Recent Reads: Let it Snow by Nancy Thayer

Let It Snow by Nancy Thayer
Publisher: Ballantine Books
Publication Date: October 27, 2020 

 

Format: Paperback
Source:  Bought/Own

Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

A Nantucket shopkeeper discovers that Christmas is the perfect occasion to make unexpected friendships . . . to warm the coldest of hearts--and maybe even find love.

Christina Antonioni is preparing for the holidays at her Nantucket toy shop, unpacking last-minute shipments and decorating for her loyal Christmas shoppers. But when her Scrooge of a landlord, Oscar Bittlesman, raises her rent, it seems nearly impossible for Christina to continue business on the wharf.

Even so, Christina hopes there is a warm heart underneath Oscar's steely exterior. When she bonds with Wink, his sweet, young granddaughter who frequents the shop, it becomes clear that perhaps he isn't so cold after all. And with the help of Wink's uncle, who happens to be a charming and very handsome bachelor, this may be the best Christmas any of them could have ever imagined. Nancy Thayer's enchanting Nantucket setting provides the perfect backdrop for this holiday love story.

Review: 

This review has been sitting on my to do list for WAY too long, but I wanted to share my thoughts even though we are well passed the Christmas/Holiday allure. 

I picked up this book as an airplane read before Thanksgiving. I was looking for something light and romance-y and I wanted a snowy Christmastime setting because in Florida there is no snow. 

The book is about Christina, a toy-store owner in Nantucket, who is alone this Christmas. When a child enters her store and tries to steal something, it sets off a chain of events that lead to her introduction to the good looking, rich, eligible bachelor of the town. They hit it off right away and so the book follows her as she falls for him and his family gives her a hard time. It is also about how she owns that little toy store and how she is trying to save it from the man that owns the buildings who is trying to hike the rent.

I really liked Christina, she was very real. She had real emotions, seemed so down to Earth and I really liked her personality throughout the book. The other characters were a lot of fun too, Christina has a variety of friends in the town and they are all different and interesting. Some are a little rude, but she handles them well and accepts them for who they are. There is also a little girl called Wink that makes this book even more delightful.

If you are looking for a nice romance that is not steamy, and very quaint and cute, this is a good one.

Recent Reads: Just Act Normal by John McNamee

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

Just Act Normal by John McNamee

Series: A Pie Comics Collection
Publisher: Oni Press
Publication Date: November 17, 2020 

 

Format: Ebook

Rating:

Goodreads Synopsis: 

"A dry, sarcastic humor that hits you hard in the chuckles." — BoredPanda.com

This third collection from The Onion and the New Yorker contributor John McNamee features his most absurdly relatable comics on our futile attempts to seem “normal,” and why that’s hilarious.

Pie Comics began as a college comic strip way back in the mid ’00s, when flip phones roamed the earth. But after a shoulder injury forced cartoonist John McNamee to simplify his drawing style and improvise comics, Pie Comics evolved into the beloved strip it is today!

This third collection from The Onion and the New Yorker contributor features his most absurdly relatable comics on our futile attempts to look “normal,” and why that’s hilarious.

Review:

Just Act Normal is a compilation of webtoon comics all put into a book together. It is divided into a few sections of coping including: Coping with Childhood, Coping with Society, Coping with Work, Coping with Love, Coping with the World, and Coping with Yourself. It is as the synopsis notes - dry and very sarcastic and I think it takes a certain type of jaded/sarcastic reader to fully enjoy these types of comics (so obviously I enjoyed it). 

Before this point, I had seen some of these comics online but not read any of them compiled like this. It was an interesting way to read them, because you can read a page or two and then leave/return to an all new strip. The strips are not consecutive and are all one-off quips and jokes or overly realistic and relatable tiles. 

I think if  you are looking for a fun coffee-table addition, or are looking for an easy ready with a lot of sarcasm, this would be the book for you.

Early Reader Review: House of El by Claudia Gray #DCPartner

Source:  DC sent me this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review. 

House of El: The Shadow Threat by Claudia Gray and Illustrated by Eric
Zawadzki
Series: House of El Book 1
Publisher: DC Comics
Publication Date: January 5, 2021

 

Format: Paperback #DCPartner #DCInvited

Rating:


Synopsis: 

In House of El, Gray will explore life on Krypton through the eyes of Zahn and Sera -two teenagers who are different in every way -as they come together to investigate the dangers threatening their planet. 

Zahn is one of Krypton's elites: wealthy, privileged, a future leader. Sera is one of Krypton's soldiers: strong, dedicated, fearless. Their rule-bound society has ordained that their paths should never cross.

But groundquakes are shaking the planet's surface. Rebellious uprisings are shaking the populace. Krypton's top scientists--Jor-El and Lara--conduct a secret experiment that is meant to reform their planet from the cellular level up. Zahn and Sera must join forces to investigate the hidden dangers truly threatening Krypton. In the process, they form a bond that will endure past the end of the world...

House of El: The Shadow Threat is the first book in a series that focuses on Krypton before its disastrous fate. In this story, Krypton is experiencing groundquakes that are wrecking the city but the city officials are not acknowledging the severity of the situation. The lower classes are getting hit with the brunt of the damage while the privileged classes are able to ignore the issues from there higher zones.

The story follows teens Sera, a warrior/soldier, and Zhan one of the elite family members on their journeys figuring out what is happening from their point of views. Sera is set to terraform planets that are un-terraform-able, and that makes her slightly suspicious of the tribunes (city officials) but she like other Kryptonians has been genetically enhanced for her 'soldier' persona and will continue to follow orders. Zahn is an elite, but feels different from the rest. He is able to see the issues with Krypton and is working to be a part of the rebellion and assist in any way that he can.

This was a fun read, it was interesting to see Krypton before Superman, and before it goes away. I also like that we follow two new characters and learn more about what is going wrong with Krypton. I liked Sera and Zhan and how they are both so different but are willing to come together to learn about the groundquakes and their severity. 

The overall plot focuses on Sera and Zhan and also the impending doom of Krypton, but we also learn that every person is genetically engineered to be what they are supposed to be. So Sera is engineered to be a soldier, while Zahn is engineered to be an elite member of society. Both are questioning their engineering, Sera because the House of El wants to change her and Zahn because he acts and feels so different from the others.

I am excited to see what happens next with these characters and the planet and how they attempt to handle it (I mean I know that the ending is not ideal, so I am also sad that I know the inevitable outcome). If you are looking for a new take on the Krypton lore and the before Superman timeline - this is a great add to your list.

About the Author:

Claudia Gray is the New York Times bestselling author of many science fiction and paranormal fantasy books for young adults, including the Defy the Stars series, the Firebird series, the Evernight series, the Spellcaster series, and Fateful. She's also had a chance to work in a galaxy far, far away as the author of the Star Wars novels Lost Stars, Bloodline, and Leia, Princess of Alderaan. Born a fangirl, she loves obsessing over geeky movies and TV shows, as well as reading and occasionally writing fan fiction; however, she periodically leaves the house to go kayaking, do a little hiking, or travel the world. She will take your Jane Austen trivia challenge any day, anytime. Currently she lives in New Orleans.

Find the Author

Twitter | Instagram

About the Illustrator:

Eric Zawadzki grew up in Vancouver, but he's recently relocated to Calgary. He's most well-known for the critically acclaimed THE DREGS and ETERNAL. His most recent work in comics is HEART ATTACK, for Image/Skybound comics, which he co-created and illustrated.

Find the Illustrator

Twitter | Instagram

 

Happy 2021!

WE MADE IT through 2020!  

🎉✨🎉Happy New Year Everyone.🎉✨ 🎉

  
Wishing everyone a very different 2021, health, wellness, love, and SO many great reads!

Early Reader Review: Eyes that Kiss in the Corners by Joanna Ho

Source: Received from publicist for review consideration. This in no way alters my opinion or review 

Eyes that Kiss in the Corners by Joanna Ho and Illustrated by Dung Ho  

Publisher: HarperCollins
Publication Date:  January 5th 2021

 

Format: Ebook

Rating: 

Goodreads Synopsis:  

This lyrical and stunning picture book tells a story about learning to love and celebrate your Asian-shaped eyes, in the of spirit of Hair Love by Matthew A. Cherry 

A young Asian girl notices that her eyes look different from her peers'. They have big, round eyes and long lashes. She realizes that her eyes are like her mother’s, her grandmother's, and her little sister's. They have eyes that kiss in the corners and glow like warm tea, crinkle into crescent moons, and are filled with stories of the past and hope for the future.

Drawing from the strength of these powerful women in her life, she recognizes her own beauty and discovers a path to self love and empowerment. 

This powerful, poetic picture book will resonate with readers of all ages and is a celebration of diversity. 

Review: 

This book was adorable, stunning, such a supportive and empowering book about diversity... and I loved it. It was beautiful in every way. This book is  about a young Asian American who loved the way she looks. She knows it is different but it also makes her special and she is celebrating it throughout the book. If it affirming and such a great book for young readers. 

The illustrations are absolutely stunning and provide such a vivid glimpse into the words this story provides. Together they are a powerhouse. If you have young readers in your household and need more diverse books, or even if you don't need more, you should purchase this book for your collection. It is lovely.

About the Author:

Joanna Ho is passionate about equity in books and education. The daughter of immigrants from Taiwan and China, she has been an English teacher, a dean, and a teacher professional development mastermind. She is currently the vice principal of a high school in the San Francisco Bay Area. And mom to two energetic kids. Homemade chocolate chip cookies, outdoor adventures, and dance parties with her kids make Joanna’s eyes crinkle into crescent moons. 

Learn more at www.joannahowrites.com and follow her on social media @JoannaHoWrites.

About the Illustrator:

Dung Ho was born and raised in Hue Imperial City, Vietnam, where she 

studied graphic design at the Hue Arts University. She finds inspiration in nature—the beauty of plants, flowers, and leaves. She also loves to draw interesting characters with unique personalities. Now she lives in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, where she continues to learn and develop her art, something she loves doing. When she’s not drawing, she loves spending time cooking (eating), watching movies, and tending her plants.

 

Recent Reads: Day of the Dead by Greg Paprocki

Source:  From Librarything Early Reviewers and Gibbs Smith Books in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review. 

Day of the Dead: A Count and Find Primer by Greg Paprocki
Publisher: Gibb Smith Books
Publication Date: August 18, 2020

 

Format: Board Book

Rating: 

Goodreads Synopsis: 

Introduce your toddler to Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos) with this colorful counting primer, from the creators of BabyLit.

This engaging board book features popular Day of the Dead activities and objects, as it is celebrated in Mexico and throughout the world. Count and find, from 1 to 10:

1 Comparsa (a carnival-like celebration) 2 Catrinas (a female skeleton) 3 Photographs of the departed 4 Coronas de flores (a crown of flowers) 5 Musicians 6 Pan de muertos ("bread of the dead") 7 Marigolds and more!

Discover even more hidden objects to seek within the illustrations, listed at the back of the book!

Illustrator Greg Paprocki's classically retro midcentury art style is a hit with both toddlers and adults. Discover new details in each illustration with every successive reading.

Greg Paprockiworks full-time as an illustrator and book designer. He has illustrated several Curious George books, as well as books in the Little Leonardo series, the BabyLit alphabet book series, and The Big Book of Superheroes

Review: 

I received this book fore review from the publisher and Librarything Early Reviewers program, and it is a great counting board book. This book is both a counting and a search and find as well as an introduction to a culture that might not be your own. 

Each two-page spread includes a number and a Spanish word with the English translation or description. The images are dull and vibrant just like the Day of the Dead celebrations, and so at times it can be a little difficult to spot the items you are looking to find, but it is a flurry of activity in every spread and there is a lot to see. In addition to the great counting, there are extra items listed in the back of the book to locate throughout and some additional information about what the words mean.

Overall, if you are looking to add culture, counting, and bright images into your toddlers reads, this is a great addition.

Spotlight: Shogun Showdown by Grant Goodman

Hello Book Lovers, 

It is a Spotlight Day!! Today I bring you Shogun Showdown by Grant Goodman, available NOW! This is the 4th book in the Agent Darcy and Ninja Steve series and the first one was a great read, so I can only imagine how great the rest the series is (sadly, as many of you know, I am schooling... so no time for fun). This is an "action-adventure story, full of martial arts and magic."

Interested, keep reading to learn more...

XOXO, 

Steph

Shogun Showdown (Agent Darcy and Ninja Steve #4) by Grant Goodman

Paperback $11.99 
Publisher: KDP

Publication Date: November 24, 2020

Age Group: 8 and Up | 236 Pages

 

Synopsis:

The Unlimited Power Tournament Has Arrived!

Ninja Steve has entered the competition, hoping that his training with Sensei Raheem will be enough to win battle after battle. If he can claim the grand prize, he’s going to use it to bring his family back together.

Agent Darcy is traveling with him, but she isn’t seeking tournament glory. Darcy’s powers are slowly spiraling out of control, and a group of samurai known as the mindblades might be the only ones who can help her.

Steve is prepared to clash with the other contestants, but is he prepared to see his sister again? And while Darcy is ready to cure her curse, is she willing to pay the price?

Darcy thought a lot about the walls in her own life. Secret identities and the rules of the Bureau were walls she had built. Forming friendships and learning new ways of life had shown her the benefits of tearing them down. Whenever she'd knocked down a wall, she realized, she'd become a better person. 

Changing her name today was going to knock down one more wall. 

After an hour of snacking and watching, Darcy was ready to visit the Hall of Name with her guardians, Gertie and Morris.

The Ninja Hall of Name was right above the Ninja Hall of Fame, which was across the street from the popular board game store, Hall of Game. The Hall of Fame had a short line of people outside the door waiting to buy tickets, and the Hall of Game was packed. No one was lined up for the Hall of Name. 

Ninja Morris pointed at the metal bell on the desk. Darcy pushed the button, expecting it to be one of those silent, decorative bells ninjas were fond of. Instead, a crashing gong strike split the air, causing Darcy to jump and land in a fighting stance. 

“Be right there," came a voice that made Darcy narrow her eyes. 

The girl who walked out was wearing the latest trendy ninja uniform: all black with a colorful sword emblem on the inside of each forearm. Darcy had heard some of the ninja teachers grumbling about how clothes were different now, how when they were children, such bold colors would have gotten them sent home from school to change. 

The girl's hair was brown and curly and bounced as she walked. She was pulling up her ninja mask to cover the lower half of her face, but Darcy recognized her immediately, even half masked. 

Matilda. 

Her mentor student from the Bureau of Sneakery. The same Matilda who had worked occasional shifts at the Bureau's café, who had always had time to talk Darcy through stressful situations. 

Darcy's agent training took over. Despite her urge to leap across the counter and wrap her arms around Matilda, she didn't. Despite her urge to ask Matilda what she was doing here, she didn't. Despite her urge to tell Matilda that she missed her and missed the Bureau, she didn't. 

Darcy kept a straight face and acted as if they were total strangers. Matilda, ever the professional, did the same. 

“Good morning,” Matilda said, her voice flat. “How can I assist you?" 

“I'm here to change my name,” Darcy said. 

“Please fill out this form,” Matilda said, handing over a tablet. 

Darcy took the tablet and examined the form. It only had four parts. 

Your Current Name. Your New Name. Your Current Address. Signature. 

Darcy paused. “I only want to change my first name.” 

"That's fine," said Matilda, looking bored. 

On the first line, she wrote, “Marcy.” On the second line, she wrote, “Darcy.” On the third line, she put, “1661 Sneak Attack Street." On the fourth line, she signed her name. 

Darcy handed the tablet back to Matilda, who glanced at what Darcy had written. 

“You're all done here,” she said. 

Gertie and Morris, seeing that Darcy's work was finished, began walking away. 

Darcy waited a few seconds, then turned back to Matilda. “Hey, are you working here all day?" 

Matilda said, “Yeah. No one else wanted a shift.” 

Then Matilda walked off, and Darcy left. She knew that if she came back later, there was a chance she could get some answers. Only a small chance, though. Matilda was still bound by the rules of the Bureau, which meant that she wasn't supposed to make friends with outsiders like Darcy. It was entirely possible that after today, Matilda would never be seen in Ninjastoria again. 

Darcy remembered their old café talks over tea and how Matilda had been both her mentor and a real friend. She hoped Matilda still felt the same way about her even after her expulsion. 

When they left the Hall of Name to walk home, Darcy 

couldn't focus. She was distracted by thoughts of Matilda and what her appearance meant. 

Was Matilda there on a random mission? Was Matilda there as a friend? 

Or-most disturbing of all—was Matilda there to keep an eye on her? Was the Bureau of Sneakery still watching her, just when she thought she was free? 

About the Author

Grant Goodman is the author of the Agent Darcy & Ninja Steve novel series for
readers 8-13 years old. His action-adventure novels focus on the importance of friendship, family, and confidence.

His first job was teaching martial arts, but since 2007, Grant has been teaching middle school and high school English classes in Maryland. In 2020, he was named Teacher of the Year by the Montgomery County Council of PTAs.

Merry Christmas 2020

🎄🎄🎄🎄Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!🎄🎄🎄🎄
From Steph (and family) at Cover2CoverBlog 

Hope that your holiday is filled with love, wellness and happiness!

Happy Holidays from Cover2CoverBlog

Happy December and Happy Holidays! 

I know that 2020 has been a long year...

However you will be celebrating, I would like to say Happy Holidays!!!

I hope you have a love filled holiday season that is happy and healthy. Stay well my friends.

Yes this is me as a penguin on the beach.

Recent Reads: Embassy of the Dead by Will Mabbitt

Source:  From Librarything Early Reviewers Program and Walker Books in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review.

Embassy of the Dead by Will Mabbitt
Series: Embassy of the Dead #1
Publisher: Walker Books
Publication Date: September 8, 2020

 

Format: Paperback ARC


Rating: 

Goodreads Synopsis: 

Jake Green is dead. Or he might as well be when he mistakenly accepts a package from the Embassy of the Dead in this hilarious adventure of the afterlife, the first in a series.

When Jake Green opens a mysterious box containing a severed finger, he accidentally summons a grim reaper intent on dragging him to the Eternal Void (yes, it's as fatal as it sounds). Now Jake is running for his life. Luckily, he has a knack for talking to ghosts, which just might help him survive long enough to reach the Embassy of the Dead and plead his case. With the help of a prankster poltergeist and a dead undertaker, Jake dodges fearsome undead creatures, discovers his own ghostly abilities, and gets excused from the school field trip due to a terrible (and made-up) bout of diarrhea. But the Embassy has its own problems, and Jake must be very careful where he places his trust--in both the living and the dead. With a plot that zips and a colorful cast of characters, this delightful new series delivers laughs and shivers in equal measure.

Review: 

Embassy of the Dead is a fun, adventure-packed, spooky story about a boy that happens upon a plot to take over the world, but not just the living world, the world of the dead too. 

Jake is just your ordinary boy until one day on his way home he is given a box and what person doesn't open a box if it is given to them. Jake discovers a severed finger and is immediately thrown into a supernatural crazy plot. He meets some ghosts, and learns about the Embassy of the Dead.

This was a quick read, full of action and a lot of running away from spooky reapers and other undeads. The characters were fun and I enjoyed them, there seems to be a plan for more books in the series which will help more with characters growth and development. There was some in this installment, nit not a lot yet. The plot is fun and combines the spooky/scary with a bit of mystery and as pretty action packed. I think younger readers will really enjoy this one.  

I received a paperback advanced copy of this book, so there were illustrations but I am not sure if they are final illustrations or just placeholder sketches. The are primarily sketches and very unfinished, but they do add a spooky feel to the events that they depict throughout the story.