Reviews, Etc.

BOOK NEWS: September 6, 2022

BOOK NEWS: September 6, 2022

Posted on by Jaymie

Happy Labor Day and happy September and Sabbatical month.

Last summer, I took a month off from my blog, and it was such a good investment in myself, that I decided to do it again. I’ll be pre-posting things for September and taking the next few weeks to take a bit of a break. I hope you will find some great things to read this month, and I’ll see you all in October.

Books for Kids

Star Trek: My First Book of Colors (Board Book) – A color book with Trek references for the youngest fans of the franchise (and their parents).
Little Red and the Big Bad Editor – The Big Bad Wolf keeps getting distracted by Red’s thank you note errors that he misses the chance to eat her. This sounds fantastic!
The Most Magnificent Idea – A sequel to the outstanding The Most Magnificent Thing (♥♥♥♥♥) by the always fabulous Ashley Spires. The star of The Most Magnificent Thing struggles when her ideas run out and her brain begins to fill with sadness instead of ideas. This is a must read for me!

Books for Older Kids/Teens/Young Adults

Attack of the Black Rectangles – Mac and his friends go looking for answers when they discover certain words are being blacked out of their books at school. Yes, please!
Aces Wild: A Heist – A teen and his asexual support group team up to help him infiltrate a high-stakes gambling club so he can find out what an unscrupulous casino owner has over his mom that’s put her in jail.
Enola Holmes and the Elegant Escapade – A new Enola Holmes adventure. Lady Cecily is in need of Enola’s help once again, but after Enola rescues her from home, she goes missing. Enola is one of only a few people who know Lady Cecily has multiple personalities. She must find her before one of them gets her into trouble. You can read my full review here.
Monsters Born and Made – The daughter of an indentured family must sneak into the Glory Race – a chariot tournament with life and death stakes – for a chance to save her family.

Books for Adults

Angelika Frankenstein Makes Her Match (Trade Paperback) – Victor Frankenstein’s younger sister toys with creating the love of her life when she thinks she is running out of options. This sounds quirky!
The Decoy Girlfriend (Trade Paperback) – A writer with writer’s block decides to use her look-alike status with a famous actress for a little distraction. But the distraction becomes all too real when the media think she’s the real deal. So Freya agrees to pretend to be the actress for a month, living with her on- and off-screen boyfriend, pretending they are in love in order to squash the rumors she inadvertently started. Hijinks! Sounds delightful.
The Holiday Trap (Trade Paperback) – Greta needs a break from her small-town life and her friend Truman needs space to cope with the news that his ex-boyfriend had a secret husband and daughter. So they decide to swap houses for the holidays.
Killers of a Certain Age (Hardcover) – Four  female assassins think they are being sent on a vacation to celebrate their retirement after 40 years in the business, but instead it seems their agency wants to retire them in the PERMANENT sense. Yes, please!! I already have this on hold at the library!
The Most Likely Club (Trade Paperback) – Four high school friends meet up at their 25 year reunion only to discover that their high school superlatives (“Most likely to…”) have not remotely come true. So they make a pact to make their old dreams come true. I am a sucker for a reunion story, so I have to read this one!

 

 

REVIEW: Enola Holmes and the Elegant Escapade by Nancy Springer

REVIEW: Enola Holmes and the Elegant Escapade by Nancy Springer

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received a free electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Wednesday Books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. This book is scheduled to release on September 6th.]

Summary

Enola’s friend, Lady Cecily Alastair, had been through a lot in their short acquaintance, and the pair had quickly become best friends. Enola was the one who had figured out that Cecily had two distinct personalities – one confident and clever, the other meek and helpless.

When Enola goes to visit her friend and is turned away at the door, she is concerned. Turns out, Cecily’s father has been holding her captive, locked in her room with no clothes other than what she is wearing and no food. Enola is able to rescue Cecily, but the girl soon goes missing  before Enola can find her a safe haven.

Almost immediately, Sherlock is on the case at the behest of Cecily’s mother who is also locked away, although with a bit more support than Cecily had. Enola is only too aware of the trouble Cecily can walk into, out in the world, alone, especially if her more helpless personality takes hold. So Enola needs to find and rescue her friend while dodging her brother, the famous detective. Well, it’s not like she hasn’t done that before!

Review

This was great! I enjoyed the mystery and loved Cecily and the other characters who help Enola with this case. The dual personality portion of the story was well done. (Earlier books in this series establish Cecily and Enola’s relationship and some of these factors. While I have read the earlier books, it’s been AGES, but I had no difficulty following this story without a review of the earlier tales.)

The relationship between Enola and Sherlock is as delightful as ever. I didn’t notice the Netflix tie-ins as much as I did reading the last book, Enola Holmes and Black Barouche, but it’s been awhile since I watched the movie. It’s not as fresh in my mind as it was when I read the previous book.

Mystery fans, Enola fans, and even Sherlock fans should definitely give this a try. I think fans of historical mysteries and historical fiction in general might enjoy this as well. There’s a lot to love! You can read more about Enola’s books here.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥♥ = Great. Might re-read.

REVIEW: Two Parts Sugar, One Part Murder by Valerie Burns

REVIEW: Two Parts Sugar, One Part Murder by Valerie Burns

Posted on by Jaymie

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

Summary

Maddy’s always been a bit pampered and spoiled. But being stood up at the altar has left her feeling determined to build a life she can be proud of, and to stand on her own two feet. And her late great-aunt Octavia gives her a head start.

Octavia left Maddy a house, a bakery, and a dog in her will. Maddy has to stay in Michigan and run the business for a year before she can take full possession. And no matter how many times her father, the Admiral, tells her she can’t do it and should just give up and return home, Maddy wants to make it work.

When someone is murdered in the bakery, Maddy teams up with Octavia’s friends – the Baker Street Irregulars – to find a killer.

Review

This was delightful! I loved the whole cast of characters. These are people I would want as friends. The baked goods at Baby Cakes sound divine. The “voice” for the book is fantastic. The relationship between Maddy and her dad adds a fascinating layer to the story. (I can’t wait for a book where he comes to town!) This is the sort of set up – the community and the characters – that will put a new series on my must-buy list.

The book ended abruptly with a few questions still unanswered. While jarring, my assumption is that those will be picked up in the next book. The mystery here was good, and I’m eager to test my guesses on those remaining threads. I will absolutely be picking up the next book, both to see how things play out, and also to spend more time with these characters.

My only complaint was the use of the expression “deaf, dumb, and blind” twice in my review copy. That phrase has been out of fashion for decades since society determined that using “dumb” for mute was inappropriate.  Hopefully that will be addressed in final edits.

Mystery fans who love endearing animal characters, recipes, and mouth-watering descriptions of baked good in their cozy mysteries should snap this up right away!

Rating: ♥♥♥♥½*

*♥♥♥♥½ = I loved it! Would re-read

BOOK NEWS: August 30, 2022

BOOK NEWS: August 30, 2022

Posted on by Jaymie

It’s the final release week of August. Here are some of the new books releasing this week.

 

Books for Older Kids/Teens/Young Adults

The Midnight Children – The latest from Dan Gemeinhart (The Honest Truth – ♥♥♥♥♥, Scar Island – ♥♥♥♥, Good Dog – ♥♥♥♥). When Ravani witnesses a group of kids arrive in town and move into an abandoned home across the street, he has tons of questions including “Where are their adults?” I’ll be reviewing this soon.
A Taste of Magic – Before Kyana can really enjoy the news that she is a witch who gets to learn to use magic, her magical school loses funding and is in danger of closing. Kyana is certain she can save it if she can win a big baking competition, but soon the pressure of regular school, magic school, the competition, and keeping her secrets becomes too much. This sounds awesome!
The Final Gambit – The third and final book in the Inheritance Games series by my all time favorite, Jennifer Lynn Barnes. Weeks before Avery is scheduled to inherit billions, an unexpected visitor arrives setting Avery and the Hawthorne brothers on a dangerous path. I have had this pre-ordered for most of this year – my wait is almost over!
The Liar’s Crown – A secret, hidden twin gets kidnapped when she steps in – as she is supposed to – for her sister, the queen. EEK! This sounds so amazing! I’ve already pre-ordered this one.
Nothing More to Tell – The latest from the author of One of Us Is Lying (♥♥♥♥), Karen McManus. Brynn left St Ambrose four years ago after the death of her favorite teacher, but now that she has an internship with a true crime show, she’s going back to find out the truth of what happened. I have this one on hold at the library!

 

Books for Adults

Holiday Heroine (Trade Paperback) – Book 6 in the Heroine Complex series (Heroine Complex – ♥♥♥♥). During a fight with other-worldly forces, Bea is transported to a romcom-version of her holiday and she’ll have to figure out what happened – and fight the temptation to go to the dark side – so she can get back to her real life. I’d love to get caught up on this series – it’s quirky and sassy and fun!
Two Parks Sugar, One Part Murder (Trade Paperback) – When Maddy’s fiancé leaves her at the altar, an inheritance and the chance to start over is too tempting to refuse. But when Maddy is accused of murder in her new town, she’s going to have to figure out who really did it to save her future. I’ll be reviewing this one soon!
The Commonsense Guide to Your Classroom Library (September 1) – Colby Sharp and Donalyn Miller team up to help teachers build a classroom library. I can’t wait to read this one!

 

REVIEW: Spellbound by Jess Townes

REVIEW: Spellbound by Jess Townes

Posted on by Jaymie

[The book originally scheduled for review today was NOT a good fit for me, so instead I’m going to share a brief review of a picture book I read in the bookstore earlier this summer.]

Summary and Review

A little girl starts to suspect her new baby brother is a wizard because he enchants everyone he meets, interrupting her own magical little world.

This was OUTSTANDING! I was, of course, immediately drawn in by the purple cover with the darling illustration. But the set up of the magical story, where a charming little girl “enchants” her entire family only to be overthrown when a new baby joins the family, is an absolute delight! It’s clever and sweet.

This would make a lovely gift for a family expecting a second child, or for a story time with children who can identify with how a new baby changes family dynamics. Pair this with The New Small Person, which is another new sibling picture book I loved.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥♥♥ = Outstanding!

REVIEW: The Wedding Plot by Paula Munier

REVIEW: The Wedding Plot by Paula Munier

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

Mercy Carr and her Malinois, Elvis, should be consumed with wedding festivities instead of reporting a dead body. But when the spa director at her grandmother’s destination wedding goes missing, Mercy says she’ll check things out. She gets more than she bargained for.

Pretty soon, it’s a toss up over which situation is more troublesome – the pre-wedding antics of the wedding party or the trail of violence that is centered around the resort. But Mercy and Elvis – and Troy and Sugar Bear – are on the case!

Review

This was outstanding!! Mercy and Troy are in a good relationship place in this one, and it sets a lovely tone for the whole book. The dogs are in excellent form here, as always. And the mystery is truly top notch. I even started taking notes, trying to put all the pieces together for myself. (Ended up about 50/50 on my guessing.)

I have enjoyed the Mercy and Elvis mysteries since book one, A Borrowing of Bones. For me, this is the best of the series (so far). In fact, I can say for certain that this will be one of my favorite books of 2022 when the year is done. This book has everything I love – great characters, brilliant plotting, and a quest that propels the characters and the reader forward. I read this start to finish in one day and enjoyed it all. Highly recommend!

Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥+++*

♥♥♥♥♥+++* = Best of the best

BOOK NEWS: August 23, 2022

BOOK NEWS: August 23, 2022

Posted on by Jaymie

Here are some of the new books releasing this week!

 

Books for Kids

My Pet Feet – When the letter R goes missing, a town gets turned upside down. This looks hilarious! I can’t wait to read it.

Books for Older Kids/Teens/Young Adults

Enola Holmes: Mycroft’s Dangerous Game (Graphic Novel) – First in a new graphic novel series based on the Netflix series (which is based on a book series) starring Enola Holmes. This is an original story which is said to “bridge” the gap from the first movie to the next. When Mycroft goes missing, Enola teams up with Lord Tewkesbury to find him.
Homebound – A sequel to Stowaway by John David Anderson. Separated from his brother, Leo considers how he can fulfill his father’s mission as he travels with space pirates.
Four for the Road – A teen in a grief group invites some of the other group members to join him on a road trip where he’s secretly hoping to get revenge on the drunk driver who killed his mother and got off on a technicality. I’ve asked my local library to pick this one up.

 

Books for Adults

Heartbreaker (Mass Market Paperback) – Book 2 in the Hell’s Belles series. A wallflower who is secretly a Matchbreaker and a Duke with secrets to hide team up to break up a wedding. I’ve already got this one on hold at the library.
Kit McBride Gets a Wife (Trade Paperback) – A young woman puts out an ad for mail-order brides for her older brothers. As an employee for an eccentric widow, Maddy is along for the ride when her employer decides to answer the ad, but when her employer disappears, Maddy is left to assume the woman’s name and circumstances. This could be fun!
Love on the Brain (Trade Paperback) – A scientist is forced to work with her nemesis which is only the first problem to befall her in the lab. This looks cute!
Not Your Basic Love Story (e-book) – Opposites attract when a couple hit it off on vacation, but when they return to their real lives, they aren’t sure how to make the differences work.
Six Feet Deep Dish (Mass Market Paperback) – First in a new Deep Dish mystery series. On the verge of the life she dreamed of, Delilah loses her fiancé (and his trust fund) and then her grandmother is accused of murder. I’ll be reviewing this one soon.

 

REVIEW: Ham Helsing, Vampire Hunter by Rich Moyer

REVIEW: Ham Helsing, Vampire Hunter by Rich Moyer

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

Ham is part of a long line of monster hunters. Most have been big on bravery, but short on smarts. But now it’s Ham’s turn to be in the family business, so he goes to hunt a vampire.

Along the way, Ham makes some interesting friends and discovers evil lurks in unexpected places.

 

Review

This was a hoot! A clever graphic novel with some laughs, a few monsters, and a bit of self-discovery and self-acceptance. I think kids will love this book! There’s some gross bits, some funny bits – and an engaging story from start to finish.

Graphic novel fans and fans of funny adventure stories should give this one a try!

Rating: ♥♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥♥ – Great! Might re-read.

REVIEW: The Story of You Workbook by Ian Morgan Cron

REVIEW: The Story of You Workbook by Ian Morgan Cron

Posted on by Jaymie

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

Summary and Review

This is a companion workbook for The Story of You, an Enneagram resource from Ian Morgan Cron that released last year. I thought the book was fantastic!

The purpose of the book and the workbook is to examine the stories we tell ourselves (related to Enneagram type) and correct the less functional ones. The author says learning your type is the “appetizer” while transformation is the “main course” and purpose of studying the Enneagram.

While the full book explains the SOAR process for all nine types, the workbook is designed to walk the reader through the process individually.  There are sections of the workbook that briefly address all 9 types alongside the journaling questions.

I appreciate the emphasis on self-awareness with the questions and with the examination of both positive and negative traits. The questions are challenging and made me want to sit down and start writing.

This is absolutely the sort of book where you will get out of it what you put in. If you want to explore the concepts and put the book on a shelf, go with the full book that released last year. But if you want to go toe to toe with yourself to actively pursue personal growth, you want to grab this workbook – and maybe your own journal or notebook – and a dive in.

Occasionally I will consider a workbook like this  and think I’ll read the book from the library and buy the workbook for my personal work. I feel like this approach to the Enneagram lends itself more to having the full book at hand. I think the concepts described and the examples in the book will help workbook users along the way.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥♥ – Great! Might re-read.

BOOK NEWS: August 16, 2022

BOOK NEWS: August 16, 2022

Posted on by Jaymie

Here are some of the new books releasing this week.

 

Books for Older Kids/Teens/Young Adults

What Do We Know About Bigfoot? – The folks who launched the Who Was series kick off a new branch of their hugely popular nonfiction line – the What Do We Know About line. Early titles include this one about Bigfoot as well as crop circles (also releasing this week), Atlantis and the Loch Ness Monster (November 2022), and Roswell (March 2023).
Ashfall Prophecy – From the author of I Am Number Four. Syd barely remembers his alien father, but as a child of both a human and a Denzan, he has been prophesied to be a “world killer.” But when Syd discovers the secrets his father died to protect, he is determined to create his own destiny in the universe-impacting events to come. This sounds fantastic. I already have this one on hold at the library.
The Year Without a Summer – When a volcanic eruption leads to snow in June, one teen thinks it’s amazing and wonders what it would have been like to live through the “year without a summer” in 1815 when something similar occurred. Another teen sees it, and other evidence of climate change, as a crisis for the planet leading to frequent clashes between the two.

 

Books for Adults

Love in the Time of Serial Killers (Trade Paperback) – A PhD candidate obsessed with serial killers is trying to finish her dissertation while dealing with the fallout of the death of her father. But she starts to wonder what her new neighbor his up to. Is he a serial killer like the others she’s read about, or is he just a genuinely nice guy – and which of those options scares her more? This one is on my library wish list.