Thursday, December 26, 2019

Book Review - The Janes (Alice Vega, #2) by Louisa Luna

Photo Credit - Amazon

Two young women's bodies are discovered on the outskirts of San Diego. The victims have no names, no ID, or any filed missing people reports on them. The local police believe that the women are victims of human trafficking and reached out to private investigator, Alice Vega.  Alice Vega is known for her ability to finding missing people. Alice is determined to find the identities of the missing women. She and her partner, Cap will stop at nothing to find out the identity of the Janes.

I thought the novel was an interesting read but, some parts felt a bit unbelievable. A few things that Vega does I thought was unethical and grossly mishandled. It was a bit annoying how Cap kept referring to Vega as "my girl", we get it, shes's awesome but, move on.  However, the novel was a good way to pass some time. I haven't read the other book in the series but, I am no rush to go read it either.

 **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.**

Tuesday, December 24, 2019

Book Review - Girls Like Us by Cristina Alger

Photo Credit - Amazon

FBI Agent Nell Flynn hasn't been home to visit her father in over ten years.  She and her father, Homicide Detective Martin Flynn never had much of a relationship since, her mother's death. Her childhood home always brings memories of the brutal murder of her mother, Marisol. 

Nell returns home after her father was killed in a motorcycle accident. After spreading her father's ashes and closing his estate, her father's partner Detective Lee mentions the case he was working on before his death. Lee requests Nell to help him investigate the murders of the two young women. As Nell and Lee work the case together, Nell becomes convinced that the prime suspect might be her father and his police friends are helping him cover his tracks. Nell also begins to doubt her father's innocence in her mother's murder. Will Nell be able to uncover the truth about her family's past and the murders? 

I thought the novel was an interesting read. A few things left unsolved but, a majority of the mysteries were solved. I felt like the ending was a bit rushed, like a flurry of activity while the rest of the story was moving at a solid pace.  The plot was a bit predictable but, there were still a few exciting pieces. This was my second book by the author and while, I liked this book better, I won't actively go out of my way to read more of her books.


 **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.**

Sunday, December 22, 2019

Book Review - The Last Camellia by Sarah Jio


Photo Credit - Amazon

During World War II, the rare and last surviving camellia specimen of the Middlebury Pink has been hidden away on an  English estate. Flora is an American baker at her struggling family bakery. Someone from an international ring of flower thieves promises Flora a solution for all her problems. All she has to do is pretend to be a nanny for a family and find out where the Middlebury Pink is hidden on the estate. 

Half a century later, a garden designer Addison and her husband, Rex live in the manor owned by Rex's family. Addison immediately falls for the manor's gardens. However, when they come across an old gardener's notebook, they realize they have a mystery on their hands. The notebook chronicles a string of women who have gone missing. Will Flora be able to find the flower and rescue her family? Will Addison be able to solve the mystery behind the missing women?


A few pages into this novel and I couldn't wait to read more. I wanted to know more about the missing women. However, about a third into the novel, I realized the novel kept dragging without any new details to keep me hooked. While the novel solved a few mysteries in the end, I felt like it was too perfect that characters coincidentally just run into ran into each other. I felt like there were too many subplots and none of them were defined enough to be enjoyable.

 **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.**

Friday, December 20, 2019

Book Review - Out of Darkness, Shining Light by Petina Gappah


Photo Credit - Amazon

Explorer and missionary Dr. Livingstone has passed on during his journey.  The novel is narrated by Halima, the doctor's cook, and Jacob Wainwright, a pious freed slave. The story illustrates the exploration and adventure in nineteenth-century Africa. The novel follows the men and women who carried the body of Dr. Livingstone back to him home in England.

I thought the premise of the novel was interesting. However, the writing style was rambling and at times, hard to understand. I kept re-reading the same line over and over trying to understand the story. Eventually, I just gave up and decided the novel wasn't worth the effort.


 **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.**

Wednesday, December 18, 2019

Book Review - My Singing Nana by Pat Mora

Photo Credit - Amazon

The cute picture book depicts a family that has a member who suffers from Alzheimer's disease. It shows a child who is adjusting to life with his beloved grandmother who is forgetting things. The story helps instill the values of family, heritage, and relying on happy memories during tough times. A cute read for little ones who has beloved family member with the disease.



 **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.**

Monday, December 16, 2019

Book Review - Bug Boys by Laura Knetzger


Photo Credit - Amazon

Stag-B is a calm but smart adventurer while Rhino-B is a sweet person but self-assertive. The two young beetles are best friends and make up the Bug Boys. They spend their time exploring Bug Village and the surrounding areas.  Together the duo goes on adventures to save their village honey supply, travel through caves, and work with a bookish spider. What new adventure will the Bug Boys embark on?

The graphic novel was a cute read about friendship and coming of age. The two beetles were a fun treat to read about their adventures. The graphic novel has a few jokes but, had a bit more humor.

 **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.**

Saturday, December 14, 2019

Book Review - Never Tell by Lisa Gardner


Photo Credit - Amazon

Someone shot a man three times in his home office but, his computer has been shot twelve times. When the police arrive, his pregnant wife is holding the gun. When D.D. Warren arrives on the scene, she recognizes the woman as Evie Carter. D.D. worked a case many years ago when Evie's father was accidentally killed by his daughter.  Warren feels that there are too many coincidental deaths that occur near Evie Carter.

When Flora Danes see the new report of Conrad Carter's murder, she remembers him from when she was kidnapped. Her captor, Jacob knew and met Conrad while Flora was his hostage. Flora is overcome with guilt for not trying to find out more about Jacob's victims. Flora decides to work with D.D. to help figure out the truth behind Conrad's death. As Flora and D.D. work on the case, they discover some people will stop at nothing to keep their secrets hidden.

I thought the novel was a suspenseful read and showed how far someone would go protect the ones they love. I have read other books by Lisa Gardner and usually love them. However, this book left me wanting more. I felt like the story drag towards the middle and did nothing to build the story. I left like D.D. Warren took a backseat in investigating the case until the very end when she realizes who is behind the murder.


 **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.**

Thursday, December 12, 2019

Book Review - Estranged #2: The Changeling King by Ethan M. Aldridge + Giveaway

Photo Credit - Amazon

Changeling Edmund Carter resumed his rightful role as Cinder, king of the World Below after spending years pretending to be human. However, not all of the underworld inhabitants are happy about his return to the throne. Ed is still adjusting to his new human life in the World Above. His birth parents are kind and accepting of him but, he misses his sense of purpose as a knight.

When a new threat threatens the lives of everyone in the World Below, Cinder must rely on his friends and family to assist him. However, Cinder discovers a dark secret at the end of their journey. Will Cinder be able to protect his family and kingdom against all odds?

The graphic novel was illustrated in beautiful watercolor paintings. I enjoyed the first book in the series and the second one didn't disappoint. We got to see the characters learn about themselves and how they fit in with their world. They also learn the importance of friends and family is not only people who are related by blood. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.

**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.**

 

 




Series: Estranged (Book 2)
Paperback: 256 pages
Publisher: HarperCollins (October 1, 2019)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 006265389X
ISBN-13: 978-0062653895


Praise for ESTRANGED Series

“A splendid tale of faery magic and adventurous siblings, all told in gorgeously rendered watercolor panels: this is exactly my kind of thing.” —Ben Hatke, author and illustrator of the New York Times bestselling Zita the Spacegirl trilogy

“It’s got dragons. It’s got drama. It’s got depth. And it’s got me impatiently awaiting Ethan M. Aldridge’s next eye-popping adventure.” —Tim Federle, award-winning author of Better Nate Than Ever and Five, Six, Seven, Nate!

“A compelling story about finding identity in a world where magic dangers lurk just around the corner. I loved Estranged!” —Molly Ostertag, author-illustrator of The Witch Boy

“As richly imagined in the full-color illustrations, the worldbuilding is both accessible and as familiar as those genre stalwarts… this should easily resonate with preteen and teen fans of both Holly Black and Neil Gaiman.” —Kirkus Reviews

“Worthy of inclusion in any fantasy collection.” —School Library Journal

“[F]un, daring, and dark...with themes and art that fall into the realm of Neil Gaiman, Michael Ende, and Jim Henson. Coupled with the beautifully toned watercolor art, the interdependence of and tension between the two protagonists makes this book stand out.” —Publishers Weekly

“The deliciously captivating start to this adventure series will leave readers hungry for more.” —Booklist


Enter a world of faerie magic and epic adventure in this spellbinding sequel to Estranged—a rich fantasy graphic novel perfect for fans of Amulet.

After years of pretending to be human, the changeling Edmund Carter has assumed his rightful role as Cinder, king of the World Below. But not everyone at the royal palace is happy about his return.

Meanwhile, Ed is adjusting to human life in the World Above. His birth family treats him with a kindness he never knew growing up in the Fay court, but Ed misses the sense of purpose he had as a knight.

When a mysterious new threat emerges in the World Below, Cinder must call on Ed and their older sister, Alexis, for help. But nothing can prepare them for the family secret that awaits at the end of their perilous quest.

With over two hundred pages of gorgeous watercolor paintings, The Changeling King invites readers on an epic journey through a magical world—one they will not soon forget.

You can purchase The Changeling King at the following Retailers:
   https://amzn.to/2RBEeVP     

Photo Content from Ethan M. Aldridge 

Ethan M. Aldridge is a bestselling author and illustrator. He is the creator of the fantasy graphic novel ESTRANGED (a Junior Library Guild selection, Indie Bestseller, and YALSA Great Graphic Novel For Teens), and it's follow up THE CHANGELING KING (coming fall 2019).

Ethan was raised in a small town in Utah. Growing up, Ethan’s favorite things to draw were monsters and whatever dinosaur he liked that week. He now does more or less the same thing for a living. Ethan lives in New York City with his husband, Matthew, and their dog, Kitsune.

Ethan has had the pleasure to create work for HarperCollins Publishers, Penguin Random House, and EA Games.

        
WEEK ONE - REVIEWS
DECEMBER 9th MONDAY Insane About Books REVIEW
DECEMBER 10th TUESDAY Nay's Pink Bookshelf REVIEW
DECEMBER 11th WEDNESDAY JeanBookNerd PODCAST
DECEMBER 11th WEDNESDAY Wonder Struck REVIEW
DECEMBER 12th THURSDAY Crossroad Reviews REVIEW
DECEMBER 13th FRIDAY Two Points of Interest REVIEW 


WEEK TWO - REVIEW & CREATIVE INSTAGRAM PICTURE
DECEMBER 16th MONDAY Casia's Corner REVIEW
DECEMBER 17th TUESDAY BookHounds YA REVIEW
DECEMBER 18th WEDNESDAY Gwendalyn's Books REVIEW
DECEMBER 19th THURSDAY Life Within The Pages REVIEW
DECEMBER 20th FRIDAY For The Love of Fictional Worlds REVIEW


*JBN is not responsible for Lost or Damaged Books in your Nerdy Mail Box*
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Tuesday, December 10, 2019

Book Review - The Dating Charade by Melissa Ferguson + Giveaway



Photo Credit - Amazon

Cassie Everson had so many bad dates that she became an expert at escaping them. She has a plan that allows her to escape her date easily. After years of meeting men who try to woo her with the wrong intentions, Cassie is ready to give up hope on having a husband and children.

Firefighter Jett Bentley is content being alone but, when Cassie's online dating profile catches his eye, he remembers her from their high school days. Cassie Everson was the popular girl that Jett had a crush on for years. Hoping to reconnect, Jett sends Cassie a message and invites her on a first date.

After a series of events, Cassie and Jett go on their first date. Surprisingly, they both have a great time and can't wait to see each other. However, fate drops three children on each of them to take care of. They both decide to do the mature thing and hide the kids from each other while they sort out their feelings for each other. Will Jett and Cassie be able to work out their feelings for each other?

The novel was a fun and cute read. I like that even though Cassie was jaded, she still tried to open up her heart to love. I felt like there could have been a bit more character development between the two characters. The novel billed itself as a romantic comedy but, it felt more like a novel about two separate people adopting children and learning to care about others than themselves. Overall, I like the idea of family being people who you choose and not only the ones you are born into.

**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.**



On Tour with Prism Book Tours

The Dating Charade
By Melissa Ferguson
Contemporary Romance, Christian
Paperback, Audiobook & ebook, 336 Pages
December 3rd 2019 by Thomas Nelson

Just when you think you’ve met your match . . . the charade begins.

Cassie Everson is an expert at escaping bad first dates. And, after years of meeting, greeting, and running from the men who try to woo her, Cassie is almost ready to retire her hopes for a husband—and children—altogether.

But fate has other plans, and Cassie’s online dating profile catches the eye of firefighter Jett Bentley. In Jett’s memory, Cassie Everson is the unreachable girl-of-legend from their high school days. Nervously, he messages her, setting off a chain of events that forces a reluctant Cassie back into the dating game.

No one is more surprised than Cassie when her first date with Jett is a knockout. But when they both go home and find three children dropped in their laps—each—they independently decide to do the right and mature thing: hide the kids from each other while sorting it all out. What could go wrong?

Melissa Ferguson’s hilarious and warmhearted debut reminds us that love can come in very small packages—and that sometimes our best-laid plans aren’t nearly as rewarding and fun as the surprises that come our way.

(Affiliate links included.)

About the Author


Melissa Ferguson is an adjunct professor for Bible and religion at King University. She lives in the charming town of Bristol, Tennessee, with her husband, twin toddlers, and baby girl. She used to have hobbies like running and backpacking the Appalachian Trail outside her door. Now her hobbies include admiring the Appalachian Trail out her minivan window while singing "The Itsy Bitsy Spider" en route to the library.


Tour Schedule



Sunday, December 8, 2019

Book Review - A Stranger in the House by Shari Lapena

Photo Credit - Amazon



Almost newlyweds Karen and Tom Krupp are happily living the American dream. They have a lovely home and a comfortable life together. All that changes when Tom comes home and finds out Karen has disappeared. Her car is gone but, she left her purse and phone at home.

Tom begins to panic and calls their friends and then the police to report Karen's disappearance. The police arrive to take Tom to the hospital because Karen was in a car accident. Karen was speeding through a rough part of town and lost control of her car. Karen suffered a concussion and a few scrapes. When the cops come to ask her about details surrounding her car accident, Karen claims that she lost her memory and has trouble remembering the night before. The police believe her memory loss is very convenient and that she is hiding something.

When Karen returns home, she wants to heal and move on. However, she starts to notice her stuff being moved around in her house. It feels that someone has been in her house. Karen is unsure who she can trust because she has a few dark secrets she wants to keep hidden.

I was excited to read this book because I enjoyed Lapena's debut novel "The Couple Next Door". There were a few twists and unexpected discoveries in the novel but, because I didn't care for any of the characters, I didn't care about anything they were experiencing. However, I am still looking forward to reading more books by 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.**

Friday, December 6, 2019

Book Review - Shine! by J.J. Grabenstein & Chris Grabenstein + Giveaway


Photo Credit - Amazon

Piper's hero is an astronaut, astronomer, and television host. Piper lives by Nellie Dumont Frisse's motto "Shine on!". However, Piper feels that there are two types of people: those who are born to shine and those who don't. She believes she falls into the latter category. When her dad gets a new job at the elite Chumley Prep, Piper is reminded that everyone is good at something and she isn't. Will Piper be able to find something she can excel in?

The book was a heartwarming read and filled with teachable moments. While the book was a bit predictable, it allowed readers to join a young girl on her journey on learning what type of person she wants to be. The book is packed with valuable lessons for children (and adults!) of all ages!

**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.**



Title: SHINE!
Author: J.J. Grabenstein & Chris Grabenstein
Pub. Date: November 5, 2019
Publisher: Random House Children's Books
Formats: Hardcover, eBook, audiobook
Pages: 210

"Inspirational, commonsensical, and a whole lot of fun." --James Patterson

Everyone deserves to shine in this sparkling new book from the New York Times bestselling author of Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library , Chris Grabenstein, and coauthor J.J. Grabenstein--just right for fans of Word of Mouse and The Fourteenth Goldfish.


"Who do you want to be?" asks Mr. Van Deusen. "And not when you grow up. Right here, right now."

Shine on! might be the catchphrase of twelve-year-old Piper's hero--astronaut, astronomer, and television host Nellie Dumont Frisse--but Piper knows the truth: some people are born to shine, and she's just not one of them. That fact has never been clearer than now, since her dad's new job has landed them both at Chumley Prep, a posh private school where everyone seems to be the best at something and where Piper definitely doesn't fit in.

Bursting with humor, heart, science, possibilities, and big questions, Shine! is a story about finding your place in the universe--a story about figuring out who you are and who you want to be.

Co-author J.J. Grabenstein reads the first chapter of SHINE!:

Link:



About JJ & Chris: 

J.J. Grabenstein is the co-author, with her husband, ChrisGrabenstein, of SHINE! This is her first novel as a co-authorbut she has been the "first editor" on everything her husband hasever written, including the award-winning/bestselling ESCAPE FROMMR.LEMONCELLO'S LIBRARY series and more than fifty other works.
J.J. and Chris live in New York City with their cat Phoebe Squeak.

CHRIS GRABENSTEIN is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of ESCAPE FROM MR. LEMONCELLO'S LIBRARY, MR. LEMONCELLO'S LIBRARY OLYMPICS, THE ISLAND OF DR. LIBRIS, WELCOME TO WONDERLAND: HOME SWEET MOTEL and many other books, as well as the coauthor of numerous fun and funny page-turners with James Patterson, including I FUNNY, HOUSE OF ROBOTS, TREASURE HUNTERS, and JACKY HA-HA. Chris lives in New York City with his wife, J.J., two cats, and a dog named Fred. You can visit Chris at ChrisGrabenstein.com.

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Giveaway Details:
3 winners will receive a finished copy of SHINE!, US Only.


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Tour Schedule:
Week One:
11/5/2019
Excerpt
11/6/2019
Review
11/7/2019
Excerpt
11/8/2019
Excerpt

Week Two:
11/11/2019
Review
11/12/2019
Review
11/13/2019
Review
11/14/2019
Review
11/15/2019
Excerpt

Week Three:
11/18/2019
Review
11/19/2019
Excerpt
11/20/2019
Review
11/21/2019
Review
11/22/2019
Excerpt

Week Four:
11/25/2019
Excerpt
11/26/2019
Review
11/27/2019
Excerpt
11/28/2019
Review
11/29/2019
Review

Week Five:
12/2/2019
Review
12/3/2019
Excerpt
12/4/2019
Excerpt
12/5/2019
Excerpt
12/6/2019
Review