Xepherus Reads

  Hello, Fellow Book Worms and Book Dragons,          Many of us have created TBR shelves or carts. We believe it's the only way to get through all the books we buy. I have been collecting "hot" books for years. YouTube, TikTok, or Instagram, there is always a book that "we must read". But lately I have begun to downsize my books through gifting or donation to make room for those books I know I will read.   This month I decided to bring out my photo printer and I devised a plan. I printed small book covers, cut them out, and put them in a small bell jar. Four books later , it is a success.    Here are my rules I have created for this latest experiment of mine: Always maintain 50 or more books in the jar. Read what I pick If the book chosen is part of a series, draw another book (only if I need to read the books prior to understand the series). Set aside my chosen book into a small baggie to minimize re-drawing that book.  After I finish...

  Hello, Fellow Book Worms and Book Dragons,    When it comes to a good blizzard, nothing helps pass the Winter weather like reading a thriller. Curl up with a cozy blanket and some cocoa, because things are about to get scary. Here are some excellent reads for this weekend's Winter storm.      Here are my Top 5 Snowy Thrillers (my reviews are linked to the book covers)- 5) No Exit by Taylor Adams- A woman trapped during a blizzard at a rest stop finds a caged child in a van. Which of those stranded with her is the kidnapper? And what will they do to protect their crime? 4) The Sanatorium by Sarah Pearse- A luxury hotel opens in Switzerland, and the body count rises. Can a traumatized police detective rise to the occasion and find a killer before she is his next victim? 3) In a Dark, Dark Wood- A woman wakes up in a hospital under arrest for murder. She must work to escape authorities to find the real killer... in a blizzard.  2) An Unwanted Guest...

    Hello, Fellow Book Worms and Book Dragons,          Not a Happy Family is written by Shari Lapena and is published by Viking, an imprint of Penguin Random House. In it, we are introduced to Sheila and Fred Merton. They have invited their family to Easter dinner at their large home in the affluent neighborhood of Brecken Hill.    By the next day, they lie murdered in their home.    As family members and acquaintances are introduced and questioned, it is clear that one of them has murdered the Mertons. And what they will do to keep their secret may cause the death of another.   Not a Happy Family was a day-read for me. It is fun, fast-paced, and delivers twist after twist. I loved the family drama interlaced throughout the story. Lapena understands how to craft a mystery that has the reader stumped. As I was introduced to the cast of characters I enjoyed their backstories. They gave me plenty of suspects to choose from. When ...

  Hello, Fellow Book Worms and Book Dragons,      It is time to begin sharing my  2026 Xepherus Reads  Reading Challenge results.    The challenge dates are January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2026  Book Challenge books read: 3/50) Books Read Not in a Category: (00) Total Books Read: (03)   Updated 01/20/2026   Xepherus Reads Challenge categories (in alphabetical order):                 A 2025 Goodreads Choice winner- A banned book- A biography of a celebrity- A book a Netflix show was based on- A book by a debut author- A book by your favorite author you have not read- Not a Happy Family by Shari Lapena (****) A book featuring your favorite character- A book from your childhood- A Book of the Month Club Book- A book over 500 pages- A book published during the 1970s- A book published in 2025- A book purchased at a book fair- A book purchased at a thrift store- A book recommend...

  Hello, Fellow Book Worms and Book Dragons,          The Last Word by Taylor Adams comes in hot off the success of No Exit. It is published by William Morrow, and imprint of Harper Collins Publishers. In it, we are introduced to Emma Carpenter. She is grieving a terrible loss and has become introverted, leaving society behind. With her dog, Laika, she makes money housesitting. When she accepts a job taking care of a house on a remote beach, she is content. Her neighbor is a old man named Deek, who loves to communicate via a wipe-off board and a telescope. She walks the beach and enjoys the solitude. To pass the time Emma reads voraciously any thriller she can get for her e-reader.    But when a particularly badly written thriller is read by her, she leaves a one-star review. Afterward she moves on. The author does not. A series of terrifying encounters at night, has her convinced author H.G. Kane has tracked her down to make her the latest victim...

  Hello, Fellow Book Worms and Book Dragons,      Cozy books are a great way to break up constant horror or thriller reading. At times a book may be a heavy thing to move on from. I love to pick up a book that warms my heart and resets my reading.    Jenny Colgan is an excellent author to look into. Her brand of romance and drama in small towns and villages never fails to make me smile.   This series introduces us to Polly Waterford. She has lost her relationship, business, and home. With little to lose, she embarks on reinventing herself using her favorite hobby, baking. Renting an apartment over an abandoned baker, Polly begins baking and soon becomes a star in the small tidal village of Mount Polbearne.   Romance, baking, a little mystery, and lots of laughs makes this a great cozy series to enjoy. Click on the book covers below for my past reviews of the first three books in the series.       Let me know  what you are readi...