Book Review: Logan Likes Mary Anne (The Baby-Sitters Club #10) by Ann M. Martin

Hello everyone,

Today’s review is on Logan Likes Mary Anne by Ann M. Martin.

This is another installment in the Baby-Sitters Club sereis that I had not read before. I am glad that got to see the start of Logan and Mary Anne’s relationship because they have been one of my favorite OTPs (one true pairing) ever since I was in 6th grade.

Logan Bruno is a new student at Stoneybrook Middle School and he catches Mary Anne’s eye, especially since he looks like one of her favorite teen heart throbs. He also has a cute accent (his family moved from Louisville, Kentucky). However, Mary Anne is really shy and does not have the courage to talk to him. Thankfully it seems like Logan is also interested in Mary Anne, and he is also intersted in joining the Baby-sitters Club – the club is in desperate need of some extra members to help with sitting jobs.

But when he attends a meeting, things get awkward especially when the girls want to talk about an incident with one of thier classmates which is embarassing to talk about in fron to Logan. But maybe, just maybe, they can figure out a way for him to be a part of the club. But will he get up the courage to ask Mary Anne out?

This was a cute installment in the series and I loved watching the start of Mary Anne and Logan’s relationship. 4/5 Stars.

Happy Reading,

Janelle L. C.

First Line Friday #30 – Maud by Melanie J. Fishbane

Hello everyone,

Welcome to another installment of First Line Fridays hosted by Hoarding Books.

Maud by Melanie J. Fishbane

“She couldn’t breathe. Sweat pooled under the weight of her long hair, soaking her lace collar.”

 

Happy Reading,

Janelle L. C.

Blog Tour and Giveaway: Her Merriweather Hero

About the Book

Book: Her Merriweather Hero

Author: Rachel Skatvold

Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance

Release Date: October 27, 2020

He just wanted a place to rest and recuperate.

She only needed a repairman to help fix up her beach house.

For marine sergeant, Tyler Banner, nothing could be further from the memories of his time in Iraq than the slow, easy pace on Merriweather Island. Taking up a job as a physical trainer serves to keep him in shape while he enjoys a little downtime. Making friends with the local vet—veterinarian, that is—on his morning jog is just a bonus.

When Kendall’s sister tricked her into recruiting Tyler’s help one day, she didn’t fortify herself against a breach to her heart. Making friends with the marine was easy, but helping him overcome the PTSD that holds him captive isn’t. As she picks her way across a minefield of memories and horrors Tyler endured, Kendall begins to hope he could be the man she’s prayed for.

Falling in love wasn’t in Tyler’s orders, but a new deployment to Iraq is. How can he convince Kendall not to go AWOL when she hears? What can he do to convince her that they’ll make it… together?

This “Merriweather book” is the fourth in a new series featuring five islands, six authors, and a boatload of happily-ever-afters.

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts

Her Merriweather Hero is the first book that I have read by Rachel Skatvold. While I didn’t completely love this book, I did enjoy it, and in some ways I wish I could have given it more attention that I was able to. However, I will say, if you are looking for a sweet, clean, beach read, this is the book for you!

I enjoyed revisiting Merriweather Island and we get to see more of Mallory Barrows in this installment, which I loved, plus there are mentions of Beth’s food truck too. I like it when books in a series, even if the installments are written by different authors, there are threads to the previous books. I also liked that we got to see the start of another one of the mobile businesses starting up, I’ve really enjoyed reading the origin stories of these businesses, and even the impact they have on various people on the islands.

Character-wise I liked all the characters. Kendall was a great character and I loved how we also get to know some of her quirks, especially those related to her job as a vet. I also liked Tyler, however I did find him slightly annoying in that he isn’t honest with her when he starts having spells of PTSD, instead he makes her think that he is no longer interested in pursuing a relationship with her, and there are other things that he takes his time revealing to her. However, he is a great match for her and he does truly care for her. I also loved how he does his best to take care of his sister and kids after her husband died.

Overall, I really liked this book, however there were a few character flaws that I personally didn’t like, but that could also have been due to the mood I was in when I read Her Merriweather Hero. However, I am very excited to read more installments in the Independence Islands series, and I do hope we get to revisit Kendall and Tyler later down the road. I’m also hoping to check out more of Rachel Skatvold’s books in the future! 3.5/5 Stars.

About the Author

Rachel Skatvold is a Christian author and stay-at-home mom from the Midwest. She enjoys writing inspirational romance and encouraging blogs. Rachel completed her first series, the Riley Family Legacy Novellas in 2014 and is now working on the Hart Ranch Series, set in the Montana wilderness and the Ladies of Ardena Series, set in medieval times. She is also a contributing author in the Whispers in Wyoming, Brides of Pelican Rapids and Independence Island Series. Other than writing, some of her hobbies include singing, reading and camping in the great outdoors with her husband and two young sons. You can find more information about Rachel and her books on her website: www.rachelskatvold.com.

More from Rachel

Her Merriweather Hero has been one of the most challenging, yet rewarding stories I have written. Often when I am starting a new book, I immerse myself in the world-building process, which involves a lot of research and notetaking. This time around, I had the amazing opportunity to work with Celebrate Lit and the authors in the Independence Islands Series to map out these beautiful island stories. It has been an exciting journey so far.

This story was inspired by my parents who met through letters while my dad was in the Marine Corps. They both came from different backgrounds, with my mom being from Massachusetts and my dad from a small town in Iowa, but their differences didn’t stop them from falling in love. For Her Merriweather Hero, I used themes of opposites attracting, New England, and the Marine Corps from my parent’s love story.

Kendall is a young veterinarian who moves to the Independence Islands with her sister to start a new mobile clinic. There, she meets Sergeant Tyler Banner who is on medical leave after a tour overseas. She tries to avoid Tyler at first, determined to concentrate on making her business a success, but over time she can’t ignore the handsome military guy who keeps ‘accidently’ crossing her path. It doesn’t help he lives a few doors down from her fixer-upper beach house. Can she continue to try to ignore him or is it true that opposites attract?

This romantic island tale is also inspired by the verses from Hebrews 6:18-19 which describe God as our anchor. The characters feel tossed around by waves of difficulties at certain parts of the story, but He is always the anchor who keeps them secured.

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 16

Daysong Reflections, November 16

Texas Book-aholic, November 17

lakesidelivingsite, November 17

Inklings and notions, November 18

21st Century Keeper at Home, November 18

Joanne Markey, November 18

For Him and My Family, November 19

Emily Yager, November 19

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 20

deb’s Book Review, November 20

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 21

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, November 21

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, November 21

Artistic Nobody, November 22 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Rebecca Tews, November 22

Ashley’s Bookshelf, November 23

The Cafe Scholar, November 23

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, November 24

Adventures of a Travelers Wife, November 24

The Meanderings of a Bookworm, November 24

Aryn The Libraryan 📚, November 25

She Lives To Read, November 25

Simple Harvst Reads, November 26 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Livin’ Lit, November 26

Sara Jane Jacobs, November 27

Rebekah Reads, November 27

Connect in Fiction, November 27

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 28

Life, Love, Writing, November 28

Blossoms and Blessings, November 29

Batya’s Bits, November 29

Godly Book Reviews, November 29

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Rachel is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/103a0/her-merriweather-hero-celebration-tour-giveaway

Book Review: The Ghost at Dawn’s House (The Baby-sitters Club #9) by Ann M. Martin

Hello everyone,

Today’s review is on The Ghost at Dawn’s House by Ann M. Martin.

It is nearing the end of summer and Dawn has just returned from a trip to California to visit her dad. With her mom working and her brother keeping to himself, Dawn discovers a secret passageway that connects her room to the barn on her house’s property. However, she starts to hear noises from the passageway and is convinced that there is a ghost hiding out there. Her suspicions seem to be confirmed when she starts to find “artifacts” in the tunnel. Not only is she trying to figure out what to do about the ghost, but other members of the Baby-Sitters Club find themselves faced with scared kids once news gets out about the ghost.

Eventually Dawn starts to have a hunch about who or what might be making noises in the passageway and tests her theory out. The ghost turns out to be Nicky Pike, who often wanders around the neighborhood, especially to get some time away from his seven siblings. Once the mystery is solved, Dawn decides to have some fun with her friends by not telling them about her recent discovery.

I enjoyed rereading this, it was a fun and also mysterious read that had a satisfactory ending. Even though it isn’t a part of the Baby-Sitters Club Mysteries series, it made me curious to revisit them. I also like how through the solving of this mystery we get to see some of the advantages and disadvantages of growing up in a big family. 4/5 Stars.

Happy Reading,

Janelle L. C.

First Line Friday #29 – Zodiac by Romina Russell

Hello everyone,

Welcome to another installment of First Line Fridays hosted by Hoarding Books.

Zodiac by Romina Russell

“When I think of home, I see blue. The swirling blue of the seawater, the infinite blue of the sky, the brilliant blue of Mom’s gaze.” 

Happy Reading,

Janelle L. C.

Book Review: Boy-Crazy Stacey (The Baby-Sitters Club #8) by Ann M. Martin

Hello everyone,

Today’s review is on Boy-Crazy Stacey by Ann M. Martin.

Stacey and Mary Anne are headed to Sea City as mother’s helpers for the Pike family (the Pikes have eight kids!). Even though they will be babysitting for msot of the trip, both girls are excited to go. Things start out smoothly until Stacey meets a hunky 17 year old lifeguard and does everything she can to get his attention, even though it means neglecting her babysitting duties. Mary Anne tries to be patient, but also tries to talk some sense into Stacey, however she soon becomes fed up when she constantly left to do all the work herself.

Things eventually come to  a head when Stacey is left heartbroken after discovering that Scott, the lifeguard, has a girlfriend. But there is another boy closer to Stacey’s age who might be able to help her pick up the pieces of her broken heart. Meanwhile back in Stoneybrook, Kristy has a disaster while babysitting Karen and Andrew, her step-siblings, she gets preoccupied with an emergency with her dog that she doesn’t see them wash Watson’s car with steel wool instead of a sponge (!).

This is another isntallment in the series that I had not read before, mainly because I was never able to find it at the library or used bookstore as a kid.

I enjoyed it, I felt like there some important lessons that can be learned, namely the issues with being boy-crazy that can be caused. Also to beware of crushes that cause one to start alienating their friends.

I can see how some might be annoyed by Stacey’s actions, however they were very realistic as to how a 12/13 year old girls acts when they have a crush on someone…I mean I know I acted like that when I was in a similar situation.

I also liked that we got to see how Kristy is adjusting to life with her stepfamily and some of the shenanigans that Karen and Andrew get up to under Kristy’s care.

Overall, another great installment to this series. 4/5 Stars.

Happy Reading,

Janelle L. C.

Book Review: Claudia and the Mean Janine (The Baby-Sitters Club #7) by Ann M. Martin

Hello everyone,

Today’s review is on Claudia and the Mean Janine by Ann M. Martin.

It’s the week after Kristy’s mom’s wedding and Kristy has a new idea for the club – a day camp for their regulars for several days in the morning. Claudia can’t wait to get started. However, after another argument with her older sister, Janine, and a disagreement with Mimi (her grandmother), Mimi has a stroke.

Claudia is wracked with guilt and feels like it is her fault that Mimi had the stroke, so she volunteers tos tay at home with her during the day and help her with the various verbal and physical exericses she has to do in order to recover from the effects of the stroke.

I liked this installment, however I also felt like the title was once again misleading because Claudia and Janine do not have a lot of fights, most of the time they just ignore each other. And as far as Janine being mean, she isn’t really – a lot of the times she is goaded by Claudia.

I apprciate how this tackles the topic of a close relative having a stroke and even the guilt that can sometime afflict the other family members. I did appreciate that Claudia and Mimi get to have a conversation in which Mimi reassures Claudua that the stroke was not her fault.

Whiel Claudia is taking care of Mimi, we also get snippets of how the other Baby-sitters Club members are getting along with the day camp. Overall, this was another good installment that tackles an issue that is important. 4/5 Stars.

Happy Reading,

Janelle L. C.

First Line Friday #28 – Magonia by Maria Dahvana Headley

Hello everyone,

Welcome to another installment of First Line Fridays hosted by Hoarding Books.

Magonia by Maria Dahvana Headley 

“My history is hospitals. This is what I tell people when I’m in a mood to be combination funny and stressful, which is a lot of the time.” 

Happy Reading,

Janelle L. C.

Book Review: Kristy’s Big Day (The Baby-Sitters Club #6) by Ann M. Martin

Hello everyone,

Today’s review is on Kristy’s Big Day by Ann M. Martin.

Kristy’s Big Day follows Kristy and the beginning of the summer and her mom and Watson  have finally set a date for their wedding in the Fall. However, when something comes up with Ms. Thomas’ job and a realtor finds a buyer for the house, the wedding is moved up to two and half weeks away at the end of June.

To add more stress to the situtation, various family members and friends descend on Stoneybrook to offer a helping hand, but they all have kids. However, Kristy and her mom come up with a plan to help keep the kids occupied – the Baby-sitters Club will babysit all 14 kids for 5 days while all the parents help with the preparations for the wedding.

Once again, I really enjoyed this installment in the series, especially since it covers the excitement and stress of a wedding. However, it also deals with the difficulty of having life drastically change – in Kristy’s case it both gaining a stepfather and having to move to a new house. I think this is one of the things I have been enjoying during my reread of the Baby-Sitters Club books – they are fun reads, but yet they deal with real issues that many kids face. 5/5 Stars.

Happy Reading,

Janelle L. C.

Book Review: Dawn and the Impossible Three (The Baby-sitters’ Club #5) by Ann M. Martin

Hello everyone,

Today’s review is on Dawn and the Impossible Three by Ann M. Martin.

Dawn is a member of the Baby-sitters Club, but she still feels like an outsider, especially since the other four members each have an official position in the club. Also, Kristy is jealous of her blossoming friendship with Mary Anne, especially when Mary Anne tels her first – and enlists her help – that she is redecorating her room. Also, they continue to grow closer when Mary Anne’s dad and Dawn’s mom – who used to be high school sweethearts – start dating again.

In an effort to prove herself to Kristy, Dawn takes on a babysitting job for the Barretts. However, the Barretts are a handful and Mrs. Barrett constantly forgets to give her important information, including emergency number, and the house is always a mess! The children are not complete terrors, but Mrs. Barrett continuously calls on Dawn to babysit, mor so than is reasonable. Everything comes to a head when one of the Barrett children disappears and Dawn doesn’t know how to get a hold of Mrs. Barret, will this be her final time baby sitting the Barretts?

I liked this instalment in the Baby-sitters Club series, however the title is way more overdramatic than what actually ends up happening in the novel.

I also liked how throughout the novel we see how divorce can affect a family, especially in the early aftermath of one. We see how it can cause chaos, especially for a peresnt who used to stay at home, but now has to become the provider of the family. I also appreciate how we see Dawn making friends with the other members of the BSC, especially Kristy, who is usually jealous of her. 4/5 Stars.

Happy Reading,

Janelle L. C.