Book Review: Love Is Love by Michael Genhart, Ken Min

Love Is Love is a picturebook written by Michael Genhart and illustrated by Ken Min about love. In the story a boy confides in a friend that he doesn’t know what to say when he’s teased for having two dads, and when kids say that they’re not a real family. In their conversation, his friend helps him see how her family (with a mom and a dad) isn’t all that different from his: they both have parents who love them, and they both love their parents. And it’s love that makes a family.

I am not ashamed to say that I teared up reading Love Is Love. The gentle, conversational path to understanding that love is the basis of family, not who makes up that family, is the most important thing as well done.  I see so many children judging each other for being different in any number of ways. However, when they use things like family, race, or sexual orientation as the basis of judging I know that they are being taught that different is bad, and it just makes me sad. I love the message of this book, and the simple way the conversation makes it so clear that we are really all the same no matter who are family is, what we look like, or who we love. As long as the love is there, then there is family and support. I like that there are addition support materials at the end of the book to help lead family, classroom, or personal discussion on the subject matter. I think this book could start conversations on so much more on discrimination based on sexuality, but the argument can be used against any kind of discrimination or prejudice.

Book Review: The True Death of Billy the Kid by Rick Geary

The True Death of Billy the Kid is part of a series of historical graphic novels by Rick Geary.  The cover proclaims the book to be the first true and accurate graphic novel telling the story of the death of the wild west's outlaw, Billy the Kid.  One of the great folk legends of the Wild West, William H. Bonney went from cowboy and rancher's gunslinger to a pure outlaw, forever dodging justice in New Mexico before it was even a state. On the one hand, he was charming, fun-loving, often present at social events, quite appealing to the ladies. Also conversant in Spanish, “Billito” was popular with the Spanish speaking crowd. On the other hand, he had no compunction to coldly kill a man, a sheriff, a deputy—anyone who got in the way of his rustling cattle or horses for an illicit living. He also proved hard to keep in jail once he was caught. It is probably his daring escapes from jails that made him most famous, and this is the main subject of this biography, which traces his story up through his death by a gunshot in the pitch darkness, fired by lawmen obsessed with getting rid of him. 

The True Death of Billy the Kid is a black and white graphic novel detailing the life and death of Billy the Kid. While some of the details are not well documented, so Geary clearly had to speculate and fill in the gaps as best he could. The art work is neat and very detailed. It is visual pleasing and does a good job of telling the tale and enhancing the text. The labeling and explaining text were done well, and I felt like I have a little better of an understanding of what Billy was like, and how he lived. I have watched more than my fair share of movies and documentaries that cover Billy the Kid, and found this graphic novel to do a really good job of entertaining and informing readers about his life. Again, I know that Geary had to make some leaps, because we just do not know all the answers. However, I found that the choices he made in this respect seemed to be on point.

The True Death of Billy the Kid is a good graphic novel for those looking to learn more about Billy the Kid. 

Early Book Review: Sir Tim Wants a Dragon by Judith Koppens, Eline van Lindenhuizen

Sir Tim Wants a Dragon is a picturebook written by Judith Koppens and illustrated by Eline van Lindenhuizen. It is currently scheduled for release on July 1 2018. Sir Tim wants a pet, but not just any kind of pet. Tim wants a dragon, because “All knights have dragons.” Tim says decisively. “I’m a knight so I need a dragon!” Tim and Mom go to the pet shop together, but the pet shop does not sell any dragons. Or do they?

Sir Tim Wants a Dragon is a cute picturebook about a young man with a big imagination. As he plays knight he becomes determined that he needs a pet dragon. Not an unexpected result to any parent or caregiver to be honest. When they go to the pet store he is disappointed that there are no real dragons. I liked the illustrations, I found the artwork to be very nice to look at, and offering extra details and some humor on each page.

I was glad that Sir Tim refrained from having a temper tantrum when a dragon was unavailable, but disappointed that a bearded dragon or other aptly named lizard was not the solution, I was half expecting it. I did like that he was able to compromise- although I was less than thrilled Tim ends up with a labor intensive pet with no talk of responsibility and no preparations. I know it is a book for the youngest readers, but the idea of getting anything you want without working for it or responsibility bothers me.

Early Book Review: Knocked Up (Crazy Love) by Stacey Lynn

Knocked Up is the second book in the Crazy Love series by Stacey Lynn. I was expecting some connection to the characters of the first book, Fake Wife, but never really found one. Frankly, the lack of connection through me for a bit and disappointed me a little. 

Braxton should probably be dead or in jail right now. Instead, thanks to some tough love, I worked my ass off and now I own a string of tattoo parlors throughout the Pacific Northwest. And yet the one thing I’ve always wanted—a family—still seems out of reach. When my best friend gets married, I’m just hoping to blow off some steam with the super-hot maid of honor. But after Cara Thompson tracks me down to tell me she’s pregnant, she’s more surprised than I am when I tell her I’m all in.  Cara is living for herself for the first time—not for her parents and their ridiculous expectations. I gave up on my MBA, dropped out of the Ivy League, and moved to Portland to pursue my dream of becoming an artist. And what’s the first thing I do? Get knocked up. For a tatted-up sex god, Braxton Henley seems way too eager to “be there for me.” Is this guy serious? Maybe. He sure is patient. Because he won’t back down until I admit what I know in my heart: that our one night stand might have led me to the one.

Knocked Up is an emotional contemporary romance. Braxton might be the master of one night stands and tattoos, but underneath it all he wants love and a family. He might look like a hard person, but his thoughtfulness and vulnerability is there, just under the surface. Cara has tried to please her parents, but is done playing by their rules. She is living for herself, and her late brother. Only, things are going from a basic struggle to make it on her own to struggling with the idea of having a baby, and that her only one night stand ever changed everything. I liked getting to understand the viewpoints of both Brax and Cara, and to see them both vulnerable in their own ways. I think Brax's need to be there, and his desire for family driving him to step up and show Cara how special she really made the story for me. There is something about strong men being nurturing and loving that just hits the right notes for me. Cara had a good blend of independance and vulnerability that fit her story perfectly. I enjoyed thier interactions and found their path from one night stand to happily ever after enjoyable. I will admit that the stumbling blocks irk me in the way that problems in real life do, because if people would just talk about what is bothering them with people that have the power to change things life would be so much better for everyone.

Knocked Up is a well paced romance, and the pregnancy issues were realistic and added a layer to the story I have never read written this well. I liked the read, and think that fans of emotional reads, and this author in particular, will enjoy it. 

Book Review: Bob by Wendy Mass; Rebecca Stead

Bob is a middle grade novel by Wendy Mass and Rebecca Stead. It’s been five years since Livy and her family have visited Livy’s grandmother in Australia. Now that she’s back, Livy has the feeling she’s forgotten something really, really important about Gran’s house. It turns out she’s right.Bob, a short, greenish creature dressed in a chicken suit, didn’t forget Livy, or her promise. He’s been waiting five years for her to come back, hiding in a closet like she told him to. He can’t remember who—or what—he is, where he came from, or if he even has a family. But five years ago Livy promised she would help him find his way back home. Now it’s time to keep that promise. Clue by clue, Livy and Bob will unravel the mystery of where Bob comes from, and discover the kind of magic that lasts forever.

Bob is a wonderful look at childhood imagination, friendship, and folklore. Livy does not remember her first visit to her grandmother's house, since she was only five at the time she does not really worry about. When she makes a return trip she tries to remember, little things come back- but it is not until she comes face to face with a little guys non-zombie in her closet that she starts to work on the mystery. Together she and Bob work to fill in the blanks. I love that readers get an insight to Bob's thoughts, not just Livy's. I found the fairy tale nature of the mystery to be sweet, and now I need to do some reading and research to see if the story of Bob, and those like him, is based on a folktale I do not know or a fresh creation. I like that the book allows young readers to act like kids, for tweens to do things like truth and dare- but also let lose and dance and play with dolls. My only disappointment as that I was reading a pre publication galley, so I did not get the full impact of all the illustrations that will be included with the final copy. This is a wonderful book that I hope will find its way into personal, school, and public libraries.


Bob is a heartwarming story about friendship and folklore that stuck with me long after I finished the book. The characters were well written and the story left me with hope and a quiet joy.

Book Review: Its Not a Date by Heather Blakemore

Its Not a Date by Heather Blakemore is a contemporary romance. Entrepreneur and innovator Kadrienne Davenport gets results. A demanding executive and stickler for punctuality, Kade throws herself into work to avoid hurting anyone, convinced she only causes pain to those she loves. When Jennifer Spencer meets an incognito Kade at a conference, sparks fly. But when Kade unexpectedly becomes her boss, Jen’s problems multiply. The company she founded is going broke, her grandmother’s dementia is worsening, and her attraction to Kade; her difficult, brilliant, charismatic mentor, is growing. Kade’s desire to keep things professional between them is in Jen’s best interest. Yet what’s in Kade’s best interest is Jen.

Its Not a Date is a modern romance where family obligation, business, and trust issues all come into play. For me, this made the characters and the story more belivable- because we all have at least one of these things complicating our lives at some point. Kade's childhood has made her blame hersdelf for things outside her control, and made her rigid in many ways. Jen focuses on the love and good in her life, but does not want to lose her company or her ailing grandmother as she struggles to balance everything. I enjoyed many of the secondary characters as much as the struggling couple, and loved that each had a support system and trials of their own as they struggled with what they want, need, and how to get there. Both Kade and Jen had emotional journeys along the way, and I think Kade had huge changes and revelations as she grew through the story. I think the growth and development of the characters was extremely well done and tugged at my heart just as much as any of the romantic journey. I look forward to reading more from this author, particularly if she continues writing such well developed and dynamic characters. 

Its Not a Date was a fun and heart warming romance. I enjoyed Kade's journey to find love and trust, in herself as much as for Jen. A well written story with characters that left me hoping for their future long after the book was over. 

Book Review: Power in Numbers: The Rebel Women of Mathematics by Tabitha Williams

Power in Numbers: The Rebel Women of Mathematics by Tabitha Williams is a full-color, non fiction book that takes a look at the forgotten influence of women in the development of mathematics over the last two thousand years. The book is divided in three parts: I - The Pioneers, II - From Code Breaking to Rocket Science and III - Modern Math Mavens, detailing the careers and achievements of thirty women scientists, with brief mentions of few others. The book brings mathematic powerhouses like astronomer-philosopher Hypatia, theoretical physicist Emmy Noether, and rocket scientist Annie Easley to life for readers and helps us understand that trailblazing women have always existed, we just do not always know their stories unless we take the time to discover them.

Power in Numbers: The Rebel Women of Mathematics is a wonderful and long overdue book. I thought I knew a great deal about the women that have helped shape the world of technology, science, and mathematics. However, this book showed me that I only knew a small number of the women that made such huge impacts on the world. I learned about some women I had never heard of, and learned more about some that I though I knew much more about. Anyone that thinks they cannot make an impact, or that a particular field is not for them because of prejudice or culture, I urge you to read the book. The pictures included with the text about these dynamic women make them more real, and helps the reader connect with them and relate their own lives to those of these women- giving them the inspiration to forge their own path. 

Power in Numbers: The Rebel Women of Mathematics is an inspirational and informative book. I hope that it encourages others to follow their dreams, and to do the work they love regardless of what society and culture might tell them. 

Book Review: Rescuing Rayne (Delta Force Heroes) by Susan Stoker

Rescuing Rayne is the first book in the Delta Force Heroes series by Susan Stoker. While it is connected to her previous series, it stands up wonderfully on its own.  As a flight attendant, Rayne Jackson is used to cancellations, but she never dreamed her latest would lead to a whirlwind tour of London with a handsome stranger, or a life-altering night in his bed. One evening is all the enigmatic man can give her, and Rayne greedily takes it, despite suspecting it will never be enough.  Heading home after another extreme mission, Keane "Ghost" Bryson hadn't planned to seduce someone during his layover, but Rayne is too sweet to resist. Being a Delta Force member means lying to protect his identity, which is unfortunate, considering Rayne seems made for Ghost, right down to the tattoo on her back. For the first time in his life, regret fills him as he slips away the following morning. Both are shocked when, months later, they meet again—under the worst possible circumstances. Seems fate has given them a second chance…if they can survive the terrorist situation they're in. If Rayne can forgive Ghost his lies. And if Ghost can trust Rayne to be strong enough to endure the secrets and uncertainty that come with loving a Delta Force soldier. 

Rescuing Rayne is a contemporary romance with plenty of action and the realities of healing after being in bad situations. I liked Rayne's character, she is sweet and strong at the same time. While she looks for the good she is more than capable to dealing with things if they go wrong, but does not take unnecessary risks- most of the time. A one night stand with Ghost her exception. When bad things do happen, she does what she needs to in order to survive. Keane, or Ghost, had to lie about his real name when he met Rayne, but when a horrible twist of fate trows them together again he wonders if she can forgive the lies, and deal with the missing information that is bound to happen in a relationship with a Delta Force member. I liked how they talked through the issues, and how hard Ghost worked to earn her trust- and even though he made mistakes was as honest as he could be about everything. The secondary characters and team mentality was a nice part of the book, and I loved seeing how the guys banded together to help each other- and anyone that a member of their team cared about. 

Rescuing Rayne is a solid suspenseful romance, with secondary characters that had me wondering about how they would find their own happy ending. While the book did not wow me, I am looking forward to reading more. 

Early Book Review: Johnny by Guido van Genechten

Johnny is a picturebook written and illustrated by Guido van Genechten. It is currently scheduled for release in English on June 1 2018, but was previously published in Dutch.  Johnny is a very sweet spider, but nobody knows it. Because everywhere Johnny goes, the other insects run screaming out the door without giving him a chance. Filled with humor and heart, this book will show young readers the importance of not judging someone by appearances. A book filled with humor and heart for spider lovers ages 3 and up.

Johnny is a sad spider. He just wants to be friends, and share his birthday cake but the insects he asks are too afraid to look past his appearance, and that he is a spider that in nature might be interested in snacking on them, to trust him. I can understand their reluctance, they do not want to be lunch, but their words and actions are hurtful to Johnny who is just trying to be nice. I think this book could be a great discussion starter about why we should give people a chance, and not judging others based on things they have no control over, like appearance. However, I think it might be better learned when the characters are not likely to actually eat each other in the real world- or at least have a reasonable substitution plan. Spiders need to eat insects (or bigger stuff depending on the spider) and I think most spider lovers are well aware of the nature of spiders.

The artwork is cute and charming, and does a good job of capturing Johnny's emotions and still being fun. I think Johnny is a good, fun picturebook but not one that blew me away. 

Book Review: A Scot's Surrender (Townsend Novel) by Lily Maxton

A Scot's Surrender is the third book in the Townsend series of historical romances by Lily Maxton. While this is the third book in a series, but it works as a stand alone with only a few mentions of incidents and characters from previous book. It is also the only book in the series (thus far at least) that is a male/male romance. I have not read anything else by the author, but I think I will be changing that soon.

When his brother leaves him in charge of Llynmore Castle, Robert Townsend is determined to make everything go smoothly. What does it matter if he's inexplicably drawn to Ian Cameron, the estate’s stoic steward? Robert is sure he can ignore the way the Highlander's apparent dislike of him gets under his skin. They'll muddle along just fine so long as they avoid one another. An excellent plan…until a fire forces Ian into the castle—and Robert's personal space. Ian Cameron has worked for everything he owns, unlike spoiled Robert Townsend. And he may not have friends, but he has the Highlands and the stars, and what more could he really need? But when a guest's stolen possession appears in his room, he doesn't have much choice but to admit to the handsome and aggravatingly charming Townsend brother that he needs help. To solve this mystery, they'll have to put aside their differences. And as Ian learns more about Robert, he'll have to guard his heart or it may be the next thing stolen.

A Scot's Surrender is a slow burn, that starts as almost and enemy to lover romance. Robert and Ian are under the same roof due to crisis outside their control. They each have assumptions about each other, and in general avoid each other because attraction is not always a good thing. Robert, acting as master of the house until his brother returns, just wants everything to go smoothly as he works on writing his second book. He wants to make his family proud. Ian is a working man and is itching to get back to his work, and has no time or respect for the idle rich. When other visitors are end up sharing the home as well, thanks to more crisis, things begin getting out of control. I understand why our pair were tiptoeing around each other, in the era of the story homosexuality could get you killed, so acting on an attraction is a dangerous business. I liked the way the pair slowly learned about each other and became reluctant friends before even admitting fully to themselves about the shared attraction. I liked the funny moments, and the sweet moments as they came to know each other.  Most of all, I just like the characters and how much they focused on doing the right thing and protecting others rather than themselves, even when it did not seem like it on the surface. The slow steps they took towards finding their happy ending make the conclusion even more heart warming and fulfilling. 

A Scot's Surrender is a historical romance that I am glad not to have missed. I enjoyed the story, but the characters most of all. I am now going to have to go back and get a look at the previous (and future) books by the author.