Will This Make You Happy: Stories & Recipes from a Year of Baking by Tanya Bush

I picked up Will This Make You Happy: Stories &

Recipes from a Year of Baking by Tanya Bush expecting a simple cookbook, but it turned out to be a really warm and personal read. It’s part memoir and part recipe collection, and it feels a bit like sitting in someone’s kitchen while they share stories from their life. What I liked most was how naturally the recipes are woven into Bush’s reflections from a year of baking. The stories are honest, sometimes funny, and often thoughtful, which gives the whole book a cozy, comforting feel. Even when I wasn’t planning to bake anything, I still enjoyed reading about the moments and memories tied to the recipes. The recipes themselves feel approachable and homey—the kind of things you’d want to make on a relaxed weekend afternoon. Overall, I found this book charming and easy to enjoy. If you like food memoirs that mix personal storytelling with comforting recipes, this one is definitely worth a look. 🍞📚

A World Appears: A Journey into Consciousness by Michael Pollan

I really enjoyed reading A World Appears: A Journey into Consciousness by Michael Pollan. It’s a thoughtful and engaging look at the nature of consciousness and how we experience the world around us. Pollan has a talent for explaining complex ideas in a way that feels clear and approachable. As I read, I appreciated how he blended science, philosophy, and reflection without making the book feel overly technical. Instead, it felt like being guided through some big questions about the mind and awareness. What stood out to me most was the sense of curiosity throughout the book. It made me pause and think about something we usually take for granted—our own consciousness and how we perceive reality. Overall, I found this to be an interesting and reflective read. If you enjoy books that explore the mysteries of the mind in an accessible way, this one is definitely worth a look.

The Social Circle by Sophie Wan

by Sophie Wan is a fun, smart read that takes a close look at friendships, identity, and the strange world of modern social life—both online and off. The story follows a young woman trying to figure out her place in the world while juggling friendships, expectations, and the pressure to keep up appearances in a very connected world. One of the best things about the book is Wan’s voice. Her writing feels natural, observant, and often very funny. She captures the little awkward moments and quiet insecurities that come with growing up and trying to find where you belong. The way she touches on social media culture and the pressure to present a “perfect” life feels especially relatable. The characters are another highlight. They’re messy, complicated, and very believable. Their friendships shift and change as life moves forward, which gives the story a realistic feel. Some relationships grow stronger, while others slowly drift apart, just like they do in real life. Even though the book has plenty of humor and light moments, it also explores deeper ideas about loneliness, connection, and what it really means to be authentic in a world where everyone is constantly watching and sharing. Overall, The Social Circle is an engaging and thoughtful novel that feels very current. It’s entertaining, relatable, and a great pick if you enjoy stories about friendships, personal growth, and the sometimes chaotic journey of figuring life out. https://bookshop.org/a/117514/9781525800061

The Blackout Murders : A Homefront Sleuths Mystery (The Homefront Sleuths Cozy Mystery Series Book 1) by Anna Elliott and Charles Veley

The Blackout Murders is a delightful blend of cozy mystery charm, wartime atmosphere, and just enough danger to keep you flipping pages long after you promised yourself “just one more chapter.” Anna Elliott drops readers straight into the heart of WWII-era America, where nightly blackouts, ration books, and whispered rumors create the perfect backdrop for a suspicious death that absolutely refuses to stay tidy. Our Homefront Sleuths—resourceful, witty, and fiercely determined—are the beating heart of this story. They’re the kind of amateur detectives you instantly root for: clever enough to dig where they shouldn’t, but human enough to stumble into trouble while doing it. The dynamic between them sparkles with humor and warmth, making the more sinister moments land with extra punch. What sets this cozy mystery apart is its immersive setting. Elliott brings the 1940s to life with rich detail—victory gardens, neighborhood chatter, blackout curtains—but never bogs the story down. Instead, the period flavor adds charm and tension in equal measure. If you love mysteries that balance intrigue with heart, sprinkled with historical touches and plenty of personality, this first entry in The Homefront Sleuths series is a wonderfully engaging start. A clever, comforting, and thoroughly entertaining read!

The Pythagorean by Alexander Morpheigh

The Pythagorean by Alexander Morpheigh
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Pythagorean by Alexander Morpheigh is such an interesting read. It's a brilliant exploration of mathematics, philosophy, and the human search for understanding. Morpheigh uses historical context and engaging storytelling, bringing the world of Pythagoras and his followers to life. The book combines rigorous thought with accessible narrative. It makes complex concepts like numerology, harmony, and mathematical philosophy understandable. Readers are invited into a world where numbers shape reality, and ethical inquiry melds with scientific discovery. Thought-provoking and well researched, The Pythagorean is an intellectual adventure and a reflection on how ancient wisdom continues to influence modern thought. Highly recommended.

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The Curse of the Cheese Pyramid (Geronimo Stilton #2) Paperback – Illustrated

The Curse of the Cheese Pyramid is another wildly entertaining adventure from Geronimo Stilton, and it’s packed with all the cheesy charm fans adore. This time, our favorite nervous-but-determined mouse journalist heads to Egypt on an assignment that quickly turns into a whirlwind of pyramids, mysteries, hieroglyphs, and—of course—plenty of cheese. Geronimo’s over-the-top reactions, dramatic storytelling flair, and knack for stumbling into trouble make every chapter a giggle-worthy delight. The colorful fonts, playful illustrations, and silly wordplay add to the fun, keeping young readers fully hooked. Even adults may find themselves smiling at the puns (and there are many). What really stands out is how the book blends humor with a dash of history, giving kids a bite-sized taste of Egyptian culture without ever feeling educational. Light, quirky, and endlessly imaginative, this second installment proves that a Stilton story is always a gouda time—especially when pyramids and cheese collide!

Up to No Gouda (Grilled Cheese Mysteries Book 1) Kindle Edition by Linda Reilly

Up to No Gouda is a deliciously fun kickoff to Linda Reilly’s Grilled Cheese Mysteries, and yes—the cheese theme is delightfully unapologetic. This cozy caper follows grilled-cheese expert Carly Hale as she sets up her dream café, only to find herself tangled in a murder investigation with more twists than a mozzarella pull. Reilly leans fully into the dairy puns, and honestly, that’s half the charm. Between the gooey sandwiches, small-town gossip, and a cast of characters you can’t help but root for, the story melts together into a warm, satisfying read. If you enjoy punny mysteries, comfort food vibes, and a heroine who’s as determined as she is endearing, this book is absolutely your jam… or maybe your cheddar. Either way, it’s a cheesy good time and a promising start to a series that clearly isn’t afraid to lean into its theme. Bon appétit!

Tailored Realities by Brandon Sanderson

Book Review: Tailored Realities by Brandon Sanderson

Tailored Realities is another inventive and absorbing entry from Brandon Sanderson, delivering exactly what longtime fans love while still offering fresh surprises. This novel plays with the idea of customizable worlds—realities shaped by personal desire, fear, and half-remembered truths—and Sanderson uses that premise to explore identity, agency, and the cost of escaping one’s own life. The story follows a protagonist who discovers they can “stitch” alternate versions of their world together, weaving possibilities into something both empowering and deeply unsettling. Sanderson excels at grounding high-concept ideas with emotional clarity, and here he blends character-driven storytelling with intricate worldbuilding that feels both imaginative and purposeful. Every chapter reveals a new layer to the mechanics of these tailor-made realities, but it never feels like exposition; the rules unfold through action, tension, and thoughtful character moments. What stands out most is the moral ambiguity running beneath the adventure. The book asks uncomfortable questions about what we owe to our “real” lives, and whether perfect worlds—no matter how beautiful—can ever replace authenticity. Whether you’re a dedicated cosmere reader or simply love speculative fiction that challenges your expectations, Tailored Realities is clever, fast-paced, and surprisingly heartfelt. It’s Sanderson at his most inventive.

THE DOG WALKER: STOLEN: A PSYCHOLOGICAL THRILLER (THE DOG WALKER NOVELS Book 3) Kindle Edition by D.L. MADDOX

THE DOG WALKER: STOLEN is a tense and entertaining psychological thriller that keeps the energy high from the very first chapter. D.L. Maddox delivers another gripping installment in the series, blending fast-paced suspense with characters who feel real with plenty of emotion. Jane is a captivating protagonist. The mystery unfolds with the right amount of twists, and the stakes rise in a way that makes the story incredibly hard to put down. Maddox’s writing is sharp, vivid, and confident, making this third book a standout. Fans of psychological thrillers will have an absolute blast with this one. A Great addition to the series. Highly recommended.