work tasks and finally get to some data-clean up done that falls down the priority list when other things are going on. We ended up going out to eat because we didn't feel like cooking.

Saturday we spent the day just taking it easy, running some last minute errands, and packing up the Hubs for his trip. We watch the reboot of Anaconda... it was ok, I appreciate them making fun of the original a bit. 

Today -  I need to write some reviews for the upcoming week and I hope to finish the book that I am reading. I also need to prep for the week - so meal planning and going to the grocery store. I am bringing Hubs to the bus today to start his trip down to the airport, so there is more for me to do. 

Linking up with Caffeinated Book Reviewer Sunday Post 

xo steph

Enter my Giveaways! Still Open!

  

Coming up on the Blog

THIS WEEK - 

Recent Reads: The Amazing Generation: Your Guide to Fun and Freedom in a Screen- Filled World by Jonathan Haidt (MG)

Recent Reads: The Replacement: A Short Story by Liv Constantine (Adult)

Recent Reads: Reach by Celesta Rimington (MG)

Books Received Recently...  

  

For Review  

(Mostly) Human Resources by Grace Viall - from the publisher

Hellbound by Stephanie Binx - from the publisher

Reviews and Such

Recent Reads: Deathly Fates by Tesia Tsai (YA) - ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Recent Reads: Lift Me Up by Milly Johnson (Adult)⭐⭐⭐⭐

Recent Reads: The Thorn Queen by Sasha Peyton Smith (YA) - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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! 

Recent Reads: The Thorn Queen by Sasha Peyton Smith

The Thorn Queen by Sasha Peyton Smith 

Series: The Rose Bargain #2
Publisher: HarperCollins
Publication Date:  April 14, 2026

 

Format: Hardback
Source: Bought/Own

Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

Wed to one brother.

In love with the other.

Bridgerton, The Selection, and The Cruel Prince collide in this Victorian-inspired romantasy; the sequel to the instant New York Times bestseller The Rose Bargain.

This limited collector’s edition features an exclusive alternate jacket, gilded holographic edges, an intricately foiled case design, and never-before-seen bonus content.

Having won the hand of the faerie King Bram, Ivy is now Queen of England.

But with his ascension to the throne, Bram unleashed the fae into the human world. After hundreds of years of being kept from their favorite playthings, the Others are looking to make up for lost time—and they do, with wicked revelry that sweeps through the country.

To survive, Ivy acts the sweet, devoted wife. Behind the smile, she plots to banish her husband, save her sister Lydia, and reunite with the love of her life, Emmett.

Yet Emmet and Lydia are trapped in the Otherworld, where fae games are deadlier than ever—and a queen must play most viciously of all. Or see herself dethroned.

Forbidden romance, deceptive bargains, and lethal court intrigue intertwine in this mesmerizing, fae romantasy sequel that will captivate fans of Once Upon a Broken Heart and Belladonna.

Click the cover to see my review of Book 1: The Rose Bargain 

Review: 

I loved The Rose Bargain and was a liiiiittle nervous about book 2. I was afraid that it wasn't going to be as good as the first one... this is my toxic trait. I almost always delay a book 2 read because I don't want to be disappointed. 

All that said, I was NOT disappointed by this one.

One of the things I loved most about the first book was the mix of dangerous fae bargains, political tension, and the angsty love triangle, and this sequel expands on all of those elements in such a satisfying way. The stakes feel even higher now as Ivy is both competing for survival and trying to rule through chaos, grief, and betrayal. The relationships carry so much more emotional weight this time around, especially with the lingering tension, shifting loyalties, and the constant uncertainty about who can truly be trusted.

❗❗❗SPOILERS ❗❗❗

The story jumps right into the chaos with Ivy now Queen of England while Bram unleashes complete havoc by allowing the Fae world into England after his mother, the former queen, is captured/ replaced. Meanwhile, Ivy is grieving and searching for her true love Emmett (Bram's brother), unsure if he is missing or dead, while also desperately also trying to find her sister. 

The pacing is intense from the start and the plot is dramatic, emotional, and torturous at times. I found myself crying at the horrible Fae a few times. They create absolute destruction through dangerous bargains and manipulation, while humans are eager to participate without understanding the true consequences of their actions. I loved the political intrigue woven throughout the story, and the emotional weight of everything happening felt very real even when in a fantastical world.

Ivy continues to be such a strong protagonist. She’s trying to survive a lethal fae world while balancing the weight of the crown, her grief, and the complicated relationships around her. The forbidden romance elements still hit hard, but I also loved how much the story centered sisterly love, loyalty, and trust amidst all the courtly intrigue and chaos. I really enjoyed Ivy’s character growth, and I thought the transition deeper into the Fae realm was done incredibly well.

Overall, this was a fantastic conclusion to the duology and such an engaging read from beginning to end.

Recent Reads: Lift Me Up by Milly Johnson

Lift Me Up by Milly Johnson
Publisher: Amazon Original Stories
Publication Date:  May 1, 2026

 

Format: Ebook
Source: From Amazon First Reads

Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

A heartwarming story from Sunday Times bestseller Milly Johnson.

Tam Remington had her life planned out. Until a conversation in a broken lift—with her worst enemy—changes everything.

For a decade, Tam has quietly held YorkMart together whilst others took the credit, making herself smaller in the process. When she’s briefly promoted to acting Managing Director, she finally has a chance to shine—until her promotion is snatched away and handed to Jack Cesaroni—the man brought in to do the job that should have been hers.

Tam expects nothing but disappointment from Jack. But when they’re trapped in a lift between floors thirteen and fourteen, he sees what no one else has: Tam is exceptional. That single word of recognition sparks something Tam thought she’d lost—and an unexpected connection she never saw coming.

Now Tam faces an impossible choice: stay being the smaller version of herself she’s become used to, or take a leap and reclaim the vibrant, authentic woman she once was—and discover how wonderful it could be if she lets someone see the real her…

This enemies-to-lovers story shows sometimes you need to get stuck to find your true self.

Review: 

This novella was such a fun, fast read with a surprisingly thoughtful core message. Tam, who works in Operations at YorkMart, has basically been single-handedly keeping the company running while executives make one terrible decision after another. When one of the higher-ups is finally let go, she’s thrilled at the possibility of stepping into the interim role she has more than earned and then take over permanently. But instead, the company brings in Jack, a polished hotshot outsider who immediately feels like a threat to everything she’s worked for.

The setup really shines as Tam and Jack get trapped in an elevator together. The story unfolds through flashbacks and future moments surrounding the elevator stall, which gives the novella a reflective, slightly confined feel that works so well for Tam’s internal struggle. She starts questioning not only her place at YorkMart, but also how much of herself she’s sacrificed just to survive her relationship and in a company that doesn't fully realize what she has done over the years.

Jack is frustrating in all the right ways. Tam’s suspicion that he’s there to fire her creates great tension as it creeps into different parts of the story. What I appreciated most, though, was that the story never forced Tam to shrink herself for the romance, actually quite the opposite. The relationship develops in a clean, heartwarming way that feels good, and Jack eventually becomes part of Tam’s journey back to herself instead of overshadowing it.

Tam’s struggle with whether to keep playing the role everyone expects from her or finally become honest about what she wants can be frustrating at times, both for her and for the reader, but that payoff at the end is worth it. 

Overall, this was an engaging workplace romance with emotional depth, character growth, and just enough tension to keep me hooked the whole time. A quick and eay read.

Recent Reads: Deathly Fates by Tesia Tsai

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

Deathly Fates by Tesia Tsai 
Publisher: Wednesday Books
Publication Date:  April 14, 2026

 

Format: Ebook

Rating:

Goodreads Synopsis: 

"Rich and wholeheartedly poignant. Deathly Fates sings with profound spirit, exploring the consequences of war and the scars cut by nobility during trying times. An entrancing world that will certainly linger." —Chloe Gong, #1 New York Times bestselling author of These Violent Delights

A sweeping debut inspired by the Chinese folk practice of necromancy, Deathly Fates is perfect for fans of Descendant of the Crane, The Bone Shard Daughter, and A Magic Steeped in Poison.

As a corpse-driving priestess, a holy servant paid to guide the deceased home, Kang Siying has never feared death. But when her beloved father collapses due to his declining health, Siying realizes that even she is not free from the cruel grasp of mortality. Desperate to provide her father with the medical aid he needs, Siying accepts a dangerous job that promises a generous commission, and travels to a hostile state to retrieve the corpse of a missing prince.

But the moment Siying places her reanimation talisman on the dead prince's head, rather than make the corpse obedient to Siying's commands, the talisman brings the prince back to life. Worse, he won't stay alive for long―not unless he absorbs enough qi, or life force, to keep his soul anchored to his body.

In return for a reward worth twice her original commission, Siying agrees to aid the frustratingly handsome prince in finding and purifying evil spirits for their qi. But as they journey across the countryside, encountering vengeful ghosts and enemy spies alike, they gradually uncover dark secrets about the prince's death―secrets that could endanger both Siying's father and their entire kingdom.

Review: 

This was such a beautiful fantasy with a richly atmospheric world inspired by Chinese culture that made every setting and interaction feel vivid and immersive. From the very beginning, the story balances mystery and suspense incredibly well, pulling me into Siying’s journey immediately.

Siying is a corpse-driving priestess whose job is to guide the dead home, but everything changes when she accidentally revives the corpse she’s meant to deliver...who also happens to be a prince. Instead of remaining obedient under her talisman, he comes back to life, and the two are forced into a journey across the country to collect enough life force to keep him alive.

What I really loved was Siying’s internal conflict throughout the novel. She’s driven by her desperate need to earn money to save her ailing father, but she also grows increasingly tied to the prince and his survival. Their journey becomes much more than a mission for qi - it slowly transforms into a story about purpose, responsibility, and understanding the lives of ordinary people. Watching the prince gain perspective outside of royal life was one of the most rewarding parts of the book. The novel also explores grief, love, loss, and peace in a really thoughtful way.

The romance is definitely a slow burn, but the forced-proximity dynamic was incredibly cute and developed naturally over time. I loved seeing the relationship build gradually through shared experiences and emotional vulnerability rather than instant attraction. And the grumpy-sunshine vibe is her being a grump and him trying to capture her attentions. So cute. 

Overall, this was an emotional and immersive fantasy with strong character growth, beautiful cultural elements, and a romance that felt earned by the end. Definitely recommended for readers who enjoy atmospheric fantasy adventures with mystery, emotional depth, and slow-burn romance.

Building the Book Pile #516

Welcome to Building the Book Pile!

Hi! Happy Sunday! Happy Mother's Day!

Good morning reader/ book friends. I hope you all had great weeks. I still can't believe it is May already.

To all moms - Happy Mother's Day! I hope your pets, kids, students anyone you are a mom to send you love today. You are amazing!

Weekly re-cap:

Monday was back to work after my conference and it was a crazy day. We give the graduating class hats and so it was a revolving door of students. I love seeing them and congratulating them but it makes getting other work done a bit difficult. 

Tuesday I finished the battle of the emails, i.e. cleaning out my inbox from being away. I had a few meetings and spent the day catching fully back up. The ended the day with a Dinner at a professor's house for our Chile trip reunion. A bunch of the students attended and it was a nice way to catch up after our November trip ended. 

Wednesday was all meetings. SO MANY, but I ended the day with the women of my rec. softball team for dinner and it was so much fun. 

Thursday and Friday were work from home days and I again had meeting most the days, but it is nicer to be in my own space to take them and I get to cuddle the dogs. 

This weekend we have been taking out a wall for the Kitchen move. I am so excited about it! it is going to look great but for now the middle of my house is like a construction zone. 

Linking up with Caffeinated Book Reviewer Sunday Post 

xo steph

Enter my Giveaways!

  

Coming up on the Blog

THIS WEEK - 

Recent Reads: Deathly Fates by Tesia Tsai (YA)

Recent Reads: Lift Me Up by Milly Johnson (Adult)

Recent Reads: The Thorn Queen by Sasha Peyton Smith (YA)

Books Received Recently...  

 

For Review  

The Night by Mariachiara Di Giorgio

A Trophy for the Jackal by Jule Wellerdiek

Summerwork by Carrie Mesrobian

Reviews and Such

• Early Reader Review: Rolls And Rivalry by Kristy Boyce (YA) - ⭐⭐⭐⭐
• Spotlight w/ Giveaway! Shards of Silence by Brian Lee Young (YA)
• Spotlight w/ Giveaway! Holloway by Elana K. Arnold (YA)
• Tour: Excerpt - Among Her Bones by Kate Serine (Adult)
• 20 Books of Summer Challenge Post #20BOS26

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!