Early Book Review: The Graveyard Gift by Fern Forgettable

The Graveyard Gift by Fern Forgettable the the first book in a children's fantasy series. It is currently scheduled for release on October 8 2024. A girl who knows how you die. Her banshee roommate who knows when it happens. And wishes that sometimes, maybe, come true. Rosemary Thorpe has always been a bit different. She has the uncanny and unfortunate ability to foresee people’s deaths, which tends to land her in hot water. Well, not actual hot water—where it lands her is a place between worlds called Fern’s School for Wayward Fae, where Rosemary learns that her powers come from being part fae. At Fern's School, Rosemary meets others who are part fae—including Trym, her banshee roommate whose screams can kill, and Essie, a djinn who grants wishes. But just as Rosemary settles in, a student vanishes in thin air. And it’s up to all the kids to use their curious gifts to find their missing friend.

The Graveyard Gift is a great start to a new series. I liked the character building for Rosemary and the group of students and teachers she meets once at the school. I thought her character was very well written and I think most readers will be able to relate, at least a little, with feeling other or like they are just a little different. I thought the mystery aspect about what is going on at the school and the missing student is well handled., There are a number of significant twists and turns that only serve to make the reader more invested in the eventual outcome. My only complaint is one that I often have with series, that the best twist happens at the very end- just when I felt like I had a handle on what might be going on. I look forward to following this series to see where it goes from here. 

Early Book Review: Your Throne Volume One by SAM

Your Throne (Volume One) by SAM is a graphic novel currently scheduled for release on October 1 2024. It was previously published online via WebToons, and this volume collects the first twelve episodes.

Tensions are brewing under the seemingly calm surface of the Vasilios Empire, a kingdom ruled by the Imperial Family and the Temple. Lady Medea Solon has lost her place next to Crown Prince Eros but resolves to do whatever it takes to win back what's rightfully hers. However, she’ll have to rewrite her entire revenge plan when she wakes up in the body of her sworn rival.

Your Throne is exactly what I expected, having read several different stories from WebToon. The art is very well done- imparting mood, emotions, and movement that might not be immediately evident, adding additional dimensions to the main action of the story. I thought the character development for the main characters is well done, although I am looking forward to the pasts of all of them. There is plenty of drama and twists and turns to keep readers guessing. I am looking forward to volume two. 

Early Book Review: Giant Rays of Hope: Protecting Manta Rays to Safeguard the Sea by Patricia Newman

Giant Rays of Hope: Protecting Manta Rays to Safeguard the Sea by Patricia Newman is a children's nonfiction book currently scheduled for release on October 1 2024. Off the coast of Perú, gentle giants swim beneath the waves. Thanks to the work of Kerstin Forsberg, giant manta rays have become a symbol of hope for ocean conservation in the region. Kerstin, who founded the organization Planeta Océano, has taken a new approach to ocean conservation. Previous conservation projects were often led by scientists from other places who didn’t work with the local people. When Kerstin decided to help manta rays, she sought the opinions of local fishers and educated them about the dangers of overfishing, bycatch, and poaching—things that affect both manta rays and fishers. She also involved local schools and teachers. With the help of teachers, students, and fishers, Kerstin launched a project to identify and track manta rays and protect them, making the ocean a better place for all creatures.

Giant Rays of Hope is a book that offers young readers a look at one person's career path and mission towards protecting animal life, and the environment that we all share. I thought the book was interesting, well formatted, and full of well chosen images and information. The book does focus mostly on Kerstin Forsberg and her efforts and mindset. While I was expecting the environment and  animals to be center stage. There was a great deal of good information on everything, but if you or your young reader wants more about the science and wildlife and less about the people involved, this book might frustrate them.

 

Early Book Review: 100 Afternoon Sweets: With Snacking Cakes, Brownies, Blondies, and More by Sarah Kieffer

100 Afternoon Sweets: With Snacking Cakes, Brownies, Blondies, and More by Sarah Kieffer is currently scheduled for release on October 1 2024.

From one-bowl snacking cakes to bigger baking projects, here are 100 afternoon treats to help you push past the midday slump, including: Pecan Espresso Bars, Roasted Strawberry Cream Pie, Kitchen Sink Crispy Treats, Peanut Butter and Jelly Cake, Straight-Up Yellow Snacking Cake, Giant Pop Tart, Fig Scones, and more. Filled with more than 120 photographs, including how-tos for doughs, shaping, and flavor variations, 100 Afternoon Sweets is the third book in the trilogy of Kieffer's 100-themed baking books.

100 Afternoon Sweets is a well organized collection with a little something for all bakers looking to bake easy to eat treats. As a person that loves to bake, but is not overly fond of the washing of dishes that inevitably follows- I have to admit that I was thrilled that the first section is for one bowl bakes. There are times when I am more than willing to do something more complicated (for a party or during cookie tray season), but for the most part I like the simpler bakes and this was right up my alley for my normal weekend baking.  There are a handful of recipes here that I am eager to try- especially the Chocolate Meringue Bars and Coffee Blondies. I like the recipes for toppings and extras at the end of the book, and am going to try my hand at homemade chocolate shell very soon. I also like that the conversion chart was included, and that each recipe included imperial and weight measurements.

Early Book Review: Cat People to Judge in Art and Life by Nicole Tersigni

Cat People to Judge in Art and Life by Nicole Tersigni, author of the hit humor book Men to Avoid in Art and Life,  is scheduled for release on September 3 2024.

Cat people love their cats deeply, maybe a little too deeply. Cats, on the other hand, secretly hate our haircuts but tolerate our presence because we have the thumbs to open the food can. Against the backdrop of fine art, bestselling author Nicole Tersigni delves into the minds of our feline companions and the people who serve them. Broken into five sections representing all kinds of cat people, including the Smotherer, the Oversharer, the Pushover, the Proud Parent, and the Roommate, this hilariously insightful cat humor book says the things our loved ones can’t—that Mewlius Caesar would enjoy us more if we gave them some space. And a better name. 

Cat People to Judge in Art and Life is a book that will entertain animal lovers, and servants of cats in particular. The use of art combined with the captions of what people- and cats- might be saying or thinking are very well done. Any cat guardian just might see themselves on a page, or more, of this book. Perfect gift book for cat lovers, or for perusing in a quiet moment when your pet has taken ownership of your lap and refuses to let you move. 

Early Book Review: A Werewolf's Guide to Seducing a Vampire (Glimmer Falls) by Sarah Hawley

 A Werewolf's Guide to Seducing a Vampire by Sarah Hawley is currently scheduled for release on August 13 2024. It is the third book in the Glimmer Falls series. I did read the first book in the series, but somehow missed the second. The book can stand on its own, but I think returning readers will get more out of the experience.

Werewolf Ben Rosewood is happy with his life. His business, Ben’s Plant Emporium, is thriving, and he’s even expanding the shop. His anxiety disorder is…well, it’s been better, but that comes with the territory of running a business and having beastly urges every full moon, right? As for romance—who has the time? Though his family is desperate to see him settled, Ben is fine approaching forty as a single werewolf. But after drunkenly bidding on and winning a supposedly-possessed crystal on eBay one night, he finds himself face-to-face with a beautiful yet angry vampire. Eleonore Bettencourt-Devereux is a rare breed—a vampire succubus born from two elite European bloodlines during medieval times. Thanks to an evil witch, she’s been stuck in a crystal since she was thirty, forced to obey orders from the possessor of the rock. Eleonore's been dreaming of breaking the spell and severing the witch’s head for centuries. But did this witch really sell her to someone new, and for only ninety-nine cents? Eleonore would claw this werewolf’s heart out and eat it, if only the binding spell would allow her to. But Eleonore and Ben soon realize they can help each other with both vengeful and less hostile needs. And why not have a little fun along the way?

A Werewolf's Guide to Seducing a Vampire is a romances that has a little bit of everything. There is humor, stabbing, heat, and character development. Pretty much everything I look for in my paranormal romance. Ben and Eleonore have their issues, and I love that mental and emotional health issues are handled and discussed in a real and sensible way. They actually face them and acknowledge how the issues effect their thoughts and actions- and frankly I love that. Both Ben and Eleonore get character growth and their interactions are entertaining- vacillating between funny, heartfelt, and hot. I think that fans of the series and author will consider this a must read, and those that enjoy this subgenre will want to pick it up as well. 

Early Book Review: Chaos at the Lazy Bones Bookshop by Emmeline Duncan

Chaos at the Lazy Bones Bookshop by Emmeline Duncan is the first book in a new2 mystery series, and is currently scheduled for release on July 23 2024.

Normally, spooky season is Bailey Briggs’ favorite time of year, and her Halloween-themed small town’s time to shine. But between managing Lazy Bones Books, working on her graphic novel-in-progress, and running the Spooky Season Literary Festival, Bailey hardly has a moment to enjoy Elyan Hollow’s spot-on seasonal vibes. Not to mention, at every turn she seems to be tripping over the contentious crew of Gone Ghouls, a ghost-hunting reality TV show currently filming around town. Bailey tries to stay focused on the Lit Festival, which is supposed to kick off Elyan Hollow’s annual Halloween Fair; instead, this year’s festival begins with a murder. It’s bad enough Bailey discovered the victim, but now, as a lead suspect with some (admittedly) damning evidence pointing her way, she’s got to clear her name! With the help of her librarian friend, Colby, and Jack Skeleton, her world-class bookshop dog (and the absolute bestest boy ever), Bailey sets out to solve a murder.

Chaos at the Lazy Bones Bookshop is a solid start to a cozy mystery series. I liked the characters and the small town setting- I thought the setting and important relationships were well built and revealed in good timer through the book. I like that there was character growth along side the murder mystery and getting to know you parts of the story. There were so many layers going on, and I enjoyed the mix of past and present effecting the investigation and choices being made. I also enjoyed that the major players were all firmly adults- not they they have everything figured out (because who does) but they are past new adult stage and generally consider the bigger picture and how their actions effect others. Seeing a book populated with mostly reasonable, realistic adults made my day. I liked Bailey, her circle of friends, and the other locals in town. I like that there was definite groundwork laid for good, bad, and awkward moments in the future. It made everything feel more real and engaging for me. 

Early Book Review: Flower Gnomigurumi: 12 Cute Amigurumi Gnomes to Crochet by Madelenón-Soledad Iglesias Silva

Flower Gnomigurumi: 12 Cute Amigurumi Gnomes to Crochet by Madelenón-Soledad Iglesias Silva is currently scheduled for release on July 16 2024. This book offers twelve distinct gnome patterns, each embellished with beautiful blooms ranging from asters, carnations, chrysanthemums, and daffodils to daisies, lilies, marigolds, roses, and other floral beauties. You don't have to be an expert to crochet these adorable gnomes — the patterns are suitable for crocheters of all skill levels. Easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions are accompanied by full-color photographs, serving as a visual aid for your gnome-making adventure. Materials and tools necessary for each gnome are explicitly highlighted, making your crafting journey as smooth as possible. 

Flower Gnomigurumi is a well written pattern collection. I thought the instructions, material lists, and descriptions of the patterns were very well done. I loved the step by step pictures of some of the trickier turns- as even an experienced crafter can have trouble picturing some written instructions especially while working on small projects in irregular shapes. I thought the details on the flowers were lovely. Crafters that are looking for sweet gnomes to craft- or a collection of patterns to keep in practice will find this book might be exactly what they are looking for. 

Early Book Review: The Next Best Fling by Gabriella Gamez

The Next Best Fling by Gabriella Gamez is a romance currently scheduled for release on July 9 2023. Librarian Marcela Ortiz has been secretly in love with her best friend for years—and when he gets engaged, she knows it’s long past time to move on. But before she gets the chance, she has a bigger problem to contend with in the form of Theo Young, ex-NFL player and older brother of the man she’s in love with. When she discovers Theo's plans to confess his feelings for his brother’s fiancée at their engagement party, Marcela is quick to stop him—despite how tempting it is to let him run away with the bride-to-be. She manages to convince Theo to sleep off his drunken almost-mistake at her place and when they arrive at a family brunch the next day together, everyone wrongly assumes they hooked up. Since Theo needs a cover for his feelings for the bride and Marcela needs a distraction from her unrequited feelings for the groom, they decide to roll with the lie. Until one late night at a bar, they take it a step further and discover a layer of attraction neither realized existed. Soon, they find themselves exploring the simmering chemistry between them, whether in library aisles or Marcela's bed. There are no boundaries for the rebound relationship they form—just a host of complicated feelings, messy familial dynamics, and uncovered secrets that threaten to tear them apart before they can even admit to themselves that their rebound is working. Maybe a little too well.  

The Next Best Fling is a fun and well written romance. I loved that while both Marcela and Theo have issues and make mistakes they also do something you almost never see in romance novels- they talk about it. Someone gets scared or needs some space-they get the time or space they need- but in the end they hash things out. I loved this because this is what making a relationship work really looks like. Not just brushing aside fears and hurts- but figuring out how to better support each other. I loved that it modeled good behavior in real friendships and romantic relationships (and some toxic ones). There were funny moments, ones that had me cringing because I worried about the fall out, and amazing moments of communication and honesty. I really enjoyed the read and look forward to more from the author. 

Early Book Review: Tangled Up In You by Christina Lauren

Tangled Up In You by Christina Lauren is currently scheduled for release on June 25 2024. It is a modern reimagining of Disney’s Tangled and part of the Meant to Be collection. She has a dream. He has a plan. Together they’ll take a leap of faith.

Ren has never held an iPhone, googled the answer to a question, or followed a crush on social media. What she has done: Read a book or two, or three (okay, hundreds). Taught herself to paint. Built a working wind power system from scratch. But for all the books she’s read, Ren has never found one that’s taught a woman raised on a homestead and off the grid for most of her twenty-two years how to live in the real world. So when she finally achieves her lifelong dream of attending Corona College, it feels like her life is finally beginning. Fitz has the rest of his life mapped out: Graduate from Corona at the top of his class, get his criminal record wiped clean, and pass himself off as the rich, handsome player everyone thinks he is. He’s a few short months from checking off step one of his plans when Ren Gylden, with her cascading blonde hair and encyclopedic brain, crashes into his life, and for the first time Fitz’s plan is in jeopardy. But a simple assignment in their immunology seminar changes the course of both their lives, and suddenly they’re thrown out of the frying pan and into the fire on a road trip that will lead them in the most unexpected directions. Out on the open road, the world somehow shifts, and the unlikely pair realize that, maybe, the key to the dreams they've both been chasing have been sitting next to them the whole time.

Tangled Up In You is a fun and engaging take on Tangled. I liked the nods o the names and temperaments to the Tangled universe, and I thought the differences were well chosen and helped make the story in into modern society very well. I though the give and take between Ren and Fitz was very well done, and highly entertaining. The shared vulnerability and trying circumstances for the pair had me rooting for them both through the whole book.  I thought the character development and building through the story was very well done- and even though I know the story well I was still surprised a could of times with the reveals. I enjoyed the read, and can appreciate the craft that went into it.