Book Review: This House Will Feed by Maria Tureaud

Title: This House Will Feed

Author: Maria Tureaud

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Horror, Historical Fiction, Adult

Pages: 368

Publisher: Indie Published

Year Published: 2026

Format: Ebook (Kindle Unlimited)

"Amidst the devastation of Ireland's Great Famine, a young woman is salvaged from certain death when offered a mysterious position at a remote manor house haunted by a strang epower and the horror of her own memories in this chillingly evocative historical novel braided with gothic horror and supernatural suspense for readers of Katherine Arden's The Warm Hands of Ghosts and The Silence Factory by Bridget Collins.

County Clare, 1848: In the scant few years since the potato blight first cast its foul shadow over Ireland, Maggie O'Shaughnessy has lost everything- her entire family and the man she trusted with her heart. Tolling in the Ennis Workhouse for paltry rations, she can see no future either within or outside its walls- until the mysterious Lady Catherine arrives to whisk her away to an old mansion in the stark limestone landscape of the Burren.

Lady Catherine wants Maggie to impersonate her late daughter, Wilhelmina and hoodwink solicitors into releasing Wilhelmina's widow's pension so that Lady Catherine can continue to provide for the villagers in her care. In exchange, Maggie will receive freedom from the workhouse, land of her own, and the one thing she wants more than a chance to fulfill the promise she made to her brother on his deathbed- to live to spite them all.

Launching herself into the daunting task, Maggie plays the role of Wilhelmina as best she can while ignoring the villagers' tales of ghostly figures and curses. But more worrying are the whispers that come from within. Something in Lady Catherine's house is reawakening long-buried memories in Maggie- of a foe more terrifying than hunger or greed, of power that calls for blood and vengeance, and of her own role in a nightmare that demands the darkest sacrifice..."

My Rating: 4/5

In an already horrific time, imagine a horror movie takes place that includes cannibalism, spirits, folklore and more. While this story took a bit of time to warm up after about the 30% mark, I was in and couldn't wait to pick it up each time I had the opportunity. I look forward to reading more from the author, who does a wonderful job at setting the atmosphere and expanding on an already dark time in history. Characters were flawed, but understandable, and the twists were interesting and kept me hooked.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Everyone Here is Lying by Shari Lapena

Title: Everyone Here is Lying

Author: Shari Lapena

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Thriller, Mystery, Adult Fiction

Pages: 336

Publisher: Random House

Year Published: 2023

Format: Audiobook

"Welcome to Stanhope. A safe neighborhood. A place for families.

William Wooler is a family man, on the surface. But he's been having an affair, an affair that ended horribly this afternoon at a motel up the road. So when he returns to his house, devastated and angry, to find his difficult nine-year-old daughter, Avery, unexpectedly home from school, William loses her temper.

Hours later, Avery's family declares her missing.

Suddenly Stanhope doesn't feel so safe. And William isn't the only one on his street who's hiding a lie.  As witnesses come forward with information that may or may not be true, Avery's neighbors become increasingly unhinged.

Who took Avery Wooler?

Nothing will prepare you for the truth."

My Rating: 5/5

I binged the audiobook of this, and it was addicting. I could not stop listening to it. The good news is that means I got a lot done today. I don't believe that I have read anything else by this author, but you can bet that there was a lot that was added to my TBR. The characters are interesting, the writing is fast-paced, and the mystery is fascinating. Would recommend. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: The Amalfi Curse by Sarah Penner

Title: The Amalfi Curse

Author: Sarah Penner

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Adult, Magical Realism

Pages: 336

Publisher: Park Row

Year Published: 2025

Format: Audiobook

"Powerful witchcraft. A hunt for sunken treasure. Forbidden love on the high seas. Beware the Amalfi Curse...

Haven Ambrose, a trailblazing nautical archaeologist, has come to the sun-soaked village of Positano to investigate the mysterious shipwrecks along the Amalfi Coast. But Haven is hoping to find more than old artefacts beneath the azure waters; she is secretly on a quest to locate a trove of priceless gemstones her late father spotted on his final dive. Upon Haven's arrival, strange malestroms and misfortunes start plaguing the town. Is it nature or something more sinister at work?

As Haven searches for her father's sunken treasure, she begins to unearth a centuries-old tale of ancient sorcery and one woman's quest to save her lover and her village by using the legendary art of stregheria, a magical ability to harness the ocean. Could this magic be behind Positano's latest calamities? Haven must unravel the Amalfi Curse before the region is destroyed forever...

Against the dazzling backdrop of the Amalfi Coast, this bewitching novel shimmers with mystery, romance and the untamed magic of the sea."

My Rating: 3/5

I listened to this book on audio, and I would strongly recommend this version just due to the narration style. I loved the changing perspectives and the time shifts. This one rang closer to The Lost Apothecary, which is my favourite book I've read by the author so far. All of this being said, it still lacked the original magic and the feeling of the first book I read by the author. This one, the ending felt a little disjointed and abrupt. While fun, I don't think that this one will stay with me.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: A Dowry of Blood by S.T. Gibson

Title: A Dowry of Blood

Author: S.T. Gibson

Series/Standalone: Vampire Companion Series (Book #1)

Genre: Fantasy, Horror, Retelling, Adult

Pages: 292

Publisher: Indie Published (Redhook)

Year Published: 2021

Format: Paperback Copy (Own It)

"S.T. Gibson's sensational novel is the darkly seductive tale of Dracula's first bride, Constanta. 

This is my last love letter to you, though some would call it a confession...

Saved from the brink of death by a mysterious stranger, Constanta is transformed from a medieval peasant into a bride fit for an undying king. But when Dracula draws a cunning aristocrat and a starving artist into his web of passion and deceit, Constanta realizes that her beloved is capable of terrible things.

Finding comfort in the arms of her rival consorts, she begins to unravel their husband's dark secrets. With the lives of everyone she loves on the line, Constanta will have to choose between her own freedom and her love for her husband. But bonds forged by blood can only be broken by death."

My Rating: 5/5

I loved this. I wasn't expecting to absolutely love it! The whole time it's been on my shelf, I was so focused on the fact that it was horror, I wasn't thinking about how well the writing could work. How the story could really grab me, and the parallels it could draw to other abusive relationships. The symbolism was incredible, and the pacing was fantastic. I can't wait to read more by the author.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Crimson Kingdom by Robin D. Mahle & Elle Madison

Title: Crimson Kingdom

Author: Robin D. Mahle & Elle Madison

Series/Standalone: The Lochlann Feuds Series (Book #3)

Genre: Young Adult, Romantasy

Pages: 346

Publisher: Indie Published

Year Published: 2022

Format: Ebook (Kindle Unlimited)

"Rowan thought she had escaped her life as a prisoner.

But even in Lochlan, she is chained by the memories of everything she left behind in Socair.

Of everyone she left behind.

With her people clamoring for war, the responsibility falls on Rowan to enter into a marriage alliance to keep her kingdom safe. That should be easy, considering she's already received proposals from half the clans in Socair.

But even with plenty of options, she's left with no good choices.

Will she play it safe? Or will she risk everything for the kind of love she never wanted to begin with?

The kind of love that could break her."

My Rating: 4.5/5

I absolutely love the characters in this book series. I love the wit, the jokes, but also the writing style. The only thing that I haven't enjoyed the most is sometimes the pacing in the middle. This book lost my interest in the middle due to the miscommunication used. While it makes sense that there would be communication lacking in the second book and leading into this one, I was getting a bit frustrated with the waiting to communicate important ideals until the end of the book . That being said, still an excellent book, and I will be continuing on. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: The Testaments by Margaret Atwood

Title: The Testaments

Author: Margaret Atwood

Series/Standalone: The Handmaid's Tale Series (Book #2)

Genre: Adult Fiction, Dystopian, Feminism 

Pages: 422

Publisher: Nan. A. Talese

Year Published: 2019

Format: Hardcover Copy (Library)

"When the van door slammed on Offred's future at the end of The Handmaid's Tale, readers had no way of telling what lay ahead of her- freedom, prison or death.

With The Testament, the wait is over.

Margaret Atwood's sequel picks up the story more than fifteen years after Offred stepped into the unknown, with the explosive testaments of three female narrators from Gilead.

In this brilliant sequel to The Handmaid's Tale, acclaimed author Margaret Atwood answers the questions that have tantalized readers for decades.

'Dear Readers: Everything you've ever asked me about Gilead and it's inner workings is the inspiration for this book. Well, almost everything! The other inspiration is the world we've been living in.' - Margaret Atwood"

My Rating: 4.25/5

This was not what I expected from the second book in this duology. The different perspectives, the different narratives and an inner look at how Gilead became what it was in the first book. I also didn't expect to see the specific characters we heard about. While it answers a lot of questions, I was hoping to see the direct fallout of the narration and the fall of Gilead overall. That being said, it doesn't appear to be Margaret Atwood's style to write the dystopian rebellion stereotype. I can respect that. If more were to come from this series, I would certainly read on. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Carrie Soto is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Title: Carrie Soto is Back

Author: Taylor Jenkins Reid

Series/Standalone: Reidverse (Book #5)

Genre: Historical Fiction, Contemporary, Sports, Adult Fiction

Pages: 384

Publisher: Ballantine Books

Year Published: 2022

Format: Audiobook (Library Copy)

"Carrie Soto is fierce, and her determination to win at any cost has not made her popular.

By the time Carrie retires from tennis, she is the best player the world has ever seen. She has shattered every record and claimed twenty Slam titles. And if you ask her, she is entitled to every one. She sacrificed nearly everything to become the best, with her father as her coach.

But six years after her retirement, Carrie finds herself sitting in the stand of the 1994 US Open, watching her record be taken from her by a brutal, stunning, British player named Nicki Chan.

At thirty-seven years old, Carrie makes the monumental decision to come out of retirement and be coached by her father for one last year in an attempt to reclaim her record. Even if the sports media says that they never liked the 'Battle-Axe' anyways. Even if her body doesn't move as fast as it did. And even if it means swallowing her pride to train with a man she once almost opened her heart to: Bowe Huntley. Like her, he has something to prove before he gives up the game forever. 

In spite of it all: Carrie Soto is back, for one epic final season. In this riveting and unforgettable novel, Taylor Jenkins Reid tells a story about the cost of greatness and a legendary athlete attempting a comeback."

My Rating: 5/5

I love Taylor Jenkins Reid's Reidverse. The way these imagined celebrities feel so real, the way they have such individual personalities, but feel so real to the time and our world. I feel sad sometimes that I can't look up more information about where they would be now. Carrie Soto is far from likeable. That is made clear from the beginning, but as the story goes on, you grow to love her as she is. The determined, unrelenting and resilient athlete she is. The way she copes in her life through all of it, despite what everyone things, inspite what everyone thinks. I hope her next corner is all the better, and I wonder if Taylor Jenkins Reid will add to these stories.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman

Title: Dungeon Crawler Carl

Author: Matt Dinniman

Series/Standalone: Dungeon Crawler Carl Series (Book #1)

Genre: Science Fiction, Dystopia, Adult Fiction, Adventure, Humour

Pages: 464

Publisher: Indie Published

Year Published: 2020

Format: Ebook (Kindle Unlimited)

"The apocalypse will be televised!

A man. His ex-girlfriend's cat. A sadistic game show unlike anything in the universe: a dungeon crawl where survival depends on killing your prey in the most entertaining way possible.

In a flash, every human-erected construction on Earth- from Buckingham Palace to the tiniest of sheds- collapses in a heap, sinking into the ground.

The buildings and all the people inside have all been atomized and transformed into the dungeon: an 18-level labyrinth filled with traps, monsters, and loot. A dungeon so enormous, it circles the entire globe.

Only a few dare venture inside. But once you're in, you can't get out. And what's worse, each level has a time limit. You have but days to find a staircase to the next level down, or it's game over. In this game, it's not about your strength or your dexterity. It's about your followers, your views. Your clout. It's about building an audience and killing those goblins with style.

You can't just survive here. You gotta survive big.

You gotta fight with vigor, with excitement. You gotta make them stand up and cheer. And if you do have that 'it' factor, you may just find yourself with a following. That's the only way to truly survive the game- with the help of the loot boxes dropped upon you by the generous benefactors watching from across the galaxy."

My Rating: 4/5

My husband and I have decided to do buddy reads once every couple of months. It keeps us reading, inspires conversation and helps limit our blue light before bed. This was his pick for this one, and I had heard a lot of the series from friends. I'm gonna say really quick that this book is geared towards video game players, which makes a lot of sense due to the title, description, etc. I would also say that it has a cruder sense of humour, which I appreciate. Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I would have liked to cut some of it back, maybe a little, but I did have fun reading it. We plan to read the next one as soon as we get a library hold in.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave by Elle Cosimano

Title: Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave

Author: Elle Cosimano

Series/Standalone: Finlay Donovan Series (Book #5)

Genre: Adult Fiction, Cozy, Mystery

Pages: 309

Publisher: Minotaur Books

Year Published: 2025

Format: Audiobook

"Finlay Donovan may have skeletons in her closet... but at least there's not a body in her backyard.

Finlay Donovan and her nanny/partner-in-crime, Vero, have not always gotten along with Finlay's elderly neighbor, Mrs. Haggerty, the community busybody and president of the neighborhood watch. But when a dead body is discovered in her backyard, Mrs. Haggerty needs their help. At first a suspect, Mrs. Haggerty is cleared by the police, but her house remains an active crime scene. She has nowhere to go... except Finlay's house, right across the street.

Finlay and Vero have no interest in getting involved in another murder case- or sacrificing either of her bedrooms. After all, they've dealt with enough murders over the last four months to last a lifetime, and they both would much rather share their beds with someone else.

When the focus of the investigation widens to include Finlay's ex-husband Steven, though, Finlay and Vero are left with little choice but to get closer to Mrs. Haggerty and uncover her secrets... before the police start digging up theirs. But who will solve the mystery first?"

My Rating: 5/5

This was by far my favourite book in the series. I have to give most of the credit to Mrs. Haggerty's character and the use of women-led groups. The character growth between books is also noticeable. With a cast of incredibly lovable characters, a mystery that feels intriguing without being terrifying and a toddler who just won't keep his pants on, who could ask for more? 

Sidny

Book Review: Game Changer by Rachel Reid

Title: Game Changer

Author: Rachel Reid

Series/Standalone: Game Changers Series (Book #1)

Genre: Adult Fiction, Sports, Romance, LGBT

Pages: 400

Publisher: Carina Press

Year Published: 2018

Format: Paperback (Own It)

"New York Admirals captain Scott Hunter takes his pregame rituals very seriously. In this case, it's not just a lucky smoothie he's craving- it's the man who made it. 

Pro hockey star Scott Hunter knows a good thing when he sees it. So when a smoothie made by a juice bar barista, Kip Grady precedes Scott breaking his on-ice slump, he's desperate to recreate the magic... and to get to know the sexy, funny guy behind the counter.

Kip knew there was more to Scott's frequent visits than blended fruit, but he never let himself imagine being invited back to Scott's penthouse. Or kissed with reckless abandon, never mind touched everywhere all at once. When it happens, it's red-hot, incredible and frequent, but also only on Scott's terms and always behind his closed apartment doors. 

Scott needs Kip in his life, but with playoff season approaching, the spotlight on him is suddenly brighter than ever. He can't afford to do anything that might derail his career... like introducing the world to his boyfriend. Kip is ready to go all-in with Scott- but how much longer will he have to remain a secret?"

My Rating: 3.5/5

I have already watched the Heated Rivalry show before reading this, so I knew a lot of the plot points that were going to be covered in the books. I did enjoy the internal dialogue, though, about how Kip felt during the relationship and how Scott felt about coming out of the closet. I liked the steamy scenes, but I found that there were moments where they were a bit repetitive. This could also just be because I am a cis woman.

Thank you for reading,

Sidny