Friday, January 17, 2025

Review: Love & Lattes

 


Anna's super happy to be accepted into the Arrowmile labs, especially since she lied on her application about her age. If she works super hard this summer, everything will fall into place for her. She's trying hard not think of the horrible girls she lived with in college. She's trying not to think of the family vacation she's missing this summer. She's trying not to think about that guy she met at the pub, whom she kissed, who turned out to the be the son of the founder of Arrowmile labs!

It doesn't really matter that she can't stop thinking about Lloyd, he clearly isn't spending time thinking about her. In fact, he acts like he's never met her. There are moments during their interactions that Anna spies a glimpse of the boy she hung out with that night, but all too often, that's the not the person he presents to the world.  Anna's not about to blow up this opportunity of a life time for some guy...but those feelings could be very real.
My Thoughts: This is * technically * a New Adult book as the main characters are in college. I really enjoyed this book - and the message of letting go and being in the present. Anna works really hard - too hard sometimes that she forgets to stop and take in the moment. She's hyper-focused on what's next. I like that she allowed herself to spend more time with her friend friends and with LLoyd.  I wanted to know more about what they actually did at Arrowmile labs - did they design scooters? That was my take-away from it. It felt like this internship was a massive opportunity, but I didn't really understand what the company did or why it was so important. I did like the moments in the office. And of course the moments between Anna and Lloyd - the snark and the banter. I loved the coffeehouse/cake date. I liked getting to know Lloyd's brother too. This was a such a fun summer romance with the enemies to lovers trope. 

Cover Thoughts: SO CUTE!
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: A great book for your public library's collection

Thursday, January 16, 2025

Blog Tour: Brewed With Love


Brewed with Love - out January 14


About the Book:

Plant witch Sage Bishop intends to run her family’s apothecary one day. The doors just have to stay open until she can take over from her nana. That’s why she spends all her time perfecting a tonic that’ll put Bishop Brews on the map.

She certainly doesn’t need their latest hire—and her ex–best friend—Ximena Reyes causing any distractions. Alas, at the first sight of Ximena’s cheeky smile, Sage flees the shop, allowing someone to break into Bishop Brews and steal the tonic she’s been tinkering with, one that wipes their high school cheer captain’s memory.

With Bishop Brews now at risk of being shut down, Sage reluctantly partners with Ximena to find the culprit. As the mystery deepens, so do pesky old feelings. Their first kiss and Ximena’s subsequent ghosting keep replaying in Sage’s mind. Will she be able to resist Ximena’s charm, or will she let it work its magic for a second chance at love?

My Thoughts: I just started this book and so far it's delightful. I'm excited to see where this book goes. I love that Sage is forced to spend time with her ex-best friend and crush. To be honest, I was hooked from the very beginning.  It's one of those books that once you pick it up, you won't want to put it down. So set aside a chunk of time to devour this one! 



About the Author:
Shelly Page is a young adult contemporary fantasy romance and horror writer. By day, she’s a practicing attorney representing homeless LGBTQ+ youth. By night, she’s writing stories about love, magic, and mystery—all with the hope of providing genuine representation for queer readers of color. Shelly lives in Los Angeles with her dog, Toby, and a collection of half-dead plants. Brewed With Love is her debut novel. She can be found online at shellypage.com or @shelly_p_writes.

Follow the Tour: 
January 13th — Jill's Book Blog
January 14th — Candid Cover
January 15th — Utopia State of Mind
January 16th — YA Book Nerd
January 17th — Confessions of a YA Reader

Grand Prize Giveaway:
- 5 winners will receive a finished copy of Brewed With Love by Shelly Page
We will select the winners and ship directly
- The giveaway starts at 12:01am ET on January 13th and ends January 26th at 11:59pm ET

Wednesday, January 15, 2025

Picture Book Wednesday: Knight Owl and Early Bird



Early Bird is super excited to meet Knight Owl. But Knight Owl is tired after keeping watch all night. Early Bird wants to talk so early that Knight Owl asks him to go away.

This is a cute story about friendship, opposites in people, and determination. The illustrations are rich with color.  This is a new favorite! 

Tuesday, January 14, 2025

Top Ten Tuesday: Bookish Goals

 This week's topic is bookish goals for the year



Reading:
Goodreads Challenge: 235 books (Children's, YA, and Adult)
500 picture books and board books

Blogging:
350 blog posts
Middle Grade Mondays - highlight more middle grade reads (continue)
reach 3 million blog hits 
Cross-posting more on Social Media
Being better on Book-stagram 
More author interviews

Conferences:
Attend CLA (not as a presenter)
Attend ALA Annual - exhibits

What are your reading/blogging goals?

P.S. I did ok on last year's goals

Monday, January 13, 2025

Middle Grade Books: 2025 Books

 


Here are a few middle grade books and graphic novels I'm hoping to read (and review) this year:

Novels:





















Graphic Novels:








And the new Meg Cabot book that doesn't have a cover yet.

What am I missing from this list?

Sunday, January 12, 2025

Review: Snow Day

 It's been super cold here and we sadly have no snow.


Nina loves the snow. She's been playing in the snow all winter, but they haven't had a snow day yet. But one April, her teacher says snow is on the way. Will there be enough snow to have a snow day?

My Thoughts: This is a cute story about a little girl's love for snow.  She has so much fun playing in the snow. This is a fun series.

* Book sent for review

What do you like to do when it snows? I like to drink hot chocolate! 

Saturday, January 11, 2025

Summer Reading Kids (1) Color Your World


I'm starting gather up all the Summer Reading Program ideas. 

At my library, this year, we're using the Color Your World Art theme.

One of the first things this theme screamed to me was RAINBOW CRAFTS.
So, here are some rainbow crafts ideas from Pinterest:








For these projects, I would have the kids cut/rip/fold/curl the paper so the craft is a little more elevated than just gluing. But obviously have some ready to go for the really little kids. 

Come back next week for more craft ideas!