Book Review: Sweet Tea and Spirits (Southern Ghost Hunter) by Angie Fox

Sweet Tea and Spirits is the fifth book of the Southern Ghost Hunter series by Angie Fox. I have read most, but not all of the books in this series, and think that the mystery portion of the book can stand up fine as a stand alone, the complicated relationships make reading the books as a series more satisfying than reading any of the installments as a stand alone.

Southern girl Verity Long is about as high society as her pet skunk. Which is why she’s surprised as anyone when the new head of the Sugarland social set invites her to join the "it" girls. But this is no social call. Verity’s new client needs her to go in undercover and investigate strange happenings at the group’s historic headquarters. But while spirits are whispering hints of murder, the socialites are more focused on Verity’s 1978, avocado-green Cadillac. And when Verity stumbles upon a fresh body, she's going to need the long-dead citizens of Sugarland to help her solve the crime. Good thing she has the handsome deputy sheriff Ellis Wydell on hand, as well as her ghostly sidekick Frankie. The bad thing is, the ghosts are now whispering about the end of a certain ghost hunter.

Sweet Tea and Spirits is a mystery with a few surprises along the way. I liked that Frankie and the ghost of the story got significant action. The investigation reveals much more than anyone could have imagined, and continues to complicate the relationship between Verity and Ellis' mother. I liked the mystery, and the history that is uncovered. I was honestly surprised by a couple of the revelations- while other things were more than expected. My only real disappointment here is that while Frankie become a more developed character, I feel like Verity and Ellis have not become any more developed individually or as a couple. I know it is a hard thing to balance, since I do not like when romance overwhelms the mystery in series like these, but some movement would be satisfying.

Sweet Tea and Spirits is at the same quality level as the rest of the series, and I enjoyed the read. I thought the mystery and small town business is all well handled, I just would like more character and relationship development along with the ghosts and mystery.

Book Review: Amazing World Sea Creatures: Encounter 20 Amazing Light-Up Animals by Lee Martin

Amazing World Sea Creatures: Encounter 20 Amazing Light-Up Animals by Lee Martin is a children's non fiction book that explores the amazing creatures that live in the deep ocean. From the lanternfish, to the Atolla jellyfish, to the glowing bioluminescent octopus, the ocean is filled with animals that gleam and glow. This book leads readers on a journey to see how these living lights use bioluminescence, fluorescence, and symbiotic bacteria to light up! Along with the information on  twenty strange and amazing marine animals, the book also includes glow-in-the-dark stickers!

Amazing World Sea Creatures: Encounter 20 Amazing Light-Up Animals is an interesting and informative book that will capture the interest of many readers. The creatures that live in the depths of the oceans are strange to us, but nature has provided them with skills and tools to help them survive. This book explains those tools, how they work, and the lives of these unique animals in a way that is accessible and high interest.  I think the photograph are simply stunning, and the graphics showing details like location range, size comparison, and more help make the facts offer easier to understand and put into context. I can see this book sparking further research and curiosity about sea life, and nature in general. The book does not give comprehensive information on each creature, how could it, but it offers enough information to satisfy middle grade readers, and all of those interested in the subject. Since I had a digital copy I did not have the stickers, so those were not included in my review, although I am sure the are an incentive to purchase for the target audience. 

Early Book Review: Flame in the Dark (Soulwood) by Faith Hunter

Flame in the Dark is the third book in the Soulwood series by Faith Hunter. I do recommend reading this series in order, I do not think new readers to the series will get as much out of it as those that have been following the series.  It is set in the same world as the Jane Yellowrock series, and has some character crossover. It is not necessary to have full and current knowledge of the Yellowrock series, but it will certainly enhance the read. It is currently scheduled for release on December 5 2017.

Nell Ingram has always known she was different. Since she was a child, she’s been able to feel and channel ancient powers from deep within the earth. When she met Jane Yellowrock, her entire life changed, and she was recruited into PsyLED—the Homeland Security division that polices paranormals. But now her newly formed unit is about to take on its toughest case yet. A powerful senator barely survives an assassination attempt that leaves many others dead—and the house he was visiting burns to the ground. Invisible to security cameras, the assassin literally disappears, and Nell’s team is called in. As they track a killer they know is more—or less—than human, they unravel a web of dark intrigue and malevolent motives that tests them to their limits and beyond.

Flame in the Dark is what I was hoping for, and so much more. The case that Nell's team is on revealed more about the team, and the supernatural in the world they live in. I liked the slow reveal, but I will admit to have some suspicion about the nature of the culprit prior to the reveal. However, the extent of the horror involved in those crimes still sent me off center and shook me a bit. It was perfectly planned and executed. Nell's journey is so full of emotion and social growth and challenge that I find myself very invested in her story, and the well being of those involved in her life. I was glad to see some huge things happen, some things resolved, and the promise of so much more to come. I will admit to being worried for a bit that Nell's story might be over, and that another character might have to step up and be the focus of the next book or more of this series. Notice me trying to avoid saying anything about the action and plot of this book, because I do not want to ruin the surprises that are in store for readers. If you have been following the series, you need to keep going. If you have not started yet- start from the beginning and buckle up, this series is quite the roller coaster. 

Flame in the Dark is another fantastic book by Faith Hunter. My only issue is that I am always wanting to get the next bit of story NOW, rather than waiting for it to be written and published. I highly recommend this series, and her Jane Yellowrock series, which I have been listening to on audiobook. If you like audiobooks, her reader is wonderful so have no fear and jump on in, but do it in order. 

Book Review: A Stick Until by Constance Anderson

A Stick Until by Constance Anderson is a picturebook. A stick is just a stick until an elephant turns it into a flyswatter, an alligator uses it to catch prey, or a child uses a stick as a toy. A simple stick can become a tool or a toy in this enjoyable look at the many uses animals and people can find for sticks. Creative uses of sticks range from chimpanzees catching tasty treats to birds attracting mates. A fun book to read to an inquisitive child or for use in a classroom, A Stick Until shows the wonders of nature and the joys of imagination.

A Stick Until is a beautifully illustrated book with images and information that will capture the imagination of animal lovers of all ages. It teaches children to imagine the different uses for something as simple as a stick. While I wish some stick wielding was done by kids was as harmless as a back scratcher, I like that this book offers some real example of how animals use a stick. I really found the informational part of the book, explaining how and why a large variety of animals can use a simple stick, to be nicely done. The information is well worded and simply put. The information is off to the side, and subtle on most pages, so that if you need to skip on a read you should be able to get away with it, at least until the child figures it out. This is a great read all around. 

Book Review: You Make Me Tremble by Karis Walsh

You Make Me Tremble by Karis Walsh is a contemporary romance. Animal rescue worker Iris Mallery thinks she has created a stable and secure home for herself, but when her small town is battered by an earthquake, Iris needs to rebuild not only her own life, but the lives of the displaced dogs and cats now filling her shelter. The quake’s effects are personal for Iris, but not for seismologist Casey Radnor. Casey is a scientist above all else, logical and disconnected from the natural disasters she studies. When she rescues a stray dog from some rubble, she finds herself caught up in the lives of Iris and the others affected by the quake, despite her best efforts to remain professional. The beautiful San Juan Islands in Washington State become the epicenter of both the earthquake and the collision of Iris and Casey’s hearts. Can love bind the shattered fragments together again?

You Make Me Tremble is a book with lots of promise. Iris and Casey think they are so very different, but I found that at the center they are very much the same. Both have less than perfect childhoods and spend most of their time either trying to deal with or avoid the issues that that have as a result. I liked the honesty and maturity that they show in actually discussing their problems for the most part. I loved the emotional growth and the role the animals and secondary characters on the island play. However, I felt like at one point Iris and Casey went from zero to sixty with very little warning, and then back again. I will say that the backing off was completely expected and fit with the character's personalities perfectly- as did the reactions and actions there after. I am not sure what it was, but despite the solid characters, I just never really connected with them or felt all that invested in the story. I think that was more about me than the book though, since I cannot point out any fault in the writing or story that prevented that connection.

You Make Me Tremble is a book that I was very excited to read. The premise and characters promised a great read. While it was well done, I just never really connected with the characters and felt I was told rather than shown the issues and conflicts they had. Perhaps I was just not in the right headspace to read it, which sometimes happens. I liked the book, but it did not rock (ha!) my world like I expected. 

Book Review: GOA Kids - Goats of Anarchy: Polly and Her Duck Costume and The Goat with Many Coats: A True Story of a Little Goat Who Found a New Home by Leanne Lauricella

GOA Kids - Goats of Anarchy: Polly and Her Duck Costume: + The True Story of a Little Blind Rescue Goat by Walter Foster Jr Creative Team tells the true story of Polly, a little blind goat who was rescued by Leanne Lauricella, rescuer of farmyard animals and founder of the immensely popular Instagram account The Goats of Anarchy. Polly has some trouble adapting to her new life until her new mom gives her a warm and fuzzy duck costume, which turns out to be the perfect fit! Follow along with Polly as she finds love with her new family, gains confidence, and makes new friends. 

GOA Kids - Goats of Anarchy: The Goat with Many Coats: A True Story of a Little Goat Who Found a New Home by Leanne Lauricella tells the true story of Prospect, a small goat rescued by Leanne Lauricella, the barnyard rescuer behind the hugely popular Instagram account Goats of Anarchy. The perfect tale to inspire and delight animal lovers, The Goat with Many Coats pairs beautiful illustrations and real-life photos of Prospect the goat with a truly heartwarming tale readers of all ages will adore.

These picturebooks tell heartwarming stories from the point of view of the young rescued goats. They are both adorable and heart warming

stories about a rescued goat whose life was made better. I loved the solution of a small, chilly goat being coats and an anxious goat being a duck costume. I had no idea coats (and other accessories) were available for goats, or maybe they ones intended for kids or dogs? In both cases the artwork is very reminiscent of the classic Golden Books that I remember from my childhood, making the read even sweeter. I love the work that Lauricella does to rescue animals, and to both raise awareness and entertain us all with the stories of her rescue adventures.  These are wonderful books for animal lovers in general, animal rescuers, fans of the instagram account, and those that just love books that leave them with the warm fuzzies. 

Book Review: What We See in the Stars: An Illustrated Tour of the Night Sky

What We See in the Stars: An Illustrated Tour of the Night Sky by Kelsey Oseid is an illustrated guide to the myths, histories, and science of the celestial bodies of our solar system, with stories and information about constellations, planets, comets, the northern lights, and more. It includes more than 100 magical pieces of original art, all accompanied by text that shares both related legends, lore, and scientific facts. This book covers the constellations, the moon, the bright stars, and the visible planets, as well as less familiar celestial phenomena like the outer planets, nebulae, and deep space. Adults seeking to recapture the magic of youthful stargazing, younger readers interested in learning about natural history and outer space, and those who appreciate beautiful, hand-painted art will all delight in this charming book.

What We See in the Stars: An Illustrated Tour of the Night Sky is a beautiful and informative read. I found it to be well organized, accessible, and interesting to read. I have always been fascinated by the sky, I was one of those kids that wanted to be an astronaut, until I discovered how much math and engineering was involved in the process. In fact, I was in the astronomy club in high school and loved every minute of it. I still read about and study the sky when I can. I like that this book features both the science and the related legends and history that make astronomy so fascinating to me. The science is well worded and organized, and not lacking in any way when combined with the other included information. The hand painted artwork only adds to the wonder this book inspires. What a great book for anyone with interest in the night sky and all the science, myth, and legend that can be found there.

What We See in the Stars: An Illustrated Tour of the Night Sky is a wonderful read, and one that I might add to my library. My only issues were with the digital galley, which has no bearing on the final product but reduced my ability to fully enjoy the combination of stunning artwork and the text.

Early Book Review: The Very Very Very Long Dog by Julia Patton

The Very Very Very Long Dog is a picture book by Julia Patton with is currently schedule for release on December 5 2017. Bartelby is a very long and lovable dachshund who lives in a bookstore. He has a lovely set of friends who take him for walks through the city, but he has no idea that his bumbling backside leaves a trail of destruction and accidents behind him. Embarrassed that he has no control over his back end, Bartelby vows to never leave the cozy bookstore again. Can his friends help him find a way to help himself?

The Very Very Very Long Dog is a cute and fun picturebook about a dog that is so long that he is not aware of the havoc his back end leaves in his wake during his walks. His friends love him just as he is, but understand that Bartelby is heartbroken when he discovers the trouble he causes. I like that they find a solution, and that his friends stick by him and help, even when he does not know they are. It is a sweet, fun book with nice illustrations. I liked the story, and think many readers of all ages will enjoy it as well. There are just so many fantastic books out there that while I enjoyed it, it did not wow me. 

Book Review: Tightening the Threads (Mainely Needlepoint) by Lea Wait

Tightening the Threads is the fifth book in the Mainely Needlepoint mystery series by Lea Wait. I have read one of the previous books in this series. While I think those that have been following along from the beginning will get more out of the story that newcomers, I think this is a very accessible series and new readers can pick up the relationships and personalities pretty quickly.

Antique dealer Sarah Byrne has never told the entire truth about her past to anyone--not even friend and fellow Mainely Needlepointer Angie Curtis. But the enigmatic Aussie finally has the one thing she's searched for all her life, family. And now she and Ted Lawrence, a wealthy old artist and gallery owner in town, are ready to reveal their secret connection. Ted's adult children are suspicious of their newfound cousin Sarah-especially after Ted, in declining health, announces plans to leave her his museum-worthy heirloom paintings. So when Ted is poisoned during a lobster bake, fingers are pointed. If Angie can't track down the real murderer in time, Sarah's bound to learn how delicate--and deadly--family dynamics can truly be.

Tightening the Threads is a great continuation of the series, and a good read even if you have not read any of the other books in the series. I like that Angie is not looking for trouble, it just kind of falls in her path. I think that the dynamics between Sarah, Ted, Angie, and the rest are even more interesting than the mystery in some ways. Ted's children and their family history offers more conflict and suspense beyond the murder. However, the mystery offered a few twists and turns that I really was not expecting. It is nice to be surprised, and I have read enough mysteries that it does not happen as often as it used to. I thoroughly enjoyed the read, but still find myself pondering some of the smaller mysteries from the story, and hope that some open questions are subtly covered in later books.

Tightening the Threads is a solid mystery, with more twists than I could have expected. I enjoyed the character dynamics and the interplay just as much as the mystery. I am looking forward to what mysteries fall into Angie's lap next.

Book Review: Creature Files Dragons: Encounter 20 Mythical Monsters by L J Tracosas

Creature Files Dragons: Encounter 20 Mythical Monsters by L J Tracosas is a children's book that blends fact and fiction. Do you believe dragons are simply the scaly stuff of myths? Or do you think they really existed? Whatever side you're on, this collection of twenty fascinating creatures is sure to spark your imagination.  In Creature Files: Dragons, you’ll take a tour through the world of fire-breathing, gold-hoarding, three-headed monsters and discover where and how these magical creatures came to be. Learn the unique folklore of cultures around the globe, from China to Russia to Eastern Africa, and see how people envisioned these otherworldly beasts through lush and evocative illustrations. Included are many meaty facts to gnaw on—like which dragon had too many teeth to count, and which dragon had teeth as big as a man’s arm—along with a realistic dragon-tooth necklace! And science lovers will also find something to sink their teeth into: facts about real-life dragons that exist today. These dragons may not breathe fire, but they share some of the same traits as their mythical brethren.

Creature Files Dragons: Encounter 20 Mythical Monsters is a nice exploration of how myths about creatures share certain traits across the world, but also differ in some ways. Dragon lore, and other legends, has always been one of my favorite topics.. I like that pronunciation is included for the different types of dragons from around the world, and the roles that dinosaur fossils played in the legends. I enjoyed the illustrations, especially how they detailed the features of the different dragon legends. I was very interested to see how the heads of some resembled well know animals- snakes, warthogs, fish, birds, and so on. I also liked that maps showing where the countries of origin for each type of dragon legend is included on the page with the information. I also like the inclusion of some creatures that I never considered to be part of dragon lore, but share similar features and traits- such as the hydra and cockatrice. I always considered them their own kind of creature, rather than part of a larger classification, but the little bit of lore given does explain these inclusions. My only two complains are that the font chosen for some of the text makes it hard to read, particularly in digital file, and that there are many different creatures included, the information offered about each is minimal, although well worded and interesting. 

Creature Files Dragons is an attractive and interesting read for those interested in mythical creatures in general, and dragons in particular. It is far from comprehensive, but offers some good bits of legends, lore, and information. The artwork is very eye catching and well done, and I found myself studying the art much more intently that the text. I can think of many middle grade readers that will read, enjoy and likely re read this book- but at a fan of the topic I was hoping for a little bit more.