The Pig War by Emma Bland Smith

Title: The Pig War

Author: Emma Bland Smith

Genre: Juvenile Non-fiction

Did you know that a pig rooting for potatoes almost started a war? I didn't until I read The Pig War: How a Porcine Tragedy Taught England and America to Share by Emma Bland Smith. In 1859, on a small island in the Pacific Northwest shared by the English and Americans, a British pig eats some American taters and it escalates into a military standoff. The story of the back and forth responses shows how a simple action can result in a greater conflict, but also demonstrates how cooler heads can prevail when things seem dire. This is a good lesson for those who are quick to anger and vindication for anyone who's willing to use mediation to solve a problem.

I enjoyed how the author proposed several reasons why each side behaved as they did, but still managed to show how that it didn't excuse such a sorry result. Every page has gorgeous color illustrations to move the story along. I highly recommend this new historical children's book.

- Sarah R.

Check out The Pig War by Emma Bland Smith @ the library!

Books! Live with Katie 2.24.2021

Katie shares some of her favorite Romance Books with readers! Here are some of the books she shared: Spoiler Alert by Olivia Dade Hundred Oakes series by Miranda Kenneally It Had to be You by Susan Elizabeth Phillips Intercepted by Alexa Martin Mister Hockey by Lia Riley Check, Please! by Ngozi Ukazu Wife 22 by Melanie Gideon The Princess Diaries by Meg Cabot

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V. E. Schwab

Title: The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue

Author: V. E. Schwab

Genre: Fantasy

Never make a deal with the gods that answer after dark. Wise words from Adeline's neighbor that in a moment of desperation she decides to ignore. What follows is a deal with the devil that will allow her to live free but not be remembered. Follow Addie as she navigates the extent of her curse. Will she continue to confound death or will she give up and walk to him with open arms?

I am generally not a time-traveling story person, but I really liked this one - just be sure to note the date at the start of each chapter because it does skip around from past to present.

- Sarah R.

Check out The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V. E. Schwab @ the library!

Hideaway by Nora Roberts

Title: Hideaway

Author: Nora Roberts

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Members of the Sullivan family have been big names in the entertainment industry for generations. Caitlyn Sullivan grew up in the business as a child actor. At 10 she is kidnapped, but when the job doesn't go as planned, the lives of all involved will never be the same. A tale of jealousy, revenge, love and family ties plays out against the backdrops of California, New York, and Ireland.

- Sarah R.

Check out Hideaway by Nora Roberts @ the library!

The Love Study by Kris Ripper

Title: The Love Study

Author: Kris Ripper

Genre: Contemporary LGBTQ+

Declan has a reputation of being a bit of a commitment-phobe: he doesn't want to be anything but a temp worker and he left his last boyfriend at the altar. When he meets Sidney, he's willing to put that aside and try to know them better.

Sidney, known to their YouTube fans as Your Spinster Uncle, decides to work with Declan to delve deeper into the current dating sphere. People contact Sidney, a date with Declan is set up, and after the date Declan gives his impressions for The Love Study. As one might expect, Declan and Sidney start having chemistry of their own.

I loved the conversational tone of this book - the reactions and friend-interactions are so genuine and relatable - even if you aren't LGBTQ+. It did take me a bit to get used to the they/them designation for the flow reading-wise, but it is an enjoyable story and worth it.

- Sarah R.

Check out The Love Study by Kris Ripper @ the library!