Christmas in July: Christmas Orphans Club

Hannah and Finn spend every Christmas together - and they have since college. Neither of them have great family lives. But times are changing, and they are growing up. New people are entering the mix. Finn and Hannah have had a falling out, but they've mended things a little bit. Finn is moving to New York and Hannah is scared this will be their last Christmas together. She'll do anything to make it happen.

My Thoughts: A friendship and drama story about finding yourself, growing up, and found family. I liked the way the timeline in the book changes and reveals moments in their friendship. This was a fun story to read. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: Recommended for your collection. 

 

Review: Escape from Grimstone Manor

 

Three friends are going on one last ride together before the amusement park closes. But the ride breaks down. One by one, they get out of the car. When the ride resumes, they can't scramble back to the car in time. Unfortunately, they are locked in the manor house for the night. The ride required them to leave their phones in lockers outside the ride. 

The three friends search for an exit, but nothing opens - including the emergency exit and the windows. Matteo discovers a secret passageway. And that's where things go sideways...

Could the creepy stories about local legend Hezekiah Crawly be true?

My Thoughts: Confession time: I wasn't sure I was going to like this because I'm not much for scary stories. BUT I needed to try it after meeting the author. And it was a great story! Of course, I didn't read it after dark, which might have helped. I'm a huge chicken.

But it wasn't too scary - a little gruesome with some creepy moments. 

I loved this debut novel. I loved the friendship. They were very different people and they bickered, but they also saved each other. They were brave when the moment came. 

The monsters were fun, creepy, and icky. Lots of action meant I kept turning the pages quickly. I would not want to be staying overnight in that mansion! Looking forward to the next book in the series. 

Cover Thoughts: Creepy and wonderful 

Source: Book sent for review

Library Recommendations: Highly recommended for your school and public library's collection. 

Review: Ana of California

Ana's running out of options; at fifteen she's been in foster care for years. She doesn't last at any of the houses or the group homes. Her case worker has one option left - she can travel north to a farm that needs help.

Ana agrees, although she knows nothing about farming. She lives on the farm with a brother and sister. Abbie's happy to have her, but Emmett doesn't believe she'll be of any help.

She makes several costly mistakes, but she works hard. She begins to enjoy the work and learn to love the farm. Just when she allows herself to hope, trouble finds her once again.

My Thoughts: I really loved this Anne of Green Gables inspired story. I loved being on the farm with Ana and the crew. I enjoyed their chatter and their banter. I loved Abbie and my mouth watered at all her baking. Emmett grew on me too. I love how Ana found herself a friend. I liked the forbidden romance. I liked learning about Ana's past and her time in the foster care system. Reading this one made me want to revisit Green Gables.

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: Gifted from my #OTSPsecretsister
Library Recommendation: Grab this one for school and public libraries - not because of the Green Gables inspiration (although adult readers will grab it because of that) but because of the foster family aspect.

Review: City Baker's Guide to City Living

Olivia Rawlings had a tiny mishap at her job in Boston. In order to escape the humiliation, she flees to Vermont and her best friend. Her escape turns into something more permanent when a local inn needs a pastry chef.

But life in the country moves differently than life in the city. Small town charm has it's pitfalls too.Gossip spreads faster than wildfire. Since her father died, Olivia's been feeling alone in the world. Could coming to Vermont be just what she needed?

My Thoughts: I really liked this book. Like country life, this book was full of small details that made you read slowly. I really liked the small town charm and the people in it. I enjoyed the descriptions of food, especially of pastries. I adored the apple pie contest and the competition. Of course the dog was adorable. The McCracken family was my favorite part of the book with their relationships, their loudness, and their togetherness. The friendships, the way of life, the food, and the slow burn romance made this book.

Cover Thoughts: I LOVE this cover! It's the paperback cover  and it speaks of Vermont to me. It's perfect.
Source: Book sent for review
Fun Fact:  Louise Miller is a pastry chef who works in Boston

Next Book: Louise Miller’s second novel, The Late Bloomers' Club, comes out July 17, 2018 Pamela Dorman Books/Viking. Check out the cover:

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Picture Book Review: Maple

When Maple is born, her parents plant her a tree. She loves her tree; they are good friends. When Maple has a new baby sister, she's not sure she want to share her tree. But she comes up with an idea to make everything just right.

My Thoughts: I love stories about sisters (I'm the youngest sister). This book was sweet and it tugged my heartstrings. I loved how Maple's parents planted her a tree, a wonderful thought. I loved how Maple loved her tree and how she shared that love with her sister. I loved the bonds between the sisters - always there but sometimes not always happy together. This book is perfect for girls about to become big sisters. Or perfect for just a sweet story.

Library Recommendation: Highly recommended for All public libraries.

Source: I randomly picked this up at my library and loved it. When I found out there were two other books, I immediately ordered them for my library. I can't wait to read them!

Review: Will Wilder

Will Wilder has a terrible time at his brother's birthday party. He inadvertently destroys the party when he hijacks the donkey and rides it. He causes his brother to break his arm and unlocks his own destiny.

The shadows he's spotted his whole life come into sharper focus. Monsters are sneaking around town causing strange things to happen.

When one of them approaches Will for help, Will must decide if he's going to steal the family relic to use it for his own purposes. His actions could change everything.

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book. 
Lots of action.
Lots of danger.
 Lots of monsters. 
Lots of family secrets.
Great friends. 
Strange family. 
Good against Evil. 
Bad choices. 
Loyalty. 

Cover Thoughts: LOVE it - it reminds me a young Indiana Jones
Source: ARC from a Librarian Preview

Final Thoughts: Full of action and monsters, this will make tween readers very happy!

Tween Tuesday Review: Pilfer Academy

George likes to create trouble and he's good at it. So good that he's kidnapped and taken to Pilfer Academy where he will learn how to become a thief.

At first, everything's fantastic. The food is great. He's scoring top marks in his class. He's found a new friend. The only downside to the school is his roommate.

Will George become the Academy's best student?

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book.I loved learning about the school - from the classes to the food to the secret rooms. I liked Georges friendship with Tabitha. The book didn't go at all the way I thought it would and I really enjoyed the surprise. 

Cover Thoughts; Cool
Source: My Library

Final Thoughts: Pure fun, entertainment, and full of hi-jinks. 

Mini Review: Roller Girl

Astrid and Nicole are best friends. When Astrid's mother takes both of them to see a roller derby match, she can't wait to try it. Nicole isn't all that interested. In fact, she seems to be much more interested in Robin, boys, and ballet. Can Astrid survive roller derby without her best friend by her side?

The Good:
Great illustrations
Friendship drama
Astrid's letters to her idol
Learning more about roller derby
The roller derby names
Getting back up after you fall down
It makes me want to learn to skate
The socks!

The Bad:
It ended too soon (I do hope there's another book or four coming!)

Overall Thoughts: One of those rare books that should be in every library! Plus is fits perfectly with this year's summer reading theme.

Review: Ink and Bone

* First in a new series *

In a different world, the library of Alexandria survived. The library governs the people, selecting knowledge to filter to the people.

People are no longer allowed to own books and the libraries have scribes creating the books. While the printing press was designed, the library disposed of Gutenberg and any one else with a similar idea.

Jess's father works as a book smuggler. He decides that Jess's value lies in his future - at the library as a spy. He forces Jess to take the entrance exam. Jess passes he exam and heads off for basic training.

And that's where everything changes...Jess isn't sure who to trust. The Library's orders seem out of place. Jess knows he'll have to use all his wits to get himself out of the mess.

My Thoughts: I really liked the idea of this book and I enjoyed the book. It took me about 50 pages to get into in and then I was hooked.

I loved the idea that knowledge was power. And whoever controlled the knowledge controlled the world.

I really liked the differences between those in training with Jess. I liked the romances, the friendships, and the enemies. I liked how they all had to come together eventually and learn to trust each other. 

I liked the alternate history and the what if questions.

I really liked Scholar Wolfe - he grew on me as the book continued.

I can't wait to see what happens next.

Cover Thoughts: Interesting - I love the books on the bottom
Source: My Library

Mini Review: Jane Austen's First Love

At fifteen, Jane Austen wanted to write, she wanted to find love, and she wanted to be useful. Upon visiting her brother, she meets a boy not much older than she. He's handsome and charming. Could love be in the air?

The Good:
I could see inspiration from Jane's writing forming in this novel
The flirting
The advantages Jane has during this time
Jane breaking the rules
The Author's Afterword is fascinating
The Bad:
Jane is not the best matchmaker (and neither is Emma) but she does make some horrible choices.

Final Thoughts: I really enjoyed this fictional meeting between Jane Austen and a potential suitor. As a Jane Austen fan, I'm always intrigued by her love life.

Cover Thoughts: Love
Source: Sent for Review
Fun Fact: Jane Austen was born on this day 241 years ago
If You Like Jane Austen, here are some modern books to try

Mysterious Saturday Review: A Likely Story

* Book 6 in the Library Lovers Mystery Series *

On her way to an island to deliver library books to two isolated brothers takes a deadly turn. When Stuart fails to meet them on the dock, Lindsey and Sully get nervous. They make their way to the house - avoiding all the booby traps.

In the house, they discover one brother missing and one brother murdered.

There's not much evidence, but it points to Stuart. Lindsey knows that he wouldn't kill his brother, but with him missing, he looks guilty. Lindsey hopes to find him and uncover the truth before it's too late for both brothers.

My Thoughts: I love this series - for the inside look at libraries, library co-workers, and love of books. 

I love the small town and the people of the town - reading a new installment is like visiting old friends.

I liked learning more about the islands and the history of the town. I felt horrible for the brothers and for all they went through. I can't imagine living isolated on an island for my whole life and rarely seeing people. 

I really enjoyed watching Beth start to date again - I hope that works out this time. Her story line provided humorous moments.

Of course, I enjoyed Mrs. Cole and look forward to seeing new developments in her story in regards to the new hire. 

I can't wait to read what happens next.

Cover Thoughts: Love it
Source: ARC sent for review

Final Thoughts: A perfect story for this series full of danger, suspicion, friendship, and romance. 

Mysterious Saturday Review: Grace Cries Uncle

 * Book 6 in the Manor House Mystery series * 

Grace has finally agreed to DNA testing to prove if she and her boss are in fact related. Since she started work at Marshfield Manor, she's felt a connection to Bennett, but she isn't interested in being his heir. She doesn't want anything to change, but she would like to keep this information private.

With people showing up at the house asking questions, Grace becomes uneasy, especially when one of them turns up murdered behind her house.

So she's thrown for a loop when out of the blue her estrange sister appears on her doorstep. Liza claims that she left Eric (the man who was once engaged to Grace) and needs a place to stay. Grace reluctantly allows her sister to stay with them. Could her sister have something to do with this mess?

My Thoughts: I adore this series. I love the connection between Grace and Bennett. In this addition to the series, I enjoyed getting to know Liza. I was surprised by her and a little stunned by her actions. I hope we get more details in the next book.

I really enjoy the secondary characters - especially Frances (she's smart, sarcastic, almost thoughtful, a gossip, and loyal.) I admit even Hillary is growing on me. 

This book took a turn I didn't expect, which intrigued me all the more. I can't wait to see what happens next and how everything shakes out.

Cover Thoughts: Love this cover!
Source: My Library

Final Thoughts: Another win for Julie Hyzy. I love this series - great characters and enough actin and danger to keep me quickly turning the pages. If you haven't started this series, get on it!

Blog Tour: The Veil

Seven years ago, the Veil that separates us from what lies beyond was torn apart, and New Orleans was engulfed in a supernatural war. Now, those with paranormal powers have been confined in a walled community that humans call the District. Those who live there call it Devil’s Isle.

Claire Connolly is a good girl with a dangerous secret: she’s a Sensitive, a human endowed with magic that seeped through the Veil. Claire knows that revealing her skills would mean being confined to Devil’s Isle. Unfortunately, hiding her power has left her untrained and unfocused…

Liam Quinn knows from experience that magic makes monsters of the weak, and he has no time for a Sensitive with no control of her own strength. But when he sees Claire using her powers to save a human under attack — in full view of the French Quarter — Liam decides to bring her to Devil’s Isle and the teacher she needs—even though getting her out of his way isn’t the same as keeping her out of his head.

As more and more Sensitives fall prey to their magic, and unleash their hunger on the city, Claire and Liam must work together to save New Orleans, or else the city will burn…

Good to Know:

About this series: There will be at least three books in the series
Tips on Writing: Getting published requires a great story AND execution. Your writing needs to be polished–and practice definitely helps. So does editing. Lots and lots of editing.
Favorite Series: I love Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander series, Rachel Caine’s Weather Warden series, Kim Harrison’s Hollows series, and J.D. Robb’s In Death series
Chloe's Reading List: This year's books

Check out the Trailer:


Sounds good right? Then check out the giveaways:

The fun doesn’t stop here. Want more chances to win? You can also enter THE VEIL Grand Prize Giveaway, which runs July 27 through August 7 on Chloe’s web site.

What is the Grand Prize Giveaway prize?

Fleur de Lis Amulet Pendant Necklace from New Orleans jewelry designer Mignon Faget

$50 Amazon Gift Card

THE VEIL 5″x5″ cloth screenwipe

THE VEIL tote bag

THE VEIL bookmark, sticker, and pen

Chicagoland Vampires bookmark, sticker, pen, keychain, and lanyard

Mini Giveaway from This Blog: 

The packet will include:

• THE VEIL tote bag
• THE VEIL 5″x5″ cloth screenwipe
• THE VEIL bookmark, sticker, and pen
• SWAG items

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Mysterious Saturday Review: On Borrowed Time

* Book 5 in the Library Lover's Mystery series*

Lindsey's brother shows up unexpectedly at her library. He asks her if he can nap on the sofa. She agrees and leaves him be until the end of her crafternoon book club. When she returns to check on him, she discovers her brother missing and a man dead on the floor.

She's not sure what's going on, but until she knows her brother's safe, she's not about to share all her knowledge with the police. Lindsey doesn't want Jack becoming the prime suspect in a murder. She's also not giving up until she knows the truth about his whereabouts and how he's connected with the dead man in the library.

My Thoughts: I really loves this library mystery series, especially the scenes in the library - both the interactions with her coworkers and with the patrons.  I love the loyal friendships that Lindsey's found in this small town - even if they start taking sides about her love life. The love triangle she finds herself in the middle of becomes an area for humor as two men battle for her affections and try to one up each other. I liked meeting Jack - it's funny that danger runs in the family. I liked the strength of their bond. I love the idea of the crafternoons - book discussion and crafts. A great addition to the series set in a charming town full of great friendships, readers, and a spark of romance.

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: My Library

Mysterious Saturday Review: Queen of Hearts

* Royal Spyness Book 8 *

Georgie's still in Kent when a car comes barreling up the driveway in the middle of the afternoon. It's her mother and she's on her way to America for a quickie divorce. She would like her daughter's company.

On the boat there, a priceless ruby's stolen causing Darcy to show himself to Lady Georgiana. He's been chasing a jewel thief through England and now across the pond.

Aboard ship, Lady Georgiana and her mother meed several prominent people including a famous Hollywood actress and her producer boyfriend. When he makes an offer to her mother to make her a star, a plan's hatched. They install a look-alike in Reno to make the divorce legal and then Lady Georgiana and her mother head to Hollywood.

Hollywood isn't as glamorous as it seems; secrets lurk everywhere. The group takes a break from filming and head to the producer's castle for the weekend. During the first night, the host is found bludgeoned to death in the library. The murderer must be one of the them and still in the castle.

My Thoughts: I'm a huge fan of the series and I loved seeing old Hollywood and some familiar faces among the characters along with the behind the scenes look at the movies. It was also fascinating to see the differences between the Americans and the English mannerisms; how they treated the maids, their thoughts on familiarity, their thoughts on romantic relationships.  Lady Georigiana has always been up for an adventure, which I admire about her. She's also calm, cool, and collected when an incident occurs.  Everyone has secrets, but the very rich seem to have a few more and Georgie is very good at figuring them out, should the need arise.  

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: My Library

Mysterious Saturday Review: Grace Against the Clock

* Book 5 in the Manor House Mystery Series *

The Manor's hosting a fundraiser for the town clock, which desperately needs fixing.  When Dr. Leland Keay disappears right before his keynote speech, Grace knows something is wrong.

When he turns up dead, she believes it wasn't from natural causes. She can't let the matter rest, especially since the crime happened at the manor and on her watch.  Can she uncover the events of that night that will lead her to the truth?

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed that latest installment of this series. I love learning more about the manor and the people who work there - mainly Francis and Bennett. I love how Francis is warming up to Grace.  I liked the moments between Hilary and Grace and how they've been working together restoring her house. I loved the discovery of the secret passageway and learning more about the history of the house (and the town). The attempted sleuthing, uncover details about the house, friendship, and romance certainly make a winning combination.

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: My Library

Mysterious Saturday Review: Diva Wraps it Up

 * Book 8 in the Domestic Diva series* 

The holiday season is Sophie's favorite time of year - that is until this year. During an office parry, a friends falls from his balcony. He's taken to the hospital where they discover he's been taking too many blood thinners.  It's lucky he fell because the doctors caught it just in time.

Another neighbor falls off the roof and the ladder looks suspicious. It may have been tampered with.  Someone else is almost electrocuted while hanging up Christmas lights; the wires look frayed. What is happening around the neighborhood - is it just a string of bad luck or something more sinister?

My Thoughts: I wasn't sure about reading a holiday book so early. Even though I love them, I usually start reading them starting in October. But this actaully made me start thinking about Christmas and I created this canvas of pictures. 

I really enjoyed this book - from the decorating to baking the cookies to visiting the toy store. Even though the neighborhood had issue after issue, they did their best to remain cheerful and helpful. I like how Sophie and Nina reached out to Mrs Scorggins. As always Natasha is over the top - but so much fun to read. Everyone seems to have a secret - that's not staying secret for long. A great addition to this charming series.

Cover Thoughts: Love it

Source: My Library

Mysterious Saturday Review: Billionaire Blend

 * Coffeehouse Mystery Series Book 13 *

There's a new customer in the blend, who has taken to stumping the baristas. Finally Clare takes him on. After he acknowledges that he couldn't stump her and just before he makes her an offer, there's a load explosion in the streets - a car bomb.

Eric's injured in the blast, which was meant to kill him. His bodyguard was killed. Clare's injured as well, but she saved Eric's life. Later she learns that he's a tech whiz and billionaire. As a thank you, he buys her a Slayer, the best espresso machine. He has a business proposition for her, but she's more interested in who's trying to kill him.

The deeper she gets into this mystery, the stranger everything seems.

My Thoughts: I really enjoy this series. I love the coffeehouse crew. I liked the idea of Clare creating a super blend of coffee for the uber rich and her friendship with Eric. While Eric was entertaining , he takes her pursuit too far. I like the romantic issues between Clare and Mike as well as those between Joy and Franco. I really liked seeing Joy in her element. I'm excited to see where her career goes. A fantastic addition to this charming series. 

Cover Thoughts: Love it
Source: My Library

Mysterious Saturday Review: Sugar and Iced

 * Book 6 in the Cupcake Bakery Mystery Series *

Tate is driving Mel crazy with ideas on ways to expand, but even Mel agrees to provide cupcakes for the 75th annual Sweet Tiara beauty pageant when her mother asks. Setting up a cupcake display tree for three days is great publicity for their bakery.

And it works in their favorite when their friend decides to enter the competition. Lupe gets rid of her green hair and dresses in a more feminine style. She wants to win the scholarship money so she can attend Stamford.

Unfortunately, not everyone's happy to see her at the pageant. The other girls are horrific and their mothers are worse. Even the judges aren't thrilled with a new comer - going so far as to judge her harshly.  When the judging is called into question - Lupe and the judge argue.

The next day, the judge ends up murdered. Lupe's the prime suspect. Can she handle the stress of the competition and the stress of the investigation?

My Thoughts: I love this series - and this book was great! All the talk about Mel's cupcakes makes my mouth water. I might have to try a recipe or two. I really liked the family relationship with Mel and her mother. I like how Tate is driving Mel crazy, but also making her think. Marty and Olivia's relationship makes me laugh, as does Olivia with Mel and Angie. I really liked seeing more of Lupe and Oz in this book and I love how they fit into the circle of friends. The pageant scenes seemed like a nightmare - making it hard to believe anyone wants to be under that kind of pressure. I loved hearing about what the contestants came up with for cupcake recipes - very entertaining. I loved the really happy moments, but I'm sad about the twist at the end - which is making me anxious for the next book. 

Cover Thoughts: Super Cute
Source: My Library

Mysterious Saturday Review: Buttoned Up

* Button Box Mystery Series #4 *

Not only has Josie been invited to an art exhibit featuring artist  Forbis Parmenter, but she has the final button to complete the art show. When the finale starts, something scares Forbis and he exits the gallery showing immediately. 

Hours later, he turns up dead with buttons in his eyes and mouth. Once again Nev, asks her for help in solving the murder. In order to do that, she might have to enlist the help of the woman she just met, Evangeline, who also happens to be Nev's former finacee. 

Since Josie didn't know a thing about her, she's having a hard time coming to terms with the news. Can she and Nev work together to solve this case or will their personal troubles get in the way?

My Thoughts: I really enjoy this series. I felt bad for Josie when she learned about Evangeline - who clearly wouldn't mind getting back together with Nev. I loved the idea of the Forbi's art work - using buttons as the focal point. I would love to see a button landscape. I liked how this one focused on art and the art world. Another great installment in this cozy series. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: my Library