The Dread Penny
Society: The Complete Penny Dreadful Collection
By Sarah M. Eden
Publisher:
Shadow Mountain (September 5, 2023)
Hardcover:
400 pages
ISBN-10:
1639931546
ISBN-13:
978-1639931545
Publisher’s Blurb:
This beautiful, cloth-covered hardcover collector’s
anthology compiles all the penny dreadful short stories from Sarah M. Eden’s
five-book Victorian romance series. Included in this edition are three new,
never-before-released stories.
Each
short story is written in the style of the Victorian fiction that became so
popular during that time period. From ghost stories to adventures to mysteries,
Sarah weaves these gothic tales among her romantic storylines, making it the
perfect way to celebrate the Dread Penny Society series.
My Thoughts:
This collection of
“penny dreadfuls” is a lovely add-on to the completed Dread Penny Society
Series. Many of the stories accompanied and paralleled the action of the
individual novels; some are new. All are written in the style of the time.
Separated from the
novels, the stories still stand up well. There are a variety of stories,
especially when adding in the ones that were not in the original novels. These
stories run the range from adventurous to supernatural. Frequently, but not
always, there is also a romantic element.
Possible
Objectionable Material:
Some deal with the
supernatural, like monsters in the forest or ghosts. All are treated in a light
enough way that they should not give nightmares.
Who Might Like
This Book:
Anyone who liked Eden’s
Dread Penny Society series and would like to have all the stories (with new
ones) in a single volume. Anyone who likes the penny dreadful stories of days
gone by.
Thank you to
Shadow Mountain Publishing and NetGalley for providing an advanced reader copy
in exchange for my honest opinion.
Fair Rosaline
By Natasha
Solomons
Publisher:
Sourcebooks Landmark (September 12, 2023)
Hardcover:
336 pages
ISBN-10:
1728281237
ISBN-13:
978-1728281230
Publisher’s Blurb:
Was the greatest ever love story a lie?
The first
time Romeo Montague sees young Rosaline Capulet he falls instantly in love.
Rosaline, headstrong and independent, is unsure of Romeo's attentions but with
her father determined that she join a convent, this handsome and charming
stranger offers her the chance of a different life.
Soon though,
Rosaline begins to doubt all that Romeo has told her. She breaks off the match,
only for Romeo's gaze to turn towards her cousin, thirteen-year-old Juliet.
Gradually Rosaline realizes that it is not only Juliet's reputation at stake,
but her life .With only hours remaining before she will be banished behind the
nunnery walls, will Rosaline save Juliet from her Romeo?
Or can this
story only ever end one way?
Shattering
everything we thought we knew about Romeo and Juliet, Fair Rosaline is the spellbinding
prequel to Shakespeare's best known tale, which exposes Romeo as a
predator with a long history of pursuing much younger girls. Bold,
lyrical, and chillingly relevant, Fair
Rosaline reveals the dark subtext of the timeless story of
star-crossed lovers: it's a feminist revision that will enthrall readers.
My Thoughts:
I’ve been teaching
Romeo and Juliet off and on for 20 years. Every time, I tell the
kids, “Romeo is a player.” Clearly, Natasha Solomons agrees. Solomons does not
follow the usual theory that Romeo is a teenager, and backs up her
interpretation in the notes at the end of the novel. In this case, having Romeo
be in his 30s makes him even creepier. No…pervier. Really. He’s not just a player,
he’s a groomer and an abuser.
Told from the
point-of-view of Rosaline, the woman we only hear about in Act I of the
Shakespeare play, this story takes the tragedy much deeper. Romeo leaves a wake
of ruined girls behind him. He likes them young and innocent and, with Friar
Laurence’s help, makes sure their lives are ruined after he loses interest.
Rosaline’s
character is well-rounded and beautifully imperfect. She is impetuous and
opinionated and defiant. She’s also very smart, and once she puts two and two
together and realizes just how Romeo has played her, she doesn’t just cry and
whine. She acts. Her revenge is perfect and appropriate. She makes sacrifices
to see justice served, and considers them worthy sacrifices.
This story is not without
heartbreak. How could it be?
Possible
Objectionable Behavior:
Unmarried sex,
pregnancy, violence, death, drinking, mild cursing.
Who Might Like
This Book:
It helps, but
isn’t essential, for you to be familiar with the source material. If you like
coming-of-age stories, this is a good choice.
Thank you to the
publisher and NetGalley for providing an advanced reader copy in exchange for
my honest opinion.
Between Monsters
and Marvels
By Alysa
Wishingrad
Publisher:
HarperCollins (September 12, 2023)
Hardcover:
400 pages
ISBN-10:
006324487X
ISBN-13:
978-0063244870
Reading
age: 8 - 12 years
Grade
level: 3 - 7
Publisher’s Blurb:
A standalone high-stakes middle grade fantasy by Alysa
Wishingrad, author of the Junior Library Guild Gold Standard selection The
Verdigris Pawn.
Monsters are still lurking on Barrow’s Bay.
Dare Coates
is sure of it. No drifter or ruffian could have killed her father, the Captain
of the Guard, while he was on patrol. But everyone insists that monsters have
been gone for years now. Dare’s mother. Her classmates. Even the governor, who
swiftly marries her mother just months after her father’s death.
Dare’s
suspicions grow even stronger when the governor suddenly ships her off to the
mainland, away from any hope of uncovering the truth about her father’s death.
Or so she
thinks. Soon Dare finds solid proof that monsters still exist and she starts to
question everything she’s always known. Was her father who she thought he was?
Who can she trust? Where is the line between good and evil?
The truth
hides behind danger and deception. But with the help of an unlikely crew of
cohorts and a stray beastie, nothing can stop Dare from finding out what
happened to her father and exposing who the real monsters are.
My Thoughts:
Dare is not an
easy kid. She is full of awful. Among the children of the town, she is an
outcast. They consider her father’s job—patrolling for monsters—to be a waste
of time and resources. After all, all the monsters are gone.
Dare knows better.
After her father’s
death and mother’s remarriage—to the governor—she is shipped off to the
mainland to stay with the aunt who raised her father. And it is here that the
adventure truly begins. Dare must learn whom to trust and whom to avoid as she
unravels the mystery of how her father really died, and what the truth is about
monsters and marvels.
The narrative
voice is strong, and while Dare knows she isn’t always likable, to us, the
readers, she is a sympathetic character. We root for her as she finds
friendship and discovers that maybe people aren’t all so awful after all.
Possible
Objectionable Material:
This is a fantasy
universe, with unusual monsters. Lack of adult supervision. There is some minor
violence, deception, dangerous situations. There is also a slight supernatural
element as there is a ghost.
Who Might Like
This Book:
People who like
spunky heroines, coming-of-age, learning to speak up for yourself. I think it
skews more to the middle to top of the age range suggested by the publisher.
Thank you to the
publisher and NetGalley for providing an advanced reader copy in exchange for
my honest opinion.
The Name Drop
By Susan Lee
Publisher:
Inkyard Press; Original edition (September 12, 2023)
Language:
English
Hardcover:
304 pages
ISBN-10:
1335457984
ISBN-13:
978-1335457981
Reading
age: 13 - 17 years
Grade
level: 7 - 9
Publisher’s Blurb:
New from the author of Seoulmates comes
a story of mistaken identities, the summer of a lifetime, and a love to risk
everything for.
When Elijah Ri arrives in New York City for an internship at his father’s
massive tech company, Haneul Corporation, he expects the royal treatment that
comes with being the future CEO—even if that’s the last thing he wants. But
instead, he finds himself shuffled into a group of overworked, unpaid interns,
all sharing a shoebox apartment for the summer.
When Jessica Lee arrives in New York City, she’s eager to make the most of her
internship at Haneul Corporation, even if she’s at the bottom of the corporate
ladder. But she’s shocked to be introduced as the new executive-in-training
intern with a gorgeous brownstone all to herself.
It doesn’t take long for Elijah and Jessica to discover the source of the
mistake: they share the same Korean name. But they decide to stay switched—so
Elijah can have a relaxing summer away from his controlling dad while Jessica
can make the connections she desperately needs for college recommendations.
As Elijah and Jessica work together to keep up the charade, a spark develops
between them. Can they avoid discovery—and total disaster—with their
feelings and futures on the
line?
My Thoughts:
Told in dual points of view, this was a fun
twist on a classic mistaken identity trope. From very different backgrounds,
and with very different parental expectations, Elijah and Jessica both get an
eye-opening summer experience. I like that they both show growth during their
summer internship and even after things come crashing down—as they inevitably
must.
The supporting cast of characters is also
interesting and well-rounded. They serve as more than just set dressing.
Particularly interesting is the struggle to be
female in a company in which a strong cultural preference for male hierarchy is
present. Battling the slights—intentional or not—becomes an important secondary
plot point. As does the rather superior attitude the corporate types take
toward the interns and their value to the company.
While the budding relationship between Elijah
and Jessica is an important factor in the story, I found it refreshing that it
wasn’t the be-all and end-all of the story. I like the misunderstandings that
occur—and must be resolved—as they explore their very different lifestyles and
backgrounds.
Overall, the resolution is satisfying. You
can’t help but root for these people.
Possible Objectionable Material:
Sexism, some racism and classism. Deception.
Cursing, including a couple of F-bombs. Kissing.
Who Might Like This Book:
If you like mistaken identities, this is a fun
one. I think the publisher’s suggested age range is good. Their grade level
might be referring to reading level; otherwise it’s a bit low.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for
providing an advanced reader copy in exchange for my opinion.
Christmas at the
Cat Café
By Jessica Redland
Publisher:
Boldwood Books (September 15, 2023)
Paperback:
384 pages
ISBN-10:
1801624844
ISBN-13:
978-1801624848
Publisher’s Blurb:
It's the most wonderful time of the year on Castle Street,
and there's a paw-some new business opening....
It had
always been Tabby's dream to work with cats and an inheritance
from her beloved nanna has finally made that a reality. Idyllic Castle Street
in Whitsborough Bay couldn’t be a better place for pastry chef Tabby to open a
cat café with her boyfriend, Leon.
But
when Leon leaves her in the lurch, the pressure mounts for Tabby. With
Christmas fast approaching, she has to open the café on her own – a daunting
prospect, especially when she's been hiding her health issues from the ones she
loves.
Faced
with local resistance to the café – and somebody seemingly determined that she
won’t succeed – Tabby will need her friends, family and cats more than ever to
recover her broken Christmas spirit and pull together for a Christmas miracle.
Will
the cat café bring the festive joy to Castle Street as Tabby had hoped or will
it be a cat-astrophe? And can the magic of Christmas on Castle Street mend
Tabby's broken heart as well as her business?
My Thoughts:
This one was a bit
difficult to engage with. There was just something about the narrative voice
that didn’t click for me. Part of it is that, as “Tabitha” (aka, the writer)
explains fibromyalgia, it reads very much like a women’s health website.
As a character,
Tabitha is…fine. She spends a lot of time trying to spare everyone else from
worrying about her, and watching her learn to accept help is definitely a
strong point. Her development of the cat café is pretty cute; the way she talks
for her cats, each with its distinctive voice and accent, is somewhat less so—but
at least she only does that in private.
Tom is maybe a bit
too good to be true, but he’s solid as the love interest. The villain, however…oof.
Quite cartoony. Finding out who is behind attacks on the café is a little bit
of a surprise; there wasn’t really anything to telegraph it.
Side characters
are good, particularly some of the café staff and regulars. Tabby does manage
to overcome several adversities quite well. The best thing, though, is that she
shows enough growth to be aware of when something isn’t right for her.
As with any
romance—Hallmark or otherwise—something must drive our love interests apart
about ¾ of the way through. In this case, it makes sense, as does their
resolution.
Possible Objectionable
Material:
Tabitha has been
living, unmarried, with her boyfriend for several years. Some drinking. Mild
swearing. Death of a pet.
Who Might Like
This Book:
While it does have
Christmas in it, it isn’t all about the holiday. If you like cats or have ever
wanted to visit a cat café, you’ll probably quite enjoy this book. And of
course, if you like “clean” romance, this is for you.
Thank you to
NetGalley and the publisher for providing an advanced reader copy in exchange
for my honest opinion.
Every Duke Has His
Day
By Suzanne Enoch
Publisher:
Griffin (September 19, 2023)
Paperback:
320 pages
ISBN-10:
1250842549
ISBN-13:
978-1250842541
Publisher’s Blurb:
Brain meets Beauty in this sparkling, fresh
take on the classic Bringing Up Baby – if Jane Austen had
written it! A romantic comedy with a dash of chaos featuring the most
ill-behaved poodle in Regency London, by New York Times bestseller
Suzanne Enoch.
Michael Bromley, Duke of Woriton, has a passion, but it’s not for chasing ladies or gambling till dawn. No, his is the far more dangerous pursuit of the science of chemistry. He may be a tad eccentric, but he can navigate a society ballroom, and manage a polite conversation—if he must. He’s certainly capable of taking care of his aunt’s perfectly behaved poodle, Lancelot, while she’s on holiday.
Elizabeth “Bitsy” Dockering, third daughter of a viscount, is enjoying her second, spectacular Season in London. She is a Diamond of the Season and is adored by all—and especially by her precious black poodle, Galahad. To everyone else, however, Galahad is a demon dog. So much so that Bitsy’s most insistent beau and particular victim of Galahad’s bad manners, has hired a thief to steal the dog, clearing the way for his suit.
But none of them can plan for a chaotic encounter in the park, resulting in lost notes, a soaking in the Serpentine and an accidental dog swap…and Lancelot being kidnapped instead of Galahad! Determined to locate the dog, Michael isn’t thrilled to be saddled with a flighty female insisting on helping—except that Bitsy has a great deal more sense than he expected. And a sharp tongue to match. Still, what’s a scientist to do but continue to pursue an outcome, however unexpected it may be? But chemistry is all about attraction, and this is one formula with some hilariously romantic results.
My Thoughts:
Honestly, I liked this far more than I expected to. Probably
because Michael is not completely the typical “mad scientist”, oblivious to the
effects of his behavior and anything that isn’t to do with science. Likewise,
Bitsy has the self-awareness to understand that being the sparkling Diamond of the
London season isn’t all there is to life.
The mechanism by which they meet—and must continue meeting—is
effective, and the dialogue between the two is very well done.
Likewise, the B-plot is like its own little mini-romance, and
is equally satisfying.
Possible Objectionable Material:
Deception, some drinking. Theft of animals. Threats.
Who Might Like This Book:
This really reminds me of classic movie romcoms. Think Spencer
Tracy and Katharine Hepburn. Dog lovers might particularly enjoy this one.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an
advance reader copy in exchange for my opinion.
Ploof
By Ben Clanton and
Andy Chou Musser
Publisher:
Tundra Books (September 26, 2023)
Hardcover:
56 pages
ISBN-10:
1774881926
ISBN-13:
978-1774881927
Reading
age: 2 - 5 years
Publisher’s Blurb:
Come play with Ploof! Meet a friendly cloud
full of feelings in this interactive picture book for fans of Hervé
Tullet's Press Here, from the creator of Narwhal and Jelly and
the co-creator of Science Explorers.
Ploof is a puffy cloud who's a little lonely — but now you're
here, and the fun can begin! Can you help Ploof overcome their shyness? Play pretend?
Make Ploof laugh with your funny faces, find their hiding spot, give them a
high five! Full of imaginative and interactive fun, each page of this perfect
book for preschoolers offers a chance to play. By following cues to say hello,
clap, blow, shake, wave or make a funny face, young readers will be delighted
to see the effects of their actions on Ploof. They'll learn social-emotional
skills like empathy, encouragement and kindness through Ploof's emotional
journey — and, along the way, they'll learn how to be a fantastic friend!
Join Ploof’s adventures in a brand-new series co-written and co-illustrated by
Narwhal and Jelly creator Ben Clanton and up-and-coming picture book maker Andy
Chou Musser.
My Thoughts:
Full disclosure: I was a first-year teacher at Ben Clanton’s
high school his senior year. I’m not sure we ever actually spoke to each other.
This absolutely charming little book is perfect for reading
with a little one on your lap. The various gestures prompted by the simple text
will be fun to do together. The illustrations are cute, the pages uncluttered,
and the story length just right for short little attention spans.
Ploof would be a perfect
gift to welcome a new baby.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an
advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
Bright Lights Big Christmas
By Mary Kay Andrews
Publisher:
St. Martin's Press (September 26, 2023)
Hardcover:
288 pages
ISBN-10:
125028581X
ISBN-13:
978-1250285812
Publisher’s Blurb:
When fall rolls around, it’s time for Kerry Tolliver to leave
her family’s Christmas tree farm in the mountains of North Carolina for the
wilds of New York City to help her gruff older brother & his dog, Queenie,
sell the trees at the family stand on a corner in Greenwich Village. Sharing a
tiny vintage camper and experiencing Manhattan for the first time, Kerry’s
ready to try to carve out a new corner for herself.
My Thoughts:
I love Christmas
romcom season. It always falls during the stressful beginnings of school, and I
get to escape for a bit.
This is not Andrews’
first Christmas novel; I reviewed The Santa Suit—which is briefly
mentioned in this book—here. https://biblioquacious.blogspot.com/2021/11/cuddle-up-with-holiday-romances.html
As with that book,
the romance develops rather quickly. I’m not sure I catch the whole motivation
for it, but it’s cute. It also lacks the typical conflict characteristic of
most romcoms. Yes, there is a threat of separation for the couple, but they
overcome it and we get our happily ever after.
We never really
look very deeply into Kerry’s personality or thoughts. We know she has lost her
job and her boyfriend. We watch her gain confidence in a new endeavor. But it sees
like all we see is the surface, nothing very deep. Her character changes
little.
Don’t get me wrong—it’s
a satisfying story. It’s just that it ends up more on the Christmas fluff side
of things.
Possible Objectionable
Material:
Some drinking. Implied
sex, closed door. Mild cursing. Some characters are gay.
Who Might Like
This Book:
If you like
Hallmark Christmas movies, this book will fit very well!
Thank you to the
publisher and NetGalley for providing an advanced reader copy in exchange for
my honest opinion.
