One Witch at a Time

Stars 5/5

One Witch at a Time by Stacy DeKeyser

This is a Jack and the Beanstalk retelling and it has it's twists and turns that made it a very fun and enjoyable read. I went into the book not knowing anything about it except there were witches on the cover and I was really impressed. I know this is a stand alone/sequel book to The Brixen Witch and I am very excited to pick that book asap. I would recommend this book to everyone who likes middle grade, fantasy, fairy tale retellings and of course witches.

The Doll's Alphabet

Stars 5/5

The Doll's Alphabet by Camilla Grudova

If someone told me that they found these stories in an abandoned Mental Asylum from years gone by... I would believe it. This book of short stories is ridiculously bizarre and twisted. I just loved it! My mind is still spinning around and around thinking of the "open ended" endings, the unique and quirky characters, the odd worlds and I want so much more. I would love to see this book with illustrations that brings everything to life. That would be so amazing to see. I recommend this book to everyone who loves Shockingly Bizarre Characters, Touches Of Gore, Weird Sexual Scenarios, Things That Make You Say "What?" and Books That Make Your Mind Spin. 

Cinnamon

Stars 5/5

Cinnamon by Neil Gaiman

I just love Neil Gaiman stories! I am sure there are many morals you can take from this story but the one that I love is ... Why bother talking if there is nothing to say. Beautiful artwork for the Beautiful story. I would recommend this book to everyone.

Murder On The Orient Express

Stars 5/5

Murder On The Orient Express by Agatha Christie

Of course this is not the first time I have read Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie but since the new film is coming out in Nov, I thought I would revisit the story. I purchased this book in a box set for my Mom when I got my first job decades ago and ended up reading them right along with her. That was when I fell in love with the mysteries. The story has the twists and turns of a wonderfully written vintage classic that keeps you on the edge of your seat. I would recommend this and every Agatha Christie book to everyone. 

My Brother's Shadow

Stars 4/5

My Brother's Shadow by Tom Avery

Kaia walked in to find her brother had killed himself. This book is about how she became frozen in time and how she dealt with her discovery. As I was reading this story, I felt as though I was in her mind and how she had to repeat things to herself and fight through the fogginess to press forward. A wonderful book about dealing with grief and working through the many emotions that affect everyone. I would definitely recommend this book.

Milk and Honey

Stars 1/5

Milk and Honey by Rupi Kaur

I can appreciate the author's freedom to write but honestly I feel this book was a rambling mess of unhealthy thoughts and behavior. I could not recommend this book.

Down Among the Sticks and Bones

Stars 5/5

Down Among the Sticks and Bones by Seanan McGuire

(Wayward Children #2)

This book told of the back story of Jack and Jill from "Every Heart a Doorway" and it was amazing. I could not put the book down until I read it to the end! What a great story. I am still in awe of it. I really loved how this story went into all the detail of how the sisters found their world and lived among them for years. I can not go into more detail because I do not want to ruin the story but take my word ... this is a book series you do not want to miss. I would recommend it to everyone! 

Every Heart a Doorway

Stars 5/5

Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan McGuire

(Wayward Children #1)

This book has made it to my favorites YAY! I just loved this story and I can not wait to read the other books in the series. I have to say that I was sitting on the edge of my seat the whole time reading the story and I think I set a record of how fast I read it. It was that GOOD! All I am going to say is this... The story is about a school set up for kids that have came back from other worlds. Places like Wonderland, Narnia, The World of the Dead ect... This school is to help kids deal with the issues of being back in this world. That is all I am going to say about this book because I do not want to spoil it but I highly recommend this to everyone. I just finished the book and I am wanting to go back to that world asap! 

Ivy in Bloom

Stars 5/5

Ivy in Bloom by Vanita Oelschlager

I very much enjoyed this little poetry book and how it incorporated famous poems from many authors together to form a poem about Spring coming. The illustrations were amazing and I feel that this book is a very unique way to get younger children reading and learning about poetry earlier in their life. I am so glad I got to read this book and would recommend it to everyone.  

Shadow Weaver

Stars 5/5

Shadow Weaver by MarcyKate Connolly

ARC - Release Date Jan 1, 2018

Oh.. I can not wait for the next book in this series! Very unique story about a little girl named Emmeline, who was born with the power to weave shadows. Her only friend is her shadow Dar, which turns out to be an inside out/upside down friendship if you know what I mean. A lot of mysterious things happen and Emmeline is not really sure if Dar is telling the truth and things start to get dangerous. Ancient magic, shape shifting, a scary ghost-like girl and running for your life. That is all I am going to say about the story because I do not want to spoil it. I can not wait to read more. I recommend it everyone.

Giant Days vol 1

Stars 4/5

Giant Days vol 1 by John Allison

I have to say that I honestly enjoyed the first volume of this graphic novel series and plan to read more. I think it addressed many issues facing college age kids. I was so glad to see how Susan realized her wrong doing by throwing men under the bus just as it is wrong for men to do that to women. Wanting fairness and equal rights for women does not mean to destroy our brothers, sons and fathers in the process. Equality means just that which I think is frequently overlooked by feminists. I loved the illustrations and it was a quick and fun read. I would recommend it everyone!

Vintage: A Ghost Story

Stars 4/5

Vintage: A Ghost Story by Steve Berman

A sexually charged m/m ghost story that was a crazy fun read. Let me first say... I wish the ending was not as rushed as it was and that there was more info about what happened to Josh. Other than that, I loved the gothic creepy! Wish I would of saved this one for closer to Halloween but who knows it is a short read maybe I will re-read it then. A young guy finds that because of his past suicide attempt, he can see ghosts. He meets a "1950's Ghost" named Josh and the story heats up. I will not say anything else as not to spoil it. I would recommend this book to my "New Adult" reading friends.

The Wendy Project

Stars 3/5

The Wendy Project by Melissa Jane Osborne

ARC - Release Date July 18, 2017

**SPOILER ALERT**

The illustrations for this graphic novel are beautiful. I loved how the colors were worked into the story at just the right time. The story was a Peter Pan retelling in a more modern day setting. Wendy is driving with her two brothers in the car when she crashes into the lake. I thought the story told of a horrible loss but am kinda bothered on how Wendy behaved and dealt with her brother's death/disappearance. I mean even if Michael was taken off by Peter Pan, he lost his memory of his past life with his family and Wendy would never see him again. Not to mention what happened at the very end when his Mother screams out... His body washed ashore fully intact. Creepy to say the very least.

Suit Your Selfie

Stars 4/5

Suit Your Selfie by Stephan T. Pastis

ARC - Release Date July 18, 2017

I swear I want one of those "Antisocial Globes" LOL! This book was very funny. I think I had a smile on my face the whole time reading it. I just love Pig! I would recommend it to everyone who loves a quirky joke! 

Eliza and Her Monsters

Stars 5/5

Eliza and Her Monsters by Francesca Zappia

What an amazing story! I couldn't put this book down. I have grew up using the computer and can relate to Eliza in more ways than one. Her need to be online. Her need to be apart of a world she created. As a graphic designer for a top internet game, I know how she felt and the anxiety of being forced away from the online world. I am so very glad I read this book and I would recommend it to everyone I know especially all my online-addict friends!

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Shooter

Stars 4/5

Shooter by Caroline Pignat

If you can imagine, The Breakfast Club with a gunman running around the school, you will get this book. A few school kids, from different social standings, trapped in a bathroom. There are a few twists that keep you on the edge of your seat. It was a very fast read. I enjoyed the story line and all the characters, even though I must say I really felt bad for Alice and her responsibilities being so young and having to help take care of her brother. I would recommend this to everyone. 

The Ghost of Crutchfield Hall

Stars 4/5

The Ghost of Crutchfield Hall by Mary Downing Hahn

This story kinda reminded me of The Secret Garden with a ghostly twist. It was a fun quick read that I really enjoyed. I always love ghostly stories. I will say that even through it all, I did feel so sorry for Sophia. The story had a few spooky parts but not too much for the younger reader. It is just right. I would recommend to the young and old alike. 

Random Illustrated Facts

Stars 5/5

Random Illustrated Facts by Mike Lowery

ARC Review - Release Date Oct 31, 2017

What a fun book to read! Lots of interesting and crazy facts in different categories with awesomely cute illustrations. Reminded me of a handmade scrapbook and I really enjoyed it. It was a very quick read and I have to say I did learn a lot from it. This would make great gifts for everyone. I will recommend this book!

Poe: Stories and Poems

Stars 5/5

Poe: Stories and Poems A Graphic Adaption by Gareth Hinds

(Release Date Aug 1st 2017)
ARC REVIEW

Oh what a beautifully dark graphic novel! I just loved it! I will always love Poe's words and this book put his words to art. Amazing art work. We all have our own pictures of stories in our minds but WOW the art was very defined and a wonderful adaptation to the stories. I will definitely be adding a physical copy of the book to my collection as soon as it is released. I would recommend this to everyone.