Wednesday, May 31, 2017

Picture Book Review: Great Cheese Robbery


A mouse pretends to be a cheese inspector. A little elephant is home alone with his father who is terrified of mice. Will their possessions be stolen?
I really liked this book - I liked that the father was afraid - everyone has fears and this book showed that nicely. 

I liked the twist in the picture book. I liked the sly, sneaky, tricky mice. Lots of fun and with great illustrations. 

I can't wait to share this one!

Tuesday, May 30, 2017

Top Ten Tuesday: 2017 Reads Part 2

This week's topic is books you can't wait to read during the second half of the year! So anything July and after. But I will try not to duplicate from the last list of Summer TBR, so maybe August and after. As usual this is going to be a bigger than 10 list. But I'm not sure I have enough on my list - which is the perfect excuse to stalk other blogs to add more books. Of course, I'm just adding the ones with covers.
meme from The Broke and the Bookish 
Kids and Tween
Nightfall (Keeper of the Lost Cities, #6)CICI's Journal: The Adventures of a Writer-In-TrainingThe Great Shelby Holmes Meets Her Match (The Great Shelby Holmes, #2)Littler Women: A Modern RetellingOne Mixed-Up Night

YA
Prince in DisguiseEver the Brave (A Clash of Kingdoms #2)Among the Red StarsDear MartinCalling My Name
There's Someone Inside Your HouseThe Victoria in My HeadJane, UnlimitedTower of Dawn (Throne of Glass, #6)

Adult
It's Hard Out Here for a Duke (Keeping Up with the Cavendishes, #4)Second Chance GirlChasing Christmas Eve (Heartbreaker Bay, #4)Sugar Pine Trail (Haven Point, #7)

Monday, May 29, 2017

New Addition to the Family


Our first picture together

Picture Number 2

Playing with a new bone

We just got her this morning. She's a rescue from Virginia. We're still debating the name. 
I'll keep you posted on it. 

Is it she adorable?

Saturday, May 27, 2017

Cozy Review: Caramel Crush

*  Book 9 in the Cupcake Bakery series *
An old friend from Mel's college days appears asking for a debt to be settled - she wants cupcakes baked for her soon to be ex fiance. She wants to be on the phone with Mel when they are delivered. Except when Mel finally tracks him down, he's been murdered.

Of course, Diane is the number one suspect. She begs Mel to figure out the murderer and then they will be square. Mel isn't thrilled with the plan, but she goes along with her old friend.

What she uncovers makes her remember why they're no longer friends - she doesn't belong in that world. 
My Thoughts: I adore this series; I enjoyed this addition to the series. I loved Angie as bridezilla. I loved her and Mel's interactions will all the wedding talk. I loved more of Mel and Joe. I'm so looking forward to the next book, all about weddings, in this series. Another scrumptious read from Jenn McKinlay. 

Cover Thoughts: Yummy! Is is wrong that I want to gobble those up?
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: Serve these up at your library, your patrons will thank you

Friday, May 26, 2017

Review: Enemy Exposure

Book 2 in the Raven Files
With Raven's cover blown, she's got to stay one step ahead of KATO intelligence. But in order to get her revenge on the agency that held her captive for years, she might need a little inside help. Can she trust her old enemies to become allies with her? Can she get close enough to talk with them and perhaps turn them or will they complete their mission and recapture her alive?
My Thoughts: I love this series - lots of action and danger. I love the idea of taking down KATO from the inside. I love that Raven's father enters the picture and how that messes with her head. I love the tangled relationships Raven has with the other IDA agents, especially with Scorpion. I loved meeting the other KATO girls - and seeing the world through their eyes. They added humor to the story. After that cliffhanger ending, I can't wait to see what happens next.

Cover Thoughts: Love it!
Source: Book sent for review
Library Recommendation: Get this for your school and public library - it's a fantastic series with a female heroine who doesn't take no for an answer and goes after what she wants. 

Thursday, May 25, 2017

Mini Review: Courage to Soar

Simone Biles's story from discovering gymnastics to earning a spot of the Olympic team and winning Gold.
The Good:
I loved learning about the good days and bad days
The struggles to learn a certain move
The gymnastic people she met along the way
Her family life
The strength and commitment it took to maker her dreams come true.
One dream at a time
Her work ethic
Knowing her family was behind her.

The Bad:
Just a nitpicking thing - but the financial obligation to the sport wasn't talked about.

Final Thoughts: A wonderful book about going after your dreams and achieving them. Grab this one for your school or public library to inspire others. 

Wednesday, May 24, 2017

Picture Book Review: Say Hello, Sophie!


Sophie has a hard time talking in front of people. Words get stuck and she can't force them out - until her Grandmother needs her help.

I really enjoyed this one - mostly because this story could have happened between my Gram and I. The personal connection but the wonderful illustrations from Rosemary Wells make this one my new favorite. I think it's a great growing up story for younger ones who are a bit shy themselves. 

Tuesday, May 23, 2017

Top Ten Tuesday: Summer TBR pile

This week's topic is summer's TBR pile - because I included June books in the Spring TBR pile, I'll just include July and August books. Especially the ones I dream about reading by the pool (I wish I had a pool.)
meme from The Broke and the Bookish 

Tween Reads:
No Place Like HomeBest. Night. Ever.The Countdown ConspiracyRoyal Crush (From the Notebooks of a Middle School Princess, #3)Ghost of a Chance (100 Dresses, #2)
A Dash of DragonLights, Camera, Middle School! (Babymouse Tales from the Locker)Mrs. Smith's Spy School for Girls

YA Reads:
Wonder Woman: Warbringer (DC Icons, #1)In Some Other LifeThe League of American TraitorsFollow Your HeartJust Friends
Kissing Max HoldenChanges in LatitudesLucky in LoveWesley James Ruined My LifeI See London, I See France (I See London, I See France, #1)
Hello, SunshineComing Up for AirBombshell

Adult Reads:
You Say It First (Happily Inc., #1)On Her Majesty's Frightfully Secret Service (Her Royal Spyness #11)