Two Dogs and a Book

What Your Ribbon Skirt Means to Me: Deb Haaland's Historic Inauguration  by  Alexis C. Bunten My rating:  5 of 5 stars WHAT YOUR RIBBON SKIRT MEANS TO ME is a heartwarming picture book by Alexis Bunten, beautifully illustrated by Nicole Neidhardt. This book captures a poignant moment in history when Secretary Deb Haaland, the first Native American to serve as a cabinet secretary, wears her ribbon skirt at the White House. Pia, the main character, and her friends gather at the Indigenous community center to witness this significant event. Through vibrant illustrations and thoughtful storytelling, the book takes readers on a journey of cultural exploration and pride. The story delves into the significance of the regalia, land, community, and traditions. This book not only educates young readers about Native American culture but also emphasizes the importance of heritage and identity. WHAT YOUR RIBBON SKIRT MEANS TO ME is a celebration of diversity, resilience, and the power...

Something Wilder  by  Christina Lauren My rating:  3 of 5 stars Something Wilder by Christina Lauren offers a departure from these awesome authors' usual style, presenting readers with a unique blend of romance and adventure in a desert treasure hunt. Lily Wilder, guided by her father's maps, leads tourists on fake treasure hunts to make ends meet. When her old flame, Leo Grady, reappears, Lily is determined to keep him at arm's length. However, when the group's expedition takes an unexpected turn, the characters are forced to confront their past and work together. While this book deviates from the steamy and swoony love interests typical of Christina Lauren's previous works, it still provides an enjoyable and binge-worthy experience. The treasure hunt element adds an intriguing twist to the romance genre. However, some readers may find the romance lacking and miss the passionate connections found in earlier novels by the author duo. Despite these reservations, Some...

The True Love Experiment  by  Christina Lauren My rating:  5 of 5 stars THE TRUE LOVE EXPERIMENT by Christina Lauren is a delightful romance that follows Fizzy, a renowned romance novelist who realizes she has never truly experienced love herself. When Connor, a single father and documentary filmmaker, is tasked with creating a reality TV show, he sees an opportunity to showcase Fizzy falling in love onscreen. Initially hesitant, Fizzy agrees to participate with a list of demands. Despite my reservations about reality television, this book pleasantly surprised me. The focus isn't solely on the show itself but rather on the relationships that develop. Fizzy's conditions for the contestants, based on character arcs from her books, add a fun twist. Connor's efforts to find suitable men are entertaining, and their descriptions had me swooning. The chemistry between Fizzy and Connor is captivating, overshadowing any potential contenders on the show. THE TRUE LOVE EXPERIMENT is...

The Favor  by  Adele Griffin My rating:  4 of 5 stars In THE FAVOR by Adele Griffin, readers are transported into the world of Nora Hammond, a woman grappling with debt, a modest apartment, and the longing for a child with her husband, Jacob. When socialite Evelyn Elliot enters Nora's life, their immediate connection propels Nora into the whirlwind of New York's affluent elite. As Evelyn's stylist and confidante, Nora must navigate the unfamiliar rules of engagement among the wealthy. However, it is Evelyn's unexpected offer to carry a baby for Nora that truly tests their friendship and forces Nora to question the value of relationships. This contemporary tale celebrates unconventional paths to parenthood while delving into the complexities and sacrifices they entail. With a touch of whimsy and heartfelt moments, THE FAVOR is a captivating women's fiction. I found the story slow at times, but Adele Griffin's storytelling prowess shone through, and brought the st...

Proctor Valley Road  by  Grant Morrison My rating:  3 of 5 stars PROCTOR VALLEY ROAD is a spooky graphic novel that captures the essence of horror in the 1970s. Written by Grant Morrison and Alex Child, and illustrated by Naomi Franquiz, the story follows four friends who organize a spooky tour on the most haunted road in America to fund their dream concert: Janis Joplin. However, things take a terrifying turn when their classmates go missing, and they discover the evil forces that lurk in the shadows. Franquiz's illustrations perfectly capture the eerie atmosphere of Proctor Valley Road, making it a must-read for horror and graphic novel enthusiasts alike. #bookstadog #poodles #poodlestagram #poodlesofinstagram #furbabies #dogsofinstagram #bookstagram #dogsandbooks #bookishlife #bookishlove #bookstagrammer #booklover #bookaholic #readersofinstagram #instaread #ilovebooks #bookishcanadians #canadianbookstagram #bookreviewer #bookcommunity #bibliophile #proctorvalleyroad #...

Saving Meghan  by  D.J. Palmer My rating:  4 of 5 stars SAVING MEGHAN by D.J. Palmer is a gripping medical drama filled with unexpected twists and turns. The story revolves around fifteen-year-old Meghan, whose life is plagued by mysterious illnesses that have confounded doctors and driven a wedge between her parents, Becky and Carl Gerard. As Meghan's health worsens, suspicions arise, and the medical team starts suspecting Becky of Munchausen syndrome by proxy, a disturbing disorder where a caregiver intentionally makes their child sick for personal gain. The novel delves into the depths of family secrets and dark fears as Becky races against time to prove her daughter's deadly disease. Just when you think you've unraveled the mystery, Palmer skillfully introduces new elements, pushing the narrative in surprising directions. SAVING MEGHAN is a riveting page-turner that will keep readers engrossed and guessing until the final page. #dogsofinstagram #bookstagram #dogsandbo...

Chef's Choice  by  T.J. Alexander My rating:  4 of 5 stars CHEF'S CHOICE by TJ Alexander is a delightful queer rom-com that combines the fake dating trope with a cooking challenge. What sets this book apart is that both leads are trans, and the story delves into their different experiences and perspectives. Jean-Pierre, the heir to a culinary empire, enlists Luna to play his girlfriend for a quick sum of money. As the challenge unfolds, the ruse continues, and their connection deepens. Luna's sunny personality and her delightful mom add charm to the story. While the focus on trans issues sometimes overshadows the character development, the book remains sweet and heartwarming, with plenty of laugh-out-loud moments. Overall, CHEF'S CHOICE is a deliciously enjoyable read. #dogsofinstagram #bookstagram #dogsandbooks #bookishlife #bookishlove #bookstagrammer #books #booklover #bookish #bookaholic #reading #readersofinstagram #instaread #ilovebooks #bookishcanadians #canadian...