Recent Reads: The Hidden World of Gnomes by Lauren Soloy

Source: From Librarything Early Reviewers program. This in no way alters my opinion or review. 

The Hidden World of Gnomes by Lauren Soloy  

Publisher: Tundra Books
Publication Date:  June 20, 2023

 

Format: Hardback

Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis:

A delightful introduction and collection of facts about the secret lives of gnomes that will charm and fascinate readers of all ages.

This book is an introduction to the hidden folk called gnomes, who live in a happy place they call The Pocket. Where is The Pocket, you ask?

Well, it’s all around you, all the time.

Gnomes are curious little creatures, and they’re very shy. But after reading this book, you will learn to spot the telltale signs that gnomes are around . . . and maybe even meet one!

Lauren Soloy has been studying gnomes her whole life, and she has created this book to share her knowledge with you. For example, what jobs do gnomes do? Babysitting robin's eggs, squirrel-tail fluffing, storytelling. Where do they live? In gardens, forests and any place with plants, birds and bugs. What are their names? Hotchi-Mossy, Able Potter, Cob Tiggy and Puckle Swift, to name a few.

With charming details and surprising facts, this celebration of all things gnome will enchant readers of all ages.

 Review: 

This was so wonderful! A hardback edition graphic novel all about gnomes and their hidden, secret, beautiful natural world. It is about the gnomes but also joy and the beauty of nature too. 

The vibe is cute, cozy, warm and inviting, and it is like an encyclopedia of gnomes with pictures and information about their hobbies and enviornmental likes... it is adorable! 

I loved this cover, the end pages, and all the illustrations are great.  Some focus on the gnomes, others are about joy or nature, and enjoying the outside. Reminders to stop and look around and enjoy nature. 

Overall it is super simple and whimsical but sometimes that is exactly what you need. 

Other notes/thoughts - is this a UK author? I had to look up woody pig... aka rolly polly in USA.? Loved Twiggy dell - they are a craft hoarder and this made me laugh out loud.

Recent Reads: The Golden Spoon by Jessa Maxwell

The Golden Spoon by Jessa Maxwell 

Publisher: Atria Books
Publication Date:  March 7, 2023

 

Format: Audiobook
Source: Bought with Audible credits.

Rating:

Goodreads Synopsis: 

For six amateur bakers, competing in Bake Week is a dream come true.

When they arrive at Grafton Manor to compete, they're ready to do whatever it takes to win the ultimate The Golden Spoon.

But for the show's famous host, Betsy Martin, Bake Week is more than just a competition. Grafton Manor is her family's home and legacy - and Bake Week is her life's work. It's imperative that both continue to succeed.

But as the competition commences, things begin to go awry. At first, it's small acts of sabotage. Someone switching sugar for salt. A hob turned far too high.

But when a body is discovered, it's clear that for someone in the competition, The Golden Spoon is a prize worth killing for...

Review: 

I listened to the audiobook of this one. The audio is read by multiple readers as a full cast. I generally listen at more than 1x speed, but there was one character that sounded far too anxious and mousey for me to do that with this one which was an immediate bummer. 

The book follows six contestants on a baking show. The audiobook is read by a full cast, which is always nice for these kinds of books with multiple POVs. Betsy Martin is the grandmother of baking, like a Martha Stewart meets baking but she is feeling threatened about her show and her age and the new guy they hired to co-host with her. 

I liked the cast of characters, they played well as single characters and as a group off each other throughout the book. I found Betsy so rude and annoying all the time. She was entitled and showed it. I liked the competition aspect of the book, and it felt like watching a show to some degree, but the whole thing was predictable in a lot of ways. If I go into too much detail it will spoil it, so I won't. There was a mystery... but it wasn't necessarily the dead body from the beginning, but that was a flashy start.

Other thoughts - Lottie and Pradyumma's friendship was so cute, like mom and son and I appreciated their helping each other. (apologies for any name misspelling, I listened to the audiobook). Stella was too frantic for me and I had to slow down my listening speed to hear her properly. I liked that the reader got into her character in that way because she was anxious all the time. I didn't like Hannah, she was there for fame and would have done anything for it, which was a bit gross. I wish I had more time with Peter he seemed interesting and Gerald was weird, in a nerdy way... (which so am I) he has some OCD and perfectionist issues which were great for this setting. I wanted more of him being sneaky. 

Overall this book was ok. I liked the characters but wanted more from the mystery - it fell really short. 

Recent Reads: A Green Velvet Secret by Vicki Grant

Source: From Librarything and the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review.

A Green Velvet Secret by Vicki Grant 

Publisher: Tundra Books
Publication Date:  March 7, 2023

 

Format: Hardback


Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

Letters from beyond the grave and a green velvet dress reveal a secret about Yardley's beloved grandmother; for fans of The Parker Inheritance and The List of Things That Will Not Change and ages 10 and up.

It's always hard to lose a friend, but for Yardley O'Hanlon it's devastating. Her best friend is her wild and wonderful grandmother Gidge. They're two fashionable peas in a quirky little pod. They spend all their time together sewing and crafting and creating beautiful things — until Gidge dies, and Yardley loses her for good.

Or does she?

Yardley isn't convinced. Gidge was a big believer in reincarnation. She promised she'd never leave Yardley, and Gidge always kept her promises. So when a stylish older woman walks into the Over Easy Vintage Emporium where Yardley is helping out, Yardley is sure it's her grandmother, back from the dead. But her happiness doesn't last long, as the woman runs away in terror and no one else believes she was Gidge reincarnated. It's only with the help of a beautiful green velvet dress, a series of letters from "the other side" and an irritating twelve-year-old buttinsky named Harris that Yardley discovers there's more to the mystery woman — and Gidge — than she ever imagined.

Review: 

This book is all about family, grief, finding friendship, and the flair for being different. Yardley is a young girl and she is best friends with her grandmother Gidge. They do everything together, but in the beginning of the book Gidge finds out something terrible, she has cancer. Together they spend time trying to rebuild Gidge's karma before her grand departure from the world in hopes of her being reincarnated. After her passing Yardley is in a tough spot. 

Yardley is a little strange, much like Gidge, but she gets through it most the time with the help of her very eccentric family. The book follows her as she learns to live without Gidge, making new friends, and learns about grief and how to overcome it in her day-to-day life.  

This was a super sweet book. I laughed and cried with Yardley and her family and felt Gidge around as I read. This book covered some harder lessons for middle grade readers, but did it really well and in a way that was constructive and not overly -explanational. I think that Yardley came to terms with her new life well, I think that younger readers dealing with loss might find this book helpful.

Recent Reads: Kiss the Girl by Zoraida Córdova

Source: From the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review.

Kiss the Girl by Zoraida Córdova

Series: Meant to Be #3
Publisher: Hyperion Avenue
Publication Date:  August 1, 2023

 

Format: Paperback ARC


Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

Ariel del Mar is one of the most famous singers in the world. She and her sisters—together, known as the band Siren Seven—have been a pop culture phenomenon since they were kids. On stage, wearing her iconic red wig and sequined costumes, staring out at a sea of fans, is where she shines. Anyone would think she’s the girl who has everything. 

But lately, she wants more . Siren Seven is wrapping up their farewell tour, and Ariel can’t wait to spend the summer just living a normal life—part of a world she’s only ever seen from the outside. But her father, the head of Atlantica Records, has other begin her breakout solo career immediately, starting with a splashy announcement on a morning talk show. 

The night before, Ariel and her sisters sneak out of their Manhattan penthouse for a night of incognito fun at a rock concert in Brooklyn. It’s there that Ariel crosses paths with Eric Reyes, dreamy lead singer of an up-and-coming band. Unaware of her true identity, Eric spontaneously invites her on the road for the summer. And for the first time in her life, Ariel disobeys her father—and goes with him. 

Caught between the world she longs for and the one she’s left behind, can Ariel follow her dreams, fall in love, and, somehow, find her own voice?

Review: 

While this is a book in the Meant to Be series, it can be read as a standalone. They all follow a Disney princess in retellings and modern adaptations. 

Kiss the Girl follows pop/singer 'princess' Ariel del Mar and her sisters as they end their pop group careers to move into adulthood, but daddy has another plan and tried to force Ariel into a new solo contract instead of letting her just live. She decides the only way to be free is to become the merch girl for a new up and coming band touring the US. ..but in secret of course. She changed her appearance and is not using her real name. 

This is a slow burn romance with communication issues and the someone blows it trope. Ariel is so innocent and read younger that she seemed to be. Eric is your a band-boy in attitude but looking for love, often in the wrong places and while they are both told to stay away from each other, that forces them together. I liked the characters a lot in this book, it was a lot of fun to read - the band's relationship with each other and crew and the conversations the del Mar sisters have are LOL funny.

I liked the overall plot but wanted more addressing of the daddy-issues for both Ariel and Eric but feel like that never came full circle. I also loved some of the Latino/a flair thoughout, but wanted it to be more. It felt like it wanted to be diverse but only because it should be. I think they should have gone for it and embraced it more.

The romance was pretty cute and perfect, the will they won't they, betting, and the cute times together were great. 

I really liked that Ariel was trying to find herself, granted not in the best way possible, but it was something. I liked her journalling and found it a refreshing addition - love a good to do list. 

Overall, even though I wanted more in some areas, this book was so adorable, made my heart happy to read it. 

(no spicy, pretty clean romance, behind doors scenes, and some innuendo texts) 

Building the Book Pile #433

Welcome to Building the Book Pile!

Hello Readers, Bloggers, and Awesome people! 

Hi there! Finally, some reviews up for you... sorry it is taking so long. I have so many books I need to review - I have been focusing on the reading part. 

I hope you all are having a great weekend.

Coming up on the Blog

Recent Reads: Kiss the Girl by Zoraida Córdova (Adult)

Recent Reads: A Green Velvet Secret by Vicki Grant (MG)

and next week...

Recent Reads: The Golden Spoon by Jessa Maxwell (Adult)

Early Reader Review: Follow the Shadows (The Tales of Moerden #1) by Rosemary Drisdelle (MG)

Books Received Recently...   

A Fragile Enchantment by Allison Saft - from Netgalley and the Publisher for review.

Have you missed anything lately?

Early Reader Review: Lights by Brenna Thummler (YA/GN)- 4 stars

Waiting on Wednesday: A Touch of Chaos by Scarlett St. Clair (Adult)

Recent Reads: Worldwide Crush by Kristin Nilsen (MG/YA) - 3 stars

Recent Reads: Megabat Megastar (Megabat #5) by Anna Humphrey (MG) - 3 stars

Donating Caffeine is greatly appreciated ... Donate on Ko-fi

What are you reading this summer? Leave a comment for me.

Happy Reading!

Recent Reads: Megabat Megastar by Anna Humphrey

Source: From Librarything Early Reviewers program and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review. 

Megabat Megastar by Anna Humphrey  

Series: Megabat #5
Publisher:  Tundra Books
Publication Date:  July 25, 2023

 

Format: Hardback


Rating:

Goodreads Synopsis: 

Megabat wants to help his Daniel earn some money. But how? Easy! Become a STAR. The next laugh-out-loud book in this sweet and funny chapter book series featuring a talking bat.

Daniel's allowance is not going to cover the cost to fix his dad's phone screen, which he and Megabat broke. And he is out of ideas.

Megabat has a GREAT become famous! Famous people have lots of money.

Daniel is also grounded, and being stuck inside is pretty boring.

Megabat has no time to spend with bored Daniel, he's too busy learning the skill that will make him famous and rich.

Daniel really doesn't like Megabat's new catchphrase, or his fancy new hairdo.

Megabat will show him!

When Megabat takes things too far and ruins Daniel's mom's dinner party with his "magic show," chaos ensues . . . and Daniel is not too happy. And Megabat learns there are some things that are more important than fame and riches. Kris Easler's adorable illustrations paired with Anna Humphrey's hilarious text make for another unforgettable Megabat adventure, one that will appeal to Megabat fans and newcomers!

Megabat #2 Review | Megabat #3 Review

Review: 

The Megabat series is a really fun one for beginning/youth readers. It is pretty easy to read, and the stories are fun and adventurous. Like the others in the series, you don't need to have read the last ones to follow along. It would help but not really necessary. 

Megabat is a fruit bat that lives with Daniel, they also have other pet and animal friends in the house and yard, and they get into all sorts of adventures/ problems with. In this installment Megabat is trying to help Daniel raise money to replace Dad's phone because they broke it. Communication problems and Megabats understanding of the human world made it hard for him to understand how to become famous... so that he can make money and he tries to become famous during Mom's dinner party. It does not go well.

I think that these books are really cute, but my ongoing issue is that Megabat's speech isn't great and as a new readers/learner I feel like this might cause some problems. I like that the little bat is the main character though, it is a fun way to tell a story.

Overall - super cute, love following the animals, some of the bat-talk might be confusing to learners.

Recent Reads: Worldwide Crush by Kristin Nilsen

Source: From the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review.

Worldwide Crush by Kristin Nilsen 

Publisher:  SparkPress
Publication Date:  July 11, 2023

 

Format: Paperback ARC


Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

Rory Calhoun is a teen popstar with perfect teeth and messy hair who’s inspiring first crushes all over the globe. Millie Jackson is just one of the millions of fans who love him—but that doesn't mean her heart doesn't break for him every single day in this laugh-out-loud coming-of-age story.

How many of Rory’s fans collect “data” about him in a special notebook hidden in their underwear drawer? Or have faked a fascination with whale migration for a chance to visit his hometown? Millie may not be Rory’s only fan at Susan B. Anthony Middle School, but she's convinced she's the biggest—and the best.

Rory’s new song “Worldwide Crush” is climbing the charts, and his lyrics are he’s looking for love—and he’s looking in the audience. Meaning Millie’s secret fantasies of running in the surf and eating waffles with him may not be crazy after all . . . she could be that girl! But first she has to get to his concert—his completely sold-out concert in a city nowhere near her home for which she does not have tickets or a ride. She just has to figure out how.

Review: 

Worldwide Crush is a middle grade contemporary romance about a young girl who has a crush on a teen popstar. Millie is not like other fans, or so she thinks, she keeps a journal writing to her crush, Rory Calhoun. The book follows her as she learns more about him and herself and they try to get tickets to see him because that is how they will fall in love. 

This was a cute middle grade book about first loves and teen popstar crushes and early teenage angst.  This book is full of pre-teen/teen drama and attitude. Millie is angsty and broody over her admiration for Rory and even keeps a journal with letters to him. I found her character to be realistic almost in excess, so much drama. She is a lot of emotions at once and really gives you the experience of being a teen again. I liked that she really embodied that time. That being said, I still did feel a disconnect as an adult reader. I think middle grade readers will love this though.

I appreciated Millie's dreams of Rory falling in love with her and her commitment to the idea of meeting him. Even in-so-far as pretending to love whales to get to his hometown -it was clever and I thought that was fun. 

Overall this was a cute book, slightly unrealistic at times, and other times too realistic for my liking, but I think that younger readers will really get in the feels with this one and enjoy it.

Waiting on Wednesday: A Touch of Chaos by Scarlett St. Clair

 

A Touch of Chaos by Scarlett St. Clair
Publisher: Bloom Books
Publication Date:  September 26, 2023

Synopsis:  

The World Will Burn

Persephone, Goddess of Spring, never guessed a chance encounter with Hades, God of the Underworld, would change her life forever—but he did.

A fight for humanity and battles between gods, it's a world Persephone never thought she would see. To end the chaos, she must draw upon her darkness and embrace who she's become—Goddess, Wife, Queen of the Underworld.

Once, Persephone made bargains to save those she loves, now she will go to war for them.

Why I Am Waiting:

I have really enjoyed this romance series and I am a sucker for retellings... especially Hades and Persephone retellings. I am super excited for this installment.

Early Reader Review: Lights by Brenna Thummler

Source: From Netgalley and Oni Press in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review. 

Lights by Brenna Thummler 

Series: Sheets #3
Publisher:  Oni Press
Publication Date:  September 6, 2023

 

Format: Ebook


Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

Following Brenna Thummler’s bestselling and critically acclaimed graphic novels Sheets and Delicates, Marjorie, Eliza, and Wendell the ghost are back to uncover the secrets of Wendell’s human life in the third and final heartwarming installment of the Sheets trilogy.

Marjorie Glatt’s life was forever changed the day she discovered a group of ghosts hiding in her family’s laundromat. One of those ghosts was Wendell: a lonely phantom turned Marjorie’s best friend. When he and Marjorie are joined by ghost-enthusiast Eliza Duncan, the three friends band together in friendship, bravery, and all things paranormal.

Wendell died far too young and now must wander the Land of Humans with nothing more than a sheet for a body. He knows how he died—a tragic drowning accident—but lately he’s grown curious about his past life. He wants to know more about why he died, not just how he died. It’s not easy, though, since Wendell’s memory of his human life has grown increasingly blurry. With Marjorie and Eliza’s help, they set out on a journey to find out more. When they hear a rumor about Wendell’s death, they wonder if it might not have been an accident after all. Meanwhile, Marjorie and Eliza’s friendship is tested when Marjorie starts to befriend the very people who used to bully Eliza.

In the third and final installment of the Sheets trilogy, Wendell will finally uncover the truth of his human life. Marjorie and Eliza will learn that some people really can change. Most of all, they start to see that everything can cast shadows, but if you look hard enough, you can find the light.

Review: 

I can't believe this is the final installment to the Sheets series. I have loved following Marjorie and Wendell, and later Eliza too. 

Throughout the series their friendships are strong and they are so real with each other which is so nice. These books deal with a lot of heavy issues like loss, grief, depression, and more, and this one is no different. This tends to be a darker series, so please be aware that this installment talks about death.

In this installment, we get some closure for Wendell and learn more about his life before he was a ghost. We knew he had drowned but not the circumstances around his death, so Marjorie and Eliza are trying to help him remember more. Their friendship is threatened along the way though. There were times when I wasn't a fan of how Marjorie and Eliza acted toward one another, they both seemed a little shady, but I also think that in the end they did ok coming back together. 

The overall story is heart-warming and easy to follow, even with the time jumps throughout. The illustrations are well done again with pastel colors and it is a pretty book. 

Building the Book Pile #432

Welcome to Building the Book Pile!

Hello Readers, Bloggers, and Awesome people! 

I hope you are all well... and still reading. I am so behind on reviews and the blog, but I have been reading. I hope you will forgive me for not posting. I am hoping to have a flurry of posts soon. 

Things are already busy with work and home life, but softball season wrapped last week. Wooo Division B Champions! I hope to have a little more time soon. But Autumn is in the air and I am SO excited! 

Do you have a favorite season? if so which one? 

As you might know, Autumn is my favorite and I am so excited for crisp, cool air and apples and pumpkins. 

Coming up on the Blog

Early Reader Review: Lights by Brenna Thummler (YA/GN)

Waiting on Wednesday

Recent Reads: Worldwide Crush by Kristin Nilsen (MG/YA)

Recent Reads: Megabat Megastar (Megabat #5) by Anna Humphrey (MG)

Books Received Recently...   

   

A Deadly Education by Naomi Novik - bought

The Hidden World of Gnomes by Lauren Soloy - From Librarything Early Reviwers program 

Megabat Megastar by Anna Humphrey- From Librarything Early Reviwers program 

and

I downloaded some more Dramione fanfiction

Have you missed anything lately?

Waiting on Wednesday: In Charm's Way

Donating Caffeine is greatly appreciated ... Ko-fi

What are you reading this summer? Leave a comment for me.

Happy Reading!