Book Review - Batcat by Meggie Ramm

 

Batcat by Meggie Ramm is a graphic novel for young readers about a creature who is struggling with their identity. They like being a homebody and spending their time alone in their house on Spooky Island. Batcat enjoys eating snacks while watching TV or playing video games.

Everything was going fine until Batcat finds themself haunted by a ghost who doesn’t understand personal boundaries. The ghost is always in Batcat’s way and is eating all of their snacks. Batcat is desperate to get rid of their unwanted visitor so they decide to visit the local Island Witch for assistance.

 

Batcat has to travel all over Spooky Island to gather the ingredients for the spell. They visit the Cavernous Cave where Batcat asks the resident bats for help to locate the ingredient. The bats tell Batcat that they are too round to be a bat. At the Whispering Cemetery, the resident cats will only help Batcat if they prove that they are a true cat. However, Batcat is neither only a bat or cat and that’s what makes them special, right? 

 

I thought the graphic novel was a cute and fun read. The illustrations were bright and vibrant. The graphic novel is geared towards young readers and has many important life lessons. It teaches children about identity and that they can be anything they want to be. Also, that a person’s identity can be made up of multiple facets.  As in the case of Batcat, they are both a cat and a bat.  A person doesn’t have to fit into one category perfectly.  It illustrates that everyone at some point in their lives is trying to find their place in a community and also struggles with self-acceptance. I think it would be a great gift for any young reader in your life.

Book Review - City of the Dead by James Ponti

  

 

City of the Dead by James Ponti is the fourth book in the City Spies series. The City Spies are a group of young spies that solve mysteries all over the world. In the latest installment, the spies head to Egypt in order to investigate an unknown person hacking into the computers of the British’s government and holding their data ransom.

Each child in the group takes turns acting as the Alpha during a mission. This allows them to test and hone their respective special ability. Kat (codename Kathmandu) is the Alpha for this book/mission. She loves logic and order, and prime numbers hold a special place in her heart. Kat’s special ability is being able to spot patterns in things that look completely random.

Kat and the team were requested by British Intelligence to test the security of the British Museum. The group thought it was a random mission until a string of cyber-attacks threatened to cripple the British government. As the team tries to solve puzzles and hidden messages left behind from the cyberattacks, they find a link between these attacks, Egypt, and the museum.

The team receives a decrypted message that hints that the person behind the hacks is located in Egypt. They follow the leads but something isn’t adding up. There is another layer to the mystery behind the attacks – Will the team be able to figure it out before it’s too late?

I read the first book in the series but not the second and third. I was able to follow along with most of the story, even with this being the fourth in the series. However, I feel that the books should be read in order because there is a larger mystery that is covered between the books and each book gives more clues to it. The book is packed with action, twists, and sprinkled with humor. I liked reading how each character brought their own unique ability and skill set to the table, and how they were open with each other about their own insecurities. I also liked that the author included a dossier on each character giving more details about their background and skill sets.

I liked that each book takes place in a different country and that the author includes tidbits of the culture. It was interesting to read about Egypt’s food, culture, and the pyramids.  The book is great for young readers who are interested in spy stories and love learning about new heritages. It also teaches young readers the importance of family, believing in yourself, and being a team player.

 

Book Review - Keyana Loves Her Family by Natasha Tarpley + Giveaway

 

Keyana is filled with big ideas including, her newest idea of hosting a family movie night. She invites everyone over for a fun filled night. Even though, there is a lot to do, Keyana wants to do it all. However, when the night doesn't go as she planned, will Keyana be able to rely on her loved ones?

The picture book is a cute and fun read. The beautiful drawings were bright and colorful. The book teaches little ones how ask and accept help and dealing with disappointment.

 **Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion**

 

About The Book:

Title: KEYANA LOVES HER FAMILY

Author: Natasha Anastasia Tarpley & Charnelle Pinkney Barlow (Illustrator)

Pub. Date: December 13, 2022

Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Formats: Hardcover, eBook

Pages: 40

Find it: Goodreads, Amazon, B&N, TBD, Bookshop.org

Natasha Anastasia Tarpley returns with a breakout new picture book series all about Keyana, the protagonist of her bestselling title I Love My Hair!, and the people and places she adores.

Keyana’s always full of big ideas. Her latest and greatest plan is to host a perfect family movie night. From aunts to uncles to her five favorite cousins, everyone is invited! She knows the best way to impress her guests is with a fabulous soiree, and there’s a lot on her to-do list. But when the night doesn’t go as planned, she’ll have to rely on a little help from the people she loves most.
 
With warm illustrations by Charnelle Pinkney Barlow, this character-centric new picture book series from Natasha Anastasia Tarpley will give Keyana a fresh, commercial update that's perfect for today's young readers.

 

About Natasha Anastasia Tarpley:

Natasha Anastasia Tarpley started writing when she was seven years old, and from that young age she understood that stories could change the world. She is the author of the bestselling picture book I Love My Hair!, Bippity Bop Barbershop, The Me I Choose to Be, among other titles. Natasha is the recipient of a National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship and is the cofounder of Voonderbar! Media, a project seeking to expand the depictions of children of color in media. She lives with her family in Chicago, Illinois. 

Website | Instagram | TikTok | Goodreads  

 

About Charnelle Pinkney Barlow:

Charnelle Pinkney Barlow was born and raised in Poughkeepsie, New York. She received her BFA in Illustration from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and her MFA in Illustration as Visual Essay from the School of Visual Arts in New York City. Creating images and stories that speak to the hearts of children and those that guide them is her greatest joy. Charnelle currently lives in Indianapolis, Indiana with her husband. She is the illustrator of Remember to Dream, Ebere, The Real Santa, Just Like Mama, and many other titles.

Website | Instagram | TikTok | Pinterest | Goodreads

 

Giveaway Details:

1 winner will receive a finished copy of KEYANA LOVES HER FAMILY, US Only.

Ends December 27^th, midnight EST.

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Tour Schedule:

Week One:

12/12/2022	Mythical Books	Excerpt/IG Post
12/12/2022	yabookscentral.com	Guest Post or Excerpt
12/13/2022	Lady Hawkeye	Excerpt/IG Post
12/13/2022	@jael_and_jenessa_reads	Review/IG Post
12/14/2022	Bea's Book Nook	Review
12/14/2022	popthebutterfly	Review/IG Post
12/15/2022	Emily Ashlyn	Review/IG Post
12/15/2022	the book near me	Review/IG Post
12/16/2022	onemused	IG Post
12/16/2022	The Momma Spot	Review/IG Post

Week Two:

12/19/2022	Kim"s Book Reviews and Writing Aha's	Review/IG Post
12/19/2022	@carlysunshinebooks	IG Review
12/20/2022	A Blue Box Full of Books	IG Review/LFL Drop Pic
12/20/2022	One More Exclamation	Review/IG Post
12/21/2022	More Books Please blog	Review
12/21/2022	@allyluvsbooksalatte	IG Review
12/22/2022	@froggyreadteach	IG Review/Read Aloud
12/22/2022	Author Z. Knight	Review/IG Post
12/23/2022	Books with Brandie Shanae	Youtube Review/IG Post
12/23/2022	two points of interest	Review

Book Review - Facing the Dawn by Cynthia Ruchti

 

Mara Jacobs has been struggling for three years while her humanitarian husband, Liam, has been digging wells in Africa. She knows she should feel proud and happy for her husband who is helping widows and children nine time zones away. However, she is exhausted and working a dead end job to put food on the table. She barely has time to spend with her three delinquent children, failing to make repairs on their dilapidated house, and she feels like she is barely hanging on most days.

When Mara receives news that her husband has perished during one of his missions, her entire world gets turned upside down. Mara struggles to find joy in her life when she experiences another life alternating incident. She tries to have faith and find hope when things look bleak.

I have read other books by the author and I was looking forward to reading this book. Unfortunately, I had a hard time getting into the novel. I didn't enjoy the writing style and felt like it was fragmented. The way information was revealed felt disjointed. The book moved very slowly and it was hard for me to connect to the characters. I was more than half way done when I couldn't be bothered with reading more.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion.**

Book Review - The Haunting of Rookward House by Darcy Coates

 

 

Guy is going through a tough time and had to move back home with his mother. He decides to thank his mother for taking him back in by cleaning up her attic. While cleaning her attic, he finds a deed for a house. He decides that he will clean and update the house and he will be able to sell it for a profit. He figured it would be a great opportunity for him and his mother.

When Guy visits Rookward House, he feels like he is being watched. However, Rookward House doesn't have any neighbors within its vicinity. The locals claim that the house is haunted but, Guy doesn't believe in ghost stories. He decides to spend a week at the crumbling estate to do repairs.  He figured nothing can go wrong during his weeklong stay. However, there is a reason why the mansion has stayed empty for years. There is something buried deep within the walls that's yearning to be free. Almost forty years ago, a woman tormented the family that lived in Rookward house. Her ghost clings to the house and now that Guy moved into her house, she has no intention of letting him go.

I enjoyed reading this story but, I felt like the ghost story was very predictable. This book along with her other works follows the same basic format. I didn't feel like there was a lot of spookiness to this book but, maybe shock/creepy factor. I did feel like the novel was a bit lackluster compared to the other books I read from her. Overall, I am still a fan of her novels and look forward to reading her other books.

  **Disclosure -  This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

Book Review - The Plans We Made by Kathryn Cushman + Giveaway

 

Caroline Chapman thought she was going to marry the man of her dreams. However, when her engagement is called off, she is determined to start again. She moves across the country to start her dream job planning events in historical mansions. Carolina feels that she has finally got her life back on track.

 Linda Riley has the perfect life on the outside. She has an adoring husband, two kids, and is actively involved in church and the community.  However, she receives a diagnosis that shatters her life. In order to save her son, she must reveal her deepest darkest secret.

Linda and Caroline are connected to past events. As their secret comes to light, will the pair be able to come to terms with their past?

I thought the novel was an enjoyable read. I was unsure of what Caroline saw in Dillion. He seemed like the type of person that only thought of her when it was convenient for him. I didn't even feel any romantic vibes during their interactions. I enjoyed reading the conversations with Linda's kids and their interaction. It was nice seeing the community rally behind him. Overall, I thought the novel was a good read.

 **Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

 

When past secrets hold the only key to hope for the future…

Caroline Chapman is reeling from a broken engagement. Determined to start again, she moves cross-country for her dream job of planning events in the historical mansions of Newport, Rhode Island. Just as her life is getting back on track, she gets an email that shakes her very foundations.

Linda Riley’s life looks picture perfect - a wonderful husband, two great kids, involved in church and the community. Then comes the diagnosis that shatters the facade. In order to save her son’s life, she must reveal secrets that can rip everything apart.

Connected by more than painful circumstances, these two women discover a sacred bond. In this beautiful story of love, loss, and the fight for life, Caroline and Linda experience the reality that life doesn’t always go according to The Plans We Made.

 

 

Kathryn Cushman graduated with a degree in pharmacy from Samford University. After hanging up her lab coat, she shifted her focus toward writing. Her previous works have received multiple nominations for both the Carol Award and the Inspirational Reader’s Choice Award. The Plans We Made is her tenth published novel.
 
Learn more at kathryncushman.com. Follow Kathryn on Facebook (@authorkathryncushman) and Instagram (katiecushman1). 


Lauren Beccue graduated from Holy Cross with a BA in English and now lives with her family in Santa Barbara. She writes about faith and family, with an emphasis on agricultural passages of the Bible. This is her first novel. 

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MAKE YOUR PLANS IN PENCIL! 

 

Now, go buy your copy of The Plans We Made online or at a local bookstore, then be sure to head to Lauren’s website to claim your bonus freebie!

 

THREE CUSTOM PENCILS:

• Make Your Plans in Pencil
• The Plans We Made
• Proverbs 19:21

Just contact Lauren with your name, address, and where you purchased the book, and she’ll send you a set. That's it! (US only and get 'em while they last.)