Twice by Mitch Albom - [Book Review]

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Book Details:

Title: Twice

Author: Mitch Albom

Genre: Psychological fiction, time travel fiction

Publisher: Harper

Print Length: 320 pages

Source: A copy from the local library

Blurb:

A GOOD MORNING AMERICA BOOK CLUB PICK • AN INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

What if you got to do everything in your life—twice? The heart of Mitch Albom’s newest novel is a stunning love story that dares to explore how our unchecked desires might mean losing what we’ve had all along.

When he is eight years old, Alfie Logan discovers the magical ability to get a second chance at everything. He can undo any moment and live it again. The one catch: he must accept the consequences of his second try—for better or worse.

He grows up correcting his mistakes and saving himself from adolescent embarrassments. He even takes foolishly dangerous risks, just to see what it’s like to come close to death, before tapping back to safety.

Eventually, Alfie turns his gift to his love life, studying his crushes and going back to make himself more appealing. In time, he falls deeply in love with Gianna, the woman he believes is the one. He seems to find contentment.

But as the years pass, Alfie’s eye begins to wander. Which is when he learns a lone caveat to his power: once he undoes a love, that person can never fall in love with him again. Knowing if he gives into to temptation, he will risk losing what he has with Gianna, Alfie makes a choice that changes his life forever.

The book begins many years later, after an ailing Alfie is arrested for allegedly cheating and winning millions at a casino roulette wheel. As a curious detective interrogates him, he slowly uncovers Alfie’s incredible story, and its most unlikely conclusion.

In Twice, America’s favorite storyteller, Mitch Albom, is at the top of his powers. A love story that is enchanting, probing, and clairvoyant in matters of the heart, Twice will make you think, weep, and overflow with love from beginning to end.

Purchase Link:

Amazon

My Review:

This is easily another 5-star read for me this year! Then again, that's not too surprising because it's written by Mitch Albom. I've previously read The Time Keeper and Tuesdays with Morrie, and both left a lasting impression on me. Twice continues that tradition with its thought-provoking story and emotional depth.

The story follows Alfie, a man with a remarkable gift: whenever he wants, he can relive a specific moment in his life simply by saying "Twice." Imagine being able to rewind an awkward conversation with your partner, fix a mistake, or make a different choice altogether. It's a fascinating concept, and Mitch Albom explores it in a way that feels both magical and deeply human.

As Alfie starts revisiting moments from his past, the story becomes increasingly layered. There are times when the back-and-forth movement through time can feel a little complex, but the narrative remains engaging and keeps you invested in what happens next.

What did I love?

The concept itself is what drew me in. Who hasn't wondered what they would do if they could get a second chance at certain moments in life?

I also loved how the story unfolds. Albom reveals information gradually, keeping the mystery alive and making each chapter hard to put down. The pacing works well, balancing the emotional moments with the more intriguing aspects of Alfie's gift.

What really stood out to me, though, was the message behind the story. While Alfie can revisit the past, he quickly learns that second chances don't guarantee perfect outcomes. Some things simply cannot be changed. He can't bring back someone who has died, and he can't force someone to love him in exactly the same way as before. Every attempt to alter the past comes with consequences, making the story both moving and thought-provoking.

Overall

Twice is a beautifully written novel that's easy to read yet filled with meaningful ideas. It's a compelling look at human nature, regret, love, and the choices that shape our lives. Most importantly, it's a gentle reminder to appreciate what we have in the present instead of constantly wishing for a different past.

If you enjoy stories that blend a touch of magic with heartfelt life lessons, Twice is definitely worth picking up. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

My Rating: 5/5

Until next time,

Mira's Baking Adventures: The Unicorn Cake by Liana Grey - [Book Review]

 This post may contain affiliate links; clicking on those links may earn us some commission without any additional cost to you.

Book Details:

Title: Mira's Baking Adventures: The Unicorn Cake

Author: Liana Grey

Genre: Children's math fiction, Children's book

Publisher: Kitchen Chemistry

Print Length: 40 pages

Reading Age: 6 to 8 yrs

Source: A review copy from the author

Blurb:

Will Mira's homemade birthday cake be delicious, or a math disaster? In this early reader chapter book that explores STEM through baking, seven-year-old Mira wants to surprise Grandma Rose with a homemade cake shaped like a unicorn (because who doesn't love unicorns?)

There's just one problem. Mira has never used a recipe before, and it's full of baking mysteries: What does 1/2 mean? How do you measure flour? How do you turn a rectangular sheet cake into a unicorn? And how much allowance money will be left after buying special ingredients?

As Mira solves one puzzle after another, she discovers that baking is really just math in disguise.

A warm, funny book for kids who love:

• Cooking and baking
• Problem-solving
• Real-life STEM
• Ivy + Bean and The Questioneers series

Purchase Link:

Amazon

My Review:

This book is about Mira, who wants to surprise her grandmother with a self-baked cake for the first time. This book is a chapter book for early readers (6 to 8-year-olds) introducing STEM concepts.  

It is not only a cute little story of Mira and her relationship with her family, but it is also educational. 

What I Loved

I loved the characters first! Mira's dad, who tries to help her by operating the oven and keeping the surprise a secret; and Mira's sister, who helps her understand the measurements needed for baking. 

I liked the way the elements related to measurements and fractions are included in the story. So, the book is educational and a good read. 

An interesting read for curious kids who love math and baking. It's an introduction to the concept of fractions. Parents will enjoy reading this book to their kids. 

My Rating: 5/5

PS: I received a review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

About the Author:

Liana Grey is an author, baker, certified teacher, and the founder of Oak Leaf Cooperative Schools, a network of outdoor preschools.

Before becoming an educator, Liana trained at pastry school and made desserts at a New York City restaurant. She's been combining her love of baking and teaching ever since, directing and writing grants for nonprofit educational programs, including STEM enrichment, and believes that the "real world" - whether the kitchen or the forest - is the best classroom. Mira's Baking Adventures and Isha Evans, Eco Detective are her first children's book series.

Until next time,

Wishing on a Star in the City by Krysten Lindsay Hager - [Book Review]

Book Details:

Title: Wishing on a star in the city

Author: Krysten Lindsay Hager

Reading Age - 10 - 17 years

Genre: Teen, Romance, Yong adult fiction

Print length: 292 pages

Source: A free review copy from Rachel's random resources

Blurb:

Everyone thinks Ivy Macomb’s life is perfect as she’s a teen actress on a TV show, part of a well-known family, and has just started college with her football star boyfriend, Ryan. However, as Ryan’s campus fame grows, the two break up, leaving Ivy heartbroken. 

She makes up a cover story to save face about how they’re taking time apart, but she’s devastated and unsure how to handle things. She ends up having a crying meltdown in front of her great-uncle, who is better known in the media as the most ruthless man in business. However, she learns there’s another side to Uncle Alfredas, as he not only offers advice, but helps her with her podcast.


Her cousin tries to get her to go out and show people she’s doing fine after the breakup. Enter freshman hockey player, Konrad Gorski. Ivy and Konrad become fast friends as he’s a shoulder to cry on for her as she deals with her feelings. He’s also been through a bad breakup and has trust issues. Konrad is selected to go overseas for a hockey opportunity, and the two stay in touch daily. They begin to have feelings for each other, but she’s worried about getting hurt. 

Can Ivy open her heart to love again?

Purchase Links:

Amazon US

UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0GGZCH781/Amazon CAN: https://www.amazon.ca/Wishing-Star-City-Stars-Book-ebook/dp/B0GGZCH781Amazon AUS: https://www.amazon.com.au/Wishing-Star-City-Stars-Book-ebook/dp/B0GGZCH781Amazon 

universal link: https://mybook.to/UeOTh

My Review:

Ivy is a rich kid, podcaster, and a teen actress. While she is taking a break from her relationship with her boyfriend, Ryan, she is upset when she finds him with another girl. While she is coping with relationship and insecurity issues, she comes across Konrad, who becomes a good friend. 

The story is about how she overcame the breakup with Ryan and her insecurities in life. 

This is a great young adult book I would recommend for girls. There is a lot of good relationship advice from Ivy's uncle Alfred, which makes sense. 

Ivy's character portrays the internal struggles and questions in teen girls' minds. The story also covers the social pressures on young girls. It also covers the impact of popularity and public scrutiny on our lives. 

Overall, I loved the cute romance, the characters of Ivy, Alfred, Ivy's dad, etc., and I loved the relationship advice. I love the subtle humor, especially in the conversations of Konrad and Ivy.

It seems a little boring, though, as the whole story is centered around only Ivy and her perspective on things. The narrative might have been still interesting. 

This is about a second chance at love, forgetting the past and embracing the present. Even though I am not the target audience for this book, I found it an enjoyable read. 

My Rating: 4/5

PS: I received a review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

Author Bio:

Krysten Lindsay Hager is a bestselling author of YA and contemporary romance. She writes romance because she loves bringing people swoony moments and hope-filled everafters happily. She writes about falling in love, fame, fitting in, frenemies, first loves, and finding your way in the world. She loves reading, watching movies, and lipstick.

Social Media Links:

Website: https://www.krystenlindsay.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/krystenlindsay/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/krystenlindsay/

Until next time,

The Secret of Secrets: A Novel (Robert Langdon) by Dan Brown - [Book Review]

   

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Book Details:

Title: The Secret of Secrets: A Novel (Robert Langdon)

Author: Dan Brown

Genre: suspense thriller, technothriller

Publisher: Doubleday

Print Length: 688 pages

Source: A copy from the local library

Blurb:

INSTANT #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • THE NEW ROBERT LANGDON THRILLER FROM THE ICONIC AUTHOR OF THE DA VINCI CODE

“A master of the brainy, twisty thriller. . . . The Secret of Secrets is perhaps his most ambitious undertaking yet: a dense thriller that is also a meditation on the nature, and the possible future, of human consciousness.”—Los Angeles Times

“So riveting you’ll want to clear your calendar.”—USA Today

Robert Langdon, esteemed professor of symbology, has traveled to Prague to attend a groundbreaking lecture by Katherine Solomon—a prominent noetic scientist with whom he has recently begun a romantic relationship. Katherine is on the verge of publishing a breakthrough book that contains explosive scientific discoveries about the nature of human consciousness . . . revelations that threaten to disrupt centuries of established belief.

When a brutal murder catapults the trip into chaos, Katherine suddenly goes missing—and her manuscript disappears. Desperate to find the woman he loves, Langdon embarks on a thrilling race through the mystical landscape of Prague, ruthlessly hunted by a powerful organization and a chilling assailant sprung from the city’s ancient mythology.

As the action expands to London and New York, Langdon plunges into the dual worlds of futuristic science and historical lore—navigating a labyrinth of codes and symbols . . . and finally uncovering a shocking truth about a secret project that will forever change the way we think about the human mind.

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

Purchase Link:

Amazon

My Review:

This story is set in Prague and centers around a book that hasn’t even been published yet—written by Dr. Solomon, Langdon’s friend, who’s deep into researching consciousness and something called Noetics. 

Like most Dan Brown novels, it’s a fast-paced, page-turner with a lot of intriguing ideas backed by solid research. That said, it’s a long one—around 660 pages—so be ready for a bit of a commitment.

What I loved:

The theme really stood out to me. I ended up highlighting quite a few lines on my Kindle because the way the book explains human consciousness is both thought-provoking and easy to grasp. It reminded me a lot of ideas from different religions and philosophies.

 For example, in Hindu philosophy, there’s the concept of Jeevathma (the individual soul) and Paramathma (the universal soul or God). The ultimate goal is for the Jeevathma to merge with the Paramathma—to attain moksha.

The book touches on ideas like chakras and spiritual awakening, explaining how advanced meditators might experience a kind of universal consciousness and deep peace. Without getting too deep into it, the story explores different ways of opening the mind to higher awareness, which I found fascinating. Overall, the pacing (at least for most of the book) kept me hooked.

What didn’t quite work for me:

Some parts felt a bit hard to believe—especially the way the CIA is portrayed. Their level of power, decision-making, and even the idea of secretly building an advanced underground research facility felt a little far-fetched.

A few characters also felt underdeveloped. Dr. Gessner, for instance, just kind of disappears, leaving you wanting more clarity. The whole “Threshold” research is mostly explained through Langdon and Katherine’s discoveries, which sometimes feels like guesswork. It would’ve been more convincing to hear directly from the people actually behind it, like Finch or Gessner.

There’s also a subplot involving Golem that doesn’t quite blend smoothly with the main story—it feels a bit forced.

And while I don’t mind long books, this one started to drag after the research facility exploded. The ending could’ve been tighter or more engaging.

Overall:
A fascinating read with a strong central theme and lots of thought-provoking ideas—but it could’ve benefited from tighter storytelling and a bit more realism in certain parts.

My Rating: 4/5

Until next time,

A Song for the Earth by Shannon Jade - Book Club Discussion Ideas

Book Details:

A Song for the Earth by Shannon Jade is a lyrical novel in verse, offering an inspired call to action towards climate and environmental causes.

• Climate & environmental focus in line with audience interest within the modern zeitgeist
• Accessible verse format suitable for time-poor and reluctant readers
• #1 bestseller in nature poetry (IngramSpark)
• Nominated for several major literary awards

Published by Wildflower Books

Release Date: 30 June 2025

Distributor: Ingram

Trade ISBN: 9781764143608

Ebook ISBN: 9781764143615

Retail: $19.99 AUD / $13.02 USD

Format: Trade Paperback

Trim: 5.5 x 8.5"

Purchase Link:

Amazon

Blurb:

A LYRICAL NOVEL-IN-VERSE DESIGNED TO OFFER HOPE IN THE CLIMATE CRISIS

A Song for the Earth by Shannon Jade is a lyrical novel in verse, offering an inspired call to action towards climate and environmental causes.

The wide, wild world is made of wonder, but as climate change reinvents the landscape, rich ecosystems are under threat. On a journey through Earth's major biomes, January learns the plight of the planet. Armed with the power of a voice made for poetry, she turns her lyrics into a call for action. Is it enough to write a song for the earth and ask the world to sing along?

"Lyrical, urgent, and deeply moving, A Song for the Earth is a poetic journey through the planet’s fragile beauty and a stirring call to action for anyone who believes words can change the world—perfect for fans of The Overstory and Braiding Sweetgrass." – NewInBooks

THE AUTHOR

Shannon Jade is an author and environmental scientist who

believes in the real-world magic of storytelling. She is the bestselling author of A Song for the Earth and has worked on books for several major publishers, including Rebel Girls and Wiley.

Shannon holds a BA in creative writing and publishing and a master’s of environmental science. Today, Shannon mostly writes adult fiction and poetry projects with a hopeful environmental focus, aiming to make the world a better, greener, and kinder place.

www.shannonjadeauthor.com

@shannonjadeauthor

shannonjadeauthor@gmail.com

Book Club Discussion:

This is a great book for book clubs, especially for the Earth Day celebrations. 

Here are some questions to consider for book club discussions:

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. Before she leaves the city, January says, “I never recognised the limits for what they were until they boxed me in.” What limits stand between you and environmental advocacy?

2. In the rainforest, January notices a stark contrast between the city and the wild. Why is this difference important?

3. When she visits the desert, January isn’t just passionate; she’s angry. How do her emotions influence her journey and her writing?

4. As she sails across the ocean, January is confronted by
huge amounts of plastic waste in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. How did this imagery make you feel?

5. “Who could evolve as fast as the climate that changes again, year after year?” January asks when she visits the Arctic. Why do you think climate change is more of a threat when it moves at a rapid pace?

6. January calls the savannah a phoenix, rising from the ashes. What symbols can you attribute to other ecosystems?

7. January’s mission begins with the power of poetry and a
mass call for community action. But what could she do next
to create positive change? How could you follow in her footsteps and help support this change too?

8. “Just when I think I am all out of courage, the faintest sunbeam climbs free from the darkness.” Why is hope such an important part of climate conversations?

9. A Song for the Earth weaves together poetry and environmental science. How do you think this supports the book’s message? Would the story have worked if it were written in prose?

10. Can art and creativity be tools in the fight for climate action? What would you like to see next in this space?

Until next time,

Don't let him in by Lisa Jewell - [Book Review]

  

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Book Details:

Title: Don't Let Him In

Author: Lisa Jewell

Genre: suspense thriller

Publisher: Atria Books

Print Length: 368 pages

Source: A copy from the local library

Blurb:

INSTANT #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Lisa Jewell, three women are connected by one man in this “gripping, shocking, masterful” (Freida McFadden, #1 New York Times bestselling author) thriller.

He’s the perfect man. It’s a perfect lie.

Nick Radcliffe is a man of substance and good taste. He’s exactly what newly widowed Nina Swann needs in her life. But to Nina’s adult daughter, Ash, Nick seems too slick, too polished, too good to be true. When Ash begins digging into his past, she finds a trail of unsettling coincidences.

Martha lives in a neighboring town with her infant daughter and devoted husband Alistair. But lately, Alistair has been traveling more and more frequently for work, disappearing for days at a time, and Martha can’t shake the feeling that something isn’t right.

Nina, Martha, and Ash have no idea they are on a collision course with a shocking truth. And all three are about to wish they had heeded the same warning: Don’t let him in.

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

Purchase Link:

Amazon

My Review:

It is a good thriller and a story of a psychopath who could easily charm and cheat multiple women in his life. Even though it's a thriller, after we read 1/4th of the book, we realize who the cheater is. So, it won't be that thrilling from then, but it's interesting to see how he plans to manage extracting money from some, disappearing from the lives of others, and planning for his final retirement. 

I enjoyed reading this book as I have with all of Lisa Jewell's novels. The story is engaging and keeps you entertained. But it won't keep you hooked like any on-the-edge thriller. The narrative is good, and shifting between the perspectives of different people made it difficult to predict the next move. The narrative also switches between the past and the present.

I didn't like the characterization that well. The characters of Martha, Ash, and Paddy's old friend all seemed quite interesting. I couldn't understand the sudden shift in Nina's mentality at the end of the book. Amanda's character is unpredictable. It is disappointing that we couldn't understand the strong need of Alistair/Nick to stalk and cheat so many women. It doesn't look convincing at the end.

The book cover is fine, and the title is very apt. The pace is ok, but it gets boring in a few places. 

Overall, I won't recommend this book for lovers of On-the-edge thrillers. It is a casual read.

My Rating: 3/5

Until next time,

The Stolen Queen by Fiona Davis - [Book Review]

 

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Book Details:

Title: The Stolen Queen

Author: Fiona Davis

Genre: historical fiction

Publisher: Dutton

Print Length: 352 pages

Source: A copy from the local library

Blurb:

*A New York Times Bestseller*

From New York Times bestselling author Fiona Davis, an utterly addictive new novel that will transport you from New York City’s most glamorous party to the labyrinth streets of Cairo and back.

Egypt, 1936: When anthropology student Charlotte Cross is offered a coveted spot on an archaeological dig in Egypt’s Valley of the Kings, she leaps at the opportunity. That is until an unbearable tragedy strikes.

New York City, 1978: Nineteen-year-old Annie Jenkins is thrilled when she lands an opportunity to work for former Vogue fashion editor Diana Vreeland, who’s in the midst of organizing the famous Met Gala, hosted at the museum and known across the city as the “party of the year.”

Meanwhile, Charlotte is now leading a quiet life as the associate curator of the Met’s celebrated Department of Egyptian Art. She’s consumed by her research on Hathorkare—a rare female pharaoh dismissed by most other Egyptologists as unimportant.

The night of the gala: One of the Egyptian art collection’s most valuable artifacts goes missing, and there are signs Hathorkare’s legendary curse might be reawakening. Annie and Charlotte team up to search for the missing antiquity, and a desperate hunch leads the unlikely duo to one place Charlotte swore she’d never return: Egypt. But if they have any hope of finding the artifact, Charlotte will need to confront the demons of her past—which may mean leading them both directly into danger.

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

Purchase Link:

Amazon

My Review:

This is my second book by Fiona Davis. The Magnolia  Palace was great. 

This story is about a stolen antique from the Met Museum in Newyork, Charlotte's research in Egypt, her personal life, and many twists and turns. 

The story is engaging at least till 75% of the book, and of course, thrilling. The amount of research the author has put into this book is really commendable. I loved reading about the tomb extraction process and the excruciating work of the people who work on those digging expeditions. 

I loved the characters of Anne, Billy, Charlotte, and Mark. I was a little disappointed with the ending, though. 

The pace of the story is fine in the first part, but it seems to drag later. The second part became boring. I didn't feel it was realistic that all circumstances coincided perfectly to reveal secrets in Charlotte's life so easily. It surprised me that people like Anne, without real skills or knowledge in archeology, could help Charlotte by just accompanying her and being smart and brave. 

I wish the story had been crisp and shorter, not dragging at the end.

My Rating: 4/5

About the Author:

FIONA DAVIS is the New York Times bestselling author of seven historical fiction novels set in iconic New York City buildings, including THE STOLEN QUEEN, THE MAGNOLIA PALACE, THE ADDRESS, and THE LIONS OF FIFTH AVENUE, which was a Good Morning America book club pick.

Her novels have been chosen as “One Book, One Community” reads and her articles have appeared in publications like The Wall Street Journal and the Oprah magazine.

She first came to New York as an actress, but fell in love with writing after getting a master's degree at Columbia Journalism School. Her books have been translated into over twenty languages and she's based in New York City.

Until next time,

Little Renee of Sunshine and the Everkind Tales by Gael J.B. Orr - [Book Review]

This post may contain affiliate links; clicking on those links may earn us some commission without any additional cost to you.

Book Details:

Title: Little Renee of Sunshine and the Everkind Tales

Author, Illustrator: Gael J.B. Orr

Genre: Children's short stories, Fairy stories, Fantasy, Fiction

Publisher: Thistle and Star Ventures

Print Length: 76 pages

Source: A review copy from the author through Booksirens

Blurb:

Step into the glowing world of Everkind, where Little Renee of Sunshine and her fairy daughters discover that even small adventures can lead to big heart lessons. This collection brings together three magical tales filled with laughter, wonder, and gentle wisdom for growing hearts.

In A Recipe for The Whisperberry Pie, Peyton and Penelope learn that patience can be just as important as sugar when enchanted berries start singing and the pie takes on a life of its own.

In The Naming Tree, both sisters face teasing words and tangled feelings. With the help of a wise, shimmering tree deep in the forest, they learn how to understand hurtful names, choose kinder thoughts, and remember who they truly are.

In A Glade of Gentle Hearts, friends Tobin and Junie wander into a glowing clearing where gentleness becomes a brave and powerful choice, showing that kindness can guide even the trickiest moments.

These Everkind Tales are stories filled with kindness, belonging, and emotional strength. They invite children to slow down, breathe, and let their hearts shine from within. Filled with whimsy, emotional courage, and magical fairy charm, this collection is perfect for bedtime or storytime. A comforting read for children ages 4 to 12 and for anyone who believes that kindness and love are quiet kinds of magic.

A lovely gift for young readers who enjoy fairy worlds, whimsical adventures, and heart-centered tales they can return to again and again.

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

Purchase Link:

Amazon

My Review:

This book has 3 stories, which are warm and filled with kindness. These are great stories to read to kids during bedtime. They teach how to process their emotions like when someone teases them/ when they get angry, how to show kindness. The stories are very sweet. 

I loved the first story, 'A Recipe for Trouble: The Whispreberry Pie' - It's funny and entertaining throughout. The second one - naming Tree felt lengthy. I think it suits kids more than 6+ yrs. The third one - The Glade of Gentle Hearts is a beautiful story which shows what kindness actually means. 

The illustrations are fantastic. I even love the designs on each page. There is a wonderful poem at the end. Also, a game to play with friends.

What is great?

It is great how these stories teach kids how to process emotions and how to show kindness. The illustrations are very well done, and they show the emotions well. The fairies look cute.

What might have been better?

Stories might have been shorter to keep kids aged below 6 yrs engaged. 

My Rating: 4/5

About the Author:

Gael J. B. Orr writes stories that explore how kindness, belonging, and emotional strength shape who we become. She began writing fairy stories for the neighborhood children, who reminded her how much truth hides inside imagination. Each story in Little Renee of Sunshine and the Everkind Tales grew from real questions about belonging, courage, and how we come to define ourselves. Her work invites both children and adults to rediscover emotional intelligence through imagination, humor, and heart...and a whole lot of pixie dust!

Until next time,

The Abandoned Theater (Aldreland Series) by Dana Robertson

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

Book Details:

Title: The Abandoned Theater (Aldreland Series)

Author: Dana Robertson

Genre: Middle grade fiction, Children's Fantasy

Publisher: Our Street Books

Print length: 184 pages

Source: A free review copy from the author

Blurb:

Deep in the woods of the Winnodov property sits the abandoned theater. Something mysterious happened during the last performance there - the same night Mr. Winnodov disappeared. Eight years later, it's happening again. 

A group of mischievous teenagers sneaks into the theater. And now, one is missing. When 12-year-old Beth Shoner learns who the missing teen is, she sets off with two friends to find him. But what they discover is more astonishing than they could ever have imagined. 

Now, Beth must defeat an evil plan unleashed long ago that threatens to destroy countless worlds, including their own.

Purchase Link:

Amazon

My Review:

This is a middle-grade fantasy story, and it is the first part in the series. A group of teenagers visits an abandoned theater to search for their missing friend, only to enter a magical world through a portal. 

The story is magical, with fantasy elements that are enjoyable to middle school kids. My son, who is in 5th grade, loved the story. Kids who love Percy Jackson and Arushi kind of stories will love this series.

The story is fun with twists. The characters are cool teenage kids like Beth and Tina. Beth learns some unexpected news about her family and lineage after entering the portal. All kids, together with their friends, can overcome problems and can come back to their world safely. 

I love that the story shows friendship and helping each other. I enjoyed the twists in the story. Loved the characterization. The book cover and title are apt. 

What might have been better?

For me, the information after they enter the portal is overwhelming. I didn't like that everyone around Beth tries to hide her lineage until the last minute. I felt that the way the information about other worlds and the background is revealed it might have been better.

My Rating: 4/5

PS: I received a review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Until next time,

 

The Book of Kindness by Egor Klopenko - [Book review]

Book Details:

Title: The Book of Kindness

Author: Egor Klopenko

Genre: Children's books, Children's literature

Publisher: Independently Published

Print Length: 32 pages

Reading Age: 3 to 9 yrs

Source: A review copy from the author

Blurb:

The Book of Kindness by Egor Klopenko is a heartfelt selection of poetic stories for young children, using vivid imagery and simple language to introduce themes of compassion and generosity. Through memorable scenes and characters—like the magical imaginary birds called “kindwings” fluttering around town spreading kindness, and the little girl, whose seeds of kindness turn into a flower—Klopenko helps young readers understand empathy in a relatable way.

 The book emphasizes family dynamics, presenting universal figures such as “Mommy,” “Daddy,” and “the little girl” or “the little boy” to ensure any child can see themselves reflected in the stories. A key strength is Klopenko’s ability to connect shared themes across different tales. This subtle storytelling approach helps young readers build cognitive skills by recognizing how similar values appear in different contexts. 

Thoughtful, universal, and filled with warmth, The Book of Kindness offers more than just heartwarming tales; it fosters early learning, empathy, and a growing understanding of kindness in the world around them.

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Purchase Link:

Amazon

My Review:

This is the first book in the series of 'The World of Kindness", but can be read and enjoyed separately. I loved this amazing collection of short stories, which explains kindness in simple words with multiple examples.

This is a good bedtime read for kids, especially those aged above 5 years. We need kindness in this world to reduce mental health issues and make our Earth a better place for our future generation. 

I love the way the author explains different ways of showing kindness, lifting up others, and making others cheerful. The illustrations are excellent. Beautiful pictures show every act of kindness so that it's easy for kids to imagine how a kind world would be. The narrative is easy-going and simple. The book cover is good, but not as good as the illustrations inside.

I would definitely recommend this book as a gift option for kids aged 5 to 10 years.

My Rating: 5/5

PS: I received a review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Until next time,