Category: Book News

BOOK NEWS: December 18, 2018

BOOK NEWS: December 18, 2018

Posted on by Jaymie

I’m looking forward to the wrap up of the semester this week and the move into a few weeks of rest – and reading! Here are some of the books out this week.

Books for Kids

Hugs &Kisses for the Grouchy Ladybug – The latest from Eric Carle.
I’ll Love You Till the Cows Come Home – An expression of love taken to fun extremes. I can’t wait to see this one in person!
Love, Z – A little robot who finds a message in a bottle sets off on an adventure to learn what “love” means.
Ellie May on President’s Day – First in a new early chapter book series about a girl who uses what she is learning about the presidents to try to get her turn as class flag leader. This looks darling.
Mia Mayhem Is a Superhero! AND Mia Mayhem Learns to Fly! – A regular eight-year-old girl discovers she is a superhero in this new early chapter book series. Adorable!

Books for Older Kids/Teens/Young Adults

Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse Junior Novel – The Junior Novel for the new animated Spider-Man movie. I’m not a big Spider-Man fan, but I have enjoyed the most recent Marvel iteration of the character, and I also enjoyed the Miles Morales novel that came out last year. I’ve been looking forward to seeing this movie.
Marvel Fearless and Fantastic: Female Superheroes Save the World – A book for kids that explores the women of Marvel. I’m excited about this one!
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse – The Art of the Movie – Our whole family enjoys these Art of coffee table books!
The Cursed Sea – Sequel to The Glass Spare in a series about a princess cursed to turn living things into gem. I have this series on my TBR list.
The Disasters – Billed as The Breakfast Club meets Guardians of the Galaxy. Four kids kicked out of the space academy are witnesses to a major terrorist attack. They are also the perfect fall guys. Yep, this is at the top of my list for the week! I already have it on hold from the library.
The Girl with the Broken Heart – After suffering a family tragedy, a girl gets her dream summer job caring for abused horses. Her helper is a charming guy who’s hiding something. I’m curious to give this one a try.
Kiss Collector – A girl who has seen too many relationships crumble, including her own, decides instead of relationships, she just wants kisses. She challenges her friends to a contest of collecting the most kisses over spring break. I can see so many ways for that to go wrong! This is on my list for this week, too.
A Walk in Our Cleats: 25 Athletes Who Never Gave Up – This looks at 25 NFL players and their lives of faith. This would make a great holiday gift!

Books for Adults

The Amish Sweet Shop (Paperback) – Three Amish stories for Valentine’s Day. Seems a little early, but after the first of the year, I’ll be ready for this one!
Botched 4 Murder (Mass Market Paperback) – Book 4 in the Sophie Kimball Mystery series. In this book, Sophie finds trouble – and murder – at her mother’s retirement home. This sounds like a great mystery.
Gown with the Wind (Mass Market Paperback) – Book 4 in the Wedding Planner Mystery series. In this book, Mallory is trying to plan the wedding of her ex, but before they can get down the aisle, his fiancée is a murder suspect.
Kappy King and the Pie Kaper (Paperback) – Book 3 in the Kappy King series. This time a baking rivalry might have led to murder. I have the first book on my TBR shelves. I can’t wait to try out this series!
One Taste Too Many (Mass Market Paperback) – First in a new series. Sarah Blair is trying to put her life back together after a divorce and other disappointments when her ex drops dead and Sarah’s twin is the primary suspect. I love trying new mystery series!
Something Worth Saving (Paperback) – Charlie chose Lily the cat at the shelter when she was desperately in need of rescue. Now it’s her turn to rescue Charlie. Charlie is in trouble and the rest of his family members are too wrapped up in their own circumstances to notice. Lily will have to use all her feline wiles to get them to truly see Charlie and help him. This is high on my list for this week, too!
Son of Fletch (Paperback) – Book 10 in the Fletch mysteries (yes, Fletch, like the Chevy Chase movie from 1985.). An escaped con ends up on Fletch’s property and claims he is the reporter’s long lost son. I haven’t read any of the books before, but I am intrigued by the plot of this one. It’s on my list for this week, too.
Steamed Open (Mass Market Paperback) – Book 7 in the Maine Clambake Mystery series. This time, a new neighbor is murdered after he blocks off access to the beach – and the clamming the town needs, including Julia’s family business.
Valentine Candy Murder (Paperback) – Two PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED mysteries – Valentine Murder AND Chocolate Covered Murder – are combined into one volume.  This is great for folks new to the series, but if you have read these already, be aware that this is a re-issue/repackaging instead of new material.
Wine and Punishment (Hardcover) – First in a new series. A woman looking to reinvent herself opens a literary pub in Vermont. When her ex is found murdered and a local business is the victim of arson, Sadie starts digging to find the local troublemaker before he or she strikes again. Sounds like a great new series! This one is on my library wish list! (My hold list is full….)
Simon Peter: Flawed but Faithful Disciple (Hardcover) – A six-week Lenten journey that looks at the life of Jesus’ disciple, Simon Peter. A leader’s guide is available for those who want to use this as a group resource.

BOOK NEWS: December 11, 2018

BOOK NEWS: December 11, 2018

Posted on by Jaymie

Two more weeks until Christmas. Don’t forget my Holiday Hint Lists if you are looking for gifts for readers on your shopping list this holiday season. Here are some of the books out this week.

Books for Kids

Romeosaurus and Juliet Rex – Two dinosaurs who just want to be friends realize their families would never get along. This looks adorable!
First Pitch AND Jump Shot – Nonfiction early readers about baseball and basketball respectively.
I Wish I Was a Polar Bear – Another nonfiction early reader.
The Dragon Games! – Book 10 in the Ella and Owen series for new chapter book readers. Ella is sabotaged in a flying contest, and Owen is trying to find the culprit.

Books for Older Kids/Teens/Young Adults

Sprinkles Before Sweethearts – Book 5 in the Sprinkle Sundays series about 3 friends trying to stay connected when their life circumstances start to change. In this one, one of the girls feels like everyone around her is squealing about boys and dating, but she isn’t interested. Does that mean there’s something wrong with her? This sounds like a great series!
This Lie Will Kill You – I Know What You Did Last Summer meets Clue in this book for teens about five kids who played a part in the death of another.  The five have now been lured to a remote location for revenge. *shiver* Sounds great!

Books for Adults

A Baker Street Wedding (Hardcover) – Book 6 in the Baker Street Letters series. In this book, Reggie and Laura are now married, but there are still mysteries to solve including why they are honeymooning in a remote village on the coast. I’m several books behind on this series, but I enjoyed the first few.
Batter Off Dead (Hardcover) – Book 2 in the Southern Cake Baker Mystery series. The host of a library fundraiser is killed after promising to pay off the library’s loan but before he can follow through on his promise – or pay Sophia for the catering she did for the event. If she doesn’t find out who’s responsible so everything can be sorted out and she can be paid, her business may not survive. I’d love to give this new series a try.
Hooks Can Be Deceiving (Hardcover) – Book 13 in this crochet-themed mystery series. In this book, a new member of the crochet group is killed. Who would kill her? Was she even the killer’s target in the first place?
Mera, Queen of Atlantis (Paperback GN) – There seem to be several versions of Mera in the Aquaman/DC universe. In this new graphic novel, she is the queen of Atlantis in exile trying to quell a civil war. I’m curious to see this one in person.
Who I Am With You (Paperback) – A pregnant woman grieving the loss of her husband and first born meets a guy hiding out in Hope Springs, Idaho.  Over time, thanks to the notes in the margins of the woman’s great-grandfather’s Bible, they may both find the healing they are looking for.
Together with Christ: A Dating Couple’s Devotional (Paperback) – This looks like a terrific gift or resource for young couples hoping to grow in their relationship with one another and with Christ.

BOOK NEWS: December 4, 2018

BOOK NEWS: December 4, 2018

Posted on by Jaymie

December is here, and there are plenty of new books releasing this month to keep you reading right on through the end of the year! Here are some of the books out this week:

Books for Kids

Louise and the Class Pet – From the author of Louise Loves Art, a darling picture book, comes book 2 in an Early Reader series starring Louise.
A Puppy for Helen Keller (Tails from History) – Book 3 in the Tails from History Early Reader series, this time about Helen Keller and her Akita dog from Japan.
Dog Diaries – Patterson’s Middle School series now for young readers, told through the eyes of Rafe’s dog, Junior. I’m curious about this one. I love books where the animals tell the story in their own “voice.”
Dragon Quest – Book 3 in the reissued Dragonling series. I loved the first one, although I wish the internal illustrations had been redone by the cover artist. In this book Darek and his dragon are trying to stop the kidnapping of a baby dragon. This story sounds great!
It’s Not Easy Being Mimi – Book 1 in a new chapter book series about a girl named Mimi and her cat Marvin who are trying to adjust to a new neighbor.
Beavers: Superpower Field Guide – First in a new illustrated nonfiction series for kids about animal “superpowers.”

Books for Older Kids/Teens/Young Adults

Never Evers – A middle school ski trip doesn’t go quite as planned when a boy goes on the trip looking for his first kiss, but a big pop star shows up and has his eye on the same girl. With the kissing/dating pieces, this is obviously for older middle grade readers.
North to Benjamin – A boy and his mother head to northwestern Canada as his mom looks for a new guy whose heart she will eventually break. The boy pours his heart out to a dog as he tries to protect his new friends from his mom’s bad choices. This is an adventure story full of complicated family dynamics. Another one for an older middle grade audience.
Who Was Napoleon? AND Who Was Nikola Tesla? – The latest in the Who Was series
The Expedition – Book two in a teen dystopian series following The Initiation. Drayden and his friends venture out of New America (Manhattan) and brave the supervirus that wiped out most of humanity on a quest to contact another civilization in the old area of Boston. I’ve just started the first book in this series.
Fire & Heist – A fantasy story of a girl who is part-dragon trying to save her family from losing everything when her mom goes missing and her family is stripped of their place in wyvern (were-dragon) society. This was outstanding! I can’t wait to post my full review in a few weeks.
Once a King – Book 3 in the Clash of Kingdoms series. This seems to be set a few years in the future from the first two books in the series. I think I have book 1 on my TBR shelves. This series sounds like my sort of book – kings and kingdoms and magic.
Realm of Ruins – A girl with uncontrollable magic may be the only hope for stopping an ancient evil. I have requested this one from the library.
Unpresidented – A biography for teens about our 45th president.

Books for Adults

The Accidental Beauty Queen (Paperback) – A beauty queen wannabe drags her elementary school librarian twin to a pageant but needs her twin to fill in for her when she has an allergic reaction to something. I already have this one on hold from the library!
Catch Me If Yukon (Paperback) – Book 12 in the Passport to Peril mystery series. This time there’s a murder on a seniors tour of Alaska – and the culprit seems to be… Bigfoot. This sounds fun!
Claws for Celebration (Paperback) – Book 3 in the Cat Lady Mystery series about a murder at a holiday cookie bake off.  You can read my review of book one here.
The Decoy Date (Mass Market Paperback) – Book 4 in a romance series of stand alone stories. In this one, a guy proposes a fake relationship with his best friend to help her egg on the target of her affection. Neither of them ever expected to have more-than-friends feelings for one another. This sounds cute! I’ve requested this at the library, too.
Eggs on Ice (Hardcover) – Book 8 in the Cackleberry Club Mystery series is another mystery set at Christmas. This time, a local curmudgeon playing Scrooge is stabbed by the Ghost of Christmas Past. I have several of these books on my TBR shelves. This one sounds like a great holiday mystery!
Murder at the Mill (Hardcover) – First in a new series. A woman new to town is commissioned to paint a portrait of a local crime writer. At Christmas, a member of his family finds a dead body. I’m curious to find out more about this new series.
The Teacher’s Bride (Paperback) – This has been the year of Amish books for me – I’ve never really read many before. This is the fourth book in the Amish Brides of Birch Creek series. In this one, a man who comes to town to be the new school teacher and to find a wife, finds himself out of commission and having to trust his classroom to a unexpected, and unconventional replacement. This looks cute. I’ve requested this from the library, too.
Biblical Grandparenting: Exploring God’s Design for Disciple-Making and Passing Faith to Future Generations (Paperback) – A leadership book for grandparenting ministry.
Never Grow Up (Hardcover) – A memoir from Jackie Chan.

BOOK NEWS: November 27, 2018

BOOK NEWS: November 27, 2018

Posted on by Jaymie

It’s the final week of November, and Christmas is less than a month away. There’s still plenty of reading time left in 2018. Here are some of the books out this week!

Books for Kids

Lulu & Rocky in Milwaukee (December 1) – Book 1 in a new Our City Adventures series which first explores Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
DIY Pet Shop – Book 5 in the Craftily Ever After early chapter book series. In this book, Emily finally convinces her parents to let her get a puppy only to discover she’s allergic.

Books for Older Kids/Teens/Young Adults

Gamer Army – A kid is invited to an exclusive gaming tournament, but he and the other players start to think something much darker is going on.
The Incredibles 2 Cinestory Comic – We still haven’t seen the new Incredibles movie, but I am looking forward to checking it out!
Love à la Mode – The first cover pictured is the hardcover and the second is the Kindle, at least according to Amazon. That second cover is too spectacular to not show you! I am a huge Stephanie Kate Strohm fan, and I really enjoyed her latest book for teens about a group of kids in an exclusive cooking program. You can read my full review here later this week.
The Devoted Life: A Creative Journal (December 1) – A guided journal for teen girls. I’ll be reviewing this one next week.

Books for Adults

The Coloring Crook (Paperback) – Book 2 in the Pen and Ink mystery series. This time, a woman is killed, possibly over a rare book – the first coloring book to ever be published. The adult coloring trend seems to be waning a little, but this cozy series still sounds like a lot of fun to read.
Cut to the Chaise (Mass Market Paperback) – Book 8 in the Caprice De Luca Home Staging mystery series. This time there’s a murder at a vineyard that could ruin Caprice’s wedding plans. I enjoyed the first book in this series.
Deceased and Desist (Mass Market Paperback) – Book 3 in the Tallie Graver cozy series. A woman cleaning around a B&B about to open discovers a dead body. I haven’t tried this series yet, but it sounds great.
How to Knit a Murder (Hardcover) – Book 2 in the Seaside Knitters series. A woman new to town seems like a great handywoman to have around until she becomes tangled up in a murder. I’m intrigued by the description of this one.
Just Plain Murder (Mass Market Paperback) – Book 6 in Laura Bradford’s Amish mystery series. A lawman’s mentor is killed when he comes to town.  I read one of the author’s other Amish stories this summer and enjoyed it. I’m looking forward to digging into this series; I have several of the books on my TBR shelves already.
A Midwinter’s Tail (Mass Market Paperback) – Book 4 in the Lucky Paws Petsitting Mystery series.  Daphne and her basset hound are sleuthing again when a pet store chain’s CEO is murdered and Daphne’s friend is the prime suspect.  You can read my review of book one from the series here.
The Novel Art of Murder (Paperback) – Book 3 in the Mystery Bookshop series about a mystery bookshop owner who also writes mysteries – and occasionally helps solve some local ones. This series looks so fun!
Slay in Character (Mass Market Paperback) – Book 4 in the Cat Latimer series about a writer’s retreat. This time Cat and her fellow writers are on a trip away from the Bed and Breakfast when they stumble across a murder. I enjoyed the first book in this series, but I’ve gotten behind since then.
Someone to Trust (Mass Market Paperback) – Book 5 in the Wescott historical fiction series. In this book, a couple share an unexpected kiss at Christmas, but they know there can’t be a romance between them as she is so much older than he is. But they continue to be thrown together as they seek out more suitable matches, and it gets harder to deny the feelings they have for one another. I don’t read a ton of historic fiction, but this series includes some stories that sound intriguing.
Star Trek Prometheus: In the Heart of Chaos (Mass Market Paperback) – The latest Star Trek Prometheus novel focuses on the Prometheus and a Klingon ship investigating a series of terrorist attacks. This looks like the third book to focus on this part of the Star Trek Universe.
Violet Tendencies (Mass Market Paperback) – Book 2 in the Rose City mystery series about a young woman starting over at her aunt’s floral shop. In this book, there’s a murder at the Rose Festival.
The Whispered Word (Hardcover) – Book 2 in the Secret, Book and Scone Society series about a book shop owner and her friends who help their novice sheriff solve some murders. I’ve been waiting for the first book of this to come out in paperback so I could give it a try. That is out now and it’s on my list.
Yule Be Dead (Mass Market Paperback) – Book 5 in the Victoria Square mystery series about the owner of an artisan’s co-op who solves murders on the side. I’ve enjoyed the early books in the series.
Life Lessons from Hebrews (Paperback) – The Life Lessons Bible study series from Max Lucado releases more studies from the New Testament this week, including this one on the book of Hebrews.

BOOK NEWS: November 20, 2018

BOOK NEWS: November 20, 2018

Posted on by Jaymie

It’s Thanksgiving week here, and I’m looking forward to lots of rest and reading. Stay tuned for FRIDAY this week when I post my annual gift giving ideas for all ages – The Holiday Hint List. You can go HERE to see the list for the last two years.

Here are some books out this week – it’s a small week:

His Royal Dogness, Guy the Beagle: The Rebarkable True Story of Meghan Markle’s Rescue Dog (Picture Book) – I already have this one on hold through the library!
I Do Not Like Books Anymore! (Picture Book) – A little monster learning to read struggles to keep her love of books. I am looking forward to seeing this one in person!
Scarlett (Picture Book) – No one thinks Scarlett the sloth can solve a mystery in the forest, and while she would like to prove them wrong, she’s afraid they might be right.
Sophie Johnson, Unicorn Expert (Picture Book) – A girl is so busy teaching everyone around her about unicorns, she misses the magic right near by. This looks darling! I have to check this one out.
Snow Place Like Home – Book 17 in the fun Galaxy Zack series. Zack and his family head to a new planet for winter fun. 
The Once and Future Geek – (Middle Grade) – A young Arthur of Camelot time travels to the 21st century and Googles himself. Seeing the unfortunate turns his future will take, he decides to stay right here. I will be reviewing this one in a few weeks.
Big Damn Hero (Adult) – An original novel from the Firefly Universe! Captain Malcolm Reynolds is kidnapped and put on trial for his life while his crew tries to track him down.
Game Changer! Book Access for All Kids (Professional Development for Teachers – Paperback) – Donalyn Miller (The Book Whisperer) and Colby Sharp (The Creativity Project) are big names in education circles, especially when it comes to kids and reading. Their new collaboration focuses on tools and resources for teachers and administrators to launch reading/book initiatives in their schools and communities. I might not be teaching these days, but this one is still on my Christmas list!

BOOK NEWS: November 13, 2018

BOOK NEWS: November 13, 2018

Posted on by Jaymie

Here are some of the books releasing this week!

Books for Kids

The Case of the Missing Chalk Drawings – From the author of the awesome This Book Just Ate My Dog! comes a mystery about missing drawings. I can’t wait to read this one!
Super Turbo Gets Caught – In book 8 in the series, Super Turbo falls victim to a mousetrap in the school cafeteria.

Books for Older Kids/Teens/Young Adults

Bad Hare Day – Book 2 in the Mutant Bunny Island series. Perry is invited back to Bunny Island for Carrot Con. That sentence alone would get me to pick this one up and check it out. Carrot Con!
It Wasn’t Me – Another middle grade book compared to The Breakfast Club (like The Reckless Club). This time, five students suspected of vandalism join the victim on a Saturday to get to the bottom of what happened. I will be on the look out for this one!
Sasquatch and the Muckleshoot – Book 3 in the Unicorn Rescue Society. I have book 1 on my TBR shelves.
Twilight of the Elves – Book 2 in the Adventurers Guild series about a group of kids called on to right wrongs in a fantasy world.
Wundersmith: The Calling of Morrigan Crow – Book 2 in the Nevermoor series about a cursed girl destined to die who is swept away to a secret city. I have book one on my reading list.
Crimes of Grindelwald Screenplay (November 16) – The screenplay for the latest movie in the Harry Potter universe.
How She Died How I Lived – This book for teens focuses on a group of girls who were targeted by a killer. One of them paid the ultimate price. On the eve of the killer’s sentencing, the five survivors try to cope with their questions and survivor’s guilt. This sounds fascinating.
The Lying Woods – A teen finds out his father funded their lavish life with stolen funds. Now he has skipped town and left the young man and his mother to deal with the fall out. which includes threats against them for revenge. Yep, I would absolutely read that!
The Resolutions – Four Latinx teens make New Year’s resolutions – for one another – in an effort to stay connected during their senior year of high school. Sign me up for this one, too.
The Storyteller – Book 3 in the Sea of Ink and Gold series after The Reader and The Speaker. In an illiterate society, a girl whose father was murdered and whose aunt was kidnapped finds a book. I’ve had book 1 on my list for ages.
Your Own Worst Enemy – Three students vie for Student Council President in this satirical story of the electoral process. I have already requested this one from the library!

Books for Adults

Dead Sea Rising (Hardcover) – Jerry Jenkins launches a new series about an archaeologist whose discovery could change everything we think we know about history – and those who will do everything they can to stop her revelations.
Death and Daisies (Hardcover) – Book 2 in the Magic Garden series by Amanda Flower. I’ll be reviewing this one later this month.
In Peppermint Peril (Hardcover) – First in a new series starring a young woman in town for Christmas and to help her great-aunt with her tea shop. I’ll be reviewing this one later this month, too.
Long Road to Mercy (Hardcover) – David Baldacci launches a new series this week, too. Atlee Pine is an FBI agent who 30 years ago was a six-year-old at the mercy of a kidnapper – a kidnapper who chose her twin sister, Mercy, instead thanks to an twisted game of eeny- meeny. Now, she is still haunted by that night even as she works through her latest case of a missing Grand Canyon tourist whose donkey is found stabbed to death at the bottom of the Canyon. This sounds amazing. I know my husband and I will both be digging into this one!
A Scandal in Scarlet (Hardcover) – Book 4 in the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery about a woman who manages a Sherlock Holmes bookstore. In this book, a local museum is damaged by fire and the locals put together an auction to raise funds for restoration. Before the auction can kick off, though, someone has kicked the bucket. I have this series on my reading list!
‘Twas the Knife Before Christmas (Hardcover) – Book 2 in the Christmas Tree Farm Mystery series, which I LOVE! This book was excellent! I’ll be reviewing it later this week. You should check it out!
Becoming (Hardcover) – Michelle Obama releases a memoir this week. I am looking forward to reading this one.
It’s Not Supposed to Be This Way: Finding Unexpected Strength When Disappointments Leave You Shattered (Hardcover) – The latest book by Lysa TerKeurst is already on my Christmas list. This is at the top of my list for this week!

BOOK NEWS: November 6, 2018

BOOK NEWS: November 6, 2018

Posted on by Jaymie

Happy November! Historically I have noticed that November is not a big month for publishing, but this year I have found a LOT of great books releasing this month. Here are some of the books out this week.

Books for Kids

Dr. Thirteenth – Limited edition hardcover celebration of the new Doctor. (The regular paperback version will release in January 2019)
No Boring Stories – A group of misfit animals are tired of boring stories so they write some stories of their own. This looks fantastic!
Pies from Nowhere: How Georgia Gilmore Sustained the Montgomery Bus Boycott – A lesser known story from the Civil Rights movement. I can’t wait to read this one!
To Wakanda and Beyond – The latest in the Marvel Super Hero Adventures series. I’ve read one of these, and it was a lot of fun!

Books for Older Kids/Teens/Young Adults

Aquaman: Arthur’s Guide to Atlantis – Part of a collection of books set around the new Aquaman movie releasing in December
Aquaman: The Junior Novel – The junior novel for the movie.
Aquaman: Undertow – A prequel story of a young Arthur Curry set in the DC Cinematic Universe
Are You Ready to Hatch an Unusual Chicken? – Book 2 in this series about some very special chickens with superpowers. I really enjoyed the first book in this series. I’ll be reviewing this one here tomorrow.
Ellie, Engineer: The Next Level – Book 2 in the Ellie Engineer series. This time, Ellie and her friends use their engineering skills to help an elderly neighbor.
Flashback – Book 7 in the Keeper of the Lost Cities series. I heard the author speak when this series was just getting started, and I still haven’t gotten around to digging into it. It sounds like just the sort of story I love. The series is about a telepathic girl who meets someone like her and finds out she really belongs somewhere else.
The Girl with the Dragon Heart – Book 2 in the Tales from the Chocolate Heart series about a young dragon who is tricked into drinking enchanted hot chocolate that turns her into a human. This series is on my TBR list, too.
Lizzy and the Good Luck Girl – A girl who is always on the looking for signs to tell her how to live her life finds a runaway with a four-leaf clover tattoo on her hand and decides to hide the girl in her closet. I’m curious to try this one!
More Than a Princess – An original fairy tale about a special princess who is mistaken for a human and captured to be used as a pawn by a king. I love this author’s other books, and I will definitely be giving this one a try!
No Slam Dunk – A novel about teamwork on and off the court from Mike Lupica. I have enjoyed several of the author’s previous books. This looks great.
The Secret Files of Barry Allen – Everything you need to know about The Flash TV show on the CW.
Shelby’s Story – Part of W. Bruce Cameron’s line of puppy and dog stories for kids. This one focuses on Shelby, a dog who acts in movies. Sure to be a hit with dog-loving kids!
Speechless – A boy has to speak at his cousin’s funeral and wonders what he could possibly say. This sounds fascinating.
Two’s a Crowd – Sequel to The Real McCoys, which is still on my TBR list from last year. This series focuses on sibling detectives looking into a series of mysterious letters and finding out two McCoys are better than one.
The Lego Neighborhood Book 2 – Another instruction book for building a neighborhood out of Lego bricks.
Little Dreamers: Visionary Women Around the World – From the author of the spectacular Little Leaders comes this book highlighting 40 women creators including Hedy Lemar and Wangari Maathai. I loved the first book, so I’m excited to see the new one!
She Did It!: 21 Women Who Changed the Way We Think – Another collection of women’s biographies for kids, this one focusing on women who changed the world around them.
Archenemies – Sequel to Renegades (which I was supposed to read this summer, but haven’t gotten to yet) about a teen working as both a superhero (Insomnia) and super villain (Nightmare) in a world where the lines between good and evil are blurring. I hope to get to book one before the end of the year.
The Color of Lies – A teen who sees emotions as colors meets a guy she can’t read at all. At first it’s a relief, but then she discovers he is looking into the death of her parents, and it might not be the accident she always thought it was. This sounds like my kind of story! Definitely on my list for this week.
How to Fracture a Fairy Tale – A collection of fractured fairy tales and legends. Yes, please!
Last Seen – Book 3 in the Amateurs series about a group of teens coerced by a killer to dig into the mysterious disappearance of a nine-year-old boy. This series is one that has been on my list to try for awhile.
Little White Lies – A new book by a favorite author, Jennifer Lynn Barnes, about an auto mechanic turned debutante. Barnes is a must-read author for me, so I will be checking this one out soon.
Mammoth – A high school paleontology geek gets an internship that will change her life, but not in the ways she was expecting. This sounds amazing. It’s on my list for this week.
Marvel Rising – Book 1 in a graphic novel series staring Ms Marvel and Squirrel Girl. I’m excited to check this one out!
Skyward – A girl who longs to be a pilot has to overcome her father’s choice to desert his team which is keeping her from her dream. I’m curious to try this one – our family has enjoyed several of the author’s other books.
Toxic – A girl who has grown up in secret on a bioship discovers her mother and her crew have disappeared. I love a good science fiction story, so I am eager to try this one.
The XY – In a world of women only, a girl discovers an XY, sick and suffering and at her mercy. Should she eliminate him or save him? I am curious about the world building for this one. I’ll be checking this out, too.

Books for Adults

 

Breach (Paperback) – Book one in a new Cold War Magic series where a breach of the magical Berlin Wall could kick off World War III. This sounds fantastic!
Cold Brew Killing (e-book) – Book 3 in the All-Day Breakfast Cafe series about a dead body in the freezer at the local ice cream shop. This is a fun series!
Cubicles that Make You Envy the Dead (Paperback) – The latest comic collection staring Dilbert
Fatal Festival Days (November 8) (Paperback) – Book 3 in the Dog Days Mystery series about a murder at the local winter festival. This is another great mystery series. I need to get caught up with this one.
Nine Perfect Strangers (Hardcover) – Nine strangers at a health resort looking for solutions may find more than they planned. I’m curious about this one. I’m not even sure if it is a mystery or a romance or what.
Star Trek Discovery: Succession (Paperback Graphic Novel) – A mirror universe Star Trek story. The first cover is the official one, but for awhile they were using this second one and I loved it SO MUCH, I just had to include it here.
A Vintage Death (November 8) (Paperback) – Book 2 in the Keepsake Cove mystery series about a music box store owner and a murdered B&B owner. I had some reservations when I read the first book in the series, but I’d like to try this one and see if those hold up or if they were just part of the first book.
You Don’t Own Me (Hardcover) – Book 6 in this Mary Higgins Clark/Alafair Burke series about a producer of a television series that investigates cold cases. I have this whole series on my TBR list!
Consider It Joy (Hardcover) – For those who have wanted to try bullet journaling, but aren’t sure where to start. I’d love to see this in person to see how it is laid out.
Homebody: A Guide to Creating Spaces You Never Want to Leave (Hardcover) – From television personality Joanna Gaines.  Walks you through how to set up your home to reflect your personality
Living Well, Spending Less/Unstuffed Study Guide: Eight Weeks to Redefining the Good Life and Living It (Paperback) – A study guide to accompany the books and a video study
The Passion Generation: The Seemingly Reckless, Definitely Disruptive, But Far From Hopeless Millennials (Paperback) – The millennial generation from the perspective of one of their own regarding the Church. I love books like this that look at the unique characteristics of different generations.

BOOK NEWS: October 30, 2018

BOOK NEWS: October 30, 2018

Posted on by Jaymie

If I was at Trick-or-Treating age, I think I would skip the candy and ask for books! Here are some treats that might interest you this week:

Books for Kids

Curious George Curious About Winter (Bd Book) – A tabbed board book celebrating winter
Horse Meets Dog – A book about perspective from one of the writers of The Daily Show. I can’t wait to read this one!
Teach Your Giraffe to Ski (November 1) – The giraffe wants to learn to ski, but not on the Bunny Hill. A book about courage. This looks fun!
Mount Rushmore’s Hidden Room and Other Monumental Secrets (Secrets of American History) – I adore this fascinating history series of Early Readers.
Unikitty’s Guide to Being Happy – Princess Unikitty from The LEGO Movie has her own show and toy line now, so it’s also time for her to share her tips for overcoming negativity and the forces of evil!
Escape from Egypt – Book 2 in the Time Jumpers series from Branches. This series has a Magic Tree House feel to it.
Louie – Puppy Place Book 51

Books for Older Kids/Teens/Young Adults

Blended – A girl feels pulled between two worlds as she negotiates life with divorced parents and their new families. There’s a racial piece to this as well as one parent is Black and the other is White. I have this one on my list – it sounds like a great exploration of identity which is a theme I love.
Let Sleeping Dragons Lie – Have Sword Will Travel Book 2 . Two knights and their talking swords are off on another epic adventure. I have book one on my library list.
The Meltdown – Diary of a Wimpy Kid Book 13
Seeing Red – Whatever After Book 12
What Goes Up – Robyn’s roof seems to be a magnet for anything and everything – paper airplanes, lost socks, a skydiver. And now a NASA satellite is about to fall from the sky, and Robyn is convinced it will land on her house. She’s afraid that people will then read about her and find out she shares the name of a fairy in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. So Robyn decides what she needs is her absent father to come home, change her name and save her from the satellite. This sounds complicated and intriguing.
The Darkest Star – First in a new romantic YA science fiction series about a girl caught up in a world at war with aliens. I’ll be giving this one a try!
OtherEarth – Book 2 in the Last Reality series after OtherWorld about a deadly virtual reality system and two kids trying to save the world. I haven’t tried the first one yet, but fans of Ready Player One might enjoy this one.
You Are the Everything – A girl and her crush are the sole survivors of a plane crash on the side of a mountain.
Lego Micro Cities: Build Your Own Mini Metropolis – Another LEGO building book with instructions for creating the models pictured throughout the book.

Books for Adults

The Corner of Holly and Ivy (Mass Market Paperback) – A woman who has lost her dream comes face to face with her old flame. But instead of love, he’s in town to run for mayor – against her. This is on my Christmas book reading list.
Deadly News (Trade paperback) – In her new job at a small town news paper a woman stumbles across the body of a co-worker. First in the new Britton Bay Mystery series. I’ll be reviewing this one here next week.
Killed on Blueberry Hill (Mass Market Paperback) – Book 3 in the Berry Basket Mystery series. This time the main character’s fiancé is accused of murder. I have the first book in this series on my TBR shelves.
Murder by the Book (Mass Market Paperback) – First in the new Beyond the Page Bookstore Mystery series. A woman haunted by the unsolved murder of her fiancé and the death of her father starts a new life thanks to an inheritance. But her new community is suddenly a hotbed of crime. This sounds like a great new series. I’ll be picking this one up!
Murder in Her Stocking (Hardcover) – First in the new Granny Reid Mystery series, a spin off of G. A. McKevett’s Savannah Reid/Moonlight Magnolia series. This one goes back to when Savannah was a kid and Granny looked into a murder at Christmas time. I adore the Moonlight Magnolia series – the characters are fantastic. I’ve already requested this one from the library!
Overkilt (Hardcover) – Book 12 in the Liss MacCrimmon Mystery series. When a struggling hotel decides to host a Thanksgiving holiday getaway for childless couples looking to avoid family entanglements, some of the locals take issue with this “affront to family values.” And someone winds up dead. This is not a series I have read, but this particular story sounds really interesting! I’ll have to check this one out.
Purls and Poison (Hardcover) – Book 2 in the Black Sheep and Co. Mystery series.  This time the Black Sheep Knitters start sleuthing when one of their own is suspected of murder. I have book one of this series on my wish list.
Thread Herrings (Mass Market Paperback) – Book 7 in the Mainely Needlepoint Mystery series. An old embroidery of a coat of arms picked up at an auction is at the center of a 250+ year old mystery and a contemporary murder. This sounds terrific! I would read this one even without having read the other books in the series.
Yule Log Murder (Hardcover) – A collection of three holiday mysteries.
Star Wars Women of the Galaxy (Hardcover) – Profiles of 75 female characters from the Star Wars universe (film, fiction, comics, etc.). Includes art by Karen Hallion, one of our favorite artists.
Well-Read Black Girl: Finding Our Stories, Discovering Ourselves (Hardcover) – Essay collection about Black women finding themselves through literature.

BOOK NEWS: October 23, 2018

BOOK NEWS: October 23, 2018

Posted on by Jaymie

Here are some of the books scheduled to release this week!

Books for Kids

Bear Can’t Sleep – Bear should be hibernating, but he just can’t sleep. I adore this series of rhyming books with excellent illustrations!
The Epic Adventures of Huggie & Stick – From the author of the fantastic The Day the Crayons Quit comes this story of two unusual travelers and their adventures around the world. I can’t wait to read this one!!

Books for Older Kids/Teens/Young Adults

Charlie Hernández and the League of Shadows – Percy Jackson meets Hispanic folk lore. This sounds like a great new series for kids who want MORE stories where mythology meets kids of today!
Harry Potter Pop Up Guide to Hogwarts – A pop-up book focused on Hogwarts and surrounding areas. The pictures I have seen look amazing!
Lu – The fourth and final book in Jason Reynolds’ Track series. Lu has the skills – and swagger- to lead his team, but the literal and figurative hurdles in his path may derail him.
Two Roads – A boy is sent to a government sponsored Native American boarding school in 1932. Another good book for kids to explore a different culture (or their own culture in the case of kids of Native American heritage).
The Lego Christmas Ornaments Book 2 – Instructions for 16 Christmas ornaments made from LEGO bricks. Fun for the Master Builders in your life!
Love Does for Kids – From Bob Goff. The samples I have seen give me the impression that this is something like a devotional. It’s over 200 pages and geared to elementary aged kids.
Reach Higher: An Inspiring Photo Celebration of First Lady Michelle Obama – Several years ago my family went on a tour of the White House. It was an amazing experience. My favorite part was the display of photographs of the current occupants in various settings, both at work and at play. The White House photographers do stunning work. I’m eager to check out this photo collection of Michelle Obama for kids.
Unicorn Theater – Book 8 in the awesome Phoebe and her Unicorn graphic novel/comic strip series. I can’t wait to read this one!
The Light Between Worlds – I have had this book on my list since the cover was revealed months ago. Two girls return from a magic world to post-WWII England. One longs to go back to the magical world and the other just wants to move on. But then one of the girls goes missing.
One Giant Leap – Book 2 after Dare Mighty Things where a teen is chosen to be part of a mission to explore the universe. She expects it to be all about exploration but the team finds themselves in the middle of a war that’s got its sights set on Earth. I have book one on my library list. This sounds terrific!
That Night – Two teens deal with the repercussions of a neighborhood shooting that impacted both of them deeply.

Books for Adults

The Christmas Remedy (Hardcover) – An Amish story with mystery and romance elements. I’ll be reviewing this one next week, but I’ll tell you now, I really enjoyed it!
Mother Is Coming (Comic Collection) – The latest collection of Fox Trot comics. This is on my Christmas list.
The Reckoning (Hardcover) – Grisham returns to legal stories with this new novel set in 1946. A prominent man in the community of Clanton, Mississippi walks into a church and kills the pastor – his best friend. When questioned, he refuses to explain his motives. I’ve not enjoyed the last couple Grisham books I have read, but that plot is fascinating. I might try this one from the library.
Six Cats a Slayin’ (Hardcover) – This is the 10th book in the Cat in the Stacks mystery series, and it might just be my favorite of the lot! I’ll be reviewing this one on Wednesday.

BOOK NEWS: October 16, 2018

BOOK NEWS: October 16, 2018

Posted on by Jaymie

We are halfway through October, but there are three Tuesday release days to go. Here are some of the books releasing this week!

Books for Kids

Be Bold Baby: Michelle Obama AND Be Bold Baby: Oprah (Bd Book) – These board books include quotes from the women they are about. Each book ends with a mirror.
Dream Big, Little One (Bd Book) – Board book edition of the fabulous Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History.
Good Night Aerospace Museum (Bd Book) – Part of the Good Night Our World series.
Candace Center Stage – A dancing-focused picture book from Candace Cameron Bure.
How Rude! – Dot invites Duck to a tea party, but his behavior leaves a lot to be desired.
Life with My Family – A girl imagines her blended family as different families of animals
No Small Potatoes: Junius G. Groves and His Kingdom in Kansas – A tale of perseverance!
The Surprise Storm AND A Dragon in the Castle? – Lego has a new line of early readers featuring Disney Princesses. There are two others out today as well – Lost and Found AND The Friendship Bridge.
True Colors: The Story of Crayola (History of Fun Stuff) – The history behind Crayola.

Books for Older Kids/Teens/Young Adults

I’m OK – A boy who’s trying to help his mom make ends meet starts a hair braiding business at school.
The Land of Stories: The Ultimate Book Hugger’s Guide – A behind the scenes look at the Land of Stories series.
Mya in the Middle – Book 3 in the Magnificent Mya Tibbs series. Middle child Mya is feeling overlooked at home and a school project leaves her feeling in the middle there, too. This looks like a fun series!
Ogre Enchanted – A girl who turns down her friend’s marriage proposal is turned into an ogre by a meddling fairy. A companion novel to Ella Enchanted.
Operation ShuFongFong (Graphic Novel) – Book one in a new Geronimo Stilton graphic novel series, Geronimo Stilton Reporter, based on a Netflix animated series.
Short & Skinny (graphic novel) – An autobiographical graphic novel about the author’s youth in the 70s.
Sif and the Dwarf’s Treasure – Book 2 in the Thunder Girls series based on Norse mythology. From the authors of the Goddess Girls series (Greek Mythology).
Sven Carter & the Android Army – Book 2 in the Sven Carter series from MAX where the main character is part boy, part robot.
Tales from a Not-So-Happy Birthday – Dork Diaries, book 13
Unwritten – A fictional character “rescued” from her book and brought into the real world seeks out her author to find out the truth of her story. This sounds terrific!
Dinosaur Devotions – Devotions and dinosaur facts!
Lafayette! (Graphic Novel) – Book 8 in the Nathan Hale’s Hazardous Tales series of graphic novels. I love this non-fiction graphic novel series!
Science Comics: The Brain – Another nonfiction graphic novel series, this one focusing on  science.
What Is The Women’s Rights Movement? AND What Were the Roaring Twenties?
Easy Prey – Three students had access to a teacher’s racy photos before they went viral. Who leaked them?
Phantom Wheel – Six kids recruited for the CIA find that they have been tricked into creating a computer virus that can hack anyone and anywhere. This sounds like a book I will love.
How to Build Brick Airplanes – For Lego fans who are ready for more intricate builds.

Books for Adults

Adult Time (Paperback) – The latest cartoon collection for fans of Baby Blues. I love books like this! They make fun Christmas gifts. Includes commentary from the authors.
Ask Me No Questions (Hardcover) – First in the new Lady Dunbridge mystery series set in 1907 about a woman who recently lost her husband.
The Christmas Star (Small Hardcover) – The latest Christmas story from Donna VanLiere. A girl in foster care plays matchmaker for an after-school program volunteer. I loved the last one of these I read, so I have already requested this one from the library.
Dance Like Everybody’s Watching! (Paperback) – The latest cartoon collection for fans of Zits.
Dear Santa (Trade Paperback) – You’ve Got Mail with a Christmas twist. A woman running her family’s Christmas shop writes to Santa through an app about the national chain that has come to town, not knowing that the guy from the chain is the one answering the Dear Santa letters. Yep, I’ve requested this one from the library, too. I am ready to get my Christmas reading started!
Deck the Hounds (Hardcover) – Book 18 in the fantastic Andy Carpenter series. Rosenfelt’s 2016 Christmas book, The Twelve Dogs of Christmas, was the first Andy Carpenter book I read, and it launched me into my quest to read every book in the series. I hardly ever start a series from book 15 – but I am so glad I did in this case! In this book, Andy and his wife get more than they bargained for when they reach out at the holidays to help a homeless man and his dog. I already have this one on hold at the library!
Lark! the Herald Angels Sing (Hardcover) – Another mystery series with great Christmas books is the Meg Langslow series by Donna Andrews. This time Meg’s brother, Rob, is named as the father of an unknown baby left in the manger at their church’s live Nativity. This is book 24 in the series. I have this one on hold at the library, too.
Almost Everything: Notes on Hope (thin Hardcover) – The latest from Anne Lamott along the lines of Help, Thanks, Wow and Hallelujah Anyway.
Enneagram of Eating: How the 9 Personality Types Influence Your Food, Diet and Exercise Choices. (Trade Paperback) – I love anything about the Enneagram, but since this isn’t from an author I know, I may get this one from the library to check it out.
G’Morning, G’Night!: Little Pep Talks for Me & You  – If you follow Lin Manuel-Miranda on social media, you know right away what these are. I’m looking forward to this one immensely!
Pasta, Pretty Please: A Vibrant Approach to Handmade Noodles (Hardcover) – If you have seen @SaltySeattle on Instagram, you know how beautiful her work is. The pictures in this book alone will get me to buy it. This looks stunning!
Scum and Villainy: Case Files on the Galaxy’s Most Notorious (Hardcover) – For the Star Wars fan, this covers the smugglers, bounty hunters and pirates of the Star Wars Universe.