Book Review: The Big Book of Twisted Fairy Tales: Stories about Kindness, Responsibility, Honesty, and Teamwork by Sue Nicholson, Flavia Sorrentino

The Big Book of Twisted Fairy Tales:  Stories about Kindness, Responsibility, Honesty, and Teamwork,  written by Sue Nicholson and illustrated by Flavia Sorrentino, is part of The Fairytale Friends series. It brings fairy tales into the modern day and features scenarios that young children can relate to and learn from. Each story in this new picture book series focuses on a different fairy tale character, a different strength or core virtue, and a challenge to overcome, often with the help of their friends. Readers will enjoy spotting characters from other books and recognizing key elements of the original fairy tale while enjoying the new twist. Notes and questions at the back of the book will summarize what the character has learnt and prompt further discussion while activities will provide more fairytale fun. 

 
Cinderella wants more than anything to have lessons at the new dance school opening in the village, but she doesn’t have any ballet shoes! Can Cinderella’s fairytale friends help make her dream come true? This story teaches children about the value of kindness. Beauty has a lovely pony called Flick, but having a pony is hard work and Beauty can be a bit lazy sometimes. Then, one night, Flick runs away. Will he ever come back? This story teaches children about the value of responsibility. Jack loves climbing, but he isn't allowed to climb the beanstalks in his garden. One night, Jack can resist no longer and starts to climb the tall, green beanstalks. Will Jack's Mum find out? And will he tell her the truth? This story teaches children about the value of honesty. Snow White is one of the village football team's best players. But she wants to score all the goals herself and never passes the ball to her friends. Will she ever learn to play as part of a team? This story teaches children about the value of teamwork.

The Big Book of Twisted Fairy Tales is a collection of fairy tales with a twist, which is one of my favorite things to read. Each of the stories is connected and takes a classic tale and makes it more relatable to young readers. Most everyone has faced the dilemma at the core of each story and I like they way they are woven into these tales. I was a little worried about the lessons being too heavy handed- because one of my biggest turn offs in any book is being preached to or talked down to (which happens across genres and target audience) but this book managed to keep that to a minimum. I enjoyed the art style, I loved the colors and the expressions that were clear on the character faces. There are some activities for the eager parents or caregivers to make sure young readers understand each story and its lesson. I think this would be good for bedtime reading or trying to get some of these lesson through in a fun way in a preschool or home environment. 

Book Review: The Witchkin Murders (Magicfall) by Diana Pharaoh Francis

The Witchkin Murders is the first book in the Magicfall series by Diana Pharaoh Francis. Four years ago, my world—the world—exploded with wild magic. The cherry on top of that crap cake? The supernatural world declared war on humans, and my life went straight to hell.I used to be a detective, and a damned good one. Then Magicfall happened, and I changed along with the world. I’m witchkin now—something more than human or not quite human, depending on your perspective. To survive, I’ve become a scavenger, searching abandoned houses and stores for the everyday luxuries in short supply—tampons and peanut butter. Oh, how the mighty have fallen, but anything’s better than risking my secret.Except, old habits die hard. When I discover a murder scene screaming with signs of black magic ritual, I know my days of hiding are over. Any chance I had of escaping my past with my secret intact is gone. Solving the witchkin murders is going to be the hardest case of my life, and not just because every second will torture me with reminders of how much I miss my old life and my partner, who hates my guts for abandoning the department. But it’s time to suck it up, because if I screw this up, Portland will be wiped out, and I’m not going to let that happen. Hold on to your butts, Portland. Justice is coming, and I don’t take prisoners.

The Witchkin Murders is a good series starter. I loved the world building and thought that the majority of the characters were very well built with complex personalities and stories that I would love to learn more about. I liked Kayla's determination and ethics. I thought she was a solid character and dealt with a series of huge problems in her life the best she knew how. I though that some of the secondary characters were fantastic, and I would continue reading the series simply to find out how their lives play out. I also thought the mystery and action parts of the story were extremely well done. The creatures and mythos used were complex and varied- and I loved trying to guess what kind of creature each was by the descriptions that were given.

I did have some problems with the book. One is that for one character they kept switching if he was referred to by his first or last name with no discernible reason. The first time it happened I had to go back a few pages to see if the person I thought was talking was, and I found it distracting. My second issue was with Ray's character, he was just so angry and explosive in his own head. I admit that I skimmed a good deal of his inner dialogue because I just had no interest in reading all that angst over and over. Speaking of inner angst, the lust at highly improbable moments- and the self flagellation over it by Kayla drove me a little nuts, so I often skimmed over that too.

The Witchkin Murders is a urban fantasy with good world building. I was not thrilled with everything, but it was well worth the read and some might really enjoy it as a whole.

Book Review: The Mortification of Fovea Munson by Mary Winn Heider

The Mortification of Fovea Munson by Mary Winn Heider is a middle grade novel. Fovea Munson is nobody's Igor. True, her parents own a cadaver lab where they perform surgeries on dead bodies. And yes, that makes her gross by association, at least according to everyone in seventh grade. And sure, Fovea's stuck working at the lab now that her summer camp plans have fallen through. But she is by no means Dr. Frankenstein's snuffling assistant! That is, until three disembodied heads, left to thaw in the wet lab, start talking. To her. Out loud. What seems like a nightmare, or bizarre hallucination, is not. Fovea is somebody's Igor, all right. Three somebodies, actually. And they need a favor. With a madcap sense of humor and a lot of heart (not to mention other body parts), this is a story about finding oneself, finding one's friends, and embracing the moment.

The Mortification of Fovea Munson is honestly one of the strangest books I have read in the very best ways. What starts off as a almost standard story, middle schooler having trouble with friends and family trying to get through a summer that is certainly not going as planned turns into a madcap adventure with singing heads and a mystery to solve. I love that the mix of real and what the heck is so well balanced. Life can be pretty strange when you are at that age, but I do not remember it ever being that crazy. I thought that Fovea was a very realistic character- with parents that embarrass her and sometimes fail to hear her (which is how most kids feel) and facing friendships changing and having trouble with her classmates in general. I think most readers can sympathize with her on those fronts, even if they have never faced problems quite as unique as Fovea's.  At the same time, the talking heads, blackmail, spunky grandmother, and the less typical aspects of the story keep the readers moving forward, trying to find solutions, and pondering what they might do in such a situation. I was engaged through the entire read and think that most other readers will be as well.

The Mortification of Fovea Munson is a wonderful read with a balance of realistic problems and unbelievable details and moments that come together perfectly. I recommend this read to middle grade readers and older.

Book Review: Project Duchess (Duke Dynasty) by Sabrina Jeffries

Project Duchess is the first book in the Duke Dynasty series by Sabrina Jeffries. A series of stepfathers and a difficult childhood have left Fletcher “Grey” Pryde, 5th Duke of Greycourt, with a guarded heart, enviable wealth, and the undeserved reputation of a rogue. Grey’s focus on expanding his dukedom allows him little time to find a wife. But when his mother is widowed yet again and he meets the charmingly unconventional woman managing his stepfather’s funeral, he’s shocked to discover how much they have in common. Still, Grey isn’t interested in love, no matter how pretty, or delightfully outspoken, the lady. Beatrice Wolfe gave up on romance long ago, and the arrogant Duke of Greycourt with his rakish reputation isn’t exactly changing her mind. Then Grey agrees to assist his grief-stricken mother with her latest “project”: schooling spirited, unfashionable Beatrice for her debut. Now that Beatrice is seeing through Grey’s charms to his wounded heart, she’s having trouble keeping him at arm’s length. But once Grey starts digging into her family’s secrets, she must decide whether her loyalties lie with her family or with the man whose lessons capture her heart.

Project Duchess is a historical romance with well fleshed out characters, both complex and relatable in their way. Grey has been through a lot, and has a hard time getting past his trust issues and allowing himself to feel. Beatrice has not had an easy life either, and is doing the best she can to live her life and support her brother and extended family. Both have emotional scars, and I feel like those wounds are what bring our couple together. They are both very outspoken and genuine- even when they are trying to avoid talking about things they would rather avoid. I loved their banter- and often found myself grinning and they verbally spared. I liked the secondary plot line, a murder mystery that continues on in the series. I spent a good part of the book trying to figure out the mystery, and while I am glad parts of it were resolved- I am eager to get more pieces to the puzzle in the next book of this series. I am intrigued and want to see all players have their happy ever after and the mystery gets solved.

Project Duchess is a historical romance with all the elements I have come to expect from Jeffries. I was fully engaged in the read and will continue on reading the author's work.

Book Review: Pawsitively Poisonous (Witch of Edgehill #1) by Melissa Erin Jackson

Pawsitively Poisonous is the first book in the Witch of Edgehill series by Melissa Erin Jackson. 

Amber Blackwood, lifelong resident of Edgehill, Oregon, has earned a reputation for being a semi-reclusive odd duck. Her store, The Quirky Whisker, is full of curiosities, from extremely potent sleepy teas and ever-burning candles to kids’ toys that seem to run endlessly without the aid of batteries. The people of Edgehill think of the Quirky Whisker as an integral part of their feline-obsessed town, but most give Amber herself a wide berth. Amber prefers it that way; it keeps her secret safe. But that secret is thrown into jeopardy when Amber’s friend Melanie is found dead, a vial of headache tonic from Amber’s store clutched in her hand. Edgehill’s newest police chief has had it out for Amber since he arrived three years before. He can’t possibly know she’s a witch, but his suspicions about her odd store and even odder behavior have shot her to the top of his suspect list. When the Edgehill rumor mill finds out Melanie was poisoned, it’s not only the police chief who looks at Amber differently. Determined to both find justice for her friend and to clear her own name, Amber must use her unique gifts to help track down Melanie’s real killer. 

Pawsitively Poisonous is an enjoyable read that manages to introduce a town full of interesting characters without making the reader feel overwhelmed with the amount of information. I thought Amber was a great characters, smart and compassionate with a past that promises to be looked at more as the series continues. I really liked the slow reveal of the characters involved in the murder and investigation- and seeing the relationship develop between Amber and the police was engaging. I feel like I have a good handle on the majority of the town, and some of the important connections or challenges between people.  I thought the mystery elements were very well done, and had just enough twists to keep me guessing. I was very happy to see that while Amber certainly was aware of the guys in the town, there was no romance in this book. I love me some romance, but it is nice to be able to focus on the mystery and getting the lay of the land without hormones and whatnot taking over.  I also liked that while there are plenty of things I want to know more about, and a little opps moment at the end that have my itching for the next book, that there is also a satisfying conclusion. The important bits of the story are wrapped up, and there is a resolution to the story without a huge cliffhanger to make me grit my teeth. I am very eager to see where this series goes from here, and I will be following this one.

Pawsitively Poisonous is a great start to a mystery series, and I look forward to continuing to read it. I recommend it to cozy mystery fans that enjoy a touch of magic in their reads.

Book Review: When We Walked on the Moon: Discover the Dangers, Disasters, and Triumphs of Every Moon Mission by David Long, Sam Kalda

When We Walked on the Moon: Discover the Dangers, Disasters, and Triumphs of Every Moon Mission was written by David Long and illustrated by Sam Kalda. The book tells the story of the Apollo Missions, when incredible intelligence, engineering and bravery allowed humans to stand on the surface of something other than Earth for the very first time. From the 1969 first moon landing to the amazing rescue of Apollo 13, each chapter tells the story of a different mission. Humorous details bring the astronauts to life: discover how the astronauts of Apollo 12 were so over-excited when they stepped onto the Moon that Mission Control had to tell them to quieten down, and Shepard (Apollo 14) somehow managed to smuggle a golf club onto his spacecraft! 

When We Walked on the Moon is a very informative and well balanced read. I like that the facts are straight forward but given with small humorous and lesser known details that will make every reader smile. The combination of well written and accessible text with illustrations that offer up additional details and make some of the fact more clear is nearly perfect. I found the art style to be very nice, and think that they will help keep the interest of readers that need to break up the text a little. I really enjoyed having all of the missions described in one book, giving a clearer view of the progression of the missions and the unusual moments from each. I learned many things that I did not know, and I think many other readers (of all ages) will find that they learn a great deal from this book as well.

I also appreciated the glossary, which might make reading the text even more accessible to some readers.

When We Walked on the Moon is a great book for every readers that has ever dreamt of becoming an astronaut, or that has simply looked at the sky and wanted to know more about what goes into getting there. 

Early Book Review: Devil's Way Out by Nika Dixon

Devil's Way Out by Nika Dixon is currently scheduled for release on June 24 2019. Still angry over the death of the woman he loved, rancher Marshall Boyer wants nothing to do with women or love. But when the mysterious Emma drops into his life—barefoot, broke, and running scared—he can’t let her go. Artist Emmaline Katz has a dangerous secret. After escaping a ruthless criminal who exploited her for years, her quest for freedom crashes to a halt in rural Montana. Out of money and options, she finds an unlikely haven with a handsome cowboy. But no matter how much she wants to believe his offer of protection, he doesn’t know the truth about her, her secret, or the man who will stop at nothing to get her back. Time is running out. A cold-blooded killer has come to town, and Emma isn’t the only target.

Devil's Way Out was an engaging read, and I really liked the characters and how the story was revealed. Marshall is a strong man struggling with starting over after a less than stellar ending to a relationship. Emma is running from much more than a bad break up.I like that both characters have a strong will but are damaged emotional from past mistakes and trauma. Nether is perfect, or pitiful, and they manage to save each other even though they both fought it and feared the outcome every step along the way. I love seeing genuinely good characters find a happy ending despite bad experiences, and that is exactly what happens here. I am rather hoping that Dixon writes happy endings for more of the characters in this small town, because I am just as interested in what happens to the rest of the family and town next, and in seeing Marshall and Emma continue on their path.

Devil's Way Out is a contemporary romance with heart and danger balanced nicely. I enjoyed the read and will be looking for more from the author.

Book Review: Forgotten Love (Bound By Love) by J.M. Davies

Forgotten Love is the first book in the Bound By Love series by J.M. Davies. I’m an ex-Navy SEAL. A wounded warrior with a hard-ass exterior and a checkered past to match. All I care about is my outdoor survival business—teaching others the skills they need to survive in the face of danger. But fate has a wicked sense of humor. From out of nowhere this brunette-beauty with the easy smile and doe-eyes walks into my life…and it’s not the first time. Summer doesn’t remember me. But she’s the one I can’t forget. I know that she’s in danger, and I’ll gladly give in to every protective instinct I have when it comes to keeping her safe. There’s a reason fate sent her my way for a second time. Only, this time…I won’t fail her.

Forgotten Love is a nice start to a series, introducing a good selection of secondary characters that I want to know more about. I liked Summer's character, she had grit and even though she was fighting through some serious things, which made her feel weak, she did what she had to do in order to survive. I disagreed with some of her choices, but could understand them and felt like they were all in character for her. Rafe has just as many issues, if not more than Summer, and is fighting through them in his own way. Like Summer, I did not always agree with the choices he made- although they all fit in his character and I could understand them. I really liked some of the secondary character and want to follow Nicki's future, and what happens with Rafe and his crew in the future. I did not like that a great deal was dumped on the reader at the very end, leaving me with questions, so many questions, about what is going to happen next. Oh, and fair warning for those that prefer romance with little to no sex, this is not that book. There is a great deal of heat in this book, and if you do not like an alpha male in that context then be forewarned- because there is a significant amount of that to be found. 

Forgotten Love is a good contemporary romance with plenty of heart and heat.

Book Review: The Laird's Right-Hand Lady by Catherine E. Chapman

The Laird's Right-Hand Lady by Catherine E. Chapman is a contemporary romance. Jess Fielding is Cameron McCallum’s newly-appointed personal assistant. He is due to take over from his father as Laird on their Scottish Highland estate. Used to the corporate world, Jess finds that, whilst the professional demands of her new role are straightforward, the domestic and family dynamics in Cameron’s stately home leave her feeling daunted. Instantly attracted to Cameron, Jess begins to suspect that her feelings are reciprocated. But the appearance of Alexandra, an old university friend of Cameron’s, upsets their blossoming romance. Cameron’s father is determined that his son should make a match fit for a Laird. Will Cameron live up to his father’s expectations or follow his heart?

The Laird's Right-Hand Lady is a good romance. I liked the set of characters, and even the most unlikable were written to be so. Cameron's father is exactly who he is supposed to be, and only made me love Cameron's mother that much more in contrast. Jess is a smart and capable woman, and Cameron is a sweet but strong man. The conversation and connection between the two was nice, and kept me reading. I thought the secondary characters were as well done as the main characters, and I would not mind having read a little more about them.I found the staff and family dynamics to be on point, and enjoyed seeing some of those friendships and connections grow throughout the book. My only real issue with the book is that no one really ever discusses or ponders the moral or ethical implications about the relationship- at least not until it is really no longer an issue. I know the boss/assistant trope is a thing- but in all the romances I have that that use it include the dilemma of whether it is wrong or odd and here that is just completely ignored.  However, maybe that it just my hang up, so it might not even come up on anyone else's radar.

The Laird's Right-Hand Lady is a solid romance with no explicit scenes (for those that care about such things). The characters are well done, and the read engaging. I am glad I gave it a chance.

Book Review: Revving Her Heart (Blacke Brothers) by Cadence Von

Revving Her Heart is the first book in the Blacke Brothers series by Cadence Vonn. After the sudden death of Allison Lorde's father in a motorcycle accident, she vows never to love a man who rides the beastly machines. But when a memory from her past rides up on his bike, looking all bad-boy sexy, the sweet promise of a shared kiss long ago makes it difficult to deny his steamy seduction. Nick Blacke's number one passion is motorcycles until the gangly girl he'd kissed as a teen shows up with womanly curves that beckon to be explored. She seems eager to let him and even embraces his penchant for kink, but when he wants more, he realizes revving her engines might be easier than revving her heart.

Revving Her Heart is a contemporary romance with a lot of heart. Allison is dealing with the loss of her father, and a less than loving relationship with her mother. She is trying to come to terms with it all when Nick comes back into her life.They each have their own fears and doubts, but Al's seem to be much heavier to bear, and sometimes cut the deepest. I also like that they really had some struggles but in the end compromised and worked things out like adults rather than just ignoring the issues that might cause issues down the road.  I liked the banter and connection between the pair, although even with their history I do think some things moved more quickly than I expected. However, I really enjoyed the story as a whole. I do need to say that there were a couple moments that I had to go back and reread previous pages because I missed how they got to a certain location or in mentioned outfits, sometimes giving up and just going with it. This is definitely a book with plenty of heat, and exploration of some kink. So, if you prefer your romance without some serious sex scenes, then you might want to skip this. The heat starts fairy early and regularly makes itself known. I really liked the secondary characters, and want to see how Nick's brothers find their own happy endings, not to mention Hailey and Rebecca. So, while I enjoyed but did not love this read, I do find that I like the author's voice and want to continue reading about whatever might happen next.

Revving Her Heart is a good romance, and I can see a great deal of potential for this series. I will definitely be giving the next book a read.