The Princess of Thornwood Drive by Khalia Moreau

Welcome Back, Booklovers! This was one of the books I went in not really knowing what to expect. I think it was the mention of Trinidadian lore that initially put this on my radar awhile back.

A year ago an accident killed Laine's parents and left her younger sister paralyzed and non verbal. Since then Laine has been struggling with expenses, taking care of her sister, and trying to balance work and school. It's a relief to her when she's able to put her in Lake Forest Adult Day Center. 

Alyssa meanwhile is coping with her reality in a different way. In her mind she and her family are apart of the royal family of Mirendal and while she was cursed, her parents were kidnapped. Now she's navigating through this magical land with mermaids and fairies trying to adjust to her new life.

The Princess of Thornwood Drive is an interesting genre blend that is one part hard hitting contemporary and another party fantasy that stands out among other recent reads. There's an open dialogue in this book about abuse within the healthcare profession as well as tackling grief from parental death, sexual assault (off page), and mental health issues. It doesn't shy away from the burdens of being a caretaker and the pain that comes from it.

While there were some mentions of Jumbies I wouldn't go in expecting a ton of Trinidadian lore. Don't go in expecting a fantasy in the way you would approach an epic fantasy. But the fantasy in this world is an interesting contrast to the real world issues. This book is emotional without feeling too heavy and has good pacing. 

When Trying to do the Most Catches Up with You

Welcome Back, Booklovers! Today's post is a little bit different than my norm. As someone who to see books by BIPOC authors highlighted I've crafted my space here to talk about the books I wasn't seeing enough people talk about. I wanted a place where I could share my thoughts but also introduce people to the books they aren't seeing promoted. I love that I have new people reading here every day. The past few months I've seen a spike in readership with my highest month boasting 14.5k visitors! Which is amazing! It feels great to know people are liking what I put out. 

Being a book content creator consists of a lot of free labor. And it's something you really do because you're passionate. And there's been multiple times during this hectic year where I felt like I was doing the most trying to keep a balancing act going of running multiple book related platforms and still having somewhat of a life outside of the house now that we're post pandemic.

It takes time to read the books needed to make consistent content. I work a full time job so most of my reading is done outside of work hours. While I try to read at least a few pages every day sometimes I start reading later than other nights depending on my mood. I used to write a review for every book I read. But when you read over 100 books a year you sometimes read books that you don't have strong feelings about. It's not that the book was bad, but it wasn't very memorable. I don't ever want to post a review on here I feel like doesn't really tell readers anything.  I was starting to feel like I was falling out of love with reading.

This year I've jumped back into writing beyond just blog posts and reviews. And I've settled on a story I'm passionate about. After months I've finally found my group of writers who motivate me to keep going and have settled on a consistent writing routine of writing every night for about an hour and a half starting at 9pm. 

So I've had to make decisions about where I want to cut back. And I realized that filming long form videos was taking up the majority of my time but I was less passionate about being in that space than some of my other spaces. Sitting down and filming a 10 to 20 minute (sometimes longer) video is work. There's the planning of what I'm going to say, making sure my hair and makeup looks good, working around the right lighting all before even sitting to film. Just like it's work to go in an edit it, insert book covers, create a thumbnail, and then schedule it. And then there's the trends. Reading sprints and other live shows are the way to bring in viewers. But that also takes a lot of time out of the day. And focusing so much on making sure I get 1-2 videos out a week and pre-film content was taking time away from this blog and I felt like I was using most of my content ideas there. 

Part of realizing that I cannot do it all also meant realizing I need to cut back on how many new releases I request. It was getting to the point where I had an arc with a release date of almost every Tuesday. And I'd be racing to finish the books to get my review up and post something about it during release week. And then if I had a physical version of the book I'd try and take pictures of it in advance, always thinking of different places to stage them and how to get them to look just right so I could post them a long with my review.

So here's to embracing not having to do it all and finding a healthy balance in 2024! 

2023 Bookish Holiday Gift Guide Part 2

Welcome Back, Booklovers! I'm back with part 2 of my Bookish Holiday Gift Guide and this part will be focusing on gifts for young readers. I have some great picture book suggestions so continue reading.

Delphine Denise and the Mardi Gras Prize

Every year, Delphine Denise Debreaux and her friends ride their bikes together in the New Orleans Mardi Gras parade. But this year, there's a shiny prize for best float--and Delphine Denise just has to win it. How can her friends remind Delphine Denise what the parade is really all about?

This joyful picture book, inspired by the author's own experience celebrating Mardi Gras in New Orleans as a child, explores the sights, sounds, smells, and tastes of the holiday. Full of vibrant and festive illustrations, this story reminds readers that winning isn't everything, and the best way to let the good times roll is in the company of friends.

Esperanza Caramelo, the Star of Nochebuena

On the night before Christmas, a spark of magic lights up Lita's Pastelería, and Esperanza Caramelo blinks open her eyes. Esperanza is a spun-sugar ornament, meant to sit atop the Nochebuena cake—but tonight she whirls through the bakery, singing and dancing, throwing a fiesta with all the other ornaments until . . . disaster strikes!

Can the cake be saved in time for Christmas? The clock is ticking, but on Nochebuena, anything is possible—and Esperanza never gives up hope.

Countdown for Nochebuena

This charming, bouncy text that alternates between English and Spanish and counts holiday elements like dancers, singers, and special foods up to twelve—to midnight, when Christmas Eve turns to Christmas and presents are opened!—and back down again, pairs perfectly with its illustrative context clues. In this story, family members young and old are excited to gather in their best festive clothes to celebrate Nochebuena, a Christmas Eve celebration for Latine people around the world. Simple yet lyrical text inspired by the author-illustrator's Cuban American heritage combines with a warm art style perfect for celebrating the holiday.

Brown Sugar Baby 

"Brown sugar baby, dark eyes spark bright with glee...Pie of my eye, stay right here with me." This lyrical first book in the Brown Sugar Baby series is a celebration of the powerful love and protective, comforting instincts of a mother for her child. Its soothing rhythm and tender rhymes are highlighted by whimsical and charming illustrations that are perfect for storytime.

Shhh! The Baby's Asleep

Baby is finally asleep. But everyone is much too loud! Can Mom, Daddy, Grammy, Pop Pop, Shae, Dante, Rover the dog, and even the neighbor keep quiet? Just when they think they can rest—oh no. The baby's awake. One savvy little narrator knows just the way to make his baby sister fall back asleep: by reading her a good book!

A hilarious cast of characters will keep readers laughing throughout this amusing celebration of early literacy and intergenerational family relationships.

Together We Swim

Jumping into the water can be more than a little scary! But with Mom’s steady arms there’s no fear of sinking. With a kick, a splash, and his family’s cheers of encouragement, one determined boy finds his groove, making waves in this fun-filled day at the pool.

Embrace the feeling of accomplishment in this joyous, reassuring story about perseverance and new experiences. With lyrical rhyming text and vibrant illustrations, Together We Swim is destined to become a family read-aloud favorite!

The Coolest Beard

Isaac wants to grow a beard, just like his dad, who always seems to be the coolest guy in the barbershop. Isaac uses Dad’s beard oil every day for weeks, but nothing happens. Next time it’s barbershop day, Isaac doesn’t even want to go back―but maybe there is still a way for him to grow the coolest beard.

All Good in the Hood

Today is June 19th, Juneteenth’s what they say and for my family, it’s a very special day.

But sometimes the hood feels scary when we’re walking around. I wish I could stay home where it’s safe and sound. Where the dogs aren’t BARKING, and the cars aren’t HONKING, and the streetlights aren’t FLICKERING.

But when Big Bro tells me it will all be okay, I know the noises can’t hurt me and ruin my day.

It's Diwali!

Count up to ten and back down again to the tune of “One, Two, Buckle My Shoe” while learning about the traditions that make Diwali a fun-filled festival! Celebrated during autumn harvest, Diwali symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness. From sweet treats to intricate henna designs to exciting firework displays, kids will delight in this vibrant glimpse into the Festival of Lights.

Fried Rice and Marinara

Birthday parties are so much fun: the friends, the family, the games, the gifts, and, of course, the food! But what type of food do you serve at a birthday party when your family is from two different cultures? Young Mikey Yam is having a hard time choosing between the Italian food of his mother's side and the Chinese cuisine of his dad's. So, he turns to his grannies, Bahboo and Nonna, for advice.

"Ravioli or Dumplings? Linguine or Lo Mein? All of these options were hurting his brain."

Join Young Mikey as he decides which type of food to have for his birthday party, and the important life lesson he learns along the way.

Twelve Dinging Doorbells

Every holiday, aunties, uncles, cousins, grandparents, and neighbors come over to eat, sing, and celebrate life. But all our main character can think about is the sweet potato pie Granny makes just for her. As tables fill with baked macaroni and cheese, chitlins, and other sides a-steaming, she and Granny move the pie to keep it intact. The task becomes tricker as the room grows with dancing and card games and pie cravings. Just when all seems lost and there’s no more pie, Granny pulls out a sweet surprise. 

Big Kids Don't Get Butterflies 

The little kid rides only go 'round and 'round, but the big kid rides take you up to the skies! Is there any reason to be afraid? No! Big kids DON'T get butterflies. Or do they? A child learns that growing up doesn't mean giving up the things you love. Enjoy this fun themed, coming-of-age story for all of your child's milestones.

2023 Bookish Holiday Gift Guide Part 1

Welcome Back, Booklovers! After skipping a year my holiday gift guide is back! And I'm excited to share some new picks with you. So keep reading if you're looking for gift ideas.

The Trini Gee is a great shop for fun items with Black imagery. I especially love their mugs and journals that come in hundreds of unique designs. 

Earthy Queens  is a shop that makes great bath products. I love the handmade soaps such as their bestselling Goddess Glow Turmeric and Lemon. 

ChevereTribe makes really cute magnetic bookmarks I just adore. 

LunaLumi is a witchy shop and I love their bundles and their spell jars. 

OliviaSmithArt is the shop for Black Mermaid art. And as a lifelong mermaid lover I fell in love with the illustrations and bought a couple of prints and bookmarks even before The Little Mermaid took over the summer.

Um'Licious Me as a tea girlie I love finding a Black owned, woman owned tea brand that always tastes good.

Cup'ital Tea is another Black owed tea brand I've discovered with fun and rich flavors like S'mores the tea blends are a real treat.

One Eleven Candles is a company I discovered at TJ Maxx. Their crystal candles instantly caught my attention and I was happy to discover this is a small Black women owned business.

Curses & Faith by Whitney Hill

Welcome Back, Booklovers! I finally decided to continue with the Otherside Heat series after raving so much about Secrets and Truth. I often recommend that one to people who are looking for a paranormal romance that feels nostalgic but modern at the same time and doesn't take itself too seriously.

In the second book in the series, Lya and Cade have been living in bliss in their cozy St. Augustine hideaway when Cade is approached by someone from his past and Callista is ready to collect on the debt Lya owes her. This has them venturing back to the triangle where they're up against a new set of enemies.

Curses & Faith expands on the lore introduced in the first book giving more insight to not only the world of elves and vampires but also introducing sirens. Callista has Lya on a dangerous hunt for a forbidden treasure. 

While I felt Secrets and Truth didn't take itself too seriously and allowed the romance to carry it rather than the plot I found Curses & Faith was more plot heavy. It felt more urban fantasy than paranormal romance with the romantic moments taking a backseat to Lya's task of finding the treasure. So while it gripped me in the first half I started loosing some interest in the second half even though it wasn't that long in reading length. There is still plenty of angst but sometimes it felt like we were being told about Lya and Cade's relationship rather than experiencing it.

Overall it's still a really solid story that does leave you curious about where book three will take them.