Top Ten Tuesday: New to Me Authors

 This week's topic is authors new to us in 2021 and whose books we loved!

Did you read any of these too?

Middle Grade Review: Enola Holmes and the Black Barouche

 

* Book 7 in the Enola Holmes series *

Sherlock Holmes isn't thrilled that his sister is butting her nose into his latest case. Of course, there were extenuating circumstances. Enola couldn't help getting involved when a young woman showed up at his door with a curious letter about her sister's death. 

Letita knows that her twin sister is not dead, but she doesn't know how to prove it. Enola is quite happy to look into the case. Something is desperately wrong, and nothing adds up. Enola decides to go undercover where she learns more about the Earl and barely escapes in the process. 

Her run in with the Earl only makes Enola more determined to uncover the entire truth. 

My Thoughts: I was so happy when the success of the Netflix movie meant more books and more movies! I liked the addition of Sherlock to this book and how the siblings worked together. I enjoyed seeing some old favorite characters from previous books. I enjoyed this mystery and its quirky moments. There are some horrific moments in this book, which I can't talk about without spoilers. Another fun book.

Cover Thoughts: Nice

Source: My library

Library Recommendation: Highly Recommend this series for schools and public libraries 

If you like historical middle grade mysteries:

Kids Summer Reading (3): Oceans of Possibilities

 

It's another year of uncertainty - will we have in person programs? Will we do a hybrid program?  The crafts are easier to plan because you need the same pieces. 

These program ideas come from Pinterest.

My account

The library's account (which has way more)

Previous posts:

Crafts for Littles and Crafts for Older Kiddos

This week I'm focusing on STEAM projects:

Baking Soda Art:

Moving Octopus:

Ocean Foam Sensory Bin:

Pollution:

Moving Fish or Boat:

Dry Ducks:

Fish Slime:

Save the Penguin:

Stay tuned next week for more ideas!

Picture Book Review: Creature of Habit

 

What happens when someone new comes along and shakes up your routine?

This book was a fun read with a great message about how not sticking to a rigid schedule help make new discoveries.

Library Recommendation: Highly Recommended for your picture book collection - in both school and public libraries. 

** If the author's name sounds familiar, it's because she writes awesome YA books. 

Book Lists: Duke Books

Yesterday, I reviewed the Duke Heist and I thought about all the duke books I enjoyed.

So I created a list.

Here are a few - many of these are part of a series, but not necessarily the first in a series. And maybe of these are by my favorite historical romance authors. 

Duke and I by Julia Quinn

Eleven Scandals to Start to Win a Duke's Heart by Sarah MacLean

Wallflower Wager by Tessa Dare

It's Hard Out Here for a Duke by Maya Rodale 

When You Give a Duke a Diamond by Shana Galen 

I Married the Duke by Katherine Ashe 

Not Pictured: 

How the Duke was Won by Lenora Bell

What a Difference a Duke Makes by Lenora Bell

Duchess by Design by Maya Rodale

No Good Duke Goes Unpunished by Sarah MacLean

How the Dukes Stole Christmas by Tessa Dare, Sarah MacLean, Sophie Jordan, and Joanna Shupe 

Duke in Shining Armor by Loretta Chase 

My American Duchess by Eloisa James

Two contemporary reads:

Duke by Default by Alyssa Cole

Duke, Actually by Jenny Holiday 

Have you read any of these?

Review: The Duke Heist

 

* First in a series *

The Wynchester family isn't welcome in most society functions - until Chloe makes a splash. She steals the carriage of her enemy the Duke of Faircliffe. It doesn't help that he's inside. When they understand each other, Faircliffe offers Chloe a favor. Which she accepts after she and her siblings have come up with a plan.

They're after a painting the duke's now deceased father stole from them. Faircliffe never responded to their letters or attempts to purchase the painting. So, they make a plan to steal it back. Chloe will distract the duke while they uncover the whereabouts of the painting.

But Chloe never imagines falling for the duke. Or that the duke would notice her out of all the respectable ladies. Everyone knows that Faircliffe's father ruined the estate and he needs to marry someone with a dowery. But can he help it if he wants Chloe?

My Thoughts: First off - I straight up love this chosen family of siblings. I can't wait to read more of their stories. I love their love for each other. I love their quirks and their strengths and their abilities. I loved Tommy's ability. Her characters reminded me of Julia Quinn's Lady Danbury. I did love how Chloe wormed her way into a reading circle - but stayed because she became friends with the ladies. And I adore their possible name: Ladies of Lusty Literature Book Coven. I enjoyed Phillippa and her mother. 

Up next:

Cover Thoughts: Charming

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: Highly Recommended for your romance collection

Picture Book Wednesday: New Board Books

New board books at the library:

Counting while we bake - and it includes a recipe. Lots of fun here.

Lots of explanations about animals and transportation in this farm read. Love the illustrations.

Very matter of fact about gender and equality! Excellent for library collections.

Lots of knowledge here about instruments. Love the idea of making music (and noise) all together. More fun illustrations.