Book Review - Magic for Liars by Sarah Gailey

Photo Credit - Amazon

Ivy and Tabitha are twin sisters but, only Tabitha was lucky enough to be blessed with magic. Ivy likes to believe that she is okay with not having any magical abilities but, deep down she is envious of her sister. She wishes that she can be like her gifted twin sister instead of being a mediocre private investigator.

When a gruesome murder occurs at The Osthorne Academy of Young Mages, Ivy is bought in to help solve the murder. Ivy is reluctant to accept the case because her estranged twin sister teaches there. While investigating the murder, Ivy is pulled into the world of deadly secrets and dangerous power. Ivy desperately wishes she was a part of this magical world. Will be Ivy be able to solve the murder without losing herself or her sister in the process?

When I first saw this cover, I knew this book was for me but, sadly it wasn't.  I felt the novel focuses mostly on Ivy trying to become something she wasn't then the "magic" aspect. She had this self-pitying attitude that was annoying. I wish she was more confident in herself and her abilities. I was a bit disappointed in the ending. It felt like a letdown after being tension built up earlier. Overall, the novel had great potential but, it kind of fizzes out to a "meh" feeling.

**Disclosure - I received a free unedited 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.**

Book Review - Dear Substitute by by Audrey Vernick and Liz Garton Scanlon + Giveaway

Photo Credit - Amazon

When their teacher Mrs. Giordano is sick and a new substitute teacher, Miss Pelly takes over, things are bound to go wrong.  A student writes in an epistolary poems format, explaining why Miss Pelly is doing things wrong and how she misses her teacher. 

I read this cute picture book to the tots I volunteered with. They thought the book was funny. However, I am not sure they grasped the entire message of the book until we discussed the book. The book had an interesting way to encourage children to try new experiences because they might enjoy it. A good book especially for children who are nervous in trying new things.

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

Title: DEAR SUBSTITUTE

Author: Audrey Vernick, Liz Garton Scanlon, &Chris Raschka (Illustrations)

Pub. Date: June 19, 2018

Publisher: Disney-Hyperion

Formats: Hardcover, eBook

Pages: 40

Find it: Goodreads, Amazon, B&N, iBooks, TBD

When a substitute teacher named Miss Pelly comes to class, one student bristles at the change in routine-Miss Pelly doesn't follow the rules like Mrs. Giordano. But in time, our student learns that even though the substitute may do things a little differently, and she may be a bit silly, mixing things up might not be so bad.

Told in a series of epistolary poems, this funny, relatable picturebook is a great fit for classrooms and for any child nervous about new experiences.

About Audrey:

Audrey grew up in Whitestone, New York, where she lived with her parents and two sisters and a not very bright small white dog. She has a freaky memory about the names of the kids in her class at P.S. 184Q, and even remembers where most of them stood in size order. 

She always loved to read and still rereads Harriet the Spy on a regular basis.  She was not one of those children who always knew she wanted to be a writer; she didn't love to write until college. She's been writing ever since. 

In addition to writing for children, Audrey has published more than a dozen short stories for adults in magazines and literary journals. She received an mfa from Sarah Lawrence College and has been honored with two fiction fellowships from the New Jersey State Council of the Arts. 

Audrey divides her time between writing (which is mostly spent revising) and visiting elementary schools to talk about writing and publishing. (For school visit info, click here.) She also speaks at conferences around the country. 

She lives near the ocean in New Jersey with her family and a semi-smart medium-sized dog.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

About Liz:

Liz Garton Scanlon is the author of numerous beloved books for young people, including the highly-acclaimed, Caldecott-honored picture book All the World, illustrated by Marla Frazee, and her debut novel for middle grade readers, The Great Good Summer, as well as The Good-Pie Party; Happy Birthday, Bunny!; Noodle & Lou, and several others. Ms. Scanlon is also a poet, a teacher and a frequent & popular presenter at schools, libraries and conferences. She grew up in Colorado and Wisconsin, and now lives with her husband and two daughters in Austin, Texas.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Giveaway Details:

3 winners will receive a finished copy of DEAR SUBSTITUTE, US Only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Rafflecopter Link:

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/e2389ba2767/?

Tour Schedule:

Week Two:

6/25/2018- BookHounds YA- Excerpt

6/26/2018- RhythmicBooktrovert- Review

6/27/2018- Book Dragon Lair- Review

6/28/2018- Beagles & Books- Review

6/29/2018- Two Points of Interest- Review

Book Review - Sanctuary Bay by Laura J. Burns

Photo Source - Amazon

Sarah Merson lost both of her parents at a very young age. She is shuttled from one foster home to another. However, she receives the opportunity of a lifetime when she receives a full scholarship to attend the most elite prep school in the country.  Excited to have a better chance at life, Sarah is ecstatic but she isn't able to shake away the feeling that not everything is what it seems.  When one of her roommate goes missing, Sarah must find her roommate before it is too late. Will Sarah be able to find her friend before it's too late? Is there something sinister hiding behind Sanctuary Bay's promising reputation? 

The book is an interesting read but a bit cliche. Sarah has the ability to remember everything she has experienced which would have lead readers to assume it's a book about super powers. However, this is not the case, its more about a secret corporation performing very illegal operations. Many parts of the story were uninteresting and boring. I also had a hard time liking the main character at times. She was very annoying, self absorbed and woe is me! How can you want a better life but keep telling other characters they had it better than she did and they should be grateful. The book was an okay read but needs a bit of polish and excitement for the next novel.

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