Book Review: More Than a Phoenix (Phoenix Brothers) Ashlyn Chase

More Than a Phoenix is the second book in the Phoenix Brothers series by Ashlyn Chase, although it is related to a few of her other series. I think anyone that has read any of the books by Chase set in Boston will be perfectly able to catch on to the details quickly. However, readers that have not read any of Chase's books might be confused by the details surrounding the different types of paranormals and who is who.

Mallory Summers is losing it. She's discovered she can talk to dead people--and she might be able to shift to monkey form. Firefighter Dante Fierro knows the quirky beauty isn't crazy--just supernatural. But what would she think if she knew his secret? Hothead Noah Fierro has his own sparks flying with gorgeous ER doctor Kizzy Samuels. While the attraction is mutual, so are the supernatural secrets. With this much sizzle going on, how do you not get burned?

More Than a Phoenix covers the romances of two Fierro brothers. Dante and Noah are brothers, roommates, and best friends. However, as they find women that are command their attention they start to grate on each other's nerves and start drifting apart. Maybe it is because Mallory's life is falling apart and she just might be crazy- or cursed, and Kizzy is giving Noah the run around. There are so many secrets that as a reader I knew the stories would come together into a solid conclusion. I liked the characters, the main players and their families. However, since there were so many important characters plus the romance, danger, and drama I felt like I did not get to know the characters as well as I would have liked. I think everything was well written, but Chase tried to cover too much ground and the connection I love to forge to the characters was rather lost on the way. I still enjoyed the read, and think that other readers will as well, I just did not love it. 

More Than a Phoenix is an entertaining read, and covers two romances and a good amount of action. I was not as engaged in the characters as I had hoped, but I still enjoyed the read and think that fans of the author will certainly want to read it.

Book Review: Sleep, Sheep! by Kerry Lyn Sparrow, Guillaume Perrault

Sleep, Sheep! is a picturebook written by Kerry Lyn Sparrow and illustrated by Guillaume Perrault. There are lots of things Duncan likes about bedtime; the stories, the pajamas, the bubblegum-flavored toothpaste. The only thing he doesn't like is going to sleep, and he'll do anything he can to avoid it. One day Duncan's mom has had enough of his stalling. “Try counting sheep,” she tells him. So, he does. At first, it's kind of fun. As he counts, each sheep appears, wearing its number like a race car, and leaps over the bed. But then comes Sheep #68, who hesitates. He needs a drink of water before he can jump. Then he has to go to the bathroom. Then he wants to put on running shoes. Will Sheep #68 ever do what he's supposed to?

Sleep, Sheep! is a great bedtime book that parents and children can enjoy. Parents can appreciate the amount of stalling tactics that Duncan has learned, and the skill that his mother has used to shut them all done. There are some great tips there for we adults. I think seeing the young boy facing the same arguments his parents had faced with him can help children see themselves in the story and hopefully empathize with the adults that might normally give a hard time. The story and illustrations are fun and amusing, I liked the good natured humor of the story and the charming illustration. I think this will be a bed time and general read aloud hit, with many requested re reads in the future.

Book Review: Countertop Gardens: Easily Grow Kitchen Edibles Indoors for Year-Round Enjoyment by Shelley Levis

Countertop Gardens: Easily Grow Kitchen Edibles Indoors for Year-Round Enjoyment by Shelley Levis is for readers that want to grow some of their own food in their kitchen. Whether you have a huge yard in a warm climate or a tiny apartment in a city with harsh winters, you can grow edibles year-round in the comfort and convenience of your own kitchen. The book walks readers through the challenges, benefits, and how-tos of growing inside and presenting the wide array of methods available. In addition to going over the pros and cons of a wide range of ready-made hydroponic, aquaponic, and vertical gardening systems, author Shelley Levis describes how to make your own DIY setups--from simple space-saving container designs to more creative and complex soil-free solutions. 

Countertop Gardens: Easily Grow Kitchen Edibles Indoors for Year-Round Enjoyment is a well organized and comprehensive guide to growing indoors. The book detailed the factors necessary in growing indoors and the variety of needs plants can have. She also offered solutions and tips for the majority of problems that gardeners might face, as well as sharing some of the difficulties that she has faced over the years.  I like that Levis listed several different types of growing mediums and methods, this was not just another book about making sure your indoor plants get enough light and water. Instead she detailed the whys and hows as well as offering commercial and do-it-yourself options for getting a kitchen (or house-wide really) indoor garden going. THe included recipes and index at the end of the book were helpful as well. I already have some visions of rearranging my kitchen and den to make room for some herbs, spinach, and lettuce. Since light is usually what my plants are lacking- and some of the products suggested were already on my wish list- I feel better prepared to make this happen.

 

Countertop Gardens: Easily Grow Kitchen Edibles Indoors for Year-Round Enjoyment is a great resource for growing indoors, and can offer valuable information and inspiration for gardeners that want to move some of their efforts indoors. 

Book Review: Sir Simon Super Scarer by Cale Atkinson

Sir Simon Super Scarer by Cale Atkinson is a picturebook. Meet Sir Simon, Super Scarer. He's a professional ghost who has been transferred to his first house. And just in time! He was getting tired of haunting bus stops and forests and potatoes. And to top it off, this house is occupied by an old lady -- they're the easiest to haunt! But things don't go as planned when it turns out a KID comes with this old lady. Chester spots Simon immediately and peppers him with questions. Simon is exasperated, until he realizes he can trick Chester into doing his ghost chores. Spooky sounds, footsteps in the attic, creaks on the stairs -- these things don't happen on their own, you know! After a long night of haunting, it seems that maybe Chester isn't cut out to be a ghost, so Simon decides to help with Chester's human chores. Turns out Simon isn't cut out for human chores either. 

Sir Simon Super Scarer is a story about friendship and taking responsibility. Simon is excited about his new haunting spot, but takes advantage of Chester, who comes to stay with his grandmother. They each have their chores, and things they need to do, but Simon tries to get Chester to do his work. I like that Simon realizes what he has done and tries to help Chester in return.  Neither does a good job, but friendship and appreciation fore each other is created. I liked the illustrations, and thought that it did a good job of adding to the story and settling the mood. While the concept sounds fresh and original, I feel like have have read something similar in the past.  I cannot place the title now, but as a whole it felt too familiar to me. I do have to admit that there were some formatting issues with the digital copy, making it hard to read. However, I know that this will be solved by the final print and publish so I tried not to let that affect my feelings toward the story. 

Book Review: Being Fitz by J.D. Walker

Being Fitz by J.D. Walker is a novella. Lysander "Fitz" Fitzgibbon used to teach at a university, but quit when his father grew ill and needed someone to take care of him. Years later, after his dad's death, Fitz has given up on his dreams, drives a bus route, and endures twice monthly visits from Jerry, who can't really be called a friend, and barely a benefit. Fitz is lonely, overweight, and figures life won't be getting any better. Then Jerry falls for Fitz's neighbor, Henry, and Fitz stumbles over a dead body in the park. As if life couldn't get any worse, he has a run-in with Detective Holland Simms, whose infuriating arrogance and brash behavior provokes Fitz to punch him. But strangely enough, Fitz feels more alive around Simms than he has in a long time, though Fitz finds it hard to believe that the confident Simms would want anything to do with him.

Being Fitz is a short romance. It was a quick. enjoyable read with some serious feels. My biggest issue is that I wanted more. Fitz has plenty of angst in the beginning, and the initial courtship between Simms and Fitz was pretty great. However, then we just kind of cut ahead to Fitz getting his life together, and it felt like the heart of the matter was glossed over. I loved seeing Fitz find happiness, but I feel like This could have easily been fleshed out to a full length novel, with more relationship development, and more of Fitz finding his value in tangible ways rather than because Simms and his coworker telling him that his is more than he thinks. I liked the read, but really wanted more, I wanted to see Fitz grow not just have it glossed over and be told that things work out. I wanted to see him move towards it and grab his future with both hands rather than just reacting to things that come his way.

Early Book Review: A Valentine for Frankenstein by Leslie Kimmelman, Timothy Banks

A Valentine for Frankenstein is a picturebook written by Leslie Kimmelman and illustrated by Timothy Banks. It is currently Scheduled for release on November 1 2018. Frankenstein isn't your typical monster. For starters, he only has one head, just two eyes, and no tail. And worst of all, he's sort of nice! Frankenstein quickly realizes his friendly behavior is out of place at the Valentine's Day Bash. There's one monster, though, who likes that Frankenstein is different. Can Frankenstein figure out the identity of his secret valentine? And can the other monsters finally accept Frankenstein for the monster that he is?

A Valentine for Frankenstein is a cute picturebook about being who you are, and accepting others for who they are. Frankenstein might be different, and generally teased by others- but he does not let that change how he acts or who he is. He keeps on being the best person he can, his way. I like that it was his differences that made Belcher like him, rather than anything else. I also like that his difference is kindness, which is something all the characters do appreciate once they stop to think about it. We could all stand for a little more kindness, right? The illustrations are bright and colorful with a whimsical feel. It worked with the story, but was not my favorite style. However, I think it will appeal to many young readers. 

Book Review: Kiss the Girl (Naughty Princess Club) by Tara Sivec

Kiss the Girl is the third, and final book, in the Naughty Princess Club series by Tara Sivec. I have read one, but not both, of the previous books. I think the romance can stand on its own, but those that have read the previous books will have a better understanding of the characters and their situations than newcomers.

A struggling antiques collector finds herself falling in love with a millionaire playboy; but can she ever be a part of his world? While her friends have broken free of their insecurities, Ariel Waters is struggling to come out of her shell. Her ex-husband took away her voice and her self-confidence, and Ariel is drowning under a sea of debt to afford the alimony she has to pay him. She refuses to ever fall for a man’s charms again, and is determined to make her own way. When her house and her beloved antiques are taken by the bank after too many missed payments, Ariel finds herself adrift until the infuriatingly charming Eric Sailor comes to her rescue. Although she can’t stand the millionaire playboy, Eric’s kindness and unconditional support reveal hidden depths and a love that Ariel never imagined she could find. But there are outside influences who will stop at nothing to keep them apart; can Ariel and Eric weather the storm and find a way to be together?

Kiss the Girl is charming and quirky, and a fun take on the Little Mermaid story. I love Ariel's character, she is outwardly strong and outspoken, but her bluster is meant to hide how insecure she really is. I could relate to her on several level- both in having escaped an abusive relationship and living the fake it til you make it lifestyle. I like how Eric saw through it but never took advantage of it, he liked her spunk and outspoke side and wants to help her be herself and find herself. He is occasionally sneaky, but never in a harmful way and always to do something that will support her. While I get annoyed with the "for her own good' actions because I would hate to be manipulated like that, it was well handled here. My only complaint is the same one I had for the previous book I read from Sivec is that I want to know what is going on in Eric's head. So often I wanted to 'see' some of the moments from his perspective. I also enjoyed story wrap ups included in the epilogue, giving me readers an extra look at all three princess's happy ever afters. 

Kiss the Girl is a fun and highly entertaining read. The characters and interactions were great fun and it was engaging. I look forward to reading more from the author.

Book Review: 10 Reasons to Love... a Penguin by Catherine Barr, Hanako Clulow

10 Reasons to Love... a Penguin is a children's book written by Catherine Barr and illustrated by Hanako Clulow. Penguins are cute and special birds! Did you know that they go on incredible journeys? Or that they toboggan on their stomachs? Discover ten reasons why penguins are amazing and five ways you can show they love them in this gorgeous picture book. A must for any young animal enthusiast and a fantastic introduction to environmental issues.

10 Reasons to Love... a Penguin is a delightful non fiction picturebook about penguins that explains why we should all the the 18 different types of penguins. The illustrations are very realistic, and labeled to note the type of penguin pictured and the other animals included. The facts are interesting and well worded so that the information is understandable to a wide range of reading and age levels, but without boring older or more advanced readers. I like that there were a few little tips for readers to implement that can help penguins, and other wildlife, survive and thrive. I thought I knew a good deal about penguins, but I learned some things from the read- like that they have a special gland that allows them to sneeze the salt water that they ingest while eating. The only thing that I found lacking in my digital galley was a list of resources or further reading in the endpages. The book encourages readers to research and check in on several things, which is great, but giving the links or at least pointing in the right direction for further reading would have been valuable to readers. Maybe it will be included in the final hardcover version, but it was not part of the digital galley which is what I have access to, and that disappointed me greatly.

10 Reasons to Love... a Penguin is a book with a lot going for it, particularly the great information and illustrations. However, I was disappointed in the lack of additional resources and information in the endpages to be very disappointing, and that lack cost the book a star in my rating system. 

Book Review: Sharky Malarkey: A Sketchbook Collection by Megan Nicole Dong

Sharky Malarkey: A Sketchbook Collection by Megan Nicole Dong follows the adventures of Bruce, a washed-up shark actor, and a colorful assortment of dysfunctional people, animals, and inanimate objects. Bruce is vain but insecure; hotheaded but cowardly; craves attention but fears intimacy—his over-the-top antics are all too human. Based on Megan Nicole Dong’s popular webcomic, Sketchshark, her debut print collection mines the absurd in everyday life. 

Sharky Malarkey: A Sketchbook Collection is not what I was expecting, but I have never seen the webcomic from the artist so I was coming in fresh. The description says the book is about Bruce, a Hollywood shark, with some moments about the artist. However, the book is the opposite- mostly about the artist and everyday life with just a sprinkle of Bruce.  There were plenty of relatable moments, but I was distracted by the art style which felt a little sloppy and undetailed. I think those that already are fans, and know they enjoy the artists work will want to take a look at the collection. Unfortunately it just did nothing for me.

Book Review: Outside: Discovering Animals by Maria Ana Peixe Dias, Ines Teixeira do Rosario, Bernardo P. Carvalho

Outside: Discovering Animals is a nonfiction book for middle grade and older readers written by Maria Ana Peixe Dias and Inês Teixeira do Rosário, with illustrations by Bernardo P. Carvalho. Whether you live in the country or the city, nature is still all around you, so what are we waiting for? It's time to jump off the couch and discover the animals that live on your doorstep. Created in collaboration with a team of experts, this comprehensive guide includes suggestions for activities and many illustrations to help the whole family get started, leave the house, and go out to discover – or simply admire – the amazing world that exists outside.

Outside: Discovering Animals is an in depth look at the world around us, with detailed explanations and illustrations to ensure that an engaged reader can take in the information. This is not a casual reading volume, rather a targeted resource tolead young readers and families to better understand nature, and be able to recognize the signs of wildlife in both city and country settings. This is a perfect book for those that camp often and interested in understanding and tracking the wildlife around them. The book is well organized with suggestions and activities to try, and well as tidbits of extra information that might not be crucial but is certainly interesting. I would have liked to see some real photographs rather than just the illustrations, even though some of them were very detailed and well labeled. It could have also used an index or glossary, to help readers focus in on information that might need to help identify a specific animals, insect, or print. 

Outside: Discovering Animals is a good, but not perfect, resource for young naturalists and their families. It has much useful information but I was expecting a little more from the read.