Jane Litte's Blog, page 125

REVIEW: Boris and Stella and the Perfect Gift by Dara Goldman

Boris is a musician, playing the songs he learned growing up in Russia. Stella is a baker, baking cakes and pastries like her father used to back in Italy. Boris and Stella live in the city and are best friends. They like movies, hats, and each other. At holiday time, Stella wants to give Boris the perfect present for Hanukkah. She wants him to know how special he is. Boris wants to give Stella the perfect present for Christmas—she means so much to him. But perfect presents cost money and thei...

REVIEW: Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins by Eric A. Kimmel, illustrated by Trina Schart Hyman

A classic Hanukkah tale, now available in a beautiful anniversary edition. A Caldecott Honor book.

On the first night of Hanukkah, a weary traveler named Hershel of Ostropol eagerly approaches a village, where plenty of latkes and merriment should warm him.

But when he arrives not a single candle is lit. A band of frightful goblins has taken over the synagogue, and the villagers cannot celebrate at all! Hershel vows to help them. Using his wits, the clever trickster faces down one goblin afte...

NEW RELEASES: Week of December 15, 2020

Wide Availability


Her Marine Next Door by Aliyah Burke: $ 2.99

AMZN | iBooks | BN | Kobo | Google Play

Contemporary



Self Sacrifice by Anya Summers: $ 4.99

AMZN | iBooks | BN | Kobo | Google Play

Contemporary



Personal Foul by Brooke O’Brien: $ 2.99

AMZN | iBooks | BN | Kobo | Google Play

Contemporary



Nash Brothers Box Set by Carrie Aarons: $ 2.99

AMZN | iBooks | BN | Kobo | Google Play

Contemporary



A Very Montgomery Christmas by Carrie Ann Ryan: $ 0.99

AMZN | iBooks | BN | Kobo | Googl...

REVIEW: Off Limits Attraction (The Heirs of Hansol 3) by Jayci Lee

Mixing business with pleasure changes the entire script…

But that’s no reason to stop…

Jihae Park’s icy heiress facade is quickly melting—all because of Colin Song. A fling with the sexy film producer could jeopardize her one shot at achieving her own success—and the movie they’re making together. But resistance to her searing attraction—and Colin’s breathtaking bedroom skills—proves futile. Even as Colin’s ulterior motives threaten to destroy their chance at a picture-perfect ending…

Dear Ms...

Tuesday Good News

There’s nothing like a cute puppy or kitty story to warm the cockles of my heart.

Who’s a cute puppy – Marshmallow, that’s who. When serviceman Patrick Brady saw the little puppy, he immediately fell in love with her. She and other puppies helped the troops’ morale when they had to quarantine on base due to the pandemic. When it came time for him to return to the US, he contacted SPCA International which helps US troops bring home the pets they’ve bonded with while overseas. The pandemic has ad...

REVIEW: Beowulf by Bryher

In this reprint of a classic of wartime literature by historical novelist Bryher, life in London during the Blitz is depicted with realism, empathy, and humor

Eighty years ago, the city of London became the target of a relentless bombing campaign by Nazi Germany during WWII that has come to be known as the Blitz. From the period between 1940-1945, over 20,000 Londoners were killed and half a million lost their homes. Bryher, who lived through a good part of those years in London, has provided ...

REVIEW: Clara’s Soldier: A Retelling of the Nutcracker by Brittany Fichter

A bride-to-be without answers.

A soldier who never came home.

A nutcracker that might hold one last Christmas wish…

World War II has been over for three months, but Clara can’t join in the Christmas festivities with her friends and family. The fiance she sent off to Europe three years ago never returned. But just as she’s about to give up hope, her godfather might just have one last miracle up his sleeve.

And it all begins with a nutcracker.

Dear Ms. Fichter, 

I wasn’t quite prepared for the ...

REVIEW: When the Tiger Came Down the Mountain (The Singing Hills Cycle Book 2) by Nghi Vo

The cleric Chih finds themself and their companions at the mercy of a band of fierce tigers who ache with hunger. To stay alive until the mammoths can save them, Chih must unwind the intricate, layered story of the tiger and her scholar lovera woman of courage, intelligence, and beautyand discover how truth can survive becoming history.

Nghi Vo returns to the empire of Ahn and The Singing Hills Cycle in When the Tiger Came Down the Mountain, a mesmerizing, lush standalone follow-up to The...

Friday Good News

Florida Man  Okay, show of hands. How many people read a headline that includes this descriptor and either cringe at or smirk at what you expect to read has been done? Yeah, Florida Man, has given the Sunshine State a bad rep. But Michael Esmonds actions show that not all men from Florida do stupid or outrageous things.

A Florida business owner who was once down on his luck is giving back by covering the utility bills of 114 families who were facing disconnection.

Esmonds business has...

REVIEW: A Bridge to Love by Lee Colgin

Everyone knows a proper troll must never leave his post. Arlo is thrilled to have his own bridge to guard, though its a lonely job. A troll should enjoy being alone, but Arlo has never been very good at being a troll. He longs for companionship, but guards that secret like he guards his bridge.

Toby, a cheerful wolf shifter, serves as a messenger between villages. When his route is suddenly blocked by a fearsome troll, he must charm his way across the bridge. Little does he know, hes...