Blog Tour: City of the Dead

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the CITY SPIES: CITY OF THE DEAD by James Ponti Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!

 About The Book:

Title: CITY SPIES: CITY OF THE DEAD

Author: James Ponti

Pub. Date: February 7, 2023

Publisher: Aladdin

Formats: Hardcover, ebook, audiobook

Pages: 400

Find it: Goodreads, https://books2read.com/CITY-SPIES-CITY-OF-THE-DEAD 

In this fourth installment in the New York Times bestselling series from Edgar Award winner James Ponti, the young group of spies go codebreaking in Cairo in another international adventure perfect for fans of Spy School and Mrs. Smith’s Spy School for Girls.

Codename Kathmandu, better known as Kat, loves logic and order, has a favorite eight-digit number, and can spot a pattern from a mile away. So when a series of cyberattacks hits key locations in London while the spies are testing security for the British Museum, it’s clear that Kat’s skill for finding reason in what seems like randomness makes her the perfect candidate to lead the job.

And while the team follows the deciphered messages to Egypt and the ancient City of the Dead to discover who is behind the attacks and why, Kat soon realizes that there’s another layer to the mystery.

With more players, more clues, and involving higher levels of British Intelligence than ever before, this mission is one of the most complex that the group has faced to date. And it’s also going to bring about a change to the City Spies…

 

Grab the rest of the CITY SPIES BOOKS now!

 My Thoughts:

Ok, I love this series - for so many reasons. Check out my past reviews. The fourth book in the series was better than ever! I loved going to Egypt with the gang. I loved the addition to the family - although that ending freaking me out a bit. I loved seeing the team together again in action. Lots of action, danger, and plot twists here. I can't wait to see where this series goes next. This is one of my favorite middle grade series and I recommend it at the library a lot! 

Book Trailer:

About James:

JAMES PONTI (he/him/his) is the New York Times bestselling author of three middle grade book series: City Spies, about an unlikely squad of five kids from around the world who form an elite MI6 Spy Team; the Edgar Award–winning Framed! series, about a pair of tweens who solve mysteries in Washington, DC; and the Dead City trilogy, about a secret society that polices the undead living beneath Manhattan. His books have appeared on more than fifteen different state award lists and he is the founder of a writers group known as the Renegades of Middle Grade. James is also an Emmy– nominated television writer and producer who has worked for many networks including Nickelodeon, Disney Channel, PBS, History, and Spike TV, as well as NBC Sports. He lives with his family in Orlando, Florida. Find out more at JamesPonti.com.

Website | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Goodreads | Amazon

Giveaway Details:

1 lucky winner will receive a finished copy of CITY OF THE DEAD, US Only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Follow the Tour:

1/23/2023	Mythical Books	Excerpt/IG Post
1/23/2023	A Dream Within A Dream	Excerpt
1/24/2023	YA Books Central	Excerpt
1/24/2023	Kait Plus Books	Excerpt/IG Post
1/25/2023	Log Cabin Library	Excerpt
1/25/2023	Kim"s Book Reviews and Writing Aha's	Review/IG Post
1/26/2023	Blog Write. Read. Live	Excerpt/IG Post
1/26/2023	Lifestyle of Me	Review
1/27/2023	YA Book Nerd	Review/IG Post
1/27/2023	onemused	IG Post

 

James's Tour Schedule

 I'm super excited because he's making at stop at one of my favorite bookstore: RJ Julia's. I can't wait to meet him! I only wish I was moderating the event (if only!)

Booklist: Podcasting Books

Last week, I talked about a fun TV show featuring murder but more importantly podcasting.

I feel like Podcasting will be popping up more in the next several years. 

Here are three currently out:

Sadie by Courney Summers

The Jasmine Project by Meredith Ireland

The Ex-Talk by Rachel Lynn Solomon

The others are upcoming books that I'm looking foward to reading.

Did I miss your favorite? Let me know! 

Picture Book Wednesday: Valentine Books

Just a few sweet Valentine books

The Loveosaurus has a job to do - spread kindness and joy. This dinosaur leaves notes all around...

This is a cute book in the series. I love how the kids chase the dinosaur around the museum. I love the message of spreading kindness and cheer. 

Cocoa isn't a fan of Valentine's Day - especially since Kitty stole his valentine. He needs some help getting it back.

This is adorable - I love the interactive nature of this book. It's short and sweet and perfect for a read aloud at storytime.  It's perfect for cat and dog lovers! 

A parents shares how much they love their child - even if their child isn't perfect.

This is not a Valentine book - but it is a lovely book that showcases the unconditional love between a parent and a child. The artwork is stunning with touching of silver foil too. 

Artie misses her grandmother so much! She decides to send her a hug through the mail. But waiting for a response requires lots of patience. 

This is also not a Valentine book - but the idea of sending a hug through the mail is adorable. 

Top Ten Tuesday: New to Me

 This week's topic is New to Me Authors (from books read in 2022). 

It's great finding authors that are new to you - because then you can do read their backlist!

Here are the first books I read from these authors:

Have you read any of these authors too?

Upcoming Review: Miss Newbury's List

 

Rosalind Newbury did not have a season. Yet she's engaged to a Duke. Although she's only met him twice, they will be married in two weeks' time. She doesn't feel ready to marry; she feels she missed important life moments.

Then she remembers her Aunt Alice's advice when she married - how Alice created a list of things she wanted to accomplish before becoming a married woman.

Rosalind digs out her old list. Now that her best friend is back from London, they can work together. But Liza comes home with cousin Charlie. Once Charlie learns about the list, he wants to help. Ros isn't sure but after he saves her life, how can she deny him this request?

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book. I can't imagine marrying someone I met twice. Although I completely understand the reasoning behind the idea. I loved Ros's list and that she decided to throw caution to the wind and go for it. I loved her moments with her brother Ben, her best friend Liza, and getting to know Charlie. There really was no choice in the matter.  A heartwarming read about friendship and taking chances. 

Cover Thoughts: Charming

Source: ARC sent for review 

Library Recommendation: Grab this one for your public library's collection

This book comes out February 7

I Can Read Books (2)

Another set of fun Junior Reader Books 

Parker loves the roses in her Nana's garden. Maybe she should grow them too?

Gardening is hard work - you have to be patient, but it can be very rewarding too. A great story about hard work, rewards, and the seasons.

The bunnies have a very busy day at the bookstore. They help everyone - and everyone has different reading tastes. This funny story is great for sharing and asking what books everyone likes to read best. 

This is a cute story - all about books. Great for readers who love the Stanley Books. 

Teddy and Otter want jobs - but it's hard finding the perfect job. Luckily, they have someone to offer up some suggestions.

Another adorable book about these two best friends. 

Summer Reading Kids: All Together Now (1)

In my library, we like this theme the most. Although it is close to Build a Better World, the theme from a few years ago.

We're getting close to locking down all the programs, but here are some great ideas from Pinterest all about Friendship:

Blast from the past:

Friendship Pins

Friendship Bracelets 

More Bracelets

There are a ton of bracelet ideas - you could choose a new one each week. 

Friendship Rocks

Friendship Keychains or Necklaces

Friendship Art Project

Write a Secret Message to your Friend

Blog Tour: Live Your Best Lie

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the LIVE YOUR BEST LIE by Jessie Weaver Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!

 

About The Book:

Title: LIVE YOUR BEST LIE (Volume 1) (Like Me Block You)

Author: Jessie Weaver

Pub. Date: January 24, 2023

Publisher: Melissa de la Cruz Studio

Formats: Hardcover, eBook, Audiobook

Pages: 368

Find it: Goodreads, https://books2read.com/LIVE-YOUR-BEST-LIE 

Sometimes the prettiest Instagram feeds mask the darkest, and bloodiest, secrets.

Social media influencer Summer Cartwright leads a very charmed life: millions of followers, the hottest designer and vintage clothes at her fingertips, a newly minted book deal, the coolest friends, and, until recently, the hottest boyfriend at her über-elite prep school. Every moment of her life has been carefully planned and cultivated to complement her “imperfectly perfect” social media persona. She is truly #LivingHerBestLife.

But when Summer goes missing during her annual Halloween party and then an unscheduled post appears on her feed stating that she’ll be dead within the next five minutes, those closest to Summer know something isn’t quite right―or on-brand. Grace, Summer’s camera-shy best friend; Adam, Summer’s gamer ex-boyfriend; Laney, Summer’s moody camp roommate; and Cora, an influencer wannabe, all decide to investigate. And when they come upon Summer’s lifeless body, they soon realize that no filter is strong enough to mask the lies we tell ourselves.


Told in multiple POVs interspersed with social media posts and flashbacks, Live Your Best Lie has twists and turns that will keep readers turning the page and no one will be able to guess the ending.

 My Thoughts: I enjoy a good thriller - and this one is good. I like the multiple POVs. I like the social media posts. I like the flashbacks. I'm only halfway through it but I can't stop reading it. I need to know what happened. From the #toxic influencer's famous party to her famous death, secrets about to be spilled. Four people are named as suspects for the murder - and it looks like they all have motive. Plus, there's all dealing with their grief - each in a different way. I like that they team up to solve the murder - or at least has much as you can. There's no trust here. No real friendship. But there are some great one liners. This one reads like a movie - in the very best way. Head over to my Insta account to see my post there. 

I'm both excited to see what this debut author writes next AND to see where Melissa de la Cruz's publishing line goes. 

About Jessie Weaver:

Before writing about flawed, funny teens with big hearts, Jessie Weaver spent ten years teaching them English. She completed the Stanford University online novel writing program in 2019. Though she’s an East Coast girl at heart, originally from Baltimore, MD, she currently lives just outside Denver, Colorado with her husband and two daughters. Live Your Best Lie is her first novel.

Website |  Instagram | TikTok | Goodreads | Amazon

 

Giveaway Details:

1 winner will receive a finished copy of LIVE YOUR BEST LIE, US Only.

Ends February 14th, midnight EST.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Follow the Tour:

1/16/2023	YA Books Central	Excerpt/IG Post
1/17/2023	Kait Plus Books	Excerpt/IG Post
1/18/2023	bookmama85	Review/IG Post
1/19/2023	pluvioreads	Review/IG Post
1/20/2023	YA Book Nerd	Review/IG Post
1/21/2023	Silkybookloverfun	Review/IG Post

TV Review: Truth Be Told

 

We came across TRUTH BE TOLD - which has two seasons out on Apple + TV.

I hadn't heard of it. I'm a fan of Octavia Spencer. I was also curious about the second season which features Kate Hudson, so we started the first season.

It's about a woman, Poppy, who's articles helped put away a 17-year-old boy for murder. She's questioning his guilt now. The articles on the murder helped make her career - but was she right. There are lots of holes in the stories of everyone involved that night. As Poppy begins to dig into her investigation for her podcast, secrets start coming forth...

This was a great show. I felt for the first half, I knew what was going on. And then the plot twists started coming. I kept trying to figure it all out. The characters were not likable - I didn't really root for any of them, but they were intriguing.  And I needed to know what happened. 

I'm eagerly awaiting the next season. 

If you like Only Murders in the Building, don't miss this one! 

Picture Book Wednesday: Yetis are the Worst

Gilbert the Goblin is annoyed the yetis get more attention than goblins. He believes that they are only mysterious because no one has ever seen one. So, he decides to find proof with a photo. It doesn't go according to plan...at all.

My Thoughts: While this is a picture book, it's set up as a graphic novel. It's funny - really funny. And clever. This is going to be a new favorite - that's read over and over again. 

* This book was sent for review

Top Ten Tuesday: Book Resolutions

 This week's topic is book resolutions for the new year - or bookish goals.

1. According to my Goodreads Challenge (which I failed last year) - I'm hoping to read 250 books - between Children's, Middle Grade, YA, Adult, and graphic novels.

2. I'd like to also read 500 picture books, board books, and I Can Read Books

3. I'd like to blog 325 posts and not all reviews...

4. More Bookstagram posts (at least once per month)

5. More TikTok BookTok posts (at least once per month)

Review: Salt and Sugar

 

Lari and Pedro's families own bakeries across the street from each other. They've been feuding for generations. But lately things have gotten worse - much worse. First, Lari's beloved grandmother dies. Second, there's a new box store in town taking away lots of business from both bakeries. They are both struggling to survive.

Lari is tired of her mom always fighting Pedro's mom. They need a plan before both of their bakeries go out of business. Could the answer be in working together? Can Lari trust Pedro with her biggest secret - that she can't bake?

My Thoughts: I loved this book - I was almost late for work twice because I lost track of time while reading it. I loved Lari's secret of no knowing how to cook. I felt terrible for both Lari and Pedro as their families didn't listen to their dreams - only the dreams they had projected for them. I was glad when both of them found their voice. I loved the community moments - but they were also sad too. I loved the friendship moments as Lari finally found herself.  It also made me miss my grandmother. I loved the bond between Lari and hers. This book also made me want to bake something amazing. I can't wait to see what the author writes next! 

Cover Thoughts: Charming

Source: Netgalley ARC / library book

Library Recommendations: Highly recommended for your school and library collections!

Fresh Fiction Reviews (13)

I've read and reviewed several books for Fresh Fiction recently:

"Puppies for the Win!"

"If you like Christmas Hallmark movies..."

"Romance and Revenge"

"A Cozy Read that Warms the Heart"

"Groundhog's Day Christmas"

"Find Your Joy