Rachel Reads & Reviews

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Book Club Picks

  • Book Highlight: Farrah Noorzad and the Ring of Fate

    Friend suggested I read this, and wow, what a ride. If you’re a fan of Percy Jackson or want to learn a new mythology, this is the book for you. Farrah sees her father just one day every year—her birthday. But this year, her wish to bring them closer goes wildly awry when Farrah discovers…

  • The Martha Years

    Well, I’m almost done with the entire Little House series. This is the second series by Melissa Wiley (who also wrote the Caroline Years) about Laura’s great grandmother, Martha Morse. It’s interesting to know that she was rather wealthy, being the daughter of a lord (or laird as Wiley tries to write most of the…

  • High School AUs

    What is it about them that draws people in? Is it that there is a enclosed space where you have your friends, enemies, and frenemies all in one place making it a perfect breeding ground for conflict and hijinks? Is it because it harkens to the author and readers’ nostalgia of the glory days? Is…

  • Book of the Month: Murder by Cheesecake

    When Dorothy’s obnoxious date is found dead in a hotel freezer, it not only ruins a gorgeous cheesecake but threatens the elaborate St. Olaf–themed wedding Rose is hosting. Things are heating up, and not just because of Blanche’s hot flashes. Rose’s cousin is eloping to Miami, and Rose is playing host. If she can’t balance…

  • Hispanic Books

    I know, I know, technically Hispanic heritage month isn’t until October but I read all of these at such a close period together, I wanted to put it out now. Besides it’s my blog, I can do what I want, and just in time for Daria’s final Primas of Power novel coming out at the…

  • Book of the Month: The Viscount Who Loved Me

    We’re continuing the read through Bridgerton, and come to one of the better books in the series. Some may say the best- Anthony and Kate! I’ve already discussed my thoughts on the book in my previous Ranking the Bridgerton series post- see tags, and not much changed. I love the sweetness of the romance since…

  • Series Highlight: I Survived

    Funny story. Even though I have seen this series around for years (it was first published around 2009), it was placed next to the “Choose your own adventure” series and like an idiot, I judged it by the cover and thought it was another one of thsoe with cooler covers. Fast forward to last month,…

  • Series Highlight: Boys of Wartime

    Twelve-year-old Daniel Prescott cheered when the Sons of Liberty dumped English tea into Boston Harbor. Then King George sent his soldiers to take over Boston and its port. Now Daniel’s home is a city under siege. When his father slips away to join the rebels, Daniel works in the family tavern and eavesdrops on Redcoat…

  • Women’s History Month Books

    It’s that time of year again with my yearly list of nonfiction books for those who want to learn about women’s contributions throughout history. This year, there weren’t many new books covering new women to interest me. Except for NPR’s Women in Music that I still haven’t gotten my hands on. And . . .…

  • Book Highlight: What Jews Look Like

    Too many Jews have been told: “You don’t look Jewish!” It begs the question, “What does Jewish look like?” Well, there are over fifteen million Jews in the world, which means there are more than fifteen million ways to look and be Jewish. It can look like setting out menorahs on tribal land, adding kimchi to the seder plate, organizing for…