Cinderella Story: Christmas Wish

Summer is coming to an end, school is starting....but we are so ready to fast forward to the holiday season and all the magic it brings! Not ready yet? Well, here's a little magic that is sure to bring some Christmas cheer and get you into the holiday spirit. This October, Warner Bros Home Entertainment will have you singing and dancing in your seats with the enchanting tale - A CINDERELLA STORY: CHRISTMAS WISH - and we have the first look at photos from the film!  Photo Captions: A Cinderella Story: Christmas Wish 1 - (top left corner) - Isla (played by Isabella Gomez) and Kat (played by Laura Marano) take a walk in their work clothes. A Cinderella Story: Christmas Wish 2 - (top right corner) – Kat (played by Laura Marano) sits under the stars with her dog Bruno (played by Capone). A Cinderella Story: Christmas Wish 3 - (bottom left corner) – Dominic (played by Gregg Sulkin) hangs with his best friends Jackson (played by Dejan Loyola) and Noah (played by Trezzo Mahoro). A Cinderella Story: Christmas Wish 4 - (bottom right corner)– Kat (played by Laura Marano) out “shopping” with her cruel stepmother Deirdra (played by Johanna Newmarch) and evil step-sisters Joy (played by Lllian Doucet-Roche) and Grace (Chanelle Peloso). Photo credit: © 2019 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Synopsis: Brimming with overtones from the classic fairytale, this contemporary musical follows Katherine “Kat” Decker dreaming of becoming a famous singer-songwriter. Her reality, however, is suffocated by her conniving and cruel stepfamily and a demoralizing job working as a singing elf at billionaire Terrence Wintergarden’s Santa Land. When she starts to fall for Nick, the handsome new Santa at the tree lot, things begin to look up. Unfortunately, when her stepmother and stepsisters realize Kat has been invited to the prestigious Wintergarden Christmas Gala, they’ll stop at nothing to procure their own invitation and keep Kat from attending. With the help of her attentive dog, a true friend, and a little bit of holiday magic, Kat may just make it to the gala, discover the true identity of Nick, and experience the true meaning of Christmas. This is the fifth installment in the A Cinderella Story movie series, and first one with a Christmas theme. Other titles include A Cinderella Story (Hilary Duff), Another Cinderella Story (Selena Gomez), A Cinderella Story: Once Upon a Song (Lucy Hale) and A Cinderella Story: If the Shoe Fits (Sofia Carson). A Cinderella Story: Christmas Wish is written and directed by Michelle Johnston (Nickelodeon’s Blurt), who directed the last installment of A Cinderella Story after choreographing the first four and serving as a producer on the past three. Dylan Sellers (The Giver, St. Vincent, both Agent Cody Banks films), keeper of the A Cinderella Story franchise, returns for his fifth turn as producer. Trygge Toven (Captain Marvel, Avengers: Infinity War, Trolls) and Toko Nagata (Shaft, The Predator, Pitch Perfect 3) serve as the music supervisors. Production Services were provided by Front Street Pictures Inc. The film is produced in association with Blue Ribbon Content for Warner Bros. Home Entertainment.  Doesn't this sound good? Check out the trailer: I'm looking forward to seeing this one!

Graphic Novel Review: Nancy Drew

A mysterious message about her mother's death sends Nancy Drew back home. When she tries to investigate, she and her friends are attacked. She's going to get to the bottom of who sent her that letter and why.

My Thoughts: I loved this graphic novel. I loved the modernization of Nancy Drew. I loved seeing Bess and George. I loved their romantic storylines. I loved the addition of the Hardy Boys. There's lots of danger, lots of action, and lots of catching up between friends. I do hope there's more to this series coming, especially with the new CW show this fall. Fingers crossed Nancy Drew becomes wildly popular again!

Cover Thoughts: Cute, conveys the friendships
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: A Great graphic novel for your collections.

Middle Grade Review: Hope

Hope's nervous about attending middle school, especially since she and her BFF Sam won't be in the same classes. Hope's happy she placed in the advance classes, but she's going to miss her friend. Maybe the Science Club will help her friend more people.

But as soon as she mentions that to her new lab partner, Hope's stunned to learn that there are only boys in Science Club. Now Hope's determined to join and to bring along a few girls too.

My Thoughts: I really liked this book - it's all about friendship, science club, navigating middle school, and making everyone feel welcome. I love how Hope joined the Science Club and fought for her voice to be heard. I love that she wanted to include other girls in the science club and make everyone an equal part. Of course, she makes mistake and tries to atone for her behavior. I love what they turned into the competition. And the illustrations were cute too. I'm curious to see if this will be the start of a new STEAM series.

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: ARC from BEA
Library Recommendation: Grab this book for your school and public libraries; it's a great STEAM feminist book.

Release Date: October 1, 2019

Picture Book Review: I Will Be Fierce

A young girl decides to brave all the way through the school day and back home again. She ins various battles so she can fight another day.

My Thoughts:

I enjoyed this funny story about this sweet determined girl who tackled problems. I loved the art work. I found this to be another empowering picture book - perfect for sharing. 

Top Ten Tuesday: Personal Library

This week's topic is all about personal libraries. I have a massive personal library - I don't have enough bookcases in the house for all the books I have here. Often times I read books from my library and pass them on to my work library - either has prizes or for the collection.

Here are 10 books from my person library that I can't wait to read. 

Which one would you pick up first?

On Your Radar: Sunny Rolls the Dice (31)

Title: Sunny Rolls the Dice

Author: Jennifer Holm

Illustrator: Matt Holm

Publisher: Graphix

Release Date: October 1, 2019

Why It Should Be On Your Radar: 

* What is Cool

* Navigating Middle School

* Dungeons and Dragons

* Fashion

* Friendships

* Being True to Yourself

* Great Art

Another fun book in this series from this sister/brother duo

** BEA Arc 2019

Review: American Princess

Alice may be the president's daughter, but she's nobody's darling. As bold as her signature color Alice Blue, the gum-chewing, cigarette-smoking, poker-playing First Daughter discovers that the only way for a woman to stand out in Washington is to make waves--oceans of them. With the canny sophistication of the savviest politician on the Hill, Alice uses her celebrity to her advantage, testing the limits of her power and the seductive thrill of political entanglements.

But Washington, DC is rife with heartaches and betrayals, and when Alice falls hard for a smooth-talking congressman it will take everything this rebel has to emerge triumphant and claim her place as an American icon. As Alice soldiers through the devastation of two world wars and brazens out a cutting feud with her famous Roosevelt cousins, it's no wonder everyone in the capital refers to her as the Other Washington Monument--and Alice intends to outlast them all. - Summary from the publisher

My Thoughts: I've always wanted to know more about Alice Roosevelt, so I was excited to see a fictionalized novel about her life. And boy did she have a hard but an amazing life. It was heart wrenching to read at times but also I couldn't put it down. I loved her feistiness, her love of politics, and her ability to work the crowd. It was interesting to learn more about her life and the people surrounding both her and her father. I confess, I didn't know much about the politics or the political players of her time. I couldn't help but admire Alice Roosevelt and also want to have a drink with her.

Cover Thoughts: Amazing. I love the ribbons in the wind
Source: My Library

Review: Brazen and the Beast

* Book 2 in the Bareknuckle Bastard series *

Lady Henrietta Sedley has plans - BIG plans. This is the year of Hattie and she's ready to accomplish all the things on her first. She wants her father to stop thinking about her as a woman and more as an heir. It's clear her brother can't handle the shipping business. She has the skills and the abilities. But first she needs to make sure that marriage is off the table - which leads her to Covent Gardens.

Unfortunately, her brother left and unconscious man in the carriage. And when he wakes, he and Hattie have words. From that moment, everything she's planned for becomes derailed. However, Whit might be willing to help her...for a price.

My Thoughts: Of course I loved this book. It might be my new favorite of Sarah's books, but then again, I typically think that. I love this family and I'm dying to see how the next one plays out.

I loved Hattie - for her brains, her determination, her curves, her dreams, and her big heart. I loved her friendship with Nora. I love Nora's driving of the carriages. I loved seeing characters from other stories pop up and to check in one them. I loved learning more about Whit. And of course the banter between Whit and Hattie was amazing. 

I love how Hattie saw her future and reached out to take it. She had a plan. She believed in herself. And she wasn't about to let anyone, not even the most handsomest man of her acquaintance stop her. I loved the idea of the Year of Hattie. It was inspiring! Another wonderful feminist romance from Sarah MacLean that devoured.

Cover Thoughts: Amazing
Source: BEA ARC

Library Recommendation: Sarah MacLean is a Must Have Author for your library's romance collection.

Picture Book Review: Green Place to Be

With New York City growing at a huge rate, the city wanted a park where people could enjoy nature. Calvert Vaux and Frederick Law Olmsted created plans to build a wonderful place - Central Park. 

A really fascinating book about the planning and the construction of Central Park. There were things to find of each page and mini biographies in the back of the book. The illustrations were amazing to pour over. A wonderful book to share, especially for elementary school readers. 

Grab this one for you school and public libraries

Top Ten Tuesday: Favorite Tropes

This week's topic is favorite tropes. 

Some favorite romance tropes:

Friends to Lovers

Best Friend's Brother/Sister

Second Chance Romance

Enemies to Lovers

Slow Burn

Alpha Hero/Heroine

Fake Relationship

Road Trip 

Military

Royalty

Do we have similar tropes? Which was are your favorites?

On Your Radar: Stargazing (30)

Title: Stargazing

Author: Jen Wang
Publisher: First Second
Release Date: September 10, 2019

Why it Should Be On Your Radar: 
* Kindness
* Music
* New friendship
* Different families
* Beliefs
* Jealousy
* Based on the author's life events

Another great graphic novel from Jen Wang.
Source: BEA arc 19

Movie Review: Hobbs and Shaw

I finally got to see Hobbs and Shaw last weekend. 

And it was everything I expected:

Of Course, lots of action - really nonstop action.

Lots of fight scenes

Great banter between the two stars - making me laugh

Some touching family moments

What I didn't expect:

Cameos from Kevin Hart and Ryan Reynolds

Italian Job reference

Game of Thrones references

I do hope they continue to make more of these movies because I was highly entertained.

Bookstore Romance Day

photo credit: https://bookstoreromanceday.org/

Today is the first annual Bookstore Romance Day!

Bookstores across the nation are hosting romance author events at their store!

Romance books are THE biggest books in the publishing world. It's a Billion dollar industry. Especially now when the world is a trash fire and we all need a little happiness to hold on to.

Is your local indie hosting an event? Check the website to find out!

Two local bookstores near me are hosting events. Sadly, I'm a Saturday Librarian today and won't be able to attend either event, but I'm there in spirit. And I'm so happy they're hosting events.

There are bookstores who turn their noses up at the genre of romance. And they're silly.

If you don't have a local indie bookstore - head for your library and ask them for their romance book suggestions.

What's the last romance book you read?

I spent yesterday reading this gem.

Review: Prince on Paper

Nya didn't enjoy life in New York City, but she knows that being home will make her miserable. But she's going home for her friend's wedding. And then she's not sure where to go from there.

After a few encounters with a playboy prince, she realizes that he's not what he appears to be in the media. He's actually rather...nice. The press catch them together more than once. Johan offers her an opportunity - a fake dating situation that could benefit them both.

Nya agrees. But she can't help the growing feelings she has for him. Neither of them want love, but maybe they found it in spite of themselves...

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book - I do love a good fake relationship book. My heart broke for Nya and all that she went through with her father. I'm glad that she was able to overcome her past. I really liked Johan and how he tried to protect his mother's legacy after her tragic death. I loved Lukas and how he and Johan struggled. I loved Lukas and Nya's talks and how she urged him to be truthful with his brother - Lukas is non-binary. Of course it was nice seeing other favorite characters pop up in these books. Another fun addition to this royal series.

Cover Thoughts: Nice!
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: If you don't have this series by now for your romance section, you're seriously missing out. 

Review: When Summer Ends

Olivia has life all figured all - until life throws her several curveballs. She's going to have to move at the end of the summer, just before her senior year of high school. Her estranged mother's back in town with news of her own. Her boyfriend and best friend just broke up with her and disappeared for the summer. And to make everything worse, her dream summer job disappeared when the company files for bankruptcy. The whole summer stretches before her looking dismal.

Above all, she needs to find herself a job. But this late in the summer, most everything's taken. Miraculously, she finds a job at an outdoor adventure company. Olivia is not an outdoor person, but a job's a job. She's stunned to learn that the former star pitcher on the baseball team will be working with her. Maybe she'll learn why he abruptly quit the team at the end of the year. Maybe she'll learn how to let go of all her plans and live in the moment.

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this summer romance. I loved how Olivia took what life threw at her and tried to make the best of things.  I enjoyed her coin tosses and living by the hand of fate. I loved the hiking moments, the river moments, and spending the summer outdoors. I really enjoyed Aiden's story and how everything changed for him.  I loved the dual perspective. An unlikely romance might just be the best thing that ever happened to both of them.

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: Grab this summer romance for your school and public libraries.

Picture Book Review: I Will Love You All Year Through

A grown-up and baby animals enjoy the seasons of the year together.

A sweet story with wonderful illustrations that showcases a variety of animals. It's the perfect cozy book to share together and pour over the illustrations.

Top Ten Tuesday: Character BFFs

This week's topic is character BFFs. I love a lot of characters, so I'll be making this list from the books I've read this year. 

Hattie from

Sunny from

Zora from

Daisy from 

Maisy from

Alex and Henry from

Charlotte from

Anthea from

Amber from

Sybella from

* as you can see, these female characters kick ass and take names.

On Your Radar: Guts (29)

Title: Guts

Author:  Raina Telgemeier

Publisher: Scholastic Books

Release Date: September 10, 2019

Why it Should Be On Your Radar: 
* Raina Telgemeier
* Mental Heath
* Worried
* Anxious
* Puke
* Navigating School
* Therapist
* Coping Skills
* Friendship
* Being Normal
* Memoir 

This one is perfect for those readers who worry and are anxious. It's nice to know they are not alone. Everyone and their mom is going to want to read this because of the author, I hope it allows for some great discussions among friends. 

* BEA Arc