Book Review: Freckle Stars by Jackie Leduc

Freckle Stars by Jackie Leduc is a children's book about Clementine, who hated her freckles and that they made her different.  Other children poked fun at her in school, and she didn't want to be different. But one day, her mother teaches her an important life lesson she will never forget.

Freckle Stars is a cute story about a girl dealing with being bullied about looking different. She has red hair, fair skin, and freckles. Honestly, while I know some kids will tease others about anything- she is described to match exactly what I wanted to look like at that age, but I digress. I love that Clementine spoke her her mother about her bullying issue, and her concerns about being different. This is awesome and something we need to encourage our kids to do, share their problems and concerns with the adults in their lives. However, it is in the conversation she has with her mother that the book went sharply downhill for me. Instead of supporting her daughter's body image, how different is beautiful, or that everyone has a different version of beauty her mom goes to magic. Freckles are really stars, so you are special and your skin magic is her answer rather than addressing the bullies or her daughter's self esteem in a healthy way. Yes, it is a sweety, fun idea and young children would love the idea of stars hanging out on their skin. I just wish that the validated Clementines individual beauty rather than telling her she is special in a fairy tale way. 

Early Book Review: Where I Need to Be (McKenna) by Jamie Hollins

Where I Need to Be is the third book in the McKenna series by Jamie Hollins. It is currently scheduled for release on July 18 2017. While I have read the previous books and enjoyed them greatly, you can read them each as a stand alone and still enjoy the read. 

When heroin stole James Foley’s wife and destroyed his marriage, he poured all his energy into raising his young son and running his auto garage. There’s no room in his life for anything else until Megan McKenna walks into his shop. He finds it impossible to resist the sexy school teacher. After an ugly divorce, Megan lost her home, her job, and a big chunk of her self-respect. With her posh lifestyle now a memory, she starts over by indulging in an unexpected fling with a hard-bodied mechanic.  What begins as something casual turns into something meaningful. But how can their relationship survive when it’s built on half-truths?  James and Megan soon discover that being honest with themselves is just as important as being honest with each other. Only then will their relationship fire on all cylinders.

Where I Need to Be is a great contemporary romance of people initially unwilling to take another chance at love given no choice once their hearts are involved. James is doing the best he can for his son with the help of his father, but suffers with self doubt and guilt about time spent away from his son at work or socially. Megan is just trying to get her life back in gear after her ex-husband cheated and then took all the money and friends in the divorce. She is just happy to still be teaching and that the marriage is over- however still feels like she failed to make it work. When the pair meet- and their marital statuses and attraction are discovered to be mutual a relationship is formed. I like that they talked things through, like their expectations of the relationship, like adults. However, I was a little annoyed with Megan's reluctance to talk to her family, I honestly expected her to talk to her brother at least (mostly because of the previous books) even if she was not ready to deal with the rest of the family. I thought the situations and realism of the story was engaging and had me turning pages well past my bedtime. I liked the characters, and was glade to see the epilogue which offered a nice glimpse into the future for all three books in this series. 

Where I Need to Be is another winner from Hollins, and I cannot wait to see what they write next. A special thanks to the author, who helped me out why my NetGalley request was initially denied, helping me get the instant gratification I was craving. 

Early Book Review: A Pattern for Pepper by Julie Kraulis

A Pattern for Pepper is a picture book by Julie Kraals that is currently scheduled for release on August 1 2017. Pepper is getting a dress made for a special occasion. It's the first dress that has ever been made just for her, and she wants it to be perfect. But what pattern is right for her? Pepper is particular, and nothing works at first. Dotted Swiss? Too plain. Houndstooth? Not enough color. Pinstripe? Too glum. As Pepper learns about each fabric, she finds a reason why it's just not the one. Will Pepper ever be able to find the perfect pattern? 

A Pattern for Pepper is a charming story about a young girl seeking the perfect fabric for a special dress. She is shown a series of patterns, complete with some history and information about the pattern. I learned some history and neat tidbits about fabric and patterns that were completely new to me. I thought I was pretty knowledgeable about the subject matter, but was glad to have such a board range of fabrics explored. I think some young readers or listeners mightiest a little bored with the sheer amount of information- particularly those with no interest in fabric or patterns. However, the information is delivered in a way that many will enjoy the story and take in the information. 

Early Book Review: Life Lessons from Catass by Claude Combacau

Life Lessons from Catass by Claude Combacau is currently scheduled for release on July 4 2017. This is a book full of sassy, cat-themed coloring pages, mazes, and puzzles with directions like: “Put the pieces of the $3,000 vase Catsass just destroyed back together. Three odd pieces are parts of other ruined objects because you don’t deserve to have it easy.” Combacau’s “Catsass” cartoons about a mischief-making feline remind cat lovers and haters alike that cats are mostly self-serving creatures. Yes, your particular cat may be awesome and sweet, but this does not make up for the number of cats whose favorite activity is knocking stuff over.

Life Lessons from Catass is a collection of activities all featuring Catsass, who I will admit to having never heard of before, even though I thought I was current on my cartoon and internet cats. Catsass is a cat that is full of mischief and more than a little crass on occasion. I think Catsass shows all the aspects of cats that haters are quick to see and point out, and that cat lovers are aware of but try to ignore. I will admit to chuckling a time or two, and finding the activities to be cute and clever. However, I think it went on just a little too long. 

Book Review: A Reckless Promise (Little Season) by Kasey Michaels

A Reckless Promise is the third book in the Little Season series by Kasey Michaels. I have not read the previous books in this series, but was still able to fully enjoy the read. Darby Travers, Viscount Nailbourne, made a battlefield promise but never imagined that he would have to honor it. Yet here she is on his doorstep—his late comrade's young daughter, and Darby's new ward. Worse, she comes with the most overprotective, mistrustful, bothersome chaperon—the child's aunt, Sadie Grace Boxer. Darby is quite sure that behind her lovely facade, the woman is guarding a secret. Sadie Grace faced many trials working in her brother's surgery, but none prepared her for the world she's thrust into with his passing. Navigating the ton, with its endless ball gowns and parade of parties, is difficult enough, but hiding the truth about her niece while the sophisticated viscount watches her every move proves nearly impossible—particularly when his searing gaze tempts her to bare all. But when her family's past catches up with her, she'll have to trust in Darby no matter the cost to her heart.

A Reckless Promise is an entertaining and interesting read, with characters and complications that kept things interesting. I liked Sadie's character, she is smart and willing to do anything to protect her niece any danger from all sides. The mystery and danger surrounding the little girl was well done, but maybe a little too much for my tastes. However, I did love the little girl's personality and the secondary characters that made things more entertaining. Darby is a strong character, although I honestly thought his big secret would be even bigger and somehow different- not that it was not traumatic enough. I like the slow growth of friendship and more between Sadie and Darby, how they came together in trust and friendship really made their relationship seem more real to me. I was a little distracted by the secondary stories that were happening, though fans of the series are probably looking or how those little bits played out. It was an entertaining read and well worth the time, but not one that makes my looking to read the prior books of the series.

A Reckless Promise is a charming and enthralling romance and met my expectations for the author. However, it just did not stand out as an absolutely must read, but it is wonderful for a summer weekend. 

Book Review: The Book of Massively Epic Engineering Disasters: 33 Thrilling Experiments Based on History's Greatest Blunders by Sean Connolly

The Book of Massively Epic Engineering Disasters: 33 Thrilling Experiments Based on History's Greatest Blunders by Sean Connolly is a children's non fiction book that explores and explains some of the more interesting engineering blunders of the world. Ever wonder why Italy’s Leaning Tower of Pisa has been slowly toppling over for centuries? Stack books on a foundation of paper balls to learn about rickety building foundations and center of mass. How about the 15-foot-high tidal wave of molasses that tore through the streets of Boston in the Great Molasses Flood of 1919? Karate chop a full tube of toothpaste (outside!) to demonstrate the messy behavior of non-Newtonian fluids.

The Book of Massively Epic Engineering Disasters offers young (and adult) readers information and activities that bring that information home. It is an illustrated look at the physics and technology that makes up crumbling buildings, sinking ships, wobbly bridges, mud-stuck tanks, and so on. I like that the book covers well known engineering issues, like the Leaning Tower of Pisa and Titanic, but it also deals with lesser known mistakes like the  Fidnae Stadium collapse in ancient Rome. There are also  33 hands-on experiments to help readers see their new understanding and information in action.

The Book of Massively Epic Engineering Disasters will help Children and adults understand the science and concepts behind these mishaps and disasters while offering pathways to further information and research. This is a good book for use in schools, independent study, homeschooling, or simply reading by those that are interested in the information included. 

Book Review: Rake's Redemption (Wind Dragon's MC) by Chantal Fernando

Rake's Redemption is the fourth book in the Wind Dragon's MC series by Chantal Fernando. I have not read the previous books in the series but was able to fully enjoy the story. Those that have read the other books will get more out of the story because of their prior knowledge of the characters and the conflicts and interrelationships. 

Rake is known for being up for anything, in and out of the bedroom. He’s wild, he’s deadly, yet behind his womanizing facade, Rake hides the pain of losing his first love, Bailey. He hasn’t loved anyone since, and doesn’t think he ever will. Seven years after their split, Rake and Bailey run into each other at the MC’s favorite club. Old wounds resurface, secrets are spilled and passionate feelings are awakened. But they’ve each done things to hurt the other, hurt them too badly to get over it—haven’t they? Only when Bailey’s connection to Rake puts her in danger from another Club member does he realize that there’s nothing he won’t do to protect her—and claim her as his once again.

Rake's Redemption is a complex second chance story. Rake and Bailey parted on bad terms, and when they unexpectedly run across each other those hard feelings rise hard and fast. However, it takes a long time for the conflict that broke them up as high school sweethearts seems to take forever to come to light. I like that Bailey has a small support system and where her daughter is while she is alone is actually explained- too often in romances featuring a single parent the kid is just magically with a sitter that they really cannot afford or that we never meet. I also liked that the characters are complex, even the secondary characters. No one is completely good or bad, rather shades of gray like real people. Although, I have trouble getting past the motorcycle club culture as it is represented in this subgenre- mostly because everyone I know that rides (even those in clubs) are law abiding and spend most of their 'club' time raising money or participating in charitable things rather than dealing in violence and turf wars. I do not doubt that there are, or have been, groups like this and appreciate the suspension of disbelief- but I just cannot do it.

Rake's Redemption is a solid second chance romance with endearing characters. Although, I think I have discovered that the Motorcycle club/ outlaw romances are just not my thing which made getting lost in the story a little harder. Those that love the subgenre will adore the series.

Early Book Review: Natural Wonders of Assateague Island by Mark Hendricks

Natural Wonders of Assateague Island by Mark Hendricks is a wonderful collection of photography and information which is currently scheduled for release on June 28 2017. Assateague Island, primarily known for its population of wild horses and pristine beaches, is a magical place. Yet few people have experienced all of its natural wonders. Noted wildlife photographer Mark Hendricks has spent years exploring the barrier island and shares his passion for the area's incredible biodiversity in this stunning collection of more than 190 color pictures. Through his lens and words, he captures truly rare moments with some elusive creatures, including a river otter, snowy owl, black stallion, and the threatened piping plover. From the windswept beaches to inland forests and through all seasons, this personal journey is relatable to all who have visited, or wish to visit, this enchanted island off the coasts of both Maryland and Virginia. 

Natural Wonders of Assateague Island is a visually and intellectually stunning work. I love nature and learning new things about places I thought I knew, and places I never even knew existed. This book told me so much about somewhere I have never seen and only heard about once or twice in passing. The photography is stunning and the book is worth looking over just for the images collected here. I really enjoyed that amount of information that was included, some in large block other in single sentences unobtrusively included in the corners of the related images. This is a book that I will go back and revisit both for the images and information- and be able to share with my animal and nature obsessed daughter. 

Early Book Review: Hair-pocoalypse by Geoff Herbach, Stephen Gilpin

Hair-pocalypse is a picturebook written by Geoff Herbach and illustrated by Stephen Gilpin. It is currently scheduled for release on August 1 2017. Aidan Allen has angry hair. That's right angry hair. Hands down, he has the angriest hair anyone has ever seen. But why is his hair so angry? Why is his hair trying to ruin his life? Why is the sky blue? Two of these three questions will be answered in this comical tale of kid vs. hair.

Hair-pocalypse is a bright and energetically illustrated picturebook. As someone that has hair with a mind of its own (in fact my hair's sentient nature is a running joke among some of my friends- who claim it grows and moves when I get angry) this book was one I just had to read. However, Aidan and I have some major differences in out hygiene habits. In short, Adian does not really care to be clean. He is admittedly a grubby kid- and his hair has had enough. I loved the images of the things his hair does to get his full attention, and how simple a peaceful solution is. I think this is a great book for sharing with kids that argue about bathing, brushing, and other basic issues that effect cleanliness. Most children go through a stage when they do not want to take the time to get clean, or try to rationalize that they will just get dirty again. I can think of a few little ones that I need to share this fun, and non shaming, book about needing to be clean, at least a little. I really like that the changes Adian makes are small steps, ones that are likely to stick and perhaps start a trend in a cleaner direction for him and readers of like mind.

Book Review: Brew or Die by Caroline Fardig

Brew or Die by Caroline Fardig is the fourth book in the Jave Jive series.  The Previous books were Death Before Decaf, Mug Shot, and A Whole Latte Murder. While newcomers might still enjoy the mystery, I think those that have read the series in order will get much more enjoyment from the read. 

Inspired by her past sleuthing successes, Juliet Langley has officially joined the ranks of Nashville’s licensed private investigators. Her best friend, Pete Bennett, doesn’t worry that her detective work might interfere with her full-time job running his coffeehouse, Java Jive. He just wishes she would spend her free time rejoining the local music scene instead of tailing cheating spouses. But when one of Java Jive’s baristas, Shane, asks Juliet to look into the suspicious death of his fiancée, Pete encourages her to plow full steam ahead. Since his fiancée died on the job, Shane suspects that her party-planning colleagues are up to something criminal—and will do anything to keep it quiet. After Juliet recruits Pete to go undercover with her at a wedding showcase, she discovers that white lace and black satin have a way of hiding big, fat secrets. If that weren’t enough to fill her plate, her latest P.I. job has her crossing paths with her ex, Detective Ryder Hamilton. They’re barely on speaking terms, but to solve the case, they might have to cooperate. No matter where Juliet goes, she’s brewing up trouble.

Brew or Die has the same feel, and some of the same troubles as the previous books in the series. I still like Juliet and all of her neurosis. I like her confidence, intelligence, and willingness to help others. I like that she is just as flawed and occasionally insecure as any real person- especially when it comes to her relationships. That being said, I am over the tension between her and Pete, and would love to see that fade away a bit more- especially with Ryder trying to get himself back into the story. I also like that Juliet has enough self awareness to realize that she is not always making the smartest choice, and is willing to own her own choices and mistakes. I liked the level of danger and mystery- and the character interactions, particularly with Juliet and Ryder. A fast, fun read that offered a few surprises along the way. 

Brew or Die is a fun continuation of the series, with just as much intrigue, danger, and troubled in relationships as fans have come to expect. The result is a quick, entertaining read.