Category: Reviews

BONUS REVIEW: Beauty and the Beast by Jessica Gunderson

BONUS REVIEW: Beauty and the Beast by Jessica Gunderson

Posted on by Jaymie

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

Summary

Beauty is the youngest of three girls. She loves books and music and flowers and has a sweet disposition, unlike her selfish oldest sister Gritty and the vain middle daughter, Petty. The family has had a run of bad luck. They had to sell their possessions, get rid of their servants, and move into a small cottage.

When Beauty’s father takes a rose at a mysterious castle on his travels, the Beast who lives there says he can leave if Beauty comes and stays instead.

Beauty gets to know the Beast, and likes him. But when her father becomes sick, she leaves and the Beast is lonely and sad.

Review

The art in this is lovely! I enjoyed the familiar basics of the story and the diversity of the cast. Beauty’s sisters have a Cinderella’s step-sisters feel to them. Other than being catty, though, the story doesn’t do much with them, which was disappointing.

The art really made this enjoyable. I was pleased with some of the “extras” in the book as well – a guide to reading graphic novels, writing prompts, discussion questions and a craft. I wish the story had been more full and engaging to go with these terrific extras. The story was mild with no real conflict explored. There was space devoted to Beauty’s family, but they never became a factor in the larger story. Then that left fewer pages to explore the story with the Beast.

Rating: ♥♥♥

REVIEW: Party Problems by C. L. Reid

REVIEW: Party Problems by C. L. Reid

Posted on by Jaymie

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

Summary

This is the first book in the Emma Every Day series. Emma is 8 years old and lives with her mom, dad and older brother. Emma is Deaf. She uses a cochlear implant to help her hear as well as using American Sign Language to communicate to others.

In this book, Emma is getting ready to go to her best friend Izzie’s birthday party. But she’s feeling nervous.

Review

This is a cute early chapter book that includes a finger spelling guide, some finger-spelled words in the text of the story, a glossary and signs in the back matter, as well as ideas of things to write about and things to talk about. These extra features are some of my favorite parts of the book.

This is the first of four books. In the other three Emma goes on a field trip, heads to the apple orchard, and learns to dance.

This has a simple and sweet story with a low level of conflict and a fun layout. I enjoyed Emma’s honesty about anxiety – worrying about her dress, if she will know anyone at the party, and if the party will be too noisy for her to hear and communicate with others. Everything works out pretty easily in the end.

Rating: ♥♥♥½

BLOG TOUR: The Mall by Megan McCafferty

BLOG TOUR: The Mall by Megan McCafferty

Posted on by Jaymie

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

Welcome to the BLOG TOUR for The Mall by Megan McCafferty. I am so happy to have you here today! Let’s talk about The Mall.

Summary

Cassie Worthy’s senior year (Go, Class of 1991!) did not finish as she planned. With the worst case of mono her doctor had ever seen, she was down for over a month. No prom. No graduation. But through it all, her boyfriend, Troy, was loyal, caring, and dedicated. They were moving steadily toward their plan for college – different schools, but in the same university system. And they even worked together at the cookie shop at the mall.

All of that fell apart the moment Cassie was well enough to step back into her life.  No job, no boyfriend, and even her big college plan was tainted.

While Cassie is still trying to figure out what just happened to her, she knows she needs another job asap – something at the mall, but far from Troy and the cookie shop. The one she finds leads her to an old friend, a secret stash of Cabbage Patch dolls – and a hunt through the mall for treasure!

Review

This was a delightful walk down memory lane! Stripped down to its core, this is a familiar tale of bouncing back after a break up, rediscovering an old friend, and preparing for the launch to college. And it’s a good version of those common story elements. I loved the characters in this. I cared about Cassie’s break-up recovery, and I thoroughly enjoyed her relationship with Drea. On its own, that made for a solidly good story.

But setting this in the early 90s at the mall made this nostalgia heaven for me. The clothes, the music, the cassette tapes and answering machines. Cassie had to go to the mall book store to research something; there’s no cell phone or Google. Someone in the book got a pre-paid calling card as a gift. It was perfect! While some pieces were nostalgic, others were hilarious! I enjoyed every minute of this.

My only hesitation here is that I’m not sure if the target audience will have the same reaction or appreciation for the 90s pieces of this. The core story will stand on its own, but will the 90s references be a distraction? Or will they make this as magical for other readers as they did for me?  All I can say for sure is that I thoroughly enjoyed this, and I recommend it. Be sure to check out The Mall by Megan McCafferty!

(Language, sex, sexual references, TW: assault reference)

Rating: ♥♥♥♥½

BONUS REVIEW: The Gospel for Achievers by Tyler Zach

BONUS REVIEW: The Gospel for Achievers by Tyler Zach

Posted on by Jaymie

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

Summary and Review

This opens with a thorough introduction. The implied reader is someone who already knows their Enneagram type, someone who identifies with the Enneagram 3, the Achiever. While I am not an Enneagram 3, I found the introduction fascinating. It’s affirming of 3s, stating affirmations for some of the type’s features from the Bible as well as statements of God’s love. It also challenges Achievers with Biblical truth to offset the lies of personality.

There are 40 days of devotionals in the book. Each day is laid out with the title, a Bible verse, a page or two of devotional thoughts and then a feature called “The Good News for Achievers.” This section ties the general Biblical content or truth to the personality of Enneagram 3s. After that section there is a short prayer, 3-4 reflection questions (with space to write answers), and a response activity.

I don’t know if it is the quality of the content or the fact that I occasionally access a 3-wing in Enneagram language, but I got a lot out of this resource. There were action steps that challenged me, and reflection questions that made me want to grab my journal. I shared the author’s website with a friend who identifies as a 3 so she could look at the sample devotionals and give me her opinions. She found them all challenging “in a good way.”

This whole book is well-resourced. There are end notes sharing where the author got some of his quotes and content. Readers may find those additional resources enjoyable. Then the book ends with a closing prayer for Achievers and some suggested Next Steps.

I have a personal Enneagram theory that writers write through the lens of their Enneagram type, and you can sometimes pick it up. Bob Goff identifies as a 7, and you can hear it in the enthusiasm of his writing, not to mention the stories he shares. When I read Made Like Martha, I wondered if the author was an Enneagram 2 from the way she approached her subject. I really connected with that book a lot.

There was a moment when I was reading one of the devotions here where the author assigned a motive to Martha, ironically enough, that I would not have attributed to her in the story at all. His statement – that she was “concerned with impressing Jesus” – to me reflects an Achiever mindset whereas I would have described her motives differently, probably reading my own motives into her actions. This theory of mine makes me wonder if that is why some books connect differently with different readers. Maybe an author’s style or character descriptions or conclusions rub up against readers of a different type in different ways.

With that in mind, I am curious to read this author’s take on my number when he produces that devotional in the future. I’ll have to wait awhile – I think the book for 9s is coming next. This book releases August 1, 2020. At the time of this writing, it is available to read for free to Kindle Unlimited subscribers.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥

You can go here to read all about the other Enneagram resources I have reviewed.

BONUS REVIEW: What's Your Enneatype? by Liz Carver and Josh Green

BONUS REVIEW: What’s Your Enneatype? by Liz Carver and Josh Green

Posted on by Jaymie

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

Summary and Review

From the book: “The Enneagram is a tool that helps us name what motivates people to do the things they do in the world.” (page 8 of e-book review copy) That’s a great description! This book comes from the folks behind the Instagram account @justmyenneatype. Some of the book’s graphics will look familiar to fans of the IG account (like me).

The book opens with a thorough introduction explaining what the Enneagram is and what it is not. There’s no test (this is a plus!). The book reinforces the idea that you do the reading (whether that’s this book or another resource), you eliminate the types that are certainly not you, and then you discern for yourself from the remaining types what seems the best fit.

There’s a great use of color and graphics throughout the book; each number has a carefully chosen color scheme. I loved the look of the book on my device, and I can’t wait to see a print version in person. The layout of the book for each type is uniform, so you can flip to the same feature for each number. The writing is engaging and conversational throughout.

Each section includes the following information for the type: wings, triads, stances, subtypes/instincts, self-care suggestions, and discussions of movement in health and stress as well a graphic of a health continuum in 6 areas. My favorite feature of them all was the description of what the world would be like if everyone was that number. It was a clever way to highlight the strengths and liabilities for each type.

I LOVED this! I have been learning about the Enneagram for about 3.5 years now, and I learned new things and got to think about things in new ways from reading this. This is now in my top tier of Enneagram resources alongside The Road Back to You, Millenneagram and Spiritual Rhythms for the Enneagram. This book releases August 4, 2020. 

Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥

You can go here to read all about the other Enneagram resources I have reviewed.

REVIEW: A Royal Affair by Allison Montclair

REVIEW: A Royal Affair by Allison Montclair

Posted on by Jaymie

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

Summary

Iris Sparks and Gwen Bainbridge run a marriage bureau called The Right Sort in 1946 London. There’s no more London “Season,” and people need help finding a potential match. They’re good at what they do, and their business is growing. But that’s not why they’re approached by the Crown. It’s because they solved a murder.

Gwen’s cousin works at the Palace. The princess, Elizabeth, has fallen in love with Prince Philip. But there’s a blackmailer causing trouble. The Palace wants Iris and Gwen to figure out what’s going on so they can stop the blackmailer and protect the princess if needed. But Iris and Gwen suspect someone is not being straight with them. They’re hitting roadblocks in their investigation. And then someone is killed. Iris and Gwen start to think maybe they should have stuck to matchmaking.

Review

This was great! I haven’t read the first book, The Right Sort of Man, but it’s on my list now. I adored Iris and Gwen. They really made the book for me. There’s tons of sharp, quick banter between them. I kept turning pages – far later than I should have – because I wanted to spend more time with these two women and to see how they were going to sort this thing out.

The mystery here was extra twisty thanks to some of the folks involved in the blackmail scheme. I was guessing all the way up to the big reveal. The final scene of the book was perfection, too.

I am eager to go back and read about Iris and Gwen’s first case. It will have to tide me over while I wait for book 3 to find out how the events of this book will play out for the ladies in the future. Cozy fans and historic mystery fans should not miss this one!

Rating: ♥♥♥♥

BONUS REVIEW: City Spies by James Ponti

BONUS REVIEW: City Spies by James Ponti

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

When Sara Martinez is arrested, she knows it’s a big deal. She was caught hacking. She did it to expose her foster parents for the abusive charlatans they are. But of course nothing happened to them, and Sara was arrested.

But then the British guy shows up. Pretends to be her lawyer. Masterfully works the court case to Sara’s favor, getting her sentenced to a fictional facility until she turns 18.

All so Sara can become a spy for MI6.

MI6 has a team of young spies ready to go on a super secret, super vital mission. But their hacker up and quit the program. If Sara can cut it, she’ll be their new hacker.

They’ve never seen a computer whiz like her!

Review

This was an absolute treat! I loved Sara from the start. She’s crazy smart, fierce, and loyal. My favorite sort of protagonist. The other kids on the team are fascinating as well – talented and quirky with interesting back stories. Even some of the adults get backstories in this book!

The mission and mystery are top notch. No surprise, really. I expected that after the delightful FRAMED series by this author. (I totally need to read those again!) There were several fantastic twists along the way. And some unresolved threads will pull readers into the next book, which is City Spies: Golden Gate, scheduled to release next spring. I already have it in my shopping cart!

Readers who love mysteries, kid spies or found family stories should NOT miss this one!!

Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥

REVIEW: Parked by Danielle Svetcov

REVIEW: Parked by Danielle Svetcov

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

Jeanne Ann and her mother live in Chicago where her mom works in a restaurant as a cook. The hours are long, and her boss is awful. Jeanne Ann splits her time between school and the local library. She stays there until it closes, and the staff have a rule that someone stays with her until her mom gets there to pick her up. The library is like a second home. Jeanne Ann loves Mrs. Jablonsky, the librarian. She has a reading spot, and she helps shelve the books. The librarian even gives her review copies of upcoming books so she can tell them which ones to buy.

But one day, Jeanne Ann’s mom decides to pursue her dream, so they buy a run down orange van and start driving west to San Francisco.

They find a side street with a great view and park the van near some other folks with the same idea. Jeanne Ann’s mom says they are on vacation and can relax for a few days. But when she decides to look for a job, she runs into road blocks. The former co-worker who invited her to come out to San Francisco is gone. The apartment they thought they could live in isn’t an option. So they live on the side street in their van. Across from Cal’s house.

Cal was 8 the first time he approached one of the folks parked across the street. He gave the man some food. And ever since then, he’s been hyper-aware of the people living there. He wants to help them. He wants people to SEE them. But his efforts backfire. He’s gotten into trouble at school which means trouble at home. But the arrival of a new orange van – and a girl his age – catches his attention.

Review

This was SO good! I loved Jeanne Ann and Cal. Readers in books get me every time – and Jeanne Ann is a reader. That trait – and her relationship with books – is a thread through the whole story. Cal is earnest and determined. He’s young – both kids are going into 7th grade. His intentions are great, but his execution causes some trouble. But he keeps showing up. He keeps trying to help; he keeps trying to get his mom to see HIM and see the need right in front of them.

There’s a library thread in this that is absolutely delightful! Mrs. Jablonsky is trying to find Jeanne Ann and her mom when Jeanne Ann stops coming to the library and her books are flagged overdue. The love of this team of librarians for this preteen girl warmed my heart.

The ending of this is also spectacular. I loved how everything came together in the end. This feel-good story tackles a lot of topics – homelessness, helping vs. rescuing, success and failure, fear, friendship, food, reading, neighbors. So much to love here. This would be an AMAZING read aloud at home or at school. Be sure to check this one out.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥½

REVIEW: 10 Things I Hate About Pinky by Sandhya Menon

REVIEW: 10 Things I Hate About Pinky by Sandhya Menon

Posted on by Jaymie

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

Summary

Samir had been so excited about this internship at a major DC law firm. It was prestigious. He was one of their top candidates. And it got him away from his helicopter mom for the summer. He loved her, but after she beat cancer, she became so smothering. He needed this summer away. Then, on his first day, he found out the internship fell through.

Pinky was spending the summer on the East Coast with her cousin Dolly and their families as usual. And as usual, Dolly was the perfect child while Pinky always earned the side eye. If anything went wrong, everyone assumed it was Pinky’s fault. She was sick of being the outcast and the problem child.

When Pinky hears about Samir’s internship woes, she makes him a deal. Pretend to be her boyfriend for the summer – he’s exactly the kind of guy her parents would love – and she’d get him a new internship with her mom’s law firm.

But if they keep fighting all summer, it will be more likely they’ll kill each other than they will convince anyone they are a couple!

Review

This was a fun addition to the series, following When Dimple Met Rishi and There’s Something About Sweetie (♥♥♥♥½). I loved Samir. He shows Pinky that a guy can be attractive AND fun and loyal and decent. Just because he’s stable and polite, and already knows what he wants to do with his life, doesn’t mean he can’t be boyfriend material.

Pinky was harder to like. She’s defensively abrasive, something Samir calls out when he sees it. She has a big personality, naturally, but she’s learned to also use it to get attention or to rebel. Once you see where some of her behavior comes from, she’s easier to like and root for.

Samir, Pinky, and Dolly get caught up in an effort to save a butterfly habitat from developers. This adds a plot to the story beyond the fake relationship, and it also gives Pinky’s toughest relationships – with Samir and with her mother – something to interact with. I didn’t enjoy that part of the story as much as I loved the back and forth of Samir and Pinky figuring out their feelings. The relationship parts of this were especially rich.

Fans of the previous books should definitely pick this up. I don’t think these have to be read in order, though, to be enjoyed.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥

BONUS REVIEW: Paris Is Always a Good Idea by Jenn McKinlay

BONUS REVIEW: Paris Is Always a Good Idea by Jenn McKinlay

Posted on by Jaymie

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

Summary

Chelsea Martin discovers her father is engaged when he asks her to meet him, saying it’s urgent. She finds him at a bridal shop.  Her twice-married younger sister is completely on board. The fact that the couple met through a bachelor auction two weeks ago is only a factor to Chelsea.

Chelsea’s mom died 7 years ago. At the time, Chelsea was spending a gap year in Europe. As soon as she heard her mom was sick, she dropped everything and went home. When her dad announces his sudden engagement, Chelsea realizes everyone else has moved forward after her mother’s death except her.

So Chelsea takes a leave from her job to go back to Europe. Her plan is to look up the men she fell in love with during her gap year and see if reconnecting with them will help her find herself and her happiness again.

Review

This was fun. I loved the travel as well as the premise of Chelsea trying to find herself or find the person she used to be. There were many laugh-out-loud moments in this, too. That levity was a lovely contrast to the world I find myself in these days.

The story isn’t all light, though. Chelsea is a fundraiser for a cancer charity, so there are characters tied to her work, herself included, who have experienced grief and loss. So there are some heavy, emotional moments in this as well.

Chelsea’s co-worker – and nemesis – Jason Knightley – is probably my favorite character in the whole book. I loved the evolution of Jason and Chelsea’s relationship from the start of the book to the end.

The resolution to Chelsea’s quest was satisfying and wrapped up the book nicely. The journey was fun from start to finish.

McKinlay fans, especially of her romance novels like the ones in the Bluff Point series and the Happily Ever After series, including The Christmas Keeper (♥♥♥♥), should be sure to check this one out. Contemporary romance fans and readers who enjoy books with travel aspects (like One to Watch) or personal quests (like A Dozen Second Chances or My Great Ex-Scape) should check this one out, too. (Language, sex, TW: grief/loss, gaslighting/manipulation in relationships)

Rating: ♥♥♥♥