2026 Bookish Books Reading Challenge (hosted by Yours Truly)
2026 Cover Lovers Reading Challenge (hosted by Yours Truly)
2026 Historical Fiction Reading Challenge
2026 POPSUGAR Reading Challenge
Booklist Queen's 2026 Reading Challenge
2026 52 Club Reading Challenge
2026 Craving for Cozies Reading Challenge
2026 Medical Examiner Mystery Reading Challenge
2026 Mount TBR Reading Challenge
2026 Around the Year in 52 Books Reading Challenge
Shelf Reflection Candy Reading Challenge for Kids (and Adults)
2026 Countdown Reading Challenge
Dragon Rambles' Law of Fives Bingo
2026 Southern Literary Reading Challenge
2026 Reading Challenge (by Linz the Bookworm)
2026 Pioneer Book Reading Challenge
European Reading Challenge 2026
2017 Pick Your Poison Reading Challenge (retired challenge - doing old boards for fun)
2026 Reading Challenge Addict Reading Challenge
The 100 Most Common Last Names in the U.S. Reading Challenge
The Life Skills Reading Challenge
Showing posts with label Canadian Authors. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Canadian Authors. Show all posts
Saturday, June 13, 2026
Genevieve Graham's Newest Offers Appealing Blend of History, Mystery, Drama, Suspense, and Romance
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
It's 1929 and a dazzling luxury hotel is about to open in Toronto, Canada. Living in the city's slums, 17-year-old Roisin "Rosie" Ryan is convinced that The Dominion represents her chance to change her fate. Instead of struggling through an impoverished childhood just to marry another penniless soul and continue grappling for a better life, she's determined to make one happen for herself. When she lands a job as a chambermaid to the hotel's special clients, then meets a dashing waiter who sweeps her off her feet, Rosie thinks she just about has it made. The trouble begins when she attracts the attention of a notorious mobster who's about to make a fortune from The Crash that will bankrupt people the world over. When Rosie realizes just how far Marco Carboni's reach goes, she knows she will have to risk everything to get herself and the people she loves out of his grasp. That's not as easy as it seems, and more than one person will lose their life in the ensuing melee...
Almost 100 years later, building inspector Bridget Kelly has been hired to make sure renovations being made to the The Dominion are up to snuff. As a lover of history and antiques, she's thrilled by the assignment. Meeting Matthew Buchanan, an adorably awkward archivist who shares many of her interests, is the icing on the cake. When she notices odd irregularities at the site, however, Bridget begins to suspect something is not quite right at the grand old hotel. As she digs deeper, she uncovers secrets—some of them a century old—that someone will kill to keep hidden. Can she and Matthew figure out what's really happening at The Dominion now and what truly occurred 100 years ago before it's too late? Or will they, too, become victims to nefarious goings-on at the historic hotel?
I always enjoy an absorbing dual-timeline novel, and The Chambermaid's Key by Genevieve Graham is certainly that. I've never been to Toronto, but the city came alive for me as I read, with lots of vivid details and interesting tidbits. (The history of The Tombs slum is particularly fascinating.) It was especially intriguing to compare/contrast the city over the course of 100 years.
The characters in this novel are likable and root-worthy. Rosie is hard-working, loyal, brave, and compassionate. I wanted good things for her, even though it was obvious from the get-go that she was heading down a dangerous path. Bridget is less compelling, but I still liked her. It was sweet to watch her relationship with gawky Matthew grow over the course of the novel. With dual-timeline setups, I usually find myself caring much more about the past story than the present one, but this time, I felt invested in both storylines.
As far as plot goes, The Chambermaid's Key is fairly predictable. Still, I enjoyed its appealing blend of history, mystery, drama, suspense, and romance. The story gets far-fetched in places, sure, but that's okay. Overall, I found the book to be an engrossing, satisfying read. Bonus: it's clean, free from any graphic content. All of these elements combined to make this novel a very enjoyable one for me as well as one that I can confidently recommend to anyone.
(Readalikes: Reminds me a little bit of the Molly the Maid mystery series by Nita Prose)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for violence, mild innuendo, and scenes of peril
To the FTC, with love: I received an e-ARC of The Chambermaid's Key from the generous folks at Simon & Schuster via those at NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
Friday, November 21, 2025
Newest Installment in Charming Maid Mystery Series My Least Favorite of the Bunch
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
Note: While The Maid's Secret can be read as a standalone, it's more enjoyable if you've already read the previous books in the series. This newest installment contains minor spoilers that may reveal plot surprises from its predecessors. As always, I recommend reading books in a series in order.
The Regency Grand is abuzz with excitement over the taping of an episode of Hidden Treasures, an antiques appraisal tv show hosted by a popular celebrity couple, that is happening in the Grand Tearoom. Even Molly Gray has gotten caught up in the hoopla, bringing for appraisal bits and bobs from the yard sale "gems" Gran picked up over the years. She's shocked when one of them is deemed priceless by the astounded hosts. Selling the item will provide her with a dizzying sum—enough to not just pay for her upcoming wedding, but also to change her life completely. Before the transaction goes through, however, the valuable piece is stolen. Once again, the intrepid maid will use her keen observation skills to help Detective Stark solve a puzzling case.
While all this is happening, Molly discovers another treasure: her Gran's diary. The grandmother who raised her never discussed her mysterious past. Reading Flora Gray's story will give Molly unprecedented insight into her Gran's identity as well as her own.
I've enjoyed all of the books in Nita Prose's delightful Maid series, and this third outing is no exception, even if The Maid's Secret is my least favorite of the installments. This novel is a departure from its predecessors for three reasons: it's not a murder mystery, it's told from two points-of-view, and it uses an alternating timeline structure. The first one is no big deal; in fact, it's an effective way to change things up, keeping the series from getting too formulaic. Telling the tale in two different timelines in both Gran's and Molly's voices, though? Meh. Neither device worked well for me, I'm afraid. As much as I like Flora as a character (at least as a senior citizen—she's rather insufferable as a young woman), there's nothing original about her back story, which makes it fairly dull and predictable. Molly's unique personality and perspective is what gives this series its freshness, and she gets much less page time in The Maid's Secret than she does in the other books. I wanted to spend more time watching her solve the heist than learning about Gran's past. Like I said above, the book is still entertaining; I just didn't love it like I have the other books.
Because I was reading The Maid's Secret for book club (we read the first two books together and all of use enjoyed them), my husband decided to read it as well, even though he hasn't read the first 2 1/2 installments. His verdict? "It was okay, but there's nothing very original about it." A new member of my book club, who hasn't read the rest of the series, DNFd The Maid's Secret because she was bored, not really caring about the characters. Those of us in the book club who had read the previous books agree this newest one is our least favorite of the bunch, but we were still invested in the story because we have learned to love the characters (especially Molly) over the course of the series. Hence my warning at the beginning of this review. Although this book can be read as a standalone, it's much more enjoyable if you've read the previous books and already care about the characters. For me, I just hope Prose goes back to murder and more Molly in the next installment.
(Readalikes: the other books in the series, The Maid; The Mystery Guest; and The Mistletoe Mystery [a holiday novella])
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for brief, mild language (no F-bombs), violence, and mild sexual content
To the FTC, with love: I bought a copy of The Maid's Secret from my local indie, Changing Hands Bookstore, with a portion of the millions I make from my lucrative career as a book blogger. Ha ha.
Saturday, November 25, 2023
New Rockton Series Just As Appealing As Original
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
Note: Murder at Haven's Rock is the first book in a spin-off series based on the Rockton books by Kelley Armstrong. This review might contain slight spoilers for the original series. As always, I recommend reading books in a series in order.
Tired of the politics that made Rockton—a secret town built deep in the Yukon wilderness for people who need a place to hide—a difficult place to live, Casey Butler and her husband Eric Dalton (Rockton's former detective and sheriff, respectively) are starting over. They're building a new and better Rockton, a town that will truly be a safe haven for the people who need it most. Of course, living in the wilds of the Yukon is never risk-free. When two construction workers break the cardinal rule of Yukon living and wander into the forest alone, their failure to return raises alarm in the half-built town. With two people missing and the subsequent discovery of a dead body, it's clear that something is not right in Haven's Rock. Not exactly the auspicious beginning Casey and Dalton were hoping for in their new town.
Without disclosing their identities as the owners of Haven's Rock, Casey and Dalton set about doing what they do best: solving a murder. Not surprisingly for a group of people willing to work on a secret project in the middle of nowhere, everybody on the town's construction crew is hiding something. As Casey and Dalton ferret out everyone's secrets, they discover plenty of nefarious doings in their new town. Which of them led to murder? Can Casey and Dalton find a killer while also preserving their vision of creating a perfect safe space? Or will their glorious dream end before it's even had a chance to begin?
The Rockton series by Kelley Armstrong is one of my very favorites. With a unique setting, an upbeat vibe, likable characters, and exciting plots, it's a compelling group of mystery novels. Murder at Haven's Rock is the first installment in a spin-off series featuring the same main characters, just set in a different town. Casey and Dalton are one of the most appealing literary couples I've ever encountered. Their relationship is understated, but it's rock solid, supportive, and wholesome. I'm always rooting for them as a couple, as individuals, and as civic leaders. Although most of my favorite side characters from the original series don't show up until the end of this book, there are plenty of new ones to take up the slack. There's also the usual plot excitement stemming from interpersonal drama, wildlife encounters, unexpected wilderness threats, and more. Add to that a large dose of Armstrong's trademark humor, and you've got that satisfying blend of elements that makes the author's books so appealing. As you can tell, Murder at Haven's Rock is a solid addition to the Rockton book family. I'm already clamoring to read the next book in the new series.
Although I received a printed ARC of this murder mystery, I actually ended up listening to it on audio instead. Since I've enjoyed the last four Rockton novels in this medium, it seemed a shame not to continue listening. Thérèse Plummer is an excellent narrator. Even if I had read the book in print, it would have been her voice I was hearing in my head. She is the voice of Rockton for me! Her narration is on point; it's animated enough to give the books life without ever upstaging the story. I'm a big fan.
(Readalikes: other books in the Rockton series)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for language, violence, blood/gore, and mild sexual content/innuendo
To the FTC, with love: I received an ARC of Murder at Haven's Rock from the generous folks at St. Martin's Press in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
Saturday, October 29, 2022
With The Maid, You Can Believe the Hype
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
Molly Gray may look like an ordinary 25-year-old woman, but she's not. She possesses an innocent guilelessness and a forthright manner, the combination of which is discombobulating to say the least. People just don't know how to react to her and vice versa. Molly's beloved Gran was the one who helped her navigate the confusing world of social interaction. Now that she's gone, Molly's feeling more at sea than ever. Grieving the devastating loss of the only person who's ever really understood her, she throws herself even more doggedly into her job as a maid at the elegant Regency Grand Hotel. There's nothing she loves more than donning her crisply-ironed uniform, organizing her housekeeping cart just so, and returning untidy rooms to perfection.
When Molly enters the room of Charles Black, a wealthy business tycoon, and his new, much younger wife, she expects to do her usual cleaning, with the bonus of a wee chat with the lovely Giselle, who—to Molly's shock—seems to enjoy these regular convos with her lowly maid. Molly's stunned when she, instead, finds Charles dead in his bed, the victim of a bloody homicide. It's not long before Molly, with her unusual demeanor, becomes the lead suspect in the mogul's murder. She didn't do it, but who did? In order to clear her name, Molly must find the man's real killer. With her keen attention to detail and her intimate knowledge of the Regency Grand, she's the perfect woman for the job, even if some of the hotel's more subtle inner workings have escaped her until now. Can this unconventional Nancy Drew solve the case? Or will Molly be forced to exchange her spotless maid's uniform for a germy prison jumpsuit?
Book hype often has a weird negative effect on me. Instead of enticing me to read a much-lauded tome, it pushes me away from it. This was the case with The Maid, the bestselling debut novel by Canadian author Nita Prose. Although it was touted as a clever, heartwarming, fun mystery—four adjectives I'm very much in favor of—I wasn't sure I really wanted to read it. One too many rave reviews later and I just had to know if the book is all it's cracked up to be. Guess what? It is. The Maid truly is a gem. I adored it. Molly is an appealing heroine, whose antics made me laugh. I love that she's authentically herself while also being much more than she seems. The other characters are colorful (Many even have colors for last names—a homage to Clue, I guess?), although not nearly as memorable as Molly. Her individuality, coupled with Prose's unique narrative style, makes this novel stand out. This is a good thing because The Maid's plot is actually fairly straightforward and generic. I saw all of its twists coming but one. I didn't love the Big Reveal at the end, but it definitely gives the book another layer of depth that will make book clubbers happy by giving them something juicy to discuss. All in all, I loved The Maid. It's entertaining, hopeful, and just all-around enjoyable. In this case at least, you can believe the hype!
(Readalikes: Hmm, I can't really think of anything. You?)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for language (a handful of F-bombs, plus milder expletives) and violence
To the FTC, with love: I bought a copy of The Maid with a portion of the millions I make from my lucrative career as a book blogger. Ha ha.
Monday, August 15, 2022
Kelley Armstrong's Newest Crime Novel a Rip-Roaring Good Read
Oh, ho! What is this? An actual book review? It's been a hot minute since I posted much other than Top Ten Tuesday lists. It feels good to be getting back in the saddle, even if I pretty much just copied and pasted my Goodreads review here instead of expanding and enhancing it for the blog as I usually do. Oh well, at least you're getting a real, live book review today. Progress!
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(Image from Barnes & Noble)
Vancouver homicide detective Mallory Atkinson is in Edinburgh, Scotland, to be with her dying grandmother as she lives out her final days. The grieving 30-year-old goes on a jog one evening to clear her mind. She's lured into an alley where she is brutally strangled by a strange man.
The next thing Mallory knows, she's waking up in a world that has tilted completely. She's still in Edinburgh, but, as she soon discovers, she's traveled back in time 150 years to 1869. To further complicate matters, she's no longer Mallory, at least not on the outside. She's now inhabiting the body of Catriona Mitchell, a saucy 19-year-old. A semi-reformed thief rescued from the streets by her employer's sister, Catriona works for a handsome undertaker named Dr. Duncan Gray. The kicker? Catriona is recovering from being strangled and left for dead—in the exact same spot where Mallory was attacked a century and a half later.
As Mallory struggles to make sense of her new life while also trying to figure out how to escape it and return to her own time, a curious corpse is delivered to Dr. Gray, who moonlights as a medical examiner. The young man has been strangled. Just like Mallory and Catriona. Mallory's detective brain kicks into high gear; even though she knows it's essential for her to act the part of Catriona—an uneducated servant who doesn't know what a germ is, let alone understand forensic science—she can't help but tap into her own expertise. Anything to catch the cold-blooded killer who is stalking prey in two separate timelines. Desperate to return to the side of her beloved nana, Mallory hopes that solving the case will catapult her back where she belongs. Can the detective put the killer behind bars before he strikes again? Or will his next attempt on her life be final, for both Mallory and Catriona?
I'm already a big fan of Kelley Armstrong's crime novels, but I have to say, she outdid herself with A Rip Through Time, her newest outing. Of all the books I've read by Armstrong, this one is hands-down my favorite. Why? It's just SO MUCH FUN. Seriously. It doesn't sound like it from the plot summary, but A Rip Through Time is a funny, entertaining, all-around charming romp of a mystery novel. The premise is intriguing, the characters are likable, the prose is engaging, and the plot is engrossing. What more could I ask for? How about humor? Check. A light, flirty romance that makes for a diverting subplot without distracting from the mystery? Check. A PG-13 rating that lets me enjoy a crime novel without feeling nauseated or afraid to be in the house alone? A bad-a$$ heroine who's also down-to-earth and relatable? A cast that includes several strong women and even some decent men? Check, check, and check. For all these reasons and more, I adored A Rip Through Time. Considering this glowing review, it won't surprise you at all that I am anxiously awaiting the next installment in the series. Too bad it won't come out until at least next year. Boo hoo hoo. I seriously can't wait!
(Readalikes: It's Outlander meets The Alienist, according to the publisher. I've never read the latter or watched the series, but I agree with the former. No other keen comparisons are coming to mind. You?)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for language (no F-bombs), violence, blood/gore, sexual innuendo, depictions of drug abuse (opium), and disturbing subject matter
To the FTC, with love: I received an ARC of A Rip Through Time from the generous folks at St. Martin's Press in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
Monday, June 28, 2021
What Is...A Wonderful Memoir By the One and Only Alex Trebek
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
The death of Alex Trebek—long-time host of the trivia game show Jeopardy!—saddened all of his fans, including me. I'm not the kind of person who cares much about celebrity gossip or Hollywood tell-alls, but I have wanted to read Trebek's memoir, The Answer Is..., ever since I first heard about it. Since I'm always looking for entertaining audiobooks, I decided to listen to this one. I'm glad I did, as it made me smile to listen to Trebek's antics told in his own voice, which is so familiar and soothing. While the majority of the book is narrated by Ken Jennings, Jeopardy! champion and Trebek's successor on the show, I most enjoyed the portions voiced by Trebek himself.
Because Trebek has always projected such a serious, straight-laced persona on television and because he was dying as he wrote The Answer Is..., I expected the book to be a somber text full of deep, philosophical reflections on life and death. It's not. With an "It's all good" vibe throughout, the memoir is actually quite light and funny. Told in short vignettes taken from Trebek's career and personal life, it's a fast read (or listen, in my case) full of humor and simple, down-home wisdom like these nuggets:
- If you're not ten minutes early, you're late.
- If it's a good idea, it doesn't matter if it came from the CEO of a company or the guy who mops the floors.
- You're never as important as you think you are—just ask the queen!
- A good education and a kind heart will serve you well throughout your life.
- Always give back, even if your contribution is small. (Note: Trebek was a philanthropist who contributed to many charities. All profits from the sale of The Answer Is..., in fact, will go to charity.)
Like Trebek himself, his book is charming, entertaining, and uplifting. Although it's lightly peppered with F-bombs (Surprise! Trebek had a bit of a potty mouth), it's a mostly clean read that exudes the television host's "warm bath outlook on life." Hearing the author talk about his impending death gives The Answer Is... a poignant aspect as well. Although I did shed a tear or two, mostly I smiled and laughed my way through this enjoyable listen. If you're a Jeopardy! fan (or even if you're not), I highly recommend this book, especially in audio format.
(Readalikes: I'm not a celebrity memoir person, so I'm not sure what to compare this one to. Suggestions?)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for language (a handful of F-bombs, plus milder expletives)
To the FTC, with love: Another library fine find
Thursday, February 11, 2021
Locked-Room Mystery/Thriller an Engrossing, Intriguing Debut
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
After barely surviving a traumatizing abduction by a vicious serial killer while on the job in Manhattan, former NYPD detective Shana Merchant has moved upstate, taking a position with the Bureau of Crime Investigation (BCI). Idyllic Alexandria Bay, a charming village in the Thousand Islands area, is the perfect place to lick her wounds. With her devoted fiancé by her side, she hopes to put her nightmares behind her and make a fresh start in the peaceful riverside town.
Shana is shocked when her department receives a frantic call about a murder on an island that is privately owned by a wealthy family from the city. With an incoming nor'easter creating stormy weather and choppy water, Shana and her partner, Tim Wellington, head out to Tern Island. Nine members of the Sinclair family, a wealthy clan that has made a fortune in the NYC fashion industry, have been vacationing there. One of them, 26-year-old Jasper, has vanished. The bed in which he and his girlfriend were sleeping is soaked in blood, but there's no corpse and the girlfriend claims to have no idea what happened. Tim thinks they're dealing with a spoiled businessman who's gone missing to get attention. Shana's sure it's murder.
With only a handful of suspects on the remote island, it seems clear that Jasper has not just been killed but also that he's been murdered by a member of his own family. All of them had motive, means, and opportunity. Which one made sure Jasper was out of the way? And why? As the storm worsens, isolating Shana and Tim on the island with a dysfunctional family, one of whom is a killer, the situation grows increasingly perilous. Can Shana and her partner get the truth out of their very reluctant witnesses? Can they unmask the murderer before someone else turns up dead? Will that someone be one of them?
I love me a locked-room mystery set in an isolated locale, so I was all in for Death in the Family, a debut novel by Tessa Wegert. Atmospheric and absorbing, the mystery is engrossing and twisty. It kept me guessing until the very end, which is exactly what I like in a mystery/thriller. Shana is a sympathetic heroine whose vulnerability and determination make her both relatable and admirable. The Sinclairs are the opposite. They're snobby, greedy, manipulative, and immature, almost to a one. In the end, the whole sorry lot pretty much gets what they deserve. I cared about Shana, though. That—and an engrossing, can't-look-away plot—is what kept me reading Death in the Family. Even though it's a depressing story, I enjoyed the thrilling read overall. I just requested The Dead Season, the second installment in the Shana Merchant series, from the library because I'm excited to see what this intriguing heroine does next.
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for language, violence, blood/gore, sexual content, and disturbing subject matter
To the FTC, with love: Another library fine find
Friday, January 29, 2021
Dark August An Absorbing Small Town, Big Secrets Thrill Ride
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
When Augusta "Gus" Monet learns that her great-grandmother has passed away, she feels sad knowing she has no living relatives left, even if she had no great love for the lady herself. Although the bitter old woman took in 8-year-old Gus after her mother died in a car accident, the crone had little use for children, and immediately sent her ward off to boarding school. At 20, Gus has become a lonely grifter, following her con artist boyfriend around from city to city and mark to mark. The inheritance of her great-grandmother's house in Ottawa represents a chance for Gus to make a clean start, sans loser boyfriend. Without telling him, she goes "home" and takes up residence in a dilapidated house with a loyal mutt named Levi.
As Gus explores her new digs, she comes across a box of old case files that belonged to her police detective mother. She remembers her mom spending hours poring over these same papers and photographs, obsessing over the wrongdoings of Kep Halladay, a powerful, small-town senator whose guilt she was desperate to prove. When Gus starts studying them for herself, she becomes just as caught up in the mystery, just as eager to bring the missing senator—whom she is sure is responsible for her mom's "accident" (among his many sins)—to justice. Shannon Monet risked her reputation, her career, and eventually her life trying to take the man down. Can Gus accomplish what her mother couldn't?
Ignoring ominous "No Trespassing" signs, Gus hikes in to Elgin, the idyllic village where the Halladys once ruled supreme. Abandoned in the wake of a toxic waste explosion, the place is now a ghost town, its charred streets and storefronts spooky in their post-apocalyptic emptiness. As Gus explores the ruins, she comes to see that Elgin is not as unoccupied as it seems. The secrets of the town's tortured past still linger in its poisoned air and someone will go to great lengths to make sure no one—especially not the too curious daughter of a nosy policewoman—sniffs them out.
My library is open for limited browsing of a small, "curated" selection of books, one of which was Dark August, a debut novel by Katie Tallo. I hadn't heard of it before but found the plot summary's mention of an abandoned town too intriguing to pass up. While the setting captured my initial interest, the story sucked me in from word one. Gus and Levi make an appealing duo and I definitely wanted to know what they were going to do next and how everything was going to turn out for them. In addition, the plot of Dark August is complex and twisty, the setting is atmospheric and unique, and the vibe is tense and creepy. How could I not be completely riveted by this well-crafted thriller? While I did see a few of its plot curves coming, overall I found this novel an absorbing, satisfying read. As you can imagine, Dark August is not the easiest, most uplifting book in the world, but I enjoyed it nonetheless.
(Readalikes: A million titles should be coming to mind, but I'm drawing a blank. You?)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for language, violence, blood/gore, disturbing subject matter, and references to illegal drug use, sex, etc.
To the FTC, with love: Another library fine find
Sunday, December 29, 2019
Exciting Dogsled Race Novel Perfect for MG Readers Who Dig Outdoor Adventures
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
McKenna Barney loves mushing. Always has. Under normal circumstances, she—and her eight sled dogs—would be chomping at the bit to enter an upcoming, 200-mile dogsled race commemorating the brave work of early Canadian mail carriers. But these aren't normal times. The 14-year-old is showing signs of Stargardt disease, the same degenerative vision condition that has been stealing her younger sister's sight. McKenna doesn't want to admit her symptoms to her parents. That would only cause more tension, more fighting, and more stress over money. They're dealing with enough of that with one affected child. How much worse would it be with two?
When 8-year-old Emma realizes what McKenna's hiding, she makes her sister a deal. McKenna will run the race, carrying a letter from Emma to Foundation Fighting Blindness, asking the organization to help spread awareness about Stargardt disease. If she wins, Emma will say nothing to their parents about McKenna's condition. If she loses, Emma spills the beans. McKenna's not ready for that, so she must win. Even if it means navigating rough terrain, ice storms, animal attacks, and dogsled maintenance with low vision that's getting worse by the day. And it will. Can McKenna finish the race, let alone win?
Terry Lynn Johnson is an outdoor enthusiast with extensive dogsledding experience. It shows in her newest MG novel, Dog Driven, which rings with authority. The story includes lots of interesting information about mushing that's shared in a way that doesn't talk down to the reader or slow the plot's forward action. It also stars a strong, but vulnerable heroine who has to learn to have confidence in her abilities, accept her limitations, and ask for help when needed. Although the story stars several likable characters, the focus is really on the action-packed plot. There are plenty of exciting twists and turns in McKenna's path (literally and figuratively) to keep the tale exciting. Hand this one to kids who love the outdoors and are always up for a thrilling adventure.
(Readalikes: This is the first book I've read by Johnson, but I know she's written others about dogsledding and other outdoor adventures. Dog Driven also reminds me a bit of Hatchet by Gary Paulsen and The Wild Lands by Paul Greci)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for scenes of peril
To the FTC, with love: I bought a copy of Dog Driven on Amazon with a portion of the millions I make from my lucrative career as a book blogger. Ha ha.
Saturday, December 28, 2019
YA Canadian Survival Story Keeps Me (Mostly) Riveted to the Page
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
Every summer, the Crows and the Hoebeeks trek out to their remote, neighboring cabins in the wilderness of northern Ontario. The same age, Nate Crow and Dodge Hoebeek have spent happy days together swimming, fishing, exploring, and canoeing. Then, four months ago, Dodge and his father took a trip into the mountains alone; neither one came home. Although Mr. Hoebeek's body was recovered, Dodge's has never been found. Nate has made it his mission to find Dodge. Something in him can't help but hope that maybe his old buddy is alive, just holed up somewhere awaiting aid.
Nate finally convinces his father he's skilled enough in wilderness survival to trek to the cabin without adult supervision. When the friend who was supposed to accompany him gets grounded, Nate decides to make the trip alone without telling his parents he'll be going solo. As soon as he arrives, he realizes he's in for more than he bargained for. Several rough-looking men, whom he recognizes from the news as escaped convicts, have taken over his family's cabin. Paralyzed with indecision, Nate can't fathom what to do next. With an incoming blizzard making everything worse, he must rely on his instincts and the survival skills he's learned over the years to escape the mountain alive.
The Starlight Claim by Tim Wynne-Jones is an action-packed adventure/survival novel that will appeal to even reluctant readers. There's enough going on to keep anyone's interest, although the flashback sections do slow down the story's forward momentum. They humanize Dodge, who still seems like a jerk, but I'm not sure how much they actually add to the story. The other chapters, though, are exciting enough to make up for the slow parts. I saw the big reveal coming from a mile away, so that was a little disappointing. Overall, though, The Starlight Claim is a decent action/adventure story that kept me (mostly) riveted to the page.
(Readalikes: Um, nothing is coming to mind. You?)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for language (no F-bombs), violence, blood/gore, and scenes of peril
To the FTC, with love: I received a finished copy of The Starlight Claim from Candlewick Press for the purpose of Cybils Award judging. Thank you!
Friday, December 27, 2019
YA Novel Likable, But Not Unique
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Reared in Saudi Arabia, 17-year-old Susan Thomas has just moved to Ontario, Canada. Her father stayed behind to tend to his medical practice, leaving her and her mother alone in a foreign city, with promises that he would join them soon. In the meantime, the two women fumble along trying to figure out life in a new place. Although Susan is not the only Indian student at her high school, nor the only one with immigrant parents, she still feels out of place there. Even at home, she doesn't feel entirely comfortable since she's hiding a big secret from her parents—Susan has no desire to become the doctor or engineer her parents insist she must be; she longs to become an artist.
Despite his bad-boy reputation, there's a lot more to Malcolm Vakil than meets the eye. He's still grieving the mother he lost to cancer two years ago and harboring feelings of resentment toward his hard, philandering father. He can't wait to turn 18 and get out of Dodge. Who cares if he has no idea what he wants to do with his life? Malcolm will figure it out—he just needs to get away from home, out in the world where he can breathe.
When Susan and Malcolm meet, they both feel a connection. As they slowly become more than friends, however, they both start to realize just how complicated romance can be. Especially when the rest of their lives are already so tangled. Can the two of them figure out a way to be together, despite the odds? Can Susan make sense of her new identity as an Indian and a Canadian? Will she follow the career path her parents want for her or find the courage to finally stand up for herself?
Cultural/ethnic identity seems to be a huge theme in YA literature. I've read dozens of books lately about teens with hyphenated identities trying to straddle the line between their parents' expectations and their own desires and the traditions of their homeland cultures vs. the ideas of the one in which they live. What am I? and who am I? are big questions—it's no wonder so many YA novels address them. Because there are so many similar stories, though, books like The Beauty of the Moment by Tanaz Bhathena don't feel all that unique. Susan and Malcolm are both likable, sympathetic characters, but they really don't stand out among their fictional peers. The book's plot is one I've read a million times. No surprises. Which isn't to say I didn't enjoy The Beauty of the Moment. I did. It just doesn't seem to really add anything to a crowded genre. So, while I liked the novel, it doesn't stick out as a memorable or unique read for me.
(Readalikes: Reminds me of Frankly in Love by David Yoon)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for brief, mild language (no F-bombs), violence, rude humor, and sexual innuendo
To the FTC, with love: I received a copy of The Beauty of the Moment from the generous folks at Macmillan for purposes of Cybils Awards judging. Thank you!
Monday, December 16, 2019
Historical Novel Another Didn't-Love-It-Didn't-Hate-It Read
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With an "English" father and a French mother, Maggie Hughes never knows quite who she's supposed to be. She's well aware that her father does not want her to marry a French boy, but she can't help but be attracted to her neighbor, Gabriel Phénix. Poor though he may be, he's kind and decent. When Maggie finds herself pregnant at 15, she's given a choice—marry Gabriel and doom herself to a life of poverty or give up the baby. She chooses the latter. As she ages, Maggie's plagued by guilt and a longing to know how her child fared. When she learns that her infant was placed in a Móntreal orphanage that is being turned into a mental institution, she knows it's time to find her daughter. She must know what happened to baby Elodie, no matter how awful the truth is ...
I've always been drawn to stories about orphans, adoption, and foster care, even before I became an adoptive mother myself. So, naturally, I found the premise of The Home for Unwanted Girls by Joanna Goodman intriguing. I did find the subject of the early orphanage/foster care system in Canada interesting. Heartbreaking, but interesting. Unfortunately, most of the characters in this novel are some combination of cold, selfish, fickle, and just generally unlikeable, which makes it really tough to connect with them. I did care what happened in the story, enough that I finished the book, but overall, I feel very ambivalent about the novel. It ended up being another didn't-love-it-didn't-hate-it read.
(Readalikes: Reminds me of No Ocean Too Wide by Carrie Turansky and a little of The Quintland Sisters by Shelley Wood)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for language (a handful of F-bombs, plus milder expletives), violence, sexual content, and disturbing subject matter
To the FTC, with love: I bought a copy of The Home for Unwanted Girls with a portion of the millions I make from my lucrative career as a book blogger. Ha ha.
Friday, December 13, 2019
Standalone Thriller Not Armstrong's Best Work, But Still Compelling
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Keeping devastating secrets from her past away from her safe little life in a Chicago suburb has taken a toll on 30-year-old Bree Finch. A former stay-at-home mom, she's now separated from her husband, working a part-time job, and seeing her young daughter only on the weekends. She knows these changes make her look unstable, can see the judgmental looks in the eyes of the other moms, but Bree has to do what she has to do to keep Paul and Charlotte safe.
While at the park alone one day, Bree witnesses a shocking crime. A child is kidnapped. Although no one else sees the incident and no parent at the park is missing their kid, Bree knows what she saw, even if the police think she's making up a story to get attention. If the authorities won't take the disappearance seriously, she will have to investigate on her own. When the corpse of a young woman is subsequently found in the park, Bree is surer than ever that something horrible has happened. Soon, she's fully embroiled in a situation that's spinning out of her control. Who is the dead woman? And what really happened to the boy Bree saw being taken? Did her eyes deceive her? Or is the child even now in grave danger?
I'm a big fan of Kelley Armstrong's Rockton series, so I'm always up for a new book by her. A standalone, Wherever She Goes is not as unique or riveting as other of the author's crime thrillers, but it is compelling. The characters and plotline might be cliché, but I still burned through the pages of Wherever She Goes because I cared about Bree and had to know what was going to happen to her. In spite of that, this one ended up being another like-it-didn't-love-it read. It's not Armstrong's best work, but I'm still a fan. Her mystery novels are always engrossing, even if some are better than others.
(Readalikes: Reminds me of lots of other mystery/thrillers, but no specific title is coming to mind. You?)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for language (no F-bombs), violence, innuendo, and disturbing subject matter
To the FTC, with love: Another library fine find
Thursday, September 12, 2019
Canadian Mystery Not All That Thrilling
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For the MacAllister kids, summers always revolved around Camp Macaw, the business their parents have run for years. Now that the elder MacAllisters have died, their children—now adults—are reuniting for the reading of their father's will and to figure out what to do with the prime property on which Camp Macaw sits. With varying feelings about the camp, their parents, and each other, the five MacAllister siblings have different ideas about what to do with the land. Prepared for some heavy debating, the kids are nevertheless shocked by the caveat their father gives in his will. Before any of them can do anything with Camp Macaw they have to work together to solve a mystery.
Twenty years ago, the bludgeoned body of 17-year-old Amanda Holmes was found in a rowboat at Camp Macaw. The crime has never been solved. Until it is, none of the MacAllisters can collect their inheritances.
As the MacAllisters dig into their collective past, they will unearth long-kept secrets that will either bring them together or tear them apart forever.
I love a good secrets-from-the-past-haunting-the-present story, so the plot summary of I'll Never Tell by Catherine McKenzie instantly caught my attention. Unfortunately, the novel's execution doesn't quite live up to the promise of its tantalizing premise. The mystery is compelling enough, but the characters are almost wholly unlikable and the plot is predictable enough that I guessed the culprit almost from the beginning. Plus, the story is seriously depressing. Overall, then, I didn't end up loving this one. It ended up being just okay for me.
(Readalikes: A hundred titles should be coming to mind, but I'm drawing a blank. Help?)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for language, violence, depictions of illegal drug use, and sexual content
To the FTC, with love: I received an e-ARC of I'll Never Tell from the generous folks at Lake Union Publishing via those at NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
Saturday, July 13, 2019
Tenth Installment in Beloved Mystery Series Not My Favorite, But Still Satisfies
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(Note: While this review will not contain spoilers for The Long Way Home, it may inadvertently reveal plot surprises from previous Armand Gamache mysteries. As always, I recommend reading books in a series in order.)
After a long, distinguished career as the chief inspector of the Sûreté du Québec, Armand Gamache has happily retired to the quaint town of Three Pines. Although he's used to a life full of danger and risk, he's found peaceful contentment in walking his dog, reading on his favorite park bench, spending time with his family, and enjoying the company of his many friends in Three Pines. Police work is far from his mind. Until he's approached by Clara Morrow, who's anxious over her husband's failure to return home. After a trial separation of one year, the couple agreed to reconnect at their home. Peter is overdue. Clara has not heard a word from him in the last twelve months, but the man she knows would not fail to show for such an important appointment. Considering her husband's mental state when he left, Clara can't help but worry.
Nothing if not loyal, Armand agrees to take the "case." With the help of Jean-Guy Beauvoir—Armand's former partner and new son-in-law—and their friend Myna, a Three Pines bookshop owner, they set off to find Peter. The further the trio travels into the depths of Québec, the more concerned they all become. What has happened to Peter? Has his tortured soul soured completely? Is he even still alive? The closer the three come to the truth, the more anxious they grow. What has happened to the complicated, but good man they all once knew and loved?
Frequent readers of this blog know I'm a huge fan of the Armand Gamache series by Louise Penny. I love me a meaty mystery, but I especially adore one that features interesting characters, a vivid setting, and skilled prose. This series hits every one of those spots every time. Some of the installments are better than others, of course, and I have to admit that The Long Way Home—the 10th book in the series—is not my favorite. That being said, it's still an enjoyable read featuring a lovable cast of characters, a twisty plot, and the incomparable Armand Gamache, who continues to be one of my favorite literary characters of all time. Since there are currently fourteen books in this series, with the fifteenth coming out in August, it's obvious that Armand will not truly be retiring from sleuthing anytime soon. I can't wait to see what he does next.
(Readalikes: Reminds me of other books in the Armand Gamache series, including Still Life; A Fatal Grace; The Cruelest Month; A Rule Against Murder; The Brutal Telling; Bury Your Dead; The Hangman [novella]; A Trick of the Light; The Beautiful Mystery; How the Light Gets In; The Nature of the Beast; A Great Reckoning; Glass Houses; Kingdom of the Blind; and A Better Man.
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for strong language, violence, and disturbing subject matter
To the FTC, with love: I bought a copy of The Long Way Home from Changing Hands Bookstore, my local indie.
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