God's Shadow: Sultan Seilm, His Ottoman Empire, and the Making of the Modern World

LOCAL AUTHOR

In the late fifteenth and early sixteenth century, the Ottoman Empire almost doubled its size and became a superpower in Europe, Asia, and North Africa. This book traces the life of Sultan Selim, who was responsible for the Ottoman Empire’s expansion and declared himself caliph of the Muslims – bringing together (at least in protocol) the secular and religious authority after centuries of separation.

This book chronologically narrates Selim’s life, but the narrative digresses to explore other world events. For instance, it discusses the empires’ levels of tolerance of populations under their rule that adhere to religions different from the ones endorsed by the ruling empires. The narrative concludes that non-Christian empires were more tolerant of religious minorities under their rule than were Christian empires. A substantial portion of the narrative discusses the discovery of the New World. Here, the narrative’s aim seems to show that the expansion of the Ottoman Empire was among the impetuses that spurred the Atlantic Voyages in an effort to avoid the Ottoman monopoly on trade routes. Some of these digressions tie into the overall narrative, but the connections with others are more opaque.

The text flows easily and is easy to read. The narrative attempts to help readers see familiar historical themes from a different lens, hence it engages in alternative historical narratives. Some of the historical connections it makes are clear, but others need more clarification. Overall, an interesting read – especially for readers interested in Ottoman history.


American Cheese: An Indulgent Odyssey through the Artisan Cheese World

Time to Eat!

People who love to eat may be considered to always be the best people (here’s looking at you, Julia Child), but people who also love to read about eating are arguably just that little bit better. Whether dedicated to the appreciation of one particular foodstuff (cheese!), to the preparation of one menu classic (pie!), or to the creative recreation of a magical food legacy (Disney!), the following books have something tasty to offer to foodies and readers alike.

American Cheese: An Indulgent Odyssey Through the Artisan Cheese World by Joe Berkowitz

With all due respect to Homer, what better odyssey is there than a cheese odyssey?! As Joe Berkowitz notes, “Cheese is literally heaven. It’s what happens after milk sheds this mortal coil and ascends to a higher plane of existence.” Although he’d always been a fan of the cheesy stuff, it wasn’t until a chance encounter with a cheesemonger that Berkowitz started on the journey to being a true turophile, particularly when it comes to the often-overlooked American varieties. In American Cheese: An Indulgent Odyssey Through the Artisan Cheese World, he relates the highs and lows of that journey, including attempts to understand theory and technical matters concerning cheese, epic cheese conventions, rare and artisan varieties, global trends, and his own attempts at making cheese. Berkowitz’s book is a gleeful globetrotting account of one man’s love for all things cheese. It’s by turns amusing and insightful, and it leaves you in no doubt that cheese is “the evergreen cheat code for improving any meal.”

The Book on Pie: Everything You Need to Know to Bake Perfect Pies by Erin Jeanne McDowell

Who doesn’t love a pie? Well, there’s bound to be someone, but even that person would probably be convinced of the joys of pies by Erin Jeanne McDowell’s The Book on Pie: Everything You Need to Know to Bake Perfect Pies. Starting from the basic information that all would-be bakers need to know, including the required equipment, methods of storage, and technical terms, McDowell explains how and why to make the different types of dough, form them into pie crusts, and select the most appropriate toppings. She then presents around 140 delicious-sounding recipes that range from classics such as Apple Pie, to savory specials like Avocado Galette, and on to unique combinations such as Caramel-Chai Custard Pie in Shortbread Crumb Crust. The clear and straightforward baking instructions are written in McDowell’s trademark friendly and engaging style, and the recipes are accompanied by a host of photographs guaranteed to make readers’ mouths water.

The Unofficial Disney Parks Cookbook: From Delicious Dole Whip to Tasty Mickey Pretzels, 100 Magical Disney-Inspired Recipes by Ashley Craft

Every Disney fan knows that one of the most delightful aspects of the “Happiest Place on Earth” is the range of delectable and often one-of-a-kind foodstuffs on offer in all of the Disney Parks. In The Unofficial Disney Parks Cookbook, lifelong Disney fan Ashley Craft presents 100 recipes for food, drinks, and snacks inspired by what is available in the Disney Parks. The book is divided into sections covering the recipes of relevance to each Park (for example, Peter Pan Floats at the Magic Kingdom and Corn Dogs at Disney California Adventure), meaning that it can be used to plan a tasty trip to Disney as well as to inspire a host of Disney-themed meals. The included recipes range from classics such as Micky Sugar Cookies and Gaston’s Giant Cinnamon Rolls, to newer arrivals like Pongu Lumpia (to be found in the World of Avatar), and on to more dubious sounding delicacies such as Blue Milk (inspired by Bantha milk from Star Wars). This book will surely bring a little Disney magic into readers’ homes (and stomachs).


Radical Belonging: How to Survive and Thrive in an Unjust World (While Transforming It for the Better)

In Radical Belonging, author Lindo Bacon applies a socially just and intersectional lens to analyze the systems of oppression that lead to othering and the stigmatization of certain types of bodies and gender, racial, and ethnic identities. The author grounds important lessons in their own experiences as a Jewish child who struggled to find belonging in their own body and gender identity. It was a long road marked by years of eating disorders and substance abuse. Bacon highlights the trauma of genderqueer and nonbinary people who bear the burden of educating others about their lived realities while enduring shame and exclusion for existing outside the “mythical norm.”

In the journey toward self-love, Bacon challenges us to examine our complicity in buying into and perpetuating harmful narratives. Throughout the book, Bacon intersperses observations, anecdotes, and data about the lived realities of, and racial trauma among, Black, Native American, and other diverse communities.

From their vantage point as a therapist, scholar, and advocate, Bacon melds the latest knowledge and research about neurobiology with damaging cultural and societal attitudes toward differences. Neuroscience offers evidence that pain from exclusion leads to poor mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical outcomes. Bacon stresses the importance of being trauma-informed for our own healing, to be cognizant of the ways that intergenerational and historical trauma may be hindering our path toward wellness.


The Marble Bed

In a long marriage, time surely comes when one resolves not to call it quits, but to pursue the relationship to its natural, regrettable close.  All small annoyances will have been accepted, bigger issues put aside, acknowledged if no longer disputed. In her new poetry collection, The Marble Bed, Grace Schulman mourns for her marriage partner of almost 60 years. The poems are redolent with grief, but edging as are intimate, treasured memories—a trip to the conservatory garden in Central Park where

‘…. I raised my hand

To give him a mint stem I’d snipped, illegally.

He offered me a stolen fern. Partners we were

in the only misdemeanors there at day.’

The collection falls into two parts, with a third woven between the other two. Early pages draw together an elegy and a eulogy—a paeon to the happiness, but grief at the sadness meriting equal space. Tucked in, a series of images of Italian marble statuary. The images enhance rather than break the spell of the poems, not a lament nor yet a joyful reminder of the times admiring them together.

The later pages have an added dimension. The language is less commonplace, more poetic, leaving readers a little out in the cold, unsure of the direction the words are taking. And this uncertainty identifies poetry, separates it from prose. The poet offers, but the reader must take it in discriminately.

After her partner’s death, Schulman found introspection exacerbated the sadness:

‘When the medics lifted your lean body

That once loped over hot sand to the sea,

I wanted them to keep you on our bed.’

The emotions appear in technicolor, then the color diminishes as Schulman strives to fill the lonely patches with music, nature, maybe family and friends, or maybe not. Perhaps delving into her private memories is better held until the intensity of the loss begins to ebb.


The Fountain Of My Destiny

"A compilation of the author’s greatest works dedicated to those he admires and looks up to. A raw and ready set of work that illustrates life as he knows it. Vivid and full of energy, Brannon holds nothing back as he tells it like it is growing up amongst friends in the hood and what his opinion is of society and those in it. A hybrid of rap and poetry for your enjoyment." — Kristi Elizabeth, Manhattan Book Review


A Prison Without Locks

A Prison Without Locks by David Ruggerio begins with the fateful words, “What frightens you?” They are spoken by Marlene Bourke-White, a journalist relaying a story told to her by her colleague Tammy from the small town of Wawarsing. Tammy has told Marlene a story that sent chills down her spine, and Marlene must write it down.

Located in upstate New York and near the place where The Legend of Sleepy Hollow is set, Wawarsing is a strange town with a high number of anemia cases and odd disappearances. The story begins with a local fisherman named Bobby, who finds a small boy standing under a waterfall. The boy seems lost, but the sounds coming from the pale and ghost-like figure frighten Bobby so much that he flees back to town to tell the sheriff. From this jumping-off point, Ruggerio introduces a cast of characters with all the quirks and personalities of a small town. There is Father Shea, the local priest, who lives in Martha Breadwell’s boarding house. There are Theo and his wife, Barbara, who is having an affair with the sheriff. Everyone in Wawarsing seems to know about the affair except for Theo. The list of characters goes on and on, from the creepy to the funny, and they all help bring Wawarsing to life.

It soon becomes clear that Dr. Pretorius is the one who brought the evil to the small town. Originally from the Appalachians, Dr. Pretorius came to Wawarsing by way of Haiti, where he learned more about the dark arts than about healing medicine. The doctor lives in a haunted mansion, and he is a trusted yet mysterious figure in the town. He has secretly been experimenting on his patients, something he did in Haiti. When the sheriff and Father Shea find the pale boy in the falls, they bring him to Dr. Pretorius, thinking that he could help the boy. But Dr. Pretorius is the reason the boy is a monster...

Ruggerio gives us a scary and hair-raising story about the thin division between life and death in his new horror novel, A Prison Without Locks. He gives a nod to classic tales such as Dracula and Frankenstein. The plot is fast-moving and easy to follow, although there are a number of quick-changing perspective jumps due to the large number of characters. However, the characters are likable and the plot comes to an exciting and satisfying conclusion involving a showdown between good and evil on Halloween.


Sounds of the Wild

This beautifully illustrated book takes readers on a journey across the globe to learn about some amazing animals. The book has a wide variety of animals inside, including my favorite, the Komodo Dragon. The book not only has beautiful illustrations but also durable and thick pages, making it great for young readers learning how to be gentle with books, or for readers of varying abilities.

The book features interactive push buttons that make the sounds of the wild that could be heard in each biome. The turn of each page whisks you away to a different ecosystem and some of the most amazing animals that can only be found in each particular area, such as the Galapagos Islands and the fierce Marine Iguana, or Sumatra and the amazing Sumatran Tiger.

I really like this book because it is fun to read, has life-like animal sounds, and is filled with bite-size chunks of information. The interactive push-button sound features, the vivid illustrations, and the easy-to-read story and information make this book perfect for a wide range of readers with varying abilities. This is a great book for the whole family.


Sounds of the Sky

This beautifully illustrated book takes readers on a journey across the globe to learn about some amazing animals who live in the treetops. This book has a wide variety of animals inside, including my favorite, the Red Panda. This book not only has beautiful illustrations but durable thick pages, great for young readers learning how to be gentle with books, or with readers of varying abilities. This book also has interactive push buttons to make the sounds of the wild birds that could be heard in each ecosystem. With the turn of each page whisks you away to a different eco-system with some of the most amazing animals that can only be found in each particular area, such as the Tawny Owl in the Black Forest in Germany or the fastest bird on two legs, the Ostrich in the Tanzania Serengeti. I really like this book because it is fun to read, and filled with bite-sized chunks of information. The interactive features, the vivid illustrations, and the easy to read story and information make this book perfect for a wide range of readers with varying abilities. This is a great book for the whole family.


Prospects of a Woman

LOCAL AUTHOR

Elisabeth Parker and her husband Nate move out west to California, ready to meet up with her father on his land claim and strike it rich, like so many prospectors have before them. When they arrive, however, they find that her father has taken up with another woman and done nothing with the claim. From there, things only grow more difficult for Elisabeth. Life out west isn’t necessarily better than life in Massachusetts; it’s just a struggle in different ways.

As the quotes by Ralph Waldo Emerson and John Muir interspersed through the book illustrate, however, the struggle doesn’t mar Elisabeth’s life. If anything, it shapes her, sculpting her out of the rough clay she had been before into a woman who can stand on her own two feet. Prospects of a Woman is a tale of a woman coming into her own, not only as an adult and American but as a human being.

I greatly enjoyed this book, though there were times when I wished the author had been a little more subtle in the narration, allowing the characters’ actions and words to speak rather than illustrating so much. Despite this, I think anyone with an interest in women’s roles in history (and any fans of the work put out by She Writes Press) will find Prospects of a Woman a worthwhile read.


Hidden Lessons from History

Hidden Lessons from History is Peter Chronis's attempt to educate readers who are ignorant of the backstory of many well-known buildings and landforms around the world. To the naked eye, these wonders are merely beautiful, but when the owner of said eyes does some digging into the past, they will find that there is more of a story to that location than they realize. Unfortunately, the stories don't always show people in the best light; but when compared to events of today, it does show that humans haven't changed too much since the beginning of time.
Chronis includes pictures and short three-paragraph text of thirty-two wonders of the world. They include but are not limited to, the Colosseum, Pantheon, and St. Peter's Basilica in Italy, Mount Jimmy Simpson in Canada, the Notre Dame in France, Old San Juan in Puerto Rico, Anse du Gouverneur in Saint Barthelemy, Buckingham Palace in England, The White House and Castle Geyser in America, and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Greece. In his introduction of the book, Chronis explains that he has visited each of these sites but, at the time of arrival, had never previously known their history, aka what makes them extra special. The backstory of these attractions contains historical, and sometimes saddening facts about the location; interestingly, many of the spots had a history with Christianity, for better or worse.

The pictures included in the book are professional and show-off the location's beauty; I love their colors and angles. I appreciate what Chronis is doing with this book; too many people (myself included) don't even know about all of the sites in his book, let alone their backstory. When people are made more aware of the beauty that lies within their grasp, there becomes a deeper appreciation for what we have available to us. By learning the backstory, we as a whole can work toward not making the same mistakes as those in the past to ensure a better future for ourselves. I can understand the number of sites included in other countries, especially with their rich history; maybe someday we can see a book of sites just in the United States to be able to understand our own country better. Being in the History category, this is a shorter book; however, I don't feel like much is missing in its content. For readers who like short, concise history lessons, this is the right book for you. I would liken Hidden Lessons from History as an educational and conversation-starting coffee table book that can be displayed year-round.


A Proper Weight Loss Program And Improving Health

A Proper Weight Loss Program and Improving Health is designed to help regular people aged 9-99 to lose weight and thus improve their health. However, from the outset, it should be borne in mind that the author is not a medical professional, nor is he a researcher in a medical/biological field. As such, the book is based on anecdotal data rather than on verifiable scientific data, meaning that caution should be applied when implementing any of the author’s ideas.

The book is divided into two sections. Section One sets out the principles that the author believes will lead to a healthier life and more active lifestyle. These principles include the importance of eating the same amount at the same time each day, exercising more after eating more, and replacing high-sugar and high-fat foods with alternative options. Some of the principles are accompanied by examples from the author’s life, others by practical exercises that readers could try for themselves. Section Two contains a number of annexes, some targeted toward certain sections of the population (those aged 50 and above; children; men and women aged 20-25), some that reiterate information from the main body of the book, and others that briefly introduce new concepts, such as the utility of drinking tea and coffee.

Some of the information provided in the book is well-known, common-sense stuff, for example, the fact that weight loss can force type 2 diabetes into remission. Some is much more outlandish and hard to verify, for example, the notion that calcium pills could help a regular person to grow taller if they desired to do so. Furthermore, there are a number of outright errors. For instance, when discussing fat storage within the body, the author claims that “the vegetable group as a general rule are not nutritious.” Of course, vegetables are actually an important source of many nutrients, meaning that the consumption of vegetables is associated with many health benefits. The author makes this highly inaccurate claim very early on in the book, and from that point onward it is hard to consider his statements authoritative.

Being very much based on the author’s personal philosophy regarding health, A Proper Weight Loss Program and Improving Health contains a lot more opinions than facts. The author regularly mentions talking to doctors about his ideas and researching health-related matters in books, but in the absence of detailed footnotes and a thorough bibliography, there is still a distinct lack of substance to his claims. There are no startling insights to be found in the book, as much of what is contains is either very obvious (the importance of eating a balanced diet and regularly exercising) or very dubious (growing taller, stopping the ageing process, alternative perspectives on the skeletal system), which means that it will likely only appeal to those readers who are looking for a more autobiographical take on health.

Unfortunately, the majority of readers, even those who just wish to know more about the author’s own experiences, will probably be put off by the book’s lack of editing. There are numerous spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors throughout the book, and they really do detract from the validity of the text. Saying that, the book is written in an easygoing, conversational style, and the author’s personality and strong desire to help improve readers’ health do shine through. A Proper Weight Loss Program and Improving Health is a very quick read that may appeal to readers looking for an individual take on the weight loss issue who are able to look beyond the many errors within the text.


I honestly don't know where to start with this book. I absolutely love books about health and fitness because that is the industry I work in. This book broke my heart from page one. It was easy to tell that the author's first language was not English. This would not have been a problem except for the fact that incorrect words were used throughout the book to describe what I can only call an anecdotal story. Yet, the author claims over and over again that he knows many medical doctors and has over one hundred of them in his family.

This book is FICTION! After reading just a few pages I thought it was a joke. When I realized that it wasn't and that the author was being serious, I felt great embarrassment for him. This book should absolutely not be published. It is completely negligent and could hurt people who actually take what this author is saying to heart.

Let's talk a bit about some of the odd information in the book, shall we? The book starts out with principles of "tell your body not to store fat/sugar and consume it too." What does that even mean? In the part in which he talks about exercising, he says "You should feel that you are pressuring the muscles." What? He also states that, in his opinion, the back has five parts, although everything he has read says the back has three parts. That's because it HAS THREE PARTS! It's called science.

The author goes on to say that "the vegetable group as a general rule are not nutritious" (page 4), that "naturally, a smart person will avoid [eating] fat" (page 9), and that when he wants sweets he gets a tall glass of milk and a muffin and turns it into a meal that is "nutritious and very satisfying" (page 16). The author also makes up something called "cold stricken," which really just sounds like a common cold. He teaches the reader how to walk in a special way, by throwing your foot forward and planting on your heel, rolling to the ball of the foot, and then repeating with the other foot. My question to the author is, isn't that just basic walking? Do people plant on the ball of their foot unless they are wearing high heels? No, they do not.

The author repeatedly tells the reader to ask a doctor if they have any questions about anything throughout the book, just as a precaution. Maybe because he knows that he doesn't know what the heck he is talking about. This book is absolutely inaccurate and absurd.


Depending on your level of enthusiasm toward losing weight and learning ways to exercise better, reading Proper Weight Loss Program and Improving Health might or might not be for you. For people serious about dieting and exercising, you would be better to consult a professional in this field, whether that be a doctor, dietician, or fitness trainer. However, if you're on the fence about the whole subject, at least you'll be reading something that might motivate you to get started.

The book has two sections. The first is about diet and exercise, while the second contains annexes that cover questions related to health. The author makes it clear in the introduction and preface that his purpose is to create a book that is easily understood and accessible for people aged 9-99 years old. He makes it known that the information is his opinion, advice, and thoughts, and that readers should consult their doctor before trying anything he has to offer.

Kourosh Naziri (Cyrus) appears to mean well with the information he has provided. He claims that he has personally tested many of the pieces of advice offered, consulted a doctor, attended seminars, read articles, and learned about dangers related to being overweight and unhealthy as well as how certain foods can play a role. At times, the text is hard to read because of either the improper use of the English language or the lack of commas to help the sentence structure flow.

Being a reader who also places a value on healthy(ish) eating and exercising to improve one's overall health, I appreciate his attempt to make the topic better known. However, I would have given it more credibility if he had maybe written the book differently so as to have it read more professional or scholarly with studies or actual doctors' quotes present. I understand that he states at the beginning that he is not a dietician or fitness instructor, but based on his advice and interest in the subject, my advice is that maybe he should look into a new job, or at least some additional learning.

When I read false statements, like him claiming that the human back has five parts, but acknowledging that professionals say it has only three, is when I start to get worried. I worry that some people might take him too seriously and digest false information from someone not trained in this area of expertise. I don't believe that the author will do much harm with this book, though, and at least you'll read about some truths like how sugar in excess is harmful and how exercise is good.


Dear Emmie Blue: A Novel

Emmie Blue has a problem. She’s in love with her best friend, who has just asked her to be his “Best Woman” at his wedding.

Emmie Blue has spent her life feeling second rate. Her mom is rarely home and wants nothing to do with her. She’s never met her dad. Her friends at school turned against her. In a moment of deep loneliness, she puts her email address in a red balloon and releases it hoping a future friend will respond.

Lucas’s family has recently uprooted his life from England to France and he is desperately homesick for his homeland. One day he finds a red balloon that managed to float across the ocean. Inside he finds an email address. The rest is history. After a series of letters and emails, Lucas and Emmie meet in person and soon they are inseparable.  Emmie becomes part of the family, a family like she’s always dreamed of.

 But now with Lucas preoccupied with his wedding, Emmie finds herself spending more time with Eliot, Lucas’s older half-brother. The three used to be close but on her nineteenth birthday, Eliot told everyone her most private secret. Still, she finds herself rekindling their relationship.

  Emmie is so fixated on her feelings for Lucas that she loses track of herself. She stops looking for a job, gives up on finding her father, and is putting all her friendships on the backburner. And just as she is about to get what she wants; she realizes maybe she wants something else.


Relentless Moon (Lady Astronaut 3)

We last left our Lady Astronauts with our main character from the Calculating Stars and the Fated Sky, having changed history forever and well on her way to the distant planet Mars. In the third book, Relentless Moon, we join another Lady Astronaut in Nicole Wargin, the wife of the governor of Kansas, who has big plans to run for president in the next election. But while her husband is dealing with his growing campaign, Nicole makes the easy choice to step out of the political limelight and help out doing what she loves most: piloting, flying, and doing monumental work on the moon.

But as soon as the crew gets ready to land, problems ensue that soon turn to sabotage. Then things go from not so good to much worse. The couple hundred people on the moon find themselves under some sort of terrorist attack likely from the Earth First cult fringe looking to make the world focus on the people suffering from the effect of climate change due to the meteorite, and to divert attention from sending more people to the moon. In this longer book, Kowal is at her best with the action and the science research, thrilling readers to the final page.


Hidden Lessons from History

Imagine if you will that you have a beloved, well-read and well-educated uncle or aunt who had spent years traveling the world with a well-worn leather-bound journal in hand and a fine single-lens-reflex camera slung about his or her neck. Then imagine that this sweet relative sends you a box full of stunning photographs each accompanied with pithy quotes from famous people and writings from the journal that amplify the photograph. The writings are short, but they are filled with wonderful details about the place depicted, explaining its history and highlighting important events that took place there sometime in the past.

Wouldn’t that be a wonderful gift, especially if you are:

1. stuck at home due to a world-wide pandemic that doesn’t allow for any foreign travel and, in some cases, not even much in the way of domestic travel

2. a history buff who loves to learn about things new to you that will trigger more research.

That is pretty much what you will find in this beautifully crafted book. One can wander through the pages to find such a variety of places to visit from the spectacular Matterhorn in the middle of Europe to what some may think is a real fountain of youth on an isle in Costa Rica, from the Hallsgrimkirk, an amazing church in Iceland that is many stories tall and would look like a mountain from afar to the turquoise waters of Lake Moraine in Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada, from places everyone would recognize such as the Eiffel Tower in Paris or the White House in Washington D.C. to places few know about such as Livingston Field in Puerto Rico or the top of the Ixmoja Pyramid in Coba, Mexico. This is not a very long book. One could certainly read it all in a long afternoon, but you will not want to do that. You will want to linger on each beautiful photograph and savor the text that accompanies them. And, very likely, you will want to dig a little deeper into the subject matter — find out a little more history, a few more juicy facts about these fascinating places. There are only a bit more than thirty places to visit in the book, but you will want to spend some leisure time in each one. The writing is lively, friendly, and really quite personal, so reading this is rather like having a conversation with an old friend. Books such as this are rare and should be treasured, enjoyed, and kept handy for recurring visits.


The Invisible Life of Addie Larue

In the style of The Time Traveler’s Wife, from bestselling author V. E. Schwab comes The Invisible Life of Adie Larue, a haunting tale spanning centuries that is, at its heart, a story of a wish come true that has left a girl incredibly lonely in the world.

Adeline Larue is a young girl in early seventeenth century France who has an independent streak that cannot be satiated. She wants to see everything and be free to go where she wishes, but now she is a woman grown and is expected to find a husband and settle down as a dutiful wife, which she doesn’t want. Having sought advice for years to remain her own, she makes sacrifices to the old gods, but always during the day, as instructed. But now she is betrothed to someone she doesn’t like and makes a final sacrifice, only it is past nightfall. The night gods are not so forgiving.

Adie now finds herself immortal and incredibly alone, living through the decades and centuries as young girl, and is not treated well by history or society. Schwab has written a moving, powerful tale of what it’s like being immortal, but also a woman in our world.


Beetle & the Hollowbones

Twelve-year-old goblin witch Beetle just wants to fulfill her dream of becoming a sorceress, but for the moment she is stuck living with her Gran in the town of ‘Allows. Beetle splits her time between her homeschooling and hanging out with her best friend Blob Ghost at the mall. It is the only place she can hang out with Blob Ghost because Blob Ghost cannot leave the mall.

One night, Beetle gets surprising news: her old best friend Kat Hollowbone is coming back to town. Kat comes with her Aunt Hollowbone, whom Beetle’s Gran does not trust at all. Kat and Beetle reignite their friendship, and just when everything is going on track, Aunt Hollowbone’s evil schemes finally come to light. Beetle and Kat must find a way to save the mall and find the unseen force that keeps Blob Ghost there; otherwise, Blob Ghost might meet a very unpleasant end.

I enjoyed this graphic novel because it was very entertaining and full of magic and fun. I also liked the pictures and thought the book had a very engaging story.


Bottled Goods

The harsh realities of communist Romania in the 1970s coupled with magical realism are the subjects of Sophie van Llewyn’s Bottled Goods. The focus of the novel is Alina, a teacher who becomes a target of the Secret Service after her brother in law defects to the West. The reader gets to know her through her marriage, her relationships with her aunt and mother, and her professional life. She’s someone with self- consciousness, bravery, and intelligence. She endures a hardship that those of us raised in the United States have a hard time fathoming, but van Llewyn shows us that world with realism and care.

The novel is told in short bursts, flash fiction style. Some sections are told in the third person and some in the first person. There are lists and other techniques that break up the novel, but in a natural, engaging way. It’s a very quick read and feels authentic. There is a tense, dreamlike quality to story, the reader isn’t always sure exactly what reality is. The magical realism is an Eastern European folkloric magic, not unlike Cuban and Caribbean writings, that interweave between reality and unreality. I enjoyed Bottled Goods, even if parts of Ceaușescu’s Romania are unsettling to see in the eyes of Alina.


Catching Thoughts

I really liked this book because I can relate to it. Catching thoughts is something everyone does, some days, you have those unwanted negative thoughts that remind you of a loved one you lost or an unpleasant time in your life. It feels like the more you try to get rid of the thought the more it grows, just like the black balloon in the book. Finally, when the girl takes the time to change her mindset and focus on a different thought, a positive thought by catching a colorful balloon, is when the worry starts to shrink, as the black balloon in the story. I think this book has a good message for all readers. Sometimes we need to focus on the positive thoughts, and things we have in life, rather than spending our energy on focusing on getting rid of the bad/negative thoughts. The simple illustrations in this book are perfect to showcase the balloons as our thoughts. I love the simple colors in the book that really help me to visualize exactly how I feel when I have different thoughts. Everyone should read this book!


A Quiet Girl

Mary is a very quiet girl. Her voice is quiet. She even walks quietly. Because she is so quiet, she hears things that others don’t hear, such as a firefly flying by or the big tree at the end of the street creaking in the breeze. But because she speaks so quietly, it seems that nobody hears Mary. She tries to speak up, but nothing changes, so she decides to be even quieter. It seems that she not only hears things nobody else hears, she is also able to see and smell things others don’t notice. She becomes so quiet that she seems to disappear. It takes a while, but finally, her family notices Mary is nowhere to be found. They call and call, but eventually stop. It is then that something happens for the family.

Peter Carnavas has written a sweet story that will show youngsters that there is a lot be gained from being quiet and seeing and hearing all the beauty that is around us every day. The writing is simply lovely. His enchanting illustrations are the perfect companion to the story, with soft, soft colors and wonderful details. This is a winner. Do not miss it.


Benjamin's Blue Feet

I can't imagine not knowing what I look like, but for animals, this is normal. Benjamin is a Blue-Footed Booby who lives on the Galapagos Islands. Every day, Benjamin finds something new on the beach to add to his collection, things that have washed up from the ocean. Benjamin has funny names for the things he finds- kind of like the pelican named Scuttle on "The Little Mermaid." One day, Benjamin finds what we would call a mirror, but he calls it a "twink-um-doodle." Benjamin stares at himself in the mirror and notices different things about his body, and he compares them to other animals on the island, like the Warbler, Penguin, and Iguana. He thinks they are wrong because they are different from the other animals until he finds himself in a situation where Benjamin has to use his body parts the way they are for him, or he won't succeed.
I have never thought of how my body looks compared to other people, but it sounds sad when that happens. I am glad that Benjamin realized that they are all different animals and need to use their body parts differently to survive. I liked this book for the story and the pictures, and I think that any kid will enjoy it.


Filthy Beasts

The filthy beasts in the title refer to the three boys raised in an affluent but alcoholic home. Filthy Beasts is the sobriquet conferred on them by their mother who went from cocktail party happiness among the wealthy to single-parent status in Bermuda. To the casual reader, Bermuda doesn’t sound like such a bad exile, but we learn that the house was shabby, the food was scarce or non-existent and the parental care was sporadic. In many such homes, the care of the younger children falls to the eldest who is often unprepared for such responsibility. Life with a beautiful, glamorous parent can have a downside when that parent becomes a narcissistic drunk. The author of this book, seemingly embarrassed by his social register status nonetheless uses it as a trump card to try to fit in and gain friends. To compound matters, the question of his sexual identity is confused, unresolved, and isolating. A true story that money and privilege is not a paved road to happiness, but can be a lonely and sterile existence.


Road Out of Winter

Winter has come and stayed too long again. There is no spring for the second year in a row, and where there is no spring, there is no new life. Nothing will grow, no green shoots will emerge with the promise of better days. There is only cold and colder and even more cold unless you can find the Road Out of Winter.

Alison Stine’s novel centers on Wylodine, a poor girl with a thumb greener than all of the Appalachia. She learned the art of growing from a man she can’t legally call her stepfather, Ludo, known from states away as the best weed farmer around. Ludo has long since left Ohio and taken Wyl’s mother with him. Somewhere in California, they are supposedly making a life, and when the snow comes and doesn’t stop, Wyl knows she, too, must leave the mountains.

She picks up strays along the way, people as lost and desperate as she is, and she loses someone, too; a best friend who chooses a group known only as The Church over her. What Wylodine needs is unclear, but she knows she won’t find it unless she keeps moving.

If Cormac McCarthy’s The Road, Daniel Woodrell’s Winter’s Bone, and Tom Perotta’s The Leftovers had a book baby, it would be Alison Stine’s brilliant Road Out of Winter. I couldn’t put it down.


The Way Past Winter

This is a great book about two sisters going on a quest to rescue their brother. Mila lives in a world of snow, where it has remained winter ever since her father left five years ago. She lives with her two sisters and her older brother, until a strange man arrives and takes him away. Mila and Pipa, with the help of Rune, who is a mage, go on a quest to find the island of Thule and save their brother.

The Way Past Winter is an amazing book. It is very well written and kept my attention. The island of Thule was a very interesting place, and the way to get there was also pretty cool. I really liked the chase scenes and the part with the waterfall. Most of the characters were well developed and realistic. Mila was fearless and determined to bring her brother back home. Pipa was younger, but she was just as determined. Overall, this was a great book. I would recommend it to kids in junior high and high school, and to anyone who likes fantasy stories.


AstroNuts Mission Two: The Water Planet

The AstroNuts are blasting off on a mission to find the Goldilocks Planet. It has to have a lot of water and not be too hot or too cold but rather just right for human life. Why are they looking for this planet? Because Earth is under threat from human activities causing climate change. The ice is melting, the sea is rising, algae are growing out of control, and fish are becoming extinct. This new planet has the potential to be the new Earth. But will it fit the bill? Only a scientific investigation will tell if it qualifies or not.

I thought the plot was well done. I enjoyed the new planet having clam inhabitants, which was highly creative. I also liked that the book made the reader question what the truth was and what it was not. I loved the way the book was formatted. The characters were creative and the settings were really neat. The speech bubbles and banners were awesome. I thought the characters were fleshed out very well. I liked Alpha Wolf especially, and P.T. Clam was also very well done.

I would recommend this book for kids aged eight to twelve.


Wanda Seasongood and the Almost Perfect Lie is a sequel to Wanda Seasongood and the Mostly True Secret.  In the first book, Wanda lifted a curse from her parents.  In this sequel, Wanda must rescue her sister, Wren, from the evil witch Raymunda.  Wren is supposedly being held captive in the Scary Wood, so Wanda and her talking bluebird, Voltaire, must go and save her.

When they find Wren, she is reluctant to go home with Wanda, no matter how hard Wanda tries to convince her. What on earth is going on?!  Why would Wren not want to come home? Wanda must figure out the actual nefarious plot before it is too late!||I liked this book because it was entertaining and an enjoyable read.  There are plenty of cute pictures in the book that add to the story. In particular, I enjoyed the character Voltaire, the bluebird.  He was a very entertaining character because he has a terrible memory, which leads to a lot of funny situations. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a fun, interesting story that is also an easy read!


Court of Lions:  A Mirage novel

The Court of Lions is about a girl named Amani who was kidnapped and made a body "double" for Princess Maram. The princess is next in line, behind her father King Mathis, to be the queen of Amani’s country. A country that has been conquered, enslaved, and drastically changed by King Mathis. Princess Maram is cruel and hard like her father but Amani is able to find some kindness in her and both Amani and the Princess are able to form a relationship. Amani is hopeful that Maram will one day make a great queen and be a better ruler than her father, perhaps even help restore the country one day to its former greatness. Meanwhile, King Mathis is cold and cruel. He rules the Vath and the Kushaila people but he breaks the Kushaila people with terror. Amani, a captive Kushaila, does what she can to support the rebellion while remaining a true friend to the princess but will her life ever be her own again. Will Princess Maram truly become the great queen that Amani knows she has inside of her? Can love and friendship truly win over such evil? Grab a copy of The Court of Lions to find out what this tale has in store for Amani, Princess Maram, and the Kushaila people?

I absolutely love this story! It has adventure, mystery, and even a little bit of romance. Court of Lions is definitely a great read and I think that it appeals to a wide audience. I highly recommend this book to people ages ten years and older.


The Girls Weekend

June hasn’t seen her closest friends from college in ten years, except for Em. Then Sadie, the group’s self-appointed ring leader, invites them all to her estate on Fidalgo Island for her cousin Amy’s baby shower. Em convinces June to go, so they head up from California for The Girls Weekend. It takes about five minutes for everything to go wrong, as there are so many tensions and secrets, it’s hard to enjoy anything. That night they all party a little too hard and wake up to find Sadie is missing and there is blood on the wall. Everyone has a motive for getting rid of Sadie, but it looks the worst for June who dated Sadie’s husband before they were married. June is going to have to untangle this web of lies if she doesn’t want to go to prison for a crime she didn’t commit.

I began this book with a little trepidation since the plot is very similar to Ruth Ware’s In a Dark, Dark Wood. After reading it, I will admit that it is very close but this story is far better and more worth your time. I could possibly be biased, though, since I live where this story takes place and there is nothing like reading a mystery taking place in an area you know and love. However, I think Gehrman’s writing style and characters were much more nuanced and had a depth to them I did not find in Ware’s work. I highly recommend this.


Operation Vengeance: The Astonishing Aerial Ambush That Changed World War II

For the armchair historians of World War ll, especially those attuned to aviation, the hunt for Yamamoto, the architect of the attack on Pearl Harbor, is nothing new. However, Hampton demonstrates that the real credit for shooting down Yamamoto's transport plane and killing him should rightfully go to one of America's unsung heroes, Rex Barber.

Superbly researched and documented with layer upon layer of eye witness-based testimony to verify the facts, Hampton begins with the realization that often times the history handed down is flawed, and in some cases the real heroes are missed. All those witnesses are dead now, but their testimony and the corroborating forensic science still speaks from beyond the graves.

Hampton, an aviator himself, puts us in the cockpit of a P-38G Lightning in the warm Pacific spring of 1943, to transport us through time and space in the hunt for Yamamoto. Few writers are capable of capturing the sheer thrill of flying, bind it with words, and unleash the adrenaline rush on an open page with the sensations Hampton generates.

Originally recommended for the Congressional Medal of Honor for his gallantry, Rex Barber was instead punted aside without just cause when a media hound almost blew the cover off of the most top secret decoding team at the center of military intelligence. Hampton picks up the torch for justice in making a long overdue case to award the men of Operation Vengeance posthumously.

In spite of the narrative's historical value in correcting an egregious error, you will find the suspense irresistible. In this book, when the dead speak, you won't be able to pull away.


A Desperate Place: A McKenna and Riggs novel

Whit McKenna and Katie Riggs are in A Desperate Place. Three bodies have turned up, all with a similar medical condition, but no leads. Whit is a reporter for the local newspaper, returning to work after the loss of her husband while they were on assignment in Afghanistan. She’s still struggling with the trauma of that and her fall from grace as a reporter in LA. She immediately makes friends with Katie, the local medical examiner detective. Katie’s dealing with her own struggles as she recovers from cancer. These two friends will have to work together to solve this case, with more bodies turning up and no visible connection between them. The killer is getting desperate himself, which puts both Riggs and McKenna in danger.

I highly recommend this book if you like police procedurals, strong female leads and are interested in the medical field in any way. It’s very well written and hard to put down. When they arrest someone near the end, you think it’s finished, but ask yourself why are there still so many pages left? The twists just keep on coming. McKenna and Riggs were both strong women in their own ways with their own issues and the author does a great job walking you through how each cope with them. I also enjoyed Panetta’s character and I hope he features more in subsequent McKenna and Riggs novels. The plot is unique and fascinating, while still being realistic and informative. I can’t wait for the next one!


The Monsters We Make

Paperboys are going missing: two in the last two years, working their route and then never seen again. Crystal hears the about the most recent on the police scanner and immediately is concerned for her brother, Sammy who is a paperboy. She finds him, but something isn’t quite right with him. Crystal pursues this story as she sees the makings of an award-winning article, one that will help her win a scholarship to college. As she digs deeper into the secrets her brother is hiding and what could have happened to those other boys, she learns that sometimes we see only what we want to believe. We ignore warning signs and people become The Monsters We Make.

This is a gut-wrenching novel, even more so knowing how realistic it is, despite it being a fictional story. This story will have you super emotional, especially if you have little boys like I do. I hugged them a little bit tighter after. What a powerfully poignant display of the differences between generations. I’ve grown up in the "don’t ever talk to strangers or be unsupervised" generation, completely different from when my parents were children, and the rules for my kids are even more strict. While it was sad and scary, this was a great novel portraying how many secrets we keep from each other and even our selves in order to survive. I hope that it will also encourage anyone reading it to have the courage to speak up and protect those we love.


Sleep Donation

Trish Edgewater isn’t comfortable with what she’s doing. Her sister Dori was one of the first to die during the Insomnia Crisis, and now Trish uses Dori’s story to recruit clients to Slumber Corps. In Karen Russell’s recently reprinted novella, Sleep Donation, time is running out for Trish to do the right thing.

At first, working for Slumber Corps feels like the right way to honor Dori’s memory. By convincing people to donate their good sleep to those who cannot sleep at all, she feels she is on the side of right. After all, if Dori had managed just one night of sleep, her condition could have reversed, her body reset, and her life returned to normal. But the sleep donation process hadn’t existed to help Dori, so now Trish does what she can to help others. This includes frequent communication with the Harkonnens whose daughter, Baby A, has the purest and most universally accepted sleep collected to date.

Trish’s employers, twin brothers whose joylessness seems matched only by their faith in her, are thrilled with Baby A’s donations. A little too thrilled for Trish’s taste. When she uncovers what is really happening at Slumber Corps, she’ll have to decide where to direct her loyalty once and for all.

Twisted, strange, and beautiful, like all of her other work, Sleep Donation from Karen Russell is not to be missed.


Dollops Of Dreams

"A book about life and all of the wonderful things it is made of. Starring a vibrant cast of characters, Dollops Of Dreams is a book about budding romance, beautiful friendships, and the family that holds it all together. With a dash and a splash of medical scenes, cultured cuisine and traditions, and playful banter, this book with have you clapping by the end." — Kristi Elizabeth, Seattle Book Review


A Proper Weight Loss Program and Improving Health by Kourosh Naziri (Cyrus) is an enjoyable read overflowing with valuable bits of information. The author has crafted a well-organized, approachable book to support and guide readers through their individual health quest. This is not a book written by a medical professional laden with clinical jargon that will overwhelm and discourage readers. Every section provides thoughtful recommendations related to diet, exercise, and overall wellbeing to improve an individual’s quality of life. With that said, Naziri (Cyrus) encourages readers from beginning to end to discuss any health-related changes or ideas that come to mind prior to introduction with a healthcare professional. The author is not a doctor or scientist in the medical field, he has simply acquired invaluable information that he willingly shares with his readers. His suggestions are not easy but they are simple. Drink more water. Practice consistency in your diet and exercise. Listen to your body. Seek the guidance of specialists and advocate for yourself. Through these actions, a number of ongoing and future health concerns will be eliminated. He breaks these principles down between two sections, the main part of the book and the annexes. The main part of the book contains information that is beneficial across age groups and capabilities. This section covers principles to live by that range from regular exercise to dietary standards for harmful elements typically ingested in high amounts, such as fat, sugar, and salt. Naziri (Cyrus) encourages readers to focus on enjoying the proper amount of all food groups, particularly proteins and fiber-rich vegetables that tell your body what to expel, what to consume, and how best to operate. The annexes expand on these subjects with additional detail and provide demographic-specific recommendations, related to gender, age, and pre-existing medical conditions. Together these pieces create a comprehensive program that will aid in weight loss and a person’s overall improvement of health. Kourosh Naziri (Cyrus) has assembled an effective, informative resource that readers will find accessible, helpful, and engaging. The information is far from overwhelming and builds on our common sense knowledge. The author describes the book as “easy reading for ages of nine to ninety-nine,” which demonstrates the approachable nature of the work. With that said, the author urges young readers to enjoy the book under the direct guidance of a parent or teacher who can offer additional instruction and explanation. A Proper Weight Loss Program and Improving Health stands as an exceptional example of health and wellness information presented in a simple, user-friendly manner.


Temple of Eternity

In Bobby Ether and the Jade Academy, following kidnapping and forced enrollment at a secret Tibetan monastery, sixteen-year-old Bobby Ether discovered that he was one of a number of gifted students capable of accessing their anima, that is, the universal energy that connects all living things. His special powers were soon the least of his worries, though, as there were plenty of other mysteries for him to unravel at the Jade Academy. The book was an action-packed and intriguing start to Bobby’s adventures, which now continue in the equally exciting Temple of Eternity.

This time around, Bobby and his loyal young cousin, Jinx, are shocked to learn that their fellow students at the Jade Academy have all been spirited away during the night by the Core, the dastardly organization that had previously been using the academy and its students to conduct genetic experiments. Rumors soon surface that the missing children have been spotted being led into the Guatemalan jungle by Core soldiers, so Bobby, Jinx, and Chief, who acts as a sort of spiritual mentor to the boys, set off in pursuit of their friends. After rendezvousing with Bobby’s grandfather and his melancholy former companion Cassandra, the trio decide to make for a fabled Mayan temple said to be located in an area of the jungle known as the Green Death…

Unsurprisingly, the search for their friends leads Bobby and Jinx into plenty of peril and dangerous situations, which makes for a gripping read. Their hike through the jungle is realistic and atmospheric; Bobby might have magic powers, but he still has to trudge on through the heat and humidity like everyone else. The warning signs left by the jungle people urging travelers to turn back add to the sense of danger and also lend something of a supernatural tone to the story. There are certainly strange things lurking in the wilderness. R. Scott Boyer has a clear interest in the natural world and its relationship with both life and spirituality, which is reflected in the characters’ encounters with the Guatemalan flora and fauna.

Alongside Bobby and Jinx’s adventures in the temple, Boyer has also woven the tragic tale of a love triangle from the days of the Maya. Although the parallels between the two stories might not be apparent at first, the fates of Maximon, Lingya, and Ek Chuaj are closely bound to those of Bobby and his friends. It’s lucky that Bobby’s powers have grown since his days at the Jade Academy, as he is going to need all his strength to travel to the spirit plane, communicate with ghosts, and right wrongs both modern and ancient. And it’s not just paranormal forces that he must face, because there are also Core mercenaries led by the nefarious Sandman as well as deadly beasts standing between him and his fellow students.

Temple of Eternity is an engaging adventure story with an appealing main character. Bobby Ether is a hero from the same mold as Percy Jackson and Darren Shan; he has fantastical powers, but he still seems very much like a real teenager doing his best in a decidedly difficult situation. This second installment in his adventures is an exciting, rip-roaring tale combining magic, mythology, and action. As Boyer provides a number of handy recaps throughout the book, it is not necessary to have read Bobby Ether and the Jade Academy to understand and enjoy Temple of Eternity, although doing so would enhance the reading experience.


The Secrets To Living A Fantastic Life

If you're looking for a novel about inspiration, positivity, and overall betterness for your life, <e>The Secrets to Living a Fantastic Life is a sure read for you. Dr. Allen Lycka and Ms. Harriet Tinka present a lifetime of knowledge and wisdom that they've learned in a short amount of time in their respective lives. The two authors joined together after they each experienced trauma in their lives, and they created this book to show others that it shouldn't take a traumatic event in your life to cause you to appreciate life, yourself, and others.

Dr. Lycka is a world-renowned doctor who has helped countless people in his career. His story is that he lived with a life-changing diagnosis of ALS that would ensure that he lived no longer than six months. To understate it, dealing with that diagnosis was difficult. But, through sheer willpower and determination, he discovered the truth. The truth set him free to do even more good for others and to appreciate what he still has even more.

Harriet Tinka was a fashion model who decided to put that career on hold while she furthered her education at a university. While attending school, she dealt with low self-esteem, though this didn't hinder her from making friends. Unfortunately, she experienced trauma through attempted murder and painful recovery from that, both physically and mentally.

Coming together to share their stories, they also share the thirteen golden pearls of wisdom that they've discovered. If you were like me while reading about golden pearls, you might think they are false, so the information about to be presented could be as well. I believed they weren't real because I had never heard of them before; the proof was in the text when the authors explained that golden pearls are real, but are rare and unique finds. The idea of golden pearls is a beautiful metaphor for the thirteen life skills that present themselves because many of them can be rare to find in the majority of the population.

As a worker in the mental health field, I found this book to be informative, educational, and pleasant to read. I love the quotes interspersed throughout the text; the stories at the beginning of each "pearl" that contains a moral are helpful as well. Not forgetting or downplaying the trauma the authors endured, they both currently live extraordinary lives; I feel that because of the lives they are living, it showcases each "pearl" even better. The advice and resources presented will help enhance people's lives to do better for themselves and others.


The Secrets To Living A Fantastic Life

In her late teens, Harriet Tinka was attacked and stabbed by an obsessive ex-boyfriend. A former runway model, she couldn’t accept what had happened. She became bitter, depressed, and attempted suicide. At the height of his career as a cosmetic dermatologist, Dr. Allen Lycka was diagnosed with ALS and told he had six months to live.

In their book, The Secrets To Living A Fantastic Life - Two Survivors Reveal the 13 Golden Pearls They've Discovered, authors Dr. Allen Lycka and Harriet Tinka, reveal the psychological, emotional and spiritual tools they claim enabled their recovery. Not only have these “pearls” allowed them to live fulfilled and happy lives, but in sharing them they “guarantee” that “within as little as thirty days, if you genuinely apply these principles, your life will be transformed.” If this sounds to you a lot like a television infomercial or a “miraculous cure” internet video you’re not alone. But I digress.

“It’s not what happens to you; it’s what you do with what happens.” This quote by the ancient Greek philosopher, Epictetus is the basis for Lycka and Tinka’s life transformations. The maxim that “adversity poisons some and strengthens others” could be applied positively to their lives, though one has to consider that misdiagnosis in the case of Lycka, and a single violent incident of which Tinka recovered fully from (at least physically), are relatively minor on the trauma scale as compared the millions of migrants who are forced to flee their country in the face of devastation, starvation, rape, and murder. Of course, some of us have better coping skills than others.

So, what about the secrets they reveal and how can you apply them to transform your life? Well, they’re hardly secrets, in fact, they’re age-old truisms like love, forgiveness, attitude, gratitude, enthusiasm, and twice as many that are more or less spin-offs of these fundamentals for being a decent human being. Ideals most of us know and at least try to embrace. To explain the profundity of these self-evident principles, many of the chapters begin with childish allegories that either just miss the point or miss it altogether only to be reinforced by quotes by such acclaimed thinkers as Jon Bon Jovi, Taylor Swift, Paul McCartney and the authors themselves.

And how do the authors suggest you apply these life-transforming principles? One way, according to Tinka is to surround yourself with people who love and support you.  Of course, if you had people like that in your life you wouldn’t need Tinka’s advice. Are you a chronic complainer? The solution is easy according to Harriet. Just tie an elastic band around your wrist to make you aware of when you complain. Oh yeah, and maybe make your kitchen table a complain free zone.

To further enhance the impression of an infomercial, the book uses the format of folksy banter between the two authors, one supplying the approved questions, the other replying with profound, extensive, prepared answers. The dialogue is complete with lame jokes, scripted laughter, and even facial expressions

The Secrets To Living A Fantastic Life has no secrets, not even any original advice, but only a collection of self-care mantras and a re-hash of positive-thinking platitudes delivered in a self-aggrandizing manner.


The Secrets To Living A Fantastic Life

This book shows that life is not about what happens to you but how you respond to the things that happen. Both authors experienced events that changed their lives. Dr. Lycka was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and given only a short time to live, and Harriet Tinka was kidnapped and beaten by a stalker. By examining their lives and thinking about how they could make the most out of their experiences and challenges, they have come up with thirteen golden pearls that they feel could help others lead a wonderful life. These golden pearls cover a range of issues, from letting love into your life to finding inspiration and purpose, as well as feeling grateful for what you have now.

I enjoyed the section about non-negotiables because that is an important area we sometimes neglect. I also found the chapter on intention very useful, especially Harriet's questions for finding purpose. By following the thirteen pearls, the authors hope that readers will learn how to deal with life's challenges and find meaning and fulfillment every day.

The authors use their own stories and others to inspire readers to slow down a little and see what life has to offer. What makes this book a bit different from other self-help books that I've read recently is that it is structured in the form of a conversation between Dr. Lycka and Harriet. This made the book seem more personal and engaging, and I got the feeling almost immediately that they were genuinely hoping to help their readers. They weren't interested in just their own stories. They incorporated many others, along with engaging and inspiring quotes as well. The story of Amber was particularly moving. I think this is a book that readers, myself included, will want to consult again or return to when they need a specific golden pearl.

I enjoyed the book and the message that you don't have to accept life as something that happens to you. You can choose what you do with the life you have. I appreciated Harriet's idea of empowerment being a desire, plus confidence, plus action. Believing in yourself can be the best kind of empowerment. Overall, the positive tone and warm, friendly feeling that came through made this a useful book. And I don't remember reading one that encouraged readers to send their own stories for the next book the authors intend to write incorporating more golden pearls.


Temple of Eternity

In the style of James Rollins’ Jake Ransom young adult series, along with a healthy dose of the Percy Jackson series, R. Scott Boyer returns with his second book featuring Bobby Ether after his first appearance in Bobby Ether and the Jade Academy, in Temple of Eternity. The adventures continue, with more mysteries to be solved in the land of the mystical and enigmatic.

After his previous escapades, Bobby Ether barely has enough time to get settled and collect his thoughts together before he’s called back to the Jade Academy for more training and learning, as well as to better control his newfound abilities. Joining his cousin Jinx, they soon discover some friends have gone missing, been kidnapped in fact - which the reader learned of in the gripping prologue - and must now travel deep into the jungles of Guatemala. Their friends are spotted near the Temple of Eternity, so Bobby and Jinx are quickly on their trail while also finding themselves a part of an ancient prophecy of the Maya. They quickly find themselves dealing with much more than basic kidnapping as they confront all manner of beasts, both of the tooth and claw kind and the supernatural. But these are not the same kids who barely knew what they were doing before; they have some experience under their belts, and have some idea of what they are now facing. They will also learn and adapt along the way, working together, even as they find themselves very much alone. This time they find themselves deeper than they might’ve expected and the question is whether they will be able to do what needs to be done to avoid becoming a part of the history and myth of the Temple of Eternity.

Boyer certainly has a knack for bringing to life a story about a couple of teenagers getting up to mischief. The pages are filled with the perfect balance of detail and action, drawing the reader all the deeper into the story with history and legend. There is magic alive and well in these pages, but also spirituality and faith, pulling on the author’s own interests, which adds all the more the story as well as giving it a stronger sense of realism. The characters aren’t one-dimensional but complex and interesting, and it is not always clear where their allegiances lie, or where the lines of good and evil truly lie for that matter.

Temple of Eternity, even though it is a sequel, brings the reader up to speed with a summary of events from the previous book and hits the ground running with constant activity and conflict, keeping the reader glued to the next chapter, wanting to know what will happen next. While it is called a young adult novel, there is plenty within this book to be enjoyed by adults.


Purged Souls

A catastrophic and near-apocalyptic event has altered the course of Lori Rose’s life forever. Now, twenty years after the Purge hit and eclipsed the world around her, wiping out nearly everything and everyone she loved, her life holds a meaning of a different kind. Time and experiences have naturally hardened her over the years, making her seem callous, even wanton. As the head of Special Forces of Marin military headquarters, her calculating, logistical mind serves her well in a world still filled with violence, death, and uncertainty. When called upon to protect and fight for Marin against those in bordering territories, she accepts the call of duty and ends up at odds with her own. She reaches out to an old friend of hers, one that saved her life many years ago when he pulled her from the remnants of a devastating blast. Together, she and Mika strive to determine how a young, fatally wounded soldier manages to survive, escaping from the hospital in which she was treated with no trace of ever having existed. What they find is alarming; she’s apparently not the only one. It becomes clear that enemy forces may be at work. In fact, they discover there are “Puries” in their midst, using biological weapons to decrease birth rates among the citizens of Marin and Kern, in order to further decrease their populations. They’ve also been injecting AHtX into mortally wounded soldiers in order to boost their immune systems enough to render them indestructible. With a significant amount of aid from others, Lori and Amy Chipps, the governor of New Cal, are able to neutralize the surrounding threats and save Mika from impending death after a gut-wrenching fall. They’re finally able, too, to look to their futures with some semblance of hope.

This science fiction thriller is masterfully and articulately written. The cast of characters is thoughtfully diverse. Some are cold and deceptive, power-hungry, and willing to do anything to prevail. Others are courageous and determined, passionate, and in search of a better life. Still, others are angry and methodical, vengeful, and goal-driven to the end. They add intrigue and diversity, peaking readers’ interests. The storyline itself is complex and filled with elaborate details. There are more twists and turns throughout than displayed in an intricately woven spiderweb. The majority of the chapters end with a new caveat being introduced, enticing readers to read on to the very last page.

The author does a remarkable job of weaving a couple of endearing relationships into what is otherwise an action-packed thriller. For example, Lori’s closeness to Mika, her only childhood friend who survived the Purge, is palpable and even perplexing at times, given their personality dissimilarities. Additionally, the love that grows between Mika and Amy, over the course of happenstance in many respects, is intriguing and humanizing as well. When Mika finally awakes from a comatose state, the words draw the reader in and capture the essence of their bond: “She’d stared at his vacant face for three weeks, imagining it springing to life and saying something endearing. This hadn’t been what he’d uttered in those daydreams, but it wasn’t eloquent words she’d missed. It was that mischievous smile, the exuberance escaping from the gap between his teeth and filling the room. She leaned and kissed his cheek.”

This futuristic story is timely with respect to the world facing a pandemic of unconscionable magnitude right now. Though the Purge and it’s effects on humanity are in stark contrast with the effects of the Coronavirus, as are its origins, but the parallels that exist add a confounding element to the tale. They certainly both illuminate the unpredictable nature of life on earth. It’s likely this book will appeal to readers of various genres, given some of its unique attributes.


When My Dad Went to the Jungle

Theo’s father traveled to Amazonia to participate in a project on harpy eagles, who the indigenous people believe are protector spirits. In this unique story, Theo shares his father’s experiences by describing his own re-enactments of them. Once he hung a kingfish out the car window, hoping to “smoke it” with the surrounding exhaust fumes. Another time, he and his friends brought some earthworms inside to make oil for fried potatoes. He had learned how much the natives love tucus (big worms), both to eat as well as to use for creating oil. His mother nearly fainted at the sight of the disgusting creatures. From his father’s lessons, Theo decides he’ll express his love for the “protector spirit” and delight him with some churros and hot cocoa if he ever visits Amazonia.

When My Dad Went to the Jungle is a tale in which cultural truths and environmental awareness are blended with hyperbole and hilarity. The author notes at the end he indeed traveled to Amazonia, specifically to an area called Conambo, where the Sapara people live. He, as well as the scientist overseeing the project, share interesting facts about the region and the sacredness of the land there. The story itself offers children a glimpse of this massive region. The humorous twists woven into it will likely ignite the intrigue of young readers, specifically children ages five to nine. They will laugh hysterically as they read about Theo’s emulations of the father he admires.


Little Bear's Treasures

Little Bear is a finder of treasures. He goes through his day finding wonderful things such as a button, a very useful clothespin, a pretty feather, a wad of fluff, a cozy hidey-hole, and more. It seems everywhere he goes, he finds a new treasure. But when Little Bear tries to show his treasures to his woodland friends, none of them seem to understand what great treasures they are. In fact, they all seem to think his treasures are just junk. But Little Bear knows they are treasures. He just wants someone who shares his vision, and that is when he meets Little Bird. Little Bird appreciates the treasures Little Bear finds, and they enjoy finding treasure together. They find a tree bark boat, crown for each other, a furry rock, but most of all, they find friendship.

Stella Dreis has written an enchanting story little ones will love listening to and adults will love reading aloud. The messages of using imagination and making friends are lovely. Dreis’s illustrations in the softest colors are delightful and will keep children engaged with all the sweet details. Kids will ask for this one again and again.


Turtle Walk

It is spring and everything is in bloom. The turtle family is embarking on a walk. A nice slow walk, a long slow walk, but that is how turtles travel. They travel all through the spring, through the day and night, and on into the hot summer. Are we there yet? No! They walk slowly on through summer and right into autumn. It takes a long time, but that is how turtles travel. And on they go, walking slowly, through autumn with all its beautiful colors and into winter. Are we there yet? Yes! Winter is just what the turtle family has been heading for, for a very special reason.

Matt Phelan is both author and illustrator of this absolutely enchanting picture book for the very youngest of listeners. The text is very sparse, but perfect for this sweet story. Little ones who don’t have much patience will see that being patient can have its rewards after hearing this story. The illustrations are delightful with lovely, soft colors representing all the seasons beautifully and leading to a fun surprise at the end. This is a book that will have children begging to have it read again and again.


Women in Biology

Framed in brilliant blue, glowing green, eggplant purple, and even earthy. brown pages, the restless but overly curious gangly girl wearing oversized spectacles and carrying a magnifying glass seeks some answers about nature. She asks what biology is, what makes a butterfly, what cells are, and questions other curious things. In reply, she learns about female scientists that have been active across history such as Maria Sibylla Merian from the seventeenth century, Hildegard of Bingen from the eleventh century, Barbara McClintock from the twentieth century, among a few others. The reader is encouraged to learn about cells and their contents, such as DNA, genes, and transposons; while the story introduces some basic scientific concepts such as learning to ask questions. It starts the young reader on the road to forming hypotheses, testing guesses through experiments, and valuing research.  The illustrations are brilliantly stunning, however, some of the depicted female biologists need more age receptive descriptions. Bringing more current female biologists into view might relate better to the youngsters.  Talking about jumping genes and transposons demand some building blocks for these terms to resonate with this age group.


The Preserve: A novel

In a Blade Runner-meets-Westworld style world, Police Chief Jesse Laughton oversees the Preserve, one of the last remaining pieces of land where humankind can live. The rest of the world has been overtaken by AI robots after a plague wiped out most of the human population. For the most part, the two species are able to live without much conflict until a robot turns up dead on the Preserve. Jesse and his former robot partner, Kir, team up to solve the crime and prevent the rising tensions between humans and robots from spilling over before it’s too late.

I’ve been avoiding plague/dystopian-related reads these past few months---I usually read those books to escape reality, not relive it---but this one was too intriguing to pass up. The Preserve is a quick and enjoyable read that treats the AI concept with originality. It surpasses the tropes of typical dystopian novels by drawing readers into mystery rather than the hopelessness of the human race. And the easy, caring relationship between Jesse and Kir remains at the forefront of the story, adding a layer of complexity by evoking sympathy for both sides of the conflict. Even though the execution fell a bit flat toward the end, I relished my time reading The Preserve.


Finders Creepers (Half Past Peculiar, Book 1)

Twin siblings Esmerelda and Atticus Fetch find lost pets. They’re the best (and only) pet finders in Thorns Hollow, a strange little town with almost as many pets as people. There has never been a pet they couldn’t find, except their own beloved dog Dunnsworth. Nothing seems out of the ordinary when a search for a missing pet takes them to an old house across town. But the next thing they know, the twins are hurled into a dangerous world full of dragons, unicorns, and manticores. How will they ever get back and prevent these dangerous creatures from coming back with them?

This book is amazing because it’s very unique. It’s a mix of traditional text, comics, letters, newspaper clippings, maps, and illustrations. The black and white illustrations and comics help bring the story alive. It’s also cool because even though the twins are total opposites, I can relate to both of them; Esmerelda is adventurous and bold, while Atticus is cautious and bookish. This book is full of suspense, excitement, and magical creatures. So if you like all those things (and really, who doesn’t?) then this book is for you.


Framing a Family: Building a Foundation to Raise Confident Children

Raising a family is tough. Some would argue that it's one of the toughest jobs around, mostly because it has such a life-changing impact on not just the individual but the entire family. Robin Marvel can and does attest to the toughness of family life. She has written Framing a Family as a way of "building a strong foundation to raise confident children." It's important to remember that when kids are young, they are continuously learning, with the most influence in their life coming from their parent(s). Marvel has much experience on this topic, having started her family at a young age and lived through many tough situations in her home and personal life.

I appreciate how throughout Framing a Family, the information that Marvel provides is on point and concise. The book is not lengthy, but the information provided in it covers what is needed to build a solid foundation for your child(ren) for their future. Much of the information pertains to the parent and how they need to understand themselves before they can fully understand their child. The advice is relevant to current events and more than helpful for any parent.


We Are Not From Here

We Are Not From Here is the story of three teens: Pulga, Chico, and Pequena from Guatemala who are family by choice. It tells their story as they try to survive in their Barrio and eventually decide to head out on their own in an effort to get to the United States. In doing so, they must leave behind their families and head towards an uncertain future. Their journey is not easy and along the way, they meet great tragedy that will change their lives forever. Will they be strong enough to endure the journey? Will they get to a better life? Will they ever belong?

We Are Not From Here made me feel the plight and pain of immigrant children and better understand the things they are running away from. There is some strong language in the story that makes it better suited for high school students. I think that it was a little too advanced for me but I appreciated how it helped me to see the world through their eyes. I recommend this tale to children and adults over fourteen years old.


I Love You More Than Christmas

I Love You More Than Christmas is the story of a bear family with mama bear, papa bear, and little bear. This bear family is getting ready for Christmas, and they are so excited! They all love Christmas and all of the activities that go on this holiday, and they each feel the same way about the thing that they love more than Christmas. The members of the bear family keep trying to tell each other what they love more, but then they get interrupted. To get interrupted can be frustrating, but this is happening to them by someone doing something Christmas-y, so it's okay. Finally, at the end of the story, the reader finds out what they each love more than Christmas, and the mystery is gone.

This story will be fun to read at Christmas time, but also any other time- like I am reading it now in summer. This story isn't one that I agree with personally and would say that they are forgetting the main thing that people should be celebrating at Christmas. However, the story was fun to read, and the pictures are pretty. This story is for kids of any age, at any time of year.


One Christmas Wish

The baby mice desperately want to build snow mice for Christmas. Little Hedgehog invites Badger, Fox, Rabbit, and the mice over the day after the first flurries fall, and though the snow has mostly melted, they set off to search for any remnants. They collect some from nearby branches and discover a plethora of it up to Rocky Ridge. Once they gather as much as Little Hedgehog’s hat will hold, they begin to journey home. On their way, they offer some of their glistening flurries to decorate Grandpa Squirrel’s tree. They share kindly with the beavers and then use what remains to make a cold compress for Fox’s injured foot. As Christmas morning approaches, Little Hedgehog decides to create a special gift for the little mice who so generously gave up what they wanted most of all.

One Christmas Wish is an adorable tale about friendship, kindness, and community. It’s a sweet storyline and precious characters are sure to captivate young children’s interests. Little Hedgehog’s snow hat is featured on nearly every spread. With its velvety soft touch, this added feature will awaken children’s senses and seize their intrigue and attention. The appeal of this story is likely to be broad. Very young children, namely three- and four-year-olds, will treasure holiday readings from Grandma and Grandpa; while older youth will cherish reading it on their own.


Goldilocks and the Three Bears (revised, 2nd edition)

The traditional story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears is retold with gorgeous illustrations. The book gives a little bit of background as to why Goldilocks is in the woods. It also clears up where she goes after she leaves the bears' house.

I like the clarification of where Goldilocks is from. I think having her be a child with the traveling circus, going to pick wildflowers in the woods, and getting lost was the perfect beginning. I appreciated that the bears taught Goldilocks something instead of just growling or chasing her off like in other versions.

Wow! What gorgeous illustrations! There are such exquisite details and comforting colors that I feel are perfect for this classic tale. My favorite scene is the three chairs. I love that the illustrations show Mama Bear’s chair is wobbly because it has been fixed. I can tell the illustrator took great care in getting the scenes just right.

My kids, three and six loved this book. My youngest really liked the bears and Goldilocks. She really liked the details on the chairs. Age Recommendation: three to eight-year-olds.


5-Minute Really True Stories for Bedtime

Bedtime is a great time to do some quiet reading with little ones. They often want more than one story, and this wonderful book not only gives readers 30 different options, but they are about true things that will fascinate the young (and probably the adults who are reading, too).

Non-fiction isn’t often considered to be bedtime reading, so this makes for a very nice exception. All children are curious, and they all love animals and nature. The stories in this book will not only settle youngsters down for the night but also teach them a lot. There are stories about why we need to sleep, what dreams are, how different animals sleep, beds from all over, what people who work nights do, things about the night sky and all that is found there, and so much more.

The writing is lively and fun, the subject matter is varied and about things kids care about, and each story is just right in terms of length. Every page has wonderful illustrations that support the stories, with plenty of details to keep little ones engaged with the book. This will be a welcome addition to any bedtime book collection.


William Shakespeare's The Merry Rise of Skywalker: Star Wars Part the Ninth

After nine books, miles of meter, and rhyming couplets galore, Ian Doescher's Shakespearean take on the most famous saga in science fiction has come to a close. But how does it all end for Rey, Leia, Finn, Poe, Chewie, R2-D2, C-3PO, and the citizens of the galaxy at war with the sinister First Order?

It seems impossible that someone could write nine books that are not only a treat for Shakespeare fans but also a treasure trove of inventive joy for devotees of Star Wars, but Doescher has done precisely that with The Merry Rise of Skywalker. It's perhaps the best stick-the-landing moment in sci-fi and humor in a long time. Where other authors could have coasted on their previous hard work, Doescher doubled-down with callbacks, references galore, and expansions on the subject matter that are simultaneously hilarious, brilliant, clever, and thoughtful.

From R2's global overview of the events of the saga to the wonderful insights into Chewie's mind (not to mention the brilliant artwork that evokes stage performance even as ruffled collars meet space helmets), you'll need to read this book three times over to get every delightful little detail, easter egg, and mint-worthy moment tucked inside.


Bronte's Mistress

You won’t find Lydia Robinson mentioned much in the historical record. Most who have heard of her will know her as no more than a caricature made by Anne Brontë in a novel after a disastrous affair with Anne’s brother Branwell. What if she were more than a caricature, though? What if she were a living, breathing woman, with her own desires and failings.

This is the question Finola Austin asks, and she more than delivers on the promise of a novel about a woman who never wrote one in defense of herself. Lydia is not always likable, but she is always compelling as a forty-something woman in the mid-nineteenth century. Brontë’s Mistress is reminiscent of the novels of the Brontë sisters, but with a modern sentiment and enough subtlety that I needed to have it pointed out in the author’s note. (Speaking of which: read the author’s note. It was as fascinating as the rest of the novel.).

Austin breathes life into a figure I had never heard of, and into an era so many of us view as stiff and prudish. There is a good reason for that, but those wicked women of the era were humans as well and deserve to be remembered as such, Lydia Robinson included.


Ever Cursed

Reagan, a witch determined to right a wrong, casts a Spell of Without on the princesses of Ever, taking away something integral to living - food, sleep, love, memory, or hope - as each one turns thirteen. When the youngest turns thirteen, the princesses learn how to break the spell to keep it from being True and lasting forever. Jane, the oldest, leads the way to find the things they need, but her father refuses to help, even to save his wife and daughters from the spell’s effects. Jane painfully realizes she has been doing without more than just food. She has been seeing without understanding and accepting without knowing for years.  To save her kingdom she must break all the rules, work with the enemy, and learn her kingdom’s true history.

Hope without hopefulness and memory without remembering to make this a story in opposites and contrasts. Though often ignored or covered up in lies and platitudes, the exploitation of people and especially women by men in power is addressed sensitively and powerfully.  Readers know of the situation but not the particulars. Told in the alternating viewpoints of Reagan and Jane, Ever Cursed is a feminist fairy tale with implications and comments on today’s patriarchal society.


Dead Doubles: The Extraordinary Worldwide Hunt for One of the Cold War's Most Notorious Spy Rings

British Intelligence has uncovered a possible spy in their midst. A letter containing anti-Semitic imagery was sent to an employee at the Underwater Detection Establishment. The sender was soon under scrutiny: a clerk at UDE named Harry Houghton. Houghton was a drunken lout who was living beyond his means. A previous tip-off about his suspected treachery had been forwarded by his ex-wife, but was promptly ignored. This was coupled with intelligence being sent by a Polish spy code-named Sniper. Houghton was followed to a meeting with an unknown fellow named Gordon Lonsdale. The officers of MI5 were intrigued by Lonsdale, and he was soon being followed. The evidence was circumstantial at first, but soon a surreptitious entry of Lonsdale’s safe deposit box netted incriminating evidence to bring down a moderately sized spy ring. The rampant paranoia and danger inherent in the Cold War and protection of secrets led to the harsh sentences meted out to all parties involved. Yet, this would not be the end of the story, just the beginning.

Dead Doubles is an absorbing view of an investigation of a spy ring and the personalities embedded in the ring. The danger of the times is conveyed in a tangible way, where the reader is engrossed in the triumphs and pitfalls of the investigation. The author does an admirable job in his portrayal of the spies and their motives. A most enjoyable read!


Grave Secrets: The Lavington Windsor Mysteries

Toni Windsor has Grave Secrets. As in, she can raise people from the dead and only her brother knows about it and sometimes uses it to help him solve his police cases. Turns out zombies aren’t the only dead people around as a whole bunch of vampires have moved into the neighborhood. Vampires and necromancers don’t get along great which makes the fact that Toni is dating one of the vampires real tricky. But you can’t help who you are or whom you fall in love with right? Toni also discovers she stumbled into the middle of a vampire war and she will need all her powers to help protect herself and those she loves.

This was just an overall fun book. I don’t think it’s entirely accurate to label a mystery as that took up about four pages in the whole thing. However, I don’t think that detracts from its charm at all. Toni is perfectly hilarious and the zombies are delightful. If you enjoy stories about women who won’t take crap from anyone, vampires, zombies, and British humor then I highly recommend this book. There are some sex scenes and it’s mentioned often, but I don’t think it was nearly as erotic as the author intended. The characters are great and I look forward to more installments in this series to get to know Toni, Peter, Benedict, and Bredon better. I also look forward to seeing what other trouble Toni can get herself into.


Little Falls: A Novel

After leaving the service, Camille Waresch returned to her small home town in Eastern Washington, Little Falls. She found a job with the county as a property inspector. On a routine inspection of an isolated property, she discovers a horrific scene. A body, hanging in a dilapidated shed.  The murder brought back fragments of memories from her time in Iraq.  As she struggled to remember she continues to investigate, even though she was warned not to.

This story is dark and gritty, filled with tension throughout. At first, I found this story a little hard to get into, the writing style is a bit choppy, but after a few chapters, I found myself engrossed in the story. The first person narrative was OK but I felt that the main character needed a little more likability. The characters are well rounded with an authenticity that only a veteran could write and I was really able to feel her inner turmoil. The author does a great job building suspense, however, there was no big reveal or resolution that felt satisfying, so the ending fell a bit flat. Overall I think this was a good debut novel, I will watch for the next release by this author.


Somewhere in the Dark: A Novel

Jessie Duval grew up Somewhere in the Dark. She lived through years of neglect including one whole year in a closet, kept there by her foster parents. In order to survive that ordeal, she retreated into a world that she created, one with Owen and Shelly James at the center. Once she was free, she followed them on tour until it ended with her arrest and a protection order placed against her. She served her time and is working as a caterer’s assistant when she ends up working at a party at the James’ house. Then Shelly winds up murdered and Jessie is the prime suspect. She has to figure out who really did it before she ends up back in a place she really doesn’t want to go.

You cannot help but feel for Jessie in this story. Her life is so tragic and it seems a bitter blow to be framed for a murder she didn’t commit. I loved that this was written by a psychologist because so much more time was spent on trying to understand Jessie as well as the motivations of the other characters, then just solving a murder. This book was a great example of how we underestimate people and what they will do to survive and I’m not just talking about Jessie. The other characters might have had less therapy and acknowledged issues, but they were fighting for what they had as well. Overall, a great and emotional read worth your time.


Booked for Death: A Booklovers B&B Mystery

Charlotte has given up her life as a teacher in exchange for running the B&B she inherited from her aunt and things are going well. She even has a celebration for an amazing mystery author, which brings several guests to stay, including a book dealer and his family. But things aren't so sweet with this family. When the book dealer turns up dead, it goes from bad to worse after his daughter points the finger of blame in Charlotte's direction by claiming her father found a scandalous secret about Charlotte's aunt. It doesn't help that her closest friend ends up in the middle of the investigation with a secret of her own. Now Charlotte must prove herself innocent, find proof that clears her friend's name, and catch the killer before they have a chance to strike again.

The mystery contains several threads that involve Charlotte uncovering the secrets of her aunt, investigating the murder, and uncovering the identity of her friend Julie's mystery boyfriend. Each of these threads is interconnected and the truth behind them all comes out as Charlotte uncovers more clues that lead to the identity of the killer, which involves a thrilling reveal. The setting has a true community tone as Charlotte interacts with a variety of characters who all cross her path in a way that feels like she really belongs in the town. The friendship between her and Julie is what makes finding the killer personal, as she's not only proving her own aunt innocent but also helping show her friend's innocence. Julie is her outgoing friend who she's living vicariously through while healing from the loss of her husband and mending her broken heart. The B&B provides a new beginning for her while creating a brilliant beginning for a cozy series.

Booked for Death will book you into a delightful mystery that brings to life a charming town with a genuine feeling of community, the strength of friendship, and delightful characters.