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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2346 KP) rated Dying for Strawberries (A Berry Basket Mystery #1) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Marlee Jacob has settled nicely back into her home town of Oriole Point, and she is quite happy running her business, The Berry Basket. However, she quickly finds herself in trouble when her good friend goes missing, a surprise announcement rattles all the local business owners, someone tries to kill her, and then she finds a dead body. What is going on?
I enjoyed this book with how it played with some cozy mystery tropes early on while still providing us with a compelling cozy mystery. There’s plenty happening to keep us entertained all the way through, and the twists of the plot come together for a logical climax. Some of the supporting characters are still a bit thin, but we can get to know them better in later books. Marlee herself is wonderful, and the rest of the suspects are also viable characters.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/10/book-review-dying-for-strawberries-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
I enjoyed this book with how it played with some cozy mystery tropes early on while still providing us with a compelling cozy mystery. There’s plenty happening to keep us entertained all the way through, and the twists of the plot come together for a logical climax. Some of the supporting characters are still a bit thin, but we can get to know them better in later books. Marlee herself is wonderful, and the rest of the suspects are also viable characters.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/10/book-review-dying-for-strawberries-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Sarah has been working hard to set up the largest community yard sale in New England. When the day arrives, some fires outside of town are the only thing that goes wrong – or so she thinks. After the day is over, she learns her friend Carol was robbed of a painting she was doing on commission. The next morning, Carol finds a dead stranger in her shop. What is happening?
This is a very fun mystery filled with great characters. Seriously, I love spending time with them. The plot includes a few intriguing sub-plots that all tie together in some way at the end of the book. The result kept me turning pages. One word of warning, one part of the first book is spoiled here, but there is no way to continue Sarah’s personal life without doing so.
NOTE: I was sent an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2015/06/book-review-longest-yard-sale-by-sherry.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
This is a very fun mystery filled with great characters. Seriously, I love spending time with them. The plot includes a few intriguing sub-plots that all tie together in some way at the end of the book. The result kept me turning pages. One word of warning, one part of the first book is spoiled here, but there is no way to continue Sarah’s personal life without doing so.
NOTE: I was sent an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2015/06/book-review-longest-yard-sale-by-sherry.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2346 KP) rated A Palette for Murder (Aurora Anderson Mystery #3) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Vista Beach is in the middle of a heatwave, and thieves are taking advantage of people leaving doors and windows open. It looks like Rory has stumbled on the aftermath of one such burglary when she finds her neighbor, Willow, dead on her kitchen floor. But the police aren’t buying robbery as a motive, and they focus on Rory’s friend Dawn as the killer. Can Rory learn the truth?
Naturally, it turns out that Willow had a number of secrets, and those kept the pages turning until we reached the end. I did figure things out a bit early, but my jaw still literally dropped at a couple of the twists along the way. The characters are good enough to make us care about the outcome, but they could still be a bit more developed. Still, this is a fun book that flew by all too quickly.
NOTE: I received an ARC.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/01/book-review-palette-for-murder-by-sybil.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Naturally, it turns out that Willow had a number of secrets, and those kept the pages turning until we reached the end. I did figure things out a bit early, but my jaw still literally dropped at a couple of the twists along the way. The characters are good enough to make us care about the outcome, but they could still be a bit more developed. Still, this is a fun book that flew by all too quickly.
NOTE: I received an ARC.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/01/book-review-palette-for-murder-by-sybil.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Roxy the Raccoon: A Story to Help Children Learn about Disability and Inclusion by Alice Reeves is a book about Roxy who is disabled and needs a wheelchair and what her life is like.
This heart felt book for ages 4-8 shows children that there are ways to include a person who can not walk or stand, in their games and life, and how to be creative in finding ways around obstacles.
Roxy the Raccoon is differently-abled and cannot do the same thing as some of the other animals in the forest but with a bit of thought and working together they are able to play together and hang out and see and do the same things. This beautiful story shows how Roxy's friends make her feel included. The illustrations done in watercolor and are eye catching. A stunning book for all children.
I received an ARC from Jessica Kingsley Publishers via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I give this book 4.5/5 stars.
This heart felt book for ages 4-8 shows children that there are ways to include a person who can not walk or stand, in their games and life, and how to be creative in finding ways around obstacles.
Roxy the Raccoon is differently-abled and cannot do the same thing as some of the other animals in the forest but with a bit of thought and working together they are able to play together and hang out and see and do the same things. This beautiful story shows how Roxy's friends make her feel included. The illustrations done in watercolor and are eye catching. A stunning book for all children.
I received an ARC from Jessica Kingsley Publishers via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I give this book 4.5/5 stars.
Nicole Hadley (380 KP) rated Rosie the Tarantula: A True Adventure in Chicago’s Field Museum in Books
Jun 14, 2018
Rosie the Tarantula: A True Adventure in Chicago’s Field Museum by Peggy Macnamara is a cute picture book. It is a story about a pink footed tarantula, Rosie, who lives at the Chicago field museum. One day in 2011 she escaped from her room. She didn’t appear until 2012. This book imagines the adventure she might have had. It is also used to describe what can be found at the field museum. Plus there are lots of notes at the end about the real rosie, and other animals mentioned in the book. I will say the rhymes are hard and do not flow well, but for this book I don't think it is needed. I applaud the author for getting the words to rhyme in the first place. And while this book is about a Chicago based institution, lots of kids will love its story and colorful illustrations.
I received an ARC from Northwestern University Press via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I give the book 4/5 stars.
I received an ARC from Northwestern University Press via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I give the book 4/5 stars.
Nicole Hadley (380 KP) rated Growing in God's Love: A Story Bible in Books
Jun 18, 2018
Growing in God's Love: A Story Bible by Elizabeth F. Caldwell; Carol A. Wehrheim is an illustrated book that pays attention to quality and detail. While it says it is a book that children can read, I believe it should be read to children. I am impressed with this book, the wording, and I like how it is designed to be interactive between adult and child with three simple questions at the end of each story.
Most of the stories are between one and two pages counting the illustrations and three questions and start at the beginning of the Bible in Genesis and through the old testament and then into the new testament. The verse location in the Bible is given under the story title.
The author did a great job of covering Bible topics in a way that children can understand but in a way that adults can gain a blessing as well.
I received an ARC from Westminster John Knox Press via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Most of the stories are between one and two pages counting the illustrations and three questions and start at the beginning of the Bible in Genesis and through the old testament and then into the new testament. The verse location in the Bible is given under the story title.
The author did a great job of covering Bible topics in a way that children can understand but in a way that adults can gain a blessing as well.
I received an ARC from Westminster John Knox Press via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Nicole Hadley (380 KP) rated The Good Book for Kids: How the Bible's Big Ideas Relate to YOU in Books
Jun 18, 2018
The Good Book for Kids: How the Bible's Big Ideas Relate to YOU by Lisa Tawn Bergren is a great book that teaches the Bible for kids. The Bible is broken down by chapters from Genesis to Revelation in an interesting way that gains the attention of kids. This book can be viewed as a devotional for kids. The lessons are short but have meaning.
The book is a narrative of the main stories of the Bible. The stories are written in way that engages children in a way to instill Christian principles. After the short lesson, the book has a section titled "skinny" which breaks down the lesson into key points with a modern twist. At the end of each lesson there are a few questions that are asked that can be used as discussion points.
This book is a great resource for church, Bible class at a Christian school or a devotional at home.
I received as ARC from David C Cook via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The book is a narrative of the main stories of the Bible. The stories are written in way that engages children in a way to instill Christian principles. After the short lesson, the book has a section titled "skinny" which breaks down the lesson into key points with a modern twist. At the end of each lesson there are a few questions that are asked that can be used as discussion points.
This book is a great resource for church, Bible class at a Christian school or a devotional at home.
I received as ARC from David C Cook via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Nicole Hadley (380 KP) rated Ten Cents a Pound in Books
Jun 18, 2018
Ten Cents a Pound by Nhung N. Tran-Davies is a short, poetic, back-and-forth conversation between a mother and daughter. This is the story of a unnamed young girl whose mother is working hard so that her daughter may have a better life. It tells many stories within the pages that are filled with heart warming illustrations. It is the story of a mother's love, of hope, determination, a child's love and concern for her mother and for the giving of each, so that they may both be safe, and happy.
The book simultaneously draws attention to the difficulties of living with low wages, while optimistically looking forward to the opportunities and possibilities of the future due to education.
The lovely illustrations are both realistic and wistful, and while this story may require some additional explanations for young children, it paints a beautiful picture of determination and potential.
I received a ARC from Second Story Press via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I give this book 4/5 stars.
The book simultaneously draws attention to the difficulties of living with low wages, while optimistically looking forward to the opportunities and possibilities of the future due to education.
The lovely illustrations are both realistic and wistful, and while this story may require some additional explanations for young children, it paints a beautiful picture of determination and potential.
I received a ARC from Second Story Press via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I give this book 4/5 stars.
Nicole Hadley (380 KP) rated Is It Warm Enough for Ice Cream? in Books
Jun 18, 2018
Is it Warm Enough for Ice Cream? by DK is a simple book about seasons. It asks each season if it is warm enough to eat ice cream. It is a quick and simple read for early learners. It reviewed the seasons and if each one was the right time for Ice cream. In each season the story gave ideas for what happens during that time and what activities you could do in that type of weather.
Each page describes a season of the year. Toddlers will learn about different items that show up in the season highlighted. Finally, it’s warm enough for ice cream and the colors pop even more than on the previous pages.
This book made me want to create a list of things to achieve for each season- like Ice Skating, wandering through the woods, looking for hiding animals, flying kites, and definitely eating ice cream.
I received an ARC from DK Children via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I give this book 4/5 stars.
Each page describes a season of the year. Toddlers will learn about different items that show up in the season highlighted. Finally, it’s warm enough for ice cream and the colors pop even more than on the previous pages.
This book made me want to create a list of things to achieve for each season- like Ice Skating, wandering through the woods, looking for hiding animals, flying kites, and definitely eating ice cream.
I received an ARC from DK Children via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I give this book 4/5 stars.
Joelene Marie (28 KP) rated Gork, the Teenage Dragon in Books
Oct 1, 2018
Hilarious, cute (at least to me) adventure in finding love with the young Gork. The authors take on dragons is wholly original. These aren't your typical dragons, either as destructive creatures hording treasure and demanding maidens and being slain by knights or as respected creatures of magic and wisdom. Gork and his dragons are a very interesting alien species that have the characteristics of typical dragons with their wings and tails and scales and claws and breathing fire and just plain fierceness but with an intelligence similar to humans, a more militarized society, and a huge love of poetry. Have I mentioned it's hilarious? yes? well that's cause it is lol. My only problem, and it's not much of one, was the repetition of things like "scaly green ass," the first few times it added to the humor but after that it got a little annoying. Gabe Hudson has clearly shown his talent and I'm interested to see what he does in his (hopefully very long) career.
**Thanks to the publisher for inviting me to review the ARC!**
**Thanks to the publisher for inviting me to review the ARC!**