Review: On a Night Like This

 

Fran's life isn't anything she thought it would be. Right now, she's looking for work as an assistant. But she's not interested in traveling. But when an opportunity of a lifetime comes along, she takes it. It's a one week job with great pay. When she tries to talk about it with her finance, he comes home late and leaves early the next morning.

She leaves for London without saying goodbye. Fran doesn't realize how much this one week will change her life. Although she assumed the position would be in London, she will actually be staying on a yacht, headed to the more exclusive celebrity party.

Just when she thinks, she has a handle on everything - her world changes. Fran's not sure what to do now, but a new friend suggests she attend the party. Embolden by her terrible recent luck, Fran sneaks into the party. And she meets Evan.

Everything has led her to this one moment - this one magical night. But what happens next?

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book. I liked the first half where Fran worked for a celebrity - that was really interesting and a little eye opening. I admired her determination and her hard work ethics. I felt terrible for her but impressed she went to the ball. The ball was entertaining, and I like her time with Evan, her time speaking her mind, and exploring the ball. That would be a fun ball to write - from the tarot cards to the security to the fireworks. I like how everything ended up. But I didn't want to the book to end. Maybe there's a companion novel for Juliette???

Cover Thoughts: Charming

Source: Book sent for Review

Library Recommendation: A great addition to your public library's romance collection - highly recommended.

Bookstagram Photo:

Teen Summer Reading Ideas (1): Art Program Ideas

The past month, we've talked about Children's Program Ideas (if you missed it, check it out here)

We are using the ocean theme, and while all the teen programs don't always fit with the theme, here are few fun ones that do.  All the ideas come from pinterest.

My account

The library's account (which has way more)

Teen Art Ideas:

Paint Night Under the Sea:

Paint Night: Flip Flops

Watercolor Bookmarks:

Wave:

Mermaid Tail:

We'll have more crafts next week!

Picture Book Wednesday: Bear to Share

 

Tiana has a very well-loved bear. But when a teddy bear arrives as a gift, she's not ready to let go her much-loved bear. She talks about it with her best friend and is surprised to learn that not every child has toys. Tiana comes up with a kind solution.

First - this is a great message book about kindness, friendship, and sharing.

Second it raises the idea that not everyone has money for extras like toys - creating empathy

Third - this book shares knowledge about an organized Baby2Baby (which sounds awesome, and I didn't know existed. I wish there was a chapter closer to me.)

Fourth - the illustrations are charming!

This is a great book to share

Library Recommendation: Highly recommended for school and public libraries

Book Lists: YA Journalists

 

I've been thinking about this book list for a long time - since I finished Off the Record which was SO Good!

I've read and loved the following:

Books Pictured:
Off the Record by Camryn Garett
The Downstairs Girl by Stacey Lee
Lois Lane: Fallout by Gwenda Bond
The Leak by 
Jo by Kathleen Gros

(also check out my book list for Little Women)

Want to read:

Graphic Novel Review: Just Roll with It

Maggie's starting middle school. Everything seems strange. She's not sure if she'll be able to make new friends or find the perfect club to join. But she does have a d20 - and she uses it to help her make decisions. But are the decisions really right for her?

My Thoughts: I like how this graphic novel handled the mental health aspect (OCD and anxiety) with respect. I liked Maggie and her new friend group. I love the RPG moments and the geeking out over book moments. New schools can be hard, so I'm glad Maggie had friends and family to turn to when things got tough. I admired her determination and how she stood up to the bully boys. Monsters might not be real, but there are monsters in the world. The illustrations were cute.

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: A great mental health graphic novel for your school and public library's collection. Highly Recommended.

Hand This Book Out to: D&D or RPG players

Picture Book Wednesday: Valentine Books (2)

 

Just a few fun new Valentine books that have arrived at the library

Sidekicks send their favorite villains viallaintines to show how much they love them. 

This fun rhyming book shows off handmade valentines in a clever way.

Victoria loves the slime she created - but she realizes that she has many friends and Goop only has her. She sets about making things right...with more slime. 

A fun STEAM valentine read about friendship also includes a few slime recipes.

Mrs. Hartwell is planning the perfect party for her students - but it doesn't work out quite the way she expected. But the students already know how much she cares for them.

A good reminder that things don't always work out the way we expect - and that's just fine.

Violet wants to give Mira a Valentine, but every time she gets close to Mira, she can't speak. Disaster strikes. But not for long.

This is a sweet story about how it's not always easy to share your feelings. 

Mia loves Valentine's Day and her family always makes the day extra special. With so many brothers and sisters, it's easy to be overlooked. She helps her mother make the day special for everyone else - but who remembers about her?

A sweet story about family, love, and sharing all that you have.

Top Ten Tuesday: Titles and Character Names

 This week's topic is books with character names in the title. These are books I'm looking forward to reading - and upcoming books. Books are sorted by latest date first. 

 

 

 

* This one was easy to stop after 10. So many are not!