Shalan Mitchell > Recent Status Updates

I enjoyed the beginning and end, but the middle dragged for me. This was likely due to the audiobook, which rang a little monotone to me, so I stopped trying to read and listen to this after a few attempts. I understood the story more towards the end; however, it still felt a little too wandering and aimless despite the lovely sentiments and resonating quotes. 3🌟

I have complicated feels about this book likely because I had a complex reading experience. First, let me say that I really enjoyed Water Moon; it was one of the first speculative fiction books I’ve read. I think Sotto Yambao writes such imaginative stories with such beautiful prose. However, this one was so lofty in its imaginings that I couldn’t ground myself in the story, characters, or plot.

I wasn’t sure how I would feel about this one because my booktuber friends either loved or hated it. I’m not an avid mystery/suspense reader, so I think that’s why I enjoyed it! I loved the audiobook narration and liked the interchanging chapters with dual timelines. This book was a little easy to predict but still had twists I didn’t see. I was engaged and entertained the whole time! 4🌟

This was a heartwarming middle grade book about difference, friendship, and family. I liked Aven, Connor, and Zion as well as the friendship they forged because of and despite their differences. I think this book has great representation for MG readers. I’m going to try the sequel, but I’m a little worried it’ll lose its MG spark for YA angst. We’ll see, but this one was 3.5🌟.

Elizabeth Acevedo, my poetic queen! I love her spoken word performances and her debut, Poet X. I admired how she shed a light on the unrecognized tragedy that strongly impacted her cultural community in this one. Camino and Yahaira were both such strong characters, and I think their complex emotions surrounding their father, grief, and their different life circumstances was so beautifully done. 5🌟

Despite its premise, I actually didn’t hate this book. I didn’t love it either though. Truly, I found it supremely frustrating most of the time. However, by the end, I liked it and thought its tricky tropes were well executed. I also thought the bigger themes about alcoholism, enabling, and familial trauma/fears were well done too. 3.5 🌟

I enjoyed this book with my women’s small group at church. I recommend it for those who like Christian nonfiction with lots of anecdotes, scriptural references, and powerful yet practical guidance about walking in God’s dominion. I think this book is a great introduction to spiritual warfare.

I’ve been on a women’s contemporary fiction binge all Spring, and this one was great! I really enjoyed the main character; I liked that she wasn’t willing to compromise her desires but learned how to make space for others in her life. I also adored that the love interest was a librarian. The best friend relationship was beautiful and reminded me of my bestie. 4🌟

I loved this book! Meg Shaffer restored my faith in her stories (liked her first one; felt sad about that second book flop) and is now an auto-read author for me! This story was so unique! All book lovers will find something they resonate with and love about this novel. It explores the magic of stories and their power to transform us so well! I will be purchasing this one and rereading it many times! 5🌟

Crying!! If you love books, and I assume you do, please read this story. ❤️

What a funny and endearing story about grief, growth, and family (the ones were born into and the ones we find ourselves in). I started it because, even though I talk to her every Saturday, I miss my Gram Gram often. Although she is nothing (and I mean absolutely nothing) like my grandma, Eileen was my favorite character! I loved lots of the side characters too especially those in the small country town. 3.5🌟

I met Maggie Stiefvater and heard her share about this novel at Festival of the Book 2026. I was compelled by a historical fiction set so close to home. I had never heard about this historical perspective during / aspect of WWII. I liked the fantastical element. I really enjoyed this story overall and I hope to reread it one day. The audiobook narration was great, but I think I will reread it physically. 4🌟

I so adore Emma M. Lion. I have only read Jane Eyre and have yet to read a Jane Austen novel, but I love this time period and writing style. This was such a happy and heartfelt read. I also listened to the audiobook in tandem with the ebook, so I felt like I was hearing from a friend. 3.5🌟 … and already ready to begin book two.

I enjoyed this book! Bastone always writes FMCs that are so personable, engaging, and funny! I feel like I’m chatting with a friend when I read her books. This was a second chance romance I could easily root for (despite the miscommunication trope being in full effect). I also thought the exploration of trauma and PTSD symptoms were done well, and I liked how art (stories and drawings) helped them heal. 4🌟

Oh, Theo. I really enjoyed this book about how kindness connects a community. It’s an inspiring story that makes you pause and consider how you can care for others in simple yet impactful ways. There was such an angelic and other-worldly quality to Theo’s character due to the mystery and generosity surrounding his life. I felt that his moral character as the main character was the heart of this story. 4🌟