Fall Romance Read: Honeycrisp Orchard Inn

 

Ellie's life just imploded. Her boss fired her after her boyfriend stole her presentation. Now she has: no boyfriend, no job, and no place to live. Her mother calls her out of the blue and asks for her help planning a Fall Festival. Ellie's thankful for the call; it couldn't have come at a better time.

She immediately heads for home; she hasn't been there in ages. She falls in the love with the town and the orchard all over again. Ellie has some fences to mend to her parents for not having been home in several years and to Aiden. Aiden was once her best friend, and she told him they were going to run the orchard and inn together. The more time she spends with him, the more she could see a future together living out their childhood dream. But can she really go back to small town life?

My Thoughts: It took me a beat to get into this one, but then I was hooked. A fantastic fall romance novel that hit so many fall beats. I loved the orchard and the inn; it seems like such a fun place to visit. I love how Ellie worked to pull together this festival that would help save the inn. I love her banter with Aiden. I loved the relationships she struck up with the other people who worked at the orchard/inn. And Pumpkin was adorable! I'm so glad that this is the start of a new series, because I didn't want this book to end.

Source: My Library

Cover Thoughts: Perfectly cute and very fall

Library Recommendation: Highly recommended for your romance collection

Hand to one to: readers who want fall stories and readers who enjoy Hallmark movies

Book 2:

I'm so happy it's a Christmas romance

Top Ten Tuesday: Series Books

 This week's topic is series I need to catch up on - which I'm changing to series I want to start. There are times when I see a new book coming out and don't realize it's part of a series and that I need to go back and read the first few books. 

Have you read any of these? Which should I read first?

Re-read: The Recovery Agent

 

I don't usually re-read books, but the second book is coming out in November.

I didn't remember this book, so it was nice to have a reminder.

It's a typical Evanovich book:

Lots of Action and Danger

Fast-Paced Read

Sexual Tension

Bad Guys

Funny Moments

I enjoyed this book, both times I read it. Gabriela is a fun character - a cross between Lara Croft and Indiana Jones.  I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next. 

Graphic Novel Review: Grilled Cheese Caper

* First Book in the series *

When the grilled cheese festival is ruined because someone stole all the sandwiches, the detectives are on the case. There are two suspects. Can Purrlock and Marlowe uncover the culprit?

My Thoughts: This was such a fun graphic novel. I loved the mystery. I love how the detectives followed the clue - most of the time.  This is a great graphic novel for younger readers that will appeal to many readers. 

Source: My Library

Why I read it: I love grilled cheese and detective novels - the combination sold me

Library Recommendation: Highly Recommended for your graphic novel collection

Children's Graphic Novel Review: Operation Cover-up

* First in a new series *

Both Nick and Sid are starting a new school today - but they have different classrooms. Both of them gets mislabeled - Nick as a class clown and Sid as a brainiac. Neither of them was to disappoint their new friends. When they learn the truth about each other, they decide to team up and help the other. Will their new friends discover the truth about them?

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this friendship graphic novel. Nick and Sid both had a hard time showing people their true shelves. But I loved how they came together to help each other and eventually became friends. I love how they inspired others to embrace their true shelves too. What a great message. I'm so looking forward to the next graphic novel in this series. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: A great graphic novel for your school and public library's collection

Middle Grade Review: Capital Chase

Twins race to find the thief stealing valuable historical artifacts before their family’s framed for the crimes.

Ten-year-old Ike Carter has committed large chunks of American history to memory. That’s what happens when you’re a genius who loves the past. His twin, Iris, prefers the present (aka reality) . She’s an elite athlete, dominating the competition thanks to her wicked-sharp spatial awareness.

During the opening night of a new exhibit at their mom’s boutique museum in Washington, D.C., Ike and Iris inadvertently stumble onto a robbery in progress. A girl not much older than them is stealing a miniature portrait of George Washington from the collection[ML1] [ASW2] [LMD3] . It's only the first in a string of crimes, all focused on items that were once gifted by the Marquis de Lafayette to his American friends. With some help from the National Archives Research Center, the twins puzzle out the culprit’s next targets, and are soon hot on the trail of the mystery girl.

But their efforts also put them in the crosshairs of the FBI’s Art Crime team, who suspect their family is involved. If the twins can’t catch the real perp as they target the final item, it’ll be game over. - Summary from the publisher

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this start to a new series. I loved how the twins were opposites of each: one was the brain and one was athletic. I read this on the plane - lots of action and lots of danger. I liked learning more about Lafayette. I loved the nerdy moments of research and fun facts. Of course I loved how they went into special libraries with rare books and artifacts. There were several National Treasure jokes in this book. I can't wait to see what happens in the next book.

Cover Thoughts: Love it! 

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: Highly recommended. Hand this one out to readers of The Genius Files by Dan Gutman or Framed by James Ponti.

Blog Tour: The Liars Society

 

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the THE LIAR'S SOCIETY by Alyson Gerber Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!

About The Book:
Title: THE LIAR'S SOCIETY
Author: Alyson Gerber
Pub. Date: February 6, 2024
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Formats: Hardcover, eBook, Audiobook
Pages: 304
Find it: Goodreads, https://books2read.com/THE-LIARS-SOCIETY

 The Inheritance Games and One of Us is Lying for middle grade -- beloved author Alyson Gerber's new series is an unforgettable mystery featuring a secret society, a mysterious island, and dangerous family secrets.

Weatherby is a fish out of water. When she lands a scholarship to the prestigious Boston School, she’s excited to be in the same world as her dad, whom she’s never met, and make real friends. But Weatherby has a secret she’ll risk everything to protect, one that could destroy her new life.

Every member of Jack’s wealthy and privileged family has made their mark at the Boston School. Everyone, that is, except for Jack, who is entirely mediocre. He’s desperate to prove his worth to his influential father. But Jack has a secret of his own . . . one with the power to ruin everything.

When the money for their school trip to a private island―exclusive to Boston students―is stolen, Jack and Weatherby are invited to play a high-stakes game and solve the mystery of the missing money. If they win, they’ll be selected to join the oldest, most powerful secret society in the world―and they’ll be Boston royalty forever. If they lose . . . well, they better not lose.

Beloved author Alyson Gerber crafts an unforgettable mystery that asks―are some secrets and lies impossible to overcome?

My Thoughts: This is the start of a new series and I really enjoyed it. I loved watching Weatherby adjust to a new school and new friends. I enjoyed her banter with Jack - especially as it grew to friendship. I loved the sailing moments. I enjoyed watching the family secrets unfold. I'm so looking forward to the next book in the series! 

 

About Alyson Gerber:

Alyson Gerber is the author of The Liars Society series and the critically acclaimed novels Focused, Braced, and Taking Up Space. A former marketing director, Alyson earned her MFA in creative writing at the New School. She grew up in New England and now lives in New York City with her family. Follow her @AlysonGerber and at alysongerber.com

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

Follow the Tour:

2/18/2024	@enthuse_reader	IG Review/TikTok Post
2/19/2024	YA Book Nerd	Review/IG Post
2/20/2024	The Momma Spot	Review
2/21/2024	@thepagelady	IG Review
2/22/2024	Country Mamas With Kids	Review/IG Post
2/23/2024	Kim's Book Reviews and Writing Aha's	Review/IG Post
2/24/2024	@katherinebichler	TikTok Post

Giveaway Details:
1 winner will receive a finished copy of THE LIAR'S SOCIETY, US Only.
Ends March 7th, midnight EST

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Bookstagram: Enchanted to Meet You

Meg Cabot (one of favorite authors ever) has a new book coming out in early September.

Jessica Gold, a plus size heroine, dabbles in magic. But ever since a love spell went too far when she was in high school, she's much more careful about magic. She mostly uses her magic to help others feel good about themselves - particularly in the clothing they buy from her shop. 

No one is more surprised than her when a stranger rides into town claiming she's the Chosen One. 

Only with her help will the town be saved from disaster.

No pressure.

And Jessica's high school nemesis (also a witch) is trying to kill her.

Just another fall in West Harbor....

Mood Board:

It's a witchy, cozy, sexy read - just the kind of book you would expect from Meg Cabot. 

It's an adult book, but there are two fantastic teenage characters.

It's the start of a new series.

It's funny - witty banter. Great friendship. High school nemesis. Mean Girls. Witchy Powers.  It's charming. It's perfection. 

* ARC sent for review

Review: Sweet & Bitter Rivals

 

* First in a new series *

Abby St. Clair can’t wait to start another season with her elite riding team at her boarding school. She has something to prove after literally falling on her face during the biggest competition of the year the previous season. And she could really use a win after her mom left her family, her dad remarried, and Abby’s new stepsister, Emery, proved to be a strong rider and stiff competition.

Abby wants to return to some semblance of normal but is hiding a secret: she accidentally cost her biggest rival, Selly, a chance at team captain. Then Abby begins to receive anonymous messages, threatening to expose her unwitting sabotage and a video that makes it look like she’s trash-talking Emery. With an important competition on the horizon and the knowledge that someone in her circle knows way too much about her, the pressure is on.

Abby tries to put on blinders and have the perfect meet with her horse, Beau, but she’s about to find out the hard way that secrets don’t make friends at Saddlehill Academy. - summary from the publisher

My Thoughts: As soon as Jessica Burkhart announced this, I was SUPER excited! I LOVED the Canterwood Crest series. I couldn't wait to get my hands on this book. It was everything I wanted it to be - it had all the classics from the Canterwood Crest books - friendship drama, family drama, crushes, and of course horses. I loved the horse moments in this book. I felt bad for Abby as she struggled with the changes in her family on top of going back to school and trying to keep a secret. I loved the easter eggs from Canterwood Crest and learning more about our favorite characters. And of course, that cliffhanger ending makes me NEED the next book immediately. Luckily, I only have to wait less than two months!

Cover Thoughts: Adorable

Source: Book sent for review (I asked the publisher for this one, which is rare for me)

Library Recommendations: A must have book for your school and public libraries!

Review: The Inn at Tansy Falls

 

First in a new series

Nell is on her way to a small Vermont town - sent there by her best friend. Her best friend died, leaving her the responsibility of spreading her ashes in one of her favorite places. Nell isn't keen on leaving London. She's been stuck in her ways for the past few years.

However, once she gets to Tansy Falls, she's thrown into the small town with a list from Megan. Megan has created an itinerary for her - seeing the town and getting to know the people. It doesn't all go according to plan - it's mud season in Vermont. And she's not used to it. Before long, Nell comes to love the town and the people. 

She can't imagine leaving at the end of two weeks. 

My Thoughts: I grew up in Vermont, so I appreciated the setting, the mud season, and the jokes. Nell was a fish out of water a few times, adding to the humor of the story. I loved watching Nell fall in love with the town and with people in it. The town has a fun cast of characters - from the feuding ladies, Nell's new friends, the sweet boy with his cute single father... This book totally makes me want to visit home. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series. This book would make a lovely Hallmark movie. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Source: Book sent for review

Library Recommendations: Grab this one for your romance collection and hand it out to your Hallmark watchers. 

Review: Rory and the Magic Mix-Up

 

Rory's excited to go to magic school, but every spell she tries endings up a disaster. Will she flunk out of fairy godmother school?

This is the first book in charming new series from Disney. It's a younger chapter book with beautiful illustrations. I can't wait to see what happens next. 

Hand this one off to readers who like:

Fairy Tales

Magic

Friendship

Fish out of Water Stories

Library Recommendation: Highly recommended for your school or public library collection

Review: Alias Emma

 

Emma's mentor has asked her to bring in a doctor whose parents worked for the Russian government but shared secrets with Britian. At first, she can't convince him, but after an attack on the two of them, he relents.

There's only one problem - she must get him across London safely without backup. The Russians have hacked the cameras and they are searching for the two of them. 

Can they make it to MI6 safely - and who will be there to greet them?

My Thoughts: I really loved this book - it's the first in a new series. I'm a sucker for spy novels. The majority of the book takes place over the course of 12 hours - getting across the city of London. Lots of action and danger kept the me turning the pages. I liked the chemistry between Emma and Michael. I'm intrigued by what will happen next and I'm quite looking forward to the second book.

Cover Thoughts: Not terrible, but not great

Source: My library

Library Recommendation: Grab this new series start for your thriller section! Highly recommended.

BookTok: Best Wishes

 

 A charming start to a brand-new series about wishes, friendship, and living your best life.

What would you wish for???

@yabooknerdlibrarian Becca’s having the worst day ever until she gets a bracelet in the mail that says Make a Wish! What would you wish for??? #bestwishes #middlegradebooks #booktok #newbook ♬ original sound - Jennifer @YA Book Nerd 📚📚📚

* this book was sent for review

Review: Skandar and the Unicorn Thief

 

* First Book in a new series *

Skandar's always wanted to pass the test and hatch a unicorn. But when he's not allowed to take the test, he feels like the whole world is against him. Until a strange arrives at midnight. She will take him to the hatching site and sneak him in.

At first, Skandar believes it's too good to be true. Does this mysterious strange have anything to do with the unicorn thief?

He bonds with a unicorn and joins his place among the students. But he quickly learns that his magical element is illegal. And if anyone else found out, both he and his unicorn could be killed...

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this start to a new series. I liked that unicorns were not innocent magical creatures but rather monsters that could be sweet. I liked their personalities and their quirks. I loved the bond between Skandar and Scoundrel's Luck. I felt bad for Skandar and his family life and wanted to wrap him up in a big hug. I loved his big heart and his loyalty. I loved the quartet of friends and how they bonded as well. Lots of danger, action, and mystery. A great start - I can't wait to see what happens next. 

Cover Thoughts: Great

Source: Book sent for review

Library Recommendation: Highly Recommended for your fantasy readers in school and public libraries.

Review: Magnolia Sisters

Harper loves working on the family flower farm, but there are updates she would like to create. But there's not much of a budget, so they will have to wait.

When an arrogant man asks to use the farm for his sister's wedding, Harper is in no mood to be polite. It would ruin the crop and cause significant issues for next year. She turns him down flat.

Luke Martin doesn't hear the word No very often. He doesn't want to let his sister down. Luke decides to work at the farm in hopes of changing their mind. But who will break first?

My Thoughts: This is the start of a new series and I'm eager to read them all. This is a retelling of Pride and Prejudice with a dash of White Christmas. I love the setting - the small town charm and the flower farm. I love the tight knit family from the parents to the sisters. And I loved all the talk about pie. I'm quite happy Annie will be her own book too. 

Cover Thoughts: Gorgeous 

Source: Sent for Review

Library Recommendation: Grab this for your Hallmark channel loving readers

Five Things (1): Map of Flames

There's so much to enjoy about Map of Flames, but here are just a few:

I can't wait to see where the next book takes us!

Blog Tour: Mad Girls of New York

 

About the Book:

Maya Rodale brings to life the true story of the infamous Nellie Bly: a daring female journalist who, in the 1800s, paved the way for women to enter the newsroom. Bly quickly became known for revealing New York City’s injustices by practicing “stunt journalism,” or going undercover and taking extreme risks to expose a story. The first in an all-new series inspired by Bly’s investigative escapades, THE MAD GIRLS OF NEW YORK (Berkley Trade Paperback; on sale April 26, 2022) follows Bly on one of her first stunt assignments: going undercover as a madwoman at a deplorable New York insane asylum.

Rodale relied upon Bly’s book, Ten Days in a Madhouse, which offers a compilation of Bly’s articles and her first-hand narratives about her experiences at Blackwell’s, to inform the writing of the novel. Rodale’s keen storytelling brings Bly to life as a vibrant, modern, and relatable young woman who is trying to make a name and a career for herself in New York City. Historical fiction fans are in for a treat, as are Rodale’s returning romance readers, who will swoon over the romantic chemistry between Nellie and her instant career nemesis Sam Colton.

“There were all kinds of madness, she supposed, and hers was daring to dream.”

About the Author:

Maya Rodale is the best-selling and award-winning author of funny, feminist fiction including historical romance, YA and historical fiction. A champion of the romance genre and its readers, she is also the author of Dangerous Books For Girls: The Bad Reputation of Romance Novels, Explained. Maya reviews romance for NPR and has appeared in Bustle, Glamour, Shondaland, Buzzfeed, The Huffington Post and PBS. She began reading romance novels in college at her mother’s insistence and has never been allowed to forget it.

My Thoughts:

I'm currently reading this book right now and loving it! I'm 1/3 of the way through and it's amazing. I'm a big Maya Rodale fan. I can't wait to learn more about Nellie Bly and I'm so happy this is the first in a series! 

Bookstagram (5): Duke Gone Rogue

Today's post is the start of a new series.

Duke Gone Rogue

 

He's jilted and claimed to be heartless

In reality, he's trying to restore the family name

She's a gardener who loves her community

and owns her family business

They have a great meet cute...twice

Christmas Book Review: No Ordinary Christmas

* First in a new series * 

The quaint New England town of Mistletoe is thrilled to welcome back one of their own, Dante West. Now a famous Hollywood action star, Dante is filming a movie in town to help the local economy, as well as make amends with the people he hurt when he abruptly left Mistletoe all those years ago.

Librarian Lucy Marshall isn't thrilled to see Dante. He was once her best friend and first love until he left her behind without a word of goodbye. When Dante makes her an offer she can't refuse -- use of the library as a filming venue in exchange for a lucrative donation, Lucy finds herself spending a lot of time in Dante's company. With the magic of Christmas in the air, Dante and Lucy begin to forge a new bond. But can two people leading such different lives find lasting love the second time around? - Summary from publisher 

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this small town - second chance romance. I loved getting to know the characters in town - from the children to the parents and everyone in between. I enjoyed watching Dante attempt to make up for this youthful mistake - with his brother and with Lucy. I loved Lucy - especially being a librarian. But the term Head Librarian confused me - was she the Library Director? was she the Adult/Reference Librarian? Besides that, it was delightful. I love the Hollywood stories. I'm looking forward to spending more time in Mistletoe Maine!

Cover Thoughts: Adorable!

Source: Book sent for review

Library Recommendation: Highly recommended for your Christmas Romance section!

Holiday Book Review: Celebration at Christmas Cove

 

Celeste volunteers for the travel assignments at Christmas - especially after her mother died. Christmas is too painful for her. Plus, no one else wants to travel. Taking the assignment makes her look good. But the flight is overbooked - causing her travel difficulties. The best she can do is hop a small plane to Sea Spray Island and from there catch a flight to New York City.

But the weather grounds her on the island. Luckily her fellow passenger's sister owns an inn. Nathan takes Celeste to the inn. Nathan just received word that his last ditch effort at funding the community center through a grant fell through. He doesn't know how to tell the community or his daughter. The best he can hope for is to give his daughter one last magical Christmas on the island. 

The more time Nathan and Celeste spend together, the more they enjoy each other's company. Could this connection between them be real? 

My Thoughts: This is a charming start to a new series. I loved life on the island - the small town charm, the quirky people, and the children. I felt badly for Nathan and for Celeste for their past heartbreaks but also their current struggles. The travel delays were comical. Abigail was adorable - funny, smart, and she made me laugh. I loved the community center and the smiles it brought everyone. Their programs sounded amazing. I loved all the Christmas celebrations! Looking forward to reading more in this series.

Source: Netgally

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Library Recommendations: Grab this for your romance collection and hand out to your Hallmark movie loving readers!