Book Review - Ghostcloud by Michael Mann + Giveaway

 

Twelve year old Luke Smith-Sharma was kidnapped and forced to shovel coal underground. He feels that if he keeps his head down, he can win his freedom from Tabitha Margate. Everything changes when he realizes that one day he is able to see things others can't. He is able to see spirits and other otherworldly things. He befriends a ghost girl named Alma, who can bend clouds according to her will and ride them through the night sky. Luke discovers his innate powers with Alma's help. However, he discovers a darker truth behind his kidnapping. Luke is desperate to escape but, will they be able to find a way out?

The novel was an entertaining read and it remind me of one of my favorite childhood author, Roald Dahl. The book had delightful world building details. The characters were all well developed albeit quirky.  The more we learn about Tabitha's nefarious plot, the more we worry for our beloved characters. The book does wrap up the story but, the author left a potential thread for a second book.

 

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

 

About The Book:

Title: GHOSTCLOUD

Author: Michael Mann

Pub. Date: September 27, 2022

Publisher: Peachtree

Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audiobook

Pages: 320

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

 

A riveting, magical escapade about finding friendship and the courage to set yourself free against all odds.

Kidnapped and forced to shovel coal underground, in a half-bombed power station, 12-year-old Luke Smith-Sharma keeps his head down and hopes he can earn his freedom from the evil Tabitha Margate. Then one day he discovers he can see things that others can’t. Ghostly things. A ghostly girl named Alma, who can bend the shape of clouds to her will and rides them through the night sky. With Alma’s help, Luke discovers his own innate powers and uncovers the terrible truth of why Tabatha is kidnapping children and forcing them to shovel coal. Desperate to escape, Luke teams up with Alma, his best friend Ravi, and new girl Jess. Can Luke and his friends get away before they each become victims to a cruel and sinister scheme?
 
Debut author Michael Mann delivers a wildly imaginative middle grade fantasy set in a smoke-stained world that’s sure to entertain readers who are eager for an adventure with paranormal superpowers.

 

About Michael Mann:

Michael’s first writing success was for a poem about potatoes - in a competition run by a Yorkshire school catering company. As a ‘reward’, he had to shake hands with a giant potato mascot in front of his entire school. It would be many years before he dared write again.

These days, Michael is a teacher by day, dad by night, and mostly writes when he should be sleeping. He owes the idea for his middle grade novel, Ghostcloud, to his coal-mining grandad and a lifelong love of cloudspotting. He’s half-Indian and passionate about diversity in children’s literature, and loves books that keeps kids turning the page.

He has a first-class degree in anthropology, lives in East London with his (very patient) partner and their (less patient) toddler, and can be found playing board games when he’s not busy losing his wallet. Michael was an Undiscovered Voices 2020 finalist, and his debut middle grade novel Ghostcloud will publish with Hachette in October 2021.

Website | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads | Amazon

 

Giveaway Details:

1 winner will receive a finished copy of GHOSTCLOUD, US Only.

Ends October 4th, midnight EST.

 

Rafflecopter Link:

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/e2389ba21520/?

 

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

9/19/2022	Eye-Rolling Demigod's Book Blog	Review/IG Post
9/19/2022	laura's bookish corner	Review/IG Post
9/20/2022	Nerdophiles	Review
9/20/2022	Beers Books Boos	Review/IG Post
9/21/2022	More Books Please blog	Review/IG Post
9/21/2022	@jael_and_jenessa_reads	Review/IG Post
9/22/2022	Two Points of Interest	Review
9/22/2022	Lisa-Queen of Random	Excerpt/IG Post
9/23/2022	@ablueboxfullofbooks	IG Review
9/23/2022	onemused	IG Spotlight

 

Week Two:

9/26/2022

Eli to the nth

Review/IG Post

 

 

Book Review - The House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune

 

At forty years old, Linus Baker leads a quiet and solitary life. He lives in a tiny house with a mischievous cat and listens to old records. He works as a case worker for the Department in Charge Of Magical Youth. He inspects the government-sanctioned orphanages and checks on the well-being of children. Day in and day out, Linus follows the same routine and he has dreamed of visiting the ocean.

Everything changes when Linus is unexpectedly summoned by the Extremely Upper Management. He is given a highly classified assignment to travel to a remote island where six dangerous magical children reside. Linus must set aside his fears and determine if the orphanage is a safe place for the children. As Linus conducts his investigation he realizes that the children are not the only secret the island keeps.

The book was an enchanting and magical read. While I could predict most of the "secrets", the novel still kept me entertained. The characters were all well-developed and loveable. You couldn't help root for each of them. The only thing I didn't like was the epilogue seemed rushed and a bit out of place. Otherwise, if you like reading about acceptance, having a place to call home and finding yourself, then you will enjoy this book.

Book Review - The Christie Affair by Nina de Gramont

 

In 1925, Miss Nan O'Dea is apart of a world that she always felt was out of her grasp before. She has become friends with Agatha Christie and the mistress of Archie Christie. Nan devises a way to lure Archie from his devoted wife and she is desperate for Archie to marry her.

Nan has been working on her plans for years. It all started a few decades ago when she was just a young girl. She loved a man and felt they were destined to be together. After a brief tryst, the War torn them apart and their secrets kept them apart.

I was torn on this novel. It had an interesting plot and it was told from a different point of view but, I still couldn't really sympathize with Nan. I also thought the novel was a bit long and boring at times. I felt like the book included a lot of unnecessary detail that just dragged on. At times, a character would be mentioned and little tidbits and then they will tie in later but, by then I forgot about them. However, I did like that there was a murder mystery story line tied in. If you are interested in reading about the Archie Christie affair from the mistress point of view, then you might enjoy this book.

Book Review - The Haunting of Leigh Harker by Darcy Coates

 

Leigh Harker considers her suburban home to be her sanctuary for more than a decade, until she starts to notice things. Things around her house keeps moving around and then there is a dark figure looming around in the dark. The figure is watching her sleep at night. Leigh refuses to abandoned her home to the mysterious figure even if she unable to sleep or feel comfortable in her own home. As Leigh tries to investigate the dark figure, she realizes that she is trapped within the walls of her home.

I usually love reading Darcy Coates' novels but, this one was a huge disappointment. The entire first half of the novel was boring, repetitive, and felt disjointed. It felt like the author spent majority of time building the mood and ambience. The entire novel was so boring and just dragged on. It was only towards the end did the novel pick up but, the ending seemed so unbelievable and far-fetched to me. After reading this lackluster book, I think I might take a break from the author's books for awhile.

Book Review - The Truth About Ben and June by Alex Kiester

 

 

 

 

**May contain spoilers**

Ben and June always felt that they were destined to meet since, the moment they met in a hospital waiting room on New Year's Eve. They knew that their chance encounter and subsequent relationship was special because of all the unlikely decisions that bought them together. After a few years of marriage, June is struggling as a new mom. She wonders about the her life before the birth of her son and if she didn't give up the lead role in a famous ballet company to become a mother. June feels like she is a bad mom and feels alone when she is betrayed by someone close to her. She decides to write to her deceased mother in hopes that her mother would guide her.

One morning, Ben wakes up to the sound of his son crying. He tries to locate June but, quickly realizes June is gone along with her suitcase. Ben is desperate to find June and tries to piece together why she left. As he talks with her friends, he realizes that there were things June were keeping a secret from him.  As Ben continues to dig into June's daily life, he starts to realize that he might know his wife as well as he thought.

I thought that the book had an interesting premise and was excited to read it. The first third of the book kept me intrigued but, when the cause of her disappearance becomes clearer, I started disconnecting from the book. I thought that the cause would have been something different. Personally, I am not a mother so, I couldn't connect with June on that level and that seemed to the main driver for her wanting to disappear. I even found that the connection between June and her friends a bit trivial at times. For example, when June was so upset that she plucked bananas  from her friend's bag and dropped it on the floor. Then her friend called her a psychopath or something like that. Perhaps, as mentioned maybe I just couldn't relate to any of the characters. I believe readers who have children might be able to connect better with the characters and would find this book more enjoyable than I did.

Book Spotlight - Wrassle Castle Book 3: Put a Lyd On It! by Paul Tobin + Giveaway

 

Lydia faces off with her newest competitor in the last round of the competition. She has been training for this moment her entire life. As Lydia prepares for her final battle for her brother's freedom, she realizes that someone is plotting against her family and that everyone she knows might be in danger.

This was final book in the series and I thought this book was the best one out of the series. The book did have some fluffy parts and used the word "wrassle" a lot but, compared to the other two books, it tapered out with this one. The book did have a tied up ending but, the author did leave it up for additional story lines.  Overall, it was a fun and unique story.

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

 

 

About The Book:

Title: WRASSLE CASTLE BOOK 3: PUT A LYD ON IT!

Author: Paul Tobin, Colleen Coover, Rebecca Horner (Colorist), Galaad (Illustrator), AndWorld Design

Pub. Date: September 6, 2022

Publisher: Wonderbound

Formats: Paperback, eBook

Pages: 96

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

It’s the end! And it’s time for Lydia to step into the ring for a slam-to-the-mat finish … something that she has trained for her entire life. For fans of The Nameless City, Lumberjanes, and She-Ra!

THE FINAL SHOWDOWN IS HERE! IT’S THE CHAMPIONSHIP: FOR FREEDOM (HER BROTHER’S) and GLORY (HER OWN)!

Lydia Riverthane readies herself for the finals of the Wrassle Castle tournament, hoping to win her brother’s freedom and get back his good name. But Lydia and her diverse group of friends, Chelsea, Nyle, and Dee, discover that the plot against the Riverthane family goes deeper than any of them thought. Lydia will have to dig deep and unlock the secrets behind her own wrassling if she wants to have any hope of saving her home and family.   

Book 3 of the three-book original graphic novel series.

"A rock 'em sock 'em hum-dandy knock-out of a graphic novel!" 
Shannon Watters, Co-Creator of "Lumberjanes"

Buy the first 2 books in the WRASSLE CASTLE series now!

 

 

About Paul Tobin:

Paul Tobin is the New York Times best-selling author of the Plants vs. Zombies graphic novels, as well as a wide range of other titles for all ages of readers. Paul wrote extensively for Angry Birds, and for Marvel’s all-ages “Adventure” line, and teamed with artist Benjamin Dewey on the Eisner-nominated I Was The Cat graphic novel, and with his Plants vs. Zombies artist Ron Chan for their recently released Earth Boy graphic novel. Along with his wife, artist Colleen Coover, Paul is the creator of the multiple Eisner-Award-winning Bandette comics featuring the antics of the world’s best—and most charming—thief. Paul and Colleen also teamed up on their Banana Sunday graphic novel, and now as the writing team on Wrassle Castle. Paul lives in Portland, Oregon, where he feels that it rains frequently enough, but not hard enough.

 

Website | Twitter | Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

 

About Colleen Coover:

Colleen Coover is a comic book storyteller and illustrator living in Portland, Oregon. With writer Paul Tobin, she is the co-creator of the comics Banana Sunday and Bandette. Colleen and Paul are the co-writers of Wonderbound’s new series Wrassle Castle, drawn by the artist Galaad. When she is not making comics or creating illustrations for a variety of clients, Colleen spends her time spinning yarn, knitting sweaters, and eating ice cream. She is a member of Helioscope, a collective of Portland-based creators. colleencoover.net

 

Website | Twitter | Instagram | TikTok | Goodreads

 

About Galaad:

Galaad is a French comic book artist and a former freelance illustrator, animator, concept artist, and storyboard artist for the entertainment industry – specifically for video games and animation.

Website | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads

 

Giveaway Details:

2 winners will receive a finished copy of WRASSLE CASTLE BOOK 3: PUT A LYD ON IT!, US Only.

Ends September 20^th, midnight EST.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

8/22/2022	WOTTAREAD BOOKS BLOG	Guest Post
8/23/2022	@allyluvsbooksalatte	IG Spotlight
8/24/2022	Ya Books Central	Guest Post
8/25/2022	BookHounds YA	Guest Post/IG Post
8/26/2022	Lady Hawkeye	Excerpt/IG Post
8/27/2022	#BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee Blog	Excerpt

Week Two:

8/28/2022	A Dream Within A Dream	Guest Post
8/29/2022	Lisa-Queen of Random	Guest Post/IG Post
8/30/2022	Two Chicks on Books	Guest Post/IG Post
8/31/2022	hauntedbybooks	Review
9/1/2022	Little Red Reads	Review
9/2/2022	hodophile_z	IG Review
9/3/2022	Nagma | TakeALookAtMyBookshelf	IG Review

Week Three:

9/4/2022	Laurenreads._	IG Review
9/5/2022	GryffindorBookishNerd	IG Review
9/6/2022	One More Exclamation	Review/IG Post
9/7/2022	Nerdophiles	Review
9/8/2022	Rajiv's Reviews	Review/IG Post
9/9/2022	Because I said so -- and other adventures in Parenting	Review
9/10/2022	The Momma Spot	Review/IG Post

Week Four:

9/11/2022	More Books Please blog	Review/IG Post
9/12/2022	Celia's Reads	Review/IG Post
9/13/2022	Books a Plenty Book Reviews	Review
9/14/2022	Two Points of Interest	Review
9/15/2022	@jypsylynn	IG Review
9/16/2022	@enjoyingbooksagain	IG Review

Book Review - The Newlyweds’ Window : The 2022 Mukana Press Anthology of African Writing by Mukana Press

 

The book is a collection of short stories by some of Africa's most promising emerging short story writers. The story vary in theme but, most of the stories had adult references and isn't appropriate for a young audience. I thought some of the stories were well written and developed. A few stories were creepy and interesting that made me crave more stories like that. There was a small amount of stories I didn't really like. I felt like that they were uncompleted or something was missing in translation. I had a hard time understanding what was going on or the point of the story. Overall, I think the anthology was well done and showcased some interesting and talented writers.

Book Review - Little Disasters by Randall Klein

 

Michael and Paul are on the cusp of being new fathers. They meet at the hospital where their wives, Rebecca and Jenny, give birth. For Paul, tragedy follows when his son prematurely perishes. He hopes to speed up his and Jenny's recovery and ease her dark moods by giving her something to look forward too. He turns to Michael and asks for a favor while unwittingly kindling an affair that would tear the two couples apart.

One year later,  their personal lives come to turning point when a mysterious incident occurs in Midtown Manhattan and shuts down the entire city. Both Michael and Paul are stranded and are desperate to find their way home. Michael is near the Cloisters while, Paul is in a dark subway tunnel under the East River. They both try to make the trek home in record breaking heat while nervously eyeing the thin plume of smoke painting the skyline. As they begin the journey home, we learn of their private and public turmoils that trouble them. 

I thought the novel was going to be an interesting read but, I couldn't quite get into it. Majority of the main characters were despicable people and I didn't really care for them. I found the woman who they had an affair with to be unlikable and downright annoying at times.She was cheating on her spouse multiple times and seemed to be quite proud on inflicting pain on him but, she wasn't sympathetic to his needs or indiscretion. She also kept withholding her feelings and parts of herself but, wanted everyone to be upfront and sharing with her. 

I didn't understand how two of the characters started their affair when one of the characters seemed to hate the other and wanted to avoid them at all cost. I didn't like that the author kept jumping between characters and time periods. At first it was hard to keep track of who was married to who. The story was also filled with a lot of useless details such as the break down of the each celebration meal. I didn't really understand why the author felt the need to tell the readers what the couple eat during each meal course and what they paired it with. At times, I did feel that the book was a bit of a love letter to NYC and it's wonderful perks and flaws. I did enjoy reading the different places they went but, I am a native NYCer and not everyone would love these details. Personally, I didn't like that most of the plot was spoiled early on and that the only mystery was what caused them to be stuck in the city.

Book Review - Run Rose Run by Dolly Parton

 

AnnieLee Keys has a story to tell. Each one of her song tells one of her stories. She becomes a raising star singing about leaving the hard life behind her. However, she is also on the run from the secrets from her past. Will she be able to find the light among the darkness that surrounds her?

This was my first James Patterson book and I am a fan of Dolly Parton so, I thought I would be in love with this book. I am actually quite disappointed how boring and long winded this novel was. Majority of the novel was dedicated to AnnieLee's rise to fame and the last few pages had majority of the action. I am not sure why this novel was billed as a thriller because there was nothing suspenseful or thrilling about it. I couldn't stand AnnieLee as a person. She kept so many secrets but, wanted to know everything about Ethan and refused to share anything about herself. She kept him at arm's length even after recognizing how reliable he was as a person.

Book Review - Dressing Up the Stars: The Story of Movie Costume Designer Edith Head by Jeanne Walker Harvey + Giveaway

 

Edith Head grew up in the small mining town of Searchlight, Nevada. She had a few friends but, she spent most of her time dressing up her toys, pets, and even wild animals using fabric scraps. She wanted to spend her life surrounded by people and excitement. She had her sights set on Hollywood and managed to talk her way into getting a job sketching costumes for a movie studio. Edith didn't know how to sew or draw but, she didn't let that stop her. Edith worked hard and taught herself until it paid off and she worked with some of the biggest stars of the day.

I thought the picture book was an okay read. I wasn't familiar with Edith Head so, it was an interesting to learn more. The author and illustrator did a good job with the pictures and story. However, I felt that the book was lacking the reason why the author was so interested in Edith Heed. The author did include a line or two but, I didn't see why Edith Head warranted a book over say any other costumer designer. (I am also not saying that Edith doesn't deserve one either!) I wish that there was appendix listing some of Edith's most noteworthy books. I think young readers who enjoy fashion would like this book.

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

 

 

About The Book:

Title: DRESSING UP THE STARS: THE STORY OF MOVIE COSTUME DESIGNER EDITH HEAD

Author: Jeanne Walker Harvey & Diana Toledano (Illustrations)

Pub. Date: September 20, 2022

Publisher: Beach Lane Books

Formats: Hardcover, eBook

Pages: 40

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

 Discover the true story of how a shy miner’s daughter became one of the most legendary costume designers in Hollywood in this inspiring nonfiction picture book biography.

As a child in the small mining town of Searchlight, Nevada, Edith Head had few friends and spent most of her time dressing up her toys and pets and even wild animals using fabric scraps. She always knew she wanted to move somewhere full of people and excitement. She set her sights on Hollywood and talked her way into a job sketching costumes for a movie studio.

Did she know how to draw or sew costumes? No. But that didn’t stop her!

Edith taught herself and tirelessly worked her way up until she was dressing some of the biggest stars of the day, from Audrey Hepburn to Grace Kelly to Ginger Rogers. She became the first woman to head a major Hollywood movie studio costume department and went on to win eight Academy Awards for best costume design—and she defined the style of an era.

About Jeanne Walker Harvey:

JEANNE WALKER HARVEY studied literature and psychology at Stanford University and has worn  many job hats, ranging from being a roller coaster ride operator to an attorney, a middle school  language arts teacher, and a long-time docent for school groups at the San Francisco Museum of  Modern Art. She is the author of several books for young readers, including the picture book  biographies Dressing up the Stars: The Story of Movie Costume Designer Edith Head, Ablaze with  Color: A Story of Painter Alma Thomas, and Maya Lin: Artist-Architect of Light and Lines. Jeanne  lives in Northern California. Visit her online at JeanneHarvey.com.

 

Website | Twitter | Pinterest | Goodreads | Amazon

 

About Diana Toledano:

DIANA TOLEDANO is an illustrator, writer, and educator. She is also a Pisces who loves children’s books, patterns, and dancing her heart out. Originally from Spain, Diana (pronounced the Spanish way: dee-ah-na) grew up in Madrid where she studied art history and illustration. Now she lives in San Francisco with her husband and two fluffy cats. Her mixed media art seeks to capture the magic of the ordinary. Diana’s product designs, picture books, board books, and chapter books have been published and sold all over the world. Diana also teaches workshops for kids and adults. She enjoys doing school visits and speaking at conferences. Learn more at Diana-Toledano.com.

 

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

 

Giveaway Details:

1 winner will receive a finished copy of DRESSING UP THE STARS: THE STORY OF MOVIE COSTUME DESIGNER EDITH HEAD, US Only.

Ends September 24^th, midnight EST.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

8/31/2022	@jael_and_jenessa_reads	Review/IG Post
9/1/2022	Lisa-Queen of Random	Excerpt/IG Post
9/2/2022	BookHounds YA	Excerpt/IG Post
9/3/2022	Ya Books Central	Excerpt

Week Two:

9/4/2022	Just Another Teen Reading Books	Review/IG Post
9/5/2022	booksaremagictoo	Review/IG Post
9/6/2022	One More Exclamation	Review/IG Post
9/7/2022	Little Red Reads	Review/IG Post
9/8/2022	Two Points of Interest	Review/IG Post
9/9/2022	Nerdophiles	Review/IG Post
9/10/2022	Do You Dog-ear?	Review/IG Post

Week Three:

9/11/2022	RavenzReviewz	Review/IG Post
9/12/2022	pickagoodbook	Review/IG Post
9/13/2022	Write. Read. Live	Review/IG Post
9/14/2022	A Backwards Story	Review/IG Post
9/15/2022	Nonbinary Knight Reads	Review/IG Post
9/16/2022	For The Love Of The Page	Review/IG Post
9/17/2022	Feed Your Fiction Addiction	Review/IG Post

Week Four:

9/18/2022	@enjoyingbooksagain	IG Review
9/19/2022	Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers	Review/IG Post

Book Review - Black Rabbit Hall by Eve Chase

 

 

Amber Alton loves spending the summers at her family's Cornish country house. The hours and days  are spent frolicking in the sun and no two clocks read the same at Black Rabbit Hall. However, one unfortunate day something terrible happens.

Thirty years later, Lorna is determined to marry at an old crumbling estate she used to visit with her mother. When Lorna arrives at Pencraw Hall/Black Rabbit Hall, she feels drawn to the estate. She finds herself drawn to the history and the family that used to live there before.

I had such high hopes for this novel. The cover is so beautifully done and the blurb was so attention grabbing but it was an utter disappointment.  I didn't care for any of the characters and I felt like the suspense was building for a lackluster and overdone plot. This slow moving book was an utter waste of time and it will make me second guess picking up another book by this author.