tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18283969795810215942024-03-27T16:52:58.353-07:00The Edholm's AdventuresOur life in the Kansas City KaleidoscopeJulieEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01608171901377698363noreply@blogger.comBlogger793125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1828396979581021594.post-58556839877558194032024-03-20T15:06:00.000-07:002024-03-20T15:06:21.489-07:00Greenwitch by Susan CooperOne of my qualifications for a good book is one that keeps on giving no matter how many times I read it. Greenwitch is the third book in the Dark is Rising series and I can't count how many times I've read it. I love the familiarity of the story, the good versus evil battle, the endearing characters, and the beauitful setting. Susan Cooper wrote it in 1974 and of the five books in the series, one won the Newbery Award and another was a runner up. It has the ring of old mythological tales even though they are all of Cooper's making. A wonderful read and dive into the Welsh countryside. <div><br /><div>Recommend: yes, of course</div><div><br /></div><div>Junior Fiction, fantasy, mythology, Wales, adventure</div></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiXTCrc8g5GCerDmPX-VtBwmWuTBISnAWlGtg5A8ipVzqccg-ywQsLPW_NMSLL4EIsiLQ9xzFOEYKdJ0c0k7ZUV3js8CfKGR0wkGywV-Iwh8JoelCavDSZA2ouDj3fxn45S0fDuPDKPNbkIn8AxauNEOJBEwmVNIrZS4IHgnlSe7F9ydobeTF4ZPagw2HI" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="921" data-original-width="566" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiXTCrc8g5GCerDmPX-VtBwmWuTBISnAWlGtg5A8ipVzqccg-ywQsLPW_NMSLL4EIsiLQ9xzFOEYKdJ0c0k7ZUV3js8CfKGR0wkGywV-Iwh8JoelCavDSZA2ouDj3fxn45S0fDuPDKPNbkIn8AxauNEOJBEwmVNIrZS4IHgnlSe7F9ydobeTF4ZPagw2HI=w123-h200" width="123" /></a></div><br /><br /></div>JulieEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01608171901377698363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1828396979581021594.post-80148078821712860712024-02-29T16:20:00.000-08:002024-02-29T16:20:51.486-08:00The House of the Scorpion by Nancy Farmer<p>There are some authors that never disappoint, Nancy Farmer is one of them for me. I first read her Sea of Trolls and enjoyed her writing style immensely. All of her books are so different and take place in a variety of places around the world. I started this one with just as much anticipation that it would be just as enjoyable as the others I've read and I was not disappointed. </p><p>In this future time in our world cloning happens, although it is illegal. The clones that survive are treated like cattle for various reasons and not considered human for there can only be one person on earth with a unique DNA. This story takes place between the border of the United States and Mexico in the land of Opium where that substance rules everyone. The drug lords are kings and others are mere pawns to do according to their wishes. Amid this back drop enters a young boy who will challenge this system while fighting for his own life at the same time. The characters in this book are rich with description and nuance and are multi-dimensional which is why I love Farmer's writings. The subject matter may seem dark and violent, but because it's written for the teen audience it doesn't get too intense. </p><p>Recommend: Definitely</p><p>Science Fiction, Mexico, Drugs, Teen Fiction.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg-m7PSt4dXYnkc9ED1m1i6u7qkU4iZg8X3VcanojpQXRvfwfcUGd4fOxib_Qu7RAIj9a1UeuNfVv9IS4w5dclteq4dyNMgLBGJUIAliqMpnkZeNRKqspPMRTsYmNkOFxcqJ-Fu-z7Q4F-Q0Nv-YQE-flPWyeetq2d4bfP90zn0IzGeYbGZUwuMAm9UUVo" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="267" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg-m7PSt4dXYnkc9ED1m1i6u7qkU4iZg8X3VcanojpQXRvfwfcUGd4fOxib_Qu7RAIj9a1UeuNfVv9IS4w5dclteq4dyNMgLBGJUIAliqMpnkZeNRKqspPMRTsYmNkOFxcqJ-Fu-z7Q4F-Q0Nv-YQE-flPWyeetq2d4bfP90zn0IzGeYbGZUwuMAm9UUVo=w133-h200" width="133" /></a></p><p><br /><br /></p>JulieEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01608171901377698363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1828396979581021594.post-39121407711312898652024-02-26T10:21:00.000-08:002024-02-26T10:21:39.278-08:00Dead Souls by Nikolai GogolMy son is a fan of Russian literature. I asked him for his favorite and he recommended this one to me. Gogol has been referred to as the Russian Charles Dickens and wrote this book in 1842. I started the book a number of times and had a hard time getting past the first chapter. I decided to listen to it instead during my walks each day. This was much more successful. The beauty of this story is in the language of the author and not necessarily in the plot or characters, although I became invested in both of those as time went on. The narrator has a wonderful rich voice and the Russian names rolled off his tongue beautifully. <div><br /></div><div>The premise of the story is not as macabre as the title suggests. This story takes place during the time of Russian serfdom. Owners of these serfs paid taxes on them even after they died. Our hero of the story, Paul Ivanovich Chichikov, decides that to increase his income he will buy the serfs who have passed on from their owners so they won't have to pay taxes on deceased individuals and thus make money off of these dead souls as he will not inform the government that they are actually dead. This, in a nutshell, is the beginning and end of the story. Yet the beauty of the story exists in the characterizations of the colorful characters you meet which becomes very satisfying. I found myself laughing outloud as I was walking, listening to some of the portrayals of the people Chichikov met and attempted to do business with. The descriptive language helped me see 19th century Russia in clear detail. <br /><div><br /></div><div>Recommend: yes, with the caveat that it's not for the casual reader of fluffy fiction, but well worth the extra effort. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEip7wvn2kzpi2wyihLU2fXrZIsxoDbz3uOf0ix2Gqi9TcMCdUm1O9ye9fcPui1-u5HzO0j8W0fFkPOgTL4pBf1ilo9mBWxRG6usxMw60TndUvPW9myIHZkN1YEiZ_paIc1B3l2ZEtYsVT_aZcuCympVwNqentX25UKDGx3qMDmjDFok5bJpKgNOwc6LBfU" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="644" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEip7wvn2kzpi2wyihLU2fXrZIsxoDbz3uOf0ix2Gqi9TcMCdUm1O9ye9fcPui1-u5HzO0j8W0fFkPOgTL4pBf1ilo9mBWxRG6usxMw60TndUvPW9myIHZkN1YEiZ_paIc1B3l2ZEtYsVT_aZcuCympVwNqentX25UKDGx3qMDmjDFok5bJpKgNOwc6LBfU=w129-h200" width="129" /></a></div><br /><br /></div></div>JulieEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01608171901377698363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1828396979581021594.post-88296565308276961342024-01-10T09:24:00.000-08:002024-01-10T09:24:14.794-08:00Somebody On This Bus Is Going To Be Famous! by J.B. Cheaney9 children, 9 different lives, 9 different problems, 9 different pasts and presents, 1 bus. I like this type of writing style where the story is told from different perspectives and slowly the story line is weaved together from each person's eyes. I thought it ended a bit clunky, but overall I enjoyed reading the story. The author does a good job of bringing each student to life and showing how we are all more connected that it seems. The author is a local Missourian and the story takes place in and around South and Central Missouri. <div><br /></div><div>Recommend: yes</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj2m_BJeFmd2U5l0bI7bBAUlSdMW3MJx_1l7UDgdRvm4cyX20FyxkUzRRnxOYV3PQa6erb1qMBcFvU9dm32QhORhx5XfUdWBdrbUgBBepes6EJNwTCiyv5Dd-j5X-qsDL_uS2eRUJ8LHNeItHvYK1WyBKA2Bs2AZw8p4vYTvwjxya8ixZeFj8hqB1leY-g" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="667" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj2m_BJeFmd2U5l0bI7bBAUlSdMW3MJx_1l7UDgdRvm4cyX20FyxkUzRRnxOYV3PQa6erb1qMBcFvU9dm32QhORhx5XfUdWBdrbUgBBepes6EJNwTCiyv5Dd-j5X-qsDL_uS2eRUJ8LHNeItHvYK1WyBKA2Bs2AZw8p4vYTvwjxya8ixZeFj8hqB1leY-g=w133-h200" width="133" /></a></div><br /><br /></div>JulieEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01608171901377698363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1828396979581021594.post-82507065754734811052024-01-04T17:37:00.000-08:002024-01-04T17:47:31.372-08:00The Sweetest Spell by Suzanne Selfors<p>This starts out in typical medieval fantasy fashion. Young girl grows up in extreme poverty, disaster strikes and she loses what little she had, nearly dies, is rescued, finds a new found talent and uses it to rescue her people. Even though it's not a fresh idea, the story is pleasant to read. Emmeline is the damsel in distress and Owen is her longed for love. And there is the typical ruthless bad guy (or bad queen in this case) who will stop at nothing to get what she wants. </p><p>It was an average fantasy story with romance weaved in. I enjoyed it while I was reading it, but probably won't pick it up again. </p><p>Recommend: Sure.</p><p>Young adult fiction, fantasy, magic, evil queen.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiZpRsWnxVzrvslpvehUnBf7ayoTrtqh7-xuMkrA9J04NsdpKPRTUnRqugS8lKOFbfjkKrRfyOh0N0yVy80iCe0XGFzFUd8rSI8HtSXGs-uhDEfUlWq7ry67GuJXApTNW09w0TJXWZ69Des1nGloJRXUnSWF6P2wGsn7pHzXztsUEuHzrl9-sMiftGiK80" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="768" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiZpRsWnxVzrvslpvehUnBf7ayoTrtqh7-xuMkrA9J04NsdpKPRTUnRqugS8lKOFbfjkKrRfyOh0N0yVy80iCe0XGFzFUd8rSI8HtSXGs-uhDEfUlWq7ry67GuJXApTNW09w0TJXWZ69Des1nGloJRXUnSWF6P2wGsn7pHzXztsUEuHzrl9-sMiftGiK80=w200-h200" width="200" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p><br /><br /></p>JulieEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01608171901377698363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1828396979581021594.post-75920207187069570982024-01-02T12:24:00.000-08:002024-01-02T12:24:48.484-08:00Books in 2023<p> As I looked back and counted up the books I've read in 2023 I was a bit surprised to see the low number of 27, with 6 of them rereads. Of the first time reads here are my top picks: </p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><i>Beauty Reborn</i> by Elizabeth Lowham</li><li><i>Eyes of the Forest</i> by April Henry</li><li><i>23 Minutes</i> by Vivian Vande Velde</li><li><i>The Alchemist</i> by Paulo Coelho</li></ul><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpPOerxLMEfXBoAiyiGJpEB0Cdakf8hI_ib900QRRDFS2wxFl0ZWmaOArzbevi60LKAkutwRifGqt5bdI0VPJ76X29geKtKetpbTvWoWdlXGvhT9-jwHO2daG2EDUM5hWWTVycBZB0HTLkAy94_uhLM17jOhOg07yMVg3oR8c2GBBSZyU9lFoKIK9JhwA/s630/beauty.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="429" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpPOerxLMEfXBoAiyiGJpEB0Cdakf8hI_ib900QRRDFS2wxFl0ZWmaOArzbevi60LKAkutwRifGqt5bdI0VPJ76X29geKtKetpbTvWoWdlXGvhT9-jwHO2daG2EDUM5hWWTVycBZB0HTLkAy94_uhLM17jOhOg07yMVg3oR8c2GBBSZyU9lFoKIK9JhwA/w136-h200/beauty.png" width="136" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP7oorROLn9mIvGvUeF7G8KNouXdFxXbuKcytiGELPvuRBQXG-Aq_qWBVk2vUbDmkpOvxBLzwk4rPKP1KQub1ye3xtKbQVjCNAsQf5QOR7ZfQ7Mq3NiLJo9cB8XKE3zNjmScfhJYZrWCAkwDLWvLxp0l5VHzTadHhuZs6WjT0Q7s-b8oo1dGPaNM6wfbw/s281/eyes.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="281" data-original-width="180" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP7oorROLn9mIvGvUeF7G8KNouXdFxXbuKcytiGELPvuRBQXG-Aq_qWBVk2vUbDmkpOvxBLzwk4rPKP1KQub1ye3xtKbQVjCNAsQf5QOR7ZfQ7Mq3NiLJo9cB8XKE3zNjmScfhJYZrWCAkwDLWvLxp0l5VHzTadHhuZs6WjT0Q7s-b8oo1dGPaNM6wfbw/w128-h200/eyes.png" width="128" /></a></div><br /><p></p><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJHQMtI5AKGLgcKwK-PjzfSwc6QSpG86j4Jo_IoODhm0UaddU-Z_X08Yx1je31IkfL-zYXiQYUnjUiACHIU6McYUBCjPaThqmDuttyI_RMjmtKdJUHhRTWs_uhYIr7n-AHN8aiMgzgxRNc3LT0OyfPnHo7nXaVlVg0t21s5t7MhbmTHCSUVRaRO4xaHzY/s648/23.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="648" data-original-width="422" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJHQMtI5AKGLgcKwK-PjzfSwc6QSpG86j4Jo_IoODhm0UaddU-Z_X08Yx1je31IkfL-zYXiQYUnjUiACHIU6McYUBCjPaThqmDuttyI_RMjmtKdJUHhRTWs_uhYIr7n-AHN8aiMgzgxRNc3LT0OyfPnHo7nXaVlVg0t21s5t7MhbmTHCSUVRaRO4xaHzY/w130-h200/23.png" width="130" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUh3gN4v_eEj1FkC06KfYJnsHpFGNy6HnLiS4jil4EW9eRM7oKty-RtYyMyXGszdkFiSH1Hc1e0JvminLeu79OZpjSXhBI-4mTNjiJutiq8rlE2ULVQwWQ-evRAagGNsHeDgVg8U6zQvxPaoNCcqgWyucNlCicwSn8agj3Be1YThGnJlujVglYn4vlo1o/s500/image.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="330" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUh3gN4v_eEj1FkC06KfYJnsHpFGNy6HnLiS4jil4EW9eRM7oKty-RtYyMyXGszdkFiSH1Hc1e0JvminLeu79OZpjSXhBI-4mTNjiJutiq8rlE2ULVQwWQ-evRAagGNsHeDgVg8U6zQvxPaoNCcqgWyucNlCicwSn8agj3Be1YThGnJlujVglYn4vlo1o/w132-h200/image.png" width="132" /></a></div><br />JulieEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01608171901377698363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1828396979581021594.post-1882500757200970732023-12-30T11:49:00.000-08:002024-01-04T17:46:09.023-08:00The Skull by Jon Klassen<p> Jon Klassen is an author/illustrator of children's picture books. His books are unexpected and surprising and just really good. In 2013 he won the Caldecott Medal as the author/illustrator of <i>This is Not My Hat</i> and in 2015 an Caldecott Honor as the illustrator of <i>Sam and Dave Dig a Hole</i> by Mac Barnett. </p><p>Over the holidays I was in a bookstore browsing with my son (an activity I need to do much more often) and saw this book by Klassen. I immediately picked it up added it to my "look for it at my public library list". This book is more of a chapter book format and not so much like a picture book. It is a very quick read, just 103 pages, with not a lot of text on each page. He took this from a Tyrolean Folktale. Tyrol is state in Austria, so it's essentially an Austrian tale. He put his own spin on it and includes in the Author's Note how his story differs from the original tale. </p><p>The story left me with lots of questions that I discussed with two of my boys as they read it as well. But I don't believe a good book should give you all the answers, just lead you to imagine and discuss the possibilities. </p><p>Recommend: yes please!</p><p>Children's fiction, illustrations, runaway girl, skeleton. </p><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh5rpJEV1rruSI0tLJbeNuKEzS_7hLfSTwUuo3Akn49AYK47GOeJvfC0BVfcnrepsghafiaAaIuJ3W9p4psmgOjyXBcssK4nF6rXZk__5-sS0P_8zKH7f7ZF4PJRUevf6oJCgCsoDs5_g7nhQB9FW4EONas0Wy_yFOGxctUOSJoypJkeX_D-xd2dcb6g0k" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="340" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh5rpJEV1rruSI0tLJbeNuKEzS_7hLfSTwUuo3Akn49AYK47GOeJvfC0BVfcnrepsghafiaAaIuJ3W9p4psmgOjyXBcssK4nF6rXZk__5-sS0P_8zKH7f7ZF4PJRUevf6oJCgCsoDs5_g7nhQB9FW4EONas0Wy_yFOGxctUOSJoypJkeX_D-xd2dcb6g0k=w151-h200" width="151" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p>JulieEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01608171901377698363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1828396979581021594.post-16950945292503450842023-12-25T13:43:00.000-08:002024-01-04T17:46:47.017-08:00A Hidden Magic by Vivian Vande Velde<p> Christmas morning as a child always had my father receiving a book and him reading and finishing the book on Christmas Day. Like father, like daughter. My sister gave me this book, which I have read in the distant past, and which I was all too happy to read again today. Vivian Vande Velde is a favorite of my fantasy authors. It's a quick read, but oh so enjoyable. </p><p>This story mixes bits of many fairy tales: Aladdin and the Magic Lamp, Sleeping Beauty, Jack and the Beanstalk, to name a few. Like all fairy tales it has a moral and a nice one at that. Don't judge a book (or a person) by it's cover. </p><p>Recommend: yes.</p><p>Children's fiction, fantasy, forest, magic. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgld5ZJ4wx51g1SizjP5qlC0lXKM-MxbkRqhn9UYjl4-1PB17Tk4E7vD0Ov_7Tn8N9uCEYRTlaF2EAmI6pkoyZkz-NEEdFwtDyXazgF9s5FcI-pPDK8afbxFUpvP4Dy6jmcaPUskO03kdjxZgeP3BJwLYw1TWYEdUnaw-qJK7NQm2faT0AXvNhPiyG1JVM" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="654" data-original-width="440" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgld5ZJ4wx51g1SizjP5qlC0lXKM-MxbkRqhn9UYjl4-1PB17Tk4E7vD0Ov_7Tn8N9uCEYRTlaF2EAmI6pkoyZkz-NEEdFwtDyXazgF9s5FcI-pPDK8afbxFUpvP4Dy6jmcaPUskO03kdjxZgeP3BJwLYw1TWYEdUnaw-qJK7NQm2faT0AXvNhPiyG1JVM=w134-h200" width="134" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p>JulieEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01608171901377698363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1828396979581021594.post-13410567523860624982023-10-25T11:53:00.003-07:002023-10-25T11:57:35.496-07:00The Menagerie by Tui T. Sutherland and Kari SutherlandI was motivated the other day to spend the morning cooking: bread, burrito filling, chicken breasts, etc. and I wanted to listen to something. As I scrolled through my Libby app I saw this title and was intrigued as one of the reviews said it was for fans of the series Fablehaven by Brandon Mull. Perfect, I thought, my time in the kitchen cooking will fly by as I listen. <div><br /></div><div>It is similar to Fablehaven in that it involves a secret place where magical and mythical animals are safely kept. And of course, there are those who want to expose them and who want to close down these safe havens. There are three young people who will do almost anything to keep them safe and adults who seem to not mind that they are often put in danger. Besides the basics in the plot line, that is where the similarity ends. <i>The Menagerie</i> plods along. I wouldn't call it boring, but it's also not exciting! It was a bit wordy for my tastes and the main characters were a bit blah. I wouldn't recommend it to a reluctant young reader, but for an avid young reader of fantasy it may be fine. <br /><div><br /></div><div>Recommend: not really</div><div><br /></div><div>Children's fiction, fantasy, mythical animals<br /><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgmu0V47_lRJ4oCM-qWFl9duLRTFuHlN4UP3_l-EwOsVZrk8pX1lcUo_OT6PzE0zHYBX78wPlgkltBjzlPAWJBszaWA9Rd51W9es6A4Vk-xf632y_tX4DncVx3Q-euqA0b9OfKi-OmqeUuNrGRrEoIOrQCH5UG6sDb8LTuCJbbsmUTEZ0RRNsjkF5wempU" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="488" data-original-width="488" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgmu0V47_lRJ4oCM-qWFl9duLRTFuHlN4UP3_l-EwOsVZrk8pX1lcUo_OT6PzE0zHYBX78wPlgkltBjzlPAWJBszaWA9Rd51W9es6A4Vk-xf632y_tX4DncVx3Q-euqA0b9OfKi-OmqeUuNrGRrEoIOrQCH5UG6sDb8LTuCJbbsmUTEZ0RRNsjkF5wempU=w200-h200" width="200" /></a></div><br /><br /></div></div></div>JulieEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01608171901377698363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1828396979581021594.post-13481125858672070522023-10-15T19:51:00.006-07:002023-10-27T12:04:01.038-07:00Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter<p> My teenage daughter loves to read teenage romance novels and gushes about them to me when she is finished. She bought this one while at a bookstore with her brother. I picked it up and read it in nearly one night as I was waiting up for her to come home from her Homecoming date. It was pretty average and I admit I did enjoy the storyline and the characters, at least they kept me awake past midnight!</p><p>Liz is a hopeless romantic being raised watching rom-coms with her mother. Sadly, her mother passes away and those romance movies are Liz's connection with her mother. She frames all her relationships in the context of her beloved movies. Liz has a best friend who tries to ground her in reality and a neighbor, Wes, who tormented her as a child and continues to do so as a teenager. Between these two Liz starts to see things as they really are and is able to deal with the continued sadness of missing her mother and finds her happy ending. </p><p>Recommend: Yes</p><p>Young Adult fiction, realistic fiction, romance, loss of a parent</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg0Szj804h6b5sSzqytEk_JEUxkSCLfz8xiwMmr4GLOPN5z9RovHC38FRjEUMV7bxdxeApY7y1TJMvrObJX4Jw_iZAQ2t96QJajXcNECjWEymPlNOH_o5VBXnYqmBGYRaLF9_1_3wUW2rO-Er-1HVvb3rVgFqyefpr6Efie5qUYmI1mYOoaFJMuekWQQ34" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="666" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg0Szj804h6b5sSzqytEk_JEUxkSCLfz8xiwMmr4GLOPN5z9RovHC38FRjEUMV7bxdxeApY7y1TJMvrObJX4Jw_iZAQ2t96QJajXcNECjWEymPlNOH_o5VBXnYqmBGYRaLF9_1_3wUW2rO-Er-1HVvb3rVgFqyefpr6Efie5qUYmI1mYOoaFJMuekWQQ34=w133-h200" width="133" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p>JulieEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01608171901377698363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1828396979581021594.post-39307322977275487112023-10-02T18:47:00.005-07:002023-10-02T18:47:59.776-07:00Murder, Magic, and What We Wore by Kelly Jones<p> Browsing my library's online library I saw this title and was especially interested when the summary compared it favorably to one of my favorite titles, <i>Sorcery and Cecilia</i> by Caroline Stevermer and Patricia Wrede. I enjoy a bit of magic and mystery intertwined with some romance with a backdrop of regency England. </p><p>The story started out well, but after at least 6 or 7 chapters I was still waiting for something to happen. A few more chapters and still not a lot of action. The characters were fine and the setting up of the plot seemed to work well and had great potential. But I was disappointed overall. It seemed the book was in need of a fast forward button to get to the suspense and intrigue which all happened in the last few chapters. </p><p>Recommend: Probably not</p><p>Mystery, magic, fantasy, regency England</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh23VDYpEPHctNFFSj_Hw_G6gEMNZYrtmApZWJIt-PEaIfWpGtp3JKP73zLLnAy_KVjo3xhH2f-vhH1scv1BLVkX-AcgwkYn0YS-KO9qtTovfVbc6cG1RuKzm3Y6ZBHr4UsQ8tjF7tf25dNiiqtcDLR44EXfAxPdMhCs9Fk1VcVdW23l1vMpEB1J7xOQeQ" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="296" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh23VDYpEPHctNFFSj_Hw_G6gEMNZYrtmApZWJIt-PEaIfWpGtp3JKP73zLLnAy_KVjo3xhH2f-vhH1scv1BLVkX-AcgwkYn0YS-KO9qtTovfVbc6cG1RuKzm3Y6ZBHr4UsQ8tjF7tf25dNiiqtcDLR44EXfAxPdMhCs9Fk1VcVdW23l1vMpEB1J7xOQeQ=w132-h200" width="132" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p>JulieEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01608171901377698363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1828396979581021594.post-37755092487982462042023-09-24T18:11:00.005-07:002023-09-25T18:11:29.962-07:00Once Upon a Royal Summer by Teri Wilson<p>Needing a quick read that I could not think too much about I found these books that Hallmark puts out that are like the movies on their channel and since I enjoy cheesy Hallmark movies I downloaded this book. I recognized right away that the writing style was all about what the main two characters were thinking and the actual doing of the book could have been written in a couple chapters and there was almost zero conflict which together equaled a boring read. I quickly speed read over many pages trying to find something plot worthy and just didn't find it. The characters weren't frustrating or inconsistent, just uninteresting. </p><p>Here is the book in a nutshell: young woman works as a princess at a theme park, young prince with young daughter escape across the pond for the young princess's birthday before she has to get back to being a royal. Young prince's wife died years ago. Theme park princess is just what the young princess needs to have a mother figure in her life and bring lightness into the heavy royal responsibilities. Prince invites theme park princess to his castle for a celebration. She goes. Wins over the queen mother. Former love interest of theme park princess graciously bows out of her life seamlessly. The book ends with a marriage proposal that is accepted. </p><p>Romance, royalty</p><p>Recommend: Nope</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhy4tEUGFlLD4iG8IIyVjK0ieW9EitvoRuhryyinyDFXKEqKi4Gg13FZAIgGQ9yW310laXMgYPchDuH8UTvcNfaPofVLKwyAB93QOI3VPKYL7ELRQuNiJcBXonZER5heI0HH77_XtFtfKxxVTSVCd_jq1NczURjXwCS1T7Iv8tvWsxVREmGHfXlgIPrGuU" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="939" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhy4tEUGFlLD4iG8IIyVjK0ieW9EitvoRuhryyinyDFXKEqKi4Gg13FZAIgGQ9yW310laXMgYPchDuH8UTvcNfaPofVLKwyAB93QOI3VPKYL7ELRQuNiJcBXonZER5heI0HH77_XtFtfKxxVTSVCd_jq1NczURjXwCS1T7Iv8tvWsxVREmGHfXlgIPrGuU" width="150" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p>JulieEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01608171901377698363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1828396979581021594.post-39898878711363018282023-09-14T13:06:00.002-07:002023-09-14T13:06:26.468-07:00Long Lost by Jacqueline West<p> Sibling relationships can be joyous and difficult, hilarious and frustrating, fun and annoying. This story is about two sets of sisters, born 100 years apart. Fiona is in the present and is dealing with a new move, lost friends, and a sister she thinks likes her about as much as a bump on the head. Taking refuge at the library she finds a book that does not seem to belong to the library. As she reads it she is entranced by a story of two sisters that lived years ago in her very town that are inseparable until one of them goes missing. Fiona, with the help of a new friend, is determined to solve the mystery once and for all and in the process discovers her own sister is not the enemy she had believed. </p><p>Children's fiction, ghosts, family relationships, siblings, mystery</p><p>Recommend: Yes</p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg3A-DnA3DlKwdfnFR2cikcflUSPb3RBGOJrZNquuK8vL6FpGA7UQr4YJC57Pe_7D45WFNZd7_ykmPYA_tkMsANKLPP37TRaBl7QdsPxtJa3ioKU1B3V2Wd2LxFtISJ2FbsF0jkTDDuQNsT2UJMjTHl7boq9TjD4AwgccH2UwfmQ-VlFlSDoK1DOq6MrUg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="331" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg3A-DnA3DlKwdfnFR2cikcflUSPb3RBGOJrZNquuK8vL6FpGA7UQr4YJC57Pe_7D45WFNZd7_ykmPYA_tkMsANKLPP37TRaBl7QdsPxtJa3ioKU1B3V2Wd2LxFtISJ2FbsF0jkTDDuQNsT2UJMjTHl7boq9TjD4AwgccH2UwfmQ-VlFlSDoK1DOq6MrUg=w133-h200" width="133" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p>JulieEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01608171901377698363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1828396979581021594.post-51762121307545436532023-08-30T15:11:00.002-07:002023-08-30T15:12:40.855-07:00The 13 Clocks by James Thurber<p> James Thurber was an accomplished author and humorist who published short stories and cartoons in The New Yorker magazine. This book was published in 1950 which he wrote while completing another novel. There is a princess under a spell, a disguised prince trying to rescue her, and an evil duke trying to thwart him and marry the princess himself. </p><p>This book has many quirky characters and is written with a poetic like cadence. I think it would be best read aloud to children and enjoyed by adults as well. It's a short book, only 124 pages with large print in the edition I read. </p><p>Children's fiction, fairy tale, prince, princess, good versus evil</p><p>Recommend: Yes</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj5-bMt9y-V1cxBLYir2XVh4HiyToMVpiucxjj-dlVm7ZgUzAg54ImrDXzZbZ79JrDGlBomfsSscMizMuF20QW3CZy7V6qAGEFU7WU6M25Hzgnew03Wxquw1aKi0krNIcRDPhjnUFU2ZPoxC5d5oxxbGMiFfgVlCXllTIovE5Y3K2oyUeREHqETB8lvwmc" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="381" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj5-bMt9y-V1cxBLYir2XVh4HiyToMVpiucxjj-dlVm7ZgUzAg54ImrDXzZbZ79JrDGlBomfsSscMizMuF20QW3CZy7V6qAGEFU7WU6M25Hzgnew03Wxquw1aKi0krNIcRDPhjnUFU2ZPoxC5d5oxxbGMiFfgVlCXllTIovE5Y3K2oyUeREHqETB8lvwmc=w153-h200" width="153" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p><br /><br /></p>JulieEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01608171901377698363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1828396979581021594.post-84125581532138983022023-08-26T16:08:00.011-07:002024-03-08T12:49:41.867-08:00Nightbooks by J.A. White<p> My three boys like to go to the library and then check out books for each other to read. Mostly these books sit around my house unread until it is time to return them. I picked this one up and unexpectedly really liked it. I realized halfway through that it is a retelling of the fairy tale, Hansel and Gretel. Alex and Yasmin are two children "trapped" in an apartment with the witch, Natacha. Alex finds out that the key to survival is to read aloud to her stories--scary stories, each night. Together Alex and Yasmin discover much more about the witch and uncover the final mystery around the magical apartment they can't seem to leave. It is a bit scary as they are trapped and as they find out the demise of other children. </p><p>I also found that Netflix made this into a movie in 2021 and it received good reviews on Rotten Tomatoes. </p><p>**I have since watched the movie and I liked it. Of course as is the case with books made into movies there are changes to the plot, with an especially big one at the end. Still, not a bad watch. </p><p>Young adult fiction, fantasy, fairy tale, Hansel and Gretel, horror</p><p>Recommend: Yes</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg7C0sJZKUx0-7-SEl6lgMPhdCvTjRqanoLSr_e8VpiG036_-uHHe8S8akHSUzO0zylzKV-vKpDJ0qnW6gSHV6y0XvVIR6dFXoHUfbOoygyi3rxfWO1Uwrgmnwpoh5_jyHcGvugMGDng5DyOJ5RU1FVNn0QdvYI8GVsEgu8TVRKdaWTR8iblL5Yosf54uM" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="662" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg7C0sJZKUx0-7-SEl6lgMPhdCvTjRqanoLSr_e8VpiG036_-uHHe8S8akHSUzO0zylzKV-vKpDJ0qnW6gSHV6y0XvVIR6dFXoHUfbOoygyi3rxfWO1Uwrgmnwpoh5_jyHcGvugMGDng5DyOJ5RU1FVNn0QdvYI8GVsEgu8TVRKdaWTR8iblL5Yosf54uM=w133-h200" width="133" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p>JulieEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01608171901377698363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1828396979581021594.post-57625468590250072072023-08-19T15:58:00.002-07:002023-08-30T12:27:15.479-07:00Miracle Creek Christmas by Krista Jensen<p>I have a slight weakness for cheesy Hallmarkesque Christmas movies. (I blame my daughter for getting me involved.) Miracle Creek could have been a screen play for a Hallmark movie. It had all the ingredients including a cute young girl, niece of male character, and older friend of female character that also has a small romance on the side with male character's father. There is the irritating, slightly dysfunctional family of female and supportive strong family of male character. Despite all the traditional tropes, the one thing that was very unHallmarkish was the up front honesty of both people. There was no misunderstanding of random conversations or misunderstood hugs. Both Riley and Mark are surprisingly forth right about their past and their expectations for the future. There was, however, a lot of CHRISTMAS throughout, trees, carols, traditions, snow angels, snow, food, etc. Overall it was a really nice enjoyable adventure. </p><p> Fiction, romance, Christmas, fire fighters</p><p>Recommend: Yes</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhlg2ipkYdchi6HcgZ21e2Hbdv3B3e3vdrxZk1bXC25LfJApjJYVMewNhZEIw8SRI2cn8nL_4LjSRLzJE2jFyPnUySZhw0CNPLO1BSEeNWYyzg7I-07jxsA50Y5ARwWYLbPvm26kc09eNLg70eNaAZen_Fov6MGB9SSgPUtkFlfcVng5lkoQnScCayQyCQ" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="647" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhlg2ipkYdchi6HcgZ21e2Hbdv3B3e3vdrxZk1bXC25LfJApjJYVMewNhZEIw8SRI2cn8nL_4LjSRLzJE2jFyPnUySZhw0CNPLO1BSEeNWYyzg7I-07jxsA50Y5ARwWYLbPvm26kc09eNLg70eNaAZen_Fov6MGB9SSgPUtkFlfcVng5lkoQnScCayQyCQ=w129-h200" width="129" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p>JulieEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01608171901377698363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1828396979581021594.post-2839065670766183772023-08-16T09:24:00.003-07:002023-08-16T09:24:23.493-07:00Dealing with Dragons by Patricia Wrede<p> I had a lot of sitting at a desk/computer work to do last week and so found a quick audiobook to listen while I worked. This is the first in the Enchanted Forest Chronicles which I have previously read. I enjoy children's fantasy fiction because of the plucky characters that I find there. </p><p>Princess Cimorene is not happy that she has to be a princess. She sees so much more to life than doing needlework and knowing which fork to use. Dragons are known to carry off princesses to work for them which then spurs knights and princes to rescue them. Cimorene decides to volunteer to be a dragon's princess and lets her rescuers know in no uncertain terms that she is happy in her new role and does not need to be rescued. Her bravery and intelligence help the dragons thwart the wizards and Cimorene finds something she is both good at and loves. </p><p>Children's fiction, fantasy, dragons, independence</p><p>Recommend: Yes.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg8fKyX92_5bXLsoAsYpEO4G_1P21b6TYC9Poaf1h12gikIftd2YC5FKIc4Q3GhOLpUGEJv1M4YUNjWQrQDvjuS9eVerw3PUGDtYt_B6PK12_de9-voq3LZbH1dUhoV_QExnhD_1f0CRPmvVcC6ERMSj507p-sSzJZ7lcGwRjBtmimVBRIZnq-mMupAuaA" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="306" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg8fKyX92_5bXLsoAsYpEO4G_1P21b6TYC9Poaf1h12gikIftd2YC5FKIc4Q3GhOLpUGEJv1M4YUNjWQrQDvjuS9eVerw3PUGDtYt_B6PK12_de9-voq3LZbH1dUhoV_QExnhD_1f0CRPmvVcC6ERMSj507p-sSzJZ7lcGwRjBtmimVBRIZnq-mMupAuaA=w129-h200" width="129" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p>JulieEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01608171901377698363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1828396979581021594.post-79130090019770525082023-08-16T09:14:00.003-07:002023-08-16T09:14:38.677-07:00The Winter Companion by Mimi Matthews<p> When I fly, which is not often, I like to have a regency romance book to read on the plane. It seems to distract me from the cramped quarters I'm forced to be in for the few hours I'm experiencing the miracle of flight. </p><p>I've read other of Matthews' books and enjoyed all of them. This is the 4th book in the Parish Orphans of Devon series. You don't need to read these in order as each of them is about a different orphan boy as he matures and enters adulthood. This was a short enjoyable read. It had all the predictabilities of regency romances which is just what I needed to make the flight relaxing. </p><p>Neville has had a traumatic brain injury that causes his speech to be a bit slower. Clara is trying to find a way to receive an education for which she feels is out of her reach. Together they are able to find peace and joy that they both felt would only be for others. </p><p>Fiction, Regency romance, brain injury</p><p>Recommend: Yes. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEidrHq1nQG3cMqOSEW6s0-cxBHrOQoTOb0R2udSL-xJfEXqs74_D4VFeY-utY8sjLB0BevBkAb7dkOpVC2lhj5cL0kvBWdaenmGOhArETnDKhBqGFNNi4T9Ehlbgmp2HumY-01UaNPPQdbBS0FsR6_Si9K7x1wk0cNDazvGjXPRdmcduYJCO4auPYU9Khs" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="313" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEidrHq1nQG3cMqOSEW6s0-cxBHrOQoTOb0R2udSL-xJfEXqs74_D4VFeY-utY8sjLB0BevBkAb7dkOpVC2lhj5cL0kvBWdaenmGOhArETnDKhBqGFNNi4T9Ehlbgmp2HumY-01UaNPPQdbBS0FsR6_Si9K7x1wk0cNDazvGjXPRdmcduYJCO4auPYU9Khs=w125-h200" width="125" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p>JulieEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01608171901377698363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1828396979581021594.post-72921903654084701492023-07-31T16:05:00.003-07:002023-07-31T16:05:57.633-07:00Love and Other Train Wrecks by Leah Konen<p> On a recommendation from my daughter I opened this book. I have read, <i>The Romantics</i> by Konen, which I enjoyed. Konen's teens are multi-layered and their reactions to unforeseen situations are unformulaic. When I read YA fiction, especially romantic fiction, the characters often take the road most traveled and easiest. Not so with Konen's books, at least the two I've read. And the ending is not neatly tied up in a bow with all the conflict eased and erased by the last page. At the same time it's not a depressing read or unhopeful. It's real. </p><p>Ammy (like Sammy without the S) and Noah are on a train in New York state. A snow storm hits, the train is delayed, and they decided to band together to get to their destinations sooner than the stalled train promises. Within 24 hours together they have a life time of experiences and emotions and each has some hard decisions in front of them. </p><p>Young adult fiction, romance, realistic fiction, New York State, trains</p><p>Recommend: Yes</p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgN8wXSJkPJ7s0Yai9PSOj7XLKUQVgVgnXv4nGJIHNElxfmdXM9yiZAsN0ElScznQbkuyDew5TSOuSz62KJcVchXsH3i8w2vDNo6cuvhcGj-fuqBFKwlglYxXtFPSwbXA7JL4UHvKbogj5mVQQtU-Hxm7bQGogUXMsbY6JJXpYE3tAe_pPLDsxsShlPitk" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="232" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgN8wXSJkPJ7s0Yai9PSOj7XLKUQVgVgnXv4nGJIHNElxfmdXM9yiZAsN0ElScznQbkuyDew5TSOuSz62KJcVchXsH3i8w2vDNo6cuvhcGj-fuqBFKwlglYxXtFPSwbXA7JL4UHvKbogj5mVQQtU-Hxm7bQGogUXMsbY6JJXpYE3tAe_pPLDsxsShlPitk=w133-h200" width="133" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p>JulieEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01608171901377698363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1828396979581021594.post-3649786219013161292023-07-21T16:44:00.003-07:002023-07-21T16:44:22.914-07:00The Mariposa Hotel: A Tangerine Street Romance: a Novel in Three Parts by Heather B. Moore, Julie Wright, and Melanie Jacobson<p> This is the third book in this series and I have to admit it was disappointing. The other two had plots that were believable and characters that were realistic and I enjoyed the intertwining of characters and places. This one seemed as if the writing was a bit rushed and things were either not resolved or wrapped up too neatly. The three stories seemed to focus more on kissing than storyline. </p><p>There is one more book in this series and I'm on the fence whether to read it or not. They are short stories so I don't have to invest a lot of time to find out if this last book is more of the same. </p><p>Fiction, romance, beach life</p><p>Recommend: maybe</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhWnlAu3_EAjHmIcDTRWtbAD4Hs-hOGYmaCllJbiLZy0bAm50zZKk2Ban-b9ZJ1oRKPb4AEcpaTYTeSBbe5g5LBVFSCcCJzvCzrnYW3g2RVnKyvmuBaFgE2KJEN6telp7xjLxTlfQt-mmQGIoF-HMsOzsHhOuxw_SoIzGIUNdHkT3_DAiwrXiTXstq2KsM" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="488" data-original-width="316" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhWnlAu3_EAjHmIcDTRWtbAD4Hs-hOGYmaCllJbiLZy0bAm50zZKk2Ban-b9ZJ1oRKPb4AEcpaTYTeSBbe5g5LBVFSCcCJzvCzrnYW3g2RVnKyvmuBaFgE2KJEN6telp7xjLxTlfQt-mmQGIoF-HMsOzsHhOuxw_SoIzGIUNdHkT3_DAiwrXiTXstq2KsM=w129-h200" width="129" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p>JulieEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01608171901377698363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1828396979581021594.post-350848894396591262023-07-11T09:25:00.005-07:002023-07-23T20:02:05.509-07:00Wyoming Wild by Sarah M. Eden<p> I've read several of Sarah Eden's historical romances and enjoyed them all. I've been missing Wyoming lately so this one was an obvious choice for me to read. It was just published in March so I was excited to see my library here had a copy. </p><p>I didn't realize until I was reading it that it is the third book in the Savage Wells series. I had read the first one, <i>The Sheriffs of Savage Wells</i> a while ago and remembered liking it. <i>Wyoming Wild</i> has the same characters from that first book, but they are now only supporting characters. This book focuses on US Marshal, John Hawking, and his efforts to bring peace to the small fictional town of Sand Creek, Wyoming, which is run by a corrupt sheriff and his cronies. The sheriff's daughter, Liesl, knows of her father's wicked ways and would like nothing better than a safer and calmer life for her and her mother. But her father is a man without scruples and will stop at nothing to keep his hold on Sand Creek and it's inhabitants. </p><p>Historical fiction, romance, western fiction, crime fighting</p><p>Recommend: Yes. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiNXrYetPwZqpPiRBiesIS9miDa9su6w7uR16-aQ8MKG5y0BgBbFyNABOY4WqYfDKs6ZF51R705ZcmhqfOReKjwS-yYDXvh8hIl_5YM4Bx9dje8AC1SMw24N0TjX_AOxYd7wsFeKW4cCMHy7qv8DHOCwcLGIPfhZzaoFjwEPOPs1e54MIDBRWxeKRf2zBw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2550" data-original-width="1650" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiNXrYetPwZqpPiRBiesIS9miDa9su6w7uR16-aQ8MKG5y0BgBbFyNABOY4WqYfDKs6ZF51R705ZcmhqfOReKjwS-yYDXvh8hIl_5YM4Bx9dje8AC1SMw24N0TjX_AOxYd7wsFeKW4cCMHy7qv8DHOCwcLGIPfhZzaoFjwEPOPs1e54MIDBRWxeKRf2zBw" width="97" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p>JulieEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01608171901377698363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1828396979581021594.post-67761442696947979872023-07-06T12:15:00.009-07:002023-07-06T12:17:09.928-07:00The Rumpelstiltskin Problem by Vivian Vande Velde<p> Has the Rumpelstiltskin story ever bothered you? There are so many problems with this fairy tale which is full of bad parenting, short sighted royalty, inept magical people, and foolish girls. This book addresses all the problems in 6 short stories. I read this book aloud to my kids and we had fun voting for our favorite version. Vivian Vande Velde recognized the problem and wrote 6 different ways to solve all the questions. </p><p>Short story, fantasy, fairy tale</p><p>Recommend: Yes. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiHNscoBFKJ6S_ATr3WmaqSlpvLNw_-FqjHVYmSGjJMjCKt_kRr4ncraQp8mY5sr3vh8Mv3Q-bqAHHWxi0rTrJqj01vQEQ7swM5bg2vkY-eTPszCeAwZV_K-Nbp5mtBWQL2oiyUfKjXHidzGdodQdFGHF-Xpk_SSUE1zBbpknm6418PQS2bFwAm3AQb9fs" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="668" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiHNscoBFKJ6S_ATr3WmaqSlpvLNw_-FqjHVYmSGjJMjCKt_kRr4ncraQp8mY5sr3vh8Mv3Q-bqAHHWxi0rTrJqj01vQEQ7swM5bg2vkY-eTPszCeAwZV_K-Nbp5mtBWQL2oiyUfKjXHidzGdodQdFGHF-Xpk_SSUE1zBbpknm6418PQS2bFwAm3AQb9fs=w133-h200" width="133" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p>JulieEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01608171901377698363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1828396979581021594.post-86617611715220269272023-07-05T17:43:00.004-07:002023-07-05T17:43:47.771-07:00Beauty Reborn by Elizabeth LowhamI love fairy tale retellings. Always have. Especially Beauty and the Beast versions. I realize the original story has disturbing attributes and themes. Yet, the retellings seem to eliminate these troublesome tropes. This was an interesting view on this familiar tale. I liked how Beauty took choices that were her own, not forced, or manipulated by anyone, Beast or otherwise. I liked how the author illustrated well that emotions, such as jealousy, infiltrate thoughts and actions to the point of harming oneself. And I'm a sucker for endings that give birth to hope and happiness amid troubles and trials and that joy can be a part of it all. <div><br /></div><div>Young adult fiction, fantasy, fairy tales</div><div><br /></div><div>Recommend: Yes</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhEuHiAOE-FUP7Dw4NX4qHfKD8JbzPfIACqU_MKZ3dVxN17SVPbvLGPWzydVpv7MKmNkTxljSMSSvIwbJQ1WC8vcvY66cgH4WVbEvnbxQ1KX2BrJ2Iqlj4ZU9wkCSCC1zSUSmNeZQPN7lS6MYw-YekcSg-mIh4BAbgS57crqF-zkahFI2bi4JplP-yU8qY" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="429" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhEuHiAOE-FUP7Dw4NX4qHfKD8JbzPfIACqU_MKZ3dVxN17SVPbvLGPWzydVpv7MKmNkTxljSMSSvIwbJQ1WC8vcvY66cgH4WVbEvnbxQ1KX2BrJ2Iqlj4ZU9wkCSCC1zSUSmNeZQPN7lS6MYw-YekcSg-mIh4BAbgS57crqF-zkahFI2bi4JplP-yU8qY=w136-h200" width="136" /></a></div><br /> </div>JulieEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01608171901377698363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1828396979581021594.post-84629187204937626552023-07-05T08:12:00.004-07:002023-07-05T08:13:15.359-07:00Eyes of the Forest by April HenryHere in Missouri there are book awards given each year. One of them is called the Truman Award after Harry S. Truman, the 33rd president of the United States, who was born in Missouri. I often browse the award shelf to see if any of the nominees look interesting. This one is one of the current year's nominees for the Truman Award. <div><br /></div><div>Bridget is invested in a fantasy series of books called Swords and Shadows. So much so that she is the author's research assistant, even though she is a teenager. She keeps all the places, names, and objects in a database so that all the books have continuity. The last book in the series is long overdue and the author seems to have stalled out. Some fans of the series take this as a personal affront and take matters into their own hands to force him to finish the final installment. Bridget senses something is wrong and may be his only hope for rescue. </div><div><br /></div><div>This book read quickly and I enjoyed it. The plot moves well and the characters are authentic. </div><div><br /></div><div>Young Adult fiction, fantasy, writers</div><div><br /></div><div>Recommend: Yes</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhbzwmy49Z0YLpXFfopMCPodYsRWuh1WvagK3aluTT6zM3u09nMn_YCHLIiKsSg5iftW4sUV6VWG5G9wWUzHimgBpT1koYPdnkLt-wcpqABaJ2Q6TG4G0bgA5MQ3OE6apS0od-CsC4JpXf1E5E-19rnGbgGbHi1jsx_tEP5RvrKzR3qK4_ucF2LSNo71io" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="281" data-original-width="180" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhbzwmy49Z0YLpXFfopMCPodYsRWuh1WvagK3aluTT6zM3u09nMn_YCHLIiKsSg5iftW4sUV6VWG5G9wWUzHimgBpT1koYPdnkLt-wcpqABaJ2Q6TG4G0bgA5MQ3OE6apS0od-CsC4JpXf1E5E-19rnGbgGbHi1jsx_tEP5RvrKzR3qK4_ucF2LSNo71io=w128-h200" width="128" /></a></div><br /><br /></div>JulieEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01608171901377698363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1828396979581021594.post-17282899291866803522023-07-03T19:29:00.008-07:002023-07-23T20:03:41.602-07:0023 Minutes by Vivian Vande Velde<p> I picked up this book from one of my very favorite authors, Vivian Vande Velde. Zoe, age 15 and a half, has an unusual ability to travel back in time for exactly 23 minutes. There are restrictions. No one remembers the previous 23 minutes but her and she can't take anything back in time with her. Once time starts to replay she only has those 23 minutes to decide to replay them again. Once she hits 24 minutes then she has to wait another 23 minutes before going back in time another 23 minutes. AND she can only repeat the same 23 minutes 10 times. Got all that?! To make matters worse the repeated 23 minutes usually turn out worse. She has usually used this only when she has had embarrassing moments or wanted to impress a guy. This time, however, the stakes are a bit higher. </p><p>This is a young adult book and has some violence as the crime scene is described. </p><p>Science Fiction, time travel, crime, action</p><p>Recommend: Sometimes</p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhPCG_MjHPcTeO7Fx2aXCNm_QuflrlL4-9fNEINrJRF2JHyQQOLS64ulqi66GQvSOeViZx-4Q8lB9Sdy578uomxs__3O9MLupVVhKf-ouWpwAoa5MJEvrLG-JjhEJ1LgpTMZYSRE7Y1dURJhiiOK6IRvaLdIjXQBEBVqbcE5xraXDGJpUg4VrXYMxYZJ3M" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="648" data-original-width="422" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhPCG_MjHPcTeO7Fx2aXCNm_QuflrlL4-9fNEINrJRF2JHyQQOLS64ulqi66GQvSOeViZx-4Q8lB9Sdy578uomxs__3O9MLupVVhKf-ouWpwAoa5MJEvrLG-JjhEJ1LgpTMZYSRE7Y1dURJhiiOK6IRvaLdIjXQBEBVqbcE5xraXDGJpUg4VrXYMxYZJ3M=w130-h200" width="130" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p>JulieEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01608171901377698363noreply@blogger.com0