My SPOILER ALERT Book Reviews!

📏 The Measure by Nikki Erlick – Book Review “The measure of your life lies within.” Well, buckle up, because apparently it’s a piece of string. 🎁 ⚠️ Spoiler Alert! This review contains FULL SPOILERS , including the ending. If you haven’t read The Measure and want to go in blind (box pun intended),  Grab The Measure on Amazon (affiliate link – supports my late-night blog binges),  bookmark this for later! 📚👀 🚨 Trigger Warnings 🪦 Death (on and off page) 😢 Terminal illness 🚗 Sudden fatal car accident 📉 Discrimination / prejudice 🪖 Military violence 💔 Grief & loss 🧠 Existential dread 📦 Premise vs. Execution: A Life Measured in Inches Let me start by saying: I wanted to love this book . The premise? 💯 Incredible. One day, people over 22 wake up and find a small wooden box on their doorstep. Inside? A string that represents how long they’ll live. No instructions. No explanation. No refunds. 🎁💀 And somehow… no other popular book has tackled this idea?...

  ⭐ 1-Star Review: The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBride 🎭 Historical Fiction meets Mystery, then they forget to text each other back. 📌 Spoiler Warning! This review contains full, detailed spoilers . I'm talking ending, twists, trauma, and the kitchen sink . If you’re planning to read this book and want to stay surprised (and maybe enjoy it more than I did), bookmark this and come back later. Otherwise... let’s dive into the mess. 🕳️💀 📚 Book Overview Title : The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store Author : James McBride Genre : Adult Historical Fiction / Mystery Published : 2023 Rating : ⭐ 1 out of 5 stars Amazon Link : Buy it here if you must 💸 ⚠️ Trigger Warnings 👉 Please be advised that this book contains: Racism / White supremacy Police brutality Sexual assault of a child Institutional abuse Death of a child Anti-Semitism Seizures and medical trauma Murder Animal cruelty (brief) Ableism Misog...

🏚 The Family Remains by Lisa Jewell – A Twisted Sequel That Actually Delivers?! Shocker confession: I didn’t love The Family Upstairs (2.5 stars, meh). But this sequel? Way better. Fewer timelines, tighter plot, and all the delicious fallout from the Cheyne Walk house saga. Did I binge-read this in two sittings? Yes. Did I finally care about Henry, Lucy, and Phin? Also yes. Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5 – color me surprised!) Genre: Psychological thriller / domestic suspense Author: Lisa Jewell Published: 2022 ⚠️ Trigger Warnings (TW) Child abuse & grooming (flashbacks to the Lamb household) Domestic violence & sexual assault (Michael’s treatment of Rachel, Lucy’s abuse) Suicide (Justin’s death) Murder (Birdie’s death, Michael’s death) Obsession/stalking (Henry’s fixation on Phin) 🚨 Spoiler Alert! This is a full-spoiler review – if you haven’t read The Family Remains and plan to, grab it on Amazon here (affiliate link – thanks for fueling m...

🔮 The Teller of Small Fortunes by Julie Leong – Adorable Fantasy, But… Yawn? Confession: I wanted to LOVE this book. The author is Asian American (like me!) and wrote this while her father was battling cancer, so I came in rooting hard for it. But honestly? I found it… kinda boring. Sorry! It was cute, it was endearing, but it just didn’t hook me. Maybe I’ve just overdosed on fantasy lately (not even my fave genre). Rating: ⭐⭐⭐½/5 Genre: YA fantasy / adventure Author: Julie Leong (debut novel!) Published: 2024 ⚠️ Trigger Warnings (TW) Parental death & grief (Tao’s father, Mash’s missing daughter) Child abduction/missing child (Leah’s storyline) Xenophobia / prejudice (Tao faces discrimination) Mild violence & danger (raiders, magical confrontations) Abandonment trauma (Tao’s complicated family dynamics) 🚨 Spoiler Alert! Full plot ahead — I’m spilling EVERYTHING. If you want to read fresh, grab it on Amazon here (affiliate link – h...

🌪 The Antidote by Karen Russell – Dust Storms, Too Many Names & Endless Basketball? First, a personal rant: You know what drives me crazy in books? When one character has, like, 12 different names. It’s already hard enough to keep track of who’s who, but then you toss in nicknames, birth names, assigned names… help me, I’m drowning. Case in point: Zinkála Nuni in this book. She’s also called Lost Bird , then Marguerite E. Fox , then Zintka . At some point, I stopped caring and just called her “Z.” And don’t even get me started on the basketball . I love basketball, sure — but did we need THAT much basketball in a Dust Bowl saga?! Anyway… rant over. Let’s get to the actual review. Rating: ⭐✨☆☆☆ (1.5/5) Genre: Historical fiction / magical realism Author: Karen Russell Published: 2025 ⚠️ Trigger Warnings (TW) This book has some heavy material, so be warned: Murder and wrongful conviction Child loss and parental trauma Violence and gunfire Dust Bowl ...

💥 Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi – Dystopian Drama, Strikethrough Overload, and Touchy Feels Confession time: I was surprised how much I enjoyed this book. Like, genuinely couldn’t put it down. Sure, the strikethroughs were getting absolute ridiculous , and yes, it dragged in spots, but somehow I was invested the entire time. Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5) Genre: YA dystopian fantasy / romance Author: Tahereh Mafi Published: 2011 ⚠️ Trigger Warnings (TW) Heads-up! This book touches on: Physical and emotional abuse Confinement/isolation (hello, padded walls) Child death (Juliette’s backstory) War and torture (Warner is… intense) Government oppression (big dystopian vibes) Spoiler Alert! 🚨 If you don’t want to know EVERY SINGLE THING that happens (including the big twist with Omega Point)… turn back now. Or buy the book first on Amazon here (affiliate link — supports my blog and caffeine addiction). 📖 What’s This Book Even About? Imagine this: The...

😵 Till We Have Faces by C.S. Lewis – Mythology for the Confused (aka Me) Full disclosure: I am hopeless with mythology. Seriously, every time I try to read it, my brain short-circuits. Names blur, gods get cranky, and I’m left wondering if I missed a memo. This book? No exception. But hey, I tried! And I kinda liked it… so let’s dive in. Rating: ⭐⭐⭐✨✩ (3.5/5) Genre: Mythological retelling, fantasy, philosophical Author: C.S. Lewis (yep, Chronicles of Narnia guy – but don’t expect fauns and wardrobes here) Published: 1956 ⚠️ Trigger Warnings (TW) Before we go any further, here are some potential triggers you might want to know: Sacrifice (yep, human kind) Plague, famine, and drought (aka apocalypse starter pack) Parental neglect (daddy issues incoming) Self-loathing (our narrator is harsh on herself) Death of siblings (emotional gut punch) Religious trauma/conflict with the gods (aka the core theme) Spoiler Alert! 🚨 I’m about to spill E...

🕵️‍♀️ Invisible Girl by Lisa Jewell — Full Review + Spoilers “Everyone’s a suspect. Everyone’s got secrets. And no one sees the girl right under their noses.” ⚠️ Trigger Warnings This book dives into some dark territory. Expect: Sexual assault / past child abuse Domestic violence (slapping scene) Infidelity and marital breakdown Self‑harm (cutting) Predatory behavior / grooming Gaslighting and manipulation 📚 Quick Facts Title: Invisible Girl Author: Lisa Jewell Genre: Psychological Thriller / Domestic Suspense Published: 2020 Vibe: Multi‑POV secrets + red herrings + twisty neighborhood drama My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) 🚨 Spoiler Warning This review spills all the twists , including who’s guilty and who’s a red herring (spoiler: it’s not who you think ). 🧩 Plot Summary (FULL SPOILERS) “Valentine’s Day: everything falls apart” Seventeen‑year‑old Saffyre Maddox disappears on Valentine’s Day. She’s a troubled teen with a histo...

🌊 The Night We Lost Him by Laura Dave — Full Review + Spoilers “Family secrets, cliffside drama, and soulmates who refuse to marry each other — yep, this one’s messy.” ⚠️ Trigger Warnings This book touches on several sensitive topics, including: Infidelity and complicated love triangles Death ("accidental" fall, chronic illness) Parental neglect / emotionally distant parent Grief and family dysfunction Domestic arguments and jealousy 📚 Quick Facts Title: The Night We Lost Him Author: Laura Dave Genre: Contemporary Mystery / Family Drama Published: 2024 Vibe: Emotional family saga meets slow-burn mystery My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5) 🚨 Spoiler Warning Major spoilers ahead, including who caused Liam’s death and the big relationship reveals. Proceed if you want the full tea. 🏖️ Plot Summary (FULL SPOILERS) “A cliffside death kicks off a family reckoning” Liam Noone — self‑made real estate mogul, notorious workaholic, and fa...

🧬 The One by John Marrs — Full Review + Spoilers “What if a DNA test could find your soulmate… but ruined your entire life in the process?” ⚠️ Trigger Warnings This book dives into some dark, twisty stuff. Expect: Serial murder + graphic descriptions Infidelity + relationship breakdowns Terminal illness and death Pregnancy + child loss/abduction Corporate corruption and unethical science Violence + manipulation 📚 Quick Facts Title: The One Author: John Marrs Genre: Speculative Fiction / Thriller / Multi‑POV Drama Published: 2017 Premise: A DNA test guarantees finding your soulmate… but at what cost? My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) 🚨 Spoiler Warning Major twists ahead (including THAT ending). If you want the suspense intact, stop here and grab the book first! 🧬 Plot Summary (FULL SPOILERS) “What if love was in your genes?” The One follows five different people whose lives are changed by Match Your DNA , a company claiming it ca...

💚 The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid — Full Review + Spoilers “Old Hollywood secrets, forbidden love, and seven husbands later… I finally get why everyone’s obsessed.” ⚠️ Trigger Warnings Before diving in, here’s what you should know: Abuse/domestic violence (emotional + physical) Closeted queer relationships and homophobia Death of loved ones (illness + accident) Suicide (end-of-life choice) Alcohol abuse Infidelity + sham marriages 📚 Quick Facts Title: The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo Author: Taylor Jenkins Reid Genre: Historical Fiction / LGBTQ+ Romance / Mystery Published: 2017 Vibe: Old Hollywood glitz meets heartbreaking confessions My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.5/5) 🚨 Spoiler Warning This review contains full plot details (including Evelyn’s big reveal and Monique’s connection). If you want to be surprised, stop here and add to TBR — otherwise, grab your tissues and keep scrolling. 🎬 Plot Summary (...

  🎻 The Violin Conspiracy by Brendan Slocumb — Full Review + Spoilers “When your priceless violin goes missing… and everyone’s a suspect.” ⚠️ Trigger Warnings This book tackles some heavy and intense topics, including: Racism and racial discrimination (in classical music + daily life) Family greed and exploitation Police profiling Death of a grandparent Theft, betrayal, and manipulation Financial and emotional abuse 📚 Quick Facts Title: The Violin Conspiracy Author: Brendan Slocumb Genre: Mystery / Contemporary / Music Fiction Published: 2022 (Debut Novel) Vibe: Classical music meets family drama + whodunit vibes My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐1/2 (3.5 out of 5) 🚨 Spoiler Warning Full plot details below (including who stole the violin!). If you want to go in blind, stop here and grab the book first. 🎶 Plot Summary (FULL SPOILERS) “Practice, practice, practice… and racism.” Ray McMillian, a talented Black violinist, is preparing for the Tchaikovsky...

💔 After I Do by Taylor Jenkins Reid – Full Review + Spoilers “What happens when love runs out… and you’ve still got a marriage license?” ⚠️ Trigger Warnings Before we dive in, be aware this book includes: Infidelity (emotional + physical) Mentally abusive behaviors (verbal fights, gaslighting moments) Separation + marital conflict Death of a grandparent Grief and loneliness 📚 Quick Facts Title: After I Do Author: Taylor Jenkins Reid Published: 2014 Genre: Contemporary Romance / Women’s Fiction Vibe: Messy relationships, family drama, “will they/won’t they” tension Rating (My Take): ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5) 🚨 Spoiler Alert! Full plot details below (including the ending). If you want to be surprised, maybe stop here and add it to your TBR first. 👀 📝 Plot Summary (FULL SPOILERS) “We Lost the Car and Also Our Marriage” Lauren and Ryan’s love story starts out dreamy — college sweethearts, Yosemite proposal, cute apartment vibes. Flash for...

🚐 Blue Highways by William Least Heat-Moon – Full Review + Spoilers “Sometimes the best way forward is to take the roads everyone else forgot.” ⚠️ Trigger Warnings Before you pack your bags for this road trip, note that Blue Highways touches on: Infidelity (author’s wife leaves him for another man) Job loss & depression Alcohol use Loneliness & existential reflection (aka midlife crisis vibes) Some racial slurs/dated terms (context of small‑town America in the late 1970s) 📚 Quick Facts Title: Blue Highways: A Journey into America Author: William Least Heat‑Moon Published: 1982 Genre: Travelogue / Memoir Tone: Reflective, humorous, philosophical Rating (My Take): ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) 🚨 Spoiler Alert! This section dives into full plot details, including the ending . If you want to keep the surprises of Heat‑Moon’s journey intact, bookmark this review and return later. 🛣️ What is Blue Highways About? At its heart, Blue Hig...