Early Book Review: Highland Spitfire by Mary Wine

Highland Spitfire by Mary Wine is a historical romance that is currently scheduled for release on February 1 2016. In the throes of fierce clan wars, the Queen's Regent tricks the children of two feuding lairds into a desperate choice; marry or die. The union—however reluctant—of a MacPherson and a Robertson could end three generations of hostilities between the two families. Ailis Robertson wanted a husband, not a savage. But she is rocked by the intense passion she feels for Bhaic, who is likewise taken aback by the fierce jealousy he experiences when he sees Ailis speaking with other men. Is it possible for fierce enemies to become a happy husband and wife?

Highland Spitfire is a historical romance that features a couple forced to marry, and finds passion and a meeting of the minds in the process. I like that both Ailis and Bhaic use reason and compassion, not just their physical attraction, to make things work. There are compromises to be made, and tensions to be understood and overcome. Ails is smart, capable, and more than willing to get her hands dirty. She wants to do her part, and fight her own battles. I share her annoyance with those that want to make divisions or actions in our staid to ‘protect’ us. Bhaic is strong and honorable, and more than a little stubborn. I think he gives his brother a little too much power over what goes on, but then it is also part of the family structure. Overall I was happy with the story, and am interested to see just what might happen in the book that follows.

Highland Spitfire is an entertaining and engaging read. Those that love a solid historical romance with some adventure and plaids will enjoy the read. 

Book Review: Karmas a Killer by Tracy Webber

Karmas a Killer by Tracy Webber is the third book in the Downward Dog Mystery series. I have not read the previous two books in this fun cozy mystery series, but I feel like I caught up quickly. I think having read the previous books would have given me a head start in getting to know the main players, I did not feel like there were major puzzle pieces missing because of that lack.

When Seattle yoga teacher Kate Davidson agrees to teach doga (yoga for dogs) at a fundraiser for a local animal rescue, she believes the only damage will be to her reputation. But a few downward-facing dogs are the least of Kate’s problems when an animal rights protest at the event leads to a suspicious fire and a drowning. The police arrest a woman claiming to be Kate’s estranged mother and charge her with murder. To prove her innocence, Kate, boyfriend Michael, and German shepherd sidekick Bella dive deeply into the worlds of animal activism, organizational politics, and the dangerous obsessions that drive them.

Karmas a Killer is a fun but still emotionally deep mystery. Family drama, dealing with trauma and trust issues, helping animals, and so much more all play significant roles in what I was fully prepared to be light and fluffy. That is not to say that there is not plenty of fun and humor, there certainly is. However, there is also much more to it for those that like to sink in to the characters. Kate is a flawed hero, well aware of her quirks and owning her issues while still trying to face down her demons. Michael has his own issues, as do most of the people (and animals) in Kate's circle of close friends. I liked the contrast of characters, and the depth that some of the more secondary characters received in such a relatively short book. The mystery was well laid out and there was a good combination of red herrings and foreshadowing that had the characters, and myself, thinking just about anyone could have committed the crime. I was impressed in the the amount of twists and turns the story had, and where some of them tool me.

Karmas a Killer was a satisfying read, even though I had not read the previous books, I will be adding the first books to my ever expanding to be read pile. I think readers that like characters that have suffered trauma and are out there taking chances, surviving, and moving on while still being entertaining and witty will enjoy the series. 

Book Review: K-9 by Rohan Gavin

K-9 by Rohan Gavin is the second book in the Knightley and Son series. This is a series that is important to read in order. There are major plot points and character traits that are explained by the first book, and only glossed over briefly in this installment to remind readers. I really enjoyed the first book, so if this one sounds interesting I would recommend starting at the beginning with Knightly and Son.

Darkus Knightley, the thoroughly logical 13-year-old investigator of the weird, was just getting used to having his dad back in his life. Then Alan Knightley went off-radar, again, leaving Darkus with a traumatized ex-bomb-disposal dog as his only partner in crime-solving. Now things are getting even stranger. Family pets are being savaged by a beast at a top London beauty spot. Policemen have been tracked and attacked by a particularly aggressive canine. And two curiously alert hounds seem to be watching Darkus's house. As the full moon approaches, it doesn't take Sherlock Holmes to work out that someone or something sinister is messing with the minds of London's dog population. A mysterious canine conspiracy is howling for the attention of Knightley & Son.

K-9 is a fast paced mystery with a nice level of character growth and development. Darius is only 13, and has a mind better suited to solving mysteries and puzzles than understanding other people. His small group off confidants is not even that, as he keeps small details and theories to himself. However, he is not the only one keeping secrets in order to solve the mystery or protect others. The chase was complicated and fairly involved, leaving some pieces of it never really explained as far as I was concerned. but the big mystery was solved with a great climax and good humor tossed in along the way. If you enjoyed the first book, you will enjoy this one. I do not think it was as good as the first, but it was still an entertaining and enjoyable read.

K-9 is a wonderful book for mystery fans. Those that enjoyed the first book and books with a highly intelligent and analytic lead that is a little behind on social skills and cues will enjoy this series. Sherlock for the middle grade set. 

Early Book Review: Pure Soapmaking: How to Create Nourishing Natural Skin-Care Soaps by Anne-Marie Faiola

Pure Soapmaking: How to Create Nourishing Natural Skin-Care Soaps by Anne-Marie Faiola is a currently scheduled for release on February 9 2016. This is a great starter and instruction guide that explains the benefits and details of making your own cold process soaps. The book offers complete instructions, including the science and safety precautions needed. There are 32 recipes that range from simple castile bars to intricate swirls, embeds, and marbled and layered looks. There are photographs that guide you through the step-by-step instructions of cold-process soapmaking.

Pure Soapmaking is a well written and thoughtful instructional guide to the craft of making soaps. I find the idea of making cold-process soaps more than a little intimidating. However, I very much like knowing exactly what is in my skin care products- and those my children use. In this, the idea of crafting my own custom soaps is intriguing and desirable. I found the photography and text came together in a way that makes the process much less intimidating and much better understood. I think this is a much read for those just starting out in cold-process soap making and a handy resource to keep around and use for recipes and information even after feeling like you have mastered the basics. 

Pure Soapmaking is a wonderful and detailed guide to making your own soaps.  I have made my own soaps in the past, but never tried cold process soaps, since I find the use of lye more than a little intimidating. However, this book with its instructions and encouragement might help me make the leap. 

Early Book Review: Never Insult a Killer Zucchini by Elana Azose, Brandon Amancio, David Clark

Never Insult a Killer Zucchini is a new ABC picturebook written by Elana Azose and Brandon Amancio. It was illustrated by David Clark (and is currently scheduled for release on February 9 2016.  When Mr. Farnsworth, the science-fair judge, declares that he loves zucchinis, the Killer Zucchini is smitten. As the judge makes his way through the exhibits alphabetically; A (antimatter), B (bionic limb), C (cloning), and so on the Killer Zucchini tries to show his affection. But when Mr. F gets to K and admits he likes to eat zucchini with ranch dressing, the Killer Zucchini gets steamed and attempts to exact his revenge on the snack-loving judge using the other science-fair projects as his means to an end.  Hilarious havoc ensues as the entire science fair is destroyed by his wrath.

Never Insult a Killer Zucchini is a fun and unique alphabet book. i love books that take fresh approaches to concepts that have been heavily covered. In this ABC book we get the alphabet through the lens of a science fair. Some of the projects seem really out there, and the illustrations are fun and highly entertaining. I think science and silly joke lovers will get a kick out of this book. To ramp things up, and make the book even better, there is information on the real science behind the projects in the fair to interest the more fact minded readers and their caretakers. I think both my kids, even though well past the typical ABC book audience, would get a kick out of the book and included information.

Never Insult a Killer Zucchini is a great new look at the alphabet. The silliness and real science information make this a great addition to library, personal, and school collections.

Early Book Review: The Extincts by Veronica Cossanteli

The Extincts by Veronica Cossanteli is a middle grade novel which is currently scheduled for release on February 9 2016. Although, with a little research I have found that it was previously published by Chicken House back in 2013.

George is looking for a job in order to raise money for a new bike, so when he sees a help wanted ad for Wormestall Farm, he goes for it. Before long, he's embroiled in a madcap adventure involving creatures considered extinct and or mythological. He has gained a almost-friend with problems of her own and her stepmother, who just happens to be a maniacal taxidermist who wants the animals of Wormestall Farm in her own private collection.

The Extincts is fast paced and fun. George is a character with an odd and imperfect home life, but one that allows him freedom and the knowledge that he is loved. Prudence's family is much less healthy. I liked the characters that inhabit Wormestall Farm, as well as those that tend to the creatures. The combination of oddities and actual learning about extinct and mythological animals is entertaining and interesting. I think the book has a nice balance of action with character development and world building. Some books fall too heavy in one area or another, but this seemed to have a nearly perfect balance. The big bad, Prudence's stepmother, is over the top crazy while the good guys are just wacky and friendly enough to find the right solutions, sometimes by accident. the addition of information about the creatures included at the end of the book is an extra special treat.  I would highly recommend this read to middle graders that like animals, monsters, great characters, or high action. The illustrations will even grab the attention of some of the more reluctant readers. I hope that there are more books to come, since more could be done with the characters and the collected creatures.

The Extincts is a exciting and entertaining read for the middle grade set. George and Prudence are creative characters that will draw in readers and have them looking for more. Animal and monster lovers alike will get a great deal of enjoyment from this adventure. 

Book Review: The Striker by Monica McCarty

The Striker is the tenth book in the Highland Guard series by Monica McCarty. This could be read as a stand alone, but when read as part of the larger series there is a greater knowledge of the history and character relations.

Six years ago, Eoin "Striker” MacLean endured the greatest betrayal of his life, a disaster that led Robert the Bruce to a crushing defeat and left Eoin without the spirited woman who ruled his heart. Eoin knew that falling in love with his sworn enemy’s daughter was risky, dividing him between a possessive desire for beautiful Margaret MacDowell and an undying loyalty to his king. He promised Bruce that he would keep his fiery bride in the dark about the elite Highland Guard, but he could not predict the dire consequences his secret would have on his young marriage. Nor could he foresee how surrendering to temptation could cripple Bruce’s cause, forcing Eoin to blame his wife and himself for trusting her. Now, as Bruce prepares to challenge the resistance’s remaining strongholds, Eoin finally has his chance for revenge against the woman he once loved so fiercely and her entire clan. But when ferociously independent Margaret reveals a surprise that unites her with Eoin, neither of them will let their love go down without a fight.

The Striker is a solid addition to the Highland Guard series. It is close to the end, and feels a bit out of the action to me, despite how interwoven it really is with the flash backs and roles both Eoin and Maggie play in the larger story. I liked the characters for the most part, but felt that Eoin fell into the trap of trusting gossip and others over his own gut far too often. I sympathized with Maggie regularly, the desire for freedom and love of being herself but having to deal with others that judge on appearances alone. I also got frustrated with both of them, because as usual trust and actual conversations would have solved many problems before they became so overwhelming. I enjoyed that it was a story about second (and third and forth) chances and how love sometimes can withstand more than it really ought. It was a wild, emotional ride, and will definitely speak to some fans of McCarty more than others. It was not my favorite from the series, but I did not dislike it either.

The Striker is exactly what I expect from McCarty. The characters are wonderfully flawed but strong, the history is well researched and the research is explained at the end of the book. There are trust issues, betrayal, love, and danger with a happy ever after to wrap things up nicely. If you have enjoyed this series, then you will enjoy this book. If you like well researched historical romance wrapped in a plaid, you will enjoy this book.

Book Review: Viking Warrior Rising by Asa Maria Bradley

Viking Warrior Rising by Asa Maria Bradley is the first book in the Viking Warriors series. Leif Skarsganger and his elite band of immortal warriors have been charged to protect humanity from the evil Norse god Loki. Under attack from Loki's minions, Leif is shocked to encounter a dark-haired beauty who fights like a warrior herself. Wounded and feverish, the Viking kisses her, inadvertently triggering an ancient Norse bond. But when Naya Brisbane breaks away and disappears before the bond is completed, Leif's warrior spirit goes berserk. If Leif doesn't find her fast, he's going to lose himself to permanent battle fury. But Naya doesn't want to be found, and he'll do anything to find her because they're both running out of time.

Viking Warrior Rising is a solid urban fantasy that will greatly appeal to fans of mythology. I will admit that it took me a while to get up to speed with the world created in this book, and I worried that I might have missed a prequel or something. However, there is no previous book and I got a grasp of the world and characters fairly quickly. I found that there were plenty of outside conflicts, Loki’s minions and scientists for the most part, but the majority of relationship conflicts seemed to steam from lack of trust and communication. I can total get the trust issues on Naya’s part. The secret keeping is fairly expected and in keeping with the characters. However, as with many romance novels, so much of the trouble came from a lack of discussion of feelings and the particulars of the situation. I liked both the main characters and the bevy of secondary characters that were introduced, and the high action and the turns that action took. I was just annoyed with the stubbornness and lack of “using their words”. However, I still founds it too be an entertaining and interesting read.

Viking Warrior Rising was a fast, fun ride. There was plenty of set up and build building mixed in with the action, but I really enjoyed the character introductions and set up developed on that front. The sequel, Viking Warrior Rebel, is scheduled for release later this year, and I am looking forward to following up with Astrid to see where the story takes us. 

Book Review: Build, Beaver, Build! by Sandra Markle and Deborah Hocking

Build, Beaver, Build!: Life at the Longest Beaver Dam is an easy nonfiction book written by Sandra Markle and illustrated by Deborah Hocking. This nonfiction picturebook follows a year in the life of a young male beaver as he swims, plays, helps his family build and repair their dam and lodge, and learns how to flap his tail to ward off predators.

Build, Beaver, Build! is a wonderful book for reading aloud with young children, or for letting newly independent readers read to you. The text details the names and development of young beavers, as well as the basics about their lives, homes, and abilities. Readers will learn when a young beaver can do certain things, how quickly they grow, and the dangers they face. The facts are in story format, so even readers that do not usually enjoy or seek out non fiction can get involved in the story. I liked the additional facts that are included at the end of the book. I will admit to learn some new information, and enjoying the lovely and realistic illustrations.

Build, Beaver, Build! is an enjoyable and informative read that young readers and older siblings or caretakers can enjoy as well. My daughter loves learning about animals, and loved the book, and would have loved it even as a young reader. 

Early Book Review: The Culinary Herbal: Growing and Preserving 97 Flavorful Herbs by Susan Belsinger, Arthur O. Tucker, Shawn Linehan

The Culinary Herbal: Growing and Preserving 97 Flavorful Herbs by Susan Belsinger, Arthur O. Tucker, and Shawn Lineman is a wonderful resource about herbs which is currently scheduled for release on January 27 2016. This book details 97 different variety of herbs including how to use them, how to care for them, and a variety of other important information. Plant profiles are organized alphabetically by herb type and have wonderful full color photographs. Additional information includes step-by-step instructions for harvesting, preserving, and storing, along with techniques for making pastes, syrups, vinegars, and butters.

The Culinary Herbal is a well organized and very informative guide to culinary herbs. I found the information to be comprehensive and useful. I grow many herbs that were included in the book, and thought that the collection of information was very useful and I enjoyed reading more about the herbs that I have never grown. The herbs are categorized alphabetically and are complete with full color photographs and important information. The photographs were particularly helpful, showing multiple views and varieties of the herbs to add in identification and proper usage. The scientific and growing information was also complete and well organized. This is a great guide for herb growers and those that enjoy using fresh herbs in their kitchen. 

The Culinary Herbal is a fantastic resource for reference and planning a home herb garden. It offers complete information on each herb, even some less common varieties, as well as usage and care information. I think it would be a valuable reference guide for anyone interested in getting serious about growing and using herbs.