Tag: writing and writers

REVIEW: J vs K by Kwame Alexander and Jerry Craft

REVIEW: J vs K by Kwame Alexander and Jerry Craft

Posted on by Jaymie

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

Summary

J is an amazing young artist who doesn’t like to read.
K is an amazing young writer who couldn’t draw a straight line if his life depended on it.
And they are both entering their school’s annual creative storytelling contest. And that makes them rivals.

J’s confidence wavers when he sees how his friends respond to K’s writing. What if he can’t deliver on a good enough story to compete? J’s friends loved his latest comic, though, which leaves K feeling flustered.

When J tries to subtly get some writing tips from K, K deliberately gives him terrible advice. And J tricks K into using his equally terrible “drawing secrets.” So they both create terrible stories that leave all of the other kids stunned.

Then a game of 2-on-2 basketball shows them what they can accomplish when they team up. What might happen if they tried that for the storytelling contest?

Review

This was fun, and I think kids will enjoy it. The illustrations weren’t 100% complete in my review copy, but what I saw was fun. The tone of the book is sassy, keeping with the rivalry of the two main characters – and the two authors. There are also great moments celebrating art, words, stories, and family. There’s a lot here for readers to enjoy.

There are tons of asides throughout the book from the two authors, Kwame Alexander and Jerry Craft. Those could become a distraction for some readers as they break the flow of J and K’s story. Other readers will likely enjoy the banter. I found them distracting, but they did keep the “rivalry” theme up throughout the book.

This would be a great mentor text for readers who love art, writing, and storytelling. And many classroom libraries would be well served by having a couple of copies of this on hand!

Rating: ♥♥♥½*

*♥♥♥½ = Good+

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: The Night Woods by Paula Munier

REVIEW: The Night Woods by Paula Munier

Posted on by Jaymie

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

Summary

On a walk in the woods, a very pregnant Mercy and her dog Elvis discover a dead man in the home of their friend Homer. And they find Homer and his bloodhound in the woods, and Homer is gravely injured.

Then a wealthy landowner goes missing during a forest hunt with some of his guests. And Mercy – or Troy – receives an ominous, threatening note on the door of their home.

Mercy’s family and friends would like her to hunker down and wait for the baby, going as far as assigning her a teenaged “keeper.” But she’s determined to help Homer find the truth of what happened to his murdered friend.

Review

I enjoyed this 5th book in the Mercy Carr series. Mercy and Elvis are great, as always. I enjoyed how the author worked things to let Mercy be Mercy while also acknowledging her pregnancy and how that would impact her usual investigating.

One of my favorite things about the book was how Mercy honestly deliberates about her preparedness – and even suitability – for parenting. It felt so vulnerable and so honest. And also so true to the character.

Troy and Mercy are delightful together – as usual. He is protective and concerned while never asking or expecting Mercy to be someone she is not. It’s a beautiful partnership/relationship. The addition of Tandie, the teen, to the core group was a treat! I’ve said many times how much I love an amazing child or teen character, and Tandie fits that same feature I have loved in other things.

Series fans should totally pick this up to stay up on Mercy’s story. The mystery is good – twisty! – but it took a backseat for me to the baby/pregnancy deliberations and the group dynamics which I loved. Newcomers should really start the series from the beginning to get the most from this.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥♥ = Great! Might re-read

REVIEW: Let It Glow by Marissa Meyer and Joanne Levy

REVIEW: Let It Glow by Marissa Meyer and Joanne Levy

Posted on by Jaymie

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

Summary

Aviva and Holly have grown up knowing they were adopted. For Aviva, sometimes that makes her feel like she’s not really Jewish, like her grandmother. But with Bubbe’s encouragement, she agrees to perform a Hanukkah song at a holiday pageant at the Senior Center. Performing is like breathing to her!

Holly isn’t a performer like Aviva – her creativity is in her writing. It’s something she and her grandfather have in common. Her family is checking out the Senior Center for her grandfather who has had a few scary falls at home lately. But when Holly and Aviva come face to face at the center, it’s like looking into a mirror.

Could they be twins?!

Review

“I barely know you, but that expression on your face looks like trouble.”

Who doesn’t love a twin-swapping story? And this is a fun one! I enjoyed every bit of this. The two girls are great – separately and together. Their families are lovely, too.

There’s a fascinating piece of this story were Aviva wrestles with her identity as an adoptee in a Jewish family, wondering if she is “Jewish enough” while also realizing how much she doesn’t know about the Jewish faith, holidays, and traditions. Both girls get to explore this in the book while Aviva also gets to check out some pieces of Christmas while she lives with Holly’s family for a few days.

The swap is a lot of fun for the reader. And it opens up some other places where the girls get to think about identity and family and what they hope their discovery of each other can mean for the future.

This is exactly the right mix of holiday cozy and middle grade fun, and I highly recommend it. It would make for a great classroom read aloud around the holidays.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥♥♥ = Outstanding!

REVIEW: Everyone This Christmas Has a Secret by Benjamin Stevenson

REVIEW: Everyone This Christmas Has a Secret by Benjamin Stevenson

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

Ernest Cunningham lays out the tropes and expectations of the “holiday special” mystery and then takes readers through his own “holiday special” which he compares to an Advent Calendar – “23 clues and a killer.”

Ernest’s ex wife has been arrested for the brutal murder of her romantic partner, a wealthy philanthropist. And she asks Ern to solve the mystery.

Ernest starts working through Lyle’s business associates from his foundation as well as the recovering addicts working at the theatre with magician Rylan Blaze. Before Ernest gets very far in his investigation, another body drops, and he has to determine who killed both of the victims – before Christmas.

Review

Wow, was this twisty! Once I started, I didn’t want to put it down. [One of the features of Ernest’s latest story is it can be read like an advent calendar, one chapter a day for each day of December until Christmas. But I know I wouldn’t have been able to stop at one chapter a day!]

Fans of earlier books in the series will be happy to know there are a few new rules this time around for the “holiday special.” I thought the insertions of Ern’s post-story reflections as he writes were less intrusive this time around – or maybe I’m just more accustomed to the unusual storytelling now that we are three books in. I’m still reeling over the big reveals at the end – this was SO cleverly put together. And it’s actually a holiday mystery with holiday elements – not just a full mystery that happens to take place in December.

Series fans should NOT miss this one! It’s so good. I think newcomers could start here as there aren’t many references to Ernest’s past or insider knowledge necessary. But I think Ern’s style – of storytelling and of mystery solving – makes more sense in the context of the series read in order. (Some language)

Rating: ♥♥♥♥½*

*♥♥♥♥½ = I loved it! Would re-read.

REVIEW: A Merry Little Murder Plot by Jenn McKinlay

REVIEW: A Merry Little Murder Plot by Jenn McKinlay

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

Helen Monroe is the “writer in residence” in Briar Creek this winter. After completing her long-running thriller series (by killing off her main character), Helen is working on a new, secret project.

Helen’s “biggest fan,” Jackie Lewis, has also shown up in Briar Creek. And her presence has alarm bells going off in Lindsey’s head. Lindsey has dealt with a stalker before, and this feels all too familiar. And when Jackie crashes a community event trying to paint Helen as a plagiarist who stole Jackie’s book ideas, Lindsey’s fear is confirmed.

But Jackie isn’t the only person with a grudge or vendetta against Helen. Helen’s novels based on true crimes have angered the families involved. And a new member of the library board has a vendetta against Helen as well.

So when  Lindsey discovers a dead body, she has some investigating to do.

Review

This was great! A few holiday activities give this a Christmas-y feel, but the story is a solid mystery for readers to enjoy at any time of the year.

I loved the writing-based mystery, and the many twists kept me guessing to the end. I loved getting to spend some time with Lindsey and Sully and their friends while watching the mystery unfold.

Newcomers could easily start this series here. The mystery is terrific and doesn’t rely too much on series history. But the Library Lover series has been a favorite for me for awhile – so be sure to check out the whole series. And once you are hooked, you can check out Jenn McKinlay’s other mysteries and romance books. You won’t be disappointed.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥½*

*♥♥♥♥½ = I loved it! Would re-read.

REVIEW: The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year by Ally Carter

REVIEW: The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year by Ally Carter

Posted on by Jaymie

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

Summary

Maggie Chase has had a rough road in life, from the loss of her parents when she was in college to the betrayal by her husband and their subsequent divorce. And that last one pushed her so far down to the point where she rarely leaves the house. Her editor had to cajole her to take this mysterious Christmas trip that is supposed to “change her life.”

But Ethan Wyatt ruined everything. While Maggie is the queen of the cozy mystery, Wyatt writes thrillers – “leather jacket books.” And he is all ego and confidence – and annoyance. He can’t even get her name right after all these years, repeatedly calling her “Marcie.”

The two of them find themselves in the middle of a real-life mystery when world famous author, Eleanor Ashley, their Christmas host, goes missing from a locked room of her mansion in the middle of a snowstorm.

Review

Sometimes you start a new book and everything clicks. The characters are intriguing. The banter makes you laugh out loud. And you feel like you can’t contain the feeling – the potential that this could be a new favorite. You feel a pressure in your chest. Not the weight of anxiety or dread pressing down but the hope – the delight – bubbling up, trying to press out from inside. This was one such book for me.

From the very beginning I felt GIDDY reading this. The main characters had personal stories I couldn’t wait to uncover. Their cutting remarks were funny, not vicious. The potential and chemistry between Maggie and Ethan CRACKLED. Then there was the writing/publishing/mystery angle, which is always a great hook for me. And finally it was a snowed in whodunit which I also adore. If I could design a perfect book for me, this is an A+ set up, checking all the boxes.

I have been an Ally Carter fan since I discovered the Gallagher Girls series. Her older middle grade (10-14) mysteries in the Winterborne series are OUTSTANDING. Her first adult romance, The Blonde Identity, had mixed reviews, and while I could understand some of the criticism, it worked for me

But THIS is everything I have ever loved about her work all rolled into one. My all-time favorite Ally Carter book – and likely one of my favorite books read in 2024. Do NOT miss this! (Language, gaslighting)

Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥+++*

♥♥♥♥♥+++ = Best of the best!

REVIEW: The Rom-Commers by Katherine Center

REVIEW: The Rom-Commers by Katherine Center

Posted on by Jaymie

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

Summary

Emma Wheeler has been given the opportunity of a lifetime – co-write/ghostwrite a screenplay with her idol, Charlie Yates. He’s written a rom-com, and it needs some serious help. But he has to get it written in order to get a pet project produced. Emma has to put her life on hold and go to LA for 6 weeks to work on the re-write. She’s been her father’s daily caregiver for years – it’s a lot to step away from.

But when she gets to LA, Charlie doesn’t know anything about this arrangement – and he’s not interested in anything Emma has to offer.  She’s embarrassed and tempted to flee back home where life is familiar even though it is also soul-crushing at times. Instead, she fights for this opportunity. Taking in some observations of Charlie and recognizing the power of being completely willing to walk away, she negotiates her way into a real chance to write this screenplay and see it get produced. And maybe prove to Charlie – and herself – that she’s not a “failed writer.”

Review

This was excellent! Everything the book describes as essential for a rom-com – the happily-ever-after, the banter, the slow burn, the “sparkle” – is on display here.

I loved Emma and Charlie, both alone and together. Their individual stories are fascinating. And the psychology of how those individual stories impact the relationship between the two writers was delightful. There were many beautifully written scenes that begged to be read out loud. And I laughed out loud often.

Katherine Center’s fans should not hesitate to grab her latest rom-com. It absolutely sparkles, both in the cozy relationship and in the writing. And if you are a rom-com fan in general, you do not want to miss this one! (Language)

Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥♥♥ = Outstanding!

REVIEW: Love at First Book by Jenn McKinlay

REVIEW: Love at First Book by Jenn McKinlay

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

Emily Allen has stepped away from her life in Martha’s Vineyard to work at the Last Chapter bookshop in Ireland and be an assistant to a writer in residence.  Siobhan Riordan – Emily’s favorite author. This has the potential to be a dream come true for Emily. Except for Kiernan Murphy – bookstore owner, all-around jerk who wants nothing to do with Emily, and Siobhan’s son.

For some reason, Kiernan seems determined to send Emily back to America asap. But she’s just as determined to stay. Siobhan’s books accompanied her through many difficult years. She wants to return the favor by helping Siobhan with her writer’s block. Being an ocean away from her toxic mother is just an added perk.

As Em becomes a bigger part of the Last Chapter family and Siobhan starts writing again, Kier thaws towards her – and then things between them heat up. But a secret has the potential to tear down everything Emily has found in Finn Hollow – everything she’s ever wanted.

Review

This was so good! I completely fell in love with the main character and the bookshop staff. What a delight to spend time with all of them!

The main story beats were pretty obvious going in, but I can’t complain that this was “predictable” because the execution was terrific. I loved Emily’s journey toward redefining herself in this new place without the burden of her mother. (BTW, her mother was deplorable – the absolute worst.) Siobhan was fantastic – both as a writer but also as a mentor. Kier and Em together were great, but it was the larger story of Emily’s journey that really clicked for me.

Romance fans, McKinlay fans, Summer Reading fans (these two books are loosely connected), and book/writing story fans should absolutely pick this up. And be sure to have tissues handly for the last quarter. (Language, sex)

Rating: ♥♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥♥ = Great! Might re-read

REVIEW: Everyone on This Train Is a Suspect by Benjamin Stevenson

REVIEW: Everyone on This Train Is a Suspect by Benjamin Stevenson

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

The Australian Mystery Writers’ Festival is celebrating their 50th anniversary by traveling by train through the country. Ernie Cunningham is on board with his girlfriend, Juliette, as one of the headliners thanks to the notoriety of his memoir, Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone.

But when someone dies on the train, could it be that Ernie is connected to another murder? Or is it just the wishful thinking of a writer on deadline trying to find his story?

Review

Wow. Another stunner of a mystery from Benjamin Stevenson! I am a huge fan of Ernie’s voice in this series. His self-awareness as the narrator hooked me in book 1, and it’s just as fun here.

I liked this even more than the first book. The secondary characters here are great! And I am a huge fan of this sort of mystery set-up – “strangers” gather at a venue for an event and through a murder you discover secret connections and hidden – or not-so-hidden – motives. And in the end the sleuth reveals the killer. As Ernie promises at the start, this follows all the rules and hits all the beats.

There are some laugh-out-loud moments along with some surprises here. And of course there’s a meaty mystery with a thorough, captivating resolution.

I don’t know that you have to read these in order, but it helps. I would recommend it just because the first book is the basis for Ernie’s presence at this event and is referenced often. If you have already read it – and loved it like I did – you do NOT want to miss this! (Language. TW: Reference to sexual assault.)

Rating: ♥♥♥♥½*

*♥♥♥♥½ – I loved it! Would re-read.