DRB Reviews...Cursed Daughters by Oyinkan Braithwaite

My first book read of 2026, my first review of 2026 and my first GoodReads challenge accomplished!  I wanted to add a few reading challenges to the New Year, and chose the GoodReads "bookmark" challenges and Indigo's 2026 Reading Challenge. Cursed Daughters was a Star Selections, part of the GoodReads Winter Challenge. I felt by following these two challenges through-out 2026, it may get me out of my usual genres and help narrow down my choices.

I am so glad I decided to read this book. I found it a little challenging to dig my teeth into at first, but right when I thought "this book isn't for me" the pages kept turning, because deep down, I was in love.

I was in love with the characters. The women of this book were so real. The story felt authentic, something that could possibly be a true story. It was full of fun and lightheartedness amongst the sad realities of life...death and broken hearts. 

The chapters were short, and Braithwaite's writing is easy and flowing...like a gentle breeze in a new spring air. I loved the infused culture in the story; it made everything feel more rich. I became truly engrossed and am a little sad I finished the book. (That is always the mark of a truly great novel!)
​
www.dawnrodger.ca
#curseddaughters
#drbreviews
#dawnrodger
#newblogpost
#bookreviews

DRB Reviews...The Diamond Eye by Kate Quinn

I have had this book on my TBR for over two years. I bought my copy at a thrift store one summer and considered it such a lucky find. I had all of Quinn's books except this one, so it was a happy purchase. I often try to buy books that complete collections of my favourite authors, for my home library. There is something so comforting have a complete set. 

The hard copy was quite heavy and bulky to carry around, and I think that is why it didn't get read sooner, as I am always on the go. Moreover, the book is set in winter time, and I just had to wait until winter before reading it. I think what finally got me around to it was a book bub kindle deal. I purchased a second copy for $1.99 for my kindle and when the winter arrived I dug in.

This book kept me reading long into the night. It was my favourite bedtime read for the past couple of weeks. I became absolutely mesmerized by the main character Mila. She is so strong, resilient and feminine. Mila is a Ukrainian history student and mother turned sniper.  "Lady Death", her knick name, has quite possibly become an idol in my eyes. Her character is based on the true story of Lyudmila Pavlichenko, a highly decorated Soviet sniper. I am now very keen on reading the autobiography of this incredible woman.

This is a five star book. I LOVE historical fiction, and am so glad I finally got around to reading this wonderful book by Quinn. Thank you!!

www.dawnrodger.ca
#dawnrodger
#katequinn
#diamondeye
#newblogpost
#drbreviews

DRB Reviews...His & Hers by Alice Feeney

I finished this book just in time to watch the new limited series on Netflix released today!  I have never read a book by Feeney before and I have heard and read incredible reviews about her work. I decided I would start with her first debut novel. It didn't disappoint.

I did not fall in love with the characters, so at first it was hard to commit to finishing at first. But, with each page I turned, I wanted to know more. I was more than 50% through and realized I was hooked. The content grew a bit dark for my taste at times, and some of the scenes were hard to swallow. This is awkward coming from me considering just how dark my own novel Scattered Garbage is, but the story line of His & Hers must have triggered me in some way. The triggers definitely didn't stop me from finishing this book. lol 

Feeney understands hooks and twists and it made this novel difficult to put down. His & Hers is really well written. I truly couldn't guess who did it. The alternating perspectives left me guessing and I was desperate to find out the truth. THE ENDING WILL BLOW YOU AWAY!

​I am very excited to read her latest release coming soon called "My Husband's Wife"; I pre-ordered it yesterday!

If you like psychological thrillers, this is a book not to miss!
www.dawnrodger.ca
#drbreviews
#alicefeeney
#his&hers
#newblogpost
​#dawnroger

DRB Reviews...Good Spirits by B.K. Borison

Firstly, I LOVE Book of the Month. It is so exciting to get to choose newly released hard cover books, from a variety of genres, every month, by incredible authors. It always stretches me out of my comfort zone; choosing books I wouldn't necessarily choose if I were shopping in a store.

I really wanted a "Christmasy Fee" book this month, so I chose Good Spirits. I love a good old Scrooge story, learning from your past to make a better future. And that is exactly what Good Spirits is...except with an adorable twist. How can you fall in love with a ghost? Borison can show you the way.

I adored this book. It made me laugh and smile. I was enjoying reading it so much, I read it too fast...just couldn't stop turning the pages and then BOOM, it was over. What an incredibly fun-loving story; I thought the storyline was so unique. What a beautiful cover too, with sparkly snow flakes! This is the best light-hearted story I have read this season. Thank you Borison! And thank you to book of the month for choosing Good Spirits as one of December's choices! What a warm and cozy feel-good read.

www.dawnrodger.ca
#goodspirits
#dawnrodger
​#bookofthemonth

DRB Reviews...The Book that Matters Most by Ann Hood

Book Bub posted its daily deals one day in November and I purchased The Book that Matters Most for my kindle. I really wanted to read something different besides the usual mystery thriller I usual buy, and it didn't disappoint me. It was money well spent.

​The Book that Matters Most is about a woman named Ava, going through a divorce. She finds companionship by joining her friend's book club. I loved the concept that literature could heal. I chose not to read other peoples reviews before I started reading this book, and I am glad I did. Not all reviews of this book are positive; had I read the negative reviews early on, I may have ditched reading it altogether and I am glad that didn't happen.

I believe Hood created real characters, that are flawed and raw. I am a trauma survivor and I had to learn how to cope with addiction in my marriage. I struggled with trauma bonds and low self-esteem as a result. Hood's book reminded me of these real issues; the book moved me. I don't think readers can truly appreciate the characters and story lines, because it isn't the usual "feel good" scenarios; as a result, they can't relate. Well, I did. Maggie's story line was gripping, and broke my heart; her experiences felt real and too close to home. Ava's divorce came across as genuine. I could relate to her trying to find coping strategies to help her survive. Hood wrote her characters with weakness and vulnerabilities, which gave the story more substance. The Book that Matters Most is not a feel-good Rom Com, but a gritty story that hit me in the gut. Other readers complained that the story-line bounced around a bit...it did, but once I was hooked, I didn't mind the jumping around.

This book was messy, sad and real and I really enjoyed it. (I love the simplicity of the cover design too; beautiful.)

www.dawnrodger.ca
#drbreviews
#thebookthatmattersmost
#annhood
#newbookreview
​#newblogpost

DRB Reviews...The Christmas Tree Farm by Laurie Gilmore

At my last author event in Coles, Hamilton, I became mesmerized by the cover of Laurie Gilmore's book The Pumpkin Spiced Cafe and just had to buy it. I loved the sprayed edges and it look so cute for the Fall season. I have been so busy that I didn't get to read it during the "pumpkin season" so I have put it aside until next Fall. However, I did pre-order the special edition with sprayed edges for Christmas. The cover is so cute I couldn't wait to dive in.

I am not much of a Romance reader, but I thought a light-hearted Rom Com would do the trick this Christmas. I opened the book and read the first page..."For anyone who ever wished Hallmark Christmas movies were steamier, this one might do the trick." And oh my did it!  

I loved every page of this book. It was light, and funny and unbelievably hot. Who would have thought a book with such a cozy, warm cover could be so hot on the inside. It just goes to prove that you should never judge a book by it's cover! lol I loved this book so much, I went out and bought the rest of the series. Gilmore thank you for this adorable yet spicy Christmas story. It warmed my heart and made me laugh; the extra layer of steam was the whipped cream on top!

Can't wait to get her latest book coming out this May called The Daisy Chain Flower Shop. I have already pre-ordered it!
​www.dawnrodger.ca
#dawnrodger
#newblogpost
#lauriegilmore
#thechristmastreefarm

DRB Reviews...The Light we Carry by Michelle Obama

I cannot stand listening to the radio in the car when I drive. It is a combination of things...I don't have the patience for commercials, I hate the talk shows and the music is sometimes good, and other times, not. Why would I want to waste my time listening to music I don't like? Sure, I can listen to my Spotify playlists, but being a music teacher, there is only so much listening to music I can take. So I listen to audible while I drive.

I could not wait to get in the car to drive to work so I could hear the calm, reassuring voice of Michelle Obama. I loved her book Becoming. She has a presence, and the gift of story-telling. The way she uses words and phrases to express meaning astonishes me. She is soothing to listen too, and evokes peace in me...I just want to exhale when I listen to her, almost like I just received a big, warm hug from my mom.

The Light We Carry did not disappoint me. The content of this book is real, true and deeply connected to humanity. She is a strong, powerful woman who isn't afraid to show her faults, weaknesses, frustrations and sorrows. I value this so much. Obama show us how she picks herself up, and how she attempts to understand her circumstances and then move forward and pick others up. 

She grew up with strong family values and she embodies them, and continues the cycle in the next generation, providing for her family and all her readers and listeners.  Obama is intellectual, inspiring and empowering. Honestly, I could listen to her speak all day long. She offers us wisdom and insight on how to fight-the-good-fight, day in and day out in our lives.

Thank you Michelle, for giving me hope and reminding me to keep going, through all the pain and suffering in this world. Your message is clear: stay strong and keeping shining your light. It is the light within us that make a difference.

www.dawnrodger.ca
#dawnrodger
#thelightwecarry
#michelleobama
#newbookreview
​#drbreviews

DRB Reviews...The Secret of Secrets by Dan Brown

I loved the Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown. I read it years ago, when it first came out and was floored by his creativity. Yes, I am a Catholic, and a faithful one. But I loved it as pure fiction, an incredible mystery thriller. And the movie did not disappoint me either; I don't think anyone else could have played Tom Hanks in this film. He was incredible and embodied the humble and intelligent persona of Robert Langdon with absolute class and commitment.

When I saw The Secret of Secrets advertised, I just had to go back to Robert. I ordered it almost right away, and then waited, quite impatiently, for it to be released.  Since it arrived, I haven't put it down. I haven't had a lot of time to read it, but grabbed any moments I could in between a busy work schedule and life. I know if I had the time, I would have devoured it in less than twenty-four hours.

I was not disappointed with The Secret of Secrets. Brown succeeded again. I just love the beginning of the "conspiracy" as he begins in the first few pages with FACT: "All artwork, artifacts, symbols, and documents in this novel are real. All experiments, technologies, and scientific results are true to life. All organizations in this novel exist." It just pumps me up and gets me all excited! I love a good historical fiction novel, and this thriller is so full of historical facts Brown definitely does his research. My imagination was on fire reading this novel. The amount of detail Brown includes is staggering, and it kept me turning the pages, dreaming of when the next time I could pick up this book and keep reading.

It was a special added bonus that the pages were of glossy finish. I honestly haven't read any of Brown's books except for The Da Vinci Code and The Secret of Secrets, but perhaps I will have to treat myself to them another day. I have heard Angels and Demons is pretty jaw dropping as well. The ending of this book will BLOW you away!

www.dawnrodger.ca
#danbrown
#thesecretofsecrets
#drbreviews
#newbookreview
#dawnrodger

DRB Reviews...The Book of Doors by Gareth Brown

I haven't attacked my 2025 Alphabet Challenge in a while, so decided to dive back in. Honestly, I am a little nervous I won't be able to finish it this year. But that's ok, I can simply spread the remaining books on the TBR challenge into next year if I must. 

What a magical book! I really don't even know where to begin. I needed a change from my usual thrillers, and this book seemed to be the right choice! It didn't disappoint. What an incredible read. I loved the entire journey. It made me feel like I was young again reading Harry Potter for the first time. I became lost in the magic within it's pages. The Book of Doors is no where near the same as the Harry Potter series; it was 100% for adults and had a delicious scary dark side that I completely didn't expect. One event is still haunting me, long after the book was finished.

I was so happy to be lost in Brown's imagination. Each time I turned the page, and a new chapter would begin, I was shocked with the new twists and unexpected turns. I found it to be quite thrilling actually! (So I guess I didn't get that far away from my usual thriller novels! lol) Brown had a way of capturing my attention, and at times, I discovered I actually stopped breathing while reading some of the pages. This novel was super creative, and really different from other novels I have read. Thank you Brown for opening a new door for me!

www.dawnrodger.ca
#thebookofdoors
#garethbrown
#dawnrodger
#newbookblog
#drbreviews

DRB Reviews...The First Husband by Laura Dave

It has been a while since I posted a review. I went back to teaching and have been swamped at work; but this beautiful book kept me warm at night as I read before bed.

I fell in love with this love story. Dave never disappoints me. I have read every single one of her books, and each one is a special jewel. But this one is a true love story about finding your soul mate. There are relationships where two people become good partners, but then there are relationships where two people become one. This story was the latter.

I enjoyed the light hearted humour through-out the novel, but most importantly following Annie as she tried to discover who she was and where home should be. When her husband left her, she thought that he was the one she was supposed to be with but then she met Griffen, and her world turned upside down. True love is shown in actions not always words. Griffen's arms provided a home she never thought was possible to have. But could she take the leap? Or would she stay where it was safe, doing what she knew best, travelling the world and writing her column for the newspaper.

The end clutched my heart and held it tight. I was sad when this book ended. I wouldn't say I love romance novels, but this romance I did. Well done Dave, thank you for warming my heart and filling my soul with this story.

www.dawnrodger.ca
#lauradave
#drbreviews
#thefirsthusband
#newbookreview
​#dawnrodger