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!