Book Review: Tying the Scot by Jennifer Trethewey

Tying the Scot by Jennifer Trethewey is a historical romance. At age eleven, Alex Sinclair pledges an oath to the Duke of Chatham promising to serve and protect his illegitimate daughter, Lucy FitzHarris. Nine years later, the duke unexpectedly takes Alex up on his vow, offering the future Laird of Balforss his daughter’s hand in marriage. Now a man, hotheaded Alex has difficulty convincing Lucy—who would rather starve to death than marry a vulgar Scot—to go through with the arranged marriage. Once Lucy arrives in Scotland, she cannot resist the magic of Balforss or the allure of her handsome Highland warrior. But when Alex seemingly betrays Lucy right before their wedding, she is tricked into running away. Alex must rein in his temper to rescue his lady from unforeseen danger and Lucy must swallow her pride if she hopes to wed the Highlander she has come to love.

Tying the Scot is a story with complex characters and an intense plot. Lucy is a young and naive lady, facing marriage with a person she met only once as a child, all the while thinking herself in love with another. She makes some decisions or jumped to some conclusions that had me shaking my head, but all fit with her personality and character. I did like that she had some spunk and skill, rather than being a useless miss. Alex is an honorable Scot not sure that the marriage is a good idea either, but is willing to test the waters. His plans to find out more about Lucy, and to 'protect' her are not always well thought out, and often cause more harm than good- but they are entertaining. I love the way they both have reservations, and make mistakes, but for the most part talk about them. Although Lucy is more than a little naive, she is also good at heart and caring. Likewise, while Alex is a little rash and not exactly great with words, his effort to do the right thing and take care of those around him. The treachery and danger surrounding them makes for significant excitement- and plays on the doubt they each have in themselves and each other. While I think the pair having more conversations and less jumping to conclusions would have made for an easier relationship it would have also made for less excitement and a much shorter book.

Tying the Scot is an entertaining read with plenty of suspense and surprises. I enjoyed the read and found the characters to be very compelling, and they stayed with me after I finished the book. 

Book Review: My Secret Dog by Tom Alexander

My Secret Dog by Tom Alexander is a picturebook. I always wanted a dog, but Mum said I wasn't allowed. So I got one anyway. My secret dog lives in the cupboard and we sneak out at night to play. We'll be best friends forever, so long as Mum doesn't find out.

My Secret Dog is a picturebook about the responsibility and work that comes with owning a pet, as well as how much trouble secrets and lies can cause. The text is simple and fun, letting the reader imagine all sorts of craziness. The illustrations are pretty basic, stick figures that have a lot of fun with the use of black and white spaces. I liked the read, on the entertainment and lesson giving level. I think I might have to read this with my daughter who insists that we need a dog, right now!

Book Review: Give the Devil his Due (Tarot Mystery) by Steve Hockensmith, Lisa Falco

Give the Devil his Due is the third book in the Tarot Mystery series by Steve Hockensmith and Lisa Falco. I have not read the previous books, but I caught up pretty quickly and still fully enjoyed the read. Although, I expect fans of the series will enjoy it even more.

Reformed con artist-turned-tarot reader Alanis McLachlan gets paid for predicting the future. Too bad she couldn't see all the trouble in hers. First a figure from her troubled past returns to drag her back into the dark world of scams and thievery she thought she'd left behind. Then her on-again off-again romance with hunky teacher Victor Castellanos hits the skids when a surprising new suitor sweeps into town and tries to sweep Alanis off her feet. And then there's the little matter of the client who gets an ominous reading from Alanis, and is promptly murdered. Danger is in the cards for Alanis, and she'll need all her skills as a tarot reader and a con artist ― as well as a lot of luck ― if she's going to survive.

Give the Devil his Due is a fast paced mystery full of twists and turns, some of which took me by real surprise. I liked the characters, and thought that Alanis was an interesting woman and one I want to read more about. Her family, past, and present are full of betrayal and unanswered questions, which I really want to know more about. The danger and mystery are very well constructed- and old friend back from the dead, a mystery painting, murder, and mayhem surround Alanis as she continues her battle to be the opposite of her mother. I loved reading the interplay between Alanis and her sister, possible suitors, and all the secondary characters. I loved the zaniness of some of the characters and locations the story introduced me too. GW and Biddle are great characters and I hope to see more of both, although Victor played a much smaller role than the blurb lead me to believe, so there is no real love triangle here- which was a relief.

Give the Devil his Due is a fast and entertaining read. I enjoyed the cast of characters and the action that kept them all on their toes. I think I will try and find the time to read the previous, and future, volumes of this series. 

Book Review: The Santa Thief by Alane Adams, Lauren Gallegos

The Santa Thief is a picturebook written by Alane Adams and illustrated by Lauren Gallegos.  It's winter in Girard, Pennsylvania and the pond is completely frozen over--ready for a young boy to go skating!--but Georgie's ice skates are too small. All Georgie wants for Christmas is a new pair of skates. But times are tough in 1920s Pennsylvania, and he gets the disappointing news Santa might not come this year. Follow Georgie as he decides to take matters into his own hands and steals Santa's identity--and discovers what Christmas is all about. 

The Santa Thief is a Christmas tale with illustrations reminiscent of The Christmas Carol and other classics. I like that Georgie made his own Christmas joy by doing something positive for his family when he had earlier only been disappointed. It was nice that in the end his parents were able to get him the skates, while still showing that it was by working hard and saving rather than Santa that he got what he really wanted. I am not sure that parents trying to keep Santa's magic alive will want to share this read, and I have no idea why Thief was in the title. However, those trying to instill a little respect for hard work, charity, and the importance of thoughtfulness in gift giving might want to give this book a read.

Book Review: Thunder Moon (Langston Bay Trilogy) by Joanne Mallory

Thunder Moon is the first book in the Langston Bay Trilogy by Joanne Mallory. Thea Lavelle is a hereditary witch whose gift came late. But when she meets Marc, her best friend’s brother, she realizes their souls have crossed paths before. Devastated by the loss of a patient, grief and guilt have left Marc burnt out, and he knows the best thing for him is to head home and recover. But as they are inexplicably drawn together, it soon becomes clear that fate is at work. Are they strong enough to confront their unknown past, and still build a future together?

Thunder Moon is a witchy contemporary romance. I liked the setting and the friendship between Thea and Ellie. I like all of the characters, and found Thea, Ellie, and Marc to be well developed and complicated. However, I think the majority of the relationship development was more assumed or an after thought than actually part of the story. Even the big resolution at the end seemed a little flat. I felt invested in everyone's wellbeing, but not in the developing romance. I am hoping this is at least partly because of the amount of history and character set up that needed to be laid for the trilogy. To be honest, I am more interested in Ellie and Thea's brother, and the larger story line after reading this book than the happy ever after promised to Thea and Marc.

Thunder Moon is a fast read, and entertaining. However, I felt like it was light on relationship development and the world and story building seemed a little flat. I enjoyed it, but it did not wow me of leave me eager for the next installment. I might pick up the next book to see if it improves but I will not be searching it out. 

Early Book Review: The Uncanny Express (The Unintentional Adventures of the Bland Sisters) by Kara LaReau

The Uncanny Express is the second book in The Unintentional Adventures of the Bland Sisters series by Kara LaReau, and is currently scheduled for release on January 9 2018.  The first book was The Jolly Regina, and while I almost always recommend reading a series in order, I think newcomers to this series will be able to pick up the story quickly.

Jaundice and Kale are back from their adventure on the high seas, and they are settling back into a quiet life in Dullsville, just the way they like it. The tea is tepid, the oatmeal is tasteless, and the socks are ripe for darning, until Aunt Shallot shows up and reveals herself to be anything but the dull relation they were expecting. Instead, she tells her nieces she is Magique, Queen of Magic, and she’s on her way to a big show and in need of two willing assistants. As Magique and the Bland sisters board the Uncanny Express, they meet a cast of mystifying characters. And when Magique goes missing, it’s up to Jaundice and Kale to solve the mystery—with the help of famous detective Hugo Fromage.

The Uncanny Express is the continuation of the story about two sisters whose parents are off adventuring. They prefer to hide away at home avoiding excitement and emotion, but their parents keep arranging adventures for them from afar. Here they are tricked into going off with a female magician and solving a mystery or two on a train. I love that while they drag their feet at every new thing and every emotion, they still keep moving forward and handle what ever comes their way. I liked the resilience that they show, and that while they might complain, they still do what ever needs to be done. I think it might be a good conversation starter for readers that are often reluctant to step up to lead or join in activities, to show that once you get started it gets easier- and they might just enjoy themselves. I know I was never a joiner or one to put myself out there as a kid, and most of the time once I was in the midst of the activity I would enjoy it. I will admit that certain aspects of the mystery I had guessed, but the delivery and journey was enjoyable. 

The Uncanny Express is  a fun adventure that I would love to get my son to read. It is fun, with moments of humor and irony that might go over the heads of some, but I found to be pretty perfect. 

Book Review: Duke of Desire (Maiden Lane) by Elizabeth Hoyt

Duke of Desire is part of the Maiden Lane series by Elizabeth Hoyt. I have read some of the books in this series, but not all of them. I think newcomers to the series will be able to fully enjoy the read, while those that have been following the series might have a better understanding of the underlying plot that brings out characters together.

Refined, kind, and intelligent, Lady Iris Jordan finds herself the unlikely target of a diabolical kidnapping. Her captors are the notoriously evil Lords of Chaos. When one of the masked-and nude!-Lords spirits her away to his carriage, she shoots him only to find she may have been a trifle hasty. Cynical, scarred, and brooding, Raphael de Chartres, the Duke of Dyemore, has made it his personal mission to infiltrate the Lords of Chaos and destroy them. Rescuing Lady Jordan was never in his plans. But now with the Lords out to kill them both, he has but one choice: marry the lady in order to keep her safe. Much to Raphael's irritation, Iris insists on being the sort of duchess who involves herself in his life-and bed. Soon he's drawn both to her quick wit and her fiery passion. But when Iris discovers that Raphael's past may be even more dangerous than the present, she falters. Is their love strong enough to withstand not only the Lords of Chaos but also Raphael's own demons?

Duke of Desire is a historical novel with great characters. I loved Iris's spirit and loving nature. While she stands up for herself despite her fears, she is also sacrificing and loving. Raphael is a wounded man, scarred inside and out. He is protective of those in his protection, and those weaker than himself. I found the tangled history and danger of Raph and the Lords of Chaos make his character so much more compelling than he would have been if just a powerful man trying to fix things. The combination of Iris and Raph was delightful, and I really enjoyed their give and take, and the development of their relationship. I think the hidden evil was well done, and while I had my suspicions as to who was behind it all, the reveal was worth the ride. I do think that on occasion the overall danger and that part of the plot verged on melodramatic or Gothic, I think that could also be the catalyst that was needed to get Raph to admit he might need help, and love.  This was a great ride, and Iris's spunk made me smile many times.

Duke of Desire is a story of love and redemption. I liked the characters and their story. I think the danger aspect of the plot might seem a little overdone for some readers, but it was quite the ride. 

Early Book Review: Fossil by Fossil: Comparing Dinosaur Bones by Sara C. Levine, T.S. Spookytooth

Fossil by Fossil: Comparing Dinosaur Bones, written by Sara C. Levine and illustrated by T.S. Spookytooth, is currently scheduled for release on January 1 2018. What kind of dinosaur would you be if you had a bony ridge that rose up from the back of your skull and three horns poking up from the front? A triceratops! This lively picture book will keep readers guessing as they find out what how their bones are similar to and different from those of various dinosaur species.

Fossil by Fossil: Comparing Dinosaur Bones is a wonderful combination of imagination and education. This book not only teaches young readers about the bone structures of people and dinosaurs, it also encourages them to imagine how they might look as a dinosaur and how the similarities and differences make all creatures look. I also like that the human children included in the book are diverse, but not in a way that make the book appear to be trying to be that way.  I like the way questions were posed to the reader, inviting them to consider and imagine before more information is given to them. I like that there is further information, a glossary, and other helpful information included for the most engaged readers at the end of the book. This is a fun and visually attractive book that will capture the attention and interest of readers, and might encourage multiple reads and further research or imaginative play. 

Fossil by Fossil: Comparing Dinosaur Bones is an entertaining and interesting read. I think this book will be a big hit among dinosaur, nature, and imagination fans for all ages. 

Early Book Review: Heart on Fire (Kingmaker Chronicles) by Amanda Bouchet

Heart on Fire is the third book (and conclusion) to the Kingmaker Chronicles by Amanda Bouchet. I highly recommend reading the entire series in order, not just because it is fabulous, but also because the background and intricacies of the world Bouchet built requires it to understand this book and fully enjoy the ride.

Who is Catalia Fisa? With the help of pivotal figures from her past, Cat begins to understand the root of her exceptional magic, her fated union with Griffin Sinta, and Griffin's role in shaping her destiny. Only Cat holds the key to unlocking her own power, and that means finally accepting herself, her past, and her future in order to protect her loved ones, confront her murderous mother, and taking a final, terrifying step--reuniting all three realms and taking her place as the Queen of Thalyria. What doesn't kill her will only make her stronger, we hope.

Heart on Fire is a book I was eager to read, but still dreading. I love this world and story, and I was sad to see it end- although I hope the world will continue on in related books. As usual Catalia is trying to figure out her powers, and trying to unite people with as few lives lost as possible. However, there are huge trails ahead and little in way of directions. Griffin is still the stalwart and loving partner, and I loved seeing their relationship grow and change to keep pace with the danger and challenges ahead. I Think both characters grew through out the book, but Cat's inner conflicts and discoveries about herself are the force behind the book. I liked that while so much of the book was her struggling to deal with the gods, fate, and her mother- it never felt like a pity party. Too often a character that needs to face issues of this magnitude ends up feeling too whiny or self involved for me. This did not happen here, instead it was all part of the necessary journey. I was impressed with the amount of twists and turns the story took, and with the amount of mythology that was used. I was surprised several times, and fully invested in the well-being of the characters.

Heart on Fire is a wonderful conclusion to a trilogy. I was very happy with the action and resolution. I only hope that Bouchet keeps writing about this world she has created, because I want to know more about what happens next in the lives of several secondary characters. 

Book Review: Get Coding! Learn HTML, CSS, and JavaScript and Build a Website, App, and Game by Young Rewired State

Get Coding! Learn HTML, CSS, and JavaScript and Build a Website, App, and Game by Young Rewired State is a guide for all ages in the tools of today's coding. Want to make a website from scratch? Create an app? Build a game? All the tools are laid out in a user-friendly format that leads kids on an imaginary quest to keep a valuable diamond safe from dangerous jewel thieves. Young Rewired State, an international collective of tech-savvy kids, offers readers an easy-to-follow book of instruction in bite-size chunks. It focuses on the real-life coding skills taught in an engaging, comprehensive guide.

Get Coding! Learn HTML, CSS, and JavaScript and Build a Website, App, and Game is a good tool for those that want to get started with some serious coding, while still having some fun. The book is user friendly and well organized, with challenges that will keep young coders engaged and focused. I really like the idea of giving the coders a mission to complete, and the goofy artwork that is included. I do think that this is for those dedicated to learning, and those youngsters that have already tried some of the basic coding games and tools in the past. Some of the challenges might be too much for those that are easily frustrated or just casually interested in coding. I know that I did not attempt the app making or some of the more complicated coding, mainly because I did not have the time and enthusiasm to put in the effort. However, those children and even adults that want to get a handle on coding and are ready to get to it will get solid instruction and a good foundation.