Early Book Review: Chaos at the Lazy Bones Bookshop by Emmeline Duncan

Chaos at the Lazy Bones Bookshop by Emmeline Duncan is the first book in a new2 mystery series, and is currently scheduled for release on July 23 2024.

Normally, spooky season is Bailey Briggs’ favorite time of year, and her Halloween-themed small town’s time to shine. But between managing Lazy Bones Books, working on her graphic novel-in-progress, and running the Spooky Season Literary Festival, Bailey hardly has a moment to enjoy Elyan Hollow’s spot-on seasonal vibes. Not to mention, at every turn she seems to be tripping over the contentious crew of Gone Ghouls, a ghost-hunting reality TV show currently filming around town. Bailey tries to stay focused on the Lit Festival, which is supposed to kick off Elyan Hollow’s annual Halloween Fair; instead, this year’s festival begins with a murder. It’s bad enough Bailey discovered the victim, but now, as a lead suspect with some (admittedly) damning evidence pointing her way, she’s got to clear her name! With the help of her librarian friend, Colby, and Jack Skeleton, her world-class bookshop dog (and the absolute bestest boy ever), Bailey sets out to solve a murder.

Chaos at the Lazy Bones Bookshop is a solid start to a cozy mystery series. I liked the characters and the small town setting- I thought the setting and important relationships were well built and revealed in good timer through the book. I like that there was character growth along side the murder mystery and getting to know you parts of the story. There were so many layers going on, and I enjoyed the mix of past and present effecting the investigation and choices being made. I also enjoyed that the major players were all firmly adults- not they they have everything figured out (because who does) but they are past new adult stage and generally consider the bigger picture and how their actions effect others. Seeing a book populated with mostly reasonable, realistic adults made my day. I liked Bailey, her circle of friends, and the other locals in town. I like that there was definite groundwork laid for good, bad, and awkward moments in the future. It made everything feel more real and engaging for me. 

Early Book Review: Flower Gnomigurumi: 12 Cute Amigurumi Gnomes to Crochet by Madelenón-Soledad Iglesias Silva

Flower Gnomigurumi: 12 Cute Amigurumi Gnomes to Crochet by Madelenón-Soledad Iglesias Silva is currently scheduled for release on July 16 2024. This book offers twelve distinct gnome patterns, each embellished with beautiful blooms ranging from asters, carnations, chrysanthemums, and daffodils to daisies, lilies, marigolds, roses, and other floral beauties. You don't have to be an expert to crochet these adorable gnomes — the patterns are suitable for crocheters of all skill levels. Easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions are accompanied by full-color photographs, serving as a visual aid for your gnome-making adventure. Materials and tools necessary for each gnome are explicitly highlighted, making your crafting journey as smooth as possible. 

Flower Gnomigurumi is a well written pattern collection. I thought the instructions, material lists, and descriptions of the patterns were very well done. I loved the step by step pictures of some of the trickier turns- as even an experienced crafter can have trouble picturing some written instructions especially while working on small projects in irregular shapes. I thought the details on the flowers were lovely. Crafters that are looking for sweet gnomes to craft- or a collection of patterns to keep in practice will find this book might be exactly what they are looking for. 

Early Book Review: The Next Best Fling by Gabriella Gamez

The Next Best Fling by Gabriella Gamez is a romance currently scheduled for release on July 9 2023. Librarian Marcela Ortiz has been secretly in love with her best friend for years—and when he gets engaged, she knows it’s long past time to move on. But before she gets the chance, she has a bigger problem to contend with in the form of Theo Young, ex-NFL player and older brother of the man she’s in love with. When she discovers Theo's plans to confess his feelings for his brother’s fiancée at their engagement party, Marcela is quick to stop him—despite how tempting it is to let him run away with the bride-to-be. She manages to convince Theo to sleep off his drunken almost-mistake at her place and when they arrive at a family brunch the next day together, everyone wrongly assumes they hooked up. Since Theo needs a cover for his feelings for the bride and Marcela needs a distraction from her unrequited feelings for the groom, they decide to roll with the lie. Until one late night at a bar, they take it a step further and discover a layer of attraction neither realized existed. Soon, they find themselves exploring the simmering chemistry between them, whether in library aisles or Marcela's bed. There are no boundaries for the rebound relationship they form—just a host of complicated feelings, messy familial dynamics, and uncovered secrets that threaten to tear them apart before they can even admit to themselves that their rebound is working. Maybe a little too well.  

The Next Best Fling is a fun and well written romance. I loved that while both Marcela and Theo have issues and make mistakes they also do something you almost never see in romance novels- they talk about it. Someone gets scared or needs some space-they get the time or space they need- but in the end they hash things out. I loved this because this is what making a relationship work really looks like. Not just brushing aside fears and hurts- but figuring out how to better support each other. I loved that it modeled good behavior in real friendships and romantic relationships (and some toxic ones). There were funny moments, ones that had me cringing because I worried about the fall out, and amazing moments of communication and honesty. I really enjoyed the read and look forward to more from the author. 

Early Book Review: Tangled Up In You by Christina Lauren

Tangled Up In You by Christina Lauren is currently scheduled for release on June 25 2024. It is a modern reimagining of Disney’s Tangled and part of the Meant to Be collection. She has a dream. He has a plan. Together they’ll take a leap of faith.

Ren has never held an iPhone, googled the answer to a question, or followed a crush on social media. What she has done: Read a book or two, or three (okay, hundreds). Taught herself to paint. Built a working wind power system from scratch. But for all the books she’s read, Ren has never found one that’s taught a woman raised on a homestead and off the grid for most of her twenty-two years how to live in the real world. So when she finally achieves her lifelong dream of attending Corona College, it feels like her life is finally beginning. Fitz has the rest of his life mapped out: Graduate from Corona at the top of his class, get his criminal record wiped clean, and pass himself off as the rich, handsome player everyone thinks he is. He’s a few short months from checking off step one of his plans when Ren Gylden, with her cascading blonde hair and encyclopedic brain, crashes into his life, and for the first time Fitz’s plan is in jeopardy. But a simple assignment in their immunology seminar changes the course of both their lives, and suddenly they’re thrown out of the frying pan and into the fire on a road trip that will lead them in the most unexpected directions. Out on the open road, the world somehow shifts, and the unlikely pair realize that, maybe, the key to the dreams they've both been chasing have been sitting next to them the whole time.

Tangled Up In You is a fun and engaging take on Tangled. I liked the nods o the names and temperaments to the Tangled universe, and I thought the differences were well chosen and helped make the story in into modern society very well. I though the give and take between Ren and Fitz was very well done, and highly entertaining. The shared vulnerability and trying circumstances for the pair had me rooting for them both through the whole book.  I thought the character development and building through the story was very well done- and even though I know the story well I was still surprised a could of times with the reveals. I enjoyed the read, and can appreciate the craft that went into it.

Early Book Review: Owls in Our Yard!: The Story of Alfie by Carl Safina

Owls in Our Yard!: The Story of Alfie by Carl Safina is currently scheduled for release on June 25 2024. In the spring of 2019, ecologist Carl Safina and his wife, Patricia, took in little Alfie, a bedraggled Eastern Screech Owl chick who quickly became part of their family. With the Safinas’ care and expertise, the little owl grew, learned to hunt on her own, and eventually found her own family in a mate and chicks. As time passed, Carl realized that his bond with Alfie was greater than just saving her life—it offered wisdom, joy, and magic to him in return.

Owls in Our Yard! is a sweet and informational read about rescuing a baby owl and how the life of one rescued screech owl has gone so far. I enjoyed the mix of adorableness and learning about the real life happenings of little Alfie. I had never thought about how other birds might react to owls in the area and learned quite a bit about the life of screech owls. I do like that the author suggested getting information about local bird rescues to already have the information if one finds an injured bird, although I would have liked more guidance about finding an active rescue- although I do know that this information is always subject to change so I completely understand why they might not have done so. 

 

Early Book Review: Cryptids, Creatures & Critters: A Manual of Monsters & Mythos from Around the World by Rachel Quinney

Cryptids, Creatures & Critters: A Manual of Monsters & Mythos from Around the World by Rachel Quinney is currently scheduled for release on June 18 2024. While written by Rachel Quinney and mainly illustrated by her, there are twelve guest artists featured within the book, too.

Cryptids, Creatures & Critters features 90 different creatures from around the world, each with their own researched description and full-color illustrations. The book is divided into three sections: cryptids, folklore, and mythology. It features popular cryptid favorites, such as Mothman and the Flatwoods Monster, and some lesser-known cryptids, such as the Enfield Horror and the Montauk Monster. For folklore, there are kelpies, selkies, cat sidhes, and grimalkins, along with the dobarchu and the vampiric pumpkin! In mythology, you'll find Medusa, sphinx, Pegasus, and the bukavac!

Cryptids, Creatures & Critters is a book that offers readers snapshots of different creatures from a variety of origins and cultures. I thought the organization of the book was well done- and I appreciated the authors attempt to root out, and call out, the ways things like racism, colonialism, and imperialism might have changed the perceptions of the featured creatures. I also liked the efforts to cross reference the entries that heavily relate to other entries and  also giving readers a warning when an entry might hold content that might be disturbing or triggering. I appreciated the awareness. Best of all, even with all of this, there is a sense of humor and fun throughout the book as well.

I found both the text and illustrations to be charming. Most of the information on the creature I knew about matched up with what I already knew, with some additional background on the legends that I never knew before. I also liked seeing some creatures covered (like the cactus cat) that I had never heard of. I thought the book was thoroughly, and conscientiously researched. It is written with respect and humor and I think a wide range of readers will enjoy it. 

Book Review: Otherworldly Izakaya Nobu (Volume 2) by Natsuya Semikawa, Virginia Nitouhei

Otherworldly Izakaya Nobu (Volume 2) by Natsuya Semikawa, Virginia Nitouhei is a manga style graphic novel. Japanese-style pub “Nobu” is open for business in an odd, foreign world, and the ever-welcoming Shinobu and Chief are happy to serve up unusually tasty bar food to an array of strange customers. A little thief, an obnoxious messenger, and a pair of squabbling craftsmen are all ready to chow down! Kisu tempura, sashimi, omusoba, and shuto and more are on the menu... The delicious aromas of food and drink bring everyone together in this gourmet tale of humanity!

The second volume of Otherworldly Izakaya Nobu is just as charming and entertaining as the first. I enjoy seeing how the food of the Japanese and German cultures might be very different- but there are still some things that seem universal. I love that good food and good people always come out ahead and that the less pleasant characters discover that as well. I was happy to see favorite characters make a return, and to meet some new clients and staff at Nobu. The story is well written and drawn and is a lovely, cozy read. 

Book Review: Turns Out My Online Friend is My Real-Life Boss! (Volume 1) by Nmura

Turns Out My Online Friend is My Real-Life Boss! (Volume 1) by Nmura is a manga style graphic novel that was originally published in short form online.

Hashimoto is a perfectly average salaryman, working a repetitive office job, made all the worse by his stylish, strait-laced boss, who insists everything be done by the book. Whatever he does for this perfectionist, it's just not good enough! Thankfully, Hashimoto can go home to his favorite online video game, where he can unload on the forgiving shoulders of his best friend, whom he knows only by the name "Uma." The duo make plans to meet in person, but when they do, Hashimoto is horrified by a revelation that will change his entire life.

Turns Out My Online Friend is My Real-Life Boss! is a fun and engaging graphic novel. I thought the characters were interesting and I enjoyed the layers of interaction. I thought the artwork was well matched with the story and added many little extra bits of important information. I really enjoyed the story and will be looking forward to the next installment- or looking up the author's online postings to get a head start on reading the next volume. 

Book Review: Tied to You (Volume 1) by Art by WHAT, Original story by Chelliace

Tied to You (Volume 1) by Art by WHAT, Original story by Chelliace is a manga style graphic novel. Wooseo Shin was never one to believe in fate, until a ring of red thread appears around his finger that is! This ring marks a person’s meeting of their soulmate, and with it, neither can fall asleep if the other is absent. This development is not a welcome one for Wooseo, who decides to keep it from his close friend and crush Jiseok Kang at all costs. Because as fate would have it, the person with Wooseo’s matching set is Jigeon Kang—Jiseok’s older brother! When Jigeon proposes that they start sharing a bed, if only to combat their joint insomnia, Wooseo reluctantly accepts. As the two spend more and more time together, feelings start to get messy. Will Wooseo be able to survive his new life tangled up in between these two brothers?!

Tied to You is a well drawn and written story that left me eager for the next volume. I enjoyed getting to know the three major players in this little triangle. I feel like I understand Wooseo and Jigeon, and a bit of where they are coming from and how they feel. I liked getting the multiple points of view and the way things all come together. I love how careful they all are with each other- even in arguments and misunderstandings they never purposefully cause harm to each other, which is a nice change from some of the darker romance that I have read. I wish I had more than hints as to how Jiseok felt- and that I had the next volume in my hands already. 

Early Book Review: Barely Even Friends by Mae Bennett

Barely Even Friends by Mae Bennett is currently scheduled for release on June 4 2024.

Bellamy Price has just been offered the job of a lifetime: lead contractor on the restoration of the mysterious and sprawling Killington Estate. If she meets the owner’s ridiculous timeline, she’ll finally make a name for herself in this male-dominated industry. After a traumatic car accident that left his parents dead and himself injured, Oliver Killington, heir to the Killington empire, took up residence as the grumpy caretaker of his grandfather’s mansion. When Bellamy discovers Oliver’s facing his own ultimatum from his grandfather, the two form a cautious truce, which leads to flying sparks that are definitely not from faulty wiring. As Bellamy restores the gleam to the Killington Estate, she’ll have to decide if the walls she’s built around herself are worth knocking down to make space for someone else.

Barely Even Friends is a contemporary romance with a lot going for it. I loved the characters. I thought the character building for the main and secondary characters was very well done- and frankly I want more from several of those characters. I thought the conversations and relationship building between Bellamy and Oliver was also well done. The only issue I had with the book had me flipping back to the previous pages on several occasions, which took me out of the story a little. There was some trouble with transitions, there were time or movement jumps that did not quite flow with the story. It felt like they had been editing a sentence and then forgot to get it back in, which very well might be the case and be resolved in the final publication copy. The problem was that it happened more than once, and it just irked me. I loved so much about this read and will definitely be looking to see what the author does next because there is so much potential here. I think they will be an author to watch as they keep going and I look forward to having a front row seat.