RELEASE DATE: October 6th, 2026

RATING: Digital book - ★★★  Audiobook - ★★★★

REVIEW: Speaking as a librarian, whenever I see “Library” or “Bookshop” in a title, then I am all in right away. And while I don’t read many books based on Russian events during the first few years after World War II, I do enjoy Katherine Reay’s writing, so I took a chance on The Undercover Bookshop. If you love that era and historical fiction, in general, then you will probably enjoy this book. I will admit that I didn’t know until the very end, while reading the author’s notes, that the story was based on an actual female Soviet spy, so that was some interesting information. There’s a little bit of romance and a lot of mystery and suspense in this book, which kept me intrigued throughout, even when the plot tended to lag a bit. There aren’t any graphic scenes, nudity, or cursing, so readers who like clean stories will appreciate that. Overall, I would recommend it, especially if you enjoy historical fiction about Russian spies and the years following World War II.

NOTE: I gave the digital version of this book three stars, but I gave the audiobook version four stars because I absolutely adore the narrator, Fiona Hardingham. She always does such an amazing job. I would listen to her read Old McDonald Had a Farm and be perfectly content.

Hello again, dear readers! Now that the chaos of my summer reading program at work is behind me, I hope I can start posting here more regularly. This week’s prompt from Jana at That Artsy Reader Girl is the top ten bookish destinations I have visited or would like to visit. (Links provided will take you to the websites). Since I can't recall any bookish places I've visited YET, here are my top ten bookish places I want to visit someday. Are any of these on your list? I hope you have a great Tuesday!

1. Jane Austen Home in England

DIRECTIONS: Preheat the oven to 325°F. Spray a 8 1/2 X 4 1/2-inch loaf pan with oil. (You can place a piece of parchment paper about 8 1/2 x 9 inches inside the pan so it’s easy to remove). In a medium mixing bowl, combine bananas, oil, egg whites, sugar and vanillas. In a large mixing bowl, whisk the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda and salt until combined. Fold in the banana mixture and chocolate chips. Pour into the prepared pan and bake about 50 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes clean. Remove from the loaf pan and let it cool 15 minutes before cutting. Slice in 10 slices. 

NUTRITION INFO: 1 slice, Calories: 213 kcal, Carbohydrates: 39.5 g, Protein: 4.5 g, Fat: 9.5 g, Saturated Fat: 5 g, Sodium: 119 mg, Fiber: 7 g, Sugar: 6 g

(Recipe and photo courtesy of Skinnytaste)

AUTHOR: Thea Glassman

NARRATORS: Nelson Franklin and Yael Rizowy

REVIEW: Anyone who is a fan of New Girl will adore this book, with all of its insider secrets and behind-the-scenes tidbits. Like most people, I shipped Nick and Jess throughout the whole series and was highly invested in their relationship, so learning more about certain scenes, like their hallway kiss (WOWZA!) was a lot of fun. It was also a treat listening to Nelson Franklin, who played Robby on the show, do part of the narrating. If you’re a fan of the series, then I highly recommend Who’s That Girl. You’ll love it. 

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

NARRATOR: Florence Howard

RATING: ★★★★

REVIEW: This was my first time reading Freya Sampson’s work, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. If you’re a fan of Pride & Prejudice, then this story is undeniably the one for you because most of the plot center’s around it. Unfortunately, I’ve never been able to get through the first chapter of it. (Believe me, I’ve tried - many times). Thanks to the movie, which I’ve seen countless times, I was able to keep up with all of the Pride & Prejudice references in this story, but if you know nothing about it, then you might have a little trouble keeping up with the plot of Most Ardently Yours. Let me also note that this book has a lot of fantasy and magic elements, just in case you’re not into things like that. The main characters are all lovable, and most of the secondary characters are too. The narrator, Florence Howard, is spectacular. This was my first time listening to her, and I will definitely be on the lookout for more of her work. There are several dynamics at play in this story besides just romance. On a deeper level, it’s about self-discovery and believing in yourself. I highly recommend it. 

Hello again, dear readers! I don’t know about you, but I am SO tired of this summer heat and humidity, so I’m manifesting fall with this week’s prompt from Jana at That Artsy Reader Girl by listing ten books with the word AUTUMN in the title. I hope you have a great Tuesday!