A River Enchanted

A River Enchanted exists on the Isle of Cadence. This river flows through the land of the western clan, the Breccans, and the eastern clan, the Tamerlaines. These clans have hated each other for centuries and keep to their respective sides, at least until winter when the Breccans raid the east for food and supplies.

But now, young Tamerlaine girls are going missing, so the heir to the east, Adaira, calls home her childhood enemy, Jack, from the mainland to help. As a bard, he can summon the spirits to ask them questions which they will use to their advantage. However, they will discover there are many more secrets to Cadence then either of them ever knew.

I will definitely say that Rebecca Ross knows her stuff when it comes to world-building. While the Isle is full of spirits and other magical things, it feels familiar as well, like you could easily find it if you wished. You can’t help but enjoy getting to know Adaira, Jack, Torin, and Sidra as you watch them change and grow. This book is for fans of Hannah Whitten or just fantasy in general.


Coronation Year

Historical Fiction Roundup 2023

In a world that often demands we look forward, historical fiction invites us to gaze backward, to immerse ourselves in the vivid tapestries of bygone eras. In this Historical Fiction Roundup, we journey through time with six recently published novels that transport readers to diverse corners of history. From the trenches of World War One to the bustling streets of 1920s New York and the battlefields of medieval France, these tales offer not just a glimpse but an immersive experience of the past. Each novel is a meticulously crafted time machine, designed to sweep you away to another time and place, while simultaneously illuminating timeless aspects of the human condition. Join us as we delve into the richness of these historical narratives, where the past comes alive in the pages of fiction.

The Manhattan Girls by Gill Paul

Gill Paul’s The Manhattan Girls by is a captivating journey back to the vibrant streets of 1920s New York City. In the midst of a post-war era filled with excitement and challenges, Dorothy Parker, a resilient but struggling woman, forms an unlikely bridge group with three extraordinary women. As their friendships deepen, they become a lifeline for each other in a world dominated by men. However, when tragedy strikes and Dorothy's world is threatened, her friends Peggy, Winifred, and Jane must rally to help her confront the truth. Paul weaves fact and fiction seamlessly, delivering a story that explores love, loss, and the enduring power of friendship against the backdrop of an intoxicating era. With sharp wit, unforgettable characters, and a richly atmospheric setting, The Manhattan Girls is a must-read for fans of historical fiction, offering a delightful blend of modern allure and 1920s charm.

Wings of War by David Fairbank White and Margaret Stanback White

Wings of War by David Fairbank White and Margaret Stanback White is an enthralling account of the pivotal role played by the P-51 Mustang fighter aircraft during World War Two. In the early 1940s, as the Allies struggled in the air war, this remarkable aircraft emerged as a gamechanger. The book sheds light on the relentless efforts of a diverse group of visionaries, including designers, engineers, test pilots, and army officers, who defied corruption and bureaucracy to bring the Mustang from concept to reality. The narrative not only captures the technical challenges of creating the iconic fighter but also delves into the human stories behind it, highlighting the resilience, innovation, and courage of those involved. As the Mustang squadrons took flight over Europe, they turned the tide of the war by decimating the Luftwaffe, ultimately clearing the skies for the pivotal D-Day invasion. Wings of War is a compelling and character-driven account that illuminates the incredible journey of an aircraft that undeniably changed the course of World War Two, offering a fresh perspective on the untold heroes and challenges of its creation.

Joan by Katherine J. Chen

Katherine J. Chen’s Joan is a powerful historical novel that transports readers to war-torn and tumultuous France in the midst of the Hundred Years' War. At the center of the gripping story is Joan of Arc, a remarkable and complex heroine who rises from obscurity to lead the French army with unwavering determination. Joan's character is portrayed as both reckless and brilliant, shaped by a turbulent childhood marked by violence and joy. As she navigates the treacherous battlefield and court politics, Joan grapples with suspicion from all sides, including her own ambitions. Chen's storytelling is vivid, her characters unforgettable, and she weaves together history, mysticism, and Joan's indomitable spirit into a narrative that is both thrilling and profound. Joan is a feminist celebration of a woman who left an indelible mark on history and a triumphant work of historical fiction that captivates from start to finish.

Coronation Year by Jennifer Robson

Coronation Year by Jennifer Robson is a captivating historical novel set in London in 1953, a momentous year marked by the impending coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. At the heart of the narrative are three distinct individuals whose lives converge at the Blue Lion Hotel, each facing their own challenges and seeking a fresh start. Edie Howard grapples with the threat of closure of the hotel but finds hope in the opportunity presented by the Queen's procession. Stella Donati discovers a new-found sense of purpose in her work at a prominent magazine. James Geddes seeks refuge and acceptance in this diverse community. However, as they forge bonds of friendship, they uncover anonymous threats that jeopardize Coronation Day and their futures. Robson skillfully weaves together their stories, creating a tale of resilience, unity, and the pursuit of happiness in the face of adversity. Coronation Year is a riveting and emotionally charged historical novel that presents a compelling exploration of female friendship, perseverance, and the enduring pursuit of beauty amid the challenges of post-war life.

The Porcelain Moon by Janie Chang

Janie Chang’s The Porcelain Moon is a mesmerizing historical novel set against the backdrop of World War One-era France, where the lives of two remarkable women, Pauline Deng and Camille Roussel, collide in unexpected and poignant ways. Chang's storytelling prowess shines as she weaves together the personal struggles of these women with the lesser-known history of the 140,000 Chinese laborers who played a vital role in Europe during the war. Against this backdrop, the novel explores themes of forbidden love, identity, and the sacrifices made for freedom. With lyrical prose and well-drawn characters, Chang paints a vivid picture of a complex and transformative period in history, offering readers a compelling tale of friendship and resilience in the face of adversity. The Porcelain Moon is a beautifully crafted and thought-provoking novel that captivates from start to finish, appealing to both historical fiction enthusiasts and those intrigued by untold stories from the past.

The Girls in Navy Blue by Alix Rickloff

The Girls in Navy Blue by Alix Rickloff is a captivating and emotionally charged dual timeline novel that skillfully weaves together the lives of three remarkable women who joined the United States Navy as yeomanettes during World War One and the impact their choices have on a descendant in 1968. In 1918, as America grapples with war, Marjory, Blanche, and Viv enlist for diverse reasons, forging friendship and sisterhood amidst the challenges of their service. However, their dreams are upended when Viv's past resurfaces. Fast forward to 1968, when Peggy Whitby inherits her great-aunt Blanche's beach cottage and embarks on a quest to unravel the mysteries behind cryptic postcards dated from 1918. Rickloff masterfully explores themes of identity, resilience, and the enduring bonds of female friendship across generations. As past and present collide, Peggy's journey becomes a poignant exploration of self-discovery and the sacrifices made by those who came before. The Girls in Navy Blue is a compelling and evocative tale that bridges time, offering readers a heartfelt narrative that delves into the complexities of family, heritage, and the enduring impact of history on our lives.


No One Knows Us Here: A Novel

No One Knows Us Here is a suspenseful, fast paced thriller that takes its readers along for the ride as main character, Rosemary finds herself in a serious predicament. She has vowed to save her fourteen year old half sister Wendy from her grandmother but is barely making ends meet herself as she works towards going to law school. Then, one of her roommates gives her an idea—to become an escort. This doesn’t work out well for Rosemary, however she finds herself the object of someone’s affection: no other than tech genius Leo Glass. When she signs a one year contract to “be Leo’s girlfriend”, she doesn’t realize what a sociopath he is until he starts telling her what to do and what not to do. Leo becomes creepier and creepier as the story moves along and readers will feel Rosemary’s panic as she is smothered by this deeply disturbed character.

This book is a fantastic read for fans of psychological thrillers. The story never slows down and part of that is due to the author’s ability to let the reader into Rosemary’s head as she makes decisions. Exciting and voyeuristic, No One Knows Us Here will take readers down the rabbit hole with twists and turns around every corner.


Black is the Night

Maxim Jakubowski,Neil Gaiman,A K Benedict

If you do not know Cornell Woolrich by name, I guarantee you have heard of his work. Between 1926 and 1960, he published twenty-six novels, including The Bride Wore Black and The Black Angel, as well as several short stories. Many of his works were made into movies. Alfred Hitchcock’s Rear Window was inspired by Woolrich’s It had to be Murder. Even though he died in 1968, this pulp fiction icon’s works and influence live on. Many detective writers are still impacted by Woolrich’s artistry.

Black is the Night is a collection of short stories in tribute to Cornell Woolrich. Curated and edited by Maxim Jakubowski and featuring an all-star list of best-selling and award-winning authors. Contributors include James Sallis, Kim Newman, Mason Cross, and many more, with the introduction written by Neil Gaiman. The stories all honor Woolrich, each one more hard-boiled than the next. Each work is dark and gritty, filled with murder, mystery, and intrigue. Many of these tales were written as noir crime dramas. For the fan of Woolrich and no-nonsense detective stories, you must read Black is the Night.


Les Femmes Grotesques

Les Femmes Grotesques was the feminist gothic thrill ride I didn't know I desperately needed. Each story contained within this slim volume is both absolutely engrossing and deeply unsettling, as Dalpe sweeps you up into her velvety prose to peer into the shadows of the feminine experience. If you can imagine Shirley Jackson collaborating with Margaret Killjoy to write a short story collection that was then edited by Richard Thomas, you’d have a pretty good idea of the scope and superior macabre quality of these gorgeous tales of horror.

From generational curses to captured supernatural brides, the homicidal dangers of first love, and suburban lycanthropy, each story surrounds the reader in a dream-like atmosphere of gothic enchantment. Some of the themes are quite heavy while still residing in the fantastical, but Dalpe is a true master of her craft and she relays the heady and often complicated subject matter with such a flair for the fantastic and otherworldly that it's easy to imagine your favorite goth auntie reading these stories to you over a steaming cup of (possibly poisoned) tea.


Twisted Games

Book two in the Twisted series is an entirely different experience than book one. Twisted Games is a torturously slow-burn love story between Princess Bridget and her bodyguard Rhys Larsen. The two are forced to work together when her long-time bodyguard goes out on paternity leave. Sparks fly upon arrival when Rhys lays out his set of rules, which Bridget finds unreasonable and overbearing. Over the next several years, the two find themselves in cliche moments involving ice rinks, dressing rooms, and ballrooms that are simply scrumptious.

Instead of coming across as cheesy or forced, they set the stage for epic swoon-worthy scenes. The reader can’t help but emotionally invest in both characters during their gradual build toward what we hope to be a happily ever after. If you enjoyed The Princess Diaries and Pretty Woman and are looking for something 18+ with a dash of spice, this is a romance for you.

While it’s not necessary to read book one, this is a companion series and characters come and go. It’s helpful to have the backstory from book one since it makes the interactions more impactful.


The Duke in Question

Love is in the Air Romance Roundup

The Stand-Up Groomsman
Jackie Lau
Penguin Publishing Group
9780593334324

This quirky romance is full of wonderful relationships that grow throughout the story. Vivian’s roommate is getting married to her favorite actor’s costar. As Vivian and Mel try to set aside their differences so that the wedding will go off without a hitch, they find that they start to understand one another a little more. Sometimes opposites really do attract!

Princess and the Player
Ilsa Madden-Mills
Amazon/Brilliance Publishing
9781542038461

When Francesca decides to attend an exclusive lifestyle ball and meets famous NFL player Tuck Avery, they engage in a wicked affair wearing masks. When she realizes who this man is and that he lives in her building and is a player (and not just when it come to football) she decides to make sure he doesn’t recognize her. Only there is one little problem…a positive pregnancy test! Find out what the fates of the princess and the player are in this tantalizing romance novel.

Never Rescue a Rogue
Virginia Heath
St. Martin's Publishing Group
9781250787781

Diana and Giles team up when Giles’ father, the Duke of Harpenden dies and family secrets must stay hidden. Although everyone around them thinks that Diana and Giles are a perfect match, the two greatly disagree. But when Giles needs Diana’s excellent sleuthing skills, they both find that maybe, just maybe, there is a little spark after all.

Megan Gamble, Sing Out
Debbie Romani
Self-Published
9798215637401

At forty one years old, Megan finds herself singing backup vocals for her son, Kyle’s band. Not only does being on tour with the band catch the eyes of Kyle’s band manager, Brandon, but it also brings the unwelcome attention of a musician Megan knew in the past who is trying to blackmail her. Smart, fun, and satisfying, this book is a backstage adventure.

Honor's Refuge
Hallee Bridgeman
Fleming H. Revell Company
9780800740221

Melissa and her sister were separated after their father killed their mother when Melissa was only five years old. She goes on to help those in need and opens a domestic shelter. When military man, Phil, hears about Melissa’s story, he goes to find her long lost sister. The problem is, her sister is married to a Colombian cartel teniente. Full of action, adventure, and of course, romance, this book comes with some big emotions as characters struggle to find their way.

Sundown
Susan May Warren
Fleming H. Revell Company
9780800739843

Sundown is the third and final book in the Sky King Ranch series by Susan May Warren. Sky King Ranch is under fire when Tae finds herself being hunted by a group of thugs. Colt Kingston doesn’t trust Tae one hundred percent but decides to help her. When her own secrets are revealed, Colt learns they must stop bioterrorists from releasing a virus and Tae may be the key in doing so. A suspenseful romantic adventure thriller.

The Next Best Day
Sharon Sala
Sourcebooks
9781728249032

After Katie is left standing at the altar and then experiences a school shooting, she decides to relocate to Tennessee. Immediately attracted to her widowed neighbor Sam who is the Police Chief, Katie wonders if the timing is right to pick herself up and start again. Readers will love the charming characters in this book and the strength of Katie’s character as she tries to start life anew.

My Dearest Duke
Kristin Vayden
Sourcebooks
9781728234342

When Lord Rowles Haywind’s brother dies, he inherits the throne and becomes the Duke. He never wanted to be Duke and struggles with family secrets. His mother is ill with dementia and Rowles doesn’t know if he wants to have a family should his children inherit the terrible disease. He reunites with Lady Joan Morgan who is intelligent and helps him through this difficult time. But the Lady has a secret of her own. Will she and the Duke be able to make things work in this regent romance?

The Duke in Question
Amalie Howard
Sourcebooks
9781728262635

A wonderful cat-and-mouse chase that takes readers from England to Civil War-era America, then to France, and back to England. Lady Bronwyn Chase finds herself aboard her brother’s ship with a package of secret letters. Also on that ship is the Duke of Thornbury, Valentine Medford, whose allegiance is to the Crown and who is trying to find the spy named Kestral who is, in fact, Bronwyn! This historical romance will have readers on the edge of their seats!


Good Different

Selah tries very hard to remember all the rules about what she must do to be “normal.” Her mother reminds her constantly how important it is. Selah has trouble when there is too much noise or bright lights or when she has to sit on a hard chair or do other things “normal” people aren’t bothered by. One day, Addie, a girl she considers a friend and whom Selah has tutored in math, starts braiding Selah’s hair without asking. It burns and frightens her, and she hits Addie without meaning to. Selah writes her frustrations out in poems, and her English teacher recognizes that her poetry might be Selah’s best chance to have others understand her and accept her.

Meg Eden Kuyatt has written a beautiful novel in verse that tells the story of a young girl who is on the autism spectrum, although her mother denies that anything is “wrong.” This book will open the eyes (and hearts!) of all who read it. Some will recognize themselves, and others will recognize those around them who deserve their understanding. The author’s note explains her experiences that shaped this book, and she offers other resources for readers. This is a must-read.


The Scroll of Chaos

The Scroll of Chaos is about a young Chinese girl named Astrid Xu who has always wanted to help her mother escape her depression. When she finds the Scroll of Chaos with her little sister, Marilla, she thinks it may be the key to managing her mother's depression; but, the scroll has other plans. Instead of fixing her Mom’s depression, Astrid and her little sister Marilla are transported to the world Zhen: a realm where Chinese mythological creatures are real. Astrid thinks that she has come to a world of paradise, but soon she discovers that an ancient evil named Chaos is causing mayhem all around Zhen, and Astrid is the only one who can stop it.

The Scroll of Chaos was a good book and it had a good storyline, but the book started off very slow and it took a while to get to the action. This book would be great for kids ages six to eleven and anyone who likes mythology. It would be even better for people who especially enjoy Chinese mythology and people who enjoy tales of friendship with a strong female protagonist. The Scroll of Chaos will be very successful once it hits the shelves; I hope the author realizes what a good work of art she has created.


An Adventurous Spirit

I know every serious reader is awash with excitement when they accidentally discover a treasure trove of excellent writing. Travel writing is a broad category and this collection makes the most of it with short stories, satire, poetry, and author interviews. I find this to be the most delicious bedtime reading, true to the name of this volume.

It turns out that the Lowestoft Chronicle is a quarterly online magazine of great writing. Despite being far from a Luddite, however, I still prefer the printed page. There is something delightful about cover art, blurbs, and turning a page to enter into delightful twists and streamlined narrative.

This volume lives up to its claim of spirited adventure from a subway driver with a single-minded need to get ahead and an attendee at her high school reunion who finds time and distance may separate us from each other. The poetry also is remarkable. “Passing By” by George Moore is a simple yet resonant telling of a simple act of individuation. This book is a great find.


Hands Down

Part of a Series Mystery Roundup

All of the books in this roundup are part of a series. From police and detective mysteries to assassins, if you liked the first installments of these series, get ready for the next level of suspense and thriller. Perfect for fans of Patterson and Baldacci.

Death on a Winter Stroll
Francine Mathews
Soho Press
9781641292740

The seventh book in the Merry Folger Nantucket Mystery series, Death on a Winter Stroll takes place during Christmas. The yearly tradition of the winter stroll in Nantucket should lift the spirits on the island after Covid. Instead, Merry, the Police Chief finds herself investigating two murders. With a large-scale television production interrupting the activities on the island and the arrival of the Secretary of State and her family, this winter is anything but peaceful. This cold winter weather mystery is full of wonderful characters, beautiful scenery, and that cozy winter mystery feel.

The Zero Night
Brian Freeman
Blackstone Publishing
9781094082349

Book eleven in the Jonathan Stride series, The Zero Night centers around Lt. Stride coming back to work for the Duluth Police Department and working a case in which an attorney has paid the ransom for his kidnapped wife to be released. The problem is, his wife has not been released. Running parallel to this story is that of Stride’s wife, Serena, who is dealing with the death of her abusive mother and further investigating a case that was previously solved. A masterfully written crime mystery with a solid plot and twists and turns that readers will absolutely love.

Seventeen
John Brownlow
Hanover Square Press
9781335469595

This is an action-packed thriller that will have readers turning page after page. Seventeen is the current assassin who is hunting sixteen. One day, eighteen will hunt down seventeen. Seventeen’s multiple-layer plot is full of twists and turns with intense characters. For anyone who loves an entertaining cat-and-mouse chase.

Hands Down
Felix Francis
CROOKED LANE BOOKS

The next installation in the Dick Francis series, Hands Down finds its main character detective Sid Halley gets a call from an ex-jockey friend asking him for help after receiving death threats. When his friend is found dead, Sid feels the guilt of the situation and further investigates. He finds himself in the middle of a possible British Horse Racing scandal. Complete with steeplechases and interesting characters, Hands Down is another great Dick Francis mystery.

An Unforgiving Place
Claire Kells
CROOKED LANE BOOKS
9781639101238

Agent Felicity Harland and partner ex-Navy Seal Ferdinand Huxley set out to investigate the death of a couple that was found in Gates of the Arctic National Park. What they find is a possible fertility cult led by a man who lives in the Arctic. With a superb cast of strong characters, this book will take its readers on an adventure through the wilderness experiencing all of the harsh elements the characters do.


Berlin is a city of culture and beauty in Germany that was subject to warfare and destruction on a catastrophic level during the twentieth century. A city that celebrated its liberated citizenry would go through the full spectrum dominance of Nazi rule. A portion of its Jewish population would be decimated by the murderous machinations of the holocaust. By 1945, Berlin was in tatters, the sight of allied bombing and a looming invasion from Russia. The war was coming to an end, however, a new war had been christened. The rule of the Nazis would be replaced by the Allied armies. Berlin would be divided and occupied by forces engaged in a cold war. A battle of wills ensued, lasting another forty years.

Berlin: Life and Death in the City at the Center of the World is a historical ode to the fall and rebirth of an iconic city. Author Sinclair McKay follows the wayward path of the city from both World Wars through the Cold War, highlighting the resilience of the city and its populace. McKay insightfully pinpoints Berlin’s accomplishments and pitfalls in a thoughtful memoir/history of the German capital. This is history at its finest.


My Dearest Duke


The Next Best Day


Someday, Maybe

Someday, Maybe is Nigerian British writer Onyi Nwabineli’s debut novel that exposes the heartbreaking grief experienced by Eve when she lost her husband to suicide. The work of fiction explores the manifestations of loss and suffering in the wake of tragedy. Eve and Quentin fell in love immediately after meeting each other. Their backgrounds couldn’t be farther apart: Eve is the daughter of Nigerian immigrants in London, while Quentin comes from a moneyed and influential English family. Race and class factored in many aspects of their thirteen-year relationship. Soon after Q’s death, Eve learns of news that changes everything. What she decides to do at such a pivotal moment will mean a world of difference in the healing process.

Nwabineli’s experience working on behalf of trauma victims is evident in her ability to write about anguish with profound emotional depth and breadth. Someday, Maybe is a courageous, wide-eyed work that extracts the dynamics of mental illness and how everyday people manage the weight of life-changing, traumatizing events. Eve’s day-to-day vacillations between healing and regressing shame and guilt may sound familiar to those who have survived loss through suicide. This book is a cathartic read for anyone who has lived and loved through tragedy and loss and eventually regained hopefulness.


Opportunity Knocks

When your best friend is a soccer star, your sister is great at everything, and you have trouble finding your thing, life is difficult. Lila tried lots of things — chess, robotics, debate, drama, but none were right for her. She joined band and seemed to be getting along okay when Mr. Hernandez announced the music program would be cut. Lila decided to save the program. She went to the bank to get a loan, but instead, she found a key. Little did she know it could be the key to success. But the person who lost it would do anything to get it back. Lila discovered the key was magic, and she got a powerful friend who could help. Or could she?

Sara Farizan has written a fun contemporary fantasy that middle graders will love. The characters are well-rounded and believable. Lila’s family situations and school situations are all issues middle-graders will relate to and have to grapple with. The magic is just enough to create a little havoc and not too much to overwhelm this contemporary story. The writing is excellent and the dialogue perfect for the age group. Her Persian background gives the story a little more dimension.


Around Here

The prolific and relevant poet J.R. Solonche has given me the gift of writing “how I read poems.” The sense of playfulness is evident in all his writing and continues to delight me. From a poem about his father’s last prosaic words to transmogrifying Emily Dickinson into relevance for me. He is a gifted writer, one who is always interesting. That is a difficult thing for a poet to sustain, as evidenced by the many bad poems one attempts to read in favorite periodicals.

In this volume, the poet shows his versatility in many forms and themes, which makes the reading always interesting for this reader. In his poem “Teaching,” Solonche manages to encapsulate the difficulties and nuances of the profession. This volume also offers the poet’s take on the meaning of words, culminating in a personal take on the words and their meanings. For those of us searching for a fun time in poetry, this volume is the answer and is guaranteed to be relished.


Home Away From Home

Every summer, Mia and her mom visit Mia’s grandma in tiny Stone Harbor, Maine. This year Mia is going by herself. Her parents had divorced, and Mom and her boyfriend, Scott, are buying a new house and will move while Mia visits Grandma. Mia likes Scott okay, but she doesn’t like the idea of losing her home with all its memories. When Mia arrives at Grandma’s, she discovers Grandma has made friends with a boy, Cayman, just Mia’s age. He’s a little bossy, and Mia doesn’t like sharing Grandma with anyone. The kids discover a rare falcon in the harbor, and Mia posts a photo online in an effort to beat Cayman in finding out what it is, starting all kinds of trouble.

Cynthia Lord has written a very compelling story with rich characters and a wonderful setting. The writing is excellent, and the first-person point-of-view is a great way for Mia to tell her own story. The voice is pitch-perfect for an eleven-year-old girl. The relationship between Mia and her grandmother is very sweet, and the grandmother is a terrific character who really helps Mia grow during the story. This is a winner.


The Sister Switch (Best Wishes 2) (Best Wishes)

Sarah Mlynowski, Debbie Rigaud, Maxine Vee

I thought this book was ok but I think I am a little young for it. My sister, who is entering middle school, liked that it was about middle school, but she thought it was too easy to read. I thought it was a perfect length to read and I liked that there were pictures because my favorite kind of book to read is a graphic novel.

I like how they switch bodies—I have always wanted to do that! I am the middle child in my family and sometimes I think my little siblings get whatever they want and my older sister just bosses me around. When reading the book, I felt like I was really in Addie’s body. I loved that it took place in Columbus, Ohio because Ohio is my home state! We never read anything about kids from my area, they all seem to be from big cities!

After reading this book, I looked in the mail for a few weeks to see if I might get a mysterious package in the mail with a magic bracelet! I do want to read the first book and the third book in this series too.


Fruits of the Forest

Mushroom collectors may be as fanatical as bird watchers, but rather than the sky, the former look to the ground for the characteristic fruit of hopefully edible fungi. It requires a bit of rain to help  prod the hidden fungal mycelium to generate their fruiting bodies, which then emerge to attract the forest foragers.

In this exquisitely illustrated field guide to the edible mushrooms of the moist Pacific Northwest, photographer and mycologist Daniel Winkler has assembled a treasure trove of background information for both the novice and the experienced collector. Divided into three sections, the short first part describes the joys and perils of mushrooms, their taxonomy, safety issues, and ways to preserve these specimens.

The primary second segment delves into the kinds of mushrooms termed “Ascomycetes,” which include morels and the much sought truffles. Then there are the “Basidomycetes,” which include jelly fungi, puffballs, chanterelles, and pig’s ears. Finally, the author gleefully concludes with a guide to the culinary use of these collected specimens.

The impressive colorful illustrations that accompany the mushroom descriptions and scientific detail strongly enrich this fungal field guide. It is a handy reference for both the professional and the novice.


An Unforgiving Place


Aegean: Recipes from the Mountains to the Sea

Some foodways are so specific to their place that sourcing ingredients outside their native area is almost impossible. I frequently hit that obstacle with this cookbook. The Stuffed Vine Leaves with Rice and Carrots, or dolmas, were delicious and simple, but sourcing the grape leaves required searching several stores. In the Chicken with Okra, Oregano, and Aged Vinegar, I had to substitute green beans for okra, which was simply unavailable. This was a delicious dish too, but with such a major substitution, how much of the original taste am I really capturing? However, the Thyme, Oregano, and Fenugreek Pork Tenderloin with Tzatziki, Tomato, and Onion Salad was an unequivocal success, one I am eager to make again. If you can find the ingredients, the recipes themselves are clearly written with helpful and careful instructions. The photography is gorgeous, warm, and rustic, and the author's notes are homey and welcoming; her stories aggregate almost into memoirs, an inviting glimpse into her lovely childhood memories of growing up on Crete. At the very least, this is a delightful cookbook that whets your appetite for foods from the Aegean; you may just have to make a trip there to taste them for yourself.


Rosewood: A Midsummer Meet Cute

Eila has taken over parenting duties since her father died and her mother has been so busy at work. Her sister, Mallika, surprises her with acceptance letters to a Regency-era drama camp that could be her last chance at theater. While there is a possibility of being chosen as a walk-on in the next season of Rosewood, Eila is too sensible to believe anything will come of it. To support her sister, Eila goes to the camp and meets Rahul, who can quote Shakespeare and fence like he’s straight out of  a Regency story himself. When mean girl Lucy establishes a claim on Rahul, Eila doesn’t give up, not until a truth is revealed that will shatter her dreams of love and a possible life in the theater.

With creative sprinkles of contemporary pop culture mixed with quotes from Shakespeare’s plays and Jane Austen’s novels, this should have delivered. While the characters were lovable and the conclusion pulled the heart strings, mixing the fake dating trope late in the game with the hidden secret trope fell flat. However, the witty banter and focus on diversity in historically white literature was refreshing and worth a quick read.


Twisted Love (Twisted, 1)

Alex Volkov isn’t a hero. He’s the dark knight in his Aston Martin and Tom Ford suit seeking vengeance for what was stolen from him years ago. A child genius turned ferocious entrepreneur, he takes whatever he wants by any means necessary. This relentless intensity means Alex doesn't do anything in half measures, so when he’s tasked with babysitting his best friend's little sister for the year, he infiltrates every aspect of her life.

Ava, the bubbly college senior, believes in love and the good of the world. She dreams of winning a prestigious photography fellowship and sharing her gift with the world. But under her lighthearted facade, Ava is repressing memories from a traumatic childhood event, and like all well-kept secrets, they are bound to come out.

This story is equal parts mystery thriller and romance. Falling in the mid-ground between fade-to-black and erotica, this story is for the 18+ reader. The forced proximity situation breeds delicious tension between the main characters. While the murder mystery plot line leaves the reader with a bit of whiplash from some unexpected twists. Overall, an entertaining story with scrumptious spice.


Ride On

Horse Girls Victoria and her best friend, Taylor, love riding horses. They hang out at Waverly Stables, ride, and compete in horse competitions. But Victoria doesn’t want to dedicate her whole life to horses and to afford horse riding lessons. When Victoria tells Taylor she doesn’t want to compete anymore, Taylor doesn’t understand, so Victoria transfers to Edgewood Stables. The meeting between Victoria and the other Horse Girls at the new riding stable didn’t go too well. Can Victoria make up with Taylor and get along with the new Horse Girls at Edgewood?

At first, I was really annoyed with Victoria and how rude and antisocial she was towards Norrie. Norrie was also a little extra, but both grew on me by the end of the book. I love the scene where Norrie suggested that Victoria read the episode summary on Wikipedia, and the reactions on both Sam's and Victoria’s faces were hilarious. I sense a potential romance between Sam and Victoria, so I feel there is a possibility of a sequel coming. I thought the illustrations were okay, maybe not so much my style. I recommend this graphic novel to readers who love friendship and horse stories.


Twisted Lies

Christian Harper is the CEO of Harper Security by day and a vigilante cyberhero by night or in-between meetings as his schedule allows. He designs creative yet malicious software that wreaks havoc on his targets. However, Christian is not entirely without scruples, he does draw the line for certain individuals and organizations that are morally repugnant by his standards. His well-known reputation among the elite D.C. circles sets him apart as a lethal advisor and unlikely friend.

Christian lives a calculated private lifestyle leaving nothing to chance. So when he crosses paths with a whimsical up-and-coming fashion blogger, his world is thrown off-center. Stella is the one puzzle he simply can not solve, which both infuriates and fuels his obsession. When a stalker reemerges and threatens Stella’s safety, a mutually beneficial fake-dating contract seems like the best course of action.

The chemistry between Christian and Stella is excellent. The writing is easy to navigate, and the story hits all the favorite moments associated with this trope. As a bonus, the epilogue provides closure to the other companion stories within the series.


Twisted Hate

Book three in the Twisted series showcases the relationship origins of Josh and Jules. Jules is the saucy red-headed best friend studying for the bar and Josh is the overprotective older brother in a high-paced residency program. The two have a toxic history, mostly spurred by their competition for Ava’s attention. When the two find themselves working for the same nonprofit, they somehow land on an improbable enemies-with-benefits arrangement.

The book delivers on explicit content, but without chemistry between the characters it’s just heat without flavor. The story feels chaotic due to how much it bounces around from both a plot and character backstory standpoint. There are strange storylines involving art heists, blackmail sex tapes, unsolved murders, and book store scavenger hunts that don’t quite meld.

Then we have scenes where Jules and Josh act completely out of character, which comes across as unbelievable and ridiculous. The charming coincidences from the earlier books fall flat in this situation. Overall, this relationship was unimaginable and a letdown after the high of book two. The most exciting pieces were the teasers for the characters in book four.


Never Name the Dead

Something for Everyone Mystery Roundup

An eclectic mix of our newest mysteries and thrillers. From a book about Hell to a compilation of stories about murder witnesses, this lineup will be of interest to anyone who just likes something a little different in terms of thrillers and suspense novels.

Sign Here
Claudia Lux
Berkley
ISBN: 9780593545768

Peyote Trip works on the fifth floor of Hell, where he is expecting to get a big promotion if he can get one more member of the wealthy Harrison family to sell their soul. He hatches a plan and ends up uncovering some family secrets. Dark, funny, and suspenseful, Sign Here is full of twists and turns. Part drama and part horror, this witty, satirical book will entertain readers from cover to cover.

The Ransomware Hunting Team
Renee Dudley, Daniel Golden
Farrar, Straus and Giroux
ISBN: 9780374603304

A real-life technological thriller that follows a group of computer experts who use their skills to save ransomware victims from paying billions of dollars to criminals. The global threat of ransomware is real, and this group, a band of misfits to the outside world, is among some of the most talented people in the world when it comes to cyber crimes. This book is a must-read for anyone who owns a computer or smart device.

Never Name the Dead
D M Rowell
CROOKED LANE BOOKS
9781639101276

Mud is called back to her native Kiowa land in Oklahoma by her grandfather, and she finds herself in the middle of a web of theft, betrayal, and murder. A man was found murdered in her grandfather’s work room and her grandfather is the main suspect. Trying to prove him not guilty and dealing with frackers who are trying to take over his land, Mud must get to the bottom of everything before someone else turns up dead. An eye-opening homage to Native American history with Kiowa storytelling, Never Name the Dead is a beautifully written story.

Witnesses for the Dead
Gary Phillips, Gar Anthony Haywood
Soho Press
9781641293983

A collection of stories from many award-winning authors in which the main theme is murders that have been witnessed. From terrorist plots to immigration to brothels, this compilation will have a story or two or more that will pique the interest of any mystery lover.


The Art of the Board

Whether you are a complete novice or just need a creative nudge, this book has something for you. The photos are gorgeous, styled for every occasion. There are recipes for dips, salads, and spreads to anchor the board, and excellent instructions on composition, garnishing, tools, and various pairings. I particularly appreciated the specific lists of ingredients as well as the substitution suggestions.

The simple but lovely Fun in the Sun board, for example, was easy and fun to make, even for the children; a single wedge of cheese joins a quick caprese salad, nuts, and fruits. Edible flowers do give a beautiful finishing touch, if you can find them.  Boards don't even have to include cheese! We also loved the Cozy Hot Cocoa Board; it's like a hot chocolate bar, but more intimate, and open to all sorts of variation.

Tips for presentation raise everything to the next level, without much additional effort. There are tons of themes to try here, and to use as a jumping off point for your own creations. Food boards should be fun to put together, and there is really no limit to what you can do!


Dead Men Don't Decorate (Old Town Antique Mystery, An)

Big changes are in store for Camille. Her son is the newly elected mayor, and her parents’ old business just came on the market. The latter comes as joyous news for everyone in town as the man -Roberto - that currently owns it is the least liked in town. After Camille successfully purchases the business, she’s ready to make it her own until she makes an unsettling discovery - a historical letter possibly connected to George Washington and Roberto’s body. She uncovers odd circumstances surrounding the shop, which pulls her directly into the middle of a murder.

At the center of the mystery is the murder of Roberto, whose not-so-sunny disposition gives Camille no shortage of suspects, which pairs well with the mysteries surrounding the store. Over the course of the story, she finds Roberto’s body, a historical letter, strange thefts, and questionable antique furniture, with each thread perfectly woven together to send Camille in circles. The characters are amazing, particularly the dynamic duo that is Camille and Opal, as their friendship drives the humor and charm of the story. Dead Men Don’t Decorate is a delightful start to a new series with a mystery full of twists, sleuthing antics, and new beginnings.


Iceberg

Following the death of her father, Hazel’s family is quickly plunged into destitution. The best solution is to send Hazel to the United States to live with her aunt and work so she can send money back home, although Hazel secretly wishes to be a journalist. However, Hazel doesn’t have the money to buy a ticket so stows away on a boat named the Titanic.

Thankfully, she is able to befriend Charlie, a porter, who helps her find a room more comfortable than the stairwell. Hazel also meets Sylvia, a sweet first-class passenger looking for a companion on the long voyage. When Hazel stumbles onto a plot that she fears targets her new friend Sylvia’s wealth, she hopes all her talents as a budding journalist will help her break the news.

Hazel is young and idealistic, curious and kind. While written for a younger audience and including a sub-plot that propels the story along, most readers will pick this up just for the fact that it is about the Titanic. It is not surprising that Nielsen, after taking a stab at historical fiction, has finally put pen to paper about one of the most famous disasters in history.


Daughter Dalloway

Daughter Dalloway, by Emily France, is not so much a retelling of Virginia Woolf’s classic Mrs. Dalloway, but rather, in the manner of Woolf’s own stream-of-consciousness novel, follows two characters, Elizabeth Dalloway and Octavia Smith, tangential characters from the original.

In 1952, Elizabeth, now forty-six, is given a medal with an inscription from her mother to a soldier named Septimus Warren Smith, which sets her on the hunt for her mother, who has been missing since July 1923. At the same time, Septimus’ sister, Octavia, leaves her small village and travels to London to find her brother, who has not communicated since leaving to join the war.

At times Daughter Dalloway by Emily France seems contrived; it tries too hard to force the connection between this novel and the much-loved Woolf. From France’s first sentence, “Elizabeth said she would pick the flowers herself…” I knew I was in for a lot of Mrs. Dalloway references, but is that such a bad thing? Is there a way to write a retelling without a multitude of callbacks and cross-referencing? Frankly, if the reader isn’t familiar with, and more than a little in love with, the original, they probably won’t be picking up France’s novel. As a rabid Woolf fan, I was surprised at how much I enjoyed France’s revisit of the Dalloway world.


The Riders Come Out at Night

In 2003, the Oakland Police Department was placed under a Consent Decree wherein the department was subject to the supervision of a third party acting under the authority of the federal government. The department would need to comply with various recommendations and show marked improvement before the decree would be lifted. The decision to put the OPD under the thumb of the US DOJ had been a long time in the making. Issues of excessive force and officer-involved shootings had been making headlines for years. The actions taken by a group known as “The Riders”  faced scrutiny as a rookie officer implicated various officers in beatings and falsified reports. Sadly, these were not anomalous in a city where order overshadowed the law.

The Riders Come Out at Night is an eye-opening investigation into a deeply troubled institution. Authors Ali Winston and Darwin Bondgraham take a fair and even-handed approach in assessing the history and culture that factored into the abuse and corruption that settled into the Oakland Police Department. The authors have written a comprehensive and moving account where there is plenty of blame to go around for the state of policing in Oakland, yet there is the possibility of progress.


Where You See Yourself

Where You See Yourself by Claire Forrest has touched me in many ways. It is a story about a girl who has cerebral palsy. (I have personal experience with experiencing challenges in the world because I have autism.) The author has cerebral palsy as well, so this could be considered a “life story” or perhaps even a “memoir.”

She is writing it through the eyes of Effie (her real name is Efumia Galanos, a very unusual name indeed), who just so happens to be like Forrest herself. At Prospect University, at a shop called Menards, everywhere: she is discriminated against because she has a wheelchair. She struggles to get through New York City because of all the teasing. The story is peppered with emails to give further proof that Effie is Carol Forrest!

I have also experienced discrimination (and gotten a detention once) because I have autism. I can relate to Carol Forrest (and Effie) in a variety of ways. I hope many people with disabilities can relate to Effie in some way or another. And what’s more, the book is divided into sections representing the seasons, which also adds to the story of the challenging life that Effie lives in.

I appreciated that this book presents difficulties with honesty and also encourages communication and hope. Despite not having a physical disability, I found myself to be Effie in some way. I give this book five stars.


The Devil Takes You Home: A Novel

Mario’s life has recently gone into a tailspin. His four-year-old daughter, Anita, Has been diagnosed with Leukemia. Mario and his wife Melisa dote on their only child and spend every dime they can for her to receive treatment. The bills begin to pile up, and Mario is let go from his job. A friend of Mario offers an opportunity to get the money to aid Anita. Mario will need to kill someone. Despite Mario’s fulfillment of the contract, he soon learns of his daughter’s passing. The crushing grief dissolves his marriage and Mario is at rock bottom. Mario throws himself into the hitman business with aplomb. A new opportunity to make a financial windfall and regain a semblance of a life beckons but is nowhere near easy. Mario is about to embark on a dark journey.

The Devil Takes You Home is a haunting mystery thriller from the inspired mind of author Gabino Iglesias (Zero Saints, Coyote Songs). A novel that combines an excellent crime tale with supernatural elements that will leave the reader unsettled for days on end. Iglesias is a writer to keep an eye out for in the future, as he possesses a gift for story.


Make Your Own Board Game

Make Your Own Game: Designing, Building, and Playing an Original Tabletop Games Jesse Terrance Daniels is a surprising book. I thought it would just teach me what parts were to a board game, but then it had its own practice board games and lots and lots of other stuff I didn’t know about, like that there are different ways to win, eliminate, or, well, different ways to everything! So every game can be unique and surprising.

Mom and I played one of the games, and it was super fun. I learned that there are many more parts (called components) to games than I realized. There are games from real life and practice games in the back to learn to use the components to make new games. After reading this book, I was able to take what I learned to make my own super-duper fun board game and play it with my sister.

What surprised me most was that so much goes into making a game. Games are a great way to learn, depending on what game you’re playing. What matters is having fun and playing together. People who like playing board games and who might like to try to make their own would love this book.


Death on a Deadline (A Homefront News Mystery)

Death on a Deadline is a story set in 1942 during the war. The town has set up a fair and is promoting the sale of war bonds to help the troops. A Hollywood Victory Committee is also coming to town and although Clark Gable will not be making an appearance, film star Tommy Harrison will be. Only Tommy ends up dead and it turns out he was on most people’s bad sides. Editor-in-Chief of the Progress Herald, Irene, finds herself investigating the murder mystery and helping to prove Tommy’s wife, Angel, is not guilty.

I really loved going back in time and experiencing life in a small town during the war. Everything including the dialect was so old-fashioned! This book is a fun read and there are so many interesting characters; all of whom seem like they could be suspects. Greta Grey, a mean gossip tabloid lady, is in town and is as snarky as ever and Belinda Fox, Tommy’s girlfriend who says he is going to leave Angel for her, is a little too full of herself. This cozy mystery is sure to please readers of this genre!


The Collector (A Kaldan and Scháfer Mystery)

The Collector is a fantastic psychological thriller that will have its readers' eyes glued to the pages from cover to cover. Heloise is a news journalist and is at her doctor's office to get an abortion. While she is at the office, her doctor receives an urgent call because his ten-year-old son Lukas has gone missing. Detective Schafer is on the case as he and partner Lisa Augustin follow the clues to figure out where Lukas could be and if he is dead or alive.

This book focuses on many themes, such as alcoholism and PTSD from war. There are several characters that Schafer and Augustin interview, and readers learn that Heloise is actually a friend of Schafer and his wife, Connie. It just so happens that Heloise's best friend is a PTSD psychologist, so when detectives find out that ex-military may be involved, Heloise is able to find out some information to help them. Overall, this book is amazing, and I would recommend it to anyone who loves being turned around in every direction in a suspenseful thriller. Perfect for fans of Ruth Ware and Tana French.


Pack Your Bags, Maggie Diaz

Things are better than ever for Maggie Diaz. She and her friends, Julian and Zoey, are closer than ever, her grades aren’t made, and she’s found her thing: running. And she can’t wait for the seventh-grade three-day field trip to Saint Augustine. But when Julian gets a crush on the new girl, Vanessa, Zoey, Julian, and Maggie’s friendship starts falling apart. Maggie’s in the middle of a love triangle and is stressed out and doesn’t know how it’s all going to turn out. And if Julian or Zoey start dating somebody, where would she belong? Would she be the third wheel? And now Maggie likes Eerie Eddie.
Things get worse. Zoey’s grades start dropping, and if she can’t keep them up, she won’t be able to go to Saint Augustine. How can Maggie fix this?

  If I would have seen this at the library or at a bookstore, I wouldn’t have been interested in it because the cover is too pink and “sparkly”,  but it’s a good book. I was wondering about the characters and how things were going to turn out. This story feels like it could happen in real life. In the edition I read, there weren’t illustrations where there were going to be, and sometimes the drawings tell the story, so there were some small gaps that I was missing. But the illustrations that I did see fit the story well. I wish I knew more about the other characters.


Viviana Valentine Gets Her Man

Viviana has found a place for herself working for PI Tommy Fortuna. When he receives a wealthy businessman as a client, their job is to track the whereabouts of the man's daughter, which should be simple enough until Viviana must tackle a case solo after Tommy takes a sudden trip out of town. A body in the office later sends Viviana on an investigation that makes her a target.

The 1950s setting is spot-on, with Edwards perfectly capturing the decade through lush dialogue that transports you back in time with word choices such as dollface, stepping out, and dillydally. The tone of the writing uses specific details such as hulking galoot with a familiar mug, still holding my paw, lookie-loos, and bopping you off. Viviana is surrounded by well-rounded characters, primarily headstrong women, and she has great dynamics with them. The women at the boarding house are unique and funny, giving her a support system. The plot gives Viviana an opportunity to come into her own as an investigator and creates a mystery that is incredibly fun and original. A delightful historical treat, Viviana Valentine Gets Her Man delivers a mystery that is charming with headstrong women, suspense, humor, and plenty of twists.


The Light Reflected

As soon as twenty-year-old Max gets his first big break in Boston, he'll leave his part-time gigs, which have included working as a cod fisherman and bagging groceries at the local A&P for the past three years. Another issue he has is that he hasn't told his mother he's homosexual—a secret that seems increasingly impractical since he plans to enjoy his "carnal urges" during his final summer in Provincetown. Unless Danny can transform one of his interests into a lucrative job, he'll have to return home to begin working at the family foundation in exchange for free lodging and food.

Two childhood friends, Max and Danny, reunite and embark on a summer affair that grows more serious as their time together gets shorter. The Light Reflected by Will Freshwater presents two charming best friends who engage in a variety of fun activities and are forced to confront the potential that their relationship will fade by the end of the summer.

The book's humorous, authentic language and thoughts, which give you the impression that you're discussing things with the characters, are some of its great features. I chuckled at a few of the things I read, like how taking a straight guy to a gay bar was like dragging a vegetarian to a meat market. Being an artist myself, I could relate to Max's aspirations for his music and the time he is compelled to think about changing his appearance to be more well-liked as a musician. In his situation, it is suggested that he make full use of his muscles and go for a more sexualized appearance.

Other realistic ordeals and topics that young adults and LGBT readers will connect with in the book include money troubles, ambitious goals, making art, courageously embracing one's sexuality, getting hit on by straight people, and more. The fairly graphic sexual parts lend a bit of excitement to the romance novel, making it more memorable.

Some aspects of the novel bothered me, such as the insufficient sparks and intensity in the romance, which made the plot feel a little flat. Furthermore, the characters' voices require greater substance to let the viewer enjoy following them. I didn't think they adequately conveyed their emotions.

Thanks to a plethora of intriguing people and talks involving the protagonists throughout a significant portion of the story, the book transports readers to a genuine summer environment that is likely to evoke feelings of nostalgia and romanticism in the reader. The Light Reflected clearly requires more compelling features to entice the reader. It does, however, have its highlights.


Purple Deceiver

After finding the queen's jewels on the Farnese's wreck, Buck Reilly is prepared to explore new, altruistic endeavors. Unfortunately, his objectives are jeopardized by a new development involving the federal government interfering with his newly discovered fortune and the secrets he intends to keep concealed. Buck is left with little money and many court challenges, prompting him to embark on another treasure hunt that appears to be a wild goose chase with coded language, biblical texts, and incomplete material dating back to the 1800s.

His goal entails tracking down the rumored buried cache of Key West's original owner, John W. Simonton. However, he must compete with the most vicious treasure hunters who are pursuing the same treasure. Are Buck's archeology and puzzle-solving abilities sufficient to save him from the hangman's noose that is quickly closing in on him? In John H. Cunningham's Purple Deceiver, follow Buck's highly perilous and suspense-filled race to discover a long-buried treasure while surrounded by ruthless competitors and relentless law enforcement entities.

I'm not sure which element of the novel I enjoyed more—the pleasure and excitement of searching for the treasure or the tension of the danger around the protagonist. I just knew that I couldn't give anything else my full attention until I finished the book. I was on edge throughout the novel because I didn't know when another sinister and intimidating character would attack the protagonist or when another layer of knowledge or a secret would be divulged to the authorities. Deciphering Bible verses and skillfully coded messages further piqued my interest and made me want to work on more puzzles with the protagonist.

John H. Cunningham presents a well-rounded tale with a pace that is neither too quick nor too slow. Thanks to the protagonist's perceptive personality and the colorful characters who emerge throughout the book, the novel is full of relatable and interesting insights like "Scarlet had an annoying ability to always appear calm." There's also a lot to keep readers interested in the story, including an introspective and likable protagonist, deadly villains, sexual tension, intricate riddles, and more.

Fans of treasure hunt stories and readers who enjoy tales with clever riddles and terrifying antagonists will enjoy this book. I'm just discovering the Buck Reilly Adventures series, and I can't wait to read more. You don't have to have read the previous installments to enjoy this one, but once you do, you won't be able to resist the temptation. Excellent work, John. Life seems like an exciting trip when you're surrounded by literary classics like this!


Ancestry

Historical Fiction You Won’t Be Able to Put Down Roundup

These books are all set in a different time than the present, but readers will embrace the similarities between the men and women of the past and of today. From heartache to hope to the discovery of ancestries, these books will evoke some wonderful emotions and perhaps even some memories.

Cambium Blue
Maureen Brownlee
Harbour Publishing
9781550179309

Set during the bark beetle epidemic in a lumbering town in British Columbia, Cambium Blue is a tale that comes from three viewpoints. A single mom, a Spanish Civil War Veteran, and a widowed fifty-four-year-old woman find their lives intertwined. This is a beautifully written novel with themes of compassion, hope, despair, and the politics of a small town.

Lost and Found in the 60s
Paul Justison
Unsolicited Press
9781956692396

Set in the 1960s, teenager Mark Stenrud escapes to Haight-Ashbury and gets a job at the post office. LSD chemists end up recruiting him and readers will follow Mark on his path as he finds success in this lucrative business only to find himself making bad decisions and learning the lessons of life. A book that captures this decade and its psychedelic notions.

When Franny Stands Up
Eden Robins
Sourcebooks
9781728256009

Set during WWII, When Franny Stands Up captures the story of a woman named Fran who finds herself at Chicago’s Blue Moon Comedy Club where she finds out about the Showstopper, the magic that occurs when an audience laughs so hard they are momentarily transformed. With complex characters, humor, and cultural realism, this book is sure to evoke so many emotions in its readers.

Ancestry
Simon Mawer
Other Press
9781635423198

As novelist Simon Mawer researches his own ancestry back to his great-great-grandfather Abraham Block, who leaves home and becomes indentured on a ship and finds himself in London and the Mediterranean. Mawer’s stories about his ancestors paint the reader a vivid portrait of life in the nineteenth century.

Marmee
Sarah Miller
HarperCollins
9780063041875

This Little Women novel is sure to become a favorite. Set during the war in 1861, this book is told from the perspective of Margaret “Marmee” March and her struggle to raise her four daughters, continue her charity work, and endure financial hardship. This is a beautiful story brought to life by author Sarah Miller about a woman whose life is anything but simple and one which contains secrets.

Foster
Claire Keegan
Grove/Atlantic
9780802160140

During a hot summer in rural Ireland, a father takes his daughter to live with relatives where she is shown love and affection. The home is nice and modern and the Kinsellas take her to places like the beach and shopping for new clothing. These are things her parents don’t do with her and her siblings. A book about a girl who gets a taste of what she sees as “a real family.” A short, easy-to-read book that will leave its readers thinking about the girl even after finishing the book.

The Stolen Book of Evelyn Aubrey
Serena Burdick
Park Row Books
9780778333104

In 1868, when famous novelist William Aubrey finds himself with writer’s block, he becomes jealous of his wife, Evelyn, and steals one of her manuscripts, passing it on as his own. In 2006, Abigail finds out that Evelyn was her great-great-grandmother and travels to England to uncover some family secrets. She learns of Evelyn’s disappearance and possible murder according to London’s society. A fantastic mystery that will have readers loving the clever characters and intriguing plot.


Less Is Lost

The good-hearted, hapless “Minor American Novelist” Arthur Less is back, and this reader couldn’t be happier to spend time with him again. Temporarily apart from his lover, Freddy (whose voice is heard throughout the novel), and in desperate need of money, Less says yes to every offer that comes his way, sending him on another hilarious journey, this time through New Mexico, Texas, the deep South, and then up the Eastern Seaboard. “It is hard to picture our hero in these carriage-wheel-chandeliered, sawdust-floored, spittooned surroundings. To be honest, it is hard to picture Arthur Less in America at all. His awkwardness abroad seems natural; here, it seems vexing.” In the earlier prize-winning novel Less, Arthur traveled internationally; now, Southerners seem to think that he is from the Netherlands, recognizing only that there is something odd and other about him. Greer describes America as Arthur experiences it: sometimes with dread, often with humor, and frequently with charming innocence. “Why did no one tell me life could be this?” he thought while watching a musical that filled him with awe and promise. Commenting on the writing life with wit and gentle jabs, Less is Lost fills us with an appreciation for the odd and the offbeat. “Such is love,” as Freddy often comments on these pages. Indeed.


Outside Nowhere

Parker Kelbrook is slick, which allows him to slide out of whatever trouble he gets into. It works fine until his benefactor, Ms. Birdseye, gets him a summer job. But Parker’s best friend is going to spend a month at the beach, and Parker wants to go, so he plays a dirty trick to get fired so he can go to the beach. Not so fast, says his father. Ms. Birdseye has another assignment for Parker. He is put on a train and sent to a farm in the middle of nowhere. The work is hard. The only thing grown is radishes, and they are sold two or three at a time. But there is more going on than meets the eye, and it is a mystery Parker wants to solve.

Adam Borba has written a unique story that is fun, engaging, and full of magic and mystery. The characters are all well-rounded and complex, each with their own backstory. The setting perfectly matches this unusual story, with it being contemporary and at the same time awfully old-fashioned. Young readers (and older ones as well) will be engaged to the end trying to figure out what the heck is going on.


I am Superman (Stories Change the World)

I am Superman is about what appears to be a regular human man, but after reading this book, Clark Kent is not regular. I love that this book is filled with information about how this comic started. Clark Kent is actually his Earth name. I found out that Superman is from the planet Krypton and I learned his real name. Superman has a ton of villains he must fight against, but my favorite was Brainiac.

This is a really fun book series. I love the illustrations, especially of the villains. I think it is really cool that this book was an idea brought to life by two friends. This book was full of a ton of info. I hope this series continues, as I would love to see one about my favorite superhero Spiderman!!


The Cookbook in Support of the United Nations: For People and Planet

Truly nourishing food considers bodily health, sustainability of production, and overall planetary repercussions as well as flavor. Our eating choices have a significant impact on our planet and environment as well as ourselves; being more aware of what and how we eat matters to everyone.

The recipes included are mainly based on traditional dishes. Many have deep layers of flavor and are highly spiced, and may require a significant time investment, but don't let that deter you. The Tangerine and Turmeric Brazilian Chicken Stew took an entire evening, but the result was deliciously warm and nurturing, full of flavor and healthful ingredients. Do be cautious about heat levels when cooking unfamiliar dishes! It was excellent served with the Vegan Rice Salad with Herbs. Many recipes are vegan, many more are vegetarian. The only issue I have is that making foods from across the globe requires that ingredients travel a long way to get to you, which countermands the need to eat locally. In those cases, take the recipes as suggestions, substituting what is locally available, and let them inspire you to new possibilities. The included contributor biographies show healing our global food ways is possible and achievable, even for everyday cooks.


My Fade Is Fresh

Five great new children's books that help teach important lessons, from learning to love your hair, make your family's perfect ramen or taking a bath!

First up is "My Fade is Fresh" by Shauntay Grant, a powerful and inspiring memoir that explores the author's journey to self-love and acceptance through the lens of Black masculinity and barbershop culture. The author's writing is candid and vulnerable, and his story resonates deeply with readers of all backgrounds.

Next, "Rock That Vote" by Meg Fleming is a fun and educational children's book that teaches kids about the importance of voting and civic engagement. With charming illustrations and a lively narrative, this book is a great way to introduce young readers to the concept of democracy and encourage them to become active citizens.

Thirdly, "Scardy Bath" by Zoe Foster Blake is a delightful and relatable children's book that follows the adventures of a young girl who's scared of taking a bath. With its colorful illustrations and engaging storyline, this book is a great way to encourage kids to conquer their fears and embrace new experiences.

Fourth, "Little Troublemaker Makes a Mess" by Luvvie Jones is a hilarious and heartwarming children's book that celebrates the joys of creativity and imagination. The book's playful illustrations and witty writing will have both kids and adults laughing out loud and feeling inspired to create their own masterpieces.

Last but not least, "Ramen for Everyone" by Patricia Tanumihardja is a mouth-watering book about Hiro learning how to make his family's perfect ramen, handed down from his grandfather and father. Hiro's ramen may not be perfect, but it is still delicious and all his.


Animal FACTopia!: Follow the Trail of 400 Beastly Facts (FACTopia!, 4)

Julie Beer, Andy Smith, Britannica Group

Animal FACTopia! is the blue book in the FACTopia series of books (all are different colors) that all have over four hundred facts about things and animals in each one! In Animal FACTopia!, there are obviously just facts about animals, and very few of them I already knew. I enjoy reading through all of the FACTopia books because the facts are both funny and interesting; after nearly every fact, I end up saying, "what!?" Each fact follows after the last one by having something or a word in common, and then the chain of facts keeps going that way.

 Some of my favorite facts are about mythical creatures (the unicorn is the national animal in Scotland!), any about cats (using paw-activated buttons to "talk"), and ones about underwater creatures (so cool!). The pictures on each page are both real and cartoony. The book can act as something to fill up your time when you're bored or something to help you if you need answers for school or are just curious!


Morality

In Morality published posthumously, Rabbi John Sacks laments society’s prevailing lack of concern for the welfare of others, for commitment to the common good. His theme, shows how contemporary attitudes place an emphasis on ‘I’ instead of ‘We,’ is manifested throughout the book, focusing on such topics as social media, the burgeoning epidemic of drug addiction, and, with youth in particular, distancing from face to face reality by excessive reliance on tech. devices He suggests, ‘a consumer society threatens democracy, as it us to spend money we don’t have, on products we don’t need, for a happiness that won’t last.’

The author’s research is extensive, learning from the ancient Greeks, through the Enlightenment, to present day philosophers, authors, and political figures As a dedicated intellectual, deeply religious, Sacks nevertheless recognized Bob Dylan and the Beatles among celebrities who will leave an enduring mark.

Sacks distress is apparent, but he adheres to the potential for recovery, His optimism comes in part from respect for Holocaust survivors, many of whom have lead useful, rewarding lives by looking to the future as a means of overcoming past suffering.


The Zero Night

Part of a Series Mystery Roundup

All of the books in this roundup are part of a series. From police and detective mysteries to assassins, if you liked the first installments of these series, get ready for the next level of suspense and thriller. Perfect for fans of Patterson and Baldacci.

Death on a Winter Stroll
Francine Mathews
Soho Press
9781641292740

The seventh book in the Merry Folger Nantucket Mystery series, Death on a Winter Stroll takes place during Christmas. The yearly tradition of the winter stroll in Nantucket should lift the spirits on the island after Covid. Instead, Merry, the Police Chief finds herself investigating two murders. With a large-scale television production interrupting the activities on the island and the arrival of the Secretary of State and her family, this winter is anything but peaceful. This cold winter weather mystery is full of wonderful characters, beautiful scenery, and that cozy winter mystery feel.

The Zero Night
Brian Freeman
Blackstone Publishing
9781094082349

Book eleven in the Jonathan Stride series, The Zero Night centers around Lt. Stride coming back to work for the Duluth Police Department and working a case in which an attorney has paid the ransom for his kidnapped wife to be released. The problem is, his wife has not been released. Running parallel to this story is that of Stride’s wife, Serena, who is dealing with the death of her abusive mother and further investigating a case that was previously solved. A masterfully written crime mystery with a solid plot and twists and turns that readers will absolutely love.

Seventeen
John Brownlow
Hanover Square Press
9781335469595

This is an action-packed thriller that will have readers turning page after page. Seventeen is the current assassin who is hunting sixteen. One day, eighteen will hunt down seventeen. Seventeen’s multiple-layer plot is full of twists and turns with intense characters. For anyone who loves an entertaining cat-and-mouse chase.

Hands Down
Felix Francis
CROOKED LANE BOOKS

The next installation in the Dick Francis series, Hands Down finds its main character detective Sid Halley gets a call from an ex-jockey friend asking him for help after receiving death threats. When his friend is found dead, Sid feels the guilt of the situation and further investigates. He finds himself in the middle of a possible British Horse Racing scandal. Complete with steeplechases and interesting characters, Hands Down is another great Dick Francis mystery.

An Unforgiving Place
Claire Kells
CROOKED LANE BOOKS
9781639101238

Agent Felicity Harland and partner ex-Navy Seal Ferdinand Huxley set out to investigate the death of a couple that was found in Gates of the Arctic National Park. What they find is a possible fertility cult led by a man who lives in the Arctic. With a superb cast of strong characters, this book will take its readers on an adventure through the wilderness experiencing all of the harsh elements the characters do.


The River that Wolves Moved

What happens when one piece of a biome is removed? It can be catastrophic, even when it’s completely well-intentioned. This story of the Yellowstone wolves is a great example. Author Mary Kay Carson uses the structure of This is the House that Jack Built to show how interdependent flora and fauna in a biome are. In the early 20th century, all wolves were removed. This meant the elk had fewer predators and their numbers increased. With more elk, they decimated some plant life, particularly willows that prevented erosion which would muddy the waters. Since cutthroat trout need clear water to procreate, their populations fell. And on and on.

Carson, in addition to the poem, includes excellent sidebar information about the various flora and fauna affected. Her writing is conversational and will engage young readers throughout the whole book. Gorgeous illustrations by David Hohn use subtle colors and are filled with lots of details to keep youngsters’ eyes on the pages. The story is brought full circle and shows how a biome can be brought back when the missing component is reintroduced. This book belongs in every elementary classroom and library.


The Little Book of Joy

Two little boys who grew up on opposite sides of the world shared a lot in common. Both grew up sad and lonely but discovered that finding joy in little things made them happy. His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu wrote this book to share their wisdom with children. Despite hardships, sorrow, and dark times, joy is just around the corner and will find you again. And once you let in joy, your heart will expand to make room for more joy.

This is a wonderful book to read to children who are usually full of joy, but this is a great and timely book for adults as well. This book is a great reminder that focusing on all the crazy stuff that is going on in our world will just fill you with hate and anger. Find the joy that is around you and focus on it, and spread it. Happiness is contagious! I love the art in this book. It is very vibrant and colorful and bursting with liveliness and joy. I highly recommend this book to all families with children because everyone can use a reminder to find joy in their lives.


Lightlark (The Lightlark Saga Book 1)

Every one hundred years, a deadly game is played in hopes that one victor will rise, saving their kingdom from their wicked curses. This year the time has come. Welcome to the Centennial.

Cursed to kill anyone she falls in love with, Isla Crown knows this will be her chance to fight, hoping she can release her people from their years of suffering. But Isla also knows that in order to win, she will have to lie, cheat, betray and kill, even if love gets in the way. While each ruler hides their own arsenal of secrets, Isla has her own, and she is willing to stop at nothing to win. But will love be her victor or her curse?

 Fall into the gripping fantasy world of Lightlark.  Alex Aster takes her readers deep into the Centennial, where the battle for a realm is just as fierce as the battle for love. With beautiful prose and extremely vivid detail, this book is written precisely for its targeted teen audience. With twists and turns at every bend, along with shocking alliances, enemies, and secrets, it will keep readers engaged and unable to put this story down. Lightlark has also announced that it will be adapted into a major motion film by Universal.


The Stand-Up Groomsman

Love is in the Air Romance Roundup

The Stand-Up Groomsman
Jackie Lau
Penguin Publishing Group
9780593334324

This quirky romance is full of wonderful relationships that grow throughout the story. Vivian’s roommate is getting married to her favorite actor’s costar. As Vivian and Mel try to set aside their differences so that the wedding will go off without a hitch, they find that they start to understand one another a little more. Sometimes opposites really do attract!

Princess and the Player
Ilsa Madden-Mills
Amazon/Brilliance Publishing
9781542038461

When Francesca decides to attend an exclusive lifestyle ball and meets famous NFL player Tuck Avery, they engage in a wicked affair wearing masks. When she realizes who this man is and that he lives in her building and is a player (and not just when it come to football) she decides to make sure he doesn’t recognize her. Only there is one little problem…a positive pregnancy test! Find out what the fates of the princess and the player are in this tantalizing romance novel.

Never Rescue a Rogue
Virginia Heath
St. Martin's Publishing Group
9781250787781

Diana and Giles team up when Giles’ father, the Duke of Harpenden dies and family secrets must stay hidden. Although everyone around them thinks that Diana and Giles are a perfect match, the two greatly disagree. But when Giles needs Diana’s excellent sleuthing skills, they both find that maybe, just maybe, there is a little spark after all.

Megan Gamble, Sing Out
Debbie Romani
Self-Published
9798215637401

At forty one years old, Megan finds herself singing backup vocals for her son, Kyle’s band. Not only does being on tour with the band catch the eyes of Kyle’s band manager, Brandon, but it also brings the unwelcome attention of a musician Megan knew in the past who is trying to blackmail her. Smart, fun, and satisfying, this book is a backstage adventure.

Honor's Refuge
Hallee Bridgeman
Fleming H. Revell Company
9780800740221

Melissa and her sister were separated after their father killed their mother when Melissa was only five years old. She goes on to help those in need and opens a domestic shelter. When military man, Phil, hears about Melissa’s story, he goes to find her long lost sister. The problem is, her sister is married to a Colombian cartel teniente. Full of action, adventure, and of course, romance, this book comes with some big emotions as characters struggle to find their way.

Sundown
Susan May Warren
Fleming H. Revell Company
9780800739843

Sundown is the third and final book in the Sky King Ranch series by Susan May Warren. Sky King Ranch is under fire when Tae finds herself being hunted by a group of thugs. Colt Kingston doesn’t trust Tae one hundred percent but decides to help her. When her own secrets are revealed, Colt learns they must stop bioterrorists from releasing a virus and Tae may be the key in doing so. A suspenseful romantic adventure thriller.

The Next Best Day
Sharon Sala
Sourcebooks
9781728249032

After Katie is left standing at the altar and then experiences a school shooting, she decides to relocate to Tennessee. Immediately attracted to her widowed neighbor Sam who is the Police Chief, Katie wonders if the timing is right to pick herself up and start again. Readers will love the charming characters in this book and the strength of Katie’s character as she tries to start life anew.

My Dearest Duke
Kristin Vayden
Sourcebooks
9781728234342

When Lord Rowles Haywind’s brother dies, he inherits the throne and becomes the Duke. He never wanted to be Duke and struggles with family secrets. His mother is ill with dementia and Rowles doesn’t know if he wants to have a family should his children inherit the terrible disease. He reunites with Lady Joan Morgan who is intelligent and helps him through this difficult time. But the Lady has a secret of her own. Will she and the Duke be able to make things work in this regent romance?

The Duke in Question
Amalie Howard
Sourcebooks
9781728262635

A wonderful cat-and-mouse chase that takes readers from England to Civil War-era America, then to France, and back to England. Lady Bronwyn Chase finds herself aboard her brother’s ship with a package of secret letters. Also on that ship is the Duke of Thornbury, Valentine Medford, whose allegiance is to the Crown and who is trying to find the spy named Kestral who is, in fact, Bronwyn! This historical romance will have readers on the edge of their seats!


I'm Ogre It (I Like to Read Comics)

A family learns how to spend more time together when a new and unusual neighbor moves in next door. This book shows how a brother and sister can find something in common once she and her neighbor make a fun obstacle course. The really cool thing about this is that the sister has made the obstacle course to be just like her brother's video game that she has watched him play.

This book was one of my favorite stories. I love the idea of building your very own video game levels right outside your house. What is better than playing a video game is building one. The art in this book is really cool, and the story was fun and easy to read! I think it would be cool to see more books in this series.


Too Many Pigs and One Big Bad Wolf: A Counting Story

Too Many Pigs and One Big Bad Wolf is a different way of telling the story of the three little pigs and the big bad wolf. In this story, there aren't just three pigs, but many more! The person telling the story in the book begins by telling the original story, but somehow it sounds much shorter and quicker than normal, and the other person in the book doesn't like that; they want a longer story! The stories get a little longer each time, but mostly because a few more pigs are added, but the ending is usually always the same until the last story.

Too Many Pigs and One Big Bad Wolf is both funny and frustrating! I felt the same way about the stories as the person in the book - they ended too quickly and didn't have any actual story in them! The little bit of story that was told was usually funny though and overall I enjoyed reading this book.


Making Comic Zines

Making Comic Zines by Eddy Atoms is an instructional book with an independent and do-it-yourself attitude! Four characters—the rhino drummer Leon, the artist cat Bobby, Carmie the puppy girl who reads manga, and Toy, the thing that stepped out of a toy commercial—guide you on your journey to create “zines”—taken from “maga-zine,” comics you make and publish yourself. Because, as Atoms says, “when life’s monotony gets you down, where else can we go but into the plumbing of our own minds?” Oh, yes to that.

I love Atoms’ illustrations. They’re perhaps somewhat crude, but who cares? The creative spirit of the author shines throughout the book. As Atoms reassures us through art and writing, you just use your creativity to make a zine—“no digital editing needed.” And what’s more, the whole book (including the quirky illustrations) is in the style of a zine!

Weaved into this instructional zine is a little story about a farmer who lives in a futuristic world called “Pootonia,” where he digs up—you guessed it—poo all day long, “turning alien cow dung into clean energy for the oligarchs back on Earth.” He then desires to create his own zine, and luckily (or stupidly), the gang comes to help him and you too… or so the story goes. I give this book five stars because it’s very creative, especially the Pootonia story!


Yuna's Cardboard Castles

Yuna's cardboard castles shows her unique art of folding paper and cardboard, but it is so much more. When Yuna and her family moves to a new part of the world the changes can be very hard. It is even harder when you don't speak the language of new children and must learn how to make friends and connect. Yuna's cardboard castles help her do just that. The castles help her make friends and find ways to play and communicate with the other kids. Yuna's new friends help her to learn a new language.

This is a really cute book and really shows the story of friendship, even if one doesn't speak the language of others. I like that the kids worked together to make a cardboard world together. The illustrations are cute.


The Infamous Frankie Lorde 3

Lessons of a Teen Roundup

Although the books in this roundup may all have very different plots, they have one thing in common. All of these books have a cast of strong teens who are on very special missions. And whether they are researching or fighting or just trying to figure things out, they all learn some very important life lessons along the way.

The Infamous Frankie Lorde 3: No Admissions
Brittany Geragotelis
Holiday House
9781645951230

Frankie Lorde, a once renowned international thief, finds herself in a predicament once again in the third volume of The Infamous Frankie Lorde. She finds out that a group of wealthy parents is using their influence and wealth to buy their kids into the best institutions. Frankie sets out to get to the bottom of this scandal and in the process learns some important lessons. This book can be read as a standalone.

The Q
Amy Tintera
Random House Children's Books
9780593486177

This action-packed YA novel will have readers cheering as they follow two teenagers from opposite worlds who must right their way through a dystopian America during a pandemic. Seventeen-year-old Maisie has spent her whole life in the Q—the post-pandemic quarantine. Lennon Pierce is the son of a US Presidential Candidate who has been kidnapped and dropped into the Q. The two teens must work together to get Lennon out of the Q before he is permanently infected. This book has many thought-provoking themes including political unrest, medical care, and poverty.

Wait for Me
Sara Shepard
Union Square & Co.
9781454945772

Casey Rhodes is a seventeen-year-old in her sophomore year at NYU. When she starts hearing voices, she flees to the beach town of Avon to get away. The voices become more intense and soon she has visions of things and people she knows nothing about including a guy named Jake. This is a thriller suspense novel that has many twists and turns that readers will love.


Salamandre

Kasper Salamandre lost his father in a tragic accident. After his father’s death, Kasper put down his pencil and quit the adventure drawing he did of his father. In his grief, Kasper was sent to live with his grandfather. Kasper’s papi lived on the other side of Iron Veil, a land devoid of art, music, celebration, and flowers. In the place of the missing culture existed a world of distrust and secret police. Kasper befriended his papi’s neighbors. While living under tyranny, Kasper and his new friends realized a life full of beauty is worth hoping and fighting for.

Salamandre is a new graphic novel by award-winning author and artist I.N.J. Culbard. Having experienced life in Cold War-era Poland and dedicating his book to the memory of his father, this seems like a very personal project for Culbard. This is an important story for today in the tensions of our current culture war of culture. With colorful and superb artwork to go with the exciting and touching narrative, this is a graphic novel for all who keep art and beauty alive within them. Art and beauty are worth fighting for. “Vive La Revolution!”


The Jeffersonians: The Visionary Presidencies of Jefferson, Madison, and Monroe

The election of Thomas Jefferson in 1800 was dubbed a “revolution” as the Democatic-Republicans had defeated the Federalists. Jefferson had emerged triumphant over John Adams and Aaron Burr. Jefferson urged unity in his inaugural speech, but this wasn’t in the cards, as events over the next decades would show. Thomas Jefferson would wrestle with expanding the territory of the United States. Madison found himself entangled in a second conflict with the British, and Monroe dealt with how the country could improve infrastructure. The issues of individual rights and decentralized authority loomed in the background. Jefferson, Madison, and Monroe oversaw the birth of the nation and would be tested in ensuring that it remained together.

The Jeffersonians thoughtfully examine three pivotal presidential administrations which aided in the growth and maturation of the early United States. Author Kevin R.C. Gutzman (Thomas Jefferson-Revolutionary) deftly relates the key events of each President’s term while alluding to the trouble brewing in the future(sectionalism/civil war). Gutzman’s work is an exceptional re-evaluation of Jefferson, Madison, and Monroe’s reigns in office.


Stellarlune

Stellarlune is a great book! I loved this book by Shannon Messenger. My grandma and my father liked this book too. This book continues the story after the previous book. You should definitely not read this book without reading the other books in the series.

The book is about a girl called Sophie and all of her friends trying to defeat the enemy called the Neverseen and find a mysterious place with lots of rivers and a strange, extraordinary power source.

However, there was one problem for me in the story. I felt that there should be one more chapter because it seems like a scene was chopped in half. Maybe certain scenes could have been removed or shortened to make some room to put the rest of this too short scene.

I believe that the Keeper of the Lost Cities series is best read by people eight years old and older. I will take note, however, that this book is kind of dark and scary, so if you have a tendency to get frightened and have nightmares, this series is not for you!


Spy Camp the Graphic Novel (Spy School)

Ben survived his first semester of spy school and can’t wait for summer break, though he’ll miss fellow recruit Erica Hale. However, instead of summer break, he learns recruits at spy school attend summer camp (but don’t call it that). He’s not in his bunk five minutes before a threatening message is found, targeting him, and requiring that he join a terrorist organization  Spyder or die. Alexander Hale, a top agent and Erica’s father, parachutes into camp and determines that the best course of action is to remove Ben from the camp to a top-secret location. When the bus is attacked on a steep mountainside, Ben, Eric, and her father end up floating downstream. Knowing her father’s help is useless at best, and dangerous at worst, Erica plans to get them to safety with Ben’s help, even as missiles and bears and more are thrown their way.

This well-done color graphic novel closely follows the original Spy Camp story, both sequels to Spy School. Ben’s crush on Erica and lack of confidence combined with the silliness of the agents-in-charge create a fabulously fun rehashing, great for those who love either graphic novels or crime stories.

Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers


Little Echo

Little Echo searches for sounds. Too afraid to speak, she simply echos what she hears: the cacophony of owls and the clamor of a young boy named Max scraping his shovel against the surface of a rock during his treasure-seeking adventures. Little Echo doesn’t have the courage to engage, though she longs to be with others. Things change as quickly as a few beats of a human heart when she realizes Max’s life is in danger. For the first time in her life, she musters the strength to yell, “run!” Her fortitude saves him from the grasp of a salivating bear and is the catalyst of an endearing friendship.

Little Echo is award-winning illustrator Al Rodin’s debut book. It’s a precious story about companionship and overcoming fears. It’s also a tale of hope and will. The characters are adorable, and the illustrations are spectacular.

Shy children ages four to eight who yearn to find their inner voices will be heartened by this book. Additionally, it’s ideal for preschool and early elementary school educators to use as a resource for teaching compassion and understanding. It’s likely to become a classroom favorite.


Firefighter Flo! (Big Jobs, Bold Women)

Firefighter Flo responds to danger with her teammates to save pets, individuals and buildings in this exciting new work. This is part of the bold women doing big jobs and introduces young readers to the many different type of jobs they can have in the future and that nothing should hold them back. Flo is sleeping with her fellow firefighters when the call comes in that there is a fire. She and her teammates race to save the day before heading back to the fire station and sleep. The art is fairly engaging for a young reader and helps move the story along. The words are designed in such a way to capture a young readers attention, whether it is being read aloud to them or they are reading out loud themselves. Action words are highlighted and repeatable which makes it easier for young readers to be engaged with the work and to learn words and their meanings. The book encourages young women to think about a future career as a firefighter and supporting the community.


Babble!: And How Punctuation Saved It

How would a town without punctuation sound? The sound might make you scream! Well, the village of Babble couldn’t scream or ask why not before a young stranger brought them some practical, linguistic gifts.

No one can understand anyone else in Babble, where monotonous sounds overlap and people can't distinguish their own thoughts from speech. In this once-upon-a-time country, a little girl brings a bag of colorful little markings that might just save the community’s communication. These baffling markings are what we now know today as: periods, question marks, quotation marks, exclamation points, commas, and apostrophes.

Babble! is Harold and the Purple Crayon for the grammarian. It’s the little stranger girl with the red-orange punctuation. Instead of a solo creative journey away from and then back home, it’s a collective effort to make sense of the way we all communicate with each other. This picture book for kids around six to eight years old reminds us not to take these symbols for granted.