Book Review: The Element in the Room by Mike Barfield, Lauren Humphrey

The Element in the Room is a children's non fiction book written by Mike Barfield and illustrated by Lauren Humphrey. Did you know that without the ‘lead’ in your pencil, there would be no life on Earth? Just about everything in the universe is made from only 92 elements – and from aluminium to zinc, many of them are hiding in your very own home! This guide is full of interesting facts about the atomic ingredients that make up everything around us. Join scientific sleuth Sherlock Ohms as he investigates the elements, and help his enquiries with explosive experiments. 

The Element in the Room is bright, with charming illustrations and colors to help hold reader's attention. I did find it a little more text heavy and harder to read than I was expecting based on the description and illustration style, but that might be more on me than anything else. The beginning of the book goes into great detail about elements, atoms, the periodic table and more o help readers understand the significance of the information about each of the elements.  I did like the way the book was organized, and how each element was detailed, and I especially liked that here was a glossary and index included in the endpages. I think this book would do well for middle grade readers and older, perhaps even in middle and high school science classrooms. 

Early Book Review: Call Her Mine (Harmony Pointe) by Melissa Foster

Call Her Mine is the first book in the Harmony Pointe series by Melissa Foster. While it is the start of a new series, there are some familiar faces for Foster fans. It is currently scheduled for release on August 13 2019.

Ben Dalton has always been honest, except where his heart is concerned. He’s been in love with his best friend—saucy, smart-mouthed Aurelia Stark—forever. But Ben’s a planner, and timing has never been on his side. When he finally decides to make his move, Aurelia beats him to the punch with a move of her own—to a different town. Aurelia loves her new life in the charming town of Harmony Pointe. She has a great apartment and her very own bookstore, and best of all, the sinfully hot, commitment-phobic friend she’s crushed on for years is no longer just around the corner. Maybe she’ll finally be able to leave her unrequited love behind and move on. But when a baby is left on Ben’s front porch—a baby that is presumably his—Aurelia is there for him. Neither one knows the first thing about babies, but how hard can it be? Ben and Aurelia are catapulted into a world of love, laughter, and tracking down the baby mama, and it might even add up to a very happily ever after, just not one either of them expects.

Call Her Mine is an emotional and engaging romance. While Ben and Aurelia have been dancing around each other for years, neither realizing that the other was attracted to them and wanted more than friendship, it took a big crisis to get them to slow down and really look at each other. I like how once they started talking things out with each other they started making thing work- even though there was more than one occasion I wanted to shake one or the other to get them to share more of what they were thinking. Frankly as a parent, and former daycare worker (in the infant room no less), I found their antics as they figured out how to take care of the baby highly entertaining. I loved that they did have a support system, and like most fiercely independent people, struggled with accepting support even when freely (or enthusiastically) offered- which is something I relate to on many levels. The compassion and love in this book is almost overwhelming- and if I can complain about anything it is that the characters are almost too unrealistically good and I wish there were more people like this in the real world.

Call Her Mine is a must read for fans of Foster. I loved the story and found it to be sweet, fun, and steamy in good proportions. 

Early Book Review: The Escape Manual for Introverts by Katie Vaz

The Escape Manual for Introverts by Katie Vaz is currently scheduled for release on August 6 2019. Trapped in an airplane seated next to a chatterbox? Are you hosting a dinner party with people who just won't leave? Katie Vaz has the key to your escape. The Escape Manual for Introverts guides readers through different scenarios with themed chapters ("Friends," "Relatives," "Strangers," etc.). Each chapter covers a range of situations, from an invitation to karaoke night to group lunchtime. And she offers a number of escapes for each scenario: bringing odoriferous foods to lunch for a while, having a pet (real or imagined) that "requires" frequent check-ins, and even investing in a jet pack. This book features Vaz's full-page illustrated spreads, hand-lettering, and spot illustrations. From the silly to the sincere, Vaz's clever, hilarious escape plans and bizarre excuses speak to the introvert in all of us. 

The Escape Manual for Introverts is a funny look at how to avoid social interaction when you really feel the need to be alone and recharge. As an introvert that works with the public, I often seek alone time for my off duty hours. Thankfully those closest to me are well aware, and understand my enjoyment of a cup of tea and a good book rather than getting dressed up and going out on the town. This book offers a variety of situations an introvert might feel the desire to escape from and offers some suggests that will help mitigate the small talk and awkward moments. I like that the situations and responses are organized by who you might be interacting with. Some of the suggestions are standard behavior for some of us already, such as bonding with the pets or "helping" in the kitchen to stay busy and out of the fray. Others are great, and slightly more involved- such as finding a cause to volunteer with to help avoid attending situations all together. I both love and dislike this solution. I love it- because getting out and doing good is fabulous, however it could just get you in more situations you might need to avoid- so choose wisely. I do not want to give away any more of the suggestions- because I might need them. The art style is fun, and matches the voice of the book well. 

The Escape Manual for Introverts was a read that I really enjoyed and identified with on several levels. I think introverts, and those that love them, will all enjoy this book.

Early Book Review: Relationship Material by Jenya Keefe

Relationship Material by Jenya Keefe is currently scheduled for release on August 5 2019.  It's not always possible to meet in the middle. Registered nurse Evan Doyle doesn’t consider himself fit for more than occasional hookups. He has a good life, but the emotional aftermath of a horrific crime makes him feel too damaged to date. So when his sister’s hot bestie, Malcolm Umbertini, comes on to him, he turns him down flat. Mal is Relationship Material: the kind who thinks in the long term. What would Evan do with a man like that? As a prosecuting attorney, Mal’s learned how to read people, and he knows there’s more to Evan than meets the eye. Mal has faced his own hardships since his family kicked him out as a teen, and he respects Evan’s courage and emotional resilience. More than that, he wants Evan—in his bed and in his life. But can he weather another rejection? Both wary, they agree to a no-strings fling. Mal knows that Evan wants things to stay casual, but he’s falling in love a little more with each encounter. With health, happiness, and bruised hearts on the line, Mal and Evan must risk everything for love.

Relationship Material is a great romance about people with serious emotional scars finding a better future. Even has been through hell and is fighting anxiety at every turn. Malcom does not do casual relationships, he tends to care too much too quickly but hide it all behind bluster. Seeing Even reunite with his sister and find his own way toward being in a relationship was beautiful. I loved the honest way trauma, anxiety, and mental illness is discussed and worked with in the story. It is honest and sometimes hard to read, but so well done. I thought that Mal and Evan had very realistic reactions to each other at almost every turn, and I just fell in love with them both. My only complaint is that I want more. I want Caro to find peace, I want to see Evan and Mal's future, I want to see more of Mal's mother and the other residents of the nursing home. Keefe is now on my list of authors to be watching, hoping, for whatever comes next.

Relationship Material left me wanting more, in the very best ways. I was so sad to have the story end, and I hope Keefe writes more about the characters here because I want so much more!

Early Book Review: Poppy and Sam and the Mole Mystery by Cathon

Poppy and Sam and the Mole Mystery by Cathon is a picture book and graphic novel style book currently scheduled for release on August 13 2019.  It’s a new day in the garden, and Poppy and Sam are paying a visit to their friend Snuggles Molesy. But Snuggles is in a pickle, looking for a lost pair of pretty pink glasses! Sleuths Poppy and Sam begin to investigate: all around the garden, along the shore of the creek, and even inside the pies Snuggles had been baking. Along the way, they ask the other critters they encounter. Poppy and Sam don’t have much luck finding the glasses, but they do come across a variety of other treasures: a flowered umbrella, a flute, a yellow spinning top, and more. By the end of the story, they set up a whimsical lost and found with all of these objects—and finally find the rosy specs, while their fellow garden friends find misplaced treasures of their own. 

Poppy and Sam and the Mole Mystery is a cute story about retracing your steps to find something that has been lost. When Sam and Poppy visit Snuggles not only do they get to eat way to much pie- but that start off on an adventure t help their friend find his missing glasses. I like that they use the tried and true method of backtracking to find the missing glasses, and that they look for the owners of the other items they find along the way. I really like the story ending, and how the friends were able to help others that were in similar situations as they were when the story began. Readers can look on each page for hidden creatures and items to see if they can find the glasses, or the other items that they trio ruin across along the way. I liked the art, it was simple and subtle, which is all the story needed. 

Poppy and Sam and the Mole Mystery is a fun and simple story. I think it offers a good beginner foray into graphic novels, and will appeal to animal fans in particular.

Early Book Review: Tokyo Mindscapes: Where to Go, When to Go, What to See by Misaki Matsui

Tokyo Mindscapes: Where to Go, When to Go, What to See by Misaki Matsui is currently scheduled for release on August 1 2019. Traveling to Tokyo? Be sure to see some of the most iconic sites in Tokyo and nearby cities—from gorgeous skylines and jaw-dropping nature to hidden treasures. With this photo/guidebook, visitors can explore both the cutting-edge and traditional parts of the city like a local. The photographer and author introduces the beauty of the four seasons of Tokyo and surrounding cities that Japanese residents love. The collection showcases more than 100 beautiful images of Tokyo including Senso-ji, Roppongi Hills, Todoriki Valley, Mt. Takao, the Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, and more.

Tokyo Mindscapes: Where to Go, When to Go, What to See is visually stunning, but so much more. The images are wonderful, and give readers a great feel for the beauty that can be found in Tokyo. The text that describes to location of each offers readers information on the history, architecture, people, and more. None of the text blocks are huge, or overly wordy. They just give enough information to show readers why they would want to see it in person, and when might be the best time to do so. I enjoyed learning about the locations featured even though I have no big travel plans in my future. I love learning about places I have never been, and this book was a enjoyable opportunity to do so with Tokyo. 

Tokyo Mindscapes: Where to Go, When to Go, What to See is a wonderful book for those planning a trip, and those that would love to see the sights, but have no plans to do so in person (at least anytime soon).

Early Book Review: One Summer Weekend (Cedar Street) by Shannon Stacey

One Summer Weekend by Shannon Stacey is the first book in the Cedar Street series. It is currently scheduled for release on August 5 2019.

Noah Stafford loves his life—his happy, single life. So what if he made up a fake girlfriend to stop his boss’s matchmaking? He kept things close to the truth—Carly really does have long, sexy legs and a killer sense of humor. She just happens to be his best friend. His wicked awesome and completely platonic best friend. But now his boss is having a destination wedding, and Noah is expected to attend…with Carly, his girlfriend. Carly Randall has no interest in living out a rom-com plot. But Noah is her best friend, so she agrees to help. Still, once they arrive on Cape Cod, she can’t explain the sudden butterflies she feels when he looks at her that way. Or why she doesn’t mind when Noah’s hands stray a little south of her back. What happens on the Cape stays on the Cape. Except not really, not at all, and once their sexy faux-cation is over, Noah and Carly return to a reality where everything’s changed. Going for it would mean risking their friendship, but forgetting how good they were together just isn’t an option.

One Summer Weekend is a fun friend to lover novella that is sweet and enjoyable to read. Noah and Carly are best friends that share just about everything. Getting thrown together as a pretend couple instead of best friends shows bends and breaks the boundaries between them. I liked the banter between the two and how friends gave them just as much advise and ribbing as I would expect from close friends.The way they teased each other and valued their friendship was wonderful, and pulled me into the story.  I found Carly and Noah's fears to be very realistic, and I was rooting for them from the very beginning. EAch of their individual freak outs were well done and in character- and I loved seeing them figure it out and find their way to happy ever after. I greatly enjoyed the ride, and will continue picking up new books from the author.

One Summer Weekend is a perfect single sitting or relaxing by the pool read. It is fun, sweet, and has just a touch of heat. Fans of the author are certainly going to want to read it, and newcomers to Stacey's work might become serious fans after this read. 

Book Review: When We Became Humans: Our Incredible Evolutionary Journey by Michael Bright, Hannah Bailey

When We Became Humans: Our Incredible Evolutionary Journey, written by Michael Bright and illustrated by Hannah Bailey, is a children's nonfiction book. This large-format book guides readers through the key aspects of the human story, from the anatomical changes that allowed us to walk upright and increased brain size in our ancestors, to the social, cultural, and economic developments of our more recent cousins and our own species. Along the way, focus spreads take a closer look at some of the key species in our history, from the ancient Australopithecus Afarensis, 'Lucy', to our recent cousins the Neanderthals and ourselves, Homo sapiens.Looking beyond the anatomical evolution of humans, this book explores how our culture and way of living has evolved, from how trails of cowry shells reveal early trade between tribes, to how and why humans first domesticated dogs, horses, and farm animals, and began settling in permanent villages and cities. Through digestible information and absorbing illustration, young readers will be given an insight into their own origins, and what it really means to be a human.

When We Became Humans does a wonderful job of explaining and illustrating important anthropological and archaeological terms to readers. The information about the evolution of man is well chronicled here- with just about every aspect of out past and present understanding of it well covered. I found the text to be clear and well written, and the illustrations do a good job of adding detail and capturing the interest and imagination of readers. I thought I had a good understanding of the topic, but found this book to be extremely informative and accessible. I think that this is a book that readers will enjoy looking at on their own, and in an educational context. I really liked the included charts and text about science fiction or fact, and the thoughts about the future. It was well done all around. 

When We Became Humans is a well organized and researched book that will appeal to interested readers and those reading for projects and classroom enrichment alike. 

Early Book Review: A Drop of Magic (The Magicsmith) by L.R. Braden

A Drop of Magic is the first book in The Magicsmith series by L.R. Braden. It is currently scheduled for release on July 31 2019. With the world clinging to a fragile peace forced on the Fae by humanity after the Faerie Wars, metalsmith Alex Blackwood is plunged into the world of the half-fae who traffick in illegal magical artifacts. Her best friend’s murder and his cryptic last message place her in the crosshairs of a scheme to reignite the decade-old war between humans and fae. Worse, violent attacks against her and the arrival of a fae knight on a mission force Alex to face a devastating revelation of who and what she is. To catch a killer, retrieve a dangerous artifact, and stop a war, Alex will have to accept that she’s an unregistered fae “halfer” with a unique magical talent—a talent that would change everything she believes about her past, her art, and her future. Her world is crumbling around her, and Alex will have to decide who to trust if she and the world are going to survive.

A Drop of Magic starts with the basics needed for a complex urban fantasy world and a strong main character. Alex has been through a lot, and tries to do her bet in her art and day job while still trying to keep a safe emotional distance from her friends and acquaintances. Everything is turned upside down when her good friend is killed and her own identity is brought into question. I like that she struggles a little with the chaos that begins to surround her- but still manages  to keep moving forward and trying to solve the mystery. The murders and missing items of the story were very well written, and I thought the danger and sleuthing for the characters and readers alike hit a good balance, and I am glad to say that the conclusion was not on my radar, and I was a little surprised. I enjoyed learning about the characters closest to Alex, and really like that there were multiple possibilities for romantic interest the story never made that leap. I hate when all the world and character building gets pushed aside for a romance- even though I love a good love story.  I have a feeling that romance is coming, but I was gla to get a solid understanding of Alex and her world beforehand.  Some of the twists I saw coming, while others managed to sneak up on me and take me by surprise. I liked that the story did have a solid, satisfying conclusion but left plenty of room for more revelations and twists in future complications. I also enjoyed the collection of fae and shifters that made their appearance, and cannot wait to see what else pops up in the future.

A Drop of Magic is a good start to an urban fantasy series. I think I will be continuing this one to see where it goes. 

Early Book Review: A Royal Guide to Monster Slaying by Kelley Armstrong

A Royal Guide to Monster Slaying by Kelley Armstrong is the first book in a new middle grade to young adult fantasy series. It is currently scheduled for release on August 6 2019.

Twelve-year-old Rowan is destined to be Queen; her twin brother, Rhydd, to be Royal Monster Hunter. Rowan would give anything to switch places, but the oldest child is always next in line, even if she is only older by two minutes. She resigns herself to admiring her monster hunting aunt's glorious sword and joining her queen mother for boring diplomatic teas. But tragedy shatters the longstanding rule, and Rowan finds herself hunting the most dangerous monster of all: a gryphon. Accompanied by a feisty baby jackalope and a giant wolf that barely tolerates her, Rowan sets off on a journey that will see her join other unlikely allies: a boy with monster-hunting ambitions of his own, and a girl hiding dangerous motives. It will take all of Rowan's skills, both physical and diplomatic, to keep this adventure on track. The future of her kingdom depends on it.

A Royal Guide to Monster Slaying might be the tradition hero's quest, but the quirky characters and humor kept it from feeling like it. Rowan is impulsive and stubborn, but she also has a good understanding of her skills and her faults. I like that she learned from her missteps, and even when she knows a choice might not be the smartest, she tries to stick with what she thinks is right. Her brother, mother, and extended crew of family and friends all seem to be cut from the same cloth, looking to do the right thing and protect others as best they can even when things are looking bad for them personally. I liked the introduction and development of the secondary characters that are clearly going to be important as the story continues, although I am already starting to dread the almost inevitable romance that I fear will come in future installments. I love a great romance, but I feel like too often love or crushes are tossed into adventure and fantasy stories as one more problem for characters to deal with rather than just having a solid friendship without romantic implications. It can and should happen in real life, so it would be nice to see it happen more often in stories as well. I did enjoy the story, and thought there were some great moments of humor and inventiveness I was kind of hoping for a little more. I have greatly enjoyed Armstrong's work in the past and I think I was expecting to be blown away but I just was not.

A Royal Guide to Monster Slaying is a good story of a strong girl taking control of her future and doing everything she can to help other people (and creatures) along the way.