Image by Mircea Iancu from Pixabay
If you are a frequent reader of She Scribes, you’ll see that I do a lot of children’s book reviews. I do that because I donate the books to the kids that I work with. I’ll do anything to help encourage and promote reading.
I grew up reading. I was an avid reader growing up. I read a lot of books about animals, but I did like other genres too.
I don’t read as much as I used to, but I still enjoy settling in with a good book.
Here are some book recommendations of books I recently received to review for grown ups.
The Amberglow Candy Store (Available November 11, 2025)
Written by Hiyoko Kurisu and translated by Matt Treyvaud
Welcome. We don’t get many humans here.
In a cozy night-alley lies a very special store. It’s only open between the full moon and the new moon, and it’s full of wagashi, Japanese sweets. Each candy claims to cure some ailment of the heart or the head. But who is the mysterious proprietor, and why does he study his customers so closely?
From the girl who craves more time with her boyfriend to the friends with some buried resentments, each customer learns a valuable lesson from these sugary treats. The candies can give you what you most desire, but not always in the way you expect… Back to the shop owner—did that shadow just make it look like he has a pair of ears? Surely, not a tail? If he is a half-fox spirit, so be it. But why is he so keen to study human emotions, and why does he say each candy has a “dosage”? Patience. Like the center of a gooey caramel, the best things take time to reveal themselves.
I read a book by another Japanese author several months ago called We’ll Prescribe You a Cat by Syou Ishida. This book is sort of in the same vein. I loved We’ll Prescribe You a Cat, so I really wanted to read this book too. I wasn’t disappointed.
This is an easy, “feel good” story. The characters are relatable. I think many readers might see themselves in one or more of the characters.
The magical candy helps them to see their problem(s) from a different perspective, making their problem either less serious than they thought or allows them to find ways to solve it. There are lessons to be had from those who ate the candy.
I love that this book is a light hearted read. It’s not deep, dark or will have you “thinking” too much. You can just read it and enjoy it, if that makes sense.
I’m not sure if this style of book is common in Japanese literature, but I find it an enjoyable read. I also like the fantasy mixed in with reality. I think that helps make the book enjoyable by people who appreciate different genres.
Befriending Betsy: A Memoir (Available December 9, 2025)
Written by Betsey Pauly and Jen Braaksma
Every pet parent has stories—both hilarious and infuriating. But imagine if your household included not one, not two, but a hundred cats, at least ten dogs, a blind pigeon, raccoons, and even a goose.
That was Betsy Pauly’s life. A passionate animal activist, she devoted herself to rescuing as many creatures in need as she could fit in her, self-proclaimed, “Temple of the Holy Hairballs”.
Before her death in 2016, she was known in her small-town community as the woman who could never turn away a stray. At home, vet bills, and corralling chaos were part of the daily routine.
In the new memoir Befriending Betsy (She Writes Press, Dec. 9, 2025), Jen brings Betsy’s story to life posthumously, weaving together Betsy’s unfinished manuscript with her own reflections. The result is a book that captures, with side-splitting humor, these unforgettable tales:
- The NASCAR attic cats — Six cats thunder across the attic above her parents’ bedroom, sounding like a racetrack in full swing.
- The Cirque du Deranged Cat — Bunny the cat turns a simple dose of penicillin into a full-on acrobatic battle.
- Cowboy Tex’s makeover — A free-range cat comes home from the groomer looking like a “feline French poodle.”
- Atticus Finch and Mitt’s rugby match — A steeplechase-turned-rugby scrum tears through the house, ending in exhausted feline pileups.
- The pantyhose dog chase in Dallas — Betsy leashed a massive stray with her pantyhose and was dragged through crowded sidewalks as lunchtime onlookers roared with laughter.
- The dog who tried to drive — The same stray climbed into her car and lunged for the steering wheel, determined to take control of the ride.
- Daisy Mae, the money-eating dog — Unlike most dogs who chew shoes, Daisy Mae snacked on paper currency, forcing the family to guard their wallets.
But, far beyond hilarious animal tales, Befriending Betsy is a tribute to love, compassion, and radical personal responsibility.
I have always loved reading books about animals, as mentioned at the start of this post. As a diehard animal lover myself, I appreciate anyone who devotes their lives to rescuing as many animals as possible and giving them the loving and caring homes they deserve. I myself have nine (yes, 9) cats, some of which are a bit “different” (a three-legged kitten, a blind cat, a cat with severe allergies, a cat missing her tail…). I guess you can say we adopt the ones that are somewhat unadoptable. Everyone wants the “perfect” kitten. We have no problem adopting adult creatures, as they deserve homes too.
I loved reading the different stories. I know from personal experience that each animal has a story of their own. Our blind cat was rescued from a dumpster with her back hair completely shaved off. Our giant ginger won’t do any other type of exercise except run up and down stairs (and he enjoys it too). Our tuxedo cat is very protective of our blind cat and will go after any of our cats that dare mess with her. I could go on an on. Just like people, pets have their own experiences and stories.
I found the book funny too. I could see myself in Betsy. Some of her situations are ones I could see myself being in.
The Ultimate Chick Flick Cookbook
Written by Richard S. Sargent
This isn’t a reading book, but it’s a book I enjoyed reading through (and bookmarking/dog earring several pages).
Experience the romance—or at least satisfy your cravings—with more than 60 swoon-worthy appetizers, dinners, desserts, and cocktails based on fan-favorite films like Bridget Jones’s Diary, Clueless, Pretty Woman, and more.
The recipes in this book are so creative! Either they are inspired by chick flick’s or they are recipes used in the movies. Take for example the recipe for “blue string soup,” with was made in the film Bridget Jones’ Diary. There’s also a recipe called “Two Please,” inspired by the beloved When Harry Met Sally.
There are several recipes in this book I’d like to make. They might not necessarily be from my favorite chick flick film’s (I love Bridget Jones’ Diary, but I’d never eat blue string soup), but they still sound delicious.
I was also impressed by the number of chick flicks I’ve seen over the years, but this book does list a few I haven’t seen yet, so I am inspired to see them.
This would be a fun book to utilize with your friends and have a dinner and movie night at home. I love that idea.
Stories from Strangers: Every Person Has a Story
Written by Hunter Prosper
AN INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
In the midst of a loneliness epidemic, Hunter Prosper (9M+ followers, @HunterProsper) has given millions a sense of connection. While half the country struggles to talk across divides, his stories spark conversations that bring people together. Stories From a Stranger captures intimate, unexpected, and deeply human moments that celebrate resilience, kindness, and the ties that bind us together. As readers, we’re invited to sit down with strangers, listen deeply, and recognize ourselves in their lives. In a time defined by division, Prosper’s book offers an antidote: compassion through connection.
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this book! It’s a fantastic read. It’s not genre specific, so this book can be enjoyed by anyone.
I’ve always been fascinated by people’s stories. I’d often say to my husband when we’re driving and see a license plate from many states away that I am curious to know where they are from, where they are going, and why. Are they visiting relatives? Are they moving? Are they on vacation? I’m also curious.
People often tell me I should make a book about my life story. People think my back story is unique and interesting. If I knew people would want to hear it, I would write a book. But I digress.
Each story takes up a page or two and features photos of the person telling the story. I am positive that readers will be able to relate to at least one person (if not more) within the pages of this book.
Some stories will inspire you, others might tug at your heartstrings. All the stories are real from real people. That is what makes them more impactful.
This is a beautiful hardcover book that is exceptionally well made and presented. I love it!
You can find these books at many retail locations (Amazon, Barnes & Noble…). Two are not available just yet (The Amberglow Candy Shop Nov. 11, 2025 and Befriending Betsy Dec. 9, 2025). When they are they will also be available at many retailers.
All of these books would make great gifts too.
Which book stood out to you the most? Would you read any of these books? Feel free to comment and share you thoughts. I always love to hear from readers.
Free for use under the Pixabay Content License
Kimberly
*I received free copies in order to do this review. There was no compensation. The opinions expressed are my own and not influenced in any way.
