Book Review: Enchanted to Meet You (Witches of West Harbor) by Meg Cabot

Enchanted to Meet You is the first book in the Witches of West Harbor series by Meg Cabot. In her teenage years, lovelorn Jessica Gold cast a spell that went disastrously wrong, and brought her all the wrong kind of attention—as well as a lifetime ban from the World Council of Witches. So no one is more surprised than Jess when, fifteen years later, tall, handsome WCW member Derrick Winters shows up in her quaint little village of West Harbor and claims that Jess is the Chosen One. Not chosen by West Harbor’s snobby elite to style them for the town’s tricentennial ball—though Jess owns the chicest clothing boutique in town. And not chosen finally to be on the WCW, either—not that Jess would have said yes, anyway, since she’s done with any organization that tries to dictate what makes a “true” witch. No, Jess has been chosen to help save West Harbor itself. But just when Jess is beginning to think that she and Derrick might have a certain magic of their own—and not of the supernatural variety—Jess learns he may not be who she thought he was. And suddenly Jess finds herself having to make another kind of choice: trust Derrick and work with him to combat the sinister force battling to bring down West Harbor, or use her gift as she always has: to keep herself, and her heart, safe. Can she work her magic in time?

Enchanted to Meet You is an entertaining and engaging romance. I like that the action and mystery of the story is balanced with the romance. Even as readers are getting to know Jessica and her circle of friends, as well as Derrick and his thoughts on things, the romantic feelings never overcome common sense and the ties of friendship, which I really appreciate. Being a Connecticut native myself, I could see echoes of some of our shoreline towns, and recognized some of the inherent snobbery that does happen, in very similar ways to what as shown in the book. But, the close knit and found family aspects of the town and the story are just as realistic. I thought the magical aspects of the story were well built, and the way the characters reacted to their part in the magic, was all very well written. I enjoyed the read and look forward to the continuation of this series.

Enchanted to Meet You is an engaging romance with significant character development. 

Book Review: The Vegetable Garden Planner: A Crop-by-Crop Guide for Planning and Tracking Your Garden Bounty Each Year, from Seed Starting to Harvest by Lynn Byczynski

The Vegetable Garden Planner: A Crop-by-Crop Guide for Planning and Tracking Your Garden Bounty Each Year, from Seed Starting to Harvest by Lynn Byczynski is a handy guide that offers gardeners an easy way to track the growth and harvest of their vegetables from year to year. The book is organized alphabetically by vegetable, with several pages of note space for each crop so that readers can easily compare one year’s plant growth, variety performance and flavor, harvest amounts, weather trends, and pest pressure to those from previous years. Author and expert grower Lynn Byczynski offers sage advice throughout, for when and how to start seeds, when to harvest, and a wealth of insightful tips gleaned from her more than 40 years of farming and gardening. With high-quality paper and lay-flat binding, this is the perfect gift for any vegetable gardener.

The Vegetable Garden Planner is a helpful read, and I really like that the book is organized by crop rather than by season, this makes finding exactly the information you might need, whether it is a bit of information you remembered reading last year, what you did different, or dates of certain events like planting or frost that might have effected your gardening results.  There is plenty of space for the reading gardeners notes for this very purpose. The information on the mentioned crops is good but not extensive, and I felt like there could have been less drawings of the plants and more information, or a wider variety of vegetables included. However, that could just be that I have already read up on the mentioned crops that I do grow, and the others included in the book would not be appreciated in my house or do not grow well in my area so I rarely try. I think this is a great resource for those that are just getting started with their vegetable gardening experience, and will help them plan and track what works and what does not. I think more experienced (read stubborn) gardeners are less likely to make use of and learn from this handy book. 

Early Book Review: Famous Finds and Finders: Searching for the Past by Tom Velcovsky; Stepanka Sekaninova; Adam Wolf

Famous Finds and Finders: Searching for the Past, written by Tom Velcovsky and Stepanka Sekaninova, illustrated by Adam Wolf, is currently scheduled for release on November 28 2023. In this book young readers are taken on an journey back through time as they learn about the field of archeology and its role in uncovering the secrets of our past. Emphasizing the importance of preserving and recording moments in history, it encourages children to consider their own place in the ongoing story of humanity. Readers can also learn about the tools and techniques (from crude to state-of-the-art) that archeologists and paleontologists use, as well as about the challenges they face in uncovering fragments of the past buried in the ground or under the ocean. This book highlights some of the most significant archeological discoveries of all time, introducing young readers to some of the key figures in the field. It provides a fun and engaging way for children to learn about historical discoveries and the people who made them, and will inspire them to continue exploring the world with a sense of wonder and curiosity.

Famous Finds and Finders is an informative read, with a great deal of well organized information. I wish I had found this book when I was a young reader, as I would have loved getting a real look at the discoveries made, tools used, and maps detailing pertinent information. I do think that this is best suited for readers that already have some interest in the subject matter, as it is a great deal of information on each page. Those that are not already curious might be discouraged by that and not be fully engaged. As someone that has always been interested in archeology, I found the flow of text, images, maps, and other things to be engaging and kept me turning pages. 

Early Book Review: Growing an Edible Landscape: How to Transform Your Outdoor Space into a Food Garden by Gary Pilarchik; Chiara D'Amore

 Growing an Edible Landscape: How to Transform Your Outdoor Space into a Food Garden by Gary Pilarchik; Chiara D'Amore is currently scheduled for release on November 28 2023.  Out with the lawn and in with the food! That’s the battle cry of millions of modern gardeners who are not only looking to reduce the amount of time and energy they have to spend tending a lawn, but they’re also looking to improve the lives of their family, friends, and neighbors by supplying them with fresh, homegrown food. Converting unused areas of the landscape into food gardens helps mitigate the effects of climate change, reduces food miles, improves food security, and allows us to be a better steward of our little slice of the planet. But how do you get started? Which plants do you choose? Is there a series of best practices to follow to successfully convert your yard into an edible oasis so that it’s not just high-yielding, but it’s also attractive? Growing an Edible Landscape is here to help answer all of these questions and many more.

Growing an Edible Landscape was exactly what I expected, and offered encouragement and good information. I loved that the fact that most of us cannot go out and do all of this right away- whether the restraints are time, money, both, or completely different obstacles. The point is made that this can be a gradual project, something that can be continuous and ongoing for as long as you would like. That really takes the mental pressure off when starting to plan your own yard's future. Especially since I am a very bad gardener- I have grand plans and get everything started, and then I have to admit that by mid summer my devotion to my gardens has waned. I like that there are a wide variety of plans and information to help just about every interested gardener take some steps into the edible landscape direction, with the understanding that it really can be a lot of work and to be realistic in your expectations and planning. There is a great deal of information in this book, and I think it is one that my just make it on my bookshelf for referring back to each year as I evaluate what I did the previous year and plan the next round of changes and plantings. 

Early Book Review: School for Extraterrestrial Girls #2 Girls In Flight by Jeremy Whitley, Jamie Noguchi

School for Extraterrestrial Girls, Volume 2, Girls In Flight, written by Jeremy Whitley and illustrated by Jamie Noguchi, is a graphic novel currently scheduled for release on November 28 2023. The extraterrestrial girls are back! With their former school compromised, exposing Tara, Misako, Summer, and Kat, to possible danger from unknown alien forces, they all must relocate to a new hidden school--The School for Extraterrestrial Boys! Located on a hidden island in the arctic north, the new campus has a mysteriously warm summer climate, a beautiful lake, and dozens of sinister mysteries! The girls are staying in what appears to be summer cabins on the lake while going to school in the mysterious castle where the boys stay. This is all under the watchful eye of the boys' headmaster, Headmaster Stokes—an arrogant man with an unknown agenda and an obsession with Tara's people. They may still be in school, but this will be a semester full of blossoming romances, learning to love themselves, and trying to survive the mysteries of both this terrifying island and boys! Romance, magic, and near-death experiences are all part of a regular school day at the School for Extraterrestrial Girls.

Girls In Flight starts with a recap, which honestly I needed. I remembered enjoying the first volume of the story, but the details I was a bit hazy on. I was glad for the little catch up, which I think most readers will agree on. I was glad to read this next chapter of Tara and her circle's adventures and thought it was well planned out and executed. I thought the artwork was well matched to the story, and conveyed a great deal of emotion and action to make the story come alive. There were multiple story lines woven through each other, and it was neat to see threads that I had put to the back of my mind pop up and play an important roll in the story. My only complaint is one I often have with serials like this, and that is I was just feeling like I was deeply invested in the story and had a grasp on all the moving pieces when the volume ended. I am eager to get volume three in my hands. 

Audiobook Review: Love in Winter Wonderland by Abiola Bello, Narrated by Ben Bailey Smith, Nneka Okoye

Love in Winter Wonderland by Abiola Bello is a young to new adult romance. The audiobook is narrated by Ben Bailey Smith and Nneka Okoye. Charming, handsome Trey Anderson balances the pressures of school popularity with a job at his family’s beloved local bookshop, Wonderland. Quirky, creative Ariel Spencer needs tuition for the prestigious art program of her dreams, and an opening at Wonderland is the answer. When Trey and Ariel learn that Wonderland is on the brink of being shut down by a neighborhood gentrifier, they team up to stop the doors from closing before the Christmas Eve deadline—and embark on a hate-to-love journey that will change them forever. 

Love in Winter Wonderland is a great read for young adults, new adults, and everyone else that loves a good holiday romance or underdog coming out on top tale. To make the listen even better, the narrators are absolutely wonderful. The inflections and emotions that they pour into their performances added so much to the book. Honestly, I think I could listen to this pair read the phone book and they would make it entertaining and engaging. I loved Ariel's character, her fears and self doubt felt very realistic and relatable to me. Trey's ambitions and circle of friends were a little less relatable to me- as I was never one of the cool kids myself and hung out with those more like Ariel's group instead. I thought the balance of getting to know each other, figuring out who they are and what they want, and working towards a worthy goal together. I really enjoyed the uncovering of their personalities and coming together. I thought the drama of college age antics and family dynamics was very well done, and I have to admit that there were several points that had me angry or frustrated on the character's behalf.  Not the most calming read, but overall it was extremely engaging and entertaining. 

Love in Winter Wonderland is a wonderful story that fits so many of my favorite categories, I think there is something for everyone here.

Book Review: A Year of Crochet Stitches: A Stitch-a-Day Perpetual Calendar by Jill Wright

A Year of Crochet Stitches: A Stitch-a-Day Perpetual Calendar by Jill Wright is a standing desk flip calendar showcases a new stitch pattern for every day of the year! Each date features a new pattern swatch with complete instructions--so many exciting new stitches to try, from lace and filet to shells, colorwork, and more. The handy size fits easily in a project bag, making it a favorite stitch dictionary for on-the-go hooking. 

I have more than one book that collect various crochet and/or knitting stiches, and honestly I often flip through and pick one when I am looking to make and afghan and want something new to try. A Year of Crochet Stitches is a lovely desk calendar that offers me most of those same stiches, but in a new format. I liked that the stitches were grouped together in a logical and helpful way for the learning process, starting in January with some simple, basic stitches and then grouping things like baubles, chevrons, lines, edging, and motifs in later months.  I really like the idea of this collection, but think it would have worked better for me if there was some continuity- creating a finished project at the end of each month rather than 365 different stitches in different projects. At the end there are suggestions for patterns in which to use the different stitches, and the instructions for joining motifs and some great information. I think this would be a fun gift for crafters like myself that are always looking to change things up or learn something new.

Book Review: Tyranny of the Fey: Adventure Waits for No One. by Terry Bartley

Tyranny of the Fey: Adventure Waits for No One by Terry Bartley is a short story collection set in the original fantasy world of Galevyn. A famed Elven researcher is worried about her home. When she discovers a new realm with massive magic potential, she believes she has found the answer. Will the Seasonal Fey Courts allow her to continue her research without interference, or do they have more nefarious plans? An Elven princess runs away from her arranged marriage to a parallel world. Will she be able to find the adventure she seeks? While she is in search of battles with dragons and quests to obtain sacred artifacts, she finds that what she was looking for may have been a true connection with someone that understands her. Two childhood friends, an orc and a goblin, have long dreamed of adventure. When a magic school dropout stumbles into their lives, they jump at the chance to realize their ambitions. This found family realizes the world of Galevyn is a much bigger place than the jungle they grew up in.

Tyranny of the Fey is an entertaining collection of short stories. There is just enough world and character building to keep the reader from feeling lost without getting them bogged down in the magic theory and history of the world. There was a little bit of everything in the collection, friendship, adventure, romance, grief, and more. I do have to admit that I thought this book was part of a series I had already started when I requested it, mainly because of the cover art, which left me a little confused in the beginning, but the story still entertained me. I would have liked some more of a solid connection between the short stories, since there were the stories with different sets of characters all in the same world- there could have been a bit more of a thread tying them together. I would have really enjoyed that kind of connection between the sets of characters. I would have also liked to see the final set of stories end with something of a conclusion that did not leave me sad that I turned the page to find the acknowledgements rather than a last chapter to wrap things up a bit.

Book Review: Don’t Be Mean to 13 by Douglas Harris

Don’t Be Mean to 13 by Douglas Harris is a picturebook. Friday the 13th is bad luck. Some high rises have no floor thirteen. Why are people so afraid of 13!? Thirteen is feared and disliked for no good reason, while Twelve has always been so popular! When Thirteen and his friend Friday get together - watch out for friggatriskaidekaphobia! Explore the ancient historical roots of these popular superstitions while encouraging children to use evidence-based, critical thinking with our friend, Thirteen!

Don’t Be Mean to 13 is a picturebook that not only covers the superstitions around the number thirteen, but also points out how sometimes people treat people badly for equally poor reasons as they fear the number 13. I really loved the book's look and illustrations. I liked the colors and how each page is designed in a way that captures and keeps the attention of the reader. I really enjoyed the way the number 13 was illustrated, it made the character pop on each page while still appearing rather cute and fuzzy. Honestly the art is my favorite part of this book. I think it could be a little text heavy, and heavy handed with the message that everyone is special and unique like the number thirteen. However, I did like the book taught facts about 13 in history and some cultures. 

Audiobook Review: Exploit, Extract, Exit! (Dungeon Runner)by Dustin Tigner, Narrated by Jackie Meloche

Exploit, Extract, Exit! is the first book in the Dragon Runner series written by Dustin Tigner, and the audiobook is narrated by Jackie Meloche. This is a collection of six novellas set in the same world with connected characters.  There should be two more books coming in this series. 

Eighteen-year-old Entin Soroy was supposed to be the cogging best fighter pilot of the Garentin space colony. But after an unthinkable terrorist attack forced the colony to digitize to survive, he finds himself thrust into a world repurposed from a rushed video game: Eternal Fantasy Online. This new reality might be beautiful. It might be full of endless wonder for its new immortal inhabitants. But the developers, in their haste, failed all those who lost their families and were too young to be given starting resources. Now Entin is a market Runner, working for copper chyps delivering packages to earn what little he can for the orphanage. It’s grueling, thankless work. That is, it was until a far more lucrative job found its way to him, revealing a new path forward. But nothing is ever easy. There are risks involved with going into the Wilds, a place of monsters and dangerous mysteries. Is the loot worth it? What price will he have to pay to succeed where others have failed? Full of adventures, puzzles, and unusual paths to success.

Exploit, Extract, Exit! is not quite what I had expected when I started listening, but that is because I read the author's name and not the description. This is not related to the Arachnomancer series- this is a different game world, with different characters and rules. Once I got past my own expectations I was able to get drawn into the story much more. I thought the characters and world building were well done, and I enjoyed getting to know new aspects of the world along side the characters. I thought the dynamics on Entin and his circle of friends and found family were fantastic, and I enjoyed that those relationships grew and changed without making it the focus of the story. I really liked the development of the main character of the alternating stories, and think she shows a great deal of growth in her stories as well. I liked the world building, and while the author admits in the forward and afterward of the book that it comes off as a little disjointed, because of the format the stories were originally written in, I think it still is very much worth the read, and I look forward to reading more to find out how everything comes together.

Early Book Review: Oversize Fashion Crochet: 6 Cozy Cardigans, Pullovers & Wraps Designed with Maximum Style and Ease by Salena Baca

Oversize Fashion Crochet: 6 Cozy Cardigans, Pullovers & Wraps Designed with Maximum Style and Ease by Salena Baca is currently scheduled for release on November 7 2023. As the title tells readers, this book offers up  6 crochet designs made with bulky yarn and big hooks. Designs include pullovers, cardigans, ponchos, and wraps in easy-to-wear, popular oversized fit. 

Oversize Fashion Crochet is a book that delivers on its promises. It offers readers six patterns, with pictures and finishing instructions. I thought the instructions were easy to understand and follow for all but the newest to crochet. I like that the designer took the time to explain how to get the best fit and explain some of the stitches so that newer crafters can make use of the patterns. I think everything is well done, my only sticking point is that none of these designs are unique. There are similar designs available already in books, magazines, and for free on the internet. It is good for what it is, but is not a book that would make it into my home collection. However, I might check it out from the library and I think it would be a solid addition to a public library collection. 

Book Review: Words from Hell: Unearthing the Darkest Secrets of English Etymology by Jess Zafarris

Words from Hell: Unearthing the Darkest Secrets of English Etymology by Jess Zafarris is a exploration of the English language, where words go to be tortured and mutilated into unrecognizable shadows of their former selves. It's where Latin, Greek, and Germanic roots are shredded apart and stitched unceremoniously back together with misunderstood snippets of languages snatched from the wreckage of conquest and colonialism. It wreaks merciless havoc upon grammar and spelling. It turns clinical terms into insults and children's tales into filthy euphemisms. With an emphasis on understanding where the foulest words in the English language came from-and the disgusting and hilarious histories behind them-this book demonstrates the true filth of our everyday words. But this book is more than just a list of vulgar words and salacious slang. It's a thoughtful analysis of why we deem words as being inappropriate as well as revealing 'good words' that have surprisingly naughty origins. Dirty-minded word nerds and lewd linguistics lovers will derive unadulterated pleasure in leering at the origins of swear words, sexual lingo, inappropriate idioms, violent vocabulary, and terminology for bodily functions-not to mention the unexpectedly foul origins of words you thought were perfectly innocent. If it's inappropriate, stomach-churning, uncomfortable, or offensive, this book reaches into the dark recesses of history and exposes them for all to see.

Words from Hell is a book crafted for readers that love learning about words, and take joy in discovering the dirty, unexpected, and unusual path some words have taken to get to their current connotation, and dictionary definition. I was glad that the author took the time to point out how much of the English language has been stolen from other languages, and how many cultures, languages, and people were destroyed via colonization over the years. Not to mention the classism, racisms, and xenophobic tendencies that seem to pepper themselves trough out the way the language has developed. I thought the book was well organized, and offered a sardonic tone, with facts and humor balancing nicely. I think word nerds will enjoy the read. 

Early Book Review: Picturing Joy: Stories of Connection by George Lange

Picturing Joy: Stories of Connection by George Lange is a guide to Lange’s approach to life as well as the highlights of his career. It is currently scheduled for release on November 7 2023. This optical and optimistic book captures his curiosity, energy, and enthusiasm for people and photography. It also distills wisdom gleaned from a lifelong search for quotidian beauty that might otherwise go unnoticed. Through intimate stories and more than eighty photos, Picturing Joy invites readers to appreciate life with all their senses and to change their perspective by being open to new things.

Picturing Joy is a lovely coffee table book that offers stories and photographs from Lange's career and life. Some of the people he has had the opportunity to work with, and the amazing shots he has taken are wonderful to read about and enjoy. I was glad that he included stories for the celebrates that he did, but that he also included 'normal' folks and lesser known individuals in the book. I love that he also included information on why and how he does this job, and offers encouragement and tips for others to follow their own path. I think aspiring photographers, and those just starting out or interested in the field will get the most out of this book. 

Book Review: The Library of Shadows by Rachel Moore

The Library of Shadows by Rachel Moore is a young adult paranormal mystery. Radcliffe Prep is the third most haunted school in the country. A student disappearance isn’t uncommon and no one dares stay in the library after dark. And Este Logano enrolls with the hopes of finding her dead father. Not literally, of course. She doesn’t believe in ghosts. Going to her dad’s school just seems like her best hope at figuring out who he was. But then Este meets Mateo, who is maybe—probably—definitely—a real ghost. And an annoying one at that. When Mateo frames Este for the theft of a rare book from the library’s secret spire and then vanishes, Este will have to track him down or risk being expelled and leaving Radcliffe early just like her father did. Except following her father’s footsteps might be more dangerous than Este ever anticipated. As she investigates the library with its secret passageways, hidden tunnels, and haunted halls, she learns that the student disappearances aren’t just myth. And if she isn’t careful, she’ll be next.

The Library of Shadows is an interesting read. I liked getting to know Este, and thought her thoughts and behaviors were realistic, and I could relate to some of her efforts to stay unconnected to those around her. Her struggles to do everything herself, and do the best she can were completely on point for me. Mateo, the mystery of the book, and her father's connect to it all were revealed in a slow but steady pace, and I think that was done very well. I will admit that I saw certain reveals and aspects of the story coming, but the ride was worth it. I do have to admit that at some point I started to drift from the story, but that could completely be blamed on a busy life and could very well have nothing to do with the read. However, I felt like there was just a little bit of a lull in the story, but it picked back up for the ending. 

The Library of Shadows is an engaging read with a nice balance of mystery, ghosts, and romance.

Early Book Review: Anatomical Oddities: The Otherworldly Realms Hidden within Our Bodies by Alice Roberts

Anatomical Oddities: The Otherworldly Realms Hidden within Our Bodies by Alice Roberts is currently scheduled for release on November 7 2023. Every part of the human body has a name—and story. But how familiar are you with your arachnoid mater or your Haversian canals? Anatomical Oddities explores the less-familiar realms of the body, unveiling the mysteries etched into the most outlandish landscapes hidden inside all of us: our crypts and caverns, gorges, islets, and mountains. Along the way, it dips into the history of our relationship with our physical form and the discoveries that paved the way for modern anatomy and medicine. Quirky, bizarre, and beautiful, these pages feature original artworks by Alice Roberts. The stunning, full-color illustrations lay bare the intricate details of the human body, the stories of people who unearthed its secrets, and the meanings of the words we use to describe it.

Anatomical Oddities is a fascinating read, and I am very glad that I requested it on Netgalley. I thought the page long sections on each body feature was just enough information to keep readers engaged, interested, and learning. I found the text to be accessible, with a conversational tone and sense of humor that balanced the more scientific and technical aspects of the topic. I thought the matching images were very well done, and gave context to the text. It was well written, and readers can feel the expertise and knowledge that has gone into crafting the book. The only thing I could have asked for is a bibliography or suggestions for further reading for those that would like to explore anatomy or the entomology of the related language further.  I really enjoyed the entomology for the terms, and learning more about the human body, and how bizarrely wonderful it is. 

Early Book Review: Girls of the World: 250 Portraits of Awesome by Mihaela Noroc

Girls of the World: 250 Portraits of Awesome by Mihaela Noroc is currently scheduled for release on November 7 2023. This collection of powerful photographs and moving stories showcases young women of all backgrounds, from a myriad of cultures, showing us that all girls are awesome in their own special way. Travel from Kabul to Texas with author and photographer Mihaela Noroc and experience astonishing diversity and a shared humanity in Girls of the World: 250 Portraits of Awesome. The inspiring stories of these young women are the stories of our planet. Their gaze into the camera reveals their strength and tenacity, their joy and fun-seeking spirits, even in the face of hardships and extraordinary challenges.

Girls of the World: 250 Portraits of Awesome is a wonderful book for children and adults to look through and explore. I loved the diversity of girls included, and thought that everyone could see someone they could identify with or aspire to be more like. Some of the girls had more information shared about their experiences, culture, and plans than others. However, I think the information shared was well balanced between different parts of the world, different cultures and experiences, and different plans for the future. Some of the young people included were continuing and celebrating the culture and traditions of their families, others were breaking new ground, and some shared nothing more than enjoying being a kid. I loved that every path was celebrated and that the emphasis was on strength, happiness, and hope for the future.  I learned some things about different countries and cultures, and I think some readers will see the names of countries or people that they have never heard of before. I hope that it can inspire future exploration into those areas, and the understanding that all of us are at the heart the same, while we have so many differences to celebrate and explore to better understand each other.

Early Book Review: unOrdinary (Volume 1) by uru-chan

unOrdinary (Volume 1) by uru-chan is currently scheduled for release on November 7 2023. From WEBTOON, the #1 digital comic platform, comes unOrdinary, the popular, action-packed series about John, an ordinary teen trying to survive high school in a world where superpowers dictate social status, and betrayal and conspiracies make up every turn. Nobody pays much attention to John – just a normal teenager at a high school where the social elite happen to possess unthinkable powers and abilities. John prefers it that way. The more he stays under the radar, and stays close to the Royal’s most powerful Ace, Seraphina, the safer he is in the halls of Wellston High. But John has a secret past that threatens to bring down the school’s whole social order—and much more. And when the other students start to suspect John has something to hide, he becomes their latest target. Suddenly, John is pulled into a world of turf wars, betrayals, and deadly conspiracies. 

unOrdinary is an enjoyable and engaging read. I liked that hints to the personalities and secrets of many characters were given, and there is clearly more going on in the background of the story than the author is sharing with readers thus far. John and those in the story are all so much more than they appear. There are several storylines and important characters that have been well developed, and while there is so much going on the strength of the writing and flow does not suffer for it- which sometimes happens when there are this many threads to follow. I feel like there is a great deal of foreshadowing, and I have many ideas where certain parts of the story might go next, but there are so many story threads that I am doubting myself. My only complaint with this volume is that it ends at the perfect spot. I felt like I had a decent handle on who everyone was and that something big was coming, and then it was over. Perfect way to leave me looking for the next volume- and to explore WEBTOON more. 

Audiobook Review: Stray Shadow: Oh Sh*t! Wrong Side of Heaven! (Arachnomancer) by Dustin Tigner, Narrated by Qarie Marshall

Stray Shadow: Oh Sh*t! Wrong Side of Heaven! is the second book in the Arachnomancer series by Dustin Tigner, audiobook narrated by Qarie Marshall. This is very much a series that needs to be read, or listened to in order. 

Heaven sucks. It most definitely, undeniably did not live up to the expectation of a paradise in the clouds, not with the talking spiders, evil priests of Light, and war, lots of war. Those of Light simply wouldn’t leave the fledgling village—Dedu Tedu Novus—alone. Peace was not on the menu. The seven declarations of war made that point crystal clear. Worse, in a series of unfortunate and escalating events, our stray King of Shadows finds himself where he really ought not to be. But maybe . . . this is a good thing? Probably not. Dhane, Dhane, Dhane, what ever will you do next? Uncover forgotten truths? Form alliances with monsters? Take a stroll in the most dangerous places a Shadow can be? Probably.

Stray Shadow is just as much fun, and as full or danger and angst, as the first book in the series. Dhane is coming into his own more, leaning into his responsibilities, abilities, and role in the larger picture. I liked getting to see some of my favorite characters from the first book make an appearance, and I look forward to how the story will continue. There is constant and consistent world building, and character building. It is exciting seeing all the thread get woven together and towards a bigger conclusion. I think my biggest complaint is that I listened to a companion book for a secondary character, that took place before the action of Dhane's first book. They have had moments in both of Dhane's book, and there is clearly so much more to their story (which I want desperately) but see no coming books for them, instead I see another companion book for another character coming. Do not get me wrong, I will be reading that one too- but I need some loose ends tied up and some questions answered for Sarah. 

Stray Shadow is a superb follow up to Wrong Divinity. This series, and related companion books, is my new obsession. 

Book Review: Let's Just Be Friends by Katy Turner

Let's Just Be Friends by Katy Turner is a contemporary romance.  Right person, wrong time? Or better off as friends? Holly Anderson needs to decide. Cheerful and confident veterinarian Holly doesn’t do flings. Falling in love is not in her five-year plan. Moving her entire life out of London to a fishing village in the Scottish Highlands is definitely not part of her plan. But then Holly’s life is turned upside down. She finds herself in tiny Eastercraig, where a run-down surgery, a gorgeous seaside home and two immediate new friends await. She has barely arrived when a tipsy Greg Dunbar lets himself into her cottage in the middle of the night. Greg is only back in Eastercraig to discuss the future of the family farm with his stubborn brother. He doesn’t know that Holly has moved in. Neither of them is looking for romance. They should just be friends, right?

Let's Just Be Friends is a romance with several layers. Going in I thought I would just be getting Holly and Greg's love story. Instead I get a story about Holly finding her place, making new friends, and figuring out life in a small Scottish town. The story visits several character's view points, and I thought the story line was great, and I loved getting to know the secondary characters and their stories so well. My only real complaint is that there was so much going on, so many stories to be told, that it sometimes felt like too much. I think the stories of Holly and her friends could easily have been divided into three books, giving readers more time to get to know each character much better. Since there was so much story I felt like any one character or part of the story got the depth and detail that they deserved. I felt like there are a lot or great moments and details to the story of Eastercraig and its residents that just did not make it to the page, and I will be keeping an eye on the author to see if more of it gets told.

Let's Just Be Friends is an engaging read with great characters. 

Early Book Review: Finding My Elf by David Valdes

Finding My Elf by David Valdes is a young to new adult romance currently scheduled for release on November 7 2023. Escaping to NYU for college didn’t turn out the way Cameron planned—he’s flunking his theater classes, about to lose his scholarship, and he still hasn’t found anyone he can call his “people.” When he gets home for winter break, he’s so desperate to avoid a Conversation with his dad that he takes the first acting job he can get—as a mall elf. Despite how Scroogey he feels, the plus side is that there’s a cash prize for the most festive of Santa’s helpers. But the competition is fierce—especially from fellow elf Marco. Christmas spirit oozes out of his veins. At first Cam is determined to see him as nothing but a rival, but as they spend more time together, Cam starts to second-guess himself. What if he’s finally found his people here—in the fakest consumerist nightmare place on Earth, where he least expected it?

Finding My Elf is a book that is as much about finding romance as it is figuring yourself out. I think it also hold the great reminder, that even the people you think have it all figured out are struggling too, and that being true to the people that matter is much more important that what anyone else thinks of you (which you might have wrong any way). I felt for Cameron a great deal, even when he made mistakes that I felt were realistic for someone their age and struggling to find their place. I adored Marco, and saw the basic trajectory of the story coming from the start, but I loved the ride. I thought the depth given to the secondary characters was great, making no character all bad or good- just human with concerns, flaws, and issues that they need to figure out. I really enjoyed this read and will be on the lookout for more from the author. 

Finding My Elf is a a romance that many readers will be able o relate to on some level while getting into the holiday spirit.