Are you an avid reader looking for your next "fix"? Can't bear to be without some form of reading material in your spare time? Welcome to my world! Whether you are seeking a new book to "feed your need", or you are an author seeking an unbiased point of view on your own recent masterpiece, this is the place to be. With life as with books, you never know where the next step might take you...
Showing posts with label 2026. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2026. Show all posts

Tuesday, September 29, 2026

A MATCH MADE IN AUTUMN: Beneath the Harvest Moon by Bianca White - REVIEW!




🍂 A MATCH MADE IN AUTUMN: Beneath the Harvest Moon 🌙 
by
Bianca White 
9781066754618


My thoughts...

She's a woman with a secret in her past, a present that's been torn asunder, and a future that's unclear. He's a man that shares a past with our leading lady, a present with the town he was born and raised in, and a future he'd like to turn inside out to be with her once again. Can these two overcome all that's happened and all that's hiding to become all they could and should be?

❤️ Love finds a way, if two hearts are meant to be, and these two were SO meant to be! I love how fiercely Lady Simmonds loves her children, and strives to protect both their future and her own piece of mind. I love that she knew herself enough to know that going home wasn't admitting defeat, but giving herself a chance to start again, and the naysayers be darned (that part took a little time, but she got there!)! I love that Mr Sharpe was able to see beyond the past and look towards a brighter future. I love how his kind nature and strong character made him someone worthy of taking that second chance as well as a pillar for the community. Apart they were people of note, but together they were pure fire! 😉

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~



About the book...
Young widow Blythe Simmonds is stifled by York society and yearns for the life she left behind before her marriage. To achieve her dreams, she must return home, a place where she is far from welcome.
Country physician Gabriel Sharpe has devoted his life to his patients. He does not need a wife and children. His work is enough, and he refuses to risk his heart again.

Blythe’s return sets tongues wagging, and Gabriel knows his childhood sweetheart cannot be trusted. He must be on his guard, but common sense always evaporated when it came to Blythe.

Life in a small country village makes it impossible for Blythe and Gabriel to remain distant, especially at harvest time. Buried feelings become impossible to ignore, and clandestine trysts resume.

If they are to have a second chance at building a life together, Blythe and Gabriel must learn to trust each other again. Blythe can no longer keep her secrets, but Gabriel may never forgive her.

BENEATH THE HARVEST MOON is part of A Match Made in Autumn multi-author series.




👉 This title was released September 18th, 2026. Grab your copy today ... and stay tuned for more from this series as they unfold!





🌟 What are some of your favorite tropes?





If Historical Romance is your bag, be sure to check out THE HISTORICAL ROMANCE ARC LIST created by @andiejamesauthor for the chance to read/share future releases!

Special thanks to The Historical Romance ARC List and and the author for the eARC for review. 



Sunday, September 27, 2026

RB Listening Circle: THE SISTERS 8, Book 2: DURINDA'S DANGERS by Lauren Baratz-Logsted with Greg Logsted and Jackie Logsted Narrated by Tina Wolstencroft - REVIEW!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers!

Today, we're diving between the audio files of the second book in a Middle Grade series I started last month, but couldn't wait to continue! There's eight sisters and each has her part to play, her power to discover, and her gift to find. Join me?



The Sisters 8, Book 2: Durinda's Dangers
by
Lauren Baratz-Logsted with Greg Logsted and Jackie Logsted
Narrated by Tina Wolstencroft
Published by: Tantor Media, Inc
Release Date: July 28, 2026



About the book...

A rather large problem has befallen the Huit girls. (Sisters, actually. Octuplets to be exact.) One particular New Year's Eve, the girls wait for their mommy to bring them hot chocolate and their daddy to return with more wood for the fire. But they don't.

So now these little girls, must take care of themselves. Get to school, cook the meals, feed the cats (eight of them, too), and pay the bills. They can't ask for help. Any self-respecting adult would surely call in social services, and those well-meaning people would have to split them up. After losing their parents, being split up would be completely unbearable. At the same time, the question remains: What happened to Mommy and Daddy? The Sisters Eight are determined to find out. Luckily, they do seem to have someone or something helping them. Notes keep appearing behind a loose brick in the fireplace.

It's a good old-fashioned mystery with missing (or dead) parents, nosy neighbors, talking refrigerators, foul-smelling fruitcake, and a little magic. Eight little girls, eight cats, and one big mystery—let the fun begin!





~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~



I was so excited when it was time to select my September pick with the RB Media Listening Circle, and saw that the next audiobook in this series was up for a listen! Honestly, I wasn't ready to be done with the Sisters 8, nor prepared to make a spot on TBR Mountain for them to reside! Luck for BOTH of us that didn't happen! Anywho...

The narrator once again hits the nail on the head in bringing the cast to life. Each is distinct, easily identified (I love you Petal, but the pitch of your voice can definitely turn heads!), and so full of life you could easily forget you're listening to a tale of fiction versus a letter/conversation with a friend, or rather EIGHT friends.

The story focuses primarily on one sister finding both her power and her gift, and this time around it's Durinda's turn (trust me, it's a doozy, and the fact that her cat shares the same power...hi-larious!)! From the weeping talking refrigerator to the unsuspecting yet suspecting "uncle" Pete, a Valentine's Day almost fail to the toadstool shaped neighbor that prefers Ode de fruitcake as her fragrance of choice while being BEYOND suspicious, there's much fun to be had, many giggles to produce, and mysterious mysteries to ponder! Valuable life lessons are once again shared such as being sure to read all of the instructions for any project, remembering that the importance of something to us is not always the same as it is to another, and asking for help can lighten a heavy load.

Will the girls ever find out what happened to their parents? What surprises are in store for the other girls as they uncover their powers? Who's leaving the notes behind the loose brick? So many questions unanswered which can only mean... more books to discover those answers within! *fist pump*




~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~




Special thanks to the RB Media team for the audiobook to listen and share with you. (THANKS!) For more information, click on through the links above, and be sure to snag your copy to experience it for yourself!

Until next time, if it looks good, READ (or listen to) IT!


Friday, September 25, 2026

AWARENESS TOUR: Mr. Moonbeam and the Halloween Crystal by Ryan Cowan, Illustrated by Halo Rife - BOOK REVIEW + GIVEAWAY!


Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers!

Today, we're joining The Children's Book Review for a blog tour already in progress featuring a MAGICAL, MYSTERIOUS, and CURIOUS novel that is a perfect fit for the autumnal reading season! That's right. Time to get your SPOOKY 👻 on, and join Elliott, Mr Moonbeam, and a handful of others, as they take on the evil Noir 😈 in a fight for not only YOUR Halloween (and world), but that of Moonstone as well! Ladies and gents, don your most spectacular witchery as we dive between the epages of today's book of choice...


Mr. Moonbeam and the Halloween Crystal
Written by Ryan Cowan
Illustrated by Halo Rife
Ages: 8-12 | 252 Pages
Publisher: For the Northern Star Publishing (2019) | ISBN-13: 979-8351181905 (Hardback) and 978-1097952779 (Paperback)

About the book...
Elliott attends his third-grade class like any other boy, except that Elliott isn't like any other boy. Endowed with magical powers, Elliott belongs to a secret world called Moonstone—and trouble is brewing. When the evil witch Noir steals The Halloween Crystal, it's up to Elliott and his third-grade teacher, Mr. Moonbeam, to stop Noir from invading the non-magical world on Halloween night. But can Elliott learn to master his powers in time? Designed with 31 chapters so that parents, teachers, and students can read one chapter a day throughout the month of October!







🎃 👻 🎃 👻 🎃 👻 🎃



Elliott is a young boy just trying to discover his place in the world...all the more complicated by the fact that he's a magical person living in a non magical world. Yeah, he can't exactly tell people about it either.... the magic, Moonstone, others that have powers too. It's a big secret, but it's there to protect those that are non magic... just as his family is part of those tasked with protecting the non magic world. Easy peasy, right? Well... maybe given NORMAL circumstances, but it's heading towards Halloween, and there's this evil 😈 that's trying to pierce the veil between the worlds so they can rule them both, and there's only a handful of people that can stop ✋️ it, and he happens to be one of them. *deep breath* Yep, no pressure... or at least there would be less if he could figure out his powers, and how to control them. Don't worry, things will turn out how they are meant to... but whether it'll be in time it's another story. 

From the title to the cover to the story within, when I first caught wind of this book, I knew I had to take a closer look 👀.  It's got magic, mystery, friendship, trickery, and oh so much adventure, you may be pulled in by one aspect, but you'll be staying for the whole shebang! I loved watching Elliott gain strength in his powers, and courage in himself. It wasn't easy for him and, with the dangers encroaching, there wasn't any less pressure, but he had the support system he needed to grow. The evil lurking in the shadows was enough to provide that shiver of spookiness, but not enough to frighten or scare younger readers, and the ending was definitely worth the wait! So many pieces come together in just the right way, you'll be spellbound. 

All in all, a tale that will strike a chord with the tall and the small for SO MANY REASONS that I've noted, and I'm certain even more that you will too!  The writing style makes this approachable for those perhaps even younger than the target audience as the repetition keeps the concepts on target, the character voice clear, and serves as a memory device so you don't get lost in the magic.  Oh, and did I mention the 31 chapters? The setup of the book is PERFECT to carry the fun throughout the month of October (a chapter a day, how can you go wrong?), and keep kiddos coming back for more without feeling inundated. 




🎃 👻 🎃 👻 🎃 👻 🎃




ABOUT THE AUTHOR...


Ryan Cowan grew up in a small town called Middleport, Ohio. He currently lives in Hawthorne, CA. A teacher with more than 20 years of experience, Ryan has taught all grades from K-6. He currently works as an educator in Los Angeles.

Mr. Moonbeam and the Halloween Crystal is his first children's book. He wrote the accompanying novel study to help parents and teachers improve children's reading comprehension.



---------------------------



ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR

Halo Rife is an illustrator from Middleport, Ohio. She was 15 years old when she illustrated Mr. Moonbeam and the Halloween Crystal.





🎃 👻 🎃 👻 🎃 👻 🎃





Readers who follow along on this virtual book tour will have the chance to win a signed Mr. Moonbeam and the Halloween Crystal book set!

● Ten winners will each receive a signed hardcover copy of the novel paired with its companion Activity Book.

● One grand-prize winner will receive an exclusive Mr. Moonbeam and the Halloween Crystal T-shirt, plus a signed, out-of-print copy of the original edition featuring its original cover design.


➡️ ENTER HERE ⬅️ 





🎃 👻 🎃 👻 🎃 👻 🎃





Special thanks to Bianca of The Children's Book Review for the chance to bring this title to you and for the ecopy for review! (THANKS!) This post is sponsored by Ryan Cowan. The review and opinions expressed in this post are based on my personal views. For more information on this author, or the publisher, feel free to click through the links above. Be sure to check out the rest of the tour for more bookish fun!



Tuesday, September 1, 2026
@thechildrensbookreview
Instagram Reel

Thursday, September 3, 2026
The Starlit Path
Book Review of the Novel & Activity Book

Friday, September 4, 2026
Deliciously Savvy
Book Review of the Activity Book/Novel Study

Monday, September 7, 2026
Country Mamas With Kids
Book Review of the Activity Book/Novel Study

Tuesday, September 8, 2026
@KidsLittleFreeLibraryBristolri
Book Review of the Novel & Activity Book

Thursday, September 10, 2026
icefairy's Treasure Chest
Book Review of the Activity Book/Novel Study

Friday, September 11, 2026
Mary Lanni Reads
Book Review of the Novel

Monday, September 14, 2026
@ABlueBoxFullofBooks
Book Review of the Novel & Activity Book

Tuesday, September 15, 2026
Cover Lover Book Review
Book Review of the Activity Book/Novel Study

Thursday, September 17, 2026
My Reading Getaway
Book Review of the Activity Book/Novel Study

Friday, September 18, 2026
Because I Said So
Book Review of the Novel & Activity Book

Monday, September 21, 2026
Crafty Moms Share
Book Review of the Activity Book/Novel Study

Tuesday, September 22, 2026
Q&As with Deborah Kalb
Author Interview with Ryan Cowan

Thursday, September 24, 2026
@nissa_the.bookworm
Instagram Post

Friday, September 25, 2026
Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers
Book Review of the Novel

Monday, September 28, 2026
Sybrina's Book Blog
Guest Post

Tuesday, September 29, 2026
Confessions of a Book Addict
Book Spotlight



Until next time, remember...if it looks good, READ IT!







Monday, September 21, 2026

A MATCH MADE IN AUTUMN: The Duke of My Desire by Sylvie Sinclair - REVIEW!

 

🍂 He's a Duke with a meddling mother looking to marry him off to continue his lineage. She's a widow trying to live life on her own terms after a loss most heartbreaking. The "meet cute" ... he sees a woman in distress, she being the distressed, and gets entangled in a situation out of his hands, while she most definitely, yet unintentionally, steals into his heart. ❤️ 


I had the pleasure of reading this first novella in the A MATCH MADE IN AUTUMN series, entitled THE DUKE OF MY DESIRE by Sylvie Sinclair ... and I can't say I was disappointed in the least! 


Our leading man (Gregory Mallen, the Duke of Paxton) was an exceptional specimen, and while green in the ways of love, he had so much heart ❤️ and was a fast learner 😉.  Our leading lady (Justina Dunne) was a stand out for her time, but being of the fairer sex and speaking her mind plainly still didn't warrant understanding from the males in her company, hence the situation in which she finds herself. The Duke's gallant assistance turns into the potential for something more when they find themselves in rather intimate quarters along the way, and trust me when I say there is a happy ending for all upon the story's end! With twists and turns along the way, this was a short story, but a grand affair nonetheless that I'd certainly recommend to #historicalromance fans! 🙌 




ABOUT THE BOOK...

Gregory Mallen, the Duke of Paxton is a fortunate man. He has his health, his wealth and the power and influence that come with a dukedom. All he needs now is a wife. His mother wants him to marry a lady of her choosing, but Gregory wants more. He wants love. So when his mother pressures him yet again to marry her choice of bride, frustration sends him out the door and into the night...where he meets a beautiful woman in distress who tempts both his body and his heart.

Lady Justina Dunne enjoys the freedoms widowhood allows. She loved her husband and misses him every day, but she still has needs and satisfies them with brief, meaningless affairs. When she attempts to sever ties with her latest lover, he demands more than she's willing to give and when she tries to leave him, he refuses to let her go. Thankfully, a handsome duke comes to her rescue, and when Justina decides it would be best to hide out with family in the countryside, her rescuer offers to see her safely there.

On the journey, their attraction grows and soon gives way to passion. Gregory can't help but fall for the beautiful widow, but Justina has lost one love before. Will she dare to risk her heart again or will fear prevent their chance at a happy ending?

The Duke of My Desire is part of A Match Made in Autumn multi-author series.


This title was released September 11th, 2026. Grab your copy today ... and stay tuned for more from this series as they unfold!


🌟 What's one of your favorite genres? 


If Historical Romance is your bag, be sure to check out THE HISTORICAL ROMANCE ARC LIST created by @andiejamesauthor for the chance to read/share future releases!


Special thanks to The Historical Romance ARC List and and the author for the eARC for review. 


Thursday, September 17, 2026

WHAT'S THE BUZZ?: Bitsy Bat, Snow Star Written and Illustrated by Kaz Windness - REVIEW!

 


What's the buzz?
🗓 MARK YOUR CALENDAR... there's a new storybook COMING SOON from Beach Lane Books/Simon and Schuster starring the one the only...BITSY BAT! Before you ask, yes... she is ALL THAT and more than worth a second, or third look, for the tales she shares, and the voice she brings to the forefront. Ladies and gents, little ones and animal friends alike, let's get between the pages of today's book of choice...


Written and Illustrated by
Kaz Windness
9781665963664
Beach Lane Books/Simon & Schuster
Release date: October 27th, 2026 

About the book...
When Bitsy wakes up to see her first-ever snowfall, she’s excited to try out wintry activities with her friends at school. But sledding turns out to be harder than she thought, and making snow angels and snowmen leaves her feeling cold and wet. Bitsy tries to pretend she’s having fun…until a friendly snowball fight pushes her over the edge.

She retreats inside the school, worried her friends won’t like her anymore once they find out she doesn’t love the snow like they do. But a surprise is waiting for her—Enzo Owl and Mo are inside too! They don’t like snow either and would rather read in the cozy nook. Bitsy comes up with an indoor activity for a snowy day—making paper snowflakes—that just might give her the courage to be honest with her friends.

This third story in the Bitsy Bat series is told from an autistic perspective and celebrates how our differences make each of us shine brightly on our own and among friends.



❄️ ❄️ ❄️ ❄️ ❄️ ❄️ ❄️ ❄️ ❄️ ❄️ 




Bitsy Bat is back in another spectacular adventure! 

This time, she's about to discover all the wonderful things about winter, including that frozen form of precipitation... snow! It blankets the world in white, turns the darkest night bright, and...is also pretty cold 🥶 and wet, two things Bitsy is definitely not cut out for. Her friends try to show her the delightful side of it all, but what's to be done when your friend still isn't having fun? Should Bitsy just mask her true feelings and go with the snow flow? Or is there more beauty, more comfort, more magic to be shared in the discovery of other ways a snowy day can be enjoyed by all? 

🦇 Bitsy and her wonderful friends show us once again how being your true self is never the wrong choice, even if it doesn't always feel like the easiest. It also shares the tale through an autistic perspective which is a voice not as often seen/heard, but a welcome addition to the kid lit world so inclusion can be felt by the tall and the small! 




❄️ ❄️ ❄️ ❄️ ❄️ ❄️ ❄️ ❄️ ❄️ ❄️ 





Special thanks to Katie at Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing for the copy for review. (THANKS!) For more information on this title, the author/illustrator, or the publisher, feel free to click through the links provided above. 📅  Watch for this title coming OCTOBER 27TH, 2026 to a bookstore near you, or preorder your copy today!

Until next time, remember...if it looks good, READ IT!

 

Tuesday, September 1, 2026

Happy BOOK BIRTHDAY to... DRAGON DOG by Suzanne Lang and Max Lang - REVIEW!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers!
Today, we're tossing confetti and donning our party hats as we usher in the arrival of a NEW title via Random House Studio.  It's FIERCE, it's FLUFFY, and it's simply FABULOUS, but I'm sure you'll see all of that for yourselves in just a moment...unlike Sowerbutts, whom you'll also hear more about.  😉  Ladies and gents, readers of all ages, I give you today's title in the spotlight...



by
Suzanne Lang
Illustrated by Max Lang
Random House Studio
9798217223718


About the book...

When the evil wizard Simpkin Sowerbutts attempts to create a dragon as loyal as a dog and instead spawns a dog as fierce as a dragon, he banishes his embarrassing and so fluffy creation.

Outcast and alone, Dragon Dog roams the land looking for a home only to find foes around every corner. But Dragon Dog prides himself on being fierce—like a dragon—and defeats all who challenge him. Soon everyone in the land of Quatsch is afraid of him.

Everyone except a lost little lamb named Dandelion.

Dragon Dog help his new friend find her way back to her flock, and Dandelion helps Dragon Dog embrace his fluffy side and find a place to call home.

Oh yeah, and along the way they narrowly escape the jaws of the biggest, meanest dragon around.

An exciting and silly fantasy that shows readers we can be both fierce AND fluffy.





~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~




Welcome to the land of Quatsch, where you're about to embark on a story that may have happened long ago, but hits home in the here and now. There's a mad wizard (Simpkin Sowerbutts), a spell/creation gone wrong (at least according to Sowerbutts, but I mean, come on...are we gonna take HIS word for it?), and a tale of what happens when we stop living up to the expectations of others, discover our true selves, and find our place in this great big CRAZY world. Trust me, while our world seems pretty darn crazy, Dragon Dog's isn't really shining up any better...at least at first.

Readers will FALL IN LOVE with this FLUFFY, FIERCE, and FABULOUS critter...so watch out parents, you may get some requests for one of their own (note to the author, illustrator, and publisher...a stuffy take home version of Dragon Dog is SIMPLY A MUST!). He is all of the things noted, despite being told from every angle that he wasn't what he was suppose to be and that made him somehow less. In reality, it made him SO MUCH MORE because the shortsighted wizard (Sowerbutts...ha! Sorry, had to say it one more time AT LEAST!) never took the time to get to know his creation, nor contemplate the repercussions of what might happen in the future when he let the "relationship" be so sower...I mean, sour.  *ahem*  HINT: An impromptu dinner party where the menu is RATHER INTERESTING!

All in all, this is a GRAND ADVENTURE with LOVABLE characters (did I mention Dandelion?  *gasp* She is such a sweetheart, and just as FIERCE as the next lamb!), GORGEOUS artwork, fabulous WORDPLAY, and so much IMAGINATION that I'm filled to the brim with delight...and I think readers of all ages will join me in that feeling! Check out this inspiring AND fun story available now wherever books are sold (happy book birthday!)!



~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~





Special thanks to Priyanka at Penguin Random House for the chance to bring this feature to you, as well as the ARC for review. (THANKS!) For more information on this title, the author, the illustrator, or the publisher, feel free to click through the links provided above. This title celebrated its BOOK BIRTHDAY today via Random House Studio, so join the fun and share your love of reading!

Until next time, remember...if it looks good, READ IT!



Sunday, August 23, 2026

RB Listening Circle: THE SISTERS 8: ANNIE'S ADVENTURE! - Audiobook Review!

Hi there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers. It's time for our monthly audiobook pick via the RB Listening Circle thanks to the RBmedia Team (THANKS!).  This time around, I went with a Children’s Fiction title that is the kickoff book in a series you may have heard of before, but have you HEARD it before? 😉



by
Lauren Baratz-Logsted with Greg Logsted and Jackie Logsted
Narrated by Tina Wolstencroft
Publisher: Dreamscape
Published by: Tantor Media, Inc
Release Date: Jun 30, 2026



About the book...

A large problem has befallen the Huit girls. (Sisters, actually. Octuplets to be exact.) One particular New Year's Eve, the girls wait for their mommy to bring them hot chocolate and their daddy to return with more wood for the fire. But they don't. Mommy and Daddy, that is. They're gone. Poof! Maybe dead—no one knows for sure.

You must see the problem here. Eight little girls on their own, no mommy or daddy to take care of them. This is not a good thing.

So now these little girls must take care of themselves. Get to school, cook the meals, feed the cats (eight of them, too), and pay the bills. They can't ask for help, oh no. After losing their parents, being split up would be completely unbearable.

At the same time, the question remains: What happened to Mommy and Daddy?

The Sisters Eight (as they are called, affectionately and otherwise) are determined to find out. Luckily, they do seem to have someone or something helping them.

It's a good old-fashioned mystery with missing (or dead) parents, nosy neighbors, talking refrigerators, foul-smelling fruitcake (is there any other kind?), and even a little magic. Eight little girls, eight cats, and one big mystery—let the fun begin!





~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~




This was a GREAT start to what sounds like a FABULOUS series for readers/listeners young and young at heart!

I had seen/heard of this work when it celebrated its print debut back in the day (hello Mount TBR!), but never got around to it. When I saw it was a newly minted audio option, and available as part of the RB Media Listening Circle, I knew I had to dive in! So glad I did!

The narrator does a wonderful job of bringing the cast to life, and that's no small task with EIGHT sisters (plus their make believe Mommy and Daddy voices!), their classmates, teacher, neighbor, and other adult types to voice! Each is distinct from the others, and easily identified so you don't get lost in the narrative. Speaking of the narrative...

The story is certainly something you'll remember and want more of! The styling reminds me of the Unfortunate Events series, both with the shorter books and the focus more on one character at a time, but the mystery of the missing parents, the mysterious appearing communications, the slippery neighbor, and the ever helpful and attuned handyman, all lend to its uniqueness in a way that's all it's own.

Aside from the mystery filled story, we also have valuable life lessons that the girls are inadvertently learning (and sharing!) along the way. From discovering your own "power" to working as a team, the basics of driving to the proper way to conduct one's self even if Mommy and Daddy aren't around, there's oodles to love and learn from these charming siblings. I know I'll be tuning in to find out what happens with Sisters 8, and highly recommend it to you if this review has peaked your interest in the slightest... because it's even better!




~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


About the author...


Lauren Baratz-Logsted is the author of over twenty-five books for adults, teens (including The Twin's Daughter and Little Women and Me), and children (The Sisters 8, a nine-book series she created with her husband and daughter). Before becoming an author, Lauren was an independent bookseller, freelance editor, Publishers Weekly reviewer, sort-of librarian, and window washer. She lives with her family in Danbury, Connecticut.



~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~





Special thanks to the RB Media team for the audiobook to listen and share with you. (THANKS!) For more information, click on through the links above, and be sure to snag your copy to experience it for yourself!


Until next time, if it looks good, READ (or listen to) IT!

Tuesday, July 28, 2026

Happy BOOK BIRTHDAY wishes to... PRIDE COMES BEFORE A FALL by Virginia Heath!

Why hello there! 👋 
Nice to see you again.

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers. Today's BOOK BIRTHDAY post features the latest addition to the Miss Prentice’s Protegees series by author Virginia Heath via St. Martin's Griffin, and if you don't recognize that name by now, you're probably new around here. Don't worry, I'll catch you up 😉...


From the publisher...
Despite his many responsibilities, there is nothing Leopold Sloane, the 11th Duke of Debden, takes more seriously than the safety of those he loves. When one of his sisters is injured at a protest rally, he drags his family to Bath for the summer to keep his reckless and rebellious siblings out of harm’s way. The only flaw in his plan is his overwhelming but inexplicable attraction to the new chaperone he has hired to watch out for them. An outspoken conundrum of a woman who soon causes him more trouble than both his sisters combined...but who calls to his soul regardless.

From the moment Portia Kendall read her first revolutionary pamphlet beneath her bedcovers at Miss Prentice’s School for Girls, she realized that her true calling was to make the world a fairer place for the masses downtrodden by the aristocracy. A calling that led her to Equitas, a radical newspaper that champions reform. But as Portia discovers, writing doesn’t pay the bills. To make a living, she must push aside her principles and serve the very people she criticizes weekly in her column. A temporary position as a chaperone in the home of a pompous duke seems like the perfect way to earn enough to follow her heart. Unfortunately, the duke who hires her seems to be more dashing and noble than pompous and soon begins to call to her heart too—as much as she tries to deny it. But dare she risk her principles for love or will her pride always come before a fall?


💕 💕 💕 💕 💕 💕 💕 💕 


FROM ME...
I know, I know, I'm a broken record on this topic, IT BARES REPEATING...
THIS IS ONE OF MY AUTO BUY AUTHORS! 🙌

 I love her characters, her storylines, the wit and wisdom she pours into every corner of her works. Leopold means well, but protection to some is overbearing to others... and he never counted on that added buffer he was adding for his sisters being someone his own intentions might grow to include. Portia sets out with good and noble intentions herself, but soon her righteous quest is sidetracked by the truth beneath the pomp and circumstance, leading her to contemplate which takes priority...her goals, or her heart. ❤️ I tell you, fair readers, you're in for a treat as these two clash, but eventually find their way to deliver that happy ending we do desire. *sigh* 

So HAPPY BOOK BIRTHDAY to the latest addition to her catalog and the third FABULOUS installment of the MISS PRENTICE'S PROTEGEES series! (*WOOT WOOT*) If you're a Historical Fiction fan, you do not want to miss this one, let alone the rest of the series... available now via St Martin's Griffin. 

Special thanks to the publisher for eARC access via NetGalley. (THANKS!) Be sure to snag your copy today wherever books are sold...or, if you're like me, await your preorder to arrive in your mailbox 📬... anxiously, but excited 😊!

Until next time, if it looks good...READ IT!




Thursday, July 23, 2026

RB Listening Circle: #RESORT CRUSH by Samantha Chase, Published by Dreamscape - REVIEW!

Hi readers!
Time for another bookish escape, and today's selection is a digital Audiobook that felt like the perfect summer escape...



#Resort Crush
Lakeview Harbor Resort, Book 4
by
Publisher: Dreamscape Media


About the book...

A small town, opposites attract, workplace romance from NY Times Best Selling Author Samantha Chase.

He lives by schedules, spreadsheet and always knowing what’s next.
She lives for trails, takeoffs, and the thrill of what comes next.

Nora Wilder is always looking for her next thrill, so when she lands a job as an adventure guide at the Lakeview Harbor Resort, it finally feels like she’s found a place where she belongs. Except what seemed like a dream job quickly goes south after a series of run-ins with one of the resort’s owners threatens the future she’s building.

Investing in the resort where he met his closest friends made perfect sense to Milo Keene. But for someone who lives for spreadsheets, participating in any of the resort’s outdoor activities is more than a little outside his comfort zone. And that’s not even counting the resort’s newest adventure guide who seems determined to terrorize him.

Milo’s survival instincts are screaming at him to stay away from Nora. But when she unexpectedly comes to his rescue—and Milo admits that he maybe, possibly has feelings for her—what started as a crush might turn into the adventure neither saw coming.







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Opposites attract INDEED in this FUN-tabulous read from author Samantha Chase. I got a chance to listen to it via my participation in the RB Listening Circle (thank you RB Media Team!), and let me tell you it was a BLAST!

The narrator puts you right there in the moment with all the feels, all the miscommunication, all the anticipation (*wink wink*), and all the best yet to come moments that the author created. You feel like you're dancing on air from chapter to chapter because you're right on point; there's never a question as to whom is speaking, nor chance of getting lost in the story. I loved Nora and Milo equally, even when their start was more than a little rocky. Seriously, between the drone incident, the water ski washout, and the dunk in the lake...I didn't know whether to gasp or giggle! It was too much, but only in the best ways possible, and it only went up from there.

All in all, a GREAT STORY with WONDERFUL CHARACTERS, and enough heart to carry you through. I'm definitely gonna have to check out more of the series, but it read perfectly well on its own as well, so don't be afraid to take the plunge!





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Special thanks to the RB Media team for the audiobook to listen and share with you. (THANKS!) For more information, click on through the links above, and be sure to snag your copy to experience it for yourself!

Until next time, if it looks good, READ (or listen to) IT!



Wednesday, July 15, 2026

CAMP NETGALLEY: Fancy Dogs by Tini Malina, translated by Tammi Reichel - REVIEW!

Hi there readers!
Welcome back to another day here at Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers. While they posts on my site are a little more scant this year, I'm much more active over on Instagram, so be sure to follow along for more adventures! That being said... today's post is a little HERE and a little there, but a whole lot of bookish fun! 


Have you heard of it?
Have you ever been?
Okay, so it's not a place you go, but a thing you do online with other bookish fans, and it totally rocks.  Here's the skinny from the source...


How to Participate in Camp NetGalley

July 13 – July 27
Select a Read Now book from the Camp NetGalley carousel. You must download the book before July 27.

July 28 – August 13
Read your selected book and begin to write your review. Use our review tips below for assistance!

August 13
Submit the review by this date to earn the 2026 Camp NetGalley badge for your NetGalley Profile.


SOUNDS FUN, RIGHT?
WELL, HERE'S MY FIRST TITLE TO KICK IT OFF BECAUSE I SERIOUSLY PLAN ON TRYING TO DO AT LEAST ONE, IF NOT TWO MORE!



by
Tini Malina
Translated by Tammi Reichel
NorthSouth Books
Release Date: October 6th, 2026


This charming Picture Book for readers of all ages has appeal for dog lovers across the board... whether your pup is fancy or not! Through simple yet charming illustrations, and a limited, but bright color palette, this canine companion is brought to life in all the magical versions of himself. From prim and proper traffic stopper to shoe chewing mud puppy, it reminds us that EVERY pup has multiple sides to their spunk and spark which makes them truly AMAZING... and not unlike PEOPLE.

No pupper, nor human, is all one thing or another. We're multifaceted, layered, and always able to surprise. My Maddy is a sweetheart. She wears dresses and pj's, will politely alert when someone or something is at the door...BUT... she'll also roll in the grass if she finds a spot she especially loves regardless of her outfit, and chew and unattended cord (out of the blue... that's been in the same spot for 2 years 🙄).

The point is puppers (and people) and made up of all sorts of feelings, colors, and whatnot. Even the fancy pup likes to get out in the muck, while the outdoors loving pupper may be in love with a bath and a good snuggle. One must not judge purely on looks alone. You've got to give others a chance to truly SHINE 🌟 and show you their true rainbow 🌈 of colors because that's what makes them who they are, and THAT'S BEAUTIFUL, fancy or not.



Special thanks to NorthSouth Books, Inc for making this eARC available during the 2026 Camp NetGalley event. (THANKS) For more information on this title, be sure to stop by their site, or seek it out at your favorite online retailers for preorder in advance of its October 6th, 2026 book birthday!


Until next time, remember...if it looks good, READ IT!



Tuesday, July 7, 2026

Happy BOOK BIRTHDAY to...WILLA AND THE WAY HOME by Jennifer Moorman, Illustrated by Julianne St. Claire - REVIEW!

🐶 ❤️ 📖
Today's the day!


WILLA AND THE WAY HOME by Jennifer Moorman, Illustrated by Julianne St. Claire, is NOW AVAILABLE for you and yours to make your own!


ABOUT THE BOOK...
Meet Willa-a wiggly, floppy-eared German shepherd puppy with paws the size of pancakes, a heart as big as her bark, and a knack for big adventures!

In this heartwarming dog picture book for kids ages 4-8, moving day takes a surprising turn when Willa chases a butterfly straight out of the backyard...and gets lost in her brand-new neighborhood. What follows is a puppy adventure story about bravery, friendship, and finding your way home.

With the help of Rudy the cardinal and Pumpkin the cat, Willa learns that being brave doesn't mean doing everything alone. Sometimes bravery means asking for help and trusting that friends will guide you back where you belong.


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This DARLING story filled to the brim with MAGICAL illustrations (seriously stunning!) introduces us to sweet little Willa as she makes herself at home with her forever family...but they are embarking on a new adventure with her when the unthinkable happens... she gets lost! 😔 What's a puppy to do? She learns quickly that even a scary situation can be made less so when you ASK for help, and make some new FRIENDS. 🧡 With a little help from above (high flying help!) and below (a striped fur friend in the making!), Willa is on her way to a sweet reunion indeed.

It's a tender tale with a guaranteed happy ending that let's little ones know we all need a little help from time to time and making friends can be as easy as taking that first step and saying hello, or in this case, can you help me! Readers will fall in love with this adorable pup and her new friends, and the gorgeous artwork will make your heart soar. A great add to any library for story time or bed time reading


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About the author...

Jennifer Moorman is a USA TODAY bestselling author known for her heart-forward stories filled with Southern charm, unforgettable characters, and a touch of everyday magic. Her novels include The Charmed Library, The Vanishing of Josephine Reynolds, The Magic All Around, and the beloved Mystic Water Series. Her creative work also includes folklore retellings and the Strawberry Shortcake children’s books.

When she’s not writing, you’ll likely find her testing a new recipe, chasing rainbows, or stargazing. Jennifer lives in a magic house in Nashville, Tennessee.


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Special thanks to author Jennifer Moorman for the eARC for review, and the chance to be a part of the Magical Readers team. (THANKS!) 🌼 Catch Willa's adventure, available now at your favorite online retailers! https://a.co/d/052CsoX9
For more info, click on over to Goodreads. 

Until next time, remember...if it looks good, READ IT!




Thursday, June 25, 2026

WE BURNED SO BRIGHT by TJ Klune - REVIEW!




🌕 This feature was a long time coming... but so worth the wait.

It's a novella that snuck onto the scene April of this year via TOR PublishingGroup. It's the latest from author TJ Klune, and if you've read any of their other works, I'm told this will be a must read... but I've not read their other works. In fact, I've heard of them, have a title or two on my wishlist, but I've not taken the chance on one just yet. Why? Simple...lack of time, commitments, and mindset (still struggling, but I'm here), but when this one arrived in my mailbox (thank you TOR team!), something about it struck me, and I knew I had to take a chance. I'm so glad I did.

WE BURNED SO BRIGHT is one of those stories that you know the basic ending, but it's all about how it arrives, and what happens along the way. The trip that we take with Rodney and Don not only let's us slowly get to know them, but become a part of the journey as much as anything else that occurs. I was locked in from the beginning, and, while I had no idea where we were going, why we were going there, or just how close we'd come to seeing so many of the facets that make us human, there was no way I was turning away. 

 From new age hippies and free love to crossroads that no one should have to face alone even if the end of times IS coming, futures that while somewhat certain are anything but to histories that need baring to redeem hidden selves, there is so much poured into this short tale that you won't easily find your way out, nor will you want to.


Check it out for yourself (publisher's site)... I'd love to hear what you think!












Tuesday, May 26, 2026

Happy BOOK BIRTHDAY to... LOVE ON THE SHELF by Sheila Roberts!

 Happy BOOK BIRTHDAY to Sheila Roberts as LOVE ON THE SHELF hits bookstore and virtual shelves everywhere via Mira/Harper Collins!



💕 Are romance novels ruining love—or rewriting it? The battle lines are drawn—between a romance-loving bookseller and the shock jock determined to tear happily-ever-afters apart. 

👉 I gotta say, I was stoked to check this one out as I've loved my previous time between the pages with this author's works and it didn't disappoint. It's definitely a story that will pull you in if you love bookish characters (her not him), have a liking for enemies-to-lovers (I mean it takes two to tango), and feel fabulous when the banter is just right (*high fives all around*). So if you're looking to kick off your summer romance reading list, I definitely suggest leaving room for this little beauty!

🌟 Is this title on your TBR or have you read this author's work before? What title are you looking forward to this summer?

 Now more from the publisher...


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ABOUT THE BOOK...
💜 Alice Willoughby and her mom run HEA Books, a cozy shop devoted to love stories and the people who crave them. Alice is great at matching customers with their perfect happily-ever-after…she just can’t seem to find her own.

🎤 Enter Parker Black, a disillusioned radio host who’s reinvented himself as a romance-bashing shock jock. Bitter from his breakup with a romance author who turned love into a four-letter word, Parker takes aim at the entire genre—and his on-air rants start stirring up trouble for Alice’s loyal customers and their partners. He’s arrogant, aggravating, and absolutely not book-boyfriend material.

📚 Parker’s crusade leads to spirited debates and bookstore protests, but when unexpected sparks fly between the two of them Alice begins to wonder if her favorite trope—enemies to lovers—might actually be playing out in real life. Parker may claim romance is a lie…but is he protesting a little too much?

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
With more than fifty books to her name, Sheila Roberts is a frequent USA Today and Publishers Weekly bestseller - and a fan favorite. Her Christmas perennial "On Strike for Christmas" was made into a movie for the Lifetime Channel and her novel "The Nine Lives of Christmas" was made into a movie for Hallmark. Hallmark also made a sequel, titled "The Nine Kittens of Christmas." Her most recent novel to hit the small screen was "Christmas on Candy Cane Lane," which aired on the Great American Family Channel in 2022. Before settling into her writing career, Sheila owned a singing telegram company and played in band. When she's not traveling, she splits her time between the Pacific Northwest and Southern California.



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Special thanks to author Sheila Roberts for the ARC for review and to the publisher for access to the eARC on NetGalley. (THANKS!) This title is available now wherever books are sold. 

Until next time, remember...if it looks good, READ IT!









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