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The Earl, Her Reluctant Guardian by Wareeze Woodson – Review by Jennifer Crain

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The Earl, Her Reluctant GuardianThe Earl, Her Reluctant Guardian by Wareeze Woodson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this historical mystery/romance. One of the main reasons is the vivid descriptions of the setting, for example “fog hovered barely above the ground, gray, cold with a threat to engulf the entire area distorting sight and sound,” for it made me feel like I was in the 1800s. The budding romance between Jacob and Vanessa.

I am always looking for words I don’t know, and this book didn’t disappoint with the word benighted; or the unrest against Napoleon in France (which I didn’t know about it). The Vanesssa character was also written excellently, for example, one of my favorite lines was “I’m not a dashed female jumping at shadows” and “she was not some helpless, spiny ninny.”

Overall, I would highly recommend if you like a fast paced, intriguing story about two people destined to fall in love.

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Zibs for Sale (I am an Alien) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Jennifer Crain

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Zibs for Sale: a retelling of Beauty and the Beast (I am an Alien)Zibs for Sale: a retelling of Beauty and the Beast by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another worth-reading picture book by Lori Wickstrom. I disliked the discontinuity that the hardware store is light years away, yet they traveled by spaceship faster than lightyears? I did appreciate it parallels the original (and not Disney-fied) retelling of Beauty and the Beast, to expand children’s knowledge of the traditional tale.

The story is supported through vibrant, colorful illustrations. Although a little wordy at times, the story is intriguing enough to be engaging to students. I also learned, I probably wouldn’t like to eat Zibs!

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Gumshoe Goes To A Quinceanera (Gumshoe Mysteries Book 2) by Laura Hawks – Review by Jennifer Crain

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Gumshoe Goes To A Quinceanera (Gumshoe Mysteries Book 2)Gumshoe Goes To A Quinceanera by Laura Hawks
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Like my review of book 1 of Gumshoe Mysteries, I found this book to be better engaging for the middle grades crowd, instead of the targeted YA audience. I appreciated the insights to all the intricate components of a quinceanara, and thought Mia’s fears about school shootings were realistic yet poignant.

My favorite parts of the book, akin to book #1, was the banter between Mia and Gumshoe, and the words/phrases they use (and misunderstand each other) due to the centuries of age difference between the two. I eagerly await for book #3!

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Gumshoe and the Mysterious Mushrooms (Gumshoe Mysteries Book 1) by Laura Hawks – Review by Jennifer Crain

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Gumshoe And The Mysterious Mushrooms (Gumshoe Mysteries #1)Gumshoe And The Mysterious Mushrooms by Laura Hawks
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Although targeted to an older audience, to me, Gumshoe and the Mysterious Mushrooms is a perfect middle grade book, and explores how Mia gets to know her familiar, the cat Gumshoe, as she solves the mystery and saves her family’s restaurant.

The writing style is refreshing, and with the onset of kid cooking shows, I think this book would be a great hit with youngsters (as well as myself!). I can’t wait to read the second book in the series and find out what other mysteries this sleuthing pair can solve.

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Chasing Cheer (Emerald Hollow Book 1) by Heather Schneider – Review by Jennifer Crain

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Chasing CheerChasing Cheer by Heather Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I normally don’t read Christmas themed books (much more of a Halloween girl myself), but I couldn’t help but be enchanted by the pink and heartwarming cover. The story inside is sweet, not too spicy (my kind of romance), and keeps you hooked from beginning to end.

One of my favorite scenes in the book is when Holly is explaining how humans do things on Earth (in relation to Christmas, Santa, etc.)- made me laugh out loud! The chemistry and relationship building between Ash and Holly is spot on, with both ups and downs like reality. The plot is refreshing and fast paced, with the writing in a cheery (but not overally cheery) style, perfect for a “feel good” holiday read.

The book hooked me in from the first chapter, for author Heather Schneider describes scenery at atmosphere to feel as if you are there, whether Oregon or the North Pole. The ending wasn’t something I would write, but fits the story.

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Mr. Barsins’ Toy Emporium by Lois Wickstrom by Jennifer Crain

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Mr. Barsins' Toy EmporiumMr. Barsins’ Toy Emporium by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Lois Wickstrom is probably better known for her picture books, but this is an extraordinary and magical middle grades read.

Right away, the whimsical cover “grabs” you in and invites you in like an intoxicating toy store. The beginning hooks you right away, wanting to find out about the characters, for the book follows 4 kids and their connection to the toy store of the title. I enjoyed reading about each characters’ stories, however, at times, the story felt disjointed and not smooth transitions between the different character stories within the overarching book.

I did appreciate the author’s world building, each child had a completely different and unique story, but all had a reason(s) to visit to toy shop. The slightly open ending was also appreciated, for it lets ones’ imaginations finish the story, especially with Jack.

The pacing was quick, with the exception of some disjointed flow as I mentioned above. Love the actual writing style, feels like the characters are acting out the scenes instead of talking to you. Overall, an enjoyable read!

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Notebook Mysteries ~ A Party to Remember (Notebook Mysteries Series) by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Jennifer Crain

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Notebook Mysteries ~ A Party to RememberNotebook Mysteries ~ A Party to Remember by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

My second Notebook mystery, I chose this for the cover- not only does it show a stunning Victoria era dress, it is very festive. Normally I don’t read a ton of Christmas novellas, but this one was intriguing, especially because it centered around Emma, a character I very much enjoyed in A Parisian Intrigue.

The entire story line revolves around the 5 W’s of the party- the who was pretty easily figured out, but the rest took until the end of the novella to uncover. I enjoyed how this was kept down to a novella- I think the idea, while great in the less than 150 pages, would have suffered in a longer text.

I enjoyed finding out more about Hen, and can’t wait to figure out if her story line continues. Like A Parisian Intrigue, the pacing and world building of this novella made it a one night, but rememberable read. The only thing I wish was stronger was the conclusion, which I thought was rushed.

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Killer Smile by Allan Evans – Review by Jennifer Crain

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Killer SmileKiller Smile by Allan Evans
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I rated this a star lower than the first book, 4 stars instead of 5, because I personally didn’t care for the brutal descriptions of the murders, and felt it wasn’t needed in parts to allow the story to keep on moving. I felt the story dragged at times; for example, it was obvious from the get go there were two killers, but the time it took to get there was slow.

I did enjoy the comical name and reoccurring jibes of the task force name (Five Below). My favorite quotation from the book was”The other two grad students grinned. One said, “Murder vacation: band name.” because it comically relieves a relatively dark book (I felt this one was darker than book #1). I did think the reoccurring stereotypical cop jokes got old after the first few references to donuts. Although I did connect with Cade in his dislike of elevator music.

All in all, I would read book #3 of the series when it comes out and see where it is going.

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Killer Blonde by Allan Evans – Review by Jennifer Crain

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Killer BlondeKiller Blonde by Allan Evans
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

From right off, the cover builds suspense and intrigue- whom is the attractive woman in the red dress, and why is she standing on a parapet off a building?

First impression of the book was this was one I was going to stick with, because it was well written and fast-paced, and in a style that I couldn’t wait to find out what happened next. For characterizations, I loved how the governor gives Investigator Cade Dawkins the hardest time, only in order to build his own importance and build confidence in his constituents for the next election. I felt for the citizens of Minnesota as Cade works to find the killer.

I enjoyed the soccer-loving authors’ reference to the game, although dislike his taste in the English Premier League and his key players, but thought he wrote about the passes/plays in soccer quite effectively. For whatever reason, I laughed over the line “The killer goosed the gas pedal,” I don’t know if that is regional slang or not!

I can’t wait to read book #2 of this series, and I would recommend this one to anyone that enjoys fast-pasted, thriller-style mysteries.

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Lucky Break (Trentbridge Tales Book 2) by Lee Wood – Review by Jennifer Crain

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Lucky Break (Trentbridge Tales #2)Lucky Break by Lee Wood
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

My first thoughts were this was a “must read” because I really enjoyed the first book of the Trentbridge series. I enjoyed how the new storyline and characters were introduced before reintroducing the main characters from the previous books, for example, James Sheldon. It hooked me right away to see where this story was heading. Like the initial book, this one was full of action, a plausible story line, and a resolution that was thought out (as opposed to “just ending” the book, which a lot of books within a series tend to do, in my opinion).

Right away, the cover art drew me in- I really enjoyed the juxtaposition between the stylized eye (symbolizing the lucky break?) and the realistic city scene, portraying the newly introduced character Peter Winston-Moore.

Throughout this sequel, I appreciated how the character development of recurring characters, such as James, remain the same. At the same time, some of the new characters have some far-fetched schemes, but made for a great story!

I really enjoyed the recurring theme in this book, of each of the characters, new and old, getting, in their viewpoint, “lucky breaks,” it really helped with keeping the pacing of this book fast and fresh. This time, the action centers around not a lottery winner, but art forgery and selling art, with great world building as the characters visit fairs, antique stores, and auction houses.

I read a lot of mystery novels, but not much crime novels, so I appreciated the novel’s ending surprising me to some degree. As with the first book, the chapters are on the shorter side, and the writing style is simple and refreshing, not overly flowerly or elegant, which I think depicts the world of art forgery to a tee. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series!

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The Mother’s Threat by Susan Specht Oram – Review by Jennifer Crain

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The Mother's ThreatThe Mother’s Threat by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I picked up “The Mother’s Threat” because I have read other books from Susan Specht Oram and have enjoyed them. Like all of her books, the cover gives little away, which I appreciate, with simply a chain link fence, which makes me question- whom or what is being kept in? Or out?

We soon find out the main character, Violet, is a recurring character from the book Shore Lodge, whom has set up her own security service company she set up to try to right the wrongs done to her as well as fellow employees. All goes well until her mother comes to town as part of a huge environmental anti-government protest movement in the quaint town of Millersville. Throughout the book, I appreciated how both of the main characters learn to forgive and move on, as well as grow their mother/daughter relationship- to an extent. I thought the ending was highly predictable, but this book was still worth reading to discover how Violet solves her maternal issues.

The most memorable part of the book was the tension and atmosphere created by the author- I really felt like I was in the middle of a protest, at times. The vivid descriptions of the actions of the protestors, the police, and Violet’s company were highly realistic and fearful, as they were, what would happen next.

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Rocketship Made of Stars (I am an Alien) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Jennifer Crain

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Rocketship Made of Stars: Naming Constellations (I am an Alien)Rocketship Made of Stars: Naming Constellations by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Although I liked this book lesser than some of the other scientifically based Lois Wickstrom’s books, it is still worth reading. An alien comes to Earth and tells stories his culture tells of the sky, which leads into learning about constellations, complete with diagrams of real constellations in the back. I did enjoy how the story has the characters taking turns telling their version, and the fact the teacher doesn’t question why an alien is in her classroom shows great inclusivity! As with all the books in this series and Lois Wickstrom’s other books, colorful, engaging illustrations accompany the text.

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The Secrets of Arkaim (The Reeds of West Hills) by B. E. Padgett – Review by Jennifer Crain

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The Secrets of Arkaim (The Reeds of West Hills #2)The Secrets of Arkaim by B.E. Padgett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am harder on sequels than debuts of a series, but was impressed with The Secrets…. starting with the fact the monochromatic and powerful cover doesn’t give away the plot. The story continues the twins second year at their special school for their unique abilities. The introduction picks up in summer, and enjoyed “attending” the conference with the twins. One thing I appreciated the interweaving of real historical artifacts and stories within the fictional story.

I enjoyed how we learn more about not only the twins, but their relationships with both peers and educators, and especially Jon we learn more about his worries. The Zodiac Games was an interesting twist (reminded me of Harry Potter #4), but enjoyed how empathy was shown throughout all the competition, creating a fantastic atmosphere. The continuation of the dreams from book #1 added to the plot, and is a strong point of this author.

I felt the pacing was slower in this book, and the conclusion was a little rushed (but at the same time, I know it is an a series, so it might be more resolved in the next book.

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As Though You Were Mine by J. Marie Rundquist – Review by Jennifer Crain

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As Though You Were MineAs Though You Were Mine by J. Marie Rundquist
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book questions nature/nurture and the true meaning of family. And how families react to the decisions of the recently deceased. Julie and Grant unexpectedly gain each other as well as 4 year old twins. I enjoyed the kids’ reactions to the trauma they have experienced, because I felt it was realistic. Touching moments occur throughout the book. I personally didn’t care for the ending (but i am really picky about book endings).

This was my first novel I read by this author, and looking forward to reading All I’m Asking. My go to genre is psychological thriller or mystery, so As Though You Were Mine was a refreshing read of more “normal” humans than my typical.

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Murder Creek by Jane Suen – Review by Jennifer Crain

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Murder Creek (Eve Sawyer Mystery, #1)Murder Creek by Jane Suen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Dreams about people from long ago, current reality in a town place called Murder Creek, and delicious food- what isn’t there to like? My favorite part of this “whodunnit” is the clever way the past is connected with the future and Eve attempts to solve a cold case. Even the minor characters are well-rounded and I enjoyed the snippets of Southern hospitality throughout.

Ultimately, this book explores whether friends or family have thicker ties, and how to relive a character’s remorse from a choice he made years ago. Well-written, quick read.

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Xenia Navarro and the Magic Ants by Lois Wickstrom and Milagros Darling – Review by Jennifer Crain

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Xenia Navarro and the Magic AntsXenia Navarro and the Magic Ants by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A lot of tough topics are brought up during this story- military deployment with a parent death, ICE and deportation, fear of being deported, living in poverty, yet the story also has hope (with a little bit of magical luck) for Xenia.

My favorite part of the book includes the Mexican phrases sprinkled throughout- often times it feels forced, but in this case, it enhanced the story as Xenia loses her mother, gains an aunt, but maintains part of her Mexican heritage. One thing I didn’t enjoy was the brother’s character- thought his character was a little flat. Overall, loved the story and couldn’t wait to see how she ends it!

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Amaleigha Makes a New Friend by Janice Pratt – Review by Jennifer Crain

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Amaleigha Makes a New FriendAmaleigha Makes a New Friend by Janice Pratt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I thought the introduction was cool- brings up Ukraine, pen pals, and making friends (real or true story). A little wordy, so would recommend for at least first grade and above. The story gives a nice overview of Ukraine- both a brief history and a geography.

The story is sweet and children anywhere will connect to the topics in the pen pail letters- from time with family to sports/hobbies to friends. Would recommend for any class that are interested in other cultures and/or penpal writing.

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Fortune’s Favorite (Soulbound Journeys Book 2) by C. L. Schneider – Review by Jennifer Crain

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Fortune's Favorite (Soulbound Journeys #2)Fortune’s Favorite by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this a lot more than “Wandering Isles,” the first in this series of Soulbound Journeys. It is lengthier, but felt more put together and the plot meshed from start to end. It continues the saga of Ian and Jarryd. This book is basically two books in one, with alternating (ish) chapters until their stories intertwine at the end. The consistencies of the two main characters are appreciated, and allows the reader to discover their growth (or lack of). This book also has a return of previous captain (including Krillos, one of my favorites).

My favorite part of the book was the adjectives and vivid descriptions of the settings, I felt like I could be in the gambling hall with Jarryd or the forest/ancient ruins with Ian. Add in some ancient serpents with multiple heads, it was a great read!

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Oscar and Emmy Lose a Friend (Oscarand Emmy Series) by Terri Sabol – Review by Jennifer Crain

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Oscar and Emmy Lose a Friend: A story about pet loss and saying goodbye to a furry friend. Ages 5-11 and kindergarten through grade 5.Oscar and Emmy Lose a Friend: A story about pet loss and saying goodbye to a furry friend. Ages 5-11 and kindergarten through grade 5. by Terri Sabol
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I appreciated this is a direct continuation of Oscar and Emmy Gain a Friend, which makes the pairing logical for helping children acquire, and sadly, lose, pets. This book continues, as with the first, to depict the cats and playful and cheerful animals and characters. This book has a great description of what a vet may do, which helps with social stories for young kids that have to take their pet to the vet, written in language they can understand, and teaching proper terms such as euthanasia (yes, children can understand big words). For a sensitive topic, the authors handle it well and this book provides a bridge to discuss pet loss with young children.

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A Forever Kind of Thing by Carrie Thomas and Melinda Harris – Review by Jennifer Crain

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A Forever Kind of ThingA Forever Kind of Thing by Melinda Harris
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Mina and Wes, the two protagonists, have different backgrounds but grow and mature together at a prestigious high school. Like most teenagers, you either want to slap them or love on them throughout the story.

One thing I liked about the book was the problems Mina and Wes encounter, for the most part, typical of teenagers. with the exception of Wes being in foster care. I liked this because it is more relatable to both adult readers and teens alike.

One thing I didn’t like about the novel was the middle kind of dragged on- the book had a strong beginning, weak middle, and decent end. I would definitely try to read more books by either author.

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A Rainbow Like You by Andréa Fehsenfeld – Review by Jennifer Crain

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A Rainbow Like YouA Rainbow Like You by Andréa Fehsenfeld
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The bonus chapter didn’t work for me, but the book itself was well worth the read! Love the fact that the link to the song is included- was a fun addition!

I am a well read reader and love when I find new words, and A Rainbow Like You Didn’t disappoint- I learned the words largesse and metier.

Now on to the actual story…. my favorite part of the book was the banter and relationship between Adrian and Hastings, and how they grow as people throughout the story. Not being into bands and music, I appreciated the inside look of being in a rock band. Even the secondary characters stood out (in a good way) by having personalities and not just flat personas. This was my first book by Andrea and hopefully won’t be my last.

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Mr Lucky (Trentbridge Tales Book 1) by Lee Wood – Review by Jennifer Crain

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Mr Lucky (Trentbridge Tales #1)Mr Lucky by Lee Wood
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

My first read by Lee Wood and it won’t be the last. I really enjoyed the two completely different stories told throughout the book, and the realism of the characters makes this a great read- I thought the characters literally could be talking and living in the room next door!

I also appreciated that, as a thriller, it wasn’t too bloody, too much sex, or too violent like some other series I have tried. It has a thriller aspect with being a safer read (in my opinion, some thrillers don’t tell a story as much as shocking you). Can’t wait to read more in the series!

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Lilly Tames Her Worries by Carole Heaney – Review by Jennifer Crain

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Lilly Tames Her WorriesLilly Tames Her Worries by Carole Heaney
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I appreciate the worries Lilly has are worries that many kids can relate to- washing a beloved stuffed animal, sitting next to someone new on the bus.

As an educator, I appreciated the inclusion of a breathing technique through the story, always great to find SEL related books that still tell a story! And includes the scientific words kids love to learn about. My school used brain in the hand, and this is a perfect fictionalized story to go along with it. Beginning and ending with a stinky stuffy leaves a clear message/reminder to kids (and adults) to be brave!

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I Am An Outer Space Alien (I am an Alien) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Jennifer Crain

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I Am An Outer Space Alien (I am an Alien)I Am An Outer Space Alien by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Adorable part of the alien hating his/her name, which kids that dislike their name for whatever reason can connect to. The alien and girl playing together is a subtle but powerful hint of inclusion and finding games all can play. As a teacher, I had a giggle when the “alien” only wants red foods, I have met many a kid that is addicted to red.

Overall, a cute read with colorful illustrations. You can’t go wrong with a Lois Wickstrom book.

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Back to the 80s by S.E. Reichert and Kerrie Flanagan – Review by Jennifer Crain

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Back to the 80'sBack to the 80’s by S.E. Reichert
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

After reading some heavier texts, this one did not disappoint- a lighthearted romcom type book that had a succinct plot, likable characters, and an interesting premise (I grew up mostly in the ’90s, but was familiar with many of the 80’s references in the book).

My favorite part was the character development. Oftentimes, one or both of the couple falls flat for me, but that was not the case with Blaine and Eric. They were both well rounded and irritable at times, but a likable irritable. I also liked the juxtaposition of the two because they had such different upbringings yet found each other in an interesting way. I will read more from this author.

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Liz’s Road Trip by Bernadette Marie – Review by Jennifer Crain

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Liz's Road TripLiz’s Road Trip by Bernadette Marie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

LIz’s Road Trip was a fun, unpredictable, and thought-provoking read. Having just lost my grandparents in the past two years, it was a refreshing and cathartic read for me. I connected with the main character, LIz, and laughed along with her along the way, because even when life gets you down, laughter can be the best medicine.

I really appreciated the depthness of the characters and the characters aren’t static but grow from the beginning to end. The story between Mark and Liz grows and unfolds slowly, but liked the format of the book (made it more mysterious) and Liz tries to discover another side of her grandma she never knew.

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Leaving No Traces (A Commissario Scala Mystery in Rome) by P.J. Mann – Review by Jennifer Crain

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Leaving No Traces (Commissario Scala #5)Leaving No Traces by P. J. Mann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Typical Italian Scala (“eating in a hurry without time to enjoy is a waste of time. Hopefully, the detectives stomach would also agree”) is back again, this time unraveling an intermingled web of families with drama and interconnections. As with the other Commissario Scala books, I really enjoyed the realistic crime scenes and aftermath that author PJ Mann sets up.

Comical relief between Scala and his colleagues lighten up some of the more intense moments in the book. I have truly enjoyed this series so far, and can’t wait to read the next one.

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Tequila Midnight (Southwest Suspense Novels Book 1) by Kathryn Dodson – Review by Jennifer Crain

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Tequila MidnightTequila Midnight by Kathryn Dodson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Tequila Midnight is a fantastic read for a debut novel. I read a lot of thriller/suspense, and didn’t see the ending coming (which is a plus, in my opinion). Disliked the main character, but that was part of the appeal of the plot for me.

As a bonus, it is set in Texas (& Mexico), so another state to cross off of my 50 states challenge. This book is worth reading because it is family drama and a quick pace.

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Oscar and Emmy Gain a Friend by Terri Sabol – Review by Jennifer Crain

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Oscar and Emmy Gain a Friend: A Story About Trap-Neuter-ReturnOscar and Emmy Gain a Friend: A Story About Trap-Neuter-Return by Terri Sabol
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Cute story and illustrations. Appreciate the fact that the mom warns the kids the feral cat may not like human interaction, which might help emotionally regulate a child that becomes upset with a feral cat in real life. The book also realistically discussed TNR programs, which was nice it mentions real-world programs.

As an educator, I appreciate the use of dialogue- so many kids books don’t have dialogue for teaching grammar and what quotation marks mean, and the conversations contained within the book are authentic!

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Flowers of Evil (Hani’s Daughter Mysteries Book 1) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Jennifer Crain

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Flowers of Evil (Hani's Daughter Mysteries Book 1)Flowers of Evil by N.L. Holmes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sixth grade was a long time ago, so I am glad I read The Evil of Flowers- not only was it a superb mystery, it also refreshed my knowledge of Ancient Egypt. Although I figured out the mystery well before the end, I enjoyed the variety of characters, from young royal doctors to beggars to the poor to the royalty- this book has a little slice of all aspects of the community.

My favorite part of this book was how the doctors used sweets to gain patients- doctors still do this today with youngsters! I also enjoyed how the facts of Egyptian life were interwoven in the story (rather than being weird facts that didn’t flow).

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