Blog Tour and Giveaway: Ellie's Dancing Shoes

Confidence is essential in all areas of life, but it can be challenging to instill this confidence in children, especially when they are participating in sports, dance, or other competitive activities. Once self-doubt takes hold, it becomes difficult for kids to find the courage to believe in themselves. I greatly appreciate picture books that encourage children to dream big and have faith in their abilities. Today, I want to share a picture book titled Ellie's Dancing Shoes by Scott Sollers, which explores many of these important themes.

 

Learn More About the Book:

 

Ellie's Dancing Shoes 

Written by Scott Sollers

Illustrated by Bryan Janky

Ages: 4-8 | 38 Pages

Publisher: Mascot Books (2025) | ISBN: 979-8891383418

Publisher’s Book Summary: There is nothing Ellie wants more than to become a ballerina.

Every day she practices her stretches, leaps, twirls, and jumps. But Ellie doesn’t believe in herself. Her self-doubt gets in the way, and when she stretches, she slips. When she bends, she falls over. When she leaps, she slides. When she twirls or jumps, she gets all twisted and slumped over.

Until one day, her parents gave Ellie her grandmother’s magical dancing shoes. Soon, there are only graceful jumps, beautiful leaps, and dizzying twirls.

When the day of Ellie’s audition to become a ballerina arrives, her magic dancing shoes are lost. Will Ellie find them in time before her audition, or must she perform without them?

A beautifully illustrated story that shows children that their magic can be found within.

 

You can purchase your own copy of Ellie's Dancing Shoes at Bookshop, Barnes and Noble, and Amazon. Also, you can learn more about Scott Sollers by visiting his website and connecting with him on Facebook and Instagram.

 

The Giveaway:

 

I've partnered with Expound Publicity to host a fantastic giveaway to celebrate the publication of Ellie's Dancing Shoes. One lucky winner will receive a hardcover copy of Ellie's Dancing Shoes. Good luck!

  Ellie's Dancing Shoes: Book Giveaway  

 

Book Review: Say You'll Remember Me by Abby Jimenez

 

Pages: 386

Genre: Romance

Pub. Date: April 1, 2025

Publisher: Grand Central

Source: Personal Copy

Other Books By Author: Just for the Summer,

Part of Your World, and Yours Truly

My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Goodreads says, "There might be no such a thing as a perfect guy, but Xavier Rush comes disastrously close. A gorgeous veterinarian giving Greek god vibes—all while cuddling a tiny kitten? Immediately yes. That is until Xavier opens his mouth and proves that even sculpted gods can say the absolute wrong thing. Like, really wrong. Of course, there’s nothing Samantha loves more than proving an asshole wrong…

. . . unless, of course, he can admit he made a mistake. But after one incredible and seemingly endless date—possibly the best in living history—Samantha is forced to admit the truth, that her family is in crisis and any kind of relationship would be impossible. Samantha begs Xavier to forget her. To remember their night together as a perfect moment, as crushing as that may be.

Only no amount of distance or time is nearly enough to forget that something between them. And the only thing better than one single perfect memory is to make a life—and even a love—worth remembering."

 

 

Samantha Diaz brings her rescue cat to her vet and things do not go smoothly. Surly veterinarian, Xavier, tells her that the cat has a genetic defect and should be put down. Samantha doesn't listen to him and fundraises for her cat's care. After her cat has life-saving surgery, she returns to the vet and Xavier tries to smooth things over as they do have some chemistry. He appreciates that she cares about animals and challenges him, so he asks her out on a date. She agrees and what ensues is a fantastic first date complete with an alien-themed escape room. Things don't go well on the date (not their fault!) but the challenging situations only amplify their undeniable connection. Things are too good to be true, because the very next day, Samantha is moving 2,000 miles across the country to deal with family issues. Her family issues are getting difficult for Samantha and she encourages Xavier to just forget about her. But as time goes on, they both realize they can't simply forget what they share. Can they make a long-distance relationship work? It will require sacrifice on both ends and readers wonder if they are ready for this. Abby Jimenez's Say You'll Remember Me is a heartfelt romance that touches on many heavy issues, but overall, is a satisfying romance.
 
I really enjoyed the character of Samantha from the start of Say You'll Remember Me. She is well-developed, complex, and not one-dimensional in the least. Jimenez did a good job bringing her to life and sharing some of her baggage and challenges with her family. She is moving home to take care of her mother who has early-onset dementia. Jimenez illustrates how this health issue can impact the entire family and how complex it can be. Despite all of her family issues, she tries to forget about Xavier, but she can't and it's the same on his end.
 
Xavier is a grumpy veterinarian that readers can't help but love in Say You'll Remember Me. Like Samantha, he is also a well-written and a complex character who is dealing with his own childhood trauma. Both Samantha and Xavier have to tackle their issues as their relationship progresses and I enjoyed their blossoming love story despite the distance between the two.
 
While this isn't my favorite of Jimenez's novels, I still appreciated the romance even though it felt heavy at times. Dementia, elder care, and childhood trauma are all heavy topics that at times felt a bit too melancholy for me, but by the end, Jimenez does a good job balancing it all. This novel is perfect for readers who want a beach read that will tug on your heartstrings. So, in the comments let me know if you are a fan of Jimenez and if you have read Say You'll Remember Me.

Blog Tour and Giveaway: Ode to a Pug: THAT CAT!

 

I love everything about dogs, so I am excited to share this first book in an adorable series featuring a squishy pug that is sure to steal your heart. Cat lovers will also enjoy this story, as the pug has to adjust to a new member of the family. Animal lovers will truly appreciate Ode to a Pug: THAT CAT!

 

 Learn More About the Book:

 

Ode to a Pug: THAT CAT! 

By Jill Rosen

Illustrated by Stephanie Rohr

Ages: 3-6 | 22 Pages

Publisher: Pug House Books (2025) | ISBN: 978-1-0692261-1-2

Publisher’s Book Summary: From the author of the award-winning Ode to a Pug comes Ode to a Pug: THAT CAT! – the first in a series of amusing, adorably illustrated stories starring the gassy little pug that started it all. 

Hilarious pug Phoebe is back, but she is not alone. See what happens when an unexpected new member enters the household.

Follow the silly antics as our number one velcro dog wrestles with sharing the spotlight. Of course, with its classic curly tail and squishy face, only a pug can pull off being both naughty and irresistible.

Double the chaos. Double the fun. Another laugh-out-loud, read-aloud story perfect for children ages 2-8 and dog (and cat!) lovers of all ages.

 

You can purchase your own copy of Ode to a Pug: THAT CAT! at Amazon. You can also learn more about Jill Rosen by visiting her website and connecting with her on Instagram.

 

The Giveaway:

 

I've partnered with Jill Rosen to host a fantastic giveaway to celebrate the publication of Ode to a Pug: THAT CAT! Enter for a chance to win one of twelve signed hardcover copies of the book. In addition, one lucky winner will receive a custom 4″ pug plush and a die-cut pug sticker. Good luck! Ode to Pug (That Cat!): Book Giveaway

A Guide to the Best Beach Reads of the Summer

 

My favorite season is almost here and I love to compile a list of all the best beach reads for the summer. There are so many exciting books coming out. Bookmark this page so when you go to the library or bookstore, you know what beach reads are coming out to keep you happy all summer long. There's something here for everyone!

 

 

April:

 

The Sirens by Emilia Hart

Pub. Date: April 1, 2025

 

Say You'll Remember Me by Abby Jimenez 

Pub. Date: April 1, 2025

The Griffin Sisters' Greatest Hits by Jennifer Weiner 

Pub. Date: April 8, 2025

Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry 

Pub. Date: April 22, 2025

The Summer Light on Nantucket by Nancy Thayer 

 Pub. Date: April 22, 2025

 The Amalfi Curse by Sarah Penner

 Pub. Date: April 29, 2025

May:

 

One Golden Summer by Carley Fortune

Pub. Date: May 6, 2025 

Parents Weekend by Alex Finlay

Pub. Date: May 6, 2025

Beach House Rules by Kristy Woodson Harvey

Pub. Date: May 13, 2025

Where the Rivers Merge by Mary Alice Monroe 

Pub. Date: May 13, 2025 

Maine Characters by Hannah Orenstein 

Pub. Date: May 13, 2025

The Love Haters by Katherine Center 

Pub. Date: May 20, 2025 

The Last Ferry Out by Andrea Bartz 

Pub. Date: May 20, 2025

Songs of Summer by Jane L. Rosen 

Pub. Date: May 20, 2025

It's a Love Story by Annabel Monaghan 

Pub. Date: May 27, 2025

Five Oaks by Julie Hensley 

Pub. Date: May 27, 2025

 

The Martha Vineyard's Beach and Book Club by Martha Hall Kelly 

Pub. Date: May 27, 2025

Mansion Beach by Meg Mitchell Moore 

Pub. Date: May 27, 2025

Problematic Summer Romance by Ali Hazelwood 

Pub. Date: May 27. 2025

June:

Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Pub. Date: June 3, 2025  

 

Slow Burn Summer by Josie Silver 

Pub. Date: June 10, 2025 

 

Sounds Like Love by Ashley Poston 

Pub. Date: June 17, 2025 

Beach Reads and Deadly Deeds by Allison Brennan 

Pub. Date: June 17, 2025 

 

Don't Let Him In by Lisa Jewell 

Pub. Date: June 24, 2025

July:

 

Our Last Vineyard Summer by Brooke Lea Foster 

Pub. Date: July 1, 2025

The Lost Story of Eva Fuentes by Chanel Cleeton 

Pub. Date: July 1, 2025

 

 

These Summer Storms by Sarah MacLean 

Pub. Date: July 8, 2025  

  

All the Men I've Loved Again by Christine Pride

Pub. Date: July 8, 2025

  

The View from Lake Como by Adriana Trigiani 

Pub. Date: July 8, 2025  

  

Everyone is Lying to You by Jo Piazza

Pub. Date: July 15, 2025

  

Friends to Lovers by Sally Blakely 

Pub. Date: July 22, 2025 

 

 

The Last Carolina Summer by Karen White 

Pub. Date: July 22, 2025

 

 

The Sandy Page Bookshop by Hannah McKinnon

Pub. Date: July 22, 2025

Under the Stars by Beatriz Williams 

Pub. Date: July 29, 2025

 

 So, what books are you looking forward to reading this summer? Let me know in the comments below.

10 Books to Read in May

 

May is always one of the best reading months; there are so many great books coming out. Beach read season is almost here and slowly the summer reads start coming out. There are so many to look forward to; it's hard to narrow it down to just ten. 

 

1. Mansion Beach by Meg Mitchell Moore (5/27)

 This novel follows "a young woman entwined in the opulent lives of her neighbors on Block Island, set against a backdrop of scandal, secrets, and a not-so-subtle love triangle."

 

 

2. Maine Characters by Hannah Orenstein (5/13)

This "love letter to lake life is “the Parent Trap for adults,” the story of two half-sisters who meet for the first time at their father’s cabin in Maine after his unexpected death."

 

 

3. Beach House Rules by Kristy Woodson Harvey (5/27)

"A moving new novel about a mother-daughter duo learning to lean on their community of women—and each other—after their world is turned upside down."

 

 

4. The Martha's Vineyard Beach and Book Club by Martha Hall Kelly (5/27)

"Two sisters living on Martha’s Vineyard during World War II find hope in the power of storytelling when they start a wartime book club for women in this spectacular novel inspired by true events."

5. It's a Love Story by Annabel Monaghan (5/27)

"A novel about a former adolescent TV actress-turned-Hollywood producer whose “fake it till you make it” mantra sets her on a crash course with her past, forcing her to spend a week on Long Island with the last man she thinks might make her believe in love."

 

 

6. Problematic Summer Romance by Ali Hazelwood (5/27)

 "What is wrong meets what feels right in this romance set in Italy" from this beloved romance author.

 

 

7. One Golden Summer by Carley Fortune (5/6)

A radiant summer escape to the lake featuring Charlie from Every Summer After.

 

 

8. The Love Haters by Katherine Center (5/20)

 "A documentary unites two people who are jaded about love in the sparkling" novel that takes place at the Florida Keys.

 

 

9. The Last Ferry Out by Andrea Bartz (5/20)

"On a trip to the tropical paradise where her fiancée died, a young woman begins to suspect the death was no accident—and the killer’s still on the island."

 

 

10. Where The Rivers Merge by Mary Alice Monroe (5/13)

This is the first of two "epic and triumphant novels celebrating one intrepid woman's life across multiple generations in the American South."

 

 

 

These are the books I have my eye on this month. Let me know in the comments which books you are looking forward to reading.