• Reviews

    A Season of Gifts

    The only time I have to listen to audiobooks is when I drive to my parents’ home (which gives a solid 5 hours in the car one-way).  I picked up A Season of Gifts for my drive – it’s about a 4-hour audiobook – the perfect length for my trip! …

  • Reviews

    Ghost Hawk

    I’ve been captivated by historical fictin since I was young and I especially loved The Sign of the Beaver by Elizabeth George Speare and Julie of the Wolves by Jean Craighead George.  I read Ghost Hawk this week and what a perfect time of year, the book takes place around…

  • Reviews

    Al Capone Does My Homework

    Gennifer Choldenko has done it again with a cast of characters living on a island with the most dangerous criminals of the time.  Al Capone Does My Homework is the third in the series of books about Moose, his sister Natalie, their family and friends, and of course Al Capone…

  • Reviews

    Beholding Bee

    Beholding Bee written by Kimberly Newton Fusco is about orphaned “Bee” who lives and works in a traveling carnival.  She was born with a birthmark on her face in the shape of a diamond and is often faced with the taunts and jeers of the children (and adults) who come…

  • Reviews

    Ripper

    Unsolved mysteries are always intriguing and the sensationalized serial killer Jack the Ripper is no different.  Stefan Petrucha created a new twist in the historical fiction/steampunk novel, Ripper.  Carver Young is adopted by ex-Pinkerton detective, Harking at the age of 14 and soon becomes entangled in the  pursuit of Jack the Ripper…

  • Reviews

    Hattie Big Sky & Hattie Ever After

    I actually spent much of my weekend reading – a shock, I know!  I was able to read three books this weekend, which is often unheard of and made me extremely happy!  I finally got to read Hattie Big Sky by Kirby Larson, which I had thought I already read,…

  • Reviews

    The Fire Horse Girl

    I really enjoyed this historical fiction novel based in San Francisco in the early 1920s.  Often, parts of history seem to be overlooked in grade school and although much is said about immigration through Ellis Island, I had never heard of Angel Island, until I read this novel.  Angel Island…

  • Reviews

    Sophia’s War

    The year is 1776 and as Sophia Calderwood and her mother return to their homes in New York City, they witness the hanging of Nathan Hale and Sophia vows to do all she can for the American cause.  Little does she know, that she will become a maid and spy in…

  • Reviews

    Wonder Show

    Another book I grabbed because the cover art caught my attention.  Wonder Show by Hannah Barnaby was a fascinating read and was perfect for the two days I was home from work because of Hurricane Sandy.  This book is definitely one to pick up if you love vivid descriptions and settings…

  • Reviews

    Death Cloud

    If you’ve visited my blog in the past, I’ve mentioned my love of all things Sherlock Holmes and this middle grade/young adult novel does not disappoint.  Death Cloud: Sherlock Holmes, The Legend Begins written by Andrew Lane is approved by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s estate and his surviving relatives, which made…