A mix of short tales of fantasy. Magical and delightful to read each story. Love, rivalry, and magical tales that keep you entertained and wanting more!

Great story . Love how the author goes between timelines. The story is centered around haven and her quest to continue the searcher dad started. The story brings us between the 1800’s with Mari and Holmes story as well as Haven and Enzo. Really enjoyed .

Very good book, couldn't wait to finish it.

In Drive, Daniel H. Pink explores what truly motivates people, not just in the workplace, but in life. He argues that the traditional system of rewards and punishments—what he calls “carrots and sticks”—is outdated and often ineffective, especially for modern, creative, or cognitive tasks. Instead, Pink reveals that human motivation is driven by three key elements: 1. Autonomy – the desire to direct our own lives, 2. Mastery – the urge to get better at something that matters, 3. Purpose – the yearning to do work that has meaning and contributes to something larger than ourselves. He draws on decades of research in psychology and behavioral science to show that while external rewards can work for simple, mechanical tasks, they can actually reduce motivation and creativity when it comes to deeper, more thoughtful work. He calls for a shift in how we think about work, education, and management—moving away from control and toward trust, engagement, and internal drive. When people are given space to grow and a reason to care, they don’t need to be pushed—they’re already motivated to move forward.

Interesting to learn about Jamaica but not my favorite story.

Loved this book- kept me on my toes until the very end.

I don't give away spoilers in my reviews. I am an avid reader as well as a fan of dollhouses so I knew I had to read The Library of Lost Dollhouses. I very much enjoyed all the dollhouse details from the creation, to the meaning, just every little detail. I did like the storyline but honestly felt it was a little confusing especially regarding the main character's mother. (my Goodreads review)

I wouldn’t say historical fiction is a preferred genre of mine to read, but after many suggestions, I borrowed this book from a friend. I’m so glad I finally read it and I want to recommend it to everyone! It is engaging, the characters are lovable, and the story is both heart wrenching and hopefully at the same time! I absolutely recommend this book to any and everyone!

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

funny anecdotes by a karate instructor