Sarai Henderson's Blog, page 6

Sunday Confessions #323

 

Sunday has rolled around again, and that means it’s time for another round of book confessions. The place where I share the truths, quirks, and slip ups from my reading week. Sometimes it’s a new obsession I can’t stop gushing about, other times it’s a DNF I didn’t see coming, or maybe just the little surprises that shaped my reading mood. Consider this my weekly moment of honesty in the bookish world, where no confession is too small (or too dramatic) to share.

Sunday Confessions #322~Weekly Menu #625 And The Book Of The Week~ARC Review: This is how a Villian is Made by Amanda Headlee~ARC Review: Lin-Manuel Miranda: The Education of an Artist by Daniel Pollack-Pilzner~ARC Review: Play Nice by Rachel Harrison~ARC Review: To Clutch a Razor by Veronica Roth

Weekly Menu #626 And The Book Of The Week~Book Review: The Long Walk by Stephen King~ARC Review: Thief of Night by Holly Black~Thriller Thursday: With a Vengeance by Riley Sager~Fantasy Friday: With Reverence: By Rebecca Ross~Sunday Confessions #324




★★★★☆

This was a tough but beautiful read for me. The story follows the main character as she grapples with her cancer prognosis, and given that I just lost my dad to cancer, it hit incredibly close to home. At times it was hard to get through, but Kinsella’s writing brought such warmth, honesty, and perspective that I found myself deeply moved. While it wasn’t always easy, I appreciated the way the book balanced vulnerability with hope, making it a powerful and memorable read.

300/100 2025 Reading Challenge~114/217 in my Star Wars Legends challenge~19/20 2024 Goodreads Fantasy Nominees Reading Challenge

And that wraps up this week’s confessions. Some books lifted me up, some tested my patience, and a few left me thinking long after I closed the cover. That’s the beauty of reading. It’s never predictable, and it always gives me something worth confessing. Until next Sunday, may your TBR be kind and your current reads keep you turning the pages.

ARC Review: To Clutch a Razor by Veronica Roth

 

Title: To Clutch a Razor

By: Veronica Roth

Genre: Fantasy

Pages: 240

Release Date: September 16th, 2025 

Rating: ★★★★☆

 

Summary from Goodreads:A funeral. A heist. A desperate mission.
When Dymitr is called back to the old country for the empty night, a funeral rite intended to keep evil at bay, it's the perfect opportunity for him to get his hands on his family's most guarded relic—a book of curses that could satisfy the debt he owes legendary witch Baba Jaga. But first he'll have to survive a night with his dangerous, monster-hunting kin.
As the sun sets, the line between enemies and allies becomes razor-thin, and Dymitr’s new loyalties are pushed to their breaking point.
Family gatherings can be brutal. Dymitr’s might just be fatal.

 

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Review:To Clutch a Razor by Veronica Roth is a sharp, thought provoking story that balances moral tension with fast-paced plotting. Roth builds a world where every choice carries weight, and the protagonist’s struggles with survival, power, and humanity kept me hooked. The narrative is both intimate and unsettling, with questions of justice and personal sacrifice woven throughout. At times, the pacing felt a little uneven, and I wished for deeper exploration of some secondary characters, but overall, it was an engrossing read that lingers after the final page. A solid 4 stars for its intensity, atmosphere, and the way Roth makes you wrestle with what you’d do in the same situation.

Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review. 

ARC Review: Play Nice by Rachel Harrison

 

Title: Play Nice

By: Rachel Harrison

Genre: Horror

Pages: 336

Release Date: September 9th, 2025

Rating: ★★★★☆

 

Summary from Goodreads:A woman must confront the demons of her past when she attempts to fix up her childhood home in this devilishly clever take on the haunted house.
Clio Louise Barnes leads a picture-perfect life as a stylist and influencer, but beneath the glossy veneer she harbors a not-so glamorous secret: she grew up in a haunted house. Well, not haunted. Possessed. After Clio’s parent’s messy divorce, her mother, Alex, moved Clio and her sisters into a house occupied by a demon. Or so Alex claimed. That’s not what Clio’s sisters remember or what the courts determined when they stripped Alex of custody after she went off the deep end. But Alex was insistent; she even wrote a book about her experience in the house.
After Alex’s sudden death, the supposedly possessed house passes to Clio and her sisters. Where her sisters see childhood trauma, Clio sees an opportunity for house flipping content. Only, as the home makeover process begins, Clio discovers there might be some truth to her mother’s claims. As memories resurface and Clio finally reads her mother’s book, the presence in the house becomes more real, and more sinister, revealing ugly truths that threaten to shake Clio’s beautiful life to its very foundation.

 

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Review:Play Nice by Rachel Harrison is a creepy, unsettling read that hooked me from the start. Harrison balances horror with sharp writing and a wicked sense of atmosphere, creating a story that kept me on edge in the best way. While a few moments felt a little drawn out, I loved how the eerie tension lingered long after I put the book down. Disturbing, clever, and thoroughly entertaining. Definitely a solid 4 stars.

Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review. 

ARC Review: Lin-Manuel Miranda: The Education of an Artist by Daniel Pollack-Pilzner

 

Title: Lin-Manuel Miranda: The Education of an Artist

By: Daniel Pollack-Pilzner

Genre: Non-Fiction

Pages: 400

Release Date: September 9th, 2025

Rating: ★★★★☆

 

Summary from Goodreads:An intimate and captivating exploration of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s artistic journey, revealing how the creator of the Broadway musicals Hamilton and In the Heights found his unique voice through bold collaborations and a seamless blend of cultures, redefining the world of musical theater.
How did Lin-Manuel Miranda, the sweet, sensitive son of Puerto Rican parents from an immigrant neighborhood in Manhattan, rise to become the preeminent musical storyteller of the 21st century? Lin-Manuel The Education of an Artist offers a compelling narrative that traces Miranda’s path from a friendly but isolated child to the winner of multiple Tonys and Grammys for his Broadway hits Hamilton and In the Heights, a global chart-topping sensation for his songs in Disney’s Moana and Encanto, and the recipient of a Pulitzer Prize and a MacArthur Genius Grant.
Miranda’s journey is a testament to the power of creativity, collaboration, and cultural synthesis. Despite not being a musical prodigy, Miranda’s insatiable drive to create art and learn from those around him propelled him to synthesize his Latino heritage with the pop, hip-hop, and Broadway musical styles of New York City. The unique blend allowed him to craft a new way of telling American stories.
Drawing on over 150 interviews with Miranda’s family, friends, and mentors, including insights from Miranda himself, Daniel Pollack-Pelzner delves into the formative experiences that shaped Miranda’s artistic vision. From his early musicals in high school and college to the creation of his professional masterpieces, this book reveals the sources of Miranda’s creativity—not as innate genius, but as a result of exceptional openness and collaboration. With full access to Miranda’s inner circle, this behind-the-scenes origin story is sure to captivate his legions of fans and beyond.

 

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Review:Lin-Manuel Miranda: The Education of an Artist by Daniel Pollack-Pelzner is a fascinating and thorough look at the life and creative journey of one of today’s most influential artists. I loved learning about Miranda’s background, his relentless dedication to his craft, and the sheer amount of work that went into shaping his art and career. That said, the writing could feel a bit dry at times. There’s a lot of information packed in, which sometimes slowed the reading experience. Still, it’s an insightful, inspiring portrait that will resonate with fans of Miranda and anyone curious about the process of building a creative legacy.

Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review. 

ARC Review: This is how a Villian is Made by Amanda Headlee

 

Title: This is How a Villain is Made

By: Amanda Headlee

Genre: Horror

Pages: 163

Release Date: September 4th, 2025 

Rating: ★★★★★

 

Summary from Goodreads:Fleeing her father's cruelty, Beatrix Beaumont arrives in Yellow Creek City with little more than a name and a will to survive. When she lands work as a caretaker in the home of a respected town leader, it seems like a stroke of luck.
But the house holds dark secrets—and Bea is no longer free.
As she's drawn deeper into a twisted world of control and illusion, Bea must confront the shadows within and around her. To escape, she'll have to decide what she's willing to endure… and who she's willing to become.

 

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Review:This Is How Villains Are Made is a haunting, beautifully written story that grabs you from the very first page and doesn’t let go. Amanda Headlee weaves a gothic, atmospheric tale full of tension, dark secrets, and razor sharp psychological depth. Beatrix Beaumont is a heroine who lingers in your mind. Her desperation, strength, and slow transformation are both heartbreaking and empowering. If anything, I found myself wishing there had been more backstory for Beatrix, because her character was so compelling that I wanted to know even more about what shaped her. What makes this novel shine is the way it blurs the line between victim and survivor, forcing readers to consider what happens when survival demands compromise and change. Lyrical yet terrifying, intimate yet sweeping, this book delivers a raw and unforgettable portrait of resilience and the birth of darkness.

Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review. 

Weekly Menu #625 And The Book Of The Week

 

This week we’re heading north to explore the cozy, hearty flavors of Sweden! While Swedish cuisine is often thought of in terms of meatballs and potatoes, there’s so much more to discover. Fresh fish, root vegetables, crisp rye breads, and bright pops of dill and lingonberry. I’ve built this menu with a focus on high protein and plenty of veggies, so it’s nourishing while still carrying that comforting Nordic feel. From creamy shrimp salad on rye crispbread to herb crusted cod and roasted root veggies, this week’s dishes are all about balance, simplicity, and flavor.
Alongside these Scandinavian plates, I’ve been diving into The Mad Wife by Meagan Church. It’s a haunting and emotional read, set in a time when women’s voices were often silenced, and it explores the heartbreaking reality of what could happen to those who didn’t fit into society’s expectations. Church’s storytelling is both beautiful and devastating, and it’s the kind of book that lingers with you long after you’ve set it down, making it a striking contrast to the warmth and comfort of this week’s menu.

WEEKLY MENU

Monday

Swedish Turkey Meatballs

Kids - Cheese and noodles

 

Tuesday

Oven-Baked Chicken with Mustard-Dill Crust

With Brussels sprouts and quinoa

Kids - Chicken Nuggets and carrots

 

Wednesday

Stuffed Bell Peppers with mushrooms

Kids - Cheese Quesadillas

 

Thursday

Grilled Trout with Roasted Asparagus

Kids - Chicken tenders with apple sauce

 

Friday

Roast Chicken with Dill Roasted Carrots & Broccoli

Kids - Chips and Cheese

 

Saturday

Beef Stew with mushrooms and carrots

Kids - Crackers and veggie plate

 

Sunday

Leftovers Night

Sunday Confessions #322

 

It’s time for another round of Sunday Confessions, where I spill the bookish truths, quirks, and behind the scenes moments of my reading life. From half finished reads to guilty pleasures, unexpected favorites, or the little struggles only fellow bookworms understand, this is my space to be honest about the highs and lows of the week. So grab a cup of coffee and settle in. It’s confession time.

Sunday Confessions #321~Weekly Menu #624 And The Book Of The Week~Novella Review: A Gentleman's Guide to Getting Lucky by Mackenzi Lee~Arc Review: The House Saphir by Marissa Meyer~Three Star Thursday~Book Review: The Girl with the Pearl Earring by Tracy Chevalier

Weekly Menu #625 And The Book Of The Week~
ARC Review: This is how a Villian is Made by Amanda Headlee~ARC Review: Lin-Manuel Miranda: The Education of an Artist by Daniel Pollack-Pilzner~ARC Review: Play Nice by Rachel Harrison~ARC Review: To Clutch a Razor by Veronica Roth~Sunday Confessions #323





Diary of an AssCanAndy Weir
★★★☆☆
Diary of an AssCan by Andy Weir was… not it for me. Ugh. Compared to the brilliance of The Martian, this one just fell flat. The humor didn’t land, the storytelling felt clunky, and overall it lacked the sharp wit and engaging pace that made The Martian so unforgettable. Honestly, I’d recommend skipping this one until after you’ve read The Martian, otherwise you might never realize how perfect that book really is.







291/100 2025 Reading Challenge~114/217 in my Star Wars Legends challenge~19/20 2024 Goodreads Fantasy Nominees Reading Challenge


That’s it for this week’s confessions. Thank you for letting me share the messy, funny, and honest side of my reading journey. I’d love to hear your own bookish truths in the comments, because let’s be real, we all have them. Until next Sunday, happy reading and may your next book be a five star favorite!

Book Review: The Girl with the Pearl Earring by Tracy Chevalier

 

Title: Girl With A Pearl Earring

By: Tracy Chevalier

Genre: Historical

Pages: 233

Release Date: 1999

Rating: ★★★★★

 

Summary from Goodreads:With precisely 35 canvases to his credit, the Dutch painter Johannes Vermeer represents one of the great enigmas of 17th-century art. The meager facts of his biography have been gleaned from a handful of legal documents. Yet Vermeer's extraordinary paintings of domestic life, with their subtle play of light and texture, have come to define the Dutch golden age. His portrait of the anonymous Girl with a Pearl Earring has exerted a particular fascination for centuries—and it is this magnetic painting that lies at the heart of Tracy Chevalier's second novel of the same title.
Girl with a Pearl Earring centers on Vermeer's prosperous Delft household during the 1660s. When Griet, the novel's quietly perceptive heroine, is hired as a servant, turmoil follows. First, the 16-year-old narrator becomes increasingly intimate with her master. Then Vermeer employs her as his assistant—and ultimately has Griet sit for him as a model.

 

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Review:Girl with a Pearl Earring by Tracy Chevalier is a beautifully written and captivating novel. I loved every page of this read. The prose is elegant, the historical detail vivid, and the characters come alive with quiet intensity. Chevalier brings Vermeer’s world to life in a way that feels both intimate and timeless. A stunning story that lingers long after the last word.

Three Star Thursday

 

Welcome back to Three Star Thursday, where I share the books that landed right in the middle of my rating scale. These aren’t bad reads by any means, but they didn’t sweep me off my feet either. They had moments I enjoyed, balanced with parts that left me wanting more. Sometimes that makes for the most interesting discussions, so let’s dive into this week’s trio of three star reads.

Through Gates of Garnet and GoldSeanan McGuire
Publication Date: January 6th, 2026
Through Gates of Garnet and Gold by Seanan McGuire wasn’t quite the hit I hoped it would be. The concept had promise, but I found myself struggling to stay engaged and often lost focus while reading. A decent read overall, but it didn’t fully capture my attention.







AftermathChuck Wendig

Aftermath by Chuck Wendig wasn’t my favorite Star Wars read, but it still had its bright spots. The pacing and style didn’t fully click for me, yet I really enjoyed seeing some of the old, familiar characters return. A mixed experience overall, but worth it for the nostalgia factor.









The Sweetest FruitsMonique Truong
The Sweetest Fruits by Monique Truong had so much potential, but it ended up being a bit of a letdown for me. I stumbled across this book while on vacation, and while it started off with a wonderful story, the momentum quickly faltered. Instead of deepening the narrative, the author shifts into summarizing one character before moving on to the next, which happens several times. This structure broke up the pacing and flow, leaving the book feeling disjointed and ultimately disappointing.

Arc Review: The House Saphir by Marissa Meyer

 

Title: The House Saphir

By: Marissa Meyer

Genre: Fantasy

Pages: 432

Release Date: November 4th, 2025

Rating: ★★★★☆

 

Summary from Goodreads:Mallory Fontaine is a fraud. Though she comes from a long line of witches, the only magic she possesses is the ability to see ghosts, which is rarely as useful as one would think. She and her sister have maintained the family business, eking out a paltry living by selling fraudulent spells to gullible buyers and conducting tours of the infamous mansion where the first of the Saphir murders took place.
Mallory is a self-proclaimed expert on Count Bastien Saphir - otherwise known as Monsieur Le Bleu - who brutally killed three of his wives more than a century ago. But she never expected to meet Bastien's great-grandson and heir to the Saphir estate. Armand is handsome, wealthy, and convinced that the Fontaine Sisters are as talented as they claim. The perfect mark. When he offers Mallory a large sum of money to rid his ancestral home of Le Bleu's ghost, she can’t resist. A paid vacation at Armand’s country manor? It’s practically a dream come true, never mind the ghosts of murdered wives and the monsters that are as common as household pests.
But when murder again comes to the House Saphir, Mallory finds herself at the center of the investigation—and she is almost certain the killer is mortal. If she has any hope of cashing in on the payment she was promised, she’ll have to solve the murder and banish the ghost, all while upholding the illusion of witchcraft.
But that all sounds relatively easy compared to her biggest learning to trust her heart. Especially when the person her heart wants the most might be a murderer himself.

 

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Review:The House Saphir by Marissa Meyer is a creepy, intense, and wonderfully immersive journey. The atmosphere is thick with unease, the kind of gothic tension that keeps you glancing over your shoulder as you read. Meyer balances the unsettling with strong character work, weaving a story that feels both eerie and enchanting. While not perfect, it delivers exactly what you’d want from a dark, haunting tale and leaves you satisfied, yet still thinking about its twists long after the last page.