Picture Book Wednesday: Dear Bookstore

One day, a girl wanders into a bookstore. Immediately, she feels at home. She's cozy in the bookstore. The books make her feel. Everything is magical and it stays that way as she grows up.

This is a heartwarming read about a girl who grow up and is still comforted by books in her favorite bookstore. I have many fond memories of spending time in bookstores and libraries. 

* The way this character feels about the bookstore, is the way I feel about libraries.

Do you have a place that comforts you like this?

Top Ten Tuesday: Summer TBR Pile

 This week's topic is our Summer TBR pile. Summer is always busy at work, so I feel like I read less. But there are some great books coming out that I can't wait to devour! 

Kids:

One of my favorite series! 

YA:

Haven't been reading much fantasy lately, but I miss it

Love books about codes

YA historical - London society!

Revenge story!

Graphic Novel:

This farm graphic novel series is super cute - middle grade

Adult:

Love this series

Second chance, enemies to lovers romance

Loved Spellshop - can't wait to read how it all started

Cinderella type romance

I will read anything this woman writes!

Big fan of the Worst Best Man

Sold: A You've Got Mail sports romance

Actress playing an author - what could go wrong?

This sounds amazing - plus it's Brigid's adult debut!

Second chance romance with music

Not really a series, but I love these adult Disney re-tellings

Any of these on your list too?

Middle Grade Review: The Beautiful Game

 

Valeria has an unusual life. She lives with her grandparents. She's in contact with her father, who rarely comes to visit. She's a soccer star; she plays on the boys' team. They've had a great season and they're heading to the play-offs. Her grandfather coaches the team. Some of the boys on the team are her best friends. 

But everything changes during a game when she gets her period. She misses much of the game as the blood seeps through her underwear and shorts. Her grandmother is out of the country visiting family. Her aunt is very sick. One of the parents helps her out, telling her want to do with the pad. The team loses the game.

Valeria is angry and sad. But she never would have believed they would kick her off the team. She's their best player. Also she's devastated that neither her grandfather nor her friends spoke up in her defense. She's heartbroken.

My Thoughts: I really loved this book.  I wanted to wrap Valeria up in a hug. She seemed so lost most of the time, but she's also prickly too. There were so many layers: family drama, period drama, friendship drama, sports drama, and becoming comfortable in your own skin. I really loved reading how Valeria (Magic) struggled her way through finding her place in the world with friendships, with her family, and with her soccer team. There's lots of soccer in this book, but it's mixed with plenty of drama to keep middle grade readers happy. 

Cover Thoughts: powerful

Source: My Library

Why I read it: I love girl sports books

Library Recommendation: A fantastic book with so many layers. This is a must have book for school and public libraries.

Hand this to: Readers who love sports and readers who love drama

Movie Review: The Fountain of Youth

We watched this the other night and I must say, for the most part it was a lot of fun.

My Thoughts:

1.  I loved John Krasinski

2. I loved the nod to Indiana Jones

3. the "Kiss" scene was hilarious

4. I loved that library

5. Natalie Portman was good - but her character was a little too stuffy and repetitive6

6. The ending was a little hokey

7. The chase scene was great

8. I love that they left it open for a sequel. 

9. It was a great blend of humor and action

10. I wish Stanley Tucci had more minutes 

I would watch more.

If you're looking for a lot of fun and a lot of action, I would recommend this movie

And it's the kind of movie my Dad would also love! 

We Were Liars: Books and TV Show

 

Confession: I just read this for the first time last month.

And I really liked it. I like how it moved back and forth between the summers. 

I liked learning about the family.

I'm so curious to see what happens with the show.

The TV show drops: June 18

Jessie Redmond/Prime

Book 3: Drops November 4

Have you read about the Sinclairs? Are you excited about the show?

Review: Fallen Academy

 

Brielle Atwater isn't sure of much, but she knows a few things:

1. Having black wings is not normal.
2. Selling her soul to the demons was a mistake.
3. Lincoln Grey is the biggest *** she's ever met … but not falling in love with him might prove impossible.

When angels fell from the sky to war with the demons that ravaged Earth, their combined powers infected humanity. Now, the humans are assigned one of two fates, being either demon gifted or angel blessed.

After wings sprout from Brielle's back at her awakening ceremony, she's sure she's an angel blessed celestial. It's not until she sees black wings that she realizes something is terribly wrong. - Summary from the publisher

My Thoughts: This book reminded me of the earlier days of paranormal romances. I haven't read one in quite some time. I loved Brielle and Lincoln's banter. There were a lot of a great relationships in this book: romantic and friendship. There is lots of action and danger.  This was such an entertaining read. I didn't want this book to end. I'm looking forward to the next book. 

Cover Thoughts: Strong

Source: My Library

Why I Read This: The summary caught my eye

Library Recommendation: Highly recommended for your public libraries.

Hand this to: readers who love paranormal romances and advise them to clear their schedule

Graphic Novel Review: Creaky Acres

Nora loves horseback riding and competitions. She's devastated to learn that she's moving away - from her friends and her horse barn. Her new barn doesn't compete in horse shows. She isn't sure she likes her horse barn. The other riders aren't as serious. Can she find a home here?

My Thoughts: I really loved this graphic novel. Nora has a hard time adjusting to her new barn. But she does find a common ground with the other riders. I love the way they come together. I couldn't recommend this book enough. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Source: My Library

Why I Read This: I'm still a horse girl at heart

Library Recommendation: A must have book for your school and public libraries

Hand this book to: readers who love horses and new beginnings