Death by Tart Attack by Tamar Myers

A new development is being planned in the middle of an Amish-Mennonite community.  If that isn't bad enough, it's being done by her ex-husband who lied to her...

Severn House and Net Galley let me read this book for review (thank you).  It has been published and you can get a copy now.

Magdelena is mad at him for trying to ruin her community and she starts gathering groups and friends to protest.

He wants to show the town his project and she agrees if he will bring it to town and display it in the hall.  He agrees thinking he can sell the people on it.  She intends to work against him.

Instead, he comes, eats several tarts and dies!

They don't know who made them but there are several suspects.  As she attempts to sort it out (the sheriff has her as a suspect), she gets closer and closer to the killer.  Now if she can stay alive long enough to prove it...

The Weird Sisters: A Note, a Goat, and a Casserole by Mark David Smith

This is a fun book to read.  It has three witches, a goat, a little girl and a disgruntled old man.

Owlskids Books and Net galley let me read this book for review (tank you).  It has been published so you can get a copy now.

The little girl asks the witches for help finding her missing goat.  They agree.  Then they find part of a note that tells them to get out of town.  They ignore it and go on a goat hunt.  He's nowhere around on the ground.

As they hunt, they get caught by the police, the old man thinks they are troublemakers, and they do find the goat.  

The sisters invite everyone in for soup and they all go.

Soon everyone will be friends...

I Love You, Blue by Barroux

This story is for young ones and has an environmental message.

Flyaway Books and Net Galley let me read this book for review (thank you).  It has been published and you can get a copy now.

A young man loves the ocean and goes out on his boat to enjoy the day.  But the weather changes and he almost drowns.  Luckily enough, a whale saves him and his boat.  The whale's name is Blue. 

When he goes back to visit the whale, he finds him not looking well.  He has him open his mouth and finds piles of plastic bags in his stomach.  When he removes them, Blue feels better and gives the boy and his bought a ride to the lighthouse he lives in.

Pollution is not a good thing.  Plastic doesn't decompose.  Make sure your plastic things are disposed of properly so the young man and Blue can continue their friendship!

The Wildwood Elves by Anne-Marie Chapouton, Gerda Muller (Illustrated by)

This is a cute story about the first time the elves have seen the ocean...

Floris Books and Edelweiss allowed me to read this book for review (thank you).  It has been published and you can get a copy now.

A seabird comes into the woods and lands by the elves.  One asks where he came from and he tells him.  When he learns that they haven't seen the ocean he offers to show it to them.

The boy goes back to the village and almost everyone goes.  

The illustrations are lovely and it's fun to see them on the beach finding treasures.

This book is fun and I recommend it for little ones.

Skander and the Unicorn Thief by A F Steadman

Skandar is just turning thirteen, and he's ready to bond with a unicorn.  He has a problem, though.  He's a spirit wielder.  The unicorn riders don't want one of them in their group.

Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers sent me an ARC of the book to read for review (thank you).  It has been published and you can get a copy now.

He manages to find his unicorn egg and soon the unicorn has grown up.  They bond well and do good together.  He becomes part of a group that share a place to live and they become friends.

However, the Weaver is determined to take the land over.  The Weaver steals people and mates them to wild unicorns to build an army.  

As Skandar goes through his training courses, it gets more and more dangerous.

Will Skandar be able to stop the weaver and stay alive?  Read it and see.  It'll surprise you.

The Lady with the Gun Asks the Questions : The Ultimate Miss Phryne Fisher Story Collection by Kerry Greenwood Series: Phryne Fisher Mysteries

Phryne is one of my favorite characters.  If there is a mystery, she jumps into it and solves it.

Poisoned Pen Press and Edelweiss let me read this book for review (thank you).  It has been published and you can get a copy now.

These short stories have many challenges in them, but Phryne figures it out every time.  She's confident, fears no one and hates crime.  I admire her.

The stories are good and fun to read.  Give it a try.  If you like it, she has novels with her in it, too.

Sometimes all it takes is her intuition to put her on the right track...

Wild Prey: An Inspector Lu Fei Mystery by Brian Klingborg

This story is set in China. They believe that certain parts of animals can heal them or make them more powerful.

Minotaur Books and Edelweiss let me read this book for review (thank you).  It has been published and you can get a copy now.

Inspector Lu is approached by a small girl who hasn't had contact with her sister like she used to.  She thinks she may be dead.  As he checks into the case, he finds that there is no sign of her.  His boss tells him to forget her but he can't do that, so he gets suspended.

As he tries to find her, he runs across wild game trafficking, which is also illegal.  To keep himself safe, he goes undercover.  Changes his hair color and style and adds an earring.  Spruces up his clothes.

The problem is that no one is really telling the truth.  As he hunts for clues, he finds himself in bad situations.  The people he thought he could trust betray him.

There are several deaths and you wonder if he will get out alive...

Will he find his answers?

The Fairy Universe by Olivier Ledroit, Laurent Souillé, Olivier Souillé

This is a fascinating book to read.  It has descriptions of fairies and elves.  Some of the illustrations are beautiful, some are not.

Ablaze and Edelweiss allowed me to read this book for review (thank you).  It has been published and you can get a copy now.

You learn their names and their characteristics.  There aren't many nice fairies.

The illustrations give you an idea of their looks.  There were several I'd never want to see!

If you like fairies, I think you'll like this book.

The Dragon Universe

This was an interesting book.  It has excerpts from various books, telling you all about dragons.  The stories are old and the stories will grip you.

Ablaze and Edelweiss let me read this book for review (thank you).  It has been published and you can get a copy now.

I'd buy this book because of the illustrations.  They are gorgeous.  Most of the dragons are mean but not ugly.

The tales in it are varied by different authors and artists.  If dragons fascinate you, you need to read this book!

Fly High, Lolo by Niki Daly

Lolo is a little girl that has several adventures.  Each chapter is another story.

Catalyst Press and Edelweiss let me read this for review (thank you).  It has been published and you can get a copy now.

The tales are easy to read and the illustrations are attractive.  

Lolo wants to be the eagle in a school play.  She also wants to be pretty.  Not everything comes out the way she wants it but that doesn't stop her from trying.

This was an interesting read.

Juna and Appa by Jane Park, Felicia Hoshino

Juna helps her father at the dry-cleaning business.  Everything is going fine until they can't find one gentlemen's jacket.  He gets mad and leaves.

Lee and Low Books and Edelweiss let me read this book for review (thank you).  It has been published so you can get a copy now.

Juna goes to look for the jacket, but she finds adventure instead.  She meets animals in their natural environment.  It's fun to watch her with the animals.

Will they ever find the missing jacket?

The Bangalore Detectives Club by Harini Nagendra

Someone is killing people.  Who could it be?

Pegasus Books and Edelweiss let me read this book for review (thank you).  It has already been published so you can get a copy now.

First a pimp is killed.  He was a big man.  Then a blackmailer was killed.  A doctor was killed.

The wife of a doctor starts her own investigation, but it is dangerous.  Her husband is not happy about it.  She talks to a lot of women, gardeners and more but she hasn't found the killer yet.

When she does, the killer is trying to kill her....

It's a busy book with many suspects and the killer surprised me.

Are We Lost Yet?: Another Wallace the Brave Collection by Will Henry

This is a series of cartoons about Wallace and his friends.  It's a graphic novel and it's fun to read.

Andrews McNeel Publishing and Edelweiss let me read this book for review (thank you).  It has been published and you can get a copy now.

This is an amusing read.  Wallace is full of mischief; Spud is a scaredy cat, and Rose can scare bullies.  There are many adventures and even the parents get involved.

Young readers should enjoy this one!

I'm Not Missing by Kashelle Gourley, Skylar Hogan (Illustrated by)

This pet had to do tricks for treats, his owner liked to dress him up, and he hated wearing the cone of shame.  He decides to run away.

Little Bee Books and Edelweiss let me read this book for review (thank you).  It has been published and you can get a copy now.

He shucks his dog collar, eats as much as he likes and can go #2 without anyone watching.  It's a good life until he sees his owner with a new dog!  It goes to all the places he thought of his and loves his owner.  Luckily she was just babysitting the dog.

He decides maybe it would be a good time to go home...

Due to a Death by Mary Kelly, Series: British Library Crime Classics

This wasn't a fast read but you get to know all the characters very well.

Poisoned Pen Press and Edelweiss gave me the opportunity to read this book and review it (thank you).  It has been published and you can get a copy now.

Agnes is married but she's not happy.  Her husband is gone a lot.  She finds a man who will teach her to drive and she becomes good friends with him.

A beautiful young woman has gone missing and when she is found, she's dead.  Ian confesses to finding her after she had tried to abort a baby.  She was dead and bloody.  Agnes knows he didn't clean her up - blood really bothers him.  

As she starts to put the truth together, there are two more deaths.  When she finds out who moved the dead woman, she is surprised.

I couldn't guess who the killer was, did you?

Hans Millerman by Bernadette Watts

Hans is a single man living on his farm and working it.  He finds himself lonely.  A friendly caterpillar rides on his hat but after a bit, he gets tired of him.

NorthSouth Books and Edelweiss let me read this book for review (thank you).  It has been published and you can get a copy now.

Has goes on a walk looking for a friend.  He gets rejected by plants and animals and the wind sends him home.

When he gets there, he can't find the caterpillar.  But he does find a very pretty butterfly.  Now he has a friend!

Noah's Ark by Józef Wilkon, Piotr Wilkon

Here is a story of Noah's Ark that the little ones will enjoy.

Noah has a dream that shows the world flooded, so he sends a dove to organize the animals and he begins to build an ark for them.  

North South Books and Edelweiss allowed me to read this book for review (thank you).  It has been published and you can get a copy now.

Once he has the ark almost completed it starts to rain.  He finishes it up and invites two of each species on board.  They come.  And they complain.

The illustrations are lovely.  The story is good and all works out well.  

Can you imagine being on an ark with all those animals?

Little Homesteader: A Summer Treasury of Recipes, Crafts, and Wisdom by Angela Ferraro-Fanning, AnneliesDraws (Illustrated by) Series: Little Homesteader

This is a fascinating book for adults as well as children.  It tells you all about bugs, fruit and vegetables.  You can learn how to prepare food and more.

Ivy Kids and Edelweiss allowed me to read this book for review (thank you).  It has been published and you can get a copy now.

You learn how to make a watering jug, create your own shampoo, and other handy things.  They even give you recipes for cooking.

Let the young ones experiment and learn some new skills.  They'll have great fun!

The Murder of Mr. Wickham by Claudia Gray

The Knightley's decide to throw a house party and invite a crowd.  On the first night an unwelcome guest shows up:  Mr. Wickham.  He is having a good time but he's ruining everyone else's.

Vintage and Edelweiss let me read this book for review (thank you).  It has been published and you can get a copy now.

Before too many days go by, Mr. Wickham is found dead.  None of the guests are allowed to leave until the killer is found...

Everybody is a suspect.  There were many that hated Mr. Wickham.

The best detectives are the young ones who go looking for clues.  The parents are all looking at each other for the killer.  There is a lot of suspicion, and the couples find themselves withdrawing from their relationships.

It's a slow moving book with lots of details but the killer surprised me.  I could understand why but I had no idea who had done it.

Did you figure it out?

The Wedding Dress Sewing Circle by Jennifer Ryan

This is a story set in war time.  Most of the women are single and they began by fixing a deteriorating bride's dress for one of their own.  Then they began gathering more bride's dresses and fixing them up for whatever woman would like to borrow one.

Ballentine Books and Net Galley let me read this book for review (thank you).  It will be published on May 31st.

The women helping try to please their families with the men they date and plan to marry but it's not going well.  They fall in love with others.  Friends in the past.  Now their loves.  Will they marry who they should or will they follow their hearts?

Mothers of Enchantment by Michelle Tang, Kelly Jarvis, Marshall Moore, Lynden Wade, Elise Forier Edie, Sonni de Soto, Vivica Reeves, Carter Lappin, Claire N. Thomas, Maxine Churchman, Kim Malinowski, Abi Marie Palmer

This is an anthology of fairy godmother tales.  Some are familiar, some are not.

World Weaver Press and Net Galley let me read this book for review (thank you).  It has been published and you can get a copy now.

The stories are good.  The first one in the book was my favorite, but none were disappointing.

If you like magic, fairy tales, or fantasy, you'll enjoy this book.  It gets you away from the real world...

With Prejudice by Robin Peguero

A woman has been murdered and they have a suspect.  It's the trial that becomes interesting...

Grand Central Publishing sent me an ARC of this book to read for review (thank you).  The book will be published May 17th.

This book is compelling.  It takes you from when everyone was young to them in adulthood.  You hear arguments from both sides with the judge blocking some testimony (rightfully).  When the jury has heard everything, they vote for a verdict.

The verdict was a surprise to me and the final explanation was a shocker.  This one may stick in your head for a while...

The Murder Rule by Dervla McTiernan

Nobody is telling the truth in this story.  Hannah is trying to save a man accused of murder.  She lies, too.

William Morrow sent me an ARC of this book to read and review (thank you).  It will be published May 12th.

You read along and get different stories from everyone.  Who's telling the truth?

Even Hannah's mother lies.  And the Sheriff is crooked.  

Nobody can make sense out of it but Hannah.  Then she has to figure out how to present to present to the judge.  Will the judge believe her?

Read it and see...

Nonna Maria and the Case of the Missing Bride by Lorenzo Carcaterra

Nonna lives on an island and knows almost everyone.  She picks up on the things happening by listening to other people.  She and the police chief are friends, and she helps solve cases.  She helps anyone who needs it.

Banta and Edelweiss let me read this book for review (thank you).  It has been published and you can get a copy now.

She's trying to help a young woman avoid her marriage since she thinks she was drugged.  To do this, she asks for help from various sources.  The police chief chief's sister had married the same man and she died in an accident.  He's willing to help.

Then an old man dies in the water, and he was an excellent sea captain.  She gets his first mate to tell her what happened and then she goes to man who used to be a drug boss and asks for his help.

The story is interesting and at the end she's off on another adventure...

A Warbler's Journey by Scott Weidensaul, Nancy Lane (Illustrated by)

This is the story of a migrating bird.

Gryphon Press and Edelweiss let me read this book for review (thank you).  It will be published on May 14th.

The illustrations are lovely, and you'll learn facts about the yellow warbler.  Most birds migrate and go where it is warm.  Some fly longer distances than you would expect.

Sit with your young one and share this educational story with them...

The Hacienda by Isabel Cañas

She has married a good-looking man but she doesn't love him.  She goes to his estate with him and intends to make the hacienda her home.  She doesn't plan on the spirits talking to her...

Berkley and Edelweiss let me read this book for review (thank you).  It has been published and you can get a copy now.

She finds out he was married before and that he had his way with the women who worked for him.  If that's not enough, his dead wife's spirit gives her a bad time.  So does his living sister.  He always seems to be gone on business, so she must fend for herself.

The visions she has are scary.  She soon doesn't want to sleep in the house.  Then she meets a young priest who helps her.  They begin to fall in love.  But the spirits aren't content yet.

It's a bit creepy and the ending is surprising.

It will keep you reading.

Kingdom of Bones by James Rollins

This was an interesting read.  There is a very bad virus coming from the Congo in Africa.  It kills people easily and an antidote hasn't been found.  As doctors try to fight it, there is one man who likes what is happening...

William Morrow sent me an ARC to read for review (thank you).  It has been published and you can get a copy now.

This story is a wild ride from beginning to end.  Even the animals are being infected and then become aggressive.  No one is safe.  It's scary and unpredictable.  

Once I started reading this, I was glued to the book.  Would they find the cure?  Would the animals get them first?  Or would the men the bad man hired get them?  Everywhere they went they were in danger...

You won't be bored.

Girl in Ice by Erica Ferencik

This is a creepy book.  She goes to the artic because her male twin died there.  Supposedly he committed suicide, but she doesn't believe it.  There are going to be a lot of things she doesn't believe before she gets to go home.

Scout Press sent me an ARC to read for review (thank you).  It has been published and you can get a copy now.

There are four people at the station.  She's viewed with suspicion at first.  She fits in with some and not with others.

The first thing that happens is they find a girl in ice.  They dig her out and take her to thaw.  Wyatt is going to test her blood and tissues to see how long back in history she goes.  She scares them when she wakes up.  Wyatt thinks she's from way back.  Val is good at long lost languages, so she works with the girl.  She's not making a lot of progress.

They are stuck where they are, they have another discovery to make.  Then people begin dying.

It's amazing how it all turns out...

Armadillo Antics by Bill Martin and Michael Sampson

An armadillo is a nocturnal animal.  When the other animals are all going to sleep, the nighttime critters are all waking up...

Brown Books shared a digital copy with me for a review (thank you).  It has been published and you can get a copy now.

Armadillos are weird creatures.  They have scales that are almost like armor, they eat grubs and roots, and they can run fast.

Reading about them is fun and the illustrations are great.  At the end of the book, you can read facts about them.

The Dark of the Stars by William Hamilton

This is a book of fantasy.  This author has a wonderful imagination.  It starts as a fifteen-year-old boy decides to leave his foster parents who go on trips by themselves and leave him home.

PR by the Book sent me a copy of this book to read for review (thank you).  It has been published and you can get a copy now.

He manages to get away and meets some new friends on the way.  He doesn't realize how dangerous his adventure will be...

He hears about diamonds in a cave and decides to go after them.  It almost costs him his life.

He falls in love with the girls he's with.  His male friend dies.  There is a doctor who is killing people.  And here are helicopters looking for them.   

Who will survive?

Crime Hits Home : A Collection of Stories from Crime Fiction's Top Authors by S.J. Rozan Series: Mystery Writers of America Series (#3)

This is an anthology of crime stories by many authors.  Some are chilling, some are interestedly told, and some are easy to figure out.

Hanover Square Press and Edelweiss allowed me to read this book for review (thank you).  It has been published and you can get a copy now.

Most of the stories are complicated.  You never know how it is going to turn out.  

It'll keep you busy for a while!