Blog Tour and Giveaway: Mrs. Gourd

If you're like me and feel flustered by the bedtime routine, you will find Jody Bucher's new picture book, Mrs. Gourd, incredibly relatable. Mrs. Gourd comes to chat with kids, help bedtime go smoothly, and leave children with smiles on their faces. What more could a parent ask for? This picture book is perfect to share with little ones when the bedtime routine has become anything but routine! 

 

Learn More About the Book:

 

 

Mrs. Gourd

 

Written by Jody Bucher

 

Illustrated by Monica Violet Joy & Asha Butler

 

Ages: 4+ | 40 Pages

 

Publisher: Ingram Spark (2026) | ISBN: Hardcover: 979-8-9894987-1-0 | Paperback: 979-8-9894987-0-3

 

Publisher’s Book Summary: "Anyone who’s had to put children to bed knows how unpredictable the routine of bedtime can be. Enter—Mrs. Gourd. When Mom finds herself at her wits’ end, Mrs. Gourd’s unexpected arrival changes the course of bedtime—in a good way. Taking charge in her persnickety, silly way, Mrs. Gourd wrangles in bedtime, leaving the reader amused, and best of all, those little ones drifting off into dreamland. When all else fails, it’s Mrs. Gourd to the rescue!"

 

You can purchase your own copy of Mrs. Gourd at Bookshop, Barnes & Noble, and Amazon. To learn more about Jody Bucher, you can visit her website and connect with her on Instagram.   

 

Enter the Giveaway: 

 

 

I've partnered with Jody Bucher to host a giveaway to celebrate the publication of Mrs. Gourd. Readers who follow along on this virtual book tour will have the chance to win one of five signed paperback copies of Mrs. Gourd. One lucky grand prize winner will receive a signed hardcover copy with a personal note from the author, two pairs of Mrs. Gourd dress-up glasses, a gingham check picnic blanket, and a Jellycat Bashful Toffee Puppy stuffed animal. Good luck!

 

 

Blog Tour: An Infinite Love Story by Chanel Cleeton

 

Chanel Cleeton is one of my favorite historical fiction authors, so when I had the chance to participate in Berkley's blog tour for her new novel, An Infinite Love Story, I eagerly joined. The novel was released yesterday and features a dual-timeline narrative set during the Space Race of the 1960s. I love that time period and can't wait to immerse myself in this book. I've heard it's perfect for fans of Atmosphere. Is An Infinite Love Story on your summer TBR list?

 

Learn More About the Book:

 

An Infinite Love Story by Chanel Cleeton

Pub. Date: July 7, 2026 

  

Goodreads says, "When Joe Mitchell launches into space, the world is watching. It’s 1968, and the country waits with anticipation and excitement for another successful mission, another celebration as America sets its sights on the Moon. And then comes the knock at the door.

Joe Mitchell’s spacecraft has lost contact. He and his fellow astronauts onboard are feared to be dead. It’s his wife Vivian’s worst nightmare come to life, her grief suddenly taking center stage as the nation waits and mourns. In her quiet moments, Vivian relives their memorable story, unable to accept that this is the end to a love that felt as though it was written in the stars.

As the investigation surrounding Joe’s lost spacecraft intensifies and the mishap is written off as an operator error, Vivian is determined to clear her husband’s name and uncover the mystery of what happened in space. When someone starts sending Vivian messages—messages she believes only Joe could send—she begins to wonder if their love is stronger than space and time, and she’ll do whatever it takes to bring her husband back to her. "

 

You can purchase your own copy of An Infinite Love Story at Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Books A Million, and Bookshop.  

To learn more about Chanel Cleeton, visit her website and connect with her on Facebook and Instagram. 

In the comments, let me know if you are a fan of Chanel Cleeton and if you plan on reading An Infinite Love Story this summer. 

Blog Tour and Giveaway - Ode to a Pug: I'm a BIG Dog!

If you’re a frequent blog reader, you know how much I like Jill Rosen’s Pug series of picture books as I’ve featured them on the blog before. Her latest title, Ode to a Pug: I’m a BIG Dog! is a charming new addition to the collection. 

In this story, Phoebe the pug longs to be bigger so she can join the big dog park. Many kids will relate to her predicament, since they’re often wishing to be bigger, older, and stronger themselves. I can’t wait to dive into another heartwarming adventure with this lovable little pug.

 

 

Learn More About the Book: 

Ode to a Pug: I’m a BIG Dog!

Written by Jill Rosen

Illustrated by Stephanie Rohr

Ages: 4–6 | 36 Pages

Publisher: Pug House Books Inc. (2026) | ISBN: 978-1-0695069-6-2

Publisher’s Book Summary: Anyone who has stared down a “You must be this tall to enter” sign will cheer on Phoebe’s latest quest to rule the BIG dog park the way only a pug can. Giggle along as a couple of compact canines stubbornly take on the BIG dogs in another hilarious, heart-warming adventure from the author of the award-winning Ode to a Pug books. Will our favorite gassy pug learn that the grass isn’t always greener? Or will her pug-powered determination pay off? A laugh-out-loud, adorably illustrated, rhyming tale of pup perseverance, perfect for children ages 2–8 and dog lovers of all ages.

You can purchase your own copy of Ode to a Pug: I'm a BIG Dog! at Bookshop, Barnes & Noble, and Amazon. To learn more about Jill Rosen, visit her website and connect with her on Amazon and Instagram.  

 

The Giveaway:

 

I've partnered with Pug House Books and The Children's Book Review to celebrate the publication of Ode to a Pug: I'm a BIG Dog! by Jill Rosen. Readers will have a chance to win one of five hardcover copies of the book and one grand prize winner will receive author-signed hardcover copies of Ode to a Pug: I'm a BIG Dog! and the original Ode to a Pug, plus two custom pug plushies and two die-cut stickers. To enter, click the graphic above. Good luck!

 

Blog Tour: The Summer Share by Jenn McKinlay

 

It’s beach-read season, and there are so many fantastic new books coming out this summer that you’ll want to toss in your beach or pool bag. I especially love when a beach read is set in one of my favorite escapes, so when I saw Jenn McKinlay’s latest novel, The Summer Share, I knew I had to read it and be a part of Berkley's blog tour.

 

Set in the always-irresistible Outer Banks, the story follows Hannah and Simon, complete opposites who discover they’ve inherited the same beach house. Before they decide what to do with it, they agree to share it for one unforgettable summer. This charming rom-com is sure to be the perfect addition to your summer reading plans.

 

Learn More About the Book:

 

About the Book: "When two misfits discover they’ve inherited the same beach house, sparks fly in the most unexpected ways, in this hilarious and heartfelt rom-com from the New York Times bestselling author of Summer Reading.

Free-spirited travel influencer Hannah Spencer has spent five years touring the country in her vintage van, alone save for her hulking Great Dane, Dude. Until an unexpected inheritance from her pops has Hannah thinking about putting down roots in Cape Split, North Carolina, where she’s the new owner of a worse-for-wear seaside beach house. Or, rather, fifty percent of one. Turns out Simon O’Malley inherited the other half from his gramps.

     As Simon and Hannah spend the summer tag-teaming repairs on the crumbling cottage, they discover it was once home to a timeless love story. As their own relationship shifts from enemies to friends to lovers, they begin to wonder if the house’s romantic past might be a good omen for their future together. But there’s one problem—Simon is set on selling the property at the end of the summer.

     For Hannah, the Split isn’t like anyplace she’s ever been, and Simon isn’t like any man she’s ever known—she doesn’t want to let this new life go. She just needs Simon to see their budding relationship and this newfound community in the same way, or their first summer share might also be their last.

 

You can purchase your own copy of The Summer Share at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, and Bookshop. To learn more about Jenn McKinlay, visit her website and connect with her on Facebook and Instagram. 

 

In the comments below, let me know if you are a fan of Jenn McKinlay and if you plan on reading The Summer Share this summer.  

 

Blog Tour and Giveaway: Alli the Alligator

 

I always appreciate picture books that convey a positive message, and this new one, Alli the Alligator by Cindy Miller, highlights a beautiful theme of kindness and celebrating differences. This book would make a wonderful addition to an elementary classroom and serve as a reminder that our differences are what make each of us special. 

 

Learn More About the Book:

 

Alli the Alligator

Written by Cindy Miller

Illustrated by Joan Coleman

Ages: 4–7 | 32 Pages

Publisher: BookLogix (2026) | ISBN-13: 978-1-6653-1069-7

Publisher's Book Summary: "What happens when being different makes you feel like you don't belong? Alli Gator loves swimming and playing along the banks of the Rumbly River with her family. When she discovers children nearby, she dreams of going to school just like they do. But being the only alligator in a classroom full of children isn't easy. On her first day at Swamp Elementary, the other students stare, whisper, and laugh. Just when Alli begins to lose confidence, an unexpected moment reveals her bravery and kindness—and shows everyone that differences can be a gift."

 

Readers can purchase their own copies of Alli the Alligator at Barnes & Noble, Bookshop, and Amazon. Also, to learn more about Cindy Miller, please visit her website.  

 

The Giveaway:

I've partnered with Cindy Miller and The Children's Book Review to host a giveaway to celebrate the publication of Alli the Alligator. Readers who follow along on this virtual book tour will have the chance to win a hardcover copy of Alli the Alligator by Cindy Miller. Good luck!

 

Blog Tour: Ms. Mebel Goes Back to the Chopping Block

 

You can always count on Jesse Q. Sutanto to create quirky, lovable characters. That's why I’m excited to be a part of Berkley's blog tour to showcase her latest novel, Ms. Mebel Goes Back to the Chopping Block, which comes out today. This story is sure to have readers laughing out loud, with a main character who feels like a delightful mix of Vera Wong and Elle Woods.
 

Ms. Mebel heads back to culinary school to win back her husband’s heart, except the school isn’t in France, as she thought, but rather in a sleepy British town in the countryside. Hilarious hijinks ensue, along with a truly lovable protagonist you’ll be rooting for from page one. 

 

 

Learn More About the Book:

 

Ms. Mebel Goes Back to the Chopping Block by Jesse Q. Sutanto

Pub. Date: April 28, 2026

 

 

Goodreads says, "A nearly divorced housewife enrolls in culinary school to win back her husband, only to start questioning the strange antics of her classmates in this new novel from the USA Today bestselling author of Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers.

Retirement should mean long-awaited trips to the sapphire waters of Santorini or careening down a sand dune in Dubai. For sixty-three-year-old Mebel, retirement means her husband of more than forty years announcing that he's leaving her for their private chef. Mebel isn’t sure who's the bigger loss.

Not to worry, Mebel has the perfect plan: she’s going to win back her husband. No one knows what he needs better than her—after all, she's been anticipating his needs their whole marriage. And if he wants a wife who can cook (why else would he leave her for a chef?), she will simply go to cooking school. Luckily, class at the renowned Saint Honoré School of Culinary Arts in France starts in just four days!

However, Mebel quickly realizes that her culinary school is not in illustrious Paris but rather in England—and some small village outside of Oxford no less. Despite the less-than-warm welcome from her much younger classmates, Mebel manages to befriend Gemma, the breakout star of the program, who offers to help Mebel on their first day. When Gemma stops showing up to class, Mebel knows she must figure out what—or who—caused her friend’s sudden disappearance. After all, Mebel may not know the first thing about how to cut a potato, but she certainly knows how to identify a fraud, and there’s definitely something fishy going on. 

 

You can purchase your own copy of Ms. Mebel Goes Back to the Chopping Block at Barnes & Noble, Bookshop, Amazon, and Books A Million. To learn more about Jesse Q. Sutanto, visit her webpage and connect with her on Instagram and Twitter/X.

In the comments below, let me know if you are a fan of Jesse Q. Sutanto and if you'll be adding Ms. Mebel to your spring TBR list.  

Blog Tour and Giveaway: Rescue Clickity Clack

 

Some of my very favorite books to share with young readers are about the ocean and sea life. I especially love to highlight these stories as summer approaches and the beach calls. I’m also drawn to picture books with a rhythmic, read-aloud quality and a deep appreciation for nature and marine life. That’s why I’m excited to showcase Rescue Clickity Clack: A Fun Interactive Wordplay to Save a Crab’s Day! by Debra Pehrson Haun. Kirkus Reviews calls this book “a vibrant introduction to marine biology with charming illustrations,” and I think it would be a wonderful addition to any home library. I know my two little beach bums would have loved this interactive picture book!

 

Learn More About the Book:

 

Rescue Clickity Clack: A Fun Interactive Ocean Wordplay to Save a Crab's Day!

Written and illustrated by Debra Pehrson Haun

Ages: 1-5 | 32 Pages

Publisher: BookBaby (2026) | ISBN: 979-8-9889223-1-5

Publisher’s Book Summary: "Clickity Clack, a young crab, finds himself lost and stuck in some yucky muck. He wants to get back home, but he knows he will need help to guide him. Every page turn is a new adventure to brave the waves as you rock, pop, tickle, and wiggle your way through the seas in this captivating multisensory interactive rhythmic adventure where sea stars, vibrant fish, sea turtles, hermit crabs, and a whale join in the fun. Clickity Clack celebrates being home by clicking and clacking his claws with his new friends and his Mom and Pop. Fun facts about all the sea creatures add to the educational value in this rocking, rolling, interactive, rhythmic wordplay sea adventure. BRAVE THE WAVES—YOUR ADVENTURE AWAITS!"

 

You can purchase your own copy of Rescue Clickity Clack at Barnes & Noble, BookBaby and Amazon. Also, to learn more about Debra Pehrson Haun visit her website and connect with her on Facebook and Instagram. 

 

The Giveaway:

 

I've partnered with Debra Pehrson Haun to host a giveaway to celebrate the publication of Rescue Clickity Clack. Enter for a chance to win a splash-tastic prize pack inspired by Rescue Clickity Clack! Four lucky winners will receive a signed hardcover copy of the book plus a small plush crab, and one grand prize winner will receive two toddler t-shirts featuring a crab and sea star design, a signed hardcover copy of the book, and two small plush crabs. Giveaway ends April 27, 2026, at 11:30 PM Mountain Time. Good luck!

Blog Tour: The Paris Match by Kate Clayborn

 

I adored Kate Clayborn’s Georgie, All Along, so I’m especially excited to get my hands on her latest novel, The Paris Match, which just came out this week. And honestly, doesn’t the cover just scream springtime?

Today I’m thrilled to be part of Berkley’s blog tour for The Paris Match, which seems like the perfect romance to kick off the spring season. The story follows a woman who flies to Paris for the destination wedding of her former sister-in-law, only to find herself butting heads with the deliciously gruff best man. I absolutely love the sound of it!

 

Learn More About the Book:

 

The Paris Match by Kate Clayborn

Pub. Date: April 7, 2026

 

  

Goodreads says, "Physician Layla Bailey has spent over a year telling herself she's moved on from a painful but amicable divorce from her college sweetheart. Staying friends with her ex seemed like the mature thing to do, but when Layla is invited to her former sister-in-law’s destination wedding in Paris—where Layla once spent her own romantic honeymoon—she knows her commitment to maturity might be her worst enemy…especially since her ex isn’t attending alone.

The only thing that could make the week more difficult is getting through it without the distraction of the wedding.... But when what Layla thought was a harmless conversation about the choices of her younger self leads to the bride getting cold feet, Layla finds herself facing down the groom’s mysterious, taciturn best man, Griffin, who will do anything to make sure this wedding happens.

Since she broke it, Griff demands she help him fix it. Going along with his plan to alleviate the engaged couple's doubts seems like Layla’s best chance at maintaining a good relationship with a family she once called her own. But as she learns more about the past heartbreak that’s driving Griff to help his friend, she gets closer and closer to confronting the true depth of her own pain…while finding herself more and more willing to risk it all again for Griff."

 

You can purchase your own copy of The Paris Match at Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Bookshop, and Books A Million. To learn more about Kate Clayborn, visit her website or connect with her on Instagram.  

Let me know in the comments if The Paris Match is on your spring TBR list and if you are a fan of Kate Clayborn.  

   

Blog Tour and Giveaway: Danny Can Read

 

I love discovering picture books that are perfect for early elementary classrooms, and Danny Can Read by Diana Paola Navarro Gomez is one of them. This charming title works beautifully as a read-aloud and is also bilingual, making it an excellent resource for English language learners and students curious about Spanish. Best of all, Danny Can Read celebrates the joy of reading, which is a message that will resonate with every reader.

 

 

Learn More About the Book:

 

Danny sabe leer / Danny can read

Written by Diana Paola Navarro Gómez

Illustrated by Carmen Blanco

Ages: 4–8 | 38 Pages

Publisher: Mr Momo (2025) | ISBN: 979-138-752-3121

 

Publisher's Book Summary: "Danny Can Read is a bilingual (English–Spanish) picture book that celebrates the magic of reading and the power of learning at your own pace. Dinosaur siblings Danny and Lily discover that their talents shine in different ways — and that they shine the most when they work together. Through a warm, engaging story designed for read-alouds, children explore big feelings like frustration and comparison, practice empathy, and build confidence as they see that differences aren't obstacles — they're strengths. Perfect for ages 4–8, ideal for bilingual families and for readers learning English or Spanish."

 

Readers can purchase their own copy of Danny Can Read at Amazon and learn more about Diana Paola Navarro Gomez by visiting her website and connecting with her on Instagram and as well as here. 

 

 

The Giveaway:

 

 

I've partnered with Diana Paola Navarro Gomez by hosting a giveaway to celebrate the publication of Danny Can Read. Enter for a chance to win one of three signed paperback copies of Danny Can Read. One grand prize winner will also receive a 36-piece puzzle inspired by the book along with their signed copy. The giveaway ends April 20, 2026 at 11:30 PM Mountain Time. Enter the giveaway here or by clicking the graphic above. Good luck!  

 

Blog Tour: The Name Game by Beth O'Leary

 

Readers can always count on Beth O’Leary’s books to bring a smile to their faces. Today, she has a new one out: The Name Game. I’m thrilled to be part of the Berkley blog tour for this new rom-com about a man and a woman who share the same name. Billed as The Hating Game meets You’ve Got Mail, it promises a delightfully fun combo. Both characters are hoping for a fresh start—only to realize they’ve landed the same job. Set on the remote island of Ormer, the story features a setting that feels like a character in its own right and makes for a perfectly charming spring read.

 

Learn More About the Book:

 

The Name Game by Beth O'Leary

Pub. Date: April 7, 2026 

 

 

 

The Story: Charlie couldn’t be happier to take the job of farm-shop manager on the remote, wild Isle of Ormer. She’s grieving, a little lost, and in desperate need of a fresh start.

 

Jones has come out of a difficult breakup and is looking forward to some peace away from the noise of his city life. Moving to Ormer couldn’t have come at a better time.

 

But when Charlie Jones and, ahem, Charlie Jones both turn up at Ormer’s one and only farm shop, claiming to have been offered the role of manager, everyone is baffled. How could this have happened? And just who is the real Charlie Jones?

 

You can purchase your own copy of The Name Game at Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Bookshop, and Books A Million. Readers can learn more about Beth O'Leary by visiting her website and connecting with her on Facebook and Instagram. 

 

Let me know inf the comments if The Name Game is on your spring TBR list and if you are a fan of Beth O'Leary.  

 

Spotlight: A Lie for a Lie

I’m always on the hunt for the next great psychological thriller, and I'm part of Berkley's blog tour today featuring a brand-new one: A Lie for a Lie by Ren DeStefano, out now. Described as Black Doves meets Burn Notice, this twisty read is sure to keep you turning the pages.

 

Learn More About the Book:

A Lie for a Lie by Ren DeStefano

Pub. Date: March 10, 2026

 

Goodreads says,"A deadly game of cat and mouse unfolds when a housewife with a secret life takes on a tech billionaire with secrets darker than her own . . . from the author of How I'll Kill You.

Margaux leads a double life that would make most people dizzy. By day, she's a seemingly ordinary interior decorator with a picture-perfect marriage. By night, she works for a mysterious employer known only as Mr. X. Her infiltrating the lives of dangerous targets, gaining their trust, and ultimately exposing their crimes. 

Her latest Unraveling the secret life of Bertram Casimir, a billionaire tech CEO whose career is as mysterious as his past. His sister claims he stole her app to build his fortune. Not only that, his girlfriend may or may not have recently gone missing.

He sees through her carefully constructed facade, matching her move for move. As the lines between hunter and prey blur, Margaux finds herself unexpectedly drawn to Bertram. They share more than she'd like to admit—a dangerous intelligence, a taste for high-stakes manipulation. When the evidence begins to shift, threatening to unravel everything she knows, Margaux realizes this is far more than just another job.

Her secrets—and her life—are now on the line. One lie remains, and it might just save her."

 

You can purchase your own copy of A Lie for a Lie at Barnes & Noble, Bookshop, Books-A-Million, and Amazon.  To learn more about Ren DeStefano, you can connect with her on Instagram and visit her website. 

Let me know in the comments your thoughts on A Lie for a Lie and if you plan on reading it this spring.