Showing posts with label siblings. Show all posts
Showing posts with label siblings. Show all posts

Friday, August 28, 2020

Book Review - How to Live on the Edge by Sarah Lynn Scheerger + Giveaway



Photo Credit - Amazon

Cayenne just turned eighteen years old and she barely remembers her mother who died from breast cancer when Cayenne was four. The women in the Silk family have a history of dying young from breast cancer. Cayenne figures that since her days are numbered, she might as well enjoy life now and engage in risky behaviors such as dodging trains and jumping off cliffs.

She and her sister, Saffron received a note that their dead mother left them a series of video messages before she died. Cayenne is unsure if she wants them because she feels that her aunt Tee has been more of a mother figure to her and her sister. However, when her aunt tested positive for the BRCA gene mutation and decides to undergo surgery, Cayenne is conflicted about her future.

The book was an emotional rollercoaster as Cayenne comes to terms with her life and her health. I didn't like that her sister, Saffron was pushing her to do things that she thought would benefit Cayenne like choosing to get tested or undergoing surgery. I understand that Saffron cares for Cayenne but, I believe forcing or strong holding people to make decisions is a bad idea.  Overall, I thought it was a good read and look forward to reading other books by the author.

**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.**

About the Book:

Title: HOW TO LIVE LIFE ON THE EDGE
Author: Sarah Lynn Scheerger
Pub. Date: August 4, 2020
Publisher: Lerner/Carolrhoda
Formats: Hardcover, eBook
Pages: 312

Eighteen-year-old Cayenne barely remembers her mother, who died of breast cancer when Cayenne was four. The women in her family have a history of dying young. Cayenne figures she'll meet the same fate, so she might as well enjoy life now, engaging in death-defying risks like dodging trains and jumping off cliffs with her boyfriend.

When Cayenne receives a series of video messages her mother made for her before dying, she isn't sure she wants them. Her aunt Tee has been her true mother figure. But then Aunt Tee tests positive for a BRCA gene mutation--the one that doomed Cayenne's mom--and decides to get a mastectomy to reduce her chances of developing cancer. As Cayenne helps her aunt prepare for the surgery, she finds herself drawn to her mother's messages, with their musings on life, love, and perseverance. For the first time, Cayenne starts to question what it truly means to live life to the fullest, even when death might be written into her DNA.



About Sarah:
Sarah Lynn (Scheerger) works as a clinical social worker with at-risk youth, helping them figure out who they are and who they want to be. She also provides counseling to adults and couples. She lives in southern California with her husband and children. Sarah started out writing under her first and middle name (Sarah Lynn) because she thought having a pen name seemed mysterious and cool. However, over time she’s transitioned to writing under her real name as well (both Sarah Scheerger and Sarah Lynn Scheerger). Sarah loves reading, watching movies, and spending time with her family and friends.







Giveaway Details:

3 winners will receive a finished copy of HOW TO LIVE LIFE ON THE EDGE, US Only.

Rafflecopter link:



Sunday, July 12, 2020

Book Review - The Chain by Adrian McKinty


Photo Credit - Amazon

It started like every other day, Rachel Klein drops her daughter, Kylie at the bus stop and then starts her day. But when Rachel receives a call from an unknown number her entire world comes crumbling down. The woman who called informed Rachel that she has Kylie bound and gagged. The only way Rachel will ever see her again is if she follows the instructions exactly. 

Rachel will have to pay a ransom and then she will have to find another child to kidnap. The caller tells Rachel that this is no ordinary kidnapping and that her son has also been taken. If Rachel fails to follow the instructions both Kylie and the caller's son will perish. Rachel is now a part of the chain that makes victims turn into criminals while making someone very rich in the process. Will Rachel be able to put her morals aside and commit a horrible act to save her daughter?

The novel had an interesting idea of making distraught parents kidnap someone's kid to save their own. It shows the lengths that a parent would go to save their child's life. I thought the novel was a good read but, it was quite predictable. I thought some of the characters were a bit oblivious and didn't care for any of them.  I look forward to reading other novels by the author.


**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.**

Tuesday, March 31, 2020

Book Review - Watch Hollow: The Alchemist's Shadow by Gregory Funaro

Photo Credit - Amazon

After defeating the evil Garr, Lucy and Oliver have inherited the home of their dreams. The Blackford House is at peace now that the vicious tree monster is dead and the enchanted woods have returned to its original size. The Blackford home is still filled with new adventures especially when the Tinkers receive new visitors. 

A governess arrives from England with twins in her care. Algernon and Agatha are supposedly heirs to the house and have a rightful claim to the house. Upon the arrival of the Kojimas twins and their governess, a new force of evil enter the house and places a curse. The house trying to defend itself becomes a labyrinth. The two sets of siblings will need to join forces along with their magical clock animal friends to defeat their new evil foe before it destroys their home.

The second book in the series was just as fun to read as the first one. It was packed with humor, suspense, and thrills. Some of the mystery portions were predictable but, still exciting to read. If you liked this first book in the series, this second book will not disappoint.

**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.**

Tuesday, February 25, 2020

Book Review - Watch Hollow by Gregory Funaro + Giveaway

Photo Credit - Amazon

In the town of Watch Hollow lies an enchanted woods that surround a now neglected Blackford House. The once-grand house holds many secrets, including magical ones such as, a giant cuckoo clock that powers the entire house. However, when the clock's gears stop turning, an evil presence from the woods starts to emerge and descends on the house.

Lucy and Oliver Tinker arrive with their father to help fix the broken clock. A stranger with a bundle of gold coins made an offer to their father that he couldn't refuse. Mr. Tinker will need to fix the clock at Blackford House and he will be able to keep the gold coins. It didn't take long before Lucy and Oliver to realize there is more to the Blackford House than meets the eye. Together with a few magical animals, the siblings must join forces to defeat the evil presence.

The novel was a fun and engaging read. I love how the author spun a tale of magical creatures and devotion to family. I enjoyed the smooth writing style that kept me hooked and wanted me to read more about the siblings. The magical story about the house had enough details to make the readers interested but, still wanting to know more. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.

**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.**




Series: Watch Hollow (Book 2)
Hardcover: 240 pages
Publisher: HarperCollins (February 18, 2020)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0062643487
ISBN-13: 978-0062643483


Praise for WATCH HOLLOW Series

“Filled with clever, magical, and instantly likable characters, Funaro’s excellent, fast-paced, and twisty mystery—packed with suspense, facts, magic, and an incredible, deeply thought-out world—will leave readers eagerly awaiting the next chapter.” ―Booklist (starred review)

“A well-wound tale of good versus evil.” ―Kirkus Reviews

“The magically sentient house, creeping woods, and resident monster establish the story’s shivery Gothic feel, which will more than satisfy readers in search of a pleasantly scary read.” ―Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

“There is magic, there is good and evil, and there is love all woven into a suspenseful and entertaining mystery. A well-crafted story that should be a hit with readers who enjoy a a good scare.” ―School Library Journal (starred review)


New York Times bestselling author Gregory Funaro brings us the second installment of the thrilling Watch Hollow series, where magic exists, monsters roam, and wooden animals come to life.

Having defeated the Garr, a vicious tree monster who lived within the enchanted woods of Watch Hollow, Lucy and Oliver Tinker now have the home they’ve always dreamed of: Blackford House. Powered by a magical clock and full of curious rooms and improbable knickknacks, Blackford House brims with the promise of new adventures.


 

Yet when a strange governess arrives from England—bringing with her the Kojima twins, Agatha and Algernon—the Tinker children’s once bright future quickly begins to dim. The Kojimas claim to be the rightful heirs to Blackford House, and soon after their arrival, a great evil enters the Tinkers’ new home, cursing it and turning it into an ever-changing labyrinth.

As a result, Lucy and Oliver, along with their clock animal friends, must now join forces with the twins to escape this labyrinth and save Blackford House, all while a new monster lurks around the corner.


You can purchase Watch Hollow: The Alchemist's Shadow at the following Retailers:
        

Photo Content from Gregory Funaro

Gregory Funaro grew up in Cranston, Rhode Island, and wrote his first story, The Ghost in the Window, in the fourth grade. He considers this to be his finest work, but unfortunately it has been lost to time. His first book for Disney-Hyperion, ALISTAIR GRIM'S ODDITORIUM (2015), was a New York Times best seller and an Amazon Best Book of the Month. His other works for children have received starred reviews from Kirkus, School Library Journal, and ALA Booklist. Check out WATCH HOLLOW, the first book in his series for HarperCollins, as well as its sequel, THE ALCHEMIST'S SHADOW, coming in 2020. Greg also teaches drama at East Carolina University, and is busy working on his next novel.
        
WEEK ONE
FEBRUARY 17th MONDAY JeanBookNerd PODCAST
FEBRUARY 18th TUESDAY Twirling Book Princess EXCERPT
FEBRUARY 19th WEDNESDAY Gwendalyn's Books REVIEW
FEBRUARY 20th THURSDAY Casia's Corner EXCERPT
FEBRUARY 21st FRIDAY J.R's Book Reviews REVIEW


WEEK TWO
FEBRUARY 24th MONDAY Nay's Pink Bookshelf REVIEW
FEBRUARY 25th TUESDAY The Writerly Way REVIEW
FEBRUARY 25th TUESDAY Two Point of Interest REVIEW
FEBRUARY 26th WEDNESDAY Crossroad Reviews REVIEW
FEBRUARY 27th THURSDAY At Home With a Book REVIEW
FEBRUARY 28th FRIDAY BookHounds YA GUEST POST 


*JBN is not responsible for Lost or Damaged Books in your Nerdy Mail Box*
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Friday, August 9, 2019

Book Review - The Evil Princess vs. the Brave Knight by Jennifer Holm and Matthew Holm + Giveaway


Photo Credit - Amazon


The Evil Princess is known for casting terrible spells. The Brave Knight protects the villagers from the evil dragons. One of them helps those in need while the other causes mischief. Between the two of them, the kingdom is always in distress.  

I thought the book was a fun read but, I didn't like that the little girl was portrayed as a villain. I felt like with kids even if one child seems to be one way, when they are playing together their personalities do change. Overall, it's a fun read because I did notice things that my brother and I used to do when we were little (and sometimes, now).


 **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.**


About the Book:
Title: THE EVIL PRINCESS VS THE BRAVE KNIGHT
Author: Jennifer L. Holm,  Matthew Holm (Illustrations)
Pub. Date: August 6, 2019
Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers
Formats: Hardcover, eBook
Pages: 40
Find it: GoodreadsAmazonKindleB&NiBooksKoboTBD

For every parent tired of telling their kids to PLEASE JUST GET ALONG, this hilarious and imaginative new picture book--from the beloved creators of Babymouse--is here to help. Sort of.

Meet the Evil Princess and the Brave Knight. She casts terrible spells, while he fights dragons. He rescues cats in distress, while she makes mischief. No wonder there isn't much peace in this kingdom! But is the Evil Princess really so evil? And is the Brave Knight truly as chivalrous as he seems? Children and parents will laugh at seeing familiar family dynamics play out in this charming and imaginative new story.



About Jennifer:



Jennifer L. Holm is a NEW YORK TIMES bestselling children's author and the recipient of three Newbery Honors for her novels OUR ONLY MAY AMELIA, PENNY FROM HEAVEN, and TURTLE IN PARADISE. Jennifer collaborates with her brother, Matthew Holm, on two graphic novel series -- the Eisner Award-winning Babymouse series and the bestselling Squish series. Her new novel is THE FOURTEENTH GOLDFISH. She lives in California with her husband and two children.


About Matthew:



MATTHEW HOLM is the New York Times bestselling author and illustrator of more than 40 books for children. He is the co-creator (with his sister, Jennifer) of a number of graphic novels, including the BABYMOUSE and SQUISH series from Random House Children’s Books and SUNNY SIDE UP from Scholastic Graphix. He also co-wrote and illustrated the middle-grade novel MARVIN AND THE MOTHS with Jonathan Follett. He currently lives with his wife in New York's Hudson Valley.



Giveaway Details:

3 winners will receive a finished copy of THE EVIL PRINCESS VS THE BRAVE KNIGHT, US Only.


Rafflecopter link:



Tour Schedule:
Week One:
7/29/2019- Wonder StruckReview
7/30/2019- BookHounds YAInterview
7/31/2019- Here's to Happy EndingsReview
8/1/2019- Country Road Reviews- Review
8/2/2019- YA Book  NerdReview

Week Two:
8/5/2019- The Pages Inbetween - Review
8/6/2019- Novel NoviceReview
8/7/2019- NerdophilesReview
8/8/2019- Book-KeepingReview
8/9/2019- Two points of interestReview