Summer is my time for reading picture books.  As part of the Young Hoosier Book Award Committee through ILF I am currently reviewing about 80 picture books.  Evaluations of the committee will narrow the list down to the final 20 for 2014-2015.

A light, funny, holiday read

Just finished reading Blue Christmas by Mary Kay Andrews
It's the week before Christmas, and antiques dealer Weezie Foley is in a frenzy to garnish her shop for the Savannah historical district decorating contest, which she intends to win. Weezie is ready to shoot herself with her glue gun by the time she's done, but the results are stunning. She's certainly one-upped the owners of the trendy boutique around the corner, but suddenly things start to go missing from her display, and there seems to be a mysterious midnight visitor to her shop.
Still, Weezie has high hopes for the holiday—maybe in the form of an engagement ring from her chef boyfriend. But Daniel, always moody at the holidays, seems more distant than usual. Throw in Weezie's decidedly odd family, a 1950s Christmas tree pin, and even a little help from the King himself (Elvis, that is), and maybe there will be a pocketful of miracles for Weezie this Christmas Eve.

Go RED Team!

When winter gets tough......read more!!

Currently listening to Snow Blind by P.J. Tracy 

Currently reading Best friends, Occasional enemies by

Lisa Scottoline and her daughter

Reading Kathy Chandler...................................

A wonderful romantic fantasy that quickly gets you engaged in the lives of the main characters Johnathan and Laney. As these young adults explore the idea of finding a soul mate, adventure kicks in and sends them swimming through life's lessons. With time on their side, they are able to utilize role models that span through generations and overcome unwanted hurdles that we can all relate to. An excellant read for young adults, however, all adults will feel the magic of this story and crave more "Time in Paradise."  ~ Lauri

So excited that Kathy's second book is ready for reading.  Check out Finding Kate and visit Kathy at:
http://www.kathysbookgarden.com/

Congrats Priscilla the Great - Best Books for Young Adults Nominee

Priscilla the Great Book 1

Book Blurb –  amazon.com

Did you ever want a blowtorch for a finger? Meet Priscilla Sumner, an ordinary seventh grader with extraordinary gifts. As if middle school isn't hard enough, not only does Priscilla have to fight pimples and bullies, but genetically enhanced assassins trying to kill her and her family. Armed with wit, strength, and a genius best friend, Priscilla must defeat the Selliwood Institute, a mysterious organization with a mission of turning children into killing machines.

Review

With an over protective father, Priscilla keeps a fairly low profile in her hometown of River Bend, PA.  About the biggest news in her 7^th grade life is wondering when she will get her first kiss.  With her mom often traveling on business, she longs for girl time and maybe a discussion on all this hormone stuff.  At least she has her BFF Tai, the awkward science genius that she is.  Prissy doesn’t have the brains she has but she sure can stir up some heat once in a while.  As a matter of fact it’s becoming quite frequent and she really needs to find out why.  She runs to Tai with her secret of producing flames and hearing voices.  SNAP - her somewhat normal life bursts into action as she discovers she has secret powers.  With her older brother’s help, they confront mom and dad about the truth which comes with awesome responsibilities.

As a reader I like twists and turns that keep my attention and surprise my mind.  Priscilla the Great filled that role fully.  An incredible mix of young people’s drama and fast moving events keep this book rolling from start to finish.  And speaking of finish, Holy Hotdogs!  Don’t do that to me!!  Where is the next book??  Don’t worry……There are plenty more.  Check them out at:  www.priscillathegreat.com

~ Lauri Chandler

www.bookblogstuff.blogspot.com

Rating - HOT

 

Disclaimer:  All opinions expressed are strictly my own based on my personal reading experience and in no way influenced by others.  I was not compensated for this review.

Book Details

Title:  Priscilla the Great Book 1

Author:  Sybil Nelson

Format:  e-book about 276 pages

Publisher:  WorldMaker Media (December 14, 2010)

Review Source:  Snagged a copy from Member Giveaways at LibraryThing

Turtle in Paradise

My favorite summertime read so far.  A girl from New Jersey is sent to stay with her aunt in Key West for the summer.  She meets several boy cousins who have their own babysitting business and teach her about what local life is down in the Keys.  Awesome read for so many different ages.  Take it with you wherever you go this summer and you will love every minute with Turtle.