"Elizabeth: Renaissance Prince" by Lisa Hilton

Elizabeth I was Queen of England for 44 years and has been labelled everything from a weak woman led by her council to a bitter, jealous heretic and tyrant whose vanity led her to demand constant attention from her courtiers despite refusing suitor after suitor for her hand. She could be paranoid and often seemed incapable of reaching decisions in a timely manner or at times even reversing them all together. What Lisa Hilton's book shows us though is that not all was as it seemed. Indeed though Elizabeth was prone to faults that often times skewed her reactions, her decisions were not only those of a monarch struggling to make a tiny kingdom one of the world powers but of a Renaissance Prince who was more than capable of the Machiavellian machinations that were needed for her country to flourish and survive in that world. 

With new research out of France, Italy, Russia, and Turkey, Hilton has created a biography that transcends Elizabeth as a Queen and reveals her thoughts about the body politic of a Prince. Although she was not afraid to use being a woman to her advantage, Elizabeth was also aware of the necessary sacrifices a Prince must make in order to effectively govern. Combined with the lessons she learned from an early age regarding the precariousness of being on the front lines of a ruling family helped to create a monarch who was able to craft, along with her network of spies, allies and council, a court that has been grossly underestimated by historians.

England under Elizabeth forged new paths in religion, trade, and world politics and watched as new empires rose and old ones fell. This book is a worthy mirror to hold up to some of the most important years of the Renaissance. And to one of the most looked at but underestimated leaders of the time. A definite recommendation to anyone who is interested in the historical maelstrom of the Elizabethan court and it's amazingly sophisticated tapestry of intrigue.

"Tumtum and Nutmeg: Adventures Beyond Nutmouse Hall" by Emily Bearn

TumTum and Nutmeg are two mice just trying to live a quiet, peaceful life at their beautiful mansion Nutmouse Hall. But in these three adventures they are doing everything but enjoying a restful day. In the first adventure they must face the terrible presence of Aunt Ivy who is so dreadfully afraid of mice that she is determined to exterminate the Hutmouses no matter what she must do. Their second adventure sees them having to rescue their friend General Marchmouse from a cage full of gerbils at the local school using pogo sticks and some elegant ballerinas. The last adventure takes them to the wide waters of the Pond where rat pirates will hold them hostage and their only hope will be their wits and some chocolate liqueurs.

These tales of full of adventure and danger and silliness. A perfect combination for those readers just starting on their own adventure of reading stories for the love of it.

"The Book of Beasts" by E. Nesbit

This is a beautifully rendered illustrated edition of E. Nesbit's short story. The story itself stays pretty much true to the original and is a perfect fantasy addition to add to any child's library. 

When Lionel becomes King he is brought to the Palace and discovers a huge library that is now all his and is overjoyed as he loves to read. His counselors however warn him that this library is full of books that would best be left unread. But what happens when Lionel comes across a book called The Book of Beasts, why he opens it of course! Out pops a butterfly and a bluebird of happiness, but what else lingers between the pages? When Lionel unintentionally lets lose a dragon he finds out that sometimes things are better left alone. Will he be able to rescue his kingdom from the dragon alone or will he need help that only the book can offer. Great story.

"The Enchanted Castle" by E. Nesbit

This is a classic tale of four children who stumble upon a fairy tale castle inclusive of a sleeping princess just like in their fairy tales. Except she's not really a princess but the housekeeper's niece but there is a magic ring that grants wishes. So the four intrepid youngsters decide too each have a turn but things are not as simple as wishing, for everything has a price and the magic that lives at Yalding is an ancient one that is more powerful than the children could ever know. From bringing cobbled together coat creatures to life and causing unsuspecting invisibility, to growing spurts that would make your mom swoon this has a little bit of everything for the child who's imagination, like the children in the book, knows no bounds. 

Noel Coward considered Nesbit to be the most talented writer at being able to evoke the hot summer days of a child's childhood, of the charming, evocative stories she wrote with such a light hand and charm. H. G. Wells wrote her a note in which he said he esteemed her and bowed before her after having read her book The Phoenix and the Carpet. Other great writers like George Bernard Shaw and Rudyard Kipling were fans as well, so what are you waiting for. Before J. K. Rowling, there was E. Nesbit.

"The Mysterious Howling (The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place, #1)" by Maryrose Wood

Miss Penelope Lumley is no ordinary governess. Only fifteen years old and a recent graduate of the Swanburne Academy for Poor Bright Females, she has just been hired at Ashton Place to take care of three children who were recently found in the woods on the estate. No one knows where they came from but they are more like wolves than children. They have been given the names Alexander for the eldest, Beowulf who is the next eldest, and little Cassiopeia who bite is far worse than her growl.

Penelope embraces the challenge of her new position. Though she is eager to instruct the children in Latin verbs and the proper use of globes, first she must help them overcome their canine tendencies in time for Lady Constance's Christmas party where they will be expected to mingle and dance the Scottishe, a country reel. Although the children are progressing nicely there are still questions that Penelope cannot answer and when the children come across a secret room that may hold more than dust bunnies Penelope begins to see there is more at work at Ashton Place than her young charges education. 

A mystery is unraveling around Penelope and the children and what the reasons are are still unclear but Penelope is about to come to the understanding that sometimes the people you are uncertain of may be the only ones who can help.

"The Night Parade" by Kathryn Tanquary

Received this as an ARC from the publisher but the review is my own.

This is a really lovely tale based on Japanese folk lore and tradition. The whole time I was reading this book I could not help but wish that Hayao Miyazaki would direct a film adaptation; it fairly screams to be on the big screen.

It surrounds a young girl named Saki who along with her younger brother, father, and mother have traveled to her grandmother's mountain village to attend a traditional celebration where reference for ancestors is shared among the living. Such preparations and rituals are of little interest to Saki who is focused on being able to communicate via cellphone with her friends in Tokyo. Being part of their group is all she can focus on so when she meets a similar group in the village she tries to fit in with them but this leads to actions which desecrate an ancestral shrine that the family has taken care of for as far back as the village has existed. Saki, in trying to prove herself cool has unwittingly called down upon herself a death curse and the only way she can possibly alter her future now is to attend the night parade where the spirits of the land journey to attend festivals of their own. 

In her quest for redemption Saki will meet creatures she never dreamed existed and come face to face with the importance of her family's past and the knowledge that in her struggle to fit in with her friends in Tokyo she has missed the importance of her family's experiences and uniqueness. She must find the strength in herself to be genuine and stand tall on her own no matter what fears or enemies she needs to face in order to lift the curse.

"The Best Parts of Christmas" by Bethany Deeney Murguia

Fritz and his family are celebrating Christmas in different ways including finding the best Christmas tree they can. But something is not quite right, what can Fritz do to help the tree achieve the best results and include everyone? By using his imagination, anything can be a decoration. And when the time comes to say goodbye to the holiday is there a way of extending the magic of Christmas? Fritz thinks he's found a way after all. A sweet look at the way a child can continue to see the magic of Christmas beyond the actual holidays.

"The Very Smiley Snowman (Peek-a-Boo Pop Ups)" by Jack Tickle

The Snowman and his animal friends share the excitement they feel about Christmas with children in this delightful pop up book. Great for younger readers, the pop ups are eye catching, perfect additions to the story line. Cheerful choice for the holidays.

"Pete the Cat Saves Christmas" by Eric Litwin

With a chance to help out Santa for Christmas, Pete the Cat needs to deliver gifts to all the little boys and girls even if he is only little himself. But can he do it? Pete knows he can, after all Christmas is the season of giving. Following the same catchy repetition of the previous titles in the series, this is a great addition to any child's shelf and is sure to become a favorite part of their holiday traditions.

"Web of Lies (Elemental Assassin, #2)" by Jennifer Estep

This was a quick, fun book with a main character who is strong enough to carry a story line. As this is the second book in the series there are a few mentions of previous adventures but they are summarily described so you can read these alone or get more of a fleshed out version by reading them chronologically. 

Gin Blanco is a retired assassin. She spent years killing for hire but now she's just trying to keep busy. When her barbecue place gets held up she does what a girl's gotta do to keep the peace. Ashland is not the place to be seen as looking like an easy target even if the crook is the son of a top ranked lawyer who just happens to be connected to the most powerful and ruthless woman around. But with her elemental powers of metal and ice Gin is no ordinary girl and she's more than willing to step toe to toe with anyone who dares to threaten what she holds dear.

So when a young girl enters her place and asks for the man who rescued Gin from the streets and was brutally murdered, Gin realizes that retirement may not be all that it's cracked up to be. With everything that's been occurring lately Gin makes the decision to help protect a family being threatened. Not for the money but because they remind her of what she was once, innocent and the soul wrenching devastation that came when her family was destroyed. This time she's not going to let that happen.

As Gin delves into ferreting out what's really going on she stumbles onto information that may not only help her clear up the reasoning for her family's murders but also the possibility that her sister maybe alive. With this revelation comes the realization that the one person she trusted may have betrayed her. Gin is about to learn that nothing may be what it seems. Not even herself. 

"Shakespeare's Rebel" by C.C. Humpreys

I received this an an ARC from the publisher but the review is my own.

A well written continuation to the Jean Rombaud lineage, Humphreys has again created characters that leap off the page as flesh and blood men whose decisions, sometimes forced by the hand of fate lead them into the thick of the fight. This is a novel about a time where old virtues are being pushed aside by new ideas and no one is safe, not even Queen Elizabeth from the coming storm as the two vying factions of her court aim to outdo each other in their bid for her attentions and control of the government.

As Essex and Cecil fight their political battles, men like John Lawley find themselves scrambling for control of their own futures where every decision could led to a fatal downfall. Lawley has battled by Essex's side and it has been a perilous journey which has often come at a high cost but never so much as now. As John strives to piece together his life and restore himself as a player with William Shakespeare's company he finds himself once again being pulled into the turmoil of Essex's influence. But this time John will find himself the unwilling pawn of not only two great men but a woman who is facing losing the only thing she can not live without, her throne.

Told with a clear love and understanding of the time period, this tale is laden with treason, espionage, love lost and found, and a dark sense of humor that only underlines the sheer treachery and uncertainty of the times. Even if you have not read the preceding novels, this standalone is a look at a man whose whole world revolves around one toss of the die. A definite addition to your must read bookshelf.

"The Killing Jar" by Jennifer Bosworth

This was provided as an ARC to me from the publisher but the review is my own.

This is not for the reader who's looking for a quiet read. This is an original, creepy look at what can happen when a person fools themselves into making choices that not only hurt others but themselves. It's a new way of looking at stories about addiction and self loathing, pain and loss, the misunderstandings that happens between family, and the secrets that can cause repercussions further down the line. It is a woven web of ethereal potential dripping with a deadly resin. In other words, totally worth the late nights.

Once upon a time there was a little girl who did something so heinous that it has haunted her all her life. The act itself was horrible enough, the reason why is what marks Kenna as an abomination. Her decision has cost her the most important things in the world, her mother and her twin sister but what she does in order to rectify the consequences of that day in the woods will be what lead her to the secrets of who and what she truly is. In order to exist she must kill and there are others like who are willing to teach her about her powers but in the midst of this safe enclave lies the greatest danger of all to Kenna. Even among these kindred souls she is one of a kind and what must be done to capture the feeling of belonging and unity may cost her more than she ever realized.

Definitely worth the read, just make sure you're willing to turn off the lights after.

"Mrs. Jeffries Defends Her Own" by Emily Brightwell

When a businessman is found shot to death in his office Inspector Witherspoon is all ready in the middle of a case and Mrs. Jeffries is not expecting to have to solve yet another murder. But when the visitor that appears at her door appeals to her for help in order to prevent from being labeled a murderer she realizes that not only must she get involved in order to safe family but she will have to do so without arousing the attentions of Inspector Witherspoon nor the odious Nivens who is determined to oust Mrs. Jeffries and her cohorts as the real reason for the Inspector's success rate. With so many obstacles in her way Mrs. Jeffries may need to branch out in new directions to find out the who, what, where, how and most importantly why. And what she discovers may change her understanding of the husband she loved so dearly.

Another installment in this great series.

"The Deathsniffer's Assistant" by Kate McIntyre

I received this as an arc from the publisher but the review is my own.

This is a debut novel from the author and it is a beauty. Set in a world that revolves around captured elementals fueling ever day needs, Tarland is a city with lavish glimpses of steampunkesque construction. As in every society there are rumblings in the politics of both state and church but in Tarland where you are designated as to what you're capabilities are, there are some people who are more important than others. Christopher Buckley's family used to be in a position of power but years after a horrible incident the Buckley's are no longer important enough to warrant attention. They are on their last legs and that is how he winds up working for a Deathsniffer, a woman who is seemingly incapable of anything but tracking down murderers. Although his new employer immediately causes Buckley to regret his acceptance of a job. Buckley rinds himself embroiled into a murder investigation of the sort that will not only unwind the story of a powerful family's secrets but the underlying currents that are running through the ongoing battle for control of his world's present. 

As Faraday and Buckley struggle to stop the body count from rising, they are individually being unmasked themselves. Each in their own way has secrets that need to be kept hidden from prying eyes. One is too close to that which she hunts and the other is hiding a secret that is in plain sight and time is running out.

A great read, first book in a series which shows great promise. Laced with magic, fantasy, steam punk, and other chunks of goodies, this is a recipe for success. Personally, I'm looking forward to the next installment.

"Half Bad (The Half Bad Trilogy, #1) by Sally Green

I received this as an arc from the publisher but the review is my own.

I've been wanting to read this for quite some time and now that I have I can only say it's about time. This was so good that I'm tempted to run out and get a hard copy right now and reread it again, even with the monstrous tbr pile I have in the house.

This book isn't just about a young man who because his father is a Black Witch may turn out to be evil and dangerous, it's a look at the very, very thin line between what defines good and evil. The persecution he faces because of events of the past and how they have framed his life to the point we meet Nathan help to flesh out the realization that this is going to touch more deeply on the excuses given for acts of such brutality, that they cannot be simply labeled as for the good of all. 

Nathan is not just literally fighting for his freedom, he is fighting to be who he is without restraints that either side of this ongoing battle insist are his only choices. You are not rooting for the righteous here but for Nathan's very soul. 

Sometimes the right thing to do can cause crippling damages that let the darkness that has rooted take over. For Nathan the choice is not clear and simple and the darkness all ready has him but will it take over or can he, despite what everyone believes, find a balance within himself. 

Look deep into the abyss and ask yourself if you believe in those around you or do you believe in yourself. 

First installment in the series and a throat grabber. Read it yourself for the full impact.

"Witch: A New Beginning (The Witch Series, #1)" by L.S. Gagon

This was provided as an ARC by the publisher but the review is my own.

I love stories about witches so I was definitely looking forward to this one. I started feeling as though I was reading a supernatural chick lit piece but quickly came to realize that this is more along the lines of a supernatural Bourne Identity. 

Thea lives in modern Salem working at a local bakery and dealing with the fact that she is an overweight girl with her only consolation being her books and Salem itself. Her best friend Delia calls herself a witch and mixes potions for the tourists. Life is not that bad. Then one day the man of her dreams walks into her bakery and life will never be the same.

OK. Stop right there. This is where the story really begins.

Turns out Delia is a witch and so is Thea. A witch so powerful that the warlocks have been trying to hunt her down for hundreds of years in order to steal her power and finally destroy her. Salem has been witness to this power struggle since the beginning and it is finally culminating in a showdown where treachery and betrayal are revealed, not in black and white but in the flames of fire that sear the souls of those involved. There is a reason Thea locked half her power away in a crystal that left her and her friends vulnerable and now that the time has come to reveal the truth, her inner witch may not be able to handle it. 

Out of this dark brew blooms a story of a witch who is only to human and a man who will destroy everything to get the one thing that he has clung to for centuries. At stake are the lives and loves of all those caught in between and time is running out for all.

First book in the series and well worth the read late into the night. But be warned, the final chapter will leave you on at a cliffhanger that you may not be able to wait until the next book for. Go grab this read!

"The King's Sister (The Cross and the Crown, #3)" by Sarah Kennedy

This is a review of an ARC provided by the publisher but the review is my own.

This was an interesting read but I have to say right off the bat that since this is the third book in a series I felt as though not having read the previous ones did interfere with my understanding of the characters better. Things that in a single title I would have seen as flaws may be due to this fact so I'm just gonna say that what I really liked about this book was the look at the way the women in the story are experiencing the restricted freedom of being a woman in King Henry VIII's late reign. There is definitely an overwhelming sense of oppression for these characters though they themselves are strong. We catch glimpses of the political intrigue of the times and get behind the scenes closeup looks at Lady Anne of Cleaves as she waits to see if Henry will once again claim her as his wife after Catherine Howard's execution and we come to understand how each little decision carried so much heft and weight on the lives of those who served the royal households and how allegiances could be made or broken in such short time. 

There is much more to this story but I feel that all in all I have to go and start from the beginning to get a better grasp on this story.

"The Brontë Plot" by Katherine Reay

I was fortunate to receive this as an ebook from the publisher for a fair review.

I have to admit I started this book with the awful suspicion that I had allowed myself to fall for a chick lit title but as I continued to read I realized I had found a story written with warmth and understanding of the foibles of the human condition. Just like the classics mentioned in the story this is one of those books that you will come to regard fondly as part of your books read list. 

It is about the influence great books have in shaping our lives, and how far is destiny really in control of us and our decisions. Are we predestined to follow in the footsteps of our fathers or can we break away from what seems the only path to take. Is that path the one we walk because there is no other or are we simply afraid to tread on the unknown moors of life. 

This is a love story in more ways than one. Both of a man and woman who find and lose themselves and the lies that can make a bond so much more fragile because of the destructive power in them. But just as importantly this is a love story of the stories behind the great tales we read and hold so close to our heart. After all, Jane Eyre is not a classic just because it is well written but because it is a story that echoes our hearts and reminds us of the possibilities that lie outside of ourselves. 

This is a great introduction to some of English literature's finest tomes and perfect for a book club selection. I definitely recommend reading this.

"The High King's Golden Tongue" by Megan Derr

I received an ebook version of this from the publisher for a fair review.

I was definitely interested in reading this as I gauged from it's description that it was a gay fantasy and I had not read any of that particular genre. I found however that I had pigeon holed this inaccurately. This book takes the idea of gender roles and throws them out the window. It is a love story taking place in a world that does not limit it's inhabitants to male or female roles but talks of them as individuals based on themselves. Although I found this at first disorienting I came to appreciate the diversity that it allowed the characters to display in what in a traditional story would be guided usually by the character's sex. It was a refreshing look at the relationship between two people learning to become the people they are meant to be and finding that love can blossom anywhere.

The best part of this story is that it was a bloody good read as well. The author has taken a previous short story and evolved it into a deftly written fantasy narrative with characters that will draw you into a court full of political intrigue and betrayal that will lead one young man into a decision which may very well cost him his life and a King who must come to realize his self punishment may cost him the one thing he never hoped to find again. A story of affronts meant and those unconsciously made and the reactions that cascade into moments that could cost people their very lives. I would recommend this to anyone who has the mind to read well written fiction that is not afraid to ask you to see past the lines drawn on the wall to the greater picture.

"The Masquerading Magician" by Gigi Pandian

I'd like to thank the publisher for providing me a digital arc of this title. The opinion however is my own. 

I originally read the first book as an arc as well and really liked the characters and the story. So when I saw this up for grabs, I was ecstatic. This is a continuation of Zoe's search to help Dorian from being turned into living stone. Her continued search through the book of backward alchemy is starting to cost her her health though and they are no closer to answers than when we last left them. A new mystery has surfaced in the form of two stage magicians and a hidden robbery stash that has shown up in part of a landslide at the local cemetery. As Zoe believes that one of the magicians may actually be an alchemist who discovered the elixir of life, she sets out to try and see if they can be persuaded to help in her search for a cure for Dorian. 

If that were not enough to take her mind off her fledgling relationship with Max, an old friend winds up reentering her life and she finds herself thinking about Ambrose again and the reader is left feeling like there is something that is not quite as it should be about his death. Also by the end of the book we have made progress and are able to say that in book three we will be heading to Paris as the next step for both Zoe and Dorian.

This is a great series, not because of the alchemy but because the characters are so relatable and engaging. What's happening in the story is a bonus when you feel like you could just sit down with Zoe and Dorian and enjoy a nice petit dejeuner. 

I would recommend this to anyone who is looking to read a good series with solid characters and well written, imaginative stories.

"The Book of Dragons" by E. Nesbit

This is a wonderful collection of Nesbit's short stories featuring dragons of all sorts and tempers. Well written with a lyrical touch to each story that keeps it fresh after all these years. Great for fans of dragons or anyone looking for a collection of stories that rely on the great expanse of children's literature and its rich imaginings.

"Frog on a Log" by Kes Gray

This is a super silly rhyming story where cat tells frog all about what the animals sit on. Frog sits on a log but frog doesn't want to sit on a log and so cat explains to him what everyone is supposed to sit on. By the end of the book though, cat may wish he had just let it be.

"A Guide to Sisters" by Paula Metcalf

This is a cute look at some of the top instructions regarding baby sisters when you're the eldest. Sage advice such as not to poke the baby even if they are squishy or even though makeup is for big girls you can never go wrong with markers. It's a silly look at some of the benefits of being the older sister and a reminder of what the true benefit of having a little sister really is.

"McToad Mows Tiny Island" by Tom Angleberger

From the author of Origami Yoda for young readers. This is a funny version of There Was An Old Lady centered around the fact that McToad likes Thursdays because that's when he gets to mow Tiny Island. We follow along as he gets his mower ready for the day and the trip out to this island which is so small you can't imagine why he doesn't just get a sheep. Kids loved this because it's just plain silly. Recommend.

"Llama Llama Gram and Grandpa" by Anna Dewdney

Llama Llama is headed over to Gram and Grandpa's house for his first overnighter. He's excited and ready for this new experience. And right by his side is Fluffy, his stuffed llama. Everything starts out ok and though some things are new and strange Llama finds himself learning a lot. But when bedtime comes and he realizes he left Fluffy behind things get a little scary. Can anything be done or will Llama Llama have a bad night? Great addition to the series and was a hit with the kids.

"Maple & Willow Apart" by Lori Nichols

Maple and Willow have spent all summer together and it's been great but school has started and Maple begins kindergarten and enters a fascinating world of new experiences and friends. While Maple's at school Willow is all alone and things just aren't the same. Until the day she meets Pip. Maple tells about her school adventures and Willow talks about her days with Pip. But something's wrong. Maple starts to feel left out and when Pip teaches Willow to ride on a huge snail, things come to a head. But Willow has a great idea, one that will let the sisters continue to share their best times even when they aren't together. Loved this book, sweet with a great imaginative look at a child's invisible friend situation and willingness to share.

"How Do Dinosaurs Got To School?" by Jane Yolen

A classic example of this series, fun, plenty of creatively drawn dinosaurs and the silliness that hides important lessons on how to conduct oneself. A sure fire hit.

"Lady Pancake & Sir French Toast" by Josh Funk

This was such a cool book. Lady Pancake and Sir French Toast live in the refrigerator and hear the horrifying news that there is only a single drop of maple syrup left! As they race off to be the first to get the syrup they encounter all kinds of food obstacles on their way such as the broccoli forest and the mashed potato mountain. In their frenzy they get bruised and dirty but one of them will be the victor. But is the lose of their friendship really worth it and are they the only ones after the syrup. This is a funny story about learning to share but also a great look at seeing things in a whole new way. Last page is a fold out spread of the refrigerator land they just went shooting through. Highly recommend.

"The Queen's Hat" by Steve Anthony

The Queen of England has the unfortunate experience of her hat blowing off in the wind as she is strolling one day. Fortunately for her and her corgi and the guards they are able to follow it through the most famous landmarks of England. But will she get her hat back? Great look for kids at some of the most famous buildings and drawn in a style that is simplistic yet architecturally beautiful. Would recommend for anyone interested in broadening a child's world view.

"Year of Wonders" by Geraldine Brooks

This is the second of the author's titles I've read and I am delighted with it. I've been reading some reviews that show this book comes across to some people as a disappointment but I have to say that it's definitely going to be one of my recommends. The village in the story is based on an actual village called Eyam in England. Historical records show that in 1666 when it became known that plague had arrived among them, the rector of the village convinced his flock that the right thing to do would be to voluntarily cut themselves off from their neighbors in order to try and control the spread of the infection. As death reaches into every household, superstitions and fears mount and find release in acts of violence that slowly start to destroy the fabric of this small community. But even among the death and dismay, there are moments of beauty. Moments when something as simple as the smell of hay on the breeze cuts through the numbing effect of this unstoppable disease. 

This book is not flawless, nor are the characters. But among this story of loss and love, acts of violence and hatred, there are shining examples of what it is to be human, scared, at a loss to understand what is happening when the world revolves so closely around religion and believe. It is a glimpse at how times of suffering can render some incapable of continuing on and others are forged into a new version of themselves. There are acts of charity and hope weaved into this story as well. All told this is a worthy rendering of what the real people of Eyam must have faced and after reading it you can only appreciate their decision more. They may have doubted its wisdom and even regretted agreeing to it as time passed and so many friends and family members were struck down but in this moment of time they have forever been memorialized as the reason that humanity strives forward, hoping for those small miracles that help us survive the storm. 

"George and Martha Back in Town" by James Marshall

More tales of two chums palling around. Add to your classics shelf.

"George and Martha One Fine Day" by James Marshall

Silliness and laughter are guaranteed with Martha and George. Classic reads never go stale.

"George and Martha Round and Round" by James Marshall

These pair of silly hippos will bring laughter to any child. A definite add to the classics shelf.

"The Last Hero: A Discoworld Fable" by Terry Prachett

Cohen the Barbarian may be old but one thing he's not is satisfied with being the Emperor. He's got a bone to pick with the Gods, so he and his Silver Horde are on a mission and if they should die a glorious death so much the better. However there are those opposed to this plan since it could mean the end of magic in Disc World, not in time but in seconds which would mean goodbye to wizards, dragons, or actually, anything. Can the wizards make it to the top of the Hub in time to stop Cohen or will the saga of Cohen and his Silver Horde be the most famous one never sung.

"George and Martha Tons of Fun" by James Marshall

Classics. Read them to your kids and enjoy the silliness.

"George and Martha Encore" by James Marshall

Bring back childhood memories or create new ones with these silly chums.

"George and Martha: The Complete Story of Two Best Friends" by James Marshall

The beginning of the funniest hippos ever to walk the pages of a children's book. Silliness has entered the building.

"Reawakened (Reawakened, #1)" by Colleen Houck

I want to take a minute and remind everyone reading this that this is my opinion and that if the book looks good to you, read it. It looked good to me and being a huge fan of Egyptian mythology and history, I dived into the book. But almost from the start I had little tantrums every couple of pages. The writing is fairly well done and the characters are worthy of reading about it's just that every couple of minutes you feel like telling Lily to shut the bleep up about her poor little rich girl syndrome and quite frankly, why does someone who has been accepted into every college she applied to not connect the dots as to who or what Amon is for several chapters. You spend them frustrated at her incapability to grasp what is actually happening. Quite frankly as I was reading this story all I kept thinking was, it's not finished, not polished like you'd expect a final draft to be. The story is a great idea but I felt like the author didn't do more than color in her outlines. This wound up being a template for any Fantasy/Romance title that you could come up with. Though there are moments in the story where you see the potential shining through there's just too much swill in the way. Now having said that I still felt compelled to read to the finish to see what happens to Lily and Amon, I was entertained along the way, and then dropped off a cliff to land among the rocks at the end. This is one of the most frustrating last chapters I have ever had to read and even though there is enough in this story to make me think of potentially picking up a sequel, it would be only if I could borrow it from my local library and was willing to run the gamut of frustration once again. Reader beware, there lurks more than monsters in these pages!

"George and the Dinosaur" by Felix Hayes

George finds a dragon egg and lo and behold he has a new pet. But much to his dismay he finds that his new pet has a voracious appetite. As he begins to run out of things to feed the dinosaur and it continues to grow he comes to realize that he may have a gargantuan problem on his hands. Will he be able to keep his new pet happy, is anything safe from the dinosaur's ravenous appetite?

"Two Girls Want A Puppy" by Evie Cordell

Two sisters are determined to convince their father they should be allowed to have a dog. As they attempt to prove to him they can be responsible, the reader comes to learn about words associated with the care and supervision of pets. A great learning book.

"It's an Orange Aardvark!" by Michael Hall

When the carpenter ants start drilling holes in their stump they're sure they've been discovered by an orange aardvark who quickly causes panic to ensue. Each new hole the ants drill to get a better idea of what the aardvark is up to causes more and more concern and possibilities as more and more colors are discovered outside of their bore holes. This is a really cute and imaginative book, with actual holes cut of the pages so kids can experience the thrill of discovery of the unknown with the ants.

"I Know How To Cook" by Ginette Mathiot

I have found many lovely recipes in here, quite a few my mother, an authentic French cook remembered from her childhood days. This is a great all round French cooking book to have.

"Because I Stubbed My Toe" by Shawn Byous

This has to be read to the kids with an incredulous tone as the events unfold in a cascade of consequence when the little boy ...... stubs his toe. Funny and with plenty of room to play up the story. Kids laughed right till the end.

"Pirate Boy" by Eve Bunting and Julie Fortenberry

A mother's love can work wonders, especially if your local pirates decide they like you to much to part with. With her magical spray, which there's a recipe for, and her unconditional love this little boy's mother shows him that no matter what, she will always be there for him.

"Stella's Starliner" by Rosemary Wells

Welcome to Stella's home, a roving camper where everything is just right for mom, dad, and Stella. They travel around and have a great time till some weasels make fun of Stella and her tin can. Can mom and dad save the day? Yes and how it happens will make you smile. Great read.

"Sprout Helps Out" by Rosie Winstead

This little girl is a one man cleaning crew. Between helping with the dishes,the laundry, and the baby Sprout is quite a handful.

"A Wrinkle in Time" by Madeleine L'Engle

Really wanted to like this one a lot but I gotta say I was underwhelmed. Thought it interesting but the religious influence was too prevalent for me which is ironic because I loved the Chronicles of Narnia. Another thing is that unfortunately, this is definitely dated. There were several places in the story where I found myself thinking that modern children wouldn't understand the wording being used. Having said all this, I think the book is definitely worth mentioning to children looking for sci fi titles.

"Vertigo 42 (Richard Jury, #23)" by Martha Grimes

Like all of Martha Grime's novels that revolve around Inspector Jury, this was a good read. This time though I have to say I was disappointed with the actual story itself as I felt as though it was missing something, good story line just not invigorated like most of her stories. Anyway, this turns out to be a fine mystery revolving around a murdered child whom everyone hated and two murders 17 years later that seem not only removed from the first murder but each other. Appearances can be deceiving and in this story they are big time.

"The Accidental Alchemist" by Gigi Pandian

This was a great new addition to my paranormal/mystery reads. It's a great look at the history of alchemy with an unexpected twist in the idea of exactly what alchemy is. Zoe Faust is an interesting character with heart and smarts who is very human with a past shes been running from but may finally be ready to face when she decides to settle down. A mystery arrival on her doorstep of a French gargoyle who once saved her life and happens to be a French gourmet/chef would seem out of step but works perfectly. Although one would presume to have figured out the mystery pretty soon on, Pandian has all kinds of twists and turns that keep you guessing right up to the end. A fun read with the promise of more Zoe Faust titles to be developed in the future. This may be better than creating the philosopher's stone.