Review: Flatshare

Tiffy needs to leave her ex-boyfriend's flat immediately. But she doesn't have a lot of options. She loves her job in publishing, but it pays next to nothing. So when she spies an add for sharing a flat, it seems like it might be the best she can afford.

She'd be sharing a flat with Leon, who works the night shifts at a local hospice care center. He would take the flat during the day and she would have the flat nights and weekends.

When Leon's running late, he sends his girlfriend to meet Tiffy. In fact, it's several months before Tiffy and Leon ever meet in person. And that's only after they've been communicating through notes for months.

My Thoughts: My boss told me to pic this book up ages ago because it was really good. And she was right. I really enjoyed it. I loved reading the notes between Leon and Tiffy. I enjoyed the moments between them after they finally met. I felt terrible for Tiffy as she discovered the horrors of her ex-boyfriends and the lengths he would go to keep her around. I really liked Richie. There were so many reasons to like this book, I'm so glad I read it. I'm looking forward to the author's next book.

Cover Thoughts: I'll admit that I've put off reading this book because of the cover. But I really enjoyed the book.

I like this cover SO much better!

Library Recommendation: A great book for your romance collection.

Picture Book Wednesday: Paper Kingdom

Daniel's parents work as janitors at night. Usually they leave him with a babysitter or friends. But one night, there's no one to watch him. Daniel's forced to go into the office with his parents. He's so sleepy and he doesn't understand why people are so messy. His parents try to make the night fun, by creating a paper kingdom ruled by dragons and kings.

This is a sweet story about hard working parents and one family trying to get by. I loved how the parents created a fantasy world for their young son. I love how they advised him to be considerate, kind, and nice when he becomes king. It shows they are working hard for him. I loved the sweet author's note about the inspiration behind this story. 

Top Ten Tuesday: Books I wish I read as a Child

This week's topic is books I wish I read as a child. I grew up in the 80s. Some of these books have been made into a movie, so I know the story. But I've never read the books.

Have you read any of these? Which one should I read first?

Review: Flashback

* Book 7 in the Keeper of the Lost Cities series *

Sophie gets herself into trouble - which lands her and Fitz in the hospital for weeks. Sophie's fed up always playing Defense and always being several steps behind the Neverseen. She wants to train a soon as she's able to. She wants to go on the offensive and earn a victory...or two.

My Thoughts: I fell behind in this series, but I'm determined to catch up before November. I loved Sophie's determination to start thinking outside the box and not to always be on the defensive. Of course, I loved the moments of friendship and catching up with favorite characters. I love how everyone is coming together to fight the common enemy. I really enjoyed Ro and Keefe's banter. Can't wait to see what happens next.

Cover Thoughts: Love the throwing star
Source: Purchased at a book event (Signed)
Library Recommendation: This book series is a must have for school and public libraries.

Happy Poetry Month: Novels in Verse

 I quite enjoy reading novels in verse. I wrote up a column for VOYA about novels in verse in 2016. But I confess I haven't read many novels in verse lately. And I'm not sure why.

I did just finish this one:

Here's one of the poems, that I enjoyed:

Last Year I read:

I wrote up this blog post with some early favorite novels in verse (this was my version of Top Ten Tuesday before that was a thing)

Any novels in verse that you would recommend me?

On a personal note:

But first attempt at writing a book was a novel in verse. It's up on Swoon Reads if you're interested. It's about a girl during her first year of college. 

I like to dabble in poetry now and then. I haven't written much lately, but here are few older poems that I added to the blog.

Happy National Library Week

It's National Library Week - or as I like to call it a week.

I know things are vastly different this year in our celebrations.

But did you know that many libraries are offering digital cards if you didn't have a card?

You can use your library card to gain access to ebooks, movies, magazines, and so much more.

Many of us are also doing virtual programming. They're sharing information about the virus and activities for families to do together online. 

My library started a youtube channel where the staff has been creating videos. We've had pet week and now library week. Next week is farm week. Who knows what kind of videos we'll shoot next!

It's a different world out there, but libraries and librarians and library staff are doing their best to still connect with their patrons and still provide the services we can while keeping everyone safe!

So when America opens again and it's save, give some support to your libraries. Go in and check out a few books.

Until then, enjoy the videos.

Review: Queen's Assassin

* First in a new duology*

Shadow has been training all her life with her aunts. But now she's told that she can not join the Guild. They said it's too dangerous for her; she's determined to prove them wrong.

Caledon, the Queen's Assassin, killed a man to save a girl in the woods. He's sent to prison, with a task to lay low until the Queen sends someone to break him out.

Shadow believes if she can convince Caledon to take her as an apprentice, then her family won't be able to stop her. She runs off to the prison and breaks him out. She bluffs her way into his life, desperate for a chance. Together, they attempt to uncover an enemy in a foreign court.

My Thoughts: I really liked this book. I enjoyed how Shadow ran off and created a new life for herself. I loved her determination. I enjoyed the banter between Shadow and Cal. I enjoyed the dual perspectives. I liked how they found themselves create a web of lies for their mission.  I was not expecting the final twist at the end - and I'm so curious as to see what happens next?

Cover Thoughts: Awesome
Source: Book sent for review
Library Recommendation: Grab this one for your teen collection - it's perfect for this year's summer reading theme.

On Your Radar: The Diva Spices it Up (41)

Title: The Diva Spices it Up

Author: Krista Davis

Publisher: Kensington

Release Date: April 28, 2020

Why It Should Be On Your Radar

* Fall Book

* Pumpkin and Apple Foods

* Mouth watering food shared

* Recipes

* Book Characters are like Old Friends

*Ghostwriting a Cookbook

* Mars is in trouble

* Fantastic Series

* Importance of Friendship

* Importance of Families

* Spies 

* Dead drops

* Good Neighbors

Another great addition to this charming series.

I love the cover!

** ARC sent for review

Picture Book Wednesday: Yoga Books

I've been reading some YOGA picture books as I purchase them for the library.

Here are a few I enjoyed - each book has the same amazing illustrator. 

Hello Sun:

This is a story about waking up and say good morning to the sun. The yoga poses are included in the story, but there's also a two page spread of the poses at the end of the book. I loved the bright colors and the gorgeous illustrations.

Good Morning Yoga:

Another waking up story, but this one includes instructions into the story pages. The fantastic artwork makes it easy to understand the flow of the yoga poses. Again there is a two page spread just for the poses.

Good Night Yoga:

This is a bedtime story - this one also includes instructions in the story pages. This book talks about yoga to calm your mind right before bedtime - and also includes a spread of just poses. More amazing illustrations in this book.

Top Ten Tuesday: Book Titles

This week's topic is book titles that would make great band names. This was a fun list to create. Hope you like it!

Band Names from Book Titles:

Donut Dreams

Break the Fall

Postscript

Simmer Down

Majesty

Heart and Seoul

More than Just a Pretty Face

Lions of 5th Avenue

Sweet Mess

Not Like the Movies

Review: Every Reason We Shouldn't

At 16, Olivia is washed up figure skater. She and her partner took the junior level by storm, but couldn't make it at the senior level. After a humiliating showing, they hung up their skates. Egg went off to college and Olivia became a normal teenager.

But she's never been normal. When a young speed skater with Olympic dreams starts training at her parents' gym, Olivia begins to think she might want to start skating again. But does she have what it takes?

My Thoughts: I was so happy to see this is the start of a series because I didn't want this book to end! I loved Olivia, Jonah, and their school friends. I loved Mac. I enjoyed the sporty moments - and the talent and drive of both Olivia and Jonah. I love how Mac pushed Olivia out of her comfort zone. I wasn't a huge fan of any parents in the book, but I loved how the friends pulled together to form a family. I enjoyed how Olivia and Jonah's school friends didn't understand their dedication to skating or how they viewed high school life. Of course I enjoyed the romance. I can't wait to read more about these two amazing athletes. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: My library
Library Recommendation: A great sports book for your school and public library collections.

If You Like:

In My Shop: Baby Shower Gifts

Spring in Baby Shower time!

While we practicing social distancing, you can still send along a fun gift.

Here are some items in my shop you might like to gift:

Baby Blanket:

Baby Shower Cards:

I have several but this one might be my favorite

Charm Bracelet for new mother:

Also board books make great gifts. I wrote up a post several years back about the kind of books I like to gift (and to make sure the parents don't have five copies of the same book). Or check out other board books I've talked about on the blog.

Review: Donut Dreams

* First Book in a new series *

Lindsay's world is rapidly changing. She's about to start middle school. She's learning to live without her mother, who died two years ago. She's starting to work at her family's donut shop. Lindsay's learning to create a balance in her life. She might be just like a donut, with a hole in her middle, but her friends and family are doing to do their best to help fill it.

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book. I liked learning about Lindsay's big family - and getting to know everyone who worked in the family business. With such a big family, I can't wait to read more about them in the next few books. I loved reading about the donuts, they made my mouth water. I enjoyed the tight bonds of friendship and family. This was a fun start to a new series.

Cover Thoughts: Cute - and it makes my mouth water
Source: ARC sent for review
Library Recommendations: Grab this book for your school and public libraries, especially where the Cupcake Diaries and the Sprinkle Sundays series are popular.

On Your Radar: Saltwater Secrets (40)

Title: Saltwater Secrets

Author: Cindy Callaghan

Publisher: Aladdin

Publication Date: April 28, 2020

Why It Should Be On Your Radar:

* Fun Tagline (A story of two sisters, one summer vacation, and one big mystery for them to solve.)

* Half-Sisters

* Beach Town

* Smoothies

* Boardwalk

* Romance

*Growing Up - and things changing

* Summer Fun

* Environmental Issues

*Dual Persepctives

* Dual Timelines

*  That Cover!

* Police 

A totally fun middle grade for your school or public library collection

* ARC sent for review

Picture Book Wednesday: Agent Lion

There's a missing cat! Agent Lion is called to the house to solve the cat. But things don't go as the owners wish. They're not sure that Agent Lion really is the best detective for the case. The questions he asks are SO strange! Plus he's always hungry, even though he just ate. Can Agent Lion find Fluffy and save the day?

I really liked this funny charming picture book. I loved the illustrations. I love how this introduces young readers to the mystery genre. I know this is a book that I will be handing out to a bunch of littles. 

Top Ten Tuesday: Sexual Assault Awareness Month

This week, I'm changing the topic up a little bit. As you know, April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. While I love reading these books, I hate reading these books. Yes they are empowering. But they are also heartbreaking. But they are so important for teens to know they are not alone. And it's not their fault.

Check out the website: National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC)

for more resources! 

Some Books I've read:

Still to Read:

I made a brochure for teens about reading recommendations. It includes books about sexual violence and assault, but it also includes romance books because I think it's great for teens to see positive relationships. There's also a playlist of songs about women - mostly about surviving but also about friendship. 

I have copies in my library - but if you'd like me to email you a PDF, leave a comment.