Sarai Henderson's Blog

 

This week’s menu is all about mixing comfort with curiosity, pulling flavors from all over the world and bringing them straight into my kitchen. I’ve been having so much fun exploring new cuisines lately, and this lineup reflects that. Simple, cozy meals with a little global flair. Whether it’s something bright and fresh, rich and hearty, or totally new to me, each dish feels like a small adventure. Here’s what we’re cooking this week!

WEEKLY MENU

Monday

Chicken Tinga Tostadas

Kids - Chicken Tostada Bowls

 

Tuesday

Bibimbap Bowls with leftover turkey

Kids - Turkey Rice Bowls

 

Wednesday

Creamy Tuscan White Bean Soup

Kids - Creamy Tomato Pasta

 

Thursday

Frikadeller and potatoes

Kids - Popcorn Chicken and Potatoes

 

Friday

Chicken Katsu Curry

Kids - Crispy Chicken Strips and Ramen

 

Saturday

Mediterranean Turkey Gyros

Kids - Pita Pizza

 

Sunday

Leftovers Night

 

This week, I’ve been feeling that familiar tug-of-war between wanting to devour every book in sight and wanting to curl up under a blanket and hide from the world. Maybe it’s the season, maybe it’s the stack of half finished reads staring me down, but either way, my reading life has been a mix of quiet triumphs and unexpected detours. So, in true confession fashion, I’m here to spill the honest, cozy, slightly chaotic truth about what I picked up, what I put down, and what absolutely swept me away this week.

Sunday Confessions #332~
Weekly Menu #635 And The Book Of The Week~ARC Review: We Were Never Friends by Kaira Rouda~Book Review: A Dark Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab~Book Review: The Anthropocene Review by John Green~
ARC Review: I, Medusa by Ayana Gray


Weekly Menu #636 And The Book Of The Week~Book Review: The Temporary Roomie by Sarah Adams~ARC Review: Trad Wife by Saratoga Schaefer~Book Review: Not Quite Dead Yet by Holly Jackson~ARC Review: We Who Will Die by Stacia Stark~Sunday Confessions #334

★★★☆☆

This book was entertaining and kept my attention through most of the story, but it really fell apart at the end. The setup was strong, the tension was great, and I was invested in where it all might lead, only to feel let down when the finale didn’t quite deliver. It wasn’t a bad read, just one that left me wishing the payoff matched the promising build up.

381/100 2025 Reading Challenge~124/214 in my Star Wars Legends challenge~19/20 2024 Goodreads Fantasy Nominees Reading Challenge

 

Title: I, Medusa

By: Ayana Fray

Genre: Fantasy

Pages: 336

Release Date: November 18th, 2025

Rating: ★★★★★

 

Summary from Goodreads:From New York Times bestselling author Ayana Gray comes a new kind of villain origin story, reimagining one of the most iconic monsters in Greek mythology as a provocative and powerful young heroine.
Meddy has spent her whole life as a footnote in someone else’s story. Out of place next to her beautiful, immortal sisters and her parents—both gods, albeit minor ones—she dreams of leaving her family’s island for a life of adventure. So when she catches the eye of the goddess Athena, who invites her to train as an esteemed priestess in her temple, Meddy leaps at the chance to see the world beyond her home.
In Athens’ colorful market streets and the clandestine chambers of the temple, Meddy flourishes in her role as Athena’s favored acolyte, getting her first tastes of purpose and power. But when she is noticed by another Olympian, Poseidon, a drunken night between girl and god ends in violence, and the course of Meddy’s promising future is suddenly and irrevocably altered.
Her locs transformed into snakes as punishment for a crime she did not commit, Medusa must embrace a new identity—not as a victim, but as a vigilante—and with it, the chance to write her own story as mortal, martyr, and myth.
Exploding with rage, heartbreak, and love, I, Medusa portrays a young woman caught in the cross currents between her heart’s deepest desires and the cruel, careless games the Olympian gods play.

 

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Review:I absolutely loved this read. It had everything I could’ve wanted in a Greek drama: tragedy, passion, and power. Ayana Gray’s reimagining of Medusa’s story was haunting and beautiful, giving voice to a character who has too often been silenced or villainized. Poor Medusa couldn’t win, no matter how hard she tried, and that made her journey all the more heartbreaking and human. This book captured both the cruelty and the grace of Greek mythology perfectly.

Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review. 

 

Title: The Anthropocene Reviewed

By: John Green

Genre: Non-Fiction

Pages: 304

Release Date: May 18th, 2021

Rating: ★★★★★

 

Summary from Goodreads:A deeply moving and mind-expanding collection of personal essays in the first ever work of non-fiction from #1 internationally bestselling author John Green
The Anthropocene is the current geological age, in which human activity has profoundly shaped the planet and its biodiversity. In this remarkable symphony of essays adapted and expanded from his ground-breaking, critically acclaimed podcast, John Green reviews different facets of the human-centered planet - from the QWERTY keyboard and Halley's Comet to Penguins of Madagascar - on a five-star scale.
Complex and rich with detail, the Anthropocene's reviews have been praised as 'observations that double as exercises in memoiristic empathy', with over 10 million lifetime downloads. John Green's gift for storytelling shines throughout this artfully curated collection about the shared human experience; it includes beloved essays along with six all-new pieces exclusive to the book.

 

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Review:This book had me reviewing everything for a week after I finished it, in the best possible way. John Green’s reflections on the human experience are tender, curious, and quietly profound, turning everyday moments into small marvels worth examining. Each essay feels like a gentle nudge to pay attention, to breathe in the world a little deeper, and to find wonder in the ordinary. I loved it.

 

Title: A Darker Shade of Magic

By: V.E. Schwab

Genre: Fantasy

Pages: 400

Release Date: February 24th, 2015

Rating: ★★★★★

 

Summary from Goodreads:Kell is one of the last travelers—magicians with a rare, coveted ability to travel between parallel universes, connected by one magical city.
There's Grey London, dirty and boring, without any magic, and with one mad king—George III. Red London, where life and magic are revered—and where Kell was raised alongside Rhys Maresh, the rougish heir to a flourishing empire. White London—a place where people fight to control magic and the magic fights back, draining the city to its very bones. And once upon a time, there was Black London. But no one speaks of that now.
Officially, Kell is the Red Traveler, ambassador of the Maresh empire, carrying the monthly correspondences between the royals of each London. Unofficially, Kell is a smuggler, servicing people willing to pay for even the smallest glimpses of a world they'll never see. It's a defiant hobby with dangerous consequences, which Kell is now seeing firsthand.
Fleeing into Grey London, Kell runs into Delilah Bard, a cutpurse with lofty aspirations. She first robs him, then saves him from a deadly enemy, and finally forces Kell to spirit her to another world for a proper adventure.
Now perilous magic is afoot, and treachery lurks at every turn. To save all of the worlds, they'll first need to stay alive.

 

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Review:I absolutely loved this book. It was just pure, immersive fun from start to finish. Schwab’s multiverse of parallel Londons is as clever as it is captivating, and the magic system is both elegant and wildly entertaining. Kell’s quiet power, Lila’s chaotic charm, and the fast-paced, high stakes adventure made this an effortless page turner. Every chapter felt like stepping through a different door into a richer world, and I never wanted to step back out. An absolute delight of a fantasy read.

 

Title: We Were Never Friends

By: Kiara Rouda

Genre: Mystery

Pages: 228

Release Date: February 3rd, 2026

Rating: ★★★☆☆

 

Summary from Goodreads:Sisters? Forever. Friends? NEVER. Who knew a reunion weekend could be so deadly?
Meet the sorority sisters of Theta Gamma
Roxy Callahan Gentry, the ruthless former sorority president and current hostess who has painstakingly choreographed every detail of this weekend—even matching the cocktails to her couture—to prove that she remains their undisputed queenAmelia Dell, the widow drenched in old money and alcohol, with her big pot-stirring spoon and uninvited boy-toy in towJamie Vale, the double-legacy pledge, straight-A student with no sparkle, now a top cardiologist with a picture-perfect family—and a well-guarded bad habitBeth Harrison, the scholarship student who never quite fit in and was only admitted because her best friend Sunny insisted that the two were a package dealSunny Spencer, the carefree and beloved friend to all, or so it seemed—until she wasn'tThey've been summoned to Roxy's luxurious Palm Springs vacation home to celebrate the engagement of her son to Beth's daughter. But the refurbished 1920s estate is eerily reminiscent of the hotel where tragedy struck during Spring Break twenty-five years ago. Long-simmering tensions and shocking secrets begin bubbling to the surface like bodies—because while the weekend was supposed to be about celebrating the future, it's not so easy to bury the past…

 

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Review:This book gave off strong I Know What You Did Last Summer vibes but unfortunately fell short in its delivery. There was so much potential. A cast of characters who clearly don’t like each other but pretend to, all while sharing a dark secret, but the tension never quite built the way I hoped. Every detail about that secret seemed too easily revealed, leaving little mystery or suspense. By the time the ending rolled around, it just didn’t pack the punch it could have. A promising premise that fizzled out before it found its footing.

Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review. 

As we head into Thanksgiving week, I’m leaning hard into classic American comfort foods. Easy, cozy dishes that pack in plenty of protein and veggies without adding extra stress to an already busy holiday. With Thursday reserved for all the Turkey Day goodness and Friday dedicated to creative leftovers, the rest of the week is all about simple skillet meals, hearty roasts, and familiar flavors that feel like home. Here’s what’s cooking in my kitchen this week.

WEEKLY MENU

Monday

Instant Pot Homestyle Chicken & Veggies

Kids - Chicken & Veggies

 

Tuesday

Creamy Chicken & Rice Skillet

Kids - Creamy Chicken & Rice

 

Wednesday

Loaded Turkey Chili

Kids - Cheesy Nachos

 

Thursday

🦃 Thanksgiving

 

Friday

Thanksgiving Panini

Kids - Grilled Cheese

 

Saturday

Pork Chop & Apple Skillet

Kids - Chicken and Apples

 

Sunday

Leftovers Night

 

Welcome back to Sunday Book Confessions, where I spill the truths of my reading week. The surprises, the disappointments, the obsessions, and the books I absolutely meant to get to but… didn’t. Sundays are for honesty, cozy vibes, and catching up on all the bookish chaos swirling through my TBR. So grab your favorite drink, settle in, and let’s confess together: here’s what really happened in my reading life this week.

Sunday Confessions #331~Weekly Menu #634 And The Book Of The Week~ARC Review: Made you look by Tanya Grant~Book Review: The Girls of Good Fortune by Kristina McMorris~ARC Review: Ship of Spells by Leighton H. Dickson~4 Star Friday

Weekly Menu #635 And The Book Of The Week~ARC Review: We Were Never Friends by Kaira Rouda~Book Review: A Dark Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab~Book Review: The Anthropocene Review by John Green~ARC Review: I, Medusa by Ayana Gray~Sunday Confessions #333










374/100 2025 Reading Challenge~124/214 in my Star Wars Legends challenge~19/20 2024 Goodreads Fantasy Nominees Reading Challenge

Another Sunday, another stack of stories. Some that swept me away, some that surprised me, and some that will have to wait their turn. I love taking a moment to look back at what I read, what I felt, and what I learned about my own reading habits along the way. Whether this week was a whirlwind of pages or a slower stroll through a single book, it all counts. Here’s to fresh starts, new reads, and whatever bookish adventures the coming week brings.

It’s time for another 4-Star Friday, where I highlight the books that hit that sweet spot between engaging, well-crafted, and downright enjoyable. These are the stories that kept me turning pages, delivered solid characters and plotting, and left me glad I picked them up. Even if they weren’t quite perfect. If you’re looking for reliable recommendations to add to your TBR, this week’s four-star reads are absolutely worth a look. Let’s dive in!

Sisterhood of Dune delivers an engaging return to the ever expanding Dune universe, balancing political intrigue, ideological conflict, and rich world-building in a way that feels both familiar and fresh. Herbert and Anderson do a great job exploring the early roots of the Bene Gesserit, giving depth to the women and forces that will eventually shape the galaxy. While the large cast and multiple plotlines can feel overwhelming at times, the narrative remains compelling and full of tension. Overall, it’s a solid installment that expands the lore in satisfying ways and keeps the legacy of Dune moving forward.



If It Bleeds is King doing what he does best, blending the uncanny with the deeply human. This collection of four novellas offers a mix of grounded storytelling and eerie suspense, each tale exploring a different flavor of fear, grief, or mystery. The standout is undeniably the title story, bringing Holly Gibney back into the spotlight with a gripping, slow burn investigation. A couple of the other entries aren’t quite as strong, but the collection as a whole is imaginative, atmospheric, and satisfyingly unsettling. It’s a great pick for fans who enjoy King’s shorter works and want a taste of his storytelling range without committing to a full length novel.



Open, Heaven is a beautifully written and emotionally resonant novel, filled with Hewitt’s signature lyrical prose and a haunting sense of atmosphere. The themes of identity, longing, and spiritual searching are handled with nuance, and the imagery is often striking. Even though I didn’t fully connect with the story on a personal level, I could still appreciate the craft, the careful pacing, and the quiet power behind the writing. It’s a thoughtful, intimate read that will resonate deeply with readers who love contemplative, poetic fiction.




Broken Fields is a gripping and heartfelt mystery that continues Rendon’s powerful blend of crime fiction and Indigenous storytelling. The writing is sharp and grounded, bringing the setting and its cultural layers vividly to life. Cash Blackbear remains an unforgettable protagonist, tough, intuitive, and refreshingly honest, and her journey in this installment is both emotionally compelling and tightly plotted. While a few moments move a bit quickly, the story’s tension, character depth, and atmospheric detail make it a standout read. Another strong addition to the series and a must for fans of thoughtful, character driven mysteries.


Daughter of the Moon Goddess is a lush, enchanting fantasy inspired by Chinese mythology, and Sue Lynn Tan’s prose brings the celestial world to life with vivid beauty. I really enjoyed following Xingyin’s journey. Her strength, her determination, and her emotional growth make her easy to root for. The magic, romance, and adventure all weave together in a way that feels wonderfully immersive. That said, the pacing does stretch a bit in places, and some sections dragged more than I expected. Still, the stunning world-building and heartfelt character arcs make this a captivating read well worth diving into.

 

Title: Ship of Spells

By: H. Leighton Dickson

Genre: Fantasy

Pages: 384

Release Date: November 4th, 2025 

Rating: ★★★★☆

 

Summary from Goodreads:

She survived the wreck. Now she’s bound to a ship that shouldn’t exist - and a captain she can’t resist…

'High-seas adventure meets rich fantasy worldbuilding and strong character development' Kirkus Reviews
–A war-scarred mage. A sentient ship. A secret that could drown empires.
Rescued from a wreck and waking aboard the Touchstone, a legendary vessel crewed by outcasts and ruled by a secretive elven captain, Ensign Honor Renn finds herself caught in a mission that could change the world.
The disaster that sank her last ship didn’t just take lives. It left something inside her, a dangerous magik everyone wants, and it’s killing her.
Now hunted by spies, princes, and privateers, Renn must decide who to trust before her power consumes her, or ignites a war that sets the sea on fire.
Ship of Spells is a fast-paced romantasy of magic, danger and slow-burn desire — perfect for fans of Samantha Shannon and epic high-seas adventure.

 

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Review:This read had a very interesting magic system that unfolded beautifully throughout the story. The world felt rich with potential, and the author’s imagination really shone through in how magic interacted with the characters and setting. I do wish there had been a bit more depth or explanation to the system itself, it felt like there was so much more to explore, but overall, it was a creative and engaging read that kept me intrigued from start to finish.

Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.