Review: Faraway Inn

 

Calisa travels to Vermont to spend the summer with her great aunt at her B&B. She needs to get out of New York City and away from the boy who just broke her heart. When she arrives, the B&B is more rundown than she imagined. Worse, her aunt isn't interested in her help. In fact, she's only allowing Calisa to stay for three days. 

Calisa is determined to make herself useful in hopes that it will prolong her stay. There aren't many guests, but she begins with making pancakes, cleaning rooms, and bringing back the afternoon tea time. 

Strange things start happening that Calisa can't explain. No one is answering her questions. In fact, her great aunt told her not to ask questions. But Calisa can't help but wonder if something more is happening here...

Why I read this book: I love Sarah Beth Durst's books and come on, look at that cover!

My Thoughts: I loved this book. I loved that it's set in Vermont. I love the setting and the description of nature. I enjoyed getting to know the guests, the quirks of the B&B, and the magic behind it all. I loved the relationship between Calisa and Jack, the groundskeeper's son. I couldn't put this book down, but I also didn't want it to end. This was a cozy read that wrapped you up like a warm hug.

Cover Thoughts: Charming and gorgeous

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: A must have book for your school and public teen library section

Author Event: Sarah Beth Durst

 Last evening, we had an author event at my library. It was lovely.

Sarah Beth Durst came to the library for an after-hours event. 

While she writes for several ages: kids, teens, and adults, we were celebrating her newest series:

Here we are talking:

We talked about so much - 

Community and Kindness

Writing every day or just finding out what works best for you as a writer

Everyone has a story to tell

Writings as an act of joy

Snacks

Unsuccessful hobbies

Book Recommendations

The Spellshop as a series and how it developed

Librarians

Upcoming books

It was a magical night! 

Not pictured: All the yummy cookies! 

Shoutout to my co-workers for taking these photos! 

Top Ten Tuesday: Bookish Candles

 This week's topic is bookish candles.

I'm a sucker for candles - particularly for bookish ones.

I really like From the Page.

I have a few of their candles, but here are a few I would purchase:

Anne of Green Gables

Pride and Prejudice

 

Reading Spaces 

Lord of the Rings

Sarah Beth Durst

Fourth Wing 

Book Witch

Would you grab any of these candles?

Top Ten Tuesday: The Spellshop

 This week's topic is 10 things I loved about one book. This is my last five star read and it was magical. Here's all the reasons why.

There are so many things to love about this book:

Librarian main character

grumpy/sunshine trope

friendship

Pinecone Coven

Caz, the magically enhanced plant

magical creatures

spell shop

jam and baked goods

kindness

book shelves/jam shelves

Reading this cozy fantasy book is like being wrapped in a warm hug. Don't miss this one! 

Middle Grade Review: The Spy Ring

School is out for the summer and best friends Rachel and Joon can't wait to spend the summer together. But Joon's family has to move. They can't find any houses close by, so they've widen the search. It's possible they won't be spending the summer together. 

But they overhear Rachel's almost stepfather talk about an old family heirloom. The ring supposedly belonged to Anna Smith Strong. According to local legend she was the only female member of the famous Culper Spy Ring. 

After a little cleaning of the ring, Rachel and Joon discover there's a clue in the ring. The clue leads them on scavenger hunt through town and through history.

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book. Yes, it's a modern story but it's also set in history. I love books about the American Revolution. I love how they saw pieces of town differently because of their hunt. They paid more attention and noticed pieces from the past.  I love how determined Rachel and Joon were to uncover the truth about Anna "Nancy" Smith Strong. It hasn't been historically proven that Nancy was a spy for George Washington. I loved going on the hunt with these two friends. 

Cover Thoughts: Love it

Source: book sent for review

Library Recommendation: A fantastic historical modern mystery with lots of action and moments of friendship. Highly recommended for your school and public libraries. 

Review: The Lake House

 

Claire is afraid of everything, but nothing horrific has ever happened to her until this summer. Her parents sent to her to The Lake House, where they had their own summer experience. They are hoping a summer away will break Claire out of her disaster pessimistic style thinking.

But when Claire arrives with two other girls, they find the house burned to the ground. And then they discover the dead body in the woods. Something is happening - something bad. 

It's Claire's time to shine. All her worst fears are coming true. But the best part is that Claire, Reyva, and Mariana stick together. Could their friendship keep them safe together?

My Thoughts: I was a little skeptical at first - because I'm not a horror fan. The cover is a little creepy for me, but Sarah Beth Durst swore it wasn't too scary. And she was right. First, I love her novels. Second, I couldn't stop turning the pages on this book. I needed to know what happens next! I loved the friendship between the three girls - their banter and how they opened up to each other. I loved how they struggled to survive. The action, danger, tension and the suspense kept me turning the pages quickly. And that ending! 

Cover Thoughts: Creepy!
Source: ARC sent for review
Library Recommendation: A Must Have thriller for your library's collection 

Review: Shelterlings

 

A group of magical misfits have come to terms with the fact that their magic, while unique, isn't going to make their lives better. They're not going to bond with wizards and go on quests together. They're stuck together in a cozy little home. 

Until Charlie returns with news. He's uncovered a spell that will make everything better. The spell will fix the Moon Mirror and they can live the lives they were meant to live. However, they need to gather ingredients - which won't be easy.

Almost everyone's thrilled with the idea. They volunteer for a quest. Holly and her best friend Gus need to find a flower. But their quest takes a turn when they meet a cat, a wizard, and a dragon who needs their help. Holly never though her magic would amount to much - or that she would go on a quest. But she's having the time of her life. Does she really want everything to change?

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book. I felt badly for Holly and her friends as they agonized over their limited magical abilities. lots of action and adventure in this book. Also soul-searching. I loved the friendships in this book - the best friends and the making of friends. I loved the message about being different. There are a few lovely quotes in this book - here's one "You're only a failure if you quit. Until then you're just someone who hasn't succeeded yet." Another winner for Sarah Beth Durst.

Cover Thoughts: Adorable

Source: eARC from Netgalley

Library Recommendation: Highly recommended for your school and public libraries!

Review: Bone Maker

 

25 years ago, Kreya and her companions fought a war and won. Now she's desperately trying to keep the man she loved from dying permanently. After the war, she became a hermit, gathering small bones where she could. The bones help give her husband life, a little at a time. But in order to give her husband his life back, she needs lots of bones. There's only one place to get those bones, but she can't go alone.

She needs her old friend's help. It's not going to be easy, but for the sake her husband, she travels the cities. There Kreya meets with her old friend, who is happy and angry to see her. Eventually, they come to terms. 

Upon traveling to the Forbidden City, they stumble across something from their nightmares - something from the past. What if their enemy never died? What if he's just waiting for them...

My Thoughts: I loved the premise of this book - what happens after five heroes save the world? Where does their story end? I really liked Kreya's relationship with Zera. They have great banter. I love how they came back together after all those years apart. This is a creepy but fascinating book in terms of the bone magic and the animation creatures. I love the moments of friendship and trust between the five heroes. I loved the addition of the new people in their lives. It was interesting to explore the question - do people change? Another great book for Sarah Beth Durst - I love her books.  

Cover Thoughts: Creepy

Source: Netgalley 

Library Recommendation: Highly recommended for your public library's adult fantasy collection.

Review: Even and Odd

 

Even and Odd share magic - they each have magic on certain days. Which leads to their nicknames. When magic in their world goes wonky, Even, Odd, and a unicorn named Jeremy travel to the border to look for answers. 

One minute they're in the human world. The next moment, they are in the magical world. Then the board closes. They can't return. They don't belong in the magical world, except for Jeremy. 

Not knowing what to do, they head for Jeremy's home. But his home is no longer there. Instead there's a lake with mermaids in it's place.

Something is Not Right in the magical world. Can the sisters and their new unicorn friend help fix both worlds?

My Thoughts: I loved the premise of this one - two sisters who share magical powers saving the world together. I loved that one sister wanted magical powers and trained all the time while the other sister wasn't interested in magic. Jeremy the unicorn was funny - especially his interest in gaming and soda. I loved how the trio were stuck in the magical world and everything was going wrong. I love how they worked together to save the day. Another fun book from Sarah Beth Durst!

Cover Thoughts: Love

Source: Book sent for review

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

Review: Catalyst

Zoe finds a kitten on her birthday and begs her parents to let her keep it. They reluctantly agree - if she takes responsibility for it. Zoe has a habit of bringing home stray animals. After the last time when she brought a skunk home thinking it was cat, they said no more animals. But Zoe can't resist.

She names her cat Pipsqueak. But Pipsqueak isn't your average cat. Overnight she grows - from the size of a kitten to the size of a regular cat. Zoe and her best friend take the animal to the vet. The vet doesn't believe them.

When her cat grows again, Zoe isn't willingly to trust anyone except her best friend. But she's having a harder and harder time keeping her cat safe. Soon Pipsqueak's too big for her bedroom. Zoe know she's going to have to get help, but she doesn't know who to trust. Can she keep her cat safe?

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book. I loved the bond between Zoe and Pipsqueak. I loved how Pipsqueak was almost like other cats - and she loved the boxes. I really liked Zoe and Harrison's friendship and how they had each other's back. I enjoyed their adventure together and the friends they met along the way. A really fun book for animal lovers.

Cover Thoughts: Made me curious about the story.
Source: Book Sent for Review
Library Recommendation: Sarah Beth Durst has become an auto-buy author for my library. Highly Recommended.

Review: Race the Sands

Everyone in Becar is reborn after death; your goodness in this life will determine your next life. The Augurs can read your fate, which can allow you to change your destiny before it's too late.

Tamra's daughter is studying to be a augur, but the cost of tuition is high. She needs a win - badly. After an incident with her kehok riders leaves her without students, she makes one last desperate plea to her sponsor. As a former elite rider herself, she knows what's needed to train a champion. She just hasn't had the best of luck the last few year.

Luckily, her patroness allows her funds to seek out another kehok and another rider. The choice she makes will change her life...forever.

My Thoughts: I really loved this book for several reasons: for the fierce women, for the world building, for the black lion, and for wanting to make the world a better place. I loved Tamra. She's a great mother figure who wants the best for her loved ones.  I loved her strength, her determination, and her willingness to go after her dreams. I loved Raia for the same reasons. They really did need each other. I loved the twists and turns of this book I never saw coming. I loved the secondary characters from Lady Evara to Dar to Augur Yorbel Although this is a stand alone novel, I wouldn't mind another story set in this world. Another fantastic read from Sarah Beth Durst.

Cover Thoughts: Love it!
Source: ARC for review
Library Recommendation: A great fantasy for the public library's adult collection!

* While this book is labels as an adult book, I would say it's A/YA crossover title.

Review: Deepest Blue

Mayara's wedding day has arrived. But during the festivities, a storm hits the island. Mayara uses her power to stop the spirits from destroying everyone and everything she loves. In that moment, she reveals herself. Now the Silent Ones have come to take her for testing.

Mayara tries to escape, but eventually she's caught. Now she's fighting for her life and the hope that she can she her husband again. In order to do so, she must survive a month on the island filled with spirits. Whoever survives becomes an heir to the Queen.

Mayara doesn't want to win, but she doesn't want to die either...

My Thoughts: Set in the same world as the Queens of Renthia series, this book takes places on the islands. I really enjoyed this book - for the power struggles, for the rebellion, for the love story, and for the action. I love Mayara's determination and her ability to break all the rules. I loved Kelo's art. I loved their relationship and how they fought to find each other again - one day. Another great addition to this series! 

Cover Thoughts:
Source: Book sent for review
Library Recommendation: Grab this book for your public libraries.

Review: Fire & Heist

Sky's family is different from other families - she's a wyvern (a human capable of turning into a dragon). Sky used to have the perfect life, but that was before. Now her mom's missing, her Dad isn't talking, and her family's become outcasts. Her boyfriend and her friends all dropped her.

It doesn't help that her mom was stealing from her ex-boyfriend's family. In the wyvern world, stealing isn't a crime. It's celebrated. Unless you get caught.

Sky isn't about to let this go. She needs to know what happened to her mother. When her ex-boyfriend shares some information, she eagerly starts putting together a crew of her own. It's time for her first heist and to find out the truth - or die trying.

My Thoughts: First I love this author. But she had me at heist and again at dragon. I loved how Sky was determined to uncover the truth about her mom's disappearance. I admired how she put together her crew - even after her family rejected her idea. I loved learning about their wyvern history. I enjoyed the moments between Sky and her brothers - both the banter and their sibling bonding moments. I love Gabriela. I loved the twists that I didn't see coming.

Cover Thoughts: Fun
Source: ARC sent for review

Review: Queen of Sorrow

* Book 3 in the Queens of Renthia series *

Queen Daleina has yearned to bring peace and prosperity to her beloved forest home—a hope that seemed doomed when neighboring forces invaded Aratay. Now, with the powerful Queen Naelin ruling by her side, Daleina believes that her dream of ushering in a new era can be realized, even in a land plagued by malevolent nature spirits who thirst for the end of human life.

And then Naelin’s children are kidnapped by spirits.

Nothing is more important to her than her family, and Naelin would rather watch the world burn than see her children harmed. Blaming the defeated Queen Merecot of Semo for the kidnapping, Naelin is ready to start a war—and has the power to do it.

But Merecot has grander plans than a bloody battle with her southern neighbors. Taking the children is merely one step in a plot to change the future of all Renthia, either by ending the threat of spirits once and for all . . . or plunging the world into chaos. - from the publisher.

Since this is the 3rd book in the series, I don't want to give away any spoilers, so instead of my thoughts (I adore this series) here's a list of reasons to read it:
Politics
Queens - all of them are strong powerful women
Idea of Spirits
The creation of the library
Romance
Friendship
Betrayal
Secrets
Bayn
Humor

If you like Poison Study, read this series!

And great news, there's another book coming, so this is not goodbye.

Middle Grade Monday: The Stone Girl's Story

Mayka and her family have been carved out of stone. Their marks tell their stories and make it possible for them to experience life. But their marks are fading and in Turtle's case, so faded that he's gone to sleep. Mayka won't allow that to happen to anyone else her family. She's determined to go down the mountain and into the city to find a stonemason to help them. But what she finds is more than she bargains for.

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this story. I loved the descriptive writing. I loved the message of the book: everyone writes their own story. I loved how the family would tell stories all night while looking up at the stars. I loved the power of stories. I enjoyed how Mayka, Jacklo, and Risa left the mountain to find help. Mayka was determined and brave. I loved how they met new people (not always nice people) and how they interacted with all of them. I loved the moments in the city - where everything was both full of wonder and simultaneously overwhelming. I love how Mayka helped everyone and I especially loved the ending! 

Cover Thoughts: Love it
Source: ARC sent for review
Library Recommendation: Grab this one for your school and public libraries!

Top Ten Tuesday: 2018 Books

Yes, I know it's not Tuesday, but I missed this week because of the holidays. But I still wanted to share. I'm going to limit myself (or try at least). There are some great looking books coming out next year!

- meme from The Broke and the Bookish 

YA:

Adult:

But that's not even the tip of the iceberg - I have so many others that I can't wait to read!

What books are you looking forward to reading? Any that are on my list too?

Review: Reluctant Queen

* Book 2 in the Queens of Renthia series *

Daleina ascends to the throne, but it cost her a terrible price. Now she's trying to hold on to her throne, but she keeps having blackouts. Her healer informs her, she's dying.With a heavy heart, she hurries to find an heir. Without one, the spirits will destroy her empire and everyone in it.

Daleina just became Queen and it would take years to train an heir. But she doesn't have that kind of time. She orders her champions to find someone - anyone to take her place. Could their be a candidate that can help save their kingdom?

Champion Ven finds a woman in the villages who has a tremendous amount of power. But she is untrained and has no interest in ruling. She only seeks to keep her children safe. Can she be convinced to save them along with the kingdom?

My Thoughts: I adored this book. I loved learning more about the kingdom, after Daleina becomes queen. Especially all the political drama and seeing inside the palace (I wonder what the library looks like). I enjoyed Naelin's role and how she found her confidence. I loved seeing favorite characters - like Champion Ven and Bayn. I adored Naelin's children - they were funny and sweet. Lots of danger, betrayal, and secrets. And of course the book ended on a note that makes me long for book 3 immediately! 

Cover Thoughts: Great - I love the colors
Source: Book sent for review

Library Recommendation: An adult fantasy book that crosses over for teens. Grab this one for high school libraries and public libraries. 

Top Ten Tuesday: Best Middle Grade Reads of 2017 (so far)

This week is another freebie week, so I thought I'd continue with my lists of best books I've read so far this year. This week it's middle grade reads. Enjoy!

- meme from The Broke and the Bookish 

Bonus: 

I'm currently reading and loving these two: