The Heist by Janet Evanovich and Lee Goldberg | Book Review #154

The Bookish Island's Book Review:
The Heist by Janet Evanovich and Lee Goldberg

Are there spoilers?

I may have written down too much but that's how much I liked this book.

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Title: The Heist

Author: Janet Evanovich and Lee Goldberg

Series: Fox and O'Hare #1

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Pages: 295

Published: 2013

Publisher:  Bantam

Genre: Mystery, Fiction, Crime, Romance, Humor, Thriller

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Date Read: March 17 to March 21, 2019

Rating: ★★★★★

From Janet Evanovich, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Stephanie Plum novels, and Lee Goldberg, bestselling author and television writer for Monk, comes the first adventure in an electrifying new series featuring an FBI agent who always gets her man, and a fearless con artist who lives for the chase.

FBI Special Agent Kate O’Hare is known for her fierce dedication and discipline on the job, chasing down the world’s most wanted criminals and putting them behind bars. Her boss thinks she is tenacious and ambitious; her friends think she is tough, stubborn, and maybe even a bit obsessed. And while Kate has made quite a name for herself for the past five years, the only name she’s cared about is Nicolas Fox—an international crook she wants in more ways than one.

Audacious, handsome, and dangerously charming, Nicolas Fox is a natural con man, notorious for running elaborate scams on very high-profile people. At first he did it for the money. Now he does it for the thrill. He knows that the FBI has been hot on his trail—particularly Kate O’Hare, who has been watching his every move. For Nick, there’s no greater rush than being pursued by a beautiful woman . . . even one who aims to lock him up. But just when it seems that Nicolas Fox has been captured for good, he pulls off his greatest con of all: he convinces the FBI to offer him a job, working side by side with Special Agent Kate O’Hare.

Problem is, teaming up to stop a corrupt investment banker who’s hiding on a private island in Indonesia is going to test O’Hare’s patience and Fox’s skill. Not to mention the skills of their ragtag team made up of flamboyant actors, wanted wheelmen, and Kate’s dad. High-speed chases, pirates, and Toblerone bars are all in a day’s work . . . if O’Hare and Fox don’t kill each other first.

The Rating:

My Review:

The Heist was so good.

I have never read a Janet Evanovich book before. I mean I watched the movie for One for the Money but that's about it. Still, I had kept my eye out on her books so when I saw The Heist and The Chase - part of the Fox and O'Hare series - I snatched them up and brought them home a long time ago. But Just this month - for March Mystery Madness - I picked it up and started reading it.

I loved reading this book so much. This was a fun read for me. It was light and had a nice flow to it. The story was easy to follow and the supporting characters were original and cool.
There were character introductions, as it tends to happen in heist movies. And I loved it.

A female FBI agent has to team up with the Conman she has been trying to throw in jail in order to catch a bigger fish.

I loved the banter between Nick and Kate. The whole time I was reading I thought that they were a lot like Castle and Beckett, but also a little like Mulder and Scully.

In my head, this was Ocean's Eleven meets Castle. And I kept thinking "why hasn't this been made into a movie yet?".

One of my favorite characters was Kate's dad, Jake O'Hare. He was so cool!!! I totally see Bruce Willis playing him.

The duo Janet Evanovich and Lee Goldberg did such a good job with this book.
👍

Goodreads

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The Bookish Island
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Yasmina and the Potato Eaters by Wauter Mannaert | Book Review #152

The Bookish Island's Book Review:
Yasmina and the Potato Eaters by Wauter Mannaert 

Are there spoilers?

No spoilers.
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Title: Yasmina and the Potato Eaters 

Author: Wauter Mannaert

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Pages: 144

Pub Date: March 20, 2019

Publisher: Europe Comics

Genre: Graphic Novel, Middle Grade, Cooking, Food

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Date Read: March 11, 2019

Rating: ★★★★★

Eleven‐year‐old Yasmina and her dad lead a modest life in a small city apartment. Luckily, the food-loving Yasmina can whip up just about anything in the kitchen, with an assist from her edible herb books and her friends from the community garden. That is, until the day the garden disappears, bulldozed and replaced by a field of potatoes that are both experimental... and completely addictive! The only solution is for Yasmina to track down and eradicate the source of the problem. A fun and colorful tale for all ages.

The Rating:

My Review:

Yasmina and the Potato Eaters was a very entertaining story. With Yasmina being so into food and cooking and making elaborate meals for her and her father.

Yasmina was such a fun character to follow and the rest of the characters were all so unique and interesting. They all had their roles and colorful personalities.

And the food in this looked so delicious and colorful. Like I wanted to eat after I finished reading this graphic novel.

In the end, I was left wanting to read more about these characters and see what happens next.

What will Yasmina get up to next? What is going on with the Potatoes? I have so many questions.

Goodreads

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The Bookish Island
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The Diver by Veronica Carratello | Book Review #147

The Bookish Island's Book Review:
The Diver by Veronica Carratello

Are there spoilers?

Yes, there are some spoilers.

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Disclaimer:

This book was sent to me by the publishing company (Nobrow) in exchange for an honest review.

Title: The Diver

Author: Veronica Carratello

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Pages: 32

Published: 2018

Publisher:  Flying Eye Books

Genre: Children's Book, Picture Book

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Date Read: I can't remember but it was in 2018

Rating: ★★★★★

A young girl and a penny coin share an unlikely dream to become divers in this enchanting tale from award-winning Italian illustrator Veronica Caratello.

The moment a penny sees a diving competition on television, it is determined to become a diver itself. Discarded by most, the penny is picked up by a girl who just so happens to be a young diver in training. Will both of them be able to achieve their dream with the power of a single wish? 

The Rating:

My Review:

The Diver is about a little girl who is scared she won't do the best dive that she can in her next competition and with the help of a penny she wishes and it helps with her dream. 

As always I first look at the illustrations that these picture books have. And I notice how vibrant the pastels are and how great the colors pair up with each other. The pallet is perfect for the mood this book gives off. The illustrations of the characters and the backgrounds are clean and kid friendly. By that, I mean that they are easy to distinguish. 

The end pages are super bright (almost blindingly) and I love the illustrations there too.
The front cover. For the longest time, I thought that the girl had some sort of headband with cat ears. But it was just a fountain behind her.
The back cover is adorable with the little girl and the coin about to take a dive.

It's not a very diverse book unless you count background characters that don't arent in the story. In fact, the MC and her family are all white, blonde, and have light colored eyes. So that was something that I wish could have been different. Considering that we are in modern times and interracial couples DEFINITELY exist.

I loved the penny and their story. They were a complete character. They had a dream and had some troubles achieving them. They were even going through some bullying. And in the end, got what they wished for the most. 

One thing that bothered me was how no one wanted the penny. The dad even said it wasn't worth anything. And it bothered me because all my life my mother has taught me the value of money. Especially of a penny. We would even spot change on the street and pick it up. Because she taught me that even if its one cent of a nickel or a dime in the end when you pick up a bunch of them you are going to have some money you didn't plan for. I've bought books saving up like that now. And when I was a kid I used to save up for toys. And I know that I am definitely going to teach my kids the same lesson.

In the end, this is a children's picture book so I loved the illustrations. The story was motivating and about not giving up on your dreams of doing your best. And It's a good read and easy to read to others. I've already read it more than 4 times since I got it. So I recommend it.

Goodreads

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The Bookish Island
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Year of Mistaken Discoveries by Eileen Cook | Book Review #142

The Bookish Island's Book Review:
Year of Mistaken Discoveries by Eileen Cook 

Are there spoilers?

There are some spoilers.

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Title: Year of Mistaken Discoveries 

Author: Eileen Cook

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Pages: 272

Publisher: Simon Pulse

Published: 2014

Genre: Young Adult, Romance, Contemporary, Fiction

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Date Read: December 22, 2018

Rating: ★★★★★

As first graders, Avery and Nora bonded over a special trait they shared: they were both adopted.

Years later, Avery is smart, popular, and on the cheerleading squad, while Nora spends her time on the fringes of school society, wearing black, reading esoteric poetry, and listening to obscure music. They never interact...until the night Nora approaches Avery at a party, saying it's urgent. She tells Avery that she thought she found her birth mom, but it turned out to be a cruel lie. Avery feels for Nora, but returns to her friends at the party.

Then Avery learns that Nora overdosed on pills. Left to cope with Nora's loss and questioning her own actions, Avery decides to honor her friend by launching a search for her own birth mother. Aided by Brody, a friend of Nora's who is also looking for a way to respect Nora's legacy, Avery embarks on an emotional quest. But what she's really seeking might go far deeper than just genetics. 

The Rating:

My Review:

Year of Mistaken Discoveries was a part of my December TBR for 2018. It was such a good book. I read it in one sitting and cried a handful of times. Loved it.

Year of Mistaken Discoveries was a cute contemporary book. While the main character was going through some serious stuff, all throughout it was still too cute.

The main character Avery changed so much from the beginning of the book to the end. She was a popular cheerleader with a football player boyfriend and because of Nora's suicide she changes and takes life more seriously. And the change was done well not exaggerated or messy.  

There were parts that bothered me like how concentrated she was into getting into Duke rather than properly dealing with her emotions and what happened to her. but I get it getting into Duke was her life. Her way of establishing that road to her future and her education. Something like that is so important sometimes that you can't see anything but that goal.

In the end, it was good to see Avery growing up. Understanding what her friend had been going through. It was nice. I'm happy that Avery and Brody got together and sorted things out. But then again it was obvious they were going to end up together.

Avery and Brody were so cute together. Wonder Woman and Batman.

Goodreads  

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The Bookish Island
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Not Her Daughter by Rea Frey | Book Review #127

The Bookish Island's Book Review:
Not Her Daughter by Rea Frey 

Are there spoilers?

No.

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Disclaimer: This book was sent to me from the publishing company through NetGalley.com in exchange for an honest review.

Title: Not Her Daughter 

Author: Rea Frey

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Pages: 352

Publisher: St. Martins Griffin

Published: 2018

Genre: Fiction, Mystery, Thriller, Contemporary, Suspense, Adult, Drama

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Date Read: July 15 > July 17, 2018

Rating: ★★★★★

Emma Grace Townsend. Five years old. Gray eyes. Brown hair. Missing since June.
Emma Townsend is lonely. Living with her cruel mother and clueless father, Emma retreats into her own world of quiet and solitude.
Sarah Walker. Successful entrepreneur. Broken-hearted. Abandoned by her mother. Kidnapper.
Sarah has never seen a girl so precious as the gray-eyed child in a crowded airport terminal--and when a second-chance encounter with Emma presents itself, Sarah takes her, far away from home. But if it's to rescue a little girl from her damaging mother, is kidnapping wrong?
Amy Townsend. Unhappy wife. Unfit mother. Unsure she wants her daughter back.
Amy's life is a string of disappointments, but her biggest issue is her inability to connect with her daughter. And now she's gone without a trace.
As Sarah and Emma avoid the nationwide hunt, they form an unshakeable bond. But her real mother is at home, waiting for her to return--and the longer the search for Emma continues, Amy is forced to question if she really wants her back.
Emotionally powerful and wire-taut, Not Her Daughter raises the question of what it means to be a mother--and how far someone will go to keep a child safe.

The Rating:

My Review:

I only had to read the description of this novel to know that I was gonna like this read. and I was completely on point.

This story is told from different points f views. The kidnapper and the mother. 
At the same time, it alternates between before, during and after the kidnapping of five-year-old Emma.

I haven't read any books about missing or kidnapped children so for me this was a whole new theme to experience. It was well-written and easy to follow what was going on during the whole novel. It was such a good read. 

I was on the edge on every turn. I wanted to know what would happen to Emma and along the way I found myself rooting for the kidnapper, Sarrah, who was only looking out for what she thought was best for Emma. And in the end, was completely satisfied by it all.


I was totally satisfied by the end of the book. Totally recommend it.

Goodreads    |    Amazon

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The Bookish Island
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The Spellbook of Katrina Van Tassel by Alyssa Palombo | Book Review #125

The Bookish Island's Book Review:
The Spellbook of Katrina Van Tassel: A Story of Sleepy Hollow by Alyssa Palombo

Are there spoilers?

No.
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Disclaimer:
This book was sent to me by the publishing company in exchange for an honest review.

Title: The Spellbook of Katrina Van Tassel
Author: Alyssa Palombo

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Pages: 416

Publisher: St. Martins Griffin

Published: 2018

Genre: Historical Fiction, Fantasy, Romance, Retelling, Historical, Fiction

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Date Read: October 3 > October 14, 2018

Rating: ★★★★★

When Ichabod Crane arrives in the spooky little village of Sleepy Hollow as the new schoolmaster, Katrina Van Tassel is instantly drawn to him. Through their shared love of books and music, they form a friendship that quickly develops into romance. Ichabod knows that as an itinerant schoolteacher of little social standing, he has nothing to offer the wealthy Katrina – unlike her childhood friend-turned-enemy, Brom Van Brunt, who is the suitor Katrina’s father favors.

But when romance gives way to passion, Ichabod and Katrina embark on a secret love affair, sneaking away into the woods after dark to be together – all while praying they do not catch sight of Sleepy Hollow’s legendary Headless Horseman. That is, until All Hallows’s Eve, when Ichabod suddenly disappears, leaving Katrina alone and in a perilous position.

Enlisting the help of her friend – and rumored witch – Charlotte Jansen, Katrina seeks the truth of Ichabod Crane’s disappearance, investigating the forest around Sleepy Hollow using unconventional – often magical – means. What they find forces Katrina to question everything she once knew, and to wonder if the Headless Horseman is perhaps more than just a story after all. In Alyssa Palombo's The Spellbook of Katrina Van Tassel nothing is as it seems, and love is a thing even death won't erase.

The Rating:

My Review:

I initially saw this book on Goodreads when they had it up for the giveaway and I quickly applied. And lucky enough I won an arc copy f this book. I just set it aside and in my head, I planed when in October I would read it because I wanted to be in the perfect mood. Since it sounded so good and I also wanted to read The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. Knowing this story was an adaptation of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow I decided to read it before this. Though this story is its own completely different thing.

So the time came and I found Sleppy Hollow and read it. But I was slightly disappointed in it. Probably because I found it on Spotify and listened to it. I didn't completely let myself get immersed in it. 

The romance part in this was strange to me but I liked it. I was so worried for Katrina (the main character) during the whole story and I wanted her to be cool and for the most part, she was but just not what I expected when I thought of Sleepy Hollow. There was also magic and tarot so I loved those scenes a bunch. Cause I have tarot cards. 😁

Still, the story was amazing on its own. It had fantasy and bits of spooks, and drama, love triangles, and all that good stuff. So even though I was originally going to give this story 4 stars I ended up changing my mind the more I thought about it all. Now I think I it's 5-star material. 

Goodreads    

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The Bookish Island
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Dear Bridget, I Want You by Penelope Ward & Vi Keeland | Book Review #121

The Bookish Island's Book Review:
Dear Bridget, I Want You by Penelope Ward & Vi Keeland

Are there spoilers?

Yes!
There are spoilers. You have been warned.

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Title: Dear Bridget, I Want You 

Author: Penelope Ward & Vi Keeland

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Pages: 400

Publisher: Ever After Romance

Published: 2017

Genre: Romance, Contemporary, Adult

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Date Read: July 9 > July 10, 2018

Rating: ★★★★★

From the New York Times Bestselling authors of Stuck-Up Suit and Mister Moneybags, comes a new, sexy standalone novel.

Dear Bridget,
I'm writing this letter because it's highly doubtful I'll ever garner the courage to say this to your face.
So, here goes.
We're totally wrong for each other. You're the proper single mum with a good head on your shoulders. I'm just the carefree British doctor passing through town and temporarily living in your converted garage until I head back to England.
But here's the thing... for some bloody reason, I can't stop thinking about you in very inappropriate ways.
I want you.
The only reason I'm even admitting all of this to you right now is because I don't believe it's one-sided. I notice your eyes when you look at me, too. And as crass as I appear when we're joking around about sex, my attraction to you is not a joke.
So, what's the purpose of this note? I guess it's a reminder that we're adults, that sex is healthy and natural, and that you can find me just through the door past the kitchen. More specifically, it's to let you know that I'm leaving said door cracked open from now on in case you'd like to visit me in the middle of the night sometime.
No questions asked.
Think about it.
Or don't.
Whatever you choose.
It's doubtful I'll even end up sliding this letter under your door anyway.
--Simon

The Rating:

My Review:

I couldn't find a single thing I hated about this book. But some things did bother me.

I loved that Simon ( out male love interest/lead) was never a shit to Bridget (our female lead).

It was one of the reasons I loved this book. To me, it's so important that a male love interest/ the guy who gets the girl is not a super jealous or controlling asshole. I just don't think that's romantic.

So when we get Simon, this tall, British, blonde hottie who just so happens to be a doctor. A guy who does get jealous but also trusts his girl fully. A guy who wasn't looking for a real girlfriend or wife or a kid (spoilers!) and ended up easily finding himself finding those things without totally rejecting the idea of a family and love. He was perfect with his quirks and ended up being an amazing male love interest and main character.

I felt that Bridget, a widow, a single mother, and a full-time nurse should have had more. I don't know what but just more. She felt like a boring character compared to Simon, at times. Especially since Simon had such a full character arc. He was one person at the beginning and then grew by the end. I didn't think Bridget grew up when I finished reading the book. I would have wished for more for her.

Still, even though I wanted more from Bridget I loved her. She was an amazing mother who was going through so much with the death of her husband even after years because she felt that she wasn't enough of a parent to be both mom and dad to her son.

Now that I wrote that, I'm reminded that I know eveyone is different but she should have been cofident as a mother. Because she would often say that her son wasn't complete because he didn't have a father and I don't believe in that. Most peole are fully funtioning humans with one parent in their lives or none. Yeah, it's harder growing up but it doesn't mean they aren't whole. I just wish she was more confident in her parenting skills.

The romance between Simon and Bridget was great. we get to see them as strangers havig an interesting and embarazing meet cute, to later on finding out he is the same guy and is moving in to her sare bedroom. Something that bothered me as I read it cause she has a kid. Who doesnt meet the guy who's moving in with her and only sees him when his stuff is already there and he is there in his room.  Still, this isn't a thriller and he wasn't a murderer, or worse. He's great, a little, too forwards but great. Not only was he great with Bridget's son but he ended up being amazing with him.

And can we talk about the scandalous plot twist around the end? How Bridget's dead husband was actually cheating on her because she wanted kids and would only have scheduled sex with her. What an ass. Then he has an American Gods death scene (watch American Gods if you are curious). Death by blowjob from the mistress.

What!!

Love it tho. Mostly cause it reminded me of that. And the nerve of the mistress trying to take Simon too. Seriously!

*rolls eyes and flashes her my well manicured middle finger as I drive off in my convertible, big sunglasses on*

In total, I am happy with this book and would totally recommend it. And I would so read it again, not anytime soon but after a couple of months when I have forgotten what has happened.

You can also tell how much I liked this book from how long the review is. Sometimes I just don't know what to say but for some reason, this review is good and long. Figures.

Goodreads    |    Book Depository

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The Bookish Island
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Shug by Jenny Han | Book Review #116

The Bookish Island's Book Review:
Shug by Jenny Han

Are there spoilers?

No.

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Title: Shug

Author: Jenny Han 

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Pages: 248

Publisher: Simon and Schuster

Published: 2006

Genre: Young Adult, Middle Grade, Contemporary

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Date Read: July 6, 2018

Rating: ★★★★★

SHUG is clever and brave and true (on the inside, anyway). And she's about to become your new best friend.
Annemarie Wilcox, or Shug as her family calls her, is beginning to think there's nothing worse than being twelve. She's too tall, too freckled, and way too flat-chested. Shug is sure that there's not one good or amazing thing about her. And now she has to start junior high, where the friends she counts most dear aren't acting so dear anymore -- especially Mark, the boy she's known her whole life through. Life is growing up all around her, and all Shug wants is for things to be like they used to be. How is a person supposed to prepare for what happens tomorrow when there's just no figuring out today?

The Rating:

My Review:

This story had everything. From problems at home to boy problems to school problems.
And right in the middle was Annemarie. A 12-year-old who had just begun junior high. She came across puberty, and first crushes, and the knowledge that her parents might not be as close as they once were. And with her big sister not being around as much, and her two close friends both having their own stuff to deal with, she gets to go through most of that on her own.

Annemarie was brilliant in every way. Smart, sassy, and didn't let the boys mess with her. Which only made me wish I had a friend like her when I was that age.

I cried. Like I cried, cried. It wasn't pretty either. But I also fell in love with this book.

It was such a sweet and easy to read book that was a perfect in-between to read after having been reading a few strong Mystery/Thrillers. I loved that it was a quick read and that it had such a good story. Making me think about another book that made me feel that way. Flipped. And like Flipped, This has to be a movie. Because that would be so cooooool!

Also, this book and Flipped should totally be BFFs.
See my review of
Flipped by Wendelin Van Draanen

Goodreads    |    Book Depository

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The Secret of the Black Rock by Joe Todd-Stanton | Book Review #115

The Bookish Island's Book Review:
The Secret of the Black Rock by Joe Todd-Stanton

Are there spoilers?

No.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Disclaimer:
This book was sent to me by the publishing company (Nobrow) in exchange for an honest review.

Title: The Secret of the Black Rock

Author: Joe Todd-Stanton

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Pages: 40

Publisher: Flying Eye Books

Published: 2017

Genre: Picture Books, Children's, Fantasy

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Date Read: July 5, 2018

Rating: ★★★★★

This surreal modern folk-tale tells the story of an adventurous young girl who must protect a peaceful living creature.
Erin is fascinated by the stories of Black Rock: a huge, dark and spiky mass that is said to destroy any boats that come near it! But are the tales really true? One day Erin sneaks on board her mother’s fishing boat to find out…

The Rating:

My Review:

The Secret of the Black Rock is a beautiful story that grabbed my attention and took my heart for a ride.

I was truly taken by this book and its magnificent illustrations. I cried and smiled and felt I had -no! I must read this book again sometime soon.

Goodreads    |    Get it

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The Bookish Island
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