Top Ten Tuesday: Series I Want to Start

This week's topic is series I want to start reading. I love a great series but I have a problem ending them and starting them...

- meme from The Broke and the Bookish 

Small time romance set in Vermont

Skating book!

Sherlock Holmes Book Shop Cozy

FBI/lawyer romance

Wedding Planner

Happily Ever After

Because everyone says it's amazing

Fairy Tales! 

Bonus (Not yet released):

Tween Tuesday Review: Baseball Great

 * 1st in a series *

Josh's embarrassed by the school newspaper reporting on his baseball skills. He's not sure he can make the team the best in the league, but he's willing to help make it a reality.  Unfortunately, he doesn't get the chance, his father pulls him out of the school baseball program for a private one.

There Josh's put on a strict regime - plenty of excerise and protein shakes. He's struggling with the excersies and chocking down the shakes, but he's willing to try them to make him a better player. It isn't until some of the other guys try to give him pills that he starts to question the team.

He's not about to take steroids and he's not about to let this go quietly. He turns to his two best friends for help and hopes that they can come up with a plan.

My Thoughts: We read this for our March book club pick and I really liked it. I liked Josh - though I was amazed at his height at his age. I thought he was smart and he tried to do the right things. I felt bad for his father - never making his dream come true and projecting his wishes onto Josh. I wish that he had listened to his son. My favorite character might have been Jaden  - I love her smarts and her desire to achieve her dream of writing great news stories. I'm interested to see where this series goes with Josh and his friends.

Cover Thoughts: Great
Source: My Library

Mysterious Saturday Review: Brownies and Broomsticks

 * 1st in a new series *

Katie's excited at the idea of a brand new life. When her aunt and uncle decide to open a bakery, she's more than happy to become their baker. She moves to Savannah and buys a cute house.


She can't wait to help make Honeybee Bakery a huge success. Katie's so eager to make the bakery a success, that she agrees to cater a business meeting days before opening. It's a decision she regrets when her uncle gets into a disagreement over the check with Mavis Templeton. 


He storms off and moments later Mavis is found dead - murdered in her car. There's a witness that places a man at the scene, a man who looks an awfully lot like Uncle Ben. 


Katie's not about to let her uncle go to jail. She starts snooping in town and learns that Mavis was not well liked and for good reason. Can she clear her Uncle's name while making the bakery a huge success during it's first few days?


My Thoughts: A great start to a new series with magic, baked goodies, and a potential love triangle. Katie's not looking to get involved with man after her last breakup, but she meets two men who have potential. One's a fireman and the other a journalist, who's also a witch.


Katie learns about her family heritage, but it takes her a while to come to terms with her witchy side.  She digs through her past for understanding. She knows that she needs to talk with her parents about keeping her history a secret, but she decides to deal with one family crisis at a time. I love her familiar, he's cute and amusing.


The bakery sounds fabulous - a place I'd like to frequent. I love how Aunt Lucy adds spells to the baked good to improve the lives of their customers.  I liked learning about the town through Katie's investigation. I really like Katie's neighbor and friend. All in all, Brownies and Broomsticks is a delightful charming new series and I'm excited to read more about the magical bakery. 


Cover Thoughts: Adorable. I like the goodies showcased with magic wafting off them. It fits the book perfectly!


Source: My Library.

Review: The Selection

America's world isn't great, but it isn't bad either. There's always food on the tables. She loves her musical job. She has a secret boyfriend, whom she's planning a life with. But one moment changes all that.

Prince Maxon's looking for a wife and one girl from each province (35 total) will compete for his hand in marriage. America has no interest in throwing her name into the ring, but separately, Aspen and her mother convince her to participate.

America's stunned when her name is announced on the news. She's elevated into society and taken to the Palace with the other girls. There she will meet the Royal family, including the Prince.

In leaving her home, America's heart broke. She needs to stay at the palace to recover from her heartache, but also to help her family financially. The longer she's there, the more money her family receives. They could certainly use the help.

The first night, America befriends the Prince. Her low ranking among society and her beauty make her a favorite with the people. The more time she spends with the Prince, the more her heart starts to unthaw. Could she ever love him?

My Thoughts: I didn't realize this was the start of a new series  and was surprised when it ended, but I'm happy there's more coming. I devoured this book - I could not put it down. 


I really liked this world with the castes and society. I loved how America befriended the Prince and their first moments together. I loved their relationship - their easy manner, their banter, and their honesty. I love how America might be opening his eyes to all the castes of society and the hardship for the lower people. 


I liked America's family, especially her two younger siblings. I found them entertaining. I hope there's more of them in the upcoming books. 


I loved the Palace and the descriptions of the dresses. I liked the other girls, especially Anne, Mary and Lucy (her maids) and Marlee.  


I liked the ending and admired America.


Cover Thoughts: I adore the cover - although I wish it tied into the book. There were so many dresses described...


Source: my Library.


Fun Fact: There's talk of this becoming a show on the CW - which would be cool. They shot the Pilot, but are going back to change things. It's not slated for Fall release, but it might be a mid-season show. 

Mysterious Saturday Review: Partners in Crime

* First in a new series *

Darcy and Norah must create a business for a school project. They don't want to do anything lame like a lemonade stand, dog walker, or babysitter. After brainstorming ideas, Darcy comes up with idea of creating a detective agency.

Darcy loves the mysteries and all the forensic science TV shows. She creates a fake website and Norah presents their topic to the class. Their presentation goes well, but the trouble starts when someone uses the site for a real case.

Norah and Darcy want to solve the case of a missing girl, as asked, but they also want to figure out the name of their first client. Can the two best friends solve either of these cases?

My Thoughts: A cute start to a new tween series.

 I really liked both Darcy and Norah. They have a great friendship, but they're both unique in their own ways. Norah really loves astronomy - her dog's name in Hubble. Still, she's not into mysteries. She hesitates at joining Darcy in looking for clues, but then her scientific brain starts getting curious.  Darcy loves mysteries, including forensic sciences shows. She doesn't mind the gruesome scenes and she's a technology whiz.  She doesn't always have the ability to stay out of trouble. Together, they're unstoppable.  I loved that both girls were smart and not afraid to showcase their intelligence.


The secondary characters were interesting and entertaining. I'm hoping to see more of them in the future books. While the bully/prank war was sometimes cruel, there were funny aspects of it. I also liked the moments between Norah and Zane. I'm already looking forward to book 2!


Cover Thoughts: Awesome!


Source: My Library

Fun Fact: Kim Harrington will be the special guest star to our Kick Off the Summer party for the Teen Summer Reading Program on June 27th! So looking forward to having her come visit Otis Library!

Up Next: Sleepover Stakeout  comes out on June 1st

Adult Review: The Duke and I

Violet Bridgerton is one of the society mothers that single men fear. She has eight children and she's determined to see them all marry.

Her oldest daughter Daphne wants to marry. But after two seasons, she's tired of hearing her mother talk about eligible men.  When she does marry, she wants to respect and like her husband. She couldn't live with the four men who have already asked for her hand.

Simon Basset, the Duke of Hastings, has returned to England upon the death of his father. Unfortunately for him, he's inherited his father's title and gained significance in society's eyes. Everyone wants to meet him. Every mother wants her daughter to marry him. Simon hates the limelight and he's not interested in marriage - ever!

Daphne and Simon meet at a ball, quite improperly.  After waltzing  together, they come to an understanding. The agree to a pretend courtship which will allow them to gain relief from mothers. 

Could something actually develop between them?

My Thoughts: I love the Bridgerton family. I love their banter and their wit. I laughed several times while reading. I love the elusive Lady Whistledown who pens a gossip column about those in society. I adored Daphne and Simon. I devoured this book and quickly moved on to book 2. A perfect Regency romance!


Cover Thoughts: Cute


Source: I purchased this on a recommendation from a blogger I met while standing in line at BEA to meet Julia Quinn. She said it was an amazing series and she was right.

Mysterious Saturday Review: It Takes a Witch

Darcy and her sister have just moved to Enchanted Village after their father died. Upon his death, they learn the truth about their lives. They are Wishcrafters witches - which means they have the power and the obligation to grant wishes.

The town was created as a tourist destination to hide witchcraft. Part of the rules for Wishcrafters witches is complete secrecy. They can only tell another crafter of their secret.

Darcy's still learning the rules of her trade. She's still getting used to the town and the people. When a well known woman turns up murdered and her grandmother's boyfriend the main suspect, she dives into the deep end with an investigation.

Will she lose her craft through her lack of craft knowledge or her life from her lack of knowledge about the town and it's people?

My Thoughts: First in an new fun series with magic, romance, action, job issues, and family drama. I loved the twist at the end - I didn't see that coming, but it was so sweet. I love the small town feel. I love the secrets uncovered as Darcy and her sister get to know the townspeople. So looking forward to more in this series!


Cover Thoughts: Cute - love the swirls and the sparkle


Source: My Library


Fun Fact: Heather Blake is also Heather Webber


Up Next: Witch Before Dying comes out in August 2012

Review: Darker Still

Natalie's always been on the outskirts of society as she's deaf. People, including her father, can't talk to her. She's overjoyed when she meets Mrs. Evelyn Northe - a wealthy woman who knows sign-language.

She's on the verge of purchasing a very interesting painting - one that has the whole town talking. It's the portrait of Lord Denbury who's rumored to have committed suicide.

While looking at the painting, Natalie feels the painting watching her. She's sure she's imagining things, until the painting changes twice. Now she's curious and a little afraid.

Lord Denbury didn't commit suicide. He's stuck in the painting and he needs Natalie's help to break the curse. Natalie falls into the painting and discovers her voice, her determination, and a new chance at life.



My Thoughts: I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I loved the connection between Lord Denbury and Natalie. I loved Natalie meeting Mrs. Evelyn Northe. I loved Natalie venturing out into society and trying to become friends with Maggie. I loved the creepy factor, the danger, the mystery, and the romance. And I love that it's just the beginning, there's more Gothic romance to follow!!

Cover Thoughts: Stunning!

Book: 2011 Debut YA

Source: My Library

Mysterious Saturday Review: Shoe Done It

Rita loves her job - helping fashionistas find the perfect outfit - including shoes and accessories. No one goes out of her way more to achieve style for her clients than her boss Dolce.

Dolce sends Rita to Miami Beach to pick a specific pair of silver shoes for a special client. She's under strict instructions to keep the shoes under lock and key.

When Rita arrives the store the following morning, MarySue is already there waiting. There's one tiny detail - MarySue hasn't paid for the shoes and she doesn't have the money for them. The fundraiser she's planning on wearing them too is tonight. Without further discussion, she takes them from Rita's hand and exits the store.

She wears them to the fundraiser and the shoes are the talk of the night. Unfortunately in the morning, MarySue's found in the park - barefoot and murdered. Can Rita figure out what happened to the MarySue and those elusive silver shoes?

My Thoughts: The first in a new fashionable series. Rita is clumsy, entertaining, curious, and full of bright ideas. She juggles three men while hoping to find herself the perfect man after a dry spell. I loved reading about the fashion and am very much looking forward to the next book in the series.

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Source: My Library

Adult Review: 16 Lighthouse Road

Olivia takes an unusual stand against one couple seeking divorce. Instead of granting them divorce, she wants them to talk about their issues. As a a judge, it's a different approach, but her decision stands.

Could it be a result of her own failed marriage?

Either way, the newspaper writes an article about it. The reporter seems very interested in getting to know her a little better (or a lot better.)

That worries Olivia. Her daughter's dating habits and their tension filled relationship also worries her.

Can Olivia find a way to smooth out the wrinkles in her life?


My Thoughts: I Loved it! I LOVE Debbie Macomber. The start of a series in the small town of Cedar Cove - where everyone knows each other. I love the feel of the small town. There are no secrets here. I loved the different perspectives, especially those in Olivia's family. I loved the romance, the friendships, and the drama. I loved the ending - where the woman looks across the road to the next house 204 Rosewood Lane (which I just started last night.)

Cover Thoughts: adorable

Source: My Library