Sara Reads Things

  There’s something special about diving into a story before it hits the shelves, and I was lucky enough to receive an advance reader copy of this upcoming release. As always, I’ll be sharing my honest thoughts—what worked, what didn’t, and whether this book should be on your radar. If you love discovering new reads early, you’ll want to stick around for this one! Title:  Forever Gone By:  R'S' Hampton Genre:  Thriller Pages:  366 Release Date: July 1st, 2025   Rating: ★★★☆☆   Summary from Goodreads: A pulse-pounding suspense thriller about buried secrets, dangerous truths, and the price of justice. Charleston real estate lawyer  Lee Danforth  has no interest in investigating the mismanagement of a local children’s ranch—until she hears the horrifying allegations of abuse and the South Carolina solicitor’s refusal to prosecute. Reluctantly drawn in, she soon realizes this case is far darker than financial fraud. Lee has spent years burying th...

  This week, we’re heading to Boston for a menu inspired by the flavors and comfort food of one of America’s oldest cities. Without the seafood, of course. From baked beans and brown bread to hearty roast dinners and Irish-American classics, this week’s meals are full of warmth, history, and just the right amount of New England charm. Fittingly, my current read is The Gray Man by Mark Greaney, a fast-paced thriller that, like Boston itself, doesn’t let up. It’s sharp, intense, and full of strategic moves that would make even Paul Revere break a sweat. Between bites of Boston brown bread and chapters of covert chaos, I’d say this week is shaping up to be one of bold flavors and even bolder fiction. Let's get to this week's menu. Enjoy! WEEKLY MENU Monday New England Corn Chowder Kids - Veggie Plate with Soft Bread   Tuesday Fenway Franks and Boston Baked Beans Kids - Plane Hotdogs and Applesauce   Wednesday Chicken Pot Pie with Biscuits Kids - Deconstructed Chicken Pot Pi...

  Welcome to Sunday Book Confessions , where I spill the bookish tea and share all the highs, lows, and guilty pleasures from my reading week. Whether I stayed up too late chasing plot twists, finally admitted I’m not finishing that book, or fell head over heels for a fictional villain, this is the space for all my unfiltered reader moments. Grab a cozy drink and let’s dive into this week’s literary confessions. Sunday Confessions #310 ~ Weekly Menu #613 And The Book Of The Week ~ Trope Tuesday: Historical Whodunit with Kelli Gardiner ~ Binge-Worthy Wednesday: Specials by Scott Westerfield ~ Throwback Thursday: An Ember in Ashes by Sabaa Tahir ~ 5 Star Friday: Two Twisted Crowns by Rachel Gillig ~ Saturday Sips: Recent Fantasy Reads Weekly Menu #614 And The Book Of The Week ~ June 2024 Wrap Up ~ Book Review: The Cinnamon Bun Book Store by Laurie Gilmore ~ Thriller Thursday: The Tenant by Freida McFadden ~ ARC Review: Forever Gone by R.S. Hampton ~ Saturday Sips: 3 Star Disappointm...

  Welcome to Saturday Sips , where we pair a cozy cup of something warm with the books that have recently filled my fantasy-loving heart. This week, I’ve been diving into magical realms, dark curses, and epic journeys. Stories that are perfect for savoring slowly or devouring in a single sitting. Whether you’re in the mood for brooding anti-heroes, enchanted forests, or courtly intrigue, these recent fantasy reads have a little something for every reader looking to escape into the extraordinary. Book of Night Holly Black ★★★★☆ On this second read of Book of Night, I found myself appreciating Holly Black’s dark, gritty world even more. The magic system rooted in shadow manipulation is still one of the most intriguing elements, and Charlie Hall remains a complex, rough-around-the-edges protagonist worth following. Some pacing issues and dense world-building moments still held me back from a full five stars, but overall, it’s a haunting and imaginative story that holds up well on rere...

  Welcome to 5 Star Friday , where I share the books that absolutely swept me off my feet, and this week’s pick is Two Twisted Crowns by Rachel Gillig. This dark and lyrical sequel is everything I want in a fantasy: lush prose, haunting atmosphere, and characters who unravel you as much as they unravel themselves. Gillig takes everything that worked in One Dark Window and elevates it, delivering a story that is both achingly romantic and deliciously eerie. Title:  Two Twisted Crowns By:  Rachel Gillig Genre:  Fantasy Pages:  437 Release Date:  October 17th, 2023 Rating: ★★★★★   Summary from Goodreads: In the luscious, dark sequel to One Dark Window, Elspeth must face the consequences of what she's wrought - perfect for readers of Hannah Whitten's For the Wolf and Alexis Henderson's The Year of the Witching. Elspeth and Ravyn have gathered most of the twelve Providence Cards, but the last, and most important one remains to be found: The Twin Alders. I...

  Welcome to Throwback Thursday , where we revisit books that may have slipped off your radar but are still worth a read! This week, we're turning the clock back to 2015 to review a standout title that captured readers’ imaginations a decade ago. Whether you're rediscovering an old favorite or picking it up for the first time, this throwback is a reminder that some stories never lose their spark. Title:  An Ember in the Ashes By:  Sabaa Tahir Genre:  Fantasy Pages:  480 Release Date:  April 28th, 2015 Rating: ★★★★☆   Summary from Goodreads: Laia is a slave. Elias is a soldier. Neither is free. Under the Martial Empire, defiance is met with death. Those who do not vow their blood and bodies to the Emperor risk the execution of their loved ones and the destruction of all they hold dear. It is in this brutal world, inspired by ancient Rome, that Laia lives with her grandparents and older brother. The family ekes out an existence in the Empire’s ...