Monthly Wrap-Up Double Feature: May and June 2017

May and June 2017 Wrap-UpWith all the craziness of the last couple of months, I wasn’t able to post my usual wrap-up at the end of May, so I’m posting now for both May and June. I’m a bit behind on reviews still, but slowly catching up. I had some unexpected health issues that made it impossible for me to read or be on the computer, so you can imagine that brought this whole book review thing to a screaming halt. I did manage to sneak in a couple of audiobooks, but even that was tricky. I’m doing much better these days, and have some fun news to share!

Meet Gabrielle, Our New Contributing Reviewer

For a long time I’ve hoped … Continue reading

Review: The Dragon with the Chocolate Heart by Stephanie Burgis

The Dragon with the Chocolate Heart
Stephanie Burgis
Bloomsbury
Published May 30, 2017

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

About The Dragon with the Chocolate Heart
Aventurine is the fiercest, bravest dragon there is. And she’s ready to prove it to her family by leaving the safety of their mountain cave and capturing the most dangerous prey of all: a human. But when the human she finds tricks her into drinking enchanted hot chocolate, Aventurine is transformed into a puny human girl with tiny blunt teeth, no fire, and not one single claw.

But she’s still the fiercest creature in the mountains — and now she’s found her true passion: chocolate! All she has to … Continue reading

Top Ten Reasons to Take That Crazy Perfect Someday by Michael Mazza to the Beach

For today’s stop on the Irish Banana Blog Tour, author Michael Mazza shares with us his top ten reasons to take his novel That Crazy Perfect Someday to the beach. Before I get too carried away, let me give you a little more information about the book.

That Crazy Perfect Someday by Michael MazzaThat Crazy Perfect Someday
Michael Mazza
Turtle Point Press
Published June 13, 2017

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

About That Crazy Perfect Someday
The year is 2024. Climate change has altered the world’s wave patterns. Drones crisscross the sky, cars drive themselves, and surfing is a new Olympic sport. Mafuri Long, UCSD marine biology grad, champion surfer, and only female … Continue reading

Blog Tour and Giveaway: Dragon with a Chocolate Heart and The Frog Princess Returns

I’m today’s stop on the Bloomsbury Blog Tour celebrating the release of two fantastic middle grade books: The Dragon with the Chocolate Heart by Stephanie Burgis and The Frog Princess Returns by E. D. Baker. I’m so excited to share both of these books, and I’ve got excerpts to share and a chance to win both books, so read on and enjoy!

The Dragon with the Chocolate Heart
Stephanie Burgis
Bloomsbury
Published May 30, 2017

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

About The Dragon with the Chocolate Heart
Continue reading

Review: One of Us Is Lying by Karen McManus

One of Us Is Lying by Karen McManus

One of Us Is Lying
Karen McManus
Delacorte Press
Published May 30, 2017

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

About One of Us Is Lying

On Monday afternoon, five students at Bayview High walk into detention.

Bronwyn, the brain, is Yale-bound and never breaks a rule.

Addy, the beauty, is the picture-perfect homecoming princess.

Nate, the criminal, is already on probation for dealing.

Cooper, the athlete, is the all-star baseball pitcher.

And Simon, the outcast, is the creator of Bayview High’s notorious gossip app.

Only, Simon never makes it out of that classroom. Before the end of detention Simon’s dead. And according to investigators, his … Continue reading

Review: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

The Hunger Games by Suzanne CollinsThe Hunger Games
Suzanne Collins
Scholastic Press
Published September 14, 2008

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

About The Hunger Games
The nation of Panem, formed from a post-apocalyptic North America, is a country that consists of a wealthy Capitol region surrounded by 12 poorer districts. Early in its history, a rebellion led by a 13th district against the Capitol resulted in its destruction and the creation of an annual televised event known as the Hunger Games. In punishment, and as a reminder of the power and grace of the Capitol, each district must yield one boy and one girl between the ages of … Continue reading