Sarai Henderson's Blog, page 68
July 7, 2023
Book Review: Wild is the Witch by Rachel Griffin
Title: Wild is the Witch
By: Rachel Griffin
Genre: Paranormal
Pages: 320
Release Date: August 2, 2022
Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire
Rating: ★★★★☆
Summary from Goodreads:When eighteen-year-old witch Iris Gray accidentally enacts a curse that could have dire consequences, she must team up with a boy who hates witches to make sure her magic isn't unleashed on the world.
Iris Gray knows witches aren't welcome in most towns. When she was forced to leave her last home, she left behind a father who was no longer willing to start over. And while the Witches' Council was lenient in their punishment, Iris knows they're keeping tabs on her. Now settled in Washington, Iris never lets anyone see who she really is; instead, she vents her frustrations by writing curses she never intends to cast. Otherwise, she spends her days at the wildlife refuge which would be the perfect job if not for Pike Alder, the witch-hating aspiring ornithologist who interns with them.
Iris concocts the perfect curse for Pike: one that will turn him into a witch. But just as she's about to dispel it, a bird swoops down and steals the curse before flying away. If the bird dies, the curse will be unleashed―and the bird is a powerful amplifier, and unleashing the curse would turn not just Pike, but everyone in the region, into a witch.
New witches have no idea how to control their magic and the consequences would be dire. And the Witches' Council does not look kindly on multiple offenses; if they found out, Iris could be stripped of her magic for good. Iris begs Pike to help her track the bird, and they set out on a trek through the Pacific Northwest looking for a single bird that could destroy everything.
Iris seems to be guided by her emotions. Good or bad, they are always brushing the surface, until one day they get the better of her and all hell breaks loose. A situation that is relatable to all of us.
Favorite Quote:"The owl is watching me again. Most owls have vibrant eyes the color of fire, reds and yellows and oranges, but not the northern spotted owl. The northern spotted owl has eyes dark as pitch, and while he’s supposedly nocturnal, he knows where I am day and night."
This book gets a 4 out of 5 stars from me. I loved the paranormal aspects all intertwined in an everyday story. It felt real life. It felt exciting. This would be a great summer read.
July 6, 2023
June 2023 Wrap Up
We've officially passed over the middle line and are on the downward accent into 2024. I can't believe we are here and boy, what a year it has already been.
June however has been a great month full of new memories, lots of reading and warm weather galore. Kinda wanting a little rain about now, but I will take what I can get.
Lets recap the last month.
A Confusion of Princes
Garth Nix
I have died three times, and three times been reborn, though I am not yet twenty in the old earth years by which it is still the fashion to measure time. This is the story of my three deaths, and my life between. My name is Khemri.
Taken from his parents as a child and equipped with biological and technological improvements, Khemri is now an enhanced human being, trained and prepared for the glory of becoming a Prince of the Empire. Not to mention the ultimate glory: should he die, and be deemed worthy, he will be reborn...Which is just as well, because no sooner has Prince Khemri graduated to full Princehood than he learns the terrible truth behind the Empire: there are ten million princes, and all of them want each other dead.
The Mark of the Dragonfly
Jaleigh Johnson
Piper has never seen the Mark of the Dragonfly until she finds the girl amid the wreckage of a caravan in the Meteor Fields.
The girl doesn't remember a thing about her life, but the intricate tattoo on her arm is proof that she's from the Dragonfly Territories and that she's protected by the king. Which means a reward for Piper if she can get the girl home.
The one sure way to the Territories is the 401, a great old beauty of a train. But a ticket costs more coin than Piper could make in a year. And stowing away is a difficult prospect--everyone knows that getting past the peculiar green-eyed boy who stands guard is nearly impossible.
Life for Piper just turned dangerous. A little bit magical. And very exciting, if she can manage to survive the journey.
This Is Your Brain on Food: An Indispensable Guide to the Surprising Foods that Fight Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, OCD, ADHD, and More
Uma Naidoo
Did you know that blueberries can help you cope with the aftereffects of trauma? That salami can cause depression, or that boosting Vitamin D intake can help treat anxiety?
When it comes to diet, most people's concerns involve weight loss, fitness, cardiac health, and longevity. But what we eat affects more than our bodies; it also affects our brains. And recent studies have shown that diet can have a profound impact on mental health conditions ranging from ADHD to depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, OCD, dementia and beyond.
A triple threat in the food space, Dr. Uma Naidoo is a board-certified psychiatrist, nutrition specialist, and professionally trained chef. In This Is Your Brain on Food, she draws on cutting-edge research to explain the many ways in which food contributes to our mental health, and shows how a sound diet can help treat and prevent a wide range of psychological and cognitive health issues.
Packed with fascinating science, actionable nutritional recommendations, and delicious, brain-healthy recipes, This Is Your Brain on Food is the go-to guide to optimizing your mental health with food.
Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves: The Druid's Call
E.K. Johnston
An original YA novel, set before the events of Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves.
For as long as she can remember, Doric has felt alone. Abandoned by her human parents, she wandered for years before being taken in by a community of Neverwinter Woods elves. But her horns and tail proclaim a tiefling heritage, and even among the kindest of elves, her fledgling druidic abilities mark her as different from the rangers around her. And as humans begin to encroach farther and farther into the once pristine woods, Doric knows she needs to master her druidic capabilities if she is to be any help to her adopted family. With no means of helping Doric themselves, her guardians see no choice but to send her somewhere she can come into her own.
Tucked among the ancient pines of the Ardeep Forest hides the Emerald Enclave, an order of warriors tasked with preserving the natural world. They fight to maintain balance between the forces of the wild and civilization, and in doing so, protect the sanctity of each.
Among their order, Doric begins to find power in her differences. But not all her fellow initiates are so capable of new growth, and as her training continues, Doric is forced to confront the very beliefs that brought her into the Enclave’s fold. If she’s going to protect her home, she’ll have to reckon with her people, her power, and the walls she’s built to keep herself safe from both.
How to Hygge: The Nordic Secrets to a Happy Life
Signe Johansen
How to Hygge by chef and author Signe Johansen is a fresh, informative, lighthearted, fully illustrated how-to guide to hygge. It’s a combination of recipes, helpful tips for cozy living at home, and cabin essential elements of living the Danish way―which, incidentally, encourages a daily dose of “healthy hedonism.” Who can resist that?
65/100 2023 Reading Challenge~54/196 in my Star Wars Legends challenge~59/341 Gilmore Girls challenge~60/100 in my 100 books before you die challenge
Another long, but amazing month. I think I have too many books on my TBR right now and I should probably get to reading those. Have a great Thursday!
July 5, 2023
Book Review: The Mark of the Dragonfly by Jaleigh Johnson
Title: The Mark of the Dragonfly
By: Jaleigh Johnson
Genre: Fantasy
Pages: 388
Release Date: March 15th, 2014
Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers
Rating: ★★★★★
Summary from Goodreads:Piper has never seen the Mark of the Dragonfly until she finds the girl amid the wreckage of a caravan in the Meteor Fields.
The girl doesn't remember a thing about her life, but the intricate tattoo on her arm is proof that she's from the Dragonfly Territories and that she's protected by the king. Which means a reward for Piper if she can get the girl home.
The one sure way to the Territories is the 401, a great old beauty of a train. But a ticket costs more coin than Piper could make in a year. And stowing away is a difficult prospect--everyone knows that getting past the peculiar green-eyed boy who stands guard is nearly impossible.
Life for Piper just turned dangerous. A little bit magical. And very exciting, if she can manage to survive the journey.
I love Jaleigh Johnson. Her writing style is easy to understand and the world building ideas come full circle and don't leave you wondering why somethings happen and others don't. She is truly a little known secret that needs to be shared with the world.
There are so many characters in this book that I loved, its hard for me to pick just one. Piper is strong and full of warmth, but still needs to figure her place out in the world. Anna is a mystery, but I love how naive she is. It really fits into her character's world. And Gee... Gee is something all to himself. He is loyal and willing to do whatever it takes to protect the ones he loves, almost to a fault. You can see how picking just one to love would be hard.
My favorite scene was when the train was being attacked as they traveled through the gorge. It was so easy to picture in my mind with action and parrel around every corner. Gee flying high over head and Pepper using her talent in extraordinary ways. It was the highlight of the book.
Favorite Quote:"Machines are easier to fix than people’, Piper said, trying to shrug it off. ‘A lot louder and dirtier too. Well, sometimes at least."
This book receives a 5 out of 5 star rating from me. I loved it and can't wait to continue the adventure in The Secrets of Solace.
July 3, 2023
Weekly Menu #513 And The Book Of The Week
Hello Monday!Happy 4th of July week. Its my long weekend. The first I've had in a long time. I usually miss all the Monday holidays the banks observe due to my work schedule, but this week I have Saturday through Tuesday off. I'm a lucky bug.
This weeks read is The United States of Cryptids by J.W. Ocker. I have a fascination with cryptid mythology like Bigfoot and the Mothman, so I'm super excited to read this book.
Lets get to this weeks menu. Enjoy!
Monday
Crispy Chicken with White Sauce
Kids - Mac and Cheese
Tuesday
Kids - Birddogs
Wednesday
Kids - Chicken Ramen
Thursday
Kids - Mac and Cheese
Friday
Kids - Grilled Cheese
Saturday
Kids - Cheese Quesadillas
Sunday
Leftovers Night
4th of July Treats
July 2, 2023
Sunday Confessions #206
Hello Sunday!
I hope you had a chance to check out my Saturday life post where I info dump what's been happening here at the hovel in the last week. If you haven't, click the link for the Life Confessions post below.
Lets recap.
Sunday Confessions #205~Weekly Menu #512 And The Book Of The Week~Book Review: A Confusion of Princes by Garth Nix~Life Confessions: Post #1
Weekly Menu #513 And The Book Of The Week~Book Review: The Mark of the Dragonfly by Jaleigh Johnson~June 2023 Wrap Up~Book Review: Wild is the Witch by Rachel Griffin~Life Confessions: Post #2~Sunday Confessions #207
Nothing!
Due to our internet outage last week, I blasted through my entire list of books I had planned. First time ever, but my New Arrivals list is huge!
Some really delicious recipes on the menu last week.
Loved the egg and ricotta bake. Super good with sourdough.
The Lemon Parmesan Chicken was delicious. I love summer veggies.
Can't go wrong with a grilled cheese. Even a fancy one with three different kinds of cheese and some caramelized onion.
Te Amo by Rihanna
My youngest is obsessed with Stars on Mars, although he will deny it if you ask.
Started watching Claim to Fame and oh boy, that was one hell of a first episode.
63/100 2023 Reading Challenge~54/196 in my Star Wars Legends challenge~59/341 Gilmore Girls challenge~60/100 in my 100 books before you die challenge
It was a busy week on the blog. Thanks for stopping by and happy reading!
July 1, 2023
Life Confessions: Post #1
Wow, what a week. You know, there is one thing I hear from almost everyone I tell my story too. "I don't know how you do it." To tell you the truth, sometimes neither do I.
This last week was pure chaos, and when I tell you its all because we had no internet, you might not understand how such a trivial thing could throw our entire family into turmoil, but its something that intertwines throughout our entire lives. Work, learning, entertainment. Its a small wire of life that keeps me sane and gives my neurodivergent kids stability.
We went 9 days without internet. 9 painful days of attempting to work on a mobile hotspot while the kids rocked, ran and screamed below my loft. Oy vey! We made it through though.
Kitten UpdateThe kittens are doing great at almost three weeks. There is still one little boy that is struggling with flat chested kitten syndrome and is having a hard time gaining weight, but we've been supplementing him with kitten formula and it seems to be doing the trick. Cross your fingers for him.
Highlights of the week. The kittens are walking. Their eyes are fully open and their little ears are perking up. I don't think their dishwasher box will hold them for long.
Wedding TimeSaturday, we had the honor of attending the wedding of some good friends Oliver and Sarah.Congratulations!
The wedding was beautiful and my husband even managed to get his hands on someone's baby. Its been a while since ours were that small and it melts my heart to see him cuddling with a sleepy child.
Thanks for sticking around long enough to read my full life post and putting up with my photo dumping from last week. I'm so glad things have calmed down around the hovel. I'm just going to breathe until the next disaster happens.
Happy Saturday everyone!
June 30, 2023
Book Review: A Confusion of Princes by Garth Nix
Title: A Confusion of Princes
By: Garth Nix
Genre: Sci-Fi
Pages: 337
Release Date: March 21st, 2012
Publisher: Allen & Unwin
Rating: ★★★★★
Summary from Goodreads:I have died three times, and three times been reborn, though I am not yet twenty in the old earth years by which it is still the fashion to measure time. This is the story of my three deaths, and my life between. My name is Khemri.
Taken from his parents as a child and equipped with biological and technological improvements, Khemri is now an enhanced human being, trained and prepared for the glory of becoming a Prince of the Empire. Not to mention the ultimate glory: should he die, and be deemed worthy, he will be reborn...Which is just as well, because no sooner has Prince Khemri graduated to full Princehood than he learns the terrible truth behind the Empire: there are ten million princes, and all of them want each other dead.
Nix is one of my favorite author's and I wish with all my heart this book had a sequel. There is so much depth in this world that he could expand on and I would be there for it.
Khemri is a wonderful character. Not only does he fit within a mold, but he hides in its shadows becoming more than the prince he was turned into. I love it. Every little step Khemri takes has to be methodical, his life will crumble around him. Each decision makes this character stronger than before, developing him into a well rounded individual by the end.
Favorite Quote:
"I HAVE DIED THREE times, and three times been reborn, though I am not yet twenty in the old Earth years by which it is still the fashion to measure time."
I gave this book 5 out of 5 stars. There was so much to this book that made me want more and I really did enjoy reading it. Couldn't put it down until it was done.
Title: A Confusion of PrincesBy: Garth NixGenre: Sci-FiPa...
Title: A Confusion of Princes
By: Garth Nix
Genre: Sci-Fi
Pages: 337
Release Date: March 21st, 2012
Publisher: Allen & Unwin
Rating: ★★★★★
Summary from Goodreads:I have died three times, and three times been reborn, though I am not yet twenty in the old earth years by which it is still the fashion to measure time. This is the story of my three deaths, and my life between. My name is Khemri.
Taken from his parents as a child and equipped with biological and technological improvements, Khemri is now an enhanced human being, trained and prepared for the glory of becoming a Prince of the Empire. Not to mention the ultimate glory: should he die, and be deemed worthy, he will be reborn...Which is just as well, because no sooner has Prince Khemri graduated to full Princehood than he learns the terrible truth behind the Empire: there are ten million princes, and all of them want each other dead.
Nix is one of my favorite author's and I wish with all my heart this book had a sequel. There is so much depth in this world that he could expand on and I would be there for it.
Khemri is a wonderful character. Not only does he fit within a mold, but he hides in its shadows becoming more than the prince he was turned into. I love it. Every little step Khemri takes has to be methodical, his life will crumble around him. Each decision makes this character stronger than before, developing him into a well rounded individual by the end.
Favorite Quote:
"I HAVE DIED THREE times, and three times been reborn, though I am not yet twenty in the old Earth years by which it is still the fashion to measure time."
I gave this book 5 out of 5 stars. There was so much to this book that made me want more and I really did enjoy reading it. Couldn't put it down until it was done.
June 26, 2023
Weekly Menu #512 And The Book Of The Week
Hello Monday!Its been another whirlwind week here at the hovel. I swear, if this is how the summer is going to go, I'm going to need a vacation from summer vacation.
The kittens are doing well except for one. Poor little Hex has flat chested kitten syndrome and its really messing with how he is able to eat. I've had hand feed him every four hours to make sure he is getting something in his little tummy. Cross your fingers for him.
This weeks book is The Path of Daggers by Robert Jordan. I've made it my mission to finally finish that series this summer since I've been reading it longer than I've been married and still only half way through.
Well, lets get to this weeks menu. Enjoy!WEEKLY MENU
Monday
Kids - Chicken Ramen
Tuesday
Kids - Chicken Tender Burgers
Wednesday
Tortellini with Summer Veggies
Kids - Chips and Cheese
Thursday
Crispy Chicken with White Sauce
Kids - Mac and Cheese
Friday
Kids - Croissant Cheese Sandwich
Saturday
Kids - Cheese Quesadillas
Sunday
Family Dinner
June 25, 2023
Sunday Confessions #205
Hello Sunday!
I just wanted you all to know how giddy I feel after going to the new thrift store in my town and finding a brand new pair of Old Navy jeans for just $7.99. They fit perfectly! I don't know about you, but the serotonin that flows from a good treasure hunt, is the perfect end to the week. Its almost like finishing a good book.
Lets recap the great happenings from the blog.
Sunday Confessions #204~
Weekly Menu #511 And The Book Of The Week~Book Review: Bartleby, The Scavenger by Herman Melville~6 Stand Alone Fantasy Novels Worth Reading~Book Review: My Survival by Rena Finder
Weekly Menu #512 And The Book Of The Week~Book Review: A Confusion of Princes by Garth Nix~Book Review: The Mark of the Dragonfly by Jaleigh Johnson~Sunday Confessions #206
1. The most delicious chicken club sandwich you will ever eat. Has a bit of a kick to it. Recipe here Tequila Lime Chicken Club.
2. Pickled some radishes straight from the neighbors garden.
3. Made this delicious steak sandwich created by the amazing @Salt_Hank
I don't know if you've heard it, but Hanson release Mmmbop 2.0 and I think its better than the original.
These among other shows I'm watching this week. New seasons are back this month and I'm so excited.
57/100 2023 Reading Challenge~54/196 in my Star Wars Legends challenge~59/341 Gilmore Girls challenge~60/100 in my 100 books before you die challenge
Finally making more headway on my book challenges and some of my TBR pile now that my reviews have slowed down. Hoping for another good week.
Happy reading my friends!
