Reviews: FOLD IN THE CHEESE, HOW TO WIN AT THE CHALLENGE AND LIFE, and ODDBALL

 FOLD IN THE CHEESE: 

An Unofficial Guide to Splendiferous Entertaining for Fans of Schitt's Creek

By Parker Long

Publication Date: October 25, 2022

Pages: 144

Source: Netgalley | Library

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Synopsis (link to Goodreads)

My Thoughts

Just like it says on the cover, FOLD IN THE CHEESE is definitely for fans of Schitt's Creek. This book was fun to read because it drew from specific events and scenes from Schitt's Creek - one of my all-time favorite shows. The book shares the hits and misses of being a hospitable host and preparing for events that people will remember.

I read this book while preparing for an annual work event and it was a great reminder that not every event is perfect - don't stress over making it perfect - most people don't notice the little mishaps. Just go with it and have fun.

I loved the various events featured like the housewarming party and the baby shower hosting how-to, but my favorite events focused on food and family especially the chapter BACKYARD BARBECUE. BEYOND THE GRILL provided the absolute best advice - Offering a Smattering of Sides. "The important thing is to have something for everyone and fully embrace the abundance of comfort food. You never know who'll need it." 

FOLD IN THE CHEESE cracked me up and made me want to watch all things David and Alexis.

And best of all, it features my personal favorite meatloaf recipe.

How to Win at The Challenge and Life: A Champion's Guide to Eliminating Obstacles, Winning Friends, and Making That Money

by Sydney Bucksbaum

Publication Date: October 25, 2022

Pages: 256

Source: Netgalley | Library

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

Synopsis (link to Goodreads)

My Thoughts

The book is definitely for fans of The Challenge and it's likely only for fans of The Challenge. I am a fan of the show,having watching the seasons a ridiculous number of times, and sadly I have to admit that this book left me wanting so much more. With the inclusion of "at Life" in the title, I expected more in depth acknowledgements and revelations.

I did like getting more details from the contestants of the earlier seasons like Cynthia and Landon.

I wanted more photos and behind the scenes details. I would have love to read a book about the other contestants attempts at the big win, but continued to fall short because there is honor in trying.

For readers who are interested in this book, check it out from the library. 

ODDBALL by Sarah Andersen

Publication Date: December 7, 2021

Pages: 105

Source: Netgalley | Library

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Synopsis (link to Goodreads)

My Thoughts

ODDBALL is a fun, loveable, and relatable collection of comics about creators, artists, authors

living with pets, anxiety, friendships, and surviving ourselves.

Some of my favorite comics:

"Suddenly Finding a New Obsession"  

The accuracy of loving something or fixating on something that it becomes your whole personality

Another Good One:

"So I didn't do that thing."

"Neither did I"

"Failure Solidarity" with a big hug

The books ends with my favorite comic of the book. "One Year" 

Taking it and making it one baby step at a time.

Another great collection from Sarah Andersen.

Books I Read in 2022

 

The first book read in 2022 and the last book of 2022.

January

8: IN A NEW YORK MINUTE by Kate Spencer

9: CRUSHING by Sophie Burrows

12: ON THE NICE LIST by Stephanie Elizabeth

14: THIS WITCH: Poems by J.R. Rogue

15: MURDER BOOK: A Graphic Memoir of a True Crime Obsession by Hilary Fitzgerald Campbell

16: CLOSE AGAIN by Ella Frances Sanders

16: HAPPILY AND MADLY by Alexis Bass

21: NEVER SAW ME COMING by Vera Kurian

22: LONG WAY DOWN by Jason Reynolds

28: NEVER NEVER by Colleen Hoover and Tarryn Fisher

29: HEARTSTOPPER: Vol. 4 by Alice Oseman

February

3: some things I still can't tell you by Misha Collins

3: BLACK BIRDS IN THE SKY: The Story and Legacy of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre by Brandi Colbert

6: TREASURE by Oyinkan Braithwaite

6: WELCOME TO THE GRIEF CLUB by Janine Kwoh

8: CHEER UP! Love and Pom Poms by Crystal Frasier

19: FOURTH DOWN by Heidi McLaughlin

22: FURIA by Yamile Saied Mendez

23: SWEET VIRGINIA by Caroline Kepnes

23: TAKE  THE LEAD by Jessica Simpson

March

6: AMERICAN GIRLS by Alison Umminger

20: LOVE ON THE LAKE by Helena Hunting

21: WHAT KIND OF WOMAN by Kate Baer

 

April
1: HOW TO LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR by Sophie Sullivan

2: I HOPE THIS FINDS YOU WELL by Kate Baer

9: PAPER GIRL AND THE KNIVES THAT MADE HER by Ari B. Cofer

10: ALL ROADS LEAD TO HERE (short story) by Abby Jimenez

12: A WICKED AND BEAUTIFUL GARDEN by Katie McGarry

16: ALONG FOR THE RIDE by Sarah Dessen

24: SAY HER NAME by Zetta Elliott

24: PART OF YOUR WORLD by Abby Jimenez

May

6: THE ART OF LIVING by Grant Snider

7: AIN'T BURNED ALL THE BRIGHT by Jason Reynolds and Jason Griffin

9: NO ONE WILL MISS HER by Kat Rosenfield

11: COVER STORY by Susan Rigetti

18: DISPLACEMENT by Thalia Chaltas

28: FAMILY OF LIARS by E. Lockhart

June

2: THE ONE NIGHT by Meghan Quinn

9: SAVE ME (from Myself) by So Lazo

19: ALL FIRED UP by Dylan Newton

20: THE SUMMER I TURNED PRETTY by Jenny Han

23: GIRL ON FIRE by Alicia Keys

26: HUDA F. ARE YOU? by Huda Fahmy

29: HOME FIELD ADVANTAGE by Dahlia Adler

July
4: REMINDER OF HIM by Colleen Hoover

28: INHERITANCE by Elizabeth Acevedo

August

1: THE GIRL WITH STARS IN HER EYES by Xio Axelrod

6: CLEMENTINE by Tillie Walden

25: KEEPING THE MOON by Sarah Dessen

30: THANK YOU FOR LISTENING by Julia Whelan

September

5: BOOK LOVERS by Emily Henry

6: SONGTELLER: My Life in Lyrics by Dolly Parton

25: CARRIE SOTO IS BACK by Taylor Jenkins Reid

27: EVERYTHING IS OK by Debbie Tung

October 

4: VERITY by Colleen Hoover

12: ON THE COME UP by Angie Thomas

17: A GLORIOUS AND DEVILISH EXPANSE by Katie McGarry

29: WICKED GIRLS by Stephanie Hemphill

30: THE EX HEX by Erin Sterling

November 

10: YOU ARE HOME by Catana Chetwynd

12: I KILLED ZOE SPANOS by Kit Frick

13: THE BOOK STORE SISTERS by Alice Hoffman

15: SHRIMP by Rachel Cohn

20: SENSORY: Life on the Spectrum ed. by Schnumn

26: THE ONE HUNDRED YEARS OF LENNY AND MARGOT by Marianne Cronin

27: FANGIRL, Vol. 2 by Sam Maggs and Rainbow Rowell

December

3: SLIP by Marika McCoola

4: RESTING SCROOGE FACE by Meghan Quinn

4: healing for no on but me by Jennae Cecelia

21: THE COLOR OF US by Jessica Park

23: AND YET: POEMS by Kate Baer

26: THE FIRE NEVER GOES OUT by ND Stevenson

29: IF THE FATES ALLOW by Rainbow Rowell

30: GIRLS AND BOYS by Dennis Kelly

31: the moon will shine for us too by Jennae Cecelia

31: THE VIEW WAS EXHAUSTING by Mikaella Clements and Onjuli Dhatta

Cover Reveal: GIVE ME FOREVER by Heidi McLaughlin

 

GIVE ME FOREVER

The Beaumont Series: Next Generation, #5

by Heidi McLaughlin

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release Date: October 11, 2022

Book Blurb:

Elle James has it all: a loving fiancé in Ben, a promising career as a music manager, and a supportive family. She couldn’t be happier with her life. That is until the unthinkable happens and she must accept the consequences of her actions and figure out how to come clean to her family or continue living the lie.

Ben Miller had it all: a loving fiancée, a budding career, and the support of people who loved him like family. That was until he wanted more, and his fiancée was unable to meet him halfway. He makes a decision, one that affects everyone. When his life takes an unexpected turn and he’s diagnosed with a life changing illness, he finds himself fighting for more than just love.

With their happily ever after slipping through their fingers, will Elle and Ben be able to survive, or will life’s curveball be too much for them to handle?

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3zWkGA5

Apple: https://apple.co/3SU9GMk

Nook: https://bit.ly/3QOir8Q 

Kobo: https://bit.ly/3PsDQTJ

Google Play:  https://bit.ly/3Aqy6FQ 

Would you like to read the first chapter of Give Me Forever for free? 

Grab it here: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/qx8lug37w1 

About Heidi:

Heidi McLaughlin is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling author of The Beaumont Series, The Boys of Summer, and The Archers.

Originally, from the Pacific Northwest, she now lives in picturesque Vermont, with her husband, two daughters, and their three dogs.

In 2012, Heidi turned her passion for reading into a full-fledged literary career, writing over twenty novels, including the acclaimed Forever My Girl.

Heidi's first novel, Forever My Girl, has been adapted into a motion picture with LD Entertainment and Roadside Attractions, starring Alex Roe and Jessica Rothe, and opened in theaters on January 19, 2018, and is now available on DVD & Digital.

To stay connected with Heidi visit www.facebook.com/authorheidimclaughlin or heidimclaughlin.com

Social Media:

Website: http://heidimclaughlin.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorHeidiMcLaughlin/ 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HeidiJoVT/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heidimclaughlinauthor/ 

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6568302.Heidi_McLaughlin 

Goodreads Group: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/184432-heidi-s-hangout

Text GETHEIDISBOOKS to (833) 926-1009

Newsletter: http://bit.ly/HeidisNewsletter 

BookBub:  https://www.bookbub.com/authors/heidi-mclaughlin 

It's Release Day: LOVE ON THE LAKE by Helena Hunting

 

LOVE ON THE LAKE 

by Helena Hunting

Publication Date: March 15, 2022

Can Aaron love her, even when she can’t love herself? 

Love on the Lake, an emotional small town, standalone romance from New York Times bestselling author Helena Hunting is live now!

Teagan Firestone has always been the dutiful daughter, especially since her mom died. But as her father finally begins to move on, it’s her turn to do the same. Her destination: Pearl Lake, a close-knit community with an entrepreneurial spirit and secrets of its own.

One of them is Aaron Saunders, who dropped out of college to work construction for Pearl Lake’s upper class. He’s a mystery and has a playboy reputation—that is, until he meets Teagan. Neither of them is looking for love, but in a town this small, it’s hard not to let your heart get involved.  

As their romance heats up, Aaron’s elusive past comes to light and Teagan is there for him, bringing them even closer together. But when Teagan is forced to face her own demons, her inability to accept the support of friends and family threatens the life she’s worked so hard to build. 

Can Aaron love her, even when she can’t love herself? 

Fall in love today exclusively on Amazon or read FREE on Kindle Unlimited!

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3sv3Rbd

Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/LoveonLake

Audio CD: https://amzn.to/3g870sK

Paperback: https://amzn.to/3sn7Lmo

Add Love on the Lake to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3iU4rfi

About Helena Hunting 

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of PUCKED, Helena Hunting lives on the outskirts of Toronto with her incredibly tolerant family and two moderately intolerant cats. She writes contemporary romance ranging from new adult angst to romantic sports comedy. 

Connect with Helena

Instagram: http://bit.ly/2kN5wdZ

Twitter: http://bit.ly/2mloUim
Facebook: http://on.fb.me/Zt1xm5
Facebook Fan group: http://bit.ly/2kN5yCD
Website: http://www.helenahunting.com/

Never miss an update! Subscribe to Helena's mailing list:
http://bit.ly/2MlRKq6

Review: IN A NEW YORK MINUTE by Kate Spencer

 

IN A NEW YORK MINUTE

by Kate Spencer

Publication Date: March 15, 2022

Publisher: Forever

Pages: 304

Source: Publisher

Add to Goodreads

Synopsis

 

A clever, tender, and romantic novel for readers of Christina Lauren, Jasmine Guillory, and Sophie Cousens, this laugh-out-loud debut is a perceptive reminder that fate can have a sense of humor, and that love can happen…In a New York Minute.

Franny Doyle is having the worst day. She’s been laid off from her (admittedly mediocre) job, the subway doors ripped her favorite silk dress to ruins, and now she’s flashed her unmentionables to half of lower Manhattan. On the plus side, a dashing stranger came to her rescue with his (Gucci!) suit jacket. On the not-so-plus side, he can’t get away from her fast enough.

Worse yet? Someone posted their (entirely not) meet-cute online. Suddenly Franny and her knight-in-couture, Hayes Montgomery III, are the newest social media sensation, and all of New York is shipping #SubwayQTs.

Only Franny and Hayes couldn’t be a more disastrous match. She’s fanciful, talkative, and creative. He’s serious, shy, and all about numbers. Luckily, in a city of eight million people, they never have to meet again. Yet somehow, Hayes and Franny keep running into each other—and much to their surprise, they enjoy each other’s company. A lot. But when Franny’s whole world is turned upside down (again!), can she find the courage to trust in herself and finally have the life—and love—she’s always wanted?

MY THOUGHTS

I wanted a fun book to start off my 2022 and that's why I picked IN A NEW YORK MINUTE as the first book to read this year. There was a lot of excitement and enthusiasm surrounding it, that as soon as it was available to request for review, I clicked that request button. IN A NEW YORK MINUTE gave me all of the laughs that I needed, and this story is exactly what I wanted.

What I Loved:

• So much, where do I even begin? Getting to spend some days in New York with people who love their city
• Franny drips Italian ice on herself and just rubs it into her shirt without a thought. This was relatable and Franny joined the ranks of one of my favorite characters. 
• idea of #subwayQTs and everyone's imagined stories
• Franny's friendships with Cleo and Lola and how they show up for each other literally and figuratively
• The moments when Franny and Hayes began falling for each other - especially the moment when Franny recognizes Hayes's awkwardness as just part of who he is and she finds it endearing

Memorable Quote:

"This is your journey."

"Please do not use that word around me ever again," I said with a laugh . . . 

I really felt this. I'm so over the use of the word "journey" that it's starting to become comical and trite. 

IN A NEW YORK MINUTE was the best book I could have selected to start off my year. I've already recommended it to so many friends and I'm excited that it's finally published and now they have the chance to read it and we can chat about it. IN A NEW YORK MINUTE is a favorite book of 2022. I just love it!!! 

Disclaimer: I requested this ARC from the publisher for review consideration. I was not compensated in any way other than the ARC provided. Thoughts and opinions are my own.

Review: FURIA by Yamile Saied Mendez

 

FURIA

by Yamile Saied Mendez

Paperback Publication Date: February 15, 2022

Publisher: Algonquin Young Readers

Pages: 368

Source: Publisher

Synopsis

 

An #ownvoices contemporary YA set in Argentina, about a rising soccer star who must put everything on the line—even her blooming love story—to follow her dreams.

In Rosario, Argentina, Camila Hassan lives a double life.

At home, she is a careful daughter, living within her mother’s narrow expectations, in her rising-soccer-star brother’s shadow, and under the abusive rule of her short-tempered father.

On the field, she is La Furia, a powerhouse of skill and talent. When her team qualifies for the South American tournament, Camila gets the chance to see just how far those talents can take her. In her wildest dreams, she’d get an athletic scholarship to a North American university.

But the path ahead isn’t easy. Her parents don’t know about her passion. They wouldn’t allow a girl to play fútbol—and she needs their permission to go any farther. And the boy she once loved is back in town. Since he left, Diego has become an international star, playing in Italy for the renowned team Juventus. Camila doesn’t have time to be distracted by her feelings for him. Things aren’t the same as when he left: she has her own passions and ambitions now, and La Furia cannot be denied. As her life becomes more complicated, Camila is forced to face her secrets and make her way in a world with no place for the dreams and ambition of a girl like her.

MY THOUGHTS

FURIA is a book that I would have read time and time again as a teen. Camila Hassan is fierce. She is confident. She's a dreamer. And she goes after what she wants. 

After my second reading of FURIA, I shared Camila's story with a reader friend, and I couldn't contain my enthusiasm for how good this book is. It has it all. It's about friendships and family, competition and ambition, and love and respect. I loved reading about Camila playing fútbol and all that she did to make that a possibility for herself when her family's focus was on her brother or on themselves.

I love the romantic elements between Camila and Diego and the moments that they share together. And I like that this isn't the driving plot of the story. It was wonderful to go along with them on their dates and be with them as they spent time together and explore their friendship and the opportunities presented to them.

But FURIA isn't just about fútbol and fun. It shows the realities of the real world where women aren't safe and their guard is always up. For Camila, this is even a reality in her own home. 

The reader will always be aware that Camila doesn't need to be saved. She's going to save herself. And once her secret of being a fútbol player is revealed to her mother, she is unstoppable. Camila knows who she is and is ready to let everyone else know it too. 

Camila Hassan is an unforgettable character and I loved getting to know her in FURIA. I may not always remember the details of her story, but I know I will remember her.

Disclaimer: I requested a promotional copy from the publisher for review consideration. Thoughts and opinions are my own.

Select Praise for Furia

A REESE WITHERSPOON • HELLO SUNSHINE BOOK CLUB PICK

RECIPIENT OF THE 2021 PURA BELPRÉ AWARD

One of BuzzFeed’s Must-Read Books of 2020

A Cosmopolitan Best Book of 2020

Named to Kirkus Reviews’ Best Books of 2020

A SheReads Best Book of 2020

A New York Public Library Best Book of 2020

“This book will set your dreams on fire . . . It’s fabulous.” 
—Reese Witherspoon

“An engrossing #OwnVoices novel.”

—PopSugar

“Furia will resonate with anyone who has ever struggled to follow their own dreams amid parental expectations and societal pressures.”

—BitchMedia

“Saied Méndez captures both the breathless beauty of fútbol and the depth of its political power… A thoughtful, vibrant addition… [with] incorrigible passion.”

—Chicago Review of Books

“A powerful, contemporary YA novel about a rising soccer star who must put everything on the line to make her life her own. Perfect for fans of The Poet X and

 I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter.”

—Barnes & Noble, B&N Reads

“In Yamile Saied Méndez’s YA debut, the Argentinian-American writer tackles tough issues like feminism, personal growth, abuse, and more.”

—Betches

“A vivid Argentinian setting provides the backdrop for romance, sports heroism, and a powerful story of a girl trying to create her own identity in the world.”

—A Mighty Girl

“[A] high-energy #OwnVoices novel.”

—Booklist

“With a mix of Spanish words, vivid dialogue, and rich description, Mendez paints a realistic image of a young woman battling to become herself against the odds… This inspirational story is an important read for young adults everywhere to witness the dynamics and pressures for a young Argentinian.”

—School Library Journal

“A feminist story of pursuing your dreams… An engrossing story about using your talent and pursuing your goals with messages about gender equality and the complexities of love. Highly recommend for people who enjoy powerful #ownvoices stories.”

—YA Books Central

“There’s a satisfying intensity about the way soccer infuses everything in Camila’s life.”

—The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

“The book you wish you had when you were in high school.”

— Dead Darlings

“[A] fiery and inspiring YA debut… A novel rich in cultural surroundings, motifs and age-appropriate wisdom, is a must-read. It matters little whether you love fútbol or the U.S. equivalent because Furia cannot be defined by one category of literature, just as Camila herself cannot be defined by the larger society she finds herself in, nor the practical desires of her mother and father, nor anyone who manages to get in her way. She is Furia, a fútbol player too headstrong, and a force too mighty to be ignored.”

—Daily Utah Chronicle

“In this stirring novel by Argentine American author Méndez, passion for sports and personal growth intersect in Camila’s powerful, feminist first-person narrative about her experiences as an ambitious athlete, a teenager deeply in love, the daughter of an abusive father at the point of taking charge of her own life, and a young woman finding her voice in a deeply sexist, patriarchal society… A riveting coming-of-age story.”

—Kirkus Reviews, starred review

“In this stirring novel by Argentine American author Méndez, passion for sports and personal growth intersect in Camila’s powerful, feminist first-person narrative about her experiences as an ambitious athlete, a teenager deeply in love, the daughter of an abusive father at the point of taking charge of her own life, and a young woman finding her voice in a deeply sexist, patriarchal society… A riveting coming-of-age story.”

—Publishers Weekly, starred review