Graphic Novel Mini Review: Alanna

This is a graphic novel adaptation of a four book saga. 

I loved these books. But clearly I read these before I started blogging here. 

It's been a long time since I read this book, so I was very happy to read the adaptation.

It was just like I remember and the art was really fun.

If you have a chance to read it, I highly recommend it. 

Mini Review: I Can't Even

 

Julia's called home because her mother is dying (again). She leaves her two cats in the hands of her friends and returns home. She hasn't been home in years. she tends to avoid home since she got in a HUGE fight with her mother and she left for New York City. 

Then there is the matter of the stipulations of the will. Julia and her sisters have to live together for the entire summer. And we haven't even talked about the boy next door - Julia's first love.

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book - I loved the sisters and their relationship. I loved the surfing bits. There was so much drama in this book - especially with the horrible cousins. I admired Julia - how resilient she is after all the family secrets come to light. This is a great read for Hallmark watchers; it would make a great movie.

I would be happy reading two more books about the other sisters.

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Source: Purchased

Library Recommendations: Highly recommended for your romance collection

Picture Book Wednesday: Lily's Dream

Lily is a fairy who's having a hard time learning how to fly. She's trying so hard, but nothing is working. She discovers a fairy house and forms a friendship with a human that just might help.

The illustrations in this book are stunning. I loved the friendship building and the trust moments. I especially loved the author's note where she talked about friendship and mutual respect. 

* this book was sent for review

Picture Book Review: Evelyn Witch Gets a Pet

It's Release Day for:

Take a look at the video:

* Book sent for review

Top Ten Tuesday: Re-Reads for the first time

 This week's topic is books we wish we could read again for the first time because they were just that good.

This amazing series

This book was perfect

This intense series

Bridgerton series!

All of Sarah's books

A favorite from my teen years

A classic - read in high school

Emily - I've always loved the Emily books more than the Anne books.

But the Anne movies are chef's kiss (minus the third)

This whole series was hilarious! 

I loved these so much! 

This middle series was everything I needed.

The English version only....

Maybe there's a re-read in my future

Middle Grade Review: Into the Rapids

Addy's excited to attend survival camp, especially to meet new friends for school next year. She doesn't really have any friends in this small town. She and her mother live on the outskirts of town. They're pretty isolated. A storm comes through and wipes out the bridge leaving the village in trouble.  

Addy's worried she won't be able to make it to camp. She keeps running into Caleb. She's not a fan of him after he teased her leaving their classmates to call her nickname. The more they see each other, the more they talk. They begin to understand each other. Could Caleb help Addy get to camp?

My Thoughts: This wasn't the book I thought this was - but I really loved it. I loved the slow friendship build-up between Addy and Caleb. I loved how Addy and her mom slowly became part of the town. I love how the community comes together to help each other after the storm. I did love the survival moments of the book - and the reason that Addy's afraid of water. A really great read.

Cover Thoughts: Fantastic

Why I read this book: I love survival stories (which I thought this was)

Library Recommendations: Highly Recommended for your middle grade collection

* fictional town in Vermont

TBR Check In: 1st half of the year

 

Last week, we shared the books we're most excited to read the second half of the year. 

If you missed it, here's my post.

Which made me wonder, how I've done reading the first half of the year...

Let's take a look:

Read:

The Crash review

Reviews: Onyx Storm

The Dressmakers of London

The Rose Bargain

I can't find this one anywhere, no libraries have it. I might have to break down and purchase it:

Just checked this out and I can't wait to read it:

The other three, I have no progress on. Overall, I feel pretty good about the list.

Review: What Happens in Amsterdam

Dani loses her boyfriend and her job. She decides to take a job in Amsterdam and moves halfway around the world. It doesn't go as planned.

First her apartment is horrid.

Second, her job is worse.

Her apartment floods

The tech company goes bankrupt

She literally runs into someone on her bike.

She discovers she knows him. He broke her heart when she was 17 and he was a foreign exchange student who lived with her family for a year.  Could fate be giving them a second chance?

My Thoughts: This second chance romance turned out to be a marriage of convenience book. I felt so bad for Dani and how she struggled to find her place in Amsterdam. She had some horrible moment, funny but horrible. I like how she reconnected with Wouter. She and Wouter had some very cute moments together. I love how they did touristy things together. I loved Dani's relationship with her sister. I didn't want this book to end. I confess, now I want to visit Amsterdam. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: Highly Recommended for your romance section

Hand this to: arm chair travelers, those who love fish out water stories, and readers of Hallmark movies

Review: When We Go Missing

 

What if you found evidence of a crime, but no one believed you?

Seventeen-year-old Willow always has a camera around her neck. She volunteers as a photographer at Finding Home animal shelter. When Willow stumbles upon a lost camera memory card, it’s filled with hundreds of photos of teenage girls. Some are smiling, others unaware, and a few seem terrified.

The police tell her taking photos in public isn’t a crime. But Willow can’t seem to let it go, especially after she finds her own photo on the card. Willow teams up with new volunteer Dare to figure out what happened to the girls. - Summary from the publisher

My Thoughts: I really loved this book. It's creepy and had me turning the pages. Although I did have to stop when it got too close to bedtime, so I wouldn't have nightmares. I loved the time at the shelter with the animals and watching the behind-the-scenes moments. I felt bad for Dare for what he went through (and I'm still coming to terms with it.) I feel for Willow with her home life situation. This book was so fantastic.

Cover Thoughts: Eye-catching

Source: My Library

Why I read this book: The author

Library Recommendation: Highly recommended for your school and public library

Hand this book to: thriller readers and animal lovers

* There is an animal death, which happens before the story takes place.

Picture Book Wednesday: Cousins

There's nothing better than spending the day with your large family, especially cousins. 

I love how the cousins have such fun together. Even cleaning together is fun. I loved the bit about the pie - I'm not sure I could choose my favorite type of pie either. The day seems magical - loud, full of adventure, and most of all family. Sure, they squabble, but at the end of the day, they are family.

* book sent for review

Top Ten Tuesday: Taylor Swift

 This week's topic is a Freebie - so I'm using it to showcase Taylor Swift books. I love it when my fandoms overlaps.

Read:

Can't wait to read:

 

I love that there are so many Taylor books for readers! 

Middle Grade Monday: Cincinnati Lee, Curse Breaker

Cincinnati Lee's family is cursed.

It all started with her great-great-great Grandfather. He "discovered" lots of artifacts for museums. But the artifacts weren't his to take. Now Cincinnati believes if she could return the items, she could break the family curse. But it's not going to be easy.

When she learns about the Spear of Destiny, she believes she might have found a way. But she's not the only one after the spear. And she'll have to solve the clues to discover its location. Maybe her new friends can help her...

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book. I loved Cincinnati's beliefs - that artifacts should not be stolen. I admired her determination. I loved her two friends - and the struggles they had. There's a great nod to Indiana Jones, which was funny. I enjoyed Cincinnati's relationship with her mother. This book had lots of action and lots of danger and a whole lot of fun. I hope there's a sequel coming to this one. 

Cover Thoughts: Loved it

Why I Read This Book: The cover sold me but also, I loved the premise

Library Recommendation: Highly recommended for your school and public library

Hand this to Reader: who like action and adventure stories - especially those who enjoy the Rick Riordan Presents line