Early Reader Review: Raise the Bar by Fernanda Frick H.

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

Raise the Bar by Fernanda Frick H. 

Publisher:  Dial Books
Publication Date:  August 25, 2026 

 

Format: Ebook

Rating:

Goodreads Synopsis: 

A debut graphic novel about one girl’s weightlifting dreams and how far she’ll go for them, from a popular Chilean animator.

Sam Sanchez might not have a coach or proper equipment, but she’s going to become Chile’s first weightlifting gold medalist. She just knows it.

When there’s an opportunity to train at the high-performance center with her weightlifting hero and Olympic gold medalist Eva Dos Santos . . . well, Sam can’t let that opportunity pass. Even if it means going behind her parents’ back.

As she makes friends (and a rival) during training and tries to qualify for the Pan American Games, she’ll find out how far hard work and perseverance can take her and just how much weight she’s able to hold.

Review: 

I really really loved this graphic novel. The story follows Sam, who wants to be a weightlifter and that has been her dream for a long time. Her parents just don't get it and want her to be normal. When she has the chance to train with one of the best, she jumps at it with the agreement that if she doesn't medal she will just be done with it all together. 

This was such a good story, brought to life through engaging art and text in such a lovely way. The artwork was bold, vibrant, and easy to follow, and the amount of text was perfect for a graphic novel. 

The story was both inspiring and heartfelt. Following Sam pursuing her dream, it doesn't shy away from the anxiety, pressure, and setbacks that come with being an athlete. I especially appreciated the addition of the generational story/ reasoning for the parents wanting her to be normal woven in, which added depth and even more emotions. 

This was a motivational read that made me tear up at times, so excited for Sam and her accomplishments and revelations about herself. The themes of hard work, determination, resilience, and learning from failure are presented in a way that felt genuine ad encouraging. It's the kind of story that reminds readers that success isn't always a straight path and that perseverance matters.

I think this will be a fantastic read for middle-grade and teen readers. It's fun, uplifting, and packed with meaningful lessons. A wonderful graphic novel with memorable characters, strong emotional moments, and beautiful artwork. Overall a great graphic novel read!

Recent Reads: Wretched Mage by Juliana Pinheiro

Wretched Mage by Juliana Pinheiro 
Series: Wretched Mage #1
Publication Date: May 28, 2025

 

Format: Ebook
Source: From Booktrovert

Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

Wretched Mage is the first book in a complete romantic fantasy duology where Beauty and the Beast meets The Witcher, featuring magical courts, dangerous curses, a forbidden mage kingdom, and a slow-burn romance. With forced proximity, forbidden love, a morally gray hero, and open-door romance, it's perfect for readers who love immersive worlds and books such as Kingdom of the Wicked, Servant of Earth and A Court of Thorns and Roses.

Jane Darling thought taking over her family’s trade and attending a merchant fair would be her greatest challenge, until she stepped off at the wrong train station and was seized by a monstrous creature. When she realised she had unknowingly trespassed into the land of the mageborn, where magic and its people live in secrecy, it was already too late.

She is sentenced to remain there for a year under the watch of the loathsome lord of the estate, Reagan, only to discover he too is bound by a sentence from the same court that seeks to hold her captive. With her family’s livelihood at risk, Jane is determined to plot her escape, but leaving their territory can be a deadly task, especially for a human.

As she relies on Reagan to learn how to keep herself safe from monsters and violent mages, Jane realises his situation is far more dire than she believed. When a forbidden romance ignites between them, Jane begins to seek answers about Reagan’s fate. But he keeps secrets even from his own staff, and with his political enemies turning their attention to her, even the most tenacious and well-protected human might not survive long enough to see the end of her sentence.

Review: 

I absolutely loved this story. As someone who loves Beauty and the Beast retellings, I really enjoyed the way this one blended familiar elements with a rich magical world, political intrigue, and a slow-burn romance.

The story follows Jane, she is trying to get to the city to help her father with his trade business while he is home and ill with her sister. On the way, Jane accidentally stumbles into a hidden magical realm and is forced to remain there for a year while the mageborn determine whether her arrival was truly an accident. During her sentence, she's bound to Reagan, a grumpy, beastly lord who is just as unhappy about the arrangement as she is. Their relationship starts off full of tension and hostility toward one another. 

Jane is stubborn, as many fantasy heroines are, but she's also curious, observant, and determined. I loved watching her attempts to escape and the way she constantly challenged Reagan. Reagan, meanwhile, is mysterious, broody, and the perfect grump for Jane to unravel. Their enemies-to-lovers dynamic felt earned, and the forced proximity and banter were handled so well that I found myself looking forward to every interaction between them. Their slowly evolving relationships was one of my favorite parts of the book.

The supporting cast was just as fun though. There was such a strong sense of found family that added warmth to an otherwise dark and brooding story. The relationships between the characters felt genuine, and their loyalty and appreciation for one another made the world feel even more alive.

What I think was the real winner here was the world-building. While Reagan's curse is an important part of the story, the true focus is the kingdom itself: its politics, its history, and the looming threat hanging over it (which the curse ties into yes, but the mystery of it all is kept for a while). The cities, the people, and the political tensions felt just as important as the main characters, creating a setting that was immersive and incredibly compelling. The magic system took me a little while to fully understand, but as more pieces fell into place, I really enjoyed the revelations and twists toward the end.

There were a few moments where the writing read a little younger than I expected, but it never took away from the glee I had while reading. Overall, this was a richly imagined fantasy with memorable characters, fantastic romantic tension, and a world I can't wait to return to. If you enjoy Beauty and the Beast retellings, slow-burn enemies-to-lovers romance, and fantasy with strong political intrigue, I would definitely recommend picking this one up.

Monthly Re-Cap: July 2026

Hello Readers, Bloggers, and Awesome people. 

Here is my July re-cap.

~~Books I Read in July~~

~~Review Links ~~

 (Mostly) Human Resources by Grace Viall

All The Ways We Learn by Chloe Ito Ward

Forty Love: A Novel by Jane Costello

Winners & Liars by Aleema Omotoni

Pumpking Apocalypse by M.D. Payne

✨Coming Soon ✨

Wretched Mage - Aug 6

Good Night, Break a Leg - Sept 2

Winnie the Pooh - Oct 6

July Bingo w/ Chapter Break

• Pumpking Apocalypse - 9, 11
• Wretched Mage  - 8, 12, 24, 22
• (Mostly) Human Resources - 10,16
• Forty Love - 6, 15, 24
• Winnie-the-Pooh: The Graphic Novel - 2 (bonus), 4, 5
• Good Night, Break a Leg: Life with Broadway Dads - 14, 23

18 points

Here is my plan. I finished 2 more this month

• Winners & Liars
• Forty Love

6/10 completed

Finished two new ones this month

• Doe by Rebecca Barrow
• (Mostly) Human Resources (new)
• Pumpking Apocalypse (new)

Count: 3

Early Reader Review: Pumpking Apocalypse by M.D. Payne

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

Pumpking Apocalypse by M.D. Payne

Publisher:  Penguin Workshop
Publication Date:  July 28, 2026 

 

Format: Paperback 

Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

Get pumped for Pumpkin Fest! It's Friday Night Fright Night, and Adam's worst fear is about to come to life…

Halloween is a big deal in Little Pine, but newcomer Adam Gibbons doesn't get the hype. In fact, he's actively anti-Halloween—and you would be, too, if you were deathly afraid of pumpkins! Yeah…don't ask.

When Adam is tasked to team up with pumpkin fanatic Molly to plan Friday Night Fright Night, the middle school shut-in event before Pumpkin Fest, he's forced to confront his greatest fear head…er…jack-o'-lantern-on.

But it soon becomes clear that there is something strange and supernatural brewing in Little Pine. Mind-controlling pumpkins are possessing people and taking over the town, and it's up to Adam and his small group of friends to smash the infestation and save the world!

Review: 

This was an enjoyable middle grade read. It was an interesting plot/premise and I think middle grade readers will really enjoy it this Halloween/ Fall season.

The story follows Adam, who has a really horrible fear of pumpkins, as he tries to survive life in a town that's completely obsessed with its annual pumpkin festival. Adam could be a bit whiny at times, but Molly was a fantastic counterpart. Her enthusiasm for the festival, humor, and determination to help Adam overcome his pumpkin fear made her a great partner in this book and added some comic relief and chaos into the mix.

The plot, which was a combo pumpkin takeover and zombies vibe, was creative and a lot of fun. I think middle grade readers, especially those looking for a spooky seasonal read, will have a great time with it. It strikes a nice balance between creepy and fun, making it a perfect pick for Halloween. For some, this might be a bit too scary though.

The pacing was solid overall, although I felt it took a while to understand why Adam has a fear of pumpkins. There were also quite a few characters introduced in a short amount of time. As an adult reader, I also found it a little hard to believe that Adam's parents didn't realize just how over-the-top the town was about its pumpkin festival (or maybe they knew and since it is told in Adam's POV, we just aren't in on that point). That said, Adam's anxiety felt authentic, and I appreciated the way it was handled throughout the story. I think that could be helpful for readers as they learn more about themselves.

Overall, this was a fun, spooky adventure with an imaginative plot. I think it's one that middle grade readers looking for Halloween thrills and laughs will really enjoy.

Building the Book Pile #524

Welcome to Building the Book Pile!

Hi everyone ~ Happy Sunday.

I hope everyone had a great week. This week was was team 'offisite' but we stayed on campus for it. We learned how to decorate cookies with one of my co-workers, talked a lot about all sorts of things, had great lunches together, and ended the day with families all together at a potluck. It is one of my favorite days. 

The week was pretty rainy but we needed it and there were a few crisp mornings... getting my hopes up for Fall, but Saturday was a little warmer again. I can't believe it is August! We are slooooowly making progress on kitchen stuff, but things are going to be paused for a bit as we re-fill out bank accounts again and because the next part of the project is replacing a window with a new size which means new window, siding etc on the outside before coming back inside for the sink/counter placement. 

*trigger ...pet issues * We are also mentally preparing for our elderly cat to take a turn. He is 20 and has been gaining bumps over the last few months. He isn't in pain that we can tell, but he is asking for more snuggles and peeing everywhere. We are going to let him go out on his own terms probably but I need to call our vet this week just to put it on their radar in case the can do a house call for anything. (he hates travel and gets stressed, so we don't often bring him in).

On Saturday we ran errands, and I picked up stuff for cross stitching (new hobby I am trying) and then went to lunch and to see the playhouse do Oklahoma with some friends. It was a great show and we all had fun. Today we might go to a flea market, but also need to clean up the new kitchen area a bit more before the week gets going. My busy season is about to kick off so the more things we have squared away at home the better. 

How was your week?

• Currently watching: Started Margo has Money Troubles on Apple TV
• Currently reading: Alchemised by SenLinYu and For the Love of the Quest: A Novel by Alexandra Ammon Parthun
• Currently listening to: Ordinary Monsters by J.M. Miro

Linking up with Caffeinated Book Reviewer Sunday Post 

xo steph

Coming up on the Blog

Early Reader Review: Pumpking Apocalypse by M.D. Payne (MG)

Monthly Re-Cap: July 2026

Recent Reads: Wretched Mage by Juliana Pinheiro (Adult) 

Books Received Recently...  

For Review From Publishers 

The Faraway Forest: Hester’s Big Dream by Debbie Fong 

Where We Go at Night by Ikwo Ntekim

Bought

Witchy Stitching: 25 Patterns to Haunt Your Home by Meg Black

Reviews and Such

Early Reader Review: (Mostly) Human Resources by Grace Viall (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: (Mostly) Human Resources by Grace Viall

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

(Mostly) Human Resources by Grace Viall  

Series: Entity Case Files #1
Publisher: Alcove Press
Publication Date:  August 4, 2026

 

Format: Paperback ARC


Rating:

Goodreads Synopsis: 

Amongst mountains as old as time, the jackalopes and ghouls are the least of your worries.

Working in Human Resources was not what Alexys had in mind when she joined Entity, the company who categorise and manage the monsters and cryptids of the world. But after her dad was killed as a Warden in the Appalachian Mountains, she was filled with noble ideas of carrying on his legacy... from behind the safety of a desk.

But when one of her new Wardens, Elliot, goes missing, her chances of promotion go missing too. Determined to find him safe and sound, she marches off into the mountains to find him herself.

Because Elliot had been talking about sightings of a highly dangerous and never-recorded monster, The Hollow Walker, and she's promised herself that no Warden will ever die on her watch.

Meanwhile Nic, Director of Research and Cataloging, is not one to ignore the words 'never-recorded'. With Alexys, his work nemesis, leading the charge into the mountains, he's not going to let her have all the fun. If he can be the youngest Entity employee to discover a new monster, his name will go down in the annals of cryptozoology... and if it means spending some extra time with Alexys then he's not one to argue.

But Alexys and Nic are about to discover why the Appalachian Mountains are the last place you want to find yourself after dark.

Review: 

Alexys works a desk job coordinating Wardens, who are agents who investigate and, when necessary, eliminate the things that go bump in the night. When one of her Wardens goes missing just before a scheduled field meeting with her, she's determined to find him and bring him home. The creature he was tracking is incredibly dangerous and frustratingly elusive, prompting Nic, a researcher, to insert himself into the investigation. While his primary interest is the creature, he certainly doesn't mind spending more time with Alexys.

Together, they battle terrifying creatures, unravel the mystery of the missing Warden, and discover that the truth is far more dangerous than they expected.

This was such a fun and engaging read! The story is set in the Appalachian Mountains, which already have an eerie reputation, and the author does an excellent job capturing that unsettling atmosphere. The local folklore and the sense that something is always lurking in the woods added so much to the overall vibe and eeriness of the story.

I also really enjoyed the blend of horror/thriller and romance. There was a great variety of monsters and genuinely creepy moments that kept my heart racing, while the romance added some lighter, entertaining moments. The pacing was especially well done and the story gets moving quickly and never really slows down.

The ending was fantastic, although it's one of the downsides of reading ARCs because now I have such a long wait before I can find out what happens next!

The characters were enjoyable, though I wasn't completely invested in them. For me, the mysterious setting and creature-filled adventure were th highlights. That said, the banter between Alexys and Nic was fun, their growing relationship felt natural, and several of their interactions made me laugh out loud.

My one small criticism is that I wasn't entirely sure what the author intended with Alexys's personality. At times she seemed like a strict rule follower, while at others she was willing to throw the rules aside, and that inconsistency made it difficult for me to get a solid sense of who she was.

Overall, this was a fun Summerween read with plenty of creepy atmosphere, exciting monster encounters, and a satisfying blend of horror and romance. I'm definitely looking forward to picking up the next installment when it's released.

Building the Book Pile #523

Welcome to Building the Book Pile!

Hi everyone ~ hope you are having a great summer!

Here is a quick rundown of some things I have been up to. 

We went to Rhode Island last weekend so I was MIA again - sorry about that. 

Otherwise we are still in the midst of the kitchen project most weekends. 

Softball season is about to come to an end on Monday, but then the students are back on ~10th so back in the office a lot again. 

This past week we had some electricians out to the house for some work - all went well but 💸💸

I am excited about all the Halloween décor coming out - as my house tends to keep the spooky vibe all year so it is home-décor shopping season for me 🎃👻

• Currently watching: F1 & watched the Mortal Kombat II movie this weekend.
• Currently reading: Pumpkin Apocalypse by M.D. Payne
• Currently listening to: Ordinary Monsters by J.M. Miro

Linking up with Caffeinated Book Reviewer Sunday Post 

xo steph

Coming up on the Blog

Early Reader Review: (Mostly) Human Resources by Grace Viall (Adult)

Recent Reads: Wretched Mage by Juliana Pinheiro (Adult)

Books Received Recently...  

For Review From Publishers 

Pumpkin Apocalypse by MD Payne

The Heart Trials by J. Elle 

The Wretched Divine by Adalyn Grace 

Reviews and Such

Disability Pride Month: All The Ways We Learn by Chloe Ito Ward -⭐⭐⭐⭐

Recent Reads: Forty Love: A Novel by Jane Costello - ⭐⭐⭐

Early Reader Review: Salvage by Renee Nault - ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Early Reader Review: Winners & Liars by Aleema Omotoni - ⭐⭐⭐.5

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! 

Disability Pride Month: All The Ways We Learn by Chloe Ito Ward

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

All The Ways We Learn by Chloe Ito Ward 

Illustrated by Yaroslava Apollonova

Publisher: Rise x Penguin Workshop
Publication Date:  July 7, 2026

 

Format: Hardback

Rating:

Goodreads Synopsis: 

An empowering picture book celebrating the many ways kids learn best. 

Not every child learns by sitting still and staying quiet. Some kids learn by jumping and tapping their feet. Others by building, drawing, or making a joyful mess. However they learn, all kids deserve to feel proud of and confident in themselves! This book celebrates the many brilliant and beautiful ways kids take in the world, helping them feel seen, supported, and loved. 

Created by a neurodivergent author and illustrator team, with back matter to learn more about neurodivergence and simple accommodations, this is an essential reminder that there’s no one right way to learn.

• Written by an Expert with Lived Experience: Author Chloe Ito Ward is an early childhood educator and former curriculum director who drew from her professional and personal experiences growing up with ADHD to create an authentic, affirming book.
• Supports Educators and Caregivers: Back matter includes explanations of common neurodivergent traits and simple accommodations to help create a more inclusive classroom or home.
• Inclusive and Uplifting: This book normalizes a wide range of learning styles and models how to support all children in diverse learning environments.
• Impactful Art: Neurodivergent illustrator Yaroslava Apollonova brings a bright and whimsical point of view to this book, adding a sense of belonging on every page.

Review: 

Written for ages 3-6, All The Ways We Learn is such a beautiful introduction to learning differences, reminding young readers that there is no "right" way to learn. Rather than presenting differences to overcome, the book celebrates them, showing children with ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia and more -emphasizing that everyone has strengths, challenges, and ways of understanding. 

The illustrations are so inclusive, expanding beyond the learning aspects of the book, but also showing young readers differences in race, culture, and physical disabilities as well. That thoughtful representation makes the story feel more welcoming and accessible. I really appreciated the attention to detail there. The images are bright and inviting and young readers will certainly connect with one or more of the character regardless of accommodation. 

Growing up, many of us were taught that people were simply visual, auditory, or hands-on learners. This book expands that conversation in a meaningful way - introducing accommodations and some challenges.  It gently reinforces supports like fidget toys, sensory tools, tactile learning, quiet spaces and more and that they aren't special treatment but tools that help others learn and grow. 

One of the book's greatest strengths is that is it just as impactful for an adult audience. The inclusion of definitions, resources, and an accommodation list provides parents and caregivers practical information to help and deepen their understanding of neurodiversity. 

Overall, this is a lovely book about such a meaningful topic. I think all households should give it a read. 

About the Author and Illustrator

Author Bio: Chloe Ito Ward is a Japanese American author. A former curriculum director, she has a master of education degree in curriculum and instruction and spent the last decade teaching kindergarten, where she discovered her passion for picture books. Chloe is the author of Love Grows Here (2024) and Made for More (2025). When Chloe isn’t perfecting her ramen recipe, you can find her rock climbing or dancing in the kitchen with her husband, son, and their imaginary dog, Miso.

Illustrator Bio: Yaroslava Apollonova is a neurodivergent author-illustrator and character designer with an uncontrollable desire to know everything about anteaters (and all other weirdly shaped animals). She enjoys creating stories and characters to inspire kids to embrace who they truly are and never give up on their dreams. When Yara isn’t drawing, you can find her baking white chocolate chip cookies; drinking coffee before bed; having deep conversations with her cats, Ciri and Nala; and gathering new ideas for illustrations from documentaries at 3 a.m. You can even find her doing all of that while drawing, too!

 

Recent Reads: Forty Love: A Novel by Jane Costello

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

Forty Love: A Novel by Jane Costello

Publisher: Zibby Publishing
Publication Date:  May 19, 2026

 

Format: Ebook/Audio - bought on Audible 

Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

A fun, sexy rom-com about learning to take big swings, discovering new passions, filling an empty nest, and maybe another shot at love.

Jules has lived next door to the local tennis club for years without picking up a racket. As a full-time buyer for a national chain of lifestyle stores and a single, widowed mother of a teenager, she doesn’t have time for a hobby. And then, there is the matter of that run-in with her old school crush, Sam, who recently joined the club.

In a surge of boldness, Jules decides to stop playing it safe and accepts an invitation to join the amateur tennis team. Soon enough, she has fully embraced the tennis life and finds herself loving the game and her teammates, but that’s not all. Her intense attraction to Sam is gaining an advantage over her. Now Jules is facing a whole new kind of match with her insecurities, her desires, and maybe—just maybe—a second shot at love. And boy, does it have some spin on it.

Review: 

Forty Love is a romance about a single mom in her forties navigating her daughter doing off to college, how to approach dating and love after the death of her husband, and tennis. Jules has had a great life, raised a daughter, love her husband and now she is in transition. 

I am forty now but whenever I read a book about a woman in her 40s, I just feel like we are so completely different. Jules is a mom and approaches her life with structure and hesitation. I, on the other hand, am not a parent and live like a grown child for the most part. I still have obligations, worries, and work, but sometimes I just cannot connect with these on-page women. I think that was the issue for me here. 

I enjoyed the book, it was a cute, slow, romance that was calm and safe. I think a lot of women will love reading about Jules and her transitions and trying to figure out life on her own again. Jules was realistic in a lot of ways and her worries and grief feel like their own character in the book as well. So there was a lot of emotional depth that I appreciated. 

I listened to this on Audible and think that if I was reading it would have set it down. It was slow, cozy, and a good romance but even at the climaxes I kind of jest felt meh. I think this book will be a fit for many, it just wasn’t me and that is ok.