There Might Be Lobsters by Carolyn Crimi


There Might Be Lobsters by Carolyn Crimi
Publisher: Candlewick
Genre: Childrens (4+ yrs), Contemporary
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

Come on, Sukie, you can do it! A little dog’s paralyzing anxiety gives way to bravery when someone smaller is in need in this humorous, tenderly sympathetic story.

Lots of things at the beach scare Sukie. Lots. Because she is just a small dog, and the stairs are big and sandy, and the waves are big and whooshy, and the balls are big and beachy. And besides, there might be lobsters. With endearing illustrations and a perfectly paced text that captures a timid pup’s looping thoughts, here is a funny and honest read-aloud about how overwhelming the world can be when you’re worried — and how empowering it is to overcome your fears when it matters the most.

This pup isn’t ready to go into the water, but she just might have to learn.

As one who isn’t a fan of swimming, I could identify with the main character of Sukie. She’s a little dog afraid of the water. There might be dangers out there and she’s not a fan of finding them. Then she has to go into the water. It might not be so bad after all.

I liked that this book showed children that their fears are valid, but that they can overcome them, too. It’s not bad to be afraid at times, but sometimes you have to be brave, too. I also liked that the character could be brave, then go back to their safe place. That’s important for children to see, too.

If you’re looking for a book that talks about fears and one dog’s dealings with them, then this might be the book for you. I recommend it.

Fuddles and Puddles by Frans Vischer


Fuddles and Puddles by Frans Vischer
Publisher: Aladdin
Genre: Childrens, Contemporary
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

An out of control canine named Puddles disrupts the charmed life of the fat, pampered cat, Fuddles in this charming follow-up to Fuddles and A Very Fuddles Christmas.

Fuddles finds that his perfectly pampered life of luxury comes to a screeching halt when his family buys a new puppy, Puddles. Howling and barking? Incessant licks and ball-fetching? Will Fuddles ever find a way to cope with his new frenemy?

Enemies to friends…with cats and dogs. Sign me up.

I loved the first book, Fuddles, because I got to meet the character of Fuddles, a pampered cat. Everyone knows a Fuddles—spoiled, too smart for their own good and on the verge of a disaster. In this book, Fuddles gets a wake-up call in the form of a puppy named Puddles. Puddles is everything Fuddles dislikes – loud, energetic and annoying.

I liked this book because it showed how sometimes people drive each other nuts (in this case animals), but we have to learn to work with it. Sometimes, those individuals end up being more than we think, too. I liked the way these two characters had to work out their issues. It’s a cute story and will keep the attention of young children.

If you’re looking for a fun book that teaches a lesson without being preachy, then this book is for you.

Rolling in the Deep by Morgan Malone


Rolling in the Deep by Morgan Malone
The I’ll Never Say I Do Club Book 2
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

I dare you, I double, triple dare you, to go online for three months and really look at the guys who are out there just waiting to fall in love with the awesome women you are! I bet you that you will all be head over heels and engaged by the end of the year!

Seri, Emily, Jessica, and Olivia made a vow in college never to marry when they formed The “I’ll Never Say I Do” Club. At 40, they are all rich, successful, and alone. Then Seri meets and falls in love with a man she improbably met online. At her Maine wedding, she issues a challenge to her three bridesmaids: three months to meet a man they want to marry. The consolation prize if they fail: a New Year’s trip to Hawaii. What have they got to lose?

Emily Livingston has a secret. She’s managed to keep her troubled past hidden from almost everyone for over twenty years. Only her dear friends, Seri, Olivia, and Jessica, know about the scar from the tragic accident that shattered her dreams. And destroyed her heart. She runs her personal life like she runs her growing physical therapy and fitness practice: smooth, efficient, and reserved. Men are temporary pleasures reserved for vacations and business trips. Never close to home. Until she breaks all the rules with a one-night stand too close for comfort.

Wolfgang Biddle Wharton, rich, gorgeous, super-star conductor, appears to have the world at his feet. But he knows what it is to look for new dreams when the old ones die. Wolf arrives in Saratoga Springs as a guest conductor for the Philadelphia Orchestra, looking forward to a relaxing summer residence in the Spa City. What he finds is a woman who immediately attracts him and almost as quickly dismisses him. Not used to being thwarted, Wolf sets out to woo and win Emily, at least for one more night.

They have nothing in common. Except lost dreams and rebuilt lives. And an attraction that is not satisfied in one-night. Wolf wants more, but it will take all his patience and perseverance to win Emily’s trust. Fighting against her friend’s prediction that she would find love by summer’s end, Emily must face her past before she can reveal to Wolf the injury that is more terrible than the one that almost took her life: the scarred remnants of her shattered heart.

They’re both in over their head, but it’s oh so good.

I already knew I’d like this book because I loved the first book in the series, Someone Like You. It was great to catch up to the characters and see where the author took the stories. I also liked that the characters are cookie-cutter. He’s a conductor and she’s in physical therapy and fitness.

I plowed right through this book in no time because the writing moved along so well. It did. I was swept away with the characters and loved every second. I got emotionally involved with them, too. I wanted to see them do well, have a happy ending and break down so they could build each other back up.

Wolf comes across as a bit snooty to begin with, but I liked how the author peeled the layers back on him to make him a great character. So caring, too. I could see him before the orchestra, as well. Emily took a bit of time for me to like her, but that seemed intended. She’s got a crust on her that needed some help in being knocked off. I understood why and no spoilers, but I loved her journey to getting there. It was great and so was the chemistry between her and Wolf.

If you’re looking for a solid romance that will stay with you long after the last page, then this is the one for you.

The Bunny Years: The Surprising Inside Story of the Playboy Clubs – The Women Who Worked as Bunnies, and Where They Are Now by Kathryn Leigh Scott


The Bunny Years: The Surprising Inside Story of the Playboy Clubs – The Women Who Worked as Bunnies, and Where They Are Now by Kathryn Leigh Scott
Publisher: Gallery Books
Genre: Contemporary, Historical, Non-Fiction, Memoir
Rating: 3 Stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

A PROVOCATIVE AND INSIGHTFUL PORTRAIT OF THE BEAUTIFUL, FREE-SPIRITED, AND SURPRISINGLY INDEPENDENT WOMEN OF THE ICONIC PLAYBOY CLUBS

The 1960s were a time of change in America, an era when safely guarded innocence gave way to explosive social revolution. For Kathryn Leigh Scott, or Bunny Kay as she was known in the New York City Playboy Club, and the more than 250 former Bunnies she interviewed for this book, donning satin ears and a fuzzy cottontail was an act of liberation—a chance to bridge the gap between being girls and becoming women, to earn more money than their own mothers ever fathomed, and to find their way in a world that would never be the same. Lauren Hutton was a Bunny. Deborah Harry was too. Bunnies went on to become doctors, lawyers, stockbrokers, real estate tycoons, nurses, scientists, entrepreneurs, and teachers.

Called “a smart oral history” by Esquire and “entertaining” by Entertainment Weekly, The Bunny Years goes beyond Gloria Steinem’s infamous magazine exposé, “A Bunny’s Tale,” beyond detailed instructions for perfecting the “Bunny Dip” and providing Keyholders with “efficient, friendly, personalized service,” to explore, in the words of the remarkable women themselves, what it really meant to be a Bunny.

There’s so much more to the bunnies than just ears and a fluffy tail.

I picked up this book because I wanted to know more about the actual lives of the Playboy Bunnies. Not the women in the magazine, but the women in the clubs. This book tells just that and a bit more. There are pieces on each of the clubs and resorts, but most about the women who worked there.

As biographies and anecdotes about the women, the book hits the mark. This is a sneak peek into their world. What it was like to wait tables there, what it was like to get older while serving and some of the not so fun things that took place. This book, while interesting, seemed to do a bit of name dropping in places. Yes, a lot of famous people did time as bunnies, but it almost seemed like the book traded on that, rather than the real situations the women dealt with.

Still, it’s an interesting window into their lives and the way the supernova of the Playboy brand exploded. It’s fascinating and somewhat scary, but I’m glad I read it. Give this book a try.

The Heartstopper Yearbook by Alice Oseman


The Heartstopper Yearbook by Alice Oseman
Publisher: Graphix
Genre: LGBTQ, Graphic Novel, Contemporary, YA (15+ yrs)
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

The Heartstopper Yearbook is packed full of exclusive content from the Heartstopper universe: never-before-seen illustrations, an exclusive minicomic, character profiles, trivia, and insight into Alice Oseman’s creative process, narrated by a cartoon version of Alice herself. In full-color for the first time, this companion book is perfect for fans of Heartstopper!

More Heartstopper? Yes, please.

If you like the Heartstopper books, then you’ve got to check out the yearbook. These are bits and pieces about the series as well as early drawings and tidbits by the author about the series. Hardcore fans will eat this book up.

I liked seeing the evolution of Charlie and Nick because it showed they weren’t fully formed when the author started them and there was some growth beyond the story. I liked seeing the way the author handled the issues with each character, too. There were snippets of other characters and their stories, too. I liked seeing a bit in on the teachers, too. They’re my favorite characters of the series.

If you like the Heartstopper series and want just a little more of these characters, then this is the book for you. Check it out.

Kitty’s Cuddles by Jane Cabrera


Kitty’s Cuddles by Jane Cabrera
Publisher: Holiday House
Genre: Childrens (1+ years – Toddlers), Contemporary
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

Bear has a cozy, fluffy cuddle; Elephant, a big, strong cuddle; even Porcupine has a careful, prickly cuddle. But Kitty’s brother hugs the best! Follow along Kitty’s journey and learn that there are many different ways to show affection, and all of them matter most when shared with others.

Kitty just wants to cuddle.

I loved this book because it showed how many different ways you can cuddle. It’s a good illustration for children learning different animals and aspects of those animals in a very simplistic way. I also liked that the story showed variety. Not one cuddle is better than another. They’re all equal. It’s a sweet little story and good for young readers or those being read to. The ending was the best for me.

If you’re looking for a cute book to read to your child or for your child to practice with when starting reading, this is the one you want.

Chubbs: A Blind Cat Learns to Trust by Sandra Sorenson-Kindt


Chubbs: A Blind Cat Learns to Trust by Sandra Sorenson-Kindt
Publisher: Lean In Books
Genre: Contemporary, Childrens (8+ yrs), Inspirational
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

A mangy alley cat isn’t at the top of anybody’s adoption list.

Nevertheless, when Grandma Sandy scoops it up into her arms, her heart nudges her to take it home, and she listens. Grandma always trusts her feelings.

Lots of tender care soon transforms the mangy cat into beautiful, round Chubbs. But when she loses her sight, will she listen to her feelings like Grandma and learn to trust the one who loves her most?

Chubbs: A Blind Cat Learns to Trust is a faith-based, inspirational story about a cat who learns to trust her rescuer. The relationship between Chubbs and Grandma Sandy is a comparison to the relationship we can have with God.

Literally blind, Chubbs must learn how to navigate her world just like how we must learn to depend on God’s Spirit to help us navigate our lives.

Chubbs, the cat who gets a second chance…again.

I picked this book up because the main character was a cat called…Chubbs. I mean, how could I pass that up? I couldn’t. I’m glad I didn’t. This was a cute story with a faith-based slant. It’s a good story.

I did have some issues with the situation with Grandma’s first cat. It seemed like she could’ve looked a bit more for the cat and that rubbed me the wrong way that she didn’t. Yes, cats run away, but you never stop looking and it felt like she did. It could be me and the time in which I read the book, but that rankled me.

I did like that Grandma adopted (Not shopped!) Chubbs from the animal shelter. That was great. I also liked how the relationship between the woman and the cat resembled the faith relationship between followers and God. Sometimes you need a helping hand. It’s a good lesson for readers.

This was a cute story and I’m glad I read it. I couldn’t pass up Chubbs—in the book and probably not at the shelter, either.

Zen and the Art of Brazilian Sticky (& other roofing tales) by Gennita Low


Zen and the Art of Brazilian Sticky (& other roofing tales) by Gennita Low
Publisher: GLow World
Genre: Contemporary, Humor, Fiction
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

Life as a roofer is hard work. Endless hours beneath a blazing sun, pounding rain, howling wind and even the occasional hurricane (you’d be surprised at the calls during a hurricane).

But there are lots of laughs and moments of Zen if you spend time with Gennita’s cast and crew. There is nothing like watching life through the eyes of a female roofer who writes romance books, a bunch of “crapenters,” a grumpy Airborne Ranger Vietnam Vet, and a stucco man affectionately dubbed “the Brazilian Sticky Man” with a flair for creative renaming of just about everything under the sun. In fact, his “Semen Maker” is probably the star of the show, with its Zen way of giving meaning to daily shenanigans.

How a few mispronounced words, a little laughter and friends can make the day!

First, I have to note that the author has done work as a roofer. Really. She’s a tiny woman, but I can imagine her holding her own on a roof. That said, this book is a collection of stories loosely based on her time roofing.

This was a funny book. Hands down. I was told to get it because I’d laugh out loud. Normally, I’m not much for bursting out laughing while reading, but with this book, I did. Jenn is the head of the roofing crew and she works with the Brazilian stucco man. BSM as she refers to him, has a tendency to change words. His stucco is his sticky and his cement mixer is his semen maker. I hadn’t thought there could be that many ways to mess up those words and make the conversation veer right into the dirty, but it’s possible. I loved the stories and could actually see most of them happening.

The writing flowed well because it felt like I was reading a story by a friend or at least a conversation with a friend. I won’t give too much away, but if you’re in the mood to laugh, then this is the book for you. Give it a try.

Immortal Ink: A Tattoo Coloring Book by Tania Maia (Author), El Rose (Author), François Gautier (Author)

Immortal Ink: A Tattoo Coloring Book by Tania Maia (Author), El Rose (Author), François Gautier (Author)
Publisher: Plume
Genre: Art, Non-Fiction, Coloring Book
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

More than just a coloring book, Immortal Ink is a true celebration of tattoo art.

Featuring 45 incredible designs from talented tattoo artists, each illustration is as inspiring as it is fun to color. With artwork in eight different styles including Americana, Japanese, blackwork, and steampunk, each daring design offers you the opportunity to unleash your own creativity as you add your choice of stylish color. The accompanying text delves into the history and ethos of each genre and explores the rich and fascinating symbolism behind individual elements used in every spectacular piece.

Beautiful and distinctive, Immortal Ink will celebrate an art form that has captivated us for generations.

A coloring book for adults that’s a wonderful step into the world of tattooing and what’s behind the design.

I hadn’t taken up the fun of coloring in adult coloring books until the last few years. Now I see what the excitement is all about. The art in this book is tattoo art, which is already fantastic, but now it’s up to the person with the colored pencils to add the pop of color. I liked that. I also liked that there’s a description with each design that’s not just a simplistic line about what the image is, but why the art is popular and what it symbolizes. That’s fascinating.

If you’re looking for a coloring book with not only images, but education and a great sense of fantasy, then this is the coloring book for you. Check it out!

32 Days – A Memoir of Love and Death by Deborah Sabin


32 Days – A Memoir of Love and Death by Deborah Sabin
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Non-Fiction, Memoir
Rating 5 Stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

Voted BoM by LASR Readers 2013 copy

Mitch and Debbi were beshert. Soulmates. She knew it from the first day of law school. He came to the same conclusion just a few months later. From that day on, they were rarely apart. Debbi made one, five, and ten-year plans for their future. Mitch always replied, “Yeah. Maybe someday.” Someday came too soon.

A terrible freak accident put Mitchell in a hospital remote from home, with a spinal cord injury that left him paralyzed from the neck down. Alone in the ICU with her husband, away from her children and family, Deborah struggled to manage their days and find a way to keep their love and their marriage alive. Every night, she wrote him a note of news, hope, and love. But, thirty-two days were all they had. Mitch died and Debbi was left with two small children. With the help of family and friends, she struggled to make a life for three seem as good as the life they had when they were a family of four. All traces of her time in the hospital with Mitchell were stored in the “sad” box, stuffed high on a shelf in the back of the closet.

Twenty-five years later, the notes resurfaced in an unlikely space. Deborah knew it was time to share the letters with family, friends, and the world. 32 Days is the story of a wonderful man, taken from this world much too soon. A husband, father, son, brother, friend, lawyer and advocate, and the courageous battle he fought to stay alive. Until someday. Mitchell and Deborah’s story is one of love that transcends time and space. Of faith that grows stronger even in the face of the unimaginable. Of the healing strength given by family and friends. Of hope that life will go on. Of someday.

Two people, one love and one future.

I knew when I picked up this book I’d have moments of levity, but that I’d cry, too, and I did. Deborah Sabin, aka the author Morgan Malone, writes about the thirty-two days in which her life changed. Her husband, her beloved Mitch, was hurt in an accident and this is the story of what happened over the course of those thirty-two days.

The writing moves along at a great clip, despite the not so fun topic. I felt exactly the way she did when writing it—her heart breaking, her soul dimming just a bit, but the fight growing stronger in her. Oh and her love for Mitch. I can’t say I’m glad the author went through this, but I’m honored that she was willing to share her story. Share her heartbreak. It resonates on every page.

If you’re ever loved someone and lost them, then this is a book that will speak to you. If you’ve had a soulmate who was gone too soon, then I recommend this book. It’s a keeper.