Early Book Review: The Fourteenth Goldfish by Jennifer Holm

The Fourteenth Goldfish is a middle grade novel by Jennifer Holm which is currently scheduled for release in August 26 2014.  Eleven-year-old Ellie has never liked change. She misses fifth grade, her best friend, and even her dearly departed goldfish. Then one day a strange boy shows up; he is bossy, cranky, and looks an awful lot like her scientist grandfather. Could this pimply boy really be Grandpa Melvin? Has he finally found the secret to eternal youth?

The Fourteenth Goldfish is a story that is fun, but still covers some big ideas. Ellie is a smart girl with an artistic mother that wants her to find her passion. Middle school is hard, especially when your best friend has found her passion, and it is nothing you have interested in. When Melvin comes on the scene, dressed in his grandfather clothes while looking like a 13 year old boy, Ellie discovers a lot about science, who she is, and what she loves. The characters are all realistic, and just interesting to read about as they all come to learn more about themselves and the cycle of life. A coming of age tale about finding yourself well and truly woven together with a story about both the wonders and dangers of science.

I enjoyed the The Fourteenth Goldfish, and think that most readers will enjoy it as well. those facing changes in life, such as entering middle school, growing apart from a good friend, or a change in family dynamic will find the book particularly relate-able. Holms comes through again with a great book.

Giveaway for Katie MacAlister's Noble Series

Did you see my review for The Truth about Leo by Katie MacAlister yesterday? Did it sound interesting but you have not read the previous books in the series? Well... I am here to help you out! My review of the second book in the series, Noble Destiny, can be found here. My reviews for the remaining two books are scheduled and coming soon.


I just happen to have galley copies of each of the for books in the series on my desk. I would love to pass those on to a fellow readers. Do you want the set?? Well, all you have to do is use the nifty Rafflecopter form that follows to enter. Keep in mind that there is a free entry that you can use daily! 

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The giveaway will last for one week. I will contact the winner for mailing information and then get those books in the mail. If the winner does not respond to my email within two days, another winner will be chosen.

Book Review: The Truth about Leo by Katie MacAlister

The Truth about Leo is the forth book in the Noble series by Katie MacAlister, which is set for release today, August 5 2014. Dagmar Marie Sophie is a poverty-stricken Danish princess whose annoying royal cousin is about to have her stuffed away in a convent. When she finds a wounded man unconscious in her garden, she sees a way out of her desperate situation. Leopold Ernst George Mortimer, seventh earl of March, and spy in the service of the king, finds himself on the wrong end of a saber and left for dead. He wakes up not remembering what happened and in the care of a beautiful woman who says she is his wife. Once they get to London Leo sets out to unravel what he's forgotten, with the help of his old friends the eccentric Britton family. Is Dagmar truly the wonderful, irrepressible woman who makes his heart sing, or will she be his destruction?

The Truth About Leo rounds of the Noble series nicely. Dagmar is a nice mix of innocent, smart, and sweet. She trusts a little too easily, but stands up extremely well under pressure and stands up for herself and those she feels are in the right with no hesitation.  Her enthusiasm about just about everything is infectious. Leo is a little slower to trust, but when you have worked as a spy that seems to be a good idea. He seems to be intuitive and fair minded, with a honorable streak a mile wide. The pair make a great match, even with their unusual beginnings. Quirky characters, humor, and some very exciting moments come together just as we expect from MacAlister. I will say that I did see through the mystery or twist woven through the story pretty quickly, but just what the characters go through to get to their conclusions is always interesting. 

I would highly recommend The Truth about Leo to everyone that enjoys historical romance and the signature blend of humor and love found in just about every book from MacAlister. Oh, just read it... and the entire series,. It is a fun story that will make you smile as you turn the pages to see just what might happen next.

Early Book Review: Julia's House for Lost Creatures by Ben Hatke

Julia's House for Lost Creatures by is the first picturebook by Ben Hatke, author of graphic novel Zita the Spacegirl, and is currently scheduled for release on September 2 2014. When Julia and her walking house come to town, she likes everything about her new neighborhood. Everything but how quiet it is! So Julia puts a sign up: “Julia’s House for Lost Creatures.” Soon Julia and her home as hosting goblins, mermaids, fairies, and even a dragon. Quiet is not a problem anymore for Julia,but getting her housemates to behave themselves is!

Julia's House for Lost Creatures is a delightful picturebook with highly detailed watercolors. I loved that Julia is laying down in bed and just cannot rest because it is too quiet. I have that trouble sometimes myself. so, she puts up a sigh declaring a welcome to lost and homeless creatures. Before long she has a very full house, and very little help. she is feeding and cleaning up after everyone. She comes up with a brilliant idea of a chore list, making use of each creature's unique talents, and soon everything is set to rights again. the variety of creatures that show up on Julia's door, and their behavior makes for a charming and entertaining tale.

I would highly recommend Julia's House for Lost Creatures for library, school, and home collection. This is not just because I am rapidly becoming a fan of Hatke's work, but because this book works on several levels. it is a book that is simply great fun, but it can also be used to discuss how we should act as guests, the importance of pitching in, and the importance of being willing to help others. I think it would be a wonderful addition to every collection that includes picturebooks.

Cover Reveal for Suzanne Brockmann's Young Adult Debut: Night Sky!

This fall, bestselling author Suzanne Brockmann makes her YA DEBUT with NIGHT SKY (October 7), co-written with her daughter, Melanie Brockmann. And today the cover is revealed! 

What do you think? Do you love the cover? Are you going to check it out?

Summary:

Sixteen-year-old Skylar Reid is thrown into a strange world when she discovers that she has unique telekinetic and telepathic powers.  After Sasha, the child she babysits, is kidnapped and believed to be murdered, Sky and her best friend Calvin are approached by Dana, a mysterious girl who has super-abilities similar to Sky’s.  With the help of Dana and her sidekick Milo, the four teens embark on a quest to discover who killed Sasha, and to bring the killers to justice.

With Dana as Skylar’s surly and life-toughened mentor, Sky attempts to harness her powers to aid them in their quest. Complicating an already complex relationship with the older girl, Sky starts to fall for the dangerously handsome and enigmatic Milo – and begins to suspect that the attraction is mutual. But then Sky realizes that Sasha might still be alive, and the unlikely foursome’s mission becomes one of search and rescue, pitting the heroic teens against a very deadly enemy.

Biography:

Suzanne Brockman, a New York Times and USA Today bestselling romance author, has won 2 RITA awards, numerous RT Reviewers’ Choice, and RWA’s #1 Favorite Book of the Year three years running. She has written over 50 books, and is widely recognized as a “superstar of romantic suspense” (USA Today). Suzanne and her daughter, Melanie Brockmann, have been creative partners, on and off, for many years. Their first project was an impromptu musical duet, when then-six-month-old Melanie surprised and delighted Suz by matching her pitch and singing back to her. Suzanne splits her time between Florida and Massachusetts while Mel lives in Sarasota, Florida. NIGHT SKY is Mel’s debut and Suzanne’s 55th book. Visit Suzanne at www.SuzanneBrockmann.com.

Quiz and Giveaway: Which Type of Historical Romance Heroine Are You?

Quiz: Which Type of Historical Romance Heroine Are You?

#1 What word best describes you?

a) effervescent

b) nonconfrontational (mostly) 

c) stealthy

#2 My favorite hobby is ...

a) comparative study of the male form

b) looking after my darling baron   

c) target practice

#3 What is the perfect late night snack?

a) bread, cheese, meats, lemon tarts … whatever can be liberated from the kitchen

b) the baron's kisses

c) ratafia, shaken not stirred

#4 My ideal man must have ...

a) a sublime derriere

b) an aptitude for growing hardy, contrary flowers 

c) brains

#5 What accessory do you never leave home without?

a) my corset (large bosoms are such a trial)

b) my composure 

c) my pistol

***

If you choose mostly As ... then you are as sparkling and resourceful as Her Serene Royal Highness Dagmar from The Truth About Leo by Katie MacAlister. Dagmar may have been raised in a strictly formal manner, but she’s never let that stop her from pursuing anything that catches her interest. She’s a bit quirky, marches to her own drummer, and has a fine, fine appreciation of the manly form.

If you choose mostly Bs … then you are clearly the stuff a baroness is made of, much like Millicent, from The Traitor. Milly is sweet, fierce, determined, and brave but slow to trust. Sebastian, Baron St. Clair, is ALSO sweet, fierce, determined and brave, and relentless when it comes to protecting those he cares for. Alas for both Sebastian and Milly, an enemy stalks them who is not sweet. By the time Milly is done with Sebastian's enemies, they are not very brave either. So if you chose mostly B's, the bad guys better steer mighty clear of you!

If you choose mostly Cs … then you are equipped to be a master spy like Jane Bonde from Love and Let Spy by Shana Galen. Jane is smart, cunning, and loyal, but she has her weaknesses too. Her latest weakness goes by the name Dominic Griffyn. Planning a wedding and defeating a villain intent upon the destruction of England is tricky, but if you're the sort who multitasks easily, then you too have Jane's unique skills and panache.

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Book Review: Hero of a Highland Wolf by Terry Spear

Hero of a Highland Wolf is the 14th book in the Heart of the Wolf series by Terry Spear. It is currently scheduled for release on August 5 2014. It is not necessary to read the prior books to enjoy any of the books in this series.The MacQuarrie werewolf clan has overseen the Playfair family’s Ardmore Castle for three centuries. So when a Playfair granddaughter from abroad inherits the estate, clan chief Grant MacQuarrie is not happy about having her in his way. Colleen Playfair is excited and apprehensive about her new role at the castle, but is ready for the challenge. She knows that the stubborn Grant won’t make things easy, but she has some surprises of her own.

Hero of a Highland Wolf is a fun paranormal romance. What American werewolf can say that they own a Scottish castle? Not many, but Colleen is rather excited to be one. She wants the change of scenery and does not want to change anything unless she thinks necessary. Grant remembers Colleen's father, and he was nothing but trouble/ He thinks that Colleen will follow in his footsteps so he is determined to make things as hard as possible for her. However, her good nature and willingness to learn and listen change everything. It does not hurt that the pair have an almost instant attraction. The werewolf bit has its role to play, and there is deception and life threatening moments to keep readers guessing, but it is the personalities of Grant and Colleen that keep the pages turning. I loved the surprises they each had in store for the other, and I am sure to pick up any other book in this series that I run across.

 I highly recommend Hero of a Highland Wolf to readers that like contemporary romance, men in kilts, paranormal romance, and suspense. The book has a little bit of everything and comes together just about perfectly. I have read a few books in this series, and my only real issue with any of them is that the official blurb never really matches what you get. I do not mind, because what is actually in the book has turned out to be better than promised each time.

Book Review: Riding Home by Vicki Lewis Thompson

Riding Home is the sixteenth book in the Sons of Chance series by Vicki Lewis Thompson. This contemporary romance is currently schedule for release as an ebook on  August 1, 2014, it was available as a paperback as July 15, 2014. Jeannette Trenton's name is well known in the small town of Jackson Hole, and on Last Chance Ranch in particular. She is the woman that was engaged to one of their beloved citizens, only to cheat on him with his best friend. Now she has come back to atone for her past actions, and to mend fences with the two men that were once good friends and are now finding their own happy ever after. Zach Powell knows Jeannette's type; a wound-up-tight perfectionist with one eye on her email at all times, because he used to be the same way. . He thinks that she needs to shake it loose, face her imperfections, and allow herself to make mistakes. The only thing no one can mistake it the heat that seems to connect them.

I am a fan of Vicki Lewis Thompson, so when Riding Home popped up on NetGalley I had to read it even though I have not read the previous books in the series. Thankfully this is a series because of the connected people rather than a larger story arch so I do not feel like I was missing out on parts of the story without having read the other books. Jeannette was a good character, she is owning up to her mistakes and trying to make things right. She is aware of her problems and making efforts to fix them. Zach has made some changes too, but is not quite sure if he needs to make more. Both are stubborn, smart, and very attracted to the other. I liked the dynamic between them, and there was some humor and hot scenes a plenty. Each of them irked me at some point because of their stubbornness, but I still enjoyed the read. I think it was Thompson's writing style and combination of humor and steam that carried the book for me.

I would recommend Riding Home to those that have read the first two books in the Sons of Chance series. Thompson fans that have somehow missed this series, like myself, should definitely give it a look. If contemporary cowboys or character growth are what you look for in a romance, then this is a book for you.

Book Review: Witch Hunt: An Urban Fantasy Mystery by SM Reine

Witch Hunt: An Urban Fantasy Mystery is the first book in the Preternatural Affairs series by SM Reine. When Cèsar Hawke wakes up after a grand celebration and a bit too much to drink he discovers scratches on his arms, a discharged Glock on his coffee table, and a dead woman in his bathtub. Regardless of what it looks like he knows for a fact that he didn't kill her. He's an agent with the Office of Preternatural Affairs. He doesn't hurt people, he saves them. However, the evidence is daunting and no one seems to believe him so Cèsar is on the run and out to prove his innocence. Isobel Stonecrow speaks with the dead, for a price. She brings closure to the bereaved and heals broken hearts. But when she resurrects someone for the wrong client, she ends up on the OPA's most wanted list. Tracking down Isobel was the last case assigned to Cèsar. Now he is searching for he to find answers and to prove that he didn't kill that waitress. He can clear his name, get his job back, and bring justice to the victim.

Witch Hunt is a fast paced murder mystery and start to what looks to be a great series. Cèsar is a man used to rescuing others, and turns that experience towards capturing Isobel and clearing his name. His partner helps him as much as she can, but can he still trusty her? Dirty agents, the legitimate police, and still mounting evidence keep Cèsar on his toes, and sometime doubting himself. Isobel is smart and tricky. I really loved her spunk and ability to outsmart and out pace just about everyone. The mystical elements of witches, demons, and the like offer a unique world which is well built and explored in this series opener. The twists and turns kept me on my toes and guessing.

I would recommend Witch Hunt to those that like suspense and mystery mixed in with their urban fantasy. Fans of Jim Butcher's Dresden Series or Simon R. Green's Nightside series might particularly enjoy this blend of  investigation and magic.

Book Review:Crimson Heart by Heather McCollum

Crimson Heart is the third book in the historical romance Highland Hearts series by Heather McCollum. Elena has spent her entire life hiding, walking a thin line between lady and servant and hiding her royal blood. Now, a fiercely Catholic queen on the throne and Elena's Protestant caretaker is a target and she is at risk. Searc Munro is a highland warrior with a secret of his own. In a family of healers his ability to kill with a touch has been his secret for years, but when he reveals it to save his father he can feel his clan's suspicious glances. He sets off alone, only to  save a lass being attacked in the forest. together the pair seek refuge only to stumble onto a series of ritualistic murders, suspicion, and court intrigue.

Crimson Heart is a book that started off wonderfully. Elena is a smart, strong, and capable woman that somehow gets herself into some tricky situations. she is so used to hiding her lineage hat she has trouble fully trusting anyone, and holds onto her secret for as long as possible. Searcis a compassionate yet powerful alpha male that feels his version of the family magic might be evil.  The growth of their friendship, attraction, and most importantly trust is well done and does not feel rushed. The addition of the court intrigue was perfect, making things build and move along faster without make the reader feel like things were unnaturally forced ahead. My only issue is that in one scene the situation, which should have been a grand dramatic moment, I felt like I had read that exact situation before. In fact, it felt so familiar that I went back and made sure I had not read the book before, or something from this series before, to account for it. Perhaps it was just me.

I think that readers that enjoy historical romance, particularly with a slight twist of magic or political intrigue, will really enjoy Crimson Heart. Readers that have read other books from Heather McCollum will definitely want to pick it up.