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12/17/2019 1 Comment

December 2019 Book Releases

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Snuggle down with these new releases. 
Now Available
FICTION
FICTION
FICTION
FICTION
YOUNG ADULT
THRILLERS & SUSPENSE
THRILLERS & SUSPENSE
FICTION
THRILLERS & SUSPENSE
FICTION

December 30th
PREORDER NOW

THRILLERS & SUSPENSE
December 31st
PREORDER NOW

FICTION
1 Comment

12/15/2019 0 Comments

One More Gift Post

Less than ten days until Christmas and you can still snag some of these great buys before it's too late. (Just click the pic to buy the best gift EVER!) 
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12/12/2019 0 Comments

The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt

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The GoldfinchThe Goldfinch by Donna Tartt
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Dear Ron Charles with the Washington Post, you are quoted saying, "...a long novel that never feels long," in regards to this tome of adjectives that equals 771 pages. You are WRONG. This book feels like EVERY single one of those 700 plus pages, and it didn't need to be this way.

This book could have been awesome, and by all accounts of its awards and acclaim, apparently it is, but maybe I'm too stupid to realize its greatness. However, I don't believe I am stupid, or ignorant, or uneducated, but what I do believe is that there is an unnecessary elite that comes with writing a long, drawn out, fatalistic piece that has other authors and critics falling all over themselves to adore. Why? Yes, the story, the bare bones beginning, middle, climax, resolution, it was good, something I would have enjoyed reading, but it was the nonstop depressing rain of descriptions upon descriptions, drawn out conversations that had me screaming in my head, "Just shut up already!"

Again, I wonder, as I do with so many other books that I read and come away dissatisfied, yet feeling so strongly, is this the point the author is trying to make, the impact they so desire? Is it the point to elicit such intense feelings, whether it be love or hatred? I don't hate the book, there were parts I enjoyed, characters I loved, in its entirety, it inspired to want to write more on my own, but is it really as great as some would lead you to believe? I don't think so, but again, what do I know, I'm a stay-at-home mom writing reviews in my spare time.

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12/12/2019 0 Comments

My Favorite Children's Books

A little bit about me, I have five, that's right, FIVE kiddos, so I read A LOT, a lot of board books, Dr. Seuss, Sandra Boynton, Roald Dahl, Beverly Cleary, we have BOXES of books for kids. I got tired of cleaning them all off the floor so I had to start rotating them seasonally. Below I've compiled a list of authors and books that I love reading over and over. 
You need to have the entire collection of "Click Clack" books, they are some of my absolute favorites to read. I love the cadence of the story, the expressive farm animals, the creative plot line. The entire collection is worth every penny. My first introduction to this author was with the book Duck For President, about a duck that's finished being the farmer's assistant and decides to go on to bigger things. You'll fall in love with each character, the disgruntled farmer, the sneaky chickens, the pragmatic duck, they all reprise their roles in each story. 

If you have spent any extended amount of time with young children, chances are, you've heard of Sandra Boynton. Her board books are my favorite addition to any baby shower gift or children's birthday party. Barnyard Dance! was the first book of hers I received, over ten years ago, and we still continue to buy them whenever we spot a new one, or an older favorite, at the store. My husband and I love to read Personal Penguin to each other, it actually has a melody written for it by Davy Jones! Speaking of songs, my husband created his own song to go with Oh My Oh My Oh Dinosaurs, he's not the best singer, but the kids don't mind. 

Just in case you were starting to wonder, yes, we do read books that aren't about farm animals. The Day the Crayons Quit has been around for a few years now, but it, and its sequel, The Day the Crayons Came Home still elicits chuckles from myself and the kids whenever it's read. We especially like the postcards from Neon Red Crayon, who really needs to brush up on his geography. Both of these books are a great addition to any child's personal library.

Now for a completely different kind of animal! The "How Do Dinosaurs" books are fun stories that come with a hint of a lesson. It's fun to sit with your toddler and ask them if this is how they should be doing something, or if they should make better choices, which the dinosaurs inevitably end up doing. The illustrations are funny and the dinosaurs come with big personalities. With titles like How Do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight? and How Do Dinosaurs say I'M MAD? you can find a book for any phase you may be going through with your toddler or early elementary kiddos. 

Pete the Cat is one cool dude, he likes to skateboard, he wears stylish shoes, colorful buttons, and will slyly teach your kids numbers, colors, and how to roll with the punches. I Love My White Shoes is another story that comes with a song that is quite catchy and will undoubtedly get stuck in your head. It's in mine right now... Pete even has his own series on Amazon Prime. We were first introduced to him by my grandmother who had downloaded the e-book, which reads and sings the songs for your child. (Snag a Kindle for your kiddo HERE.)
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12/10/2019 1 Comment

Giveaways!

Click the title link to enter the Goodreads giveaway. Click the picture to purchase the book. 

For more information on the giveaways, visit the Goodreads website. 
The Winter of the Witch by Katherine Arden
The Testaments by Margaret Atwood
Miracle Creek by Angie Kim
The Last Romantics by Tara Conklin
American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins
Ali Cross by James Patterson
The 19th Christmas by James Patterson & Maxine Paetro
Wanderers by Chuch Wendig
The Lucky One by Lori Rader
Lost by James Patterson & James O. Born
Eight Perfect Murders by Peter Swanson
Crown of Coral and Pearl by Mara Rutherford
The Queen's Assassin by Melissa de la Cruz
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12/9/2019 0 Comments

Santa, Baby...

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For info on any product shown, just click on the picture. 
​
​Happy Shopping! 
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12/8/2019 1 Comment

Dark Hollows by Steve Frech

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Dark HollowsDark Hollows by Steve Frech
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I found Dark Hollows while scrolling through Twitter. The name was the first thing to jump out of me, I’m a huge fan of books that have “dark” and “hollows”, it’s the recipe for a great read. Since it was a NetGalley retweet that had featured this title, I jumped over to see if I could snag it for myself, and I rejoiced when I was approved to read the title.

From the beginning, I was in love. Set in a Vermont small town in October with detailed descriptions of an east coast autumn, small town main street, and a bustling coffee shop, it wasn’t long before I was craving a cup of joe and the cozy firepit mentioned early on in the story. Mysteries abound in this tale of a past that has caught up with the future, taunting and threatening to expose horrible truths. A classic battle of conscience, where the truth will set you free, sort of. Murders and kidnappings, sabotage and car crashes, this page-turning thriller has everything to keep you entertained to the very last word.

This story flows effortlessly, the transitions between the past and present are innovative and add life to the page. Steve’s writing is like a familiar friend, it’s comfortable in its skin, it’s your favorite sweatshirt, perfectly broken in. He masterfully crafts suspense in a way that is not easy in written form. I couldn’t read it fast enough but was upset when it ended so quickly.

What I found especially fun was being able to interact with Steve via Twitter while reading. I enjoy following the authors I read, and am thrilled when they follow back, even more so when they interact with my posts as I always want to discuss the book I am currently reading. I am thankful to have found a community on Twitter where I can share what I’m thinking and sometimes receive feedback and commentary. Reading and reviewing becomes so much more fun when you can build a relationship with readers and writers.


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Many thanks to Netgalley for the free copy in exchange for an honest review. ​

1 Comment

12/6/2019 1 Comment

BOOK RELEASE: Dark Hollows by Steve Frech

Since the beginning I've been hooked and I hate having to put it down for my adult responsibilities. I've got about an hour left to finish but you can buy it now!! Check back later for my full review! 
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12/5/2019 0 Comments

"ALL (the things) I Want For Christmas..."

What kind of blogger would I be if I didn't make a Christmas list full of links I want you to push and stuff I want you to buy so that I'll receive a tiny commission? Girl's gotta eat! But seriously, while I am using affiliate links, I have personally searched for things that I would love to find under the tree, and I'm sure your book lover would feel the same. (Just click the picture to purchase.) 
For the longest time, I was a physical book person ONLY. My tone has changed a little since most ARCs (advanced reader copies) are digital, so my e-reader is necessary, but the added benefit of my Kindle is that I can read in the dark, a necessary benefit when you aren't the only one sleeping in the bed. I've had my share of book lights, but I REALLY like the look of this one, it would be pretty handy just walking around the house, or trying to navigate through a dark room littered with children's toys while seeking to comfort that one crying child. 

And speaking of lights, I have a fondness for the industrial look. Maybe it's because growing up, my handy father built things for our home that was more functional (and cheaper) than fashionable, we even had cable spools for end tables, if only he knew it would someday become trendy. I also love the Victorian, Steampunkishness (totally a word) of the look, a look that is so often captured in many stories that I love to read. 

If we go even farther past industrial and Victorian, we're going to come to an age of candlelight. Nowadays, candles aren't always needed for their light, except for the rare occasion when a blustery day blows out our lights (or a drunk person rams into the pole, it's happened more than once, but I digress). They're more often used for their scent and mood enhancing, whether it be a romantic mood, or more of a hygge type feel you're going for, and these look like they would smell AH-MAZING! Why? They're book themed scents, so if you're forced to read a digital book, or you're missing your favorite indie bookstore, you can light one of these and pretend you're in a room full of musty old tomes. 

When you're in your library, or living room, your bed, whatever your favorite spot may be, you'll want to snuggle up with a bookish pillow and blanket, light those candles, and perhaps take some notes for the next review you will write. You'll need a pen, and why wouldn't you be a little extra and write with a quill? This one is conveniently a ballpoint, for when you've misplaced your inkpot, or you're out and about. Speaking of out and about, you're going to need something to haul all those books in, and keep that money organized for your future book orders, why not do it in style with this library card canvas tote and matching coin purse? 

No matter what gift you choose, or decide to buy for yourself, I guarantee that whoever is receiving these treasures will be ever so grateful, I know I would be delighted! 

​Happy Shopping! 
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12/4/2019 0 Comments

I Choose You by Gayle Curtis

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I Choose YouI Choose You by Gayle Curtis
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The story was good, the mystery was strong, I wanted to keep reading and discover the resolution. However, it was like watching a scary movie on TV with commercials, broken up, losing the necessary tension and flow to maintain the delicious suspense. Just when I was getting into something, it would rip me out and put me somewhere else, leaving me discombobulated and frustrated. Perhaps this was the effect the author was trying to achieve, in which case, she was successful.

Gayle has a talent with description, one could easily see the dreary English landscape through the familiar gray-blue filter. The stress throughout the novel was palpable, the grief was tangible. It left you clawing for the surface, desperate for the air of your own reality. You know someone is a great writer when they affect your mood, either good or bad. Each character was laden with secrets that wove together an extremely rich and complex novel. I could relate to the mothers and their despondency over failure, vacillating between whether you were helping or harming your child by being present, if they were better off without you. There was the tiniest feeling of hope, enough to make you think that things may turn out okay.

My overall takeaway was that this story starts out good, ends well, but can become disjointed in the middle, but I look forward to reading more of Gayle’s work in the future.

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Many thanks to Netgalley for the free copy in exchange for an honest review. ​

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