Somali and the Forest Spirit

This was such a cute little start to a series. The art is beautiful and it's such an adorable cozy fantasy. I am not always the biggest fan of manga, but this was such a cute premise and I love the artwork. Humans have been hunted almost to extinction and goblins, spirits, ghouls, and witches rule over all. When  a golem discovers a human child he makes it his mission to track down her parents or other humans. The golem doesn't have much of a life left to for, so he may as well leave his forest and go on one final quest. Wonderful. I can't wait to read the rest of the series. 

Dead Man's Ransom

When I was younger my mother got me hooked on the Masterpiece Theater Cadfael Mysteries. We watched the crud out of them and they hold such a soft place in my heart now that my mom has passed. I am slowly trying to work my way through the whole series (not in any order). The audiobook is good, but I do wish Derek Jacobi was narrating it. This series is about a Benedictine monk who solves murders in the 12th century. Dead Man's Ransom is about a sheriff who arrives ill but alive, in a ransom transfer. He is soon found dead and no one is above suspicion. The trade is off until they can find out who killed the sheriff. Even though it's a murder mystery it's like a warm cozy read. Loved it.

The Oyster Book

I am definitely not the target audience for this book but I did find it extremely interesting and impassioned. I'm a vegetarian so I don't eat meat (or fish) BUT I still gained a lot out of this book Prior to reading this I didn't know a single solitary thing about oysters except for pearls were in them (sometimes). This book described oysters, the varieties, the historical importance, and the impact they have on humans and the environment. If you are a meat eater and you are looking to be healthier and smart about saving the environment oysters are the way to go. I had no idea how much they cleaned the waters, they should be everywhere. If a vegetarian can find this interesting so can you!  

The Garden

Nick Newman (adult pen-name of Nicholas Bowling) is most notably know as the author of several children’s novels including Witchborn and In the Shadow of Heroes, but his adult fiction debut, The Garden is a chilling dystopian with a startling premise. Two elderly sisters have not left the borders of their garden in decades. They have no concepts of what lay beyond the walls, only their mother's dire warnings. Evelyn and Lily rely on their mother's almanac and it hasn't steered them wrong. But the eerie and lonely monotony of isolation has taken a toll on both of the sisters. When a young boy breeches the wall they are shocked. They haven't seen another living person in ages. What should they do with him?Can he be trusted? The sisters begin to question their loyalty to the land and to each other. What is outside the garden walls? This cli-fi (climate fiction) dystopian is dark and evocative. Hauntingly narrated by Nicolette McKenzie, whose childlike voice and deprecating prose perfectly encapsulates the two sheltered sisters. Verdict - Fans of Gray Gardens and climate fiction will enjoy this claustrophobically captivating tale about two sisters who must decide if the garden walls are a prison or a sanctuary. - Erin Cataldi

That Time I Got Drunk and Saved a Human

A fitting conclusion to cap off this trilogy. So fun, irreverent, and sexy. These are fun, fluffy, feminist, fantasy, smut and I can't read them fast enough. I hope there are more books in this series because it is so much fun. The drama is relatively low stakes, the romance is slow burn, and the banter is so witty and fun. 

Shell Shocked

This mystery novel would be good for middle grade or teen readers who are into marine biology or more specifically, turtles. On her sixteenth birthday, Alex's only birthday wish is that she get to volunteer with the Turtle Sanctuary and help protect Cataluna Island's vulnerable turtle population. She and her best friend Avery, feel an affinity for these beautiful sea creatures and think it's their duty to protect their nests and habitats. When they find some turtle she's with weird markings they know the turtles are in danger, but they don't know from who. Alex, Avery, and Maya (biologist) must get to the bottom of the mystery before any other turtles get injured or killed.  It's an important story but could have used a lot more editing. A lot of very repetitive phrases, weird plot holes, and ridiculously easy "clues," made this story a little too simple. It's honestly more of a novella anyway, it's quite short. Final gripe, what does the cover have to do with anything? There is no underwater maze reef. The only thing in common with the story is that it features a turtle. The cover should match the illustrations included in the book. Important material, just needed more finessing. 

The Lost Passenger

Frances Quinn (historical author of The Bonesetter Woman and The Smallest Man) dazzles with a fresh new take on the Titanic tragedy. When the cotton king's daughter, Elinor Coombs, marries into an aristocratic family; she and her father couldn't have been more proud; her children would one day be nobles! Too late she realizes that their wedding will never result in love or respect, she discovers that her husband was forced into the marriage because they needed her family's money to keep the estate alive and well. Parenthood isn't the delight she anticipated either, after giving birth to a darling baby boy; her in-laws insist on keeping her from him, because that is the way things are done with heirs. When her father, the cotton king, invites her and her family on the maiden voyage of the Titanic she jumps at the chance to get away from her in-laws and get to interact with her son. When the ship sinks, Elinor finds the strength and the courage to fake their deaths and reinvent themselves in America. Trying to pass herself off as her son's nanny is much harder than she ever anticipated, she's never worked a day in her life but to keep her precious son, Teddy, safe and out of the grip of her in-laws she will do anything. Enchantingly narrated by Heather Long; her English accent helps bring both the aristocracy and the working class to life. Verdict: Engaging, heartfelt, and earnest. A fresh new voice to add to the legions of Titanic literature out there.

That Time I Got Drunk and Yeeted a Love Potion at a Werewolf

A fun, fantasy, frolic, that is sexy, zany, and an absolute blast. While this is the second in a romance series it could easily be read as a standalone, but why would you want to miss out on the fun of the first one?! Brie is seemingly unlucky in life and in love. When she throws a drink at a man who won't take no for an answer, she discovers that her aim is atrocious and ends up hitting a werewolf instead. And to make matters worse apparently the drink she threw was a love potion and now the werewolf will not leave her alone! Part of her is annoyed and part of her is wondering if what she read in all those were fantasies is true. I can't wait to read the next one in this series! 

Little Beach Street Bakery

Wholesome, quirky, cute. This book wrapped you up like a warm blanket and the soothing English accent of the narrator made it such a fun listen. Polly Waterford has lost it all, her money, her boyfriend (good riddance), her job, and her flat. Everywhere in the city is too posh and expensive so she finds herself a little fixer upper on an island in the middle of nowhere. It isn't much, the roof leaks, their is grime everywhere, and the lighthouse light gives her a fright in the evening. But soon she finds herself warming up to her new neighbors and surroundings. Desperate for a job she opts to help a curmudgeonly old women run her bakery and finds out she loves it. Soon she is baking, happy, and meeting new people. Including a handsome fisherman and American beekeeper. Who new a fresh start could be so exciting?!

The Museum of Ordinary People

A quick and sweet read with a quirky concept. A museum saved with things that people don't have space for, but have sentimental attachments to. Jess stumbles upon this quirky little museum while trying to find a place for the encyclopedia set her mother gifted her as a child. Since her mom's death she has been tasked with clearing out everything as the only surviving family member. She lives in a posh apartment with her boyfriend and there isn't space there for the book set, but she can't bear to throw them out. Enter The Museum of Ordinary People. Soon her life will change in ways she never expected. A light cozy read filled with real emotion and warmth. 

Snowed In with the Boss

A quick and salacious little read, Snowed In with the Boss, is a cute, romantic, and steamy. January is a disc jockey at a radio station in a sleepy little mountain town and she is tired of her best friend badgering her to go on a date. When she finally works up the courage to get a dating app and sets up a date, she finds herself stood up. Just her luck. But when a mystery man from last night (that's another story) shows up looking to grab a bite to eat, the two hit it off and decide to make a night of it. What's the worst that could happen? After some mind blowing sex, her mystery man makes a thoughtless remark and ruins the whole thing. Oh well. January is at least grateful for a good lay, but when she shows up to work and discovers that her mystery lay is her new boss things get awkward quick. A quick read, that's fun and has some genuinely likable characters. I also liked the alternating chapters between Ryan and January and the song choice to accompany each chapter. I will have to read more by Christy Pastore!

The Seed Keeper

Compelling, heartbreaking, and so important. I loved that this story spanned generations and connected us with so many different people. Rosalie Iron Wing is adrift. Orphaned at a young age, placed into foster care with white folk, she later found herself married to much older white man. She helps him care for his family's farm but the loss of her Dahkota community is hard. She holds fast to her father's teachings and tries to impart them onto her son. But he is stubborn and doesn't view the land the same way that she does. How they view and treat the farm becomes a wedge between them and Rosalie doesn't know how to bridge the gap. When her husband dies, she leaves the farm in her sons care and retreats to the shack she grew up. Powerful and informative; The Seed Keeper is about family, heritage, tradition, and confronting the atrocities of the past. 

Dirtbag Queen

Andy Corren's debut memoir was inspired by the viral obituary he wrote for his mother during the pandemic in The Fayetteville Observer. Dirtbag Queen is a love letter to a woman who didn't bother herself with any motherly or traditional housewife duties. Renay Mandel Corren was a chain-smoking, dirty mouthed, vulgar Jewish redneck who was good at bailing kids out of jail, rolling joints, and making sure she was never without a pedicure, but not so good at doing laundry or keeping food on the table. Brash, loud, hilarious, heartbreaking, and unforgettable; Dirtbag Queen is a fitting tribute to a one of a kind woman. Renay may not have won any mother of the year awards but you wouldn't have known that by the way her six kids practically worshipped the ground she walked on. Fantastically narrated by the author himself, Dirtbag Queen pulses with delightful frenetic energy that listeners will find themselves sucked into. Andy Corren's indignant, sassy, emotional, and engaged narration make this a truly unforgettable listen. Fans of David Sedaris and Jenny Lawson will adore this audiobook. Verdict: Hilarious and heartfelt, the outstanding narration really elevates this memoir. 

Dreamland

An absolutely fantastically well researched and timely book. This book, made me so angry and so aware of the origins of America's opiate epidemic. As a Hoosier I am quite familiar with heroin and pills. It's everywhere. Not only do I read the arrest records, but I deal with the public in my job, have been trained to use Narcan, and years ago dated someone who was an addict. Everything I knew about opiates fit neatly into this tome and helped explain the bigger picture. It's infuriating. This book made me so mad at the pharmaceutical companies, doctors, lawmakers, coaches, and parents. how did we all let this happen?! An eye opening book that helped me view our country in a new light. 

Joy Comes in the Morning

I love starting off my day with a devotional and I really enjoyed this one. Joy Comes in the Morning has 60 morning devotionals. Each day starts with a passage, a devotional, a prayer prompt, and ends in a quote. It's a quick read but it get's your mind in a great place to tackle the day. This is one that I will save and turn back to again. 

That Time I Got Drunk and Saved a Demon

So much fun! This quick and spicy fantasy romance was just the palate cleanser I needed. It was deliciously cheesy and over the top and fun. It's not quite a cozy fantasy, but close. Cinnamon finds herself on a quest with a demon, she is more of a stay at home kind of gal, so this is... an adventure. She starts off pretty reluctant, but as the trip lengthens she finds herself warming up to the hunky demon. Lots of fun tropes, lots of boning, lots of fun characters. It's not the best written thing you've ever read and the world building is only mildly fleshed out, but I can't wait to read more in the series! 

Funny Story

This is definitely my new favorite Emily Henry romance. I loved the characters so so much! I wanted to move into this tiny Michigan town and befriend them all. They were all so funny and relatable and I loved that Daphne was a librarian. Everything was going perfect for Daphne; she and her fiancé Peter moved to this beachy little Michigan town and she befriended all his friends, fell in love with her job, and was more than happy. That is until she was jilted by her fiancé who decided that he was in love with his best friend Petra. Forced to move out, the only place she can find to go is to Petra's boyfriend's apartment. Talk about weird. They've both been jilted and are stuck with each other while Peter and Petra. One drunken night Will and Daphne decide that to get back at their exes, maybe they should pretend date to make them jealous. What could possibly go wrong?! The storyline sounds so cheesy but I promise, the book is so so good!

Raise the Titanic

My favorite Dirk Pitt novel to date. I think it's mostly because I am partial to anything to do with the titanic. It was interesting because Dirk Pitt was hardly in the first third of the book because it took so long to set the scene. It was one heck of a tale, defied belief for a lot of it, but honestly... I was intrigued and it kept me going. Another macho adventure book down, many more in this series to go!

Lines of Courage

There are lots of WWII books for kids but not many from WWI. I thought this was an excellent book that outlined many different aspects of the war and humanized kids from all sides of the conflict. Obviously this book is intended for middle grade readers so it isn't as brutal and horrific as it could be, but these kids go through a lot, see horrible things, friends murdered, towns leveled, gruesome injuries. Five different teens find themselves connected by courage and an Austro-Hungarian medal. Throughout the course of the war, all of them are gifted this medal for one courageous act or another. There is a daughter of a German general, a fourteen year old Russian soldier, a young woman working on an ambulance train, a Jewish boy trying to brave for his mother, and a young girl separated from her family by the Germans. Their stories are all heartbreaking and I love the way they all weave together. The only thing that is too over the top for me (as an adult reading this) is that some of the main officers seem a little too nice. I don't want to spoil anything, but there is no way that men in their position would be as lenient as they were under the circumstances. Very good middle grade novel about WWI.

What About Will

I never realized that Ellen Hopkins wrote middle grade books! What About Will is so masterfully done. Ellen writes in her trademark style, putting together a novel in verse that will rip your heart out. 12 year old Trace constantly worries about his older brother Will. Ever since he suffered a catastrophic brain injury during a football game, he hasn't been the same. He's mean, moody, and never leaves his room. Trace thinks that there is something else going on but his mom is never around, his dad is always so busy working, and he doesn't want Will to get mad at him for "tattling." Thankfully he has a new friend to share his concerns with, a new girl who has joined his little league team who has some relatable problems going on in her own home. Heartbreaking, funny, and hopeful. I love Ellen Hopkins! 

Onyx Storm

I made the mistake of not re-reading the other two books before I read this and I definitely struggled the first third of the book. I had to keep looking up to see who was and look at the map to see what was going on. The first half of the book was a little meh for me but it definitely picked up. There are a lot of moving parts to this story even though the plot doesn't move very fast. It's a lot of hurry up and wait. It's not my favorite of the three but it did end on a cliffhanger so now I gotta read the next one. How many are supposed to be in this series anyways?

Swim Team

This graphic novel is perfect for all middle grade readers (and teens! and adults!). It's not just about sports, there is history, friendship, family struggles, school challenges and more. Bree is excited to start a new school but is distraught when she gets stuck in swimming 101. She doesn't know how to swim! After faking illness and skipping class, she knows something has to change. When she discovers that her elderly neighbor went to state for swimming, she enlists her help to teach her to swim. Not only does she learn to swim, she excels at it and even joins the swim team with her new best friend. But the rival private school have their number and keep pressuring them. Can they save their pool? Can they remain friends? Can they win? Wholesome and wonderful. Loved it! 

Get in My Swamp

You know I never thought I would be reading Shrek inspired smut, but here we are. I'm not mad about it. This was a super quick read that packed as much sex as it possibly could into the short amount of pages. When Liona is on her bachelorette party she goes for a late night walk in the woods and gets lost. She falls into a trap and is taken hostage by an ogre named Beck. Normally he eats humans, but he could never eat one as sexy as her. He tells all the magical beings in the wood that rather than killing her, he will take her hostage on his farm. Soon the two are boning non-stop and fall in love. Who cares about her lame fiancé. Smutty, over the top, and fun. 

The Bloody Shoe Affair

The first in The Jailer's Daughter Mysteries series, The Bloody Shoe Affair introduces readers to two fiery and witty amateur sleuths, Christi and Lily. Set in the summer of 1968, Christi comes to town to visit her family for her grandparents’ upcoming 50th anniversary. Rather than staying at the farm, she is stuck staying with her older cousin Lily in town. Not only is Lily known for troublemaking, but her house is attached to the jailhouse, and it scares Christi to no end. Rather than talk about The Beatles and the hottest new fashions, Lily drags Christi into an active murder case; the most gruesome crime to ever take place in Roselyn, Mississippi. A pregnant woman is murdered, and her husband stands accused. But something seems off to the two teenagers. Against her better judgement, Christi finds she is enjoying playing detective and she really does want to poke around and solve the crime. Laugh out loud funny, thrilling and unique; The Bloody Shoe Affair promises to be the start of a great mystery series that will appeal to both adults and teens. To make it even more interesting, this series is written by Joy York, a local author hailing from Greenwood. 

The House in the Cerulean Sea

I am so sad I am done with this book! It went by so fast. It was legit magical. The coziest fantasy and filled with the most unforgettable characters. Linus Baker has been sent on a highly classified mission, so classified that he doesn't know what it is until he arrives. He has been sent to a remote island to observe an orphanage filled with magical children. That in itself isn't weird, that's his job. But these children. Well they are the most magical of magical. They are dang hard to classify. They even have Lucifer, the antichrist. Linus is in deep but he has a month to observe these 6 children and their caretaker. What's the worst that could happen?! Utterly charming and laugh out loud funny. This book pulled at my heartstrings. 

Where Sleeping Girls Lie

It took me a little bit to get into this book, but once I did I was hooked. This is a lengthy teen dark academia book set in a boarding school. When Sade arrives late in the semester she is excited to escape her lonely homeschool past. But when her roommate vanishes after one night she finds herself going deep down the rabbit hole of the academy. No one seems to care that Elizabeth disappeared. But then again, she was a poor scholarship student, not one of the posh kids of a London billionaire. Sade and Elizabeth's best friend, Baz, take it upon themselves to find out what happened to Elizabeth. What they uncover is darker then they ever could have imagined. Tense, powerful, maddening - this book will keep you at the edge of your seat. 

Murder is Binding

The start of a new cozy mystery series set in in New Hampshire. Tricia Miles owns Haven't Got a Clue, a mystery bookshop in a small book oriented village, when the annoying bookseller next door is found murdered in her cookbook bookstore, Tricia finds herself the prime suspect. To make matters more complicated, her annoying older sister is on town and won't leave her alone. Tricia decides she must put her sleuthing skills to the test so she can clear her name and get back to bookselling. Her sister Angelica decides to tag along and the two have to get along and work together. Fun, fluffy, and fairly predictable. 

Beautiful Ugly

Uk thriller writer, Alice Feeney, pens another propulsive page turner that will stump even the most dedicated armchair detectives. Author Grady Green just received the best news of his life; he is finally a New York Times Bestselling author. When he calls his wife, Abby, to tell her his amazing news, things take an unexpected turn. He hears screeching tires, and his wife tells him there is a body in the road. He warns her not to leave the car and to call the police, but of course his wife doesn’t listen. Abby is never seen again, and his best day has just turned into his worst nightmare. The story picks up a year later; Grady can no longer write, he’s lost his house, his dignity, and he can barely function. When his agent offers him use of a small writing cottage on a secluded Scottish island he jumps at the chance, maybe he can get his life back on track? Once he’s on the island however, he keeps seeing unexplainable things, namely, his missing wife. Brilliantly narrated by Richard Armitage, who expertly ramps up the tension in this twisty thriller with his slick cadence and excellent pacing. Verdict - Feeney fans and thriller lovers will love this ominous mystery where nothing and no one are who they appear to be. 

Nightbitch

As a mom, I get this. I get it mostly. But I resent that this book is considered funny or humorous. It's not. It's bizarre and upsetting and uncomfortable and so much more. But it is not a laugh a minute. A mother to a toddler is convinced that she is turning into a dog. Her canines seem to be longer and sharper, she has a weird hairy patch on her neck and there appears to be a tail growing on the base of her spine. She tells her husband, but he tells her not too worry, it's all in her head. Then he goes on his merry way and is gone on work trips five nights of the week. The mother dubs herself, the nightbitch. She starts leaning in to her baser animal instincts, she has to do something to restore her sanity! She used to be an artist for crying out loud, now she is bossed about by her toddler and all she wants to do is sleep. So what if she starts nibbling raw meat, and so what if she and her boy take to howling at the moon. Bizarre, bizarre, bizarre. I get it and I don't. How on earth is this going to be a movie?!

Murder in the Dressing Room

Famed UK drag queen, playwright, and comedian, Holly Stars, can add author to her more than impressive resume. Her debut novel, Murder in the Dressing Room, introduces readers to Misty Divine, a fabulous drag queen and amateur sleuth. When Misty’s beloved mentor and boss, Lady Lady, is found poisoned to death after a performance at her nightclub; Misty takes it upon herself to track down the killer. Besides being nosey, indignant, and angry, she needs to clear her own name because it is starting to look like she is the police’s number one suspect. It also appears that the detectives are more focused on what Lady Lady was wearing (a stolen dress that once belonged to Judy Garland) rather than finding who murdered her, and that doesn’t sit right with Misty, not at all. Superbly narrated by the author herself, Holly Stars brings her years of drag queen experience to the microphone with terrific results. Her vivacious narration is spirited, witty, and a delight to listen to. Verdict: This cozy mystery promises to be the start of a fabulous new series, readers will find themselves cheering on Misty and her clumsy detecting. Filled with more than just laughs, this mystery has some good twists and some truly heartfelt moments. For fans of witty and diverse cozy mysteries. 

Song of Freedom, Song of Dreams

This teen novel in verse does a wonderful job showing the impact that music can have socially and politically. This historical novel is set in 1989 in East Germany and is one girl's call to action as she sees how corrupt the government is becoming. The stasi are watching everywhere so she is used to keeping her head down, but as peaceful protestors continue to get arrested, something in her stirs. When she meets a young man at her piano lessons she opens up her heart and her aspirations, she should be able to dream and hope, but maybe her music will help her and her country find a way. Moving and wonderfully written in verse! 

The Guncle Abroad

I am so thrilled that the Guncle lives on and I hope we get a few more books out of him. This follow up takes place five years after the first book. The kids are a little older and wiser, BUT they are up in arms. Their father is going to marry an Italian noblewoman and they are not ok with it. Patrick agrees to take the kids on a whirlwind European vacation and then escorting them to the Italian wedding. Grant and Maisie are trying their hardest to convince Patrick to intervene and stop the wedding. Their guncle wants them to learn about love and what better way then a trip through London, Venice, and the Alps?! Witty, funny, and not nearly so heartbreaking as the first one.

The Serial Killer's Guide to Marriage

Author, Asia Mackay, pens a witty, off the wall dark comedy thriller about two serial killers trying to find normalcy in parenthood. Hazel and Fox used to have it all; lavish European vacations, luxury meals, late night parties, and some light murder for pleasure. Killing bad men was exciting and fun and helped make the world a better place. When Hazel unexpectedly ends up pregnant, Fox insists they put their life of crime behind them and become normal parents. It’s much easier said than done, however. Hazel is itching to take someone out and Fox secretly joins AA and starts gambling to keep himself in check. When Hazel “accidentally” kills someone, she doesn’t want Fox to know she cheated on him and their new safe existence. But the secrets keep piling up. Why does having a baby have to complicate everything? Expertly narrated by both Georgia Tennant and Kyle Soller, who effuse wit, annoyance, and charm into the dual narrative. Georgia’s posh London accent and Kyle’s annoyed American demeanor are distinct and very on point with the characters thy are portraying. Witty, unique, and thrilling; readers will find themselves relating to parenthood struggles and repelled by the murder. For fans of Butcher & Blackbird and other dark romance. 

The Librarian Spy

Told through dual storylines, this novel of World War II will tug at reader's heartstrings. It's tragic and tearful and yet ultimately filled with so much hope. Ava is an American Librarian sent overseas to Lisbon to help gather foreign publications and catalog them for the war effort. Helene is is a Frenchwoman who is determined to help the resistance in any way that she can. Her husband has been taken by the Nazis and she is determined to do what she can for her people. The two women find themselves in different countries but their enemy is the same. They both know that words have power and though they are merely women they can help wield that power to do good. Inspiring and heartbreaking. 

Identity

This is my second (maybe third?) Nora Roberts book and honestly none of them have really sold me on her. I liked the premise of this novel and I think it could have been written much better. Morgan Albright spent her entire life being shuttled all over the country falling her father wherever he was stationed. When her parents divorced and she went off to college, she vowed to put down deep roots and make a home for herself. By her mid-twenties, Morgan has gone to college, gotten into bartending and bought her first house. It's a fixer upper but with the help of her roommate, Nina, it's slowly coming together. Her goals are on track and she couldn't be happier. That is until a smooth talking man waltzes into her life. After a few dates, she invites him over to her house for a homecooked dinner and to meet her roommate. Nothing will ever be the same again. Morgan's roommate is murdered, her identity stolen, her dreams are slashed, her life uprooted, and she'll have to move in to her grandmother's house with her tail between her legs. She starts the slow laborious process of starting her life over, but can she ever really trust anyone again? And will that smooth-talking man come back into her life to finish the job? The end was a bit of a let down. Also this book was so wordy and had so much unnecessary detail. Oh well, I guess. I didn't hate it.