Review: Hurricane Heist

 

* Book 2 in the Sherlock Society * 

There's a hurricane coming. School is starting up soon and Alex is worried that it will be the end of the Sherlock Society. The storm brings back memories of Alex's grandfather from 1964. He was helping his father with the hardware store deliveries. They went to a hotel where his Grandfather was friends with the Bell Captain, Doc. 

A movie was being filmed at the hotel. After the storm passed through in 1964, Doc went missing along with several pieces of jewelry. The storm in the current day damage the hotel and a body is discovered. Alex's Grandfather's not surprised when it turns out to be Doc. He knew his friend never stole the jewelry and ran off. But years later, the trail is cold. Doc was the only suspect. Can the Sherlock Society figure out what really happened all those years ago?

My Thoughts: Another winner for James Ponti. This series is fresh and fun - with lots of action and danger. I enjoyed the dual timelines - and how they connected. I tore through this book. I didn't want it to end, but I also couldn't put it down. I love the way this team solves mysteries together - especially how they divide and conquer with research. I adored the new members and can't wait to read more about them. Have the announced book three yet? I hope many more books in this series are planned. 

Cover Thoughts: Fantastic

Source: ARC sent for review

Publication Date: September 2nd

Why I read this: I loved the first book. Plus I love the author's books

Library Recommendation: A must have middle grade series for your school and public library collections

Hand This To: Readers who like Thrillers

Mood Board: All Paths Lead to Paris

 Yesterday, I reviewed All Paths Lead to Paris (Read it here if you missed it). And today I'm sharing a mood board I created for the book. 

I have been to Paris once during my college years and I would love to go back.

This was so much fun to make! I might have to make more of these.

Review: All Paths Lead to Paris

 

Aurie is a fashion designer trying to graduate college and figure out her life. She's fake dating her best friend, a musician on the rise. While fleeing the paparazzi, she meets a boy. They have a photo of them snapped together and it's blowing up their social media. Her manager decides to do damage control. It turns out Kylian is good at math.

Math is something that Aurie struggles with, but she'll have to pass a math test in order to graduate high school. Kylian agrees to tutor Aurie in math and Remy in English. With all the rumors about the trio swirling, Aurie and Remy can't afford to make any more mistakes. 

My Thoughts: I really liked this book - but I had a hard time getting over the fact that paparazzi cared about a fashion influencer. I loved the tropes: fake dating, best friend, and love triangle. I really loved the behind-the-scenes moments of being an influencer and what that meant for Aurie and her future. I loved the moments in the bakery and the moments with Aurie's siblings. I'm so looking forward to the author's next book - what city are we going to explore next?

Why I Read This Book: I loved the author's previous book plus Paris!

Tropes: Fake Dating

Source: My Library

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

Hand this to readers: fake dating trope, Paris, and influencers 

* Come back tomorrow for the mood board!

Review: If We were a Movie

 

Rochelle needs a job this summer - for her application. She has great grades and extra-curricular activities. But her application to her dream school is missing something. She can't afford to not boost her college application. 

When a job opportunity comes up at a nearby movie theater, she takes it even though she knows her arch nemesis works there. What she doesn't realize is that Amira is in charge of the workers. That's not ideal, but Rochelle is willing to try.

She goes home exhausted from work. Rochelle realizes how much she likes her job but then discovers that the theater isn't making enough money. How can she help save the theater? 

My Thoughts: I really loved this romance. I like reading about summer jobs. And I love the enemies to lovers trope. I loved the friendship moments and the romance moments. The banter was fun. There was a sabotage element to the book - which added another element to the story. I loved how everything turned out for the theater. This was such a fun summer romance. 

Tropes: Enemies to Lovers 

Source: My Library

Library Recommendations: Highly recommended for your school and public library collection

Review: Tiffany Girl

 

Flossie Jayne, a beautiful budding artist who is handpicked by Louis to help complete the Tiffany chapel. Though excited to be an independent New Woman at a time when most of the fair sex stayed home, she quickly finds the world is less welcoming than she anticipated. From a Casanova male to an unconventional married couple and a condescending singing master, she takes on a colorful cast of characters to transform the boarding house into a home while racing to complete the Tiffany chapel and make a name for herself in the art world. - Summary from publisher.

My Thoughts: I really loved the first half of this book; it showcases a lot of work at Tiffany. I loved those moments. The second half of the book focused more on her relationships. Not that they were bad, but that I read this book for the Tiffany parts, and I wanted more of those. Instead, the second half glossed over her work.

How it influenced me: Because of this book, I make treks to see Tiffany windows in Nantucket while there on vacation. After reading this, I appreciated the windows so much more. I mean, they are gorgeous, but reading about the section of glass heightened the experience.  

Windows of St Paul's:

Aren't they stunning?

I love it when the book world spills over into real life.

Picture Book Review: Cats in Construction Hats

The cats are building something - what could it be. When a mistake happens, everyone pitches in to help. 

This transportation book is great - lots of colors and vocabulary words. There's so much to talk about with this book. I love the final product. This is a great STEAM book

Top Ten Tuesday: Genre Reads

 This week's topic is all about genre reads. I used to read A LOT of paranormal and fantasy reads back during their golden days era. They are coming back around again. Here are some paranormal books I'm looking forward to reading. 

Paranormal:

Fantasy:

Any of these on your list too?