Review
Lights Out & Love in the Dark
Welcome back to The Chapter Café, where stories are always on the menu and comfort is served by the chapter. I’m your host, Kristen, and tonight we’re dimming the lights, pouring something strong, and stepping into the shadows with a dark romance that’s as twisted as it is tender. On today’s menu? Lights Out by Navessa Allen—a story of trauma, obsession, and the strange, electric pull between two broken souls.
By Kristen Barenthalerabout a month ago in BookClub
Rewind to Us & the Magic of Second Chances
Welcome back to The Chapter Café, where stories are always on the menu and comfort is served by the chapter. I’m your host, Kristen, and today we’re rewinding the clock—literally and emotionally—with a story about love, regret, and the courage it takes to say what matters before it’s too late. On today’s menu? Rewind to Us by Molly Morris—a YA novel that blends magical realism with the raw, messy beauty of growing up.
By Kristen Barenthalerabout a month ago in BookClub
The 2025 Bibliophile Advent Calendar Special
There’s a moment every December when the world finally exhales. For me, it usually happens right after I pull out my favorite winter mug and I take that first deep breath of the season. The lights glow a little softer. The books on my shelves seem to lean toward me, waiting. And I remember why winter reading feels like a ritual.
By Kristen Barenthalerabout a month ago in BookClub
The Deal & the Art of the Fake Date
Welcome back to The Chapter Café, where stories are always on the menu and comfort is served by the chapter. I’m your host, Kristen, and today we’re serving up a spicy, slow-burn romance with a side of banter, brainy girls, and hockey boys. On today’s menu? The Deal by Elle Kennedy—a book that proves sometimes the best relationships start with a little pretending.
By Kristen Barenthalerabout a month ago in BookClub
Verses & Villainy: Where Crime Meets Rhyme
Welcome to The Chapter Cafe, where stories steep like strong coffee and conversation flows like ink on a page. In today’s episode, “Verses & Villainy: Where Crime Meets Rhyme,” we’re diving into the shadowy alleys of crime fiction and the lyrical landscapes of poetry.
By Kristen Barenthalerabout a month ago in BookClub
Whiskers, Wanderlust & the World’s Street Cats
Welcome back to The Chapter Café, where stories are always on the menu and comfort is served by the chapter. I’m your host, Kristen, and today we’re curling up with a book that’s part travelogue, part love letter, and entirely purr-worthy. On today’s menu? Street Cats & Where to Find Them by Jeff Bogle—a photographic journey through the world’s most feline-friendly cities, told with warmth, wit, and a deep appreciation for the cats who roam them.
By Kristen Barenthalerabout a month ago in BookClub
7 Books That Can Revolutionize Your Thinking. AI-Generated.
In a world overflowing with information, the power to transform the way we think has never been more valuable. Books have a unique ability to reshape our perceptions, challenge assumptions, and spark innovative ideas. But with thousands of titles vying for attention, which ones truly have the potential to revolutionize our thinking? Below is a list of 7 books that can revolutionize your thinking.
By Diana Merescabout a month ago in BookClub
8 Books That Help You Stop Thinking Negatively. AI-Generated.
Negative thinking is like a scratched lens on a camera—it distorts everything we see. The world feels heavier, challenges look insurmountable, and even small setbacks can spiral into self-doubt. The good news? Negative thinking is not a life sentence. It’s a habit—and habits can be changed.
By Diana Merescabout a month ago in BookClub
7 Books For A Relentless Mindset. AI-Generated.
In a world that constantly tests our patience, confidence, and resilience, cultivating a relentless mindset is no longer optional—it’s essential. Whether we’re building a career, pursuing financial freedom, training our bodies, or navigating personal challenges, success belongs to those who refuse to quit when progress feels slow or obstacles feel overwhelming.
By Diana Merescabout a month ago in BookClub
7 Amazing Books To Help Improve Your Critical Thinking. AI-Generated.
In a world overflowing with information, opinions, and half-truths, critical thinking is no longer a “nice-to-have” skill—it’s essential. Every day, we’re asked to evaluate news headlines, make financial decisions, assess workplace strategies, and navigate complex social issues. Without strong critical thinking skills, we risk accepting flawed arguments, falling for misinformation, or making decisions that don’t serve our long-term goals.
By Diana Merescabout a month ago in BookClub
7 Books To Be More Positive And Confident. AI-Generated.
In a world that constantly tests our resilience, positivity and confidence are no longer optional—they are essential life skills. Whether we are navigating career challenges, personal relationships, or internal self-doubt, the way we think about ourselves shapes the way we live. The good news? Positivity and confidence can be learned, trained, and strengthened—just like a muscle.
By Diana Merescabout a month ago in BookClub
Valentine in Montréal
Don't be fooled by the title. The story is actually very interesting: My name is Valentine. I am twenty-three years old and I work at a little store at Berri-UQAM métro. I am very ordinary-looking and Barney, who works the same shift as me at the store, says I do not know how to dress. I have been working there for four years, and I have never missed a day. This is why sometimes I seem familiar to people, even though they can't place me.
By Kendall Defoe about a month ago in BookClub
