Author Archives: ashareads

šŸ“š Discovering Bookish Joy Through Kindle Crafts

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One day while scrolling through TikTok, I came across a video about Kindle charms. A book influencer was showing off the cutest little accessory she had bought from a TikTok shop, and I was instantly intrigued. Down the rabbit hole I went, looking at all the different styles being sold and then I found videos of people making their own which looked even better.

Thatā€™s when the wheels started turning. I made a list of supplies, compared the cost of DIY vs. buying ready-made. I realized that if I wanted just one set, purchasing might make sense. But if I wanted several, making them myself would be way more fun and cost efficient. Plus, it felt like the perfect off-screen hobby! I picked up some charms at local craft stores, ordered others online, and got started.

My first charm haul from Michaels for upcoming DIYs.

To my surprise, I loved it. Iā€™ve made three sets for myself, one for a friend, and worked on five more for an Instagram giveaway last week. I enjoy every step from picking a theme to mixing and matching charms. Itā€™s relaxing, it gets me off my phone, and it feels so rewarding to actually use what Iā€™ve made.

Fairytale inspired charms I made for an Instagram giveaway hosted Sep 2-8th.

Once I got hooked on charms, TikTok nudged me toward Kindle inserts. Sellers offered seasonal and themed designs that were cute, but not always my style. When I discovered DIY tutorials, my creativity exploded. Making inserts were inexpensive. I loved that I could design ones that matched my mood like seasonal vibes, favorite quotes, or bookish themes I connected with.

Turned Pinterest inspo into a fall Kindle insert & made a ghost dust plug.

With inserts mastered, I thought why not try dust plugs too? Since I already had the supplies, I followed a TikTok tutorial and was surprised at how easy they were to make.

Lastly, I revisited something Iā€™d always known about but never explored fully: Kindle screensavers. Inspired by all the charms and inserts, I started experimenting with custom screens. Now, whenever I close my Kindle, it feels like an extension of my reading life and personal style.

Created a customized kindle screensaver.

What I love most about this new obsession is how inspiring itā€™s been. Instead of doom-scrolling, Iā€™m using TikTok to fuel creativity. What started as a random scroll has turned into one of my favorite ways to mix books, creativity, and comfort.

August Favorites šŸ“–šŸ’…

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As August slips away, weā€™re still in the middle of a heatwave as September begins, which comes as no surprise. Iā€™ve already got fall on my mind and just need the weather to catch up. Here are two standouts from the past month that brought me joy: a gripping first book in a brand new series by thriller queen Karin Slaughter, and a dazzling Lights Lacquer polish that has me craving fall more than ever.

šŸ“– Favorite book I read: We Are All Guilty Here by Karin Slaughter

Thank you William Morrow for the free advanced copy of We Are All Guilty Here by Karin Slaughter.

In the small town of North Falls, the disappearance of two teenage girls during the fireworks proves that no one truly knows each other. Officer Emmy Clifton, burdened by guilt, is determined to find them and uncover the secrets the town has been hiding.

Karin Slaughter is an auto-read author for me so it was no surprise that her latest book, We Are All Guilty Here (the first in the North Falls series), is a 5-star read! This is one of those books you should go into without knowing too many details so you can experience every surprise. This slow-burn police procedural had me on my toes until the very end. I thought I had it all figured out, but twist after twist kept me guessing and I could not put it down. The emotional, deeply flawed characters hit me to my core. Slaughter did an incredible job weaving together two timelines with enough clarity to keep me fully invested. There were moments that felt heavy where I truly sympathized with Emmy or Jude and moments that left me completely shell-shocked. Highly recommend picking this one up. Now I canā€™t wait for the next book in the series!

šŸ’…Favorite Manicure: Lights Lacquer Saddle Up

Saddle Up is part of the Lights Lacquer Headed West fall collection. Iā€™m actually surprised that I chose another red as my favorite given that I donā€™t really wear red manis that much. Iā€™m obsessed with how this specific shade reminds me of fall. I love how opaque and creamy it is. This will definitely be a repeat mani this upcoming season!

Fall may not be here yet, but my TBR and polish picks are already there. 

šŸ“šThe Kindle Switch That Changed How I Read

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Last month, I did something I never thought I would: I traded my Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition for the Kindle Basic.

On paper, it looked like a downgrade. My Paperwhite Signature had lots of storage, warm light, waterproofing, wireless charging, and a 6.8-inch screen. I figured I would miss those features the second I let it go. But hereā€™s the surprising part ā€” I do not.

I never realized how little I actually used the 32gb storage and warm light. Th 16gb is more than enough and I found that I read better without the warm light. The waterproofing? Nice in theory, but I was not exactly reading in the bathtub or at the beach all the time. And the wireless charging pad? I never had a need for it since I used the cable to charge.

The real magic happened when I switched from 6.8 inches down to 6 inches. That small change made a big difference. The Kindle Basic feels lighter, more compact, and just easier to hold. I reach for it more without even thinking about it. It also fits in more of my bags as well.

And then thereā€™s the color. I went from standard black to the soft, calming Matcha green. I didnā€™t think it was going to make a huge difference, but it actually changed the whole vibe. It feels more personal, more me. Now when I see it on my desk or in my bag, I want to pick it up.

The best part? The deal I got. I traded in my Paperwhite Signature and got a $30 gift card plus 20% off. I stacked that with a Prime Day discount and my credit card reward points. In the end, my Matcha Kindle Basic cost me about $30 ā€” roughly the price of a new hardcover.

I thought I was giving up the ā€œbetterā€ Kindle for something simpler. What I actually did was find the Kindle that fits me best. And now? I am reading more than ever.

July Favorites šŸ“–šŸ’…

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This is my first time doing a monthly wrap-up here. On Instagram, I used to share book wrap-ups, but I wanted to go in a different direction this time. Each month, Iā€™ll keep it simple and share two favorites: a book I loved and a manicure that stood out. Hereā€™s what made July special:

Favorite book I read: Chasing Shelter by Catherine Cowles

Chasing Shelter is the fifth book in the Sparrow Falls series. Itā€™s an interconnected standalone, which means you can start with this one, but itā€™s best enjoyed in order since there are spoilers for couples from the previous books. I was so excited to see Trace finally get his love story with Ellie. These two are perfectly matched, and this book deserves all the stars.

Ellieā€™s bond with Traceā€™s daughter, Keely, was one of the sweetest parts of the story. Watching their relationship grow made every scene with them even more heartwarming. It was also great to learn more about Traceā€™s past and what shaped him into the man he is now. I loved that we still got the fun sibling group chat, Loliā€™s antics, and the warmth of the found family dynamic. The suspense element was a nice touch too. I predicted one part but not the other and it definitely kept me on the edge of my seat. The epilogue was absolute perfection. Now Iā€™m counting down the days for Fallon and Kylerā€™s book. I know Catherine will wrap up the series in the best possible way and Iā€™m thrilled that Dex will get his spotlight in the new series!

I also read the sneak peek of Secret Haven and that prologue had me in tears. I can already tell itā€™s going to be incredible. Plus, I was so happy to see a preview of Across the Vanishing Sky in the KU version. From what I read, it sounds amazing!

Favorite manicure: Lights Lacquer Cherry Wine

Part of Julyā€™s Cherry Coated Trio launch, this vampy red shade was the perfect color to transition from summer to fall vibes. I loved wearing it and know it will stay in my regular rotation. Iā€™m already planning to reach for it again soon.

šŸ“š Summer Reading Challenges Arenā€™t Just for Kids

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Remember the joy of summer reading programs as a kid? Logging books, collecting stickers, and racing to the prize table? Turns out, some libraries still get it and theyā€™re making summer reading fun for adults too! šŸ™Œ

Here are 3 SoCal libraries that totally understood the assignment:

šŸ“ Long Beach Public Library

šŸŽ®: Level Up at Your Library

šŸ—“ļø: June 14 – August 9

šŸ“–: Read 6 books and earn prizes along the way

šŸ†: 2 free books, keychain, patch, book light, and tote bag

šŸ“ Los Angeles Public Library

šŸŒ³: Summer With the Library Reading Brings Us Together

šŸ—“ļø: June 1 – August 1

šŸ“–: Read 60 minutes each week for at least 3 weeks

šŸ†: Sticker sheet & exclusive LAPL tote bag

šŸ“ OC Public Library

šŸŽ®: Level Up! Summer Reading Challenge

šŸ—“ļø: June 16 – August 3

šŸ“–: Read once a day for 20 days

šŸ†: Free book from Friends of the Library or a brand new squishmallow

Iā€™m genuinely so grateful to these libraries for making summer reading fun again and not just for kids, but for all of us book lovers! Some other systems offered only grand prize drawings (no guaranteed rewards), but these three? They showed up and handed out the goods.

šŸ“š Quick Thoughts on 3 Romance Out Today

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Today Iā€™m highlighting 3 new romance releases today and my thoughts on each of them:

šŸ§¹ A Witchā€™s Guide to Magical Innkeeping by Sangu Mandanna

šŸ“– Thank you Berkley Romance & PRH Audio for the free copy.

šŸ’¬: If you loved The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches, this charming cozy book is for you! Seraā€™s journey of healing, found family, and rediscovering confidence really shines. I adored the cast of supporting characters. The ending was satisfying. Iā€™d recommend this to anyone craving magic with heart.

šŸ¾ Pugs & Kisses by Farrah Rochon

šŸ“– Thank you Forever & Hachette Audio for the free copy.

šŸ’¬: I was so happy to see Evie take center stage in this follow-up to Pardon My Frenchie. Her emotional arc is tender and relatable. Bryson brings just enough tension to make their chemistry sizzle even if I wanted to shake him a few times. Pet loss is mentioned here, however, the author handled with care and not for shock value which I appreciated. This oneā€™s for fans of heartwarming friendships and slow-burn healing. I canā€™t wait for  Ridley and Von next!

šŸ§¼ Maid for Each Other by Lynn Painter

šŸ“– Thank you Berkley Romance & PRH Audio for the free copy.

šŸ’¬: This one had Pretty Woman vibes and Painterā€™s signature banter. This one wasnā€™t quite my cup of tea. However, if you love billionaire tropes or insta-love, it might be up your alley.

Halfway Through 2025: Check-In & 5-Star Reads

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Why Iā€™m Switching Things Up:
I canā€™t believe weā€™re already halfway through the year! Lately, Iā€™ve been thinking about how I want to navigate my blog. Bookish social media has been overwhelming at times. Writing reviews and keeping up with posts can be fun, but itā€™s also a lot.

Iā€™m not planning to stop, but I do want to be more intentional. From now on, Iā€™ll be doing one post a month with something Iā€™m excited to share, whether thatā€™s favorites, a fun list or a reading recap.

My Favorite Reads So Far This Year
I wanted to highlight a few 2025 releases that I gave five stars and still think about:

August Lane by Regina Black

Shield of Sparrows by Devney Perry

Canā€™t Get Enough by Kennedy Ryan

Wild Side by Elsie Silver

If You Canā€™t Stand the Heat by Mona Shroff

Honorable Mention:

Shadows of You by Catherine Cowles – This one is a backlist book thatā€™s part of the Lost & Found series. I loved the premise and it made me start getting into romantic suspense.

Looking Ahead:
Hoping this new pace helps me enjoy blogging again.

Review: Run for the Hills

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Run for the Hills by Kevin Wilson
Publisher: Ecco Books
Pub Date: 5/13/2025

Thank you Ecco Books for the free advanced copy. 

Rating: ā­ļøā­ļøā­ļøā­ļø

Madeline Hillā€™s quiet life on a Tennessee farm is upended when a man named Reuben shows up claiming to be her half brother. Together, they embark on a wild road trip to track down their elusive father and a string of other siblings, discovering unexpected family and connection along the way.

I was excited to hear that Kevin Wilson was releasing a new book this year since I really enjoyed Nothing to See Here and Now Is Not the Time to Panic. The plot was intriguing and I loved the characters that were introduced. Most of the book is told through Madā€™s perspective in third person, but I appreciated how we still got a sense of the supporting charactersā€™ experiences as well. I liked learning about Madā€™s complicated relationship with her dad. The vignettes showing his life with her half-siblings added depth to the story. The storyline was heartfelt and Kevin did an incredible job portraying strained family dynamics with tenderness. A few twists caught me by surprise in the best way and made the story even more enjoyable. I had to sit with the ending for a bit because at first it felt disappointing, but the more I thought about it, the more it made sense. Definitely recommend picking this up if youā€™re a Kevin Wilson fan!

Review: Donā€™t Open Your Eyes

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Donā€™t Open Your Eyes by Liv Constantine
Publisher: Random House
Pub Date: 6/17/2025

Thank you PRH Audio for the free copy. 

Rating: ā­ļøā­ļøā­ļøā­ļø

Annabelle has a perfect life until she starts having vivid dreams that feel more like warnings of a dangerous future. When parts of the dreams begin coming true, sheā€™s forced to question her reality and how far sheā€™ll go to protect her daughter.

Donā€™t Open Your Eyes was one of my most anticipated June reads. Liv Constantine is an auto-read author for me so I was really excited for this one! I liked the storyline and found the multiple perspectives engaging. Each voice felt distinct and the audiobook narrators were a great fit. Scarlett was my favorite character. I enjoyed seeing how she navigated being a teen. The dream sequences from Annabelleā€™s point of view were intriguing and I liked the use of premonitions throughout. The ending wasnā€™t my favorite, but it was decent. Overall, Iā€™d rate this 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4 on Goodreads.

Review: King of Ashes

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King of Ashes by S.A. Cosby
Publisher: Flatiron
Pub Date: 6/10/2025

Thank you Flatiron & Macmillan Audio for the free advanced copies.  

Rating: ā­ļøā­ļøā­ļøā­ļø

When Roman Carruthers returns home after his fatherā€™s suspicious car accident, he finds his family drowning in debt and danger from violent criminals. As his sister Neveah fights to hold the family together, Roman uses his sharp financial skills, a ruthless side the gangsters didnā€™t expect, to protect the people he loves at any cost.

S.A. Cosby is an auto-read author for me and I can always count on his books to pull me out of a slump. I was especially excited to hear that Adam Lazarre-White would be narrating this one because I love his performances in Cosbyā€™s other books. King of Ashes is another hit! Cosby has a way of creating characters you genuinely empathize with. They make tough choices and suddenly youā€™re wrapped up in their complexity and moral grayness. Roman was such a layered character and heā€™s truly put through the wringer. The book raises hard questions about how far you would go to protect your family while also exploring strained family dynamics and complicated ties within a close-knit community. Cosbyā€™s story is gritty and includes some graphic elements, but it feels purposeful and drive both the plot and character growth. I loved the slow burn, the high stakes for every character, and that epic ending! I was driving while listening to the last part and literally had to pull over just to relisten. Overall, I highly recommend picking this one up on audio!