Book Review: Face the Flames (Sugarland Blue) by Jo Davis

Face the Flames is the sixth book in the Sugarland Blue series by Jo Davis. I have not tread the previous books in the series, but was still able to fully enjoy the series. Those that have read the other books will likely get more out of the read just because of the prior knowledge about the characters that appear as secondary players in the story. 

A near-fatal accident left firefighter/paramedic Clay Montana with devastating injuries. Now, after a year-long recovery, Clay is focused on one thing: getting his body back to form, so he can return to the job he loves. And then a chance meeting with a fiery redhead changes his life.  Detective Melissa Ryan may be the new cop on the block, but she s no stranger to Sugarland. It is where she lived with her violent, criminal uncle a man she needs to see behind bars. But when she meets Clay at a crime scene, the down-but-far-from-out firefighter makes her rethink her priorities. Getting close to Clay is intoxicating, but Melissa must keep her wits about her if she s to protect them from a man with deadly intentions

Face the Flames is a small town, first responder romance. Clay is towards the end of his recovery after a serious accident that almost killed him and Melissa is a police office a little obsessed with busting the Uncle that runs a huge illegal moonshine operation. When they meet they instantly connect, and almost instantly start dating. I think the getting together was a little too easy, and while sometimes it really does work like that I felt like they never really talked about any issues or expectations they had about their relationship. They only focused on the external or danger related issues. I was a little bothered by a couple things- like how Clay's internal dialogue got all cave man when Melissa was hurt or in danger. She is an officer, it is going to happen- and pretty regularly, even though the circumstances at the time were a little out of the ordinary. I also got a a little frustrated with the lack of concern about Clay and his head injuries. I have known people that have been told to avoid alcohol and change jobs after receiving too many concussions- I would think that Clay would fall in that category by the end of the book. While I enjoyed the read, I was a little annoyed with how little the two discussed anything and how many twists put them in danger and the hospital. 

Face the Flames is a romance that seemed both too easy and too hard to me, but kept me happily reading and entertained for a summer weekend. I think fans of the series will consider this a must read, but those that want more character development might not want to start the series here. 

Book Review: Out of the Box by Jemma Westing

Out of the Box by Jemma Westing includes twenty-five interactive cardboard model projects that will encourage kids' creativity and "out of the box" thinking skills through hands-on learning and the application of science-based principles. Kids can bring old cardboard to life and build recycled creations they can play with, sit in, or wear. From small-scale gifts to large constructions there are clear, step-by-step instructions to show kids how to make dinosaurs, masks, race cars, and so much more. There are also images and ideas to encourage them to make their own unique projects when they feel ready. Each of the projects use recycled materials, including cardboard rolls and boxes, so all the supplies should be easy to find right at home.

Out of the Box is a well written group project instructions and inspirations for making a wide variety of creations with common cardboard objects we all are likely to have around the house. The additional supplies, such as glue sticks, scissors, markers, duct tape and the like are also things that many of us have on hand. Even if you do not have every tool that the instructions use throughout the book, there are certainly some projects that will require no shopping. The projects include games, animals, wearable masks,  ships, a 'cityscape', things for pets, and more. Even though I am an 'adult' I still want to try out some of these projects. So I work in a school and I will find a way to make it about the kids, but I want them for me- they are just a good excuse. I found the instructions to be understandable and easy to follow, although some of the projects are significantly more difficult than others. The photographs that accompany each project are helpful and clear.  One of my favorite things about the book was the inclusion of "Try This" ideas which encourages kids to take their projects to the next level, and to truly make it all their own.

Out of the Box is a wonderful addition to school, public, and personal libraries. While it is a wonderful jumping off point for organized or personal crafts (i.e. makerspace, classroom, storytimes, homeschooling) it would also be a great resource for anyone that likes to build and create. I will be trying to get a copy for my school library for next year.

Book Review: Hard Time (Hard as Nails) by Hope Conrad

Hard Time is the first book in the Hard as Nails contemporary romance series by Hope Conrad. Thomas Street is an ex-con, but before he got out of prison, he locked eyes with her.  The moment Street sees Katie serving food in a hellhole of a prison, he wants her.  Now he’s found her again, working in a bookstore of all places, and she’s just as gorgeous as he remembers. Only Katie thinks he can be redeemed. That there’s a good man underneath his darkness. But then Katie becomes his, Katie and her daughter. And he’ll risk everything, including fighting the devil himself, to protect them.

Hard Time is a contemporary love story and a good start to a series. I liked that Street and Katie face huge, real life problems. While their issues were those that are not part of my reality, I am very aware that some of them are very really to many people. I liked the fact that Katie's daughter did not just become a non issue, but that where she was and how to keep her safe and happier were very much a part of the story. Too often a child in a romance with a single parent just kind of disappears and plays too little of a role. The danger and drama of Katie and Street's romance was real, and I like that it come from both sides of the story- they each had problems that needed to be overcome rather than one being the perfect partner and one in need of redemption. They have both made mistakes and talk out their issues for the most part. The guilt and pain they each feel, and the internal issues they need to overcome are just as important to the story as their attraction and sex that they share. I really liked that emotion and consequences were so important and prevalent in the story. I wonder where the series will go next, and look forward to seeing the friends from Street's past find their way to happiness. 

Hard Time is a great redemption and love story. It is heartening to see people overcoming huge but real problems and work towards happiness. 

Book Review: Zoo Zen: A Yoga Story for Kids by Kristen Fischer, Susi Schaefer

Zoo Zen: A Yoga Story for Kids is a picturebook written by Kristen Fischer and illustrated by Susi Schaefer.  What could be more fun for kids than to hop like a frog, slither like a snake, and roar like a lion--all while learning an empowering, healthy life skill? This book is a pose-along adventure for young children, taking them on an adventure with Lyla as she learns ten yoga poses from her friends at the zoo, receiving helpful tips along the way from each animal she encounters. Rhyming and counting are used to make memorization easier, and fun. 

Zoo Zen: A Yoga Story for Kids is a simple and fun introduction to yoga poses for young readers. Those that are interested in yoga, and animals will enjoy the read. I thought it was well done, unfortunately it did not blow mew away as particularly better that the books and videos that I have seen doing similar things- although I found the illustrations charming and  the animal connection one that will speak strongly to some readers. 

Book Review: Eden's Wish (Eden of the Lamp) by M. Tara Crowl

Eden's Wish is the first book in the Eden of the Lamp series by M. Tara Crowl. All twelve years of Eden's life have been spent in an antique oil lamp. She lives like a princess inside her tiny, luxurious home; but to Eden, the lamp is nothing but a prison. She hates being a genie. All she wants, more than anything, is freedom. When Eden finds a gateway to Earth within the lamp, she takes her chance and enters the world she loves. And this time, she won't be sent back after three wishes. Posing as the new kid at a California middle school, Eden revels in all of Earth's pleasures--but quickly learns that this world isn't as perfect as she always thought it was. Eden soon finds herself in the middle of a centuries-old conflict between powerful immortals. A ruthless organization run by a former genie will stop at nothing to acquire the lamp and its power--even hurt Tyler and Sasha, the new mortal friends who have given Eden a home. To save her friends and protect the lamp's magic, Eden must decide once and for all where she belongs.

Eden's Wish is a book with an original and complex story that captured my imagination and attention. I had the book on my kindle for ages, I just wish I had read it earlier! Eden is twelve, and has the typical desire to change and grow that all young people have. I like that she does appreciate the love and care she has, but still wants more independence and experience outside the lamp. She is intelligent and caring, but understandably naive about people and the real world- as one might expect from someone so sheltered. The larger conspiracy is intriguing and I loved how those involved hide in plain sight in the world. The characters are all complex and have personal flaws or quirks that make them more interesting or realistic. I really enjoyed Eden's discovery of the little things we all take for granted, and her strength of self even as she is trying to find her path. I also liked that while the adults are lost in grief, over protecting guardians, or plotting and scheming none of them are not the flat useless or bumbling adults that so often appear in books of children or teens. I think this is going to be a great series- and now I have to find the next book.

Eden's Wish is a wonderful and original read. While there is plenty more to cover in the series, I really appreciated that the story resolved the most pressing questions so I was left satisfied. I think middle grade, young adult, and adult readers can all enjoy this read. 

Book Review: Torrain (Highland Clan) by Keira Montclair

Torrain is the second book in the Highland Clan series by Keira Montclair. The first book was Loki, but while readers of the series will have some more knowledge of the characters and clan relations, newcomers can still fully enjoy the read. 

Torrian Ramsay, future laird of the Ramsay clan, learned long ago not to take his family for granted. Without the love and devotion of his sire, he would never have survived the childhood illness that kept him abed for years. Now Torrian is a strapping lad, but one thing has not changed—he will still do aught in his power to make his sire proud. So when the King of the Scots asks him to enter into a betrothal with Davina Buchan, the daughter of a power-hungry laird, he feels he has no choice. Though Torrian is certain the lass’s family has hidden motives, his sire believes in following their king’s orders, and besides, the marriage will help keep peace in the Highlands. When Torrian meets Heather, a wild-haired lass who’s spent the past years living in nature with her wee daughter, he discovers that love has a power as strong as duty. To marry as his heart desires, Torrian must prove that the Buchans are not what they seem, but time is not on his side. He will need to rely on his family and friends to help him convince his sire—and his king—that he should be allowed to make his own match

Torrain is a complex romance. I was intrigued by the quick appearance Heather made in Loki, she was there from a split second, and I wanted to know her story which is why I bought this one. I enjoyed her character, she was strong and perfectly capable of fending for herself and is eager to learn more in order to improve her skills. If it were not for her daughter being ill she would never had come out from hiding (and would likely have never been in hiding to begin with). Although it seemed like the explanation of why she was hiding seemed to take forever to come out- and when it did it seemed to unnecessarily complicate the story with no real purpose. I liked that Torrian is self aware and not stuck in the self doubt that Loki was. He is intelligent and caring, and while dealing with obligations is not afraid to stand up for himself and those he cares for. I enjoyed the complex conflict, and the fact that smart and sassy young girls were the ones that ultimately saved the day. My only issue was that the conflicts got to be too much after awhile, and thought a resolution could have been reached without quite as many battles and twists.

Torrain is a compelling historical romance with more than enough conflict and danger to keep readers going. I liked the characters and think this is a perfect weekend read.

Book Review: Moto and Me: My Year as a Wildcat's Foster Mom by Suzi Eszterhas

Moto and Me: My Year as a Wildcat's Foster Mom by Suzi Eszterhas is a children's non fiction book. It tells the firsthand story of wildlife photographer Suzi Eszterhas’s care for an orphaned baby serval (a small, spotted wildcat) in Kenya. When a grass fire separates the serval from his family, a ranger asks Suzi, who is living in a bush camp and is skilled with animals, to be the serval’s foster mom. The book chronicles Suzi’s tender care of Moto, including how she feeds, bathes, and plays with him, and helps him develop hunting skills. Her goal is to help him learn how to survive on his own in the wild. After 6 months, he is ready to leave—a difficult good-bye, but exactly what Suzi had worked for.

Moto and Me is a story that combines emotion and information to nearly perfect effect. I enjoyed reading about the attachment and struggles Suzi faced in balancing the love she had for little Moto with her goal to help him grow up to be able to fend for himself. It was interesting to see how serval are both similar and different from the domestic cats that have always been a part of my life. The photographs of Moto's journey were simply beautiful and the icing on the cake. The information about how servals live, and how we can support the survival of the species was an important bonus. I think that the fact that the proceeds of the books sales going toward protecting the preserve where Moto now lives is a wonderful touch and makes me even more eager to get my hands on a paper (rather than digital) copy.

Moto and Me is a good combination of information and heart warming story. I loved learning more about how a serval grows, and how Suzi lived in Kenya. I need to buy this book for my daughter, who is still determined to live much like Suzi did in Kenya in order to care for wild animals. 

Book Review: Freckle Stars by Jackie Leduc

Freckle Stars by Jackie Leduc is a children's book about Clementine, who hated her freckles and that they made her different.  Other children poked fun at her in school, and she didn't want to be different. But one day, her mother teaches her an important life lesson she will never forget.

Freckle Stars is a cute story about a girl dealing with being bullied about looking different. She has red hair, fair skin, and freckles. Honestly, while I know some kids will tease others about anything- she is described to match exactly what I wanted to look like at that age, but I digress. I love that Clementine spoke her her mother about her bullying issue, and her concerns about being different. This is awesome and something we need to encourage our kids to do, share their problems and concerns with the adults in their lives. However, it is in the conversation she has with her mother that the book went sharply downhill for me. Instead of supporting her daughter's body image, how different is beautiful, or that everyone has a different version of beauty her mom goes to magic. Freckles are really stars, so you are special and your skin magic is her answer rather than addressing the bullies or her daughter's self esteem in a healthy way. Yes, it is a sweety, fun idea and young children would love the idea of stars hanging out on their skin. I just wish that the validated Clementines individual beauty rather than telling her she is special in a fairy tale way. 

Early Book Review: Where I Need to Be (McKenna) by Jamie Hollins

Where I Need to Be is the third book in the McKenna series by Jamie Hollins. It is currently scheduled for release on July 18 2017. While I have read the previous books and enjoyed them greatly, you can read them each as a stand alone and still enjoy the read. 

When heroin stole James Foley’s wife and destroyed his marriage, he poured all his energy into raising his young son and running his auto garage. There’s no room in his life for anything else until Megan McKenna walks into his shop. He finds it impossible to resist the sexy school teacher. After an ugly divorce, Megan lost her home, her job, and a big chunk of her self-respect. With her posh lifestyle now a memory, she starts over by indulging in an unexpected fling with a hard-bodied mechanic.  What begins as something casual turns into something meaningful. But how can their relationship survive when it’s built on half-truths?  James and Megan soon discover that being honest with themselves is just as important as being honest with each other. Only then will their relationship fire on all cylinders.

Where I Need to Be is a great contemporary romance of people initially unwilling to take another chance at love given no choice once their hearts are involved. James is doing the best he can for his son with the help of his father, but suffers with self doubt and guilt about time spent away from his son at work or socially. Megan is just trying to get her life back in gear after her ex-husband cheated and then took all the money and friends in the divorce. She is just happy to still be teaching and that the marriage is over- however still feels like she failed to make it work. When the pair meet- and their marital statuses and attraction are discovered to be mutual a relationship is formed. I like that they talked things through, like their expectations of the relationship, like adults. However, I was a little annoyed with Megan's reluctance to talk to her family, I honestly expected her to talk to her brother at least (mostly because of the previous books) even if she was not ready to deal with the rest of the family. I thought the situations and realism of the story was engaging and had me turning pages well past my bedtime. I liked the characters, and was glade to see the epilogue which offered a nice glimpse into the future for all three books in this series. 

Where I Need to Be is another winner from Hollins, and I cannot wait to see what they write next. A special thanks to the author, who helped me out why my NetGalley request was initially denied, helping me get the instant gratification I was craving. 

Early Book Review: A Pattern for Pepper by Julie Kraulis

A Pattern for Pepper is a picture book by Julie Kraals that is currently scheduled for release on August 1 2017. Pepper is getting a dress made for a special occasion. It's the first dress that has ever been made just for her, and she wants it to be perfect. But what pattern is right for her? Pepper is particular, and nothing works at first. Dotted Swiss? Too plain. Houndstooth? Not enough color. Pinstripe? Too glum. As Pepper learns about each fabric, she finds a reason why it's just not the one. Will Pepper ever be able to find the perfect pattern? 

A Pattern for Pepper is a charming story about a young girl seeking the perfect fabric for a special dress. She is shown a series of patterns, complete with some history and information about the pattern. I learned some history and neat tidbits about fabric and patterns that were completely new to me. I thought I was pretty knowledgeable about the subject matter, but was glad to have such a board range of fabrics explored. I think some young readers or listeners mightiest a little bored with the sheer amount of information- particularly those with no interest in fabric or patterns. However, the information is delivered in a way that many will enjoy the story and take in the information.