New Book Reviews

Adult Books

1/5/2026 “Illustrator’s Sketchbooks” by Martin Salisbury
A behind-the-scenes look at how illustrators actually work. Filled with real sketchbooks and notes, it shows ideas in progress…messy, playful, and unfinished. A great one to flip through if you love seeing how creativity really happens.

Illustrators Sketchbooks Book Cover

1/5/2026 “The Taylor Book” by Malcolm MacKenzie
An unofficial, fan-friendly guide to Taylor Swift’s music, career, and many eras.  A peek into her songwriting, cultural impact, and why this work resonates with so many people. A fun pick for longtime fans or anyone curious about the Taylor phenomenon.

The Taylor Book Cover

1/5/2026 “The Woman in Suite 11 (Lo Blacklock #2)” by Ruth Ware
Ruth Ware delivers another fast-paced thriller full of secrets and twists, featuring journalist Lo Blacklock. An easy pick if you’re in the mood for suspense you can’t put down. A sequel to The Woman in Cabin 10, but it also works as a standalone.

The Woman in Suite 11 Book Cover

11/26/2025 “Writing Creativity and Soul” by Sue Monk Kidd
Sue Monk Kidd reflects on how creativity and spirituality weave together in everyday life. Through personal stories and gentle guidance, she talks about slowing down, paying attention, and finding your true voice on the page. It’s an encouraging, thoughtful read for anyone wanting to reconnect with their creativity.

Writing Creativity and Soul book cover

11/26/2025 “The Cook’s Garden” by Kevin West
Kevin West celebrates the simple magic of growing food and cooking with what’s right outside your back door. Part gardening guide, part kitchen inspiration, this book wanders through the seasons with practical tips, lovely stories, and recipes that make the most of fresh herbs, veggies, and fruit. It’s a great pick for anyone who loves tending a garden and turning those harvests into something delicious.

The Cooks Garden Book Cover

11/26/2025 “The Golden Girls: Tales from the Lanai” edited by Taylor Cole Miller and Alfred L. Martin Jr.
This affectionate look back at The Golden Girls brings readers right onto the lanai with Blanche, Dorothy, Rose, and Sophia. Miller and Martin blend behind-the-scenes moments, thoughtful commentary, and plenty of heart to capture why the show still feels like home decades later. This cozy read is  perfect for anyone who grew up laughing with these four friends and still reaches for cheesecake when they need comfort.

The Golden Girls Tales From The Lanai book cover

1/5/2026 “Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil” by V.E. Schwab
Dark, moody, and very V.E. Schwab. This gothic vampire fantasy novel follows three women across different centuries. Exploring topics of love, power, and identity, this book is a great pick if you like emotionally rich stories with a little edge.

Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil book cover

1/5/2026 “Saltcrop” by Yume Kitasei
A dystopian sci-fi novel focused on two sisters searching for their missing eldest sister. Set in a harsh, salt-covered world, it follows characters trying to survive and make hard choices. Tense, immersive, and thought-provoking, this pick is great for fans of strong world-building.

Saltcrop Book Cover

11/26/2025 “A Fellowship of Librarians and Dragons” by J. Penner
This lighthearted fantasy follows a group of librarians who discover their quiet stacks are a lot more magical and dangerous than they realized. When dragons, enchanted books, and a few unexpected quests show up, the librarians band together to protect their world using equal parts bravery, book smarts, and humor. A fun, cozy adventure for anyone who loves libraries, magic, and a good team-up.

A Fellowship of Librarians and Dragons Book Cover

11/26/2025 “The World’s Fair Quilt” by Jennifer Chiaverini
Set against the excitement of the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition, this novel follows a group of women brought together by a remarkable quilting project. As they stitch, they share stories, worries, and dreams. Chiaverini blends history and heart into a cozy read perfect for anyone who loves quilts, women’s stories, or a touch of historical charm.

The Worlds Fair Quilt book cover

11/26/2025 “My Next Breath” by Jeremy Renner
In this candid memoir, Jeremy Renner reflects on the accident that nearly took his life and the long road back. He writes with honesty, grit, and surprising humor about recovery, family, and what it means to rebuild yourself one step at a time. A good read for anyone who appreciates resilience and stories of starting over.

My next breath book cover