Book Review: Serafina and the Seven Stars (Serafina) by Robert Beatty

Serafina and the Seven Stars is the fourth book in the Serafina series by Robert Beatty. I do recommend reading this series in order.

Serafina, the Guardian of Biltmore Estate, has won battle after battle against the dark forces encroaching on her home. Now, tranquility has returned to Biltmore. Serafina doesn't trust it. She patrols the grounds night and day, hardly sleeping, uncertain of her place after her best friend Braeden Vanderbilt's departure for boarding school in New York. When Mr. Vanderbilt, the kind master of Biltmore, asks Serafina to move upstairs into one of the house's grandest rooms, she's sure it's to keep an eye on the guests who have arrived for the estate's annual hunt. But as Serafina investigates, she becomes more and more unsettled by what Biltmore has become-a place haunted by nameless terrors where no dark corridor is safe. Even worse, she begins to doubt her own senses. Is Braeden really hundreds of miles away, or did he return to Biltmore for one strange night before vanishing? Is the bond between them truly broken or is it stronger than ever? Then Serafina witnesses a crime that turns her world upside down. How can all that once seemed good and worthy of protection now be evil? And how can she guard those around her when she can't even be sure of the truth of her own heart? 

Serafina and the Seven Stars is an thoroughly engaging read. I received an advanced copy from the publisher and kept putting off reading it because I was afraid it would not live up to my expectations. I should not have worried- I got lost in the book and read it in a single afternoon- including a couple breaks to bake and decorate my daughter's birthday cake. If you have enjoyed the series so far- just read it. You will be happy you did, and only sad because you finished it.

For those of you that want more information, this book hit me in the feels hard. Serafina is not trusting the peace- waiting for the next disaster to strike. I often waste peaceful moments doing the same, but in this case SErafina was right to be weary. She ends up doubting herself and the people she trusts most looking to keep everyone at Biltmore safe. I felt bad for her through the majority of the book, since so much of it is about Serafina learning to trust herself and wage the battles mostly on her own, and then to trust in those that support her. I will admit that I caught a few hints in the story and had a good idea about where the dangers were coming from fairly early in the story, but the search for the whole truth and how to come out on top was well worth the journey the book takes readers on. I felt like the story had a solid conclusion, with the danger past and a clear way forward in mind, but there is still room for more stories from the Biltmore.

Serafina and the Seven Stars is a perfect addition to this series, especially since I was not expecting about Serafina and the Biltmore after Willa's series began.

Book Review: Courting the Cat Whisperer (Nocturne Falls) by Wynter Daniels

Courting the Cat Whisperer by Wynter Daniels is part of the Nocturne Falls series, which is shared by several authors. I am fairly certain that I have read a few books from this universe before, but they are all stand alones so no worries if you have not. 

Telepathic petsitter Jordan Vaughn wishes she could forget her checkered past. Despite her genuine efforts to make amends, she falls short every time. When she meets the guy of her dreams, she’s sure that her bad-luck streak is over. A head injury erased Harry Hill’s memory. Now, four years later, he’s built a new life in Nocturne Falls, complete with a gorgeous girlfriend. Everything is falling into place—until someone tries to kill him. But will the past he can’t remember jeopardize his future with Jordan?

Courting the Cat Whisperer was an engaging read, and I thought the characters were well done. Jordan seems to bring disaster in her wake. She cannot cook, and makes simple mistakes that seem to make the lives of her twin and soon to be brother in law harder. I liked her resiliency, although I admit to getting angry on her behalf several times- as those that should stick up for her seem to add to her distress time and again. Harry seems to have come through some hard times of his own, and made a new life for himself with a good deal of confidence and ability. I really liked the two characters together, and how they came to trust in each other and balance each other well. I thought the sleuthing and danger element was fairly mild, while there was danger and a few high suspense moments at no point was I really worried for Jordan or Harry's lives or future.  I thought the mystery of Harry's past was well written, and I liked getting to know the characters of a second town- that made me want to read more from Daniels to see what would happen there next. 

Courting the Cat Whisperer is a fun and entertaining read with a nice balance of mystery and romance.

 

Book Review: Tall, Tatted, and Tempting (Reed Brothers) by Tammy Falkner

Tall, Tatted, and Tempting by Tammy Falkner is a new adult romance. Logan wants to know my name, but I can't tell him. I can't tell him anything. There are too many people looking for me. He's pretty persuasive, though, and he convinces me to go home with him so he can keep me safe from this harsh city where I find myself. It's not my home. It's his. He belongs. I don't. Logan lives with four brothers in the inner city. Yet I've never felt more safe than I do when I'm with him. I want him. But he won't let me have a darn thing, aside from his friendship, unless I'm willing to tell him my secrets. But they're mine, and I can't share them. Not unless I want them to come and get me. She catches my eye because she's so beautiful she takes my breath. But that's not all that I love about her. I love the way she smells. The way she smiles. The way she plays the guitar is unlike anything I have ever seen. She sleeps in my bed every night, and drives me crazy with her touch. But I can't take what she offers because I need all of her. I need for her to tell me her secrets. I need for her to trust me.

Tall, Tatted, and Tempting captured my attention right away and kept me thoroughly engaged for the entire read. I really loved Kit/Emily and thought her character was very well done. I was intrigued by her story and wanted more, and the way it was slowly revealed was pretty perfect for the larger story. Logan was very well written as well, the only complaint I could have for him was that he was almost too perfect. His patience and love for his family and friends was almost too perfect. Logan's family and the complications that were written into the story were very well handled. I loved the way everyone (including Logan) dealt with his deafness, and the way he responded to discovering that Kit had issues of her own was spot on. My biggest complaint is that I had no idea that there was a follow up (my fault for not paying any attention). While some things were decided by the end of this book, and so much revealed, there are so many more questions in my mind about what happens next for all of the characters of this story. I loved the read, but was so frustrated when I reached the end. I would suggest  having the next book on hand before starting this- because it is one I had trouble putting down, and when I went to check how many Reed Bother books there were- I counted ten plus some novellas. I have some follow up reading to do!

Tall, Tatted, and Tempting is an engaging new adult romance with lots of heart. Just be aware that it is the first in a series- and the ending leaves lots of questions for the future.There are at least ten books in the series, so you can scratch that itch right away.

Early Book Review: Love at First Bark (Rescue Me) by Debbie Burns

Love at First Bark is the fourth book in the Rescue Me series by Debbie Burns. It is currently scheduled for release on July 30 2019. You do not have to have read all the books, or the books in order, to enjoy them. They can each stand up well on their own.

Animal portrait painter Mia Chambers and architect Ben Thomas have volunteered at the High Grove Animal Shelter for years, and they share a complicated history. Ben has secretly loved Mia all this time, but she was married to his best friend. Now she's newly widowed, with a young son, and Ben doesn't know how to tell her what's in his heart. All he can do is stay close, help her as much as she'll let him, and watch for the right moment to bare his soul. When a dozen adorable border collies get dumped in St. Louis' biggest park, everyone at the shelter mobilizes for a large-scale rescue. Rushing to the park to round up the frisky collies, Ben and Mia unexpectedly plunge into a new phase of their entangled lives. Who knew that opening their hearts and homes—to animals in need and to each other—would lead to so many upheavals and new beginnings?

Love at First Bark is a sweet story about two great people in a hard situation, having trouble admitting their feelings. Mia was in then middle of divorcing her husband when he died. There are secrets and a lack of closure swirling around her and she is struggling to do the right thing and help her young son deal with all the changes in his life. Ben has been a good friend, but was always her husband's friend first, so Mia is not sure what to do with the still growing attraction for him as she deals with the chaos left behind. I like that Ben is honestly a good guy, and willing to stand back and care for Mia ans Ollie in what ever way he can. The addition of adorable pups and great secondary characters make the story even more engaging and fun to read. I did enjoy the characters, and getting to know them. I liked the story, but I have to admit that it did not wow me. There were a couple moments when I expected something bigger to happen, and it just did not. There was nothing wrong with the book, it was well written and solid, it just fell a little short of my expectations.

Love at First Bark is a lovely contemporary romance about second chances.  I enjoyed the read.

Early Book Review: I Don’t Like to Eat Ants by JTK Belle, Sabine Mielke

I Don’t Like to Eat Ants is a picturebook written by JTK Belle and illustrated by Sabine Mielke. It is currently scheduled for release on August 1 2019. This story follows Anteater One and Anteater Two’s debate over their current diet of ants. Anteater One doesn’t like to eat ants and wants Anteater Two to try new foods, while Anteater Two believes it’s their nature to only eat ants and nothing else. Together, Anteater One and Anteater Two adventure off to the Peanut Butter and Jelly Deli, where they discover that it’s important to try new things, because you’ll never know if you like something unless you’re willing to give it a chance. 

I Don’t Like to Eat Ants is a fun book about anteaters arguing about what they should be eating. One anteater is sick of ants and would much prefer cake and rolls while the other is insisting that eating ants is part of their nature, and included in their name. I liked their banter and the way they finally find a common ground. I found the illustrations to be pretty much perfect, illustrating the spirit of the story and having details that made for additional humor. I especially enjoyed the side conversations by the ants throughout the story, I almost missed them, and only noticed them part way through the book so I had to go back and look again. I think this book will stand for multiple re reads and might become a favorite book for some young readers.

I Don’t Like to Eat Ants is a cute story about trying new things and not being tied down by names or expectations. I think this book is well suited for storytimes, sharing one on one, and for emerging readers to read on their own.

Early Book Review: Glow in the Dark: Animals at Night by Katy Flint, Cornelia Li

Glow in the Dark: Animals at Night is a non fiction picture book written by Katy Flint and illustrated by Cornelia Li. Itis currently scheduled for release on July 16 2019.

Meet the animals that come out at night in this nocturnal adventure across the globe’s habitats, including a glow-in-the-dark poster of the deep sea.See the jaguar prowling the Amazon rain forest, spot the lion pride on the African savanna, and visit a turtle nesting beach under the stars. Then, turn off the lights to see the ocean creatures glow on the 24” × 11.5” tear-out poster. The book’s cover glows in the dark too! (Be sure to charge them in the light first.) 

Each spread features a different nighttime habitat animated by a description of the activities of its various creatures. Fact boxes name each of the creatures and tells a bit about what makes them special. Learn about the rain forest mammals called kinkajous, who slurp flower nectar by night and nest in tree hollows by day, and the rare and mysterious night parrots, who emerge after sunset in the Australian outback to feed on the seeds of spinifex bushes, among many other amazing nocturnal creatures. The habitats you’ll explore are: City, Rain forest, Beach, Australian outback, Woodland, Arctic, Mountains, Mangrove forest, Desert, Coral reef, and Savanna.

Glow in the Dark: Animals at Night is a beautifully illustrated look at the animals that come out after dark. The artwork does a great job of capturing the wonder of the creatures and their habitats. It is a pity that I was reading a digital copy so I missed the effects of the glow in the dark work, which considering the other artwork I suspect is quite lovely.  I thought that the text was well written and accessible to a wide range of ages and knowledge levels. I liked the tone used, it was very conversational and informative without being stuffy or condescending. I think this book will be a hit with animal or nature lovers as well as those who simply love a picturebook that is lovely to look at.  

Book Review: Save The Date by Monica Murphy

Save The Date by Monica Murphy is a stand alone contemporary romance.  Caroline Abbott loves her job—helping engaged couples pick out the perfect save the date cards and invitations for their dream wedding. Working at Noteworthy means she has to deal with the occasional bridezilla, but Caroline’s always up for the challenge. Until one particular bridezilla walks into the stationery store who’s fiancé happens to be the boy Caroline shared her first kiss with. Alexander Wilder is all grown up now, helping run his family’s successful luxury hotel chain, and is somehow even better looking than she remembers. When Caroline just happens to catch Alex’s fiancée half naked with another man well, of course she has to tell Alex. Of course, he breaks off his engagement. And of course, the ex-bridezilla has gone completely bonkers. At least Caroline has her friends to save her from crazy ex-fiancées. But she also has the sudden interest of…Alex? Caroline knows they share a connection, but is he on the rebound? Or after seeing her all these years later, does he really want something more?

Save The Date is a romance that had me grinning and cringing in turn. I liked Caroline's character, and how hard she worked to be independent with still having a good support systems of friends and owning her fears of the future. Alex is a workaholic that I liked seeing admit what he needed and wanted out of life while still working to keep his family happy. The interactions between the two were sweet, sometimes snarky, and generally fun to read. I loved Caroline's friends and wish we all had a tribe of chosen family like that. I thought the twists and turns of the story were well written- and individually very believable. I found myself very engaged and had trouble putting the book aside a few times when I needed to- like to go to sleep at night. I enjoyed the read and think many others will as well. I just hope Murphy gives some of Caroline's friends happy endings pf their own.

Save The Date is a sweet romance with hints of a second chance romance and some sibling's friend- but never really gets lost in either. I liked the honesty and twists in the story. I am really glad I read it and will be reading more from the author.

Book Review: The Tracker (The Dregs) by Leslie Georgeson

The Tracker is the first book in the eight book (not all yet available)  Dregs series by Leslie Georgeson.  I’ve done despicable things. My soul is damaged. My body impaired. That’s what happens when you are a soldier for The Company. I was discharged a year ago. Now I am a dreg. Worthless. With a bounty on my head. I’ve become a creature of the night, hiding in an underground maze during the day. Because I’m not ready to die yet. She comes to me one night, needing my help to find her sister. The moment I see her, I want her. Her goodness calls to me, makes me yearn for the impossible. She brings life back to the deadness inside me. I’m no good for her. I will do nothing but corrupt her. But I’m a callous bastard. I can’t resist her. I try not to care for her, but somehow she slips under my skin. She makes me weak. And there is only one thing in this world I am afraid of. Weakness. I’ll never be good enough for her, so I have to finish this job and send her on her way. Before she destroys me.

The Tracker is a story that manages to get a lot of world building, character development, and other series groundwork laid down without having it completely overtake the action and romance of the story. I like that Jessica is a fully developed character with a mind and drives of her own. She is willing to do anything to save her sister, and is fiercely loyal to the dregs once they have gotten to know each other. Tracker and his teammates have serious issues to overcome, and I like that they own those issues and do not pretend to be perfect. I found Tracker to be well written and consistent with his past and position- and really enjoyed reading about the connections between the dregs.I was left wanting to see how it turns out for all of them, and want them all to find a happy ending. I will admit that there were a couple things that dragged a bit for me, but I think they were all necessary to set up for the conclusion of this book and the set ups for the future volumes.

The Tracker is a good start to a series with suspense, romance, and plenty of twists and turns. I have already downloaded the second book and added it to my 'to read' list.

Early Book Review: When a Lady Kisses a Scot (Her Majesty's Most Secret Service) by Tara Kingston

When a Lady Kisses a Scot is the fourth book in the Her Majesty's Most Secret Service series by Tara Kingston. This is the first book I have read in the series, and while there are clearly some carried over characters and relationships this book can be read as a stand alone. 

Rose Fleming has been presumed dead for the last decade. It required leaving everything—and everyone—she loved behind, including MacAllister Campbell. But faking her death allowed her to stay safe until the threat posed by a mysterious villain had passed. Believing it’s finally safe again, she returns...and runs smack into the only man she ever loved. But Rose was wrong and the stalker she escaped years ago still has her in his sights. Ten years ago, Mac mourned the death of the woman he loved. It’s taken years to heal his heart only to discover that not only is Rose still alive, but still in grave danger. Mac can forgive Rose’s deception, but he’d never be able to forgive himself if he didn’t protect her from the evil still stalking her. The only thing worse than losing her once would be losing her again... and he won’t let that happen.

When a Lady Kisses a Scot is a romance that had a great deal happening, but somehow felt like it was missing something. Rose ran for her life as a teen- with little understanding of what she was running from. MacAllister has been working hard and making a difference. Neither of them had forgotten each other from when they met in their youth and only met again by chance as Rose's life is in danger again. I rather liked both characters, and I liked getting to see the story from both of their perspectives.  I thought their personalities, reactions, and banter were all good. I thought that the inner dialogues were good for the most part, but there was just so much mooning about the other that I got to the point where I was skimming some of it waiting for conversations or action to begin again. The mystery and danger surrounding Rose was mixed- some parts were very well done and intriguing while other things just were left vague and with few answers. When the action was happening I was invested and curious about what might be happening next, but I felt like there was too much of some of the unimportant pondered over and over while the critical information was often glossed over or included in passing. It was just such a missed bag for me- what I enjoyed was fantastic, while other moments had me looking to see how much of the book was left.

When a Lady Kisses a Scot is a good historical romance with a lot going on. I think fans of the series will want to pick it up but I would recommend other first time readers check out from the library to see if you enjoy the writing style.

Book Review: Ella May Does It Her Way by Mick Jackson, Andrea Stegmaier

Ella May Does It Her Way is a picturebook written by Mick Jackson and illustrated by Andrea Stegmaier. Meet Ella May, the girl who likes to do things her way. In the first of this brilliant new series all about an imaginative, strong-willed girl character with her own ideas, Ella May tries walking backward, just to see how it feels. In her bedroom she tries reading her books backward, and after dinner she goes backward up to the bathroom and climbs backward into bed. When Ella goes backward up the slide and backward over the castle, Ella’s mum decides to turn around and walk backward next to Ella, to make it easier for them to talk. Pretty soon, half the town is walking backward in a giant, backward-walking procession. Where will it end?

Ella May Does It Her Way is a fun story about a smart young lady told that it is good to try new things, but then takes it up a notch. I like that it all starts will Ella May trying a new food, that she rather likes, so starts trying walking backwards to see if she likes that as well. I like that Ella May works out ways to try her new way of walking safely, her creativity and inventiveness made me smile. I have to admit that as soon as everyone else started walking backwards too I new it was going to stop- because I have a spunky daughter of my own that would stop something at the same point as Ella May. I really enjoy that she continues to try new things, and encourages her mother (and everyone else) to keep trying new things too. I thought the art work was very well done, and added a great deal to the story. THe little details and colors kept the eyes moving and the interest high throughout the read.

Ella May Does It Her Way is a great read for storytimes, sharing one on one, and emerging readers to read on their own. The story is fun and relatable- and offers the encouragement to all readers to keep trying new things.