"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.