Building the Book Pile #496

Welcome to Building the Book Pile!

Happy Sunday!

I have missed a few weeks - apologies, but we have been tired and just adulting our way along. 

Emma continues to try my patience. She is adorable and cuddly but likes to destroy things. Most recently, she pulled all the tissues out of a tissue box (she got up on the table to get) and shredded them all over the room... and decided she wanted to see what was under the carpet in the office (we left her gated in the living room and she was upset about that and tore the seam between the rooms). Luckily, we were going to rip up this carpet anyway so now we will just move that up in the timeline, and it looks like we might have some nice hardwoods there...but 🥱🙄😑

Our roof has been looking rough since we bought the house, and we finally had someone come out for a look/ quote. He said we likely only have a few more years still we need the new one. Good to know now before it is an issue. 

We have had some time for fun though - my work team all got together last week for our 'offsite' teambuilding. We went to the college museum and got a tour and then had a potluck at the bosses place. It is always fun to see everyone and have a no-work day while the weather is nicer. The students will start to arrive soon and we will start to get even more busy now.

Andy and I also went to the Adult Night at the local science museum. We built and raced cork boats, played with bubbles, I held a hissing cockroach, made paper airplanes/ whirlies, looked for the queen in the beehive and had some yummy tacos. It was a blast and we didn't expect to be there for the full 2.5 hours but we were. 

I have still been reading and popping reviews up, hopefully you have seen them ..and acquiring more books along the way (not that I need them). 

Hope you have a great week!

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

xo steph

Coming up on the Blog

Blog Tour: Suddenly Tempted by Katie Evergreen (Adult) 

Recent Reads: Wild Side (Rose Hill #3) by Elise Silver (Adult) 

Recent Reads: How My Neighbor Stole Christmas by Meghan Quinn (Adult)

Books Received Recently...  

Freebies from Stuff your Kindle days - I blacked out apparently. 

 

Spirits & Sleuths: Book 1 in The Harper Quinn Mystery Series by Kira Jane Harper
Potions, Poisons, and Peril: A Witchy Paranormal Cozy Mystery by Shéa MacLeod
Black Licorice Larceny by Courtney Flagg
The Corpse at Caddo Lake by Jayna Morrow
The Murder Before Christmas by Michele Pariza Wacek
Murder With a Hint of Cinnamon: An Ivy Clark Mystery by Kristy T. Dixon
Killer Cottage by Jess Haven
Dragons & Dumplings by Laura Greenwood
Sweet Sinners by N.D. Roldan
Fake As Puck by Sarah Smith
Buddy Reads (Smashed Beauty Series Book 1) by Dhara Shah
The Wild Card by Victoria H. Peña

From Amazon First Reads:

Kingdom of Tomorrow (Book of Arden 1) by Gena Showalter

Have you missed anything lately?

Recent Reads: Deep End by Ali Hazelwood (Adult, Spicy)

Blog Blitz: How to Date a Prince by Hayden Stone  

Early Reader Review: All Are Welcome by Gwen Tarpley (GN) - 5 Stars

Blog Blast w/ Giveaway!: Seven Hundred Beachfront by Ligia de Wit

Recent DNFs

Early Reader Review: Welcome to the Forest: The Harvest Party by Katie Risor (GN) - 4 stars

Blog Blast: Excerpt & Giveaway! Murder, Mystery & Mothers by Fran Heap

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! 

Blog Blast: Excerpt & Giveaway! Murder, Mystery & Mothers by Fran Heap

Murder, Mystery & Mothers by Fran Heap
Series: A Willowcroft Cozy Mystery, #1
Genres: Adult, Cozy Mystery

About the Book:

“You’d better leave town or else”.

After a devastating betrayal mystery writer Tammy Rumbelow flees LA for a charming blue cottage in Willowcroft, Michigan. But when a yellowed letter in the attic reveals an unsolved 70-year-old locked room murder in her living room, her peace is shattered.

Determined to start fresh, Tammy enlists the help of a ragtag group of locals:

Bookstore owner Olivia Huddlestone offers a sanctuary for clandestine conversations and genealogical sleuthing among her shelves.

Eccentric Mrs. Hazel Temperance mines her knitting circle for gossip.

Retired detective “Wally” has contacts at the sheriff’s department.

Tech whiz kid Xander Simmons hasn’t met a computer he didn’t like—or a website he can’t hack.

And a stray cat with a nose for clues…

As threatening letters appear and break-ins escalate around town, Tammy must prove to herself—and her inner critic—that she’s capable of solving a murder, or will that be two?

Perfect for fans of multi-generational mysteries filled with quirky characters like Only Murders in the Building and crime-solving writers like Castle.

The complete series:

  

At three in the morning, with her cursor blinking on an empty page, Tammy Rumbelow stumbled upon an online listing in rural Michigan. For the First time in months, a flicker of hope sparked.

The realtor’s photos of the little blue cottage with its front porch and white picket fence, had set her heart alight. The interior was as enchanting as the exterior, featuring an antique writing desk where inspiration could strike.

On a whim—or perhaps out of desperation—she’d picked up the phone and bought it based on the pictures alone. She had never even visited the state before. Had fate handed her a lifeline, or had she made the biggest mistake of her life?

Now, six weeks later, Tammy’s fingers tightened around the steering wheel; nerves and fanfare clashed in her stomach. This was it—her fresh start. But a familiar undercurrent of doubt threatened to bubble to the surface. She turned off the highway. The country roads, flanked by dense forests of oak, maple, and pine, marked the last stretch of her six-day drive from Los Angeles to Willowcroft.

She rolled down the window. The crisp breeze tousled long, wavy strands of brown hair over her face. Tammy inhaled, savoring the clean air. It reminded her of childhood summers—when life was untangled.

As the miles stretched behind her, the hum of the tires a constant companion, fragments of her former life in LA surfaced. Tammy’s chest constricted at the memory of her best manuscript—a boundary-pushing idea. But she’d never seen it in print, at least not under her name. Instead, her rushed, uninspired replacement made it to the shelves, the one cobbled together in the aftermath, her creativity fractured and trust shattered.

The book reviews rang in her head. “No emotional depth.” “Lacked soul.” Tammy winc ed, acknowledging their bitter truth. But the one that stung the deepest: “She’s not just over forty, she’s over, full stop.” They don’t know the real story behind those pages.

“You can never do anything right,” her mother’s sneer boomed, reopening old wounds. It had taken years to quiet the nagging doubts from her childhood, but the betrayal let those words flood back stronger than ever. The steering wheel grew slick under her clammy palms.

A road sign came into view, providing a diversion. “Welcome to Willowcroft. Township Population 999. Greater Willowcroft Population 5,124.”

Will I tip the scales to an even thousand? Any distraction helped. Was two thousand miles far enough away to break free?

About the Author

I am based in Melbourne, Australia but have lived in London, Copenhagen and New Jersey. I've been to 61 countries but want to visit over 190.

I'm a poor excuse of a redhead who loves ancient ruins and drains, hates dusting, revels in going behind the scenes, can't smile in photos and detests selfie sticks (though I now own one).

I have a penchant for collecting quirky data and my favourite saying is: curiosity killed the cat, but information brought him back.

I have wanted to be a writer since I was nine but also had aspirations of being a famous actress, an astronaut, owning a department store and opening up a youth hostel. I became a career Nanny and Neonatal Nurse instead.

Now I am an author of cozy mystery novels (and travel books).

Website | Goodreads | Instagram | Facebook

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Early Reader Review: Welcome to the Forest: The Harvest Party by Katie Risor

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

Welcome to the Forest: The Harvest Party by Katie Risor  
Series: Welcome to the Forest
Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing
Publication Date:  August 5, 2025

 

Format: Ebook


Rating:


Synopsis: 

A group of quirky forest creatures embark on heartwarming adventures in this graphic novel series opener featuring original gouache art. Perfect for beginning readers and graphic novel fans, especially those who love the Studio Ghibli films and Tove Jansson's Moomin. Includes nonfiction information at the back of the book​ about the autumnal season.

Deep in the heart of the Forest lives a handful of monsters. The Forest is home to many creatures, big and small, like:

boisterous Mossman, who is much kinder than he looks;

cautious but cheerful Wallace; 

carefree, kind Grumpkin;

and a sweet, mysterious entity named Shadow. 

The creatures prove that every day is an adventure as new discoveries draw them closer together.

In this book, readers will get a glimpse at the woodland creatures' lives and discover three bite-sized stories, perfect for the autumnal harvest season. In Welcome to the Forest: The Harvest Party, Mossman and Wallace decorate pumpkins, Grumpkin meets a new friend, and the creatures celebrate fall with a lively Harvest Party.

Review: 

This was such a cute and cozy graphic novel about a group of forest friends: Mossman, Wallace, Grumpkin, and Shadow who are planning a harvest party. Each short story within the graphic novel focuses on themes of friendship, with the tales building toward the big celebration. The bite-sized chapters make it easy for younger readers to take breaks if needed, which I felt was a thoughtful touch.

One feature I really appreciated was the use of a dyslexia-friendly font. It was easy to read and makes the book more accessible to a wider audience. The illustrations were absolutely lovely—full of rich, warm color and charming fall vibes that perfectly captured the spirit of the season.

The storytelling is well-balanced between the visuals and the text, and I especially liked that it wasn’t overly text-heavy, which works well for a graphic novel format. This is a heartwarming and visually engaging read that both kids and adults will enjoy—and there’s a good chance every reader will see a bit of themselves in at least one of these delightful characters. 

Overall, I think this will be a great fall/ autumn read for all ages.

Recent DNFs

Sometimes a book just doesn't hit right and I am trying to take back my time and power over these ones...I don't want to struggle through them, I just want to put them down  - for now or for good. 

The below notes are just my current feelings around these books - that does NOT mean that they were bad, I just wasn't feeling them. Feel free to pick them up!

In the Did Not Finish... vibe is off, might pick back up category...

Fateless by Julie Kagawa 

Series: Fateless #1
Publisher: HarperCollins 
Publication Date:  July 15, 2025

  

Goodreads Synopsis: 

Deep in the forgotten city of the Deathless Kings, an ancient relic of untold power waits—for one bold enough to steal it.

When seventeen-year-old Sparrow joined the Thieves Guild she made a vow of binding loyalty to their cause. So when a mission comes along from The Circle, a group of mysterious, dangerous beings who control the Thieves Guild from the shadows, Sparrow is determined to cement her place in the guild.

What ensues is a death-defying adventure that has Sparrow and her band of thieves venturing into the heart of the forgotten city of the Deathless King. The fate of Sparrow, her companions, and Raithe, the enigmatic yet alluring assassin Sparrow is forced to join forces with during their quest, all hang in the balance as they find themselves battling ancient forces within the tombs and facing the unwavering hold of fate.

Perfect for fans of Alexandra Bracken and Sabaa Tahir, this new fantasy trilogy from New York Times bestselling author Julie Kagawa will sweep readers into a bold and exciting new world, where a twisted game of destiny has far-reaching consequences.

Why I DNFed...

I am a bit sad about this one, I wanted to love it and finish it, but I got through Part 1 ~50% done and just had no push to pick it up. At about the 15% mark I even bought the Audible edition (with my own $/credit) to see if that helped, and it did for a bit. 

I think that this has a good story in it, I am just not fully invested. Sparrow the FMC is a thief/ rogue who is young but accomplished. However, these types of characters even when young generally have the trust no one attitude and she consistently says 'every man for themselves' but she doesn't quite get it and it gets her into trouble. So the character class lost me a bit. I also felt like there was more telling than showing, and I would have loved more showing because it seems like this world could be a really cool one. 

I think I may grab this one again, just not at the moment - putting it on pause for the time being. 

If you like video games like Assassins Creed and fantasy books  - this could be for you.

In the Did Not Finish … and unlikely to pick back up category...

A Sky So Hollow by Craig Montgomery 

Series: The Stardust Duology #2
Publisher: Craig Montgomery
Publication Date:  July 7, 2025

  

Goodreads Synopsis: 

Some wounds never heal…

It’s been a few months since Casper Bell saved Novilem from crumbling under the pressure of revolution. The dust hasn’t settled, and neither has his nerves. A strange sickness is spreading in the city, and Casper is having visions about the tower Jacob sent to the Surface. Helix convinces him to bring his concerns to the Estellar council, but Helix’s trust in the system backfires. They send the pair to the last place Casper wants to be: Earth.

Casper’s past is right where he left it and corrupted aether still creeps on the streets of Chicago. When they find someone who is aether sick, it is clear they haven’t finished uncovering the council’s secrets.

With their friends and family falling sick, the fragile peace in Novilem collapsing, and the council ready to abandon the home they have fought so hard to protect, Casper and Helix must confront their inner darkness before Novilem is lost forever.

Why I DNFed 

No real fault of the author - but my ARC would not stay downloaded on my Kindle and it was driving me insane. Any time I wanted to read it would act like it never downloaded and queue up to download... then after multiple clicks finally let me into the book.

...That compounded with the fact that I was not really that invested in the characters or story, put this in the DNF pile. I enjoyed the first one and think that this one just fell at the wrong time for me.

I made it 23% in. At that point in the plot - we had covered most of the things noted in the synopsis - Casper a hero but having visions, no one taking them seriously, Helix loooooves him, and they go to Chicago for a bit and have to bring someone back because they have aether sickness. While it was flowing, I wasn't fully committed - sorry.

If you like a good sci-fi and are looking for some LGBTQ+ rep, this could be for you.

Blog Blast w/ Giveaway!: Seven Hundred Beachfront by Ligia de Wit

Seven Hundred Beachfront by
Ligia de Wit
Publication date: July 22nd 2025
Genres: Adult, Magical Realism, Romance, Women’s Fiction

About the Book:

Some places hold memories. Others have opinions.

I didn’t mean to run again.
But when life gets tangled, I untangle it by leaving. And this time, my escape came with strings attached: a five-year-old brother I never signed up to care for, a seaside town I barely remember, and a tattered house on stilts that belongs in Renter’s Hell.

I told myself it was just for the summer. A break. A pause. A way to escape the people I care about but can’t seem to fit with anymore, and the choices I don’t know how to fix.

But the sea doesn’t let you stay distant for long.

Then there’s him. Quiet. Grumpy. Mysterious. The kind of man who doesn’t ask questions, but somehow sees more than he should. I don’t even like talking to him, and yet… here we are. Sharing long silences. Unexpected moments. Maybe even something more.

And as for the house? Let’s just say it has opinions—and it’s not afraid to share them.

Seven Hundred Beachfront is a heartfelt, magical story about learning to stay, letting people in, and discovering that healing doesn’t always come the way you expect it. But when it does, you’ll feel it down to your bones.

 

  

Carole hadn’t sent a thing to keep him busy, damn woman, and I’d only used the TV for movies. Wait a sec—Jessie left a Star Wars movie at my place, the first one, so I should have it here.

“No Scooby, kiddo,” I said while looking in the boxes, “but you’re gonna like this one. It’s the real thing, not a single goofy character one mile near it.”

“ ’Kay.” He sat on the old, flowery couch and gazed at me, expectant.

“How do you want your fish?” I asked while putting the movie on, realizing I had no idea what Bobby liked.

“Dead.”

I gave a small smile. “But how do you like it prepared? Pan fried?”

“No. Like Mom does it.” He lifted his little arms and mimed putting something in a pan. “Like this.”

“You’re not much help, kiddo. I’ll cook it pan fried.”

“ ’Kay,” Bobby whispered, gaze down.

After leaving him with the movie, I got ready to cook. The stove burners were a little rusty but worked. I prepared pan-fried fish, along with steamed vegetables and wild rice. Maybe I didn’t have many accomplishments in my life, but, damn, I could cook. It had been either that or be resigned to eating frozen dinners.

When other kids watched cartoons, I watched cooking shows. At ten, I prepared chicken cordon-bleu. Even Aunt Marie was impressed. Carole just grimaced. It’s overcooked, she’d said.

The aroma of spices and well-cooked fish filled the space, and any knot in my body vanished.

My cell rang, and I picked it up, frowning at the caller ID. “Hey,” I answered flatly.

“Honey!” Carole’s voice came clear. “Darling, you have no idea what a marvelous flight we had.” She laughed, evidently delighted. “First class. The only way to fly. Don’t you ever dare fly coach again, Beverly.”

“Sure. Will do that next time I fly overseas in, I don’t know, my next life, I guess.”

“Oh, don’t be such a bore! Don’t you want me to spill the tea, girlfriend?”

She giggled. Giggled.

“Are you drunk, Mother?”

She sobered up. Nothing like reminding Carole of the maternity role she’d never wanted.

“Sweetheart, you are such a bore.”

I put her on speaker and placed one of my unopened boxes on the counter while Carole talked nonstop about her marvelous, fantastic flight and the wonderful five-star hotel in Madrid.

My Lladró figurine lay wrapped in newspaper. Carefully, I unwrapped it and placed it on the counter. Crap, one of the fruits had broken off.

“Bobby and I are okay,” I managed to say when she took a small pause. “The house’s too old, though. I don’t know if this is a good place for me.”

The wind moaned, and the noisy branch thumped above.

“You haven’t asked me a thing about Madrid,” Carole complained. “Make sure to check the pictures I posted because they are a-ma-zing. I already have more than one-hundred likes!”

“Thank heavens for the social media gods.”

“Don’t give me that snarky tone of yours. You need more good energy in your life, girlfriend. You need a man.”

“Ugh, please.”

“You do. And not that silly cowboy—”

“Gary’s a friend. One of my best friends, actually. Since you’re my girlfriend, then you certainly remember I’ve known him since the seventh grade.”

About the Author

Ligia de Wit writes fantasy romance adventures with heart, humor, and just the right dose of magic. A lifelong romantic with a soft spot for fairy tales and found family tropes, Ligia writes characters who are strong in more than just a physical sense. Her characters face fears, fight for themselves, and find love in the most unexpected places.

When she’s not writing (or rewriting) her imaginary worlds, she works for a global distribution company and dreams up stories during lunch breaks. You’ll often find her with her nose in a book, exploring a new city, hiking through forests, or acting like a total goof at theme parks. She’s a proud kid at heart—and owns it.

Find the Author

Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Instagram

GIVEAWAY!

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Early Reader Review: All Are Welcome by Gwen Tarpley

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

All Are Welcome by Gwen Tarpley 

Series: Cat Cafe #3
Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing
Publication Date: July 29, 2025  

 

Format: Ebook


Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

Join Cat, Rabbit, Penguin, and the rest of the team in this delightful new comic collection for middle grade readers! All are Welcome offers young readers delightful comics full of friendship and fun. 

According to the School Library Journal, Cat Cafe "makes you feel good because it’s a place where you are accepted, no matter who you are or how you feel."

The comic book equivalent of a cozy blanket, Cat’s Café takes you by the hand and carefully guides you away from all the darkness in life. Freeing the warm and floofies within, Cat’s Café offers a world that understands you. In this new comic collection for middle grade readers, fans will find new levels cuteness, heartwarming moments, and learn more about their favorite characters. Along with the familiar stories of mental health and friendship that Cat’s Café is known for, author Gwen Tarpley also uses characters like Rabbit to share her most authentic self with the world. So, grab your favorite mug and brew, and sip, laugh, and cheer as you curl up with the newest installment of Cat’s Café. 

Review: 

This graphic novel is an absolute gem. It is bursting with heart, humor, and brightly colored, animal-filled comics that explore so many important themes in short, impactful moments. From emotional support and mental health to friendship, anxiety, small wins, asking for help, and the underrated joys of everyday life, All Are Welcome covers it all with tenderness and charm.

I’ve always loved Cat’s Café—it truly feels like a warm hug in book form. Whether it’s Rabbit doing a rain dance just to stay snuggled up at home, or the painfully relatable quote “I sleep. I happy. I wake. I sad.” (because mornings are SO hard!)...these comics strike a perfect balance between comfort and emotional honesty.

The fall-themed pages were my personal favorite with the cozy vibes that I love to see in illustrations. There was also a really cute full-page of a DnD scene, and the LOTR references? Absolutely adorable. Frododo and Lambwise stole my heart. (SO fricken cute!)

This is a beautifully affirming read that reminds you it’s okay to feel things deeply, to ask for support, and to find joy in the little things. Highly recommended for readers of all ages who need a little light and love in their day. Cat and his friends are here for you.