The Sassy Bookworm

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Nature School by Lauren Giordano is an excellent book for kids to learn about different biomes and ecosystems. The book takes readers on a journey through five of the earth's largest biomes, exploring the plants, animals, and their adaptations for survival. Each chapter discusses the life cycles, climate, landscape and more of different ecosystems such as temperate forests, deserts, seashores, grasslands and wetlands.

What sets this book apart is that it includes over 30 hands-on activities that allow kids to engage with nature at a deeper level. These activities include bark & leaf rubbings, desertscape diorama and salt dough seashells among others. In addition to these activities, there are also experiments in each lesson that explain complex scientific concepts in an easy-to-understand way.

The layout of the book is visually stunning - it looks like a scrapbook someone would create themselves! The illustrations are gorgeous, colorful, and plentiful which makes reading this book a joy.

Overall, Nature School would make an excellent resource for homeschoolers or parents looking for fun and educational activities to engage their children's interest in nature. It would also make a perfect gift for young naturalists who love learning about the world around them.

ARC Via NetGalley

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Tarot Magick: Discover yourself through tarot by Lindsay Squire is a beginner's guide to the world of Tarot. The book is illustrated by Viki Lester of Forensics and Flowers, featuring stunning illustrations from The Witch of the Forest's own Tarot Magick deck.

What sets this book apart is its easy-to-learn information that explores the in-depth meanings and symbolism of every card, helping readers develop their intuitive Tarot skills. Furthermore, it offers insights into tarot magick and how it can improve wellness practices through witchcraft.

As I read this book, I found myself completely immersed in the stunning illustrations that make it a visual party for the eyes. In addition, I appreciated how well laid out the book is, which makes it easy for Tarot users of all levels to follow along. One section that stood out was the “spell” section that offered practical applications for using tarot cards in spellwork.

Overall, I would highly recommend Tarot Magick: Discover yourself through tarot by Lindsay Squire to anyone interested in learning more about tarot. From its beautiful cover to its informative content and practical applications, this book is exceptional and truly a must-read for all those on a journey of self-discovery through Tarot.

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National Monuments of the USA by Cameron Walker is a mesmerizing book that takes you on an awe-inspiring journey through American history and wild places...

The book is divided into eight chapters that cover the breadth of the US. The pictographic maps give you an idea of where each monument is located, while double-page scenes convey the beauty of the areas featured. The author does an excellent job of describing each monument, its cultural significance, and natural beauty.

One thing that makes this book stand out is its stunning illustrations. They make flipping through it a joyous experience. Additionally, it's full of information about national monuments' activities, making it an excellent resource for travelers planning to visit them.

However, one downside is that I found the font size to be too small at times. It made it hard to read for me personally.

In conclusion, if you're looking for a travel guide that showcases some of America's most historically important and amazing places with stunning visuals and informative content, National Monuments of the USA would make an excellent addition to your collection or a perfect gift for anyone planning to travel soon!

ARC Via NetGalley

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Forest Bath Right Down This Path by Lisa Robinson is a beautiful ode to the natural world. On a hot summer day, Kayla suggests she and her father go forest bathing, and with some convincing, they set off into the woods. The story takes readers on a journey through the sights, sounds, and smells of nature as Kayla and her dad immerse themselves in the forest.

The illustrations in this book are beautiful and wonderfully complement the poetic narrative half of Robinson's writing. However, the other half with the Dad and cellphone just didn't work for me. Despite that minor issue, Forest Bath Right Down This Path is an enjoyable read that inspires readers to take a break from their daily lives and find solace in nature.

ARC Via NetGalley

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One Star Wonders by Mike Lowery is a hilarious gift book that provides an insightful and entertaining look into the world of one-star reviews. Based on real-life experiences, the book showcases the different quirks, entitlements, and expectations of people when traveling or visiting places. The reviews are so ridiculous that they will make you laugh until you cry. Paired with Mike's signature illustrations, this book is a perfect combination of humor and art.

The author has done an excellent job in curating some of the most absurd one-star reviews from around the world and presenting them in a way that is both witty and entertaining. The illustrations add another layer to the book and enhance the humor aspect of it. The book is very well organized, making it easy to read through, even for short periods at a time.

One Star Wonders is funny as h@ll with excellent illustrations that would make such a great gift for anyone who loves to travel or appreciates good humor. I highly recommend this book as it is sure to provide endless entertainment for travel enthusiasts and anyone looking for a good laugh!

ARC Via NetGalley

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I recently had the pleasure of reading and reviewing Guided Astrology Workbook by Stefanie Caponi. This book is a fantastic guide to understanding the essential facets of astrology. The author begins by explaining that your birth chart is a snapshot of the positions of the planets at the moment you were born. With this understanding, she then guides you as you learn to interpret seemingly complex astrological information with ease.

One thing that immediately caught my attention was the stunning cover on this book. It certainly carries on into the book with brilliant illustrations that add value to each section. I found it well laid out and easy to follow, making it perfect for newbies like me! The workbook is chock full of information about astrology and all the different signs, planets, etc., which makes it an excellent resource for those interested in learning more about themselves or others.

Overall, Stefanie Caponi's Guided Astrology Workbook is a must-read for anyone looking to expand their knowledge of astrology or discover more about themselves. I highly recommend it to anyone seeking insight and clarity in their lives. After reading this digital version, I am definitely buying myself a physical copy!

ARC Via NetGalley

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Murder Your Employer by Rupert Holmes is a devilish thriller that introduces readers to The McMasters Conservatory, a luxurious and clandestine college dedicated to the fine art of murder...

The cover on this book is outstanding, and the writing itself is fantastic. It's like Hogwarts for murderers!

⭐⭐⭐ – Great cover on this one!

Murder Served Neat by Michelle Hillen Klump is an entertaining cozy mystery novel that follows the story of Samantha Warren, a reporter-turned-mixologist who finds herself in the middle of another murder investigation. This time, her mother's best friend has been accused of murder, and Samantha must clear her name by helping to solve the case.

Although this book was better than its predecessor, and it also had a well-crafted mystery that kept me guessing until the end, it still suffered from being too long-winded and unevenly paced. That said, Samantha was more likable this time around, and I enjoyed reading about her mixology skills. The addition of recipes at the end of each chapter is always an additional bonus.

Overall, Murder Served Neat is an enjoyable cozy mystery with interesting characters and plenty of twists and turns that unfortunately suffers from uneven pacing and could use a good edit.

ARC Via NetGalley

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The Little Book of Mushrooms by Alex Dorr is a beautifully illustrated guide to 75 of the most unique and fascinating mushrooms in the world. The book provides interesting insight into their history, uses, and etymologies. From sweet little toadstools to giant puffballs, this book celebrates all types of mushrooms.

I have to admit that the cover of this book is beautiful. This book is also stunningly illustrated, with gorgeous drawings, and beautifully decorated fonts. It very much has the feeling of it being a scrapbook that makes for a visually pleasing book to flip through.

The author does an excellent job of laying out the content. Divided into two sections...the first is “A Basic Introduction to Mushrooms” and the second is “The Mushrooms” themselves laid out in alphabetic order. The illustrations in this section are gorgeous, and there is plenty of information to keep you engaged.

I particularly enjoyed the “At A Glance” sections, along with the extra bits of information, recipes, etc., in the stapled rectangles that are featured throughout the book.

Overall, this was just a stunning book to read and would make an excellent gift or coffee table book for anyone interested in learning about mushrooms or appreciating exquisite illustrations. I highly recommend The Little Book of Mushrooms by Alex Dorr!

ARC Via NetGalley

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Death in Irish Accents by Catie Murphy is the fourth installment in the cozy mystery series set in Ireland. The story follows Megan Malone, a limo driver who finds herself caught up in yet another murder investigation, when a young woman's body lands in her lap at a café. Despite trying to stay out of trouble and leave the case to the police, Megan's involvement is inevitable due to her connection with her latest client, renowned romance novelist Claire Woodward, who is also the victim's literary mentor.

While the pacing was good and the mystery well crafted and kept me guessing, this installment fell short compared to previous books due to one major negative: Jelena. Megan's girlfriend was manipulative (“you better help me at the parade, Megan, or ELSE!”) , controlling, and a passive-aggressive bully. I could not stand her at all. And because of Jelena's behavior throughout the book, Megan's character comes across as a shell of how she was portrayed in the previous books. My god, she would constantly apologize to Jelena for things that were not even remotely her fault! In fact, she spends half this book apologizing for who she is, and the other half worrying about how Jelena is going to react. It made me so angry! I hope that this author reevaluates these characters before future installments so we can see more of the strong, independent and fun Megan that we know and love from earlier books.

Overall, while not my favorite book in the series, Death in Irish Accents still remains an enjoyable read with its top-notch writing, well crafted mystery, and charming setting.

ARC Via NetGalley

⭐⭐⭐⭐ — Eye catching cover on this book

Secluded Cabin Sleeps Six by Lisa Unger is a thrilling locked-room mystery that follows three couples who rent a luxury cabin for a weekend getaway. What is supposed to be a relaxing weekend turns into a nightmare as a deadly storm approaches, the rental host behaves strangely, and secrets from their past come back to haunt them.

Despite the convoluted (at times) plot and too many points of view that seem unnecessary, I found this book to be highly entertaining. From the start, it had me hooked into the story. The DNA angle was cleverly done and the characters were well developed and intriguing. Additionally, the fast-paced writing style made it an enjoyable read overall.

Overall, Secluded Cabin Sleeps Six is an engrossing thriller that will keep you on edge until the very end. While it has its hiccups, the book is well written and definitely worth reading if you enjoy mysteries with plenty of twists and turns.

ARC Via NetGalley

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The Weekend by L. H. Stacey is a thrilling mystery about a young woman who returns to Kirkwood manor after ten years for a memorial weekend for her deceased lover...

The story takes place over the course of one weekend and centers around the protagonist's attempt to find out what really happened to Thomas on the night he died. Invited back by Thomas' grieving mother Ada for a reunion that turns out to be more sinister than she could have imagined. As the events unfold, it becomes clear that Ada is on a mission to catch the killer of her son.

This book has a brilliant cover and an extremely readable writing style. Although some parts of the plot were far-fetched and eye-roll inducing, it was still highly entertaining and kept me engaged from start to finish. The pacing was well-done, with enough twists and turns in the story to keep me guessing until the very end.

Overall, if you are looking for an enjoyable mystery with an intriguing cast of characters, then I would definitely recommend The Weekend by L. H. Stacey.

ARC Via NetGalley

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Death by a Cornish Cove by Fliss Chester is a thrilling murder mystery that takes place at Penbeagle House on the Cornish coast. Cressida Fawcett is invited to stay at the mansion for a fancy-dress ball, but before they can even start the party, Lord Canterbury drops dead in front of everyone. Cressida, along with her friend Dotty and her pug Ruby, start their own investigation to uncover the killer among the guests. The story is well-paced, and the mystery was well-crafted, leaving readers guessing until the end.

The setting and time period of this book add an extra layer of charm to the story. The writing is top-notch, making it an enjoyable read from beginning to end. The cover perfectly represents what's inside - a thrilling murder mystery set against the backdrop of a beautiful coastal location.

Cressida remains a likable character throughout and her little pug Rudy adds some delightful moments to the story. Overall, Death by a Cornish Cove is highly entertaining and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries with cleverly crafted plots. I am eagerly looking forward to book three in this series!

ARC Via NetGalley

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Murder at an Irish Castle by Ellie Brannigan is a cozy mystery novel that takes readers on a thrilling journey to Ireland. The book follows the story of Rayne McGrath, a bridal wear designer who unexpectedly inherits a run-down family castle in Ireland from her uncle. However, there's a catch - if she doesn't renovate and revive the castle within a year, the town will be financially destroyed. As Rayne delves deeper into her uncle's death, she realizes that it might not have been an accident after all.

Although the setting of the book is charming and picturesque, I personally found every character to be unlikable apart from the dog. The mystery aspect of the book was weak as well and didn't keep me hooked throughout. Overall, I love cozy mysteries set in Ireland, but this one didn't meet my expectations. I wouldn't recommend continuing with this series if you're looking for a strong mystery plot and relatable characters.

ARC Via NetGalley

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A Good Day to Pie by Misha Popp is a cozy mystery novel that follows Daisy, a baker who adds a bit of murder into specific pies she bakes. She and her dog Zoe deliver these pies to people in town who deserve a little punishment. When she enters a televised baking competition with a chance to win $100k, she must continue her deadly hobby while keeping up with the show's demands. However, she discovers that one of the judges is her intended next victim and when he ends up dead before receiving his pie, Daisy must solve the murder and avoid getting caught before someone exposes her secret.

As someone who enjoyed the first book in the series, I found this second installment lacking in comparison. The unique elements that made the first book stand out were overshadowed by the generic baking competition plotline that seemed recycled from other cozy mysteries I've read recently. Additionally, many beloved characters from the previous book were absent here, leaving me feeling disconnected from the story's emotional core. That being said, I still plan on reading book three in hopes that this author gets back to what made this series so enjoyable for me initially. On a positive note, A Good Day to Pie features an eye-catching cover design and includes some bonus recipes which are always fun to try out!

ARC Via NetGalley

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A Legacy of Bones by Doug Burgess is a captivating murder mystery that explores the cultural and racial divide on a remote Hawaiian island between the landed elite and the villagers. A well-placed stick of TNT ignites a full-blown investigation, leading to the discovery of a terrible secret hidden behind the statue of Amyas Lathrop.

Cultural expert Winnie Te Papa takes on the task of tracking down the ruthless murderer through a maze of family alliances, greedy developers, scholars, protestors, and gangsters. The story is told in a dual timeline: present day and journal entries from the 1850s, which worked seamlessly to trace the consequences of an island's frenetic beginnings as they snowball through generations.

I enjoyed this book a lot; it was well-paced and had great writing. The mystery itself was well-crafted and kept me engaged throughout. I loved how well-developed and intriguing all the characters were. The inclusion of legend, history and ghosts added extra depth and intrigue to the story that made it even more interesting.

One thing worth mentioning is that this book has a beautiful cover!

Overall, A Legacy of Bones is a thought-provoking murder mystery with richly developed characters and intricate plot twists that will keep you guessing until its satisfying conclusion.

ARC Via NetGalley

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I recently read The Twisted Dead by Darcy Coates and wanted to share my thoughts on this paranormal thriller...

The story follows Keira, a young woman who can see ghosts and works as a groundskeeper in a small town cemetery. When she receives an invitation to dinner at Dane Crispin's ancestral estate, she knows she can't refuse despite the fact that he once tried to kill her. As soon as Keira enters the mansion, she senses the presence of restless spirits, and when Dane asks for her help, Keira doesn't hold a grudge and agrees to help him.

While I found the setting of this novel suitably creepy, I felt that most of the action took place in the last 20% of the book. Getting there felt like a bit of a slog at times. Which was the same issue I had with the previous book. That said, I really enjoyed learning more about Dane Crispin and found all the characters to be very likable, particularly Keira's friendship with Zoe and Mason.

Despite my mixed feelings about this installment in the series, I think it is worth reading. The Twisted Dead has amazing cover art, just like other books from this series, and presents an interesting storyline with intriguing characters.

Overall, while it may not have been my favorite book in the series so far, I am still onboard to see what happens next in this ongoing story.

ARC Via NetGalley

⭐⭐⭐.5 — A well-designed cover that provides some hints about the genre, style or themes of the book.

The Spite House by Johnny Compton is a gripping Gothic thriller that revolves around Eric Ross, who is on the run with his two daughters. In search of money and a safe place to stay, they find an ad for the Masson House in Degener, Texas, which is reported to be one of the most haunted places in Texas. The job requires them to stay in Spite House and document any paranormal activity. What could go wrong?!

⭐⭐⭐⭐ – The cover of the book is fantastic, and it perfectly captures the spirit of the story inside!

I recently finished reading Stakes, Cakes and Mandrakes by Colleen Gleason and I have to say that it was a fun and entertaining read. The book is set in Button Cove during springtime, where Jacqueline is settling into her new life. She has made new friends and even found romance with the town detective. But things start getting strange when mandrakes begin growing in her garden, and a woman is found dead with puncture wounds on her neck...

What I loved about this book was its originality, humor, and the fact that it can be easily enjoyed as a standalone novel. The writing was great, the pacing was spot on, and the plot kept me guessing until the very end. Even though there were plenty of characters introduced in the book (including Mrs. Hudson from Sherlock Holmes and Mrs. Danvers from Rebecca), they were all unique and likable in their own quirky way.

As soon as I finished reading this book, I became an instant fan of Colleen Gleason's writing style. I am eagerly looking forward to the next book in this series! Overall, if you love supernatural mysteries with humorous undertones, then Stakes, Cakes and Mandrakes is definitely worth reading!

ARC Via NetGalley

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – There are seemingly 50 different covers for this book!

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A Date To Die For by E.V. Hunter is the first book in a brand-new Cozy Crime series...

The story begins with Alexi Ellis, an investigative journalist, and her feral cat, Cosmo, heading to beautiful Hopgood Hall to lick her wounds after being betrayed and let go from her job. However, she finds her old friends Cheryl and Drew distraught over the disappearance of their friend Natalie Parker. Alexi agrees to investigate Natalie's disappearance while ex-Met Police detective turned private eye Jack Maddox also joins forces to find her.

A Date To Die For has a well-paced plot that keeps readers engaged until the end. The mystery is well-crafted with secrets that someone desperately wants to keep hidden. The subject matter is darker than your average cozy mystery, but still enjoyable. The characters are likable, especially Alexi's sleuthing cat, Cosmo! I can't wait to see more of them in future installments of this series.

I enjoyed this book and found it funny and witty. I read it cover to cover in a single day which is a testament to how engaging the story was. The cover art fits the story perfectly, making for an attractive package overall. Honestly, the only thing I didn't like was Alexi's name. For some reason, I just found it a really odd name choice.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Another outstanding cover on this book!

Three Can Keep a Secret by M.E. Hilliard is an exceptional mystery novel that will leave you on the edge of your seat until the very end!

The story follows Greer Hogan, a librarian turned sleuth who is drawn into another murder case in the idyllic village of Raven Hill. When Anita Hunzeker, chair of the library board of trustees, is run off the road and killed, no one seems to be all that sorry. But when a local professor also turns up dead, Greer uses her uncanny knack for deduction that leads her to uncover shocking secrets stretching back decades.

The writing in this book remains top notch with a well-paced plot that kept me engaged from beginning to end. I loved the setting in the Village of Raven Hill and especially enjoyed exploring more about its library. The characters are solid, likable, and work well together to help solve the murder. I appreciate how Greer isn't constantly at odds with local police but works together smoothly with them.

Overall, Three Can Keep a Secret was another 5-star read for me in this series! Even if you missed book two in this series like I did, it doesn't detract from enjoying this book as a standalone read. Highly recommended for any mystery lover looking for an engaging whodunit!

ARC Via NetGalley

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“The Tiger Who Sleeps Under My Chair” by Hannah Foley is a beautifully written, middle-grade novel that tells the story of Emma Linden who dreams of following in the footsteps of Mary Anning, and of Rosie Linden who after going missing for four days has to deal with her own mental health issues. The dual timeline plot, set in London in the 1880s and Devon in 2023, follows the same family lineage and is steeped in natural history surrounding the Jurassic Coast.

The author has done an amazing job of tackling mental health issues and presenting them in a way that younger readers can relate to. The novel emphasizes the importance of empathy, acceptance, and support, which are essential for healing. The friendships between the characters are heartwarming and add depth to the story.

The cover of this book immediately catches your attention with its beautiful artwork. I loved how Hannah Foley included history surrounding Mary Anning, which adds another layer to the plot. Overall, “The Tiger Who Sleeps Under My Chair” is an excellent read that combines adventure, mystery, history, and personal growth, all wrapped up in one captivating story.

ARC Via NetGalley

⭐⭐⭐⭐ – The cover on this is perfect for this book. It gives an old school horror book feel.

Gothic by Philip Fracassi is an old-school horror novel that tells the story of Tyson Parks, a struggling horror writer who receives an antique desk from his partner, Sarah, as a birthday present.

Unbeknownst to him, the desk has been sought after for centuries by a mysterious woman who finally tracks it down to Tyson's home. As Tyson begins using the desk, he starts acting strange and his writing becomes more disturbing than ever before.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book for its spooky atmosphere and well-paced plot. The characters were intriguing, and the writing fantastic. The novel had an old school horror vibe to it that reminded me of classic films like Carrie.

Overall, Gothic was a really entertaining horror novel that I would highly recommend to any fan of the horror genre.

ARC Via NetGalley

⭐⭐⭐ – Decent cover on this book

Windward Family: An atlas of love, loss and belonging by Alexis Keir tells the story of a Black British family that is separated by thousands of miles but united by love, loss and belonging. The book takes readers on a journey from the Caribbean to England, North America, New Zealand and back again across generations of travellers spanning the 19th century to the present.

While there were some outstanding parts in this book, I found it to be an alright read overall. The jumping around time-wise between memoir and fiction made it difficult to stay invested in the story, and I also found that the entire book felt really choppy and disjointed. However, I appreciate the author's effort to uncover lost memories and rediscover old connections while shedding light on tales of exploitation, endeavor, and bravery from those who had to find a home far from where they were born.

Overall, if you're interested in exploring themes of love, loss, and history within the generations of a family, then Windward Family might be worth checking out.

ARC Via NetGalley