Review: Rainy Day Friends

* Book 2 in the Wildstone series *

Lanie took a temporary job to get away from the pain in her life. Not the pain of losing her husband - but the pain at discovering the truth behind his life. The moment she walks into the winery, where she'll head up the new marketing campaign, she realizes that she's in over her head with the Capriotti family.

While they're all super sweet, they also want to know everything about Lanie. She's not ready to share her humiliation - especially not with Mark. He's a single dad of twin girls, with a great smile. If she's not careful, she could fall for him.

Lanie doesn't need more heartache, not when she's still trying to heal from the past.

My Thoughts: I adored this book, I didn't want it to end. I loved the banter between Lanie and Mark - and how she tried to keep everyone at arm's length. But also how that never worked. I really loved the Capriotte family and I hope we see so much more of them in this series. They really stole my heart - from the twins' antics to the gruffness of Mia. I really loved River too. I loved how Cora embraced everyone as family and how that all worked out. I can't wait to read more in this series.

Cover Thoughts: Adorable, but doesn't exactly fit the story
Source: My Library

 Library Recommendation: It's Jill Shalvis - her books should be automatically purchased for public libraries.

Review: Love Double Dutch

MaKayla's super excited about competing in the double dutch tournament this summer. She's hoping she and her team will make it to the finals. She's devastated when she learns that her parents are shipping her to North Carolina for the summer to live with her aunt and uncle. Her parents needs to figure out their relationship.

MaKayla isn't interested in spending the summer in the South. She doesn't want to live with her princess cousin for the summer. But there's nothing she can do about it.

She's surprised to learn that the camp in North Carolina has double dutch  - and even more surprised to learn that her cousin used to jump. Will MaKayla's summer be better than she ever expected?

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book - especially learning about double dutch. I loved MaKayla's attitude -she's tough and feisty. I loved her confidence and the way she stood up for her cousin Sally. I enjoyed her moments with Sally - from the beginning of the summer until they became friends. I also liked MaKayla's moments with Charlie. I loved the ending and how it all worked together. A sweet sporty book just perfect for middle grade readers.

Cover Thoughts: Amazing
Source: My Library

Library Recommendations: Grab this one for your public library and schools.

Picture Book Review: Can I Be Your Dog?

A homeless dog lives in a box, but wishes to find himself a home. He writes to everyone on the street asking if he can be their dog.

It's a sweet funny story that will tug at your heartstrings.  It's a little sad, but the ending is adorable. I loved the illustrations. I also loved how the book was written in letters. Super cute and perfect for dog lovers!

After the story, there's an author's note about helping homeless animals. 

Top Ten Tuesday: Next on my TBR pile

This week's topic is the next books in my TBR pile. Of course I want to read them all immediately because I'm excited about them. Some of them *might* be overdue from the library, but that's a different story.

- meme from That Artsy Reader Girl

Have you read any of these?

Review: Annie's Life in Lists

Annie's life took a turn when she accidentally spilled the beans about her address to the school - and got herself expelled. Now instead of living in Brooklyn, they moved to the suburbs. Annie's brother isn't speaking to her. Annie can't believe she messed up and babbled without thinking.

She isn't sure she lives life outside of the city, but she's trying. It's hard when she's also trying to keep her memory a secret. Fifth grade isn't easy under normal circumstances, but she doesn't want everyone thinking she's a freak too. but hiding her true self doesn't always make her happy.

Can she be happy in Clover Gap?

My Thoughts: I loved this book from the format to the content. So here's my list of reasons why:

1. Annie's memory
2. Exploring a new small town
3. Friendship Drama
4. Relationship with her brother
5. All the humor (look for the underwear moment)
6. The Clover Festival 
7. The Random Lists 
8. Nerdy Moments - love for Harry Potter
9. Finding peace with herself
10. The illustrations

Cover Thoughts: Charming
Source: Book sent for Review

Library Recommendation: Perfect for school and public libraries. This debut author is one to watch! 

Review: Listen to Your Heart

As far as Kate is concerned, there are two types of people in this world: lake people and everyone else. She loves spending time on the lake and letting the wind rush through her hair when out on the boat. She's not crazy about the rest of the world.

When her best friend talks her into taking a podcasting class, she figures she'll be behind the scenes. Instead, she's thrust into the job of co-hosting the show. And she couldn't be more annoyed.

The first episode doesn't go well - but then she starts to relax and create a different persona. It doesn't hurt that there's a boy calling him for love advice. And it might be someone Kate recognizes...

If only he was talking about her, but she's pretty sure he's talking about her best friend

My Thoughts: I adored this book. I loved the idea of the podcast class - and I liked reading more about the behind the scenes of the production. I thought Kate and her co-host were entertaining. I liked the friendship between the two girls. I normally don't like books about best friends liking the same guy, but this one really worked for me. I loved Diego. I even liked Frank. I loved Kate's large and noisy family and how they got together for cousin night - that sounds charming. More than anything I wanted to be reading this book while at the late or a even poolside - sadly that did not happen. A fun flirty read that I gobbled right up!

Cover Thoughts: Adorable
Source: my Library

Library Recommendations: Perfect for school and public libraries.

Picture Book Review: Mae Among the Stars

This book is inspired by Mae Jemison's Life - she was the first Black woman in space.

I loved this book from the amazing illustrations to the dream of a little girl. Of course I loved the library scene. I love the Mae followed her dreams, worked really hard, and never gave up. She believed in herself and she accomplished her dream. Such an inspiring read!

Perfect for public and school libraries.