Category: Fiction

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📖✨ Today’s book recommendation: THE UNSELECTED JOURNALS OF EMMA M. LION by Beth Brower

-Historical Fiction

I first heard about Emma M. Lion and her journals a few years ago from a friend. She was absolutely obsessed and dying for the third volume to come out. I wasn’t too sure. The title and cover are so simple–could they really hold words worth raving about?

Well, let me tell you, dear reader, yes, yes they do! It’s like the best of Jane Austen and P.G. Wodehouse mixed together. Or a clean Bridgerton mixed with Harriet the Spy. Funny, romantic, witty, cozy, mysterious, and just so, so fun!

Here’s the official BOOK PROMO:

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Year is 1883 and Emma M. Lion has returned to her London neighbourhood of St. Crispian’s. But Emma’s plans for a charmed and studious life are sabotaged by her eccentric Cousin Archibald, her formidable Aunt Eugenia, and the slightly odd denizens of St. Crispian’s.

Emma M. Lion offers up her Unselected Journals, however self-incriminating they may be. Armed with wit and a sideways amusement, Emma documents the curious realities of her life at Lapis Lazuli House.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Emma’s voice is sharp as a hatpin, and her observations had me actually laughing out loud. If you love clever heroines, cozy mysteries, and character-driven stories with hidden depth—this one’s a must. 💌🖋️

Here is a friendly warning though: These books always leave you wanting more! Don’t say I didn’t warn you! 😂

Happy reading!

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Today’s book recommendation: LEGEND by Marie Lu

 -Young Adult Dystopian Fiction

Today I have another YA dystopian recommendation for you! This one has been around for a bit, but there’s a reason that it (and the rest of the series) repeatedly hit the NYT bestseller list. Its appeal is timeless! 

LEGEND is a story of two remarkable teenagers who are initially on opposite sides of the law. June is a military student prodigy and Day (official name: Daniel) is a wanted criminal who excels at evading the government.

🔪Here’s the official BOOK PROMO:

*****
What was once the western United States is now home to the Republic, a nation perpetually at war with its neighbors. Born into an elite family in one of the Republic’s wealthiest districts, fifteen-year-old June is a prodigy being groomed for success in the Republic’s highest military circles. Born into the slums, fifteen-year-old Day is the country’s most wanted criminal. But his motives may not be as malicious as they seem.

From very different worlds, June and Day have no reason to cross paths – until the day June’s brother, Metias, is murdered and Day becomes the prime suspect. Caught in the ultimate game of cat and mouse, Day is in a race for his family’s survival, while June seeks to avenge Metias’s death. But in a shocking turn of events, the two uncover the truth of what has really brought them together, and the sinister lengths their country will go to keep its secrets.
*****

While a fun romance sparks between the two main characters, the best part of this novel is the suspense and non-stop action. Every page keeps you on your toes with plenty of twists and turns. 

This is the book that launched Marie Lu’s career. The original series was a trilogy, but six years later, Lu added a fourth book called REBEL. There are also super fun graphic novels adapted by Leigh Dragoon and illustrated by Kaari. Do yourself a favor and check these out!

Happy reading!

Marie Lu Legend Series
Legend
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Today’s book recommendation: SCYTHE by Neal Shusterman

-Young Adult Dystopian Thriller

If you or your teenager likes thrilling dystopian stories, have I got a book for you! One of my teenage sons actually introduced it to me. At first I wasn’t sure. It’s a story about murder and death, after all. 

My initial hesitation disappeared when I realized that SCYTHE doesn’t glorify killing. Since it takes place in a future where the world has conquered illness, crime, and hunger, the job of ending lives is given to specially trained Scythes, in order to keep the population in check. 

Basically, the book is about an internal war among the Scythe organization–those who honor the old ways and carry out their duty with respect and those who kill for sport. Yes, it’s fast-paced and violent, but it really makes you think about what is important in life and clearly shows which side is right in the age-old battle of good vs. evil.

🔪Here’s the official BOOK PROMO:

*****
A world with no hunger, no disease, no war, no misery: humanity has conquered all those things, and has even conquered death. Now Scythes are the only ones who can end life—and they are commanded to do so, in order to keep the size of the population under control.

Citra and Rowan are chosen to apprentice to a scythe—a role that neither wants. These teens must master the “art” of taking life, knowing that the consequence of failure could mean losing their own.
*****

While the novel uses a dual point of view, alternating between teenagers Citra and Rowan, I really enjoyed Shusterman’s use of journal entries from various adult scythes to flesh out the history and struggles of the Scythe organization.

SCYTHE is a riveting and immersive read, which is why my son inhaled the whole 4-book series in a matter of days! Shusterman obviously knows his audience. 😊 If you liked Hunger Games, I recommend you give this series a try.

Happy reading!

Arc of a Scythe, Four Volume Set by Neal Shusterman Scythe Thunderhead The Toll Gleanings
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Today’s book recommendation: LITTLE RED HENRY by Linda Urban; Illustrated by Madeline Valentine

– Picture Book

This sweet little story turns the tale of The Little Red Hen on its head. Instead of a hen who has to do everything herself because her friends are too lazy, Henry has an extraordinarily loving family who can’t help themselves from doing every little thing for him.

Here’s the official BOOK PROMO:

*****
Little redheaded Henry’s family treats him like a baby. They dress him. They feed him. They brush his “widdle toofers.” But he’s not a baby anymore. He’s a little boy who wants to do things for himself. So with his family watching anxiously from the wings, Henry sets out on a glorious day of independence. But will things swing too far in the other direction? In this charming reworking of the classic tale of the Little Red Hen, author Linda Urban and illustrator Madeline Valentine gently and humorously depict a family trying to find a middle ground between hovering over their youngest member and giving him room to grow.

*****

The need for independence is real–especially for little ones! Almost as soon as my son could talk, I remember him saying “Me do it!” to every little thing.

But as his mom, it was tricky to step back. I was his mom! He needed me! 🙂

That’s what makes this book so humorous–it’s altogether too relatable, for parents and for kids!

Plus, the illustrations! Madeline Valentine’s delightful cartoon-style pictures add so much to this fun tale. I just love little redheaded, bespectacled Henry, and I died laughing at the spread where the whole family was listless and without purpose because they couldn’t do everything for Henry anymore!

Happy reading!

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Today’s book recommendation: THE WINTERTON DECEPTION: FINAL WORD by Janet Sumner Johnson

– Middle Grade Mystery

This middle grade mystery is so, so good! The main protagonists are twelve-year-old twins and the book has so many elements that make it fun: a spelling bee, a mansion with secret passages, a scavenger hunt, hidden treasure, tricky family dynamics, as well as long-buried family secrets.

📚 Here’s the official book promo:

*****
A twisty middle grade mystery for fans of Knives Out, The Inheritance Game, and The Westing Game. Twelve-year-old twins enter a spelling bee in a last-ditch effort to save their family from financial ruin, only to find themselves in a cut-throat competition to uncover a fortune and dark secrets about the wealthy relations they’ve never known.

Hope Smith can’t stand rich people—the dictionary magnate family the Wintertons most of all. Not since she and her twin brother, Gordon, learned that their dad was one. So when Gordon enters the family into the Winterton’s charity spelling bee, Hope wants nothing to do with it. But with their mom losing her job and the family facing eviction from the motel where they live, they desperately need the money, and it looks like Hope doesn’t have much of a choice.

After winning the preliminary round, the Smiths are whisked to Winterton Manor to compete in the official Winterton Bee against their long-lost relatives. Hope wants to get in and out, beat the snobbish family at their own game, and never see them again. But deceased matriarch Jane Winterton had other plans for this final family showdown. Before her death, she set up a clue hunt throughout the manor—an alternate way for Hope and Gordon to get the money that could change their lives.

Still, others are on the trail, too. With tensions at an all-time high, a fortune at stake, and long-simmering family secrets about to boil to the surface, anything could happen.
*****

I especially love the close twin relationship between Hope and Gordon and how they both approach their estranged family and their challenges so differently.

Do yourself a favor and pick up this book! The second one, FAULT LINES, is out now, too!

Happy reading!

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Today’s book recommendation: LOVE, SOPHIA ON THE MOON by Anica Mrose Rissi

  • SEL (Social Emotional Learning) Picture Book

There’s no doubt about it: little people have BIG feelings, and they often don’t know quite how to handle them.

In LOVE, SOPHIA ON THE MOON, Sophia is no different. This beautiful picture book, illustrated by Mika Song, does such a good job of showing how to honor those feelings while helping the child through them with gentle love and humor.

Here’s the official BOOK PROMO:

*****
Life on Earth isn’t always fair, so Sophia runs off to the moon, where there are no bedtimes, no time-outs, and no Mom.

But as Sophia and her mom send letters to each other, Mom has a clever comeback for all of Sophia’s angry notes. Home starts to sound not-quite-so-bad, especially when Mom reports that someone from the moon has moved in to Sophia’s old room, they’re having spaghetti for dinner, and they’re reading Sophia’s favorite story at bedtime.

*****

This book has so much heart! I really love how the whole thing is written in letters back and forth between Sophia and her mom. Rissi does such a great job of allowing the subtext to shine through, despite what is actually said.

This is one you’re going to want to curl up in a soft blanket and read again and again.

Happy reading!

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Today’s book recommendation: GIRL FROM NOWHERE by Tiffany Rosenhan – Young Adult Thriller

If you like spy stories, this is the one for you! The pacing is right on the money, and who doesn’t love living the fantasy of having all the language, self-defense, and survival skills that the main character, Sophia, has by the time you’re a teenager? 😊

Honestly, I am kind of obsessed with espionage stories, so I was an easy sell, but if you or your teenagers are looking for a bit of pure entertainment, look no further!

Here’s the official BOOK PROMO:

*****
Ninety-four countries. Thirty-one schools. Two bullets. Now it’s over . . . or so she thinks.

Sophia Hepworth has spent her life all over the world–moving quickly, never staying in one place for too long. She knows to always look over her shoulder, to be able to fight to survive at a moment’s notice. She has trained to be ready for anything.

Except this. Suddenly it’s over. Now Sophia is expected to attend high school in a sleepy Montana town. She is told to forget the past, but she’s haunted by it. As hard as she tries to be like her new friends and live a normal life, she can’t shake the feeling that this new normal won’t last.

Then comes strong and silent Aksel, whose skills match Sophia’s, and who seems to know more about her than he’s letting on . . .

What if everything Sophia thought she knew about her past is a lie?

Cinematic and breathtaking, Tiffany Rosenhan’s debut stars a fierce heroine who will risk everything to save the life she has built for herself.
*****

I’ve had the privilege of meeting Tiffany, and she is as delightful as her book! And while she hasn’t traveled to all of the countries that Sophia has, she has traveled extensively, and it adds a wonderful note of authenticity to the novel.

Make sure you can afford to neglect all your responsibilities for a good day or two before you dive into this one because you won’t want to put it down. 😂

Happy reading!

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Today’s book recommendation: THE SPLENDOR by Breeana Shields – Young Adult Fantasy

This book is a must read! Two of my teenagers read it, as well as me, and we all are big fans!

My daughter said she woke up too early one morning and instead of being sad that she didn’t get enough sleep, she was happy she could read more of this book. 🙂

And I totally understood! Shields did a remarkable job creating the perfect atmosphere for the story. This book is so immersive–you open it up and you’re in a glamorous and magical world of illusions and fantasy.

“The Splendor” is the name of a hotel where the guests have their most closely-held fantasies become reality (through illusion) during the length of their stay.

Juliette manages to get her beloved sister, Clare, a stay there for her birthday, but when she returns home, she is a changed person-distant, cold, and uncaring.

So, Juliette sets off to experience it for herself and unravel the mystery of what has happened to her sister.

If you like THE NIGHT CIRCUS and CARAVAL, you will definitely love this book. Give it a try and let me know what you think!

Happy reading!

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Today’s book recommendation: THE ELEPHANT’S GIRL by Celesta Rimington – Middle Grade Fiction

The magical realism genre is a middle grade favorite, and THE ELEPHANT’S GIRL doesn’t disappoint!

The story starts with Lex, a girl who doesn’t remember her past. All she knows is that when she was little, a tornado swept her away from her home and into the elephant enclosure at the Lexington Zoo. Roger, the zoo’s train engineer, finds her and takes on the role of foster father.

This beautiful story plays on the mystique of elephant communication, only taken one step further–a very special elephant in the zoo, named Nyah, begins to send images directly to Lex’s mind!

The images start Lex on an adventure that involves ghosts, treasure, and the unraveling of secrets.

It’s a charming story of friendship and found family, and Rimington brings out all the feels with her delicate handling of the main character’s emotional journey.

I love this book and highly recommend it!

And…once you’ve peaked your child’s curiosity about elephants, I also recommend THE ELEPHANT SCIENTIST by Caitlin O’Connell & Donna M. Jackson!

This middle grade nonfiction book takes you on a journey with elephant scientist, Dr. O’Connell, as she makes awesome discoveries about how elephants really do communicate. It’s won many, many awards, including a Sibert Honor, and it’s a fun way to learn more about these incredible animals!

And, yes! This was a two-for-one book recommendation. 😊 There are just so many incredible books out there to share!

Happy reading!

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Today’s book recommendation: CASTERS AND CROWNS by Elizabeth Lowham – Young Adult Fantasy

This delightful book came out just last month!

It’s a sweet romantasy, meaning it’s both a romance and a fantasy, and the romance is of the chaste, slow-burn variety. The Casters are those who are born with the ability to wield magic, but magic is highly feared and even outlawed by the Crown.

In an effort to prove herself to her father, the crown princess tries to negotiate for peace with the Casters, but ends up getting herself cursed. If she doesn’t find a way to break the curse, she will die, followed by every member of her royal family, one by one.

A certain handsome Baron, who is loyal to the Crown, but also happens to be a Caster, has to overcome his own fears in order to help her find a way to unite her kingdom.

There’s elements of fairytales like Sleeping Beauty and 12 Dancing Princesses, but this book really has a feel all its own. I loved the antics of the Baron’s younger siblings, the love letters being delivered by bird, and the ending surprised me in the best kind of way!

Happy reading!