Book Review: Just the Thing (The Donnigans) by Marie Harte

Just the Thing is the second book in The Donnigans series by Marie Harte. The first book was A Sure Thing, and while the characters overlap and those that are following the series will have more insight into them, newcomers can also enjoy the read, although it is likely to make you want to go back and see what you missed.

Gavin Donnigan left the Marine Corps a shell of a man, hounded by guilt for deaths he couldn't prevent. But teaching a self-defense class at the local gym brings some stability to his life―along with a gorgeous leggy woman who won't give him the time of day. Zoe York lost her twin sister to a freak car accident a few months ago. She's been struggling to bury her grief, but it isn't until she signs up for a self-defense class with its distracting instructor that she begins to come out of her shell again. With the memory of her sister telling her to live a little, Zoe decides a fling with buns-of-steel Gavin Donnigan might be just the thing. Soon they're sparring both in and out of the gym. And for the first time in a long time, each is looking forward to tomorrow.

Just the Thing is another book from Harte that features characters with real problems, and real support systems. Gavin is dealing with his issues, and moving forward with the help of family, hard work, and therapy. Zoe is doing her best to move on from her own family tragedy while still having a challenging career. I love the interaction between Zoe and Gavin, they tease and bicker in a way I find real as well as entertaining./ At the same time, I love the relationship between Gavin and his family. I found the combination of teasing and support to be so entertaining and oddly charming. Rather like the way my brother and I tease each other but would do anything for each other. I love the honesty and real feel of the characters. They are written so well that I really came to care about the characters and felt like I could see them in the real world. I honestly want to meet the characters from the Donnigan and related series- and love the fact that they are overlapping more and more. 

Just the Thing is another great book from Harte. I am currently gathering all the books she has published, and reading more from her. My only disappointment it that I somehow missed the Netgalley offering of one book, and did not find this author until recently. I will be searching library collections and Amazon to make sure I get my hands on them all.

Book Review: Where Oliver Fits by Cale Atkinson

Where Oliver Fits by Cale Atkinson is a picturebook about finding your place. Oliver has always dreamed about where he will fit. Will he be in the mane of a unicorn? The tentacle of a pirate squid? The helmet of an astronaut? When he finally goes in search of his perfect place, he finds that trying to fit in is a lot harder than he thought. But like any puzzle, a little trial and error leads to a solution, and Oliver figures out exactly where he belongs.

Where Oliver Fits is a sweet and funny story that explores all the highs and lows of learning to be yourself and shows that fitting in isn't always best. Oliver tries changing himself to be what others think he should be, and for awhile it works. However, pretending to be something else did not feel right, Oliver was not happy pretending to be something else. It was only when he got read of all the disguises that he found out others were pretending too, and that being himself got him the perfect fit.

Where Oliver Fits is a great book to discuss every type of difference between people, both visible and invisible. This could be a great discussion starter about things like autism, in which every single case is different. It could also be used to discuss things like ability, appearance, gender identity, or really anything that can cause fictions between people that might be different and those that do not understand.

Book Review: The Legend (Sons of Texas) by Donna Grant

The Legend by Donna Grant is part of the Sons of Texas series. This is the only book from the series I have read, and I felt like I was missing  big parts of character development and the larger story arch. The main characters had a history, which I suspect was part of the previous books. While I could still enjoy the read, I think those that have read the series in order will get much more out of it than those of us that read one alone.

Callie Reed doesn’t need a man to protect her. An expert sharpshooter and renegade hacker, this Texas-born spitfire’s got the skills and the courage to stand up to any danger, no matter how deadly. But when she becomes the target of a shadowy organization known as the Saints, Callie is forced to team up with the one man she can’t outshoot: the gorgeous, and infuriating, Lone Star legend named Wyatt Loughman. A Delta Force Colonel with a rock-hard body and stone-cold heart, Wyatt has been teasing and tormenting Callie since they were playmates on his family’s ranch. Of course, he’s wildly attracted to the fiery, strong-willed Callie. But he’s always hidden his feelings behind a wall of Texas tough and military cool, even as he’s burning up with desire. Can Wyatt save Callie’s life—without putting her love in the line of fire?

The Legend is a contemporary suspense romance. I liked the characters, Callie is a strong woman that has been through a lot but still struggles to stay in a position to be in the right. Wyatt is a strong alpha male trying to stay unattached or connected to others, for their own good. They were a couple briefly, before Wyatt left for the military and the dangerous work it involves. The family dynamics with Wyatt, his brothers, and their father is important to the series and so is the history of Callie and her family. Most of this background information is clear in the story, but it is obvious that those returning to the story from previous books are at an advantage. The book also changes viewpoints, including Wyatt's brothers and and other important players in the larger story line. It was a little too much going on to make me happy, mainly because I felt like I was joining the story halfway through. However, I did enjoy the characters and the way they eventually worked things out. There was plenty of action, danger, and intrigue to keep me on my toes, as I waited for the happy ending.  

The Legend is a good book, but there is so much going on with the larger story arches and other characters that were clearly related to the other books in the series that I often felt a bit adrift. The characters and story were solid, but it is clearly a series that needs to be read as a whole, in order. 

Book Review: Where are you Wilbert by Bárdur Oskarsson

Where are you Wilbert by Bárdur Oskarsson is a picturebook about a small gray rat and her large gray friend, Wilbert. They are playing hide-and-seek. Wilbert is tough to find, so the rat asks a passing crocodile for help. Together, they hunt behind every tree they can see, and finally, the rat spots Wilbert. But the crocodile can’t see Wilbert, even when he’s standing right in front of them. Why not?

Where are you Wilbert is a sweet picturebook about imagination and friends. I like the minimal text and light colors in the illustrations. The effect is gentle and sweet, emphasizing the way different people see the world. I like that even though the crocodile cannot see Wilbert, he is still friends with the rat and does not make fun of her for their differences. I found the book to address perspective and imagination well, while keeping the story sweet and enjoyable.

Book Review: Missing by Kelley Armstrong

Missing by Kelley Armstrong is a young adult thriller. The only thing Winter Crane likes about Reeve’s End is that soon she’ll leave it. Like her best friend did. Like her sister did. Like most of the teens born in town have done. There’s nothing for them there but abandoned mines and empty futures. They’re better off taking a chance elsewhere. The only thing Winter will miss is the woods. Her only refuge. At least it was. Until the day she found Lennon left for dead, bleeding in a tree. But now Lennon is gone too. And he has Winter questioning what she once thought was true. What if nobody left at all? What if they’re all missing?

Missing is a bit of a mystery and very much a thriller. I liked the characters and the mystery surrounding Winter's search for Lennon and the missing teens from Reeve's End. I thought the reality of the hard lives people in Reeve's End face is engaging and makes the larger story and mystery much deeper. Winter's struggle to get a better life, and her willingness to risk it all to do the right thing draws the reader and makes them care so much about her as a character and a person. I found Lennon and Jude, and the personalities and mystery surround them, to be extremely well done. I will admit to being surprised several times with the elements intrinsic to the thriller aspect of the story. I like that the physiological component was high, and that while there was some gore, it was not overwhelming. The balance of character and setting development was pretty much perfect, making the town and characters all very real and multi dimensional rather than flat and boring bits in the background. While I am not a big fan of thrillers, I found myself rather hoping for even more about Winter what might happen next to most of the characters. 

Missing is a young adult thriller, a new direction for Armstrong. I have been a fan of her other works, but I am not usually a big thriller fan, but I recognized the writing style and enjoyed the read very much. I might even continue reading her thrillers because of her character and setting work, despite my general avoidance of the genre.

Book Review: Phoebe and Her Unicorn in the Magic Storm (Phoebe and Her Unicorn) by Dana Simpson

Phoebe and Her Unicorn in the Magic Storm is the sixth graphic novel in the Phoebe and Her Unicorn Series by Dana Simpson. I have not read this series in order, but I have seen the first three books. I think newcomers and those that might have missed some books along the way will still be able to enjoy the read.

Phoebe and Marigold decide to investigate a powerful storm that is wreaking havoc with the electricity in their town. The adults think it’s just winter weather, but Phoebe and Marigold soon discover that all is not what it seems to be, and that the storm may have a magical cause. To solve the case, they team up with Max, who is desperate for the electricity to return so he can play video games, and frenemy Dakota, who is aided by her goblin minions. Together, they must get to the bottom of the mystery and save the town from the magic storm.

Phoebe and Her Unicorn in the Magic Storm is a story about magic, friends, and bravery. I like that Phoebe cares very little about what others, including Dakota, think of her. She just goes on doing things she loves, and being a good friend to those around her. I wish more kids (and adults) focused more on their own friendships and activities than what others are doing. The mystery and conflict behind the storm and power drain was creative and fun, with an extra layer about friendship and making new friends. Even while the action was in high gear, there were aspects of the story that was still focused on character and relationship development. And, as always, I found the artwork to be charming and a meaningful part of the story.

Phoebe and Her Unicorn in the Magic Storm is just what readers of this series, and readers that like fantasy and graphic novels, will enjoy. I think this will be a hit among the target audience, and with any reader looking for a story about friendship and magic. 

Book Review: Shacking Up by Helena Hunting

Shacking Up by Helena Hunting is a contemporary romance. Ruby Scott is months behind on rent and can’t seem to land a steady job. She has one chance to turn things around with a big audition. But instead of getting her big break, she gets sick as a dog and completely bombs it in the most humiliating fashion. All thanks to a mysterious, gorgeous guy who kissed—and then coughed on—her at a party the night before. Luckily, her best friend might have found the perfect opportunity; a job staying at the lavish penthouse apartment of hotel magnate Bancroft Mills while he’s out of town, taking care of his exotic pets. But when the newly-evicted Ruby arrives to meet her new employer, it turns out Bane is the same guy who got her sick. Seeing his role in Ruby’s dilemma, Bane offers her a permanent job as his live-in pet sitter until she can get back on her feet. 

Shacking Up is a romance that made me laugh and cringe in all the right places. There were funny, awkward, and endearing moments through the book. I loved Ruby's character, she wants to be able to prove herself and stand on her own two feet. I can understand her need, as can most adults that might still feel like they are faking it until they make it. I like that while eager to stand on her own feet, is willing and able to laugh at herself along the way. Bancroft is another character doing the best he can in a situation that is not exactly what he was hoping for, and working to make it better. I loved the banter between the two, and the conflicts that they have. I think the larger conflicts about dealing with the expectations of society in general, and parents in particular, made the story more engaging. I found myself smiling or cringing, depending on the action, as I read the book- completely into the story and empathizing with Ruby as she worked through the story. 

Shacking Up is a fun romance with plenty or gloriously awkward moments, and characters that are realistic and engaging. I will be reading more from Hunting.

Book Review: Benji and the 24 Pound Banana Squash by Alan C. Fox

Benji and the 24 Pound Banana Squash by Alan C. Fox is a story for anyone who has ever had a dream of doing something really, really big. Benji wants to grow the biggest banana squash ever. In spring, when the soil is soft, he plants the seeds he has saved from the previous summer. He waters and waits, anxiously watching over the plant as the tiny squash begins to grow. Each day he lovingly measures its progress. On harvest day, the squash has grown so gigantic from all his love and attention that Benji can barely carry it. When the squash is cooked up with butter and brown sugar, everyone in the family enjoys a mouth-watering, homegrown treat. This charming garden-to-table story not only teaches children where food comes from, but also that patience and nurturing pay off with delicious rewards. 

Benji and the 24 Pound Banana Squash is a story about patience, and how caring for something makes the reward all the sweeter. Benji is eager to grow the biggest banana squash ever, but he needs to be patient because nature is not always quick. I love that the story shows him being taught persistence and responsibility for the plant, rather than him just being that way. His eagerness, and occasional frustration with the time and effort involved is honest and real. I thought the illustrations were lovely, and added an extra layer to the story. 

Benji and the 24 Pound Banana Squash is a perfect pick for families, story times, and classrooms that are gardening with children or trying to show the effort that goes into growing our food. I can think of many great classroom or homeschooling projects that would go well with this book, although it does work wonderfully as a simple, fun read to share as well. 

Book Review: Pressed to Death (Perfectly Proper Paranormal Museum) by Kirsten Weiss

Pressed to Death is the second book in the Perfectly Proper Paranormal Museum series by Kirsten Weiss. I think that those that have read the first book,  The Perfectly Proper Paranormal Museum, will have a head start with character and location details. However, it has been so long since I read the first one that I forgot some of the relationship particulars. So, I think newcomers will be able to catch up pretty quickly and not miss out on much. Weiss does a good job of including reminders and details that are important in the story.

Paranormal museum owner Maddie Kosloski has the perfect exhibit for the harvest festival—a haunted grape press. But when she’s accused of stealing the press, and her accuser is murdered, all eyes turn to Maddie. Knowing the perils of amateur sleuthing as she does, Maddie is reluctant to get involved, at least until her mother insists she investigate. Does her mom have a secret agenda? Or is she somehow connected to the murder? Facing down danger and her own overactive imagination, Maddie must unearth the killer before she becomes the next ghost to haunt her museum.

Pressed to Death is a good mystery, and offered more twists than I was prepared for. I think knowing some of the previous relationships I was almost at a disadvantage, because some of the things I needed fleshed out or expanded on from the first book were almost ignored, and the coverage they had was not very deep. I liked the book, and the writing style, but the characters did not really grab me as much as they did in the first book. Although, some of the secondary characters were even more interesting than I was quite prepared for. While I was not overjoyed with the read, I do plan on continuing the series, because it has a lot of potential and I think it could get even better.

Pressed to Death is not as good as I was hoping, but it was still a fun read with plenty of adventure. I think the mystery and danger part of the book were on point, but I was distracted by all the side plots and felt like some of them could have been fleshed out in their own short story or book. 

Book Review: May's Wild Walk (The Whisker Sisters) by Miss Paty

May's Wild Walk is the first book in The Whisker Sisters series of graphic novels by Miss Paty. A letter from Mrs. Owl, the Whiskers Sisters' mail carrier, prompts Mia and Maya to plan a celebration. But their little sister, May, has been swept up in Mrs. Owl's mailbag! Soon May is in the woods having a wild afternoon. But will she make it home in time for the party? 

May's Wild Walk is a graphic novel for young readers. Poor May, the youngest of the sisters, is left out of discussions because she cannot read and her sisters cannot understand her when she talks. Luckily, when her adventures begin and she is out in the world she discovers that the creatures of the forest are much better able to understand her than her siblings. Together May and and animals work to save the girl's party- and does even better than that. I love the connection between May and the animals, and how hard the animals work to make things right. I think the art was well done, and very cute. My only sticking point is that I would have liked more from the older sisters than an apology then going right back to laughing.