Oct 27, 2021

Recent Reads: The Ex Hex by Erin Sterling

The Ex Hex by Erin Sterling 
Publisher: Avon
Publication Date:  September 28th 2021



https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/27405327-pop-manga-coloring-book?from_search=true  https://www.amazon.com/Pop-Manga-Coloring-Book-Beautiful/dp/0399578471?ie=UTF8&SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0399578471&linkCode=as2&redirect=true&ref_=x_gr_w_bb&tag=x_gr_w_bb-20

Format: Hardback
Source: October BOTM


Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 
New York Times bestselling author Rachel Hawkins, writing as Erin Sterling, casts a spell with a spine-tingling romance full of wishes, witches, and hexes gone wrong.

Nine years ago, Vivienne Jones nursed her broken heart like any young witch would: vodka, weepy music, bubble baths…and a curse on the horrible boyfriend. Sure, Vivi knows she shouldn’t use her magic this way, but with only an “orchard hayride” scented candle on hand, she isn’t worried it will cause him anything more than a bad hair day or two.

That is until Rhys Penhallow, descendent of the town’s ancestors, breaker of hearts, and annoyingly just as gorgeous as he always was, returns to Graves Glen, Georgia. What should be a quick trip to recharge the town’s ley lines and make an appearance at the annual fall festival turns disastrously wrong. With one calamity after another striking Rhys, Vivi realizes her silly little Ex Hex may not have been so harmless after all.

Suddenly, Graves Glen is under attack from murderous wind-up toys, a pissed off ghost, and a talking cat with some interesting things to say. Vivi and Rhys have to ignore their off the charts chemistry to work together to save the town and find a way to break the break-up curse before it’s too late. 
Review: 
I understand that this book is everywhere right now and for good reason - it is wonderful. If you are looking for a sexy adult read with a witchy, Halloween focus - this one is it.

The book begins with Vivi and her cousin casting a curse on a guy named Rhys because he sent all the wrong messages and Vivi felt forced to break up with him. Now nine years later, Rhys is back in her town and finds himself cursed and causing issues in Graves Glen, not only for himself but for everyone that lives there. Vivi realizes her mistake and the terror it is causing, they must now work together to reverse the curse and set things right in her home. 

I really enjoyed this book but was very surprise by a few things. First, the story is told from alternating point of view and so we read from Vivi's side as well as Rhys'. Being that the book is about him, I am not sure why I was surprised by this but it was fun to get both sides of this romance. Another surprise was how sexy this romance was, I generally don't read a lot of romance, especailly ones that I have heard are super sexy, but this was done well and in spirts and I think that it fit in well with the story. I loved Vivi and Rhys' chemistry and how everything unfolded. 

Other things that I loved - witches! I love them, I love books about them and this was another that I have loved. I really enjoyed the dynamic between the humans and the witches in this town and the college that teaches both, it was very interesting and I would love to deep dive into this world more. I also really enjoyed other characters, Vivi's aunt and cousin are fun and funny and they help her and make her stronger in so mnay ways - I loved seeing this familial support. Rhys

 


Oct 26, 2021

Recent Reads: A Christmas at Gingerbread Falls by Katie Mettner

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

A Christmas at Gingerbread Falls by Katie Mettner 
Publisher: Breaking Night Press
Publication date: October 12th 2021
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Holiday, Romance

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/27405327-pop-manga-coloring-book?from_search=true  https://www.amazon.com/Pop-Manga-Coloring-Book-Beautiful/dp/0399578471?ie=UTF8&SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0399578471&linkCode=as2&redirect=true&ref_=x_gr_w_bb&tag=x_gr_w_bb-20

Format: Ebook

About the Book:
Actress Carrie Murray’s films are a Christmas lover’s delight. Filled with twinkling lights, festive carols, and happy endings, they’re the perfect escape from reality—for her and the audience. Then Tinseltown calls.

Braxton Timothy is Hollywood’s biggest action star. Handsome and talented but decidedly on the naughty list, no one can fathom his sudden desire to produce a feel-good Christmas movie—least of all, his no-name co-star.

Alternating between scenes reminiscent of everyone’s favorite made-for-TV movies and unexpected, off-screen chemistry, Gingerbread Falls has surprises in store this holiday season. The question is, will there be enough Christmas magic to convince two imperfect people that they’re perfect for each other?

This “sweet as a Christmas cookie” romance (bestselling author Heidi Swain) includes an original recipe for Maple Glazed Gingerbread Scones.


A Christmas at Gingerbread Falls is a clever romance told from the the perspective of  two actors both while filming a Christmas movie and as their real selves. Carrie Murray and Braxton Timothy starring in a holiday film together, playing Noelle and Carson. The movie is about a small town woman who runs a cafe meeting the new doctor in town. The story is told through scenes of the movie as well as what follows after they cut. 

The romance was sweet and heartwarming. We follow Carrie and Braxton as they learn about each other and learn to accept each others traumatizing pasts. The movie sections are very Hallmark movie while the real life sections are much deeper and at times difficult. I enjoyed how both characters were understanding around one another and they grew together on set both romatically and emotionally.

There were a few things that seemed weird to me though, I think in the real world there was a power dynamic that the story only touched on a little. Even if their romance came about organically it would have still seemed like, from the outside looking in, that Carrie was swooning to get her part. Although that was not the case in the story. I also think that Braxton had a wierd infatuation with Carrie before he brought her onto this movie, so he laso had more time to fall for her than she did with him. 

There were parts of the book that were very hot and heavy and it seemed to come a bit too quickly, but it overall was a very cute read and I love a holiday theme. 

About the Author
Katie Mettner writes small-town romantic tales filled with epic love stories and happily-ever-afters. She proudly wears the title of, ‘the only person to lose her leg after falling down the bunny hill,’ and loves decorating her prosthetic with the latest fashion trends. She lives in Northern Wisconsin with her own happily-ever-after and three mini-mes. Katie has a massive addiction to coffee and Twitter, and a lessening aversion to Pinterest — now that she’s quit trying to make the things she pins.

Find the Author

Oct 21, 2021

Recent Reads: What Can You Do with a Rock? by Pat Zietlow Miller

Source: From Sourcebooks Early Reads program in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review.

What Can You Do with a Rock? by Pat Zietlow Miller
Publisher: Sourcebooks Jabberwocky
Publication Date:  October 12, 2021



https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/27405327-pop-manga-coloring-book?from_search=true  https://www.amazon.com/Pop-Manga-Coloring-Book-Beautiful/dp/0399578471?ie=UTF8&SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0399578471&linkCode=as2&redirect=true&ref_=x_gr_w_bb&tag=x_gr_w_bb-20

Format: Ebook


Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 
What can you do with a rock? This ode to the endless, creative fun that a child can have with a deceptively simple rock explores that simple, timeless question. Of course, the very best thing one can do with a rock is to share it, because people are like rocks: some look shiny right away, while others have secret treasure deep inside.
Review: 

As if I am not strange enough as is, fun fact: I love rocks. I collect interesting ones from hikes, outings, random places and have a little rock pile (that I have also now picked up and moved with me a few times). They are normally small ones but they are all interesting to me. SO this book... was FOR ME... and any other kids that love rocks. This book is wonderful! It showcases all the wonderful things about rocks - ones you can take and ones you can admire from a-far. How you can sort them, use them, study them, and just generally love them. 

Although a book about rocks, readers will also enjoy a lesson on sharing and listening to each other... while talking about rocks and being together. AND learn so much from the non-fiction information provided about rocks at the end of the book as well. The book has lovely images to go along with all the rock fun, detailed, full of rock examples, locations, and how to embellish them. The colors are bright and each page has your attention as you try to see all the rocks on it and all the kids learning more about them. 

I loved this book so much! It was so much fun to read and I can't wait to share it with littles in my life so that they learn to love rocks too. it's all about appreciating the little things... little rocks included. (I guess big rocks too.) 

I am also a fan of the author of this book. Pat Zietlow Miller writes some wonderful children's books.


Oct 20, 2021

Blog Tour: Excerpt & Giveaway - A Christmas at Gingerbread Falls by Katie Mettner




A Christmas at Gingerbread Falls by Katie Mettner 
Publisher: Breaking Night Press
Publication date: October 12th 2021
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Holiday, Romance

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/27405327-pop-manga-coloring-book?from_search=true  https://www.amazon.com/Pop-Manga-Coloring-Book-Beautiful/dp/0399578471?ie=UTF8&SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0399578471&linkCode=as2&redirect=true&ref_=x_gr_w_bb&tag=x_gr_w_bb-20

Format: Ebook
Source: From Xpresso Tours in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review.



About the Book:
Actress Carrie Murray’s films are a Christmas lover’s delight. Filled with twinkling lights, festive carols, and happy endings, they’re the perfect escape from reality—for her and the audience. Then Tinseltown calls.

Braxton Timothy is Hollywood’s biggest action star. Handsome and talented but decidedly on the naughty list, no one can fathom his sudden desire to produce a feel-good Christmas movie—least of all, his no-name co-star.

Alternating between scenes reminiscent of everyone’s favorite made-for-TV movies and unexpected, off-screen chemistry, Gingerbread Falls has surprises in store this holiday season. The question is, will there be enough Christmas magic to convince two imperfect people that they’re perfect for each other?

This “sweet as a Christmas cookie” romance (bestselling author Heidi Swain) includes an original recipe for Maple Glazed Gingerbread Scones.
“Dinner was wonderful tonight,” Carson said, squeezing Noelle’s hand. “Thanks for going to the trouble.”
She smiled at him with a twinkle in her eye. “It was no trouble. I love to cook, and Momma Connie’s hot roast beef sandwiches are easy to make.”
“Can you call it a sandwich when you have to eat it with a fork?”
Noelle held one hand out to the side in a shrug. “Were there two pieces of bread?”
Carson smiled, and the sound that left his mouth was amused. “There were, indeed, two pieces of bread.”
“Then it’s a sandwich, even if it was covered in gravy.”
“I’m going to write that down as wisdom imparted from small-town living. As long as there are two pieces of bread, it’s a sandwich.”
Noelle pointed at him with a grin on her face. “It won’t take long to fill up a notebook if you’re keeping track. Have you seen many patients since you took over for the good doctor?”
“I thought I was the good doctor!” he exclaimed with his hand to his chest.
Noelle shoulder bumped him and laughed at his antics until he finally answered her question. “Well, do you mean patients that you haven’t brought me?”
She gave him the har-har face. “Yes, patients I haven’t brought you.”
“Then yes. My days are booking quickly. It’s that time of year where people are sick. They aren’t holding out hope the good doctor, as you call him, will come back and treat them. They’ll take any port in the storm.”
Noelle moved closer to Carson and snuggled into his side while they walked. “I think you’re a good doctor. I saw the way you were with Lisa today. I’m sure everybody likes you as much as she did. You have a great bedside manner. You’re calm, funny, and caring.”
“The question is, do you like me?”
Noelle ducked her head, her cheeks staining red at the question. “I do like you, but we should keep that between us until after Christmas. We don’t want Santa catching wind of it and putting us on the naughty list.”
Carson zipped his lips and threw away the key. “Mums the word until the day after Christmas. Look!”
Noelle followed his finger toward the edge of the park where a sad snowman sat missing his head. “Oh, no,” she giggled, her head shaking at the snowman sitting so forlornly. “We’d better help Frosty out.”
Working together, they were able to recap the snowman and fix his carrot nose and charcoal eyes.
“He’s missing something,” Carson said, tapping his chin. “Oh, I know!” He unwound his scarf from his neck and swung it around the snowman.
“Tie it,” Noelle ordered, helping him thread the scarf until it hung perfectly at the snowman’s neck, guaranteeing his head wouldn’t come off again.
They stepped back and admired their work.
“Now Frosty is perfect,” Noelle sighed.
“I think you’re perfect,” Carson whispered, wrapping his arms around her. “I didn’t expect to meet someone as wonderful as you the first day on the job.”
Noelle gazed up at him, lost in the rugged, handsome lines of his jaw and the plumpness of his lips. “I didn’t expect a guy like you to walk through my café door and save my life. I didn’t expect to deliver a baby there with you either!”
Their laughter filled the park, and Noelle bent over, picking up snow and tossing it at him in playful glee.
“Hey,” he shouted, his laughter echoing around them. “Now you’re asking for it!”
“Oh, yeah?” she asked, giving him gimme hands. “Bring it, pal.”
A cold snowball landed right in the middle of her chest. She stared down at it for a moment before she lobbed her own and hit Carson square in the shoulder. They hurled snowballs back and forth until they were laughing too hard to keep going. Noelle fell over in the snow and lay on her back, staring up at the sky. Carson joined her, and they made slow and easy snow angels until he took her hand and held it still against his belly.
“The stars are beautiful tonight,” Noelle whispered, her gaze transfixed on the glittering, shining points of light in the sky.
“Not nearly as beautiful as you are,” Carson answered.
She never took her eyes off the sky, but she wore a smile that said his words were exactly what she needed to hear.
Review coming soon... 

About the Author
Katie Mettner writes small-town romantic tales filled with epic love stories and happily-ever-afters. She proudly wears the title of, ‘the only person to lose her leg after falling down the bunny hill,’ and loves decorating her prosthetic with the latest fashion trends. She lives in Northern Wisconsin with her own happily-ever-after and three mini-mes. Katie has a massive addiction to coffee and Twitter, and a lessening aversion to Pinterest — now that she’s quit trying to make the things she pins.

Find the Author


Tour-wide giveaway (INT)
There are 2 giveaways/grand prizes for this tour!

a Rafflecopter giveaway 


Oct 19, 2021

Recent Reads: Board Books - Bugs / Baby Bear


Bugs by Anna Milbourne
Series: Usborne Little Peek-Through Books
Publisher: Usborne Books
Publication Date:  January 1, 2020



https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/27405327-pop-manga-coloring-book?from_search=true  https://www.amazon.com/Pop-Manga-Coloring-Book-Beautiful/dp/0399578471?ie=UTF8&SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0399578471&linkCode=as2&redirect=true&ref_=x_gr_w_bb&tag=x_gr_w_bb-20


Format: Board Book
Source: Bought (for a gift)


Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 
Meet a ladybug in this little book and follow her through the meadow to meet all kinds of different bugs. Discover wiggly worms, springy grasshoppers and even a butterfly coming out of its crysalis before the ladybird opens its wings and flies away. Very simple charming information written especially to read to babies. Babies will delight in discovering all kinds of bugs under the sturdy gatefold flaps, as well as recognising the spotty ladybird through the book. Sweet bright illustrations by Sarah Allen depict the bugs in a friendly, colourful way.
Review: 
Short reviews for short books!
This Lift & Look book is adorable. Readers will follow a big bright ladybug as she scuttles around and find other bugs all the while also learning things about those bugs. The flaps are all little habitat pieces that are vibrant shades of green. While simplistic, the locations and the little bugs in the book are detailed and recognizable. 
Such cute little bugs, I think your little bugs will love it too.



Baby Bear by Susie Brooks
Publisher: Kane Miller EDC Publishing
Publication Date:  2021



https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/27405327-pop-manga-coloring-book?from_search=true  https://www.amazon.com/Pop-Manga-Coloring-Book-Beautiful/dp/0399578471?ie=UTF8&SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0399578471&linkCode=as2&redirect=true&ref_=x_gr_w_bb&tag=x_gr_w_bb-20


Format: Board Book
Source: Bought (for a gift)


Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 
Baby Bear wants to play! But all his friends are busy!
Review: 
Short reviews for short books!
Baby Bear is a short board book perfect for early reading/readers. It follows a little bear looking for other woodland creatures to play with him. Sadly they are all busy, but all for good reason.

This book hightlights simple images with nice pastel colors and lots of woodland animals to share with your littles.  I understand that this theme is a common one in children's books, but this was a cute, quick, and easy story that I think parents and littles will love. 


Oct 18, 2021

Early Reader Review: Unimpressed by Miranda Tacchia

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


Unimpressed by Miranda Tacchia  
Publisher: Fantagraphics
Publication Date:  October 19, 2021



https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/27405327-pop-manga-coloring-book?from_search=true  https://www.amazon.com/Pop-Manga-Coloring-Book-Beautiful/dp/0399578471?ie=UTF8&SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0399578471&linkCode=as2&redirect=true&ref_=x_gr_w_bb&tag=x_gr_w_bb-20

Format: Ebook

Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 
Have you ever schemed with a friend? Stared at your phone screen well after you should have gone to sleep? Braced for heartbreak? Been told to smile more? Then Unimpressed will undoubtedly speak to you. In a book that bridges comics and memes, Tacchia uses her biting sense of humor and background in animation to create brilliant character portraits of women with only markers, Post-it notes, and tape. A master of expression, figure, and subtle (and other times not-so-subtle) comedy, Tacchia’s protagonists are usually "unimpressed women" — who all share the fact that "they don’t give a shit about you," as Tacchia puts it.

What makes Unimpressed so impressive and entertaining is how Tacchia taps into instantly relatable feelings and situations while simultaneously creating art that exudes confidence and vulnerability. (Sample caption: "When you went from giving him an earful to a mouthful.") Her often scabrous depiction of life as a young single woman today echoes that of Phoebe Waller-Bridge's (Fleabag) or Abbi Jacobsen and Ilana Glazer’s (Broad City). Funny, smart, observant, sexy, gross, and relatable — Unimpressed is a wonderful debut and a great gift idea.
Review: 
Please note this is an adult graphic novel and includes illustrated nudity.

Unimpressed is a collection of two page spreads that include one-liners on one side and an illustration on the other to go along with it. The illustrations are simplistic but also show their emotion well through the expressions - most of which are... you guessed it... unimpressed. 

Reading through this book though, gave me some feels. It was kind of depressing in a way, but also relatable on a lot of levels. The author/illustrator focuses on friendships, self-image, and overthinking things. All of these things I could relate to  and believe a number of others will too. While the book explores the idea of being 'unimpressed' as a theme, I think it also highlights that these are impressionable pieces of our lives. We become so focused on self-image and what the best friendships could look like that we are often in toxic relationships with both - being unimpressed is far more desirable to that. I could be WAY over thinking this book but it spoke to me in a weird way. It wasn't the best thing I have read or seen, BUT it made me think far more as I sat down to write this review than I initially gave it credit for.

A simplistic yet thought-provoking illustrated collection.

Oct 17, 2021

Building th Book Pile #362


Welcome to Building the Book Pile!

Hello Readers, Bloggers, and Awesome people! 

Good morning , good morning. It has been beautiful, not-quite fall weather up here in New England. It has been in the 60s and 70F lately and that is much too warm for this time of year, but it has made from some beautiful days to play outside. 

This past week I had some fall fun time with my office - we painted small pumpkins for the office and then went to a local farm for apple picking, pumpkin picking, and a small corn maze. It was so much fun.

Little puppy Charlie had his first training class this weekend - he is going to learn to be a good boy, he already is and listens pretty well, but we are learning how to help him stay focused in distracted areas.

Last but certainly not least - reading! I have been reading (and playing Animal Crossing and Elder Scrolls Online) a good amount. I hope that it is showing in the number of reviews that are popping up.

If you are interested in supporting my ability to stay awake and read please consider dontaing - Coffee (PSL!!) is appreciated ... Ko-fi
 


Coming up on the Blog

Early Reader Review: Unimpressed by Miranda Tacchia (Adult, GN)

Recent Reads: Board Books -  Bugs / Baby Bear (Youth)

Blog Tour: Review & Giveaway - A Christmas at Gingerbread Falls by Katie Mettner (Adult)


Books Received Recently...
 
Received these a few weeks ago and forgot to post them
I bought these for myself used online







Comment or leave me a link and I will see you online again soon.
Happy Reading!

Oct 15, 2021

Recent Reads: On A Pirate Ship by Anna Milbourne

On A Pirate Ship by Anna Milbourne 
Series: Usborne Little Board Books
Publisher: Usborne Books
Publication Date:  January 1st 2019


https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/27405327-pop-manga-coloring-book?from_search=true  https://www.amazon.com/Pop-Manga-Coloring-Book-Beautiful/dp/0399578471?ie=UTF8&SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0399578471&linkCode=as2&redirect=true&ref_=x_gr_w_bb&tag=x_gr_w_bb-20

Format: Board Book
Source: Bought (for a gift)


Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 
Sail the seas and sing sea shanties as you search for treasure, adventure and excitement, encountering storms, battles and more than a few colourful characters along the way!.Age: 2+ A jolly picture book following a crew of not-so-scary pirates across the high seas.Age: 2+
Review: 
Short reviews for short books!
I love childrens books about pirates and ships, they are fun and full of adventure. This one is very cute, fully of adventure, but also of kindness. It is a happy crew that is thrilled to be pirates on a treasure hunt. There is some fighting, nothing graphic, but there is also a storm and suspense geared toward the younger age group. 

It has all the pirate fun - a ship, sails, pirate songs, storms, treasure, fighting, but also a happy ending. 

If your little liked adventure this is a fun one to add to your library.

Oct 14, 2021

Blog Tour: Review - Halloway Hills Middle School Mysteries #1-3 by A.J. Kormon



Halloway Hills Middle School Mysteries #1-3 by A.J. Kormon 

Publisher: SolVin Creative
Publication Date:  July 26, 2021


https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/27405327-pop-manga-coloring-book?from_search=true  https://www.amazon.com/Pop-Manga-Coloring-Book-Beautiful/dp/0399578471?ie=UTF8&SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0399578471&linkCode=as2&redirect=true&ref_=x_gr_w_bb&tag=x_gr_w_bb-20

Format: Ebook
Source: Provided in exchange for review. This in no way alters my opinion or review.

About the Book:
Three short, page-turning mysteries for ages 9-11 featuring mischievous cats and their middle-grade owners.

In Hiding Out on Halloween, Avery Mcintosh borrows the Super Ultimate Minecraft Hacks book from the school library, much to the dismay of the school bully Becky. When Avery accidentally splashes Becky with an invisibility potion that he learned from the book, she not only disappears from Minecraft, but from the real world too.

Trying to ease his guilt about Becky’s disappearance, with the help of his friend Jordan and a black cat who appears to be stalking him, Avery sets out to find Becky.

In Creeping Up on Christmas, it’s time for the Halloway Hills Middle School Christmas fair and Violet Sidhu and her friends have planned to sell crocheted hats to raise money for charity. There’s just one problem—the hats are missing!

When Violet discovers what’s happened to her hats, thanks to the new guy at school, getting them back turns out to be harder than she thought.

In Veering Off on Valentine’s, Jordan Cartwright learns the meaning of true love . . . from her cat! After feeling rejected by her best friend Avery because of Valentine’s Day, Jordan wonders if she can still be friends with him.

As she tries to avoid Avery, Jordan witnesses some strange behaviour from her cat Blizzard. When Blizzard goes missing during a snowstorm, Jordan enlists Avery’s help to find him and learns an important lesson in the process.

Includes bonus cookie recipe and word search!

Purchase all three books for Kindle on Amazon.com and make sure to add these books to your GoodReads reading list. 


Rating: 

This was such a cute and charming little series. We have 
Hiding Out on Halloween, Creeping Up on Christmas, and Veering Off on Valentine’s. You could read it all at once, like I did, or hold out for the appropriate holidays with this wonderful bundle deal (Books 1-3 all in one!). Together it feels like a full length book, seperately these are short/ quick stories that take place on the respective holidays. 

During Halloween, Avery is dealing with a stary cat that is following him and a missing classmate. During Christmas, Violet is looking for some lost hats and for Valentine's Jordan is missing her cat. One running theme throughout the series is cats! Each book had a cat and the cat was a focus of the story in some way. I have a cat at home and love him very much so I liked seeing cast instead of dog companions throughout the books in various ways. The people characters were all interesting and unique. Avery, Violet, and Jordan ar all friends at Halloway Hills Middle School - thus the series name, and they help each other throughout the books. 

Let's talk about likes and dislikes:
I always enjoy a shorter book, these were a wonderful length with short easy chapters. The plots were simple and easy to follow, and the characters were realistic. I also really did like the cats - they were very much like real cats too. 
I was a little sad at how in the first book a major emotional point was not given a lot of attention, but I think that the ending was nice and heartfelt. I don't want to give too much away her- because I don't want to spoil anything! The next two books also had very heartwarming plot lines and nice endings and I think that they covered some important topics, again only lightly, but will there to chat about afterwards.

Overall, this was a great collection about friendship, hard times, adapting, love, and fun. Added bonus was the cookie recipe - which I haven't tried yet but would love to, and the word search - so fun.



About the Author
AJ Kormon started out writing books about money to help explain the concept to her kids. As her kids got older, they showed signs of not wanting to read, so she enlisted their help creating a series for resistant readers. This is how the Halloway Hills Middle School Mysteries were born. When AJ isn't writing and cartooning, you'll find her losing to her kids at Uno.

Find the Author



Keep following the tour!
Blog Tour Calendar

October 4th @ The Muffin
Join us as we celebrate the launch of the Halloway Middle School series. Read our interview with author AJ Kormon, and enter to win the giveaway too. One winner will receive all three copies of the books and a gift card. Three winners will receive one book from the series. Join us today!
https://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com

October 8th @ Madeline Sharples' Blog
Join Madeline as she shares a guest post by AJ Kormon about things kids learn from entrepreneurial parents.
https://madelinesharples.com/

October 10th @ What is That Book About
Visit Michelle's blog where she shares a guest post written by AJ Kormon that talks about the best books for kids who don't like to read.
https://www.whatisthatbookabout.com

October 12th @ Lisa Haselton's Book Reviews and Interviews
Visit Lisa's blog where she interviews AJ Kormon, author of the Halloway Hills Middle School mystery series.
https://lisahaselton.com/blog/

October 14th @ Cover 2 Cover Blog <- you are here!
Join Stephanie as she shares her thoughts about the charming Halloway Hills Middle School mystery series.
http://cover2coverblog.blogspot.com/

October 16th @ Reading in the Wildwood
Join Megan as she shares a guest post by author AJ Kormon featuring must-have Halloween books to read with your kids.
https://wildwoodreads.com/

October 20th @ Lisa's Reading
Join Lisa as she reviews the Halloway Hills series on her blog today.
https://lisasreading.com/

October 22nd @ Quill and Books
Visit Kathryn's blog where she reviews Hiding Out on Halloween by AJ Kormon.
https://quillandbooks.com/

October 22nd @ The Frugalista Mom
Join Rozelyn as she features a guest post by author AJ Kormon about navigating first crushes. She's also giving away a copy of the Halloway Hills Middle School series as an e-book to one lucky reader.
https://thefrugalistamom.com

October 25th @ World of My Imagination
Visit Nicole's blog today as she reviews AJ Kormon's Halloway Hills Middle School series books and gives away a copy of the books for one lucky reader.
https://worldofmyimagination.com

October 28th @ Knotty Needle
Judy delights us today with her and her granddaughter's review of AJ Kormon's Halloway Hills Middle School series books.
http://knottyneedle.blogspot.com/

October 31st @ Look to the Western Sky
Join Margo as she reads and reviews AJ Kormon's delightful middle-grade book Hiding Out on Halloween part of the Halloway Hills Middle School series.
https://margoldill.com/

November 3rd @ Fiona Ingram's Blog
Join Fiona as she shares AJ Kormon's guest post about why your child should read to their pet.
http://fionaingramauthor.blogspot.com/

November 4th @ CK Sorens
Visit CK Sorens' blog today and read her review of AJ Kormon's Halloway Hills Middle School series books.
https://www.cksorens.com/blog

November 5th @ Quill and Books
Join Kathryn again as she publishes a guest post by AJ Kormon about fun Christmas books to read with your kids.
https://quillandbooks.com/

November 5th @ Bookworm for Kids
Join Tonja as she reviews Creeping Up on Christmas over at her blog today. A perfect book for the holidays!
http://www.bookwormforkids.com/

November 7th @ Jill Sheets' Blog
Visit Jill's blog today where she shares AJ Kormon's guest post about how to help your child deal with a bully.
http://jillsheets.blogspot.com/