Briar of Briar's Reviews

Every so often, a novel comes along that completely pulls at your heartstrings and refuses to let go. (PS, yes, I’ve said that a lot lately. But when you read 200-300 books a year… that happens at least a few times). Gitwaałtk by Crystal AJ Smith is exactly that kind of story. It is a tiny but mighty book that carries an incredible amount of emotional weight. From the very first page, the raw…

I love books that match my own brand of weird, so The Unravelling of Ou by Hollay Ghadery was an instant must-read for me. It quickly jumped into my top ten favourite books of all time. This quirky and original novel opens in the most unexpected way, catching me completely off guard with a storytelling choice that sounds strange on paper but works beautifully. The entire story is told from the…

Diving into a book written by a fellow Canadian is always a treat, but it is especially fun when the story bridges the gap between the beautiful streets of Montreal and the historic avenues of Paris. That local connection is exactly what caught my eye with Blood Bound: Unlacing Secret Ties by French-Canadian author Marie-Josée Poisson, which was translated into English by Flora-Lee Bendit. If…

First things first. Can we talk about that cover? Seriously. I know we aren’t supposed to judge a book by it’s cover… but… I’m a marketer. That’s kind of my job. Right?? Before I even read the synopsis, I found myself staring at it. It’s bright, beautiful, and full of life. After finishing the book, I appreciated it even more because so much of the artwork connects back to the story itself.…

Every once in a while, a book comes along that feels like sitting beside a fireplace while someone tells you a story they genuinely love. Or like the moment in “The Princess Bride” film where you’re the child in the bed, hearing their favourite story. That was exactly how I felt while reading Close Your Eyes by Chris Tomasini. And as a Canadian reader, I always love discovering and supporting…

Picking up The Day Aunt Gina Came to Town felt a bit like opening a door you’re not sure you’re meant to walk through. There’s that brief pause, then curiosity wins. Once inside, the story unfolds in ways that are strange, funny, and at times unexpectedly thoughtful. I enjoyed reading this from a place of curiosity as much as enjoyment. It’s not a typical read for me, and that’s part of what…

Picking up Shadowed Skies by Haley Cavanagh reminded me of the kind of young adult stories I used to devour in high school. The ones where you promise yourself one chapter before bed and suddenly the clock says 2 a.m. This YA dystopian book starts with a simple truth: this story pulled me in fast and held my attention the whole way through, and I am OBSESSED. Set in a harsh world shaped by…

Before I started writing book reviews, I spent years working in education and athletics. I coached, I taught, and I helped train people who were learning how to guide younger athletes. A lot of those conversations centered on the same core ideas. Discipline matters. Balance matters. And being a student always comes before being an athlete. Reading Student-Athletes: Control Your Own Destiny by…

Reading Santa’s Secret: A Pine Bend Christmas Cold Case by Michelle Cornish reminded me of the kind of cozy, small-town mysteries I’ve always adored—with a sprinkling of Hallmark Christmas magic that made me feel like I could see the twinkling lights and smell the pine needles right off the page. From the very first moment, the story drew me in. I was immediately captivated by the mysterious…

Who doesn’t love a delightful children’s book with great pictures and an even better message? Okay, don’t answer that. Because, I do! Now, onto the review…. Twins Mac & Madi Play Field Hockey by Linda Herron, with illustrations by Marie Delon, manages weave in a very important lesson, all while giving a book full of sports and fun. This cheerful picture book review highlights a story that…

Picking up The Shadow of Pharsalus: The River Rubicon II by Daniel Paul felt like walking straight onto a political chessboard where every wrong move could start World War III. Following the fall of Robert Standish, the United States is teetering on the edge of chaos. Martial law? Check. Domestic unrest? Double check. Foreign powers scheming in the shadows? Oh, you better believe it. From the…

T/R Ellison’s The Chladni Progression: The Power to Heal is a truly fascinating journey that blends cutting-edge science, Eastern philosophy, and the enduring power of love and resilience. As someone who usually sticks to more conventional reads, I found this novel a refreshing and engaging departure. From the first page, it’s clear that Ellison has built a story that stretches the imagination…

Step into the time machine and join me for a trip back to the eighties… Or if you’re a 90s baby like me, remembering the late 90s and picturing something similar. Lena Gibson keeps getting better and better with her writing, and the magic she puts in her words has me binging along. And this book? I loved it. I loved it maybe TOO much, because it ended and I wanted even more. There’s something…

Picking up This Little Piggy by J.G. Brin felt like stepping into a fairy tale that had been launched into orbit. At first glance, the title hints at something playful, but then the story opens and you realize this is not the nursery rhyme you remember! Instead, it is a fast-moving science fiction adventure where pigs pilot ships, explore strange planets, and try very hard not to get eaten by a…

Screaming. Crying. Throwing up. Isn’t that the whole millennial “OMG” thing we used to say? Something like that? Anywho, I’m OBSESSED. Lena Gibson became my favourite author when I started reading her books last year, but this book continues to cement her as one of my top faves. I disappear into her books, have all of the feels (good and bad, depending on the scenario, because… drama and…

There are some books you pick up for comfort, and some you pick up knowing full well they are going to mess with your feelings. Vice by Rosanna Leo somehow manages to do both! Set against the glittering, dangerous pull of Las Vegas, this contemporary romance delivers intense chemistry, sharp banter, and a surprisingly thoughtful look at addiction and its ripple effects. It is sexy, emotional,…