Vacation Pictures: Grand Canyon (again)

This is the third time we've hiked into the Grand Canyon - and the second time Rim to Rim.

Here are some pictures:

The day before the hike

Dinner at the North Rim

The sun is coming up 

More sunshine on the way 

Sun is almost up 

You can't take a bad picture here 

Our waterfall lunch break 

It was so pretty 

The shadow picture 

The scenery - always beautiful 

Another view - around the bend 

My Beat up Books

The steps for the first day of hiking 

The hike was hard, but we did it. And I feel accomplished. 

Graphic Novel Mini Review: Alanna

This is a graphic novel adaptation of a four book saga. 

I loved these books. But clearly I read these before I started blogging here. 

It's been a long time since I read this book, so I was very happy to read the adaptation.

It was just like I remember and the art was really fun.

If you have a chance to read it, I highly recommend it. 

Mini Review: I Can't Even

 

Julia's called home because her mother is dying (again). She leaves her two cats in the hands of her friends and returns home. She hasn't been home in years. she tends to avoid home since she got in a HUGE fight with her mother and she left for New York City. 

Then there is the matter of the stipulations of the will. Julia and her sisters have to live together for the entire summer. And we haven't even talked about the boy next door - Julia's first love.

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book - I loved the sisters and their relationship. I loved the surfing bits. There was so much drama in this book - especially with the horrible cousins. I admired Julia - how resilient she is after all the family secrets come to light. This is a great read for Hallmark watchers; it would make a great movie.

I would be happy reading two more books about the other sisters.

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Source: Purchased

Library Recommendations: Highly recommended for your romance collection

Picture Book Wednesday: Lily's Dream

Lily is a fairy who's having a hard time learning how to fly. She's trying so hard, but nothing is working. She discovers a fairy house and forms a friendship with a human that just might help.

The illustrations in this book are stunning. I loved the friendship building and the trust moments. I especially loved the author's note where she talked about friendship and mutual respect. 

* this book was sent for review

Picture Book Review: Evelyn Witch Gets a Pet

It's Release Day for:

Take a look at the video:

* Book sent for review

Top Ten Tuesday: Re-Reads for the first time

 This week's topic is books we wish we could read again for the first time because they were just that good.

This amazing series

This book was perfect

This intense series

Bridgerton series!

All of Sarah's books

A favorite from my teen years

A classic - read in high school

Emily - I've always loved the Emily books more than the Anne books.

But the Anne movies are chef's kiss (minus the third)

This whole series was hilarious! 

I loved these so much! 

This middle series was everything I needed.

The English version only....

Maybe there's a re-read in my future

Middle Grade Review: Into the Rapids

Addy's excited to attend survival camp, especially to meet new friends for school next year. She doesn't really have any friends in this small town. She and her mother live on the outskirts of town. They're pretty isolated. A storm comes through and wipes out the bridge leaving the village in trouble.  

Addy's worried she won't be able to make it to camp. She keeps running into Caleb. She's not a fan of him after he teased her leaving their classmates to call her nickname. The more they see each other, the more they talk. They begin to understand each other. Could Caleb help Addy get to camp?

My Thoughts: This wasn't the book I thought this was - but I really loved it. I loved the slow friendship build-up between Addy and Caleb. I loved how Addy and her mom slowly became part of the town. I love how the community comes together to help each other after the storm. I did love the survival moments of the book - and the reason that Addy's afraid of water. A really great read.

Cover Thoughts: Fantastic

Why I read this book: I love survival stories (which I thought this was)

Library Recommendations: Highly Recommended for your middle grade collection

* fictional town in Vermont