I read 110 books last year. This year my Goodreads goal is 112. I found that I had trouble reading when I was sick or during busy times like December, so I was reasonable with my expectations. Aside from my personal Goodreads challenge I will also be doing my local library’s Book Nerd Challenge, The Booklist Queen’s Challenge AND the 2025 Taylor Swift Reading Challenge (SBean and I are doing this one together). Challenges help me get out of my reading comfort zone lol. I have read some incredible books because of some of these out of the box reading prompts!
As I “review” my monthly reading, I will put the category in italics, in case you are interested in how reading challenges work OR are needing a book in that same category for YOUR challenge! Lol Just a quick note though, some of my books this post, I read last year. They counted in my 2024 reading challenges, I just didn’t post about them last year. I read a ton of romances this summer and waited to share them in February to celebrate Valentine’s Day! I also read books to celebrate Black History Month, Lunar New Year, and new starts.
The Reformatory by Tananarive Due Thought-Provoking Historical Fiction
This book took me a few days to read, to really absorb the depth of the atrocities that are described. This haunting novel about a 12 year old boy, the son of a black union activist and his 16 year old sister, in the 1950’s Deep South. It is a historical horror novel. A ghost story wrapped up in an explicit depiction of the Jim Crow South. This story makes you feel the unfairness and the injustice in Robbie’s short life so far. This is a heartbreaking book but also about hope, friendship, family and courage.
The Sweetness of Water by Nathan Harris Debut Author
I tend to read a lot of female authors that write from a female point of view. This book, written by a man is also from a male perspective. I loved George. He was a good man, a good character. This book dealt into so many different types of people, the good, the bad, the disabled, the queer, the brave, and the cowardly. It also gives a glimpse of what emancipation look like in those early days after the Civil War. Especially how “freedmen“ were treated. In the end though it was the women that left their impression on me, rising up from the ashes like phoenixes.
Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers by Jesse Q Suntanto A book with a name in the title
What an absolutely charming book. Vera Wong is hilarious and I fell for all of her teashop suspects. This is a cozy mystery with endearing characters as 60 year old Vera plays private investigator, matchmaker and community builder. I loved how Chinese food and culture played such a big role in this delightful book, I learned while I laughed. I can’t wait to read more about Vera and her friends and family.
The Blueprint by Rae Giana Rashad A book with a yellow cover
This book is a mixture of genres, historical fiction, science fiction, black history, dystopian, and alternative history. Solenne’s story jumps between the timelines of her as teenager and now, at 20 as well as her ancestor’s story of slavery from the early 1800’s. In this novel, it is 2030 and the USA has been dissolved after Civil War II and all female descendants of slaves are part of a culture where they are assigned to a white government official based off of algorithms to produce children. Solenne fights and with questions inside of herself about who she is and what she deserves, she forges her own dangerous path to freedom.
A novel written in 2017 about a worldwide pandemic that kills millions. Hmmmm? I really liked this book but I didn’t like reading it while I was on a plane feeling nauseous lol. I read this on my way to Toronto to see Taylor lol. Nora Roberts is great at creating a cast and every group of survivors had interesting characters that came together to rebuild, the world starting by a new town. It felt very Last Of Us. I’m excited for book 2!
The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune
What an incredible book with such profound insight and meaning told in the most delightful way. This is a fairytale of sorts and the moral is basically not to judge a book but its cover. It tells a story about acceptance, inclusion and courage. It is about diversity and love and family. It is charming and funny and thoughtful and thought provoking. I very much liked this book and would recommend it to anyone needing a dose of hopefulness.
What Does It Feel Like? By Sophie Kinsella
This book wrecked me. This is a short but emotionally impactful novella. I bawled throughout this entire book. Knowing that it is mostly autobiographical made it even more gut wrenching. I was a diagnosed with MS in 2022 a neurological disease that presents with similar symptoms to Eve in the story, I found so many parallels, and her optimism was really strengthening for me.
From Blood and Ash by Jennifer Armentrout
This was a good first book of a series. It introduces all the players and the geography of the land. I very much enjoyed the male and female main characters. They are worthy of each other. I also like that they’re mostly honest with each other so there’s no enemy to lovers trope, just fun banter. It reminded me of my favourite TV series, the 100 and even though this book has vampires and wolves in it, it’s not only about that. Looking forward to the next book in the series!
Love of my Afterlife by Kirsty Greenwood
Bahahahaha this book is hilarious. A different take on a fairy godmother giving an ultimatum in order for the main character to change the way they’re doing life so they don’t end up alone. I loved Merritt’s love for romantic fictional love, Elisabeth’s lonely librarian BFF, her new park friend, her silent elderly neighbour, her crazy creative coworkers and the bad boy who lives on the floor under her. This was a cute and easy read that made me smile.
Demon of Unrest by Erik Larson
I love history and this was a tough read even for me. However, it was fascinating. I couldn’t put it down. This is not told like a story, but describes the time between the 1860 election of Abraham Lincoln to his inauguration in 1861 and subsequently, the attack on Fort Sumter, which ultimately led to the start of the American Civil War. Told using primary sources and direct quotes, this is a behind the scenes account of the lead up to the Civil War. It is frightening to see the similarities between then and now. Especially at this moment in history as the next president of the USA has just been inaugurated.
A Court of Thorn and Roses by Sarah J Maas
This series has been all over my feeds for a long time now. I had to see if it lived up to the hype. It didn’t. At all. It took me about 250 pages to get into it and while I ended up liking Feyre, although she pails in comparison to some other young fantasy lead characters. I like Lucien and Nesta (almost better than Freye, she should get her own storyline) and even Rhysand (who is a way better partner for Feyre) I just didn’t like Tamlin. I didn’t buy their love, there was no witty banter, and he just doesn’t challenge her. It was VERY similar storyline to the YA Cursebreaker series.
A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J Maas
Much better than the first one! This book felt different from the first book, like the first book was the first chapter and just introduced you to the chat. In this book you see a friendship turn into love and see characters rise above their personal issues of the first book and become the main characters of the second. Nesta is back, Feyre becomes a warrior and gains confidence, Rhysand becomes her equal and Lucien finds his surprising mate! Loved the new Nightcourt family that was introduced. Can’t wait to see where it goes from here.
This book was basic. It was a softer version of 50 Shades of Grey. With that being said, I enjoyed it. The writing just seemed very elementary, and the storyline has been done before. I liked the friend group though and can clearly see where the next books will lead. While I’m not jumping to read them, I am interested.
The Rom-Commers by Katherine Center
The dialogue in this book is superb. I mean, when you’re writing a romcom about two screen writers, writing a romcom, the writing better be good. There is a fine line between love and tragedy and I love how beautifully this book explored that. This is not a spicy book but maybe my favourite romance novels in a long time.
Finding Mr. Write by Kelley Armstrong
I liked this book. It was a rom-com of course but with a good story. She is a Canadian author that can’t sell her book until she sends it in under a man’s name. Under a male pen name, she finally sells her book, hires a male “actor” to play her and signs a very nice deal! I loved the Canadianisms and the characters. It’s steamy in some parts although the slow burn was a bit too slow in my opinion.
A Novel Love Story by Ashley Poston
First of all, I love all of the English lit references, lol I too love a mix of classic literature, serious books, and dorky meet cute novels! I like how this book put into words what I think. When I’m stressed, I read romance novels and watch Hallmark movies because I know what to expect and I always get a happy ending, sometimes I need that. I feel like this book dragged a bit though and could have had either less pages or more action.
This book was emotional. I loved Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn and now to hear the story from Slave Jim’s voice, was amazing. There are things I didn’t think about before like teaching slave children to translate their proper English into slave language just to stay safe. James and another slave discussing irony while being treated like animals. When he is feverish, and having a discussion with Voltaire in his delirium about evolution, slavery, and equality… wow! There are so many parts of this fantastic novel that made me think about things from a different perspective.
How to End a Love Story by Yulin Kuang
This way is a funny, thoughtful, heartbreaking book. The circumstances that Grant and Helen find themselves in is interesting and thoughtful. There is a lot of discussion about anxiety and suicide, which doesn’t usually involve a witty love story, but in this case, it checks all the boxes.
Lunar New Year is on January 29th this year and we are entering the Year of the Wood Snake. The snake is the 6th animal in the Chinese Zodiac and is associated with wisdom, intuition, and strategic growth. This year we are celebrating the Lunar New Year at Haywire Winery with their new Lunar Red and some appies! However, we have been busy making lots of yummy dishes to help you all celebrate this festive holiday!
You can NEVER go wrong with a simple Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry. Never. This dish is so easy to prepare and so delicious, you will never reach for that take out menu again.
Another staple dish in our house is Chicken Chow Mein. Why do I always hear The Barenaked Ladies in my head when I say that out loud? LOL This was a easy dinner to get on the table that will sadly leave you with no leftovers only full and satisfied bellies.
The Kids LOVE bao buns. A local restaurant makes them and we loooove them. My Bro bought us Chinese steaming baskets a few years ago so I finally found a way to put them to good use! These Pulled Pork Bao Buns are so easy to make, I love a good slow cooker recipe! We added some pickled red onions and some Kewpie Mayo and this was a homerun!
A while back, HBear’s boyfriend brought us over a dozen egg tarts and we were HOOKED! I found this recipe for Easy Chinese Egg Tarts and they will be a new baked go to for sure! These are super simple and super tasty. HBear made these ones and decorated them soooo cute!
Ingredients
2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
¼ cup shaoxing wine
1 tablespoon soy sauce
¼ cup chicken broth
1 teaspoon sesame oil
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon cornstarch, dissolved into 2 tablespoons water
2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
¾ pound sirloin steak, sliced into thin strips against the grain
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup mushrooms, quartered
1 tablespoon ginger, grated
2 cups broccoli florets
3 green onions, sliced
Garnish: toasted sesame seeds
Cooked basmati rice, for serving
Directions
In a small bowl, whisk together hoison sauce, shoaxing wine, soy sauce, chicken broth, sesame oil, red pepper flakes, and cornstarch slurry. Set aside.
In a large wok, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over high heat and add the beef strips in a single layer. Sear quickly until browned on both sides, about 1 minute, being careful not to overcook. Remove beef from the wok and set aside.
Add the other tablespoon of oil to the wok over medium-high heat. Add the garlic, mushrooms, and ginger, stirring for about 4 minutes until fragrant.
Stir in the broccoli florets and green onions and cook until crisp-tender, about 2-3 minutes. Add in the beef strips and toss well.
Pour the sauce over the stir-fry and toss well, cooking another 1-2 minutes until the sauce has thickened.
Plate with rice. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and extra green onions.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded
1 cup mushrooms, chopped
1 cup shredded coleslaw
4 green onions, chopped into 1 inch pieces + extra to serve
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups bean sprouts
- Sauce
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons oyster sauce
1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon sugar
½ teaspoon pepper
Directions
Mix the sauce ingredients in a small bowl and set aside.
Place the chicken in a bowl and mix with 1 tablespoon of the sauce. Set aside.
Place a wok on a medium to high heat and add the oil.
Add the mushrooms, coleslaw and the whites of the green onions and cook for a few minutes until the mushrooms are brown and the cabbage has softened.
Add the garlic, bean sprouts and the green parts of the green onions and cook for a minute or two until fragrant.
Add the chicken.
Add the cooked noodles and toss for a minute or so until hot.
Pour on the sauce, toss the noodles, chicken and veggies for 30 seconds until incorporated, remove the pan from the heat and serve topped with green onions as desired.
Ingredients
2kg pork shoulder
1 onion, sliced
½ cup soy sauce
1 teaspoon 5 spice powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon ginger
3 tablespoons sweet chilli sauce
1 oxo stock cube
2 cups boiling water
2 star anise
2 tablespoons cornstarch
12 bao buns
Garnish: Hoisin sauce, Japanese Kewpie Mayo, cilantro, pickled julienned carrots, cucumbers, & red onion.
- Japanese Kewpie Mayo
1/2 cup mayo
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon rice wine vinegar
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon salt
Directions
Add onion and pork to slow cooker, stir together soy sauce, five spice, garlic powder, ginger and sweet chilli sauce then pour over the pork.
Dissolve the oxo cube in the boiling water and pour into the slow cooker then add the star anise.
Cook on high for 4+ hours or on low for 6+ hours.
Once the pork is falling apart easily, remove from the juices and set aside, mix the cornstarch with about a ¼ cup of the meat juices and add to the sauce.
Shred the pork then add it back to the slow cooker and stir, turn it onto low until ready to serve.
Mix together all the Kewpie Mayo ingredients and set aside in the fridge until ready to use.
Prepare the steamer by adding 2 cups of water to a large pot, fit the pot with a steamer ring. Bring the water to a boil.
Fill the steamer basket with the buns. Place the steamer basket on the top of the pot and steam the buns for 10-12 minutes.
Serve the pulled pork on steamed bao buns with Hoisin sauce, Kewpie mayo, shredded carrot, sliced cucumber, pickled red onion and cilantro.
Ingredients
12 frozen tart shells
3/4 cup milk
2 1/2 tablespoons water
3 eggs
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
Directions
Preheat oven to 375F.
In a separate bowl, whisk together egg, milk, water, sugar and salt. Sieve the mixture into a measuring cup to ensure a smooth custard mixture.
Pour and equally divide the custard mixture among the tart shells.
Bake for approximately 20 minutes or until the centre is jiggly to the touch (like jello). Turn off the oven and open the oven door to gradually cool for 5 minutes or so. Take out to cool on cooling rack for 10 minutes before enjoying
Check out How Was Your Week, Honey? Episode #413 Blue Monday This week, we get together on the saddest day of the year to discuss: dealing, depression equation, kitchen accidents, running, Inauguration Day, car accident, SOW, & balance.
This week my Sheetpan Dinners post was featured on the Crazy Little Lovebirds Link Party!
This week I had my first counseling session of the year! I watched Bidens’s final farewell, finished my 7th book of the year, did yoga, Ninja started my book nook and we watched Skeleton Crew. Ninja and SBean took in all the action at Frostfest, the Kids went to Something Rotten with Grandma and Grandpa and SBean had the Snowflake Gymnastics Competition. She did great and she was so excited that Grandma was there to watch her! She placed 7th on vault, 8th on bars, 5th on beam, 4th on floor, and 6th overall! Lots of hard work and practice can be seen even since her last competition, we are super proud of her! I ended the week receiving Onyx Storm the 3rd book in the Fourth Wing series! Can’t wait to read it and review that one for you in March!
