This book was alright. It was kind of like a “what happens after the Aristocats movie.” It was sweet and funny, but it didn’t appeal to me like a 5 star book would.

Henry Standing Bear and Vic Moretti only had small roles in this book. They are great characters

I loved how, even though Aurthor is super strong, he still has to get even stronger if he wants to protect himself and those he loves. This is because on a field trip to a dungeon while in Xyrus academy, he falls into the lower regions coming across one of the 6 strongest people in his continent who was currently dying. This just shows how much more he had to grow if he wanted to stop the Retainer, from another continent, who killed a Lance

Thank you to Kathleen Kaufman, Between the Chapters Book Club and Kensington Publishers for an ARC of The Entirely True Story of the Fantastical Mesmerist Nora Grey. I don't give away spoilers in my reviews. I knew I had to read this book based on the title alone. And, yes, Nora Grey is fantastic as a character and so much more. I do want to note how much I enjoyed the author's dedication and author notes - both gave me so much info as well as made me laugh. Nora (originally Nairna) and her father Tavish (always goes by Tavish) are fraudsters. Tavish is charming and could sell anyone anything. Nora is not as much as a fraudster but doesn't understand her psychic gifts. She's so used to living on the streets with her father, eating trashed food and feeling starved most of the time. She also feels guilty about tricking people while reading her grandmother's seer cards for them. Nora is discovered by a woman who sees Nora's psychic gifts and the strength of those gifts. She brings Nora -and Tavish, partly - into her home to help Nora hone her skills. Unfortunately, women with psychic gifts were often considered witches and were frowned upon in society during the time of Nora's lifetime. Nora and her father often clash and I found their relationship one of the most intriguing thoroughout the story. She loves her father but is tired of providing for him then feels guilty for not appreciating the little he does for her. There are many characters that were easy to like/dislike that added to Nora's story. I don't give away spoilers. I will say I loved Nora becoming stronger in her gifts and I really loved how serious she was about being honest. The second half of the book finds Nora and Tavish in a new setting which I loved reading about. I was - I hate to use the word mesmerised - by her readings, the settings, the things doctors would do and the people who helped her. There is a dual POV with Nora and Lottie, Tavish's mother thoroughout the book. I also loved Lottie but felt sad for her with most of her story. Wonderful read for anyone who believes - and doesn't believe - in mesmerists, psychics, etc. I loved the ending as well. from my Goodreads account

This is now one of my favorite books and definitely one of my favorite nonfiction books. It explains what book banning is, why it’s currently bad and getting worse, and what to do about it. It addresses book banning and explains some of the ridiculous reasons why books have been banned. It is written by authors whose books have been banned. This book is filled with book recommendations and resources. This book also gives tips on how to help stop book banning in your community and explains what the world loses when a book is banned. This book is so amazing and is definitely a must-have in every place in the world. I would recommend this book to everyone who loves and cares about books.

I don't give away spoilers in my reviews. I am admittedly not usually the reader who loves fantasy but I knew from reviews that I wanted to read When the Tides Held the Moon by Venessa Vida Kelley. The cover is eye-catching with the graphic of Benny and the merman. I loved the oceanic colors used for it. Benny is on his own in life after losing his aunt. He has come to America and is working as a blacksmith. Benny has difficulties with his breathing and being in an environment such as a metal shop really affects his health. Benny is a talented blacksmith and his art is noticed by the owner of one of the local amusement parks - Luna Park in Coney Island. Benny is hired to build a large tank for a new exhibit and isn't told of all the details. Benny finds himself becoming attached to the new exhibit - a real merman from the ocean. I loved Benny's compassion and moral struggles within himself and with the merman. The other characters in the book that make up the menagerie were also such a great group of characters to read about. My two favorite parts in this book were the illustrations and the storyline. The illustrations added to the story and worked together with the cover. I usually don't read much fantasy but this was such a good story. (from my Goodreads review)

In When, Daniel H. Pink explores the hidden science behind timing—not just what we do, but when we do it. He argues that timing is not an art, but a science, and understanding it can dramatically improve our performance, decision-making, and well-being. Drawing on research from psychology, biology, and economics, Pink shows that our daily rhythms follow predictable patterns. Most people move through three phases during the day: 1. Peak – best for analytical work (usually in the morning), 2. Through - a mid-day slump, 3. Recovery – good for creative tasks (late afternoon/evening). He emphasizes that “when” matters just as much as “what” and “how.” For example, taking breaks at the right time can boost focus, and the timing of life events (like starting a new job, getting married, or switching careers) can influence their outcomes. He also explores “temporal landmarks”—special dates or events that give us a fresh start—and how they can be used to motivate change. Whether it's the beginning of a week, a birthday, or even a new year, these moments can reset our mindset and push us forward. In the end, when helps us rethink our schedules, habits, and life decisions through the lens of science-backed timing, so we can make smarter choices not just about what to do, but when to do it.

This is the first in the series that I read. Usually, I like to read from the beginning, but I was able to enjoy this immensely. I love period books with characters who are feminist and this author described these two sisters well - strong, supporting each other, and not married! Wow! They go around helping others. We need more books like this.

Spark is an amazing book! I’d recommend this to readers who like fantasy stories!

It was hard to put down! A lot of information revealed and tons of action!