reviews – Jill's Book Blog

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: Essentials, Vol. 1

Title: Essentials, Vol. 1
Author: Luke Arnold, Chris Wyatt
Genre: Graphic Novel, Horror, Science Fiction
Publisher: The Lab Press
Source: Bookinfluencers.com
Format: Hardcover
Release Date: February 25, 2025
Rating: ★★★★★

Synopsis:

In a post-apocalyptic world torn apart by the madness of a warping reality, shotgun-wielding scientist Harris Pax and his two extra-dimensional, non-corporeal alien sidekicks (manifesting as a walking corpse and a toy robot) are humanity’s only hope for survival.

In ESSENTIALS, mathematician Harris Pax predicted the end of the world but failed to prevent it. Now he’s living alone in a bunker and his niece’s favorite toys have started talking to him. The good news? He’s not the world’s sole survivor. The bad news? The other survivors are trapped in alternate realities — imprisoned in imagined worlds full of zombies, robots, mythical creatures, and chaos. And now Harris Pax and an unlikely ally must travel the country on a quest to restore reality, save humanity, and defeat his new interdimensional nemesis: Snuggles. Written by Luke Arnold (star of Black Sails; writer, The Fetch Phillips novels) and Chris “Doc” Wyatt (producer, Napoleon Dynamite; writer, Ninjago). This debut graphic novel from THE LAB ships in a gold-foil stamped cloth slipcase!

Review:

This graphic novel had The Last of Us vibes which I loved! There was some horror mixed with sci-fi. It was exciting and fast paced, so it was hard to put down. This special edition had a beautiful cloth slipcover. It ended on a big cliffhanger so I’m excited to see what happens next!

Essentials, Vol. 1 is a great graphic novel!

Thank you Bookinfluencers.com for providing a copy of this book as part of a paid campaign!

Content warnings: death, death of parent, death of child, body horror

Have you read Essentials, Vol. 1? What did you think of it?

Review: Vampire Jam Sandwich

Title: Vampire Jam Sandwich
Author: Casey Lyall, Nici Gregory
Genre: Picture Book
Publisher: Tundra Books
Source: Publisher via NetGalley
Format: Ebook
Release Date: July 1, 2025
Rating: ★★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

Once upon a time a vampire took a bite of a jam sandwich . . . and a legend was born. Now the vampire jam sandwich roams the streets, looking for MORE JAM. Will yours be next?A hilarious spooky picture book featuring a sneaky vampire, for fans of Creepy Carrots and How to Make Friends With a Ghost.You may not have heard of the Vampire Jam Sandwich. But it’s time you learned the truth.Once upon a time, a vampire (maybe his name is Terrence) took a bite of a jam sandwich (maybe he thought the jam was . . . something else).And you know what happens when a vampire bites you . . .That’s right. The jam sandwich has become . . . A VAMPIRE JAM SANDWICH. Terrifying, stalking the streets at night, sneaking into people’s homes in an endless search for MORE JAM.The only thing you can do to protect yourself is box up all your jam and put it outside your home with NO VAMPIRE JAM SANDWICH written on it (here, I’ll show you how to spell T-E-R-R-E-N-C-E).Kids and adults alike will be delighted by this sly jam-loving vampire and his jam sandwich legend, with hilarious tongue-in-cheek art from Nici Gregory. Can you trust your narrator? Is the Vampire Jam Sandwich real? Is your jam safe? Read on to find out . . .

Review:

This picture book is about a jam sandwich that was turned into a vampire jam sandwich after being bitten by a vampire. The narrator is a young boy who tells how to prevent a vampire from stealing the jam to make a sandwich. There was a cute twist at the end that I won’t spoil here. This is a fun picture book, but I hope it doesn’t make kids scared of eating jam!

Vampire Jam Sandwich is a cute picture book!

Thank you Tundra Books for providing a copy of this book!

Have you read Vampire Jam Sandwich? What did you think of it?

Review: Beyond the Light of the Willow Tree

Title: Beyond the Light of the Willow Tree
Author: Daniel E. Chambrello
Genre: Contemporary, Fiction
Publisher: The boy. The dragon. & the cherry tree swing. A Publishing Company.
Source: iRead Book Tours
Format: Ebook
Release Date: April 20, 2025
Rating: ★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

In the deepest dark, there is only light.

With each new generation, precious souls are called upon to serve a higher purpose. But each calling is forged in challenge and fear, and every journey hinges upon the choices made.

In present-day North Carolina, Gabriel is devoted to his wife, Jennifer, and their five rambunctious kids… until the day tragedy strikes the Connor household, setting in motion a chai of events that will transform humanity.

In ancient Rome, young Gabrielus leaves his humble village to become a protector of the emperor. He dreams of bringing glory and wealth to his family and returning a hero to his love, Jennamine. But the path ahead is steeped in grief and vengeance, and Gabrielus will be forced to make a choice that echoes through the ages.

One soul. Infinite journeys. A universe of possibilities.

In Beyond the Light of the Willow Tree, Daniel E. Chambrello crafts a guidebook for the human condition via a profound story of enduring love. Compelling perspectives of time, purpose, and mysticism reveal unique and life-changing truths for every reader

Review:

This was an emotional read about fate. It followed two timelines, one in present day North Carolina, and the other in Ancient Rome. The same members of a family were reincarnated throughout time. In the present day they had to deal with the deal with the tragic deaths of three family members. Each member of the family dealt with their grief in a different way, which shows how different people can be, even within a family. The family was deeply religious, and found comfort in their religion during that tough time.

Beyond the Light of the Willow Tree is an emotional and religious story.

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

Content warnings: car accident, death, child death (off page), death of parent, kidnapping

Have you read Beyond the Light of the Willow Tree? What did you think of it?

Review: Realm United (The Felserpent Chronicles #3)

Title: Realm United (The Felserpent Chronicles #3)
Author: Katie Keridan
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy
Publisher: SparkPress
Source: Bookinfluencers.com
Format: Ebook
Release Date: October 8, 2024
Rating: ★★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

This enemies-to-lovers YA romantacy is the last book in the popular Felserpent Chronicle series, bringing the story full circle with timely themes of sacrifice, war, and love.

Sebastian Sayre and Kyra Valorian, the former Felserpent King and Queen, thought they knew what reuniting the divided realms of Aeles and Nocens would require of them. But fulfilling their promises to stop Tallus and bring peace between those with silver and gold blood will require sacrifices they didn’t expect to make.

Furious over Kyra’s refusal to help him turn Daevals into Astrals, Tallus assumes control of Aeles and announces he’s developed a weapon capable of killing everyone with silver blood. Kyra discovers a way to defeat him, but it will require her to perform a terrible act she isn’t sure she can live with. Sebastian loathes becoming a recognized public figure, and given his dark past, there are those who don’t trust him to hold a position of power, even as he and Kyra race to reunite the realms.

Filled with old friends and new allies, devastating betrayals and surprising revelations, this heart-pounding conclusion to the Felserpent Chronicles ends where it began: in the grey waters of Death. Controlling the past might change the future, but will saving their world cost Sebastian and Kyra the very bond that binds them across time?

Review:

This book is a great finale to the Felserpent Chronicles! Kyra and Sebastian had a lot to do to complete their goal of uniting their two realms, and I wasn’t sure if they would be able to do it in the space of this novel. I loved the ending! All of the questions I had were answered, and there was also a heartwarming surprise!

Realm United is an exciting conclusion to the Felserpent Chronicles!

Thank you Bookinfluencers.com for providing a copy of this book as part of a paid campaign!

Content warnings: kidnapping, death, murder, death of parent (off page)

Other books in the series:

Have you read Realm United? What did you think of it?

Review: The Mafia Nanny, Vol. 1

Title: The Mafia Nanny, Vol. 1
Author: SH00, Violet Matter, Rouusuu, Drawniels
Genre: Graphic Novel, Contemporary, Romance
Publisher: Webtoon Unscrolled
Source: Publisher
Format: Paperback
Release Date: February 4, 2025
Rating: ★★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

For fans of romances with dashes of action and comedy, this hit WEBTOON comic with over 1.7 million subscribers follows Davina on her first assignment out of the Elite Nanny Academy: protect the young son of notorious mafia underboss, Gabriel Angelini.

Being an Elite Nanny is simple: protect the charge, obey the principle, and don’t get emotionally attached.

This is easier said than done when Davina’s first client is a dangerously compelling Venetian underboss who’s determined to get under her skin. What he wants from her, she can’t imagine, but Gabriel Angelini drags her back into the glittering world of organized crime she thought she’d left behind forever.

Davina might get answers about her past if she digs deep enough, but her challenges will be protecting Mikey from his father’s ambitions and keeping her heart from getting tangled up in their treacherous web.

This volume collects episodes 1–12 of the smash hit WEBTOON series The Mafia Nanny.

Review:

This graphic novel follows Davina, a nanny from the Elite Nanny Academy, on her first assignment to protect the son of a mafia boss. The young boy tried to outsmart her many times, so Davina had to keep on her toes. There were some hints to her backstory that led her to this kind of job, which I hope will be explored more in the next books.

The Mafia Nanny is a funny action graphic novel!

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

Content warnings: death of parent (off page) kidnapping, knife violence

Have you read The Mafia Nanny, Vol. 1? What did you think of it?

Review: No Good Deed

Title: No Good Deed
Author: C.D. Bennett
Genre: Thriller, Contemporary, Romance
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Source: Publisher
Format: Ebook
Release Date: June 26, 2024
Rating: ★★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

No Good Deed…goes unpunished.

Kiya James’ relocation to idyllic Riverton Colorado is disrupted when she discovers a critically wounded man lying in a field near her home. Little did she know that her selfless act to save the man’s life would thrust her into a world of corruption, greed, and danger. As the only witness to the initial attack, and shaken by an attempt on her own life, Kiya is offered refuge with the victim’s family. Together, they struggle to uncover the circumstances that would trigger an unknown assailant to unleash a string of deadly attacks in an otherwise quiet rural ranching community.
Jake McCleary’s world could have been destroyed with a single bullet if it hadn’t been for the quick actions of a stranger. Now, in a desperate attempt to protect her, and his entire family, Jake must fight to defend his home, livelihood, and the woman who is rapidly capturing his heart, against the vicious actions of a criminal that will stop at absolutely nothing to get what he wants. But will they find the answers they need in time, or will they lose everything to the conceit of a madman? And will the bond between his wounded brother and the woman that saved him prove to be too big of an obstacle for Jake to overcome in the pursuit for Kiya’s love?

Review:

This book was suspenseful and exciting. I loved how close the McCleary siblings were. They all worked together to run their ranch, and to solve the mystery of who shot Dylan. There were quite a few heart pounding twists that kept me wondering what would happen next. The ending was sweet and heartwarming!

No Good Deed is an exciting thriller!

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

Content warnings: gun violence, knife violence, hospital scenes, blood, kidnapping, car accident

Have you read No Good Deed? What did you think of it?

Review: Mit Out Sound

Title: Mit Out Sound
Author: Rick Lenz
Genre: Historical Fiction
Publisher: Chromodroid Press
Source: iRead Book Tours
Format: Ebook
Release Date: February 25, 2025
Rating: ★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

Would-be movie producer Emily Bennett didn’t believe the legend of a lost movie, starring James Dean and John Wayne. But when she meets two uncannily talented celebrity impersonators-Jimmy Riley and Tom “Duke” Manfredo, and stumbles upon the elusive film editor who stole the master negative of Showdown, it dispels her doubts, fills her with a courage she didn’t know she had, and she sets out to complete the movie.

But as Emily and her stars prepare for day one of shooting, they find themselves entangled in a complex love triangle with Oedipal undertones, mirroring their own past lives and off-screen dynamics. As doubts about their ruthless director, Solange Borugian, surface, Jimmy’s and Duke’s friendship is turned upside down, while Emily and her brother Ben, struggle with their own unresolved issues and are forced to confront their dying father.

On location in Arizona, amidst Apache holy grounds and the magic of day-for-night shooting, the lines between past and present blur and the flawed characters’ backstories intertwine into a tumultuous finale that exposes their hidden animosities, demons, and loves.

Review:

This book gives an interesting look at filmmaking in the 1970s. Emily had a lot of work to do to finish an old film starring John Wayne and James Dean with impersonators. There was a lot of personal trauma that connected the characters, and they had to figure out how to cope with it to finish the job. I think fans of John Wayne and James Dean will like this novel!

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

Content warnings: death, murder, cancer, child abuse, car accident

Have you read Mit Out Sound? What did you think of it?

Review: Nina Peanut: Creative Genius

Title: Nina Peanut: Creative Genius
Author: Sarah Bowie
Genre: Graphic Novel, Middle Grade
Publisher: Union Square and Co.
Source: Publisher
Format: Paperback
Release Date: August 13, 2024
Rating: ★★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

Perfect for fans of Diary of a Wimpy Kid, here is a witty and humorous story about a girl’s claim to fame and her journey toward self-discovery.

Nina Peanut runs a very serious, very amazing YouTube channel; so why are her grandmother and her best friend, Brian, her only viewers? (Hint: it might have something to do with her obsessions with quirky stuff like a potato with a human face.) Nina wants to be as popular as queen bee Megan Dunne, and when Nina’s cat accidentally wanders into one of Megan’s videos, Nina realizes she just might have the chance to chase her dreams. But as Nina goes down the road of stardom, she starts to question whether or not fame is worth the price she’s paying.

Review:

Nina Peanut likes making videos for an online site, but she has to learn that getting likes online doesn’t mean that you will have good friends in real life. This is an important lesson for kids to learn these days when they want to gain popularity online, but that can take away from your real life interactions. Your online popularity can also be taken away or turned into something that makes you feel bad or embarrassed quite quickly as well. Nina was also funny, and she reminded me of a younger Georgia Nicolson character.

Nina Peanut: Creative Genius is a fun middle grade graphic novel!

Thank you Union Square and Co. for sending me a copy of this book!

Have you read Nina Peanut: Creative Genius? What did you think of it?

Review: The Princess in Black and the Kitty Catastrophe

Title: The Princess in Black and the Kitty Catastrophe
Author: Shannon Hale, Dean Hale, LeUyen Pham (illustrator)
Genre: Children’s, Fantasy
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Source: Publisher
Format: Hardcover
Release Date: September 3, 2024
Rating: ★★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

The Princess in Black may know how to handle all kinds of monsters, but a kitten set on destruction? Me-OW!

Duchess Wigtower had heard that pets are fun, but all her kitten has gotten her is nine lives’ worth of problems. Eeeeek! It’s time for someone else to deal with this catastrophe. Princess Magnolia is thrilled when a kitten lands on her doorstep, but just as she’s about to play with Plumpkins (or should it be Hugmaster Floof?) the monster alarm goes off. When Princess Magnolia returns to her castle, her furry companion has carved up the wallpaper! In fact, each time Princess Magnolia leaves to help the Goat Avenger fight a very grouchy monster, her feline friend wreaks havoc. Has the Princess in Black finally met her match? Ten years after she first donned her cape, the Princess in Black returns for a purrfectly hilarious entry to the New York Times best-selling series.

Review:

This is such a cute book in The Princess in Black series! Princess Magnolia’s grumpy neighbour gives her the cat because he is so destructive. Magnolia must figure out how to get this new kitten to behave, while also defeating a monster in the village. I loved the way her problem with the kitten and the monster were related. The illustrations were adorable too!

The Princess in Black and the Kitty Catastrophe is a cute children’s book!

Thank you Candlewick Press for sending me a copy of this book!

Have you read The Princess in Black and the Kitty Catastrophe? What did you think of it?