Sarai Henderson's Blog, page 35
November 7, 2024
November 2024 Book Club Reads
As we settle into the cozy days of November, it's the perfect time to dive into stories that spark conversation, inspire deep thought, and warm us from the inside out. This month’s book club picks bring together tales that invite us to explore new perspectives and ponder life’s complexities, from heartfelt character journeys to intricate plot twists. Whether you’re looking for a story to get lost in or one to discuss over a cup of tea, November’s selections promise a little something for everyone. Let’s take a look at the books we’ll be curling up with this month!
The Hunger GamesSuzanne CollinsCould you survive on your own in the wild, with every one out to make sure you don't live to see the morning?
In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV.
Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives alone with her mother and younger sister, regards it as a death sentence when she steps forward to take her sister's place in the Games. But Katniss has been close to dead before—and survival, for her, is second nature. Without really meaning to, she becomes a contender. But if she is to win, she will have to start making choices that weight survival against humanity and life against love.
Death on the NileAgatha ChristieAgatha Christie's most exotic murder mystery, reissued with a striking new cover designed to appeal to the latest generation of Agatha Christie fans and book lovers. The tranquillity of a cruise along the Nile is shattered by the discovery that Linnet Ridgeway has been shot through the head. She was young, stylish and beautiful, a girl who had everything - until she lost her life. Hercule Poirot recalls an earlier outburst by a fellow passenger: `I'd like to put my dear little pistol against her head and just press the trigger.' Yet in this exotic setting' nothing is ever quite what it seems...
The Midnight LibraryMatt HaigBetween life and death there is a library.
When Nora Seed finds herself in the Midnight Library, she has a chance to make things right. Up until now, her life has been full of misery and regret. She feels she has let everyone down, including herself. But things are about to change.
The books in the Midnight Library enable Nora to live as if she had done things differently. With the help of an old friend, she can now undo every one of her regrets as she tries to work out her perfect life. But things aren't always what she imagined they'd be, and soon her choices place the library and herself in extreme danger.
Before time runs out, she must answer the ultimate question: what is the best way to live?
I hope these books bring as much joy and insight to you as they have to our book club. There’s nothing like sharing stories, ideas, and a few laughs with fellow book lovers! If you’re looking to catch up on those iconic reads that everyone seems to have read but you, join us in EVERYONE Has Read This but Me - The Catch-Up Book Club. It’s a welcoming space to dive into beloved books, share thoughts, and finally cross those classics and must-reads off your list. We’d love for you to join the conversation and add your voice to our next discussion!
November 6, 2024
Book Review: The Games Gods Play by Abigail Owen
My book review of The Games Gods Play by Abigail Owen. A world where deities and mortals collide in a thrilling, fast-paced tale of power, loyalty, and fate.
Title: The Games Gods Play
By: Abigail Owen
Genre: Fantasy
Pages: 645
Release Date: September 3rd, 2024
Rating: ★★★★☆
Summary from Goodreads:Percy Jackson for adults meets The Hunger Games with a slow burn romance between a contestant and Hades himself.
Every hundred years, the gods toy with us mere mortals.And we let them.
The gods of myth are alive and well.Once every century, they select a new ruler in a cutthroat competition, pushing mortal players to the limit. But this year, Hades is done sitting on the sidelines. And he’s picking a champion no one expects—in this modern mythic romantasy, she’ll fight for her life…for the god of Death.

One of the book’s strengths lies in its complex characters, particularly the protagonist, who must navigate a world of gods who are equal parts fascinating and dangerous. Owen’s portrayal of these mythical beings is both fresh and vivid, bringing familiar legends to life with a modern twist. The relationships—both romantic and platonic—are engaging, especially as they’re tested in this high-stakes setting.
Though the pacing is intense and the plot occasionally dizzying, the momentum works well to maintain suspense. The Games Gods Play may leave readers yearning for more depth in certain plotlines, but it’s also part of what keeps the story so addictive. Ultimately, this is a fun, inventive read that’s sure to satisfy fans of myth-inspired fantasy, leaving them eager for the next adventure.
If you’re looking for a story filled with tension, witty banter, and a dash of the divine, The Games Gods Play deserves a place on your TBR.
November 5, 2024
October 2024 Wrap Up
October was a whirlwind of pages, pumpkins, and plot twists! As the days grew shorter and the air crisper, I found myself delving into a delightful mix of reads, spanning heartwarming romances, thrilling adventures, and even a few spooky tales perfect for the season. Each book seemed to bring its own autumnal magic, making this month’s reading journey one to remember. Let’s dive into the highlights of October’s reads and explore the stories that left a mark on these chilly nights.
The Paradise ProblemChristina LaurenChristina Lauren, returns with a delicious new romance between the buttoned-up heir of a grocery chain and his free-spirited artist ex as they fake their relationship in order to receive a massive inheritance.
Anna Green thought she was marrying Liam “West” Weston for access to subsidized family housing while at UCLA. She also thought she’d signed divorce papers when the graduation caps were tossed, and they both went on their merry ways.
Three years later, Anna is a starving artist living paycheck to paycheck while West is a Stanford professor. He may be one of four heirs to the Weston Foods conglomerate, but he has little interest in working for the heartless corporation his family built from the ground up. He is interested, however, in his one-hundred-million-dollar inheritance. There’s just one catch.
Due to an antiquated clause in his grandfather’s will, Liam won’t see a penny until he’s been happily married for five years. Just when Liam thinks he’s in the home stretch, pressure mounts from his family to see this mysterious spouse, and he has no choice but to turn to the one person he’s afraid to introduce to his one-percenter parents—his unpolished, not-so-ex-wife.
But in the presence of his family, Liam’s fears quickly shift from whether the feisty, foul-mouthed, paint-splattered Anna can play the part to whether the toxic world of wealth will corrupt someone as pure of heart as his surprisingly grounded and loyal wife. Liam will have to ask himself if the price tag on his flimsy cover story is worth losing true love that sprouted from a lie.
PhantasmaKaylie SmithCaraval meets Throne of the Fallen in this spicy dark romantasy where a necromancer needs help from a dangerous phantom to win a deadly competition, only to find their partnership puts her at risk of breaking the game’s most vital rule: don't fall in love.
When Ophelia and her sister discovers their mother brutally murdered, there is no time to grieve: Ophelia has inherited both her powerful death-driven magic and enormous debt on their home. Circumstances go from dire to deadly, however, when Ophelia’s sister decides to pay off the loan by entering Phantasma—a competition where most contestants don’t make it out alive and the winner is granted a single wish.
The only way to save her sister is to compete. But Phantasma is a cursed manor, with twisting corridors and lavish ballrooms, and filled with enticing demons and fatal temptations. Ophelia will need to face nine floors of challenges to win... if her fears don’t overtake her first.
When a charming, arrogant stranger claims he can protect and guide Ophelia, she knows she shouldn’t trust him. While Blackwell may not seem dangerous, appearances can be deceptive. But with her sister’s life on the line, Ophelia can’t afford to turn him away. She just needs to ignore the overwhelming, dark attraction drawing them closer and closer together.
Because in Phantasma, the only thing deadlier than losing the game is losing your heart.
PowerlessLauren RobertsShe is the very thing he’s spent his whole life hunting.He is the very thing she’s spent her whole life pretending to be.
Only the extraordinary belong in the kingdom of Ilya—the exceptional, the empowered, the Elites.
The powers these Elites have possessed for decades were graciously gifted to them by the Plague, though not all were fortunate enough to both survive the sickness and reap the reward. Those born Ordinary are just that—ordinary. And when the king decreed that all Ordinaries be banished in order to preserve his Elite society, lacking an ability suddenly became a crime—making Paedyn Gray a felon by fate and a thief by necessity.
Surviving in the slums as an Ordinary is no simple task, and Paedyn knows this better than most. Having been trained by her father to be overly observant since she was a child, Paedyn poses as a Psychic in the crowded city, blending in with the Elites as best she can in order to stay alive and out of trouble. Easier said than done.
When Paeydn unsuspectingly saves one of Ilyas princes, she finds herself thrown into the Purging Trials. The brutal competition exists to showcase the Elites’ powers—the very thing Paedyn lacks. If the Trials and the opponents within them don’t kill her, the prince she’s fighting feelings for certainly will if he discovers what she is—completely Ordinary.
The Winter GoddessMegan BarnardA goddess is cursed to endlessly live and die as a mortal until she understands the value of human life, in this inventive, moving reimagining of Gaelic mythology.
Cailleach, goddess of winter, was not born to be a blight on humanity, but she became it. If anyone asked her, she would say with scorn that it was their own humans were selfish, thoughtless, and destructive, bringing harm to each other and the Earth without cause or qualms.
One day, Cailleach goes too far. Thousands die, lost to her brutal winter. In punishment, her mother Danu, the queen of the gods, strips the goddess of her powers and sends Cailleach to Earth, to live and die as the mortals she so despises, until she understands what it is to be a human. Though determined to live in solitude, Cailleach finds that she cannot help but reach for the people she once held in such disdain. She loves and mourns in equal measure, and in opening herself to humanity, hears tales not meant for immortal ears—and a secret long-buried, that will redefine what it means to be a god.
The Dagger and the FlameCatherine DoyleFrom the number one bestselling author Catherine Doyle comes the most fiery enemies-to-lovers romantasy of the year. Perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas, Leigh Bardugo and Stephanie Garber.
In the dark underbelly of a beautiful city, two rival assassins are pitted against each other in a deadly game of revenge, where the most dangerous mistake of all is falling in love…
In Fantome, a kingdom of cobbled streets, flickering lamplight, beautiful buildings, and secret catacombs, Shade-magic is a scarce and deadly commodity controlled by two enemy the Cloaks and the Daggers – the thieves and the assassins. On the night of her mother’s murder, 17-year-old Seraphine runs for her life. Seeking sanctuary with the Cloaks, Sera’s heart is set on revenge. But are her secret abilities a match for the dark-haired boy whose quicksilver eyes follow her around the city?
Nothing can prepare Sera for the moment she finally comes face-to-face with Ransom, heir to the Order of Daggers. And Ransom is shocked to discover that this unassuming farmgirl wields a strange and blazing magic he has never seen before… Among rumours of monsters stalking the streets and the rival guilds grappling for control of Fantome’s underworld, Sera and Ransom are drawn together by something more than just magic and must face a deadly choice - forgiveness or vengeance? Kiss or kill? Dagger or Flame?
The Four WindsKristin HannahTexas, 1934. Millions are out of work and a drought has broken the Great Plains. Farmers are fighting to keep their land and their livelihoods as the crops are failing, the water is drying up, and dust threatens to bury them all. One of the darkest periods of the Great Depression, the Dust Bowl era, has arrived with a vengeance.
In this uncertain and dangerous time, Elsa Martinelli—like so many of her neighbors—must make an agonizing choice: fight for the land she loves or go west, to California, in search of a better life. The Four Winds is an indelible portrait of America and the American Dream, as seen through the eyes of one indomitable woman whose courage and sacrifice will come to define a generation.
From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Nightingale and The Great Alone comes an epic novel of love and heroism and hope, set against the backdrop of one of America’s most defining eras—the Great Depression.
Leaving TimeJodi PicoultFor more than a decade, Jenna Metcalf has never stopped thinking about her mother, Alice, who mysteriously disappeared in the wake of a tragic accident. Refusing to believe she was abandoned, Jenna searches for her mother regularly online and pores over the pages of Alice’s old journals. A scientist who studied grief among elephants, Alice wrote mostly of her research among the animals she loved, yet Jenna hopes the entries will provide a clue to her mother’s whereabouts.
As Jenna’s memories dovetail with the events in her mother’s journals, the story races to a mesmerizing finish.
172/100 2024 Reading Challenge - Finished!~83/196 in my Star Wars Legends challenge~70/341 Gilmore Girls challenge~100/100 in my 100 books before you die challenge - Finished!
As I close the chapter on October, I'm left with so many memorable stories and characters who feel like friends. This month’s reads captured a bit of everything—romance, intrigue, a touch of the supernatural—and each brought its own flavor to my fall reading experience. I’m excited to see where the next month’s stack takes me, but for now, I’ll savor the lingering emotions and lessons from October's books. Here’s to more cozy reading days ahead, and as always, thank you for joining me on this journey!
November 3, 2024
Weekly Menu #581 And The Book Of The Week
Welcome to this week’s menu, inspired by the comforting flavors of Dutch culture! As we dive into hearty, book-filled nights, I’ve crafted a menu that celebrates traditional Dutch dishes—think rich stews, warm spices, and cozy pastries that will make you feel right at home. From buttery stroopwafels to savory stamppot, these recipes are perfect for curling up with your current read and savoring a little taste of the Netherlands. Let’s dig in and enjoy the journey!This week, we’re diving into The Midnight Library by Matt Haig—a book that explores life’s what-ifs in the most unexpected ways. When Nora Seed finds herself in a mystical library between life and death, each book she pulls from the shelves offers a glimpse into another life she could have lived. As she revisits paths not taken, The Midnight Library encourages us to reflect on our own choices and consider what truly matters. With its heartfelt lessons and imaginative journey, this story reminds us that even the smallest decisions shape the lives we lead.
Let’s jump into this week’s Dutch-inspired menu!WEEKLY MENU
Monday
Kids - Chicken and Potatoes
Tuesday
Chicken Dumplings and Coconut Curry
Kids - Chicken and Rice
Wednesday
Birthday Dinner
Kids - Pizza
Thursday
Kids - Mac and Cheese
Friday
Kids - Cheese Quesadillas
Saturday
Tuna Sandwiches
Kids - Grilled Cheese
Sunday
Leftovers Night
Sunday Confessions #278
Welcome to this week’s Sunday Confessions, where I’m diving into the ups, downs, and unexpected twists that made this week memorable. Whether it’s a new book I couldn’t put down, a recipe that was an epic fail, or a parenting moment that tested my patience, there’s plenty to share. Join me as I reflect on the highlights, the lessons learned, and the confessions that come with balancing life, family, and a love for storytelling.
Sunday Confessions #277~Weekly Menu #580 And The Book Of The Week~Triple Take Tuesday - Garber, Westerfeld and Markert~
Book Review: It's In His Kiss by Julia Quinn~Series Review: Letters of Enchantment Series by Rebecca Ross~Book Review: The Ballad of Never After by Stephanie Garber
Weekly Menu #581 And The Book Of The Week~
October 2024 Wrap Up~Book Review: The Games Gods Play by Abigail Owen~November 2024 Book Club Reads~Book Review: The Love of my Afterlife by Kristy Greenwood~Sunday Confessions #279
November's Book Club Reads
Best Cozy Mystery Series
166/100 2024 Reading Challenge - Finished!~82/196 in my Star Wars Legends challenge~70/341 Gilmore Girls challenge~100/100 in my 100 books before you die challenge - Finished!
As another week wraps up, I'm grateful for these moments of reflection in Sunday Confessions. Life’s twists and turns keep things interesting, and sharing these experiences always feels like a deep breath at the end of a long week. Whether it’s a laugh, a lesson, or just a small triumph, these moments remind me of the beauty in life’s imperfect balance. Thanks for joining me on this journey, and here’s to more stories, more memories, and more confessions to come. Until next week!
November 1, 2024
Book Review: The Ballad of Never After by Stephanie Garber
My book review of The Ballad of Never After by Stephanie Garber. An enchanting sequel that builds upon the intrigue and romance of Once Upon a Broken Heart.
Title: The Ballad of Never After
By: Stephanie Garber
Genre: Fantasy
Pages: 416
Release Date: September 13th, 2022
Publisher: Flatiron Books
Rating: ★★★★☆
Summary from Goodreads:Not every love is meant to be.
After Jacks, the Prince of Hearts, betrays her, Evangeline Fox swears she'll never trust him again. Now that she’s discovered her own magic, Evangeline believes she can use it to restore the chance at happily ever after that Jacks stole away.
But when a new terrifying curse is revealed, Evangeline finds herself entering into a tenuous partnership with the Prince of Hearts again. Only this time, the rules have changed. Jacks isn’t the only force Evangeline needs to be wary of. In fact, he might be the only one she can trust, despite her desire to despise him.
Instead of a love spell wreaking havoc on Evangeline’s life, a murderous spell has been cast. To break it, Evangeline and Jacks will have to do battle with old friends, new foes, and a magic that plays with heads and hearts. Evangeline has always trusted her heart, but this time she’s not sure she can...

October 31, 2024
Series Review: Letters of Enchantment Series by Rebecca Ross
For this series review, I'm diving into Rebecca Ross's Letters of Enchantment series, a beautifully crafted tale of love, rivalry, and magic set against a backdrop of letters and enchanted realms. This series sweeps readers into a richly imagined world where words hold power and where every letter exchanged between the protagonists, Iris and Roman, builds tension and intrigue. Ross weaves a story that combines romance, political intrigue, and the allure of a fantasy world in turmoil. Join me as I explore the enchanting elements and captivating character arcs that make Letters of Enchantment a series worth savoring.
5.0What Worked1. Atmospheric World-Building: Ross creates a lush, magical setting that feels alive with history and enchantment. Every scene is richly detailed, from the spellbinding landscapes to the magical elements woven seamlessly into the world, making it easy to get lost in this mystical realm.
2. Compelling Character Dynamics: The relationship between Iris and Roman is filled with tension, chemistry, and complexity. Their connection deepens with every letter, capturing both the sweetness of romance and the intensity of rivalry, which keeps readers fully invested in their journey.
3. Layered Plot with Emotional Depth: Ross masterfully balances a plot full of intrigue, political conflicts, and personal stakes. The narrative dives into themes of loyalty, love, and sacrifice, creating an emotional depth that resonates, making each twist feel both meaningful and engaging.
What Could Have Been BetterNothing, Absolutely nothing. I loved this series from start to finish.
ConclusionIn conclusion, the Letters of Enchantment series by Rebecca Ross is a magical journey filled with beautifully realized characters, intricate world-building, and a plot that balances romance with high-stakes intrigue. Ross’s ability to weave an emotionally charged story through letters adds a unique touch, making every interaction between Iris and Roman feel intimate and powerful. The series is a testament to the power of love, resilience, and the words that connect us even in the darkest times. Whether you're a fan of romantic fantasy or simply crave a well-crafted story with depth and heart, Letters of Enchantment is a series that deserves a place on your shelf.
October 30, 2024
Book Review: It's In His Kiss by Julia Quinn
My book review of It's In His Kiss by Julia Quinn. A captivating romance that brings humor, wit, and a dash of intrigue to the beloved Bridgerton series.
Title: It's In His Kiss
By: Julia Quinn
Genre: Historical Romance
Pages: 384
Release Date: June 28th, 2005
Publisher: Piatkus
Rating: ★★★★☆
Summary from Goodreads:The seventh novel in Julia Quinn’s globally beloved and bestselling Bridgerton Family series, set in Regency times and now a series created by Shonda Rhimes for Netflix. This is Hyacinth’s story: she’s all grown up and ready to cause havoc . . .
All the ton agree: there is no one quite like Hyacinth Bridgerton..
Fiendishly smart, devilishly outspoken and – according to some, particularly Gareth St. Clair – probably best in small doses. But there’s something about her – something charming and vexing – that grabs one and won’t quite let go.
Gareth and Hyacinth cross paths at the annual – and annually discordant – Smythe-Smith musicale. To Hyacinth, Gareth’s every word seems a dare, and she offers to help him out with a knotty inheritance problem he’s facing. However, as they delve into the mysterious St Clair history, they discover that the answers they seek lie not in the past – but in each other; and that there is nothing as simple – or as complicated – as a single, perfect kiss.
Find out why readers love Julia Quinn . . .

Their journey is packed with witty banter, palpable chemistry, and the thrill of solving a hidden family mystery together. Hyacinth’s strong personality is balanced by Gareth’s charm and emotional depth, making for a romance that feels as real as it is entertaining. While the story may follow a classic romance trajectory, the characters’ unique dynamics, Quinn’s trademark humor, and the underlying mystery keep the narrative fresh and engaging. Fans of the Bridgertons will love seeing how Hyacinth’s story unfolds, and newcomers will quickly fall for Quinn’s blend of romance and wit. A thoroughly enjoyable 4-star read with a heroine who shines, a hero worth rooting for, and a romance that feels like magic.
October 29, 2024
Triple Take Tuesday - Garber, Westerfeld and Markert
For this week's Triple Take Tuesday, I’m diving into three standout reads that bring a unique perspective to storytelling. Each book has captivated me for different reasons, from unforgettable characters to twisty plots and unforgettable prose. In this post, I'll be sharing my thoughts on these diverse novels, highlighting what made each one memorable and the themes that left a lasting impression. Whether you're looking for a new favorite or just curious to hear a fresh take, these three books are worth exploring.
Once Upon a Broken HeartStephanie Garber★★★★☆Once Upon a Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber is a whimsical, heart-tugging fantasy that sweeps readers into a world of magic, curses, and unpredictable love. Evangeline Fox, desperate to save her broken heart, strikes a dangerous bargain with Jacks, the Prince of Hearts, only to find herself tangled in a web of secrets and consequences. Garber’s enchanting prose and richly imagined world shine, giving the story a fairytale-like quality that is as romantic as it is darkly mysterious. While the pacing occasionally stumbles, the unpredictable twists and vivid, emotionally charged moments make this novel a delightful escape into a tale of love, risk, and wonder. A well-deserved 4-star read for fantasy lovers!
UgliesScott Westerfeld★★★★☆Uglies by Scott Westerfeld is a thought-provoking dive into a dystopian future where beauty is a mandate, and anyone deemed "ugly" undergoes a drastic transformation to achieve society’s standard of perfection. Tally Youngblood, the rebellious protagonist, finds herself questioning the price of conformity and the value of individuality when she discovers the darker truths behind these so-called “perfection” procedures. Westerfeld’s world-building is vivid, immersing readers in a society as alluring as it is chilling, and his critique of beauty standards and control is sharp yet accessible. While some plot elements feel a bit predictable, the story's social commentary and thrilling twists make this a compelling 4-star read, especially for fans of YA dystopian fiction.
Sleep TightJ.H. Markert★★★★☆Sleep Tight by J.H. Markert is a darkly riveting thriller that plunges readers into the shadowy legacy of Father Silence, a serial killer who terrorized the town of Twisted Tree. When Tess Claibourne’s father—a detective who helped bring down Father Silence—is mysteriously murdered, and her own daughter is taken by a new killer called the Outcast, Tess must confront her past traumas to uncover the truth. Markert’s storytelling expertly balances tension with horror, weaving a twisted narrative that keeps readers hooked until the final page. Though some plot points may feel familiar to fans of the genre, the relentless suspense and Tess's emotional depth make this a gripping 4-star read.
October 28, 2024
Weekly Menu #580 And The Book Of The Week
Welcome back to another edition of my weekly menu! As the days get shorter and the air turns crisper, I find myself craving hearty, comforting meals that bring warmth to the table. This week, I’ve crafted a menu that blends cozy classics with a few new twists, perfect for savoring with a good book in hand. So, whether you're looking to whip up something quick after a long day or you're planning a leisurely weekend meal, I hope these dishes inspire you to gather around the table and share delicious moments.This week's read is The Dagger and the Flame by Catherine Doyle, a captivating blend of fantasy and romance that has me hooked. The story follows a fierce heroine who is thrust into a world of dark secrets and dangerous alliances. With vivid world-building, complex characters, and a plot that keeps you on the edge of your seat, it's a thrilling journey that explores themes of loyalty, power, and sacrifice. Doyle's writing draws you into a richly woven tapestry of magic and intrigue, making it hard to put down. Perfect for fans of epic fantasy with a touch of forbidden love.
It's time to dive into this weeks menu, so lets buckle up and get into it.
WEEKLY MENU
Monday
Kids - Birddogs
Tuesday
Kids - Chips and Cheese
Wednesday
Kids - Chicken Tenders and Salad
Thursday
Kids - Chicken Nuggets and Rice
Friday
Kids - Cheese Empanadas
Saturday
Kids - Cheese Quesadillas
Sunday
Family Dinner


