Saturday, February 29, 2020

Review: Postscript

Postscript (P.S. I Love You, #2)
Seven years have past since Holly's husband has died (in the book P.S. I Love You.) For the most part, Holly's moved on with her life. But after she's the special guest star on a podcast, interested over Gerry's letters picks up.

When a group of terminally ill patients contact Holly for help, she has a hard time saying no to them. But as she oversteps boundaries, she gets sucked back into her past.

Everyone in her life is afraid that she will relapse back into grief. She's struggle so hard to find her way back after her husband's death. They don't want to her to lose the peace she's finally found.

But Holly can't say no. She struggles with life, love, friendships, and her grief.
My Thoughts: It's been years and years since I read P.S. I Love You, but I remember loving the book. I felt terrible for Holly - being put into the position of helping people. But I found her relationships with the group admirable. I loved the messages about letting life pull you along, letting go of your grief, and finding yourself. This book gave me a lot to think about. Readers who enjoyed the first book will surely gravitate towards this sequel.

Cover Thoughts: Charming. I love the blue ink splatters.
Source: ARC sent for review
Library Recommendations: Grab this one for your library!

Movie News: This book has been optioned - no news yet if returning stars will be back or if there will be a new cast.

Friday, February 28, 2020

Review: Bookworm Crush

The Bookworm Crush
Bookworm Amy desperately wants to win the social media contest to meet her favorite author. But she's going to need some help. She runs a blog with her best friend. While her book recommendations are great; she's shy about getting her voice out there.

Amy's crush is a surfing champion. He has swagger with a capital S. After a run in with him, she reluctantly asks him for help. No one is more surprised when he agrees.

Now if only she could breathe and act normal around him - she just might have a chance at her own happily ever after.
My Thoughts: I loved this book. I loved the book references. I loved Amy's passion when talking about books - especially the romance genre. I love how she defended the genre and it's readers. It was great to read in a teen book. I loved that she worked in a bookstore - and for a mystery writer. I love that she waned to win this competition and di everything in her power to win. I loved the chemistry and the banter between her and Toff. The moments between Toff and her brother were also adorable. I loved watching Amy come out of her shell and own her awesomenewss. A fantastic novel about romance, social media, books, and paying attention to your heart. 

Cover Thoughts: Adorable
Source: Book sent for review
Library Recommendation: Grab this one for your teen romance collection.

Thursday, February 27, 2020

Upcoming Review: Lakeshire Park

Lakeshire Park
Amelia Moore is in trouble. Her stepfather is dying. Once he's dead, she and her sister will no longer have a place in this world. He promised her mother that he would look after them. And he did - sort of. But they have no dowry and he will leave them nothing.

Luckily for her, an invitation to a house party arrives for her and her sister. It's their last chance to make a future for themselves. Amelia doesn't want to worry her sister, so she doesn't confide their troubles to Clara.

However, if Clara doesn't receive an offer of marriage from their host during the house party, they will be homeless. Amelia's determined to everything in her power to make this match happen - even if it means spending time with her sister's rival's brother.
My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this novel. I loved how Amelia and Peter got off on the wrong foot. Their banter made me smile. As did their protectiveness and well wishes for theirs sisters. I loved the moments with the horses.  I loved that the book took place during the two weeks of the house party. I love the enemies to loves trope, so it's no surprise that I enjoyed this book. 

Cover Thoughts: Dreamy
Source: ARC sent for review
Library Recommendation: Grab this one for your library's romance section.
* Release Date: April 7th

Wednesday, February 26, 2020

Picture Book Review: The Presidents


The Presidents: America's Remarkable Revolutionaries

This book about the presidents is perfect for older readers, early Elementary School readers. This book will inspire them to seek out more information about these individuals. 

It highlights the presidents in a two page spread complete with quick facts, a portrait, and highlighting big moments during his time as President.

Quick Facts: 

Do You Know which President:
1. Liked to Skinny-Dip
2. Started the White House Library
3. Popularized Ice Cream
4. Was the most well-dressed
5. Was Dyslexic
6. Went Skydiving to celebrate his birthday?

I hope another book about the First Ladies is on the way!

* Book sent for review

Tuesday, February 25, 2020

Top Ten Tuesday: Characters I'd Follow

This week's topic is all about book characters I'd follow on social media. This could be a crazy long list. And it's going to be hard to break down. Or to Stop. Of course I'd follow old favorites like Anne of Green Gable, Lizzie Bennet, Hermione, and Jo March but here are some new ones.


Recent Reads:

@RedheadRecs
The Bookworm Crush by Lisa Brown Roberts
For all the romance book recommendations

Kels 
What I Like About You by Marisa Kanter
for the book chatter but also the cupcake pictures

Torte Bakery
A Cup of Holiday Fear by Ellie Alexander
for the mouthwatering treats

Michigan from:
Michigan vs. the Boys by Carrie  S. Allen
She'd be really inspiring about females in sports

Pepper AND Jack
Tweet Cute
for their banter but also their food creations

Happily Ever After Bookstore
The Christmas Keeper (Happily Ever After, #2)
for their romance book recommendations and cute kitten pictures.

Lindsey 
Word to the Wise (Library Lover's Mystery, #10)
to see what's happening in library land

John
The Great Shelby Holmes and the Haunted Hound (The Great Shelby Holmes, #4)
to read about his and Shelby's cases

The Royals
American Royals (American Royals, #1)
for a glimpse into a very different world

Would you follow any of these characters?

Monday, February 24, 2020

Teen Summer Reading (3)



The time has come to start planning the summer reading program. So I'm busy looking at Pinterest for fun crafty ideas as possibilities for programs with teens.

I've done two weeks of crafting - you can see them here and here.

This week I'm looking at jewelry projects.

Now I'm thinking if I don't make these with the teens this summer, maybe I'll make them and put them in my Etsy shop...






Sunday, February 23, 2020

Blog Tour: Where We Belong




Book Title: Where We Belong
Author: Shann McPherson
Publisher: HQDigital
Release Date: February 21, 2020

About the Book:
Where We BelongWhen Alice 'Murph' Murphy's beloved mother died, she promised to keep the family bakery in Graceville, Georgia afloat—even if it meant letting her high-school sweetheart, Nash Harris, go. For years, Murph has been biding her time, waiting for Nash to come back for her.

So when he strolls into Piece O’ Cake, Murph’s heart skips a beat—until he hands her an invitation to his wedding. There are painful secrets in both their pasts that only the two of them share, and Murph can’t bear the thought of Nash belonging to someone else.

There’s only one thing Murph can think of to do: fake a relationship with local bar owner and old friend Harley Shaw to remind Nash of what he’s losing, and win him back for good.

Nash is Murph’s best friend, a vivid reminder of her childhood and all the things she’s lost—but the more time Murph and Harley spend together, the more the lines between real and pretend begin to blur. Can Murph choose between the one who got away and the one who never left - and heal her aching heart?

About the Author
With big dreams of being a published author since she was an eleven-year-old girl writing Beverly Hills 90210 fan fiction before fan fiction was even a thing, Shann McPherson has been writing angsty, contemporary romances for most of her thirty-something years. Living in sunny Queensland, Australia, when she’s not writing Shann enjoys making memories with her husband and cheeky toddler son, drinking wine, and singing completely off-key to One Direction’s entire discography.

Saturday, February 22, 2020

Picture Book Review: The Barefoot King


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The Barefoot King: a story of frustration reads like a folktale. One day a king hurts his foot and reacts rashly. But his decision is terrible for the land and so eventually with some help, he comes to a new conclusion. 

There's a great message here about paying attention to your surrounds, navigating new challenges, accepting change, and learning how to handle bumps in the road. 

* F &G sent for review

Friday, February 21, 2020

Review: From the Desk of Zoe Washington

From the Desk of Zoe Washington
Zoe Washington just turned twelve. On her birthday, she finds a letter from her father. He's in prison for murder. He wants to be part of her life. But she doesn't know him. He claims that he's innocent.

Zoe's determined to find out. She secretly writes him back. She asks him for information about his case; she wants to prove his innocence. But all the secrets and lying adds up.

She needs to tell someone about him. Will the truth come spilling out and ruin the rest of her summer plans - her baking internship, and her audition for a kid baking show.
My Thoughts: I really liked this book. I loved the baking parts and how Zoe made up her own cupcake flavor. I loved her moments in the bakery - how it was boring awesome and sometimes boring. I liked her friendship drama with Trevor and how that worked out. I loved her relationship with her grandmother. I loved her letters with Marcus and how they started to have a relationship. I enjoyed their conversation about music. I like how Zoe wanted to uncover the truth about her father even if it meant keeping secrets. I love how everything turned out. An impressive debut novel that leaves me waiting to see what Janae Marks writes next!

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: My library
Library Recommendation: Grab this one for your school and public libraries. 
Conversation Starter: There aren't too many books about incarcerated parents and this book would make a great book discussion book.

Thursday, February 20, 2020

Review: This LIttle Dreamer

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A fun board book that packs a big punch with an inspiring message that you too can change the world! This book features 10 people who dared to dream about changing the world. These people are diverse in terms of race, gender. and religion. The layout is easy - each person has a two-page spread with an illustration and short reason why they're inspiring. 

A great book to share with older kids. Ask them how they want to change the world

Library Recommendation: Grab this one for your public libraries.
Baby Shower Recommendation: Grab it for a book to read as the child grows.

Wednesday, February 19, 2020

Picture Books for Black History Month

Photo Credit: https://www.equaliteach.co.uk/getting-black-history-month-right/

Here is just a few new books that are perfect to share all year around, but especially during Black History Month.

* Several of these books were given for reviews.



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Ethel Payne started writing new stories in school - and she never stopped. She asked the hard questions of everyone - including Presidents. She broke down barriers in the press room. She wrote stories about struggles and demanded answers. An amazing picture book biography for the school and public library collections about a woman rarely mentioned in the history books.

Counting the Stars: The Story of Katherine Johnson, NASA Mathematician
Another wonderful picture book biography about Katherine Johnson and her inspiring story. Another must have book for both schools and public libraries. 

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Part of an inspiring series how you too can be just like these heroines and feminist role models - with hard work, practice, and dedication. This board book series is perfect for the public library.

Sisters: Venus & Serena Williams
Just one of many new picture books about the Williams sisters.
I loved this one for talking about how they practiced together and competed against each other, but were sisters first - always. I loved how this book talked about how powerful they are, their competitive spirt, and how powerful they are. A fantastic picture book biography for the school and public library collections.

Tuesday, February 18, 2020

Top Ten Tuesday: Book Hangovers

This week's topic is the last few books that left you with a book hangover.


Books Read This Year:

Michigan vs. the Boys by Carrie  S. AllenThe Start of Me and You by Emery LordThe Princess Who Flew with Dragons by Stephanie Burgis

Books Read Last Year:
Tweet CuteOne Day at Disney: Meet the People Who Make the Magic Across the GlobeThe Christmas Keeper (Happily Ever After, #2)Revenge of the Red Club
Maybe He Just Likes You10 Blind DatesWord to the Wise (Library Lover's Mystery, #10)

Monday, February 17, 2020

Imagine Your Story: Teen Summer Reading (2)

The time has come to start planning the summer reading program. So I'm busy looking at Pinterest for fun crafty ideas as possibilities for programs with teens.

Here are last week's ideas.

Here are some more craft ideas:









Saturday, February 15, 2020

Giveaway: More Than Words


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About the Book:
Title: More Than Words
Author: Jill Santopolo
Publisher: G. P. Putnam's Sons

Summary:
Nina Gregory has always been a good daughter, a good girlfriend. Raised by her father, owner of New York City's glamorous Gregory Hotels, after her mother's death, Nina was taught that family, reputation, and legacy are what matter most. And her boyfriend Tim, thoughtful, kind, and honest, not to mention her best friend since childhood, feels the same. But after Nina's father passes away, she learns he may not have practiced what he preached.

As her world falls apart, Nina begins to question everything she thought she knew and to see the men in her life--her father, her boyfriend, and unexpectedly, her handsome and attentive boss, Rafael--in a new light. Soon Nina finds herself caught between the world she knows and loves, and a passion that could upend everything.

More than Words is a heartbreaking and romantic novel about grief, loss, love, and self-discovery, and how we choose which life we are meant to live.



About the Author: Jill Santopolo
photo credit: Charles Grantham
Jill Santopolo is the author of the The Light We Lost, the Alec Flint Mysteries, the Sparkle Spa series, and the Follow Your Heart books. She holds a BA in English Literature from Columbia University, an MFA in Writing for Children from the Vermont College of Fine Arts, and a certificate in Intellectual Property Law from NYU. Jill is also the Editorial Director of Philomel Books, an imprint of Penguin Young Readers Group. When she’s not writing or editing, Jill is a thesis advisor at The New School in their MFA program in Writing for Children and Young Adults and is on the faculty of the Columbia Publishing Course. Jill has traveled all over the U.S.—and to Canada and Europe—to speak about writing and storytelling. She lives in New York City.

Sounds good right?
Enter to win a paperback copy  (US Address Only Please)
* Book gifted by the publisher

Friday, February 14, 2020

Happy Valentine's Day


Happy Valentine's Day!

I hope that you're day is filled with candy, love, laughter, and great books.



Thursday, February 13, 2020

Review: I Only Have Pies For You

I Only Have Pies for You (Wish #7)
Darcy's family bakes amazing pies - except for her. She can't bake a pie to save her life. But she tries. Maybe it has to be with the curse. Her great-grandmother made the best Heartstring Pie - but she hide the family recipes and no one's been able to find it. Anyone that tries ends up with a disaster on their hands.

Darcy's family pie shop is going through a rough patch - just like the town. Businesses are struggling to survive.

But when local celebrity TV host brings her show to town, things start looking up. They spruce up the down, giving it a much needed makeover. More than anything the TV host needs stellar ratings. What could be better than finding a long lost pie recipe?

Soon Darcy's competing with the TV host to find her family recipes. She's determined to find it first so she can save her family pie shop.
My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book - and of course it made my mouth water with all that talk about pies. I loved the baking parts - especially learning more about Darcy's Great-Grandmother. I loved the moments in the bakery - with everyone chatting about life. I liked that Darcy had a temper and it often got the better of her. I loved the horses. I enjoyed the scavenger hunt and how Darcy and her friends tried to uncover the recipe. I liked the her moments with her one time rival then turned friend then turned love interest. A really fun read.


Cover Thoughts: Perfect and adorable
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: Grab this one for your tween collection - for both schools and public libraries.