Sakshi's Bookshelf

  Book: Bless Your Heart  Author: Susann Camus  Rating: 5/5 Review: If you’re addicted to true crime podcasts like I am, Bless Your Heart will be right up your alley. From the moment Jeannie arrives in Greenville, you know something’s off—and the story wastes no time proving it. Her boss ends up dead, the research project is falling apart, and almost every character seems to be hiding something. Honestly, I could picture this unfolding episode by episode on a podcast like Crime Junkie. What makes this book stand out is the slow, creeping paranoia. Jeannie isn’t just solving a mystery; she’s trying to survive one. The nearby correctional facility adds this ominous presence in the background, and the Arboretum—normally a place of peace—becomes a source of dread. It’s that mix of ordinary and ominous that kept me hooked. I also really liked Jeannie as a lead. She’s not flashy or overly dramatic. She’s smart, composed, and observant. You feel like you’re investigating right a...

  Book: The Six Pillars of Effective Leadership  Author: Jim Carlough  Rating: 5/5 Review: This book is a refreshing take on leadership that strips away the myth that leaders are simply born, not made. Jim Carlough brings decades of experience into a concise, readable format that guides readers toward becoming better leaders through intentional development. His insights are grounded in real-world experience, which makes the book feel both credible and accessible. What stood out most to me was the balance between theory and action. The six pillars—integrity, focus, empathy, compassion, humor, and stability—aren’t just buzzwords; Carlough gives you practical ways to strengthen each one. He stresses the importance of consistency and mindset in a way that feels motivating rather than preachy. As a mid-level manager hoping to grow into a senior leadership role, I found this book both empowering and clarifying. It helped me identify areas I’ve neglected and gave me a roadmap to...

  Review: Every Ornament Has its Place  Author: Vincent Verrico  What started as a joyful day turned into chaos when an 8-year-old Matthew realized his favorite Christmas ornament is missing. For him, the world stopped without the ornament he likes the most.  His parents and siblings started looking for this ornament and checked at various places in the house. Amidst this, Matthew heard a voice that asked him "If he believes in the true spirit of Christmas" and does he think it is better to give than to receive? How does this voice help Matthew? After reading this story, little ones will understand the meaning of the book title.  The author has included Matthew's favorite ornament as a gift for the readers. Looking forward to hanging it on the Christmas tree this Christmas along with my kids. QOTD: What was your favorite thing as a kid?  . . . Rating: 5/5

  ⏳ Book: Miles in Time  ⏳ Author: Lee Matthew Goldberg  ⏳ Rating: 4/5 ⏳ Review: If you're a fan of YA time travel mysteries, Miles in Time is a must-read. It's the most recent book I’ve read by this author, and it didn’t disappoint. The story follows Miles, a teenager often ridiculed at school for running a detective agency with barely any clients. At home, things aren't much better. His older brother, Simon, has inherited his father’s love for inventing, making him the clear favorite. Their dad sees Simon as a genius and dismisses Miles' detective pursuits as a waste of time—just chasing after lost cats for old ladies. But everything changes when Simon is murdered. The plot takes a thrilling turn as Miles finds himself needing to time travel to uncover the truth and to stop certain things from happening. The story moves at a gripping pace. Lee masterfully keeps readers engaged—there wasn’t a single dull moment. Like Miles, I found myself slipping into detective mode, ...

  HEARTS ON THE LINE By: R. Katze Have you ever pretended to date someone to protect yourself from someone else? This is the story of two childhood friends Adam and Jennifer. The moment they met, they knew that they would be inseparable. However, when career decisions needed to be taken, Jennifer decided to be a teacher and she found her home in Shoreton Point but Adam had big dreams for his football career.  Eric is a spoiled rich kid who doesn't know how to take no for an answer. When Jennifer was in a relationship with him, he abused her. Jennifer tried avoiding him but he made it clear to her that he won't leave her alone. When Adam returned to Shoreton Point, he and Jennifer pretended to be in a relationship. The story takes a turning point when their fake relationship starts getting real. Will Eric leave the two of them alone? This book left an indelible mark on me. It's highly recommended. Those who love stories with a beautiful ending will be delighted to read this ...

  Book: The Girls of the Glimmer Factory  Author: Jennifer Coburn Review: This is the second book I’ve read by Coburn, and once again, I’m struck by how she captures my attention right from the first page. Her storytelling in this novel is particularly compelling. The story revolves around the Nazis’ plan to create a propaganda film depicting a false image of the Theresienstadt ghetto. Hannah Kaufman, a Jewish woman opposed to the Nazi regime, and other like-minded individuals in the camp, are determined to expose the truth. Although they can't halt the film’s production, they know they must act quickly and strategically. Hannah’s childhood friend, Hilde, is a strong Nazi supporter. She’s drawn to the promises of prosperity under Hitler’s rule and is eager to build a career in filmmaking. Told from multiple perspectives, the book provides a nuanced view of the differing beliefs held during the war. The author crafts a thought-provoking ending, and the inclusion of the “Reading...