Book Review - A Deadly Affair by Agatha Christie

 

 

 

The book is a collection of Agatha's short stories focusing on the theme of love. This was my first time reading one of her works. I can see why many of her characters and stories are beloved by fans. A few of the stories stumped me but, I was able to guess the culprit behind a few of the stories. Even though the stories were short, they were well fleshed out. There were a few stories that I found the text a bit hard to follow along with because of the dated terms and language the characters used. Overall, it was a clever collection for new fans and old.

 

Book Review - The Book Eaters by Sunyi Dean

 

Out by the Yorkshire Moors, there lives a secret group of people that consume books for food. The book eaters can retain all of the book's content after eating it. Devon is a part of The Family, who are a long line of old and reclusive book eaters. Devon grew up eating stories about princesses and fairy tales while, her brother eats stories of action and glory. Devon learns the hard way that life isn't always so easy or comes with happy endings when her son is born with a gruesome hunger for human minds.

I was conflicting on liking and loving the novel. I thought the book had a lot of interesting parallels along with interesting topics such as love, loyalty, family, and what it means to be a monster. I thought the book told an interesting tale that was woven with unique world building experience. Be wary though, some readers might love this book so much they might consume it in one reading....

Book Review - Next Door to Happy by Allison Weiser Strout

 

Violet Crane feels isolated and lonely because she has no siblings and her father has recently moved out and her mother is struggling with anxiety. Then a family moves next door with five kids. Violet wishes that she was a part of that family as they seem so normal compared to hers.

However, all that changes when Violet overhears a conversation between Reggie and his mother. Reggie's mother tells Reggie that Violet isn't an appropriate friend. Violet is hurt and devastated and feels even more alone.

I thought this book was an okay read. It was interesting to read the challenges Violet was facing with her family and friends and how she overcame them. The author did a good job showing different types of family and friends. I didn't love or hate the book but, I felt the story was missing something.

Book Review - Sweet Sorrow by David Nicholls

 

 

Charlie Lewis is the type of person you would forget about it. He is the average type of person. He doesn't do well in school and he spends most of his day looking after his dad. He spends most of his time thinking that there is nothing in his future.

Then Charlie crosses paths with Fran Fisher and he begins to hope for something better.  However, if Charlie wants to spend time with Fran, he will need to join an acting troupe. He feels that he will lose the respect from his friends and joining the acting theater is akin to joining a cult.

I thought this was going to be an interesting read but, instead it was super boring. I read more than half of the book and I can could sum up the entire thing in less than 4 sentences.The book goes into pages of unwanted details and then has a tendency of switching from the past and the future all willy nilly. I am still trying to understand what the point of the book was. I will say this, if you suffer from insomnia this book will have you yawning in no time flat.

 

Book Spotlight - The Do-Over by Lynn Painter + Giveaway

 

About The Book:

Title: THE DO-OVER

Author: Lynn Painter

Pub. Date: November 15, 2022

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

Formats: Hardcover, eBook, Audiobook

Pages: 304

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

In this riotous young adult romp for fans of Recommended for You and A Cuban Girl’s Guide to Tea and Tomorrow, a teen girl has the worst Valentine’s Day ever—only to relive it over and over again.

After living through a dumpster fire of a Valentine’s Day, Emilie Hornby escapes to her grandmother’s house for some comfort and a consolation pint of Ben & Jerry’s. She passes out on the couch, but when she wakes up, she’s back home in her own bed—and it’s Valentine’s Day all over again. And the next day? Another nightmare V-Day.

Emilie is stuck in some sort of time loop nightmare that she can’t wake up from as she re-watches her boyfriend, Josh, cheat on her day after day. In addition to Josh’s recurring infidelity, Emilie can’t get away from the enigmatic Nick, who she keeps running into—sometimes literally—in unfortunate ways.

How many days can one girl passively watch her life go up in flames? And when something good starts to come out of these terrible days, what happens when the universe stops doling out do-overs?

Reviews:

"Painter plucks readers’ every heartstring, from writing a sweet love story between two teens with very different views on romance to honestly depicting how Emilie’s parents’ messy divorce has impacted her feelings of self-worth. Italicized confessions at the beginnings of various chapters prove there is a playful side to Emilie that is further brought out by Nick, whose constant teasing leads to flirty banter...unequivocally hilarious and delightful." -- Kirkus Reviews

"Throughout, Emilie struggles to navigate her parents’ acrimonious divorce, and the resulting financial precarity and blow to her self-worth. By combining these personal trials with a lighthearted love story, Painter delivers a thoughtfully elevated romantic jaunt." -- Publishers Weekly

 

About Lynn Painter:

Lynn Painter is a New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author who writes romantic comedies for both teens and adults. She lives in Nebraska with her husband and pack of wild children, and when she isn't reading or writing, odds are good she’s guzzling energy drinks and watching rom-coms. 

Subscribe to Lynn’s Newsletter!

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

 

Giveaway Details:

1 winner will receive a finished copy of THE DO-OVER, US Only.

Ends December 6^th, midnight EST.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

11/7/2022	YA Books Central	Excerpt
11/8/2022	Kait Plus Books	Excerpt
11/9/2022	A Dream Within A Dream	Excerpt
11/10/2022	Mindyourshelf	IG Review
11/11/2022	Fire and Ice	Review
11/12/2022	@booksrn_rashi	IG Review

Week Two:

11/13/2022	My.Bookish.Mind	IG Review/TikTok Post
11/14/2022	travelersguidetobooks	IG Review
11/15/2022	@jennareadstuff	TikTok Review/IG Post
11/16/2022	A Court of Coffee and Books	Review/IG Post
11/17/2022	The Page Ladies @jacleomik33	IG Review
11/18/2022	OneMoreExclamation	Review/IG Post
11/19/2022	onemused	IG Review

Week Three:

11/20/2022	Nerdophiles	Review
11/21/2022	Books With A Chance of Traveling	Review/IG Post
11/22/2022	@planwithemm	IG Review
11/23/2022	@just_another_mother_with_books	IG Review
11/24/2022	The Book View	Review/IG Post
11/25/2022	A Blue Box Full of Books	IG Review/LFL Drop Pic
11/26/2022	Lisa Loves Literature	Review/IG Post

Week Four:

11/27/2022	Two Points of Interest	Review
11/28/2022	The Real World According To Sam	Review/IG Post
11/29/2022	@thechattybookworm	TikTok Review/IG Post
11/30/2022	Confessions of a YA Reader	Review
12/1/2022	@lexijava	Review/IG Post
12/2/2022	Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers	Review/IG Post

Book Review - Wrassle Castle Book 2: Riders on the Storm by Paul Tobin

 

In the second book in the series, Lydia is moving up in the ranks in the tournament. She feels that victory is in her reach until a villain threatens to ruin her chances. Her best friend is captured and Lydia must decide if she will go or stay.

I though this book was a bit lackluster. I feel like they used the word "wrassle" way too much. It got annoying and I was wondering if the author knew other words. At first, I thought the background bubble noise was funny but, after a few bubbles it was annoying filler that didn't add to the story.  Like the previous book, the scenes can randomly back and forth with no indication. It made the story feel choppy at times. I feel like this second book was a completely unnecessary and the story could have been completed in two book instead of three.

Book Review - Wrassle Castle Book 1: Learning the Ropes by Paul Tobin

 

Lydia Riverthane loves wrassling and wants to be a professional wrassler like her brother. A wrassler is known to be the greatest fighter in all of the kingdoms. As Lydia tries to accomplish her goal, her beloved brother is accused of treason. She is determined to prove her brother's innocence. She realizes the only way she can prove his innocence is enter the tournament.

I thought this was an okay graphic novel. I found that the story was a bit confusing as there wasn't always a break before the story changed focus. However, I did find the book to be entertaining and I am interested in finding out if Lydia is able to rescue her brother.

Book Spotlight - Son of the Salt Chaser by A. S. Thornton + Giveaway

 

About The Book:

Title: SON OF THE SALT CHASER (Salt Chasers #2)

Author: A.S. Thornton

Pub. Date: (November 1, 2022

Publisher: CamCat Books

Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audiobook

Pages: 436

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

The gift of magic may be a curse.

After her desert-transforming wish, Emel follows Saalim to Madinat Almulihi to reclaim all she has lost. But the seaside city is not what she expected. When she is tasked with assisting the palace healer, she is faced daily with the reminder that Saalim―focused only on seeking the revenge of those who killed his family―does not remember her at all.

Cursing the magic that destroyed her love and brought her to an unwelcoming city, Emel regrets her decision to leave her settlement. That is, until she meets Kas. Though inscrutable, he is the first person to help her forget her past, and the pull of finding happiness with him tempts her from the life she wished for with Saalim.

But darkness waits in the desert, and not all people in Madinat Almulihi are what they seem. When Emel understands she is entangled in the fate of the city―and of Saalim―she is faced with the realization that magic may be the most powerful card in her hand. It might be the only way to save all that she loves, but if she plays her hand wrong, it could destroy everything.

 

Grab book 1, DAUGHTER OF THE SALT KING now!

 

About A.S. Thornton:

A. S. Thornton has evolved from book blogger to author with a particular fondness for writing forbidden love in ancient deserts. She lives in Northern California, where she works as a veterinarian. Learn more about her on IG @as_thornton and visit her website asthornton.com.

Subscribe to A.S.'s newsletter

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

 

Giveaway Details:

1 winner will receive a finished copy of SON OF THE SALT CHASER, US Only.

Ends November 22nd, midnight EST.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

10/24/2022	Books and Kats	Guest Post
10/25/2022	A Dream Within A Dream	Guest Post
10/26/2022	Wottaread	Review
10/27/2022	Two Chicks on Books	Guest Post/IG Post
10/28/2022	Nagma | TakeALookAtMyBookshelf	IG Review
10/29/2022	@jennareadstuff	IG Review/TikTok Post

Week Two:

10/30/2022	Sadie's Spotlight	Excerpt
10/31/2022	Jenguerdy	IG Spotlight
11/1/2022	Wanderingwitchreads	TikTok Review/IG Post
11/2/2022	Karen Dee's Book Reviews	IG Review
11/3/2022	Rajiv's Reviews	Review/IG Post
11/4/2022	Books a Plenty Book Reviews	Review
11/5/2022	Fire and Ice	Review

Week Three:

11/6/2022	@booksrn_rashi	IG Review
11/7/2022	The.bibliophile.michelle	IG Review
11/8/2022	Book-Keeping	Review/IG Post
11/9/2022	Wonder Struck	Review/IG Post
11/10/2022	GryffindorBookishNerd	Review/IG Post
11/11/2022	@simplybeccamee	IG Review
11/12/2022	The Momma Spot	Review/IG Post

Week Four:

11/13/2022	The Page Ladies @jacleomik33	IG Review
11/14/2022	Lifestyle of Me	Review
11/15/2022	Brandi Danielle Davis	IG Review/TikTok Post
11/16/2022	@thechattybookworm	TikTok Review/IG Post
11/17/2022	bookbriefs	Review/IG Post
11/18/2022	two points of interest	Review/IG Post

Book Spotlight - We Ride Titans: The Complete Series Book by Tres Dean + Giveaway

About The Book:

Title: WE RIDE TITANS

Author: Tres Dean, Dee Cunniffe, Sebastián Píriz (Illustrations), Jim Campbell, Adrian F. Wassel (Editor)

Pub. Date: November 8, 2022

Publisher: Vault Comics

Formats: Paperback, eBook

Pages: 128

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

Pacific Rim meets Shameless in this sci-fi kaiju action adventure, female-helmed thrill ride where one woman must keep the monsters in check – as well as her explosive family!

It’s Mechs vs. Kaiju in this hard-hitting, action sci-fi adventure!

Kaiju hit hard. Family hits harder.

Just when you break free … you get pulled back in.

Trying to keep your family from imploding is a tall order. Titan-rider Kit Hobbs is about to find out it's an even taller order when that family has been piloting the Titan that protects New Hyperion from the monstrous kaiju for generations. With an addicted, spiraling brother, a powder keg of a father, and a whole bunch of twenty-story monsters, she's got her work cut out for her.

For fans of Pacific Rim, Mech Cadet Yu, Kaijumax, Big Girls, Ultramega, Gundam, Power Rangers, and Ultraman.

Reviews:
"We Ride Titans ... delivers something new from a genre that was getting a little played out.  - Graphic Policy

"The creative team crafts a compelling hero, making the story feel fresh."       - CBR

 

 

About Tres Dean:

Tres Dean is a comic author (currently writing We Ride Titans for Vault Comics and Eternal Warrior: Scorched Earth for Valiant) and culture writer from Richmond, VA. He's the author of FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION: DWAYNE "THE ROCK" JOHNSON from Quirk Books. As a culture writer he's written for GQ, the Huffington Post, Men's Health, SyFy, Uproxx, AskMen, and Geek. Alongside artist Jamie Jones he co-created the comic series DODGER and with writer Stewart Jester and artist Kendrick Drews made the one-shot KILL THE DRUG WAR. He also wrote the comic debut of pro wrestling superstar Joey Ryan in JOEY RYAN: BIG IN JAPAN, also drawn by Jamie Jones. He currently resides in Brooklyn, New York.

 

Website | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads | Amazon  

 

About Sebastián Píriz:

Sebastián Píriz is a comic book artist and creator living in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Website | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads

 

Giveaway Details:

2 winners will receive a finished copy of WE RIDE TITANS, US Only.

Ends November 22nd, midnight EST.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

11/7/2022	A Dream Within A Dream	Excerpt
11/7/2022	Mythical Books	Excerpt/IG Post
11/8/2022	Sadie's Spotlight	Excerpt/IG Post
11/8/2022	Two Chicks on Books	Excerpt/IG Post
11/9/2022	Lady Hawkeye	Excerpt/IG Post
11/9/2022	Rajiv's Reviews	Review/IG Post
11/10/2022	See Sadie Read	Review/IG Post
11/10/2022	@froggyreadteach	IG Review
11/11/2022	OneMoreExclamation	Review/IG Post
11/11/2022	@allyluvsbooksalatte	IG Review

Week Two:

11/14/2022	Nerdophiles	Review
11/14/2022	Emily Ashlyn	IG Review/TikTok Post
11/15/2022	@thebookishfoxwitch	IG Review
11/15/2022	A Blue Box Full of Books	IG Review- LFL Drop Pic
11/16/2022	The Page Ladies @jacleomik33	IG Review
11/16/2022	Two Points of Interest	Review
11/17/2022	Brandi Danielle Davis	IG Review/TikTok Post
11/17/2022	Lifestyle of Me	Review
11/18/2022	The Real World According To Sam	Review/IG Post
11/18/2022	Celia's Reads	Review/IG Post