Early Book Review: Tokyo Mindscapes: Where to Go, When to Go, What to See by Misaki Matsui

Tokyo Mindscapes: Where to Go, When to Go, What to See by Misaki Matsui is currently scheduled for release on August 1 2019. Traveling to Tokyo? Be sure to see some of the most iconic sites in Tokyo and nearby cities—from gorgeous skylines and jaw-dropping nature to hidden treasures. With this photo/guidebook, visitors can explore both the cutting-edge and traditional parts of the city like a local. The photographer and author introduces the beauty of the four seasons of Tokyo and surrounding cities that Japanese residents love. The collection showcases more than 100 beautiful images of Tokyo including Senso-ji, Roppongi Hills, Todoriki Valley, Mt. Takao, the Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, and more.

Tokyo Mindscapes: Where to Go, When to Go, What to See is visually stunning, but so much more. The images are wonderful, and give readers a great feel for the beauty that can be found in Tokyo. The text that describes to location of each offers readers information on the history, architecture, people, and more. None of the text blocks are huge, or overly wordy. They just give enough information to show readers why they would want to see it in person, and when might be the best time to do so. I enjoyed learning about the locations featured even though I have no big travel plans in my future. I love learning about places I have never been, and this book was a enjoyable opportunity to do so with Tokyo. 

Tokyo Mindscapes: Where to Go, When to Go, What to See is a wonderful book for those planning a trip, and those that would love to see the sights, but have no plans to do so in person (at least anytime soon).

Early Book Review: One Summer Weekend (Cedar Street) by Shannon Stacey

One Summer Weekend by Shannon Stacey is the first book in the Cedar Street series. It is currently scheduled for release on August 5 2019.

Noah Stafford loves his life—his happy, single life. So what if he made up a fake girlfriend to stop his boss’s matchmaking? He kept things close to the truth—Carly really does have long, sexy legs and a killer sense of humor. She just happens to be his best friend. His wicked awesome and completely platonic best friend. But now his boss is having a destination wedding, and Noah is expected to attend…with Carly, his girlfriend. Carly Randall has no interest in living out a rom-com plot. But Noah is her best friend, so she agrees to help. Still, once they arrive on Cape Cod, she can’t explain the sudden butterflies she feels when he looks at her that way. Or why she doesn’t mind when Noah’s hands stray a little south of her back. What happens on the Cape stays on the Cape. Except not really, not at all, and once their sexy faux-cation is over, Noah and Carly return to a reality where everything’s changed. Going for it would mean risking their friendship, but forgetting how good they were together just isn’t an option.

One Summer Weekend is a fun friend to lover novella that is sweet and enjoyable to read. Noah and Carly are best friends that share just about everything. Getting thrown together as a pretend couple instead of best friends shows bends and breaks the boundaries between them. I liked the banter between the two and how friends gave them just as much advise and ribbing as I would expect from close friends.The way they teased each other and valued their friendship was wonderful, and pulled me into the story.  I found Carly and Noah's fears to be very realistic, and I was rooting for them from the very beginning. EAch of their individual freak outs were well done and in character- and I loved seeing them figure it out and find their way to happy ever after. I greatly enjoyed the ride, and will continue picking up new books from the author.

One Summer Weekend is a perfect single sitting or relaxing by the pool read. It is fun, sweet, and has just a touch of heat. Fans of the author are certainly going to want to read it, and newcomers to Stacey's work might become serious fans after this read. 

Book Review: When We Became Humans: Our Incredible Evolutionary Journey by Michael Bright, Hannah Bailey

When We Became Humans: Our Incredible Evolutionary Journey, written by Michael Bright and illustrated by Hannah Bailey, is a children's nonfiction book. This large-format book guides readers through the key aspects of the human story, from the anatomical changes that allowed us to walk upright and increased brain size in our ancestors, to the social, cultural, and economic developments of our more recent cousins and our own species. Along the way, focus spreads take a closer look at some of the key species in our history, from the ancient Australopithecus Afarensis, 'Lucy', to our recent cousins the Neanderthals and ourselves, Homo sapiens.Looking beyond the anatomical evolution of humans, this book explores how our culture and way of living has evolved, from how trails of cowry shells reveal early trade between tribes, to how and why humans first domesticated dogs, horses, and farm animals, and began settling in permanent villages and cities. Through digestible information and absorbing illustration, young readers will be given an insight into their own origins, and what it really means to be a human.

When We Became Humans does a wonderful job of explaining and illustrating important anthropological and archaeological terms to readers. The information about the evolution of man is well chronicled here- with just about every aspect of out past and present understanding of it well covered. I found the text to be clear and well written, and the illustrations do a good job of adding detail and capturing the interest and imagination of readers. I thought I had a good understanding of the topic, but found this book to be extremely informative and accessible. I think that this is a book that readers will enjoy looking at on their own, and in an educational context. I really liked the included charts and text about science fiction or fact, and the thoughts about the future. It was well done all around. 

When We Became Humans is a well organized and researched book that will appeal to interested readers and those reading for projects and classroom enrichment alike. 

Early Book Review: A Drop of Magic (The Magicsmith) by L.R. Braden

A Drop of Magic is the first book in The Magicsmith series by L.R. Braden. It is currently scheduled for release on July 31 2019. With the world clinging to a fragile peace forced on the Fae by humanity after the Faerie Wars, metalsmith Alex Blackwood is plunged into the world of the half-fae who traffick in illegal magical artifacts. Her best friend’s murder and his cryptic last message place her in the crosshairs of a scheme to reignite the decade-old war between humans and fae. Worse, violent attacks against her and the arrival of a fae knight on a mission force Alex to face a devastating revelation of who and what she is. To catch a killer, retrieve a dangerous artifact, and stop a war, Alex will have to accept that she’s an unregistered fae “halfer” with a unique magical talent—a talent that would change everything she believes about her past, her art, and her future. Her world is crumbling around her, and Alex will have to decide who to trust if she and the world are going to survive.

A Drop of Magic starts with the basics needed for a complex urban fantasy world and a strong main character. Alex has been through a lot, and tries to do her bet in her art and day job while still trying to keep a safe emotional distance from her friends and acquaintances. Everything is turned upside down when her good friend is killed and her own identity is brought into question. I like that she struggles a little with the chaos that begins to surround her- but still manages  to keep moving forward and trying to solve the mystery. The murders and missing items of the story were very well written, and I thought the danger and sleuthing for the characters and readers alike hit a good balance, and I am glad to say that the conclusion was not on my radar, and I was a little surprised. I enjoyed learning about the characters closest to Alex, and really like that there were multiple possibilities for romantic interest the story never made that leap. I hate when all the world and character building gets pushed aside for a romance- even though I love a good love story.  I have a feeling that romance is coming, but I was gla to get a solid understanding of Alex and her world beforehand.  Some of the twists I saw coming, while others managed to sneak up on me and take me by surprise. I liked that the story did have a solid, satisfying conclusion but left plenty of room for more revelations and twists in future complications. I also enjoyed the collection of fae and shifters that made their appearance, and cannot wait to see what else pops up in the future.

A Drop of Magic is a good start to an urban fantasy series. I think I will be continuing this one to see where it goes. 

Early Book Review: A Royal Guide to Monster Slaying by Kelley Armstrong

A Royal Guide to Monster Slaying by Kelley Armstrong is the first book in a new middle grade to young adult fantasy series. It is currently scheduled for release on August 6 2019.

Twelve-year-old Rowan is destined to be Queen; her twin brother, Rhydd, to be Royal Monster Hunter. Rowan would give anything to switch places, but the oldest child is always next in line, even if she is only older by two minutes. She resigns herself to admiring her monster hunting aunt's glorious sword and joining her queen mother for boring diplomatic teas. But tragedy shatters the longstanding rule, and Rowan finds herself hunting the most dangerous monster of all: a gryphon. Accompanied by a feisty baby jackalope and a giant wolf that barely tolerates her, Rowan sets off on a journey that will see her join other unlikely allies: a boy with monster-hunting ambitions of his own, and a girl hiding dangerous motives. It will take all of Rowan's skills, both physical and diplomatic, to keep this adventure on track. The future of her kingdom depends on it.

A Royal Guide to Monster Slaying might be the tradition hero's quest, but the quirky characters and humor kept it from feeling like it. Rowan is impulsive and stubborn, but she also has a good understanding of her skills and her faults. I like that she learned from her missteps, and even when she knows a choice might not be the smartest, she tries to stick with what she thinks is right. Her brother, mother, and extended crew of family and friends all seem to be cut from the same cloth, looking to do the right thing and protect others as best they can even when things are looking bad for them personally. I liked the introduction and development of the secondary characters that are clearly going to be important as the story continues, although I am already starting to dread the almost inevitable romance that I fear will come in future installments. I love a great romance, but I feel like too often love or crushes are tossed into adventure and fantasy stories as one more problem for characters to deal with rather than just having a solid friendship without romantic implications. It can and should happen in real life, so it would be nice to see it happen more often in stories as well. I did enjoy the story, and thought there were some great moments of humor and inventiveness I was kind of hoping for a little more. I have greatly enjoyed Armstrong's work in the past and I think I was expecting to be blown away but I just was not.

A Royal Guide to Monster Slaying is a good story of a strong girl taking control of her future and doing everything she can to help other people (and creatures) along the way.

 

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.