Audio: The Mystery Guest by Nita Prose

327 pages, Paperback

Series: Molly the Maid (#2)

Published: November 29, 2023 by HarperCollins

Mystery/own

I liked this one too, a cozy mystery. Dunno where the cozy line is drawn but sort of cozy.

Molly is head maid and doing well. She has a boyfriend,the respect of others, and all is well. Until a famous author drops dead.

The maid is always the one to blame. And Molly actually has a secret which gets told in flashbacks. She actually knew the author when she was younger. But now she is on the case as a maid in training gets blamed. Who wanted to kill Mr Grimthorpe?

I liked it. No real danger or action. She takes everything with stride. I like a mystery like this.

Molly Gray wears her Head Maid badge proudly for every shift at the Regency Grand Hotel, plumping pillows, sweeping up the guests’ secrets, silently restoring rooms to a state of perfection.

But when a renowned guest – a famous mystery writer – drops very dead in the grand tea room, Molly has an unusual clean-up on her hands.

As rumours and suspicion swirl in the hotel corridors, it’s clear there’s grime lurking beneath the gilt. And Molly knows that she alone holds the key to the mystery. But unlocking it means thinking about the past, about Gran, and everything else she’s kept tidied away in her memory for so long.

Because Molly knew the dead guest once upon a time – and he knew her . . .

TMST

 

 

Tell Me Something Tuesday is a weekly discussion post where bloggers discuss a wide range of topics from books and blogging to life in general. Weigh in and join the conversation by adding your thoughts in the comments. If you want to do your own post, grab the question and answer it on your blog. Feel free to leave your links in the comments if you are participating,

1/27/2026 What's your favorite decade and why? (You do not need to have lived through it!)

This is another hard one, the further back I go the more nope I get. My family was starving just 100 years ago so maybe not. Oh and war and shit. Then you go back more, even more starvation and hiding from Russians in caves. Damn, it does suck. And I really must go and check for those caves this spring. I am so curious. Anyway...

Let´s just do the 90s! The hair and clothes were a tad bit better. Cool new shows and movies emerged. The music changed. The rise of boy bands. It is very sentimental.

2/3/2026 If you could invent a holiday, what would you celebrate?

2/10/2026 Share some Romance Book recommendations

2/17/2026 Are there any books you've read that changed your perspective on a subject?

2/24/2026 Which books are you looking forward to reading this Spring? (March-May)

Tell Me Something Tuesday is a weekly discussion post where bloggers discuss a wide range of topics from books and blogging to life in general. Weigh in and join the conversation by adding your thoughts in the comments. If you want to do your own post, grab the question and answer it on your blog. Feel free to leave your links in the comments if you are participating.

If you are interested in participating in TMST or receiving periodic emails that list the upcoming TMST topics and questions,  please fill out this GOOGLE FORM.  Participation is optional and never required.

Carole´s Monday: Three Dark Crowns

Author: Kendare Blake

Narrator: Amy Landon
Title: Three Dark Crowns

Series: Three Dark Crowns #1

Genre: YA, Fantasy, Romance
Format: Audiobook
Published: September 20, 2016
Where I Got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

When kingdom come, there will be one.

In every generation on the island of Fennbirn, a set of triplets is born—three queens, all equal heirs to the crown and each possessor of a coveted magic. Mirabella is a fierce elemental, able to spark hungry flames or vicious storms at the snap of her fingers. Katharine is a poisoner, one who can ingest the deadliest poisons without so much as a stomachache. Arsinoe, a naturalist, is said to have the ability to bloom the reddest rose and control the fiercest of lions.

But becoming the Queen Crowned isn’t solely a matter of royal birth. Each sister has to fight for it. And it’s not just a game of win or lose…it’s life or death. The night the sisters turn sixteen, the battle begins.

The last queen standing gets the crown.

Review:

First book club book of 2026! Weeeeeee!

Here we follow three sisters. All three are queens and equal heirs to the crown, and all are magical. However, there can only be one queen to rule them all. Mirabella is an elemental. Katharine is a poisoner who can ingest poisons. Arsinoe is a naturalist. This will be a fight to the death on the night of the sisters' 16th birthday. 

How cool is this concept? Def royals meets fantasy meets Hunger Games. Loved the idea and the concept. I wouldn't want to live here, but the powers would be lovely. I guess I would just want to be a civilian. I wouldn't make a good queen. 

The execution of the story was...okay. It was so slow and so dry in the beginning. Yes, we are learning about the sisters and the world and the rules, etc. However, it took forever for anything to really happen. Plus, we had a lot of POVs going on. Not just the queens, but a lot of their friends, etc. Sure, I didn't mind getting a glimpse of the world, but I think I would've liked this more if it were just the queens' POVs. 

Also, I did the audio of this. I wonder if I would've appreciated the multiple POVs if I did the ebook/physical book of it. It would've been easier to follow along. There were a couple of times I was confused about who was saying what. I had to rewind a couple of times. Don't get me wrong, the narrator is good! I have listened to her before, but so many POVs and soooo many characters, it is hard to have a different voice for each person. 

OMG, the end. I need to read book 2. Dayum. 

Oh! There was another scene a few pages back that had me audibly gasp! Holy cannoli batman!

Overall, I did enjoy myself while listening to this. I think I would've liked it more if I did a different format and/or if we have less POVs. I do want to read book 2 because things have HEATED up. I'll give this 3 stars. 

Reading Challenges

- Audiobook #2

- Library Love #3

Audio: Still mad about you by Liz Maverick

Release date: 08-28-25

Narrators: Luci Christian Bell, Andrew Eiden, Helen Laser

Length: 2 hrs and 3 mins

Publisher: Audible Originals

Categories: Romance

I like these short audible novellas. But the whole sound effect things throws me at times. I was out skiing and then suddenly there was this sound and I freaked out something was behind me, lol. But yes when you are inside it works well.

Dani and Asher became enemies in High School and now they have to plan a scavenger hunt. But this is a novella they actually talk and reach some common ground. Sometimes High School drama is not the entire world.

They have fun hanging out together and sparks fly. It was cute and short.

Good narration. I am sure I recognize the guy from other audible ones and the woman too. They work well together. And yes cool effects too that bring it to life

Years after being locked in a fierce high school rivalry, Danielle Green and Asher Williams are forced to team up again. The plan their high school reunion in New York. As they set up a citywide treasure hunt for their former classmates, old tensions reignite…along with unexpected sparks.

Dani never forgave Ash for stealing the class presidency more than a decade ago, but she’s determined to keep her cool while stuck together with him during the hot Manhattan summer. Trouble is, Dani isn’t prepared for Ash’s easy charm and thoughtful gestures, and Ash isn’t ready for his secret teenage crush on Dani to return with a vengeance.

As the ice between them melts and grudges fade into the past, Dani and Ash just might discover that the real treasure at the end of the chase was there all along.

Audio. Suddenly Mrs Darcy

By: Jenetta James

Narrated by: Lillian Rachel

Length: 6 hrs and 41 mins

Release date: 06-15-20

Publisher: Quills & Quartos Publishing

Audible/historical romance PP variation

I love pride and prejudice variations. One would think I would get tired of them, but I do not. There is always something new.

In this one Mrs Bennet finds them together and there is a hasty marriage. Lizzy is unsure about her new position and life. Some look down at her. She has not really made her peace with Darcy either and that is what this is about. It is sort of sad too in the beginning, they are complete strangers and they live together, but they never really get to know each other.

And some Lydia drama thrown in too. Ugh Wickham. One angry aunt. And some secrets.

Fun times, I am clearly addicted to these.

Good narration

Elizabeth Bennet never imagined her own parents would force her to marry a virtual stranger.

But when Mrs. Bennet accuses Fitzwilliam Darcy of compromising her daughter, that is exactly the outcome. Trapped in a seemingly loveless marriage and far from home, she grows suspicious of her new husband’s heart and further, suspects he is hiding a great secret. Is there even a chance at love given the happenstance of their hasty marriage?

Audio: Evergreen by Buck Turner

Narrated by: Alexander Cendese

Length: 6 hrs and 34 mins

Release date: 01-20-26 by Tantor Media

YA Fiction(to review)

A coming of age YA book with heart and turmoil.

Cole moves with his mother and sister to a small town after his dad died in an accident. He does not want to move, or start a new school. But almost at once he befriends a pretty girl next door. One who carries a heavy past.

He meets new friends, and also does something no one dares to do. Goes up the mountain to talk with the hermit who lives there. The scary old man who is said to have killed 3 teenagers. But Cole is a good guy and together with his new friends he tries to find out what happened to those missing teenagers to clear the name of his new chess partner.

There is also faith as his new friend takes him to church and he tries to deal with the questions of could he have saved his dad if he had prayed harder?

And something unexplainable comes in at the end. I can not tell you of it, but there is something mystical in those woods.

Heart, mystery, first love and friendship.

Good narration. He had a good feel of the story and it flowed very well and I felt these different characters.

Cole Mercer is a young man angry at the world...and for good reason. After the sudden loss of his father, Cole's mother moves them hundreds of miles away from all that is familiar to the sleepy town of Evergreen, North Carolina. He struggles to settle in, but navigating difficult classmates is offset by the beautiful girl next door. And he begins to understand there's something different about this small southern town and the forest that surrounds it, which seems to have more of a presence than it should.

Nothing in Evergreen is quite what it seems.

Listeners will fall in love with Evergreen's southern charm and the love story at its center which transcends time.

TMST

 

 

Tell Me Something Tuesday is a weekly discussion post where bloggers discuss a wide range of topics from books and blogging to life in general. Weigh in and join the conversation by adding your thoughts in the comments. If you want to do your own post, grab the question and answer it on your blog. Feel free to leave your links in the comments if you are participating,

1/20/2026 What are your favorite snow/winter-themed books?

Snow and winter, wow that is rather hard. But one book does pop up in my mind

Spitsbergen, months of complete darkness in the Arctic Winter. And something is out there. Such a great book!

1/27/2026 What's your favorite decade and why? (You do not need to have lived through it!)

2/3/2026 If you could invent a holiday, what would you celebrate?

2/10/2026 Share some Romance Book recommendations

2/17/2026 Are there any books you've read that changed your perspective on a subject?

2/24/2026 Which books are you looking forward to reading this Spring? (March-May)

Tell Me Something Tuesday is a weekly discussion post where bloggers discuss a wide range of topics from books and blogging to life in general. Weigh in and join the conversation by adding your thoughts in the comments. If you want to do your own post, grab the question and answer it on your blog. Feel free to leave your links in the comments if you are participating.

If you are interested in participating in TMST or receiving periodic emails that list the upcoming TMST topics and questions,  please fill out this GOOGLE FORM.  Participation is optional and never required.

Carole´s Monday. Wild Scottish Knight

Author: Tricia O'Malley

Title: Wild Scottish Knight

Series: The Enchanted Highlands #1

Genre: Romance, Fantasy, Paranormal

Format: ebook

Pages: 316

Published: April 4, 2023

Where I got It: Kindle Unlimited

Summary: 

Opposites attract in this modern-day fairytale when American, Sophie MacKnight, inherits a Scottish castle along with a hot grumpy Scotsman who is tasked with training her to be a magickal knight before the Kelpies wreak havoc on the people of Loren Brae.

The knight was supposed to be a man.

Not me, Sophie MacKnight, a marketing associate from California.

This must be a practical joke that the Scots play on visiting Americans. Because otherwise I’ve inherited a haunted castle in Scotland, along with one irritatingly sexy Scotsman, who would be delighted if I turned tail and ran.

Frankly, I thought I would fly here, sell the heap of bricks, and head back home to a life that I…well, I was comfortable with at the very least. Instead, the people of Loren Brae are in trouble, and it appears that as the new owner of the castle, I’m next in line to reinstate the magickal Order of Caledonia. Which means, first, I have to learn to believe in magick. And secondly, I have to train to become a knight.

And my trainer? None other than Lachlan Campbell, the grumpiest man I’ve ever had the annoyance of meeting. It’s a toss-up who is pricklier, Lachlan, or his kilted Chihuahua, Sir Buster. Not only does Lachlan think that I can’t hack it, but he also resents my claim on his castle.

If only he didn’t look so devastatingly hot in his kilt.

Now, I’m stuck proving myself to him, all while trying to figure out how to help my new friends in Loren Brae.

Sparks fly as our swords meet, and we battle our rising attraction for each other.

Who will win in this (Highland) game of love?

Review:

I adore this author, so I had to check this one out. 

Sophie has inherited a Scottish castle from her beloved uncle. When she arrives, there is alot more than just having a castle to renovate....there are Kelpies out to destroy the village, she is a Knight, she has to learn magic, there are ghosts, and there is a grumpy man who doesn't seem to want her there. 

This was a hoot. I had a lot of fun with our characters and the situation. Poor Sophie. That is a lot to take on, but she needed this adventure. She was stuck in a life she didn't truly want. 

This was def a "light" fantasy, and I appreciated that. I didn't want to get too deep into the weeds of the magical world. Sure, there are real threats and some fights and dramatic moments, but it was cozy in a way. 

One thing that annoyed me was that I struggled with the chemistry between these two until near the end. Maybe he was too grumpy? I loveeeee grumpy, but maybe he was just too closed off for me to buy it. Maybe they were slightly overshadowed because of the chemistry between two side characters. Their banter was on fire. Can we see them finally fall in love? IDK. I just didn't really feel their chemistry at first. 

Other than that, I had a lot of fun with this story. This felt more like a fantasy chick lit tbh. 

4 stars. 

Audio: Off the record by Portia McIntosh

Narrated by: Karen Cass

Length: 1 hr and 36 mins

Release date: 05-20-25

Publisher: HQ Digital

Categories: Romance

Listened to on spotify

I listened to this one over at spotify, but I had 20 min left when my hours were over so I waited over 21 days to finish this novella. Yeah maybe spotify is not the place for audiobooks. You can buy more, but like thanks but no thanks for 20 min.

Anyway a short novella about Nicole who is besties with a rockstar. He goes missing after a gig and she needs to find him. She has some funny situations and with her is another rockstar and sparks fly.

Short and good.

Good narration too

Being best friends with a mega-star has its perks, and music journalist Nicole Wilde takes full advantage of them.

But it also has its responsibilities. When lead singer Dylan King disappears the night before a charity gig, it’s up to Nicole to track him down.

Half a dozen groupies, a haunted hotel, a tattoo parlour, a reality show runner-up and a crazy bed-hopping, sleepless night later – will she find him before the tour bus leaves town? And when she does, is it time to head home? Or to jump on the tour bus and go along for the ride?

The Ritual by Adam Nevill

Format: 432 pages, Paperback

Published: February 14, 2012 by St. Martin’s Griffin

Horror/borrowed

Ok, I admit, I am not really a horror fan because I get scared, I have nightmares. I also do not want it bloody. But this book was so good! And really scary.

The first half is about 4 friends hiking through the Swedish wilderness. Two are out of shape and has had accidents so they decide to take what they believe is a shortcut through the woods.

Oh those woods were scary. I like when it is that creepy feeling that you never see anything, but something is out there. Something dangerous. And then they find creepy things. That intense uncomfortable feeling is growing.

But then after half the book the mood shifted, it was still good, but not as scary. Now it was more real and weird. I did prefer the first scary part, as the second part was never scary....I mean the threat of death is constant, but you would have to read it to see.

Great scary book

When four old University friends set off into the Scandinavian wilderness of the Arctic Circle, they aim to briefly escape the problems of their lives and reconnect with one another. But when Luke, the only man still single and living a precarious existence, finds he has little left in common with his well-heeled friends, tensions rise. With limited experience between them, a shortcut meant to ease their hike turns into a nightmare scenario that could cost them their lives. Lost, hungry, and surrounded by forest untouched for millennia, Luke figures things couldn't possibly get any worse.

But then they stumble across an old habitation. Ancient artifacts decorate the walls and there are bones scattered upon the dry floors. The residue of old rites and pagan sacrifice for something that still exists in the forest. Something responsible for the bestial presence that follows their every step. As the four friends stagger in the direction of salvation, they learn that death doesn't come easy among these ancient trees…

Audio: To be loved by you by Debbie Burns

Rescue Me, Book 6

By: Debbie Burns

Narrated by: Stina Nielsen

Series: Rescue Me, Book 6

Length: 9 hrs and 42 mins

Release date: 01-13-26 by Tantor Media

Contemporary romance/to review

This was a cute romance with lots of rescue animals.

Jeremy has some trauma of his own, and because of that he has a therapy program for at risk kids.

Ava is a yoga teacher/realtor who he meets at a dog wash event. She has a short marriage behind her, but she at least is open.

They meet again at her dog yoga. They get friendly. He has an adorable dog, he wants to foster more dogs. There are rescue kittens. So many cute animals. Of course they have to fall in love when caring for so many animals.

The drama is the hurts of his past and if he can get over that.

Happily ever after with animals. Cute story. Good narration that made you follow along

Jeremy Washington couldn't be happier running his own therapy program for at-risk teens. Between weekend service projects and hanging out with his faithful rescue dog, Rolo, Jeremy doesn't have time to date--which is fine with him considering the mess his early marriage turned out to be. The only thing he needs now is a new project for the kids in his program, and the High Grove Animal Shelter has the perfect opportunity--a group of dogs and puppies needing foster care.

At the rescue site, Jeremy meets Ava Graham, a yoga teacher looking to expand her practice. Jeremy thinks the kids would really benefit from learning yoga, and Ava's the perfect person to help--maybe too perfect. Ava's beautiful, talented, and funny--and she has the biggest heart Jeremy has seen in a long time. But can Ava convince him that mixing business and pleasure could be the key to rescuing his heart?

TMST

 

 

Tell Me Something Tuesday is a weekly discussion post where bloggers discuss a wide range of topics from books and blogging to life in general. Weigh in and join the conversation by adding your thoughts in the comments. If you want to do your own post, grab the question and answer it on your blog. Feel free to leave your links in the comments if you are participating,

1/13/2026 What's a food you're obsessed with?´

I can¨t say there is any food I am obsessed with. I do love chips though if we talk snacks. And I am not obsessed with tortillas but sure I could eat them every Friday as Friday is Taco Friday. I would not say no to pizza or hamburgers either.

1/20/2026 What are your favorite snow/winter-themed books?

1/27/2026 What's your favorite decade and why? (You do not need to have lived through it!)

2/3/2026 If you could invent a holiday, what would you celebrate?

2/10/2026 Share some Romance Book recommendations

2/17/2026 Are there any books you've read that changed your perspective on a subject?

2/24/2026 Which books are you looking forward to reading this Spring? (March-May)

Tell Me Something Tuesday is a weekly discussion post where bloggers discuss a wide range of topics from books and blogging to life in general. Weigh in and join the conversation by adding your thoughts in the comments. If you want to do your own post, grab the question and answer it on your blog. Feel free to leave your links in the comments if you are participating.

If you are interested in participating in TMST or receiving periodic emails that list the upcoming TMST topics and questions,  please fill out this GOOGLE FORM.  Participation is optional and never required.

Carole´s Monday: At first spite

Author: Olivia Dade

Title: At First Spite

Series: Harlot's Bay #1

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Format: ebook

Pages: 400

Published: February 13, 2024

Where I got It: My shelf (Amazon)

Summary: 

When Athena Greydon’s fiancé ends their engagement, she has no choice but to move into the Spite House she recklessly bought him as a wedding gift. Which is a problem, for several reasons: The house, originally built as a brick middle finger to the neighbors, is only ten feet wide. Her ex’s home is literally attached to hers. And Dr. Matthew Vine the Freaking Third—AKA the uptight, judgy jerk who convinced his younger brother to leave her—is living on her other side, only a four-foot alley away.

If she has to see Matthew every time she looks out her windows, she might as well have some fun with the situation. By, say, playing erotic audiobooks at top volume with those windows open. A woman living in a Spite House is basically obligated to get petty payback however she can, right?

Unfortunately, loathing Matthew proves more difficult than anticipated. He helps her move. He listens. And he’s kind of…hot? Dammit.

Matthew may not regret ending his brother's engagement, but he does regret what the breakup has done to Athena. He'll help her however he can. If that means finding her work, fine. If that means enduring nightly steamy story hours, so be it. And if that means watching Athena through their windows a bit too often and caring about her a bit too much…well, nothing can come of it. She’ll never forgive him. Even if she did, how could he ever tell his beloved younger brother the truth—that Matthew wants the very same woman he encouraged Johnny to leave?

Review:

Randomly stumbled upon this on Amazon while looking for something else. This sounded cute, and I love the cover. 

Here we follow Athena, who thought she had it all, but her fiancé leaves her at the instance of his brother. Now she is stuck with a tiny house squeezed in between theirs. If she is stuck with her ex-brother-in-law, she might as well have fun by messing with him. Matthew doesn't regret ending his brother's engagement, but he does feel terrible for Athena. But it was for the best. He will do what he can to help Athena, even if that means helping her find work, enduring her audiobooks, and seeing her too much. 

This was absolutely ridiculous, and the premise was chaotic at the best of times. BUT I had fun reading it. 

The dialogue was cheesy, but it was amusing. 

The characters were wild, and Athena was too much sometimes, but they were adorable. 

I had a lot of fun with this, but the ending? Ugh. He should've groveled and begged and pleaded. Athena is far too kind. 

All-in-all, I did enjoy this chaotic story. It was fun, and the characters were endearing, even though I think Athena needed to make Matthew earn her back. Grrr!

I'll give this 4 stars. 

Reading Challenges

-  Reading Romance Challenge #1 (necktie)

Crowbones by Anne Bishop

By: Anne Bishop

Narrated by: Alexandra Harris

Series: The World of the Others, Book 3

Length: 11 hrs and 17 mins

Release date: 03-08-22 by Penguin Audio

Own/fantasy

Relisten Dec 2025

Yes I managed to get them all in this year!

After this one there are no more and that us utterly heartbreaking because I adore this world!!!!!!! I am so sad.

But it was fun being back with Vicky and the gang

Deep in the territory controlled by the Others—shape-shifters, vampires, and even deadlier paranormal beings—Vicki DeVine has made a new life for herself running The Jumble, a rustic resort. When she decides to host a gathering of friends and guests for Trickster Night, at first everything is going well between the humans and the Others.

But then someone arrives dressed as Crowbones, the Crowgard bogeyman. When the impostor is killed along with a shape-shifting Crow, and the deaths are clearly connected, everyone fears that the real Crowbones may have come to The Jumble—and that could mean serious trouble.

To “encourage” humans to help them find some answers, the Elders and Elementals close all the roads, locking in suspects and victims alike. Now Vicki, human police chief Grimshaw, vampire lawyer Ilya Sanguinati, and the rest of their friends have to figure out who is manipulating events designed to pit humans against Others—and who may have put Vicki DeVine in the crosshairs of a powerful hunter.

The Bog Wife by Kay Chronister

Format: 336 pages, Paperback

Published: October 1, 2024 by Titan Books

Fiction/borrowed

I did not really know what to expect from this one. 5 siblings living in a big house that is falling apart. In a bog. And they are told that they are in a compact with the bog, and because of that the bog delivers a wife for the oldest son.

Which had me all, is this real or not? Their mum is dead but they all remember her as otherworldly. Their dad has died so the eldest should get his wife, but there was an accident and he is broken. Is the bog turning on them?

Because things are bad. A tree fell on the house. The house is sinking. The bog is dying. And these weird siblings that are adults now but only one venture into town. And one who got away. They are just stuck there, in the bog.

So what is real or not? There is this eerie feeling to it, this slow madness to it. A race against a clock they do not know. I was quite fascinated by it

Since time immemorial, the Haddesley family has tended the cranberry bog. In exchange, the bog sustains them. The staunch seasons of their lives are governed by a strict covenant that is renewed each generation with the ritual sacrifice of their patriarch, and in return, the bog produces a “bog-wife.” Brought to life from vegetation, this woman is meant to carry on the family line. But when the bog fails—or refuses—to honor the bargain, the Haddesleys, a group of discordant siblings still grieving the mother who mysteriously disappeared years earlier, face an unknown future.

Middle child Wenna, summoned back to the dilapidated family manor just as her marriage is collapsing, believes the Haddesleys must abandon their patrimony. Her siblings are not so easily persuaded. Eldest daughter Eda, de facto head of the household, seeks to salvage the compact by desecrating it. Younger son Percy retreats into the wilderness in a dangerous bid to summon his own bog-wife. And as youngest daughter Nora takes desperate measures to keep her warring siblings together, fledgling patriarch Charlie uncovers a disturbing secret that casts doubt over everything the family has ever believed about itself.

TMST

 

 

Tell Me Something Tuesday is a weekly discussion post where bloggers discuss a wide range of topics from books and blogging to life in general. Weigh in and join the conversation by adding your thoughts in the comments. If you want to do your own post, grab the question and answer it on your blog. Feel free to leave your links in the comments if you are participating,

1/6/2026 What are your blogging/reading goals for the new year?

I am doing the Bingo Challenge and it took me ages to get Bingo last year, I would also like to get all 25 squares.

I am doing the audiobook challenge and going for 50 audiobooks. 

And my goodreads goal is 70 for some reason, dunno why, no real reason there.

Lastly, read for fun! Enjoy blogging.

1/13/2026 What's a food you're obsessed with?

1/20/2026 What are your favorite snow/winter-themed books?

1/27/2026 What's your favorite decade and why? (You do not need to have lived through it!)

2/3/2026 If you could invent a holiday, what would you celebrate?

2/10/2026 Share some Romance Book recommendations

2/17/2026 Are there any books you've read that changed your perspective on a subject?

2/24/2026 Which books are you looking forward to reading this Spring? (March-May)

Tell Me Something Tuesday is a weekly discussion post where bloggers discuss a wide range of topics from books and blogging to life in general. Weigh in and join the conversation by adding your thoughts in the comments. If you want to do your own post, grab the question and answer it on your blog. Feel free to leave your links in the comments if you are participating.

If you are interested in participating in TMST or receiving periodic emails that list the upcoming TMST topics and questions,  please fill out this GOOGLE FORM.  Participation is optional and never required.

Carole´s Monday: Marmee

Author: Sarah Miller

Title: Marmee

Genre: Historical Fiction, Retelling

Format: paperback

Pages: 423

Published: October 4, 2022

Where I got It: My shelf (An Xmas gift)

Summary: 

In 1861, war is raging in the South, but in Concord, Massachusetts, Margaret March has her own battles to fight. With her husband serving as an army chaplain, the comfort and security of Margaret's four daughters-- Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy--now rest on her shoulders alone. Money is tight and every month, her husband sends less and less of his salary with no explanation. Worst of all, Margaret harbors the secret that these financial hardships are largely her fault, thanks to a disastrous mistake made over a decade ago which wiped out her family's fortune and snatched away her daughters' chances for the education they deserve.

Yet even with all that weighs upon her, Margaret longs to do more--for the war effort, for the poor, for the cause of abolition, and most of all, for her daughters. Living by her watchwords, "Hope and keep busy," she fills her days with humdrum charity work to keep her worries at bay. All of that is interrupted when Margaret receives a telegram from the War Department, summoning her to her husband's bedside in Washington, D.C. While she is away, her daughter Beth falls dangerously ill, forcing Margaret to confront the possibility that the price of her own generosity toward others may be her daughter's life.

A stunning portrait of the paragon of virtue known as Marmee, a wife left behind, a mother pushed to the brink, a woman with secrets.

Review:

I started this book in December but I had to put it on the backburner. It was just so sad and I didn't need sad during the holidays. Buuuut I picked it back up and it is the first book of 2026.

I hate being lazy, but I'm feeling super meh today, so we'll divide and conquer this review. 

The Good

- I loved reading Marmee's POV. It was nice reading her feelings. 

- It was sad, but still enjoyable. 

- The author did a great job capturing the vibe of the original book and bringing it to her version. I think the author would approve. 

- Such a beautiful tale. 

The Bad and the Ugly

- You will need a Kleenex because you will cry. Not necessarily a bad thing, but just a nice word of warning. 

- The ending....you can't leave us like this. Will there be a book 2???????

Conclusion

Overall, I did enjoy this a lot. The ending...ugh. You can't just leave us like this. We need another book!!!!

I'll stamp this with 4 stars. 

DNFs of 2025

 

I read some posts about how evil people are who posts DNFs, so I decided to do just that ;) What does not work for me, might work for you. But woe is me when I realised I did not post ANYTHING last year.

No One Is Talking About This by Lockwood, Patricia * I remember nothing

The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Broadbent, Carissa * Nope, I just can not. She is so kick-ass, cool and angry, like we have neeeeever heard that before. She is just a tiny weak human, but sure put her in a Death Arena against vampires. But obvi she will win anyway even though vamps are supposed to be so strong and whatever...like how do they even rule then?

And obvi she will fall for tall dark and handsome. And he will prob be toxic.

And everyone on booktok loves it so NO THANK YOU. They always fail me.

The Ballad of Perilous Graves by Jennings, Alex * Not feeling it

Creation Lake by Kushner, Rachel *Not vibing at all

The Warm Hands of Ghosts by Arden, Katherine * I just gave up

Godkiller by Kaner, Hannah * I was not in the mood for some teen going around killing gods

Dark Earth by Stott, Rebecca * It had promise...but I had go return it and dunno if I will try it again

The Duchess Hunt by Valerie Bowman * The narrator is not working

Collide by Khabra, Bal * Her hate of icehockey annoys me. She ditches a fun friend cos omg he plays hockey...then later I learn that her bestie from old does the same. But i guess her icehockey hate has flaws

Incidents Around the House by Malerman, Josh *No notes, but I remember the writing was weird

All Gowned Up by Haymore, Jennifer * So sad, but this narration is not working for me. The woman is ok, but I sped the guy up to 2.3 and still he felt too slow. And the back and forth, nah. I would rather read it

Hell Bent by Monk, Devon * This one had promise, but, I listened without listening so I gave up. Is it the narrator?

Night Watch by Phillips, Jayne Anne * no notes

When Women Were Dragons by Barnhill, Kelly * no notes again?!

A Wager at Midnight by Riley, Vanessa *I tried a few times, but it is not catching my interest

Wrong for Him by Barth, Christi *I need to give up. Something is not pulling me in

The Three-Body Problem by liu, Cixin *Everyone is like yay, and I was all...no, boring

More of Best of 2025 and Stats

 

I already did a best of with Carole, but I am going to shine the spotlight on even more books :)

I read 107 books this year. 58 audiobooks and 49 print books. I read a lot of print this year compared to other years.

Book 1 was best book in 2024 and in 2025 book 2 takes the prize! A Drop of Corruption by Robert Jackson Bennet was just amazing!

If anyone missed it, I re-read The Others by Anne Bishop and you all known those books rock! 

The cat who saved books by Sosuke Natsukawa was just such a pleasant read

The Housemaid by Freida McFadden had the best twists and turns

The Deepest of Secrets by Kelley Armstrong, best thriller. I loved this series

One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig really had me invested this year. Good fantasy

Black woods Blue Sky by Eowyn Ivey is best weird book of the year. I like it weird

The king´s jewel by Elizabeth Chadwick was best historical fiction. Quite the history

Sleep no more by Seanan McGuire was binge read of the year!! It was interesting since Toby was not Toby

Emily Wilde´s encyclopaedia of faeries by Heather Fawcett was the best cozy read of the year. So fun

A rip through time by Kelley Armstrong was best historical mystery and I am so glad I gave it a go

The Siren of Sussex by Mimi Matthews gets best historical romance. It was different

The Maid by Nita Prose just gets a best of cos I wanna mention it too! Twists!

Look at me, thriller made top 3!!! That has never happened before, but I have really gotten into thrillers and mystery lately :)

Here is to more awesome books in 2026!!!