Watch The Girls

Stars 5/5

Watch The Girls by Jennifer Wolfe

(note... This book made it to my 2018 Favorites List)

OMG! WoW! What an amazingly creative story! I just loved this book. The story follows Liv, a former teen star, that was cast with her sister in a popular tv series. Liv's youngest sister comes up missing and everything in Liv's life changes. This book is so full of twists and turns that it leaves you breathless at the end. I was thinking OMG how could that be! I really would love to revisit these characters in the future and see what happens to them all. I can just picture lots of justices coming to those who deserve it. I highly recommend this book and it is on my 2018 Favorites List!

Lord Edgware Dies (Hercule Poirot #9)

Stars 5/5

Lord Edgware Dies (Hercule Poirot #9) by Agatha Christie

Also known as Thirteen At Dinner

This is the 9th book in the Hercule Poirot series and also goes by the title Thirteen At Dinner. The story follows Hercule Poirot as he is summoned by Mrs Jane Edgware and asked to kill her husband. Lots of twists and turns to keep you guessing who did it because of course, her husband is murdered. I just love Agatha Christie's books and how you never know who did it until the very end. I highly recommend this book as well as the series.

Half A Man

Stars 5/5

Half A Man by Michael Morpurgo

Illustrated by Gemma O'Callaghan

This is a fascinating book about post war concerns. The book follows young Michael and his feeling of interest and yet fear of his Grandfather coming to visit. Michael's Grandfather was a burn victim of war and lost some of his fingers and was burned all over his face and body. Michael wants to know more about what happened and yet is told not to stare. I don't want to go into the story more as to not spoil it but I will say that as Michael grows his relationship with his Grandfather changes. I highly recommend this book to kids of all ages. 

Black Coffee (Hercule Poirot #7)

Stars 5/5

Black Coffee (Hercule Poirot #7) by Agatha Christie

I really loved this book and I think you can guess by the title what the murder weapon of choice was... Black Coffee. Again this follows Hercule Poirot as he was summoned to take a very secret package from Sir Claud as he fears his family is trying to steal the formula. I don't want to go into the story more as to not spoil it but it is a classic Agatha Christie. I highly recommend this book as well as the series.

Peril At End House (Hercule Poirot #8)

Stars 5/5

Peril At End House (Hercule Poirot #8) by Agatha Christie

This has to be the most perfect Agatha Christie style book. Spooky house at the end of the lane. Someone is out to kill you and Creepy family members that could want you dead. What a wonderful book to read. I highly recommend this book as well as the series.

Stanley's Christmas Adventure

Stars 5/5

Stanley's Christmas Adventure by Jeff Brown

This is a really cute book for the holiday season. It follows Santa's daughter Sarah Claus and how to gets the help of the Lambchop family to help Santa out of his depression. I really thought this was a fun book with lots of cute illustrations. I do recommend this for kids of all ages.

A Present For Grandfather

Stars 5/5

A Present For Grandfather by Gertrude Chandler Warner

A short story for kids with a lesson to learn. The book follows Benny and his adventure of trying to buy something for his Grandfather for his Birthday but he only has a dollar or does he? A fun read for kids of all ages. I do recommend this book.

The Christmas Eve Mystery And Other Holiday Stories

Stars 5/5

The Christmas Eve Mystery And Other Holiday Stories by Scholastic

I really enjoyed this book which is contains some wonderful short stories all about Christmas. I really wish I would of read this during the holiday but I am just glad I got to read it when I did. The stories are special for kids of all ages and I highly recommend this book. It would be a great addition to the tradition of reading during the holidays. I will be picking up a physical copy when I can.

Mike Mulligan And His Steam Shovel

Stars 5/5

Mike Mulligan And His Steam Shovel by Virginia Lee Burton

This was such a cute book. It follows Mike Mulligan and his steam shovel that he named Mary Anne and how they appreciated people who appreciated them and their work but over time things changed and machines changed and Mike and Mary were not so much needed anymore. I don't want to spoil the story but I do highly recommend it for kids of all ages. Just because something is older doesn't mean it is not needed. I also want to add that the illustrations are amazing.

Birding Is My Favorite Video Game

Stars 5/5

Birding Is My Favorite Video Game by Rosemary Mosco

I really loved this graphic novel. Not only was it very informative regarding wildlife but it was super fun and I was laughing out loud in the middle of the hospital and people were looking at me! This is a graphic novel about not only birds but other wildlife and their characteristics and info about their species. It adds lots of humor and it is definitely a must read. I highly recommend this book. It is small but packed with info and lots of laughs.

The Mystery Of The Blue Train (Hercule Poirot #6)

Stars 5/5

The Mystery Of The Blue Train (Hercule Poirot #6) by Agatha Christie

There is nothing better than an Agatha Christie story about murders on trains. They just seem to go together so well. I really love this book because it takes you back to the era of time and you feel like you are in the story. This book follows Mr Poirot while traveling on the Blue Train discovers a murder and jewel theft. The most perfect combination for a great read that I highly recommend.

The Big Four (Hercule Poirot #5)

Stars 5/5

The Big Four (Hercule Poirot #5) by Agatha Christie

This is the 5th book in the Hercule Poirot series and in this action packed book you start to wonder is this going to be the end of Hercule Poirot. The book continues to follow Mr Poirot as he takes on the biggest case ever in his career to bring down the Big Four International criminals. This story has to be the most twisty in the series so far. Lots of adventure that I highly recommend to everyone who loves a "who done it" mystery.

Night Film

Stars 5/5

Night Film by Marisha Pessl

What a mind twisting journey that was! I feel like I just got off a mental roller coaster and OMG the ending.... I need more!! This book is so unique and most definitely worth 5 stars! I really loved it. The story follows investigative journalist Scott McGrath and how he gets pulled into the mysterious and underground world of Stanislaus Cordova, a horror film producer that lives as a recluse and many people believe is cursed. I don't want to go into the story more as to not spoil it and if I did give more it would be hard to understand so I am going to just say you have to read this book! It is a Must Read. I highly recommend it and I would be first in line if there is a second book.

Hidden

Stars 5/5

Hidden by Helen Frost

What an amazing story! This was so unique. I am glad I stumbled upon this book. It follows a young girl named Wren who was waiting in the car for her Mom to pay for the gas, when a man ran out of the store and stole the car driving it all the way home to his house and putting it in his garage with Wren hiding in the back. The theft, accidental kidnapper, didn't know she was in the car until he seen the story on the news and his wife and little girl found out as well. Darra was the thief's little girl and she knew that Wren was somewhere in there garage hiding so she left food for her. I do not want to go into the story more as to not spoil it but I will say that these two girls meet later on in life. I highly recommend this short story written in verse. 

351 Book Read! YAY!

351 Books Read YAY! Here I Come 400!

Dork Diaries Book 12: Tales From A Not-So-Secret Crush Catastrophe

Stars 5/5

Dork Diaries Book 12: Tales From A Not-So-Secret Crush Catastrophe by Rachel Renee Russell

This is book 12 in the series and is there a new love interest for Nikki? In this book, Nikki is preparing her plans for the summer as school is coming to an end but there is a new boy in school and Nikki doesn't want to hurt Brandon. You have to read this book to find out more. I do not want to spoil the story. I highly recommend it.

Dork Diaries Book 11: Tales From A Not-So-Friendly Frenemy

Stars 5/5

Dork Diaries Book 11: Tales From A Not-So-Friendly Frenemy by Rachel Renee Russell

This is the 11th book in the series and just when Nikki thinks she has gotten rid of Mackenzie for good, she gets bad news. Mackenzie has moved to a new school, North Hampton Hills, and now Nikki has to go over to that school for a week due to a school exchange program. Lots of crazy happens. I have to recommend this book to everyone.

Dork Diaries Book 10: Tales From A Not-So-Perfect Pet Sitter

Stars 5/5

Dork Diaries Book 10: Tales From A Not-So-Perfect Pet Sitter by Rachel Renee Russell

This is book 10 in the series and it continues to follow Nikki and her friends. In this book, Nikki and Brandon find a dog and puppies left outside the shelter but the shelter is full and can not take in any more dogs at this time so Nikki takes them home and hides them from her parents. Such a fun read. You must read this one to find out what happens to all those 7 puppies. I definitely recommend this one.

Dork Diaries Book 9: Tales From A Not-So-Dorky Drama Queen

Stars 5/5

Dork Diaries Book 9: Tales From A Not-So-Dorky Drama Queen by Rachel Renee Russell

This is book 9 in the series and in this book Nikki's rival Mackenzie gets a hold of her diary! NO! I don't want to spoil it so I don't plan on saying much more but I bet you can just imagine what is going to happen when Mackenzie reads Nikki's diary. I definitely recommend this book as well as the series. 

Dork Diaries Book 8: Tales From A Not-So-Happily Ever After

Stars 5/5

Dork Diaries Book 8: Tales From A Not-So-Happily Ever After by Rachel Renee Russell

This is book 8 in the series and it is a fun fairy tale retelling. Nikki ends up on the wrong side of a dodge ball when Mackenzie throws it right at her face and knocks her out. While knocked out, Nikki dreams that all her friends are fairy tale characters. I do not want to go into the story more as to not spoil it but it is definitely a fun book to read. I highly recommend it.

Dork Diaries Book 6.5: OMG! All About Me Diary!

Stars 5/5

Dork Diaries Book 6.5: OMG! All About Me Diary! by Rachel Renee Russell

This book is 6.5 in the series and is a write in journal for you to add things about your life. It asks you questions regarding different things and definitely makes you think a bit about yourself. This is great for kids of all ages honestly. I recommend it.

The Murder Of Roger Ackroyd (Hercule Poirot #4)

Stars 5/5

The Murder Of Roger Ackroyd (Hercule Poirot #4) by Agatha Christie

This is the 4th book in the Hercule Poirot series and OMG it is a wonderful mystery as always. In this book, the mystery takes you through the twists and turns with poison, blackmail and even a dagger through the back. I don't ever want to go into these stories more as to not spoil them but I have to say they are all so very unique and mysterious that you can't put them down until you know who did it which you never really know until the very end. I highly recommend all of Agatha Christie's books.

Diary Of A Giraffe. Harry And Bedtime

Stars 5/5

Diary Of A Giraffe. Harry And Bedtime by Jenny Mitchell

Illustrated by Abira Das

This is a really sweet children's book about a Giraffe that helps little kids fall asleep. The story is very unique and the illustrations are bright and cheerful. Such a cute book to read to little one's before bed. I was given a digital copy of this book by the author for an honest review and I highly recommend it for kids of all ages. 

Dork Diaries Book 7: Tales From A Not-So-Glam TV Star

Stars 5/5

Dork Diaries Book 7: Tales From A Not-So-Glam TV Star by Rachel Renee Russell

This is the 7th book in the series as it continues to follow Nikki, her friends and family. In this book, Nikki and her band gets to record their song and as always lots of mischief from Mackenzie and Nikki's little sister. Such a cute book and series for middle grade. I highly recommend the books. Squeee!

Poirot Investigates (Hercule Poirot #3)

Stars 5/5

Poirot Investigates (Hercule Poirot #3) by Agatha Christie

This is the 3rd book in the Hercule Poirot series and it is a wonderful collection of 11 short stories that are just as exciting as ever. I loved each one of the stories and how they were all very different but as always Poirot overcomes all odds. I highly recommend this book as well as the series. Agatha Christie was one of the most brilliant mystery writer ever. 

The Murder On The Links (Hercule Poirot #2)

Stars 5/5

The Murder On The Links (Hercule Poirot #2) by Agatha Christie

This is the 2nd book in the Hercule Poirot series. I very much enjoyed this book. This was a definite twisty "who done it" mystery. This book followed Poirot as he was summoned to help but arrived a bit too late. A man murdered and laying face down in an open grave on the golf course (links). I do not want to go into the story more as to not spoil it but OMG this one was the twisty of twisty books ever. I highly recommend this book as well as the series. See if you can figure it out before the end.

The Mysterious Affair At Styles (Hercule Poirot #1)

Stars 5/5

The Mysterious Affair At Styles (Hercule Poirot #1) by Agatha Christie

Agatha Christie will always be the Mystery Queen! This is the first book in the Hercule Poirot series and it is one of the greats. In this book, you are introduced to Mr Poirot and his first mystery of the poisoned heiress. This is a "who done it" mystery series and with all the twists and turns you are completely clueless until the very end. I highly recommend this book. I will be continuing on with this series.

An Unwanted Guest

Stars 5/5

An Unwanted Guest by Shari Lapena

(note... This book made it to my 2018 Favorites List)

OMG! What an amazing story! I have to say first, that this book reminded me of an "Agatha Christie Style" who done it mystery and OMG I Loved It! This book definitely made it to my 2018 Favorites List and I highly recommend it to everyone who loves an awesome mystery. I am so very glad I read this book. The story follows a variety of different people and couples that are all headed to the Mitchell's Inn in the Catskills for a weekend retreat. As they are on their way, the snow starts to fall heavily and soon they find themselves barely making to the hotel and then snowed in. This is where the mystery begins. I am not going into the story because I do not want to spoil it but I will say that this book will be on my winter re-read list and I can not stress how much it is a Must Read!

Dork Diaries Book 6: Tales From A Not-So-Happy Heartbreaker

Stars 5/5

Dork Diaries Book 6: Tales From A Not-So-Happy Heartbreaker by Rachel Renee Russell

This is the 6th book in the series and I have to say I do not understand why Nikki would even think Brandon would ask Mackenzie to the dance. Such cute stories for middle grade readers. I would of loved these growing up. Each book follows Nikki, her friends and family on lots of adventures. I do recommend the books to everyone who likes to Squeeee!

Into The Drowning Deep

Stars 5/5

Into The Drowning Deep by Mira Grant aka Seanan McGuire
(note... This book made it to my 2018 Favorites List)

WoW! What an amazingly creepy story. I was hooked from the very beginning and could not go to bed until I was finished! I can not wait til the next book in the series. I went into this book without knowing much about it and I am glad I did. So I am not going to spoil the story but I will say that this book creates a whole new world and it was really scary! The book follows a young scientist named Victoria, who is trying to find out about her sister's disappearance during a voyage in search of mermaids. That is all I am going to say because you have to read this book. This Is A Must Read. I highly recommend this book to everyone who likes a creepy mystery.

Dork Diaries Book 5: Tales From A Not-So-Smart Miss Know-It-All

Stars 5/5

Dork Diaries Book 5: Tales From A Not-So-Smart Miss Know-It-All by Rachel Renee Russell

This is the 5th book in the series and it continues to follow Nikki, her family and friends. Nikki decides she wants to be a newspaper journalist and to her surprise she gets the advice column. She likes it at first but you can only imagine what happens after time. Such a sweet series for middle graders. 

Dork Diaries Book 4: Tales From A Not-So-Graceful Ice Princess

Stars 4/5

Dork Diaries Book 4: Tales From A Not-So-Graceful Ice Princess by Rachel Renee Russell

This is the 4th book in the series and continues to follow Nikki and her friends. In this story, Nikki and her friends need to find a charity to sponsor during the Holiday on Ice show. Nikki's crush Brandon asks her to come and help one day at the local animal shelter and gives Nikki the great idea of sponsoring them in the ice skating competition. Such a cute story. Great for all middle graders. 

Dork Diaries Book 3.5: How To Dork Your Diary

Stars 5/5

Dork Diaries Book 3.5: How To Dork Your Diary by Rachel Renee Russell

This is the 3.5 book in the series and it is fun because not only does it have a story line but it also gives out some tips about keeping a diary. The book follows Nikki as she has lost her diary and while searching everywhere for it, hoping no one has read it, she gives out little tips about starting and keeping a diary personal to you. I definitely recommend this book.

Dork Diaries Book 3: Tales From A Not-So-Talented Pop Star

Stars 4/5

Dork Diaries Book 3: Tales From A Not-So-Talented Pop Star by Rachel Renee Russell

This is the 3rd book in the series and it continues to follow Nikki, her family and friends. In this book, Nikki is babysitting her little sister and after she pulls her from the Mall water fountain and returning the coins, she is caught in another awkward situation with Mackenzie right there with phone cam on. I recommend these books.

Dork Diaries Book 2: Tales From A Not-So-Popular Party Girl

Stars 5/5

Dork Diaries Book 2: Tales From A Not-So-Popular Party Girl by Rachel Renee Russell

Nikki's adventures in middle school continue on. In this book, Nikki's rival Mackenzie is spreading news that her and Brandon, Nikki's crush, is going to the Halloween Party together. Nikki gets so bummed out that she signs up to help out with her little sister's ballet class party. That's when all the goofiness starts to happen. This is a fun book to read. You will definitely get a good chuckle. I definitely recommend these books to Dorks of all ages.

Dork Diaries Book 1: Tale From A Not-So-Fabulous-Life

Stars 5/5

Dork Diaries Book 1: Tale From A Not-So-Fabulous-Life by Rachel Renee Russell

I started reading this series to participate in the Summer Event. I really enjoyed this middle grade book. It is fun and sassy. It follows a young girl named Nikki that gets a diary from her parents, instead of the cell phone she wanted, and she starts writing down everything that happens to her. I definitely recommend this book and plan to finish the series. 

Miss Marple's Final Cases (Miss Marple #14)

Stars 5/5

Miss Marple's Final Cases (Miss Marple #14) by Agatha Christie

This was the final book in the Miss Marple series and it was a book of eight short stories which were wonderful. I do think Miss Marple appears in one more book by Agatha Christie but I will wait to read that one after the Poirot series because it features them both. I must say that I feel a bit sad that I am finished with my adventure with Miss Marple and I will miss these books but I know that I will revisit them in the future. I highly recommend this book as well as the series. Best "who done it's" of all time!

Who Was Andy Warhol?

Stars 5/5

Who Was Andy Warhol? by Kirsten Anderson

I just love this short story series of books telling of different people's lives. I will admit I am not really a fan of Andy Warhol art but I did love learning about his life and how he got started doing pop art. Did you know that pop tart is a play on the words pop art. I definitely learn a lot from these books. I highly recommend them to everyone especially if you like to peep into other people's lives like I do.

Sleeping Murder (Miss Marple #13)

Stars 5/5

Sleeping Murder (Miss Marple #13) by Agatha Christie

This book was hauntingly wonderful. So many twists, turns and creepy things going on that it is definitely one of my favs from the Miss Marple series. This is book 13. Miss Marple is on the case again when a young woman tells her how she was drawn to this house somehow like she has been there before and is now starting to think the house is haunted by a murdered woman. I can not recommend this book enough as well as the series. "Who done it" perfection.

Olivia Saves The Circus

Stars 5/5

Olivia Saves The Circus by Ian Falconer

I just love Olivia! The illustrations are beautiful and the stories are unique and creative. Kids of all ages love these books. Olivia is the circus in this book! A very cute story to read.

Nate The Great And The Halloween Hunt

Stars 5/5

Nate The Great And The Halloween Hunt by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat

Illustrated by Marc Simont

Such a cute young Nate the Great Detective book. In this book, Nate the Great is hired to help his friend find her cat, Little Hex which leads him out on Halloween night and even to a Haunted House. I do not want to say more as to not spoil the book but it is a fun "not so spooky" book for kids of all ages. I highly recommend it.

Nemesis (Miss Marple #12)

Stars 5/5

Nemesis (Miss Marple #12) by Agatha Christie

This is another one of my favorites in the Miss Marple series. In this book, Miss Marple's old acquaintance from the Caribbean, Mr Rafiel, has passed away but she is contacted as a last request for her to go on a Home and Garden tour to help her solve a mystery surrounding his son. This is a wonderful mystery with lots of twists and turns. A definite must read that I highly recommend.

Who Was Maurice Sendak?

Stars 5/5

Who Was Maurice Sendak? by Janet B. Pascal

Illustrations by Stephen Marchesi

I just love this series of books. You learn a great deal about the person's life and a time line of their accomplishments and achievements. This book follows the life of Maurice Sendak and I must say that I was amazed learning all that he did in his life and even the little easter eggs he added to his illustrations. I definitely want to revisit his children's books now that I know how much extra intentions he added to them. I highly recommend this book as well as the series to everyone of all ages. The books give you a tidbit of info on their life which will make you want to know more.

Salt: A Story Of Friendship In A Time Of War

Stars 5/5

Salt: A Story Of Friendship In A Time Of War by Helen Frost

This is a story of friendship and trust. It follows two young boys James, son of the trading post owner, and Anikwa, boy of the Miami Native American Tribe. These two boys find a friendship even through a language barrier on the Indiana Territory where they live. Tensions are rising between the United States and Britain and the Native American's are forced to take sides. I don't want to go into this story more as to not spoil it but I have to say that the worth of salt is more than what you would think. I recommend this book to everyone of all ages.

At Bertram's Hotel (Miss Marple #11)

Stars 5/5

At Bertram's Hotel (Miss Marple #11) by Agatha Christie

This has to be one of my all time favorites of the Miss Marple series. I just love how Agatha Christie beautifully creates the setting in this book with the traditional Victorian/Edwardian Bertram's Hotel. I would just love to stay a few nights there. The story follows Miss Marple as she too chooses to stay at the Hotel for a getaway and of course there is always something just not right. A wonderfully dark mystery to solve. I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to everyone who loves a "who done it" mystery.

A Caribbean Mystery (Miss Marple #10)

Stars 5/5

A Caribbean Mystery (Miss Marple #10) by Agatha Christie

Oh what a wonderful adventure with Miss Marple in the Caribbean. I just love this book and how Miss Marple talks about how things are changing in the world from when she was young. This book follows another mystery in which happens in the Caribbean Islands where Miss Marple was on vacation. Just like always, the book is full of twists and turns that keeps you guessing "who did it" until the very end. I highly recommend this book as well as the series. This is Miss Marple book 10.

The Great Gatsby

Stars 5/5

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Of course this is not the first time I have read The Great Gatsby and probably will not be the last. I do like to revisit this story once in awhile and I have to admit it had been awhile since I last read this one. The story follows Nick Carraway, a man who lives next door to the famous Jay Gatsby and how he is infatuated with him and his life. The story is set as post war America and how people became obsessed with wealth and glamour. I don't want to go into the story more as to not spoil it but I will say that things are not always as they seem. I highly recommend this book to everyone. 

Brave Irene

Stars 5/5

Brave Irene by William Steig

Such a sweet book with amazing illustrations. The story follow Irene, a little girl, that wants to help her Mother, a seamstress who is creating a beautiful gown for the Duchess, but is not well enough to take the finished dress to the castle. So Irene takes on the challenge of delivering the dress in a blizzard. Irene is very brave and I highly recommend this cute little book to everyone of all ages.

Be Prepared

Stars 5/5

Be Prepared by Vera Brosgol

I really enjoyed this graphic novel. It took me back to my childhood memories of summer camp and how it feels to find a friend and to be accepted by others. It is hard when you are young. This book follows Vera, a young girl born in Russia, that came to the United States and finds it difficult to fit in with kids at her school. All the girls go to summer camp but Vera's family is poor and she never gets to go until she finds a Russian summer camp that the church will help pay for and she is excited to go. This is when all the adventure begins. I highly recommend this graphic novel to everyone. 

The Mirror Crack'd From Side To Side (Miss Marple #9)

Stars 5/5

The Mirror Crack'd From Side To Side (Miss Marple #9) by Agatha Christie

Another Amazing Book by Agatha Christie! This is the 9th book in the Miss Marple series. I just loved this story just as much as the others. In this book, Miss Marple is on the case to find out who was the poison really for! I don't want to go into this story as to not spoil it but I will say that you will never believe the "who done it" in this book. I highly recommend this book and the series to everyone who loves mystery.