reading – Jill's Book Blog

Review: That Kind of Girl

Title: That Kind of Girl
Author: Natalie C. Anderson
Genre: Young Adult, Thriller
Publisher: Nancy Paulsen Books
Source: Publisher
Format: Paperback arc
Release Date: June 24, 2025
Rating: ★★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

In this gripping YA thriller perfect for fans of Jessica Goodman and Amber Smith, two girls from opposite worlds play a dangerous game of cat and mouse when a rich classmate is murdered and they’re both prime suspects. The race is on to find out which one is a killer.

Sixteen-year-old amateur sleuth Roxie is shrewd, nimble, cunning, and only a little bit damaged. She also has a real knack for finding things, making her the perfect go-to detective for her rich classmates at St. Margaret when they’re looking to retrieve the things they’ve “lost”— no questions asked. So when queen bee Kirsten Montgomery-Wiggins pays Roxie a hefty sum to track down a mysterious blonde who “stole” her phone, Roxie accepts. Although Kirsten is a bully and she and Roxie have bad blood between them, Roxie could really use the cash. But that same night, Roxie finds Kirsten murdered in her mansion, and police zero in on her as a prime suspect.

On the outskirts of town in a trailer park, Inez, a part-time maid and part-time sex-worker, keeps finding blood everywhere. Crusted in her earring, threaded into her shoelace. She should really toss her shoes so there’s nothing to tie her to the body, but these shoes cost her a few “favors” and several hours of cleaning houses. How could the night have gone so wrong? She really thought she was working her way to a better life, but now she could be headed to jail if the wrong someone puts two and two together.

Roxie doesn’t know who she’s looking for and Inez doesn’t know who she’s hiding from. But all roads seem to lead to Montgomery House, as Roxie works to clear her own name and Inez attempts to stay one step ahead of the law and the men who hurt her.

Review:

This was a thrilling and suspenseful story. The short chapters made this a quick read because I couldn’t put it down. There were a few mysteries that didn’t seem to be connected but they were interwoven by the end. There were also some tough subject matters, such as cults and the dangers of sex work.

That Kind of Girl is an intense and thrilling story!

Thank you Penguin Teen Canada for providing a copy of this book.

Content warnings: death of parent, murder, gun violence, sex work, sexual assault, drugging, cult

Have you read That Kind of Girl? What did you think of it?

Review: Sister Acts

Title: Sister Acts
Author: Sharon Adelman Reyes
Genre: Fiction, Historical
Publisher: Lake Grove Press
Source: iRead Book Tours
Format: Ebook
Release Date: August 6, 2025
Rating: ★★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

Four sisters. Four clashing personalities. Four different ways of living in the world.

Sister Acts explores the impact of loss on three generations of one family –- in particular, the degree to which, to paraphrase Phyllis Chesler, women are capable of inhumanity toward other women. At times heartbreaking and at times hilarious, the novel illuminates the resilience that can come from knowing one’s roots and the estrangement that can result from trying to escape them.

Sophie Malinsky’s sudden death leaves her Left-wing Jewish family in disarray. Rather than bringing her young daughters closer, the loss creates a tangle of jealousies and recriminations. Rose, the eldest, recognizing their father’s limitations, at first tries to become a surrogate mother for her three sisters. But they resent her efforts, each one channeling – or repressing – her grief in a different way. In the absence of Sophie’s love and guidance, two sisters lose their way. Naomi moves to Mexico and tries to shed her Jewish identity. Betti ends up in Nashville pursuing a dream, never realized, of stardom as a rockabilly musician. A fourth sister, Marla, strives for dominance from an early age. Her jealousy of Rose leads to a toxic rivalry that persists well into middle age, affecting their own daughters as well. Lurking behind the conflicts is a family secret that Sophie had planned, but failed, to reveal. Decades later, when Rose finally uncovers it, the Malinskys’ saga finally comes into sharp focus.

Review:

This book is a family drama that follows four sisters as they grow from children into adults. Their relationships morphed as they aged and had different life experiences. They each went on their own paths, even though they had the same upbringing. There was a fun twist at the end that I didn’t expect, but it made the ending satisfying.

Sister Acts is a great family saga!

Thank you iRead Book Tours for providing a copy of this book as part of a sponsored campaign.

Content warnings: death of parent, attempted suicide, miscarriage, Alzheimer’s, alcoholism

Have you read Sister Acts? What did you think of it?

Review: Cranky the Snowman

Title: Cranky the Snowman
Author: Carrie Hager
Genre: Children’s, Board Book
Publisher: Taffy Tales
Source: Publisher
Format: Board book
Release Date: November 4, 2025
Rating: ★★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

When Cranky the Snowman comes to life, it’s a full-on winter disaster. Raised from the icy depths of the local dump (because, where else?), Cranky’s idea of spreading holiday cheer involves a little chaos… and a lot of naughty behavior. Instead of building snow forts or having snowball fights, Cranky drives an ice cream truck and raises the prices, shuts down the town’s Wi-Fi, and—get this—he even chops down his neighbor’s Christmas tree! (We told you he’s cranky.)

Rhyme, rhythm, and mischief galore!
From the moment Cranky hits the streets, it’s an all-out snowstorm of trouble. The town’s residents are absolutely up in arms—who can stop this frosty menace before things really get out of hand? But after Cranky is arrested, a shocking twist leaves us with… just a puddle in his jail cell.

What happened to Cranky? Did he melt? Escape? Head for a vacation in the tropics? We may never know… but one thing’s for sure—you’ll be laughing all the way through this hilarious, frosty tale!

Review:

This is a fun story in the style of Frosty the Snowman. Cranky the snowman is the opposite of Frosty. He isn’t warm and friendly. Instead he chases children and cuts off the Wi-Fi. I always found Frosty the Snowman a little sad because he melts at the end of the story. However, I didn’t feel bad about Cranky melting in this story.

Cranky the Snowman is a fun winter board book!

Thank you Taffy Tales for providing a copy of this book as part of a sponsored campaign.

Have you read Cranky the Snowman? What did you think of it?

Review: I Love Hockey

Title: I Love Hockey
Author: Harry Caminelli
Genre: Children’s, Board book
Publisher: Taffy Tales
Source: Publisher
Format: Board book
Release Date: November 4, 2025
Rating: ★★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

Get ready to hit the ice with I Love Hockey, the latest title in Taffy Tales’ popular Look and Find Lift-the-Flap series! This exciting, interactive board book takes young readers on a thrilling journey from a friendly road hockey game to the big game on the ice, teaching them all about the fast-paced sport of hockey along the way.The adventure begins with a fun road hockey game, where kids warm up before their exciting match later that night. As the puck drops, readers will:

Look, find, and count different players Learn basic hockey terms and positions, like forwards, defensemen, and the goalie Discover hidden surprises behind lift-the-flap tabs–from the locker room to the game-winning goal in overtime With vibrant illustrations and playful interactions, I Love Hockey introduces young fans to the world of hockey in a fun, accessible way. Children will count players, learn about hockey equipment, and understand the rules of the game–all while having a blast. The sturdy board book format, complete with chunky tab flaps, makes it perfect for on-the-go reading.Whether it’s their first introduction to the game or an addition to their growing hockey library, I Love Hockey is sure to inspire a love for the sport and have kids excited to play–both on the road and on the ice!

Review:

This adorable board book is all about hockey. It shows kids playing ball hockey on a street. It also shows scenes of an ice hockey game, from the locker room to the rink. There are fun flaps that ask questions, like how many skates are in the illustrations.

I Love Hockey is a fun board book for hockey fans!

Thank you Taffy Tales for providing a copy of this book as part of a sponsored campaign!

Have you read I Love Hockey? What did you think of it?

Review: America ABC

Title: America ABC
Author: Judy Wilson
Genre: Children’s, Board Book
Publisher: Taffy Tales
Source: Publisher
Format: Board book
Release Date: September 2, 2025
Rating: ★★★★★

Synopsis:

Celebrate the spirit of America with America ABC, an exciting and whimsical board book that introduces young readers to the wonders of the United States in a fun, interactive way. Part of the best-selling Fun Flaps series, this colorful book features die-cut pages and thick, sturdy flaps that open in a star shape–capturing the essence of the American flag and making each turn of the page a delightful surprise.Designed to be both educational and entertaining, America ABC takes little explorers on a journey through the alphabet, with each letter showcasing an iconic American person, place, invention, or symbol. From the Statue of Liberty to the Wright brothers, from apple pie to the stars and stripes, your child will discover the rich history and culture of the United States in a way that’s easy to understand and fun to explore.The whimsical artwork brings American history to life in vibrant colors, making each page a joy to turn. With its thick, sturdy flaps, this book is perfect for little hands eager to engage with the content and learn while they play. Whether it’s learning about George Washington or discovering the invention of the telephone, America ABC offers a perfect blend of fun facts and interactive discovery.Just in time for America’s 250th anniversary in 2026, America ABC is a wonderful way to introduce your child to the people, places, and inventions that shaped this great nation. It’s a perfect keepsake to celebrate this milestone in American history while fostering a love of learning.

Review:

This board book has words in alphabetical order that represent things in the United States. These include inventions that are associated with America as well as the names of people and places. This book has flaps that have fun facts underneath them. I think children and adults will enjoy reading this board book!

America ABC is a cute board book!

Thank you Taffy Tales for sending me a copy of this book as part of a sponsored campaign!

Have you read America ABC? What did you think of it?

Review: The Gentleman Thief Steals a Blanket

Title: The Gentleman Thief Steals a Blanket
Author: Mark Nutter
Genre: Fiction
Publisher: BookBaby
Source: iRead Book Tours
Format: Ebook
Release Date: June 3, 2025
Rating: ★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

Frustrated novelist Danny is resigned to writing material for trade shows, promoting garage doors and non-stick cookware. His ex-wife threatens legal action for non-payment of alimony. Danny never dreamed the answer to his troubles could be larceny.
But then wealthy, charming Packard Hale III reenters his life. He was Danny’s college roommate, and like Lupin and Raffles, he now fancies himself a gentleman thief. Packard hires Danny to write about his capers.
Danny follows Packard as they break into a mansion and steal, among other things, a priceless Chinese vase and a curiously valuable souvenir blanket from Branson, Missouri. However, it’s not Packard who is pursued by the police, but Danny.
Simultaneously, he struggles to please his client, a lawn-and-garden CEO with an erotic attraction to lawnmowers. Danny also endures abuse from Soren, a boozy has-been Vegas magician. He tolerates the mistreatment because of Crystal, the magician’s assistant. He’s falling for her.
When he learns Soren screwed Crystal out of rights to magic tricks she’s created — and in spite of the cops on his tail — Danny plots revenge. He and Packard attempt the daring theft of a state-of-the-art lawnmower—during a live performance in front of 400 people.

Review:

This novel is a funny twist on a heist story. Danny is a writer who is convinced by his college friend to steal things from a mansion, in exchange for Danny writing about his friend’s capers. However, Danny ends up taking the blame for the theft. There were many laugh out loud moments, including with some bumbling detectives who were investigating the theft.

The Gentleman Thief Steals a Blanket is an entertaining story!

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

Have you read The Gentleman Thief Steals a Blanket? What did you think of it?

Review: The Things They Didn’t See

Title: The Things They Didn’t See
Author: Angela Shaeffer
Genre: Fiction, Contemporary
Publisher: Wander Lane Press
Source: iRead Book Tours
Format: Ebook
Release Date: June 4, 2025
Rating: ★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

Raised on sunny days at Lake Koda, Jill piloted a speedboat long before driving a car. Her husband and three boys share her love for boating—until a surprise storm and tragic accident change everything.

As grief settles in, Jill and her family are drifting apart. Her relationship with teenage Jake grows strained when everything she says or does seems to be wrong. Her husband, Matt, takes Jake’s side, and even her sweet youngest child doesn’t trust her judgment.

Jake is trying to be a good kid but doesn’t know where to turn when his head and heart are constantly racing, and Matt just wants peace between his wife and son. Tensions build as they bump and bang into one another. There’s too much extra space for a family of four living in a home built for five.

Emotional and ultimately hopeful, The Things They Didn’t See is the story of a family’s love for each other clouded by misunderstandings, guilt and blame as they struggle to overcome unprecedented loss and find connection again.

Review:

This was a tragic story with an uplifting ending. After losing one of their sons in a boating accident, everyone in the family had to figure out how to grieve together. For most of the book I didn’t think the family would ever recover. The story also dealt with teenage rebellion and self harm. It was a heavy read, but it had a positive ending.

The Things They Didn’t See is a tragic family story.

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

Content warnings: death of child, boating accident, self-harm, attempted suicide

Have you read The Things They Didn’t See? What did you think of it?

Review: Two Thoughts: A Timeless Collection of Infinite Wisdom

Title: Two Thoughts: A Timeless Collection of Infinite Wisdom
Author: Jim O’Shaughnessy, Vastal Kaushik
Genre: Nonfiction
Publisher: Infinite Books
Source: Publisher
Format: Ebook
Release Date: January 27, 2025
Rating: ★★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

A quote book for thinkers, creators, and the endlessly curious, Two Thoughts is a curated collection of 500 timeless reflections from 250 of the world’s most iconic minds. From Rosa Parks to Fyodor Dostoevsky, Georgia O’Keeffe to Babe Ruth, these pages offer short, powerful insights to spark new ideas, challenge old beliefs, and re-center your day.

Whether you’re a writer seeking inspiration, a leader refining your vision, or someone looking for a thoughtful start to your morning, this book is designed for everyday reflection. Open to any page and discover a catalyst for your thoughts, your goals, or your growth.

What’s 500 powerful quotes and reflectionsInsights drawn from 250 legendary thinkersDesigned for daily use, journaling prompts, or moments of pauseClean, minimalist layout with subtle, artful illustrationsPerfect Graduation, teacher, and leadership giftsDaily reading, meditation, and mindset ritualsFans of The Daily Stoic, 101 Essays, or Tools of Titans–

Praise for Two Thoughts

“Everybody should have a copy of Two Thoughts.”
—Morgan Housel, author of The Psychology of Money and Same As Ever

“Two Thoughts provides perfect, bite-sized snippets that end up creating a very long reading list by the end! It’s a perfect curiosity tool.“
—Kyla Scanlon, author of In This Economy?

“Two Thoughts is ideal inspiration because you’ll yearn for more, then supply it yourself.”
—Derek Sivers, author of Hell Yeah or No and Anything You Want

In a distracted world, reflection is a power move. Add Two Thoughts to your routine, your reading list, or your gift stack today.

Review:

This book is a collection of thought-provoking quotes. Some were familiar but most of them were new to me. I started to make note of the ones that resonated with me, but I quickly realized that most of them did. Here are a few of my favourites:

“Wherever they burn books they will also, in the end, burn human beings.” – Heinrich Heinrich

“An investor who has all the answers doesn’t even understand the questions.” – Sir John Templeton

“Man prefers to believe what he prefers to be true.” – Francis Bacon

I didn’t agree with all the quotes in the book, but they did make me think. Some of them are probably misquoted, and those ones were labeled as such.

Two Thoughts is a great, thought-provoking book!

Thank you Infinite Books for providing a copy of this book for a paid campaign!

Buy link:

https://link.infinitebooks.com/1Lhu1qC

Have you read Two Thoughts? What did you think of it?

Review: The Price of Truth

Title: The Price of Truth
Author: Michele Clarizio
Genre: Young Adult, Thriller, Romance
Publisher: Ciao Bella Publishing
Source: iRead Book Tours
Format: Ebook
Release Date: June 15, 2025
Rating: ★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

Seventeen-year-old Karis Russo is no stranger to pain. Still reeling from her father’s death, she’s weighted down by grief she can’t seem to outrun. But nothing prepares her for the night that upends her life once again.

After attending the grand opening of The Aragon Luxury Resort and Spa, Karis wakes up bloody and bruised with no memory of what happened. Determined to find the truth, she embarks on a relentless quest for answers.

Her investigation takes a surprising turn when she learns Mason Whitman, practically Duncan High “royalty”, has harbored a crush on her for years. His charm and their undeniable chemistry throw her into a tailspin. Caught between piecing together the night she lost and embracing the possibility of love she never saw coming, Karis convinces herself she can juggle both worlds.

But the deeper she digs into the mystery of that fateful night, the darker the truth becomes. As shocking betrayals surface and long-buried secrets claw their way to the light, Karis realizes the price of truth may cost more than she’s willing to pay.

Review:

This was a fast-paced and suspenseful YA story! There was a mystery around what happened with Karis one night when she was assaulted because she had lost her memory. She had to learn what happened to her along with the reader. The story was quite intense at the end, with a lot of twists. I really enjoyed this book!

The Price of Truth is a fast-paced YA book!

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

Content warnings: death of parent (off page), suicide (off page), sexual assault, animal death

Have you read The Price of Truth? What did you think of it?

Review: Archipelago (The Herb Society Mysteries #2)

Title: Archipelago (The Herb Society Mysteries #2)
Author: E. William Podojil
Genre: Fiction, Thriller, Science Fiction
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Source: Publisher
Format: Ebook
Release Date: April 7, 2025
Rating: ★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

Following a tragic event, The Herb Society, along with Lukas and Taylor are unwittingly pulled into Baptiste’s twisted plan to not only find a lost continent but unlock the secrets to a precious material that is only found near an archipelago he believes to be the remainder of this sunken world. Baptiste knows this material is more precious than all the gold in the world and he has big plans for it. When The Herb Society discovers Pierre Baptiste’s nefarious agenda, they unlock a global conspiracy led by the world’s rich and powerful that would completely alter civilization to their advantage for generations to come. Now The Herb Society ladies, Lukas, Taylor, Tory and her boyfriend, Pepe are thrust into the plot and must fight the forces of nature and evil to save mankind from an unimaginable future. But will they be able to stop Pierre and his clever friends from initiating the countdown to an apocalypse?

Review:

This story had a bunch of twists and turns. The direction of the story kept changing, from what I thought would be a crime thriller to a story with some science fiction and fantasy. The science aspects were interesting, but it seemed a little far fetched at times. The story was fast paced and intense, which kept me excited to read it!

Archipelago is a fast paced thriller.

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

Content warnings: death, gun violence, heart attack, tsunami, earthquake

Other books in the series:

The Poseidon Project (The Herb Society Mysteries #1)

Have you read Archipelago? What did you think of it?