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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Book Review: Sweetside Motel by E.L. Chen

Sweetside Motel by E.L. Chen
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Sweetside Motel begins with an enticing simmer-an eerie atmosphere, layered characters, and a setting alive with secrets. The opening builds tension beautifully, drawing you into the unsettling charm of the small town.

But while the premise is strong, the story isn’t allowed to fully develop. Promising threads are cut short, and the narrative rushes to conclusion abruptly. If expanded into a full‑length novel, this story could have been brilliant. The writing has sharp, atmospheric moments, yet the hurried ending undermines the careful groundwork.

Thanks to Interstellar Flight Press and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

3.25/5⭐️.

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Book Review: Ants Work Together by Mélina Mangal

Ants Work Together by Mélina Mangal
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Loved the illustrations and the subtle lesson of working together! The best part is that these books are neither stimulating nor addictive.

Thanks to Free Spirit Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

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Book Review: The Same Luna: Visiting Abuela in Puerto Rico by Christine Rivera Creque

The Same Luna: Visiting Abuela in Puerto Rico by Christine Rivera Creque
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The Same Luna explores the disorienting experience of immigrant children who struggle to feel a sense of belonging, caught between their native heritage and the reality of growing up in a different country. As an expat mother, I found this theme particularly resonant, imagining how my own child might one day navigate the cultural dissonance of being part of a family whose roots feel distant or unfamiliar. Luna’s journey reflects this tension with honesty: her feelings of disconnection are valid and deeply relatable. Yet, the narrative falters in how it addresses them. Rather than offering meaningful validation or closure, the story ends abruptly, with Luna suddenly feeling loved and accepted.

A meaningful theme, but the conclusion felt too abrupt for such an important journey.

Thanks to Familius(one of my favourite publishers for Children's Fiction), and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.


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Book Review: A Quilt of Stars: Astronaut Karen Nyberg Stitches a Dream by Karen Nyberg

A Quilt of Stars: Astronaut Karen Nyberg Stitches a Dream by Karen Nyberg
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A Quilt of Stars dazzles with its beautiful illustrations that bring warmth and depth to the story. But the text felt a bit too heavy for my toddler; it’s really better suited for preschoolers than toddlers who may find it difficult to stay engaged. Even so, the message shines through. Nyberg's story is inspiring, especially for parents raising daughters, with a gentle reminder about gender equality and motivating your girls to break the glass ceiling.

Thanks to Familius and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

3.5/5⭐️.

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Book Review: You Belong in the Wild by Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant

You Belong in the Wild by Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A tender and empowering picture book that celebrates children’s connection to nature while emphasizing inclusivity. Told through the perspective of a young Black girl, it captures both her love for the outdoors and the challenge of not often seeing people who look like her in wildlife spaces. The expressive text and warm illustrations remind readers that the wild belongs to everyone, and that representation matters in every corner of life, even among forests, rivers, and skies.

Heartfelt, inclusive, and inspiring, this story is a gentle invitation for all children to see themselves reflected in nature’s embrace.

Thanks to Zando, Get Lifted Books, and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

4/5⭐️.

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Book Review: Nap Trapped! by Emily Vondy

Nap Trapped! by Emily Vondy
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Nap Trapped by Emily Vondy is a witty, relatable glimpse into the chaos of early parenthood. With humor and honesty, Vondy captures the exhaustion and comedy of being literally stuck under a sleeping child, turning everyday frustrations into moments of solidarity and laughter. A light, funny read that perfectly mirrors the messy beauty of parenting. 

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