Early Book Review: Honk! Splat! Vroom! by Barry Gott

Honk! Splat! Vroom! by Barry Gott is currently scheduled for release on February 1 2018. Five mice speed down a road race, eager to cross the finish line. But first they must overcome all sorts of messy obstacles, including mud and one very hungry cat! Luckily, a friendly goose saves the day. 

Honk! Splat! Vroom! is a fast and fun read for even the youngest readers. The five mice are racing hard, and while they struggle to win and are not always kind to each other as one mouse is left behind and they pass and pass again. However, when danger is at hand the mouse that was left behind and his new friend save the day. Not the best tale about how to behave in competition, but in the end they all redeem themselves and act as friends should. The illustrations and words are big, bold, and will capture the attention and interest of readers, keeping them engaged and entertained. 

Book Review: Hard Breaker (Gargoyles) by Christine Warren

Hard Breaker is the sixth book in the Gargoyles series by Christine Warren. I have read most, of not all of this series, and I recommend having read at least a few of the previous books before picking this one up otherwise you might get lost in the larger story line.

Ivy Beckett 's gift feels more like a curse. She can hear things happening in distant locations, which is how she knows the very instant her family is killed by servants of the Darkness. Furious, she joins the fight to save the world – but the losses are mounting up. She thinks only a miracle can save them—but she doesn't expect the miracle to come in the form of a handsome gargoyle. Baen is a fearsome Guardian, but when he awakes, even his surprised by war that is going on. But what’s even more distracting is beautiful Ivy. Driven by passion, she’s ready to charge head-first into battle. But Baen’s primal instincts to protect what’s his rise within him, and Ivy is dangerously attracted to him. Can she and her gargoyle warrior save the world…and fall in love?

Hard Breaker is the heart of the action and everything comes to its final resolution. I liked that ll of our Gaurdians and Wardens step in and work together, and the support and teasing they offer each other is the best part of the story. I liked Ivy and Baen, but felt like some of the relationship was just glossed over and lost in the larger story. I did enjoy their coming together, and Baen's challenge to understand where her reluctance came from. However, I will admit to the action getting a little drawn out- and I skimmed some of the story just to see how it all came together. I still enjoyed the read, but I just never got lost in the story like I hoped I would.

Hard Breaker is a satisfying conclusion to the series, but I felt like it was somehow a little rushed in some ways but drawn out in others. I still enjoyed the characters and think that those that have stuck through the series need to read it. 

Book Review: The Real Thing (Sugar Lake) by Melissa Foster

The Real Thing is the first book in the Sugar Lake series by Melissa Foster.  Bakery owner Willow Dalton’s friendship with Zane Walker has always been a bit complicated. Now a scrumptiously hot A-list actor, Zane’s always had a reputation as a player. He’s arrogant, and he’s definitely not boyfriend material. Sure, he did Willow a favor by agreeing to take her virginity before college, but is that reason enough for her to go along with a fake engagement a decade later—even if it comes with a real diamond ring? Zane should have known better. Nothing involving Willow has ever been easy. Still, he knows her better than anyone, and becoming America’s hottest new leading man means cleaning up his reputation. An “engagement” to curvy, sass-mouthed Willow is the perfect PR move…provided no one gets hurt. Now Zane and Willow’s little white lie has turned into an irresistible recipe for sweet temptation. And soon no one will be able to tell the difference between their fake engagement and the real thing, including them.

The Real Thing is a charming romance. I found Willow and Zane to be great characters, they both had depth and good and bad attributes- and some serious chemistry. I feel like I missed some of the connection between the pair from the past, which is important to the story. Whether this is because of the number of books I have missed from Foster over the years or not, it was really the only negative that I found, but it just never solidified for me personally. I loved the family and friend connections, and the emotionally charged bickering between Zane and Willow. I also like that the discussed things like adults when it was important, although occasionally assumptions, pride, and hurt feelings got in the way. No surprises, just a book with witty dialogue, its fair share of steam, and a pretty perfect blend of charm and snack for a engaging read.

The Real Thing is another romance from Foster that includes characters that feel real, with good and bad and some small town charm thrown in. While it is not the best I have read from Foster, it is still remarkably good and an enjoyable read. 

Book Review: Lumberjanes: Unicorn Power! (Lumberjanes #1) by Mariko Tamaki

Lumberjanes: Unicorn Power! (Lumberjanes #1) by Mariko Tamaki brings the beloved Lumberjanes characters into a novel format with brand-new adventures. Welcome to Miss Qiunzella Thiskwin Penniquiqul Thistle Crumpet’s Camp for Hardcore Lady Types. The five scouts of Roanoke cabin—Jo, April, Molly, Mal, and Ripley—love their summers at camp. They get to hang out with their best friends, earn Lumberjane scout badges, annoy their no-nonsense counselor Jen and go on supernatural adventures. That last one? A pretty normal occurrence at Miss Qiunzella’s, where the woods contain endless mysteries. Today is no exception. When challenge-loving April leads the girls on a hike up the TALLEST mountain they’ve ever seen, things don’t go quite as planned. For one, they didn’t expect to trespass into the lands of the ancient Cloud People, and did anyone happen to read those ominous signs some unknown person posted at the bottom of the mountain? Also, unicorns.

Lumberjanes: Unicorn Power! is a a fun to read adventure. I loves that the personalities of April, Jo, Mal, Molly, and Ripley were consistent with those from the graphic novels- and the illustrations were a lovely addition. I liked that there was a good deal of back story and character building, so that newcomers to the series are not completely lost as to who is who. I do think that fans of the graphic novel will enjoy the read more than others, but new readers will still be able to enjoy the read. The story of the Lumberjanes and the unicorns was fun, silly, and a little goofy. exactly what I expect from the characters and their slightly hyper personalities. I enjoyed the humor and friendship that is so much a part of the graphic novel series, and think that this switch of mediums was very well done.

Lumberjanes: Unicorn Power! is a great, fun read. I prefer the original format- the artwork and stories in the graphic novels are fabulous- however this book is well worth your time. Fans of the graphic novels, and anyone that wants to read about adventurous girls having amazing adventure will fully enjoy the book. 

Book Review: The Devil of Dunakin Castle (Highland Isles) by Heather McCollum

The Devil of Dunakin Castle by Heather McCollum is the fourth book in the Highland Isles series. I have not read the previous books, but after finishing this book I would like to. I was able to fully enjoy the read without the prior knowledge, although fans of the series will have a better understanding of some of the characters.

Englishwoman, Grace Ellington, has made a home in Scotland, but to escape from the meddling people around her who seem to think she needs to wed right away—because women need saving, right? —she volunteers to journey north to aid a friend in childbirth. Keir MacKinnon, the younger brother of the MacKinnon clan chief, has been raised to strike fear in people, on and off the battlefield. Trained to uphold MacKinnon law, he has hardened into a lethal warrior. Caught in a Highland blizzard with the feisty Grace, Keir realizes the beautiful woman who saved him can also save his nephew’s life.Sparks fly when he takes her against her will to his home, and Grace’s courage is put to the ultimate test. Is Keir MacKinnon the passionate, kind man she saved in the Highland blizzard, or is he truly the cruel executioner who seeks to solve all issues by the sword?

The Devil of Dunakin Castle is a book with characters that really get under your skin. Grace is tired of being treated like she could break at any given moment, even if she is a little accident prone. She takes advantage of an opportunity to travel and act as a healer, but things never seem to go as planned for her. Keir is in search of a healer to save his nephew, but his reputation as the Devil of Dunakin strikes fear into most people, and things are not really working out for him either. Together they find their way, and end up struggling with trust and reputations as new challenges keep rising in their paths. I love the way they both need to come to terms with their own fallibility and learn to trust each other. I think that Grave had the most influence on others and I loved seeing her take charge of the healing and more subtle relationship changes. I felt for her, and watching her try to get through to Keir and his family was heart wrenching. I was unable to put the book down, and am very eager to read more of this series. The writing style and characters are captivating and still have not get go of my imagination, I want more!

The Devil of Dunakin Castle is an engaging and heart wrenching read. The characters are extremely well written and they stayed with me well after I moved on to the next book. I am about to go hunt down the three previous books and get to reading.

Book Review: You Know What? by Carol Gordon Ekster, Nynke Mare Talsman

You Know What? is a picturebook written by Carol Gordon Ekster and illustrated by Nynke Mare Talsma. Oliver should go to sleep. But there is so much he wants to tell his mother about: what happened that day, the things he read in books, everything he sees around him. A touching and familiar picture book about postponing the ritual of going to sleep.

You Know What? is a picturebook that most parents or caregivers can relate to, and not just for the bedtime delay tactics. I cannot tell you how many times a day I have heard something along the lines of this book from my kids, from the time they could talk and still daily even though they are old enough to get themselves to bed with little direction from me. I think most kids can relate as well, and this would make a great bedtime or discussion starter book for dealing with the chatty delay tactics that kids use to get out of so many things. I really liked the illustrations, they are simple but still add an atmosphere and details that readers of all ages can enjoy.

Book Review: Where I End by Michelle Dare

Where I End by Michelle Dare is a new adult, contemporary romance. Eve has always felt a connection to Cy, even though he seems pretentious, arrogant, condescending and cruel. All that changed one spring morning when she discovered that she know the man behind the facade at all. He is angry, desperate, and broken. Cy was second from ending it all when she intervened, and then tried to push her away. Can they save each other?

Where I End is a story of abuse, redemption, and bravery. Cy might have always acted like the confident soul people expect him to be- but it is all an act to hide a dark secret. When Eve uncovers the truth, she supports and defends him when no one else has. Each of them has things to overcome, and together with Cy's friend Parker we get glimpse into each of their minds. While not a easy read, particularly for those that are being abused or have been in the past, I think it it honest and extremely realistic. The suffering and journey towards healing pictured here is heart breaking but also hopeful in its own way. I loved Eve's character and how she refuses to back down, even when it might have been the safer choice. I really enjoyed Parker's character, and wonder what might be in store for him. 

My only issue with the book, is one that seems to be prevalent in many romance books lately. That is the possessive and almost obsessive nature of the actual romance. While here is is based on a connection, love, and support- too often in real life the declaration of MINE is not healthy. While it is nice to have someone that does not even notice others, and have that reciprocated,the jealousy and possessiveness is not necessarily healthy.  As someone that managed to escape an unhealthy and controlling relationship in my early years, the romanticizing of that attitude never sits well with me. However, that is my personal hang up- but I hope that younger readers are not holding up that aspect of a relationship as ideal because that can be a warning sign of abuses to come.

Where I End is a book that I enjoyed on many levels, but was bothered by on one. The possessiveness fit for these characters, but in real life it is often not a good thing.  My worry that others might fall prey to, or search out, relationship where their partner is controlling or possessive because it seems so romantic really bothers me. I know it is nothing new, dysfunctional relationships have been part of literature forever, but it has always bothered me and always will. However, I keep reading these book- mainly because Dare does such a great job with the characters and other huge issues that I just cannot stop myself. 

Early Book Review: Little Sid: the Tiny Prince Who Became Buddha by Ian Lendler, Xanthe Bouma

Little Sid: the Tiny Prince Who Became Buddha written by Ian Lendlerand illustrated by Kanthe Bouma is a picturebook which is currently scheduled for release on January 23 2018.  As a spoiled young prince, Siddhartha got everything he ever asked for, until he asked for what could not be given, happiness. Join Little Sid as he sets off on a journey of discovery and encounters mysterious wise-folk, terrifying tigers, and one very annoying mouse.

Little Sid: the Tiny Prince Who Became Buddha is the origin story of Buddhism, and one I did not know. I am glad to get a better understanding of the practice, and think the idea of being present is so important in a time when so many equate stuff and being busy with being happy or successful. I think that many young readers will be able to relate to Sid, in his desire of time rather than things, from his parents. So often adults are too worried about work, cleaning the house, activities, and everything else to just be with the children in their lives. I found the artwork to be beautiful, alternating between muted tones and more vibrant ones, making the mindfulness of the story more evident to the reader. I think this book is a wonderful way to introduce the ideas of mindfulness, minimalism, and the practice of Buddhism to readers of all ages and religious backgrounds. 

Book Review: Tying the Scot by Jennifer Trethewey

Tying the Scot by Jennifer Trethewey is a historical romance. At age eleven, Alex Sinclair pledges an oath to the Duke of Chatham promising to serve and protect his illegitimate daughter, Lucy FitzHarris. Nine years later, the duke unexpectedly takes Alex up on his vow, offering the future Laird of Balforss his daughter’s hand in marriage. Now a man, hotheaded Alex has difficulty convincing Lucy—who would rather starve to death than marry a vulgar Scot—to go through with the arranged marriage. Once Lucy arrives in Scotland, she cannot resist the magic of Balforss or the allure of her handsome Highland warrior. But when Alex seemingly betrays Lucy right before their wedding, she is tricked into running away. Alex must rein in his temper to rescue his lady from unforeseen danger and Lucy must swallow her pride if she hopes to wed the Highlander she has come to love.

Tying the Scot is a story with complex characters and an intense plot. Lucy is a young and naive lady, facing marriage with a person she met only once as a child, all the while thinking herself in love with another. She makes some decisions or jumped to some conclusions that had me shaking my head, but all fit with her personality and character. I did like that she had some spunk and skill, rather than being a useless miss. Alex is an honorable Scot not sure that the marriage is a good idea either, but is willing to test the waters. His plans to find out more about Lucy, and to 'protect' her are not always well thought out, and often cause more harm than good- but they are entertaining. I love the way they both have reservations, and make mistakes, but for the most part talk about them. Although Lucy is more than a little naive, she is also good at heart and caring. Likewise, while Alex is a little rash and not exactly great with words, his effort to do the right thing and take care of those around him. The treachery and danger surrounding them makes for significant excitement- and plays on the doubt they each have in themselves and each other. While I think the pair having more conversations and less jumping to conclusions would have made for an easier relationship it would have also made for less excitement and a much shorter book.

Tying the Scot is an entertaining read with plenty of suspense and surprises. I enjoyed the read and found the characters to be very compelling, and they stayed with me after I finished the book. 

Book Review: My Secret Dog by Tom Alexander

My Secret Dog by Tom Alexander is a picturebook. I always wanted a dog, but Mum said I wasn't allowed. So I got one anyway. My secret dog lives in the cupboard and we sneak out at night to play. We'll be best friends forever, so long as Mum doesn't find out.

My Secret Dog is a picturebook about the responsibility and work that comes with owning a pet, as well as how much trouble secrets and lies can cause. The text is simple and fun, letting the reader imagine all sorts of craziness. The illustrations are pretty basic, stick figures that have a lot of fun with the use of black and white spaces. I liked the read, on the entertainment and lesson giving level. I think I might have to read this with my daughter who insists that we need a dog, right now!