Review: Cover Story

 

My Thoughts: I read this because of was looking for more epistolary novels. I hadn't heard of it before. And now looking at Goodreads, I see it has quite the following.

As an epistolary, it was quite good. It was a quick fast read that sucked me in. I didn't want to put it down. 

I can't tell how I feel about this book; I'm still thinking and processing this book.

The ending surprised the heck out of me. 

It's honestly hard to talk about without spoiling it

This would make a good book discussion book as I imagine people have LOTS of opinions after reading it. If you've been living under a rock like I have and you like epistolary novels too, try this out. And let me know what you think.

If you have read this one - what DID you think?

Bookstagram (6) In a New York Minute

 

This book had such a funny (but terrible if it happened to you) meet cute!

And of course, someone took pictures. Which obviously went viral. And now Franny and Hayes keep meeting - sometimes the moments are awkward and sometimes sweet. 

Did fate have a hand in their meeting?

* Book sent for review

Blog Tour: Mad Girls of New York

 

About the Book:

Maya Rodale brings to life the true story of the infamous Nellie Bly: a daring female journalist who, in the 1800s, paved the way for women to enter the newsroom. Bly quickly became known for revealing New York City’s injustices by practicing “stunt journalism,” or going undercover and taking extreme risks to expose a story. The first in an all-new series inspired by Bly’s investigative escapades, THE MAD GIRLS OF NEW YORK (Berkley Trade Paperback; on sale April 26, 2022) follows Bly on one of her first stunt assignments: going undercover as a madwoman at a deplorable New York insane asylum.

Rodale relied upon Bly’s book, Ten Days in a Madhouse, which offers a compilation of Bly’s articles and her first-hand narratives about her experiences at Blackwell’s, to inform the writing of the novel. Rodale’s keen storytelling brings Bly to life as a vibrant, modern, and relatable young woman who is trying to make a name and a career for herself in New York City. Historical fiction fans are in for a treat, as are Rodale’s returning romance readers, who will swoon over the romantic chemistry between Nellie and her instant career nemesis Sam Colton.

“There were all kinds of madness, she supposed, and hers was daring to dream.”

About the Author:

Maya Rodale is the best-selling and award-winning author of funny, feminist fiction including historical romance, YA and historical fiction. A champion of the romance genre and its readers, she is also the author of Dangerous Books For Girls: The Bad Reputation of Romance Novels, Explained. Maya reviews romance for NPR and has appeared in Bustle, Glamour, Shondaland, Buzzfeed, The Huffington Post and PBS. She began reading romance novels in college at her mother’s insistence and has never been allowed to forget it.

My Thoughts:

I'm currently reading this book right now and loving it! I'm 1/3 of the way through and it's amazing. I'm a big Maya Rodale fan. I can't wait to learn more about Nellie Bly and I'm so happy this is the first in a series! 

Review: Made in Manhattan

 

Violet is a snob and a people pleaser. When her honorary grandmother asks her to help out, deep down she knows she will. Even if the task is helping Edith's newly discovered grandson become one of society's elite. 

Cain isn't interested in a make-over. He's not even sure he wants to fun the family company. But he's not running for the hills either. Cain is willing to take things step by step while giving Violet a hard time.

Violet's not one to back down from a challenge. But the more time she spends with Cain, the more she begins to realize that she likes him...just the way he is.

My Thoughts: I loved this reverse My Fair Lady story. I really liked how both characters made each other better and expanded each other's views. Two names I'm forgetting - the dog and Violet's best friend. I loved Cain's interaction with the dog. I loved Violet's best friend prodding Violet to go outside her comfort zone. I loved the banter between Cain and Violet. Cain was so grumpy through most of the book that he reminded me of Roy Kent from Ted Lasso. Another great read from Lauren Layne.

Cover Thoughts: Charming

Source: My library

Library Recommendation: Highly Recommended for your public library's romance collection.

A mood board I made for the book after reading:

Graphic Novel Review: The Secret Garden on 81st Street

 

Mary's parents are always working - so she rarely sees them. She spends her time playing video games and eating. But when her parents die, she's sent to live with an uncle she's never met. New York City is very different from California. And her Uncle doesn't believe in technology. 

Her uncle is grieving the loss of his husband and travels most of the time for work. Mary's sent out of the house to explore the city. Mary learns that the roof of the building used to be a beautiful garden. One day she finds the key. She believes the garden destroyed until a new friends shares that it's only sleeping.

Mary and her new friend Dickon work to restore the garden to it's former glory. They have the help from Colin who suffers from panic attacks and stays in his room most of the time. Mary is able to coax him out. But will their secret garden be discovered by Mary's uncle?

My Thoughts: I loved this book. I enjoy reading updated versions of classic stories. In this one - they've kept the original ideas but modernized everything. There is no part from India (which cuts out the racist moments of the original tale). The garden becomes a rooftop garden in New York City. The fresh air still plays a massive role as does gardening and getting dirty. The story centers on friendship and learning to care for other people - just the like original tale. A wonderful story that captures the essence and the best parts of the story - and the artwork is amazing!

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Source: My library

Library Recommendation: Highly recommended for school and public libraries. 

Romance Review: Prince of Broadway

* Book 2 in the Uptown Girls trilogy *

Florence is the rebel of the family, being the middle daughter, she's used to goin after what she wants. She knows what she doesn't want. She doesn't want a husband like her older sister's almost fiancée. She doesn't want to get married.

What she wants is to open a casino - for ladies. But first she needs a teacher. So she sneaks out to an exclusive club, where women aren't allowed. She wins both times she goes. But then the owner requests a meeting.

Finally she can make her pitch. She desired him to show her all he knows about running a casino. At first Clay's not interested. But then he realizes that it could be just another way to enact his revenge on her father.

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book. Usually the historical romances I read are in Regency England, but this series is set in New York City during the Gilded Age. I find it refreshing - plus I get to learn a little bit more about that era. I really love these sisters. They support each other, make each other better, and lean on each other. I loved the Florence wasn't interested in marriage. She didn't enjoy high society and all the dinners, balls, and parties. I loved her relationship with her grandmother. I loved her banter with Clay. I enjoyed Clay and Jack's story. I'm so looking forward to the next book about Justine's story!

Cover Thoughts: Gorgeous
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: Highly recommended for your public library.

If you like books about casino, then try this series next:


If you want more about the Gilded Age in New York, try this series next:

Picture Book Review: Green Place to Be

With New York City growing at a huge rate, the city wanted a park where people could enjoy nature. Calvert Vaux and Frederick Law Olmsted created plans to build a wonderful place - Central Park. 

A really fascinating book about the planning and the construction of Central Park. There were things to find of each page and mini biographies in the back of the book. The illustrations were amazing to pour over. A wonderful book to share, especially for elementary school readers. 

Grab this one for you school and public libraries

Review: Duchess By Design

* First in a new series *

Adeline wants her designs to be taken seriously, but her boss isn't interested in giving ladies of ton dresses with pockets. She wants Adeline to fall in line and follow the rules. When Adeline's making a house call to a client, she runs into a Duke - literally.

The Duke of Kingston traveled to New York to find himself a duchess to restore the coffers of his family estate. Instead, he falls for Adeline and her sassy ways.

But he causes her more trouble than he realizes. Can he find a way for them to be together?

My Thoughts: I loved Maya Rodale's Keeping up with the Cavendishes series, so I was eager to read her newest book. And I really love this Gilded Age novel. I loved the New York setting. I loved learning more about dresses, fashion, and dress shops. Of course I love the idea of pockets in dresses - who doesn't want pockets in their dress. I wish this fashion trend had caught on! I loved the banter between Adeline and the Duke. I loved the women supporting Adeline and how they changed the world in their own way.  I love how the romance happened on her terms. What a fantastic feminist romance! I can't wait to read more of this series. 

Cover Thoughts: I love the dress
Source: ARC sent for review
Library Recommendation: A great start to a new series - grab this one for your romance collection.

Middle Grade Review: The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street

The Vanderbeekers have the worst Christmas ahead of them; their lease hasn't been renewed. They have to move out of their apartment before the end of the year. The five siblings (Jessie and Isa - the twins, Oliver, Hyacinth, and Laney) are devastated. They Love their home and can't imagine living anywhere else. But they have a plan to save their home - lots of plans actually. Can they convince cranky old Mr. Beiderman to change his mind?

My Thoughts: I LOVED this book. The siblings are adorable and unique. I enjoyed the twins' story and how they're growing up and a little bit apart but still together. I loved Laney and her affectionate heart, her bunny, and her enthusiasm. I loved bookish Oliver who loves basketball. I loved crafty Hyacinth. I loved their thoughtful creative ways to make Mr. Beiderman change his mind - even if they didn't always go as planned. Most of all, I loved the sense of community within the book. It would be amazing to live in a place like that. I oved reading about the cookies - they made my mouth water. I can't wait for the next book!

Cover Thoughts: Adorable
Source: My Library
Sequel: Coming out September 25th
Library Recommendation: A must have for public and school libraries.

Middle Grade Review: Keys to the City

Lindy isn't thrilled about her homework for the summer. She's supposed to figure out her true passion in hopes of making things easier when it comes time to pick out high schools. Lindy doesn't know her passion and she's jealous of some of her friends who seem to have it figured out.

Plus, her parents moved across town to open and Bed and Breakfast. They're fighting all the time because no one has booked a reservation.

Lindy's new friend Tyler is visiting his grandmother for a month because his parents are going through a rough patch. Meeting him makes Lindy worry about her parent's future. 

My Thoughts: I really liked this one, which isn't a surprise because I love this author. I liked that Lindy is adopted. It adds to the drama about discovering her passion, making her wish she knew more about her birth parents. I love how Lindy looked around the city for her passion with the help of a family friend. I loved her friendship with Tyler and of course his dog. I loved Lindy's journal writing. I liked how Lindy doubted herself, but came to realize her strengths. Another great middle grade read.

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: My Library
Companion to MY SECRET GUIDE TO PARIS

Library Recommendation: Grab this one and hand it to kids who are unsure of their passions or filled with self doubt. 

Adult Review: New York Actually

* Book 4 in the From Manhattan with Love series * 

While walking in the park with her beloved dalmatian, Molly meets Daniel. He's walking his borrowed dog in hopes of chatting her up.

They couldn't be more different. She writes a relationship advice blog and he's a divorce attorney. They chat about life. He asks her for a date, but she turns him down.

Finally he brings coffee to the park and starts breaking down her walls. Could their differences bring them together?

My Thoughts: I adore this series! And this one starts with a new set of siblings with a troubled past. I loved learning more about the twins. I can't wait to read their stories. 

I love the dogs in this book - they steal the book at times. I love the slow burn of the romance between Molly and Daniel. And how their pasts color their present views and their jobs. Another charming read from Sarah Morgan! I didn't want to put this book down. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: This series is perfect for public libraries! Highly recommended.

Review: Little Black Dresses, Little White Lies

Harper can't believe her ears; Shift magazine just called her asking her to be a last minute replacement intern for the summer. It's a dream come true to be able to write for the teen magazine. It almost doesn't matter that she's going to be their dating blogger and she's never been out on a date.

After a few missteps at the office, things start looking up for Harper. She's got a hot boy to potentially date, a great new guy friend, and fodder for her blog posts (who cares if it's not exactly true?) She's taking New York by storm and isn't about to let anything stand in her way.

My Thoughts: I really liked this book. It reminded me a little bit of a YA version of Shopaholic. Parts were really cute, parts made me cringe, and parts made me happy. I loved Ben and the dog moments. I really liked the blog posts and wish we could have seen more of the interns' work. The pressures of the interns, their moments of friendship, and exploring New York made this one a really fun read. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: Great for both school and public libraries.

Adult Review: Sleepless in Manhattan

 * First in a new trilogy * 

Paige hasn't had an easy life but just when pieces seem to be falling into place, her world comes crashing down. She goes into work one day expecting a raise but leaves without a job. Before Paige can wrap her head around this new chance, her brother's best friend (and her major crush) dares her to start her own events company.

Armed with her two best friends and knowledge, Paige decides to give it a go. Only once she starts, she finds it hard to drum up any clients - until Jake steps in again and offers her a huge job. Can she work with him without allowing her feelings to get in the way?

My Thoughts: I loved the first book in this new trilogy! I adored the friendship between the three girls. I loved the easy way they conversed with Paige's brother and Jake. I love how they had each other's backs. I loved how Paige grew during the book - how she took chances and how she distanced herself from her past. I liked learning more about the events planning business. I loved her determination and her strength. Can't wait to read the next two stories! 

Cover Thoughts: Cute!
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: Highly recommended for the romance collection

Final Thoughts: A fun start to a new trilogy in the city that never sleeps (And neither will you if you start this book at night - at least not until you finish it)

Review: City Love

* First in a new trilogy *

Three girls find an apartment together in NYC the summer before staring college.

Darcy just got out of a serious relationship with a boy who broke her heart. Understandably, she's not looking for anything serious.  But the she meets a boy she can't stop thinking about and wonders if she should take another risk with her heart.

Sadie's lived in NYC her entire life and never wants to leave. She's excited to score an internship for Urban Design. A believe in true love and soul mates, Sadie locks eyes with a cute boy on her first day at her internship. Could it be love?

Rosanna's working for the summer and trying to put the past behind her. She barely has enough money to get by. On her first day, she makes an enemy without knowing why, but it also causes her to meet a boy. He's from a very different world, but they seem to click.

Can these three girls for a bond and find romance in their summer of freedom?

My Thoughts: I devoured this book, loving the adventures the three girls had in the city. I loved the idea of them coming together for a summer before starting college and the idea of freedom.

I really loved the romances - the good and the bad. It's easy to be swept away by the idea of love, especially when you're in a new place. 

I loved seeing the city through their eyes, it makes me want to go explore New York desperately.

This book takes place in such a short time, establishing characters and romances. I hope the next two books take place over the rest of the summer and a little into fall. I anticipate the girls becoming closer in the next two books. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute - I love the backdrop of the city behind the couple
Source: I won a copy of this book

Final Thoughts: I loved reading this one and can't wait to see what happens next to these girls. 

Fun Fact: I added some tourist items to my bucket list because of this book.
Similar Reads: Check out these travel books for more adventures.

Mysterious Saturday Review: NYPD Red

New York is hosting Hollywood week in hopes of bringing more of the business to the streets of New York. The mayor wants everything to run smoothly, but when a big time producers collapses at breakfast, it looks like murder.

NYPD Red takes the case. Detective Zach Jordan is on the case with his new partner (and the woman he's been in love with forever). Together, they determine that he was murdered with poison. He's not the only one on the killer's target list.

Soon the killer starts playing a cat and mouse game with the Detectives and it becomes personal. an Zach and Detective Kylie MacDonald take him down?

My Thoughts: I devoured this book on  plane ride. I loved the action, the danger, and the plot twists. I really liked both of the detectives. They were both strong and determined. I liked the banter between them.  I liked how the book centered around movies and TV - including the chapters written from the killer's perspective. A great entertaining and fast read that left me eagerly looking forward to the next book in the series.

Cover Thoughts: Good
Source: My Library

Tween Tuesday Review: At Your Serivce

Chloe Turner wants to be just like her dad - a concierge extraordinaire.  She and her dad live at the Hotel St. Michele in New York City. Chloe loves the perks of loving in the hotel and she loves helping guests, especially those closest to her age.

In fact, after a successful trial run, Chloe's proven herself, becoming a Junior Concierge. So when a royal family comes to town, Chloe's excited to show them around her city.

Unfortunately, all her plans aren't interesting to the royal kids. As much as Chloe attempts to plan something for each of them (2 princesses and one prince), no one ends up happy. The youngest princess has a habit of slipping away. When determining where to go next, the group realizes that she's missing. Instead of telling their detail, they slip away themselves desperately trying to find the princess before something happens and before their father finds out and everyone gets into massive amounts of trouble. Will this be the first epic fail in Chloe's career?

My Thoughts: I really liked this book - it's a super cute read with great characters. I loved Chloe - for trying to make the hotel guest happy. I loved the moments in the hotel - and Chloe being able to use it as her playground. I really liked her best friend Paisley. I liked how the royal siblings took Chloe out of her element, but how she fought back to make them see how great New York City can be. The two siblings and the two best friends running around New York City was entertaining and I learned a little bit more about the great city. Friendship, a little romance, trying to do the right thing, and chasing your dreams all add up to make this book a winner.

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: My Library