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When Mikan Road Was Ours: a gripping, sincere debut novel set across four generations of a Japanese American 

320 pages Publisher Atria Books Publication date July 28, 2026

ABOUT THE BOOK

Amid a sweltering Los Angeles heat wave, Murano, a reclusive high school English teacher, is muddling through life. Reeling from his father’s sudden death as well as his own recent cancer diagnosis, he passes time hazily grading papers and appeasing disgruntled parents while counting down each day until summer vacation.

The monotony breaks when he inherits his great-uncle Benjiro’s unpublished memoir. What Murano expects to be a grim reminder of his position as the half-white son of the family’s outcast instead whisks him away to 1930s California, to a time when the Murano family was inseparable, relishing life together on their bucolic farm. As the memoir introduces him to relatives he never knew existed and unearths hidden complexities of the past, Murano is pulled close to the Japanese identity he’s dismissed all of his life. Faced with the reality of his family’s dissolution, Murano becomes determined to understand its breaking point following their incarceration in American concentration camps during World War II, no matter what hidden truths he might uncover about his ancestors or himself.

Lovingly crafted with poignant and profound attention to historical detail, When Mikan Road Was Ours is a rich meditation on belonging that seamlessly blends the intricacies of heritage, the resilience of family bonds, and the struggle to reconcile a past filled with both heartache and hope.

MY THOUGHTS

When Mikan Road was Ours really has a great depth to its writing not usually seen from a debut author.
The book is based on his family history. This is a Japanese American family, and it takes us through four generations of family members and how past generations doings are felt and have had an effect through all and up to present generations.
There is grief and struggles as the family is forced to endure things no one should. No one talks about the concentration camps anymore and time marches on and it all seems to be forgotten but it’s not. Your time here is not forgotten, and you count. Thank you to the author for an enlightening story.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

Thank you for stopping in.

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Improving your sleep 💤😴?

What do you do to improve your sleep?

To help myself sleep better I take magnesium glycinate before bed every night. I shower every night before bed which is so relaxing. I also read to relax and it makes me nice and sleepy.

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daily prompt

Do you have daily step goals?

Daily writing prompt
Hit 5,000 steps today and drop your achievement here — we’re cheering you on!
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Small dog on a leash walking on a paved path in a park with green grass and trees in the background
A small dog enjoys a morning walk on a sunlit park path.

I’m a morning person. My ideal day is getting up at 6 a.m. and going for a walk. I usually don’t see many people and the day is fresh and new. I live in the country and the sound of bird songs accompany me. This is the best time for walking my dog as well as there are no other people or dogs to distract her. Occasionally we’ll see a squirrel and she’ll want to chase it. Chihuahua’s have a prey drive but since she’s on a leash she doesn’t succeed and I’m not sure she’d know what to do with it if she were able to get it.

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The Cinnamon Spellbook Bakery: A BRAND NEW magical small-town romance filled with irresistible chemistry from Ella Cook (The Magic of Hudsbury 1)

330 pages Publisher Boldwood Books Publication date

July 5, 2026

ABOUT THE BOOK

Step into the cosy and magical town of Hudsbury this autumn, where pumpkins can talk (and gossip), pastries have healing properties, and love is brewing like a magic potion. 🥐🍁

Aiden arrived in Hudsbury hoping for peace and quiet – but the quirky little town has other ideas. Nestled among golden leaves and crisp fall air, he’s drawn into a peculiar shop filled with the scent of cinnamon and a hint of magic… and is convinced to become the town’s newest baker.

The residents, and especially a mysterious grey cat named Mist, seem to know more than they let on. Whispering trees, heart-soothing teas, and jack-o-lanterns offering playful romantic advice make Hudsbury a place where the ordinary and magical intertwine.

Then he meets Mia, the practical local nurse. One playful night grows into a friends with benefits arrangement—but under the glow of autumn leaves and cackling pumpkins, sparks are impossible to ignore, blurring the lines of their friendship. As Aiden’s magic grows wilder and long-held secrets from his past begin to surface, he realises that love—and a little enchantment—might be exactly what he and Mia need to finally open their hearts.

A heartwarming, magical tale of scones, spells, and second chances, The Cinnamon Spellbook Bakery is a cozy fantasy full of charm, emotion, and the healing power of love—with just a dash of chaos.

MY THOUGHTS

I seem to find myself reading books that have magic in them recently. Either there has been an increase of this type of book being published recently or I am finding myself now drawn to them and that’s not a bad thing.
Smalltown charm, and a pleasant shop owner drew me right in and I found myself enjoying this book a lot.
The bakery/magical shop is very cozy and inviting. Once you step through its doors it knows what you need and heals you.
From a talking cat to charming and lovable pumpkins the Fall vibes drew me right in. The romance had a natural development. Towards the end there was a serious bit added and I’m looking forward to continuing reading about the characters in future books.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

About the author

Ella’s been obsessed with books since the moment she could reach to pull them off the shelf by herself, and has wanted to write for as long as she can remember.

She grew up in London where fairies lived at the bottom of her Grandma’s garden, and she still looks for magic – and often finds it – in everyday life.

She won the SWWJ Floella Benjamin Award in 2019, and published her debut, BEYOND GREY with Choc Lit and Ruby Fiction in 2021. Her books are now published by Joffe Books, who won the IPG Trade Publisher of the Year in 2023. She doesn’t plan to stop writing any time soon.

When she emerges from her fictional worlds, she writes bids for children’s services and lives in Warwickshire (where there are probably more fairies) with her ever-loving husband who reads all her stories first and makes gallons of tea in magical cups that keep drinks warm for whole chapters.

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Beating negativity?

What’s the best way to deal with negative thoughts?

Beating negativity isn’t always easy . For myself I try to overcome it by distracting my thoughts away from it. To do this I spend time with family, friends , walk in nature, listen to music, spend time with my pets or read.

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Daily Prompt

What do you love now, that you hated when you were younger?

I enjoy relaxing more now in the evening than I used to. I used to always want to be on the go but I enjoy my evening reading and tea time more now.

“Take some more tea,” the March Hare said to Alice, very earnestly.
“I’ve had nothing yet,” Alice replied in an offended tone, “so I can’t take more.”
“You mean you can’t take less,” said the Hatter: “it’s very easy to take more than nothing.”
“Nobody asked your opinion,” said Alice.
Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland


Tags: humor, less, more, nonsense, tea

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The Melody of Love

by Wanda E Brunstetter (Author), Lorine Brunstetter Van Corbach (Author) 

320 pages Publisher Barbour Fiction Publication date July 1, 2026

ABOUT THE BOOK

A widowed mother, Amelia Miller never thought of finding love again—until she meets Christian Yoder while on a sisters’ trip to Ohio. When Christian suddenly has the opportunity to move to Indiana near Amelia, what started as a spark grows to a flame. . .but there are complications. Amelia’s son, who is on the autism spectrum, doesn’t like the new man who has been coming around, and he often acts out in tantrums. Amelia’s love for her son is her priority, so romance may have to be sacrificed. Christian, though, is determined to find a connection with the boy.

Features:

  • From New York Times Bestselling Author, Wanda E. Brunstetter and her daughter Lorine Brunstetter VanCorbach
  • Unique story about an Amish woman who’s raising a son with Autism Spectrum Disorder
  • Story takes place in Goshen, Indiana
  • Brunstetters have strong ties to the Amish community
  • Amish fiction delivers life-changing inspiration and entertainment
  • Brunstetter’s fiction has sold more than 12 million units

MY THOUGHTS

his mother daughter team of author’s have written a fabulous book.
I read this book in one day it was just that good.
Though there have been books written about autism before there are not many written that pertain to Amish characters.
Thoroughly researched the book was very realistic I enjoyed meeting our character on the autism spectrum and seeing how compassionate his mother is giving him space when he needs it and gentle love when required.
I enjoyed seeing a second chance at love play out for our widowed characters. The pacing in this one is just right in this emotional and faither filled story that I enjoyed so much.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

About the author

Wanda Brunstetter is an award-winning romance novelist who has led millions of readers to lose their heart in the Amish life. She is the author of over 100 books with more than 12 million copies sold. Many of her books have landed on the top bestseller lists, including the New York Times, USA Today, Publisher’s Weekly, CBA, ECPA, and CBD. Wanda is considered one of the founders of the Amish fiction genre, and her work has been covered by national publications, including Time Magazine and USA Today.

Wanda’s fascination with the Amish culture developed when she met her husband, Richard, who grew up in a Mennonite church, and whose family has a Pennsylvania Dutch heritage. Meeting her new Mennonite sister-in-laws caused Wanda to yearn for the simpler life. In their travels, she and her husband have become close friends with many Amish people across America. Wanda’s desire to explore their culture increased when she discovered that her great-great grandparents were part of the Anabaptist faith.

All of Wanda’s novels are based on personal research intended to accurately portray the Amish way of life. Many of her books are well-read and trusted by the Amish, who credit her for giving readers a deeper understanding of the people and their customs.

Wanda’s primary attraction to the Amish is their desire to live a devout Christian life that strives to honor God, work hard, and maintain close family ties. Whenever she visits her Amish friends, Wanda finds herself drawn to their peaceful lifestyle, sincerity, and close family ties, which is in stark contrast to the chaos and busyness that plagues so many modern “Englishers.” Time and time again, Wanda loses her heart in the Amish life, and she hopes her readers will, too. For more information, visit: http://www.WandaBrunstetter.com

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A Quiet Elsewhere (1 book series)

306 pages Publication date June 30, 2026

ABOUT THE BOOK

She boarded the wrong train… and found a teahouse that knows her heart better than she does.

Liora likes plans, schedules, and knowing exactly where she’s going. So when a strange, ivy-choked train drops her in the middle of an enchanted forest instead of her grandmother’s house, Emberlee is the last place she expects to end up. The teahouse hums with wayward spirits, peculiar staff, and teas that soothe, stir, and sometimes slip memories away.

And her name appears in the guest book with no departure date.

Watched day and night, Liora searches for a way home with the help of Silas, the sharp-eyed gardener bound to Emberlee by an enigmatic past. Their reluctant alliance soon softens into something warmer, charged with late-night confessions and an undeniable attraction.

But Emberlee has its own plans, and when her forgotten past finally resurfaces, Liora must choose:

Stay and risk her heart, or leave and lose a love she may never find again?

Cozy stone and wood forest cafe named The Whispering Owl with people sitting outside and an owl perched on a sign
A cozy forest cafe named ‘The Whispering Owl’ with warm glowing lights and patrons enjoying tea

MY THOUGHTS

Wow! Just WOW! This is a romantasy, not my usual type of read at all. I usually prefer a book that is solid, standing on its own two feet and based on reality.
This is about as far from that as could possibly be.
Boarding the wrong train takes a woman to a world unexpected, stepping off the train she stepped into a world that felt like a whole other dimension.
Let me just say I really loved the teahouse, Emberlee. The whole thing feels like you’re inside a mystical magical garden. It’s fantasy at its best.
It’s magical, whimsical. enchanting and absolutely left me spellbound and impatiently waiting for the next in the series.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

MEET THE AUTHOR

Rachel Ann Hubert has always been drawn to the shadowy corners of storytelling—the places where fate twists, magic lingers, and characters fight for every scrap of truth. A lifelong writer, she officially embarked on her publishing journey in 2022 and has since spent her time crafting dark fantasy, fantasy romance, and an eerie Halloween anthology—with plans to expand into even more genres.

When she’s not weaving stories about betrayal, forbidden powers and passions, and morally murky protagonists, Rachel can be found cooking up delicious dishes, battling through board games, or screening scary movies (the spookier, the better). She lives in Michigan with her husband, their endlessly entertaining son, and just the right amount of chaos.

As a multi-genre indie author, Rachel thrives on character-driven narratives that linger long after the last page. For more tales of dark intrigue, twisted magic, and high-stakes adventure, follow her on Instagram @rachelann_indieauthor.

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Daily Prompt

Emperor Palpatine has announced open elections for a new Emperor — and he’s nominated Darth Vader. You get to nominate one challenger.

I feel totally out of my element on today’s qotd. 😧How would you answer this one?

Finch back from adventuring.

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Big Apple Farm: the funniest small town British romance of 2026

320 pages Publisher Avon Pub Date Jun 18 2026 

ABOUT THE BOOK

The perfect book for fans of small town romance

Beatrice Norton is a country girl. Working on a farm by day and pulling pints at the Big Apple pub by night, her simple life suits her just fine.

Arthur Redgrave is city boy. Raised in luxury by acting royalty, he dreams of conquering the Big Apple – New York – and isn’t afraid to trade off his parents’ name to get there.

But fed up with his entitled attitude, his parents ship him off to his dad’s childhood farm for a reality check. Tasked with showing Arthur the ropes, Beatrice finds herself stuck with man who can’t tell a pitchfork from a salad fork.

Despite their efforts to remain at odds, Arthur finds himself respecting the straight-talking farm girl and Beatrice wonders whether there’s more beneath his polished (and handsome) exterior. Can love bridge the gap between rural roots and big-city dreams, or will their hearts remain worlds apart?

Tropes:

  • Small town romance!
  • Enemies-to-lovers
  • Forced proximity
  • Low spice
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MY THOUGHTS

They say don’t judge a book by its cover and that saying got proven right for me as I read this.
I have heard of this author before but have never read one of her books until now.
A sweet feel-good story with a small-town feel that has some lovely characters, some will take you by surprise and make your heart smile. Once I started this, I read it way too late into the evening. Such a charming read!

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

Thank you for stopping in.

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