With temps in the 70s here in the Phoenix area, it hardly feels like Christmastime at all.  I'm reminded at this time of year, more than any other, that you can take the girl out of the Pacific Northwest but you can't take the PNW out of the girl!  I miss watching the snow fall, hearing the crackle of a fire in the wood stove, and smelling pine on the breeze.  Christmas in Arizona just isn't the same!  *Sigh*  I'll be home for Christmas ... if only in my dreams ...

Speaking of dreaming, who's fantasizing about bookish gifts waiting for them under the Christmas tree?  I always do!  The kindred spirits over at The Broke and the Bookish want to know the Top Ten Books (or book-related items) You Wouldn't Mind Santa Leaving Under the Tree.  Only ten?  I'll try to restrain myself ...

I have it on good authority that these two are already under the tree:

1.  The Forgetting by Sharon Cameron—I've been intrigued by this one ever since I first heard about it.  I'm excited to finally read it.

2.  Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them by J.K. Rowling—I broke one of my cardinal rules at Thanksgiving time and went to see this movie before reading the book.  I enjoyed the film a lot.  Can't wait to see how the book compares.

3.  Bookstore gift cards—Okay, this one isn't under the tree, but my sister gave me a Barnes & Noble gift card for an early birthday present.  She knows me too well!

The rest of these are books 'n' things I'd love to see under my tree:

4.  A new set of hardcover Harry Potter books—I bought all the books in the series as they came out in hardcover.  Now that I'm re-reading them, I realize just how much they've been loved to death by my 14-year-old daughter (who claims to have read the whole series eight times).  A shiny new set would be the perfect gift!

5.  Book earrings—I think these beauties from the Coryographies Etsy shop are about the cutest thing ever.  She has lots of other adorable bookish items as well.

6.  Scythe by Neal Shusterman—I'm a big Shusterman fan and his newest is definitely on my must-read list this year.  It's a dystopian/sci fi story that sounds intriguing.

7.  Version Control by Dexter Palmer—I hadn't heard of this futuristic sci fi novel until I opened the newest issue of Bookmarks (see #8) yesterday.  It sounds unique and compelling.

8.  Bookmarks magazine—I've been a subscriber to Bookmarks for several years now.  I love receiving the magazine every couple months.  It's a great resource for finding new books to read.  If you have a book lover on your Christmas list, consider a gift subscription.  

9.  To Kill a Mockingbird hardcover by Harper Lee—TKAM is my favorite book of all time, but my only copy is a mass market paperback.  Barnes & Noble sells this lovely hardcover version.  I think I know how I'm going to be spending my birthday gift card ...

10.  Scrabble 2-in-1 Message Board Edition—Bustle listed this walk by Scrabble board as a must-have for word lovers.  I agree.  How totally fun would this be to have hanging in your house?  

There you go, ten books and bookish items I would love to see under my tree.  What about you?  What bookish Santa surprises would make you squeal with delight?  I'd love to know!  Make a comment on this post and I will happily return the favor.  

Happy TTT!

(Image from author's blog)

For the 13th day of December, the good folks at Quirk Books asked me to post about a fun new book they just published.  If you've got a young book lover on your Christmas list, you're definitely going to want to pay attention to this review!  

Warren the 13th and the All-Seeing Eye by Tania Del Rio is the first in a middle grade series featuring the titular character.  Our hero is the 13th in a long line of Warrens, all of whom have been responsible for the care of the family hotel.  After the untimely death of his father, Warren the 13th became the newest owner; at only 12, however, he's not yet old enough to assume command of its operations.  Under the temporary direction of Warren's lazy Uncle Rupert, the Warren Hotel has become a derelict edifice, empty of guests for the last five years.  Dutiful Warren, who serves as the hotel's only bellhop/handyman/housekeeper/general errand boy, spends his days cleaning, repairing, and taking care of his inheritance as best he can.  Despite the cruelty Rupert's wife, Annaconda, inflicts on Warren, he remains cheerful, positive, and dedicated to his job.

When a mysterious guest checks into the hotel, Warren is shocked.  And intrigued.  Something strange is definitely going on.  With more guests arriving and Aunt Annaconda muttering about the All-Seeing Eye, it quickly becomes apparent that people are searching The Warren Hotel for its fabled treasure.  If Annaconda finds it first, Warren knows, nothing will be safe—not his beloved home, not his few (but loyal) friends, and certainly not himself.  In a frantic race for the hidden prize, Warren will encounter everything from witches to pirates to a monster in the boiler room.  With so many obstacles in his way, how will Warren beat Annaconda at her own game?  It's a perilous quest, but one our brave hero must undertake in order to save the people and the hotel he loves.

Warren the 13th and the All-Seeing Eye is a clever, quirky book that tells a tale full of adventure, magic, and charm.  Eye-catching illustrations (by Will Staehle), all done in black, white, and red give the story extra appeal as do the puzzles, secret messages, and playful text boxes scattered throughout the book.  These extras make an already well-written story even more engrossing.  With all these elements working in seamless tandem, Warren the 13th and the All-Seeing Eye makes for an entertaining, enjoyable reading experience that will enchant readers of all ages.  It bespelled me quite thoroughly, thank you very much.  I can't wait to see what Warren the 13th gets up to next!

(Readalikes:  Reminds me a little of Escape From Mr. Lemoncello's Library by Chris Grabenstein)

Grade:

If this were a movie, it would be rated:

for scenes of peril

To the FTC, with love:  I received a finished copy of Warren the 13th and the All-Seeing Eye from the generous folks at Quirk Books.  Thank you!

I haven't done one of these since September, so I figured I should jump back into the fray for the month of December.  There are some great topics coming up this month—I couldn't resist!  Top Ten Tuesday is a fun weekly meme and you should definitely join in.  Just click on over to The Broke and the Bookish to see what it's all about.  

One of my favorite things about a new year is checking out all the sparkly books it will be bringing us.  Here are ten on which I have my eye:  

Top Ten Books I'm Looking Forward to in the First Half of 2017 

1.  Returned by Kimberley Griffiths Little—I'm excited to see what happens in the finale of this YA Mesopotamian adventure/romance series.  I enjoy everything KGL writes, so this one is naturally at the top of my list.  Available February 7, 2017. 

2.  Caraval by Stephanie Garber—This YA novel sounds like an intriguing blend of adventure, magic, and romance.  What's not to love?  Available January 31, 2017.

3.  Wintersong by S. Jae Jones—This Phantom of the Opera-ish story sounds magical.  I want.  Available February 7, 2017.

4.  Blood Rose Rebellion by Rosalyn Eves—This YA novel about a girl who is Barren in a world of magic has intrigued me ever since I first heard about it.  Available March 28, 2017.

5.  In Farleigh Field by Rhys Brown—I received an ARC of this WWII novel the other day and can't wait to delve into it.  Available March 1, 2017.

6.  Follow Me Down by Sherri Smith—You all know I love me a good psychological thriller.  This one, about a woman who returns to her North Dakota hometown after her twin brother goes missing, sounds compelling.  Available March 21, 2017.

7.  Into the Water by Paula Hawkins—I enjoyed The Girl on the Train, so I've been anxious to see what Hawkins will do next.  I'm not sure what her newest is about, but that doesn't matter.  I'll read it no matter what.  Available May 2, 2017.

8.  One of Us Is Lying by Karen M. McManus—YA mystery/thrillers are not exactly plentiful, so I get excited when I hear about one that sounds good.  In this one, five kids walk into detention, but only four come out.  How did Simon die?  And why?  Available May 30, 2017.

9.  Proof of Lies by Diana Rodriguez Wallach—Another YA mystery, this one is about a teen who's trying to solve the mystery of her sister's disappearance.  Available March 7, 2017.

10.  Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor—This YA novel, about a boy in search of a mythical lost city, sounds exciting and mysterious.  Available March 28, 2017.

What do you think?  Do any of these appeal to you?  What are you looking forward to reading in the first half of 2017?  I'd love to know.  Comment on this post and I'll happily return the favor.

Happy Top Ten Tuesday! 

(Image from Barnes & Noble)

With the recent death of her father, March Middleton has been left a penniless 21-year-old orphan with few prospects.  Being "unsuited to trade and too proud to go into service," she's relieved when her godfather offers to take her in.  March has never met Sidney Grice, but she learns some startling facts about her mysterious guardian on the way to his home in London.  The man, apparently, has made quite a name for himself as a brilliant, brave personal detective.  Not exactly a people person, Grice is civil to his new charge but hardly enthusiastic.

Fascinated by Grice's daring occupation, March longs for a taste of the excitement.  When a case presents itself, she offers to pay the client's fee if Grice agrees to investigate.  Reluctantly, the detective accepts.  Together, the unlikely duo look into the situation—a young woman has been stabbed to death, apparently by her husband.  The victim's mother insists her son-in-law is innocent.  March believes her.  Grice is less convinced.  Still, as the two dig deeper, they discover inconsistencies and clues that cast a new light on the crime.  The closer they get to the truth, the more dangerous the streets of East End grow for the curious pair.  Will March and her godfather live long enough to solve the case?  Or will they become the newest corpses discovered on the mean Whitechapel streets?

I don't know about you, but I enjoy a good Victorian mystery tale.  The Mangle Street Murders, the first in a new detective series by M.R.C. Kasasian, isn't my genre favorite, but I still found the story enjoyable.  Gruesome, mind you, but entertaining nonetheless.  March Middleton is a likable narrator—she's smart, determined, and more than capable of matching wits with her guardian.  Sidney Grice is an intriguing character in his own right, although the brilliant but socially awkward P.I. is fast becoming a cliché in crime fiction.  Still, The Mangle Street Murders is a compelling, atmospheric mystery that manages to be both bleak and funny.  Its setting can't help but be depressing, its subject matter gory and yet, I liked this one overall.  True, I haven't found myself clamoring for a sequel; that, however, is probably only a matter of time.  

(Readalikes:  Reminded me of the Veronica Speedwell series by Deanna Raybourn [A Curious Beginning; and A Perilous Undertaking] and Scotland Yard's Murder Squad series  [The Yard; The Black Country; The Blue Girl (novella); The Devil's Workshop; The Harvest Man; Lost and Gone Forever; and Dark House] by Alex Grecian)

Grade: 

If this were a movie, it would be rated:

for language (no F-bombs), violence, blood/gore, and disturbing subject matter

To the FTC, with love:  Another library fine find