Book Review: Skeletitos: Make Every Moment Count by Susie Jaramillo

Skeletitos: Make Every Moment Count by Susie Jaramillo is a children's picturebook that reinforces time and counting lessons with fun rhymes. The Day of the Dead themed tales carry a comedic twist for kids, encouraging them to be wary, conscious, funny and self-aware.

Skeletitos: Make Every Moment Count is a beautifully illustrated picturebook. I love that the counting rhymes are memorable and simple. The fold out pages that offer a full illustration of the rhymes are lovely and I could spend my time simply exploring these pages. The details and attitude that shine through the pages is charming.  I think that the song was simple, in the very best way, and when paired with the artwork offers an engaging book. I love that those that wish to explore further there is an app and website that allow readers to hear the song in english and spanish and continue learning with related activities.

Book Review: One Christmas Eve (Cedar Street) by Shannon Stacey

One Christmas Eve is the second book in the Cedar Street series by Shannon Stacey. You do not have to read the series in order, but I do recommend it only because I am a fan of the author.  

Zoe Randall is busy living her life as she damn well pleases. She’s back in her favorite town, her divorce in her rearview mirror, and living out her childhood dream of running a bookstore with her cousin. She has no interest in the uptight nerd who opened his boring-ass business next to her shop, until he complains about one of her sexy window displays. Preston Wheeler knows he takes life a little too seriously. But when the saucy bookseller next door starts pushing his buttons, he can feel that changing. Beautiful, vivacious Zoe challenges him in all the best ways, and soon he’s pushing her buttons right back: teasing and flirting all the way through the holiday season. As Preston loosens up and Zoe is treated to the man behind the suit (particularly his forearms), she realizes she’s more interested than she cares to admit. And Preston comes to see the beauty—the absolute delight—in adding Zoe’s bright splashes of color to his once very black-and-white existence.

One Christmas Eve is a lovely addition to the Sedar Street series, although it can be enjoyed on its own. Zoe is a smart and energetic woman with a great heart. After leaving a judgemental marriage she worries about her heart and making the same mistakes again. Preston is a planner, and while he is intrigued by Zoe, he worries that he will not be able to hold her interest. I loved their banter, and the slow glide from enemies, to friends, to more. The worries and doubts Zoe and Preston had were very realistic. I found their inner dialogues and banter to be relatable, and sometimes highly entertaining. The secondary characters were well fleshed out as well- including those from the previous book and those I expect to get their own book in the future. I found everything to be well written, and feel like I could go vacation in this little town, but only in the off peak season.

One Christmas Eve is a wonderful contemporary romances with a nice combination of realistic fears and sassy humor. I enjoyed the read and will continue reading everything from the author.

Book Review: Look Down and See Natural Wonders of the World: A Bird's Eye View of 12 of the World's Greatest Natural Wonders by Bethany Lord

Look Down and See Natural Wonders of the World: A Bird's Eye View of 12 of the World's Greatest Natural Wonders by Bethany Lord is a children's nonfiction book. It features illustrated versions of the Great Barrier Reef, Mount Everest, Victoria Falls, and other stunning geographic features look from a bird’s-eye view, which is close enough to see some detail but grants a new perspective to the viewer. Simple explanatory text introduces readers to each wonder, providing key facts and context as well as encouraging readers to take in the exciting visuals.

Look Down and See Natural Wonders of the World is an interesting book. I like that there are interactive parts of the pictures, inviting readers to find and count certain features. I really liked the informational text boxes that taught me things about each location. I found the facts to be very interesting and I learned more than a few things as I read. It was interesting to see an aerial view of the locations, and the illustrations were technically solid. I thought that they were be a little more realistic and less cartoony or stylized when I read the description of the book. The style did make it easier to find the items that readers are encouraged to count and was bold to hold the attention of younger readers, but I was a little disappointed.

Look Down and See Natural Wonders of the World is a great book for young readers that want to know more about the wider world, and who enjoy seek and find style challenges. 

Book Review: Cocktails Made Simple: Easy & Delicious Recipes for the Home Bartender by Brian Weber, Amin Benny

Cocktails Made Simple: Easy & Delicious Recipes for the Home Bartender by Brian Weber and Amin Benny is a recipe book to help readers craft forty iconic cocktails in the comforts of their own home. From finding the right glass to a flaming peel finish, learn how to build a functional home bar using cost-effective tips on the essential tools to mix with—and familiar alternatives to make the most of what is on hand. The book includes information on the art of crafting cocktails with terms to know and tools of the trade., how to stock your home bar and enhance everyday ingredients using simple techniques, and traditional cocktails categorized by spirit complete with a brief history of each drink and tasty twists.

Cocktails Made Simple is a great book for helping readers learn how to make the best drinks possible at home. I like that while the proper tools are listed, and explained- substitutions are suggested so that those of us that rarely need a tool can still make some of the more complicated drinks without going out and buying more equipment. I also liked the detailed information on all the possible ingredients, included recommending brands. As someone that is not a big drinker (preferring one quality drink I know I like rather than trying something in question) there are some things I have never tried, or at least variations I have not tried, so knowing some information on the drinks before diving in was very helpful.  Similar, seeing the drink ingredients and percentages made it easier to decide on which I might enjoy most, and be most eager to try. I found the instructions and related information to be very accessible. I liked the illustrations that detail the creation of each drink as well. It felt very easy to follow, and the tone was encouraging. My husband and I tend to stick with the same comfortable drinks, but now I think I might add a few new things to my repertoire. There is a trip to the store and some tasty cocktails in my near future. 

Cocktails Made Simple is a well organized and accessible guide for readers that want to expand their knowledge of cocktails for themselves, or to entertain and wow their friends. 

Early Book Review: Boundary Haunted (Boundary Magic) by Melissa F. Olson

Boundary Haunted is the fifth book in the Boundary Magic series by Melissa F. Olson. This is a series that should definitely be read in order. This installment is scheduled for release on December 3 2019.

Months after her battles in Wyoming, Allison “Lex” Luther is still struggling with the aftereffects of the psychic attack she suffered—and with the new developments in her own magic. Then Lex’s boss, the cardinal vampire of Colorado, passes along a strange request from her counterpart in Atlanta. Hundreds of Civil War spirits have abruptly vanished in Beau Calhoun’s territory, and he wants Lex to figure out why. In exchange, Beau can help her understand boundary magic, which runs in his family line as well. Despite her trepidation, Lex journeys to the Deep South, where she discovers that ghosts are everywhere…and that her host’s intentions are more complicated than he promised. It seems his teenage descendant is being hunted, and both Beau and Lex fear the young woman’s boundary blood may have made her a target. With Atlanta’s history looming over her every move, Lex will have to face Beau’s ghosts—and her own—to prevent a boundary magic attack she never dreamed possible.

Boundary Haunted is a great continuation of Lex's story, and takes us outside her comfort zones. I admit that it took me a bit to get back into Lex's world- and remember where we left off in her story. Once I got into it I quickly found myself immersed in the story and lothe to do necessary things like sleep and go to work. The story is well constructed- new players are introduced and Lex has to come to terms with some hard things in her life that she has been trying to bury. The new characters- even the secondary ones, are multidimensional and I found the story line to be a bit like a side mission for Lex, but one that I fully enjoyed following her on. I will admit that I suspected the twist as to who the big bad was, but found the journey and reveal to be very well done. I am interested to see if some of these characters and relationships will play a role later in this series, or in the Scarlet series. I read this book way too fast and was terribly sad to see it end. I love Olson's character and world build and am eager for whatever comes next. 

Boundary Haunted is another fantastic read from Olson. Fans will need to read this one. I am extremely eager for more from this series or the Scarlett Bernard series. 

Book Review: Greta and the Giants (Inspired by Greta Thunberg's stand to save the world) by Zoë Tucker, Zoe Persico

Greta and the Giants (Inspired by Greta Thunberg's stand to save the world) was written by Zoë Tucker and illustrated by Zoe Persico. Greta is a little girl who lives in a beautiful forest threatened by Giants. When the Giants first came to the forest, they chopped down trees to make houses. Then they chopped down more trees and made even bigger homes. The houses grew into towns and the towns grew into cities, until now there is hardly any forest left. Greta knows she has to help the animals who live in the forest, but how? Luckily, Greta has an idea. A section at the back explains that, in reality, the fight against the “giants” isn’t over and explains how you can help Greta in her fight.

Greta and the Giants is a lovely book. I have to admit that the first thing that drew me to the book were the colors and art style. I absolutely love the illustrations and bold colors that are used. I found myself paying more attention to the artwork and the details in it that the story during my first read through. In the first part of the book the text is almost lost in the corners, and easy to overlook. Once I slowed down and read the text I enjoyed the story, I only wish the giants in the real world were that easy to reach. The story is reminiscent of The Lorax for me, and I do not mean that in a bad way. My daughter loved The Lorax, and I could recite it for years after she stopped asking for it. The message that protecting nature is good, and that even if we are small and often overlooked we can effect change is something I have not problem telling and retelling. I liked that the story showed that we often have to come together just to get the attention necessary to be heard, but that it can be done. I love that the book included information in accessible terms about what is happening, and how anyone and everyone can do something to help not matter how small. I really enjoy the book as a whole and hope that it will reach the children (and adults) that need to hear the message. 

Greta and the Giants is a delightful story, and one that just might help continue the efforts towards protecting the environment. What makes this book even better is that it has been printed sustainably in the US on 100% recycled paper. By buying a copy of this book, you are making a donation of 3% of the cover price to 350.org. 

Book Review: After the Final Curtain: America’s Abandoned Theaters by Matt Lambros

After the Final Curtain: America’s Abandoned Theaters by Matt Lambros documents the current state of the once opulent movie theaters that were designed to make their patrons feel like royalty.  People would dress up to visit. But as time went on it became harder and harder to fill the 2,000+ seat theaters and many were forced to close. Today, these palaces are illuminated only by the flicker of dying lights. The sound of water dripping from holes in the ceiling echoes through the auditoriums. From the supposedly haunted Pacific Warner Theatre in Los Angeles to the Orpheum Theatre in New Bedford, MA ― which opened the same day the Titanic sank ― Lambros pulls back the curtain to reveal what is left, giving these palaces a chance to shine again.

After the Final Curtain: America’s Abandoned Theaters offers readers a look at the once beautiful movie theaters in their current states, along with information on the location. I found a sad beauty in most of the pictures, a faded grandeur and a look at what was glorious inthe past. I have always loved theaters- the magic and wonder in getting lost in a story and someone's acting or musical talent  isa wonderful thing. The faded glory of these theaters hold on to some of this wonder, as sad as the state of some of these buildings are in. I think that Lambros did a wonderful job of documenting these locations, and the changes in the world that triggered some of this decay. I really enjoyed learning about some of the projects that have happened, and are still happening, to preserve, restore, or repurpose some of these buildings. While we cannot go back, providing space for history and the arts to live on is a wonderful thing. I only wish more of these buildings had futures as bright as their pasts.

Book Review: At Death's Door (Deadman's Cross) by Sherrilyn Kenyon

At Death's Door is the third book in the Deadman's Cross series by Sherrilyn Kenyon. I highly recommend reading Kenyon's series in order- and if you have read her Dark Hunter and other series it will be an even more meaningful read for you because they do all tie in together nicely. 

Valynda Moore was born cursed. So when she dies as the result of a spell gone wrong and is trapped in the body of a voodoo doll, she expects nothing else from her messed up life. Until Thorn, leader of the Hellchasers, offers her a chance at redemption and a new life. But nothing has ever gone her way, for the Malachai, the very beast she and her crew of Deadmen have sworn to keep locked away, has risen. And this time he’s taken prisoners. Valynda must keep her wits about her or be denied her salvation and forced to watch as the entire world falls into the hands of absolute evil. It’s a demon-eat-demon world where the stakes have never been higher and either redemption or the ultimate betrayal waits for her at Death’s Door.

At Death's Door is a culmination of the Deadman's story. We get to see Valynda resolve her feelings of betrayal and find love again. We get to see the Malachai and forces of evil at work and fought against. We get to see some of the backstories we wanted, and some of the family dramas that shaped characters and the way the see the world. It is a dark story, with a great deal of dwelling on betrayal and how horrible people can be to each other- even the ones they are supposed to protect. I find that very understandable since I have been following the author's current struggles in real life. However, there is also love, redemption, friendship, and all the things that make humanity wonderful in the story as well. There is a lot going on in this story, andI loved the references to characters and plot points from other books and series. The way this connected characters I never really connected in my head before made me happy. The more negative parts, the dwelling on betrayal and horrible things that happened to some characters, rather brought me down and I kept expecting more trauma even after things were wrapped up- but I think think that goes to show how invested I have become in the world.   

At Death's Door is a solid conclusion to the Deadman's trilogy. I really enjoyed how it pulled together so many of the worlds created by this author. It is a must read for fans. Even though it was not my favorite from this author, I am as always impressed with the world and character building. As an aside for audiobook lovers, the reader is fantastic as always. 

Book Review: Sorry I Barfed on Your Bed Again (and More Heartwarming Letters from Kitty) by Jeremy Greenberg

Sorry I Barfed on Your Bed Again (and More Heartwarming Letters from Kitty) by Jeremy Greenberg is a collection of funny letters and heartwarming photos from cats to their person. Tess wants you to know that she intends to continue throwing up freely as long as the new baby gets to—fair is fair. Ovid would like to inform you that he’s giving up one of his nine lives in order to avoid a visit to the vet—he’ll miss you and knows you understand. And Quinn assures you that she’ll protect you from whatever it is that’s rolled under the table with all the righteous fury in her little body—even if only turns out to be a dropped olive.

Sorry I Barfed on Your Bed Again is an amusing book with short letters from felines to their humans. Cat lovers will relate to the letters, and find some humor there. Every cat owner has had at least one of these situations, if not more, in their homes. The letters are clever, with different tones depending on the cat it was attributed to. The pictures of the cats were enjoyable to look at, with some that were fairly standard pictures and others that had goofy or interesting expressions. As a whole the book was a fun diversion for a few minutes. It is not a book that I would add to my collection, but it might be a good gift for very devoted cat lovers. 

Early Book Review: Weekend Fling (Crazy Love) by Stacey Lynn

Weekend Fling is the fourth book in the Crazy Love series by Stacey Lynn. Each book can be enjoyed on its own, but characters from the previous books do make appearances and are secondary characters. It is currently scheduled for release on November 26 2019. 

Fresh out of a long-term relationship, Willow Parks is working two jobs and caring for her mother, whose husband left her with nothing but a pile of bills. That’s why Willow made a vow: no men until she figures out her own life. But while she may not need a man, she could use a break. And a weekend away at a California beach to clear her head? That’s appealing. Even if the offer comes from Trey Collins, the irresistible tech-mogul millionaire who visits her coffee shop every morning like clockwork—and needs a date for his best friend’s wedding. With an adorable, occasional stutter, he refuses to take no for an answer. Once the weekend begins, Trey is intent on proving how good they can be together. Willow’s even feeling tempted to break her vow—until reality rudely interrupts her well-deserved getaway. There’s no way she and Trey have a future, not with the colossal amount of baggage Willow has to offer. But Trey is used to getting what he wants. He just has his work cut out for him convincing her that they want the same thing.

Weekend Fling is a story that offers heart, heat, and laughs. Willow is going through some major life changes. She is more than a little overwhelmed- and a weekend of fun with an attractive guy by the beach seems like the perfect weekend vacation, at least until one more crisis comes her way. While I have never been in Willow's position- I could completely understand her reluctance and desire to maintain emotional distance. She was well written, and was a relatable and sympathetic character that was willing to own up to her own mistakes. Trey is almost too perfect for me- he is rich, attractive, a hard worker, and honestly a good guy with a great circle of friends. He gives Willow the space she asks for, and stays a friend while not lying about wanting more. I even loved his wacky parents, who offered up some of the best laughs in the book.  Even with all that fun stuff, I like that the mental health aspects of the story are well done, not overwhelming but offering an honest look at how one family can be affected by it and see it all so differently. While this was not my favorite book in this series, it was still a great read with solid characters.

Weekend Fling is another fun romance that has some depth to it. I cannot wait to see what the author writes next.