Category: Reviews

REVIEW: The Bigfoot Field Guide to Campers by Jami Gigot

REVIEW: The Bigfoot Field Guide to Campers by Jami Gigot

Posted on by Jaymie

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

Summary and Review

The Bigfoot Field Guide to Campers (and Other Mysterious Creatures) is two stories in one. The story told by the text is the Field Guide – guidelines for Bigfoots to understand the dangers of encountering campers and how to deal with them. The story told by the illustrations (crayon-coloring style great for the Field Guide feel of this) is the first-hand experience of one Bigfoot with a camper. The layout of this is darling, and the two-story setup is so clever. I enjoyed this friendship story.

This could be a fun mentor text to use while having students make their own field guide. Teachers could pair this with the Alex’s Field Guide series, which I love.

This could also be a mentor text to use with students to see what it is like to tell one story with text and another with pictures. Teachers could pair this with books like Silly Doggy! or Naughty Kitty! (♥♥♥♥).

Rating: ♥♥♥½*

*♥♥♥½ = Good +

REVIEW: Becoming the Pastor's Wife by Beth Allison Barr

REVIEW: Becoming the Pastor’s Wife by Beth Allison Barr

Posted on by Jaymie

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

Summary and Review

The full title of this book is Becoming the Pastor’s Wife: How Marriage Replaced Ordination as a Woman’s Path to Ministry. And I found it both fascinating and infurating. It was written by the author of The Making of Biblical Womanhood: How the Subjugation of Women Became Gospel Truth (a book I own but haven’t read yet.).  Beth Allison Barr is an historian and a professor of history at Baylor University.

The book explores the very real phenomenon of expectations at many churches that the pastor’s wife, simply by virtue of her marriage, is the “free labor” bonus to the hiring of her pastor husband. A default volunteer, or pianist, or Sunday School teacher – despite her gifts or call or vocation as an individual. Barr discusses this phenomenon – something she has experienced as a pastor’s wife and something spoken about frequently in certain Christian circles – while also examining 2000+ years of history of women’s roles to and in the Church.

This was a “preaching to the choir” sort of read for me as a woman in a denomination/”movement” that educates and ordains women for service to the Church. She didn’t need to sell me on the validity of women’s ordination, but she did show me mountains of evidence that the QUESTION of women’s ordination and leadership has not existed throughout the life of the Church.

While I was reading this I was also listening to the mini podcast series called All the Buried Women, hosted by the author, Beth Allison Barr, and Savannah Locke. The podcast focuses specifically on the Southern Baptist Convention (a significant player in the discussions in the book), and what the two women found while doing research at the SBC’s archive.  Again, a fascinating and infuriating look at history and harm to women done by the Church, specifically the SBC. The podcast is an excellent companion piece to this book (although the podcast does come with trigger warnings).

This book is thoroughly researched and historically anchored and shows centuries of evidence of women in leadership roles in the church based on their own gifts and calling, not only on marriage to a called or ordained man. I am not sure it would convince someone who is already entrenched in the idea that women should not be ordained, but it will provide evidence for those who are looking to back up the practice of ordaining women. This also could be a great resource for instructors who want to explore the issue with those studying for ministry.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥♥ = Great! Might re-read.

 

REVIEW: The Notorious Virtues by Alwyn Hamilton

REVIEW: The Notorious Virtues by Alwyn Hamilton

Posted on by Jaymie

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

Summary

Honora Holtzfall is considered the “Holtzfall Heiress,” but that’s not really true. It was her mother who was the true Heiress. But now she’s dead, and it’s time to choose a new heiress – and Nora is just one of the contenders in the Veritaz. The imortal Huldrekall will determine which candidate is most worthy of the fortune – and magic – at stake.

Lotte is the surprise contender – the Holtzfall cousin no one knew existed. The one with the highly prized magical gift of mindreading. Raised as a “cursed” orphan by cruel caretakers. And perhaps hunted by her biological family to keep her from the Veritaz.

While this generation of Holtzfalls – five cousins in all – take their turn at the Veritaz, Nora can’t help digging into her mother’s death and a missing knight, her mother’s protector. But Nora’s quest for answers begins to unravel everything.

Review

This description barely scratches the surface of what is going on in this book. There’s  a fairy tale element to the world building – the huntsman ancester of the Holtzfalls who created the world they now live in, the monsters in the woods, villains who wear masks like woodland creatures and beasts. There’s a fascinating family – magical, rich, ruthless, full of secrets. And there’s a land on the brink of rebellion.

And I loved every bit of it.

This was incredible! I couldn’t get enough of it. For the entire last quarter I watched the percent read creep up, wondering if there was any way this story would wrap up by the end of the book. And while we got to a stopping point, this story is not finished by far! According to Goodreads this is the first in a trilogy.

The author did not disappoint with the twists and reveals and new questions all the way to the last page.  And I am not at all ready to be done with these characters and this world. I can’t wait to read more! This is my top book of 2025 so far. This will be the book I will shout about for months to come – the book I will pat fondly every time I see it in the bookstore. I bought my own copy immediately after finishing the ARC, and I will absolutely be reading it again soon. I can’t recommend this one highly enough. (Some language)

Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥+++

♥♥♥♥♥+++ = Best of the best

REVIEW: Story of My Life by Lucy Score

REVIEW: Story of My Life by Lucy Score

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

Once upon a time, Hazel Hart was a best-selling romance author. But these days she’s not writing – and sometimes not even showering. It’s been a tough season. At a recent author event with 600 rabid readers, she had less than 20 come by her table. And she’s five days away from losing her home thanks to her recent divorce. The hits just keep coming.

When she comes across a news article from Story Lake, PA in her idea file, everything changes. A story starts flowing in her brain like they used to. And the thought of a fresh start in a small town like the ones she used to write sets her heart pounding. So on impulse she buys a house – the house from the article –  sight unseen, in an online auction.

What Hazel finds in Story Lake – the house, the townspeople, the gorgeous yet grumpy contractor – isn’t at all what she expected. But it could be just what she needs.

Review

Not only is Lucy Score the undisputed queen of rom-coms in my opinion, but she is also the queen of brother trios. I thought the Knockemout guys were amazing, but they have nothing on the Bishop brothers (the whole family, really). I am in love.

This was a home run from the begining. I loved everything – the main characters, the quirky town, the Bishop family, the bantering brothers, the raccoon. All of it. This is the perfect sort of book for me. I’d read things like this every day. My only complaint is discovering this perfection on book 1. I discovered Riley Thorn when there were three books in the series. And I found Knockemout when the whole trio was done. I could blitz through multiple treats in a row with those. With this, I’ll have to settle for re-reads for a year. But the wait will be worth it!

Lucy Score fans and rom-com fans should not miss this! (Language, sex)

Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥♥♥ – Outstanding!

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 +