The Case of the Missing PekeNote: We received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Okay. First off. Who can resist a cover like this? I mean, c’mon. Talk about “Too Cute!” Even the neighbor’s cat is gonna want to snuggle up with this sweet little fella. You will too after a few pages. Like this:
DAWNNote: We received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
And what better way to mark it than with Mark Miller’s PAWsome new book, DAWN?
Here’s the short version of why:
Oceans of ink have been spilled about the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It’s not exactly a new topic. But there’s something in Mark Miller’s re-telling that’s as fresh and vibrant as this morning’s sunrise. As relevant as today’s headlines.
Here’s the longer version of why:
“Alright. Who let the viking in?”
You’re kidding, right? I say this to Mom a lot. Especially when she gets The Look. You know. That Look. It usually precedes a mile-long description of her new favorite book. Of course I listen. Because, ya know. That’s my job. Well, that and being beautiful and brilliant. (It’s a tough job. But I’m up for it!)
So when Mom came up with yet another harebrained idea the other day – where do these things come from? – I just smiled and listened.
Mom’s latest brainstorm? A list of really cool murder mysteries/whodunits.
Being the brains in this dynamic duo, I tried to remind Mom that she doesn’t typically gravitate toward either genre. But you know Mom!
It’s been like FOREVER since our last Fine Wine Friday. One of us has been falling down on the job (Hi, Mom). So let’s go!
So here, in no particular order, are Mom’s recently-ish read murder mysteries/whodunits. All get at least a four on the Official Mom and the Kimster rating-o-meter:
The Case of the Crying SignpostBy Tom Xavier
Genre: Fiction/Middle Grade
Note: We received a complimentary copy of this book from Reedsy in exchange for an honest review.
You’re not afraid of ghosts, are you?
What’s a city girl from Chicago doing locked in a high tower prison in a creepy old house in 1930s New Orleans? How did she get there, and why? These questions and more swirl throughout Tom Xavier’s utterly absorbing mystery, The Case of the Crying Signpost.
I know you’re all ginormously disappointed that a little furry face we all know and love isn’t kicking off today’s post. Sorry ’bout that. (Naw. Not really.) But there’s a reason I’m leading off today:
This post is about a wonderful little book I recently came across via Net Galley. It’s called Ava Loves Rescuing Animals.
Talk about a girl after my own heart!
Did you know that Kimber’s a rescue dog? Yeppers. She came to us in 2016 via a mutual friend who works at the local rescue shelter. Kimmi was ten weeks old going on 92, if ya know what I mean. She’s been an Absolute Delight ever since! (Don’t tell Kimber I said that, okay? I’ll never hear the end of it!)
So I wanted to share this delightful book with you, with a sweet furry face in mind. Here goes:
Tides of BlueNote: We received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Can a small, ridged, cobalt blue bottle mean freedom for two young women in two different centuries?
This may sound like an uncertain premise. But hold on a min. Cuz Tides of Blue is the kind of book that grabs you hook, line, and sinker and keeps you on the line until the very end. Check it out:
Kimber: Mom! Mom! I finally got myself in my very own book!! Can you see me doing back flips!?
Her Momness: “Slow down there, Kimmi. What are you talking about?”
Kimber: Well, okay. It wasn’t me exactly. But it coulda been! Cuz We Also Served is about animal heroes. You know. Like me! Or maybe my cousins! I’ll let Mom tell you more:
What Grandpa Learned From His Honeybees: The Little Book to Be Smart with Your Money and Help the EnvironmentWhat Grandpa Learned From His Honeybees: The Little Book to Be Smart with Your Money and Help the Environment may seem like a mouthful. It may also seem like an unusual combination of topics. But Henry and Mary Svec make it work. Using clear, easy-to-understand language and real-life examples, the Svecs guide you through smart money strategies intertwined with lessons learned from bee life. It’s amazing!
Olly & the Spores of Oak HillA cryptic map. A statue. A key. Gold nuggets. A strange symbol and a hole in a wall. A hidden door and a greedy developer bent on destroying a quiet community with a shopping mall. All this and more can be found between the pages of Glenn Somodi’s delightful and enchanting Olly & the Spores of Oak Hill.
As the book opens, Oren Appleton is dead. The ”geeky, nature-loving” former Harvard professor died under suspicious circumstances. He left everything to his son and grandson, Oliver “Olly” Appleton. Olly and his parents move from Ohio to Littleton, Massachusetts to claim their inheritance and a world of mystery in this charming story that will captivate and delight middle grade readers.
Kimber: Someone say “burgers”?
Mom: No, Kimmi. I said “restaurant.” Now stop vulching.
Kimber: Vulching? I am not vulching. I am merely standing guard over the kitchen, ever-vigilant in case any stray top sirloin finds its way onto the floor. By the way, what’s a “restaurant”? It has burgers, right?
I am invisible. You Do Not see me. I am not vulching. Am not. Am Not. AM NOT!
Well. Let’s get one thing straight right out of the gate, okay? This isn’t a story about a restaurant. It’s not about what it takes to run a successful restaurant. It’s not even a behind-the scenes look at running a restaurant in the garden island of Kauai, although you’ll find all of the above and more within.
Pages & Paws 