Not Quite All Fours 🌟🌟🌟🌟 (and One 🌟🌟🌟) Almost every book I read this month landed a solid 4 stars—except for one little outlier. Indescribable Atlas Adventures (the only kids’ book in the bunch) didn’t quite measure up and came in at 3 stars. Still, no duds, no DNFs, and plenty of variety. I crossed paths with Judy Garland, shadowed an assassin, rode shotgun with a S.W.A.T. medic, and followed a Russian spy through enemy territory. I also eavesdropped on Bonhoeffer, argued with a socialite, admired an artist, and got oddly attached to a bookshop with a mind of its own. Oh, and there was an Egyptian scribe too—because why […]
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Four Stars Across the Board! 🌟🌟🌟🌟
This might be a first. Every single book I read this month earned a solid 4 stars. No duds, no eye rolls, no DNFs—just a strong lineup of good reads featuring a wildly eclectic cast. I crossed paths with Judy Garland, shadowed an assassin, rode shotgun with a S.W.A.T. medic, and followed a Russian spy through enemy territory. I also eavesdropped on Bonhoeffer, argued with a socialite, admired an artist, and got oddly attached to a bookshop with a mind of its own. Oh, and there was an Egyptian scribe too—because why not? If you like your reading list varied and your characters unforgettable, Amy’s Picks and Pans, Issue 38 […]
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Pretty Threads, Uneven Weave: A Promising Idea That Doesn’t Fully Stitch Together
⭐️⭐️⭐️ The Liberty Scarf tells the story of three women—each in a different place and phase of World War I—linked by a single silk scarf. The idea is lovely: that a handmade item, stitched with care and hidden messages, could travel across borders and connect lives. And for the most part, it works… just not as smoothly as I hoped. Iris, the Liberty scarf designer with big dreams and a guarded heart, was the standout for me. Her chapters were full of hope, creativity, and a touch of romance. Geneviève, a French-Canadian Signal Corps recruit, brought up timely questions about assimilation and identity, but her story felt rushed. Clara, a […]
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Love, War, and Legacy: A Journey Through the Castle Keepers
Collaborative novels like The Castle Keepers are on trend for good reason—they bring fresh perspectives and layered storytelling. Written by Aimie K. Runyan, J’nell Ciesielski, and Rachel McMillan, this book weaves three tales of love, war, and resilience. While the concept is solid, it didn’t wow me. Set during the Gilded Age, the Great War, and post-WWII, the stories follow three women navigating societal constraints and class divisions. The setting—a castle overshadowed by a family curse—adds an air of mystery that unites the narratives. The novel shines with its strong female characters, rich historical detail, and intriguing themes. The first two novellas stood out: Beatrice’s rise from scandal in “The […]
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