Book Review: Deja Moo (Perfectly Proper Paranormal Museum) by Kirsten Weiss

Deja Moo is the third book in the Perfectly Proper Paranormal Museum series by Kirsten Weiss. While each mystery stands well on its own, the characters and their relationships are built up through the series. To really understand some of the relationships and issues it is best to read this series in order. 

Maddie Kosloski is no fan of San Benedetto's Christmas Cow, a thirty-foot straw bovine that graces the town square every December. For one thing, the cow displaces her paranormal museum as the number one tourist attraction. Plus, every year, despite around-the-clock surveillance, the cow goes up in flames. But this year, there's more than just a fire blazing in Maddie's wine-country hometown. One of the Christmas Cow guards has been found with an arrow in his chest, and Maddie's new haunted cowbell exhibit is fueling a panic. Are the spirits in her museum getting too hot to handle? If Maddie can't stop the hysteria—and the murderous archer—her holiday plans might not be the only thing full of holes.

Deja Moo is a solid addition to the series, with quirky conversations and interactions to entertain through out the book. I liked the continued relationships and how they change and grow, particularly with Maddie and her friends. I like seeing Maddie and her mother interact and how their relationship and respect for each other is always growing and evolving. I found the the mystery of the archer, flaming cow, and town politics to be multilayers and just complicated enough to keep readers guessing, but not so complicated that it got over the top or boring. One of my favorite things about the story is the use of paranormal activity and skepticism that leaves it up to the reader to decide what is real, and what really happened. While maddie is firmly a skeptic she accepting of other beliefs and willing to keep an open mind. I do like the slow burn of Maddie's current romance, but could have enjoyed the book just as much without any romance written in.

Since I was reading an uncorrected proof from Netgalley, I am hoping that the one thing that bothered be through the read was fixed by the release. There was a small even that the characters started referring to about a third of the way through the book. I figured I had been interrupted or distracted when it happened and missed it- but after going back three times I could not find it. It distracted me through the rest of the read. I would also love to read a book with no love triangle, or even hints or references to one. Maybe a mystery without a current romance would be okay, I know I would still read it.

Deja Moo is a quick, enjoyable read with layered story lines and well developed characters. I look forward to this series continuing.

Book Review: Going Wild: Helping Nature Thrive in Cities by Michelle Mulder

Going Wild: Helping Nature Thrive in Cities by Michelle Mulder is a nonfiction book for readers from middle grade to adults.  Over most of recorded history people have worked hard to make our local landscapes as safe and convenient as possible. Sometimes that's meant paving over areas that might burst into weeds. Other times, we've dammed rivers for electricity or irrigation. But now pollution, climate change and disruptions to the water cycle are affecting the world in ways we never anticipated. What if the new key to making our lives safer (and even healthier) is to allow the wilderness back into our cities?

Going Wild: Helping Nature Thrive in Cities is an interesting and inspiring read. I like it gives details about what people and cities around the world are doing to help nature thrive in the cities around them. It also points out that much smaller things that can be done by anyone and everyone to help nature. It is important to show kids, and adults alike, that they do not need to make drastic changes all at once to make a positive change. Little things like hanging a bat house or planting flowers or other plants in containers or gardens are all things that can help the would around us with very little effort. Small changes can build up and lead us to do bigger and better things that can help even more people and aspects of nature along the way. I really liked how many additional resources and similar information was included at the end of the book. The glossary and pathways to further research and action were a great touch. I think it might inspire children, and their families, to make efforts of varying degrees to help the world around them.

Book Review: Rescued by a Highlander (Grant Clan) by Keira Montclair

Rescued by a Highlander is the first book in the Grant Clan series of historical romances by Keira Montclair. While it was originally published in 2013, it has been newly revised and updated with a new editor.

Madeline MacDonald has been a victim of her stepbrother's cruelty ever since her parents' death in a fire two years ago. Forced into a betrothal to a man she hates, her only way out is to escape to a convent. Laird Alexander Grant is honor bound to rescue Maddie after seeing the bruises on her face. What he doesn't realize is that once he holds the beaten lass in his arms, his heart will never be the same. He vows revenge for the abuse she was forced to endure and yearns to make the sweet woman with an iron will his, but can he help her fight the demons in her mind left behind by her abusers' horrid treatment?

Rescued by a Highlander is a book that I thought I would love, but it never really worked for me. Let's start with the good. I love books that have a abuse survive finding peace, love, and a happy ever after. I really do. I adore books were the other half of that couple is working towards understanding and helping, and while they make mistakes (like yelling at them when worried about their safety) they work on it. I was thrilled with Alex's patience with Maddie, and willingness to take things super slow and to always check in with consent rather than forging ahead and assuming at any point. What I did not like was Maddie. While her ability to survive abuse stoically and deal with everything dealt to her was likely intended to show her as strong, I was left wondering why this woman that is strong, caring, and very pain tolerant would stay rather than trying to make an escape? She came off as a doormat rather than a survivor. Otherwise she was painted as perfect, sweet and so patient and kind that she did not even want her tormentors hurt. The characters felt a little flat, there was no real motivation for the bad guys, other than just being evil. In fact I read another historical with an abuse survive shortly after this, and I had trouble remembering much about this book other than what bothered me about Maddie. I had several other little things that irked me- but my biggest issue is that I was fully expecting to love this story and the characters. The disappointment of the heroine being a too perfect but passive, and a dig at homosexuality really left me less than happy with my read. 

Rescued by a Highlander is not for everyone. The characters are lacking depth but the idea of the story and the patience and thoughts of Alex in helping Maddie deal with her past might make it worth the read for some.

Book Review: New Favorites for New Cooks: 50 Delicious Recipes For Kids to Make by Carolyn Federman

New Favorites for New Cooks: 50 Delicious Recipes For Kids to Make by Carolyn Federman utilizes easy techniques and recipes to teach basic cooking skills to budding chefs through simple dishes for children as well as adults. Recipes such as Savory Scones with Fresh Herb Butter, Black Bean Taco Bar, Two-Minute Guacamole, Meatballs and Tomato Sauce, and Yogurt and Berry Compote Parfait showcase healthy, seasonal ingredients and engage every sense with bright colors, fresh flavors, and exciting textures. Packed with information about kitchen science (like making pickles), garden ideas (like planting seeds from kitchen scraps and starting a compost bin), and heavily illustrated (every recipe is photographed), this cookbook makes being in the kitchen fun for everyone.

New Favorites for New Cooks: 50 Delicious Recipes For Kids to Make is a nice, well organized cookbook for fairly simple recipes. I like that kitchen safety, techniques, and science are regularly focused on- letting even the youngest chefs work safely and know when they will, or won't, need help. Reminders of how to read a recipe, check the pantry and refrigerator before staring, and the explanation of key vocabulary words further aids chefs of all ages have success in the kitchen.  Some of the recipes are basics, and things everyone should know how to do before they leave home and need to fend for themselves. Some are very nutritious and fun to learn. Other recipes are very trendy and current- things my picky eaters would not be willing to cook or eat. The pictures and instructions are great, easy to understand and follow. Terms that might be new to readers are in bold, and the book encourages readers to look up cooking terms, ingredients, and other words that might not immediately recognize up to help them understand and follow the recipe. I also like that the author assures readers that sometimes recipes just do not work out perfectly, especially the first time we try them. The encouragement to try and have less that perfect results, and to be okay with that, is important and a great aspect of the collection.

Book Review: Dark Queen (Jane Yellowrock) by Faith Hunter

Dark Queen is the twelfth book in the Jane Yellowrock series by Faith Hunter. You do need to read this series in order to get a firm grasp on the characters and the relationships. I do not recommend jumping in here, or in the middle. However, it is a fabulous series so I do recommend reading it, it is worth it.

As Enforcer to the vampire Master of the City of New Orleans, Jane Yellowrock stakes her reputation and her life on keeping her territory safe. But Leo has been issued a blood challenge by the emperor of the European vampires, who seeks to usurp all of his power and possessions. If Leo loses the match to the death, the city will be forfeit, and the people of New Orleans will suffer the consequences. Jane can't let that happen. Preparing for the duel requires all of Jane's focus, but with so much supernatural power in play, nothing goes according to plan. She has to rely on herself and the very few people she knows she can trust to stand and fight. Only two things are guaranteed: nothing is sacred, and no one is safe.

Dark Queen is more than I expected. I will admit that I have listened to the majority of this series via audiobook (and the readers is fabulous!) and I missed the voices, inflections, and cadence of the reader. My inner voice cannot compare to the audiobooks. However, after a while I was able to get past my longing for that voice and truly get sucked into the story like I always do. Jane has so much going on- still coming to terms with caring about so many people and her inability to protect them all the way she wants. Emotions are not her forte, and I can relate to her on that level. The upcoming battle, issues tied to the timeshifting, the brother coming out of nowhere, and more are all coming at her too fast to process, and she is barely hanging on. There are surprises and resolutions tied into the duel and not a dull moment to skim. Readers that have loved and followed the series thus far will both love and hate this read. I admit to fearing that this might be the last we see of Jane more than once, and worry just what will happen in this world next. I almost expected a different twist at the end, and had mixed feelings with the reveal- even though I already had it in the back of my mind. The ending left me needing the next Yellowrock or Soulwood book badly, to see what is to come, but hopeful. 

Dark Queen is a powerful addition to the series, and held some twists that had me seriously worried, and struck oddly close to home because of current family complications. 

Book Review: Wizard for Hire by Obert Skye

Wizard for Hire by Obert Skye is a young adult novel. Fourteen-year-old Ozzy lives near Portland, Oregon, and is desperate for help. His scientist parents have been kidnapped and he has been on his own since he was seven. Ozzy is afraid to go to the police, but without help, he fears he'll never find his parents. Then he stumbles across a classified ad in the local newspaper that says "Wizard for Hire. Call 555-SPEL." Ozzy has read about wizards in books like Harry Potter, but wizards couldn't actually exist today, could they? After Ozzy meets the wizard Labyrinth--aka Rin--he's even more skeptical. With the help of a robotic-talking raven invented by Ozzy's father, a kind and curious girl at school who decides to help Ozzy, and, of course, a self-proclaimed wizard who may or may not have a magical wand, Ozzy begins an unforgettable quest that will lead him closer to the answers he desperately seeks about his missing parents.

Wizard for Hire is and great read for young adults, and some middle grade readers. The story opens with Ozzy at seven, just after his family has moved to the cloaked house in the woods from New York City. HIs adjustment and the kidnapping of his parents are the way readers to to know and understand Ozzy. For seven years Ozzy just survives- but reading fiction, the discovery of the mechanical bird, and starting to explore the world has lead Ozzy to want to understand more about the outside world, and start the hunt for his missing parents. Sigi, the only kid at school that seems willing to get to know him, and later the "wizard" Rin are the only people that seem more willing to get to know him and look beyond his oddities. I love the ambiguity about magic and Rin's abilities, or lack thereof. He does things that seem impossible, but could just be luck. Through the entire book readers are left wondering if the magic is real, or if Rin just had a breakdown and is just a little different now. I enjoyed the journey of Ozzy and friends as they seek more information on his parents, and how things often go a little sideways, but rarely completely wrong. I also like that the story is a great adventure with significant emotional growth and challenges for all of the characters. I enjoyed the journey with Ozzy as a slightly unreliable narrator, since he rarely looked deeper than the surface or payed attention to things that stuck out to me as important.  I greatly enjoyed the ride, and am hoping that this turns into aa new series, or that some of the characters pop up in another story from the author in the near future. It was also just a fun, enjoyable read that I did not want to end.

Wizard for Hire is a fun, quirky read that also has significant character growth and development. I would love to continue this story with more about Ozzy, Rin, and Sigi.

Book Review: Uniformly Dead (A Stitch in Time Mystery) by Greta Mckennan

Uniformly Dead is the first book in the A Stitch in Time Mystery series by Greta Mckennan. Daria has come up with a brilliant new plan to expand her seamstress business beyond stitching wedding gowns—historical sewing. And with Civil War re-enactors setting up camp in her hometown of Laurel Springs, Pennsylvania, she has plenty of opportunities, including one client playing a Confederate colonel who's a particular stickler for authenticity. But soon the small-town peace starts coming apart at the seams as an antique doll is stolen from a Civil War exhibit and the cranky colonel is found impaled by his own bayonet. When Daria's brother is suspected of the theft and a bridal client's fiance is accused of the murder, Daria is determined to untangle the clues to prove their innocence. She needs to get this case sewn up fast, though, before the murderer re-enacts the crime and makes her history.

Uniformly Dead is an engaging read with a nice combination of small town and niche style cozy mystery. Daria is a smart, independent character that is still reeling for a disastrous relationship but making it work as best she can. She has her quirks, but her tenant does as well, and so do her clients, and her brother. I like that all of the characters have good and bad, and they all have layers that while I feel like I know them, I would love to learn more and am eager to read more from the series to discover more. I like that the mystery have several layers of danger and suspects, and that Daria needs to take a hard look as the guys she is interested in, and her brother, not just people she does not know. I am more than over the use of love triangles, so that aspect of the story felt a little overplayed, but I have faith that in later books that will not happen again based on the big conclusion. I really liked that while I had my suspicions as to the culprit, it was not until the  very end that I knew who did what, and how it all came together. The action and climax of the story was impressive, and I was holding my breathe as the danger and revelations all made themselves known. There are more twists and turns than I expected, and was completely enthralled- and still find myself thinking about the characters after I finished the book.

Uniformly Dead is a fast, entertaining read. I read it in a day and fully enjoyed the ride. I will be keeping my eye out for more books in this series since I have already fallen behind.

Early Book Review: A Place For Pluto by Stef Wade, Melanie Demmer

A Place For Pluto was written by Stef Wade and illustrated by Melanie Demmer. This informational picturebook is currently scheduled for release on August 1 2018.Pluto got the shock of his life when he was kicked out of the famous nine. His planet status was stripped away, leaving him lost and confused. On his quest to find a place where he belongs, he talks to comets, asteroids, and meteoroids. He doesn't fit it anywhere! But when Pluto is about to give up, he runs into a dwarf planet and finally finds his place in the solar system. 

A Place For Pluto tells the story of Pluto's change of status to dwarf planet from Pluto's point of view. The poor guy was crushed! As he searches the universe for anyone like himself readers not only learn a bit about space and the things in it, but they also get a lesson in acceptance, friendship, and self discovery. The artwork is bright and cute, with small blurbs of explanatory text about who Pluto comes across in space. Pluto talks to other planets, Halley's Comet, asteroids, and more until he finds other dwarf planets and discovers what he his. I like that after his journey he returns home to find his old friends missed him and now has more friends than ever before. I only wish he could have been happy with himself before finding a label, because putting people in categories is not always the best path, but it worked for the story and can be used to start discussions. There are extra materials included at the end of the book to encourage more reading and research on the subject, which could be helpful and curiosity inducing. 

Book Review: No Earls Allowed (The Survivors) by Shana Galen

No Earls Allowed is the second book in The Survivors series by Shana Galen. While I have read other books by the author, I had not read the first book in this series. However, I feel like I was fully able to enjoy the read without having read the first, although there are mentions of the other men that are the heroes of the series, so those reading in order might get a little more out of the read than those of us coming in cold. 

Lady Juliana, daughter of the Earl of St. Maur, needs all the help she can get. She's running a ramshackle orphanage, London's worst slumlord has illicit designs on her, and her father has suddenly become determined to marry her off. Enter Major Neil Wraxall, bastard son of the Marquess of Kensington, sent to assist Lady Juliana in any way he can. Lucky for her, he's handy with repairs, knows how to keep her and the orphans safe, and is a natural leader of men. Unfortunately for both of them, the scandal that ensues from their mutual attraction is going to lead them a merry dance.

No Earls Allowed captured my attention immediately, with a charitable heroine dealing with her grief by throwing herself into the care of orphans. I liked Juliana, her stubbornness and pride sometime getting her into trouble but her heart and humor are what make her such a great character to read. Neil has survived the war, but not unscathed. As the bastard son of a nobleman he has limited acceptance in society, despite his status as war hero. I like that neither care much about convention, or what society has to say about them, at least for the most part. I loved watching Neil's soft side revealed, and his honor and need protect takes over as he gets to know Juliana and the boys. The twists and turns that are involved in protecting Juliana and the orphanage were very well done, and occasionally had me holding my breathe. I was entertained, engaged, and connected with both the story and the characters. The characterization of the boys Julie cares for was also extremely well done, capturing the variety of needs and personalities that would be most likely in the situation- but they still felt real rather than standard.  I will admit, there were moments when I was not happy with the choices or words of our couple, but those moments ramped up the tension and moved forward the story, so they were well used. This story was highly entertaining, now I just need to as the first book, and the next one, to my TBR pile. 

No Earls Allowed is a heart warming historical romance with plenty of danger in intrigue. I enjoyed the characters, the unique set up, and the book as a whole. I was reminded of how much I enjoy this authors work, and why I need to read more from them. 

Book Review: Mythical Beasts and Beings by Lisa Graves

Mythical Beasts and Beings by Lisa Graves takes on monsters, fairies, gods and dragons in this illustrated guide to mythological creatures. Featuring legends from around the world, this collection provides information for fans of mythology, magic and more in short but a lovely volume.

Mythical Beasts and Beings is a basic and brief introduction to a sampling of mythical creatures from around the world. Some I was very well acquainted with through my fantasy reading and mythology research over the years, and some I knew much less about. The included creatures are Mermaids, Hobgoblins, Tylwyth Teg, Ciguapa, Leshy, Gorgon, Imoogi, Nuberu, Morrigan, Kraken, Hulder, Muma Padurii, Valkyrie, Spriggan, Baobhan Sith, Makara, Banshee, Pixie, Sphinx, Kappa, Satyr, and Unicorn. I like that each creature profile included countries of origin, habitat, unusual features, similar creatures, and other important aspects of the myths and how they vary by region or time. THe images used are like lovely painting, with colors and soft lines. I will admit that some of my knowledge of myths and legends surrounding some of the creatures varied from what was presented here, but not in drastic or remarkable ways. I attribute thoth difference to the lenses in which I have view the creatures and characters through the collections and fiction I have previously been introduced to them.