Book Review: The Last Duke (1797) by Jess Michaels

The Last Duke is the tenth, and last, book in the 1797 series by Jess Michaels. I have read some, but not all, of the books in this series. While those that have read them all will get more out of each book because of the character building and past situations, they can all stand up well on their own. 

When Christopher “Kit” Collins’ father dies, he is devastated, but he must swiftly take on the title of Duke of Kingsacre and all the responsibility that comes with it. Including the care of his very young illegitimate half-sister, who is now his ward. He is very upset when he discovers the governess his father hired for the child just before his death is Sarah Carlton. Sarah is equally disturbed by the arrival of her new employer, as she and Kit once had an unpleasant encounter when she was at her lowest point. But since she has no other place to go, she can only hope he will not sack her. Thanks to the adoration of his sister, he does not and the two enter into a wary truce because they both care for the child. A truce that explodes one passionate night after a nearly tragic accident. Comfort leads to more and soon the two are engaged in an affair. But when danger comes to threaten the child they both love, they must overcome their deeply rooted mistrust and work together to keep her safe. And perhaps find a way to make a family together.

The Last Duke is a story about second chances, and paying attention to your own heart and mind, not just your responsibilities. Kit has spent his whole life preparing for the day he became Duke, although he would much rather have his father beside him. Over the years he has had friends, but has spent most of his energy on being who he should be. Sarah has spent most of her adult life trying to guarantee her survival while still fitting the expectations of those around her. When they are thrown more closely together they discover what both had hidden from for years, but expectations and assumptions are the biggest obstacles. I liked the characters, and found them well constructed. I think their growth and interactions were also very well done. My only real issues is that I would have liked Sarah to show the backbone in standing up to Kit that she shows elsewhere in the book. I really wanted her to stand up for what she wanted more, rather than being the perfect 'good girl' and trying to fit into the niche that society would have her stay in. 

The Last Duke is a solid conclusion to this series, and a fun read. 

Early Book Review: A Voice for the Spirit Bears: How One Boy Inspired Millions to Save a Rare Animal by Carmen Oliver

A Voice for the Spirit Bears: How One Boy Inspired Millions to Save a Rare Animal by Carmen Oliver is a children's book currently scheduled for release on May 7 2019. This book is based on the life and work of Simon Jackson, who found navigating the world of the school playground difficult. He felt most at home in the woodlands, learning about and photographing wildlife. As a teenager, he became fascinated with spirit bears, a rare subspecies of black bear with creamy white fur. These elusive creatures were losing their habitat to deforestation, and Simon knew he had to do something to protect them. He decided he would become the voice for the spirit bears. But first, he would have to find his own. Part of the CitizenKid collection, this book demonstrates how one child can be a voice for change. Simon's story is an excellent example of growth mindset at work, highlighting personal growth and overcoming obstacles through activism. This book can also be used to lead discussions about character education as it relates to courage, resilience and perseverance. In addition, it has strong science curriculum links to the environment, animal habitats and the effects of clear-cutting.

A Voice for the Spirit Bears is a biographical picturebook that can show young readers (and their adults) that young people can make a difference. I think that the fact that Simon had to battle a stutter, shyness, and bullying in order to spread the word about the bears and to work toward his goals is as inspiring as his dedication to his cause and fighting for the Spirit Bears. I think his dedication and perseverance might help young people find the courage to stand up and work for things they believe in as well, because if he can deal with all of those obstacles than why can't the rest of us? 

I liked the style of the artwork, and think it captured the feel and intent of the story as much as the text. The emotions of the people and the beauty of the landscapes and animals was very well done. Combined with the emotion and message of the story itself I found the book as a whole to be uplighting and inspiring. I also like that at the end of the book readers get a more detailed biography of Simon and his work, and a little bit of information on what readers might do to help make a difference in their own community or for their own cause. The only thing I was hoping for here was a list or other organizations or groups young readers might want to get involved with. 

A Voice for the Spirit Bears is a beautiful and inspiring read. I think it can be enjoyed and inspire a wide range of readers to step out of their comfort zones and to stand up for a cause of their own. 

Book Review:Summoned to the Thirteenth Grave (Charley Davidson) by Darynda Jones

Summoned to the Thirteenth Grave is the conclusion to the Charley Davidson series by Darynda Jones. You really do not want to start at the end, that would just be silly and very confusing.

Charley Davidson, Grim Reaper extraordinaire, is pissed. She’s been kicked off the earthly plain for eternity – which is the appropriate amount of time to make a person stark-raving mad. But someone’s looking out for her, and she’s allowed to return after a mere hundred years in exile. Is it too much to hope for that not much has changed? Apparently it is. Bummer. She’s missed Reyes and her daughter, Beep, but now that she’s back on earth, it’s time to put to rest burning questions that need answers. What happened to her mother? How did she really die? Who killed her? And are cupcakes or coffee the best medicine? It all comes to a head in an epic showdown between good and evil in this final smart and hilarious novel. 

Summoned to the Thirteenth Grave is a solid ending to the series. There are a few doses of humor, but the world is at stake (again) and there are lies and mysteries that need to be dealt with in order to make it through. Charley makes it back to our world only to discover that a lot has happened while she was gone. Again, there are huge complications and dangers to deal with and some things come together in a very unique way. I like how some of the connections to characters were made, while the losses that happen in this conclusion are somewhat heartbreaking on different levels. I think those that started the series really need to get this far and finish it, it is a satisfying finish for the most part, and I am glad that I had the chance to read the whole thing, and share my feelings about it with you.

Summoned to the Thirteenth Grave is a conclusion that does a good job of wrapping up the series, and answers a good number of questions. My one issue was with the very, very end. Holy hint towards a related series and leaving one big ball up in the air. 

Other Things I Have Been Reading

Confession time folks. I read and listen to some books that I do not review. Yes really! I have no excuse for why I often fail to review my non-netgalley books, but this means I often neglect some great books. I want to share some of my favorites with you as I struggle to find the time to write proper reviews so I can spread the love for some long time favorite authors, and share some recently discovered authors.

Some I found on Kindle Unlimited, some are Audible audio books, and some are from the local library. If I am bringing them up here, it is because I enjoyed the read and want others that might not have given them a try to be encouraged to do so, and to bring attention to them. I feel bad that I have been neglecting such wonderful authors review wise, but this is my first step in fixing that. 

First off, some of my favorite urban fantasy authors that I have been listening to via Audible. I love diving into the worlds of Ilona Andrews, Sherrilyn Kenyon, and Seanan McGuire.  I have rarely been disappointed by anything these three have written, and when I am it is mainly because I want more before it is ready. Although I am willing to wait for more, because I would hate to pressure them or have them rush through something instead of keeping true to their vision and quality level. If you like urban fantasy with some romance and fabulous world building start at the beginning of a series from one of these three and you can thank me later. 

Some of my new discoveries via Kindle Unlimited have had me binge reading between Netgalley arcs. Pippa Grant has became a favorite for funny romance. I am loving her series that rather rotates around a hockey team and their friends and family. I am both envious of the wacky characters and their exploits and glad that my family and friends are much calmer. I also started out loving Missy Johnson's Awkward Love series, but I am losing momentum there. Maybe I just did too many in a row, but they are losing the shine for me.

I also cannot sing my praises loud or long enough for Anyta Sunday. Their romances get me in the feels every time. The Signs of Love series and the Enemies to Lovers series  are both must reads for me. These M-M romances are as much about people finding their place in the world and figuring out both who they are and what they want as they are about finding love. I simply adore them, and am always left eager for what comes next. 

I also read the start to a new series that I will be following, but left me disgruntled with a cliff hanger ending. Wolf Hunted by Sadie Moss was a great read. Paranormalish adventure with hints of romance and suspense. The sequel was just released, but will have to wait in the penalty box (reading too much about Grant's hockey players) until I am ready to forgive the cliffhanger. 

I need to get on reviewing these too, so I can share the love. But, until that happens I needed to share how much I love these authors. Do you have favorites that are automatic reads that you sometimes read but fail to review? Some you want to share the love for here? 

Early Book Review: Milk Soaps: 35 Skin-Nourishing Recipes for Making Milk-Enriched Soaps, from Goat to Almond by Anne-Marie Faiola

Milk Soaps: 35 Skin-Nourishing Recipes for Making Milk-Enriched Soaps, from Goat to Almond is a creative guide by Anne-Marie Faiola, which is currently scheduled for release on April 30 2019. Handmade soap can be extra-special with the inclusion of milk! Soaps enriched with milk can be creamier than those made with water, and milk's natural oils provide skin-renewing moisture and nourishment. In Milk Soaps, expert soapmaker Anne-Marie Faiola demystifies the process with step-by-step techniques and 35 recipes for making soaps that are both beautiful and useful. She explains the keys to success in using a wide range of milk types, including cow, goat, and even camel milk, along with nut and grain milks such as almond, coconut, hemp, rice, and more. Photographs show soapmakers of all levels how to achieve a variety of distinctive color and shape effects, including funnels, swirls, layers, and insets. For beginners and experts alike, this focused guide to making milk-enriched soaps offers an opportunity to expand their soapmaking skills in new and exciting ways. 

Milk Soaps is a well written and organized book for those that want to learn more about, and hopefully master, the art of making soap. I have dabbled before, and this book would be a wonderful resource for those looking to make a wide variety of milk based soaps, and to get more information and inspiration to help them become more comfortable and skilled in the process. I have to admit that I have not tried any of the recipes, because they are all cold process soap recipes, and the idea of working with lye water and the chemical processes involved honestly scares me- not just because I am a klutz, but also because of how interested my felines get with anything I am doing. However, having tried other styles of soapmaking I could easily understand and follow the recipes. I was inspired to try a few new things and learn a great deal about the techniques of cold process soap making. I found the information in the endpages to also be helpful, with common problems addressed and some resources that will come in handy to anyone looking to make soap.

Milk Soaps will be a valuable resource and inspiration for those looking to learn more about or master the process of making cold process soaps with milk as an ingredient. The recipes are well done, and leave room for further customization with offering insights and inspiration.

Book Review: Boundary Broken (Boundary Magic) by Melissa F. Olson

Boundary Broken is the fourth book in the Boundary Magic series by Melissa F. Olson. You do need to read this series in order to fully understand some of the character connections and back story. However, this series and the related Scarlett Bernard series (which you do not need to read to understand this one) are well worth the time investment. 

Years ago, boundary witch Allison “Lex” Luther made a promise to an alpha werewolf. Now, just when the supernatural community in Colorado is enjoying a period of hard-won peace, the alpha turns up at Lex’s door to call in his marker. Two of his pack members have disappeared in the Colorado sand dunes, and he needs safe passage to hunt for them. With her friend Simon Pellar along for backup, Lex ventures into the dunes to search for the missing couple…but what they find is only the opening move in an ambitious assault against those who hold power in the Colorado Old World. An old enemy has returned to tear their peace apart, and Lex is soon embroiled in politics she doesn’t understand, from a time before she had magic. To save her friends and her way of life, Lex will have to cross every line she’s drawn since learning what she is—and it may still be too late.

Boundary Broken is a wonderfully told story with lots of character growth, drama, danger, and hope for the future. Lex has been through so much, and all she really wants is to protect others- which is sadly not always possible. I felt like returning characters were even more complex before, and I can see hints of future conversations that really need to happen. I admire Olson's ability to make beven characters with a minor role in the action complex and interesting enough that I want to know more about them and their history. There is so much going on here, with undercurrents that hint at future emotional moments. However, even when there is a ton of things going on emotionally and physically with the characters it never hit the point where it was over whelming or confusing. Rarely can an author have this level of world and character building and action without something getting lost- but it balanced close to perfectly here. I will admit it took me a few pages , and reading my review of the previous book, to get back into Lex's story and remember not only where we left off but also everything that had happened thus far. However, once I was back into it I had trouble putting the story aside to do important things- like feeding the family and getting everyone out the door for school and work. I just love the story, characters, and writing style. As you might have noticed, I have said nothing about the actual action of the story- because I do not want to ruin it for returning fans and new readers should really start at the beginning of the series, or even better at the start of Scarlett's series to really enjoy the read. 

Boundary Broken is yet another engaging book from Olson. My main issue is that I read them too fast, so I have to wait way too long for her next book. 

Book Review: Chocolate a la Murder (A Perfectly Proper Paranormal Museum Mystery) by Kirsten Weiss

Chocolate a la Murder is the fourth book in the Perfectly Proper Paranormal Museum series by Kirsten Weiss. I highly recommend reading the books in order to fully understand the characters and their relationships.

It’s Wine and Chocolate Days in San Benedetto, and paranormal museum owner Maddie Kosloski has sweet dreams about her new Magic of Chocolate exhibit. Her latest attraction is a haunted Mexican whisk called a molinillo that rattles if someone lies. When Maddie visits the town’s new boutique chocolate shop, she finds one of the owners dead and covered in melted cocoa. Maddie’s determined to catch the killer, and she soon uncovers deadly dealings in the world of artisan chocolate. But the deception surrounding those dealings are enough to make the molinillo rattle all night. Will Maddie have to temper her passion for sleuthing before a killer makes her fate bittersweet?

Chocolate a la Murder is a fun read, with plenty of twists and turns to keep readers on their toes. I could completely relate to Maddie's love of chocolate, and how quickly that could fade after finding her latest dead body. I think the mystery was very well designed and executed- and while I have some suspicions along the way, I had not guessed the full picture until it was revealed. I loved Maddie's curiosity, as always, and could sympathize with her curiosity being at war with not wanting to hurt or lie to the people around her. AS always, the character growth of Maddie and the development of the relationships and characters around her keep the series fresh and realistic. I also found the secondary mystery of the molinillo and the little hints of the paranormal keep readers engaged and guessing about what could happen next. I look forward to seeing just what that is myself. 

Chocolate a la Murder is a entertaining and engaging read, and I think I will continue on with this series as long as I can.

Early Book Review: Make Music: A Kid's Guide to Creating Rhythm, Playing with Sound, and Conducting and Composing Music by Norma Jean Haynes; Ann Sayre Wiseman; John Langstaff

Make Music: A Kid's Guide to Creating Rhythm, Playing with Sound, and Conducting and Composing Music is a fresh edition of this book for a younger audience by Norma Jean Haynes; Ann Sayre Wiseman; and John Langstaff. It is currently scheduled for release on April 30 2019. Music is for everyone — no experience required. This book invites kids and families to celebrate the joy of sound with a variety of inventive activities, including playing dandelion trumpets, conducting percussion conversations, and composing their own pieces. Kids explore rhythm with clapping, body drumming, and intonations. They learn to create found sound with kitchen pots and pans, the Sunday paper, or even the Velcro on their sneakers. And step-by-step instructions show how to make 35 different instruments, from chimes and bucket drums to a comb kazoo and a milk-carton guitar. 

Make Music is an engaging and informative read that offers information on a wide range of sounds, music, and how to create instruments and music of your own with things that are generally readily available. I like that cultural and historical references are included with the discussion of different sounds and music. I think those connections can help young readers and musicians feel more engaged. I think the message that making and enjoying music is for everyone no matter the skill level or style. I think finding a creative outlet, or enjoying the talents of others, is important. Parents, teachers, and caregivers of all kinds can share this book with the young people in their lives to help foster an appreciation for all kinds of music, and to create instruments and sounds together. I think this would be a great addition to a school, classroom, or home library because one can always return to the activities and projects and repeat them- or use them to inspire new ideas. Some of the concepts, like music notation, that are near the end of the book are particularly good for revisiting after some experimentation and practice.

Make Music is a delightful book for encouraging an existing interest in sound and music, or to help foster in interest. The activities and information offered is varied and should be engaging for a wide range of readers.

Book Review: The Trouble with the Twelfth Grave (Charley Davidson) by Darynda Jones

The Trouble with the Twelfth Grave is the next Charley Davidson book by Darynda Jones. You do need to have read the previous books in the series at this point, since the characters and backstory are getting to be very important and complicated. 

Ever since Reyes Farrow escaped from a hell dimension in which Charley Davidson accidentally trapped him, the son of Satan has been brimstone-bent on destroying the world his heavenly Brother created. His volatile tendencies have put Charley in a bit of a pickle. But that's not the only briny vegetable on her plate. While trying to domesticate the feral being that used to be her husband, she also has to deal with her everyday life of annoying all manner of beings--some corporeal, some not so much--as she struggles to right the wrongs of society. Only this time she's not uncovering a murder. This time she's covering one up. Add to that her new occupation of keeping a startup PI venture--the indomitable mystery-solving team of Amber Kowalski and Quentin Rutherford--out of trouble and dealing with the Vatican's inquiries into her beloved daughter, and Charley is on the brink of throwing in the towel and becoming a professional shopper. Or possibly a live mannequin. But when someone starts attacking humans who are sensitive to the supernatural world, Charley knows it's time to let loose her razor sharp claws. Then again, her number one suspect is the dark entity she's loved for centuries. So the question becomes: Can she tame the unruly beast before it destroys everything she's worked so hard to protect? 

The Trouble with the Twelfth Grave is ramping up the drama and crisis level of the series up even more than I fully expected. There is an awful lot going on, and if you missed or skimmed any part other the series prior to this you might have a moment of two of confusion (this will hold true in the next book as well). There is just so much going on, so many keeping things close to their chests, and so many complications that this is not the light and amusing read that hooked me. It is an enthralling thrill ride with moments of humor, but so much danger and suspense that anyone could  die or switch sides at any moment. I love the read, but it is very different from the feel that hooked me into the series.

Once again, if you have read this far, keep going. The next book is the conclusion to this series. You need to keep going at this point.

Book Review: Sustainable Home: Practical Projects, Tips and Advice for Maintaining a More Eco-Friendly Household by Christine Liu

Sustainable Home: Practical Projects, Tips and Advice for Maintaining a More Eco-Friendly Household by Christine Liu is a guidebook to maintaining a more environmentally friendly household. Sustainable lifestyle blogger and professional Christine Liu takes you on a tour through the rooms of your home – the living area, kitchen, bedroom and bathroom – offering tips, tricks and 18 step-by-step projects designed to help you lead a more low-impact lifestyle. Whether it is by making your own toothpaste, converting to renewable energy sources, reducing your consumption of plastic, growing your own herb garden or upcycling old pieces of furniture, there are numerous ways – both big and small – to make a difference. The desire to make small changes on an individual level is on the rise; this book will guide anyone hoping to make a difference, but who perhaps don’t know where to begin.

Sustainable Home was a mixed bag for me. Decluttering and trying to reduce, reuse, and recycle are things that I think anyone picking up this book already knows about, but they are necessary reminders and suggestions. I liked the suggestions about how to find items that have been made sustainably and by companies that are working to minimize their carbon footprint, and that of their product. The growing your own food, and increasing the amount of plant based food was good. I like that while the suggestions do offer some big options, it also mentions small things that people could do regardless of kitchen size and the possible lack of time or a yard that would be required for significant gardening. The ideas, instructions, and recipes for making things for yourself rather than buying them are good, and some I might even try. 

However, some of the suggestions are completely impossible for people depending on where they live. While some libraries and organizations are getting tool libraries, repair and make it spaces, and what not set up and available to the public. These tend to be in places where to local government has enough money to fund them and might not accessible to those with limited transportation options and resources, or those working many hours or multiple jobs to make ends meet which might make it next to impossible to make use of local options. Many of these kind of suggestions will only work for those privileged enough to have access to them, or the time to research options or make a special trip. 

This book has good information and suggestions in it. However, I feel like it is for people with a little too much time and money on their hands rather than the average person or household. I feel like there are good intentions here, but a lack of understanding of what life is like beneath a certain income bracket, or in areas without the resources so casually mentioned in the book.