The Ninja Librarians: The Accidental Keyhand by Jen Swann Downey, A Review

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

Book Description

Just a little story about your average sword-swinging, karate-chopping, crime-fighting ninja librarians

Dorrie Barnes had no idea an overdue library book would change her life. When Dorrie and her brother Marcus chase her pet mongoose into the janitor's closet of their local library, they accidentally fall through a passage into Petrarch's Library -the headquarters of a secret society of ninja librarians who have an important mission: protect those whose words have gotten them into trouble. Anywhere in the world and at any time in history.

Dorrie would love nothing more than to join the society. But when a traitor surfaces, she and her friends are the prime suspects. Can they clear their names before the only passage back to the twenty-first century closes forever?

Review

As a teacher and a mom, I am always looking for books that are fun, interesting, and filled with imagination to recommend to my son. He loves ninjas and I love the library; I was really looking forward to reading this. 

This is the first book in what I suspect is a new series. Dorie is a young girl who dreams of defeating villians with her mighty sword. She is tough, stubborn and impulsive, which leads her into a number of scrapes in the book. She is also a loyal friend and in the act of helping out a friend, she and her brother (literally) fall through a hole in their library and discover a secret society: the Lybriad, whose mission is to protect literary works and thoughts (throughout time) and even offers aide to people throughout history that were persecuted for their beliefs that did not align with the rest of their society. 

I really liked Dorie and the relationship that she had with her brother. As siblings, they would fuss at each other, but there was definitely a sense of love, friendship and loyalty between them. I just really liked the absence of animosity between them. 

This is a book that will be enjoyed by both boys and girls. Dorie and Marcus are strong major characters. Marcus is particularly witty and I actually laughed at many of his quips throughout the book. 

I felt that Downey did a wonderful job creating a new world and her descriptions of it made the characters and setting easily imagined in my mind. 

I am looking forward to reading this with my son over summer break and will definitely look forward to the next book in the series. When I mentioned it to a friend of mine that has two boys I told her that I wasn't as great as Harry Potter....but that it is very, very close.

I gave this book: ★★★★
(I would give it 4.5 technically)

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

★★★★ = I really liked it     ★★★★★ = I loved it

First Kisses Collection, A Review

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

Book Description

A new anthology from some of your favorite inspirational authors. 
Enjoy this collection of love stories with a theme of FIRST KISSES. The First Kisses collection includes: 

The Rambler’s Bride by Linda Goodnight 

Lovebirds at the Heartbreak Cafe by Janet Tronstad **my second favorite

Her Mule Hollow Cowboy by Debra Clopton 

Deadly Hunt by Margaret Daley 

Necessary Proof by Camy Tang 

Kissed by a Cowboy by Lacy Williams **my favorite

Review

This is a compilation of short stories. I enjoyed them; my favorite was the last story. What I liked: each story was short so they were quick to read and they focused on the start of a romance. What I didn't like is tied to the things I did like. Because they were short stories, I was able to finish one and then set it aside and pick it up later. This is a plus -- but also a downside as I don't really remember any one story resonating with me. Another drawback is that I did enjoy each story enough that I really wanted to see how the relationships grew and progressed. It would be wonderful to see each of the authors turn their story into a full-length novel.

I gave this book: ★★

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

★★★★ = I really liked it     ★★★★★ = I loved it

The Butterfly Sister by Amy Gail Hansen, A Review

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I borrowed this book from my local library.

Book Description

"My past was never more than one thought, one breath, one heartbeat away. And then, on that particular October evening, it literally arrived at my doorstep."

Eight months after dropping out of Tarble, an all-women's college, twenty-two-year-old Ruby Rousseau is still haunted by the memories of her senior year-a year marred by an affair with her English professor and a deep depression that not only caused her to question her own sanity but prompted a failed suicide attempt.

And then a mysterious paisley print suitcase arrives, bearing Ruby's name and address on the tag. When Ruby tries to return the luggage to its rightful owner, Beth Richards, her dorm mate at Tarble, she learns that Beth disappeared two days earlier, and the suitcase is the only tangible evidence as to her whereabouts.

Consumed by the mystery of the missing girl and the contents of the luggage-a tattered copy of Virginia Woolf's A Room of One's Own, the book on which Ruby based her senior thesis, and which she believes instigated her madness-she sets out to uncover the truth, not only about Beth Richards's past but also her own. In doing so, Ruby is forced to reexamine the people from her past: the professor who whisked her away to New Orleans and then shattered her heart and the ghosts of dead women writers who beckoned her to join their illustrious group. And when Ruby's storyline converges with Beth's in a way she never imagined, she returns to the one place she swore she never would: her alma mater.

Review

I checked this book out from my local library (based solely on the title). When I started reading it, I had the synopsis confused with another book so it took me a little bit to get into the book. I really enjoyed this story of friendship and inner strength. 

Ruby is a young woman who has been crippled by worry over what other people think or would think of her if they knew about some of the choices she has made. I found her incredibly easy to identify with. 

Hansen did a remarkable job portraying young college students being charmed by a college professor. In Ruby's case, his love and then sudden withdrawal have very serious repercussions as she deals with a drug overdose, although it is never clear whether it was intentional or accidental. The plot twist was completely unexpected - I thought I had figured out who was responsible for Beth's disappearance but I was completely wrong. That is always nice to have happen in a book!

One of the things I enjoyed most was Ruby's relationship with her best friend: she was such a great example of a true friendship that loves in spite of our foibles and offers forgiveness and acceptance without hesitation. 

I found this book to be beautifully written and look forward to future offerings from Ms. Hansen.

I gave this book: ★★★★ 

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

★★★★ = I really liked it     ★★★★★ = I loved it

Blind Faith by Rebecca Zanetti, A Review

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Available on May 6, 2014

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

Book Description

A betrayal he couldn't forget . . .

For Nate Dean, love is a four-letter word. As part of a secret black-ops military unit, he and his brothers were genetically engineered by the government to be ruthless soldiers with an expiration date. They were loyal only to one another . . . until Nate laid eyes on the woman who stole his heart and blew his world apart. Now, years later, his family is still paying the price for his mistake. But as time runs out, there's only one person who can save his family: the very woman Nate swore he'd never trust again.

A love she couldn't deny . . .

The moment Audrey Madison spies Nate across a crowded ballroom, she can barely breathe. He's just as undeniably sexy as she remembers, yet there's an edge to him now that's as irresistible as it is dangerous. When he asks for her help, Audrey can't refuse. But she has secrets of her own-secrets that, if Nate ever discovers them, may cost them both their lives . 

Review

In case you couldn't guess from the cover, this is a romance book. I enjoyed the premise - ex-soldiers who fall in love always make a great story! Zanetti pairs that with quite a bit of action and intrigue. Without giving anything away, there were several "what?" moments and plot twists that I did not expect. 

Nate is hard - to be expected - yet has a softer side that is completely believable and has you rooting for him from the beginning. Audrey is pretty tough; I do think that her character could have been developed more. Despite that, I did like her - she was no weakling that's for sure.

Blind Faith is book three in a series. I have not read the first two books yet that did not hinder reading this story. I get the impression that each is a standalone story, focusing on each brothers search for freedom and finding love along the way. I am putting the rest of the series on my to be read list. 

I gave this book: ★★★

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

★★★★ = I really liked it     ★★★★★ = I loved it

Anything For You by Sarah Mayberry, A Review

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Book Description

The world according to Sam Kirk has just turned upside down. His best friend and business partner, Delaney Michaels, has returned from vacation a new woman... a gorgeous, hot new woman. Suddenly Sam is thinking entirely inappropriate thoughts about his buddy. Worse, with Delaney's changed look, she's abandoning their friendship in pursuit of the picket-fence dream. It's a nightmare come true. Then one night finds them tangling in the sheets.

It should feel wrong, wrong, wrong... instead, it feels very right. And now Sam knows exactly what he'd do to keep his best friend: absolutely anything.

Review

This is one of my favorite "romance" books. Sarah Mayberry is a talented author and her books rarely disappoint! This is the third time that I have read this book in fact. Anything For You is the story of two best friends who eventually figure out that they love each other beyond friendship. This is one of my favorite romance plot lines. What makes this book stand out for me is that Sam and Delaney have been friends for years - the book opens with them still in contact and daily living as best friends. Usually books based on this premise have the best friends meeting up again after a long time apart. If you enjoy romance stories that feature two friends falling in love with each other, you must read this one! I gave this book: ★★★★★ ★ = I did not like it     ★★ = It was okay     ★★★ = I liked it     ★★★★ = I really liked it     ★★★★★ = I loved it

John Dreamer by Elise Celine, A Review

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

Book Description

Andy wasn’t usually sure about much, but she was absolutely certain this was the weirdest day of her life as she stood stranded in the middle of a great white room with six strangers. Well, they were mostly strangers. She could have sworn she’d seen the guy with the green eyes before, and maybe that was why he kept staring at her. When a man calling himself the Guardian appeared and said they had come to make their deepest dreams come true, they embark on an adventure none of them ever imagined, and the consequences of their actions would change them forever.

Review

This book is written in first person which is not usually my favorite perspective when reading a book. It does work well in the Young Adult genre and certainly is fitting to this story. Celine's prose is very simple and straightforward. At first, this bothered me: it felt so simplistic and rather stereotypical (which I saw another reviewer point out). After reading several chapters, it struck me that the writing had beauty in its simplicity. At one point I remember thinking that the story was reminiscent of The Breakfast Club, one of my favorite movies growing up. So, about the stereotypical comment made by another reviewer: at first glance, yes, the characters do seem to be without depth and they certainly fit into common stereotypes: the nerd, the princess, the loner, et cetera. 

But that is what makes this story so compelling. On the surface, every one of us would fall into one stereotype or another. But that is only the surface - there is so much more to us than how others perceive us. More than how we sometimes perceive ourselves. It is this universal truth that Celine hits on and exposes. 

I won't spoil anything - I hope - but the ending...I can't decide if it is frustrating (no clear resolution but done so well that it is pretty much okay) or perfection (because how often is life tied up in a perfect package?) After looking up the book on Amazon, I realized that it is listed as part of a series. Hmm. I almost like wondering what next for Andy and John. But I confess that I would seek out the next book.

Another element I enjoyed are the photographs in the book; they are beautiful and haunting. A lovely addition. 

I would recommend that parents of teenagers read this book. It would work beautifully into a high school literature selection (and probably be far more enjoyable for freshman than Romeo & Juliet). I can certainly see the book leading to great discussion on how we view and treat each other. 

I gave this book: ★★★★ 

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

★★★★ = I really liked it     ★★★★★ = I loved it

The Wedding Hazard by Regina Duke, A Review

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

Book Description

Marriage of convenience.

Ashley Clair needs help. Her father has died, her estranged mother has disappeared without a trace, and now someone is after Ashley. Alone, broke, and in danger, she turns to Thor Security looking for protection, but what can she do to afford a bodyguard?

Thor Garrison moved to Colorado trying to forget the tragedy in Texas that changed everything. When the most beautiful woman he ever saw walks into his life, he vows to do whatever it takes to save her and win her heart. Too bad Ashley isn't looking for love.

Review

I'm not sure why, but romance stories that begin with a marriage of convenience have always been a favorite of mine. I enjoy reading romance novels for a few reasons: they tend to be very formulaic so they don't require very much mental focus and they always have a happy ending. The Wedding Hazard  was easy to read and I did enjoy it. However, it isn't the best example of a marriage of convenience romance that I have read. Typically there is some event/person/misunderstanding that comes between a couple and they are apart for a length of time yet this story lacked that. I am still not sure how I feel about that missing element. It's not a deal-breaker as far as a story goes, but it does leave me feeling as if something is missing. Another flaw is that the characters could be more developed and the relationship between Thor and Ashley barely scratches the surface. 

I gave this book: ★★ 

(I would technically give it 1.5 stars)

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

★★★★ = I really liked it     ★★★★★ = I loved it

A Fish Named Glub by Dan Bar-el, A Review

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

This is a really sweet book for children that talks about some pretty big concepts. The sweet illustrations and charming text made this a delightful read.
This is a great book for a classroom read aloud. There are several characters giving lots of opportunities for specific voices which children really love. 
There are also several conversations that can take place over themes such as loneliness, friendship, acceptance, dreams/goals. Glub considers several times throughout the text; as a preschool educator, I firmly believe that we must model thinking to our young children today. We all think, but as teachers, we can help our students learn to think at a much higher level. 

This book is going on my wish list. I read this with my 7 year old and he said "it was good".

I gave this book: ★★★★

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

★★★★ = I really liked it     ★★★★★ = I loved it

Shapes in Math, Science and Nature: Squares, Triangles and Circles by Catherine Sheldrick Ross, A Review

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I received an eARC copy of this book via NetGalley to review. Here are my honest thoughts.

As a preschool director, teaching shapes is one of the core components of our curriculum. This text is too advanced for a young child. It is however, a wonderful book! Despite the book not being for young children, I do think a preschool teacher would find this a valuable resource tool as they teach about shapes. My favorite thing about the book are the experiments that it includes. I can see many of them working very well in a preschool setting (square bubbles would fascinate young children.

My first grader would love this book and I am putting it on our book wish list. As the other reviewer stated, this book is great for elementary students as they learn more about shapes and how they work. As a teacher and parent, I appreciate that the 3 volumes have been combined into one.

I also recommend this book to parents and grandparents of children who like math.

I gave this book: ★★★★★

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

★★★★ = I really liked it     ★★★★★ = I loved it

Manor of Secrets by Katherine Longshore, A Review

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I was provided an eARC copy by the publisher. Here is my honest review.

When I first started reading this book, it struck me as being very "Downton Abbey"; so much so that it lacked the magic of the series.  I wasn't even sure that I would finish it.  Then came Chapter 3 and I was compelled to keep reading.  Bits of the story seemed very rushed which lead me to wonder if this is a self-contained story or if it is intended to be part of a serial.

I gave this book: ★★

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