Sarai Henderson's Blog, page 26
February 20, 2025
Novella Review: The Fall Risk by Abby Jimenez
Abby Jimenez delivers another emotionally charged and witty romance in The Fall Risk. This gripping novel blends humor, heartache, and unexpected twists, making it a must-read for fans of contemporary romance with depth. With lovable characters, sharp dialogue, and an irresistible slow-burn love story, The Fall Risk is perfect for readers who enjoy books by Emily Henry and Christina Lauren. Read my full review below to see why this book deserves a spot on your TBR!
Title: The Fall Risk
By: Aby Jimenez
Genre: Romance
Pages: 82
Release Date: March 1st, 2025
Rating: ★★★★★
Summary from Goodreads:Two good neighbors make the best of a bad Valentine’s Day in a funny and improbably romantic short story by the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Just for the Summer.
It’s Valentine’s Day weekend, and Charlotte and Seth are not looking for romance. Armed with emotional-support bear spray, Charlotte is in self-imposed isolation and on guard from men. Having a stalker can do that to a person’s nerves. Just across the hall and giving off woodsy vibes is Seth, a recently divorced arborist. As in today recently. Heights, he’s fine with. Trust? Not so much. But when disaster traps them one flight up and no way down, an outrageously precarious predicament forces a tree-loving guy and a rattled girl next door to embrace their captivity. Soon their defenses are breaking away. Considering how close they both are to the edge, Charlotte and Seth could be in danger of falling—in love.
Review:
The Fall Risk by Abby Jimenez took me by surprise with its early release, and I absolutely loved it. This book delivers the perfect mix of heartfelt romance, emotional depth, and suspense, all wrapped in Jimenez’s signature wit. The chemistry between the characters feels authentic, and the story balances heavy themes with moments of levity that keep the pages turning. However, readers should be aware that stalking plays a significant role in the plot, so consider that before diving in. Overall, it’s another stellar read from Jimenez that I couldn’t put down!
February 19, 2025
Book Review: Dance of Thieves by Mary E. Pearson
Love enemies-to-lovers romance, high-stakes adventure, and richly built fantasy worlds? Dance of Thieves by Mary E. Pearson delivers all that and more! This gripping YA fantasy features a fierce heroine, a swoon-worthy romance, and an action-packed story. Read my full review below to find out why this book is a must-read for fantasy lovers!
Title: Dance of Thieves
By: Mary E. Pearson
Genre: Fantasy
Pages: 512
Release Date: August 17th, 2018
Rating: ★★★★★
Summary from Goodreads:When the patriarch of the Ballenger empire dies, his son, Jase, becomes its new leader. Even nearby kingdoms bow to the strength of this outlaw family, who have always governed by their own rules. But a new era looms on the horizon, set in motion by a young queen, which makes her the target of the dynasty's resentment and anger.
At the same time, Kazi, a legendary former street thief, is sent by the queen to investigate transgressions against the new settlements. When Kazi arrives in the forbidding land of the Ballengers, she learns that there is more to Jase than she thought. As unexpected events spiral out of their control, bringing them intimately together, they continue to play a cat and mouse game of false moves and motives in order to fulfill their own secret missions.
Mary E. Pearson's Dance of Thieves is a new YA novel in the New York Times bestselling Remnant Chronicles universe, in which a reformed thief and the young leader of an outlaw dynasty lock wits in a battle that may cost them their lives—and their hearts.
February 18, 2025
ARC Review: The Bones Beneath My Skin By T.J. Klune
If you love heartfelt LGBTQ+ fiction with found family, emotional depth, and T.J. Klune’s signature storytelling, The Bones Beneath My Skin is a must-read. This novel blends quiet romance, sci-fi mystery, and deep character connections in a way that stays with you long after the final page. Read my full review below to see why this book deserves a spot on your shelf!
Title: The Bones Beneath My Skin
By: TJ Klune
Genre: Scifi
Pages: 400
Release Date: October 26th, 2018
Rating: ★★★★★
Summary from Goodreads:A spine-tingling standalone novel by bestselling author TJ Klune―a supernatural road-trip thriller featuring an extraordinary young girl and her two unlikely protectors on the run from cultists and the government.
There's nothing more human than a broken heart.
In the spring of 1995, Nate Cartwright has lost everything: his parents are dead, his only brother wants nothing to do with him, and he's been fired from his job as a journalist in Washington, DC.
With nothing left to lose, he returns to his family's summer cabin outside the small mountain town of Roseland, Oregon, to try and find some sense of direction. The cabin should be empty. It's not.
Inside is a man named Alex. And with him is an extraordinary ten-year-old girl who calls herself Artemis Darth Vader. Artemis, who isn't exactly as she appears.
Soon it becomes clear that Nate must make a choice: let himself drown in the memories of his past, or fight for a future he never thought possible. Because the girl is special. And forces are descending upon them who want nothing more than to control her.
Review:
The Bones Beneath My Skin by TJ Klune is a beautifully raw and emotionally gripping story that blends sci-fi, found family, and deep human connection in a way that lingers long after the last page. With Klune’s signature warmth and wit, the novel follows an ex-journalist, a mysterious girl with unimaginable power, and the man protecting her, weaving a tale of love, sacrifice, and what it truly means to belong. The character dynamics are heartfelt and compelling, and the prose is both poignant and immersive. Klune masterfully balances tension, tenderness, and moments of quiet beauty, making this an unforgettable and deeply moving read.Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.
February 17, 2025
Weekly Menu #595 And The Book Of The Week
Aloha! This week on the blog, we’re taking our taste buds on a trip to the Hawaiian islands with a menu inspired by the rich flavors and traditions of Hawaiian cuisine. From savory kalua pork to sweet haupia, each dish brings a taste of the tropics to the table. Get ready for a week filled with fresh seafood, vibrant tropical fruits, and the comforting warmth of island-inspired comfort food. Grab your lei and let’s dive into a delicious Hawaiian food adventure!To complement our Hawaiian-inspired menu, we’re diving into Malice by John Gwynne, an epic fantasy filled with rich world-building, gripping battles, and a tale of destiny and betrayal. While the story takes us far from the sandy shores of Hawaii, its themes of loyalty, survival, and the fight for a better future resonate across cultures. Just as Hawaiian cuisine blends diverse influences into something uniquely its own, Malice weaves classic fantasy elements into a fresh and thrilling adventure. So, as we savor island flavors this week, we’ll also be savoring every twist and turn of this legendary tale!
WEEKLY MENU
Monday
Family Dinner
Tuesday
Kids - Hawaiian Pizza Sliders
Wednesday
Kids - Chicken and Waffles
Thursday
Kids - Chicken and Rice
Friday
Kids - Chicken and Pineapple
Saturday
Kids - Beef Ramen
Sunday
Leftovers Night
February 16, 2025
Sunday Confessions #292
Sundays are for reflection, and what better way to unwind than with a little bookish confession? Whether it’s an unpopular opinion, a series I still haven’t finished, or a book that left me unexpectedly underwhelmed, this is the space to spill it all. Some reads leave a lasting impact, while others fade faster than I’d like to admit—and sometimes, the hype just doesn’t match my experience. So, grab a cozy drink and settle in, because it’s time for this week’s Sunday Book Confessions.
Sunday Confessions #291~Weekly Menu #594 And The Book Of The Week~ARC Review: Get Lost With You by Sophie Sullivan~Book Review: Godkiller by Hannah Kaner~
ARC Review: Kingdom of Claw by Demi Winters~Five-Star Friday: The Crash by Freida McFadden~
Saturday Sips: The 3-Star Edition
Weekly Menu #595 And The Book Of The Week~ARC Review: The Bones Beneath My Skin By T.J. Klune~Book Review: Dance of Thieves by Mary E. Pearson~Novella Review: The Fall Risk by Abby Jimenez~ARC Review: I'll Have What She's Having by Chelsea Handler~Saturday Sips: 4 Star Reads~Sunday Confessions #293
43/100 2025 Reading Challenge~91/196 in my Star Wars Legends challenge~6/20 2024 Goodreads Fantasy Nominees Reading Challenge
At the end of the day, every reader’s journey is unique, and that’s what makes talking about books so much fun. Whether I’m loving a new favorite, struggling through a disappointing read, or finally tackling that backlist title, each book leaves its mark in some way. What about you? Do you have any bookish confessions this week? Let’s chat in the comments—after all, Sundays are best spent sharing stories!
February 15, 2025
Saturday Sips: The 3-Star Edition
Some books are like a perfectly brewed cup of tea—rich, complex, and deeply satisfying. Others, while enjoyable, don’t quite hit the mark, leaving you with a lingering sense of what could have been. This week’s Saturday Sips is all about those three-star reads—books that had potential, offered some great moments, but didn’t fully deliver. Whether it was a slow plot, underdeveloped characters, or just a case of mismatched expectations, these stories still had their merits. So, grab your favorite drink and let’s sip our way through the latest almost-but-not-quite favorites!
The Body in the LibraryAgatha ChristieThe Body in the Library by Agatha Christie delivers a classic whodunit with Miss Marple’s signature sharp wit and keen observations. The premise—an unidentified young woman found dead in the library of a well-to-do household—is intriguing, and Christie weaves her usual web of misdirection and red herrings. However, the story lacks the tightly wound suspense of her best works, and some characters feel more like plot devices than fully realized figures. While still an enjoyable mystery with a satisfying resolution, it doesn’t quite reach the brilliance of Christie’s most iconic novels.
The Stars Are DyingC.C. PeñarandaThe Stars Are Dying by C.C. Peñaranda offers an intriguing mix of celestial magic, rebellion, and forbidden romance, but it doesn’t fully deliver on its ambitious premise. The world-building is rich with potential, yet some aspects feel underdeveloped, making it difficult to fully immerse in the setting. The characters have compelling dynamics, but their arcs sometimes lean on familiar fantasy tropes without adding much freshness. While the plot moves at a decent pace, the storytelling lacks the depth needed to make it truly memorable. A solid read for fans of YA fantasy, but not a standout in the genre.
The Wildest ThingsAndrea HannahThe Wildest Things by Andrea Hannah had an intriguing premise, but the execution fell flat. I was especially excited for the eerie Snow White retelling, but it never fully delivered on its potential. The atmospheric writing and haunting forest setting had promise, yet the story meandered without clear direction, making it difficult to stay engaged. The protagonist’s emotional struggles felt repetitive rather than compelling, and the pacing dragged, diminishing any real sense of tension. While the book aimed for a haunting, introspective tone, it ultimately lacked the depth needed to make the characters or their journey truly memorable.
February 14, 2025
Five-Star Friday: The Crash by Freida McFadden
My book review of The Crash by Freida McFadden.
Title: The Crash
By: Freida McFadden
Genre: Thriller
Pages: 384
Release Date: January 28th, 2025
Rating: ★★★★★
Summary from Goodreads:The nightmare she’s running from is nothing compared to where she’s headed.
Tegan is eight months pregnant, alone, and desperately wants to put her crumbling life in the rearview mirror. So she hits the road, planning to stay with her brother until she can figure out her next move. But she doesn’t realize she’s heading straight into a blizzard.
She never arrives at her destination.
Stranded in rural Maine with a dead car and broken ankle, Tegan worries she’s made a terrible mistake. Then a miracle she is rescued by a couple who offers her a room in their warm cabin until the snow clears.
But something isn’t right. Tegan believed she was waiting out the storm, but as time ticks by, she comes to realize she is in grave danger. This safe haven isn’t what she thought it was, and staying here may have been her most deadly mistake yet.
And now she must do whatever it takes to save herself—and her unborn child.
February 13, 2025
ARC Review: Kingdom of Claw by Demi Winters
My book review of Kingdom of Claw by Demi Winters.
Title: Kingdom of Claw
By: Demi Winters
Genre: Fantasy
Pages: 586
Release Date: February 21st, 2024
Rating: ★★★★☆
Summary from Goodreads:Silla Nordvig survived the Road of Bones.
In the aftermath of her journey, her dreams of a simple life have been shattered. Beaten, betrayed, and reeling from the revelation of her true name, she flees Kopa with Reynir Galtung, ruthless leader of the Bloodaxe Crew. But Silla soon discovers Rey has been keeping secrets of his own, and they're forced into hiding together.
Stuck in a shield-home with the murderous man she thought she knew, Silla forms a new plan: master the magic flowing through her veins to save her sister. But before she can do that, Silla must face her most formidable opponent yet--her own inner demons.
Saga Volsik has nothing to lose.
They’ve murdered her family. Stolen her throne. And now they expect her to marry their son. But when she discovers her foster mother has been keeping the biggest secret of all, everything changes.
Saga’s goal: dismantle Queen Signe’s plans piece by piece. The only problem? The handsome Zagadkian dignitary who knows far too many of her secrets.
Meanwhile, dark threads continue to weave themselves through Íseldur as magic long thought dead begins to wake. In this follow-up to The Road of Bones, both women will need to find the strength to step into their destiny and stop chaos from sweeping across the land.
Return to the Kingdom of Íseldur where enemies become lovers and dark secrets hide around each corner. This installment digs deeper into Íseldur’s forbidden magic and the simmering attraction growing between two unlikely couples.
February 12, 2025
Book Review: Godkiller by Hannah Kaner
My book review of Godkiller by Hannah Kaner.
Title: Godkiller
By: Hannah Kaner
Genre: Fantasy
Pages: 304
Release Date: January 19th, 2023
Rating: ★★★★☆
Summary from Goodreads:Kissen’s family were killed by zealots of a fire god. Now, she makes a living killing gods, and enjoys it. That is until she finds a god she cannot kill: Skedi, a god of white lies, has somehow bound himself to a young noble, and they are both on the run from unknown assassins.
Joined by a disillusioned knight on a secret quest, they must travel to the ruined city of Blenraden, where the last of the wild gods reside, to each beg a favour.
Pursued by demons, and in the midst of burgeoning civil war, they will all face a reckoning – something is rotting at the heart of their world, and only they can be the ones to stop it.
February 11, 2025
ARC Review: Get Lost With You by Sophie Sullivan
My book review of Get Lost With You by Sophie Sullivan.
Title: Get Lost With You
By: Sophie Sullivan
Genre: Romance
Pages: 304
Release Date: February 11th, 2025
Rating: ★★★★☆
Summary from Goodreads:Jillian Keller took the long route to her best life, but is now happily settled in her hometown of Smile, raising her little girl alone while helping her brother run Get Lost Lodge. A lover of structure and routine, she doesn’t need anything, or anyone, disrupting her carefully curated life.
After chasing and achieving his culinary dreams, Levi Bright realizes he’s still missing something. Something he can’t find in a big city. Returning home to Smile, he intends to build a different future for himself that includes mending fences with his dad, reconnecting with friends, and creating elevated comfort food for a town he loves.
When Levi and Jilly run into each other one day in Smile, once requited feelings that never had a chance to bloom as teens flare between them immediately. Jaded from her past, Jilly is cautious and convinced that she can handle being just friends, as the two have to work closely together to prepare for Get Lost’s official summer opening, spending time together, camping, laughing, kayaking, and reminiscing. But when her brother hires sweet, funny, ridiculously hot Levi as the new chef at the lodge, and she and Ollie are getting more attached, things are moving more quickly than she anticipated--and Jilly has been hurt before. If she wants to be head over heels in love, she'll have to learn that the past doesn’t always repeat itself. Sometimes, it just leads you where you’re meant to be.
