Category: Book News

BOOK NEWS: August 24, 2021

BOOK NEWS: August 24, 2021

Posted on by Jaymie

Here are a few of the new books releasing this week!

Books for Kids

Little Naturalists: George Washington Carver Loved Plants AND Wangari Maathai Planted Trees (Board Books) – Board book biographies focused on naturalists. I LOVE this idea! Part of a series.
Just Be Yourself, Dragon! – Dragon is nervous about the first day of school.
The Snoopy Show: A Snoopy Tale AND When Snoopy Met Woodstock – Two new leveled readers starring Snoopy.

Books for Older Kids/Teens/Young Adults

 

Say It Out Loud – From the author of Property of the Rebel Librarian. Charlotte’s stutter keeps her from a lot of things like speaking up about bullying or speaking on stage. (When she sings, though, she doesn’t stutter!) But when her silence fractures a friendship and the musical theater program she cares about is cut, Charlotte finds her voice through writing. I have already pre-ordered this one!
Who Is Tom Brady?
Both Sides Now (LGBTQ+) – A trans teen looking forward to his senior year debate cycle wrestles with the possibility of having to argue against his own interests when the topic for Nationals is transgender rights.
Vampires, Hearts & Other Dead Things – In a world where vampires exist, a teen travels to New Orleans looking for a vampiric solution to her father’s terminal cancer diagnosis.

Books for Adults

Alaska Reunion (Mass Market Paperback) – Book 5 in the Wild River series. Callum volunteers to be Ellie’s fake boyfriend for their reunion and the wilderness retreat afterwards, hoping that the time together will show her how he feels about her. Reunions AND a fake dating scenario? Sign me up!
Bombshell (Mass Market Paperback) – First in a new Hell’s Belle’s series. Lady Sesily has embraced her scandalous reputation, but her brother’s best friend wants to rescue her from herself.
Dial M for Maine Coon (Mass Market Paperback) – Book 2 in the Furever Pets Mystery series after The Pomeranian Always Barks Twice. Liz finds someone to adopt a beautiful Maine Coon rescue, but before the adoption can take place, the prospective owner is murdered. But he’s not who everyone thought he was. This sounds amazing! It’s on my wish list.
Double Chocolate Cookie Murder (Mass Market Paperback) – Book 5 in the Cook-Off Mystery series. Sherry re-connects with her high school home ec teacher only to lose him again when he is murdered.
No Grater Crime (Mass Market Paperback) – Book 9 in the Country Store Mystery series. Robbie has to temporarily close her business and track a murderer when a series of incident threatens her livelihood.
The Second Rebel (Hardcover) – Book 2 in the First Sister space opera trilogy. This series is on my wish list, too.
The Secret Staircase (Hardcover) – Book 3 in the Victorian Village Mystery series. In the middle of renovations, Kate’s contractor finds a secret staircase – and a dead body,
Seven-Year Witch (Mass Market Paperback) – Book 2 in the Witch Way Librarian series after the delightful Bait and Witch. Sam’s soon-to-be ex-wife goes missing, and Sam is a suspect, which means Josie starts sleuthing. This one is on my review list.

 

BOOK NEWS: August 17, 2021

BOOK NEWS: August 17, 2021

Posted on by Jaymie

Let’s check out some of the new releases out this week!

Books for Kids

Poultrygeist -The title makes me cackle. Find out what happens to that poor chicken who tries to cross the road.
Pug & Pig and Friends – When the cat who has been tormenting him gets stuck in a tree in a storm, will Pug choose to help?
School of Rock – A picture book version of the movie.
Unraveled – When Cole’s favorite blanket becomes unraveled, Mom saves the day.
Gizmos, Gadgets, and Guitars: The story of Leo Fender – A picture book biography.
Pigskins to Painbrushes: The Story of Football-Playing Artist Earnie Barnes – A picture book biography.
Aven Green Baking Machine – Book 2 in the chapter book series starring the protagonist from Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus.

 

Books for Older Kids/Teens/Young Adults

Klawde: Revenge of the Kitten Queen – Book 6 in the Klawde: Evil Alien Warlord Cat series. (Book 1 – ♥♥♥♥♥) Klawde is looking for allies in his quest to rule the universe while Raj is dealing with his own troubles at school.
The Lost Things Club – From the author of the exceptional Captain Superlative. Leah’s summer with her aunt and uncle is different this year because her cousin TJ is different. Ever since a shooting at his school, TJ has stopped talking. But Leah is determined to connect with her cousin and draw him back out again. I’ll be reviewing this one soon.
Ashfall Legacy – From the author of I Am Number Four. Syd discovers a device that proves his long-missing, presumed-dead father is still alive. But in his search, Syd discovers something that could destroy his father’s home planet, Denza, as well as Earth – and maybe even the whole universe.
The Endless Skies – A young woman on the verge of becoming the warrior she has always dreamed of being – a protector of winged lion shapeshifters – discovers her friends on a rescue mission are in even more danger than they realize. And she must decide if she is going to stay and become a warrior or leave and try to save her friends.
How We Fall Apart – A group of prep school friends are suspected of murder when a girl who knew all their secrets is killed. Now someone who knows those secrets is incriminating them through the school’s social media app
Redemptor – Book 2 in the Raybearer duology. Tarisai has ascended the throne, but her rule is shaky as assassins try to kill her, her friends grow distant, and a quest to the Underworld awaits her.

 

Books for Adults

Battle Royal (Trade Paperback) – While Sylvie is getting invited to be a judge on the baking show she lost, that means judging with the grouchy chef who ensured her loss. If that wasn’t enough, they are also both drawn into a competition to bake a wedding cake for a princess. This sounds fun!
The Dating Playbook (Trade Paperback) – From the author of The Boyfriend Project. Taylor agrees to help Jamar train to get back into the NFL, but they have to keep it a secret, so they decide to fake date. I love that this is something of a companion book to The Boyfriend Project. And I love fake dating stories. This is on my review list
The Exiled Fleet (Trade Paperback) – Book 2 in The Divide series after The Last Watch. Adequin and her soldiers that no one wanted may be the galaxy’s only chance of survival. I have both of these books on my wish list.
Husband Auditions (Trade Paperback) – Feeling like the last single person around, Meri decides to try the recommendations in a 1950s article about finding a husband. And she agrees to let her friend Kai film her efforts as he tries to catch a break in his career. And Meri Me quickly goes viral. But Kai starts to wonder if he wants Meri to find love with anyone but him.
Star Trek Picard: Rogue Elements (Hardcover) – The third book in the Star Trek Picard book line after The Last Best Hope and The Dark Veil provides backstory to one of my favorite characters, Rios. We have already pre-ordered this one. I am behind on my Star Trek reading, but my husband has enjoyed the first two books.
40 Days on Being a Five AND 40 Days on Being a Six (Hardcover devotional) – The latest releases in the Enneagram devotional line from Suzanne Stabile and friends. I *loved* the version for my number and highly recommend these.
Sweet Jesus, Is It June Yet?: 10 Ways the Gospels Can Help You Combat Teacher Burnout and Rediscover a Passion for Teaching (August 20, Trade Paperback) – A Gospel-centered resource to help teachers battle burnout.

BOOK NEWS: August 10, 2021

BOOK NEWS: August 10, 2021

Posted on by Jaymie

Here are some of the new books releasing this week!

Books for Kids

Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum: I Am Mary Shelley – The latest leveled reader from the Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum series.
Pizza and Taco: Super-Awesome Comic – Pizza and Taco create their own comic.

Books for Older Kids/Teens/Young Adults

Elfie Unperfect – From the author of the AMAZING Annie’s Life in Lists. Elfie thinks she has found the perfect school where she will finally fit in, but she gets expelled on the first day and has to make the best of 5th grade at her old school. I have already pre-ordered this one.
Hope Springs – While Jubilee and her grandmother rarely stay anywhere for long, their stay in Hope Springs just might be different as Jubilee makes some real friends and finds a cause worth fighting for. This is on my wish list for this week.
The Renegade Reporters – Three girls who are kicked off their school news crew decide to start their own when they stumble on a huge story. This is on my list, too!
World Champions: A Max Einstein Adventure (Older Middle Grade) – Book 4 in the Max Einstein series. A powerful group tries to stop Max and her friends from their work to save the world.
Heartless Heirs – A sequel to Twin Daggers from the folks at Blink YA. This is a sci-fi/fantasy/romance/royalty/sisters story that I cannot wait to read! I have book 1 on my wish list.
How Moon Fuentez Fell in Love with the Universe – Traveling and working in influencer circles leaves Moon feeling like a wallflower, but a love-to-hate-him relationship might change how she views herself.

Books for Adults

Death & Sensibility (Hardcover) – Book 2 in the Jane Austen Society Mystery series after Pride, Prejudice and Poison. When the featured speaker at a Jane Austen conference dies, Erin finds it suspicious and starts asking questions.
Dust to Dust (Hardcover) – Book 2 in the Ivy Nichols Mystery series after Murder at Hotel 1911. Ivy wants to prove the hotel manager, Mr. Figg, innocent when he is accused of murder. I am eager to check out this series!
Miss Lattimore’s Letter (Trade Paperback) – An unexpected matchmaker finds her own romantic situation challenging when her ex and her client both seem to be interested in her.  This one is on my review list.
One for the Hooks (Hardcover) – Book 14 in the Crochet Mystery series. Molly and her crochet pals are investigating when someone dies  because a drone dropped seafood shells on someone with a severe allergy. It looks like the series might have been given a new cover designer recently, and I love the change. This cover would get me to pick this book up even though I don’t crochet and I haven’t read the first 13 books.
Scone of Contention (Hardcover) – Book 13 in the Key West Food Critic Mystery series. Hayley is sleuthing in Scotland when her honeymoon trip becomes a family outing and her new sister-in-law and her friends seem to be tied to a recent death.
She Wouldn’t Change a Thing (Hardcover) – A wife and mother finds herself with a second chance at life when she wakes up as her 17-year-old self. But can she change a tragedy she knows is coming while not losing any of the life she loves in the future?
Still Life and Death (Trade Paperback) – Book 3 in the Shepherd Sisters Mystery series after Out of the Picture (♥♥♥♥½) and Behind the Frame (♥♥♥♥). Savanna’s uncle takes a job at the flower shop where she is teaching an art class, but he stumbles across a murder that sets the Shepherd sisters sleuthing again. Looking forward to this one!
Wait for It (Trade Paperback) – A new stand alone romance from the always delightful Jenn McKinlay. A young woman desperate for a fresh start rents a guest house from a “crabby old man” who turns out to be a good-looking guy her own age who is working through his own pain. This is on my review list.
Baptized in Tear Gas: From White Moderate to Abolitionist (Trade Paperback) – A self-described former “white moderate” who cared about social justice but not as much as keeping the “peace” shares her story of revelation and transformation.
The Secrets of Lego House (Hardcover) – A coffee-table book for Lego fans about the home of Lego.

BOOK NEWS: August 3, 2021

BOOK NEWS: August 3, 2021

Posted on by Jaymie

Happy August! There are so many books releasing this month to get excited about. Let’s take a look at some of this week’s new releases!

Books for Kids

Squasherella – A fall twist on Cinderella.
The Secret Life of Viruses – A picture book about the science of viruses.
Agent Moose: Moose on a Mission – Book 2 in the Agent Moose graphic novel chapter book series. Agent Moose, Granny Moose, and Owlfred are working a new case when the circus comes to the forest.
J.D. and the Family Business – A brother and sister with a flair for working with hair team up to grow their businesses. This looks awesome!
Super Turbo Protects the World (Graphic Novel) – A graphic novel version of book 4 in the Super Turbo series.
Total Mayhem: Monday Into the Cave of Thieves AND Tuesday The Curse of the Blue Spots – The first two books in the Total Mayhem chapter book series starring a kid named Dash Candoo.
Unicorn Diaries: Bo and the Merbaby – Book 5 in the delightful Unicorn Diaries series. Bo wants to help a merbaby who can’t swim on her own yet.

Books for Older Kids/Teens/Young Adults

Black Boy Joy – A collection of 17 stories celebrating Black boys.
Boots – Book 3 in the League of Secret Heroes series. This is a fun historical fantasy mashup with a trio of teen superheroes helping fight World War II. The Infinity Trinity take on the Metallic Falcon when he captures Mae’s aunts.
I Survived the Attacks of September 11, 2021 (Graphic Novel) – A graphic novel adaptation of the I Survived novel about 9/11. This is a perfect release for the 20th anniversary of an event that impacted the world today’s kids live in, but happened long before they were born. I’ll be reviewing this one soon.
Julie and the Phantoms: Whatever Happens – A book that takes place immediately after the end of season one of Julie and the Phantoms, but which reveals stories from before the boys became ghosts and before Julie’s mom died. I’ll be reviewing this one soon.
Just Be Cool, Jenna Sakai – After a break-up, Jenna swears off boys. But her ex is competing with her for a major scholarship and another boy keeps stealing her favorite diner booth where she goes to hide every day.
Paola Santiago and the Forest of Nightmares – Book 2 in this series from Rick Riordan’s imprint. Paola is having nightmares again, but with her relationships in flux, there’s really no one she can tell. But her mysterious and absent father is at the center of the nightmares – and he just might be the solution she needs to help her ailing grandmother.
Stowaway – The latest middle grade story from the fabulous John David Anderson. This is the first book in a planned sci-fi duology. Leo and his brother have been stranded in space when the galactic battle over a rare but important resource discovered on Earth heats up and their scientist father is kidnapped. This one is on my review list.
Wish Upon a Stray – Looking for friends in her new American home, Maria gets attached to a stray who turns out to belong to her neighbor. In exchange for more time with the dog, she agrees to sing in her neighbor’s band.
Dangerous Play – When Zoe is assaulted at a party, she and her field hockey teammates decide to do whatever they have to in order to ensure no girl ever feels unsafe again.
The Dead and the Dark (LGBTQ+) – Two girls team up to find out what has been happening to the teens in the town of Snakebite, but neither are ready for what they discover.
The Fatal Error – First book in the Holding the Fort series. A secret military project decides it doesn’t want to be kept a secret any more. And a group of teens wakes up to find everyone else in their town has gone missing. I have this one on my wish list.
Suns Will Rise – Book 3 in the System Divine series described as “Les Misérables meets The Lunar Chronicles.” I’m not sure I can do the description to this justice since I haven’t read the first two books. But book one, Sky Without Stars, is on my list.

 

Books for Adults

An Amish Schoolroom (Trade Paperback) – A collection of three stories about Amish school teachers.
The Chocolate Raccoon Rigmarole (Hardcover) – Book 18 in the Chocoholic Mystery series. Lee starts looking into a series of robberies where only sweets are taken when her friend’s boyfriend becomes a suspect.
The Dating Dare (Trade Paperback) – Sequel to the fun novel, A Sweet Mess. While their secret dates always end in some romcom-level disaster, their chance meetings are always something special. And that’s a problem because Tara doesn’t want anything serious, and Seth is going to be leaving the country soon for a job. This one is on my review list.
Death in Castle Dark (Mass Market Paperback) – First in a new A Dinner and a Murder Mystery series which I have heard is written by Julia Buckley. An actress cast in a murder mystery troupe finds a real mystery when one of the other actors is killed during a performance. This is also on my review list.
Delia Suits Up (Trade Paperback) – A woman convinced her job woes would be gone if only she was a man finds herself magically transformed.
Hostile Intent (Trade Paperback) – Book 4 in the Danger Never Sleeps series. A military officer requests an early discharge to spend time with her dying mother, but she’s attacked. Now the special agent of the FBI who saved her says she may have the answers to a series of unsolved murders. And they need to work together to find the killer before the killer strikes again.
If the Shoe Fits (Hardcover) – From the author of Dumplin’. Cindy, a shoe-loving fashion designer who can’t find work in her field, finds herself thrown into a reality tv show when a guest cancels and the show-runner (Cindy’s step-mother) needs a fill-in. As the first plus-sized woman to appear on the show, Cindy finds herself getting a lot of attention, but she’s not sure she can trust any of it – the fans, her fellow contestants, or the things she is feeling for the star of the show. This is also on my review list.
Murder Most Fowl (Hardcover) – Book 29 in the always delightful Meg Langslow Mystery series. While Meg’s husband is directing a production of Macbeth, and a group of reenactors are exploring the life of the real Macbeth, a murderer strikes. (Book 30, The Twelve Jays of Christmas, will release in October.) This one is on my review list.
So We Meet Again (Trade Paperback) – When Jessie heads home to lick her wounds after being laid off, she runs into her childhood nemesis who, surprisingly, offers to help her relaunch her YouTube cooking channel. I have adored the last couple books I have ready by Suzanne Park, so I am eager to dig into this one, which is on my review list.
To Write a Wrong (Trade Paperback) – Book 2 in the Bleecker Street Inquiry Agency series after the wonderful To Steal a Heart. When a mystery writer finds himself the target of murder attempts, he enlists the help of the Bleecker Street Inquiry Agency. And Daphne, a mystery writer herself, is assigned to help. I am so excited about this one!
The Walnut Creek Wish (Trade Paperback) – First in the Creektown Discoveries series. A couple in a strained marriage move to Walnut Creek and find unexpected help at an antique store.
3 Big Questions that Change Every Teenager (Hardcover) – Based on research from the Fuller Youth Institute. Contains information to help pastors, parents, youth leaders, and mentors shepherd teens through their three big questions: Who am I? Where do I fit? and What difference can I make? This sounds amazing!
The Daily Bible Project (Three-Year Journal) – A multi-year journal with a Bible reading prompt (roughly three chapters a day) with room for notes. Will take the reader through the Bible in a year, three times. No text, just the reference so any translation can be used. I am eager to see this one in person.
Holy Hot Mess: Finding God in the Details of This Weird and Wonderful Life (Hardcover) – No matter how “messy” life feels, you can trust you are being transformed into Christ’s likeness.
A Women’s Lectionary for the Whole Church, Year A AND Year W (Trade Paperback) – A lectionary focused on the stories of women in the Bible.

BOOK NEWS: July 27, 2021

BOOK NEWS: July 27, 2021

Posted on by Jaymie

It’s the final week of July. Here are some of the great books releasing this week!

Books for Kids

Good Dog: The Swimming Hole – Book 5 in the Good Dog series about Bo. Bo is going to go swimming for the first time.

Books for Older Kids/ Teens/Young Adults

Marvel-Verse: She-Hulk (Older Middle Grade, Graphic Novel) – A collection of She-Hulk stories to introduce the character to kids.
Super Sidekicks: Ocean’s Revenge (Graphic Novel) – Book 2 in the Super Sidekicks series. The sidekicks are settling into their new life as heroes while the Mother of the Seas stirs up trouble.
Star Wars The High Republic: Out of the Shadows – Book 2 in the middle grade portion of the High Republic series. A girl trying to keep the family business her mother built and a young Jedi are drawn into a property dispute on the frontier.
Weird Kid – Jake is a mysterious boy with shape-shifting powers who is just trying to blend in  when mysterious sinkholes start popping up around town – holes filled with goo like Jake was when he arrived on Earth. Then, the whole town starts to act… weird. This one is on my review list.
Mightier than the Sword: Rebels, Reformers, and Revolutionaries Who Changed the World Through Writing – What an awesome idea for a book! I can’t wait to see this one in person. This would be a great book to add to classroom libraries and for young writers.
Red Wolf – A reimagined Little Red Riding Hood about a young woman who is part of a line of protectors who take the shape of a wolf to guard their village. But her role could cost her everything that truly matters to her.
When We Were Strangers – A young woman is the only one in her family who knows that the day he died her father was planning to move out of the house to live with his pregnant mistress. When the mistress needs help, the young woman who has been following her discovers there’s even more to the story than she thinks. This sounds fascinating!

Books for Adults

Cider Shop Rules (Mass Market Paperback) – Book 3 in the Cider Shop Mystery series by delightful Julie Anne Lindsey. (She also writes under other names such as Bree Baker, Julie Chase, and Jacqueline Frost.) Winnie is sleuthing again when one of the more popular people in town is murdered. I missed book 2 somehow in this series, but I plan to catch up soon – I picked up the e-book for a dollar! This one is on my review list!
Claws for Alarm (Mass Market Paperback) – Book 5 in the Cat Café Mystery series. JJ’s House of Purrs is attracting national attention, which draws in some big names who want to work with Maddie on rescue fundraising. But when the big executive is found dead, Maddie has a lot of questions. This sounds like a fun series I’ll have to add to my list.
A Few Drops of Bitters (Hardcover) – Book 26 in the fun Savannah Reid Mystery series. Savannah and her friends are drawn into a high profile case when the wealthy husband of a new friend is murdered.
A Fiancée’s Guide to First Wives and Murder (Hardcover) – Book 4 in one of my favorites – the Countess of Harleigh Mystery series. It seems Frances’ fiancé George has some explaining to do when a young French woman comes to town insisting she is George’s wife. I adore this series and can’t wait to dig into this story. This is on my review list as well.
A Good Day for Chardonnay (Hardcover) – Book 2 in the Sunshine Vicram series. A small town police chief, Sunshine just wants a simple, quiet day but instead she has a bar fight gone wrong, an unsolved murder, and her own abduction cold case. The description of this is an absolute delight. I have book one waiting in my shopping cart.
Heartbreak for Hire (Trade Paperback) – Brinkley’s job at Heartbreak for Hire makes sense to her. She helps women get the revenge they deserve on the men who cruelly broke their hearts. But when Brinkley’s boss decides to hire male heartbreakers – and her first choice is a guy Brinkley had to take down – things don’t seem quite so simple any more.
Knot Ready for Murder (Mass Market Paperback) – Book 9 in the Quilting Mystery series. Martha and her friends have a little extra incentive this time when they take on a missing person’s case. The missing person is technically still married to Martha’s fiancé, and her wedding plans are hanging in the balance.
The Matchmaker Bride (Mass Market Paperback) – Book 2 in the Blue Hills Brides series. Meredith’s little white lie about an engagement to a Maine boatbuilder spirals out of control and threatens her plans for the future until she convinces the man to play along for awhile. I love a good fake relationship story, so this is on my radar.
Much Ado About Nauticaling (Trade Paperback) – First in the new Whit and Whiskers Mystery series. Whitney decides to help clear her brother’s name when he is accused of murder not long after she comes home to help him run the family business. The description promises all the cozy mystery vibes combined with some romcom fun, and that put this one on my list, too.
Murder in a Teacup (Hardcover) – Book 2 in the Tea by the Sea Mystery series by Vicki Delany. When a guest’s special tea is used to commit murder, Lily’s business – and her freedom – are in jeopardy.
Murder in Connemara (Mass Market Paperback) – Book 2 in the Home to Ireland Mystery series. Tara is a murder suspect when an heiress is found dead, killed with a brooch from Tara’s shop. But there are other suspects too as the woman was entertaining folks she wronged back when she was drinking.
The Rocky Road to Ruin (Mass Market Paperback) – First in a new Ice Cream Shop Mystery series. A travel food blogger – and CIA librarian – is home for a funeral when a murderer strikes. This sounds like an interested set up; I’d give this one a try!
A Time to Swill (Mass Market Paperback) – Book 2 in the Chloe Jackson Sea Glass Saloon Mystery series. When a sailboat washes ashore with a skeleton inside, Chloe starts sleuthing to clear the name of an old friend.
Ephesians: Head Held High (Trade Paperback) – A Bible study over the book of Ephesians.

BOOK NEWS: July 20, 2021

BOOK NEWS: July 20, 2021

Posted on by Jaymie

Here are some of the new books releasing this week!

Books for Kids

Boo! Baa, LaLaLa! (Board Book) – A new board book from the delightful Sandra Boynton.
Amara and the Bats – A bat-loving girl looks for a way to help the bats near her new home when their habitat is disturbed.
Trick Or Treat, Crankenstein – Halloween may be ruined after a series of problems for Crankenstein.
Dragon Masters: Wave of the Sea Dragon – Book 19 in the Dragon Masters series.
Pup Detectives: Ghosts, Goblins and Ninjas! (Graphic Novel) – Book 4 in the Pup Detective graphic novel series.

 

Books for Older Kids/Teens/Young Adults

Better with Butter – An anxious girl finds a true friend in a fainting goat named Butter, but their friendship is in jeopardy when she is told she might have to give Butter up.
Linked – The latest from the fabulous Gordon Korman. Three kids team up to find out who has been painting swastikas around their school.
Titans: The Fallen Queen – Book 3 in the Titans series by Kate O’Hearn. Astraea and her friends must take their fight to the Mimic’s home world, but their only chance to defeat the Mimic queen will require a team up with some unlikely allies. I have enjoyed the author’s other mythology books, and the first book in this series was terrific!
History Smashers: The American Revolution – A new nonfiction book from Kate Messner.
After the Ink Dries – Told from different viewpoints, including portions told in graphic panels. A girl wakes up after a party half clothed, with names of boys all over her body, including the name of her new “boyfriend.” A dark subject, told in a creative way. Something to check out.
Curses – A Beauty and the Beast retelling about a girl cursed to live as a beast and the con artist she gets to help her find the love that can break the curse.
The Dire Days of Willowweep Manor (Graphic Novel) – A fan of Gothic romance novels finds herself living in one when an act of heroism transports her to an alternate universe.

Books for Adults

Fatal Family Ties (Hardcover) – Book 3 in the outstanding Ancestry Detective Mystery series. Lucy’s least-favorite former co-worker asks for her help tracing an ancestor accused of being a Civil War deserter, but their investigation leads to murder. This is definitely on my review list.
Isn’t It Bromantic? (Trade Paperback) – Book 4 in the fantastic Bromance Book Club series. The Russian’s marriage of convenience is the focus of this book in this hilarious series about a group of men in a romance book club. I don’t know that these have to be read in order necessarily, but you don’t want to miss any of them! This is on my review list as well.
Mother of All (Trade Paperback) – Book 3 in the Women’s War series. While women have wrested back control of their reproductive rights, the battle against the forces that would keep them subjugated is heating up. This series sounds fascinating! I have the first book on my list.
Second Blind Son (Trade Paperback) – Book 2 in the Saylok series. An orphan girl teams up with a blind cave dweller who discovers he can see when she sings. Together they confront secrets and prophecies while the world around them continues to deal with warring factions and power struggles. This is another series that’s new to me. I’ll be checking out the first book of this as well.
Star Trek Voyager: Seven’s Reckoning (Graphic Novel) – A comics collection starring Voyager’s Seven of Nine.
So Long Normal (Trade Paperback, Nonfiction) – A new book from singer/songwriter Laura Story, author of the amazing When God Doesn’t Fix It (♥♥♥♥♥). Looks at both biblical and personal stories of leaving “normal” behind for the life God has for us.
The One with All the Cross-Stitch (Paperback, Nonfiction) – Includes 21 cross stitch patterns like the couch, a smelly cat, and a raw turkey wearing sunglasses.
When Thoughts and Payers Aren’t Enough: A Shooting Survivor’s Journey into the Realities of Gun Violence (Hardcover, Nonfiction) – This is another nonfiction book releasing this month from someone I follow on social media. This look at gun violence and the response of the Church should be a fascinating read.

BOOK NEWS: July 13, 2021

BOOK NEWS: July 13, 2021

Posted on by Jaymie

Here are some of the new books releasing this week to enjoy during your summer vacation!

 

Books for Kids

Tiny Barbarian – Inspired by a movie character, Tiny becomes a barbarian, facing down fierce creatures – and giant broccoli. But what can a barbarian do to defeat his fear of the dark?
Goat Wants to Eat – Every time Cat tries to find somewhere to nap, Goat shows up and tries to eat something.
Rocket Has a Sleepover – Rocket has trouble falling asleep during his sleepover with his friends. Could the illustrations here be any more adorable?!

 

Books for Older Kids/ Teens/Young Adults

Goldilocks: Wanted Dead or Alive (Graphic Novel) – First in a new series from Chris Colfer, a spin-off from his Land of Stories series. This is the origin story for the character. This looks fun!
Margie Kelly Breaks the Dress Code – Margie notices how the dress code is unfairly applied to just the girls at her school, so she decides to fight back. But in the fight she also starts to recognize her own privilege and ways she can take a stand that helps all students. I like the extra twist on this story.
Ten Thousand Tries – Golden knows if he wants to improve on the soccer field, he has to put in the work – 10,000 tries. But when his father’s health gets worse, more practice and pushing harder isn’t going to be enough to fix things.
Faking Reality – What is Dakota willing to sacrifice when her best friend and crush’s family business is in big trouble?
Radha & Jai’s Recipe for Romance – In a new community after a devastating disappointment, Radha thinks she will have to leave dance behind her. But Jai sees that Radha could be just the talented partner he needs to find happily ever after – for both of them.

Books for Adults

Dogged by Death (Hardcover) – Book 1 in the Furry Friends Mystery series. Ally moves back to Wisconsin to help her grandfather and ends up investigating a murder when her grandfather decides he can solve the case. This looks so fun! It’s on my review list.
Hex for Danger (Hardcover) – Book 2 in the Enchanted Bay Mystery series after the delightful A Spell for Trouble. Alex and Celeste are planning the annual Mermaid Festival when Celeste is suspected of murder. This is on my review list, too!
How Sweet It Is (Trade Paperback) – An event planner used to planning weddings takes on a horror writer’s book launch – and sparks unexpectedly fly. This sounds fantastic!
It Happened One Summer (Trade Paperback) – A pampered Hollywood Princess is cut off and forced to “rough it” running her late-father’s dive bar. The burly local sea captain thinks she won’t stick it out, so she has something to prove.
Make You Feel My Love (Trade Paperback) – Two strangers in Chickadee Creek looking for a fresh start are drawn together by an old violin.
Midnight Spells Murder (e-book) – Book 2 in the Happy Camper Mystery series after Open for Murder. Zo is getting ready for Halloween at the Happy Camper gift shop when a self-proclaimed witch is murdered and Zo is drawn into hunting down another killer.
Murder at the Lakeside Library (Hardcover) – First in the new Lakeside Library Mystery series. After the death of her husband, Rain has moved to the family cabin in Wisconsin and is preparing to re-open the library her mother used to run then when she discovers a dead real-estate buyer. Rumor has it that Rain’s mother was having an affair with the man.
Secrets of the Force: The Complete, Uncensored, Unauthorized Oral History of Star Wars (Hardcover) – A single volume retelling of the Star Wars saga.
Silence in the Library (Hardcover) – Book 2 in the Lily Adler Mystery series. Lily teams up again with a Bow Street Runner when the husband of her new friend is murdered.
Song of Echoes (e-book) – Kicks of a new “epic fantasy series.”
Star Trek The Next Generation: Shadows Have Offended (Trade Paperback) – The crew of the Enterprise is split up to tackle two missions. While Picard, Worf and Troi are dealing with a diplomatic crisis related to Betazed, Riker, Data, and Crusher are investigating a tragedy at a science station. This is at the top of my reading list for this month!
Trusting Molly (Trade Paperback) – A schoolteacher kidnapped along with hundreds of girls in the jungle is rescued by a team of government assassins who thought they were coming in to take out a target and leave.
While We Were Dating (Trade Paperback) – They were just supposed to be working together for an ad campaign. But flirting and banter might turn into something real – if the Hollywood spotlight doesn’t ruin everything.
Subpar Parks: America’s Most Extraordinary National Parks and Their Least Impressed Visitors (Hardcover, Nonfiction) – Based on the Instagram account that puts up art based on the National Parks with hilarious, real criticisms. This is supposed to include 50% new material just for the book.
You Can’t Say That: Writers for Young People Talk About Censorship, Free Expression, and the Stories They Have to Tell (Hardcover, Nonfiction) – Thirteen authors of children’s and young adult books talk about what it’s like to have their work banned or challenged.

BOOK NEWS: July 6, 2021

BOOK NEWS: July 6, 2021

Posted on by Jaymie

Happy July! While I am on a personal sabbatical this month, I couldn’t leave you without news on some of the great books releasing this week. There are a BUNCH! Take a look:

Books for Kids

Bloop – Bloop the alien comes to Earth for conquest, but he thinks dogs are the ones in charge. This sounds fun!
Except Antarctica! – While the narrator is quick to tell the turtle and other animals that they are found on every continent except Antarctica, the animals decide to travel there to prove them wrong. This is already in my shopping cart. The sample pages are hilarious!
The Bad Guys Cut to the Chase – Book 13 in the fun Bad Guys series.

 

Books for Older Kids/Teens/Young Adults

Babymouse Tales from the Locker: Whisker Wizard – Book 5 in the middle grade Babymouse series. Babymouse gets to experience being an online influencer.
Forever this Summer – While Georgie is feeling left out by her family in their new town, a new friend asks for help finding her biological mother, and the journey changes what Georgie thought her summer would look like.
The Last Super Chef – When Curtis’ long-absent father announces a kid’s season of his show, Super Chef, Curtis sees it as a chance to prove himself as well as to meet his dad.
Secondhand Dogs – Miss Lottie has created a pack – a family – out of the rescues she has taken in. But when a new dog threatens their home and harmony, Gus, the pack leader, will have to find his courage and use it to save his family. This looks great!
Time Villains – First in a new series about a mysterious table that brings historical figures to life – and to dinner. And during a dinner party, Blackbeard the pirate escapes. This sounds super fun!
What Is the Story of Willy Wonka? – The backstory of the character Willy Wonka.
Where Are the Constellations? – A book about the constellations.
Who Was Juliette Gordon Low? – A biography of the woman who founded the Girl Scouts.
If You, Then Me – A young woman at an app incubator program for tech prodigies deals with meeting her idol; acquiring a nemesis; and stumbling into a love triangle between herself, her face to face crush, and the guy she’s been interacting with online – who happens to be at the same event. I have this one on my review list.
It Ends in Fire – A new novel from the author of Royal Bastards. A young woman who lost her parents at the hands of wizards and has grown up in a rebel faction cons her way into the magical academy in order to destroy it from within. I never got to finish the Royal Bastards series, but I loved the first book. I have this one in my shopping cart already.
The Queen Will Betray You – Book 2 in the Kingdoms of Sand and Sky series after The Princess Will Save You. The princess and the stable boy she loves face several royals out to claim the kingdom for themselves. I never got to read book one last year, but it releases in paperback this week and both books are on my wish list!
Rise to the Sun (LGBTQ+) – From the author of You Should See Me in a Crown. Two young women at the same music festival find in each other the companion and the support to do what they each need to do that weekend.
Six Crimson Cranes – A princess with forbidden magic is chased away from her home by her step-mother who has turned the girl’s brothers into cranes who will die if she tells anyone what happened. This sounds fascinating!

Books for Adults

The 22 Murders of Madison May (Hardcover) – A reporter is following a serial killer through the multiverse as he kills the same woman in every dimension. Yes please!
Capture the Crown (Trade Paperback) – Book 1 in the Gargoyle Queen series, a spinoff from the amazing Crown of Shards series. A pampered princess hides the extent of her magic and her role as a spy, but during a mission finds she must partner up with her nemesis if she’s going to survive. I have an autographed copy working its way to me this week – I can’t wait to dig into this one!
A Cup of Silver Linings (Trade Paperback) – Book 2 in the Dove Pond series. A tea shop owner finds her special blends having the wrong effects on her customers. A grandmother in town to tie up her daughter’s affairs and move her granddaughter home finds a wrinkle to her plans – her granddaughter doesn’t want to go. So the granddaughter goes in search of her father and a chance to stay in Dove Pond. The full description of both this book and the first have grabbed my attention. These are now on my list.
Death at the Crystal Palace (Trade Paperback) – Book 5 in the Below Stairs Mystery series which kicked off with Below Stairs (♥♥♥♥). Kat gets embroiled in two dangerous mysteries when she agrees to help a woman who believes her own family members are trying to kill her. I might have to pick this series back up – this one sounds fascinating!
Dog Eat Dog (Hardcover) – Book 23 in the Andy Carpenter Mystery series, one of my favorites. Andy picks up a new client when a man wanted for murder stops to help a dog being abused. This one is on my review list.
A Fatal Footnote (Mass Market Paperback) – Book 2 in the Open Book Mystery series after Murder in the Margins. Wedding bells hit a sour note when the Duke’s ex is found murdered at his wedding reception.
Half Sick of Shadows (Hardcover) – A reimagined King Arthur story, focused on a young seer named Elaine of Shalott, from the author of the Ash Princess series.
The Hollywood Spy (Hardcover) – Book 10 in the Maggie Hope Mystery series. Maggie travels to America when the woman engaged to her former fiancé is found dead and he suspects foul play.
Kill All Your Darlings (Trade Paperback) – A struggling writer and professor publishes a novel written by a missing student as his own. The student then shows up on his doorstep. And the police want to know why “his” novel includes details related to an unsolved case, trapping him between two undesirable actions. Wow, that sounds fascinating!
Lost and Found Family (Trade Paperback) – The latest novel by Jennifer Ryan. Hiding the truth of her late husband’s behavior has estranged Sara from her mother-in-law who threatens to take Sara’s children’ from her. This sounds fantastic!
The Moonshine Shack Murder (Mass Market Paperback) – First in the new  Southern Homebrew Mystery series. When a body is found on the doorstep of her business with a broken bottle of her moonshine next to it, and the police discover Hattie and the victim had an argument, she becomes the prime suspect.
Out of Character (Trade Paperback, LGBTQ+) – Book 2 in the True Colors series after Conventionally Yours (a book I keep re-buying because I haven’t gotten to read it yet and keep forgetting I already own it). Jasper wants nothing to do with his ex-best friend, but Milo is desperate and really needs the help. And maybe he’ll even get to a point where he can tell Jasper how he really feels about him.
A Pumpkin Spice Killing (e-book) – Part of the Farm-to-Fork Mystery series. When the staff of the County Seat help out at a veterans home as a team-building exercise, they get drawn into one veteran’s quest to find his son and make amends before it’s too late. But someone keeps blocking their efforts. Sounds like a great mystery!
Tender Is the Bite (Hardcover) – Book 11 in the Chet & Bernie Mystery series. A young woman approaches Chet and Bernie for help but runs off before they can even get her name. But Chet picked up some clues to the case that hinges on the help of a ferret. That description is enough to get me to pick this one up!
Too Good to Be Real (Trade Paperback) – A reporter at a retreat that promises guests the chance at real life meet cutes has a meet cute of her own, but she doesn’t tell the guy she’s just there for the story. This sounds exactly like a Hallmark movie set up! I have to try this one!
Living Brave: Lessons from Hurt, Lighting the Way to Hope (Hardcover, Nonfiction) – I was already following the author, Shannon Dingle, on social media before she lost her husband in a stunning accident in 2019. This is going to be a powerful book!

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!

 

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.