Disclosure: I received a free copy of the book from the author. Post contains affiliate links; if you make a purchase, I may earn a commission. Opinions shared are mine.

If there’s one thing I love about my job, it’s the chance to share amazing books with kids.  Helping middle school students love to read might just be my superpower.  This year, at least five students have asked me what they should read after the Percy Jackson series.  For many of them, it’s their first introduction to a modern spin on mythology, and they want MORE. Until now, I’ve steered them toward more Riordan books, nonfiction, and the like. There’s a new sheriff in town now. Charlie Hernandez and the League of Shadows introduces kids to Hispanic mythology and lore.  It’s a terrific way to get kids excited about reading!

[Read more…]

Disclosure: I had the chance to read this free from the publisher. Opinions shared are mine.

Few stereotypes inspire collective groans as “mother-in-law.”   The title usually carries a negative tone.  Maybe that’s why I’ve been praying for my son’s future wife since he was born (he’s 9 years old now.)  So when I opened The Mother-In-Law by Sally Hepworth, I was expecting the worst.

[Read more…]

Disclosure: I received a free product sample. Opinions shared are mine.

In an effort to save time, money, and natural resources, I’ve threatened encouraged my family to reuse their towels for several days each week.  Unfortunately, our towels have a musty smell after the second, or sometimes even the first, use.  We have a tiny little bathroom that doesn’t get much air circulation.  While a small house has its perks, those benefits don’t always extend to the bathroom.  Miracle Brand has a solution!

[Read more…]

Disclosure: Post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may earn commission. Opinions shared are mine.

Some books stay on my TBR list for years.  I add virtually every book that seems remotely interesting, so there are literally hundreds of books on that list.  Reading book blogs and online reviews makes it worse, because there are constantly more books that appeal to me!   That’s what happened with Verity.

[Read more…]

Disclosure: I received this book free from the publisher. Opinions shared are mine.

I would make a terrible criminal.  Seriously, guilt shows on my face worse than yesterday’s mascara.  The Perfect Liar by Thomas Christopher Greene represents the kind of guilty-pleasure book that reminds me that I could never pull off a dastardly deed.

[Read more…]

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from Netgalley. Opinions shared are mine.

Have you visited an escape room in your town?  We have several different options near us, so we’ve been to a game in Bristol and one in Kingsport.  In fact, my daughter chose to have her birthday party at one last year.  It’s scary to think about being trapped, and the time limit definitely adds to the pressure, but it’s super fun and challenging!  I was excited to read The Escape Room by Megan Goldin because it related to that thriller-esque theme.   This one takes place in an actual elevator.  You already know that isn’t going to end well!

[Read more…]

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book through a blog tour. Post contains affiliate links; if you make a purchase, I may earn commission. Opinions shared are mine.

When asked what I want for Christmas, the answer is easy.  I want a clean house and time to read.  At least one of those came true — I’ve read a book a day since we got out of school on Friday!   Yesterday’s book was Tell Her No Lies by Kelly Irvin.

[Read more…]

Disclosure: I received product samples.  Post contains affiliate links; if you make a purchase, I may earn commission.  Opinions shared are mine.

Sometimes you just need something out of the ordinary for gift-giving.  These Play Visions items can be useful for any occasion, not just at Christmas!

This giant stress ball is much larger than most hand-held stress relievers.  Use it in both hands, or push and roll it against a table with the palm.  It’s great for those who need to fidget to release anxiety.   You can find this Play Visions stress ball on Amazon and at some nationwide stores.

[Read more…]

Disclosure: I received product samples; opinions shared are mine.

I always love the quiet that falls hours after the stocking has been unloaded.  The kids get busy playing with their toys, and we have a little bit of down time.  When I was younger, it made me sad when Christmas was “over.”  Now that I’m a parent, though, I feel relieved when we get through it! To that end, Crayola is still a favorite way to stuff the stockings around here.

   [Read more…]