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Book Talk | Heated Rivalry

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 Is it hot in here, or is it just me? JK. But seriously, it’s already unnecessarily hot here in south Texas. Anyway, yes, I did jump on the wagon that is called Heated Rivalry . I admittedly didn’t watch it during its original run and wasn’t really planning on it. Hockey is cool, but sports related stories just aren’t my thing (although maybe they are, shout out to Yuri on Ice and Skate the Infinity ). However, my FYPages were telling me otherwise. What actually were the final two nails that hit the coffin for me were when people were talking about the Kip and Scott scene and I kept hearing about the cottage, so I guess I wanted to sneak a peak. And then I just wanted to be the lamp in the room. After I finished the show, I went to a new independent book store, grabbed the second to last copy, and savored the story all over again. Here is my book talk on Heated Rivalry by Rachel Reid. About the Author Rachel Reid is the New York Times Bestselling author of the Game Changers hoc...
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Book Talk | Ziva The Great

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    ZIVA THE GREAT By Cindy J. Vanous Children’s Fiction: Ages 6-12 Publication Date: 21 October, 2025 32 Pages Ziva the Great  is a heartfelt picture book for older children about a Maine Coon cat learning to trust again and a quiet girl named Elsie who understands gentle things. Ziva is loving with her family but startles easily around new people-until Elsie arrives. The girl moves softly, speaks softly, and never frightens her. Their friendship grows through small moments of closeness and calm. Together, they show young readers that healing takes time, trust can return, and even quiet hearts can find comfort again. Perfect for ages 8-12, this emotional animal story supports social-emotional learning (SEL) and is ideal for parents, teachers, counselors, and classrooms. Themes include emotional healing, resilience, friendship, overcoming fear, and the bond between children and animals. First off, this is a beautifully illustrated book. The detailing on each painted page...
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Book Talk | A Court of Wings and Ruin

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 I’m back with the third book in the ACOTR series. I have 2ish (I think the next book is a half book, filler-type book) to go, but before we get there, we have to get through the events of A Court of Wings and Ruin .  About the Author Sarah J. Maas  is the prolific, #1 New York Times and internationally bestselling author of the  Throne of Glass , A Court of Thorns and Roses and  Crescent City series , which have sold more than 70 million copies in English worldwide and are published in thirty-eight languages. Maas is one of the most successful authors of the modern era, generating a far-reaching and ever-growing fanbase of readers, as well as a TikTok phenomenon, with the hashtag for her A Court of Thorns and Roses series having several billion views. About the Story Feyre has returned to the Spring Court, determined to gather information on Tamlin's actions and learn what she can about the invading king threatening to bring her land to its knees. But to do so ...
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Rainy Travel | Boulder City, Nevada

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 My 2026 year has started off with an unexpected side quest to the little town of Boulder City, Nevada. Seems a little random, right? Well, I work for a nonprofit that is celebrating 50 years this year and with it comes events happening from chapters all over North America to celebrate this milestone. The event I’m planning is in February, the second event. The first event was held in none other than Boulder City, Nevada. My boss asked me on Tuesday if I would be able to go instead of himself that Friday. At first, I felt that it was a little rude to ask a mom of a very child to get up and travel in such a short notice, but after talking through it with my husband, I decided to take the trip and it wasn’t that bad. Just a short 30 minute drive from the Harry Reid International Airport and about a 40 minute drive from Vegas, Boulder City is a little, yet mighty town filled with good food, good wine, and a variety of places to enjoy the outdoors. Where I Ate Your Mom’s Italian Kitche...
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Book Talk | The Light in The Barn" A Domestic Thriller

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   About the Author Susan P. Baker, a native of Galveston, Texas, is the author of 13 mystery/suspense novels, two nonfiction titles, and a collection of short pieces. A retired Texas judge, Susan presided over cases ranging from murder to divorce for 12 years in Galveston, later serving as a visiting judge across Texas for another 12 years. Before her judicial career, she practiced law for nine years and worked as a probation officer for two years. Her extensive experience in the justice system and Texas courts significantly influences her writing, bringing authenticity and depth to her fictional works.   About the Book  Aurora’s life seems close to perfect. She has a devoted husband, a recent move back to her hometown, and the chance to fix up the house she inherited. She has a close circle of new and old friends and finds fulfillment in her volunteer work at the local animal shelter, loving on the animals in her care. But one night, a strange sound aw...
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Book Talk | The Dream Hotel

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I'm walking around the San Antonio Book Festival looking for a new book to read and lo and behold, the cover to this book caught my eye. It has and intriguing cover and an interesting title. I flip it around to the read the synopsis and immediately know it's a book that I would enjoy reading. Skip to six months later and I finally read it. Here is my little review on The Dream Hotel by Laila Lalami.   A Little About the Author Laila Lalami is the author of six books, including The Moor’s Account , which won the American Book Award, the Arab-American Book Award, and the Hurston / Wright Legacy Award. It was on the longlist for the Booker Prize and was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in Fiction. Her most recent novel, The Other Americans , was a national bestseller, won the Joyce Carol Oates Prize, and was a finalist for the National Book Award in Fiction. Her books have been translated into over twenty languages. Her essays have appeared in the Los Angeles Times , the...
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Book Talk | Pillars of Creation

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                                                           Pillars of Creation A Quest for the Great Name in a Nietzschean World By Carlos Nicolás Flor Literary Fiction, Coming of Age Publisher: Atmosphere Press Publication Date: 22 July, 2025 Where is God amidst the mass graves, poverty, drug trafficking, and corrupt officials on the Texas-Mexico border? Yoltic Cortez, a college dropout and aspiring writer in his mid-twenties, grapples with this question while living in an impoverished colonia. His bedridden father warns him to prepare spiritually for the challenges ahead by returning to their religious traditions and confronting the "Devil in the desert." Encouraged by his mentor, the "Failed Poet," to pursue a literary career, Yoltic struggles to write his first book. His situation is further complicated when a young Mexican woman...
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