Sarai Henderson's Blog, page 15

Sunday Confessions #309

 

It’s time for another round of Sunday Book Confessions, where I spill the bookish tea and reflect on the pages I’ve turned, the ones I’ve neglected, and the ones I swear I’ll get to next week. Whether it was a late-night binge read, a cover buy I couldn’t resist, or a plot twist I’m still recovering from, no reading moment is safe from confession. Grab your coffee, settle in, and let’s talk all things books—no judgment, just honesty and a whole lot of love for stories.

Sunday Confessions #308~
Weekly Menu #611 And The Book Of The Week~Book Review: The Crown of Gilded Bone by Jennifer L. Armentrout~Binge-Worthy Wednesday: Watch Me by Tahereh Mafi~Thriller Thursday: Hidden Bodies by Caroline Kepnes~Fantasy Friday: Imposible Creatures by Katherine Rundell

Weekly Menu #612 And The Book Of The Week~Book Review: The Christmas Tree Farm by Laurie Gilmore~Binge-Worthy Wednesday: The Thirteenth Child by Erin A. Craig~Thriller Thursday: We Live Here Now by Sarah Pinborough~Fantasy Friday: Fearless by Lauren Roberts~Sunday Confessions #310








Nicholas Sparks’s Counting Miracles is a quintessential Sparks read, delivering all the heartache and resilience we expect. With biblical references woven into the story, it adds a layer of spiritual gravitas, and of course, there’s the usual struggle and a gut-wrenching tragedy that hits home. While the main narrative is compelling and full of emotional depth, a secondary plot involving some truly bitch-ass kids (yes, I said it) felt unresolved and left me craving retribution. A solid 4-star read for fans of Sparks’s signature style.

187/100 2025 Reading Challenge~102/217 in my Star Wars Legends challenge~14/20 2024 Goodreads Fantasy Nominees Reading Challenge

Another week, another stack of stories to carry with me into the next. Some books made me swoon, some made me think, and a few made me question my TBR decisions (we’ve all been there). But that’s the joy of reading—every page is a new possibility. As always, I’d love to hear your confessions too—what did you read, love, DNF, or add to your never-ending list this week? Until next time, happy reading and may your next book be unputdownable.

Fantasy Friday: Imposible Creatures by Katherine Rundell

 

Welcome back to Fantasy Friday, where magic reigns and anything is possible between the pages! This week’s featured read swept me into a world brimming with wonder, danger, and unforgettable characters. Whether you're craving enchanted forests, brooding heroes, or ancient prophecies, this story delivers all the fantasy thrills your weekend needs. Let’s dive into the realm of Imposible Creatures and see what made it truly spellbinding.

Title: Impossible Creatures

By: Katherine Rundell

Genre: Fantasy

Pages: 368

Release Date: September 14th, 2023

Rating: ★★★★☆

 

Summary from Goodreads:The day Christopher saved a drowning baby griffin from a hidden lake would change his life forever. It's the day he learned about the Archipelago, a cluster of unmapped islands where magical creatures of every kind have thrived for thousands of years—until now. And it's the day he met Mal, a girl on the run who desperately needs his help.
Mal and Christopher embark on a wild adventure, racing from island to island, searching for someone who can explain why the magic is fading and why magical creatures are suddenly dying. They consult sphinxes, battle kraken, and negotiate with dragons. But the closer they get to the dark truth of what's happening, the clearer it becomes: no one else can fix this. If the Archipelago is to be saved, Mal and Christopher will have to do it themselves.

 

Add on Goodreads

 

Review:Welcome back to Fantasy Friday, where imagination takes flight and the extraordinary feels just a page away. This week, I journeyed into the wild and wondrous world of Impossible Creatures by Katherine Rundell—a book that enchants as much as it challenges. With its lush prose and a dazzling menagerie of mythical beasts, this middle-grade fantasy delivers heart-pounding adventure and thoughtful reflection in equal measure. While not without a few pacing bumps along the way, this story earns a solid 4 stars for its originality, emotional depth, and sheer magical charm. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this tale soar.

Thriller Thursday: Hidden Bodies by Caroline Kepnes

 

It’s Thriller Thursday, and you know what that means—buckle up for twists, chills, and heart-pounding suspense that’ll keep you glued to the page. This week’s pick had me double-checking the locks and questioning everyone’s motives. Whether it’s a slow-burn psychological thriller or a full-throttle mystery, there's nothing like the thrill of a story that keeps you guessing until the very end. Ready to unravel the secrets? Let’s dig in.

Title: Hidden Bodies

By: Caroline Kepnes

Genre: Thriller

Pages: 451

Release Date: January 14th, 2016

Rating: ★★★★☆

 

Summary from Goodreads:In the compulsively readable sequel to her widely acclaimed debut novel, You, Caroline Kepnes weaves a tale that Booklist calls “the love child of Holden Caulfield and Patrick Bateman.”
Joe Goldberg is no stranger to hiding bodies. In the past ten years, this thirty-something has buried four of them, collateral damage in his quest for love. Now he’s heading west to Los Angeles, the city of second chances, determined to put his past behind him.
In Hollywood, Joe blends in effortlessly with the other young upstarts. He eats guac, works in a bookstore, and flirts with a journalist neighbor. But while others seem fixated on their own reflections, Joe can’t stop looking over his shoulder. The problem with hidden bodies is that they don’t always stay that way. They re-emerge, like dark thoughts, multiplying and threatening to destroy what Joe wants most: true love. And when he finds it in a darkened room in Soho House, he’s more desperate than ever to keep his secrets buried. He doesn’t want to hurt his new girlfriend—he wants to be with her forever. But if she ever finds out what he’s done, he may not have a choice…

 

Add on Goodreads

 

Review:Hidden Bodies delivers another dark, twisted ride inside the mind of Joe Goldberg—equal parts charming, unhinged, and disturbingly relatable. Caroline Kepnes sharpens her signature blend of psychological suspense and biting social commentary as Joe trades the streets of New York for the sun-soaked, vapid world of Los Angeles. While this sequel doesn't quite recapture the tight intensity of You, it deepens Joe’s character in unsettling ways and offers plenty of shocking moments. The narrative voice remains razor-sharp and addictive, making this a compelling, if slightly less taut, continuation of Joe’s story. A solid follow-up that still manages to crawl under your skin.

Binge-Worthy Wednesday: Watch Me by Tahereh Mafi

 

Welcome back to Binge-Worthy Wednesday, where I spotlight the reads that completely hijacked my schedule—in the best way possible. You know the kind: one chapter turns into five, and suddenly it’s 2 a.m. and you're still clutching the book like it's oxygen. This week's pick had me hooked from the first page and refused to let go. Whether you're in the mood for high-stakes drama, swoon-worthy romance, or twisty magic, this one delivers. Let’s dive in!

Title: Watch Me

By: Tahereh Mafi

Genre: Dystopian Fantasy

Pages: 368

Release Date: April 15th, 2025 

Rating: ★★★★☆

 

Summary from Goodreads:Lose yourself in this exhilarating return to the #1 global bestselling Shatter Me universe, the first book in a new series set ten years after the fall of The Reestablishment.
James Anderson had a plan. Or half of one. All that matters is that he managed to do what his older brother, the famous Aaron Warner Anderson, never did: infiltrate Ark Island, the last refuge of The Reestablishment. In the past decade no outsider has breached the stronghold of the authoritarian regime, but James is in. In a prison cell, sure, but as far as James is concerned, a win is a win.
It’s been ten years since the fall of The Reestablishment. Ten years since the notorious duo — Juliette Ferrars and Aaron Warner Anderson — led a worldwide rebellion and established the New Republic of the West. But after a decade of unsettling quiet, The Reestablishment is ready to make a devastating move, and they have the perfect person for the job.
Rosabelle Wolff had a plan. She always has a plan. On Ark Island, where constant surveillance is packaged as security, even emotions must be experienced with caution. A trained assassin, her every movement is monitored by synthetic intelligence—and when she’s given an order to kill, she never hesitates.
Brimming with pulse-pounding action and torturous romance, Watch Me is an explosive journey through a dystopian landscape where enemies-to-lovers has never felt more impossible. Step into a beloved and breathtaking world that demands an answer to a desperate question—
Who are we when no one is watching?

 

Add on Goodreads

 

Review:Watch Me is a quiet, emotionally resonant novel that showcases Tahereh Mafi’s gift for lyrical prose and deep interiority. Centered around themes of identity, grief, and finding one’s voice, the story unfolds with a gentle intensity that builds toward a satisfying emotional crescendo. While the pacing is deliberately slow and introspective—which may not work for every reader—the nuanced character development and beautifully rendered moments make it well worth the journey. Mafi doesn’t shy away from difficult emotions, and her honest exploration of vulnerability left a lasting impression. A thoughtful, tender read that lingers long after the final page.

Book Review: The Crown of Gilded Bone by Jennifer L. Armentrout

 

There’s nothing quite like getting lost in a world where magic pulses beneath every stone, where heroes rise from unexpected places, and where ancient prophecies shape the fate of kingdoms. This week, I dove headfirst into a fantasy novel that delivered all of that and more. From richly imagined landscapes to characters who practically leapt off the page, this book kept me turning pages late into the night. Let’s break down what worked, what didn’t, and why this story deserves a spot on your TBR.

Title: The Crown of Gilded Bones

By: Jennifer L. Armentrout

Genre: Fantasy

Pages: 645

Release Date: April 20th, 2021

Rating: ★★★☆☆

 

Summary from Goodreads:She's been the victim and the survivor…
Poppy never dreamed she would find the love she’s found with Prince Casteel. She wants to revel in her happiness but first they must free his brother and find hers. It’s a dangerous mission and one with far-reaching consequences neither dreamed of. Because Poppy is the Chosen, the Blessed. The true ruler of Atlantia. She carries the blood of the King of Gods within her. By right the crown and the kingdom are hers.
The enemy and the warrior…
Poppy has only ever wanted to control her own life, not the lives of others, but now she must choose to either forsake her birthright or seize the gilded crown and become the Queen of Flesh and Fire. But as the kingdoms’ dark sins and blood-drenched secrets finally unravel, a long-forgotten power rises to pose a genuine threat. And they will stop at nothing to ensure that the crown never sits upon Poppy’s head.
A lover and heartmate…
But the greatest threat to them and to Atlantia is what awaits in the far west, where the Queen of Blood and Ash has her own plans, ones she has waited hundreds of years to carry out. Poppy and Casteel must consider the impossible—travel to the Lands of the Gods and wake the King himself. And as shocking secrets and the harshest betrayals come to light, and enemies emerge to threaten everything Poppy and Casteel have fought for, they will discover just how far they are willing to go for their people—and each other.
And now she will become Queen.

 

Add on Goodreads

 

Review:The Crown of Gilded Bones by Jennifer L. Armentrout was a letdown compared to the stellar fantasy reads I’ve recently enjoyed. While the plot had potential, it was bogged down by repetitive dialogue, confusing lore, and a lack of meaningful character growth. The world-building felt more like a scattered info dump than a rich, immersive setting, and the pacing dragged despite all the supposed action. After so many fantasies with depth and nuance, this one just didn’t measure up. Three stars for the moments that almost got there.

Weekly Menu #611 And The Book Of The Week

 

This week we’re heading south—way south—for a taste of sunshine and spice with our Florida-themed menu. From citrus-marinated meats to sweet plantains and bold Cuban-inspired flavors, this week’s dishes bring the multicultural heart of the Sunshine State to your kitchen. Every meal is crafted with easy gluten-free and dairy-free options in mind, so you can savor the tropics without stress. Whether you're digging into mojo chicken or a guava-glazed Sunday dinner, expect bright, bold, and breezy meals all week long.
To match Florida’s air of mystery and magic, I’m diving into Book of Night by Holly Black. This dark urban fantasy follows Charlie Hall, a con artist navigating a world where shadows can be altered, stolen, and weaponized. With its gritty tone, morally gray characters, and a dash of noir, it's a sharp contrast to the brightness of the week’s menu—but somehow, the two feel like perfect complements. One feeds the body; the other keeps the mind deliciously unsettled.
Let's get to this week's menu. Enjoy!
WEEKLY MENU

Monday

(Mexico)

Tacos al Pastor

Kids - Cheese Quesadillas

 

Tuesday

(Danish)

Frikadeller and Mashed Potatoes

Kids - Chicken Nuggets and Mashed Potatoes

 

Wednesday

(Florida)

Cuban Mojo Chicken with Rice and Black Beans

Kids - Chicken and Rice

 

Thursday

(Florida)

Florida Orange-Glazed Pork Chops with Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Kids - Cheese and Fries

 

Friday

(Florida)

Picadillo-Stuffed Bell Peppers

Kids - Nachos

 

Saturday

(Florida)

Pollo Tropical-Inspired Chicken Bowls

Kids - Beef Ramen

 

Sunday

Leftovers Night

Sunday Confessions #308

 

Welcome back to another Sunday Confessions post! This week, I’m dishing on the books I’ve been reading, the ones that have been calling my name but remain unopened, and maybe even a few literary guilty pleasures. From page-turning thrillers to swoon-worthy romances, I’ll confess what’s been keeping me up at night (and what I’m planning to dive into next). So grab a cup of coffee or tea, and let’s get into this week’s reading confessions.

Sunday Confessions #307~Weekly Menu #610 And The Book Of The Week~Book Review: The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion~May 2025 Wrap Up~Thriller Thursday: The Eyes are the Best Part by Monika Kim~Book Review: The Story of ABBA by Jan Gradvall

Weekly Menu #611 And The Book Of The Week~Book Review: The Crown of Gilded Bone by Jennifer L. Armentrout~Binge-Worthy Wednesday: Watch Me by Tahereh Mafi~Thriller Thursday: Hidden Bodies by Caroline Kepnes~Fantasy Friday: Imposible Creatures by Katherine Rundell~Sunday Confessions #309





From a Certain Point of View: The Empire Strikes Back is an absolute delight, offering a fresh and imaginative look at the iconic Star Wars movie through the eyes of characters often relegated to the background. I loved this book—it was so much fun to read about all the other characters from the film, from the random troopers to the creatures and droids we barely noticed. Each story added depth, humor, and heart to the familiar narrative, and the diverse perspectives made the galaxy far, far away feel even richer. Five stars for this inventive, entertaining, and wholly immersive collection!

179/100 2025 Reading Challenge~101/217 in my Star Wars Legends challenge~14/20 2024 Goodreads Fantasy Nominees Reading Challenge

That’s a wrap on this week’s book confessions! Whether you’ve been nodding along in solidarity, raising an eyebrow at my quirks, or adding new titles to your TBR, I’m grateful you’ve joined me on this bookish journey. Here’s to the stories that make us feel seen, the plot twists that leave us reeling, and the characters who become our fictional besties. Until next time, keep reading—and keep confessing!

Book Review: The Story of ABBA by Jan Gradvall

 

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of finishing a book and being left with a head full of thoughts, emotions, and reflections. In today’s review, I’m diving into a recent read that had me completely hooked. Whether you’re here for recommendations, shared opinions, or simply love hearing about a good story, I’m excited to take you through my thoughts on this one.

Title: The Story of ABBA

By: Jan Gradvall

Genre: Biography

Pages: 336

Release Date: June 17th, 2025

Rating: ★★★★☆

 

Summary from Goodreads:Through exclusive interviews and over a decade of deep research, renowned music journalist Jan Gradvall explores the secrets to ABBA’s success.
There has never been a group like ABBA. More than half a century after their songs were recorded, ABBA still make people the world over dance and sing their hearts out. In 2013, when the band had not been interviewed for over thirty years, Jan Gradvall was granted unique access to them for the next decade and the result is The Story of ABBA: Melancholy Undercover. Agnetha Fältskog, Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson, and Anni-Frid Lyngstad all share their personal stories, their thoughts and their opinions about ABBA’s music more openly than ever before. Weaving in and out of their story, well-known international music critic Jan Gradvall reveals the context in which their unique sound developed and shows how the story of ABBA is also the story of Sweden and the globalization of pop culture.
From their earliest hits in Sweden like “People Need Love” and “Ring, Ring” to their chart-topping international hits like “Dancing Queen,” “Gimme, Gimme, Gimme” and “Mama Mia!” to ABBA Voyage – their first album in forty years – and the two-million-ticket-selling eponymous concert-experience in London, it is undeniable that, in the history of pop culture and music, there has never been a group like ABBA. With remarkable intimacy, Gradvall’s sensational book brings readers closer than ever to one of the world’s most notoriously private groups.

 

Add on Goodreads

 

Review:The Story of ABBA: Melancholy Undercover by Jan Gradvall is an intriguing and insightful read that goes beyond the glitzy pop hits to explore the deeper, often melancholy undercurrents behind ABBA’s music. I really enjoyed this book, even though at times it felt a bit heavy with backstory about other people connected to the band. Still, Gradvall’s meticulous research and captivating storytelling kept me hooked, and I came away with a richer appreciation of ABBA’s journey and legacy. Plus, this book sparked a new interest—I’m now into Dansband music! Look out for my new playlist! Four stars.

Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.

Thriller Thursday: The Eyes are the Best Part by Monika Kim

 

There’s nothing quite like the adrenaline rush of a gripping thriller, and this week’s Thriller Thursday brings plenty of edge-of-your-seat moments. From chilling twists to heart-pounding revelations, I’m diving into a novel that kept me guessing until the very end. Whether you’re a seasoned thriller fan or just love a good suspenseful story, get ready to add this title to your must-read list!

Title: The eyes are the best part

By: Monkia Kim

Genre: Thriller

Pages: 278

Release Date: June 25th, 2024

Rating: ★★★★☆

 

Summary from Goodreads:Crying in H-Mart meets My Sister, the Serial Killer in this feminist psychological horror about the making of a female serial killer from a Korean-American perspective.
Ji-won’s life tumbles into disarray in the wake of her appa’s extramarital affair and subsequent departure. Her mother, distraught. Her younger sister, hurt and confused. Her college freshman grades, failing. Her dreams, horrifying… yet enticing.
In them, Ji-won walks through bloody rooms full of eyes. Succulent blue eyes. Salivatingly blue eyes. Eyes the same shape and shade as George’s, who is Umma’s obnoxious new boyfriend. George has already overstayed his welcome in her family’s claustrophobic apartment. He brags about his puffed-up consulting job, ogles Asian waitresses while dining out, and acts condescending toward Ji-won and her sister as if he deserves all of Umma’s fawning adoration. No, George doesn’t deserve anything from her family. Ji-won will make sure of that.
For no matter how many victims accumulate around her campus or how many people she must deceive and manipulate, Ji-won’s hunger and her rage deserve to be sated.
A brilliantly inventive, subversive novel about a young woman unraveling, Monika Kim’s The Eyes Are the Best Part is a story of a family falling apart and trying to find their way back to each other, marking a bold new voice in horror that will leave readers mesmerized and craving more.

 

Add on Goodreads

 

Review:The Eyes Are the Best Part by Monika Kim is a haunting, beautifully written novel that delves into themes of identity, longing, and resilience. Kim’s prose is both lyrical and raw, drawing readers into a deeply personal story that feels both intimate and universal. The characters are vividly drawn, and the slow unraveling of secrets kept me captivated throughout. However, while the novel’s introspective style was moving, the pacing occasionally felt uneven, and some plot threads left me wanting more closure. Despite this, Kim’s talent shines through, making this a compelling and memorable read. Four stars.

May was a whirlwind month for my reading life – 38 books...

 

May was a whirlwind month for my reading life – 38 books, to be exact! From heart-pounding thrillers to tender contemporary fiction and everything in between, I dove into stories that kept me turning pages well past my bedtime. Whether you’re looking for your next great read or just curious about what’s been filling my bookshelves, I’m excited to share my favorites (and a few that didn’t quite hit the mark) from this massive May reading list.













As I wrap up this massive May reading list, I’m left feeling inspired, satisfied, and eager for whatever books come next. Whether it was an unexpected gem or a long-anticipated release, each story added its own flavor to the month. I hope you found a few new titles to add to your list or are simply encouraged to dive into a reading adventure of your own. Here’s to more great reads ahead—happy reading!