Accordionly: Abuelo and Opa Make Music

If you have never heard an accordion playing before, you should. The sound is really unusual and jazzy. The book Accordionly will make the most sense for kids who have heard the instrument before. It’s hard to imagine that it could sound so different. The book is about families coming together with their love of music. It celebrates the beauty of Spanish music and European music. The two songs the grandpas play are real songs, and it would be good if there were a CD with the book, but you can always find the music on your parent’s phone. This book is good for younger kids who are just learning about different kinds of music.


The Perfect Escape

What better way to spend a Friday night than at an escape room? With zombies? Nate is a guide for the escape room, and Kate is a zombie actor. Nate’s parents hail from Korea, and their finances are more often than not strained. Kate recently lost her mother, and her father has taken his role as surviving parent seriously, often too seriously, dismissing her love of the theater for something practical. They both have their reasons to enter a contest that requires contestants to battle their way across a zombie wasteland, but the reward is great. However, there’s more than just zombies on the battlefield trying to block their path to the finish line.

Like the many recent books that capitalize on our love of comic conventions, this one starts with our new obsession with escape rooms. And adds in zombies. And competitions. Combined, they are the perfect setting for a rom-com that is sweet and funny and touching, with memorable but flawed characters. Nate’s Korean background is just part of who he is, and characters focus more on his status as the scholarship kid and less on his race. This one is the perfect escape from life. So cute.


Hat Tricks

It would be fun to be a magician, especially if I could do the kind of tricks as Hattie the Magician does in Hat Tricks. Instead of a bunny that's pulled from a hat by a human magician, a rabbit named Hattie is the magician and has her own hat for her tricks. On each page, she pulls out something new and exciting. When you are reading the book, you can tell on some of the pages what animal that Hattie is about to pull out, but not on every page. It is fun to watch the animals pulled out of the hat; the expressions of the animals that have already pulled out are funny to see, too. The story isn't that long, but Hattie pulls out quite a few animals of different sizes and says a fun phrase for the magic to work. The ending is nice; I'm glad that it turned out the way it did. I think that this book would be a good one for kids of any age, but especially younger ones.


Izzy Gizmo and the Invention Convention

Izzy Gizmo and Fixer are a team working pair of fixers, and Izzy has just been invited to the invention convention. Izzy loves to invent new things, but there is just one problem, the things she invents don't always work. Izzy's Grandpa encourages her to keep trying no matter what. At the convention, there are many other inventors to compete against. Izzy is running out of ideas and supplies. What will she make for the invention convention? Abi is has a pile of old broken tools, she is throwing out but Izzy knows just what she will do. She will invent something to fix broken tools and make them new again. Izzy uses only old recycled materials to fix the tools. When she doesn't have enough electricity to power her machine, she knows she must harness renewable energy sources to power the machine. Izzy and Fixer use wind, water, and solar power to power the machine and Izzy is a success. The vibrant illustrations bring Izzy and Fixer's creation to life. This is a wonderful book as it teachers readers, that you may not always succeed the first time, but if you persevere and work hard you can make anything your heart desires. I love the fact that Izzy upcycles and makes old things new again by using natural energy sources.


All the Ways We Said Goodbye: A Novel of the Ritz Paris

France, 1914: As war breaks out, Aurelie becomes trapped on the wrong side of the front with her father. When the Germans move onto their family's ancestral estate, using it as headquarters, Aurelie discovers she knows the German major aide de camp, Maximilian. Despite their conflicting loyalties, Aurelie and Max fall in love, but soon betrayal will shatter them both. France 1942: Raised by her free-spirited American grandmother in the glamorous Hotel Ritz, Marguerite “Daisy” Villon remains in Paris with her family after France falls to Hitler. Once reluctant to put herself and her family in danger, Daisy agrees to join the resistance, acting as a courtier for a forger known only as Legrand. But as Daisy is drawn deeper into the resistance, she uncovers a devastating secret, one that will force her to commit the ultimate betrayal. France 1964: For Barbara Langford, her husband Kit was the love of her life; yet their marriage is haunted by a mysterious woman known only as “La Fleur”. But after Kit's death, Andrew Bowdoin, who was hired to find “La Fleur,” appears at her door. Filled with curiosity, Barbara joins Andrew on his quest, all the way to Paris and the Ritz Hotel.

All The Ways We Said Goodbye is a wonderful story about three women who, despite the years that separated them, are brought to Paris' Ritz Hotel. But the hotel is not the only thing that connects these three women. Although two of the three storylines take place during the World Wars, I enjoyed how the story focused on the strong women in the story rather than the horrors of war like so many other historical novels set during these times.


Midnight on Strange Street

One night a blue light burned at the end of Cedar Lane in Callaway, TX. It burned for an hour and then was gone. This incident was made into legend and gave the road the nickname Strange Street. Callaway became known for its new industry Glow Inc. that sold an extraterrestrial substance called glow. The only thing it is really used for is a new sport called glowboarding.

Many years later, Avery, Dani, Lola, and Bastian moved to the street. They became friends and made a glowboarding team naming themselves the Sardines. Their biggest rivals the Grackles had just beat them in every race. Of course, it does not hurt that the Grackles have Mitchell Jensen, whose father owns Glow Inc. that makes all the glowboards and accessories. Things are going okay until the last day of school when Lola gets so mad, she causes food to levitate and then explode all over Mitchell. Most think it was a kid pulling a prank, others think it was something having to do with the war that set and explosion.

The team comes to realize that all of them have felt a flame inside them and they can connect to each other’s thoughts, which will give them just the advantage they need at the ultimate race Glow in the Park. As they get stronger, they are contacted by otherworldly beings saying they have placed the “elixir” there to protect them and they are planning to eradicate the world. The only problem is that the Sardines are only getting part of the message because there is a fifth person and they do not know who it is. With the biggest race of the year coming up and aliens to appease will the Sardines be able to win the race and save the world or end up falling flat?

This book was awesome! I loved it so much! It had great pacing, action, and intrigue. This one kept me on the edge of my seat. Descriptions were perfect for middle-grade kids. Callaway felt like a small-town even though it was a city. Glowboarding is awesome, I wish it were a real sport. The added mystery of the blue flame is just epic. I loved the added parts that someone was making a deal about glow and then after those connected with the aliens.

The characters were very well fleshed out. They had their own voice and personality. You could see it from Dani’s in charge personality to Lola’s sweet and peacemaking one. It was also interesting to see how the family dynamic directly affected the kids. I loved that it switched during the four main characters' points of view. It was really well done.

My favorite parts were feeling like I was glowboarding along with the characters. It was just an amazing feeling. I also loved that even though there was a lot of action the author took time to make sure you knew the characters and all the things each one was dealing with. I think it would make middle graders feel like someone really gets them.

I would recommend this book to anyone who likes action, mystery, or sci-fi. Perfect for upper elementary and up.


Auntie Poldi and the Vineyards of Etna (2) (An Auntie Poldi Adventure)

When Auntie Poldi's water is cut off, her friend's dog found poisoned, and she hears about the murder of a young district attorney; she is sure the mafia is behind it. She's in Sicily, after all. Setting out to discover the culprit behind the dog's death, Poldi ends up getting involved in the murder case of Chief Inspector Montana. As if that weren't enough excitement for one sixty-year-old woman, she discovers a body at a vineyard on the slopes of Etna. Her senses tell her the murders are connected. And when Auntie Poldi sticks her nose into something, she can't let it go, even when she knows death is looking over her shoulder.

Auntie Polidi and the Vineyards of Etna is narrated by Poldi's nephew, an aspiring writer with his share of writer's block. As he points out, his aunt navigates life between two poles: utter joy and the depths of despair. But she knows, like him, that Sicily is a special place, full of complex characters, and mysteries yet to be solved. There is nowhere else she'd rather live. Giordano has written a firecracker of a story, layered with wit, humor, and charm. It's filled with delightful and exotic characters I won't soon forget.


Where the Best Stories Hide

Roman Yasiejko, with illustrations by Ben Whitehouse

Where the Best Stories Hide is a story about Nick. Nick tells stories. All. The. Time!

In this story, Nick shows his teacher and friends about where the best stories hide: In his mind! He makes them up like I do in my comics. (“And I do too with my big brother,” adds my little sister Julianne. “He helps me.”) Nick tells good stories. Nick tells stories about all kinds of things, like pirates, rocket ships, race cars, dinosaurs, everything. He dreams up all sorts of thing and tells tales. I like to imagine things like Nick and just have fun. That’s the best part about drawing, and that’s what Nick does: just has fun. They think he is just drawing, but he is actually telling stories. My favorite part was at the end where the whole class rides on the dinosaur with Nick.

Kids who like telling stories might like this book too.

I give this book five stars because I love it.


How to Make a Shark Smile: How a positive mindset spreads happiness

Hilariously funny! On a scale of one to ten, this book would be a ten because it made me laugh out loud! How to Make a Shark Smile: How a Positive Mindset Spreads Happiness is a wonderfully funny book and illustrates just how powerful a smile and a positive attitude can be, even when a shark is involved. Ripple the dolphin is new to the aquarium, but all the other sea animals are afraid of her because she looks like the mean shark that swims in the tank. Ripple wants to show her friends how to be happy, and the power of being happy and kind to others can make difference. Ripple show the sea animals the power of her smile and encourages them to try to resist not to smile back. Will this positive attitude and the power of the sea animals smiles be enough to change the shark's mean ways? This book is vibrantly illustrated to show the beauty of an ocean aquarium. I love the realistic illustrations including the coral. This is a fantastic book to show readers how powerful a positive mindset can be on not only yourself, but on others as well.


Tiny Habits: The Small Changes That Change Everything

If you really want to change your habits once and for all, this is the book to pick up. Based on science and practice, Tiny Habits: The Small Changes that Change Everything by BJ Fogg, PhD is life-changing and will make you think about habits in entirely new ways. It’s also super readable and really enjoyable, even if the only habit you cultivate is flossing one tooth.

Fogg’s style is informative and funny. He’s incredibly relatable as he leads readers through the ins and outs of his tiny habits research. Change has never been more accessible and easy to understand. Based on over twenty years of human behavior research, this model for change breaks down how to make transformative changes into the tiniest steps. It encourages celebrating successes, even tiny ones, as opposed to suffering failures. No matter your goals, Tiny Habits is there to help you achieve new habits that add up in a big way to a better life.

(This is the self-help book that finally works! It even ended arguments about pants with my kid!)


Someday We Will: A Book for Grandparents and Grandchildren

Pam Webb, with illustrations by Wendy Leach

Grandparents and their grandchildren go through the book showing all the things they want to do together, from going swimming in the lake to reading books together. The end brings a beautiful conclusion: that someday is here and they get to be together to do all the fun things they had been looking forward to doing.

The text was sparse, which worked well. It had a beautiful flow and rhythm to the words. I felt as if I was being transported to this beautiful world that the grandparents and grandchildren are having together. The illustrations were beautiful and whimsical. The family is very well drawn, giving a true sense of who they are. I will say this book represents European-American culture. If you want diversity, you will need to look for another book.

How timely of a book for our family; we just moved away from both sets of grandparents, so this book really spoke to me and my kids. My three- and six-year-old loved the pictures of grandparents and grandchildren doing things together, thinking of the special times when they get to be with their grandparents. This is a book they loved reading over and over again.

I recommend this book for three- to eight-year-olds and for all grandparents to buy to read to their grandchildren.


Paper Planes

Ben and Mia are best, best friends. They live by each other on the shores of a big lake. They do everything together from swinging to singing, but their favorite thing to do is to make airplanes that they try to fly as far as they can. They race their planes with flying geese. They dream of being able to fly their planes all the way across the lake they live next to. But before they have the chance, the worst thing happens — Ben’s family is going to be moving far, far away. They trade planes with each other and say goodbye. Can these two friends find a way to keep their friendship while being so far away?

Author Jim Hilmore has written a sweet story of friendship and longing. Having a best friend move away is something most kids face at one time or another, and this book can help them get through the experience. But the real star of this book is the illustration work of Richard Jones. Using soft colors and lovely details, each page is filled with enchanting images that will keep youngsters' eyes on the pages and their imaginations working.


Creating Things That Matter: The Art and Science of Innovations That Last

It's rare that I find it difficult to encapsulate what I liked and didn't like about a book, or how to define what was effective and what was ineffective. Creating Things That Matter is certainly a book that you should read, but I genuinely wonder what a different reader will get out of it.

David Edwards collects numerous engaging stories about visionaries who took their fields in startling new directions, and those sections of the book are pure inspiration, offering insight into how you can channel your creative energies, your ideas, and your drive into something tactile.

But it's when Edwards applies a methodology to these individual accounts that I found the book wanting. It strove to quantify these innovations into a step-by-step process that is universal. I admire the attempt, certainly, and I cannot deny the author's own success or his passion for inspiring others and provoking thought about a new nexus of science and art, but I found my own interest flagging at these points.

Perhaps I am just behind the curve on this one, but I got more out of the example stories than I did from the surrounding framework so intricately constructed by the author.


This Book Thinks You're an Inventor

Jon Milton, with illustrations by Harriet Russell

A lot of elementary and middle school students have a lack of confidence in their abilities in the STEM areas. This book opens with a fun quiz to find out what kind of an inventor one is, acting on the assumption that anyone can invent and opening the door to kids who might not otherwise be willing to try inventive activities. This is followed by some ways to get inventive thinking happening and six sections: "Amazing Materials," "Transportation and Machines," "At Home," "AI and Robots," "Buildings," and "Helping People and the Planet." Each of these sections has three to five activities to encourage inventive thinking and get youngsters creating. There are cute illustrations by Harriet Russell that enhance the activities. This is a workbook with lots of room to write and draw printed on heavy stock paper to handle any kind of pens, markers, or paint kids want to use. This book is a great addition to the series, which also has books on being a scientist, a math genius, and an artist. The writing is fun, the illustrations support the text well, and creativity will be unleashed in the youngster lucky enough to get this book.


The Unteachables

Kiana is a short-timer. She will only be at this school until her mother’s movie is done. Staying with her father, step-monster, and their new baby is something she has to get through, like two months at this school. The step-monster doesn’t register Kiana. She finds her way to the Unteachables, a class of misfits and losers. Their teacher, Mr. Kermit, does crossword puzzles while the kids do worksheets. One of the kids, Barnstorm, was a big sports star, and it seems the only reason he’s in this class is that he broke his leg. When told the class can’t go to the rally, Mr. Kermit gets on the phone and fights for Barnstorm to not only go but to sit with the team. The kids realize Mr. Kermit will fight for them, and that changes everything.

Author Gordon Korman understands what makes kids tick. The characters are well rounded, the dialogue is spot-on for middle schoolers, and the story is compelling, funny, and sweet. Readers will root for the kids and Mr. Kermit as they all fight for each other and for what is right. This book is such a winner! Don’t miss it.


30-Day Journey with Jane Austen (30-Day Journey)

If you can’t get enough of Jane Austen, why not spend every day with her in 30-Day Journey with Jane Austen? This slim volume, perfect for gift giving as well as keeping for yourself, opens with a brief biography of Jane Austen. The rest of the book has a three-part structure for each of the thirty days.

Each day offers a brief passage from one of Austen’s works, a nugget of information that corresponds to the passage, and a reflection for the reader. The reflection ties together modern life with the passage for the day. One such reflection begins, “ We are bombarded with messages telling us to be assertive and lean in, yet Austen understood there is often more wisdom in leaning back and letting go.”

This little book is a unique choice for the Austen lover in your life.


The Ghosts of Notchey Creek

"A wonderful small-town mystery set in the heart of Tennessee. Harley Henrickson will have you cheering before you know it. Complete with ghosts, whiskey, and colorful characters and set with a Christmas backdrop, The Ghosts of Notchey Creek will keep its readers entertained until the very end." — Kristi Elizabeth, San Francisco Book Review


After the Rain

Rebecca Koehn, with illustrations by Simone Krüger

Levi watches the rain out his window. “Drip. Drop. Plink.” It has finally stopped. Levi dons his yellow raincoat and rain boots, grabs his boat, and runs out the door. The gutters are overflowing and raging through the streets. It’s perfect for sailing! As Levi races his boat, he splashes and swishes through puddles, keeping ahead of his toy. He then spots the grate—oh no! He rescues his boat just in time. But then Polly shows up and proclaims, “My river! No boats here!” A battle begins, with Levi attacking and Polly defending. There is slinging, hurling and flinging! But soon there is no splashing either, or dribbling and rippling, because the water is flowing down the grate. Can Levi and Polly call a truce instead?

Rebecca Koehn’s fun and alliterative After the Rain will have readers planning for the next rainy day. The author uses sparse language to convey Levi’s joy and Polly’s anger. Their rivalry eventually turns from fighting into collaboration when they realize the water is drying up. The book sends a strong message about friendship and working together. Simone Krüger’s illustrations pop with color and will bring a smile to your face.


The Society of Distinguished Lemmings

They live by strict, no-nonsense rules, and few newcomers are accepted into their Society of Distinguished Lemmings. When Bertie, a lemming who has tired of their rigid ways, wants a rather unseemly creature to join their furry pack, the other lemmings only hesitantly attempt to train him in their distinguished ways, finally declaring him unsuitable to their likings. Bertie, however, finds comfort in the bear’s less stringent ways and likes the simple lifestyle he leads. While the others vacation at the beach, the pair happily stay behind only to realize the others may be in grave danger. A life-saving rescue transforms the other lemmings’ thinking, and suddenly bear’s status becomes as distinguished as their own.

In The Society of Distinguished Lemmings, debut author Julie Colombet offers readers a creative combination of text and dialogue bubbles. Together, they make for a delightful and appealing story for young children that is filled with adorable and lively illustrations. Their light, blended hues add a warm and welcoming tone to the text.

The exclusivity of the lemmings’ distinguished society parallels that of the cliques that exist among young people today. Bertie’s character provides children with an alternative to trying desperately to fit into groups in which their true selves don’t belong. Through his actions, they are encouraged to seek friendships with others who are more relatable to them, ultimately bringing them greater happiness in the end.


Garden Jungle

If you like a book with pretty pictures and cut-outs, then you should check out Garden Jungle! Even the cover is really pretty with a bright coral color on the animals and plants. Inside the book, the people look like their shadows. The story is about a little boy who goes to his mom outside and tells her that he's bored. His mom tells him to look around and he'll probably see interesting things. The boy goes walking and sees a butterfly. The butterfly keeps flying along, and the boy follows it to where the pages become really pretty in the book. When he keeps chasing the butterfly through the garden, it transforms into a jungle, and the cat that was following him transforms into a big cat! The boy sees all kinds of neat things until he reaches the end of the jungle when he sees the coolest thing. Now the boy knows he won't be bored again.
I like how the garden turns into a jungle; the animals that live in jungles are cool and big and pretty. I would like for that to happen to me; maybe we all need to use our imagination more!


The Pursuit of the Pankera: A Parallel Novel About Parallel Universes

Yes, this is a new Robert Heinlein novel. The first one hundred fifty-nine pages are identical to those in Number of the Beast. That was a visitation and embracing of other writers and mythos, a sort of farewell. Herein, we are gifted with the opportunity to visit familiar and widely beloved worlds of imagination. Of course, Mr. Heinlein puts his own unique stamp on all of them, with touches of hilarity and over-the-top extrapolation. After that lead-in, the crew of the Gay Deceiver (I hasten to point out that at time of writing, “gay” had not acquired its current meaning) embark on a roaming of otherworldly dimensions, venturing into realms defined by literary expositions.

The voice is heartbreakingly Heinleinian, and it ranges from whimsy to the chest-out strutting of Lazarus Long revisiting his own past. By the by, Lazarus is mentioned and involved with our heroes’ lives, though under an alias.

Interpersonal relations, sexual tensions, and pleasurable titillations abound. Familial hierarchies, or the societal kowtowing to them, are reminiscent of fifties morality, but not to the point of being stifling. If anything, they are employed masterfully to maintain loving conflict.

I will reveal no more; all Heinlein fans deserve to experience this wondrous revisiting for themselves.


This Light Between Us: A Novel of World War II

This Light Between Us is a beautiful novel that takes place during World War II. It tells the story of Alex and Charlie building a bond through letters. Alex is a Japanese-American teen who lives on the California coast. Charlie is a Jewish girl who lives in France.

The heartbreaking story begins when Alex’s teacher assigns foreign penpals to his class. It turns out, after a while, that Alex and Charlie are the only ones still corresponding. Soon, deeply unfortunate events happen. In France, Nazis blast propaganda and start searching people’s homes, while in California, Pearl Harbor is attacked. Prejudice bites at both characters.

Alex’s father gets taken away by the government and they have to get rid of any Japanese heritage remaining. They have to hide a part of themselves.He hates the fact that the “America” that’s supposed to be welcoming makes them hide a part of who they are to keep safe and takes their family away. Later on, Alex learns that Charlie has to hide from the Nazis and eventually gets taken to a concentration camp. Around the same time, Alex’s family gets taken to a camp in the desert.

This book was a work of art. I did take me a while to get through, though. It’s a YA novel and has vivid imagery. However, it tells an important story. Like a lot of books about this time in history, the Holocaust, and the oppression of Japanese-American people, it is quite emotional. This is a unique book told through the eyes of two penpals, and I think it would be an excellent read for ages 13 and up.


Yoga Cocaine

I wanted to read Yoga Cocaine because I felt the two topics combined would make for an interesting read. And I was right! The author, Daralyse Lyons, uses some of her past experiences to create this novel about a girl named Jessica who seems to not have a fighting chance. Until she does.

As a cocaine addict, Jessica is an embarrassment to her family. Her mother is frustrated, her younger sister is appalled, and her stepdad, well...her stepdad started having sexual relations with Jessica when she was fifteen years old, so I felt like he really didn't have a say when it came to Jessica's problems because he added to her dysfunction until she was eighteen. Jessica wants to get better. She wants to be a whole person. And by going to yoga class, she feels the power of the poses and feels so good. The problem is, she has a hard time saying no to cocaine and alcohol. As the reader is brought through the twelve steps of AA, pairing each step with a yoga pose, we start to feel Jessica heal and become stronger. This book was an interesting read, with some very graphic parts but overall pretty fascinating.


Rise Up: Ordinary Kids with Extraordinary Stories is a wonderful book. It tells the stories of 29 kids. Amongst these kids are Sheku Kanneh-Mason, a wonderful cellist (like me). Another is Greta Thunberg, a girl with autism (like me) who helped the climate change problem. One of the most influential kids is Abraham Keita, who believes that “however difficult one’s childhood, it is possible to change your life and help others.” Like. Me.

This book is written by Amanda Li and illustrated by Amy Blackwell, whose pictures resemble children’s books today: cute and pastel-like, complete with hand-lettering. The book also encourages you to be like these people by doing meaningful activities. Another example of influential people in this book: the Nona siblings, a boy and two girls from Australia who survived a swim on the way to a birthday party with their parents.

When I read this book, I felt hopeful and excited to make a difference in the world like these kids have. Boys and girls who may grow up to be like these people (thank you, very helpful activities) will like this book.


The Princess in Black and the Bathtime Battle

Shannon Hale and Dean Hale, with illustrations by LeUyen Pham

So there's a stench looming in the air, and there's a bunch of princesses who wants to be a superhero because of the stench. There's Princess in Black. There's the Goat Avenger. Princess Snapdragon turns into Flower Girl. Princess Honeysuckle turns into Cartwheel Queen. Princess Orchid turns into Miss Fix-It. Princess Sneezewort turns into The Princess in Blankets. The princesses try to defeat the stinky monster. They are able to do so by giving the stinky monster a bath. Then the stinky monster turns into a cute, fluffy monster. Then the monster wants to eat goats, but since there are so many princesses, he just gives up. The princesses are going to find each other again with the stone. They'll use the stone to send a signal to each other. Then there's going to be another princess. I liked the story because it was funny and silly. I really liked the cute, fluffy monster because it's so CUTE! I recommend this book to anyone who likes princess and superhero stories.


The Return of Thelma the Unicorn

Can I give this book a hundred thousand stars?! I love this book. I thought the first Thelma the Unicorn book was great, but this one is REALLY great! I love how we can read it in a sing-song kind of way. I love that the pictures are so detailed and funny. I was sad when I remembered Thelma didn't want to be a unicorn anymore, but as I read the book I knew she would be back. I like that this book makes me think of my own life and sometimes I don't think I can do something and then I remember my friends make me happy and tell me I can do anything! Otis is one awesome friend! I also love how glittery the cover of the book is—I love glitter!


Just Watch Me: A Novel

Riley Wolfe is a master thief capable of the impossible theft. Recently he has nabbed a valuable statue from a felonious billionaire in front of a large crowd. He is at the top of his craft, however, his success rings hollow. The challenges lack depth. The next target appears serendipitously in an airline magazine, the prize of nearly incalculable value. The loot will be under heavily armed presence. Riley is meticulous in planning a theft of this scale, but anything less would merit arrest or worse. He reaches out to adept artist and friend Monique for her aid in pulling off the score. Meanwhile, Special Agent Frank Delgado is on the trail of Wolfe. Delgado, possessed with a consuming obsession, embarks on a solo mission to apprehend Wolfe. The history of Wolfe may hold the key to unraveling his criminal forays. As Wolfe dives deeper into his heist, the lies, stakes, and bodies pile up. Will Wolfe be successful?

Just Watch Me is the latest from Jeff Lindsay illustrating his versatility as a mystery author. The book’s depth weighs in early and gets you hooked. Riley is an endearing protagonist, despite his various moral shortcomings. Agent Delgado compels the reader to choose a side to root for, yet one might just find both alluring enough. The story builds throughout as does the anticipation, and the reader will be justly rewarded. Excellent new addition.


Fly Back Agnes

Fly back Agnes is a beautifully written book that I think most girls in the ten-to-twelve range will enjoy reading.

Agnes’ life was never perfect. First, her parents divorced, then her sister Viva moved out. Her mom (Mo as Agnes calls her) and her boyfriend Richard want to leave for Kansas, but Agnes decides to spend the summer with her Dad. Everything seems to change: her family, her friends, and even herself.

In her Dad's town, she starts exploring and making new friends.  She doesn’t want to tell them whom she is and starts lying. She tells them her name is Cloe and a whole bunch of other lies, and she has to deal with the consequences. In the end, she learns a lot about friendships, herself, and how to accept and deal with a lot of things in her life.

I felt like I have a lot of things in common with Agnes, which made me like the book a lot. This is a great book for girls ten and up


The German Heiress: A Novel

Clara Falkenberg, once Germany's most eligible and lauded heiress, earned the nickname “the Iron Fraulein'' during World War II for her role in operating her family’s ironworks empire. It’s been nearly two years since the war ended, and she’s left with nothing but a false identification card and a series of burning questions about her family's past. With nowhere else to run, she decides to go home and take refuge with her dear friend Elisa. Narrowly escaping a British officer who’s hellbent on arresting her for war crimes, she arrives to discover the city in ruins and Elisa missing. As Clara begins tracking down Elisa, she encounters Jakob, a charismatic young man working on the black market and, for his own reasons, searching for Elisa. Clara and Jakob discover how they might help each other, if only they can stay ahead of the British officer.

The German Heiress is a gripping post-World War II story filled with twists and turns I did not expect. I enjoyed how each character, whether they are only in a single scene or are present for the vast majority of the book, are well written and believable. Another thing that I enjoyed is the perspective. Much WWII fiction is often focused on the Allies and tends to portray the Germans in a negative light while The German Heiress is told from a post-war German perspective (and how many struggled after the war concluded), and casts a negative light on the allied forces, particularly the British.


When You See Me: A Novel

Another excellent read from Lisa Gardner, When You See Me is a part of the Detective D.D. Warren series that reads well as a standalone. In this case, D.D. pairs up again with ex-kidnapping victim and wild child Flora Dane. FBI Agent Kimberley Quincy is in charge of finding out who “the Bad Man” in this Georgia town is after finding the remains of several young girls in the area. Forensics must work around the clock to put the pieces of the bodies together as they are racing against time. When will the killer strike again?

This story was well written with detailed characters who all have crucial parts to the storyline. Every. Single. One of them. What I love about Lisa Gardner’s D.D. Warren/Flora Dane books is that she takes a detective and a victim of torture, both women as tough as bones, and pairs them up to solve these gruesome cases. They both have different ways of getting the task done, Flora a little more rambunctiously. The ending will shock you and the methods the task force must use to figure out this intricate mystery will astound you. Suspense at its best.


Engaged to the Earl: The Penhallow Dynasty

Gwendolyn Penhallow believes she has everything she could possibly want. She’s in London for her Season, but is already engaged to the Earl of Westenbury, who is handsome, adoring, and the perfect man for her. Things get even better when her childhood friend Christopher Beck returns from his travels abroad. He’s handsome, unconventional, and a delight to be with, but his arrival coincides with (or maybe causes) some cracks to appear in paradise’s façade. All at once, Gwendolyn isn’t so sure she’s meant for the earl. But if not him, than who?

Engaged to the Earl is nothing like other romances I’ve read. Gwendolyn can be childish at times, but it’s part of her charm; she is a unique and relatable heroine. Christopher may be wealthy, but the narration focuses more on his history of working with his hands. The book has tropes I love: childhood friends returning to each find the other has suddenly become beautiful, uncertainty as to who one’s heart belongs to (even if readers are well aware of the ultimate conclusion), and a plot pushed more by affection than lust. At its best, the book is a sweet read full of lighthearted fun.

However, the secondary characters are too often one-dimensional and over-the-top. Also I found Helen, Gwendolyn’s supposed friend, to be vapid and rather dull. Some plotlines have half-hearted resolutions. What could have been a fresh new book in one of my favorite genres for the most part failed to connect with me.

Though the book had some delightful moments, it was far from my favorite of Lisa Berne's novels.


Constantly

Many people who experience depression, including myself, struggle to find the language to describe their experiences. When words such as “tired,” “sad,” or “numb” no longer do their experience justice, some people resort to personifying depression. Constantly does just that.

Constantly contains very few words. Instead, it’s fueled by images, like a graphic novel or comic, with snippets of poetry throughout. It follows a day in the life of a young woman who is persistently pulled back by a dark creature every time she seems to gain some momentum. As she wakes up, as she gets dressed, as she tries to move on with her day, wraith-like hands send her tumbling down into darkness.

Depression makes every little task ten times more difficult, and while Constantly provides an accurate portrayal of depression, I found myself wishing it was longer. It was a startlingly quick read, which seemed to undermine the themes of sadness, sluggishness, and the loss of time and energy. I wanted to sit with the protagonist a bit longer and linger in the darkness with her.

Constantly resonated with me despite its length, but this nuanced portrayal may not do the same for readers who haven’t experienced depression, as it is such a unique experience. But for those who have, the book will undoubtedly hit home. Each person’s experience with depression may be nuanced, but Constantly manages to touch on the more universal parts of the illness. With so few words, it relies on a reader’s ability to empathize with the imagery. That may be the very thing that allows so many to resonate with the work: it truly  shows  the experience rather than explains it.


Lord Holt Takes a Bride (The Mating Habits of Scoundrels)

Lord Asher Holt awakens in a carriage with a young woman in a fantastical confection of a wedding dress, who seems to be under the impression that not only is he the cousin of someone named Jane but also that this meeting between the two of them was prearranged. As he tries to gather his wits, he realizes that the young lady who has all but commandeered his carriage is none other than Miss Winnifred Humphries, the woman he had set out intending to kidnap.

Mere days earlier, Winnifred’s friends were attempting to convince her to run away from her wedding to a man who has no particular affection for her (and, at times, looks at her with outright disdain) but who is interested in her particularly large dowry. She held firm against them, determined to do her duty as a woman, even as she looked forward to the day with growing dread. Jane, a rather reckless woman whose activities include writing primers on courtship with information women don’t yet know and occasionally capturing noblemen to ask them questions polite society won’t allow, promises to have her cousin waiting outside the church in case Winnifred should change her mind.

Naturally, she does, bringing our hero and heroine together. The rest of the novel is a delightfully chaotic carriage ride (sometimes literally so) as Asher and Winnifred try to determine just what they ought to do with one another. Whoever has absconded with the other, one thing is clear: they can’t just stay together, no matter how much they might feel compelled to do so. It would be downright scandalous, and we certainly can’t have that.

I went into this book expecting a fun, rather silly romp with plenty of stolen kisses and maybe a lighthearted kidnapping or two. (You know, all in good fun.) What I did not expect was multiple kidnappings, thwarted dreams, or a touching subplot that very nearly had me tearing up from happiness. I certainly didn’t expect a plus-sized heroine. Don’t let the cover fool you; Winnifred is plump, much to the pleasure of Asher and to the chagrin of her mother. After so many novels starring willowy heroines, it was pleasant to find one who has a different body type, one which affects her state of mind. Winnifred is plump and freckled, with flyaway hair, and she is just as lovable as our bad boy with a surprising heart.

Lord Holt Takes a Bride is the first in a trilogy, and I very much look forward to the others, especially if they star Winnifred’s rather more daring friends.


Final Judgment (Samantha Brinkman Book 4)

Final Judgment is an excellent read that I would recommend to anyone who is a fan of light law thrillers. Samantha Brinkman is a lawyer who is not afraid to get what she wants at pretty much any cost. I really like her as the main character because she has her little quirks but is a hard worker. Nevermind that she kind of breaks the law while trying to unravel the mystery with her sidekick investigator Alex, who I also loved. Although this was book number four in the Samantha Brinkman books I found that it read as a standalone quite nicely. I'm assuming that in one of the previous books she finds her father Dale because he appears a lot in this book as her police officer father who helps her behind the scenes. In Final Judgment, Sam is trying to find out who killed a man and where another one disappeared off to. As she gathers more clues, many of them point to her own boyfriend Niko, an investor of the two men. This book kept me glued to the pages, and I couldn't wait to see how it ended, so although it was quite a long read, it went by fast and was easy to follow.


Of Curses and Kisses

Looking for a splash of fantasy in your romance? How about a cast of real, funny characters? Or maybe a new spin on a classic fairy tale? If you are, then Of Curses and Kisses by Sandhya Menon is the perfect book for you. Princess Jaya Rao, protective older sister and independent high school senior, knows that family is always first, and the Raos have a reputation to uphold. After a scandal involving her little sister, one that she is sure has something to do with the Emerson family and their generations-old feud, the two sisters are sent away to St. Rosetta’s. There, Jaya plots to break the heart of Grey Emerson, as revenge. Meanwhile, Grey just wants to be left alone, but there’s something about Jaya’s rose pendant that makes him wonder. Jaya, Grey, and the other students of St. Rosetta’s are delightfully unique and wonderfully realistic. Of Curses and Kisses follows them as they learn about friendship, family, love, and what it all means to them. You’ll wonder and love and learn along with them as Sandhya Menon gives a modern spin on the classic “Beauty and the Beast.” Is it possible to create your own happy ending? Come find out in Of Curses and Kisses!


All Things Left Wild

Sixteen-year-old Caleb Bentley is on the run with his older brother Shelby when a horse theft takes a turn for the worst. They travel across America and Mexico where Caleb and Shelby will be tested and testing each other. Randall Dawson is hunting the Bentley brothers with little know-how on surviving in the wild west. That is until he meets Charlotte, a woman who knows every inch of the harsh terrain. This book is about courage, mistakes, and inner morals. It has adventure and passion. This being set back at the beginning of the twentieth century made it very interesting and exciting to read, although it did seem a little slow and unhurried at times. It also gives you an inside look at what men and women struggled with during that time. The author did a good job describing the emotions the characters were going through, making it very easy to connect. This book being three hundred and four pages does mean it took some time to read. There are also some mature parts that would require a mature reader. All in all, I do recommend reading this book.


Jack

During World War II, intrepid volunteers would venture out during the bombing raids on London to look for survivors. And one particular member of Miss Lucy's squad has a knack for finding survivors buried under rubble where nobody else would expect. The volunteer, named Jack, disappears during the day, doesn't eat, and doesn't sleep. Who is Jack, our narrator wonders, and just what makes him so good at finding victims in the aftermath?

Jack marks another impactful collaboration between Connie Willis and the era of World War II, this time in an all-too-short novella revisiting the Blitz. Jack is populated by rich, intriguing, believable characters thrown together by horrific circumstances, but never forgets about the mundanity of everyday life, no matter how insane the situation. The novella is as charming as it is engrossing, placing us among Miss Lucy's recruits in a story that's remarkably immersive, given its length.

You could read this novella a half-dozen times and still find little details to unravel, whether you focus on the main mystery or any of the fully-formed characters that make Miss Lucy's a living, breathing, tangible setting. Jack is masterful storytelling, it just goes by far too quickly.


The Lost Continent (Wings of Fire, Book 11)

The Lost Continent is yet another adventure-filled book in the Wings of Fire series by Tui T. Sutherland. If you are not familiar with this series, it's okay, because Book 11 is a perfect place to start discovering the amazing dragons of Pantala.

This is a perfect read for folks who love fantasy, adventure, and mythical creatures. It is action packed and can be enjoyed by readers of all ages. I have even got my mom hooked on the series now!

The Lost Continent will pull you into a world full of silk wings and hive wings as you read about Blue, his fearless sister, Luna, and his one-of-a-kind friend, Cricket. These young dragonets are willing to dive into the unknown on a quest for knowledge about themselves and their tribes.

Grab a copy and curl up on the couch for an awesome adventure with the dragonets of Pantala; I promise you will not be disappointed!


Of Mice and Minestrone: Hap and Leonard: The Early Years

Hap Collins and Leonard Pine share a friendship that’s deeper than the heart of Texas. They are ideological opposites but are as close as brothers. Of Mice and Minestrone travels back to earlier times in their lives, not exactly bucolic, yet not as turbulent as their older years. “The Kitchen” is a nostalgic trip to Hap’s childhood, a large family gathering punctuated by a sumptuous meal and the warmth of togetherness. The titular “Of Mice and Minestrone” finds Hap embroiled in a fractured couple’s domestic discord. Hap makes a bold and kind gesture to a battered spouse, and the end results are not what he expected. “The Watering Shed” and the remaining two stories revolve around the core of Hap and Leonard’s friendship. The duo’s refusal to be cowed by ignorance, redneck rabble-rousers, crooked businessmen, or inherent danger serves to distinguish the last three stories.

Joe Lansdale’s Hap and Leonard never cease to interest the reader. The situations they start and end up in are amply filled with humor, wisdom, and heart. The early years provide the reader with more proof of the two characters' innate humanity and inherent likability. No matter the trouble they find, their loyalty is to each other and what’s right, which makes every story stronger. An excellent addition to a great collection.


In Her Shadow: A Novel

Colleen will always be living In Her Shadow. Her boyfriend’s wife Joanna has been missing for six months, and she is currently pregnant with their child. But remnants of Joanna are everywhere. Soon after Michael asks Colleen to move into his house, a woman’s body is discovered across the street. Colleen has worked so hard to have this perfect life, coming from a somewhat tragic background. She will not let anything stand in the way of her perfect ending, but it is a dangerous path she is on. Joanna was not the perfect woman everyone thought, and there are secrets everywhere. Colleen will have to decide how far she’ll go to have the life she’s always wanted, even if it puts her in the path of a killer. Secrets only stay buried for so long.

Overall, I thought this was a great take on the classic by Daphne du Maurier. The titles of the chapters added a bit of a twist as they don’t really mean what you think they mean; this becomes more and more clear as you continue to read. The setting really came alive, with the fog of the grove across from Ravenwood adding to the ominous scenery. This was a great read to curl up to with a blanket and a cup of cocoa while wondering: how far would you go to get what you want?


Ignite Your Light: A Sunrise-to-Moonlight Guide to Feeling Joyful, Resilient, and Lit from Within

Are you looking for a way to get more energy into your life? If so, Ignite Your Light has many useful tips, inspiration, and recipes to help you do just that. Jolene Hart focuses on the differences between a dim light and positive light. She will help you discern the difference between the two and, ultimately, get more positive light moving through your day. Changing your energy levels will allow you to feel better and glow from the inside out. And the best part about the process Hart describes is that you don't need a lot of money to follow her advice.
I love the fact that this book is divided into sunrise, daylight, sunset, and moonlight. I knew right away that I needed to incorporate tips and tricks that Hart presents to awaken more positive energy during sunrise, especially since that sets the foundation for the day. I also found useful advice for other times of the day as well. For example, just turning off devices and relaxing with family and friends or taking a long relaxing bath at the end of the day can have positive benefits for your health and mind. Ignite Your Light is a well written, easy-to-follow guide that I will continue to consult whenever I need a little bit of inspiration.


The Mall: A Novel

The Mall is the ultimate throwback for kids who grew up in the 1990s. Cassie Worthy is your normal teenager who works at America’s Best Cookie in her local mall's food court. She can’t wait for summer to be over and leave town for college. And things are getting worse by the day. She gets mono and is down for the count for several weeks. When she is better, she finds out her boyfriend is cheating on her with the Bath and Body Works girl. Because of this, she has to leave her job because they both worked at America's Best Cookie. Luckily Cassie is in the right place at the right time. Gia, the mom of her ex-best friend Drea Bellarossa, snatches her up and gives her a job as a bookkeeper for their boutique called Bellarossa. The fun starts there as Cassie meets new people and goes on a Cabbage Patch Kid treasure hunt with Drea. This book will surely bring back memories if you were around to experience the 90s. Complete with Orange Julius, Cabbage Patch Kids, and Sam Goody, this book is a blast to the past!


Saltwater Secrets

I did not really like Saltwater Secrets because it was hard to focus on. I only could get one page done a day because when I got the opportunity, I always looked for something else to do. Even though the name of the person who is talking is the chapter title, I had trouble knowing who is talking, and I had these thoughts in the middle of the chapter like “why is Josie saying her own name instead of I?” then I realized that Stella was the one narrating, and I thought “I wish they could make who was talking more clear.” One thing I liked about the book is the cover art. It was detailed and I really liked it. I don’t like that they were sometimes fighting because I like peace and quiet.

This story can happen in real life, but with different facts. I think it would be fun to solve a mystery with my sisters, or better yet with my best friends.


The Postutopian Adventures of Darger and Surplus is a collection of short stories about the escapades of a humanoid Dog, Surplus, and his human companion, and partner in crime, Darger. Each story is filled to the brim with dark witticism, brilliant scheming, and crafty tricks.

I personally didn’t like the stories all that much. That’s not to say they were bad, they just weren’t my cup of tea so to speak. I think this book is more appropriate for mature readers, as there are many references to mature topics and activities in the stories.

These stories are fantasy/science fiction, so if you like those genres I would recommend giving this book a try.


A Sweet Mess

Aubrey Choi is making her own way in the world as a baker. Her bakery is ready to expand, even if her pocketbook isn’t quite as ready. Enter Landon Kim. He is passing through Aubrey’s small town when his car breaks down. Unable to get it fixed until morning, Landon explores the town and comes across a craft beer bar. He meets Aubrey and it’s lust at first sight. They spend an unforgettable night together. But a hot one night stand isn’t all they’re getting into. Due to a surprise twist, they’re linked in ways they never would have imagined.

Aubrey and Landon are a cute couple, although the book has a little too much "will they, won’t they" tension. The reasons for them to stay apart feel a little flimsy until the last quarter of the book when some deeper character backstory is quickly explained. The characters are likeable and fun, though.

The food and travel aspects of the story are highly enjoyable. The plot is a little thin, but overall, it’s a fun, escapist, love story. The author also provides a recipe in the back, although it’s for steak. Since Aubrey is creating new dessert recipes throughout the book, the steak recipe seemed like an odd choice. This book would be a good choice for a beach read.


Virginia Woolf: And the Women Who Shaped Her World

This was an enjoyable though sometimes uneven read. While I found the information about the women in Woolf’s family history interesting and certainly a possible influence on her writing, I was not as interested in the chapters about the carryings on of the Bloomsbury crowd. Frankly, we have heard it all before and reads like so much unconfirmed gossip. I would have preferred the author stick to the women who influenced Woolf without diverting into the well-trodden areas of incest and promiscuity which get brought out in just about every new biography that comes out.

The book seemed to have quite a bit going for it initially, with interesting information about Woolf’s maternal lineage but even in that area the author strays too far into guessing about what these women “felt” about each other or what others “thought” of them. Her sources simply do not seem to support this sort of knowledge.

Overall, I found much of this book to be interesting, though I would not feel comfortable quoting it in a research paper or even categorizing it as a biography. There is simply too much that strays into historical fiction, in my opinion.


Now You See Them

The fifth novel in Elly Griffiths’ Stephens & Mephisto Mysteries, Now You See Them is set in 1960s Brighton on the eve of the Mods and Rockers clash on the beach. A lot has happened since the beginning of the series, which was set in the 1950s, but the characters still hold the same charm and appeal. It’s a decade after the events of her last novel, The Vanishing Box, and Edgar Stephens has been promoted to superintendent and is now married to former D.S. Emma Holmes. Married life is not as fulfilling as Emma thought it would be, though she loves her husband and her children, and she is determined to catch the person responsible for the latest kidnappings of young girls in the area. When one turns up dead, however, what is Emma willing to risk to be back in the game?

I am an avid fan of Griffiths’ Ruth Galloway series and have been reluctant to pick up this series for a number of reasons, mainly that I am not a fan of the time period it is set in. However, I love the author’s writing style enough to give it a try at least once and I am very happy I did. Her characters are likable and believable, and her mysteries are well managed. I look forward to adding this series to my bookshelf!


Spider Grandmother's Web of Wonders

The book Spider Grandmother’s Web of Wonders is a terrific collection of mythology. It is an easy-to-read, cleverly written book. There are a lot of well-categorized stories. It is a collection of myths but does not have too many. If it had too many, I could not find my desired one. If there were too few it would be a few myths, not a collection of myths. The myths are from assorted places around the world and are about many different topics. The stories are perfectly kid-ified and are easy to understand. They are good for all ages and could be easily read in a classroom setting. You do not have to read all the stories at once. They are better as individuals. As part of school you could write a compare-and-contrast essay about similar stories from different cultures. They are clear to read and could be read by a young child age five, and yet they are entertaining enough for a preteen to enjoy. This book is a great intro to mythology that is clever and readable. All and all, this is a great collection of stories.


The Burlington Transcript

The Burlington Transcript is an authentic portrayal of the life of a reporter working on a small-town daily newspaper and the decisions and choices he makes every day that reflect morality, personal integrity, and journalistic ethics.

Journalist Paul MacDonald is self-deprecating and witty. He describes himself as average. In fact, he says,  “It would take being well above average to possess the qualities to drag myself up out of average. But of course, being average, I don't possess those qualities.”

When it comes to ambition, he’s average as well, which is why his first wife divorced him. He’s satisfied reporting on the lives and events of ordinary people doing extraordinary things, at least in the context of his beat.

And, since "there's nowt so queer as folk," the nine chapters of the book are filled with drama, compassion, and humor that include academic con men, entrepreneurial dreamers, manipulating entertainers, deceitful colleagues, and vacuous beauty queens. The accounts not only reflect the realistic experience of a reporter but also how the public responds to people in this profession.

Much of MacDonald’s stories aren’t really what he considers reporting, but rather “puff pieces,” a form of local cheerleading, such as “a crossing guard retires after forty years” or  “an Italian restaurant has its grand opening.” However, there are moments when his professionalism is challenged. Should he reveal the plagiarism he’s discovered in the work of a local author up for a book award and destroy his career? Similarly, he has the opportunity to expose a college administrator’s affair with a co-ed.

His personal morals and integrity are also tested when he shares a house with a married couple he works with at The Transcript. Over the course of a few months, it becomes apparent their marriage is in trouble. He’s attracted to the woman, and when she makes subtle advances, he has to make a decision.

Underlying author Stan Freeman’s narrative is the existential threat to MacDonald’s career and to all print media; the growth and popularity of the Internet that siphons away readers and revenue.

As the fortune of the newspaper declines, MacDonald is on the lookout for stories that could be expanded into books and provide him some financial security. Is this the future for reporters made redundant by advancing technology?

Freeman’s simple and concise prose makes the book a pleasure to read. Individual chapters are so well crafted they could be considered independent short stories featuring the same protagonist and setting while addressing a different theme.

The Burlington Transcript is an entertaining book that gives an insightful glimpse into a profession that, despite performing an essential service to society, is fighting a losing battle to stay relevant and viable.


Tanna's Owl

Rachel Qitsualik-Tinsley and Sean Qitsualik-Tinsley, with illustrations by Yong Ling Kang

Tanna’s Owl is about a girl who lives in the Arctic, and one day, when her dad comes back from hunting, he brings Tanna a baby owl. When she first sees the owl, she thinks why did her dad bring her back such an ugly thing. After she looks at it more, she thinks the baby owl is kind of cute and names it Ukpik. Since the owl has no mom, Tanna has to catch food for it to eat three times a day. At first, she catches lemmings to feed Ukpik, then she feeds her fish and caribou. Tanna takes good care of Ukpik, and she grows up until she is ready to fly away.

When I first saw Tanna’s Owl, I wanted to read it because we had a screech owl box in our backyard that had four babies. This book is based on the author Rachel Qitsualik-Tisley’s experience as a girl helping to raise an owl. I think it would take a lot of work for Tanna/Rachel to feed and take care of a baby owl. I’ve never seen a big snowy owl in real life; I think Tanna is very lucky to take care of a snowy owl. I really liked that the owl’s name, Ukpik, means “owl” in Inuktut. I really liked the illustrations and how the baby owl looked like a little ball of grey but grew into a beautiful snowy owl.


The Ultimate Cooking for One Cookbook: 175 Super Easy Recipes Made Just for You

It is no easy task to cook for one, but this wonderful cookbook can make it both fun and doable. The introductory section tells one how to set up the kitchen and pantry to make the perfect working conditions for the single life. In addition, there is a list of great tips that will make it possible to cook for one without having failures or wasted ingredients or leftovers to eat for a week. There are one hundred and seventy-five recipes broken into seven chapters: "Breakfast," "Side Dishes," "Chicken Main Dishes," "Pork and Beef Main Dishes," "Fish and Seafood Main Dishes," "Vegetarian Main Dishes," and "Desserts." The variety is great. If you like Indian food, don’t miss the butter chicken. Pasta with pork ragu will satisfy your need for Italian, and shrimp quesadilla will answer those Mexican cravings. The recipes are all easy to follow and include prep and cooking time as well as calories, fat, protein, sodium, fiber, carbohydrate, and sugar information. An excellent index and a metric conversion chart finish all this off. Make sure you try the recipes for the mushroom and herb crust-less quiche or the lemon Bars. Tres magnifique!


The Cool Bean

Jory John, with illustrations by Pete Oswald

The Chickpea wants to be cool like the Cool Beans. The Cool Beans consist of a Kidney Bean, a Black Bean and a Lima Bean. The Chickpea used to be friends with them, but they stopped playing with each other. One day the Cool Beans start helping out the Chickpea. The Chickpea drops his lunch, and the Black Bean helps him pick up his lunch. Then he trips, and the Kidney Bean helps him. Then he isn't listening to his teacher, and everyone is laughing at him. The Lima Bean tells him what to do. Then they all start out hanging out with each other again. I really like how the Chickpea is soooo cute! I love his cute bow-tie and giant sunglasses. I really like the illustrations. I also like the story because it is about friendship. I highly recommend this book to kids who like stories about kindness and friendship. You can check out Jory John's other stories like The Bad Seed and The Good Egg.


China Basin

A body has been found in the cold waters off of San Francisco. The deceased is Carlo Steffano, a well known and organized crime connected attorney. Steffano appears to be the victim of drowning, though not in its usual appearance. Detectives Andrew Johnson and his partner Chuck Camozzi are called upon to investigate. Johnson has familiarity with Steffano and his clientele. The initial circumstances assume an added mystery with the discovery of another body. The other victim is a known Mexican drug dealer. Johnson’s hackles are raised as the drug trade connections appear to be more than just coincidental to the deaths. The detectives visit Steffano’s widow, who has connections to the shipping industry and also doesn’t seem too distraught at her husband’s demise. The detectives soon investigate a recently docked ship, where questions soon lead to another body dropping.

The conflict in Korea and the creeping paranoia ushered in from the onset of the Cold War has left San Francisco as a linchpin for extralegal activities. Johnson’s goal is to investigate the case and clear the multi homicides, yet the hovering of corrupt officials and federal interference threatens this. Johnson has been fighting battles all his life, having left a divided Chicago, where his mixed-race was ridiculed and bullied. Johnson is an excellent investigator, yet he bucks authority, and mix in his drinking and poor romantic decisions, he is a volcano of volatility. Johnson’s relationship with a forensics investigator is complicated by history and the ignorance of the times. His waffling on a possible relationship with her is mingled with his reliance on her ingenuity as respects scientific investigation. As Johnson and Camozzi penetrate the omerta of the underworld, their world is getting more dangerous. Johnson faces losing his livelihood and freedom from unseen forces. The drugs-weapons-money pipelines are running in every direction and no one who stands to profit wants it shut down. Johnson and Camozzi have their work cut out for them if they manage to survive.

China Basin is a rollicking mystery and thriller from the get-go. The plot is thick with intrigue and drama compelling the reader to keep reading, turning that next page until there are no more left. The characters are multidimensional and fascinating in their depth, Johnson’s persistence balanced by his self-destructive ways. RA Niles has crafted a tome of noirish, James Ellroy quality. A new addition to the must-reads of 2020.


In My Anaana's Amautik

Nadia Sammurtok, with illustrations by Lenny Lishchenko

In My Anaana's Amautik is a story that will make you feel happy. It is very sweet and nice. The story is about people who live in a place where it is really cold. We have read other books by the same publisher, Inhabit Media, and we like them all so far. Kids who like learning about other places and how people live will like these books too. The pictures are really sweet and pretty. They will make you feel cozy even though the people are some place really cold. Kids who like this book might also like A Ride on Mother's Back: A Day of Baby Carrying Around the World, which is by a different publisher but also very nice and about babies cuddling with their mommies.


Cartier's Hope: A Novel

New York City, 1910. Vera Garland is the unmarried daughter of department store magnate Granville Garland. She’s also Vee Swann, author of the society column “Silk, Satin, and Scandals” and numerous exposes. Though she was injured on her latest assignment, two events coincide to bring her back to writing. First, Cartier brings the Hope Diamond to New York and plays up its history of bad luck to drum up interest. Then she finds a letter among her late father’s books stating that he and his male lover had been blackmailed. Her investigations lead to a spiral of secrets, blackmail, and thievery, showing the uncomfortable underbelly of the upper crust of the Gilded Age.

I have to admit that at first I wasn’t certain about this book. It’s wonderfully written, which is obvious from the very first chapter. It’s also, however, stuffed full of exposition, at least in the first few chapters. While this does help to bring readers up to speed regarding Vera’s world, I worried that the whole book would be closer to a textbook than a novel. Luckily, the chunks of exposition eased up as the book went on, and I hardly even noticed when they finished. History buffs will certainly find them interesting, but casual readers may well be daunted. My advice is to push on. Once you get well into it, Cartier’s Hope is a fascinating book.

Its quality, of course, comes not least from its well-written characters. Vera is a powerful figure, flawed yet forceful, and she drives the plot forward in her determination to deal with her father’s blackmailer. Jacob Asher, the mysterious jeweler who catches her eye, is intriguing, keeping Vera (and readers) forever on her toes. Even the side characters are excellent. So many writers fall into the trap of making their side characters one dimensional, but M. J. Rose escapes this without going too far in the opposite direction and giving exhaustive exposition on everyone the protagonist meets. Everyone in Vera’s world is clearly a fully realized person, but they all have the privacy to keep their own secrets until the plot forces them out.

Cartier’s Hope absolutely swept me away. I loved every page, even those full of exposition, and would gladly recommend it to any fan of historical fiction. In fact, I’ve even begun suggesting it to some of my friends.


Spies, Lies, and Disguise: The Daring Tricks and Deeds that Won World War II

Jennifer Swanson, with illustration and photography by Kevin O'Malley

There has been a good deal written for young people about the history of World War II, of the various battles, how ships, airplanes, and tanks were moved, how decisions were made by officers running the armies. There has also been plenty about spying, but relatively little has been written for this age group about the behind-the-scenes trickery used to overcome the strong military of the Germans. The British, and to a lesser degree, the Americans used some fascinating and incredible ideas, some cooked up by famous people, to mislead the Germans. How about floating a dead body carrying plans for a fake invasion to where German sympathizers would likely find it? It worked. Or maybe use Navajo people communicating in their native language to baffle Germans with no knowledge of that unique tongue? Author Jennifer Swanson has written with a surprising amount of humor about a pretty serious time in history, but it will work well to get youngsters turning the pages. Illustrated with photos and cartoony drawings by Kevin O’Malley will keep the kids interested. This is not a book for serious scholars but will be a good introduction for kids grades four to eight.


The Walrus and the Caribou

Maika Harper, with illustrations by Marcus Cutler

The Walrus and the Caribou is a story from Alaskan legend. Alaska, like from the TV show Molly of Denali. First, Guk breathed life into the whole world, and she made the walrus and the caribou. But they had different body parts. There were horns on the walrus and tusks on the caribou. The walrus with horns was a big problem. The caribou charging the hunters with his tusks was a big problem. The hunters were scared of the caribou because of his tusks. So Guk switched them.

I enjoy reading about legends from other places, and this one was good too. It explains the story of the past, when people didn’t know how animals got their shapes. The pictures by Marcus Cutler were good, and I’d like to read more Alaskan myths after reading this book.


The Ambassador's Daughter: A Novel

The Ambassador’s Daughter is the standalone prequel to two other books in Jenoff’s brilliant catalog, The Kommandant’s Girl and The Diplomat’s Wife. In this post-World War I study of the heart set against a backdrop of intrigue, deceit, intricate and ultimately doomed treaties, Margot Rosenthal navigates the increasingly complex and changing world following “the war to end all wars.” Yet the issue of whom to trust and whom to love remains as complicated and rife with secrets as ever; the casualties of war continuing even after the last shots have been fired.

Margot is an astute and engaging narrator who isn’t always completely forthright with her audience. She finds herself bored by all the pomp and circumstance of the diplomatic mission, the old opulence, and convention which doesn’t feel so important now that so many have died, and she seeks a more meaningful occupation. She finds it in helping Georg, a German naval officer, but knowing him only increases her conflicted feelings about the world and her role in it. The Ambassador’s Daughter captures the turmoils following WWI very well, and brings the world alive on the page, making it vivid, thrilling, and poignant.


Animal Soul Contracts: Sacred Agreements for Shared Evolution

How well do you understand your pet? Tammy Billups has spent two decades of dedicated research and study into the transformational soul journeys that profoundly demonstrates our sublime connection with the creatures that share our home. Animal Soul Contracts unravels the physical, social, emotional, spiritual, and mental connection that we unconsciously form with our animal friends that reinforces our “mirroring” of each other’s predispositions. Ms. Billups, an exponent on animal-human sacred soul partnerships, gives a revolutionary insight and practice on tandem healing between pets and their owners. Simply defined, a soul contract is a predestined design wherein the higher self of a person or animal has agreed in advance to build a relationship. Our lives and that of our pet are fated to be together, and that there is no such thing as coincidence.

Whereas animal whisperers merely help animals with people problems, Ms. Billups helps both in a holistic approach. The seven types of soul contracts she outlines and explains may not be to the liking of hardcore scientific animal behaviorists. Her case studies of tandem healings offer a fusion of New Age and animal psychology, but then, everything is fair play and we exhaust all the means to better understand the creatures that share our homes. Animal Soul Contracts is a new take in inter-species communication that affirms that our pets are unmistakably our equals.


Schrödinger's Dog: A Novel

Martin Dumont writes a work of realistic fiction that delves into the depth of a father’s love for his son. Schrodinger’s Dog follows Yanis, who is a single parent, and his son Pierre as they receive the life-altering news of Pierre’s cancer. With the deterioration of Pierre’s physical health and the prospect of his death, events in the book take a turn for the worst. All of this takes its toll on Yanis, who is left wondering what is to become of his precious son. Yanis is so distraught that he begins to act in a way that in completely uncharacteristic. He starts to smoke, he begins drinking more heavily and starts to take more and more risks. None of these things help him to cope with the tremendous amount of stress he is under. This compounded stress clouds his judgment and leads him to make a decision that may not have been the best one. He decides to lie to Pierre about the status of his book manuscript. Yanis lies to Pierre and tells him that a publisher picked up his book; Yanis even convinced the representative of the publisher to go along with his plan. The book is very well written with a lot of time put into developing the characters well. Personally, I didn’t really enjoy reading the book. I definitely appreciated Dumont’s skill as a writer and storyteller, however, this particular story wasn’t one that I connected with. With that being said, I would recommend this book to readers that like fiction that is rooted strongly in reality. This book addresses some very mature topics so I think it is more suitable for older readers, around high-school age. I think this a good book that lots of people will like, I just happen to not be one of them.


Happy and You Know It

Claire Martin isn’t in a good place. A talented musician, she’s facing a grim reality: her band, Vagabond, has soared to stardom without her, a sexier singer leading the band in her place. Broke and desperate, Claire takes a job as a playgroup musician, answering an ad from a group of wealthy women on New York’s Upper East Side. These women seem to have it all: beauty, wealth, handsome husbands, gorgeous children, supportive friendships. The group leader, Whitney is an Instagram star, and the pictures she posts of the playgroup suggest nothing less than the ease of charmed, perfect lives. Claire is embraced by the women, and it doesn’t take long for her to see that there’s unrest beneath the surface. The women’s focus on wellness isn’t surprising, but their commitment to an eye-popping-ly expensive vitamin regimen called TrueMommy strikes Claire as strange. And it turns out that TrueMommy isn’t the only part of playgroup based on shocking deception.

Happy and You Know It offers a glimpse of the rarified world of Instagram-able motherhood and the sometimes absurd wellness industry it feeds. Beneath the juicy, funny, gossipy surface are larger critiques of an industry exploiting women’s insecurities, leading women to believe that the only way to be a good mother (indeed, a TrueMommy) is to rely on expensive “solutions” promising support and fulfillment. Motherhood is an identity-shifting state, and the playgroup mothers stumble painfully while finding their footing. Too often, the wellness industry is there offering an easy place to land.


Winter Grave

Detective Inspector Embla Nyström has recovered from a terrible injury and is back at work. A young girl disappears in the small town of Strömstand, Sweden just before Christmas. She had ridden home with a teenage boy, but the police soon clear him. The townspeople though, who see the boy as odd, don’t let go of him as a suspect. A few weeks later, another child, a six-year-old boy, goes missing, and during the investigation, a police officer is found murdered. A suspicious fire occurs at the home and shop of the teenage boy, and he is found beaten badly. His father dies in the fire. It is all hands on deck, and the police put Embla back with her two former partners in a specialized team. They start to connect some very interesting dots.

Author Helene Tursten has written a crackerjack thriller/mystery that will keep readers enthralled. American audiences will find the differences in police procedures between here and Sweden fascinating and sometimes frustrating. The translation is good, although it is a different experience from reading mysteries originally written in English. The story is compelling and the writing quite good. Mystery fans will like this one.


The EQ Intervention: Shaping a Self-aware Generation Through Social and Emotional Learning

If anything can be agreed upon in our hyper-partisan world, it's that people could use better skills for understanding and dealing with emotions, both of themselves and others. That is exactly what this book offers. Although it is directed specifically to an audience of educators,  the skills and insights apply in every situation where people interact. The Social and Emotional Learning framework comprises five main parts: recognition of one's own emotions, (self-awareness); regulation of those emotions (self-regulation); recognition of others' emotions (social awareness or empathy); regulation of others' emotions, or relationship skills; and, finally, putting all that together for Responsible Decision Making. The author walks the reader through these steps with illustrative stories that are broken down to examine how each works in the real world, all based on numerous studies and solid science. The stories are interesting and personal, and the book is a quick and engaging read, but for those who want a quicker overview, each chapter ends with a summary in a few bullet points and a set of suggestions for how to implement the chapter's message. Increasing your Social and Emotional intelligence will improve your relationships in every area of your life; this book gives you the blueprint for how to do it.


Repo Virtual

Repo Virtual is a cyberpunk adventure story that tackles what makes us us, the failings of human government, all while providing fast-paced heist action and ample humor.

In the city of Neo Songdo, augmented reality, virtual reality, and reality itself are almost indistinguishable. Here we meet Julius Dax, an online repo man, and a real-life thief. His latest job may be the last one he’ll ever have to do, but it may also be the most dangerous. When he finds out he’s stolen what may be the first sentient AI, however, things get much more complicated.

I really liked this book. My favorite thing about it was how it presented the idea of personhood, namely, what makes a person a person. I really liked how this idea was communicated through the dialogue of the story. This made the book feel very organic.

I think this book is best suited for older, more mature readers, as it does discuss mature topics. But, I am sure that everyone who gives this book a try will be thoroughly delighted.


Grace Is Gone: A Novel

Beloved Meg has been murdered and her daughter, Grace is Gone. The community can’t imagine who could have done such a thing, other than Meg’s estranged husband who had tried to kidnap Grace once before. Cara, their next-door neighbor, and Jon, a reporter trying to make up for past mistakes begin searching for Grace and discover that things aren’t so black and white. Both Meg and Grace had their secrets and sometimes reality is more twisted than our imaginations. Jon and Cara are walking a thin line that could get dangerous because we often don’t want the truth to ever come out.

It was fairly obvious what was really going on even at the beginning of the story and unfortunately the writing style didn’t make it any more enjoyable. I knew a couple of pages in that I didn’t enjoy this author’s writing style. The topic of the book, however, is fascinating and how it impacts Cara and Jon themselves and whom they turn out to be. This was not a thriller by any means, so if you decide to read it just be aware of that going into it. It was more of a character study, which I usually like, however, I was not the biggest fan of this author’s storytelling style.


Sixteenth Watch

Now hear me out: what if you took the awesomeness of the Coast Guard, and put it in space? Specifically, doing the amazing work they do, but on the moon instead of on our shores. That’s what bestselling author Myke Cole of The Armored Saint does in his new book, Sixteenth Watch. It’s a wild ride, like anything involving the Coast Guard is, especially when it involves spaceships on the moon.

After a tragic accident, Captain Jane Oliver loses her husband in a horrific battle on the moon and thinks her days are done with the Coast Guard. But before she knows it, she finds herself promoted to a shockingly high rank and serving at the helm of the Coast Guard’s elite SAR-1 lunar unit. She will have to learn things from the bottom up again, but there’s a reason she’s been chosen for this role. Little does she know she will prove pivotal to preventing a potential first lunar war.

Sixteenth Watch is brimming with Coast Guard jargon and intense action scenes. For those not too familiar, it can be a little jarring, but still enjoyable. For those who love this stuff, it doesn’t get any better.


Ship of Destiny

Ship Of Destiny is an action-packed military science-fiction story that explores the boundaries of the universe as we know it.

Captain Sam Bitka is a navy reserve officer who has a hard time bowing to authority. This trait leads to his transfer to command the USS Cam Ranh Bay. A mysterious probe reprograms the ship and sends its crew light-years out into unknown space, where they encounter an ancient civilization that is so old they have forgotten their own origins. This civilization soon turns violent. Captain Bitka and his crew must find a way back home while eluding their new “friends” and carrying secrets and information that may redirect the course of history.

Chadwick does a great job of developing his characters and makes them feel very realistic. He does this by including good dialogue that reveals the characters’ personalities. The story is well written and the language is clear. The plot of the book is very good, with lots of twists and unexpected events.

I think this book is best for older readers. This book includes many advanced scientific concepts and terms. The book is also rather graphic and incorporates mature language. For the proper readers, this book is definitely one I would recommend. It is a good book with very good characters and an intriguing storyline to keep readers engaged. This book is part of a series, so I would recommend reading the books that come before this one. This is a great book that I am sure many will enjoy.


Running Against the Devil: A Plot to Save America from Trump--and Democrats from Themselves

Former Republican Rick Wilson unleashes his intelligence and ire on the current president of the United States and offers a plan to save the country, as well as his former rival political party, in his latest book, Running with the Devil: A Plot to Save America from Trump--and the Democrats from Themselves.

Chock full of statistics to support his positions and tweets from the president, Wilson lays out the case that Trump is not only unqualified but an absolute threat to the country. As a former Republican, he is not the voice that most left-wing, liberal Democrats would initially put stock in, and he acknowledges this. In his own words, he "treats the Democrats like a client" and attempts to point out their own weaknesses in an effort to illustrate how they can win in 2020.

Wilson spends a great deal of time on the myths of the Democratic Party and the strengths of Trump's campaign and presidency, as perceived by Trump's base. He abhors Trump, so don't read this book if you own a MAGA hat or support the president; you'll only get angry. But DO read it if you are interested in how the White House can be returned to someone fundamentally decent, a trait that Wilson full-throatedly argues Trump lacks.


DAWGS: A True Story of Lost Animals and the Kids Who Rescued Them

DAWGS is a heartwarming book that emphasizes the need for people to get their pets spayed or neutered so the tragic stories of pets past doesn’t happen to future animals. The stories are sad and happy at the same time, and I love how Diane and her class of 9-year-olds make a huge difference in their community and in the world around them. I would really like to see the DAWGS sanctuary and the dogs and the cats there. I love the way the cover looks and the picture of the black and white dog on the front. The cute stories at the beginning of each chapter are a nice touch. Some of the stories about how the animals were rescued literally made me cry. The pictures are adorable, and the story of how one grown-up and a class of nine-year-olds changed the world moved me and will inspire anyone who reads it. Well done.


Starborn and Godsons

Larry Niven, Jerry Pournelle, and Steven Barnes

A story from beyond the stars, Starborn and Godsons, follows the encounter between the planet-bound Starborn of Avalon and the self-proclaimed Godsons from Earth.

Avalon became a prison for the Starborn. It wasn’t all bad though: the planet was a paradise, the grendels were taken care of, and the hydroelectric power station would allow them to begin surviving and thriving. What they were losing, however, was the ability to travel through space. While the Starborn dealt with these problems, an object was moving toward them, from Earth, carrying the Godsons. The outcome of their encounter will decide the fate of humans in space.

The p2lot was rich and full of twists. It provided a good foundation for the rest of the book, including the well-developed characters. The language was clear and helped keep the story moving.

I loved this book, and I think that many other readers will enjoy reading it as well. I believe this book is better suited for older readers. The language, concepts, and scenes in the book can be mature and graphic at times.

All in all, Jerry Pournelle, Larry Niven, and Steven Barnes did a great job writing this book. I believe lots of other kids will enjoy reading this as much as I have.


Don't Check Out This Book!

Appleton has a terrible economy and a school with only nineteen children, until librarian Rita B. Danjerous and her daughter, May B. Danjerous, move in. But the town isn’t sure about them. With the election of Ivana Beprawpa (say it aloud), uniforms are mandatory and available at Beprawpa Attire. But Rita won’t buy a complete uniform. Soon she’s created a “green dot” collection, refused to resign at the principal’s request, and befriended the secretary, Gladys Friday.  Some like her, but others have the opposite mind.  Will these bad apples spoil the bunch, or will the seeds of truth sprout?  Find out in this tale of scandal and stylish ties.

CHECK OUT THIS BOOK!  I love this story and have read it three times. It’s entertaining, funny, and put together in a unique format.  Consisting entirely of letters, newspapers, and texts, it is charming and creative a few pages in, but pay attention in the beginning or you’ll get confused. It’s got an inspiring message, funny characters, and celebrates books! What’s not to like?

To use a joke you won’t understand until you read it: “Buy this book right now! I politely yet firmly insist you buy this book!”


The Desert Between Us: A Novel

Geoffrey Scott, one of the road builders, decides to venture north to discover new opportunities in the opening of the American West when he—and the camels—are no longer needed. Geoffrey arrives in St. Thomas, Nevada, a polygamous settlement caught up in territorial fights over boundaries and new taxation. There, he falls in love with Sophia Hughes, a hat maker obsessed with beauty and the third wife of a polygamist. Geoffrey believes Sophia wants to be free of polygamy and go away with him to a better life, but Sophia’s motivations are not so easily understood. She had become committed to Mormon beliefs in England and had moved to Utah Territory to assuage her spiritual needs. When faced with the opportunity to move away from her polygamist husband and her tumultuous life in St. Thomas, Sophia becomes tormented by a life-changing decision she must face alone.

I loved the idea of The Desert Between Us. I was especially drawn to the time period because I have not read many historical novels that explore the American West; therefore, The Desert Between Us offered a pleasant variation. But, I personally felt as if The Desert Between Us was a bit slow, especially towards the beginning, to the point where I could have skipped chunks of the book and still understand what was going on.


Elephant Speak: A Devoted Keeper's Life Among the Herd

Roger Henneous would be the first to caution that elephants are wild animals, not to be viewed as oversize pets. But as chief keeper of the largest captive elephant herd in the US for thirty years, he offers plenty of positive tributes. Author Melissa Crandall shares a wealth of information and tales drawn from her recorded interviews with him.

The demanding job at the center that became Oregon Zoo was not merely a career for Henneous; it was a life. He affectionately respected the different personalities and behaviors of  the elephants on the family tree. He had a soft spot always for Belle, to whom the book is dedicated. Belle is the undeclared matriarch who kept watch on her peers, even stepping in to console Hanako, who was frantic when her baby got stuck in the bars of the enclosure.

Although generally serene in public appearances, keepers are all too aware of temperamental differences between elephants and, therefore, can better avoid life-threatening skirmishes. Crandall describes the ecology of Henneous’ charges by detailing such characteristics as their gender differences, the outstanding memory displayed when their intelligence is tested, health issues with medication and the special care needed for their feet, and mortality. The effort required to bury members of the herd is especially poignant.

Elephant Speak wins acclaim for the author’s deference to Henneous and his accomplishments, flawless organization, and clear writing. To readers whose knowledge of elephants was previously limited to circus performances, Babar’s adventures, and Kipling’s unwisely curious baby elephant, the book will be a revelation.


A Perfect Confluence

A Perfect Confluence is rightly named for the situation that the main character, Noah, finds himself. Noah is a reformed alcoholic who is trying to get his life back together. After having faced some heartache at a young age, he has had help from his "Uncle" Bob to ward off his demons and learn how to live a sober life. Life is going well for him and his dog, Kimo. Thanks to one bad decision made, Noah has changed the course of his life. Now that certain people are aware of his mistake, namely the local mafia-man, Noah must decide fast which route he'll choose- his own or the one that has appeared to have been chosen for him. Fleeing the area in his canoe, he is part of a man-hunt and must watch his back at every turn, especially when he meets a mysterious pregnant lady named Becca. Noah must figure out his feelings for her and decide if she's the best thing for him in his life at the moment. Coming with her own set of baggage, Becca might be the perfect teammate on this wild, adventurous, and scary river ride, and maybe on his life journey as well.

A Perfect Confluence contains themes of outdoorsy adventure, self-preservation, self-discovery, and viewing the world in a completely different light. There are scenes with cursing and vulgar language, as well as some graphic scenes that can be expected from a book in which the main character upsets a mob-boss. For a while, the foul language started to bother me, but as the story progresses, it seemed to make sense to the storyline. The text of the story flows smoothly, so it's easy to understand what's going on. The reader will find themselves flipping through the pages quickly, and it helps that there is continuous suspense thanks to both Noah and Becca's past threatening to catch them throughout the book, as both are trying to escape their mistakes and hope for a better future. The interaction between Becca and Noah is sweet; Bridgford wrote the perfect amount to distinguish between attraction versus friendship between the two, especially given Noah's history with women. The journey the two embark on is exciting and written to make the reader feel as if they are actually traveling alongside Noah and Becca. The ending will come as a complete surprise to the reader, and I hope to read more about their future endeavors.


William Wallace: The Battle to Free Scotland (Traditional Scottish Tales)

Molly MacPherson, with illustrations by Teresa Martinez

William Wallace: The Battle To Free Scotland is a true story based on the Scottish warrior who created a rebel band to fight against England. English King Edward I invaded Scotland and took the people’s crops to pay for a war against France. Wallace saw his homeland suffer under the English rule, which made him very angry. He led his band of rebels to fight the English soldiers, paving the way for others to continue the battle for Scotland’s freedom. This picture book has lots of colorful drawings that help you go back in time seven hundred and fifty years to the medieval period. My favorite part of this book is when the outnumbered Scots defeat Edward’s soldiers at the Battle of Stirling Bridge. Unfortunately, not all hero stories have a happy ending, and this is one of those times it does not. But the tale of William Wallace is one of bravery and courage in the face of poor odds. I recommend this story for history buffs aged eight and up because the language of war might be too much for younger readers.


There's A Murder Afoot: A Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery

Gemma Doyle and her friends have exchanged their quaint community for a Holmes Convention that brings them on vacation to London. Little did she know that quality family time would involve discovering a long-lost uncle she never knew existed and a murder that shakes her whole family. Her mysterious uncle comes with a shady history and persistence that threatens to disrupt their good time at the conference. When a death sends a shock through her family, her father is at the top of the suspect list thanks to a vendetta the annoying DI Morrison has against him. Fearing the worst, Gemma turns to her friends and her sister for help solving the case before her father ends up taking the blame. Delving into the world of art forgery, Gemma meets some shady sorts, takes up her own American persona, and tries to dissuade her handsome boyfriend Detective Ryan Ashburton from suspicious of her sleuthing activities.

Family is at the heart of the mystery as Gemma’s trip to London comes with some family time which reunites her with her sister Pippa who’s a mystery in herself through her job and connections. The two sisters have a distance between them after their time apart though they quickly step into a fun dynamic as they take up the sleuthing hijinks together. The two are incredibly different women living two very different lives which provide several humorous scenes as the two work together. Gemma’s life back home is a delightful side story throughout as she receives various frantic phone calls that add to the humor and lightness in the writing. As Gemma works the case with her friends, they help her with various undercover and sneaky plans as she delves into the world of art forgery and into her uncle’s shady life. Her relationship with Ryan provides a playful and lightness to the mystery as the two share several sweet moments while they add humor as she dodges him to do her sleuthing. There’s a Murder Afoot is the perfect read for cozy lovers as it’s a mystery about family that’s funny, emotional, and full of heart.