Sara Reads Things

  My book review of The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah. Title:  The Four Winds By:  Kristin Hannah Genre:  Historical Fiction Pages:  464 Release Date: February 2nd, 2021   Rating: ★★★★★   Summary from Goodreads: Texas, 1934.  Millions are out of work and a drought has broken the Great Plains. Farmers are fighting to keep their land and their livelihoods as the crops are failing, the water is drying up, and dust threatens to bury them all. One of the darkest periods of the Great Depression, the Dust Bowl era, has arrived with a vengeance. In this uncertain and dangerous time, Elsa Martinelli—like so many of her neighbors—must make an agonizing choice: fight for the land she loves or go west, to California, in search of a better life.  The Four Winds  is an indelible portrait of America and the American Dream, as seen through the eyes of one indomitable woman whose courage and sacrifice will come to define a generation. From the #1  Ne...

  Step into a world of enchantment, intrigue, and heartbreak with Stephanie Garber’s Once Upon a Broken Heart series. This captivating trilogy whisks readers away to a realm where fairy tales collide with danger, love tangles with betrayal, and nothing is ever quite as it seems. With dazzling prose, unforgettable characters, and twists that leave you breathless, Garber crafts a story as delicate as spun sugar and as sharp as a blade. In this series review, I’ll share the highs, the heartbreaks, and why this spellbinding tale deserves a place on your bookshelf. 4.0 What Worked: 1. A Darkly Enchanting World:  Garber’s world-building is nothing short of magical. From the whimsical North to the perilous, vibrant courts of the Prince of Hearts, every location feels like stepping into a storybook brought to life. The intricate details and atmospheric settings create a backdrop that immerses readers completely. 2. Complex and Compelling Characters:  Evangeline Fox, with her ble...

  My book review of Phantasma by Kaylie Smith. Title:  Phantasma By:  Kaylie Smith Genre:  Fantasy Pages:  512 Release Date:  September 3rd, 2024 Rating: ★★★★★   Summary from Goodreads: Caraval meets Throne of the Fallen in this spicy dark romantasy where a necromancer needs help from a dangerous phantom to win a deadly competition, only to find their partnership puts her at risk of breaking the game’s most vital rule: don't fall in love. When Ophelia and her sister discovers their mother brutally murdered, there is no time to grieve: Ophelia has inherited both her powerful death-driven magic and enormous debt on their home. Circumstances go from dire to deadly, however, when Ophelia’s sister decides to pay off the loan by entering Phantasma—a competition where most contestants don’t make it out alive and the winner is granted a single wish. The only way to save her sister is to compete. But Phantasma is a cursed manor, with twisting corridors and lavi...

  Welcome to another edition of Triple Take Tuesday ! This week, I’m diving into three distinct reads that span genres and moods, offering a little something for everyone. Whether you’re craving a whirlwind romance, a nail-biting thriller, or a journey through fantastical worlds, these books bring their own unique magic to the table. Let’s explore what made each one stand out, what kept me turning the pages, and where they might land on your TBR pile! Cinderella and the Beast  Kim Bussing ★★★★☆ The Princess Swap by Kim Bussing brings a fresh and playful twist to classic fairy tales with a magical mix-up that switches Cinderella and Beauty’s worlds in a way that’s both entertaining and thought-provoking. Ella, yearning for adventure, wakes up in the beast’s castle, while Belle, focused on saving her family’s trading business, finds herself in Cinderella’s harsh world with a wicked stepfamily blocking her path. Bussing’s clever reimagining combines whimsy with high-stakes dilemm...

  Welcome to this week’s menu, where we’re celebrating the vibrant flavors of New York and the warmth of Thanksgiving. From the bustling streets of the city to the comfort of a holiday feast, these dishes blend the best of classic New York fare with the heartwarming traditions of Thanksgiving. Whether you're gathering with family or enjoying a quiet moment, I hope these recipes bring a taste of the Big Apple and a touch of gratitude to your table. Let’s dig in and make this Thanksgiving one to remember! This week, I’m diving into Immortal Dark by Tigest Girma, a story that blends elements of fantasy and mystery with rich cultural depth. Girma weaves a tale of power, survival, and love set against a world where ancient secrets are brought to light. With its captivating characters and compelling storyline, Immortal Dark is an immersive read that transports you into a world of darkness and intrigue. If you're looking for a novel that keeps you on the edge of your seat while offeri...

  Welcome to Sunday Confessions , the space where I spill my bookish thoughts, share my latest obsessions, and maybe even admit a guilty pleasure or two. This week has been a whirlwind of reading highs, unexpected plot twists, and some serious book hangovers. From late-night page-turning sessions to a growing TBR pile that’s starting to look like a small fortress, there’s plenty to confess. So, grab your favorite drink, settle in, and let’s chat about all things books! Sunday Confessions #280 ~ Weekly Menu #583 And The Book Of The Week ~ Triple Take Tuesday - Liese, Lauren and Espach ~ Book Review: On the Way to the Wedding by Julia Quinn ~ Series Review: The Sacred Stone Series by Kate Golden ~ Book Review: The Dutch House by Ann Patchett Weekly Menu #584 And The Book Of The Week ~ Triple Take Tuesday - Bussing, See and Reaves ~ Book Review: Phantasma by Kaylie Smith ~ Series Review: Once Upon a Broken Heart Series by Stephanie Garber ~ Book Review: The Four Winds by Kristin Hanna...

  My book review of The Dutch House by Ann Patchett. A  poignant and beautifully written exploration of family, memory, and the enduring ties that bind us. Title:  The Dutch House By:  Ann Patchett Genre:  Fiction Pages:  337 Release Date:  September 24th, 2019 Rating: ★★★★☆   Summary from Goodreads: At the end of the Second World War, Cyril Conroy combines luck and a single canny investment to begin an enormous real estate empire, propelling his family from poverty to enormous wealth. His first order of business is to buy the Dutch House, a lavish estate in the suburbs outside of Philadelphia. Meant as a surprise for his wife, the house sets in motion the undoing of everyone he loves. The story is told by Cyril’s son Danny, as he and his older sister, the brilliantly acerbic and self-assured Maeve, are exiled from the house where they grew up by their stepmother. The two wealthy siblings are thrown back into the poverty their parents had escaped ...