Rainy Day Ramblings

The Sunday Post 243rd Edition

The Sunday Post is a weekly post hosted by The Caffeinated Book Reviewer. It is a chance to share all the news and highlights on your blog for the past and upcoming weeks. Head over to Kimberly's for details and to link up!

Happy weekend. I don’t know about you all, but it’s been a long week. I was planning on having a productive week, but that all went out the window in a hurry. This week, my dad left so I hoped to get back into a solid routine. 

Monday started out okay, but things took a dramatic turn when I picked up my kids from school and learned that my son had been attacked by another student in his classroom. This child has been problematic since the beginning of school, throwing things and being disruptive, but this week, his behavior escalated to violence. 

On Monday, after being corrected by the teacher, he hit two boys and then he shoved my son’s head onto the desk and pushed him to the floor. Mateus handled the whole thing well, and the school counselors had nothing but praise for him, but as a mother, you can imagine how upset I was to learn that he was doing absolutely nothing wrong, he was just standing in line when this child erupted. After speaking with the school’s behavioral therapist and his teacher, I was reassured that this student would be held in check. 

Then the next day, I picked up Mateus and learned that the student had thrown the recycling bin, hitting a girl in the head, and then he grabbed the boy who was now sitting in the seat that my son sat in ( I requested he be moved away from the problematic child) was grabbed by the throat. When the teacher tried to remove him from the class, he started hitting and kicking her. I was absolutely horrified. 

As of right now, that student has been removed from the class for further behavioral testing, evaluations and risk assessments. It makes me so sad that the kids in that classroom have had to endure all this. It also makes you wonder what is going on with the child who is troubled. Grabbing another kid by the throat is a serious stuff, and he did it because he was mad for getting in trouble, all the kids that were attacked in were completely innocent. 

I have been in close contact with all the staff at the school, and I do not fault them for what has happened. They are required to deal with these children to the best of their abilities, and they can’t pull them out of the classrooms without going through a bunch of rules, regulations and protocols. I have to hand it to the educators out there, they have a far tougher job than I imagined. 

Anyway, I was emotionally and physically exhausted by the end of the week and it didn’t help that I had a migraine on Tuesday while I was dealing with this stuff. I have hardly read, and I haven’t stitched at all. 

I am looking forward to a quiet weekend. Hopefully, next week I can get my blog caught up, do some reading, exercising and stitching. 

How have you all been? I hope well. I know with everything going on nationally, things are tense right now. I think it’s time to unplug and rest and relax. 

Let’s shift gears and talk blogging stuff. 

This past week on the blog:

Monday: Review: Better Homes and Hauntings by Molly Harper

Tuesday: Tell Me Something Tuesday: Favorite Urban Fantasy Books

      

Wednesday: Review: Wicked Like a Wildfire Lana Popovic

Thursday: Review: Of Fate and Flame by Cecy Robson

Friday: Friday Forecast

Received for review:

Next week:

Monday: Audiobook Review: Besieged by Kevin Hearne

Tuesday: Tell Me Something Tuesday: Favorite Horror Books

      

Wednesday: Audiobook Review: Gwendy’s Button Box by Stephen King

 

Thursday: Review: Death on Tap by Ellie Alexander

Friday: Friday Forecast

 

Okay that’s the report from Oregon. Do me a favor and share a happy thought in the comments. We could all use a happy thought. 

Here is my happy thought: It is October, that means Halloween decorating, scary books and movies, and yummy treats!

 

 

Friday Forecast October1st-7th

Did I really just type week of October.....I feel like I have been running around like a crazy person for the last two and a half months. This week is the first time in almost two and a half months that I have had some time to myself. I am catching up on the blog which is hopelessly behind at this point. I appreciate all of you who have visited and been patient with me this crazy summer. I am hoping Fall will bring more lovely weather and quiet. Let's see what is hitting bookshelves next week since I am so out of the loop and have no idea myself....Let me know if there are any you want to grab for your shelf and tell me about your fall weather. (Click on covers for more details). 

Forecast October 1st-7th

 

Something for everyone! There are several up there that I am looking forward to.

Weather for Portland, Oregon:

Saturday: H 67 L 49 Possible Showers   Sunday: H 68 L 50 Partly Sunny

It is definitely starting to feel like fall. Some sun and showers for the weekend. I will take it. 

Review: Of Flame and Fate (Weird Girls #8) by Cecy Robson

 

 

Taran Wird, who commands the power to wield fire and lightning, is an oddity in the supernatural world. But neither Taran nor her unique sisters compare to the bizarre entity known as Destiny. And Taran is assigned to protect her. Born of two witches, Destiny is revered among the supernatural elite for her acute ability to predict the future. Her biggest prophecy involves Taran’s sister, Celia, whom Destiny decreed will bear children strong enough to take on the evil that’s rising. Yet Destiny is not alone in her predictions, or individuality. When Johnny Fate, a rock star among humans and a male version of Destiny is discovered, his powers and Destiny’s clash, triggering the start of Destiny’s demise and altering the fate of Celia’s unborn children. Taran, her werewolf lover Gemini, and their allies must determine if it’s Fate who will decide what will become of Celia’s children, or if their lives and the world will perish with Destiny. 
Kindle Edition
Published: September 26th 2017 by Cecy Robson, LLC
Source: Author

 

Four stars: Another thrilling adventure in a dynamite series. This one is darker with more action and danger than ever.

 

Taran is finally getting more comfortable with her supernatural arm and her abilities, and things are back on track with her mate, Gemini. However, darkness still surrounds Taran and her sisters as they battle to fight back the evil that threatens to kill Celia and her unborn baby and destroy the world. Danger is coming at the alliance from all sides. Thus, Taran is assigned body guard duty to Destiny, the witch who prophesied that Celia’s baby would save the world. While on guard duty, Taran is hauled to a concert where they meet Johnny Fate, a rock star. Johnny’s and Destiny’s powers clash, threatening Destiny’s life. It is up to Taran and her sisters along with the wolves to try and save Destiny and Celia’s baby. Will they succeed?

What I Liked:

• This is now the eighth book in the Weird Girl Series, a series that I can always count on for humor, thrilling action, sizzling romance and outstanding characters. This latest book doesn’t disappoint. It delivers all that you know and love in the series. 
• This is the second book in Taran’s journey, and I liked the new direction. In Taran’s first book, she is a miserable wreck as she is trying to master her powers and fix her relationship with Gemini. In this book, Taran is, for the most part, back in control. I liked that she had rid herself of the doubt and that she was finally comfortable in her skin again and that she was mastering her arm. It was nice to see the old Taran, especially when she storms around in her hot pink heels blowing things up!
• I was most intrigued by the story line involving Bren and Emme. I am most eager to see how it all plays out. More Emme and Bren please.
• This book has a darker tone. Yes, there is still the humor and snark I love in the series, but it felt more urgent as the fate of the world is hanging in the balance. There were some new characters, some exciting twists and plenty of action. 
• The romance took a back seat in this one, which was fine by me. I liked that Gemini and Taran were back on track and that this one was without relationship drama. 
• Johnny Fate was such an interesting character. I can’t say that I really liked him, but like Taran, I felt some empathy toward him. I liked the whole thing with his tattoos as well. I am waiting to see what happens with him. I really want to know who exactly Johnny Fate is?
• The ending was crazy. Lots of things happen rapid fire, that had my head spinning. There are some more big revelations that set the tone for the next book. I am waiting on the edge of my seat. I was also happy that this one doesn’t end on a cliffhanger. 

And The Not So Much:

• The opening scene was a bit disorienting. It throws you right into the action, and I struggled a bit to get my footing. I couldn’t recall how the last book ended so I was a lost for a few pages. 
• Even though I love the wolves and the sisters together, I have to admit that I am getting tired of the male posturing and over protectiveness. I want the girls to be able to stand on their own and not to have to worry about what their mate thinks all the time. 
• This was just a personal preference, but I wanted more of Shayna and Koda. 

Of Flame and Fate is another thrilling book in an excellent series. This one sets the table for a big show down between good and evil that I can’t wait to see play out. I liked that this one was more focused on the main story and that it didn’t have relationship drama. If you have not read this series, what are you waiting for?

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for this review. 

 

Review: Wicked Like a Wildfire(Hibiscus Daughter #1) by Lana Popović

 

All the women in Iris and Malina’s family have the unique magical ability or “gleam” to manipulate beauty. Iris sees flowers as fractals and turns her kaleidoscope visions into glasswork, while Malina interprets moods as music. But their mother has strict rules to keep their gifts a secret, even in their secluded sea-side town. Iris and Malina are not allowed to share their magic with anyone, and above all, they are forbidden from falling in love. 

But when their mother is mysteriously attacked, the sisters will have to unearth the truth behind the quiet lives their mother has built for them. They will discover a wicked curse that haunts their family line—but will they find that the very magic that bonds them together is destined to tear them apart forever? 
Kindle Edition, 416 pages
Published August 15th 2017 by Katherine Tegen Books
Source: Publisher

 

 

Three and a half stars: A beautifully written book with an interesting story line, but the pace is slow and it ends with a cliffhanger. 

Iris and Malina are twin sisters with unique magical abilities, that they must always keep hidden. Iris turns her visions of flowers into colorful fractals that she molds into beautiful glasswork. Malina’s gift is music. She can play emotions and moods as music. Iris has almost lost her abilities since she has been forced by her mother to keep her magic a secret. Thus, Iris is always at odds with her mother and miserable. Things change one morning when a mysterious white haired woman comes to their bakery asking to see their mother. Shortly after the visit, the unthinkable happens. Their mother is attacked left in a horrid condition between life and death. As the girls desperately search for answers, they learn that things were not as they thought. There is a curse haunting their family. One with sad repercussions that could tear the twins apart. Will the girls conquer the curse? 

What I Liked:

• Wicked Like Wildfire is one of those books you must read if you are someone who loves books with magical metaphors, gorgeous writing and the tickling of all your senses with words. This is one of those books that took my breath away with the stunning, richly detailed descriptions that managed to engage all of my senses. The author has a marvelous gift with words, and I loved how she described sights,sounds, smells and tastes. It was marvelous. 
• I liked the story involving twin sisters who are secretly witches with magical gifts. As the story unfolds, there are some interesting twists and developments. I was never quite sure where the story was going, and I liked the surprises, especially when it came to the curse. 
• The majority of the story is focused on relationships, There is a heavy emphasis on the bonds of sisterhood, which I loved. There are strong bonds of friendship as well. I also appreciated how the author captured the complexity of the mother daughter relationship. I liked that this book wasn’t all about romance. 
• Speaking of romance, there is a subtle romance in the story that is mostly in the background until the climax. I liked that the romance was a backstory and that when it did develop it didn’t overtake the story. Plus the romance is one that blossoms between two life long friends. There is also a surprise secondary romance, that I would like to further explore. 
• The climax is exciting with lots of surprises and twists that had me on the edge of my seat. 

And The Not So Much:

• This book is slow going. I was enchanted at the beginning by the lovely writing, but my enthusiasm quickly waned because not much happened. For the majority of the story, the pace plods along. Then it finally picks up in the final third with lots of excitement, but I have to admit, I almost put this one down because I was so bored. 
• Iris, the main character, is a tough sell. In fact, I really didn’t like her. She is belligerent early on, which put me off. She grows somewhat and I liked her more by the end, but she still remained my least favorite in the book, which is disappointing since she is the protagonist. 
• Jasmine, the girls’ mother, was far too undeveloped. She had so many secrets, and I was left wanting to know so much more about her.
• The book ends with a big, fat cliffhanger which was another huge disappointment after the slow pace. 

Wicked Like a Wildflower is a book I have mixed feelings about. I was bored with the slow pace, and disappointed that the main character was unlikable. However, the final third of the book is thrilling and worth the wait until it ends with a cliffhanger.  I would recommend this book to anyone who loves gorgeous writing that invokes all the senses. This book is beautifully written, and that made it worth reading despite my disappointments. 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for this review. 

Tell Me Something Tuesday #215: Favorite Urban Fantasy

Tell Me Something Tuesday is a weekly discussion post here on Rainy Day Ramblings where I discuss a wide range of topics from books to blogging. Weigh in and join the conversation by adding your thoughts in the comments. If you want to do your own post, grab the question and answer it on your blog. (Feel free to leave your links in the comments for your posts). 

This week is all about Urban Fantasy: What are your favorite urban fantasy series?

I am a huge fan of UF, and there are several series that I love, some are still ongoing, while others are complete. So let’s see what some of my favorites are:

The Iron Druid Chronicles by Kevin Hearne: I was hesitant about reading this series, but I am so glad I joined a read a long for the first book way back in 2012 during my first year of blogging. This is an excellent series with lots of snark, action and great characters. Atticus is a centuries old druid fighting off evil in the world. This series is packed full of mythology and it never disappoints. I urge you to try it. 

 

The Hollows by Kim Harrison: This series concluded in 2015, but you can check out the spin off series that started this past year with The Turn. I admit this one takes a couple of books to get going and the main character, Rachel, requires some patience, but all in all it is fantastic. 

 

The Others by Anne Bishop: This series wrapped this past spring much to my dismay, however, a spin off series in the works, yeah! I love the diverse cast of characters and the terrific story lines. If I had to pick favorites, this would be it. 

 

Kate Daniels by Ilona Andrews: This series always ends up on my favorites list, no matter what I am writing about. If you haven’t yet tried this series, get after it. I love it. 

 

Hidden Legacy by Ilona Andrews: Another series by the writing dynamic duo. We got a double dose of this series this past spring and summer after a long wait between the first and second books. Lots of humor, outstanding characters, action and romance. I want more of this series.

 

Mercy Thompson by Patricia Briggs: This is another great series with shapeshifters. I love that the main character, Mercy, is a shapeshifting coyote. This one is packed full of magic and mayhem and a touch of romance. 

 

So this is my short list of favorite Urban Fantasy Series. What are some of your favorites? 

Next week’s question: Best Horror Books.

 

Review: Better Homes and Hauntings by Molly Harper

 

Author of the beloved Half Moon Hollow series of vampire romances (Nice Girls Don’t Have Fangs), Molly Harper has created a standalone paranormal romance in which a dilapidated haunted house could bring star-crossed lovers together—if it doesn’t kill them first!

When Nina Linden is hired to landscape a private island off the New England coast, she sees it as her chance to rebuild her failing business after being cheated by her unscrupulous ex. She never expects that her new client, software mogul Deacon Whitney, would see more in her than just a talented gardener. Deacon has paid top dollar to the crews he’s hired to renovate the desolate Whitney estate—he had to, because the bumps, thumps, and unexplained sightings of ghostly figures in nineteenth-century dress are driving workers away faster than he can say “Boo.”

But Nina shows no signs of being scared away, even as she experiences some unnerving apparitions herself. And as the two of them work closely together to restore the mansion’s faded glory, Deacon realizes that he’s found someone who doesn’t seem to like his fortune more than himself—while Nina may have finally found the one man she can trust with her bruised and battered heart.

But something on the island doesn’t believe in true love…and if Nina and Deacon can’t figure out how to put these angry spirits to rest, their own love doesn’t stand a ghost of a chance.
Mass Market Paperback, 318 pages
Published June 24th 2014 by Pocket Books
Source:Publisher

 

 

 

Two and a half stars: A book with a good ghostly mystery, but it lacks humor and the romances are lackluster.

Nina can't shake the feeling of foreboding that sneaks up on her once she sets foot on Crane Island. It doesn't help that she was seasick on the boat ride over, and then once she arrived at the house, she thought she saw a shadowy figure on the roof. Still, Nina desperately needs this job, so she is determined to stick it out and do the best landscaping she can in order to help restore the Whitney estate for billionaire Deacon Whitney. Luckily, Nina isn't alone, and she is relieved to have found a kindred spirit in Cindy, who was hired to do the indoor decorating and renovation. Jake, Deacon's long time best friend, is also along to help. Unfortunately, once they are settled, strange things start happening. Is the Whitney Estate haunted, or worse yet, cursed?

What I Liked:

• Better Homes and Hauntings is a strong departure from Ms. Harper's normal fare. While this book doesn't feature any paranormal creatures such as werewolves and vampires, it does have a strong ghostly presence. I liked the ghosts and the mystery surrounding the house. 
• The atmosphere if perfect for the story. Think an old decaying mansion rumored to be haunted, set on an isolated island only accessible by boat or helicopter. The decrepit mansion along with its troublesome past and inexplicable occurrences provides an excellent backdrop for a ghostly mystery. 
• Once the gang establishes itself on the island, ghostly episodes start happening. I enjoyed the ghost presence, and I liked unraveling the mystery surrounding the ghosts. 
• This book is told via five view points: Nina, Deacon, Jake, Cindy and Dotty. Even though it took a bit of time to adjust to the narrations, all done in third person, I found that I liked getting inside each character's head. Especially when it came to the ghost experiences. 
• I liked the way the past blended with the present in order to present the history of the Whitney family, and to establish the mystery. There are some interesting twists at the end before the big finale. 
• The ending draws to a nice close without a cliffhanger or undone story lines. This is a stand alone book. 

And The Not So Much:

• Having previously read Ms. Harper, I went into this one expecting a fun, light story full of humor and snark. Unfortunately, there is little humor, and I found that I missed the fun, lightheartedness that I am used to from this author. 
• There are two romances, and I didn't think that either was well executed. Both felt hurried and thrown together, one was more believable than the other because there was a history, but then the reason the two split in the past wasn't well explained. The other romance felt a bit too much like insta love and it moved way to quickly for my taste. 
• There were a couple of things that just didn't work for me, one of those was the whole story line regarding the villain from Nina's past. I didn't think it was realistic that he could come and go on the island, supposedly lined with security cameras. Furthermore, the story line didn't connect well with the story, and I could have done without it.
• There was just something missing from this one. I liked the ghost mystery, but overall, I felt the plot was weak, the characters underdeveloped, the romances lackluster, little humor and a story that wasn't well executed. I was expecting far better from Ms. Harper.

Better Homes and Hauntings was a book I picked up hoping for a light, fun read, but what a got was a book with an interesting ghost mystery, but it failed to impress. If you have not read this author before, this is not the book to try. I was disappointed in this one, and I can't recommend it, unless you want a ghost story. Still even then, I would recommend borrowing the book. If you want to experience Ms. Harper, try her Naked Werewolf Series or Jane Jameson Series.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for this review. 

The Sunday Post 242nd Edition

The Sunday Post is a weekly post hosted by The Caffeinated Book Reviewer. It is a chance to share all the news and highlights on your blog for the past and upcoming weeks. Head over to Kimberly's for details and to link up!

Where has September gone? I cannot believe we are entering the final week. It has been a busy month as we school started, we celebrated our anniversary and both kids’ birthdays. Mateus turned seven on Friday. I can’t believe how quickly  growing up. He is sweet, smart and he still loves to cuddle. 

My dad headed home this weekend after a three week visit. We had lots of fun. It was nice to have him here. He will be back before I know it to spend the holidays before heading to Arizona for winter. I wish I was going to Arizona for the winter. 

Needless to say with all the craziness this month, I have hardly had time to blog or read. I am woefully behind on everything blog related and I hope to spend some time catching up this week. Thanks to all of you who have continued to visit my blog this past three weeks. 

We have gotten lots of rain this week, almost three inches here in Portland, and some of the outlying areas, including spots in the Gorge, have gotten three plus inches. The cool, wet weather has done wonders to clean the air, settle the dust and put out the fires. They fire in the Gorge isn’t out yet, but they have made great strides in getting it contained. Now they are dealing with removing trees to prevent them from falling on the road and containing mudslides. Then it will be time to deal with the recovery. 

It seems there has been so much destruction lately from hurricanes to earthquakes and fires. Let’s hope things settle down. 

Alright, time to shift gears and talk blogging stuff. 

Here is what I featured on the blog last week:

Monday: Audiobook Review: Soundless by Richelle Mead

Tuesday: Tell Me Something Tuesday: Favorite Teen Romances

     

Wednesday: Kids' Review: Bruce's Big Move

Thursday: Audiobook Review: Until It Fades by K.A. Tucker

Friday: Friday Forecast

 

Received for review:

 Next week on the blog:

Monday: Review: Better Homes and Hauntings by Molly Harper

Tuesday: Tell Me Something Tuesday: Favorite Urban Fantasy Books

      

Wednesday: Review: Wicked Like a Wildfire Lana Popovic

Thursday: Review: Of Fate and Flame by Cecy Robson

Friday: Friday Forecast

 

That’s it from Portland. Have a lovely week. I know I will be busy busy catching up!

 

Friday Forecast September 24th-30th

How is it possible that we are heading into the final week of September? Wasn't it just summer yesterday? I do love the crisp cool days of fall and the changing of the leaves I also love all the Fall books we get. Don't you love something a bit spooky for Fall? If so, let's see if we can find something appropriate for the upcoming Halloween season. Tell me what snatches your attention and tell me about your weather. (Click on covers for details). 

Forecast September 24th-30th

 

Looking at the upcoming releases, Christmas is closer than you think. What interests you?

Forecast for Portland, Oregon:

Saturday: H 68 L 48 Sunny         Sunday: H 68 L 48 Sunny

After a very wet and rainy week, which was much needed, I am happy to see sunshine and warm weather back in the forecast for the first weekend of Fall. I love warm, sunny Fall days. Don't you? Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Audiobook Review: Until It Fades by K.A. Tucker

 

Twenty-four-year-old truck stop waitress and single mother Catherine Wright has simple goals: to give her five-year-old daughter a happy life and to never again be the talk of the town in Balsam, Pennsylvania: population two thousand outside of tourist season. And then one foggy night, on a lonely road back from another failed attempt at a relationship, Catherine saves a man’s life. It isn’t until after the police have arrived that Catherine realizes exactly who it is she has saved: Brett Madden, hockey icon and media darling. Catherine has already had her fifteen minutes of fame and the last thing she wants is to have her past dragged back into the spotlight, only this time on a national stage. So she hides her identity. It works. For a time. But when she finds the man she saved standing on her doorstep, desperate to thank her, all that changes. What begins as an immediate friendship quickly turns into something neither of them expected. Something that Catherine isn’t sure she can handle; something that Catherine is afraid to trust. Because how long can an extraordinary man like Brett be interested in an ordinary woman like Catherine…before the spark fades? 
Paperback, 356 pages
Published June 27th 2017 by Atria Books
Source: Publisher

 

Three and a half stars: A cute rag to riches/ Cinderella story, but it felt a bit too good to be true. 

Catherine is used to struggles. She has worked to make it on her own since she was seventeen years old. After an illicit affair with her high school teacher, Catherine became the town pariah. At twenty four, she has fought to make ends meet and to provide a home for her five year old daughter. Everything changes one night as Catherine heads home on a dark, curvy road. Catherine comes upon a deadly car crash. Risking her life, Catherine saves Brett Madden a hockey icon. Catherine wants to hide as she doesn’t want her name back in the spotlight. What she doesn’t expect is a friendship to form. Will Catherine ever escape her past?

What I Liked:

• Until It Fades reads like a Cinderella type story. It is predictable, romantic and sweet, yet fun. This is a light read without heavy angst and drama. So if you want something on the fluffy side, this is a good bet. 
• The story moves back and forth in time, you witness the horrible events that occurred during Catherine’s senior year in high school, then you are in the present as Catherine saves Brett. I liked the movement back and forth because I liked understanding Catherine’s character. 
• The romance is just right. I appreciate that it took its time to develop. It solidifies as a strong friendship before transitioning into something more. I especially liked that there was a great deal of trust between the two. Finally, there wasn’t angst or drama or any ridiculous stumbles, which I found refreshing. 
• I liked that this was a bit of a second chance story. After Catherine’s terrible fall, she busts her butt to find a way to succeed. I loved Catherine’s sheer determination. I couldn’t help but root for her. Yes, her character in the beginning is hard to like, but after you see how far she comes, you can’t help but cheer her on. 
• The cast of secondary characters was terrific. I loved Catherine’s diner family, especially how they stood beside her when everyone else abandoned her. I also enjoyed seeing Catherine work through the difficulties in her relationship with her own family. 
• I thought the way the story line involving the teacher was well done. It was especially nice to see how it all worked out. 
• The ending was sweet and nice. I perfect happily ever after.

And The Not So Much:

• Even though I liked the romance and the story, it read too much like a Cinderella type fairy tale. It was a little hard to believe. So if you are going into this one expecting a realistic romance, this will disappoint you. It is also very predictable. 
• I loved Keith, Catherine’s best friend, who stood beside her through thick and thin. I was bothered the way things settled out. I wanted them to discuss things thoroughly. I also felt like this story line was left undone. 
• I listened to the audiobook version, and I had problems differentiating between the past and the present as there were no markers to let the reader know you were back in the past. I am sure it was marked clearly in the physical book, but for the audiobook the transitions were somewhat confusing. 

Until It Fades is a light, fun fairy tale type romance perfect for when you want something light and fluffy. I appreciated that the romance was without drama and angst and that it took its time to develop. However, it felt a bit too unrealistic. Pick this up when you want a feel good read, but don’t go into it expecting to it to be a believable romance. 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for this review. 

 

Review: Bruce's Big Move by Ryan T. Higgins

 

Hello everyone. It is Wednesday, Hump day. I don’t know about you all, but I am still not adjusted to the school routine. I still feel like I am spinning my wheels trying to catch up. The blog has been neglected so much lately, I am really trying to get it together…. Today, I was supposed to have a lovely interview and guest post from author Heather Burch, who released her latest book Something Like Family, but I had to reschedule the post because I was crazy busy, the then Hurricane Irma struck in Florida where Heather lives. She has been dealing with flooding and other stressful things, so the post is temporarily on hold. Sending love and prayers to Heather and all those affected by the hurricanes. 

In the meantime, let’s shift gears and do something lighter and funnier. 

I am going to do a review for a fun children’s book in a series that my kids love. 

Have you meant Bruce? He is a grouchy bear who stole some eggs for breakfast one morning. The eggs hatched, leaving Bruce a mother of four goslings. This was the adventures in the first book, called Mother Bruce. I assure you this is a book that parents and kids will snicker at. You have to check it out. In the second book, Hotel Bruce, more hilarity ensues when some mice move in, making life in more chaotic for poor Bruce. Now his adventure continues…..

 

On September 26, 2017, Bruce returns in his third book called Bruce’s Big Move:

 

After the events of Hotel Bruce, the curmudgeonly bear shares his home with not only his four geese, but three rowdy mice besides! Fed up with their shenanigans, Bruce sets off to find a rodent-free household. But as usual, nothing goes quite according to plan. . Hardcover, 48 pages
Expected publication: September 26th 2017 by Disney-Hyperion
Source: Publisher

Four stars: Another laugh out loud adventure for both kids and adults. 

Poor Bruce. All he wants is peace and quiet and good food. Unfortunately, he is the adopted mother to four geese, and now some mice have moved in. That means not a moment of peace and quiet for Bruce. He already knows he can’t get rid of the geese, and he can’t seem to ditch the mice, so the only thing he can do is move. 

Bruce packs up the geese and hits the road, hoping to escape the mice, but he soon finds chaos follows him no matter where he goes. What will curmudgeonly Bruce do?

I adore this series, it is laugh out loud funny. I can totally relate to poor Bruce who just wants some quiet time alone. What makes this series so endearing is the charming characters, the humor that appeals to both adults and children and the illustrations. I have to admit the pictures, for me, are the best part. They are colorful and hilarious, and I love how they capture the essence of the characters. My kids and I both get a kick out of Grumpy Bruce, who really has a big heart, but he hates to show it. 

If you want an engaging an entertaining series with bright, colorful illustrations and a hilarious main character, this is for you. This is a series that appeals to both children and adults. Check it out as I know you need more laughs at bedtime. 

Here is an example of the eye catching illustrations:

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for this review.  

Don't miss the other two books in this charming series: