Month: February 2017

BOOK NEWS: February 14, 2017

Posted on by Jaymie

Happy Valentine’s Day week! Whether you are celebrating with the love of your life, or you think of Valentine’s Day as “Black Tuesday,” here are some new books that you might fall in love with!

Books for Kids

 

Obi-123 – I’m reviewing book one in this series tomorrow. I loved ABC-3PO and I hope the new book is just as awesome.
A Perfect Day – A perfect day for bear becomes a not-so-perfect day for other animals. The cover of this one really grabs my attention
Animal Ark – You can hardly go wrong with an animal book for kids. This one combines pictures and poetry (by Kwame Alexander!). Looks like a winner!
Bob Not Bob – This may be the top book on my (LONG) wish list of books coming out this week. The book trailer is darling and the premise – a boy with a cold calls for his mom and gets his dog, Bob, instead – is brilliant.
Not Quite Narwhal – Frankly, it’s the cover that makes me want to read this book! It’s beautiful! And the core story is about identity – one of my favorite themes. I am looking forward to reading this one.
You Don’t Want a Unicorn – A boy who wishes for a unicorn learns to be careful what you wish for.
Get a Hit, Mo! – About a small boy who loves sports. I love Early Readers for kids who are growing as new readers. This one looks cute.
Ms. Joni Is a Phony! – Book 7 in the My Weirdest School series by Dan Gutman
Lego Batman: The Making of the Movie – A behind the scenes look at the new Lego Batman movie, including concept art.
Before Ever After (Junior Novel) – Junior Novel for the Tangled TV series coming to Disney Channel

Books for Older Kids/Teens/Young Adults

  

Calico Girl – The story of a young slave girl and her family in the Civil War. I’m curious to read where this story fits in the larger historical story of the Civil War.
One Amazing Elephant – A girl and a circus elephant mourn their loss. This is recommended for fans of The One and Only Ivan. This sounds like a lovely story.
Last Day on Mars – The human race, living on Mars after the destruction of Earth, is moving to another new home as Mars is about to be destroyed as well. Two teens among the last to leave Mars make startling discoveries. This sounds fantastic!
The Playbook – Illustrated book of inspiration by the author of The Crossover, Kwame Alexander
Addie Bell’s Shortcut to Growing Up – Twelve-year-old Addie Bell gets her wish to be 16. I can’t wait to read this one!
Last of August – Book 2 in the Charlotte Holmes mystery series, after A Study in Charlotte. I enjoyed book 1 and I am looking forward to reading this one!
X Files Originals – Graphic Novel about Fox Mulder and Dana Scully as teens investigating two separate mysteries that may have a common thread
Civil War II – Hardcover graphic novel of comics 0-7 of this series that asks if it is right to arrest people based on what they MIGHT do in the future. I have enjoyed this series of comics. There are also several sideline series that take place in this timeline in some of the other Marvel universes (X-Men, Spiderman, etc.).

Books for Adults

Death in the Dales – Book 7 in the Kate Shackleton mystery series
Redeeming Grace – Based on the Biblical story of Ruth
This Life I Live – The story of Joey and Rory Feek. This will be a moving and inspiring read, I’m sure!

REVIEW: A Study in Charlotte by Brittany Cavallaro

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

New school Holmes and Watson.

Several generations removed from their famous relatives, teens Charlotte Holmes and James Watson meet at a Connecticut boarding school. At first it’s a simple meeting of their generation’s version of the famous families. But soon they are questioned in a murder and then an assault. The cases resemble classic Holmes cases, and Charlotte and James are framed exquisitely well. The teens will have to use all their best observation and deductive reasoning skills to keep out of jail – and to stay alive.

Review

As a mystery fan but not necessarily a Holmes fan, I wasn’t sure I’d like this one, but I wanted to give it a try. I was pulled in right away by this idea of kids with famous ancestors trying to decide how much they wanted to live up to the family history. Was she going to be the brilliant addict, seeing things no one else noticed? Would he be the writer, telling engrossing stories? Where they destined to be friends? Or were things more complicated than falling into old roles?

I thought the author did a great job of merging pieces of the classic characters and stories with her contemporary protagonists. I kept reading in part to see how things would play out between Charlotte and James.

The other reason I kept reading was the mystery. It was complicated and layered. I was left guessing all the way through. And the author left enough points open at the end to leave me wondering what might happen next.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥

Book two releases next week – The Last of August.

REVIEW: The Inn at Ocean’s Edge by Collen Coble

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

Claire goes to Folly Shoals to help her dad close a business deal. But the flashbacks start right away. Panic attacks. And she sees a woman get attacked. Then Claire is attacked, too.

Claire learns that she wen t missing from this same hotel when she was a little girl. She has no memory of what happened – and her own family never told her about it.

With the flashbacks and attacks increasing, it becomes clear that more is going on than Claire could begin to guess. Is she strong enough to keep pushing until she knows the whole truth? And is she strong enough to handle what she discovers?

Review

This is the first book I’ve read by Colleen Coble, although I’m familiar with her work.

The description of this story grabbed my attention right away. In fact, I saw this book, didn’t buy it, and then thought about it for two weeks. I had to know what happened! I kicked myself for not just buying it when I first saw it. So I ordered it.

I liked the characters in this one. Claire is strong and determined. I wanted to see her survive all of the revelations from this story.

The mystery was very good. I had no idea where the story would go by the time all the secrets were revealed. I was sort of stunned in the end. The plotting was creative. The faith pieces of the story were subtle and well integrated into the plot. I would read more books by Colleen Coble.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥

REVIEW: Talons of Power by Tui T. Sutherland

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

Wings of Fire, book 9. Darkstalker, released from his 2000 year captivity, seems like a really nice dragon. Humongous and powerful, sure. But also charming, and exceedingly helpful. Maybe he’s just misunderstood….

But Turtle doesn’t think so. He senses something is just not right. If he can keep himself hidden, safe in the background, maybe he can discover the truth. And if necessary, maybe he can save the day…. But Turtle knows he’s no hero. He has failed too many times. But what if he’s the only one with any chance to make a difference?

Review

I can’t stop thinking about this one. So many things were revealed and so many new questions were raised. Major cliffhangers at the end! Wow. This was excellent!

I have loved this series since book 1. Discovered it one year during book fair while I was teaching, I couldn’t stop talking about it. When I go back and re-read, book one is actually the “weakest” book in the series for me. They just get better and better. In fact, I am enjoying this second five-book arc even more than I loved the first five.

I re-read the first three in this arc before starting Talons of Power. I’m so glad I did because it affirmed for me how much I wanted to know Turtle’s story. His character starts the arc in the background, quiet and mysterious and unassuming. Which made me curious. He’s such a great part of Escaping Peril, I was thrilled to be able to go from that story right into this one. If I had to do it all over again, I would have also re-read the “legends” book Darkstalker since he is such a major part of this story.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥

If you haven’t read these before, start with The Dragonet Prophecy. These are best read in order.

BOOK NEWS: February 7, 2017

Posted on by Jaymie

February is here! I choose to believe Staton Island Chuck who said spring is  right around the corner rather than Punxsutawney Phil’s prediction of six more weeks of winter! So, my fingers are crossed for spring, spring, spring!

Here are some books to help you fill the time until the temperatures rise and the sun makes a more regular appearance.

Books for Kids

Bunny’s Book Club – A bunny who misses outdoor storytime when the weather gets cold, decides to go into the library through the book drop. I have been looking forward to reading this book for months! I hope it is as fun as it looks.
Duck, Duck, Dinosaur and the Noise at Night – A dinosaur and his two duck friends hear a scary noise in the night. This looks adorable. I can’t wait to see it in person.
Fancy Nancy and the Missing Easter Bunny – Nibbles the bunny goes missing in this new story with stickers starring Fancy Nancy.
Little House Book of Wisdom – An illustrated collection of thoughts from the books of Laura Ingalls Wilder
Mr. Lincoln’s Way – The latest book by Patrica Polacco about school principal, Mr. Lincoln and a student struggling with racism.
Samson the Piranha Who Went to Dinner – Samson longs to try out the three new fancy restaurants in his neighborhood, but piranha can be kind of scary….
Alexander Hamilton – With the popularity of the musical Hamilton, I expect we will be seeing lots of new books about this Founding Father this year. Our family loves the musical, and I am eager to see what parts of Hamilton’s life are covered in this early reader.
What’s Your Favorite Favorite? – Book 3  in this hilarious series staring Ballet Cat. I can’t wait to read this one!! Book 1, The Totally Secret Secret, is one of my all time favorite books for kids.
Light in the Lion’s Den – Book 19 of this Christian series that is a lot like Magic Tree House. In this book the kids head back in time to the Biblical events of Daniel being thrown in the lion’s den.
Mae and June and the Wonder Wheel – Early chapter book about new friends and the adventures they have each day based on the spin of their Wonder Wheel. This looks darling!

Books for Older Kids/Teens/Young Adults

  

Blueberry Pancakes Forever – Book 3 in the Tuesday McGillycuddy series (Finding Serendipity). I loved the first two books in this series about a girl who can enter the world of written stories.
Castle in the Mist – A magical fantasy set in the English countryside
Dragon Captives – A new story arc begins in the world of The Unwanteds. I started the original series but never finished it. I might have to go back and take another run at it!
Jasper and the Riddle of Riley’s Mine – Two brothers set off for Alaska during the Klondike Gold Rush
Pinch of Powder – Book one in the new “Pulvology” series. This book sounds fun – two kids helping out a neighbor who is a “pulvologist” and makes special powders in her lab. I can only imagine the trouble that can start with some of those special powders!
Squirrel Meets World – This new Squirrel Girl book from the fabulous Shannon Hale is at the TOP of my wish list this week!
Who Is Sonia Sotomayor? – Biography of Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor
Who Was Cesar Chavez? – Biography of activist Cesar Chavez
Who Was Lucille Ball? – Biography of entertainer Lucille Ball
King’s Cage – Book 3 in the Red Queen series. This is one of the most highly anticipated books of 2017.
Romeo and What’s Her Name – The unprepared understudy has to go on stage – with her crush – in Romeo and Juliet
Wanted – Book 2 in the fairy tale Spelled series. The description of this one makes me want to dig book one off my shelves and start reading right away!

Books for Adults

Blown Away – First in the new Kite Shop Mystery series
Bookman Dead Style – Book 2 in the Dangerous Type Mystery series
A Measure of Murder – Book 2 in the Sally Solari Mystery series
Mission Impawsible – Book 4 in the Paws and Claws Mystery series
Snowed in with Murder – Book 3 in the Otter Lake Mystery series
War and Peach – Book 3 in the Georgia Peach Mystery series
Wee Homicice in the Hotel – Book 3 in the ScotShop Mystery series
Comfort Detox: Finding Freedom from Habits that Bind You –  Christian Living book about pushing beyond the habits you use to keep you comfortable and finding true comfort in Christ.

SATURDAY SMORGASBORD: My Favorite Re-Reads

Posted on by Jaymie

I sometimes have a complicated relationship with books. For the longest time, I kept each book I read. Eventually this created a space issue. Then I decided to just keep the “special” ones. There were no criteria for this designation – just a gut feeling. I kept all of my mystery series for certain. And then books I enjoyed so much I thought I might re-read them. Since I enjoy a lot of books each year, this meant I was still keeping a lot.

Eventually, I realized there were so many books I wanted to read for the first time that it was unlikely I would actually re-read everything I kept. But there are some…

My comfort books. The ones I go back to because I love the story or the character. Books I associate with certain events or seasons of life. The ones that leave me feeling wistful when I see them and I know it’s been forever since I read them.  Books that make me want to drop everything and dive into them all over again. And every January I try to read through as many of them as I can. It’s like visiting with old friends. Here are some of my favorite re-reads.

1. Andrew Clements books – These are some of the first books for kids that I read and loved. Clements tells great school stories about kids and teachers you want to cheer for. Frindle and No Talking are my favorites, but most of his older books are re-reads for me!

 

 

 2. Wings of Fire series – I remember the year I was setting up my library’s book fair and saw this book. I was captivated by the description and read it right away. Then I told all of my students about it. This is a special series! The first five books deal with the war for Sand Wing (a dragon tribe) succession. The second series picks up with a new set of young dragons living in a post-war world. This series just launched book 9, with book 10 slated for this summer. There’s also a stand alone book that fills in some backstory as well as some short e-books. And I think the series gets better and better as each book releases. I’ve taken to re-reading the books in the second series (books 6+) in anticipation of each new book, and that helps me remember all the cool details that are going to matter when the next book comes out.

3. The Westing Game – I read this mystery as a kid and fell in love with the twists and turns. This is the sort of book that you finish and have to read again right away to see where you missed the clues to the solution. I’m thrilled to say this stands up to the test of time. My son read it and loved it, prompting me to read it again as an adult. It was just as awesome as I remembered. In fact, it has become a go-to re-read for my teenage son as well!

 

4. The Harry Potter Series – I can’t tell you how many times we have re-read or listened to these books at our house! Each of us has a physical set of the books. Then we also have all of the outstanding audio books read by the amazing Jim Dale. The antics of the kids and the fight for good to triumph over evil never gets old.

 

 

5. The Fixer series – I have raved about this series multiple times on this blog in the short time since it went live. Book two is even better than book one. The main character is feisty and sticks up for the underdog and I love her. I look forward to spending time with the characters in these books – sometimes more than once a year.

 

 

 6. The Amber Photograph – I have three books by Penelope Stokes that I re-read periodically (this one, The Amethyst Heart and The Blue Bottle Club), but this is my most consistent re-read of the three. This is my sick-day book. If I’m in bed and don’t care to watch a movie or anything else, I will pull this book out. It’s an emotional one about a young woman driving across the country in search of information about who she is and about another woman hiding from her past. God’s redemption weaves through the whole story. It’s outstanding.

 

7. Deadline – Amazing suspense/mystery with a strong salvation message! This is a long, intricate book that covers a lot of issues including abortion, woven around a mystery of why the main character’s two best friends are dead. I love the passages that show one of those friends exploring Heaven. Deadline is a fantastic and inspiring mystery that I love to read over and over.

 

 

8. Touched by an Alien series – This is a very different book from the last two. And I love these just as much. This is a science fiction/romance series that over time has evolved into a science fiction/romance/mystery/suspense series. In book one, Kitty Katt discovers there are aliens on earth and she helps them take down a major villain. Over the course of the series, Kitty and her friends have to puzzle out who the true villains are and take them down as well. With two books releasing each year, and 500+ pages in each, this series gives readers a LOT to enjoy. I have several volumes in this series that are my ultimate favorites, but I usually re-read the last few before a new release and then re-read my favorite passages (don’t tell – I dog-eared them in my books!) when I want to enjoy some of Kitty’s best moments. Unlike the last two books in my list, this series is not Christian. The world view is much more open and the romantic passages are quite detailed. They are easily skipped over for any reader who isn’t interested in that portion of the story.

9. The Sons of Destiny series – Eight brothers with magical powers are exiled on a remote island because there’s a prophecy that if the eldest beds a woman, disaster will ensue and other prophecies about the other brothers will start to come true. Each book in the series focuses on one of the brothers. Two of the books are told concurrently (a pretty cool idea) but the rest go in order over time so that by the last book, the last of the prophecies are coming to pass. I adore this fantasy series. I have my favorite books and others that are less so, but I love the world where these take place and the main characters are fascinating. This is another book with a secular perspective. The romantic scenes are spelled out in detail, but again are easily skipped past if you want to get back to the magic and the story.

10. The Katie Chandler series – The last of my re-reads list is another fantasy series. Katie lives in a contemporary New York City and discovers that wizards, fairies and other magical beings really exist. Katie, though, is an immune. She has no magic whatsoever, so not only can she not DO any magic, but she can see through the illusions that the magic community uses to stay hidden. This makes her an important asset to the magical community when less-than-ethical forces try to take control. I just started reading through these again and I was thrilled to discover an 8th book came out at the end of 2016! So not only do I get to enjoy re-reading a favorite series, but I get a new installment at the same time!

 

So, those are my favorite re-reads. Do you have any books that you go back to time and time again?

REVIEW: The Road Back to You by Ian Morgan Cron and Suzanne Stabile

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

An Introduction to the Enneagram. As a fan of the Myers Briggs Type Indicator, I had heard about the Enneagram before. But its numbers instead of letters and star-like diagram made no sense to me. The MBTI was familiar and comfortable. I was content to stick with that.

Then The Road Back to You released last fall. I started to wonder if I was ready to tackle a new personality theory. A theory that would provide not only personal insights but a spiritual component as well.

This book introduces the general idea of the Enneagram, describing the 9 types in simple to understand terms.

Review

This is a fantastic book! The writing is conversational. There are some hilarious stories and examples. It’s a FUN, interesting read.

Originally, I was reading a copy from the library, but I got so drawn into the material, I knew I needed my own copy. It is full of underlining and highlighting now!

I feel like this book gave me enough information to start figuring out my “type.” But it also gives me insight into others. I loved the spiritual component. There’s also a strong emphasis on recognizing where my type can be detrimental and how to find grace and balance for myself.

I also bought the workbook. There are questions based on the three triads (8-9-1, 2-3-4, 5-6-7). The questions are geared toward helping you assess your type. There’s also information on a technique the authors recommend to help increase personal awareness and move to a more healthy expression of your type. There’s also an extensive list of recommendations for further reading. I’ll be digging into that list more this year, starting with Self to Lose Self to Find.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥

REVIEW: The Boy is Back by Meg Cabot

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

When Judge Stewart and his wife are arrested for trying to pay for their dinner with a $4 stamp, the family knows there’s trouble. Their three kids have different ideas about what they should do – nothing, blame it on eccentricity, or throw money at the problem.

Instead, they hire an expert who helps senior adults manage their space and belongings and downsize when necessary. It doesn’t sound very interesting, but when the expert is the younger brother’s ex whom he left 10 years earlier without a word, things start to get interesting very quickly!

Review

The description doesn’t do the hilarity of this story justice!

First, it’s told mostly through text, chat and email exchanges in addition to internet reviews and news articles. The middle brother’s issues with autocorrect alone were a riot! But there are lots of fantastic moments well told in this format. This also makes for a fast read.

Second, the Stewart family relationships are entertaining. Whether it’s the kid who always wears a costume, the sibling banter between the brothers, or the dynamics with the elderly parents, there’s a lot to keep readers turning pages.

There’s also the romantic relationship with the youngest Stewart and his ex. Can they overcome their past or are they destined to repeat it?

I read this one after pushing through a book I didn’t like. This one was so delightful in contrast that reading it felt like a treat – a reward for enduring the previous one! I would read this again because I had such a fun time with it.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥