Book Review - The Real McCoys by Matthew Swanson + Giveaway

Photo Credit - Amazon

The highly opinionated Moxie McCoy has the biggest challenge of the century! Someone kidnapped their beloved school mascot Eddie the Owl and Moxie is on the case. However, Moxie has to fly solo on this case because her crime-solving best friend has moved away.  As Moxie interviews her classmates as possible suspects and potential best friends, she discovers a few new things about the people in her life. Will Moxie be able the solve the disappearance of Eddie?

The book was a cute read with fun illustrations. I love the relationship between Moxie and her brother, Milton.  The mystery behind Eddie's disappearance was an emotional rollercoaster as Moxie tried to figure out who the culprit was. I look forward to reading the other books 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.**

Title: THE REAL MCCOYS (The Real McCoys #1)

Author: Matthew Swanson and Robbi Behr (Illustrator)

Pub. Date: November 7, 2017

Publisher: Imprint

Formats: Hardcover, paperback, eBook

Pages: 336

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

Her name's Moxie. Moxie McCoy.

Bold, opinionated, and haplessly self-confident, the world's greatest fourth-grade detective faces her biggest challenge! When someone kidnaps beloved school mascot Eddie the Owl, Moxie is on the case--but she's forced to fly solo now that her best friend (and crime-solving partner) has moved away.

Moxie must interview her classmates--both as potential new best friends and as possible suspects. She finds clues and points fingers but can't save the owl on her own. Enter Moxie's little brother, Milton. Quiet, cautious, and boring as a butter knife, he's a good listener.

Can the Real McCoys form an unlikely alliance and solve the crime of the century?

"A marvelous standalone sequel that will inspire random acts of kindness." —School Library Journal, starred review

"An outstanding, truly unique reading experience." —Booklist

Praise for The Real McCoys:

"Readers will breeze through this ingenious combination of text and art, eager for Moxie and Milton’s next case." —School Library Journal, starred review

"Swanson’s witty text is enhanced exponentially by Behr’s bold, original artwork to create a uniquely told whodunit with wide appeal ... An exceptional book." —Booklist, starred review

"Delightfully topsy-turvy...readers will hope to see more of both siblings soon." —Publishers Weekly, starred review

"An exceptional middle-grade read packed with giggles for young sleuths who love to explore a little off the beaten path." —Kirkus Reviews

“An ingenious new series…an innovative reading experience that surprises and delights. Wordplay, witty descriptions and visual jokes abound.” —The Washington Post

"Swanson and Behr have created a gem with this hilarious elementary-level read with graphic novel tendencies." —The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

"This clever, funny, delightful book is just what this crazy world needs. The surprising and inventive interaction between text and illustration shows that two brains are, indeed, better than one--especially when they belong to Matthew Swanson and Robbi Behr." —Andrea Beaty, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Ada Twist Scientist

A Junior Library Guild Selection

 

 

About Robbi & Matthew: 

WE ARE MATTHEW SWANSON AND ROBBI BEHR—

A WRITER/ILLUSTRATOR, HUSBAND/WIFE, TASKMASTER/LOAFER DUO

WE LIVE AND WORK AND MAKE STUFF TOGETHER IN THE HAYLOFT OF AN OLD BARN ON THE EASTERN SHORE OF MARYLAND.

Combining Robbi’s illustrations and Matthew’s words, we run two small presses— Idiots’Books (illustrated picture books for adults) and Bobbledy Books, (a picture book and music club for kids). Together, we have published more than 60 volumes, including titles with Macmillan, Chronicle Books and LB Kids. We speak, teach, and run workshops on collaboration and creative entrepreneurship (with appearances at TEDx, Mom 2.0,Alt Summit, and ICON7). And we blog about our ongoing adventures in creative mishap.

Website

ROBBI BEHR

is an illustrator/print maker/commercial salmon fisherwoman who earned a BA from Williams College and an MFA from the Savannah College of Art and Design. When she is not drawing stuff or eating ice cream or watching sappy late-90s chick movies, she is, in all likelihood, fast asleep.

FOLLOW ROBBI:

 Twitter | Facebbok | Instagram | Pinterest | Goodreads 

MATTHEW SWANSON

is a writer/art director/blues harmonica player who has so far failed in every attempt to be swashbuckling. He managed to secure a BA from Williams but was summarily rejected from every MFA program to which he applied—thus emboldening Robbi to remind him almost daily that he is a master of nothing.

FOLLOW MATTHEW:

Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | Goodreads 

Giveaway Details:

3 winners will receive a finished copy of THE REAL MCCOYS SERIES, US Only.

Rafflecopter Link:

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/e2389ba21016/?

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

11/4/2019	Lifestyle Of Me	Review
11/4/2019	Life Within The Pages	Review
11/5/2019	Cuz I’m a Nerd	Review
11/5/2019	For the Love of KidLit	Excerpt
11/6/2019	Here's to Happy Endings	Review
11/6/2019	Bookhounds YA	Excerpt
11/7/2019	Inspired by Savannah	Review
11/7/2019	A Gingerly Review	Review
11/8/2019	A Dream Within A Dream	Review
11/8/2019	Little Red Reads	Review

Week Two:

11/11/2019	Reading Is My SuperPower	Review
11/11/2019	Hurn Publications	Review
11/12/2019	DWantsToRead	Review
11/12/2019	Jypsylynn	Review
11/13/2019	Savings in Seconds	Review
11/13/2019	Wonder Struck	Review
11/14/2019	Nerdophiles	Review
11/14/2019	Southern Girl Bookaholic	Review
11/15/2019	Two points of interest	Review
11/15/2019	BookishRealmReviews	Review

Book Review - The How and the Why by Cynthia Hand + Giveaway

Photo Credit - Amazon

Cassandra McMurtrey has everything she could want. Her parents are kind and generous and she wouldn't trade them for anything. However, Cass is adopted and she has questions about who she is. She wants to know more about herself that her adoptive parents can't answer no matter how much they love her. 

Eighteen years ago, a sixteen-year-old girl becomes pregnant. She decides to give her daughter up for adoption and writes her unborn daughter a series of letters. The novel alternates between the expectant mother and Cass searching for answers.

I thought the novel to be a cute read. I am not adopted but, I have considered adoption and the novels give insight on how a child might feel about being adopted. For example, Cass and her best friend, Nyla has conflicting views on finding their birth parent.  I enjoyed reading the interactions with Cass and her friends. I love the supportive relationship Cass has with her friends and family. The author did a good job portraying that love and support can come from anywhere.

**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.**

Imprint: HarperTeen (November 5, 2019)
On Sale: 11/05/2019
Pages: 464
List Price: 17.99 USD Age: 13+
ISBN: 9780062693167
ISBN 10: 0062693166

Praise for THE HOW & THE WHY

“The novel’s great strength is the emotional depth of its characters and the complexity of their relationships. A heartfelt and hopeful story about coming of age as an adoptee.” ―School Library Journal

“Hand explores adoption’s multiple dimensions with great insight and sensitivity. Inclusive and illustrative: an engaging lesson in timeless family values.” ―Kirkus Reviews

“Cynthia Hand is the master of pulling at your heartstrings. The How & the Why tells both sides of an adoption story with love, compassion, and care. You’ll be reaching for your tissue box with this one -- if you can stop turning pages long enough, that is.” ―Brigid Kemmerer, New York Times Bestselling Author of Letters to the Lost

“Beautifully rendered and superbly shaped. Hand has crafted an absorbing novel that focuses on family, friendship, teen pregnancy, adoption, personal choices, and serious health issues. Give this exquisite novel to readers seeking an emotionally intricate story.” ―Booklist (starred review)

A poignant exploration of family and the ties that bind, perfect for fans of Far From the Tree, from New York Times bestselling author Cynthia Hand.

Today Melly had us writing letters to our babies…

Cassandra McMurtrey has the best parents a girl could ask for. They’ve given Cass a life she wouldn’t trade for the world. She has everything she needs—except maybe the one thing she wants. Like, to know who she is. Where she came from. Questions her adoptive parents can’t answer, no matter how much they love her.

But eighteen years ago, someone wrote Cass a series of letters. And they may just hold the answers Cass has been searching for.

Alternating between Cass’s search for answers and letters from the pregnant teen who gave her up for adoption, this voice-driven narrative is the perfect read for fans of Nina LaCour and Jandy Nelson.

You can purchase The How & the Why at the following Retailers:

        

Photo Content from Cynthia Hand

Cynthia Hand is the New York Times bestselling author of several books for teens, including the UNEARTHLY trilogy, THE LAST TIME WE SAY GOODBYE, MY LADY JANE and MY PLAIN JANE (with fellow authors Brodi Ashton and Jodi Meadows), THE AFTERLIFE OF HOLLY CHASE, and the upcoming novel THE HOW AND THE WHY (Fall 2019). Before turning to writing for young adults, she studied literary fiction and earned both an M.F.A. and a Ph.D. in fiction writing. She currently resides in Boise, Idaho, with a husband who's addicted to typewriters, two kids, two cats, one crazy dog, and a entourage of imaginary friends.

        

WEEK ONE

NOVEMBER 4th MONDAY JeanBookNerd INTERVIEW

NOVEMBER 5th TUESDAY A Court of Coffee and Books REVIEW
NOVEMBER 5th TUESDAY Life Within the Pages REVIEW

NOVEMBER 6th WEDNESDAY TTC Books and More EXCERPT

NOVEMBER 6th WEDNESDAY Book Queen Reviews REVIEW

NOVEMBER 7th THURSDAY Movies, Shows, & Books EXCERPT 

NOVEMBER 7th THURSDAY Booknerdchelcie REVIEW

NOVEMBER 8th FRIDAY Crossroad Reviews REVIEW 

NOVEMBER 8th FRIDAY Insane About Books REVIEW

WEEK TWO

NOVEMBER 11th MONDAY Kait Plus Books REVIEW

NOVEMBER 11th MONDAY On My Bookshelf REVIEW & INTERVIEW 

NOVEMBER 12th TUESDAY BookHounds YA REVIEW & INTERVIEW 

NOVEMBER 13th WEDNESDAY Two Points of Interest REVIEW 

NOVEMBER 13th WEDNESDAY Lenissahh Reads REVIEW

NOVEMBER 14th THURSDAY Wonder Struck REVIEW
NOVEMBER 14th THURSDAY Random Bookish Banter REVIEW

NOVEMBER 14th THURSDAY Little Bookish Thoughts REVIEW & INTERVIEW

NOVEMBER 15th FRIDAY Nay's Pink Bookshelf REVIEW
NOVEMBER 15th FRIDAY Casia's Corner REVIEW

*JBN is not responsible for Lost or Damaged Books in your Nerdy Mail Box*

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Book Review - All the Bad Apples by Moïra Fowley-Doyle

Photo credit - Amazon

Deena refuses to believe her wilder older sister Mandy is dead when she goes missing.  When letters start arriving from Mandy, Deena believes that Mandy is asking Deena to find her. The letters detail their family's history of a curse that affects women from generation to generation. Mandy decides to go search for the root of the curse before it's too late for Deena. Deena travels cross country guided by Mandy's letters that appear out of nowhere. Will Deena be able to find Mandy before it's too late?

I am torn between loving and liking this book. The book had a powerful message about friendship, being yourself, and women's rights. I love how the characters were connected and how they preserved during their hardships. The magical story had me captivated from the beginning to the ending with the unique storyline. A definite read for anyone who likes books about witches/banshees, magic, and friendship.

 **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.**

Book Review - A Thousand Fires by Shannon Price + Giveaway

Photo Credit - Amazon

Valerie Simons will stop at nothing to know the truth behind her brother's murder. Theo was killed by the Boars two years ago.  Valerie joins the dangerous Wars to find her brother's killer. She wants to join the Herons with her boyfriend, Matthew Weston.  However, when Jax, the volatile leader of the Stags promises her revenge, Valerie must choose which path she will follow.

I thought the novel had an interesting premise. I have not read the Iliad or the Outsiders so, any character or plot similarities were lost to me. I felt like the story moved a bit slow for my liking and the ending seemed rushed. I did like the characters came together for a common cause. I would have liked more character developments for Jax and the other gang members. However, I did like Micah and Valerie's friendship and the bond they shared. Overall, the novel was an interesting read especially for fans of the original books.

**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.**

 

 

Hardcover: 304 pages
Publisher: Tor Teen (November 5, 2019)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1250301998
ISBN-13: 978-1250301994304 Pages , Ages 13-18

Praise for A THOUSAND FIRES

"A Thousand Fires pulls you in close and shows you the essence of what it means to keep fighting. Shannon Price is one to watch." ―Gwenda Bond, New York Times bestselling author of Stranger Things: Suspicious Minds

"Brutal and beautiful, A THOUSAND FIRES broke my heart. A fast-paced tragedy of love, betrayal, and vengeance." ―Heidi Heilig, author of FOR A MUSE OF FIRE

"Modern, unflinching and filled with haunting, lingering imagery, A Thousand Fires gives the story of the Iliad the bare-knuckled update it deserves." ―Colleen Oakes, author of The Black Coats

"Fast-paced... Vivid descriptions and intricate details bring San Francisco to life ... A promising debut." ―Kirkus

"A heart-wrenching tale... action-packed and intense... A fantastic read." ―School Library Journal

Shannon Price's A Thousand Fires is a breakout contemporary debut―think The Outsiders meets The Iliad―that's perfect for fans of Courtney Summers and Veronica Roth.

10 Years. 3 Gangs. 1 Girl’s Epic Quest…

Valerie Simons knows the city's gang wars are dangerous—her own brother was killed by the Boars two years ago. But nothing will sway her from joining the elite and beautiful Herons to avenge his death—a death she feels responsible for.

But when Valerie is recruited by the mysterious Stags, their charismatic and volatile leader Jax promises to help her get revenge. Torn between old love and new loyalty, Valerie fights to stay alive as she races across the streets of San Francisco to finish the mission that got her into the gangs.

You can purchase A Thousand Fires at the following Retailers:

        

Photo Content from Shannon Price

SHANNON PRICE is a proud Filipina-American and Bay Area native. She once led an a cappella group for three years despite not knowing how to read music, and she carries that same level of confidence in every area of her life. When not writing, she can be found watching baking shows, exploring old bookstores, and going to the beach as often as she can. 

Her debut novel A Thousand Fires is a YA reimagining of the Iliad set in modern day San Francisco. She is represented by Elana Roth Parker of Laura Dail Literary Agency and thanks her lucky stars that she is.

        

PART ONE

NOVEMBER 5th TUESDAY JeanBookNerd INTERVIEW

NOVEMBER 6th WEDNESDAY A Dream Within A Dream EXCERPT 

NOVEMBER 7th THURSDAY BookHounds YA INTERVIEW 

NOVEMBER 8th FRIDAY bookishaestha REVIEW

NOVEMBER 8th FRIDAY Booknerdchelcie REVIEW

NOVEMBER 9th SATURDAY Two Points of Interest REVIEW

NOVEMBER 9th SATURDAY Crossroad Reviews REVIEW 

PART TWO

NOVEMBER 10th SUNDAY A Bookish Dream REVIEW

NOVEMBER 10th SUNDAY On My Bookshelf REVIEW & INTERVIEW 

NOVEMBER 11th MONDAY Kait Plus Books FILL IN THE BLANKS 

NOVEMBER 11th MONDAY Insane About Books REVIEW

NOVEMBER 12th TUESDAY Wishful Endings INTERVIEW 

NOVEMBER 13th WEDNESDAY Nay's Pink Bookshelf REVIEW

NOVEMBER 14th THURSDAY Movies, Shows, & Books REVIEW

*JBN is not responsible for Lost or Damaged Books in your Nerdy Mail Box*

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Book Review - In the Hall with the Knife by Diana Peterfreund

Photo Credit - Amazon

A deadly storm hits Blackbrook Academy leaving the students of the elite prep school stranded. The students are stuck with their headmaster and a few support school staff team members. When they wake up to see the damage from the storm, they find the headmaster's body in the conservatory. They determined that his death was no accident. As the day progresses, it becomes clear that each student has something to hide and everyone has a motive for the headmaster's murder. 

I have seen the movie but, I never played the board game. However, that didn't stop me from being excited to read this novel. I wouldn't call this book a fast-paced leave you on the edge of your seat but, more of a cozy read. I was able to guess the murderer before the big reveal but, I did get stumped on another reveal. Although, that was partly my fault because I was unable to accept the truth. Overall, a fun read for fans of Clue!

 **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.**

Book Review - The Stranger Inside by Laura Benedict

Photo Credit - Amazon

Kimber Hannon comes home from vacation to find out someone is living in her house. She has no idea who this stranger is but, he tells the police that he has permission to live there. He even has the paperwork to prove that belongs in her home. However, Kimber knows that she didn't invite this stranger into her home. 

The stranger knows secrets from Kimber's past and wants everyone to know Kimber's secrets. Kimber is afraid if the truth is revealed that she will lose everything she worked for. Kimber realizes that the stranger doesn't just want her house but, everything she has. Will Kimber be able to figure out who the stranger is?

The novel has an interesting premise and I was very excited to read it. For a stranger to take over someone's home; that is very twisted and intimate. However, while I like the idea of the novel, I felt like the story progressed very slowly. And, I honestly hated Kimber as a person. I found myself hoping that she suffers more than she did. I feel like she is the type of person who is self-centered and only cares about herself but, judges others on their actions.  After reading about Kimber's history and personality, I was surprised there weren't more people who wanted to see her suffer.

 **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.**

Book Review - The Winters by Lisa Gabriele

Photo Credit - Amazon

After a brief and intense whirlwind romance, a young woman leaves the only place she knows as home and moves in with her new fiancé, Max Winter. Max is the exact opposite of our protagonist. He is a recent widower and a wealthy politician. While she spent most of her life in poverty.  Her new home is filled with memories of Max's beautiful first wife, Rebekah. Rebekah haunts the young woman's dreams and fuels her insecurities. While his daughter, Dani likes to make her life a living hell. She realizes that she doesn't have a place in the weird family dynamic between Max and Dani. They have a relationship dynamic that is both confuses and intrigues her.  As she grows more in love with Max, she worries about her relationship with Dani especially, when family secrets don't stay buried.

I don't like novels where the main character doesn't have a name. It makes it harder to discuss the protagonist when you don't know what to call them. I feel like when you don't name something, it's like you don't claim or love that person. Nor does it make it very easy to relate to the character.  And I very much feel like this novel wasn't a labor of love but, something that was quickly put together.  The novel takes forever to move along and the plot twists were very predictable. I thought I would have "fallen out of my seat" at least once during any of the revelations instead they were all met by my yawning. The novel was a complete bore and waste of time.

 **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.**

Book Review - Takes One to Know One by Susan Isaacs

Photo Credit - Amazon

Retired FBI agent Corie Geller used to help bring down terrorists. After a few years at the bureau, Corie traded in her badge for motherhood and marriage. She married the charismatic Judge Josh Geller and adopted his fourteen-year-old daughter. While being the family chauffeur and chef, she scouts new and upcoming Arabic fiction for literary agencies. Corie joins a few other freelancers every Wednesday at a French restaurant to make friends.

Corie senses that something is off with one of the attendees of their group. Pete Delaney seems like a regular person but, he always shows up early and sits in the same spot with a different cellphone.  And he always keeps one eye on his car parked across the street.  Corie feels that Pete is hiding something. She is unsure if she is just making things up but, she decides the only way to know for sure is to investigate into Pete's life.

I love thrillers and mystery novels. After reading the summary, I was super excited to read the book. The first few pages were a bit tough but, I figured the book would start to pick up. After a hundred pages, I started to realize the book will never pick up and the whole book was rather pointless. I got tired of the constant "Oh, why did he marry me? He's so handsome!" nonsense every few pages. The premise of the entire novel seems so boring. Corie had no actual evidence that Pete was up to go no good but, just a hunch. Honestly, the novel was so boring, I couldn't read more. I am throwing this novel into the DNF pile.

**Disclosure - I received a free uncorrected 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.**