Early Book Review: Up in Smoke (HotShots) by Annabeth Albert

Up in Smoke is the forth book in the HotShots series by Annabeth Albert. Each can stand on their own, but I really enjoy these so I suggest reading them all anyway. It is currently scheduled for release on April 27 2021. 

Freewheeling smoke jumper Brandt Wilder thrives on adrenaline. He’s never met a parachute he can’t repair or a dangerous situation he couldn’t wrangle his way out of. He’s popular and fun-loving and not at all looking to settle down or form lasting relationships. It’s a lifestyle that’s served him well…right up until the day he finds a baby on his doorstep. Shane Travis is used to putting his country music career—and his own happiness—on hold after his sister rolls through his life. Like last spring when she convinced him to try skydiving for his birthday—and she walked away with the hot parachute instructor. Now he gets to deliver the piece of news that will upend Brandt’s carefree life: he very well might be a dad. Shane’s niece is safe in Brandt’s strong, capable hands, but too many questions remain unanswered. Co-parenting while they sort it out leads to late-night talks, and soul-bearing confessions lead to a most inconvenient attraction. Still, Shane can’t leave this makeshift family behind—even if it means playing house with the one man he can’t resist.

Up in Smoke is a perfect continuation of this series. I thought the two men and a baby was used very well, particularly since neither seemed to have a childhood that would prepare them for this kind or responsibility and situation- not like anyone could really be prepared for it. I liked Brandt's personality- his desire to do right by Jewel, his job, and his reluctance to fall in love were very well balanced. Similarly, Shane's emotional connections and talents had me hoping the best for him from page one. I liked that no one was really the bad guy, and that sexuality and mental illness were just things that were part of the story, discussed in real, frank ways that do not make them talking points but show that they are just part of life. The give and take between Shane and Brandt was engaging, and I liked seeing them come to understand each other and themselves as they figure out parenthood. Building a solid relationship can be hand, parenting can be harder- especially when you do not have the nine months to prepare for it. Combining the two made  for a challenging situation that these two made it through with great success. I hope to see cameos of them in future books.

Up in Smoke is a wonderful read with a balance of heat and sweet.

Book Review: Fowl Language: Winging It The Art of Imperfect Parenting by Brian Gordon

Fowl Language: Winging It The Art of Imperfect Parenting by Brian Gordon is here to remind parents that they are not alone. Parenting is hard and often gross. Laughing about it helps. This comic collection offers readers a comprehensive view of the early parenting years in all of their maddening cuteness and sanity-depriving chaos. The book features some favorites as well as dozens of previously unpublished cartoons organized into 12 thematic chapters—including "Babies: Oh Dear God, What Have We Done?"; "Siblings: Best Frenemies Forever"; and "Sleep: Everybody Needs It, Nobody's Gettin' It". Each of these sections begins with an essay by Gordon.

Winging It is exactly what I was expecting, and then some. I have been a fan of Gordon's work for awhile and follow the related social media accounts. This means that I have seen some of the images before- but something about the style, humor, and honesty inherent in the comics never gt old for me. Too often I think parents are trying to act perfect, like they have it all together and know what they are doing. I have always felt like parents, myself included, are all just faking it and trudging ahead trying to do the best we ca for our families. I love seeing someone writing and drawing about feeling the same way. We all love our kids- but no matter how much love there is there will still be moments when selling them on Esty seems like a good idea. I think that being honest about having those moments is just as important for a parent's mental health and survival as facing the moments when they start pulling away and become more independent. There was a great deal that I related to in this collection- the sleep deprivation, picky eating, and sibling arguments most of all.  I think most parents can find something to relate to or laugh at in this book, and will enjoy the ride. 

Winging It is an enjoyable and relatable read for parents and caregivers. The combination of love and frustration that is parenting is captured with honesty and humor. 

Book Review: Lunarbaboon: The Daily Life of Parenthood by Christopher Grady

Lunarbaboon: The Daily Life of Parenthood is a collection of comics from  Christopher Grady that explores the daily family life with Lunarbaboon. The comics show life's everyday parenting moments from the perspective of a 30-something dad together with the laid back Mom, wild child Moishe, baby Matilda, and their cat.  Moods of the art range from the hilarious (defeating closet monsters with a “stun” blaster that offers surprising facts about bears, Mars, and cats) to the sweet (the gray scale-to color transition out of depression at the touch of a loved one).

Lunarbaboon: The Daily Life of Parenthood is a collection that hit all the right notes with me. I love the online version of this comic, and found the collection to be just as enjoyable, even though I had seen some of them before. I like that Grady includes the funny and enjoyable moments of parenthood along side the sad, frustrating, and sweet moments. The honest and slightly jaded look at life is one I can relate to, and lose myself in. I enjoy the perspective and the combination of humor and more serious emotions. I think that parents from a variety of backgrounds and situations will see something that reflects the daily moments in their lives. The only downfall is that I had seen some of the comics before, my only change would be for more new art, but I am sure that more will come our way in time. 

Book Review: Joss (Gray Wolf Security # 3) by Glenna Sinclair

Joss is the third book in the Gray Wolf Security series by Glenna Sinclair. This is the only book in the series I have read, but was able to enjoy it without having read the others. I think reading the series as a whole would give a better understanding of some of the characters, but does not directly effect the enjoyment of each book on its own. 

She doesn’t talk. How the hell am I supposed to trust the life of my child to a woman who won’t talk? I’m paying thousands of dollars to Gray Wolf Security to protect my child from potential kidnappers, and they give me this emotionally broken woman who won’t speak. Not only that, but she’s so tiny she couldn’t hurt a fly. Well, okay, so she knocked me to the ground. But I’m not a drug lord with a loaded pistol pointed at an innocent child. Just because she’s beautiful and she has these curves that I can’t seem to get out of my mind doesn’t mean that I’m okay with this situation.

Joss is a book that takes two wounded adults and tosses them together under trying circumstances. Imperfect characters facing their own issues and each others while coming together to find a happy ending makes for a fun read. Carrington is facing threats to his daughter because of his refusal to take part in illegal dealings. He is desperate to protect her, but is unsure that the willingly mute, and petite, bodyguard is the right fit for his needs. the attraction between the two makes things more complicated- of course. Joss has lost a husband and child, and protects herself through her silence- and avoiding contact with children. That is all thrown out the window when she is assigned this job. I liked that each of these main character has dealt with loss and pain and found a way to keep going. While they each have some serious issue to work through, there is also Carrington's daughter McKelty to worry about and plenty of real danger to face. The danger is real, and comes along more than once with almost consistently high levels of suspense.

Joss is a heavy action and entertaining read. There are shoot outs, running, and some struggle to deal with beyond the emotional and intellectual wounds. While not the very best contemporary romance with suspense that I have read, it was still an entertaining read for a weekend.

Book Review: Jordan’s Return by Samantha Chase

Jordan’s Return by Samantha Chase is a contemporary romance about healing and second chances. A summer on the Virginia coast is exactly what Jordan Manning needs to regroup and recover from a near-fatal accident at the hands of her abusive ex-husband. Wanting only to spend time bonding with her two sons and come up with a direction for their future, Jordan’s perfectly crafted plan is turned upside down when she runs in to Rob Tyler, the first man who ever broke her heart. He was content with his life; at least that’s what Rob had been telling himself until seeing Jordan again. Spending time with her and her boys has Rob re-evaluating his life. Making up for his past mistakes won’t be easy, but the chance of having Jordan back in his life makes him want to try.

Jordan’s Return is a story of second chances. Jordan has escaped an abusive marriage, even though even that was not her decision. However, she is looking for a fresh start and to do what is best for her two sons, who are the focus of her life, and her future. Rob is doing well for himself and thinks he is content, until he sees his first love, and the woman he regrets his mistakes with in his small town. The attraction and emotion between the two still lingers, and Rob is more than willing to rekindle the romance. Jordan is still nursing her wounds (quite literally) and is a little reluctant to jump into anything. Stubborn minds, pride, and lack of listening cause more problems than anything else. I liked the characters, but did not really get invested in the story. I liked the read, but never really connected with the characters, except for maybe each of the main character’s extended family. All the elements of a solid contemporary romance were there- it just did not speak to me, and thats okay.

Jordan’s Return is a sweet romance with characters facing issue and complications partially of their own making. I liked the secondary characters almost more than the main players, but found the story to be solid and worth a read for fans of Chase and contemporary romance. 

Book Review: What the Dinosaurs Did Last Night: A Very Messy Adventure by Refe and Susan Tuma

What the Dinosaurs Did Last Night: A Very Messy Adventure by Refe and Susan Tuma is a picturebook from the parents who brought us the web sensation "Dinovember" comes photographic proof of what toys do at night. Kids have always thought about what would happen in their toys came to life. One creative pair of parents decided to find out. Every November, writer and social media master Refe Tuma and his wife, Susan, work into the night to bring their four children scenes from the secret lives of their toys; specifically the nighttime antics of their plastic dinosaurs. The dinosaurs wreck bathrooms, destroy vases, rock out, encounter terrifying hot irons, even do the dishes with hilarious, magical results. This book offers the story about how the dinosaurs behave, why, and what not to do if it starts happening in your house. the photographs and text come together nicely to ignite imaginations and humor readers of all ages.

What the Dinosaurs Did Last Night is a picturebook that I greatly enjoyed. I had seen stories about these parents, and the trend that they started (there are many parents out there doing this or similar things now).  I always get a kick out of the imagination and inventiveness they use to create these plastic dinosaur tableau's. I love the photographs and admit to being daunted by the amount of work this team put into placing the dinosaurs and coming up with stories to match. I think some younger or more sensitive children might find the idea and execution of some of the scenes a little troubling. When my oldest was younger he would have needed the light on in his room and had trouble sleeping with the idea that the toys in his room were wandering around the house and up to mischief, while my youngest would have been upset that they were not including her in the fun.

I would recommend What the Dinosaurs Did Last Night to families that might consider joining in the fun, or that take part in similar things like Elf on the Shelf and so one. I am frankly afraid to share this one with my kids, because I do not have the energy to do this sort of crazy fun. I highly appreciate those that have the creativity and willingness to entertain us all along with their children.

Books to Help Understand Social Media Safety

These days even the youngest kids have access to phones, computers, and tablets; and hence the internet. This means parents, teachers, caregivers, and children to to understand the dangers of being so connected with strangers, as well as the possibilities they offer for socialization, education, and entertainment. We do not want anyone to be afraid of the internet and its social opportunities, but we need to exercise caution and understand that not everyone and everything online is what it appears. Here are some books, a list of books to share with children and a list for parents and other caregivers, to master the tools they need to be safe and confident online.

For Kids:

Maintaining a Positive Digital Footprint by Jeff McHugh

Internet Safety (Rookie Read-About Safety) by Lisa M. Herrington

Internet Safety for Kids and Young Adults by Jeff Sechler

Smart Girl's Guide to the Internet (American Girl) by Sharon Cindrich and Ali Douglass

Children's Books: Gigabytes of Disaster by Jennifer Burrows and Joe Lorenzano

For Parents:

The Boogeyman Exists; And He's In Your Child's Back Pocket: Internet Safety Tips For Keeping Your Children Safe by Jesse Weinberger

CyberSafe: Protecting and Empowering Kids in the Digital World of Texting, Gaming, and Social Media by Gwenn Schurgin O'Keeffe

Screen-Smart Parenting: How to Find Balance and Benefit in your Child's Use of Social Media, Apps, and Digital Devices by Jodi Gold

Cyber-Safe Kids, Cyber-Savvy Teens: Helping Young People Learn To Use the Internet Safely and Responsibly by Nancy E. Willard

The Parent's Guide to Texting, Facebook, and Social Media: Understanding the Benefits and Dangers of Parenting in a Digital World by Shawn Marie Edgington

The Big Disconnect: Protecting Childhood and Family Relationships in the Digital Age by Catherine Steiner-Adair, Ed. D. ; with Teresa H. Barker

Talking Back to Facebook: the Common Sense Guide to Raising Kids in the Digital Age by James P. Steyer ; with a foreword by Chelsea Clinton 

Book Review: Doodle Diary of a New Mom: An Illustrated Journey Through One Mommy’s First Year by Lucy Scott

Doodle Diary of a New Mom: An Illustrated Journey Through One Mommy’s First Year by Lucy Scott includes dozens of funny moments like baby’s first lunch out to a forensic view of the living room. No matter how prepared a mother and family thinks they are, these are some universal truths that every mother can relate to, and laugh at. There are 120 two-color illustrations and is the perfect gift for Mother’s Day, baby showers, or year-round fun. Also included are a few doodling prompts in the back of the book so moms can doodle their own first-year memories.

Doodle Diary of a New Mom is a fun and realistic look at what the first year of motherhood can look like. Now that I am 6 years or so out of that stage of life I can laugh about it all a little easier, and a little harder. I remember the lack of sleep (which I am still catching up on), diaper catastrophes,  the fact that it takes twice as long to pack up a kid’s gear and get them in the car that it does to run any necessary errand, and the ability of a child to complete destroy something in the time it takes you to blink (which is still in effect). Ah, the good old days- nope, not doing that again, two and done for me. The illustrations are cute and perfectly capture the sheer force of nature wrapped in cuteness that is a baby. This will make any mom or grandmother laugh, and any expectant mother a little more prepared, and a little scared about her upcoming adventures. 

Doodle Diary of a New Mom would make a great gift for mothers, grandmothers, or anyone expecting to become either in the near future. The book is funny, because it is true. As much as parents love their children, even in the midst of the crazies moments, it is a good relief to be able to laugh about it, and to see that others have gone through the same, or very similar, moments and you are far from alone!