ARC Review: We Were Never Friends by Kaira Rouda

 

Title: We Were Never Friends

By: Kiara Rouda

Genre: Mystery

Pages: 228

Release Date: February 3rd, 2026

Rating: ★★★☆☆

 

Summary from Goodreads:

Sisters? Forever. Friends? NEVER. Who knew a reunion weekend could be so deadly?

Meet the sorority sisters of Theta Gamma

Roxy Callahan Gentry, the ruthless former sorority president and current hostess who has painstakingly choreographed every detail of this weekend—even matching the cocktails to her couture—to prove that she remains their undisputed queenAmelia Dell, the widow drenched in old money and alcohol, with her big pot-stirring spoon and uninvited boy-toy in towJamie Vale, the double-legacy pledge, straight-A student with no sparkle, now a top cardiologist with a picture-perfect family—and a well-guarded bad habitBeth Harrison, the scholarship student who never quite fit in and was only admitted because her best friend Sunny insisted that the two were a package dealSunny Spencer, the carefree and beloved friend to all, or so it seemed—until she wasn'tThey've been summoned to Roxy's luxurious Palm Springs vacation home to celebrate the engagement of her son to Beth's daughter. But the refurbished 1920s estate is eerily reminiscent of the hotel where tragedy struck during Spring Break twenty-five years ago. Long-simmering tensions and shocking secrets begin bubbling to the surface like bodies—because while the weekend was supposed to be about celebrating the future, it's not so easy to bury the past…

 

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Review:

This book gave off strong I Know What You Did Last Summer vibes but unfortunately fell short in its delivery. There was so much potential. A cast of characters who clearly don’t like each other but pretend to, all while sharing a dark secret, but the tension never quite built the way I hoped. Every detail about that secret seemed too easily revealed, leaving little mystery or suspense. By the time the ending rolled around, it just didn’t pack the punch it could have. A promising premise that fizzled out before it found its footing.

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

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Weekly Menu #635 And The Book Of The Week


As we head into Thanksgiving week, I’m leaning hard into classic American comfort foods. Easy, cozy dishes that pack in plenty of protein and veggies without adding extra stress to an already busy holiday. With Thursday reserved for all the Turkey Day goodness and Friday dedicated to creative leftovers, the rest of the week is all about simple skillet meals, hearty roasts, and familiar flavors that feel like home. Here’s what’s cooking in my kitchen this week.

WEEKLY MENU

Monday

Instant Pot Homestyle Chicken & Veggies

Kids - Chicken & Veggies

 

Tuesday

Creamy Chicken & Rice Skillet

Kids - Creamy Chicken & Rice

 

Wednesday

Loaded Turkey Chili

Kids - Cheesy Nachos

 

Thursday

🦃 Thanksgiving

 

Friday

Thanksgiving Panini

Kids - Grilled Cheese

 

Saturday

Pork Chop & Apple Skillet

Kids - Chicken and Apples

 

Sunday

Leftovers Night

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Sunday Confessions #332

 


Welcome back to Sunday Book Confessions, where I spill the truths of my reading week. The surprises, the disappointments, the obsessions, and the books I absolutely meant to get to but… didn’t. Sundays are for honesty, cozy vibes, and catching up on all the bookish chaos swirling through my TBR. So grab your favorite drink, settle in, and let’s confess together: here’s what really happened in my reading life this week.


Sunday Confessions #331
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Weekly Menu #634 And The Book Of The Week
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ARC Review: Made you look by Tanya Grant
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Book Review: The Girls of Good Fortune by Kristina McMorris
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ARC Review: Ship of Spells by Leighton H. Dickson
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4 Star Friday


Weekly Menu #635 And The Book Of The Week
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ARC Review: We Were Never Friends by Kaira Rouda
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Book Review: A Dark Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab
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Book Review: The Anthropocene Review by John Green
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ARC Review: I, Medusa by Ayana Gray
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Sunday Confessions #333











374/100 2025 Reading Challenge


Another Sunday, another stack of stories. Some that swept me away, some that surprised me, and some that will have to wait their turn. I love taking a moment to look back at what I read, what I felt, and what I learned about my own reading habits along the way. Whether this week was a whirlwind of pages or a slower stroll through a single book, it all counts. Here’s to fresh starts, new reads, and whatever bookish adventures the coming week brings.

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4 Star Friday

It’s time for another 4-Star Friday, where I highlight the books that hit that sweet spot between engaging, well-crafted, and downright enjoyable. These are the stories that kept me turning pages, delivered solid characters and plotting, and left me glad I picked them up. Even if they weren’t quite perfect. If you’re looking for reliable recommendations to add to your TBR, this week’s four-star reads are absolutely worth a look. Let’s dive in!

Sisterhood of Dune delivers an engaging return to the ever expanding Dune universe, balancing political intrigue, ideological conflict, and rich world-building in a way that feels both familiar and fresh. Herbert and Anderson do a great job exploring the early roots of the Bene Gesserit, giving depth to the women and forces that will eventually shape the galaxy. While the large cast and multiple plotlines can feel overwhelming at times, the narrative remains compelling and full of tension. Overall, it’s a solid installment that expands the lore in satisfying ways and keeps the legacy of Dune moving forward.




If It Bleeds is King doing what he does best, blending the uncanny with the deeply human. This collection of four novellas offers a mix of grounded storytelling and eerie suspense, each tale exploring a different flavor of fear, grief, or mystery. The standout is undeniably the title story, bringing Holly Gibney back into the spotlight with a gripping, slow burn investigation. A couple of the other entries aren’t quite as strong, but the collection as a whole is imaginative, atmospheric, and satisfyingly unsettling. It’s a great pick for fans who enjoy King’s shorter works and want a taste of his storytelling range without committing to a full length novel.




Open, Heaven is a beautifully written and emotionally resonant novel, filled with Hewitt’s signature lyrical prose and a haunting sense of atmosphere. The themes of identity, longing, and spiritual searching are handled with nuance, and the imagery is often striking. Even though I didn’t fully connect with the story on a personal level, I could still appreciate the craft, the careful pacing, and the quiet power behind the writing. It’s a thoughtful, intimate read that will resonate deeply with readers who love contemplative, poetic fiction.





Broken Fields is a gripping and heartfelt mystery that continues Rendon’s powerful blend of crime fiction and Indigenous storytelling. The writing is sharp and grounded, bringing the setting and its cultural layers vividly to life. Cash Blackbear remains an unforgettable protagonist, tough, intuitive, and refreshingly honest, and her journey in this installment is both emotionally compelling and tightly plotted. While a few moments move a bit quickly, the story’s tension, character depth, and atmospheric detail make it a standout read. Another strong addition to the series and a must for fans of thoughtful, character driven mysteries.



Daughter of the Moon Goddess is a lush, enchanting fantasy inspired by Chinese mythology, and Sue Lynn Tan’s prose brings the celestial world to life with vivid beauty. I really enjoyed following Xingyin’s journey. Her strength, her determination, and her emotional growth make her easy to root for. The magic, romance, and adventure all weave together in a way that feels wonderfully immersive. That said, the pacing does stretch a bit in places, and some sections dragged more than I expected. Still, the stunning world-building and heartfelt character arcs make this a captivating read well worth diving into.
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ARC Review: Ship of Spells by Leighton H. Dickson

 


Title: Ship of Spells

By: H. Leighton Dickson

Genre: Fantasy

Pages: 384

Release Date: November 4th, 2025 

Rating: ★★★★☆

 

Summary from Goodreads:

She survived the wreck. Now she’s bound to a ship that shouldn’t exist - and a captain she can’t resist…


'High-seas adventure meets rich fantasy worldbuilding and strong character development' Kirkus Reviews

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A war-scarred mage. A sentient ship. A secret that could drown empires.

Rescued from a wreck and waking aboard the Touchstone, a legendary vessel crewed by outcasts and ruled by a secretive elven captain, Ensign Honor Renn finds herself caught in a mission that could change the world.

The disaster that sank her last ship didn’t just take lives. It left something inside her, a dangerous magik everyone wants, and it’s killing her.

Now hunted by spies, princes, and privateers, Renn must decide who to trust before her power consumes her, or ignites a war that sets the sea on fire.

Ship of Spells is a fast-paced romantasy of magic, danger and slow-burn desire — perfect for fans of Samantha Shannon and epic high-seas adventure.

 

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Review:

This read had a very interesting magic system that unfolded beautifully throughout the story. The world felt rich with potential, and the author’s imagination really shone through in how magic interacted with the characters and setting. I do wish there had been a bit more depth or explanation to the system itself, it felt like there was so much more to explore, but overall, it was a creative and engaging read that kept me intrigued from start to finish.

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

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Book Review: The Girls of Good Fortune by Kristina McMorris

 


Title: The Girls of Good Fortune

By: Kristina McMorris

Genre: Historical

Pages: 416

Release Date: May 20th, 2025

Rating: ★★★★☆

 

Summary from Goodreads:

From the New York Times bestselling author of Sold on a Monday and The Ways We Hide 

 She came from a lineage known for good fortune…by those who don't know the whole story. 

 Portland, 1888. Amid the subterranean labyrinth of the notorious Shanghai Tunnels, a woman awakens in an underground cell, drugged and disguised. Celia soon realizes she's a "shanghaied" victim on the verge of being shipped off as forced labor, leaving behind those she loves most. Although well accustomed to adapting for survival—being half-Chinese, passing as white during an era fraught with anti-Chinese sentiment—she fears that far more than her own fate lay at stake. 

 As she pieces together the twisting path that led to her abduction, from serving as a maid for the family of a dubious mayor to becoming entwined in the case of a goldminers' massacre, revelations emerge of a child left in peril. Desperate, Celia must find a way to escape and return to a place where unearthed secrets can prove even more deadly than the dark recesses of Chinatown.

 A captivating tale of resilience and hope, The Girls of Good Fortune explores the complexity of family and identity, the importance of stories that echo through generations, and the power of strength found beneath the surface.

 

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Review:

As someone who’s lived my whole life in the Portland, OR area, I really appreciated the rich local history woven throughout this story. Kristina McMorris did a wonderful job bringing the setting and era to life. My only minor gripe was that the audiobook narrator could have done a bit more research on how to pronounce some of our waterways, but that’s just the Portlander in me talking. Overall, this was a great read that I devoured in one sitting!

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