Early Book Review: How Come? by Kathy Wollard

How Come? by Kathy Wollard is a non fiction book currently scheduled for release on January 13 2015. This is a fun, fact-filled book that will be as interesting to parents as it is to kids. There are lively but clear answers to kids’ common science queries, and some less common questions as well, collecting the best questions and answers from three books; How Come?, How Come? Planet Earth, and How Come? In the Neighborhood and supplemented with twenty completely new questions, and combined into one bigger, better volume.

How Come? explains in clear but detailed explanations the answers to more than 200 mysteries and phenomena in the world around us. Some of my favorite questions where; When it rains, does running (rather than walking) to the nearest shelter really keep you any drier?, Why do we sound better singing in the shower?, Why is the cashew the only nut you cannot buy in its shell?, and Why do songs get stuck in your head?. The answers are fascinating, witty, and informative. I love anything that makes knowledge fun and exciting, and this book certainly fits the bill.

I highly recommend How Come? to everyone that has even stopped to ponder the whys and hows of the world. This is a particularly good book to have on hand when you have a child in your life that loves to ask why. The text is clearly written, engaging, and accessible. It’s for every kid who wants to know, and every grown-up who simply doesn’t know.

Early Book Review: When by Victoria Laurie

When by Victoria Laurie is a young adult novel that is currently schedule for release on January 13th 2015. Maddie Fynn is a shy high school junior, cursed the intuitive ability to see the death date of every person she sees in person or in a photo. Her earliest memories are marked by these numbers, but it takes her father’s premature death for Maddie and her family to realize that these mysterious digits are actually death dates, and just like birthdays, everyone has one. Forced by her alcoholic mother to use her ability to make extra money, Maddie identifies the quickly approaching death date of one client's young son, but because her ability only allows her to see the when and not the how, she’s unable to offer any more insight. When the boy goes missing on that exact date, law enforcement turns to Maddie. Soon, Maddie is entangled in a homicide investigation, and more young people disappear and are later found murdered. A suspect for the investigation, a target for the murderer, and attracting the attentions of a mysterious young admirer who may be connected to it all, Maddie's whole existence is about to be turned upside down. Can she right things before it's too late?

When is a book that I wanted to love, because Laurie’s adult romantic mysteries are great fun. I was not disappointed, in the major characters, plot, and feel of the book. I was a little surprised at the amount of moments that had me holding my breath in dread. Maddie is a character that makes you care about her. She has been through so much, and struggles to be self sufficient and independent at all times. Her best friend is on the fringes as well, and they share a bond that is unbreakable even under the worst conditions. There were just so many subtle set ups for the big twists in the story that I was honestly taken by surprise with a couple. That is always a nice surprise, especially when you are already familiar with the writer’s style and quirks.  I think mature middle grade readers, young adults, and adult readers can all lose themselves in the story. I will admit that I found the end to be a little too well wrapped up, a little too perfect, but there is room for more in the future.

I would recommend When to readers that like strong characters, a mystery or suspense filled story that takes you by surprise, and some serious family drama. There is an element of police procedure and investigation as well. I think anyone that likes a book that keeps you enthralled in the action and thinking about what might happen next will appreciate this new novel.

Book Review and Giveaway: Waggers by by Stacy Nyikos and Tamara Anegon

Enter to win a hardcover copy of this picturebook at the end of this review!

Waggers is a picturebook written by Stacy Nyikos and illustrated by Tamara Anegon. When Waggers is adopted, he tries to be a good dog, he really does! But Waggers’s tail goes crazy when he gets excited, and Waggers' tail is extra long. You would not think a tail could do much harm, but his tail causes trouble on a epic level. He never means to cause trouble, but his happiness or excitement makes his tail go crazy and then trouble ensues. After too much damage has been caused, mom and dad think Waggers might not be the right dog for their family. Can Waggers and his family find a way to stay together?

Waggers is a charming picturebook about a dog that just wants to be loved and be part of a family. however, Waggers' seemingly uncontrollable tail causes trouble at every turn. Anyone that has a good natured but very active child, pet, or adult in their life has met a creature like Waggers. All smiles, love, and good nature but leaving destruction in their wake. Like Waggers,  awareness of themselves and a good way to channel that energy makes all the difference. I think the book offers a good message about giving chances, channeling enthusiasm, and love surpassing issues when given a chance. the illustrations perfectly capture the trouble and charm that is Waggers. I really enjoyed the colors and personality evident on each page.

I recommend Waggers to anyone with a pet, particularly one that causes unwitting destruction. Readers that carry that same enthusiastic abandon or know someone that does will also greatly enjoy this book. however, do not pass it up just because your life or house is peaceful, Waggers will charm and bring a smile to the face of anyone that picks it up.

About the Author:Stacy Nyikos is the award-winning author of many mischievous books for children. She’s not sure how that happened. She didn’t get into trouble as a child. Well, if you don’t count borrowing sandwiches from her dad. He wasn’t eating them anyway. Stacy holds an MFA in Writing for Children at Vermont College, which she didn’t borrow. They gave it to her. Really. Ask her kids. Or her dog. Just don’t ask her husband. He’s misplaced a few sandwiches. When she isn’t chasing stories—or sandwiches—Stacy can be found scribbling in the wilds of Oklahoma. She is currently working on a new adult novel about her grandfather’s adventure canoeing from Indiana to New Orleans – over 2,000 miles of paddling – in 1939.

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Book Review: A Study in Silks by Emma Jane Holloway

A Study in Silks is the first book in The Baskerville Affair series by Emma Jane Holloway. Evelina Cooper is the niece of Sherlock Holmes and is staying with a good friend as they prepare for their first London Season.  However, a murderer, missing automatons, a sorcerer, a visit from part of her past life, and a talking mouse complicate matters. This Victorian era is ruled by a ruthless steam baron council, with mechanical power as the real monarch, and magic is considered the enemy of the empire. Evelina has a touch of magic and has secretly mastered a coveted weapon, magic that can run machines. Can she trust the clever rake that is her best friends brother the dashing performer from her past who would do anything she asked?

A Study in Silks has elements of magic, history, and mystery. I enjoyed the characters and the danger that seemed around every corner, but felt that it  had some very slow moments. Evelina is an unconventional girl, loving to tinker and have a special talent for magic, which is forbidden and feared. She had a very different childhood than most, and has a keen mind and set of unshakable standards because of it. Nick is a part of her past and part of the sad little love triangle, and her best friend's brother is the other piece of that puzzle. There is intrigue, magic, murder, mayhem, murder, and politics. I enjoyed the characters and the variety of twists and connections through out the book.

I have had this young adult steampunk novel in my Kindle queue for awhile. As I read it, I feel like I must have started it before because it felt familiar, but it was not until I looked at the length that I realized why I kept putting it off. It is long, quite long. I think it was a bit longer than was needed, but I could not say what should have been cut, or where it could have been concluded and picked back up as a second book, which is probably why the author and editors left it as a whole. As I read there continued to be moments where I wondered if I really had read this before, bits seemed very familiar but I could never put my finger on why.

A Study in Silks is something that I would recommend to those that love steampunk and magic. However, not to those with short attention spans. This book is long and slowly paced for the most part, but the character details and world building is very involved and that length seems necessary for the depth of detail. By the time i reached the end I was eager to read what happens in the next book, so this series starter does do its job, as long as readers stick with it. I just might pick up the next one, particularly since the work of world building and set up is done.

Some Werewolf Romances Worth Reading

Romance readers have seen a swift uprise in paranormal reading material. Vampires, witches, psychic gifts, and things that you might never have seen in your dreams have been becoming increasingly visible in popular literature. Werewolves are on the rise in this sub-genre, so if you want to read some romance where at least one major player turns furry here are some great places to start. I have tried to stick with some of the lesser known series and authors, since most of the same books come up in every werewolf series discussion.

 

The Crimson Moon series by L.A. Banks begins with Bad Blood. This series has science fiction elements, government conspiracies, supernatural creatures, romance and great action. Banks does a great job of creating a realistic and culturally diverse world. In this series Sasha Trudeau is a special operations soldier working to help the government keep the supernatural in the world under control and secret from the general population. Rules change, dirty deals made and revelations had. Sasha's world is changed, and that is just the beginning.

Karen MacInerney writes the Tales of the Urban Werewolf trilogy, which begins with Howling at the Moon. This series centers on Sophie Garou and her seemingly perfect life. She has a great career, fantastic boyfriend, and is gorgeous. However she also happens to turn very hairy and cranky once a month. All three books show up Sophie's struggle to keep her secret safe, her career moving in the right direction and the people she cares about safe.

Never Cry Werewolf by Heather Davis is a young adult novel about sixteen-year girl that has made some bad choices. With some urging by her stepmother Shelby is sent off to what she terms "brat-camp" where she meets the other teens that are there for a wide variety of reasons. One resident is a werewolf, you can guess that from the title, and most are from families of the rich and famous. I do not want to ruin the book by telling you who the werewolf is and how it all plays out, however I will assure you that it is not Shelby.

Carrie Vaughn writes the Kitty Norville series. The first book in the series is Kitty and the Midnight Hour. The series focuses on Kitty in her life as a late night radio host and her secret life as a werewolf. Her radio airtime becomes a talk show for the supernaturally inclined, which makes her attempts to keep her own furry side to herself nearly impossible as other real supernatural creatures call in, take action against her, and simply cause trouble. This is a fun and entertaining series with a lot of character growth in each installment. The eighth book in the series is due to be released at the end of June 2010.

Blood and Chocolate by Annette Curtis Klause is a young adult novel that was made into a movie. If you saw the movie, forget it. It does not do a good job following the book. The book, as cliché as it may be, is much better than the movie. The story follows a teenage girl, that just happens to be a werewolf. She is struggling to balance what she wants with what is expected of her. The conflict between the pack culture and she desire to be normal and accepted by both of her worlds is both touching and relatable.

If you like this sub-genre of romance and have already read these books, or are just looking for a larger list, or some of the better known authors in the genre, then I also recommend books by Kelley Armstrong, Maggie Stiefvater  (young adult), Eileen Wilks, Terry Spear, Susan Krinard, Rebecca York, Patricia Briggs and Kresley Cole.

Book Review: The Runaway Highlander by R.L. Syme

The Runaway Highlander is the second book in the Highland Renegades series by R.L. Syme. Anne de Cheyne has a choice, but not much of one. She can play the dutiful daughter and allow her mother to sell her to a greasy English sheriff, or she can take control of her own life and find her own future. After a frightening run-in with her promised husband reveals a dark secret, she must find a way to save herself and her sister from a horrible future. Aedan Donne needs money and fast. Working for the English sheriff is not what he wants to do, but it will allow him to save his sister and be free. But when an attempted escape and Anne's bid for freedom go awry he has to make a choice that could destroy lives. can he find a way to save everyone that he cares for or will his desire for the runaway Highland lady destroy them all?

The Runaway Highlander is a historical romance that shows just how little power people have had over their own lives. Anne de Cheyne is seen as nothing more than her mother's pawn and a possession to be bought. The sheriff that her mother is currently courting and plotting to sell her daughter to as a bride is unpleasant in just about every regard. He promises a violent and brutal life for Anne, and her vulnerable sister, should the marriage take place. Discovering that her childhood sweetheart and his compatriots are in the sheriff's dungeons, most brought there by a man that has caught her attention, she plots to change her future. She is willing to risk everything to protect her sister, and has little thought of her own safety in comparison. She is strong, smart, and selfless. Like Anne, Aedan is putting himself in harms way to help a sister. His actions are honorable, even though he does not work for those that are. I loved his strength and dedication to doing the right thing, even when it is far from the easy thing. I did think that the final third of the book was a bit draggy and perhaps unnecessary, but it did add an extra element of realism to the story. 

The Runaway Highlander is a solid romance. The characters were wonderful and multidimensional, and even though i did not read the first book in the series I did not feel left behind. I was not thrilled with the final chapters, but the height drama of the middle was nearly perfect. I wish the book was consistently good, as some parts were absolutely fantastic but others left me feeling a little bored or let down. 

Trigger warning; the book has some sexual violence and threats thereof.

 

Early Book Review: The Importance of Being Alice by Katie MacAlister

The Importance of Being Alice by Katie MacAlister is the first book in the Ainslie Brothers series. It is currently scheduled for publication on January 6th 2015. Nothing about Alice Wood’s life is normal right now. Her fiancé, Patrick, called off their wedding and relationship only days before their nonrefundable wedding trip. And though a luxurious European river cruise for one is just what she needs, it is not quite what she gets. Because of a horrible misunderstanding, Alice is now cramped in her “romantic” suite with one of Patrick’s friends. Instead of cruising along the Rhine, Main, and Danube rivers sipping champagne with the love of her life, she’s navigating the waters with a strange, yet mysteriously handsome, British aristocrat. Elliot is an author, that also happens to be a Baron with a passel of siblings and unusual mother, looking for some alone time to write. But his stodgy, serious self is about to be sidetracked by a woman who seems to have jumped out of the pages of a fairy tale, one who is determined to shake up his life and include him in her own happily ever after.

The Importance of Being Alice brings me back to why I fell in love with MacAlister's writing to begin with. Alice is a smart but impulsive characters with an ability to talk and be witty practically non stop. Elliot is a very intelligent and responsible man that does everything he can to take care of his family even when he feels taken advantage of or particularly put-upon. There is suspicion, and some misunderstanding to be sure, but their banter and good natures just make the story so much fun. I laughed and snickered out loud several times while reading, which would make my daughter ask me what was so funny. I could only answer her half the time, because some of the seriously funny bits were not appropriate for my six year old’s ears. This book holds everything good I have ever found in MacAlister’s work, and has made me very eager to see what lies in store for Elliot’s brothers as the series continues.

I will admit that the love I have of MacAlister had faded a bit recently. The dragon series has lost its shine for me. But, The Importance of Being Alice brings me back to the serious love of her humor and quirky characters that I had years ago. It you like humor with your romance, quirky characters that you wish you were friends with, and quick adventure in your reading then you better add this book (and series) to your TBR list. Seriously- so happy with this book! I cannot wait to read the second book, A Midsummer’s Night Romp, when it is released in May of 2015.

Book Review: The Rake's Handbook: Including Field Guide by Sally Orr

The Rake's Handbook: Including Field Guide is the first book in The Rake's Handbook series by Sally Orr. The Rake’s Handbook was written on a dare, and soon took the ton by storm.  Ross Thornbury once wrote a book with two of his friends on a dare. Now he is said to be a rake of the worst sort. Unfortunately, Ross’s notoriety is working against him and he flees London painfully aware of the shortcomings of his own jaded heart. He throws himself into his business ventures and finds himself thwarted and fascinated by his neighbor.  Elinor Colton has always been viewed as too spirited for her own good. As a young widow her independent ways do not help do not help her social standing. She is warned of his reputation and business plans that might put her home in harms way. Elinor is sure she is immune to Ross’s seductive ways, but he keeps coming around and impressing her with his vision for England’s future and stunning her with his smiles.

The Rake’s Handbook is a well done historical romance. It starts a new series, and introduces a number of characters I expect to see again in the subsequent books. Elinor is a strong female character, but still full of a certain innocence and wonder even after being a window and raising her sister's son. I was a wee bit disappointed that she did not see through the men in her life being interested in more than offering support and advise, but I relegate that to her being a bit too trusting and naive. Ross is an honorable man, despite the reputation he carries. He wants to support his mother and do right by her, even when it makes him miserable. I liked his honest nature and teasing wit. The conversations between Elinor and Ross were fun and full of teasing and charming humor. Even when I found myself annoyed with Elinor's complacency, I was quickly made happy again as soon as the two started their banter.

The Rake’s Handbook is a good, but not great romance. I liked the characters for the most part, though I found myself occasionally frustrated with Elinor. The wit and action of the book kept up at a good pace and made for a quick, fun read. 

 

Cover Reveal: Hark: A Christmas Collection By Justin Bog

Hark: A Christmas Collection By Justin Bog

Book Description:

A beautifully written collection of short stories from critically acclaimed Pacific Northwest writer Justin Bog, Hark explores the range of emotions surrounding the holidays. From melancholy to madness, loss and despair to hope and forgiveness, these six tales shimmer with feelings, some we'd rather stuff away, that Christmas can evoke.

Set in colorful locations around the United States, from Anacortes, Washington, to Ann Arbor, Michigan, and Sun Valley, Idaho, each tale focuses on people who struggle to make good choices, learn lessons, and maybe even find peace during the holiday season.

A bonus story, Poseidon Eyes, from Booktrope's upcoming reissue of Sandcastle and Other Stories; The Complete Edition, is included.

Add Hark: A Christmas Collection to your Goodreads Want To Read list: http://bit.ly/1A2jyoe

Book Review: How to Roll Like Chris P. Bacon by Len Lucero

How to Roll Like Chris P. Bacon by Len Lucero is the second book about the plucky little pig that was born with malformed hind legs but taken in by a veterinarian and trained to walk with a special cart. Little Chris P. Bacon is cheerful in the face of adversity and lives with gusto. He curiosity and supportive family make this series an inspiring and fun read. This installment encourages readers to live life with the openness and cheerfulness that is evident in my favorite little piglet. 

How to Roll Like Chris P. Bacon is a charming and inspirational book that encourages readers to face each day with courage and joy. Taking chances, doing new things, and being a good friend are the key elements to the suggestions in the book. The pictures of Bacon’s adventure and the cartoon like illustrations add a charm and sense of fun to the book. I felt a bit like the grinch reading the book, with my heart growing three sizes as I read. It was sweet, inspirational, and heart warming. 

How to Roll Like Chris P. Bacon is a sweet follow up to the first book, but does not hold the same power. I would suggest the book for fans of Chris P. Bacon. It is heart warming and gave me a nice warm feeling as I read.