February 2026 reads

My links are all going to The StoryGraph now, since that's what I'm using instead of GoodReads for tracking (I still have some updates on GoodReads for Netgalley purposes). StoryGraph is Black-woman owned. GoodReads is Amazon owned and fuck billionaires. Please for the millionth time I beg of you, do not buy physical books on Amazon unless they are available literally nowhere else.  

You can find me on StoryGraph here. 

Engrossing Reads

Cleopatra by Saara El-Arifi - Loved this perspective, writing, and story. Thanks to Netgalley for the free advanced copy in exchange for an honest review 

Wait for Me by Amy Jo Burns - I took my time with this one, and it was worth it. Elle Harlow was a great character and easy to root for. Thanks to Netgalley for the free advanced copy in exchange for an honest review, book publishes 3/3

The Johnson Four by Christina Hammonds Reed - I’ve never read anything quite like this - Christmas (insert heartbreak/crying emoji) - loved the writing, intricacies and nuance and layers, characters…this family! I was celebrating with them and getting my heart broken with them. Some pacing issues but I couldn’t put this down. Thanks to the publisher for a free copy via Netgalley 

The Creek, the Crone, and the Crow by Leah Weiss - There was a little repetition and I didn’t gel with the writing in spots or one of the main characters but loved the setting, story, overall cast of characters, and themes and flew through it. A timely reminder of nature and the e power and magic of women and how those things connect. Thanks to Netgalley for the free advanced copy in exchange for an honest review, book publishes 3/24 

James by Percival Everett - I left this out of my reading plans for a long time because I am not a fan of its companion book or any book by Mark Twain. This was good. Do I think the sun rose and set out of its binding like many people everyone else? I do not. 

Passed the Time Just Fine

The Pillagers' Guide to Arctic Pianos by Kendra Langford Shaw - Quirky, and a great concept, but it felt like wading through words at points and that's not my most enjoyable reading experience. Thanks to Netgalley for the free advanced copy in exchange for an honest review, book publishes 5/12 

Liberty Island by Virginia Hume - I expected to slide right into this one like I did with Haven Point, but alas that was not the case. It was a long slow intro - lots of characters up front and that felt chaotic. After it settled in, it was a reliable multi generational family saga with a Maine backdrop and an examination of how women and girls define freedom and carve out places and scenarios for themselves in times when freedom is not meant for them. Thanks to Netgalley for the free advanced copy in exchange for an honest review, book publishes 5/5 

The Cat Ate My Gymsuit by Paula Danziger - I found this childhood book at an antiques store and had to go home and give it a re-read. At this age, that took under an hour. 

Only Spell Deep by Ava Morgyn - I never win when I play the I'm reading this book by this author but in the back of my reptilian brain comparing it to another of the author's. I loved her last book so much, and this one was fine but didn't compare, and honestly how can it when it's a different book, I'm a different person than even just yesterday let alone a few months back when I read sothe last one. Thanks to Netgalley for the free copy in exchange for an honest review, book publishes 3/17

Good Intentions by Marisa Walz - Cady was a lot, and became increasingly more throughout. I think I would Have liked this more with a heavier handed edit - it could be 50-75 pages shorter if I had to estimate. Thanks to Netgalley for the free copy in exchange for an honest review

This is Not About Us by Allegra Goodman - I love a family drama and this delivered on that - pacing a little slow in spots. Thanks to Netgalley for the free copy in exchange for an honest review

Not For Me

The Last Time We Saw Her by Jaclyn Goldis - Loved the setting and I thought the overall story was good but the pacing was off and the characters felt flat. Thanks to Netgalley for the free advanced copy in exchange for an honest review, book comes out 6/16

Missing Sister by Joshilyn Jackson - When JJ hits, she hits. When she doesn't, she doesn't. This was not a hit for me. Thanks to Netgalley for the free advanced copy in exchange for an honest review, book comes out 3/3

Dollface by Lindy Ryan - I like Lindy Ryan’s writing but the horror crossover is not my sweet spot. Definitely not related to Scream either, which it's been billed as. Thanks to Netgalley for the free copy in exchange for an honest review 

Did Not Finish

The Bookstore Diaries by Susan Mallery - via Netgalley, out 3/3

Harmless Women by Rebecca Sharpe - via Netgalley, out 4/7

Westward Women by Alice Martin - via Netgalley, out 3/10 

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What have you been reading?

February 2025 Reads

TL, DR above

My links are all going to The StoryGraph now, since that's what I'm using instead of GoodReads for tracking (I still have some updates on GoodReads for Netgalley purposes). 

StoryGraph is Black-woman owned. GoodReads is Amazon owned. 

Please for the millionth time I beg of you, do not buy physical books on Amazon unless they are available literally nowhere else.  

You can find me on StoryGraph here: 

Engrossing Reads

Nobody's Fool by Harlan Coben - The second Sami Kierce novel. I love the Sami Kierce universe, and this book did not disappoint. I think I love the cast of supporting characters more than Sami himself. Can't wait for the next. Thanks to Netgalley for the free advanced copy in exchange for an honest review, book publishes March 25

The Song of the Blue Bottle Tree by India Hayford - A recommendation from Shelby - thank you, my friend (follow her on IG to get links to Shelby's own writing) - I loved Genevieve and her whole story. Women of strength and magic vs. cruel men hits right now. Thanks to Netgalley for the free advanced copy in exchange for an honest review, book publishes March 25

Jane and Dan at the End of the World by Colleen Oakley - I loved The Mostly True Story of Tanner & Louise by this author, and this next did not disappoint. I like how Oakley tells a story, and I loved the quirks of the characters in this one. Thanks to Netgalley for the free advanced copy in exchange for an honest review, book publishes March 11.

The Favorites by Layne Fargo - Obsessed with this book, I couldn't put it down. Loved the way it was told, through alternating accounts and interviews, and the characters and wild actions. All the good figure skating drama stories rolled into one. OCNJ library hardcover

Passed the Time Just Fine

This Book Will Bury Me by Ashley Winstead - I was compelled to finish this, although several things bothered the shit out of me. True crime folks might dig this more. An interesting premise, entirely unrealistic in its unfolding, but that's reading, am I right? Thanks to Netgalley for the free advanced copy in exchange for an honest review, book publishes March 25

The Antidote by Karen Russell - This one is a little outside of my preferred reading genres, but felt like a timely read right now despite being set in the Dust Bowl era. Well written and I loved the Prairie Witch angle. Thanks to Netgalley for the free advanced copy in exchange for an honest review, book publishes March 11. I also won this in a giveaway so I read the paperback version instead of the digital then passed it on to a Little Free Library

Black Woods, Blue Sky by Eowyn Ivey - Loved the writing. Ivey does a fantastic job of incorporating the setting of Alaska almost like it's a character itself, which is what I loved about Kristin Hannah's The Great Alone. A lonely novel. Thanks to Netgalley for the free after publication copy in exchange for an honest review

When You Are Mine by Michael Robotham - I always enjoy a Michael Robotham book, particularly his Evie Cormac books. This is the first in a series I am delving into and I look forward to the others. OCNJ library hardcover

Killer Potential by Hannah Deitch - This was a ride - and a well written one with a solid pace that only lagged in a few spots. Thanks to the publisher via Netgalley invite for the free advanced copy in exchange for an honest review, book publishes March 18

A Hired Kill (Garrett Mann #2) by Steven Konkoly - I'm pretty sure the first in this series made my top reads of last year. I didn't like the follow up as much, as you can see. I felt like the first one was more focused on the characters and this one...too much government intrigue shit in a time when man I fucking hate hearing about the government and I'm up to my neck in its lying intrigue shit. So this is definitely an it's not you, it's me moment. Thanks to Netgalley for the free copy in exchange for an honest review, book publishes May 27

Not Another Rockstar by Kate Callaghan - Is this a mystery? A romance? A mymance? Whatever it was, it was a quick read and passed the time just fine. Thanks to Netgalley for the free advanced copy in exchange for an honest review

Not For Me

The Wildelings by Lisa Harding - I am probably an outlier on this one, but it didn't do it for me. The story was not strong enough to overcome my extreme annoyance with Jessica through most of the book - difficult to take a ride alongside a character like that in a character-driven story even when it serves a purpose. Thanks to Netgalley for the free advanced copy in exchange for an honest review, book publishes April 15.

Did Not Finish

 n/a

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What have you been reading?

February 2024 Reads

I'll be going back to my regular long-format monthly reads post, but not this month. 

This is what I read in February - lots of advanced copies from Netgalley mixed with some library books. I've got two author events coming up in March and I'm pumped!

What have you read and liked lately?

snippets of the weekend 2.13.2023

Friday was a glorious day - got work done, was alone all day with pets - took a long lunch walk and dipped my feet in the ocean - tried out a new bakery two blocks from my house, read a great book, took a nice sunset walk, and got a lot of sleep.

Saturday I read and walked most of the morning. MFD arrived in the afternoon. I saw his new car and we headed right upstairs to clear the main floor out of everything except four pieces of furniture. Lots of up and down to the second and third floors. When we got hot and took sweatshirts off we realized we were wearing the same tees.

We took a walk on the beach and saw a ton of dead sea things much to the delight of the dogs. This happens in the winter a lot after beach replenishment work. It's like a purge since stuff has been moved around off-shore and while sand was being brought in. We went to the Anchorage for dinner. MFD had creamy dill pickle soup as a starter and it was freaking delicious, as was my burger and fries. I might try and replicate the soup at home next week. We drove by the Wonderland ferris wheel lit up green for the Eagles. Back at home I started a new book and painted my nails.

Sunday I woke up early despite staying up late to read. I ran errands with no phone which feels wild these days especially when store cards etc are in my phone wallet LOL. I returned a library book, put gas in the car, picked up a bakery order at Baked by the Ocean in Marmora, stopped to grab a bottle of wine, and picked up a few things from ShopRite. Back at home I made spinach dip then packed up and headed back to Philly. A bit of rest there and then off to Frank & Amanda's for the Super Bowl. We had a good time. Better luck next year Eagles!

weekending reels on Instagram 

 

Friday Files 2.10.2023

The  simple luxury of an everything bagel, toasted, with a liberal application of cream cheese, topped with a layer of cucumbers and sprinkled with Himalayan salt is chef's kiss. Happy Friday, everyone!

I switched to this brush a few months ago after my friend and hairstylist of forever Kristi at Salon Harmony used it on me while I was getting my hair done. I don't dry or style my hair and I certainly do not wash it daily so the brushing is important LOL. This really reduces static and helps with tangles which I always have in the back of my head. It's $10 at Target.

Once again I am a fool who is sitting at 50% read of a book at 11 pm and stays up to finish it. More of a fool last night because this was hair raising in multiple places. I know a lot of you love the thriller genre also. This comes out in May and you should know that I paused in several spots because the description of violence specifically regarding women and children was graphic - I read books like this all the time and if I'm pausing over it, I should do the courtesy of giving others a content warning heads up. 

Last night was the perfect night to return to the beach for the first time since January 29. 

I've got a lot of balls in the air personally and professionally but juggling schedules and sharing a car is no longer one of them. On the 55th day after his car was totaled, MFD purchased one yesterday and the universe wept with relief. I'm not a sharer in general, and I'm really not a check in with someone else before I schedule things person. I've also gotten used to being a person who does not live with their spouse full time and that has been a bit of a shock to go back to. Next week is a nightmare schedule-wise so this is perfectly timed. Say goodbye to your viewing post, Billy Hicks. Philly doors that were ordered in August - and have needed to be replaced for many years - are being replaced next week. 

It is clear that the person who feeds dogs off of plates does not eat in peace and the person who does not feed dogs off of plates does eat in peace.

I assume you've seen or heard of the absolutely unhinged blackface video courtesy of Northeast Philly white girls as it's viral now. I posted about it on Instagram as soon as I saw it and when I woke up the next morning the three stories were gone. Instagram had removed it for hate speech. No shit. White people wonderwhining(tm) why everything is still about race should pay particular attention. This is why, numbnuts. Because this shit still happens. Because this country was built off the backs of the unpaid labor of Black people who were enslaved by white people and we've never reckoned with it or paid for it. Because Jim Crow never ended it just became Jim Crow 2.0 and Jim Crow 3.0. Because the prison system in this country is the current iteration. Because we excuse and protect and tsk tsk white kids who do stupid shit and vilify and incarcerate and harm Black kids who do stupid shit. Because racist white folks elected by racist white folks are attempting to whitewash history and remove Black history from schools so what they teach their kids at home - that shit like this is acceptable or funny or excusable or kids will be kids - sticks and carries through the generations versus being ripped out at the fucking root and discarded.  

I am not going to go into how fucking unhinged Marjorie Taylor Green is, and how unable she is to function as an adult in society. 

My favorite sheet pan dinner is kielbasa, red onion, bell pepper, banana peppers, and sweet or red potatoes. 

Crew this week

Even I use the standard Go Birds greeting/pleasantry/hi/bye and watch the Super Bowl when the hometown team is in the Super Bowl.

Have a great weekend!

TWTW - the last one in February

Friday I started work early and ended correspondingly early, but was in pajamas by 3 anyway. Carol made salmon and salad for dinner, and I think I just zoned out on the couch at night. 

Saturday Bruce got up early and would not go back to sleep, so I was showered and packed up and we were off to the shore by 9. It was my first time driving with Billy in the car. I set up my new curtain system to hide the baker's rack clutter in our apartment and it makes an enormous difference. I cannot believe it took me nearly seven years to think of this. I unpacked, painted my nails (OPI Mural Mural on the wall, color fully seen in Sunday book photo), and finished a book. MFD arrived from some mummer thing and we went for a walk on the beach, then had chili out of the freezer for dinner. 

Sunday I spent the morning reading, MFD picked up bagels, and I did iced coffee flights with Amanda at Common Grounds in Oaklyn. I loved it, I mean look at the little coffee flight that was all delicious, and of course loved hanging with one of the BFF framily crew. I made it back to the shore in time to see the setting sun come through the hut on the fishing pier. I was in bed early finishing off a book. 

All while an ocean away a madman has the world holding their breath with his nuclear weapons and invasion of a peaceful people in a sovereign land. 

Donate to Voices of Children, Sunflower of Peace, Together Rising, International Rescue Committee, Care, Kyiv Independent (become a Patron or donate via Go Fund Me at the top of the page) to keep free press operational, and Razom Ukraine has options to donate but also resources for other ways to support the global Stand with Ukraine movement.

Three Things February 2022

It's been quite a while. Three Things is back. Hopefully monthly but this has been in draft since September 21, 2021, so...we'll see.

Three things that make me feel free

1. Leaving my phone on another floor for hours

2. Walking on the beach when no one else is around

3. Driving over bridges with the sun roof open

Three things I am inclined to forget when leaving the house

1. Wallet

2. House key

3. Gloves

Three nail things I recommend

1.Fully preparing nails and not skipping steps then complaining nails chip on day two: remove polish, attend to cuticles, file, buff, wash, dry well, base coat, wait a few minutes, color coat 1, wait a few minutes, color coat 2, wait a few minutes, top coat. Cuticle cream when dry. Aside from the two items below, happy to share any other items I use if you need a recommendation.

2. This nail file

3.Seche Vive Gel Effect top coat (affiliate link)

Three things I keep saying I should do and continue to not do

1. Stretch daily

2. Re-start Shit MFD Said

3. Purge my shoes

Three reading related things I don't do that you might 

1. Listen to audio books

2. Re-read books. I have re-read some, of course. And some I've read so many times in my teen years I could recite them. But that was definitely young me. As I get older, I don't do that much anymore at all. 

3. Give a synopsis of the book when I talk about the book. That's what the book jacket writer is for

Three places I am dying to go 

1. Budapest

2. Glacier National Park

3. New Mexico

Three things I do every day by noon

1. Drink at least 40 ounces of water

2. Drink iced coffee 365 days unless I'm traveling and it is unavailable/not easily accessible and there's no fridge for me to make and keep my own

3. Tell a dog to stop or, alternatively, to come on

Three fashion trends I can confidently say I will never do again

1. Stirrups

2. Big hair

3. Spaghetti strap cami tanks

Three things I'm over

1. Working five out of seven days

2. People acting like there is no systemic racism while examples fly freely around like farts on the wind

3. Exhausting shit and idiots. I am over so many things and this is a good catch all

Three things I'm looking forward to

1. Birthday month!

2. Being barefoot outside

3. Lots of quality time with friends and fam coming up in spring and summer

You? 

 I think the last time I did this was August 2019? 

TWTW - the first one in February

Friday I was working by 7, and left Philly for the shore around 11:00 with my dog crew. It was a shitbomb rainy day. After work, leftovers for dinner and reading on the couch.

Saturday I picked up a floor painting kit at Home Depot and a drive up order from Target before popping out at North Street beach for a solo lunch walk. In the afternoon I finished a book and started another. I was in for the night but Ben had sad eyes so I took him to the beach solo. He was happy as hell while I was cold as hell. 

Wells Fargo across the street from my house changed their lighting and now it's like living in the shadow of a football stadium. I will be Karening about that to the manager and the city on Monday. Honestly though did they not consider all the residences around them? It's egregious and aggressive especially in a very light crime town.

Sunday After coffee and fetch with Ben, I cleaned and prepped the bathroom floor and found that the ultra white paint in the floor painting kit was actually deep tint (read: dark) so I had to go back and exchange that - there were only two in the freaking South Jersey area so thankfully the second one was right. On the way home I stopped at Stainton's to look for something for Lori and picked up two pair of my favorite gloves on clearance. I tinted the white base pink and painted a first coat on the bathroom floor (second photo) and really liked it and now of course think the wall tiles need to be painted so I'll add that to the get this shit done before June list. I'm doing spot touch ups today and will do the semi-gloss top coat tomorrow. I painted my nails after, looked for light fixtures for the bathrooms as the ones that came with the house are at least 10 years old and they're $12 rusted to shit jobbies I've already spray painted a few times (why is finding what I want so hard), and caught up on The Righteous Gemstones while the dogs snoozed in the sun.

We hit the beach for a stroll as we do. Lots of great shells out there, but most inhabited, so we left them. These two below were empty, whole, & keepers!

I'm trying to get a home project done every weekend in February. Here we go! 

Show Us Your Books is tomorrow!

Happy Monday.