AUTHOR: Soraya M. Lane

RATING: ★★★

REVIEW: If you've read most of my reviews, then you already know that adding "librarian" to any title piques my interest, and I'm all in. Add a World War II setting, and I'm definitely going to read it. This is a beautiful story of two admirable women from very different backgrounds who form a close bond while trying to help Jewish refugees during wartime. Some of the situations and outcomes were predictable, but it still held my attention from beginning to end, which is a big plus for me. If I could go back and change one thing, I would read the print book or digital book instead of listening to the audiobook. The narrator was good, but her voice is very breathy (if that's a word) and dramatic, which unfortunately distracted me most of the time. I don't really know how to describe it, but on a positive note her accents are lovely. I would recommend the print and digital versions of this book to all, especially World War II historical fiction lovers like myself. 

(DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this title from NetGalley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own). 

🍁  Snuggling under a warm blanket with a good book and a mug of hot chocolate with mini marshmallows. 

🍂  Wearing sweaters, jackets, and hoodies.

🍁  Visiting a local pumpkin patch with our grandchildren and drinking some apple cider while watching them having the time of their lives. 

🍂  Mosquitoes, horseflies, and other bothersome insects go back to Hades where they belong. 

🍁  Repainting and sprucing up my little free library when it’s cold so I don’t have to worry about being eaten alive by said mosquitoes, horseflies, and other bothersome insects. 

🍂  Decorating for fall, Halloween, and Christmas at home and at work. 

🍁  Planning a wedding for our youngest son. 

🍂  Celebrating our granddaughter’s sixth birthday in October. 

🍁  Watching sappy and always predictable holiday Hallmark movies. 

🍂  Did I mention hot chocolate with mini marshmallows? 

For the Enchilada Sauce (makes 5 cups): 

For the Filling and Pie: 

DIRECTIONS: Ancho Sauce: In a large deep skillet toast the anchos over medium-high heat turning often, about two minutes. When cool, remove stems and seeds. Transfer to a blender with hot water and let it get soft. When cool, add tomatoes and blend until smooth. Season with salt and pepper. Filling: In the skillet, heat oil over medium heat, add the onion and cook until soft, about five minutes. Add the garlic and jalapeno and cook until fragrant, about one minute. Add the zucchini and cook until tender yet firm, about 4 to 5 minutes. Add the corn, beans, lime juice and cumin and cook two minutes. Add 1/2 cup cilantro and stir. Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish. Spread 1/2 cup sauce on bottom of casserole, arrange 4 tortillas on a single layer (cutting them in half to fit). Spoon half the veggie filling over the tortillas, and top with half of the remaining sauce and 1 1/2 cups cheese. Repeat with the remaining tortillas, veggies, sauce and cheese. Cover with foil and bake 30 minutes, until the filling is bubbling. Let cool 10 minutes before cutting, then serve.

NUTRITION INFO: 1/8th slice, Calories: 237kcal, Carbohydrates: 23.5g, Protein: 16g, Fat: 12g, Saturated Fat: 5.5g, Cholesterol: 22.5mg, Sodium: 532mg, Fiber: 4.5g, Sugar: 5g - WW Points: 7

(Recipe and photo courtesy of Skinnytaste)

AUTHOR: Jenni L. Walsh

RATING: ★★★

RELEASE DATE: October 28th, 2025

REVIEW: Before I picked up this book I had never even heard about female horse divers, so the subject matter was brand new to me, and I found it very interesting. I’m amazed at these women who risked their lives for the sake of entertainment. I don’t think I could’ve been so brave. (Also, I'm deathly afraid of heights so there’s that. LOL) From the very beginning, Sonora Webster is an admirable character, and I enjoyed learning about her life in the circus and the personal struggles she overcame. I’m thankful the author explained more details about the real Sonora and her life following the circus, since the story itself seemed to end kind of abruptly and left me wondering and wanting more information. I believe the book is labeled as adult fiction, but throughout the whole story I felt it leaned more toward the young adult genre. Overall, I would happily recommend it. 

DIRECTIONS: Add the chopped tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, Calabrian chili paste, and ½ teaspoon of salt to a mixing bowl. Cover and let sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes but up to 3 hours. Once the tomatoes have marinated, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions for al dente. Drain the pasta well and transfer it to the bowl with the tomatoes. Add the ricotta and parmesan to the bowl and toss until melted and creamy. Add the basil and toss to combine. Garnish with extra parmesan cheese if desired and serve. 

 

NUTRITION INFO: 1cup, Calories: 210kcal, Carbohydrates: 30g, Protein: 10g, Fat: 7g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Cholesterol: 6mg, Sodium: 54mg, Fiber: 3.5g, Sugar: 4g - WW Points: 5

(Recipe and photo courtesy of Skinnytaste)