My Book Reviews

Category: Mental Illness

  • My Nights With You by Adalyn Caine

    My Nights With You by Adalyn Caine

    My Nights With You

    My Nights With You by Adalyn Caine

    Release: November 9, 2021
    Format: Paperback, eBook
    Publisher: ACBooks
    Source: Rockstar Book Tours
    Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon

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    Fresh out of college and on the cusp of a promising career in New York City, Sela Monroe falls hard for Theo Walker when they meet in the park. He’s beautiful and is  brilliant. Also He’s a go-getter. He’s everything she’s ever wanted. Sela would do anything for Theo. When he calls, she always answers. When he asks her to come over, she’s there in a matter of minutes. No time is ever too late. No request is ever too inconvenient.

    There’s only one problem with Sela’s relationship with Theo: he doesn’t love her back. Though Sela’s best friend, Annie, has been pleading with her to move on from Theo for months, citing his manipulative behavior and the hold he seems to have over sensitive Sela, when it finally hits Sela that her feelings aren’t reciprocated, it’s too much.

    After an emotional breakdown that leaves Sela in the hospital, she struggles to cope with her emotions. She has never felt more lost or hopeless or used. Only when she begins the healing process does she realize that genuine love does exist and that sometimes in places where you least expect it.

    About the Author:

    Writer. Thinker. Procrastinator.

    Getting ready to release my novel, My Nights With You. Working on some other projects while trying to stay sane.

    Twitter | Goodreads | Amazon

    My Nights With You Review:

    I admit; when I started reading “My Nights With You,” I liked it, but I didn’t think it stood out in any way. It was the typical run-of-the-mill romance where Sela, our main character, has a bad breakup with Theo. However, as the story progressed, my impression of the book completely changed as we learned more about Sela and her emotional turmoil. This book is a rare one in that the second half of the book is much more gripping than the first half.

    I felt like I could relate to Sela in the story. We have been through moments where we come across people in our lives. Some of them make our lives meaningful, whereas others make them toxic. While we would crave the attention and friendship of the toxic person to feel gratified, it is never a good idea in the long run. The author beautifully highlights this message in the theme of the story. Sela is a beautiful character with low self-esteem and confidence because she considers herself broken and feels everyone finds her unimportant. She gets to the point where she feels like her life has no meaning. The author adds a few dark moments in the story where you don’t know what would happen to Sela. However, I loved the overall theme of the tale and how the author progressed it.

    Moreover, the author also manages to make the story steamy with the passionate moments that Sela shares with Theo. Speaking of Theo, I thought all the characters in the story, whether Theo, Annie, or Gus, stood out and added value to the tale.

    Overall, don’t let the cover of “My Nights With You” fool you. While you think this is just a steamy romance novel, it is a thought-provoking, emotional story.

     
    Giveaway Details:

    1 winner will receive a $10 Amazon GC, International.

    a Rafflecopter giveaway

    My Nights With You

    I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the My Nights With You by Adalyn Caine Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!

    Book Tour Schedule

    Week One:
    Rockstar Book Tours-Kickoff Post-10-1-2021

    Week Two:
    Two Chicks on Books-Interview-10-4-2021
    jaimerockstarbooktours-IG Post-10-5-2021
    The Reading Devil-Guest Post-10-6-2021
    BookHounds-Interview-10-7-2021
    Wottaread-Excerpt-10-8-2021

    Week Three:
    Rajiv’s Reviews-Review-10-11-2021
    @bookstagramofmine -Review-10-12-2021
    Books a Plenty Book Reviews-Review-10-13-2021
    The Momma Spot-Excerpt-10-14-2021
    More Books Please blog-Review-10-15-2021

    Week Four:
    The Phantom Paragrapher-Review-10-18-2021
    @curlygrannylovestoread -Review-10-19-2021
    #BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee Blog-Review-10-20-2021
    Karen Dee’s Book Reviews -Review-10-21-2021
    OneMoreExclamation, tiktok kimbok65-Blog Review/TikTok Post-10-22-2021

    Week Five:
    Don’t Judge, Read-Guest Post-10-25-2021
    BookBriefs-Review-10-26-2021
    I’m Shelfish-Excerpt-10-27-2021
    two points of interest-Review-10-28-2021
    @jypsylynn -Review-10-29-2021

  • From the Ashes by Jesse Thistle

    From the Ashes by Jesse Thistle

    From the Ashes

    From the Ashes by Jesse Thistle

    Release: June 8, 2021
    Format: Paperback
    Publisher: Atria Books
    Source: Suzyapproved Book Tours
    Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, Audible, B&N, Kobo, TBD

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    His parents abandoned Jessie as a toddler. Jesse Thistle and his two brothers went into isolation  from all they knew when they were placed in the foster care system. Eventually they settled with their paternal grandparents. The children often clashed with their tough-love attitude. Worse, the ghost of Jesse’s drug-addicted father haunted the memories of every member of the family.

    Soon, Jesse succumbed to a self-destructive cycle of drug and alcohol addiction and petty crime. Thus resulting in more than a decade living on and off the streets. Facing struggles many of us cannot even imagine, Jesse knew he would die unless he turned his life around. Through sheer perseverance and newfound love, he managed to find his way back into the loving embrace of his Indigenous culture and family.

    About the Author:

    Jesse Thistle is Métis-Cree, from Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, and an assistant professor in Humanities at York University in Toronto. From the Ashes was the top-selling Canadian book in 2020, the winner of the Kobo Emerging Writer Prize for Nonfiction, Indigenous Voices Award, and High Plains Book Award, and also a finalist for CBC Canada Reads. Jesse won a Governor General’s Academic Medal in 2016, and is a Pierre Elliot Trudeau Foundation Scholar and a Vanier Scholar. A frequent keynote speaker, he lives in Hamilton, Ontario, with his wife, Lucie, and is at work on multiple projects, including his next book. Visit him at www.JesseThistle.com ..

    Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

    From the Ashes Review:

    Click to view on Instagram

    Initially, when I started reading this book, it seemed interesting. I connected with Jesse from the beginning and felt for the character when the foster home took him. The first few chapters are family-friendly as the author experiences school life and its challenges. I loved reading something new in each chapter, whether facing challenges with his stuttering or having trouble with the grades. Some parts were also entertaining, like when he tries to talk to girls or meet the Punjabi boy. I liked how the author brought his native roots into the story and how he felt like an outsider and dealt with it.

    Yet, I didn’t know if the memoir would be impactful from how it starts. Boy, was I wrong! The book gets compelling when Jesse does something terrible and kicked out. Some of these scenes were difficult to read, especially when he consorts to begging and is attacked by hitchhikers. The penultimate moment is when Jesse has to go to the police to report a murder and talks to the forensics unit. When you think that things cannot worsen for Jesse, he finds himself in dire situations. My heart went out to him, and it was powerful to see how he faced his challenges to turn his life around.

    I loved the supporting characters, too, like Grandma, Grandpa, and Leeroy. Leeroy, notably, was one of my favorite characters because he stuck by Jesse no matter what. The author highlights the struggles he faced in a gripping manner, and reading this book was a motivation for me to be hopeful about overcoming any challenges.

    Overall, “From The Ashes” became a powerful read and one of the best memoirs I have read this year. I highly recommend it to those looking for a motivational read.

     

    Book Tour :
    From the Ashes

    I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the From the Ashes by Jesse Thistle Blog Tour hosted by Suzyapproved Book Tours.

    Cassie’s Book Reviews-Sept. 10th
    Love My Books 2020-Sept. 30th
    Rajivs Reviews-Oct. 8th
    Reading With Mere-Oct. 8th
    Book Low Down-Oct. 13th
    Totahly Booked-Oct. 17th
    Bookapotamus-Oct. 18th
    Read A Lot Write A Lot-Oct. 20th
    Subakka Bookstuff-Oct. 22nd
    Rozier Reads and Wine-Oct. 28th
    David L Morgan-Nov. 3rd
    Bookish Heidi-Nov. 8th
    Bookworm Struggles -Nov. 11th
    Delightfully Booked-Nov. 12th
    Geaux Get Lit-Nov. 12th
    Books Love And Understanding-Nov. 15th
    American Lit Teacher-Nov. 15th
    Lexi Java-Nov. 20th
    We Break For Books-Nov. 25th

  • The Box -An Invitation to Freedom from Anxiety

    The Box -An Invitation to Freedom from Anxiety

    The Box -An Invitation to Freedom from Anxiety

    The Box -An Invitation to Freedom from Anxiety by Wendy Tamis Robbins

    Release: May 18th 2021
    Format: Paperback
    Publisher: Made For Success Publishing 
    Source: Suzyapproved Book Tours
    Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, Audible, B&N

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    Are you ready to find your way out of your box?

    There is a moment when you realize your life is no longer your own. You thought it would make you happy and whole. But the panic doesn’t pass, and the anxiety seeps in through every crack. Your pain uses perfection to hide the unraveling. But deep inside, you still hear the whisper of a voice that’s always been there, calling to you, promising that you were meant for more.

    In The Box, Wendy Tamis Robbins offers a window into the mental illness of an all-star athlete, Ivy League-graduate, and successful attorney. At just 6 years old, Wendy’s first panic attack sparked a 40-year struggle with a variety of anxiety disorders: generalized, social and health, eating disorders, phobias, intrusive and suicidal thoughts, and dissociation. Avoiding anything that could trigger her symptoms, she retreats into a box to contain and hide her condition. After years of living in the prison she originally constructed as her safe place, Wendy is no longer willing to limit her life to accommodate her disorders.

    Raw and powerful, vulnerable and intimate, The Box is both a triumphant memoir and an irresistible invitation. It portrays a courageous journey to find the source of a debilitating disorder in order to find the power to overcome it. Wendy’s experience reminds us of the redemptive power of forgiveness and the healing power of love, not just for others, but for ourselves. It is a story of courage that reframes mental illness sufferers as survivors.

    About the Author:

    Wendy Tamis Robbins is an attorney, author, speaker, anxiety coach, and self-proclaimed professional “panic-attacker.” After living with various anxiety and panic disorders for almost 40 years, she is now anxiety-free. Not because she is entirely free of anxiety, but because it no longer controls her. She has traded living in resistance for building resilience. Her fears now fuel a life not only beyond her diagnosis but beyond her dreams.

    On her path to recovery, she discovered a restorative, inner peace and reclaimed her authentic power. She is passionate about helping others who are hiding their fears behind destructive perfectionism and accommodating their anxiety to find the same freedom.

    When Wendy hit rock bottom, it was hearing other people’s stories that saved her life. Now she shares her own to be an example of what’s possible.

    Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

    The Box -An Invitation to Freedom from Anxiety Review:

    Click to view on Instagram

    I don’t read non-fiction as much as fiction, and when I first picked up this book, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I thought the book would be monotonous, with the author describing the various kinds of disorders of anxiety. Hence, I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed reading the book.

    The author provides detailed information about anxiety and how she handled it. She adds a lot of exciting details about disorders but also puts in her personal touch. From the beginning, I enjoyed the scenes, like when she looks at the stars to make sense of her feelings. It was interesting to read how simple things like having a sleepover or eating an extra morsel of food would cause the author to trigger a panic attack. Moreover, the author gets personal when she talks about her father and how his approval impacted her. I also learned the various disorders like depersonalization and derealization disorder which was fascinating.

    As the story progressed, I was engrossed in how the author fought her battles. It was fascinating to see how the author came so close to having a positive spin to turn her life, but then something happened to throw her off, like using drugs as a crutch. I also liked how honest she was in how it impacted her relationship with people. The second half of the story is also equally gripping, and some of my favorite scenes are when she challenges herself to overcome her fears and goes skiing and how David pushes her. On a side note, I also appreciated how the author included beautiful quotations on the title of each chapter as an inspiration.

    Overall, “The Box -An Invitation to Freedom from Anxiety” turned out to be an eye-opener!

    Book Tour Schedule:

    The Box

    I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on The Box -An Invitation to Freedom from Anxiety by Wendy Tamis Robbins Blog Tour hosted by Suzyapproved Book Tours. 

  • You’d Be Home Now by Kathleen Glasgow

    You’d Be Home Now by Kathleen Glasgow

    You'd Be Home Now

    You’d Be Home Now by Kathleen Glasgow

    Release: September 28th 2021
    Format: Ebook
    Publisher: Delacorte
    Source: NetGalley
    Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, Audible, B&N

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    From the New York Times bestselling author of Girl in Pieces comes a breathtaking story about a town, its tragedies, and the quiet beauty of everyday life.

    For all of Emory’s life  everyone has told who she is. In town she’s the rich one–the great-great-granddaughter of the mill’s founder. At school she’s hot Maddie Ward’s younger sister. And at home, she’s the good one, her stoner older brother Joey’s babysitter. Everything was turned on its head, though, when she and Joey were in the car accident that killed Candy MontClaire. The car accident that revealed just how bad Joey’s drug habit was.

    Four months later, Emmy’s junior year is starting, Joey is home from rehab, and the entire town of Mill Haven is still reeling from the accident. Everyone’s telling Emmy who she is, but so much has changed, how can she be the same person? Or was she ever that person at all?

    Mill Haven wants everyone to live one story.  But Emmy’s beginning to see that people are more than they appear. Her brother, who might not be cured, the popular guy  next door, and  many ghostie addicts  haunt the town. People spend so much time telling her who she is–it might be time to decide for herself.

    Inspired by the American classic Our Town, You’d Be Home Now is Kathleen Glasgow’s glorious modern story of a town and the secret lives people live there. And the story of a girl, figuring out life in all its pain and beauty and struggle and joy. 

    About the Author:

    Kathleen Glasgow is the New York Times bestselling author of Girl in Pieces, You’d Be Home Now, and How to Make Friends With the Dark. Also, her books have been named to ‘Best of’ lists by the New York Public Library, EW.com, TeenReads, Barnes and Noble, Amazon, and more. Girl in Pieces was a Target Book Club pick, and an Amelia Walden Award honoree. How to Make Friends With the Dark was an ILA Honor Book. She lives in Tucson, Arizona. 

    To learn more about Kathleen and her writing, visit kathleenglasgowbooks.com or follow @kathglasgow on Twitter and @misskathleenglasgow on Instagram..

    Website | Twitter | Goodreads

    You’d Be Home Now Review:

    Click to view on Instagram

    “You’d Be Home Now” is a heart wrenching young adult novel that covers many issues and moved me deeply.

    Emmy is probably one of the best characters I have read recently in the young adult genre. The author portrays her beautifully, where you see her going through so many emotions, from guilt and sadness to shock and anger. She feels for Joey and understands how difficult loving an addict can be, but at the same time, she yearns for people to recognize her as well. There are moments where you feel that she is selfish, but you want to get into the pages and be there for her for the most part.

    Moreover, the author covers vital issues teens face, like peer pressure, addiction, and mental health issues. However, I feel this book would resonate even amongst adults. Wherever we go, people expect us to behave in a particular manner, where we forget our identity at times, and at times it might even break us. The author beautifully highlights how everyone is different and heals differently, giving people space and accepting them in any situation without judging.

    I also admired the author’s creativity in writing the story, especially with the hashtag responses from various users. There are also small moments where you feel for Emory, whether in Mr. Watson’s classes or the drama club. Moreover, the author also adds some twists and turns, like the events in the Fall Festival. I thought the scenes between Joey and Gage were interesting and how Emmy gets tangled in between.

    Overall, “You’d Be Home Now” is the perfect young adult novel to read if you love beautiful, emotional, hard-hitting stories with solid characters.

  • Thanks a Lot, Universe by Chad Lucas

    Thanks a Lot, Universe by Chad Lucas

    Thanks a Lot, Universe

    Thanks a Lot, Universe by Chad Lucas

    Release: May 11th 2021
    Format: Ebook
    Publisher: Amulet Books
    Source: NetGalley
    Find it at: Goodreads, B&N , Indigo , Indiebound

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    A moving middle-grade debut for anyone who’s ever felt like they don’t belong

    Brian has always been anxious, whether at home, or in class, or on the basketball court. His dad tries to get him to stand up for himself and his mom helps as much as she can, but after he and his brother are placed in foster care, Brian starts having panic attacks. And he doesn’t know if things will ever be “normal” again . . . Ezra’s always been popular. He’s friends with most of the kids on his basketball team—even Brian, who usually keeps to himself.

    But now, some of his friends have been acting differently, and Brian seems to be pulling away. Ezra wants to help, but he worries if he’s too nice to Brian, his friends will realize that he has a crush on him . . .
    But when Brian and his brother run away, Ezra has no choice but to take the leap and reach out. As such, Both boys have to decide if they’re willing to risk sharing parts of themselves they’d rather hide. But if they can be brave, they might just find the best in themselves—and each other.

    About the Author:

    Chad Lucas has been in love with words since he attempted his first novel on a typewriter in the sixth grade. He has also worked as a newspaper reporter, communications advisor, freelance writers, part-time journalism instructor, and parenting columnist. A proud descendant of the historic African Nova Scotian community of Lucasville, he lives with his family near Halifax, Nova Scotia. He enjoys coaching basketball and is rarely far from a cup of tea. Thanks a Lot, Universe is his debut novel.

    Website | Twitter | Instagram

    Thanks a Lot, Universe  Review:

    Click to view on Instagram

    “Thanks a Lot, Universe” is a heart-warming young adult story about two people who come together even though their life is out of sorts.

    The author’s style of writing is simple yet effective and moves at a nice pace. You don’t notice the time fly by once you start reading. The author also touches on crucial issues like bullying and anxiety as Brian experiences this. I also liked the inserts like Brian’s preparation lists.

    Speaking of whom, I adored Brian. My heart went out to Brian after what happens to him because of his father. There are some scenes where he gets emotional after hearing his dad’s messages that broke my heart. He wants the Universe to owe him a good year for whatever he has gone through, but he still finds it broken. Similarly, Ezra is trying to sort over his feelings and trying to find himself.

    The author also wrote the chemistry between Brian and Ezra beautifully. From their ride together as they talk about the library to how guilty Ezra gets when he sees Victor with Brian, there is never a dull moment. The two of them go through many emotions as they become involved in each other’s lives. I adored reading about their story. The story takes quite a few twists and turns, especially when Gabe becomes more prominent. On a side note, I also loved Emma and Brittany and their sassy attitude. Even Kevan, Colby, and Ty were fun in the supporting cast.

    Overall, “Thanks a Lot, Universe” is like a breath of fresh air. It stands out for its realistic depiction of characters and their struggling emotions.

  • When Life Gives You Mangos by Kereen Getten

    When Life Gives You Mangos by Kereen Getten

    When Life Gives You Mangos

    When Life Gives You Mangos by Kereen Getten

    Release: September 15th 2020
    Format: Ebook
    Publisher: Delacorte Press
    Source: Netgalley
    Find it at: Amazon, Audible, B&N, Indigo,

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    For fans of deeply poignant middle grade about friendship and loss like The Thing About Jellyfish, comes the story about a young girl who can’t remember anything from her previous summer after a hurricane.

    Twelve-year-old Clara lives on an island that visitors call exotic. But there’s nothing exotic about it to Clara. She loves eating ripe mangos off the ground, running outside in the rain with her Papa during rainy season, and going to her secret hideout with Gaynah–even though lately she’s not acting like a best friend.

    The only thing out of the ordinary for Clara is that something happened to her memory that made her forget everything that happened last summer after a hurricane hit. Sometimes things come back to her in drips like a tap that hasn’t been turned off properly. Other times her Mama fills in the blanks…only she knows those aren’t her memories and it is hard feeling like she is not like everybody else.

    But this summer is going to be different for Clara. Everyone is buzzing with excitement over a new girl in the village who is not like other visitors. She is about to make big waves on the island–and give Clara a summer she won’t forget.

    About the Author:

    Kereen Getten grew up in Jamaica where she would climb fruit trees in the family garden and eat as much mango, guinep and pear as she could without being caught. She now lives in Birmingham with her family and writes stories about her childhood experiences. When Life Gives You Mangos is her debut novel.

    Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram |

    When Life Gives You Mangos Review:

    Click to view on Instagram

    “When Life Gives You Mangos” turned out to be a delicious surprise, and I enjoyed reading it a lot.

    Firstly, when I picked up this book, I was not expecting what I just read. I thought the story would be a light-hearted middle-grade novel about a girl on an Island. This book is so much more than that. The author fills the story with mystery, secrets, and mental health issues that profound the reading experience. Also, the cover is gorgeous and makes you want to pick the book up just by looking at it.

    For me, the highlight of the plot was the characters. I adored Clara, and my heart went out to her. From the beginning, you see that she has a turbulent friendship with Gaynah and hasn’t acted like her best friend. Moreover, the supporting characters were also excellent. Rudy surprised me because I was not sure what kind of influence she would have on Clara when she first appeared. The author spins Clara’s story excitingly and surprisingly that I did not expect.

    Similarly, the plot also has its moment. For me, some of the memorable parts were when Clara and her friends see Mr. Eldorath, and Clara learns new secrets. Another gripping scene was the incident involving Pastor Brown. On a side note, I also liked the small creative details the author added, like the pick leaf game. The author portrays a beautiful story about friendship and adapting to family and loss. The tale also ends in a shocking twist that I did not see coming, making it even more memorable.

    Overall, “When Life Gives You Mangos” is a beautiful middle-grade fiction that stands out for its beautiful landscape, exciting characters, and strong storyline.

  • Down with This Ship by Katie Kingman

    Down with This Ship by Katie Kingman

    Down with This Ship

    Down with This Ship by Katie Kingman

    Release: June 8th, 2021
    Format: Ebook
    Publisher: Flux Books
    Source: TBR and Beyond Tours
    Find it at Goodreads, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Book Depository, IndieBound.

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    Kole Miller does one thing really well: write fanfiction for the show The Space Game. Everything else is a struggle: managing her anxiety, frequent crashes, and plans after high school. But when her blog, Spacer, wins a major fanfiction contest, her traffic soars.

    With massive readership comes criticism Kole isn’t prepared for, including getting stuck in the heated ship wars surrounding the show. And then an invitation to speak at The Space Game’s official convention arrives in her inbox.

    When the most competitive kids in her Creative Writing class discover Kole’s writing Spacer, her blog is taken hostage, and she risks them hitting ctrl+A+del on Spacer. To win it back, Kole must face both her inner demons and the ones at Crystal Lake High before they make the drama not just about The Space Game but about Kole herself.

    Including snippets from Kole’s fanfic, emails, and text messages, Down With This Ship is sure to bring out the inner fangirl in anyone.

    About the Author:

    Katie Kingman has wanted to be a writer since freshman year when her English teacher read her story aloud. The experience was mortifying, but it led to a lifelong love of classic literature and writing fiction. She now lives, teaches, and geeks in Phoenix, Arizona, with her husband, two kids, and five cats. When not writing, she can be found gardening and scrolling Netflix for a new OTP.

    Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads

    Down with This Ship Review:

    Click to view on Instagram

    “Down with This Ship” is an adorable contemporary young adult novel that focuses on a talented girl dealing with anxiety, romance, high school, and blackmail, and it was very entertaining!

    I loved Kole and thought she was the highlight of the story. It was interesting to see how she deals with her anxiety and fear of talking in the convention and revealing her identity. As if that is not enough, she also has to deal with her crushes and her awkwardness around Noah. Furthermore, she also fears being outed as the owner of the fanfic by Damien. Kole shares sweet moments with her mom and Will that made the story so charming.

    Similarly, I also enjoyed the cute YA romance in the story. Kole shares excellent chemistry between Noah and Colin, and it was interesting to see who she would choose in the end. Some of the scenes that Kole shares with them are adorable and romantic. Moreover, the author also wrote the negative characters like Damien and Hailey in a deliciously evil manner, where you loathe them for how they blackmail Kole.

    Moreover, there are also some minor things that I appreciated the author for including, the use of challenging SAT words, as well as Pippa’s story arc in the fanfic. It was interesting to see how Pippa’s storyline progressed and reflected Kole’s anxiety. I also enjoyed how the author toggled between formats and read the comments of fans over the fanfic posts. Finally, I loved the scenes in the Dance and thought it was the highlight of the story.

    Overall, I enjoyed “Down with This Ship” and look forward to reading more works by the author in the future.

    Book Tour Schedule

    Down with This Ship

    I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the Down with This Ship by Katie Kingman Blog Tour hosted by TBR and Beyond Tours. 

    June 7th
    The Book Dutchesses – Interview
    Belle’s Archive – Review

    June 8th
    And On She Reads – Review & Favourite Quotes
    Sheaf & Ink – Review
    Nine Bookish Lives – Promo Post

    June 9th
    perusewithcoffee – Review & Playlist
    Confessions of a YA Reader – Review
    SubtleBookish – Top 5 Reasons to Read Down with the Ship & Journal Spread

    June 10th
    A Court of Coffee and Books – Interview
    Pages & Plots – Promo Post
    Rajiv’s Reviews – Review

    June 11th
    Little Corner Reads – Review & Favourite Quotes
    Shelf Love – Review
    Jena Brown Writes – Review & Top 5 Reasons to Read Down with the Ship

    June 12th
    Windows to Worlds – Review & Book Look
    The Book View – Review
    Melancholic Blithe – Review & Mood Board

    June 13th
    Kait Plus Books – Interview
    Stuck in Fiction – Top 5 Reasons to Read Down with the Ship

  • The King’s Decree by Torina Kingsley

    The King’s Decree by Torina Kingsley

    The King's Decree

    The King’s Decree by Torina Kingsley

    Release: March 8th, 2021
    Format: Paperback
    Publisher: Trunk Up Books
    Source: Author
    Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, B&N, Kobo

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    A sixteen-year-old princess with depression wonders if anyone else understands how it feels to feel nothing.

    When Princess Devina turned fifteen, she struggled to get out of bed each day. Things that used to bring her joy–playing, laughing, dancing, painting–suddenly didn’t. It was as if all her emotions had disappeared, leaving her with a terrible emptiness–and sadness–inside. Her father, the king, vows to help his daughter by issuing a decree for her sixteenth birthday celebration.  Anyone in the kingdom who is able to make Devina smile will win her hand in marriage. So begins the middle-grade story The King’s Decree. It is  a modern-day spin on the Russian folktale, The Princess Who Never Laughed, masterfully told by author Torina Kingsley.

    In the kingdom’s peasant village, lives yet a different teenage girl, Yasmin. She loves her humble surroundings and the people in it. An unlikely encounter with the princess sparks a bond between the girls that runs deeper than friendship.

    When tragedy strikes and Devina’s mother passes away, the princess plunges further into despair and depression. She finds herself running to the person who makes her feel whole, who doesn’t judge her, who accepts her.

     The King’s Decree is a courageous story about depression and love that shines a light on the importance of acknowledging this prevalent illness and supporting the people we care about who are living with it.

    Author Torina Kingsley expertly weaves a tale that relays the heartbreaking struggle that many teens face today, teenage depression.

    About the Author:

    Torina Kingsley has always dreamed of becoming a published writer. She finds inspiration for her stories from viewing things from a different perspective, including her most recent book The King’s Decree, a chapter book that is a spin on the well-known Russian folktale, The Princess Who Never Laughed.

    Kingsley believes that a great story needs to be relatable and completely captivating, that it needs to drop the reader into a whole new world. She hopes that her stories make the young readers to think. For instance, Kingsley has seen that, although very few children’s books reflect characters afflicted with depression and anxiety, it’s something that kids and teens deal with every day, and she wanted to share that in her story. It is also important to Kingsley that characters are diverse characters who can fall in love with anyone, not just those who one might expect. As an author of Hispanic heritage, representing a diverse audience in her books is meaningful to her.

    When she isn’t writing thought-provoking and socially conscious young adult stories, Kingsley teaches music and loves working with her students. She lives with her husband and two rescue dogs in the Chicago area where she enjoys reading and spending time with her family.

    Facebook | Goodreads

    The King’s Decree Review:

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    “The King’s Decree” is a charming middle-grade novel that is light-hearted yet highlights some critical issues.

    What surprised me about the story is that even though it is a short tale, it conveys some important topics like depression and the loss of a family member. The author spins the story in a beautiful manner where you feel like you are reading a classic fairy tale, yet it feels fresh and new. I also liked the cute short stories that the author plugs in, like Ayla and Beela.

    Similarly, the characters are also interesting. Devina and Yasmin have striking personalities but are both amusing in the way. Even though Devina is moody and depressed, I laughed at her behavior, especially when trying to defy Esme. Also, I felt the reason behind her depression was valid and realistic and something that even an adult would have a hard time coping with in real life. On the other hand, Yasmin is a breath of fresh air, who lights up the pages, and I loved her effervescent personality. The way she brings a smile to Devnia’s face is adorable. Moreover, even though the author does not force it, I liked the budding romance between the two characters, even if they only stuck to friendship. The author wonderfully wrote their scenes together, and I wish there were more chapters with the two of them.

    My only criticism of the tale is that the ending felt rushed. I would have liked more scenes with Devina and her parents. Apart from that, “The King’s Decree” is worth reading! Overall, it is the perfect book to encourage middle-graders to get into the habit of reading.

  • A Thousand Minutes to Sunlight by Jen White

    A Thousand Minutes to Sunlight by Jen White

    A Thousand Minutes to Sunlight

    A Thousand Minutes to Sunlight by Jen White

    Release:  April 20th, 2021
    Format: Ebook
    Publisher: Farrar, Straus, and Giroux (BYR)
    Source: Netgalley
    Find it at Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, B&N, Kobo

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    Jen White’s A Thousand Minutes to Sunlight is a sensitive middle-grade novel about a girl struggling with anxiety, family secrets, and the meaning of friendship.

    Cora is constantly counting the minutes. It’s the only thing that stops her brain from rattling with worry, from convincing her that danger is up ahead. She is afraid of the unknown. Cora spends her days with her feet tucked into the sand, marveling at La Quinta beach’s giant waves. Again she admires her little sister Sunshine’s boundless energy.

    And then danger really does show up at Cora’s doorstep. Her absentee uncle, whose sudden presence in the middle of the night makes her parents nervous and secretive. As dawn breaks once more, Cora must piece together her family and herself, one minute at a time.

    A Thousand Minutes to Sunlight is an endearing and revelatory middle-grade novel perfect for fans of Counting by 7s and Fish in a Tree.

    About the Author:

    Jen White grew up in California, the oldest of five siblings. In kindergarten, during a parent/teacher conference, her teacher told her mother, “She’s a little bossy.” Unfortunately, Jen thinks that the same assessment might still be made today. She blames it on birth order. When she was young, she wanted to become an author and a teacher. One of her earliest memories was learning how to read. She remembers how excited she was when she realized she could read the signs she saw through the window when she was in the car with her mother. She also remembers how her stomach hurt when she read out loud because she read with such gusto.

    Jen has a degree in English teaching and earned her MFA from Vermont College of Fine Arts in writing for children and young adults. SURVIVAL STRATEGIES OF THE ALMOST BRAVE is her debut novel and was born from the real experience of Jen being accidentally forgotten at a gas station with her younger sister and cousin. Jen currently tries not to boss around her five children and husband in San Clemente, California.

    Website | Twitter | Facebook | Tumblr | Goodreads

    A Thousand Minutes to Sunlight Review:

    To begin with, I thought the author did a lovely job with the story. She addresses mental health issues and how people cope with them.

    Cora is a complex character. I appreciated how the author wrote her struggles against her mind when she gets panic attacks. I enjoyed the way the author portrayed Cora’s feelings. She has interesting conversations with her brain, where you can read her thoughts through actual dialogues between the brain and Cora. Interestingly, the author also managed to convey difficulties with adults, such as Uncle Richie’s addiction problems.

    Moreover, it is never easy losing a best friend, and I thought the author portrayed Cora’s friendship with Patrick nicely to move on from Minny. Patrick and Cora share lovely company and some of their moments were very cute. Also, Patrick oozes optimism and positivity that you cannot help but adore. I enjoyed the scenes where he takes Cora on the ride and takes her to Bingo. On a side note, I also loved Queen Bea and thought she made the story extra special.

    However, I would have loved more scenes and interactions between Cora and Uncle Richie. I felt that we didn’t get enough closure on the topic. Moreover, I would have liked it if the story spent less time on Cora’s hunt for Cat’s treasure and spent more time at her bonding with her Uncle. On the other hand, I enjoyed Patrick’s time travel storyline and wondered how it would progress.

    Overall, “A Thousand Minutes to Sunlight” is a charming middle-grade novel that focuses on mental health issues with a touch of friendship and adventure.

  • Girl on the Ferris Wheel by Julie Halpern, Len Vlahos

    Girl on the Ferris Wheel by Julie Halpern, Len Vlahos

    Girl on the Ferris Wheel

    Girl on the Ferris Wheel by Julie Halpern, Len Vlahos

    Release: January 12th, 2021
    Format: Ebook
    Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
    Source: Amazon
    Find it at Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, B&N, Kobo.

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    In Girl on the Ferris Wheel, Julie Halpern and Len Vlahos expertly tackle this quirky and poignant romance that explores what first love really means—and how it sometimes hurts like hell.

    Tenth graders Eliana and Dmitri could not be more different. He’s an outgoing, self-confident drummer in a punk band called Unexpected Turbulence. Eliana is introspective and thoughtful and a movie buff who is living with depression.

    Dmitri quite literally falls for Eliana when he sees her in gym class and slams into a classmate. The pair then navigate the ins and outs of first love. Exciting, scary, unexpected, and so much more difficult than they ever imagined. They say opposites attract, but they soon realize that there is so much they don’t understand about each other. It begs the question: How long can first love possibly last when you’re so different?

    About the Author:

    JULIE HALPERN is the author of five young adult novels and one picture book for young readers. Maternity Leave is her first novel for adults. Before her life as a full-time mom and author, Julie was a school librarian. She enjoys traveling, watching television for grown-ups, and eating baked goods in her imaginary spare time. Julie lives in the Chicago suburbs with her husband, author and illustrator Matthew Cordell, and their two children.

    Len Vlahos dropped out of NYU film school in the mid-80s to play guitar and write songs for Woofing Cookies.
    He was part of a band that broke up in 1987 and then followed his other passion, books. He has worked in the book industry ever since.
    For fun, he still plays guitar and piano and sometimes plays ice hockey too.
    He lives in Colorado with his super awesome wife Kristen, two sons, and their very energetic dog.

    Website1 | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads  |  Website2 |Goodreads2

     

    Girl on the Ferris Wheel Review:

    The “Girl on the Ferris Wheel” was a fun YA contemporary romance that accurately speaks about depression.

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    There are many moments that I enjoyed in the story. The first thing which stood out for me was how realistic and relatable the author made the storyline. The plot, along with the characters, feel like reading a book of your next-door neighbors. You can easily connect with the characters and empathize with them. Then there is the sweet romance between Dimitri and Eliana. The two of them don’t have the perfect relationship. Besides, their friendship starts on a humorous, awkward note in a washroom setting. But they have charming chemistry.

    Eliana is a complex character and pretty much drives the storyline. I loved how well and accurately the author portrayed the character’s depression. On the other hand, Dimitri is the guy you immediately love because of his charm and eagerness. I loved the lengths he went through to prove his love for Eliana. I also loved Yia Yia’s character and the Greek terms that Dimitri’s family used in their dialogues.

    Also, many moments in the story stood out for me. I love their movie date night where they watch “Psycho” or where he tries to serenade her. The song Dimitri writes for her is also sweet. On a side note, the author makes numerous pop-culture references that are very entertaining!

    However, I felt the book ended abruptly. There were quite a few things that I felt did not get resolved. For instance, Dimitri’s parents are racist, and Daisy is a nasty character, but there is no closure to their plotlines.

    Apart from that, this was a cute story that I recommend if you are in the mood for a lovely contemporary Young Adult novel.