Review: The Wallflower Wager

* Book 3 in the Girl Meets Duke series *

Penny never turned away a creature in need - even if that creature happens to be the Duke who just moved in next door. She met him a the most scandalous way possible, but that wasn't her fault. Not really.

The Duke of Ruin can't believe his good fortune that a lady lives next door. That will seriously improve the market for the house that he recently acquired and is fixing up to sell.

He doesn't count on the number of animals she houses and cares for. He doesn't count on her aunt giving her an ultimatum. He certainly doesn't count on kissing her. But once he starts, he finds it hard to stop.

My Thoughts: I really love this series. This book is a forking delight. I loved the banter between Penny and Gabriel. I loved the animals and how they wormed their way into your heart - like the hilarious parrot. This book made me laugh, made me smile, and it made me happy for us wallflowers alike. I hated Penny's secret, but I loved the way she handled it. I love the group of friends and their husbands. Really looking forward to the next book in the series. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute - I like the color scheme
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: A must have series for your historical romance collection

Connecticut Author's Trail Finale Event

The author for the finale of this year's author trail was Luanne Rice, who just came out with an amazing YA novel: Pretend She's Here.

Photo:

Ten Facts:

She got her start writing short stories

She had stacks of envelopes of rejections

She sent the stories to popular magazines and literary journals

Her first publish piece was called On the Rocks

As payment, she earned 10 copies of the magazine.

She writes about three sisters

She has two sisters

She left college because her dad was sick

Her family has a house in Old Lyme.

She writes about the area but under a different name, but people recognize it frequently

About the Book:

Emily Lonergan's best friend died last year.

And Emily hasn't stopped grieving. Lizzie Porter was lively, loud, and fun -- Emily's better half. Emily can't accept that she's gone.

When Lizzie's parents and her sister come back to town to visit, Emily's heartened to see them. The Porters understand her pain. They miss Lizzie desperately, too.

Desperately enough to do something crazy.

Something unthinkable.

My Thoughts: I couldn't put this book down; it was so engaging. I had to find out what happened and how it was all going to work out. It was creepy, suspenseful, and heart wrenching. I felt terrible for Emily as she tried to save herself. I really liked her relationships with her new friends. I liked how it all turned out and the aftermath. A great read for any time of year, but especially October. I don't want to see any more without spoiling it, but this book is all about friendships, survival, and being true to yourself. 

About the Author:

Luanne Rice is the New York Times bestselling author of thirty-three novels including CLOUD NINE, BEACH GIRLS, and THE SECRET LANGUAGE OF SISTER. LAST DAY will be out in February 2020. Five of her books have been made into movies and mini-series, many have been New York Times bestsellers and two of her pieces have been featured in off-Broadway theatre productions. She lives on the Connecticut shoreline.

Review: Wished

* Book 5 in the Fairy Tale Reform School Series *

Gilly and her friends are prepping for the next attack from Rumpelstiltskin. In fact, that's all anyone at school can talk about. Maxine's sick of it; she wants people to be happy.

In fact, when she discovers a genie's lamp, that's exactly her first wish. Suddenly everyone's happy fun and no one is worried, except Gilly. Now everything's out of control. Everyone's worried about putting on a musical and no one is worried about the school's defense.

Maxine knows that it's too much, but she's so tired of everyone being miserable all the time that she refuses to break the spell. Can Gilly convince her before it's too late?

My Thoughts: Another fun book in this series. I enjoyed the genie plot - and how wishes never quite turn out the way people expect. It's fun seeing my favorite characters again. I loved that Gilly didn't let others talk her out of her career choice simply because of her past - and that she had a chance to experience the job herself. I'm intrigued about her family history. I can't wait to see where this story goes next!

Cover Thoughts: Charming
Source: My library
Library Recommendation: High recommend this series for your school and public libraries.

Review: One Summer in Paris

For their 25th wedding anniversary, Grace made reservations for a trip to Paris. But her husband surprises her when he asks her for a divorce instead. Grace's devastated, but decides to take the time in Paris for herself.

While walking near Notre Dame, Grace has her bag stolen. Everything, including her passport, is in there. Luckily, a young girl chases down the thief and recovers her items.

Grace can't begin to thank Audrey enough. Audrey's a teen from London who needed a break from her family. She traveled to Paris with no money, unable to speak the language, and a job lined up.

Once they meet, everything changes for both of them. Their opposite ways rub off on each other as they become fast friends. They support each other and teach other. Together, they're having one wonderful summer in Paris.

My Thoughts: I really liked this book. I felt terrible for Grace and her husband betrayal. I loved that she went to Paris anyways. This book made me want to visit Paris myself and stroll down the streets, drink hot chocolate in cafes, wander through the museums, and eat chocolate croissants. I loved the friendship between Audrey and Grace and how they both needed someone. I loved that they taught each other new things. I loved Audrey's romance, the moments in the bookstore, and Grace's grandmother. I know the ending seems realistic, but I wasn't a huge fan. 

Cover Thoughts: Perfect
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: Sarah Morgan's books always circulate at my library. Grab this one for your travel book readers, your romance readers, and your summer book readers.

Review: Pie in the Sky

Jingwen isn't happy that his family moved to a new country; he feels like he's landed on Mars. He doesn't speak the language and misses home terribly. His mom works all the time and he's stuck watching his little brother most nights.

Finally, they come up with a plan to make themselves feel better - baking the cakes their father was going to use in their bakery. But Jingwen's only eleven and he's not supposed to use the oven. They bake the cakes in secret, but has the secrets pile up, so do all the lies.

My Thoughts: I went into this book thinking it was a graphic novel. And it is partly, but it's mostly prose mixed with graphic elements. I really liked this book, but it was really sad at points which I also wasn't expecting. I enjoyed the brotherly relationship - both the sweet moments and the annoying ones. I loved how the boys made (And ate) the cakes. I liked how Jingwen struggled to make friends. But mostly I just wanted to wrap Jingwen up in a giant hug and tell him things will get better. Of course I wanted to bake all thing things (and eat them) while reading this book.

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: A great book for school and public libraries - for the friendship, moving to a new country, and navigating life after the death of a parent. 

Picture Book Review: Peanut Butter and Jelly

Reginald isn't like the other zombies who only want to eat brains. He wants peanut butter and jelly. But the zombies think him weird. Can he convince them that he's right? 

While technically not a Halloween story, it's works for this time of year. It's all about zombies, food, and being yourself.  This funny book has a surprise ending and it might make you crave a certain food...or two.

Top Ten Tuesday: Fall TBR

This week's topic is our Fall TBR - so books coming out between now and the end of November. October is a pretty big publishing moth, so this list might get a Little Crazy...

Kids:

Middle Grade:

YA:

Adult:

Christmas:

Which one should I read first?