Xepherus Reads

Hello, Fellow Book Worms and Book Dragons,          February was a busy birthday month for me. I was fortunate enough to spend several days in New York City. ABC Studios was my home for a few days as an audience member of Kelly & Mark and Tamron Hall's daytime talk shows. NBC Studios was my home for a day as a part of The Kelly Clarkson Show's studio audience. Great food, great friends, and a few trips to the bookstore made 54 a great age so far.   I was also lucky enough to pull one of my TBR Jar hopes. As with any busy month, reading was accomplished when I had free time. I may have only read two books in February; at least they were amazing.   I also began writing my second thriller novel. As ARCs of my debut novel reach hands, I move forward with book two.  In February I read (my review is linked below): Bad Liar by Tami Hoag (****) It's Not Her by Mary Kubica (*****)    My favorite book of the month:  TBR Jar hopes for Mar...

  Hello, Fellow Book Worms and Book Dragons,          It's Not Her is the 10th thriller by Mary Kubica. It is published by Park Row Books, an imprint of Harlequin Books. In it we are introduced to Courtney Gray, a mother grateful to be on vacation with her family. Two cabins, one for her family and one for her brother's. It is a seemingly quiet vacation, until her brother and his wife are found murdered and her niece, Reese, is missing.   As search parties form and the police converge on the scene, Courtney is sick with worry. Where is Reese? Who killed her brother and his wife? The truth is nothing she could have conjured up in her mind. As the veil of deception is lifted, Courtney finds herself in a desperate struggle to protect the ones she loves.   It's Not Her is one of those books that you start and cannot put down. I began reading it when I woke up and was mesmerized by each chapter. I canceled my plans for the day and read until the evenin...

  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: 5/50) Books Read Not in a Category: (00) Total Books Read: (05)   Updated 02/19/2026   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,      When the crazy snow storm hit my area recently, I was wondering how everyone was getting along. If the power or Internet went out, what would everyone do?  This question is not just for Winter. Lately I have been noticing an increasing issue with ownership and availability.    I recently found several digital books that I paid for had disappeared from my e-reader. When I went to my account to see where the books were, I found they had been removed by the platform due to loss of rights. Same with digital movies and streaming platforms flip-flopping ownership rights.   In 2025 I began to buy copies of books, CDs, records, DVDs, and Blu-rays. Physical media has become popular again due to a continuing loss of ownership over the years. Buying physical media has also cut down on streaming service costs and disappearing media.    With programs like Audible allowing downloads, I will imme...

    Hello, Fellow Book Worms and Book Dragons,          Reading through an author's back log can be a daunting experience. But when the author is as dynamic as Ruth Ware, it is possible to read through several in one month.    When I discovered Ruth Ware I began with an ARC I was given by the publisher. After the Death of Mrs. Westaway, I knew I had to visit more of this author's library.   What I love about Ware's style, is her ability to capture drama and mystery. Her characters are never dull. The action is gasp-worthy.    Below are the five books I have read and reviewed. Click on each book to view my review.         Let me know  what Ruth Ware book is your favorite  in the comments below. Follow me on social media by visiting my  Linktree . I am preparing my debut novel for publication. Check out the  official website  for ARC copies, clues, crowdfunding, and previews.  Enj...

  Hello, Fellow Book Worms and Book Dragons,          Take Halloween and mash it up with Valentine's Day and you get Valloween. It's my excuse to celebrate spooky season early. And with all of the thrillers I read, I thought it would be fun to make a Book Tag for the occasion.  Here are the tags and my answers (with reviews linked): A book that features a toxic relationship: Jack and Wendy Torrance in  The Shining by Stephen King A book with a seductive villain: Rose the Hat from  Doctor Sleep by Stephen King A book featuring a steamy detour from horror: Ellen Brody and Matthew Hooper's affair in  Jaws by Peter Benchley A book with a married couple that solves murders: Nick Fourcade and Annie Broussard are a detective team in  Bad Liar by Tami Hoag A book where a couple meets through terrifying circumstances: Vince Leone and Anne Navarre in  Deeper Than the Dead by Tami Hoag      Let me know  your answers...