The Secret of Nightingale Wood

Stars 5/5

The Secret of Nightingale Wood by Lucy Strange

This book was very heart touching. It follows a 12 yr old, Henrietta better known as Henry, and her family dealing with the death of her older brother. Set in 1919 London, the family's home burns and the son Robert dies in the fire. The family then moves to the countryside to heal. The story goes into how each of the family member is coping with things mentally and how the era in which this story was set in affected the family and treatments. I am not going to go much more into the story as to not spoil it but I must say that one day while Henry is exploring she meets Moth (my favorite character in the book) and they become close due to similar situations. I would recommend this book to everyone. It was a wonderful read. I very much enjoyed it.

Telephone

Stars 5/5

Telephone by Mac Barnett

Illustrated by Jen Corace

Very cute picture book that shows how the age old game of telephone, messages passed from one to another, can get all distorted and completely change but leave it to the wise old owl to understand the message and get the young bird home for dinner. I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to everyone. 

The Mystery At Eagle Harbor

Stars 3/5

The Mystery At Eagle Harbor by M. C. Tillson

I picked up this book at a thrift shop and never realized it was the 2nd in a trilogy. I did enjoy it and caught on very quick of what was happening. It follows a Sam & Becky, brother and sister, on a family vacation to Eagle Harbor while their parents are writing a book about lighthouses. The story is a mystery but also give lots of factual info about areas in Michigan. I did enjoy it and hope one day to find the other 2 books in the series. I would recommend for younger readers.

The Halloween Tree

Stars 5/5

The Halloween Tree by Ray Bradbury

First let me say this is a re-read for me but it has been many years since I have read this book. This is the classic Halloween read. It follows eight boys on Halloween night that go on an adventure trying to save their friend Pipkin. They learn all about the creatures that their costumes depict. I don't want to give away any more as to not spoil it. I recommend this book for all ages. There is also a cartoon Halloween film adaptation for this book and I recommend it as well. 

Witch For A Week

Stars 5/5

Witch For A Week by Kaye Umansky

What an amazing Halloween read for me! This book made it to my Favorites of 2017 list and the illustrations are enchanting and add a dash of merriment. I just adored this story and I can't wait to read the next book. It follows a girl named Elsie Pickles and her adventures in finding herself. She is asked to come and house sit for a witch, Magenta, that is going out of town for a week and is promised lots of gold to help her family's shop so she can not refuse. There she finds magic. I don't want to say too much to spoil the story but the characters are amazing, very lovable and quirky fun. I would recommend this to everyone of all ages.

The Long Ride Home

Stars 3/5

The Long Ride Home by Susan R. Lawrence

I went into this book blind. I did not know what it would be about. I merely saw the cover and wanted to give it a chance. The story was unique and heart touching. It follows a boy named Bert and his little sister Emma. They were orphans and the orphanage sent them and other kids on a train to Iowa from New York City. It follows their adventure in finding a family, hardships, friendships and finding a home. I think the religion was a little thick but other than that I enjoyed the story. 

A Very Very Very Long Dog

Stars 4/5

The Very Very Very Long Dog by Julia Patton

A very cute book about a dog that lives in a bookstore and loves to go out with his friends on adventures but has lots of problems because he is a very very very long dog. I will not give more away as to spoil it. Very fun book to read. I would recommend to everyone.

Thanks NetGalley!

Just So Stories

Stars 3/5

Just So Stories by Rudyard Kipling

A very unique short story collection book with lots of animal stories for all. I can see how this book because a favorite of the age but I do believe that it would not hold up well with the children of today. I found the stories a bit repetitive and even a bit harsh. As an adult, I am glad to have read this collection but I do not think I would recommend it to younger readers and listeners. 

The Santa Thief

Stars 4/5

The Santa Thief by Alane Adams

Illustrated by Lauren Gallegos

This book follows a boy named Georgie and how he was really looking forward to Christmas. He had written to Santa for a new pair of ice skates because his was too small. The story was set in the 1920's and I loved how it painted the picture of the hardships and poverty-stricken times but I really didn't care much how it ended. Children are only children for such a short time and I am sure when Georgie was older he would realize that his parents worked and struggled to buy him those skates. He didn't need to have the magic of the season taken away from him like it was. If they wanted to stake claim to the gift in the first place, why even let Georgie believe in Santa? As an adult, I very much enjoyed the beautiful illustrations but I would not recommend it for kids that believe in Santa. 

The Elevator Ghost

Stars 5/5

The Elevator Ghost by Glen Huser

What an amazing book to read around Halloween. I really loved this book. The story is about a woman named Carolina Giddle who comes to live at an apartment complex at the request of her Aunt who has recently passed away. She becomes the babysitter that tells really spooky ghost stories and all the kids like her. I will not go into any more details as not to spoil this book but I will say that Carolina Giddle has knack of storytelling and her tales would be a treasure to enjoy during the Halloween season. I would recommend this to people of all ages. Amazing Cover!

Northstars Vol. 1: Welcome to Snowville

Stars 5/5

Northstars Vol. 1: Welcome to Snowville by Jim Shelley

Illustrated by Anna Liisa Jones

I really wish I would of read this closer to the Holidays but I am not complaining. Thank You NetGalley for approving my wish. I just loved this graphic novel. The story line is unique and fun. The Illustrations are fun and happy. The story follows Santa's daughter Holly and Princess Frostina on their adventure to Undertown. They meet lots of different characters along the way. I can't wait to read the next volume. I would recommend this to all ages.

Letters To A Prisoner

Stars 5/5

Letters To A Prisoner by Jacques Goldstyn

A beautiful picture book inspired by Amnesty International's Letter Writing Campaign. This heart touching story shows how people need to come together to help the innocent prevail. I really want a physical copy of this book to add to my bookcase. I was lucky to get a digital copy from NetGalley. I will highly recommend this book to everyone of all ages. 

BatWoman: Vol. 1 The Many Arms Of Death

Stars 3/5

BatWoman: Vol. 1 The Many Arms Of Death by Marguerite Bennett

First let me say that I loved the Illustrations and it was Comic Gorgeous all the way! The story line was interesting but I believe the lesbian angle was pushed way too much. I enjoy reading diverse characters but there is a point of going overboard. I am glad I got to read this graphic novel and will recommend it to others that I know will enjoy it.

How Do Apples Grow?

Stars 5/5

How Do Apples Grow? by Betsy Maestro

Illustrated by Giulio Maestro

Great book for kids teaching them how apple trees grow and produce the fruit. Wonderful Illustrations and very educational. I recommend this for the young and old. You are never too old to learn something new. 

The Book Collector

Stars 5/5

The Book Collector by Alice Thompson

A remarkably creepy gothic tale that I highly recommend to all book lovers, readers and horror fans. I do not want to say much about the book as to not spoil it but I will say that if you love Poe you will love this story. The book follows a woman named Violet, an obsessed book reader and how she falls in love and marries Archie, an obsessed book collector. It all begins when Archie tells Violet of a rare book of fairy tales that she is not ever allowed to see or read. That is all I will say! I recommend this book to everyone. I read this book for the #AutumnReadAThon 

Halloween Mice!

Stars 5/5

Halloween Mice! by Bethany Roberts

Illustrated by Doug Cushman

A Halloween picture book that follows a bunch of mice dressed up for the holiday and their spirited fun. Very cute Illustrations and a fun story for the kids. I would recommend this to everyone for a nice Halloween Night read. 

The Halloween Mouse

Stars 5/5

The Halloween Mouse by Richard Laymon

Illustrated by Alan M. Clark

Oh what an awesome Halloween adventure book. The story follows Timothy Maywood Usher Mouse and how he makes a decision to leave the library, where he lives, to travel out into the world and have his own adventure. The kind that he has read about in books. The Illustrations are beautiful and the story line is very unique. Perfect for the Halloween season. I would recommend this to the old and young alike. 

A Stranger In The House

Stars 5/5

A Stranger In The House by Shari Lapena

Oh I seriously need to know what happens next! This book is gripping and will hold you until the very end. The story follows Karen, her husband Tom and her best friend and neighbor Brigid. I don't want to spoil anything and it really is best to go into this book knowing very little but I will say it has everything you could ever want and more in a thriller. Karen gets into a car accident on the wrong side of town and gets amnesia. Everyone is asking "Why?" even the police. Especially when a dead body is found right near the area she was in. Don't even think you know how this will end because the ending will make you gasp in disbelief and want more! I will recommend this to everyone!

Survivor Diaries: Overboard

Stars 5/5

Survivor Diaries: Overboard by Terry Lynn Johnson

I won this book in a giveaway and I am so glad I did. I very much enjoyed the story and how it was unique featuring kids that survived unforeseen tragedy. The story follows a boy named Travis who went with his family whale watching and how a nice family trip turned cataclysmic. I don't want to say much more as not to spoil the story since it is a short read but it was packed with adventure, survival and tips & tricks. I hope to get to read the other books in this series. I would recommend this book to everyone of all ages.

Thornhill

Stars 5/5

Thornhill by Pam Smy

What a creepy book to read during Halloween! I chose this book to read for the #spookathon 2017 and I just loved it. The story is told in two perspectives. First Ella moves in across the way in 2016 and has a perfect view of the old orphanage Thornhill and all it's secrets. She is determined to find out about it's mysterious past. The Second perspective is from Mary who lived in the orphanage in 1982 right before the tragedy. I can't say anymore than that because I do not want to spoil the story. The Illustrations are beautiful and very gothic dark. I would recommend this to everyone who loves a good bone chiller.

The Apprentice Witch

Stars 5/5

The Apprentice Witch by James Nicol

This book was so enchanting that it made it to my 2017 favs list. The story was remarkable and it flowed so well that I could see it as a film playing in my head. I flew through this book because it was wonderful. The story follows a young girl named Arianwyn and her life after she flunked her witch's assessment or so she thought. I do not want to give away anything so not to spoil it but let me just say that this is a coming of age book with lots of magic, friendships, unique creatures, that mean girl that everyone loves to hate and Arianwyn's quest to find herself. I would love an adaptation to film. I could just imagine how awesome the magical creatures would look and the worlds would be mesmerizing. I would recommend this to everyone! I sure hope there will be a series!

EngiNerds

Stars 5/5

EngiNerds by Jarrett Lerner

I won this book in a giveaway and I am so glad I did. What a wonderful story. Very Nerdy Indeed! It follows a boy named Ken and his friends going on an adventure of their lives. This book features an ingenious story line of robots, lots of snacks, science, explosions and even 90 mph farts. I don't want to say much more as to not spoil it but I must say... there are some that hate baths (water) more than little boys LOL! I would recommend this to everyone. I just loved it and hope there is a second book because I am dying to know who put the pizza in the tree for Kitty LOL! 

It's Alive

Stars 4/5

It's Alive by Richard Woodley

I read this book for a #spookathon 2017 reading challenge "Read a book based on a childhood fear". When I was 7 yrs old, my Mom took us to the drive-in and this was the late show. She thought we were asleep in the back seat but nope I saw the whole movie and for years I was scarred. I would never sleep with my hand hanging off the bed and always had to be facing the door. Babies scared me to death. I was so happy to find this book as an adult and knew this was the perfect read for this event. The story follows a family that has a baby that is not quite right to say the very least. Lots of blood, killings and gore. A perfect 70's classic to read during the Halloween season. I believe this is a creeper that will scare your socks off. I would recommend this to everyone that loves horror, creepy babies, a retro chiller BUT never for the kids!

The Ungrateful Dead

Stars 5/5

The Ungrateful Dead by Rose Cooper

I chose this book to read for the #spookathon 2017 challenge - "Read a book with a spooky word in the title". This is the 2nd book from I Text Dead People. I loved both of the books! This story again follows Anna and her ability to talk with the dead. This book picks up from where the 1st left off and goes on a whole new adventure with new dead people. A wonderfully creepy book to read around Halloween. I expect there will be another book because of how it ends... Well I hope there will be another. I would recommend this to everyone. Just enough creepy and eerie for every age.

The Gravedigger's Son

Stars 5/5

The Gravedigger's Son by Patrick Moody

I read this book as a challenge read for #spookathon 2017 - "Read a book with orange on the cover". I love spooky books set in graveyards and I really enjoyed this story. A very unique twisty tale about a Gravedigger's Son and him learning the lessons of being a Digger like all his family members before him. This is a coming of age story with lots of creepy. It follows Ian and his journey in finding out who he is, who his friends are (living and dead) and all the deep dark family secrets. Lots of magic, skeletons, zombies and shadows that live in the woods. I would recommend this read to everyone especially around Halloween!

We Can't All Be Rattlesnakes

Stars 5/5

We Can't All Be Rattlesnakes by Patrick Jennings

This story follows a snake named Crusher and the life after being caught by a little boy. I really enjoyed this book. It opens your eyes to a whole new world, different species, ways of life, friendships, survival and even death. Above all, I think this book teaches some very important life lessons. I would recommend this to everyone and especially for kids that want pets.

Anna Dressed In Blood

Stars 4/5

Anna Dressed In Blood by Kendare Blake

A twisty creepy ghost story! The book was about a boy named Cas who took over his father's business of killing the dead. He hunts down killer ghosts and helps them cross over to somewhere else with his inherited athame. All while exploring new places, making new friends and maybe even falling in love. I would recommend this to everyone to likes a creepy ghost story.  

Seek & Find Pride and Prejudice

Stars 5/5

Seek & Find Classics: Pride and Prejudice

Illustrated by Amanda Enright

I just love Seek and Find Books and Jane Austen is my all time favorite author. What a perfect book for me! Beautiful Illustrations. I would recommend this to everyone of every age.

Final Girls

Stars 4/5

Final Girls by Riley Sager

Finally a book written to answer the question... what happens next? I have always wondered what happens after the horror film or book was over. This story is just that. Final Girls is about that one girl that is left after everyone else is dead! I was so excited to read this and it read very fast. I was hanging on my seat through out the whole book. Lots of action for it to be "the story after"! A great horror read around Halloween and I would recommend it to everyone who loves horror, a who done it and some slasher action.

Five Little Monkeys

Stars 5/5

Five Little Monkeys Jumping on The Bed by Eileen Christelow

Every child I know can sing this little rhyme. This edition is a little board book that I picked up for the kids. They will enjoy it and be singing this for days. I recommend it for the old and young alike.

2017 Reading Challenge Complete!

YAY! My 2017 Reading Challenge is Complete at 100 Books Read!

Next Year I may go for 150 Books!

I Love GoodReads!

What Kinda Cactus Izzat?

Stars 5/5

What Kinda Cactus Izzat? by Reg Manning

This little book about Cacti reminds me of a 1970's Out West Vacation. I really enjoyed it. Lots of interesting information about cactus with fun & humorous illustrations. I learned a lot about what is living out in the desert. I would recommend this book to everyone.

The Coming Storm

Stars 4/5

The Coming Storm by Rob Kidd

Disney Pirates of the Caribbean - Jack Sparrow

I picked this book up for the kids and wanted to read it first. It was a very adventurous story of Jack Sparrow and some friends he meets along the way and their journey to find treasure. This is the first of a series and I do believe the kids will love it. I would recommend it to not only kids but anyone who loves Pirates of the Caribbean, Sailing the High Seas, Finding Lost Treasure, Skeleton Kings and Lots of Magic. 

Pretty Little Dead Girls

Stars 5/5

Pretty Little Dead Girls by Mercedes M. Yardley

I have been wanting to read this book for awhile now. The story is about a girl named Bryony that is destined to be killed and everyone that meets her sees the sadness and knows her fate. Even the desert that she lives near screams out for her bones. Such a creepy and unique tale with even a few blurbs of humor. I am so glad I got to read this during the Halloween Season. It fits perfectly. I would recommend this to everyone who likes a little twist to their bloody bodies.

Dead Boy

Stars 5/5

Dead Boy by Laurel Gale

Oh what a wonderful book! I just loved this coming of age story. Lots of Adventure! Crow was an 11 yr old boy that was dead. This story follows him and his new neighbor Melody on an epic journey to find the answers to some very hard life questions and to maybe even change a few things. I don't want to say anymore so I do not spoil it but it was a great read this Halloween season. I would recommend this to everyone!

Look & Find on the Night Before Christmas

Stars 5/5

I just love Look & Find books! I can never pass one up!

Through The Woods

Stars 4/5

Through The Woods by Emily Carroll

The Illustrations were to die for! I just loved them! I do wish the stories would of went on a bit longer and the endings were not so quick but other than that I very much enjoyed this graphic novel. Creepy stories that are great to read during the Autumn season. I would recommend this to everyone who loves unusual creepiness! 

Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls

Stars 2/5

Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls by Elena Favilli

First let me just say that the illustrations in this book are wonderful and very artistic. I enjoyed them immensely. What I didn't enjoy is some of the women featured in this book and how their corruption and scandalous behavior are overlooked. I found some of the Bios misleading and minimizing in the inhumane actions of some of these women. I must say, I really wanted to like this book and I am glad I got to read it before I invested money in it. I wish the women that appeared in this book would of been a little better chosen.  

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland

Stars 5/5

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll

Illustrations by Camille Rose Garcia

Of course I have read Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll but I wanted to revisit this world with the wonderful illustrations of Camille Rose Garcia. The illustrations are kinda dark and even creepy at times which only gave this classic story a remarkable twist. If you love Alice, I recommend this illustrated novel as a must read.

They Both Die At The End

Stars 5/5

They Both Die At The End by Adam Silvera

What a remarkable story! So unique and so heart touching. I have been going through a lot these past couple of months with family illness after illness and been in a book slump but I knew when I read this book's summary I had to read it asap. The story is about two guys who get the alert from the Death-Cast app that they will die today and how they find each other. Their Last Friend. The story follows them on their last day and everything they did. I didn't want to get to the end of this book. I stopped and just cried. Even if you do know what is going to happen in the end, it still doesn't make it easy. Bring Tissues! I would recommend this book to everyone and I will be adding it to my all-time favorites list.

Last Laughs: Animal Epitaphs

Stars 5/5

Last Laughs: Animal Epitaphs

by J. Patrick Lewis and Jane Yolen

Oh how I just loved this children's book. Great for Halloween and the Spooky Season! A little poem book of Animal Epitaphs. I just loved the Illustrations and how they went along so well with the story. I read this in digital form but I really need to get this book. Kids will just love it. I recommend this book to everyone who loves the macabre.

Freeks

Stars 5/5

Freeks by Amanda Hocking

As with every good book I read, I wish the ending would of went on a bit longer and so I have to say that I hope this book has a sequel one day. I would love to know what happens next with Mara, Gabe and the rest of the carnival crew. I really enjoyed this story of freaks, oddities, magical powers, coming of age, running for your life and yes, even love. I loved the twists and turns. I would recommend this to everyone who loves freak shows, carnivals and monsters that bite! 

Great Autumn/Halloween Read!

The Little Red Cat Who Ran Away & Learned His ABC's The Hard Way

Stars 5/5

The Little Red Cat Who Ran Away and Learned His ABC's The Hard Way

by Patrick McDonnell

I won this cute picture book in a giveaway and just love it. It teaches children their ABC's but it is a bit harder than most books. The child must figure out what is going on in the picture that corresponds with the Letter. Very fun book! Kids just loved it! I would recommend this to everyone that has kids that like a little bit of a challenge.

Benji & The 24 Pound Banana Squash

Stars 5/5

Benji & The 24 Pound Banana Squash By Alan C. Fox

Illustrations By Eefje Kuijl

An amazing story the author tells of his youth and growing a 24 pound banana squash. A book that teaches kids about gardening, how fun it can be and the importance of being patient. The bright colorful illustrations are wonderful and I would recommend this book to everyone. I won this book in a giveaway and it will have a place on my shelf for years to come.

Cinderella or The Little Glass Slipper

Stars 5/5

Cinderella or The Little Glass Slipper by Charles Perraut

Illustrated by Camille Rose Garcia

I so adore the artistry by Camille Rose Garcia. I think they are beautiful with a gothic twist. I love the Cinderella story and all the ways it can be twisted and turned. This rendition focuses more on Cinderella and her relationship with her step sisters and very little told of the wicked stepmother. Also the father is alive in this story which is interesting. I would recommend this to everyone who loves a great fairy tale with wonderful illustrations.

Snow White

Stars 5/5

Snow White by The Brothers Grimm

Illustrated by Camille Rose Garcia

Of course, I have read Snow White by The Brothers Grimm but I had to pick up this version Illustrated by Camille Rose Garcia. It is beautiful! I love the artistry and it matches perfectly along with the story. Definitely a master of art and word. I would recommend this book to everyone.

The Fault in Our Stars

Stars 4/5

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

*Booktube-A-Thon Read*

I read this book due to the constant persuading of a friend even though I don't normally read books about grief and death. As a reader, I know how it feels to be left wondering what happens next but Hazel took it to a whole new level and seemed a bit selfish and out of control. In her pursuit of something so frivolous and insignificant, she not only put her and Gus at risk but allowed Gus to use his last wish on her obsession. I never cried during this book as I know how these "girl meets guy > one/both are sick > they fall in love > one/both dies" tropes play out but Augustus Waters... you will always be in my heart! 

Salt to the Sea

Stars 5/5

Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys

*Booktube-A-Thon Read*

This book was set during World War II and was about a group of refugees, from different countries, trying to make their way to the Baltic Sea to freedom. Historical fiction with splashes of authenticity.  The characters are so unique and play such different parts in the story line but it all comes together beautifully. As soon as I finished this book, it went on my 2017 favorites list, it was that good. I will warn you that it has it's heart wrenching moments and I was brought to tears a few times in the story. I highly recommend this book to everyone. This is a must read.

The Monster Variations

Stars 5/5

The Monster Variations by Daniel Kraus
*Booktube-A-Thon Read*

The story is about three boys dealing with childhood bullies, parents, clashing personalities, getting into trouble and really all that goes with growing up plus that terrifying silver truck. It focuses on that one summer when everything changes. I can't really give out anymore info as not to spoil it but it is a very good read. I feel it definitely captures the positive and all the negative traits of humanity at every age. I would recommend this book to everyone. 

Murder at 40 Below

Stars 5/5

Murder at 40 Below by Tom Brennan
*Booktube-A-Thon Read*

I must be honest and say that I do not read true crime books anymore. Reason is that they make me a bit sick to my stomach due to the graphic nature but I wanted to read this one because it was specific to Alaska. I appreciated this author's simple but factual description of sensitive information dealing with each crime and not fall into the overly descriptive gore that I do not like. The stories were intriguing and I found it took me double the time to read this because I had to google the crime after I read each case wanting to see a pic or two of the killer. I love books on Alaska and I am glad I gave this book a read. I very much enjoyed reading about these historical moments in Alaska's history even if they are the darker side of it. I would recommend this book to everyone who likes true crime. *I must make note that there is one story in the book that is a bit hard to read. It is regarding a death of two children.