The Lost Year

When I started hearing reviews about The Lost Year by Katherine Marsh, I thought to myself that I wasn't going to read it because one of the timelines was during Covid. I had lived through that and didn't need to read about it, thank you very much! 

I kept hearing fabulous review after fabulous review, so I looked into it more. When I found out it was about the 1930's famine in Ukraine (a part of the world that has held my heart for many years) I decided to give it a try, and now this book is probably one of my favorite, not only from this year, but top ten favorites of all time! I guess the moral of the story here is not to judge a book by the pandemic! 

This story is about cousins on the opposite side of the world during a devastating famine that left Soviet Ukraine in a dire and life-altering  situations. 

It is like nothing I have ever read before. It has multiple time lines and a family story that will leave you trying to catch your breath at the revelations within it's pages. This is a truly remarkable, beautiful story of family and the power of stories! 

Please read this book as it is breath-takingly poetic! 

Now, go and READ! 

Grab your copy here: The Lost Year

Myrtle Hardcastle Mystery Series (5 books)

I love mystery series. I don't care what age they are for, I will read them! The Myrtle Hardcastle Mystery series is one that I enjoyed every single book in the 5 book set! 

Premeditated Myrtle by Elizabeth C. Bunce is book 1 where we are introduced to 12 year old, Myrtle Hardcastle, her teacher, Miss Ada Judson, her father, Mr. Hardcastle and their cat, Peony. Set in Victorian England, this series is full of interesting side characters, fast-paced mysteries and a spunky young sleuth who isn't afraid to get dirty, even when Miss Judson begs her to behave like a little lady. 

Each book in the series is perfect for any aged reader who loves a good mystery like I do. 

I hope you enjoy. 

Now, go and READ! 

Grab your copies here:  

Myrtle Hardcastle Box Set

Premeditated Myrtle

A Rover's Story

 

Now, this isn't my normal read. I'm not a robot person (unless its R2-D2 or BB-8), but I had heard and read so many great reviews on A Rover's Story by Jasmine Warga that I just had to try it out. I'm also trying to read more books that my young male students might enjoy. I am so glad I took a chance on this book because it was fabulous and completely adorable! 

The reader sees through the eyes of Resilience, a Mars rover being built and prepared for a mission to the planet Mars. Res walks us through the process of getting ready, landing on Mars and what all the incredible scientists have to do to get a mission like this up, running and continuing to run. 

You fall in love with Res, Fly (his drone helicopter friend), and all the scientists that are working on the project. This book helps readers see how important team work is and how when we work together, great things happen. 

I have a young tutoring client who found out that I was reading it and he said, "Miss Emily! We are so reading that next!" I told him that its officially on our, to read next, list! 😄 

I really hope you enjoy this as much as I did! 

Now, go and READ!

Grab your own copy here: A Rover's Story

Seven Wonders of Sassafras Springs

 

One of my tutoring clients showed me his, Battle of the Books, list for this school year. He told me he has a goal to read as many as he could. I told him I would read them too so we could talk about them afterwards so he could be extra prepared for battle of the books. One of those books was The Seven Wonders of Sassafras Springs by Betty G. Birney.  

Eben McAllister lives in Sassafras Springs where nothing happens. He wants to see the world and, especially, the seven wonders of the world he learned about in school. Sassafras Springs only has rows and rows of crops! His dad challenges him to find Seven Wonders in Sassafras Springs within a week. If he does, Ebens dad will send him to Colorado to visit family. Eben takes on this challenge with excitement and glee! 

Throughout the week, Eben finds wonders that he never thought possible from people that he was scared to talk to previously. People that, to others, were aloof or strange. 

This book is sweet and wholesome and just plain good. It helps readers see that the outside appearance everyone sees isn't what's on the inside of a person and that we all have stories from our past. This book was just a joy to read. It is on the shorter side, so even reluctant readers or readers who struggle can finish it and feel accomplished. It is a great read for the whole family! 

I hope you enjoy. 

Now, go and READ! 

Grab your own copy here: The Seven Wonders of Sassafras Springs

Homer on the Case

 

One of my favorite things to do is shop the rows of the library for new reads. That's where I found Homer on the Case by Henry Cole. I had read other books by Henry Cole and really enjoyed them, so I decided to give it a try! It was such a cute story, I was glad it came home with me from the library. 

Homer is a homing pigeon that loves to read detective comics from the newspaper. While flying around the local park he sees a group of devious animals stealing from humans. The local police are stumped by the thefts and only Homer and his new friend, Lulu, the talking parrot, can solve the mystery and return all the stolen goods. 

This is such a sweet, fun story that is perfect for animal lovers of all ages. It is on the shorter side which is nice to help kiddos finish it quickly and feel accomplished with themselves because they finished a book! It's great for the whole family. 

I hope you enjoy it as much as I did! 

Now, go and READ!

Grab your own copy here: Homer on the Case

Beyond Ivy Walls

Rachel Fordham is one of my favorite clean romance authors! Beyond the Ivy Walls was released in 2024 and it is reminiscent of Beauty and the Beast, one of my favorite movies. 

We follow Otis Taylor, a self-inflicted recluse. He hides so no one can see his scars and think less of his families name. When a mysterious message about a long lost family member comes into his possession he has to face his worst fear: stepping back out into society. He will do anything to find his family! He crosses paths with Sadie West, a spunky, hard-working woman who helps him find peace in the situation around him. Not only with himself, but also with his family and the past that still haunts them all. 

Fordham's books are the perfect blend of romance, whit and even some historical elements. I have read all of her work and have enjoyed all but one... we can talk about that later 😊 

All of her books are stand alone novels with beautiful story-lines and great endings. 

I hope you enjoy! 

Now, go and READ! 

Grab your own copy here: Beyond Ivy Walls

Winterborne Home Duology

 

I've read Ally Carter since I was a teenager and have loved every book I have read. Side note: she has a new adult series, but the reviews I've read mention things that aren't normally what I read so I'll just stick with her YA/ Middle Grade books. 

When I recently found this duology, I sat down and finished both books within a 24 hour time period! I couldn't put them down! My heart broke when I finished the last one because I knew it was over. These books suck you in and don't let you go until the last 'The End'! 

In the first book, Winterborne Home for Vengeance and Valor, we get introduced to a group of five orphans who are adopted into the Winterborne home for gifted children. Gabriel Winterborne, the dead heir to the Winterborne estate, has left his home in the hands of some interesting characters and its up to the five orphans to figure out who is good and who is evil.  

There is mystery, intrigue, a creepy mansion, a sword-wielding vigilante, an evil uncle, and a ghost that haunts the mansion at night. This series is just fabulous! A total page turner that will keep any reader, young or old, hooked until the very end.  

The first book is Vengeance and Valor and the second is Mayhem and Mystery. They must be read in order or you will spoil all the good stuff and be really confused! 😂    

I hope you enjoy these as much as I did! 

Now, go and READ! 

Grab your copies here: 

Winterborne Home for Vengeance and Valor

Winterborne Home for Mayhem and Mystery

The Beat I Drum

Previously on the blog, I talked about Dusti Bowling's book Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus (check out the post on April 18, 2025). During my research online about this series, I found out that a new book was going to be added and I FREAKED!!! I was so excited. When I saw it on the shelves in the store I immediately grabbed it, and read it that weekend! 

The Beat I Drum by Dusti Bowling is about Connor (who we meet in the first two books). He has recently moved to a new part of Arizona to be closer to his dad. Starting in a new school is hard enough, but Connor has Tourette Syndrome and when people don't understand why you randomly bark like a dog, it makes it hard to find your place in a new surrounding. 

Connor finds a great group of friends who introduce him to what this new town has to offer. At school, he finds a love for his music class. His teacher, Ms. Chen, works with him to find a musical instrument that helps Connor work through a lot of inner turmoil. 

Words cannot fully express how much I love this series and The Beat I Drum is the perfect addition! It is positive and uplifting. I really enjoyed how Dusti Bowling wove the Tourette Syndrome through the book. Connors ticks just became natural to the reader and you fall in love with his story and his new group of friends! This series would be best read in order so you can see the character development and know who is who. It's wonderful for all readers, young and old!! 

Read it! It's fabulous! 

Now, go and READ! 

Grab your own copy here: The Beat I Drum

The Chocolate Touch

 

As a private tutor, I am always looking for good books for my students to read. My newest hunt has been to find shorter books to help students get done sooner so they can feel excited that they finished a book! During my hunting process I found The Chocolate Touch by Patrick Skene Catling. This is the perfect blend of a short book with a great message attached. 

We follow a young boy, John Midas, who loves chocolate. His parents want him to eat a well rounded diet (like most parents) but John doesn't like fruits and veggies. So he decides to sneak chocolates whenever he can. As part of this subterfuge, he runs into a brand new candy store where the owner blesses him with the chocolate touch: everything that touches his mouth turns to chocolate. 

At first, John loves it. He can't believe that even the water from the water fountain at school turns into chocolate. During a test he nervously puts his pencil to his mouth and, viola, John now has a chocolate pencil. 

After a while, the chocolate touch starts to become more curse than blessing and John has to learn that too much of one thing isn't good for us. We need variety, in our diet and in life! 

This story is full of funny and heartfelt moments that will keep even the most reluctant reader hooked to it's pages. 

I hope you enjoy. 

Now, go and READ! 

Grab you own copy here: The Chocolate Touch

Where the Red Fern Grows

 

Classic children's books are some of my favorite to read. Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls is the epitome of classic children's literature! 

I read it a few years ago, so my memory is a wee bit foggy, but I do remember how much I loved it in the moment, how good it was and how interested I was in the story and characters. 

We follow a young boy, Billy, who has worked hard to save enough money to get two dogs for himself. Old Dan and Little Ann become Billy's best friends and together the three of them go on adventures all over the hills of the Ozark Mountains. They meet new people, make new friends and run into some tight spots along the way. 

I have a young tutoring client that has read this over and over again and absolutely loves this story. When my mom found out that I was reading it she started gushing about how much she loved reading it when she was younger. 

I can't stress enough how adorable, beautiful and heartwarming this book is to all who reads it. Get tissues ready as the ending will wreck you! Fair warning! 

I hope you enjoy it as much as I did! 

Now, go and READ!

Grab your own copy here: Where the Red Fern Grows

The Tenant of Wildfell Hall

Classics are very hit and miss, but I've got a good one for ya! Previously, I had read from Charlotte and Emily Bronte, so I wanted to complete my Bronte set with Anne😁.

The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Bronte was very very good and easier to read than some other classics that I have read in the past. This novel is about the mysterious Helen Graham and her neighbor Gilbert Markham. Gilbert is fascinated by Helen, but has a hard time understanding the motives behind some of her actions. Gilbert earns the trust of Helen and she allows him to read her diary which opens up his eyes to why she is the way she is. You learn to love the hero and truly HATE the villain! 

This novel is very reader friendly and moves at a pretty good pace. If you have to pick a classic for a class or just want to expand your reading horizon, pick up The Tenant of Wildfell Hall. I don't think you will be disappointed. 

Hope you enjoy. 

Now, go and READ! 

Grab your own copy here: The Tenant of Wildfell Hall

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind

 

I’ve said this previously, but I’m always looking for enjoyable non- fiction reads for younger readers. I came across The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer one day and decided to try it out. It sounded like a great premise in an area of the world that students may not be familiar with. 

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind is about young William who lives in Malawi, a land locked country on the continent of Africa. William has a very active mind and wants to help out his village, especially after a horrible drought hits and all the crops die. When crops struggle the families in the village, including Williams family, struggle. Families can’t afford food or education, so William finds solace in the local library. Here he finds the world of windmills and electricity. This sparks his creativity and imagination. He goes to his local junkyard and finds scraps wherever he goes which will help him build a windmill. This simple windmill leads William down a road to great things for himself, his family, his village and his country. 

I LOVED this book. There is an adult version and a Young Reader Edition (pictured). I would recommend the Young Readers Edition. I tried reading the adult version and it was… not interesting for me. The Young Readers Edition was just perfect. It talked about life in Malawi, the education there, daily life and how friendships shaped Williams life. 

I taught in a school where there were a great percentage of immigrants, many from Africa. Reading this book helped me see their world a little bit brighter. Being born and raised in America, sometimes we forget how other people around the world live and this book really helped expand my knowledge of that. This would be a great addition to any library and for any age group! 

Hope you enjoy! 

Now, go and READ! 

Grab your own Young Readers Edition here: The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind

Hidden Yellow Stars

 Hidden Yellow Stars by Rebecca Connolly is one of those based-on- a- true -story novels that is so unbelievable that it helps those of us who didn’t live through WWII become really grateful for what we have! 

This novel is about a group of people who go undercover to save Jewish children during the height of the Nazi Regime of WWII. These people would go into some of the most dangerous places to save innocent children from being sent to consecration camps. They would give them new names and find new families for them. They would hide them in the country side, with nuns and other religious leaders and just about anywhere else they could so they could escape the Gestapo. 

Connolly focuses primarily on two real women’s stories: Andree Geulen, who was a non-Jewish school teacher who hated what was happening to her Jewish students and Ida Sterno, who was Jewish and hated what was happening to her people. This novel goes into great details about how each member of this undercover society had code names and different assignments from everyone else. This helped in the event that if someone was captured, they wouldn’t know the entire organization and couldn’t spill the beans under interrogation. 

I loved the concept of this novel and the rich history it helped me learn more about. One 'con' would be that each chapter had similar vibes so it felt a bit like you were reading the same thing over and over again. 

It was a great audio book and a subject area that is fascinating for all to read! I hope you enjoy! 

Now, go and READ! 

Grab your copy here: Hidden Yellow Stars

Far From the Madding Crowd

 

I've been trying to read more classics and expand my reading vocabulary (horizon, library). I decided to pick up Thomas Hardy's Far from the Madding Crowd after hearing some good reviews online. Sometimes classics are really hard to read and understand. I have found that reading the physical book and listening to it at the same time helps with comprehension and overall enjoyment. 

Far from the Madding Crowd is about Bathsheba Everdene and her three suitors: Gabriel Oak, Farmer Boldwood and Sergeant Troy. While working her land and figuring out her best match, Bathsheba finds out how much heartache she can take and how to overcome many trials. There is a lot to unpack in this book so just read it and buckle up cause things are about to get crazy! 

While reading it, I realized that I was about four or five chapters away from the end and there was still a lot that needed to happen. If you have seen the movie, or even the cover for the movie you know who Bathsheba ends up marrying. I had only seen the cover, so I had a pretty good idea of who ended up together. Knowing the ending, I kept wondering how Mr. Hardy was going to wrap everything up. I was NOT prepared for what happened! It came out of left field and completely took my breath away. I was in absolute shock at the ending. It does end very satisfactorily, but it is nuts how we get there as a reader! Needless to say I loved the ending and plan on watching the movie soon to do a compare and contrast (nerd alert)!    

This is perfect for high schoolers and up. I think this should be on every bodies to-be-read list as it was a great page turner. 

Enjoy! 

Now, go and READ! 

Grab your copy here: Far from the Madding Crowd

Where the Road Bends

 

While perusing online one day a couple of years ago, I ran across reviews for Rachel Fordham's book Where the Road Bends. It sounded right up my ally, so I purchased said book and started it that day. I'm pretty sure I finished it that night! IT WAS FABLOUS!!! I loved it so much. 

My all time favorite thing is when a book gets right into the action and Where the Road Bends opens up with our female main character, Norah King, coming upon a man in her field who is steps away from deaths door. She starts to mend his wounds and helps him regain consciousness. She comes to find our that the beaten up man is Quincy Barnes who has nowhere else to go. 

After leaving Norah's land, (much against his will) Quincy finds himself in a small town where he starts to prosper. He can't get the nice woman who nursed him back to health out of his head. Come to find out, the tables have turned and its Quincey's turn to save and nurse Norah. This is such a rich book with so many details that you will just have to read it to get the rest of the plot!

This is such a beautiful novel full of love and adorable moments between our two main characters. It was my first Rachel Fordham book and since then I have read everything she has published. I would say that her books are perfect for 15-16 years and up as there is no gross content in any of them! Where the Road Bends is hands down my favorite, but you really can't go wrong with this author! 

I hope you enjoy this as much as I did! 

Now, go and READ! 

Grab your own copy here: Where the Road Bends

Greater Love Hath No Man

 

Each year, for the past few years, I’ve wanted to up my Easter game, so I've decided to read an Easter related book during that season. I have read so many good books and this year was no exception. For this Easter season my choice was Greater Love Hath No Man by Eric D. Huntsman and Trevan G. Hatch. 

In the past my Easter books have been very short and “light” (for the topic). After I finished Greater Love Hath No Man, I felt like I had just finished a Masters degree in the last week of Jesus’s life!! Though very informative and well researched, it was so much information. 

This non-fiction walks through the last week of the Saviors earthly ministry in such a way that is supported by the New Testament specifically from Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. It also uses resources from such a variety of biblical scholars and from different regions of the world. 

One of my favorite parts was when the authors went into details about different Easter week traditions that happened anciently and present day. I loved the views from different religions and how people all over the world celebrate this beautiful season. 

If you decide to start reading this, go in knowing that it is a very intense read with lots of material to get through. It really is a great resource that helped me learn so much more about Easter, Jesus and his last week. 

I hope you enjoy. 

Now, go and READ!

Grab your copy here: https://amzn.to/4n5G1Pl

A Pocket Full of Rye

 

A Pocket Full of Rye stars Miss Marple as she tries to solve the seemingly random murder of businessman Rex Fortescue. 

Now, Miss Marple mysteries haven’t been my favorite of Agatha Christie’s, but I will say that this one really was interesting and the mystery was solved in a way that didn’t leave me scratching my head. 

Rex Fortescue is a very wealthy businessman who dies at his desk after drinking his morning brew. When detectives start asking questions of the staff and Mr. Fortescue family, they come to the conclusion that not all is as it seems. 

Miss Marple, in her innocent way, stumbles on to the scene and helps the local detectives answer all their lingering questions, including why Mr. Fortescue has rye grain in his pocket. Could it really be as simple as following an old nursery rhyme? 

If you are on the fence about Miss Marple mysteries, like I have been, then try A Pocket Full of Rye! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!  

Now, go and READ! 

Grab your own copy here: A Pocket Full of Rye

Snapdragons (Gents #4)

 

Snapdragons is the newest release in The Gents series by Sarah M. Eden and it was adorable!! 

Niles Greenberry isn't ready to get married, but his family has different ideas! They have arranged a wife for him and they expect him to live up to his side of the bargain. Instead of following through, he chickens out and hides away at one of The Gents properties. He hates himself for hurting so many people, but he has dreams and they don't include settling down... yet. 

Penelope Seymour knows this is her last chance to get married and she doesn't want to ruin it. He brother has arranged everything, but when the groom doesn't show up to the get-to-know-the-family dinner, she is mortified and a little furious. That's not going to stop her from trying to succeed with this arrangement. She tracks down Mr. Greenberry, who is hiding out, and envelops herself into his life and friend group. 

There is genuine interest on both side, but can they heal old wounds and move on to deep, lasting love?  

This is another great addition to this series. I love how Sarah M. Eden builds her characters and solves the problems in the end. In this book Niles is a boxer, which I just loved! He even taught Penelope some moves! 

I hope you enjoy this fourth installment as much as I did. 

Now, go and READ! 

Grab your own copy here: Snapdragons 

Fleur de Lis (Gents #3)

 

In 'The Gents' series third installment Fleur de Lis, we follow Henri Fortier a Frenchman living in 1700's England. Henri loves being a part of the Gents, but while at a house party, he runs into the last person he would ever want to see: Nicolette Beaulieu. 

When still living in France, Henri fell in love with Nicolette and she broke his heart. Thrown back together for the first time since their awkward encounter, both Henri and Nicolette have to work on forgiving themselves and each other. They learn each others passions in life and what treasures really lies underneath the surface.  

This was yet another great addition to this series. There were a lot of French terms, but Sarah M. Eden does a good job of tying them into the story and explaining what was said in French. 

I hope you enjoy! 

Now, go and READ! 

Grab your copy here: Fleur de Lis

    

Lily of the Valley (Gents #2)

 

Lily of the Valley is the second installment of Sarah M. Eden's The Gents series. It is beautiful and so swoon worthy. Y'all will love it! 

Kester Barrington is an armature inventor who has goals of making England better through his inventions. When his group of friends, The Gents, attend a party at his home, Kester doesn't expect his intriguing new neighbor, Violet Ridley, to even glance his way. Boy was he wrong. Violet is just as interested in Kester as he is with her. Both are shy and aren't sure how to proceed. Don't worry! The Gents never leave one of there own out in the cold. Through adorable banter, fun parlor games and Kester's inventions, Kester and Violet find common ground and start building lasting love. 

Set in the countryside of 1700's England, this book is just the right addition to this series. Great for any age: teenage and up 😀. I hope you enjoy! 

Now, go and READ! 

Grab your copy here: Lily of the Valley

Forget Me Not (Gents #1)

Sarah M. Eden is probably my all time favorite author! I have read over a dozen of her published works and have enjoyed all her series! 

One of her newest series is called The Gents. Set in the late 1700's, this series is about a group of friends called the Gents and their adventures in finding love. This first installment, Forget Me Not, is about neighbors and childhood friends, Julia Cummings and Lucas Jonquil. **For those of you who have read the Jonquil Series by Sarah M. Eden this is Maters love story! When I found that out, I was BEYOND excited.   

Lucas and Julia have been friends for as long as they can remember. When their parents tell them that they have been secretly betrothed since infancy, both are less than thrilled with the prospect. They follow through with the marriage and come to find, through many missteps and help from Lucas's best friends the Gents, that they may have more love in their relationship then they first thought possible. 

Sarah M. Eden always puts in fabulous banter and great scenes where you can feel the characters falling in love. She is and always will be a must buy for me! I have even encourage one of my young tutoring clients (who is 14 years old) to start reading Eden's books! 

I hope you enjoy the start of this series (which has four books out right now with more on the way) as much as I did! 

Now, go and READ! 

Grab your copy here: Forget Me Not

 

Lady Flyer

 

I have read a handful of Heather B. Moore novels and she is definitely one of my favorites for Historical Fiction. I have even met her in person recently and she is a delightful person!

Her most recent novel is called Lady Flyer which is based on the life of Nancy Harkness Love who was a part of the first government funded female flight school and squadron of pilots during World War II. It was truly fascinating to learn about how female pilots got involved with the war efforts and how many hoops they had to jump through. 

I have never read any of Heather B. Moore's romances so having that as part of this book was really sweet and refreshing. I loved the history and the research that was put into this book. I loved the friendships and the hardships that were mentioned because it really stressed working around the problems to get the outcome you want. It doesn't always happen in our timeframe, but it will happen if you keep working it.

I will say that in some parts it was a bit long and there were some feminist undertones, but I could look over those as part of the whole story because it was such an interesting part of our American history. 

I really enjoyed this book and Heather B. Moore as an author! I hope you enjoy. 

Now, go and READ! 

Grab your own copy here: Lady Flyer  

Crocodile in the Sandbank

One of my favorite things is when you find a new book and it looks interesting so you pick up and start reading. There is always that hesitation, at first, as you are getting to know the authors writing style, storyline, characters, etc. But when you get into the book and you can't put it down, you feel like you have found a new treasure for your library. That was my experience with Elizabeth Peters Crocodile on the Sandbank! 

This is the first of twenty books in the Amelia Peabody mystery series and I'm so in love with it that I can't wait to read the next 19 books! Amelia Peabody is a woman of independent means in the 1880's. She is unmarried and has just lost her father. She is spunky, determined and incredibly intelligent. As a woman of independent means, she decided to head to Egypt to experience the culture and the local artifacts that can be found on a Nile Cruise. When she first arrives she rescues a half starved woman, Evelyn, who is running away from her low-life boyfriend. Amelia and Evelyn travel down the Nile and run into some very interesting people, most alive and some … dead... or at least Amelia and Evelyn hope the mummy is dead.

This was a FABULOUS start to this series. If you like the movies Indiana Jones or The Mummy, this will be right up your ally. I loved it so so very much and I hope you will, too.

Now, go and READ! 

Grab your copy here: Crocodile on the Sandbank  

The Bridge Battle

The final book in The Lemonade War series by Jacqueline Davies is The Bridge Battle (my personal favorite). 

It's summer time and both Evan and Jessie Treski are in summer school programs. Evan needs a bit more help with math (who doesn't?) and Jessie wants to be in the "Building" summer club. Both are flabbergasted when Evan is put in with older, bigger kids and Jessie is put into the... wait for it... Princess Fairy club! This isn't what either expected, but when their mom encourages them to make the best of the situation, they begrudgingly obey. 

Evan has to deal with nasty bullies that pick on just about everyone and Jessie has to deal with... sparkles!!! Both work the problem and find ways to overcome these obstacles. Jessie starts teaching her Princess Fairy group how to build bridges and the importance of having to correct weight distribution. This comes in handy when Evan sees the bullies start picking on an innocent mama goose. Evan and Jessie must work together, with a group of new friends, to solve the problems that are throughout the book. 

This book is full of building and animal vocabulary and building tips for any future engineer! Once again, I love how kid friendly all these terms and application are to the young reader. 

Please read this series! It is just a joy! 

Now, go and READ! 

Complete the series here: The Bridge Battle  

The Magic Trap

The next book in The Lemonade War series by Jacqueline Davies is The Magic Trap and I have to say this was one of my favorites!  

In this installment, Evan and Jessie decide to put on a magic show in their backyard. To prepare for the show they must practice their tricks, clean up the backyard and fix the broken deck. Someone unexpected comes around to help: Jessie and Evans father, who left years previous and has scarcely been around since. Will dear ol' dad stick around for the performance or will he disappear in a puff of smoke? 

This book includes magic and building vocabulary which was so fun. I even learned a thing or two! I really liked this book because Evan and Jessie really ban together to get through some tough situations. I love how Evan steps up and protects his baby sister. As the oldest myself, I could really relate to that! 

Another completely adorable addition to the series that I hope you will enjoy! 

Now, go and READ! 

Grab your copy here: The Magic Trap    

The Candy Smash

Candy Smash is the fourth installment of The Lemonade War series by Jacqueline Davies. It's Valentines Day in Jessie and Evan Treski's class. These two siblings have differing opinions of this particular holiday. Jessie thinks it's gross and Evan...well... Evan can see some merit to giving a pretty girl a Valentine! 

To understand this holiday better, Jessie does what she does best and starts investigating why people like it so much. She even starts a classroom paper that has in depth interviews with each student and a survey of who everyone likes. Jessie is shocked when this anonymous survey reveals that a boy likes HER! She's not sure what to do with this information, but like any good journalist, she publishes her results. What follows is a hilarious rush to see if the students can figure out who likes who before it's time to pass out the Valentines candy. 

This book focuses on journalist terms/vocabulary and how a paper is put together. It also includes poetry examples, vocabulary and explains how the beauty of poetry can be intoxicating. It also focuses on the humor that is young love and first crushes! 

Another great book which I hope you will enjoy! 

Now, go and READ! 

Grab your copy here: The Candy Smash  

The Bell Bandit

 

It's time to go to Grandma's house in this third installment of the Lemonade War series by Jacqueline Davies. 

Evan, Jessie and their mom have a yearly tradition to visit Grandma around New years Eve and ring the bell that is by her house. They look forward to this experience each year! However, Grandma is acting funny. She doesn't seem to remember that Jessie and Evan are her grandkids. After a fire breaks out at Grandma's home, the Treski family is scared that their New Years Eve tradition is going to be ruined. Jessie won't stand for that, so she heads up the trail to find the bell and make sure everything is ready. When she gets there THE BELL IS GONE. Who would steal a bell? Jessie and Evan enlist some local help to find the bell bandit and return the bell to it's rightful place all before the clock strikes midnight on New Years Eve. 

This book focuses on maps and how to set up different diagrams to see an area. Throughout the book, there are adorable pictures to show readers what they are reading about. I love this visual addition.  

I also liked this third book because it shows Evan softer side. While Jessie is focusing on the bell bandit, Evan is focusing on Grandma. He knows he can help her remember her life, their family but mostly he wants to be remembered by his Grandma!

This is just a fabulous series. I hope you enjoy! 

Now, go and READ! 

Grab your own copy here: The Bell Bandit  

The Lemonade Crime

The money is gone! 

In book two of the Lemonade War series, we are back with Evan and Jessie after the lemonade war has ended. They made a pretty good chunk of change, but they can't find it in the house anywhere. They search and search, blame each other, then search some more. It's official, someone stole their money! But who could it be? 

This dynamic duo takes matters into their own hands to find the culprit, and they think it is Scott Spencer (no relation to me 😆) but how to prove it? Jessie decides to hold a trial one day after school which include judge, jury and consequences for this money thief! The other kids in the school think this is a great game, but Evan and Jessie couldn't be more serious. They want their hard earned lemonade money back. They will stop at nothing to solve the lemonade crime!

This book focuses on legal terms and how the courts are run. I love that Jacqueline Davies includes such practical, yet kid friendly,  vocabulary! Such a cleaver way to help kids learn new words, and most importantly, remember them and what they mean. 

Another great installment that I hope you will enjoy! 

Now, go and READ! 

Grab your copy here: The Lemonade Crime  

The Lemonade War

The Lemonade War series by Jacqueline Davies is so adorable and perfect for younger readers, even those who may struggle a bit with reading. With each book in this six book set, I decided to write a post on each one. Over the next few days you will come to learn more and enjoy this series like I have (fingers crossed!). 

In book one, we are introduced to brother and sister, Evan and Jessie Treski. Everything is going great during their Summer vacation, until their mom gets a call from the school saying that because of Jessie's high scores, she will be moving up a grade and be in the same class as Evan. This would have been fine if Evan wasn't known as the "dumb kid". Now his baby sister is jumping grades because she is so smart? GREAT! 

Evan wants to prove himself so when he sees Jessie's lemonade stand going so well, he decided to make a better one and sell more than dumb ol' Jessie. The Lemonade War has begun! What ensues is hilarious brother-sister banter, good financial tips and tricks and learning how to encourage that entrepreneurial spirit... through some healthy competition (and minor sabotage).  

I love this book because it incorporates math and vocabulary into the hilarious perfect-for-kids dialogue. All the adventures, ups and downs, friendships and brother-sister bonds are so realistic and so fun for readers to dive into. This is a great, short read which helps young readers feel accomplished after finishing, and it's funny so the reading experience isn't a torturous thing 😂. 

Side Note: One of my private tutoring clients just finished this first book and she LOVED it! She is just finishing up 4th grade and she thought it was hilarious and was so excited to continue on in the series. She even had some friends come over, they saw she was reading it, said they had read it before too, and they all loved it... from the mouths of babes! 

I hope you enjoy! 

Now, go and READ! 

Grab your own copy here: The Lemonade War   

 

Mona Lisa Vanishes

I know sometimes it's hard for younger readers to get into non-fiction. I thought very similarly until just a couple of years ago. So, in my hunt to find interesting non-fiction reads for my students and tutoring clients, I found The Mona Lisa Vanishes by Nicholas Day. This was only published a few years ago and has received awards for it's contents. Rightfully so, in my humble opinion. 

The Mona Lisa Vanishes is about when the Mona Lisa was stolen right off the walls of the Louvre in Paris, France in 1911. It talks about the theft, subsequent investigation, after effect of when the painting was found and Leonardo di Vinci as a man and painter. It sheds light on how so many of our modern day investigation techniques were started and how the Mona Lisa first came to be. Truly fascinating stuff. 

Not only was all the information completely riveting, but the artwork throughout was just the perfect addition. As an educator, I was thinking about different ways to incorporate this book into lessons and the lessons that could stem from other obscure things mentioned in the book. The possibilities are endless. 

I want Nicholas Day and Brett Helquist (the illustrator) to do more non-fiction like this because I learned so much from the easy way they explained things and was able to visualize what was happening. They could do so many different historical events! Anyway... I ramble... 

This is a really fantastic read for absolutely any age and I hope you enjoy. 

Now, go and READ! 

Grab your copy here: The Mona Lisa Vanishes

 

Track Series

 

Now, I am not a runner, generally speaking. I am, however always on the hunt for a good, short read that I can crank out either in an afternoon, or on a long drive. The Track series by Jason Reynolds fit the bill perfectly. 

The Track series has four books: Ghost, Patina, Sunny and Lu. All of these kids are part of the running program in their local town. In each book, you learn the back ground of each kid and why they run. Each runner has a reason and the way they are explained was really beautiful. I loved the coach and his willingness to put up with crazy kids and all their shenanigans. Each book has a great cast of side characters and by the end they feel like family. The four main kids (Ghost, Patina, Sunny and Lu) also form a tight bond and they rely upon each other to get themselves out of some sticky situations. This is a great quartet of books that are perfect for any aged reader! 

I hope you enjoy! 

Now, go and READ! 

Grab the series here: 

Ghost

Patina

Sunny

Lu 

Mrs. Pollifax Novels

When I grow up, I want to be Mrs. Pollifax! This 14 books series by Dorothy Gilman is pretty much the best thing since sliced bread! I loved each and every book and have them placed quite proudly on my book shelves as they are some of my favorites! 

Mrs. Pollifax is an older woman who is a little stuck in life. Oh sure, she has her local garden club, but her husband has been gone for years and her children and grandchild have their own lives and live far away. Mrs. Pollifax is depressed. When her doctor casually asks "if you could do anything what would you do" she instantly says "be a CIA agent, of course". (I'm not quoting directly from the book, just giving you an idea of the conversation). 

Mrs. Pollifax decides then and there in the doctors office that she is going to make that dream a reality. She heads off to Langley, VA to CIA headquarters and demands to see someone in charge. What happens from that brazen action, creates one of the best series I have ever read. We travel all over the world with Mrs. Pollifax and meet some of the best side characters with which you will instantly fall in love. When they reappear in later novels, you cheer because you know the gang is all back together. SO STININ' GOOD!!! 

These are meant for adult readers but completely appropriate for 16 year old's and up.. if they don't mind reading about a more mature lady and her ever present hats! 

If you like a little bit of mystery and intrigue this is the series for you. Enjoy! 

Now, go an READ!  

Grab the first book here: The Unexpected Mrs. Pollifax  

Dangerous Beauty

 

On the back cover of this book, under the synopsis is a quote which basically says don't start this book until you can finish it in one sitting. I could not agree more!!! Clear you calendars my friends! 

Dangerous Beauty by Melissa Koslin is one of the most interesting, fast-paced, nail-biting stories I have ever read. And I read a lot. 

It is about a woman, Liliana, who was brought into America via Human Trafficking. She escapes her captors at a gas station where she finds herself in the very capable hands of Meric, who protects her from being spotted. Unfortunately, he knows this world all too well and will help Liliana even to the extent of marrying her to keep her safe. 

I don't want to go into any more detail because its just so good you will have to read it to understand! 

Now, this isn't my normal read. There is enough heavy stuff in the world that I don't want to use my precious reading time to have more heavy, so going into the book, I was HIGHLY apprehensive. I had heard excellent review from other people and it was published by a Christian Publishing House, so I thought that they couldn't go to graphic or intense. Much to my great relief, they didn't. I will say that because of the content topic, I would recommend this to over 18 year old readers. 

There were definitely intense moments and situations in which Liliana and Meric find themselves, but nothing that was mentioned or described made me want to stop reading or made me feel yucky inside. The way Melissa Koslin wrapped up the ending was BRILLIANT! I was reading and then all of a sudden, BAM, it was over. I had come to the last page of the book without even realizing. This was one of those books that when you are done you just have to sit in a quiet room and reflect on what you just accomplished. 

As the kids say these days: This book will live rent free in my brain from now on! 

Please enjoy. 

Now, go and READ! 

Seriously, grab your copy here!!!!!: Dangerous Beauty

    

Frindle

 I love Andrew Clements as an author. He writes stories that make kids instantly connect with what they are reading! 

I have read a few of Andrew Clements books and find myself laughing out loud as I'm reading because he writes how kids act and think. I can see why he is such a popular author for middle grade. 

Frindle is about words and how specific words come to represent specific things. Nick, our main character, doesn't understand why a pen has to be called a pen. Why is it called that? Who said it had to be pen? Why can't it be called frindle? Nick starts calling all his pens, I mean frindles, frindles. The teachers aren't amused, but they let it go as a phase. When all the other students start using frindles, things get out of control. Parents are called in, threats are made, teachers are upset. It even starts getting national attention. Nick just thought it would be an interesting experiment. He didn't mean for all this to happen. 

Completely laugh-out-loud funny and an absolute must read for all ages. This would even be perfect for a read-a-loud for all my teacher and homeschooling friends!  

I hope you enjoy. 

Now, go and READ! 

Grab your own copy here: Frindle  

Aggie Morton Mystery Queen: The Seaside Corpse

The Seaside Corpse was my personal favorite out of the four book series! I loved the setting, the cast of characters and the mystery itself! It was the prefect ending to a great series. 

Aggie and Hector are ecstatic to be a part of a dig with real paleontologists. They head off to the seaside camp by Lyme Regis to embark on this newest adventure. The goal of this dig is to uncover the fossil of an ichthyosaur which has gained a lot of attention by people wanting this skeleton for their personal use. When a human body is found on the beach, Aggie and Hector must dig through alibis, motives and suspects to uncover the truth of who killed this person. 

Like I said before, this is a great ending to the series. This book had great adventure and action which kept me interested in the mystery until the very end. Even though this series is targeted towards younger readers, any age will fall in love with young Aggie and Hector. 

This series is a must for any home library! 

Now, go and READ! 

Grab your copy here: The Seaside Corpse
 

Aggie Morton Mystery Queen: The Dead Man in the Garden

This third book of Aggie Morton Mystery Queen takes our heroine, along with her mother, Grannie Jane and her best friend Hector to Wellsprings Hotel where her mother is needs recuperate in the rejuvenating spa waters. 

There is a rumor going around that there has been a recent murder at the hotel, so Aggie, Hector, and the very spunky Grannie Jane try to uncover if this really happened. When they stumble upon a body in the garden they have to wonder, is this the first murder or has multiple murders happened at this, seemingly, peaceful country spa before.   

I really enjoyed the side cast of characters in this installment. By this time in the series we love Aggie and her family, so having a good side cast was the perfect addition. 

I love how each of these books hones in on an aspect of Agatha Christies real life. The more you learn of her, the more these characters and even the settings make sense. Especially in this book. Not to say that you won't enjoy The Dead Man in the Garden without knowing the background, because you totally will! 😉

Now, go and READ! 

Grab you copy here: The Dead Man in the Garden 
 

Aggie Morton Mystery Queen: Peril at Owl Park

In the second book in the series Aggie Morton Mystery Queen by Marthe Jocelyn, Aggie, her friend Hector and her Grannie Jane travel to Owl Park where Aggie's older sister is the new lady of the house! 

On Christmas morning, most people find presents under their tree. That is to mundane for Aggie and Hector. They find the body of one of the Christmas guests. With a house full of people (some faces we know from the first book and some new faces) it's up to Aggie and Hector to help the local constabulary solve the case! 

Something that I love about these books is how they are set up. Each book has a cast of characters in the front with really cute drawings for each one. I love this because with mysteries there normally has to be a lot of characters and sometimes it it hard to keep track of who is who.

This is a great addition to this series! I hope you will enjoy as much as I did. 

Now, go and READ!

 

Grab your own copy here: Peril at Owl Park

Aggie Morton Mystery Queen: The Body Under the Piano

 

Over the next four days I will be telling you all about a charming series called Aggie Morton Mystery Queen by Marthe Jocelyn. 

Aggie Morton is inspired by Agatha Christie the real-life Mystery Queen. Aggie Morton is a young girl living with her mother in Torquay, England in 1902. She is a very inquisitive young thing so when a body is found in her dance studio, Aggie takes it upon herself to solve the murder. With the help of her new friend, Hector Perot, they hunt down clues that they know will lead to the killer. 

Having read Agatha Christie I was very curious to see if this series would be a good introduction for younger readers. It totally is! This series is so cute and fast-paced that any age reader will just fall in love with Aggie and Hector. 

Side note: the covers to these books are some of the most adorable I've ever seen! I love them in my library! 

This is a four book series that just gets better and better. You start falling in love with all the side characters and see Aggie and Hectors friendship continue to grow. 

I hope you enjoy!

Now, go and READ! 

Start the series here: The Body Under the Piano   

On Devonshire Shore Series

 

If you have been reading my past posts, you may have noticed a theme to what I like to read! I love reading Regency era romances which are generally set in England somewhere. The On Devonshire Shores series by Julie Klassen definitely fits into that category. 

This series follows a group of sisters who have found themselves in dire straights. When their father dies, he has left 5 sisters and their mother with very little income and a house that now belongs to the next male heir. They decided to move to the Devonshire seaside and start fresh by turning their home into a bed and breakfast. Throughout the 3 book series, the sisters find peace, happiness and love. They learn to forgive each other and how to be a prospering family again. 

As I said, this is a 3 book series with a novella coming out soon. I enjoyed all three books immensely, but found that I liked the third book the best. This series should be read in order as each book builds on the previous.  

I had to wait for each new book to be published so it was hard to remember characters and each sisters story, but I was able to remember after a while of reading. I found that the first book was a little long, but books 2 and 3 were perfect. 

Julie Klassen is a great Christian author and I have read many books by her, so if you haven't tried any by her before, I would put her on your to-be-read- author list! As all of her books are clean (no smut or language) I would say 16 (ish) years old and over could read her!     

I hope you enjoy everyone! 

Now, go and READ! 

Start the series here: The Sisters of Sea View

Gone with the Wind

 

I grew up watching the 1939 movie of Gone with the Wind, not even realizing that it was a book written by Margaret Mitchell. I also loved the Carol Burnett spoof she did on her variety show in 1976 (truly hilarious... it's on YouTube called "Went with the Wind"), again not realizing it was based, originally, on a book. When I found out, I got myself a copy and read it. Couldn't put it down actually. 

Scarlett O'Hara is our female protagonist and she is one of the best in my opinion. She is like no other character I've ever read about. She is sassy, start, very devious and kind of (ok, maybe a lot) selfish. Her main goal throughout the book is to get ahead and be someone. When the Civil War is raging on around her, she has to fight her way through trial after trial, marriage after marriage. If only Ashley (her true love) hadn't married Melanie, she would have been truly happy, or so she thinks. When scoundrel Rhett Butler comes to Atlanta, he and Scarlett form an unlikely love. But can it really last when Scarlett's heart belongs to another?  

One of my favorite things to do is compare books and their movie counterparts. Normally, the book is way better than the movie. In this case both book and movie are fantastic. The book has many differences and more details than the movie, but they stayed very close to the original text. 

I haven't read many Civil War era books, and this was very interesting. Coming from the Southerners point of view on political and social topics during that time, this book opened my eyes to both sides of the conversation. 

I hope you enjoy as much as I did. 

Now, go and READ! 

Grab your own copy here: Gone with the Wind 

The Bronze Bow

The Bronze Bow by Elizabeth George Speare was first published in 1961 and won the Newberry Medal in 1962. This is the second time I have read The Bronze Bow. The first time was in my Children's Lit class during college and I really enjoyed reading it! 

The second time was to help one of my tutoring clients. I wanted to make sure I remembered all the ins and outs so I read it over a weekend. I loved it just as much the second time through. 

The Bronze Bow is about a young man, Daniel bar Jamin, during the time of the Roman invasion of Jerusalem during the time of Christ's mortal ministry. Daniel hates the Romans, everything they stand for and everything they are doing to his people. He is a part of a Zealot group that is planning a massive overthrow of the local Roman power. One of Daniel's friend is another Zealot named Simon. Simon has decided to follow a new leader that has promised to save the Jews from the grasps of the Romans. This mans name is Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus talks of love and forgiveness, not revenge and annihilation. Daniel isn't sure about Jesus, but he is sure the Romans must go, one way or another. 

This is a great story to help young readers understand a little bit more about the era and the history behind the Romans and Jewish relationship. I also love it because you can include more religious discussions. This is a great go to for any aged reader! 

I hope you enjoy! 

Now, go and READ! 

Grab your own copy here: The Bronze Bow

The British Booksellers

Kristy Cambron, over the past few years, has become one of my favorite authors. She is a historical fiction adult writer that intertwines two different, yet connecting, storylines. 

The British Booksellers is her newest release and it was just stunning. It combines all that I love in a story: anything British, book stores, WWII and a sweet, clean, romance. 

The British Booksellers is about two competing British bookstores where the owners have a sorted past. They haven't talked in years and now find it difficult to work right across the street from each other. When a possible lawsuit and a devastating Luftwaffe blitz threaten their town, these two former lovers will have to work together to rebuild their community. Will helping each other soften and mend broken hearts? 

I love that there are clean romances out there that aren't sappy or shallow. This story had depth, heart and really great action scenes. The characters were real and I felt had great growth throughout the story. Just a masterpiece in my eyes! 

I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Let me know below in the comments! 

Grab your own copy here: The British Booksellers