The Boxcar Librarian brings a fresh twist to Depression-era fiction with a little-known slice of American history: a converted train car library rolling through rural Montana. We follow three strong-willed women—Millie, Alice, and Colette—across decades, each carrying secrets and stories worth telling. Millie’s job with the Federal Writers’ Project starts as damage control but quickly turns into a mystery involving sabotage, lost trust, and one vanished librarian. Back in time, Alice dreams up the boxcar library. And Colette? She’s tough, haunted, and on a path that’s anything but straight. The shifting timelines and rotating points of view can get a bit choppy, especially in shorter chapters. I wouldn’t have minded […]
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Treachery, Betrayal, and Romance in 17th Century Britain.
Susanna Kearsley is back doing what she does best—serving up rich historical fiction with a side of slow-burn romance and just a sprinkle of second sight. The King’s Messenger is set in 1613, after the death of Prince Henry, heir to King James I. Rumors swirl the prince was poisoned, and Andrew Logan, one of the King’s Messengers (who’s hiding his own mystical secret), is sent north to arrest Sir David Moray, a close friend of the late prince. Phoebe Westaway is dragged into the mission to assist her aging father, who’s acting as the trip’s scribe. She’s not a fan of Andrew—at all—but over the course of the dangerous […]
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Heartache, Hope, and Healing, Along Route 66
4.5 stars Vanessa Miller tackles a brutal chapter of American history with honesty and heart in The Filling Station. Sisters Margaret and Evelyn flee the devastating Tulsa Race Massacre, finding refuge at the Threatt Filling Station along Route 66. Miller shines a necessary spotlight on Greenwood, Oklahoma, and its violent destruction, a tragic event overlooked by many history books. Margaret, practical and cautious, struggles with shattered faith. Evelyn dreams of escape and a brighter future. Both women feel vividly real, their flaws and strength equally believable. Miller carefully shows how trauma shapes them differently, making their journey toward healing messy but meaningful. Some plot points land predictably, yet strong character […]
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A Gentle, Hope-Filled Picture Book for Tough Days
Expected 12 Aug 25 Every Breath, Every Blessing is a beautifully illustrated book that helps kids navigate the hard stuff—big feelings, fears, and the difficulties of life. With poetic text and warm, comforting images, it reassures kids they’re not alone, even on the toughest days. The message is one of gratitude, peace, and presence. It’s aimed at ages 4–8, but I’d say it’s better suited for the older end of that range. Some ideas might be a little deep for the youngest listeners. The mention of the “Giver of Breath” is thoughtful, though I was hoping for a clearer connection to God. Still, it’s a tender book that offers comfort and […]
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A Heartwarming Guide to Prayer for Kids
This sweet picture book is a gentle and thoughtful introduction to prayer that kids (and their grown-ups) will love. In All the Things I Say to God, little Abby wonders if she can pray to God all by herself. What follows is a tender, faith-filled journey as she learns that prayer doesn’t need to be fancy or follow rules—it’s just talking to God, anytime, anywhere, about anything. The message is simple and powerful: God is always listening. Whether you’re thankful, scared, joyful, or quiet—He’s there. The illustrations by Anita Schmidt are soft and lovely, and they perfectly match the calm, inviting tone of the story. When I read and review […]
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A Game-Changing Guide to Business Influence and Innovation
In Certainty: How Great Bosses Can Change Minds and Drive Innovation, leadership expert Mike Mears takes readers on a fascinating deep dive into the science of influence, offering practical strategies to create workplaces that hum with energy and innovation. With a background that includes founding the CIA Leadership Academy, Mears brings a wealth of real-world experience and insider knowledge to the table. And no, you don’t need to be a spy to use these techniques—his insights apply to leaders in any industry. The book’s central premise? Great leadership isn’t about fighting human nature—it’s about working with it. Instead of pushing against the brain’s natural instincts, Mears shows how to harness […]
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Under the Golden Sun Shines with Love, Resilience, and a Stunning Australian Setting
Jenny Ashcroft’s Under the Golden Sun is both heartwarming and heartbreaking, a breathtaking historical novel filled with love, resilience, and the beauty of second chances. From the moment we meet Rose Hamilton, a young woman searching for purpose, we’re swept away on an unforgettable journey from war-torn England to the sun-drenched landscapes of Australia. Tasked with escorting young orphan Walter to his family, Rose embarks on an adventure that reshapes her understanding of love and belonging. Walter, with his heartbreaking past, is more than just a child in her care—their bond is deeply moving. The novel beautifully captures their shared sorrows and joys, as well as the rich customs and […]
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A Captivating Time-Travel Tale of Love, Sacrifice, and Destiny
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (4.5 stars) The third book in the Timeless series, For a Lifetime, a historical time-travel novel blends suspense, romance, and tough choices. The story follows twin sisters Grace and Hope, who time-cross between 1692 Salem, Massachusetts, and 1912 New York City. On their twenty-fifth birthday, they must make the impossible choice—stay in one world forever and leave the other behind. The Salem witch trials timeline is intense, with the sisters navigating the paranoia and danger surrounding them. In 1912, Hope dreams of becoming a pioneering female pilot, while Grace works as a journalist uncovering corruption. As their decision looms, an unexpected tragedy throws everything into chaos, forcing them to […]
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Ambitious WWII Novel Falls Short of Its Potential
M.B. Henry’s All the Lights Above Us aims to capture the chaos and courage of D-Day through the perspectives of five women from vastly different backgrounds. The novel gives a unique take on the historic invasion by focusing on a single day, June 6, 1944, but ultimately, it falls short of being a standout in the crowded WWII historical fiction genre. The premise is intriguing: a Nazi propagandist questioning her choices, a resistance fighter seeking her parents, a Gestapo officer planning betrayal, a medical volunteer overwhelmed by casualties, and a British woman forced to house enemy soldiers. Their experiences highlight the vast reach of the war and the moral dilemmas […]
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A Doggone Wild Ride: Love, Loss, and Mayhem in Three Wild Dogs
Markus Zusak, best known for The Book Thief, turns his storytelling skills toward real life in Three Wild Dogs, a memoir about the joy and chaos of adopting three unruly rescue pups. From biting piano teachers to breaking bones to—yes—killing the family cat, Reuben, Archer, and Frosty bring love, destruction, and plenty of trouble into the Zusak household. This book had me laughing out loud one moment and near tears the next. Zusak’s writing is, as expected, top-notch—he can make training disasters feel poetic and losing a pet feel like the end of the world. But while his storytelling is strong, the book felt too long for its 240 pages, […]
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