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Paperback Wanderings
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The Mysterious Affair at Styles Review
The Mysterious Affair at Styles by Agatha Christie The Mysterious Affair (3/5 stars) at Styles marks the debut of Agatha Christie’s legendary detective, Hercule Poirot, and while it’s a notable introduction to one of the most iconic figures in detective fiction, I personally struggled to get into this one. I probably stopped and started this book three or four times before finally finishing it. I’m not sure exactly why—it has all the hallmarks of classic Christie: a locked-

Niki DeLeon
Mar 11, 20251 min read


The Secret Garden Review
The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett The Secret Garden (4.25/5 stars) is one of those timeless classics that manages to feel both magical and deeply human no matter when you return to it. I first read this book when I was around 11 or 12, and it held a special place in my heart even then. After reading Weyward last year—where The Secret Garden is referenced several times—I felt inspired to revisit it, and I’m so glad I did. Reading it again as an adult brought a who

Niki DeLeon
Mar 10, 20252 min read


The Nighingale Review
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah The Nightingale (5/5 stars) is one of those rare novels that leaves a permanent mark on your heart. Kristin Hannah masterfully brings to life the often-overlooked stories of women during World War II, delivering a narrative that is both sweeping and deeply personal. This book isn’t just about war—it’s about courage, survival, sacrifice, and the enduring power of love. I chose this book because it had been on my TBR for a while. I was absolut

Niki DeLeon
Mar 9, 20252 min read


In the Picture Review
In the Picture by Ellie Blackbourne In the Picture (2.5/5 stars) had an intriguing premise and a charming setting, but ultimately, it fell a bit flat for me. While there were moments that showed potential—glimpses of wit, emotional insight, and an appealing cozy tone—the overall execution left me wanting more. I chose this book because it was another clean Stuff Your Kindle Day romance pick. The pacing was uneven, and I struggled to stay fully engaged throughout. The plot too

Niki DeLeon
Mar 5, 20251 min read


The Road Review
The Road by Cormac McCarthy "Keep a little fire burning; however small, however hidden." There are books that tell stories, and then...

Justin DeLeon
Feb 27, 20252 min read


Endurance: Shackleton's Incredible Voyage Review
Endurance: Sheckleton's Incredible Voyage by Alfred Lansing “It had been 497 days since they had last set foot on solid ground.” Some...

Justin DeLeon
Feb 27, 20252 min read


Starter Villian Review
Starter Villain by John Scalzi "Sounds risky."I’M A CAT, I CAN HANDLE RISK. WORST-CASE SCENARIO IS I LOSE EVERYTHING AND I STILL GET FED...

Justin DeLeon
Feb 27, 20252 min read


The Perfect Run Review
The Perfect Run by Maxime J. Durand "This is my world. And in my world, I cheat." Some books are meant to be devoured, not dissected—and...

Justin DeLeon
Feb 27, 20252 min read


Book of Night Review
Book of Night by Holly Black "I am a good enough thief to steal a shadow from a tower," she told him. "I can steal back your heart."...

Justin DeLeon
Feb 27, 20253 min read


The Way of Kings Review
The Way of Kings (The Stormlight Archive) by Brandon Sanderson "Life before Death. Strength before Weakness. Journey before Destination."...

Justin DeLeon
Feb 27, 20253 min read


Piranesi Review
Piranesi by Susanna Clarke “I wander the corridors not in search of escape, but to understand the beauty hidden within solitude.” Susanna...

Justin DeLeon
Feb 27, 20253 min read


Hooked Review
Hooked by A.C. Wise "Once invited, always welcome. Once invited, never free." A.C. Wise’s Hooked takes the familiar world of Peter Pan...

Justin DeLeon
Feb 27, 20252 min read


The First Minute Review
The First Minute by Chris Fenning Chris Fenning’s The First Minute is a slim but practical guide to improving workplace communication by...

Justin DeLeon
Feb 27, 20252 min read


Happy Place Review
Happy Place by Emily Henry Happy Place (4/5 stars) is a beautifully layered novel that dives deep into love, grief, friendship, and the often-messy intersections between them. Emily Henry once again delivers a story that makes you feel everything—sometimes all at once. I found myself sobbing through chapters, only to be laughing out loud just a few pages later. That emotional whiplash is part of what makes her writing so powerful. I chose this book because I was needing a g

Niki DeLeon
Feb 25, 20252 min read


Beg, Borrow, or Steal Review
Beg, Borrow, or Steal by Sarah Adams I chose this book because it was a New Release in January 2025. Beg, Borrow, or Steal by Sarah Adams (4.5/5 stars) is a heartwarming and emotionally rich story that blends romance, vulnerability, and humor in a way that feels both genuine and unforgettable. Jack was an absolute standout. His charisma, depth, and quiet wisdom made him one of the most memorable book boyfriends I’ve read in a while. One of my favorite moments came when he sa

Niki DeLeon
Feb 18, 20252 min read


Tress of the Emerald Sea Review
Tress of the Emerald Sea by Brandon Sanderson Tress of the Emerald Sea made me feel like I was reading the adult and more fantasy version of Series of Unfortunate Events. It was an absolute delight in its un-delightfulness from the beginning. I chose this book because Justin has been trying to get me to read Brandon Sanderson for over a year now and this book actually popped up on one of my challenges - so I gave into peer pressure. Summary: Tress lived on a rock in the mi

Niki DeLeon
Feb 15, 20253 min read


Christmas Every Day Review
Christmas Every Day by Beth Moran Christmas Every Day hit me right in the feels. I don't know if a book if has ever left me feeling so connected to a character before as much as Jenny. I chose this book because Beth Moran is a Kindle Unlimited author that I have read in the past and really enjoyed. Summary: Jenny finds herself living in the middle of the forest in her former grandmother's home, knowing no one and unpacking her family's past. As she finds herself for the fir

Niki DeLeon
Feb 15, 20253 min read


Just Write for Me Book Review
Just Write for Me by Amy Edsanders Just Write for Me left me with strong feelings of nostalgia and comfort while reading. I chose this...

Niki DeLeon
Jan 19, 20253 min read


The Banned Books Club Review
The Banned Books Club by Brenda Novak The Banned Books Club (4/5 stars) was one of those books that became difficult to put down once I started, yet somehow managed to leave me with a strong sense of finality when I reached the end. I picked it up after Justin and I visited Hyperbole Bookstore in College Station the day after Christmas, and I began reading it almost immediately—always a good sign. At its core, this is a deeply layered and emotionally complex story. Gia retu

Niki DeLeon
Jan 15, 20253 min read


Storm Front Review
Storm Front (The Dresden Files #1) by Jim Butcher Storm Front (4.25/5stars) has officially given me a new wizard series to obsess over. It will never replace Harry Potter —my millennial heart simply won’t allow it—but it’s running a very close second. I went into this book with fairly low expectations, especially as someone still easing into fantasy outside of the HP universe, and I was genuinely surprised by how much I loved it. I picked this one up after Justin casually me

Niki DeLeon
Jan 12, 20252 min read
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