Sarai Henderson's Blog, page 4
October 13, 2025
Weekly Menu #629 And The Book Of The Week
This week, our kitchen is traveling to the vibrant streets of Malaysia, where every dish bursts with color, texture, and bold yet balanced flavor. Malaysian cuisine is a beautiful blend of Malay, Chinese, and Indian influences. Fragrant with coconut, lemongrass, and spice, yet full of comforting, family friendly dishes. From smoky satay skewers to coconut rich soups and sizzling stir fries, this week’s menu is all about protein packed meals, plenty of vegetables, and a touch of tropical warmth to brighten our table.
WEEKLY MENU
Monday
Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce
Kids - Chicken Satay Bowls
Tuesday
Nasi Goreng (Malaysian Fried Rice)
Kids - Fried Rice with Egg and Veggies
Wednesday
Kids - Coconut Chicken Tenders with Rice and Veggies
Thursday
Kids - Beef Ramen
Friday
Ikan Bakar (Grilled Fish Day!)
Kids - Cheese Quesadillas
Saturday
Kids - Chicken Noodle Soup
Sunday
Leftovers Night
October 12, 2025
Sunday Confessions #326
It’s time for another Sunday Book Confession, where I spill the bookish thoughts, habits, and surprises that have been living rent-free in my head all week. Whether it’s a new obsession, a reading slump, or a stack of unread books staring me down, Sundays are for honesty. So here’s what I’ve been thinking (and probably overthinking) about lately.
Sunday Confessions #325~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
Weekly Menu #629 And The Book Of The Week~Bling Date with a Vampire by Patricia Briggs~Book Review: A Cures Carved in Bone by Danielle L. Jensen~Reading through the Star Wars Universe Part 21~4 Star Friday~Sunday Confessions #327
Beautiful DarknessKami Garcia★★★★☆
Beautiful Darkness by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl is a strong follow up to Beautiful Creatures, even if it didn’t captivate me quite as much as the first book. The story takes the characters into darker territory, with new twists and emotional struggles that continue to expand the world of the Caster Chronicles. While the pacing felt a bit slower and the intrigue not as sharp as in book one, it’s still a solid continuance of the series that kept me invested in Lena and Ethan’s journey. A worthy 4 star read that sets the stage for what’s to come.
324/100 2025 Reading Challenge~117/214 in my Star Wars Legends challenge~19/20 2024 Goodreads Fantasy Nominees Reading Challenge
At the end of the day, every bookish confession just reminds me how much I love being part of this reading journey, the highs, the slumps, and everything in between. Whether I’m adding yet another title to my TBR or finally checking one off, it’s all part of the fun. Until next Sunday, happy reading and happy confessing!
October 10, 2025
Five Star Friday
I’ve got way too many reviews sitting in my drafts, so it’s time to share a few of the standouts! For this week’s Five Star Friday, I’m highlighting the books that completely swept me away. The ones that made me feel all the emotions, kept me up way too late, and reminded me exactly why I love reading. Here are some of my recent five star favorites.
The Martian by Andy Weir was an absolute blast to read. I loved this one! Weir’s mix of science, humor, and survival kept me hooked from start to finish. Mark Watney’s voice is sharp, witty, and resilient, making his struggle to survive on Mars feel both thrilling and oddly relatable. The balance between technical detail and fast paced storytelling was spot on, and I found myself laughing just as often as I was holding my breath. A smart, funny, and unforgettable sci fi adventure.
I’m not sure what took me so long to read Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard, but I absolutely loved it! The mix of court intrigue, rebellion, and electric powers hooked me from the start. Aveyard’s world feels rich and dangerous, and Mare’s journey kept me turning pages late into the night. It’s the perfect blend of fantasy, politics, and heart. I can’t wait to dive into the rest of the series.
I never thought this would be a topic I’d get into, but I couldn’t put this book down. It’s not Green’s typical kind of read, but it’s still so goo. Thoughtful, engaging, and unexpectedly moving. The way he approaches such a heavy subject made me stop and think long after I finished.
Silver Elite by Dani Francis was such a wonderful surprise. I loved this book. It struck the perfect balance of being familiar enough to sink into comfortably while still offering a fresh, unique spin that kept me hooked. The characters felt alive, the story carried just the right mix of intrigue and heart, and the writing had a flow that made it hard to put down. Dani Francis has a way of making a world feel exciting, and this one absolutely delivered.
Carrie Soto Is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid is another absolutely wonderful read from an author who never misses. I loved it from start to finish. The intensity, the drive, and the vulnerability of Carrie’s story pulled me in completely. Jenkins Reid captures ambition, aging, and redemption with such emotional depth that it’s impossible not to root for Carrie every step of the way.
October 9, 2025
Three Star Thursday
I have a huge backlog of reviews piling up, and honestly, I can’t seem to keep up with them all! So for this week’s Three Star Thursday, I’m rounding up a few of my recent reads that landed right in the middle of the rating scale. Not bad, not amazing, just solid stories that had their moments but didn’t quite shine as brightly as others. Here’s a look at what I’ve been reading lately.
Firefly Lane had an emotional start. I cried several times in the beginning, but as the story went on, the main characters started to wear on me. Their choices felt frustrating, and by the end, instead of feeling the impact of the conclusion, I was too annoyed to connect with it. A heartfelt story at its core, but ultimately the characters kept me from loving it.
Remain was exactly what I expected. A typical Nicholas Sparks story mixed with the letdown of an M. Night Shyamalan twist. I kept hoping for a wild or unique premise, but it ended up feeling pretty generic. The character development was so thin that I honestly thought the main character was a woman for half the book. While it didn’t work for me, I think die hard Nicholas Sparks fans will probably still enjoy it.
The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving wasn’t quite what I expected. The first 80% of the story focuses heavily on describing Ichabod Crane and his interests, especially in women, leaving very little room for the Headless Horseman. While the writing captures the atmosphere of early American folklore, I was a bit disappointed that the legendary figure himself plays such a small part in the tale.
Each book in this trilogy seemed to lose a bit of its spark, and by the time I reached Ruin and Rising, I felt more disappointed than satisfied. I loved the first book, but this finale just didn’t deliver for me. The pacing, characters, and resolution all fell flat compared to the promise of the beginning.
I think this book peaked in the first 20%, when the story was at its most gripping. After the central event, I found my interest fading as the timelines and characters began to jump around, which made it harder to stay connected. I usually love Jodi Picoult’s work and the way she pulls me in emotionally, but this one didn’t give me the familiar feels I expect from her books. Still, her writing is strong, and fans of her courtroom style storytelling may enjoy it more than I did.
October 8, 2025
Book Review: The Kight and the Moth by Rachel Gillig
Title: The Night and the Moth
By: Rachel Gillig
Genre: Fantasy
Pages: 385
Release Date: May 20th, 2025
Rating: ★★★★☆
Summary from Goodreads:Sybil Delling has spent nine years dreaming of having no dreams at all. Like the other foundling girls who traded a decade of service for a home in the great cathedral, Sybil is a Diviner. In her dreams she receives visions from six unearthly figures known as Omens. From them, she can predict terrible things before they occur, and lords and common folk alike travel across the kingdom of Traum's windswept moors to learn their futures by her dreams.
Just as she and her sister Diviners near the end of their service, a mysterious knight arrives at the cathedral. Rude, heretical, and devilishly handsome, the knight Rodrick has no respect for Sybil's visions. But when Sybil's fellow Diviners begin to vanish one by one, she has no choice but to seek his help in finding them. For the world outside the cathedral's cloister is wrought with peril. Only the gods have the answers she is seeking, and as much as she'd rather avoid Rodrick's dark eyes and sharp tongue, only a heretic can defeat a god.
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.
