Reader's Choice

  Book: Leaves in the Sun Author: Will Solomon  Review: Set during the tumultuous days of World War II, this story begins in 1940. Lynn, a refugee, now works as a housemaid at the estate of Lord Drake. Owing to Drake’s romantic feelings for her, Lynn enjoys certain privileges—enough to stand her ground even against Drake’s concubine, Rain. Intriguingly, Rain offers to teach Lynn magic and give her insights into Drake’s feelings for her. Meanwhile, Lord Corinthian pays a visit to Drake, bringing news that Parliament has authorized the formation of a new department within the SOE—known as the F-section. Corinthian believes Lynn has the potential to contribute meaningfully to this cause. He urges Drake to inform Lynn, leaving the final decision to her. However, the weight of the choice unsettles Drake. Allowing Lynn to take part in such dangerous operations feels akin to signing her death warrant. Will Lynn accept the challenge and navigate the treacherous world of wartime espion...

  🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸  Book: The Sloth & His Friends  Author: Michael Zanetti  🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸 Review: The first thing that struck me was how visually alive this book feels—even if you’re just reading, the words paint such a vivid picture of the rainforest. The characters are animals we often see in documentaries, but here they talk, feel, and dream. Sal the sloth may be slow, but he’s wise in his own quiet way, and his friendship with other creatures gives the story heart. You don’t expect a children’s book to dive into something like deforestation, but this one does—and it handles the topic with surprising grace. There’s no scary language or dark imagery, just a sense of urgency wrapped in gentle storytelling. It invites kids to care, not panic. One of the highlights is how humans are portrayed—not as villains, but as potential helpers. This is an important shift in narrative, especially for young readers who are still forming ideas about the world. The book encourages actio...

  Book: I Swear by Azania  Author: Shaakira Ally  Review: Azania's mother, Elise, had two older sisters—Olive and Jasmine. When Azania was born, she was diagnosed with pseudoachondroplasia. This was the very reason Adoni, her father, never wanted children—he didn’t want anyone else to endure the kind of life he had lived. Elise, however, hid her pregnancy until it was too late for a termination, leaving Adoni powerless. Due to the nature of his job, Adoni was frequently away, and Azania was raised solely by Elise. But everything changed the day Elise died by suicide. Knowing he couldn’t care for his daughter because of his constant travels, Adoni turned to Elise’s sister Jasmine and asked her to take Azania in. Although Adoni provided financial support, Azania never received the love or care she longed for from her aunts. Jasmine was indifferent, and Olive openly showed hatred toward her. This left Azania deeply confused, wondering what she had done to deserve such hostil...

  BOOK: John Quincy Adams, Reluctant Abolitionist  Author: Jeffrey A. Denman Review: John Quincy Adams, Reluctant Abolitionist by Jeffrey A. Denman is a thought-provoking read. It presents a layered and insightful portrait of John Quincy Adams, particularly in relation to his complex stance on slavery. From an early age, Adams was deeply influenced by his parents, John and Abigail Adams, who held strong anti-slavery beliefs. Their principles guided him throughout his life—they never owned slaves, firmly believing in individual freedom. One of the most fascinating aspects of the book is the discovery of John Quincy Adams’s diary. He began writing in it in 1779 and continued the practice until his death. These journals stand among the most valuable historical documents in American history, offering a rare window into the evolution of his thoughts over the decades. While Adams is often remembered for his presidency, that period was marked by a notable silence on the issue of slav...

  Book: Chateau Laux  Author: David Loux  Rating: 5/5 Review: Chateau Laux hits differently if you’ve ever felt the weight of family history. Lawrence’s story reminded me that no matter how far we try to run, our past—and our family’s past—has a way of catching up with us. He starts off trying to build a future, but ends up stumbling over old secrets he didn’t even know existed. The relationship between Lawrence and the Laux family is the heart of the novel. Their warmth is what draws him in, but it’s also what breaks things apart when memories and buried truths resurface. I found myself wondering how often families hide pain behind smiles and traditions. David Loux weaves this tale so naturally that you don’t realize how deep it goes until you’re already in it. The château becomes more than a building—it’s a symbol of hope, history, and regret all at once. This book is a strong reminder that healing isn’t always about forgetting. Sometimes, it’s about facing the hard tru...

  Book: Time Fixers  Author: Lee Matthew Goldberg  Review: The world-building in this book is incredibly immersive—I was hooked from the very first page. Miles is a deeply compelling character, and I found him easy to relate to. His devotion to his family stands out: first, he saves his brother Simon from dying, and now he's doing everything he can to give his mother a chance at a normal life. In their current mission, Simon and Miles are uncovering secrets from their grandfather’s past. They had plans to travel back to 1999 to stop him from losing his job—a pivotal event that set off a chain of trauma and hardship for their family. By changing this moment in history, they hope to give their mother a happier childhood and a more stable present. I loved how thoughtful and selfless Miles is when it comes to his family. The book’s cover is also striking—it’s sure to catch the eye of any reader. If you're a fan of richly imagined worlds and time travel adventures, this is a m...