Early Book Review: Nordic Tales: Folktales from Norway, Sweden, Finland, Iceland, and Denmark Illustrated by Ulla Thynell

Nordic Tales: Folktales from Norway, Sweden, Finland, Iceland, and Denmark is a collection of 17 traditional tales from Norway, Sweden, Finland, Iceland, and Denmark. Translated and transcribed by folklorists in the nineteenth century, these stories are by turns enchanting, hilarious, cozy, and chilling. Readers will encounter terrifying trolls, plucky heroes and heroines, and one princely polar bear. Each tale is paired with a luminous illustration by Finnish artist Ulla Thynell. And this special gift edition features an embossed, textured case and a ribbon marker. It is currently scheduled for release on August 13 2019.

Nordic Tales: Folktales from Norway, Sweden, Finland, Iceland, and Denmark is divided into three groups of tales:  transformations, wit, and journeys. While I had seen some of the sixteen stories before, and others had fairy tale tropes that were familiar, some were new to me. Like with most collections of short tales like this there is not much depth to individual characters or relationships, things are just the way they are to get to the point of the story. That is the way these classic tales were told and shared over the years, and adding that sort of depth would take each individual tale into novel proportions (which would not be a bad thing, but is not the intent of this kind of collection). Some of the stories are darker than others, but I really enjoyed learning more of the folk and fairy tales from this part of the world. I liked the illustrations by Thynell and found them to be lovely, adding beauty and a nostalgic charm to the individual stories and the book as a whole. I think the artwork is worth looking at a few times; before, during, and after the read.

Nordic Tales: Folktales from Norway, Sweden, Finland, Iceland, and Denmark is a nice collection of tales, and I enjoyed reading some that I had never seen or heard before.

Early Book Review: The Bewildered Bride (Advertisements for Love) by Vanessa Riley

The Bewildered Bride is the fourth book in the Advertisements for Love series by Vanessa Riley. I have not read any of the previous books, but believe that they can all be enjoyed as stand alone reads. This book is currently scheduled for release on August 12 2019.

Ruth Croome, a Blackamoor heiress, was supposed to get married in a gorgeous wedding gown, made from her father’s exquisite fabrics. Instead, they eloped to Gretna Green and upon returning, their carriage was beset by highwaymen and she witnessed the murder of her new husband. Now, four years later, with a child, she wants to move on with her life. A marriage of convenience will do. Ruth already had a love for the ages. Adam Wilky is really the heir to the Wycliff barony—which he never told Ruth. Too much danger. So many secrets. When he was nearly beaten to death and sold into impressment, he thought Ruth had died, too. Ready for revenge, he finally returns and discovers Ruth alive—with a son who could only be his—and she is furious to discover he lied to her. Now it’ll take more than remembered passion if he hopes to win his reluctant wife back.

The Bewildered Bride is a book that takes an honest look at the racism in England's past, and adds so much emotion, corruption, and danger that there is rarely a page that did not have me wondering who would make the next misstep. Ruth has been through hell, and no one seems to believe her. So she deals with the remarks and just strives to make the best life for her son. Adam is finally making things right after the betrayal of family and thinking Ruth dead for four years. The journey of them finding their way together again, despite the danger and deceptions is harrowing but extremely well written. I have to say that I really enjoyed the realism of the family dynamics and especially the final confrontation. I thought the sensitive subjects in the story (rape, abuse) were very well handled and I liked the support and hope that it offers readers through its handling.

The Bewildered Bride is an emotional ride, well worth the read. 

Early Book Review: Animal Habitats: Search and Find by Sarah Dennis and Sam Hutchinson

Animal Habitats: Search and Find by Sarah Dennis and Sam Hutchinson is currently scheduled for release on August 27 2019. This book can introduce young nature lovers to the wonders of ecology as they explore the earth's most amazing and unusual regions--colorful coral reefs, frozen polar seas, dense, leafy rain forests, and more--and meet the unique animals that call them home. In a world filled with marvelous creatures great and small, astounding discoveries can be found in Sarah Dennis's enchanting, intricate cut-paper illustrations. Readers learn how food webs sustain incredible birds, beasts, fishes, and insects and the ingenious ways that plants and animals adapt to the varied ecosystems of our diverse planet. 

Animal Habitats: Search and Find gives young readers a good understanding of the food chain and web ideas, and how they relate to specific animal habitats. The text is accessible, and the illustrations by Sarah Dennis are well done- adding a great deal to the understanding of the information. I have to admit that I was hoping for more, some additional seek and finds or more complex versions, but that it my personal preference. I will admit there were some viewing issues with the digital galley I was reading through Netgalley, so maybe I missed something along the way- although the page count did match up. This book is good for what it is, but I was hoping it would be so much more than good. 

Early Book Review: The Nanny Rules by Melynda Price

The Nanny Rules by Melynda Price is currently scheduled for release on August 12 2019.  Since becoming a single father, I have two things that keep me sane—my daughter Lily and playing football for the NFL. But when my meddling sister hires a nanny without my knowledge, I’m not thrilled to come home and find the woman has taken over my house. Our instant attraction is one more complication I don’t need in my life. But my daughter loves Amelia, and I will do anything for that tiny munchkin. Even if it means walking around with blue balls most of the time. Why does the nanny have to be so sweet—and drop dead gorgeous? She’s driving me crazy. Never in my life have I wanted a woman more. I just need to make it through this season. I can do that. Hands free, of course. But then there’s that moment, and I know she’s thinking what I’m thinking and, well, yeah. 

The Nanny Rules is a contemporary romance that hit all the sweet spots for the feels. Yes, it is the boo/nanny trope- but I love that Amelia loves Lily before even meeting her father. I liked that Amelia and Brody each have issues from their past that they need to deal with, issues of trust and hope that they need to work on for themselves before moving forward. I liked that while Brody and Amelia were guarding their feelings and their hearts, they both loved Lily and put her first in just about everything. I also enjoy the way Brody related to his team and coach, I liked that he had that support and camaraderie available to him. I just thought the connection between the characters, and their fears, were spot on and written very well. I found myself grinning or cringing as I read as they tried to find their way toward their own peace and their happy ever after. I liked the secondary characters as well. I want more about a few of Brody's teammates and coach, and his sister as well. The complications and struggles were all so real and heart felt that I was rooting for the characters right from the start. 

The Nanny Rules is a wonderful contemporary romance that has a good balance of heart and heat. Readers that are particularly fond of the boss/nanny trope and sports romance will really enjoy it. I think this was my first read from this author, but it will not be my last.

Early Book Review: Something Is Bugging Samantha Hansen by Nancy Viau

Something Is Bugging Samantha Hansen by Nancy Viau is currently scheduled for release on August 28 2019. Ten-year-old Samantha Hansen loves science! In the beginning of fourth grade, she never let a moment go by without talking about rocks. Now she’s back with a new obsession: insects! Upon learning that the local apiary is for sale, she goes into action to save the honey bees. Will her someday boyfriend Todd or her best friend Kelli be part of her plan? Will That Kid Richard get in the way? Sam’s lists of insect facts and funny thoughts highlight her quest to keep the bees in the community, the challenges she faces at school, and her ongoing struggle with her temper. Join Samantha as she looks to science for answers and does her part to change the world. 

Something Is Bugging Samantha Hansen was a read with some good points, and some low points. I really enjoyed that facs about bees and other insects were part of the story. I also liked that the larger idea of friendship changing and having more than one good or best friend is possible. Most of all, I liked the encouragement to get involved with causes that are important to you, such as saving the bees. The dealing with frustration and anger, counting and channeling the energy towards better things, were fairly well done as well. The friendship battles, dealing with changing interests, new friends, and peer groups seemed very accurate to me- as a mom and someone that has worked in an elementary school. All of that was what kept me reading. I was a little annoyed with the 'boyfriend' seeking, and the leaning on the idea that a boy teases a girl because he likes her. Can we not continue with that? I would much rather boys learn to give their attention in better ways, and girls not be in the position where they have to deal with that or be tasked with changing that boy's behavior by giving him the attention they want. I think that sets a bad president for both boys and girls. I also had some trouble becoming engaged with the story as a whole- the writing style just did not click with me, but I think that is more a matter of personal preference than anything wrong with the technique. 

Something Is Bugging Samantha Hansen is an interesting early chapter book that will strike a chord with some readers. The story just did not wow me, despite some very well done aspects.

Book Review: The Element in the Room by Mike Barfield, Lauren Humphrey

The Element in the Room is a children's non fiction book written by Mike Barfield and illustrated by Lauren Humphrey. Did you know that without the ‘lead’ in your pencil, there would be no life on Earth? Just about everything in the universe is made from only 92 elements – and from aluminium to zinc, many of them are hiding in your very own home! This guide is full of interesting facts about the atomic ingredients that make up everything around us. Join scientific sleuth Sherlock Ohms as he investigates the elements, and help his enquiries with explosive experiments. 

The Element in the Room is bright, with charming illustrations and colors to help hold reader's attention. I did find it a little more text heavy and harder to read than I was expecting based on the description and illustration style, but that might be more on me than anything else. The beginning of the book goes into great detail about elements, atoms, the periodic table and more o help readers understand the significance of the information about each of the elements.  I did like the way the book was organized, and how each element was detailed, and I especially liked that here was a glossary and index included in the endpages. I think this book would do well for middle grade readers and older, perhaps even in middle and high school science classrooms. 

Early Book Review: Call Her Mine (Harmony Pointe) by Melissa Foster

Call Her Mine is the first book in the Harmony Pointe series by Melissa Foster. While it is the start of a new series, there are some familiar faces for Foster fans. It is currently scheduled for release on August 13 2019.

Ben Dalton has always been honest, except where his heart is concerned. He’s been in love with his best friend—saucy, smart-mouthed Aurelia Stark—forever. But Ben’s a planner, and timing has never been on his side. When he finally decides to make his move, Aurelia beats him to the punch with a move of her own—to a different town. Aurelia loves her new life in the charming town of Harmony Pointe. She has a great apartment and her very own bookstore, and best of all, the sinfully hot, commitment-phobic friend she’s crushed on for years is no longer just around the corner. Maybe she’ll finally be able to leave her unrequited love behind and move on. But when a baby is left on Ben’s front porch—a baby that is presumably his—Aurelia is there for him. Neither one knows the first thing about babies, but how hard can it be? Ben and Aurelia are catapulted into a world of love, laughter, and tracking down the baby mama, and it might even add up to a very happily ever after, just not one either of them expects.

Call Her Mine is an emotional and engaging romance. While Ben and Aurelia have been dancing around each other for years, neither realizing that the other was attracted to them and wanted more than friendship, it took a big crisis to get them to slow down and really look at each other. I like how once they started talking things out with each other they started making thing work- even though there was more than one occasion I wanted to shake one or the other to get them to share more of what they were thinking. Frankly as a parent, and former daycare worker (in the infant room no less), I found their antics as they figured out how to take care of the baby highly entertaining. I loved that they did have a support system, and like most fiercely independent people, struggled with accepting support even when freely (or enthusiastically) offered- which is something I relate to on many levels. The compassion and love in this book is almost overwhelming- and if I can complain about anything it is that the characters are almost too unrealistically good and I wish there were more people like this in the real world.

Call Her Mine is a must read for fans of Foster. I loved the story and found it to be sweet, fun, and steamy in good proportions. 

Early Book Review: The Escape Manual for Introverts by Katie Vaz

The Escape Manual for Introverts by Katie Vaz is currently scheduled for release on August 6 2019. Trapped in an airplane seated next to a chatterbox? Are you hosting a dinner party with people who just won't leave? Katie Vaz has the key to your escape. The Escape Manual for Introverts guides readers through different scenarios with themed chapters ("Friends," "Relatives," "Strangers," etc.). Each chapter covers a range of situations, from an invitation to karaoke night to group lunchtime. And she offers a number of escapes for each scenario: bringing odoriferous foods to lunch for a while, having a pet (real or imagined) that "requires" frequent check-ins, and even investing in a jet pack. This book features Vaz's full-page illustrated spreads, hand-lettering, and spot illustrations. From the silly to the sincere, Vaz's clever, hilarious escape plans and bizarre excuses speak to the introvert in all of us. 

The Escape Manual for Introverts is a funny look at how to avoid social interaction when you really feel the need to be alone and recharge. As an introvert that works with the public, I often seek alone time for my off duty hours. Thankfully those closest to me are well aware, and understand my enjoyment of a cup of tea and a good book rather than getting dressed up and going out on the town. This book offers a variety of situations an introvert might feel the desire to escape from and offers some suggests that will help mitigate the small talk and awkward moments. I like that the situations and responses are organized by who you might be interacting with. Some of the suggestions are standard behavior for some of us already, such as bonding with the pets or "helping" in the kitchen to stay busy and out of the fray. Others are great, and slightly more involved- such as finding a cause to volunteer with to help avoid attending situations all together. I both love and dislike this solution. I love it- because getting out and doing good is fabulous, however it could just get you in more situations you might need to avoid- so choose wisely. I do not want to give away any more of the suggestions- because I might need them. The art style is fun, and matches the voice of the book well. 

The Escape Manual for Introverts was a read that I really enjoyed and identified with on several levels. I think introverts, and those that love them, will all enjoy this book.

Early Book Review: Relationship Material by Jenya Keefe

Relationship Material by Jenya Keefe is currently scheduled for release on August 5 2019.  It's not always possible to meet in the middle. Registered nurse Evan Doyle doesn’t consider himself fit for more than occasional hookups. He has a good life, but the emotional aftermath of a horrific crime makes him feel too damaged to date. So when his sister’s hot bestie, Malcolm Umbertini, comes on to him, he turns him down flat. Mal is Relationship Material: the kind who thinks in the long term. What would Evan do with a man like that? As a prosecuting attorney, Mal’s learned how to read people, and he knows there’s more to Evan than meets the eye. Mal has faced his own hardships since his family kicked him out as a teen, and he respects Evan’s courage and emotional resilience. More than that, he wants Evan—in his bed and in his life. But can he weather another rejection? Both wary, they agree to a no-strings fling. Mal knows that Evan wants things to stay casual, but he’s falling in love a little more with each encounter. With health, happiness, and bruised hearts on the line, Mal and Evan must risk everything for love.

Relationship Material is a great romance about people with serious emotional scars finding a better future. Even has been through hell and is fighting anxiety at every turn. Malcom does not do casual relationships, he tends to care too much too quickly but hide it all behind bluster. Seeing Even reunite with his sister and find his own way toward being in a relationship was beautiful. I loved the honest way trauma, anxiety, and mental illness is discussed and worked with in the story. It is honest and sometimes hard to read, but so well done. I thought that Mal and Evan had very realistic reactions to each other at almost every turn, and I just fell in love with them both. My only complaint is that I want more. I want Caro to find peace, I want to see Evan and Mal's future, I want to see more of Mal's mother and the other residents of the nursing home. Keefe is now on my list of authors to be watching, hoping, for whatever comes next.

Relationship Material left me wanting more, in the very best ways. I was so sad to have the story end, and I hope Keefe writes more about the characters here because I want so much more!

Early Book Review: Poppy and Sam and the Mole Mystery by Cathon

Poppy and Sam and the Mole Mystery by Cathon is a picture book and graphic novel style book currently scheduled for release on August 13 2019.  It’s a new day in the garden, and Poppy and Sam are paying a visit to their friend Snuggles Molesy. But Snuggles is in a pickle, looking for a lost pair of pretty pink glasses! Sleuths Poppy and Sam begin to investigate: all around the garden, along the shore of the creek, and even inside the pies Snuggles had been baking. Along the way, they ask the other critters they encounter. Poppy and Sam don’t have much luck finding the glasses, but they do come across a variety of other treasures: a flowered umbrella, a flute, a yellow spinning top, and more. By the end of the story, they set up a whimsical lost and found with all of these objects—and finally find the rosy specs, while their fellow garden friends find misplaced treasures of their own. 

Poppy and Sam and the Mole Mystery is a cute story about retracing your steps to find something that has been lost. When Sam and Poppy visit Snuggles not only do they get to eat way to much pie- but that start off on an adventure t help their friend find his missing glasses. I like that they use the tried and true method of backtracking to find the missing glasses, and that they look for the owners of the other items they find along the way. I really like the story ending, and how the friends were able to help others that were in similar situations as they were when the story began. Readers can look on each page for hidden creatures and items to see if they can find the glasses, or the other items that they trio ruin across along the way. I liked the art, it was simple and subtle, which is all the story needed. 

Poppy and Sam and the Mole Mystery is a fun and simple story. I think it offers a good beginner foray into graphic novels, and will appeal to animal fans in particular.