The Sassy Bookworm

Book Review: Shot Through the Book by Eva Gates 📚

Rating: 4 Stars

I recently dove into Shot Through the Book, the twelfth entry in the Lighthouse Library mystery series by Eva Gates, and I have to say, it was a thoroughly enjoyable read that earned a solid four stars from me. 😊

This installment features Lucy McNeil, our ever-curious librarian sleuth, tackling a puzzling murder all on her own. The story kicks off with the much-anticipated YA book festival at the Bodie Island Lighthouse Library, drawing in famous authors from far and wide. Everything takes a dark turn when Todd Harrison, a bestselling author and virtual stranger to Lucy, shows up unexpectedly at her beach house. Before she knows it, Todd is found dead on her deck—murdered in the brief moments she stepped away. 🔍📖

What follows is a gripping mystery as Lucy tries to piece together why Todd wanted a private meeting and how someone managed to kill him so quickly. The arrival of Todd’s widow, Heather Harrison, adds another layer of complexity; rather than mourning, Heather seems driven by political ambition, setting her sights on a senate run and using Todd’s death as fuel—while also targeting the local police and Lucy herself. ⚖️🕵️‍♀️

Caught between grieving fans, rival authors jockeying for attention, and a widow with an agenda, Lucy is thrust into a web of intrigue she must unravel before justice slips through her fingers. 🕸️⏳

What really stood out to me was how well this book worked as a standalone, so even if you haven’t read the earlier books in the series, you won’t feel lost. The writing is sharp and well-paced, keeping me hooked from start to finish. The setting—the Outer Banks with its charming lighthouse library—really adds atmosphere and character to the story. Plus, I found the cast of characters genuinely likable and well-drawn, which made the mystery all the more engaging. 🌅📚

And I have to mention the cover—absolutely delightful and eye-catching! 🎨👀

All in all, Shot Through the Book was a solid mystery that kept me guessing without overwhelming me. If you enjoy cozy mysteries with a smart, resourceful protagonist and a seaside vibe, this one’s definitely worth picking up. 🏖️🔎

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️

Book Review: The Girl Made of Stars by K.E. Le Veque 📚

Rating: 4 Stars

I recently finished The Girl Made of Stars by K.E. Le Veque, and I have to say, it was a captivating read that earned a solid four stars from me. The story masterfully weaves together the glitz and glamor of 1930s Hollywood with a modern-day mystery, creating an engaging narrative that kept me turning pages. 🎬✨

The novel centers around Lola Grayson, a dazzling MGM starlet in 1934, famously known as "The Siren." She was groomed and promoted by the legendary Louis B. Mayer to be the studio’s shining sex symbol before icons like Carole Lombard and Jean Harlow took over. But Lola's rise to fame came at a steep price: a demanding stage mother, fragile health, and the impossible expectations of the Golden Age film industry. Amidst all this pressure, Lola made a fateful choice—falling in love with fellow MGM actor Robert Taggart. Together, they were Hollywood’s golden couple, adored by fans yet constrained by the era’s rigid social norms. Lola’s yearning for a normal life with a husband and family clashed tragically with her public image, ultimately leading to her untimely death that shook the entertainment world. 💔🎥❤️‍🩹

Fast forward to the present day, we meet Joey Cabot, a novelist struggling to find her breakthrough. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she buys Lola and Robert’s old Los Angeles home, a secret sanctuary during their clandestine romance. As Joey uncovers long-buried secrets within the house's walls, she stumbles upon revelations that could rewrite Hollywood history — and possibly revive her own fading career. Through this journey, the story beautifully explores how Lola's legacy continues to impact those who come after her. 🏠📚🔍

One of the highlights for me was the nostalgic dive into old Hollywood. The book features cameos from legends like Clark Gable, Spencer Tracy, Myrna Loy, and Carole Lombard, which added a delightful authenticity and charm. Yet, despite the star-studded backdrop, Lola Grayson is undoubtedly the heart of the story. I found her character deeply compelling—her struggles, dreams, and vulnerabilities brought a poignant depth that resonated with me throughout the book. 🌟🎞️💫

Overall, The Girl Made of Stars is a touching blend of glamour and tragedy that connects two women across time through shared pain and hope. It’s the kind of novel that old Hollywood fans will especially appreciate, but anyone who loves a well-crafted story about love, loss, and redemption will find much to enjoy here. I highly recommend it! 📖❤️👍

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️

Book Review: Going Menopostal by Amy Alkon 📚

Rating: 4 Stars

I recently finished Going Menopostal by Amy Alkon, and I’m giving it a solid four stars. This book dives into a topic that affects half the population—menopause and perimenopause—but is often misunderstood or overlooked in mainstream healthcare. 📚♀️

Amy Alkon’s journey begins with her own experience of a sudden hot flash, followed by night sweats, insomnia, and that frustrating brain fog. What really hit home for me was how she felt lost and angry, yet also hesitant to turn to medical professionals because so much of women’s healthcare is still based on outdated myths rather than solid evidence. According to recent studies, over half of the medical care in the US might not be backed by adequate research, which is pretty alarming. 🔥😴🤯

Alkon’s deep research uncovers some shocking facts: many gynecology departments don’t even have doctors trained specifically in menopausal medicine, and perimenopause—the years leading up to menopause—is often dismissed as just “menopause lite.” Contrary to popular belief, estrogen levels can actually rise during this phase, causing many symptoms that go unrecognized or untreated. Even more surprising was learning that a lack of progesterone, not estrogen, is often the real culprit behind symptoms like insomnia and hot flashes. And yet, there’s safe, FDA-approved progesterone therapy that could help a lot more women than currently receive it. 😲💊

The book also sheds light on how medical research has largely focused on middle-class white women, ignoring important differences in symptoms and risks among women of color. This gap in knowledge can lead to misdiagnosis and inadequate care. ⚖️🌍

What I really appreciated about Going Menopostal is how it’s written in a straightforward, relatable style—no advanced science degree needed here—and sprinkled with Alkon’s sharp wit. She doesn’t just inform; she empowers readers with the right questions to ask their doctors and the confidence to demand appropriate, evidence-based treatment instead of being brushed off. 🗣️📖

If you’re new to the topic or feeling frustrated by the lack of clear answers out there, this book is definitely worth a read. It’s meticulously researched and packed with actionable insights. Alkon’s mission to equip women with knowledge and assertiveness is clear and inspiring. Overall, Going Menopostal gave me a lot to think about and the tools to take control of my own healthcare journey. Highly recommend! 🙌💡

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️