I read: The Big Dreams Beach Hotel

The Big Dreams Beach Hotel by Michelle Gorman writing as Lilly Bartlett
(Carlton Square Book 3)

I'm not sure why this particular book is considered part of the Carlton Square series of books because there are no related characters.  However, it was just as adorable (and also annoying) as the other two books that are part of the series.

I enjoyed that the Hotel itself was part of the cast of characters, and that there were characters who were not who you expected them to be.

I read: Your Baby's First World Will be Dada & Everything is Mama

Your Baby's First Word Will be Dada & Everything is Mama by Jimmy Fallon

Combining these into one post, because I actually got them in a box set. This doesn't count as a review, because really, the number of words in a review would probably exceed the number of words in the two books combined. 

They're really just adorable. And anyone who really knows me, knows I have some feels for Jimmy Fallon so of course I had to pick these up. It's such a cute concept, and while it obviously is not great literature, the books are well done and the drawings are so cute.

Another post where the reading just made me smile.  I know it's not of any substance at all, but who said everything we read has to be of great value.  If it's making me happy right now, I'm all for it. No need for more stress.

If you know kids in the right age for these books, definitely pick them up. They're great.

#12/13-2020

I read: The Best of Archie Americana: Bronze Age 1980s - 1990s

The Best of Archie Americana: Bronze Age 1980s - 1990s

This one won't really be any kind of review. I read Archie comics when I was a kid, the way that I drink water now. It was constant.  Every time I was anywhere that had a new one I wanted to have it. I devoured them.

Somewhere along the way, despite my voracious need to hoard all things books, I chose to give my Archies away. I didn't own ANY of them anymore. So when I came across a few compilation books I got a little bit excited. I remember how much joy I found in those silly stories.

This one, in particular, includes my precise era of reading, and so I had to pick it up. The completist in me says that I need to also get the rest of the set, as this is actually the third book, but I really only read Archies in the 80s, so this is the book that means something.

I really did enjoy it. The jokes are awful, and repetitive, but it's perfectly mindless fun to read, and that is exactly what I needed right now. I'm tucking this away on my shelf for another moment when I just need some simple joy and nostalgia.

#11-2020

I read: Chain of Gold

Chain of Gold by Cassandra Clare 
(Book 1: The Last Hours)

I've been anxiously awaiting the release of this book, which was delayed and delayed and then released the week before I was expecting.  So I was doubly upset to get a head cold that made me unable to read it as quickly as I would have liked.  I just wanted to sleep.

But I am excited to have finished it, and it was worth the wait and then the delay because I very, very much enjoyed the adventure and am waiting for the next book in the series, whenever that might be.

I read: Second Chance Cafe in Carlton Square

Second Chance Cafe in Carlton Square by Michele Gorman as Lilly Bartlett

(Carlton Square Book 2)

Next book in the series - still silly, and simple and quick to read.  Nothing much more to say about this one. I enjoyed it, but only because it's simple and fluffy. I was engaged, but only to the last page. I don't really care to know what happens beyond the end of this particular story.

There were a few moments when I wanted to scream about how moronic the characters were. Sometimes things were way, way too obvious and the characters weren't able to figure out what was going on. I guess it's akin to having blinders on in our own lives - you only see what you're looking for.

Anyway, 3 stars because the stories are cute, but not really worth much in the long run.

#09-2020

I read: The Big Little Wedding in Carlton Square

The Big Little Wedding in Carlton Square by Michele Gorman as Lilly Bartlett
(Carlton Square Book 1)

I picked up this book from the 3 for $10 table at Chapters/Indigo a couple of months ago. There were three books by the same author and I thought, well then, that's fate.  Apparently, the three books are also a series. So I took them along on the cruise because they looked as though they'd be quick, fun and quirky to read. Which this one definitely proved to be.