Early Book Review with Quiz, Excerpt, and Giveaway: Fairy Tale Reform School: Flunked by Jen Calonita

Fairy Tale Reform School: Flunked by Jen Calonita is the first book in a new young adult series. It is currently scheduled for release on March 3 2015.  The series starts with the premise that Cinderella's wicked stepmother, Flora, has founded the Fairy Tale Reform School with the mission of turning the wicked or criminally mischievous into upstanding members of Enchantasia. Gilly might only be 12, but she has a history of petty theft and she's not too sorry about it because she steals to help support and feed her family. When she lifts a hair clip, she gets tossed in reform school-for at least three months. Fellow students Jax and Kayla help her learn that there is more to this school than its advertised mission. There's a battle brewing and she starts to wonder: can a villain really change?

Fairy Tale Reform School: Flunked is a solid begin to a series that has promise. There are strong characters and many possible follow up story lines to keep people reading. Gilly is a thief with a good heart. She steal to put food on her family's table, and while she resents the wealthy for the way their choices have affected her family, she is not malicious.  When she enters the reform school is expecting the worst, but finds friends and some good intentions as well. Of course there is also a mean girl, because what school related novel can be without one? There is danger, mystery, and many layers of action to keep readers guessing. While some of the twists were not incredibly surprising, it was a fun and entertaining ride. The ending left me satisfied with a conclusion, but it also left enough room and interest for me to be curious enough to be on the lookout for the next book. 

Fairy Tale Reform School: Flunked was a solid middle grade to young adult book. There are many adults that will enjoy the book as well. Anyone that likes books with a hint of magic, twists on characters you think you know from fairy tales and nursery rhymes, and coming of ages stories will find something to interest them here. There is character growth and some fun adventure as well as moments of drama, mystery, and suspense. I look forward to seeing where this series will go from here.

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Jen Calonita is the author of the Secrets of My Hollywood Life series and other books like Sleepaway Girls and Summer State of Mind, but Fairy Tale Reform School is her first middle grade series. She rules Long Island, New York with husband Mike, princes Tyler and Dylan, and Chihuahua Captain Jack Sparrow, but the only castle she’d ever want to live in is Cinderella’s at Disney World. She’d love for you to drop her a line at jencalonitaonline.com or keep the fairy tale going at http://books.sourcebooks.com/enchantasia/

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Excerpt from Flunked: Fairy Tale Reform School-

There’s a boy up there, standing on the crystal chandelier! He has slightly curly blond hair and is wearing a uniform—­a navy sweater vest over a white shirt with khaki pants—­but his boots are muddy. He’s stepping on priceless crystals with cruddy boots? Is he insane?

“Jax! What are you doing up there?” Kayla whispers heatedly.

“I’m cleaning the crystal for Flora,” Jax says and rolls his eyes. “What does it look like I’m doing? I’m making

a break for it.”

Kayla applauds. “Yay! This time I know you can do it.”

I shade my eyes from the light bursting through the stained-­glass window next to the chandelier Jax is perched on. “Busting out? Why?” I ask Kayla. “I thought you said this place was cool.”

Jax laughs loudly and looks at me. I feel slightly stunned. I’ve never seen violet eyes before. “FTRS was fun for a while, but strange things have started happening and I don’t want to be here when something bad goes down.”

Strange things? What kind of strange things? Why does Kayla suddenly look pale?

“He’s exaggerating,” Kayla tells me, but she doesn’t sound convincing.

Drip. Whatever Jax is holding is leaking. Kayla and I move out of the way so we don’t get wet. “Grease,” Jax explains to me. “It lubes the window.” He swings the chandelier, and as it nears the window, he uses a fork to try to pry the window open. “A few more tries and I’ll have it.”

“Then what are you going to do, genius?” I ask. “You’re two stories up.”

Jax’s eyes gleam. “I’ve jumped from higher spots before.”

“It’s true,” Kayla says to me. “Jax once jumped from the gym to the dining hall turret. That was three stories up. We call him the Escape Artist. One time he even managed to break into Azalea and Dahlia’s rooms and borrowed their keys to the indoor pool so the whole dorm could take a midnight swim.”

“Impressive,” I tell him. “And I thought I was good at tricking obnoxious royals.”

“She stole a dragon’s tooth clip from one this morning,” Kayla fills him in.

“Nice,” Jax says. “Your first pull?”

“No, I’ve been doing it for a while,” I brag.

“Me too,” Jax says. “My father is a farmer. You can only get so far trading vegetables. I needed to kick things up a notch.”

For some reason, I don’t think any of us are going to make the transformation Headmistress Flora is looking for. “Why do you want to break out so bad?”

“I’ve got places to see, and Enchantasia isn’t one of them.” Jax swings the chandelier so hard the crystals clang together. The window latch pops open, and I watch Jax leap from the chandelier to the tiny window ledge. I’m in awe. Jax looks down at us smugly before pushing open the window. “Are you sure you two don’t want to join me?”

“There’s no time for us,” Kayla says. “Get out of here. Wait!” Her eyes widen. “You deactivated the alarm on the window, right?”

“There isn’t one,” Jax insists. “If there was, I wouldn’t be able to do this.” But when Jax lifts the window, we hear:

EEEEEE! EEEE! EEEE! Unauthorized exit! Unauthorized exit!

The shrieking sound is so intense that Kayla and I cover our ears. Within seconds, Flora is out of her office and running toward us.

Swoosh!

I feel something brush past me and I whirl around. When I look up at Jax again, a large, muscular man with a long mane of hair is hanging on to the window ledge, his furry hands pulling Jax back by his shirt. How did the man get up there without a ladder?

“Mr. Jax,” the man says in a low growl, “we really must stop meeting like this.”

Fairy Tale Reform School Quiz Link: Fairy Tale Reform School Quiz

If you get sentenced to Fairy Tale Reform School, it will help to have an ally. Take the quiz and find out who your mentor would be.

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Early Book Review: Cursed by Fire by Jacquelyn Frank

Cursed by Fire is the first book in the Immortal Brothers series by Jacquelyn Frank. It is currently scheduled for release on February 24 2015.  Dethan has been facing a punishment by fire for two hundred years, trapped in a fiery inferno for defying the gods and snatching the power of immortality only to heal and suffer the agony again. He has lost all hope, until the Goddess of Conflict appears. She releases him from his shackles as long as he promises to use his power and strength as a warrior to raise an army and defeat a fierce enemy faction of gods. Free with a nightly return to fire and flames Dethan sets out to fulfill his promise. Betrothed to a cruel, calculating powermonger, Selinda needs a champion. Dethan enters into another bargain in order to win a city and slack his desires. If Selinda will share herself with him, Dethan will save her city from destructive forces within and without. As the lovers ignite a searing passion, Dethan will risk all, even the wrath of the Goddess of Conflict, for a chance to make Selinda his forever.

Cursed by Fire is a good start to another powerful series from Frank. As usual, her mythology is strong and unique and her characters are strong despite (or because of) the troubles they face. Bethan’s troubles are fairly obvious, walking into a world and facing it down with nothing after spending two hundred years burning and healing in a seemingly endless cycle makes for a hard day. However, he is smart and cunning, and quickly has the late of the land. Selinda suffers the hardship only women seem to face. Her intelligence is ignored and she is set to marry an abusive and controlling man because it is best for her. Of course, nothing is that cut and dry, but it gives you a good feel for the world. I really liked Dethan, he is smart and powerful in the right way, looking to protect those with less strength or power than himself. A hero always gets extra points for respecting a woman’s mind and will rather than just pushing for her to agree with him. His faith in Selinda, even when she lacks faith in herself, was great. I did think that the wrap up was a little too- ‘oh we have to get this done and set up the next book’ rather than feeling natural. However, it worked with the larger story arc even if it did not wow me.

I would recommend Cursed by Fire to all fans of Frank. I fully admit to loving most of what I have read from Frank, but I seem to lose track of her series. I start offering each on strong, then as the series progress become less proactive in finding the next book. Perhaps I am just too interested in what is coming next to actually complete a series. 

Giveaway and Book Review: Full Throttle by Julie Ann Walker

Read to the end of the review to enter a giveaway for a paperback ARC of this book.

Full Throttle is the seventh book in the Black Knights Inc series by Julie Ann Walker. Like the other books in this series, there is an underlying story arch, but each book can also stand on its own. Abby Thompson didn’t sign up to be the daughter of the President of the United States. Preferring a quiet life, she’s content to leave the politics and the international intrigue to her father. However, she did not put others in danger everywhere she went. Carlos “Steady” Soto has taken part in his fair share of dangerous missions. But when he’s tasked with protecting the only woman he ever loved he faces tough decisions on several fronts. This are made harder for both when Abby is kidnapped by a group of trained terrorists. While ruthless enemies stalk them, they must learn to trust each other again. Even if they do make it out alive, will Abby turn her back on him again?

Full Throttle is on par with the rest of the series, so if you have read any of the other Black Knights books you will like this as well. I like that Abby and Carlos had a solid back story, not that you would know from the original book description. Also, for those that have been following the series there are small strides in the larger story arch, but that does not interfere or distract from the story of this particular story keeping is a satisfying read to those that have not read the earlier books. I liked Abby's character, while she is sweet she also has a backbone of steel and is very smart. Carlos is also very smart and strong willed, but they compliment each other nicely rather than clashing. I was disappointed that despite their combined smarts there were a few too stupid to live sexy moments, this holds true with a pair of side characters too. These are smart, and in most cases highly trained, individuals should be able to think a bit more with their heads than whats in their pants.

Full Throttle is a entertaining romance with suspense and some solid action. It was a good read, but moments of shaking my head at the character's choices kept it from being great. I liked the characters, and find myself interested to see where the possible romance between a pair of secondary characters goes in a future book. I am sticking with the series for the entertaining reads, but hope that the next book has characters able to think through their libidos a bit better. 

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Book Review: Waistcoats & Weaponry by Gail Carriger

Waistcoats & Weaponry by Gail Carriger is the third book in the Finishing School series. I would recommend starting at the beginning of the series, as there is a growing storyline that requires the build up to fully enjoy the character interaction. Sophronia continues her second year at finishing school in style and with a steel-bladed fan secreted in the folds of her ball gown. Such a fashionable choice of weapon comes in handy when Sophronia, her best friend Dimity, sweet sootie Soap, and the charming Lord Felix Mersey stowaway on a train to return their classmate Sidheag to her werewolf pack in Scotland. No one suspected what--or who--they would find aboard that suspiciously empty train. Sophronia uncovers a plot that threatens to throw all of London into chaos and she must decide where her loyalties lie, once and for all. 

Waistcoats & Weaponry has the action and character development that I have come to expect from this series. There are twists and turns to the tale, and some surprises along the way. I liked the discoveries of strengths and weaknesses in their group, and their opponents. Sophronia continues to be a fun heroine, and is working hard to discover what she wants from life in the long run, and just what is going on in the world around them. Tension between Sophronia, Soap, and Felix is ramping up, and decisions need to be made. While I liked the high action and drama, I felt like the series has lost a little momentum and that this book is just the filler to string us all along to read the fourth book in the series. Although, I must admit that it does do that job admirably and I am now chomping at the bit for Manners & Mutiny, which should be released in November of 2015.  

If you have enjoyed the Finishing School series thus far then you need to read Waistcoats & Weaponry. I do not this it continues with the same quality of the two previous books, but it does hold some necessary story lines, sub plots, and precursors to the expected conclusion of the series. 

Early Book Review: Bug on a Bike by Chris Monroe

Bug on a Bike by Chris Monroe is a picturebook currently scheduled for release on October 1 2014. This book follows a bug leading everyone he meets on a long trip. As he rides his bike on friends ask if they are there yet, but the bug does not answer. When the bug finally reaches his destination, with everyone from the athletic pickle to a surprisingly agile nickel along for the ride, everyone is happily surprised. 

Bug on a Bike is a cute story of friendship and exploration. I loved that the bug leads his friends on a merry ride through the country side with the goal of giving them (and himself) a happy surprise. The illustrations are cute and cartoony, with bright colors that will catch the eye. There are rhymes and silly details on each page, some of which you might miss on the first read. While I do not want my kids randomly following anyone off into the distance with no idea where they are going, I think the story is still cute and worth a look. 

Book Review: Claude on the Slopes by Alex T. Smith

Claude on the Slopes by Alex T. Smith is a cute picturebook. It will be available as a hardcover on October 1 2014.  Claude is a dog that is far from ordinary and spends each day after his owners leave pursuing adventure. In this book Claude and his best friend Sir Bobblysock go to the Snowy Mountain and learn to sled, ski, and more.

Claude on the Slopes is a fun book. Cluade is a dog on a mission, to have new adventures. He is sweet and sometimes a bit simple, but never comes off as a bumbling fool. Sir Bobblysock is a sock yes, but he is somehow also the more practical of the two characters. Claude learns about sledding, skiing, snowman building, snowball fights, the dangers of avalanche, and the methods to help those buried after one. The illustrations are great, adding some color and aditional humor to the tale.

Young readers that are fans of picturebooks featuring world discovery by an innocent main character that gets to do this they cannot, like Curious George, will enjoy Claude on the Slopes and the previous book in the series Claude at the Beach. While I enjoyed reading the book I do not think it broke new ground and did not leave me looking for more, but I am certainly glad that I met Claude and Sire Bobblysock!

Early Book Review: Dino-Boarding by Lisa Wheeler and Barry Gott

Dino-Boarding by Lisa Wheeler and Barry Gott is the latest in a series of picturebooks about dinosaurs performing sports, and is currently scheduled for release on September 1 2014. Team Green Machine battles the Shredding Crew in a dino-boarding competition. Allo and Diplo thrill the surfing crowd, while Compy comes up short on a short board. Next, Iguano, Raptor, and the Ptero Twins fly high on skateboards. And who will win the snowboarding half-pipe? Tricera and T-Rex each think they'll take home the prize. Let's hope the dinos remembered their helmets since these tricks might get gnarly!

Dino-Boarding is the newest book in the popular series featuring dinosaurs competing in a variety of sports. This book focuses on surfing, skateboarding, and snowboarding. The cartoonish dinos wear their helmets and compete hard, playing fairly to win. The pages are colorful and bright, catching young readers eye. There are many details in the illustrations, so the book can withstand multiple reads.

I would recommend Dino-Boarding to young readers that love dinosaurs and or sports. The illustrations are bright and a bit stylized, and will appeal to many young readers.

Early Book Review and Giveaways: The Laird by Grace Burrowes

The Laird by Grace Burrowes is the third book in the Captive Hearts series. This historical romance is currently scheduled for release on September 2 2014. While reading the previous books can give you some great insight into a few of the characters, each book in this series can also stand on its own. After years at war Michael Brodie returns to his Highland estate to find that the bride he left behind has become a stranger. Brenna is self-sufficient, competent, confident-and furious about Michael's prolonged absence. Brenna is also hurt, bewildered, and tired of fighting for the respect of those around her. Michael left her when she needed him most, and then stayed away even after the war ended. Nonetheless, the young man who abandoned her has come home a wiser, more patient and honorable husband. But, if she trusts Michael with the truths she's been guarding, he'll have to choose between his wife and everything else he holds dear.

If you have read my previous two reviews of books in this series, The Captive and The Traitor, then you know that I enjoyed The Captive and liked The Traitor even more. Well the trend has continued. I had trouble putting The Laird down on several occasions when I relly needed to do important things like get my kids to camp in the morning or myself to work in the morning or to bed at night.  Michael is a compelling character, and has had me curious through the previous books. He is strong minded and determined, but bares some scars and emotional baggage. He is loyal to a fault, and honest with himself and others. A great hero on several levels, including some inner scars and flaws you do not fully understand until the very end. Brenna is my favorite heroine in the series. She has overcome huge obstacles and still does her best to help everyone regardless of how they feel about her. She is resilient, and honest to herself. The pacing of their romance is just wonderful, no assumption of affection, rather a true romance including wooing. 

I would recommend The Laird to everyone that enjoys historical romance and main characters that come into the story with emotional scars. Readers that have enjoyed other books by Burrowes should label this a must read. It has a true love story and multiple subplots running that all come together beautifully.  

Now for the giveaways! First, the official giveaway from Grace Burrowes and her publisher:

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And for a second chance to win, I also happen to have a full set of paperback galleys of this series at home. Would you like a chance to win them? Well, then enter this giveaway too:

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Book Review: The Traitor by Grace Burrowes

The Traitor is the second book in the Captive Hearts series by Grace Burrowes. This historical romance is part of a series, which gives you details about some of the characters in previous books, but it is not necessary to read the books as a series. Each has the power to stand on its own.  Abandoned in France since boyhood, despite being heir to an English barony, Sebastian St. Clair might be the heir to an English barony, but after a childhood in France he was forced to make very difficult choices to survive a tour of duty in the French Army. He returns to England and a beloved aunt with the hope of living a quiet life, but old enemies insist on challenging him on the field of honor, one after another. Millicent Danforth desperately needs her position as companion to the Traitor Baron's aunt to escape a less than pleasant family situation. She comes to learn that Sebastian must continually fight a war long over. As Sebastian and Milly explore their growing passion, they uncover a plot that could cost Sebastian his life and his honor.

I almost wish I had not read The Captive before reading The Traitor. Why? Well because I was not sure that I could like a hero that did what he had done to survive in the French army, the choices that he made to protect himself, his family, his friend, and his countrymen even though they were on opposite sides of a deadly war. I came to the book with preconceived notions of a few characters.  However, it did not take me long to feel sympathy and even respect for St. Clair. He turned out to be a wounded, but honorable, hero. Milly had her own troubles and challenges, dealing with the almost expected overbearing family that cares more about what she could do for them than what she might need never mind want. The only fault I could find with Milly is that she trusted a little to easily, but she seemed to chose the right people to trust so I should just grant her the characteristic of being a good judge of character. I really liked the development of the relationship between Milly and St. Clair. The slow but steady pacing of that combined with the underlying plot to get St. Clair killed and the complicated relationships between some of the characters kept me reading eagerly. I the end I enjoyed The Traitor more than The Captive despite my initial concerns. 

I recommend The Traitor to readers that enjoy Burrowes' work, those that like historical romance, and those that enjoy books that have intrigue and subplots. If you like The Captive, or found it left you a wee but underwhelmed, do not give up on the series! This book is even better, and the couple chapters that I have read in The Laird (the third book in the series) promise to continue the trend.

Heads up, I will be posting a giveaway for the complete series as soon as I have my review of The Laird written. There is also an official giveaway, which you can enter as well. I will post them both very soon!

Book Review: Noble Intentions by Katie MacAlister

Noble Intentions is the first book in the Noble series by Katie MacAlister. Noble Britton, Lord Weston, has come to London intending to revisit old friends, enjoy a modicum of society, and find a mild, biddable wife. Gillian Leigh's Unfortunate Habit of speaking her mind and Shocking Susceptibility to Accidents have left her on the shelf at five-and-twenty but intrigues Noble. When Gillian meets the infamous Black Earl, she knows that she's found a man who can match her zest for life; even if that entails the occasional arson, possibly kidnapping, or encounters with his former mistresses. Life with Gillian involves chaos and laughter but Noble intends to claim her for his own, that is if she doesn't accidentally kill him first.

Noble Intentions might be the first book in this series, but I read it third. I read The Trouble with Harry ages ago and just re-read it along with Noble Destiny. Each of the books can stand on its own, but they also connect in fun ways because of the connected group of people. As a long standing fan of MacAlister I knew that I would find quirky characters, humor, and some fun is this historical romance, and I was not let down. Gillian is a fun but strong character with an unfortunate habit of speaking her thoughts, particularly ones that she means to keep to herself. Noble is a widower with a young son that is looking for a stable, predicable life. Gillian is anything but predictable, and he struggles to change that, urging thought and respectability above all else. That just will not work for Gillian, who quickly takes to motherhood and marriage but is not so good at living the respectable life. It is occasionally odd to have Gillian's habit of speaking her private thoughts refereed to as 'Unfortunate Habit", but the entertainment factor overcomes all of that and quickly.

I highly recommend Noble Intentions to all MacAlister fans, fans of historical fiction, and romance with humor woven throughout. There are misunderstandings, but not because of the main players not talking to each other, but because of how much they care. That makes for a fun and entertaining weekend or even single day reads.

Do not forget to enter my giveaway for the full series!

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Early Book Review: The Fourteenth Goldfish by Jennifer Holm

The Fourteenth Goldfish is a middle grade novel by Jennifer Holm which is currently scheduled for release in August 26 2014.  Eleven-year-old Ellie has never liked change. She misses fifth grade, her best friend, and even her dearly departed goldfish. Then one day a strange boy shows up; he is bossy, cranky, and looks an awful lot like her scientist grandfather. Could this pimply boy really be Grandpa Melvin? Has he finally found the secret to eternal youth?

The Fourteenth Goldfish is a story that is fun, but still covers some big ideas. Ellie is a smart girl with an artistic mother that wants her to find her passion. Middle school is hard, especially when your best friend has found her passion, and it is nothing you have interested in. When Melvin comes on the scene, dressed in his grandfather clothes while looking like a 13 year old boy, Ellie discovers a lot about science, who she is, and what she loves. The characters are all realistic, and just interesting to read about as they all come to learn more about themselves and the cycle of life. A coming of age tale about finding yourself well and truly woven together with a story about both the wonders and dangers of science.

I enjoyed the The Fourteenth Goldfish, and think that most readers will enjoy it as well. those facing changes in life, such as entering middle school, growing apart from a good friend, or a change in family dynamic will find the book particularly relate-able. Holms comes through again with a great book.

Giveaway for Katie MacAlister's Noble Series

Did you see my review for The Truth about Leo by Katie MacAlister yesterday? Did it sound interesting but you have not read the previous books in the series? Well... I am here to help you out! My review of the second book in the series, Noble Destiny, can be found here. My reviews for the remaining two books are scheduled and coming soon.


I just happen to have galley copies of each of the for books in the series on my desk. I would love to pass those on to a fellow readers. Do you want the set?? Well, all you have to do is use the nifty Rafflecopter form that follows to enter. Keep in mind that there is a free entry that you can use daily! 

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The giveaway will last for one week. I will contact the winner for mailing information and then get those books in the mail. If the winner does not respond to my email within two days, another winner will be chosen.

Book Review: The Truth about Leo by Katie MacAlister

The Truth about Leo is the forth book in the Noble series by Katie MacAlister, which is set for release today, August 5 2014. Dagmar Marie Sophie is a poverty-stricken Danish princess whose annoying royal cousin is about to have her stuffed away in a convent. When she finds a wounded man unconscious in her garden, she sees a way out of her desperate situation. Leopold Ernst George Mortimer, seventh earl of March, and spy in the service of the king, finds himself on the wrong end of a saber and left for dead. He wakes up not remembering what happened and in the care of a beautiful woman who says she is his wife. Once they get to London Leo sets out to unravel what he's forgotten, with the help of his old friends the eccentric Britton family. Is Dagmar truly the wonderful, irrepressible woman who makes his heart sing, or will she be his destruction?

The Truth About Leo rounds of the Noble series nicely. Dagmar is a nice mix of innocent, smart, and sweet. She trusts a little too easily, but stands up extremely well under pressure and stands up for herself and those she feels are in the right with no hesitation.  Her enthusiasm about just about everything is infectious. Leo is a little slower to trust, but when you have worked as a spy that seems to be a good idea. He seems to be intuitive and fair minded, with a honorable streak a mile wide. The pair make a great match, even with their unusual beginnings. Quirky characters, humor, and some very exciting moments come together just as we expect from MacAlister. I will say that I did see through the mystery or twist woven through the story pretty quickly, but just what the characters go through to get to their conclusions is always interesting. 

I would highly recommend The Truth about Leo to everyone that enjoys historical romance and the signature blend of humor and love found in just about every book from MacAlister. Oh, just read it... and the entire series,. It is a fun story that will make you smile as you turn the pages to see just what might happen next.

Early Book Review: Julia's House for Lost Creatures by Ben Hatke

Julia's House for Lost Creatures by is the first picturebook by Ben Hatke, author of graphic novel Zita the Spacegirl, and is currently scheduled for release on September 2 2014. When Julia and her walking house come to town, she likes everything about her new neighborhood. Everything but how quiet it is! So Julia puts a sign up: “Julia’s House for Lost Creatures.” Soon Julia and her home as hosting goblins, mermaids, fairies, and even a dragon. Quiet is not a problem anymore for Julia,but getting her housemates to behave themselves is!

Julia's House for Lost Creatures is a delightful picturebook with highly detailed watercolors. I loved that Julia is laying down in bed and just cannot rest because it is too quiet. I have that trouble sometimes myself. so, she puts up a sigh declaring a welcome to lost and homeless creatures. Before long she has a very full house, and very little help. she is feeding and cleaning up after everyone. She comes up with a brilliant idea of a chore list, making use of each creature's unique talents, and soon everything is set to rights again. the variety of creatures that show up on Julia's door, and their behavior makes for a charming and entertaining tale.

I would highly recommend Julia's House for Lost Creatures for library, school, and home collection. This is not just because I am rapidly becoming a fan of Hatke's work, but because this book works on several levels. it is a book that is simply great fun, but it can also be used to discuss how we should act as guests, the importance of pitching in, and the importance of being willing to help others. I think it would be a wonderful addition to every collection that includes picturebooks.

Book Review: Riding Home by Vicki Lewis Thompson

Riding Home is the sixteenth book in the Sons of Chance series by Vicki Lewis Thompson. This contemporary romance is currently schedule for release as an ebook on  August 1, 2014, it was available as a paperback as July 15, 2014. Jeannette Trenton's name is well known in the small town of Jackson Hole, and on Last Chance Ranch in particular. She is the woman that was engaged to one of their beloved citizens, only to cheat on him with his best friend. Now she has come back to atone for her past actions, and to mend fences with the two men that were once good friends and are now finding their own happy ever after. Zach Powell knows Jeannette's type; a wound-up-tight perfectionist with one eye on her email at all times, because he used to be the same way. . He thinks that she needs to shake it loose, face her imperfections, and allow herself to make mistakes. The only thing no one can mistake it the heat that seems to connect them.

I am a fan of Vicki Lewis Thompson, so when Riding Home popped up on NetGalley I had to read it even though I have not read the previous books in the series. Thankfully this is a series because of the connected people rather than a larger story arch so I do not feel like I was missing out on parts of the story without having read the other books. Jeannette was a good character, she is owning up to her mistakes and trying to make things right. She is aware of her problems and making efforts to fix them. Zach has made some changes too, but is not quite sure if he needs to make more. Both are stubborn, smart, and very attracted to the other. I liked the dynamic between them, and there was some humor and hot scenes a plenty. Each of them irked me at some point because of their stubbornness, but I still enjoyed the read. I think it was Thompson's writing style and combination of humor and steam that carried the book for me.

I would recommend Riding Home to those that have read the first two books in the Sons of Chance series. Thompson fans that have somehow missed this series, like myself, should definitely give it a look. If contemporary cowboys or character growth are what you look for in a romance, then this is a book for you.

Book Review:Crimson Heart by Heather McCollum

Crimson Heart is the third book in the historical romance Highland Hearts series by Heather McCollum. Elena has spent her entire life hiding, walking a thin line between lady and servant and hiding her royal blood. Now, a fiercely Catholic queen on the throne and Elena's Protestant caretaker is a target and she is at risk. Searc Munro is a highland warrior with a secret of his own. In a family of healers his ability to kill with a touch has been his secret for years, but when he reveals it to save his father he can feel his clan's suspicious glances. He sets off alone, only to  save a lass being attacked in the forest. together the pair seek refuge only to stumble onto a series of ritualistic murders, suspicion, and court intrigue.

Crimson Heart is a book that started off wonderfully. Elena is a smart, strong, and capable woman that somehow gets herself into some tricky situations. she is so used to hiding her lineage hat she has trouble fully trusting anyone, and holds onto her secret for as long as possible. Searcis a compassionate yet powerful alpha male that feels his version of the family magic might be evil.  The growth of their friendship, attraction, and most importantly trust is well done and does not feel rushed. The addition of the court intrigue was perfect, making things build and move along faster without make the reader feel like things were unnaturally forced ahead. My only issue is that in one scene the situation, which should have been a grand dramatic moment, I felt like I had read that exact situation before. In fact, it felt so familiar that I went back and made sure I had not read the book before, or something from this series before, to account for it. Perhaps it was just me.

I think that readers that enjoy historical romance, particularly with a slight twist of magic or political intrigue, will really enjoy Crimson Heart. Readers that have read other books from Heather McCollum will definitely want to pick it up.

Book Review: Dorothy's Derby Chronicles: Rise of the Undead Redhead by Meghan Dougherty and Alece Birnbach

Rise of the Undead Redhead is the first book in the Dorothy’s Derby Chronicles series by by Meghan Dougherty and Alece Birnbach. This children's series is about Dorothy Moore, who is dealing with the fact that their mother has left her and her younger sister Sam in the care of her hearse driving, pink haired, outgoing grandmother. She would love to just fade into the woodwork, but it is hard to do that as the new girl in a small town. Grandma Sally's changed to her sedate wardrobe and catching the eyes of the school mean girls do not bode well. But a group of allies and the chance to learn how to roller skate might be just what she needs.

Rise of the Undead Redhead is the wonderful start to a new series. Dorothy is a shy girl, and the exuberance of her grandmother makes her more than a little uncomfortable. I can completely relate to her desire to fade into the background, always having been less than outgoing myself. I could feel for and relate o Dorothy, and enjoy the quirkiness of her grandmother, and the carefree attitude and innocence of her sister Sam. I loved the friends she makes, Jade and Gigi, as they are fun and different in their own right. The building of the group of girls, and Dorothy's learning to trust in herself, made this book both fun and relate able. I cannot wait to see where this group of girls and their varied issues take me in the future.

I enjoyed Rise of the Undead Redhead and look forward to continuing the series, I think that any middle grade reader that has been the new kid, or simply felt like they just wanted to escape notice from the crowds, will really enjoy this book.