Thursday, May 31, 2018

Unbury Carol

Stars 4/5
Unbury Carol by Josh Malerman

A very creepy story indeed! I really enjoyed this book. It follows Carol and she has a disease that puts her in a coma so deep that it seems she is dead and only a few people know about it, her husband, an old love that she has not seen in a very long time and a man that has just died. I don't want to go into the story much as to not spoil it but let me just say that husbands are not always nice. I definitely recommend this book for a different kinda of spooky.

Tradition

Stars 4/5
Tradition by Brendan Kiely

I really enjoyed this book. It follows Jules, a young girl that attends Fullbrook Academy, and Jamie, a young boy attending the Academy on a hockey scholarship. Jules is dealing with a sexual assault that happens during a party and the Academy doesn't do anything due to the fact the boy's father is rich and powerful. Jamie, a friend of hers, is dealing with a dark past of his own sports violence. I do not want to go into the story more as to not spoil it but this has to be the most realistic outcome we hate to read but happens all the time. I definitely would recommend this book to everyone. This is an issue that needs to be addressed and made aware of. One thing I would of wished for in this book was more info about what happened to the characters in the end. I always need to know more.

The Witch's Blood

Stars 4/5
The Witch's Blood by Katharine & Elizabeth Corr

Oh how I loved this last book in the series! I didn't really care for Merry in the second book but her character was very likable in this book. She matured through her mission to save her brother and I just couldn't put the book down. I really would love to see these characters again and find out what happens with Merry and her magic. I highly recommend this book and the series to everyone especially those like me who love witches.

Wednesday, May 30, 2018

The Most Magnificent Thing

Stars 5/5
The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires

First let me thank Netgalley for this digital copy. A very sweet book that addresses perseverance and creativity. It follows a little girl and her dog as they try to build the most magnificent thing ever. She gets mad when things don't work out but after she takes some time to step away from things, she gets another idea. I would definitely recommend this book. Illustrations as well as the story was wonderful.

Saturday, May 26, 2018

The Brightsiders

Stars 5/5
The Brightsiders by Jen Wilde

I am going to be honest. When I first saw the story line for this book, I wasn't impressed at all. In fact, I didn't think I was even going to read this one BUT OMG I just loved it. What a fun and heart touching book. I was cheering the characters on and smiling for much of the book. It follows Emmy, who is a female drummer, for a garage band that got famous. Her and her friends go through some toil and trouble but are always there for each other. I don't want to go more into the story as not to spoil it but if you love coming of age, finding yourself, dealing with hardships and finding love... This book is a must for you. Note... Check out the audio book as well. Narration by Katherine Littrell is amazing!

Friday, May 25, 2018

From Twinkle, With Love

Stars 5/5
From Twinkle, With Love by Sandhya Menon

What a cute story. I knew that I would really like this book and I had to read it right when it came out and I was correct. The story is so unique and creative. You find yourself smiling while you read. I just love these types of books. The story follows Twinkle and how she really wants to be a film director and gets the chance during her junior year in high school with the help of Sahil, a boy who has had a crush on Twinkle since they were 11, makes her wish come true by funding and producing her dream for the Summer Festival. Twinkle, however has had a crush on Sahil's brother Neil and when Twinkle gets an email from a secret admirer named "N" she thinks right away it is Neil. I don't want to go into the story more as to not spoil it but I highly recommend this book. I can't wait for the next book from this author.

The Toucan Patrol

Stars 2/5
The Toucan Patrol by Nico Naranjo

First I want to Thank Netgalley for this digital copy. I really thought the illustrations were awesome and detailed. It was the story that kinda left me wondering what just happened. It follows a little boy they call Newb and he is on a camping adventure with the Toucan Patrol to get his neckerchief and slide to be an official member of the Patrol. Newb seemed to be a lot younger than the rest of the group as he still peed the bed. I don't want to go into the story more as to not spoil it but I think it being a graphic novel from another country I am missing something.

Thursday, May 24, 2018

A Court of Frost and Starlight

Stars 3/5
A Court of Frost and Starlight by Sarah J. Maas

I am sorry to say that I hate Feyre. Her story is finished for me. She went from a simple human girl to a "chosen one" High Lady and now she is an Art teacher wanting a baby. I think her time is up with me. I would of loved to enjoy this "Winter Solstice" story if I didn't have to read "my mate" so many times. This book was honestly just a sex session with Feyre and Rhys during the holiday. I hope the next books follow more of the other characters. I would love to see more happening with Nesta and Elain.

Wednesday, May 23, 2018

Children Of Blood And Bone

Stars 5/5
Children Of Blood And Bone by Tomi Adeyemi

Wow what an amazing debut novel. The story was so very creative and unique. I just loved it. It follows Zelie, a young girl that lives with her brother and father in a poor fishing community that is required to pay higher and higher taxes to the monarchy which is violent and dreadful. One day Zelie is off to the market to sell a very rare fish and there she stumbles upon the runaway princess and that is when the adventure begins. I don't want to go into the story more as to not spoil it but I highly recommend this book to everyone. It definitely is a "Must Read" book.

Tuesday, May 22, 2018

Bee Still: An Invitation to Meditation

Stars 5/5
Bee Still: An Invitation To Meditation by Frank J. Sileo
Illustrated by Claire Keay

First I must Thank Netgalley for this advanced digital copy. This book is very cute. I loved the sweet illustrations and the informative story about learning to calm down and meditate. I would definitely recommend this little book to everyone of all ages.

Nick Newton Is Not A Genius

Stars 4/5
Nick Newton Is Not A Genius by S. E. M. Ishida

First let me Thank Netgalley for this digital copy. This is a very cute Steampunk'ish book. It follows a little boy named Nick Newton, son of a genius mother and father. Nick was tested and found that he is not a genius so he had to go to a new school for average kids. Nick loved to hear stories about the war that his grandfather invented weapons for and all his other creations. I don't want to go into the story more as to not spoil it but I do recommend this book to everyone of all ages.

Ghoulia

Stars 5/5
Ghoulia by Barbara Cantini
(note.. this book made it to my 2018 Favorites List)

First I want to Thank Netgalley for this advanced digital copy. WoW! I just loved this book! I can't wait til it is published because I desperately need a physical copy for my Halloween bookcase. This book was so cute, I had to add it to my 2018 Favorites List. The story and the illustrations are above amazing. Such a wonderful book. The story follows Ghoulia (or Mortina as I have seen on a different title for this book), a little zombie girl who wants friends. She waits until Halloween to sneak out of the house to go trick or treating. I don't want to go into the story more as to not spoil it but I highly recommend this book to everyone of all ages who loves zombies, cute spooky, Halloween and everything that goes bump in the night. 

Sky In The Deep

Stars 5/5
Sky In The Deep by Adrienne Young

Oh WoW I just loved this story. Very creative and unique. I can not wait for the companion novel to be released. The book follows Eelyn, a young girl from the Aska clan, who is a warrior and brought up to fight and hate the Riki clan. During one such battle, Eelyn sees her brother fall and believes he is dead only to see him again years later during another battle with the Riki. I don't want to go into this more as to not spoil the story but I highly recommend this book to everyone especially ones who love vikings and folklore.

Monday, May 21, 2018

The Picky Eater

Stars 5/5
The Picky Eater by Betsy Parkinson
Illustrated by Shane Clester

First I would like to Thank Netgalley for this digital copy. What a cute little piggy book. I really loved this story and great for kids who are picky eaters. It follows Piper who only likes to eat foods that start with the letter P until one day when her Mother gets upset. I definitely recommend this book to everyone of all ages especially the picky eaters.

Dad Vol. 1 - Daddy's Girls

Stars 5/5
Dad Vol. 1 - Daddy's Girls by Nob

First let me Thank Netgalley for this digital copy. I just loved this graphic novel. It follows the life of a single dad and his girls. I giggled just reading how the girls played so many tricks on their dad and how did to them as well. I loved Panda! I plan on reading the rest of this series. The illustrations are amazing. I highly recommend this to everyone of all ages.

Woolly The Wide Awake Sheep

Stars 5/5
Woolly The Wide Awake Sheep by Jake Tebbit

First let me Thank Netgalley for this digital copy. This is such a cute book. Woolly can't fall asleep so he asks all his friends how they go to sleep. The story is so sweet and the illustrations are amazing. Love the watercolors. I definitely recommend this book to everyone of all ages. 

Disney Manga: The Great Fairy Rescue

Stars 5/5
Disney Manga: The Great Fairy Rescue by Shiori Kanaki

First let me Thank Netgalley for this digital copy. I just love everything Tinkerbell and Fairies! The story is one I always loved and the illustrations are wonderful. I love the way the way the fairies take on more of an anima look. Manga is always fun to read! I definitely recommend this book to everyone who is like me and loves Everything Disney!

Sunday, May 20, 2018

Rot & Ruin

Stars 5/5
Rot & Ruin by Jonathan Maberry

OMG I just loved this story! A very unique and creative zombie book with lots of new twists and turns. The story begins 14 years after the first night of the change. Benny and his older brother live in a gated community protected against the still roaming zombies. Tom is a bounty hunter and Benny is turning 15 and must get a job or have his rations cut in half. So, he apprentices with his older brother even though he hates him. I do not want to go into the story more as to not spoil it but I highly recommend this to everyone who loves apocalyptic, dystopian and zombie novels. I definitely plan on finishing this series. I am so glad I found this hidden treasure!

Saturday, May 19, 2018

The Witch Doesn't Burn In This One

Stars 1/5
The Witch Doesn't Burn In This One by Amanda Lovelace

I found this book to be unhealthy to say the very least. I believe in women's equality but I am not going to throw men under the bus to get it. I feel like this book is angry and violent. It definitely is not something I would ever read again.

The Princess Saves Herself In This One

Stars 2/5
The Princess Saves Herself In This One by Amanda Lovelace

This book had a few positive affirmations but I have to say that this book was not for me. I love poetry but found that this variation is not one I would read often. 

Friday, May 18, 2018

Before I Let Go

Stars 4/5
Before I Let Go by Marieke Nijkamp

First let me Thank Netgalley for this digital copy. I really wanted to love this book and I did up until the end which I think it just dropped off without the closure that I needed. The story line was so unique and creative. It follows a young girl named Corey who was raised in a secluded town in Alaska and her friend Kyra, who suffers from bi-polarism. Corey ends up leaving Alaska to go to a boarding school but promises to keep in touch and come back to visit her friend but never gets the chance because Kyra dies. I do not want to go into the story more as to not spoil it. I would recommend this book to others that love Alaska stories and huge cliffhangers. 

Miss You Like Crazy

Stars 5/5
Miss You Like Crazy by Pamela Hall
Illustrated by Jennifer A. Bell

First let me thank Netgalley for this digital copy. I just loved this book. Walnut wants to spend the day with his Mom but she needs to go to work. It deals with the issue of parent's going off to work and the separation anxiety of the child. Perfect for the working mom. Illustrations are beautiful and amazingly cute! I would highly recommend this book to everyone of all ages. 

Thursday, May 17, 2018

What Once We Feared

Stars 5/5
What Once We Feared by Carrie Ryan

First I need to say that I just loved The Forest of Hands and Teeth series and OMG do I miss it. It has been awhile since I read it and I am going to be honest and say that I still think about it from time to time missing the world. I did hate some of the characters but that is what made it so great and I highly recommend this series to everyone who loves zombies and survival books. I was so excited to find out about this short prequel and had to read it. It is very short but just enough to get me wanting more zombies in my reading. Carrie Ryan did a wonderful job with this series. It will always be one of my favorites because it was so unique and creative. I have my fingers crossed for more books like this series from her.

A Prom To Remember

Stars 5/5
A Prom To Remember by Sandy Hall

I just loved this book. It follows a few high school kids and their lives planning and getting ready for the Prom. All the characters are very likable and they all have a variety of prom issues and emotions. Promposals, the perfect dress, asking the right person and finding yourself. Books like this always keep me smiling and loving contemporaries. I don't want to go into the story more as not to spoil it but I highly recommend it to everyone who loves the anticipation and excitement of going through a fun senior year tradition.

Wednesday, May 16, 2018

Spectacle Vol. 1

Stars 5/5
Spectacle Vol. 1 by Megan Rose Gedris

First let me Thank Netgalley for this advanced digital copy. I really loved this graphic novel. I love circuses and mysteries and this one was awesomeness! I can not wait to read the next book. This follows twin sisters Anna and Kat. They both work for the Samson Brother's Circus and when the story begins their train is stranded in the desert. I do not want to go into the story more as to not spoil it but let me just say that something really bad happens and one of the twins must find out "who done it". I would definitely recommend this to anyone who is like me and loves circuses and all graphic novel fanatics. I have to add that I just loved that mermaid!

Photographic: The Life of Graciela Iturbide

Stars 3/5
Photographic: The Life of Graciela Iturbide by Isabel Quintero
Illustrations by Zeke Pena

First let me Thank Netgalley for this digital copy. I loved the story line. How she had found not only herself but the world through her camera and artistry. It was inspiring. The illustrations were really nice and leaving them black/white was an amazing choice. The one thing that did bother me was the real life pics of dead animals. It made me feel a bit uneasy and icky. I understand that it is a different culture but I must state my opinion. I would recommend this book to anyone who is fascinated with her work or wants to be a photographer. I would warn them of the content though.

Stay Sweet

Stars 5/5
Stay Sweet by Siobhan Vivian

This story is amazing! I just fell in love with the unique spin on the local ice cream shop and it's mysterious past. It follows Amelia, a young girl, who has worked for Molly, the owner of Mead Creamery, for the past few years and was promoted to Head Girl but everything is turned around when Molly unexpectedly passes away and leaves everything to her grandnephew Grady. I don't want to go into the story more as to not spoil it but I have to say that this book is truly heart touching and I can not recommend it enough. Honestly, I would love to see another book or two following these characters or even a prequel of Molly's life. That would be amazing!

Tuesday, May 15, 2018

How To Spot A Sasquatch

Stars 5/5
How To Spot A Sasquatch by J. Torres
Illustrated by Aurelie Grand

First, I must thank Netgalley for this advanced digital copy. I am always a fan of Bigfoot/Sasquatch and I grew up thinking that one lived in the forest of my local National Park so this book was awesomeness! The story follows a group of young campers on a weekend camp out. One of the Junior Rangers is Jay and he is out to get that photo of the Sasquatch. I don't want to go more into the book as not to spoil it but the story line is fun and adventurous. I would recommend this to everyone of all ages and OMG the illustrations are cute and Sassy!

Bigfoot Visits The Big Cities Of The World

Stars 5/5
Bigfoot Visits The Big Cities Of The World by D. L. Miller

First I must thank Netgalley for this digital copy. I just love hidden object books and games so I really did love this one. Not only was it finding Bigfoot but lots of random facts about each city and tons of things to find in each one. I will say that this book is a bit challenging so it may get frustrating for some kids but I really enjoyed the challenge. I have always loved Bigfoot and the legend and so I definitely would recommend this Seek and Find book to everyone.

Monday, May 14, 2018

Lulu Is A Rhinoceros

Stars 5/5
Lulu Is A Rhinoceros by Jason & Allison Flom
Illustrated by Sophie Corrigan
(this book will be on sale June 12th 2018)

First let me thank Netgalley for an advanced digital copy. I thought the illustrations in this book was wonderful and so cute. A very simple story line about a dog who believes he is a rhinoceros. Amazing book for little kids not only teaching them about finding themselves but also how to overcome negativity as they pursue their goals in life. I would definitely recommend this book to kids of all ages.

Sloppy Takes The Plunge

Stars 5/5
Sloppy Takes The Plunge by Sean Julian
(this book will be released Sept 4th 2018)

First let me thank Netgalley for an advanced digital copy. I thought this book was too cute. I loved the illustrations and the story line which I feel is great for both boys and girls. The story follows Sloppy, the tree dragon, and his first bath ever and his feelings. I would definitely recommend this to kids of all ages especially ones that may be afraid of water or bath time.

Sunday, May 13, 2018

Undead Girl Gang

Stars 4/5
Undead Girl Gang by Lily Anderson

Teen Witchy Fun! This book was a cute read. It follows Mila and Riley, high school friends that used to dabble around with Witch Craft. In one week, three girls were found dead and one of them was Riley and the town thinks it is suicide. Mila is out to prove they were murdered and decides to bring her best friend back from the dead to find out "who did it?". I don't want to go into the story more as to not spoil it but I thought the story line was easy to read and unique. The characters were likable and fun even if they were a little stereotypical. I would definitely recommend this book to everyone especially ones like me who just can't pass up a witchy world.

Tuesday, May 8, 2018

Goldfish Ghost

Stars 5/5
Goldfish Ghost by Lemony Snicket
Illustrated by Lisa Brown

I thought this was a really cute book and plan on reading it to the kids around the Halloween season. It isn't a Halloween book but I love a little cute ghost for the season. The story follows this little ghost goldfish that wants to find someone to talk to and keep company with. I love the story and the illustrations and would highly recommend it everyone of all ages to enjoy this not so spooky ghost story.

Monday, May 7, 2018

Disney Princess #16

Stars 5/5
Disney Princess #16 by Paul Benjamin

I love everything Disney and this graphic novel was so very cute. I read the whole series so far and loved it all. The stories are fun and the illustrations are amazing. I would recommend this to everyone of all ages.

Disney Princess #15

Stars 5/5
Disney Princess #15 by Paul Benjamin

I love everything Disney and this graphic novel was so very cute. I hope to read the whole series very soon. The stories are fun and the illustrations are amazing. I would recommend this to everyone of all ages.

Disney Princess #14

Stars 5/5
Disney Princess #14 by Paul Benjamin

I love everything Disney and this graphic novel was so very cute. I hope to read the whole series very soon. The stories are fun and the illustrations are amazing. I would recommend this to everyone of all ages.

Sunday, May 6, 2018

Disney Princess #13

Stars 5/5
Disney Princess #13 by Megan Kearney

I love everything Disney and this graphic novel was so very cute. I hope to read the whole series very soon. The stories are fun and the illustrations are amazing. I would recommend this to everyone of all ages.

Disney Princess #12

Stars 5/5
Disney Princess #12 by Paul Benjamin

I love everything Disney and this graphic novel was so very cute. I hope to read the whole series very soon. The stories are fun and the illustrations are amazing. I would recommend this to everyone of all ages.

Fish-Boy

Stars 5/5
Fish-Boy by Vanita Oelschlager & Mike Blanc

First I want to thank Netgalley for an advanced digital copy of this book. What a beautiful book. I loved the illustrations as well as the old lore tale it told about the Fish Boy. The story is about a fisherman that finds a Fish Boy and promises to be his father if he helps him become a better fisherman. I don't want to spoil the story but it is heart touching and I would definitely recommend it to kids of all ages. 

Saturday, May 5, 2018

Megabat

Stars 5/5
Megabat by Anna Humphrey
Illustrated by Kass Reich
(This book will be released August 7, 2018)

First let me thank Netgalley for an advanced digital copy. This is such a cute book. The story is unique & fun and I loved the illustrations. The story follows Daniel, a young boy that just moved into a new house and is sad to leave his old school and friends. He believes his new attic room is haunted but soon finds what really is creeping around his room at night. This book releases in August so it would be a really great Halloween gift. I highly recommend this to bat lovers of all ages.

Love Songs & Other Lies

Stars 5/5
Love Songs & Other Lies by Jessica Pennington

I was so excited to read this book and I just loved it. All of the characters are lovable and it was such a sweet read. The story follows Virginia and Cam, how they meet, the secrets that they keep and what their future holds. Vee and Cam both love music and playing the guitar. Their band gets chosen to go on a reality bus tour, a battle of the bands. I don't want to go into the story more as to not spoil it but I highly recommend it to everyone. A perfect contemporary read. I will be watching for more books from this author.

Friday, May 4, 2018

How To Catch A Mermaid

Stars 5/5
How To Catch A Mermaid by Adam Wallace & Andy Elkerton

First let me thank Netgalley for an advanced digital copy. What a cute and colorful book. I just love mermaids and I really enjoyed reading this story about how to catch one. Such a sweet rhyming poetic story for kids of all ages. I highly recommend this book. It is never too early to start reading and enjoying fantasy.

Runaways #1

Stars 5/5
Runaways #1 by Rainbow Rowell
Illustrations by Kris Anka

I am so excited to start reading this graphic novel series by one of my favorite authors, Rainbow Rowell. The illustrations are amazing and I just love the starting of the story line. I am on the edge of my seat waiting for the next installment. The editions are really too short to say too much about as not to spoil the story but I highly recommend it. I will definitely be waiting patiently for the next one releasing in October.

Thursday, May 3, 2018

Girl Online

Stars 4/5
Girl Online by Zoe Sugg

What a sweet story! I just loved this book. It follows Penny, a young girl from the UK, who's family business is wedding planning and they are off to America for a huge expensive wedding where she meets famous singer Noah but she has no clue who he really is. Penny runs a blog online but keeps her identity secret until everything starts to go crazy. I don't want to go into the story as not to spoil it but I will say that it makes you smile a lot! I highly recommend this to everyone who loves a cute romance across the ocean. I will definitely be reading this series.