Book Review: Etiquette & Espionage by Gail Carriger

Etiquette &Espionage is the first book in the Finishing School series for young adults by Gail Carriger. Fourteen-year-old Sophronia Temminnick is more interested in dismantling clocks and climbing trees than proper manners. Mrs. Temminnick is desperate for her daughter to become a proper lady. So she enrolls Sophronia in Mademoiselle Geraldine's Finishing Academy for Young Ladies of Quality. Quickly Sophronia realizes the school is not quite what her mother might have hoped. At Mademoiselle Geraldine's, young ladies learn to finish everything. They do learn the fine arts of dance, dress, and etiquette; but the also learn to deal out death, diversion, and espionage, but politely, of course. Sophronia and her friends are in for a rousing first year's education.

Etiquette &Espionage is a great start to a new series. The world building is seamlessly woven into the story, a steam punk world with all the trappings of polite society including corsets and stays. Sophronia, her family, and the girls she meets at the school all are like people you could meet anywhere- they have the traits you can find in any crowd, but with a twist of skill in espionage to keep you guessing of everyone's true nature and intent. I liked Sophronia's genuine nature, and interest in most unlady like things, as well as her willingness to go outside of conventions- and to accept others for their own quirks. There is the expected mean girl necessary in every book involving teens, but there is also aerobatic escapes, air battles, a werewolf attack, a vampiric professor, a ball, and some social commentary. There is a fun variety of people and characters, as well as a great layer of mystery and intrigue.

I would recommend Etiquette & Espionage to readers that enjoy spy novels, young adult books, steam punk, historical novels, and good old fashion adventure. I really feel into the world, and have had trouble leaving it behind, thankfully the next two books in the series are waiting for my attention on my Kindle.

Book Review: Grave Witch (Alex Craft) by Kalayna Price

Grave Witch is the first book in the Alex Craft series by Kalayna Price. I listened to the audiobook, which was read by Emily Durante. Not even death can save her now. As a grave witch, Alex Craft is a grave witch, meaning that she can raise shades and speak to the dead. Unlike most, she can even talk to, and is on good terms with, Death himself. She's seen a lot of dark magic, but nothing has prepared her for her latest case. When she's raising a "shade" involved in a high-profile murder, it attacks her, and then someone makes an attempt on her life. Someone really doesn't want her to know what the dead have to say, and she'll have to work with mysterious homicide detective Falin Andrews to figure out why.

Grave Witch was a good beginning to a series, that has me interested in getting my hands on the next book. Alex has the perfect combination of power and vulnerability. She is estranged from her family, but when her sister pleas for her help, Alex cannot refuse, and that help leads her down the rabbit hole to deal with some serious dark magic, the fae, attempts on her life, ghosts, and an attempt at romance. At the end Alex is left with a couple solved cases, and more questions about herself and her love life than before. The trip was entertaining, and I liked the world and the cast of characters. I was ever eager to get plugged back into my iPod to hear more of the story. I will admit that on occasion the narrator sounded a bit mechanical, like Siri, but she regularly redeemed herself with some great voice work when switching between character's thoughts or speech.

I would recommend Grave Witch to readers that enjoy urban fantasy, particularly when witches or the fae are involved. The characters and world felt very well developed and the story answered enough questions to leave me satisfied at the end, while still having enough open possibilities to make me curious about what will happen next. A perfect combination for a series starter.

Novels that Will Make You Nervous

What do you find scary? It is not always the obvious monster in the dark that is truly scary. Sometimes it is the monster in ourselves, people in power, our loved ones, or even that innocent looking child down the street that is the most frightening. Here are some books that might scare you in unexpected ways, and make for a supernatural read at the same time.

Toni Andrews scares us with her Mercy Holling series, which starts with Beg for Mercy. It is not the things that go bump in the night that will make you nervous in this series. It is the abilities of Mercy, whom developed a special ability at puberty to influence people's will. If Mercy is angry and tells you to go jump off a bridge, you will. Imagine that as a teenager, all the implications of losing your temper ad saying something rash. Now imagine trying to control what you say while drunk, angry or joking to be sure that you do not hurt or kill someone. If she can do all of that then what can your next-door neighbor do?

Laurell K. Hamilton writes a more traditionally scary set of novels with her Anita Blake series. Starting with Guilty Pleasures, we are immersed in a world of vampires, shape shifters and power struggles to be in charge or kill those that defy you. Anita is a vampire hunter with some added abilities. She kills the monsters, but on some level, she is not very different from them. As the series progresses lines between human and monster are bent and broken and leave the reader wondering about the true nature of the own self as well as that of those around them. One word of warning, the plot seems to fade and fall away for a few books in the middle of the series and the books tend to revolve around the more intimate moments of the character's lives. Do not read this series if you are offended by sexual situations. Frankly some of what Hamilton writes in that arena might be as scary as her vampire and zombies if it catches you unaware.

I now have to admit it; a teen novel series scared me. Darren Shan, known for a vampire series recently made into a movie, has a series called the Demonata. The first book, Lord Loss, bothered me enough that I have yet to be able to go back and finish the series. The books are all short, but extremely disturbing with visions of our world and that of demons being very close, with only a very thin veil between them. There is gore, more than I usually need in a horror book or movie, but plenty of physiological fear inducers too.

I have been focusing on novels published fairly recently, but if you really want to be scared then I suggest looking into some classics. Stephen King's Misery or The Shining will get to me every time. I cannot even read It because clowns already bother me, if I read the book I would be traumatized at the next child's birthday party sporting a clown. No thank you. Like in the Mercy Holling series, what make these so scary is that the action does not seem too far removed from reality. It feels like it could happen, and the worst things are what you see in your mind rather than what is spelled out for you on the page. I remember reading a couple books by Dean Koontz and Robin Cook in the 1990's that seriously frightened me, and though I can almost picture the covers, I cannot seem to recall the titles. 

To continue in the theme of slightly older material than check out the work of Algernon Blackwood. The Wendigo and The Willows give me the shivers just thinking about them. H.P. Lovecraft's works are also guaranteed chill inducers and completely disturbing. I am barely even scratching the surface of paranormal stories that can completely freak me out, there are just too many out there to name, but these are my go to materials for when I want a scare from my reading material.

Early Book Review: The Crocheter's Skill-Building Workshop by Dora Ohrenstein

The Crocheter's Skill-Building Workshop by Dora Ohrenstein is a crochet resource that is currently scheduled for release on December 2 2014 in digital and paper formats. This book is a guide that covers all of the basic crochet techniques, from choosing yarns to finishing! It deals with the basic questions that each and every crocheter faces, as well as those that have been hooking for years might never have seen dressed elsewhere. Included are more than 70 stitch-along swatches that each teach and reinforce the skills of a particular technique, along with five projects (a hat, shawl, neck warmer, bag, and scarf) that put those techniques to use. The swatches offer not just a variety of stitch patterns but also a variety of shapes and can serve as the building blocks for sophisticated and creative projects of your own design.

The Crocheter's Skill-Building Workshop is a wonderful resource for crocheters of all skill levels, from beginners through those that consider themselves experts. As someone that supplements her income selling crochet items, I found a few explanations and bits of advice to be invaluable and in some cases answering questions that I have had for years and never found the answer to before. Crochet fans will find some great tools in calculating yarn, including after having made modifications to hook sizes and/or yarn weight. The explanations, detailed pictures, and labeled diagrams do a great job of illustrating the techniques and at no point does the tone come off as conceding, which does sometimes happen with books or videos detailing basic stitches and information.

I highly recommend The Crocheter's Skill-Building Workshop to anyone that enjoys crochet, particularly those of us that are always looking to improve our skills and understanding. I have already preordered my paper copy for myself, because my digital e-galley is wonderful but not quite as useful to me as an actual paper copy with post-it notes and the ability to leave hand written notes and ideas in the margins.

Book Review: The Riverman by Aaron Starmer

The Riverman by Aaron Starmer is a middle grade to young adult novel. Alistair Cleary is the kid everyone trusts while Fiona Loomis is not the typical girl next door. Alistair hasn't really thought of her since they were little kids until she shows up at his doorstep with a proposition: she wants him to write her biography. What begins as an odd vanity project gradually turns into a frightening glimpse into the mind of a potentially troubled girl. Fiona says that in her basement there is a portal that leads to a magical world where a creature called the Riverman is stealing the souls of children. Fiona’s soul could be next. If Fiona really believes what she’s saying, Alistair fears she may be crazy. But if it’s true, her life could be at risk. Could the story be hiding problems, or are her tales of a the other world real?

The Riverman is a multi layered story about kids finding themselves, facing problems bigger than themselves, and the notion of reality. Alistair is an average kid, with a few friends and the trust of just about everyone around him. He is creative, but not so much to normally attract attention. Fiona has noticed, and wants his to write her story, which she shares with him in bits and pieces. He tales of another world are both wonderful and terrifying as the threat of the Riverman and the possibility of who he might be in the real world become clearer. The build up and execution of the mystery/suspense involved in the story was nearly perfect. There was a good balance of suspicion that the world Fiona spoke about was real versus the possibility that she was hiding from something in her home above all else. The story had me hooked and turning pages quickly. I was a little disappointed in the conclusion, mainly because it was a bit subjective and left in the air. Most of the loose ends were tied up, but there were still some open ended questions.

I would recommend The Riverman to readers that enjoy fantasy, mystery, and coming of age stories. Alistair has much growth within the story and the story is greatly compelling. Readers of the middle grade to young adult persuasions would enjoy this story- as long as they are not easily frustrated by an ambiguous ending.

Blog Tour: A Therapists Insider Guide on Relationships Roxanne Derhodge

"Healing the Past"

SYNOPSIS

A Therapist Insider's Guide is an Amazon Bestseller!

Relationships are complex and challenging, they are also vitally important to our sense of well-being. This book will guide you through a deep personal exploration of your life’s relationships. Breaking out of the mold of traditional therapist protocol, expert therapist Roxanne Derhodge delves into her own past relationships to show how you can heal from the past the same way she did.

Using her own experiences as an example and drawing on years of professional expertise as a counsellor, she explains how you can decipher your template for relationships and decide which aspects are in line with what you value and which are not. Through a step-by-step process you will learn how to create fulfilling and positive relationships that will enhance your life in every way.

PURCHASE

Amazon
Influence Publishing
Barnes & Noble
*ebook coming soon*

About the Author

Roxanne Derhodge is a therapist who previously worked with the Metro Toronto Police assisting crime victims, headed an Addictions Unit with the Niagara Health System, and was involved in corporate consulting. She has specialized in areas including managing anxiety/depression, domestic violence and divorce. Experienced in working with both adults and children, Derhodge employs a wide variety of treatment approaches. An engaging presenter with warmth and an uncanny ability to read people, she is passionate about helping people live their lives to the fullest.

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Book Review: He’s So Fine by Jill Shalvis

He’s So Fine by Jill Shalvis is the newest book in the Lucky Harbor series. Olivia Bentley has run to Lucky Harbor. It is more than the town where she runs her new vintage shop. It is where everyone is friendly to strangers and nobody knows her real name. She does a good job of keeping her past buried, not getting too cozy with anyone, until she sees a man drowning. Charter boat captain Cole Donovan has no problem with a gorgeous woman throwing her arms around his neck in an effort to "save" him. He's just not expecting that real trouble is about to come her way. Will it bring her deeper into Cole's heart, or will it be the end of Olivia's days in little Lucky Harbor?

He’s So Fine is just as fun and sweet as all of Challis’s Lucky Harbor books. Both Olivia and Cole have painful pasts and trust issues because of serious issues that have effected them greatly. Cole has high standards when it comes to trust and honesty, and Olivia is afraid that everyone will learn about her past and judge her because of it. As her sister, mother, and a television producer are hounding her to do a reunion show, as she just hopes to keep her heart safe. Cole is dealing with family and past relationship issues. Together they find a chemistry that cannot be denied, but each find that trust is a little harder to find. I liked the realistic pain the pair go through, even if their initial trauma is a bit over the top. The story comes together as fun and sweet, and just enough. Not the best of Shalvis's work, but not the worst either. I would not have minded seeing more from the quirky side characters.

I would recommend He’s So Fine to fans of Shavlis. Anyone that enjoys a quick read with a small town atmosphere and/or characters dealing with massive baggage getting in the way will enjoy the book. The friendships and familiarity of the Lucky Harbor series adds a level of enjoyment to its fans. 

Great Potty Training Books to Share Read Along with Your Toddler

Potty Training can be a trying time, but there is no need to do it without some great books to read together and have some laughs along the way. Here are some books to buy or borrow and enjoy. 

Even Firefighters Go To The Potty by Wendy Wax was a big hit with my son. He had reached the point where he knew what he had to do, what we wanted him to do, but simply didn't want to stop doing whatever he was doing to take a potty break. This fun book with lifting flaps showed him that everyone needed to take breaks during the day to use the potty even firefighters, police officers, teachers and baseball payers. Therefore, it would be okay for him to take breaks too. 


The Gas We Pass: The Story of Farts by Shinta Cho is a laugh inducing book from the title alone. However the book gives some information along side the chuckles, the whys and hows of gas are explained. Expect laughter and silly noises, but toddlers simply love this book. Everyone Poops by Taro Gomi is another informative but laughter inducing book to share. 

Once Upon A Potty by Alona Frankel is available in both girl and boy versions, I have linked to the boy version since that is the one I have actually read. It is a very basic potty training book for toddlers, giving them the essentials of what they need to know and do. In a similar vein is My Big Boy Potty by Joanne Cole and The Potty Book by Alyssa Satin Capucilli, both of which are also available if girl or boy editions.

If your child is a big Sesame Street fan, you might want to pick up Too Big For Diapers, which makes potty instruction simple and easy. We follow Ernie as he ditches the diapers and learns to use the big boy potty all by himself. If this seems to be something that might be a hit in your house then Sesame Beginnings: Potty Time gives you the same lessons with baby Grover.

Finally yet importantly is A Potty For Me by Karen Katz. This book is interactive with flaps to lift and occupy your toddler as they sit and you wait for nature to take its course. This book is also good for toddlers that are not quite ready to use the potty to introduce the concept and basic practicalities of using the potty.

There are a large number of potty books out there, and these are some that were received well in my house, your child might rather watch videos or read a different selection of books. I think these are universally helpful and enjoyable by both parents and toddlers.

Book Review: Thursdays With the Crown by Jessica Day George

Thursdays With the Crown by Jessica Day George is the third book in the Tuesdays at the Castle series.  The story picks up right where Wednesdays in the Tower leaves off, so I would suggest reading the story in order for the most enjoyment. Castle Glower has been acting weird, so it's no surprise when two towers transport Celie, her siblings, and friends to an unknown land. The kids and Celie's pet griffin Rufus set out through the forest to figure out where they are and what has happened to their beloved Castle. Instead, they discover two wizards and an entire lost people, the oldest inhabitants of Castle Glower. And it seems they may know more of the Castle's secrets than Celie. But who is telling the truth and how will they get home?

Thursdays With the Crown continues with the same balance of adventure, fantasy, and character development that I expect from Day. Celie is still growing, and despite being the youngest of the group is a smart and independent young lady. I like the relationships that continue to grow and change, and the individual character growth in the core group of characters. I think that the adventure in this installation is very important. Readers discover more about the Castle’s origins and the conflicts in the land it was originally sent from. Like most disagreements the clashes of the past linger, and each side has their own version of events, each with a grain of truth. I think that this is a good lesson to help kids understand large conflicts, as well as making the story exciting.

Thursdays With the Crown is a perfect continuation of the story, but it really does need the foundation of the previous books to be enjoyed. I felt like it took be a chapter or two to get back into the world, but once I was there I had trouble leaving it behind. A fun and quick read for middle grade readers that like a read that has a little bit of everything. 

Book Review: I'm Undead and Hungry!: Meet a Zombie (Monster Buddies) by Shannon Knudsen and Chiara Buccheri

I'm Undead and Hungry!: Meet a Zombie is the latest book in the Monster Buddies series by Shannon Knudsen and Chiara Buccheri. Like the rest of the books in the series, this book combines popular culture, folklore, science, and fun. Roscoe is a zombie, he  came back from the dead. But don't be scared because Roscoe's not real. He's one of the monsters you meet in stories. Find out what turns people into zombies, learn about different kinds of zombies around the world, and discover where zombie stories come from. 

My son is a monster maniac. I'm Undead and Hungry! is right up his alley. There a silly and slightly scary cartoon illustrations combined with information about zombies in books and movies as well as from traditional stories from all parts of the world. I really like the matter of fact way both then and factual information is presented. It does not take the fun out of the monster, but just might take away the fear that might keep your little one up at night.

I'm Undead and Hungry! would be eaten up by monster fans, and could be used to explain to children that the monsters are not real. This could be exceptionally useful around Halloween when movies, costumes, and stories might be enough to spook even the bravest children.