Review: Something in the Water

Summary: If you could make one simple choice that would change your life forever, would you?

Erin is a documentary filmmaker on the brink of a professional breakthrough, Mark a handsome investment banker with big plans. Passionately in love, they embark on a dream honeymoon to the tropical island of Bora Bora, where they enjoy the sun, the sand, and each other. Then, while scuba diving in the crystal blue sea, they find something in the water. . . .

Could the life of your dreams be the stuff of nightmares?

Suddenly the newlyweds must make a dangerous choice: to speak out or to protect their secret. After all, if no one else knows, who would be hurt? Their decision will trigger a devastating chain of events. . . .

Have you ever wondered how long it takes to dig a grave?

Wonder no longer. Catherine Steadman’s enthralling voice shines throughout this spellbinding debut novel. With piercing insight and fascinating twists, Something in the Water challenges the reader to confront the hopes we desperately cling to, the ideals we’re tempted to abandon, and the perfect lies we tell ourselves. -- Ballantine

The women's suspense novel SOMETHING IN THE WATER  has been getting a lot of great buzz! First, it was written by Catherine Steadman who is a British actress who starred in Downton Abbey. (To answer your question, she can both act and write... and she's stunning!) It was also selected by Reese Weatherspoon as a Hello Sunshine book pick and it has been optioned by 20th Century Fox; and it's already a #1 New York Times best-seller!

Well if those facts don't convince you to pick up SOMETHING IN THE WATER, maybe my review will give you a nudge. I read this novel at the beach and I honestly couldn't put it down. I was riveted to this story about a couple vacationing in Bora Bora whose lives are forever changed when they find "something in the water" while scuba diving.

Erin is a documentary filmmaker who is making a film about convicts and life after prison, and Mark is an investment banker who has recently lost his job due to a downturn in the economy. They decide to still go on a dream vacation for a much needed break before coming back home and finalizing their wedding plan. Mark is definitely feeling depressed and is concerned about money, but they decide to make the best of things and enjoy the vacation. Mark wants to go scuba diving and Erin agrees even though it's not exactly Erin's favorite pastime.

While scuba diving in the gorgeous water (albeit water that has sharks!), Mark discovers papers floating in the water. Upon further investigation, he discovers that a small plane has crashed into the ocean. All of the passengers are dead but he finds a cell phone, a gun, and a duffle bag full of money. A chain of events occur that are pretty spectacular, and Mark and Erin find themselves with the money and a huge mess on their hands. Things quickly escalate and neither Mark nor Erin know who to trust or what to believe.

I thoroughly enjoyed SOMETHING IN THE WATER from the very first page! In fact, the beginning of this book when Erin is digging a grave will knock your socks off. The story is fast-paced and suspenseful, and it's interesting to see how Erin and Mark turn on others (and each other) to protect themselves and the money. I loved the cat and mouse games, and the book was full of surprises. All in all it was one heck of an entertaining novel and will make a great movie!

Besides being a great mystery, I also enjoyed how the author portrayed Erin and her documentary career. Erin was working on a movie with convicts who were starting their lives after living in prison for a variety of crimes. These secondary characters and the psychology behind them were extremely interesting, and I appreciated how they were woven into the story.

Finally, I liked that the book wasn't exactly wrapped up with a nice red bow. Many of the mysteries were revealed, but there was also a lot to think about... which means it was a great book in my mind. If a book can entertain me and make me think, that's really saying something!

I loved SOMETHING IN THE WATER. Highly recommended to fans of women's psychological thrillers!

I received a copy of this novel at the 2018 BEA.
Mystery Mondays is a regular feature where I review all types of mystery books -- traditional mysteries, suspense/thrillers, and even cozies! Please feel free to share your thoughts on any recent mystery books that you've read.

Kid Konnection: New Chronicle Board Books

Every Saturday, I host a feature called Kid Konnection -- a regular weekend feature about anything related to children's books. This week I'm going to share with you two adorable board books coming out in August from Chronicle Books.

Summary: Hats of Faith is a simple and striking introduction to the shared custom of religious head coverings. With bright images and a carefully researched interfaith text, this thoughtful book inspires understanding and celebrates our culturally diverse modern world. -- Chronicle Books

HATS OF FAITH by Medeia Cohan and illustrated by Sarah Walsh is a terrific book that demonstrates the beauty of diversity. This simple board book features a variety of head coverings that are women by both men and women of different religions. For instance, there is a page with a Sikh woman wearing a Chunni and another with an Orthodox Jewish woman wearing a Tichel.

I saw a preview of HATS OF FAITH at BEA and I thought it was a wonderful concept. Now that I've seen the entire picture book, I'm even more convinced how great it is. The illustrations are bright and beautiful, and I love that this book teaches toddlers (and maybe even parents) the diversity in head coverings of international religions. I also absolutely adore the message of the book -- that learning about others makes it easier to be more understanding... and therefore to spread love and peace throughout the world!

Highly recommended!

Summary: Baby smiles. Baby waves. It's your turn, now you do it, too! Whether silly or sleepy, playful or pouty, the expressive babies featured in this first board book of emotions are sure to enthrall curious youngsters. Bright, cheerful photographs highlight a range of emotions and movements that babies will love to imitate—and with an attached fold-out mirror to accompany every sturdy page, little ones will have no trouble practicing their own funny faces! -- Chronicle Books

BABY SEE, BABY DO by Robie Rogge with photographs by Jennifer Hale is the type of board book that my babies would have loved. The front flap opens up and has a big mirror for babies to mimic the images they see on the pages of the book! Basically, each page of this book has a baby doing something like smiling, laughing, sleeping, waving, and so on; and the baby reading the book is supposed to look in the mirror and copy the photograph.

I remember my kids loved books with photographs of babies, and BABY SEE, BABY DO is full of great pictures of adorable babies. There are even some really funny ones! I not only love the idea behind this board book, but I appreciate that it encourages little ones to imitate the different facial expressions and actions of the babies.

BABY SEE, BABY DO is another fun picture book that's a great baby shower or baby gift!

If you'd like to participate in Kid Konnection and share a post about anything related to children's books (picture, middle grade, or young adult) from the past week, please leave a comment as well as a link below with your name/blog name and the title of the book! Feel free to grab the little button too!

Review: Beach House Reunion

Summary: Whisking you back to the shores of her bestselling Beach House series, Mary Alice Monroe weaves together a tale of the struggles and triumphs of the historic Rutledge family of Charleston, South Carolina. Beautifully wrought and rich with keen insight, this is an illuminating tale of new beginnings, resilience, and one family’s enduring love.

Cara Rutledge returns to her Southern home on the idyllic Isle of Palms. Everything is comfortingly the same, yet each detail is rife with painful memories. Only through reconnecting with family, friends, and the rhythms of the lowcountry can Cara release the hold of the past and open herself to the possibility of a new love, career, and hope for the future.

Meanwhile, her niece Linnea, a recent college graduate who doesn’t know where her life will take her, leaves her historic home in Charleston, with all its entitlement and expectations, and heads to her aunt’s beach house. On the island, she is part of the freer, natural ocean lifestyle she loves, rejoining the turtle team, learning to surf, and falling in love. Remembering the lessons of her beloved grandmother, Lovie, the original “turtle lady,” Linnea rediscovers a meaningful purpose to her life and finds the courage she needs to break from tradition.

In this heartwarming novel, three generations of the Rutledge family gather together to find the strength, love, and commitment to break destructive family patterns and to forge new bonds that will endure long beyond one summer reunion. -- Gallery

It's becoming a bit of a tradition for me to read one of Mary Alice Monroe's novels while I'm at the beach. Fortunately, I had received a copy of her latest Beach House series book, BEACH HOUSE REUNION. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel; and I love Ms. Monroe not only brings her characters to life, but she also writes about important environmental issues.

BEACH HOUSE REUNION brings Cara Rutledge back to her beach house on the Isle of the Palms. Cara has both wonderful and painful memories of her home, but she's coming back this time with some major changes. Cara is starting new career and a new role as a mom; and she feels like her beach home, where she is surrounded by family and friends, is the best place to do these things.

Cara isn't the only one facing some changes. Her niece Linnea has recently graduated from college and not sure what she wants to do or where she wants to live. Her father has high expectations for her, but Cara isn't sure she wants that lifestyle. She decides to live with Cara, babysit her cousin, and join the turtle team for the summer... and in the process, she ends up meeting a surfer guy and falling in love!

I have only a read a couple of books from this series, but rest assured, BEACH HOUSE REUNION works well as a stand alone -- so you can jump right in! And you'll want to jump into this book (or even this series)! I love following the Rutledge family, with all of their complexities; and I especially appreciate how this book focuses on the balance between humans and nature.

I don't know if reading this book at the beach made a difference, but I really, really liked it. I loved both Cara and Linnea and their stories, and this novel just made me feel good because they realized how to work past their issues and eventually discover things about themselves. It was a rough road at times for both women, but their friendship and individual strength allowed them to eventually find happiness. It's a heartwarming story that focuses on what's really important in our lives -- love, family, and friends!

Once again, Ms. Monroe has managed to bring the Isle of the Palms to life in a way that makes readers want to head to the beach. (Lucky me that I was already there!) I love how she brings her setting to life, but more importantly, I love how she raises awareness of the endangered loggerhead sea turtles. (Each chapter begins with some information about them.) I have to say that these people who are devoted to protecting them are unsung heroes!

I think BEACH HOUSE REUNION would make a great book club selection especially during the summer months. The book is engaging and easy to read... and absolutely perfect for a summer read. I was happy to find a reading guide with fifteen engaging questions as well as some ideas to enhance your book club. For example, there are links to more information about loggerhead sea turtles. In addition, there is plenty to discuss including family, women, strength, friendship, finding one's self, courage, parenting, love, relationships, new beginnings, and more.

I definitely think Ms. Monroe's Beach House series is a must-read for fans of women's fiction. Highly recommended!

Thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy of this novel.

Review: The Banker's Wife

Summary: On an early morning in November, a couple boards a private plane bound for Geneva, flying into a storm. Soon after, it simply drops off the radar, and its wreckage is later uncovered in the Alps. Among the disappeared is Matthew Werner, a banking insider at Swiss United, a powerful offshore bank. His young widow, Annabel, is left grappling with the secrets he left behind, including an encrypted laptop and a shady client list. As she begins a desperate search for answers, she determines that Matthew’s death was no accident, and that she is now in the crosshairs of his powerful enemies.

Meanwhile, ambitious society journalist Marina Tourneau has finally landed at the top. Now that she’s engaged to Grant Ellis, she will stop writing about powerful families and finally be a part of one. Her entry into the upper echelons of New York’s social scene is more appealing than any article could ever be, but, after the death of her mentor, she agrees to dig into one more story. While looking into Swiss United, Marina uncovers information that implicates some of the most powerful men in the financial world, including a few who are too close to home. The story could also be the answer to Annabel’s heartbreaking search–if Marina chooses to publish it.

The Banker’s Wife is both a high-stakes thriller and an inside look at the personal lives in the intriguing world of finance, introducing Cristina Alger as a powerful new voice in the genre. -- Putnam

I am a huge fan of thrillers, and I love that female characters are starting to them! My latest read, THE BANKER'S WIFE by Cristina Alger, actually has two strong women who set out to figure out some huge questions in their lives!

THE BANKER'S WIFE begins with a plane crash resulting in the death of Matthew Werner, a successful banker at Swiss United. Matthew's wife, Annabel, is distraught over the sudden death of her husband and even more traumatized by the mysteries surrounding his death. Rather than pack up her bags and immediately return to the States, Annabel starts her own investigation of her husband's death... and she learns that it was definitely not an accident. Now she fears that her own life and the lives of others in her orbit might be at risk!

Marina Tourneau is an accomplished reporter who will soon be retiring to become the wife of Grant Ellis, a wealthy business man and seemingly perfect guy. Grant's father, also a successful businessman, is getting ready to announce that he's running for President of the United States; and Marina needs to join the family's campaigning efforts rather than write about them.

When Marina's boss and mentor winds up dead under mysterious circumstances, she feels like she has owes it to him to investigate his death. What she discovers, especially when she examines Swiss United Bank, parallels many of the same questionable activities that Annabel is learning about her husband and his co-workers... and it just might be the biggest (and most personal) story of her career!

I found THE BANKER'S WIFE to be a terrific book! I thought the plot was intriguing and the characters were as well. I especially enjoyed that the book alternated between Annabel and Marina's stories, and that both women were smart, accomplished, and diligent in their investigations. All in all, I'd say that THE BANKER'S WIFE was an interesting look at the international world of finance as well as the lives of the very wealthy and the corruption that they sometimes find themselves in.

The entire novel went back and forth between Annabel and Marina's investigations, and I appreciated how they were linked both literally and figuratively. It was exciting to see how these women were figuring out the actions of the men in their lives, while also having the strength to pursue the truth even when it was uncomfortable for them. I especially enjoyed how the women's two stories eventually came together, and I will admit that I was surprised by a few things... especially one that occurred at the end of the book!

THE BANKER'S WIFE is a satisfying financial thriller that I found extremely entertaining. Highly recommended!

Thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy of this novel.

Mystery Mondays is a regular feature where I review all types of mystery books -- traditional mysteries, suspense/thrillers, and even cozies! Please feel free to share your thoughts on any recent mystery books that you've read.

Kid Konnection: Mathtime Books!

Every Saturday, I host a feature called Kid Konnection -- a regular weekend feature about anything related to children's books. This week I'm going to share with you two educational books about math!

Summary: New York Times bestselling author Danica McKellar makes bathtime squeaky clean and sneaky smart fun in this original board book that gives your toddler a head start on learning math.

Take one messy baby, two busy feet, three rambunctious friends, four wayward ducks, and five floaty bubbles–and get a tubful of fun as one family’s bathtime routine turns into a nightly ritual they can “count on”!

Actress, math whiz, and New York Times bestselling author Danica McKellar uses her proven math success to show children that math is all around us as she cleverly introduces the early addition concept of “counting on”–the idea that when we add 1, we can get the answer by simply counting on to the next number. This next book in the McKellar Math line shows that even washing your hair can be full of math fun! -- Crown

BATHTIME MATHTIME by Danica McKellar (from The Wonder Years fame!) and illustrated by Alicia Padron is a wonderful board book that is a great way to get your little one thinking about math and counting. This little picture book is adorable with its sweet bath time illustrations but it's also very educational and uses the concept of "count on" to teach simple addition.

My kids used to love books with counting and numbers, and BATHTIME MATHTIME would have a sure-fire hit. Toddlers will love counting the feet, pets, ducks and bubbles while realizing that 3+1 is like counting from 3 to 4. I also think they will have fun using with the tabs on the side of the book to quickly reach the specific counting pages.

BATHTIME MATHTIME is a winner! Highly recommended as book to introduce simple counting to babies.

Summary: New York Times bestselling author Danica McKellar is back with a fun and accessible introduction to the essentials of math. Addition and subtraction are as easy as 1 + 2 = 3 in this funny and educational book that will have readers embracing math instead of fearing it.

Finally, a FUN book to read with kids that helps bridge the gap between what’s being taught in school and how today’s parents learned math back in the day. Giggle your way through entertaining lessons on addition and subtraction involving muffins, turkey sandwiches, kittens, googly eyes, and more!

Actress, math whiz, and New York Times bestselling author Danica McKellar uses her proven math techniques to give children the solid grasp of addition and subtraction that will be key to their success and unlock their potential in the classroom and beyond!

You will WANT to open this math book! -- Crown

Danica McKellar is back with yet another great addition to her series of math books. This one is aimed at kids ages 6 to 9 and is called DO NOT OPEN THIS MATH BOOK. The former childhood actress is definitely making the most of her love of math and numbers, and I am so glad she's sharing that love with kids through books!

DO NOT OPEN THIS MATH BOOK is so cute that it's sending the exact opposite message... and I'm sure that was the intent. This soft cover book should be interesting even to those kids who don't exactly like math. The book is entertaining and funny, and kids will have so much fun that they won't even realize they are learning how to do math.

DO NOT OPEN THIS MATH BOOK has adorable illustrations, lots of color, and even a cute guide named Mr. Mouse. It also includes lots of math problems about fun things like muffins, cats, and sandwiches. What makes this book so special is that there are fantastic explanations which will help both parents and kids with various math concepts that are being taught in classrooms across the country.

I can't rave enough about DO NOT OPEN THIS MATH BOOK! It's a must have for home and school  libraries.

If you'd like to participate in Kid Konnection and share a post about anything related to children's books (picture, middle grade, or young adult) from the past week, please leave a comment as well as a link below with your name/blog name and the title of the book! Feel free to grab the little button too!

Guest Review: Star of the North

Summary: A propulsive and ambitious thriller about a woman trying to rescue her twin sister from captivity in North Korea, and the North Korean citizens with whom she forms an unlikely alliance

Star of the North opens in 1998, when a Korean American teenager is kidnapped from a South Korean beach by North Korean operatives. Twelve years later, her brilliant twin sister, Jenna, is still searching for her, and ends up on the radar of the CIA. When evidence that her sister may still be alive in North Korea comes to light, Jenna will do anything possible to rescue her–including undertaking a daring mission into the heart of the regime. Her story is masterfully braided together with two other narrative threads. In one, a North Korean peasant woman finds a forbidden international aid balloon and uses the valuables inside to launch a dangerously lucrative black-market business. In the other, a high-ranking North Korean official discovers, to his horror, that he may be descended from a traitor, a fact that could mean his death if it is revealed. As the novel progresses, these narrative strands converge and connect in surprising ways, ultimately building to an explosive and unforgettable climax. -- Crown

Booking Pap Pap is back! This time he's reviewing STAR OF THE NORTH by D.B. John. This espionage novel about North Korea is not only very timely, but also very disturbing! Here are his thoughts:

The novel opens in 1998 when 18 year-old Soo-min Williams, born to a South Korean mother and an Afro-American father, vanishes from a South Korea beach and feared drown. The story then moves to 2010 where we meet Jenna Williams, Soo-min’s twin sister, a graduate of Georgetown University working for a defense think tank. Jenna, who has always held out hope that her sister is alive, is recruited by the CIA to rescue her sister. It seems Soo-min was abducted by North Korea in a program known as “The Seed-Bearing Program” which creates spies and assassins who look foreign and are indoctrinated with North Korean teachings.

Author D. B. John introduces two other main characters in addition to Jenna to tell his story. The first is Mrs. Moon, an elderly member of a farm collective, who becomes a black market shopkeeper in order to survive. The second character is Cho Sang-ho, a rising bureaucrat, who is sent to New York to negotiate with the United States for aid in return for abandoning North Korea’s nuclear program. (Sound familiar?) Cho has a dark family secret that if discovered would lead to his execution.

The author carries these three story lines through a chilling account of life in North Korea and merges them neatly at the conclusion of the novel. The story is set in the reign of Kim John-il, second in line of the ruling family and father of current leader Kim Jong un. Giant murals of the grandfather, Kim il Sung hang everywhere. The author depicts a regime that stays in power by utilizing secret police, forbidding religion, starving the masses and keeping the elite in fear of falling from favor and facing death or imprisonment. John depicts a regime so poor that its diplomats finance their costs by using counterfeit money and selling methamphetamines. The account of life in North Korea is so chilling that it actually overrides a very gripping and suspenseful story line. The author’s accounts of life in North Korea is based on observations he made during a personal visit plus several accounts made by escapees and offers the reader an informed look at the corruption, oppression and suffering that is North Korea.

STAR OF THE NORTH is a timely novel that gives us a picture of one of the United States’ scariest adversaries.

Thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy and to Booking Pap Pap for his review.

Kid Konnection: A Home for Leo & Giveaway

Every Saturday, I host a feature called Kid Konnection -- a regular weekend feature about anything related to children's books. This week I'm going to share with you a fun picture book!

Summary: Leo grew up in the sea. He has a family of sea lions he loves. He’s happy, but he has always known he was different. Then Leo’s suddenly reunited with his human parents, and he finds he loves them too. But he still feels like a fish out of water. Being from two worlds and having two families isn’t so easy. Leo has a lot to figure out…

Splashed with humor and grounded in heart, this brightly illustrated story explores ideas of family, home, and belonging in a way that’s as relatable as it is unique. -- Two Lions

A HOME FOR LEO by Vin Vogel is a very cute book about a boy who kind of feels like a "fish out of water." Leo grew up living in the sea with a family of sea lions. He was quite happy, but he always knew that he didn't exactly fit in. When a surprise encounter leads him back to his human parents, he feels very lucky to be loved by him... but he still feels as if he doesn't fit in. So, Leo has to find a way to merge both of his worlds!

I thought A HOME FOR LEO was a very cute story with adorable illustrations, and I'm sure young ones are going to love his antics both in the sea and on land. As a mom, I liked the resilience of this little guy -- he really managed to make the best of both situations. I also enjoyed so many of the messages of this book, especially the ones about home, family, and finding your own place in the world!

Check out the book's trailer below:


Thanks to Blue Slip Media for providing a review copy of this book.

Giveaway: I have a copy of A HOME FOR LEO to share with one lucky Booking Mama reader. To enter, just fill out the form below before July 27th at 11:59 pm EST. I will randomly select and notify the winner the following day. This contest is open to those of you with U.S. addresses only. Good luck!

If you'd like to participate in Kid Konnection and share a post about anything related to children's books (picture, middle grade, or young adult) from the past week, please leave a comment as well as a link below with your name/blog name and the title of the book! Feel free to grab the little button too!

Review: Somebody's Daughter

Summary: From USA Today bestselling author Rochelle B. Weinstein comes an emotional novel for mothers, daughters, and anyone who has ever felt imperfect.

Emma and Bobby Ross enjoy a charmed life on the shores of Miami Beach. They are a model family with a successful business, an uncomplicated marriage, and two blessedly typical twin daughters, Zoe and Lily. They are established members of a tight-knit community.

Then, on the night of the girls’ fifteenth birthday party, they learn of Zoe’s heartbreaking mistake—a private and humiliating indiscretion that goes viral and thrusts her and her family into the center of a shocking public scandal.

As the family’s core is shattered by disgrace, judgment, and retribution, the fallout takes its toll. But for Emma, the shame runs deeper. Her daughter’s reckless behavior has stirred memories of her own secrets that could break a marriage and family forever. -- Lake Union

It's ironic that two books with the same title have been published in recent months (or days for one of them!) I have finished SOMEBODY'S DAUGHTER by Rochelle B. Weinstein and am still reading the other, but there must be something special about the title SOMEBODY'S DAUGHTER. I've found both books to be very entertaining... albeit in very different ways.

For now, I'll just focus on Weinstein's SOMEBODY'S DAUGHTER. This book is extremely timely and will resonate with parents (especially mothers) because of the subject matter. The Ross family seemingly has it all. They live on Miami Beach and run a beautiful hotel. The parents, Emma and Bobby, are happily married; and they have two beautiful twin girls, Zoe and Lily. The have a great group of family and friends, and life seems to be about as good as it can get. Until it isn't!

On the evening of the girls' 15th birthday, Bobby and Emma throw the girls a huge party to celebrate. At the end of the evening while Emma is in the restroom, she overhears two girls talking about a viral video with a young girl in a compromising position with a boy. When Emma figures out that the girl is her quiet, introverted daughter Zoe, it tears their family apart!

SOMEBODY'S DAUGHTER follows the events that take place in the Ross family in the aftermath of the scandal, and it's not pretty. Naturally, Zoe is embarrassed and devastated and doesn't quite have the skills at 15 to navigate the controversy alone. However, her twin sister Lily also has to deal with the fallout at school and her desire to protect her sister. Bobby has a very difficult time imaging that his daughter would do this, nevertheless that everyone knows about it; however, he is also dealing with issues of his own and the hotel business. Finally, Emma is sympathetic to her daughter because she heart breaks for Zoe, but she has her own secrets from her past that make her even more understanding of Zoe's behavior. Needless to say, this perfect family suddenly finds themselves in a less-than-perfect situation... and it seems like everyone in their circle of friends knows about it!

I enjoyed SOMEBODY'S DAUGHTER, but maybe it's better to say that I appreciated it. The subject matter tore me apart. I mean who doesn't make mistakes when they are 15, and because of the internet, Zoe's mistake will always be out there. This book delved into so many topics that I think mothers will relate to -- from how to parent in difficult situations to how to act when your husband is shutting you out; and most importantly, how to keep your family from falling apart.

This is the first novel I've read by Ms. Weinstein, and I definitely wouldn't hesitate to read another one. I felt as if she truly captured the pain of his family, while also covering relevant issues in today's society. Her portrayals of all four family members, as well as their friends, seemed very realistic to me; and I especially enjoyed how she developed the secondary characters including the boy's parents and Zoe's friends.

The entire time I was reading SOMEBODY'S DAUGHTER, I thought it would make the ideal book club selection. I wasn't able to find a formal reading guide, but rest assured, you won't need one. My book club has spoken about many of these issues over the past few years, and this novel brings them to to forefront in a variety of ways. Some of the themes you will want to discuss include cyber bullying, actions and repercussions, mother/daughter relationships, marriage, sibling love/rivalry, guilt, forgiveness, and second chances. It truly is an important and thought-provoking story.

I think fans of women's fiction will very much enjoy SOMEBODY'S DAUGHTER. I highly recommend it to book clubs and moms!

Thanks to Get Red PR for providing a review copy of this novel.

Review: Baby Teeth

Summary: Afflicted with a chronic debilitating condition, Suzette Jensen knew having children would wreak havoc on her already fragile body. Nevertheless, she brought Hanna into the world, pleased and proud to start a family with her husband Alex. Estranged from her own mother, Suzette is determined to raise her beautiful daughter with the love, care, and support she was denied.

But Hanna proves to be a difficult child. Now seven-years-old, she has yet to utter a word, despite being able to read and write. Defiant and anti-social, she refuses to behave in kindergarten classes, forcing Suzette to homeschool her. Resentful of her mother’s rules and attentions, Hanna lashes out in anger, becoming more aggressive every day. The only time Hanna is truly happy is when she’s with her father. To Alex, she’s willful and precocious but otherwise the perfect little girl, doing what she’s told.

Suzette knows her clever and manipulative daughter doesn’t love her. She can see the hatred and jealousy in her eyes. And as Hanna’s subtle acts of cruelty threaten to tear her and Alex apart, Suzette fears her very life may be in grave danger… - St. Martin's Press

When Kathy and I met up in late May for BEA, she was very excited about a book she was reading on the plane. It was clear that she was shocked by some things that had happened in this novel and that she desperately wanted someone to talk to about it. That book was BABY TEETH by Zoje Stage.

So of course, I had to pick up BABY TEETH, right? My best friend couldn't stop talking about it, and despite her description of the book (it wasn't really up my alley), I decided to give it a try. Wow! I really don't have much more to say than that. (Yeah right!) It was one disturbing book about one scary little girl.

BABY TEETH tells the story of one out-of-sorts family. Suzette and Alex Jensen decide to have a child even though Suzette's body is already dealing with a chronic illness. They are determined to be good parents (especially Suzette who didn't have the best upbringing); however, their young daughter Hanna is quite the challenge -- and that's saying it nicely!

Hanna is seven years old and a holy terror. She has never said a single work, but she's clearly bright because she can read and write. She refuses to socialize with other kids and has even been kicked out of schools. As a result, Suzette is forced to homeschool her... and spend an awful amount of alone time with this difficult child.

It's clear that Hanna's behavior is getting worse. She lashes out and her mother and even starts deliberately trying to hurt her. The only time Hanna is even slightly sweet is when her father is around. He just sees his little girl as a strong-willed child, and he doesn't even come close to realizing how challenging Hanna is for his wife.

Things are tense in the Jensen house with Hanna causing the vast majority of the pain. However, Hanna's treatment of her mother escalates until it becomes a life-or-death situation for Suzette!

Now that you've read this description you are probably scratching your head a bit. Or at least that's what I did after Kathy told me about this book. It's creepy, right? But if you're a mom who had a strong-willed child, then this book is like your worst nightmare. I wasn't sure if I'd be able to enjoy this book, but I definitely wanted to see what it was all about.

Truth be told, I only liked this book (and liked is probably the wrong word.) While I didn't love this book, I was certainly intrigued (and scared as hell). BABY TEETH is a page turner -- no doubt about it. With alternating narratives between Suzette and Hanna, it's extremely interesting to follow their stories... and see how each one interprets similar events.

I have to wonder about the twisted nature of this story and what it says about the readers who like it. I'M JUST KIDDING, KATHY! There is a great deal to like about this novel from the writing, to the character development, to the pace of the novel, to the suspense. It all is quite well done, especially for a debut author. I just thought it was all a little uncomfortable, but then again, I'm not usually one to read creepy books (or watch creepy movies for that matter.)

And that brings me to my next point... I do think BABY TEETH would make a fantastically, scary movie. The novel even read and moved a bit like a movie. It was fast-paced with lots of action, and there were quite a few surprises in store for the readers. This is probably a testament to Ms. Stage, but I could visualize this little devil and her petrified mother perfectly!

One thing that left me scratching my head was the ending. It was not quite what I expected; and I'm not sure if, because of that, I liked it or not. I'm still trying to figure that out. Either way, I do think the author set us up for a potential sequel to Hanna's story. And I think that's a good thing because Hanna is one of those characters that you just want to understand... and see what other horrible things she can think of to do!

So... I had mixed feelings about BABY TEETH but I do think it's a well-written engaging story about a horrible child. I definitely recommend it to fans of thrillers and horror.

Thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy of this novel.

Mystery Mondays is a regular feature where I review all types of mystery books -- traditional mysteries, suspense/thrillers, and even cozies! Please feel free to share your thoughts on any recent mystery books that you've read.

Kid Konnection: Baby Code! Books

Every Saturday, I host a feature called Kid Konnection -- a regular weekend feature about anything related to children's books. This week I'm going to share with you a cute series of board books!

Summary: It’s never too early to get little ones interested in computer coding with this unique series of board books!

How do you explain coding to a baby? By showing how it’s all around them, and how they can take part in it, of course! By using items common in a baby’s world, like a teddy bear and electric train, this charming board book full of bright, colorful illustrations is the perfect introduction to coding for babies and their caregivers–and is sure to leave them wanting to learn more! -- Penguin Workshop

Summary: How do you explain coding in playtime to a baby? By showing how it’s all around them, and how they can take part in it, of course! By using items and experiences in a baby’s world, like an electric swing or a ride at the amusement park, this charming board book full of bright, colorful illustrations is the perfect introduction to coding in active play for babies and their caregivers–and is sure to leave them wanting to learn more! -- Penguin Workshop

Summary:& How do you explain coding in music to a baby? By showing how it’s all around them, and how they can take part in it, of course! By using experiences common in a baby’s world, like hearing a melody from a mobile or tapping on an electronic xylophone, this charming board book full of bright, colorful illustrations is the perfect introduction to coding in music for babies and their caregivers–and is sure to leave them wanting to learn more! -- Penguin Workshop

Summary: How do you explain coding in art to a baby? By showing how it’s all around them, and how they can take part in it, of course! By using items in a baby’s world, like a camera or a block made from a 3D printer, this charming board book full of bright, colorful illustrations is the perfect introduction to coding in art for babies and their caregivers–and is sure to leave them wanting to learn more! -- Penguin Workshop

Of course, I love featuring new books but every once in awhile I get really excited about sharing them with you. Case in point are the BABY CODE! books Sandra Horning and art by Melissa Crowton. These four board books will be available later this month and they are positively adorable.

THE BABY CODE! board books consist of the following: BABY CODE!, BABY CODE! PLAY, BABY CODE! MUSIC, and BABY CODE! ART. Honestly, they are all super cute so I can't really say I have a favorite. BABY CODE! introduces the concept of coding by relating it to everyday objects like playing with pets, answering phones, and counting toys. BABY CODE! PLAY shows how coding is used to enhance a baby's world through rides at amusement parks and capturing baby's special moments. BABY CODE! MUSIC demonstrates how coding is used to record voices, set musical phone ring tones, and more. While BABY CODE! ART shows how coding is used to make art from 3D printers and cameras. All four books even include examples of real coding!

As cute as the concept of coding is in board books, I should also mention just how precious the illustrations are. They are both simple and interesting with the bright colors and patterned textures. The babies faces and expressions are especially cute and certain to keep even the youngest of toddlers interested.

I love the entire concept surrounding not only these four board books but partnership between Penguin Young Readers and Girls Who Code. Together, these two have a multi-format, cross-imprint set of books that encourage youngsters (no matter the age!) the value of learning the importance of coding and how it fits into our world. (Make sure to check out other books in the series if you have kids who are past the board book stage!)

BABY CODE! books are both cute and educational. Highly recommended for future coders!

Thanks to the publisher for providing review copies of these books.

If you'd like to participate in Kid Konnection and share a post about anything related to children's books (picture, middle grade, or young adult) from the past week, please leave a comment as well as a link below with your name/blog name and the title of the book! Feel free to grab the little button too!