A little mouse is trying to hide its red-foil-wrapped chocolate heart, but every hiding place she finds is not safe enough for her standards. Eventually, she puts it in her mouth and eats it. Now it’s safe! This delightful picture book for preschoolers makes me smile each time I read it. The illustrations are simplistic and beautiful. They fit perfectly to the text. 

Men don’t like nice girls. I know that sounds way harsh, but it’s true. If you’re too nice, you will be taken for granted in relationships. Men love a challenge, and that’s why they prefer bitches over nice girls. Sherry Argov explains that men prefer strong women over “yes” women and people pleasers. She answers the difficult questions that cause sleepless nights and gut-wrenching heartache for many women stuck in disrespectful, unfulfilling relationships. 

I purchased this book after a demeaning and disgraceful Valentine’s Day dinner with my boyfriend. I ended up giving him a gift and paying for our dinner. Did I mention I picked him up, too? At that time, I was so insecure and lacked confidence and self-esteem. I thought I had to overdeliver for him to like me, but my relentless efforts backfired. He didn’t respect me because I wasn’t a challenge. I turned the tables and… show more.

I adore this one because it’s the perfect mix of sweetness and playful wordplay. From the moment I picked it up, I couldn’t stop smiling—it’s filled with adorable puns and charming animal illustrations that make reading it an absolute delight. It’s the kind of book that instantly lifts your mood.

What makes this book so special to me is how it captures love in such a lighthearted, joyful way. Whether reading it with little ones or gifting it to someone special, it always brings warmth and laughter. I love how it turns simple moments into something magical, reminding us how words can be both fun and meaningful. It’s a book I reach for whenever I need a dose of happiness!

A misunderstanding about the intended recipient of a love letter first brings Hedgehog, Bunny, and Squirrel great joy, but then threatens their friendship. In the end, Mouse helps them remember why they love each other. The final illustration even suggests that Mouse is joining their circle, since after all, love is unlimited. The Love Letter struck me first as a writer, because I recognized a unique story premise; and then I realized how much tenderness underlies both the text and the illustration.

I love this book of poetry because it is so easy to pick up and read one poem like a meditation.

Each one invites the reader to explore Joy in their surroundings and inner world as something that is so accessible to them. I use it almost as a mirror to reflect back to myself my most powerful and Joyful capacity when I have forgotten it. It’s a perfect book for anyone’s bedside or altar. 

The story inspires sadness, hope, and happiness. At first, you’ll feel sorry for Mr. Hatch. You’ll care about him and wonder why he is the way he is. You’ll watch him receive a gift that has a lasting effect on him. Then, with a turn of events, you’ll feel sorry for him again. But by the end, you’ll be rooting for him.

Anybody I’ve ever talked mysteries with has heard me struggle to impart just how much I admire this book: the clarity and precision of Rendell’s narration, the brisk confidence in every characterization, and the way she challenges the conventional structure of the mystery novel from the first line: “Eunice Parchman killed the Coverdale family because she could not read or write.”

With that first line, I know the crime, the victims, the killer, even the motive—and yet I am utterly compelled to read on. I’ve read it four times, maybe more. I’m in awe of her confidence driving this book, and I love to be her passenger.

My kids never get tired of hearing this story! Love Monster is an adorable hero who faces a bit of a struggle when he discovers a box of chocolates waiting on his doorstep. At first, he wants to keep the yummy treats all to himself. But then his heart gets this squeezy feeling and he decides to share them with his friends. Little does he know, but Love Monster’s friends have a surprise waiting for him! This story is a great lesson in not jumping to conclusions, and in keeping your heart open. 

Valentine is the first in a three-book urban fantasy series, and I’ll be honest: Pearl, the heroine, annoyed me at times. That doesn’t make her a bad character. Quite the opposite. Author Jodi McAlister gives her heroine room to grow over the course of the trilogy and I really enjoyed watching Pearl’s character develop and mature. She has a lot to cope with when the Unseelie comes looking for the fairy changeling that was swapped for a human at birth. Is it Pearl? Or one of the three others in her group that share the same birthday? I loved the way Pearl’s teenage suburban life contrasts with the terrifying and unpredictable Unseelie. It makes the menacing evil within the book all too real. I read it with one eye on my garden in case of invading evil faeries!

This is a great story about keeping your heart open and not making snap judgments. Cat does not like Valentine’s Day and has no interest in celebrating it. He especially does not want to celebrate with his new neighbor, Dog. After all, Dog has been throwing things over the fence at Cat! How rude. But just went Cat decides to tell Dog exactly what he thinks, Cat gets an unexpected surprise—and maybe even a new friend too! This is such a funny and sweet story full of humor and heart.