Everything is Just Beginning by Erin Bartels, A Review

 

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Book Description

An Immersive Story of Music, Struggle, and Starting Over from an Award-Winning Author

Michael Sullivan is a talented lyricist and a decent guitarist, but since he was kicked out of his band (and his apartment), he's not sure he'll ever get a record deal. Living with his loser uncle in a beat-up trailer and working a dead-end job, Michael has little reason to hope for a better future. Until the invitation for a swanky New Year's Eve party shows up in the mailbox. It's for his uncle, with whom he shares his name, but his uncle is going out of town . . .

On the effervescent night of December 31, 1989--as the Berlin Wall is coming down, the Soviet Union is inching toward democracy, and anything seems possible--Michael will cross paths with the accomplished and enigmatic young heir to a fading musical dynasty, forever altering both of their futures.

Award-winning novelist Erin Bartels enchants with this story of two lonely souls who have exactly what the other one needs--if they could simply turn their focus from what is ending to what is just beginning.

Review

Oh what a gem of a book!

I was drawn to the title of this book and loved the point in the book where it comes together with the story and just makes so much sense. 

I'm not even sure I realized it was a guitar on the cover when I requested it. Beginning the book, it is clear that music is a strong theme in the book. I like music, but I wouldn't say that it is something I think about very much. I am definitely a "it's in the background" sort of listener. 

Beginning the book, I wasn't sure about the protagonist Michael and how I would relate to his story and music. I read the final sentence in chapter 3 and realized that I was hooked and invested in this story.  While it seemed at the moment that romance would be the central theme of the book, it quickly became clear that this is not a romance book. I don't want to give away story elements but this is a beautiful book that explores family, hurt, forgiveness, generosity, and finding oneself.  Love is present, but that's not what the story is about.  

Some other things I liked:

* There is so much music in this book and Bartels does an excellent job of keeping it from being pretentious.

* I loved the quiet faith the Wheelers shared with Michael. As more of his story was revealed, I found their acceptance and inclusion of him into their life inspiring. 

* While Michael and Natalie are young, this is not a New Adult book. Bartels approaches the common experience of passion, goals, drive that is indicative of this era in a thoughtful and realistic manner. 

Bonus touches that added to the enjoyment of reading this book:

1. The cover somehow manages to have raised areas mimicing the guitar strings. I thought the cover was okay - but as I read the book, it became clear that it is PERFECTION for this story. 

2. Instead of chapters, there are tracks along with an A side and a B side, pulling the music theme into the tiniest detail.

3. Somewhere in the first third of this book, I wrote a note to myself at the beginning that the book:  this book needs a playlist. why don't books come with QR codes to things like that? And then I turned the last page, and there were 3 QR codes to music for this book. I can't wait to re-read this book with the music playing along. 

Bravo Erin! I can't imagine this book not being in my top 5 for the year. 

Thank you to Revell for providing a copy of the book to review. These are my honest thoughts.

I gave this book: ★★★★★ 

★ = I did not like it     ★★ = It was okay     ★★★ = I liked it    ★★★★ = I really liked it     ★★★★★ = I loved it

Nine by Rachelle Dekker, A Review

 

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Book Description

Zoe Johnson spent most of her life living in the shadows, never drawing attention to herself, never investing in people or places. But when a wide-eyed, bedraggled teenager with no memory walks into the diner where Zoe works, everything changes. Now, against her better judgment, Zoe, who has been trying to outrun her own painful memories of the past, finds herself attempting to help a girl who doesn't seem to have any past at all. The girl knows only one thing: she must reach a woman in Corpus Christi, Texas, hundreds of miles away, before the government agents who are searching for her catch up to them.

Award-winning author Rachelle Dekker throws you into the middle of the action and keeps the pressure on in this page-turning story that, asks Are we who the world says we are--or can we change our story and be something more?

Review

I received an ARC copy of this book from the publisher. Here is my honest review.

I wasn't sure what to expect from this book; the title intrigued me and so I requested a copy to review.

The beginning was strong - lots of action and just enough mystery to grab my attention. Characters that were appealing and a basic premise of good vs. evil.

But about the middle, the story really slowed down and seemed to just be repeating the same problems or concerns. The characters became unreliable for me as they began to make decisions that were counter-productive to their goal.

Finally, the ending came out of nowhere, it seemed like. And the budding romance - makes absolutely ZERO sense.

There were elements to the story that make it clear Dekker knows how to craft a novel. But the character development and the rushed, confusing ending left me a little disappointed. The other major flaw I saw was that while this is published by a Christian publishing house, I don't see much faith elements to the story. Perhaps they were so subtle that I missed them.

I gave this book: ★★

★ = I did not like it     ★★ = It was okay     ★★★ = I liked it    ★★★★ = I really liked it     ★★★★★ = I loved it

A Dazzle of Diamonds by Liz Johnson

 

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Book Description

Best friends Penelope and Tucker have faced their share of challenges. But finding a lost treasure in time to clear his family's name and win him an election may uncover something they never expected.

Review

I received a dARC copy of this book from the publisher. Here is my honest review.

Best Friends to Lovers is one of my favorite romance tropes and I really liked Johnson's approach to this classic setup. While Tucker and Penelope have been friends for decades, there was none of the years of secret feelings that one or both had for the other They were truly just best friends. Penelope had an ex-fiance that broke her heart, Tucker had self-esteem issues that needed to be worked through as their relationship moved from friendship to romance. I did like how quickly they realized that something was there and pursued it. The mystery tied to past generations added a fun element to the story. The ending - was a happy ending, even if it wasn't a typical happy ending - which I appreciate!
This is a cute, light-hearted, HEA guaranteed romance book!

I gave this book: ★★★

★ = I did not like it     ★★ = It was okay     ★★★ = I liked it    ★★★★ = I really liked it     ★★★★★ = I loved it

You Can Read by Helaine Becker

You Can Read by Helaine Becker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh my word, I love this book!!
Working in early childhood, there is nothing quite like watching a child learn to read. Their excitement and the sparkle in their eyes is pretty hard to beat.
I could see this book being used at the beginning of the year as an introduction to the journey students will take to become readers.

Personally, I see myself throughout this book. I typically read while I'm in the middle of cooking dinner and always have a book with me. I love the message that reading can be done anywhere. Hoffman is a genius with the illustrations: each location has a perfectly paired book with subtle humor. As an example, on the spread that highlights reading in the kitchen, the book's title is Just Try a Bite.

The Black Midnight by Kathleen Y'Barbo

 

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Book Description

Two Series of Murders Seem Mysteriously Connected
Step into True Colors -- a series of Historical Stories of Romance and American Crime

Could a series of murders in London in 1889 be related to unsolved murders in Austin, Texas, 1884? Queen Victoria wants to know and asks her granddaughter—who left the queen’s good graces by going off to America to become a Pinkerton agent—to quietly look for any connection. The catch is the queen doesn’t want her to do it alone. Alice Anne must find her former Pinkerton agent partner—now an attorney in Austin—and enlist him in the hunt. As the pair get closer to finding their suspect, their lives become endangered, but they refuse to be intimidated. Can this case be solved?

Review

I received a dARC copy of this book from the publisher. Here is my honest review.

I have read several books in this series and thoroughly enjoyed them. This book explores a series of unsolved murders in both Austin and London during the late 1800s. The Jack the Ripper cases are well known; as a native Texan, I was not aware of the slew of murders in Austin that many believe are connected to the Ripper cases. I read almost half the book the first night - mainly because I was trying to figure out if the main characters were completely fictitious. In past books, they are yet the details around the crime are well researched and key players from history appear in the story. In this book, there's just a few things that are hard to believe. First, Annie, the heroine, is written as a great-granddaughter of Queen Victoria. She either needs to truly be a granddaughter of the queen or should have been a much more distant relative. The other detail that really bothered me was the ending where Annie and her sister both seek to marry men outside of their social and economic circle and that it is easily allowed. I just don't buy it - not for the time in history. I believe women wanted more, but I don't believe that would be a choice women would be able to take, and certainly not royal women.
I really enjoyed the segment of the book that focused on the Austin murders; this series does such a good job of shedding light on historical crimes that would have been headlines in their time but that have also been forgotten. I wish there had been a little more time spent in London on the Ripper cases, but that's not the point of the story and of course, the killer has not been found. For such a complicated and well-known set of crimes, I like the way Y'Barbo handled the story.

This series is terrific for readers who love mystery and/or historical romance.

I gave this book: ★★★

★ = I did not like it     ★★ = It was okay     ★★★ = I liked it    ★★★★ = I really liked it     ★★★★★ = I loved it

The Thing Lou Couldn't Do by Ashley Spires

The Thing Lou Couldn't Do by Ashley Spires


Ashley Spires wrote/illustrated one of my all-time favorite picture books so I knew I wanted to check this one out as well. Young children often say they "can't do it". Spires book looks at Lou and her diverse group of friends to explore this topic. It starts with the many things Lou and her friends can do but transitions quickly to a problem that leaves Lou feeling unconfident and left out. It is typical of young children to encounter disagreements - both slight and great - as they organize their play. When the group consensus is to play pirates in the tree, Lou has a choice to make. She comes up with all sorts of reasons why she can't before acknowledging that she doesn't know how to climb a tree. Educators know how important it is that our students learn to tackle problems by looking for solutions and Lou models this as she brainstorms ways to get up in the tree.
As an educator, we focus quite a bit on how to build a growth mindset in our students. This book is an excellent addition to the classroom to help illustrate many of these concepts.

I received a dARC from the publisher via Netgalley*. Here is my honest review.
*expired. reviewed library book

I gave this book: ★★★★

★ = I did not like it     ★★ = It was okay     ★★★ = I liked it    ★★★★ = I really liked it     ★★★★★ = I loved it

Max the Brave by Ed Vere

Max the Brave by Ed Vere
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I requested this book on Netgalley years ago. Years. I've read it several times at our preschool over the years. Kids love it because they know more than Max as he tries to learn what a mouse is so he can chase it. As an educator, I love it because it is a great way to talk about being brave! In my opinion, a good picture uses rich vocabulary. All the animals Max encounters have seen the mouse and they use a wide variety of words to explain the mouse's movement: scurry, dash, skitter and more.
Illustrations are easily my favorite part of picture books - and Vere's use of bold colors and then simple, black, shadow-style renderings for the characters is appealing. There is not a lot of detail in the artwork, and yet there is a great deal of movement on each page.

I received a dARC from the publisher via Netgalley.* Here is my honest review.
*expired. reviewed copy from school 

I gave this book: ★★★★

★ = I did not like it     ★★ = It was okay     ★★★ = I liked it    ★★★★ = I really liked it     ★★★★★ = I loved it

The Way Home in the Night by Akiko Miyakoshi, A Review

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Book Description

A mother rabbit and her young bunny are on their way home in the dark night. "My mother carries me through the quiet streets," the bunny explains. "Most of our neighbors are already home." The bunny can see their lights in the windows, and hear and smell what they might be doing: talking on the phone, pulling a pie out of the oven, having a party, saying goodbye. When they reach home, the father rabbit tucks the bunny into bed. But the bunny continues to wonder about the neighbors' activities. "Are the party guests saying goodnight? Is the person on the phone getting ready for bed?" And what of the footsteps that can be heard in the street as the bunny falls asleep? "Will she take the last train home?"

This beautiful picture book captures the magical wonder a child feels at being outside in the night. Award-winning author and illustrator Akiko Miyakoshi's softly focused black-and-white illustrations with just a touch of neutral color have a dreamlike quality, just right for nodding off to sleep with. The book is intriguing in that it contains twice-told stories, once as they are observed and second as the bunny imagines them. This offers a perfect prompt for young children to create extensions of other stories they have read or heard. A deeper reading could encourage critical thinking by comparing the different pastimes of the neighbors or, ultimately, what it means to be home. 

Review

It would be easy to dismiss this book because of the text simplicity and the dark illustrations. And what a loss that would be. The illustrations of a picture book are an important component; Miyakoshi conveys the quietness and isolation of the night through the pencil and charcoal illustrations. 

As an educator, I see two great uses for this book in the classroom. First, it is an excellent example to use in teaching the concept of value and shading in art as well as leading to discussions about how drawings, a two-dimensional object, can convey emotion and setting.  This book would also be an excellent addition to any study on community.

I received a dArC from the publisher via Netgalley*. This is my honest review.

*expired: library edition reviewed

I gave this book: ★★★★

★ = I did not like it     ★★ = It was okay     ★★★ = I liked it    ★★★★ = I really liked it     ★★★★★ = I loved it 

What Really Matters: Faith, Hope, Love: 365 Daily Devotions from Our Daily Bread - A Review

 

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Book Description

What Really Matters invites you to discover what the Bible says about faith, hope, and love—and why these vital concepts are significant to your relationships with God and others. This 365-day devotional collection includes a combination of Scripture, engaging stories, and compelling quotes to encourage you in your daily walk with the Lord.
 
You’ll find life-changing truths in this treasury of wisdom from the writers of Our Daily Bread—truths that will encourage you to . . .

•  put your trust in the Sovereign Lord.
• increase your passion for God.
• share His amazing love with others.

Discover how you you can move forward in life with confident hope, as you grow in your understanding of what really matters to God.

Review

I received a dARC copy of this book from the publisher. Here is my honest review.

What Really Matters is a terrific devotional book. As a long-time Christian I found it beneficial in keeping my faith firmly rooted. I think it would also be great for a new Christian as they read over and over about the truth's of God's love for us.
One aspect I really appreciated was each day prompted you to read a passage of scripture first. God's word is truth and the inclusion to read it I feel makes this a strong devotional to help one know God deeper rather than just be encouraged. 
I received a dARC from the publisher via Netgalley. While that version is fine, I wanted a physical copy to mark and jot thoughts and prayers down in so ordered one for the remainder of the year.

I gave this book: ★★★★★

★ = I did not like it     ★★ = It was okay     ★★★ = I liked it    ★★★★ = I really liked it     ★★★★★ = I loved it

The Tea Dragon Society by Katie O'Neill - A Review

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Book Description

After discovering a lost tea dragon in the marketplace, Greta learns about the dying art form of tea dragon care-taking from the kind tea shop owners, Hesekiel and Erik. As she befriends them and their shy ward, Minette, Greta sees how the craft enriches their lives—and eventually her own.

Review

I received a dARC copy of this book from the publisher. (But it expired before I read it so I checked a copy out from my library.)  Here is my honest review.

This graphic novel is absolutely enchanting!  I typically think of graphic novels as a format that deals weightier subjects and is more adventure focused. I also tend to think of them for older readers.  I requested this on Netgalley because I wanted to read more graphic novels (but didn't want a horror subject) and because it seemed geared to younger readers.  This graphic novel by Katie O'Neill proves that this format works for all kinds of stories. 

The two main characters are Greta and Minette, young girls who want to make a difference in their world. They become friends as they learn about caring for tea dragons while also learning the importance of friendship, reliability, community and traditions. It's a simple story, told simply and yet conveys such richness and depth. The artistic style is beautiful and evokes a serene feeling. And of course, the magic and whimsy of tea dragons is just delightful.  And what a treat to reach the end of the book, fully satisfied, and find bonus pages at the end about the history of tea dragons and how to care for them.  O'Neill also does a great job including characters in her books that display disabilities - so helpful for young children to see and be able to discuss. 

I'm enchanted!!!

So enchanted I picked up the next book in the series and have asked my library to order the third.  

I gave this book: ★★★★

★ = I did not like it     ★★ = It was okay     ★★★ = I liked it    ★★★★ = I really liked it     ★★★★★ = I loved it

Glass Dolls by D.E. White - A Review

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Book Description

ONE OF THE MOST ELECTRIFYING THRILLERS YOU’LL READ THIS YEAR

A teenage girl is found murdered, encased in glass.

Detective Dove Milson is called out to the chilling crime scene by the Devon coast. The murder is a replica of the work of serial killer Peter Hayworth, known as the Glass Doll murderer. He would be the prime suspect . . . but he’s already dead.

FOUR YEARS AGO DETECTIVE DOVE MILSON’S NIECE WAS KILLED BY THE GLASS DOLL MURDERER

Now Dove leads the case. It’s her first job as part of the Major Crimes Team. She is recovering from a breakdown a few months earlier.

Then another Glass Doll is found in an isolated cove.

Review

I received a dARC copy of this book from the publisher. Here is my honest review.

For a series starter, this book was really good. It was gritty, but not too gritty. The author did a great job of setting up characters and giving glimpses of their backstory, revealing a little more and a little more. The personal connection to the murderer added a layer of suspense to the story. There were snippets interspersed from a nameless narrator - it was sometimes slightly confusing, which added to the suspense and the unknown in the story.
I couldn't put this book down and look forward to the next book in the series. (The book ended with the perfect set up for a series although there is no indication of a series on Goodreads).

I gave this book: ★★★★

★ = I did not like it     ★★ = It was okay     ★★★ = I liked it    ★★★★ = I really liked it     ★★★★★ = I loved it

Stories That Bind Us by Susie Finkbeiner - A Review

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Book Description

Betty Sweet is still recovering from the loss of her husband when she becomes the temporary guardian of a five-year-old nephew she never knew she had. As they struggle to move forward, they build a relationship upon the foundation of storytelling and its special kind of magic.

Review

I was provided a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

There are times when I read a book, that I enjoy immensely, and I can not find words to express it adequately. This is such a book.

We meet Betty and see rather quickly that life has not turned out the way that she would have wished. Her story starts in the middle, (view spoiler) and progresses forward, while also flashing back. This could lead to a confusing timeline but Finkbeiner handles it expertly: I did not have any confusion.

Betty is a lovely example of how we find joy despite the hardships and disappoints of life. Her relationship with her sister was a portrayal of of how God can reconcile relationships. I appreciated that Betty struggled with walking out her faith at times - it was authentic and raw and relatable.

I was drawn to the cover initially, looked at it several times as I was reading. It wasn't until I read the last page, closed the book and took a breath as I began to process the story that I looked at it and made the connection to the story. Kudos to the team that designed the cover that so subtly and perfectly captures this book.

This was the first book I've read by Susie Finkbeiner but it will not be the last!

I gave this book: ★★★★★

★ = I did not like it     ★★ = It was okay     ★★★ = I liked it    ★★★★ = I really liked it     ★★★★★ = I loved it

Bitter Falls by Rachel Caine

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Book Description

In spite of a harrowing past still haunting her, Gwen Proctor is trying to move forward. Until a new assignment gives her purpose: the cold-case disappearance of a young man in Tennessee. Three years missing, no clues. Just Ruth Landry, a tortured mother in limbo. Gwen understands what it’s like to worry about your children.

Gwen’s investigation unearths new suspects…and victims. As she follows each sinister lead, the implications of the mystery grow more disturbing. Because the closer Gwen gets, the closer she is to a threat that looms back home.

In a town that’s closed its ranks against Gwen; her partner, Sam; and her kids, there’s no bolder enemy than the Belldene family—paramilitary, criminal, powerful, and vengeful. As personal vendettas collide with Gwen’s investigation, she’s prepared to fight both battles. But is she prepared for the toll it could take on everyone she loves?

Review

I received an eARC copy of this book from the publisher. Here is my honest review.

After the third book in the Stillhouse Lake series, which I enjoyed, I wondered if Caine would be able to continue the drama and danger that made the books so captivating now that the protagonist of the series was dead. Within the first sentence, it is clear that while Gwen no longer battles Melvin Royal, she will cross paths with another who is equally evil.

As in previous books, the Proctor family is flawed. Despite the trauma they have endured over recent years, they remain loyal to each and guided by a strong moral compass.

One of the reasons I enjoy this series is due to Caine's ability to pull you into the story in such a way that you feel as if you are actually the character, rather than an observer.

I finished this book just like I ended the others, satisfied that evil was at rest for moment, and anxious for the next part in story. (Write fast Rachel!)

*Note: This series must be read in order. If you haven't read the first book yet, go, right now, and pick up Stillhouse Lake. You're welcome.

I gave this book: ★★★★★

★ = I did not like it     ★★ = It was okay     ★★★ = I liked it    ★★★★ = I really liked it     ★★★★★ = I loved it