Earth Star by Janet Edwards

Synopsis:
Sequel to Earth Girl.

18-year-old Jarra has a lot to prove. After being awarded one of the military’s highest honours for her role in a daring rescue attempt, Jarra finds herself – and her Ape status – in the spotlight. Jarra is one of the unlucky few born with an immune system that cannot survive on other planets. Derided as an ‘ape’ – a ‘throwback’ – by the rest of the universe, Jarra is on a mission to prove that Earth Girls are just as good as anyone else.

Except now the planet she loves is under threat by what could be humanity’s first ever alien contact. Jarra’s bravery – and specialist knowledge – will once again be at the centre of the maelstrom, but will the rest of the universe consider Earth worth fighting for?
(Synopsis from Goodreads).

My Thoughts:
I read Earth Girl several years ago when it first came out in the U.K. and loved it. I mean, how could I not, with one of the main characters having the same last name as me. Even though I loved it, for whatever reason I never continued with the series. Recently, I was going through my unfinished series shelf on Goodreads, and saw that the rest of the series was still on there, so I decided to pick up the second book, Earth Star. I'm so glad I did. It was absolute perfection.

Even though it had been a while since I had read Earth Girl, I was able to jump into Earth Star right away without having to re-read Earth Girl, or being lost. There were very mini recaps throughout the book on what had happened in the first book, which I really enjoyed. It made the book easier to read, and helped to fill in some of the details. In no time, I remembered everything that happened, and was able to immerse myself back into the world again, which was exciting for me because it's one of my favorite settings/worlds out of all of the books I've read. Janet Edwards has a way of writing worlds that makes the reader so immersed in the book, they feel like they are right there with Jarra, going through the dig sites and other challenges she has to face on Earth.

Speaking of Jarra, I love how much she matured in Earth Star. She had a lot thrust onto her plate. I enjoyed how she dealt with her new status, and was able to figure out how to deal with the perks and disadvantages that came with it. No matter what anyone said or did, she always held her head up high, and didn't let it get to her. I also enjoyed watching her relationships with those around her change and evolve. It was great to see her interact with her dig site teammates, and to watch them go from being teammates to friends. I love the dynamic between her and Fian. I hope it continues onto the next book. I can't wait to see their relationship go to the next level.

I thought Earth Star was the perfect sequel to Earth Girl. It had everything I wanted in the sequel, and more. I'm excited to read the final book in the series, and see where the storyline continues. I can't wait to experience more of Jarra and the rest of the crew's adventures, and see them all mature together. I also want to read more of Janet Edwards other books. I have a feeling once I finish the Earth Girl trilogy, she's going to become an automatic one-click author.

I give Earth Star: 5/5. 

Want to know more about the author?
Website: https://janetedwards.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JanetEdwardsAuthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JanetEdwardsSF
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5415711.Janet_Edwards

I received this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. I was in no way compensated for this review.

The Facebook Diet by Gemini Adams

Synopsis:
Award-winning author and illustrator, Gemini Adams, inspires us to examine the health of our high-tech habits in this entertaining gift book with a tongue-in-cheek look at our love of social media. 

This Mom's Choice Gold Award winning book features a series of 50 hilarious cartoons that complete the question, "You Know You're a Facebook Addict When...?" in which Adams cleverly illustrates the more idiotic, embarrassing and cringe-worthy behaviors of our social networking excess.

Packed with funny digital detox tips that gently 'poke' at readers to unplug once in a while, this laugh-out-loud gift book is guaranteed to bring a smile of recognition to Facebook junkies everywhere!
(Synopsis from Goodreads).

My Thoughts:
I am a self-proclaimed Facebook addict. I feel like I'm always checking Facebook for something, no matter what time of day or night. I use it for my business, and my couponing, which is my main hobby. Therefore, I'm on it for about eight or nine hours a day most days. Recently I found a book filled with a collection of comics called The Facebook Diet, and thought it looked like something I would identify with. I loved it. It was absolutely hysterical. 

Not only was The Facebook Diet hilarious, it was relatable too. There were several times when I was reading where I thought "That is totally me", or "Hey, I do that a lot too". The most relatable comic for me was the one where someone was logging into Facebook just to check it, and they look up and find out that five hours have passed. I feel like I do that all the time. Facebook can be a gigantic time suck.

I also found the comics themselves to be a great source of enjoyment. All of them were well drawn, which made the captions even more relatable. They also had me falling over laughing about ninety-nine percent of the time. As a forewarning though, some of the comics did contain nudity, which I found surprising. The book was definitely not as kid friendly as I thought it was going to be.

I loved everything about The Facebook Diet. The comics were hilarious, and oh so relatable! Whether it's a good thing or not that they're relatable, I don't know. It definitely says a lot about me. The only thing that the book could have done better is that I wish it had some sort of adults only, or inappropriate content inside label. Otherwise, I thought it was amazing. I recommend this collection of comics to adults with F.A.D. (Facebook Addiction Disorder).

I give The Facebook Diet: 4/5.

Want to know more about the author?
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gemini.joanna.adams/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/geminiadams
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/546877.Gemini_Adams

I received this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. I was in no way compensated on this review.

Hindsight by Sarah Belle

Synopsis:
The universe has sent Juliette a sign. She wishes it had been an email instead...

Juliette’s career is on fire, her marriage and family are in melt-down, and a red-hot goddess wants her husband. But those are the least of her worries when she wakes up on her lounge room floor in the year 1961.

Without any of her modern conveniences — nanny, housekeeper, surgically attached mobile phone, designer wardrobe, and intravenous lattes — Juliette is just over fifty years out of her comfort zone. But as she takes on the role of a 1961 housewife, with gritted liberated teeth, she discovers an unexpected truth: slower doesn’t mean boring, at home doesn’t mean dull, and priorities don’t mean sacrifices.

As she finds unexpected friendships, a resuscitated love life, tragedy and triumph, Juliette begins to wonder if she really wants to return home after all.
(Synopsis from Goodreads). 

My Thoughts:
I have to admit, I wanted to read Hindsight completely because of the cover. I took one look at that gorgeous cover, and was sucked in immediately. I knew I had to read it, even though I knew nothing about the plot. I'm glad that the cover did draw me in. Even though I didn't even read the synopsis of the book, I ended up loving it.

If I would have read the synopsis of Hindsight first, I probably wouldn't have even wanted to read the book. It's definitely not my usual type of read. Chick-lit is one of my least favorite genres. However, I ended up loving the book. It wasn't your typical chick-lit book. There were plot twists that I didn't guess beforehand. The characters were actually interesting, and had their own fleshed out personalities. They weren't the flat, boring, cookie cutter characters that are in most chick-lit books.

The only thing I didn't like about the book was the way that it ended. I don't want to go into too much detail because I don't want to ruin it for those that haven't read it, but I thought that there could have been so much more. To me, it felt like a very abrupt ending. I wanted to know how things turned out in the alt-universe. I was bummed that there was no answer to that, and it just kind of left the reader hanging. 

Other than the abrupt ending, I loved Hindsight. It took the genre of chick-lit and put a fresh, new spin on it. It actually made me enjoy my least favorite genre, which I didn't think was possible. It made the genre interesting and relevant again. It was also a perfect introduction to a new-to-me author, Sarah Belle. I will definitely be reading more of her backlog of books in the future.

I give Hindsight: 4/5. 

Want to know more about the author?
Website: http://www.sarahbellebooks.com/
facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Sarah-Belle-Author-181235018692696/?ref=hl
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SarahBelle44
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahbelle_books/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7102770.Sarah_Belle

I received this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. I was in no way compensated for this review. 

DNF Review: All the Dirty Parts by Daniel Handler

Synopsis:
From bestselling, award-winning author Daniel Handler (aka Lemony Snicket), an eagerly anticipated, gutsy, exciting novel that looks honestly at the erotic lives and impulses of an all-too-typical young man.

Cole is a boy in high school. He runs cross country, he sketches in a sketchbook, he jokes around with friends. But none of this quite matters, next to the allure of sex. Let me put it this way, he says, Draw a number line, with zero is, you never think about sex, and ten is, it's all you think about, and while you are drawing the line, I am thinking about sex. Cole fantasizes about whomever he's looking at. He consumes and shares pornography. And he sleeps with a lot of girls--girls who seem to enjoy it at the time and seem to feel bad about it afterwards. Cole is getting a reputation around school--a not quite savory one--which leaves him adrift and hanging out with his best friend. Which is when something startling begins to happen between them--another kind of adventure, unexpected and hot, that might be what he's been after all this time. And then he meets Grisaille.
(Synopsis from Goodreads).

My Thoughts:
Daniel Handler is one of my favorite authors. I've read every book he wrote and loved all of them, including the ones he wrote under the pen name Lemony Snicket. Therefore, I was excited when I got the chance to read his newest book, All the Dirty Parts. However, I found the book to be disappointing. I couldn't even make it through the whole thing, which is sad because it's less than 200 pages. I ended up dropping it at around ten percent.

Daniel Handler's books usually have a great sense of humor that keeps me coming back time and time again. However, this one was boring and bland. There was no humor in it. It was just a description of a teenager's day to day thoughts regarding sex. I didn't mind how lude the book was. My problem with the book was that Daniel Handler usually has a captivating way of writing a great story, and that was completely missing this time.

Typically I love Daniel Handler's books, but I hated All the Dirty Parts. It was missing the usual magic web that his words weave. It didn't pull me in at all. He is one of my favorite authors, so I will continue to read his future releases. I just don't foresee myself giving this book another chance anytime soon.

I give All the Dirty Parts: 1/5.

Want to know more about the author?
Website: http://www.danielhandler.com/
facebook: https://www.facebook.com/daniel.handler/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/danielhandler
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7176.Daniel_Handler

I received this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. I was in no way compensated for this review.

A Handful of Stardust by Jake Arnott

Synopsis:
The TARDIS is diverted to England in 1572, and the Doctor and Peri meet John Dee – ‘mathematician, astrologer, alchemist, magician, and the greatest mind of our time’. (‘Only of your time?’, the Doctor asks, unimpressed.) But what brought them here? When the Doctor discovers that Dee and his assistant have come across a ‘great disturbance in the cosmos, in the constellation of Cassiopeia,’ he realizes that they are all in terrible danger.
(Synopsis from Goodreads).

My Thoughts:
I am slightly obsessed with Doctor Who. I love all things Doctor Who. I have read a bunch of the short stories and loved most of them. I was excited to learn recently that there are a few Doctor Who short stories that I haven't read yet. As soon as I found out, I decided to jump into one of those short stories, A Handful of Stardust. I ended up greatly enjoying it. 

A Handful of Stardust didn't describe which Doctor it was about, which usually drives me crazy. However, this time I thought it really added something unique to the story. The reader can envision whichever Doctor they want while reading. Based on the way the book was written, I envisioned the Doctor as Eleven. There was a lot of his snarky, sarcastic personality throughout the story. 

I loved the humor in A Handful of Stardust. The Doctor Who television series has always been hilarious, whether it be the original or the reboot. It was great to see that resonate in print as well. I also loved that the book had completely new characters while bringing back some old favorites. It was great to see The Master make an appearance. The Master has always been one of my favorite characters. Having him in the book just pulled me in even more.

I loved A Handful of Stardust. It combined certain elements that always make Doctor who great, along with the familiar humor that is well loved throughout the series. I think Whovians everywhere will love this book. I hope that this author continues to write stories in the Doctor Who universe.

I give A Handful of Stardust: 4/5.

Want to know more about the author?
Website: http://www.jakearnott.com/index.html

I received this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. I was in no way compensated for this review. 

Secret for a Song by S.K. Falls

Synopsis:
Saylor Grayson makes herself sick. Literally.

She ate her first needle when she was seven. Now, at nineteen, she’s been kicked out of college for poisoning herself with laxatives. The shrinks call it Munchausen Syndrome. All Saylor knows is that when she’s ill, her normally distant mother pays attention and the doctors and nurses make her feel special.

Then she meets Drew Dean, the leader of a local support group for those with terminal diseases. When he mistakes her for a new member, Saylor knows she should correct him. But she can’t bring herself to, not after she’s welcomed into a new circle of friends. Friends who, like Drew, all have illnesses ready to claim their independence or their lives. 

For the first time, Saylor finds out what it feels like to be in love, to have friends who genuinely care about her. But secrets have a way of revealing themselves. What will happen when Saylor’s is out?
(Synopsis from Goodreads).

My Thoughts:
There was a time a few years ago when I was obsessed with new adult books. When the genre first came out, it was all I wanted to read. As the genre became over-saturated, I lost interest in it. I was browsing through my Kindle the other day when I was organizing the books in it, and I came across Secret for a Song. I decided to give it a try. I'm glad that I did. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I loved it.

At first, due to the intense subject matter, I wasn't sure how I would feel about Secret for a Song. However, I ended up loving it. It became one of my favorite books that I've read this year. My only regret is that I didn't read it sooner. It was one of the most moving, earth-shattering, heartbreaking books I have read recently. In fact, I think it might be one of the most thought-provoking books I've ever read. 

I thought that the subject matter of Munchausen syndrome was dealt with really well. Before reading Secret for a Song, I knew next to nothing about Munchausen syndrome. However, this book taught me quite a bit. I always thought that the people who had Munchausen syndrome were just selfish, and seeking attention. Now I know that it's a disease and an addiction. Like any other disease or addiction, the people that have it can't help their actions. I also thought that the delicate subject of terminal illness was handled well, It was handled in a respectful, yet informative manner.

I loved Secret for a Song so much. The ending was absolutely heartbreaking and made me ugly cry. I thought that this book was beautiful. It's a book that I think everyone should read. I wish the book was more well known. I will definitely be reading the author's other books, and future releases, as soon as I can get my hands on them.

I give Secret for a Song: 4/5.

Want to know more about the author?
Website: http://www.skfalls.com/
facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorskfalls
Twitter: https://twitter.com/skfallssc
Pintrest: https://www.pinterest.com/skfallssc/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7023689.S_K_Falls

I received this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. I was in no way compensated for this review.

Geronimo Stilton: The Curse of the Cheese Pyramid by Elisabetta Dami

Synopsis:
The Curse Of The Cheese Pyramid is the second book in the Geronimo Stilton Series. This book introduces some of the members of the Stilton family who are also the main characters in the series: Trap Stilton - Geronimo's cousin, Thea Stilton - Geronimo's lovely and adventurous sister, and Benjamin - Geronimo's favorite nephew. In The Curse of The Cheese Pyramid, Geronimo's Grandfather William suddenly turns up and threatens to take over The Rodent's Gazette. He starts off by firing everyone who works at the paper. He then asks Geronimo to go on a trip to Egypt and meet Professor Alrat Spitfur and learn the secret of generating energy from camel dung. Geronimo is forced to make the trip on the rickety and patched up plane of Dirt Cheap Airlines by his miserly grandfather. In Egypt, he learns the history of the pyramids. He journeys across Egypt on camels to learn the secrets of the Seven Wonders of The Ancient Mouse World. When he returns, Geronimo and his colleagues at the newspaper hatch a plan to avoid Grandfather William.
(Synopsis from Goodreads). 

My Thoughts:
Geronimo Stilton was one of my favorite series when I was a kid. I loved seeing all of Geronimo's adventures with his family, both in and out of New Mouse City. Recently, I had discovered that the series was still being published today. I wanted to give the newer books a chance to see if I got the wonderful feeling of nostalgia from it, and if I enjoyed it as much as I did when I was a kid. Therefore, I picked up Geronimo Stilton: Curse of the Cheese Pyramid. Unfortunately, I was incredibly disappointed. 

It had been about 15 years since I had picked up a Geronimo Stilton book. I remember how much the books used to make me laugh. However, I found The Curse of the Cheese Pyramid to be incredibly boring. It didn't have much of a storyline at all. The book's plot was building up to one specific thing happening. When that thing "happened" it was very anti-climatic. I said "happened" because nothing actually happened at all. Nothing was resolved or advanced. It was just a waste of time to read. The only reason why I'm giving the book two stars is that the adorable illustrations did kind of bring back that nostalgic feeling that I loved. However, it wasn't enough to save the book.

The Curse of the Cheese Pyramid didn't meet my expectations at all. In fact, it might be one of the most disappointing books I've read this year. As much as I loved the original books when I was a child, the good memories I have of them might be better left in the past. Needless to say, I won't be continuing with this series.

I give Geronimo Stilton: The Curse of the Cheese Pyramid: 2/5.

Want to know more about the series?
Website: https://geronimostilton.com/US-en/home/?fw=1

I received this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. I was in no way compensated for this review.