Book Spotlight - Next Door to Happy by Allison Weiser Strout + Giveaway

 

About The Book:

Title: NEXT DOOR TO HAPPY

Author: Allison Weiser Strout

Pub. Date: June 12, 2022

Publisher: Margaret Ferguson Books

Formats: Hardcover, eBook

Pages: 192

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

Twelve-year-old Violet Crane is an only child in a lonely household who longs to be part of the gregarious family that's just moved in next door.

With a mother struggling with anxiety, a father who recently moved out, and no siblings to commiserate with, socially awkward Violet Crane feels like she is starting middle school with less going for herself than that of your average kid.

When the rambunctious Walker family moves in next door, Violet can't help but wish she could become a part of their household--everyone and everything seems so normal compared to her own.

After she meets them, Violet falls in love with all five Walker siblings and especially with Mrs. Walker, who is nothing like her own mother. Violet and Reggie, the black sheep of the Walker family, find that they have an easy understanding of each other, and it doesn't hurt that they are in the same grade at school.

But then Violet overhears a conversation between Reggie and his mother in which she tells him that she doesn't feel like Violet is an appropriate friend. Violet is devastated until she faces a truth--no person, family or friendship is perfect--and realizes just how lucky she is.

About Allison Weiser Strout:

Allison Strout is a writing tutor for middle school and high school students. Next Door to Happy is her debut novel. She lives in New York City and Maine.

Instagram | Goodreads | Amazon

 

Giveaway Details:

1 winner will receive a finished copy of NEXT DOOR TO HAPPY, US Only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

7/4/2022	Log Cabin Library	Excerpt
7/4/2022	Two Chicks on Books	Excerpt
7/5/2022	Yabookscentral	Excerpt
7/5/2022	#BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee Blog	Excerpt
7/6/2022	BookHounds YA	Excerpt/IG Post
7/6/2022	Little Red Reads	Review/IG Post
7/7/2022	Kait Plus Books	Excerpt/IG Post
7/7/2022	@jaimerockstarbooktours	IG Post
7/8/2022	Midnightbooklover	IG Post
7/8/2022	beersbooksandboos	Excerpt/IG Post/TikTok Post

Week Two:

7/11/2022	Nerdophiles	Review
7/11/2022	One More Exclamation	Review/IG Post
7/12/2022	Locks, Hooks and Books	Review
7/12/2022	Rajiv's Reviews	Review/IG Post
7/13/2022	GryffindorBookishNerd	Review/IG Post
7/13/2022	The Momma Spot	Review/IG Post
7/14/2022	@enjoyingbooksagain	Review/IG Post
7/14/2022	The Bookwyrm's Den	Review
7/15/2022	hodophile_z	IG Review
7/15/2022	Two Points of Interest	Review/IG Post

Book Spotlight - The Star That Always Stays by Anna Rose Johnson

 

About The Book:

Title: THE STAR THAT ALWAYS STAYS

Author: Anna Rose Johnson

Pub. Date: July 12, 2022

Publisher: Holiday House

Formats: Hardcover, eBook, Audiobook

Pages: 224

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

When bright and spirited Norvia moves from the country to the city, she has to live by one new rule: Never let anyone know you’re Ojibwe.

"INSPIRING."—Kirkus Reviews
A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection!
A #1 New Release in Native American Children's Fiction!
A #1 New Release in Historical Fiction for Children!
A #1 New Release in Stepfamily Fiction for Children!

Growing up on Beaver Island, Grand-père told Norvia stories—stories about her ancestor Migizi, about Biboonke-o-nini the Wintermaker, about the Crane Clan and the Reindeer Clan. He sang her songs in the old language, and her grandmothers taught her to make story quilts and maple candy. On the island, Norvia was proud of her Ojibwe heritage. 

Things are different in the city. Here, Norvia’s mother forces her to pretend she’s not Native at all—even to Mr. Ward, Ma’s new husband, and to Vernon, Norvia’s irritating new stepbrother. In fact, there are a lot of changes in the city: ten-cent movies, gleaming soda shops, speedy automobiles, ninth grade. It’s dizzying for a girl who grew up on the forested shores of Lake Michigan.

Despite the move, the upheaval, and the looming threat of world war, Norvia and her siblings—all five of them—are determined to make 1914 their best year ever. Norvia is certain that her future depends upon it... and upon her discretion. 

But how can she have the best year ever if she has to hide who she truly is?

Sensitive, enthralling, and classic in sensibility (perfect for Anne of Green Gables fans), this tender coming-of-age story about an introspective and brilliant Native American heroine thoughtfully addresses assimilation, racism, and divorce, as well as everygirl problems like first crushes, making friends, and the joys and pains of a blended family. Often funny, often heartbreaking, The Star That Always Stays is a fresh and vivid story directly inspired by Anna Rose Johnson’s family history.

"INTIMATE."—Publishers Weekly
"UNPUTDOWNABLE."—Anne Bustard, author of Parents' Choice Book Award Winner Blue Skies

About Anna Rose Johnson:

Anna Rose Johnson is a journalist, blogger, and seasoned correspondent for Inside Gymnastics. Anna is passionate about historical fiction, the Native experience, and writing for children. She is a member of the Sault Ste. Marie Chippewa Tribe; The Star That Always Stays is directly based on her great-grandmother. Find her at annarosejohnson.com. 

Website | Twitter | Facebook Group | Instagram | Goodreads | Amazon

 

Giveaway Details:

1 winner will receive a finished copy of THE STAR THAT ALWAYS STAYS, US Only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

7/4/2022	Yabookscentral	Excerpt
7/4/2022	#BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee Blog	Excerpt
7/5/2022	hodophile_z	IG Review
7/5/2022	BookHounds YA	Excerpt/IG Post
7/6/2022	The Paperback Princess	Review/IG Post
7/6/2022	Rajiv's Reviews	Review/IG Post
7/7/2022	Kait Plus Books	Excerpt/IG Post
7/7/2022	Two Chicks on Books	Excerpt
7/8/2022	The Page Ladies	Review/IG Post
7/8/2022	GryffindorBookishNerd	Review/IG Post

Week Two:

7/11/2022	Log Cabin Library	Excerpt
7/11/2022	The Momma Spot	Review/IG Post
7/12/2022	One More Exclamation	Review/IG Post
7/12/2022	@jaimerockstarbooktours	IG Post
7/13/2022	Two Points of Interest	Review/IG Post
7/13/2022	Nerdophiles	Review/IG Post
7/14/2022	celiamcmahonreads on insta	Review/IG Post
7/14/2022	Little Red Reads	Review
7/15/2022	100 Pages A Day	Review
7/15/2022	Books and Zebras	IG Review

Book Review - Death on Ocean Boulevard by Caitlin Rother

 

On the morning of July 13, 2011 a call came in that someone is hanging from the lavish historic Spreckels Mansion. The beachfront property is owned by pharmaceutical tycoon and multimillionaire Jonah Shacknai.When police arrive to the scene, they find the naked body of Jonah's girlfriend, Rebecca Zahau, gagged and bonded by her ankles and wrists behind her. Jonah's brother, Adam, claims to have found her body hanging by a rope from the second floor balcony. On the bedroom door in black paint they find an ominous message "she saved him can you save her".

The authorities are not sure if the message was a suicide note or if it was left by the killer. Rebecca's death came two days after Jonah's son, Max, took a fatal fall while in her care. The police believe Rebecca took her own life because of the guilt. Authorities and the nation is stumped on who would commit suicide or murder in such a bizarre and elaborate way.

This is my first true crime novel by this author and I thought she did a good job. I felt like she objectively presented the case in a straightforward and consistent manner. I like that towards the end that she explains her feelings and background while writing the book. There was a few times I did get confused by the different people and how they related to that point in the story though. Overall, I thought it was an interesting case and I look forward to reading more books by the author.

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

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

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

 

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

 

About The Book:

Title: NINJA NICKELS AND THE PROBLEM WITH PICKLES

Author: Leah Cupps

Pub. Date: June 22, 2022

Publisher: Vision Forty Press

Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook

Pages: 28

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

Read for FREE with a Kindle Unlimited Membership!

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

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

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

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

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

  

About Leah Cupps:

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

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

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

 

Connect with Leah Online:

http://www.facebook.com/harleyjamesadventures

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

 

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

www.harleyjamesadventures.com

 

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

 

Giveaway Details:

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

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

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

Week Two:

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

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Book Review - Honor by Thrity Umrigar

 

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

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

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

 

Book Review - Little Weirds by Jenny Slate

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

 

Book Review - Elysium Tide by James R. Hannibal

 

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

Book Review - The Kingdoms of Savannah by George Dawes Green

 

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

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