Picture Book Review: Kittybunkport

 

The kitties of the town are afraid of the lighthouse, because it's haunted. But they are even more afraid when the light goes out. Chowder and Crackers are elected to go fix the problem. But they are scared.

This was a cute about cats and dogs in Maine. While this is a funny book, it also has a great message about facing your fears. 

Library Recommendation: Highly recommended for your picture book collection

Review: In Want of a Suspect

 

* A sequel to Pride and Premeditation * 

** This is a direct sequel to the first in the Jane Austen Murder Mystery trilogy **

It is a truth universally acknowledged, that London’s first female solicitor in possession of the details of a deadly crime, must be in want of a suspect.

The tenacious Lizzie Bennet has earned her place at Longbourn, her father’s law firm. Her work keeps her busy, but luckily she often has help from (and steals occasional kisses with) Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy, a stern but secretly soft-hearted solicitor at Pemberley.

Lizzie is hired to investigate a deadly warehouse fire, and to find the mysterious woman who was spotted at the scene moments before the flames took hold. But when the case leads her to the sitting room of a woman Darcy once proposed marriage to, the delicate balance between personal and professional in their relationship is threatened.

Questions of the future are cast aside when the prime suspect is murdered and Lizzie’s own life is threatened. As the body count rises, and their suspicions about what was really going on in the warehouse grow, the pressure is on for Lizzie and Darcy to uncover the truth.

Lizzie and Darcy are back for more suspense, danger, and romance in this first in a duology spinoff of the Jane Austen Murder Mysteries! - Summary from the publisher

My Thoughts: I LOVED this book; I never wanted it to end. I'm so happy there's a sequel coming. I loved the moments between Lizzie and Darcy. I loved seeing the characters from the previous trilogy appear. The investigation was great - lots of twists and turns. I loved learning more about Darcy's past. I felt terrible for him with the dealings with his boss. I loved meeting Henry. I can't wait to see what happens next.

Cover Thoughts: Charming

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: A must have book for your Jane Austen fans!

Middle Grade Review: Bea Mullins Takes a Shot

 

Bea Mullins had trouble with basketball. When gym is canceled, Bea needs to figure out a sports credit. She reluctantly joins the hockey team, secretly hoping they won't have enough girls to make the team. When the team start practicing, Bea isn't great at skating. She's nervous that she will make a fool of herself.

The first game doesn't go well; they're forced to play the best team in the league. Bea skates away from the puck, rather than embarrass herself further. She has a hard time passing the puck. Unfortunately, one of her classmates films their games. They create a video compellation of all their mistakes. Bea is so embarrassed, but the other girls lean into the videos, even creating some of their own. 

Gabi, a team member, starts helping Bea with her hockey skills. The hockey team doesn't have much funding, so they have to fundraise. Bea and her best friend Celia brainstorm ideas to help earn some cash. Could she find herself happy being on the hockey team?

My Thoughts: I loved this book; it was five-star read. I love girls sports books. This book was such a good read with all the drama: sports, friendship, and a little bit of romance. Bea's family were fun and supportive. I loved her Dad, and the hockey moments. I felt bad for Bea and how she struggled sharing her feelings. I understood her lack of enthusiasm for being on camera making a fool out of herself. I loved the romance between Bea and Gabi. This is Emily Deibert's debut novel and it was amazing. I can't wait to see what she writes next! 

Cover Thoughts: Perfect

 Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: A must have book for your school or public library.

BookTok: People to Follow

First Read of 2024:

 

@yabooknerdlibrarian My first read of 2024 - a page turner, a thriller about influencers, and lots of twists. #booktok #thrillers #yabooks #influencer ♬ original sound - Jennifer @YA Book Nerd 📚📚📚

Review: Three Keys

Mia is back and even though her life is better- it's still hard. While the hotel belongs to them now, business is up and then down. Not all the investors are happy. Some might want their money back. Sixth grade isn't like fifth grade. Mia's teacher isn't a kindred spirit; she's a stickler for rules. 

Several of the kids in Mia's class are worried about the immigration law that's proposed. If it passes, it will change everything. The more Mia talks to people, the more she learns about racism and the unfairness of the world. Can she smooth the road for herself, her family, and her friends? She's not sure, but she's going to try.

My Thoughts: I was so happy to spend more time with the characters from The Front Desk. I loved this sequel. It tackled really important issues that worry kids and adults alike. I had a hard time reading it, but at the same time, I couldn't put the book down. Mia is smart, determined, and brave. You can't help but root for her.

Cover Thoughts: Great

Source: My library

Library Recommendation: A must have book for your school and public libraries.