Tag: Book Review

Bookies Bookclub – Hail Mary Review

Published on by Sheila (Book Journey)2 Comments

On September 9th, our Bookies Book Club met at a lovely location to discuss our book selection, “Hail Mary” by Andy Weir.

This was a different selection for us, as, other than a few of us having read The Martian (also by Andy Weir), sci-fi would not typically be considered a go-to genre.
What came out of this discussion was what I had hoped for -while yes, the scientific formulas could be skip-worthy for those who read the book, and a little “spacing out” (pun intended) for those of us who went the audio route when the formulas were discussed, we came out of this discussion with an average rating of 4 out of 5 overall.. Some of us a higher and a few lower out of the 15 os us in attendance.
It was a fun evening of talking about Ryland, our protagonist, and his encounter with Rocky, our space buddy, and all the happenings before, after, and in between.

As always, we love to pull things from the book to enhance our discussion/experience. A great spread of a tasty fruit pizza, lasagna, dried pineapple (space worthy!), salad, and more – we also had a few things pulled from the pages of the book:

Day 1 Meal 1 package ( the space meals Ryland had each day) – Squeeze Yogurt Packets
Breakfast Burritos – Ryland’s last earth meal
Me Burgers – (LOL) – spoiler alert for those who have not read the book, so I will leave this one be
Space Suckers – cuz. Why not?

If discussing this book with a group, here are some questions that we enjoyed:

1) Stratt had a hard role to play – did you agree with how she did things? Did she have a choice?
2) Ryland’s career as a teacher serves him well. What are some of the skills he was able to bring to the mission due to his past?
3) The book is Sci-fi, but also more. What other genres could this be labeled as?
4) What lessons do Ryland and Rocky’s friendship teach us
5) With the back and forths in the book, present time, and memories of the past as Ryland pieces together how he got to where he is – did that flow well? Was it a good way to write this book?
6) There is a lot of HUMOR in the book and great quotes – are there any that made you laugh out loud, and if so, which ones?
7) Why did they name the ship Hail Mary?
8) Did the book grab you right away, or did it take a while?
9) What did you think of Ryland’s final choice? What would you have done?
10) Would you recommend this book to a friend?
11) If you enjoyed this book and have not read The Martian, would you do so now?
12) The Movie is coming in March 2026 – is this something you would go to?

My review: Hail Mary
My review: The Martian
My review: Artemis


Hail Mary by Andy Weir

Published on by Sheila (Book Journey)10 Comments

Second time through this one and still – so so good and laugh out loud worthy ~Sheila

When Ryland Grace awakens, he has no idea where he is and, for that matter, who he is. All he knows is that he has been asleep for a long, long time.

As memories begin to return, he realizes he is on a spaceship, millions of miles from Earth… and in the company of two corpses – his flight mates that did not fare as well as he did.

Memories of earth and what got him here, as well as investigating the vessel that has been his home for 4 years, the fuzzy thoughts just out of reach start to clear… he is on a mission to find the answers to save earth from certain destruction… but he wasn’t meant to do it alone… and he is alone.

Or is he?



Holy all things giddy – I am so thrilled to have a chance to talk about this amazing book (in my case, audio). When this was selected last month as our Bookies Book Club read for September, I was looking forward to a review of this one that I had listened to years ago. While I remember I enjoyed it – I had forgotten how much.

The audio – the narration – the loads of funny moments and snarky comments…. absolutely a joy. Instead of feeling this was a do-over, it felt new… so much I had forgotten.

“Knock-knock-knock
No, that’s not creepy at all. Being in a spaceship twelve light-years from home and having someone knock on the door is totally normal.”
― Andy Weir, Project Hail Mary

“I pull the sheet off the bed and wrap it around my torso a couple of times. I pull one corner over my shoulder from behind my back and tie it to another from the front. Instant toga.

“Self-ambulation detected,” says the computer. “What’s your name?”
“I am Emperor Comatose. Kneel before me.”
“Incorrect.”
― Andy Weir, Project Hail Mary

You don’t need to be a fan of science fiction to enjoy this one – you bet there are scientific terms, but if I say science can be fun, believe me. I can’t remember the last time I laughed so much listening to a book.

Hail Mary is set to be a movie coming March 2026. Ryan Gosling is playing Ryland, and I think that is a perfect choice. I will definitely be going to see this. Our Book Club is reviewing this tonight, and I will have another post of the fun food (I have some ideas!) and the discussion as well as their overall rating – stay tuned. 🙂

I recommend Hail Mary for everyone – an absolute delight, and if you are an audio person, I highly recommend that. AMAZE!!!!

Rated: 5 out of 5 – I was going to rate a little lower, but dang… I really enjoyed this
Read Author Before: Yes (The Martian – also a 5 out ot 5)
Read Author Again: I would! Bring it on, space boy!
Who Should Read This: Honestly, everyone… It’s refreshingly different, it’s fun and ummmm Ryan Gosling 😉

The Invisible Husband of Frick Island by Colleen Oakley

Published on by Sheila (Book Journey)7 Comments

A fun and plausible read! ~ Sheila

Frick Island is a tiny town in the middle of Chesapeake Bay with residents who like to keep their business to themselves. Piper Parrish among them.
When Piper’s husband, Tom’s crab boat capsizes, and his body is not found, the young “maybe” widow goes right about life as though Tom is still there… making his breakfast, walking him to the dock in the mornings, meeting him in the evening, and of course their standard Friday night date at The One Eyed-Crab.

When Anders Caldwell, want-to-be podcaster with an actual audience, is given an assignment on Frick Island to cover the annual Cake Walk Fundraiser, he is less than pleased. How are assignments like this going to put him on the map? But Anders finds that he has stumbled onto a much more interesting story, not only about Piper’s eccentric behavior of talking to a husband who is not there, but also watching all the residents of Frick Island pretending Tom is there as well for Piper’s sake. Business owners waving and saying good morning to Tom, acknowledging him right alongside Piper…. well… to Anders… this may be the story that will give him a name.


This is one of those books that has been in my peripheral vision… but for whatever reason, I did not pick up. Don’t pretend you don’t know what I mean… I’m sure you do it too 😀 As much as we may want to read ALL THE BOOKS. You can’t… and I know… It’s heartbreaking.


So many books… so little time….

So… looking for my next listen this summer as I go about my weekly cooking, cleaning, gardening… I chose TIHOFI. And… not disappointed.

My time on Frick Island was enjoyable! Piper is interesting and likable, and the book allows you to explore many outcomes….
Is Tom alive?
Do the residents of Frick Island know something I do not?
Does Piper know something that no one else does?
Is Piper crazy … or crazy in grief?
OR… Or… is something much bigger going on?

Well… I’m not telling. I will tell you, it’s worth a pick up. This is a pleasant, easy, and fun read. And this seems ( at least from my experience) to be Coleen Oakley’s pattern as an author – good books with a touch of fun… as I experienced when I read The Mostly True Story of Tanenr and Louise

Rated: 3 out of 5
Read Author Before: Yes
Read Author Again: Most likely
Who Should Read This: Anyone who enjoys a fun, interesting read that’s not heavy. This is the perfect time of year for Frick Island.

The Stranger In Her house by John Marrs

Published on by Sheila (Book Journey)7 Comments

Connie connects with a local non-profit to help with odd jobs around her mother, Gwen’s home. As Gwen has dementia, Connie tries to balance her life with the time she spends with her mom and the pursuit of her career. While Connie pops in to check on her mom and to help with cleaning, some of the bigger jobs, such as yard work and home repair, are too time-consuming, and she is grateful for Helping Hands’ mission to send volunteers to assist with chores for the elderly.
Paul, a volunteer from Helping Hands, is kind, easy to talk to, and easy on the eyes, and her mom seems to like him.

But things change quickly as Paul comes to Gwen’s more often than needed, making Connie feel a little awkward, almost like she is intruding when she comes over to help with cooking and cleaning. And Gwen, too, is changing; she dresses up more, wearing makeup and laughing… laughing like Connie has not heard in years. When Paul finds himself between homes, he moves in with Gwen and begins to shut Connie out, both figuratively and literally.

When Paul tells Connie that he can handle the cooking and cleaning, and there is no need for her to stop by, and when the locks to the house are changed, Connie desperately wants to reach out for help – but it’s his word against hers as Paul has put his charm on the neighbors as well, and has not done anything legally wrong. But Connie knows… something is not right, and she has a limited time to do something about it.

Have you read John Marrs? If you like the psychological twists of McFadden, I look at Marrs as the King of the double… no… TRIPLE twist. From my experience with his books, there comes a point where he has you, and you are blown away… and really the book – the story could end there and you would be all like…. “Damn….that was amazing” –
But wait, there is more!

Marrs, from my experience, catches you in the twist where something is revealed that changes everything….
And then…
Within the same book …
He does it again.
And sometimes…. again

The Stranger In Her House, while a bit out there ( a few too many – uhhh… that couldn’t happen) was still crazy wild to read because, honestly, in this world we live in – crazy crazy things DO HAPPEN…. even when we are dumbfounded as to how.

I did enjoy this book on audio… fully engaged in how this would all work out in the end, and not once, not twice, but even a third time surprised….

Well played Marrs.

Rated: 4 out of 5
Read Author Before: Yes
Read Author Again: Yes, I enjoy his style of writing
Who Should Read This: Fans of McFadden and psychological thrillers for sure, knowing that Marrs can be a bit darker (IMO). If you like your books to be crazy wild puzzles – here you go 😀


Beach Read by Emily Henry

Published on by Sheila (Book Journey)2 Comments

A fun little romp – I laughed out loud many times- Sheila

January Andrews is the best-selling author of happy ending romance reads. She loves things to come together and end well, and her readers love her for it.

Augustus Everett is an acclaimed author of literary fiction. His books are deep and insightful, and don’t always end well. His readership is massive.

When January finds herself in a beach house for three months trying to write her next read, despite the writer’s block that has her publicist checking it a little too often, she is shocked to discover that Augustus is in the Beach House next to hers – apparently suffering from the same thing.

One night, they make a pact. They will switch genres. January will learn how to write literary fiction under Augustus’ guidance, and Augustus, in turn, will write a rom-com. The first one to sell their book will receive public recognition from the other.

But bringing out the underlying reason that January needs things to end happily, and trying to get Augustus to lighten up and have some fun, may be a bigger undertaking than either of them bargained for.

Not my typical go-to read, but after finishing Wally Lamb’s new book that ripped me up in so many ways – I needed a palate cleanser, and this one, with a fun cover and a subject line I enjoy ( books that talk about books are almost always a plus!) was the one I picked up.

This book did the trick. Not heavy and appropriately titled, I enjoyed the fun engagement between the two protagonists… several times while listening, I laughed out loud.

“New phone… who dis?” 😛

If looking for an easy, enjoyable read, don’t hesitate to pick this one up.

Rated: 3 out of 5
Read Author Before: I have and recently!
Great Big Beautiful Life
Funny Story
Read Author Again: most likely 🙂



The River Is Waiting by Wally Lamb

Published on by Sheila (Book Journey)10 Comments

Corby Ledbetter has been a stay-at-home dad for the past 9 months. Since losing his job, taking care of his 26-month-old twins, Niko and Maisie, while his wife, Emily, worked, has become Corby’s world.

What starts out as an ordinary day turns into an unthinkable tragedy under Corby’s watch. As underlying secrets begin to be revealed, the family is shattered into a new reality.

Corby is sentenced to prison, where he witnesses unbelievable acts of cruelty, as well as glimpses of kindness – all the while not giving up hope that, if he just follows the rules, he will be able to return to his family and piece together a life again.


It is so hard to write a review when the first word that comes to mind is – Heartbreaking. But, Wally’s Lambs’ incredible writing here is so much more, and while yes, this one’s going to hurt…. There is also so much more – so much humanity, so much of honesty – it could be any one of us.

A split-second lapse changes the Ledbetter family forever, and what is packed into this page turner is everything one can imagine and written in such a way that you are right there with them – seeing all the sides, and the ways they are affected.

I would recommend this book to everyone, and at the same time, I know it is not for everyone. Topics of addiction, death, suicide, and rape are all here – some more pronounced than others, but in full disclosure, there it is. On the flip side of that, there is also hope, faith, remorse, and kindness.

I want to talk about this book. One of the best books I have read this year, and if you can give it a try – even though it is hard – I hope you do.

Rated: 5 out of 5
Read Author Before: Here’s a sad truth- I thought I had, but looking at his books this morning, I dont think that is true.
Read Author Again: Yes – looks like I have some catching up to do

My Oxford Year by Julia Whelan

Published on by Sheila (Book Journey)5 Comments

Pleasantly surprising! Sheila

Ella Durran had a set plan for her life ever since she was a young girl. Study at Oxford. When she receives her ticket to her dream through a Rhodes Scholarship, she is on her way to England! At the same time, incredibly so, she is offered a chance to work alongside a rising politician with the plan to work remotely until her year is complete at Oxford and then move full-time into her position in DC.
Of course… You know what happens when one makes plans….

A confrontation with a cocky young man upon Ella’s arrival doesn’t start her off in the right direction – nor does it when it is discovered that this same man. Jamie Davenport turns out to be her English Literature Teacher. Yet, as time goes on, Jamie’s cockyness turns to charm, and a romance starts between the two.

But – Jamie has a secret one too big to hide forever, and one that will cause Ella to make hard decisions not only regarding her future plans, but also on what to do about her heart and how much she is willing to give.


If you know me, romance novels are not my thing. What drew me to the book was the fun literary references and an interesting synopsis. Digging in – I found more (pleasantly so) than I had planned, which was enjoyable about this book. Someone had said the essence of Jo Jo Moyes, and I agree – you are getting more than a fluffy romance, you are getting into a book that delivers hard realities with engaging characters.

I listened to this on audio and LOVED the narration. I have been listening to Julia Whelan narrate books for many years – in fact, she is one of my favorite narrators. This being her first book authored, AND she narrated it was double amazing!

I didn’t know going into this that is was also a Netflix movie – I watched the movie last night and it was good, but of course – the book is better – more details, more diving in)

Rated: 4 out of 5
Read Author Before: nope- but have listened to her narrate audiobooks way more than I can count!
Read Author Again: Oh yeah!

Where listened to: around the house and while driving
Book Club Worthy: Yes, topics of plans made when we are young and how they change woudl make for a good discussion as well as reviewing the choices that Ella makes, and for that matter, the hard choices that Jaimie makes.



Death Row by Freida McFadden

Published on by Sheila (Book Journey)3 Comments

“She is a short read… but a deadly one….” Sheila

Talia Kemper has sent in appeal after appeal – only to be denied time and again to be pardoned from her Death Row sentence for killing her husband. Coming to terms with the inevitable is hard enough, but catching sight of her supposedly dead husband in a visiting area takes her over the top…
With the clock ticking down, Talia knows without a doubt her husband is alive – but who will listen?


Ok. I know, I know, I know. And I know that you know that I know that I said I was on a break from McFadden and not only broke that statement once… but now twice.
I can’t be trusted.
In my defense… I listen to a lot of audio when driving and working outside – often struggling to find my next listen as I am on my way out the door to the next thing. Seeing a new McFadden and knowing it’s going to be engaging – I went for it.

I did not catch when I selected this listen that it was a short story. I am not drawn to short stories – I like to really get to know the players in a book and most likely would have passed on this if I had caught that… but I didn’t and I listened.. and here we are.

Color me impressed. For a much shorter read/listen than your usual McFadden, she was able to put together a fully played out storyline that did not feel rushed, and still left me with that twisty surprise in the end that you expect from this author. As you may know from my review here that she does not always hit the mark – I feel she did this time.
Death Row is the perfect little mini read – enticing, and although a quick listen, it did not feel rushed.

Rated: 3.75 out of 5
Read Author Before: Yes
Read Author Again: Even if I said no, you know I would be lying 😉
Where Read: Gardening
Book Club Worthy: Too short for that, but if you are looking for just a little tie over listen for a drive – here it is 🙂

Boleyn Traitor by Philippa Gregory

Published on by Sheila (Book Journey)11 Comments

It is so good to be back in Court ~Sheila

Jane Boleyn served as a Lady in Waiting – almost a right hand- to five of Henry VIII’s wives. After the first, Catherine of Aragon, Jane’s role began to change. As she was often one of the closest to the Queen, she also knew secrets, overheard conversations, and was privy to many things that most were not. This also put Jane in a perfect position to pass important information to assist her in her position in Court and to the most powerful people in England.

Survival in Court meant wearing many masks- a loving wife, a devoted sister, a friend, as well as a confident. Spy was never a role she wanted, but being one gave Jane power, and power gave her access to a front-row seat as history unfolded…

It was in April of 2008 that I read The Other Boleyn Girl with my book club. That book was the start of a deep dive into historical fiction, a genre I knew little about at the time, but fell head over heels into the incredible world of Henry VIII, this era also brought the widespread distribution of the English Bible, and got to court activities such as music, dancing, masquarde balls, sports, and feasting. Honestly if not for the whole “off with your head” thing – I may have enjoyed Court!

Instead, I live vicariously from the safety of these pages about a King who could turn on you in an instant. The brilliance of those who surrounded his world, the names that stayed close, hoping to rise – The Boleyns, Howards, Seymours….to name a few.

I loved this book and having the opportunity to once again pop into Henry’s world and learn more about the names that were hopeful to be next in line, the continuing story of the Boleyns, and this incredible person, Jane, whose own story was that of a pawn, playing her role in a dangerous and fascinating world all the while holding her own moves close to her heart.

Save the date – The Boleyn Traitor will be released to the public around October 14th, 2025. While Author Philippa Gregory has many books on the Tudor Court as well as others of the Era, you do not need to have read any before this book – while I have enjoyed much of the series, The Boleyn Traitor can easily be read as a standalone.

Want a chance to win my copy? Leave a comment here – next Monday, I will announce a winner and email them to send the book to that person.

Rated: 5 out of 5
Read Author Before: Yes – recommended author!
Read Author Again: Yes
Where Read: Camping and at home
Book Club Worthy: Yes – there is much to discuss about this era, Jane’s life, and of course – Henry.


The Lake Escape by Jamie Day

Published on by Sheila (Book Journey)Leave a comment

Looking forward to a week at the lake, long-time friends Julia, David, and Erika are eager to catch up and spend time together just like old times. Their Vermont lake homes are right next to each other.
This summer is a little different.

Julia and Erika knew that David was planning a remodel of his home, but they were not expecting this. The monstrosity he has built not only looks out of place next to his friends’ homes – it is so big that to see their once cherished lake views, they have to look through their windows – and through his.

But that’s not all that’s new with David this summer. He also brings along his new young nanny, Izzy, to watch his kids, as well as his new girlfriend, Fiona. Looks like it is not going to be like old times…

After a heated argument between David and Fiona, Fiona disappears. JUlia and Erika are beginning to wonder how well they really know their friend David, and Izzy – well, Izzy feels that things are right on track for her own agenda…

So…. full disclosure – I don’t know what I was thinking I was about to read – but this wasn’t it. It felt like the book started out one way – and then shifted into something else. As the book went on, it felt like it was trying too hard. Too many things to keep track of, too many directions – and drawn out.
A book I feel had great potential to be something, but in the end, I am not sure what that something was. It felt like it was trying too hard to follow in the footsteps of some of the great psychological thrillers, and in the end, I just wanted to know what happened, which also became distorted.
It’s a busy time of year for me, and I listened to this on audio. My brain may be too full of other things to fully appreciate this book – AND I have enjoyed this author before (although I just checked… no reviews) – so it could be a little bit me as well –
Would love to hear your thoughts. Have you read it?