Month: June 2021

REVIEW: Marcus Makes a Movie by Kevin Hart

REVIEW: Marcus Makes a Movie by Kevin Hart

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received a free electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Crown Books for Young Readers in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary

Marcus had to sign up for an after school activity. He wanted to do art so he could work on his comic every day after school. But the art teacher would have made him do other projects, too. So he agrees to sign up for film making.

But when he gets to the first session, he’s not feeling the leaders or the other kids. He’s hoping to just sit in a corner and work on his superhero comic about Toothpick, his hero. But then one of the leaders suggests Marcus could turn his superhero comic into a movie!

Review

This is a lot of fun! Marcus has big feelings and a big personality, but his heart is usually in the right place. I could hear the author’s voice in my head as I read. And the mentions of “Tevin Bart,” “Taylor Berry,” and some superhero references in the book were hilarious!

This includes solid information about screenplays, writing and revising, taking criticism, etc., but it is well-integrated and never distracts from the story. And Marcus’ voice and personality are consistent (and awesome) all the way through.

This was such a fun story with characters I thoroughly enjoyed. I’d love to read more Marcus adventures! (Grief/loss)

Rating: ♥♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥♥ = Great! Might re-read.

BOOK NEWS: June 29, 2021

BOOK NEWS: June 29, 2021

Posted on by Jaymie

It’s the last release week of June! The year is almost half finished. Here are some of the books releasing to wrap up June.

Books for Kids

 

Isobel Adds It Up – A math-loving girl tries to figure out what is causing all the noise in her neighborhood. This looks cute!
Parks and Recreation: Leslie for Class President – A Parks and Rec picture book. Leslie runs for class president and starts to make some campaign promises she probably won’t be able to keep.
T. Rexes Can’t Tie Their Shoes – An alphabet book about things animals can’t do but kids can.
Dr. Fauci: How a Boy from Brooklyn Became America’s Doctor – A picture book biography by the fantastic Kate Messner.
Thunder and Cluck: Friends Do Not Eat Friends – A early reader graphic novel starring two unlikely friends.
Itty Bitty Princess Kitty: The Copycat – Book 8 in the Princess Kitty series. Itty makes a new friend who starts to copy her in every way.
Super Turbo vs the Pencil Pointer (Graphic Novel) – A graphic novel adaptation of book 3 in the series.

 

Books for Older Kids/Teens/Young Adults

Long Distance (Older Middle Grade) – When Vega’s family moves to Seattle, her parents send her to summer camp to help her get to know some new people. She’s resistant at first, but when her cell phone dies and things at camp start to get weird, Vega will team up with her bunkmates to find out what’s really going on.
Space Jam: A New Legacy (Graphic Novel) – Adaptation of the new movie.
Star Wars The High Republic: Race to Crashpoint Tower – Book 2 in the middle grade line of High Republic stories. A padawan races to the rescue when there’s an attack at the site of the Republic Fair.
The Girl Least Likely – A teen experiences all of the usual rom-com movie tropes like the makeover and the bad boy as she starts doing stand up comedy and tries to determine the sort of person she wants to be.

 

Books for Adults

Beauty Expos Are Murder (Mass Market Paperback) – Book 6 in the fun Poppy McAllister Mystery series. Poppy is selling her muffins at a health and beauty expo when a plastic surgeon speaking at the event is murdered.
A Glimmer of a Clue (Trade Paperback) – Book 2 in the Fairy Garden Mystery series. After breaking up a fight between her best friend and a nasty art critic, Courtney has to start sleuthing when the critic is found dead and her friend is the top suspect.
It Takes Two to Mango (Mass Market Paperback) – First in the new Trouble in Paradise! series. A villa broker in the Caribbean turns sleuth when a client is murdered in a property she manages.
The Keepers (Hardcover) – Book 2 in the Mace Reid K-9 Mystery series. Mace and Vira are on a stunning new case. I’ll be reviewing this one soon.
Little Black Book (Hardcover) – Book 15 in the Bibliophile Mystery series. Brooklyn receives a rare first edition in the mail that is tied to a missing woman, an old friend, and a dead man. This sounds fascinating!
Star Wars The High Republic: The Rising Storm (Hardcover) – Book 2 in the adult line of High Republic books, another story about the attack on the Galactic Fair.
To Sir With Love (Trade Paperback) – A new book from the delightful Lauren Layne. When Gracie takes over her father’s business after his death and runs into trouble with a large corporation trying to buy her out, she takes business advice from someone she met on a blind dating app. The Shop Around the Corner/You’ve Got Mail vibes for this – as well as the author – hooked me immediately. I’ll be reviewing this one soon.
It’s Not Your Turn (Trade Paperback) – Cope with those moments when it seems like everyone around you is getting their break while you are still waiting by remembering that it’s their turn right now. Your turn will come. I follow the author on Twitter, and I enjoy her content, so I am eager to check this one out!

 

REVIEW: Kind of Sort of Fine by Spencer Hall

REVIEW: Kind of Sort of Fine by Spencer Hall

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received a free electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Atheneum Books for Young Readers in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary

After a monumental moment at school at the end of her junior year, Hayley is pushed into “pulling back at school.” This includes dropping tennis and putting a low key elective into her senior year schedule – TV production. At first it feels like a punishment – a limitation. But after enough comments about her “break down,” Hayley decides she is going to use her determination and ambition to make the best of this hand she has been dealt.

Lewis is the senior producer in the school TV studio this year. He’s partnered with Hayley and can’t help being concerned about the quality of her work considering what happened last year.

As Hayley and Lewis work together and get to know one another as more than “the girl who had the breakdown” and “the fat, funny kid in TV production,” they realize there’s more to each of them – and more to their peers – than people see at first glance. And they decide to turn that idea into a set of mini-documentaries to share with their school.

Review

I enjoyed this exploration of senior year for these two characters. Hayley’s journey to reclaim her life and identity after her “breakdown” does a great job of showing progress without quick, trite resolutions. And I enjoyed Lewis and the other teens in the story.

I would have liked a stronger problem-resolution thread, but that’s a matter of personal preference. I like my stories to have more drive to them than this did. This is more focused on this period of time – senior year – for these characters, and on the journey rather than the destination. The wrap up to the story is good. I enjoyed this one. (Language, sexual references)

Rating: ♥♥♥½*

*♥♥♥½ = Good+

REVIEW: The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels by India Holton

REVIEW: The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels by India Holton

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received a free electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Berkley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary

Cecilia is a junior member of the Wisteria Society, a group of women pirates and thieves who are also ladies of good breeding and character (well, other than the thieving and assassinations and such). Cecilia lives with her great-aunt who is a full member of the society.

They live in a world of magical flying houses, ghosts, pirates, and vengeance. In fact, Cecilia is the target of an assassin for the first time in her life. It’s quite exciting! Although the assassin, a pirate named Ned, can’t seem to decide if he wants to kill her or kiss her.

But far more dangerous forces are on the move, including Cecilia’s murderous father, Morvath. And he plans to destroy the society and put “women back in their places” – and put himself on the throne of England.

Review

What. A. Hoot! This is a fantastic story – a mix of historical society and magical fantasy that was right up my alley. The writing is sharp and sarcastic and funny. And the whole set up is quirky and fun. I was drawn in by the idea of lady scoundrels, but the magical, piratical pieces of this were more surprising. Such an unexpected delight!

I loved the characters in this so much. And the writing is outstanding. This is the sort of book I will end up buying so I can dog-ear all the clever moments and savor the writing, the banter between characters, and Cecilia’s great reading-related moments. I am almost more enamored by the crafting of the story than I am by the story details themselves. This is an author to watch!

This is the first book in the Dangerous Damsels series. Book 2, The League of Gentlewoman Witches, will release next spring. It’s already on my list of must-reads in 2022. (Language, sex)

Rating: ♥♥♥♥½*

*♥♥♥♥½ = I loved it! Would read again.

REVIEW: What Comes Next by Rob Buyea

REVIEW: What Comes Next by Rob Buyea

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received a free electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Delacorte Press in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary

When Thea’s best friend, Charlie, died, Thea stopped speaking. Going back to school was excruciating, so her mom homeschooled her to finish out the year. But her parents decided that the family needed a change, so they moved to a new town.

On top of a change in location, Thea’s dad promises her younger sisters that the family will also get a dog. Thea has no interest in a puppy, especially as her frequent nightmares shift to start including a puppy she can’t save. But at the shelter, Jack Jack reaches a paw out to touch Thea, and she is converted. He picked her – just like Charlie once did. And that’s only the first of many examples of how special Jack Jack is.

Review

Oh, this was lovely! I was immediately drawn in by Thea, and I loved her on every page. I loved her whole journey – with Charlie, with Jack Jack, and with the folks she meets in her new home. But Jack Jack was the star of the story. He was exactly what Thea needed – but not just Thea. His story was so much bigger.

There’s a great epilogue here that goes farther into the future than you usually get in a middle grade novel. It was the cherry on top of this terrific story!

I loved every moment of this – and I cried through several of them. This is another hit from Rob Buyea – do not miss it!

Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥♥♥ = Outstanding!

BOOK NEWS: June 22, 2021

BOOK NEWS: June 22, 2021

Posted on by Jaymie

Here are some of the new books releasing this week!

Books for Kids

How to Spot a Best Friend – On the first day of school, a girl vows to find a best friend.
Thank You, Dr. Salk!: The Scientist Who Beat Polio and Healed the World – Picture book biography.

Books for Older Kids/Teens/Young Adults

Ahmed Aziz’s Epic Year – When his dad gets sick, Ahmed and his family have to move to Minnesota where Ahmed is one of the only brown kids at his school and he has to deal with bullying. This one is on my list.
Jukebox (Graphic Novel, Older Middle Grade) – Two girls are magically pulled through various decades of music by a mysterious jukebox. Sounds cool!
Show Me History: Helen Keller – Middle grade biography in graphic novel format.
Along for the Ride – When Katelyn has to give up all of her summer plans so her family can tour with her famous pop star brother, one saving grace is that his opening band is one of her favorites. This is on my list, too.
Between You, Me and the Honeybees – Josie has secretly declined her college acceptance because she wants to stay home and work in the family honey business. But while she’s lying to her mom about her college plans, her life becomes even more complicated when she starts to fall for a member of their business rival’s family. I’m so excited to read this one!
Blackout – A short story collection of romances starring Black teens.
Kind of Sort of Fine – Two teens in a film production class start creating mini documentaries about their classmates’ hidden talents and along the way the ways the world sees them starts to change. I’ll be reviewing this one soon.
Rising Like a Storm – Book 2 in the Wrath of Ambar series. Gul and Cavas are targeted by the new regime when they are hunted for what they did to King Lohar.

Books for Adults

Love Scenes (Trade Paperback) – Sloane agrees to work on her family’s production of a World War II era romance when she loses her television gig, but she didn’t count on having to work with one of her least favorite former co-stars.
Questland (Trade Paperback) – A literature professor is asked to help when a billionaire genius’ latest creation – a high-tech fantasy world immersive experience – is hijacked by an employee, someone the professor has a history with. I’ll be reviewing this one soon.
Getting to the Promised Land: Black America and the Unfinished Work of the Civil Rights Movement (Trade Paperback) – In conversations about race in America, sometimes all non-white people groups are lumped together. But the author asserts that American Descendants of Slavery hold a unique experience that must be explored, understood, and rectified.

REVIEW: Reserved for Murder by Victoria Gilbert

REVIEW: Reserved for Murder by Victoria Gilbert

Posted on by Jaymie

[There’s no YA review today – the book I had scheduled just wasn’t a great fit for me. Instead, enjoy this review of a new adult cozy mystery. I received a free electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary

Chapters Bed and Breakfast is playing host to Amanda Nobel, an author of romantic fantasy books, as well as a few of her fans. Amanda is looking for a respite from her hectic book tour, so her stay at Chapters is a secret. But she did agree to one signing event in town, a cooperative venture between Chapters and the local indy bookstore, Bookwaves.

Charlotte, the owner of Chapters, is doing all she can to make the author’s visit restful and relaxing, including staying on her guard for any sort of trouble. A year ago there was a murder, and Charlotte wants no part of that sort of excitement ever again!

But Charlotte isn’t going to get her wish. When the president of an Amanda Nobel fan group is murdered, Charlotte and her neighbor, Ellen, start asking questions and looking for clues to the killer. The woman’s troublesome ex-husband seems the most likely candidate, but he’s certainly not the only one who had it out for the woman.

Review

While I am a huge fan of Victoria Gilbert and her Blue Ridge Library Mystery series, I somehow missed reading the first book in this Booklover’s B&B Mystery series, Booked for Death (I have it on my e-reader.). But now I know I need to get back to it soon. The mystery here is solid, but there’s an intriguing side story about Charlotte’s neighbor that I wasn’t expecting. It really grabbed my attention. It gave the mystery a fresh spin from the usual formula.

I liked the series set up – the B&B, the writing/reading/publishing pieces, the perfectly sized cast. The mystery was well done with lots of questions. The pacing of the reveals was nice. I’m looking forward to picking up book 1 as well as watching for what might happen for these characters in the future. Don’t miss either of the author’s mystery series!

Rating: ♥♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥♥ = Great! Might re-read.

 

REVIEW: Plot Twist by Bethany Turner

REVIEW: Plot Twist by Bethany Turner

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received a free electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Thomas Nelson in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary

On February 4, 2003, Olivia was minding her own business at a crowded coffee shop, working on her screenplay. Annoyed after several interruptions, she shared space on a couch with a handsome actor. When yet another “interruption” wouldn’t take no for an answer, Olivia’s couch-mate came to her rescue with an outlandish story about their undying love for one another. It was a meet cute made for movies.

And then it was over. The actor left for an audition after extracting a promise that they would meet up at the same coffee shop in 10 years when he would be a famous actor and she would have a screenplay. Olivia never even got his name.

The next year, on February 4th, Olivia finds herself at the same coffee shop to meet her boyfriend – and everything about their relationship changes. A year later, on February 4th, she discovers the name of her mystery actor. A year later, she is grieving a break up.

As the years march by, February by February, bringing Olivia ever closer to February 4th, 2013, her life and her work twist and turn in ways she never expected. And everything seems to hinge on the magical 4th and that long ago conversation in a coffee shop.

Review

My thoughts and feelings on this one are mixed.  This is an author I have enjoyed for several years now. And the first and last chapters of this were as delightful as the previous books of hers that I love. But in some ways, the 2003 and 2013 chapters feel like a different book than the middle chapters. Unlike the main character, Olivia, I love rom-coms, and these chapters deliver all the fun, flirty banter and meet-cute moments I adore.  Those chapters are right up my alley.

The rest of Olivia’s journey, though, while interesting and engaging, wasn’t “fun.” I was committed to seeing the story through. But I didn’t love any of the characters, and I pushed through to the end somewhat out of obligation. I prefer stories and characters that drive me to frantically flip pages to see what might happen next. The final chapter was so spectacular, though, I exclaimed out loud and even several days later I feel like it made all the rest of the reading worthwhile. I just wish the rest of Olivia’s story had been as fun.

Fans expecting a faith story in this book published by Thomas Nelson may be surprised to find no mention of faith in this one whatsoever. Readers looking for a romcom may have mixed feelings like I did. Romance fans who enjoy the ups and downs of a complicated journey may be a better fit for this story as a whole. And that closing chapter is *chef’s kiss* perfect.

Rating: ♥♥♥½*

* ♥♥♥½ = Good +

 

REVIEW: Born to Be Bad by Ken Lamug

REVIEW: Born to Be Bad by Ken Lamug

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received an electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Katherine Tegen Books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary

By day they are Missy and Gizmo. Gizmo is the cat Missy rescued from a group of bullies. Missy lives in Idleville with her parents and her brother. Missy is an inventor, but her inventions – and the destruction they can cause – lead to trouble with both Missy’s parents, and their neighbors.

While Missy tells her parents she’s going to science camp, instead she heads to superhero boot camp so she can use her brain and tech skills to become a hero.

But something happens at camp that will set Missy and Gizmo on the path to villainy. They will become Mischief and Mayhem.

Review

This was such a fun story. Missy and Gizmo are a great team. The book starts with examples of their supervillain ways, but chapter 2 shifts to their origin story. I wasn’t sure if the first chapter actually takes place after the events of this book, or if the story returns to that timeline in the middle of the action. Either way, this is a fun look at the journey from “Missy and Gizmo” to “Mischief and Mayhem.”

The art work here is great. I only saw one chapter in full color, but even in black and white, the art is great. I can’t wait to see the finished copy with full color throughout.

There are some interesting moments in the book about what makes someone a hero and what makes a villain. And Missy’s story doesn’t develop like I expected it to, which was fun. There’s a lot here for graphic novel fans and superhero story fans to enjoy.

Readers will experience a great teaser at the end that will propel them on to book 2. This will be a huge hit with kids, so don’t miss this one!

Rating: ♥♥♥½*

*♥♥♥½ = Good+

BOOK NEWS: June 15, 2021

BOOK NEWS: June 15, 2021

Posted on by Jaymie

Here are some of the new books releasing this week!

Books for Kids

What Is God Like? – A picture book from the late Rachel Held Evans written to answer children’s questions about God. I’m eager to see this one in person.
Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum: I Am Harriet Tubman AND I Am Nikola Tesla – The latest from the Xavier Riddle series.

Books for Older Kids/Teens/Young Adults

Dead City Saga – The three books of the Dead City Saga, by James Ponti (FRAMED series, City Spies series) are collected into one volume about a zombie hunter.
The Double Life of Danny Day – Danny lives each day twice. The first day is like a dry run, and the second is his chance to make every moment count. I am super excited to read this one!
Even and Odd – A magical middle grade book by Sarah Beth Durst. Two sisters who share magic are trapped on the magical side of the border between our world and the one where they were born because a wizard is manipulating magic for her own purposes. This one sounds fun, too! I’ll be reviewing this one soon.
The Islanders – Jake has to stay with his grandmother on a small island nature sanctuary while his mother goes to care for his father who was injured in Afghanistan. While he’s expecting a boring summer, he makes some new friends and they have to band together to save a turtle’s nest from predators. I’ll be reviewing this one soon.
Mischief and Mayhem: Born to Be Bad (graphic novel) – First in a new middle grade graphic novel series about a supervillain girl and her sidekick. I’ll be reviewing this one soon.
The Box in the Woods – Book 4 in the YA Truly Devious series. Stevie Bell has caught a killer, and now she’s been invited to the site of a 1978 unsolved murder to help the owner with a true crime podcast about the case.
Don’t Hate the Player – After bonding over video games when they were kids, Emilia and Jake reconnect in high school when they are both competing in a gaming tournament. Emilia is desperate to keep her gaming life a secret from her friends and family, but the high profile nature of the tournament puts her secrets in jeopardy. You can read my full review here.
Indestructible Object (LGBTQ+) – After a series of disappointments and losses, Lee and some friends team up to produce a podcast about whether love really exists.

Books for Adults

The Abduction of Pretty Penny (Hardcover) – Book 5 in the Daughter of Sherlock Holmes mystery series. Joanna and the Watsons are investigating the case of a missing young actress.
Once Upon a Royal Summer (Trade Paperback) – From Hallmark Publishing. A theme park princess meets a real-life prince. I’ve already pre-ordered this one!
Plot Twist (Trade Paperback) – A wannabe screenwriter has a meet cute with a wannabe actor and then they part, planning to meet up at the same coffeeshop in 10 years. I’ll be reviewing this latest book by Bethany Turner soon.
Start Trek The Original Series: Living Memory (Trade Paperback) – Admiral Kirk is dealing with murder at the Academy as he is trying to settle in as the new commandant. Spock, on the Enterprise, and Chekov, on the Reliant, are investigating cosmic storms that seem to be targeting Federation worlds. I love stories that involve Starfleet Academy, and I would gladly pick this up to spend time with favorite characters.
Very Sincerely Yours (Trade Paperback) – A new romantic comedy from the author of Waiting for Tom Hanks (♥♥♥♥) and Not Like the Movies. A woman dealing with a disappointing break up reaches out to the host of a local children’s show about her problems – just like the kids in the audience do – and they start corresponding. I’ll be reviewing this one soon.
The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels (Trade Paperback) – Book 1 in the Dangerous Damsels series. A member of the Wisteria Society crime sorority is targeted by an assassin whose boss wants to eliminate all of England’s troublesome women, starting with the ladies of the Society. I’ll be reviewing this one soon. I can’t wait to read it!!