Hell's Heart

 

Hell's Heart is a standalone queer friendly space opera homage to Moby Dick by Alexis Hall. Released 10th March 2026 by Macmillan on their Tor imprint, it's 464 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout.

The 5 word cover blurb honestly covers the entire book perfectly: "Sapphic Moby Dick in Space". The other 464 pages, in true homage to the source inspiration, meander, complain, and very occasionally stumble through a tragic epic tale which very very often hinders readers' connection with the narrative, with the characters, and with the writing. It's convoluted and disjointed (again, true to the original work). 

For anyone who was forced to read Moby Dick for a grade back in school, this will instigate flashbacks of the *slog* that Melville (and Mrs. Grant!!!!) put us through. For the circa 90% who just bought the Cliff's Notes and cribbed for the exam, this one is in space, and it's F/F gay friendly. 

The author is undeniably gifted and technically adept. This is not their best work. It -is- very well written, but heavens above, it drags and the characters are *difficult* to connect with or care about very much (note: this was also a huge issue in Moby Dick). 

The unabridged audiobook has a run time of 14 hours 18 minutes and is beautifully read by Charli Anne Delores. She has a husky well modulated alto voice and does a great job delineating the various characters. The audiobook reading brings character and some engagement to an otherwise difficult/directionless read. Sound and production values are high throughout the recording. 

Three stars. As a Macmillan/Tor selection, it will be on the auto-acquisition lists for most libraries. It would also be a good choice (probably) for SF bookclub discussions. Otherwise it's a grudge match to finish. 

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes. 

One-Pot Comfort Food From Around The World

 

Stews is a wide ranging cookbook by young self-taught chef Xavier Bramble with recipes drawn from world spanning food traditions. Released 24th Feb 2026 by HarperCollins on their Harper Celebrate imprint, it's 224 pages and is available in hardcover and ebook formats. 

This is an accessible collection of recipes arranged thematically: veg, beans, poultry, beef, pork & lamb, seafood, and allied recipes/sides/spices/ingredients. 

Recipes are flagged with keys for speedy prep, longer time commitment, and even for dishes which require ingredients which might be more difficult to source.  Nutritional information is not included.  Each recipe includes a header with a short description of the recipe (and culinary tradition it is taken from) and approximate servings. Extra tips or recipe alternatives are listed in the recipes. The recipes themselves are fairly straightforward and are made for the most part with easily sourced ingredients. Ingredient measurements are written in imperial (American) units.

The recipes as pictured are attractive and appetizing, casually styled and in color. The photographs are full of exotic landscapes and inspirational locations. Not every recipe includes a photograph, but most do.

Four and a half stars, it would be an excellent choice for public library acquisition or home use.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

 

We Fancy: Simple Recipes To Make The Everyday Special

 

We Fancy is a nicely curated culinary style guide with recipes by Jerrelle Guy. Released 10th Feb 2026 by Simon & Schuster on their Simon Element imprint, it's 304 pages and is available in hardcover and ebook formats. 

Everyday dishes with stylish, often simple, twists which elevate them beyond the ordinary. There's a very playful, fun vibe with lots of whimsy and, yes, style. The author manages to give the extra oomph without being fussy or sacrificing taste for looks. 

The recipes are arranged thematically: drinks, dinner snacks, fast'n'fancy, quick to prep, jazzy rice, elegant sides, inner-child pleasers, solo meals, lavish leftovers, breakfast for dinner, weeknight desserts, toppings, sauces, sprinkles & crunchies, and flavor bombs. 

Recipes are flagged/coded for dietary info such as dairy free, nut free, refined sugar free, etc.  Nutritional information is not included.  Each recipe includes a header with a short description of the recipe and approximate servings. Extra tips or recipe alternatives are listed in the recipes. The recipes themselves are fairly straightforward and are made for the most part with easily sourced ingredients. Ingredient measurements are written in imperial (American) units.

The author/publisher have also included (in the release copy) resources, references, and index as well as bookclub/discussion topics (which is super cool)

The recipes as pictured are attractive and appetizing, professionally styled and in color.

Four and a half stars, it would be an excellent choice for public library acquisition or home use.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

 

The Red Scare Murders

 

The Red Scare Murders is a solid PI noir mystery by Con Lehane. Released 16th Dec 2025 by Soho Press on their Crime imprint, it's 400 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. Paperback due out from the same publisher in Nov 2026. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links throughout. 

Fans of PI noir will likely love this gritty action driven, well constructed mystery set in 1950s NYC featuring the requisite dangerous dames, violent criminals, bent politicians, and moral but cynical PI just trying to stay alive and in one piece, more or less. 

The racism and threat of violence from organized crime -and- the government (in the midst of panicking over the communist threat everywhere due to the government's obsession with the "red scare") ramp up the tension in the book which is full of atmosphere and brooding melancholy. It's not always an -easy- read, but it is competently constructed and well plotted.

The unabridged audiobook has a run time of 10 hours 35 minutes and is capably read by Dan John Miller. He does the gritty PI noir voice very well, and the various other accents are credible as well. He has a middle baritone, heavy on the whiskey burr, and manages a range of characters of both sexes and widely varying ages without tripping. Sound and production quality are high throughout the read. 

Four stars, well written, engaging, complex, and satisfying. 

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes. 

 

The Best American Mystery and Suspense 2025: An Anthology of Premier Short Fiction Selected by Don Winslow

 

The Best American Mystery and Suspense 2025 is a well curated anthology curated and edited by Don Winslow. Released 21st Oct 2025 by HarperCollins on their Mariner imprint, it's 384 pages and is available in paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links. 

There are 20 stories by my count and they're from authors both familiar and new. The stories are varied, there were (as always) some which didn't grab me personally, but all were well written and competently plotted. They were mostly in the 3.5-4 star range. This is a well done anthology, though the selection criteria are obscured enough that not all of the choices could really be properly called mystery or suspense.

One reason I like collections and anthologies is that short fiction is really challenging.  It's spare and the author doesn't have a wealth of wordage to develop characters or the plotting.  Well written short fiction is a delight. I also love collections because if one story doesn't really grab me, there's another story just a few pages away. The guest editor for this volume provides a well written intro and commentary and, as always, the background comments are interesting and informative. I enjoyed and used the honorable mention lists included in the volume for even more good recommendations for further reading. The honorable mentions list at the back of the book is a worthwhile resource. 

Four stars on average. It's a diverting and worthwhile read to be savored like a box of chocolates. This would make a good selection for public library acquisition as well as for home readers looking for a solid anthology of stories which will also likely serve as an introduction to lots of new authors to search out.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes. 

 

Days at the Torunka Café - Torunka Café #1

 

 

Days at the Torunka Café is the first episodic slice-of-life novel set in and around the titular cafe and the people who inhabit it, written by Satoshi Yagisawa and translated by Eric Ozawa. First published in Japanese in 2013, this English language translation was released 4th Nov 2025 by HarperCollins on their Harper Perennial imprint.  It's 240 pages and is available in paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout.

This is such a warm and whimsical story, entirely character driven. It meanders, often touchingly, through the daily lives, dreams and hopes of the characters and their interactions with one another. It's indelibly Japanese in its sensibilities, culture, and grammar. It does read as though it's literature in translation (in this case that's not a bad thing). The translation work is competent and seems true to the original text. This is the same author as the Morisaki Bookshop books, and the setting is (slightly) different, but the vibe is the same. It's a cozy, enveloping, escapist read. 

The unabridged audiobook has a run time of 8 hours and is capably read by Sadao Ueda. He has a warm light baritone voice, well modulated and pleasant to listen to. The sound and production quality are high throughout.  

Four stars. It's a delightful very short read. Quite a lot of story, without conflict or action. A relaxing and delightful experience. This would make a great choice for public or school library acquisition, book club discussion, or home library. 

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

GLP-1 Meals Made Easy

 

GLP-1 Meals Made Easy is a meal planning and technique guide for patients on semaglutide class GLP-receptor agonists by Drs. Aliza Olive & Kellie Bader. Released 10th Feb 2026 by Callisto, it's 192 pages and is available in paperback (softbound) and ebook formats.  

This is a beginner accessible guide with meal planning information, and sample meal plans for users of GLP-agonist class medications. The book is split into 2 main parts, the first is a deep dive on the mechanisms and theory (and effects) along with the sample meal plans, and the second includes the recipes. 

Recipes are arranged thematically: breakfast, salads & soups, fish & seafood, poultry & meats, veggie mains, sides, and sweets. They're written with yields and background/intro followed by ingredients in a bullet list along with step-by-step instructions. Ingredient measures are provided in imperial (American) units only. Most ingredients will be readily accessible at any well-stocked grocery store in North America. Abbreviated nutritional info is provided in a footer bar for each recipe which includes calories, fat, protein, carbs, and fiber.

The photos are standout and appealing (and in color) throughout.

Four stars. It would be an excellent choice for public library acquisition, as well as the home kitchen collection, and obviously highly recommended for patients on GLP-1 prescriptions and their families.  

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.    

My First Origami Book: 19 Easy & Colorful Projects

 

My First Origami Book is a collection of beginner friendly origami tutorials bundled with 80 sheets of origami paper folded by Rita Foelker. Released 16th Dec 2025 by Dover, it's 248 pages and is available in paperback format.

The tutorials are all accessible and the illustrations and photos are very clear and concise. The difficulty of the projects range from beginner level to slightly more advanced beginner. It should be noted that the actual page count includes the included bundled sheets of origami paper.

At the very beginning of the book are the symbol explanations and the short tutorials for the traditional folds.  This will help complete newbies to be able to follow the later tutorials.  None of the pieces in this book are beyond a keen beginner's abilities with a generous dose of patience and practice. The author/publisher have also included QR code links to video and internet content pages for more in-depth information.

Dover publications has long been a standard bearer for beautifully illustrated well made crafts books.  This one is no exception.  Everything is top notch. This would make a perfect gift for origami-curious beginners. 

Four and a half stars. It would be an excellent choice for public or school library acquisition, home use, or gift giving. 

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

Waltz into Darkness

 

Waltz into Darkness is a nice addition to the American mystery noir genre, and an early crime novel written by Cornell Woolrich (published under his pseudonym as William Irish). Originally published in 1947, this re-formatting and re-release as part of the American Mystery Classics series war released 7th Jan 2020. It's 364 pages and is available in hardcover format (other editions available in other formats). 

The American Mystery Classics series has unerringly plucked important but potentially lesser known crime gems and presented them (with expert introductory content and commentary) to new generations of crime fiction readers. Although I had read much of Cornell Woolrich's oeuvre previously and was familiar with his work from the pulps (he was incredibly prolific), I had never read this one. 

The writing is admittedly dated, but still powerful. In this case, it's been turned into film twice, most recently in 2001 starring Angelina Jolie and Antonio Banderas (Original Sin). 

That being said, however, the writing and plotting are classic early noir and very well done. Recommended for lovers of noir, American crime, as well as a support text for allied scholastic examination (modern American literature, etc). The erudite and informative introduction by Wallace Stroby is a highlight of this edition. Four stars.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.  

 

A Lesson in Dying - Inspector Ramsay #1

 

A Lesson in Dying is the 1st Inspector Ramsay standalone mystery by Ann Cleeves. Originally released in 1990, this reformat and re-release 25th March 2025 by Macmillan is 240 pages and is available in paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. 

The (loathed) headmaster at a local school is found hanged in the courtyard of the school, and Ramsay is drawn in by circumstances to investigate. There are a plethora of suspects; the victim was not an upstanding person. As with the other books in the series, there's a pervasive sadness and sordidness which makes for a melancholy read. 

The unabridged audiobook has a run time of 5 hours 35 minutes and is capably read by series narrator Simon Mattacks. He has a beautifully modulated classically trained light baritone voice and does a great job of delineating a range of characters of both sexes and a number of regional accents, shifting quickly and flawlessly. Sound and production quality are high throughout the read.

There's not a ton of continuity in this series, and it works very well as a standalone read. This book is also quite intricately plotted, but there aren't any major spoilers if they're read out of order. The denouement and resolution were satisfying, if melancholy. 

This series is definitely not as polished as her later work, but there are glimpses of the style and development which later gave rise to Vera and Shetland. It has "good bones" and works very well, despite the pervasive sadness which threads throughout the entire series.

Four stars. Well worth seeking out for fans of moody atmospheric British crime.  

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.  

 

A Very Bookish Murder

 

A Very Bookish Murder is book three in this cozy mystery series by Dee Macdonald. Released 19th Sept 2025, it's 240 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free. The other books in the series are also currently available on KU (ditto for the fourth book - due out 16th April 2026). 

Guest house owner and recently retired amateur sleuth Ally is an appealing and well written character. It's classic village cozy, full of quirky secondary characters, a moderately gentle pace, and no graphic on page violence. The author has even given the main character an appealing Labrador puppy called Flora.

It's not derivative, but fans of the cozy B&B subgenre (like Victoria Gilbert, Ellen Byron, and Murder She Wrote) will likely love this one as well. 

With three books out currently and a fourth out in a few months, it would make a good short binge/buddy read.

Four stars.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.  

 

Amigurumi Fairies: 50 Patterns for Customizable Dolls and Magical Friends

 

Amigurumi Fairies is a tutorial instruction guide with patterns for 50 amigurumi dolls plus accessories written by Amber Beaulieu. Due out 11th Aug 2026 from Fox Chapel on their Landauer imprint, it's 128 pages and will be available in paperback format.

The book is logically laid out and accessible. The graphics are adorably appealing and clear. The book is lavishly illustrated and the closeness and detail of the photography is a definite plus. It has a short introduction covering basic supplies, fiber/yarn choices, and some techniques. Her writing style throughout is informal, upbeat, and encouraging. She comes across as very friendly and fun. 

The first section includes a fairly thorough intro to crochet and tools and supplies. The master pattern tutorial is shown with tutorial process photos and detailed instructions. The book's tutorials do presuppose at least an advanced beginner level of familiarity with crochet techniques and construction/sewing. She does also briefly cover some safety info re: safety eyes and small moving parts. (PSA don't use safety eyes for toys which will be loved by babies/toddlers, as they can be a choking hazard). 

The intro is followed by the tutorials. Each tutorial contains multiple photos (mostly process photos, but also finished/styled photos), tools and supplies, and well written (not charted) instructions. There are many construction instructions and photos. 

Well done and a nice selection of patterns which are fundamentally different from one another, giving the reader a broad platform for creating alternative amigurumi and for customization.

Four and a half stars. Well worth a read for crochet interested readers. The dolls are cute, and most are fairly detailed.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

 

For the Love of Houseplants: Caring for & Keeping Plants with Confidence

 

For the Love of Houseplants is a beginner friendly, accessible primer to houseplant care by Tanner Mitchell. Due out 14th April 2026 from Simon & Schuster on their Simon Element imprint, it's 256 pages and will be available in hardcover, audio (!!), and ebook formats. 

There is a wealth of info available for houseplant selection, culture, and propagation. This is an appealing, up to date primer which is aimed at beginner to intermediate houseplant enthusiasts. The author is experienced and shares a lot of joyful enthusiasm for the subject. He covers a range of culture requirements for the different types of plants along with some short tutorial protocols for all aspects (including troubleshooting and treating inevitable problems which occur). 

The second part of the book contains an alphabetical indepth profile section with 30 popular houseplants, from Aglaonema (Chinese evergreen) to Zamioculcas zamiifolia (Zanzibar gem/ZZ plant). The choices are up-to-date (no African violets and a couple "ferns", it's not your grandmother's houseplant book from the 60s). There are a couple of eyebrow raising inclusions however, such as Venus flytraps which tend to be challenging keepers in the middle to long run. To be fair, the author does go into some detail about the more exacting requirements (demineralized water and sufficient light). 

The book has a nice slightly retro graphic vibe, with side-lit photos and simple line-drawn graphics. There are lots of shots of the author and his wife and pets. It's a cozy and attractive book full of healthy, well styled plants and containers. 

The unabridged audiobook version runs 8 hours 30 minutes and is narrated by the author himself. Although audio would work well enough for the theory/practice content of houseplant culture, there are a lot of visual elements in the book such as plant styling and container choice which would be more easily accessed in the print versions. It's nice the book will be accessible for sight impaired readers though, so that's a plus; kudos to the author/publisher for accessibility. 

Four stars. Nothing extremely groundbreaking, but a solidly useful primer for the home gardener, public or school library acquisition, garden club libraries, and similar.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes. 

The Vanishing Cherry Blossom Bookshop

 

The Vanishing Cherry Blossom Bookshop is a standalone cozy fantasy by Takuya Asakura. Originally published in Japanese in May 2025, this English language translation was published  28th Aug 2025 by HarperCollins on their One More Chapter imprint. It's 194 pages and is available in paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free.

There's a vibrant sub-genre in Japanese cozy literature (Kamogawa Food Detectives, Tales from the Cafe, Days at the Morisaki Bookshop, Dallergut Department Store (which was Korean, but same basic genre), etc), and this one fits right in with the others. There's definitely a dreamlike, slightly trippy, aspect to the story, set in an ephemeral bookshop which only shows up during cherry blossom season like a bookish Brigadoon.

The prose is beautifully wrought and although slightly discursive and meandering, manages to make some good points about the meaning and trajectory of life, choices (and how they can affect our entire lives), acceptance, and being truthful (and kind) to ourselves. The translation work, done by Yuka Maeno, is seamless and invisible. Although indelibly Japanese, the text flows very well, and it doesn't read as though it's been translated (which has to be the goal).  

Four stars. Well written, professionally translated, and full of whimsy, it would make an excellent choice for public library acquisition, home use, and a challenging and enjoyable book club selection/buddy read. 

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

Marguerite by the Lake

 

Marguerite by the Lake is a slowly developing standalone mystery thriller by Mary Dixie Carter. Released 20th May 2025 by Macmillan on their Minotaur imprint, it's 304 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. 

Very slow to develop with a number of morally grey characters and an often awkward dual-timeline narrative mechanic that is not always very well delineated. This is a reverse mystery; the denouement and guilty party are part of the prologue, and the story gets filled in as it progresses. Antihero Phoenix is generally unlikeable and difficult to vibe with, her affair with Geoffrey is both lackluster and unrealistic. Readers should absolutely bring a prodigious suspension of disbelief to the read.

The writing is competent and readable, but the story never really clearly settles in any camp; it's not horror, not really mystery, not engagingly thrilling, not paranormal (though there's a lot of talk of being haunted and feeling hunted on the part of the female MC (narrator voice: it's her guilty conscience)). 

Three stars. It would be a good choice for public library acquisition, possibly for a buddy read or book club selection. It might make a diverting holiday read. 

Very much in the same subgenre as Jessa Maxwell and Rachel Hawkins. Fans of those authors will likely enjoy this one also.  

 Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes. 

 

My Roommate from Hell

 

My Roommate from Hell is a cute light YA rom-com by Cale Dietrich. Released 11th Nov 2025 by Wednesday Books, it's 352 pages and is available in hardcover, paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links.

This is a cute very light romance featuring a mismatched pair of dorm roommates thrust together by circumstance. One's an everyman type midwest all-American boy, the other is a prince of hell. Sparks (literally) fly. It's a slow burn throughout, with a HFN denouement and resolution. Owen is a bit of a doormat, and spends a *large* amount of the book giving prince Not-Very-Charming "just one more chance". 

It's aimed at YA readers, who can relate to the out-of-control feeling that comes with moving away to college, but even so, Owen's a doormat. Things do improve, although there are still points where readers will want to smack their heads together for being so unnecessarily *dim* about how to go about coexisting successfully without unnecessary drama.  

Four stars, with the understanding that it's YA romance. It's snarky and silly in about equal measure. It would be a good choice for public library acquisition, home library, or for a buddy read. 

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.  

The Maiden and Her Monster

 

The Maiden and Her Monster is a darky reimagined fantasy retelling of the Golem of Prague, by Maddie Martinez. Released 9th Sept 2025 by Macmillan on their Tor Forge imprint, it's 352 pages and available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. Paperback due out from the same publisher in 3rd quarter 202. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links.

Steeped in Jewish folklore and history, the author has done a stellar job of reimagining the Golem story with some twists. It's not necessary for readers to have prior exposure to the fables; the author does a good job of providing context without spoon feeding. For readers who are entirely unfamiliar with the story/background/culture, expect to read this with additional resources, the author/publisher have not included a glossary. In fact, the author is gifted at narrative prose, and it does not read like a debut effort at all. The writing is lush, enveloping, and nuanced. 

That being said, there is a -lot- of explicit and direct violence here. Content warning for graphic body horror, religious extremism/zealotry, violence to animals, and threatened SA.  It was quite difficult to read in places. 

Three and a half stars. Well written.  It would be a good choice for public library acquisition, or possibly a book club or buddy read. 

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes. 

The Surgeon's House - Book 2

 

The Surgeon's House is an engaging historical mystery and the sequel to The Small Museum by Jody Cooksley. Released 22nd May 2025 by Allison & Busby, it's 320 pages and is available in hardcover, paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links.

Although undoubtedly fairly accurate with regard to social restrictions, sexism, and rigid class divisions, it's relentlessly depressing. Hannah Arendt was entirely spot on when she coined the phrase "the banality of evil" (she was talking about Eichmann, but the phrase is also quite apt here). The male characters are universally bad, mostly incompetent small minded and mean spirited. The women are hounded from pillar to post by circumstances beyond their control. When the resolution and denouement occur, although self-contained in this volume, they failed to entirely satisfy. 

The pacing is... sedate. The characters are a mixed bag; some are well fleshed out and believable, others seem more like mostly 2 dimensional plot devices. It must be said the author is extremely gifted, often the descriptive prose is beautifully rendered and inviting. 

Definitely one for fans of historical fiction/thrillers. There is a fair bit of continuity from the first book, and although this one can be read as a standalone, there's a large-ish portion of the plot which follows from the first book, and thus there will be some spoilers if read out of order.  

The unabridged audiobook has a run time of 10 hours, 21 minutes and is capably read by Jessica Whittaker and Louise Williams. They do a good job with the disparate regional accents and a range of ages. Sound and production quality are high throughout the read.  

Three stars. Readable, stately paced, and depressingly accurate. 

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes. 

Life, and Death, and Giants

 

Life, and Death, and Giants is a thoughtful philosophical fable by Ron Rindo. Released 9th Sept 2025 by Macmillan on their St. Martin's imprint, it's 336 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. Paperback format due out from the same publisher in 4th quarter 2026. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links.

This is a warm and moving tale, full of Americana and a Norman Rockwell vibe, with an often darker undertone. The titular central character, a child/man born very large who grows to a huge size is always the hub around which the characters' points of view revolve. It's told in alternating first person point of view, without ever giving Gabriel (the giant) a voice. It's an effective mechanic and the author uses it fully. 

The community into which giant Gabriel is born straddles old-sect Amish and "English" (non-Amish). The contrast and culture clashes, and uneasy alliances between Gabriel's family and his found family are moving and often tragic. The depictions of Amish life and culture are probably not very accurate. The story often flirts with magical realism, and the second half of the book deals with it more directly. 

It's an odd, off-kilter book in more ways than one, but well crafted, if slow-paced.

The unabridged audiobook has a run time of 11 hours 29 minutes and is read by an ensemble cast. Sound and production quality are high throughout the read. 

Four stars. It will undoubtedly hit the bookclub circuit heavily in 2026. It would be a good choice for public library acquisition, and is widely available. 

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes 
 

God's Colorful Easter: The Good News Is for Everyone

 

God's Colorful Easter: The Good News Is for Everyone is an inclusive and illustrated Easter story for young readers (~5-7 years) by Dr. Esau McCaulley. Released 3rd Feb 2026 by Tyndale on their kids' imprint, it's 32 pages and is available in hardcover format. 

The story is simply and directly told in age appropriate text and illustrations. The pictures, by Rogério Coelho are colorful and beautifully intricate with many small details, such as animals and facial expressions and body language which invite contemplation and a closer look. 

In addition to the redemption story, the illustrations also specifically show that the message of love and inclusivity being for people (and kids) of all ethnicities and abilities. 

It's a positive and uplifting book. There are no graphic representations of violence in the book, although the text does refer to Simon helping Jesus when he is unable to carry the cross. 

The author/publisher have also included short biographical info, but no further reading links, bibliography, or resources. There are some links for further reading and other resources available on the publisher's website.  

Four stars. It's would possibly be a good choice for public or school library acquisition (with the understanding that it's directly religious and tells the story of Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection).   

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.