BOOK NEWS: July 19, 2022

Here are some of the new books out this week!

Books for Kids


Baby’s First Klingon Words – I am WAY too excited about this board book. How adorable is that cover?! (This book may be pushed back into August.)

 

Books for Adults


The Accidental Pinup (Trade Paperback) – A plus-sized photographer finds herself in front of the camera modeling a line of lingerie while her rival is behind the camera. This looks terrific! This one is already on my library list!
The Bodyguard (Hardcover) – A high priced bodyguard protecting an actor from a stalker poses as his girlfriend so his family doesn’t know he’s in danger. I have this on hold at the library – when I finally get it, I will be dropping everything else to start reading!
The Daughter of Doctor Moreau (Hardcover) – A newcomer to the island sets off a dangerous chain reaction between the island’s human inhabitants and the monstrosities Dr. Moreau has created. This is not my usual sort of read, and I haven’t read the original book. But I am intrigued by this premise!
The Godparent Trap (Trade Paperback) – A free-spirited food blogger and a rigid accountant become co-guardians when his sister/her best friend and her husband are killed. But as much as the two godparents hate each other, they might need each other more. This is also on my library list.

 

BOOK NEWS: July 12, 2022

Here are some of the fantastic books releasing this week!

Books for Older Kids/Teens


A Perfect Mistake – Max doesn’t know what happened after he left that night, but it cost him his friendship with Joey and it left Will in a coma. But when the authorities run out of leads. Max teams up with a budding journalist to find out the truth. Intriguing!

 

Books for Adults


Caught Dead to Write (ebook – July 14) – Part of the Cat Latimer Mystery series. When Cat hosts a group of paranormal authors at her retreat center, it puts the sponsorship of the local college in jeopardy. But when the primary adversary at the college winds up dead, Cat starts hunting for a killer – again.
Eclipse the Moon (Trade Paperback) – Book 2 in the Starlight’s Shadow series. I’ll be reviewing this soon!
Hottie on Her Shelf (ebook) – A head librarian finds herself running for mayor thanks to one passing comment. This looks cute!
Into the Mist (Hardcover) – An attack on the US includes the release of a green mist that kills men and gives women unusual powers. A group of teachers coming home from a conference encounter the mist and try to find a safe space to ride out the apocalypse. YES! Top of my list for this week! I already have this one on pre-order.
Nobody’s Princess (Mass Market Paperback) – Graham’s intelligence leads him to believe there’s a member or royalty in need of his help but instead it is a woman who intends to be the first Royal Guardswoman in her country – and she wants no help from a man, no matter how charming he is.
Nothing But the Truth (Trade Paperback) – A wish over a pre-birthday cocktail after being stood up by her boyfriend leaves Lucy unable to lie – lie to herself about the things she does out of obligation rather than desire, and unable to lie at work about how awful things are. And once the truth is out there, Lucy is left to fight all of the injustices around her. I have this one on hold from the library.
The Story of You Workbook (Nonfiction) – A workbook to accompany the 2021 release The Story of You. I’ll be reviewing this workbook soon.

BOOK NEWS: July 5, 2022

Happy July, fellow readers! Here are some of the books releasing this week for you to add to your summer TBR.

Books for Kids


Ballet Bruce – A new Early Reader starring Mother Bruce! Bruce’s geese want to do ballet. This looks adorable!

 

Books for Older Kids/Teens/Young Adults


Repairing the World – A young girl feels lost and untethered after the death of her best friend. This is on my wish list for the week.
The Charmed List – When Ellie’s prank against her former best friend, Jack, backfires and puts her relationship with her new best friend in jeopardy, she’s stuck with Jack on a road trip as her punishment. I’ll be reviewing this one soon.
Lia and Beckett’s Abracadabra – From the author of The Quantum Weirdness of the Almost-Kiss. While Lia is all in on a magic competition against the Blackwell boys, she doesn’t realize the cute guy she met on the beach is one of them. I’ll be reviewing this one soon as well!

 

Books for Adults


Acts of Violet (Hardcover) – Violet, a magician, disappeared in the middle of her act. Ten years later, her sister Sasha is looking for answers, as is Violet’s niece and a podcaster who won’t leave Sasha be. This sounds intriguing! This one is already on my library wish list.
A Cold Nose for Murder (Mass Market Paperback) – Book 3 in the always delightful Chatty Corgi series. I’ll be reviewing this soon!
Dream On (Trade Paperback) – A woman wakes up after an accident with memories of a boyfriend who everyone in her life says doesn’t exist. A year later, she meets him. Yes, please! This is also on my library list.
The Finalists (Trade Paperback) – Six college students locked in a Victorian mansion compete for a fellowship – but not everyone will survive. My library is so amazing, they already have this one coming soon. It’s on my list.
For You & No One Else (Trade Paperback) – To recover after becoming a “worst date ever” meme, Eliza agrees to go off social media for 6 months and learn to live in the “real world.” Fascinating!
Holy Chow (Hardcover) – Book 25 in the excellent Andy Carpenter series. I’ll be reviewing this one soon!
A Perilous Pal (Mass Market Paperback) – Book 2 in the Friend for Hire Mystery series. I’ll be reviewing this one soon, too.

 

 

BOOK NEWS: July 27, 2021

It’s the final week of July. Here are some of the great books releasing this week!

Books for Kids


Good Dog: The Swimming Hole – Book 5 in the Good Dog series about Bo. Bo is going to go swimming for the first time.

Books for Older Kids/ Teens/Young Adults


Marvel-Verse: She-Hulk (Older Middle Grade, Graphic Novel) – A collection of She-Hulk stories to introduce the character to kids.
Super Sidekicks: Ocean’s Revenge (Graphic Novel) – Book 2 in the Super Sidekicks series. The sidekicks are settling into their new life as heroes while the Mother of the Seas stirs up trouble.
Star Wars The High Republic: Out of the Shadows – Book 2 in the middle grade portion of the High Republic series. A girl trying to keep the family business her mother built and a young Jedi are drawn into a property dispute on the frontier.
Weird Kid – Jake is a mysterious boy with shape-shifting powers who is just trying to blend in  when mysterious sinkholes start popping up around town – holes filled with goo like Jake was when he arrived on Earth. Then, the whole town starts to act… weird. This one is on my review list.
Mightier than the Sword: Rebels, Reformers, and Revolutionaries Who Changed the World Through Writing – What an awesome idea for a book! I can’t wait to see this one in person. This would be a great book to add to classroom libraries and for young writers.
Red Wolf – A reimagined Little Red Riding Hood about a young woman who is part of a line of protectors who take the shape of a wolf to guard their village. But her role could cost her everything that truly matters to her.
When We Were Strangers – A young woman is the only one in her family who knows that the day he died her father was planning to move out of the house to live with his pregnant mistress. When the mistress needs help, the young woman who has been following her discovers there’s even more to the story than she thinks. This sounds fascinating!

Books for Adults


Cider Shop Rules (Mass Market Paperback) – Book 3 in the Cider Shop Mystery series by delightful Julie Anne Lindsey. (She also writes under other names such as Bree Baker, Julie Chase, and Jacqueline Frost.) Winnie is sleuthing again when one of the more popular people in town is murdered. I missed book 2 somehow in this series, but I plan to catch up soon – I picked up the e-book for a dollar! This one is on my review list!
Claws for Alarm (Mass Market Paperback) – Book 5 in the Cat Café Mystery series. JJ’s House of Purrs is attracting national attention, which draws in some big names who want to work with Maddie on rescue fundraising. But when the big executive is found dead, Maddie has a lot of questions. This sounds like a fun series I’ll have to add to my list.
A Few Drops of Bitters (Hardcover) – Book 26 in the fun Savannah Reid Mystery series. Savannah and her friends are drawn into a high profile case when the wealthy husband of a new friend is murdered.
A Fiancée’s Guide to First Wives and Murder (Hardcover) – Book 4 in one of my favorites – the Countess of Harleigh Mystery series. It seems Frances’ fiancé George has some explaining to do when a young French woman comes to town insisting she is George’s wife. I adore this series and can’t wait to dig into this story. This is on my review list as well.
A Good Day for Chardonnay (Hardcover) – Book 2 in the Sunshine Vicram series. A small town police chief, Sunshine just wants a simple, quiet day but instead she has a bar fight gone wrong, an unsolved murder, and her own abduction cold case. The description of this is an absolute delight. I have book one waiting in my shopping cart.
Heartbreak for Hire (Trade Paperback) – Brinkley’s job at Heartbreak for Hire makes sense to her. She helps women get the revenge they deserve on the men who cruelly broke their hearts. But when Brinkley’s boss decides to hire male heartbreakers – and her first choice is a guy Brinkley had to take down – things don’t seem quite so simple any more.
Knot Ready for Murder (Mass Market Paperback) – Book 9 in the Quilting Mystery series. Martha and her friends have a little extra incentive this time when they take on a missing person’s case. The missing person is technically still married to Martha’s fiancé, and her wedding plans are hanging in the balance.
The Matchmaker Bride (Mass Market Paperback) – Book 2 in the Blue Hills Brides series. Meredith’s little white lie about an engagement to a Maine boatbuilder spirals out of control and threatens her plans for the future until she convinces the man to play along for awhile. I love a good fake relationship story, so this is on my radar.
Much Ado About Nauticaling (Trade Paperback) – First in the new Whit and Whiskers Mystery series. Whitney decides to help clear her brother’s name when he is accused of murder not long after she comes home to help him run the family business. The description promises all the cozy mystery vibes combined with some romcom fun, and that put this one on my list, too.
Murder in a Teacup (Hardcover) – Book 2 in the Tea by the Sea Mystery series by Vicki Delany. When a guest’s special tea is used to commit murder, Lily’s business – and her freedom – are in jeopardy.
Murder in Connemara (Mass Market Paperback) – Book 2 in the Home to Ireland Mystery series. Tara is a murder suspect when an heiress is found dead, killed with a brooch from Tara’s shop. But there are other suspects too as the woman was entertaining folks she wronged back when she was drinking.
The Rocky Road to Ruin (Mass Market Paperback) – First in a new Ice Cream Shop Mystery series. A travel food blogger – and CIA librarian – is home for a funeral when a murderer strikes. This sounds like an interested set up; I’d give this one a try!
A Time to Swill (Mass Market Paperback) – Book 2 in the Chloe Jackson Sea Glass Saloon Mystery series. When a sailboat washes ashore with a skeleton inside, Chloe starts sleuthing to clear the name of an old friend.
Ephesians: Head Held High (Trade Paperback) – A Bible study over the book of Ephesians.

BOOK NEWS: July 20, 2021

Here are some of the new books releasing this week!

Books for Kids


Boo! Baa, LaLaLa! (Board Book) – A new board book from the delightful Sandra Boynton.
Amara and the Bats – A bat-loving girl looks for a way to help the bats near her new home when their habitat is disturbed.
Trick Or Treat, Crankenstein – Halloween may be ruined after a series of problems for Crankenstein.
Dragon Masters: Wave of the Sea Dragon – Book 19 in the Dragon Masters series.
Pup Detectives: Ghosts, Goblins and Ninjas! (Graphic Novel) – Book 4 in the Pup Detective graphic novel series.

 

Books for Older Kids/Teens/Young Adults


Better with Butter – An anxious girl finds a true friend in a fainting goat named Butter, but their friendship is in jeopardy when she is told she might have to give Butter up.
Linked – The latest from the fabulous Gordon Korman. Three kids team up to find out who has been painting swastikas around their school.
Titans: The Fallen Queen – Book 3 in the Titans series by Kate O’Hearn. Astraea and her friends must take their fight to the Mimic’s home world, but their only chance to defeat the Mimic queen will require a team up with some unlikely allies. I have enjoyed the author’s other mythology books, and the first book in this series was terrific!
History Smashers: The American Revolution – A new nonfiction book from Kate Messner.
After the Ink Dries – Told from different viewpoints, including portions told in graphic panels. A girl wakes up after a party half clothed, with names of boys all over her body, including the name of her new “boyfriend.” A dark subject, told in a creative way. Something to check out.
Curses – A Beauty and the Beast retelling about a girl cursed to live as a beast and the con artist she gets to help her find the love that can break the curse.
The Dire Days of Willowweep Manor (Graphic Novel) – A fan of Gothic romance novels finds herself living in one when an act of heroism transports her to an alternate universe.

Books for Adults


Fatal Family Ties (Hardcover) – Book 3 in the outstanding Ancestry Detective Mystery series. Lucy’s least-favorite former co-worker asks for her help tracing an ancestor accused of being a Civil War deserter, but their investigation leads to murder. This is definitely on my review list.
Isn’t It Bromantic? (Trade Paperback) – Book 4 in the fantastic Bromance Book Club series. The Russian’s marriage of convenience is the focus of this book in this hilarious series about a group of men in a romance book club. I don’t know that these have to be read in order necessarily, but you don’t want to miss any of them! This is on my review list as well.
Mother of All (Trade Paperback) – Book 3 in the Women’s War series. While women have wrested back control of their reproductive rights, the battle against the forces that would keep them subjugated is heating up. This series sounds fascinating! I have the first book on my list.
Second Blind Son (Trade Paperback) – Book 2 in the Saylok series. An orphan girl teams up with a blind cave dweller who discovers he can see when she sings. Together they confront secrets and prophecies while the world around them continues to deal with warring factions and power struggles. This is another series that’s new to me. I’ll be checking out the first book of this as well.
Star Trek Voyager: Seven’s Reckoning (Graphic Novel) – A comics collection starring Voyager’s Seven of Nine.
So Long Normal (Trade Paperback, Nonfiction) – A new book from singer/songwriter Laura Story, author of the amazing When God Doesn’t Fix It (♥♥♥♥♥). Looks at both biblical and personal stories of leaving “normal” behind for the life God has for us.
The One with All the Cross-Stitch (Paperback, Nonfiction) – Includes 21 cross stitch patterns like the couch, a smelly cat, and a raw turkey wearing sunglasses.
When Thoughts and Payers Aren’t Enough: A Shooting Survivor’s Journey into the Realities of Gun Violence (Hardcover, Nonfiction) – This is another nonfiction book releasing this month from someone I follow on social media. This look at gun violence and the response of the Church should be a fascinating read.

BOOK NEWS: July 13, 2021

Here are some of the new books releasing this week to enjoy during your summer vacation!

 

Books for Kids


Tiny Barbarian – Inspired by a movie character, Tiny becomes a barbarian, facing down fierce creatures – and giant broccoli. But what can a barbarian do to defeat his fear of the dark?
Goat Wants to Eat – Every time Cat tries to find somewhere to nap, Goat shows up and tries to eat something.
Rocket Has a Sleepover – Rocket has trouble falling asleep during his sleepover with his friends. Could the illustrations here be any more adorable?!

 

Books for Older Kids/ Teens/Young Adults


Goldilocks: Wanted Dead or Alive (Graphic Novel) – First in a new series from Chris Colfer, a spin-off from his Land of Stories series. This is the origin story for the character. This looks fun!
Margie Kelly Breaks the Dress Code – Margie notices how the dress code is unfairly applied to just the girls at her school, so she decides to fight back. But in the fight she also starts to recognize her own privilege and ways she can take a stand that helps all students. I like the extra twist on this story.
Ten Thousand Tries – Golden knows if he wants to improve on the soccer field, he has to put in the work – 10,000 tries. But when his father’s health gets worse, more practice and pushing harder isn’t going to be enough to fix things.
Faking Reality – What is Dakota willing to sacrifice when her best friend and crush’s family business is in big trouble?
Radha & Jai’s Recipe for Romance – In a new community after a devastating disappointment, Radha thinks she will have to leave dance behind her. But Jai sees that Radha could be just the talented partner he needs to find happily ever after – for both of them.

Books for Adults


Dogged by Death (Hardcover) – Book 1 in the Furry Friends Mystery series. Ally moves back to Wisconsin to help her grandfather and ends up investigating a murder when her grandfather decides he can solve the case. This looks so fun! It’s on my review list.
Hex for Danger (Hardcover) – Book 2 in the Enchanted Bay Mystery series after the delightful A Spell for Trouble. Alex and Celeste are planning the annual Mermaid Festival when Celeste is suspected of murder. This is on my review list, too!
How Sweet It Is (Trade Paperback) – An event planner used to planning weddings takes on a horror writer’s book launch – and sparks unexpectedly fly. This sounds fantastic!
It Happened One Summer (Trade Paperback) – A pampered Hollywood Princess is cut off and forced to “rough it” running her late-father’s dive bar. The burly local sea captain thinks she won’t stick it out, so she has something to prove.
Make You Feel My Love (Trade Paperback) – Two strangers in Chickadee Creek looking for a fresh start are drawn together by an old violin.
Midnight Spells Murder (e-book) – Book 2 in the Happy Camper Mystery series after Open for Murder. Zo is getting ready for Halloween at the Happy Camper gift shop when a self-proclaimed witch is murdered and Zo is drawn into hunting down another killer.
Murder at the Lakeside Library (Hardcover) – First in the new Lakeside Library Mystery series. After the death of her husband, Rain has moved to the family cabin in Wisconsin and is preparing to re-open the library her mother used to run then when she discovers a dead real-estate buyer. Rumor has it that Rain’s mother was having an affair with the man.
Secrets of the Force: The Complete, Uncensored, Unauthorized Oral History of Star Wars (Hardcover) – A single volume retelling of the Star Wars saga.
Silence in the Library (Hardcover) – Book 2 in the Lily Adler Mystery series. Lily teams up again with a Bow Street Runner when the husband of her new friend is murdered.
Song of Echoes (e-book) – Kicks of a new “epic fantasy series.”
Star Trek The Next Generation: Shadows Have Offended (Trade Paperback) – The crew of the Enterprise is split up to tackle two missions. While Picard, Worf and Troi are dealing with a diplomatic crisis related to Betazed, Riker, Data, and Crusher are investigating a tragedy at a science station. This is at the top of my reading list for this month!
Trusting Molly (Trade Paperback) – A schoolteacher kidnapped along with hundreds of girls in the jungle is rescued by a team of government assassins who thought they were coming in to take out a target and leave.
While We Were Dating (Trade Paperback) – They were just supposed to be working together for an ad campaign. But flirting and banter might turn into something real – if the Hollywood spotlight doesn’t ruin everything.
Subpar Parks: America’s Most Extraordinary National Parks and Their Least Impressed Visitors (Hardcover, Nonfiction) – Based on the Instagram account that puts up art based on the National Parks with hilarious, real criticisms. This is supposed to include 50% new material just for the book.
You Can’t Say That: Writers for Young People Talk About Censorship, Free Expression, and the Stories They Have to Tell (Hardcover, Nonfiction) – Thirteen authors of children’s and young adult books talk about what it’s like to have their work banned or challenged.

BOOK NEWS: July 6, 2021

Happy July! While I am on a personal sabbatical this month, I couldn’t leave you without news on some of the great books releasing this week. There are a BUNCH! Take a look:

Books for Kids


Bloop – Bloop the alien comes to Earth for conquest, but he thinks dogs are the ones in charge. This sounds fun!
Except Antarctica! – While the narrator is quick to tell the turtle and other animals that they are found on every continent except Antarctica, the animals decide to travel there to prove them wrong. This is already in my shopping cart. The sample pages are hilarious!
The Bad Guys Cut to the Chase – Book 13 in the fun Bad Guys series.

 

Books for Older Kids/Teens/Young Adults


Babymouse Tales from the Locker: Whisker Wizard – Book 5 in the middle grade Babymouse series. Babymouse gets to experience being an online influencer.
Forever this Summer – While Georgie is feeling left out by her family in their new town, a new friend asks for help finding her biological mother, and the journey changes what Georgie thought her summer would look like.
The Last Super Chef – When Curtis’ long-absent father announces a kid’s season of his show, Super Chef, Curtis sees it as a chance to prove himself as well as to meet his dad.
Secondhand Dogs – Miss Lottie has created a pack – a family – out of the rescues she has taken in. But when a new dog threatens their home and harmony, Gus, the pack leader, will have to find his courage and use it to save his family. This looks great!
Time Villains – First in a new series about a mysterious table that brings historical figures to life – and to dinner. And during a dinner party, Blackbeard the pirate escapes. This sounds super fun!
What Is the Story of Willy Wonka? – The backstory of the character Willy Wonka.
Where Are the Constellations? – A book about the constellations.
Who Was Juliette Gordon Low? – A biography of the woman who founded the Girl Scouts.
If You, Then Me – A young woman at an app incubator program for tech prodigies deals with meeting her idol; acquiring a nemesis; and stumbling into a love triangle between herself, her face to face crush, and the guy she’s been interacting with online – who happens to be at the same event. I have this one on my review list.
It Ends in Fire – A new novel from the author of Royal Bastards. A young woman who lost her parents at the hands of wizards and has grown up in a rebel faction cons her way into the magical academy in order to destroy it from within. I never got to finish the Royal Bastards series, but I loved the first book. I have this one in my shopping cart already.
The Queen Will Betray You – Book 2 in the Kingdoms of Sand and Sky series after The Princess Will Save You. The princess and the stable boy she loves face several royals out to claim the kingdom for themselves. I never got to read book one last year, but it releases in paperback this week and both books are on my wish list!
Rise to the Sun (LGBTQ+) – From the author of You Should See Me in a Crown. Two young women at the same music festival find in each other the companion and the support to do what they each need to do that weekend.
Six Crimson Cranes – A princess with forbidden magic is chased away from her home by her step-mother who has turned the girl’s brothers into cranes who will die if she tells anyone what happened. This sounds fascinating!

Books for Adults


The 22 Murders of Madison May (Hardcover) – A reporter is following a serial killer through the multiverse as he kills the same woman in every dimension. Yes please!
Capture the Crown (Trade Paperback) – Book 1 in the Gargoyle Queen series, a spinoff from the amazing Crown of Shards series. A pampered princess hides the extent of her magic and her role as a spy, but during a mission finds she must partner up with her nemesis if she’s going to survive. I have an autographed copy working its way to me this week – I can’t wait to dig into this one!
A Cup of Silver Linings (Trade Paperback) – Book 2 in the Dove Pond series. A tea shop owner finds her special blends having the wrong effects on her customers. A grandmother in town to tie up her daughter’s affairs and move her granddaughter home finds a wrinkle to her plans – her granddaughter doesn’t want to go. So the granddaughter goes in search of her father and a chance to stay in Dove Pond. The full description of both this book and the first have grabbed my attention. These are now on my list.
Death at the Crystal Palace (Trade Paperback) – Book 5 in the Below Stairs Mystery series which kicked off with Below Stairs (♥♥♥♥). Kat gets embroiled in two dangerous mysteries when she agrees to help a woman who believes her own family members are trying to kill her. I might have to pick this series back up – this one sounds fascinating!
Dog Eat Dog (Hardcover) – Book 23 in the Andy Carpenter Mystery series, one of my favorites. Andy picks up a new client when a man wanted for murder stops to help a dog being abused. This one is on my review list.
A Fatal Footnote (Mass Market Paperback) – Book 2 in the Open Book Mystery series after Murder in the Margins. Wedding bells hit a sour note when the Duke’s ex is found murdered at his wedding reception.
Half Sick of Shadows (Hardcover) – A reimagined King Arthur story, focused on a young seer named Elaine of Shalott, from the author of the Ash Princess series.
The Hollywood Spy (Hardcover) – Book 10 in the Maggie Hope Mystery series. Maggie travels to America when the woman engaged to her former fiancé is found dead and he suspects foul play.
Kill All Your Darlings (Trade Paperback) – A struggling writer and professor publishes a novel written by a missing student as his own. The student then shows up on his doorstep. And the police want to know why “his” novel includes details related to an unsolved case, trapping him between two undesirable actions. Wow, that sounds fascinating!
Lost and Found Family (Trade Paperback) – The latest novel by Jennifer Ryan. Hiding the truth of her late husband’s behavior has estranged Sara from her mother-in-law who threatens to take Sara’s children’ from her. This sounds fantastic!
The Moonshine Shack Murder (Mass Market Paperback) – First in the new  Southern Homebrew Mystery series. When a body is found on the doorstep of her business with a broken bottle of her moonshine next to it, and the police discover Hattie and the victim had an argument, she becomes the prime suspect.
Out of Character (Trade Paperback, LGBTQ+) – Book 2 in the True Colors series after Conventionally Yours (a book I keep re-buying because I haven’t gotten to read it yet and keep forgetting I already own it). Jasper wants nothing to do with his ex-best friend, but Milo is desperate and really needs the help. And maybe he’ll even get to a point where he can tell Jasper how he really feels about him.
A Pumpkin Spice Killing (e-book) – Part of the Farm-to-Fork Mystery series. When the staff of the County Seat help out at a veterans home as a team-building exercise, they get drawn into one veteran’s quest to find his son and make amends before it’s too late. But someone keeps blocking their efforts. Sounds like a great mystery!
Tender Is the Bite (Hardcover) – Book 11 in the Chet & Bernie Mystery series. A young woman approaches Chet and Bernie for help but runs off before they can even get her name. But Chet picked up some clues to the case that hinges on the help of a ferret. That description is enough to get me to pick this one up!
Too Good to Be Real (Trade Paperback) – A reporter at a retreat that promises guests the chance at real life meet cutes has a meet cute of her own, but she doesn’t tell the guy she’s just there for the story. This sounds exactly like a Hallmark movie set up! I have to try this one!
Living Brave: Lessons from Hurt, Lighting the Way to Hope (Hardcover, Nonfiction) – I was already following the author, Shannon Dingle, on social media before she lost her husband in a stunning accident in 2019. This is going to be a powerful book!

BOOK NEWS: July 28, 2020

It’s the last week of July; here are some of the books releasing to wrap up this month!

Books for Kids


   

Genetics for Smart Kids (Board Book) – Board book about cells and DNA and genetics.
All Around Arendelle – Oversized picture book with fold out pages of the castle at Arendelle, the kingdom from Frozen.
DC Super Heroes Origin Stories: Batgirl AND Cyborg AND Robin AND Supergirl (August 1) – Paperback picture books of DC heroes.
The Very Last Leaf (August 1) – A leaf is worried about his “final exam” of letting go and falling from his tree in the fall.
Shirley Chisholm Is a Verb – Picture book biography about the first Black woman in Congress.
The Amazing Adventures of the DC Super-Pets: Cave of Kryptonite! AND Crime-Fighting Cat AND The Ice Cream Caper AND Trouble on Paradise Island (August 1) – Picture book adventures starring DC heroes and their pets.
Emma Every Day: Party Problems (August 1) – A deaf girl heads to a party despite her worries. I’ll be reviewing this one soon.

Books for Older Kids/Teens/Young Adults


Disney Mulan: Movie in Comics – Graphic novel retelling of the movie.
Quintessence – A girl experiencing panic attacks after her family moves watches a star that looks like a child fall from the sky. She decides to rescue it.
Titans: The Missing – Sequel to the fantastic Titans. Astraea and her friends continue their battle against the mimics by traveling to other worlds looking for help.
Ever Cursed – Five princesses who bear a curse have the opportunity to challenge the curse caster before their plights become permanent. I have this one on my list for the week.
The Mall – The story of a young woman in the 1990s, working at the mall and preparing to leave for college. I’ll be reviewing this one soon.
This Is My America – A teen who has been working for years to get her father’s wrongful conviction overturned before he is executed sees her life turned upside down again when her brother is arrested for allegedly killing a white girl. A timely story, this is on my list, too.
Today, Tonight, Tomorrow – A teen teams up with her nemesis, rivals for valedictorian and other accolades, in a final event for senior year when they find out their classmates are out to beat them. I am curious to read this one.

Books for Adults


Deal with the Devil (Trade Paperback) – Book 1 in the Mercenary Librarians series. An information broker teams up with an AWOL supersoldier to save America. This is at the top of my wish list for the week.
From Beer to Eternity (Mass Market Paperback) – Book 1 in the new Sea Glass Saloon Mystery series. In memory of her late friend, Chloe leaves Chicago for a fishing village in Florida to help her friend’s grandmother run her saloon. But when the grandmother is accused of murder, Chloe starts asking questions.
Happily Whatever After (Trade Paperback) – When a young woman’s life falls apart, she flees town and moves in with her older brother. In his community she finds new friends and a chance at love, but can she hold onto all she has found when things get rocky? At the time of this writing, this book is available to read for free to Kindle Unlimited subscribers.
Iced Over (e-book) – Book 2 in the Barks & Beans Cafe Cozy Mystery series. When an armored car hits an icy patch on Black Friday and slides into an embankment near the cafe, one of the drivers is dead and hundreds of thousands of dollars is missing. Mysterious! This series looks so fun. At the time of this writing, this book is available to read for free to Kindle Unlimited subscribers. I already have book 1 on my TBR.
It Cannoli Be Murder (Mass Market Paperback) – Book 2 in the Italian Chef Mystery series. Tessa is preparing for her restaurant opening and helping cater a book signing at her cousin’s shop when a murderer strikes. Tessa  starts digging into the case to keep herself and her cousin out of jail.
Knot of This World (Mass Market Paperback) – Book 8 in the Quilting Mystery series. When a friend joins a cult and the cult leader is found dead in their Winnebago, Martha and her friends need to track down a killer and expose the cult.
A Lady’s Guide to Mischief and Murder (Hardcover) – Book 3 in the fantastic Countess of Harleigh Mystery series! This time Frances and her friends and family are enjoying George’s family estate in Hampshire when mishaps and murder strike. I will be reviewing this one soon.
The Merry Rise of Skywalker (Hardcover) – A Shakespearean take on the ninth Star Wars movie, The Rise of Skywalker.
Mr. Malcolm’s List (Trade Paperback) – Jeremy Malcolm is looking for a wife, and his list is exacting. Selina, a young woman of no real means, likes Mr. Malcolm more than she expected after what she has heard from her disgruntled friend. But when Mr. Malcolm starts judging Selina based on his list, she determines that she has a list of her own that he must meet if he wants to have anything to do with her. I’ll be reviewing this one soon.
Night Shift (Mass Market Paperback) – Book 2 in the Helping Hands Mystery series. A social worker and a detective team up to figure out how a former patient with hallucinations knew about the very real body that has just been found.
Piece by Piece (Trade Paperback) – A woman wracked with guilt when her entire family dies while she takes a “me day” finds solace in the home of an Amish friend from her childhood. From the author of Portrait of a Sister. I’ll be reviewing this one soon.
Rise of Kylo Ren (Paperback Graphic Novel) – Collects comics 1-4 in this series.
RomeAntically Challenged (Trade Paperback) – Book 1 in the When in Rome series. A woman looking for a man-free fresh start and a man trying to find his place in his daughter’s life end up sharing a cabin and possibly finding love. This sounds great!
A Royal Affair (Hardcover) – Book 2 in the Sparks & Bainbridge Mystery series. As their marriage bureau grows, Iris and Gwen are called to investigate a suitor for the royal family who is being blackmailed. I’ll be reviewing this one soon.
Tea & Treachery (Hardcover) – Book 1 in the new Tea by the Sea Mysteries series by Vicki Delany (Sherlock Holmes Bookshop series, Year-Round Christmas Mystery series). The head pastry chef for an English tearoom, Lily is also helping her grandmother run a B&B when a developer’s plans threaten to put them both out of business. When the man is found dead, you can guess who the prime suspects are.
Marvel Eat the Universe (Hardcover Cookbook) – An “official” cookbook from the folks at Marvel.
White Too Long: The Legacy of White Supremacy in American Christianity (Hardcover) – Another book (like The Color of Compromise) that looks at the intersection of the Christian Church in America and racism.

BOOK NEWS: July 21, 2020

Here are some of the new books out this week!

Books for Kids


 

Music Cats (Board Book) – Board book of feline pictures and names for favorite musicians.
Dozens of Doughnuts – A baking bear keeps sharing her doughnuts with her friends until her supplies are used up – and she never got a doughnut. This looks cute.
Be Amazing: A History of Pride (LGBTQ+) – “Drag kid” Desmond is Amazing shares the history of Pride.
Mayor Pete: The Story of Pete Buttigieg – Picture book biography of the first openly gay Presidential candidate.
Cat Has a Plan – Cat and Dog trick one another in a battle over a favorite toy in this new Early Reader.
Dave the Unicorn: Welcome to Unicorn School AND Team Spirit – The first two books in this new illustrated chapter book series release this month. Dave the Unicorn is not the friend Mira was expecting when she signed up for unicorn school. Dave loves donuts and farts a lot. But Dave is also smarter than your average unicorn, which comes in handy during their adventures. This looks darling! I can’t wait to read these.
Henry Heckelbeck and the Haunted Hideout – Book 3 in the Henry Heckelbeck series, a spin-off of the Heidi Heckelbeck series. Henry uses his magic to make a hideout, but then he worries that his magic made it haunted.
Ranger in Time: Attack on Pearl Harbor – Book 12 in the fantastic Ranger in Time series. (It’s a lot like Magic Tree House, but with a dog.) This time Ranger helps a set of twins during the attack on Pearl Harbor.
Unicorn Diaries: Bo the Brave – Book 3 in the darling Unicorn Diaries series from Scholastic BRANCHES. This time Bo and his friends are trying to earn their bravery patch. I thought the first book in this series was darling! If your kids enjoy Owl Diaries, make sure they are checking out this new series from the same author.

Books for Older Kids/Teens/Young Adults


Act (Graphic Novel) – Book 3 in the Click graphic novel series. Olive decides to run for student council, even though it means running against two of her friends, in order to be a voice for others in her school. This sounds terrific.
Chloe: Carnival Party (Older Middle Grade – graphic novel) – Book 5 in the Chloe series. Chloe is home and struggling to connect with her best friend in the midst of preparations for a neighborhood carnival.
The Total Eclipse of Nestor Lopez – A Cuban-American boy with the ability to talk to animals discovers the animals around his new home are disappearing because of a witch who wants to absorb their powers.
War Stories – A new book from the fantastic Gordon Korman. Trevor is thrilled to help his hero, his great-grandfather, retrace his path during WWII. But what Trevor finds on the journey leads to questions about the heroic stories he has always been told.
Who Is David Beckham? – Biography of the soccer star.
10 Things I Hate About Pinky – The latest novel from Sandhya Menon (and sequel to When Dimple Met Rishi and There’s Something About Sweetie – ♥♥♥♥½). Pinky convinces her tightly-wound frenemy Samir to pose as her boyfriend to get her parents off her back for the summer. This is at the top of my list for this week; I have loved the whole series. I’ll be reviewing this one soon.
More Than Maybe – The latest from the author of You’d Be Mine comes another ya story centered around music. A young songwriter with a famous dad  tries to connect with his crush, a driven music podcaster whose perfectly planned life doesn’t include him. This sounds terrific! This is also on my list for this week!
River of Dreams – When her comatose brother starts speaking to her in dreams, Finn discovers she is part of a family of dreamwalkers who wade into nightmares to fight other people’s monsters.
Shielded – While her older brother has the magical powers to help her country in a war, a princess learns her contribution is to be married and secure needed resources for the kingdom. But on her way to her new life she stumbles upon secrets that change everything she thought she knew about this war and her place in it.  The cover art for this one is stellar. I have this on my list, too.
Splinters of Scarlet – A young woman risks death to use her thread magic in order to discover what really happened to her father. The magic elements of this sound intriguing.

Books for Adults


The Book of Lost Names (Hardcover) – A semi-retired librarian sees a piece of her secret past in a magazine article about the libraries looted by the Nazis. Will she have the courage to speak out and share the truth of the Book of Lost Names where she and a gifted forger recorded new identities given to Jewish children escaping to Switzerland in WWII? Sounds fascinating!
Handbook for Homicide (Hardcover) – Book 14 in the Booktown Mystery series. Tricia looks into the murder of a homeless vet when her shop assistant becomes the prime suspect.
He Started It (Hardcover) – Three siblings and their partners take a road trip to fulfill their wealthy grandfather’s final wishes. I have this on my list for this week, too.
Lineage Most Lethal (Hardcover) – Book 2 in the Ancestry Detective series. I absolutely adored book one, Murder Once Removed. This time Lucy is relaxing at the Sutton hotel, preparing to give her report to the hotel heiress herself when she is approached by a dying man who hands her a Montblanc pen. Her grandfather recognizes the pen as a message to him from his days as an Allied spy. This is top on my list, too. I’ll be reviewing this one soon.
Paris Is Always a Good Idea (Trade Paperback) – A young woman retraces the steps of her gap year in Europe when she realizes that was really the last time in her life she was truly happy. I’ll be reviewing this one soon, as well.
Solace of Bay Leaves (e-book) – The 5th book in the Spice Shop Mystery series. (The trade paperback version will release in October.) When a childhood friend is shot in an incident connected to an unsolved murder, Pepper starts to investigate.
Star Trek Year Five: The Wine-Dark Deep (Paperback Graphic Novel) – Book 2 in the Year Five graphic novel series, collecting comics 7-12.
The Answer Is…: Reflections on My Life (Hardcover) – A memoir.

BOOK NEWS: July 14, 2020

Here are some of the new books releasing this week! The slate of new YA books is especially fantastic. Be sure to check them out!

Books for Kids


Alien Tomato – When a red orb lands in the garden, the vegetables believe it is an alien tomato, while Gopher thinks it’s just a ball. The cover art is calling to me. I can’t wait to read this one!
Poesy the Monster Slayer – A girl fights monsters in her room at night. This looks darling.
A Unicorn Named Sparkle and the Pumpkin Monster – Book 4 in the Sparkle series. Lucy loves the scary parts of Halloween, but she takes things too far for Sparkle who does NOT like being scared.
Rocket and the Perfect Pumpkin – A new adventure for Rocket the dog (How Rocket Learned to Read – ♥♥♥♥♥, Rocket Writes a Story – ♥♥♥♥♥) when his perfect pumpkin rolls away from him.
Viola Desmond: A Hero for Us All – Part of the Fearless Girls series of Early Readers. A biography of Viola Desmond, a Canadian Civil Rights activist.
Mia Mayhem Steals the Show! – Book 8 in the Mia Mayhem early chapter book series. Mia gets to play a superhero in a school play.

Books for Older Kids/Teens/Young Adults


Babymouse Tales from the Locker: Curtain Call – Book 4 in the Babymouse Tales from the Locker series. This time, Babymouse tries out for the school play.
Danny Constantino’s First (and Maybe Last) Date – The latest from Paul Acampora. When Danny asks a local celebrity to the school dance, and she says yes, his whole life becomes something for public commentary. I’m looking forward to reading this one!
DC Super Hero Girls: Weird Science – Everyone is excited about the science fair except Zee Zatana who thinks nothing is as exciting as magic. I’ll be reviewing this one soon. You can read my reviews of other Super Hero Girl stories here.
Diana and the Island of No Return – A boy sneaks onto Themyscira and convinces Diana and her best friend to come back with him to his island where a demon has taken over his people and wants to capture Diana. I’ll be reviewing this tomorrow.
Something to Say – From the author of A Good Kind of Trouble. A girl who likes to stay invisible gets paired with a new kid at school for a debate he desperately wants to win. Which would be worse – speaking in public, or losing the first real friend she’s ever had? This is on my list for this week.
The Do-Over – Six months after she picks the popular guy over the best friend who has feelings for her, Emelia wonders if she made the right decision. So she finds a magical solution that will let her have a second chance. This sounds great!
The Fell of Dark (LGBTQ+) – A boy who hates living in a town that seems to attract all sorts of paranormal drama seems to be the only one who can help when a hot vampire comes to town warning of a terrible evil on the move. I’m curious to see if this is going to be campy or serious. Campy could be a lot of fun.
He Must Like You – A high school senior has hit her limit of thoughtless, selfish men in her life from her brother to her father to her hook up. But the last straw is the handsy harasser at work. He gets a pitcher of sangria dumped on his head. But then Libby has to deal with the fall out because the guy is a home town hero – and her mom’s boss. This is on my list, too.
The Invention of Sophie Carter – From the author of The Last Word. Orphaned twins are at the whims of their various relatives in Victorian England. When an aunt says she can only take in one of them for the summer in London, they decide to travel together, but take turns pretending to be one girl. This sounds amazing! It’s at the top of my list.
Keep My Heart in San Francisco – A teen teams up with her ex-best friend to infiltrate the local bowling scene and try to save her family’s bowling alley.
Running – When Mariana’s father, a US Senator, runs for President, it exposes their family to a whole new level of scrutiny, and shows Mariana that her father’s politics don’t line up with her own. This is on my list, too.
The Unstoppable Wasp: Built on Hope – An original novel based on the comic book series. Nadia Van Dyne is trying to put her days in the Red Room behind her and to embrace her new life and her new family. She struggles to keep all of the balls in the air, so when she’s gifted a virtual assistant, it seems like the best thing ever. But things aren’t always what they appear.

Books for Adults


How Sweet It Is (Trade Paperback) – Book 3 in the Legacy of Faith series. Jed heads to Boise to try and reconcile with his brother, and he rents a room from Holly who is trying to hold onto the restaurant she inherited now that her fiancé has abandoned her.
How to Save a Life (Trade Paperback) – Dom runs into his ex-fiancée and feels like it’s a second chance for them. When she dies on their date, he wishes for a chance to change things. That pushes him into a time loop where no matter what he tries, she still dies. But Dom is committed to trying everything for one chance to save her. An interesting twist on Groundhog Day. At the time of this writing, this book was available to Kindle Unlimited Subscribers to read for free.
Just Make Believe (Trade Paperback) – Book 3 in the Lady Adelaide Mystery series where there’s a murder at a week-long house party – and that’s only the beginning of the trouble there.  Sounds great!
Murder at the Falls (e-book) – Creature Comforts Mystery, book 3. Perri and Babette take their therapy dogs to an upscale senior living facility, but the troubles they find there, including murder, will need more than just therapy dogs to solve.
Star Trek Discovery: Die Standing (Trade Paperback) – Book 7 in the Star Trek Discovery collection of original stories. (#4 – The Way to the Stars, #6 – Dead Endless: ♥♥♥♥) Mirror Universe Georgiou, forced to take refuge in the Star Trek universe and working for Section 31, gets a chance at a super weapon that escaped her in her own universe when a young Trill, Emony Dax, discovers it. As soon as I read that this would include a Dax, it went on my wish list!
A Sweet Mess (Trade Paperback) – A baker and a food critic have a one-night stand, but her happy memories of their time together are tainted by his scathing review of her shop. In order to save her business, she agrees to his mea culpa offer of a spot on the cooking show he is producing.
Get Wisdom Bible Studies: Leading Wherever You Are (Joshua) AND Living For What Really Matters (Philippians) AND Saying Yes in the Darkness (Psalms) (Trade Paperback) – Each of these is a 7 week Bible study from Nav Press. There’s a nice introduction to each book giving some background on the author as well as answering questions and giving information about Bible translations, using commentaries, etc. The only key resources needed are a Bible in a translation you like, a couple smart phone apps and internet access, a writing utensil and a quiet place to work. The sample pages I have seen include a conversational tone, some historical background information (something I like in a study), and questions with space to write answers. I think these look great!
The Leader in You: Discovering Your Unexpected Path to Influence (Trade Paperback) – The author brings both organizational and church leadership experience into this discussion of leadership and encouragement to find your God-given gifts to lead and serve. This sounds terrific!
Weep With Me: How Lament Opens a Door for Racial Reconciliation (Trade Paperback) – A discussion of lament, specifically as it relates to racial injustice and reconciliation, including prayers of lament.