Review: All About Mia

Even though Mia wears a t-shirt that says it's all about her, it rarely is. Even when her perfect sister messes up big time, everything turns out rosy. Mia just can't catch a break.

So she lives life her way - messy. And unapologetic until she gets into real trouble. What happens when everything you touch becomes ruined?

My Thoughts:  This was hailed as a YA Bridget Jones - which meant I had to read it. I was so excited to get it at BEA. I really enjoyed this read, although I wanted to shake Mia at points (like her parents and tell her to grow up.) But I also think that's my adult viewpoint. I think it would be different reading it during your teen years. I liked Mia's family and how they interacted. I loved her relationship with her friends. Mia's super outgoing, which sometimes got her into trouble, but I also admired. Plus, it's set in England!

Cover Thoughts: Love it
Source: BEA Arc

Library Recommendation: This one might be hard for public schools as there is drinking and sex, but it's otherwise a great read. Get this for your public libraries.

Review: In Some Other Life

Kennedy's hiding a deep dark secret: she turned down a place at the local private school because of a boy. Now three years later, she discovers her boyfriend cheating on her with her best friend. She wonders what her life would have been life if she had chosen differently.

She goes to the school begging for admittance. After her disappointment, she falls down outside steps and hits her head. When she comes to, everything in her life is different.

She's able to see her alternative life. And everything is not as it seems. The grass isn't always greener and she's desperate to go back to the way things used to be.

My Thoughts: A Sliding Doors novel - what if my life were radically different. When thinking about how her life would be better at the private school, Ivy League almost guaranteed or being best friends with the people she stalks on instagram - Kennedy never considered her family life. And it's changed for the worse. (Except for her lovable younger brother - he's the same.) I loved seeing both sides of her life. I loved her moments with the outsider Dylan, especially their banter. I loved how she realizes that her life is worse in most aspects. I love the mystery and how it turned out. I really liked Kennedy's relationship with her family and how that changed her views on which path she wanted her life to follow. I also liked how it clearly showed the pressures of an elite school and how it changes your life (both good and bad). Very relatable as there seems to be a what-if question most people have.

Cover Thoughts: Cute and understandable with the book's premise, but neither Kennedy would wear those
Source ARC for review

Library Recommendation: Grab this one for your public schools and libraries. Hand it to students in need of a break (I would think it's perfect for students choosing their colleges). 

Picture Book Review: Squiggly Story

One boy wants to write a story, but he's not sure where to start. Luckily for him, his supportive sister has some ideas.

 A really cute story about writing. It's not always easy and this boy gets help from both his sister and his classmates. But he also has a mind of his own and doesn't always take their suggestions. A great book for creativity and writing with fun pictures. Perfect for inspiring other writers. 

Top Ten Tuesday: Dragon Books

This week's topic is books with Characters of our choice. I chose dragons because I'm reading a dragon book right now. I think my love of dragons goes back to a favorite childhood book.

- meme from The Broke and the Bookish 

My Childhood Favorite:

Kids:

Middle Grade and YA 

What I'm reading:

On Your Radar (9):

Title: The Whisper in the Stone

Author:  Kamilla Benko

Publisher: Bloomsbury

Publication Date: February 6, 2018

Why it Should be on Your Radar:

* Unicorns

* Sisters 
* An Old House Full of Magic
* Being Brave
* Guilds
* A Quest
* Ancient History
* Royalty
* An Old Riddle
* A Secret Society
* Evil Monsters
* Drawings
* Magic
* That ending

First in a new series

This one was talked about all over BEA this year. And just look at the cover. I was so happy to get a copy. I saved it for vacation reading. I loved this book.  (I accidentally read a bunch of it while creating this post.) I love books with quests and sisters. Plus unicorns.  I love that Claire was able to follow her sister. I love that she was able to put her fear aside and gather her courage to go after her sister. 

I can't wait to see what happens next.

Cozy Review: Crime of Passion Fruit

* Book 6 in the Bakeshop Mystery series *

Carlos calls Jules asking her to fill in for a few weeks aboard the ship in between pastry chefs. At first, she says no, but then Carlos offers her mother and the professor a free vacation. After scrambling to make sure everything's covered at Torte, the three of them leave for a vacation.

Jules enjoys returning to the ship, although not the long days. Her staff's amazing and they whip some thousands of desserts. Early one morning on a walk about the deck, Jules spots a body in the pool. It's the same woman she's been seeing in odd places all over the ship. The professor takes on the case, asking questions about the ship and seeing what Jules might be able to overhear.

With more people acting suspiciously, Jules isn't sure what to make of the crew. They certainly have their secrets. Could one of them committed murder?

My Thoughts: I really love this series - it makes my mouth water and it makes me want to whip up a delicious sweet. I loved seeing Jules on the ship for the first time. It helped me understand more about her former life. I liked learning more about the ship and the way things work. I loved being in the kitchen with the chefs. I loved the personal moments with Jules and her mother and the professor. I enjoyed seeing more of Carlos. While I enjoyed the variation on the setting, I'm eager to get back to Torte. I can't wait for the next book in the series out in January. 

Cover Thoughts: Charming
Source: My library

Library Recommendation: A winner of a series perfect for public libraries, especially those who gobble up foodie books. 

Adult Review: On Second Thought

Two sisters' lives change on the same night. What's supposed to be a celebration of Eric being cancer free turns into a tragedy. Kate's husband of four months dies in a freak accident. Eric, who was about to propose to Ainsley, takes it as a sign and breaks up with her.

After spending eleven years with Eric, Ainsley is blindsided. Since their neither the house nor the finances are in her name, she's in serious trouble. Not knowing where to turn, she shows up at Kate's door.

Kate's been dealing with her own grief. She didn't get enough time with her husband; they were still learning about each other. She's living in a house that isn't hers and she's lonely.

Even thought Kate and Ainsley aren't close, they need each other now more than ever. 

My Thoughts: I Loved this book. It's sent in the same town as If You Only Knew, so it was nice to see some old favorite characters. I enjoyed the relationship between the sisters. Being 10 years apart and half siblings, it's easy to see why they were never close. But I love how they lean on each other through their tough times and get to know each other better. I felt terrible for Ainsley dealing with all the fallout from her Eric's choices. There were times I wanted to smack her, but that worked itself out. I enjoyed her moments at work, her being late and her talking back to the boss. I felt bad for Kate as she dealt with grief, knowing her grief wasn't as much as other people in her husband's live who had known him longer. I loved the humor and the sweet moments. Most of all I loved the journey from the ashes to the phoenix and I think it was even sweeter because they helped each other. Another fantastic book from Kristan Higgins that I devoured. 

Cover Thoughts: Subtle, but effective
Source: Purchased

Library Recommendation: Public Libraries: Grab this one immediately for your adult fiction section if you don't have it already.

Where I Read This: I saved it for vacation reading, poolside in Vegas.

Review: Day of the Duchess

* Book 3 in the Scandal and Scoundrel series *

Seraphina returns to London to obtain a divorce. She's spent the last three years in Boston without her husband. Now she's opening a tavern in London and needs to be free in order to properly own it. She's determined to become a free woman; she's liked answering to no one.

For the last three years the Duke of Haven has chased down every lead of his wife's whereabouts. But he has yet to find her. Until she walks into his life and demands a divorce. Luckily, he has the summer to woo her, under the pretense of needing her help to find him another wife.

They can't talk about their past without yelling at each other, but is it possible for them to move forward?

My Thoughts: I loved this book. I loved Seraphina and her strength. I'm sorry for all the heart ache she endured. I loved her independent streak and how she wasn't taking no for an answer. I loved her times with her sisters, they added humor to the story. I loved her cameo in book one and how this book changed my opinion of that scene (and of the Hero). This one is an emotional reader given the character's backstory. I'm happy how it all turned out, but it was heart wrenching to read. I can't wait for the next book and to read more about the American! Sarah MacLean writes another amazing story that I didn't want to put down. 

Cover Thoughts: Love it! She's obviously in charge.
Source: BEA 17 book

Library Recommendation: A must have for public library romance sections

Where I Read this Book: I saved this book to read while hiking in the Grand Canyon. And it was the perfect book to bring.

Picture Book Review: Fruits in Suits

Even fruits like to jump in the water

Another fun read from Vegetables in Underwear - this one chats about different kids of suits from dress suits to bathing suits (mostly bathing suits). I loved the different fruits showing off various types of suits. Funny and entertaining with great illustrations that readers will want to pour over.  I also liked the end papers with the fruits labeled - great for learning about different types of fruits.

Top Ten Tuesday: Fall TBR List

This week's topic is our Fall TBR list: September, October, and November books. Fall is such a big publishing time (October really). And it's my favorite time of year because of Holiday Romances!!! Which I could use some suggestions on your favorites! Let me know.

- meme from The Broke and the Bookish 

Middle Grade

YA 

Adult

Holiday Romances: