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Book Reviews

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 […]

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Roland Rogers Isn’t Dead Yet by Samantha Allen

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 […]

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Knife Skills for Beginners by Orlando Murrin

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 […]

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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 […]

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Review: Somewhere Along the Line by Mallory Thomas

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 […]

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Book Review: System Upon Systems in the Bible

System Upon Systems In the Bible by Pastor William OuYang Genre: Nonfiction / Christian ISBN: 9781662952579 Print Length: 206 pages Amazon Bookshop Reviewed by Lauren Hayataka A valuable tool for exploring Christianity through the lens of both tradition and modern relevance  William OuYang’s System Upon Systems in the Bible is a thoughtful guidebook that offers […]

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Book Review: The Onionologist

The Onionologist by M.J. Parfitt Genre: Literary Fiction / Coming of Age ISBN: 9781763700109 Print Length: 422 pages Amazon Bookshop Reviewed by Elizabeth Reiser Taking a risk proves worthwhile in this charming coming-of-age story.  M.J. Parfitt’s The Onionologist follows the lovable but unlucky Elle, a long-haul flight attendant stuck in a dead-end job and an […]

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A Five-Letter Word for Love by Amy James

In Amy James’s debut contemporary romance novel, A Five-Letter Word for Love, she crafts a delightful story that explores the intersection of ambition, love, and finding one’s true path. Set against the backdrop of charming Waldon, Prince Edward Island, this heartwarming tale follows Emily Evans, a 27-year-old receptionist whose life seems to be going nowhere […]

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One Autumn Night by Maxim Gorky

One Autumn Night by Maxim Gorky was originally published in 1895. Its narrative delves into themes of love, personal conflict, and the impact of fleeting moments on the lives of its characters. This post may contain affiliate links that earn us a commission at no extra cost to you. One Autumn Night by Maxim Gorky […]

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Book Review: The Ivory Obelisk

The Ivory Obelisk by Eli Kale Genre: Literary Fiction / Psychological ISBN: 9798363229916 Print Length: 316 pages Amazon Reviewed by S.A. Evans Hidden truths and broken bonds in a masquerade ball—a deeply felt psychological novel. The Ivory Obelisk is a tale about the kind of regret that comes from suppressing grief. Our main character, Fabian […]