Review: Postscript

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.

Review: 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.

Upcoming Review: 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

Picture Book Review: The Presidents

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

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

For all the romance book recommendations

Kels 

for the book chatter but also the cupcake pictures

Torte Bakery

for the mouthwatering treats

Michigan from:

She'd be really inspiring about females in sports

Pepper AND Jack

for their banter but also their food creations

Happily Ever After Bookstore

for their romance book recommendations and cute kitten pictures.

Lindsey 

to see what's happening in library land

John

to read about his and Shelby's cases

The Royals

for a glimpse into a very different world

Would you follow any of these characters?

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...

Fairy Dust Necklace

Dragon Eye Necklace:

Mini Book Necklace

Fairy Crown

Faerie Necklace:

Blog Tour: Where We Belong

Book Title: Where We Belong

Author: Shann McPherson

Publisher: HQDigital

Release Date: February 21, 2020

About the Book:

When 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: Shann McPherson

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.

Picture Book Review: The Barefoot King

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

Review: 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.

Review: This LIttle Dreamer

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.

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.

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.

Another wonderful picture book biography about Katherine Johnson and her inspiring story. Another must have book for both schools and public libraries. 

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.

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.

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:

Books Read Last Year:

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:

Mermaid Tail:

Flower Fairy Fashions:

Mermaid Bath Fizzie:

Unicorn Perler Art:

Mermaid Rocks

Crystal Ball: