Book Review: Under the Ashes by Cindy Rankin

Under the Ashes by Cindy Rankin is a middle grade work of historical fiction. Elizabeth "Littlebeth" Morgan thinks she is the smartest, bravest eleven-year-old in Paso Robles. She loves sharing stories of the outlaws Frank and Jesse James and shows no fear when she whacks the head off a rattlesnake. But she is not the proper lady her family wants her to be so they send her to live with her maiden Aunt Sally in San Francisco to be tamed and refined. While Aunt Sally's life is unlike anything Littlebeth has experienced in the country, the pain of being sent away runs deep. Then Littlebeth meets Mr. Steinberg, Aunt Sally's Jewish neighbor. He treats her like a person, not just a little girl, and Littlebeth finds a friend in him. Mr. Steinberg is sweet on Aunt Sally and takes the two of them to see the famous opera singer, Enrico Caruso, perform. But Littlebeth doesn't understand the religious differences keeping Aunt Sally and Mr. Steinberg apart. Before she can meddle in their personal lives, the earthquake hits. Littlebeth is separated from them in the chaos of the streets. She must use her wits and bravery and trust in a few unlikely friends to locate Aunt Sally and Mr. Steinberg. But will Littlebeth be able to survive the disaster and be reunited with her family?

Under the Ashes is a touching story about a young girl that feels disconnected and unwanted by her family. I like that Beth is an adventurous girl, as quick to help others as she is to speak her mind. I think that her family is shown to really love her and what what is best for her, and while I think readers can relate to how they make Beth feel, they can also see that underlying love. I did find that the book took awhile to get to the action. By the time the earthquake hit, I felt like the book was already more than half over, although that information we read in the first part of the book was important it just felt like we took too long to get there, and then the action was a bit crammed together. I think the portrayal of human nature, both before and after the quake, was sadly accurate. The ugliness of selfish people, prejudice, and fear were well exhibited, but so were the kindness and innocence that can be found. I think acknowledging that that sort of attitude existed (and still does) and how pointless it is, is extremely important. 

Under the Ashes is a solid work of historical fiction for middle grade readers. I think it is a good book for encouraging empathy and understanding the fears and actions of adults. 

Book Review: Unlucky Charms By Linda O. Johnston

Unlucky Charms is the third book in the Superstition Mystery series by Linda O. Johnston. I did not read the first two books, Lost Under a Ladder and Knock on Wood but feel like I was able to catch up pretty quickly with the characters and small town atmosphere.

Rory Chasen, manager of the Lucky Dog Boutique in Destiny, California, hopes her new line of good-luck doggy toys will be a hit, especially the stuffed rabbits with extra-large feet. The timing of the line’s debut proves ill-fated, though, as several local shops—including Rory’s—are ransacked and vandalized with spilled salt and other unlucky charms.The most likely culprit is disgruntled real estate agent Flora Curtival, whose issues with the town give her a motive. But after Flora is murdered and one of Rory’s toy rabbits is found with the body, Rory needs all the luck she can get while trying to determine just who killed the superstitious vandal.

Unlucky Charms is a book with play of mystery, and for those that have read the previous books, some interesting character development. Not having read the earlier books I found the quicks of the town and Rory's relationships to be a bit flat or odd. I like that the mystery was more complex than I expected, but I did to like that Rory seemed to be as uncertain about her life and the mysteries that she was trying to solve as the reader. I did like that I was surprised with the identity of Flora's killer- even though I had my concerns about that character's story. However, it felt like Rory was more surprised than I was. I like a main character that is at least a little more clever than I, and definitely more entertaining. I think I could be friends with Rory, but she never really brought the book to the level that I was looking for. It was a good read- but it never really captured me. 

Unlucky Charms is an interesting mystery, with lots of surprises for the reader. If you liked the previous books in the series then you are likely to enjoy this one as well. However, it was not fantastic, and did not make me want to go bad and read the previous books. It was good, but unfortunately not enough to garner a new fan. 

Book Review: Nightwing: Vol 1 Better Than Batman (Rebirth) by Tim Seeley, Javier Fernandez, Yanick Paquette

Nightwing: Vol 1 Better Than Batman (Rebirth) is a graphic novel written by Tim Seeley with art by Yanick Paquette and Javier Fernandez. It collects NIGHTWING: REBIRTH #1 and NIGHTWING #1-6.

He's been Robin, he's been a super spy, a ghost. Now, Dick Grayson finds himself back in Gotham City fighting to reclaim the life that was taken from him. But when a new evil threatens those closest to Dick, as Nightwing he must once again choose whether or not to tear himself away from his home in order to combat this dark force. Everything Dick thought he knew about being Nightwing will be brought to bear, and his relationship to his former mentor Batman will be put to the test. 

I have always loved comics and graphic novels, but have never had the chance to read any Nightwing issues before. I know enough of his story and the universe to not be completely lost, which was nice, but I think many readers coming in completely cold might be slower to catch up to the characters and their relationships to each other. I liked that even though there was plenty of action and mystery going on, there was a great deal of character development for all the major players as well. I think Nightwing's growth- and the resulting changes in his relationships with those closest to him- were very well done and left the door open for many possibilities in the future. I really like that we get serious development with the not so good guys as well. That is why I have always like the Batman and related stories, because little is clearly black and white, good or bad. The artwork and coloring are exactly what I was looking for in this title. extending the readers understanding of the action and character's emotions while telling their part of the story.

If you enjoy the greyer side of crime fighting, and enjoy graphic novels I would suggest checking it out. I do offer a warning though, if you do and have not been keeping up with the DC comic world this will make you eager to catch up. I know I am now looking for the time to do some serious reading.

Book Review: The Woman Upstairs by Camryn Eyde

The Woman Upstairs by Camryn Eyde is a lovely romance. Ricci Velez is a fiercely independent woman that worked her way up from the poverty line to become a respected engineer and property developer. Mistaken as the little wifey by Tara Reeves, the new tenant at her Manhattan apartment building, Ricci wants to evict her before she even signs the lease. A slighted ex-tenant, a vandalized apartment, and an interfering best friend means that she’s forced to offer Tara a room in her own apartment. Can she survive having the secretive hard-nosed executive judging her in her own home? Worse still, can she survive her match-making mother shamelessly besotted by the temporary housemate?

The Woman Upstairs is a emotional and realistic romance. Ricci and Tara start off as annoyances to each other- each dealing with thier own significant problems. I like that being attachted to each other was not the magic pill to make them suddenly get along or open up to each other, rather trust had to be earned and issues needed to be dealt with. I found Ricci’s family dynamics to be charming, and while I could not completely relate to Ricci’s need to build and renovate- I could relate to the idea of getting lost in gardening and creative worek. I could also relate to Tara’s struggles, both with the recent past and waiting for Ricci to face her own troubles. I enjoyed the read, a and look forward to explore more books from the author.

The Woman Upstairs is a romance that deals with the trust and family issues that real people face, and makes the characters feel real. I like that I could connect with the characters, and feel like I could run into them at the store. A heart wrenching and warming story that is well worth the read.

Early Book Review: Science Comics: Bats: Learning to Fly by Falynn Christine Koch

Bats: Learning to Fly by Falynn Christine Koch is the latest in the Science Comics series and is scheduled for release on February 28 2017. This series of graphic novels offer entertaining views of their subjects combining a storyline with interesting and important facts with illustrations. In Bats, we follow a little brown bat whose wing is injured by humans on a nature hike. He is taken to a bat rehabilitation center where he meets many different species of bats. They teach him how they fly, what they eat, and where they like to live.

Bats: Learning to Fly combines interesting information with a story and comic illustrations. The balance between the story and the included facts is well balanced. There are significant chunks of information included in the comic story, as out injured little brown bat learns about the other bats in the rehabilitation center. The inserted information pages go into more detail and infuses infographics, images, and relevant facts that can lead readers to a greater understanding of bats, and their importance to the ecosystem. I always liked bats, and this book has only increased my respect and care for these creatures. I think many middle grade and older readers will enjoy this read, and gain a new respect for a creature that is too often feared or looked down on. 

Bats: Learning to Fly does a wonderful job of combine facts with a compelling story. I think readers that are interesting in science, animals, or graphic novels would get a lot out of this read. The series as a whole is worth reading and exploring by interested parties. 

Book Review: Out of Practice Aphrodite (The Goddess Chronicles #1) by S.E. Rabin

Out of Practice Aphrodite is the first book in The Goddess Chronicles series by S.E. Rabin. Abby’s major screw-up brings the wrath of Zeus upon her head. He offers her a choice—work for him or spend the rest of her days hanging out in Hades with her ex-husband. For Abby, this choice is a no-brainer, especially when Zeus says the only thing he wants her to do is make a love match. She’s the Goddess of Love. What could go wrong? Abby stumbles into an ex-lover, a dead demi-god and the realization that a crucial relic has been stolen right out from underneath Zeus’ nose. Eris, the Goddess of Chaos and Discord, is behind the theft and murder and the faltering powers Abby is trying to keep secret. With Zeus breathing down her neck, she’ll need to keep her wits about her as she races against the clock and Zeus’ imposed two-week time period. Of course, this is easier said than done. Not only is she struggling with a budding attraction to a sexy lawman and feelings for long-time friend, Hermes, she’s also trying to keep everyone out of the path of a vengeful goddess while saving the Earth and Olympus from the reign of a tyrant. What’s a goddess to do when the fate of the world rests upon her fashionable shoulders?

Out of Practice Aphrodite took some of the mythology I thought I knew so well and twisted it just enough to make everything new again. Aphrodite has been on Earth too long according to the other gods, but she loves it despite the fact that her powers are not quite right lately. I like that she is a coffee addict, and really seems to love the human condition. When a night out goes terribly wrong her life spins out of control, trying to fix problems and find answers that might just be the death of her- and her friends. I Iiked the connection between the friends, and that even when things are at their hardest they stand by each other. I liked the twist of the Apples (you have to read the book for that) and the depth of character the main players have. I was expecting a light hearted romp through mythology, but got much more than I bargained for. My only issue I had with the story is that it occasionally lagged due o very in depth descriptions or inner dialogue that felt unnecessary. I think some of that could have been left out and. the story would not have suffered for it. I know I found myself skimming some of it so I could get back to the heart of the story quicker.

Out of Practice Aphrodite Was not the fluffy, cozy fun that I expected from the cover. However, it was an adventure that was far more involved than expected. It did a wonderful job with the story and characters and I am curious to see what happens next.

Book Review: The Search for the Olinguito: Discovering a New Species by Sanda Markle

The Search for the Olinguito: Discovering a New Species by Sanda Markle is a non fiction book for children. In 2013 scientists announced the discovery of the olinguito, an adorable relative of raccoons living among treetops in cloud forests of Central and South America. It was the first new mammal species in the Carnivora order to be discovered in 35 years. Learn how scientists solved the mystery piece by piece over more than ten years, traveling to museums all over the world to look at similar species and eventually scouting cloud forests at night. Large photos bring readers face to face with the olinguito in this real-life science adventure.

The Search for the Olinguito: Discovering a New Species is a well. Told non fiction book for young readers. While some of the words will require sounding out or help from a more experienced reader, I think. That many independent readers will enjoy taklng this one on their own. I had never heard of the Olinguito before seeing this book, and was glad to learn of the research and adventure that was had in proving its existence. It was good to.  See the efforts and work in proper scientific methods how so clearly and understandably to young readers. It just might inspire them to explore their environment and do research. Maybe reading books like this will help inspire a new generation of dedicated scientists. 

The Search for the Olinguito: Discovering a New Species is an or transitional non fiction book great for sharing in a classroom, one on one, or for independent reading. I think the combination of facts, adventure, and beautiful illustrations will make this an enjoyable and interesting read for many. 

Book Review: Melody Bittersweet and the Girls Ghoustbusting Agency by Kitty French

Melody Bittersweet and the Girls Ghoustbusting Agency is the first book in a series by Kitty French. Life’s tough for Melody Bittersweet. She’s single, addicted to sugar and super heroes, her family are officially bonkers, and she sees dead people. Is it any wonder no-one’s swiping right on Tinder? Waking up lonely on her twenty seventh birthday, Melody finally snaps. She can’t carry on basing all of her life decisions on the advice of her magic 8 ball; things have got to change. Fast forward two months, and she’s now the proud proprietor of her very own ghostbusting agency - kind of like in the movies but without the dodgy white jumpsuits. She’s also flirting with her ex Leo Dark, fraternising with her enemy in alleyways, and she’s somehow ended up with a pug called Lestat. Life just went from dull to dynamite and it’s showing no sign of slowing up anytime soon. Melody’s been hired to clear Scarborough House of its incumbent ghosts, there’s the small matter of a murder to solve, and then there’s the two very handsome, totally inappropriate men hoping to distract her from the job.

Melody Bittersweet and the Girls Ghoustbusting Agency was a quick read, which I thoroughly enjoyed. Melody has a wacky family, that wants the best for her but has their own ideas on what that might be.Once she gets her new job up and running. A conflict with the ex boyfriend,  a handsome ghost, and an old murder mystery make Melody's effort to secure her first paying job as a ghost removal service is off to an interesting start. I really enjoyed the wacky secondary characters and the complexity of the mystery and danger that Melody finds herself embroiled in. While it certainly was a cozy mystery, there was enough danger that I was worried a few times for the safety of our main players. I liked that the book offered a clear resolution for the characters, rather than leaving readers hanging until the next book, while leaving enough possibilities for future craziness and chaos that I want to see what happens next. A nearly perfect balance, and one that is hard to write.

Melody Bittersweet and the Girls Ghoustbusting Agency is a fun cozy. mystery with a ghostly bent. I liked the characters and that it was complex while still being lots of fun. I do believe that I wil keeping my eye it for the continuation of this series.

Book Review: This is Not the Abby Show by Debbie Reed Fischer

This is Not the Abby Show by Debbie Reed Fischer is a charming middle grade novel. Abby is twice exceptional—she is gifted in math and science, and she has ADHD. Normally, she has everything pretty-much-sorta-kinda under control. But when Abby makes one HUGE mistake that leads to “The Night That Ruined My Life" and lands in summer school. Abby thinks the other summer school kids are going to be total weirdos. And what with her parents’ new rules, plus all the fuss over her brother’s bar mitzvah, her life is turning into a complete disaster. But as Abby learns to communicate better and finds friends who love her for who she is, she discovers that her biggest weaknesses could be her greatest assets.

This is Not the Abby Show is a wonderful coming of age story about a young girl that just happens to have ADHD. She faces the family trouble and social conflicts that most children do, along with the self doubt and struggles. However, she has the added challenge of ADHD. It does not define her, but it is a part of her. I loved her personality and how hard she works to be a good person, and the best Abby she could be. I found the book to be heart warming and relatable- and I think that anyone that feels like an outsider will relate to the story as well. Young readers with ADHD might see something of themselves in Abby, but like the book points out every person, regardless of diagnosis, is different. The secondary characters felt just as real as Abby. I thought all of the situations, conflicts, and resolutions were very realistic and well done. It stayed with me long after I finished the book. 

This is Not the Abby Show is a realistic, heart warming story about a girl finding her talents and forging new friendships while facing the daily struggles of ADHD. I think this is a great read for those facing similar challenges and for those that love someone facing them. I thought the authors notes afterward were also particularly helpful for adults that want to help and understand. 

Book Review: A Very Jaguar Christmas (Heart of the Jaguar) by Terry Spear

A Very Jaguar Christmas is the fifth book in the Heart of the Jaguar series by Terry Spear. While you do not need to read the books in order, reading the other books by Spear in the series will give you a good idea of the characters and world before diving in head first. Even though you really do not need to read all the books in order, I have enjoyed everything I have read by Spear and if you like one then going back to fill in the blanks or pick up one of her other series will new no chore. 

As a protector of all jaguar-kind, Guardian agent Demetria MacFarlane isn’t surprised to get a call near Christmas—but when she’s sent to protect a cub whose species she didn’t even know existed, her holiday season gets complicated. And it doesn’t help that her partner is a distraction of the hottest kind.Hotshot JAG agent Everett Anderson can handle dangerous poachers and wildlife traffickers, no problem…but kids? Everett fears he’ll be stuck cub-sitting under the Christmas tree, but working with one sexy Guardian she-cat may be the best present he’s ever gotten.

A Very Jaguar Christmas has characters that are feeling with loss and a hard job, shifter special ops, but have put off a conversation for far too long. They have been tossed together. On a welfare mission, and then in taking care of a werewolf cub, when they had no idea that other kinds of shifters even existed. Since there is significant backstory between the par some of the romance seems to go vey fast- but I like that they actually talk things out and discuss feelings rather than just attraction. Spear is good at that, but it always makes me happy when a paranormal romance steps back from the insta love or lust and lets the couple find their way together. Some of it seemed too easy, I am not sure why, but while I loved the story and the characters there was not the danger and drama factor that is normally part of this series. It was good, but I missed that element of suspense. 

A Very Jaguar Christmas is a sweet story and a fun read. I liked the characters and their connection- as well as connection this book made to bridge the gap between Spear's different series. I am very interested to see where the world she has created goes now that things are now connected.