Category: Reviews

Synopsis (taken from Amazon)

When A. J. (Alison Jane) Cadell took over Thistlewood Manor, she fully intended to turn it into the bed and breakfast Grandma Bebe dreamed of before her death – except for a few minor hurdles. Not only does Alison have a new romance novel to finish, a Writer-in-Residence gig to get through, visitors coming from Toronto, and a party to help organize, the caterer has gone missing. More specifically, Blair Diamond who is catering the McKittrick Christmas Ball in less than two weeks.
Then Alison and her boyfriend, Mac, find Blair’s body on the beach behind Thistlewood and she is dragged into the rat’s nest that made up Blair’s life. Can she track down the killer before the Ice Storm of the Century hits Cedar Grove or will Alison become another target?

Review

This is the second book in the A.J. Cadell Mystery Book series, and it was such a fun book to read! The characters really jumped off the page; each one had their own personality, and the dialogue flowed so naturally that I could hear the conversations happening in my head. Not only that, but the imagery was perfect.  The author painted such vivid pictures that I could clearly see every setting, every expression, and every little detail without it ever feeling overdone. It felt like I was right there in the scene with them, which is my favourite way to immerse myself in a book.

I did not see the ending coming! It was one of those nice little twists that sneak up on you.

Unfortunately, there were a few grammatical hiccups here and there. Nothing ruined the story, but they did stand out here and there. Still, the writing style and pacing more than made up for it.

I would highly suggest reading the first book in the series before venturing into this book. A lot of characters are mentioned that probably have more backstory in book one. However, you can (like me) read it out of order.

If you are looking for a dialogue-driven mystery, this is the book for you!

Get your copy here (affiliate link—thank you for your support).

Synopsis (taken from Amazon)

Sheila K. Collins is no stranger to grief. After the loss of two of her children, Sheila felt disconnected from the support she needed, living in a society that makes us feel like we can’t speak openly or honestly about the one thing we will all become acquainted with: grief.

The Art of Grieving challenges conventional attitudes towards grieving. Part memoir, part grief handbook and guide, Sheila draws on a lifetime of experience as a dancer, social work professor, and therapist to illustrate the value of grieving and how the arts can become grief’s collaborator. This book provides guidance and resources on how to use the arts of storytelling, music, dance, and visual arts to make grieving itself a life-long art. When we utilize the arts to honor our losses and celebrate together, as our ancestors once did, we are provided a path to insight that allows us to continuously learn from our grief rather than fear it.

 

Review

What I really loved about this book is how it recognizes that loss and grief aren’t limited to death. It’s nice to see a resource that acknowledges the various kinds of grief —loss of health, relationships, dreams, identity, etc.

The writing style feels like having a heartfelt chat with a friend rather than reading a textbook. It’s easy to follow, with short sections and bolded subheadings that let you pause, reflect, and come back without losing your place.

The pictures scattered throughout the book add a touch of lightness and warmth. They make the heavier content easier to digest, which I really appreciated. It’s visually inviting, and that helps when you’re reading about such emotional topics.

I also loved the thought-provoking questions at the end of sections. They’re gentle prompts that encourage you to reflect on your own experience without feeling pressured or judged.

One chapter that really stayed with me was the one about emotions linked to grief. After losing my brother, I tried so hard to hide the “bad” emotions, anger, guilt, and sadness, thinking I just had to stay strong. But this book reminded me that we’re allowed to feel them. Those feelings are part of healing, not something to be ashamed of.

Another chapter that hit home was about illnesses—the idea that grief starts long before death, often when a diagnosis is received. I know firsthand that it’s not just the patient who grieves, but the whole family. And, we do it in a different way than losing someone to death. That truth is rarely talked about so openly, and it was comforting to see it explored here.

Each chapter focuses on a different art form, whether it’s writing, painting, music, or something else, and shows how creativity can be a tool for healing. I loved that mix of practical advice and emotional insight.

If you are looking for a book to help connect you with ways to process your grief, this is the book for you.

Get your copy here (affiliate link—thanks for the support).

Synopsis (taken from Amazon)

A woman comes face to face with her rapist at his engagement party. A teen reluctantly celebrating the first Christmas after her mother’s death gets caught cutting her wrists by a stranger. A student hands in a box of Kraft Dinner as her final assignment, and a bipolar art teacher grieves her divorce by online shopping. The Beauty and the Hell of It & Other Stories is a collection of stories about women (and one man) who quietly resist and the resulting moments of transition, acceptance, and vindication. Whether they wrestle with grief, growth, trauma, or all three, these characters don’t give in to expectations about who or how they should be. These stories will appeal to readers who enjoyed the pivotal moments of ordinary life in Sophie Stocking’s Walking Leonard and Other Stories and those who want a slice of contemporary womanhood served up with dark humour as offered in Meghan Bell’s Erase and Rewind.

Review

I’ve just finished this collection of short stories, and I must say, it was an interesting mix of emotions. They were all good, but the second story pulled me right in. It started off hilariously perfect with something as simple as greeting cards, which set such a relatable, lighthearted tone before diving deeper. That balance really stood out throughout the rest of the book.

What I appreciated most was the way the author reflects on life’s troubles without ever being overly dramatic or obnoxious. It felt real. The pain in the stories practically drips off the pages. It’s raw and deeply human.

One of my favourite pieces was the story about traditions. The dialogue between the siblings was so spot-on, it actually made me laugh out loud because it reminded me of the kind of back-and-forth I’ve had with my own family.

Overall, this collection is an amazing way to share the struggles of mental illness, life’s weight, and the small sparks of humour and connection that make it all bearable. It’s heartfelt, authentic, and definitely worth picking up if you like stories that stay with you.

Get your copy here (affiliate link – thank you for the support).

Synopsis (taken from Amazon)

Feeling overwhelmed, distracted, and stuck in the chaos of everyday life? You’re not alone — and it doesn’t have to stay this way.

If you’re an adult with ADHD, you probably know the cycle:
✔ Spinning through to-do lists that never end
✔ Constant guilt about what you should be doing
✔ Bursts of inspiration followed by burnout
✔ Feeling like no matter how hard you try, it’s never quite enough
The truth? Your brain isn’t broken — it’s brilliant. The world just wasn’t built for it.
It’s time for a different approach.

ADHD Brilliance: A Journey Into Your Extraordinary Brain is a compassionate, science-backed, and empowering guide written by certified ADHD coach Sue Day. This book isn’t about “fixing” you — it’s about freeing you. It’s about helping you work with your brain, not against it, and build a life that finally fits.

In this transformative book, you’ll discover:
✅ The neuroscience behind ADHD — and how to stop blaming yourself
✅ Practical tools to reduce overwhelm and boost focus
✅ Ways to work with your energy and motivation — without relying on willpower
✅ How to embrace your strengths and ditch the shame
✅ Supportive systems that actually work for ADHD brains
✅ Encouragement to stop masking and start showing up as your real self

Whether you’re newly diagnosed, self-identified, or have been navigating ADHD for years, this book meets you exactly where you are — with warmth, humour, and tools you can use right away.

Perfect for adults with ADHD who are ready to:
✔ Break free from “shoulds” and shame
✔ Reclaim their time, energy, and spark
✔ Build confidence, clarity, and momentum
✔ Stop surviving — and start thriving

ADHD Brilliance is more than a guide. It’s a supportive voice in your corner, a mindset shift, and a reminder that you were never meant to do things the “normal” way — because your way has power, purpose, and potential.

It’s not about fixing you. It’s about freeing you.

Discover your ADHD brilliance — and start building the life you’ve always deserved.

 

Review

First off, the foreword hooked me right away. It was so well written and really hit home, especially the part about the word “disabled” not being a bad word. Just something that is. That is what I have been saying for a while, I am ok with being called disabled, it doesn’t make me any less than. I am happy that simple reframing is included within the context of this book.

Part 1 is packed with so much great information. Honestly, it can feel like a lot at once, but the creators must have known that because there’s a QR code you can scan for a synopsis. Such a thoughtful touch, and really helpful when your brain is like, “whoa, too much at once.”

One of my favourite parts was the intention creation worksheet. As someone who’s taught goal setting as an employment counsellor, I’ve always leaned on the classic SMART goals. But the M.A.T.T.E.R. goals introduced here were a much better fit for my brain.

What I love most is that this isn’t the kind of workbook you finish and then shelve. It’s one you can come back to – life changes, so your answers could change right along with it.

And on a more practical note, the layout makes it easy to use. The font size is comfortable, and everything is broken into sections so you can digest it bit by bit instead of drowning in info.

If you’re looking for something that’s both validating and actually usable in daily life with ADHD, this workbook is definitely worth picking up.

Get your copy here (affiliate link – thanks for the support).

Synopsis (taken from Amazon)

I have an around-the-world airline ticket and plans to conquer the Middle East. So why am I hanging around Prague, waiting for a guy who told me to my face that he doesn’t love me? Because I can’t escape kryptonite, that’s why. The two of us travel through the Czech Republic and Germany, eating way too many peanut butter sandwiches and dancing around our feelings—until we don’t.

Once I do get my butt on a plane and reunite with my Australian friends, each step through the blistering heat in the Middle East spins up a slew of new challenges. My trials traveling around Europe have nothing on this place.

We haggle and dodge bedbugs and camel spit from Amman to Cairo. The girls and I take turns in the front seat of the taxi. Bus drivers rearrange passengers so we sit apart from locals. And an unexpected hairy nemesis barges in on my long-awaited felucca trip down the Nile.

But maybe, just maybe, out here in the sweaty, dusty chaos, I’ll find what I’ve been missing. And it’s not a peanut butter sandwich. It’s me.
_____________________________________

Grab your backpack and get ready for an adventure in the ’90s when the Internet was scarce but laughs weren’t. Hello, I Am Here is book three in the five-part Back in a Year series, a true story of a young woman traveling around the world. Each book can be read independently, but it’s more fun to take the full trip.

Review

This is the third installment of the series. If you’ve missed the last two reviews, go and check them out! I highly suggest reading them in order, as the journey continues to build on each book.

If you’ve ever wanted to read a book that doesn’t sugarcoat life — Hello, I Am Here is it. Right from the start, you feel the raw emotion pouring off every page. It’s like having a brutally honest conversation with a friend who doesn’t hold back because, well… life happens, and sometimes it’s shitty (pun intended).

What I loved is how the author takes you along on their journey, not just through the places they visit, but also through the emotional ups and downs. The descriptions of the sights are so vivid you almost feel like you’re there — smelling the food, seeing the landscapes, feeling the weather on your skin. It’s immersive without being overdone.

And then there’s the human side of travel — the emotional truth about friendships. Anyone who’s ever travelled with people knows it can be a rollercoaster, and the author doesn’t shy away from showing that. The awkward moments, the fights, the laughs, and the moments of unexpected connection — it’s all there, raw and honest.

Another thing that made this book stand out for me was the structure. Each chapter delves into a new part of the travel and is subdivided into adventures on the road, complete with quirky and fun titles that made me excited to dive into the next one.

If you’re looking for a book that tells it like it is, with all the ugly and beautiful moments of life mixed in, Hello, I Am Here is it.

Get your copy here (affiliate link – thanks for the support).