Jill's Book Blog

Review: The Elf Witch (Plot of the Six Saints #1)

Title: The Elf Witch (Plot of the Six Saints #1)
Author: Jacquelyn Gilmore
Genre: Fantasy, Romance
Publisher: Independent
Source: Bookinfluencers.com
Format: Paperback
Release Date: March 11, 2025
Rating: ★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

For fans of One Dark Window and From Blood and Ash comes a haunting, slow-burn fantasy romance about villains. It follows a formerly magicless elf as she suddenly comes into powers that her kingdom has never seen and the duplicitous prince she must bargain with to save them at whatever cost—even her soul.

After her grandmother’s execution, a formerly magicless elf is suddenly the most powerful witch in her village. Magic is disappearing, though, and Imani is thrust into the treacherous court of her kingdom, forced into trials against the most lethal witches in the world.

As she unravels the perilous plan her grandmother plotted before her death to save magic, Imani unwittingly dives deeper into a web of magical and political intrigue that puts her on a collision course with dangers beyond anything she imagined.

But Imani is harboring illicit knowledge of her own—a forbidden dark magic that’s getting more difficult to hide by the day. Now, she must decide whether to make herself a threat and an enemy to her country or risk becoming a pawn and the realm losing magic forever.

Stuck in this predicament, Imani sees only one path forward: a dangerous deal with the duplicitous prince—one she might be falling for.

Readers Beware: This book is for adult readers and contains mature and explicit content (see the author’s website for a complete list of trigger warnings). It’s a villain romance with morally black antihero characters that ends on a cliffhanger.

Review:

This fantasy was suspenseful and fast-paced. It was thrilling right from the start, with a mystery about Imani’s powers. She had to enter a competition that put her magic against other witches, while spinning a web in the royal politics. There were twists and betrayals at the end that left me wondering what will happen next!

The Elf Witch is a thrilling fantasy!

Thank you Bookinfluencers.com and Jacquelyn Gilmore for sending me copy of this book as part of a paid campaign!

Content warnings: violence, death of grandparent, death by burning, blood, sexual assault

Have you read The Elf Witch? What did you think of it?

Happy Pub Day – March 18

Happy Pub Day to these authors!

The Bane Witch by Ava Morgyn

Hangry Hearts by Jennifer Chen

Love at First Flight by Jo Watson

Something’s Up with Arlo by Matteo L. Cerilli

Frankie and Friends: The Lost Tooth by Christine Platt, Alea Marley

Thank you St. Martin’s Press, Wednesday Books, W by Wattpad Books, HarperCollins Canada, and Candlewick Press for providing copies of these books!

What books are you most excited for this week?

Review: Dragons Can’t Eat Snow Cones

Title: Dragons Can’t Eat Snow Cones
Author: Amanda Sobotka, Pauline Gregory
Genre: Children’s, Picture Book
Publisher: Applesauce Press
Source: One Brewer Publicity
Format: Hardcover
Release Date: January 28, 2025
Rating: ★★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

If a dragon wants a snow cone, it must proceed with great care,

In case a fireball melts it all until there’s nothing there!

This dragon has a peculiar he loves snow cones, but his fiery breath keeps melting them! Follow along in this fun-filled adventure as the dragon tries everything to keep his favorite treat from turning into a puddle.

This delightful tale is brought to life with colorful illustrations and playful rhymes. Children will discover that challenges can be overcome with some creativity and perseverance. This charming story is sure to be a bedtime favorite!

Review:

In this picture book, a dragon wants to eat a snow cone like all his animal friends. Whenever he tries to eat a snow cone, his fiery breath melts it. This dragon has to use his problem solving skills to find a way to eat the snow cone. This story teaches kids how to ask for help and find new ways to solve problems and reach their goals.

Dragon’s Can’t Eat Snow Cones is a great picture book!

Thank you One Brewer Publicity and Cider Mill Press for sending me a copy of this book!

Have you read Dragons Can’t Eat Snow Cones? What did you think of it?

Review: Power Posey

Title: Power Posey
Author: Avra Davidoff
Genre: Children’s, Picture Book
Publisher: Tellwell Talent
Source: Author
Format: Hardcover
Release Date: April 9, 2020
Rating: ★★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

Get ready to meet Power Posey, a remarkable young girl with an indomitable spirit who teaches children the power of resilience, positive thinking, and the strength that lies within. In this inspiring children’s book, readers join Posey on a transformative journey of self-discovery as she faces challenges head-on and triumphs with boundless determination.

As children accompany Power Posey on her adventures, they learn valuable life lessons about perseverance, self-belief, and the importance of strong body language. By adopting Power Posey’s confidence-boosting techniques, children discover they have the power to conquer their fears, embrace challenges, and achieve their goals.

This engaging and empowering picture book is perfect for children aged 3-8. It encourages young readers to embrace their inner strength, instilling in them a sense of self-confidence and resilience. With relatable situations and characters, Power Posey inspires children to approach life’s hurdles with courage, positivity, and a determination to succeed.

Get ready to stand tall, strike a pose, and embark on an uplifting journey alongside Power Posey. Unleash your inner strength, embrace challenges, and discover the incredible power that lies within you!

Review:

This is a great children’s book! When Posey feels nervous, she strikes a pose with her hands on her hips and chest held high, which gives her confidence. When she does her power pose, she knows she can do anything. This is such an important lesson for kids, but especially girls, who are often put down and told they are less than boys.

Power Posey is a powerful picture book!

Thank you Bookinfluencers.com and Avra Davidoff for sending me a copy of this book as part of a paid campaign!

Have you read Power Posey? What did you think of it?

Review: The Fairy Tale Fan Club: Legendary Letters Collected by C.C. Cecily

Title: The Fairy Tale Fan Club: Legendary Letters Collected by C.C. Cecily
Author: Richard Ayoade, David Roberts (illustrator)
Genre: Fantasy, Middle Grade
Publisher: Walker Books US
Source: Publisher
Format: Hardcover
Release Date: October 1, 2024
Rating: ★★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

What if you could send fan mail to your fairy tale idols? And what if they wrote back? “Happily ever after” takes on a new meaning in this book from actor-comedian-author Richard Ayoade and best-selling illustrator David Roberts.

It’s once upon a time . . . as only the irreverently witty Richard Ayoade can tell it. In this series of letters organized by C. C. Cecily, Senior Secretary of the Fairy Tale Fan Club, the fairest of them all (and a few bitter foes) correspond with curious—and opinionated—fans. So if you’ve ever wondered how a less-than-genius (and less-than-clothed) emperor fell for a certain con, how the Big Bad Wolf is handling meatless Mondays, or whether Rapunzel recommends going for the big chop, no need to look far, far away. Multihyphenate Richard Ayoade, author of The Book That No One Wanted to Read, hilariously imagines what questions modern children would have for characters such as Sleeping Beauty, Prince Charming, and Little Red Riding Hood—and what they might have to say in return. Complete with clever, spoof-gothic illustrations from David Roberts, this wry storybook may have even the Brothers Grimm cackling in their graves.

Review:

This book is a collection of fan letters written to fairy tale characters, as well as their responses. It answers questions about what happened to them after the “happily ever after” of their tale. There were letters from Little Red Riding Hood, Cinderella, Hansel and Gretel, and the Big Bad Wolf. These letters were quite funny. I liked seeing these characters tell their side of the classic fairy tale and what happened after the story was finished.

The Fairy Tale Fan Club is a fun book for all fans of fairy tales!

Thank you Walker Books US for sending me a copy of this book!

Have you read The Fairy Tale Fan Club? What did you think of it?

Review: Stone of Hope (Stones of Iona #4)

Title: Stone of Hope (Stones of Iona #4)
Author: Margaret Izard
Genre: Romance, Fantasy
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Source: Publisher
Format: Ebook
Release Date: January 13, 2025
Rating: ★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

In a twist of fate, Dominic DeVolt is shown archeologist Moira Joanna White’s beauty through the Eye of Ra. Trying to save his niece and nephew from evil Fae powers, he’s sucked into the past and dumped in the middle of her Egyptian archaeology dig.

Moira fears the attractive man who appears at her dig is partnering with her archnemesis. That is until the bold fighter distracts her with a kiss. His duty as uncle tugs her heart, but is he only after her precious artifacts?

He’d fight mystic forces to be with her. She sees her future in his love.

Review:

This book was a fun adventure story with some spice. Even though there were some teenagers in this story who were some of the main characters, it is meant for an adult audience. It was fun to see the characters travel back in time to an Egyptian archaeological dig. This book is the fourth in the series Stones of Iona. It took a couple of chapters to figure out all the characters, because I haven’t read the first three books, but this one can be read as a stand-alone.

The Stone of Hope is a great romance and adventure story!

Thank you The Wild Rose Press for providing a digital copy of this book as part of a paid campaign!

Content warnings: death, murder, kidnapping

Other books in the series:

Stone of Love (Stones of Iona #1)
Stone of Fear (Stones of Iona #2)
Stone of Lust (Stones of Iona #3)
Stone of Doubt (Stones of Iona #5)

Have you read Stone of Hope? What did you think of it?

Review: Nursery Rhymes for Kinder Times: Volume 2

Title: Nursery Rhymes for Kinder Times: Volume 2
Author: Pam Gittleman
Genre: Children’s, Picture Book
Publisher: Mascot Kids
Source: iRead Book Tours
Format: Hardcover
Release Date: March 4, 2025
Rating: ★★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

What happens to the baby (owlet!) rocking in the cradle in Rock-a-Bye-Baby? Will Old Mother Hubbard find anything in the cupboard to give to her dog? And who (or what!) will be found in the tub in Rub a Dub Dub?

Read all about the beloved characters from traditional nursery rhymes in this endearing collection of nine updated rhymes that nurture kindness, empathy, and gratitude! Coupled with discussion questions and emojis to support the social and emotion intelligence of preschoolers, each rhyme will delight and educate a new generation of children.

Review:

This collection of nursery rhymes is based on classic nursery rhymes, but they’re updated to be more positive. Most nursery rhymes have dark endings or were inspired by dark history. This collection includes “This Little Piggy,” which is about pigs who eat and play together, as well as “Old Mother Hubbard,” who gives her many children books to read and enjoy. There’s also an updated “Rock-a-Bye Baby” which doesn’t end with the cradle crashing to the ground. Each nursery rhyme included a photo of faces with emotions at the end so that children can point to them to express how the tales make them feel.

Nursery Rhymes for Kinder Times: Volume 2 is a great picture book for children!

Thank you iRead Book Tours and Pam Gittleman for sending me a copy of this book as part of a paid campaign!

Other books in the series:

Nursery Rhymes for Kinder Times: Volume 1

Have you read Nursery Rhymes for Kinder Times: Volume 2? What did you think of it?

Happy Pub Day – March 11

Happy Pub Day to this author!

My Big Fat Fake Marriage by Charlotte Stein

Thank you St. Martin’s Press for providing a copy of this book!

What books are you most excited for this week?

Review: The Unexpected Heiress

Title: The Unexpected Heiress
Author: George Mallory
Genre: Contemporary, Adult Fiction
Publisher: GM Publications
Source: iRead Book Tours
Format: Ebook
Release Date: April 29, 2024
Rating: ★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

She inherited a legacy of ambition, betrayal, longing and secrets.

In the shadow of Poisson Gold, a multi-billion-dollar gold mine conglomerate, a family’s legacy unravels in a compelling tale that dives deep into the human psyche.

At the helm of this empire stands the enigmatic Abe Silver, a concentration camp survivor whose past holds secrets as complex as his fortune. With his health failing, Abe’s last-minute will alters the course of history, leaving his daughter Ellie, a newly minted lawyer, to navigate a treacherous path to control the colossal riches.

As grieving Ellie grapples with the immense responsibility thrust upon her, she must confront not only the malignant opposition of her own family and the rigid glass ceiling, but also her deeply buried secret – her sexuality. Set against the backdrop of 2010, a time when LGBTQ+ acceptance was scarce, Ellie’s struggle to reconcile her personal truth with her public facade adds an extra layer of complexity to this riveting narrative.

Review:

This book is a suspenseful family drama about a wealthy mining family in Australia. There were some serious and intense scenes involving medical diagnoses and assaults. This tragic family saga proves that money can’t buy happiness, but it had an uplifting ending. If you like family dramas, this is the book for you!

The Unexpected Heiress is a tragic and intense family drama.

Thank you iRead Book Tours for providing a copy of this book as part of a paid campaign!

Content warnings: death of parent, death of grandparent, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, assault, hospital scenes

Have you read The Unexpected Heiress? What did you think of it?

Review: The Trouble with Anna

Title: The Trouble with Anna
Author: Rachel Griffiths
Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance
Publisher: Gallery Books
Source: Publisher
Format: Paperback arc
Release Date: March 4, 2025
Rating: ★★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

“Sizzling and stylish. I’ve never blushed or laughed so hard!” —Kass Morgan, author of The 100 series

A tart young woman and an arrogant lord collide in this flirty, sexy, and remarkably modern historical romance, perfect for fans of Bridgerton.

Anna didn’t intend to ride in a high-stakes horse race or start up a betting ring. She certainly didn’t mean to find herself in so many darkened corners with Lord Julian Ramsay, quarreling and kissing. But when her grandfather’s strange will stipulates that Anna must marry or she’ll be left broke, there’s nothing she won’t do to win her fight for independence. Even go head-to-head with Lord Ramsay, with her own heart as the prize.

Fans of the slow burn will devour this frenemies-to-lovers story perfect for fans of Sarah MacLean and Evie Dunmore.

Review:

This historical romance was so fun! Anna wanted her freedom and independence, but her grandfather forced her to marry in the terms of his will. Despite that, she still tried her best to earn her independence. I loved the banter between Anna and Julian. There were a couple of instances of miscommunication that were frustrating, but they made a cute couple.

The Trouble with Anna is a fun regency romance!

Thank you Simon and Schuster for sending me a copy of this book!

Content warnings: death, parental death (off page)

Have you read The Trouble with Anna? What did you think of it?