Book Review - ChupaCarter by George Lopez

 

ChupaCarter  by George Lopez is about a lonely boy named Jorge, who meets and befriends a magical creature named Carter. Twelve year old Jorge is upset that he is shipped off to live with his grandparents after an incident at school. His mom feels that she isn’t able to control him nor give him the discipline and structure he needs. Jorge struggles with containing his emotions and often loses his temper.

During his first day at the new school, things didn't go well either. He catches the attention of school bullies and an aggressive principal who likes hunting animals. They both have it out for Jorge after he stands up for a bullied classmate. The principal feels that there is something that Jorge is hiding. Jorge is desperate for a friend to have in his corner and to feel less lonely. 

Jorge was hanging out on his grandparents’ roof when he noticed someone or something hanging around in the trees. The next day his stash of junk food is depleted. Jorge decides to follow the trail of empty food wrappers and comes across a scary looking monster called chupacabra. Chupacabras are well known for their bloodthirst and the slaughtering of livestock. However, Carter is nothing like the lore. He is friendly, kind, and a good listener. Jorge is so excited to have a friend that he doesn’t even mind that Carter is a mythical creature because he feels that he is a good being. Not everyone feels the same way when some local cattle are slaughtered. Will Jorge be able to prove Carter’s innocence? 

I have read a few books by the co-author, Ryan Calejo, and have enjoyed his books. I am familiar with George Lopez and have enjoyed watching his shows. The novel was a quick and easy read. It had black and white illustrations and some funny moments. I did wish it had a little bit of humor that George and Ryan are known for. The book did have some Spanish words that were a nice inclusion for young readers to pick up a new language. I would read more books by the authors and thought this was an interesting collaboration.

Book Review - Big Lies in a Small Town by Diane Chamberlain

 

In 2018, Morgan Christopher's life has taken a turn for the worst. She takes the fall for a crime her boyfriend has committed and in the process her dream of finding a career in art has been put on hold. She feels that her world is closing in around her until a mysterious visitor makes her an offer she couldn't refuse. They can get her released from prison immediately if she can restore an old post office mural. Morgan knows nothing about art restoration but, she is desperate to be free. As she begins to work on restoring the mural she discovers that the painting has a few secrets buried.

In 1940, Anna Dale is an artist from New Jersey, who wins a national contest to paint murals for a post office in Edenton, North Carolina. Anna is desperate for a change of scenery after her beloved mother has passed away. She is hesitant at first to work in a town where prejudices run deep but, she finds herself entwined with the townfolk. As she works on the mural, she realizes everyone has secrets that they will stop at nothing to keep hidden.

This was my second novel by the author and I thought this novel was enjoyable as my first. The book followed the same basic format as the other novel with the dual timelines.  I thought this was an interesting read but, I was still confused on how someone can be so nice in front of you but, then take any chance to harm you when given the opportunity. The novel reminds me that you can never know someone's true nature. Overall, the book had a few twists and I would be interested in reading more books by the author.

Book Review - The Other Girl by Erica Spindler

 

Miranda Rader is a police officer for Harmony, Louisiana and she is known for her ability to work under pressure and for her integrity and honesty. This wasn't always the case when she was growing up in Jasper. She grew up on the wrong side of the tracks and she worked hard to earn the respect of her coworkers and community.

Miranda and her partner, Jake,  is called to investigate the murder of a beloved college professor. When they arrived to the scene of the crime, they are unprepared for the brutality of the scene. She thought she saw the worst of it until she finds a piece of evidence that shakes her to her core. She finds an article about the terrible night that happened fifteen years ago that Miranda has tried to forget. She tried to bury the memories of that night as well as the girl she once was. 

Now another person has turned up dead. He was the cop who took Miranda's statement that night. His murder was different than the professor and nothing links the two of them except for Miranda. Will Miranda be able to find out who is behind the murders?

I thought the novel started off interesting then slowly descended to being unbelievable to boring. I found Jake's and Miranda's relationship to be tedious and confusing. Jake claims he loves her and trusts her but, then goes behind her back and discloses her secrets to other people time and time over again. And then she forgives him and takes him back repeatedly. Somehow, the two of them claim that they both love each other but, I don't see a single reason why they feel that way towards each other. Then in the end Jake mysteriously puts together all the clues and is able to solve the mystery behind the murders when he was supposedly off the force and visiting his family. The author hints that Jake might be hiding something else about his family but, we never get to know more. 

The plot is completely predictable. I am not sure how Miranda was able to guess so quickly how one person was tied to her past but, then forget another major player from that event until the last possible moment. It was fairly easy to guess who was behind the murders and their motive. I am not sure how this novel is billed a suspense or thriller as the story was slow and barely moved along at times. I also think the title gave away the twist to the end of the novel.

Book Review - The Turn of the Key by Ruth Ware

 

 Rowan Caine was looking for something online when she stumbles across her dream job. The job seems like the perfect opportunity for her. The job is a live-in nanny with a generous salary. When Rowan is invited to interview at the Heatherbrae House, she is smitten with the luxurious smart house. The house is situated in the Scottish Highlands and it is fitted with all modern conveniences.

Rowan believes her luck has finally turned around when she gets the job. However, she doesn't realize the dangers she unleashed on herself when she takes the job -- a child is dead and she is accused of murder.

The story unfolds as Rowan is writing to her solicitor from prison. She tries to explain the situation that leads up to her predicament. She explains that she was constantly under surveillance with the cameras in the house along with the constant malfunctioning technology. She felt she was constantly tired because the speakers will malfunction and wake her up in the middle of the night.  The girls that Rowan was contracted to babysit turns out to behave badly and Rowan struggles to maintain control with them. She was told that one parent would always be home to help but, Rowan has been left days on end by herself with the kids. Rowan knows she made mistakes but, she isn't capable of murder and the real killer is out there.

The novel did move very slowly in the beginning. The book was exciting and kept me on edge but, I can't say that I was in love with the ending. I felt like it was a cop-out. I felt like a lot of details were spent talking about the house or how Rowan was struggling with the kids than building the story. However, I would still read her other books in hopes that they are better than this one.

**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 Edge of Belonging by Amanda Cox

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Ivy Rose returns home after she receives news of her grandmother passing. She organizes an estate sale for her grandmother's things but, she realizes her grandmother left her a key to unlocking Ivy's adoption. Ivy tries to find the truth about her past but, she realizes she is missing an important piece of the mystery.

 Twenty-four years earlier, Harvey James is out scavenging the highway for abandoned things he can use. He stumbles upon an abandoned newborn who gives him a sense of human connection that he has never had. He wants to take care of the child because of his own past abandonment. However, he struggles with taking care of the child because he is homeless. Two people see Harvey struggling and are trying to help Harvey find his way. Harvey is afraid of letting them in before he ends up losing the baby.

I enjoyed reading the emotional read. I actually found myself drawn to Harvey's storyline than the Ivy in the present day. I thought it was a change of pace that a male character found a child and went to extreme lengths to care for and protect her. I found it enjoyable on finding out the thread that connected all the characters. The book showed readers that not all family bonds are made by blood. 

  **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.**

Book Review - Rodin's Lover by Heather Webb

Photo Credit - Amazon

Camille Claudel is a young aspiring sculptor. However, because she is a woman, she has plenty of critics including her own overly traditional mother. When renowned sculptor, Auguste Rodin makes Camille his apprentice and muse, their passion ignites their creativity to create breathtaking pieces of work. Even though, Camille is a talented sculptor her success his overshadowed by Rodin's gaining popularity and her gender. Her obsession with creating art and her relationship with Rodin is slowly driving her down the path of madness.

I thought that the novel was an interesting read. It was heartbreaking to read Camille's struggle with mental illness and being treated as an inferior sculptor because of her gender. I didn't like that Camille and Rodin's love affair was considered to be "passionate" but, there was a lot of childish "he loves but, I don't like him...even if I do" scenes.  At times, I found it hard to understand and feel for Camille as she was very sharp and cruel to many of the people who were close to her. I believe the author did this to show Camille's mental state but, I felt it made it hard to root for her. I did like that author included names of Camille's artwork and I thought many of them were beautiful when I did look them up. It was heartbreaking that she didn't receive the same acclaim as her Rodin however, I am glad that a few of her pieces survived.

**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 Refuge by Ann H. Gabhart

Photo Credit - Amazon

Darcie and Walter Goodwin decide to join the local Shaker village when a new cholera epidemic hits their area. The Shaker village seems to be immune to the disease and once, the threat passes, the Goodwins will leave the community. During a routine trip into town, Walter is killed in a riverboat accident.

Darcie is devastated by the news and but, she has nowhere else to go. She has no family and money along with being pregnant with a child. The Shaker community is celibate people who believe in marital relationships to be sinful.  Darcie feels isolated and alone because of her pregnancy. However, when Darcie crosses path with Flynn Keller and his daughter, will Darcie be able to find her path to happiness?

This was the first novel I ever read about the Shaker community. I thought some of their ideas were a bit "strange" especially, the procreation portion and referring to our parents as "sister" or "brother". However, I also like many of their ideas, such as, providing a haven for everyone, being an inclusive community, and ensuring everyone having a role to play. I liked all the characters except for one of the characters, who tried to murder someone and nothing happened to her. I liked that each of the characters was flawed but, found someone else or a community to help bring out the best of themselves.

**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.**

Book Review - The Poison Thread by Laura Purcell

Photo Credit - Amazon

Two young women who are complete opposites of each other, find their lives intertwined. Ruth Butterham is a poor seamstress awaiting trial for murder. Dorothea Truelove is a wealthy socialite with an interest in phrenology. Following her mother's footsteps, Dorothea volunteers at the Oakgate Prison where she meets Ruth. Dorothea believes that the shape of a person's skull can help predict a person's traits and personalities including, the ability for murder. 

Ruth maintains that she can kill someone with just a needle and thread. Ruth believes she has a supernatural power that transfers to her stitches. As Ruth begins to tell her tale of betrayal and bitterness, will Dorothea be able to trust Ruth's story?

I thought the novel had an interesting premise and was an enjoyable read. However, I felt like the writing was choppy and hard to follow during some parts of the story. I also felt like that the story was drawn out and the ending was a bit rushed and out of place. I wish the story was a bit more developed and the author spent more time building out the ending. Since I enjoyed the premise of the story, I would be open to reading more books from 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.**

Book Review - The Lost History of Dreams by Kris Waldherr

Photo Credit - Amazon

When famed poet Hugh de Bonne is discovered dead in his bath one day, his cousin Robert Highstead is tasked with helping Hugh with his last wishes. Robert is a post-mortem photographer and has to transport Hugh's remains for burial in a chapel where his wife's remains preside. The chapel, Ada's folly was built by Hugh sixteen years earlier as a dedication for his late wife and muse. However, since her death, the chapel has been locked and abandoned but, fans of de Bonne visit the site.

Ada's niece refuses to open the glass chapel for Robert unless he does something for her in return. She promises that she will allow Hugh's remains if Robert records Isabelle's story of Ada's and Hugh's love story over the course of five nights.  As Robert listens to Isabelle's story, he discovers secrets that closely align with ones he has been keeping secret. 

I love a good horror story but, this one didn't deliver. The beginning of the novel was very slow and it took a while before I became interested in the plot. I felt like there were no spooky elements but, only a few predictable surprises and a case of one too many mistaken identities. The novel fell short as a ghost story but, it had a few twists and turns.

**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 - City of Beasts by Corrie Wang + Giveaway

Photo Credit - Amazon

Seventeen years ago, the fees separated themselves from the beasts. The divisions of the genders have allowed them to keep the world peaceful.  Glori Rhodes is like most fees her age. She likes her neighborhood, can bench press her body weight and knows twenty-seven beast counterattack moves. Like many other fees, she never questioned why the genders are separated or the laws that govern them. However, when her mother secretly gives birth to a baby beast, Glori can't help but grow attached to the child.

When her brother, Twofer was snatched during a raid with the beast, Glori is willing to stop at nothing to save him. Glori and her best friend, Su, decide to infiltrate the City of Beasts to get her brother back. Glori thought it would be a simple grab and go mission but, quickly discovers that she is in for an adventure of a lifetime. Will Glori and Su be able to save her brother?

At first, I wasn't sure what to expect from the novel but, it turned out to be an interesting read. I like how it showed how things could have turned out if genders lived segregated lives. My favorite character was Twofer and how the bonds of love and family can change what society dictates to us. Overall, I thought the novel was enjoyable to read but, was predictable.

**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: CITY OF BEASTS 

Author: Corrie Wang

Pub. Date: September 17, 2018

Publisher: Freeform

Formats: Hardcover, eBook

Pages: 384

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

"If you see a beast, and you have the shot, don't hesitate. Kill it."

For seventeen years, fees have lived separate from beasts. The division of the sexes has kept their world peaceful. Glori Rhodes is like most other fees her age. She adores her neighborhood's abandoned Costco, can bench her body weight, and she knew twenty-seven beast counter attack moves by the time she was seven. She has never questioned the separation of the sexes or the rules that keep her post-nuclear hometown safe. But when her mother secretly gives birth to a baby beast, Glori grows to love the child and can't help wondering: What really is the difference between us and them?

When her brother, at the age of five, is snatched in a vicious raid, Glori and her best friend, Su, do the unthinkable - covertly infiltrate the City of Beasts to get him back. What's meant to be a smash-and-grab job quickly becomes the adventure of a lifetime as the fees team up with a fast-talking, T-shirt cannon wielding beast named Sway, and Glori starts to see that there's more to males, and her own history, than she's been taught. Glori, Sway, and a motley cohort of friends will go to the ends of the earth to find her little brother. And maybe save their divided world while they're at it.

About Corrie: 

Corrie Wang is passionate about libraries, recycling, and eating all the food, everywhere. Corrie grew up in Buffalo but spent her formative years in Brooklyn, where one of her last paying gigs was managing a three-story nightclub on the Lower East Side. 

Writing to fix things that make her angry and explore things that frighten her, Corrie’s novels are about girls unapologetically conquering scenarios they should have little control over. Tired of seeing women and girls lose in this culture - spoiler - they never do in her stories.

Her debut novel, The Takedown was chosen as one of the best books of 2017 by the New York Public Library and a 2018 YALSA selection for Best Fiction for Young Adults. City of Beasts is her second novel.

Seeing, as Corrie wrote an entire novel about the freakiness and perils of socializing too much on the internets her existence there is haphazard at best. Now, more than ever, she feels it is time for everyone to look up. (Also stand up, step up, and eat up.

Woot!) That being said, you may follow her poor photography skillz on INSTAGRAM. 

AND P.S. Wang rhymes with 'song' y'all.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

BLOGGERS WHO HAVE POSTS BEFORE SEPTEMBER 16^TH, PLEASE POST THIS PRE-ORDER CAMPAIGN INFO!

CITY OF BEASTS PRE-ORDER CAMPAIGN

Please submit proof of purchase to CORRIEWANGBOOKS [at] GMAIL [dot] COM. All formats apply (physical & e-book). Open to the United States only. Last day to submit is MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16 at 11:59 PM.

PRE-ORDERS FROM BLUE BICYCLE BOOKS

http://bluebicyclebooks.bigcartel.com/product/corrie-wang-city-of-beasts

Each signed pre-order copy of City of Beats will come with:

• 1 set of 5 Battle Cards featuring different mercenaries
• A special paperclip necklace made by Mouse which makes you a part of the City of Beast family
• Entry to win 1 of 3 raffle prizes
• 1^st prize is a Jackrabbit Filly t-shirt/patch/ $10 gift card
• 2^nd prize $10 gift card to Jackrabbit Filly and t-shirt
• 3^rd prize $10 gift card to Jackrabbit Filly

ANY PREORDERS FROM AN INDEPENDENT BOOKSTORE

Pre-order City of Beasts at your local indie and you will receive:

• A signed bookplate
• A set of 5 Battle Cards featuring different mercenaries
• A special paperclip necklace made by Mouse, making you part of the City of Beast family

PRE-ORDERS FROM ANYWHERE BOOKS ARE SOLD!

ANY PREORDERS FROM AN INDEPENDENT BOOKSTORE

Pre-order City of Beasts anywhere else books are sold you will receive:

• A signed bookplate
• 1 of 5 Battle Cards at random

Giveaway Details:

3 winners will receive finished copies of CITY OF BEASTS, US Only.

Rafflecopter link:

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/e2389ba2975/?

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

9/2/2019- Country Road Reviews- Excerpt

9/3/2019- Two Chicks on Books- Excerpt

9/4/2019- Character Madness and Musings- Excerpt

9/5/2019- Shelf-Rated- Review

9/6/2019- BookHounds YA- Review

Week Two:

9/9/2019- Lifestyle of Me- Review

9/10/2019- Daily Waffle - Excerpt

9/11/2019- A Dream Within A Dream- Review

9/12/2019- Life of a Simple Reader- Excerpt

9/13/2019- Here's to Happy Endings- Review

Week Three:

9/16/2019- Jena Brown Writes- Review

9/17/2019- Kati's Bookaholic Rambling Reviews- Excerpt

9/18/2019- Wishful Endings- Excerpt

9/19/2019- Book-Keeping- Review

9/20/2019- Jade Writes Books- Review

Week Four:

9/23/2019- Eli to the nth- Review

9/24/2019- two points of interest- Review

9/25/2019- The Layaway Dragon- Review

9/26/2019- Smada's Book Smack- Review

9/27/2019- PopTheButterfly Reads- Review

Week Five:

9/30/2019- lori's house of reviews- Review