Are you an avid reader looking for your next "fix"? Can't bear to be without some form of reading material in your spare time? Welcome to my world! Whether you are seeking a new book to "feed your need", or you are an author seeking an unbiased point of view on your own recent masterpiece, this is the place to be. With life as with books, you never know where the next step might take you...

Wednesday, June 7, 2023

Rockstar Book Tours presents... TWO FRIENDS, ONE DOG, AND A VERY UNUSUAL WEEK by Sarah L. Thomson & Vin Vogel - REVIEW + GIVEAWAY!


Certainly thrilled to be hosting a spot on today's tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. We're featuring a new Middle Grade Fiction book whose title hits the story on the head perfectly! Check out my review post, make sure to enter the giveaway, and then head over to the other sites participating in the tour!

 

 TWO FRIENDS, ONE DOG, AND A VERY UNUSUAL WEEK

by Sarah L. Thomson & Vin Vogel (Illustrator)

Pub. Date: April 18, 2023

Publisher: Peachtree Publishing Company

Formats: Hardcover, eBook, Audiobook

Pages: 240

Find it: Goodreadshttps://books2read.com/TWO-FRIENDS-ONE-DOG-AND-A-VERY-UNUSUAL-WEEK

Take Pippi Longstocking’s joie de vivre, blend it with a 21st century urban setting, toss in a dog named Otto for good measure and what do you get? This joyfully carefree story about two unlikely friends.

It’s a pair of silver sequined sneakers that unexpectedly flips Emily’s comfortable, predictable world upside down. Or, more precisely, it’s the girl wearing them.

The shoes belong to Rani, who moves into Emily’s apartment building—and her life—with absolutely no one but her dog Otto. (Her research scientist mother is away in Patagonia.) And that’s only the first rule that Emily watches Rani break without hesitation.

But it’s not just that Rani breaks rules. Most of the time, she doesn’t seem to know the rules exist. Why can’t she bungee jump off their building? Or bring an ice cream truck to school?

For steady and orderly Emily, Rani’s approach to life feels impossible . . . and more than a little irresistible. But is there a place for her in Rani’s world? And should she find a way to make space for Rani in her own?

A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection

 



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I honestly found this story rather fascinating. Emily and Rani (and Otto!) are fast friends, but they certainly have their differences. Where Emily prefers not to stand out and go with the flow, Rani isn't afraid to let her true colors show, and can't think of much worse than not being herself. The thing is Rani is a powerhouse with a seemingly unending battery that keeps her going, and going, and going. She's not like the other kids that Emily's met, and while it can be fun to spend time together, it can also be confusing.  Emily's never certain if she's stepping too far out of line to support her friend, or if she's being untrue to her friend in order to follow what society dictates is the norm. 

Though I didn't wish for Emily to struggle, it was refreshing to see her think AND feel her way through the situations. It made it more real, more in the moment, because what would, or better yet, what should you do, was never a given, but decided on based on the info she had at the time. She didn't want to get into trouble, but she also didn't want Rani to either, and the thing is, more often than not, her unusual approach to the world worked in her favor...it was really just those unwilling to look beyond the chaotic nature of it all to the heart of the intent and outcome that held issues with her line of thought. Rani was Rani...intelligent, unique, and filled with a great of gold. I was ever so grateful that she had her amazing pup, Otto, but also that these two gals had each other. 

In the end, it was a lovely story about accepting others, keeping an open mind, and always being true to ourselves. Rani could have tried acting like Emily, or any of her classmates, but that wouldn't have made her shine as brightly as she does when she's her true self. The only thing I wished for was a section that talked more about Rani's uniqueness, perhaps from a real world prospective, so that readers could get their minds around the wonder that she was, but even without that backstory, she was remarkable, as was Emily (and Otto!). A great pick Middle Grade Fiction fans of all ages, and a fun start to your summer reading. 


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About Sarah L. Thomson:

Sarah L. Thomson has published more than thirty books for young readers, including prose and poetry, fiction and nonfiction, picture books and novels. Sarah worked as a children’s book editor before becoming a full-time writer. She lives in Portland, Maine. Learn more about her work at sarahlthomson.com.

 

Website | Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

 




About Vin Vogel:

Vin Vogel is an award-winning Brazilian author-illustrator and the creator of A Home for Leo and the Yeti picture book series. He has illustrated over fifty books for young readers. After living in New York City, he returned to his hometown of Rio, where he lives with two cats and a dog. Visit him at vinvogel.com.

 

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

 

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~~~ Giveaway ~~~

1 winner will receive a finished copy of  TWO FRIENDS, ONE DOG, AND A VERY UNUSUAL WEEK, US Only.

Ends June 13th, midnight EST.



~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~



Special thanks to the Rockstar Book Tours team for the chance to bring this tour to you and to the publisher for the ecopy for review. (THANKS!) For more information on this title, the author, the publisher, this tour, or those on the horizon, feel free to click through the links provided above. This title is available now via Peachtree Publishing Company, so click on over to your favorite online retailer or plan a trip to your local brick and mortar store!


Tour Schedule:

Week One:

5/29/2023

YA Books Central

Excerpt/IG Post

5/29/2023

The Momma Spot

Excerpt

5/30/2023

The Chirpy Bookaholic

Excerpt/IG Post

5/30/2023

A Dream Within A Dream

Excerpt

5/31/2023

Country Mamas With Kids

Review/IG Post

5/31/2023

@evergirl200

IG Review

6/1/2023

Review Thick And Thin

Review/IG Post

6/1/2023

@allyluvsbooksalatte

IG Review/TikTok Post

6/2/2023

A Blue Box Full of Books

IG Review/LFL Drop Pic/TikTok Post

6/2/2023

Nerdophiles

Review

Week Two:

6/5/2023

Not In Jersey

Review/IG Post

6/5/2023

@stargirls.magical.tale

IG Review

6/6/2023

Kim's Book Reviews and Writing Aha's

Review/IG Post

6/6/2023

@enjoyingbooksagain

Review/IG Post

6/7/2023

Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers

Review/IG Post

6/7/2023

Carly Sunshine Books

IG Review

6/8/2023

@froggyreadteach

IG Review

6/8/2023

OneMoreExclamation

Review/IG Post

6/9/2023

Jenguerdy

Review/IG Post

6/9/2023

Author Z. Knight’s Guild

Review/IG Post



Until next time, remember...if it looks good, READ IT!



Tuesday, June 6, 2023

Happy BOOK BIRTHDAY to... The Radcliffe Ladies' Reading Club by Julia Bryan Thomas - REVIEW!




It’s Publication Day for SO MANY great titles this month, and while I would love to get them all in one felt swoop, SO not realistic! With that in mind, let me chisel away at the MUST ADD TO YOUR TBR list one book at a time. Are you ready? This one is for my Historical Fiction, and Women’s Fiction fans, and it celebrates its grand release day via Sourcebooks Landmark (woot woot! Go team, go!). It’s a story that introduces you to a group of young women on the cusp of their futures, and the grand (and not so grand) things that await them. Ladies, and gents, I give you our book of choice... 


by 
9781728248578 
Sourcebooks Landmark 

About the book...
Never underestimate the power of a woman with a shop full of books 

Massachusetts, 1954. With bags packed alongside her heavy heart, Alice Campbell escaped halfway across the country and found herself in front of a derelict building tucked among the cobblestone streets of Cambridge. She turns it into the enchanting bookshop of her dreams, knowing firsthand the power of books to comfort the brokenhearted. 

The Cambridge Bookshop soon becomes a haven for Tess, Caroline, Evie, and Merritt, who are all navigating the struggles of being newly independent college women in a world that seems to want to keep them in the kitchen. But when a member of the group finds herself shattered, everything they know about themselves will be called into question. 

From the author of For Those Who Are Lost comes an extraordinary love letter to books and friendship, a story that is at once heart-wrenching, strengthening, and inspiring. 




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Oh my goodness! 
Right from the start, this book had my heart. I was highlighting so many passages that I loved, for both the conversations and descriptions, that had it been in print, I’m pretty sure I would have nary a page left unmarked. 

Meeting this group of women was an experience. First and foremost, Alice...she may have been considered the matron of the bunch, but she had life experience, love experience, loss experience. She had LIVED, and she was willing to share her gleaned knowledge with these ladies as needed without judgment, without impressing her own designs on it, or influencing their acceptance or rejection. She cultivated a climate, an atmosphere to challenge them to think for themselves, consider other angles, and may-hap form new views. She may have only met with them regularly once a month, but she was always there in spirit. As for our cheerful foursome, they were as varied as flowers in a field, while still being quite similar at heart. Each was looking for her place in the world. Each held her own prejudices and beliefs from which they were not easily swayed. Each would have decisions to make, hardships to face, and an uncertain future to take ownership of...however, each young woman would most certainly not end up in the same place. I hesitate to reveal too much of each of these characters because, as is often said in real life, they are not always what they at first seem. The twisted and winding roads their stories take will not surprise you at times, while completely shocking you at others...as will the turn of events later on in the story...but such is the path from childhood to adulthood. We are told things, taught ways, and eventually have to assimilate it into something that works for each of us...but the one thing that stays strong with all of them, even from afar, is their friendship. 

A great read to explore during these summer days, and beyond, and a remarkable story you won’t want to put down. I highly suggest joining these ladies the first Thursday of the month, after all….we’re all serious book lovers here! 




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Special thanks to Anna and the Sourcebooks Landmark team for the eARC for review. (THANKS!) For more information on this title, the author, or the publisher, feel free to click through the links provided above. This title is ON SALE NOW, so click on over to your favorite online retailer, or take a break for a visit to your local brick and mortar. 

Until next time, remember...if it looks good, READ IT!



Monday, June 5, 2023

Rockstar Book Tours presents... CHUPACARTER AND THE HAUNTED PINATA by George Lopez & Ryan Calejo - REVIEW + GIVEAWAY!

Back again with another FABULOUS title, currently touring with Rockstar Book Tours. It's book two in a Middle Grade series that has magic, myth, good old fashioned detective work to spare. Ready to take a look? Check out my review post, make sure to enter the giveaway, and visit the other sites on the tour for more!

 

CHUPACARTER AND THE HAUNTED PIÑATA

by George Lopez, Ryan Calejo, & Santy Gutiérrez (Illustrations)

Pub. Date: May 30, 2023

Publisher: Viking Books for Young Readers

Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audiobook

Pages: 320

Find it: Goodreadshttps://books2read.com/CHUPACARTER-AND-THE-HAUNTED-PINATA

In this hilarious follow-up to ChupaCarter, world-famous entertainer George Lopez delivers a spooky tale of mystery, revenge, and friendship starring 12-year-old Jorge and Carter, the fearsome but friendly Chupacabra!

Inspired by his own childhood and packed with clever illustrations, George Lopez's sequel to ChupaCarter sees Jorge finally feeling at home in his new town, thanks to his awesome friends Liza and Ernie—and especially Carter, the chupacabra.

New kid Jorge is shocked to learn that his beastly friend Carter isn't the only legendary creature in Boca falls. Every few years, the town is terrorized by a haunted . . . piñata? Rumor has it that the petrifying party decoration floats around setting eerie fires to avenge a long-ago betrayal. Jorge can't help but laugh, until a rash of green fires forces the townspeople to consider moving away, including the parents of his pals Ernie and Liza!

With Carter at their side, the three friends are in a race against time to catch the real culprit before they're separated forever . . . or the whole town is set aflame. Which will come first?

 

Get Book 1, CHUPACARTER now!

 

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Magic, mystery, and danger abound... and yet the scariest thing still proves to be his abuela with a slipper!

Jorge, Liza, and Ernie are back and the case they inexplicably uncover is forty shades of wrong, underhandedness, and dirty deeds. What seems like a curse that awakens every six years to wreak havoc on their small town is SO MUCH MORE than an evil piñata out to take its revenge, and when all is said and done, you may not believe your eyes! Good thing they have a secret weapon. Beyond their bonds of friendship, beyond their dedication to revealing the truth, they have Supercarter! That's right! Their furry, fanged, spiked, blood drinking chupacabra is back, and while still seeking his family, is more than willing to lend a hand to keep these friends and this town together. After all, that's what you do for family, right?

A great story with enough mystery to draw you in, enough heart to earn your own, and enough campy scares to keep you in the edge of your seat, this is definitely a series Middle Grade fans won't want to miss!



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About the authors...

George Lopez is a New York Times bestselling author, stand-up comedian, actor, and talk show host. He made waves as the star of the most successful English-language prime-time television series about Latin Americans in recent history. His successful stand-up comedy showcases his idiosyncratic point of view and impeccable comedic timing. He lives in Los Angeles.

 

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | Goodreads | Amazon

 

 



About Ryan Calejo:

Ryan Calejo is an award-winning author born and raised in sunny south Florida. His critically acclaimed Charlie Hernández series has been featured in half a dozen state reading lists and has earned starred reviews from Booklist and Kirkus, was a Texas Bluebonnet Master List Selection, and won an International Latino Book Award, a Sunshine State Young Readers Award, and a Florida Book Award (Gold Medal). He lives in Miami.

 

Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads | Amazon



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Giveaway Details:

1 winner will win a finished copy of CHUPACARTER AND THE HAUNTED PIÑATA, US ONLY.

Ends June 20th, midnight EST.





~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~





Special thanks to the Rockstar Book Tours team for the chance to bring this tour to you and to the publisher for the copy for review. (THANKS!) For more information on this title, the author, the publisher, this tour, or those on the horizon, feel free to click through the links provided above. This title is available now via Viking Books for Young Readers, so click on over to your favorite online retailer or plan a trip to your local brick and mortar store!

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

5/22/2023

Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer

Review or Excerpt/IG Post

5/23/2023

#BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee Blog

Excerpt/IG Post

5/24/2023

yabookscentral.com

Excerpt/IG Post

5/25/2023

Log Cabin Library

Excerpt

5/26/2023

onemused

IG Post

5/27/2023

A Dream Within A Dream

Excerpt

Week Two:

5/28/2023

@allyluvsbooksalatte

Review/IG Post

5/29/2023

Country Mamas With Kids

Review/IG Post

5/30/2023

@bookish_cherie

Review/IG Post

5/31/2023

Lifestyle of Me

Review

6/1/2023

Jeff_of_allmedia

IG Review

6/2/2023

Confessions of the Perfect Mom

Review/IG Post

6/3/2023

The Momma Spot

Review/IG Post

Week Three:

6/4/2023

@froggyreadteach

IG Review

6/5/2023

Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers

Review/IG Post

6/6/2023

Kim's Book Reviews and Writing Aha's

Review/IG Post

6/7/2023

OneMoreExclamation

Review/IG Post

6/8/2023

FUONLYKNEW

Review

6/9/2023

Carly Sunshine Books

Review/IG Post

6/10/2023

The Book Countess

Review/IG Post

Week Four:

6/11/2023

@pagesforpaige

IG Review

6/12/2023

@stargirls.magical.tale

IG Review

6/13/2023

Jaime_of_gryffindor

Review/IG Post

6/14/2023

A Blue Box Full of Books

IG Review/LFL Drop Pic/TikTok Post

6/15/2023

Author Z. Knight’s Guild

Review/IG Post

6/16/2023

Books With a Chance

Review/IG Post



Until next time, remember... if it looks good, READ IT!


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