Review: By the Book

 

Isabelle's publishing career is not going as she expected. She's stuck in a rut with a boss who isn't interested in helping her out of her rut. When Isabelle overhears her boss complain about a client who hasn't turned in his manuscript, she offers to take matters into her own hands.

What Isabelle sees as a quick trip for a pep talk turns into a very different story. Instead, she's stuck in the house with a former child actor who hasn't written any pages of his memoir. Worse - he's grumpy and rude. But Isabelle's not about to give up; she's determined to make her dreams come true.

My Thoughts: An adult Disney book! I've been waiting for this series* my whole life! This Beauty and the Beast retelling was amazing. First, it's written by one of my favorite romance authors. Second, I love all the nods to the fairy tale. It's simply enchanting. I loved the moments about publishing, Isabelle's pep talks, and the chats about writing. And of course, I loved that library! I want to spend some time writing there. I loved the snack cupboard and all the food descriptions. 

Cover Thoughts: Adorable

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: A must have book for your romance collection

* It's not technically a series with overlapping characters but an adult series of fairy tale retellings.

Mini Reviews

 There are a bunch of books I've read recently that I haven't had the time to review, so I'll do several mini reviews for them. Enjoy!

Somehow I missed this when it first came out. I love this series. And I started it on my birthday because Mary Higgins Clark and I had the same birthday. Which we talked about when I had the good fortune to meet her. 

Twisty book with short chapters that I did not want to put down. 

Mary has to start a new school. She overhears girls talking about a boy - a boy who's known for playing the field. Mary steps in to "save" this girl from heartache and ends up with new friends. She shares all that she learns about the world - from books. But...things don't work out the way she planned.

An enjoyable read about friendship, books, and first love.

Celebrate the rarely named diverse women who helped win the vote for women.

Pepper and her father travel to their great Aunt's house for the summer. Pepper overhears something strange and becomes certain her great aunt was murdered for her fortune and her aunt knows something she's not saying. She sets out to prove it.

A fun children's book with spying, danger, and a fun friendship.

Read also the Amelia Six and the Wig in the Window.

Swimming is the only thing Annabelle's good at - and she's thrilled when the high school team asks her to be on their summer squad. All of a sudden people are noticing her - including a very cute boy she's had her eye on for years. But high schoolers are different than middle schoolers. The summer does not turn out the way she imagined.

A great middle grade summer novel about making mistakes, finding your true self, growing up, friendship, and swimming.