Sarai Henderson's Blog, page 31
December 23, 2024
Weekly Menu #588 And The Book Of The Week
This week on our culinary journey, we’re crossing the pond to explore the comforting and hearty flavors of English cuisine! From savory pies to classic teatime treats, the menu is packed with iconic dishes that celebrate the rich traditions of England. Whether you're craving a warming bowl of shepherd’s pie or the sweet allure of sticky toffee pudding, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Let’s dive into the tastes of England and bring a little bit of this storied country into our kitchens!This weeks read is Golden Son by Pierce Brown. It promises an intense and thrilling continuation of the Red Rising saga. Following Darrow’s dangerous mission to infiltrate the Golds, this sequel is packed with action, political intrigue, and the kind of high-stakes drama that keeps readers hooked. The story delves deeper into the world’s hierarchy and the consequences of rebellion, with alliances that shift as quickly as the tides. If you're looking for a gripping space opera with layers of complexity and jaw-dropping twists, Golden Son is sure to deliver.
Lets get to this weeks English inspired menu. Enjoy!
WEEKLY MENU
Monday
Kids - Chicken and Tots
Tuesday
Christmas Eve
Lefsa with Steak and Pork Roast
Kids - Cheese Quesadillas
Wednesday
Christmas
Kids - Sheet Pan Pancakes
Thursday
Kids - Pumpkin Muffins
Friday
Kids - Chicken and Mashed Potatoes
Saturday
Kids - Cheese and Crackers
Sunday
Leftovers Night
December 22, 2024
Sunday Confessions #285
Welcome to this week’s Sunday Confessions, where I spill all the bookish tea from my reading highs to my not-so-great attempts at tackling my TBR. From unexpected 5-star gems to the dreaded DNFs, it’s been a whirlwind of pages and emotions. Grab your favorite drink, settle in, and let’s chat about what’s been happening in my reading world this week!
Sunday Confessions #284~Weekly Menu #587 And The Book Of The Week~Triple Take Tuesday - Painter, Girma and Brown~
Book Review: Strike and Burn by Taylor Hutton~
Three Things I Loved About Witchcraft for Wayward Girls by Grady Hendrix~
Book Review: Star Wars: Tales from the New Republic by Peter Schweighofer
Weekly Menu #588 And The Book Of The Week~Triple Take Tuesday - Rivera, Johnson and Zahn~Book Review: The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller~Books my mom would love - The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon~Book Review: A Map to Paradise by Susan Meissner~Sunday Confessions #286
Babel by R.F. Kuang ★★★★☆A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens ★★★★★Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl ★★★★☆
Best Biographies
206/100 2024 Reading Challenge - Finished!~89/196 in my Star Wars Legends challenge~70/341 Gilmore Girls challenge~100/100 in my 100 books before you die challenge - Finished!
That’s a wrap for this week’s Sunday Confessions! Whether it’s the joy of a new favorite, the struggle of a slow read, or the endless battle with my TBR, every week brings its own bookish adventures. I’d love to hear about yours—what have you been reading, loving, or setting aside lately? Drop your thoughts in the comments and let’s keep the conversation going. Until next time, happy reading!
December 20, 2024
Book Review: Star Wars: Tales from the New Republic by Peter Schweighofer
My book review of Star Wars: Tale from the New Republic by Peter Scherighofer.
Title: Tales from the New Republic
By: Peter Schweighofer
Genre: Scifi
Pages: 397
Release Date: December 1st, 1999
Rating: ★★★★☆
Summary from Goodreads:Written by some of today's leading science fiction writers, these tales sweep us into a world where the only laws are cunning, force, and power--and only the bravest, craziest, and deadliest dare to tread. Here mercs and smugglers, gangsters and warriors fight toe to toe, side by side, and behind each other's backs in the backwaters of a universe ripped apart by war.
On Zelos II a man and a woman are held prisoner in a dark cell, each fighting in their own way for survival at the hands of Imperial captors--and a chance for escape that could cost one of them their life. On the tortured landscape of Ryloth, Fenig Nabon awaits a ship of women warriors to complete a dangerous deal: the smuggling of a troupe of dancers to the homeworld of the Hutts--only to get more than she bargained for. And in a stunning novella written especially for this collection by Hugo Award-winning, New York Times bestselling author Timothy Zahn and Michael A. Stackpole, Senator Garm Bel Iblis, believed dead at the hands of an Imperial assassin, teams up with Hal Horn in a duel against the Empire's most dangerous agent. At stake are the plans for a terrifying new weapon called the Death Star--and the fate of both the Empire and the New Republic.
December 19, 2024
Three Things I Loved About Witchcraft for Wayward Girls by Grady Hendrix
Grady Hendrix delivers another spellbinding tale with Witchcraft for Wayward Girls, blending eerie atmospheres, emotional depth, and a dash of dark humor. In this post, I’m diving into three standout elements that made this book a memorable read. From its haunting exploration of sisterhood to its clever nods to witchy folklore, here’s what kept me hooked and why this novel deserves a spot on your TBR!
Title: Witchcraft for Wayward Girls
By: Grady Hendrix
Genre: Historical Fiction/ Horror
Pages: 496
Release Date: January 14th, 2025
Rating: ★★★★☆
Summary from Goodreads:There’s power in a book…
They call them wayward girls. Loose girls. Girls who grew up too fast. And they’re sent to the Wellwood Home in St. Augustine, Florida, where unwed mothers are hidden by their families to have their babies in secret, give them up for adoption, and most important of all, to forget any of it ever happened.
Fifteen-year-old Fern arrives at the home in the sweltering summer of 1970, pregnant, terrified and alone. Under the watchful eye of the stern Miss Wellwood, she meets a dozen other girls in the same predicament. There’s Rose, a hippie who insists she’s going to find a way to keep her baby and escape to a commune. And Zinnia, a budding musician who knows she’s going to go home and marry her baby’s father. And Holly, a wisp of a girl, barely fourteen, mute and pregnant by no-one-knows-who.
Everything the girls eat, every moment of their waking day, and everything they’re allowed to talk about is strictly controlled by adults who claim they know what’s best for them. Then Fern meets a librarian who gives her an occult book about witchcraft, and power is in the hands of the girls for the first time in their lives. But power can destroy as easily as it creates, and it’s never given freely. There’s always a price to be paid…and it’s usually paid in blood.
1. The Complex Female Relationships: The heart of Witchcraft for Wayward Girls lies in its exploration of sisterhood and friendship, showing how bonds can both heal and haunt. The layered dynamics between the characters added an emotional depth that grounded the supernatural elements.
2. The Perfect Blend of Horror and Humor: Grady Hendrix masterfully balances unsettling chills with moments of wry humor, making the story both eerie and entertaining. This unique tone kept me on edge while also delivering moments of unexpected laughter.
3. The Richly Atmospheric Setting: From the creaking halls of the old boarding school to the eerie woods that seem alive with secrets, the setting was practically a character itself. Hendrix’s vivid descriptions created an immersive world perfect for a witchy tale.
Witchcraft for Wayward Girls is a captivating blend of the eerie, the emotional, and the enchanting—a story that lingers long after the final page. With its rich atmosphere, complex relationships, and signature Hendrix charm, it’s a book that both delights and unsettles in equal measure. If you’re in the mood for a spellbinding tale that’s as thought-provoking as it is chilling, this one’s a must-read. Have you read it yet? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!
December 18, 2024
Book Review: Strike and Burn by Taylor Hutton
My book review of Strike and Burn by Taylor Hutton.
Title: Strike and Burn
By: Taylor Hutton
Genre: Romance
Pages: 368
Release Date: January 28th, 2025
Rating: ★★☆☆☆
Summary from Goodreads:A breathless romantic thriller that doesn’t just toe the line between danger and desire—it burns it to the ground.
Honor Stone is all alone in this world. No family, no money, no future. So when she locks eyes with Strike Madden—in the morgue of all places—she’s not in the mood to be seduced. Sure, he’s drop-dead gorgeous, and the sizzle of attraction between them is undeniable, but she’s reeling from her identical twin sister’s murder. It’s the wrong time, wrong place, wrong everything.
Still, the enigmatic billionaire hires Honor as an artist to spearhead his carefully curated erotic animation studio—a job they soon find to be a dangerous mix of business and pleasure.
But when her twin’s obsessive killer targets Honor, the painful secrets of Honor’s traumatic past will finally be exposed with devastating consequences. Strike will stop at nothing to protect her, uncovering his own bone-chilling demons—a beautifully broken, dark side that doesn’t scare Honor…
While Strike and Burn promised a mix of romance and suspense, it failed to deliver a compelling story. The lack of character development made it hard to connect with Honor and Strike, leaving their relationship feeling superficial. The plot leaned heavily on overused clichés like the brooding billionaire hero and the damsel in distress, which overshadowed the potential for a unique narrative. The story development felt rushed and underwhelming, with key moments lacking depth or significance. Overall, while the premise had promise, the weak execution left much to be desired, making it a disappointing read.
Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.
December 17, 2024
Triple Take Tuesday - Painter, Girma and Brown
Welcome to another Triple Take Tuesday, where I dive into three captivating reads from authors Painter, Girma, and Brown. Each book offers a unique perspective, blending themes of resilience, exploration, and heart-stirring storytelling. Whether you're looking for a fresh literary escape, a dose of inspiration, or a richly woven tale, these reviews will guide you through the highlights and hidden gems of these standout titles. Let’s jump in!
Accidentally AmyLynn Painter★★★★☆Accidentally Amy by Lynn Painter is a delightful rom-com that sparkles with humor, quirky mishaps, and undeniable chemistry. The story follows a case of mistaken identity that spirals into a charmingly chaotic romance between our coffee-spilling heroine and her irresistible boss. Painter's witty dialogue and engaging characters shine, making it easy to root for the couple despite their many obstacles. While the plot occasionally leans on familiar tropes, the fresh execution and heartfelt moments keep it feeling new and fun. It's a feel-good read that's perfect for fans of sweet and sassy workplace romances.
Immortal DarkTigest Girma★★★☆☆Tigest Girma's Immortal Dark offers a fresh take on vampire lore, blending Ethiopian mythology with a contemporary urban fantasy backdrop. The world-building shines with cultural depth and unique supernatural elements, but the pacing stumbles, often sacrificing character development for action-packed sequences. While the protagonist’s journey is compelling, the supporting cast feels underutilized, leaving emotional connections thin. The writing is atmospheric and rich, but at times overly descriptive, which slows the narrative. Overall, Immortal Dark is a promising debut with intriguing ideas, though it doesn't fully realize its potential. A decent read for fans of inventive vampire stories.
Red RisingPierce Brown★★★★☆Red Rising by Pierce Brown is a gripping blend of science fiction and fantasy that delivers a brutal, imaginative world while straddling the two genres with finesse. What begins as a dystopian tale of Mars' class struggles quickly transforms into a sweeping epic akin to high fantasy, complete with alliances, betrayals, and a protagonist who must navigate the treacherous landscape of power and honor. Brown's ability to ground futuristic technology alongside the mythic quest of Darrow's rise to power creates a unique reading experience that feels both raw and heroic. While the transition can feel jarring at times, it ultimately enriches the narrative, making this a standout read. A solid 4 stars!
December 16, 2024
Weekly Menu #587 And The Book Of The Week
This week on the blog, we’re hitting pause on our culinary travels to revisit some all-time favorites! From cozy comfort foods to recipes that have become staples in our kitchen, it’s a week of familiar flavors and cherished memories. Whether you’re looking for tried-and-true dishes or just need a little inspiration to bring warmth to your table, these recipes are sure to satisfy. Let’s dig in!This week, I’m diving into The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay by Michael Chabon, a sweeping tale of ambition, artistry, and friendship set against the backdrop of 1930s and 1940s New York. Following the journey of Joe Kavalier, an artist with a flair for escape, and Sam Clay, a dreamer with a knack for storytelling, the novel weaves together the rise of the Golden Age of comic books with their deeply personal struggles. It’s a vibrant, heartfelt exploration of creativity, identity, and the enduring power of imagination.
Lets get to this weeks menu. Enjoy!
WEEKLY MENU
Monday
Slow Cooker Mexican Shredded Chicken
Rice, black beans and Guacamole
Kids - Cheese Quesadillas/Cheese Toast
Tuesday
Feta and Spinach Chicken Patties
Kids - Chicken/Cheese Fruit Salad
Wednesday
Kids - Nachos/Chips and Cheese
Thursday
Cajun Chicken with Bell Peppers
Salad
Kids - Chicken/Cheese and Crackers
Friday
Kids - Little Pizzas/Garlic Knots
Saturday
Kids - Chicken and Rice/Cheese Toast
Sunday
Family Dinner
Kids: Beef Ramen/Toast and Applesauce
December 15, 2024
Sunday Confessions #284
Welcome to this week’s Sunday Confessions, where I’m peeling back the curtain on my reading habits and bookish quirks. From the books I’ve shamefully started and never finished, to the genres I swear I’ll never touch (but maybe secretly want to), this is where I let my bookish secrets out. It’s all about embracing the messy, imperfect side of reading—because sometimes, the confessions are just as fun as the books themselves!
Sunday Confessions #283~Weekly Menu #586 And The Book Of The Week~Triple Take Tuesday - Roberts, Hoffman and Rekulak~Book Review: Blue Sisters by Coco Mellors~December 2024 Book Club Reads~Book Review: Star Wars: Tales from the Empire by Peter Schweighofer
Weekly Menu #587 And The Book Of The Week~Triple Take Tuesday - Painter, Girma and Brown~Book Review: Strike and Burn by Taylor Hutton~Three Things I Loved About Witchcraft for Wayward Girls by Grady Hendrix~Book Review: Star Wars: Tales from the New Republic by Peter Schweighofer~Sunday Confessions #285
Babel by R.F. Kuang ★★★★☆A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens ★★★★★Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl ★★★★☆
Christmas Romantic Comedy/Chick Lit
199/100 2024 Reading Challenge - Finished!~87/196 in my Star Wars Legends challenge~70/341 Gilmore Girls challenge~100/100 in my 100 books before you die challenge - Finished!
And that’s a wrap for this week’s Sunday Confessions! It feels good to let go of some of those bookish secrets and embrace the imperfect journey that reading often is. I’d love to hear your confessions too—whether it’s a guilty pleasure book or a reading habit you’re not too proud of. Let’s keep this conversation going and remind ourselves that there’s no right or wrong way to enjoy a good book. Until next time, happy reading (and confessing)!
December 13, 2024
Book Review: Star Wars: Tales from the Empire by Peter Schweighofer
Title: Star Wars: Tales from the Empire
By: Peter Schweighofer
Genre: Scifi
Pages: 320
Release Date: November 3rd, 1997
Rating: ★★★★☆
Summary from Goodreads:Culled from the pages of the Star Wars Adventure Journal, one of the most popular Star Wars magazines in the field today, comes this exciting new short-story collection. Here are stories from such award-winning and New York Times bestselling authors as Timothy Zahn, Michael A. Stackpole and Kathy Tyers as well as exciting newcomers, including Erin Endom, Laurie Burns, and Patricia A. Jackson. From the desperate flight of a civilian mail courier carrying vital Rebel intelligence through an Imperial blockade, to a suicidal commando raid on an impregnable Imperial prison, to a Corellian smuggler mysteriously hired by an actor turned Jedi Knight turned Imperial assassin for one final transformation, these tales capture all the high adventure, imaginative genius, and nonstop action that are the hallmarks of the Star Wars saga.
What's more, the centerpiece of this magnificent collection is the short novel Side Trip, the first-ever collaboration between Timothy Zahn and Michael A. Stackpole, in which a freighter smuggling arms for the Rebels is commandeered by an Imperial Star Destroyer led by a mysterious helmeted figure who claims to be the notorious bounty hunter Jodo Kast. It is all part of a devious plan that includes Hal and Corran Horn, who are working undercover to nail the infamous Corellian warlord Zekka Thyne. But one slip-up can get them all killed.
December 12, 2024
December 2024 Book Club Reads
For this month’s Book Club Reads, we’re embracing the cozy vibes of December with a selection of books that promise to spark thoughtful discussions and provide the perfect escape during the holiday season. From heartwarming tales of family and magic to gripping mysteries and thought-provoking narratives, these books are sure to bring a mix of excitement, reflection, and joy to our reading circles. Grab a cup of tea and settle in as we explore these December picks that will make the perfect companion to the winter chill!
BabelR.F. KuangFrom award-winning author R. F. Kuang comes Babel, a historical fantasy epic that grapples with student revolutions, colonial resistance, and the use of language and translation as the dominating tool of the British Empire
Traduttore, traditore: An act of translation is always an act of betrayal.
1828. Robin Swift, orphaned by cholera in Canton, is brought to London by the mysterious Professor Lovell. There, he trains for years in Latin, Ancient Greek, and Chinese, all in preparation for the day he’ll enroll in Oxford University’s prestigious Royal Institute of Translation—also known as Babel. The tower and its students are the world's center for translation and, more importantly, magic. Silver-working—the art of manifesting the meaning lost in translation using enchanted silver bars—has made the British unparalleled in power, as the arcane craft serves the Empire's quest for colonization.
For Robin, Oxford is a utopia dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge. But knowledge obeys power, and as a Chinese boy raised in Britain, Robin realizes serving Babel means betraying his motherland. As his studies progress, Robin finds himself caught between Babel and the shadowy Hermes Society, an organization dedicated to stopping imperial expansion. When Britain pursues an unjust war with China over silver and opium, Robin must decide . . .
Can powerful institutions be changed from within, or does revolution always require violence?
A Christmas CarolCharles Dickens'If I had my way, every idiot who goes around with Merry Christmas on his lips, would be boiled with his own pudding, and buried with a stake of holly through his heart. Merry Christmas? Bah humbug!'
Introduction and Afterword by Joe WheelerTo bitter, miserly Ebenezer Scrooge, Christmas is just another day. But all that changes when the ghost of his long-dead business partner appears, warning Scrooge to change his ways before it's too late.
Part of the Focus on the Family Great Stories collection, this abridged edition features an in-depth introduction and discussion questions by Joe Wheeler to provide greater understanding for today's reader. "A Christmas Carol" captures the heart of the holidays like no other novel.
Charlie and the Chocolate FactoryRoald DahlThe gates of Mr. Willy Wonka's famous chocolate factory are opening at last! But only five lucky children will be allowed inside. And the winners are: Augustus Gloop, an enormously fat boy whose hobby is eating; Veruca Salt, a spoiled-rotten brat whose parents are wrapped around her little finger; Violet Beauregarde, a dim-witted gum-chewer with the fastest jaws around; Mike Teavee, a toy pistol-toting gangster-in-training who is obsessed with television; and Charlie Bucket, Our Hero, a boy who is honest and kind, brave and true, and good and ready for the wildest time of his life!
As we wrap up this month’s Book Club Reads, I hope these selections have inspired engaging conversations and introduced you to new worlds and perspectives. Whether you’re diving into magical realms, unraveling mysteries, or reflecting on the deeper themes of family and love, these books offer something for everyone. I can’t wait to hear your thoughts and see how these stories resonated with each of you. Until next time, happy reading and enjoy the festive season ahead!
Check out the book club here EVERYONE Has Read This but Me - The Catch-Up Book Club.
