Picture Book Review: A Mind of Her Own

 

Agatha Christie, the world-famous mystery writer, didn't always like writing. But she always liked mysteries and she always made-up stories. She struggled getting those ideas on paper. Years later, she tries her hand at writing a mystery novel. It's not easy but she persists. 

This picture book biography is great for older elementary school readers - but I wonder if any of them have ever heard of Agatha Christie. I really enjoyed this book. I didn't know much about this author here. The illustrations are lovely. This would be a good picture book to share about creating mystery stories. 

* books sent for review

Cozy Review: Chain of Pearls

 

* First book in a new series * 

The last thing she wants is to dig up the past…

When the body of a celebrated journalist is fished from the Edgartown Harbor, the official report rules his death accidental. But why was he alone on a senator’s yacht during a nor’easter? That’s only the first question London-based lawyer Kyra Gibson has when she arrives on the idyllic island of Martha’s Vineyard to settle her estranged father’s affairs.

She’s not looking for closure. She’s not seen him in decades since he left her with her aunt following her mother’s death. But as Kyra delves deeper into her father’s life, she learns he had many regrets and wasn’t as retired as she believed. The more Kyra discovers, the more questions she has. With the help of world-weary detective, Tarek Collins, they uncover a web of intrigue and corruption involving a powerful senator, a dubious energy company, and brutal murder.

As they chase down clues, Kyra and Tarek flirt with danger and race against time to solve the murders and uncover the dark secrets lurking beneath Martha’s Vineyard’s picturesque façade of old money wealth and privilege. - Summary from the publisher

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this start of a new series. I've visited Martha's Vineyard before, I've heard of a few places. I really liked Kyra's neighbors - Grace and Charlie. I enjoyed Krya and how she started finding a home on the island. I enjoyed the dynamics of the islanders and the outsiders. I felt bad that Kyra and her father never got the chance to reconnect. I'm looking forward to the next book from this debut author. 

Cover Thoughts: This is a cozy story, but it has the cover of a thriller

Source: Book sent for a blog tour

Library Recommendation: A great book for your public library

Picture Book Review: Summer Books

Just a few books perfect for the first day of summer:

Unicorn has always wanted to be a mermaid and Kitty-corn has just the way to make it happen. 

This is a sweet story about dreams and friendship and just being yourself. 

This author and illustrator duo is a must have for library collections. 

It's Mermaid Day! All the mermaids come together to celebrate the ocean. 

The pictures are bright and fun to pour over. There's a lot to look at in this book. There are games, dancing, and food. This is such a fun book and perfect for summer. 

* Book sent for review

Library Recommendation: A must have book for your library mermaid collection. 

Parrotfish has a secret power and he's dying to share it with his friend, the hammerhead shark.

This is a funny book, but it's also chock full of information. Readers will be eager to also learn the secret. 

Booklist: Juneteenth Books

Here's a booklist for Juneteenth:

 

Top Ten Tuesday: Summer TBR

 This week's topic is all about the summer TBR - which for me is books coming out July and August. Summer is stressful for me because of my job, so it could be time for lots of reading or not much reading depending. 

Middle Grade:

 

Young Adult:

Adult:

Graphic Novels:

Any of these on your list too?

Middle Grade Review: Medusa

When Ava deals with a bully at school, her mom decides it's time for her and her brother to attend boarding school. Suddenly they are both whisked off Venice. There, they learn they are descendants of Greek monsters, not heroes. 

Ava's thriving at the school. All her knowledge of mythology has paid off. Now she's getting more praise than her brother. But all that changes when she meets the goddess Athena. 

The Accademia isn't quite what it seems. When someone threatens Ava's friend, she's ready to cause a scene. But could protecting her friend get her expelled?

My Thoughts: It took me a little bit to get into this book, but then I was sucked in. This is a REALLY powerful story with an important message. This feminist read talks about how females lose their voice and how powerful stories can be. The Greek mythology will pull readers in, but I stayed for the friendship, the action, and the feminist twist. I love the idea that Greek mythology monsters might not have really been monsters. It seems like this could be the start of a new series and I really hope that is true. 

Cover Thoughts: Great - lots of action

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: Highly recommended to your school and public library

Vacation Photos: Ocean CIty

Last week, we had a long weekend in Ocean City, Maryland.

It's a place we've been a few times.

It was a time of relaxing (before the busy Summer Reading season) full of mini golf, beaches, and good food. 

New Ink part 1

New Ink part 2

The lovely beach

Beach reading

A table in the candy store. Loved it! 

We played some games at the arcade. This is my favorite - even though I'm terrible at it.

We went searching for some wild horses

They were there and charming, but mostly they were far away. 

But this one was right near the road

More beach

A croissant + eclair - we found this in a little bakery (Baked) in a town near the horses.

We didn't know it, but part of Runaway Bride was filmed there.

We found a dount/breakfast place. They had THE best Boston Cream donuts. Layton's. 

Dinosaur mini golf

We saw the sunset from our balcony almost every night - it looks orange but it was really more pink. 

The clouds were fun too.