Book Review: Sullivan (Rock Creek 6) by Linda Winstead Jones

Sullivan is the second book in the Rock Creek 6 series by Linda Winstead Jones. You do not read the series in order to understand the story, or the characters. While those reading the books as a series will get a little bit more from the read, newcomers will still be able to fully enjoy the story.

A half-breed bastard, Sinclair Sullivan knows he has no place in the world. Not with white men, not with the Comanche – and certainly not with Eden Rourke, the sister of one of his only friends. But when Eden meets him on the road to Rock Creek, she insists that he accompany her to town. With two orphaned waifs in her wagon, and enough determination to fell a much more stubborn man, Eden’s demand is irresistible  and once in Rock Creek, Sullivan finds himself unable to resist stealing more than one kiss. She’s certain that their love is written in the stars, despite her brother’s objections and yet, Sullivan must first convince himself that he’s the man his lovely Eden deserves.

Sullivan is a historical romance with characters that tug at the heart strings. Eden is one of those people that always looks for the good in the world, and when reality offers hard choices she does what she can to make things better for everyone. Eden has collected to orphans, and a wounded Sullivan on her journey to Rock Creek. I  loved her take charge attitude and how she just kind of gets her way, not by trickery or calculated manipulation- but just by virtue of being thoughtful and typically right. Sullivan does not think much of his standing in life, and does not want to drag Eden into the less than perfect life he sees for himself. I like that the majority of the struggles between the pair are with their own perceptions- although there is real and significant danger at play as well too. I also like that Sullivan and Eden actually talk about the issues at hand, and avoid the trap of causing their own problems rather than facing them together. The danger is two fold, and kept me on edge through a good portion of the book, although I suspected some of the causes behind the problems. I think my favorite part is seeing the evolution of the town, and the characters, as the book and series continues on.

Sullivan is another read with well written characters and a compelling story, just as expected from a veteran author like Jones. 

Early Book Review: Peanut Butter and Jelly (Narwhal and Jelly) by Ben Clanton

Peanut Butter and Jelly is the third book in the Narwhal and Jelly series of easy reader level graphic novels by Ben Clanton. Each of this adorable books is able to stand on their own, but they are so cute that you will want to read them all. This volume is currently scheduled for release on March 27 2018.

Narwhal and Jelly are back and Narwhal has a new obsession, peanut butter! He's so obsessed he even wants to change his name to Peanut Butter! Ever-sensible Jelly isn't so sure that's the best idea, but is all for Narwhal trying new things (instead of just eating waffles all the time, no matter how delicious waffles are). In this third book, Narwhal and Jelly star in three new stories about trying new things, favorite foods and accepting who we are. Always funny and never didactic, this underwater duo charms again through their powerful combination of positive thinking, imagination and joyfulness.

Peanut Butter and Jelly is another fun collection of stories by Clanton. What kid (or adult) has not become a little too interested in a new food, hobby, or fandom? Narwhal takes it a bit to the extreme, as usual, but that is what makes the story so entertaining. I loved the interaction between Narwhal and Jelly (as usual) and the combination of learning about finding new things and moderation along side the wacky and fun ways Narwhal goes about things. It is a fun and delightful read that is never overwhelming or preachy despite the lessons inherent to the story. 

Book Review: Scorpio Hates Virgo (Signs of Love) by Anyta Sunday

Scorpio Hates Virgo is the second book in the Signs of Love series by Anyta Sunday. While I did read, and greatly enjoy, the first book in this series each book can stand on its own.

Percy Freedman is not grieving. Absolutely not, take that back at once. No, he’s entirely sure that selling his dead aunt’s home and leaving the neighbors he’s known for years is the sane thing to do. Who in their right mind would keep the house that smells like all the hugs he’ll never have again? Nobody, that’s who. Well, except his cul-de-sac neighbors. They all seem to think some paint and new furniture will clean the emotional slate. They all want him to stay. Even his nemesis, Callaghan Glover. Especially his nemesis, Callaghan Glover. Lured into a game of Sherlock Gnomes, Percy finds himself hanging out with his neighbors more than might be considered healthy. Along with juggling new and surprising verbal grenades from Cal, and his burgeoning friendship with Gnomber9, Percy is starting to wonder if selling might have been the grief talking after all.

Scorpio Hates Virgo is a wonderful slow burn romance, and it made me happy in a variety of ways. Percy is mourning the loss of the one family member that stood by him after he came out, the aunt that took him in when his parents turned their backs on him. Coming back is hard, and the accepting and caring nature of the neighborhood makes it even harder. I loved watching Cal and Percy dance around each other, trading barbs and innuendoes as they become friends. I enjoyed that everyone else seems aware of what is happening, and that Percy seems to be the last to know. The family and neighborhood dynamics were wonderful, and I enjoyed  watching them grow and become more acquainted with the characters since the first book in the series happened in other settings. Watching Percy come to terms with his loss, how it effected others, and the problems others are having was sometimes heartbreaking, and other time heart warming. I quickly came to care about the characters and thoroughly enjoyed the read. I cannot wait to read the next book in the series, which is already waiting for my attention on my Kindle.

Scorpio Hates Virgo is a wonderful read, with well written characters and realistic actions and reactions. I love Sunday's writing style because of this realism, and will continue to explore their work. 

Early Book Review: Bees, Bugs, and Butterflies: A Family Guide to Our Garden Heroes and Helpers by Ben Raskin

Bees, Bugs, and Butterflies: A Family Guide to Our Garden Heroes and Helpers by Ben Raskin is a children's non fiction book that is currently scheduled for release on March 13 2018. This book offers inside knowledge on the power of pollination with interesting facts and activities. Readers will learn why pollination is essential to the natural world through engaging projects and zany explanations. They can create characterful bug masks to cut out and wear, play a game of Pollinator Pursuit (a fresh take on a traditional board game), and explore the menu at Predator Restaurant (who knew nematode nougat came in slug and vine weevil flavors?). By the end of Bees, Bugs & Butterflies you'll know how pollinators work and which creatures work with which flowers; you'll see how you can help pollinators by planting the right plants and creating safe homes for them; you'll learn about the amazing tricks plants play on insects; and you'll discover how to call nature's very own SOS team in to give our nectar-sipping buddies (and us) a helping hand.

Bees, Bugs, and Butterflies: A Family Guide to Our Garden Heroes and Helpers is a solid resource about insects and how important they are in the natural world. The information is accessible, the images were bright and colorful, and the crafts are interesting. However, I found that while the information was good and the funny little thought bubble facts were attention getters I found the book as a whole to be nothing new or amazing. It is good, and a solid resource for home, school, or classroom libraries. I think that the activities and stickers will capture the attention of some young readers, but after the stickers are gone and the newness has faded it will lose a bit of favor. 

Early Book Review: Jagged (Whiskey Sharp) by Lauren Dane

Jagged is the second book in the Whiskey Sharp series by Lauren Dane. It is currently scheduled for release on March 27 2018. I highly recommend reading the series in order, because it will explain the tension between Rachel and her parents, and her sister. However, if you are just in it for the romance you might be fine reading it as a stand alone. However, I loved the first book so much that you will only win by reading both.

Vicktor Orlov took one look at the wary gaze and slow-to-trust personality of the deliciously sexy and fascinating Rachel Dolan and knew he wanted more than just a casual friendship. But as a natural protector, he also knew bossiness and overprotective maneuvering would push her away rather than draw her close. He’ll use every tool in his easygoing arsenal to convince her to take a chance on them. Rachel’s flourishing new career as a tattoo artist has brought color back into a life previously damaged by a series of bad choices and violence. She knows she can trust Vic, it’s herself she’s not sure of. She doesn’t want to be caged or controlled, does not want to be protected so much she has no ability to make her own choices. And damn if the man doesn’t know it. When Vic finally drops all pretenses of “just friends” and focuses all his careful affection and irresistible seduction on her, Rachel knows she’s falling hard for the laid-back pretty-boy Russian she discovers has a relentlessly steel spine when it comes to her. And she can’t resist

Jagged is a heart warming, and steamy friends turned lover romance. Rachel has been concentrating on healing and protecting her freedom and her sister and avoiding romantic entanglements. However, the growing friendship and spark between her and Vic has her inching toward taking the leap. Vic is aware of the struggles Rachel has, and is patient and willing to make changes and put in the effort to make sure he gives Rachel the space and security she needs. I love the combination of a strong man and the respect and care he has for all of the people important to him. Too often the strong hero just rolls over his counterpart, be he really treats all of the women in his circle as equals, as strong individuals in their own right. This is something consistent in Dane's characters, which has made her a favorite of mine. The trouble with Rachel's parents carried over from the first book, Unraveled, and I spent a good chunk of this book waiting for the other shoe to drop, and the anxiety and tension that it created was extremely effective. The story and characters stayed with me well after I finished the book, and I am still itching for more. I am eagerly awaiting more from Dane, and am hoping to go back and read some that I missed from the past- I just need to find the time.

Jagged is  another fabulous book by Dane. My biggest problem with the book is how long I will need to wait for Torn, the third book in the series, which does not come out until the end of May 2018. The wait is going to kill me. 

Early Book Review: Be The Change: The Future is in Your Hands by Eunice Moyle and Sabrina Moyle

Be The Change: The Future is in Your Hands by Eunice Moyle and Sabrina Moyle is currently scheduled for release on March 1 2018. This book gives young readers the tools and encouragement needed to be the change they wish to see in the world. Featuring the popular founders of Hello!Lucky stationery, this guidebook offers instruction and guidance to spark readers’ creativity and inspire action in their local communities. The authors teach readers about great change-makers in history, the structure of community systems, and offer fun and creative project ideas to help budding activists get started making a difference right away.

Be The Change: The Future is in Your Hands is a book focused on empowering young people to understand and make changes in the world around them. I like that it is very encouraging to young women, focused on information about the government on all levels, community organizations, creativity, and how to get involved and help inform and encourage others. While I understand that the authors and the main audience of this book is more likely to be of the female persuasion, I felt like it was a little too focused on girls. If we want everyone to be involved, come together, and communicate I think it would be prudent to get people of all genders and walks of life involved. If the book is intended for girls only, then that should be included on the cover. It is not only CIS females that can feminists or should get involved. I did like the information and encouragement to get involved found in the book, and the idea behind it, I just felt like it could have been a little more inclusive. 

Book Review: Gemini Keeps Capricorn (Signs of Love) by Anyta Sunday

Gemini Keeps Capricorn is the third book in the Signs of Love series by Anyta Sunday. Each book in the series can stand up fine on its own, however some characters from previous books do have cameos.

Wesley loves annoying his RA, Lloyd Reynolds. He just can’t help it. Lloyd is focused, decisive, grounded. He has this amusing ability to follow rules. Of course Wesley wants Lloyd to break one, or more. But Lloyd doesn’t crack easily. He’s full of principles. He’s unshakable. He’s the perfect friend to have when Wesley needs help. Like with his truant brother and his old high school principal. One little lie is all it takes to find Wesley fake-engaged to his off-limits RA. It seemed like a good idea at the time.

Gemini Keeps Capricorn is a delightfully slow burn, and Wesley is a fun but clueless main character that makes the journey entertaining and more than a little frustrating. I loved the banter and friendship between Lloyd and Wes, it made me smile. I found the family drama and hard life choices that need to be made to be on point and realistic. There characters reminded me of people I new in college, and afterward, and felt like people I might run into in real life. The background stories, Wes's brother Caleb and the parent connections, did not distract from the relationship growth, rather they added to it and help build on it. I love that I could get lost in the characters and the day to day issues, and enjoy the developing friendship and more. Sunday's stories are so much about people, life, and getting to know yourself and be yourself that I wish more people would discover her work- particularly those that cannot get past other people being different. I wish I did not have close to two hundred books in my Netgalley queue so I could go read more from Sunday right now, without the guilt. I will get to them though- eventually. 

Gemini Keeps Capricorn is another slow burn from Sunday that I loved. All I could ask for to change here (or any of the books in this series) is to get a glimpse into the other main character's head. I just want more!

Early Book Review: Clod Makes a Friend by David J. Pedersen

Clod Makes a Friend by David J. Pedersen is a fairy tale for middle grade and older readers. It is currently scheduled for release on March 1 2018. Bullies love to hate Clod. Not just because he's bigger, clumsier, and uglier than his classmates - he's also the only student in his school without magic. In a world where all magic is possible and everyone else is born with great gifts to do amazing things, Clod is alone. Living with his mum in a broken-down cottage on barely enough, the only thing Clod has to play with is the clay she occasionally brings him. Bleak is an understatement. More than anything, Clod wants a friend. The only way that's going to happen, is to make one himself. After an angry visit from the worst of the bullies, his teacher Learned Yugen, Clod's clay sculpture of a little girl comes to life and introduces herself as Ada. For a clay girl barely the size of his hand, she has more confidence and courage than he knows what to do with. Every adventure she leads him on gets Clod into trouble. She may be the friend he wants, but is she the friend he needs? After many years, and too many pranks, Yugen becomes convinced that Clod is tainted by the evil slowly infiltrating the Kingdom of Pag, especially when Ada isn't the only one Clod can bring to life.

Clod Makes a Friend is a unique fairy tale style story for everyone. It is about being yourself and growing into your own talents, it is also about friendship, love, and trusting yourself. I found Clod to be a sympathetic character and Yugen to be the kind of person or character I love to hate- power hungry and sowing hatred for everyone different or that he does not understand. The world building was subtle, and I liked how varied the population was, which made the fear and hate sown by Yugen that much more significant to the story. Clod's growth as a character, and in his understanding and power, is well done. I liked the relationship with his mother, and the personality of Ada, although I would have liked more from both of their points of view.  On the down side, I feel like I was told rather than shown a good amount of the story. I loved what was there, but I wanted more of something. I really enjoyed the story and the idea behind it. The theme and lessons of the story were heart felt and on point, leaving its mark on those that read it.

Clod Makes a Friend is a good story, and I liked the ideas in it. I felt like it could have been even better, but I do not know for sure what I felt was missing. 

Book Review: Claiming Bailey (Ace Security) by Susan Stoker

Claiming Bailey is the third book in the Ace Security series by Susan Stoker. While I have read this series in order, it is not strictly necessary for the romance aspect. However, those that have been following the series will understand the characters and the larger story arch much better than those coming in cold.

Bailey Hampton will do whatever it takes to keep both herself and her little brother safe from the vicious Inca Boyz gang. Hiding out in Castle Rock, Colorado, is only a temporary solution until she can earn enough money to get out of the state altogether. But when she meets handsome security nerd Nathan Anderson, she discovers a reason to stay and fight for what she wants. Ace Security’s Nathan Anderson has always been the “numbers guy,” not the man any of the firm’s clients look to when their safety is threatened. But from the first time he ran into Bailey, she never made him feel like less of a protector than his brothers. Nathan was attracted to the petite, black-haired pixie with wild tattoos from the start, and by some miracle, she seems to return his interest. But danger stalks Bailey and her brother, so it’s up to Nathan to channel his inner alpha and find a way to end the threat to their lives once and for all—and he’s not giving up Bailey without a fight.
Claiming Bailey is exactly what I was hoping for, and a little more. I have been waiting for Nathan to find his match, and Bailey was even better than I expected. I liked both the characters. They are multi layered, and how they ended up as the adults we see is clearly explained and their actions. As usual I did find myself a little annoyed with the alpha male style, but that seems to be the case with most of this genre lately rather than an issue with this particular book. I did like the way Bailey and Nathan talk things out, and while Nathan wants to plan and protect, he generally treats Bailey as an equal rather than someone that needs to be saved. Like the previous books in the series, the danger surrounds our heroine is because of the Inca gang, but I felt like it was more of a background story than it had been in previous book. It certainly was important and a major catalyst in the story I found that the characters and relationships had the spotlight- which made me happy.

Claiming Bailey is most likely my favorite book from the series, and thankfully I know there will be at least one more- which I cannot wait to read. 

Early Book Review: Backpack Explorer: On the Nature Trail from the editors of Storey Publishing

Backpack Explorer: On the Nature Trail, from the editors of Storey Publishing, is currently scheduled for release on March 6 2018.  Jumpstart curiosity with this take-along field guide for children ages 4 and up. From worms, birds, and spiders to trees, flowers, and clouds, young explorers learn what to look and listen for wherever they are — whether in a nature preserve, an urban park, or a suburban backyard. Seek-and-find lists, on-the-trail art projects, and discovery games get kids engaged in hands-on learning about nature, and a real pull-out magnifying glass helps them get a close-up glimpse of leaf veins, seed pods, and tiny insects. Filled with activities, checklists, and stickers, this interactive nature guide belongs in every kid’s backpack.

Backpack Explorer: On the Nature Trail is a well organized and accessible guide to take with you for any family outdoor outing. While it would be fantastic to take on a camping trip or long hike, but I think even short walks to the park or an afternoon in the yard could be made more interesting by using the activities and guide. I can see take the book in sections and spending a day talking about trees and plants and trying the creature creation or nature painting ideas with my own children. I think the amount of information and activities make this a book that will get much use from the family. I really liked that the activities are things that can be done as a family, but also by an older child taking the imitative to do them on their own in the back yard or as the family camps. I would suggest previewing the book before hitting the great outdoors, just to see what you might want to focus on or try while you are out there. 

Backpack Explorer: On the Nature Trail is  a wonderful field guide to take out on a family hike, camping trip, or even for short walks or trips to the park. The information and activities are interesting and adaptable for all ages.