Favorite books of 2020

Moment of Truth by Kasie West

First: Get Caught by Crystal Liechty

The Match by Sarah Adams

Believing in You by Jess Mastorakos

The Riven Kingdoms series by Shari L. Tapscott

A Man Worth Shaving For by Michelle Pennington

The Twelve Holidates by Emma St. Clair

If It's Perfect by Summer Dowell

Songs for Libby by Annette K. Larsen

The House that Death Built by Mel Stone

Suits and Sparkplugs by Aspen Hadley

Reforming Lord Neil by Sally Britton

Blackmoore by Julianne Donaldson

Tongue Twisters for Kids - Tongue Twister Drama skits for Cubscouts

I was a little underwhelmed by my Google search for tongue twisters so I made some up and I figured I'd save them here. These are for 2 or 3 kids to act out together. If they really enjoy it, you can make them start over each time they mess up until they perform the whole thing perfectly! (As Studio C does in their sketch comedy)

Waiter: The soup is oyster bisque with a mist of lemon twist.

Food critic: I’m looking for a specific pacific fish dish.

Waiter: The special is sushi surprise with salmon salad.

Food critic: Who is your sushi chef?

Waiter: Who, Jeff?

Sushi Chef: I am the sushi chef. My name is Jeff. My sushi is the best.

 

Soccer Coach: No smelly shoes at practice. I’m shocked at the socks in this locker room.

Player 1: But Coach, the basketball team threw three free throws after sticking with their stinky lucky socks.

Player 2: Please can we tease the other team with our solution of stinky socks steaming from our pungent shoes?

Soccer Coach: Lucky socks start to stink too soon. Besides, winners don’t whine and whiners don’t win.

 

Boy 1: My sister swapped her costume and now she wishes werewolves were willing to wear wool on Halloween.

Boy 2: The vampire version is seven times less scratchy.

Boy 1: Yes, but she should shun the shining sun.

Boy 2: I suggest a slightly less sweaty costume.

Boy 1: A pirate princess popstar would be practically perfect.

Top 10 Bookish Pet Peeves

We readers know what we like ... and don't like. Feel free to add to the list or argue with me in the comments.


My Top Ten Bookish Pet Peeves, in no particular order


1. Cliffhanger endings

2. Made up character names I can't pronounce. I don't care what country/planet Magergaherm is from. Name him Hal.

3. Not using contractions in dialogue

4. Bad movie adaptations - Yes, Percy Jackson and the Olympians - I'm talking about you!

5. Back/neck pain from staying up late leaning over a book. Also feeling dead the next day.

6. This is more a movie thing, but why does every character love jazz? I'm pretty sure in real life it's just my high school choir teacher.

7. Kids books with dust jackets Why!! They just rip.

8. The interrupting phone call / doorbell as a plot device to keep a character from telling the truth. (And yes, I've probably used it)

9. Starting too many sentences with ING. Running to the door, she... Taking out his phone, he...

10. Sharing a book with someone and trying to keep their bookmark from falling out.

Book Review of Seventh Born (The Talented Book 1) by Rachel Rossano

I could tell this was a special book to the author. There was a lot of detailed world building and Christian faith woven into a story that spanned several years. If you're looking for the romance you expect from a Rachel Rossano novel (such as Duty - LOVED that book) than this is probably not the book for you, though it's hinted that it will come in the next one. But as an inspirational fantasy with characters of integrity and grit, this works.

Zezilia is an interesting character, humble yet highly gifted and intelligent. Hadrian is the reluctant hero, holding fast while surrounded by corruption and power-seeking. I can't wait to see what comes next for them.

I received an ARC copy and chose to write a review.

Book Review of My Sister's Intended (Serendipity Book 1) by Rachael Anderson

Rachael Anderson is one of my favorite authors, and while I haven't loved everything she's written, she consistently puts out great books. My Sister's Intended did not disappoint. Prudence, who totally does not match her name, is suspicious of her sister's intended fiancee after she sees him making eyes at another woman and overhearing them planning to meet. She goes to intercept what she thinks is a tryst (while also gathering research for her romance novel). Of course, she's totally wrong about him, and unintentionally captures his attention instead. I loved that this was about a lovable headstrong heroine, but she didn't do reckless thing after reckless thing and somehow weasel out of the consequences as I've seen in many regency novels lately. This has long been a pet-peeve of mine. She loves her sister and the conflict felt real. Definitely a recommend from me.

My Top Ten Favorite Books for 2017

I've always loved top ten lists, so why not make one? Here are my top ten favorite reads from this year, in alphabetical order, since I can't pick among faves.


10. All's Fair in Love, War, and High School by Janette Rallison



I love all Janette Rallison's YA books (with the exception of Son of War, Daughter of Chaos, but that's a whole other post). They are funny, easy to relate to, and with flawed, but lovable characters with hilarious insight into life. This one is no exception.


9. Beyond the Rising Tide by Sarah Beard



This is a YA romance book, but also a book about the afterlife, regrets, being a hero, survival guilt... so much to think about. Really enjoyed this.

8. Edgewood by Karen McQuestion



This is a YA Fantasy series about teens that develop powers. And yes, that's kinda been overdone, but the characters are an interesting group and I have to say, book 2 was amazing. The relationship between Russ and Nadia is very unique and seeing things from different character perspectives really changed how I felt about the characters in book 1.


7. House of Oak 1-5 by Nichole Van



You're going to want to read all five, might as well get the boxed set. Nichole Van seamlessly intertwines a contemporary romance novel with an Austen-like regency novel. Each can be read as a stand-alone, but they work better if you read in order.

6. Isabella and the Slipper by Victorine E. Lieske



I got to beta read this, and I have to say this hit the sweet spot of using a fairy tale to tell a compelling YA love story.

5. Love and Fat-Free Cheese by Crissy Sharp



This is both a satisfying clean romance and a suspense mystery wrapped in one. Really loved this book.

4. Moss Forest Orchid by Shari L Tapscott



I'm still a little miffed that this ended in a cliff-hanger, but I really, really loved all the adventure and romance and fantasy elements like pocket dragons. Everything Shari L Tapscott writes is amazing.

3. P.S. I Like You by Kasie West



Kasie West is like the queen of YA. This one is especially fun because it's a passing notes, mystery admirer kind of story.

2. The Princess Fugitive by Melanie Cellier



This is another book where the main character was an unlikable side character in a previous book, until she gets her own story and you learn about her past. Full of adventure and clean romance.

1. The Student and the Slave by Annie Douglas Lima



This was another beta read and a great culmination to the three book series. This is YA, but otherwise hard to categorize in that it's alternative reality with no magic. And about martial arts. Definitely different than what I write or usually read, but engaging all the same.

Fate's Arrangement by Megan Elder Evans

Fate's Arrangement is about a noblewoman who more than anything else, wants to continue her work as a midwife, performing c-sections in a time where everyone else thinks she's barbaric. This book is not for the squeamish as there are several childbirth scenes and sword fights and such. Tastefully done, but realistic. The adventure and romance in it are both excellent. I really enjoyed this and haven't read anything else quite like it before.

I received an early copy from the author and wanted to write a review.

The Student and the Slave (Krillonian Chronicles Book 3), by Annie Douglas Lima

I had the privilege of being a beta reader for all three of the Krillonian Chronicles and this one was a great wrap up to the series. Bensin and Steene have traded places. One a free man now owned by a spoiled teenager, and one a former slave now free. But being free isn't all Bensin thought it would be. He's out of work and feels like a burden to those that helped him. The characters are well rounded, with flaws and temptations that make their circumstances even harder. The choices they have to make are not easy, and whatever they choose, someone is bound to get hurt. And yet, even with the tough subject matter, this is once again a fun adventure, appropriate for a middle grade reader, with a very satisfying ending. I highly recommend.

Moss Forest Orchid (Silver and Orchids Book 1), by Shari L Tapscott

A book with magic and dragons is a little out of my usual reading genre, but the heroine in this is so feisty and fun that I was drawn in. After an investment gone wrong, Lucia is determined to make back the money and pay off her business partner/best friend, Sebastian. Even if it means dealing with monsters, pirates, and exploding plants. Sebastian is swoon-worthy throughout, so I was a little annoyed to find the book ending on a cliff-hanger. I will probably read books 2 and 3 through KU, but I had gone in hoping those were separate stories set in the same world, since the world-building in this is so good.

P.S. I Like You, by Kasie West

I'm turning into a gushing fan of Kasie West. This one started a little slow. Lily hates Chemistry, so when her drawing/creative writing notebook gets banned from class, she writes in pencil on her desk and is amazed when someone leaves a response. It's not too hard to take a guess as to who her mystery man might be, and yet that doesn't take away from the fun of the book at all. Kasie West still manages to throw in some surprises and made me laugh out loud until the end. A definite recommend.

Scoundrel in Disguise, by Shaela Kay

What a fun regency romance between two unlikely people. Sarah was a bit too naive and flaky for my taste, but she turned out to be a well-rounded character and I enjoyed her story. This makes me want to read the first book in the series - although it works perfectly as a standalone too. The first book is called A Heart Made of Indigo.

I received a free copy of this book and chose to write a review about it.

House of Oak, Books 1-5, by Nichole Van

Yep, I read all five. This is a series that takes the best of Jane Austenish regency novels and the best part of contemporary romance novels and puts them together, with time travel! Thanks to a portal in the cellar, lots of romance ensues with difficult choices about which time period they should live in and whether or not they can give up everything else for true love. The romance is swoonish, but definitely clean and I really can't decide which book I loved best. I recommend them all. The first one is offered for free quite regularly, and the rest are 3.99 for Kindle.

Honest and for True: (The Adventures of Lee and Bucky Book 1) by Jane Lebak

This writer has a quirky, refreshing, hilarious writing style and I was immediately drawn in. Lee is a person who is comfortable in her skin, she just can't tell anyone about it, thinking they won't understand her. And then she meets a guy she wishes she didn't lie to. Oh, and she has a guardian angel. Definite recommend. 2.99 for Kindle.

Yella's Prayers by Nadine C. Keels

She awoke with a gasp, sitting up. God? Was that You?
A pivotal year awaits Bless, a young woman who hides her passion: her music. She's not exactly friends with T'meal, a talented athlete who won't explain why he's passed up the chance of a lifetime. Nor is Bless too close to Lamall, a boisterous playboy with a broken private life that's spiraling out of control.

But Bless knows she's meant to help these two young men. She can't deny the Voice that told her so.

This is a book with carefully crafted characters and lots of family drama. I thought it was unique that the story comes from the perspective of a shy younger sister, who is the axis everyone else revolves around (although she doesn't really see it in herself). The author's strength lies in her ability to touch hearts and create characters and dialogue that come alive. I do wish it had been edited down a bit, but I recommend this as a worthwhile Christian read dealing with serious issues.

I received an ARC of Yella's Prayers from the author.

To Warm a Wintered Heart, by Deborah M. Hathaway

Charlotte Rosebury, a friendly and kind eligible lady of means, meets Gabriel Worthington, a grieving man who has closed off his heart to love. After the death of his elder brother and father, he cares for his matchmaking mother and their estate. He wants nothing more. His mother, of course, wants nothing more than for him to fall in love and marry.

This had an interesting premise and I enjoyed the back and forth between the two characters, I just hoped for a little more growth on Gabriel's part. He is a hard character to like, and requires a lot of understanding for all the misunderstandings he causes. I enjoyed the side characters of Mrs. Worthington and Charlotte's boisterous younger sister. But the villainous side characters who live near Mr. Worthington were a little over-the-top and Gabriel did very little to protect Charlotte from them.
Regardless, the romance is sweet, clean, and swoon-worthy, and the style of the writing matched the regency period well. There were no grammatical errors to detract from the pleasure of reading.

Disclosure: I received an early review copy of this book.

Emma's Match by Franky A. Brown

I love Jane Austen and I have a love/hate relationship with Austen off-shoots, but I have to say, I LOVE this version of Emma. I was lucky enough to be an early reader of this novel and Emma Wallace is the perfect character. You want to simultaneously hug her and strangle her. She's adorably snobby, stubborn, and yet trying desperately to improve herself. And swoon alert - from the first few pages you'll fall in love with her neighbor and best friend, Will Knight. This modern take on a classic is funny, clean, romantic, and a definite recommend.

Almost There, by Laurel Garver

I'm so used to reading books driven by a romantic plot, or fantasy adventure, that it took me a little while to get used to this one. I would categorize it as YA Christian Family Drama. Dani has a flawed family she's trying to keep together, and big dreams. Her boyfriend Theo has his own issues, but he's seems to own them and share them in a way that Dani can't yet.

I loved the fact that when Dani makes a mistake, it comes back to bite her, and she must unravel it on her own, rather than somehow getting resolved through unrealistic machinations like in many other books.

This book felt real. All the characters are working through their own stuff, good and bad. My only caveat was the grandfather. I had a hard time dealing with the fact that everything in the book revolves around helping such a horrible person.

Well edited, interesting, and hard to put down, a definite recommend. 3.99 for Kindle. I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.

Lady Maybe, by Julie Klassen

Julie Klassen is one of those authors where you just buy her book off of name recognition. I saw this for 1.99 and needed something to read, so I bought it. And it started out intriguing, and different than other regency novels. The protagonist, Hannah, is a lady's companion to an unfaithful, and silly woman, but left for unknown reasons. She comes back, needing money and reluctantly agrees to join her employers at a new house. After a horrible carriage accident, there is a case of mistaken identity and she realizes she must keep up the farce to go rescue her baby who was left behind, being held by an unscrupulous caretaker until she can pay up.

At this point, things start getting ridiculous. I liked the unfolding mystery and the series of detailed memories that reveal different things, but the love triangle served no other purpose except to add unnecessary sexual tension. Both guys had a Mr. Rochester/Jane Eyre feel to them, which the author admitted was part of her inspiration for certain scenes. For me, it just made both guys unlikable. I kept thinking, is this really a Julie Klassen novel? It had Christian themes of forgiveness, grace, and truth, but the protagonist didn't match the ideals she claimed to want to live up to. I saw little growth in her character. She was not careful about her reputation or her amorous feelings, or how she allowed men to treat her, even after having just experienced the effects of having a child out of wedlock.

The setting was carefully researched and it was free from grammatical errors, but I did not really enjoy this and almost gave up on it about halfway through.

The Princess Companion: A Retelling of The Princess and the Pea (The Four Kingdoms Book 1) by Melanie Cellier

In this fairy tale remix, The Princess of the Pea is closely tied to Cinderella, as in, Cinderella, now a mom, is obsessed with the idea of her son marrying a "real" princess. So she gets a pea from her fairy godmother and is told to put it under the mattress for visiting princesses as a test.

Pros:
This author is GREAT at world building and developing characters. She sets things up nicely for subsequent books and has interesting, real ideas of things that might have happened to these fairy tale people.

This is a perfectly clean, romantic read (sigh), which I love.

Cons:
This author (or her editor) needs to fall in love with the comma. There were several sentences that made no sense with the comma missing and I had to go back and re-read to understand. And I'm no grammar snob. Also, she loves adverbs, to the point that I started to count them as I read.

The point of view was almost always through the eyes of the princess companion (a.k.a. pea-feeler), but there were short stints from the point of view of the mom, the prince, the villain, etc. It was kinda weird. I would have preferred a back and forth with the princess companion and the prince.

2.99 or free to borrow. A definite recommend.

The Girl Who Heard Demons, by Janette Rallison

Adelle is starting over at a new school for her senior year, in a new state, living with her aunt. The reason: She hears demons, and telling people hasn't gone well in the past. She plans to lay low and keep it a secret, until getting wrapped up in protecting the cute quarterback, Levi.

I'm a huge fan, and maybe that's why this one threw me. I would say that while The Girl Who Heard Demons was entertaining and I devoured it in two days, this is my least favorite Janette Rallison novel. It wasn't too dark, but darker than I'm used to from her, with authentic teenage language full of innuendo. It was funny, but not as funny as I'm used to. And while it was a mystery, it wasn't too hard to figure out what was going on well before the end.