Friday, April 29, 2022

Blog Tour: The Murder of Mr. Wickham + Review!


Hi, everyone! Today I'm happy to be participating in the blog tour for The Murder of Mr. Wickham! Read on for my review, and to learn more about the book.



Publisher: ‎Vintage (May 3, 2022)
Length: (400) pages
Format: Trade paperback, eBook, & audiobook 
ISBN: 978-0593313817

A summer house party turns into a thrilling whodunit when Jane Austen's Mr. Wickham—one of literature’s most notorious villains—meets a sudden and suspicious end in this brilliantly imagined mystery featuring Austen’s leading literary characters.

The happily married Mr. Knightley and Emma are throwing a party at their country estate, bringing together distant relatives and new acquaintances—characters beloved by Jane Austen fans. Definitely not invited is Mr. Wickham, whose latest financial scheme has netted him an even broader array of enemies. As tempers flare and secrets are revealed, it’s clear that everyone would be happier if Mr. Wickham got his comeuppance. Yet they’re all shocked when Wickham turns up murdered—except, of course, for the killer hidden in their midst.

Nearly everyone at the house party is a suspect, so it falls to the party’s two youngest guests to solve the mystery: Juliet Tilney, the smart and resourceful daughter of Catherine and Henry, eager for adventure beyond Northanger Abbey; and Jonathan Darcy, the Darcys’ eldest son, whose adherence to propriety makes his father seem almost relaxed. In this tantalizing fusion of Austen and Christie, from New York Times bestselling author Claudia Gray, the unlikely pair must put aside their own poor first impressions and uncover the guilty party—before an innocent person is sentenced to hang. 

ADVANCE PRAISE

“Had Jane Austen sat down to write a country house murder mystery, this is exactly the book she would have written. Devotees of Austen’s timeless novels will get the greatest possible pleasure from this wonderful book. Immense fun and beautifully observed. Delicious!” —Alexander McCall Smith

“What a splendid conceit! . . . Gray provides plenty of backstory and enough depth to her characters that even those who mix up their Pride and Prejudice with their Sense and Sensibility will delight in the Agatha Christie–style mystery. . . . There’s so much fun to be had in this reimagined Austen world—and the mystery is so strong—that one can only hope, dear reader, that more books will follow.” —Ilene Cooper, Booklist (starred review) 

“[An] enchanting mystery. . . . Gray perfectly captures the personalities of Austen’s beloved characters. This is a real treat for Austenites.” —Publishers Weekly

“Who would NOT want to read a book in which one of literature’s most notorious rakes meets his final demise? . . . A delightful Agatha Christie meets Jane Austen romp.” —Laurel Ann Nattress, Austenprose

Purchase Links:


My Review: 

This was an excellent mystery! This book had wonderful interpretations of many of Jane Austen's characters, plus introductions to delightful new ones! Whether you love Jane Austen's novels, or love a good mystery, or both, I would definitely recommend checking this book out!

I received a copy of this book from the blog tour company and publisher.


Author Bio: Claudia Gray is the pseudonym of Amy Vincent. She is the writer of multiple young adult novels, including the Evernight series, the Firebird trilogy, and the Constellation trilogy. In addition, she’s written several Star Wars novels, such as Lost Stars and Bloodline. She makes her home in New Orleans with her husband Paul and assorted small dogs. 


Thursday, April 28, 2022

Something Old, Something New: Wedding Books In 2022!

Hi, everyone! While going through my TBR list, I noticed there were a lot of books featuring weddings releasing this year, and I thought I would make a post about them! All of the books I mention here in this post have either already released, or will be releasing in the next couple of months.

Also, I did not realize until after I wrote the title of this blog post that it rhymed! :)

My Sister's Big Fat Indian Wedding by Sajni Patel

*This YA novel is the one book on this list I've already read, and I definitely recommend it!

Wedding Season by Michelle Major

A Wedding on Sunshine Corner by Phoebe Mills

The Wedding Crasher by Mia Sosa

A Bride’s Guide to Marriage and Murder (Countess of Harleigh Mystery #5) by Dianne Freeman

The Wedding Season by Katy Birchall

Four Aunties and a Wedding by Jesse Q. Sutanto

The Un-Arranged Marriage by Laura Brown 

The Paid Bridesmaid by Sariah Wilson

Bad Luck Bridesmaid by Alison Rose Greenberg

*Another book I've read and recommend!

The One You Want by Jennifer Ryan

Something Blue by Heather McGovern

What other wedding books are releasing this year? :)

Tuesday, April 26, 2022

Blog Tour: Spotlight/Review For The Mad Girls Of New York!



Fearless reporter Nellie Bly will stop at nothing to chase down stories that expose injustices against women—even if it comes at the risk of her own life and freedom—in this exciting novel inspired by the true story of one remarkable woman.

In 1887 New York City, Nellie Bly has ambitions beyond writing for the ladies pages, but all the editors on Newspaper Row think women are too emotional, respectable and delicate to do the job. But then the New York World challenges her to an assignment she'd be mad to accept and mad to refuse: go undercover as a patient at Blackwell's Island Insane Asylum for Women.

For months, rumors have been swirling about deplorable conditions at Blackwell’s, but no reporter can get in—that is, until Nellie feigns insanity, gets committed and attempts to survive ten days in the madhouse. Inside, she discovers horrors beyond comprehension. It's an investigation that could make her career—if she can get out to tell it before two rival reporters scoop her story.

From USA Today bestselling author Maya Rodale comes a rollicking historical adventure series about the outrageous intrigues and bold flirtations of the most famous female reporter—and a groundbreaking rebel—of New York City’s Gilded Age.

-summary and cover via Goodreads

Review: I have always found Nellie Bly to be a fascinating historical figure, so when I saw there would be a series of fictional books based on her life, I just knew I had to read the first book. And I'm happy I did! This was a fantastic novel, and I quite enjoyed the authors' note at the end, where she talks about what parts were based on real life, and which were fiction, plus about the real people who inspired other characters in the book. Overall, this is a historical fiction book I would definitely recommend reading!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

Monday, April 25, 2022

Mini Reviews: A Scot Is Not Enough, All The Duke I Need, Rules for Engaging the Earl!

A Scot Is Not Enough by Gina Conkle

This was a great adult historical romance! It had a unique premise, and I loved the characters in it! Plus, the epilogue was wonderful. Overall, I would definitely recommend!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

All the Duke I Need by Caroline Linden

I quite enjoyed this adult historical romance! Philippa and Will were great main characters. And I loved the supporting cast, too! Overall, I would definitely recommend!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

Rules for Engaging the Earl by Janna MacGregor 

This was another great book in this series! Reading about Constance and Jonathan finding their way back to each other was wonderful, and I loved the epilogue! Overall, I would definitely recommend this novel!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

Friday, April 22, 2022

Blog Tour: Armadillo Antics - Review!

 

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the ARMADILLO ANTICS by Bill Martin Jr., Michael Sampson, Nathalie Beauvois Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!

About The Book:

Title: ARMADILLO ANTICS

Author: Bill Martin Jr., Michael Sampson, Nathalie Beauvois (Illustrations)

Pub. Date: April 26, 2022

Publisher: Brown Books Kids

Formats: Hardcover, eBook

Pages: 32

Find it: GoodreadsAmazon, B&NTBD, Bookshop.org

Join the Armadillo on His Nightly Romp!

Children will love the rhythm and rhyme that are hallmarks of the beloved author duo of Chicka Chicka 1, 2, 3 as they follow the adventurous armadillo through nighttime fun as dawn approaches.

Bill Martin Jr was the beloved author of more than three hundred books for children and teachers, including the classics Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? and Chicka Chicka Boom Boom.

Michael Sampson taught kindergarten through fourth grade before meeting fellow literacy expert Bill Martin Jr at a conference in Tucson, Arizona in 1978. They established a lifelong friendship and collaborated on many bestselling and award-winning books for children, including Chicka Chicka 1, 2, 3 and Panda Bear, Panda Bear, What Do You See?

Reviews:

"A wonderfully musical nighttime romp with stunning illustrations." --Matt de la Peña, Newbery Medal-Winning, New York Times Bestselling Author

"Beauvois, whose elaborately textured, highly dimensional surfaces recognize the paper collage legacy of Eric Carle and Lois Ehlert, creates a series of striking contrasts to the repeating text's simple rhymes. As the mammals appear, ready to "romp and play till the night is done," they're shown in deep jewel tones with patterning reminiscent of a Missoni sweater... tagging along with this self-possessed, graphically stylish critter and chanting its name as it leaps, digs, and dines makes for a memorable outing." --Publishers Weekly, starred review

"For a romping night in the life of a roly-poly armadillo, pick up Armadillo Antics!"--Parade Magazine

"This short rhyming story about a night in the life of an armadillo is cozy and soothing. Beauvois's collage-style art, especially the armadillo curled up inside its next, gives Eric Carle vibes. A collection of eight facts on the final page will fascinate kids and grown-ups alike."--Parents Magazine


 My Review:

 This was a wonderful picture book! Filled with vibrant illustrations, fun rhymes (I love a PB with rhyming words!), and at the end, some fun facts about armadillos (Some I knew, some I did not, like the fact armadillos can run 10 miles an hour!), this is definitely a picture book I would recommend reading!

I received an ARC from the publisher and blog tour company.


About Bill Martin Jr.:

BILL MARTIN JR was the beloved author of more than 300 books for children and teachers, including the classics_ Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?, which was illustrated by his friend Eric Carle, and Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, illustrated by Lois Ehlert. Bill was elected to the Reading Hall of Fame by the International Literacy Association. The Bill Martin, Jr Picture Book Award, which is the Kansas State award for best children’s picture book, was established in his name in 1996. Bill wrote Armadillo Antics with Michael Sampson when he moved to Texas, in honor of the fun, inquisitive creatures that roamed the woods outside his house. Visit Bill Martin Jr and Michael Sampson’s website at billmartinjr.com

 Website |  Goodreads

About Michael Sampson:

MICHAEL SAMPSON taught kindergarten through fourth grade before meeting fellow literacy expert Bill Martin Jr at a conference in Tucson, Arizona in 1978. They established a lifelong friendship and collaborated on many bestselling and award-winning books for children, including_Chicka Chicka 1, 2, 3_and_Panda Bear, Panda Bear, What Do You See? Sampson often speaks at schools, book festivals, and literacy conferences, where he is known for his high-energy, entertaining performances. Dr. Sampson is a Fulbright Scholar and a professor of literacy at St. John’s University in New York City. Visit Bill Martin Jr and Michael Sampson’s website at billmartinjr.com. You can also follow Michael on Twitter and Instagram @michaelsampson.

 Website | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads

About Nathalie Beauvois:

NATHALIE BEAUVOIS has a graphic design background in advertising and has also studied industrial design. Nathalie started her career in the art departments of ad agencies and eventually transitioned into freelance illustrating. Since then, she has illustrated dozens of books and hundreds of magazines in countries all over the world. Her creations always start the traditional way — with paper and pencil. Depending on the visual task at hand, she mixes in techniques such as watercolor, collage, vector drawing and Photoshop coloring and texturizing. When not playing with the antics of armadillos, she is happily living and working in Argentina with her family. Visit her website at nathaliebeauvois.weebly.com. You can also find her on Instagram @tanebeauvois_illustrations.

 Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

 

Giveaway Details:

1 winner will receive a finished copy of ARMADILLO ANTICS, US Only.


Tour Schedule:

Week One:

4/18/2022

The book review crew

Review/IG Post

4/18/2022

onemoreexclamation

Review/IG Post

4/19/2022

Do You Dog-ear?

Review/IG Post

4/19/2022

Excuse Me, I’m Reading

Review

4/20/2022

Girls in White Dresses

Review

4/20/2022

Little Red Reads

Review/IG Post

4/21/2022

Cindy's Love of Books

Review

4/21/2022

Nerdophiles

Review

4/22/2022

@just_another_mother_with_books

Review

4/22/2022

Just Another Teen Reading Books

Review

Week Two:

4/25/2022

PickAGoodBook

Review/IG Post

4/25/2022

Jazzy Book Reviews

Review/IG Post

4/26/2022

For The Love Of The Page

Review/IG Post

4/26/2022

BookHounds YA

Review/IG Post

4/27/2022

Unconventional Quirky Bibliophile

Review/IG Post

4/27/2022

@mamaisbooked

Review

4/28/2022

Two Points of Interest

Review

4/28/2022

The Momma Spot

Review/IG Post

4/29/2022

Nonbinary Knight Reads

Review/IG Post

4/29/2022

onemused

Review/IG Post


Monday, April 18, 2022

Mini Review: Queen of the Tiles!



They Wish They Were Us meets The Queen’s Gambit in the world of competitive Scrabble when a teen girl is forced to investigate the mysterious death of her best friend a year after the fact when her Instagram comes back to life with cryptic posts and messages.

CATALYST
13 points
noun: a person or thing that precipitates an event or change

When Najwa Bakri walks into her first Scrabble competition since her best friend’s death, it’s with the intention to heal and move on with her life. Perhaps it wasn’t the best idea to choose the very same competition where said best friend, Trina Low, died. It might be even though Najwa’s trying to change, she’s not ready to give up Trina just yet.

But the same can’t be said for all the other competitors. With Trina, the Scrabble Queen herself, gone, the throne is empty, and her friends are eager to be the next reigning champion. All’s fair in love and Scrabble, but all bets are off when Trina’s formerly inactive Instagram starts posting again, with cryptic messages suggesting that maybe Trina’s death wasn’t as straightforward as everyone thought. And maybe someone at the competition had something to do with it.

As secrets are revealed and the true colors of her friends are shown, it’s up to Najwa to find out who’s behind these mysterious posts—not just to save Trina’s memory, but to save herself.

-summary and cover via Goodreads

Mini Review: When I first saw the description (Mystery? Scrabble?!)  for this book, I knew I had to read it! And I'm happy I did. This was an excellent YA Mystery, with a unique premise, and plenty of twists along the way. Overall, I would definitely recommend reading it!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

Review: My Sister's Big Fat Indian Wedding!



A fresh, witty rom-com romp set against the backdrop of a high-profile music competition and a riotous Indian wedding

Zurika Damani is a naturally gifted violinist with a particular love for hip hop beats. But when you’re part of a big Indian family, everyone has expectations, and those certainly don’t include hip hop violin. After being rejected by Juilliard, Zuri's last hope is a contest judged by a panel of top tier college scouts. The only problem? This coveted competition happens to take place during Zuri’s sister’s extravagant wedding week. And Zuri has already been warned, repeatedly, that she is not to miss a single moment.

In the midst of the chaos, Zuri’s mom is in matchmaking mode with the groom’s South African cousin Naveen—who just happens to be a cocky vocalist set on stealing Zuri’s spotlight at the scouting competition. Luckily Zuri has a crew of loud and loyal female cousins cheering her on. Now, all she has to do is to wow the judges for a top spot, evade getting caught by her parents, resist Naveen’s charms, and, oh yeah . . . not mess up her sister’s big fat Indian wedding. What could possibly go wrong?

-summary and cover via Goodreads

Plot: Weddings are always a great setting for books, and I love that this book took place over a week of celebrations. Zuri trying to balance her time by participating in the events, while also sneaking away to compete, was a great plot. 

Characters: I loved all the characters! Zuri was great, as was Naveen, Her family was big and loving, and I loved how big of a role they played in the story.

The Cover: I love it! it's bright and colorful, while also capturing moments from the book.

Overall: This was an absolutely wonderful YA novel, that I would definitely recommend to readers of YA books!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

Sunday, April 17, 2022

Happy Easter!

Happy Easter!

I hope you all have a happy, safe, and blessed day! :)

Saturday, April 16, 2022

Forever Mini Reviews: How to Deceive a Duke, Say You'll Be My Lady, In a New York Minute!



This was a great historical romance with fantastic characters! Overall, I would definitely recommend it to anyone who thinks it sounds good!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.



This was another excellent historical romance from Kate Pembrooke! And I'm quite looking forward to the next book in the series!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

This was such a great contemporary romance! It made me laugh, and it made me swoon, and I loved the characters. Overall, I would definitely recommend it!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

Tuesday, April 12, 2022

Spotlight/Review For The No-Show!



Three women who seemingly have nothing in common find that they're involved with the same man in this smart new rom-com by Beth O'Leary, bestselling author of The Flatshare.

Siobhan is a quick-tempered life coach with way too much on her plate. Miranda is a tree surgeon used to being treated as just one of the guys on the job. Jane is a soft-spoken volunteer for the local charity shop with zero sense of self-worth.

These three women are strangers who have only one thing in common: They've all been stood up on the same day, the very worst day to be stood up--Valentine's Day. And, unbeknownst to them, they've all been stood up by the same man.

Once they've each forgiven him for standing them up, they let him back into their lives and are in serious danger of falling in love with a man who seems to have not just one or two but three women on the go....

Is there more to him than meets the eye? And will they each untangle the truth before they all get their hearts broken?

My Review:
This was an excellent adult book! It took a turn I did not predict at all. I would definitely recommend having a tissue or two nearby, because I think you will cry at least once (likely more than once) during this book. Overall, I would recommend it to anyone who thinks it sounds interesting!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

Monday, April 11, 2022

Mini Review: Funny You Should Ask!

Review: Funny You Should Ask by Elissa Sussman

A restless young journalist with big dreams interviews a Hollywood heartthrob--and, ten years later, it's clear that their time together meant more than meets the eye in this sexy, engrossing adult debut novel.

Then. Twentysomething writer Chani Horowitz is stuck. While her former MFA classmates are nabbing book deals, she's in the trenches writing puff pieces. Then she's hired to write a profile of movie star Gabe Parker. The Gabe Parker--her forever celebrity crush, the object of her fantasies, the background photo on her phone--who's also just been cast as the new James Bond. It's terrifying and thrilling all at once . . . yet if she can keep her cool and nail the piece, it could be a huge win. Gabe will get good press, and her career will skyrocket. But what comes next proves to be life-changing in ways Chani never saw coming, as the interview turns into a whirlwind weekend that has the tabloids buzzing.

Now. Ten years later, after a brutal divorce and a heavy dose of therapy, Chani is back in Los Angeles, laser-focused on one thing: her work. But she's still spent the better part of the last decade getting asked about her deeply personal Gabe Parker profile at every turn. No matter what new essay collection or viral editorial she's promoting, it always comes back to Gabe. So when his PR team requests that they reunite for a second interview, she wants to say no. She wants to pretend that she's forgotten about the time they spent together, years ago. But the truth is that those seventy-two hours are still crystal clear, etched in her memory. And so . . . she says yes.

Chani knows that facing Gabe again also means facing feelings she's tried so hard to push away. Alternating between their first meeting and their reunion a decade later, this deliciously irresistible novel will have you hanging on until the last word.

-summary and cover via Goodreads

Mini Review: This was a great adult novel! I liked getting the alternating parts of then and now. And I loved the last chapter of the book! Overall, I would definitely recommend to anyone who thinks it sounds interesting!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

Thursday, April 7, 2022

COVER REVEAL: Murder Is No Picnic (Cape Cod Foodie Mystery #3)!

Cover Reveal!

COMING JUNE 7, 2022


Murder Is No Picnic (A Cape Cod Foodie Mystery) Cozy Mystery 3rd in Series Setting – Cape Cod, Massachusetts Publisher ‏ : ‎ Berkley (June 7, 2022) Mass Market Paperback ‏ : ‎ 336 pages ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0593199189 ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0593199183 Digital ASIN ‏ : ‎ B09K66BGZF

The Fourth of July is coming, and for professional food lover Samantha Barnes, it’s all about the picnic. Okay, and the fireworks. And the parade. But mostly the picnic. What could be better than a DIY clambake followed by the best blueberry buckle in the world? Sam has finally found the perfect recipe in the kitchen of Clara Foster, famed cookbook author and retired restaurateur, and she’s thrilled when Clara agrees to a buckle baking lesson.

But when Clara dies in a house fire blamed on carelessness in the kitchen, Sam doesn’t believe it. Unfortunately, her doubts set in motion an investigation pointing to the new owner of Clara’s legendary restaurant—and a cousin of Sam’s harbormaster boyfriend. So, in between researching the Cape’s best lobster rolls and planning her clambake, Sam needs to find Clara's killer before the fireworks really start....

You can Pre-Order Your Copy Today!

Amazon B&N Kobo Google Books IndieBound Bookshop.org 

 


About the Author:


Amy Pershing, who spent every summer of her childhood on Cape Cod, was an editor, a restaurant reviewer and a journalist before leading employee communications at a global bank. A few years ago she waved goodbye to Wall Street to write full time. Murder Is No Picnic is the third of the Cape Cod Foodie mysteries featuring Samantha Barnes, a disgraced but resilient ex-chef who retreats home to Cape Cod where she finds herself juggling a new job as the local paper’s “Cape Cod Foodie,” a complicated love life, a posse of just-slightly-odd friends, a falling-down house, a ginormous dog and a propensity for falling over dead bodies. Elizabeth Gilbert called the first book in the series, A Side of Murder, “the freshest, funniest mystery I have ever read,” and Kirkus Reviews gave the second book, An Eggnog to Die For, a starred review, saying, “A delightful sleuth, a complex mystery, and lovingly described cuisine: a winner for both foodies and mystery mavens.”

Here Are A Few Links: