• book review,  Books

    Books I Read in October

    Yes, it’s November 6 already and here I am putting out an October list. I have an excuse though – on October 31, Covid finally caught up with me. (So help me, I do not want to hear one more word of “Covid is still around?” because yes, dearies, it so is, and my doctor says this current strain is about as nasty as the old one. Believe me when I say I regret delaying getting the booster, because I would have loved for this to be an easier week.) While I’m STILL testing positive, I’m feeling much better except for the cough (and I already have a chronic cough,…

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    book review,  Books

    Book Review: Vanessa Yu’s Magical Paris Teashop by Roselle Lim

    I love a book with a good story, an engaging main character, and a touch of magic. Roselle Lim’s debut novel Natalie Tan’s Book of Luck and Fortune was a delight, and her sophomore effort – Vanessa Yu’s Magical Paris Teashop – did not disappoint. I received an advance copy of the book from Berkley Publishing Group via NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review.  All opinions are my own. This post may contain affiliate links. Synopsis: My Review: As I mentioned above, I adored Roselle Lim’s debut book, and this book ticked all the boxes as well! This is a light, magical book about finding your own way (despite…

  • book review,  Books

    Midnight at the Blackbird Cafe by Heather Webber

    I absolutely fell in love with Heather Webber’s recent novel Midnight at the Blackbird Café. It’s magical, layered, whimsical, and moving, with fabulous characters and a well-imagined setting. Read on to find out WHY this book has captured my heart. Many thanks to NetGalley for providing me with a digital ARC of the book; all opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links. That means if you click on my link and buy something, I might earn a small commission from the advertiser at no additional cost to you. My Thoughts on Midnight at the Blackbird Cafe Midnight at the Blackbird Café is a magical book (and not just…

  • book review,  Books

    Books to Help Understand Anti-Racism and Race

    Wanting to be a better white ally means learning about systemic racism. To do that, we need to dig a little deeper into U.S. history, because we’re simply not taught it fully in school, at least in a way that we understand the nuances and all that shaped how we ended up where we all are today. As the fantastic graphic above by illustrator Jane Mount shows, there is no shortage of books that talk about race and racism. Non-fiction offers a direct (and often blunt) path to understanding. Fiction provides an excellent means to see and feel things from a different perspective. Putting both together marries the factual aspects…

  • book review,  Books

    Natalie Tan’s Book of Luck and Fortune – Book Review

    If you need a lovely escape, especially if you are a fan of magical realism, Roselle Lim’s debut novel Natalie Tan’s Book of Luck and Fortune is a must-read! Read on for why I loved this book so much! Netgalley and Berkely Publishing Group thoughtfully provided an advanced reader copy for review purposes. This post contains affiliate links and if you click on one, I might receive a commission. My Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Y’all, I liked Natalie Tan’s Book of Luck and Fortune SO much I’m leaving my star rating at the TOP of the review instead of at the end. This is one of my favorite books so far this…

  • book review,  Books

    Book Review – The Simplicity of Cider (& Giveaway)

    I’ve been nose deep in a book for weeks now – as my dusty tables and dog hair-littered floors can attest. Today I’m featuring wonderful book from Amy Reichert titled The Simplicity of Cider. If you have not read this yet (she’s wonderful), there’s a giveaway further down so you have the chance to win your own copy!     Review It almost feels like the wrong season for this book to be released as apple season is still a few months away – and this story will leave you with a longing for apple cider donuts or one of Sanna’s crisp ciders. Despite the pastry cravings, I’m glad I didn’t have to wait for Amy Reichert’s return…