Reviews Archives

Rolling for Advent

November 9, 2026November 5, 2026Sarah Pinault

Counting down to Christmas becomes more fun with FanRoll and this years line of Advent Calendars.

The Haunted Librarian by Auralee Wallace

November 8, 2026November 5, 2026Sarah Pinault

If you are still feeling cozy and spooky, and not ready to move on to cozy and festive, then I suggest you spend an afternoon in the library with Amelia Bates.

The Somewhat Wicked Witch of Brigandale By C. M. Waggoner

November 6, 2026November 5, 2026Sarah Pinault

If you are still basking in the warm glow of November 4th, then The Somewhat Wicked Witch of Brigandale By C. M. Waggoner is just the read you need to combine your love of fantasy with your newsfeed right now.

Tata by Valérie Perrin

October 5, 2026Sarah Pinault

Tata is a story of unconditional love and the complications that come with being human and a must for anyone looking for an all consuming story to immerse themselves into this fall.

A Fun Challenge for Nimble Fingers, Rolife and ROKR Building Kits Add Charm and Whimsy to Your Shelves

October 4, 2026October 3, 2026Jenny Bristol

Rolife and ROKR building kits come in a lot of different themes, and are challenging and delicate projects that can look great on your shelf.

The Lumibricks Christmas Pub Is Merry and Bright, but With a Few Head Scratchers

September 1, 2026September 3, 2026Jenny Bristol

The Lumibricks Christmas Pub is a fun build with whimsical, festive pieces and scenes, but some questionable design choices.

The Lumibricks Dutch Windmill Millhouse Is a Cozy Build With Some Room for Improvement

August 23, 2026August 29, 2026Jenny Bristol

Lumibricks focuses on well-lit sets and building community. See what we think of this Dutch windmill set!

Bouncing Up and Down for Fun and Fitness with the FED Fitness BT4 Bungee Trampoline/Rebounder

August 17, 2026August 23, 2026Jenny Bristol

Testing out a rebounder for the first time, compared with memories of a 1990s-era mini trampoline.

Chronicles of Whetherwhy: The Season of Flames

April 27, 2026August 23, 2026Sarah Pinault

The Season of Flames is the second book in Anna James’s middle-grade fantasy series The Chronicles of Whetherwhy. We continue the exploration of magic, systems of power and how to challenge them, and the bonds of both biological and found family.

Thistlemarsh by Moorea Corrigan

April 20, 2026April 19, 2026Sarah Pinault

When what you have read about the Fae is challenged by the Faery that appears at your house, what is there to do but make a deal?

Half City by Kate Golden

March 26, 2026Sarah Pinault

I really didn’t want another story about a young adult attending a magical school, but then came Half City by Kate Golden.

The Winter Goddess by Megan Barnard

February 18, 2026February 18, 2026Sarah Pinault

The fight between winter and the onset of spring is something we know well in Maine, as I sit here facing down another winter storm that may keep my kids at home, I find myself thinking back to one of my favorite books of 2025, The Winter Goddess by Megan Barnard. Cailleach, goddess of winter, […]

January 30, 2026Sarah Pinault

If you are looking for a way to escape this never ending January, a trip to the North Woods of Minnesota with debut novel Loon Point is just what you need.

The New Rubik’s x Tetris Cube Is a Fun Mashup of ’80s Toys

December 22, 2025Jenny Bristol

If you like some extra squares in your cubes, check out the new Rubik’s x Tetris Cube!

The Curious Kitten at the Chibineko Kitchen

November 25, 2025Sarah Pinault

For an extra touch of whimsy this winter look no further thanThe Curious Kitten at the Chibineko Kitchen by Yuta Takashaski, with the sentimentality and loose relationships with time that I have come to love in cozy Japanese fiction.

GeekDad/GeekMom Holiday Gift Guide 2025: Music and Media

November 24, 2025December 8, 2025MAJK

Another holiday season means another excuse to dive into the music and media we love.

GeekDad/GeekMom Holiday Gift Guide 2025: Toys

November 23, 2025MAJK

Another year, another game to discover. If you couldn’t make it to Pax Unplugged this weekend, try creating your own event at home with these suggestions from our current favorite games to share with your friends and family this holiday season.

GeekDad/GeekMom Holiday Gift Guide 2025: Games

November 21, 2025November 21, 2025Sarah Pinault

Another year, another game to discover. If you couldn’t make it to Pax Unplugged this weekend, try creating your own event at home with these suggestions from our current favorite games to share with your friends and family this holiday season.

Murdle Jigsaw Puzzles Blend Pieces With Logic

October 1, 2025October 8, 2025Jenny Bristol

After Wordle gained popularity, several related or even completely unrelated daily puzzles spawned, from the other New York Times puzzles to more indie efforts like Redactle (a favorite in my house). One I’d never heard of until recently was Murdle, a daily murder mystery-themed logic puzzle. I was surprised I hadn’t heard of it before, […]

Rediscovering Alexander McCall Smith

May 24, 2025May 22, 2025Sarah Pinault

I had forgotten how much I enjoyed the storytelling and narrative voice of Alexander McCall Smith. When his exceptionally popular series The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency first appeared in 2002, I was enamored with his style and with his characters. While my interests have branched off over the years, I still scour the book […]