Book Review - The Hen Who Dreamed She Could Fly by Sun-mi Hwang

Sprout is a hen that is no longer happy with her current life. She doesn't want to lay eggs on command and have them taken away from her. She sees other animal roam free and she wants to live in the wild like all the other animals. She hatches a plan to escape into a wild and to hatch an egg of her own.

The book was a thought provoking and heart breaking read. There were many themes that were explored like motherhood, individuality, belonging, having a purpose, acceptance, family bonds, and being free. The book was a quick read but left me thinking for hours afterwards. If you enjoy reading stories about animals, you will enjoy this book.

 

Book Review - The Secret Keepers of Old Depot Grocery by Amanda Cox

 

Sarah Ashby returns to her childhood home after her husband perished in a accident. She is determined to live out her childhood dream of running the Old Depot Grocery with her mother and grandmother. However, to her dismay, her mother, Rosemary, announces that she plans to close the store and sell it. Sarah and her grandmother, Glory Ann, is desperate to save the store that's so near and dear to them. Rosemary refuses to let Sarah spend her entire life at the Old Depot Grocery like she did. Rosemary has her reasons why she stayed but, she refuses to let her daughter make the same mistakes.

In 1965, Glory Ann finds out that she is pregnant with her deceased fiancé's baby. To avoid bringing shame to her family, they force her into a marriage of convenience with a shopkeeper to preserve their family reputation. Glory Ann is distraught and vows to never love again.

The heart warming read is told in a dual time frame. At times, I felt a little annoyed by it because each chapter was very small and I wanted to know what was going to happen but, then the story switched timelines. I did like most of the characters except for Sarah because she seemed a bit annoying at times. She wanted her family to be open and honest but, she failed to do the same thing with her secrets. Overall, I found that the story was an sweet and emotional read.

Book Review - The Summer Sisters (Juniper Springs, #2) by Sara Richardson

 

The Buchanan sisters share everything including their inherited Juniper Inn. The sisters plan to remodel and do a grand re-opening of the inn. However, their mother, Lillian, refuses to attend the party because of her decades long feud with her sister, Sassy.

Rose is determined to make the celebration an extravagant one to celebrate both the inn and Sassy. Even if it means requesting the help from a certain surly hardware store owner to help with the renovations. Dahlia is heartbroken that her marriage has failed. She decides to move closer to her family. She and her kids are starting to rebuild their lives when Dahlia questions if she is ready to fall in love again. She is worried about the stability she has worked hard to give her children.

Sassy has missed her sister and tried to reconnect. However, they are both two stubborn to reconcile. When Sassy discovers something that might change her life forever, will it be too late for them to reconnect?

I thought the book was a cute and cozy romantic read. This was the second book in the series but, can be read as a standalone. This was my first book in the series and I felt like I missed some nuances between the characters. The story was told from alternating point of views and a few times I got confused between the sisters. I thought the book was a cute read and look forward to reading more books in the series. If you like Hallmark movies, you will enjoy this novel.

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

Book Review - Pretty Little Wife by Darby Kane

 

Lila Ridgefield seems to have the perfect life. She lives in a quaint college town, has a beautiful home, and a doting husband, Aaron. However, not everything is what seems like especially, Lila. 

A young college student vanished a few months ago and then Aaron disappears. The police thinks that the cases are unrelated until it's discovered the missing student case is very similar to other missing people cases. The police are desperate to find a connection.

They find a clue that makes them realize that there might be more to the story. While the town is worried over their beloved high school teacher, Lila isn't. She is confused about him being missing because she was the last person to see him alive.

The novel was an interesting and thrilling read. I enjoyed finding out the next twist and secret being revealed. I found that the novel moved at a fast pace. I didn't care much for some of the characters and thought they weren't unrealistic. Overall, the novel was a good read and I look forward to reading more books by the author.

Book Review - This House Is Haunted by John Boyne

Its a cold winter day in 1867 and Eliza Caine decides that she is ready for a new challenge. She reads an ad for a governess position at Gaudlin Hall and she decides its the change she needs. When she traveling to her new home, she is shaken by an accident that occurs during her trip. However, she tries to move on from the occurrence when she meets her new wards, Isabella and Eustace. 

Upon her arrival and meeting the children, she realizes that there is no adult present with the children or any sign of her mysterious employer. The children are hesitant to speak about their parents and she is met with an similar experience with the townspeople. Eliza tries to get some sleep and decides to tackle the issue tomorrow but, she feels a foreboding presence in her room. She knows that something is very wrong at Gaudlin Hall.

Eliza tries to discount her experience from the previous night. However, she keeps feeling that something is following her. Eliza realizes that if is she and the children are to survive the violent ghost, that she will need to uncover the history behind the evil presence. Will Eliza be able to uncover the truth before it's too late?

The book was an interesting tale but, was poorly executed. While reading the novel, it reminded me of older Gothic stories I have read and I was surprised that the book was published in 2013. I thought the novel moved a bit slowly for my taste.I felt like details were used to draw out the novel in place of actual story details. Eliza is portrayed as a smart woman but, I felt like she did some questionable things. Perhaps, I should be more understanding as she seems to be grieving and the job seems to be something out of her realm of experience. The ending and "secret" was predictable and I was able to figure it out quickly.

Book Review - The Perfect Nanny by Leïla Slimani

 

Myriam wants more out of life than just being the primary caretaker of her children. They decided that they will look for a nanny for their son and daughter so, that Myriam can return to work as a lawyer. They ecstatic when they find Louise who is the perfect nanny. She is quiet, polite, and devoted to the children. As the months pass by,  the family finds themselves more dependent on each other which leads to jealousy, resentment, and tensions.

I was excited to read this book as it sounded so promising. Unfortunately, this book was a complete and utter fail. The book kept switching point of views and had so many random details that added nothing to the story. I am still struggling to understand if there was even a story. This book felt like a jumbled mess of random and pointless details.

Book Review - Twisted River by Siobhán MacDonald

 

Kate and Mannix O'Brien live in Curragower Falls in Limerick. They live in a beautiful house that they can barely afford. Fergus, their son, is constantly bullied in school. Izzy, their daughter feels helpless as she can't do anything to help protect her brother. Kate is struggling to see her family deal with life and decides that they all need a vacation.  She thinks their luck is about to change when she finds a beautiful Manhattan apartment available on a home exchange website.

Hazel and Oscar Harvey live with their two children in Upper West Side, Manhattan. On the outside, the couple seems happy and perfect. However, Hazel is covered with mysterious bruises and Oscar has secrets about his dental practice. They decide that they need a change of pace and offer their apartment  up on a home exchange website. Hazel always wanted to show her family her native home and it will give the couple a chance to work on their marriage. However, things take a turn for the worst when Oscar discovers a body in his host's car.

The book had an interesting premise but, it failed to keep my attention. Both couples were very similar and I had to go back a few times and try to remember who they were. The book had quite a few twists but, it was mostly the author led you to believe this but, they really meant this. Almost all the twists were like this. Around the middle point of the book, this book became insufferable that I was struggling to power through it.

Book Review - The Silent Companions by Laura Purcell

 

When Elise marries Rupert Bainbridge, she felt like her luck has finally changed. She would finally live a life of luxury instead of having to work in a match factory. Elise becomes pregnant weeks after her wedding and Rupert leaves to ready the family estate for her and their child. Elise receives news that her husband has passed and she must come to the country. There Elise finds the servants resentful of her and the locals to be hostile.

Elise only has her husband's awkward cousin, Sarah for company. The pair decide to take a tour of the house and come across a locked door. Behind the door is a painted wooden figure that looks like Elise. The servants are terrified of the figure but, Elise believes that it's just simple superstition. However, weird things are starting to happen and then Elise noticed that the eyes on the dolls are following her.

I have read the previous novel of the author and enjoyed this book too. The book had a special creepy and unnerving factor to it. However, I felt like there were few parts of the story I wish the author went into more detail on. For example, Hetta's relationship with the gypsy boy and Elise's history with her parents and brother. Some details were given but, most were hinted at. Overall, it was an interesting read and I would read other books by the author.

 

Book Review - Willa of Dark Hollow by Robert Beatty + Giveaway

 

Willa and her clan are the last of the Faeran species. They are an ancient race of forest people that have lived in the Great Smoky Mountain since the trees have grown there.  However, a crew of human loggers have arrived and are cutting down and destroying the forest she loves at an alarming rate. Willa feels powerless as she is unable to stop them. She doesn't know how she will be able to stop them as they have powerful machines and she is just one girl.

Willa tries to get a closer look at the loggers and tries to devise a plan to stop the deforestation. She comes across these mysterious creatures that are beautiful and elusive until, she realizes they are hunting humans. Willa struggles to decide if unleashing these dangerous spirits is the only course of action she has to stopping the loggers. She will have to find a way to save the people and animals she loves while taking a stand against the loggers and the darkness that is threatening to destroy her world.

This is the second novel in the series but, I felt that this novel can be read as a standalone. The book is heartbreaking and an exciting read. The book has many great lessons including, respecting nature and focusing on the group mindset instead of thinking of only yourself. I liked all the characters and thought they were beautifully written including, Charka. I hope this isn't the end of the series and that they make a series from the book!

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

  

About the Book:

Title: WILLA OF DARK HOLLOW

Author: Robert Beatty

Pub. Date: May 4, 2021

Publisher: Disney-Hyperion

Formats: Hardcover, eBook, audiobook

Pages: 384

Find it: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, Audible, B&N, iBooks, Kobo, TBD, Bookshop.org

Young nightspirit Willa discovers an ancient, powerful magic deep in the forest in the enchanting companion to Robert Beatty's instant #1 New York Times best-seller, Willa of the Wood.

This enchanting companion to Robert Beatty's instant #1 New York Times bestseller Willa of the Wood is perfect for any reader who cares deeply about the natural world. 

Willa and her clan are the last of the Faeran, an ancient race of forest people who have lived in the Great Smoky Mountains for as long as the trees have grown there. But as crews of newly arrived humans start cutting down great swaths of the forest she loves, she is helpless to stop them. How can she fight the destroyers of the forest and their powerful machines?

When Willa discovers a mysterious dark hollow filled with strange and beautiful creatures, she comes to realize that it contains a terrifying force that seems to be hunting humans. Is unleashing these dangerous spirits the key to stopping the loggers? Willa must find a way to save the people and animals she loves and take a stand against a consuming darkness that threatens to destroy her world.

Praise for Willa of the Wood:

"Willa of the Wood will grip readers from its first page... Willa is... an admirable protagonist."—Culturess

"A moving, atmospheric journey of hope."—Kirkus Reviews

"Beatty conjures up a resourceful, compassionate heroine. Full of atmospheric details and richly described magic... this well-paced tale asks insightful questions about the relationship between nature and humans."—Publishers Weekly

"The heroine is an appealing character... and her anguish is clear as she wavers between frightened self-preservation and her desire to help her friends."—School Library Journal

"Willa is a strong and likable creature of the natural world, and seamlessly represents themes of loyalty, tradition, family, and stewardship of the Earth in this engaging story."—School Library Connection

Accolades:

2018 Goodreads Choice Awards: Middle Grade, finalist

2018 Cybils Award, Elementary Middle Grade Speculative Fiction Nominee

Amazon: Best Children's Books of 2018, ages 9-12

Imagination Soup: Best Middle Grade Chapter Books of 2018

BNKids: July's Best Books for Young Readers, selection (2018)

Brightly: 9 Middle Grade Books for Environmentally Conscious Kids, selection (2018)

PopSugar: The Best books for Kids in 2018, as Voted by Actual Kids and Parents Who Read Them, selection

A Mighty Girl: 2018 Books of the Year, ages 9-12

 

GRAB WILLA OF THE WOOD NOW!

 

Willa of the Wood and Willa of Dark Hollow are being adapted into a multi-season, live-action television series!

 

About Robert:

Robert Beatty is the #1 New York Times best-selling author of the Serafina series and the Willa of the Wood series published by Disney Hyperion. Loved by young readers and adults alike, the Serafina and Willa books are being taught in over a thousand classrooms nationwide and have been translated into over 22 languages. Robert lives in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Asheville, North Carolina with his wife and three daughters. He writes full-time now, but in his past lives, Robert was one of the early pioneers of cloud computing, the founder/CEO of Plex Systems, the co-founder of Beatty Robotics, and the chairman/CTO of Narrative magazine. In 2007, he was named an Entrepreneur of the Year. When asked about the inspiration for his books, Robert said, “The Serafina and Willa books grew out of my desire to write stories about unusual and heroic young girls for my three daughters."

 

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads | Amazon

 

Giveaway Details:

3 winners will win a finished copy of WILLA OF DARK HOLLOW, US Only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

5/1/2021

BookHounds YA

Excerpt

Week Two:

5/2/2021	Log Cabin Library	Excerpt
5/3/2021	jillpiscitello	Excerpt
5/4/2021	YA Books Central	Excerpt
5/5/2021	Nerdophiles	Review
5/6/2021	Jenguerdy	Review
5/7/2021	booksaremagictoo	Review
5/8/2021	Amani’s Reviews	Review

Week Three:

5/9/2021	Little Red Reads	Review
5/10/2021	The Bookwyrm's Den	Review
5/11/2021	A Court of Coffee and Books	Review
5/12/2021	Emelie's Books	Review
5/13/2021	Books and Zebras	Review
5/14/2021	Kait Plus Books	Excerpt
5/15/2021	michellemengsbookblog	Review

Week Four:

5/16/2021	two points of interest	Review
5/17/2021	History from a Woman’s Perspective	Review
5/18/2021	Rajiv's Reviews	Review
5/19/2021	Lifestyle of Me	Review
5/20/2021	Haunted By Books	Review
5/21/2021	The Momma Spot	Review
5/22/2021	Fyrekatz Blog	Review

Week Five:

5/23/2021	The Try Everything	Excerpt
5/24/2021	Musing of Souls	Review
5/25/2021	Popthebutterfly	Review
5/26/2021	more.books.yes.please	Review
5/27/2021	DearRivarie	Review
5/28/2021	Momfluenster	Review
5/29/2021	A Dream Within A Dream	Excerpt

Week Six:

5/30/2021	Lady Hawkeye	Excerpt
5/31/2021	Do You Dog-ear?	Review

Book Review - 'Round Midnight by Laura McBride

 

Twenty-one-year-old June Stein is bored of her safe world and decides to move from New Jersey to Las Vegas in the 1950s. In the span of 60 years, June tries to live her life as she pleases and she tries to push boundaries. She goes against the norm for what she believes in.

June's story intertwines with three strangers: a woman who was a mail-order bride from the Philippines, a young mother who is working as a hotel maid, and a high school music teacher. The three women are connected by a secret June has kept.

I wasn't a fan of this novel. I felt like the story had too many characters and it seemed pointless and jumbled together.  The story had tons of random details that sometimes made the story hard to follow.  I did like the premise of the story but, I felt like the execution wasn't great.

Book Review - Blue Ticket by Sophie Mackintosh

 

When girls get their first period, they are able to take part in the lottery. The young women report to a station and they learn what kind of woman they will be depending on the ticket they get. If they get a white ticket, they can have children and get married. A blue ticket allows them to pursue a career and be free of family duties. This system relieves the burden of choice from a young woman's shoulder. One of the rules of the lottery is that once you receive your ticket, there is no going back.

Calla has received a blue ticket and she questions her fate. She decides to go on the run and live the life she wants. Calla will need to rely on the skills she learned and question those around her. She will have to find a way to escape as the system pits women against her. During her journey, Calla must decide if the lottery knows her better than she knows herself and what the consequences are for going against the lottery.

I was not a fan of this book. I read more than half of the book before I just dumped it. The book lacked world building details. They would share details about certain things but, fail to go into details. I found it hard to understand certain things without understanding the "why".  The writing style felt bland and flat and it was hard to connect to Calla. She came across as cold and clinical. It was hard to put myself in her shoes and feel anything for her plight.

Book Review - Present Danger by Elizabeth Goddard

 

Special Agent Jack Tanner left the FBI to become a detective in Montana. During a search and rescue mission, he comes across a body in the national forest. He is determined to find the killer, even if he has to work with his ex-girlfriend,  US Forest Service Special Agent Terra Connors.

Terra discovers the victim had ties to a dangerous person who is trafficking artifacts. As the duo investigates, the investigation takes  a deadly turn and it hits too close to home. Terra feels that she doesn't have the courage to face what she needs to do next. However, Jack is determined to protect Terra at all costs. He felt that he has let her down before and he isn't willing to do it again.

I thought the novel was an interesting read with a few twists and turns. I didn't find that the novel was at the edge of my seat suspenseful even though it had a few unexpected twists. I felt like there was a few things that weren't really resolved and it seems the second book in the series are new characters.  While the characters were interesting, I felt like they were a bit dull for my tastes. I would still be open to reading other books by the author.

Book Review - The Indebted Earl by Erica Vetsch + Giveaway

 

Captain Charles Wyvern owes Major Richardson his life as the man died protecting Charles. Charles knows the best way to honor Richardson is to honor his dying wish. Rich asked Charles to watch over and protect his fiancée along with telling her how much she is loved. As Charles tries to fulfill his duty to Rich, he learns that his uncle has died and he will become the new Earl of Rothwell.

When Charles and the women arrive to his new manor home in Devon, they discover the estate is need of repair. He finds that he is the guardian of three orphan girls.  Charles feels overwhelmed because he knows how to handle the affairs of war but, not young women or being on land. Charles wishes to provide for Sophie so, he proposes a marriage of convenience.

Sophie goes along with Charles's plan to help care for her ailing mother-in-law along with the orphans while giving her freedom. The marriage will give the captain a chance to repay his debt while allowing Sophie to grieve. As a part of their arrangement, Sophie will stay behind to oversee his property and the children while he returns to the sea.

As they try to move on, the captain is arrested for smuggling. As Charles waits in jail, Sophie realizes how much she loves him. She is willing to put everything on the line to protect their freedom and gain his love. 

This was the third book in the series and it was an enjoyable read. The novel could be read as a standalone. I was a bit disheartened that characters from the other books didn't really make much of an appearance. I am curious to know which character will be the next focus.

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

 

Can Captain Wyvern keep his new marriage of convenience all business--or will it turn into something more? Captain Charles Wyvern owes a great debt to the man who saved his life--especially since Major Richardson lost his own life in the process. The best way to honor that hero's dying wish is for Wyvern to escort the man's grieving fiance and mother safely to a new cottage home by the sea. But along the way, he learns of another obligation that has fallen on his shoulders: his uncle has died and the captain is now the Earl of Rothwell. When he and the ladies arrive at his new manor house in Devon, they discover an estate in need of a leader and a gaggle of girls, all wards of the former earl. War the new earl knows; young ladies and properties he does not. Still wishing to provide for the bereaved Lady Sophia Haverly, Charles proposes a marriage of convenience. Sophie is surprised to find she isn't opposed to the idea. It will help her care for her betrothed's elderly mother, and she's already fallen in love with the wayward girls on the Rothwell estate. This alliance is a chance to repay the captain who has done so much for her care, as well as divert her attention from her grief. When Wyvern returns to his sea commission, she'll stay behind to oversee his property and wards. It sounds so simple. Until the stalwart captain is arrested on suspicion of smuggling, and Sophie realizes how much he's come to mean to her. Now she'll have to learn to fight, not only for his freedom but also for his love.

About the Author

Erica Vetsch is a New York Times best-selling author and ACFW Carol Award winner, and has been a Romantic Times top pick for her previous books. She loves Jesus, history, romance, and watching sports. This transplanted Kansan now makes her home in Rochester, Minnesota.

Learn more about Erica at www.ericavetsch.com or find her on Facebook.