Book Beginnings, First Line Friday, & Friday 56: Christmas on the Goblin Express by J. J. Fischer

Book Beginnings is a weekly meme hosted by Rose City Reader that asks you to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you're reading. I'm also linking up with Carrie at Reading is My Superpower for First Line Friday. Friday 56 asks you to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your ereader and share a non-spoilery sentence or two. It was started by Freda at Freda's Voice, but Anne over at My Head is Full of Books has taken over for the time being.

This week I'm featuring Christmas on the Goblin Express by J. J. Fischer.

About the Book

For Claire Samson, the only way to survive Christmas this year is to escape it.

High-achieving Australian medical student Claire Samson has struggled to enjoy Christmas in recent years, but this is the first Christmas she will be all alone, with her parents overseas and her grandfather in a coma. Claire is desperate to quit med school, but medicine was Grandpa’s dream for her, and her rural hometown desperately needs more doctors—doctors which could have changed her grandfather’s prognosis.

Just when Claire thinks Christmas will be unbearable, a steam train straight out of Platform 9 ¾ appears . . . a train invisible to all but Claire. It’s the Goblin Express, run by Christmas-hating elves and full of washed-up souls from hundreds of worlds who come aboard to escape the holidays. As it turns out, humans aren’t the only species who can loathe their festive seasons.

Upon boarding, Claire befriends several of her fellow travelers, including a mysterious hooded figure who totally gives her Strider vibes and may or may not actually be a night elf. But when the Goblin Express comes under attack, Claire and her new group of mismatched friends must band together to save the train . . . and maybe even find a little bit of Christmas spirit in the process.

Book Beginnings / First Line Friday

December is a month best served cold. Grandpa told me that once, and he was right, as always.

Friday 56

A jolting sensation, like the feeling you get when your body lurches awake before you've fully fallen asleep - hypnic jerks, I recall from a sleep lecture I ironically struggled to remain awake for - literally throws me out of bed. 

What have you been reading?

Can't Wait Wednesday: Atlas (Discarded Heroes: Scions Book 1) by Ronie Kendig

Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings that spotlights and discusses the books we're excited about that we've yet to read. Generally, they're books that are yet to be released. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

This week I'm featuring Atlas (Discarded Heroes: Scions Book 1) by Ronie Kendig releasing January 27, 2026.

About the Book

Some hearts are worth fighting for—even when the battle comes home.

Olympic sharpshooter McKenna Neeley thought her biggest challenge was living up to her legendary father's legacy as Nightshade's team sniper. But working as a junior Consular Officer at the U.S. Embassy in Armenia, she's about to face her most perilous mission yet—and it has nothing to do with diplomacy.

When a high-stakes dinner party brings Dante Riddell back into her life, McKenna's carefully ordered world tilts off its axis. The brooding security specialist from Omen Tactical Group was her childhood crush, but now he's all grown up—and guarding secrets as closely as he guards his VIP clients.

Despite finally being claimed by his father as a teen, Dante has spent his life believing he isn’t worthy of the Nightshade legacy. When his duty collides with McKenna's consular work sparks fly and keeping their distance becomes impossible. She's everything he remembers and more—brilliant, compassionate, and dangerously distracting. His job is simple: complete the mission and walk away before his damaged heart gets involved.

But when a deadly enemy disrupts peace talks, simple plans shatter like glass.

Trapped together in a web of international intrigue, McKenna and Dante must trust each other—and God’s plan—forging a love that's been years in the making. Because sometimes the greatest battles aren't fought with weapons, but with faith, forgiveness, and the courage to believe in second chances.

Can two wounded hearts find healing in each other's arms, or will the shadows of their past destroy their chance at forever?

What upcoming release are you eagerly awaiting?

Review: A Menagerie of Dragons (The Gilded Age of Dragons Book 1) by Christina Baehr

About the Book
Ormdale, Yorkshire, 1910

Una Worms thinks nothing of putting out a salamander fire or soothing a feverish wyvern, and she is never, ever late for tea.

At only 19, the youngest daughter of England’s famous dragon-keeping family is the one who keeps life running smoothly for everyone at the Royal Menagerie of British and Foreign Dragons.

But when a mysterious villain infiltrates the menagerie—and even worse, Una’s prodigal sister, Violet, appears unannounced—Una’s tidy schedule is thrown into turmoil, and she will have to confront parts of her past she would rather forget.

Meanwhile in London, restless suffragette Penny Fairweather stumbles across a story that could launch her journalistic career, even as her irritating civil servant brother, Crispin, is drawn into a thrilling shadow-realm of espionage. When both hit the trail of a dragon-obsessed secret society, the Fairweather siblings will have to decide which is more important: their ambitions or their lifelong rivalry.

Next in the much-loved world of Wormwood Abbey comes a new series from Christina Baehr, The Gilded Age of Dragons, set in a dazzling era where mythical creatures must compete with airships for the heart of a generation.

Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

This was one of my most anticipated books of the year. I loved The Secrets of Ormdale series so much and was so eager for this spinoff series that's set ten years later. It did not disappoint! In fact, it was even better than I was expecting.

I loved seeing beloved characters but also loved meeting the new ones too. And I absolutely adored all the dragons!

I liked that part of this story took place in the countryside and another part in London. I liked seeing the dichotomy of the two places.

I enjoyed seeing the ever-evolving family dynamics and sisterly bond between Una and Violet. Things might've been strained, but you could see that the love was still there, as was the hope that things could get better.

Reading this book felt like coming home again. I loved it so much! It was a fun read that also touched upon serious social issues as well. I’m very much looking forward to the next book! Fans of the first series will love it, but people new to it will enjoy it as well. I highly, highly recommend it!

I received a copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.

FIVE STARS

Book Beginnings, First Line Friday, & Friday 56: A Menagerie of Dragons (The Gilded Age of Dragons Book 1) by Christina Baehr

Book Beginnings is a weekly meme hosted by Rose City Reader that asks you to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you're reading. I'm also linking up with Carrie at Reading is My Superpower for First Line Friday. Friday 56 asks you to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your ereader and share a non-spoilery sentence or two. It was started by Freda at Freda's Voice, but Anne over at My Head is Full of Books has taken over for the time being.

This week I'm featuring A Menagerie of Dragons (The Gilded Age of Dragons Book 1) by Christina Baehr. I'm almost finished reading it and have absolutely adored it! 

About the Book

Ormdale, Yorkshire, 1910

Una Worms thinks nothing of putting out a salamander fire or soothing a feverish wyvern, and she is never, ever late for tea.

At only 19, the youngest daughter of England’s famous dragon-keeping family is the one who keeps life running smoothly for everyone at the Royal Menagerie of British and Foreign Dragons.

But when a mysterious villain infiltrates the menagerie—and even worse, Una’s prodigal sister, Violet, appears unannounced—Una’s tidy schedule is thrown into turmoil, and she will have to confront parts of her past she would rather forget.

Meanwhile in London, restless suffragette Penny Fairweather stumbles across a story that could launch her journalistic career, even as her irritating civil servant brother, Crispin, is drawn into a thrilling shadow-realm of espionage. When both hit the trail of a dragon-obsessed secret society, the Fairweather siblings will have to decide which is more important: their ambitions or their lifelong rivalry.

Next in the much-loved world of Wormwood Abbey comes a new series from Christina Baehr, The Gilded Age of Dragons, set in a dazzling era where mythical creatures must compete with airships for the heart of a generation.

Book Beginnings / First Line Friday (From the Prologue)

Ormdale, Yorkshire, 1896

She did not like being called Baby.

Friday 56

"I'm not sorry I threw the brick," Penny blurted.

What have you been reading lately?

Can't Wait Wednesday: Track of Courage (Call of the Wild Book 1) by Susan May Warren

Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings that spotlights and discusses the books we're excited about that we've yet to read. Generally, they're books that are yet to be released. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

This week I'm featuring Track of Courage (Call of the Wild Book 1) by Susan May Warren releasing January 6.

About the Book

A hijacked plane. A pursuing killer. And a K9's instinct to help them make it out alive.

Pop Singer Keely Williams's search for her biological mother in Alaska has been painfully unsuccessful. Now she just wants to escape this wild frontier and never look back. But when her plane is hijacked, she's suddenly plunged into a race against not only an Alaska blizzard but also a killer who's on her tail.

After a career-ending injury, ex-cop Dawson Mulligan has only one friend--Caspian, the stray dog he adopted. Dawson just wants to figure out how to get his life on track, but during a flight home to Copper Mountain, he spots a downed plane and stops to help. Except when his not-a-rescue dog runs off into the woods and discovers the trail of a missing survivor, it's up to the former cop to stage a rescue.

But Dawson has no idea he's being pulled into a deadly pursuit, or that Caspian is more than he seems. There might be redemption and second chances waiting for both Dawson and Keely if they have the courage to face their wounded pasts and fight for their future.

Join master storyteller Susan May Warren for a propulsive ride through the Alaskan wilderness, where love might be the riskiest--and most rewarding--adventure of all.

Prepare to experience edge-of-your-seat action combined with heart-stirring romance and heroic K9 companions in this exhilarating romantic suspense that will thrill fans of Lynette Eason and Elizabeth Goddard.

What upcoming release are you eagerly anticipating?

Review: Risking His Heart (Christmas in Redemption Ridge) by Emily Conrad

About the Book

Falling for her best friend is not on her (forced, way-too-early, medical) retirement bucket list.

Career-driven cop Neenah Casper is forced by an injury to turn in her badge at age thirty-two. The same day she’s named guardian of an orphaned fifteen-year-old girl. With all her plans in pieces, it’s no wonder she starts feeling more than friendship for her supportive best friend Cody. But life’s taught her nothing lasts forever, and surely these feelings will pass once she finds a new life’s purpose.

Though Neenah friend-zoned him years ago, Officer Cody Adams has never stopped watching her back and hoping for more. Helping with her new ward could be just the opportunity to show her how much more he could be. Meanwhile, he’s also fighting to earn a promotion and impress his unpleasable police chief father by catching a home burglar and a Christmastime prankster. Neenah’s newly minted neighborhood watch might help him save Christmas and earn the job, if only the group didn’t bring complications of its own.

As Neenah and Cody wrangle octogenarian vigilantes, Christmas bandits, and complicated families, the chemistry between them only grows. But if they act on it, they won’t be able to go back. With their friendship and careers on the line, is love worth the risk?

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

This was such a sweet small-town Christmas romance! I always love Emily Conrad’s books, but this one might just top them all. I absolutely adored it!

I really liked Neenah and Cody. Neenah had been through a lot. Having to retire early from her job as a police officer really shook her. I really felt for her, but loved seeing her discover herself and her purpose again. Cody was a genuinely good guy. So likeable and easy to root for. His relationship with his dad wasn’t the best. But I loved seeing him come into his own and stand up for what he wanted.

I really enjoyed the mystery of the decoration-stealing Yeti. I was so invested in it and curious what the outcome would be.

If you’re a fan of sweet, faith-filled Christmas romances, you’ll love this book! I highly recommend it!

I received a copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.

FIVE STARS

Review: The Edge of a Knife and Other Stories by Beka Gremikova

About the Book
Monsters. They are not always easily spotted, and often easily misunderstood. Sometimes, the monsters must be slain—and sometimes, they must be saved . . .

In this collection of nine folkloric fantasy and science fiction stories, you will find a motley crew of characters facing off against monsters or accepting the monstrous within themselves, including:

~a ruthless mermaid who must make a deadly choice to free her little sister from a dangerous mistake;

~a galactic gravedigger branded a traitor for burying a rebel—and forced to decide between her beliefs and the future she’s fought to build;

~a once-wicked queen who must face her darkest self in order to help another young woman avoid an unhappy fate;

~a ghostly creature trapped in a spaceship full of secrets—secrets that may destroy the young man set to inherit the ship’s dark legacy;

~and a desperate thief on the run, who must decide whether the wolf shifter tracking her down is a foe . . . or her best chance at survival.

Full of beauty and brokenness, romance and revenge, madness and mercy, these stories may just have you rooting for the monsters . . .

Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

What a great collection of short stories! I loved every single one, which doesn’t always happen in a collection like this. Each one was impactful and meaningful. Some were dark, while others were funny. There was a good mix. It’s always impressive how much Gremikova can pack into such a small package.

The Edge of a Knife
This was a Little Mermaid retelling told from the perspective of one of her sisters. It was emotional and about sacrificial love and sisterly bonds. It had me tearing up.

The Stardust Smugglers
This was a fun and action-packed story about an investigator who captures smugglers with the help of his dog. I loved the surprising twist!

Golden Child
This was a tragic Romeo and Juliet/King Midas retelling. I enjoyed the unique combination of those stories.

Pay the Piper
This was a Pied Piper retelling about ambition and the price you’re willing to pay for it and the consequences thereafter. This had a twist I never saw coming! Loved it!

Every Bone in the Body
Set in space, this was a heavy and sad tale that had me invested from the very beginning.

Like a Fox
This was about a fox shifter who couldn’t shift. I felt so bad for the way Veya was treated but loved the hopeful ending.

Rats in the Grain
A foundling is tasked with getting rid of Plague Rats on the farm where she was sent. I loved this story. It was unique and had a great ending.

Echo among the Stars
Set in space, a young man learns about the family business and the disturbing secret that’s kept them successful. I really appreciated the anxiety rep in this story.

Once Upon a Pumpkin
This was my favorite story of the collection. I loved the mashup of fairytales and really enjoyed seeing a different side to one of the villains.

I received a copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.

FIVE STARS