Life's a Beach Book Tag

Since it is well into the 90s with 90% humidity here today, I figured I'd do the Life's a Beach Book Tag I found on Lefty Reads.  Now Lefty posted this way back in 2018 and her blog is no longer active but this looked so fun I couldn't resist.  Plus, if it's going to be this hot and muggy I SHOULD be on the beach.  

1.  Sand - A Book That Stuck With You Long After You Finished Reading

The Blue Castle by L.M. Montgomery - This is high up on my favorite book list and it's one I think of often.  

2.  Sun - A Book That Burned You

A Cruise to Die For by Heather Graham - This may be the worst written book I've ever read and if it hadn't been a review book I would have DNF'd it.  My expectations for this kind of book aren't super high as they're usually more fun than quality but this was neither.  

3.  The Waves - A Book That Calms You Down After a Long Day

Soyangri Book Kitchen by Kim Je Hye - I loved the calming slower vibe of this book and it's one that I look forward to revisiting when I need a calm read.

4.  The Bathing Suit - A Book With a Pretty Summery Cover

The High Tide Club by Mary Kay Andrews - This looks like the kind of beach we go to every year and I love the tote bag.  This just screams vicarious trip to the beach.

5.  The Birds - A Book That is Everywhere

Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke - Honestly, I probably won't read this one.  The premise doesn't appeal to me and the reviews I've seen have confirmed it but it feels like I can't turn around right now without seeing it.

6.  The Company - A Book With Wonderful Characters

The Faraway Inn by Sarah Beth Durst - I loved this book and all the characters in it - even the grumpier ones.

7.  The Ice-Cold Drinks - A Book You Gulped Down

The Women in White by Sarah Pekkanen - I could not put this book down!  I wouldn't really call it a thriller though it is super creepy but it is definitely fast paced.

8.  The Fun Memories - A Book You Can't Wait to Return To

Dolly All the Time by Annabel Monaghan - I'm so glad I bought the audio version of this one as it is definitely a book I'll want to revisit.

Probable Caws - Cozy Mystery Review

Goodreads: Probable Caws (Meg Langslow #39) by Donna Andrews

Rating: Really Liked It (4 Stars)
Source: Publisher

Description: Meg has finally found time to get some blacksmithing done when a call from her dad interrupts her—can she come out to Ragnar’s right away to help with the horses? Their friend Ragnar Ragnarsen, who is gradually turning the enormous house on his nearby estate into an authentic moated castle, has agreed to shelter nearly fifty horses for Hoof and Hearth, an equine rescue organization that has lost access to the farm where the horses have been living. The owner of the farm recently died without leaving a will, and while his older son Abel would be happy to let the horses stay, younger brother George wants to sell to a developer . . . and is suspected of sending a thug to harm the horses as part of his efforts to evict Hoof and Hearth.

That night, while Meg and her family are camping at one of Ragnar’s barns, to keep an eye on the horses, they discover that the thug has been murdered. Unfortunately George is alibied . . . but his horse-loving brother Abel is not. Neither are the hot-tempered founder of Hoof and Hearth or the passionately protective ex-jockey who serves as its stablemaster. Meg juggles helping keep the horses safe and doing what she can to help the chief solve the thug’s murder . . . all the while hoping that the killer won’t turn out to be one of the dedicated horse rescuers she has come to like and respect.

Genre: Mystery - Cozy

Why I Picked This Book: I really enjoy this series so of course I had to pick up this newest book.

My Impression: I really enjoy this series.  It's chaotic and a little convoluted and just tons of fun.  I especially enjoyed all the animals in this one.  I did miss the herd of dogs that live at Meg's house but this book more than made up for it with horses and crows and one particularly memorable scene involving the swans.  Meg's description of the swans and their attitude leaves little doubt that Andrews has some personal experience with the birds.  

This series has a large cast of characters but this book seemed to only include a subset of them.  Meg's mother and grandmother are absent pretty much completely and her father and grandfather only have very small roles.  That made the addition of the horse people and Ragnar's two staff members feel a little less overwhelming.  The mystery was interesting with a solid reveal but the star of this mystery (as is frequently the case with this series) is the animals.  I loved the crows and the different horses and any scenes involving swans never fails to make me laugh.  

This is a fun mystery in a fun series.  The mystery is a standalone and this book can be read on its own though it may take a few chapters to get the cast figured out.  I have found the series gets stronger as it goes along.  While I enjoy the early books in the series the later books are my favorite.  

Would I Read More of this Series/Author? Absolutely!  I already have the next book in the series and am looking forward to continuing to catch up with the middle books.

Would I Recommend this Book? Yes!  The length of the series can be a bit intimidating, but you don't have to read all of them and they are a lot of fun.

* I received this book in exchange for an honest review. As always my opinions and impressions are completely my own. *

Top Ten Tuesday - Ten Covers That Made Me Want to Read the Book

Today I'm linking up with Top Ten Tuesday hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl which is all about lists.  Since lists are one of my favorite things this is one of my favorite linkups!  Today's topic is a Cover Freebie so I'm focusing on 10 Covers That Made Me Want to Read the Book (and what I thought if I've actually read them)

1.  The Moonsingers by Robyn J. Pritzker - Rating: 3.5 Stars

2.  Murder in Miniature by Katie Tietjen - Rating: 4.5 Stars

3.  The Reimaging of Thornwood House by Jaleigh Johnson - Rating: 5 Stars

4.  The Collector's Apprentice by B.A. Paris - Rating: 2 Stars

5.  The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst - Rating: 5 Stars

6.  A Dark and Secret Magic by Wallis Kinney - Rating: 4 Stars

7.  Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan McGuire - Rating: 4 Stars

8.  The Ghost Cat by Alex Howard - Rating: 3 Stars

9.  A Secret in the Garden by Jeneane O'Riley - Haven't Read Yet - I knew nothing about this one when I stumbled across it in the bookstore, but the cover is gorgeous (the picture doesn't do it justice) AND it had sprayed edges which apparently, I can't resist.  

10. The Time Hop Coffee Shop by Phaedra Patrick - Haven't Read Yet - I've read and really enjoyed another book by this author and while I wanted to read more from her this one wasn't high on the list.  However, again the cover is 10 times more gorgeous in person AND there are sprayed edges.

Other than a few misses shopping by the cover has gone pretty well for me and I can't wait to read the two I haven't read yet.

The Women in White - Fiction Review

Goodreads: The Women in White by Sarah Pekkanen

Rating: Really Liked It (4 Stars)
Source: Publisher

Description: Extrasensory perception.
The Gift.
A Sixth Sense.
Or something else….

In 1964, four remarkable young women at a prestigious university became the subjects of parapsychology experiments by a visionary scientist. On the cusp of a historic breakthrough, the women mysteriously vanished and the program was erased from history. Decades later, Riley Bell, newly divorced and desperate for a fresh start, accepts a caretaker job for an elderly widow named Betty. Riley steps into a home that is frozen in another era - no microwave, television, or cell phones, and Betty has never heard of the internet. Why has Betty lived in such profound isolation for so many years, and why does she need Riley now? As the story unfolds across two timelines - Betty’s 1960s era of 5 o’clock martinis and high-stakes experiments, and Riley’s quest to uncover the truth about the missing women - old secrets rise to the surface. And the only way to survive is to confront the mystery that has lingered for sixty years.

Genre: Fiction - Suspense

Why I Picked This Book: This sounded interesting and I've had good luck with this author in the past.

My Impression:  I could not put this book down.  Like I would have to convince myself that it was way past my bedtime and when I hit the next chapter, I HAD to put the book down so I could get some sleep.  I almost always read just a few more chapters after that conversation.  I wouldn't necessarily classify this as a thriller.  There's a bit of cat and mouse and the atmosphere of the entire book is unsettling but for the bulk of the book the main characters aren't really in any kind of danger.  The story is told in two timelines.  One is set in 1964 and focuses on Betty and her friends as they fall more in more in control of a madman.  The second is present day as Riley tries to figure out just what happened to Betty all those years ago.

The pacing is fast and the story kept me hooked from page one.  I liked Riley and Betty and enjoyed watching them get to know each other.  As more and more of the past is revealed I couldn't wait to figure out just what happened.  

This was a fast paced read that I enjoyed from beginning to end.  It's unsettling and while what happens in the 1964 timeline is horrifying it's not one that will have you double checking the locks.  I really enjoyed it and will definitely be reading more of this author.

Would I Read More of this Series/Author? Absolutely!  I'm really looking forward to reading more from her backlist and will be looking for new books.

Would I Recommend this Book? If you like stories filled with suspense this is a good read.  

* I received this book in exchange for an honest review. As always my opinions and impressions are completely my own. *

Friday Fives - Five Quick Reviews for Books I've Read Recently

I'm in a list making kind of mood so I thought I'd start making random five lists.  Sometimes they'll be bookish other weeks not so much. This week I'm sharing 5 quick reviews for books I've read recently.

1.  Jane's Fame: How Jane Austen Conquered the World by Claire Harman - I picked up the audio version from my library and found it to be an interesting and informative listen.  It's not really a traditional biography of Jane though it does go into what is known about her life.  Instead, it talks of how her fame evolved and spread from the time she was alive and writing until where we are now.  I've enjoyed Austen's works but am by known means a Janeite but I still found this really interesting.  My Rating: Liked It! (3.5 Stars)

2.  White Hot by Ilona Andrews - I'm making an effort to keep going with series I started so I was excited to pick up this second book in the Hidden Legacies series.  Just like the first one this one kept me engaged from beginning to end.  It was connected to the first book but didn't rely on those previous events so much that I felt lost getting everything figured out.  I really liked seeing more of Nevada's family as well as seeing more of how she and Rogan work together.  I'm looking forward to reading the next book.  My Rating: Really Liked It (4 Stars)

3.  Murder in Miniature by Katie Tietjen - This is the second book in the Maple Bishop and I really enjoyed this one as well. I really enjoyed the development of the relationship between Maple and the Sheriff.  Maple is also becoming more of a part of the community and her business is getting more attention.  The mystery is really interesting and I loved how her miniature crime scenes were used. As well, I really enjoyed getting a more in-depth look into Maple's backstory.  I've thoroughly enjoyed the two books in this series and am really hoping there will be more.  My Rating: Really Liked It! (4.5 Stars)

4.  The Faraway Inn by Sarah Beth Durst - I have been loving another series by this author so I was super excited about this one.  I was a little hesitant when I saw that it was YA but I decided to go on and give it a chance. I'm so glad I did!  The main character is definitely a teenager both in her thoughts and actions but she's a very likable teenager who works hard and does think about other people.  The magical elements are an absolute delight and I loved all the magical guests (especially Steve).  This was a delightful story that kept me thoroughly entertained.  I'm already looking forward to her next book.  My Rating: Really Liked It! (4.5 Stars)

5.  Everyone On This Train is a Suspect by Benjamin Stevenson - I absolutely loved the first book in this series and was really looking forward to this one.  I really enjoyed it.  There's a big cast of characters and it did take me a minute to figure out who was who.  This may have been easier in the print version.  The story was a good one with some seriously complicated backstories and motives.  I really liked the Ernest's character development.  The ending (especially the second epilogue) was absolute perfection.  This is a fun series with grim subject matters told in a matter-of-fact manner with a dry sense of humor.  I'm looking forward to reading more from this author.  My Rating: Really Liked It (4 Stars)

Recipe Thursday - Boursin Chicken

One of my goals for 2026 is to sort through all the recipes I have laying around tucked into folders and notebooks as well as my gigantic Pinterest/food blog collection that hasn't been touched in years.  I've been having quite a good time with it.  I enjoy cooking but it can become a chore pretty easily and this has made it a lot more fun for me as I feel like I'm working on a project.   Around here we've taken to calling it Recipe Thunderdome as all recipes have to be auditioned before earning their place in the final recipe binder. 

*For context I'm a reasonably capable home cook but one who is often trying to multitask and who is pretty much completely self-taught. *

Today I'm Sharing:  Boursin Chicken from Salt and Lavendar

Changes:  None though next time I might double the sauce.

Thoughts of Recipe Difficult: Pretty easy!   Because the Boursin has so much flavor it doesn't have a ton of ingredients and it comes together very easily.

Cook Time:  30 minutes maybe - prep time is maybe 5 minutes.

Served With: Mashed potatoes and green beans

Results:  So good!  We've had this a few times before and always really enjoyed it. It's been awhile but it didn't disappoint.  

Verdict: Survived!  Definitely binder material.

Reading What I Love - The Librarians

The last few years I've made a list of 10 books - 5 books off my shelf, 5 books from the library - that I'm really wanting to read.  There's no real rhyme or reason.  I just go through my library list and my shelves and pick the books that are calling to me.  My focus in 2026 is reading books I think I'll love - or at least really enjoy.

Goodreads:  The Librarians by Sherry Thomas

Blurb:  Sometimes a workplace isn’t just a workplace but a place of safety, understanding, and acceptance. And sometimes murder threatens the sanctity of that beloved refuge....
In the leafy suburbs of Austin, Texas, a small branch library welcomes the public every day of the week. But the patrons who love the helpful, unobtrusive staff and leave rave reviews on Yelp don’t always realize that their librarians are human, too.

Hazel flees halfway across the world for what she hopes will be a new beginning. Jonathan, a six-foot-four former college football player, has never fit in anywhere else. Astrid tries to forget her heartbreak by immersing herself in work, but the man who ghosted her six months ago is back, promising trouble. And Sophie, who has the most to lose, maintains a careful and respectful distance from her coworkers, but soon that won't be enough anymore.

When two patrons turn up dead after the library’s inaugural murder mystery–themed game night, the librarians’ quiet routines come crashing down. Something sinister has stirred, something that threatens every single one of them. And the only way the librarians can save the library—and themselves—is to let go of their secrets, trust one another, and band together....

All in a day’s work.

Why I Think I'll Love This One: Librarians solving crimes - what's not to love. Plus, I've enjoyed other books by this author in the past.  

My Thoughts: I wanted this one to be an absolute winner for me but unfortunately it just wasn't.  I trudged through the first half seriously considering DNFing it.  I didn't care about the characters or what happened to them.  There's nothing particular bookish about them other than that they work in a library.   I am glad I stuck with it.  I really enjoyed the ending.  The characters developed in ways I really enjoyed (especially Astrid and Hazel) and I liked seeing them work together.  The ending was pretty dramatic and definitely kept me turning pages.  Even when I wasn't enjoying the story itself the author's writing style has a nice flow to it that kept my attention even when I wasn't looking forward to picking up the book.  The first half I'd rate 2 stars while the last half I'd rate 4.  The author's writing style gives this an extra half star.  My Rating:  Liked It! (3.5 Stars)