Review: Miranda in Retrograde

 

Miranda is rejected from tenure track and forced to take a year sabbatical. As she's no longer teaching, she also loses her housing. Luckily her aunt (one of her best friends) is heading to Florida and offers Miranda her cottage. Miranda happily accepts and the only catch is that she has to water her aunt's flowers on the rooftop garden.

On the rooftop, Miranda meets Archer, a grumpy artist. At first, they bicker about the roof and spending time on it, but soon enough they become friendly and then friends. 

Miranda goes from a well-known scientist to studying astrology. She has always looked down on astrology but now she's looking at her horoscope to guide her life choices while she takes this year to find herself.

My Thoughts: I loved this book; I find astrology fascinating. Although I confess, I don't know too much about it, but I'm happy to learn more. I loved the banter between Archer and Miranda. I love how Miranda tried out new things when her life upended. I would have liked more of the friendship moments with her best friend. Another winner from Lauren Layne.

Cover Thoughts: Charming

Source: My Library

Why I read this book: I have read several of the author's previous books and loved them.

Library Recommendation: Highly recommended for your public library's romance collection

Perfect for: Readers of Hallmark movies and rom coms. 

Picture Book Review: Halloween Books

Here a few Halloween books that came late to the library last year:

When one little girl's Halloween plans are forced to change, she investigates what everyone else is doing before making her final plans.

I love how Janelle investigated everyone's plans and then created a plan for herself.  It was fun to see everyone's Halloween traditions. I loved how everything turned out. 

It's the time of year when the wall between our world and the spirit world is at it's thinnest. Sam and his friends celebrate Samhain.

It's an interested look at a not-well known (to me) holiday. I liked the end note that talks about Samhain and it's connection to Halloween. There are also some spells at the back of the book. 

Finn, a ghost, is scared to go out on Halloween and then misses his favorite candy. He's so sad that he decides that next Halloween he will join his family. He works hard all year to face his fears. He starts small and works up to bigger moments. Will he be able to go out?

This was a great book about all the scary things in the world and about facing your fears. There are setbacks and hard moments. But everyone has those. This book can be great for discussion about fears and how to work with them.

It's almost Halloween and there's so much to do to get ready for the big day!

What are your favorite Halloween traditions? This book covers them all with bright illustrations that readers will want to pour over. 

 

This board book will get readers ready for Halloween.

This super cute book has soft charming illustrations and a fun cast of characters.

As nature starts to change and fall arrives, it's time to start prepping for Halloween. There's so much to do!

This was a charming Halloween story about all the built-up excitement about waiting for the day to arrive. The art is unique and fun to pour over. 

** this book is much older, but it's new to me.