Traci's Reviews
Rating: 4.25
Happy Place by Emily Henry
Emily Henry’s “Happy Place” is a romance novel centered on Harriet and Wyn, a couple who, despite breaking up months earlier, decide to maintain the facade of their relationship during their annual vacation with close friends. Set against the backdrop of Maine, the story delves into the intricacies of relationships, the aftermath of breakups, and the dynamics within a long-standing friend group. As Harriet and Wyn navigate their pretend relationship, they face unresolved emotions and the trials of maturing, ultimately uncovering the true meaning of their “happy place.” The novel is celebrated for its humor, emotional depth, and authentic depiction of love and friendship.
Rating: 4.7
Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman
“Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine” by Gail Honeyman is about Eleanor, a socially awkward and isolated woman with a traumatic past. Her life changes when she develops a crush on a musician and befriends Raymond, a colleague. Through these new relationships, Eleanor starts to confront her past and begins a journey towards self-acceptance and healing.
Rating: 4.2
Divergent Mind by Jenara Nerenberg
“Divergent Mind” by Jenara Nerenberg explores neurodiversity, focusing on women with conditions like ADHD, autism, and high sensitivity. Nerenberg shares her personal journey and highlights how these conditions are often overlooked in women due to societal biases. The book dispels myths about neurodivergent individuals and offers practical advice for creating a more inclusive society. It emphasizes recognizing and celebrating the unique strengths of neurodivergent minds
Rating: 4
Neurodiversity by Thomas Phd Armstrong
In “The Power of Neurodiversity,” Thomas Armstrong, Ph.D., reinterprets conditions such as ADHD, dyslexia, and autism as natural brain variations instead of disorders. He emphasizes the unique strengths and evolutionary benefits of neurodiverse individuals, urging society to change its perception and support. Armstrong’s book encourages recognizing and celebrating the diverse ways human brains operate, providing valuable insights for parents, educators, and those interested in embracing neurodiversity.
Rating: 4.7
The Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston
Ashley Poston’s “The Seven Year Slip” is a delightful romance novel centered on an overworked book publicist who carefully plans her future. Her life takes an unforeseen twist when she falls for her temporary roommate, only to realize he exists seven years in the past. This clever and insightful tale delves into themes of love, time, and life’s unexpected turns.
Rating: 3.5
The Art Of Racing In The Rain by Garth Stein
The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein is a novel narrated from the perspective of a dog named Enzo. Enzo is a Labrador retriever-terrier mix who believes he will be reincarnated as a human. The story revolves around Enzo’s owner, Denny Swift, a race car driver, and the trials and tribulations he faces in his personal and professional life.
Enzo provides a unique and philosophical viewpoint on human life, drawing parallels between racing and life’s challenges. The novel explores themes of family, love, loyalty, and perseverance. It is both heart-wrenching and uplifting, offering a captivating look at the human condition through the eyes of a dog
Rating: 4.6
The Bewitching hour by Ashley Poston
“The Bewitching Hour” by Ashley Poston is a prequel to the popular TV show Buffy the Vampire Slayer. It focuses on Tara Maclay, a beloved character and LGBTQIA+ icon from the series. Set in the 1990s, the story follows Tara as her family moves to a new town where mysterious murders of teenage boys are occurring.
The novel blends elements of ’90s nostalgia, mysterious murders, and a star-crossed sapphic romance. Tara navigates her new environment, uncovering secrets and dealing with her own burgeoning magical abilities.
It’s a captivating read for fans of the show and those who enjoy a mix of mystery, romance, and supernatural elements. 📚✨
Rating: 4.25
A Beginners Guide to Chakras by Marion McGeogh
“A Beginner’s Guide to the Chakras” by Marion McGeough is an introductory book designed for those new to the concept of chakras. The book explores each of the seven major chakras, detailing their individual qualities and significance in one’s life.
McGeough provides practical exercises and self-awareness questions to help readers understand and engage with their chakras. The book also includes guided meditations to support readers on their journey of self-discovery and spiritual growth.
It’s a helpful resource for anyone looking to learn about chakras and how to balance them for improved well-being.
Rating: 4.2
Rethink Your Movement by Katy Bowman
Rethink Your Movement by Katy Bowman is all about viewing movement not as exercise, but as an integral part of daily life. Katy Bowman challenges the sedentary lifestyle many people lead, arguing that small, consistent movements throughout the day are more beneficial than sporadic intense workouts. She emphasizes natural movements and encourages readers to integrate more walking, squatting, and diverse physical activity into their routines. Essentially, it’s a call to rethink how we move our bodies and make movement a seamless part of our lives.
Rating: 4.9
A Face In The Rock: The Tale of the Island Chippewa by Loren R Graham
A Face in the Rock: The Tale of the Island Chippewa by Loren R. Graham delves into the history and mythology of the Island Chippewa people in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. It paints a vivid picture of their resilience, culture, and connection to the land. Through personal anecdotes and historical accounts, Graham explores the significant events that shaped the Island Chippewa community. The book blends historical scholarship with storytelling to keep the legacy of the Island Chippewa alive.
Rating: 4.75
Chakra Healing by Margarita Alcantara
Chakra Healing by Margarita Alcantara dives into the world of chakra balancing. Alcantara outlines how disruptions in these energy centers can impact one’s health, emotions, and spiritual well-being. She provides various self-care techniques like yoga, crystal therapy, dietary adjustments, and meditation to help restore balance. The book’s mission is to guide readers in harnessing their body’s natural energy, fostering a deeper self-connection, and reaching their highest potential.
Rating: 2.75
The Shaman and the Medicine Wheel by Evelyn Eaton
The Shaman and the Medicine Wheel by Evelyn Eaton is a personal account of her journey and triumph over cancer through Native American healing rituals. Eaton, of mixed white and Native American ancestry, was a Metis Medicine Woman who believed in the strength and beauty of all religious traditions. The book reflects her deep meditation on the Medicine Wheel and its connection to other spiritual traditions, emphasizing the oneness of various paths leading to the Center.
Rating: 4.75
Somatic Exercises for Vagal Nerve Stimulation by S.B. Wade
Somatic Exercises for Vagal Nerve Stimulation by S.B. Wade is a comprehensive guide that introduces readers to somatic exercises aimed at stimulating the vagus nerve to enhance overall well-being. The book highlights practical exercises designed to reduce stress and anxiety, improve posture, and release muscle tension. By incorporating these exercises, readers can gain better awareness, sensation, and control of their body’s movement patterns. This resource is particularly beneficial for those struggling with chronic stress and anxiety, offering simple and scientifically-backed techniques that can be easily integrated into daily routines. With clear illustrations and step-by-step instructions, it makes the practice of somatic exercises accessible to all.
Rating: 4.5
The Love of My After Life by Kristy Greenwood
In The Love of My Afterlife by Kirsty Greenwood, 27-year-old Delphie Bookham dies unexpectedly and finds herself in a quirky afterlife laundromat called Evermore. There, she meets Jonah, a man she feels an instant connection with—only to lose him moments later due to a cosmic mix-up. Given a second chance at life, Delphie has ten days to find Jonah on Earth and earn a kiss to stay alive. But as she navigates London with the reluctant help of her grumpy neighbor Cooper, she begins to rediscover joy, friendship, and her own sense of purpose. What starts as a romantic quest becomes a heartwarming journey of self-discovery, reminding readers that sometimes the love we’re searching for is the one that helps us come alive.
Rating: 4.0
Volva, Viking Wirchcraft & Seidr Magic by Tracey Kotze
VÖLVA: Viking Witchcraft & Seidr Magic by Tracey Kotze is a richly woven exploration of Norse mysticism, centered on the powerful figure of the Völva—a seeress, priestess, and practitioner of seiðr, the trance-based magic of the Viking age. The book blends historical research with spiritual insight, guiding readers through the sacred rites, tools, and cosmology that shaped the Völva’s role in Viking society. From rune wisdom and galdr chanting to soul journeying and ancestral invocation, Kotze unveils a forgotten feminine force that once influenced kings and empires. It’s both a scholarly and mystical initiation into Norse witchcraft, offering a path for modern seekers to awaken their own connection to the Northern spiritual tradition
Rating: 4.5
Hawkeye: Bishop Takes King by Ashley Poston
Hawkeye: Bishop Takes King by Ashley Poston is a fast-paced YA mystery adventure that follows Kate Bishop, the young Hawkeye, as she juggles superhero duties with the chaos of everyday life. After rescuing a charming stranger named Milo and accidentally swapping bags with him, Kate discovers a mysterious book filled with dangerous secrets—ones that the infamous villain Kingpin is desperate to get his hands on. As she races through New York City trying to unravel the mystery, Kate leans on her superhero friends for support while navigating flirtation, danger, and self-discovery. With sharp wit, high-stakes action, and plenty of heart, Poston delivers a story that’s as twisty and fun as Kate herself.
Rating: 4.75
Funny Story by Emily Henry
Funny Story by Emily Henry is a heartwarming and witty romance that follows Daphne, a children’s librarian whose life is upended when her fiancé Peter leaves her for his childhood best friend Petra—who also happens to dump her boyfriend, Miles. With nowhere else to go, Daphne moves in with Miles, and the two concoct a fake relationship to make their exes jealous. But as they navigate shared heartbreak, awkward cohabitation, and unexpected chemistry, their pretend romance begins to feel very real. Through quirky adventures and emotional growth, Daphne and Miles discover that sometimes the most painful endings lead to the funniest—and most meaningful—new beginnings
Rating: 4.8
Sounds Like Love By Ashley Poston
Sounds Like Love by Ashley Poston is a heartfelt novel that blends emotional realism with a touch of magical connection. It follows Joni Lark, a successful but creatively burned-out songwriter who returns to her coastal hometown of Vienna Shores, North Carolina, hoping to rediscover her spark. As she grapples with her mother’s early-onset dementia and the impending closure of her family’s beloved music venue, The Revelry, Joni unexpectedly develops a telepathic bond with Sebastian Fell—a reclusive former boy band member with his own emotional baggage. Their strange connection forces them to confront buried grief, creative paralysis, and the meaning of home, love, and second chances
Rating: 4.5
Kerry Winfrey Waiting for Tom Hanks/Not Like the Movies
Waiting for Tom Hanks by Kerry Winfrey is a charming romantic comedy that follows Annie Cassidy, a screenwriter obsessed with Nora Ephron films and convinced her own love story will mirror the magic of a rom-com. Living in Columbus, Ohio, Annie dreams of meeting her perfect leading man—someone like Tom Hanks in Sleepless in Seattle. When a movie starts filming in her neighborhood and she meets its cynical yet endearing lead actor, Drew Danforth, Annie is forced to confront the gap between her fantasy and reality. As mishaps, misunderstandings, and quirky side characters unfold, Annie learns that real love might not follow a script—but it can still be unforgettable.
Not Like the Movies by Kerry Winfrey is a witty and heartfelt follow-up to Waiting for Tom Hanks, centering on Chloe Sanderson, a pragmatic barista whose life is anything but cinematic. While her best friend Annie’s rom-com-inspired screenplay is being turned into a movie—based on Chloe’s own love life—Chloe is juggling real-world stressors: caring for her father with early-onset Alzheimer’s, managing work, and questioning her feelings for her charming boss, Nick. As the fictional version of her romance plays out on screen, Chloe must confront the gap between fantasy and reality, ultimately discovering that love may not be perfect—but it can still be beautifully real.
