Morning Readers, I hope you all had a great August and are ready for these ‘Ber months! I had this month off and it was such a great time to focus on the blog and catch up on reading! My favorite was hands down Shield of Sparrows, quickly followed by The River Has Roots, Disrupt You and Is This A Cry For Help?. Having said that, I will absolutely be listening to ‘You Are Not Lost‘ and ‘Big Magic‘ on repeat I think!
The River Has Roots by Amal El-Mohtar
Hard-Cover Worthy- 5/5 Stars
A fantasy tale that’s hard to describe, although it would seem to fall somewhere into the realm of The Brothers Grimm. A strong cautionary folk tale vibe that was completely unexpected, and an almost lyrical writing style that is so uniquely the author’s own, it draws you in instantaneously.
Kindle & Audible: US or CA
You’re Not Lost by Maxie McCoy
Shelf Worthy– 4/5 Stars
I could listen to Maxie on repeat, this audio book was like having a best friends cheering for you and telling you to get a move on! She is so exceptionally positive while remaining grounded and reminding you that you have to put in the work too!
Kindle & Audible: US or CA
Evenings & Weekends by Oisín McKenna
Did Not Enjoy- 1/5 Stars
This book really felt like a Mrs. Dalloway attempt, and Virginia Wolfe is even referenced in the text. The story follows the lives of a multitude of Londoners (so many characters) as they attempt to cope with their gayness, self-loathing, loose and continually slipping morality, drugs, directionlessness, impeding death and poor family relations. It just really wasn’t my thing.
The Scent Keeper by Erica Bauermeister
Shelf Worthy- 4/5 Stars
This is a lyrical coming-of-age novel about Emmeline, a young girl who grows up on a remote island with her father. The story blends sensory detail, magical realism, and emotional exploration, asking how memories, scents, and the truth shape who we become.
Kindle & Audible: US or CA
Kingdom of Tomorrow by Gena Showalter
Kindle Worthy- 3.5/5 Stars
Arden Roosa is forced to join a school for solider recruits, meant to fight those suffering from ‘the madness’. An illness that breaks out at night and causes people to loose their minds, becoming violent, bloodthirsty killers. Kept me completely engaged!
Kindle & Audible: US or CA
Disrupt You by Jay Samit
Shelf Worthy- 4.5/5 Stars
digital media innovator Jay Samit explores how to harness disruption as a tool for growth. Drawing on his own experiences in the tech industry, Samit shares strategies for identifying opportunities, challenging conventional thinking, and turning obstacles into advantages. The book combines practical advice, case studies, and motivational insights to help readers reinvent themselves, launch innovative businesses, and thrive in an era of constant change.
Kindle & Audible: US or CA
The Only Good Indians by Stephen Jones
Not My Usual Genre- 2.5/5 Stars
A chilling blend of horror and social commentary that follows four Blackfeet men who, as teenagers, broke tribal tradition with a fateful hunting trip. Years later, each finds himself haunted by the consequences of that act. An otherworldly force, born of their transgression, begins stalking them with brutal precision, blurring the line between guilt, memory, and vengeance.
Kindle & Audible: US or CA
Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert
Shelf Worthy- 4/5 Stars
Elizabeth Gilbert explores the nature of creativity and how to live a more inspired, fulfilling life by embracing curiosity and letting go of fear. Blending personal stories, practical advice, and reflections on the creative process, she encourages readers to view creativity as a magic that is nearly alive itself.
Kindle & Audible: US or CA
Is This A Cry For Help? by Emily Austin
Shelf Worthy- 4.5/5 Stars!
Emma & Justin are cursed as ‘Good Luck Chucks’, their love interests always finding ‘The One’ immediately after dating each of them. They decide to break the curse by dating each other, just for the summer. Super cute summer/beach read.
Kindle & Audible: US or CA
Maggie; Or, A Man And A Woman Walk Into A Bar by Katie Yee
Not My Thing- 2/5 Stars
Our main character finds herself on the receiving end of an affair leading to divorce, as well as diagnosis for breast cancer. She navigates the two in learning to come to terms with reality, leaning on her best friend, and focusing on her role as a mother.
Kindle & Audible: US or CA
Shield of Sparrows by Devney Perry
Hard-Cover Worthy- 5/5 Stars
a romantasy about Odessa Cross, the overlooked princess suddenly forced into a political marriage meant for her sister. Thrust into enemy territory and tasked with espionage, she finds herself torn between duty and the pull of a mysterious monster hunter. Packed with intrigue, slow-burn tension, and rich worldbuilding, this is the kind of story that sweeps you in, you won’t want to put it down!
Kindle & Audible: US or CA
All We Have Is Time by Amy Tordoff
Kindle Worthy- 3.5/5 Stars
Beatrix Lancourt it cursed with immortality and wanders through 16th-century London. One day she’s caught pickpocketing by Oliver, a time traveler. Their fates entwine across eras, from Shakespeare’s London to the revelry of Venice’s Carnevale, their paths crossing amongst a backdrop of historical events until the impossible reveals a reality… even time travelers and the immortal might not have all the time in the world.
Kindle & Audible: US or CA
I hope everyone had a wonderful summer and is surviving the back to school with some cozy fall reads! What’s on your TBR this month?
-Anna R.
*As always if you purchase through any of the links in this post, or throughout this blog, a small commission comes back to help support the page & what I do here!
The Weekend Readers 
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