Category: Reviews

REVIEW: Unicorn Time Machine by Dana Simpson

REVIEW: Unicorn Time Machine by Dana Simpson

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary and Review

Another fun collection of comics starring Phoebe and her unicorn, Marigold, including strips about a landscaping business, knock-knock jokes, toast, faeries, cats, mute buttons for the world (if only!), unicorn award ceremonies, unicorn tic-tac-toe, and … time travel.

Phoebe gets to meet her dad as a kid thanks to magical time travel, complete with a great Star Trek reference I thoroughly enjoyed. Between that and watching Marigold falling to the cozy charms of cats, I was a happy reader. Super funny. I think there’s lots here for readers to enjoy!

Rating: ♥♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥♥ = Great! Might re-read.

REVIEW: Enneagram in Real Life by Stephanie Barron Hall

REVIEW: Enneagram in Real Life by Stephanie Barron Hall

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received a free electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and HarperOne in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary and Review

The book kicks off with the author’s personal journey with the Enneagram – from an example of the unhealthy pace of life that led to burn out to describing how learning and then teaching the Enneagram helped her grow in self-awareness and develop healthier strategies for life. The writing pulled me in immediately – I felt her exhaustion and rooted for her to find – or build – a different path.

The goal of this resource is to answer the question, “I know my type but what do I do with it?” And the author clearly states “passively absorbing information won’t move the needle.” This book is a call to action for readers.  It’s got a new-to-me take on appraching the Enneagram with social identifiers and cultural contexts in mind that I found fascinating. The author also explains her idea of “thresholds” and doesn’t shy away from exploring subtypes, even with beginners. This includes practices that work for all types as well as targeted recommendations by type.

I loved the emphasis here on actions to take. And they aren’t just at the end of a chapter but throughout the entire book, including multiple parts of each chapter for the specific types. This feels like it could be a good early resource – although I would still have folks start with The Road Back to You first. But this is a fantastic follow up for newbies and ALSO a great resource for folks asking the author’s question – “I know my type – now what?” I immediately bought my own copy of this after I finished reading, and I am eager to dive back in and try all of the practices. Highly recommend.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥♥ = Great! Might re-read.

REVIEW: The Woofmore on Thin Ice by Donna Gephart and Lori Haskins Houran

REVIEW: The Woofmore on Thin Ice by Donna Gephart and Lori Haskins Houran

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

Famous ice skater Furya LaBone is coming to the Woofmore while she travels for a competition. Since it’s winter, there aren’t many guests at the hotel, so it’s important that Rufus and Ms. Coco help Furya enjoy her stay.

Furya is hoping to develop a new “show stopper” while she practices for the competition. But the only ice rink in the area is closed for repairs.

Then Rufus gets an idea that not only could save the day with Ms. LaBone, but could also bring in more winter guests for the Woofmore.

Review

This was darling, as expected. The story is simple enough for young readers to follow while also being interesting enough to keep their attention. I would have loved to have the Woofmore series on hand for my younger readers when I was teaching.

The story is full of dog puns and cheeky winks and nudges for readers. And the illustrations are gorgeous – colorful and cozy for the winter setting. And there are plenty of funny moments, from Rufus’ nervous toots to wearing a “cone of shame.”

If you are looking for an early chapter book with short chapters and colorful art for a young reader in your life or in your classroom, prepare to be dazzled by the stories from the Woofmore.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥♥ – Great! Might re-read.

REVIEW: Pomona Afton Can So Solve a Murder by Bellamy Rose

REVIEW: Pomona Afton Can So Solve a Murder by Bellamy Rose

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received a free electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Atria/Emily Bestler Books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary

Pomona Afton plays the role of heiress perfectly. Swanky galas. Personal staff. Designer gowns. Sure, she has ideas of her own, but no one in her family listens to her, so she’s taken to just keeping them to herself.

But her lifestyle comes to a screeching halt after she finds her grandmother murdered. Apparenly Grandma felt her life was at some risk because she had added a clause to her will. If her death was “unnatural,” all of her assets would be frozen. For a year. Pom and her family are evicted from their homes and cut off from their funds immediately. And it will stay that way unless the killer is caught.

When it starts to look like that will never happen, Pom teams up with Gabe, son of her former nanny (who is also feeling the pinch of the frozen assets), to see if she can find out the truth. Everyone has always thought so little of her that she’s just believed them. No one thinks she can really find the truth.

Review

Fantastic! The voice of this was immediately engaging. And it can be tricky to write a spoiled heiress and keep her likeable. But I loved Pom! I was furious that her family was so dismissive of her – and mean in their assumptions that she would fail in the real world. How dare they create an environment that built the woman and then act all put upon and superior when she acts exactly as they have taught her?!

But Pom surprises herself and her family when she rises to the occasion again and again. Choosing the hard thing over the easy thing. I adored her journey!

On top of the excellent character work in this book, the mystery is also terrific. I loved the premise of the family lock out after the grandmother’s murder. I loved watching Pomona warm to her investigative work. And the resolution was supremely satisfying. The relationship with Gabe was the cherry on top of this terrific story – I loved all of it!

This was a perfect fit for me from start to finish. And I am here for more Pomona mysteries in the future. Highly recommend for mystery fans! (Language)

Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥♥♥ – Outstanding!

REVIEW: The Cranky-Verse by Katherine Battersby

REVIEW: The Cranky-Verse by Katherine Battersby

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

Cranky Chicken and her pal Speedy are back with a few new adventures:

  • First, the two friends try to figure out why their turtle, Wags, keeps saying, “Beep!”
  • Then, when Speedy gets hurt and becomes Cranky Worm, Cranky Chicken wonders if she has to become Cheerful Chicken.
  • Finally, their little family goes camping! And… fishing!?

Review

This graphic novel reader was a HOOT! I loved the sweet addition of Wags to the group. Each of the stories was a wonderful exploration of aspects of friendship – loving nicknames, seeking understanding/communication, feelings, helping hurting friends, sharing – along with an outdoorsy adventure.

The humor here is subtle but prevalent. I didn’t even know I needed to see Speedy’s version of “fishing.” (Speedy is worm…) This was a delight from start to finish! Hand this to your young readers – or cozy up with your lap readers – for these fantastic friendship tales.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥♥ = Great! Might re-read.

REVIEW: Beast of the North Woods by Annelise Ryan

REVIEW: Beast of the North Woods by Annelise Ryan

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received a free electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Berkley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary

Andy Bosworth was working his way through the snowy winter woods with his fishing gear when he spotted the man, mauled by some sort of animal. As he raced to the river for better reception to call for help he encountered the likely animal. But Hodags aren’t supposed to be real! He could never tell anyone that was what he saw. But keeping it to himself doesn’t keep him from becoming the primary suspect.

Andy’s aunt, Rita, works for cryptozoologist – and Odds and Ends shop owner – Morgan Carter. And Andy’s father, an attorney, wants to hire Morgan to investigate Andy’s Hodag sighting as part of his defense.

Morgan would love to say no. The Hodag is a fictional cryptid, and she has her hands full with her shop and watching over her shoulder for her merdourous ex. But she can’t say no to Rita.

Morgan encounters local business owners who want her to leave and not tank the local economy with bad stories about their beloved Hodag.  And there are other weird things going on as she investigates. But nothing as mysterious as the creature she spots in the woods.

Review

This was a twisty adventure for Morgan and her friends! I was guessing all the way to the end how this was going to work out. I enjoyed both how the murder mystery was solved and also the solution to the Hodag question.

Readers who enjoy intricate mysteries that will keep you guessing should check this series out. I loved book 1, Death in Door County. I skipped book 2 (the opener was a few steps too far for me in terms of violence), but my husband has read it and really enjoyed it.

You don’t have to have an interest in cryptids to follow or enjoy these books. Most are aware enough of the Loch Ness Monster and Bigfoot to follow the first two books. The Hodag here in book 3 is a bit of a niche cryptid, but as a Wisconsin girl, I was familiar with it. I did ask two friends from Wisconsin – one who spent several years there for grad school and another who grew up not too far from where I did – and neither had heard of a Hodag. So this story might be a bit more unique for the average reader (although the author does a great job with plenty of backstory). Cyrptid fans will get a kick out of this.

I realized as I read this that while I enjoy the intricate mysteries and the cryptid connections, I have not really clicked with the main characters in the series – thus a “lower” rating than you might expect from my written review. Character connection really matters to me. I think my husband will continue with any future books that might come along, but this is not a great fit for me, so I’ll probably move on from here. (Violence, TW: Stalking)

Rating: ♥♥♥½*

*♥♥♥½ = Good +

REVIEW: Very Bad at Math by Hope Larson

REVIEW: Very Bad at Math by Hope Larson

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received a free electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and HarperAlley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary

Verity Nelson has it all – she’s running for her third term as class president, she has the highest grade in both English and Social Studies, she’s undefeated in debate club, first chair clarinet, AND is determined to follow in the footsteps of her idol, Representative Hazel Shaw. The only place she’s NOT top of the heap?

Math.

Very and her VP, Bree, have worked all year to deliver on Very’s campaign promise of a class trip to Danger Hollow. In fact, they’ve been so busy, Bree had to give up her successful – and tasty – Pizza Wizards business. But Very is in danger of losing her spot on Student Council if she doesn’t pull up her grade in math. She gets assigned to a math help group.

But Very’s extra hours devoted to math aren’t making a difference. She’s still failing, and her role as class president is slipping through her fingers. And she takes her feelings out on her closest friends.

Review

This was fantastic! I loved Verity. The author does a great job showing how skilled and gifted she is at many things while also struggling at not only math but she also struggles with inscecurity and shame.

Very’s teacher, parent, and friends surround her with love and support – and also call her out when they need to. The ups and downs of Very’s story are super normal and realistic for middle schoolers. But Very is still held responsible for her choices.

I loved this from the start, but I was over the moon when Very’s idol shows up in a “grass roots,” person-of-the-people way. It left me with a warm feeling of hope and possibility. Highly recommend!

Rating: ♥♥♥♥½*

*♥♥♥♥½ = I loved it! Would re-read.

REVIEW: Daindreth's Assassin by Elisabeth Wheatley

REVIEW: Daindreth’s Assassin by Elisabeth Wheatley

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

Amira has been a tool of others for most of her life. First by her mother and grandmother, for the Istovari Sorceresses. Then as her father’s fixer and assassin. Never fully able to pursue her own will.

When Amira is sent to assassinate Daindreth, the Archduke and future emperor, when he comes to marry her siser, she discovers a secret that could destroy everything. Amira has a power that could save Daindreth from a secret… affliction, so she offers herself and her gifts to save her sister. But Daindreth’s secrets go deeper than the assissin even realizes.

Review

I have been following the author – and her delightful Book Goblin character – on social media for awhile now, but last summer I ordered a copy of the first book in this romantasy series. And I enjoyed it! The magic system here is fascinating, and I’m not convinced I understad it fully after just one book. I am intrigued by the Istovari sorceresses and what that history and Amira’s past could mean for her future with Daindreth.

The “villains” of the story include “demons,” which might turn away some readers. This is another piece of the magic system that still has revelations in store. The author does a good job of telling an understandable story while still holding back pieces she can reveal later. I might have to pick up book two, Daindreth’s Outlaw, and see what happens next!

Rating: ♥♥♥½*

*♥♥♥½ = Good +

REVIEW: God's Stories as told by God's Children by The Bible for Normal People

REVIEW: God’s Stories as told by God’s Children by The Bible for Normal People

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary and Review

The Bible for Normal People is a podcast but also a community of Bible scholars and enthusiasts. In 2024 they did a Kickstarter to produce a children’s illustrated collection of over 60 Bible stories.

The stories are told like you’d relate a story to your kids while driving. They ask a question and the next thing you know you are trying to tell the Good Samaritan story from memory in words your child will understand. In the book there’s the core story as well as some sections of commentary and asides and interpretation and context. For example, the book begins with a passage from Jeremiah and a story of the exile, setting up a context for reading. Then Genesis comes next.

I chose a story in the middle to start, and I’ll admit on first reading this manner of telling a familiar story was jarring. This is an interpretation – a paraphrase. But the more stories I read, the more I settled into the approach. And the more I liked it. The illustration style is not my favorite, but again, it is growing on me as I spend more time reading through the collection.

There’s a QR code with each story to take readers to a website for exercises and activities. You must have an account to access these, which I chose not to create – so you’ll have to check those extra features out on your own.

I’m pleased with how this turned out, and I am looking forward to reading through the whole collection. But I will caution readers. These stories have an “agenda.” One I happen to agree with. I would call them “progressive” in their theology and interpretation. That’s not going to work for every family. If you are looking for a KJV verbatim sort of kids Bible or something I might describe as “classic evangelical,” this is not that. But I love it for what it is, and I’m proud to have been part of the Kickstarter that produced this.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥♥ = Great! Might re-read.

REVIEW: Death in the Stacks by Jenn McKinlay

REVIEW: Death in the Stacks by Jenn McKinlay

Posted on by Jaymie

[I recently discovered some unpublished reviews I wrote several years ago. I’m posting these now as they were originally written.]

Summary

Lindsey and the library crew are preparing for their biggest fundraiser of the year – the $50 per plate Dinner in the Stacks. But the new library board president is determined to cause trouble.

Olive Boyle is only chairing the board because she wants to run for mayor. She thinks a few local leadership positions will help secure her win. But her abrasive personality isn’t doing her any favors. She threatens to fire Lindsey and to expose another library employee for some past indiscretion. And then she tries to bully the event caterers into donating everything for Dinner in the Stacks.

Is it really any wonder that Olive ends up dead?

Unfortunately, Olive’s feud with Lindsey and her staff was quite public. And the body was found in the library. Even though Lindsey has sworn to all her friends that she is done sleuthing for good, how can she hang back now when her friend is the  prime suspect for Olive’s murder?

Review

This was excellent! As I have mentioned before, I love the characters in this series. I enjoy spending time with them in every book. The library angle is also a perfect fit for me.

Fans of McKinlay’s hat shop and cupcake shop series will be delighted to find the characters from those books making an appearance here. Both of those series are on my TBR pile – and this made me want to dive into those soon.

The mystery in this was outstanding. Olive was like Delores Umbridge in the HP series. Just a horrible, mean, hateful, narcissistic character. There were plenty of suspects to choose from. And the solution twisted and turned all the way to the end. Delightful!

I highly recommend this series. I am a big fan of Jenn McKinlay’s work. If you haven’t tried out any of her books, she has several series to choose from for both mystery and romance fans.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥♥♥ = Outstanding!