DRC Review: Snowball Unwrapped

• Publisher: Kensington Books
• Publication Date: September 26, 2023
• Author: Kristen McKanaugh
• Genre: General Fiction (Adult)
• Page Count: 304

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Blurb

Take two humans destined for love (even if they don’t know it), add one adorably mischievous cat with a penchant for playing cupid, and throw in a gorgeous mountainside B&B decked out for the holidays…it’s Snowball’s recipe for the purrrfect Weber Haus Christmas!

Jocelyn Becker would do anything for her twin sister. Unfortunately, “anything” this time means taking Ilse’s place as host of tv’s Home & Hearth and filming five Christmas-themed episodes at the Victorian inn and shops of Weber Haus. Somehow, Jocelyn will have to convince the world—and her co-host, Ben—that she is Ilse, who can craft, cook, bake, sing, and skate. Jocelyn, however, cannot.

Snowball, the inn’s official greeter, is also having double trouble. The show has its own feline star, a Snowball-lookalike named Angel who’s more of a devil in disguise. Meanwhile, Snowball has noticed enough sparks between Ben and Jocelyn to light up a Christmas tree. But thanks to Jocelyn’s deception and Angel’s antics, this is going to be Snowball’s most challenging match yet.Still, the holidays are made for mistletoe kisses, crackling fires, cozy evenings, and of course, sweet Snowball shenanigans . . .

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My Thoughts & Opinions

I’m such a sucker when it comes to heartwarming books involving animals (dogs and cats, especially.) In Snowball Unwrapped, the novel isn’t so much about Snowball, the resident cat, it’s about the budding romance facilitated by the wile and crafty cat. Snowball, you see, has a gift no other cat has. The gift of matchmaking.

Snowball Unwrapped was such a feel good book. It’s perfect for the upcoming holidays and is filled with Christmassy vibes. The story is told from a third person’s point of view and it also includes Snowball’s perspective which I loved. Snowball’s personality shines through in this novel. The author has a knack for humanizing the cat character. So much so that I almost envisioned Snowball as another human.

I loved all the other characters in the novel. They were well developed and fleshed out to get a sense of each of their personalities. The only exception would be Ilse whose demanding and obtuse behavior just made her come across as “Miss Diva” throughout the novel. But Ilse does redeem herself at the end, which made for a lovely finale.

The plot follows an opposites attract trope. And the attraction is prodded along by the smart, insistent, and adorable white cat who is a resident of the local inn. It’s a cute story. However, the narrative got somewhat repetitive having the same theatrics of live filming of a show with various Christmas themes.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed Snowball Unwrapped and look forward to reading more from the author about Snowball’s adventures. Four solid stars.

I received a DRC from Kensington Books. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.

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Book Review: Mur, the Kitty-Knight Adventures

• Publisher: Independently Published
• Publication Date: July 3, 2023
• Author: Igor Shnayder
• Genre: Childrens Fiction
• Page Count: 27

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Blurb

This is the tale of a brave little cat named Mur, who becomes a knight in a magical realm of animals. He extends a helping paw to those in distress, rescues a rare plant, finds common ground with a dragon, and even attends a royal ball. Through his actions, Mur demonstrates that true strength is not just physical might, but also encompasses kindness, wisdom, honesty, and the ability to empathize. Upon returning home, he shares his adventures and the lessons he has learned with his friends and family, teaching young readers about the importance of friendship and kindness.

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My Thoughts & Opinions

It’s the gorgeous cover and illustrations that drew me in. Expecting the narrative to match the stunning graphics, I was not disappointed

The book consists of eleven short stories. Each story provides some life lessons in a highly entertaining way. Some of those life lessons focused on generosity, honesty, determination, and teamwork. All of which are attributes that children should learn and practice.

I found Mur, the Kitty-Knight Adventures to be a wonderful read for preschoolers who are just learning to socialize with others their same age. It’s a must have book to instill the young ones with character virtues in a thoughtful and fun way. Five solid stars.

I received a digital copy of the book from author Igor Shnayder. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.

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Book Review: The Way of the Bear

• Publisher: Harper
• Publication Date: April 25, 2023
• Author: Anne Hillerman
• Genre: Mystery & Thriller
• Page Count: 281

⭐⭐

Rating: 2 out of 5.

Blurb

An unexpected death on a lonely road outside of Utah’s Bears Ears National Park raises questions for Navajo Tribal Police officers Jim Chee and Bernadette Manuelito. Why would a seasoned outdoorsman and well-known paleontologist freeze to death within walking distance of his car? A second death brings more turmoil. Who is the unidentified man killed during a home invasion where nothing seems to have been taken? Why was he murdered?

The Bears Ears area, at the edge of the Navajo Nation, is celebrated for its abundance of early human habitation sites and the discovery of unique fossils which revolutionized the scientific view of how early animals dealt with their changing world. For Chee and Bernie, the area glows with geological interest and spiritual insight. But their visit to this achingly beautiful place is disrupted by a current of unprecedented violence that sweeps them both into danger.

An illicit business, a fossilized jaw bone, hints of witchcraft, and a mysterious disappearance during a blizzard and to the peril. It will take all of Manuelito’s and Chee’s experience, skill, and intuition to navigate the threats that arise beneath the twin buttes that give Bears Ears its name and to see justice served.

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My Thoughts & Opinions

The Way of the Bear is the eighth novel in the Leaphorn, Chee, and Manuelito series. Even though it’s the eighth novel, it is possible to read it as a standalone.

I didn’t particularly care for the author’s style of writing. It seemed somewhat detached. Perhaps her journalistic background had something to do with the aloof vibe that I got from reading the book.

The plot lines were a mixed bag and got confusing at times, which necessitated me to backtrack several times to determine its relevance in the scheme of things.

There were a number of new characters. And all of them were pretty generic. Even the established characters didn’t have much to go on. But it maybe due to the longstanding existence that they had. Even so, things and times change so it’s probably time for a character makeover.

Overall, the narrative was somewhat boring throughout. I kept hoping for more excitement. But perhaps my sentiment was due in part to the plot centering around fossils. Too bad the ending didn’t come close to redeeming the lackluster flavor of the novel. Two stars as I somehow managed to finish the novel by a thread.

I received a finished copy of the novel from Harper through the Goodreads giveaway. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thought and opinions.

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Book Review: The Fallout Family

• Publisher: Self/Independent
• Publication Date: July 19, 2023
• Author: Isaac Cooke-Khan
• Genre: Dystopian | Middle Grade
• Page Count: 65

⭐⭐

Rating: 2 out of 5.

My Thoughts & Opinions

The Fallout Family is a very short story about a brother and sister team attempting to navigate a new world devastated by a nuclear event. Together with their newly “adopted” dog Bella, Piper and James must fight to survive the harsh realities of the vast wasteland.

I found The Fallout Family entertaining. The story was easy to follow and the pacing well played. However, I did find parts of the narrative a bit confusing since there wasn’t any backstory about the magical crown. So that left a lot of questions as to how it came to be, and the purpose as well as use for it.

There are a number of sentences that didn’t quite make sense. And I really think that a good editor could really make a difference in the delivery and execution of the story.

As for the book being suitable for middle grade readers, it just maybe too over the top for that reading level. My opinion is due in part to the graphic violence that takes place. But maybe I’m just too old fashioned when it comes to reading and tolerance levels.

In any event, the book is an okay read as it stands. But it has potential to become better. Two stars.

I received a digital copy of the book from the author. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.

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DRC Review: Bright Lights, Big Christmas

• Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
• Publication Date: September 26, 2023
• Author: Mary Kay Andrews
• Genre: Women’s Fiction
• Page Count: 288

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Blurb

When fall rolls around, it’s time for Kerry Tolliver to leave her family’s Christmas tree farm in the mountains of North Carolina for the wilds of New York City to help her gruff older brother & his dog, Queenie, sell the trees at the family stand on a corner in Greenwich Village. Sharing a tiny vintage camper and experiencing Manhattan for the first time, Kerry’s ready to try to carve out a new corner for herself.

In the weeks leading into Christmas, Kerry quickly becomes close with the charming neighbors who live near their stand. When an elderly neighbor goes missing, Kerry will need to combine her country know-how with her newly acquired New York knowledge to protect the new friends she’s come to think of as family,

And complicating everything is Patrick, a single dad raising his adorable, dragon-loving son Austin on this quirky block. Kerry and Patrick’s chemistry is undeniable, but what chance does this holiday romance really have?

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My Thoughts & Opinions

Since I’m a big fan of Mary Kay Andrews, I just knew I had to read Bright Lights, Big Christmas. And I was not disappointed.

The book’s description pretty much hightlights the gist of the novel. But it’s primarily a friends and family story with a smidge of romance.

The characters are typical Mary Kay Andrews’ style — clean, wholesome, colorful and sometimes snarky. I loved everyone of them in this novel. And if you’ve also read The Santa Suit, there are a couple of other character mentions which was a nice surprise and a welcome nod to The Santa Suit novel.

A lot of heartfelt scenes dotted the novel’s landscape, which made for some tearful and joyous moments. Get the tissues ready for a heartwarming holiday story perfect for Christmastime or anytime of the year for a needed break from the daily grind. Five stars.

I received a DRC from St. Martin’s Press through NetGalley. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.

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Book Review: Cryptogram Evolution

• Publisher: BooksGoSocial
• Publication Date: November 28, 2022
• Author: Phil W. Byne
• Genre: Entertainment | Nonfiction (Adult)
• Page Count: 91

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Blurb

A Fun and New Way Of Decrypting An Encrypted Text That Word Puzzle Fans Are Sure To Love. In a typical cryptogram puzzle, hints are usually provided. One letter of the alphabet is substituted for another and you use patterns of letters and words to try to figure out what each letter stands for until the entire text is decrypted. This, however, is not your typical cryptogram puzzle. In cryptogram evolution, there are no hints, no substitution of letters, and no letter or word patterns. Instead, you are given an encrypted text, in which some of the letters appear within a puzzle box and some do not. Therefore, using your vocabulary knowledge, you must arrange all the remaining letters of the text correctly within the puzzle box in order to decrypt the text and figure out the hidden phrase.
✓ Over 130 Fun Challenging Puzzles
✓ Over 20 Entertaining Puzzle Themes
✓ 8.5″ x 11″ book size
✓ Easy to read large print font
✓ Printed on high-quality white paper
✓ Answers provided at the back of the book

My Thoughts & Opinions

Cryptogram Evolution was such a fun puzzle book. The puzzles in it are not your typical cryptograms. Rather, as the title suggests, they are an evolved form of cryptograms.

There are 140 different puzzles that have varying points assigned to them. The points assignment is a great way to engage in some friendly competition with other puzzlers or against yourself in a timed atmosphere.

I liked that the puzzles reveal some interesting facts when they are deciphered. For example, The Double Tree In Italy was the solution for An Amazing Phenomenon. Entertainment and education at the same time!

For puzzle aficionados, Cryptogram Evolution is a must have to add to your puzzle library. Get your copy right away. I know I will. Five stars.

I received a digital copy of the book from BooksGoSocial through NetGalley. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.

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DRC Review: Her Sweet Revenge

• Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
• Publication Date: September 5, 2023
• Author: Sarah Bonner
• Genre: General Fiction (Adult)
• Page Count: 416

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Blurb

Helena is beautiful, successful, and living in married bliss in Exeter. But she’s hiding a secret that could tear her perfect life apart. When the notes begin to arrive, she realizes someone else must know. But what might her husband and his overbearing family do if they find out the truth?

Thea is reeling from her best friend Helena’s death. But when she starts digging into the circumstances, she receives a threatening note warning her to stop. She knows her friend’s death wasn’t an accident. This was murder. And she is determined to get revenge. And everyone knows, it’s almost always the husband . . .

My Thoughts & Opinions

Her Sweet Revenge was a very complex story with multiple twists that I don’t even know where to begin to describe it. But the blurb about the book does a good job without giving away the story.

The story unfolds through multiple points of view over multiple timelines. It was a slow build until Helena’s death. And soon after, the pacing and suspense took off with a lot of plot twists that kept me guessing till the end.

There were a number of characters and each of them were well developed. Especially if each of them could draw out the ire in me. In particular, Geraldine was the typical protrayal of the evil mother-in-law from hell. She was aptly nicknamed “Smaug” by Helena. And that was so apropos in my opinion.

The other characters had their own idiosyncracies. And I just loved how author, Bonner fleshed them out to be who each of them were personality-wise. Each of them were distinct and definitely not vanilla.

The novel was on course to be a five star read for me. Unfortunately, the finale just killed any chance of it being so. But the novel still ranks up there with four stars — all things considered.

I received a DRC from Grand Central Publishing through NetGalley. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.

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DRC Review: Secrets Never Die

• Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
• Publication Date: August 29, 2023
• Author: Vincent Ralph
• Genre: Mystery & Thrillers | Teens & YA
• Page Count: 368

⭐⭐⭐

Rating: 3 out of 5.

Blurb

Every year Sam Hall and his friends hold funerals for their secrets in an abandoned hut in the woods that they call the Dark Place. But this year, their secrets are coming back from the dead…to terrorize them.

Sam is a former child star whose career went up in flames – literally. And no one, not even his best friend knows why. His friends each hold a secret pertaining to the night. A secret they would all like buried.

Now someone from the past is blackmailing them with their dangerous secrets. Sam isn’t sure who he can trust, who’s watching him – or how far he’s willing to go to bury the past once and for all.

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Thoughts & Opinions

The description of the book pretty much sums up the gist of the story. I won’t write anything more that would spoil the mystery or suspense.

The book is touted as a novel for fans of Diana Urban and Courtney Summers. Since I have enjoyed Diana Urban’s novels, I jumped at the chance to read this book. Well, it didn’t quite live up to all of the hype. And I probaby expected a lot more than normal.

As far as the characters go, they were typical teenagers that ran the gamut of school bully, the intellectual, and the underprivileged. I didn’t particularly care for any of the main characters. And I didn’t quite appreciate the insertion of a non-binary character as well. The only character that I did like was Molly, the youngest sister of Sam. A child prodigy in the making…

There are a number of plot twists that slowly reveal the blackmailer and the motive. I thought that the secrets that Sam and his friends had were pretty thin to warrant blackmail threats, however. But it is what it is. In any event, there was enough suspense in the narrative to keep me interested and moving forward. But in the end, there wasn’t anything surprising about the big reveal. Three stars.

I received a DRC from St. Martin’s Press through NetGalley. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.

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