The Story Baker by Carsten Henn

How could Sophie do anything but be a ballerina?  

She found out that baking was similar to dancing as she kneaded the dough in Giacomo’s bakery that brought her back to life.

Sophie lost herself after her injury and miraculously this bakery and Giacomo helped bring her back with their friendship and the way baking paralleled with her dancing life.

Do not read this book if you are a bread lover and are hungry - you will be immediately making your way to your favorite bake shop.

I loved the Italian inferences and the songs and stories that helped Giacomo and Sophie make each loaf of bread different.

THE STORY BAKER is a heartfelt read with characters that will stay with you.

Enjoy!!  5/5

Thank you to the publisher for a copy of this book.  All opinions are my own.

Murder on 34th Street by Mariah Fredericks

Grace Verlander is in charge of everything to do with Macy’s Department Store in New York City including the Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Security and safety of the spectators and the people in the parade is top priority.

A few days before the parade Santa Claus receives a notice that he won’t make it to Christmas.

Who would want to kill Santa Claus?

Grace definitely has the someone in mind, but it turns out she was wrong.

Another lead takes her to someone she wouldn’t suspect.

MURDER ON 34TH STREET was a light read with insight into what goes on inside Macy’s all the time and for the parade’s preparation.

I enjoyed the characters and being taken behind the scenes.  

I loved how they had a cafeteria with a grumbling cook who dished out food in quantities according to her like or dislike of you.  

You will love Grace - she is determined to find out who the murderer was.  4/5

Thank you to the publisher for a copy of this book.   All opinions are my own.

It's Monday!! What Are YOU Reading? - 10/12/2026

                                         

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I hope you had a great reading week.

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This is a weekly meme hosted by Kathryn at BOOK DATE!

Post the books completed, the books you are currently reading, and the books you hope to finish at some point.

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Books Completed:

ALL THE LITTLE SECRETS by May Cobb - review will be on November 21, 2026.

Has all the antics May Cobb entertains her readers with.

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THE BOOKER REBELLION by Susan Palmer - review will be on November 20, 2026.

Intense and fast paced with great descriptions and characters.

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REVENGE PLOT by Stephanie Wrobel - spotlight will be on November 12.

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WHEN THEY FIND ME by Carter Wilson -  spotlight will be on November 11, 2026.

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PEREGRINE HILL by Nina De Gramont - spotlight will be on November 10, 2026.

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SUNFLOWER SEASON by Danica Nava - spotlight will be on November 4, 2026.

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THE FRIDAY BOOKSHOP by Sawako Natori - spotlight will be on November 3, 2026.

Couldn't get connected to the storyline or the characters.

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THE CALAMITY CLUB by Kathryn Stockett - No review, but I finally took the plunge into this 600-page doorstop.  :)

Very good - great characters.

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COZY LITTLE CHRISTMAS by Rae Anne Thayne - review will be on October 29, 2026.

A sweet read with characters you will love.

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THE PIANO TEACHER OF MONTPARNASSE by Heather Morris - review will be on October 23, 2026.

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MISSING MOLLY by Natalie Barelli - review will be on October 21, 2026.

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THE DIARY AT THE IRISH ADOPTION HOUSE by Michelle Vernal - review will be on October 22, 2026.

A good read!!

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BAD GIRLS GO EVERYWHERE by Ellen Sherman - spotlight will be on October 16, 2026.

Too many antics by the main character that I couldn't connect with the storyline and main character.

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MURDER ON 34TH STREET by Mariah Fredericks - review will be on October 12, 2026.

A light, entertaining read about Macy's and the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade - someone threatens to kill Santa.

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RED SEAL by Rosa Kwon Easton - review is in the book's title.

Historical fiction about Korea during their turmoil during WWII.

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THE STORY BAKER by Carsten Henn - review will be on October 13, 2026.

A very enjoyable, heartfelt read with characters that will stay with you.

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THE UNDERCOVER BOOKSHOP by Katherine Reay - review is in the book's title.

Very good - a delightful read with characters you would love to meet.

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THE MEMORY OF BORROWED BOOKS by Meg Anderson - review is in the book's title.

Ohhhh...this book is so good.  Don't miss it!!

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Book Currently Reading:

EVERY SECRET THING by Susanna Kearsley - review will be on November 26, 2026.

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Books Up Next:

MURDER UNABRIDGED by P. J. Nelson - review will be on December 1, 2026.

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THE MAGIC OF CHAMOMILE COTTAGE by Heather Webber - review will be on December 2, 2026.

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ELEVEN DAYS by Laura Thompson - review will be on December 3l 2026.

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THE BUREAU OF UNKNOWN FATES by Gaëlle Nohant - review will be on December 8, 2026.

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RABBIT, RABBIT by Jennifer E. Smith - review will be on December 15, 2026.

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THEY ONLY FOUND HER by Emy McGuire - review will be on December 16, 2026.

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DARLING YOU'RE NEXT by Marlee Bush - review will be on January 5, 2027.

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TAKE BACK THE NIGHT by Heather Gudenkauf, Kaira Rouda, and Kimberly Belle - review will be on January 12, 2027.

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THE GOLDEN CHILD by Lucinda Berry - review will be on Janaury 13, 2027.

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BAD HONEYMOON by Jessie Garcia - review will be on January 19, 2027.

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SCREAM CITY by Hannah Norrissey - review will be on January 26, 2027.

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PLAY ME ONCE by Mary Desch - review will be on January 27, 2027.

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THE BOOKBINDER'S CODE by A. D. Bell - review will be on January 28, 2026.

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MARIA, MARIA by Jennifer Galvao - review will be on February 2, 2027.

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LIGHT THE WAY by Monica West - review will be on February 3, 2027.

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THE SOCIETY OF FORGOTTEN WIVES by Pam Jenoff - review will be on February 4, 2027.

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SOMEWHERE, SOMETHING INCREDIBLE by Susan Meissner - review will be on February 9, 2027.

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FIVE MORNINGS AT THE BOOKSHOP by Shea Ashdown - review will be on March 9, 2027.

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THE ENIGMAS by Emilia Hart - review will be on April 6, 2027.

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EMERALD LAKE by Nita Prose - review will be on April 7, 2027.

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PARIS MATCH by Christopher Bollen - review will be on April 8, 2027.

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Mailbox Monday - 10/12/2026

   

BOOKMAIL THAT ARRIVED THIS WEEK.

WHAT ARRIVED FOR YOU?

Mailbox Monday is a gathering place for readers to share the books that came in their mailbox during the last week. 

Mailbox Monday is now hosted by Vicki!!

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On Monday, October 5, I received:

1.  ELEVEN DAYS by Laura Thompson, courtesy of Michelle Cashman of St. Martin's and NetGalley.

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On Thursday, October 8, I received:

1.  PARIS MATCH by Christopher Bollen, courtesy of Madison Dettlinger of Hogarth and Random House and NetGalley.

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