Sarai Henderson's Blog, page 2
October 7, 2025
ARC Review: The Mad Wife by Meagen Church
Title: The Mad Wife
By: Meagan Church
Genre: Historical Fiction
Pages: 352
Release Date: September 30th, 2025
Rating: ★★★★☆
Summary from Goodreads:From bestselling author Meagan Church comes a haunting exploration of identity, motherhood, and the suffocating grip of societal expectations that will leave you questioning the lives we build―and the lies we live.
They called it hysteria. She called it survival.
Lulu Mayfield has spent the last five years molding herself into the perfect 1950s housewife. Despite the tragic memories that haunt her and the weight of exhausting expectations, she keeps her husband happy, her household running, and her gelatin salads the talk of the neighborhood. But after she gives birth to her second child, Lulu's carefully crafted life begins to unravel.
When a new neighbor, Bitsy, moves in, Lulu suspects that something darker lurks behind the woman's constant smile. As her fixation on Bitsy deepens, Lulu is drawn into a web of unsettling truths that threaten to expose the cracks in her own life. The more she uncovers about Bitsy, the more she questions everything she thought she knew―and soon, others begin questioning her sanity. But is Lulu truly losing her mind? Or is she on the verge of discovering a reality too terrifying to accept?
In the vein of The Bell Jar and The Hours, The Mad Wife weaves domestic drama with psychological suspense, so poignant and immersive, you won't want to put it down.
Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.
October 6, 2025
Weekly Menu #628 And The Book Of The Week
his week we’re heading to the heart of the Caribbean with a flavorful tour of Cuban cuisine. From slow roasted pork and citrus marinated chicken to rich beef stews and a bright, savory fish dish, this menu is packed with protein and bold, comforting flavors. Cuban food is all about balance, pairing hearty meats with vibrant sides like rice, beans, and plantains, so every meal feels both nourishing and satisfying. I can’t wait to share this week’s lineup with you!
WEEKLY MENU
Monday
Kids - Cuban Chicken Rice Bowls
Tuesday
Kids - Cheese & Fries
Wednesday
Kids - Picadillo Sliders
Thursday
Kids - Baked Fish Fingers (Cuban Style)
Friday
Kids - Chicken Quesadillas
Saturday
Kids - Ham & Chickpea Rice Bowls
Sunday
Family Dinner
Sliced cucumber and sweet peppers
October 5, 2025
Sunday Confessions #325
Sunday is here again, and with it comes a little time to pause, reflect, and share what’s been on my mind this week. I like to think of these Sunday Confessions as a mix of honesty, storytelling, and a peek behind the curtain of my everyday life. The good, the messy, and everything in between. So, grab a cup of coffee (or tea!) and settle in while I spill a few confessions from the past week.
Sunday Confessions #324~Weekly Menu #627 And The Book Of The Week~ARC Review: Princess of Blood by Sarah Hawley~Reading through the Star Wars Universe Part 20~September 2025 Wrap Up~Book Review: The Phoenix Pencil Company by Allison King~ARC Review: The Secret of Orange Blossom Cake by Rachel Linden
Weekly Menu #628 And The Book Of The Week~ARC Review: The Mad Wife by Meagen Church~Book Review: The Kight and the Moth by Rachel Gillig~Three Star Thursday~Five Star Friday~Sunday Confessions #326
★★★★☆Rage Becomes Her: The Power of Women’s Anger by Soraya Chemaly was a pretty interesting read, though it leaned heavily into dry information at times. Chemaly takes a deep dive into the history, psychology, and cultural framing of women’s anger, showing how it has been dismissed or silenced, and why reclaiming it can be powerful. While the pacing sometimes felt weighed down by data, the insights and perspective offered are thought provoking and worthwhile. A solid, eye opening read for anyone interested in feminism, social justice, or the power of emotion.
317/100 2025 Reading Challenge~116/217 in my Star Wars Legends challenge~19/20 2024 Goodreads Fantasy Nominees Reading Challenge
As the week comes to a close, I’m reminded that sharing these little confessions is as much about connection as it is about reflection. Life isn’t always tidy, but it’s in the chaos, the laughter, and the honesty that we find the most meaning. Here’s to carrying a bit of that openness into the new week ahead.
October 4, 2025
ARC Review: The Secret of Orange Blossom Cake by Rachel Linden
Title: The Secret of Orange Blossom Cake
By: Rachel Linden
Genre: Fiction
Pages: 384
Release Date: September 30th, 2025
Rating: ★★★★☆
Summary from Goodreads:A magical cookbook and a summer on her family’s Italian olive farm help a brokenhearted social media chef cook up a satisfying new life in this delectable novel from the bestselling author of Recipe for a Charmed Life.
Rising star Jules Costa loves re-creating vintage recipes for her popular online cooking show. But when personal and professional disaster strikes, her only chance of saving her career is to complete her new cookbook before the end of the summer. Panicked, Jules returns to her family’s beloved olive farm on the shores of Italy’s stunning Lake Garda. Seeking culinary inspiration, she's hoping to convince her spunky eighty-year-old Nonna Bruna to share her precious collection of family recipes.
Jules’ plans quickly go awry as she discovers Nonna’s cookbook has magical and unpredictable powers. It only reveals one recipe at a time, offering a cooking experience guaranteed to satisfy the chef’s palate and bring clarity to their life. Yet it remains stubbornly blank for Jules. To make matters worse, the olive farm is in deep financial trouble, and Jules soon uncovers a web of family secrets involving the cookbook and a lost recipe for orange blossom cake that holds the key to everything. And Nicolo, the boy next door who broke her young heart, is now all grown up, even more attractive, and the only person poised to help her find answers.
In a whirlwind summer beyond her imagination, Jules begins to unravel the mysteries baked into her family’s history and discovers the essential ingredients to create the future of her dreams.
Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.
October 3, 2025
Book Review: The Phoenix Pencil Company by Allison King
Title: The Phoenix Pencil Company
By: Allison King
Genre: Historical Fantasy
Pages: 362
Release Date: June 3rd, 2025
Rating: ★★★★☆
Summary from Goodreads:In this dazzling debut novel, a hidden and nearly forgotten magic—of Reforging pencils, bringing the memories they contain back to life—holds the power to transform a young woman’s relationship with her grandmother, and to mend long-lost connections across time and space.
Monica Tsai spends most days on her computer, journaling the details of her ordinary life and coding for a program that seeks to connect strangers online. A self-proclaimed recluse, she's always struggled to make friends and, as a college freshman, finds herself escaping into a digital world, counting the days until she can return home to her beloved grandparents. They are now in their nineties, and Monica worries about them constantly—especially her grandmother, Yun, who survived two wars in China before coming to the States, and whose memory has begun to fade.
Though Yun rarely speaks of her past, Monica is determined to find the long-lost cousin she was separated from years ago. One day, the very program Monica is helping to build connects her to a young woman, whose gift of a single pencil holds a surprising clue. Monica’s discovery of a hidden family history is exquisitely braided with Yun’s own memories as she writes of her years in Shanghai, working at the Phoenix Pencil Company. As WWII rages outside their door, Yun and her cousin, Meng, learn of a special power the women in their family possess: the ability to Reforge a pencil’s words. But when the government uncovers their secret, they are forced into a life of espionage, betraying other people’s stories to survive.
Combining the cross-generational family saga and epistolary form of A Tale for the Time Being with the uplifting, emotional magic of The Midnight Library, Allison King’s stunning debut novel asks: who owns and inherits our stories? The answers and secrets that surface on the page may have the unerasable power to reconnect a family and restore a legacy.
October 2, 2025
September 2025 Wrap Up
September turned out to be a whirlwind of reading. I managed to get through 35 books this month! Some were hits, some were misses, but each one added something new to my reading journey. From stories that completely swept me away to others that left me wanting a little more, it was definitely a month of variety. Let’s dive into the highlights (and lowlights) of my September reads.
Looking back, September was a busy reading month with plenty of variety. While not every book hit the mark, I’m glad I pushed through and discovered a few that truly stood out. With 35 books finished, I’m heading into October hopeful for more 5-star reads and excited to see where my TBR takes me next.
317/100 2025 Reading Challenge~116/217 in my Star Wars Legends challenge~19/20 2024 Goodreads Fantasy Nominees Reading Challenge
October 1, 2025
Reading through the Star Wars Universe Part 20
Star Wars: The Mandalorian ArmorK.W. Jeter★★★☆☆
This book offers a gritty dive into the criminal underworld of the Star Wars galaxy, centered around the mysterious and legendary Boba Fett. While the concept is compelling and the tone leans darker than most Expanded Universe novels, the execution felt uneven. The plot jumps around quite a bit, and the pacing often drags under layers of dense exposition. Fett is as ruthless and calculating as ever, but his character remains frustratingly distant. There are some exciting moments and cool lore connections, but overall, it didn't quite deliver the punch I was hoping for.
Star Wars: Slave ShipK.W. Jeter★★★☆☆
Star Wars: Slave Ship by K.W. Jeter just didn’t hold my attention the way I hoped it would. The premise had potential, but the pacing felt slow, and by the halfway point, I found myself losing interest. There were moments of intrigue, but overall, it lacked the momentum and excitement I expect from a Star Wars novel. Not a bad read, just not one that left a lasting impression.
Star Wars: Hard MerchandiseK.W. Jeter★★★★☆
Although the Bounty Hunter Wars trilogy moved at a slower pace overall, Hard Merchandise delivered a strong and satisfying conclusion. K.W. Jeter wrapped up the threads with depth and precision, giving fans a rewarding payoff. The character arcs and final twists made the buildup worthwhile, and it felt like the series finally hit its stride. A solid ending to a gritty, under the radar Star Wars story.
Star Wars: The Truce at BakuraKathy Tyers★★★★☆
The Truce at Bakura picks up right after the events of Return of the Jedi, and Kathy Tyers does a great job maintaining the momentum. The pacing is tight, the stakes feel real, and the character development, especially for Leia and Luke, adds emotional depth. One of my favorite touches was Anakin’s occasional appearances as a Force spirit, which added an unexpected layer of complexity and tension. While not a perfect entry, it’s a compelling and satisfying bridge between the films and the expanded universe.
Alphabet SquadronAlexander Freed★★★★☆
Alphabet Squadron by Alexander Freed is a thrilling addition to the Star Wars universe. I loved seeing familiar characters return, woven seamlessly into a new story full of heart, grit, and starfighter action. The balance of nostalgia with fresh perspectives made this a standout read, and while a few pacing lulls kept it from being a perfect five, it’s still an exciting and worthwhile journey for any Star Wars fan.
September 30, 2025
ARC Review: Princess of Blood by Sarah Hawley
Title: Princess of Blood
By: Sarah Hawley
Genre: Fantasy
Pages: 512
Release Date: September 30th, 2025
Rating: ★★☆☆☆
Summary from Goodreads:Once a servant, now a princess, a young woman thrust into power challenges everything about the underground Fae realm in the next installment of Sarah Hawley's new romantasy series.
Kenna Heron is still reeling from her lover's betrayal and the threat of an impending war. With only her two closest--and most powerless--friends by her side, she must navigate the treacherous politics of Mistei while coming to terms with her new identity as not just Fae, but princess of her own house.
With the king dead, three candidates are vying for the right to wear the crown next. A princess who claims the throne as her birthright and two rebel princes, both of whom are depending on the support of Blood House to break the stalemate between them. Old loyalties fray as new, dangerous alliances form, and Kenna finds herself caught in a web of violence, deceit, and unexpected passion.
Kenna has the power to shape Mistei's future... but someone's willing to kill to make sure she never gets the chance.
Review:
What a disappointment. After loving the first book and giving it 5 stars, this sequel completely lost the spark. The rich world building and intrigue were replaced with scattered storytelling and an overbearing focus on dull politics. Honestly about 90% of the book. Kenna, who once carried the story, felt flat, and the promise of fascinating threads like her friend’s broken mind or the Blood House never delivered. Instead of pulling me deeper into the world, this installment left me bored and frustrated.
Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.
September 29, 2025
Weekly Menu #627 And The Book Of The Week
This week’s menu takes us on a flavorful journey across Asia, with each night bringing a new country to our table. From the sweet tang of Thai noodles to the cozy comfort of Japanese ramen, the smoky spice of Indian curries, and the fresh herbs of Vietnamese street food, we’ll be sampling a little bit of everything. It’s a week full of bold flavors, warm bowls, and shareable plates, perfect for when the weather calls for comfort food with a global twist.
WEEKLY MENU
Monday
Thai Night
Kids - Chicken Noodles
Tuesday
Korean Night
Kids - Chicken and Rice
Wednesday
Japanese Night
Kids - Beef Ramen
Thursday
Indian Night
Kids - Cheese Quesadilla
Friday
Chinese Night
Kids - Pizza Night
Saturday
Vietnamese Night
Kids - Cheese Sandwiches
Sunday
Leftovers Night
September 28, 2025
Sunday Confessions #324
Sundays always feel like the perfect time to slow down, sip something comforting, and share a few truths, big or small, that have been sitting on my mind all week. Sunday Confessions has become my space to lay it all out there. The wins, the struggles, the random thoughts, and the little moments I don’t always say out loud. Think of it as a cozy corner chat where I spill what’s been on my heart and, hopefully, connect with others who might feel the same.
Sunday Confessions #323~Weekly Menu #626 And The Book Of The Week~Book Review: The Long Walk by Stephen King~
ARC Review: Thief of Night by Holly Black~Thriller Thursday: With a Vengeance by Riley Sager~Fantasy Friday: With Reverence: By Rebecca Ross
Weekly Menu #627 And The Book Of The Week~Princess of Blood by Sarah Hawley/ Pub date~Reading through the Star Wars Universe Part 20~September 2025 Wrap Up~Book Review: The Phoenix Pencil Company by Allison King~Sunday Confessions #325
A Shadow in the EmberJennifer L. Armentrout★★★☆☆A Shadow in the Ember by Jennifer L. Armentrout was a mixed experience for me. The first half easily earned 5 stars. I was fully immersed in the world, the tension, and the characters. But once the MC entered the Shadowlands, the momentum slowed drastically. The story shifted into endless rules and frustrations, which left me annoyed and struggling to finish. This seems to be a pattern I’ve noticed with this author’s writing: strong, captivating beginnings that lose steam midway through. Ultimately, while the setup was fantastic, the payoff didn’t land for me.
310/100 2025 Reading Challenge~115/217 in my Star Wars Legends challenge~19/20 2024 Goodreads Fantasy Nominees Reading Challenge
At the end of the day, these are just my musings, but sharing them here feels like lifting a little weight off my shoulders. Whether you’re nodding along, laughing, or shaking your head at my confessions, I’m glad you’re here with me. Until next Sunday, I’ll be collecting new stories, small truths, and maybe a few more confessions to spill.
