Early Book Review: The Mystwick School of Musicraft by Jessica Khoury

The Mystwick School of Musicraft by Jessica Khoury is a middle grade fantasy currently scheduled for release on January 21 2020. Amelia Jones always dreamed of attending the Mystwick School of Musicraft, where the world’s most promising musicians learn to create magic. So when Amelia botches her audition, she thinks her dream has met an abrupt and humiliating end—until the school agrees to give her a trial period. Amelia is determined to prove herself, vowing to do whatever it takes to become the perfect musician. Even if it means pretending to be someone she isn’t. Meanwhile, a mysterious storm is brewing that no one, not even the maestros at Mystwick, is prepared to contain. Can Amelia find the courage to be true to herself in time to save her beloved school from certain destruction?

The Mystwick School of Musicraft has a nice blend of middle grade angst, mystery, and magic. Amelia has more questions than answers about her late mother, and just wants to be like her as a way to connect with what she has lost. In a world were music and magic go together, that means making music with her mother's flute- and following in her footsteps. Like in most fantasy worlds, magic comes with risk and cost which are not always apparent at first glance. Readers learn this lesson along side Amelia as she also has to deal with fairly typical middle school angst, imposter syndrome and self doubt, and mysterious weather and tricks that make everything even harder. I really enjoyed that while a boarding school of magical music makers is fantasy, the fears of he characters were completely realistic. I found how the characters acted, interacted, and reacted to everything to be consistent with what I have seen in real people. This holds true in actions that I agreed with, and those that left me shaking my head or cringing. The hearts of the characters were very real, even when they were acting badly. I really enjoyed the world and character building and hope that this story continues as a series, because I want to know more about Amelia's adventures. 

The Mystwick School of Musicraft is a solid middle grade fantasy with action, relatable characters, and a good dose of mystery and magic. 

Book Review: Beginner's Baking Bible 130+ Recipes and Techniques for New Bakers by Heather Perine

Beginner's Baking Bible 130+ Recipes and Techniques for New Bakers by Heather Perine walks readers through all the essential techniques they need to bake over 130 sweet and savory recipes.. For a beginner, baking might seem like magic: mix the right ingredients, add heat, and watch a transformation happen before your eyes. But you don’t have to be a sorcerer to bake a flavorful pie, decadent layer cake, or pillowy loaf of bread. Learn the tools and staple ingredients you’ll need for baking (don’t worry, it’s not as much as you think). Pick up building block skills like measuring, mixing, kneading, creaming butter and sugar, and whipping egg whites. Soon, you’ll impress your family and friends with muffins, cookies, cakes, pies, quiches, and even savory galettes. 

Beginner's Baking Bible is a well organized and written cookbook. I like that the author takes the time to share what different instructions in the recipes mean, like the difference between folding, mixing, creaming, and so on. So many people make the attempt to bake, follow the recipes as best they can, and little things like mixing technique or forgetting to grease a pan ruin their good efforts. I grew up in a house where baking and canning was the norm, so I have a good foundation and have been baking on my own for years and binge watch baking shows whenever possible. However, reading these reminders and basic baking information only served to refresh my understanding- it did not feel condescending or simplistic. There were also some measurement charts and information at the end of the book that readers might find informative. I also think that the photography is well done. I think the only change I would make is moving the possible substitutions or additions to recipes closer to the ingredients list to help bakers prepare accordingly- if you are missing an ingredient some bakers might just give up on the recipe rather than reading to the end to discover that they could still make it work.  I think that while this is a perfect book for those that have dabbled in baking and want some instruction to improve their skills and results. I think long time home bakers might get just as much out of a read through as new bakers. Sometimes we get moving too fast and forget some of the basics as we go about our day.  As I just got some new baking tools over the holidays, I have a list of recipes from the book to try out, for instance I see some garlic dinner rolls in my near future.

Beginner's Baking Bible is a solid resource for new and long time bakers alike, while knowledgeable bakers might want to check it out from the library and newcomers might want to add it to their home library. 

Book Review: The Governess Affair (Brothers Sinister) by Courtney Milan

The Governess Affair is a prequel novella to the Brothers Sinister series by Courtney Milan. This author has been recommended to me multiple times- so over the holidays I bought the Sinister Brothers box set and have enjoyed every moment of binge reading it has brought me. If you enjoy historical romance with complex characters and conflicts this series is definitely for you.

Three months ago, governess Serena Barton was let go from her position. Unable to find new work, she’s demanding compensation from the man who got her sacked: a petty, selfish, swinish duke. But it’s not the duke she fears. It’s his merciless man of business—the man known as the Wolf of Clermont. The formidable former pugilist has a black reputation for handling all the duke’s dirty business, and when the duke turns her case over to him, she doesn’t stand a chance. But she can’t stop trying—not with her entire future at stake. Hugo Marshall is a man of ruthless ambition—a characteristic that has served him well, elevating the coal miner’s son to the right hand man of a duke. When his employer orders him to get rid of the pestering governess by fair means or foul, it’s just another day at the office. Unfortunately, fair means don’t work on Serena, and as he comes to know her, he discovers that he can’t bear to use foul ones. But everything he has worked for depends upon seeing her gone. He’ll have to choose between the life that he needs, and the woman he is coming to love

The Governess Affair is a story that captured my imagination from the very beginning- and while it resolved itself beautifully, I was left wanting more about all of the characters when it was over. Serena lost her position because of a selfish man. Hugo works for that man but is not blind of his faults- in fact he is much more aware of them than most. In his efforts to make his own future Hugo has done things that he is not proud of, but he has his limits. The battle of wills between Serena and Hugo was very well written- and they way each of their concerns and complications were addressed was as close to perfect as I have ever seen. I have never seen a better handling of consent and trust after abuse- and to see the respect and love this pair developed was lovely. My only problem was that I did not want to leave the characters behind- which was easily solved as I dove into The Duchess War immediately.

The Governess Affair is a lovely prequel that wrapped up well but left me eager for more about the characters. Fine as a stand alone or when read out of order, but I am very glad to read the story in chronological order. I think I have a new must buy author. I have since read most of this series and I recommend them all- including the novellas!

Early Book Review: The Best Man Problem (Mile High Happiness) by Mariah Ankenman

The Best Man Problem is the second book in the Mile High Happiness series by Mariah Ankenman. While the characters are very connected, newcomers can still fully enjoy the read on its own. It is currently scheduled for release on January 20 2020. 

Lilly Walsh is used to keeping things buttoned-up and aboveboard. After all, the last time she hooked up with someone in a wedding party, it nearly cost her her wedding planning business. Thankfully, those rules don’t apply when she meets a handsome stranger in a hotel bar. One bad pirate joke leads to the best night of her life, but come morning, she’s got a wedding to plan. Lincoln Reid never imagined he’d see the woman who rocked his world last night and then ran out on him ever again. But there she is, planning his best friend’s wedding with the same passion and drive that brought him to his knees. She’s adamant that wedding planner and best man can never mix, but that just means he’s got four weeks to make her see him as more than just a one-night guy. Because he’s itching for more than one night...or five, or ten…

The Best Man Problem is a nice return to the Mile High Happiness wedding planning business. Lilly and Lincoln each have their share of history and baggage, and neither are particularly good at opening up. This need to keep feelings lock down is something I could relate to, and was the majority of my connection to Lilly. I liked the story, and I think the conflict, heat, and resolution were all well done. I liked the secondary characters and their stories almost more than the main story. Marie and Kenneth's love story really caught my attention and I wanted more of them. I also cannot wait to see more of Mo. However, for some reason I just could not fully engage in the read. It could very well be because of my headspace when reading more than anything else, but I did enjoy the read over all and will be continuing the series. 

The Best Man Problem is a fun read with feels and moments of heat. I think fans of the author will enjoy it but I will admit that I thought the first book in the series was better. This will not stop me from reading the series, because now I need to see Mo find her HEA. 

Early Book Review: Jinxed by Amy McCulloch

Jinxed by Amy McCulloch is a middle grade series starter that is currently scheduled for release on January 7 2020. Lacey Chu has always dreamed of working as an engineer for MONCHA, the biggest tech firm in the world and the company behind the “baku”—a customizable “pet” with all the capabilities of a smartphone. But when Lacey is rejected by the elite academy that promises that future, she’s crushed. One night, Lacey comes across the broken form of a highly advanced baku. After Lacey repairs it, the cat-shaped baku she calls Jinx opens its eyes and somehow gets her into her dream school. But Jinx is different than any other baku she’s ever seen…He seems real. As Lacey settles into life at school, competing with the best students in a battle of the bakus that tests her abilities, she learns that Jinx is part of a dangerous secret. Can Lacey hold on to Jinx and her dreams for the future?

Jinxed is ba well written start to a new series. Lacey is a smart and determined middle school girl, who has her faults and makes mistakes but tries to to the right and best thing. The world and character building is well done, feeding readers the information they need at a good pace, neither overwhelming them with too much information at once or making them wonder if they missed something. I liked Lacey's character and the relationships she maintains or builds with those important to her- even if she makes some mistakes along the way. I liked the premise and the execution of it.  I thought that the technology in the story is well done, and not unrealistic when the story on how and why it was developed in considered. I would not be surprised if someone was already working on something of this nature. The implications of the technology is also well thought out and positioned in the story to be game changers.The characters are all complex, and even the ones we only see in passing feel complex and multi layered- leaving them plenty of room to play major roles in the upcoming books. My only complaint with the story is that it does end with a cliffhanger. The majority of the story is wrapped up and crisis managed, but there is a big new problem to deal with. I cannot wait for the next book so I can read all about what happens next. 

Jinxed is a very well written middle grade novel with great series potential. I am eager to see where Lacey and the other characters go from here. 

Book Review: Christmas Cow Bells (Buttermilk Creek) by Mollie Cox Bryan

Christmas Cow Bells is the first book in the Buttermilk Creek Mystery series by Mollie Cox Bryan. Christmas is a time for new beginnings, so after her big breakup, Brynn MacAlister takes the gouda with the bad. With her three Red Devon cows, she settles in bucolic Shenandoah Springs, eager for a new life as an organic micro-dairy farmer and cheese-maker. Then her dear cow Petunia’s bellows set the whole town on edge. But it isn’t until Brynn’s neighbor, Nancy, dies in a mysterious fire that her feelings about small town life begin to curdle. It seems some folks were not happy with Nancy’s plan to renovate the Old Glebe Church. But is a fear of change a motivation for murder? As a newcomer, Brynn can’t ignore the strange events happening just on the other side of her frosty pasture—and soon on her very own farm. Suddenly Christmas doesn’t feel so festive as everyone demands she muzzle sweet Petunia, and Brynn is wondering if someone wants to silence her—for good .

Christmas Cow Bells is a mystery that had moments where I was glued to the page and others where I started to wander away. I liked the set up and a great deal of the character building. I love the unique cast of characters and getting to know them as Brynn discovers more about them. I liked the mystery aspects, and thought the variety of clues was well done. I think the character depth and growth was well done and kept things interesting, I certainly want to know more about the past and future of several of the secondary characters. I liked the complexity of what was going on behind the scenes, but I think more of how everything tied together could have been explained in the book, or had Brynn figure out more of it for herself. I just felt like there were moments of absolute brilliant writing, and then a couple pages that were less inspired. Perhaps it was because of the necessary world and character building, but I did enjoy a great deal of the read and am not giving up on the series. 

Christmas Cow Bells is a mystery that shows some sold potential, but had hot and cold moments for me. I will be trying the next book in the series to see where the author takes it. 

Early Book Review: Tough Guy (Game Changers) by Rachel Reid

Tough Guy is the third book in the Game Changers series by Rachel Reid. It is currently scheduled for release on January 13 2020. You do not need to read the books in order or as a series, however those that do will enjoy seeing mentions and appearances by some of the characters from previous books. 

Pro hockey star Ryan Price may be an enforcer, but off the ice he struggles with anxiety. Recently traded to the Toronto Guardians, he’s determined to make a fresh start in the city’s dynamic LGBTQ Village. The last thing he expects to stumble upon in his new neighborhood is a blast from his past in the fabulous form of Fabian Salah. Aspiring musician Fabian loathes hockey. But that doesn’t stop him from being attracted to a certain burly, ginger-bearded defenseman. He hasn’t forgotten the kiss they almost shared back in high school, and it’s clear the chemistry between them has only intensified. Fabian is more than happy to be Ryan’s guide to the gay scene in Toronto. Between dance clubs and art exhibits—and the most amazing sex—Ryan’s starting to feel something he hasn’t experienced in a long time: joy. But playing the role of the heavy on the ice has taken its toll on his body and mind, and a future with Fabian may mean hanging up his skates for good.

Tough Guy is a great romance that takes body issues and mental health head on, and I appreciated it. I love that Ryan and Fabian actually talk about the problems that Ryan has because of his medication, and the frank and honest way his body issues are handled up front. So often we read about women that are insecure about the way they look, even though we know there are men with similar thoughts. While I wish everyone could be comfortable and confident in their own skin it was refreshing to see a man no one would expect to be insecure go through similar doubts. The connection between Fabian and Ryan was wonderful to watch as it grew, and as they faced the difference that they each tried to ignore or avoid talking about. I think Reid did a great job of showing how good communication can make relationships work, but even that does not make it foolproof. I really enjoyed watching the pair find their way, and Ryan figure himself out even more. I was thoroughly engaged through the entire read, and had a hard time putting it down to do little things like cook dinner or perform in a concert that I had been in rehearsals for all year. 

Tough Guy is another winner from Reid. I love the characters and story, and cannot wait for more.

Early Book Review: Blood & Ash (Jezebel Files) by Deborah Wilde

Blood & Ash is the first book in the Jezebel Files series by Deborah Wilde. It is currently scheduled for release on January 14 2020. 

Ashira Cohen takes pride in being the only female private investigator in Vancouver. With her skills, her missing persons case should be a piece of cake. She wasn’t counting on getting bashed in the skull, revealing a hidden tattoo and supernatural powers she shouldn’t possess. Or the bitter icing on top: a spree of abductions and terrifying ghostly creatures on a deadly bender. And don’t even get her started on the golems. Reluctantly partnered with her long-time nemesis Levi, the infuriating leader of the magic community, Ash resolves to keep her focus on the clue trail and off their sexual tension because WTF is up with that? But with a mastermind organization pulling strings from the shadows and Levi’s arrogance driving her to pick out his body bag, can Ash rescue the captives and uncover the truth or will the next blood spilled be her own?

Blood & Ash is a solid start to an urban fantasy series. I have to admit that it took me a chapter or so to get into the story. It starts off with Ash in the middle of something, and for a few pages I thought maybe I misread and this was not the first book in a series, or that there was a previous series that I should have read to fully understand the set up. Thankfully, that was cleared up quickly and I was in the groove and enjoying the world and character building. I liked Ash's character, and her combination of vulnerable, capable, and smart ass appealed to me. I also liked the set up with her moral code, friends, and where she stands on just about everything. Similarly, I liked getting to know Levci and his network- as well as the secondary characters that are likely to play important roles in the series as it continues. I also really enjoyed the use of Jewish lore. I know a little, but not much, of the stories and this inspired me to take a closer look. There is so much there, and I look forward to learning more. Now, as far as the mystery, action, and hint of romance that are balanced through the story. Since it is a new world for me, there was no previous knowledge as to who might be pulling the strings or what kind of magic might be involved. I think the way the mystery and magic were revealed, built up, and resolved to a degree were well done, and very well paced. There was so much groundwork laid for future developments and  tension, however I was not left with the kind of unresolved questions that typically leave me frustrated at the end of the book. Rather, I was left with a satisfying conclusion but enough unanswered questions and possibilities that I am eager to read the next volume. That balance can be hard to hit, and I think Wilde hit it right in the sweet spot.

Blood & Ash is a wonderful start to a new series. Looks like I have one more urban fantasy to add to my must read pile.

Book Review: The Book of Flying Machines by Neil Clark

The Book of Flying Machines by Neil Clark follows the robot dog Cogz, and his mice sidekicks, Nutty and Bolt. They are up in the sky, looking different flying machines. But how do they work? Discover all about forces, learn about wings, find out about the fastest planes in the world and more. The book covers STEM themes of engineering, physics, and inventions with a fun quiz to test the reader's knowledge.

The Book of Flying Machines is a colorfully illustrated book with a nice amount of information on a variety of flying machines. I think my favorite part of the book is the illustrations- they just captured my attention and imagination from the very start. I think the text was well written, accessible and appropriate for the lower elementary grades but perhaps too much for the preschool crowd.  The facts were interesting and will appeal to young readers that have an interest in the topic, or things that move in general. 

Early Book Review: Bound for Murder (Blue Ridge Library Mystery) by Victoria Gilbert

Bound for Murder is the forth Blue Ridge Library Mystery by Victoria Gilbert. It is currently scheduled for release on January 7 2020. I do recommend reading the series in order, mainly for the personalities and relationships. However, I think a dedicated reader could catch up fairly quickly. 

Taylorsford Public Library director Amy Webber's friend "Sunny" Fields is running for mayor. But nothing puts a damper on a campaign like an actual skeleton in a candidate's closet. Sunny's grandparents ran a commune back in the 1960s on their organic farm. But these former hippies face criminal charges when human remains are found in their fields--and a forensic examination reveals that the death was neither natural nor accidental. With Sunny's mayoral hopes fading, Amy sets her wedding plans aside, says "not yet" to the dress, and uses her research skills to clear her best friend's family. Any of the now-elderly commune members could have been the culprit. As former hippies perish one by one, Amy and her friends Richard, Aunt Lydia, and Hugh Chen pursue every lead. But if Amy can't find whoever killed these "flower children," someone may soon be placing flowers on her grave.

Bound for Murder is a well written mystery with a good balance of character growth and sleuthing. I like that Amy is still growing and evolving- and getting more safety savvy as she researches and questions people. Her taking the precaution of having her keys or phone ready when in less than comfortable situations showed some real growth after the dangers she had faced in past books.  I enjoyed following the clues with her, even the side avenues the information took her down. I enjoyed just how interconnected the community is, and how  the clues took Amy and readers along a twisted path through the past. I liked that I learned some interesting details, not all relevant to the mystery, as Amy was researching, and I felt like it gave me a much better understanding of the big picture than I usually get in cozy mysteries. I will say that the culprit was not who I expected, but was tied into their story, which made everything so much more interesting as the danger and clues piled up towards the end of the book. I am looking forward to seeing this story continue, and will certainly keep reading this series.  

Bound for Murder is a solid continuation of the series, with continued growth for the characters and a mystery that kept me guessing.