October 2021 - The Neverending TBR

REVIEW: My 52 Lists Project by Moorea Seal

Posted on October 29, 2021October 16, 2021 by Jaymie

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

Summary and Review

This is a guided journal for kids modeled after the author’s highly successful 52 Lists books for adults.

There wasn’t anything here that surprised me. The artwork is kid-friendly with a fun summer/beachy/breezy vibe. Most of the lists are blank for kids to fill in, but there are a few that provide the list and then readers can circle the answers that best fit them. It’s a fun change up. Some list examples include “Things you want to do this year,” funniest memories, and “Draw your feelings.”

If you have a kid in your life who likes to write or likes lists, I would pair this guided journal with Annie’s Life in Lists to make a great combo gift!

Rating: ♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥ = Good/solid/fine

REVIEW: Slashing Through the Snow by Jacqueline Frost

Posted on October 27, 2021July 18, 2022 by Jaymie

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

Summary

Holly barely has time to register that the nitpicky grouch of a reviewer might be in town to cause trouble before the woman ends up dead.

This is becoming an annual event – a murder around her parents’ Christmas tree farm, Reindeer Games. But this is NOT the sort of thing Holly wants to see become a tradition.

Even worse, her beloved Cookie is the prime suspect! Now, her elderly friend is at risk of jail time, customers are bailing on their reservations at the inn, and gossipy townspeople are acting like Cookie might actually have done it.

Holly knows after last time that she really should stay out of things. But her dear friend – and the family business – are at risk. She just needs to find some other suspects to get the heat off Cookie.

Review

I have loved this series from the start, and the latest mystery from Jacqueline Frost did not disappoint. There’s a nice balance between holiday events at the tree farm and the events of the mystery. There’s not a ton of the games and events here like in the first two books. But those of us who have been charmed by the setting of this will still have some events to enjoy.

The mystery was fun and fresh – and with a nice dose of peril as with the first two books. The solution was unexpected, and I enjoyed just watching it unfold. While the mysteries in this series are always well done, it’s the characters and the setting that bring me back. (And unlike another series I used to love, the author doesn’t forget about crafting a terrific mystery while writing lovely interactions for the characters.) I wasn’t sure we were going to get a third book when there was such a long gap after book two, so there was a bonus treat to getting to read this. I’m happy the series has picked up again – as are several friends who claimed their fan status when I posted that I was reading this.

I think the mysteries for these stand well on their own, so readers don’t have to read these in order. But I think newcomers will discover that they want to know more about the characters and the farm. So be sure to go back and pick up the first two books.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥♥ = Great! Might re-read.

BOOK NEWS: October 26, 2021

Posted on October 25, 2021October 16, 2021 by Jaymie

It’s the last week of October. In some ways it has just zoomed by. I’m ready to start thinking about Thanksgiving and Christmas, though, so that’s all right with me. Here are some of the new books releasing this week that have caught my eye. [Due to supply chain issues, release dates are subject to change. It’s happening so much right now, I don’t have time to reset all the books to their new dates. I’ll note the change when I see them. The bottom line is, order your holiday books early!]

Books for Kids

Return of the Underwear Dragon – Sir Cole teaches his former foe to read.
Slothy Claus (Now releasing 11/2) – What will the children of the world do when Slothy Claus doesn’t deliver their presents on time?
The Hunger Heroes: Missed Meal Mayhem (Graphic Novel – now releasing 11/9) – I have been waiting SO LONG to tell you about this DELIGHTFUL book – and now we have to wait even longer. You do not want to miss this superhero story where hungry kids are saved by some unusual heroes. Go ahead and just pre-order it now for your early chapter book reader – you can thank me later. My full review will post in November.

Books for Older Kids/Teens/Young Adults

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Big Shot – Book 16 in the ever-popular series. Greg decides to give sports one last try and tries out for the basketball team.
The Powers: Haven’s Secret – First in a new series by the star of Supergirl on the CW, Melissa Benoist, and her sister, Jessica Benoist. Twins with super powers are whisked away to a sanctuary where one feels at home and the other can’t wait to get away.
Cold War Correspondent (Nathan Hale’s Hazardous Tales – graphic novel, nonfiction) – Book 11 in this fantastic nonfiction graphic novel series. This one focuses on Marguerite Higgins and the Korean War.
Little People Big Dreams Treasury (Nonfiction – now releasing 11/9) – Collection of 50 biographies.
Who Were the Navajo Code Talkers?
We Light Up the Sky – Three teens struggle to be heard when an alien comes to Earth and takes the form of one girl’s dead cousin and then proceeds to cause trouble.

Books for Adults – Fiction

All the Feels (Trade Paperback) – The latest from Olivia Dade. A therapist hired to keep a TV star in line finds herself falling for him. This is on my review list.
As the Wicked Watch (Hardcover) – First in a new series. An up-and-coming reporter moves to Chicago and finds herself in the middle of a series of murders of Black women. The cases in this one feel dark for me, personally, but I am completely in love with the description of the main character here. Thriller fans should be sure to check this one out.
The Christmas Bookshop (Hardcover) – A woman without a job or many options moves in with her sister and family and takes on a job trying to revitalize a charming, but disorganized, bookshop. I’m intrigued by the family dynamics of this one.
The Christmas Dress (Trade Paperback) – A young woman trying to save her late father’s apartment building and an elderly woman reluctantly moving to a nursing home connect over a Christmas dress.
Death by Hot Apple Cider (Mass Market Paperback) – Book 9 in the Bookstore Café Mystery series. Krissy is investigating when a man who harassed not only her bookstore but also the local library and school over “scandalous books” is killed at a fall festival.
Deck the Donuts (Trade Paperback) – Book 6 in the Deputy Donuts Mystery series. When a tour bus crashes near Fallingbrook and a snowstorm strands the passengers, Emily discovers the body of the bus driver under her holiday ice carving. This has always sounded like such a fun series!
Donut Fall in Love (Trade Paperback) – A grieving actor and a baker have a meet-cute over specialty donuts. So when he signs up for a celebrity baking show, he knows just who to call in for help. This sounds darling.
Duke Actually (Trade Paperback) – A new story set in the world of A Princess for Christmas. A notorious rake and a no-nonsense New Yorker hit it off when they meet to prepare for the wedding of their best friends. I adored the first book in this series, so I am eager to read this one. This is on my review list.
Enemy You Gnocchi (Mass Market Paperback) – Book 3 in the Italian Chef Mystery series. Tessa is sleuthing when a new grinch in town is murdered and a friend is the prime suspect.
Gated Prey (Trade Paperback) – Book 3 in the Eve Ronin series. When a sting operation turns deadly, Eve starts to wonder if they truly “solved the case” or if there is more going on than anyone realizes. Thriller fans should check this one out.
Getaway with Murder (Mass Market Paperback) – First in the new Mountain Lodge Mystery series from the author of the Paw Enforcement series as well as several others. Misty’s relaunch of both her life and an old mountain lodge is in danger when there’s a murder at the first event of her new business. I love trying out new mystery series! I have this one on my list.
Grave Reservations (Hardcover) – A sometimes-psychic travel agent teams up on a cold case with the detective she saved from death with an impulsive flight reservation change. This is on my review list!
Hollywood Heroine (Trade Paperback) – Book 5 in the fun and quirky Heroine Complex series. Aveda and Evie’s superhero adventures are about to hit the small screen. But evil is lurking around LA, and the two heroes are about to have their hands full.
It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Murder (Mass Market Paperback) – Book 3 in the Catering Hall Mystery series. In the midst of a full slate of holiday events, Mia’s going to have to find time to solve a murder.
Murder at the Mistletoe Ball (Mass Market Paperback) – Book 6 in the Ferrera Family Mystery series. Alberta’s estranged daughter comes to town for help looking for her missing son who ends up the prime suspect in a murder.
Sleigh Bells Ring (Trade Paperback) – Annie has to settle for being the caretaker for her family’s former ranch, but her job is in jeopardy, first because she takes in her orphaned niece and nephew without permission and second when the new owners plan to sell the ranch.
Star Trek Coda: Ashes of Tomorrow (Trade Paperback) – Book 2 in this new Star Trek trilogy that unites Picard, Sisko, Dax, and Riker along with their crews. I have this whole series on my Christmas list. Book 3 will release in November. making this a perfect holiday choice.
Strangers on a Skein (Hardcover) – Book 4 in the Black Sheep and Co mystery series. Phoebe and the Black Sheep are on the case when murder strikes the Farmers’ and Crafts Market.
A Thorn in the Saddle (Mass Market Paperback) – Book 3 in the terrific Cowboys of California series. The fairy-tale foundation for this book is Beauty and the Beast, which is a favorite of mine. While Jesse’s behavior can be beastly at times, perhaps a beauty can help him smooth out his rough edges. I’ll be reviewing this one soon.
To the Tome of Murder (Mass Market Paperback) – Book 7 in the Beyond the Page Bookstore Mystery series. As Thanksgiving approaches, Addie has her hands full with a murder.

Books for Adults – Nonfiction

Best Wishes, Warm Regards (Hardcover) – A coffee-table book about the series Schitt’s Creek.
I’ll Be Home for Christmas Movies: The Deck the Hallmark Podcast’s Guide to Your Holiday TV Obsession (Hardcover) – Includes reviews of Hallmark Christmas movies, interviews with the stars, and ideas for your own Christmas celebrations. Yes, please!
Renegades (Hardcover) – President Obama and Bruce Springsteen share their friendship and their thoughts on life and music and America.
60-Day Enneagram Devotional: The Achiever (3) AND The Challenger (8) AND The Thinker (5) – The latest entries in this series of Enneagram devotionals.

REVIEW: Teen Titans: Beast Boy Loves Raven by Kami Garcia and Gabriel Picolo

Posted on October 22, 2021October 2, 2021 by Jaymie

[I received a free review copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary

Raven has trapped her demon father and is desperate to keep him out of her life. Desperate enough to hop a train to Nashville to meet up with a guy who says he can help.

Raven’s foster sister, Max, is following her in secret to protect Raven from whatever trouble she might run into.

Garth is still adjusting to his recently un-suppressed powers. He’s on a bus to Nashville to meet a guy who says he has the answers Garth is looking for.

And there’s someone else who is supposed to be meeting up with Slade Wilson. He’s the smart one – observing, wary. And as he watches, he sees what happens next.

Review

EEEEEK! I love these books! This was fantastic! I loved Gar and Raven together. It was great to see them connect. I also loved Max’s presence – as well as the other person who is watching. The only complaint I have about this series is that the books are TOO SHORT. I finish each one begging for more. (There’s a cover reveal for the next book at the back, and I am HERE FOR IT.)

I enjoyed the balance here between the character development and the budding romance along with the next bits in the Slade story. Is it enough? No, not for me. But I was satisfied with the balance between the two aspects.

I don’t know that readers have to go back to read Raven and Beast Boy first, but it will certainly help fill out the backstories for Raven, Max, and Gar. And now that readers can slam all three books in one go, it might feel more satisfying than when I read each one and then had to wait a year for the next installment.

I highly recommend these – for graphic novel fans, and for DC fans. (Demons/ghosts)

Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥♥♥ = Outstanding!

REVIEW: Her New Story by Laura Bradford

Posted on October 20, 2021October 2, 2021 by Jaymie

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

Summary

It’s been a year, and Tess is still reeling from finding her new husband and her “best friend” together. In fact, her distraction is starting to impact her work. She missed a huge, newsworthy story that happened right in front of her. And now she’s dealing with the fall out – in Amish country.

Tess was supposed to get a fun, exotic assignment for her job at In Depth magazine. Her peers are going to dogsled in Alaska, hunt poachers in South Africa, and shadow Special Forces in Afghanistan. She was supposed to go to Belize. It feels so unfair.

But Tess is determined to find her story – something attention-grabbing, something to get her back in her boss’s good graces – and then she can get her career back on the right trajectory.

Review

While the four books in this “series” stand alone, there are threads of connection from Portrait of a Sister to A Daughter’s Truth (♥♥♥♥) to Piece by Piece and finally to Her New Story. And I have adored the previous three books so much, reading this was essential. I loved getting to spend some time with these characters again.

That said, Tess made it really hard for me to enjoy this. Her bitterness and feelings of betrayal are completely understandable. And I sympathized with her. But she let her experience turn her hard and prickly. And she was that way through most of the book.

Then, she let her prickliness drive her work. She wanted to find a flashy story in Amish country that fit – and reinforced – her broken and bitter worldview that no one can be trusted but yourself.

I can’t fault the author here. She does an excellent job of telling Tess’ story. I just didn’t like her. Thankfully she was offset by the women around her (from the earlier books) as well as a flirty newcomer. Those other characters, plus Tess’s mentor who tried to be a mirror for Tess to see herself, kept me engaged and curious to see how things turned out.

The resolution felt abrupt to me, especially after enduring brittle, angry Tess for 80% of the book. But it was satisfying, and it left me feeling content about the whole in the end. Readers don’t have to have read the other books – or to have read them in any particular order – to read this. But I personally would recommend the other three first to give better context for this one.