My favorite book of the month October 2024: Burning Sky by Sherry Thomas

“We will never accomplish anything worthwhile in life if we require the guarantee of success at the onset.”
― Sherry Thomas, The Burning Sky

Goodreads Synopsis:

It all began with a ruined elixir and a bolt of lightning.

Iolanthe Seabourne is the greatest elemental mage of her generation—or so she’s been told. The one prophesied for years to be the savior of The Realm. It is her duty and destiny to face and defeat the Bane, the most powerful tyrant and mage the world has ever known. This would be a suicide task for anyone, let alone a reluctant sixteen-year-old girl with no training.

Guided by his mother’s visions and committed to avenging his family, Prince Titus has sworn to protect Iolanthe even as he prepares her for their battle with the Bane. But he makes the terrifying mistake of falling in love with the girl who should have been only a means to an end. Now, with the servants of the tyrant closing in, Titus must choose between his mission—and her life.

My Thoughts:

I love a romantasy, but I appreciate that this story leans more on plot than romance. Iolanthe and Titus’s feelings are more of an undercurrent to the mission of defeating the Bane. This was a fun adventure with a fascinating cast of characters.

November 1, 2024 0

Picture Book Review: Rosie’s Wild Ride

Title: Rosie’s Wild Ride

Author: Paige Murray

Illustrator: Kristen Humphrey

Publication Date: October 8, 2024

Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

Description:

Meet Rosie, the big horse with even bigger dreams! In Rosie’s Wild Ride, Clydesdale horse Rosie and her cowgirl friend Oakley want to be rodeo stars, but what happens when the competition doesn’t quite go as planned? In this beautiful, inspiring picture book, readers will learn the importance of teamwork, chasing their dreams, and daring to ask, “What if I can?”

Rosie the Clydesdale is a BIG horse. She likes her life on the ranch and helping the farmer with his chores, but she also has a secret dream: she wants to be a rodeo star. She finally gets her chance when she teams up with a plucky cowgirl named Oakley, but the rodeo events aren’t designed for a big horse like Rosie. When a rogue bull disrupts the competition, though, Rosie and Oakley might be the only ones big and brave enough to stop him.

From debut children’s author Paige Murray comes a rodeo adventure complete with roping, riding, and racing—based on real animals from her own Texas ranch.

My Thoughts:

Clydesdales are big horses that are used for pulling. Rosie works on the farm, but dreams of being a rodeo star. She finally gets her chance when Oakley’s parents want her to have a gentle horse. They practice and join the rodeo, but Rosie’s size make competitions like barrel racing difficult. But the bull gets loose they need a big horse to bring him back. Oakley rides Rosie to the rescue. Without winning a single event Rosie and Oakley are the stars of the rodeo.

This book, written by the wife of rodeo star Ty Murray, features cowgirl Oakley and Rosie the Clydesdale. The Murrays really have a daughter named Oakley and a Clydesdale named Rosie. When I read that at the end of the book it made the story that much more special. I love when authors write stories that have special meaning to their family, but are also universally appealing. I think kids will love Rosie’s story and the message of reaching for your dreams.

October 6, 2024

Picture Book Review: Grampy’s Chair by Rebecca Thomas

Title: Grampy’s Chair

Author: Rebecca Thomas

Publisher: Annick Press

Publication Date: September 17, 2024

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an advanced ebook copy in exchange for an honest review.

Description:

Grampy’s chair sits in the middle of his living room and always keeps an eye on My Love. The Chair is the perfect spot for My Love to learn to read, to play games with her friends, and The Chair is always extra soft when My Love is sick. As My Love grows up, The Chair sees Grampy grow older and My Love must care for him. One day Grampy is gone, and The Chair is moved to a space with only a few things it recognizes (and a few spiders too). Will it see My Love again?

In this poignant story inspired by her own grandfather and his chair, Rebecca Thomas invites readers of all ages to explore love, grief, and the important moments in life that take place in our favorite spots. With lively illustrations from Coco A. Lynge and featuring a heartfelt author’s note, Grampy’s Chair takes the readers through loss, and how we can be found again by the ones we love.

My Thoughts

Grampy’s Chair is a touching story that adults will appreciate even more than children. The personal recollections of the author shine through. Anyone who had a close relationship with a grandparent can relate.

September 18, 2024

My Favorite Book of August 2024: Finlay Donovan is Killing It by Elle Cosimano

“My Google search history alone was probably enough to put me on a government watch list. I wrote suspense novels about murders like this. I’d searched every possible way to kill someone. With every conceivable kind of weapon.”
― Elle Cosimano, Finlay Donovan Is Killing It

Title: Finlay Donovan is Killing It

Author: Elle Cosimano

Publisher: Minotaur Books

Publication Date: February 2, 2021

Goodreads Synopsis:

Finlay Donovan is killing it . . . except, she’s really not. She’s a stressed-out single-mom of two and struggling novelist, Finlay’s life is in the new book she promised her literary agent isn’t written, her ex-husband fired the nanny without telling her, and this morning she had to send her four-year-old to school with hair duct-taped to her head after an incident with scissors.

When Finlay is overheard discussing the plot of her new suspense novel with her agent over lunch, she’s mistaken for a contract killer, and inadvertently accepts an offer to dispose of a problem husband in order to make ends meet . . . Soon, Finlay discovers that crime in real life is a lot more difficult than its fictional counterpart, as she becomes tangled in a real-life murder investigation.

Fast-paced, deliciously witty, and wholeheartedly authentic in depicting the frustrations and triumphs of motherhood in all its messiness, hilarity, and heartfelt moment, Finlay Donovan Is Killing It is the first in a brilliant new series from YA Edgar Award nominee Elle Cosimano.

My Thoughts:

I was going through a bit of a reading slump early in the summer, and this book was exactly what I needed to get out of it. It’s not deeply meaningful or realistic, but it was so much fun, I didn’t want to put it down. The twists and turns are so crazy, you never know what will happen next. Finlay Donovan is a great character and I can’t wait to read more books in the series.

September 1, 2024

Let’s Talk About Mysteries

Today’s bookish talk is about mysteries. I don’t really like graphic blood or guts, so I tend to lean more on the side of cozies or historical mysteries. But, I do like an occasional thriller, if it focuses on the psychological aspect. No matter what subgenre, here are the things I look for in a good mystery.

Twists

It goes without saying that you should not be able to solve a good mystery within the first few chapters. I want unexpected twists along the way. Just when the reader thinks they have something figured out, new information should let them know that they must be wrong. I want to gasp at least once during a mystery.

Entertaining, Intelligent Detectives

Whether it’s a real detective or an amateur sleuth, the crime solber should add to the story. I want someone who has interesting quirks. It can be something that helps them or hinders them. I just don’t want them to be a crime solving machine. I want a smart but flawed detective that’s going to add layers to the story beyond solving the mystery. If it’s an amateur sleuth, I want them to show some intelligence, and not just make a bunch of dumb decisions that results in them solving a crime while all of the trained detectives miss the clues.

Realistic Motive

If someone’s going to be murdered, the stakes have to be high, or the killer is insane enough that they think they are. I want to believe that the motive would really drive somebody to commit murder.

Show Me the Clues

Once the culprit is revealed, I should be able to look back and see that all the clues were there. I hate it when there’s an important piece of information that was never hinted at until the reveal at the end.

Some of my favorite mysteries

I only listed first in series or stand alones. Click on the books for their description.

August 12, 2024

My Favorite Read for July 2024: Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi

“Reality told us we would fail. But again and again, we fought. We perserved . We rose.”
― Tomi Adeyemi, Children of Blood and Bone

Title: Children of Blood and Bone

Author: Tomi Adeyemi

Publisher: Henry Holt Company

Publication Date: March 6, 2018

Goodreads Synopsis:

They killed my mother.
They took our magic.
They tried to bury us.

Now we rise.

Zélie Adebola remembers when the soil of Orïsha hummed with magic. Burners ignited flames, Tiders beckoned waves, and Zélie’s Reaper mother summoned forth souls.

But everything changed the night magic disappeared. Under the orders of a ruthless king, maji were killed, leaving Zélie without a mother and her people without hope.

Now Zélie has one chance to bring back magic and strike against the monarchy. With the help of a rogue princess, Zélie must outwit and outrun the crown prince, who is hell-bent on eradicating magic for good.

Danger lurks in Orïsha, where snow leoponaires prowl and vengeful spirits wait in the waters. Yet the greatest danger may be Zélie herself as she struggles to control her powers and her growing feelings for an enemy.

My Thoughts:

While listed as YA I would place this on the high end and would still recommend it to adults who don’t usually read YA. There are some heavy issues which require a certain level of maturity to digest. One of the things I love about fantasy is that you can highlight societal issues through a different world, which allows the reader to seperate personal feelings and see things clearer. There is so much symbolism releated to the black experience here that I’m sure I missed a lot. Most importantly it’s put together in an entertaining, action packed story with complex characters.

August 1, 2024

Picture Book Review: The Lots-of-Time Machine by: Paulette Bogan

Title: The Lots-of-Time Machine

Author/Illustrator: Paulette Bogan

Publisher: Two Lions

Publication Date: July 2, 2024

Thank you NetGalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Description

Fifi the raccoon is trying desperately to get her family to play with her. But everyone is too busy, busy, busy! What’s a girl to do? Together with her dog, Felix, Fifi comes up with an idea—one that will bring them all together and give them lots of time to play: it’s a lots-of-time machine! But what happens when Fifi’s brilliant idea doesn’t go quite as planned? Can Fifi and her family find a way to be busy…together? Find out in this endearing and relatable family story.

My Thoughts:

This is such a cute story that’s relatable to any kid/family. Fifi just wants to spend time with her family, but they’re all busy. There are few words per page that are written speech bubbles, making this easy for a beginning reader. The bright illustrations tell the story and keep you engaged.

July 1, 2024

My Favorite Read of June 2024: A Witch’s Guide to Fake Dating a Demon by Sarah Hawley

“Lucifer, why did so many human emotions feel like physical illness? It was a wonder humans didn’t visit the doctor on an hourly basis.”
― Sarah Hawley, A Witch’s Guide to Fake Dating a Demon

Title: A Witch’s Guide to Fake Dating a Demon

Author: Sarah Hawley

Publisher: Berkley

Publication Date: March 7, 2023

Goodreads Synopsis:

Mariel Spark is prophesied to be the most powerful witch seen in centuries of the famed Spark family, but to the displeasure of her mother, she prefers baking to brewing potions and gardening to casting hexes. When a spell to summon flour goes very wrong, Mariel finds herself staring down a demon—one she inadvertently summoned for a soul bargain.

Ozroth the Ruthless is a legend among demons. Powerful and merciless, he drives hard bargains to collect mortal souls. But his reputation has suffered ever since a bargain went awry—if he can strike a bargain with Mariel, he will earn back his deadly reputation. Ozroth can’t leave Mariel’s side until they complete a bargain, which she refuses to do (turns out some humans are attached to their souls).

But the witch is funny. And curvy. And disgustingly yet endearingly cheerful. Becoming awkward roommates quickly escalates when Mariel, terrified to confess the inadvertent summoning to her mother, blurts out that she’s dating Ozroth. As Ozroth and Mariel struggle with their opposing goals and maintaining a fake relationship, real attraction blooms between them. But Ozroth has a limited amount of time to strike the deal, and if Mariel gives up her soul, she’ll lose all her emotions—including love—which will only spell disaster for them both.

My Thoughts:

A demon with a soul was such a fun premise. I loved the unique take on the demon plain. Even though the demons are evil, they’re just regular people doing their job. The jobs just happen to involve dasterdly deals and soul stealing. I didn’t give it a full five stars because the pacing seemed a little off at times.

July 1, 2024

Anticipated Reads Update

I’ll be the first to admit, I have not been consistent with posting and following through with all of the blog features I’ve started. The two things I have stuck with from the beginning is posting my favorite book I read each month and my most anticipated book releases of the month. I thought it would be fun to go back and update you on how many of the anticipated book releases I’ve since read. I was surprised to see how many ended up being a favorite book of the month. I’ve included lots of links for book descriptions and previous posts that talk about these books.

Apples Never Fall by Liane Moriarty was part of my very first list of anticipated books in September 21. I’ve had strong feelings both ways with Moriarty’s books, but this one fell in the middle. It was a good read, but as memorable as her others.

Under the Whispering Door was also on that first list and went on to be my favorite read of the entire year for 2022.

Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone by Diana Gabaldon was on my November 2021 anticipated reads list. I finished it earlier this year. I put it off because I thought the ending of Echo in the Bone would’ve been a perfect ending to the series, and was nervous I would be disappointed. While it was not my favorite book in the series, I was overall happy with the course of the book.

Reminders of Himby: Colleen Hoover was on my January 2022 list. Readers tend to have strong feelings about Hoover. You love her books or hate them. I am a fan. Again, this isn’t my favorite of her books, but I liked the theme of redemption.

With Love From London by Sarah Jio was on my February 2022 list . You’ll notice that I am drawn to a lot of books about family secrets and duel timelines. This one also had a bookshop, so it was a big win for me.

Book Lovers by Emily Henry was on my May 2022 list. This was my first Emily Henry book and my favorite read of September 2022. This was a perfect romance for me. It was a twist on a Halmark Movie and gave a behind the scenes look at the writing industry.

Carrie Soto Is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid was on my September 2022 list. It ended up being one of my favorite reads of 2023. I like that Taylor Jenkins Reid ties in stories from her other books, but they also work as stand alones.

Mad Honey by Jodi Picoult was on my October 2022 list. It was also a favorite read of 2023. I am always amazed at Picoult’s ability to explore issues from so many different perspectives.

It Starts With Us by Colleen Hoover was also on my October 2022 list. It was a great sequel to It Ends With Us and told the love story readers wanted in book one.

Someone Else’s Shoes by Jojo Moyes was on my February 2023 list . I was my favorite read of March 2024.

Witch’s Guide to Fake Dating a Demon was on my March 2023 list. I am about half way through reading this book. I’m loving it so far. It will most likely be my favorite read for June.

Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers by Jess Q. Sutanto was on my March 2023 list. It was my favorite read of August 2023. It is one of the funniest mystery I’ve ever read.

March of 2023 was a great month for book releases. Hang the Moon by Jeannette Walls was also another my favorite books of the month for December 2023.

The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny and Murder by David Grann was on my April 2023 list. This was an amazing story and the amount of research that went into it was mindblowing.

Happy Place by Emily Henry was also on my April 2023 list. Another great romance, but I did not like it as much as Book Lovers.

In the Lives of Puppets was also on my April 2023 list and was my favorite read of January 2024. I just love his sense of humor so much, I think he could write about anything and I would love it.

One and Only Ruby by Katherine Applegate was on my May 2023 list. This is such a great middle grade series. I loved reading about Ruby’s story.

Yellowface by B. F. Kuang was also on my May 2023 list. I’m glad I got to write about this one. It probably would’ve been my favorite book of the month if I had read it at a different time, but I happened to have a very strong reading month. This was a great book that tackled controversial topics and made you think.

The Second Chance Store by Lauren Bravo was on my July 2023 list. I loved the concept of telling the story through the items that show up at a second hand shop. I didn’t love the execution of the story though. There were too many stories going for me, so they didn’t feel fully developed.

Dogtown by Katherine Applegate and Gennifer Choldenko was on my September list. I was lucky enough to get a copy from NetGalley to review. The One and Only Ivan and Al Capone Does My Shirts are two of my favorite middle grade books, and this collaboration was everything I dreamed it would be.

June 21, 2024

Middle Grade Book Review: Dealing with Dragons by Patricia Wrede

I announced at the beginning of the month that I was participating in the Middle Grade Carousel Monthly Challenge. This month’s theme was cold-blooded animals. I decided to pick dragons for my cold-blooded creature. This classic has been on my shelves for awhile.

Princess Cimorene is bored of being a princess. So she runs away and becomes dragon’s princess to the mighty Kazul, a powerful dragon with green shining scales and sharp silver teeth. But Cimorene soon discovers that living with dragons isn’t always easy.

This was a great adventure tale for girls who don’t want to follow conventions. I think it was probably more revolutionary when it was written in the early 1990s. Today we have a lot more fantasy series with strong female leads. But, the story still stands the test of time.

June 1, 2024