My rating: 5 of 5 stars Dark, moody, and magical – FIRSTBORN is a take-no-prisoners sort of book. I thought I was ready for the Long Night, where duty-bound Firstborn soldier Bryn Ruelle must kill or be killed, but this was only the beginning of an epic adventure that defied my expectations and urged me…
Book Spotlight: You’re Dead to Me, Reed Walker by Gwenyth Reitz
My rating: 5 of 5 stars I heard about Gwenyth Reitz’s debut, You’re Dead to Me, Reed Walker, back in 2025. I’ve been very intrigued by it ever since — former rivals both murdered and forced to haunt the same house are trying to uncover the mystery of what happened to them while…possibly falling for…
My Reading List 2025
2025 may have been a year full of transition for me and my family, but I was able to keep track of the books I read. A huge improvement over the disastrous book list of 2024! It was a strong reading year with over 50 books in the middle grade category and older. I also…
Book Spotlight: Swords & Stones by Kimberly Lynn Hanson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars Swords & Stones is a fun, action-packed ride with well-chosen POVs and surprising plot twists. I loved the premise for this series – the next generation in the Arthurian world. Aptly named Descendants of the Round Table, this book has Disney Descendants vibes as we are meeting the children…
Fall Writing Frenzy 2025
With a daughter named Autumn, you might not be surprised that this is my favorite season. I also love the Fall Writing Frenzy contest, where we can write a flash piece inspired by lovely autumnal and spooky images. This is my third year participating. Here is the image that inspired my 200-word flash fiction, “A…
Book Spotlight: The Firefly Summer by Morgan Matson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars The Firefly Summer was the perfect middle grade read for the last week of August with this book’s warm, feel-good vibes and immersive summer life. My summer was wrapping up. I had saved this book for when the weather was about to change. When I was yearning for one…
Wickedness & Wonder Anthology: An Enchantment of Twelve
My short story, An Enchantment of Twelve, was published in July of this year. It’s still a bit unreal. This story is available anywhere books are sold online. It’s out there. My work. After so many years of writing. And I didn’t even know the day it was released. But I quickly figured it out…
Book Spotlight: Being Mary Bennet by J. C. Peterson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars As I long time fan of Pride & Prejudice, I found Being Mary Bennet absolutely delightful. I enjoyed every moment of Marnie’s journey to understanding herself and her path. In P&P, Mary Bennet is the sister you genuinely sympathize with but simultaneously feel embarrassed for! She is also a…
Book Spotlight: The Curse of Eelgrass Bog
My rating: 5 of 5 stars The Curse of Eelgrass Bog was a spellbinding read. Gorgeous prose with a perfect middle grade voice, Kess was a sympathetic character who pulled us into her cobweb brain and ensuing fantastical adventure. A well-constructed fantasy world, the descriptions of both the Unnatural History Museum and Eelgrass Bog made…
My Reading List 2024
I can already tell you one of my new year’s resolutions for 2025 because it’s something I didn’t do in 2024 — I didn’t keep track of the books I read! I resolve in 2025 to keep an ongoing list. But for now, I will cobble together a list, knowing I will forget some books….
Christine Letizia 