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Happily Never After: Gaston Review
Gaston is a sick and frail young man, and with a family who often mock him for his supposed weaknesses, his life moves from one miserable moment to the next. One day, while out exploring, Gaston is attacked, only to be saved by a young witch called Agatha. Little by little, the pair fall in love, neither of them having felt before the happiness they do when they’re together. But with outside forces and their tempestuous natures to contend with, will their love be able to last?
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Plans for 2026
Last year I had said that I was going to dial back on reading. I really, really meant, yet ended up reading over 800 books. I blame the economy, with little employment opportunities, there is only one to spend your free time.
However, this time I really mean it. I’m gearing up for more job searches and applying to law school. Hopefully, my time will be taken up and I won’t have to read as a coping mechanism. It helps that there aren’t many new books I’m looking forward to reading.
In fact, there’s only two books I have my eyes on that are coming out this year. Felicia Grossman’s Dearest Beast and Alice Murphy’s A Modern Girls’ Guide to Divorce.
Otherwise, that’s it. There’s not much I even want to reread. Maybe I’ll reread Secrets of My Hollywood Life, see if I like Dark Ascension, Disney Princes, and Queen’s Council as much the second time around, and yeah that’s it. Oh, and The Awakening of Roku since I wasn’t able to get a copy before New Years. Plus book club picks, hopefully this year we’ll be able to get a little more than ten, but I’m really excited about our picks.
That means I’ll be posting a lot less here. That’s why I want to know whether if anyone wants to have me drop some mood boards and/or excerpts of my novel? Or perhaps, hear my thoughts on retro tv shows.
I know I don’t get many comments, but just one comment to let me know if this something you’d be interested in addition to the book reviews would be much appreciated.
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Reading Log 2025
I know, I know, I said earlier this year I’d cut back on the reading. I didn’t reach a thousand, but I clearly didn’t stick to my goal. I blame the economy for not giving me a job to fill my time. Currently stands at 839
Any who, reading is better than drugs and I indulged in several themes this year. The first major one was historical fiction where I read all the historical fiction books in my house, and then some. I think I feel very versed in US history as well as Canadian.
In romance, I finally finished the excellent Las Leonas trilogy by Adriana Herrera, and followed it up with other diverse romances.
In the middle grade section, it was a major nostalgia year where I reread old favorites from the early aughts like Beacon Street Girls, Zodiac Girls, Cinderella Cleaners and got into series that I was curious about but never read like Bedeviled, Goddesses, and Three Girls in the City. Some still held up more than others. This also gets me into sub-themes like fashion books (Allegra Biscotti, Nevertheless, She Wore It), travel (S.A.S.S., Ayesha Dean Mysteries, Karito Kids, Lights, Camera Cassidy) and High School AUs (Monster High, Ever After High, Equestria Girls).
Plus I got ten interviews on board and finished my own novel! YAY!
As usual, here’s a list of books I read this year divided by genre, and you can further read my thoughts by clicking the author/book title tags on bottom.
Happy New Year!
(more…)#29dates, #7animaltales, #aashnaavachat, #adelewhitby, #adifferentkindofpower, #adrianaherrera, #alicemurphy, #aliciathompson, #allegrabiscotti, #alyandaj, #amandadeibert, #americangirl, #americanquilt, #andshewas, #anjalibanerjee, #annaandthemysteryofthemountains, #anniebryant, #annm.martin, #annshen, #anthonyhorowitz, #arielandthecurseoftheseawitches, #aroguethorn, #asgardians, #ashesoftheacademy, #ashowgirl’srulesforfallinginlove, #atimeforhope, #avonromance, #awoman’splace, #ayeshadean, #beachbattleblowout, #beaconstreetgirls, #bedeviled, #behindtheseams, #bemused, #beprepared, #berkleyromance, #biancaturetsky, #boysofthebattlefield, #bradmeltzer, #bscintheUSA, #caféconlychee, #callahancousins, #candicejalili, #carleneo’connor, #cartoonchroniclesofamerica, #caseofthesurfingsecret, #catherineconner, #cathyeastdubowski, #cathyhapka, #catsebastian, #charitytahmaseb, #charlespelzer-pollack, #charlotteyears, #cheetahgirls, #chrisgrabenstein, #cinderellacleaners, #comeasyouare, #commercialbreaks, #contemporaryromance, #coolforthesummer, #courtneymilan, #courtneysheinmel, #cruelheart, #dahliadler, #dcsuperherogirls, #dearamerica, #dearcanada, #dearmanny, #deborahgregory, #deborahkent, #deborahwiley, #declanshelvey, #deepiahluwalia, #denenemillner, #dianegalbadon, #dianegallagher, #disneydescendants, #disneygirls, #disneyhyperion, #dollyparton, #dominiquemoceanu, #dr.ruthwestheimer, #drewmoss, #dynamitecomics, #dystopian, #elizabethdoylecarey, #elkonigsburg, #emerylee, #emilyofnewmoon, #emmabradford, #emmet, #equestriagirls, #erikatamar, #everafterhighstories, #eviewoods, #faithhopehicks, #familytree, #farrahrochon, #femininepursuits, #fiction, #fightforfreedom, #findingfamous, #findingmyway, #firsthingsfirst, #followyourarrow, #friendshipsrings, #ftlukens, #gabrielleandthegentleman, #gabriellecharbonnet, #georgeo'connor, #girlhoodjourneys, #girloftheyear, #girlsfrommanylands, #girlsoflighthouselane, #girlssurvive, #girlstothefront, #gittydeshavani, #gloriachao, #goddesses, #goforthegold, #goforthegoldgymnasts, #goulfriends, #gregweisman, #haileyalcaraz, #harpercollins, #hattiebigsky, #hattieeverafter, #hayleyneil, #hazahfaizel, #hbgilmour, #herberta.libby, #heroesformydaughter, #highschoolau, #historicalfiction, #historicalromance, #historymysteries, #historymystery, #homefieldadvantage, #howfarI’llgo, #hudaf.wantstoknow?, #hudafahmy, #IamCanada, #ifwisheswerehorses, #instructionsfordancing, #Isurvived, #jacindaardern, #janeigharo, #janfields, #jasminejones, #jblynn, #jeannebenecourt, #jencalonita, #jessicabrody, #jessicaverdi, #jillianbrooks, #johannakerby, #kacencallender, #karitokids, #katthetimetraveler, #kealakendall, #kikithorpe, #kirbylarson, #kjcharles, #lace, #lasleonas, #laurentarshis, #lauriecalkhoven, #lauriehalseanderson, #legendofkorra, #levacrosen, #leyendas, #lianadelarosa, #lightscameracassidy, #lilymeade, #lindagerber, #lisapapademetriou, #lisayee, #literaryfiction, #littlebrownbooksforyoungreaders, #littlehouseontheprarie, #littlepinkpup, #livelyst.lemons, #lizklienrock, #lizzielovesethan, #lmmontgomery, #loki, #lorielangdon, #loveatsecondsight, #lovecravescardamom, #lylalee, #magicatticclub, #magpiemurders, #malalayousafzai, #marthayears, #marykateandashleymysteries, #marywilcox, #mayagold, #megmedina, #melatilum, #melissadelacruz, #melissawiley, #memoir, #memoirs, #michaelpellowski, #middlegrade, #missyoumina, #monicamancillas, #monsterhigh, #monsterhighdiaries, #mulanandthepalaceofthesecrets, #murderatanirishchipper, #murderbycheesecake, #murdermystery, #mymostexcellentyear, #mynameisamerica, #mysisterisavampire, #mystery, #mysteryofpenquanisland, #nadirahsimmons, #nathanhale, #nathanhaleshazerdoustales, #nemontenenquimo, #nessimonstrata, #neverthelesssheworeit, #nicolayoon, #nicstone, #ninamata, #nonfiction, #oliviabennet, #oliviawaite, #oncemorewithchutzpah, #outlander, #pabloleon, #penguinrandomhouse, #perditafinn, #pgkain, #rachelelkstromcourage, #rachelreads&reviews, #rachelveil, #randireisfield, #rhondastapleton, #roadtorevolution, #rocknrollmysteries, #rosabyanyothername, #roselerner, #royaldiaries, #ruthelwinharris, #s.a.s.s., #samiraahmed, #sannamarin, #sarahmccoy, #sarahmylowski, #sarahraasch, #scholastic, #schoolofsecrets, #seaglasssummer, #secretsofthemanor, #seducingthesedgwicks, #seeingstars, #seeyousoonsamantha, #seventalesoftrinket, #shanipetroff, #shannonhale, #shelleythomas, #shenanigansofslimpickins, #shericoopersinykin, #shirleyconran, #sibylmiller, #siennamercer, #silencedvoices, #simon&schuster, #sincerely, #sistersofquantockhills, #sistersofthequantockhills, #sixtiestrilogy, #slimpickinsandladylobster, #songteller, #speak, #spyxfamily, #st.martinspublishing, #stanmack, #staroftheshow, #starpower, #starssaddlesandstripes, #stefferrari, #stevekluger, #stupidcupid, #sunriseonthereaping, #susanchaplin, #susankirby, #susankorman, #suzannecollins, #suzanneselfors, #swordinslumber, #talesfromriverdale, #tatsuendo, #thebabybookofwillybobthesquirrel, #thecuckoosister, #thecuffinggame, #thedoctorisin, #theeducationofanartist, #thegirlwhocouldsilencethewind, #thehitwomahuntsaghost, #thehitwomanandtheneuroticwitness, #thehollywoodsisters, #thelostbookshop, #theoutcastsof19schuylerplace, #theresareed, #thesingularlifeofariapatel, #thesummerIwasn’tme, #thewishlessones, #thinkofengland, #thisiskindofanepiclovestory, #thortonburgess, #threegirlsinthecity, #thundercats(2024), #thundercats:lost, #tianaandthemagicofharlem, #tigerthebutterflywhocouldn’tfly, #timetravellingfashionista, #tonyviehmann, #traceywest, #trishamcgraw, #twistedtales, #twitches, #upinflames, #vanessa, #vcandrews, #vivianalcock, #w.a.sorrell, #wedgefordtrials, #wellofmagic, #wewillbejaguars, #whalesarejustlikeyou, #whateverafter, #whateverhappenedtolorilovely, #wildflowers, #wildgirls, #wishyouwerehereliza, #withlovemissamericanah, #wondergirls, #woofthereitis, #xmarksthespot, #YA, #yj, #youngjustice, #zodiacgirls, $darcyvance -
Book Highlight: A Woman’s Place
While the phrase “go back to the kitchen” has a negative connotation, one can’t deny that women have been the heart of the hearth and home, feeding generations and bringing communities together. It’s invisible compared to the manly man world of professional cooking, and the three sections- Innovators who popularized or introduced dishes to continents making an intercultural exchange, Instigators, women who used food to help their communities through aid or through political fundraising, and Inventors, self-explanatory -Ahluwalia and Ferrari seek to bring recognition to women’s accomplishments in all sectors of the food industry.
Some notable entries include:
Leah Richard, an African-American woman who released her own cooking book, and catering company during a time of intense discrimination, she was the first woman to host a cooking show. A decade before the famous Julia Child.
Nitza Villapol-Possibly the Cuban counterpart to Richard, Villapol possibly propagandized communism living through her cooking show, highlighting how to make great meals through limited resoruces.
Esther Eng-an openly lesbian Chinese-American filmmaker, Eng sought to provide a bit of home and a haven for her fellow Chinese-American actors and ended up creating the hottest, priciest Chine restaurant in NY.
Eva Ekeblad-introduced the versatality of the potato to Sweden. Not only introducing a culinary staple but helping a starved population during famine.
Betty Crocker is fictional, but Marjorie Husted is the woman behind the popular brand, introducing her cookbooks, recipes, and even her voice on her radio show.
Ellen H. Richards was a chemist and home economist that researched schoolchildren can’t study while hungry and helped start free noontime meals in Boston, a model that would soon be adopted nationally.
Leah Chase aka the inspiration behind Princess Tiana, is better known as the Queen of Creole Cooking through her award-winning Dooky Chase Restaurant serving all the prominent civil rights leaders and two presidents.
Sarah Joseph Hale-Lincoln may have made Thanksgiving a national holiday, but Hale was the one who wrote articles, petitions, and sought audience with legislators arguing for the importance of a day of thanks and unity. She also wrote “Mary Had a Little Lamb.”
Avantika Jalan-Fourth generation tea producer she’s the founder and managerial director of the organic tea line, Mana Organics.
Nancy Johnson-Created the hand-cranked churn machine so anyone could make ice cream.
Melitta Bentz-Created the coffee filter, and a household empire.
Julia Davis Chandler-Her cookbook is the first recorded instance of PB&J sandwich recipe.
Teressa Bellissimo-Created buffalo wings and the blue cheese dressing plus celery sticks that are an American staple.
Emeline Jones-Separating fact from fiction, there’s evidence that former slave turn chef, Jones, created the potato chip. Even if she didn’t, she was a favorite of the DC elite with her terrapin stew.
Elizabeth Gregory-She created doughnuts for her sailor son. Very sweet, and we can’t thank her enough for the delicious treat. Her son was the one who added the hole.
Josephine Cochrane-Created the dishwasher.
As you can see, women created a lot of the dishes and some lifesaving inventions. They also included recipes that are put so simply, I feel confident enough to try my hand at making herb-roasted chicken and sage buttermilk biscuits or my own girl scout cookie.
The one flaw in the book is that in trying to include many women, they only get a page or two at most. The ones with women grouped together (Women of Tea, Women of Beer, Rumrunners, etc) only get a paragraph which makes me want to know more. Or worse, I don’t understand why they included because it is summed up as female rumrunner. Like did she do anything more notable compared to other female rumrunners? Did she struggle? Did she expand her husband’s business etc.?
Nonetheless, this is an informative, enlightening book that will whet your appetite and encourage readers to thank those (most likely the moms, let’s be honest) who nourish them.
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Happily Never After: Vanessa Review
Ursula is sick to death of mermaids.
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Ready to carve out a name for herself, she uses an ancient spell to become human for the first time. As the vivacious Vanessa ventures on land, she discovers an incredibly powerful curse has hexed an entire village. Determined to find the source of this dark magic and possess it, she gains the trust of the charming boy who unwittingly cast the spell. Together, they must confront the evil creature who created it, but the villain isn’t always clear. As Vanessa struggles with the new feelings of her warm-blooded human heart, she must decide what is more potent—ultimate power or true love. -
Nonfiction Books
In Star of the Show, the culminating book in Dolly Parton’s photographic trilogy—following Songteller (lyrics) and Behind the Seams (fashion)—the global superstar finally shares a definitive look at her career as one of the world’s most dazzling and beloved performers.
Featuring engaging stories and memories from Parton’s dynamic life behind the microphone, this book spotlights her signature performances and star-making moments, from singing in front of her family to premiering on the Grand Ole Opry stage and beyond. Her formative years performing with country legend Porter Wagoner are chronicled as she learns hard lessons from life on the road. Breaking out on her own at state fairs and critically acclaimed venues, she toured the world performing for millions of fans in arenas, stadiums, and at festivals. From making her onscreen debut in the blockbuster feature film 9 to 5 to playing the Dallas Cowboys’ 2023 Thanksgiving halftime show to 42 million viewers, this global superstar knows no limits. Along the way, Dolly shares the stage with Kenny Rogers, Linda Ronstadt, Emmylou Harris, and others, while offering insight on touring big, singing strong, and staying on top for seven decades.
Brimming with Parton’s trademark wit and heartfelt sincerity, Star of the Show: My Life on Stage is not only an homage to one of history’s most cherished artists, but also a must-have collector’s item for—and love letter to—any fan of the one and only Dolly Parton.The latest in Parton’s supersized autobiography trilogy, she showcases plenty of memorabilia and stories of her time on the road that any fan will enjoy. At first I was a bit disappointed as I was expected a look into the behind the scenes of a typical concert for her. The sets, the setlists, etc. But she writes that she has a simplistic set-up for her shows so there’s not much to view there. Rather it was a compendium of her road trips throughout the country and abroad, her tricked out tour buses, and her work ethic along the way. If you read her previous two books one right after the other like I did, there are some stories she did repeat which detracted some of the enjoyment. But there were others she went more into detail like her partnership with Kenny Rogers, and Porter Wagoner; the thrill and logistics of performing abroad in Ireland in the mud, and the boost she gets from fans even during her darkest days.
She acknowledges that she has the discipline and the imagination to do what she does, she wouldn’t be able to if she didn’t believe in herself, but she always, always gives credit to the team behind her, saying they’re as much part of her success as she is. She’s a national treasure, and I always enjoy reading about her.
(more…)#abramsbooks, #adifferentkindofpower, #atriabooks, #autobiography, #biography, #charlespollackpelzner, #crownbooks, #dollyparton, #findingmyway, #hopeinaction, #jacindaardern, #malalayousafzai, #memoir, #nemontenenquimo, #rachelreads&reviews, #sannamarin, #scribner, #simon&schuster, #staroftheshow, #tenspeedpress, #theeducationofanartist, #wewillbejaguars -
Thundercats: Lost Review
After being shot down in the middle of a war zone, five Thunderan warriors are fighting for their lives. Together they face a horde of heavily armored soldiers, and the team’s only hope is to somehow break through their lines to reach the wreckage of their ship.
Such overwhelming odds will strain their abilities to the absolute limit. But even if Pumyra, Lynx-0, Shen, Ligon, and their hammer-wielding commander Bengali make it out alive, will they still be able to complete their mission? And even more important: who is the mysterious antagonist who is hunting them and what is his connection to the Book of Omens?
An action-packed mini-series, this explores the B-team of the Thundercats. The ones who go on a secret mission and don’t get the glory, thus they know it’s unlikely they’re going to get a calvary to rescue them when they’re stranded on Third Earth.
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Karito Kids
Karito Kids was a line of 21″ dolls representing girls from different countries around the world. The world “karito” means “charity” and “love of one’s neighbor” in Esperanto.
3% (or $3) of the purchase price of the 21″ dolls went to Plan USA, a charity that helps children around the world. The purchaser could choose to specifically donate the money to “Food,” “Health”, “Home” or “School” related projects via the Karito Kids website.
Like almost every doll company, the dolls come with little books showcasing their families, home, and adventures. This collection had a more educational bent as the creators seem to sincerely want to encourage kids to be curious about the world and learn to appreciate cultural differences and see where they’re all the same. It’s so wholesome and earnest.
Anyway, most of the books are written by W.A. Sorrell except the last one, Sydney Scandal which was done by Judy Katschke. I can’t say they have much that differentiates them from other girl adventures besides the organic way they showcase different countries. Except for Sydney Scandal, the way the author dropped in Aussie slang and famous landmarks felt shoved in rather as part of the story. Also it took half the story to get to the actual mystery.
I do appreciate in Nairobi Nightmare, the narrative brings up a child-friendly lesson of the reality that rich people tend to get away with stuff because they’re rich, and poverty and inequality are a huge problem. Lulu feeling helpless at the scope of the issue, and her own privilege tugs at the heartstrings.
Shanghai Secret was also interesting as it featured Ling struggling to fit into her new life in the city, and the class differences between city and country kids as well as touching on discrimination against the poor.
Florence Fiasco and Manhattan Menace felt the most typical of these adventures with the protagonists going on a hunt for stolen treasure through crumbling buildings.
A cute series with heart, but it is rare, so good luck finding it on ebay or your local library.
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Thundercats: Knights Review
Technically, the fourth volume hasn’t come out yet so it doesn’t have a proper title, but I thought Knights was a good stand-in until it vol 4 (#16-20) gets released. That’s because Shelvey returns to top form by increasing the action and the character-growth that had been missing in the previous volume.
Lion-O is still gone, and Panthro recovering from the wounds inflicted on him by Mumm-Ra, leaving Cheetara in charge. With the discovery of a new element, Tygra has helped devise new armor that has made the cats stronger, faster, and more durable than before, so Cheetara wages an aggressive campaign against the Mu’tants instead of being reactive.
While Cheetara makes some mistakes in her urge to be proactive, she is a strong leader. Decisive, doesn’t tolerate nonsense in the ranks, and able to see different sides of strategy before making her next move. Compared to Lion-O’s hot-headed and insecure approach, I think she should stay leader and hope Lion-O’s journey makes him realize his role is somewhere else.
I doubt it since there’s a whole prophecy that the Thundercats need to be led by Lord Lion-O, but still. He hasn’t proven his leadership mettle as Cheetara has, and his solo jaunt through the Third Earth seems to imply that he likes being alone without the burdens of responsibility and decision-making.
While most of the volume is focused on their aggressive campaign against external threats, and how that backfires on them (hint, hitting the bad guys first sometimes makes them even more angry and willing to ally with other bad guys), there are several great twists.
First off, another Thundercat arrives on Third Earth-Bengal! He had been sent years early to see if the Thundarians can establish a new home there, and had been lost ever since. He’s also Cheetara’s ex-fiance. Such drama! Even moreso, with all the time that has passed and Bengal’s caginess about the mission he was sent on, Shelvey sows seeds of potential double-agent. That’s what Calica suspects too, it takes one to know one.
Then there’s Apex, Lion-O’s future self whose aggression and belief in destroying all enemies, makes him a difficult enemy. The Cats see him as the Lion-O they knew, but soon realize this one is willing to turn on them as easily as any Mu’tant. It fuels the urge to find the real Lion-O wherever he may be.
You can see the theme of division mounting with each issue, and the bad guys quickly take control of it. The new ally, the Vulture men drawn to feathery menace by Moss, takes a more strategic approach of divide and conquer. It’s nice to have a competent bad guy as the Reptilians bash and destroy method obviously wasn’t working. Plus it allows for some dynamic fight scenes between the cats, the vultures and the reptiles, very aerodynamic and expressive.
The other cats had stand-out moments as well like Panthro’s vulnerability, retreating into his armor after his debilitating attack as well as his doubt in judgement for losing Lion-O. The Kits also get a moment when confronting Silthe’s son, and choosing whether or not to give him grace in escaping or letting him die. Jaga’s solo issue delving into his decisions, good and bad, and contrasting with Mumm-Ra’s inner rot when their friendship turned sour felt like a Greek tragedy, it was moving.
All in all, a great volume with a compelling cliffhanger that leaves plenty of analogies between Lion-O and Odysseus. I only hope he has learned some restraint during his time apart and maybe some newfound wisdom.
5 stars.
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Book of the Month: Murder at an Irish Chipper
Siobhán’s brother Eoin’s new family restaurant, The O’Sullivan Six, is so close to opening—but waiting on the necessary permits plus the heat of July in the village of Kilbane in County Cork is driving everyone a bit mad. Macdara Flannery comes to the rescue with a plan—take a holiday by the sea and stuff themselves with fish and chips to support the struggling business of the aptly named Mrs. Chipper.
But when they arrive, a crowd is gathered in front of the closed shop: a local fisherman with a fresh cod delivery, a food critic, Mrs. Chipper’s ex-husband who’s opening a competing fish and chips shop directly across the street, and a repairman to fix the vent for the deep fryer. With Siobhán and Macdara as witnesses, a local handyman gets the locked door open, only to find the proprietor lying dead and covered in flour at the base of a ladder, its rungs coated in slippery fat. Clearly this was not an accidental tragedy . . .
Even as the local garda take over the murder investigation, Siobhán and Macdara can’t help themselves from placing their long-delayed honeymoon on hold—at least until they can help apprehend an elusive killer.Just when I gave up of ever correctly guessing a murderer in a murder mystery, I did it! And on the 7th chapter too, it was surprising. I don’t know if that means the mystery was lackluster if I guessed it that easily, but it was still cute nonetheless. Also it did not involve a wood chipper like I had initially thought. Apparently Irish chippers refer to fish and chips. Also police are called garda.
This is the 11th in a series, but you don’t really need to know the background of Siobhán and her family to enjoy it. Although, I must admit I first thought Siobhán’s siblings were her kids for like half of the book before I realized she was the parentified older sister. Like any good mystery, the small town is filled with quirky potential suspects. Even though I guessed it quickly, there was a mid-climax twist that threw everything we thought we knew about the murderer and his motives into doubt.
There were a few things that were left hanging, but nothing egregious, and it was a cute, cozy mystery. Just made me wonder if the rest of the series goes to different villages like Dublin, Galway and so on.
Yay, we finished our last book club read of the year! We plan to be a lot more proactive next year, but we’ll see. I do know we’re going to start on an adorable note with The History of the World in 50 Dogs by Mackenzi Lee. See you next year.
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Rachel Reads & Reviews 