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Bodaciously True & Totally Awesome: Episode I, Bad Boy By Chris Orcutt

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Dust off your Walkman, grab your Trapper Keeper, and race home to watch MTV. If you know what I’m talking about, then you are going to love the first installment of a 9 book series by Chris Orcutt titled Bodaciously True & Totally Awesome: Episode 1, Bad Boy. This trip down memory lane to 1986 is totally righteous and anything but bogus.

Book cover of 'Bodaciously True & Totally Awesome: Episode 1, Bad Boy' by Chris Orcutt, featuring a vintage cassette tape with the title prominently displayed.

4/5 stars ★★★★☆

From the publisher: “Coming-of-age and teen romance collide in a bodacious and authentic journey through the 1980s…”

Published on: January 20, 2026

Pages: 386

Genres: Coming-of-age, historical fiction, romance

If you would like to read more about this book: https://amzn.to/4b8BXKv

What I Liked About Bodaciously True & Totally Awesome:

Nostalgia:

I can’t think of a better time to be a teenager than in the 80s (other than the 50s maybe), and this book brings back all of the nostalgia from that time period. This is the first book of nine installments that brings back the memories of making mixtapes for your friends, and living with parents who smoked all of the time.

I laughed at the memory of answering the home rotary phone in one room, running to your bedroom to lift the receiver in your room, and then running back to the other room to hang up the other receiver. It brought back memories of my sister listening in on my phone calls, my mom getting on the line to tell me to go to bed, and then screening my calls once we got an answering machine.If you can’t relate to any of this, then this probably isn’t the book for you. If these moments ring true for you, Orcutt’s novel will be a total blast!

A vintage rotary phone on a white background.
A classic rotary phone, reminiscent of the 1980s.

Playlist:

One of the book’s most brilliant features is the music playlist built right into the story. Orcutt scores each chapter with iconic 80s hits that serve as a clever ‘soundtrack’ for the plot. Instead of just reading the lyrics, I actually sang them to the tune in my head! It was so much fun to treat each song like a puzzle, hunting for hints about what would happen next. Tell me, which 80s song always gets you singing along?

A vibrant pink cassette tape labeled 'Madonna' from the 1980s, resting on a wooden surface with blurred vintage audio equipment in the background.

The Characters:

Avery “Ace” Craig is your normal teenage boy. What I enjoy about his character is that he smart and respectful. He may be “hunky,” but his newfound status of “good-looking” among the girls happens almost overnight. I remember when I came back to school in the 10th grade and all of a sudden, the guys were taller than me and had muscles! It was the strangest thing. Avery is shocked by all of the girls’ attention, as well.

Since this is a coming-of-age story, you get the down and dirty mind of a teenage boy also. This is definitely not a young adult book that I would recommend to my students. This book is SPICY! I actually had to ask my husband if this is truly how a teenage boy’s mind works. I’ll let you guess what he said.

There is a wide range of female characters also. They are pretty common of what you would see in any normal high school. The sweet, the slutty, the smart, the shy, and the scrupulous. I wonder which character you are going to cheer for when it comes to who is best for Avery?

The Parts of Bodaciously True…That Made Me Laugh:

** “He stuffed his sweater in his bag and walked into her tiny classroom. Across the room, Miss Shipley sat on her desk with her legs crossed. She was correcting a stack of papers with a red pen.”

Why did this make me laugh? After teaching for 32 years, I can honestly say that I never sat on my desk to grade papers. It also cracked me up because at that time, everything was graded with a red pen. It was about the 2000s when it also became “outlawed” to grade with a red pen. We didn’t want to hurt the students’ feelings. 😉

** “Avery checked the mailbox, hoping the tapes he’d ordered from the Columbia House Record and Tape Club had arrived, but the box was empty.”

I can almost smell the cardboard box that those tapes came in. The exhilaration you felt when you saw the box in the mail was like no other. Oh, and in the book, Avery uses that company to get back at someone else. So funny, but you are going to have to read the book to find out what happened.

My Rating:

I enjoyed reading this book. I can’t wait to read the next installment when it comes out in April. It’s a lot of spice (if that bothers you, don’t read it), a lot of humor, and very relatable. I wish the first book had ended in a different way, but it helps to know the next one will be out soon. This is why I gave it four out of five stars.

Where to Buy This Book and More

Purchase Bodaciously True & Totally Awesome: Episode I, Bad Boy

Looking for more coming-of-age stories?

If you enjoyed this trip down memory lane, I highly recommend these titles:

  1. Catch the Sun by Jennifer Hartmann | Buy on Amazon
  2. Influenced by Sara Darer Littman and Cindy L. Otis | Buy on Amazon
  3. The Academy by Elin Hilderbrand and Shelby Cunningham | Buy on Amazon

Disclosure: Thank you to NetGalley and Chris Orcutt for providing a free copy of this book. This is my honest opinion. To learn more about the author (who is a great communicator!), visit his official website.

Leave a Comment:

What is your favorite 80s song or a specific memory from that era? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!

The 20 Best Books I Read in 2025: A Year in Review

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They say we aren’t the same person we were a year ago, and looking back at my 2025 bookshelf, I have the receipts to prove it. Over the last twelve months, I’ve traveled through centuries, lived many lives, and gained new perspectives. Out of all the books I devoured this year, these 20 titles changed how I see the world. If you’re looking for your next obsession, these are the stories that earned a permanent spot in my mind. What are the 20 best books that I read in 2025? Read on to find out!

An open book displaying 'My Top 20 Books of 2025' with a stack of illustrated books, accompanied by a steaming cup and glasses on a wooden table.

The Order of the 20 Best Books:

Many were published in 2025, and some from years ago. They are not in any certain ranking order. I’ve mainly listed these in reverse chronological order, starting with my most recent read and working back to the beginning of the year. First you’ll see the chart, and then you can scroll for the explanations and review links.

#TitleAuthorGenre
1TwiceMitch AlbomContemporary Fiction
2Heart the LoverLily KingComing-of-Age
3Falling Apart and Other Gifts…Catherine Ryan HydeContemporary Fiction
4Living ProofTiffany Graham CharkovskyMemoir / Health
5Life, and Death, and GiantsRon RindoCultural Fiction
6Motty’s VowDiane Wahn ShottonHistorical Fiction
7The Last AssignmentErika RobuckHistorical Biographical
8Fast, Feast, RepeatGin StephensNon-Fiction / Health
9In the Veins of the DrowningKalie CassidyRomantasy
10Michael Without ApologyCatherine Ryan HydeContemporary Fiction
11Darling GirlsSally HepworthPsychological Thriller
12The GhostwriterJulie ClarkSuspense / Thriller
13My FriendsFredrik BackmanContemporary Fiction
14Promise Me SunshineCara BastoneContemporary Romance
15The WriterJ. Patterson & J.D. BarkerMystery / Thriller
16Hold StrongRobert Dugoni, et al.WWII Historical Fiction
17The FavoritesLayne FargoContemporary Fiction
18The Girl Goes HomeDorian BoxCrime Thriller
19The River is WaitingWally LambLiterary Fiction
20The River’s DaughterBridget CrockerMemoir

My List From 2025:

  1. Twice by Mitch Albom
Book cover of 'Twice' by Mitch Albom featuring a silhouette of a couple by the water on a blue gradient background with the text 'a novel' and 'What if you got to do everything in your life—again?'

  • You can buy it at: https://amzn.to/4qPskVz
  • My review: https://judiholst.com/exploring-mitch-alboms-twice-a-life-reimagined/
  • My why: This book is incredibly creative. Albom teaches us that living a “perfect life” might not be worth living at all. Even though this book had some “magical” qualities to it, the character of Alfie is extremely relatable. You learn his hopes, flaws, yearnings, and aspirations. You can’t help but love his character.
  • Pages: 320

2. Heart the Lover by Lily King

Cover of the book 'Heart the Lover' by Lily King, featuring an orange background with graphic illustrations of eyes and flowers.

3. Falling Apart and Other Gifts from the Universe by Catherine Ryan Hyde

Book cover of 'Falling Apart and Other Gifts from the Universe' by Catherine Ryan Hyde featuring two individuals in a field of sunflowers under a cloudy sky.

4. Living Proof: How Love Defied Genetic Legacy by Tiffany Graham Charkovsky

Book cover of 'Living Proof: How Love Defied Genetic Legacy' by Tiffany Graham Charkovsky featuring a woman in a red dress with her head turned, against a light green background.

5. Life, and Death, and Giants by Ron Rindo

Book cover of 'Life, and Death, and Giants' by Ron Rindo, featuring a silhouette of a giant against a natural landscape.

6. Motty’s Vow: A Novel of Family, Duty, and Resilience by Diane Wahn Shotton

Cover of 'Motty's Vow' featuring a girl in historical attire holding thread and scissors, with an American flag and a farmhouse in the background.

  • You can buy it at: https://amzn.to/3LplxD7
  • My why: I don’t like the cover, but the book was great. It is a powerful story, and every single character was well-written. I love a great historical fiction book, and this was an interesting one that takes place during the Civil War.
  • Pages: 391

7. The Last Assignment by Erika Robuck

A book cover for 'The Last Assignment' by Erika Robuck, featuring helicopters flying over a tropical landscape. The title and author's name are prominently displayed, with a gold accent at the top.

8. Fast, Feast, Repeat: The Comprehensive Guide to Delay, Don’t Deny Intermittent Fasting by Gin Stephens

Cover of the book 'Fast. Feast. Repeat.' by Gin Stephens, featuring a fork and knife graphic.

  • You can buy it at: https://amzn.to/3LIxnZ6
  • My why: This is the best book I have read on intermittent fasting, and I have read many. Stephens breaks down intermittent fasting in such easy terms. I also like that she explained the “why” of each part of the process.
  • Pages: 352

9. In the Veins of the Drowning (The Siren Mage, #1) by Kalie Cassidy

Book cover for 'In the Veins of the Drowning' by Kalie Cassidy, featuring a dramatic blue and black design with swirling golden decorations.

10. Michael Without Apology by Catherine Ryan Hyde

Cover of the book 'Michael Without Apology' by Catherine Ryan Hyde, featuring a silhouetted child holding a sparkler against a twilight background.

11. Darling Girls by Sally Hepworth

Book cover of 'Darling Girls' by Sally Hepworth, featuring the title in bold white letters over a blue swimming pool, with the tagline 'Revenge is sweet...' and quotes from publications.

  • You can buy it at: https://amzn.to/3YAFY31
  • My why: When you are looking for a good psychological thriller, always turn to Sally Hepworth. I read this in one day, which is rare. The story line is disturbing, but that was what made it so interesting.
  • Pages: 368

12. The Ghostwriter by Julie Clark

Book cover for 'The Ghostwriter' by Julie Clark, featuring a partially burnt page with flames in the background.

13. My Friends by Frederik Backman

Book cover of 'My Friends' by Fredrik Backman, featuring three people swimming underwater, with a vibrant blue background and bold white text.

14. Promise Me Sunshine by Cara Bastone

Book cover of 'Promise Me Sunshine' by Cara Bastone, featuring two people looking at a sunset by the water, with a peace symbol in the foreground.

15. The Writer by James Patterson and J.D. Barker

Book cover for 'The Writer' by James Patterson and J.D. Barker featuring a woman in sunglasses against a red background with gold text.

16. Hold Strong by Robert Dugoni, Jeff Langholz, and Chris Crabtree

Book cover of 'Hold Strong' by Robert Dugoni, featuring a sunset over the ocean with a sailboat in the foreground.

17. The Favorites by Layne Fargo

Cover of the novel 'The Favorites' by Layne Fargo, featuring a dramatic and artistic design that hints at themes of scandal and obsession.

18. The Girl Goes Home (Emily Colby, #4) by Dorian Box

Book cover of 'The Girl Goes Home' by Dorian Box, featuring a dark road leading to a bright light with trees framing the scene, and the title prominently displayed at the top.

19. The River is Waiting by Wally Lamb

The book cover for 'The River is Waiting' by Wally Lamb, featuring serene lake and sky imagery with a stylized title and a note indicating it is part of Oprah's Book Club 2025.

  • You can buy it at: https://amzn.to/4sK0OL6
  • My review: https://judiholst.com/emotional-journey-in-the-river-is-waiting-by-wally-lamb/
  • My why: I love to read books about prison life! This book makes you feel all of the feels. One minute it’s gut-wrenching and the next it is hopeful. It is like taking an insider’s tour of an American prison, and you wish you could escape it. I believe Lamb balanced characters well. He not only included the inmates but also portrayed the COs and the people that work inside a prison effectively.
  • Pages: 480

20. The River’s Daughter: A Memoir by Bridget Crocker

Cover of 'The River's Daughter' by Bridget Crocker featuring a small boat on dark blue water with the title and author's name prominently displayed.

Closing Thoughts On My Best 20 Books of the Year:

Looking back at these 20 titles, I realize that my “2025 self” was shaped by the stories I chose to let in. Some taught me about resilience in the face of history, others made me rethink how I care for my body, and a few simply gave me a place to hide when the world felt too loud.

Books are more than just ink on paper (or electronic in my case); they are the “receipts” of where we’ve been and who we are becoming. As I clear off my Kindle to make room for my 2026 reading list, I’d love to hear from you.

Let’s talk books in the comments:

  • Which of these titles have you read?
  • Do you have a “must-read” recommendation for me to start the new year?
  • What was the one book that changed your perspective in 2025?

Happy reading, and here’s to another year of great stories!

On a Side Note – Do You Need Help Sleeping?

Can I just tell you about my new favorite product this year? It has saved my sleep and my sanity! Every night I was waking up between 2-4 am, and I COULD NOT fall back to sleep. I would read my Kindle, I would pray, I would sing songs, and I would take deep breaths. I couldn’t shut my mind off. I finally realized it was just too quiet, and I needed something to lull me back to sleep. I bought one of these the other day, and it has saved me! I use it as a sleep mask while I play “deep sleep music” on YouTube through my phone. This is so comfortable! I am a side sleeper, and this is incredibly comfortable. You can even wear it while you are working out. I now own three because they are cheap, and I can change them out throughout the week. I highly recommend it.

Check it out: https://amzn.to/4qshTr7

What Comes Next By Caitlin Forbes

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If you knew you had a 50/50 chance of inheriting a genetic disease, would you want to know? What Comes Next by Caitlin Forbes is an emotional roller coaster that makes you want to hug your sister, pet your dog, and wonder if it’s better to hide from the truth or not.

Cover of the novel 'What Comes Next' by Caitlin Forbes, featuring two silhouetted figures walking a dog on a beach during sunset.

4/5 stars ★★★★☆

From the publisher: An empowering and heartfelt novel about the complexities of family, the power of sisterhood, and the bravery it takes to choose happiness when all seems lost.

Published on: October 14, 2025

Pages: 317

Genres: Women’s Fiction, Contemporary Romance, Drama, Coming-Of-Age 2.0

If you would like to read more about What Comes Next: https://amzn.to/4qJjRDj

What I Liked About What Comes Next:

A Weighted Decision:

If you have ever been faced with the decision of whether to have a genetics test performed, you will be able to relate to this story. Believe me, it isn’t an easy decision, and the outcome can change the rest of your life.

When Alex, in her twenties, finds out that her estranged mother died from Huntington’s disease, she and her sister, Meredith, must make the decision as to whether to be tested for it or not. Huntington’s disease causes the nerves in your brain cells to decay leading to severe disability and then fatality. Would you want to know if you inherited this disease? Alex and her sister make a pact to wait three months until they make this decision.

Sister’s Edition:

Since I have two sisters, I love reading about sibling relationships. I like how the characters of Alex and Meredith are polar opposites. Yet, they couldn’t be closer. Forbes does a wonderful job of showing how their relationship works through the trying times.

Romance and the Four-Legged Star:

I enjoyed the romance part of the story when Alex reconnects with an old flame named Nathan. With this story line, Nathan’s beautiful dog needs training. Guess who used to own a dog-training business? I loved reading about how Alex tries to train the dog to help the pup from being euthanized after biting another person. I actually learned a lot from her training techniques.

Although this book deals with some heavy issues, it is also a story of hope. Forbes shows that life can be messy in your twenties, but there is always light within that time. This would make a great book for your next book club.

My Favorite Quotes From What Comes Next:

“You let me be every version of myself, even the parts that I struggle to like. You show me that it’s okay to be every version. And I believe in us, even when you can’t.”

My Take: You know you have found your “person” when you can be every version of yourself. You need to find someone who believes in you, even when it is your messiest self.

“Being at risk never gets easy. It’s never okay. But one day, you wake up, and it’s just part of your life. You breathe in and out, and the risk is there, and that is simply (and not so simply) your life. And maybe you’ll live differently and maybe you won’t, and either way, that’s cool. That’s up to you. It’s your life. You get to choose. Just like anybody else.”

My Take: When you learn you are at risk of a genetic disease, you almost become a hypochondriac. Anything that happens to your body, you assume it’s your body telling you that “it’s time.” But then you need to tell yourself, it’s up to you how you are going to react. Forbes beautifully illustrates that while we can’t always choose our DNA, we can choose how we live with it.

Where To Buy This Book and More:

If you liked this book and also enjoy reading about sister bonds, then I would recommend:

Thank you to NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing, and Caitlin Forbes for my free copy. This is my honest opinion.

To read more about Caitlin Forbes: https://caitlinforbes.mykajabi.com/

Leave a Comment:

If you were in Alex and Meredith’s shoes, would you choose to take the genetic test right away, or would you prefer to live in the dark for a while? I’d love to hear your perspective in the comments!

Exploring Mitch Albom’s ‘Twice’: A Life Reimagined

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Think about the biggest mistake you’ve ever made. If you could go back and change that moment, would you? Mitch Albom has spent decades teaching us about life through hits like Tuesdays With Morrie and my personal favorite, The Five People You Meet in Heaven. In his newest novel, Twice, he shows us that a ‘perfect’ life might not be a life worth living at all. To be honest, this has officially taken the top spot as my favorite Albom book.

Cover of the novel 'Twice' by Mitch Albom, featuring a silhouette of a couple embracing against a blue water background, with reflective text.

5/5 stars ★★★★★

From the publisher: 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.

Published on: October 7, 2025

Pages: 368

If you would like to read more about Twice: https://amzn.to/3YGpMgm

What I Liked About Twice:

I normally don’t like these kind of books. If I see anything related to reliving your life, I usually won’t read the book. The same goes for movies about changing events by going back in time. That being said, I loved this book. Alfie, the main character, has the ability to live any moment of his life twice. Sounds great, right? Except, he has to live with the results of his second attempt, no matter what. If he goes back in time to even a year ago, he has to relive that whole year over. Isn’t that an intriguing story idea? It was so creative. Does this work with his love life too? You have to read the book to find out!

Even though this book had some “magical” qualities to it, the character of Alfie is extremely relatable. You learn his hopes, flaws, yearnings, and aspirations. You can’t help but love his character.

I enjoyed how Albom presented the story also. We meet Alfie because he has been arrested for supposedly cheating at a casino. While he is being interviewed, we learn about his life and how he gained this gift of “Twice.” The book has some tear-jerker moments as Alfie explains his story. It helps to keep the reader engaged.

This was such a good book, and I highly recommend it.

My Favorite Quotes From Twice:

“There are years you think about for moments, and moments you think about for years.”

I hope to live my life from here on out living those moments that I will think about for years. When I’m trying to decide if I want to do something, I like to think about this quote now.

“It always felt strange to leave a building where someone had just died and suddenly be in sunshine, wind tickling your face. Did the world forget us so quickly? Or did it never take much notice in the first place.”

If you have ever experienced the loss of a loved one, you will understand this quote. It feels surreal that the world keeps revolving, while you feel like it is standing still. It almost makes you angry that everyone isn’t mourning with you.

Where To Buy This Book and More:

Thank you to NetGalley, Harper, and Mitch Albom for my free copy. This is my honest opinion.

To read more about Mitch Albom: https://www.mitchalbom.com/home/

Think about: If you were given the gift of ‘Twice,’ is there one specific moment in your life you’d be brave enough to relive, knowing you had to live with the second result no matter what?

Heart The Lover by Lily King

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This is easily one of my top favorite reads of 2025! I didn’t want Heart the Lover by Lily King to end. It’s a book where you feel all the feels: full of love, friendship, tragedy, and family. I will be recommending this book for a long time.

Book cover of '_Heart the Lover_' by Lily King featuring an orange background with stylized eyes and a flower design, showcasing the title and author's name.

5/5 stars ★★★★★

From the publisher: INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

“Lily King has written another masterpiece. This book overflows with her brilliance and her heart. We are so lucky.” —Emma Straub, New York Times bestselling author of This Time Tomorrow

From the New York Times bestselling author of Writers & Lovers comes a magnificent and intimate new novel of desire, friendship, and the lasting impact of first love.

Published on: September 30, 2025

Pages: 256

To read more about the book: https://amzn.to/4q9qu1s

What I Liked About Heart the Lover:

I love stories about first love, and this one takes you right back. We follow ‘Jordan’ (as her friends call her) from her heady college days with Sam and Yash to her life as a mother 25 years later. King’s characterization is so masterful that I felt like I knew them personally. Now that it’s over, I feel a bit lost. Is it weird that I’m not ready to ‘meet’ new characters yet? Yes, I loved the book that much.

It’s a short book. If you are looking for an intense, edge-of-your-seat book, then this book isn’t for you. This is the kind of book where you cozy up with a blanket by the the fire. It was a nostalgic book for me, especially the first half.

I highly recommend this book. It was even recommended for a Goodreads Choice Award for 2025.

Favorite Quote:

“A great novel, a truly great one, not only captures a particular fictional experience, it alters and intensifies the way you experience your own life while you’re reading it. And it preserves it like a time capsule.”

When someone asks me what a book is about, I don’t always remember. But I can tell you how it made me feel. I can picture where I was when I was reading it. Sometimes, it helps to preserve the memories that were going on in my life at the moment. It’s why books are truly special.

Where To Buy This Book and More:

Thank you to NetGalley, Grove Press, and Lily King for my free copy. This is my honest opinion.

To read more about Lily King: https://lilykingbooks.com/

What is a book that ‘altered or intensified’ the way you looked at your own life?

Nash Falls by David Baldacci

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Can a successful investment banker become a ruthless fugitive and outwit the FBI and international criminals in order to save his daughter? Would YOU be able to give up everything to do so? The question of how far a parent will go is the core of David Baldacci’s latest, Nash Falls, a thriller that trades the boardroom for the battleground.

Cover of the thriller book 'Nash Falls' by David Baldacci, featuring bold white text on a red background and an illustration of a falling figure wrapped in police tape.

4/5 stars ★★★★☆

From the publisher: When Walter Nash is recruited by the FBI to help bring down a global crime network his life is turned completely upside down in this thriller from #1 New York Times bestselling author David Baldacci.

Published on: November 11, 2025

To read more about the book: https://amzn.to/4589gJE

Pages: 448

What I Liked About Nash Falls:

What I loved most is how Nash Falls takes a common man, Walter Nash, and executes a brutal transformation, turning him into a cold-blooded ‘hero.’ This profound shift fuels the fast pace, making it impossible not to cheer on Nash throughout his ordeal.

I like thinking about the theme of sacrifice. How far would someone go to save a loved one? It was really the sub-plot and characters that made this book more interesting for me. “Shock” is easily my favorite character in the book. Loyalty means a lot to me, and Shock exhibited his loyalty until the very end. From a coach’s standpoint, Shock knew the meaning of pushing someone to find their inner core. He set out to teach Nash how to be resourceful and find his true grit.

The only downfall of this book for me was that it has a cliffhanger ending. It is such a long book, but this left me somewhat disappointed. The good news is that the 2nd book will be published on April 14th, 2026.

The beginning is a slow burn, and the ending is a cliffhanger, but the middle makes it worth the read.

Where To Buy This Book and More:

Thank you to NetGalley, Grand Central Publishing, and David Baldacci for my free copy. This is my honest opinion.

To read more about David Baldacci: https://www.davidbaldacci.com/

Comment below: Walter Nash was forced to completely abandon his identity to survive. If your life was suddenly erased and you had to reinvent yourself entirely, what is the first new skill you would master?

Return of the Spider by James Patterson

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Do you ever wondered what Alex Cross was like before he became the legendary profiler we know today? I am a big fan of the Alex Cross series, and Return of the Spider by James Patterson was such a fun read. This book is #34 in the series. It is the prequel, and it takes back to the days when John and Alex are just starting out as partners. It also takes us back to when they first came across Gary Soneji, the serial killer. It has been so long since I first read Along Came a Spider, #1 in the series, so I loved reading about how it all started.

Book cover of 'Return of the Spider' by James Patterson, featuring dramatic typography and a shadowy silhouette.

4/5 stars ★★★★☆

From the publisher: Return of the Spider is the stunning companion novel to Along Came a Spider, the New York Times bestselling classic thriller from the world’s most popular storyteller.

Enter the thrilling world of the #1 bestselling detective series that inspired the Prime Video show, Cross.

Published on: November 17, 2025

You can read more about it: https://amzn.to/44scI1z

What I Like About Return of the Spider:

The book starts out in present day when Alex Cross is the current badass that we see in all of the previous books. The main part of the book takes us back to when Alex is just starting out as a rookie. I like reading how he would question himself. It’s a good reminder that we all start somewhere.

My favorite part of the book is reading about his first wife, Maria. For long-time fans, seeing Maria again is bittersweet, but for new readers, it’s a beautiful introduction to Alex’s roots. They have their son, Damon, and Maria is still pregnant with Jannie. It is fun to read about their relationship before Bree enters the picture many years later. I’m sure that being married to a profiler isn’t easy, and I enjoyed reading how Maria would handle it.

I also like that it took us back to the 80’s. It was almost nostalgic, and parts of it made me laugh. DNA testing wasn’t around yet, and we tend to forget what that was like to try to solve a murder without it.

The best part, though, is getting inside the mind of Gary Soneji. Many chapters were from his point of view, and we learned how he committed the crimes, along with appearing as an ordinary citizen. I think I had some bad dreams along the way of reading his part, but it was also extremely interesting. He is definitely the scariest killer in all of the Cross series for me.

I do feel like this book was a little slower than some of the others, but I still really enjoyed it. You can read it without having read the rest of the series, but the nostalgia part will be nice, if you have. If you have watched any of the Cross series on Amazon Prime, this will help also.

Where To Buy This Book and More:

Thank you to NetGalley, Little, Brown & Company, and James Patterson for my free copy. This is my honest opinion.

To read more about James Patterson: https://www.jamespatterson.com/

What has been your favorite James Patterson book so far?

The Foodie Diet by Ella Davar, RD

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As I get older, I’m not interested in reading any book that has diet in the title. We all know that “diets” just don’t work in the long term. What drew me to The Foodie Diet by Ella Davar, however, is that it is a book that takes a non-diet approach to eating. It’s more about how to eat the foods that you and your body loves. Davar introduces the reader to a “YOU-tarian” approach to eating.

The cover of 'The Foodie Diet' by Ella Davar, featuring a smiling woman with long hair, surrounded by fresh fruits and vegetables on a kitchen counter.

4/5 stars ★★★★☆

Published on: November 11, 2025

From the publisher: A non-diet approach to optimal health and longevity

The Foodie Diet challenges conventional dieting by merging culinary pleasure with science-backed longevity principles. Drawing on her expertise as a dietitian and her personal journey as a food lover, Ella Davar, RD, introduces a revolutionary, Blue Zone-inspired approach to sustainable health and well-being—one that transcends restrictive diets and calorie counting.

Rooted in gut-healing and longevity science, the book is structured around Ella’s core principles:

Food as Medicine: Personalize dietary strategies for optimal metabolic and hormonal health.

Emotional Reset: Transform cravings into intentional, nourishing choices.

Gut Health: Unlock the power of the gut-brain connection for overall well-being.

Bio-Individuality: Decode your body’s unique nutritional needs.

Eliminating Unfriendly Foods: Identify and replace foods that don’t serve your health.

Love-Infused Nutrition: Build a balanced, gut-healing, anti-inflammatory diet.

Mindful Eating: Turn meals into an act of love, gratitude, and self-care.

Practical Guidance: Navigate dining out, travel, and real-life eating situations effortlessly.

What I Liked About The Foodie Diet:

I love to read and watch anything that has to do with health. It’s my new obsession, so I was excited to read a book that had to with eating the right foods for your body. What is right for one person, won’t necessarily be right for someone else. My gut health, hormones, and metabolism are completely different than my husband’s. This is why I appreciated the “You-tarian” approach to food.

The Foodie Diet is well-researched. It is obvious that Davar’s passion is healthy eating. She is well-known for her study of gut-brain science. I really enjoyed “Pro Tip From a Dietician” throughout each chapter. I was most interested in learning the effects of different foods and how they would help or hurt my body.

The first half of the book was the most interesting to me. It is all of her tips and tricks to healthful eating. She does include recipes in the back of the book; I’m not a good cook, so I skimmed this part, but they did sound good. I DO want to try the healthy meatballs recipe, though. I read this on a Kindle, which I don’t really recommend if you are getting this book for the recipes.

What I Would Change About The Book:

I found the organizational flow slightly challenging at times. The topics shifted quickly or were repeated at times. This slight lack of organizational coherence is the only reason I docked a star. This might be because I was reading it on a Kindle, however. It didn’t stop me from enjoying the book.

Quotes From The Foodie Diet:

I highlighted A LOT from this book, but here are some of my favorite quotes that stood out to me.

** “The goal of becoming what I call a professional foodie: someone who eats their way to a healthier life and does it with enjoyment and love.”

** “Remember: The goal isn’t perfection but becoming a qualitarian. Choose high-quality, minimally processed foods 80% of the time. For the other 20%, when you do indulge in foods that don’t love you back, make sure they’re worth it. Choose quality versions of your favorites rather than processed alternatives.”

Life is too short to not enjoy the food that is provided us. It’s all about learning what works for your own body. Don’t get me wrong, I love a good hamburger or a pizza. But as she states, you should be eating 80% of foods that are clean and nutrient-dense. The other 20% is indulging in pleasurable foods. That being said, I am learning to love that 80% even more than I used to in my earlier days.

** “If I truly love myself, what would I choose to eat today?”

I feel like I want to put this on a sign for my refrigerator door. Actually, it should go on my pantry door. That’s where the treats are stored. But honestly, isn’t that a great question to ask yourself on a daily basis?

** “What you really need is to get to know your own body to find what’s right for you – and become a you-tarian who simply eats what your body loves!”

Davar does discuss having different tests to find this out. These days I listen to my gut and do my research. What foods are best eaten for a woman my age? How can they be paired together to reach my total nutrients for the day? There are many considerations.

AND MY FAVORITE QUOTE…

** “Your brain is 60% fat.”

I mean, I’m blaming the numbers on my scale on my big brain. Enough said!

I’ve only scratched the surface of the insightful tips and deep research packed into this book. If you’re ready to ditch the restrictive diet mentality and start treating food as an act of self-love, The Foodie Diet is an interesting read.

Where To Buy This Book and More:

Thank you to NetGalley, Smith Publicity, and Ella Davar for my free copy. This is my honest opinion.

To read more about Ella Davar and the Gut Brain Method: https://www.gutbrainmethod.com/

If you had to identify one food that you know your body loves and thrives on, what would it be?

An Academic Affair by Jodi McAlister

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What happens when the only way to get a job teaching at a college is to marry your archnemesis? An Academic Affair by Jodi McAlister is a fun, witty rom-com featuring an arranged marriage and relatable sibling love. It’s the perfect choice for anyone who loves academic rivals-to-lovers stories.

Cover of the novel 'An Academic Affair' by Jodi McAlister featuring two characters holding stacks of books against a blue background.

4/5 stars ★★★★☆

From the publisher: "From the “masterly” (The New York Times) Jodi McAlister, a charming new romance about two English professors who embark on a fake relationship…only to discover that it may be harder to pretend than they realized."

Published on: November 11, 2025

To read more about the book: https://amzn.to/4pr3fjG

What I Liked About An Academic Affair:

For me, a good rom-com not only has witty banter, but it has a strong story line that is relatable. The story is told through the point-of-view of the two main characters. This really helped to move the story along. Sadie Shaw and Jonah Fisher have been academic rivals ever since they were young. The only difference is that Jonah fell for Sadie right from the beginning. Watching Sadie and Jonah navigate their fake marriage while dealing with their long-standing rivalry made for a satisfying slow-burn romance.

I also enjoyed the relationship between Sadie and her sister, Chess. Chess is fiercely protective as the older sister, almost in ways that are overwhelming for Sadie. Jonah’s relationship with his family is complex, especially with his father, who is also a college professor. McAlister did a great job of showing these relationships in realistic terms.

Of course, I also enjoyed the academic setting. It showed how cutthroat it can be to have a job at the college level. It didn’t always show it in the best light, and I felt that was realistic as well.

One thing that I wish was changed about the book were the footnotes throughout the story. I was reading it on my Kindle, and it was difficult to access them. I thought the numbers were just a mistake in my download. Ha. I wish they were included in the story. Jonah’s thoughts were amusing. They would have added more to the story. Is it possible to add them at the bottom of a page on a Kindle?

Where To Buy This Book and More:

Thank you to NetGalley, Atria Publishing, and Jodi McAlister for my free copy. This is my honest opinion.

To read more about Jodi McAlister: https://jodimcalister.com.au/

If you had to marry your archnemesis to get your dream job, would you do it? 🤔

Falling Apart and Other Gifts From the Universe by Catherine Ryan Hyde

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Catherine Ryan Hyde books always make me feel hopeful for the world, and Falling Apart and Other Gifts From the Universe didn’t disappoint. She seems to know how to take her characters through real-life struggles, and yet, you feel like the world can still be a cozy place to live. This is a 5-star book for me. I couldn’t wait to get back to the characters each day to find out how their life was going.

Book cover of 'Falling Apart and Other Gifts from the Universe' by Catherine Ryan Hyde, featuring two individuals in a sunflower field under a cloudy sky.

5/5 stars ★★★★★

From the Publisher: Two disparate people―lost in their own way―find an unexpected healing connection in a poignant novel about redemption and chosen family by New York Times bestselling author Catherine Ryan Hyde.

Publication Date: November 11, 2025

Purchase the Book: https://amzn.to/48A7wKb

What I Liked About Falling Apart and Other Gifts From the Universe:

Focusing on the themes of hope, addiction, family, depression, and kindness, this book takes you through all of the emotions.

I absolutely love the two main characters: Addie Finch and Jonathan. Addie is a recovering alcoholic who is estranged from her son. Jonathan is a homeless teen that I wish I knew in real life. Their lives become intertwined, and their resilience is what makes them interesting people in the story. You can’t help but fall in love with both of them.

Many times, you come across people who become part of your chosen family. I know that I have those people in my life as well. It can be a special relationship, and filled with unexpected love and kindness. Hyde does a great job of portraying this in her book.

If you have ever struggled with addiction to drugs or alcohol, I think you will also appreciate this story. You see Addie go through the steps of AA, even though she has been sober for 8 years, as this is a constant struggle in her life. Wendy, her new sponsor, doesn’t take any crap from her. Everyone needs a Wendy in their life! I like the way that Hyde showed the struggle of alcoholism, and how it stays with you throughout life.

This is definitely a feel-good book, although it does have some topics that could trigger people. Hyde warns you about it in the beginning of the book. I highly recommend this book. It would make a great gift this holiday season.

My Favorite Quote From Falling Apart and Other Gifts From the Universe:

“You want to know what life has in store for you? Then get up and start living it and you’ll find out. You can’t figure it out in your head first. Put one foot in front of the other. Take a step with your left foot. Then one with your right foot. Repeat as necessary. More will be revealed. Nobody ever got anywhere lying in bed waiting to start something hard, because you will never feel ready.”

It’s a motivating short speech that could apply to anyone. I tend to swirl in my head with any problem, and it makes me almost immobile. I have to have more trust that life and my decisions will work themselves out. Just put one foot in front of the other.

Where To Buy This Book and More:

Thank you to NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing, and Catherine Ryan Hyde for my free copy. This is my honest opinion.

To read more about Catherine Ryan Hyde: https://www.catherineryanhyde.com/

Have you read Falling Apart and Other Gifts From the Universe? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!

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