Review: Most Likely to Murder

When the yearbook comes out, there's something funny about it. Instead of the usual senior superlatives, there are ways people die. People believe it's the work of Martina and Rick - best friends who have pulled some epic pranks. But they swear it's not them.

Mostly people see this as a joke until their guidance counselor goes missing. He turns up in a lake - and his superlative said he'd be sleeping with the fishes. Maybe it wasn't a prank after all. Maybe this is real. The other people named in the superlatives get together to share information. Could there really be someone out to get them?

My Thoughts: I Loved this thriller. It was clever and smart. I loved how the group came together to share information. I loved how they looked after each other. I loved the friendship between Rick and Martina - and how it connected their families. I loved Rick's crush on Nika and how that worked out. A fantastic thriller with a strong friendship core, a little romance, and lots of twists and turns. 

Cover Thoughts: Love it - very clever

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: A Great thriller for your school and public library. Highly recommended. 

Picture Book Wednesday: Helping Daddy

 

Daddy has lots of jobs - and baby wants to help. Sometimes Baby's help means more work, but Daddy doesn't seem to mind. Daddy and Baby have a fantastic day together.

I love how this story is simple with word count and yet conveys so much. The illustrations are sweet and charming. A fantastic slice of life moment between a father and child.

Top Ten Tuesday: Books Still Excited to Read

 This week's topic is books we were excited to read but still haven't...yet

Sadly this happens to me often, but I still plan to read these books.

Ok, I just put this on hold at my library

This one has been on hold at my library - just waiting for it to be sent

I did check this one out - but it was overdue and I had to return it before I had a chance to read it

Also had to give back to the library before reading

Currently have this book - just need to read it

Currently checked out of the library and on my shelf

Just placed a hold on it at my library 

Somehow I didn't realize this had come out yet.

Always interested in a good Jane Austen novel

Loved the first book - here for this one. Currently checked out of the library.

It's possible I have too many books checked out of the library - and that's chronic issue for me.  I never have enough time to read all the books I want to...

Middle Grade Monday: School Dance

* Book 3 in the Brinkley Yearbook series * 

The Snowball Soiree is fast approaching and Milo is nervous. Whenever he dances, something bad happens. While he wants to go, he doesn't think that he should. His father is a great dance and tries to help. Taking dance lessons might work - but the only person who can take him is his grandmother who's not supposed to drive without one of his parents. Keeping secrets is making him more stressed. Can he relax and find his rhythm?

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book - there's a lot of drama and friendship. There's even a little romance. I loved the group of friends. I loved Milo's grandmother and her desire for freedom, even though it's hard. She made me miss my grandmother! I loved their relationship. I loved how everything turned out. I hope there are many more books in this series.

Cover Thoughts: Adorable

Source: My Library

 Library Recommendation: A must have series for your school or public library. 

Review: Bake it Off

 

If you're a Swiftie and a baker, this book is for you.

This book contains recipes from the Eras with cute names, great photographs, and tons of easter eggs. Some of them are inspired by Taylor's bakes. They look wonderful.

There are a few I'm excited to test out. 

Christmas in July: Board Books

It's Christmas in July Week on the blog! Here are some cute Christmas board books.

These cats are getting ready for Christmas in the most adorable way - love the photographs here. 

Mouse is decorating the Christmas tree - and counting the ornaments. This is a cute story with a fun ending. 

Gerald is dancing as Christmas approaches - can everyone dance as he does with abandonment and freedom? This one might be hard to read aloud as the songs change midway through the book.

The reindeer (and three friends) might make different sounds if you tickle them. In addition to the sound, this book has different furs to touch. There's not much to this book, but I bet the kids will love it regardless. 

What is the sound of joy? There are so many possibilities, but this book highlights the joy behind Christmas with the birth of Jesus. A nice way to introduce kids to Jesus.

Review: Love in 280 Characters or Less

 

Sydney is headed off to college - she's excited but nervous. Her best friend Malcom seems to be hitting it out of the park. But she's struggling to make friends, to connect to her roommate, and to figure out what she wants.

Sydney loves writing and fashion. She writes an online blog and is active on twitter. The book is composed of her blog posts, tweets, and texts. Life isn't all that it's made up to be online - it gets messy.

Why I read it: I love college books and epistolary novels.

My Thoughts: I really loved this book - for the format, for the drama, and for Sydney's struggles. I like how she doesn't immediately fit in at school because it's more realistic. I love how she found an audience who admired/supported her writing. I love how Sydney's TA supports her but also guides her to different reading materials. There is a racial incident that shakes her world and changes everything. I wouldn't mind a sequel five years from now and seeing Sydney in the adult world.

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: Highly recommended for your school and public library's collections.