Book Review: The Highlander (Victorian Rebels) by Kerrigan Byrne

The Highlander is the third book in the Victorian Rebels series by Kerrigan Byrne. The previous books were The Highwayman (which I did read) and The Hunter (which I did not). It is not necessary to read the series in order or completely to enjoy the stories.

They call him the Demon Highlander. The fearsome Lieutenant Colonel Liam MacKenzie is known for his superhuman strength, towering presence, and fiery passion in the heat of battle. As Laird to the MacKenzie clan, the undefeated Marquess has vanquished his foes with all rage and wrath of his barbaric Highland ancestors. But when an English governess arrives to care for his children, the master of war finds himself up against his greatest opponent in the game of love. Defying all expectations, Miss Philomena is no plain-faced spinster but a ravishing beauty with voluptuous curves and haughty full lips that rattle the Laird to his core. Un intimidated by her master’s raw masculinity and savage ways, the headstrong lass manages to tame not only his wild children but the beast in his soul. With each passing day, Liam grows fonder of Miss Mena—and more suspicious. What secret is she hiding behind those emerald eyes? What darkness brought her to his keep? And how can he conquer this magnificent woman’s heart without surrendering his own? 

The Highlander is more dramatic and compelling than the description suggests. Philomela (Mena) is not just a governess. The book opens with her confined in a horribleness insane asylum, committed by her abusive husbands and his family. This gives her journey to hide as a governess in the home of someone reputed to be so violent an extra dimension that the book cover just does not portray. I thought the combination of emotional wounds and mistrust that Mena and Liam have make the story, and their coming together some much better. I like that the problems do not just magically disappear. There are a series of additional obstacles  and they need to handle some together, and some on their own. I think Byrne handled both very well. The additional complications had me holding my breath a couple times, and I was very much invested in the characters and their lives by the end of the book. It also reminded me how far the rights of women have come- and how much farther we have to go.

The Highlander is so much more than the publisher’s blurb suggests. The characters are complex, and the conflicts are built up and executed well. I enjoyed the unexpected complexity of the characters and think I will have to go back and check out the book I missed. 

Early Book Review: Narwhal: The Unicorn of the Sea by Ben Clanton

Narwhal: The Unicorn of the Sea by Ben Clanton is an early graphic novel that is currently scheduled for release on October 4 2016. Narwhal is a happy-go-lucky narwhal. Jelly is a no-nonsense jellyfish. The two might not have a lot in common, but they do they love waffles, parties and adventures. Join Narwhal and Jelly as they discover the whole wide ocean together is three silly and simply awesome adventures. First, Jelly learns that Narwhal is a really good friend. Then Narwhal and Jelly form their own pod of awesomeness with their ocean friends. And finally, Narwhal and Jelly read the best book ever, even though it doesn't have any words or pictures!

Narwhal: The Unicorn of the Sea is tremendous fun. At first I almost called this an easy reader- mainly because it had the feel of fun and friendship I get when enjoying an Elephant and Piggie book from Mo Willems, or the more recent Ballet Cat from Bob Shea. However, this book is about a narwhal- who does not love a narwhal? Particularly when one is so enthusiastically happy and willing to try just about anything, particularly if it will make his friend jelly happy. The three adventures are fun, and show the importance of friendship and trying new things, and imagination, just as much as they make readers of all ages laugh. As a bonus, there are some interesting bits of information about real narwhals tossed in with all the fun.

Narwhal: The Unicorn of the Sea is a great book to introduce young readers to graphic novels. However, if you are against graphic novels for some reason, just call it a picturebook or easy reader- because it could fit those descriptors easily as well. A delightfully fun book that will make fans of Bob Shea and Mo Willems very happy.

Book Review: The Pinkaboos: Bitterly and the Giant Problem by Laura Gosselin, Jake Gosselin, and, Billy Kelly

The Pinkaboos: Bitterly and the Giant Problem is a transitional chapter book written by Laura Gosselin and Jake Gosselin, and illustrated by Billy Kelly. It is the first book in a new series, with the second book, Belladonna and the Nightmare Academy, released this month. 

This is going to be the best year ever for best friends Bitterly, Abyssma and Belladonna as they are starting a new school year at Fright School! But when Bitterly, the most promising fright, is faced with a school bully and some nightmares of her own, she finds help from the last place she expected—the little girl whom she has sworn to protect.

The Pinkaboos: Bitterly and the Giant Problem is the start of a new series that is about facing fears, dealing with bullies, and finding your place and talents. I like that our main characters are those who should be scary, but are dealing with school pressures and self doubts like their readers. These young frights are in school to learn how to help their assigned human to deal with nightmares in fears. In the process of figuring out how to help her girl, Bitterly figures out how to handle her own fears and worries. I think this is a great new series for readers just venturing into chapter books. This book is right up my daughters alley and I think there are many other readers that will enjoy it as well. 

The Pinkaboos: Bitterly and the Giant Problem is an empowering  series for young readers that presents the challenges of childhood through a magical world filled with not so scary frights. 

Book Review: The Book Blogger Platform by Barb Drozdowich

The Book Blogger Platform by Barb Drozdowich is a resource for bloggers that want to share their love of books, and their thoughts on the books they read.  Are you a book blogger or do you want to be one? Are you having trouble handling the technical details of blogging? The Book Blogger Platform can be a "user manual" for your blog! A book written by a book blogger for book bloggers and that answers all your questions! 

The Book Blogger Platform covers the basics off book blogging, complete with technical advice and over 25 how-to videos that are included at the end. The book covers everything you could need, including a breakdown of why many bloggers get started, how or where you can host your blog, what you should include in your blog, and the importance of networking with other bloggers (my shortcoming).  The information was clear and well organized, and the technical instructions were concise and understandable to beginners and seasoned veterans. I am glad I read the book because it reminded me that I had some updating and twerking to do, and that I had been seriously slacking in the social aspect of blogging. 

The Book Blogger Platform is a good guide for beginning bloggers. I will say that some of the links are no longer useful, because of blog catalogs or groups having disbanded or changing names, but as a general rule this book would be handy for those starting out, and for reminding those of us that have been at it awhile to keep updating and evolving with technology and our lives. 

Early Book Review: Lila and the Crow by Gabrielle Grimard

Lila and the Crow is a picturebook by Gabrielle Grimard which is currently scheduled for release on October 11 2016. Lila has just moved to a new town and can't wait to make friends at school. On the first day, a boy points at her and shouts: “A crow! A crow! The new girl's hair is black like a crow!” The others whisper and laugh, and Lila's heart grows as heavy. The next day, Lila covers her hair. But this time, the boy points at her dark skin. When she covers her face, he mocks her dark eyes. Now every day at school, Lila hides under her turtleneck, dark glasses, and hat. And every day when she goes home, she sees a crow who seems to want to tell her something. Lila ignores the bird and even throws rocks at it, but it won't go away. Meanwhile, the great autumn festival is approaching. While the other kids prepare their costumes, Lila is sadder and lonelier than ever. At her lowest point of despair, a special encounter with the crow opens Lila's eyes to the beauty of being different, and gives her the courage to proudly embrace her true self.

Lila and the Crow is a heartfelt look at how it feels to be different, picked on, and self conscious. Lila is new, and just wants to make friends. she is teased just because she looks different, not because of her actions or personality. While only one person is doing the teasing, no one stands up for her which only makes her heart heavier. It is only when she embraces, in fact flaunts, what makes her different that the words of others no longer have power over her.

While most people, regardless of age, have felt this way at some point, it is important to show your children that if they are feeling bad about being different for any reason, they are not alone. the story shows those that feel left out that they are not alone. It can be used to start discussions on what makes everyone different and why we should embrace those characteristics rather than try to hide them. It could also be used to show how a fellow classmate or two standing up and not joining in the laughter or offering to play might have stopped Lila from being so sad and lonely for the majority of the book. There are so many wonderful ways to use this book to start important discussions as a family, in a classroom, or in a storytime stetting that I think it is a must read. 

Early Book Review: Isabella Girl in Charge by Jennifer Fosberry

Isabella Girl in Charge is a picture book (and more) by Jennifer Fosberry. It is currently scheduled for release on October 4 2016. A big event has Isabella ready to leave home at the crack of dawn, but that’s a motion her parents are not likely to pass. After a two-to-one vote, it’s decided that some things need to happen before Isabella can leave the house, like eating breakfast and brushing her teeth! If her house is going to work like a democracy, Isabella knows what she has to do; call an assembly and campaign her way out the door! Isabella celebrates the women who were first to hold public offices. And if Isabella can get her parents out the door, she might just witness the first woman voted into the highest position of all.

Isabella Girl in Charge is a fun and informative book. As Isabella tries to get out to attend a grand event with her parents she changes names and imagined identities to take on the roles of some of the most important women in history. At the end of the book each of those women and their accomplishments are described in detail. In the end the family does get to their destination, to see a woman elected president (no, she looks nothing like Hillary or Jill). I like that while democracy and women breaking barriers is covered, were are no political lines drawn in the sand. It is not about policy or issues, but the fact that women are perfectly capable to doing such difficult jobs.

Isabella Girl in Charge is a great way to encourage girls to shoot for the stars, and to remind them that women can do anything. I really thought the information on the variety of women that are covered in the book was a crucial and interesting part of the book. Reading about women that decided the odds to be the first governor, mayor, and the like might just inspire a young reader to do something amazing. 

Book Review: Serafina and the Twisted Staff (Serafina, #2) by Robert Beatty

Serafina and the Twisted Staff is the second book in the Serafina series for middle grade and older readers by Robert Beatty. It begins a few weeks after Serafina and the Black Cloak ends. I do suggest reading the books in order, otherwise the relationships and natures of the returning characters will be hard to fully understand and it will take some time to catch up. 

n 1899, when an evil threatens all the humans and animals of the Blue Ridge Mountains, twelve-year-old Serafina, rat catcher for the Biltmore estate and the daughter of a shapeshifting mountain lion, must search deep inside herself and embrace the destiny that awaits her. She not only needs to protect the forest and discover what the danger is, but the darkness is inside the Biltmore as well.

Serafina and the Twisted Staff is an amazing sequel. The action follow close of the heels of the first book, so I do recommend reading the books in order (no hardship because the first book is wonderful) to fully understand Serafina, her childhood, and the struggles she faces in this book as she searches for her place in the world. She is not fully human, and does not quite fit in with the guests of Biltmore. However, she is not fully animal and is lacking certain skills and abilities that would aid her in surviving in the wild. She is struggling with who and what she is, and what she wants for her future. The danger she faces tests her on all fronts and she needs to come to terms with her past, present, and future. The mystery of who exactly the detective discovering a related murder is, the hooded figure that arrived as the animals fled, and animals acting in unnatural ways all come together in an unexpected way. While I did expect one of the twists, it was discovered in a fresh way that made the reveal and danger that much more intense.

Serafina and the Twisted Staff is a wonderful book, and unlike more follow ups, surpasses the first book. Serafina grows in character and understanding, while the reader grows right along side her. I highly recommend this series to middle grade readers and older, including adults! Readers that enjoyed the first book will need to read this, and those that have not should get started now. We will let you to catch up. I can only hope for more to come.

Early Book Review: The Night the Stars Went Out by Suz Hughs

The Night the Stars Went Out by Suz Hughs is a picturebook that is currently scheduled for release on October 1 2016. Alien is the star controller for the entire galaxy, which was a big job for a very little alien. He is so busy polishing the stars that he has no time for fun or friends. One night something disastrous happens, and Alien faces the biggest problem of his life. Will Alien be able to fix the stars?

The Night the Stars Went Out is a bright and boldly colored picturebook, which fits the story and characters perfectly. Alien is dedicated to his job, he has no friends or fun because he spends all his time polishing the stars. However, one night all the stars go out despite all his hard work. The only solution is some special star polish that is only available on Earth. Once there Alien has a few surprises, like the fact that he floats on Earth and making friends with a boy. I like that it is in finding a friend, and discoving the fun and importance of friendship, is what actually restore the stars. The adventures the fiends have, and the way the keep in touch, keep the heart of the story strong. 

The Night the Stars Went Out is a delightfully fun book about making friends, and making time for fun. While doing our duty and meeting our responsibilities is important, it is also important to take time out to enjoy life.

About the Author: Suz Hughes’s work has been published in a number of books. She studied art and design with a main focus in children’s illustration, which has served her well. Suz likes to mix imagination with everyday life in her work, hoping to make her readers smile. Suz grew up in Wales and currently lives in Manchester.

Book Review: Trouble Walks In by Sara Humphreys (The McGuire Brothers)

Trouble Walks In by Sara Humphreys is the second book in the The McGuire Brothers series. I did not read the first book, Brave the Heat, but feel like each book can stand well on its own.

Big city K-9 cop Ronan McGuire loves women, loves his dog, loves his job, but when long time crush Maddy Morgan moves into his jurisdiction, he can’t think about anyone else. Ronan knows she’s way out of his league, but he’s determined to help Maddy live life to the fullest. Maddy has immersed herself in work and swiftly made a name for herself in the hot New York City real estate market. She’s looking for safety, not love, but Ronan McGuire is as persistent as he is sexy, and his crooked smile is hard to resist. But all other concerns are wiped away when Maddy goes missing and Ronan and his bloodhound K-9 partner are tasked with finding her and bringing her home.

Trouble Walks In is more that the blurb leads readers to think, and less. The publisher’s blurb gives away the highest tension moment of the book. The romance between Ronan and Maddy is a nice slow burn, where they are both very attracted by Maddy is not emotionally ready to move on. Ronan is a gentleman and does not push too hard, letting Maddy know he is there for her and interested without crossing lines. They are both characters with strong ethics and personalities, with the flaws and doubts that keep characters interesting. The build up of danger surrounding Maddy has a good pacing, and plenty of suspects to keep the reader guessing. A few clues had me thinking that the culprit was up to something, but the final conclusion was mostly a surprise to me. I thought parts of the story fell a little flat, but it was a moment here or there are rarely something I could put my finger on what exactly did not work for me. However, as a whole I enjoyed the read and found myself involved in the story and entertained.

Trouble Walks In is a solid romance with some series aspects of suspense. Readers that enjoyed the first book, and the works of the author in general, will be happy. I enjoyed, but did not love, the read.

Early Book Review: Madeline Finn and the Library Dog by Lisa Papp

Madeline Finn and the Library Dog by Lisa Papp is a picture book that is currently scheduled for release on October 1 2016. Madeline Finn DOES NOT like to read. Not books. Not magazines. Not even the menu on the ice cream truck. Fortunately, Madeline Finn meets Bonnie, a library dog. Reading out loud to Bonnie isn't so bad. When Madeline Finn gets stuck, Bonnie doesn't mind. Madeline Finn can pet her until she figures the word out. As it turns out, it's fun to read when you're not afraid of making mistakes. Bonnie teaches Madeline Finn that it's okay to go slow. And to keep trying. And to get support from a friend.

Madeline Finn and the Library Dog is a beautifully illustrated picturebook that tells the story of one young girl that does not like reading, mainly because it is a struggle for her and she does not want to be laughed at. The desire to do everything we try well, and to fit in, is universal. When Madeline gets the chance to read to a therapy dog at the library she learns that she can do it, she just has to be patient and kind to herself as her furry reading companion.A supportive audience make everything easier, and pretending to be reading to the library dog Bonnie helps Madeline conquer her fears at school. I think children can relate to Madeline even if they do not struggle with reading, but struggle instead with math, sports, or anything else.

Madeline Finn and the Library Dog is a wonderful way of showing struggling readers that they are not alone, and that they really can do it. It can also help other kids have more understanding for those that might be struggling. It would also be a good read for introducing a similar program the library. We had a dog program that was briefly a hit at our library, and would have been a long term winner if not for particular issues that had nothing to do with reading.