Review: When We Found Home

Malcolm grew up with the wealth and privilege of his father's family. But when his father died, he discovered that he has two half sisters. His grandfather wants to bring them into the family fold. His youngest sister is twelve. Malcolm has no idea how to communicate with her. Callie is closer to him in age. Both sisters have struggled in life - Callie's served a jail sentence for a crime in her youth.

Callie and Kiera both struggle with their new family. After being placed in so many homes, Kiera's doesn't believe her good fortune. She's sure that she will be asked to leave - it's only just a matter of time. Together they find common ground.

Malcolm tries to understand, but he struggles in learning how to be a brother. Can the three of them make their new family work?

My Thoughts: I really liked this book about family drama, romance, and friendship. I loved how Callie and Kiera both adjusted to their new life and their new family. I loved their relationship with each other and how they both helped Malcolm understand how to be a brother. I loved Lizzie the kitten, Kiera's stubborn streak, Grandfather's love, and learning more about the family business. I love the Callie didn't sugarcoat her past and how she wanted to work towards bettering her future. I liked the romantic ties in the book. Another great read from Susan Mallery.

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: Grab this one for your public libraries.

Review: Catwoman

When the Bat's away, the Cat will play. It's time to see how many lives this cat really has. . . .

Two years after escaping Gotham City's slums, Selina Kyle returns as the mysterious and wealthy Holly Vanderhees. She quickly discovers that with Batman off on a vital mission, Batwing is left to hold back the tide of notorious criminals. Gotham City is ripe for the taking.
Meanwhile, Luke Fox wants to prove he has what it takes to help people in his role as Batwing. He targets a new thief on the prowl who seems cleverer than most. She has teamed up with Poison Ivy and Harley Quinn, and together they are wreaking havoc. This Catwoman may be Batwing's undoing. (publisher summary)

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book. Here's a list of reason why:
Sisters
Cover stories
Friendship
Back stories
Romance
Secrets
Heists
Plot Twists
More of Gotham City

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: Grab this series for your teen section

On Your Radar (16)

Title:  Even If I Fall

Author:  Abigail Johnson

Publisher: Inkyard Press 

Publication Date: January 8, 2019

Why it Should be on Your Radar:

* Incarcerated family member

* Friendship

* Ice Skating

* Family Grieving

* Forbidden Romance

* Prison visits

* Uncovering the truth

*  Reviewed for Voya

Picture Book Review: Good Rosie

Rosie learns how to make friends at the dog park.

A really cute picture book about friendship with a sweet message how friends come in all sizes. Great illustrations. The format of this picture book resembles a graphic novel. 

Top Ten Tuesday: Villains

This week's topic is all about books with great villains. I wrote about this one here. This week I'll use characters from the books I've read so far this year. 

- meme from That Artsy Reader Girl

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Romance Review: What a Difference A Duke Makes

* First in a new series *

Mari Perkins doesn't know what to do with herself  - her luggage was stolen. She's late for a job interview and thrown out. She has no money and no prospects.

And then she overhears a governess vacating a position for a Duke. He's her last hope.

She marches to his house and tells him the agency sent her to fill the position.  He doesn't want to give it to her, but he finally does, on a trial basis.

He doesn't believe she has what it takes to manage the twins who have gotten rid of far too many governesses. He also doesn't want to be tempted by her. He's determined not to give in to lust - but she takes matters into her own hands.

My Thoughts: I really liked the start of this new series. I enjoyed the kids and their antics. I loved the Duke's sister and her philosophies from her pants to her ideas about women. Luckily the next book is all about her. I liked how Mari knew how the children were feeling, having grown up without parents herself. I enjoyed her search for her biological family and how that turned out. I enjoyed the Duke's interest in creating something useful and how he worked hard at it - and how that didn't work with societal views. I'm so looking forward to book 2!

Cover Thoughts:
Source: My Library

Picture Book Review: Frankie Finds the Blues

When Frankie's grandmother invites him to a concert - a blues concert. He's not sure he's going to like the blues. But he does and it inspires him to play his guitar and learn.

A fun book about learning about music, the history of blues and hip hop, how everyone has a story, not judging people based on their appearance. It's a great book for elementary school readers.

* book sent for review