YABookNerd

Thursday, January 8, 2026

Review: The Bridesmaid

The Kensington invites you to the wedding to the season...

It's a three-day affair. However, on the day of the dry run, one of the bridesmaids is found murdered. Holly Stone forces her way into the mix so she can uncover the truth. But she isn't prepared for ALL the secrets or the lifestyle of the rich and famous.

Someone doesn't want this wedding to happen.

My Thoughts: I couldn't put this book down. There were so many twists and turns. I tore through this novel. I can't say too much without spoilers, but reading it was like watching a train wreck. You couldn't look away.

Cover Thoughts: Perfect

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: Highly recommended for your public library

Hand this book to: Readers who love Freida McFadden

Wednesday, January 7, 2026

Picture Book Wednesday: Dawn

Spending the morning by the pond with its animal visitors and nature companions.

This is a beautiful book! The illustrations are soft and gorgeous. There aren't too many words, but the words perfectly match the pictures. There's a lot going on in this book - there's lots to talk about and lots to share.

A must have for your school and public library collections.

Tuesday, January 6, 2026

Top Ten Tuesday: Favorite Reads of 2025

This week is ALL about our favorite reads of 2025. I have so many favorites.

I already shared my 5 star middle grade reads - here.

I have a LOT of five-star reads last year. In trying to keep this list shorter, I left off a bunch that I really did love.

Here are my top Teen and Adult Reads:

Teen:

Adult:

Did you read any of these too? Did you enjoy them?

Monday, January 5, 2026

Middle Grade Review: Outside

Razzi knows she's never supposed to go outside, but it doesn't make her curious about things. It's not safe. Ollie tried going outside and he died.

But sometimes you have to break the rules...

My Thoughts: This book was interesting - it burrowed deep under my skin. It's given me a LOT to think about. There are a lot of pieces here and the whole picture slowly begins to take shape. There were a couple pieces that I didn't understand, but that didn't stop my enjoyment of the book. I couldn't put this book down; I had to figure out what happened.

Cover Thoughts: Enticing, but not part of the book

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: Highly Recommended for your school or public library collection.

Sunday, January 4, 2026

Picture Book Review: I've Got You

Anthony is always there for his little brother. They play together, Anthony teaches him, and Anthony comfort him. As time goes on, Rasheed becomes a big brother. And he does exactly what Anthony did for him.

This is a very sweet story about siblings and family. It made me tear up.

Saturday, January 3, 2026

Goals for 2026

Here are some goals for 2026 (not bookish as those will be later this month)

Travel:

Not sure where I will be heading this year, but some probably visiting some favorite places and favorite people and maybe somewhere new.

I want to take more day trips around New England

Hobbies:

Cook more

Get back into paper quilling (I failed this last year)

Create a monthly journal sheet

Paint (start doing something with my backlog of paintings)

Writing:

The well has been dry for a while, but maybe start a new project. Something just for me. Maybe I need to write just for me and not for the idea of showing anyone else.

What are some of your goals for the year?

Friday, January 2, 2026

Wrap of 2025

Another year over and a new one begun.

Some highlights from last year:

Adventures:

Visited a steam Cider Mill
Hiked Rim to Rim at the Grand Canyon
Hiked in Acadia National Park
Took a horseback ride through the battlefields of Gettysburg
Finished a 5K run/walk (first race since high school)
Picked flowers at a tulip farm
Visited friends in Seattle area
Went to a Fancy Tea
Visits with friends