Binge-Worthy Wednesday: The Rom-Commers by Catherine Center

 


Title: The Rom-Commers

By: Katherine Center

Genre: Romance

Pages: 336

Release Date: June 11th, 2024

Rating: ★★★★★

 

Summary from Goodreads:

She’s rewriting his love story. But can she rewrite her own?

Emma Wheeler desperately longs to be a screenwriter. She’s spent her life studying, obsessing over, and writing romantic comedies―good ones! That win contests! But she’s also been the sole caretaker for her kind-hearted dad, who needs full-time care. Now, when she gets a chance to re-write a script for famous screenwriter Charlie Yates―The Charlie Yates! Her personal writing god!―it’s a break too big to pass up.

Emma’s younger sister steps in for caretaking duties, and Emma moves to L.A. for six weeks for the writing gig of a lifetime. But what is it they say? Don’t meet your heroes? Charlie Yates doesn’t want to write with anyone―much less “a failed, nobody screenwriter.” Worse, the romantic comedy he’s written is so terrible it might actually bring on the apocalypse. Plus! He doesn’t even care about the script―it’s just a means to get a different one green-lit. Oh, and he thinks love is an emotional Ponzi scheme.

But Emma’s not going down without a fight. She will stand up for herself, and for rom-coms, and for love itself. She will convince him that love stories matter―even if she has to kiss him senseless to do it. But . . . what if that kiss is accidentally amazing? What if real life turns out to be so much . . . more real than fiction? What if the love story they’re writing breaks all Emma’s rules―and comes true?

 

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Review:

I absolutely loved The Rom-Commers! Katherine Center delivers another feel-good hit full of heart, humor, and just the right amount of emotional depth. This story takes you on a whirlwind ride through the ups and downs of creativity, connection, and second chances. I felt the full gambit of emotions. I laughed, teared up, and cheered for the characters, and I couldn’t stop turning the pages. It’s fun, fast-paced, and full of charm with just the right amount of swoon. A perfect pick for anyone who loves a smart, heartfelt rom-com with substance.
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Book Review: Vanishing Acts by Jodi Picoult

 


Title: Vanishing Acts

By: Jodi Picoult

Genre: Fiction

Pages: 426

Release Date: March 5th, 2005 

Rating: ★★★★★

 

Summary from Goodreads:

Delia Hopkins has led a charmed life. Raised in rural New Hampshire by her widowed father, Andrew, she now has a young daughter, a handsome fiance, and her own search-and-rescue bloodhound, which she uses to find missing persons. But as Delia plans her wedding, she is plagued by flashbacks of a life she can't recall. And then a policeman knocks on her door, revealing a secret that changes the world as she knows it." In shock and confusion, Delia must sift through the truth - even when it jeopardizes her life and the lives of those she loves. What happens when you learn you are not who you thought you were? When the people you've loved and trusted suddenly change before your eyes? When getting your deepest wish means giving up what you've always taken for granted? Vanishing Acts explores how life - as we know it - might not turn out the way we imagined; how doing the right thing could mean doing the wrong thing; how the memory we thought had vanished could return as a threat.

 

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Review:

Vanishing Acts by Jodi Picoult is a powerful, emotionally charged novel that delves into memory, identity, and the weight of our past. When Delia Hopkins discovers that the life she’s known was built on a lie, the story unfolds with the kind of depth and moral complexity that Picoult does best. The courtroom drama is compelling, the shifting perspectives are masterfully done, and the emotional stakes are sky high. Every chapter pulls you deeper into the characters' tangled histories and the difficult choices they face. Thought provoking and beautifully written, this book left a lasting impression. A solid 5 star read that reminds you how fragile and resilient the human spirit can be.

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Weekly Menu #615 And The Book Of The Week

 


This week we're exploring the rich and flavorful cuisine of Georgia, the country nestled between Europe and Asia, not the American South. Georgian food is the perfect blend of comfort and nutrition, packed with protein, fresh vegetables, and bold herbs and spices. From garlicky chicken in clay pots to walnut-stuffed eggplant rolls, every dish is designed to be hearty, satisfying, and full of history. Get ready for a week of meals that feel like a warm hug from a distant land.

While the kitchen fills with the scent of Georgian spices, I’m curling up with What the River Knows by Isabel Ibañez. This historical fantasy sweeps readers away to 19th-century Egypt, where a strong-willed heroine unearths family secrets and ancient magic. With lush world building and just the right touch of romance and mystery, it's the perfect literary escape to pair with a steaming bowl of kharcho or a slice of cheesy khachapuri.

Without any more delay, let's get to this week's menu. Enjoy!

WEEKLY MENU

Monday

Lobio and Rice

Georgian Bean Stew

Kids - Red Beans and Rice

 

Tuesday

Shkmeruli and Salad

Georgian Chicken in Garlic Sauce

Kids - Chicken Tenders and Cucumbers

 

Wednesday

Mtsvadi and Salad

Georgian Pork Skewers

Kids - Chicken Nugget Skewers

 

Thursday

Kharcho

Georgian Beef Stew

Kids - Cheese and Rice

 

Friday

Chicken Kafta with Rice and Tzatziki

Kids - Chicken Meatballs with Rice and Yogurt

 

Saturday

Shakshuka and Sourdough

Kids - Eggs and Toast

 

Sunday

Leftovers Night

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Sunday Confessions #312

 


It’s Sunday and you know what that means time for some honest confessions. No filters no judgment just real talk about the books the reading struggles and those little quirks only fellow book lovers understand. Whether it’s a guilty pleasure read a disappointing finish or a secret TBR shame this is the place to get it off your chest. Ready to hear what I’m confessing this week?


Sunday Confessions #311
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Weekly Menu #614 And The Book Of The Week
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June 2024 Wrap Up
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Book Review: The Cinnamon Bun Book Store by Laurie Gilmore
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Thriller Thursday: The Tenant by Freida McFadden
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ARC Review: Forever Gone by R.S. Hampton
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Saturday Sips: 3 Star Disappointments


Weekly Menu #615 And The Book Of The Week
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Book Review: Vanishing Acts by Jodi Picoult
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Binge-Worthy Wednesday: The Rom-Commers by Catherine Center
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Thriller Thursday: The Better Sister by Alafair Burke
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Fantasy Friday: For She is Wrath by Emily Varga
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Saturday Sips: Series Review - The Mortal Instruments
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Sunday Confessions #313






The Gray Man

Mark Greaney

★★★★☆
The Gray Man is a fast paced action packed thriller that delivers exactly what it promises a relentless deadly operative taking on impossible odds. Mark Greaney crafts a sharp cinematic story full of chase scenes clever tactics and international intrigue. Court Gentry is a compelling lead a ghostlike assassin with just enough heart to make you root for him. While the plot leans heavily into action over character development the pacing never lets up making it a gripping ride from start to finish. A solid pick for fans of espionage and high stakes thrillers.









208/100 2025 Reading Challenge


That’s it for this week’s confessions. Some books surprised me, others let me down, and a few just left me scratching my head. But that’s the beauty of reading, it’s never the same journey twice. Whether you’re breezing through your TBR or stuck in a slump, I hope you found something here to relate to. Until next Sunday, keep reading, keep feeling, and don’t be afraid to confess a little along the way.

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Saturday Sips: 3 Star Disappointments

 


Welcome to Saturday Sips, where I pair my weekend coffee with a stack of recent reads and not all of them go down smoothly. This week I’m talking about the books that landed right in the middle, not bad enough to DNF but not quite what I hoped for either. These 3 star reads had potential, but something, whether it was pacing, character connection, or just a mismatch in expectations, left me a little underwhelmed. Let’s dive into the almosts and maybes.

There's Always Next Year

George M. Johnson, Leah Johnson

There’s Always Next Year had all the ingredients for an emotional and engaging read, but unfortunately, it didn’t quite land for me. While I appreciated the themes and the unique dual-author perspective, I found myself struggling to connect with the characters on a deeper level. The story had moments of potential, but the emotional impact I was hoping for just didn’t hit. It’s a heartfelt book that may resonate more strongly with other readers, but for me, it ended up being just an okay experience.

Paper Doll: Notes from a Late Bloomer

Dylan Mulvaney

Paper Doll: Notes from a Late Bloomer starts off with a tone that’s hard to connect with—more focused on name-dropping and image than insight. The first half felt self-centered and carried a strong “look at me” energy that made it difficult to settle into the narrative. Thankfully, the second half finally brings some emotional depth and vulnerability, offering glimpses of the personal growth and honesty I had hoped for from the start. While there are meaningful moments, they arrive a bit too late to fully redeem the reading experience. A mixed read that might resonate more with readers already familiar with Mulvaney’s public persona.

From a Certain Point of View: Return of the Jedi

From a Certain Point of View: Return of the Jedi offers a unique lens on a beloved film, with 40 stories told from the perspectives of background characters and lesser-known figures in the Star Wars universe. As with the other entries in this anthology series, it’s a mixed bag. Some stories are brilliant and deeply moving, while others fall flat or feel unnecessary. The concept is clever and die-hard fans will likely appreciate the expanded lore, but the uneven pacing and shifting tones made it hard to stay fully engaged throughout. A fun companion for Star Wars enthusiasts but not quite a standout in the series.

Fear the Flames

Olivia Rose Darling

Fear the Flames brings readers into a world of magic, rebellion, and slow-burning romance, with plenty of tension and high stakes. Olivia Rose Darling sets up an intriguing premise and a fiery heroine, but the execution didn’t fully live up to the potential. While the world-building had promise, it sometimes felt underdeveloped, and I found myself wishing for deeper character dynamics and more emotional payoff. There are flashes of strong writing and some compelling moments, but overall, it didn’t quite ignite the spark I was hoping for. A decent read for fans of fantasy romance, but not a standout for me.

Voyage of the Damned

Frances White

With a title as intense and dramatic as Voyage of the Damned I expected a thrilling high stakes ride but unfortunately the story did not quite deliver. While the premise held promise the pacing felt sluggish and the plot lacked the urgency I was hoping for. Frances White’s writing has potential and there are moments of intrigue scattered throughout but overall I found the book surprisingly dull. It is not a bad read just not as gripping or memorable as the title suggests.


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Thriller Thursday: The Tenant by Freida McFadden

 


Welcome back to Thriller Thursday. Where we chase down gripping plots, spine-tingling twists, and stories that keep us flipping pages well past bedtime. This week’s read had my heart racing and my mind spinning, exactly what I crave from a good thriller. Whether you’re here for dark secrets, unreliable narrators, or shocking reveals, today’s book brings the suspense in all the right ways.

Title: The Tenant

By: Freida McFadden

Genre: Thriller

Pages: 368

Release Date: May 6th, 2025 

Rating: ★★★★★

 

Summary from Goodreads:

There’s no place like home…

Blake Porter is riding high, until he's not. Fired abruptly from his job as a VP of marketing and unable to make the mortgage payments on the new brownstone that he shares with his fiancee, he's desperate to make ends meet.

Enter Whitney. Beautiful, charming, down-to-earth, and looking for a room to rent. She's exactly what Blake's looking for. Or is she?

Because something isn't quite right. The neighbors start treating Blake differently. The smell of decay permeates his home, no matter how hard he scrubs. Strange noises jar him awake in the middle of the night. And soon Blake fears someone knows his darkest secrets...

Danger lives right at home, and by the time Blake realizes it, it'll be far too late. The trap is already set.

 

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Review:

The Tenant by Freida McFadden is a fast paced, addictive thriller that kept me guessing from start to finish. With her signature blend of sharp twists, unreliable characters, and perfectly timed reveals, McFadden delivers another gripping read that is impossible to put down. The suspense builds with every chapter, and just when you think you have it figured out, the story takes another shocking turn. Taut, clever, and wildly entertaining, this is a 5 star thriller that fans of psychological suspense will not want to miss.
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Book Review: The Cinnamon Bun Book Store by Laurie Gilmore

 


Another month, another unforgettable read to talk about! I just finished a book that left me thinking long after I turned the final page. Whether it was the characters, the twists, the writing, or simply the emotional ride, this one deserves a spotlight. Let’s dive into what worked, what didn’t, and why this book might be worth a spot on your TBR.

Title: The Cinnamon Bun Book Stone

By: Laurie Gilmore

Genre: Romance

Pages: 384

Release Date: August 29th, 2024 

Rating: ★★★★☆

 
Summary from Goodreads:

From the author of the Sunday Times bestseller and viral TikTok phenomenon, The Pumpkin Spice Café, comes a brand new spicy romance set in Dream Harbor!

When a secret message turns up hidden in a book in the Cinnamon Bun Bookstore, Hazel can't understand it. As more secret codes appear between the pages, she decides to follow the trail of clues… she just need someone to help her out.

Gorgeous and outgoing fisherman, Noah, is always up for an adventure. And a scavenger hunt sounds like a lot of fun. Even better that the cute bookseller he's been crushing on for months is the one who wants his help!

Hazel didn’t go looking for romance, but as the treasure hunt leads her and Noah around Dream Harbor, their undeniable chemistry might be just as hot as the fresh-out-of-the-oven cinnamon buns the bookstore sells…

 

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Review:

If you’re in the mood for a cozy romance wrapped in the scent of cinnamon and stacked with bookish charm, The Cinnamon Bun Bookstore by Laurie Gilmore delivers just that. This sweet and heartwarming story brings together small-town vibes, a charming bookstore café, and a slow burn romance that feels like a warm hug. Gilmore’s characters are easy to root for, and the setting is delightfully atmospheric, complete with baked goods that practically leap off the page. While some of the plot points felt a bit predictable, the overall comfort and feel-good energy made this an enjoyable escape. A solid 4 stars for this deliciously cozy read.
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