Sarai Henderson's Blog, page 9
July 21, 2025
Weekly Menu #617 And The Book Of The Week
What happens in the kitchen this week is staying delicious. We’re turning up the heat with a Las Vegas inspired menu that’s full of bold flavors, a little extravagance, and a whole lot of flair. From decadent buffets to street food style bites with a gourmet twist, this week is all about rolling the culinary dice and letting luck and seasoning lead the way.To match the energy of this glittering city, I’m diving into The Dragon Wakes with Thunder by K.X. Song. I’m thrilled to have snagged a prerelease copy, and just a few chapters in, it’s already pulsing with power, mystery, and a storm of political intrigue. So far, it’s the perfect pairing to the high stakes drama of Vegas, where dragons sleep under neon lights and danger is always just one move away.
WEEKLY MENU
Monday
“High Roller” Filet Mignon Bites with Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Kids - Chicken and Mashed Potatoes
or - Mozzarella Sticks and Mashed Potatoes
Tuesday
Kids - Cheese Quesadillas
or - Cheese and Toast
Wednesday
Rat Pack Pasta Alfredo with Shrimp & Spinach
Kids - Mac and Cheese
or - Cheese and Crackers
Thursday
Neon Nights Thai Basil Stir-Fry
Kids - Chicken and Veggie Stir Fry
or - Cheese and Veggie Rice Bowl
Friday
Bacon Flatbread with Caramelized Onions & Blue Cheese
Kids - Flatbread Pizza
or - Garlic Knots and Cheese
Saturday
Loaded Baked Potato Bar with Vegas Strip Toppings
Kids - Cheesy Fries
Sunday
Leftovers Night
July 20, 2025
Sunday Confessions #314
It’s time for another round of Sunday Confessions, where I spill the bookish tea, unburden my literary soul, and maybe admit to a few questionable reading choices. Whether it's abandoning a hyped book halfway through, bingeing an entire series instead of doing laundry, or shamelessly judging covers at the bookstore, this is my safe space. So grab a cup of coffee (or wine, no judgment here) and settle in while I confess what really went down in my reading life this week.
Weekly Menu #616 And The Book Of The Week~Book Review: Maid for each other by Lynn Painter~Binge-Worthy Wednesday: A Sorceress Comes to Call by T. Kingfisher~ARC Review: Sky on Fire by E.K. Johnston~Book Review: The Life Imposible by Matt Haig
Weekly Menu #617 And The Book Of The Week~Book Review: The Fox Wife by Yangsze Choo~Binge-Worthy Wednesday: What the River Knows by Isable Ibanez~Book Review: The Wish by Nicholas Sparks~Book Review: Off with Her Head by Elenor Herman~Sunday Confessions #315
Ward D by Freida McFadden delivers her signature fast-paced suspense, but this time with a plot that feels more chaotic than compelling. Set in a locked psychiatric ward, the story aims for high tension but leans too heavily on twists that feel implausible or overly dramatic. While the premise is intriguing and the atmosphere effectively unsettling, the characters lack depth and the pacing occasionally veers into confusion rather than suspense. It's a quick, entertaining read, but not one that lingers after the final page.
225/100 2025 Reading Challenge~104/217 in my Star Wars Legends challenge~18/20 2024 Goodreads Fantasy Nominees Reading Challenge
That’s it for this week’s confessions, messy book stacks, impulsive one click buys, and all. Whether you’re riding high on five star reads or stuck in a slump, remember every bookish moment counts. I’ll be back next Sunday with more truths from the reading trenches, but until then, may your coffee be strong, your bookmarks plentiful, and your plot twists satisfying. Happy reading, friends!
July 18, 2025
Book Review: The Life Imposible by Matt Haig
Title: The Life Impossible
By: Matt Haig
Genre: Fantasy
Pages: 324
Release Date: August 29th, 2024
Rating: ★★★★★
Summary from Goodreads:The remarkable next novel from Matt Haig, the author of #1 New York Times bestseller The Midnight Library, with more than nine million copies sold worldwide
“What looks like magic is simply a part of life we don’t understand yet…”
When retired math teacher Grace Winters is left a run-down house on a Mediterranean island by a long-lost friend, curiosity gets the better of her. She arrives in Ibiza with a one-way ticket, no guidebook and no plan.
Among the rugged hills and golden beaches of the island, Grace searches for answers about her friend’s life, and how it ended. What she uncovers is stranger than she could have dreamed. But to dive into this impossible truth, Grace must first come to terms with her past.
Filled with wonder and wild adventure, this is a story of hope and the life-changing power of a new beginning.
July 17, 2025
ARC Review: Sky on Fire by E.K. Johnston
Title: Sky on Fire
By: E.K. Johnston
Genre: Sci-fi
Pages: 272
Release Date: July 22nd, 2025
Rating: ★★★★☆
Summary from Goodreads:A fast-paced and thought-provoking queer sci-fi/fantasy novel from #1 New York Times bestseller E. K. Johnston.
Morgan Enni has things to do. A science prodigy in a university full of mage-scientists, she’s notable for having no magical ability, which only increases her ambition and drive to prove herself. Her research has the potential to devastate every aetherworker in the galaxy and shake the crumbled foundations of the Stavenger Empire. It's no wonder she can't find anyone who wants to listen to her, much less fund her expedition.
But Morgan is stubborn, and eventually her work catches the attention of a group of rebels, who hope it might turn the tide in their favour. When they try to recruit the young scientist, they get much more than they bargained for. Morgan Enni has secrets of her own.
Set in the world of Aetherbound, E. K. Johnston continues to entwine Arthurian myth and the history of North Atlantic fisheries in a clever, character-driven space fantasy.
Review:
This sequel burns bright, balancing political drama, high stakes tension, and emotional growth with Johnston's signature poetic prose. While it took a few chapters to find its rhythm, once it hit its stride, I was hooked. The character arcs deepen beautifully, and the worldbuilding expands in meaningful ways, answering questions from book one while raising new, compelling stakes. It’s quieter than some sci-fi epics, but no less powerful. A thoughtful, grounded read that earns its fire.Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.
July 16, 2025
Binge-Worthy Wednesday: A Sorceress Comes to Call by T. Kingfisher
Title: A Sorceress Comes to Call
By: T. Kingfisher
Genre: Fantasy
Pages: 321
Release Date: August 6th, 2024
Rating: ★★★★★
Summary from Goodreads:A dark retelling of the Brothers Grimm's Goose Girl, rife with secrets, murder, and forbidden magic
Cordelia knows her mother is unusual. Their house doesn’t have any doors between rooms, and her mother doesn't allow Cordelia to have a single friend—unless you count Falada, her mother's beautiful white horse. The only time Cordelia feels truly free is on her daily rides with him. But more than simple eccentricity sets her mother apart. Other mothers don’t force their daughters to be silent and motionless for hours, sometimes days, on end. Other mothers aren’t sorcerers.
After a suspicious death in their small town, Cordelia’s mother insists they leave in the middle of the night, riding away on Falada’s sturdy back, leaving behind all Cordelia has ever known. They arrive at the remote country manor of a wealthy older man, the Squire, and his unwed sister, Hester. Cordelia’s mother intends to lure the Squire into marriage, and Cordelia knows this can only be bad news for the bumbling gentleman and his kind, intelligent sister.
Hester sees the way Cordelia shrinks away from her mother, how the young girl sits eerily still at dinner every night. Hester knows that to save her brother from bewitchment and to rescue the terrified Cordelia, she will have to face down a wicked witch of the worst kind.
July 15, 2025
Book Review: Maid for each other by Lynn Painter
Title: Maid for Each Other
By: Lynn Painter
Genre: Romance
Pages: 368
Release Date: July 15th, 2025
Rating: ★★★★★
Summary from Goodreads:A millionaire and a house cleaner are a match maid in heaven in this sparkling new romantic comedy by Lynn Painter, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Happily Never After.
As a professional cleaner, Abi Mariano never thought her apartment would have any sort of infestation, but because of a building-wide outbreak, she now needs somewhere to stay for a week. As a part-time student with two jobs, she doesn’t have many options. Then the solution presents itself: the owner of the penthouse she cleans is out of town for the week. She normally wouldn’t consider it, but he’s literally never around (she hasn’t even met him). It goes great…until one morning she finds two strangers in the kitchen. They’re the parents of the penthouse owner and they seem to think they’ve heard all about Abi—not as their son’s maid, but as his girlfriend.
Declan Powell has always put his career first, working his way up to become an executive at his company, but he still has his sights set on the next level. When his parents mention that they met his girlfriend, “Abby,” he all but chokes on his escargot. As wonderful as it sounds that she was just darling, he doesn’t actually have a girlfriend—he made her up to get everyone off his back. When Dex finds out who Abi really is, he makes her a proposition: pretend to date him, and he’ll provide everything she needs during their little arrangement. What harm would it do? It’s purely business, no pleasure…right?
Lynn Painter serves up a sparkling, feel good adult rom‑com with Maid for Each Other. The perfect blend of sharp banter, swoony moments, and emotional warmth. This feels like a modern day Maid in Manhattan or Pretty Woman vibe, only with stronger humor and a heroine you root for from the very first page.
Abi Mariano, a hardworking grad student juggling two jobs, unexpectedly ends up sleeping in the penthouse of her millionaire client, Declan Powell, after a building infestation. When his parents arrive and assume she’s his girlfriend “Abby,” Declan scrambles and proposes a fake‑dating arrangement to keep his image intact. Complete with fully covered living expenses for Abi.
What truly shines is Painter’s dual POV and quick witted dialogue. Abi’s sass and sincerity balance perfectly against Declan’s stoic billionaire charm. Their chemistry is electric, even when their fake relationship is strictly business at first.
Despite the pacing being brisk and the premise somewhat contrived, this was a hit for summer reading. Fun, immersive, and impossible to put down.
Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.
July 14, 2025
Weekly Menu #616 And The Book Of The Week
This week, we’re heading Down Under with an Australian inspired menu that’s bursting with bold flavors and plenty of protein to keep things satisfying. From savory meat pies to hearty veggie packed dishes, this lineup draws from Australia’s diverse culinary landscape. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or settling in for a cozy weekend meal, these recipes are simple, delicious, and full of Aussie charm.Alongside our culinary travels, I’ve cracked open The Never List by Jade Presley. A paranormal romance with witches, secrets, and sizzling chemistry. It’s the perfect escape read, blending magical mischief with a strong female lead and a fast-paced plot. I’m only a few chapters in, but the tension is already building in the best way. If you love stories where a witchy heroine doesn’t back down, this one might just cast a spell on you too.
Now, let's get to this week's menu. Enjoy!WEEKLY MENU
Monday
Aussie BBQ Chicken & Sweet Potato Wedges
Kids - Chicken and Fries
Tuesday
Kangaroo (or Lean Beef) Burger with Coleslaw
Kids - Cheese Burgers and Salad
Wednesday
Chicken Parmigiana with Broccolini
Kids - Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli
Thursday
Balsamic Marinated Steak with Roasted Pumpkin Salad
Kids - Nutella Toast and Fruit
Friday
Kids - Beef Ramen and Apple Sauce
Saturday
Lamb Koftas with Tzatziki and Flatbread
Kids - Flatbread Pizza
Sunday
Leftovers Night
July 13, 2025
Sunday Confessions #313
Welcome back to Sunday Confessions where I spill the bookish thoughts, reading habits, and random life updates that don’t quite fit anywhere else. Whether it’s a long-overdue series I finally finished, a spicy take on a popular book, or just a peek into the chaos of my week, this is the place I let it all out. So grab your coffee (or your comfort read), and let’s get into it.
Sunday Confessions #312~Weekly Menu #615 And The Book Of The Week~Book Review: Vanishing Acts by Jodi Picoult~Binge-Worthy Wednesday: The Rom-Commers by Catherine Center~Thriller Thursday: The Better Sister by Alafair Burke~Fantasy Friday: For She is Wrath by Emily Varga
~Saturday Sips: Series Review - The Mortal Instruments
Weekly Menu #616 And The Book Of The Week~
Book Review: Maid for each other by Lynn Painter~Binge-Worthy Wednesday: A Sorceress Comes to Call by T. Kingfisher~ARC Review: Sky on Fire by E.K. Johnston~Book Review: The Life Imposible by Matt Haig~
Sunday Confessions #314
216/100 2025 Reading Challenge~103/217 in my Star Wars Legends challenge~18/20 2024 Goodreads Fantasy Nominees Reading Challenge
That’s it for this week’s confessions. Books I loved, books I tolerated, and a few thoughts I probably should’ve kept to myself. Thanks for hanging out in my little corner of chaos. As always, I’d love to hear what you’ve been reading, loving, or side eyeing lately. Until next Sunday, may your TBR shrink just enough to justify adding three more books.
July 12, 2025
Saturday Sips: Series Review - The Mortal Instruments
It took me 17 years to finish this series. I started City of Bones when I had just given birth to my oldest child. Back then, it was something to read while I pumped at work, something to escape into, and for a while, it worked. The first few books were entertaining enough: dark urban fantasy, a snarky cast of characters, and a gritty, demon slaying New York. I was along for the ride.
But then the series took a turn. A very weird turn. As the plot progressed, it felt like the story became obsessed with sibling romance, and then, more disturbingly, there were themes that hinted at incestual rape. And that was the point where I mentally checked out. It stopped being about the adventure or the characters and started revolving around taboo drama that felt more exploitative than meaningful. I couldn’t understand the direction it was going or why these themes kept coming up, especially in a series marketed to teens.
It made me wonder: who exactly was this for? Because it stopped feeling like something a young adult audience would, or should, connect with.
⭐️⭐️⭐️.16 // Series Rating: 3.16 out of 5The only reason this series breaks 3 stars is because of the first few books. They had spark, humor, and a strong enough plot to keep me interested. But the deeper I got into the series, the more it felt like a chore to finish. It wasn't all bad. There are moments of decent worldbuilding and a few side characters that deserved better, but overall, it lost the magic it started with.
Would I recommend The Mortal Instruments? Maybe the first few books, to the right reader. But for me, this series ended up being more frustrating than fulfilling. At least I can finally say: it’s done. Seventeen years later.
July 11, 2025
Fantasy Friday: For She is Wrath by Emily Varga
Title: For She is Wrath
By: Emily Varga
Genre: Fantasy
Pages: 389
Release Date: October 29th, 2024
Rating: ★★★★★
Summary from Goodreads:A sweeping, Pakistani romantic fantasy retelling of The Count of Monte Cristo, where one girl seeks revenge against those who betrayed her—including the boy she used to love.
Three hundred and sixty-four days.Framed for a crime she didn't commit, Dania counts down her days in prison until she can exact revenge on Mazin, the boy responsible for her downfall, the boy she once loved—and still can't forget. When she discovers a fellow prisoner may have the key to exacting that vengeance--a stolen djinn treasure--they execute a daring escape together and search for the hidden treasure.
Armed with dark magic and a new identity, Dania enacts a plan to bring down those who betrayed her and her family, even though Mazin stands in her way. But seeking revenge becomes a complicated game of cat and mouse, especially when an undeniable fire still burns between them, and the power to destroy her enemies has a price. As Dania falls deeper into her web of traps and lies, she risks losing her humanity to her fight for vengeance--and her heart to the only boy she's ever loved.
