Sarai Henderson's Blog, page 24
March 12, 2025
ARC Review: Blood on Her Tongue by Johanna Van Veen
If you're looking for a dark, atmospheric thriller that will keep you turning pages late into the night, Blood on Her Tongue by Johanna Van Veen might just be your next must-read. In this chilling read, Van Veen weaves together suspense, complex characters, and haunting prose that lingers long after the final page. In this review of Blood on Her Tongue, I’ll share my thoughts on what worked, what surprised me, and why this book deserves a spot on your TBR if you love psychological thrillers with a literary edge.
Title: Blood On Her Tongue
By: Johanna Van Veen
Genre: Horror
Pages: 368
Release Date: March 25th, 2025
Rating: ★★★★☆
Summary from Goodreads:"I'm in your blood, and you are in mine…"
The Netherlands, 1887. Lucy's twin sister Sarah is unwell. She refuses to eat, mumbles nonsensically, and is increasingly obsessed with a centuries-old corpse recently discovered on her husband's grand estate. The doctor has diagnosed her with temporary insanity caused by a fever of the brain. To protect her twin from a terrible fate in a lunatic asylum, Lucy must unravel the mystery surrounding her sister's condition, but it's clear her twin is hiding something. Then again, Lucy is harboring secrets of her own, too.
Then, the worst happens. Sarah's behavior takes a turn for the strange. She becomes angry… and hungry.
Lucy soon comes to suspect that something is trying to possess her beloved sister. Or is it madness? As Sarah changes before her very eyes, Lucy must reckon with the dark, monstrous truth, or risk losing her forever.
March 11, 2025
Triple Take Tuesday - Moning, Gillig and Atwood
Welcome back to Triple Take Tuesday, where I tackle not one, not two, but three books in one post! Whether these reads share a common thread or simply reflect my latest literary adventures, today’s lineup offers a mix of surprises, triumphs, and maybe a few letdowns. Grab a cozy drink and settle in — here are my quick takes on three books you’ll want to add on your TBR!
The House at Watch HillKaren Marie Moning★★★★★
The House at Watch Hill by Karen Marie Moning is a mesmerizing blend of mystery, romance, and the supernatural, wrapped in the author’s signature lush prose. With a gothic atmosphere that lingers like a haunting melody, the story unfolds in a grand but eerie house filled with secrets, where past and present intertwine in unexpected ways. Moning crafts a gripping narrative with deeply emotional stakes, weaving together love, loss, and the pull of destiny in a way that keeps the reader utterly captivated. Fans of her work will find this novel both familiar and refreshingly new, a perfect balance of intrigue and passion.
One Dark WindowRachel Gillig★★★★★
One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig is a spellbinding blend of gothic fantasy, eerie magic, and slow-burning romance that completely captivated me. With its rich, atmospheric prose and a dark, folklore-infused world, the story follows Elspeth, a girl cursed with a monster in her mind, as she navigates a kingdom ruled by ancient, sinister magic. The tension builds beautifully, balancing high stakes, political intrigue, and an irresistible romance that had me hooked from start to finish. Gillig’s writing is lush and immersive, making every twist feel both haunting and breathtaking. This was an absolute masterpiece—I couldn’t put it down and can’t wait to continue the journey!
Cut and ThirstMargaret Atwood★★★★☆
Cut and Thirst by Margaret Atwood is a sharp, haunting collection that showcases her signature ability to blend the dark and the beautiful in just a few deft strokes. Atwood’s language is spare yet powerful, with poems that linger long after reading — some cutting straight to the bone, others leaving a quieter, more subtle mark. While not every poem resonated equally, the overall collection is a compelling exploration of mortality, power, and human frailty. Fans of Atwood’s previous works will appreciate her continued mastery of imagery and tone, making Cut and Thirst a thoughtful, if occasionally uneven, read that earns a solid 4 stars.
March 10, 2025
Weekly Menu #598 And The Book Of The Week
Spain’s rich culinary heritage brings bold flavors, vibrant colors, and mouthwatering aromas to the table, making it the perfect inspiration for this week’s menu. From sizzling tapas to hearty paella, each dish showcases the country’s love for fresh ingredients, robust spices, and time-honored traditions. Whether you're craving savory jamón ibérico, crispy churros, or a refreshing glass of sangria, this menu will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of Spain. Get ready to explore a delicious lineup of Spanish-inspired meals that are easy to make and full of Mediterranean charm!This week’s read is The Road of Bones by Demi Winters, a chilling and atmospheric story that perfectly balances suspense and supernatural intrigue. Set against a hauntingly desolate landscape, this book promises an eerie journey filled with mystery, danger, and the weight of untold secrets. As we dive into the flavors of Spain, this dark and gripping tale offers the perfect contrast—a thrilling escape into the unknown.
WEEKLY MENU
Monday
Tapas Night
Kids - Potatoes and Cheese
Tuesday
Hearty & Comforting
Kids - Alphabet Noodle Soup
Wednesday
Rustic Flavors
Kids - Chicken Tenders and Oranges
Thursday
Traditional Stew Night
Kids - Peanut butter toast
Friday
Street Food Vibes
Kids - Cheese Quesadillas
Saturday
Family Feast
Kids - Chicken Nuggets and Fries
Sunday
Family Dinner
Marionberry-Glazed Roast Chicken
Garlic & Herb Hasselback Potatoes
Sautéed Oregon Mushrooms & Green Beans
March 9, 2025
Sunday Confessions #295
It’s time for another Sunday Book Confessions—where I spill all my bookish thoughts, the good, the bad, and the downright controversial! This week, I’m diving into the books that surprised me, the ones that left me frustrated, and the reading habits I might need to rethink. Whether it’s an unpopular opinion, a DNF I didn’t see coming, or a genre I can’t stop obsessing over, I’m laying it all out. Let’s chat—what are your bookish confessions this week?
Sunday Confessions #294~Weekly Menu #597 And The Book Of The Week~
Triple Take Tuesday - Zahn, Kliewer and Cooke~ARC review: Where Shadows Meet by Patrice Caldwell~
Book Review: A Song to Drown Rivers by Ann Liang~February 2025 Wrap Up~
Saturday Sips: Missed The Mark
Weekly Menu #598 And The Book Of The Week~Triple Take Tuesday - Moning, Gillig and Atwood~ARC Review: Blood on Her Tongue by Johanna Van Veen~Novella Review: The Worst Wingman Ever by Abby Jimenez~Book Review: Sunbringer by Hannah Kaner~Saturday Sips: 4 Stars!~ Sunday Confessions #296
★★★★★
Any Trope But You by Victoria Lavine is a delightful, laugh-out-loud romance that brilliantly plays with classic tropes while delivering something fresh and utterly charming. With sparkling banter, undeniable chemistry, and a cleverly meta approach to romance storytelling, Lavine crafts a novel that feels both like a love letter to the genre and a sharp, modern take on it. The characters are irresistibly lovable, their dynamic crackling with tension and humor, making every page a joy to read. Witty, heartfelt, and brimming with romance, this book is an absolute must-read for anyone who adores rom-coms with a self-aware twist.
73/100 2025 Reading Challenge~93/196 in my Star Wars Legends challenge~7/20 2024 Goodreads Fantasy Nominees Reading Challenge
Another week, another round of bookish confessions out in the open! Whether I’m switching up my reading habits, feeling let down by a hyped book, or unexpectedly falling in love with a new genre, the reading journey is always full of surprises. Now it’s your turn—what are your bookish confessions this week? Let’s chat in the comments!
March 8, 2025
Saturday Sips: Missed The Mark
Not every book can be a winner, and this week’s Saturday Sips is all about those reads that just didn’t hit the spot. Whether it was pacing issues, underdeveloped characters, or a plot that left me wanting more, these books had potential but ultimately missed the mark. In this post, I’ll break down what didn’t work for me—because even the misses make for great bookish discussions!
Never the RosesJennifer K. Lambert★★★☆☆
Never the Rose had an intriguing premise with its morally gray characters, forbidden romance, and magical creatures, but the third-person omniscient narration made it difficult to fully connect with the protagonists. While the world-building was lush and the slow-burn tension between Oneira and Stearanos had potential, the constant shifts in perspective created a sense of distance that kept me from becoming truly invested in their journey. I appreciated the unique elements, like the epistolary exchanges and the retired warrior trope, but the storytelling style ultimately made this a struggle to get through. A solid concept, but not the immersive read I had hoped for.
Becoming Madam SecretaryStephanie Dray★★★☆☆
Becoming Madam Secretary by Stephanie Dray started strong, with an engaging look at Frances Perkins’ rise to power and the challenges she faced as the first female U.S. cabinet member. However, the second half of the novel felt overly long and drawn out, making it a struggle to stay invested. While the historical details were well-researched, the pacing slowed considerably, diminishing the impact of Perkins' remarkable achievements. The book would have benefited from a tighter narrative to maintain momentum. A solid read for history lovers, but it didn’t fully hold my interest throughout.
MaliceJohn GwynneDNF
I went into Malice by John Gwynne expecting an epic fantasy filled with rich world-building and compelling characters, but unfortunately, it just didn’t work for me. While the story has all the hallmarks of a classic fantasy—prophecies, war, and a battle between good and evil—the slow pacing and dense exposition made it difficult to stay engaged. The multiple POVs, while ambitious, didn’t fully hook me, and I found myself struggling to connect with the characters. Ultimately, I decided to DNF this one, as it felt like too much of a slow burn without enough payoff to keep me invested. However, fans of classic, sprawling fantasy epics may have a different experience!
One of Us KnowsAlyssa Cole★★★☆☆
One of Us Knows by Alyssa Cole is a slow-burning psychological thriller with a chilling premise and a tense, atmospheric setting. The novel builds suspense effectively, weaving in social commentary and complex character dynamics. However, the pacing drags at times, and the shifting perspectives can feel disjointed, making it harder to fully immerse in the mystery. While the twists are intriguing, some reveals lack the impact needed to make this a truly unforgettable thriller. Still, Cole’s writing shines, and fans of her previous work may find plenty to enjoy.
March 7, 2025
February 2025 Wrap Up
February was a fantastic month for reading, with 35 books making their way onto my finished list! From heart-pounding thrillers to swoon-worthy romances and immersive fantasies, this month’s reading journey had a little bit of everything. In this wrap-up, I’m breaking down the highlights, standout favorites, and unexpected surprises. Whether you’re looking for your next must-read or just love seeing what others are diving into, this recap has plenty of bookish goodness to explore!
73/100 2025 Reading Challenge~93/196 in my Star Wars Legends challenge~7/20 2024 Goodreads Fantasy Nominees Reading Challenge
With 35 books read, February was a whirlwind of stories, emotions, and unforgettable characters. From surprising new favorites to books that challenged my expectations, this month proved once again why I love getting lost in a good read. As we step into March, I’m excited to see what new adventures the next stack of books will bring. Have you read any of these titles? Let’s chat in the comments—I’d love to hear your thoughts!
March 6, 2025
Book Review: A Song to Drown Rivers by Ann Liang
Lyrical, haunting, and steeped in mythology, A Song to Drown Rivers by Ann Liang is a mesmerizing tale of power, vengeance, and fate. This fantasy novel weaves an enchanting narrative with lush prose and an atmospheric setting, drawing readers into a world where magic and betrayal collide. But does it deliver on its promise of an unforgettable story? In this spoiler-free review, I’ll explore the book’s strengths, potential drawbacks, and whether it deserves a spot on your reading list.
Title: A Song to Drown Rivers
By: Ann Liang
Genre: Fantasy
Pages: 325
Release Date: October 1st, 2024
Rating: ★★★★★
Summary from Goodreads:Inspired by the legend of Xishi, one of the famous Four Beauties of Ancient China, A Song to Drown Rivers is an epic historical fantasy about womanhood, war, sacrifice, and love against all odds.Her beauty hides a deadly purpose.
Xishi’s beauty is seen as a blessing to the villagers of Yue—convinced that the best fate for a girl is to marry well and support her family. When Xishi draws the attention of the famous young military advisor, Fanli, he presents her with a rare opportunity: to use her beauty as a weapon. One that could topple the rival neighboring kingdom of Wu, improve the lives of her people, and avenge her sister’s murder. All she has to do is infiltrate the enemy palace as a spy, seduce their immoral king, and weaken them from within.
Trained by Fanli in everything from classical instruments to concealing emotion, Xishi hones her beauty into the perfect blade. But she knows Fanli can see through every deception she masters, the attraction between them burning away any falsehoods.
Once inside the enemy palace, Xishi finds herself under the hungry gaze of the king’s advisors while the king himself shows her great affection. Despite his gentleness, a brutality lurks and Xishi knows she can never let her guard down. But the higher Xishi climbs in the Wu court, the farther she and Fanli have to fall—and if she is unmasked as a traitor, she will bring both kingdoms down.
March 5, 2025
ARC review: Where Shadows Meet by Patrice Caldwell
Dark magic, dangerous secrets, and a world teetering on the edge of chaos—Where Shadows Meet by Patrice Caldwell is a gripping fantasy that blends high stakes with rich storytelling. As an eagerly anticipated 2025 release, this novel delivers a spellbinding mix of intrigue, powerful characters, and an immersive atmosphere perfect for fans of gothic fantasy. But does it live up to the hype? In this spoiler-free ARC review, I’ll break down what worked, what didn’t, and whether Where Shadows Meet deserves a spot on your TBR.
Title: Where Shadows Meet
By: Patrice Caldwell
Genre: Fantasy
Pages: 320
Release Date: April 1st, 2025
Rating: ★★★★☆
Summary from Goodreads:The dark and thrillingly romantic debut vampire fantasy that questions what it truly means to sacrifice for love.
You have no idea what I’ve done for love. Just as you have no idea what you may one day do.
Once long ago, a girl named Favre sacrificed her wings for love. Thana, the young goddess she so willingly gave them up for, sacrificed that same love for power. But everything has a cost.
Favre never got over the loss of her wings. And Thana’s choices led to a life of eternal night, and later, their destruction. Favre has bided her time ever since, waiting for the chance to resurrect the girl she loves who turned her into the creature she hates.
Now, a thousand years later, Leyla, the crown princess of the malichora—an ancient race that survives on human blood —must travel to the Island of the Dead when her best friend is captured during an attack on her nation’s capital. Along with Najja, a fierce, beautiful seer, and the last person she expected to help her, Leyla forges down a dangerous path, intent on saving her friend. But nothing is as it seems. The closer she gets to her goal, the more she risks awakening an ancient evil and destroying everything she holds dear.
Set in the aftermath of a war between vampires, humans, and the gods that created them, Patrice Caldwell’s devastatingly romantic fantasy debut, Where Shadows Meet, centers the heart-wrenching pain of loss and the struggle of self-discovery to ask: do we choose our fates, or do our fates choose us?
Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.
March 4, 2025
Triple Take Tuesday - Zahn, Kliewer and Cooke
Three books, three perspectives, and one reader ready to break them down—this week’s Triple Take Tuesday features stories that couldn’t be more different, yet each left its mark. From Zahn’s signature blend of sci-fi and strategy to Kliewer’s gripping storytelling and Cooke’s unique narrative voice, these books offered a mix of intrigue, action, and unexpected surprises. Whether they soared or stumbled, there’s plenty to unpack. Let’s dive in!
Star Wars: AllegianceTimothy ZahnStar Wars: Allegiance by Timothy Zahn is a thrilling dive into the gray areas of loyalty and morality within the galaxy far, far away. Zahn masterfully balances action, political intrigue, and character development, weaving together the journeys of Mara Jade, a squad of rogue stormtroopers, and the classic trio of Luke, Han, and Leia. The novel captures the tension of the early rebellion while offering fresh perspectives on Imperial defectors. While the pacing lags at times, the intricate plot and Zahn’s deep understanding of Star Wars lore make this a compelling read for fans.
We Used to Live HereMarcus KliewerWe Used to Live Here by Marcus Kliewer is an eerie psychological thriller that builds tension through an unsettling premise—a stranger arrives, claiming they used to live in your home, and refuses to leave. The novel expertly cultivates dread, with an escalating sense of paranoia that keeps the pages turning. However, while the concept is chilling, the execution falters at times, relying on repetitive suspense rather than deeper character development or a truly satisfying payoff. It’s an atmospheric and unsettling read, but it doesn’t fully capitalize on its potential.
The Book of WitchingC.J. CookeThe Book of Witching by C.J. Cooke is a mesmerizing blend of folklore, mystery, and atmospheric gothic horror. Building on the foundation of The Book of Witches, this sequel deepens the lore and raises the stakes as the characters navigate dark magic, hidden histories, and the weight of their own choices. Cooke’s lyrical prose and richly woven storytelling create an immersive experience, though the pacing occasionally lags with dense exposition. Still, the eerie atmosphere, well-crafted suspense, and emotional depth make it a compelling and rewarding read for fans of literary witchcraft.
March 3, 2025
Weekly Menu #597 And The Book Of The Week
This week’s Menu is extra special—it’s Oregon Week, and for me, it’s a homecoming! Living in Oregon means being surrounded by some of the best local ingredients, from marionberries and hazelnuts to Tillamook cheese and farm-fresh produce. Every dish on this menu celebrates the flavors of the Pacific Northwest, bringing the heart of Oregon straight to the table. Whether it’s a cozy bowl of wild mushroom risotto or a slice of marionberry cobbler, each bite is a tribute to the place I call home.Alongside our Oregon-inspired meals, we’re diving into The Will of the Many by James Islington this week. This epic fantasy, packed with intrigue, rebellion, and a gripping Roman-inspired world, pairs perfectly with the hearty, comforting flavors of the Pacific Northwest. Just like Oregon’s landscapes—vast, untamed, and rich with history—Islington’s world-building draws you in and refuses to let go. Whether you’re savoring a warm bowl of truffle mac & cheese or turning pages late into the night, this week is all about indulging in the best flavors—both literary and culinary.
WEEKLY MENUMonday
Wild Mushroom & Hazelnut Risotto
Kids - Alphabet Noodles with Carrots and Cucumber
Tuesday
Tillamook Cheddar & Herb Biscuits with Oregon Chili
Kids - Chicken Nuggets and Biscuits
Wednesday
Marionberry Glazed Pork Tenderloin
Whole Wheat Bread with Local Honey Butter
Kids - Marionberry and Peanut Butter Sandwiches
Thursday
Kids - Apple Pancakes
Friday
Sweet Potato Fries with Hazelnut Aioli
Kids - Chicken Burgers and Fries
Saturday
Kids - Cheese Quesadillas and Apple Slices
Sunday
Leftovers Night
