In her adult debut novel, Beth Kander crafts a masterful blend of magical realism, romantic comedy, and poignant family drama that defies easy categorization. I Made It Out of Clay takes the ancient Jewish legend of the golem – a protector formed from earth and animated through sacred words – and transplants it into contemporary […]
Category: Book Reviews
Rental House by Weike Wang
In her third novel “Rental House,” Weike Wang masterfully explores the complexities of a cross-cultural marriage through the lens of two family vacations. Following her acclaimed works “Chemistry” and “Joan Is Okay,” Wang continues to demonstrate her keen insight into the Asian-American experience while expanding her scope to examine broader themes of family, belonging, and […]
In her third novel, Suzy Krause masterfully weaves together elements of speculative fiction with intimate family drama to create a story that is both haunting and hopeful. Following the success of her previous works “Valencia and Valentine” and “Sorry I Missed You,” Krause ventures into new territory with “I Think We’ve Been Here Before,” tackling […]
Training the Heart by Paisley Hope
In Training the Heart, the second installment of the Silver Pines Ranch series, Paisley Hope delivers a compelling romance that masterfully weaves together themes of healing, trust, and personal growth. Following the success of Holding the Reins, this novel continues to explore the enchanting world of Silver Pines Ranch while introducing readers to a fresh […]
The Undefeated by Ernest Hemingway

The Undefeated by Ernest Hemingway appears in Hemingway’s 1927 story collection, Men Without Women. The story tells of an ageing bullfighter’s return to the sport after an injury. This post may contain affiliate links that earn us a commission at no extra cost to you. The Undefeated by Ernest Hemingway The Undefeated by Ernest Hemingway […]
Book Review: Kianola

Kianola by Nathan Roth Genre: Young Adult / Fantasy / Gaming ISBN: 9781735678726 Print Length: 647 pages Amazon Reviewed by Lauren Hayataka A messy, heartfelt exploration of adolescence, identity, and the allure of online worlds Middle school: a place that Nole, the awkward protagonist of Nathan Roth’s Kianola, describes as “harsher than any tundra and […]
In Samantha Allen’s inventive and touching second novel, a deceased movie star and a struggling writer forge an unlikely connection that transcends the boundaries between life and death. Roland Rogers Isn’t Dead Yet deftly blends supernatural elements with sharp commentary on celebrity culture, queer identity, and the universal human desire to be truly seen. The […]
In this ambitious debut novel, Knife Skills for Beginners, celebrated cookbook author Orlando Murrin combines his extensive culinary expertise with a murder mystery set in London’s prestigious Belgravia district. While the premise is enticing – a cooking school becomes the scene of a gruesome murder – the execution sometimes lacks the finesse one might expect […]
Private Rites by Julia Armfield
In her latest novel Private Rites, Julia Armfield crafts a mesmerizing narrative that weaves together climate catastrophe, family dynamics, and religious cult horror. Following her acclaimed works salt slow and Our Wives Under the Sea, Armfield continues to demonstrate her mastery of atmospheric writing while pushing deeper into themes of sisterhood, inheritance, and the weight […]

Synopsis: Their marriage of convenience was supposed to exist on paper. Can these strangers act convincingly in love when the pressure’s on? Piper Paulson’s life is finally on the upswing. She has a new job, a BFF roommate, and a commitment to avoid dating after an ex cost her her peace—and her former career. She […]