Gwen begins this volume with mirrors that hide her face from her. Fortunately she gets a chance to discuss the problem with her CPC friends. They helpGwen begins this volume with mirrors that hide her face from her. Fortunately she gets a chance to discuss the problem with her CPC friends. They help her begin to mend the damages from those who compare her to the other Pastel Kingdom royalty and find her wanting. This support frees her to be more open to friendship with Prince Frederick of the Plaid Kingdome.
There are some funny little details that make this series so addictive: ...more
This is the one -- my favorite book in this series so far. The question of who Prince Maxon will pick is settled once for all by the end of this instaThis is the one -- my favorite book in this series so far. The question of who Prince Maxon will pick is settled once for all by the end of this installment. The number of girls remains at four for most of the book. Kiera Cass injects many interesting twists and turns into this third book. She keeps that love triangle somewhat alive and that takes some skills. I am invested now -- definitely planning to read #4 and #5. Thank you to my reading buddy, Alayna for going on this journey with me!...more
At the end of Book One in The Selection series, there were six girls left to compete for the crown. America is a fan favorite and (secretly) on track At the end of Book One in The Selection series, there were six girls left to compete for the crown. America is a fan favorite and (secretly) on track to win the heart of Prince Maxon. For this former girl from the 5th caste, it is not so simple. Her first love Aspen is in the palace working as a guard -- often specially assigned outside her room. Now, isn't that convenient? It sure makes things confusing. Kiera Cass ramps up the action -- more rebel attacks -- in this one. At times it seems that Maxon is perfect for our favorite girl. At others Aspen pulls ahead. Will she get to do the choosing? Or will it be done for her? This book is amazing from start to finish. Definitely ready to jump right into Book 3 with my reading buddy Alayna. Her review should be up soon, so check it out. ...more
The Pastel Kingdom Princesses are about to be married to the princes of the Plaid Kingdom. The fact that pastels look terrible with plaids signals troThe Pastel Kingdom Princesses are about to be married to the princes of the Plaid Kingdom. The fact that pastels look terrible with plaids signals trouble ahead. When youngest princess Gwendolyn does not easily match with her intended Frederick, she runs into the Haunted Forest and meets the Cursed Princess Club. The club commandments are summarized in the acronym PANDA: P - Prince Charming is not necessary for a happily-ever-after. A - Assist others. N - Never tell anyone about the Cursed Princess Club. Ever. D - Don't go near the barn. A - Again. Don't go near the barn. This book is full of humor and heart and the joys of sisterhood. There is also a pampered llama named Laverne and a cliffhanger ending. I am looking forward to the second book! A big thank you to my Goodreads friend Rosh for bringing this Webtoon series to my attention. So fun!...more
That gorgeous cover of Mur in his armor really caught my attention. While reading this book, I must say my favorite part was the illustrations. Igor SThat gorgeous cover of Mur in his armor really caught my attention. While reading this book, I must say my favorite part was the illustrations. Igor Shnayder has given us the adventures of Mur, the Kitt-Knight to encourage young readers to develop strength and courage along with "kindness, wisdom, honesty and the ability to empathize." I enjoyed reading Mur's adventures beginning with his birth in Kittengale, his training with Master Shurko, and his adventures giving him opportunities to apply his training. The character arc was well laid out, but would have preferred more showing and less telling. More pictures, please! A big thank you to the author for reaching out with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Available on Kindle Unlimited!...more
The cover describes this book as "Ten Tales of Wonder. . ." and I would agree that is what was inside. There were ten stories that were all unique andThe cover describes this book as "Ten Tales of Wonder. . ." and I would agree that is what was inside. There were ten stories that were all unique and entertaining. Here is a breakdown: 1. Rikki and the Wizard - a blue chipmunk and gold nuts ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 2. The Princess, the Cat, and the Unicorn - the Cat was my favorite ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 3. Roses by Moonlight - a rose garden where every bush is a possible future ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4. The Sixty-two Curses of Caliph Arenschadd - werewolves aren't my favorite ⭐⭐⭐ 5. Earthwitch - the passing of the torch ⭐⭐⭐ 6. Sword-Seller - quite ominous in tone ⭐⭐⭐ 7. The Lorelei - possibly my favorite, set in the present ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 8. Stronger Than Time - a twist on Sleeping Beauty ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 9. Cruel Sisters - so melancholy ⭐⭐⭐ 10. Utensile Strength - a frying pan of doom makes this another favorite ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Bonus recipe for Quick After-Battle Triple Chocolate Cake (with fantasy and real-life instructions)
If you, like me, were a big fan of The Enchanted Forest Chronicles then be sure to check out this collection of clever and witty short stories....more
The story--my story--my taken flight, like all stories do. I know there's no turning back.
You can't exile stories.
You can't ban truth.
You can't cage hThe story--my story--my taken flight, like all stories do. I know there's no turning back.
You can't exile stories.
You can't ban truth.
You can't cage hope.
I know that now. ~ The one and only Ivan
If you have been following this series like I have, you won't want to miss this final episode. The beloved silverback friend Ivan has a new title: Big Daddy. He and his partner Kinyani are about to become parents. Old friends Ruby and Bitsy, Bob, and Julia are joyfully anticipating the new arrival of a baby gorilla. There is also a documentary being made about Ivan that adds an additional layer of joy and excitement to life at the zoo. Life has not always been easy for our friends and at times they ponder the what ifs of living under human supervision or in the wild. There will be much to discuss for those teachers who share this new title with their classroom.
Thank you to HarperCollins and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review....more
Phoebe and Marigold go 'meta' in this latest installment of their graphic novel series. When Phoebe decides to write "The Story of Phoebe," she discovPhoebe and Marigold go 'meta' in this latest installment of their graphic novel series. When Phoebe decides to write "The Story of Phoebe," she discovers the fun of drawing her life in comics. Wouldn't it be fun to illustrate their conversations? We all think so and even her parents agree. Some of my favorite panels in this one were Phoebe's own illustrations. And there are plenty of other fun topics covered as well from Swiss cheese to class debates with Max about recess and Ground Unicorn Day. The unicorn on the cover is Infernus, the Unicorn of Death. Don't worry. It is just a family name. Until next time. Stay sparkly! ✨
Thank you to Andrew McMeel Publishing and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review....more
I can see why this is a Dutch classic! The story reminded me a bit of a favorite movie from my childhood -- "That Darn Cat!" This was a delight to reaI can see why this is a Dutch classic! The story reminded me a bit of a favorite movie from my childhood -- "That Darn Cat!" This was a delight to read and watch on film (with the dubbed English and subtitles). Tibbe is about to lost his job until Miss Minoes and her cat contacts start giving him hot tips. Until they discover the under the table and cover of night shenanigans of the town benefactor. It takes some extra cat maneuvers to bring it all to light. A big thank you to my friend Thibault for putting this endearing story on my radar. ...more
You had me at Lisa Jewell! I am a forever fan of the author, not Marvel so much. Struggling with how many stars to give this one. It is super cool thaYou had me at Lisa Jewell! I am a forever fan of the author, not Marvel so much. Struggling with how many stars to give this one. It is super cool that LJ gets to write the first book in this series. Jessica Jones is not a character I know much about, but I definitely was rooting for her. There is a worthwhile message about social media and smartphones in the narrative. It is just to dark and morbid for me.
Thank you to Hyperion and NetGalley for a DRC in exchange for an honest review....more
Ever feel like a Plain Jane in our current culture of airbrushed and filtered images? Love to read about the mysteries under the sea? Jump into this nEver feel like a Plain Jane in our current culture of airbrushed and filtered images? Love to read about the mysteries under the sea? Jump into this new graphic novel from Vera Brosgol. Jane is faced with a classic Victorian-age dilemma. Her family estate goes to the male heir. She has nothing unless she marries well. And time is short. Her choice of husbands, Peter, is kidnapped by a mermaid in front of her eyes. With a little help here and there and a lot of moxie, Janes sets out to get her man. Along the way she just may discover that plain on the outside is irrelevant when compared to her breathtakingly beautiful inside. An exciting and enlightening read.
Thank you to First Second Books and NetGalley for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
I may be a bit of an outlier, but I thought this story was perfection. Gave me 'The Screwtape Letters' vibes. Also included was an Introduction writteI may be a bit of an outlier, but I thought this story was perfection. Gave me 'The Screwtape Letters' vibes. Also included was an Introduction written by her granddaughter, Charlotte Jones Voiklis, about discovering these stories and what they said about her grandmother. Now that I have read this excerpt from The Moment of Tenderness, I am looking forward to more when I read the collection.
Taken as a whole these stories express a yearning towards hope--hope for intimacy, understanding, and wholeness. In moments of despair or seasons of doubt, that yearning and its depiction can feel more authentic and optimistic than more neatly resolved narratives or stories with overtly happy endings. ~ Charlotte Jones Voiklis ...more
I want to show how joy is a living threat that runs through the warp and weft of the universe. That's the hope I've built into this book. ~ Sarah ArthI want to show how joy is a living threat that runs through the warp and weft of the universe. That's the hope I've built into this book. ~ Sarah Arthur in Author Q&A
Do you check wardrobes to see if they lead into magical realms outside our world? Enchanted by beautiful gardens full of fantastic topiary? Love the details in a gorgeous tapestry?
Then you might just be the right reader for this new fantasy series from Sarah Arthur. With nods to many a classic author including C.S. Lewis, Tolkien, Edith Nesbit, and Frances Hodgson Burnett, this new YA release promises to immerse us in an ongoing fight for the survival of a kingdom called Ternival. I was enchanted by the moonlight adventures that Eva has while staying with her grandmother. A stag comes alive from a tapestry, topiary figures are walking and talking, and Eva sees her normally grandmother in a whole new light. Then there is the musical box of jewels with magical properties.
Sarah Arthur is setting up a new world that cannot possibly be fully presented in one book. My library copy had a small preview of Book 2. Can't wait!
These things. . .are only the scent of a flower we have not found, the echo of a tune we have not heard, news from a country we have never yet visited. Do you think I am trying to weave a spell? Perhaps I am; but remember your fairy tales. Spells are used for breaking enchantments as well as for inducing them. ~"The Weight of Glory" by C.S. Lewis(1941)...more
A hot fudge sundae at the St. Regis Hotel followed by a visit to Tiffany's. It's a Sunday afternoon ritual for Jane Sweetie (her mother always calls hA hot fudge sundae at the St. Regis Hotel followed by a visit to Tiffany's. It's a Sunday afternoon ritual for Jane Sweetie (her mother always calls her that) and famous mother Vivienne. Jane's imaginary friend Michael is there, too. While it is a bit strange that the imaginary (guardian angel type) friends are adults. That comes in handy later when adult Jane is reunited with Michael. So, just go with it. I loved all the NYC landmarks and while the story is quite melodramatic at times, it is magical and hopeful with a very happy ending. ...more
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