Middle Grade Book Review Round Up

Amphitrite the Bubbly by Joan Holub & Suzanne Williams
Goddess Girls #17
Goodreads

Hestia the Invisible
Goddess Girls #18
Goodreads

I was less enthused as this series started adding new Goddess Girls and stopped the rotation of Athena, Aphrodite, Persephone, and Artemis that it had started in the beginning. I loved the addition of Medusa, but I was so-so on Iris. And, even though I loved Pheme, I didn't love Pandora. So the new Goddess Girls are hit and miss for me.

Thankfully, Amphitrite and Hestia fell solidly into the "love" camp. Both of their personalities were endearing and their interests, challenges, and approaches meshed well with me. Hestia especially resonated as we're both introverts and we both enjoy cooking. Each book followed the established pattern of an action-oriented plot, heavy focus on personal growth and friendships, and a smidge of romance (they have "crushes"). Cameo appearances from previous characters, introductions of new side characters, and world-building elements are also present and all remain strong and interesting additions.

Eighteen books is a lot of books in a series, but thankfully I'm still at the point of hoping new books continue to be added. I've also experienced enough "love" for the new Goddess Girls that I don't mind and actually look forward to getting to know new characters.

Let's Mooove! by Courtney Sheinmel and Bianca Turetsky
Magic on the Map #1
Goodreads

The Show Must Go On by Courtney Sheinmel and Bianca Turetsky
Magic on the Map #2
Goodreads

This series came to me unexpectedly from the publisher and I'm glad it did. Each book focuses on a different state (so far Colorado, New York) and is filled with state facts and touristy pit-stops. They're fun. They're super short and have nice but very shallow lessons about things like friendship, family, and responsibility.

I think they'll be very enjoyable to the target age group, but as an adult I'd read another if it was sent to me, but I wouldn't seek them out otherwise. They're pretty thin, but they do what they are well. These would be perfect for mid-elementary school readers and are a fun way to learn about different states.

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Book Review: The Christmas Spirits on Tradd Street by Karen White

Pages: 384 Publisher: Berkley Released: October 22, 2019 Received: Finished copy from publisher, ARC via Netgalley Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars Goodreads *This is the sixth book in the Tradd Street series To say I love this series is an understatement (and not much else of this review will make sense if you haven't read the series, so stop reading this review now and instead read the one I liked above, and then start this series ASAP). That said, I was disappointed with the last book in the series, The Guests on South Battery . It felt forced. The mystery wasn't as engaging (and the first four books had awesome mysteries), the family connections felt stretched beyond reason, and there was contrived romance drama between Mellie and Jack that I did not appreciate. I was seriously getting worried for this series, even while still gobbling it up because it had tons of things that still make me happy. So that was my baggage when I started reading The Christmas Spirits on Tradd Stree...

2020 Keep the Books Off the Shelf Challenge

Challenge Basics: Name: Keep the Books Off the Shelf Challenge Hosts: Me! Starts: January 1, 2020 Ends: December 31, 2020 Goal: 15 books Eligible Books: Books you acquire in 2020 Why I'm Interested: I'm not sure if anyone is actually hosting a challenge like this, but it's a challenge I'm giving myself, again. Last year I read a ton off books I acquired in 2019, and rather than feel bad about neglecting my previously owned books, instead I felt like I was accomplishing something with every new book I acquired and read. And I was! Every year I participate in the Read My Own Books Challenge where I try to read as many books I own as possible. Downside? Those challenges don't count books you acquire during the challenge year, and I think they should! Sure, I know the goal is to read all those books that have been languishing year after year, but what about preventative measures? I think those should be rewarded, too! (I feel like a health insu...

Book Review: The Poison Thread by Laura Purcell

Pages: 351 Publisher: Penguin Released: June 18, 2019 Received: ARC from publisher Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars Goodreads Last year I read and enjoyed Laura Purcell's creeping Gothic horror The Silent Companions and, while I didn't love it, I did enjoy it and I've been looking forward to reading more from this author. The Poison Thread follows a similar pattern of alternating perspectives, one character telling their story, another character learning the tragic and horrifying events of the past. The narrative device worked very well here, building tension, intrigue, and mystery. I felt for Ruth, the character telling her story as she waits in prison for her murder trial, and while I didn't love Dorothea (she's a little too naive self-righteous do-gooder for me) I was interested in the events of her life (though, I think, she picked the wrong man). Characters and place felt real and drew me into the story. I felt for them. I felt like I was there (early Victorian E...

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