Book Review: Boundary Lines by Melissa F. Olson

Boundary Lines by Melissa F. Olson second book in Boundary Magic series. While I have not read the previous book in the series (though I plan top now) I felt like I bought up pretty quickly and was still able to enjoy the story. 

Fitting into the Old World isn’t going very well for Boulder boundary witch Allison “Lex” Luther. She may have earned a place in a vampire’s service, but now it seems as if every supernatural creature in town has found a reason to hate her. And when Lex and her partner are assigned to investigate the suspicious disappearance of two vampires during the night of the full moon, they find themselves with more questions than answers. The crusade for answers will lead Lex all over the Colorado Old World, from a prison cell for a broken werewolf to a haunted Denver brothel. And when Lex determines the responsible party, the hunt is just beginning: something has been awakened in Boulder, something as old and powerful as it is terrifying. Only the woman with death in her blood can stop what’s coming.

Boundary Lines had a good balance of action, world building, and a touch of romance. While I missed most of the set up by not reading the first book, I feel like there was enough refresher information for returning readers that I got the gist of what had happened, and it was not so much that those returning readers would have been bored. Lex is making the best of a bad situation, trying to do the right things to keep everyone safe, even if they do not like her. The tension between Lex and the vampires and witch community is strong, and Lex’s dislike of social situations in general made me like her immediately. I liked the mystery, the danger, and the character development for Lex and the circle of people in her life. The compassion and need to protect others is a diving force in her, one that trumps all else, which made me like her even more. I need to go back and read the first book, not because I need holes filled, but because I want to know more. The characters are complex, and their connections even more so. 

Boundary Lines is the perfect pick for anyone that likes urban fantasy or mysteries but want complex characters and situations. The pacing is steady, and there are plenty of twists and turns coupled with tough choices that will keep those pages turning well past bed time.

Melissa F. Olson was raised in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, and studied film and literature at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. After a brief stint in the Hollywood studio system, Melissa moved to Madison, Wisconsin, where she eventually acquired a master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, a husband, a mortgage, a teaching gig, two kids, and two comically oversized dogs—not at all in that order. Learn more about Melissa, her work, and her dogs at www.MelissaFOlson.com.

Early Book Review: Animals That Make Me Say Ewww! by Dawn Cusick

Animals That Make Me Say Ewww! by Dawn Cusick is children's nonfiction book currently scheduled for release on March 1 2016. This book details some of the less appealing aspects of the animal world. From blood-squirting reptiles to blood-sweating mammals to nose-picking primates, learn about some of the most disgusting creatures in the animal kingdom. Animals have developed some weird, wacky, and just plain gross habits and skills that help them survive.

Animals That Make Me Say Ewww! has a host of interesting facts about the bizarre habits and skills that animals have developed to help them survive. some are disgusting defenses to protect them from predators, others are symbiotic relationships or grooming habits that help keep them comfortable and healthy, and some are to help them find and devour their own prey. Some of the facts I already knew, like the teamwork between certain birds or fish and much larger animals that might otherwise consider them food or pests, but I did learn some new things as well. I liked the detail about the whys of the gross facts, rather than just the information about what each animal does and why it is gross. This would be a great book for readers that love learning about animals, and those looking for some information on the icky side.

Animals That Make Me Say Ewww! is a wonderful resource and I think it will be appreciated by animal and ick lovers alike. A great addition to home, school, and library collections. 

Early Book Review: A Friend for Mole by Nancy Armo

A Friend for Mole by Nancy Armo is a picture book that is currently scheduled for release on March 1 2016. An accidental encounter throws Mole and Wolf together. One is afraid of the light, the other is afraid of the dark. Together they learn that friends are all they need to conquer their fears.

A Friend for Mole follows a mole that gets lost after looking out of its hole to see what is going on above ground. After getting lost he finds his way into a different hole, only to find it occupied by a wolf. The odd pair each have their own fears and find comfort in being together. The odd couple helps each other and become friends. The illustrations are bright and do a wonderful job of showing the emotions and hope inherent in the story.

A Friend for Mole is a great odd couple story that includes overcoming fears and facing new things.  

Early Book Review: Ballet Cat: Dance! Dance! Underpants! by Bob Shea

Ballet Cat: Dance! Dance! Underpants! is the latest easy reader by Bob Shea. It is currently scheduled for release on February 2 2016. Ballet Cat is getting her friend Butter Bear ready for her big ballet debut. Butter Bear would prefer to just point her toe, rather than take big leaps like Cat. When Ballet Cat keeps pushing, Butter Bear gets hungry, then thirsty, then sleepy, making up all sorts of excuses. Butter Bear would rather do almost anything to avoid making a big leap. Why? Because her bottom is covered in silly underpants and she is afraid to be laughed at.

Ballet Cat: Dance! Dance! Underpants! is a funny easy reader, and holds up to my expectations of Shea. I like that Cat and Bear enjoy their rehearsing, and that in the end Cat understands Bear's fears and encourages her friend to ignore the peanut gallery and do what really makes her happy, and what is best for her. The fact that Bear's underpants are simply awesome and almost as cool as her big leap- and that Cat's underpants are just as colorful- make the story even better. The illustrations are typical Shea, which means they are a great match to the story and perfect in their cuteness and simplicity. 

Ballet Cat: Dance! Dance! Underpants! is the second book in Shea's Ballet Cat series. If you liked the first, or the author's style in any way, then this will be another fun read for you.

Book Review: Hedgehogs by Steve Wilson and Lucy Trapper

Hedgehogs by Steve Wilson and Lucy Trapper is a picture book about the troubles of hedgehogs that want to show affection, but are stymied by their features. Horace and Hattie are hedgehogs, and the very best of friends. Together, they make daisy chains, splash in puddles, and have tea parties. But there is one thing they want to do, but cannot. The cannot hug each other! They are just too spiky. Throughout the seasons, these two hedgehogs will try many different ways of hugging. But will Horace and Hattie find a hug that feels just right?

Hedgehogs a sweet and fun story that had me flipping through the book several times, even though I should have already moved on to other things. Horace and Hattie just want to hug each other. They try  a variety of methods and tools, some logical and some silly. They just keep trying, until they accidentally find the answer. The illustration and text pair together perfectly and make the reader empathize with the prickly hedgehogs, and cheer them on. There are some giggles, and some aww moments to boot. I really like that the final solution offers the answer to another mystery of life. 

Hedgehogs is a must read for picture book fans. The illustrations and story are simply adorable, and I loved it. Take a peek, you will thank me later!

Book Review: Straight by the Rules by Michelle Scott

Straight by the Rules by Michelle Scott is the third book in the Lilith Straight series. Lilith Straight might have a contract to act as the Devil's servant, however she still has her conscience. This makes life just a little bit tricky in Hell, as you might imagine. When your sister actually belongs in Heaven, the hot man in your life has his own devilish agenda and the rest of your family won’t stop meddling in your unfinished business life is very complicated!

Straight by the Rules is the third book in this series, and while I have not read the previous books and know I missed a great deal of set up and world building, I was able to catch up to speed quickly. Although I will say that I am eager to go back and read the first two book. Lilith is stuck in a contract to follow instructions and tempt particular people at certain times. She is still trying to figure out how to get out of her contract, but is afraid to go too far from the letter of the rules and put her daughter and extended family at risk. Life is even more complicated because her almost boyfriend is also in the service of the devil, and has been at it much longer. Then there is her friend, who she has enthralled, the niece that lives with her, and the challenge of fulfilling her contract while not betraying her own value or those that believe in her. I liked her methods, her outlook, and her nature. The story had me hooked, even without knowing just how we all got here. Even the secondary characters made themselves known, and interesting to me. 

Straight by the Rules is a quick paced, fun urban fantasy. I enjoyed the characters, and getting to know them. I will be going back to read the first two books, and am looking forwards to seeing where the fourth book will take me as well. 

Book Review: The Highlander Who Loved Me by Adrienne Basso

The Highlander Who Loved Me by Adrienne Basso is a historical romance.  Sir James McKenna, second son of the powerful McKenna Chief, knows he has found his destiny when he falls in love with sweet Lady Davina Armstrong, niece of the Armstrong Chief. Orphaned in childhood, Davina has always felt like an outsider, and with James finally feels that she belongs. But their plans for a happy future are shattered after a brutal attack by a band of rogues. Horrified, Davina’s overprotective family quickly shelters her from everyone, including James. Five years later, James is a changed man. His fighting skills sharpened to perfection, he is hardened by the war and destruction he’s endured as a Scottish knight, and by the loss of Davina. When he returns home he is shocked to find Davina there. Is it too late for them to start anew, or will the past dare to lay claim to their future once more?

The Highlander Who Loved Me is a story about two honorable characters that have found true love, and lost it because of circumstances and fear. I liked Davina, although I felt her a little naive and foolish on a couple occasions. However, I think that it was in character, since she had such a sheltered life. I liked James as well, even though I thought he gave up and run away way too soon after the attack. I understood why, and know that if he hadn’t the rest of the book would not have been there, but I still wanted to kick him. I really liked James’ family and the support, and complications, that they offered. I would the big reveal about the cause of the problems to be an actual surprise, and liked the way that everything came together in the end. 

The Highlander Who Loved Me is a well done historical romance that speak to the ability of love to really concur all- but not without a little effort and work by the people involved. I liked the complex characters and have a feeling that I will be returning to the time and family to see how James’ brother finds love in future books from the author.  

Book Review: Bossypants by Tina Fey

Bossypants by Tina Fey is her memoir. I listened to the audiobook which she read herself. Before Liz Lemon, before "Weekend Update," before "Sarah Palin," Tina Fey was just a young girl with a dream: a recurring stress dream that she was being chased through a local airport by her middle-school gym teacher. She also had a dream that one day she would be a comedian on TV. She has seen both these dreams come true. This book includes stories from her youthful days as a vicious nerd to her tour of duty on Saturday Night Live; from her passionately halfhearted pursuit of physical beauty to her life as a mother eating things off the floor; from her one-sided college romance to her nearly fatal honeymoon—from the beginning of this paragraph to this final sentence.

Bossypants is a memoir that includes many short stories from Tina Fey's life. I like that the snark and humor that I love about Tina Fey is present in every story. The book was made even better by the fact that she did the audiobook recording herself, so her inflections and asides just made the experience that much better. I did not like that the book was not really a comprehensive memoir or biography, instead it was a collection of the stories she was willing to talk about from her life. There were some pretty big parts of her life that were left out. For instance, one moment she was telling her story about working in improve, and then she was talking about her honeymoon cruise. Nothing was said of getting married or other really important moments that lead up to some of the stories she did share. I loved what was there, but I kind of wanted more.

Bossypants is a funny and sometimes thought provoking book. I was highly entertained, and recommend listening to the audiobook. Tina Fey's humor and wit shine4 through, and some of her early experiences, and parenting experiences, felt very familiar to me. It just made me want to sit down and talk over coffee with her more. 

Book Review: I’m Trying to Love Spiders by Bethany Barton

I’m Trying to Love Spiders by Bethany Barton is a nonfiction picture book about spiders. This is a fun,  witty picture book that gives the reader a little perspective on spiders. While many people are afraid of them, or just get the willies when they see them, spiders are amazing and helpful creatures. This book gently takes those that are less than fond of spiders and gives them good reason not to reach for the shoe or other solid object when they run across a spider. 

I’m Trying to Love Spiders gives readers of all ages a fresh ands funny look at spiders. While the book features some squished spiders, as the story is about getting over a distaste for spiders, it also includes lots of interesting facts about spiders. For instance, I had no idea that I was more likely to be struck by lightning than die from a spider bite- not that I expect either to happen to me. I liked the details about spiders, the rest of which I did know, such as how they eat, that there are a variety of web and trap styles and hows many insects a single spider can eat in a year. This is a great pick for any reader that dislikes spiders, and other insects for that matter. Even if it does not get them past their dislike, at least they will have a good laugh.

I’m Trying to Love Spiders is a great book for helping children, and reluctant adults reading aloud, to see spiders in a new way. Facts about the amazing abilities of spiders, and how rare actual harm from a spider is, might help everyone be a little kinder to our eight legged friends.   

Early Book Review: Naturally Bug-Free by Stephanie L. Tourles

Naturally Bug-Free: 75 Nontoxic Recipes for Repelling Mosquitoes, Ticks, Fleas, Ants, Moths & Other Pesky Insects by Stephanie L. Tourles is currently scheduled for release on February 23 2016. This book is a resource that offers the information you can use to protect yourself, your children, your pets, and your home from bugs without using store bought chemicals. There are 75 simple recipes for safe, effective bug repellents you can make at home from all-natural ingredients. The recipes can offer protection from mosquitos, ticks, and other biting insects. There are also recipes for pets, such as herbal shampoo, bedding formulas, and flea-and-tick collars and powders. The book also includes repellents for the home, such as sachets that repel moths, carpet powders that repel fleas and ants, and essential oil repellents to keep your pantry pest-free. A detailed ingredient dictionary explains the properties of all the herbs, essential oils, and other key ingredients.

Naturally Bug-Free is a wonderful resource for readers that want to explore natural avenues in home and health care. the book goes into great detail about the why and how anyone can go about using all natural recipes. There are concise and informative descriptions about each possible ingredient, tool, and storage container that you might use. There are recipes sprays, balms, body oils, and tinctures, with scents ranging from eucalyptus to floral, lemon, vanilla, and woodsy spice. I like the level of detail and information included, as well as the variety of recipes. While I tend to stick to the most gentle sprays, there is something for everyone willing to take the leap into natural repellents. The inclusion of personal insect repellents, as well as those for pets, homes, and prevention really make this a resource that can be utilized by all skill and interest levels. All of the information included is important, some of it necessary reminders for those that might think themselves already experienced or highly knowledgeable on the subject.

Naturally Bug-Free is a useful and highly informative resource for anyone looking the defend themselves, their family, their pets, or their homes from pests without using harsh chemicals that might cause damage to the environment (or themselves). This would be a great addition to home or library collections.