Book Review - Ninja Nickles and the Problem with Pickles by Leah Cupps + Giveaway

The illustrated children's book tells a rhyming tale about personal responsibility. When Nickel's family goes to bed, he gets a craving for pickles. He accidentally drops the bottle and someone gets blamed. Will Nickels be able to tell the truth?

The book was a cute and quick read. The drawings were well done and very colorful. Little readers will have a blast reading the story and seeing if Nickels takes responsibility for his actions.

 

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

 

About The Book:

Title: NINJA NICKELS AND THE PROBLEM WITH PICKLES

Author: Leah Cupps

Pub. Date: June 22, 2022

Publisher: Vision Forty Press

Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook

Pages: 28

Find it: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, B&N

Read for FREE with a Kindle Unlimited Membership!

Will Ninja Nickles tell Mom the truth and admit that he’s the one who dropped the pickles?

Or will he stay and hide while Lincoln is scolded for the pickle pantry mess? Read along with Ninja Nickles and his story of the midnight pickles to find out!

In this delightful rhyming story, Ninja Nickles teaches children that there is a time for fun and games and a time for personal responsibility. In Ninja Nickles and the Problem with Pickles, Leah Cupps tells a story about friendship, loyalty, and doing the right thing that will have children laughing and learning along with their new friend, Nickles the dog!

Make reading and bedtime a treasured family experience with Ninja Nickels! Also available in paperback!

Ninja Nickels Book Series:
Book 1: Ninja Nickels and the Problem with Pickles
Book 2: Ninja Nickels and the Trouble with Tickles (Coming Soon) 

  

About Leah Cupps:

Leah Cupps is an entrepreneur and author. She writes Middle Grade Mystery Adventure Books as well as Thriller, Mystery, Suspense for Adults.

Leah’s novels are fast-paced mysteries that will keep you up at night as you can’t wait to see what happens in the next chapter.

Leah lives in Indiana with her husband, three young children and three dogs. When she isn’t losing sleep writing her next novel or scaling her next business, she enjoys reading, golfing working out and spending time with her family.

 

Connect with Leah Online:

http://www.facebook.com/harleyjamesadventures

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17178076.Leah_Cupps

 

Sign up for Leah’s VIP email list, and you'll automatically be notified as soon as her next book is released:

www.harleyjamesadventures.com

 

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

 

Giveaway Details:

1 winner will receive a finished copy of NINJA NICKELS AND THE PROBLEM WITH PICKLES, US Only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

7/4/2022	BookHounds YA	Excerpt/IG Post
7/4/2022	Rajiv's Reviews	Review/IG Post
7/5/2022	Yabookscentral	Excerpt/IG Post
7/5/2022	Write. Read. Live.	Excerpt/IG Post
7/6/2022	Locks, Hooks and Books	Review
7/6/2022	GryffindorBookishNerd	IG Review
7/7/2022	The Momma Spot	Review/IG Post
7/7/2022	Little Red Reads	Review/IG Post
7/8/2022	@thebookishfoxwitch	IG Review
7/8/2022	For The Love Of The Page	Review/IG Post

Week Two:

7/11/2022	@just_another_mother_with_books	IG Review
7/11/2022	Two Points of Interest	Review/IG Post
7/12/2022	One More Exclamation	Review/IG Post
7/12/2022	The Book Review Crew	Review/IG Post
7/13/2022	@jacleomik33	Review/IG Post
7/13/2022	Nerdophiles	Review/IG Post
7/14/2022	Jazzy Book Reviews	Review/IG Post
7/14/2022	celiamcmahonreads	Review/IG Post
7/15/2022	Cocoa With Books	Review/IG Post
7/15/2022	@enjoyingbooksagain	IG Review

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Book Review - Honor by Thrity Umrigar

 

Smita is an Indian American journalist who is reluctant to return back to India after she and her family left years ago. She returns after a close friend had requested her help with a story. She follows the case of Meena, a Hindu woman who was attacked by her village and family because she married a Muslim man. 

Smita struggles to deal with a society where traditions are held to the highest regard. As she reports on Meena's story, Smita's own story that she kept buried for years is revealed. Smita tries to help Meena while she finds herself attracted to Mohan, an Indian man she met through a friend.

I actually didn't read the blurb before getting this book because I would have been tempted to skip over the novel. I am very glad I didn't because it was an enlightening and poignant read. I find myself agreeing with Smita on her views of Indian culture and traditions. When I was reading the novel, I found the same ideas and thoughts I had was shared by Smita. However, I can't say I loved her as a person as she could be annoying at times. For example, she wanted others to trust and open up to her but, she was very hesitant to share even the most basic information about herself. Then she would complain how she didn't have any close connections with anyone. Overall, the book was endearing and heart wrenching read. I can't wait to read more books by the author.

 

Book Review - Little Weirds by Jenny Slate

I have seen a few of Jenny Slate's work but, I wouldn't call myself a fan (nor do I hate her). I saw this book in my to be read pile and thought I would give it ago. I figured that since Jenny is a comedian, I would get a few laughs. I liked that the book was written as "small stories". However, even though they were short stories, I found myself re-reading a lot of what I had read. I felt like Jenny wrote this book in a single stream of consciousness. Occasionally, I did find a gem among the weird bits but, I didn't feel like I should work so hard to read a book. If you like eccentric and random things, you might like this book.

 

Book Review - Elysium Tide by James R. Hannibal

 

Dr. Peter Chesterfield is one of the top neurosurgeons at the Royal London Hospital. He is a workaholic and his boss orders him that he takes the week off to attend a medical conference at a luxurious hotel on Maui. While in Maui, Peter pulls a woman out of the ocean who suffered a skull fracture. He was able to revive her in the ambulance, only for her to eventually die in his arms. Before she died, she whisper one clue to explained what happened to her.

Peter finds himself obsesses over his patient's death. He decides to investigate her murder and finds himself entangled in an ongoing investigation.  The lead detective, Lisa Kealoha, on the case is annoyed that Peter keeps sticking his nose in her investigation. As the two team up to solve the case, they realize that there are more destructive forces at work than they ever imagined.

If you are a fan of "Castle" or "Hawaii 5 O" (the remake), then you will love this book. The book is action packed and filled with twists. I thought the book was an interesting read but, I didn't really care for the characters. I found Lisa to be a dull character as she seem to be mean and bossy but, people seem to love her. I am yet to see what she does for them to make them like her. She is blunt and straightforward and doesn't really seem to engage in friendly behaviors towards them. I also found Peter to be annoying at times and  found his snipes about "lazy Americans" unwanted. However, my favorite characters are the supporting characters who were entertaining.

Book Review - The Songs That Could Have Been by Amanda Wen

 

Lauren Anderson has finally gotten her life back on track after a rough time as a teenager. She has her battle with bulimia under control, her career is progressing, and she has a strong support system. However, all that is threaten when she has a chance meeting with Carter Douglas. He was her first love and he also broke her heart when they were younger. Lauren starts to remember their past and everything she has worked hard to build could come crashing down.

Carter is a TV meteorologist, who is determined to make things right with Lauren. Lauren was his first love and he still loves her. However, the reasons why they broke up the first time is still present in the future. Carter isn't sure that he has enough strength to face his old demons and make a different choice this time around.

Rosie is Lauren's elderly grandmother and she's been having memories about a man named Ephraim. No one in Lauren's family has ever heard of him before. As Lauren begins to dig into Rosie's past, a forbidden love comes to light. Lauren and Carter work to uncover the story of Rosie's past while trying learn forgiveness.

I thought the book was an interesting read. I like the dual timelines and the dual romances but, I like reading about Rosie's history the most. At times, I got frustrated with Carter and Lauren's romance as they wanted to forgive each other and give their relationship a second chance but, they both refused to be honest about the past. They both recognized that they didn't want to relive their past mistakes but, then kept their main hangs up about the past a secret. I feel that no relationship is going to be successful if  one person keeps a part of themselves locked away. This book is the second in a series but, can be read as a standalone.  

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

Book Review - The Kingdoms of Savannah by George Dawes Green

 

The story begins on a quiet balmy Southern night near Bo Peep's. It's the local's favorite watering hole. A man is murdered and his companion goes missing. Morgana Musgrove is a well known elite of Savannah society and is called on to solve the mystery behind these crimes. Morgana is known for being manipulative, cunning, and demanding that even her four grown kids are weary of her presence. She tries to rope them into her investigation and they soon discover dark secrets that will crumble everything they held true.

I was very excited to read the book because the cover looked so interesting. However, the writing style wasn't for me. I had a hard time following along and keeping track of things. I also felt that the story moved along so slowly that I lost interest in the novel. I didn't like that there were so many characters being introduced at once and the POVs switched so often that it was hard to keep track of. Unfortunately, I realized this book required more effort than I was willing to give it and I stopped reading about half way in.

Book Spotlight - The Pack #2: Claw and Order by Lisi Harrison + Giveaway

 About The Book:

Title: THE PACK #2: CLAW AND ORDER

Author: Lisi Harrison

Pub. Date: June 21, 2022

Publisher: Delacorte Press

Formats: Hardcover, eBook, Audiobook

Pages: 192

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

Sadie and her best friends are back in book two of this series about girls with animal powers. The Pack seems stronger than ever but Sadie has a secret that could claw its way out.

Sadie thought joining the Pack would be the wildest thing to happen to her this year but the school year is becoming even harder.

On top of classes Sadie has to navigate her growing feelings for her crush, taming her powers during cheer practice and trouble making hyenas trying to take her crown.

Then there is the massive secret she is keeping from her BFF Lindsey--that could destroy their friendship and The Pack as they know it. Will the shocking truth come out to bite them?

Grab book 1, THE PACK now!

 

 

About Lisi Harrison:

Lisi Harrison is a #1 New York Times bestselling author.

In 2003, Lisi left her position as senior director of development at MTV Networks to write The Clique series (2013-2011), which sold more than eight million copies and was on the New York Times bestseller list for more than two hundred weeks. Ten titles hit #1, and foreign rights were sold in thirty-three countries. Alphas was a #1 New York Times bestseller, and Monster High was an instant bestseller. In 2013 Lisi released her YA series Pretenders and her first adult novel, The Dirty Book Club in 2017. In 2021 Lisi launched two new middle-grade series—Girl Stuff and The Pack. Currently, she is working on a middle-grade series with New York Times bestselling author Daniel Kraus called Graveyard Girls (9.6.22).

Lisi lives in Laguna Beach, California, where she leads Drama Free Friend workshops that teach kids, and their parents, how to have healthy, drama-free friendships.

 

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

 

Giveaway Details:

1 winner will receive a finished copy of THE PACK #2: CLAW AND ORDER, US Only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

6/20/2022	The Momma Spot	Excerpt/IG Post
6/20/2022	BookHounds YA	Excerpt/IG Post
6/21/2022	Ya Books Central	Excerpt
6/21/2022	Lady Hawkeye	Excerpt/IG Post
6/22/2022	Kait Plus Books	Excerpt/IG Post/TikTok Post
6/22/2022	#BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee Blog	Excerpt
6/23/2022	Two Chicks on Books	Excerpt or Guest Post
6/23/2022	@jaimerockstarbooktours	IG Post
6/24/2022	meetcuteromancebooks	IG Review
6/24/2022	Little Red Reads	Review

Week Two:

6/27/2022	M reads often	IG Review
6/27/2022	Nerdophiles	Review
6/28/2022	@travelersguidetobooks	IG Review
6/28/2022	Struck by Stories	Review
6/29/2022	The Real World According To Sam	Review/IG Post
6/29/2022	@allyluvsbooksalatte	Review/IG Post
6/30/2022	onemoreexclamation	Review/IG Post
6/30/2022	beersbooksandboos	Review/IG Post/TikTok Post
7/1/2022	Two Points of Interest	Review
7/1/2022	onemused	IG Post

Book Spotlight - The Last Fallen Moon by Graci Kim + Giveaway

 

About the Book:

Title: THE LAST FALLEN MOON (Gifted Clans #2)

Author: Graci Kim

Pub. Date: June 14, 2022

Publisher: Rick Riordan Presents

Formats: Hardcover, eBook, audiobook

Pages: 384

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

Best-selling author Rick Riordan presents the second book in Graci Kim's magical and mysterious Gifted Clans trilogy.

"Graci Kim does such an amazing job of blending Korean mythology into the modern world, I am now wondering how I ever lived without knowing all this cool information."--New York Times #1 best-selling author Rick Riordan

For Riley Oh, life as the Godrealm’s last fallen star is not all it’s cracked up to be. Her new divine heritage doesn’t even come with cool magical powers; half of her friends and family (including her parents) can’t remember her; and to top it all off, the entire Gom clan is mad at her for killing the Cave Bear Goddess and stripping away their healing abilities.

But when their anger boils over and a group of witches curse Riley’s home, she knows it’s up to her to restore magic back to her clan – even if it means sneaking into the Spiritrealm.

Luckily, Riley has some backup. Along with her sister, Hattie, Riley meets Dahl, a heaven-born boy with shockingly white hair and a fondness for toilets who might not be telling the whole truth about who he is. Together they’ll fight vicious monsters, discover dark underwater worlds, and race to save the land of the dead from a fate that no one could have foreseen.

And this time, Riley won’t let anything get in her way. Because she can’t shake the feeling that something terrible is coming their way – and the gifted community is going to need all the powers they can get.

Grab THE LAST FALLEN STAR now!

 

About Graci:

Graci Kim is the bestselling author of The Last Fallen Star, book one in the Korean mythology-inspired middle grade adventure series. Called a “sparkling yarn” by Entertainment Weekly, the Gifted Clans trilogy has been optioned by the Disney Channel for a live-action television series, and was a 2021 Goodreads Choice Award Nominee for “Best Middle Grade & Children’s Book”.

Graci is also one of the authors of The Cursed Carnival and Other Calamities short story collection, published by Rick Riordan Presents (Disney Hyperion), which became an instant New York Times bestseller.

In a previous life, Graci was a diplomat for the New Zealand foreign service, a cooking show host, and once ran a business that turned children’s drawings into cuddly toys. She lives in New Zealand with her husband and daughter. You can find her sometimes on Twitter (@gracikim), more often on Instagram (@gracikimwrites), and always at her website (www.gracikim.com).

Website | Twitter | Instagram | TikTok | Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

 

Giveaway Details:

1 winner will win a finished copy of THE LAST FALLEN MOON, US Only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

6/1/2022	YABooksCentral	Excerpt
6/2/2022	Feed Your Fiction Addiction	Review/IG Post
6/3/2022	More Books Please blog	Review/IG Post
6/4/2022	onemoreexclamation	Review/IG Post

Week Two:

6/5/2022	Lifestyle of Me	Review
6/6/2022	Okie Dreams	Review/IG Post
6/7/2022	The Bookwyrm's Den	Review
6/8/2022	laura's bookish corner	Review/IG Post
6/9/2022	A Court of Coffee and Books	Review/IG Post
6/10/2022	wilted pages	Review/IG Post/TikTok Post
6/11/2022	beersbooksandboos	Review/IG Post/TikTok Post

Week Three:

6/12/2022	@drewsim12	IG Review/TikTiok Review
6/13/2022	Read With Serena	Review/IG Post
6/14/2022	Nonbinary Knight Reads	Review/IG Post/TikTok Post
6/15/2022	meetcuteromancebooks	Review/IG Post
6/16/2022	@coffeesipsandreads	Review/IG Post
6/17/2022	@ReadsReaders	YouTube Review/IG Post/TikTok Post
6/18/2022	Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers	Review/IG Post

Week Four:

6/19/2022	Emmiepooh2	IG Review
6/20/2022	Bookwyrming Thoughts	Review
6/21/2022	The Real World According To Sam	Review/IG Post
6/22/2022	The Girl Who Reads	Review/IG Post
6/23/2022	The Momma Spot	Review/IG Post
6/24/2022	BookBriefs	Review/IG Post
6/25/2022	Ruei's Reading Corner	Review/IG Post

Week Five:

6/26/2022	onemused	IG Review
6/27/2022	Library of Alexandria Archives	Review/IG Post
6/28/2022	Two Points of Interest	Review
6/29/2022	popthebutterfly	Review/IG Post/TikTok Post
6/30/2022	@enjoyingbooksagain	IG Review

Book Review - A Summer to Remember by Erika Montgomery

 

Thirty-year-old Frankie Simon took over her late mother's movie memorabilia shop. The shop serves as not only her source of income but, as the last remaining link to the only family she has ever known. As Frankie tries to come to term with her mother's passing, she receives a mysterious package in the mail. The package contains a photo of her mother alongside famous movie stars Glory Cartwright and her husband at a film festival the year before Frankie's birth.

Frankie decides to visit the coastal village to find out the truth behind her birth along with the secrets her mother has been keeping. Along the way, Frankie discovers that the past doesn't always stay buried and there are different types of families.

The book was an interesting cozy read with a few twists. I thought it was disappointing that Frankie went to discover her father but, that story line took a backseat to other story lines. I felt that the story was more of a fluff read than a story with actual punch. It was an interesting read and I would be open to reading more books by the author.