How a Woman Becomes a Lake by Marjorie Celona

 A woman calls police, telling them she has found a little boy lost in the woods, but when a police officer arrives on the scene, there is no sign of either the woman or the child. The mystery slowly unravels throughout the book, which is told through the perspectives of several key characters. The reader will learn about the complex relationships these characters have with others close to them, and that sometimes, spontaneous actions and decisions have far reaching and unexpected consequences.

I found the plot to be fast-paced and I read it quickly. Although I had an inkling about what may have transpired, I was still surprised by how everything played out. I gave this book a rating of 4 stars.

I would like to thank NetGalley, Marjorie Celona, and Hamish Hamilton for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.  

Songs for the End of the World by Saleema Nawaz

I found it amazing that this book was started six years before COVID-19 because it eerily mirrors so much of what the world is going through right now! In the book, one of the characters is an author who writes a book about a deadly global virus that ends up coming true...just like Saleema Nawaz wrote this book which also ended up coming true. I liked how the characters all seem to be connected somehow, whether by purpose or coincidence. I found this an effective way of showing how a person conducts themselves in a pandemic world really can affect everyone they come in contact with.

I found myself really getting into the various character threads for the first half of the book, and couldn't wait for their stories to pick up again. However, when, or if, they did, those characters seemed like different people and I found myself disappointed. Obviously people change through time or circumstances but I felt like I missed out on it. I also found myself wanting more closure for a couple of characters at the end.

I would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I gave this book a rating of 3.5 stars.

The Book on Pie by Erin Jeanne McDowell

 

The Book on Pie by Erin Jeanne McDowell is brimming with information on everything you need to know to make a good pie. The author explains what ingredients work best, provides loads of helpful tips, and offers troubleshooting suggestions when things go wrong.  This book provides chapters on all kinds of different doughs and crusts (including gluten free and vegan recipes), decor and toppings, fruit pies, custard pies, cream/chiffon/cold-set pies, and even savory pies.  Each recipe includes at least 3 different recommendations for different doughs, crusts and finishes to try, so the same pie could be a new adventure every time you make it.

I had a hard time choosing which pies I wanted to make first. Birthday Cake Pie sounded so intriguing, but I ended up making Peanut Butter-Banana Cream Pie and Black Forest Pie because I had bananas and cherries on hand. 

I made the All-Buttah Pie dough for the Peanut Butter-Banana Cream Pie, and the Chocolate All-Buttah dough for the Black Forest Pie.  Both were very easy to make, but even though I followed the author's instructions, I found they still shrunk a bit too much when blind-baked. The author suggests using pie weights when you bake the crusts but I don't have any, and even though I docked each one with a fork, they still floofed a bit in the middle.. I consider myself a pretty good baker but I had a hard time with both fillings.  I couldn't get them to thicken or get bubbles to the top even after stirring constantly for several minutes, and then they both got very lumpy (which she explains in the book).  The recipe does say to strain the filling into the pie, but I'm not sure this was the reason intended!  Having said that, both fillings were sooo good, and overall both pies were delicious.  The Peanut Butter-Banana Cream Pie recipe doesn't tell you when to add the vanilla, but I added it in order presented and I'm sure this error will be fixed before printing. I gave this book a rating of 3 stars.

Truth, Lies and Second Dates by MaryJanice Davidson

Ava Capp is a commercial airline pilot with a sarcastic personality. She left Minnesota after someone close to her was murdered, but returns years later for the 10 year memorial anniversary. However, it seems as though the murderer has also resurfaced, in order to finish what they started. Will Ava be able to withstand the accusations and finger-pointing directed her way, and finally put the past behind her? Will the handsome Medical Examiner be able to trust her enough to help find the real killer?

The author talks about tropes in her introduction, and I liked that there were many instances where this book broke traditional stereotypes. The author includes footnotes within each chapter: I liked the idea of this at first as it made the book feel autobiographical, but after a while I just found it irritating to flip back and forth while reading a fictional book. I didn't really find this book to be much of a mystery, but others may find this the perfect book to escape 2020 for a while.

I would like to thank NetGalley and St. Martins Press for allowing me to read an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. #NetGalley #TruthLiesandSecondDates. I gave this book a rating of 2 stars.

The Room Where It Happened by John Bolton

I found this book incredibly boring. Even though I knew it would cover American policies and politics, but at times it read more like a work diary. The author seems to hold himself in very high regard, and only others are to blame when things go wrong. Sound like someone else in the White House? I gave this book a one star rating.

Too Much and Never Enough by Mary L. Trump

I feel Mary Trump clearly and believably explains how Donald's personality and characteristics are a direct result of his parents' treatment of him and his siblings growing up. However, I would say the book seems to deal more with how her grandparents and Donald treated her "weak" father. What a family. Is Mary bitter? Oh yeah! Does she have reason to be? I'll leave that up to you. I gave this book a rating of 4 stars.

Fable by Adrienne Young - Young Adult Review

 

Danger and adventure, both on land and on sea, abound in this book by Adrienne Young.  Fable is a strong and compelling heroine who will capture your heart as treasure. She has already suffered loss and abandonment in her seventeen years, but she maintains a strong moral compass in her constant fight to survive. It is hard to know who she can trust, as each character has their own secrets and hidden stories, but the author slowly peels back the layers until you learn who is a fake and who is a diamond in the rough. This book had me hook, line, and sinker, and I cannot wait to see what happens next!

I would like to thank NetGalley and Wednesday Books for allowing me to read an advance copy of this fabulous book in exchange for my honest review. I gave this book a rating of 5 stars.

Prayers to Calm Your Anxious Heart by Julie K. Gillies

This is the perfect book for anyone who is spiritually-minded and feeling anxious about the pandemic and turmoil of 2020. Each devotion begins with a short piece of scripture, is followed by a relevant and inspiring message applicable to anyone's everyday life, and finishes with a suggested prayer that encompasses the scripture and message discussed. Space is given at the bottom of each entry so that the reader can write down their own thoughts and feelings. I like that there are no calendar dates assigned to these readings, so that you can read as many as you want on your own timeline, or can flip through the book and read a devotion that is relevant to how you may be feeling on any particular day. I gave this book a rating of 4 stars.

Finding Annie by Katherine Turner

Annie abruptly left her hometown twelve years ago, leaving those she loved, including Rob, behind. Annie has come back, to housesit for her mother, but when she sees Rob will she be able to deal with the memories and emotions, both good and bad, that caused her to leave in the first place? Or will Lucas, the grandson of her mentor, be able to break through her defenses and give her hope for the future?

This books deals with the serious issues of neglect, abandonment, and sexual assault, and how victims are profoundly affected. The author made me feel genuine heartbreak, empathy and compassion for more than one character in this book, and I wanted them all to find the love and healing they deserved. The author also makes the characters in this book all the more realistic by presenting them with flaws.

The level of profanity in this book was too much for me. I can deal with swearing, especially in moments of emotion or drama, but it seemed like a couple of characters in this book couldn't say anything without dropping the f bomb. Unfortunately, for me, this took a bit away from the impact of the story.

I gave this book a rating of 4 stars, and received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens.

The Wife Who Knew Too Much by Michele Campbell

This was the third book I've read by Michele Campbell, and it didn't disappoint! The book is fast-paced with lots of twists and turns, and was hard to put down. I was able to figure some things out fairly early, but there were still other curve balls I didn't anticipate. I also loved how the title worked for more than one character. Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press, and Michele Campbell for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Watermark by Jennifer Farquhar

I have to say I picked this book up by accident, thinking it was a different book with the same title.  I decided to read it anyway, and am I ever glad I did!  

Jennifer Farquhar has written a compelling story about how a tragedy, and its consequences, drove Marina (Mina) and her family into a complete tailspin.  Mina left her home for twenty years, but now that her mother is gone, Mina returns with her own son to sell her family home. Mina hopes she can get back out before her past consumes her completely.

When Mina was young, her friend Bird told her many Native stories and beliefs, especially about Lake Huron.  These stories become intrinsic to the story and Mina's thought processes. I grew up along Lake Huron myself, and swam in its waters many, many times. I will never again swim in Lake Huron without thinking about this book and what might be lurking, good and bad, in the water with me.

I gave this book a rating of 5 stars.

The Undercard by David Albertyn

What a timely book to be reading right now!  

Tyron, Antoine, Keenan, and Naomi were friends growing up in Las Vegas, but when Tyron returns home after having served in the Marines, it seems everything has changed. Antoine spent some time in prison, but is now a boxer in the undercard before a highly anticipated big match. Keenan became a police officer who was just acquitted for killing an unarmed black teenager. Tyron has always loved Naomi but she married Keenan instead, and with everything that's happened, their marriage is a shambles.  There are also murders, crooked businessmen, dirty cops, and a march for Black Lives Matter in this fast-paced book. Tyron finds he has to make tough choices between his head and his heart, his loyalty to his old friends, and standing up for what he believes is right.

It is easy to see why this book was a finalist for the Canadian Forest of Reading Evergreen Award. I gave this book 5 stars.

Juvenile Review - That's Not Mine by Anna Kang

We've all heard children fight over who had something first. This book has two friends fighting over a chair they both feel is theirs. They try to outwit each other to regain control of it until they finally realize it isn't worth fighting about. I love the ending! A great book for resolving this issue between siblings or classmates. I gave this book a rating of 5 stars.

Juvenile Review - You Are Not Small by Anna Kang

Cute and clever! This book goes to show that size is relative and depends on each person's experience and perspective. A great book to read to primary classes! I gave this book 5 stars.

Juvenile Review - Eraser by Anna Kang

Another good message from author Anna Kang. No one appreciates Eraser's contributions, making her feel insignificant. It is only when the other school supplies try to do a big project without Eraser that they realize her value. A great tool for teaching primary students that everyone has something of value to add to the whole. I gave this book a rating of 4 stars.

Frying Plantian by Zalika Reid-Benta

Frying Plantain was nominated as a finalist in the Canadian Forest of Reading Evergreen category.
This book is a collection of twelve short stories about Kara Davis, as she grows through elementary school to high school graduation. She lives with her mother, who seems to anger easily and keeps close control of everything Kara says and does. Kara's grandparents came from Jamaica and have a very unstable marriage.  These coming of age stories deal a lot with relationships, culture and racism.  I felt the last story ended the book abruptly without tying the whole book together. I look forward to reading more from this author! I gave this book a rating of 4 stars.

Healthy Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker Cookbook by Nancy Loseke

My husband loves to grill and smoke meat, so Healthy Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker Cookbook was exciting to look at. The author clearly knows what she's doing, and provides helpful information and tips about the pellet grill and smoker that both beginners and the more experienced will learn from. The recipes include nutritional information with each recipe, and, while there aren't photos for every recipe, the ones that are included are tantalizing. There are even sections for soups, salads, and side dishes.  We tried two recipes from this book: Naked Juicy Lucy Burgers and First-Timer's Pulled Pork.  The burgers lived up to their name - juicy - and our family really loved the smoked flavor and the sauce. However, we were disappointed with the First-Timer's Pulled Pork. We couldn't really taste the smoke even after 8 hours on the grill.  We also found the sauce too runny, but we normally cook our pulled pork in sauce in the slow cooker. This recipe calls for low-carb beer or sugar-free dark-colored soda, but no where in the recipe does it tell you what to do with it! It is listed separately from the sauce ingredients but there is no mention of putting it on the meat when you season it with salt and pepper. This omission could be why we were disappointed, and was the reason for my rating of 3 stars instead of 4.
I would like to thank NetGalley for allowing me to look at a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. #NetGalley #HealthyWoodPelletGrill&SmokerCookbook

Greenwood by Michael Christie

Greenwood by Michael Christie was nominated as a finalist in the Forest of Reading Evergreen category. It follows generations of the Greenwood family, specifically Jacinda (Jake), Liam, Willow, Harris and Everett.  What makes this book different from others is that it begins in the year 2038, giving a brief synopsis of the appropriate family member as the story works its way back to 1908. The story then winds forward again though the years and generations, filling in the gaps and expanding upon why the characters became the way they did. I found this an interesting device as some of the characters seemed shallow or unlikeable until I fully understood their history and the events that created their personalities. Through the telling of the story, the author provides a lot of interesting facts about trees and the repercussions of not looking after these vital resources.  I gave this book a rating of 4 stars.

Healthy Instant Pot Mini Cookbook by Nili Barrett

This is a delightful cookbook for Instant Pot recipes intended to feed 1 or 2 people. The author includes an introduction to Instant Pots for new users, as well as recipes for breakfast, entrees, soups, stews, sides, veggies, snacks, appetizers, and desserts. The recipes contain"nourishing, whole foods" and offer suggestions for keto and vegan substitutions. Each recipe also provides the nutrition information per serving, and helpful tips to make meal preparation even easier. There are photographs included for about a third of the recipes in the book. I made the Layered Chicken Enchilada Casserole and Classic Beef Stroganoff recipes. Both meals were delicious and easy to make. My husband commented that the Stroganoff was especially flavorful. I gave this book a rating of 4 stars.
I would like to thank #NetGalley for allowing me to read an advanced copy of #HealthyInstantPotMiniCookbook in exchange for my honest review.

Diabetic Dessert Cookbook by Elena Troyanskaya

This diabetic cookbook contains 3 chapters: the first chapter offers dieting tips and recommended foods to eat, the second chapter has pie and cake recipes, and the third chapter provides cookie and brownie recipes.

My husband's two favorite things to eat are peanut butter and bananas, so as soon as I saw the Peanut Butter Banana Cake recipe, I knew I had to make it. It was delicious! The cake was light, tasty, and very moist. I then tried the Banana Peanut Butter Cookies recipe. The cookies were also very good, and no one would be able to tell they were "diabetic."

I wanted to try the New York Cheesecake recipe, but although it listed instructions for the crust, there were no crust ingredients listed in the recipe. There are also no photographs of any of the recipes in the book. The omission of these two factors kept me from giving this otherwise tasty cookbook a rating of 5 stars.

I received an advanced copy of this book from BookSirens for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I gave this book a rating of 4 stars.

The Secret She Kept by J.S. Ellis

Anthony's good friend, Lottie, has been murdered. Before she died, Lottie lent Anthony her laptop as his was broken. He finds a bunch of videos Lottie recorded outlining a dark relationship she was in with his long-time friend Davian. Anthony can't believe Davian would behave this way, but when the evidence grows against him, Anthony decides to hang on the laptop and try to uncover the truth.

This story was fast-paced with lots of twists and turns. The reader will constantly question whose version of the truth is real. I found Anthony's character a bit strange. He acted suspiciously and seemed paranoid about the police asking questions about him. I also couldn't understand why he wouldn't have given the laptop to the police right away.

I would like to thank BookSirens and Black Cat Ink Press for allowing me to read this advanced copy for free, in exchange for my honest and voluntary review. I gave this book a rating of 4 stars.

Juvenile Review - Ruby's Birds by Mya Thompson

Ruby is a busy and sometimes noisy young girl who learns from her neighbor Eva that she has to be quiet and still to see birds, like a warbler on its way through from Costa Rica. Ruby then teaches what she has learned to her family. There is more information at the back of the book about seeing birds at your home or in your city. There is also a list of 14 different birds that the author and illustrator have scattered throughout the book for the reader to go back and find. This is a cute and informative book that children will love. I would like to thank BookSirens for allowing me to read this advanced copy for free in exchange for my honest and voluntary review. I gave this book a rating of 4 stars.

Juvenile Review - Hope and Freckles by Bill Kiley

Wow. What a powerful and meaningful way to explain the plight of refugees to children through the story of a mother deer, Hope, and her fawn, Freckles. I found myself getting emotional when I made the connections between this book and what has been happening with refugees in our world. Younger children will empathize with Hope and Freckles story, while older children should be able to grasp the parallels between the book and reality. Everyone, and everything, on this planet deserves to be together in a place where they feel safe, and this book shows this concept to children in a brilliant way. I would like to thank #NetGalley and #MascotBooks for allowing me to read a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I gave this book a rating of 5 stars.

Juvenile Review - The Old Man and the Penguin by Julie Abery

A wonderful book based on the true story of Joao, a retired bricklayer in Rio de Janeiro, who finds a penguin covered in oil on the beach. Joao takes the penguin home and cleans, feeds, and nurtures Dindum back to health. When Joao tries to release Dindum to the sea, Dindum won't go. It is only when Dindum's natural instinct kicks in that he returns to the sea, but he comes back to Joao for eight months every year. This story, told in rhyme with beautiful illustrations, would be an excellent resource when teaching children about the environment and the hazards animals and humans face when we don't look after our planet. I would like to thank #NetGalley and #KidsCanPress for allowing me to read an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I gave this title 5 stars.

Juvenile Review - Sometimes When I'm Sad by Deborah Serani

Sometimes When I'm Sad, by Deborah Serani, is an excellent and valuable resource for young children, parents, teachers, or educational support staff. The book follows a young boy's frequent sadness, and the different levels and ways that this can present itself. After seeing a counselor, the boys learns many different ways to cope with and reduce his sadness, which help him feel much better. The simple wording makes it easy for a child to understand, and the beautiful illustrations further cement the feelings and information being conveyed. At the end of the book, the author, who is a psychologist, includes a guide for adults, as well as information on spotting sadness in different ages of children, and ways to reduce a child's sadness. I received an advanced review copy of this book for free from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Juvenile Review - The Dog Who Lost His Bark by Eoin Colfer

This is a very moving story about a dog and his boy.  I found the first couple of chapters hard to read mainly because I do not like to read about animals being neglected or abused.  I loved Patrick and Oz's relationship with each other, especially when they both had a lot of sadness and issues to work through. I gave this book a 4 out of 5.  #NetGalley #TheDogWhoLostHisBark

Juvenile Review - The Halloween Tree by Susan Montanari

Remember the phrase "be careful what you wish for because you just might get it?"  In this story, by Susan Montanari,  a tree is convinced it would hate being a Christmas tree because it hates lights, decorations, and people.  However, life for the tree doesn't exactly turn out as expected.  A charming story of a tree's physical and personal growth and the unconditional love of children who find the best in everything. I gave this book a 4 out of 5. #NetGalley #TheHalloweenTree

Child of the Heart by Ron Kempton

I understand the book was a dreamscape with different characters representing different moods or aspects of the author's anxiety and frame of mind and I commend the courage and creativity that went into the finished effort.  It reminded me a bit of Alice in Wonderland.  I got confused several times though, trying to keep up with the constant changes in characters and surroundings.  I think I would have appreciated the book much better if I'd been able to read it all in one sitting. I gave this book a 2 out of 5. #NetGalley #ChildoftheHeart

Juvenile Review - The Very Last Leaf by Stef Wade

A lovely story of a leaf who is afraid to fall. Kids will identify with the leaf's anxiety in  leaving its comfortable and familiar surroundings and finding the confidence to do something new.  Children will see how the leaf grew and evolved by achieving its goal.  The life cycle of a leaf is described which adds another educational dimension to the book. I gave this book a 4 out of 5. #TheVeryLastLeaf #NetGalley

The Jane Austen Society by Natalie Jenner

A doctor, a lawyer, a teacher, a young girl, a farm worker, a Hollywood actress, and a relative of Jane Austen come together in this book to form the Jane Austin Society, so they can preserve the location and some of the artifacts of Austen's last home in Chawton, England.  Each character is struggling with loss or grief of some sort.  They are also loners in their own way, either through choice or circumstance.  

You do not have to be a fan of Jane Austen to love and appreciate this story, but with all the references to her books and characters, it would help.  I couldn't help but feel some of the characters in this book had "pride and prejudices" of their own, in terms of their perceptions of others and their inability to express their true feelings. I could easily see this book becoming a book club favourite! I gave this book a 4 out of 5. #NetGalley #TheJaneAustenSociety

Hurry Home by Roz Nay

This book is a tale of two long-lost sisters: Alex seems to have her life together as an advocate for children at risk and is in a loving relationship, while Ruth seems to be a mess with a history of substance abuse and is once again on the run from trouble.  Alex and Ruth take turns being the narrator in alternate chapters. Both of them are full of secrets, which are slowly revealed throughout the book.  

Roz Nay does a great job with the unreliable narrator, drawing the reader into each sister's story. The plot flowed smoothly even when relating events from the past.  There were some unexpected twists and turns which made for a very enjoyable read. I gave this book a 4 out of 5. #NetGalley #HurryHome

While You Slept by R. J. Parker

Lily has taken extra precautions to make sure she and her daughter, Maisie, are living in a secure house. Imagine Lily's fright when a man appears on the security camera in her garden wearing a mask of Maisie's face! It gets much worse in the morning when they wake up in what looks like their house in every detail...until they look out the window. This book will definitely have you triple-checking your locks at night!  I felt tense and anxious the whole time I was reading this book but I couldn't put it down!  Lily is a clever and brave mother who will do anything for her child.  I did find, however, that Maisie seemed older than 5 years old in terms of her thoughts and actions. I loved how the ending left you hanging with a couple of new questions. I gave this book a 4 out of 5. #NetGalley #WhileYouSlept

The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles

I am a big fan of World War II fiction, but sometimes it's hard to find a new aspect about the war that hasn't already been written about. The Paris Library, by Janet Skeslien Charles, is based on the role that staff from The American Library in Paris played during the war. Books and reading played an important role in boosting morale, providing a sense of normalcy but also an escape for a brief time from dark times. Staff continued to help not only their regular "subscribers" but also delivered books to Jewish citizens at great risk to themselves, and to soldiers, whether on the field or injured an in hospital.  

The Paris part of the story revolves around Odile, a young librarian, and her family and fellow staff at the American Library in Paris. The other part of the story takes place in America, and revolves around the struggles of a young girl named Lily.  Odile is older now, and is Lily's next door neighbour. Together they forge a bond that helps them both heal and survive life's tough moments.

I thought this book was excellent.  I was invested in the characters and the author made them seem real, by revealing their faults as wells as their strengths.  As a fellow librarian myself, I also loved the references to the Dewey Decimal System, and now want to read the books the staff recommended to their subscribers. I gave this book a 5 out of 5. #TheParisLibrary #NetGalley

The Cabin on Souder Hill by Lonnie Busch

Cliff and Michelle go to their cabin deep in the woods to try and work on their marriage. Cliff goes to investigate a strange light late at night and doesn't return. When local police enforcement come up empty, Michelle decides to try and follow his path.  She comes across a cabin just like theirs and Cliff is inside, but that is where any similarity to her former life ends. Michelle seeks help from someone that has supposedly disappeared in her other existence. Can she make anyone believe her, and will she ever get back to her real life?

I liked the pace and plot of this story for the first two thirds of the book. I found the idea of different universes or realities interesting.  However, the book's original description made it sound more suspenseful or scary than it really was. I was originally intrigued with the references to Wicca but, for me, it got to be too much. I also felt Michelle's character changed near the end of the story: after having so much difficulty getting people to believe her, she doesn't extend the same courtesy to others when they really need it, and she also goes back on an important promise. This was a hard book for me to rate; while there was a lot of things I liked about it, the things that bothered me took it from a great read to an average read. I gave this book a 3 out of 5. #NetGalley #TheCabinOnSouderHill

Juvenile Review - Is a Worry Worrying You? by Ferida Wolff

Is a Worry Worrying You? is an interesting book that discusses different types of worries, giving very imaginative examples and offering solutions on how to alleviate that worry.  The book also includes the different types of feelings and symptoms worry can cause in a child, and what a child could do to make them feel better. This book would be a great curriculum resource for teaching Kindergarten children about feelings. The illustrations are interesting and really personalize the many facets of worry for children. I gave this book a 4 out of 5. #IsAWorryWorryingYou? #NetGalley

What You Wish For by Katherine Center

What You Wish For" by Katherine Center is a feel-good read in a time when we all need to feel good.  

Samantha (Sam) is a school librarian who moved away from "The One" (Duncan) when it looked like he was settling down permanently with someone else.  However, when Duncan comes back into her life. he is no longer the man she once knew. Then again, Sam is no longer the same person Duncan once knew either. Both of them have lived through trauma, with the mental or physical scars to prove it.  Will they be able to "choose joy" not only for themselves, but with each other?

I had some concerns during the first half of the book with the negative way epilepsy was being portrayed. However, as the story unfolds, this negativity made a lot more sense.  I was in love with Sam and Duncan's love story right up until the end. I have to say I was a bit disappointed with the ending: after building so much anticipation, their final realization felt a bit flat. I also felt the Epilogue mentioned the other characters more than it mentioned Sam and Duncan.  This would have been a 5 star rating for me except for the "fizzle not sizzle" at the end.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review. #NetGalley #WhatYouWishFor

Under the Willows by Pamela McCord

Kelly and her son TJ move to Ohio to live in the house her husband inherited from his grandmother, before he was killed by a drunk driver.  Things get really get spooky when her son's Alexa Dot begins to emit sounds of a young girl crying and asking for help in the middle of the night.  Will Kelly be able to convince Rob, a super attractive cop, that she isn't crazy?  Will they figure out who this voice belongs to and be able to help in time?

I was super intrigued with the idea of a ghost talking through Alexa (although I may never look at my own Alexa in quite the same way again).  For a good chunk of the book this made me feel chills and suitably creeped out. I also liked the attraction and conflicted feelings between Kelly and Rob.

*Spoilers: However, I felt the amount of conversation and information that came through Alexa just got to be way too unbelievable. I also didn't like Tom's voice suddenly having the ability to come through Alexa either; it felt too convenient and contrived. I found myself wanting to know why these girls were taken in the first place, but no reason was given (although we never really know why some people do the things they do anyway).  I don't understand why the whole will issue was included in the story either: it wasn't necessary to the story and really didn't amount to anything. I gave this book a 3 out of 5.

Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
#NetGalley #UndertheWillows

Juvenile Review - Fox and Rabbit by Beth Ferry

This graphic novel would be suitable for primary grade readers. The book contains 4 stories that are inter-connected and focus on the friendship of Fox and Rabbit. Children will like the repetition of certain phrases and the appearance of the turtle at the end of each story. Children may also like the desire to come up with things that begin with "f" but I found it a bit forced. This book was just okay for me, not great. I rated it a 3 out of 5 stars.  #NetGalley #Fox&Rabbit

The Engineer's Wife by Tracey Enerson Wood

The only thing better than reading a well-written book full of substance and defined characters is learning something at the same time. I found the author's descriptions of bridge-building and the suffrage movement to be interesting and informative without being too heavy. Readers with connect with Emily as she struggles to fulfill her husband's dreams while placing her own on hold. Readers with empathize with and champion for Emily as she tries to balance the overwhelming responsibilities of building a bridge and being an advocate for women as well as a wife and mother.  I gave this book a rating of 4 out of 5.
#NetGalley #TheEngineer'sWife

Juvenile Review - Imagine a World by Rob Gonsalves

An amazing book, full of hope, inspiration and turning negatives into positives. The beautiful illustrations are full of imagery and make the meaningful words come to life.

Winter Journey by Diane Armstrong

I found Winter Journey slow to start and the age of the narrator did not jive with the historical events within the book.

The Authenticity Project by Clare Pooley

I loved the storyline and characters in this book and found it hard to put down. I loved that each character had to write something authentic about themselves in the notebook that would be read by random people. It really makes you think about what your own authentic story would be, and whether this story would hold true to how other people perceive you.. #TheAuthenticityProject #NetGalley

Let the Willows Weep by Sherry Parnell

I was sorry to see this book end!

"Let the Willows Weep" by Sherry Parnell is an emotional coming-of-age story. The majority of the book focuses on "Birddog" who received this nickname from her older brother, Denny. Birddog lives in a time when there are clear delineations between class and race. Birddog goes through more heartbreak than anyone should be able to bear, including abuse, loss, grief, adversity, abandonment, and betrayal. Parnell wove such depth into Birddog's character that I found myself wishing I could reach into the book and give that girl some love.

Having said that, there were a couple of things that prevented me from a 5 star rating. The narrator changes early in the second chapter, and I was confused for a bit about who the narrator really was, and whether the narrative would switch back and forth between a mother and her daughter.

There were also some unanswered questions for me. *SPOILERS* Her brother, Caul, after being her tormentor for so many years, just disappears one day and we never find out where he went or what happened to him. Why did Birddog's mother dislike her so much and find her such a disappointment? Birddog seemed to live in the same area when she got older: wouldn't she run into Denny and Samuel all the time? I can only hope there will be a sequel to this beautiful story to get some answers.

I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens, and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.

The Only Child by Andrew Pyper

The Only Child revolves around the character of Dr. Lily Dominick, a forensic psychiatrist, who became obsessed with the human mind after witnessing her mother's death at the age of six. Lily's newest patient, however, shakes her to the core: not only does he claim to be 200 years old, but he says he knew her mother. Lily struggles between what is real and not real, both in the memories of her mother and the stories this "man" tells her about his life. The patient/man/monster quickly establishes a hold on Lily that keeps both her and the reader in suspense and looking over a shoulder until the end of the book.

Elements of the characters of classic horror, including Jeykll and Hyde, Dracula, and Frankenstein are present in this storyline, so it definitely had the potential to be terrifying. However, I found the book to be more creepy than scary. I was able to determine a couple of plot twists way in advance, which also helped reduce my fright (and our hydro bill). Overall, I would give The Only Child a 3 out of 5.

Juvenile Review - How Big is Your Brave? by Ruth Soukup

I loved this book! Not only does it talk about being brave enough to follow your dreams - "the why should always be bigger than the fear" - but also touches on the concepts of accountability and control. The illustrations are beautifully done. This would be an excellent addition to any library collection!  I give this book 5 stars! I would like to thank NetGalley for allowing me to read a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.  

The Man From Spirit Creek by Barbara Kyle

Liv Gardner comes to Spirit Creek, Alberta to start a new job as a paralegal for the town's lawyer. In reality, she is the co-owner and in-counsel for Falcon Oil, a company she shares with her fiance, Mickey Havelock. Someone has been sabotaging the company's progress in town. The prime suspect is Tom Wainwright, and Liv makes it her mission to befriend him and find the evidence necessary to put him behind bars. However, she soon discovers that things aren't quite what they seem.

I found the first third of the book quite slow. Having said that, the rest of the book was full of fast-paced action with lots of twists and turns in plot and development. This book has a bit of everything: crime, murder, romance, suspense, but it is also educational. I also found the ending more realistic than other books.

I did have some issues with Liv's character. Liv "stiffened in revulsion" over a young man drooling in his wheelchair, but she gets angry when others don't know how to react to her own sister's challenges. Liv graduated from a prestigious law school, but seems to accept a lot of things in blind faith. A couple of times Liv describes incidental characters as being a "beefy native" and a "chunky native" which bothered me a bit.

I received an advance review copy of this book for free, and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.

Juvenile Review - The Train by Jodie Callaghan

Ashley is walking home from school one day when she discovers her uncle by the weathered tracks of the old train station.  He sits her down and tells her how children from Reserves all over Canada were taken from their families and placed in Residential Schools, where they were not allowed to speak their language or follow their customs.  Ashley's uncle stresses not only the importance of remembering this part of their history so that it does not happen again, but also to remember what these children and their families lost through that experience.

This book is beautifully written and illustrated.  The author's physical and emotional descriptions make you feel as though you are there with Ashley's uncle as he tells his story.  The perfect book to teach elementary children about this dark side of our Canadian history.

I would like to thank NetGalley for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
#TheTrain  #NetGalley

Juvenile Review - The Slug Queen Chronicles: Season One by S.O. Thomas

On her 12th birthday, Cricket is given a gift that shows her unusual abilities were shared by someone close to her.  However, when Cricket and her best friend start to experiment with her gift, the people around her start behaving very oddly, there is black dust everywhere, and her baby brother has been replaced by some "thing."  A talking cat tells Cricket she is the only one who can save her brother and stop the dust from spreading.  However, Cricket must follow him into a strange land where Santa, fairies, and other magical creatures are real.  Can Cricket find her baby brother and stop the dust before it's too late?

I loved the imagination and detail that went into this book.  It reminded me, at times, of the movie Labyrinth that I loved as a teenager.  I loved how Cricket constantly found the courage to step outside her comfort zone even though it was not easy to know who to trust.  I also liked how people with different abilities were championed in this book. I look forward to reading future installments in this series. 

I would like to thank NetGalley for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review.  #TheSlugQueenChronicles #NetGalley

Juvenile Review - Do Animals Believe in God by Carl Solomon Sr.

Daniel decides to ask various animals if they believe in God.  When he had gathered a number of responses, he returns home and asks his parents the same question.

I thought the whole concept behind this book was brilliant.  It explores not only a child's natural curiosity, but his curiosity about God and his spiritual growth.  The answers he receives from the animals help to secure his faith.  I've always told my children that robins sing praises to God morning and night, but this book makes all readers take notice that humans are not the only ones who can glorify God and appreciate the gifts they've been given. I would like to thank NetGalley for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review. #DoAnimalsBelieveInGod  #NetGalley

Juvenile Review - The Story Web by Megan Frazer Blakemore

Everyone has a story. In The Story Web, by Megan Frazer Blakemore, Alice's father has left but we don't know where he's gone or why.. Now Alice is questioning everything he ever told her. When Alice found an enormous web in the woods as a child, her Dad told her it was woven with everyone's stories and kept the world together. This now seems ridiculous...until animals start coming to Alice from the woods, and the strange girl from school tells her that unless Alice fixes the story web the world will end.

I loved how everyone's story took time to spin and reveal their truths and connections to other people's stories. I feel the author did a good job fleshing out Alice, Lewis, and Melanie's characters. I also liked the essential role animals played in the book. Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read this in exchange for an honest review. I rated this book 5 stars. #NetGalley #TheStoryWeb