Tuesday, September 22, 2026

Day 2 | Five Fall Favourites 2026: Traditions

Welcome to day two of the Five Fall Favourites. I had so much fun checking out everyone's recommendations yesterday and my giant TBR pile has grown exponentially, well metaphorically speaking, not mathematically speaking. Today is Tuesday, so tonight I will be very busy with rehearsal. I'll try to get to read as many as possible today, but I will likely have to come back later to properly go through all the recs.

Yesterday's blog was a variety of different books all featuring communities that make an impact. For today, I had to reflect back on my own life to find books that all fit with "tradition."


When I first saw the prompt "traditions" for today, I had no idea how to connect it to books. So, I had to get creative and think about what "traditions" means to me. Personally, I don't see myself as someone set in tradition. Maybe it is because I've experienced a lot of change in recent years, but I don't feel like I have many traditions. Then I thought about my faith as a tradition, so I decided to let the prompt influence the genre I chose to share today. All five of today's books are Christian fiction. I like it when in stories characters allow their beliefs to influence actions. These main characters in all allow their faith tradition to help guide their behavior and choices. This list has many different types of books represented. It has romance, thriller, sci-fi, contemporary young adult, and children's fantasy. Let's get into the recommendations. 

1. Spies, Lies, & Alibis by Natalie Walters

Cybil knew Ben as her cousin's childhood best friend, so when she meets him as an adult only his name is Miles and he's a financial investor for a crime lord, she knows something is wrong. Only she's too busy spying on her boss, a real estate mogul with shady connections, to deal with Ben. Ben is really an undercover FBI agent looking for evidence to bring down a criminal empire. Both keeping secrets, Ben and Cybil pretend they've never met before, but as the situation grows increasingly dangerous, they will have to work together to stay alive. Content warning: mild language, violence, kissing and Christian values. 

Honestly, this is less of a Christan fiction book and more of a book where both main characters just happen to be Christians. It's a clean romance with lot of witty banter and hilarious high-stakes hijinks. For me, it was a good time of secret identities and spies. I hope this author writes more in this series because, these characters were just so fun.

2. There You'll Find Me by Jenny B. Jones

Finlay has struggled with panic attacks, depression and eating disorders since her brother's death. She hopes that spending her senior year in her brother's favorite place, Ireland might help her rediscover her faith, like it helped him. Before she arrives in Ireland, she meets Hollywood star, Beckett Rush on the airplane. He's known as a playboy, and the last thing a troubled girl trying to clean up her act needs. Only he's staying at the bed and breakfast her host family runs while he's in Ireland shooting a movie. Beckett offers to be her tour guide as Finlay follows the journey in her brother's travel notebook. Content warnings: mild language, kissing, mental illness including grief, depression, eating disorders, and mentions s*icide, and Christian views.

I tried reading this book last year, but then I watched the movie based off this book, and I lost interest. The movie while cute, following the plot, but it barely touches on Finlay's internal struggles with grief, mental illness, and insecurity. I was glad I waited to read the book until this year. I would not have been ready for it last year. While the movie was more about the love story and finding herself, the book was about struggling to keep her faith through the bad and the good. I found it overall a stronger, more impactful journey.

3. When the Day Come by Gabrielle Meyer

Libby lives two lives simultaneously. When she goes to sleep in 1774 Colonial Williamsburg, she wakes up in 1914 Gilded age New York City, and when she goes to sleep in 1914, she wakes up in 1774. On her twenty-first birthday she will have to give up one life. In Williamsburg she lives a simple life as a public printer helping her family keep the business afloat after her father's death. While in New York, she's amongst lives among the upper-class. She feels so much more love and meaning in her 1774 lifetime, but the schemes of her 1914 mother may put that at risk and make her choice considerably harder. Content warnings: some language, kissing, r*pe without any explicit descriptions, violence, major character death and Christan views.

This description was so hard to write without giving too much away. I hardly ever enjoy historical fiction, but this sci-fi twist made it into a high-stake adventure, as she lives her lives and wrestles with her belief in God's sovereignty. This book has two wars, romance, and science fiction. I can't say more without giving stuff away, but for readers who enjoy historical fiction, war stories, romance, or science fiction, especially readers who love "genre blends," this book is for you.


4. Some Like It Scot by Pepper Basham

Katie is a travel writer who since her sister's death hasn't wanted to put down roots anywhere. Graeme is a Scotsman, loyal to his family and their ancestorial home. Katie is spending three weeks staying in the recently renovated Scottish manor Craighill House at their Edwardian experience trial run to write about it ahead of its grand opening. Quickly her travel blog is taken over by her awkward adventures and misadventures with Graeme, and her #HotScot adventures might just earn her a coveted editor position. Content warnings: mild language, grief, kissing and Christan views.

When I started this book, it was slow, there was so much backstory and history. As the story unfolded it was a beautiful reflection on grief and continuing to live. This story was a contemporary romance full of funny moments and lovable characters. My favorite characters were Graeme's young nephew and his dog. This one was about characters returning to their family traditions as well as to their faith.

5. Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe by C. S. Lewis

The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe is a modern Christian fiction classic. During WWII four siblings are sent to live in a manor in the English countryside. Peter, Susan, Edward and Lucy discover a wardrobe that leads to another land where it's always winter, an evil witch opresses the land, and the return of a lion is fabled to be their salvation. This beloved allegorical tale has entertained and informed for generations. Content warning: violence, peril, major character death, and Christan views.

I first read this story as a kid and when I decided to write this blog on my favorite Christian fiction books, it felt like the right traditional book to finish with. All the Chronicles of Narnia books are a tradition that I hope to one day pass down. 

Conclusion

I hope everyone enjoyed five of my favorite fiction books that follow my faith tradition. Four of the books were ones that I read earlier this year. At least one of them, I found because of a previous Five Fall Favourites recommendation. For readers who enjoy a clean romance with zero spice and all the chemistry, I would recommend any of the romance books on this list. Do you have any other great Christan fiction books you would recommend?

Thank you for reading today. Remember to check out all the other fabulous blogs, and if you haven't signed up for the drawing at the end of this week, do that too. Details are below.

For tomorrow's blog, I will be going rogue and doing one of the alternate prompts with my own twist, so please come back and see what five books I recommend. Hint: they are books that I frequently return to because they are a wealth of knowledge for my leisure activities.

Hosted by Kate from Once Upon an Ordinary and Katja from Little Blossoms for Jesus!

Check out all the other Fall Favorites of Mouse!

Bella: E. G. Bella

Kate: Once Upon an Ordinary

Meagan: Blooming with Books

Skai: Inspirational Skai

Virginia: Books by Virginia

I love meeting new booklovers! Best way to do that is to follow me Instagram: @Skai_BooksAndBracelets
Read Monday's blog here: Day 1 | Five Fall Favourites 2026: Community/Neighborhood
Read Tuesday's blog here: Day 2 | Five Fall Favourites 2026: Traditions
Read Wednesday's blog here: Day 3 | Five Fall Favourites: 2026: Hobbies
Read Thursday's blog here: Day 4 | Five Fall Favourites 2026: Arts

Don't forget to enter the annual Five Fall Favourites Giveaway! This year there is a US prize and an international prize. See full rules and exclusions at the link to enter.

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Monday, September 21, 2026

Day 1 | Five Fall Favourites 2026: Community/Neighborhood

Friends we are finally back for another year of blogging like mad to share six blogs in one week. And to add to my own personal stress, this year, I am also rehearsing for a play that opens in October. I did as much prep as possible, so hopefully this week goes as smooth as possible. For me, Five Fall Favorites marks the shift from summer to the colder months. When I love reading, writing and all the holiday feels. We had some rain last week. It was a taste of better weather, and I am ready for more.

If we haven't met before, my name is Skai. I originally launched this blog back in 2012, when I was fifteen years old. I wanted to share my fiction and short stories with the world. In 2020, I dabbled in sharing books on Instagram and launched Skai_BooksAndBracelets on Instagram in 2021. Three years ago, I decided to return to this blog and relaunch it as a space to talk about books in a longer form. Lately, I've been doing monthly blogs where I talk about the books I read from my local public library. Those posts are called "Love Your Library." Many of the books shared this week, have already been shared on one of those lists.

Let's get into the first theme for this week.


What better way to start a week of talking about books with a fabulous group of book bloggers than to start with the theme of "Community." After doing Five Fall Favorites for the past who years, I know this is one of the sweetest communities on the internet. I'm always so hard on myself to make to make these "perfect," but everyone here is so encouraging and understanding when things don't go according to plan. For today's five books, we have different examples of characters who find community. Each of these stories tells the impact people have on each other.

1. The Wedding People by Alison Espach

In The Wedding People, Phoebe checks into a New England hotel on the beach hoping to enjoy her dream vacation before she ends her life. She arrives to find she's the only guest at the hotel not there for a wedding. Lila was supposed to get married years ago, but her wedding was delayed because of COVID, and now she has got all her friends and family together to enjoy a weeklong destination wedding, and she refuses to let anything ruin her wedding, especially not Phoebe. When Phoebe and Lila confide in each other, they quickly form a bond and Phoebe is welcomed into a new community that encourages her to give life another chance. This book is humorous and heartfelt, but it's an adult title covering the tough topics of divorce, depression, and mental health. Content warnings include adult language, conversations about adults having s*x, depression and s*icide, and LGBTQ+ characters.

This book demonstrates community because the relationship between Phoebe and Lila isn't quite friendship, nor is it mother-daughter. It isn't even quite a mentor-mentee relationship because they both learn from each other, but from personal experience, that is the true meaning of community. People learn from each other and growing alongside each other. Additionally, while Phoebe is in New England she meets many other people who offer her a chance to start over and build something new.

2. Ella Minnow Pea: A Novel in Letters by Mark Dunn

Written entirely in letters, correspondence, Ella Minnow Pea is about a small island community who harkens Nevin Nollop, author of the pangram "The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog," as their founding father. When letter titles of the pangram begin to fall off the inscription, the town council decrees that each letter that that falls should be banned from writing and speaking, and that three infractions will result in banishment for the offender. The book centers around a young woman, Ella Minnow Pea and the brave people around her who fight for letters, love, and life as their peaceful island town, turns into a theocratic totalitarian regime. I enjoyed this political satire told in correspondences, although as each alphabet letter disappears, it gets increasingly difficult to decipher the correspondence. Content warning: Language and violence.

This is literally about a community, the people on Island of Nollop who experience the same situation and respond differently. In the letters there are perspectives of neighbors who agree with the council and even turn on their neighbors, people who believe that it's all nonsense, and everything in between. While satirical, this book captures how community can be a messy and beautiful place all at the same time.

3. Murder Like Clockwork by Nicola Whyte

Murder Like Clockwork is the sequel to 21 Marchfield Square, a mystery where the two amateur detectives are neighbors. Audrey only thinks of Lewis as her pesky neighbor, but as a part-time crime fiction writer, he knows about solving mysteries. Audrey is a housecleaner with an eye for details. When she arrives early at a cleaning job, she discovers a bloody murder in her client's bedroom. Scared, she runs and calls the police, but when they arrive and she goes back into the house to show them it's gone. Since the police believe she imagined the whole thing, she asks Lewis to help her find the truth. Content warnings: Language, violence, and LGBTQ+ characters.

I love a good cozy mystery. This one also has some action and danger, and just a hint of a hint of romance. Audrey and Lewis are neighbors and reluctant friends, and throughout their quest, they consult many of their other neighbors. Murder Like Clockwork proves that it takes a neighborhood, a whole community to solve a mystery.

4. Love Unmasked by Becky Dean

Evie is the polite, friendly and reliable but she decides to sneak out during a class trip to Venice because she wants to visit a meetup for her favorite fantasy book series. She explores a braver, nerdier side of herself, when she discovers a new community who supports her fandom and her art. She also meets Angelo, another high school student from the US, but since they are both wearing cosplay and masks, neither knows the true other's identity. Sneaking out is a big risk and could put her trip and new friendships in danger. Content warning: Kissing and mild language.

This Becky Dean romance is a young adult story, and the characters are teens growing up, but they are so sweet, funny, and I would highly recommend for any reader looking for a clean romance. It fits the theme of community because she discovers people who accept her for who she is and the shared bond of common interests. I like the example that community isn't always about where you live. It can also be about finding common interests. I sent a friendship bracelet across the country earlier this month as a gift for a friend, who is a fellow book lover that I meet on Instagram. Community isn't just where you live, it's also the people you care about. 

5. How to Find a Romance in a Bookshop by Poppy Alexander

Petra is laying low after a social media typo wreaks her career as a literary agent, so she takes a temporary job running Capelthorne's Bookshop in Portneath. Ross is a bestselling author with writer's block, spending the summer in a rented cottage in the quiet seaside town of Portneath. When Petra meets Ross in the train station, she's lost and confuses him for a homeless man. Being confused for a homeless man prompts Ross make some changes. In this standalone companion novel to Battle of the Bookshops, a Romeo and Juliet retelling, Petra and Ross's story echoes William Shakepear's The Tempest. Content warnings: Language, peril, fade to black s*x, LGBTQ+ characters.

This duology is cozy and character driven. The romance is for adults, but not explicit. After reading the two Shakespear inspired standalones in quiet port town, I want to read more. Everyone in this town rallies around these characters. Petra and Ross both start out as outsiders, but by the end they are members of a community that is welcoming and helpful. This is one fictional community I would actually like to live in.

Conclusion

All five of today's books are ones that I read this year. When I got the prompts for this year, I started looking for books that were different than the ones I've shared before in the previous two years. So, the majority of the books that I will share this week will be new books. Even many of the older books are new to me titles.

I enjoyed looking for books that matched today's prompt. I felt like all five of these books are great examples of community. Some of them are communities to learn from while others are ones to strive to be like. 

To this community, I would like to start by thanking our gracious hosts Kate and Katja for coordinating this week and all of its blogging madness. I would like to give a shoutout for Team Mouse! I can't wait to read everyone's blogs and discover new book recs. there are a couple of books, that I will share this week, that I originally discovered from previous Five Fall Favorites. Lastly, thank you to everyone who will read this. See you tomorrow and don't forget to check out the other blogs. A few of them will have freebees and there is the weekly drawing that you can enter. Information about all of that is below. 

Thank you for reading today, I hope to see you again tomorrow. I struggled to figure out how to use tomorrow's prompt, but I hope you all enjoy interpretation.  

Hosted by Kate from Once Upon an Ordinary and Katja from Little Blossoms for Jesus!

Check out all the other Fall Favorites of Mouse!

Bella: E. G. Bella

Kate: Once Upon an Ordinary

Meagan: Blooming with Books

Skai: Inspirational Skai

Virginia: Books by Virginia

I love meeting new booklovers! Best way to do that is to follow me Instagram: @Skai_BooksAndBracelets
Read Monday's blog here: Day 1 | Five Fall Favourites 2026: Community/Neighborhood
Read Tuesday's blog here: Day 2 | Five Fall Favourites 2026: Traditions
Read Wednesday's blog here: Day 3 | Five Fall Favourites: 2026: Hobbies
Read Thursday's blog here: Day 4 | Five Fall Favourites 2026: Arts

Don't forget to enter the annual Five Fall Favourites Giveaway! This year there is a US prize and an international prize. See full rules and exclusions at the link to enter.

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Monday, August 31, 2026

Love Your Library August 2026 (July 28-August 31)

Happy end of August! Personally, I'm ready to say goodbye to the summer heat. Hopefully, September brings cooler weather and great fall reads. Keep reading, or kip down, to the end for a big September announcement. For now, it's time to recap my library reading habits for August. After a couple of really busy library months in June and July, I slowed things down. Except, I did a decent amount of reading this month. I've been trying to finish more of the books that have been sitting on my Goodreads "currently reading" shelf. I think this month's reading helped a little.

READ

  • A Race Against Time (Nancy Drew: Girl Detective #2) by Carolyn Keene - Nancy Drew (of the early 2000s) is back again in her second mystery. The early books of this series featured a combination of familiar characters from the original books and new characters, many of them recurring, but you don't have to read the books in order. In her second story Nancy and her friends are riding in a charity bike tournament, even before the race beginnings, Ned goes missing, and other strange accidents befall their bike race team. When the prize money goes missing Nancy races against time, to recover it before it rides off to never be seen again. Nancy solved much of this by being at the right place at the right time, but it was fun nostalgic reread. ★★★★☆ CONTENT WARNINGS: Mild language, mild violence appropriate for 8+, quick kisses and hugs. Listened to on Hoopla
  • Spy X Family, Volume 14 by Tatuya Endo - Volume 14 is a cozy and sweet story as Anya goes to her first dance, trying to further her Friendship Plan B. She tries to get second son, Damion to dance with her, what is really adorable is neither one is even sure if they really want to dance with each other. In the second half we see a story of love during wartime story, that I didn't know I needed until I was obsessed with their journey. Becky's governess and Professor Henderson had their own fling in their youth. It was both sweet and heartbreaking. ★★★★★ Read on Libby CONTENT WARNINGS: Language and violence pictured on the page.
  • Love Unmasked by Becky Dean - This was my second Becky Dean book, and now I definitely have to read more of her books. On a class trip in Venice, Evie sneaks out to find a cosplay fan meetup for her favorite book series. In costume, she feels freer to be herself, and when she meets Angelo, another fan visiting Venice, she feels truly seen for the first time since her dad's death. She looks forward to each night as she spends her days exploring Vencie with her classmates, especially since she is paired with the broody loner, Gabriel. Her poor choices are not glossed over, but they also didn't leave me dreading the consequences. This is a laugh out loud clean romance, acceptable for teen readers, but perfect for anyone. ★★★★★ Read on Libby CONTENT WARNINGS: Mild language, teens sneaking out, embraces and kissing. IG Review
  • Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver, narrated by Charlie Thurston - Based on David Copperfield, this is a retelling that details the tragedies of kids in foster care in the 1990s from the perspective of a young man looking back as his trouble youth. It's full of hopes and dreams of a better life but told like the memoir of a cynical young man, who has realized all he could ever control was his actions. This is a heavy read and I cried many times, especially when the book depicted the story of an unloved little boy. It's not my usual read, and although it was very long, it wasn't boring. I had to take it slow. Check the content warnings on this book since it is very heavy. ★★★★☆ CONTENT WARNINGS: Drugs, addiction, underage drinking, descriptions of child abuse, kissing, mentions s*x with only descriptions of the emotions only, violence major character death, mental illness including mentions of s*icide, strong adult language throughout, LGBTQ+ characters. Listened to on Hoopla. 12 Recs from 12 Friends 2026
  • The Full Picture by Jessica Charmichael, narrated by Ana Hoffman - During the holidays, Canadian college student Robyn takes a trip to meet her late mother's family in Ghana for her grandmother's birthday party. While in Ghana she meets Osei a free-spirited neighbor of her grandmother, who shares her interest in photography and Kelvin who is also a Canadian pharmacy student. As she's connecting with parts of her mother she never knew, she also discovers herself. I learned I'm not a fan of love triangles, although this one was amusing, Mostly I couldn't really get into this one because it's a Christmas holiday story and it was July when I started listening to it. Mostly it was a fun no spice romance. ★★★☆☆ CONTENT WARNINGS: Kissing, occasional adult language, and adults drinking, LGBTQ+ Characters. Listened to on Hoopla. 12 Recs from 12 Friends 2026

    Currently Reading


    • Climbing Rejection Mountain: An Actor's Path to Success, Stability, and Self-Esteem by Nick Wyman, Michael X. Martin
    • Batman: Resurrection by John Jackson Miller
    • Adversary to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer
    • Joined at the Joints by Marissa Eller
    • A Study in Charlette by Brittany Cavallaro

    Checked Out, To Be Read

    • The Last Ronin: A Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Novel by Erik Burnham
    • Climbing Rejection Mountain: An Actor's Path to Success, Stability, and Self-Esteem by Nick Wyman, Michael X. Martin IG reel
    • Perfect World, Vol. 8 by Rie Aruga
    • Stargirl. The complete third season. (DVD)
    • The Someday Garden by Ashley Poston
    • White Widow: Secret Sisters by Tess Sharpe

    In The Reservation Queue

    • Star Wars: Eyes Like Stars by Ashley Poston
    • Autopsy of a Fairytale by Nicole Scarano

    On Hold, To Be Picked Up

    • None at this time.

    Returned Unread

    • How to Survive a Horror Movies by Scarlett Dunmore - I used this for a pervious October Mystery and Thrillers. I wanted to read it, because it is about a horror movie fan. It hasn't been a priority read, so I had to return it before I could read it.
    • Unofficial Taylor Swift Friendship Bracelets: 33 bead designs through the eras. - Since I make friendship bracelets, I saw this book and thought it would be fun to flip through. The author did a cute job pairing song lyrics with colors that matched the album covers.
    • Four Days a Week: The life changing solution for reducing employee stress, improving well-being and working smarter by Juliet Schor - I saw this when I was having a lot of stress at work, I was curious what it says, but since I don't set my hours at work, I would be reading it purely for the concept. It wasn't a priority.
    • All for the Game by Heather Buchta - I've read another one of her books Chasing After Knight and loved it, I thought reading a mystery by her would be fun, but I ran out of time before I had to return it.
    In August I finished five books. I returned four books unread and only checked out six books. I feel like that was pretty well self-controlled of me. However, I wasn't praying much attention to my account. Because of that, I have three books that are overdue. I'm grateful that my local library system got rid of daily late fees back in 2019. The unfortunate thing is that I used to be really on top of getting items returned on time, now, I basically just wait until they are overdue to take them back. It's a problem.


    On Instagram, I have been writing reviews again. This month, I have written three, which might be a record for my recent review writing. My most recent review was for a book I finished a couple of months, but it is about to get a lot attention because of the upcoming movie. My most recent review is for Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins.


    I have several pieces of writing in the work. The Fan Fiction is still in works, but it I don't have a plan for when I will complete it. What I'm putting most of my writing effort toward is the Five Fall Favourites (Favorites) 2026. I announced it last week on Instagram, and now I'm sharing here. It will be back again for another year of stress-blogging. I've been trying to work on prep a little every day, so hopefully, I'll do less late-night stress-blogging this year. Step 1 for me is to pick my favorites books to share. I try to keep my repeats to a minimum. After doing it for two years, it is getting harder. I think a lot of these favorites will be recent reads. What you won't find of this year's list are my top 5 favorite books of 2025, but you can already read those here. Thanks for reading this month's Love Your Library and I hope to see you back on September 21 for Five Fall Favourites 2026.

    #LoveYourLibrary

    Thank you, Rebecca for coming up with this blog challenge that encourages me to read and write every month. Check out her blog, Bookish Beck.
    I love making Bookish Friends! Follow me on Instagram Skai_BooksAndBracelets.
    Stay up to date on all reading and reviews by following on Goodreads.
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    Monday, July 27, 2026

    Love Your Library July 2026 (June 30-July 27)

    Welcome to the July: Love Your Library! And to all the Americans reading happy 250th-anaversery! This month's blog features a few Red, White and Blue titles, and lots of summer reads.

    I'll keep today's introduction short since the rest of the blog is long.

    READ

    • The Goodbye Man by Jeffery Deaver, narrated by Keleo Griffith - This is the second book in The Never Game series, which inspired the TV show Tracker starring Justin Hartley. I read book one last and thought this summer would be a good time for the sequel. I enjoyed the first book more, but I think this one had a more intricate plot that constantly carried the story's momentum. Also, I think this book could be enjoyed even by someone who hadn't read the first book. Colter Shaw is a rewardist.  After a job goes wrong and his target dies, he goes undercover at a remote wellness retreat to learn the dark truth. ★★★★☆ CONTENT WARNINGS: Strong language, mental health and s*icide, violence and death, mentions of child r*pe and s*x, LGBTQ+ and SPOILER Death cult. Listened to on Libby 
    • The Sherlock Society by James Ponti, narrated by Mark Sanderlin - In this summer adventure for middle graders, four friends, Alex, Zoe, Lina and Yedi, joined by Alex and Zoe's grandfather, a retired reporter, spend the summer hutting for Al Capone's lost treasure in their Florida hometown. When their hunt for a legendary treasure leads them to toxic waste dumped illegally in the everglades, they determined to uncover the culprit. Along the way they learn about responsibility, social justice and friendship. This engaging story is laugh out loud funny and filled with imports and enduring lessons. ★★★★☆ Listened to on Libby CONTENT WARNINGS: Mild language, middle grade appropriate violence and peril, contains environmentalist views. 
    • Only a Monster by Vanessa Len - Joan thought she was normal, but it turns out she's a monster who steals time from humans so she can time travel. She thought the cute boy she met, and her summer volunteer job was also normal, but it turns out he's a hero, born to kill monsters. After he kills her family, she travels back in time with a very charming and dangerous monster hoping to undo the future. This is an atmospheric, but fast paced fantasy with danger. The supposed love-triangle doesn't really play out on the page, but the fisty, fierce determination of the main character makes her a "villain" to root for. ★★★★☆ Read on Libby CONTENT WARNINGS: Violence and death, strong language, kissing and embraces, LGBTQ+ characters.
    • Snow White with the Red Hair, Vol. 13 by Sorata Akiduki - Shirayuki and Ryo are reassigned as court herbalist to Lilas before, she leaves she has to talk to Zen. The rest of the character ponder their respective futures, as well. Includes a one-shot story about a boy's hunt for water to help his sick friend on a fantasy desert planet. The one-short is short sweet and interesting. The drama with Shirayuki leaving feels long and unnecessarily drawn out. Not my favorite, but the early stories were good enough I'll probably keep reading. ★★★★☆☆ CONTENT WARNINGS: Kissing and embraces, mild language.

      Currently Reading

      • Climbing Rejection Mountain: An Actor's Path to Success, Stability, and Self-Esteem by Nick Wyman, Michael X. Martin
      • Love Unmasked by Becky Dean
      • Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver
      • Batman: Resurrection by John Jackson Miller
      • Formula He's the One by Andie Christopher
      • A Race Against Time (Nancy Drew: Girl Detective) by Carolyn Keene
      • The Full Picture by Jessica Carmichael IG Post

      Checked Out, To Be Read

      • Love Canter Action by Katie Gilbert
      • Until Next Summer by Allison Ashley
      • The Battle of the Bookshops by Poppy Alexander
      • Meet Me Under the Lights by Cassie Miller
      • Nothing Bad Happens Here by Rachel Ekstrom Courage
      • Rewind to Us: A Novel by Molly Morris
      • Us in Ruins by Rachel Moore
      • Such a Good Liar by Sue Wallman
      • Lights Out by Jenni Fletcher
      • Someone to Daydream About by Sydney Langford
      • Spies, Lies, and Alibis by Natalie Walters
      • Change of Plans by Sarah Dessen
      • Spur of the Moment by Juliana Smith
      • The Summer Scrapbook by Florence Migga
      • We've Hit Turbulence by Jessica L. Cozzi
      • Stars, Stripes, & Summer Nights by Celeste Dador IG Post
      • The Vacation Shift by Lily Chu
      • How to Write a Romance Novel: A beginner's guide to getting it written and getting it published by Susan Palmquist

      In The Reservation Queue

      • The Last Ronin: A Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles novel by Erik Burnham
      • Star Wars: Eyes Like Stars by Ashley Poston
      • Autopsy of a Fairytale by Nicole Scarano

      On Hold, To Be Picked Up

      • None at this time.

      Returned Unread

      • The Homeschool Bible: Everything you need to build a thriving home education by Mandy Davis - I came across this new book. I was homeschooled and I survived doing well academically in university, but I feel like my mom and her teaching style was informed by her public-school education as a child. I thought it would be interesting to read what an "expert" thought, but it went into that forgotten pile and was only remember when I needed to return it.
      • Seyoon and Dean, Unscripted by Sujin Witherspoon - This month on Instagram, I shared summer reads during the summer reading program and my library. I shared one each day of the program. Meaning I shared a total of 50 books, but I also included 2 bonus titles this month after the program was over, because I had a couple of alternate summer book come to me at the library, after I finished the summer book rec series. All other titles will be noted as "50 First Days of Skai's Summer Reading." I had to return them without reading them to make room on my library card to check out more.
      • My Fair Monster by Adrienne Rivera - I saw this title on a recommended reading list. The main character is neurodivergent. I've really been trying to finish more titles I'm currently reading by limiting how many new books I start, so I didn't start this one before I had to return it. 
      • The Atlas of Us by Kristin Dwyer - 50 First Days of Skai's Summer Reading.
      • The Wildest Dreams Bookshop by Gracie Page - 50 First Days of Skai's Summer Reading.
      • Paradise Coast by Suzanne Young - 50 First Days of Skai's Summer Reading.
      • Star Wars: Mace Windu: the Glass Abyss by Steven Barnes - I used this book in May for a "May the 4th be with You" Instagram reel. I hung on to it, until I needed to free up space on my library card.
      • Nothing Bad Happens Here by Rachel Ekstrom Courage - 50 First Days of Skai's Summer Reading.
      • Meet Me Under the Lights by Cassie Miller - 50 First Days of Skai's Summer Reading.
      • Love Canter Action by Katie Gilbet - 50 First Days of Skai's Summer Reading.
      • Supergirl's Family Vacation by Brandon T. Snider - 50 First Days of Skai's Summer Reading. Read my review here. I received an eARC for an honest review. Thank you, DC Comics, and Netgalley.
      • Rewind to Us by Molly Morris - 50 First Days of Skai's Summer Reading.
      • The Battle of the Bookshops by Poppy Alexander - 50 First Days of Skai's Summer Reading. Read the review here. I received an eARC in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to Avon and Netgalley.
      • One Plate at a Time: recipes for finding freedom with food by Demi Lovato - I saw a reviewer on YouTube talk about this book. I watch Lovato on Disney channel when I was a girl and when I was a teen, I heard about her mental health struggles. I thought her cook would be interesting whether or not I could make the recipes since it would have stories. I didn't have time to flip through it.
      • Un in Ruins by Rachel Moore - 50 First Days of Skai's Summer Reading.
      • Such a Good Liar by Sue Wallman - 50 First Days of Skai's Summer Reading.
      • Someone to Daydream About by Sydney Langford - 50 First Days of Skai's Summer Reading.
      • The Break-Up Pact by Emma Lord - 50 First Days of Skai's Summer Reading.
      • Spies, Lies, and Alibis by Natalie Walters - 50 First Days of Skai's Summer Reading. I listened to an ALC of this one. Thank you to Thomas Nelson and Libro.FM for the audiobook in exchange for an honest review. Read here. IG Post
      • The Summer Scrapbook by Florance Migga - 50 First Days of Skai's Summer Reading.
      • Big Bad Me by Aislinn O'Loughlin - I used this title on Instagram for October Mysteries and Thriller. I will soon begin planning this year's October book series. I have been reading mysteries and thrillers throughout the year to prepare.
      • How to Write a Romance Novel: A beginner's guide to getting it written and getting it published by Susan Palmquist - I am brainstorming for a standalone romance novel. I'll leave it at that for now.
      • Stargirl. The Complete First Season. (DVD) - I have been watching this show and trading thought with The Drum Show (Instagram and YouTube. His most recent epic drum cover is for Bon Jovi's "Wanted Dead or Alive"). Season one was a fun and exciting origin story for the young superhero, Stargirl and a new generation of the Justice Society of America (JSA). These young actors are talented, and I appreciate the themes of second chances and found family throughout the show. I would highly recommend season one.
      For my July reading, since we still had a reading challenge at the library and a read-off between the different departments at work, I tried to diversify my reading and get lots of books finished, although most of the books I read this month weren't from my library. Many of the books I checked out and returned were for the Instagram Summer Recommendation series. Although I was sad to see the Summer Reading program over so quickly this year, I was also relieved to not have to find any more summer books for Instagram.


      Now that the summer reading series on Instagram is over. I will focus on reviews and catching up on the posts and Videos I started but put on the back burner to focus on 50 First Days of Skai's Summer Reading. This month (so far) my only other posts have been June Reading Wrap-Up and my monthly Currently Reading bookstack.


      Looking forward, in the fall on this blog I hope to participate in "Five Fall Favorites" again, but that hasn't been finalized yet. I would like to finally finish that Fan Fiction and get it posted on a FanFic site. When that finally happens, I will share the link to it here. At my library, I am working with some staff members and trying to get a writing group or program going. It has made me very excited to do some writing. I hope to start talking about my new and resumed projects soon. 

      Today, I will share "How to Get a Four Year Old to the Fireworks Show!" This is inspired by a true experience. See you all next month and thanks for reading!

      #LoveYourLibrary

      Thank you, Rebecca for coming up with this blog challenge that encourages me to read and write every month. Check out her blog, Bookish Beck.
      I love making Bookish Friends! Follow me on Instagram Skai_BooksAndBracelets.
      Stay up to date on all reading and reviews by following on Goodreads.
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      Monday, June 29, 2026

      Love Your Library: June 2026 (May 26-June 29)

      Happy summer booklovers! It is June and we are well into summer reading this year. Usually, the Summer Reading program runs from June 1-August 1, but this year it's only from June 1-July 20th. Again, this year my job is doing a reading challenge where the different work groups are trying to out-read each other. I listen to lots of audiobook, but last year's winner averaged 4-hours a day. I get distracted too easily, so I am not going for the top prize this year. Otherwise, I'm having fun.

      Before I get into today's blog, I should probably warn people. It's a long one. I'll explain later in this blog, but if you want to skim the middle and skip down to the end, I totally understand.

      READ

      • Paw and Order Vol. 1: The Grilled Cheese Caper by Jason Platt - Here is a simple mystery graphic novel perfect for young readers. This spoof introduces readers to all the elements of mystery. Purrlock and Marlowe look for clues and question suspects to solve the mystery of who stole all the sandwiches from the Grilled Cheese Fair. With colorful and dynamic artwork, it is sure to turn even the most reluctant young readers into mystery fans. ★★★★★ CONTENT WARNINGS: Mild language IG Post
      • Enchanted to Meet You by Cara Stout - Imogen doesn't want to get stuck at a job she hates. When her best friend discovers the amusement park Fairytale Gardens is involved with fraudulent charities, Imogen agrees to work undercover as a theme park princess to help expose the park. Tristan's felt no love for his family's theme park since his mother's death. Since his dad can't spare him from prince duty, so he can spend the summer abroad, he's not excited to play a prince. This sweet romance a summer fun, grumpy X sunshine story with a dash of mystery. Toward the middle, it was rough as Imogen was torn between her friend's mission and her growing attraction for Tristian. Overall, it was a fun book to start the summer, especially if you ever thought being a Disney park princess might be fun. ★★★★☆ Listened to on Libby CONTENT WARNINGS: Language, kissing and embraces, LQBTQ+ characters.
      • Ella Minnow Pea: A Novel in Letters by Mark Dunn - When letter titles fall from the pangram inscription on their Nevin Nollop statute, the island council decides Nollop is attempting to give them guidance from beyond. Starting with "Z," letters are banned and dire punishments are implemented for anyone who writes or speaks a word containing those letters. A clever satire with humor and heart as islanders try to maintain normalcy and create a new pangram, while being under tyrannical theocratic rule. Wild and masterfully written in only correspondence, this is an outstanding political commentary. ★★★★★ Read on Libby CONTENT WARNINGS: Theocratic cult-like society, strong language, letters contact descriptions of violence and death, mentions kissing and adult relations.
      • Summer of Sloane by Erin L. Schneider - When Sloane's best friend gets pregnant, she learns that her boyfriend cheated on her. Angry she breaks her now-ex boyfriend's nose and her hand right before she leaves to spend the summer with her mom and stepdad in Hawaii. There she spends time with her summer friends and meets Finn, the wild son of a hotel mogul. Swimming, surfing, and soaking in the sun, Sloane opens herself up to new possibilities, learning that life goes on and things aren't always what they seem. This book is intense, Sloane feels everything intensely and overwhelmingly. Beautifully written, readers feel it too. For me, the long list of content warnings is the only reason it isn't five-stars. ★★★★☆ CONTENT WARNINGS: Strong language, mentions teen s*x and pregnancy, only kissing and embraces are described, underage drinking, panic attacks, and LGBTQ+ characters. IG Post
      • Famous Anonymous by Morgan Baden - When the Rowen Roadies's parents go-out and leave Harper, Sophie, Gus and Luke home alone for the first time without a babysitter, they dress as characters from their favorite videogame and film a funny video. Then Harper's posts it to the social media account, she's not supposed to have, they accidentally become internet famous. However, keeping their famous internet personas secret and staying trending on social media challenges each of these neighbors and their friendship. This book is hilarious and sweet. The messages on friendship and creativity are well woven into the plot. This story is ideal for advanced chapter book readers. ★★★★★ CONTENT WARNINGS: Mild language, child influencers on social media, and LGBTQ+ adult characters, but no romance amongst the kids

        Currently Reading

        • Climbing Rejection Mountain: An Actor's Path to Success, Stability, and Self-Esteem by Nick Wyman, Michael X. Martin
        • Love Unmasked by Becky Dean
        • Snow White with the Red Hair, Vol. 13 by Akiduki Sorata
        • Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver IG Post
        • Only a Monster Vanessa Len
        • Batman: Resurrection by John Jackson Miller
        • The Goodbye Man by Jeffery Deaver

        Checked Out, To Be Read

        • 13 Days of Summer by Stephanie Kate Strohm
        • Hearts Overboard by Becky Dean
        • Just My Luck by Jennifer Honeybourn
        • Bad Influence by Claire Ahn
        • If You Were Here by Abigail Johnson IG Post
        • What the River Knows by Isabel Ibañez
        • Well, That Was Unexpected by Jesse Q. Sutanto
        • Paradise Coast by Suzanne Young
        • Audre & Bash Are Just Friends by Tia Williams
        • The Summer I Remembered Everything by Catherine Con Morse
        • Take a Chance on Me by Elizabeth Eulberg
        • Tell Me Every Lie by Ellen Hagan
        • Supergirl's Family Vacation by Brandon T. Snider
        • Enchanted to Meet You by Cara Stout
        • Not Here to Stay Friends
        • Best Summer Ever by Jesscia Cunsolo
        • Take It from the Top by Claire Swinarski
        • The Summer of Second Chances by K. L. Walther
        • 10 Marchfield Square by Nicola Whyte
        • The Atlas of Us by Kristin Dwyer
        • Seyoon and Dean, Unscripted by Sujin Witherspoon
        • The Wildest Dreams Bookshops by Gracie Page

        In The Reservation Queue

        • Until Next Summer by Allison Ashley
        • Royal Summer by Kass Morgan
        • The Vacation Shift by Lily Chu
        • Stars, Stripes, and Summer Nights by Celeste Dador
        • We've Hit Turbulence by Jessica L. Cozzi
        • Nothing Bad Happens Here by Rachel Ekstrom Courage
        • Meet Me Under the Lights by Cassie Miller
        • Rewind to Us by Molly Morris
        • Change of Plans by Sarah Dessen

        On Hold, To Be Picked Up



        • Love, Cantor, Action by Katie Gilbert
        • The Battle of the Bookshops by Poppy Alexander

        Returned Unread

        • You Were Never Here by Kathleen Peacock - Since this book started with the letter Y, I used it for a monthly spell earlier this year. I've been in a physical book rut, trying to finish Sunrise on the Reaping, but I thought I might enjoy reading this one. Now that that's done. I've found the past few books easier to read.
        • Up in Flames by Hailey Alcaraz - I also used this for a monthly book stack. I kept it for a bit and then returned it when it was due.
        • Portrait of a Thief by Grace D Li- This was a book I stumbled on at the used bookstore and was saved from buying it when I used my library app to check if they owned it. Instead, I borrowed it and didn't have time to read it.
        • Make Time for Creativity: Finding space for your most meaningful work by Brandon Stosuy - I saw this book in a newsletter while I was trying to rediscover my passion for art. I did a few exercises, and it got me doing a little creating.
        • Psychology for Screenwriters: Building conflict into your script by William Indick - This sounded like an interesting writing book, but I didn't have time to read it before it had to be returned.
        • Batman Resurrection by John Jackson Miller - I had to return it, so I promptly put it on hold so I could recheck it out.
        • Rosewood Midsummer Meet Cute by Sayantani DasGupta - All month on Instagram, I have been sharing summer books, because summer reading is one of my favorite times of the year, but as an adult, it doesn't have the same excitement as did as a kid. So, this is something I do to get myself excited for it. All other books checked out and then returned without being read, that were used for it will be labeled 50 First Days of Skai's Summer Reading.
        • Batman Soul of the Dragon (Blu-Ray) - Months ago, when I was watching Grimm, I was curious about other acting roles David Czarra Giuntoli played and I saw that he had voiced Batman in a couple of animated movies. This one was rated R, so I had to find the right time to watch it. I finally watched it. It is The Dark Knight reimagined as a 1970s kung-fu movie. It's cheesy, wild, and far out. No one's written a movie that wild since we discovered the dangers of LSD. Beside the adult language and a bit of graphic violence, I don't think it really needed an R rating.
        • Hearts Overboard by Becky Dean - 50 First Days of Skai's Summer Reading. Read my review here.
        • Just My Luck by Jennifer Honeybourn - 50 First Days of Skai's Summer Reading.
        • 13 Days of Summer by Stephanie Kate Strohm - 50 First Days of Skai's Summer Reading.
        • Bad Influence by Claire Ahn - 50 First Days of Skai's Summer Reading.
        • Last Chance Books by Kelsey Rodkey - 50 First Days of Skai's Summer Reading.
        • What the River Knows by Isabel Ibañez - 50 First Days of Skai's Summer Reading. Read my review here.
        • Emotional Confidence: 3 Simple Steps to Manage Emotions with Science and Scripture by Alicia Michelle - I had been working on improving my stress and fear. This sounded a like beneficial book since it addresses both the natural and supernatural aspects emotions, but I have too many other books I'm reading right now.
        • Well, That Was Unexpected by Jesse Q. Sutanto - 50 First Days of Skai's Summer Reading.
        • The Summer I Remembered Everything by Catherine Con Morse - 50 First Days of Skai's Summer Reading.
        • Audre and Bash Are Just Friends by Tia Williams - 50 First Days of Skai's Summer Reading.
        • Not Here to Stay Friends by Kaitlyn Hill - 50 First Days of Skai's Summer Reading.
        • Best Summer Ever by Jessica Cunsolo - 50 First Days of Skai's Summer Reading.
        • Take It from the Top by Claire Swinarski - 50 First Days of Skai's Summer Reading.
        • Now She's Dead by Roselyn Clarke - 50 First Days of Skai's Summer Reading. IG Post
        This month, I finished reading three physical books. Honestly, it's been taking me so long to finish physical books the past couple of years, that I am proud of that accomplishment. With the other two, one was an audiobook and the other an eBook. Because I am sharing daily books on Instagram, I have been checking out and returning items like crazy. It feels a bit like balancing a checkbook. The books returned have to equal the books checked out. I am finding these daily posts more difficult to do, as I take on more life responsibilities. I wasn't sure I would be able to it, but so far, I've only missed one day. On the following day I posted two, to make up for it. At the end of the summer reading program period, I will have shared 50 summer books. Sharing reviews and bookmail on IG will be a priority again, when this post series finishes.


        I barely have remembered to share my May Reading Wrap-Up over on Instagram this month. I'm working on editing a video for my intended June Hopeful titles, when that's finished, I have also filmed a July's TBR video. I'm working on some ideas to maybe get caught up on my book reviewing, especially since I've been reading more ARCs lately. If you have any suggestions, please leave then in the comments.


        Is the Fanfiction still coming? I will say yes, but I don't know when it will be ready. Also, I'm thinking about putting together an email newsletter, because I suspect I will be making some changes to what I am writing over the next year, and I think a digest newsletter would be a good way keep readers appraised across various different platforms.

        YouTube actually recommended this piece of (song)writing to me the other day. I wrote this song nine years ago; you can check out younger me singing and playing the guitar. I'm blushing just mentioning it. Here is my disclaimer, I only really play the guitar as a hobby and am largely self-taught. I am not a professional guitarist. Here is "White Knight" on YouTube. 



        #LoveYourLibrary

        Thank you, Rebecca for coming up with this blog challenge that encourages me to read and write every month. Check out her blog, Bookish Beck.
        I love making Bookish Friends! Follow me on Instagram Skai_BooksAndBracelets.
        Stay up to date on all reading and reviews by following on Goodreads.
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