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Welcome to my bookish little corner of the internet!

I am a Litertarian, a term I invented for a (hopefully) catchy blog title. What does it mean? Well, similar to the way vegetarians consume vegetables and carnivores consume carne (that’s meat in Spanish), a litertarian consumes literature. Books. Stories. Legends. Because like Thomas Jefferson once said:

I cannot live without books.

I read a lot. More than most, probably. I used to keep casual book blogs years ago where I would post reviews, and I realized recently that I missed it. I love having something to look back on when I read a book I really enjoyed. It’s like a journal, you know? Looking back on the reviews bring me joy, and can remind me of what was going on in my life at the time I read them. It’s special.

I also love helping people connect with books they love. When someone asks me for a book recommendation, I take it seriously. When I recommend something someone truly enjoys, the satisfaction is immense. There is nothing better than a good book, and everyone deserves to have that feeling as often as possible. No one can read them all, and there’s nothing wrong with being selective.

So here I am, embracing the responsibility that is book blogging. I’m ready to have a place to record my reading in a more personal way again. I’m ready to have a place to rant and word-vomit about book nerdy topics that only other people who are as obsessed with books as I am will care about. I’m ready to commit myself to something I love, that also isn’t all that demanding. All I have to do is read books and jot down some thoughts after, right? That’s pretty much my favorite thing to do anyway.

So let’s do this, folks! Let’s grab a book from the top of our TBRs and dive into the pages! If you’ve read a book that pops up on my review list, I’d love to know your thoughts about them in the comments. Books are pretty much my favorite thing to talk about, so don’t be shy! Feel free to bookmark my site and check back periodically old-school blog style. Or, you can sign up for emails every time I post in the sidebar signup. Or, if you’d rather follow along on via social media, click the ‘Socials’ tab above to connect with me on Goodreads, Threads, or Instagram. And of course, if you know of a book I should read, just shout!

I want to help you find a new book you’ll love.

Happy reading, everyone.

-e.

Book Review:: Happy Christmas | Kelsey Humphries

Okay, wow! Finding a new indie author with serious chops can be difficult, but if Kelsey Humphreys new release of Happy Christmas is any indication, ladies, fellas, I’ve gone and done it.

Happy Christmas by Kelsey Humphries Book Cover

I listened to the audiobook narrated in duet by Ryan Lee Dunlap and Audrey Obeyn and it was sooo excellent. I wasn’t fully sure about the English accent at first, but it grew on me very quickly.

This is the story of Janie and Benedict, a down-on-her-luck once socialite and a doesn’t-take-himself-seriously billionaire. They have friends in common, and reconnect at the beginning of the novel at a very opportune time. Benedict has received an ultimatum from his father to be married in order to inherit, and Janie happens to be desperate for cash to dig herself out of a hole. Even still, she’s not sold on the idea that she could marry him.

But reader, she does.

Oh this book is good fun! Benedict is a lighthearted and silly guy much of the time, but he’s never really been faced with a situation that warranted depth from him. He dotes on Janie, happily, and it’s the most adorable thing ever to see his feelings develop through the novel.

Janie has her secrets, and she’s keeping them, even though they’ve destroyed her life. She is far more guarded than Benedict, having been burned in the past. But she can’t deny that whatever it is between her and Benedict, it’s easy, and comes organically. They may be faking it for other people, but just between them? It’s all natural.

I’m not ashamed to say I want more of this book. I will probably read it at least once more before Christmas this year, but I’m most excited to dive into the many other romantic comedies in Kelsey’s backlist. What a joy this book is. I can’t wait to see what Ms. Humphreys comes up with next!

Note:: I purchased this book myself and my opinions are my own.

Details

Title:: Happy Christmas (Juniper Falls #1)
Author:: Kelsey Humphreys
Genre:: Holiday Romance
Publisher:: Magnamour (Indie)
Length:: 373 pages
Audio Length:: 11h 39m
Audiobook Narrator:: Ryan Lee Dunlap & Audrey Obeyn
Published:: September 30th, 2025
The Litertarian Rating:: 5-Stars

If you liked this book, check out…

Yours for the Season | Emily Stone
Emergency Contact | Lauren Layne & Anthony LeDonne
Christmas Is All Around | Martha Waters

Book Review:: Listen for the Lie | Amy Tintera

Wow – I was blown away by this book. From the title, which has to be one of my favorites of all time, to the intricate and relentless mystery, I was inexorably hooked from the get.

Ben Owens investigative crime podcast, Listen for the Lie, has a new season and a new case to unravel – the brutal murder of a woman named Savannah, colloquially called Savvy, in the small Texas town of Plumpton. The prime suspect, Lucy Chase, has a new life in LA, but the popularity of the up-and-coming podcast has her new life crumbling around her. Who wants to hire a murder suspect of an unsolved crime? Who wants to live with one? The answer, clearly, is no one.

Returning to Plumpton for the first time for her grandmother’s birthday celebration, Lucy is confronted with the dark past and the community that was all too ready to shun her. She genuinely has no memories of that night, and with everyone so certain she was the killer, she’s not completely convinced of her own innocence. She loved Savannah, and she sustained serious injuries of her own that night. Isn’t it finally time to find out the truth, if it’s even possible?

The web of suspects is small at first, until lies about alibis come to the surface, and suddenly there is real doubt about whodunnit. It seems there isn’t much to do in Plumpton than drink and knock boots, two things sure to muddle the facts and motives. Thrown in the unreliability of Lucy’s memories and this mystery will keep you up way past your bedtime.

What a treat of a thriller. Absolutely recommend!

Details

Title:: Listen for the Lie
Author:: Amy Tintera
Genre:: Mystery Thriller
Publisher:: Celadon Books
Length:: 352 pages
Audio Length:: 9h 18m
Audiobook Narrator:: January LaVoy & Will Damron
Published:: March 5th, 2024
The Litertarian Rating:: 5-Stars

If you liked this book, check out…

Book Review:: Clementine Crane Prefers Not To | Kristin Bair

Menopause mamas, unite! This new tragi-comedy novel from Kristin Bair is a feminist anthem for women who have sacrificed and organized and put up with TOO MUCH in their lives, only to be saddled at a certain age with the sometimes debilitating symptoms of menopause.

Clementine Crane Prefers Not To by Kristin Bair Book Cover

When library media director Clementine Crane starts having hot flashes, she is mortified, outraged, flabbergasted that no one told her she had those to look forward to one day. She makes sure her co-workers, friends, family, and doctor knows it too. It should be talked about more! There should be research! Something should be done!

She has a little bit of a breakdown/awakening, and starts a social media outlet to share the steam literally rising from her head, and the sweat dripping from uncomfortable places when they hit. And when her child has a homework assignment for a story that includes the words I prefer not to, she finds her new anthem. Suddenly Clementine prefers not to several times a day. She stops women in the grocery store, in the clinic, in the library, and tells them they can prefer not to too. It’s that easy. Women are asked far too much sometimes, and it never occurs to any of us to just…pass. No thanks, I PREFER NOT TO.

Honestly, this novel is a riot. It’s wonderful. Quirky, heartfelt, sympathetic, and hilarious. I think many people will relate to and love Clementine, who prefers her job title to read Connector of People to Magical Things instead of Director of Media at the library. She’s smart, funky, and maybe a little too daring.

Grab your copy today and get it girl!

Note:: I received an early copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Details

Title:: Clementine Crane Prefers Not To
Author:: Kristin Bair
Genre:: Contemporary | Women’s Fiction | Humor
Publisher:: Alcove Press
Length:: 320 pages
Audio Length:: #h #m
Audiobook Narrator:: Name(s)
Published:: October 14th, 2025
The Litertarian Rating:: 5-Stars

If you liked this book, check out…

Amazing Grace Adams | Fran Littlewood

Book Review:: And Then There Was The One | Martha Waters

W.O.W. I was not expecting this book. I really enjoyed Martha Waters Christmas book last year, so I was excited to find this book in my inbox, but was I expecting it to bowl me over the way this one did? Absolutely not.

And Then There Was The One by Martha Waters Book Cover

This was supposed to be a murder mystery. Maybe a cozy mystery with some romantic subplot. Instead, this was the story of an epic romance with a side of some casual community murder.

Loved. It.

In fact, this is a masterclass in the slow burn romance. Our leading man is strong, confident, and entirely smitten. Our heroine is focused, guarded, and not-to-be-trifled-with. Their banter is top tier. The swoon worthy moments had me actually swooning.

10/10, no notes.

And yeah, they solve a murder too, but that’s just background noise 🙂

Note:: I received an early copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Details

Title:: And Then There Was The One
Author:: Martha Waters
Genre:: Cozy Mystery Romance
Publisher:: Atria
Length:: 352 pages
Audio Length:: 8h 20m
Audiobook Narrator:: Billie Fulford-Brown
Published:: October 14th, 2025
The Litertarian Rating:: 5-Stars

If you liked this book, check out…

The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year | Ally Carter (Review Coming Soon)
The Blonde Identity | Ally Carter (Review Coming Soon)
Once Upon A Crime | Brynn Kelly
Love at First Sighting | Mallory Marlowe

Book Review:: Overdue | Stephanie Perkins

Look at this gorgeous book. I could not wait to sink into this one, and that’s really what it felt like, an immersive almost coming-of-age story about an almost thirty-year-old woman coming into her own across all aspects of her life. I was expecting it to be heavier on the romance, more about that to come, but as a whole it is a genuine story about a strong woman who is still figuring herself out.

Ingrid works in a library. She loves it there, but when she’s offered opportunity to further invest in that career path, something holds her back. I commiserate with this.

She works there with a guy named Macon. They’re friends.

Ingrid has been with the same guy since the very first day of college. It’s a safe relationship, but passionless. When Ingrid’s sister announces her engagement, Ingrid and Corey have a bit of a revelation – they’ve been together eleven years and never even thought about getting married.

So they make the wacky decision to take a ‘break’ and see other people.

This part of the novel was…weird. And pretty uncomfortable. But it was part of Ingrid’s journey.

Did I mention Macon? Things are weird between he and Ingrid after she tries to kiss him after work one night. And as she’s dating through men at an alarming rate. And he’s ten years older than her. But she misses their friendship, and through the humps and bumps, they bandage up what they had the best they can.

This is the slowest of slow burns, and maybe that’s why the author thought it was important to pepper in the other suitors through act one? Perhaps that was part of the lesson Ingrid had to learn in order to find a firm foundation in her new relationship? I think there might have been other ways to accomplish this. But maybe others won’t mind it so much.

Overall it is a very endearing novel and is well worth the time-investment to read. I enjoyed the audio version, Eva Kaminsky did an excellent job bringing voice to Ingrid and her friends. It’s a story about friendship, finding your own path, and authenticity. There are many moments that will make you swoon, and once Ingrid figures out what she wants, there is no stopping her!

Congratulations on your newest release, Stephanie. I really enjoyed it!

Note:: I received an early copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Details

Title:: Overdue
Author:: Stephanie Perkins
Genre:: Contemporary Romance
Publisher:: Saturday Books
Length:: 416 pages
Audio Length:: 13h 26m
Audiobook Narrator:: Eva Kaminsky
Published:: October 7th, 2025
The Litertarian Rating:: 4.5-Stars

If you liked this book, check out…

We Met Like This | Kasie West
People Watching | Hannah Bonam-Young
Love Walked In | Sarah Chamberlain

Book Review:: Yours for the Season | Emily Stone

What do you do when your ex-boyfriend invites you to spend the week of Christmas with his family in Scotland? Turns out he told his family you got back together, and you love his family, and he agrees that you can break up with him very loudly and clearly at the end of it, to set things straight once and for all. So Melanie agrees.

Yours for the Season by Emily Stone Book Cover

All the ingredients for a cute holiday romance are there! Fake dating someone you already have a history with makes everything that much more complicated. There are long standing relationships Melanie has with his large family who are there, too, and many of them are going through big life events and are really bonding with her on this trip. The breakup earlier in the year was brutal, but could there still be hope for the two of them?

Maybe my favorite part of this book was how Melanie was accepted by Finn’s family. When a relationship disintegrates, it often has a lot of collateral damage, and in their case, Melanie lost her relationship with his mother and sisters who she always really cared about, being an only child herself.

I have a soft spot for holiday romances. Is this one extra special? Not really. It’s a typical tropey contemporary romance novel with a holiday twist. The romance is satisfying, and the drama is certainly there. The characters each have lessons to learn before they can truly love and trust the other person. And if you’re itching for the holidays, you should definitely add this one to your list!

Note:: I received an early copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Details

Title:: Yours For the Season
Author:: Emily Stone
Genre:: Holiday Romance
Publisher:: Dell
Length:: 336 pages
Audio Length:: 8h 54m
Audiobook Narrator:: Rebecca Norfolk
Published:: October 7th, 2025
The Litertarian Rating:: 3-Stars

If you liked this book, check out…

Christmas is All Around | Martha Waters
Emergency Contact | Lauren Layne & Anthony Ledonne
Work in Progress | Kat Mackenzie

Book Review:: Where the Library Hides | Isabel Ibanez

Where the Library Hides is the second book in the Secrets of the Nile Duology by Isabel Ibanez. If you have not started this wonderful historical fantasy series yet, please start with What the River Knows. If you’ve not read it, the review below may include spoilers.

Where The Library Hides by Isabel Ibanez Book Cover

Inez is in deep with the forgery circuit mystery in Egypt, too deep to ignore – too deep to turn back. The only way she can get out from beneath her uncle’s thumb of control is to marry Mr. Whitford Hays, a cunning man of mystery & deception she’s convinced herself she can trust. But when he betrays her within days of their secret wedding, Inez accepts that only she is in control of her destiny – there is no one left she can trust. If she doesn’t work to preserve the legacy of Cleopatra and other Egyptian relics, no one will. Her fiery a relentless personality is back in full force for this conclusion to the series. But what I love about Inez is that she’s not all fire. She also has so much compassion. She has an open heart for forgiveness and wants to give others the benefit of the doubt, even when they may not deserve it.

In this novel she is put through many trials, and jumps head first into dicey situations many would run away from. She’s brave. She’s strong. She’s noble. And she won’t stop until she succeeds.

Whitford Hays…oh Whit, Whit, Whit…what a rascal you are. Where he is a swashbuckling enigma in the first book, we get to see some deeper layers to the secretive genteel in this second book, and ladies, he’s far from perfect. He makes some big boo boos along the way, but in the end, the romance is as bombastic as we (and they) deserve.

I cannot recommend this series highly enough. The intrigue, the adventure, the tension…all of it is handled masterfully, and I’m not sure how I feel about it ending after only two books. Did it need more? No. But selfishly I want to linger far longer in this world. Luckily I own both books in multiple formats so I can revisit them literally whenever and whereever I want. #readergoals

Read it. Love it. Thank me later.

Details

Title:: Where the Library Hides (Secrets of the Nile #2)
Author:: Isabel Ibanez
Genre:: Historical Fantasy
Publisher:: Wednesday Books
Length:: 400 pages
Audio Length:: 14h 29m
Audiobook Narrator:: Ahmed Hamad and Ana Osorio
Published:: November 5th, 2024
The Litertarian Rating:: 5-Stars

If you liked this book, check out…

What the River Knows | Isabel Ibanez
Divine Rivals | Rebecca Ross
The Ministry of Time | Kaliane Bradley

Book Review:: A Lot to Unpack | Portia MacIntosh

Liberty is in need of a fresh start. She just found out her boyfriend, who she works with, has been using dating apps to send pictures of his junk to other ladies. So now she’s job-less and man-less. Her new job allows her to travel the world, affords her plenty of free time for dating, but she can’t seem to catch her stride. That is until she is assigned to spend more time with the company’s founder, who is off limits in more ways than one.

A Lot to Unpack by Portia MacIntosh Book Cover

Parts of this novel were okay, but overall, it was not for me. I was having a hard time following the logic and likelihood of most of the events in this book. I didn’t care at all about these bad dates Liberty ended up on. I was only really interested once Jordan came into the picture, which was later on in the novel.

The main character really makes a fool of herself a few times, and though she’s not really ditzy, she doesn’t really come off well. The decisions she makes aren’t just bad decisions, they’re worse. Like, illegal.

Also, things wrapped up maybe too neatly there at the end. Technically it all tracks, but I just didn’t find it all that believable.

This wasn’t the one for me, unfortunately.

Note:: I received an early copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Details

Title:: A Lot to Unpack
Author:: Portia Macintosh
Genre:: Romantic Comedy
Publisher:: Boldwood Books
Length:: 266 pages
Audio Length:: 6h 53m
Audiobook Narrator:: Karen Cass
Published:: October 2nd, 2025
The Litertarian Rating:: 2-Stars

Book Review:: The Irish Goodbye | Heather Aimee O’Neill

I love me a good family drama, and The Irish Goodbye by debut author Heather Aimee O’Neill was no exception.

The Irish Goodbye by Heather Aimee O'Neill Book Cover

When families come together for holidays, it can be…uncomfortable. Awkward. Complicated. The Ryan’s Thanksgiving exemplifies this phenomenon.

Everyone is at a bit of a crux in their own lives, at decision points, or the point of having to face the music. One by one we learn about these rich and complex characters, without ever losing the drive to read forward. Sometimes getting lost in backstories can bog down a narrative, but I was locked in the whole time.

This is the kind of novel that kind of encapsulates the whole of humanity. This is just one family, but it could be anyone’s family. We all have complex webs of relationships and curveball occurrences that throw us completely for a loop. We all have to make difficult decisions and deal with grief and love and longing and hurt.

The writing is excellent. The characters are excellent. Their stories are excellent. I listened to the audio and the narrator is excellent. Five very hearty stars.

Note:: I received an early copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Details

Title:: The Irish Goodbye
Author:: Heather Aimee O’Neill
Genre:: Fiction / Family Drama
Publisher:: Henry Holt and Co.
Length:: 288 pages
Audio Length:: 8h 35m
Audiobook Narrator:: Kristen Sieh
Published:: September 30th, 2025
The Litertarian Rating:: 5-Stars

If you liked this book, check out…

The Homemade God | Rachel Joyce
These Summer Storms | Sarah MacLean
The Greatest Possible Good | Ben Brooks
The Accidental Favorite | Fran Littlewood

Book Review:: Say it Out Loud | Ashley Schumacher

If you’re looking for a true-blue fun and meaningful romance novel to snuggle up with this fall, Say It Out Loud by Ashley Schumacher is honestly a great choice.

Say It Out Loud by Ashley Schumacher Book Cover

Starting at the beginning, we live through Juniper Green’s big acting break. Or…what should have been, if Romeo hadn’t completely dismissed her performance as his own support helping her shine. She wasn’t supposed to even be on stage. She was doing him a favor. And that’s how he treats her?

Years later, after building up and selling a successful podcast, Juniper’s next opportunity is to narrate one her mother’s favorite book series. Except it’s a dual narration. And the other narrator is…James.

She’s unsure at first if he even remembers her. For her, their chance meeting that night back stage was a formative experience – the night she always wondered about. If it had gone differently, it might have changed her entire life.

James, of course, went on to become a famous actor, and is the real draw for listeners to tune into the audiobook they’re recording. Juniper has to work through a lot of imposter syndrome, and get over her baggage to make this work.

It’s been a minute since I’ve gotten to enjoy a romance novel like this. It’s clear, it’s structured well, both characters have a lot of heart and heartache they’re contending with. It was just a really good time. I really enjoyed it!

Note:: I received an early copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Details

Title:: Say It Out Loud
Author:: Ashley Schumacher
Genre:: Contemporary Romance
Publisher:: Del Rey
Length:: 352 pages
Audio Length:: 11h 19m
Audiobook Narrator:: Lauren Ezzo
Published:: September 30th, 2025
The Litertarian Rating:: 5-Stars