Book Review: Mustache Baby by Bridget Hoes and Joy Ang

Mustache Baby is a picturebook written by Bridget Hoes and illustrated by Joy Ang. In this delightfully silly picturebook Baby Billy is born with a mustache. The family takes it in stride but have some worry about whether this is a 'good guy' or a 'bad guy' mustache. They are happy to see him spend his time pretending to be a cowboy or cop. However, after a while little Billy’s mustache starts to curl up at the ends in a suspicious fashion and he begins to do dastardly deeds. A tongue in cheek book with a sweet happy ending.

Mustache Baby is funny and sweet, with illustrations that perfectly match the tone of the story. I love the little details in the illustrations that enhance the story. Billy and his mustache are a perfect pair, and the rise and fall of said mustache is delightful. I really enjoyed the ending and the neat little twist it involves. This book has made it into the staff storytime selection to share with my fellow librarians of all ages.

Mustache Baby is a fun story that mustached readers will get a particular kick out of. I think it would make a splendid fathers day gift, or a father to be present to a father with or without facial hair. It is wonderful for sharing in a group for story time, or as one on one reading with your favorite youngster.

Book Review: Herbs for Stress & Anxiety: How to Make and Use Herbal Remedies to Strengthen the Nervous System by Rosemary Gladstar

Herbs for Stress & Anxiety: How to Make and Use Herbal Remedies to Strengthen the Nervous System by Rosemary Gladstar is an accessible guide to the uses of herbs in combating  the affects of stress on the body. There is detailed information on the herbs used, recipes, and instructions for using the herbs and recipes safely.

Herbs for Stress & Anxiety is an accessible guide about how to make your herbal remedies to strengthen your nervous system and address a wide range of symptoms, including panic attacks, depression, insomnia, anxiety, headaches, migraines, herpes, neuralgia, and more. I liked that the book went into the specifics of the maladies to be treated and the herbs being mentioned. I do not always enjoy reading the personal philosophy that is included, but the information is well explained and some of the recipes included are ones that I will try.

I would recommend Herbs for Stress & Anxiety to readers that are looking to begin their journey, or solidify their knowledge, in working with herbs to manage some minor physical and physiological aspects of stress and anxiety. The recipes and herbal properties included are very well explained and organized.


Book Review: Little One-Yard Wonders: Irresistible Clothes, Toys, and Accessories You Can Make for Babies and Kids by Patricia Hoskins and Rebecca Yaker

Little One-Yard Wonders: Irresistible Clothes, Toys, and Accessories You Can Make for Babies and Kids by Patricia Hoskins and Rebecca Yaker is a wonderful spiral bound book with patterns that are easy to understand and follow. Each project uses one yard (or less) of fabric. Some are so simple that they only take a few hours to complete. There are step-by-step illustrated instructions, beautiful close-up photographs, and pattern pieces included in a bound-in envelope make it easy and fun to create all kinds of adorable items.  My favorite patterns were the Pajama Monster and Little Stuffie, Monster Towel, Booster Chair, and the Insulated lunch bag. Some were very functional and money saving ideas, while others are just great fun for the maker and the little one that it could be gifted to. I plan and making more than a few of the projects in this book.

Little One-Yard Wonders is a well organized and useable resources. So often I look at pattern books and find only a couple worth while patterns while the rest are either incomprehensible or completely unwanted.  This volume had a good number of patterns that I was eager to get started on, and no patterns that left me wondering 'why anyone would want to make that'? The Secret Monster Overalls and the wearable towels are something that I can see any toddler thrilled to have, and the variety and inspiration in this book made me very happy. There are clothes, accessories, toys, and furnishings for little ones from newborn to elementary-school age. The categories and projects were set up logically and the instructions are easy to understand and put into action.

I would recommend Little One-Yard Wonders to anyone that sews. Readers that enjoy making items for children, babies, nursery sets, and so on will find something here that makes the book worth adding to their collection.

Book Tour with Review, Excerpt, and Giveaway: Jaguar Hunt by Terry Spear

Jaguar Hunt is the third book in the Heart of the Jaguar series by Terry Spear. This paranormal romance is one that can be read as a stand alone, but has the bonus of a bigger picture and already knowing some of the characters if you have read the previous books. I have not read the earlier books, so I am starting fresh here. 

Agent Tammy Anderson has a reputation: she prefers to work alone and often ditches anyone partnered with her. When she is paired up on a mission with fellow jaguar-shifter David Patterson, who she recently had released from jail, she is less than thrilled. But, the twin teen age shifters David are following know something about the missing jaguar Tammy is trying to return to its home at a zoo. When their joint mission takes them to Belize they expect an easy mission, but everything is more complicated than it seems. the teens know much more than they are saying, and dirty agents are putting everyone's lives on the line. Can Tammy and David find the boys and the jaguar while rooting out the mole, staying alive, and finding a balance of work and pleasure? 


Jaguar Hunt has a good blend of law enforcement adventure and steamy romance. The mystery aspect of this book, just who the bad agent might be, is more complicated than I expected. the twist and turns were varied and had me doubting my instincts a few times. I liked that Tammy was independent and smart, she faced every challenge head on and surprised even herself with her own resourcefulness. David was both good-guy and rogue rolled up in a single well-trained agent. Their interactions were well done, an both characters were likable and interesting.


Jaguar Hunt is a good blend of paranormal and suspense romance. I think readers that have been following the series will get more out of the book than those of us starting fresh, but it was still a satisfying read.



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 Excerpt
“Good night.” David closed his eyes, but he couldn’t stop taking in deep breaths of her jasmine soap and she-cat scent mixed into one delightful fragrance. He couldn’t ignore the beat of her heart - or his - that told him he was way too turned on, and that she was feeling the same way. He couldn’t help feeling the heat of her body and wanting to ratchet it up a few degrees, starting with a kiss. A kiss. Hell, he’d never gone to bed with a woman when it meant total hands off. But lips...they didn’t count, did they? She’d closed her eyes, but she wasn’t sleeping. She hadn’t pulled away from him, giving him her back. That meant something. Didn’t it? He could ask. And she could say no. He could kiss her, and when she got ready to slap him, he’d tell her it was a good-night kiss. And it would be. Unless she wanted more. He could get lucky and she’d kiss him back. Somehow it didn’t seem right to go to bed with a woman and not at least kiss her good night. She opened her eyes to see him looking down at her - well, he was judging her lips, but when they curved up a bit, he lifted his gaze to meet her eyes and saw she was watching him. “What?” she asked. He couldn’t say it. David Patterson, who had no trouble interesting women in kisses and so much more, couldn’t say it. “Don’t...tell...me. You want a good-night kiss,” she said, but he wasn’t certain whether she was offering or...not. Not about to lose the opportunity, he placed his hand under her chin, lifted her face, and waited only the briefest period for her to pull away if she wasn’t in the mood for this. When she didn’t, he leaned down and kissed her mouth.

Buy Links
Barnes and Noble - http://bit.ly/QuCsmn

Author Bio
USA Today bestselling author Terry Spear has written over two dozen paranormal romance novels and medieval Highland historical romances. In 2008 HEART OF THE WOLF was named a Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year. A retired officer of the U.S. Army Reserves, Terry also creates award-winning teddy bears that have found homes all over the world. She lives in Crawford, Texas.

Social Networking Links
Website: www.terryspear.com  
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TerrySpear

Book Review: Rodale's Basic Organic Gardening: A Beginner's Guide to Starting a Healthy Garden by Deborah L. Martin, Editors Organic Gardening

Rodale's Basic Organic Gardening: A Beginner's Guide to Starting a Healthy Garden by Deborah L. Martin, is a great resource for those starting out in gardening, and for those that now a bit about gardening but want to go organic. The guidebook starts with the questions any begining gardener will have, such as "Do I need to dig?", "Where do I dig?", "How do I plant a seed?", and "How much should I water?". questions and their answers are presented in growing-season order, from garden planning and planting to growing and harvesting. other important subjects such as soil, compost, seeds, pest control, and weeds are explained in simple language to ensure success. over one hundred common garden terms are defined, and flower, vegetable, and herb finder highlights plants with good track records.

Rodale's Basic Organic Gardening offers the answers to just about every question a novice, and some more experienced, gardener might have. as someone that has always been around gardens and plants there were still small bits of information for me to make use of in this current growing season. I really liked that there were no-dig garden methods, simple garden layouts, and tips and hints on just about everything. I found the troubleshooting section particularly helpful since it targeted the most likely problems, and offers realistic solutions for gardeners of all skill levels.

If you are looking for an all around guidebook on getting started with a garden, particularly an organic garden, I suggest making use of the Rodale's Basic Organic Gardening. It is a good starting place, and a nice reference to keep around for the entire season as your garden, plants, and possible complications grow.

Book Review: Heart of Stone by Christine Warren

Heart of Stone is the first book in the Gargoyles series by Christine Warren. This is the latest in a number of paranormal romance series from Warren.  Ella Harrow is trying to carve out a normal life for herself. Well, as normal as an art geek with psychic abilities can hope for. As museum docent and gift-shop manager, Ella is able to keep her distance from people, and her powers in check, while surrounding herself with the artifacts she loves. The Gargoyle Kees has been asleep for eons, waiting for a portent of evil to wake him. Somehow, Ella triggered his reawakening. Maybe the demons have been unleashed? Maybe his heart is finally ready to be chiseled open? The fate of the world and their hearts are at stake.

Heart of Stone reminds me of why I used to read a lot of paranormal romance. Ella sometimes seems like a 'helpless' heroine, but other times she shows a backbone of steel. She is also extremely understanding, and very intuitive. Kees is an alpha male that does not always hold a perfect body, when he is in his gargoyle form he is pretty scary and not exactly what someone might want to snuggle with. He is strong, mentally and physically, but adjusts as needed. I think both characters handled the cards they are dealt well. There were a few times when I wanted to kick one, or both, of them. There were definite moments of the two of them being simply too attracted to each other despite timing and their situation, but that kept the story moving a bot fast despite Kees' stubborn nature and Ella's willingness to sit back and wait.

Heart of Stone is a fun weekend read. It is not the best of the genre, but it has some hot moments, some high action, and the set up needed for a viable series that just might grab you. I am interested in seeing where the larger story arch goes and I know I will read the next book, and perhaps beyond.

Book Review: Operation Bunny by Sally Gardner

Operation Bunny is the first book in the Wings & Co series by Sally Gardner. This children's chapter book begins on a quirky note, and continues in that vein. Emily Vole makes headline news in the first weeks of her life, when she is found in an abandoned hatbox in Stansted Airport. she is adopted by a vain and greedy couple that had always wanted children, but did not get quite what they expected with Emily.  When their own children are born things become even worse for Emily, only to discover allies in her neighbor Mrs String dies leaving Emily a mysterious inheritance: an old shop, a small bunch of golden keys and a cat called Fidget.

Operation Bunny is a great opening to a fun and quirky series that I am looking forward to continuing. Emily is a good natured girl, unfortunately her adopted parents are not. they are greedy and overly concerned with appearance. when they adopt Emily they expected a perfect doll that would look like them, when Emily does not met this expectation they try to change that. When they have triplets, Emily is relegated to free labor. However, Emily remains a sweet girl doing her best. When she fosters a friendship with Mrs. String and the unusual cat Fidget life becomes much better for Emily. Unfortunately, after the good comes a big bad and soon Emily is in big trouble and her only hope is to find a mysterious moving shop, open it, and get some fairies back on duty. Mystery, adventure, and more will keep middle grade readers turning the pages and looking for more.

As I read Operation Bunny my first question was why I had not already read it. Magic, adventure, and quirky fun are right up my alley. The characters and the story are delightful and just might grab the attention of some reluctant readers. I need to get my hands on The Three Pickled Herrings and see what happens next.


Book Review: Unclaimed by Sara Humphreys

Unclaimed is the fifth book in The Amoveo Legend series by Sara Humphreys. While I have read other books by Humphreys, I do not believe that I have read any in this series. Thankfully this paranormal romance is one that can be read as a stand alone, but has the bonus of a bigger picture and already knowing some of the characters if you have read the previous books.


Tatiana Winters tries hard to be normal and loves her life as a veterinarian in Oregon, which is made a bit easier because of her abilities. Tatiana is half Amoveo, and wants nothing to do with that part of her life. It's only reluctantly that she agrees to help cure a mysterious illness among the horses on a the ranch of the Amoveo Prince. Dominic Trejada is a Guardian, one of the elite protectors of the Prince's Montana ranch. As a dedicated Amoveo warrior, he is desperate to find his mate, and time is running out. He knows Tatiana, but convincing her that their attraction is more than destiny forcing their hand while protecting her and the prince from serious threats just might be too much for this warrior.

Unclaimed is a good paranormal romance. Tatiana is a strong and smart woman with a fierce independent streak and more than a little suspicion about all things Amoveo. Dominic is an alpha male with more understanding than most, but just as big of a protective streak as you might expect from a shifter hero. Their chemistry is instant and well played, with a healthy dash of caution. There is tension, action, and mortal danger a plenty. There are also some steamy encounters. A good story and a solid impact on the larger story arch from the series.

Unclaimed is a solid paranormal romance, but does not have much to set it apart from the rest. It you are a Humphreys fan or are following this series then I would mark this as a must read, but for everyone else this is just another romance featuring shifters destined to have a single mate finding their way to a happy ever after.

Book Review: All for You by Jessica Scott

All for You is the fourth book in the Coming Home series by Jessica Scott. While each of these contemporary romances about members of the military can stand alone, there is a larger story arch and such high quality in these books that one read will have you looking to read all of the books.

Sergeant First Class Reza Iaconelli has two goals, to stay sober and to be a good leader for his platoon. to do this he needs everyone to pull their weight, take responsibility for their own actions, and for Captain Emily Lindberg not to tell him how to deal with his men. Emily is the newest psychiatrist on base, and she is full of questions about the army, its soldiers, and how to best help them all. Each of them is working hard to help the soldiers and find a solution to the volume of suicides and trauma our soldiers are facing.

Like the rest of the Coming Home series, All for You is starkly realistic and tells much more than a love story. Reza is a flawed hero, facing and overcoming huge odds. However, that does not mean that he can do it alone, and his journey to love with Emily and his realizations about himself and the general mental health of other soldiers is a stunning well told part of the book. Emily might have been an idealistic, young, professional when the book starts but she also has a backbone of steel when it comes to doing right be her patients. That combination of vulnerability, curiosity, and strength captures the readers along with Reza. The larger issues in the book, the problems of people abusing authority and the need for better mental health care for our military (and frankly everyone that needs it) is told in a way that helps those with no connection to the military understand more of what our men and women are going through both here and abroad.

I highly recommend All for You to all readers that are looking for realistic and heartfelt romance that focuses on members of your armed forces. I adore this series, and even those some truths are hard to read at times, this series offers sizzling romance right along side those truths. each book (and novella) has been a heart wrenching and heart warming read.

Book Review: The Qwikpick Papers: Journey to the Fountain of Poop by Tom Angleberger

The Qwikpick Papers: Journey to the Fountain of Poop by Tom Angleberger is a middle grade novel in the same style as the Origami Yoda series (which if you have not read it, you should!) which blends  journal entries, doodles, and handwritten notes. Lyle Hertzog and his friends Marilla and Dave expect to spend another dull holiday passing time at the local Qwikpick convenience store. Just as they have given up the idea of a grand adventure, an article in their hometown paper catches their eye. It turns out that he sludge fountain at the nearby sewage plant is being shut down. The three friends decide to dub themselves the Qwikpick Adventure Society. Their first mission is to see the “poop fountain” before it fades from glory.

Journey to the Fountain of Poop is the great start to another middle grade series from Angleberger. This book has three kids from different family, religious, and economic backgrounds finding common ground and becoming great friends. The adventure they have is something that I can see many kids taking part in, or at least wishing they could take part in on some level. There is a good amount if 'potty humor', which you have to expect with the word poop in the subtitle. I think the combination of humor, the diary format of the book, and the sheer relateability of the characters will make this a great read for many elementary and middle school readers.

I recommend Journey to the Fountain of Poop to elementary and middle school readers. I think reluctant readers will find this book, and others from Angleberger, to be one that makes them interested in reading more. A must have for library collections.