Top Ten Tuesday: Still Hope to Read

 This week's topic is a freebie, but here are 10 books I still hope to read by the end of the year.

These books are checked out from the library and just waiting to be read:

Have you read any of these? Which one should I start with?

Middle Grade Review: North for the Winter

Virginia and her father are moving just days before Christmas. Virigina's mother died and she feels like she's also lost her father. After an accident that involves a flat tired, Virigina flees the car because she spies...something in the woods. There she finds a reindeer.

She accidentally takes the reindeer's compass. Without the compass, the reindeer can't find Santa. Virginia needs help. A neighbor asks if she wants a tour of the town. Benny and Virigina might be the only hope to save Christmas. 

My Thoughts: This was such a fun graphic novel. I love that it's based off a story from 1955 when a young boy called the military asking for Santa Claus. The military began tracking Santa Claus after that moment. I loved how Benny and Virginia became fast friends. I felt terrible for Virginia for the death her mom and her absent father. I love how everything turned out. This is a magical graphic novel all about hope, friendship, and the magic of Christmas. 

Cover Thoughts: Adorable

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: A magical graphic novel all about Christmas. 

Christmas Picture Book Reviews (1)

Here are a few picture books that either showed up late at the library last year 

Like the 12 days of Christmas song - but for Swifties.

This is adorable! I love it. It makes the perfect gift. 

Hugo Mouse isn't feeling the Christmas spirit. He's not the only one. William's family can't make their flight because of a snow storm. The tree is undecorated, and the day will be lonely. But Hugo Mouse has an idea. 

This is a charming story about friendship and finding the Christmas spirit

Grumpy Monkey doesn't feel like celebrating. Everything around his is terrible. Will he ever find the Christmas spirit?

This is a great book for exploring feelings and why some people see everything in a negative light. It does end positivity (and maybe a little unrealistically). But it's a smart book. 

Picture Book Review: Norman and the Smell of Adventure

 

Norman desires an adventure, but his best friend is a tree and does not wish to leave. Norman sets off on his own. He's not sure what an adventure entails or how to go about having one. 

This has a great message about friendship and what to do when friends aren't interested in the same things. You can still be friends without having to do everything the same. I adore Ryan T. Higgins and all his books. 

Booklist: Happy Birthday Louisa May Alcott

 

* picture source * Louisa May Alcott

I've been a fan of Little Women since Middle School. I remember reading the books and then reading Little Men and Jo's Boys

It was just around the time that this movie came out:

And I loved it.

I then discovered her other books:

Years later, I loved reading adaptations of her works.

Here's a booklist about Little Women:

Books Mentioned:

Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy

Jo

The Penderwicks: I loved this book and am embarrassed that I didn't make the connection (that I remember. It's been a long time since I've read this book): No Review

So Many Beginnings: No review

Little Women and Me

Littlest Women: Not read

More to the Story

Jo & Laurie: Not read

The Mother Daughter Book Club: No review, but review of some of the series

Beth is Dead

Little Monsters: Not ready but in my TBR pile

Are you a fan of Little Women? Have you read any good adaptations?

Christmas Romance Review: Holiday Ever After

A major toy company sends the owner's daughter to clean up a mess created the company copied a local toy. The company stole the design and created their own doll. A local woman called them out on social media, causing the company embarrassment. They sent in a fixer.

The daughter of the owner, Clara, arrives in town to fix things. She's clear about helping the town from the start. She isn't throwing a bunch of money at the town trying to make the problem go away; she genuinely cares about helping.

She's hoping that once she solves the problem, she'll earn the promotion her father's been dangling in front of her. She doesn't count on falling for Jack - the creator of the doll and owner of the local hardware store. He hates the Davenport business. 

My Thoughts: I loved this small-town romance; it reads like a Hallmark Christmas movie. And it's adorable; I didn't want to put this book down!  I loved the cast of characters and the holiday celebrations. I love how everything turned out.  I would love this to be the start of a new series. 

Cover Thoughts: Charming

Source: My Library 

Library Recommendation: Highly recommended for your Christmas romance collection for your public library

Happy Pie Day

I hope that you all have a lovely day.

My favorite part of the day is eating pie with my family.

I adore pie - almost all kinds.

Wishing you and yours lots of love, laughter, and happiness today.