Book Review: Westerly by Susan Donovan Bernhard

Westerly: A Novel by Susan Donovan Bernhard
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Westerly is a poignant, multi‑generational tale that begins in 1946 with two German sisters sent to Ireland under Operation Shamrock. Decades later, in Maine, Faye Sullivan’s carefully built life is shaken when an old Irish newspaper clipping resurfaces, threatening to expose long‑buried secrets.

Bernhard’s writing is tender and immersive, weaving together survival, identity, and the fragile bonds of family. The novel shines in its exploration of motherhood and sisterhood, showing how one desperate decision can ripple across generations. That said, the pacing leans toward the slow and reflective, with the narrative focusing on introspection over action. Still, the emotional resonance and richly drawn settings from post‑war Ireland to coastal Maine makes this a rewarding read.

I switched seamlessly between the audio and eBook. The narration was quite good and moving, adding emotional weight to the slower, more reflective passages. Thanks to Little A, Brilliance Publishing, Brilliance Audio, and NetGalley for the ARC and ALC in exchange for my honest review.

Overall, this is a slow-burn contemporary family drama about secrets, survival, and reconciliation, with glimpses into history and not quite a tightly structured Historical Fiction.

3.75/5⭐.

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Book Review: Wildflower by Becky Jenkinson

Wildflower by Becky Jenkinson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Not as wild as the title promised, but still quite flowery-delicate and layered.

Felicity Farrow, a florist cursed to never lie, made me sympathize with her but was too shallow and dull for my liking. The male lead, however, was engaging with his polished exterior masking deeper fears and anxieties. The writing kept me glued, especially to uncover the mystery behind all the strained relationships, but since, the villain is revealed right at the beginning, the suspense lies only in the “why” and “how.” The magic system and world had potential, yet they weren’t fleshed out enough, leaving only crumbs instead of a full feast.

The cast is mostly late teens, with mothers who matter but barely appear, giving the book a YA feel, even though it wasn’t marketed that way. Since YA isn’t my go-to genre, that added to my disconnect.

Thanks to Del Rey, Random House Worlds, Inklore, and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review.

Overall, a promising framework with delicate layers, but the story needs more depth. An uneven yet readable tale, a 3.5 star read!

3.5/5⭐️.

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Book Review: My School Has Superheroes by hyeyoung lee

My School Has Superheroes: Because Kindness Is The Greatest Superpower by hyeyoung lee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sophia & Hyeyoung Lee’s My School Has Superheroes is pure joy. Bright, inclusive, and full of heart, it celebrates everyday heroes in a way that makes kids feel empowered and seen. The illustrations are vibrant and engaging, while the story delivers a clear message: courage, kindness, and community make us all superheroes.

My two‑year‑old (soon to be three) doesn’t yet understand autism or neurodiversity, but she was still able to empathize with Joshua’s struggles. For her, Joshua was simply a shy child who needed more love and attention. Books like these help me add more understanding to her small world and prepare her to grow into a kinder, more inclusive person.

A wonderful read that nurtures empathy and imagination, making it a perfect addition to any child’s bookshelf.

Thanks to Purple Diamond Press Inc, Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

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Review: Three of Hearts

Three of Hearts by Katie Cotugno
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Katie Cotugno’s Three of Hearts didn’t resonate with me. While the premise had potential, the story felt thin and lacked the emotional depth I was hoping for. The characters never fully came alive, making it hard to connect with their struggles or care about their choices.

It’s a quick read, but ultimately unsatisfying. More surface than substance, leaving me detached rather than invested.

Thanks to Amazon Original Stories and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.

1.5/5⭐️.

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Review: Winter Breakage

Winter Breakage by David Levithan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

David Levithan’s Winter Breakage is a tender, compact coming‑of‑age short story that captures the awkwardness of friendship, identity, and belonging during a single winter afternoon in New York City. At just 36 pages, this short story manages to feel both intimate and expansive, following Eric, a college freshman, through a day in New York with his dormmates. The story explores visibility and invisibility in friendships, the anxiety of being the “new one” in a group, and the courage it takes to reveal your true self. The prose is gentle yet piercing, balancing the quiet ache of isolation with the warmth of unexpected connection.

I found Eric’s inner voice relatable. It captured the insecurity of wondering whether you’re truly wanted in a group. The dormmates, though sketched briefly, reveal surprising layers as the day unfolds, reminding us that everyone carries hidden vulnerabilities. Loved how the backdrop of New York City is utilized; it mirrors Eric’s feelings of being both overwhelmed and exhilarated. The bustling streets amplify his sense of invisibility, while small moments of honesty between friends carve out space for belonging.

Though short, the story lingers. Winter Breakage leaves you reflecting on your own friendships and the times you’ve felt both seen and unseen.

Thanks to Amazon Original Stories and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.

3.5/5⭐️.

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Book Review: The Big Oops by Julia Cook

The Big Oops by Julia Cook
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Julia Cook has a knack for turning everyday challenges into teachable moments, and The Big Oops! is no exception. This story tackles the universal theme of making mistakes. Those cringe-worthy slip-ups that every child (and adult!) experiences and shows how they can become opportunities for growth.

The book balances humor with heart. Kids will laugh at the silly scenarios, but they will also see themselves in the characters who mess up, feel embarrassed, and then learn to make things right. As a parent, I appreciated how Cook frames mistakes not as failures but as stepping stones. It is a gentle reminder that resilience and responsibility are skills kids can practice, even in small everyday situations.

The illustrations are bright and engaging, keeping little readers hooked while the message quietly sinks in. Reading it aloud sparked fun conversations with my toddler about her own "oops" moments, and it gave me language to help her understand that mistakes do not define us, they teach us.

A lively, relatable read that turns blunders into lessons. Perfect for bedtime or classroom shelves, The Big Oops! reassures children (and parents) that mistakes are part of the journey, not the end of it.

Thanks to Boys Town Press, Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

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Book Review: Forever, Papa Bear by Danielle Beerli

Forever, Papa Bear: A Heartwarming Story About the Love Between Fathers and Daughters by Danielle Beerli
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This tender father–daughter story turned out to be just as much a parent’s tale, and I’ll admit, I cried reading it. Beerli beautifully captures the bittersweet truth of children growing up, moving away, and eventually being separated from their parents, whether by distance or by loss. Yet the love and memories remain etched in the child’s heart forever, a comforting reminder of bonds that don’t fade.

Reading it aloud to my toddler was a layered experience. She doesn’t yet grasp the concept of death (she’s still convinced Elsa’s parents will come back someday), so when baby bear clutched her papa’s cap at the end, missing him and holding tight to his memory, she burst out laughing because she too sneaks off with her parents’ things. That moment of recognition was pure joy.

For me, though, the story stirred deep emotions. It made me reflect on my own childhood memories and the inevitable future when my little one will grow up and live her own life. Books like this remind us parents of the legacy we leave behind, not just in lessons or achievements, but in the warmth of everyday love.

A heartfelt, relatable bedtime read that resonates with both children and parents. May we all leave behind memories as lasting and tender as Papa Bear’s.

Thanks to Purple Diamond Press Inc, Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.



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Book Review: Conspiracy by Colleen Coble (The Sanctuary #3)

Conspiracy by Colleen Coble
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Conspiracy by Colleen Coble closes out The Sanctuary series with a finale that’s almost as strong as its beginning. There are undeniably electric moments of tension (like the shocking use of a trained predator to attack humans), and the loose ends from earlier installments are tied up in a way that feels satisfying. The wildlife refuge backdrop continues to be the series’ greatest strength, offering a vivid and atmospheric stage for all the drama.

That said, the book is weighed down by repetition and distractions. Paradise repeatedly wanders into the same kinds of grave situations (being attacked by a trained leopard and still choosing to roam alone). Learn, girl! The romance between Blake and Paradise also becomes excessive, with kisses appearing in nearly every perilous moment, which undercuts the suspense. On top of that, the frequent mentions of God, though thematically tied to love, family, and redemption, often diffused the tension for me, especially in the middle of high‑stakes scenes.

Still, the series as a whole remains gripping, with simple yet engaging mysteries, strong character development, and a heartfelt focus on family bonds. And if you’re considering formats, I recommend the audiobook. The narrator truly knows what she’s doing and elevates the story with skill.

Thanks to Thomas Nelson Fiction, Thomas Nelson Fiction Audio, and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

3.5/5⭐️.

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Book Review: Prowl by Colleen Coble (The Sanctuary #2)

Prowl by Colleen Coble
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I really wanted to like this one. The Sanctuary is my favorite place to be, and the characters almost feel like family now, but the second installment in The Sanctuary series was disappointing. Don’t get me wrong: the mystery is gripping and ties well with the first book, but there’s far too much repetition of facts, and the same mishaps keep happening. The uniqueness of a predator attack or ambush loses its edge when the premise is reused over and over again.

On top of that, the romance between Blake and Paradise felt overdone. They’re kissing constantly even in the middle of grave danger which quickly became frustrating. It’s hard to stay invested in the suspense when every other paragraph is interrupted by another kiss.

Am I still invested in the series? Yes. I love the mystery and the refuge setting, but the close‑door romance and redundant plotlines make this installment a hard pass. I do, however, recommend the audiobook over other formats. The narrator, Karen Peakes, knows exactly what she’s doing, and her delivery of voices and emotions is so good it elevates the entire experience.

Thanks to Thomas Nelson Fiction, Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio, and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

2.75/5⭐️.

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Book Review: Ambush by Colleen Coble (The Sanctuary #1)

Ambush by Colleen Coble
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Ambush by Colleen Coble starts with a strong premise, weaving mystery, danger, and romance against the vivid backdrop of a wildlife refuge. The atmosphere and character development are engaging, and I enjoyed watching the relationships unfold alongside the suspenseful plot.

I loved the originality of the sanctuary setting. The lurking danger of predators added real tension and fun to the story. The character development and mystery were engaging, and the atmosphere pulled me in right away. However, the constant repetition of facts and plotlines became frustrating. Instead of deepening the tension, the repeated reminders slowed the pace and made the story feel less polished.

I especially recommend the audiobook. The narrator did a fantastic job with the voices and conveyed the emotions beautifully which elevated the experience.

Thanks to Thomas Nelson Fiction, HarperCollins Christian Publishing, and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

3.5/5⭐️.

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Book Review: How Lucky Am I by Christian Watson

How Lucky Am I by Christian Watson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Christian Watson’s How Lucky Am I is a tender, beautifully illustrated meditation on grief, love, and resilience, featuring the gentle skeleton Mr. Skelly as a guide through life’s losses and rediscoveries. It’s heartfelt, visually striking, and perfect for readers seeking comfort and reflection. While I didn't enjoy the text at all, I was still able to absorb the message through the evocative hand-painted imagery.

I'm rating this a 3 ⭐️ since the illustrations are easily 5⭐️, full of warmth and artistry that elevate every page, but the text content doesn’t match up to the same level, feeling thin and underdeveloped, closer to 2⭐️. The contrast leaves the overall experience uneven: breathtaking to look at, but less engaging to read. Still, the art alone makes it worth picking up, especially for those who appreciate illustrated storytelling.

Thank you to Clarkson Potter/Ten Speed Press and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

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