The Antique Picker's Daughter by Melanie Dugan is a thought-provoking literary novel about youth homelessness, survival, trust, and the uncertain line between protection and exploitation. This four-star review also features a guest post from the author about her flexible approach to outlining.
Discover this week's Friday Finds featuring Nancy Fraser as the Featured Author Spotlight, reviews of Dragonslayer's Valkyrie and Sounds Like Trouble to Me, a cozy blackberry crumble muffin recipe, a beautiful tea-inspired Featured Find, and this week's Reader Question. Whether you're searching for your next great read or a quiet moment to savor, there's something waiting for you in this week's edition.
Inspired by real events, Sounds Like Trouble to Me by Jean Trounstine is a compelling debut novel exploring courage, systemic injustice, and the resilience of women who refuse to remain silent. Read my full review.
Can an unconventional writing style deepen an emotional story? In Soccerwild, Craig Wells explores grief, healing, and resilience through the eyes of a young boy whose unexpected friendship with a coyote pup helps him begin finding hope again. Read my full review to see why this thoughtful middle-grade novel stayed with me long after the final page.
Nothing North of Delmar by Ellen Barker is a thoughtful historical fiction novel set in 1970s St. Louis. Through the lens of the city's real-life Delmar Divide, Barker explores race, community, economics, and personal growth in a story that remains remarkably relevant today.
Christine Hart's Weird Stories of Strange Women is a speculative fiction collection that blends fantasy, magical realism, science fiction, and mild horror into twelve thought-provoking tales. Divided into Maidens, Mothers, and Crones, these stories linger long after the final page.