Category: YA/MG/Children’s Books Page 2 of 42

BOOK SPOTLIGHT: Lianna and the Hombit by Valinora Troy

On January 21, 2026

In Book Tour, Fantasy, Fiction, YA/MG/Children's Books

I’m very pleased today to welcome The Write Reads Blog Tour for the first volume of Valinora Troy’s Lianna and the Hombit! The Tour’s in full swing, and it’s looking pretty good–take a gander at feed for https://twitter.com/WriteReadsTours or The Write Reads on Twitter or The Write Reads on BlueSky, you’ll see bloggers who have interesting things to say about it.

Book Details:

Title: Lianna and the Hombit by Valinora Troy
Genre: Fantasy
Age Category: Middle Grade
Format: Hardcover/Paperback/Ebook/Audiobook
Length: 255 Pages
Publication Date: January 29, 2026

About the Book:

A grieving girl in need of a friend. A magical creature with a secret task. Can they end the ancient curse threatening their new home?

When 13-year old Lianna, devastated by the loss of her father, is sent to the distant land of Nivram, she finds her new home and guardian every bit as horrible as she expected. When she meets a magical birdlike creature called a hombit, they strike an alliance: Lianna will help it complete its secret mission if it helps her get home.

But her plan goes awry and she accidentally awakens a creature that threatens both her and her new home. Lianna must uncover family secrets to avoid a terrible fate…

A heart-warming story of the healing power of friendship when all seems lost.

Book Links:

Amazon US ~ Amazon UK ~ Goodreads

About the Author:

Valinora Troy is a children’s fantasy and horror writer from Ireland. She has a MA in Creative Writing, specialising in writing for children and young adults. She has acted as a panellist for the CYBILS awards in the middle grade speculative fiction category and served as a Reading Ambassador for Louth Libraries. Her short stories for adults have appeared in numerous publications. She is the author of The Lucky Diamond trilogy, a middle grade children’s fantasy adventure series. In 2023 she was short-listed for the Staróg Prize. When not writing, she loves visiting schools and libraries to talk to children about books and writing.

You can find out more about Valinora’s books, as well as resources for schools, and sign up to her newsletter on her website: Valinora Troy – Children’s Fantasy Writer

Website ~ Twitter

My thanks to The Write Reads for the invitation to participate in this tour and the materials they provided (including the book).

Grandpappy’s Favorites of 2025

By HCNewton

On January 5, 2026

In Grandpappy's Corner, News/Misc., YA/MG/Children's Books

Grandpappy's Corner Favorite Picture Books of 2026 I’ve posted favorite Picture or Children’s books before, but now that I’m a Grandfather, I’m thinking about these things more. So, it’s not unusual for me to read these kinds of books, but I’m doing more of it. I fully expected this post to be larger this year–but there were fewer new-to-me reads and many, many re-reads (which I really should’ve anticipated). Anyway, here are the books that really stuck with me and struck me as ones to keep talking about.

I practically guarantee these will tickle you and/or warm your heart.

As always, re-reads (or re-re-re-re-re-re-re-re-reads) don’t count for these lists.

(in alphabetical order by author)

Life Lessons by Titan

as told to Melaney Taylor Auxier

My original post
Accompanied by some great photos of Titan, Auxier helps him relate some important life lessons for young readers.

It’s short, sweet, and to the point. It’ll win over young dog lovers, and even bring a smile to us older ones when we need a quick fill of puppy love.

My Grandma and Grandpa Rock!

by Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo, Tiffany Everett (Illustrator)
My original post
This is a very sweet tribute to grandparents—not just your traditional older adult being kind and making cookies, or whatever. But grandparents who have a passion, who share it with their grandchildren—whether it’s being a musician—professional or otherwise—or any other number of professions. The stress here is what unites every grandparent—their love and affection for their grandchildren

The art is cute and energetic.

The book is sweet and heartwarming–especially for the grantparent-type, whatever they’re called or do.

Goodnight Darth Vader

by Jeffrey Brown

My original post
This is a book in the style of Goodnight Moon featuring Darth Vader and his twins (in a very non-canonical way) while he’s trying to get them to sleep, with looks at individuals from throughout the Empire (or former Empire) as they settle in for the night.

Brown has this great art style that both gets the detail necessary for the droids, aliens, ships, and all that. At the same time, he keeps it playful and appealing for people of all ages to look at.

I had a blast with it—I liked the art, the humor (fit for adult fans or wee readers), the take on the Goodnight Moon style of book, and so on.

Little Aiden: A Big Kid Book for Toddlers

by Albert and Anna Choi, Bettina Braskó (Illustrator)

My original post
In the first two books in this series, Little Aiden was not much older than a newborn (I figure), so there’s been some growth to get him to toddler-hood. And that’s been a lot of growth for Mom and Dad, not just Aiden (who’s done most of the work, let’s be fair).

It’s not so much a story or a book to teach about something/render a lesson. It’s just a look at the life of someone going through something the reader can identify with—going through this stage of life. I think seeing that commonality with others is an important thing. And there are some younger types who need to see early on that people who may have different ethnic backgrounds have similar experiences.

The illustrations are bright and whimsical—the affection between the family is clear. The illustrations are the star of the show.

That Christmas and Other Stories

by Richard Curtis, Rebecca Cobb (Illustrator)

My original post
This is a collection of three children’s stories (probably published separately), two of them are explicitly Christmas themed, the other is more wintery. Curtis knows how to melt the heart of adults while making them smile. He proves here that he has the same ability with children.

It is charming. It’s sweet. There are laughs and “awww”s throughout. I don’t know what else to say—this is a winner, something great to pull out for the post-Thanksgiving through December 26 era annually.

Hansel and Gretel

by Stephen King, Maurice Sendak (Illustrator)

This was a gentle reworking of the classic story, with some repurposed art by Sendak–which King used to help in his retelling, he describes how it shaped it in an author’s note. It’s just creepy enough to qualify as such–totally appropriate for fairy tale age readers (although the Brothers Grimm would find it tame). You’d think Sendak took King’s text as the basis, not the other way around–it all works wonderfully. It’s definitely one to add to your collection.

Freddie Fastback and His Friends

by Felicity Watt Wilson, Laci McCrea (Illustrator)

Freddie is a turtle who is decidedly not fast. Until he finds an old-fashioned roller skate (the ones you used to attach to your shoes, remember those?)–and then he’s off for adventure. And learning that slow isn’t that bad. It’s a cute story.

The artwork is just amazing–all painted. With so many details that adult readers will find fascinating to look for as much as the younger set. It’s a winner.

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REPOST: The Return of the Christmas Witch by Dan Murphy and Aubrey Plaza, Julia Iredale (Illustrator): The Witch Returns to Battle a Dystopian Holiday

By HCNewton

On December 25, 2025

In Fantasy, Fiction, YA/MG/Children's Books

The Return of the Christmas Witch

by Dan Murphy & Aubrey Plaza, Julia Iredale (Illustrator)

DETAILS:
Series: The Christmas Witch, #2
Publisher: Viking Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: October 10, 2022
Format: Hardcover
Length: 56 pg.
Read Date: December 17, 2022

What’s The Return of the Christmas Witch About?

Kristtörn wakes from her frozen slumber to find a world she cannot recognize—it’s a dystopian world where the joy of Christmas is gone and everyone is left with an automated, sanitized, homogenized, corporation-run day of market-driven consumption. Santa is nowhere to be found—and many doubt he ever existed—in his place, we have the Kringle Corporation.

We get to spend time with one family—grandmother remembers Santa and longs for his return, but her grandchildren don’t (but aren’t fans of Kringle, either). Kristtörn watches the girl and the two strike up a relationship at a distance, and ultimately team up to take down the corporation and bring back Kristtörn’s brother.

That’s a sloppy job on my part, but it’ll do for these purposes. Murphy and Plaza tell it so much better.

The Artwork

On the whole, I’d just want to repeat what I said about the first book, so I will.

Iredale’s work struck me like a classic storybook, the kind of art that was in the books I read as a kid—especially the books that were old by the time I read them. It was fitting for the kind of story. It wasn’t knock-out gorgeous, and I think it would’ve hurt the book overall had it been. There’s some sharpness to the art—almost the kind of thing that would’ve been carved into wood.

It’s vibrant and I can’t imagine a kid who won’t want to pour over the pictures as much as the story.

So much for repeating—I did think this work wasn’t as well done as the previous book. There are a couple of illustrations that…sloppy isn’t the right word, but they don’t seem as finished. It felt like Iredale ran out of time and rushed one or two drawings/characters. That’s likely not right—and probably not that fair of me to say. But that was my impression. I doubt that any of the target audience will pick up on it (or care if they do), but it surprised me that I wasn’t as impressed with the art.

So, what did I think about The Return of the Christmas Witch?

This takes a darker turn than I expected from this story—the first book had a hint of this, and it’s not out of place, but I raised an eyebrow at the dystopia. That said—I thought it was a great choice, and offered a new take on the usual “over-commercialization of Christmas” and “we need to get back to the essence of the holiday” stories. But that’s what it is at its core—and I’m all for that kind of story.

I did think the ending felt a little rushed—like the authors ran into a hard page limit/word count. It wouldn’t have taken much more, but after the well-established set-up, I thought we needed a little more development to the magical ending.

The door is left open to one more book in the series—it’s maybe even suggested. If so, I’m totally on board for it. I can see the authors leaving it here, too—and I’d be okay with that.

The words-to-image ratio for this kind of book leans toward the words side, so that will limit some younger fans—but as long as there’s a willing adult around, I think this will satisfy fans of the first book.

3 Stars

This post contains an affiliate link. If you purchase from it, I will get a small commission at no additional cost to you. As always, the opinions expressed are my own.

REPOST: The Legend of the Christmas Witch by Dan Murphy and Aubrey Plaza, Julia Iredale (Illustrator): The Story of Santa’s Misunderstood Sister

By HCNewton

On December 25, 2025

In Fantasy, Fiction, YA/MG/Children's Books

The Legend of the Christmas Witch

by Dan Murphy & Aubrey Plaza, Julia Iredale (Illustrator)

DETAILS:
Series: The Christmas Witch, #1
Publisher: Viking Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: November 15, 2021
Format: Hardcover
Length: 56 pg.
Read Date: December 3, 2022

Santa and Me

Let’s start with a personal note, I’m apprehensive (at best) about man-made religious holidays. I don’t do Christmas posts here—and almost without exception, if you see a book on here having to do with any Winter holiday, it’ll be because it’s part of a longer series that I already read.

But having been indoctrinated in American mass culture, I was on the receiving end of more stories, shows, and movies about Santa Claus (both growing up and since) than anyone else. And I’ve probably seen variations on his origin than Batman and Spider-Man combined (and if I never have to see Ben Parker or Thomas and Martha Wayne killed again, it will be too soon). They’re not my favorite things, but I tend to enjoy them and am always ready for a new one.

Which brings us to:

What’s The Legend of the Christmas Witch About?

We open with a couple of twin children, Kristoffer and Kristtörn, both of them have some magic which they mostly use in the games they play with each other. They have no parents when we meet them, and don’t appear to remember them.

They’re separated at one point, and Kristoffer is taken in by a couple from a nearby village and grows up among people—eventually delivering baked goods from his adoptive mother’s bakery. Kristtörn is heartbroken by their separation, and a witch from the woods comes along to raise her.

Time passes and Kristoffer becomes Santa Claus. Kristtörn tries to make contact with him but is unable to. So she starts visiting places just before Christmas Eve, hoping their paths cross. A legend around her (mostly misunderstanding her) grows at the same pace as her brother’s does.

This all leads somewhere, but I’m not going to go further than that.

The Artwork

Iredale’s work struck me like a classic storybook, the kind of art that was in the books I read as a kid—especially the books that were old by the time I read them. It was fitting for the kind of story. It wasn’t knock-out gorgeous, and I think it would’ve hurt the book overall had it been. There’s some sharpness to the art—almost the kind of thing that would’ve been carved into wood.

It’s vibrant and I can’t imagine a kid who won’t want to pour over the pictures as much as the story.

So, what did I think about The Legend of the Christmas Witch?

The best way to describe this book is—imagine that the Grimm Brothers wrote a story about where Santa came from as well as telling us about his sister. Now imagine that someone took that Grimm’s Fairy Tale and sanitized it for contemporary kids. That result would be a lot like this. A little dark, a little light…

Because of that tone, I do think that parents/caregivers/etc. should exercise some judgment in who gets to read this one—some of it is going to go over the heads of young ones of a certain age, and some of it could be considered too dark for some little ones. But for the right reader, this take on Santa’s origin is going to be a lot of fun.

I’m glad that I indulged my curiosity, I’m not going to suggest that this filled me with the Christmas spirit or anything, I’m not off to buy the biggest goose for anyone and my heart is the same size as it was before. But when it comes to a reworking of the Santa Myth, this was a very satisfying one.

3 Stars

This post contains an affiliate link. If you purchase from it, I will get a small commission at no additional cost to you. As always, the opinions expressed are my own.

Grandpappy’s Corner: Tiny Hands Hymns, Vol. II; Tiny Hands Psalms; and Tiny Hands Apostle’s Creed edited by Hannah Duguid Estes, illustrated by Jessica Hiatt: A Great Set of Starter Devotional Reads

By HCNewton

On December 14, 2025

In Grandpappy's Corner, Theology/Christian Living, YA/MG/Children's Books

Tiny Hands Hymns, Volume II

Tiny Hands Psalms

and

Tiny Hands Apostle’s Creed

edited by Hannah Duguid Estes, illustrated by Jessica Hiatt

DETAILS:
Publisher: P & R Publishing
Publication Date: October 29, 2025
Format: Board Book
Length: 16 pg. (each)
Read Date: November 29, 2025

What are the Tiny Hands About?

This is going to be remarkably like the post I did about the first 3 Tiny Hands books, because these new three are remarkably like them–consistency is good. These are little board books that serve as beginning devotional materials—training wheels for young worshipers, if you will.

Tiny Hands Hymns, Volume II

These are the first stanzas/verses of some of the best hymns around: “Abide with Me,” “Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus,” “Fairest Lord Jesus,” “How Firm a Foundation,” “O Worship the King,” “Rock of Ages,” “Take My Life, and Let It Be,” and “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross.”

On the opposite pages are fitting illustrations, with some accent illustrations on the pages with text.

Tiny Hands Psalmss

These are a selection of psalms—translated by Iain Duguid (Professor of Old Testament at Westminster Theological Seminary)–either the complete psalm or a notable portion.

They include Psalms: 1, 18, 23,334, 51, 100, 121, and 139. The translations are clearly “kidified.” But I think they’re faithful.

Again, opposite each is an appropriate illustration, with some accent illustrations on the pages with text.

Tiny Hands Apostle’s Creed

This is a fairly standard translation of The Apostle’s Creed, split up segment by segment. Yet again, opposite each is an appropriate illustration, with some accent illustrations on the pages with text.

This is probably my favorite of the new bunch–if only because this’ll be one of the easiest for my grandcritters to put into use.

Let’s Talk about the Art for a Minute

Outside the previous Tiny Hands books, I’ve apparently appreciated Hiatt’s work as a cover designer on a few books (The Wonderful Works of God by Herman Bavinck, Things Unseen by J. Gresham Machen, and Struck Down but Not Destroyed by Pierce Taylor Hibbs), but illustrating board books calls for a slightly different skill set. Still, the illustrations remind me of those covers.

I think these are great. Bright and cheerful, without being cartoonish or silly (I have nothing against those kinds of illustrations, but they’re not fitting for the subjects).

How are they to Read Aloud?

They’re fine—although I can’t imagine that anyone, even those who can’t carry a tune, not singing the hymns instead of reading them. A lot of adults won’t need to actually read the Creed, we have it memorized (although, it’s good to pay attention so the pictures match up.

The translations (I’d be tempted to call them paraphrases, but the books say translations—and I don’t know enough to contradict that) are foreign-feeling for people who are familiar with/have memorized the relevant portions from the AV, ESV, NASB, etc. Once you get past that feeling, there’s nothing about the text that’s difficult or odd to read—and they seem easy enough for young children to comprehend (to some degree).

What did the Grandcritter think of Them?

I haven’t been able to read them to him–he sees this art/format and he assumes it’s the first volume of Hymns and demands to sing some of them–he won’t even give us a chance to go over the new ones, much less the other books. I’m sure I’ll get him to let us eventually. But for now, I can’t answer this.

So, what did I think about the Tiny Hands books?

I think they’re a great idea—and overall, I am pleased with the execution. I do recommend them without hesitation.

I have some questions about some of the technical bits of translation, verse choices, and whatnot—not so much that I have a problem with the books, I’d just like someone good with the original languages to sit down with me and walk through these.

But for a young child? I think they’re well done and would be great resources for regular use.

4 Stars

This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase from it, I will get a small commission at no additional cost to you. As always, the opinions expressed are my own.
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Grandpappy’s Corner: That Christmas and Other Stories by Richard Curtis, Rebecca Cobb (Illustrator): Christmas is All Around It and So the Feeling Grows

By HCNewton

On December 11, 2025

In Fiction, Grandpappy's Corner, YA/MG/Children's Books

That Christmas and Other Stories

by Richard Curtis, Rebecca Cobb (Illustrator)

DETAILS:
Publisher: Puffin Books
Publication Date: August 5, 2025
Format: Hardcover
Length: 128 pg.
Read Date: November 28, 2025

What’s That Christmas and Other Stories About?

Richard Curtis wrote a children’s book, and had such a good time with it (and was inspired by Cobb’s illustrations) that he wrote a couple more. This book brings them all together in one—not unlike the movie Curtis wrote that was released last year called That Christmas. The books differ in important ways from the movie—but I’m not going to talk about that too much. It’s hard because I came to this collection because of it.

The important differences don’t eliminate the core of each story—whichever way you come to them first.

Curtis does write a little introduction for this book which contains a little insight into why he focuses on the holiday:

Quite why I’m so passionate about Christmas is a bit of a mystery to me; I’d already written the film Love Actually, with all its stories set at Christmas. I think the reason is because I’ve always loved Christmas in the simplest of ways — presents, Santa, family — but also it’s a kind of dramatic deadline. Have you been naughty or nice all year? Does the person you’re in love with love you? Are you a happy family or a family falling apart? Christmas is a sort of emotional magnifying glass: it can make sad and difficult times harder, but also make joyful and happy times even happier.

The Empty Stocking

This story focuses on two twin sisters, Charlie and Sam. Charlie is high on Santa’s naughty list, and Sam is very much not. Santa may know who does bad and good, but he apparently doesn’t know anything about context or motivation.

When Santa dis-proportionally distributes gifts to the twins—well, even he learns a little bit.

You just get a warm glow from most of this one.

Snow Day

On a Snow Day, one pupil and one teacher show up for school when no one else does. So they’re stuck together for the day. The student’s a frequent-flyer in detention, the teacher is the strictest in school—neither are looking forward to the day.

It starts out rough, and then ends up with the two finding a bond—one that benefits them both.

It’s silly, fun, and has a little bit of heart. It’s probably the most different from the film version—and I could argue for the superiority of both.

That Christmas

On a small island, the neighbors spend Christmases together in pretty much the same way every year. One year, the adults have to leave together on Christmas Eve, and leave the younger kids in the care of the older ones. Something goes wrong, and the parents can’t return. So the children celebrate Christmas in a very similar way to what they usually do—but with certain improvements (at least in their estimation).

There’s a very nice Linus-at-the-end-of-A-Charlie-Brown-Christmas-moment to this book—without actually quoting anything like Linus did.

Let’s Talk about the Art for a Minute

At the beginning, I wasn’t that impressed—I could see some children maybe enjoying it—but I couldn’t say the same. But before the end of the first book, I was on-board. By the end of the collection, I absolutely enjoyed it.

Along the lines of appearance—whoever was in charge of typography and layout did their job very well. Changes in type size and weight, as well as the placement of words on the pag,e were visually pleasing and did a lot to help out with the storytelling and tone.

How is it to Read Aloud?

There’s nothing exceptionally fun about the prose itself, like you often get, but the book is nothing but fun—and the typography I just talked about really helps the reader do that. Adults are going to have a blast with this.

So, what did I think about That Christmas and Other Stories?

I feel like I should say something more, but I just don’t have it in me. I heartily recommend it.

This post contains an affiliate link. If you purchase from it, I will get a small commission at no additional cost to you. As always, the opinions expressed are my own.
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Catch-Up Quick Takes—Books I Enjoyed Probably More Than I Should’ve

By HCNewton

On December 8, 2025

In Audiobook, Fiction, General Fiction/Literature, Science Fiction, YA/MG/Children's Books

I don’t know what to say about these books—I’m not the target audience for these, and I’m not sure exactly why I tried any of them. But something about them caught my attention and I had a blast with them all. I don’t have a full post about any of them in me, but I have a few things to say. As usual, the point of these quick takes posts is to catch up on my “To Write About” stack—emphasizing pithiness, not thoroughness.

On Again, Awkward Again

by Erin Entrada Kelly & Kwame Mbalia, read by Jennifer Aquino & James Fouhey

DETAILS:
Publisher: Recorded Books, Inc.
Publication Date: April 15, 2025
Format: Unabridged Audiobook
Length: 6 hrs., 48 min.
Read Date: September 17-18, 2025

(the official blurb)
It delivers on the premise precisely. It’s sort of a variation on Rowell’s Elenor & Park, but done in a way that probably won’t get anyone annoyed by the depictions of the various ethnicities depicted.

Two geeky kids (in their own ways) who see beyond the geekiness to the great person (not ignoring it, but embracing it and the person exhibiting it). They’re drawn to each other, enjoy each other, and you can’t help but hope for a Happily Ever After (or at least a Happily-‘Til-Graduation).

The narration was great. I really loved the way they brought the characters to life.

3 Stars

I Think I’m in Love with an Alien

by Ann Aguirre, read by Faith Clark & Cary Hite

DETAILS:
Publisher: Penguin Random House Audio Publishing Group
Publication Date: June 17, 2025
Format: Unabridged Audiobook
Length: 10 hrs., 47 min. 
Read Date: July 31-August 5, 2025

(the official blurb)
I’ve read some pretty good UF by Aguirre, and some good SF by her, too (and would’ve finished the series if I hadn’t had trouble finding a book or two at the library). But they were pretty serious—so seeing a Rom-Com with her name on it intrigued me. A Rom-Com with this premise even more so. An alien stranded on Earth meets some friends in an online chat room, develops a crush for one of them, and then they arrange to meet at a con. She’s a bit of a geek, who has a pretty sizable crush on him. Things spark at the con, just as you expect and…

I really liked our female main character and their friends. The alien intrigued me—and I did like him, but I think the narrator kept me from liking him as much as I should’ve—which is odd, because I think he nailed the character.

The story ends up not being as predictable as you’d expect, but it’s sweet. The found-family part of it is terrific. The romance will win you over. There are two occasions that it gets too steamy for me—but I really am a prude about that kind of thing (especially in an audiobook where I can’t just skim a few paragraphs to get past it), and it’s really not that bad (I don’t think).

3 Stars

The Millicent Quibb School of Etiquette for Young Ladies of Mad Science

by Kate McKinnon, read by Kate McKinnon & Emily Lynne (Narrator)

DETAILS:
Series: The Millicent Quibb School of Etiquette for Young Ladies of Mad Science, Book #1
Publisher: Hachette Audio
Publication Date: October 1, 2024
Format: Unabridged Audiobook
Length: 4 hr., 54 min.
Read Date: July 18-21, 2025

Secrets of the Purple Pearl

by Kate McKinnon, read by Kate McKinnon & Emily Lynne (Narrator)

DETAILS:
Series: The Millicent Quibb School of Etiquette for Young Ladies of Mad Science, Book #2
Publisher: Hachette Audio
Publication Date:  September 30, 2025
Format: Unabridged Audiobook
Length: 4 hrs., 42 min.
Read Date: October 3-9, 2025

(the official blurb of Book #1) and (the official blurb of Book #2)
Would I enjoy these in print? Yeah—especially the illustrations. But the performance by McKinnon & Lynne make these things you have to listen to. And likely re-listen to.

These are silly, silly, silly adventure novels about three sisters (orphaned and living with unpleasant and demanding relatives) who wind up at The Millicent Quibb School of Etiquette because they can’t manage to stay in other schools without being disruptive (by being themselves, not by being disruptive). Sure, their aunt may not truly understand the nature of this school—but that works for the sister’s benefit.

Quibb introduces them to a world of pizza, self-expression, curiosity, mystery, danger—and the chance to save the world from mad scientists.

I cannot say enough good things about these books. The plots are insane, the texts are ridiculous, and the jokes are a great balance of silly enough for children but clever enough for adults. They’re perfect for young or young-at-heart readers (or people who want to be young-at-heart, you will be in that condition while reading them).

4 Stars

I Hope This Finds You Well

by Natalie Sue, read by Nasim Pedrad

DETAILS:
Publisher: William Morrow
Publication Date: May 21, 2024
Format: Unabridged Audiobooki
Length: 12 hrs., 3 min. 
Read Date: November 21-25, 2024

(the official blurb)
The entire setup for this book makes utterly no sense—and is likely technologically impossible. Suck it up, pretend it can happen. Once that’s done, you can bask in this feel-good, self-improvement story about love, people who shouldn’t interact anyone in public (without a lot of therapy), and friendship.

Jolene’s parents (and the mother’s social circle) are fantastic and add both comedy and heart.

Is the book predictable? Yes, but Natalie Sue may not time events/reveals the way you expect. Does the predictability matter? Nope. It’s the ride. And man, it was a fun one. Dynamite narration, too.

4 Stars

Back After This

by Linda Holmes

DETAILS:
Publisher: Penguin Random House Audio Publishing Group
Publication Date: February 25, 2025
Format: Unabridged Audiobook
Length: 9 hrs .,12 min.
Read Date: April 30-May 2, 2025

(the official blurb)
I could copy the last paragraph for this one and be done (although I think Holmes times pretty much everything the way you’d expect). But it’s not just about the sweet love story.

Nor is it just about the fantastic dog character (but, yeah, that’s part of it).

It’s the personal/professional journey that Cecily takes and where she lands at the end that really sells this book for me.

3 Stars

Holiday Reading TBR

By HCNewton

On November 28, 2025

In Chris McDonald/Frost, Currently Reading, Fiction, General Fiction/Literature, Mystery/Detective Fiction/Crime Fiction/Thriller, News/Misc., YA/MG/Children's Books

I hesitate to call my shot here, especially the way that has gone for me this year. But I think this is safe enough.

It’s the day after Thanksgiving, so it’s time to start focusing on the next big holiday. About the time this post goes up, I’m sure Mrs. Irresponsible Reader will have the tree up and will be decking our halls. I’m not the biggest holiday kind of guy–as my family and coworkers will tell you. But I seem to find myself reading more books about it (I don’t count the Andy Carpenter Christmas books, because there is so little of the holiday in them). Unless Fahrenheit Press puts out something Christmas-y–as they’re wont to do–this will be my list for the year.

That Christmas and Other Stories

by Richard Curtis, Illustrated by Rebecca Cobb

I thought the movie based on these stories was pretty cute, and have waited since last year to see what the various storylines looked like in their original format. Besides, if you ignore all the many questionable choices he made in Love, Actually, Richard Curtis is just a fun storyteller.

The Christmas Tree Killer

by Chris Frost
I’m game for any mystery Chris Frost (or his alter ego, Chris MacDonald) writes–and I’m curious to see how things go for DI Tom Stonem this Christmas. He’s sorta like the holiday’s Jessica Fletcher.

Grace & Henry’s Holiday Movie Marathon

by Matthew Norman

Norman’s rom com sounds perfectly charming–just the kind of cozy read that’s perfect for this time year. Literary Hot Cocoa.

Everyone This Christmas Has a Secret

by Benjamin Stevenson

Stevenson’s series has been fun so far–and this shorter “Festive mystery” promises to be fun.

Do you have any Holiday Season-related reads coming up?

This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase from one, I will get a small commission at no additional cost to you. As always, the opinions expressed are my own.
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BBNYA SEMI-FINALIST SPOTLIGHT: I Was an Alien Fashion Model by Ivy Hamid

By HCNewton

On November 26, 2025

In Book Tour, Fantasy, Fiction, Science Fiction, YA/MG/Children's Books

I’m very pleased today to welcome The BBNYA Semi-Finalist Spotlight Tour for Ivy Hamid’s I Was an Alien Fashion Model! This book has made it to the semi-finals, so you know there’s something good going on–but before getting to this Spotlight, let’s start with a word about BBNYA.

BBNYA:

BBNYA is a yearly competition where book bloggers from all over the world read and score books written by indie authors, ending with 15 (17 in 2025) finalists and one overall winner.

If you want some more information about BBNYA, check out the BBNYA Website https://www.bbnya.com/ or take a peek over on Twitter @BBNYA_Official.

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Book Details:

Title: I Was an Alien Fashion Model by Ivy Hamid
Genre: Fantasy, Science Fiction
Age Category: Middle Grade
Format: Hardcover/Paperback/Ebook
Length: 285 Pages
Publication Date: November 10, 2024

About the Book:

Kat Habib is the butt of every fat joke at Franklin Park Middle School. She’s longing to escape, and her wish is granted in the weirdest way—she is accidentally abducted by an alien fashion house. Instantly hailed as an exotic beauty by the spiderlike aliens (who appreciate a good posterior), she becomes their inspiration for a new clothing line for the “Path of Glory,” a sector-wide fashion competition. Surrounded by eccentric aliens and caught up in the whirl of galactic social media, shy Kat is just trying to keep her head down until she can get back to Earth. Unfortunately for Kat, the universe has other plans…

Book Links:

Amazon Canada ~ Amazon US ~ Amazon UK ~ Goodreads ~ The Story Graph

About the Author:

Ivy Hamid is a writer of middle-grade fantasy who lives in Richmond, Virginia. She was an artsy kid who studied art history when she grew up, and has worked in and around museums ever since. After doing time in New York, slightly to the south of Sing Sing, she moved down to the real South. Ivy belongs to the James River Writers, the Society for Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, and an awesome critique group called the Richmond Fantasy Collective. “I Was an Alien Fashion Model” is her first novel.

Website ~ Instagram

My thanks to The Book Bloggers’ Novel of the Year Award for the invitation to participate in this tour and the materials they provided.

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BBNYA SEMI-FINALIST SPOTLIGHT: Strangers in Our Heads by Bri Eberhart

By HCNewton

On November 6, 2025

In Book Tour, Fantasy, Fiction, YA/MG/Children's Books

I’m very pleased today to welcome The BBNYA Semi-Finalist Spotlight Tour for Bri Eberhart’s Strangers in Our Heads! So, this book has made it to the semi-finals, so you know there’s something good going on–but before getting to this Spotlight, let’s start with a word about BBNYA.

BBNYA:

BBNYA is a yearly competition where book bloggers from all over the world read and score books written by indie authors, ending with 15 (17 in 2025) finalists and one overall winner.

If you want some more information about BBNYA, check out the BBNYA Website https://www.bbnya.com/ or take a peek over on Twitter @BBNYA_Official.

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Book Details:

Title: Strangers in Our Heads by Bri Eberhart
Genre: Fantasy, Contemporary Fantasy
Age Category: Young Adult
Format: Hardcover/Paperback/Ebook
Length: 350 Pages
Publication Date: November 6, 2023

About the Book:

Gemma, a seventeen-year-old orphan and empath, wants nothing more than to be normal. But after her older sister is killed in a hit-and-run, she discovers she can drain the energy out of any living thing. Fearing she might hurt someone with the faintest touch, Gemma flees from her foster home—guided by a boy she’s dreamed about for years but doesn’t believe is real.

Meanwhile, Theo, the eighteen-year-old astral-projecting leader of a ragtag group of magical misfits, is doing everything he can to protect his found family after he failed to keep his little sister alive. From rummaging through dumpsters for food, stealing from convenience stores, and throwing punches in illegal fighting rings for extra cash, there’s nothing he won’t do to keep the crew safe from the Authorities who are hunting kids like them.

When Gemma shows up in Theo’s world, their dreams become a shocking reality. The problem is that neither thought the other truly existed. Now they have to learn how to trust each other in person, as much as they had in their fantasies, if they want their secrets to remain hidden. What’s worse, Theo didn’t guide her there. Instead, a vengeful entity hell-bent on stealing Gemma’s powers did. She and Theo must work through their grief to banish him or risk losing each other for good. But doing so won’t be easy when kids with powers are being hunted by something far, far worse than a ghost.

In a cruel, contemporary world, can a handful of teens rely on one another to beat the odds?

Book Links:

Amazon Canada ~ Amazon US ~ Amazon UK ~ Goodreads ~ The Story Graph

About the Author:

Bri Eberhart (she/her) is a speculative fiction writer who lives near Buffalo, NY, with her husband and cat. She has a BA in cultural studies with a concentration in creative writing and literature from SUNY Empire State and works as an editorial assistant for an online marketing website.

Strangers in Our Heads is her debut release. Its sequel, Strangers in Our Hearts, is out now. Her short stories have also been published in multiple online magazines.
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Website ~ Twitter ~ Instagram ~ TikTok

My thanks to The Book Bloggers’ Novel of the Year Award for the invitation to participate in this tour and the materials they provided.

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