Category: Book News

BOOK NEWS: May 30, 2017

Posted on by Jaymie

Hard to believe that May is almost over already! The last Tuesday of the month is full of great new books. Here are some of the May new releases that are on my radar:

Books for Kids

Dog on a Frog? – Sequel to Frog on a Log? which is a hoot of a rhyming story. Looking forward to this one.
Firefighter Duckies – A trio of firefighter ducks rescue all manner of creatures because they are brave and strong. I have seen a few pages of this one and it looks FUN. Definitely on my list!
Welcome – Picture book for babies and new parents by the amazing Mo Willems.
Fairy Floss – Picture book story of cotton candy
She Persisted – Picture book by former First Daughter, Chelsea Clinton, about thirteen American women who changed the world.
Baxter Is Missing – Book 6 in the delightful Owl Diaries series from Scholastic/Branches. I love this line of books for kids ready to branch out into chapter books (as well as older kids – and adults like me – who just love the darling owls and the cute, fast read).

Books for Older Kids/Teens/Young Adults

Bow Wow – Book 3 in the Bowser and Birdie mystery series. I read the first book, Woof, and really enjoyed it.
Bring Me the Head of Ivy Pocket – Book 3 in the Ivy Pocket series about a young maid who has a string of ridiculously bad luck as she finds herself in the middle of a conspiracy. I have book one in my TBR pile.
Code Name Flood – Edge of Extinction book 2, an adventure series about dinosaurs. I have book one in my TBR pile.
Crown of Three: A Kingdom Rises – Book 3 in the Crown of Three series about triplets at the center of a prophecy. I need to read the first book in this series!
Dragon’s Green – First book in the new Worldquake series about magic and books.
Keys to the City – A girl tries to find her true passion in New York City.
Orphan Island – Orphan Island, where once a year a boat arrives with a new young child and the eldest sails away, never to be heard from again. I have been hearing rave reviews about this book for months! Anyone who had an early copy has loved it. I can’t wait to give it a try.
Pixie Piper and the Matter of the Batter – Book 2 in the Pixie Piper series about a descendant of Mother Goose. I have book one in my TBR pile.
Restart – A boy loses his memory and tries to piece together the person he was before and decide who he might want to be going forward. I love Gordon Korman’s work, and I’m looking forward to reading this one.
Wonder Woman Junior Novel – Junior novel for the new movie releasing this coming weekend.
Worst Fairy Godmother Ever – Book 1 in the Wish List series about a fairy godmother in training.
Eliza and her Monsters – The anonymous creator of a popular webcomic  loses her anonymity, and everything she has built starts to fall apart.
One of Us Is Lying – Five students walk into detention. Only four walk back out. This sounds like a  great mystery and a perfect summer read!
Romancing the Throne – Average girl falls in love with a prince. I love stories like this – and Hallmark movies! The setting (prep school) and the sister rivals make this sound like a fun variation on a familiar theme.
Royal Bastards – The illegitimate children of the aristocracy stumble upon something they were never supposed to see. I am SO excited about reading this one! I have an early copy and hope to review it here soon.
When It’s Real – A bad-boy pop star needs to change his image, so he hires a fake girlfriend.

Books for Adults

About a Dog – First book in a new romance series by Jenn McKinlay, one of my favorite mystery authors. I am eager to check out this new series!
Bearly Departed – First book in a new teddy bear mystery series about a factory and shop  that makes and sells teddy bears.
Death by Vanilla Latte – Book 4 in the Bookstore Cafe Mystery series set in a bookstore cafe called Death by Coffee.
A Hiss Before Dying – Book 26 in the Mrs. Murphy mystery series about a post-mistress and her pets.
Marriage Is Pure Murder – Book 6 in the Blossom Valley mystery series set at an organic farm and spa.
One Fete in the Grave – Book 3 in the Liv and Di in Dixie Mystery series about a party planner.
Yews with Caution – Book 19 in the Flower Shop Mystery series.
Star Trek The Next Generation: Hearts and Minds – Activities 350 years apart may bring new details to light about the Federation’s past.
Al Franken, Giant of the Senate – After watching some of the Senate confirmation hearings, I am curious about this memoir from Franken about why he ran for office.
Israel Matters: Why Christians Must Think Differently About the People and the Land – I’m curious to read the author’s take on Christianity and Israel.
Knights in Training: Ten Principles for Raising Honorable, Courageous and Compassionate Boys – I’m always interested in parenting books!

BOOK NEWS: May 23, 2017

Posted on by Jaymie

Once a month there is a week where fewer new books make my list. This is that week for May (next week is HUGE). Enjoy looking at these books releasing this week:

May I Have a Word? – A battle of the magnet letters!
Wallace and Grace: Take the Cake/The Cupcake Caper – New early chapter book mystery series. Looks adorable!
Beach Party Surf Monkey – Book 2 in the Welcome to Wonderland series
Rise of the Isle of the Lost – The third Descendants novel based on the Disney movie.
William Wenton and the Impossible Puzzle – A kid with a gift for code-breaking and puzzles is pulled into a mysterious new school
Science Comics: Flying Machines – Graphic Novel about airplanes and other flying machines
Crazy House – New dystopian book for teens by James Patterson.
Watching the Detectives – Book 5 in the Country Club Mystery series

BOOK NEWS: May 16, 2017

Posted on by Jaymie

Hope you all were able to celebrate someone yesterday – your mother or aunt or grandmother, being a mother, or maybe another woman who has been instrumental in your life and growth.  These parent-related holidays can be fraught with emotions; I hope you were able to plan some self-care if that is the case for you.

My favorite method of self-care is reading. Here are some of the new books coming out this week!

Books for Kids

7 Ate 9 – Looking forward to this picture book based on the “Why was 6 afraid of 7?” joke heard in elementary schools everywhere.
Grace Hopper Queen of Computer Code – Picture book biography of one of the pioneers of computer science
Margaret and the Moon – Picture book biography of the woman whose code helped put Americans on the moon.
Amelia Bedelia Makes a Splash – Book 11 in the young Amelia Bedelia chapter book series

Books for Older Kids/Teens/Young Adults

The Epic Fail of Arturo Zamora – A boy and his new friend try to save the family restaurant and their whole community against a sneaky land developer.
The Great Treehouse War – It’s kids vs. parents when Winnie and her friends take a stand in her treehouse.
P.S. Send More Cookies – Book 3 in the Secret Cookie Club series about a group of friends from summer camp.
World’s Greatest Detective – Two kids try to win a contest for finding the World’s Greatest Detective.
Guts and Glory: The American Revolution – The Guts and Glory series looks at the American Revolution
Where Are the Galapagos Islands?
Where Is the Eiffel Tower?
Antisocial – Senior year at a prep school is upended when an epic hack lays everyone’s secrets out in the open. I love stories like this that look at the downsides of our technology.
Flame in the Mist – A Mulan-like story about a girl on her way to an arranged marriage who falls in with a gang of bandits. Sounds great!
The Names They Gave Us – A girl’s summer plans change when her mom’s cancer reappears, her boyfriend pauses their relationship, and her usual Bible camp job switches to a camp for troubled kids.
Know Who You Are. Live Like It Matters. – A study of identity in Christ for homeschoolers and other young people. Enough lessons for a 36-week school year.

Books for Adults

Hospitality and Homicide – Book 8 in the Tourist Trap Mystery series
Reference to Murder – Book 2 in the Book Barn Mystery series.

 

I think my top picks for this week are The Great Treehouse War and The Names They Gave Us. What are you hoping to read soon?

BOOK NEWS: May 9, 2017

Posted on by Jaymie

Happy Monday! Hope  you had some reading time this weekend. Here are some of the books releasing this week:

Books for Kids

   

Bad Guy – New picture book about sibling rivalry
Pete the Cat – Cool Cat Boogie – New picture book starring Pete the Cat
There Might Be Lobsters – Picture book about a worried pup’s trip to the beach. This looks darling!
Curious George Builds a Treehouse – Early Reader about Curious George
Amy on Park Patrol – Book 17 in the early chapter book Critter Club series
Howl at the Moon – Book 3 in the Scholastic Branches  Hagis and Tank Unleashed series
Lola – Latest book in the long-running Puppy Place series
Pumpkin the Hamster – Book 6 in the Doctor KittyCat early chapter book series.
Super Rabbit Boy Powers Up – Book 2 in this Scholastic Branches series with a video game feel.

Books for Older Kids/Teens/Young Adults

Bodyguard: Recruit/Hostage/Hijack/Ransom – The first four books in a new action/adventure series release all at once, just in time for summer. A teen kickboxing champ is trained as a bodyguard, and his first protectee is the First Daughter. Two more books in the series will release in the fall. I love the whole idea for this, especially releasing several books at once so kids can really dig in!
Call Me Sunflower – A girl trying to help her parents reconcile stumbles onto a secret.
Clayton Byrd Goes Underground – A boy runs away after the loss of his grandfather, in search of his grandfather’s old blues band.
Edgeland – Edgeland is an island on the edge of The Drain – a giant whirlpool where people from all over the world travel to send off their dead. Two kids try to loot one of the boats before it goes into the Drain, but instead they go over the edge.
Funny Girl: Funniest. Stories. Ever – Collection of essays from today’s funniest women writers.
Gabby Garcia’s Ultimate Playbook – Gabby, the star pitcher, is sent to a new school which puts her winning streak – in everything – in jeopardy. This has been compared to Dork Diaries and Middle School.
Giant Trouble – Book 4 in the awesome Hamster Princess series. You can read my review of book 3 here. I loved it!
The Lines We Cross – The son of anti-immigration demonstrators has his ideas challenged when an immigrant from Afghanistan comes to his prep school.
Girling Up: How to be Strong, Smart and Spectacular – Nonfiction book for girls and young women by TV star and neuroscientist, Mayim Bialik about growing up to the best you can be.

Books for Adults

Bad to the Bone (5/8) – Book 3 in the “Barkery” and Biscuits Mystery series. These look really fun!
Edited Out – Book 2 in the Mysterious Detective series
The Final Vow (5/8) – Book 3 in the Living History Museum mystery series
The Run-Out Groove – Book 2 in the Vinyl Detective mystery series about a record collector who gets pulled into actual detective cases.
Start with Amen: How I Learned to Surrender by Keeping the End in Mind – I think the subtitle makes the topic perfectly clear. Starting with Amen means starting with “so be it” and surrender. I totally need this book in my life right now.

BOOK NEWS: May 2, 2017

Posted on by Jaymie

The first Tuesday of a new month is always chock full of new books! And this month is no exception. There’s something for everyone this week. Plenty of new additions to favorite series as well as all sorts of new stories to enjoy. Time travel. Star Wars. Mysteries. Superheroes. So many great options this week. Let’s take a look:

Books for Kids

The Case of the Stinky Stench – Picture book mystery with Lady Pancake and Sir French Toast.
Dragons Love Tacos 2 – What’s not to love about dragons and tacos?! The first book was great, and I am eager to see how the story continues.
Elephant and Piggie Biggie – This is NOT a new Elephant and Piggie book (so sad), but instead this combines 5 of their books into one volume. This would make an excellent gift for a mom of preschoolers (Mother’s Day is next week!) or for any Piggie and Gerald fan who doesn’t already have these books in their collection. Two of my favorites – Can I Play Too? and Let’s Go for a Drive – are included in this collection.
Go Sleep in Your Own Bed – This looks like a classic bedtime book in the making. A series of farm animals find other animals sleeping in their places. I love Candace Fleming’s books, and I imagine this one will be no exception.
The Good for Nothing Button – Book 3 in the Elephant and Piggie Like Reading series. While these are not new Piggie and Gerald books (still sad…), they are in that sort of style.
Naptastrophe – Jarrett J. Krosoczka is one of my favorite people in the children’s lit world. If he writes it, I will read it. He’s the author of the Lunch Lady graphic novels and the awesome Platypus Police Squad middle grade series. Naptastrophe is definitely on my list!.
Pete with No Pants – This book is getting rave reviews! I have to check this one out – it looks hilarious.
Peterrific – Pinkalicious’ little brother, Peter, gets his own story.
The Thing Lou Couldn’t Do – Terrific story about perseverance from one of my favorite illustrators, Ashley Spires. I’ll be reviewing this book here tomorrow.
Pete the Cat and the Tip Top Tree House – New Early Reader starring Pete the Cat
Wonder Woman: Meet the Heroes – Early Reader tie in for the Wonder Woman movie
The Genie’s Curse – Little Legends, book 3. Fun, fractured fairy tale early chapter book series
Goldie Blox and the Three Dares/Rules the School – Early chapter books based on the Goldie Blox building toys
Super Narwhal and Jelly Jolt – Book 2 in the Narwhal and Jelly graphic novel series
100 Galactic Devotions – Devotional for kids (releases today)
Lego DC The Awesome Guide – Colorful guide to the Lego DC universe with exclusive Wonder Woman mini-figure.

Books for Older Kids/Teens/Young Adults

   

Camp Half-Blood Confidential – Percy Jackson and friends add their commentary to Apollo’s guidebook for Camp Half-Blood. Fun for fans of the original Percy Jackson series!
Dark Prophecy – Book 2 in the Rick Riordan Trials of Apollo series about the god, Apollo, who has been turned into a normal teenager and sent to earth to figure out what has happened to the Oracles and set things right. Includes the characters Leo and Calypso from the Heroes of Olympus series.
Fairy Tale Detectives (10th Anniversary Edition) – I don’t usually post about re-releases in Book News, but this series is worth a special mention. I loved the series when it first came out. The author has been able to retool a few things for the re-release. Plus those new covers! I like to let folks know if something is truly new or just a re-packaging. This is a great re-package with some updates. If you have never tried this series, give it a go! I plan to enjoy each and every book in the series as they re-release.
How to Be a Supervillain – Victor is not living up to the family legacy of villainy. As a last-ditch effort to live up to his family expectations, Victor gets a supervillain mentor. I love a good superhero/villain story! This looks terrific.
Invisible Emmie – A middle school story in graphic novel form. Looks perfect for fans of Raina Telgemeier (see post about Real Friends) or Jennifer Holm (Babymouse, Sunny Side Up).
Lemons – This is a lovely story. Lem has lost her mother and her home. She moves in with a grandfather she doesn’t know in a community where people think Bigfoot is real. I’ll be reviewing this one next week – you should check it out!
Marty Pants: Do Not Open – On the surface this looks like a book in the style of Wimpy Kid or Timmy Failure or Big Nate. The story, though, of a secret take-over-the-world plot sounds like my favorite mystery stories. I will definitely be checking this one out!
Posted – This is one of the books I am most looking forward to reading this summer. It should be showing up at my house tomorrow and I can hardly wait. The author’s last book, Ms. Bixby’s Last Day, was amazing. I think this one will be as well!
Real Friends – Graphic novel/memoir from fantastic author, Shannon Hale (Princess in Black, Princess Academy, Ever After High, Squirrel Girl, etc.). I’m really looking forward to this. It looks perfect for fans of similar books by Raina Telgemeier.
The Secret Diary of Apple White (Ever After High) – Second book in the latest series centered on the characters from Ever After High.
Supernormal Sleuthing Service: Lost Legacy – Book 1 in a new series about a stolen artifact and a hotel full of monsters.
Star Wars: Guardians of the Whills (Star Wars Rogue One) – A story for middle grade readers centered on popular Rogue One characters Baze and Chirrut. Since Rogue One just released on DVD, this is perfect timing. Consider this for your Star Wars fan for summer reading!
Time Stoppers: Quest for the Golden Arrow – Book 2 in the Time Stoppers series about time travel and fantasy creatures. This sounds like a series I would love.
Always and Forever, Lara Jean – The third and final book in the Lara Jean trilogy. I read the first book, To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before, but I didn’t get to book 2. I’m curious to see how things wrap up for Lara Jean.
And We’re Off – A young artist is offered a trip to Europe to paint. Her mother isn’t very excited about the trip, but at the last minute she decides to go along. This sounds like a perfect summer read!
Avenged – Book 2 in the Ruined series. I have book 1 in my TBR pile but haven’t gotten to it yet. Maybe this summer!
Cold Summer – A time traveler with PTSD wonders if it is his destiny to die in World War II.
Court of Wings and Ruin – Book 3 in the Court of Thorns and Roses series. I haven’t tried this yet, but the covers are absolutely gorgeous and make me want to run out and buy them.
Four Weeks, Five People – Five teens struggling with various mental and personality disorders share four weeks in wilderness therapy. I have been enjoying the surge of teen (and middle grade) books that look at mental illness. I’m eager to check this one out.
Lois Lane Triple Threat – Book 3 in this fun Lois Lane series. I just read book one and thought it was fantastic. I’ll be reviewing it here on the blog later this week. Book 2 and 3 are definitely on my TBR list!
Star Wars: Rebel Rising – An original story that fills in the gaps from Star Wars Rogue One about Jyn Erso’s childhood.
Textrovert – A girl accidentally swaps phones with an arrogant football player on his way to football camp. They will have to field each other’s messages until he gets back. This sounds awesome.
Windfall – This book from a favorite author tells the story of a girl who buys a winning lottery ticket for her best friend/secret crush. Looking forward to reading this one!

Books for Adults

Alien Education – Book 15 in the Katherine “Kitty” Katt/Aliens series. These are among my most favorite books ever. I am especially eager to read this one because several plot threads were wrapped up at the end of the last book, so I think we might be heading into some fun, new territory in this book. And the kids in the series are getting older and far more involved in things, which I love. I think they could play a major role in this story. I will be staking out our mailbox all day Tuesday waiting for my pre-order to arrive.
Dead and Berried – Book 3 in the Cranberry Cove mystery series about all things cranberry.
Death in Dark Blue – Book 2 in the Writer’s Apprentice Mystery series. I LOVED book one, A Dark and Stormy Murder! This one is a top pick for me.
Ghostal Living – Book 3 in the Hamptons Home and Garden Mystery series about an interior designer
Killer Characters – Book 8 in the Books by the Bay Mystery series
Love and Death in Burgundy – First in a new series that takes place in France. Sounds lovely!
Murderous Mayhem at Honeychurch Hill – Book 4 in the Honeychurch Hill Mystery series about an antique dealer and her widowed mother. The story for this particular book – a missing manuscript – sounds really interesting to me.
Nightshade for Warning – Book 2 of the Enchanted Garden Mystery series about a perfume shop and garden.
A Purely Private Matter – Book 2 in the Rosalind Thorne Mystery series. I adored book one – A Useful Woman. Can’t wait to read this sequel!
Threads of Suspicion – Book 2 in the Evie Blackwell Cold Case series about a police investigator.
Your Killin’ Heart – First in the Nashville Mystery series about a travel agent in the world of country music stars.
Release My Grip – Interactive book for parents getting ready to launch their high school students to wherever life takes them next. A great gift idea for the parents of graduates or soon-to-be-graduates! Includes reflection questions, scripture, and journaling space.
Rewrite Your Life – The redemptive process of writing fiction. I have read the author’s fiction books before, and I can’t wait to get my hands on this one! I enjoyed her TED talk about how writing fiction helped her heal after the death of her husband.
Topography of Tears – Microscopic look at tears shed in different circumstances by men, women, adults and children. This sounds fascinating! I hope my local bookstore or library orders this one because I am fascinated by this whole idea.
Truth – Devotional from Christian author, Randy Alcorn. I love his work – both fiction and nonfiction. This one is on my list for sure. (releases today)

BOOK NEWS: April 25, 2017

Posted on by Jaymie

Lots of new reading treasures releasing this week!

Books for Kids

   

Dr. Eleventh – A Doctor Who book in the style of Mr. Men
Dr. Twelfth  – A Doctor Who book in the style of Mr. Men
Plankton Is Pushy – From the author of Barnacle is Bored (which is hysterical) comes this story of a pushy plankton.
Rolling Thunder – Picture book about the Rolling Thunder Ride to Freedom
Shawn Loves Sharks – Shark-lover Shawn does not get the Shark assignment at school – it goes to Stacy instead.
Looking Up!: The Science of Stargazing – latest in the Early Reader line from the Science of Fun Stuff series. I love these books.
Evil Emperor Penguin – First book in a graphic novel series about a penguin determined to take over the world.
Rogue City – A LEGO Batman Build Your Own Adventure book. Brilliant!
Bad Guys: The Furball Strikes Back – Book 3 in the Bad Guys series for early readers
The Mystery of Mr. E. – New story in the Wellie Wishers line from American Girl
The Rainstorm Brainstorm – New story in the Wellie Wishers line from American Girl
Remy Sneakers vs the Robo Rats – From the author of the Yeti Files comes a new series about a raccoon falsely accused of stealing
Ugly Cat & Pablo – Unlikely friends work together to get a treat

Books for Older Kids/Teens/Young Adults

The Cat Stole My Pants – Timmy Failure, book 6
Cats in the City – Stick Cat and Edith are off to rescue another neighbor in book 2 of this series by the author of Stick Dog.
Hello Stars – Book one in the Lena in the Spotlight series from FaithGirlz about a girl who auditions for a movie
Key Hunters: The Titanic Treasure – Book 5 in the Key Hunters series
Revenge of the Happy Campers – Book 4 starring the Brewster triplets.
The Unbreakable Code – Book Scavengers book 2. Book 1 is on my TBR
What Was the Wild West?
The Wingsnatchers: Carmer and Grit, Book 1 – A magician and a fairy princess join forces to solve the mystery of fairy disappearances.
The Whole Thing Together – Two families, connected but estranged, share a beach house in the summer.

Books for Adults

Every Body on Deck – Book 22 in the Savannah Reid mystery series. I already have a hold on this one from the library!
Good Day to Buy – Book 4 in the Sarah Winston Garage Sale mystery series
The Librarians and the Mother Goose Chase – An original story based on the Librarians TV show. Our family has enjoyed the episodes of the TV show that we have seen.
No Charm Intended – Book 2 in the Cora Crafts mystery series about a crafting retreat
Though This Be Madness – Book 2 in the Lilly Long mystery series which takes place in 1881 Chicago
Rediscovering the Holy Spirit – I’m really looking forward to reading this study of the role of the Holy Spirit in the life of Christ-followers.

BOOK NEWS: April 18, 2017

Posted on by Jaymie

The third Tuesday of the month seems to be a low week for new books. Just a handful today! I have several of these on my TBR list.

Catstronauts: Mission Moon – Book one in a new graphic novel series about cats in space.
Catstronauts: Race to Mars – Book two
Fair Ball – The latest from Derek Jeter about keeping a good attitude when things go wrong
I Am Fartacus – A group of misfits try to take down a potential evil “empire” in their middle school (a MAX book from Aladdin).
Under Locker and Key – A boy has to team up with his rival in order to stop a rash of thefts at school. I am so excited about this MAX line from Aladdin. I love the books they have targeted to girls (MIX), and I have high hopes that these books targeting boys (although any kid would love both) will also be terrific.
Bang – A toddler accidentally shoots and kills his baby sister. Now a teen, the boy tries to live with his horror and guilt.
U Thrive: How to Succeed in College (And Life) – Perfect for graduation season!
The Fix – Book 3 in David Baldacci’s Amos Decker series. My husband has this on his list. We are big Baldacci fans.
Hello, My Name is: Discover Your True Identity – I’ve been doing a lot of reading and thinking about identity lately. I’m looking forward to this book by Matthew West about finding identity in Jesus Christ.
The Tech-Wise Family: Everyday Steps for Putting Technology in its Proper Place – The title says it all. This one is certainly on my TBR list.

BOOK NEWS: April 11, 2017

Posted on by Jaymie

Happy Holy Week! Hope you have some time this week to celebrate Easter with your family and maybe even enjoy some reading time! Here are some of the books releasing this week.

Books for Older Kids/Teens/Young Adults

Star Wars Adventures in Wild Space: The Heist – Book 3 in the Wild Space series
Curiosity House: The Fearsome Firebird – Book 3 in the Curiosity House series about a group of special orphans who have been raised in a  museum of oddities
In Over Their Heads – Book 2 in the Under Their Skin series by Margaret Peterson Haddix where a set of twins are trying to save the world.
Bridget Wilder: Live Free, Spy Hard – Book 3 in the Bridget Wilder mystery/spy series. Book one of this series, Bridget Wilder: Spy-in-Training is on my TBR.
My Life as a Ninja – Book 6 in this Wimpy Kid-esque series
One Hundred Spaghetti Strings – A girl cooks her way through a difficult year of family upheaval.
Pick Your Poison – Book 5 in the  Ruby Redfort mystery series. I’ve only read the first book in this series, but it was a terrific mystery.
Willows vs. Wolverines – Boys vs Girls prank war at summer camp
Alex & Eliza – A fictionalized account of the romance between Eliza Schuyler and Alexander Hamilton.
Duels and Deception – A young woman and her law clerk are kidnapped as the villain tries to sully the young woman’s family name.
Literally – Annabelle, the character in a new novel, tries to assert her independence from her author.
Spindle Fire – Half sisters and princesses star in this Sleeping Beauty-ish tale.
Unearthly Things – A contemporary spin on Jane Eyre.

Books for Adults

Alice and the Assassin – First book in the Alice Roosevelt mystery series. Alice Roosevelt is one of my favorite historical figures, so I am curious to read this mystery.
Dangerous to Know – Book 2 in the Lillian Frost and Edith Head mystery series that takes place in 1938 Los Angeles
The Good Byline – First book in the Riley Ellison mystery series where trouble starts with writing an obituary
Kale to the Queen – First book in the Kensington Palace Chef mystery series which starts with a body in the royal kale beds
One Perfect Lie – The latest from Lisa Scottoline is a thriller about a local baseball coach and the families and kids he influences every day. This sounds amazing.
Star Wars: Thrawn – Backstory of Star Wars’ Grand Admiral Thrawn
What’s Your Creative Type? – Identify your creative motivation type

BOOK NEWS: April 4, 2017

BOOK NEWS: April 4, 2017

Posted on by Jaymie

Happy April and Happy Spring! Lots of terrific books coming out this week. Let’s take a look:

Books for Kids

Balderdash: John Newbery and the Boisterous Birth of Children’s Books – Picture book biography of John Newbery, advocate for children’s literature.
Be Quiet – Rupert the mouse wants to star in a beautiful, wordless picture book, but his friends won’t stop yakking!
Frankie – Two dogs try to figure out how to get along together. Looks darling!
Legend of Rock, Paper, Scissors – This backstory of the epic competition between Rock, Paper and Scissors is from some of the best and brightest in the world of picture books. I can’t want to read this one!
Night Night Groot – Rocket and Groot have to save the galaxy before Groot can finally go to bed. This looks darling!
Pout Pout Fish Far Far from Home – I discovered the Pout Pout Fish books when I was doing book fairs with Scholastic. Cute story line. This is the latest addition to the series.
Splatypus – A lonely platypus goes “SPLAT” no matter what he tries to do. Look at that cover! I have to see this one in person – looks terrific!
Rosie Revere’s Big Project Book for Bold Engineers – An activity book tied to the terrific Rosie Revere picture book.
Star Wars Prequel Trilogy Graphic Novel – I have seen the GN for the original series that goes with this one for the prequels and it is gorgeous! I would love to own both of these. Our family would get a lot of use out of them.

Books for Older Kids/Teens/Young Adults

Chester and Gus – Chester has only ever wanted to be a service dog, but he fails the test. Then a family adopts Chester to help their autistic son, Gus, but Gus isn’t anything like Chester has trained for. But Gus is now his person, so Chester is determined to figure out how to help him! Adding this to my list for certain.
First Class Murder – Book 3 in the Murder Most Unladylike/Wells and Wong mystery series. This one takes place on The Orient Express. This looks like a fantastic mystery series for kids!
The Forgetting Spell – Book 2 in the Wishing Day series. Darya approaches her Wishing Day with trepidation after the impact of her mother’s wish ten years ago and her sister’s wish last year.
Guys Read: Heroes & Villains – Love this series of short stories with boys in mind (but totally appropriate for any reader!). This theme sounds terrific to me! Ten original stories.
I Funny School of Laughs (April 3) – Book 5 in the I Funny series by James Patterson and Chris Grabenstein
Jack and the Geniuses: At the Bottom of the World – Three orphans and their benefactor head to the South Pole to judge a contest and find a missing scientist. This was a terrific series launch! I will be posting a review of this here tomorrow. Check it out!
Journey Across the Hidden Island – Twin princesses encounter monsters on what was supposed to be a pretty routine journey. Now it is up to them to save their kingdom.
Magic in the City – Two boys from Canada and their cousin in London stumble onto three magical objects that take them on an amazing adventure.
Panda-monium – Book 4 in the Teddy Fitzroy series. I haven’t read any of these, but they sound terrific – mysteries at the zoo! I think I have to add these to my TBR list.
Prisoner of Ice and Snow – A girl gets arrested on purpose in order to try to break her twin out of jail. Sounds like a great adventure!
Speed of Life – After losing her mother 8 months earlier, Sofia is still grieving, but her friends are ready for her to “move on.” Sofia reaches out to an advice columnist for help. There are a couple girls in my life who recently lost their dad. I’d love to read this and see if it would be a good resource for them when/if they need it.
The Titanic Mission – Second book in the time travel Flashback Four series by Dan Gutman
Who Are the Rolling Stones? – Biography of the Rolling Stones
Who Was Princess Diana? – Biography of Princess Diana.
Alex, Approximately – A twist on You’ve Got Mail. I loved it!! You can read my review here.
Geekerella: A Fangirl Fairytale – Elle wants to win a cosplay contest for a reboot of her father’s favorite scifi show. Darian wants nothing more than to be in the reboot, but the fandom seems to have written him off completely. Maybe Elle can change all that. Yep, this one is definitely in the shopping cart!
Gem & Dixie – Sisters with a complicated family situation take a road trip where one has to determine how far she will go to save herself from their past. This is getting rave reviews online.
Inconceivable Life of Quinn – Daughter of a prominent politician is pregnant – and she doesn’t remember ever having sex. Could this be another virgin birth? Interesting premise. I’d read this just to find out what really happened.
Letters to the Lost – A girl writes letters to her mother and leaves them at the cemetery. A boy doing community service there reads them and responds. Soon they are exchanging letters even though they are “strangers.” Except they aren’t. Can’t wait to read this one!
Perfect – Sequel to the awesome Flawed, about a dystopian society where people are punished for deception, bad decisions and other examples of flawed character. I am reading an ARC of this (Advanced Reader Copy) right now! I’ll post a review of this later this week.
Pretty Fierce – The daughter of two assassins who have disappeared is targeted by hit men.
Royce Rolls – Bentley Royce’s family, stars of uber-popular reality TV show, is on the brink of destruction. It will be up to Bentley to save the show in order to save the family, but a car accident throws a wrench into the plan.
Zenn Diagram – A math whiz who can read people’s emotions from their possessions or even their own skin meets a boy who she can’t read like everyone else. But there is a link between the two of them that could tear them apart. Romance and suspense with hints of the paranormal. I already pre-ordered this one!

Books for Adults

All By Myself Alone – For fans of Mary Higgins Clark, here is her latest mystery that takes place on a cruise ship. I love mysteries like this! Clark leans more towards suspense/thriller than I usually read, but the premise of this one might grab my attention anyway!
Caramel Crush – Book 9 in the Cupcake Bakery Mystery series. I loved the first book in the series and would love to get back into it!
Dying on the Vine – Book 2 in the Kelsey McKenna Destination Wedding Mystery series. Mysteries, weddings, and travel – sounds great!
A Frying Shame – Book 3 of the Deep Fried Mystery series
Invitation – Book one of the Harbringers series. Frank Peretti. Angela Hunt. Bill Myers. Alton Gansky. With those authors, how could I NOT read this one!! Looks like there are four stories, one by each author, with the same core characters. This one is already in my Amazon cart!
Of Books and Bagpipes – Book 2 in the Scottish Bookshop Mystery series
Silence of the Jams – Book 2 in the Down South Cafe Mystery series. I enjoyed book one, The Calamity Cafe and I’m looking forward to this one!
Town in a Maple Madness – Book 8 in the Candy Holliday Mystery series. I haven’t read any of these yet, but this series sounds terrific.
An Unseen Angel: A Mother’s Story of Faith, Hope and Healing after Sandy Hook – A mother shares her journey after the shooting at Sandy Hook (Newtown, CT) in 2012.
A Colorful Way of Living: How to Be More, Create More, Do More the Vera Bradley Way  – An inspirational book from one of the founders of Vera Bradley. Personally, I am looking to do LESS and strive LESS, but I still want to read this.
The Evangelicals: The Struggle to Shape America – A history of Evangelical American Protestantism, from the Puritans to the 2016 election season.
The Gatekeepers – I have never been more fascinated by politics than I have in this past year. This book, looking at the work of Presidential Chiefs of Staff, sounds interesting!
The Gospel According to Paul – The latest from John MacArthur looks at passages from Paul’s writings that sum up the gospel of Jesus Christ
Hallelujah Anyway: Rediscovering Mercy – The latest from Anne Lamott where she looks at finding meaning in life.
I Love You with All My Butt – The funny things kids say! I follow this artist on social media and I can’t wait to see this in person. This title cracks me up every time I read it.
Life’s Work: A Moral Argument for Choice – A Christian doctor shares his story of conviction to help others through the “service” of providing abortions. This stands opposed to my own interpretation of scripture, but I am curious to read how this gentleman reconciles his work with his faith.

 

 

So, what are you adding to your TBR list this week?

BOOK NEWS: March 28, 2017

Posted on by Jaymie

There’s a HUGE number of books releasing this week. I see a Spring Break trip to the book store in my future! Here are some of the ones I am looking at:

Books for Kids

   

Dad and the Dinosaur – One of my favorite illustrators, Dan Santat, does the pictures for this book about a boy and his dad, and about being brave like a dinosaur. The illustrations alone would get me to pick this up, but the story sounds outstanding. I’ll be looking for this one for sure.
Happy Dreamer – Another of my favorite illustrators, Peter H. Reynolds, brings us a new book about dreaming and creativity
Percy, Dog of Destiny – This sounds like a cute story about a dog and his friends who spend a day at the park with their favorite toys.
Princess Cora and the Crocodile – An over-scheduled princess needs a day off so her fairy godmother sends her some help. This looks awesome!
We’re All Wonders – This picture book shares the message of Wonder – choose kind!
JoJo and the Big Mess – Fancy Nancy’s little sister gets her own Early Reader!
Ready, Set, Blast-Off – Book 15 in the Galaxy Zach series. Wow! I remember when this series first came out. I loved it! Fun stories about everyday things kids deal with, but set in exciting places like new planets! Awesome series for new readers.
Trophy Night – Little Rhino book 6. I’ve talked about this series before – perfect for new readers ready for early chapter books.
Unicorn Crossing – Book 5 in the hilarious Phoebe and her Unicorn graphic novel/comic series. I pre-ordered this months ago! I can’t wait to get this one. This is the kind of book that will never make it to a TBR pile because I will read it cover to cover as soon as I have it in my hands.

Books for Older Kids/Teens/Young Adults

                                    

Army Brats – Three “army brats” living on a base for the first time deal with a bully and a mystery. With all the amazing books on this list that I know I want, this one is at the top of the list. I have adored the other things I have read by this author – The Angel Tree and Clementine for Christmas – and I can’t wait to read this one!
Braced – A girl’s worsening scoliosis pushes her into a back brace – and into re-evaluating how she thinks about herself. I have a kiddo very dear to me who has walked this road. I’m eager to read this story and see if it lines up with her experiences.
Cilla Lee-Jenkins: Future Author Extraordinaire – A girl is determined to become a best-selling author before her baby sister is born and steals her thunder. I am a sucker for any story about a kid and writing; this one sounds like a lot of fun!
Defender of the Realm – A reluctant prince and an ordinary girl join forces to battle monsters and conspiracies to defend Great Britain. Sign me up for this one!
Disney at Last – First there was the Kingdom Keepers series. Then there was The Return. This is the third and final book of The Return series. Disney fans should definitely check this out!
The Gauntlet – Three kids get trapped in a mechanical board game. That plot sells itself!
Jake the Fake Keeps It Real – A kid with no discernible creative talent fakes his way into a gifted and talented program for musicians and artists. This sounds like a hoot!
The Princess and the Page – A princess with a gift for writing uses a magical pen with surprising results. This hits all the right spots for me. This is on my list for sure.
Reformed – Ian is wrongfully sent to bully reform school. He and his friends are going to have to work together if they want to make it back to middle school. This sounds like a fun, prankish story along the lines of The Terrible Two with higher stakes. I’m looking forward to reading this one.
Who Let the Gods Out? – Elliot tries to help Virgo (yeah, the constellation) track down the Olympians to fight Thanatos.  This twist on Greek mythology sounds so fun!
You’re Bacon Me Crazy – Tess and frustrating, arrogant (and cute) Asher have to work together to save her family’s food truck
Just Another Girl – Hope wants what Parker has – mainly the boyfriend of Hope’s dreams. Hope assumes that Parker is perfect and has everything together, so she watches her every move to try to achieve what Parker has. But Parker has a secret and it’s hard to keep a secret when someone is watching so closely. This sounds fascinating.
Just Fly Away – Hotly anticipated YA mystery from actor Andrew McCarthy.

Books for Adults

London Calling – Book 2 in the Mirabelle Bevan Mystery series. Look at that cover! I may have to read this series just to see what’s up with that beautiful cover.
Mother’s Day, Muffins and Murder – Book 10 in the Ellie Avery Mystery series
Plain Missing – Book 4 in this Amish mystery series
Tightening the Threads – Book 5 in the Mainely Needlepoint Mystery series
When the Grits Hit the Fan – Book 3 in the Country Store Mystery series
Star Trek Section 31: Control – Section 31 is the shadow covert ops group of the Star Trek Universe. The Section 31 story line has always been a favorite of mine and I’m looking forward to reading this one, too!
Alive in Him: How Being Embraced by the Love of Christ Changes Everything (March 31) – This look at the book of Ephesians looks terrific! I think I will be adding this to my Bible study list for this year.
The Cubs Way – My grandparents guaranteed that this Wisconsin girl would grow up to be a Cubs fan. And 2016 was a fantastic year to be a Cubs fan. This book looks at the rebuilding that led to the Cubs World Series win in 2016.
Let There Be Science (April 1) – Science and faith! I am SO looking forward to reading this! One of my personal reading challenges for 2017 is to read some books that examine science through the lens of faith and vice versa. I hope this is as amazing as it sounds.

 

Which book releasing this week is going on your TBR list?!