Category: Reviews

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!

REVIEW: Wagnificent: The Adventures of Thunder and Sage by Bethanie Murguia

REVIEW: Wagnificent: The Adventures of Thunder and Sage by Bethanie Murguia

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

Sage is excited about hunting for magical creatures with her dog Thunder. But Thunder is learning about his wolf ancestors, leading to some behavior that Sage doesn’t like. As Sage learns about the connection between dogs and wolves, she starts to understand. And Thunder learns there’s a time and a place to let out the inner wolf.

Review

This graphic novel is charming! I loved the illustrations and the shifts in perspective between Sage and Thunder. The nervous “worry wind” (dog farts) made me laugh every time! There are clever illustrations showing readers about Thunder’s emotions in dog-ish ways. And the wolfish explanations for Thunder’s behavior allow for some empathy and understanding to develop between the characters. This is super sweet! Dog fans and graphic novel fans should not miss this! Book 2 in the Wagnificent sereis, A New Dog in the Den, will be out this summer.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥♥ = Great! Might re-read.

REVIEW: A Grim Reaper's Guide to Catching a Killer by Maxie Dara

REVIEW: A Grim Reaper’s Guide to Catching a Killer by Maxie Dara

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

Kathy’s work for SCYTHE, escorting the souls of the newly dead to processing, is simple. Predictable. And newly-divorced and pregnant Kathy can use some “predictable” in her life.

But the soul she’s supposed to be picking up is at first missing. And then later, when she finds him, he’s belligerent and hostile, insisting he was murdered. So now she’s stuck with a mouthy teen soul as her sidekick while she tries to hunt down the truth.

Review

This was fun! I adored the relationship between Connor (the soul) and Kathy throughout the book. And the role Kathy’s ex played in the story was a sweet addition.

The world building here is fun – the role of SCYTHE, Kathy’s job responsibilities, etc.. I liked the combination of genre’s too – mystery, fantasy, with a little second chance love story to work out on the side. The pieces all came together for an engaging story with a fast-paced ending with a sweet, emotional touch. I loved this quirky story and would absolutely pick up a sequel. (Language)

Rating: ♥♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥♥ = Great! Might re-read

REVIEW: Unicorn Book Club by Dana Simpson

REVIEW: Unicorn Book Club by Dana Simpson

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary and Review

In the latest Phoebe and Her Unicorn book (#21), Marigold tries to join her sister Florence’s book club, Dakota becomes friends with Lord Splendid Humility, and Phoebe has to find Marigold when she goes missing.

This is a fun collection of stories starring Phoebe and her unicorn friend, Marigold Heavenly Nostrils. There’s plenty of unicorn shenanigans and snark but also heart and friendship. I especially enjoyed the book club pieces, but there’s lots here to enjoy.

Series fans should check this collection out. Newcomers may not catch on to all of the humor as a good amount is based on history and relationships. I have loved Phoebe and Marigold from the beginning and would encourage newcomers to just start from book one and work your way here. This is a fun series!

Rating: ♥♥♥½*

*♥♥♥½ = Good +

REVIEW: The Dream of You by Jo Saxton

REVIEW: The Dream of You by Jo Saxton

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 and Review

When the storms of life come – as they always do – it’s important to know who and whose you are. Be anchored in your identity in Christ.

Jo Saxton has experienced plenty of ups and downs in life. Through them all, she knows God has been walking beside her. She shares her personal story in this book – from her early years in foster care to her move to the US and the ups and downs of her life in ministry. She also shares Bible stories about Ruth and Naomi, Ezekiel, David and Goliath, and others to illustrate basic principles of identity.

This book was a delight from start to finish. Jo Saxton first came to my attention through If Gathering (several years ago). Every time I hear her, she speaks directly to my heart and my circumstances. This book was no different. Many of the chapters start with a letter. It was my favorite feature. The letters are personable and tender. The writing style of the whole book is that way. I felt like I was reading a letter from a friend – someone who’s been there before, someone who wants to help.

Identity is one of my favorite themes in books – fiction or nonfiction. And this is one of the best I’ve ready. [I received an ARC of this book when I registered for the 2018 If Gathering conference in my local area.]

Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥♥♥ = Outstanding!

REVIEW: Wings of Fire: A Guide to the Dragon World by Tui T. Sutherland

REVIEW: Wings of Fire: A Guide to the Dragon World by Tui T. Sutherland

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary and Review

A gorgeous compilation of dragon facts and stories from the various tribes of dragons from the long-running Wings of Fire series!

Each section includes full color art with descriptions of the tribe’s dragons. Then readers get to enjoy scrolls, stories, and letters gathered from members of the tribe to help Starflight create a resource that cuts through the secrets and lies that in the past led to distrust, war, death, and destruction.

This is probably a better resource for series fans rather than for newbies. Spoilers from the various books are included throughout the guide. I thoroughly enjoyed revisiting the tribes and stories. In the end, this made me want to go back and re-read the whole series again. If you have a Wings of Fire fan in your life, they will LOVE this guide. And if the fans you know happen to be students in your classroom, then your classroom library needs this resource guide.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥½*

*♥♥♥♥½ = I loved it! Would re-read.

REVIEW: Fangs for Nothing by Steffanie Holmes

REVIEW: Fangs for Nothing by Steffanie Holmes

Posted on by Jaymie

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

Summary

Winnie has a new gig helping someone who needs a professional organizer. And the timing is perfect, getting her out of London and away from her mom and the memories of Patrick… and Claire.

Alaric’s butler has hired the organizer to help him prepare for a ball his mother insists on holding in his home. The problem is that the organizer is a human. And Alaric is a vampire.

Winnie’s job might be too much for one woman to handle in three weeks. But she’s joining a local book club – The Nevermore Murder Club and Smutty Book Coven – and they have a murder to solve. And that’s a nice distraction from her childhood trauma, from her ex-fiancé and ex-best friend who are in town, and from the completely inappropriate feelings she is developing for her client.

But instead of distracting her from her boss, she ends up faking a romantic relationship with him – at first to fool Winnie’s ex and then to fool Alaric’s mother – who has shown up with a woman she expects him to marry.

Review

So fun! I immediately fell in love with this – the characters, the world building, the romance, and the mystery. And the story is LONG – I felt like I really got to dig deep with this. And when I finished the ARC, I immediately bought my own copy and pre-ordered the sequel, A Grave Mistake. Together the books kick off the author’s Nevermore Murder Club and Smutty Book Coven series, which is a spinoff of an earlier Nevermore Bookshop Mystery series. I haven’t read that series, but plan to try it out. [Sadly for readers, book two has been postponed and pre-orders have been canceled. Happily for the author, she has secured a publishing deal! So book one is being re-released and book two will come out later this year. I guess I will have to re-read Fangs for Nothing while I wait!]

The mystery here – humans drained of blood by a rogue vampire – takes a back seat to the romance, and I was okay with that.  (Pieces of the mystery will carry over into book 2.) The romance between two broken people dealing with past trauma was the central focus, and I adored it so much I was a little sad to discover that Winnie and Alaric won’t be the POV characters for the sequel – but only a little sad because the premise for book 2 is fantastic!

I don’t generally love vampire stories – and I definitely don’t seek them out. But this, while also spicier than my usual read, really worked for me. The world building is well done and clever, and the pacing is terrific. I have an aversion to the word “smut,” so I didn’t love it’s use in the book, but it was a small price to pay for the overall experience of this fantastic story. This was the first book in a LONG time that trumped my other hobbies and chores and bedtime and kept me reading any chance I could find until I finished.

Paranormal romance and fantasy fans as well as vampire fans should definitely pick this up.  This checks a few of the same boxes as my 2024 find, the Riley Thorne series – the paranormal aspects (vampire here, psychic there) in a romance/mystery combo story. This is quite a bit darker than Riley as well as being more serious and more spicy. But I loved it all the same! (Language, sex. Trigger warning: Hoarding, nightmares, obsessive-compulsive behaviors)

Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥♥♥ – Outstanding!