April 4, 2026

Here are a few of the books I read during the month of March. I read a total of 16 books last month. I read an assortment of fantasy, young adult, thriller, and graphic novels. My nonfiction book for the month was Half Broke Horses, a story of the author’s grandmother’s life. Since she embellished a bit and added things that may not have actually happened, the author called it a true-life novel, but I’m counting it. My favorite book that I read last month was House of Sky and Breath by Sarah J. Maas, although I also enjoyed reading Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. Such nostalgia!

March 26, 2026

Dubbed “a true life novel” by its author, this book is the story of Jeannette’s grandmother, Lily, spanning from her childhood to her adulthood. Lily’s childhood was unconventional, to say the least. By six years old, she was helping her father break horses. When she was fifteen, with less than an eighth-grade education, she left home to become a teacher. Eventually, as an adult, she learned to fly a plane. She, like Jeannette’s mother, Rosemary, was a strong, independent woman who marched to the beat of her own drum. A free spirit who refused to be dictated by the prejudices of the time.

I liked this book, but I much preferred her other book, The Glass Castle, which is about her unconventional childhood in a dysfunctional family. Lily was quite a character, but I really did not like her treatment of the students in her classroom. When faced with a bully, she would answer violence with more violence, which, in my opinion, only exacerbates the problem. I know she couldn’t let the students walk all over her. She had to show them who was boss from the beginning, but there had to have been a better way than throwing them up against a wall and whipping them until they were cowering in fear. I would like to add that, although I’m counting this as my nonfiction book of the month, I don’t really know how much of this is true and how much is pure embellishment on the part of the author. The author herself admitted as much when she said that, in order to be completely honest with her readers, she would have to call this work a “true life novel.”

March 18, 2026

Jane Hawk is still reeling from her husband, Nate’s, suicide. But when she discovers an unusual uptick in suicides over recent months, she realizes that something more sinister is at work. Somehow, people are being made to take their own lives. Will Jane be able to solve the mystery before even more helpless victims wind up in the ground?

I really enjoyed this book. Dean Koontz is one of my favorite authors, and I loved the character of Jane Hawk. She’s a wonderfully determined kick-ass woman who will stop at nothing to avenge the death of her husband. Just the kind of strong female character I love. I would highly recommend it.

March 18, 2026

Note: “Yummah” means “grandmother” in Bahraini. Hence, a picture of my grandmother, the woman sitting in the chair in the photo.

At twelve years old, Khadeeja is forced into marrying a man years older than she is. She quickly becomes pregnant and proceeds to have many children with him. One of her sons dies from a scorpion bite and then, when Khadeeja is pregnant with her ninth child, her husband abandons her to raise all these children on her own. He marries again but cannot stop thinking about the woman he left behind. Eventually, now in a wheelchair, he returns to claim what he relinquished. But will Khadeeja be able to forgive him and move past the pain and destruction he left in his wake?

I read this book as part of my Read Around the World Challenge. I ordered it through Interlibrary Loan. I really enjoyed it. I think it was worth the time, sitting around waiting for it to come. Interesting fact: It actually came from the Omaha Public Library, which is quite a coincidence, considering my best friend, Jackie, lives in Omaha. Anyway, I would recommend this book.

March 11, 2026

This is a VERY LATE post of the books I read last month. What can I say? I opened March with a bad cold and then visited my daughter at Sarah Lawrence in NY before bringing her back for a little visit in PA. Anyway, here’s a snapshot of a few of the books I read in February. I read a total of 17 books. It was an assortment of juvenile graphic novels and middle-grade fiction, along with some mystery, fantasy, LGBTQ, and true crime. My NF book last month was Black Widow: The True Story of Giggling Granny Nannie Doss. My favorite book that I read last month was And Then There Were None. After I read it, I saw the play at the Fulton in downtown Lancaster. Although they changed the ending slightly, it was still wonderful. What an outstanding piece of classic literature! I highly recommend it.

February 10, 2026

I’ve been gradually, and I mean VERY gradually, plugging away at the Read Around the World Challenge. I am currently on countries beginning with the letter B. This is my book for the Bahamas.

Indy Ferguson is sent to stay with her aunt’s family in Nassau. Shortly after she arrives, she finds herself having to fend off the unwanted advances of her cousin, Gary. Then, when the worst happens, and Gary rapes her, Indy gets pregnant. Because of her mother’s less-than-stellar reputation, she is terrified of the ramifications if she were to tell anyone her secret. But, when things begin to snowball, and it becomes a question of keeping silent and being stuck in the same house as her tormentor or telling someone, anyone, so she can escape the hell she has been forced to endure, will she finally find her voice?

This book is one of the best I’ve read in a while. I loved it! It is definitely my favorite of the books I’ve read for the Read Around the World Challenge. I would highly recommend it.

February 2, 2026

Now that January is over, it is time for me to post about the books I read for the month. Only two books are pictured because, last month, I read mostly ebooks and library books. I read 9 ebooks and 10 “real” books. My nonfiction book last month was “The Teacup Poisoner: A Biography of Serial Killer Graham Young.” It was just okay. In addition to a nonfiction book, I also read four mystery/thrillers, two romances, three juvenile novels, three fantasy novels, two classic novels, two graphic novels, one sci-fi novel, and one young adult novella. My favorite novel was A Pride of Princes by Jennifer Roberson. It is the fifth in an 8-book fantasy epic series. I am currently reading the sixth book, and the series just keeps getting better and better. I can’t wait to read the rest of it.

February 1, 2026

Staggerlee’s life gets turned upside down when her cousin, Tyler (the adopted daughter of Staggerlee’s aunt, Ida Mae), comes to visit for the summer. The two girls form an inseparable bond, a bond that grows even deeper when Staggerlee (whose real name is Evangeline Ian) discovers that Tyler (who likes to be called Trout) was sent away because of her developing feelings for girls, feelings that Staggerlee shares. As the summer ends and Trout goes back home, they continue to keep in touch while Staggerlee herself struggles to come to terms with both her sexual and racial identity. Until Tyler sends her a letter containing a revelation that will change everything.

I loved this book. I started reading it this morning and finished the same day. It was that good. And that short. I would highly recommend it.

January 13, 2026

These are just some of the books I read in December. I read a total of 23 books last month: 3 YA novels, one in the LGBTQ+ subgenre, 2 mysteries, 4 classics, 2 juvenile books, 5 romance novels, 1 nonfiction work, 3 plays, 1 graphic novel, 1 horror short story, and 1 sci-fi novel. I’ve been trying to read at least one nonfiction book every month. My nonfiction book last month was The Reason I Jump: The Inner Voice of a Thirteen-Year-Old Boy with Autism by Naoki Higashida. It was very moving. I would highly recommend it.

Next month, I will be posting the books I read this month. So stay tuned!

January 5, 2026

Dahlia de Beaumont has built quite a life for herself: CEO of a major perfume conglomerate, four beautiful children, and an idyllic existence in France. But, when she checks in on her many store locations in the United States and gets caught in the brushfires raging across Napa Valley, will she find that there is more to life than work? And, when she falls in love with a wonderful man, will love be enough to keep them together against all odds?

I know Danielle Steel is not great literature by any means. As a writer myself, I have noticed that she does way too much telling and not enough showing. A big no-no, as all writers can attest to. But, in this case, the story was a pretty intriguing one. It made me overlook the flaws in her writing style. I’m not giving it five stars, but I think it deserves a four. You should check it out and let me know what you think.

December 30, 2025

Ryland Grace wakes up alone on a spaceship with no memory of how he got there or even who he is. His crew is dead, and he is the lone survivor. Through flashbacks, he begins to piece together the jagged shards of his memory. But, when his memory is finally whole, and he discovers his true mission, will he be able to save Earthkind from total annihilation? And will the cost of saving billions be his life?

I’m a little torn about this book; the story sounds really harrowing and like it should’ve kept me on the edge of my seat. But parts of it were boring for me. I think the author spent too much time describing the ship, and because of this, it dragged in parts. The fact that I’m not a big fan of sci-fi might’ve had something to do with my assessment. The only thing I really enjoyed about this book was the relationship between Grace and Rocky. It was a wonderful relationship. You could really tell that they were there for each other, to the death if need be. And the way they gradually learned each other’s language was so endearing. Even so, it made me unsure whether or not I want to watch the upcoming movie.

December 27, 2025

Sabriel’s father, The Abhorsen, is missing, presumed dead. She embarks on a quest to bring him back to the realm of living. But, when she encounters an unbeatable enemy she never expected, will she be able to vanquish him and save everything she holds dear? Or will she be lost to the realm of the Dead, along with her father?

I would highly recommend this book. I found myself really rooting for Sabriel and Touchstone, and I couldn’t wait to see how it all ended. This book is actually the first in a series that is at least six books long, so the end has not yet come. But I’m really looking forward to continuing the series. I’ll keep you updated.

December 17, 2025

What happens when you wake up one morning and realize that your life has become a death? George Pearmain must discover how to navigate through this new reality, while at the same time trying to figure out how he ended up passing from the realm of the living to that of the dead and who is responsible for his death.

I would highly recommend this book. It was equal parts hilarious and heartfelt, and I think it is well worth a read.

November 26, 2025

Hard at work on my next project, entitled Road Rage. Well, not necessarily hard at work, at least not this week. It is Thanksgiving, after all. Gotta make pies!

Stay tuned for more information! No guarantees, but I’m hoping to get it published sometime next year. Thank you, everyone, for your support!

November 26, 2025

One night, Timothy Carrier walks into a bar and sits down. A stranger sits down next to him, offers him an envelope full of cash and the photo of a woman, and says these words, “Ten thousand now. You get the rest when she’s gone.” The man leaves, and a few moments later, another man comes in, sits down next to him at the bar, and asks for the envelope and the photo of his next target. Tim quickly realizes that he has been mistaken for someone else and that a woman’s life is in danger. Will he be able to track her down before the assassin comes to call? Or is he already too late?

This book was amazing. Dean Koontz has a talent for writing good characters you can’t help falling in love with and evil characters that terrify you to your core. And I was really rooting for Tim and Linda to get together in the end, if they can only get past the fact that a crazed psychopath wants to murder them.

For those of you who don’t know, the man in the picture is my husband. And he is a good guy. A great guy, in fact.

November 16, 2025

Cole has moved to L.A. to be with Isabel and to try to move on with his life. But the wolf still lies within him, fighting to break free. Will Cole continue to give the wolf free rein, or will he move beyond the wolf and seek a new life with Isabel?

I have read A LOT of Maggie Stiefvater novels, such as the Wolves of Mercy Falls trilogy, the Raven Cycle trilogy, and The Scorpio Races. This book is, by far, my least favorite. I couldn’t get behind the relationship between Cole and Isabel; they treated each other like crap. I don’t think they were good together at all. It was a very destructive relationship. Furthermore, Cole is a very cocky, annoying character. I noticed his cockiness in the Wolves of Mercy Falls trilogy, but since he wasn’t a main character, it wasn’t such a big deal. But, in this book, where there were only two characters’ voices, it was much more annoyingly prevalent. I would recommend reading the first three books in the Wolves of Mercy Falls franchise instead. The relationship between Sam and Grace is one I can get behind much more easily.

November 10, 2025

Witches and vampires have been mortal enemies for centuries. But, when Diana Bishop, a scholar who has descended from witches, falls in love with Matthew Clairmont, a vampire geneticist, will their love be enough to unite the two worlds? And does a mysterious manuscript hold the key to Diana’s past and an uncertain future?

I loved this book; I could barely put it down. I would highly recommend it. I can’t wait to read the rest of the trilogy.

October 12, 2025

Sam and Grace are in love. But the tables have turned; Sam has now been “cured,” and Grace is the wolf. And it is the worst time to be a wolf. The hunt is on, humans have become their greatest threat, and the wolves must fend for themselves. Will Sam and Grace be able to band together to save their entire pack? Or will help come too late to save anybody?

This is the third installment in the series; originally, the author meant for it to be a trilogy, but there is one more book in the series that I will be reading at some point. This is the second time I’ve read this series, and it’s still one of my favorites. I was sharing it with a friend and decided to read it with her this time. It definitely did not disappoint! I would highly recommend this series; a little bonus feature: the print is the same color as the cover. The first book in the series was blue, the second was green, and this one is red. Just a little added fun!

September 12, 2025

Grace and Sam have a love story for the ages. But what happens when they stumble across a way to prevent Sam from turning into a werewolf just as Grace’s body is going through some changes of her own?

This is the second book in The Wolves of Mercy Falls series, and it is no less riveting than the first. I would highly recommend it. And the fact that the print color in each book reflects the book cover color is quite a fun bonus!

August 27, 2025

Lauren lives in a closed-off community, a community from which she cannot escape. But, when she finally finds a way to leave, will the outside world be everything she hoped for? Or will she start wishing she’d never stepped outside those walls?

When I first tried to read this novel, about a year ago, I just could not get through it. But this summer, my daughter started reading it, and she loved it so much that I decided to give it another try. This time, something clicked inside me, and I found myself thoroughly enjoying it. I’m looking forward to the next, actually the last, book in the series, Parable of the Talents. This series was supposed to be a trilogy, but unfortunately, Butler passed away in 2006 before she was able to complete the series. I would highly recommend this book!

August 15, 2025

Aaron has the perfect life: a girlfriend who loves him and friends to hang out with. Then he meets Thomas and realizes there could be even more. But, when he puts his heart and soul on the line and gets rejected, will he decide to do whatever it takes to forget it ever happened? And will he lose his true self in the process?

This is one of my daughter’s recommendations, and I loved it. It had so many twists and turns that left me having to pick my jaw up off the floor. I couldn’t stop turning the page. I would highly recommend it.

August 9, 2025

Hard at work on my next project, Road Rage.

August 6, 2025

💥💥💥💥💥

Shizuka Satomi has made a deal with the devil and now owes him seven souls. She is journeying across the planet in search of violin prodigies whom she can train for this eventual purpose. But, when she finally manages to find a violinist worthy of the deal, will she actually go through with it? Or will she renege on the deal to save the student who’s become like a daughter to her?

I loved this book! It has everything you could ever want in a book. Deals with the devil, a trans violin prodigy, intergalactic donuts. It is the perfect LGBTQ sci-fi extravaganza. I would highly recommend it.