The Negotiator

The Negotiator by Dee Henderson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Nice clean uplifting story, but cheesy in parts. Really like-able characters and I'm looking forward to reading more in the series. I wasn't a big fan of the audiobook narrator though. His voices were hard to tell apart.

The Girl on the Train

The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

All of these characters are certifiable and unlikeable, but it's a well-crafted and fast-paced book nonetheless.

Heir to Edenbrooke

Heir to Edenbrooke by Julianne Donaldson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Definitely made me want to reread Edenbrooke! A lovely way to spend an hour.

Crocodile on the Sandbank

Crocodile on the Sandbank by Elizabeth Peters
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Super fun! Reminded me some of the Lady Emily mysteries.

The Tailor of Gloucester

The Tailor of Gloucester by Beatrix Potter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was our favorite of our Beatrix Potter unit. It's a perfect Christmastime read.

The Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck

The Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck by Beatrix Potter
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Jemima is the silliest duck going.

The Tale of Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle

The Tale of Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle by Beatrix Potter
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It was fun learning more about hedgehogs when we read this during our Beatrix Potter literature unit. I loved how clever this book was and how Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle took care of all the animals.

The Tale of Benjamin Bunny

The Tale of Benjamin Bunny by Beatrix Potter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Peter Rabbit's cousin! What could be better? And a big yay for dads.

The Tale of Peter Rabbit

The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A classic. Forever a favorite.

The Nightingale

The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The first part of this book was achingly slow, and the writing tended to be a little clumsy and melodramatic. However, I did enjoy the last 1/3 and the portrayals of strong female characters.

The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe

The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved listening to the audiobook. But, I loved even more how much my kids got into it and are already racing through the rest of the series.

Coraline

Coraline by Neil Gaiman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Mr. Gaiman himself says it's the strangest thing he's ever written, and I have to agree. Perfect for Halloween.

A Dangerous Place

A Dangerous Place by Jacqueline Winspear
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Great audio narration. But, a so-so mystery and the turn of events of Maisie's personal life made this not my favorite in this series.

Leif the Lucky

Leif the Lucky by Ingri d'Aulaire
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Loved the beautiful illustrations and written details in this story of Leif Erickson's journeys. Appropriate for grades 3-7.

Marco Polo

Marco Polo by Demi
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Visually stunning book that recounts Marco Polo's 24-year expedition to China. Appropriate for grades 4-7.