*Review* The Cousins Are Coming by Kay Jones MA

Genre: Children's 3-8 years

Published: May 23, 2023

Pages: 32

What happens when the annual family ‘ get-together’ commences? This AWARD-WINNING Book of the Year (Story Monster Magazine and IndieReader) answers through humor, mischief, a twinge of jealousy, an abundance of mayhem, and a healthy dose of pure joy! Through lyrical rhyme and colorful, humorous illustrations readers will realize that “ The cousins are coming!” — followed by a “ dash out the door to meet the crew… with hugs and laughter and a kiss or two. “ YUCK!” From ‘ rock-paper-scissors’ to unauthorized spying on the parents, the gathering of two families presents relatable interactions between children, some coming-of-age moments, a touch of tenderness, and the building of memories.

I received a copy of this book through Netgalley. This is my honest review. 

This was a cute rhyming story about cousins visiting, and all the chaos that a visit from family entails. The kids do all sorts of fun things, all the kinds of things you think children that are in the same age range should do when they get together, and honestly, this book sounded like way more fun for the kids than my kids experience when when visiting their cousins. 

If my kids were younger, I'd probably be inclined to read this several times, but that is partially because we just didn't live close enough to cousins to visit when my kids were younger (there was an entire ocean between us). The illustrations were very colorful and fun, perfectly showing all the hijinks the kids get up to. 

Overall I give The Cousins are Coming 3.7843 out of 5 stars. - Katie 

Amazon

Kay Jones is a forty-year educator having taught in Oklahoma, Arkansas, and currently in Dallas, Texas. If not the kids in her classroom, then her five grandchildren are inspiring her to think and learn, but most importantly to laugh. The Cousins are Coming is Kay's first picture book and it shows the love, the hilarity, and the struggles that occur when the cousins in her family join forces. Kay originally wrote this rhyme as a piece for children to perform as a reader's theater, while encouraging them to add their special touches to the performance. With roots in Little Rock, Arkansas and as an educator in the Dallas, Kay brings her wit and zest for literacy to classrooms each day, and now her own unique touch to the printed page.Peter Trimarco started his professional doodling career as an editorial cartoonist before turning to commercial art and designing packaging for the music industry. While staying in the entertainment field, he published a trade magazine for the film industry and brought his creative juices to the printed page for youngsters. Peter is the illustrator of the critically acclaimed "It's Just So" book series (Lizzy's World) which he co-wrote with his wife, Brenda Faatz.

*Review* I'll Be Home for Mischief by Jacqueline Frost

 Genre: Holiday Mystery

Published: November 12, 2024

Pages: 282

Innkeeper Holly White is decking the halls this Christmas season, but someone is on the naughty list when a body is discovered in the fifth installment in the Christmas Tree Farm mystery series from bestselling author Jacqueline Frost.

It’s Christmastime in Mistletoe, Maine, and the Historical Society has launched a widespread campaign to celebrate the town’s 150th anniversary. Descendants of the founding family, the Snows, have returned for the first time, and Holly is determined to make the family’s visit magical. In an attempt to put Mistletoe on the map, Holly’s mother, a respected local baker, attempts to break a record by baking the world’s largest gingerbread man, but her plans are whisked away when Mr. Snow’s body ends up in the batter. 

When Mr. Moore, the local mistletoe farmer, is accused of the crime, Holly reprises her role as amateur sleuth to protect the sweet older man. Between hosting the inconsolable Mrs. Snow and other guests at the inn, receiving threatening messages telling her to stop her investigation, and preparing for her first wedding anniversary with Sheriff Evan Gray, she might need a Christmas miracle to survive.

When someone breaks into Holly’s office and scratches a warning into her desk, she knows she has little time left. Can Holly uncover the killer before someone else gets burned, or is her involvement a recipe for trouble?

I received a copy of this book through Netgalley, but then the audiobook was part of a 2 for 1 credit sale on Amazon, so I ended up getting and listening to the audiobook. This is my honest review. 

I listened to this as one of my 12 Books of Christmas challenge books, but then I failed to review it in time to count. Surely next year I'll do better, maybe. I knew I'd tire of Christmas romance cheese before the season was over, so this mystery was a very welcome change of pace that still included some fun Christmas magic scenes. For one thing, the plot circles around an attempt to break the world record for largest baked gingerbread cookie. While that's not necessarily typical Christmas tale fare, it's not far removed from holiday cookie decorating. 

My main issue, and maybe the reason cozy mysteries really aren't for me is that I struggle to accept the idea that a local resident is a better detective than the actual detectives. Like if you're so good at it, why not get paid to do it. Granted some of why they are successful is because people are more willing to talk to them than the cops, but still. 

That being said, I enjoyed most of the twists and turns this story took. I'm also intrigued by the sisters staying at the inn who seem to be connected to Santa. 

Overall I give I'll Be Home for Mischief 2.9648 out of 5 stars. - Katie 

Amazon

Jacqueline Frost is a mystery-loving pet enthusiast who hopes to make readers smile. She lives in rural Ohio with her husband and three spunky children. Jacqueline is a member of the International Thriller Writers (ITW) and Sisters in Crime (SinC).

*Review* Bentley's Fantabulous Idea by Miki Taylor

Genre: Children's 3-8 years

Published: August 24, 2023

Pages: 49

This enchanting picture book is not just a read—it's an experience. Your child will be transported into a kaleidoscopic world filled with awe-inspiring adventures, as they join Bentley, Betty, and the charismatic Mr. Bee in a quest that's far more than child's play.

When Betty faces a school assignment dilemma, it's not just a problem—it's an invitation to embark on a quest, guided by the boundless creativity of Bentley with the help of "The Crew," an exuberant ensemble of twenty-one unforgettable characters. Their story unfolds through a tapestry of interactive activities, riddles, and vibrant illustrations that do more than entertain; they make learning an irresistible dance of curiosity and joy.

And while you hear your child chanting the book's heartwarming mantra, "It's easy peasy, just pose and grin a little cheesy!", know this: every giggle is accompanied by a light bulb moment, every chuckle married to a breakthrough in understanding. Each page turned is a step towards embracing life's wonderful complexities.

Beneath the layers of laughter and luminous colors, "Bentley's Fantabulous Idea" is a masterclass in life skills. It showcases the untapped potential of teamwork, the art of creative problem-solving, and the resilience found in perseverance. The challenges Betty faces are not just hurdles but stepping-stones, each imparting a lesson more invaluable than the last.

The interactive segments, ingeniously woven into the narrative, don't just reinforce these life-altering concepts; they serve as cognitive playgrounds, encouraging critical thinking and collaboration. So as your child grins ecstatically, understand that they're not just amused—they're empowered, absorbing vital life skills that extend far beyond the magical realm they've explored.

I received a copy of this book through Netgalley. This is my honest review. 

This was a fun story about a girl doing a photo project for school taking pictures of all the different animals she encounters while out on a walk. The story format was very repetitive, which would make it a great book for younger kids who benefit from repetition. It would make it a bit annoying for the adults reading it though, so be warned. 

The illustrations were colorful and fun, humanizing all the animals by dressing them in human clothes. The illustrations would make it almost worth reading a few times over. There are a lot of areas of the book that were interactive as well, which is also very good for younger kids. 

Overall I give Bentley's Fantabulous Idea 4.0743 out of 5 stars. - Katie 

Amazon

Miki Taylor's professional career includes award-winning travel agency owner, over two decades in the accounting industry, and now an award winning children's book author. Her first book, Bentley's Fantabulous Idea, was named 2023 Children's Book of the Year and has won 25 other prestigious awards.Miki's work is inspired by her furry, bestest friend and forever muse, Bentley, who has become the main character in her books, which will deliver enlightening and entertaining adventures that disguises life lessons and teachable moments as fun activities. Her books are not just for reading, they are also for coloring and searching!!

My professional career includes 14+ years as an award-winning travel agency owner, 25+ years in the accounting industry, and now, a best-selling, award winning fantabulous children's author. I have always dreamed of writing children's books and changing lives, but the timing was never right until now. My work is inspired by my furry, not-human bestest friend and forever muse, Bentley, who has become the main character in my books along with his bestest not-furry human friend Betty and their trusty sidekick friend Mr. Bee. My books are written in a very light, fun hearted tone to enlighten and entertain with adventures that are disguised as life lessons and teachable moments. My books are not just for reading, they are also for searching and coloring!! Honored to share that in a short amount of time, my first book, Bentley's Fantabulous Idea, has won numerous awards consisting of the Mom's Choice Gold award and many others. I am excitedly creating a special world with fun-loving, colorful characters that will appeal to all and am looking forward to the release of many more funtabulously awesome adventures of Bentley, Betty, and Mr. Bee.

*Review* Firefax by Amelia Vergara

 

Genre: Historical Fiction

Published: October 1, 2023

Pages: 496

Legend tells of a city of gold on a phantom island. The wealth of that city could end the American Revolution. But the only person who knows the island’s location is the world’s deadliest assassin. And he’s not giving up that secret without a fight . . .

The world’s oldest family of high-profile assassins, the Firefaxes, have been killing off dignitaries—and being well-compensated to do so—for centuries. The family is thrown into turmoil by their patriarch’s death and the return of their cunning, cruel prodigal, Murdoch. With their father dead, Murdoch is the only one who knows where the Firefax wealth is, kept on a secret island. But two competing intelligence networks in the American Revolution are bent on tracking down the legendary treasure to end the war, whatever the cost. However, these spy networks may have met their match in this wily, dysfunctional family of killers.

I received the audiobook version of this through Netgalley. This is my honest review. 

This historical fiction is set during the time of the American revolution. The main characters are a family of assassins, but they gave off serious pirate vibes to me. Their training to be assassins starts very young, which at least makes it somewhat believable that they are elite assassins for the most part. They each have their own personal strengths as well, adding to the plausibility for me. 

You would think being well-known assassins, they'd have a lot of enemies, and you would be right. And yet the enemy they faced in this tale came from a very unexpected source. And the build up to that reveal was very well done. The clues were there in retrospect, but not so obvious that I knew who the villain really was. 

The narration was acceptable. I didn't feel like the opposite gendered voices were caricatures, and it was easy to listen to and just get lost in the story. 

Overall I give Firefax 3.1783 out of 5 stars - Katie

Amazon

A.M. Vergara is a physician associate and paramedic. When not writing, reading, or working in the hospital or on the ambulance, she can be found outside, hiking, camping, riding her mule, foraging for edible mushrooms, field-herping, or playing her banjo.

*Review* Rumi - Poet of Joy and Love by Rashin Kheiriyeh

 Genre: Children's 4-8 years

Published: March 5, 2024

Pages: 40

Even the greatest poet was once a child. And so it was with Rumi. When he was young he was enchanted by birds and books. He later became a scholar, but it was the loss of his best friend, Shams, that inspired Rumi to his most important realization: Love is in us and everywhere.

The Persian mystic and poet Rumi is one of the best known and most widely read poets in the world. The renowned illustrator Rashin Kheiriyeh herself comes from Iran. With this picture book she creates a touching memorial to Rumi's wisdom and warmth. The strong colors and ornamental details transport us to the Persian Empire in the 13th century. Yet Rumi's story and his poetry are timeless.

Written by award-winning Iranian-American artist Rashin Kheiriyeh,this narrative nonfiction picture book has been published to honor his life and the 750th anniversary of his death.

Includes backmatter on Rumi as well as an author's note.

I received a copy of this book through Netgalley. This is my honest review. 

This is a story about what presumably inspired Rumi to write his famous poems. While I had heard the name Rumi before reading this book, I'm not familiar with his poetry, which is probably an accomplishment since I was a creative writing major for five semesters of college. And maybe I've read some of his poetry and just didn't realize it. I'd like to say that this book inspired me to read his poetry, but it didn't. 

The illustrations were very colorful and bright, showing life as it may have been for Rumi as a child. I didn't feel very invested in the story, and wouldn't really enjoy reading the book more than once or twice myself, but I think kids would probably like the illustrations. 

Overall I give Rumi - Poet of Joy and Love 3.0286 out of 5 stars. - Katie 

Amazon

Rashin Kheiriyeh is a multi-award-winning author-illustrator, animator, and painter who has more than ninety children’s books to her credit. Her books have been published in at least twelve countries and she was nominated for the 2023 & 2024 Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award for outstanding contributions to children's literature. She is also the recipient of a Sendak Fellowship Award, a 2009 New Horizon Award (Bologna Ragazzi), and is a six-time winner of the Bologna Book Fair Illustration competition. Rashin Kheiriyeh is the character artist of the most popular animation series on national television in Iran called “Shekarestan” (“Sugarland”). She now lives in Washington, DC.

Rumi—Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Balkhi, also known as Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Rumi or simply as Rumi—(September 30, 1207–December 17, 1273) was a thirteenth-century Persian poet, theologian, and Sufi mystic. His poetry is revered around the world. He is currently considered to be one of the most popular poets in America. His words of wisdom and spirituality are just as pertinent now as they were in his time.

*Review* Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire *SPOILERS*

Genre: NA Romance

Published: July 12, 2012

Pages: 431

The new Abby Abernathy is a good girl. She doesn’t drink or swear and has the appropriate number of cardigans in her wardrobe. With the darkness of her past behind her, she believes her freshman year at college is the start of a new beginning. But then she meets Travis Maddox.

Lean, cut, and covered in tattoos, Eastern University’s Walking One-Night Stand is exactly what Abby needs to avoid. Intrigued by her resistance to his appeal, Travis tricks her with a simple bet. If he loses, he must remain abstinent for a month. If Abby loses, she must live in his apartment for the same amount of time. Either way, Travis has no idea that he has met his match in this “beautifully sexy, beautifully intense, and beautifully perfect” (Jessica Park, New York Times bestselling author).

This was the December book pick for my Book Hangout book club. If I had not previously owned the book, I would not have made the effort to read it, but I bought it years before I found out what type of person McGuire is. This is my honest very spoiler filled review. 

I will admit that I went in to this story wanting to not like it and the story delivered for me in spades, but that's why this review is going to include lots of spoilers because I want it to be clear that the low rating is due to the book being not great. To start, Abby has a serious main character complex. She genuinely thinks everyone at her university is talking about her like all the time. In fact, she chose this small university to escape from Wichita, Kansas where presumably everyone knew everything about her. For people not from Kansas, that might sound reasonable, but I know Wichita is the biggest city in Kansas (it's literally the reason my phone area code changed when I was a kid). I can believe there are circles where she's well known, but I don't see the mob having a presence in college. 

And the reason she has so much notoriety? Because her dad was a big shot poker player, which she doesn't want people to know because apparently lots of people follow poker. 

Then Travis is famous school wide because of his participation and dominance in an underground fighting ring, that is supposed to be a well-kept secret. And he's the school bicycle, every girl has had a ride, and they all pursued him, not the other way around. Because that's realistic. Naturally he wants Abby because  she's the only one who didn't immediately jump on his dick. But wait, he keeps telling her that they're just friends and then gets upset, violent and a bit controlling when she acts like they're just friends. 

Eventually the whole school is talking about how she's playing two guys because she's dating Parker (I think that's his name) and living with Travis (because of a bet, mind you) and her "best" friend tells her, essentially, that it looks like she's playing two guys because she is. Remember Travis is still saying "We're just friends" when this is going on. Abby is just supposed to know that he's basically madly in love with her because he stopped bringing random chicks home after the first time. 

Amidst all this, Abby's father finds out where she is and gives her some pretty bad news. He's racked up a massive amount of debt with a known mobster and if Abby doesn't pay it off, he's going to be swimming with the fish. So Abby and crew head to Vegas to transform the 11k she's saved so far for a car into what her dad needs to pay his debt. But uh-oh, the floor boss at the casino she's gambling at with her fake ID knows her and that she's not old enough. In exchange for going to dinner with him, he lets her keep playing until midnight. Of course that's not enough time for her to win everything her dad owes, so instead of just going to another casino with her fake ID and continuing to gamble, because she's a poker savant, she goes to the mob boss who is known for not accepting partial payments to ask if he'll accept a partial payment. 

Naturally shit goes sideways, but never fear because Travis takes out two goons single-handedly, one of which was the favorite to win a big fight the very next night. But the mob boss is a generous guy. If Travis steps in to the fight, he'll forgive the rest of the debt. So Travis fights and wins and now the mob boss wants him to fight for him once a month. Abby says absolutely not, but Travis is blinded by money. Remember all of this could have been avoided if she'd just gone to a second casino!

So they fight and break up because Abby doesn't want that life. But Travis is a possessive touch with red flags in all the wrong places. He intentionally sabotages every effort she makes to meet someone and interrupts a date she's on with Parker (?) to tell her that he needs her at his next fight. His cousin Shepley won't be there to protect her from the crowd though, so he asks his brother to come to the fight to protect her while he's busy. 

At the fight, the room is packed as per usual. It's also in a maze-like basement with only two windows to get in and out apparently. But Travis knows the way so it's fine. That is until one of the oil lamps that they use for lighting gets knocked over and starts a fire. So it's time to evacuate and chaos ensues. Instead of just going upstairs and using a door that is almost certainly required by law to be unlocked from the inside to get out, since authorities will be on the way anyway, Abby tries to find her way through the maze back to the window. But she can't get out on her own and Travis' brother abandoned her to follow some other students, all of them ignoring the fact that their window was a special entrance for Travis. 

When Travis gets outside and can't find Abby, he goes back inside to find her and saves the day. But then they're worried that his brother didn't make it out because they can't find him. He finally shows up and says he'd been waiting at her dorm for them. All of this makes Abby realize that Travis really does love her, so they fly to Vegas and get married. 

There were just way too many ridiculous, unrealistic events in this story for me to give it more than the 1.2864 out of 5 stars that I'm giving it. - Katie 

Amazon

Jamie McGuire is the New York Times bestselling author of Beautiful Disaster, Walking Disaster, A Beautiful Wedding, Almost Beautiful, and the Maddox Brothers series. She lives in Tulsa, Oklahoma, with her children and two rescue pups, Finn and Coco. Please visit JamieMcGuire.com.

*Review* The Adventures of Birpus and Bulbus by Michael Albanese and Wynn Everett-Albanese

 

Genre: Children's 4-9 years

Published: September 25, 2023

Pages: 41

Birpus & Bulbus is a new picture book series chronicling the whimsical adventures of two Tree Wee Brothers living in The Forest of Fine Repute. In The Sour Milk Dragon, Birpus and Bulbus discover how a small act of kindness transforms fear into friendship. Follow Birpus and Bulbus and their Grand Wees, Nester Nook and Granny Cranny, on a magical journey of acceptance, love and family.

I received a copy of this book through Netgalley. This is my honest review. 

This is a story about two squirrel like creatures (they're probably just actually squirrels, but they look funny in the illustrations, so I'm going to assume that maybe they're from another planet that doesn't have squirrels exactly) who are running from a dragon that smells like sour milk. They get home safely, but need to leave again to get ingredients for their next meal, and the dragon is waiting for them! But he's not a mean dragon, he just wants some friends to play tag with, and has found those friends in Birpus and Bulbus. 

I would definitely read this story multiple times if asked because it was a fun read, and I like the message that we don't always know the intentions of others. Granted, I think we should still absolutely teach caution, because we don't know the intentions of others and they can be bad, but stopping to listen to someone explain where they're coming from is a good thing. The illustrations were cute and quirky and I think this would make a great coloring book. 

Overall I give The Adventures of Birpus and Bulbus 4.3857 out of 5 stars. - Katie 

Amazon

Michael Albanese was born in New York City and raised in Marietta, GA.

He loves writing, coffee, basketball and all forms of art.

Michael lives in Atlanta with his wife Wynn, their two daughters and two cats.

*Review* How My Neighbor Stole Christmas by Meghan Quinn

 Genre: Holiday Romance

Published: October 15, 2024

Pages: 482

A new winter holiday, enemies-to-lovers romance, from the undeniably funny and always spicy, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Meghan Quinn.

Living in a year around Christmas town has it's drawbacks. The caroling, the decorations, the insanely cheery spirit, it never disappears. It's why I like to hibernate away in my cave--I mean house--keeping a healthy distance from the holly jolly spirits.

And all was going according to plan until my nemesis, Storee Taylor, moved in next door to care for her Aunt Cindy. Without blinking, she turned my simple world into a real nightmare-before-Christmas, especially when she decided to enter the town Christmas Kringle contest - which she was determined to win.

Well guess what? Over my cold-hearted body.

There was no way I was going to let her win, not after the history we'd shared.

So despite my promise to myself of never participating in the sickening Christmas season, I entered the competition as well. That's right, I planned on beating Storee at her own game by pretending this grump’s heart grew three sizes this season.

And it was working until feelings between us started heating up.
We pretended to date.
We kissed.
And well, sparks flew from there.

Which led to one explosive night involving Christmas lights, the competition, and a ladder. Don't let me convince you who stole Christmas, I think you need to find out for yourself . . .

I was denied a copy of this book through Netgalley (I don't blame them, it was the smart call, but it made me sad). I was so excited about Meghan Quinn releasing another Christmas book though, so I bought the Walmart exclusive edition on a whim when I was buying pet food. This is my honest review. 

It was absolutely impossible to miss talk of this book on the internet and the number of people talking about how spicy the book was had me expecting far more sex than I actually got from the book. And sure, the candy cane scene was definitely a vibe, and there were a few other brief scenes between the two MCs, but none of that happened until the second half of the book!

Kringle felt like a Christmas version of Stars Hollow from Gilmore Girls, complete with a mayor who takes his designated role a little too seriously. This mayor just happens to also play Santa for the town. Everybody is in everybody's business, but they also step up to protect their own. And of course the town matchmakers had their mittens all over everything. 

I really enjoyed the banter, even though a lot of the behavior was rather juvenile, between Storee and Cole. I also appreciated how Cole was clearly small town nice to his bones, even when he was pretty sure he hated Storee's stinking guts. 

Overall I give How My Neighbor Stole Christmas 4.3864 out of 5 stars. - Katie 

Amazon

New York Times, USA Today, and #1 Amazon Bestselling Author, wife, adoptive mother, and peanut butter lover. Author of romantic comedies and contemporary romance, Meghan Quinn brings readers the perfect combination of heart, humor, and heat in every book.

*Top Ten Tuesday* New To Me Authors in 2024

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl. Joood - Hooligan of Platypire reviews bossed me into doing this, so I guess this is a thing I do now. 

This week’s theme is new to me authors I read in 2024. This is both a great and horrible theme for me because I am a horrible fan. I say that because I can absolutely pick up a book from an author I've never read, love the book, and then never read anything else they ever write...or at least take years to do so. For instance, I absolutely love The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern, and I've heard The Starless Sea is even better (and I've owned the ebook of it since April 6, 2020), but I've never read it. So I'm only going to feature authors I've read more than one book from. Let's go.

The Gilded Ones by Namina Forna. I read this entire series last year, after starting with this one in February. 

Butcher and Blackbird introduced me to Brynne Weaver. I also read Leather and Lark and can't wait for Scythe and Sparrow to come out. 

Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros brought me back to dragon stories. 

Switched by Sarah Ready was the first book in the series I read, but I've read the other three at this point now too. 

A Bad Day for Sunshine introduced me to Darynda Jones. I flew through the entire Sunshine series on audiobook. 

Verity was my first ever Colleen Hoover book. And sure, I knew who she was, but I hadn't read anything she'd written until this. I also read It Ends With Us last year. 

The House in the Cerulean Sea introduced me to TJ Klune. I've also read Somewhere Beyond the Sea and have one of his other books on my TBR. 

The Perfect Marriage was my introduction to Jeneva Rose. I've also read Home is Where The Bodies Are.

Their Vicious Games introduced me to Joelle Wellington. I also really enjoyed The Blonde Dies First. 

The Only One Left was my introduction to Riley Sager. I've also read Home Before Dark, and have several others on my TBR. 

So there we go. Ten authors that were new to me in 2024, that I have read more than one book they wrote. Who are some new to you authors you read last year? Anyone I should add to my list? 

If you're stopping by from the linkup, please be sure to drop a link to your post below so I can check out your list too. - Katie