Where has the month of February gone? Already another Monday and the beginning of a new month that will bring spring. By the way, this meme is hosted by Marcia at The Printed Page. You should check out her blog and see what others have received and to play along. I got three books in the mailbox. A classic collector's edition of Charlotte Brontë's Jane Eyre from BookMooch and the following two:

The Last Queen by C.W. Gortner (requested through author's Web site)

Synopsis:
Daughter of Isabel and Ferdinand of Spain, Juana bears witness to the fall of Granada and Columbus’s discoveries. At the age of sixteen, she is sent to wed Philip, Hapsburg archduke of Flanders, just as her youngest sister, Catherine of Aragon, is sent to England to become the first wife of Henry VIII.

Juana finds unexpected love and passion with her handsome young husband, but when tragedy strikes and she inherits the Spanish throne, she finds herself plunged into a battle for power. Besieged by foes, her intelligence and pride used as weapons against her, Juana vows to secure her crown and save Spain from ruin, even if it could cost her everything.

From the somber majesty of Spain to the glittering and lethal courts of Flanders, France, and Tudor England, The Last Queen brings to life all the grandeur and drama of an incomparable era and the singular humanity of a courageous, passionate princess whose fight to claim her birthright captivated the world.

Bulls Island by Dorothea Benton Frank (from BookMooch)

Synopsis:
After twenty years, Elizabeth "Betts" McGee has finally managed to put her past behind her. She hasn't been home to beautiful South Carolina and untouched Bulls Island since the tragic night that ended her engagement to Charleston's golden boy, J. D. Langley.

And why is that? Really, this is the story of two old Southern families. The Langley family has more money than the Morgan Stanley Bank. And they think they have more class. The Barrett family made their nineteenth-century fortune in a less distinguished manner—corner grocery stores and liquor stores. It's no surprise that when J.D. and Betts fall in love and decide to marry their parents are none too pleased. And when the love affair comes to an end, everyone is ready to place blame.

Now twenty years have gone by and Betts, a top investment bank executive, must leave her comfortable life in New York City to return to the home she thought she'd left behind forever. But spearheading the most important project of her career puts her back in contact with everything she's tried so hard to forget: her estranged sister, her father, J.D., and her past.

Once she's home, can Betts keep the secret that threatens all she holds dear? Or will her fear of the past wreck her future happiness? And what about that crazy gator? All will be revealed on Bulls Island.

So what was in your mailbox?

Bel Canto by Ann Patchett (Rated: S)
Harper Perennial, 2nd edition
ISBN: 978-0-06-083872-0
Published July 2005 (first published 2001)
Trade Paperback, 352 pages

Surreal. That’s the word that comes to mind when I think of this book. Initially, when I began reading it, I was simultaneously annoyed and fascinated. Is that possible? After much thought I realized why this was so. But first let me tell you the premise of this book, which attracted me like a bee to a flower.

A lavish birthday party is being given in honor of Mr. Hosokawa, a powerful Japanese businessman whose only reason for attending is Roxane Coss, opera’s most revered soprano. She mesmerizes the crowd of about 200 guests at the home of the vice-president of a South American country that remains unnamed throughout the novel. But then a band of terrorists invades the home and takes the entire party hostage. As negotiations fire back and forth between the terrorists and the government through the Red Cross, weeks turn into months and unexpected bonds form between the hostages and the terrorists within the walls of the home.

Written in the third person omniscient narrative, I was frustrated when the actions and reactions of the hostages or terrorists were described collectively as all having the exact same emotional and physical reactions to a particular situation, which of course is impossible. However, as I kept reading I realized this added a subtle comic element to the story. The New Yorker called this a tragicomic novel and I concur. The author skillfully used the riveting elements of opera music and the beauty of multiple languages to engage the reader’s own emotions. If you are an opera aficionado, you will appreciate this novel. Actually, the way it is written resembles an opera piece itself, ending tragically as expected.

Perhaps because of this I could look past the times I felt the hostages could have overthrown the terrorists who albeit having weapons, were outnumbered and sometimes not too brilliant. I rated this book S because there is adultery and unmarried sex, which may make some uncomfortable. The main characters are memorable and will stay with you long after the last page is turned. The epilogue, though, caught me totally off guard, and I still do not like this ending. It would have been preferable to leave it out.

If you like stories that advocate the love of the arts, the power of humanity, and the inadequacies of politics, then pour yourself a glass of wine, put on a Puccini CD and be prepared to be taken on a strange ride with twists and turns to a semi-expected ending.

Disclosure: I bought this book at a used book store. I was not told how to rate or review this product.

The 39 Clues Book Four: Beyond the Grave by Jude Watson (Rated:C)
Scholastic Inc
ISBN: 978-0-545-06044-8
Published June 2, 2009
Hardcover, 192 pages

The chase continues as 14 year-old Amy Cahill and her 11 year-old brother Dan rush off to Cairo, Egypt in search of the next clue. You can feel the heat and smell the exotic spices as we catch up with the duo at the Khan market. Two new characters are introduced in this book, Theo, an Indiana Jones-type Egyptologist and Hilary, who is the childhood best friend of Grace, Amy and Dan’s dead grandmother. Instantly likable, they play an important part in the story.

Amy and Dan learn a little about Grace’s past through Hilary who gives them a card with a message from their grandmother. But the message seems so detached they begin to question why their grandmother (whom they miss terribly) would send them on such a dangerous hunt. This doubting causes pain and friction between the brother and sister, adding internal conflict as the team escape a scary crocodile encounter, a submarine disaster, being buried alive in an Egyptian tomb, and the clutches of the Ekaterina branch members. Alistair Oh makes a brief appearance, but it is Irina Spasky who is close on their tail this time.

In addition, it is Irina’s vulnerable side that is revealed in this book. She has a painful history attached to that of Grace, making the reader wonder what exactly happened. I’m getting really curious about Nellie Gomez, too, the children’s au pair who has the uncanny ability to get them out of scraps time and time again. She has very convenient talents. I am certain this isn’t coincidence, and I look forward to seeing how it all plays out in the next books. Finally, I was somewhat disappointed with the way things ended up with Hilary. I would have liked for this relationship to end differently.

I must add that the titles of the books have double significance. For example, Beyond the Grave is a good indication the next clue is somewhere in a grave, but also hints at Grace’s message coming from “beyond the grave” since she is already dead when they receive it. It's a cool play on words, which, by the way, is how the clues are discovered in all the books.

This book was another exciting adventure that has me waiting to read the next book in this fun series suitable for all ages. Haven’t read any of the books? Check out my reviews on the previous books and enter the giveaway below to win the first 4 books in this series!

Book One: The Maze of Bones
Book Two: One False Note
Book Three: The Sword Thief

And now for the Giveaway!

Book Seven: The Viper's Nest is currently available and by August of this year, Book Ten, which is the last book in this series will be published. In celebration of this, Nikole from Scholastic Canada has kindly offered once again to do another mega giveaway—this time the winner will get the first four books in The 39 Clues series! These are hardcover books. Also, stay tuned for more mega giveaways (one each month!). Here are the giveaway rules:
GIVEAWAY NOW CLOSED
1. Open to Canadian residents only.
2. No P.O. box addresses.
3. Must be a follower of this blog, new or current. Click on Follow on the right sidebar and follow publicly.
4. Leave a comment with your email address. For example: laura (at) aol (dot) com
5. Giveaway ends March 17, 2010.

Below is a fun take on how the author Jude Watson is in on the secrecy and danger associated with The 39 Clues. Take a look!




Disclosure: Thank you to Nikole from Scholastic Canada for sending me this book for review. I was not compensated in any other way, nor told how to rate or review this product.

A Bride Most Begrudging by Deeanne Gist (Rated: C)
Bethany House Publishers
ISBN: 978-0-7642-0072-4
Published July 1, 2005
Trade Paperback, 352 pages

Lady Constance Morrow is a feisty redhead who is brought to America against her will. She is educated with above-average mathematical skills, rare even for London society, but unheard of in the Virginia Colonies. Soon after she arrives, she is forced into marriage with a tobacco farmer, Drew O’Connor, who bought her to be a household maid and not a wife.

The premise of the story is very interesting and caught my attention, however, I had some difficulty with the first half of the book. The main character’s reaction to her whole bleak situation seems a little unrealistic and her adjustment too quick. After all, she is the daughter of an earl who is kidnapped as a felon and sold as a tobacco bride. She is humiliated and starved for 2 months at sea (while her beloved uncle dies on the same ship), and then married off to a farmer who lives together with his brother, sister and grandmother in a one-room isolated cottage with a dirt floor, no privy, and no privacy. She must now learn to cook, milk the goat, lug and wash the dishes at the creek, weed the garden, etc. It was hard for me to believe she would accept her situation so readily, when not a few months earlier she was living in luxury with servants at her beck and call.

What’s more, her behavior is at times childish and unladylike and more reflective of a young adult in the 21st century than a noble lady of the 17th. I enjoyed the second half better as the action picked up, romantic tension built up and both hers and Drew’s past is revealed, and I was able to feel closer to the characters, to understand them better. It’s strange but the second half of the book read differently from the first. The characters were more vivid, their speech and expressions different.

Mary proved to be a remarkable character but I couldn’t quite figure out the inappropriate behavior of Josh (Drew’s brother) toward her. I also couldn’t figure out the status of Drew’s family. When something is revealed about his grandmother at the end of the book, I wondered why the author did not develop the relationship between Constance and the grandmother better.

From a writer’s perspective, the author did an excellent job of portraying life in the Colonies and blending fiction with actual historical events. The story also came to a satisfying conclusion. This book is a Christian fiction with many references to Biblical passages. I did not mind this except when reference was made that it was God’s will to take children who died, which was a stark reality in the Colonies. I do not believe God takes children away from their parents.

All in all, this was an entertaining clean read, and fans of historical romance will not be disappointed.

Disclosure: I traded this book from BookMooch.

I like reading non-fiction books to learn about or get more information on topics that interest me. So I was happy to receive such a book last week. By the way, this meme is hosted by Marcia at The Printed Page. You should check out her blog and see what others have received and to play along.

Homeschooling for the Rest of Us: How Your One-of-a-Kind Family Can Make Homeschooling and real Life Work by Sonya Haskins

Barnes and Nobles Synopsis:
Homeschooling parents are under great pressure. Besides trying to balance teaching responsibilities and family life, they often face unrealistic expectations from relatives, churches, other homeschoolers, and society at large. Even parents considering homeschooling sense the need to be perfect.

Sonya Haskins doesn't want any more families to give up on homeschooling. In this book she shares affirming stories and practical ideas from dozens of everyday families who successfully deal with cluttered schedules, academic struggles, sibling squabbles, and other real-life issues. Instead of learning a one-size-fits-all approach, readers will discover how to evaluate their own family's strengths and weaknesses and set their own goals for success.

So what did you receive in your mailbox?

First Day: Appleville Elementary Series #1 by Nancy Krulik (Rated: C)
North Winds Press
ISBN 0-439-96786-4 HC
Published June 1, 2009
Softcover, 64 pages
Ages 5 to 8

Publisher's Synopsis:
It’s the first day of first grade at Appleville Elementary, and the kids who are going to be in Miss Popper’s class are really excited. Well, everyone except Carlos, that is! He’d rather stay in kindergarten. Carlos decides he’ll go to first grade for one day only, and he’ll never come back. But when Miss Popper reveals that someone new will be arriving on the second day of school, Carlos can’t help but return. Who will the new arrival be?
 
Our Thoughts:
My 6 year-old boy liked this book, but my 8 year-old dughter thought it boring … and so did I. My boy said it taught him that if we don’t like something but we still give it a try, it could end up being fun or good, which was the message of the book. He also said that first grade at Appleville Elementary was more like daycare than real school because the kids just ran in the school instead of lining up. We all agreed the setting lacked the authority of a learning institution, which my kids are very familiar with now that they are in school. My daughter thought the teacher sounded like one of the kids.

Although this book is of the same reading level as the Junie B. Jones series and with the same school setting, it doesn’t compare in terms of dialogue, plot, setting, and character development. Too many characters were introduced in the first chapter so that we had to keep looking back to remember who was who. I was prepared to like this series but I think we’ll pass.

Disclosure: Thank you to Nikole from Scholastic Canada for sending us this book for review. I was not compensated in any other way, nor told how to rate or review this product.

Blogging takes time, energy, and creativity. But I think I can safely say that most, if not all bloggers love it or they wouldn't be doing it. To be recognized and appreciated for doing it, well...that just makes it even more worthwhile. Therefore, I want to sincerely thank Christy from  Readin' and Dreamin' for honouring me with this award!

So what is this award all about? Hazra from Advance Booking, who came up with this award, says it is for "all those prolific bloggers, who read voraciously, blog tirelessly and have made the blogging community such a vibrant place. This award is in recognition of their achievements and their enthusiasm. They are the people who keep me going!"

A Prolific Blogger is one who is intellectually productive… keeping up an active blog that is filled with enjoyable content.

Here are the rules:
1. Every winner of the Prolific Blogger Award has to pass on this award to at least seven other deserving prolific bloggers. Spread some love!

2. Each Prolific Blogger must link to the blog from which he/she has received the award.

3. Every Prolific Blogger must link back to the original post, which explains the origins and motivation for the award.

4. Every Prolific Blogger must add his/her name in the Mr. Linky, which is found on the original post so that we all can get to know the other winners. (Click here for the Mr. Linky page.)

Alright, after giving this much thought, here are the 7 bloggers to whom I would like to pass this award:

1. Beth @ The Crazy Life of a Bookaholic Mom
2. Alayne @ The Crowded Leaf
3. Debbie @ Wrighty's Reads
4. Serena @ Savvy, Verse & Wit
5. Jennifer @ Crazy for Books
6. Donna @ Bookbound
7. Jessica @ Novel Reaction

Visit these blogs and enjoy!

Allow me to introduce Christine Trent, author of the historical novel The Queen's Dollmaker, a novel which I have read and thoroughly enjoyed! You can read my review of The Queen's Dollmaker here.

1) Tell us about yourself and what you do.

Thanks, Laura, for having me. I’m delighted to be here with your readers. When I’m not writing, I’m probably scrapbooking, cuddling my cats, or watching news. Over the last couple of years, I’ve turned into a total news junkie. I used to go through a novel a week, but now most of my reading time is spent on research. I do miss curling up with a good book on a regular basis.

2) How long have you been writing?

I started THE QUEEN’S DOLLMAKER in 2003, while working as a management consultant for a defense contractor. It was my first manuscript, and it really just had hobby status for me until I actually realized I was going to finish it in 2006. After its completion, I immediately started working on my next manuscript. I sold DOLLMAKER in 2008, and finally turned to writing full time in mid-2009.

3) Where do you get your inspiration to write?

My husband and I love to travel to England, and it is through walking through those wonderful old castles and stately homes that I derive my biggest injections of creativity.

4) Where do you like to write? What type of writing schedule do you follow?

Schedule? Haha! I tend to be quite random about it. While I’m promoting a book, almost no writing gets done. But when I’m buried far deep in another century, I’ll write seven days a week. And when I am actively writing, I do so to the accompaniment of a spreadsheet that I use to track how many words each day I’m writing as I go along. It helps me to figure out what my best writing days are, and how long it takes me to write each book.

5 ) What genre do you write and why?

I’ve been reading historical fiction for as long as I can remember, so it felt only natural to write in that genre. My shelves are filled with books by Margaret George, Sharon Kay Penman, Edward Rutherfurd, Colleen McCullough, Bernard Cornwell, Michelle Moran, Norah Lofts, Jean Plaidy...the list goes on and on. I love disappearing into the past.

6) Tell us more about your book and where it is available for purchase.

THE QUEEN’S DOLLMAKER is the story of a London dollmaker who is falsely accused of smuggling money and jewels inside fashion dolls to the imprisoned Queen Marie Antoinette. I think my publisher describes it best:

On the brink of revolution, with a tide of hate turned against the decadent royal court, France is in turmoil—as is the life of one young woman forced to leave her beloved Paris. After a fire destroys her home and family, Claudette Laurent is struggling to survive in London. But one precious gift remains: her talent for creating exquisite dolls that Marie Antoinette, the Queen of France herself, cherishes. When the Queen requests a meeting, Claudette seizes the opportunity to promote her business, and to return home. . .

Amid the violence and unrest, Claudette befriends the Queen, who bears no resemblance to the figurehead rapidly becoming the scapegoat of the Revolution. But when Claudette herself is lured into a web of deadly political intrigue, it becomes clear that friendship with France’s most despised woman has grim consequences. Now, overshadowed by the specter of Madame Guillotine, the Queen’s dollmaker will face the ultimate test.

The Queen's Dollmaker is available for purchase at various online stores including Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Borders, Barnes and Nobles and Books-a-Million.

7) What have you done to promote your book?

I’ve been visiting a lot of lovely bloggers, like you! I’ve got several signings set up in the MD/VA area, too.

8) Do you ever get writer’s block? What helps you to overcome it?

I remember attending a conference a few years ago in which Bernard Cornwell was the keynote. He said that there’s no such thing as writer’s block. I think I agree with him. I believe writer’s block can be better termed “rebellion against the keyboard.” As in, my fingers would rather be typing e-mails and visiting blogs than doing any actual writing.

I’ve been known to remove my wireless card and ask my husband to hide it from me, so that I’m not tempted to rebel and do things I’m not supposed to. I can get amazing amounts of writing done when I don’t have any other virtual distractions. But I would never abandon visiting blogs altogether. They’re far too interesting and entertaining!

9) In your novel, the art of dollmaking is an essential part of your story and your main character. What made you decide to use this subject? Is it an art you've practiced or one you researched specifically for this novel?

I knew that I wanted my heroine to have an unusual profession, something relatively unknown but one that would be plausible for a woman living in the 18th century. I have an extensive doll collection, and it was while organizing my dolls one day that I hit on the idea of using a dollmaker as a heroine. Most of my own dolls are modern, so I had to do quite a bit of research as to what dollmaking was like three centuries ago.

My most surprising discovery in research was that the dolls Marie Antoinette would have collected and enjoyed would have been made of wood, not of wax or porcelain. The second surprise is that there are very few original examples of these kinds of dolls left, most having been lost to time.

10) What is your next project?

I’ve completed a sequel to THE QUEEN’S DOLLMAKER, which is scheduled for release next year (exact date TBD). It follows the adventures of Marguerite du Georges, the heiress to the doll shop, who goes on to become an apprentice to the great waxworker, Madame Tussaud. Marguerite joins Tussaud’s traveling wax exhibition in Great Britain, putting her dollmaking skills to use in creating realistic wax figures of the famous and infamous.

But her new career nearly melts down when she assists the English crown in a scheme to create wax effigies of important political figures to fool Napoleon into thinking that England is negotiating treaties and alliances with other countries, when in fact something else entirely is happening. A French spy catches on to Marguerite's game and Napoleon's long grasp puts her in mortal danger.

11) What advice do you have for new writers?

I think the most important recommendation I can give to new writers is to join – and become active in – organizations specific to your genre. I found my editor by attending a national writer’s conference, and found my agent quite by chance while volunteering for a local writing retreat. Writing organizations are the way to hone your craft (through workshops), meet other writers who can give you critiquing support, and network with professionals in the industry. It is time well spent!

Thanks, Christine, for allowing us to glimpse into your writing life!

Max Spaniel: Dinosaur Hunt written and illustrated by David Catrow (Rated: C)
Orchard Books (Imprint of Scholastic Inc)
ISBN: 978-0-545-05748-6
Published September 2009
Hardcover, 40 pages
Ages 4-8

Publisher Synopsis:
Max Spaniel is a daffy hound dog who one day decides to go on a dinosaur dig. But what Max thinks are dinosaur parts is just a lot of junk — or is it? As Max puts his fossils together, readers will see how the random objects Max finds — including a football, a hockey stick, and an old boot — transform into a living dino!

Our Thoughts:
Dinosaur Hunt is a cute story about a dog named Max (who doesn’t think he’s a dog!) searching for dinosaurs in his backyard. More importantly, it’s about the power of imagination, creativity, and ingenuity. My 6 year-old son who loves dinosaurs, liked seeing the dinosaur made of inanimate objects come to life. He asked me to read it to him twice.

The book is both written and illustrated by the author, whose illustrations are funny and vivid, capturing Max’s enthusiasm, determination and fun. In this day of TV and computer games, this simple story well depicts the enjoyment of imaginative play. The ending of the story is lacking, though. The last sentence doesn’t seem to fit, and I would have preferred it to end better.

This book will easily appeal to young children who are beginning to read and who love dogs, dinosaurs, and playing outdoors.

Disclosure: Thank you to Nikole from Scholastic Canada for sending us this book for review. I was not compensated in any other way, nor told how to rate or review this product.

This week I received books that I won. By the way, this meme is hosted by Marcia at The Printed Page. You should check out her blog and see what others have received and to play along.


The Day The Falls Stood Still by Cathy Marie Buchanan (Given to me by Marcia at the Printed Page! She's so generous!)

Amazon synopsis:
Steeped in the intriguing history of Niagara Falls, this epic love story is as rich, spellbinding, and majestic as the falls themselves.

1915. The dawn of the hydroelectric power era in Niagara Falls. Seventeen-year-old Bess Heath has led a sheltered existence as the youngest daughter of the director of the Niagara Power Company. After graduation day at her boarding school, she is impatient to return to her picturesque family home near Niagara Falls. But when she arrives, nothing is as she had left it. Her father has lost his job at the power company, her mother is reduced to taking in sewing from the society ladies she once entertained, and Isabel, her vivacious older sister, is a shadow of her former self. She has shut herself in her bedroom, barely eating--and harboring a secret.

The night of her return, Bess meets Tom Cole by chance on a trolley platform. She finds herself inexplicably drawn to him--against her family's strong objections. He is not from their world. Rough-hewn and fearless, he lives off what the river provides and has an uncanny ability to predict the whims of the falls. His daring river rescues render him a local hero and cast him as a threat to the power companies that seek to harness the power of the falls for themselves. As their lives become more fully entwined, Bess is forced to make a painful choice between what she wants and what is best for her family and her future.

Set against the tumultuous backdrop of Niagara Falls, at a time when daredevils shot the river rapids in barrels and great industrial fortunes were made and lost as quickly as lives disappeared, The Day the Falls Stood Still is an intoxicating debut novel.

Prime-Time Health: A scientifically Proven Plan for Feeling Young and Living Longer by William Sears, MD with Martha Sears, RN (A win from Metroreader. Thanks!)

Twelve years ago, renowned physician and author Dr. William Sears was diagnosed with cancer. He, like so many people, wanted-and needed-to take control of his health. Dr. Sears created a comprehensive, science based, head-to-toe program for living a long, fit life-and it worked. Now at the peak of health, Dr. Sears shares his program in PRIME-TIME HEALTH. This engaging and deeply informative book will motivate readers to make crucial behavior and lifestyle changes. Dr. Sears explores how to keep each body system healthy and delay those usual age-related changes.

I know Dr. Sears' work from reading his parenting book The Fussy Baby Book, which kept me sane after I gave birth to my high-need child. It was well-written with great sensitivity that I devoured the book and passed it on without hesitation to friends and family. I expect this latest book to be good, too.

What did you get in your mailbox?

Well, this week sure makes up for last week's empty mailbox. I got three books that I mooched through BookMooch. I love BookMooch. If you like to trade books, you should check it out. And then on Friday, I got a box full of books from Scholastic Canada to the delight of my kids.

By the way, this meme is hosted by Marcia at The Printed Page. You should check out her blog and see what others have received and to play along.

From BookMooch:

A Bride Most Begrudging by Deeanne Gist

Amazon synopsis:
When Lady Constance Morrow finds herself held against her will aboard a ship bound for the American colonies--a ship filled with "tobacco brides" and felons--she is quite sure that as soon as she arrives she will find a reasonable man who will believe her father is an earl and send her back on the next ship to England. Instead she meets Drew O'Connor, a determined Colonial farmer who is nearly as headstrong as she is. Drew wins Constance as his bride but soon realizes he has taken on much more than he bargained for.

The Eternal City by Domenica De Rosa

Amazon synopsis:
As the youngest De Angelis daughter, Gaby has always had to vie for attention with brainy, holier-than-thou Anna, and bohemian, beautiful Maria. Yet in her heart she cherished the hope that she was her father Enzo's favourite. On the day Gaby's first baby, Kitty, is born, Enzo suddenly dies. Before the new family have had chance to bond they are plunged into the thick of the wider clan, as Gaby's sisters devise a plan to bid their father farewell in his native Rome. But their interpretations of his wishes differ as much as their wildly conflicting advice on the fraught early days of motherhood. And in the heat and bustle of Rome itself, Gaby encounters once again the man everyone thought she would marry. Suddenly all Gaby's certainties are shaken.

The Vendetta Defence by Lisa Scottoline

Synopsis:
Judy Carrier takes the case of her career to defend Anthony Lucia, fondly known as "Pigeon Tony," who freely admits to killing his lifelong enemy in order to settle a personal vendetta. Her client's guilt, however, is only the beginning of Judy's problems. The victim's family wants revenge and is determined to finish off Pigeon Tony and Judy before the case goes to trial. Then there's Pigeon Tony's hunky grandson, who makes Judy think about everything but the law. In a case steeped in blood and memory, it will take brains and a lot of luck to save Pigeon Tony. But if anyone will see justice done, it's this gutsy girl who'll risk everything to win -- including her life.

From Scholastic Canada:

Elvis and Olive: Super Detectives by Stephanie Watson

From the author's Web site:
In the sequel to Elvis & Olive, Natalie and Annie open the E & O Detective Agency to solve neighborhood mysteries. And they find no shortage of people who could use their help. Albert Castle needs a hand with song lyrics, and Ms. Hatch is looking for a lost flip-flop. Mrs. Warsaw is desperate to find the mysterious Zadie Zeolite, and a lost dog needs help finding his way home. In addition, Natalie is searching for a way to win the Student Council election while Annie is on a quest to find her mom. Will the biggest cases they have to solve be their own?

After All, You're Callie Boone by Winnie Mack

Amazon synopsis:
It’s the worst summer on record for nearly-twelve-year-old Callie Boone. Not only has she been ditched by her best friend for someone more "awesome", but she may never live down her recent humiliation at the community pool. Her ex-drillsargeant mom is on her case, and her uncle Danny has moved in--along with cages of ferrets that he hopes to make his fortune breeding as pets, and which Callie’s cranky grandma despises. The only things keeping her afloat are dive practices with her dad and a secret Olympic dream. That is, until a boy named Hoot moves in next door. But just when everything finally seems to be going her way, disaster strikes--one day she comes home to an ambulance in the driveway... only it’s not her crotchety old grandma who’s being taken away, it’s her beloved dad. Now it’s up to Callie to grow up fast and hold on tight to what matters most: her friendship with Hoot, the love of her family and a newfound belief in herself. This is a story that will make readers laugh and cry. There are no magic spells or paranormal characters, and the only fantasy is Callie’s athletic dream. It’s real, honest, crazy everyday life with all the joy and the agony that come with the territory.

Testing The Ice: A True Story of Jackie Robinson by Sharon Robinson

Amazon synopsis:
When Jackie Robinson retires from baseball and moves his family to Connecticut, the beautiful lake on their property is the center of everyone’s fun. The neighborhood children join the Robinson kids for swimming and boating. But oddly, Jackie never goes near the water. In a dramatic episode that first winter, Jackie is called upon to test the ice on the lake, to make sure it’s safe for ice-skating. But why, Sharon wonders, is he always so afraid to go near the water? In a stunning metaphor for Jackie Robinson’s legendary breaking of the color barrier in Major League Baseball, Ms. Robinson honors her extraordinary father’s memory with her warm, graceful storytelling. Two-time Caldecott Honor Book artist Kadir Nelson has created richly rendered paintings that radiate with the beauty and spirit of one of America’s finest heroes.

The 39 Clues Book Five: The Black Circle by Patrick Carman

Amazon synopsis:
The hunt for the 39 Clues leads Amy and Dan to their most treacherous destination yet—a frozen land of Cahill secrets and betrayals. With danger chasing close behind, the siblings must track down one of history’s greatest lost treasures. Governments were toppled and rulers were killed during the last attempt to find it. Do Amy and Dan even stand a chance?

The 39 Clues Book Six: In Too Deep by Jude Watson

Amazon synopsis:
Are some secrets better left buried? As Amy and Dan track the next clue to a remote corner of the world, they make shocking discoveries about the source of the Cahills’ power and the mystery of their parents’ deaths. And as the threat of the mysterious Madrigals grows real, one of the clue-hunters makes the ultimate sacrifice. Amy and Dan have to decide how much they’re willing to risk, and what they are fighting for. Can they avenge their parents—or are they following their fatal path?

Attack of the Tyrannosaurus (Dinosaur Cove Series #1) by Rex Stone

Amazon synopsis:
Eight-year-olds Tom and Jamie are on a hunt for adventure when they wander into a smugglerÂ’s long-abandoned secret cave. But they get a lot more than they bargained for! By following the fossilized dinosaur footsteps on the caveÂ’s floor, they are transported back in time to the thrilling world of the dinosaurs. There, they meet a friendly, puppy-like wannanosaurus and a not-so-friendly T-Rex. But they escape: safe, sound, and just in time for dinner!

Max Spaniel: Dinosaur Hunt by David Catrow

Amazon synopsis:
Max Spaniel is a daffy hound dog who one day decides to go on a dinosaur dig. But what Max thinks are dinosaur parts is just a lot of junk — or is it? As Max puts his fossils together, readers will see how the random objects Max finds — including a football, a hockey stick, and an old boot — transform into a living dino!

First Day: Appleville Elementary Series #1 by Nancy Krulik

Amazon synopsis:
It’s the first day of first grade at Appleville Elementary, and the kids who are going to be in Miss Popper’s class are really excited. Well, everyone except Carlos, that is! He’d rather stay in kindergarten. Carlos decides he’ll go to first grade for one day only, and he’ll never come back. But when Miss Popper reveals that someone new will be arriving on the second day of school, Carlos can’t help but return. Who will the new arrival be? The simple vocabulary and sentence structure make this new series a perfect fit for readers who are ready for their first chapter book.

What exciting books did you get in your mailbox?

The Queen City: Book Two of the Marquette Trilogy by Tyler R. Tichelaar (Rated: C)
Marquette Fiction
ISBN: 978-0-9791790-1-3
Published August 2006
Trade Paperback, 480 pages

Author Tyler R. Tichelaar has a way of making characters pulse to life. When I began reading The Queen City: Book Two in the Marquette Trilogy, I felt like I was greeting old friends and encountering new ones. In this second novel that picks up where the last one finished, a new generation is introduced as well as the changes that time and technology bring to the small town of Marquette. Reading the first novel in this trilogy, Iron Pioneers, will certainly make the reader appreciate this one.

Tichelaar’s characters are unforgettable, not because they are superheroes or famous, but because they are everyday folk—human beings with qualities, faults and universal issues we can all relate to. History comes alive through the lives of these characters—lives that, although fictional, mirror those of people who lived through the monumental eras of the World Wars and the Great Depression.

What I admire most about this author is his ability to weave the stories of his numerous well-developed characters together, linking them with true historical events. His novel flows well with every page turned as the reader becomes engrossed in these stories. Never predictable, sometimes heartbreaking, always hopeful, this author’s work is a pleasure to read. I look forward to the last instalment in this trilogy and to see how Tichelaar brings this American multi-generational saga to an end.

Disclosure: Thanks to ReviewTheBook.com for sending this book for review. I was not compensated in any other way, nor told how to rate or review this product.