Category: Book News

I hope your Thanksgiving holiday was restful and meaningful for each of you. Remember, you can check out my 2017 Holiday Hint List here for some book ideas for your holiday gift-giving.

This is another small release week, at least for my wish list. Enjoy this look at some new books releasing this week.

Books for Kids

The Crystal Caverns – Book 2 in The Last Firehawk series, a Branches series for new chapter book readers. You are probably tired of hearing about how much I love Branches books for this age group. But it is still true!
365 Encouraging Verses of the Bible for Boys/Girls (releasing December 1st) – A devotional book for kids. I’ll be reviewing these next week. I will tell you now that the content is the same in both books, so a family with boys and girls could use the books together.

Books for Teens/Young Adults

The Chaos of Standing Still – A teen carries one unread text on her phone – the last from her dead best friend – until she accidentally swaps phone with a guy at the airport. This sounds FANTASTIC! This is at the top of my list for the week.

Books for Adults

Ditched 4 Murder – Book 2 in the Sophie Kimball mystery series about a young woman who has moved closer to her mother’s retirement community in Arizona and stumbles onto a murder. This sounds like a fun series in one of my favorite settings. Looking forward to reading these.
Etched in Tears – Book 4 in the Webb’s Glass Shop Mystery series about the murder of a glass artist. I have this series on my wish list. The premise – with the glass work – sounds fascinating.
Hark the Herald Angels Slay – Book 3 in the Year-Round Christmas Mystery series. In this book, the main character’s ex is found dead. Merry will have to track down another killer in order to get her summer grove back. I have enjoyed this series, and I’m looking forward to seeing what summer is like in Rudolph. You can read my review of book two here.
Of Murder and Men – Book 3 in the Cat Latimer Mystery series about a writer’s retreat. I am a book behind on this one, but you can read my review of book one here.
The Plot Is Murder – First in a new series that takes place at a mystery bookstore. As the shop owner is plotting out her own cozy mystery story, murder shows up in her real life, too. Sign me up for this one!
X Marks the Scot – Book 11 in the Liss MacCrimmon mystery series about an art purchase that hides an old treasure map and leads to a dead body. I’m not familiar with this series, but the plot of this is intriguing.
Star Trek Prometheus Fire with Fire – This looks like the first in a new series from the folks at Star Trek, focused on the U. S. S. Prometheus. I’m curious about this one as it does not have any long-term connection to a TV series (that I know of before reading it). I wonder how it will do without a stable of familiar characters.
Star Trek Titan Fortune of War – Book 10 in the Titan series. Titan is the ship under the command of William T. Riker from ST: The Next Generation. I am several books behind on this series, but I have enjoyed it from the beginning and have the remaining books on my TBR shelves.
Star Trek Waypoint Graphic Novel – This contains issues 1-6 from the Waypoint comic book line. While I collect one line of Star Trek comics, this is not one I am familiar with. I’d like to check this one out. It includes short stories set in the universes of all of the Star Trek traditional TV programs (TOS, TNG, DS9, Voyager and Enterprise)
The Art of Brush Lettering – I am completely fascinated by lovely, fancy handwriting. Probably because mine is abysmal. I would love to learn to do gorgeous work like this. I follow the artist/author, Kelly Klapstein on Instagram. I’m eager to see this in person to see if I would have any hope of learning brush lettering from this book.

Thanksgiving week is here. I have so much to be thankful for – including you, my faithful readers. I hope The Neverending TBR has helped you find great books for yourself and for your family and friends.

If you are looking for book recommendations for your holiday shopping, come back this afternoon to see my 2017 Holiday Hint List. Lots of terrific books on the list this year.

It’s a small release week, so I’ll just display them in one grouping. Here are some of the new books coming out this week, just in time for the long weekend.

Books for Everyone!

Goldenlocks and the Three Pirates – Goldilocks with Pirates – what else do you need to know?! If I was still teaching, I would definitely be adding this one to my Fractured Fairy Tale unit.
My Lazy Cat – A little girl who is ALWAYS on the move decides to take a page from her cat’s book and have a do-nothing, lazy day. Sounds adorable! Looking forward to reading this one.
Zoey and Sassafras Caterflies and Ice – Book 4 in the Zoey and Sassafras early chapter book fantasy series about a scientifically-minded girl and her pet cat. These look adorable! Terrific for kids branching out into short chapter books.
Cookie Cutters & Sled Runners – Two girls, prepared to turn their middle school project into a cook book, run into trouble when they are paired with other people instead of with each other. This will be especially hard on Ana as her new partner doesn’t understand her “quirks” like her best friend does. This sounds like a terrific middle grade read!
The Magic Misfits – Actor Neil Patrick Harris tries his hand at writing for kids with this middle grade series debut. A group of young illusionists and magicians take on a criminal group of carnies. This is at the top of my list for this week! Early reviews have been very positive. I can’t wait to read this one!
My Life Is a Joke – The latest middle grade novel from James Patterson and Chris Grabenstein (Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library). When Jacky takes on extra responsibilities for home, she wonders where she could find the time for her love: performing in front of a crowd.
Pixar: A Pop-Up Celebration – This small but intricate book celebrates the magic of Pixar movies.
Not Now, Not Ever – This new book for teens and young adults centers on a girl who sneaks off to genius camp for a chance to win a scholarship to the one school she wants to go to. I LOVED this one and reviewed it last week. You can check that review out here.
Faith Journaling for the Inspired Artist – This Bible Art Journaling book is by Stephanie Ackerman, an artist I have followed for years. I have been reading about this for ages as she has compiled it; I can’t wait to see it in person.

Thanksgiving is so close that I can almost taste the apple pie. Here are some new books to get you through until it’s Turkey Day!

Books for Kids

Here We Are: Notes for Living On Planet Earth – A guide to life on Earth for kids and families from the author of The Day the Crayons Quit. I am looking forward to reading this one!
Bad Guy Is a Two-Word Word – Book 2 in the Recess Warriors graphic novel series for younger and mid-elementary readers. This may also appeal to middle grade readers.  A villain has released vampires werewolves and other creatures to take over recess. This series looks like so much fun!
Galaxy Zack Cosmic Black Out – Book 16 in the awesome Galaxy Zack science fiction series for readers ready for chapter books. I have loved this series since book one, and it was always very popular with my students.
Piper Morgan Plans a Party – Book 5 in the Piper Morgan series. This time, Piper is trying to help her mom plan a party for an ungrateful, spoiled little girl. This series looks fantastic.

Books for Older Kids/Teens/Young Adults

Dolls of War – Book 3 in the Friendship Dolls series based on a true story about 12,000 dolls sent from the US to Japan in the 1920s in the hope of preventing a future war and 58 dolls sent back to the US from Japan. This series has always caught my eye in the book store, and it is on my TBR list. This new book is about the impact of the 1926 Friendship Doll exchange when the Japanese bomb Pearl Harbor during 1941.
Penelope March Is Melting – A bookish outcast and her younger brother are drawn into a mystery about their chilly home, Glacier Cove. I’m eager to check this one out.
Percy Jackson and the Singer of Apollo (e-book novella) – Percy Jackson and his pal Grover are on the hunt for a missing automaton loose in New York. I have already pre-ordered this.
The Road to Ever After – An orphan and a stray dog connect at Christmas and get pulled into an adventure with an elderly woman they meet at a mysterious museum. This is at the top of my wish list for the week!
Good and Gone – A road trip to find a missing rock star helps a trio of teens re-examine recent events in their lives.  This is from an author I already have on my TBR list; I’m curious to check out this new book for teens/young adults.

Books for Adults

Death in the Stacks – Book 8 in the Library Lovers mystery series – one of my favorite cozy series. In this book, the new library board president is killed and one of Lindsey’s friends is the prime suspect. I adore the characters in this series. I’m so looking forward to reading this one! You can read my review of book 7 here.
End Game – Book 5 in the Will Robie series. In this book, Robie’s handler, Blue Man, has gone missing. But when Robie goes to investigate, things are even more serious than just a missing operative. I really enjoyed the first book in this series. And my husband reads almost anything Baldacci writes. We are big fans and will certainly have this book in our home by the end of the year.
Star Trek Discovery: Official Collector’s Edition – A behind-the-scenes look at the new Star Trek series, available through CBS online.
Star Wars Captain Phasma – Graphic Novel collecting Journey to Star Wars The Last Jedi Captain Phasma issues 1-4. This is not a comic book line I have followed, but I am interested in check it out in advance of the new movie in December.
Art of Thor – We are HUGE fans of these “Art of” books at our house. It’s a great visual treat to celebrate a favorite movie. And Thor is a favorite for our family. These coffee-table books are lovely gift-quality items.
Promise Me, Dad: A Year of Hope, Hardship and Purpose – Vice President Biden shares the story of the last Thanksgiving his family celebrated with his son, Beau, who had been diagnosed with a malignant tumor and the year that followed. It is a glimpse into one man’s life as Vice President of the United States and also as a father losing his son. This will be an emotional read, but I would like to read it, nonetheless.

Wimpy Kid. Maze Runner. Fantastic Beasts. Christmas. Supergirl. Teen Titans. What a week in books! Here are some of the books releasing this week.

Books for Kids

The Santa Thief – A boy takes his Christmas into his own hands by stealing Santa’s identity. I can’t wait to read this one!
Duck, Duck Dinosaur: Snowy Surprise –  A cute early reader just in time for winter.
Teen Titans Go!: Ninja Party! – The Teen Titans have their own line of early readers. In this one, Beast Boy tries to learn to be a stealthy ninja.
Ella and Owen: Dragon Spies! – Book 6 in this early chapter book series. This time the dragon twins are mistaken for spies.
Ordinary People Sticker Activity Book – A sticker activity book starring the characters of the Ordinary People Change the World biography picture book series.

Books for Older Kids/Teens/Young Adults

Cici’s Journal: The Adventures of a Writer-in-Training – Graphic novel about a girl learning to be a writer who stumbles onto someone’s secret. This sounds fantastic! I love books about writing and this one seems to have a mystery element to it. Perfection!
Digging for Trouble – Book 2 in the Devlin Quick mystery series. This time Devlin finds a mystery on an archaeological dig in Montana.
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Getaway – Book 12 in the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series.
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (Illustrated) – JK Rowling’s little book, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, has been turned into a movie series. Now it gets an illustrated version. This book is NOT illustrated by the same person doing the Harry Potter books. I’m curious to see this one in person.
Mr. Gedrick and Me – When a family loses their father/husband, Mr. Gedrick appears. And like Mary Poppins, he is just what the family needs. I have been excited about this one since the author, Patrick Carmen, first mentioned it! This is at the top of my wish list for this week!
Raid of No Return – Nathan Hale’s Hazardous Tales takes on a World War II story in this graphic novel series that introduces kids to historic figures and events. I had this series in the library when I was teaching, and my students read them until they disintegrated. Such a great series!
The Real McCoys – “The world’s greatest fourth grade detective.” That’s all I had to read before I put this one on my list! Moxie’s crime-busting partner and best friend has moved away, so she has to investigate the disappearance of the school mascot on her own.
The Relic War – Book 1 in the new Daniel Coldstar series about a boy with amnesia who works to find relics  and finds one that could change his life – and save the universe. A new science-fiction series for older kids and teens.
Supergirl: Age of Atlantis – The folks at DC released a middle grade novel about The Flash last month, and now they have one about Supergirl. In this original story, Kara Danvers tries to find where a mysterious sea creature has come from and why ordinary citizens are displaying superpowers. I have the Flash book on my TBR; I have high hopes that the books will be as fun as the TV shows.
The Death Cure (Graphic Novel Prelude) – An original Maze Runner story set immediately before the events of The Death Cure. My older students LOVED the Maze Runner series. I’d love to show them this new addition to the series.
Follow Me – Book 2 in The Amateurs series by the author of Pretty Little Liars. A kidnapping victim looks exactly like a girl who died 5 years ago. This suspenseful series for teens sounds terrific.
Kat and Meg Conquer the World – Two girls are thrown together in a year-long science project. In each other, they might just find what they need to deal with the struggles they face on their own – and build a friendship they both need. This sounds awesome!
Now Is Everything – A family’s dark secrets  are at risk of exposure when Hadley tries to commit suicide and everyone wants to know why. This sounds mysterious and intense. This would be one I would have to stay up reading until I finished.
Renegades – The author of the Lunar Chronicles launches a new series this week – a superhero story! I am so excited to read this one!
Twelve (e-novella) – A new novella in the world of The Naturals by Jennifer Lynn Barnes. I pre-ordered this the minute I saw it was available. My teen and I are excited to read this. We both are huge fans of the original series. I reviewed the final book in that series here.

Books for Adults

A Fatal Collection – Book one in this new series about a young woman who inherits a music box store in Keepsake Cove.  I’ll be reviewing this one on Wednesday this week.
A Late Frost – Book 11 in the Orchard mystery series about an apple orchard. I’ve not tried any of these yet, but it looks like a series I would enjoy.
Assault and Buttery – Book 3 in the Popcorn Shop mystery series. I have the first two books on my TBR shelf, but I haven’t gotten to them yet. But I love the whole idea of a popcorn shop series.
Canal Days Calamity – Book 2 in the Dog Days mystery series. I reviewed this one here. I loved it and I’ve added book one to my TBR!
A Deadly Eclair – First in the French Bistro mystery series. I have enjoyed the author’s other work, and I’m looking forward to reading this mystery about a bistro owner suspected of murder.
Eaves of Destruction – Book 5 in the Fixer Upper series which is the basis of some great Hallmark movies. (Although the books are always better, the movies are quite fun). In this book, a building inspector is found dead at one of Shannon’s job sites.
Every Breath You Take – Book 5 in Mary Higgins Clark’s Under Suspicion series about a TV show that looks into cold cases. I haven’t read any of these, but the description of this one pushed me to put the whole series on my wish list.
In This Moment – The latest in the Baxter Family series. I have only read one book in the series, but several of my friends love every book in the line. This book focuses on an Indianapolis high school principal who starts a Bible study at his school and ends up in a lawsuit. I’m intrigued by the story and might give this one a try.
Much Ado About Murder – Book 3 in the Shakespeare in the Catskills mystery series about a resort and theater company that runs into trouble while staging Much Ado About Nothing. I’ll be reviewing this one next Wednesday.
Sorcerer’s Appendix – Fourth in the Brother’s Grimm mystery series staring Gretel (yes, that Gretel) as a private investigator. These sound fun. The description reminds me of the Nursery Crimes series by Jasper Fforde, which I loved.
Twice Upon a Christmas (kindle) – When a woman can’t decide what path to take in her life, she ends up living every day in December twice, one following each path. Shanna Swendson is an author I really like, When I saw that she had a holiday ebook, I pre-ordered it right away. I’m eager to read this holiday story.
Obama: An Intimate Portrait – Several years ago our family went on a tour of the White House. I was enthralled by the pictures that line every hallway.  I would love to see this book in person and see if it reflects what I experienced on that tour.
Search for Spock – A geeky version of Where’s Waldo. This is TOTALLY on my Christmas list!!
What Unites Us: Reflections on Patriotism – A collection of essays by Dan Rather that considers our national identity. I have appreciated some of Dan Rather’s writing over the last year. I’m curious to check this one out.