Kate Willis's Blog, page 71
May 15, 2019
Book Review: The Case of the Very Bad Cat
“I’m Mia.
I know how to write.
Why’s that a big deal?
Because… I’m a cat.”
After nearly being discovered by the scientists from Caput Laboratories and having to fake her own death, Mia has been lying low. As Christmas approaches, she gets herself temporarily adopted by College-Guy, also known as Tommy.
Something is afoot in the neighborhood, though, and when Mia is accused of leaving dead mice and birds on the neighbors’ doorstep, she’s determined to get to the bottom of it. But even the mystery isn’t what it seems.
Will Mia be able to solve the case of the Very Bad Cat? Will she be able to return home so Keith doesn’t spend Christmas all alone?” (from Goodreads)
After the sadness (and hopefulness) that was the end of book three, I’m so glad I had this one on hand. (#accidentalKUforthewin) 
May 13, 2019
Books with Friends
I love books, but even more, I love the community that can build around them. Shared stories, each seen in a slightly different light, to be discussed and loved or hated forever. 
May 11, 2019
My Bookshelf Had a Growth Spurt
I did a thing this week.
May 8, 2019
Book Review: Found
“Thirteen-year-old Jonah has always known that he was adopted, and he’s never thought it was any big deal. Then he and a new friend, Chip, who’s also adopted, begin receiving mysterious letters. The first one says, ‘You are one of the missing.’ The second one says, ‘Beware! They’re coming back to get you.’
Jonah, Chip, and Jonah’s sister, Katherine, are plunged into a mystery that involves the FBI, a vast smuggling operation, an airplane that appeared out of nowhere – and people who seem to appear and disappear at will. The kids discover they are caught in a battle between two opposing forces that want very different things for Jonah and Chip’s lives.
Do Jonah and Chip have any choice in the matter? And what should they choose when both alternatives are horrifying?” (from Goodreads)
If you ever can’t find me in a crowd, just say “this book has timey wimey and pro-life themes” and I will come running like I’m traveling with the Doctor.
I’ve begun to count on Margaret Peterson Haddix to deliver these themes, and this book was no exception.
The sibling loyalty and sleuthing were my favorites, and I loved that super suspenseful first scene. O.o. Also, I’m a fan of a certain mysterious janitor. XD
The whole “missing from history” concept was one thing I was most excited about, and I loved the little bit we got in this book. (And I hear there’s more in the rest of the series.
May 3, 2019
Plate Update: Frosting, Reviews, and Passion Week
If April showers bring May flowers, then what do May flowers bring?
Pilgrims.
(My favorite cheesy joke from preteenhood^^.
May 1, 2019
Book Review: Such a Tease
“Madeline, with a little assistance, discovers her old adversary is gaining a following in Rockland! Can she expose him for the fraud she’s sure he is?
Rockland:1901
In book two of the Meddlin’ Madeline series, Madeline Brown has a new endeavor to occupy her time. But is it to keep her out of the way or a reward for her work in Sweet on You? With the help of her young friends, Madeline discovers her old adversary is gaining a following in Rockland! What’s a girl to do?
However, her new position also gives her opportunities to observe, and what she sees sets more than one new investigation in motion. What does her old suitor, Delbert Jackson, know? Why is Mr. Merton giving important papers to that scoundrel, Vernon Smythe, and whatever happened to poor Abigail Cooper?
Add to these intriguing questions Henry Hardwick’s continued attentions, Edith’s newfound devotion to the temperance movement and Madeline’s determination to find her a more reliable suitor, and strange behavior from her Aunt Louisa and things heat up as summer fades from Rockland.
Unfortunately, her dear friend, Russell, busy with an important project at work, finds himself unable to help keep her out of trouble and away from danger. Is Madeline going too far? Will her meddling get her in serious trouble this time, will it destroy her reputation irreparably, or will she rid Rockland of a scoundrel once and for all?” (from Goodreads)
I picked up this book on a free promotion and fell head-over-heels for this series. Even though I enjoyed book one, I honestly wasn’t sure I wanted to read on, but this book convinced me.
April 30, 2019
Things This Month Taught Me
April 29, 2019
A Shiny Thing!!! (A.K.A. Cover Reveal)
Guys, a thing happened. A shiny thing.
April 26, 2019
The Avengers Book Tag
I saw Avengers: Endgame last night.
It was amazing.
I’m not sharing any spoilers.
But it was really amazing.
I couldn’t have asked for a better movie.
It’s the only movie I’ve seen so far that has had me in full-on Embarrassing Cheerleader Mom Mode, screaming, literally howling, and clapping in the theater. It was intense, and wonderful, and sooo good.
Since my brain is a little fried for writing (late night movie showing, coffee that kept me awake for a billion extra years, and lots to think about), I decided it would be fun to grab this Avengers themed book tag from Abigail Harder.
April 24, 2019
The Story Within the Story
Today’s writing session was particularly fun, since my character got to put her storytelling skills to work. It was basically a story within a letter within a story. Which is almost as confusing as it sounds. XD
As things ramp up in my story, I’m at that funny stage where I have to hold back a bit on the character arc because I don’t want things to resolve too quickly but also I have to keep moving the story along.
