Book Review: Powerless by Lauren Roberts

Title: Powerless

Author: Lauren Roberts

Series/Standalone: The Powerless Trilogy (Book #1)

Genre: Romantasy, Young Adult, Fantasy

Pages: 526

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Year Published: 2023

Format: Audiobook

"She is the very thing he's spent his whole life hunting.

He's the very thing she's spent her whole life pretending to be.

Only the extraordinary belong in the kingdom of Ilya- the exceptional, the empowered, the Elites.

The powers these Elites have possessed for decades were graciously gifted to them by the Plague, though not all were fortunate enough to both survive the sickness and reap the reward. Those born Ordinary are just that- ordinary. And when the king decreed that all Ordinaries be banished in order to preserve his Elite society, lacking an ability suddenly became a crime- making Paedyn Gray a felon by fate and a thief by necessity. 

Surviving in the slums as an Ordinary is no simple task, and Paedyn knows this better than most. Having been trained by her father to be overly observant since she was a child, Paedyn poses as a Psychic in the crowded city, blending in with the Elites as best she can in order to stay alive and out of trouble. Easier said than done.

When Paedyn unsuspectingly saves one of Ilyas princes, she finds herself thrown into the Purging Trials. The brutal competition exists to showcase the Elites' powers- the very thing Paedyn lacks. If the Trials and the opponents within them don't kill her, the prince she's fighting feelings for certainly will if he discovers what she is- completely Ordinary."

My Rating: 4.75/5

If we were rating things purely on enjoyment, I would have rated this a five, but there were a few things that threw it off for me. I did listen to the adapted audiobook that included the sound effects (also the first time I listened to one of these). I loved it; the character actors were great, and the content was fun and entertaining. There was a lot of repetition of the character's motivation, to the point that I was annoyed. It felt like sometimes the author didn't believe we were smart enough to remember the characters' feelings and motivations. I will be continuing the series because it is the perfect trope-filled romantasy for this time of year.

Sidny

Book Review: My Killer Vacation by Tessa Bailey

Title: My Killer Vacation

Author: Tessa Bailey

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Contemporary, Romance, Adult Fiction, Mystery

Pages: 295

Publisher: Indie Published

Year Published: 2022

Format: Paperback (Own It)

"A brash bounty hunter and an energetic elementary school teacher is the murder-solving team no one asked for, but they're stuck together, come hell or high tide, until a killer is found in this spicy rom-com with a brand new bonus novella from Tessa Bailey, #1 New York Times bestselling author of It Happened One Summer. It was supposed to be a relaxing vacation in sweet, sunny Cape Cod- just Taylor Bassey and her beloved brother- but discovering a corpse in their rental house has really thrown a wrench into their tanning schedule. Now a rude, crude bounty hunter has arrived on the back of his motorcycle to catch the killer and refuses to believe Taylor can be helpful, despite the countless hours she's spent listening to true crime podcasts. Not to mention her fulfilling teaching career of wrangling second graders. Myles Summer is only there to do a job, not babysit an amateur sleuth. Although... it is becoming less and less of a hardship to have Taylor around. Sure, she's stubborn, distracting and can't stay out of harm's way. She's also brave and beautiful and reminds him of home. In other words, the insatiable hunger and protectiveness she's awakening is a threat to his peace of mind. Before Myles sinks any deeper into this dangerous attraction, he needs to solve the murder and get back on the road. Only now there are two threats- and the biggest one is to his heart."

My Rating: 4/5

I finished this read quite a while ago. I liked that the author wasn't just focused on the romance in this book; the mystery played an equal role in the book. In some ways, it reminded me of parts of Finlay Donovan series (the cozy romance aspects). The spicy scenes were well written, and the characters were fun. My only complaint was how long it took the spice to get rolling.

Sidny

Book Review: Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood by Trevor Noah

Title: Born a Crime

Author: Trevor Noah

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Nonfiction, Adult, Memoir

Pages: 289

Publisher: Doubleday Canada

Year Published: 2016

Format: Audiobook

"The memoir of one man's coming-of-age, set during the twilight of apartheid and the tumultuous days of freedom that followed.

Trevor Noah's unlikely path from apartheid South Africa to the desk of The Daily Show began with a criminal act: his birth. Trevor was born to a white Swiss father and a black Xhosa mother at a time when such a union was punishable by five years in prison. Living proof of his parents' indiscretion, Trevor was kept mostly indoors for the earliest years of his life, bound by the extreme and often absurd measures his mother took to hide him from a government that could, at any moment, steal him away. Finally liberated by the end of South Africa's tyrannical white rule, Trevor and his mother set forth on a grand adventure, living openly and freely and embracing the opportunities won by a centuries-long struggle.

Born a Crime is the story of a mischievous young boy who grows into a restless young man as he struggles to find himself in a world where he was never supposed to exist. It is also the story of that young man's relationship with his fearless, rebellious and fervently religious mother- his teammate, a woman determined to save her son from the cycle of poverty, violence and abuse that would ultimately threaten her own life."

My Rating: 4.5/5

This book was an incredible listen. Once again, the audiobook is narrated by the author, which helps me to better hear the tone they are telling their story with. Learning more about the racism and colonisation of South Africa, as a North American, we know that what we learn in school is often, if not always, white-centred and centred around events we were involved in (ex., the World Wars included Canadians, so we learn about that) but we didn't learn about apartheid. I liked how Trevor used his comedic talents to talk about deep issues and histories while still using dark humour to keep it in his style.

Sidny

Book Review: The Couple Next Door by Shari Lapena

Title: The Couple Next Door

Author: Shari Lapena

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Thriller, Mystery, Adult Fiction

Pages: 308

Publisher: Penguin Books

Year Published: 2016

Format: Audiobook

"You never know what's happening on the other side of the wall.

Your neighbor told you that she didn't want your six-month-old daughter at the dinner party. Nothing personal, she just couldn't stand her crying.

Your husband said it would be fine. After all, you only live next door. You'll have the baby monitor and you'll take it in turns to go back every half hour.

Your daughter was sleeping when you checked on her last. But now, as you race up the stairs in your deathly quiet house, your worst fears are realized. She's gone.

You've never had to call the police before. But now they're in your home, and who knows what they'll find there.

What would you be capable of, when pushed past your limit?"

My Rating: 3.5/5

In the moment, reading this book, I loved it. I remember being wowed by the twists and turns. It has been 16 days since I read it and... I don't remember most of it other than snippets. This is the reason for the rating, if it was right after reading it might have been a 4 but because of the lack of memorability it went down for me. What I will say about the author is I love the final twists in the two books I've read of hers! I will be reading more of her work, probably on audiobook, because the narrators for this and the other book I read by her were perfect. If you've read any of her work, what is your favourite of her works?

Sidny

Book Review: The Death of Vivek Oji by Akwaeke Emezi

Title: The Death of Vivek Oji

Author: Akwaeke Emezi

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Adult Fiction, LGBT, Contemporary

Pages: 248

Publisher: Riverhead Books

Year Published: 2020

Format: Hardcover (Owned it)

"Raised by a distant father and an understanding but overprotective mother, Vivek suffers disorienting blackouts, moments of disconnection between self and surroundings. As adolescence gives way to adulthood, Vivek finds solace in friendships with the warm, boisterous daughter of the Nigerwives, foreign-born women married to Nigerian men.

But Vivek's closest bond is with Osita, the worldly, high-spirited cousin whose teasing confidence masks a guarded private life. As their relationship deepens- and Osita struggles to understand Vivek's escalating crisis- the mystery gives way to a heart-stopping act of violence in a moment of exhilarating freedom.

Propulsively readable, teeming with unforgettable characters, The Death of Vivek Oji is a novel of family and friendship that challenges expectations- a dramatic story of loss and transcendence that will move every reader."

My Rating: 1.5/5

I liked some aspects of this book. But I think that this isn't mentioned in any of the descriptions of this novel. THERE IS INCEST! Maybe this is something that other people can over look for the LGBT content, but I couldn't look past it. The story would have been better for me if it was like a family friend, not an actual family member. If you loved this book, props to you, it just wasn't for me.

Sidny

Book Review: This is Me: A Reckoning by Hayden Panettiere

Title: This Is Me: A Reckoning

Author: Hayden Panettiere

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Memoir, Nonfiction, Adult

Pages: 320

Publisher: Grand Central Publishing

Year Published: 2026

Format: Audiobook

"Heroes and Nashville star Hayden Panettiere reclaims her story in a remarkably candid memoir.

Hayden Panettiere's career in entertainment began before she could talk. From her first gig as a Michelin baby to roles in cult classics like Remember the Titans and Raising Helen, as well as popular soap operas Guiding Light and One Life to Live, Hayden built an impressive resume by the time she entered middle school. Throughout the early 2000s, she starred in millennial favorites like Racing Stripes, Heroes, and Scream 4 & VI and earned two Golden Globe nominations for her starring role of Juliette Barnes in Nashville. The squeaky-clean face of Neutrogena, she was Hollywood's girl next door and subjected to all the fame, attention and expectations that came with it. In an era of relentless paparazzi with an appetite for celebrity breakdowns, naysayers were certain this young starlet would crash and burn. Not one to disappoint, she did. 

In this irreverent, intimate and inspiring memoir, Hayden holds nothing back. What started as a fun job for a child took a decidedly darker turn as she came of age. She exposes the pressure and exploitation young stars face before they're old enough to know themselves, and how easy it is for them to lose control of her own narrative and, ultimately, their lives. Hayden was a target of brutal tabloid headlines picking apart her body, and she performed storylines onscreen that mirrored her real-life trauma. She suffered post-partum depression, addiction and recovery, domestic abuse, and the loss of her beloved little brother. Despite everything, Hayden managed to take these experiences, which she called "lifequakers" and emerge from them stronger, no longer afraid to use her voice or show her true self. She's played the part of a misfit hero, a superstar, a survivor, a cheerleader, and an all-American fresh face. In This is Me, Hayden stars in her most heart-wrenching and unforgettable role herself. This is her story on her terms."

My Rating: 3.5/5

It's kinda hard to rate a nonfiction memoir/biography as is. I find it that much harder when the author has passed away. Hayden Panettiere was incredibly young when she passed. Her life as a child actor shaped who she became, but she was brave enough to tell her story, to share each part that made her who she was. The good, the bad and the ugly. I listened to the audiobook, which was narrated by the author, which always brings the biography to the next level. It reminds me that oral history is a tradition. 

Sidny

Book Review: Grown by Tiffany D. Jackson

Title: Grown

Author: Tiffany D. Jackson

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Young Adult, Thriller, Contemporary

Pages: 384

Publisher: Quill Tree Books

Year Published: 2020

Format: Paperback (Own It)

"Author Tiffany D. Jackson delivers another ripped-from-the-headlines mystery that exposes horrific secrets hiding behind the limelight and embraces the power of a young woman's voice. When legendary R&B artist Korey Fields spots Enchanted Jones at an audition, her dreams of being a famous singer take flight. Until Enchanted wakes up with blood on her hands and zero memory of the previous night. Who killed Korey Fields? Before there was a dead body, Enchanted's dreams had turned into a nightmare. Because behind Korey's charm and star power was a controlling dark side. Now he's dead, the police are at the door, and all signs point to Enchanted."

My Rating: 5/5

Once again, Tiffany D. Jackson comes in with a home run of a book. I have loved every book I've read by her. It's the realness that you can see shining through the mystery/thrilling elements. It's the reality of the characters' lives; it's the twists and turns, etc. It's the storytelling. The ability to show the faults in our society and our current state in a way that gives hope for the future. It's the twists, the turns, and the shock that I'm always left sitting with as I binge-read the last 50 pages. I can't wait to read the next book by this author. 

Sidny

Book Review: Every Summer After by Carley Fortune

Title: Every Summer After

Author: Carley Fortune

Series/Standalone: Barry's Bay (Book #1)

Genre: Adult Fiction, Contemporary Romance, Small Town

Pages: 320

Publisher: Berkley

Year Published: 2022

Format: Paperback Copy (Own It)

"They say you can never go home again, and for Persephone Fraser, ever since she made the biggest mistake of her life a decade ago, that has felt too true. Instead of glittering summers on the lakeshore of her childhood, she spends them in a stylish apartment in the city, going out with friends, and keeping everyone a safe distance from her heart.

Until she receives the call that sends her racing back to Barry's Bay and into the orbit of Sam Florek- the man she never thought she'd have to live without.

For six summers, through hazy afternoons on the water and warm summer nights working in his family's restaurant and curling up together with books- medical textbooks for him and work-in-progress horror short stories for her- Percy and Sam had been inseparable. Eventually that friendship turned into something breathtakingly more, before it fell spectacularly apart.

When Percy returns to the lake for Sam's mother's funeral, their connection is as undeniable as it had always been. But until Percy can confront the decisions she made and the years she's spent punishing herself for them, they'll never know whether their love might be bigger than the biggest mistakes of their past.

Told over the course of six years and one weekend, Every Summer After is a big, sweeping nostalgic look at love and the people and choices that mark us forever."

My Rating: 4/5

Another famous Canadian author. I hadn't read anything else by this author, but when her book was one of the Goodreads challenges, I thought, what a good time to read another popular Canadian romance author. This story follows Percy as she grows alongside Sam summer after summer, while flashing to our current timeline following tragedy. 

Throughout this read, I was impressed by Carley's ability to bring to life Canadian lake life, as well as small town dynamics. I also enjoy a good friends-to-lovers story. The alternating chapters only added to my love of the story. That being said, SAM was aggravating near the end of the book! I found his character was becoming whiny-man-baby. If you've read it you'll understand what portion of the book I'm talking about. The final plot twists were entertaining and interesting, but I wonder where else this author will take her future love stories, and I'm hoping we aren't having a repeated trope moment.  

Sidny

Book Review: Dream Girl Drama by Tessa Bailey

Title: Dream Girl Drama

Author: Tessa Bailey

Series/Standalone: Big Shots Series (Book #3)

Genre: Sports Romance, Adult Fiction, Contemporary

Pages: 320

Publisher: Avon

Year Published: 2025

Format: Audiobook

"When professional hockey player Sig Gauthier's car breaks down and his phone dies, he treks into a posh private country club to call a tow truck, where he encounters the alluring Chloe Clifford, the manic pixie dream girl who captivates him immediately with her sense of adventure and penchant for stealing champagne.

Sparks fly during a moonlight kiss and the enamored pair can't wait to see each other again, but when Sig finally arrives to meet his dad's new girlfriend over dinner, Chloe is confusingly also there. Turns out the girlfriend is Chloe's mother. Oh, and they're engaged.

Sig's dream girl is his future stepsister.

Though the pair is now wary of being involved romantically, Chloe, a sheltered harp prodigy, yearns to escape her controlling mother. Sig promises to teach her the ins and outs of independence in Boston- but not inside his bedroom. They both know there can never be more than friendship between a famous hockey player and his high-society, soon-to-be stepsister. But keeping their relationship platonic grows harder amid the developing family drama, especially knowing they were meant for so much more..."

My Rating: 4.5/5

I really enjoyed this book! This story follows Sig and Chloe, who meet, have a magical experience together and very quickly realise that they have more in common than their interest in each other. I loved the taboo aspect of this book, but also the yearning. The spice, as always, was really good, other than one aspect that Tessa Bailey has started to add to most of her spice scenes, which isn't for me. I look forward to reading the next book in this series. 

Sidny

Book Review: The Women by Kristin Hannah

Title: The Women

Author: Kristin Hannah

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Historical Fiction, Adult Fiction

Pages: 471

Publisher: St. Martin's Press

Year Published: 2024

Format: Hardcover (Own It)

"Women can be heroes. When twenty-year-old nursing student Frances "Frankie" McGrath hears these words, it is a revelation. Raised in the sun-drenched, idyllic world of Southern California and sheltered by her conservative parents, she has always prided herself on doing the right thing. But in 1965, the world is changing, and she suddenly dares to imagine a different future for herself. When her brother ships out to serve in Vietnam, she joins the Army Nurse Corps and follows his path. 

As green and inexperienced as the men sent to Vietnam to fight, Frankie is overwhelmed by the chaos and destruction of war. Each day is a gamble of life and death, hope and betrayal; friendships run deep and can be shattered in an instant. In war, she meets- and becomes one of- the lucky, the brave, the broken and the lost.

But war is just the beginning for Frankie and her veteran friends. The real battle lies in coming home to a changed and divided America, to angry protestors, and to a country that wants to forget Vietnam.

The Women is the story of one woman gone to war, but it shines a light on all women who put themselves in harm's way and whose sacrifice and commitment to their country has too often been forgotten. A novel about deep friendships and bold patriotism, The Women is a richly drawn story with a memorable heroine whose idealism and courage under fire will come to define an era. "

My Rating: 4/5

As with any time I read Kristin Hannah, I am prepared for an emotional rollercoaster. Her way of writing historical fiction really reminds the reader that while we know the history, what was it really like for the people who lived it. Good, bad and ugly. This novel follows Frances, who goes to Vietnam after being inspired to be a hero, the first female hero from her family (as far as we know). As someone from a deeply patriotic family, she encounters other views, devastation and other factors of war that she might not have considered before heading in-country. Love, friendship and more play out both in-country and back home while we watch her return to a country that doesn't have the same love for veterans that it did in WW II or WW I. 

I don't think when I began reading this book that I understood that over half of the book takes place in America (both before and after Frankie's deployment). While important, I think that more detail of her time in-country may have helped me better understand the personal changes that Frankie experiences and give an even more stark contrast between the world she leaves and the world she reenters.  That being said it was a very informative book. I hadn't read much about the Vietnam War, as I am Canadian, and it isn't a subject touched on often here. 

Sidny

Book Review: Field Guide for the Formerly Villainous by Autumn K. England

Title: Field Guide for the Formerly Villainous

Author: Autumn K. England

Series/Standalone: Everyday Magic Series (Book #1)

Genre: Cozy Fantasy, Adult, LGBT, Romance

Pages: 368

Publisher: Indie Published

Year Published: 2026

Format: Ebook (Own on Kindle)

"STARDEW VALLEY meets STUDIO GHIBLI in a charming cozy fantasy about healing, redemption, and the subtle magic of simple living. Perfect for fans of Can't Speel Treason Without Tea and The Spellshop. Welcome home, weary traveler.

When Oaklin Nettlewood accidentally joined an evil world-ending cult, mind control magic forced them to do unspeakable things. Years later, the realm's heroes have finally saved the day, defeated the villain, and shattered the last remnants of the spell... leaving destruction in their wake. And so, with a spell-damaged memory and whole bushel of trauma. Oaklin escapes to a small farm on the edge of Mossley's Rest and swears an oath: After all the things they were forced to do with their magic, they will never use it again. Ever.

The no-nonsense ghost granny who lives in Oaklin's house has other ideas. As she coaxes Oaklin ont of their shell and back into the world, they find companionship (a grumpy horse and a very good dog), friendship (a local bard and magical baker who should just kiss already), and tentative romance (a paladin-librarian who makes Oaklin's heart come alive for the first time in ages.) Magic even seems possible again- thought strictly for foraging magical mushrooms and protecting the farm from bugs.

Healing comes in gentle waves, and Oaklin doesn't have to do it alone. So what does it mean when an inquisitor comes to town to hunt former cultists just as Oaklin begins to think that maybe, just maybe, they deserve a happy ending after all?"

My Rating: 3/5

I love a cozy fantasy! This one was super fun. I really enjoyed the parallels that were drawn between Oaklin's trauma and the different phrases used to talk about healing. That being said, it was VERY heavy-handed. I also felt that there were moments where the writing seemed to change from cozy fantasy fantasy, to urban fantasy. It felt a little jarring. I look forward to reading more work from the author and seeing where this series takes us. 

Sidny

Book Review: The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab

Title: The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue

Author: V.E. Schwab

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Romance

Pages: 448

Publisher: Tor Books

Year Published: 2020

Format: Audiobook

"A life no one will remember. A story you will never forget.

France, 1714: In a moment of desperation, a young woman makes a Faustian bargain to live forever- and is cursed to be forgotten by everyone she meets. Thus begins the extraordinary life of Addie LaRue, and a dazzling adventure that will play out centuries and continents, across history and art, as a young woman learns how far she will go to leave her mark on the world. But everything changes when, after nearly 300 years, Addie stumbles across a young man in a hidden bookstore and he remembers her name."

My Rating: 5/5

I have been waiting to read this book for some odd reason, so after a friend mentioned it again recently, I got my library hold in. This novel was more than I imagined it could be. The changing timeline, the plot points, the twists, the turns, and the characters were all amazing. I enjoyed the audiobook, but I would be curious to read it physically as well, so I could get a better grip on the timelines. The writing was amazing, and I look forward to reading other work by the author.

Sidny

Book Review: Wild Eyes by Elsie Silver

Title: Wild Eyes

Author: Elsie Silver

Series/Standalone: Rose Hill Series (Book #2)

Genre: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Cowboy Romance, Adult Fiction

Pages: 464

Publisher: Indie Published

Year Published: 2024

Format: Ebook (Kindle Unlimited)

"A rugged mountain town seemed like the perfect escape from a life in shambles. But on day one, she ran full tilt into the world's hottest single dad, and now all her plans are ruined.

As a chart-topping country singer with a recent streak of bad press, it's hard for Skylar Stone to find any peace. But she finds it in Rose Hill. With a little boy and a little girl who steal her heart just as thoroughly as their dad. 

Weston Belmont.

 

The man is a shameless flirt. He oozes confidence and masculinity in a way that's downright distracting. And in bed? He's addictive.

Everything with him is wild and impulsive, and Skylar is desperate to regain some control. 

But no one has supported her like West does. And no one has ever made her feel as loved as he does either.

So, while Skylar's brain says settling down with a small-town horse trainer is impossible... her heart says she's right where she belongs.

Still, her life as a celebrity haunts her. It has the power to pull her and West apart. 

She can see in his eyes that he wants her to stay. And she wants that too. 

But she knows better than anyone that you don't always get what you want."

My Rating: 4.5/5

As per usual, I am impressed with Elsie Silver's ability to create a setting and characters that feel so real. I love them; they make me excited to continue with the series and see where each character goes and who they end up with etc. I also love that each series has characters who aren't going to have a story of their own. The town itself also seems so sweet. I can't wait to continue the series.

Sidny

Book Review: The Poet Empress by Shen Tao

Title: The Poet Empress

Author: Shen Tao

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Fantasy, Adult Fiction

Pages: 393

Publisher: Tor Publishing Group

Year Published: 2026

Format: Hardcover (Library Copy)

"Debut author Shen Tao introduces readers to the lush, deadly world of The Poet Empress, a sweeping, epic and intimate fantasy perfect for fans of The Serpent & the Wings of Night, The Song of Achilles, and She Who Became the Sun.

In the waning years of the Azalea Dynasty, the emperor is dying, the land consumed by famine, and poetry magic lost to all except the powerful.

Wei Yin is desperate. After the fifth death of a sibling, with her family and village on the brink of starvation, she will do anything to save those she loves.

Even offer herself as concubine to the cruel heir of the beautiful and brutal Azalea House.

But in a twist of fate, the palace stands on the knife-edge of civil war with Wei trapped in its center... at the side of a violent prince.

To survive, Wei must harden her heart, rely on her wit, and become dangerous herself. Even if it means becoming a poet in a world where women are forbidden to read- and compsing the most powerful spell of all. A ballad of death... and love.

The Poet Empress is an epic fantasy that explores darker themes, subjects and scenes that may not be suitable for all readers. Please see the author's content note at the beginning of the book."

My Rating: 4.5/5

This was so much more than I anticipated. When I started this book, I loved the writing style, but I also wasn't sure if I was loving the plot. By the halfway point, I was completely hooked. I couldn't put it down. The use of mythology and the darker turns kept me intrigued. The characters also grew on me, and seeing how the author wrapped up the story while still maintaining that intrigue makes me excited to read the next book this author writes. 

Sidny

Book Review: Educated by Tara Westover

Title: Educated

Author: Tara Westover

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Nonfiction, Memoir
Pages: 352

Publisher: Random House

Year Published: 2018

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"One of the most acclaimed books of our time: an unforgettable memoir about a young woman who, kept out of school, leaves her survivalist family and goes on to earn a PhD from Cambridge University.

Born to survivalists in the mountains of Idaho, Tara Westover was seventeen the first time she set foot in a classroom. Her family was so isolated from mainstream society that there was no one to ensure the children received an education, and no one to intervene when on of Tara's older brothers became violent. When another brother got himself into college,  Tara decided to try a new kind of life. Her quest for knowledge transformed her, taking her over oceans and across continents, to Harvard and to Cambridge University. Only then would she wonder if she'd traveled too far, if there was still a way home."

My Rating: 4/5

I had heard about this book when it was first published, but it kept getting pushed back on my TBR, and I was urged to read it after reading Yesteryear. The similarities (not social media-wise) were astounding. The use of language surrounding women, feminism, abuse, etc., was astounding. The gaslighting and manipulation that Tara Westover overcame in her hunt for knowledge and a life outside the one she knew reminds us not to take our ability to learn, research and hunt for information for granted. Her story, while heart-wrenching at times, is an important read, especially in a changing society. I would warn those with past trauma to look into trigger warnings for the book, as it is very forthcoming with her life. Finally, I have heard that her family has spoken out about the book. My simple comment is: if they were willing to gaslight and manipulate their own flesh and blood, what would stop them from doing it to the greater public? 

Sidny

Book Review: Under the Banner of Heaven: A Story of Violent Faith by Jon Krakauer

Title: Under the Banner of Heaven: A Story of Violent Faith

Author: Jon Krakauer

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Nonfiction, True Crime, History

Pages: 432

Publisher: Anchor Books

Year Published: 2003

Format: Audiobook

"A Story of Violent Faith

A multilayered, bone-chilling narrative of messianic delusion, savage violence, polygamy, and unyielding faith. This is vintage Krakauer, an utterly compelling work of nonfiction that illuminates an otherwise confounding realm of human behavior.

Jon Krakauer's literary reputation rests on insightful chronicles of lives conducted at the outer limits. In Under the Banner of Heaven: A Story of Violent Faith, he shifts his focus from extremes of physical adventure to extremes of religious belief within our own borders. At the core of his book is an appalling double murder committed by two Mormon Fundamentalist brothers, Ron and Dan Lafferty, who insist they received a revelation from God commanding them to kill their blameless victims. Beginning with a meticulously researched account of this "divinely inspired" crime, Krakauer constructs a multilayered, bone-chilling narrative of messianic delusion, savage violence, polygamy, and unyielding faith. Along the way, he uncovers a shadowy offshoot of America's fastest-growing religion, and raises provocative questions about the nature of religious belief. 

Krakauer takes readers inside isolated communities in the American West, Canada, and Mexico, where some forty-thousand Mormon Fundamentalists believe the mainstream Mormon Church went unforgivably astray when it renounced polygamy. Defying both civil authorities and the Mormon establishment in Salt Lake City, the leaders of these outlaw sects are zealots who answer only to God. Marrying prodigiously and with virtual impunity (the leader of the largest fundamentalist church took seventy-five "plural wives," several of whom were wed to him when they were fourteen or fifteen and he was in his eighties), fundamentalist prophets exercise absolute control over the lives of their followers, and preach that any day now the world will be swept clean in a hurricane of fire, sparing only their most obedient adherents. 

Weaving the story of the Lafferty brothers and their fanatical brethren with a clear-eyed look at Mormonism's violent past, Krakauer examines the underbelly of the most successful homegrown faith in the United States, and finds a distinctly American brand of religious extremism. The result is vintage Krakauer, an utterly compelling work of nonfiction that illuminates an otherwise confounding realm of human behavior."

My Rating: 1.5/5

This book has made me think about how I go into reading. Normally, I am not one to read the descriptions of books, as I feel they often give away too much or set my expectations up in a way that are not met. But lately, for nonfiction reads, I have found myself surprised time and time again about what I end up reading, not normally in biographies or memoirs, though. For this reason, I've decided I am going to read the descriptions of books before beginning to read them. 

For example, I heard about this book online somewhere in relation to cults. After reading, I can see why it was put on the list it was in relation to cults, but it is more of a deep dive into Mormonism, the sects, and the continued beliefs that include or surround the religion. This is not what I thought I would be reading. I also didn't realize that it was quite so graphic with the crimes of the Lafferty brothers. As of right now, I don't know who I would recommend this book to, but I'm sure it is for someone, just not me. 

Finally, the layout of this novel was well done. Switching between the past of the religion and leading to the present (at the time of publication), we do see the direct correlation and cause and effect; that being said, in audiobook format it was sometimes disorienting. 

Sidny

Book Review: The Smiling Land: All Around the Circle in My Newfoundland and Labrador

Title: The Smiling Land: All Around the Circle in My Newfoundland and Labrador

Author: Alan Doyle

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Nonfiction, Memoir, Travel, Canada

Pages: 264

Publisher: Doubleday Canada

Year Published: 2025

Format: Audiobook

"From one of Canada's most beloved and celebrated Newfoundlanders comes a rollicking insider's guide to the province, told as only Alan Doyle can tell it.

Few Canadian musicians or authors are as synonymous with their home province as Alan Doyle is with Newfoundland. And now Alan wants to introduce the rest of the world to his home, taking readers on a freewheeling, eclectic trip through the province. From Fogo island to the Southwest Coast, Labrador to Ferryland and everywhere in-between, Alan's Newfoundland awaits.

There are plenty of stops along the way to admire the sites and take in the history and culture. Among the stops, a discussion of Newfoundland's eccentric place names, which include Horse Chops Island, Bread and Cheese Cove, and the (in)famous, Dildo. There are visits to wind-swept coastlines and towering crags, former Beothuk, Viking and Basque settlements, as well as more recent settlements, such as Foley's Shed, a jaunty live-music pub that- as its name suggests, happens to be located in some guy named Foley's shed. There are savvy insider tips, such as how to score fish and chips and a free ride by hopping into the delivery person's car as they deliver your food to your desired destination. And what tour of Alan's Newfoundland could be complete without a short history of what can best be described as 'icebregs that look like things,' an illustrious history that includes an exact replica of the Virgin Mary that once washed into St. John's harbour, and the most recent- and ar less holy- 'Dickie Berg,' which made international headlines for looking like... well, not the Virgin Mary."

My Rating: 5/5

This is the third book I've read by Alan Doyle, and boy, I wish I had read it before my trip to Newfoundland last year. This year my in-laws took a trip and they had read the book. My mother-in-law recommended it, and I loved every moment. Given the opportunity, I would love to follow this book around the circle to explore Newfoundland, which is such a special place. 

Sidny

Book Review: The Kraken's Sacrifice by Katee Robert

Title: The Kraken's Sacrifice

Author: Katee Robert

Series/Standalone: A Deal With a Demon (Book #2)

Genre: Monster Romance, Fantasy, Paranormal

Pages: 182

Publisher: Indie Published

Year Published: 2022

Format: Ebook (Kindle Unlimited)

"Catalina only made her deal with the demon because she had nowhere else to go. The world has kicked her every chance it got, so she's all too happy to leave the realm she knows behind. What's the worst that could happen?

She doesn't anticipate being auctioned away to a kraken. 

Thane is cold and distant... but he's not unkind. Isolated as they are, Catalina finds herself seeking his company again and again. And when she finally agrees to uphold her portion of the bargain?

That's when things get really interesting.

But she only gave the demon seven years, and when the time is up, she'll have no choice but to leave behind the kraken who's stolen her heart and return to the world that doesn't want her."

My Rating: 3/5

This book follows Catalina, a girl who has some of the lowest self-esteem I've read about who sells 7 years of her life to a bargaining demon in exchange for riches. She's then given to a kraken king who has trauma of his own. They become a couple who has issues to work through, and did a mention, he's mostly made of tentacles? Don't worry they place a role. I enjoyed this book more than the first book in the series, it felt more romantic, less smutty. I'm excited to try the next one which is about a gargoye.

Sidny

Book Review: The Au Pair Affair by Tessa Bailey

Title: The Au Pair Affair

Author: Tessa Bailey

Series/Standalone: Big Shots Series (Book #2)

Genre: Romance, Sports, Contemporary, Adult Fiction 

Pages: 384

Publisher: Avon

Year Published: 2024

Format: Audiobook

"A sports rom-com about a burly, surly, single dad who falls head-over-hockey-stick for his quirky live-in nanny...

Tallulah is smart, vivacious and studying to be a marine biologist. She's also twenty-six and broke. So when Burgess, a battle-scarred hockey veteran and newly single dad, offers her a job as his live-in nanny, she jumps at the opportunity to get paid while living in a super fancy neighborhood and being around Lissa, his cool but introverted tween.

Her tween charge isn't the only one who could use some help fitting in, though. According to... well, everyone except Burgess, he needs to get back on the dating scene, and adventurous Tallulah is just the girl to show him how. But as boundaries are slowly crossed and Burgess finds himself pulled between his daughter, who wants her parents back together, and his insane chemistry with Tallulah, a huge rift is formed, and Tallulah does the "right" thing- breaks her own heart and walks away.

Though Burgess knows it's for the best- he's too jaded, with too much baggage- a chance meeting, and a new push from his daughter, forces him to put everything on the line and fight to prove he learned his lessons well and is worthy of a happily ever after with Tallulah."

My Rating: 5/5

I found this second book in the series far more to my liking than the first one. Could that be because it was hockey rather than golf? Maybe. Could it be because it was a single dad? Definitely. While there was one instance I wasn't a huge fan of, overall I loved the book. The smut was well written, the characters were dynamic and interesting and the plot had stakes.

Sidny

Book Review: Devout by David Archuleta

Title: Devout

Author: David Archuleta

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Memoirs, Nonfiction

Pages: 288

Publisher: Gallery Books

Year Published: 2026

Format: Audiobook (Library)

"Three years ago American Idol alum and pop star David Archuleta found himself on the floor of his apartment, suicidal, riddled with anxiety, and pleading to a god he was no longer sure even existed. It was a crisis of faith and identity, but it was also a turning point for a man who grew up queer in the Mormon church with severe anxiety and constantly under the pressure of his overbearing manager of a father. After that night, David vowed to be his authentic self.

Of course, the journey to authenticity is never easy, which is the story Archuleta shares in Devout. From his childhood growing up in the Mormon church, to allegations of sexual abuse against his father and step-grandfather, to his time on American Idol, and how the show runners and producers mistreated their young contestants. Archuleta's memoir is filled with earnest, revelatory anecdotes from his fascinating personal and public lives. 

Not just for Archuleta's myriad fans, Devout is a universal story of hope, told with sincerity and humility. It's a salve for anyone who's felt different, questioned their faith, felt they were living inauthentically. Most importantly, its a story for anyone who's had to break yourself down in order to rebuild yourself stronger than ever, and that's everyone."

My Rating: 4/5

This book really follows David Archuleta's changing faith, confusing childhood and how the industry really treats guardians and their children. It also showcases how the industry turns a blind eye to the abuse that may be going on behind the scenes. I read this book incredibly fast because I was curious about how long he remained with the church, how he came out ,etc. I would recommend if you are someone hoping to come out within the Mormon church, or if you're wondering how his life was before, after or during Idol. 

Sidny