👶👶👶👶👶: 100 Train Journeys of a Lifetime: The World's Ultimate Rides

I AM SO EXCITED Y'ALL!!! I am so fortunate to have received this magnificent book from TLC Book Tours - I am so incredibly grateful. Thank you so much to everyone that made it happen including National Geographic, Penguin Random House , and Disney Books .

I’m a total train junkie, and I won't lie – I’ve taken some playful ribbing for my passion for trains! In this fast-paced world, there’s something captivating about the nostalgia of trains that I just can’t shake. Whenever I get the chance, whether it’s at an amusement park, a local town, or during a vacation, you can bet I'll hop on board for a train ride. There’s a unique sense of peace and nostalgia that washes over me as soon as I step onto a train – it's really the whole experience that draws me in.

This book is simply GORGEOUS! 😍😍😍 The photos are nothing short of STUNNING, just as one would expect from National Geographic. The sections are organized by geographic areas including Europe, Africa & the Middle East, North America, South America, Asia, and Oceania. Each segment dives deep into these train excursions, and let me tell you, even if you’re not already a train fan, this will definitely change your perspective! I was absolutely thrilled to see Linha do Ouro in Portugal featured – what a gem!

This book is the PERFECT gift for any train lovers in your life, or it would make a fantastic addition to your coffee table collection!

Read 10/7/25

👶👶👶👶: Saoirse, by Charleen Hurtubise

Every once in a while, a novel with such depth and beauty surfaces and it truly makes readers' breath hitch. This novel started out slowly, taking it's time leading up to the reveal, building tension in a very deliberate manner. @charleen_hurtubise was skillful in her method and intentional in her messaging. As readers follow Saoirse (ser - shuh) along her path of fearful discernment of her life circumstances, her desitution becomes palpable. The setting is all at once atmospheric and harsh, revealing beauty just below the surface of the brutal reality. At first, the story may seem scattered, leaving readers feeling slight confusion. However, once the convergence of characters and details occurs, the significance of this novel becomes fervent and markedly relevant. It left me feeling contemplative, and gave me greater empathy for flawed individuals - we truly never know what others have been through in their lives.

I was given the privilege of both listening to the early review audiobook from #partners @macmillan.audio and @netgalley , as well as a hard copy from @celadonbooks . Both were immersive in their own right. @roisin_rankin lended her truly magnificent Irish voice to Saoirse. Thank you to all involved in allowing me the privilege to read this stunning novel.

👶👶👶👶: Family of Spies, by Christine Kuehn

Talk about uncovering some deep dark family secrets! This author takes the cake for revealing some genuinely shocking skeletons in the closet.

Big shoutout to Christine Kuehn for having the courage to share her journey. I'm so glad she ultimately made the decision to bring this story to light.

Without giving too much away, I can confidently say that this is the stuff movies are made of. While oftentimes, nonfiction books are dull and boring, this one was anything but ordinary.

If you are a fan of WWII history like me, this memoir is bound to be a winner for you too!

I'm so grateful to partner, Celadon Books, for this early review copy!

Read 12/22/25

👶👶👶👶: Best Offer Wins, by Marisa Kashino

WOWIE KAPOWIE! WHAT IN THE WORLD DID I JUST READ😲🫣???!!!

This book took such an unexpected turn that I would’ve never seen it coming; I was seriously blown away! Huge shoutout to @marisakashino for absolutely killing it with your debut novel (no pun intended)!🎉🎉🎉

The characters were so surprisingly nuanced that I was completely enthralled from the beginning. And the story itself was so simple, yet so well-developed. Bravo Ms. Kashino!

I don’t usually gravitate towards psychological thrillers, but this one is a game-changer. I can absolutely see it being adapted into a film someday. And I wish I could share more without spoiling the plot, but if you enjoy twists that turn everything you thought you knew upside down, this is the one for you!

I'm so grateful to #partner @celadonbooks for this #gifted early review copy! This was not one I would've ever considered reading if it wasn't for your generosity!

Read 12/9/25

👶👶👶👶: The Seven Rings, by Nora Roberts

What a fun series! Never did I think I'd say that about a spooky series, but I think it ended up being just the right amount of "spooky lite" to make it enjoyable! This final installment of 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑺𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒏 𝑹𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒔 was packed with more action than the previous one, so I was definitely invested. After making it this far, I simply had to find out how they would break that curse!

The characters are such fun and really won me over. I mentioned in my review of 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑴𝒊𝒓𝒓𝒐𝒓 how much I adore the inclusion of dogs as an integral part of the story! And can we talk about the ghosts? They were surprisingly endearing (aside from one) 😂. One of the highlights of the book for me was the fantastic music included in it; @norarobertsauthor has impeccable taste in tunes🎶!

If you, like me, are not a horror fan, but want to dip your toes in an eerie read, this is the series for you! The best part is that you can binge-read the entire series now that it’s complete!

So grateful to St. Martin's Press & NetGalley for this fun adventure!

Read 12/6/25

👶👶👶👶: To Outwit Them All, by Peggy Wirgau

It truly takes a remarkable woman to step up and take action when danger looms, and that’s exactly who Agent 355 was - the only female member of the legendary Culper Spy Ring. In her captivating reimagining, Peggy Wirgau brings us the story through the eyes of Betty Floyd, aka 355.

The novel propels readers into the New York social scene at the height of the American Revolutionary War, and grabs hold of the reader's attention from the beginning.

The character development was excellent, and I really loved Betty's character. I felt her hesitation and uncertainty as if it were my own when she was thrown into the world of resistance. A core part of the story dealt with her indecision as she grappled with whether she was ready or even willing to make the tough decisions that could change the course of history.

Overall, this is a fantastic historical fiction read for anyone fascinated by the American Revolution and the sacrifices it involved. It was the perfect pick to wrap up on #nokings day!

Many thanks to partner, Books Forward for this gifted review copy!

Read 10/19/25

👶👶👶👶: The Lost Garden, by Angela Petch

I'm continually amazed by the stunning stories woven from tragedy. Angela Petch has written a moving coming-of-age novel set against the backdrop in the small town of Sant' Agnese in Mussolini's Italy in the 1930s.

As readers are transported into the world of Castello di Montesecco, we meet Tina, a young girl born into privilege, but missing the influence of her deceased mother, a figure shrouded in secrecy.

The narrative unfolds naturally as Tina becomes entwined in the resistance while under the watchful eye of her militant father.

I was so impressed with Ms. Petch's ability to cultivate characters through time. It felt as though I was growing up right alongside Tina and her friends, experiencing the profound impact of war alongside them. So much of what was written in this novel frighteningly parallels what we are experiencing in the USA today. From the very first page, I was hooked; the writing was simply exceptional!

Many thanks to partners, Bookouture and NetGalley for sharing this stunning historical fiction novel.

👶👶👶👶: Life, and Death, and Giants, by Ron Rindo

Wow, what a novel. The powerful messages woven throughout this story truly resonated with me: faith and doubt, the intersection between religion and the secular world, and the weight of secrets. Sure, there were some tough moments that were hard to digest, but the beauty of the writing completely outweighed the difficult parts of the story. I have to say, I was completely blown away by the direction this novel took! I genuinely never saw the shocking twist coming - and I'm usually pretty hard to surprise. I found myself utterly captivated by this enchanting magical realism story.

Ron Rindo crafted his characters with such care. Gabriel was an endearing young man, and Hannah was just delightful. Thomas really pulled at my heartstrings with his heartbreaking backstory. Even Coach, despite his foibles, managed to evoke a sense of sympathy from me. I will admit, I wasn't as forgiving as Hannah when it came to Josiah's sins - I'm still not sure how I feel about it... when you read it, let's chat!

Get ready for a rollercoaster of emotions as this story unfolds! You’ll find yourself raising an eyebrow, sighing in frustration, cringing in disgust, and smiling with delight. It left me in a very contemplative mood, reflecting on the beauty of life. As I see it, these reactions are all the hallmarks of a truly outstanding novel.

Many thanks to partners, St Martin's press and NetGalley for this gifted review copy.

Read 9/15/25

👶👶👶👶: The Girl in the Green Dress, by Mariah Fredericks

Is anyone else out there just completely captivated by Zelda Fitzgerald? I can't help but appreciate how Mariah Fredericks has woven such an entrancing historical fiction mystery around this forever fascinating woman. Not only was her marriage to the literary genius, F. Scott Fitzgerald, shrouded in intrigue, but I've always felt her allure is in her wild spirit and flair for drama. Ms. Fredericks has packed this novel with so much depth: the reporter's complex PTSD as well as Zelda's fragile mental health, multiple historical mysteries involving unsolved deaths, and the intense dynamics between Zelda and F. Scott. Plus, we get a glimpse into the shadowy side of fame through the eyes of writer turned reporter, Morris Markey. The author masterfully links the reporter's discoveries to post-WW2 politics and the elite who seem to operate above the law. And all this unfolds in the dazzling backdrop of the Jazz Age! It really doesn't get any better than this!

If you appreciate great historical fiction with several nods to actual historical figures, enjoy gaining new perspectives on unsolved mysteries, and are drawn to the depths of human emotion, don't miss this one!

Many thanks to St Martin's press and NetGalley for this gifted review e-copy!

Read 9/4/25

👶👶👶👶👶: How the Hell Did I Not Know That?: My Midlife Year from Couch to Curiosity, by Lucie Frost

I didn't realize how desperately I needed a book that brought a little humor into my life, and this one was just the ticket!

Lucie Frost has penned a delightful memoir detailing her first year of retirement, which all kicked off with a hilariously drunken resignation text to her boss. It's a riotous tale of her self-created journey, which she charmingly named Project Couch to Curiosity.

The book delves into an ever-growing list of intriguing answers to the wonders that piqued her interest. This quirky trivia began during a leisurely couch potato phase immediately after she retired, and the random facts are both amusing and surprisingly captivating! For instance, she looked into what the best instrument is to learn later in life and discovered that the organ is one of the toughest instruments to master. Turns out I played it when I was young, so now I'm feeling kinda genius😂!!

I just love the cheeky attitude and comical personality of this former lawyer turned comedienne! So if you’re in the mood for a good chuckle and wouldn’t mind picking up some amusing trivia as you read, this book is just what you need!

Many thanks to partners, Kaye Publicity and Trinity University Press for this humorous gifted review copy! 

Read 8/26/25

👶👶👶👶👶: Here One Moment, by Liane Moriarty

Okay Liane Moriarty, I see you now! This novel, a finalist in the 2024 Goodreads Choice Awards, really resonated with me. Poignant and powerful, I was absolutely GLUED to the pages from the moment Cherry, an older, seemingly ordinary woman, stood up in the airplane. From that moment on, it was unputdownable!

This novel truly invites readers to reflect on their own lives - even the small choices that often feel inconsequential. It was definitely an amazing pick for our Book Club!

It certainly begs the question: ❓️If you had known the path your life would take, would you have changed anything along the way❓️

ALL the stars from me!!!

Read 7/2/25

👶👶👶👶: Agents of Change: The Women Who Transformed the CIA

I have to say: there are some badass women in this world, and Christina Hillsberg is definitely one of them! Especially in this day and age, any books that document the plight of women in traditionally male-dominated fields are so important! Ms. Hillberg has done a fantastic job recounting the stories of the pioneering women who faced countless challenges and hardships while pursuing their dreams in these high-stakes careers. What's more is that they were unknowingly blazing the trail for others to follow, inspiring them to reach even greater heights!

The book is organized decade by decade, beginning in the 1960s, and highlights various women and their powerful stories along the way. The timeline traces the progress of the agency with respect to the treatment and acceptance of women.

Overall, these real-life accounts are gripping, and I must admit that it blows my mind how courageous these women are!!!

Many thanks to partners, Kaye Publicity and Kensington Books for this gifted review copy!

Read 7/21/25

👶👶👶👶: Notes on Infinity, by Austin Taylor

Oh, how I love when a smart, new author nails it with her debut!!! Way to go, Austin Taylor!!! Honestly, speculative fiction can be a bit of a gamble for me, but this novel had all the elements that kept me glued to the pages. I was truly excited about the possibilities, especially since the bulk of the story felt so plausible and relatable, and the resolution was quite a reality check.

Zoe Kyriakidis and Jack Leahy, two brilliant Harvard science students, find themselves on a roller coaster of a ride when Zoe's innovative anti-aging breakthrough takes off with Jack's support.

First of all, who wouldn’t admire a book penned by an actual Harvard grad with degrees in both science and English?! That's some impressive girl power right there. Plus, I’m a sucker for a good coming-of-age tale where young characters embark on the journey of self-discovery—it's like a perfect Bildungsroman wrapped up in a nice little bow.

The narrative felt so genuine and emotional, messy yet beautiful, and I loved every moment.

A huge thank you for the gifted surprise, Celadon Books! I’m beyond grateful you sent this my way! 

Read 7/25/25

👶👶👶👶: The Cover Girl, by Amy Rossi

Wow, what a page turner! This story grabbed my attention right from the start. Having briefly ventured into the modeling world as a teen myself, the beginning of this story was so familiar. It also made me so grateful I didn't pursue it as a career.

After a current-day(ish) intro, the split timeline continues in the mid-70s as Birdie is discovered; the narrative then weaves through her life. I couldn’t help but cringe at how this young girl was treated, with her parents providing little to no protection, which resulted in a morally reprehensible relationship for which she had no frame of reference to understand. She was thrust into a world that valued nothing but her appearance, a storyline all too common from that era, where being a fashion model came at an incredibly high price.

Amy Rossi writes with such a lyrical flair, often hinting at situations and allowing the reader to fill in the gaps. It was a very unique writing style that made the novel all the more powerful. The emotional depth she brings to the table is something so many authors struggle to achieve. To boot, she was unafraid to tackle some very uncomfortable subjects. Truly, you won't believe this is HER DEBUT NOVEL!!!

So grateful to Kaye Publicity for this gifted, compelling read!!!

Read 8/5/25

👶👶👶👶: The Stolen Life of Colette Marceau, by Kristin Harmel

I am such a fan of @kristinharmel ! Her historical fiction novels are incredibly well thought out, and I love the unique spin she adds to her stories. In this case, the reader follows Colette Marceau, a descendant of Robin Hood, who carries on the family tradition by stealing jewelry from undeserving Nazis in order to fund the French resistance in the 1940s. In this dual-timeline narrative, Colette then continues her life-long pursuit in current-day Boston in order to fund the Boston Center for Holocaust Education. The story unfolds from there, with lifelong secrets unfurling as the story progresses.

It was an unexpected story with twists along the way, and I was invested from the get-go! Ms. Harmel did a marvelous job with the dual timelines, which certainly takes quite a bit of talent. Most importantly, she conveys the plight of the Jewish people, both during and after these human atrocities, in a very empathetic manner.

Many thanks to partners, @gallerybooks

 and @netgalley for this #gifted review e-copy.

Read 7/8/25

👶👶👶👶: One Final Turn, by Ashley Weaver

There's nothing quite like a book that takes me back to my Portuguese roots! Ashley Weaver truly brings the sights and sounds of Lisbon to life in this thrilling mystery set during World War II.

Readers follow former thief, turned intelligence recruit, Ellie McDonnell, as she embarks on a mission to find her cousin who has escaped a German POW camp. The pages come to life as this brave gal takes in the beauty of the land during her mission.

With a healthy dose of romance and plenty of action, this novel is sure to ignite your travel desires! Even though this is the fifth book in a series I haven't read, I never once felt lost—everything flowed perfectly. I truly savored every page!

Many thanks to partners, Minotaur Books and NetGalley for this gifted review e-copy!

Read 7/11/25

👶👶👶👶: The Tapestry of Time, by Kate Heartfield

This engaging historical fiction novel set during WWII revolves around four sisters: Kit, Ivy, Rose, and Helen. Their father, a passionate historian, had always been convinced that the Bayeux Tapestry holds prophetic secrets. Unfortunately, the Nazis are equally as captivated by the tapestry...

With elements of magical realism, the story draws readers into the sisters' journeys as they navigate their unique roles in the fight against the Germans. Along the way, we witness their hesitation to embrace their clairvoyant abilities.

While I do enjoy multiple points of view, I’ll admit that keeping track of all four sisters sometimes made my head spin! But honestly, that probably comes from juggling so much else in my life right now that has nothing to do with the book😩.

I was fascinated to learn more about The Bayeux Tapestry - something I'd never even heard of before, and I was certainly impressed with @kateheartfield 's thorough research!

Many thanks to #partners @tlcbooktours and @harpercollins for this #gifted review copy!

Read 7/22/25

👶👶👶👶: The Unhappiest Place On Earth, by Jade Gonzalez

As you all know, I'm a massive Disney enthusiast! So when this author reached out, offering me a review copy of her indy book that takes place in Disneyland, how could I say no?!

Ms. Gonzalez has crafted a charming YA novel that's bound to enchant the young teens in your life. It's perfect for anyone who loves the magic of Disney; my favorite part was all the references to classic rides. It sure took me back to my days visiting the park as a teen (and all the awkwardness of those bygone days). In fact, similar to this plot, my senior trip was scheduled to be in Disneyland, but it ended up being completely derailed. So, for me, this story felt like a little piece of what could've been!

I'm confident that young girls, and maybe even some guys, will fall head over heels for this book—it's squeaky clean and really sweet! The only part they'll struggle with is that it ends with a massive cliffhanger - so unfair😩!

Thank you so much, Jade Gonzalez, for sharing this review copy with me! It really took me back!

Read 7/13/25

👶👶👶👶: Blonde Dust, by Tatiana de Rosnay

One of the first books that sparked my passion for historical fiction was 𝘚𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘩'𝘴 𝘒𝘦𝘺, an international bestseller by Tatiana de Rosnay. So, when I stumbled upon news of her latest project, I couldn't wait to get my hands on it! This captivating story is set in Reno, NV, in 1960, at the iconic Mapes Hotel and Casino, the epitome of vintage glamour in the west.

What unfolds in this narrative is quite unexpected. We follow Pauline, a young maid at the hotel, as she forms an unlikely friendship with Mrs. Miller. To her surprise, Mrs. Miller happens to be none other than the legendary Marilyn Monroe! What unfolds is a multi-layered story with wild mustangs, intriguing movie history, and a life-altering experience for sweet Pauline.

I was genuinely moved by how the author portrayed Marilyn Monroe's humanity. It offered me a new perspective on her life and the misconceptions that surrounded her. Plus, the behind-the-scenes glimpses into the filming of her last movie, 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘔𝘪𝘴𝘧𝘪𝘵𝘴, were absolutely fascinating. Hats off to you, Ms. de Rosnay!

Many thanks to partners, Grand Central Pub & NetGalley , for this gifted review copy!

Read 6/19/25

👶👶👶👶: The Jackal's Mistress, by Chris Bohjalian

I genuinely make an effort to explore all sorts of books, but I always find myself irresistibly pulled back into my favorite genre: historical fiction. It’s amazing how much I’ve learned over the years from such talented authors, especially considering I didn’t exactly shine in history class!

In his latest novel, Chris Bohjalian has crafted a truly compelling story that immerses readers in the gripping realities of survival during the Civil War. I have such a deep appreciation for narratives that come from a place of empathy and compassion. The protagonist, Libby Steadman, beautifully captures this essence, guiding us through a time filled with fear and mistrust. Libby is surrounded by a cast of memorable characters that are as endearing as they are strong, and it was so easy to get attached to them all. Bohjalian reminds us that at the core, we’re all human beings, deserving of understanding and respect, even when our beliefs differ.

Kudos to Mr. Bohjalian for reminding us of this crucial lesson!

Many thanks to partners Doubleday and NetGalley for this gifted review e-copy.

Read 6/15/25