A new series and a new reading partner with this one… Bunnicula by Deborah and James Howe was added to our summer reading program (with the rest of the original Bunnicula books) thanks to Gammie. She has enriched our summer learning beyond belief and we are so very very thankful! 

This is a young readers book, but as an adult I had an absolute blast reading it. To get the full experience of the book you MUST read the Editor’s Note first. (and the author write up at the end where you read about how his wife helped with the creation of this series but has since passed away) The main characters are all entertaining animals… pets actually, and their human family entertaining as well. 

This is definitely a great book for all ages. I would think my girls would enjoy it as well, though so far it feels more geared to my sons’ interests (what with the children of the family being all boys). There is a good giggle or two in there, an adventure and the potential of a new friend/permanent family member…

Is Bunnicula more than just a rabbit with unusual markings and features or are we looking at a case of mistaken identity??? Do check this book out if you get the chance! But don’t take my word for it… ask Zander! (beware of spoilers)

Zander: I like Harold because he is so smart. Harold is the dog. I like the story because it was full mystery. I think Bunnicula was the cutest thing. I think the ending was funny (there was a funny part at the end). I think anyone who knows how to read should read this book. I want to read the whole series because I like how it is full of mystery and funny parts. Not a ton of books have a lot of funny parts in them. 

And that is what he said… so check out Bunnicula and the books that follow RIGHT NOW! 

One of the reasons I absolutely LOVE Lisa Scott’s romantic short stories is that they are like little nibbles of love, laughter and mischief. I was given the opportunity to read and review THREE of her anthologies and chose to begin with the stand alone Reunion Flirts! 5 little shorts with a taste of reunion in each one.

The characters are lovable faults and all and you are ready to root for your girl from the very beginning of the story. The common thread in this anthology is the class reunion for The Central High Class of 2002. The 10th anniversary… we start with the planning committee and go from there. There are second chances, lost romance, facing your fears and proving you are more than you were… and at the end of each nibble you feel the joy of success of a romance realized.

What I loved about this anthology is that you get a taste of truly facing your past and being AMAZING in your future. For anyone who felt less than or belittled or like they were pushed into a role in high school this is the feel good book for you! I think this is why I sat down and read this anthology in one night… these feel like real people who have gone through the wringer and gone on to become stronger. You see yourself in them and though our time with each pairing is brief it feels like you know them well when you are done. Thank you Lisa Scott for an amazing feel good series of beautiful and heart felt romances that included a few giggles along the way! 

Be sure to check my OTHER reviews on some of her work HERE, HERE and HERE. I cannot rave loudly enough for these terrific contemporary romance short stories… perfect afternoon read… or all at once for a larger helping! 

I love the little blurb on the cover of the book Penelope by Anya Wylde…

It is monstrously unfair that whenever a girl needs her wits about her, she goes and does something completely idiotic.

Right there that sets the tone for this tongue in cheek regency era romance. Young Penelope has been sent to London to stay with the woman who once promised her mother to look after her. Sadly Penelope’s mother died when she was young leaving her to the not so tender mercies of her stepmother… oh and stepsisters (who are neither evil nor important to the storyline to a great degree). So she has spent much time “talking” to her mother’s portrait and growing up to be a very singular young lady in possession of a very friendly… goat?

In fact, on Amazon it is listed as a Madcap Regency Romance. I will say this is NOT a historical Regency… little care is spent making sure the manners and language of ALL characters remains in period… but the laughs are there in spades, including a rather interesting dressmaker, who was my favourite secondary character – one of my favourite lines is spoken by Madame…

Girl, let me educate you. I have the soul of a woman, and that means my bonnet jiggles for a man.

Although a close second comes from our main character discussing her emotional state in the face of the duke:

“I am frightened because of… peanuts.” “Peanuts?” Madame asked faintly. “Yes, peanuts. Beth, one of my stepsisters, is allergic to peanuts. Whenever she eats a peanut her face flushes, her tongue feels swollen, her heart starts racing, and she feels queer. I feel the same when the duke is around, so you see the only conclusion is that I am allergic to the duke. I know he does not truly want to kill me but he might do just that by simply being around me.”

This madcap miss and her duke are a joy to read, if you are willing to giggle your way through a book and not too stuck on historical minutia this could be the book for you!!!

Penelope