Mini Review: Ye Olde Weird but True

300 facts from history ranging from ancient days to not that long ago.

The Good: I loved this book. It's quick, but fascinating read. And I happy to discover a few facts in here that I already knew. The pictures are great. The fonts make the facts stand out. Both make for an eye-catching book. As a fan of history, I couldn't put this book down and shared several of the facts with my husband.

The Bad: Nothing.

Overall Verdict: I think teens/tweens will flip through it. They will be grossed out, will laugh, and share the facts with their friends. 

Mysterious Saturday Review: Murder She Barked

At dinner with her boyfriend, Holly receives a phone call asking her to come home to Virginia because something's happened to her grandmother. Immediately she leaves, without stopping for anything. On the way there, she finds a dog who adopts her.

Her grandmother's been hit with a car, leaving her with a twisted ankle - but her employee lost his life. Holly's worried there's something deeper going on.

When she finds the body of the mayor - a man most people have argued with once or twice, she starts digging around.

Are the two murders connected? Crime doesn't happen in Wagtail, a pet friendly town. Holly's determined to keep her grandmother safe and to uncover the truth.

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book, happy for a new series from Krista Davis. I love her Diva books. I like how Trixie adopted Holly. I found the inn charming and the town cute - I wouldn't mind bringing my dog there for a visit. (well maybe if he was a little bit better behaved.)  I love the small town and how everyone knows everything about everyone else.  I loved the staff, especially Zelda and they way they helped Holly. Holly and her grandmother have a sweet relationship, which made me miss my own grandmother. A perfect new series for dog lovers with a blend of recipes, small town charm, gossip, and a dash of romance. 

Cover Thoughts: Really cute.
Source: Sent for review.

Holiday Movies

Are you like me and watch the same Christmas movies every year? There's just something about Christmas that makes me want to snuggle up on the coach and watch a movie. For me, it's not the holiday season without seeing a few favorites:

You've Got Mail: Love this movie even through it's not really a Christmas movie.

Sound of Music: Yes I'm planning to watch the new one, probably tonight. I hope it's good, but I'm not sure how I feel about a remake as I love the original. There are just some things that can't be done again.

White Christmas: I've loved this movie since I was a kid. I sometimes watch it in July...

Love Actually:  I can't believe it's been out for 10 years. The perfect movie.

Others: Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, and Die Hard are all welcome.

I've also been watching some movies on the Hallmark Channel. I enjoyed Farewell Mr. Kringle and loved Fir Crazy.

What about you? Are you a holiday movie watcher?

Holiday Review Thursday: Starry Night

Carrie's fed up with writing for the society page of the newspaper. She wants to write about things that matter. She goes into her boss's office determined to quit if he doesn't give her a chance. Instead, he makes a deal with her. If she can get an interview with the hottest author on the planet, she can write whatever she wants.

Carrie accepts the challenge, but she doesn't realize the author lives somewhere in Alaska. She doesn't realize that he's a recluse nor that dozens of reporters are looking for him. Once she hears that news, she's more determined than ever to find him.

She succeeds - but the cost of finding him lands her at his Alaskan cabin with a storm coming through. By the time she's able to leave, she's not sure she wants to go. 

My Thoughts: It's not Christmas with out a romance from Debbie Macomber. I'm a huge fan of her books and read this in one sitting. I loved Carrie's determination and resourcefulness at finding him. I loved her time in Alaska - stuck with Finn, but trying to make the best of a strange situation. I adored Hennessey, the dog.  I liked Finn's perspective, especially when Carrie invades his privacy. A charming romantic tale that warmed my heart. 

Cover Thoughts: Perfect
Source: My Library

Mini Review: Instacraft

A craft book filled with easy crafts with easy to find materials if you don't already have them on hand.

The Good: I love the set up - the post-it notes for instructions and materials make the pages stand out. I like how it's broken up into sections according to how you create the craft. There are several projects that I tagged for myself and to use at the library with teens: Cookie Cutter Frames, Memory Wrapping Paper, Celebration Napkin Banner, Little Lined Frames, and Spaghetti-Stamped Tote Bag. 

The Bad: Nothing

Overall Verdict: It's cute, fresh, and fun. A great book for crafting.

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: Sent for Review

What's On My Hold List (69)

My Librarian friend Jess from I Read to Relax came up with a great idea.  It's to highlight the books on hold at the library. I usually have 20-40 items checked out at the library and another 20 items on hold.

Blackberry Pie Murder: I love this series, excited for the upcoming book early next year.

Racing Savannah: Really enjoy this series - and love books about horses = double win.

Fantasy Drawing Workshop: This one is for work, but I'm kind of excited about it too, Trying to put together a Hobbit party.

Giveaway: I Funny and I Even Funnier

Earlier today I reviewed I Funny. And if you think it sounds good, here's your chance to win a copy for yourself. It makes a great holiday gift - it's on my list for Book Gifts for Teens!

Read a little bit of the sequel I Even Funnier.

Link up!

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        Copies of I FUNNY and I EVEN FUNNIER!

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