Middle Grade Review: On Thin Ice

 

The twins are having a rough time of it - Dexter is cut from the hockey team and Phoebe's ice-skating partner is injured. Dexter's pranks have gotten him in trouble one too many times with the coach. Phoebe's hoping to medal at an upcoming competition.

Their mom makes a deal with Dex: he will become Phoebe's new skating partner and in return, she will buy him the new hockey skates that he desires. Dexter isn't thrilled with the idea, but he agrees. Plus, figure skating might help his footwork when he gets back on the hockey team. Can they skate together without killing each other?

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book. I loved the sports moments. This book snuck in so many other moments: grief, friendship, romance, and family drama. The twins' father died recently and they're still processing their grief. They're also learning how to talk with their mother and ask for help. All of them are bottling up their emotions, but they do learn to let them out. There were a lot of growing moments here. I liked the dual POV between the siblings. The ending works well. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: Highly recommended for your school and public library.

Mood Board: Brewing with Love

 Earlier this month, I participated in a blog tour for BREWED WITH LOVE.

I didn't have a chance to finish the book before posting, but I was already hooked.

Now that I've finished, I decided to make a mood board for it.

It was a five-star read.

It was part a love story and part investigation

With a little magic and some paranormal elements. 

It was a cozy read that reminded me a Hallmark movie, even though its YA

So looking forward to the author's next book! 

Holiday Romance: The Ex-Mas Holidays

Maya lost her job, her boyfriend, and her place to live. She's headed back home for the holidays. She's not broken up about losing any of those things - she had drifted apart with her boyfriend. She hates her job as an accountant and she realizes that she loves her hometown. Now she's struggling to figure out what to do; she doesn't want to go back to accounting but her dad is pressuring her greatly. 

Maya returns to an old job as a ski instructor - filling the gap someone vacated. However, it means seeing her ex. The ex that broke her heart when she was younger. Now she's spending more time with him - part of it is wonderful and part of it is tense. They're becoming friends, but they have a lot to work through. 

Plus, Sam has a girlfriend - the same girlfriend he dumped Maya for. Cat isn't interested in being friends with Maya again and she doesn't want Sam talking with her either. Could their break-up have been a mistake?

My Thoughts: I really liked this book - it's perfect for Hallmark movie watchers. There's lots of family and relationship drama. I loved watching Sam and Maya become friends again. Lots of small town charm in this second chance romance (plus my best friend's brother) book. 

Cover Thoughts: Very cute

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: Highly recommended for your public library 

 

Review: The Matchbreaker Summer

 

Camp Seabrook has been in the family for years and Paisley can't imagine a summer without it. This year, she and her friends are finally counselors. But Paisley knows a secret, this summer is the last summer the camp will be in her family. 

Her mom is selling the camp and they are moving. Ever since her father died, it's been a struggle to keep the camp open. Paisley's mom's boyfriend is moving back home to care for his mother. Paisley and her mom are going with him. 

But that's not what Paisley wants. She shares her thoughts with Hayden. Paisley doesn't like Hayden and the feeling is mutual. But he's there when she needs to spill her secrets. Telling him doesn't mean anything because he's not in her life. 

Until he gets pulled into be a counselor at the camp this summer too. And he has an idea that could change everything. What if Paisley broke her mom and Dave up? That would fix everything...

My Thoughts: This was a cute story - but it did have some characters making terrible choices. My heart hurt for Paisley and her troubles. I felt badly that she was fighting with her mom and her best friend. But I did really enjoyed her interactions with Hayden. I liked the camping and the activities, seems like a fun place to be in the summer. And I did like the ending. I read this on the plane and didn't want to put it down. 

Cover Thoughts: Adorable

Source: My library

Library Recommendation: Highly recommended for your school and public library collections. This is a super cute one for the summer. 

Also Annie Rains writes adult romances, which are also quite good. 

Like books about Camp? check out my Book List from last year.

Review: Generation Friends

Full confession: I didn't grow up watching Friends, although I'm the right age for it.

And I have LOTS of feelings about the show. There are so many great moments.

I don't normally read adult nonfiction, but this book was really interesting and entertaining. 

I loved learning bits about the show, the production of the show, and cast moments.

Honestly, I didn't want this book to end.

Things that stood out to me:

Ross was the first breakout character on the show. 

He's the worst character in my opinion and one who doesn't grow at all during the series.

How the studio won Rachel Green and caused her other show to die a slow death.

I hate the ending of the show. And loved Joey and Rachel together.

I hate that Rachel gave up her dream job in PARIS for Ross.

I'm glad I'm not the only one. 

But I do understand that's what the show was about for so many seasons and the pressure to finally give them a HEA - although I like to think it was a HFN and Rachel found her way to Paris after all. 

It's interesting to hear how problematic the show is now but at the time broke molds

Why a season took place in London 

How Monica and Chandler came to be something more than just a joke around a writing table.

And there were things I missed about the show. Like where was Ben during Ross's wedding to Emily.

All in all, this is a fascinating book that fans of the show will enjoy.

Library Recommendation: A must have for your public library.

Picture Book Review: She Persisted

13 American women who didn't give up and who conquered their dreams by not listening to the naysayers. 

A very sweet and inspiring story with amazing art work. I loved reading about this diverse group women and how they made their dreams come true. An important book in our world and one that should be in all libraries! 

And I wouldn't mind a few sequels.

Blog Tour: Dragons Love Tacos 2

 ABOUT THE BOOK: 

Our dragons' favorite snack is in danger of going extinct in this laugh-out-loud, time-traveling sequel to the New York Times bestseller Dragons Love Tacos.

Listen, don't freak out, but I have some terrible news: There are no tacos left anywhere in the entire world! That's a huge problem because, as you know, dragons love tacos. We've got to do something! I know, let's fire up that time machine in the garage and go back in time, to before tacos went extinct. Then we can grab lots of tacos and bring them back with us. Just be sure you don't grab any tacos with spicy salsa. You remember what happened last time…

Check Out the Book Trailer:

https://www.facebook.com/penguinkidsbooks/videos/1657796170916443/

Where would you go if you could travel back in time? 
If I had to search for tacos, I would go back to Ancient Rome  

Dragons could use shields to save their tacos from being eaten by anyone else. Or they could pile their tacos high on the shields like a plate to bring them back to current times to plant taco trees.

Shield Facts: 
1. Were designed to protect against swords and spears
2. Shields were curved to protect your body better
3. You could knock someone over with your shield
4. You could kneel and use your shield for cover while fighting
5. You could use the shields together to build a wall so your enemy couldn't get through.


Make your Own Shield:

Instructions 

ADAM RUBIN BIO:

Adam Rubin is the New York Times best-selling author of a half dozen critically-acclaimed picture books including Secret Pizza Party and Robo-Sauce. He spent ten years working as a creative director in the advertising industry before leaving his day job to write full time. Adam has a keen interest in improv comedy, camping and magic tricks.

DANIEL SALMIERI BIO:

Daniel Salmieri has illustrated many fantastic picture books, including the New York Times bestseller Robo-Sauce. He grew up in Brooklyn, New York, constantly drawing and painting images of ninja turtles, dinosaurs, and fighter jets (not in the same scene...), and graduated from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. He lives in Brooklyn, New York.

GIVEAWAY LEGAL COPY:

Enter for a chance to be one (1) grand prize winner and receive a set of Dragons Love Tacos and Dragons Love Tacos 2 (ARV: $17.99 each), or to be one (1) of five (5) second place winners to receive Dragons Love Tacos 2 (ARC: $17.99 each).

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Enter between 12:00 AM Eastern Time on May 1, 2017 and 12:00 AM on May 29, 2017.  Open to residents of the fifty United States and the District of Columbia who are 13 and older. Winners will be selected at random on or about June 2, 2017. Odds of winning depend on number of eligible entries received. Void where prohibited or restricted by law.

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Review: My Not So Perfect Life

Katie's dream has been to always live in London. Only once she's arrived, it's not exactly how she pictured it. Her commute is way too long. Her flat is tiny and her flatmates are terrible. She has no money and no friends. But more importantly, her job is a nightmare.

Her boss, while impressive, isn't the best person to work for. She actually forgets that she didn't fire Katie.

Katie's forced to let go of her London dream and return home to her family farm. She lies to her Dad and Stepmother, saying she's taking a sabbatical from work to help them get their business off the ground.

When her former boss comes for a holiday at the farm, this could be Katie's moment to get revenge or get back her dream of living in London.

My Thoughts: It took me a bit to get into this book, but once I did, I really liked it. I wasn't crazy about Demeter at first, but I have to admit she grew on me. I really liked Katie when she wasn't trying to be Cat (a sophisticated London girl) but rather herself. I liked how her confidence grew as she was home on the farm helping out her family. She had great ideas, especially marketing ones. I loved her family - they were sweet and funny. I did like how Katie tried for revenge on her former boss and how she used ploys to manipulate her former boss - but also how that failed. I wasn't expecting that ending, but I loved it. I loved the message that what's on social media is a representation (often misleading) of someone's life and I love how the changed. 

Cover Thoughts: Charming
Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: Great for public libraries - perfect for their New Adult sections. 

Blog Tour: Dragons Love Tacos

I really adored this book, so I'm happy to be a stop on this blog tour. 

Here's some info about the book. 

Stay tuned for the Missing Tacos 

Add your name to the giveaway 

Check out book 2 

ABOUT THE BOOK:
Dragons love tacos. They love chicken tacos, beef tacos, great big tacos, and teeny tiny tacos. So if you want to lure a bunch of dragons to your party, you should definitely serve tacos. Buckets and buckets of tacos. Unfortunately, where there are tacos, there is also salsa. And if a dragon accidentally eats spicy salsa . . . oh, boy. You're in red-hot trouble.

ADAM RUBIN BIO:

Adam Rubin is the New York Times best-selling author of a half dozen critically-acclaimed picture books including Secret Pizza Party and Robo-Sauce. He spent ten years working as a creative director in the advertising industry before leaving his day job to write full time. Adam has a keen interest in improv comedy, camping and magic tricks.

DANIEL SALMIERI BIO:
Daniel Salmieri has illustrated many fantastic picture books, including the New York Times bestseller Robo-Sauce. He grew up in Brooklyn, New York, constantly drawing and painting images of ninja turtles, dinosaurs, and fighter jets (not in the same scene...), and graduated from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. He lives in Brooklyn, New York. 

The Tacos are Missing!

What if the dragons came to party and the tacos were missing?

They might be angry. But don't worry, reassure them that you'll find them. 

You just need to search together.

Where would you look first?

Probably the kitchen right?

The tacos aren't there, but you do find pieces of lettuce. You're on the right track, but you'd have to search the rest of the house.

What about the library?

Nope. Don't worry about those three dragons, you can get them down when you find the tacos.

Are they in the bedroom?

I can't see any, but that bed sure looks fun. 

Maybe they're out by the pool.

Nope. But you do find a taco float. 

What about the dining room?

Nope, just an empty table with a smudge of red.

One lick tells you that it's a spot of salsa. Few, it's not spicy. That's great because dragons can't handle anything spicy. 

What about the living room?

Nothing, except a stack of empty plates. 

Oh no. Where will you look next?

Your eyes glance around the room. There's a small door in between the windows. On closer inspection, you notice there's a green smudge on the door handle. It's a clue! 

You turn the handle. You go down the stairs. And that's when you see it! A pantload of tacos stacked on the tables. Oh, the tacos are safe. You better grab the plates. 

Now this party can get started:

GIVEAWAY:

Enter for a chance to win one (1) of five (5) Dragons Love Tacos Book and Toy Sets (ARV: $17.99 each).

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Enter between 12:00 AM Eastern Time on April 3, 2017 and 12:00 AM on May 1, 2017.  Open to residents of the fifty United States and the District of Columbia who are 13 and older. Winners will be selected at random on or about May 5, 2017. Odds of winning depend on number of eligible entries received. Void where prohibited or restricted by law.

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BOOK 2 IS COMING SOON: You don't want to miss it!

Picture Book Review: A Season To Bee

The editor of Buzz Magazine hosts a fashion show to showcase the new colors for the Spring season.  All the bugs want to know what colors to wear. Miss V. McQueen shares lots of looks but confides that the more important thing of all to be is...yourself!

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book - I loved the unique way it introduced colors. I love the bug aspect. Most of all, I loved the book's message. I love how the colors splashed all over the pages during the fashion show. Just a really fun book.

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Source: Book sent for Review

Library Recommendations; Recommended! A fun fashion book that displays vibrant colors - perfect for concept collections. 

Finding Audrey Summer Reading Blog Tour Giveaway

NOW IN PAPERBACK!

FINDING AUDREY

INTERNATIONALLY BESTSELLING AUTHOR SOPHIE KINSELLA’S

DEBUT YA NOVEL

Praise for FINDING AUDREY

A New York Times Bestseller

“The Shopaholic scribe accurately weaves teenage insecurities with humor

in her heartwarming YA debut.”—US Weekly

“Your kids will love it.” —Redbook

Now available in paperback is the New York Times bestselling debut YA novel FINDING AUDREY (Ember / on sale May 3, 2016 /$9.99) from internationally bestselling author Sophie Kinsella. Kinsella, the author of such favorites as the Shopaholic series, Can You Keep a Secret?, Wedding Night, and Remember Me?, introduced readers to 14-year-old Audrey Turner, a teen in the throes of a severe social anxiety disorder after a bullying incident at school, and following her journey to rediscovering herself and her happiness. Receiving much critical acclaim from reviewers and fans, the book was hailed as “heartfelt,” “engaging,” and “relatable.” The paperback retails for $9.99 and is sure to garner a wider group of fans with this new, accessible edition.

Audrey spends most of her days hiding behind her dark sunglasses and in the safety of her own home, surrounded by her lovable but chaotic family. Interaction with non–family members has been almost impossible to master since the incident at school. But then one day Linus arrives at her house. A friend of her brother’s, Linus makes an instant connection with Audrey and starts to chip away at her exterior, exposing the girl underneath—the girl Audrey herself has been searching for. What results is a tender love story that begins as a friendship and continues in the local Starbucks, where Audrey begins to heal the wounds that have threatened to hold her captive.

Filled with poignancy and laugh-out-loud moments, FINDING AUDREY gives readers a character they can relate to and a family to embrace. Kinsella’s story tackles serious topics with humor and heart and creates the next YA couple to root for in Audrey and Linus.

I'm a huge Sophie Kinsella fan, so I was SO happy to learn about her venture in to YA books. You can read my review and what I loved about this book here.  

But I'll leave you with my final thoughts: Sophie Kinsella knocks it out of the park with her YA debut, I can't wait to see what she comes up with next. 

Sophie Kinsella is the author of the bestselling Shopaholic series and the novels Can You Keep a Secret?, The Undomestic Goddess, Remember Me?, Twenties Girl, I’ve Got Your Number, and Wedding Night. Confessions of a Shopaholic was turned into a Hollywood movie. She lives in England.

Reviewers praise Finding Audrey

A Publishers Weekly Summer 2015 Best YA Book

One of USA Today’s “25 Hottest Books of Summer”

One of Los Angeles Times’s “30 Summer Books That Kids Will Gobble Up”
One of Seventeen’s “New Books We ©”

A Kirkus Reviews 2015 Best Teen Book

Check out other spots:

 June 26: My So-Called Book Reviews

June 27: The Compulsive Reader

June 29: Musings of a Book Nerd

June 30: A Dream Within A Dream

July 1: Live to Read

July 2: Dana Square 

WIN A Copy!
One lucky winner will win a paperback copy of the book 

(US only please)

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Tween Tuesday Review: Mr. Lemoncello's Library Olypmics

 * Sequel to Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library * 

Kids around the US are annoyed that they didn't have the chance to complete in the library games. They would love a shot at beating team Kyle and proving their library knowledge.

So, Mr. Lemoncello complies, creating the first ever library Olympics. Everyone's excited about the new opportunity, except for Kyle.

He's worried that the first time through the games might have been a fluke. His nerves again new heights when he hears about all the talents kids gunning for the spotlight. Can he and his team reclaim their title as champions?

My Thoughts: I really liked this sequel. I loved the library games. I loved the readers being readers. I loved how a few competitors talked in Dewey. I found Charles entertaining. I liked the highlighting of censorship and that libraries are a fun place to be, instead of a silent cold building with only appropriate books to read. 

Cover Thoughts: Cool
Source: Book sent for Review
Fun Fact: I got to meet the author and there's a 3rd book coming!

Review: Trouble with Destiny

Liza needs this trip to go well; the legacy of the band depends upon it. As their drum major, she decides not to tell their band that the future funding for them might be cut. Instead, she locates a potential way to earn the money - a talent show contest on a cruise ship.

Could there be a better way to spend their Spring vacation?

But from the start, nothing goes according to plan. First off, Liza realizes that her band will have to compete with her ex-BFFs singing group. Then there's the fact that she's stuck babysitting the football jock who got himself sent on this trip as punishment. Plus, Liza reunites with her former camp crush during the trip.

The more Liza's plans keep failing, the more tense she gets. Can she let anyone help her or will she single handily destroy the one thing she's desperately trying to save?

My Thoughts: I really liked this book. I really like Liza, although I felt bad that she took so much upon herself and refused to share the burden. 

I liked the pranks between Liza's band and Demi's singers. 

I liked the interactions between Demi and Liza - especially their views on their friendship dissolved. 

I loved mischievous fun loving Huck - his antics made me laugh. And he's such a great friend. 

I loved Sofia and her advice to Liza

I loved how everything went wrong and how the romance took Liza by surprise.

Cover Thoughts: Fantastic
Source: Book sent for review

Final Thoughts: A fantastic book on how nothing goes the way you planned, but everything has a way of working out.

Mini Review: I Love My Hair

A coloring book dedicated to hair.

This is the first coloring book for teens/adults that I've taken an in depth look at and it was really fun!

The Good:

Lots of fun styles 

Lots of words and accessories to color

I love the historical hair designs

The Bad:

Nitpicking: It's so pretty as is, I'm not sure I'd want to ruin it with my coloring skills 

Source: Sent for Review

Some of my Favorite Spreads:

Diana Ross

I love the crown of hair

Reminds me of Rapunzel

Reminds me of Anne of Green Gables

The Librarian 

A fancy ball style

Marie Antoinette 

Final Thoughts: A fantastic beautiful book on hair styles - perfect for taking a time out from your busy life

Mini Review: The Scam

 * Book 4 in the Fox and O'Hare series *

The Con: Take down Evan Chase for money laundering through his casinos.

The Plan: Reel him in as a partner and then flip the switch, double crossing the bad guys to get Evan Turner to turn towards Kate and Nick for help.

The Wrinkles: Evan Turner gets interested in Kate - too interested. And the entire plan goes South FAST

My Thoughts: I adore this series. It's like watching an episode of White Collar or Leverage - lots action and danger. Plus the sexual tension is classic Evanovich. I liked how Kate's father took care of things for his friend in times of trouble. 

This adventure was Hawaii Five-O crossed with Ocean's Eleven and White Collar. And it was perfect. 

Final Thoughts: It's the perfect escapism read. I'm hooked on these books. 

Spotlight on Voyagers

Do you know about the VOYAGERS book series?

Book 1: Project Alpha just came out and it's perfect for middle grader readers.

Earth is about to go dark. Without a new power source, life as we know it will be toast. A global competition is under way to determine who will join the secret mission that might just save us all. Project Alpha is a contest of physical challenges, mental puzzles, and political alliances. The battle is fierce, and only four kids will make the cut. The Voyagers will journey to the far reaches of space, collecting unique elements and facing unbelievable dangers. The future of our planet is in the hands of four kids. Sure, they’ll be the best in the world . . . but can they save the world?

In VOYAGERS: PROJECT ALPHA—the first in a six-book series with each title penned by a different blockbuster author—we are introduced to a world in danger. Without a renewable source of clean energy, the earth will be toast in less than a year. Only a spaceship piloted by children can reach the essential elements that are scattered throughout the galaxy. Equipped with a full online companion experience, the fun extends well beyond the page. 

Do you have what it takes to be a Voyager? Check out the cool website that goes along with the books to find out. Plus play the games, crack the codes, and learn more about this series 

And if you're a teacher or librarian, you're in luck. There's an Educator's Guide.

Chasing Secrets Blog Tour

About the Book:

Newbery Honor–winning author Gennifer Choldenko deftly combines humor, tragedy, fascinating historical detail, and a medical mystery in this exuberant new novel.

San Francisco, 1900. The Gilded Age. A fantastic time to be alive for lots of people . . . but not thirteen-year-old Lizzie Kennedy, stuck at Miss Barstow’s snobby school for girls. Lizzie’s secret passion is science, an unsuitable subject for finishing-school girls. Lizzie lives to go on house calls with her physician father. On those visits to his patients, she discovers a hidden dark side of the city—a side that’s full of secrets, rats, and rumors of the plague.

The newspapers, her powerful uncle, and her beloved papa all deny that the plague has reached San Francisco. So why is the heart of the city under quarantine? Why are angry mobs trying to burn Chinatown to the ground? Why is Noah, the Chinese cook’s son, suddenly making Lizzie question everything she has known to be true? Ignoring the rules of race and class, Lizzie and Noah must put the pieces together in a heart-stopping race to save the people they love.

Gennifer joins us to talk about historical times periods, research, and great books.

If you could go back in time to any historical period, where would you choose to go?

I love the Roaring Twenties, so of course I’d love to go back there. I’d like to have been one of FDR and Eleanor’s children. I wish I could have been Mary Todd Lincoln’s best friend. And I’m dying to know what it might have been like to be twelve in ancient Egypt.

        What’s the best part about researching a new book?

       There are so many best parts it’s difficult to choose. Sometimes I’m sure I’ve found this great cache—an old book, a historic tour, an expert to interview—and I’m vibrating with excitement about what I’m about to find. And then I get my hands on the book, or take the tour, or interview the person and . . . nothing. Not nothing, nothing. I always find something or other. But nowhere near what I’d expected. Other times, I’ll be scrounging around in the least likely of places and all of a sudden I open this book or archive file and it’s like Christmas, Easter, my birthday, Hanukkah and Halloween all in one. What a thrill to find juicy information!

       Would you like to go to a finishing school?

       Absolutely. My mother was a very unusual person and a born contrarian. She did not know the proper way to do anything. And if she did know, she went out of her way to do the opposite. As a result, I was left to my own devices when it came to decorum. I would really like to know all the rules so I could decide for myself what I want to follow and what I don’t. That said, though, I think a year of finishing school would be all I could take. After that, I’d want to go to a real school.

Do you have a secret passion for a certain subject, like Lizzie?

Every day I discover new secret passions. I wish I could have been a doctor. I’d love to be a psychiatrist. I’d like to be the CEO of a small company. I think I’d be a great judge. Reading gives me the chance to get a glimpse of other people’s lives. Writing allows me to experience being that person. One lifetime is not nearly enough.

What’s the last book you read that you would recommend to everyone?

The last middle-grade novel: Goodbye Stranger by Rebecca Stead. The last adult novel I’d give a thumbs-up: Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. The last nonfiction book: Empire of Deception by Dean Jobb.

Sounds Great Right?

Win your own copy (US only please)

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Review: An Ember in the Ashes

Soldiers come into Laia's home, looking for her brother. He has a book of drawings that he's determined to keep hidden. When he tells Laia to run, she does, knowing that she's leaving him behind. Her grandparents died and her brother's taken into custody.

Ashamed of her inability to act that night she offers up her services in exchange for her brother's freedom. She goes undercover in the Commandant's household.

It's the most dangerous thing Laia has ever done and it could be the death of her if she doesn't play her cards right. She runs into Elias, who's going through a series of tests to crown the next leader.

No one knows that Elias has been questioning his loyalty lately. He isn't ready to give up everything, but he's getting closer.

Their paths cross and they can either help each other or their friendship could be the end of both of them.

My Thoughts: I really really enjoyed this book and I'm so happy there's a sequel in the works. 

Ok, yes, the book was violent - with several references to women/girls being raped, the commander has a history of violence, and there's that whole battle scene that's just heartbreaking. And it's not gratuitous - its in their world. 

I loved the strong women - women who risked everything for a cause, women who ruled their world, and women who defied the odds to make themselves stand out. 

I loved the lies, the secrets, and the relationships between everyone. It made the book all the more intriguing. 

I liked learning about the Scholars and the rebels. I liked learning about the soldiers and their life. 

I liked the choices the characters had to chose between duty, family, loyalty, and their own interests. 

All in all, I devoured this book and I've been thinking about it ever since.

Cover Thoughts: Pretty Good
Source: My Library

Final Thoughts: Wonderful fantasy debut that will rock your world. Grab it now!

Mysterious Saturday Review: Fatal Reservations

* Book 6 in the Key West Food Critic series *

Trouble's brewing in Key West between the police and the community. Things aren't so happy between the street artists either. There have been a string of burglaries and when a performer is murdered, Hayley's friend Lorenzo becomes the prime suspect.

Hayley can't believe her friend's capable of murder. But when he runs, she has to admit it looks suspicious. Hayley can't help asking a few questions on behalf of her friend.

With work and relationship both on rocky terms, she could use a distraction. But the more she digs, the more she wonders if she could be wrong about her friend.

My Thoughts: Another great addition to this charming series. I loved learning more about Key West from the politics to the street performers and the hoops the restaurateurs have to jump through. I loved learning more from Miss Gloria's new gig at the cemetery. Lorenzo's been a key characters in these books, I liked learning more about his back story too. As usual, I love the moments where Hayley eats for her reviews or cooks up something delicious. Her troubles at work are better, but a new set of concerns has popped up. I learning about her writing process for her reviews, and how they're changing with new management. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: Sent for Review

Final Thoughts: Reserve your time to read this series, it's delightful. Fatal Reservations digs into the community to create an entertaining book full of characters that jump off the page and mouth-watering food. 

Review: Sophomore Year is Greek to Me

Zona and her father are close - each relying on each other. But Zona's dad changes the rules when he decides to go to Greece to write a book.

Zona has NO desire to leave school or her friends or the paper for six months. She has even less desire to meet the family who cut off contact with her mother.

After several conversation, it's clear that her dad isn't budging.  Resigned, Zona packs up and leaves New York behind for Greece - and maybe a a chance to uncover her heritage.

My Thoughts: I now want to go to Greece to explore and soak up the culture!

Some my favorite moments:
The bathroom scene with the ducks
Zona meeting her Greek family for the first time
Exploring Greece and taking chances
Her relationship with her father
The newspaper notes written between father and daughter
Her BFFs from New York (I wouldn't mind a book about either of them)
I like how she handled her concern about her friend's anorexia - she didn't sweep it under the rug and she didn't take the easy way out. It took guts. 
Experiencing new things (even if they're scary)
I love how Zona uncovered the meaning of family 

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: Set for review

Final Thoughts: I hope there's a junior and senior book planned because Meredith Zeitlin rocks. Sophomore Year is Greek to Me is the perfect summer book with exploring a new country, testing your ideals, and trying new things. Zona's ambitious, smart, and someone I'd like to meet.