Book Review - Grumpy Monkey Oh, No! Christmas by Suzanne Lang + Giveaway

 

It's Christmas time in the Jungle and Jim isn't in the holiday spirit. Jim eats a festive green banana only to make him feel sick and now everything seems worse. All the other animals in the jungle are eager to celebrate Christmas. However, Jim thinks that this time of the year just stinks.

I think the book can be a cute Christmas time read but, it felt more like a normal everyday type of book. It felt like Christmas and other seasonal holidays was just thrown on top. I felt like Jim had mature types of conservation with the animals like drinking tea or eating unripe foods. If this wasn't a holiday theme book, I would have enjoyed it more because they barely talked about Christmas and the many different ways people celebrate the holidays. I think the book tries to be very generic about the holiday but, ends up not really doing anything at all. 

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

 

About The Book:

Title: GRUMPY MONKEY OH, NO! CHRISTMAS

Author: Suzanne Lang, Max Lang (Illustrations)

Pub. Date:  September 14, 2021

Publisher: Random House Studio

Formats:  Hardcover, eBook

Pages: 32

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

Jim Panzee, our favorite #1 New York Times bestselling grumpy monkey, is feeling like quite the Scrooge this holiday season!

It's Christmas time in the jungle, and Jim just can't get into the holiday spirit. Then Norman offers Jim a festive green banana and Jim feels sick, making everything seem worse. All the other animals in the jungle are ready and eagerly awaiting Christmas, but Jim feels everything stinks. Norman tries to find the solution...and shows Jim that everything can be solved with a soothing cup of tea and time spent with a good friend.

Get your own Grumpy Monkey stuffed animal!

 

 

About Suzanne Lang:

SUZANNE LANG produces, develops, and writes children's television. Formerly with Cartoon Network, she is presently the story editor of an animated comedy series for Cake Entertainment and Copa Studios. Suzanne has a BFA in film and television from NYU's Tisch School of the Arts.

 

Facebook | Goodreads | Amazon |BookBub

 

About Max Lang:

MAX LANG is an animation director, storyboard artist, character designer, and illustrator. He codirected the adaptation of The Gruffalo, which was nominated for an Oscar and a BAFTA, as well as the adaptation of the picture book Room on the Broom, which has won numerous awards, including the Cristal for Best TV Production at the Annecy Animation Festival.

 

Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

 

Giveaway Details:

3 winners will win a finished copy of GRUMPY MONKEY OH, NO! CHRISTMAS, US Only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

12/6/2021	The Phantom Paragrapher	Review
12/6/2021	For the Love of KidLit	Excerpt
12/7/2021	perusewithcoffee	Review
12/7/2021	@bookhounds	Review
12/8/2021	@curlygrannylovestoread	Review
12/8/2021	One More Exclamation	Review
12/9/2021	YA Book Nerd	Review
12/9/2021	Coffee and Wander Book Reviews	Review
12/10/2021	Rajiv's Reviews	Review
12/10/2021	@enjoyingbooksagain	Review

Week Two:

12/13/2021	Jazzy Book Reviews	Review
12/13/2021	The Pages In-Between	Review
12/14/2021	@coffeesipsandreads	Review
12/14/2021	This.nerdy.bookworm	Review
12/15/2021	@thebookishfoxwitch	Review
12/15/2021	Pick a good book	Review
12/16/2021	Midnightbooklover	Review
12/16/2021	The Momma Spot	Review
12/17/2021	two Points of interest	Review
12/17/2021	onemused	Review

Book Review - The Perfect Daughter by D.J. Palmer

 

 

Sixteen year old Penny Francone is accused of being a murderer. She was found alone in the victim's apartment covered in the victim's blood and holding the murder weapon. The victim's identity and her relationship to Penny gives Penny the perfect motive for committing the crime. The only thing the jury will need to decide is where Penny will serve out her sentence. Will she be spending the rest of her life in a state mental hospital or a maximum security prison? Her mother, Grace, is still reeling from the sudden death of her husband and now she is grateful that Massachusetts doesn't allow the death penalty. 

Penny is waiting for her trial to start in a mental hospital. She is being treated by Dr. Mitchell McHugh, a psychiatrist who is struggling with his own demons. Grace's determination to understand why her daughter murdered someone helps fuels Mitch's resolve to the family. They try to work together to find the truth behind that night and instead they discover secrets and lies that can tear them apart.

I thought the book was an interesting read with a few twists at the end. I thought the book was a bit slow during the middle parts and I sometimes felt that book would have been better if it was shorter. There was also some side stories that I didn't really care about such as, Jack doing a video documentary on his sister. I understand the author might have included that bit to show why Jack was involved in helping to prove his sister's innocence but, it felt unnecessary. I wish the author spent more time fleshing out the main characters more. Overall, it was a decent read and I would read other books by the author.

Book Review - Squirrel Do Bad (Trubble Town Book 1) by Stephan Pastis

 

Wendy the Wanderer has lived her entire life in Trubble Town but, never had the chance to explore because of her overprotective father. Wendy thinks that she was given the wrong name because she never gets to wander anywhere. Her father likes to make sure that she is always safe so, she never had the chance to be on her own. Wendy hits it lucky one day when her father goes away and leaves her with a babysitter who lets Wendy do whatever she wants. Wendy finally has the ability explore the town on her own.

I can't say that I was a fan of this graphic novel. I didn't find the humor very funny and the story felt trying at times. The characters were a bit silly and Wendy was put into bizarre situations that should have been funny but, weren't. If you are a fan of his other work, Pearls Before Swine, then you would love this one.

Book Spotlight - Fowl Twins Get What They Deserve by Eoin Colfer + Giveaway

About The Book:

Title: THE FOWL TWINS: GET WHAT THEY DESERVE (The Fowl Twins #3)

Author: Eoin Colfer

Pub. Date:  November 23, 2021

Publisher: Disney-Hyperion

Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audiobook

Pages: 320

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

Irish Twins Myles and Beckett, Artemis Fowl's younger brothers, return in their third and most bizarre adventure yet.

For almost two years, Lord Teddy Bleedham-Drye, the Duke of Scilly, has been plotting revenge against the Fowl Twins, who humiliated him in Book One. Teddy plans to give them exactly what they deserve: permanent death.

He threatens Myles with his weaponized jet and Beckett and Specialist Lazuli succeed in disarming the aircraft and causing an accident that kills the duke. But does it really?

Ghosts, clones, and fairy magic come to play in this ultimate and ridiculous showdown between the twins and their worst enemy.

Review:

*Like its bestselling progenitors, a nonstop spinoff afroth with high-tech, spectacular magic, and silly business.--Kirkus (starred review)

 Grab the first two books in the series now!

 

About Eoin Colfer:

Eoin Colfer is the author of the New York Times best-selling Artemis Fowl series, which was adapted into a major motion picture from the Walt Disney Studios. He also wrote the critically acclaimed WARP trilogy, and many other titles for young readers and adults, including Iron Man: The Gauntlet, Airman, Half Moon Investigations, Eoin Colfer's Legend of . . . books, The Wish List, Benny and Omar; and Benny and Babe. In 2014, he was named Ireland's laureate for children's literature. He lives with his wife and two sons in Dublin, Ireland, where he is working on the next Fowl twins novel. To learn more, visit www.eoincolfer.com. He is also on Twitter and Instagram @EoinColfer.

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

 

Giveaway Details:

3 winners will win a finished copy of THE FOWL TWINS: GET WHAT THEY DESERVE, US Only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

11/1/2021	What A Nerd Girl Says	Excerpt
11/2/2021	Lily Luchesi's Blog	Excerpt
11/3/2021	Kait Plus Books	Excerpt
11/4/2021	BookHounds YA	Excerpt
11/5/2021	YA Books Central	Excerpt
11/6/2021	GivernyReads	Review

Week Two:

11/7/2021	Rajiv's Reviews	Review
11/8/2021	coffeebooksandmascara	Review
11/9/2021	Books a Plenty Book Reviews	Review
11/10/2021	The Bookwyrm's Den	Review
11/11/2021	if the book will be too difficult	Review
11/12/2021	@jypsylynn	Review
11/13/2021	Locks, Hooks and Books	Review

Week Three:

11/14/2021	Zainey Laney	Review
11/15/2021	The Momma Spot	Review
11/16/2021	Books Are Magic Too	Review
11/17/2021	onemused	IG Post
11/18/2021	@eyerollingdemigod	Review
11/19/2021	laura's bookish corner	Review
11/20/2021	FyreKatz Blog	Review

Week Four:

11/21/2021	two points of interest	Review
11/22/2021	Popthebutterfly Reads	Review
11/23/2021	Two Chicks on Books	Excerpt
11/24/2021	Lexijava_Bookish	Review
11/25/2021	brittreadsalattebooks	Excerpt & IG Post
11/26/2021	Little Red Reads	Review
11/27/2021	@drewsim12	Review

Week Five:

11/28/2021	Lifestyle of Me	Review
11/29/2021	Rockstar Book Tours	Excerpt
11/30/2021	Nerdophiles	Review
12/1/2021	@pickagoodbook	Excerpt

December 2021 Empties!

Wow, I can't believe it's already December! I didn't really finish too much stuff this month other than a lot of skincare and face masks. Usually, I don't go out often during the colder months. I tend to spend most of my time at home drinking tea and applying face masks.

I finished a few masks but, only a handful were noteworthy. I liked the FIF micro hyaluron mask. The serum itself was tacky but, it left my skin feeling so hydrated and soft. The Bling Pop Face Mask Collagen Skin Elastic felt nice on my skin too. I think the packaging is cute and fun. I usually like Ariul's 7 days mask but, the lemon one was so dry out of the packaging I felt like it did nothing. I am not sure  if I was sent an old mask or if that's how the product is.

I usually don't use makeup wipes unless I am traveling. I gotten a packet of Klorane's makeup wipe for my recent trip and it reminds me why I stopped buying makeup wipes. The wipes was pretty much useless against mascara and it left my skin feeling irritated. 

I have mixed opinions on Glamglow. It's rarely has any products that actually work for me but, I still end up buying them for some odd reason. I got the Glamglow Moisturizer Omega Rich Moisturizer and didn't really care for it. I thought it was okay. The moisturizer felt very watery and when applied I felt like I had to use a lot to feel anything. The Hank and Henry Stick With It is one of the worst eyeliners I ever used. Most of the time too much product comes out and then it dried up when I barely got to use it.

Did you finish anything this month that you would re-buy?

Here is everything I finished this month -

Comelyco Rest Recipe Peach Mask

Bonvivant Botanical Mask Pack

FIF Micro Hyaluron Ampoule Mask

Bling Pop Face Mask Aloe

Celarion Deep Miracle Ampoule Sheet Mask

Purenskin Avocado Mask

Starskin 3 Step Nose Mask

Klorane Make-up remover wipes

Ariul 7 Days Mask - Lemon

Bling Pop Oops Hand Mask

Elensilia-IntraCell Escargot + Placenta Firming

Facetory Dream Garden Camellia

Bare Minerals Lip Gloss

Fresh Rose Petal Soft Lip Cream

Glamglow Moisturizer Omega Rich Moisturizer

Leesha's Lacquers - Cookie Dough

Sumbody Deep Sea Decongesting Mud Mask

Margot Elena Love and Toast Cherry Lemonade Lip Balm

Hank and Henry Stick With It

Forest Rhapsody Good Earth Mask

L'Occitane En Provenece Extra Rich Soap - Shea Milk

The Body Shop Cranberry Joy Shower Gel

Burt's Bees Rosemary Mint Shampoo Bar

Glow Recipe Avocado Melt Retinol Eye Sleeping Mask

 

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 Last Equation of Isaac Severy by Nova Jacobs

 

Hazel Severy is an owner of a struggling Seattle bookstore. She receives a letter from her adoptive grandfather days after his death. Her grandfather is a famous mathematician and many suspect that he killed himself. In his letter, Issac hints at a secret organization that is after his life's work and is willing to stop at nothing to get it. He asks Hazel to to deliver the equation to a trusted colleague and then destroying it before anyone else can get it. However, Hazel will have to decipher the clue and hints Isaac has left behind in his letter.

While Hazel begins her search, she realizes she isn't the only one searching for his equation. She comes across evidence that shows catastrophic results if the equation ends up in the wrong hands. Hazel isn't the only one who is struggling to come to terms with Issac's sudden death. The entire Severy family has become unhinged after his sudden death.

As Hazel tirelessly tries to figure out Issac's clues, the agents from the secret company start targeting other members of the Severy family. Hazel fears if she doesn't hurry she will lose her chance to fulfill Issac's wishes. As time starts to run out, Hazel is desperate for help and turns to a family member for help. However, will they help Hazel or are they hiding their own motives?

I thought the book had an interesting premise but, I felt like it was a bit boring. At times, the story barely plodded along. I had a hard time connecting with Hazel and the many characters in the novel. There were so many at one point that it was hard to see their relevance to the story. I understood that this was a book with mathematical elements but, at times it felt overwhelming and my eyes glazed over. I felt like the author just threw out a bunch of names of theories and famous people. I am still left wanting more by the ending and how Hazel found out where the equation was hidden.

Book Review - A Lady's Guide to Mischief and Mayhem by Manda Collin

 

In 1865, Lady Katherine Bascomb finds herself in the middle of controversy when her latest article leads to an arrest for the murders plaguing London. The English people believe that women should not be involved in vulgar matters such as crime. Detective Inspector Andrew Eversham is annoyed and furious that Katherine had interfered with his investigation. Katherine decides she needs to escape the unwanted attention and heads to the country only to find a dead body on her trip.

Andrew is annoyed that Katherine keeps showing up in his crime scene. Katherine almost got him fired because of her article. Andrew tries to keep her from getting involved in his investigation again but, he feels attracted to her wit and beauty. As the pair follows the clues, they realize the killer might be closer than they realize.

I thought the book started off interesting but, then got boring. I felt like the main focus of the book was the romance between the main characters. I am actually surprised that they fell for each other because they went from "you are so annoying" to passionately kissing. The killer was expected but, the book did have a few twists. Overall, it was an okay read and I would be opened to reading more books by the author.

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

Book Review - Satisfaction Guaranteed by Karelia Stetz-Waters

 

 

 

 

Cade Elgin has her life all figured out, when it comes to her career. When it comes to her personal life, including, relationships well, that's nonexistent. The only thing Cade is interested in is "professional talk", she has no time to spend in a relationship. Cade is busy working all the time but, when she inherits a sex toy store, her life is turned upside down. Cade has to help manage the store from the brink of bankruptcy with its irresponsible but, cute co-owner.

Selena Mathis knows that she can have too much of a good thing and she has learned that the hard way. It's her main reason for taking an oath of celibacy and focusing on getting her life sorted, including making the store profitable. She is determined not to mess again but, her emotions always have a habit of getting in her way.  

This was my first time reading a book in this genre and it was a funny read. The book was a bit raunchy and over the top at times but, still entertaining.  It was interesting seeing Cade and Selena find their way together as they are complete opposites. I found their occasional banter to be fun and light-hearted. 

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

November 2021 Haul Part 2!

 

Well this year went by so quickly! I feel like it was just the beginning of the year a few days ago. Well, hopefully I make something better out of 2022!

I actually showed some self control this month and didn't go to crazy but, who knows with all the holiday sales. I tried cutting back but, honestly, that's no fun.

I got a few masks from Miss Spa and Yes to. I am excited to try them and they were on sale at the drugstore. I love a good buy one get one free deal. I have tried a few masks from these brands and I wouldn't mind trying them again.

I got some bath products from Sumbody. I used to use their organic all natural stuff a lot before I moved and I just recently re-discovered the brand. I got a few of their soaps, bath melts, and salt scrubs bon bons. I also got a few skin care items like their facial mist, their mud mask, in shower masks and aromatherapy balm.  I tried the aromatherapy roll on and it smells so relaxing and divine. I am hoping that their bath products smell this good too.

I am really excited to try the Lancome Renergie H.C.F Triple serum as not only does the bottle look cool but, this serum was a whopping $135 before taxes! I am hoping this futuristic bottle gives me skin from 20 years ago. While I was shopping I came across some bath salts and soap from Margot Elena. I used to have her subscriptions years ago and did like her stuff but, I wasn't using it fast enough and then after awhile I got tired of the same stuff over and over. I managed to finish my previous stockpile so, I might be interested in restarting that subscription depending on how crazy I go over the holidays.

Did you get anything exciting this month?