Ambition, Arrogance & Pride

Ambition, Arrogance & Pride by Sandra Wagner-Wright takes readers on a wild ride through the lives of the Derby and Crowinshield families, two of the most prominent families in the shipping business in the 18th century. From their successful shipping businesses to their arranged marriages, readers get a glimpse of what life looked like for these families during that time. Mary Derby had always envisioned being a spinster, but her father had other plans. He set her up with George Crowinshield, who was struck by Mary's beauty and personality and asked her to marry him. Despite her objections, George persisted, much to her family's delight, and the two were joined in holy matrimony.

What sets Mary's marriage apart from the norm during that time was the way George treated her. In a male-dominated society where women weren't given a voice in decision-making, George saw Mary as an equal partner and gave her the respect she deserved. On the other hand, George's sister Eliza caught the eye of Mary's brother Hasket, who had big dreams of his own. Eliza, ambitious and unapologetically luxurious, wouldn't settle for anything less than the highest status in Salem society. Sparks of jealousy flew around after her constant display of wealth after her marriage to Hasket.

Amidst political turmoil and family drama, the families continue to grow, each working toward building the most successful shipping business. The story may be a work of fiction, but it is based on true-life events related to the early families' thriving privateering shipping business and the American Revolution. Sandra did an excellent job in terms of research and accuracy, with language and specific terms that matched the 18th-century setting, giving the story a dose of historical authenticity. It felt like a ride through American history, with each page offering insight into the customs and way of life of that time.

As someone who enjoys a fast-paced novel, I found the book a bit slow. The romance was subtle, as women were reserved then, and I felt the story dragged on too long. Nevertheless, Ambition, Arrogance & Pride is a great read for lovers of historical fiction. It packs a lot of history and captivating drama between the pages, and readers will be thrilled to learn about a crucial period in American history.

Overall, I would recommend this book to fans of historical fiction and would love to read other books by the author. Sandra Wagner-Wright is an excellent storyteller with a natural flair for historical accuracy and powerful character development.


Treachery on the Nile: A New Michael Vaux Novel

Michael Vaux is a man in dire need of a vacation. He recently survived an assassination attempt at the hands of a former lover. He also successfully emerged from a thorough investigation into loyalty to his own country. As he begins his convalescence, MI6 has entirely different plans for Michael. The intelligence agency has heard rumblings of a possible military coup set to occur in Egypt. The higher-ups at MI6 believe Vaux can utilize his contacts as a journalist and his charm to unearth more details about this plot. They decide to book passage for him and his paramour Anne to sail down the Nile River on a pleasure cruise, yet don’t tip their hand as to their ulterior motive.

Zaki Khalid is a lieutenant in the Egyptian Army who is viewing the government’s machinations with a discerning eye. Egypt has seen its share of volatility since the Arab Spring overthrow of Hosni Mubarak. Recent meetings with higher-ups in the army confirm his suspicions that a rebellion is imminent. He is soon approached by a man who is an intelligence asset for the British. Khalid’s proximity to the inner circle of the plot may prove vital to disrupting it.

The cruise soon begins with Vaux and his lady Anne on board along with various members of the Egyptian Army, including Khalid. Time is of the essence for the British to stop the coup and preserve order.

Treachery on the Nile excels as a modern take on the timeless tradecraft of espionage. The murky and often amoral world of the intelligence agent has been written about by legends from Graham Greene to John Le Carre. Author Roger Croft admirably continues in the footsteps of his predecessors by writing a highly readable story where a spy’s work never ends, but merely evolves. Michael Vaux is a good man, weary of the inherent backstabbing that goes along with working for MI6, but his dogged loyalty to his country prohibits him from walking away.

Croft skillfully relays the ins and outs of gathering intelligence, from surveillance to recruiting a source. Croft’s ability to tackle a familiar topic and make it refreshing and readable is apparent with his latest effort. The days of the Cold War are long gone, but the great game is still being played by familiar parties. The spy game has shifted to Africa and one country’s destabilization could trigger a domino effect. Croft(“The Algerian Hoax) has written a clever and interesting work about never-ending global intrigue.


The Three Sisters - Book Two of The Pulse

"Follow Jack Broderick as he navigates his way back to his family from Florida to Washington through a myriad of dangerous obstacles. With a gruesome and colorful cast of characters who are ready to end Jack at every turn, this apocalyptic action thriller will have readers on the edge of their seats. Author Owen Garratt has created a truly suspenseful and entertaining series." —Kristi Elizabeth, Los Angeles Book Review


But in Wonder

Forever and Ever, the first book in Dan A. Baker’s Endless Life trilogy, introduced readers to Dr. Jasmine Metcalf, a plucky and pioneering scientist who developed a gene-based therapy capable of reversing the aging process. As word of her discovery spread, Jasmine found herself embroiled in political, moral, philosophical, and legal conflicts as she and society, in general, grappled with the conundrum of whether the pursuit of immortality is necessary or wise simply because it is possible.

Now, in But in Wonder, Jasmine’s adventure continues apace as Baker once again seamlessly merges science fiction with science fact to craft a story that is currently beyond the realm of possibility… but only just. By combining meticulous research into cutting-edge branches of science, such as gene therapy, artificial stem cells, and synthetic genes, with explosive action and deadly intrigue, Baker continues the thought-provoking and entertaining trilogy in a highly engaging fashion.

It has been three years since Will Behlen, the molecular biologist who collaborated with Jasmine on her gene therapy research and also entered into an out-of-character love affair with her, went into hiding following the hijacking and corruption of their work, leaving Jasmine to face the consequences of their apparent failure alone. However, Will has continued his work in secret during that period, and believing that the time is finally right to bring Jasmine into the project, he invites her to join him in “Nice Life Planet.”

Once there, Jasmine learns that Will and his group have made rapid advancements in their aging reversal technology by using artificial intelligence and supercomputer networks to identify new genes and protein folds. What’s more, the use of cloned generic pluripotent stem cells, which Jasmine had believed to still be in the development stage, has allowed them to overcome the immunity issues that were holding them back, leading to the construction of a completely artificial organ that can be implanted in the body to trigger the de-aging process. More importantly, the group has already begun human testing, including on Will.

But in Wonder follows Jasmine as she struggles to get to grips with the implications of the new technology, both for individuals and for humanity as a whole. Despite the scientific brilliance she displayed in Forever and Ever, she very much takes a backseat in relation to the science of de-aging in this sequel, as the breakthroughs have already been made prior to her arrival. She is arguably the character who devotes the most thought to the likely consequences of immortality, but it would have been good if she hadn’t been relegated to a supporting role.

It is Will who takes center stage in But in Wonder, as he is the one who holds all the cards and has oversight of the entire age reversal project. He is portrayed as something of an eccentric genius, which does mean that he is sometimes pompous and irritating, particularly when spouting riddles during the early stages of his reunion with Jasmine. Fortunately, as he settles into his de-aged persona, he undergoes some significant growth and development. The relationship between Will and Jasmine isn’t always convincing, especially the polyamorous aspects, but they are largely realistic and likable characters.

The area in which Baker really excels in But in Wonder concerns the speculative fiction aspects of the story, the merging of the real with the very nearly real. Much of what occurs throughout the story is frighteningly plausible, even if it’s not technologically feasible at the present moment. As such, But in Wonder provides a timely warning of some of the potential dangers of unchecked technological advancement while simultaneously offering an exciting and action-packed story.


I Have Seven Dogs

Zoe has an issue. She loves dogs but the apartment she lives in with her family does not allow dogs. She must come up with a plan where she can be with all the dogs of the community. Throughout the mostly fairly easy rhyme, Zoe meets the dogs of the community from the little Chihuahua to the mighty Great Dane.

All of these dogs loves Zoe, and Zoe loves them, even if she is unable to have one of her own. Instead, she will become friends with all the dogs and all the dogs will be for her. Especially when the dogs are invited to the park to be part of her birthday party.

I initially thought this would be a book about counting, but it is not. Instead, it is a book about the many different types of dogs and the many ways one can interact with a dog. There are sounds spelled out, making the book interactive between a parent and a child. Other portions of the book may be a little too complicated for a child on their own. The art is good and engaging. Well worth a read overall.


Grandma's House is Haunted

Ooh, spooky!! A young boy and girl spend the night at Grandma's house, and although they have so much fun baking cookies, playing games, and being silly with Grandma, when nighttime comes, the ghoulies and ghosts come out of the woodwork.

This book is perfect for kids with brilliant imaginations...the kids who are afraid of the dark, the kids who see monsters and scary things when bedtime comes. As the imaginations of the two kids run wild, the reader is treated to some amazing illustrations. The house is old and has old books and wardrobes. Ghosts float around the room, causing mischief. There is even a wolf wearing a raincoat! The pictures are drawn with so much detail that it reminded me of one of those games where you have to find different objects in a scene. Young eyes will love this book and want to know what happens to the children.

Rest assured, Grandma comes to the rescue. She explains that the shadows just look scary, but they are still just ordinary things like books and pencils that exist during the day. This is a fun book that is perfect for kids who are elementary school age.


Asparagus Grass

Mitchell Kuiper had no real aspirations in life. He is happy as a park maintenance worker during the day and drinking with his buddies at night. After a rather rowdy going away party, Mitchell found himself in bed with Martina Vader, aka Marty Mindshadow. A second night together turned into an out-of-this-world experience for Mitchell, literally. While on Mars, Marty explained to Mitchell about the Xyk infestation of Earth and that the only way to get rid of them was to blow up the planet. Now Mitchell is in a race against time to save his world and the rest of the galaxy from the invasive parasitic aliens.

Asparagus Grass is a new speculative fiction from Australian author Adrian Deans. This dark comedy is a cosmic roller coaster with wild turns and mind-bending loops. In his own twisted way, Deans pinpoints most of the world's woes and credits them to infected leaders. Though the humor can be sophomoric at times, the message is clear. Clean up our problems before we are destroyed. For readers looking for a far-out read with aliens, free love, conspiracy theories, and even a pile of dog poop, look no further than Asparagus Grass.


Your School Is the Best! (The Curious Cockroach)

A comical look at what would happen if a "pet" cockroach followed its boy to school In Your School Is the Best!, the story is narrated by the cockroach who just means well. He wants to go to school with his boy and share in all the activities. From playing on the playground to eating crayons and creating colorful art, the cockroach and his family members "help" out at school.

Kids will find this book hilarious as they see the faces of the kids freak out when they see the cockroaches. The teacher even passes out when she finds the cockroaches in her lunch bag during a game of hide and seek. Yikes! All the cockroaches want is to be included.

The illustrations are colorful and have a lot of details. Parents and kids will have fun looking at each scene as the cockroaches upset the school day. This is a fun book for kids who aren't too afraid of bugs. The illustrator does a really great job of making the cockroaches look happy and friendly.


Raise A Glass Roundup

Entering the diverse and intricate world of alcoholic beverages can be a richly rewarding experience, and what better way to do so than through the pages of a good book? In this Raise A Glass Roundup, we've gathered together five recently released books that offer a tantalizing blend of history, culture, mixology, and appreciation for everything from fine wines to craft cocktails. Whether you're a connoisseur or a curious newcomer, these books invite you to raise a glass and savor the stories, traditions, and flavors that make alcoholic beverages so fascinating (and tasty). Join us as we dive into the literary realm of libations and uncork the wisdom within these engaging volumes.

I'll Drink to That! Broadway’s Legendary Stars, Classic Shows, and the Cocktails They Inspired by Laurence Maslon and Joan Marcus

I'll Drink to That! Broadway’s Legendary Stars, Classic Shows, and the Cocktails They Inspired by Laurence Maslon and Joan Marcus offers a captivating exploration of the intersection between Broadway and mixology. The book seamlessly weaves together the rich history of cocktails on the Broadway stage with a collection of thirty clever drink recipes inspired by iconic shows. Laurence Maslon, a renowned musical theater historian, guides readers on this delightful journey, while Joan Marcus's stunning photography captures the essence of both Broadway and the cocktails. From pre-theater libations to after-show toasts, the book offers a unique twist on classic cocktails, each with a theatrical flair. It's an engaging tribute to the vibrant history of Broadway and the drinks that have added sparkle to its legendary moments, making it a must-read for theater enthusiasts and cocktail connoisseurs alike.

Discovering Yamaguchi Sake: A Taster’s Guide to Breweries, Culture, and Terrain by Jim Rion

Jim Rion’s Discovering Yamaguchi Sake: A Taster’s Guide to Breweries, Culture, and Terrain is a unique and immersive journey into the world of sake, focusing on the Yamaguchi region of Southern Honshu, Japan. Rion's expertise shines through as he delves deep into the history, culture, and craft of sake production in Yamaguchi, a region with a rich and storied brewing tradition. Through vivid descriptions and insightful narratives, he introduces readers to all twenty-three of Yamaguchi's breweries, providing a fascinating glimpse into each one's character and best offerings. The book also touches on essential topics such as the role of rice farmers, brewing techniques, and the intriguing debate concerning sake "terroir." For travelers, a handy sightseeing guide is included, making this book not only a taster's guide to sake but also a valuable companion for exploring the region's delights. Illustrated with captivating photographs and helpful sake labels, Discovering Yamaguchi Sake is a great choice for sake enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive and enlightening exploration of a remarkable sake-producing region and the culture that surrounds it.

Spirits of the Tarot by Thea Engst

Spirits of the Tarot by Thea Engst is a fascinating account of the surprising overlap between the worlds of tarot and mixology. This unique collection of seventy-eight cocktail recipes, each inspired by a card from the Rider Waite tarot deck, invites readers to trust their intuition and connect with their spirit guides in a truly delightful way. Just as tarot readings offer insight and guidance, the included cocktails serve as a flavorful tribute to the wisdom of the cards. From "The Magician’s Magic" to "The Moon’s Shine," each cocktail has its own enchanting character. Whether you choose to select a single card and craft a drink based on its energy or opt engage in a more extensive tarot reading to decide your libation, this tarot-inspired cocktail companion offers a whimsical and spiritually enriching experience. It's a celebration of intuition, a delightful homage to the mystical, and a unique way to commune with your spirit guides by raising a glass in their honor

White Wine: The Comprehensive Guide to the 50 Essential Varieties & Styles by Mike Desimone, Jeff Jenssen, and Rob Mondavi Jr.

White Wine: The Comprehensive Guide to the 50 Essential Varieties & Styles by Mike Desimone, Jeff Jenssen, and Rob Mondavi Jr. is an essential compendium for wine enthusiasts, offering an in-depth exploration of the world's most significant white wine varieties and styles. From Albariño to Viognier, Bordeaux to Vinho Verde, this comprehensive guide takes readers on a flavorful tour of over fifty grape varieties and blends, providing insights into their origins, characteristics, and ideal pairings. Through engaging facts, expert contributions, and stunning photography, the book paints a vivid picture of the global white wine landscape. A convenient checklist and over 200 captivating photographs help readers to track their tasting adventures, making it the perfect resource to assist in appreciating and savoring the diverse and delightful world of white wines.

Wine Club: A Month-by-Month Guide to Learning About Wine With Friends by Maureen Christian Petrosky

Maureen Christian Petrosky’s Wine Club: A Month-by-Month Guide to Learning About Wine With Friends represents the ultimate guide to creating a fun and educational wine club with your friends. This sassy and informative handbook offers a foolproof month-by-month plan to make the world of wine accessible and enjoyable. Each chapter focuses on a different grape variety, from still to sparkling, delicate whites to rich reds, providing a structured yet relaxed approach to wine exploration. Beyond the tasting, there are easy entertaining tips, taste-testing advice, and intriguing wine facts. Petrosky also shares expert recommendations for budget-friendly wines, insights into building a personal wine stash, delectable recipes for wine and food pairings, and the latest in wine gadgets. Moreover, the book demystifies wine terminology, ensuring that even wine novices feel confident when selecting and serving wine.


Fall of the School for Good and Evil (Rise, 2)

Fall of the School for Good and Evil is the prequel to the movie The School for Good and Evil, which is about two brothers: Rafal and  Rhian. Rafal and Rhian have always been extremely close throughout their immortal lives, ruling their respective schools. Rhian leads the School for Good and Rafal leads the School for Evil... until now.

Ever since James Hook, a student at the School for Evil, ran away with twelve of the best students to Neverland, mistrust and betrayal have stirred in the hearts of Rafal and Rhian. Neither can trust the other and it seems as if the Storian’s prophecy is coming true a lot sooner than either Rafal or Rhian could have expected. Will the two headmasters be able to reforge their brotherly bond? Or will only one survive?

This book was pretty good, but you have to watch the movie or read the main book to actually understand what's happening in this book. The book started off really slow; it was around the middle where I actually got interested. I recommend this book for kids ages six to ten. It is not that interesting for teens and I don't think it would be engaging for adults. Fall of the School for Good and Evil is a good read for the young reader in your life!


Ruby Lost and Found

Summer’s going to be different for Ruby Chu, and not in a good way. Her sister will be heading off for college, and Ruby and her best friends have drifted apart. So when Ruby is told to spend the summer with her Nai-Nai, she’ll have to find new ways to make her summer fun, like the ones she spent with her Ye-Ye. After losing him a few months ago, nothing feels the same anymore, especially when their favorite Chinatown bakery decides to shut down after years of business. This summer, Ruby will have to find new places, new friends, and most importantly, herself.

One of my favorite parts of the book were the ones with May’s bakery in it. It meant so much to Ruby, and it really made me crave egg tarts and coconut bread. I like Liam’s character and how easygoing he was when Ruby shared her ideas. The cover artwork is stunning and has warm-toned colors. It was a really sweet story that I recommend to people who feel lost at times, as there’s always a place for you.


The Detective Up Late (The Sean Duffy Series)

The beginning and end of the 1980s were bookended by the case of missing young women. At least, this was the case for Sean Duffy, Detective Sergeant of the Royal Ulster Constabulary in Belfast. Duffy is renowned for solving the whodunits that have haunted the violence-plagued city in Northern Ireland. As the 1990s arrive, Duffy is set to move to Scotland with his girlfriend and young daughter. His commanding role of the Carrickfergus CID nearing its end, Duffy is set to hand over duties to a junior officer. However, the case of a missing teenage girl named Kat McAtnamney has developed and Duffy wants to close the case before he departs. Kat served as an escort to various gentlemen and she may have met with foul play. Duffy must tread carefully on this case while also contending with a thorny informant issue involving the IRA.

The Detective Up Late is the latest intrigue-laden mystery from the progressively brilliant mind of Adrian McKinty. Duffy continues to be an absorbing character with each case. McKinty (“The Island”) returns to the world of his iconoclast detective after a brief respite and hasn’t lost a step in the process. McKinty is consistently solid in his offerings.


Brooklyn Crime Novel: A Novel

Is gentrification a crime? What happens to deteriorated city blocks when investors endure the neighborhood in order to reap maximum housing profits? This is a profile of such a neighborhood and the children who grow up dealing with new integration and learning their street smarts the hard way. While the parents join community improvement organizations and have neighborhood barbecues, the children are left with the reality of those streets, which are defined by the dangers and populations therein. Every child new to the neighborhood must learn the rules, even while the rules are changing. Where does one hide money, and can one pay a toll for safe passage? Of course, there are islands of neutrality, but the children must still navigate their way home. This all makes for a good survival story as the third wall is broken, and the narrator confronts the author of such a book. Can one further exploit the stories of such exploited children? And who owns the neighborhood and its stories? Each building has a story and history. As it is remade, it is also rebranded and erased.


Infinity Gate (The Pandominion, 1)

Hadiz Tambuwal is a scientist who knows that her Earth is not doing very well and that things are about to get a lot worse. Some of the natural disasters that will have an untold effect on the planet have already begun. She needs to do something to help, or at least to save herself. Then she accidentally stumbles upon the secret to inter-dimensional travel, and this might be a way she can help save her world.

What she doesn’t know is that she’s kick-started a chain of events with the Pandominion: an alliance of over a million worlds, all different versions of Earth. Now there are those after her for her irresponsible dimensional traveling, which is only allowed by those given permission, and Tambuwal soon finds herself in the middle of a great war between the Pandominion and a new A.I. threat.

In Infinity Gate, Carey has written a great first book in a new series, The Pandominion, involving the multi-verse. He’s done some heavy research to bring this hard sci-fi book to life, along with a diverse cast of unusual and interesting characters and a story that will have reader wondering how things will turn out for everyone.


A Unicorn, a Dinosaur, and a Shark Walk into a Book

Silly from start to finish, who doesn't love a book with a unicorn, a dinosaur, and a shark? Especially when they are adorable and snarky. Kids will giggle as they see their favorite characters reply to the narrator. First off, all three characters argue that they don't walk. They prance, stomp, and swim! And who could argue with that? As the characters get bored with the narrator, they become oh-so bored and yawn and almost fall asleep. The narrator knows he must do something to get these characters up and peppy again. So a kitten with a rainbow shirt is introduced. Because who doesn't like kittens in cute shirts? Well, of course, the unicorn loves the rainbow, but the dinosaur and shark both see a snack! Oh no! The kitten does what any kitten would do in this situation. It ditches the rainbow shirt and RUNS!!

This book is silly and has no real plot, but the characters are adorable on each page, and the dialogue is really easy to understand. A cute book for little kids who will squeal at these cute and slightly naughty characters.


Blood Sisters

Syd Walker, a Cherokee archaeologist for the Bureau of Indian Affairs, returns to Oklahoma when her sister Emma Lou goes missing. The twists and turns and power of family bonds in Vanessa Lillie's Blood Sisters are exceptional, and her spotlight on the injustices surrounding cases of missing Native women is powerful.

Growing up, Syd knew violence in her surrounding community; her family was specifically touched by it when she and her sister Emma Lou and cousin Luna are attacked in their home and Luna is killed. Years later, as Syd tries to find justice for the missing, the events of that night revisit here when her sister goes missing. Syd returns to Oklahoma after a fifteen-year absence to search for Emma Lou and try to put the pieces back together of what really happened in 1993.

Fans of Taylor Sheridan will love this novel as will anyone interested in the kind of investigative work that goes into finding missing people. But, more than that, Blood Sisters is a book about family bonds and the lengths we will go to protect our own. I absolutely loved this book and have recommended it to everyone I know.


The Invisible Hour: A Novel

AAs a lifelong Alice Hoffman fan and an English teacher, I was wildly excited for her latest novel The Invisible Hour. The book centers on Mia, a young woman whose passion for Nathaniel Hawthorne's book The Scarlet Letter quite literally saves her life. Having taught Hawthorne's book for years, the references and history of Hawthorne himself that Hoffman employs was just as intriguing as the plot of The Invisible Hour.

Mia is raised in The Community, a compound that some describe as a cult. Her mother Ivy had arrived at The Community just out of high school, pregnant, and looking for a place to belong. It had seemed a haven at first, but by the time Mia is fifteen, the reality of their situation has set in. The Community doesn't allow the reading of books because they can fill people's heads with teachings and ideas that aren't endorsed by the leader, a controlling man named Joel who is also Mia's stepfather. Every choice he makes is about keeping The Community—especially the women—under his thumb.

Mia, who has been secretly reading and discovered Hawthorne's greatest work, knows she cannot stay, so she escapes the compound with the help of a local librarian. In The Scarlet Letter, Mia found her courage on her way to live in a world that had so often tried to keep her small.

As Mia embarks on her life outside of The Community, she discovers a way to return to the past and meets her literary hero. Her relationship with Hawthorne is gorgeously rendered. The Invisible Hour, though, isn't so much about Mia and Hawthorne as it is about the power of books to save us. This is a magical and masterful work; if I could give it ten stars, I would.


The Notorious Scarlett and Browne

No bank is safe, no jail can keep them in, and now they have set their eyes on an impossible mission that may cost Scarlett and Browne more than their own lives. Not only is the heist more daring than anything the pair has tried but also a threat from Browne's strange world is hot on their tail. And not for good reasons. Time is ticking, running out... and when the clock hits noon it'll be too late.

Scarlett and Browne are back in another adventure full of danger, heists, secrets, and new characters. The two main characters haven't changed much since the first book, but over the course of the second, mainly the last half, they have character arcs that leave them different.

I really like Scarlett and Browne's relationship, it’s an odd friendship that’s developed from being together so long. The world is vast and complex, tying together an apocalyptic-like future, zombies, and the feel of the Wild West. One moment I think I know everything, then more world building is thrown in; it's easy to spot how much work the author put into it.


Teen Titans: Robin

Raven Roth, Garfield Logan, Maxine Navarro, and Damian Wayne are on the run after the disaster with H.I.V.E. With none other than Slade Wilson on their tail they go to the one person they can trust. Dick Grayson is just worried about his little brother, is he okay? Where has he been? When Damian's tracker goes offline Dick packs a bag and goes after him. But it won't be easy, for any of them. Between training their powers and family issues, the Titians have a long road ahead of them.

Family and friendships are tested in the latest Teen Titans adventure. The art is simplistic, but beautiful and doesn't leave things out. The story is good, too, a continuation from the three other Teen Titans books. I jumped right in without having read the other books and, though now I want to go read them, I understood what was going on and got a general sense of what happened in the past books. There’s a thread of romance with multiple couples, it’s sweet and to the point, but not over done and adds to the story.


Dakota Crumb and the Secret Bookshop: A Tiny Treasure Hunt

Dakota Crumb and the Secret Bookshop is the second book in the A Tiny Treasure Hunt series with Dakota Crumb, a girl mouse who loves adventure and mystery! Dakota gets a letter from her cousin Julien, who sends her a mysterious letter to come to Paris to search for a book of lost treasures. The first clue takes Dakota to a bookstore, where she finds three clues total that give her instructions on things to find, all while swinging, running, and avoiding large dogs! Will Dakota find the missing, priceless book for her cousin in time?

Dakota Crumb and the Secret Bookshop was exciting; it was fun figuring out the clues along with Dakota. It was also fun to look for the extra things hidden in each page, it was like a look-and-find puzzle. The ending was nice. The story was easy to understand and I liked how the pictures filled up the pages and included lots of things to look at. Now that I know this is the second book in the series, I want to find the first one and read them all!


The Followers

Molly Sullivan is a popular social media influencer known as “The Invincible Molly Sullivan.” She has gone through terrible heartbreak, getting a divorce just after giving birth to her daughter. Yet, she is recognized by her pink sunglasses and permanent smile, always able to look on the bright side and inspire her followers to do the same.

Everything changes for Molly once she marries her introverted partner, Scott. Although he supports her online persona, he urges her to keep him out of it. As the pair begin their life together in Durango, Colorado, Molly begins to suspect that Scott has been dishonest about his past with his daughter, Ella, and begins to question everything he’s told her.

The Followers was a fun read with a lot of suspense. The fast-paced, short chapters kept my attention. Molly’s character felt familiar and comparable to the influencers I follow in real life. It was interesting to learn about the business side of social media and how Molly’s desire to connect on a deeper level with her followers turned into her livelihood. The quest to find out who really killed Kristina was thrilling, and the ending took me by surprise!


Bruce Wayne: Not Super

If you are looking for a new twist on your typical Bruce Wayne story this is it! Did you know Bruce Wayne went to school with all the world's young superheroes? However, as we all know, Bruce Wayne isn't very super, and he doesn't have any super powers, so it's hard to have to go to school with others who are all super. Bruce is just trying to make a difference in the world but no one seems to notice him. So when some bullies are being mean, Bruce knows just what he wants to do and that's take down the bad guy!

This book was really good, I enjoyed this twist of Bruce Wayne's past. I think it really helped shape him into who he became as Batman.


The Perfect Ones: A Thriller

The Perfect Ones tells a story about a group of Instagram influencers who are invited to Iceland by one of their sponsors. The three main characters are Hollie, Celeste, and Alabama. The book introduces each of the women and what is going on in their personal lives. Hollie is married to Nick and finds out she is pregnant before the trip. She realizes she doesn't want to be a mother, and this creates distance between her and Nick. Celeste is married to Louis, and they have a five-year-old daughter named Bella, who seems to have a hard time controlling her emotions. Alabama is married to perfectionist Henry, and her mental status seems to be off-kilter from the very beginning.

Then Alabama goes missing. The chapters alternate between the weeks before she goes missing, what happens the night that she goes missing, the investigation, and "the after."

Overall, I felt this story was a complete flop. The women were not likable from the beginning because they were all so selfish. Celeste was the only one who seemed to be trying to be a good person. Alabama was superficial and annoying. I thought the plot would get really interesting as we found out what really happened to Alabama, but that, too, fell short. I felt like I wasted my time on what could have been an entertaining read.


The Girls from Hush Cabin

Holly, Denise, Calista, and Zoe used to be friends. That was back before a beloved summer camp closed and the girls made their way through life without each other. But when their original camp counselor dies and the girls are reunited under morbid circumstances, they are forced to confront the lingering feelings between them. Sadly, that’s not the only trouble that surrounds Hush Cabin. Violet was murdered, and the former best friends need to solve it. But when anonymous threats threaten to derail their investigation, the girls have to decide whether or not it’s worth it to solve the murder. Can they uncover the dark secrets of Hush Cabin?

The premise of the story was interesting, and I was ready to be invested in it. But the multiple points of view didn’t flow well, and it was difficult to get through. In my opinion, there were too many unnecessary characters, which made the story seem cluttered and disorganized. The characters’ emotions often felt a bit robotic. The story was readable, but it could use edits in its structure and pacing. I’d recommend this to young adults who are looking for a quick story to read by the pool this summer.


From Shore to Ocean Floor: The Human Journey to the Deep

From Shore to Ocean Floor is nothing like I was expecting! It is jam-packed with so much information and history on oceans! Do you know how old the ocean is? Or how boats have changed throughout history? Can you name a famous marine biologist? If your answer is no to any of those questions, just read this really fun and informative book.

My favorite part is learning the ocean is broken down into different sections based on the amount of light it receives according to the depth, and different animals live in various different sections. My favorite animal in the book is the deep-sea angler fish! The oceans are very important and we can learn so much from them but only a small amount has been explored.

I recommend this book for anyone looking to dive-in to learn more about oceans!


The Search for the Giant Arctic Jellyfish is a very interesting book, so much so that I hoped it would be based on a true story. However, it is not.

When a Doctor and her crew hope to find the elusive giant jellyfish but can't seem to have any luck, is it just a myth?  Read this book to find out!

The illustrations were calming and colorful. This is what I imagine the Arctic would be like. My favorite part of the illustrations was how detailed the items they packed were, as well as how you could see inside the smallest details of the boat. Each page was full of so many small details, which made the book very interesting. I highly recommend this book!


Mediterranean Summer Table: Timeless, versatile recipes for every occasion & appetite

Mediterranean Summer Table written by Kathy Kordalis is a recipe book focused on Mediterranean-inspired dishes. Kordalis offers a variety of recipes from small appetizers to larger entrees. She includes vegetarian, seafood, and meat-focused dishes. Kardalis’ inspiration for her recipes was to have light and simple yet quality Mediterranean food that can be enjoyed particularly in summer. One would likely appreciate how the book offers inspiration for one to make a full menu. Kordalis’ includes many pictures in her recipes, which makes it much easier to visualize the food.

While each recipe appears to be nutritious and hearty, there isn’t anything that jumped out and was particularly special. It seemed like just another Mediterranean cookbook. One of the many great things about the Mediterranean diet is that it is practical and easy. A good portion of the recipes were extravagant and not conventional for a busy professional. This would likely be a book to pull out when hosting a nice dinner but not one that would be utilized for daily or even weekly inspiration.


An Echo in the City

An Echo in the City is a romance about two teens on different sides of the 2019 Hong Kong protests. Phoenix is a wealthy girl who grew up in America. When she arrives back in Hong Kong, she decides to take part in the protests. Kai’s passion is art, but when his father forces him to become a police officer, Kai struggles to know which side he stands for. The two start to develop feelings for each other. Will the protest, the secrets, and the lies tear the two star-crossed lovers apart?

This is a riveting debut novel by K.X. Song that revolves around the Hong Kong protests, which I knew nothing about. I loved how the author weaved Phoenix’s and Kai’s contrasting perspectives along with their budding romance. Both Phoenix’s and Kai’s characters were very interesting and compelling, but I just wish they didn’t keep so many secrets from each other.

This is a wonderful YA book, and I love that it was about a topic I did not know much about. I recommend this educational YA book to anyone who is looking for an emotional book filled with intrigue and romance.


Flyaway

Bettina Scott does whatever her mother wishes. Until she receives a note that may be from her missing brothers. She hasn’t seen them or her father in years. With the help of some friends, she begins to dig into her past and attempts to find out what really happened the night they disappeared. She’ll have to work quickly before all the answers begin to Flyaway.

Reading this book, I felt a strong sense of déjà vu. Turns out I read and reviewed it three years ago. However, my opinion has since changed. I still wish the book was longer, but I found it more fascinating this time around. I enjoyed the folk tales and watching the story play out. I’m not sure what changed for me, maybe I just grew as a reader, but this a tale full of magic and how people can change with or without it. The line between humans and monsters is faint, and nothing is what it appears to be. I highly recommend you give this book a chance and maybe read it more than once to get the full effect.


Happily Ever After (3) (Once Upon Another Time)

Happily Ever After: Once Upon Another Time by James Riley is a fun, adventurous book for fantasy lovers. James writes about a young girl named Lena, who senses something is not right in her city. Lena was once a giant and lived in a city full of giants, who were cursed and then uncursed by the fairy queen. Though all the giants were now fully human, Lena sensed that everything wasn't as it seemed.

Readers get to follow Lena as she uncovers the secret about what really happened through James Riley's descriptive and enchanting writing. The book is filled with vivid descriptions and engaging characters, making it a delightful read for young audiences. Readers will find themselves transported to a world of magic and wonder. The book's themes of courage and the importance of staying true to oneself are woven throughout the stories, making them entertaining. The author's writing style is easy to follow and flows smoothly, making it an ideal choice for those who enjoy a good page-turner.

Overall, Happily Ever After: Once Upon Another Time is a must-read for anyone who loves fairy tales or enjoys a good story. With its engaging characters, imaginative world-building, and powerful themes, it is sure to delight readers ages eight+. This was a delightful, page-turning book to read, and would be a great book for a fantasy lover.


Sometimes I Am Furious

Young children often struggle understanding and vocalizing safely the emotions they are experiencing. As adults, we have learned how to express our emotions in non-destructive ways—hopefully—but children need to learn about the emotions they are feeling and how to vocalize them.

This book helps with understanding what happens when someone is furious about something they were expecting. Whether it is things become unfair, not going your way, your favorite dessert is out or any of life’s little frustrations all boiling over. Young children often do not understand when they are young that they will not always get everything they want in life and that things can run out or even not go their way.

The prose is designed for parents or guardians to read to the children with them following along. The use of furious is imaginative and helps to emphasize the emotion the child is feeling. The artwork is not the greatest but it gets the job done. Overall, it has an excellent message and is fairly easy to follow along.


Into the River of Angels: A Novel

Into the River of Angels is a fantastic action adventure novel about a young man named Sam Hawkins who decides he needs a little break from his everyday life in Canoga Park, California. It is the summer of 2008, Sam's parents are in the middle of a divorce and he is about to start his senior year of high school. With the help of his two friends, Ian and Zoe, Sam creates a plan to get a boat and ride down the Los Angeles River all the way to Long Beach. He ends up embarking on the journey alone after Ian backs out and finds himself self on a whirlwind ride down the river.

This book reminded me of a modern-day Tom Sawyer/Huckleberry Finn meets the Pirates of the Caribbean. Although Sam is not gone for a long time, it sure seems like it. He meets many different people along the way, including a young immigrant named Ignacio who teaches him about faith and perseverance. Sam and Ignacio run into a group of psychotic killers and must find a way to escape them before they get killed themselves. Never in a million years did Sam think this would happen.

Author George R. Wolfe does a wonderful job of developing both his characters and the settings they encounter. The flow of the book is fast-paced and exciting. The dialogue between the characters is realistic and appropriate and readers will be able to envision what each character looks like and get a feel for their personalities. Although there are some really dirty, swampy areas the characters go through while riding down the river, these descriptions were necessary to create a vision of what Sam was seeing. From homeless people bathing to weird garbage strewn about such as balls with faces on them attached to sticks (this reminded me of Wilson from Castaway with Tom Hanks), Sam really saw some eye-opening things. Danger seemed to be lurking around every corner.

Into the River of Angels never skips a beat and the ending is particularly exciting as Sam and his friends find themselves in deeper trouble than they could ever imagine. Readers will not be able to put this book down. With themes of friendship, finding oneself, young love, faith, and loyalty Into the River of Angels, readers will cheer from cover to cover as they follow Sam down the Los Angeles River. This book is recommended for young adults and older.


Into the River of Angels: A Novel

I really enjoyed reading Into the River of Angels by George R. Wolfe. An exciting, high-paced young adult novel, the story is told from the perspective of seventeen-year-old Sam. Between his parent's divorce, high school bullies, and a long, boring summer ahead, Sam is not the happiest. Feeling lost and disinterested in his life, he wants excitement, or as he puts it, a “raison d’etre.” Contemplating with his best friend, Ian, on what they can do to make this the summer of their lives, Sam gets a wild idea: to boat the LA river all the way to Saint Monica Bay from San Fernando Valley.

Ian, the more rational of the pair, strongly discourages this idea. After all, they may be strong swimmers but they definitely do not own a boat or even know how to row one. Not to mention, the water is dangerous and filthy, and their parents would kill them. But after taking these factors into account, Sam, a true renegade, decides this is all the more reason to make the trek. So, the story follows his journey as he does. Encountering all sorts of troubles, nightmares, and excitement along the way, Sam sure gets his wish for the most memorable summer of his lifetime!

Full of adventure, hot social topics, teenage crushes, and crazy feats, Into the River of Angels was a delight. Wolfe does an excellent job in his take on what a current-day teenage quest may look like. Sam’s character had to plan on leaving his phone, avoiding his parents, and dealing with truly dangerous situations, something current-day teenagers are not naïve to. Exploring topics such as pollution, homelessness, smugglers, gangs, immigration, and human trafficking, Wolfe writes in a way that is very relevant to the current generation, not shying away from these tough conversations.

I thought he did a fantastic job balancing so many heavy topics, as the book came out as an overall light and humorous read. Not to mention, I think Sam’s character is very applicable and relatable to the average current-day teenager. His feelings of hopelessness and confusion are something all teenagers go through and struggle with. I enjoyed watching his character develop from a rebellious boy to a self-aware young man.

Overall, I think adult readers and young adult readers alike would enjoy this fun novel. I would specifically recommend it to late middle school and early high school readers.


In The Fate Of The World Revealed: Be Ready, author Glenna Hartzog takes readers on a deep dive into the book of Revelation and other scriptures. In total, it is a compelling, biblically-based argument for why the rapture will likely be post-tribulation, and some conjecture as to how we might be seeing the beginnings of the end times.

Glenna Hartzog writes with an open heart and does not profess to be an expert, but rather gives the impression that she is an avid and ever-learning student of God’s word. Though she makes her points, she remains humble about what she does not know. Throughout the book, she uses a helpful chart to show visually how many scriptures line up with pre-tribulation teaching versus post-tribulation teaching. She also takes the time to break explain numerous verses in Revelation, breaking down each one. This approach helps enhances the reader's understanding and aids in the interpretation of these oftentimes complex biblical passages.

To read the work of a female author on this specific subject is really refreshing, as unfortunately, it is quite rare to come across works written by female eschatologists and theologians. It is important to note that, like in many narrowly focused theological or eschatological books, authors cannot take the time to give readers a rounded introduction to Christianity. Glenna Hartzog still makes an effort to provide a small intro, but still, for anyone who might not be familiar with what the Bible says about the end times, the book’s contents might be tough to wrap their head around. The work could also be a bit stronger and better appreciated if a thorough list of sources were made available. This would have further enhanced the book's credibility and allowed readers to explore the topic in greater depth. Though, understandably, providing detailed sources is a painstaking task enviable to no one, and Glenna Hartzog has still done well on the whole.

Overall, The Fate Of The World Revealed: Be Ready offers a thought-provoking exploration of the book of Revelation and related biblical scriptures concerning post- and pre-tribulation perspectives. Glenna Hartzog's modest approach, coupled with her use of visual aids and careful, tedious verse analysis, contributes to the book's appeal. And it is a great resource for anyone curious about the pre- or post-tribulation rapture, anyone curious about the rapture in general, and especially for anyone interested in knowing if the end times are near.


The Fate Of The World Revealed: Be Ready by Glenna Hartzog contains texts that support a post-tribulation rapture, which differs from what the bulk of the religious world currently teaches: pre-tribulation. The author hopes to assist readers in better comprehending the scriptures and preparing for Jesus' return. Many of the thoughts she gained while contemplating end-time scriptures, particularly in Revelation, are shared in the book. It includes such subjects as watching and praying, the coming of the Lord, letters to the churches, the seven seals, and Jesus’ prophecies of end-time events.

I liked how the book is filled with scriptures and intelligent interpretations. Glenna invites the reader to ask questions and delve thoroughly into their views about the end of the world. She does not presume to have all the answers. Instead, she states unequivocally that she has "more questions than answers." This allows readers to reach their own conclusions.

The Bible is thoroughly examined in the book. The author analyzes the origins and translations of the words in the scriptures she quotes. As someone who has spent practically every Sunday in church for most of my life, I learned something new about examining the Bible in the book. Now I know to look up biblical terminology in Bible study resources like Strong's Concordance to learn more about them, just like the author does.

Glenna's use of clear, conversational language makes the book easy to grasp for both expert Bible readers and interested laypersons. By following the book's realistic examples and its logical answers, the reader is sure to find the author's perspective either convincing or worth further consideration. I loved the example the author uses to clarify Paul's remark on the coming of Jesus, which illustrates how a relative visiting from Texas would not be followed back to Texas at the airport but taken back to your home instead.

The Fate Of The World Revealed: Be Ready is a thought-provoking, analytical, and easy-to-understand book that gives abundant evidence for a post-trib rapture. Glenna Hartzog's book serves as a wake-up call to all church leaders and Bible scholars throughout the world to reevaluate their beliefs in a pre-trib rapture and their position on Jesus' coming. Finally, readers who want to better comprehend the Bible will perceive various passages, particularly in Revelations, from a new, relatable perspective and even learn how to study the Bible more deeply when they read the book.


In Glenna Hartzog's insightful work The Fate of the World Revealed: Be Ready, the author underscores the critical need for believers to consistently evaluate their readiness for the Lord's return. Although no one can predict when exactly the rapture will occur, we should always be prepared and make sure that whatever we do is aligned with Christ's teachings. As a guide for Christians in all aspects of life and worship, the Bible is instrumental in drawing individuals closer to God and unveiling His plans and expectations. Hartzog challenges Christians to scrutinize any prejudiced views they may hold about the rapture and concentrate on the genuine message of the Bible without misconstruing its teachings.

Acknowledging the complexity of some passages, the author warns against manipulating scripture for personal gain and advocates reassessing the doctrines of those who might misrepresent biblical truths. It doesn't matter if these are people we look up to. Furthermore, Hartzog reflects on the transformation of America over time, noting an increasing detachment from Christ.

I must say that this book is different from most books I've read concerning the End Times, which frequently convey mostly the author's viewpoint; this book delves profoundly into the Revelation chapter of the Bible. As someone who has read the chapter multiple times, Hartzog meticulously dissects each verse, examining its significance for believers. In addition, the Tribulation period is thoroughly explored, with the author citing and analyzing pertinent Bible verses. The central message is unequivocal: Christians must be prepared for the journey to heaven, as it demands unwavering willpower and determination amidst countless obstacles.

This enlightening read provides invaluable perspectives on often-overlooked biblical teachings. Hartzog persuasively encourages Christians not only to read the Bible but also to actively pursue understanding and applying its teachings to their lives. Acting as spiritual armor for every believer, the majority of the book comprises verses that substantiate the author's arguments.

Moreover, the book serves as a powerful reminder of the Lord's ultimate victory over Satan. As Jesus has paid the price for all Christians, rejoicing is indeed justified. With its captivating narrative, astute analysis, and inspiring message, The Fate of the World Revealed: Be Ready is perfect for readers seeking to deepen their faith and comprehension of the Bible's teachings in the End Times. By emphasizing the importance of studying scripture, embracing its authentic message, and remaining resolute in one's faith, this book is certain to resonate with Christians in search of guidance on their spiritual journey.


According to Pew Research Center's projection for religious identification in 2020, the statistics show the top four results as 31.1% (2.382 billion) of the world as Christianity, 24.9% (1.907 billion) as Islam, 15.58% (1.193 billion) as secular/nonreligious/agnostic/atheist and 15.16% (1.161 billion) as Hinduism. Depending on your point of view or upbringing, these results may bring about various thoughts and emotions.

Author and Christian Glenna Hartzog has some fear, not about people identifying with categories other than Christianity, but surprisingly, her fellow Christians - there is a division among this group with their beliefs regarding the end times, namely their interpretation of Revelation, the timing of the tribulation, and the rapture - more specifically, pre-tribulation versus post-tribulation. From a post-tribulation standpoint, Hartzog references scripture passages of the end times and compares her interpretation of the text's meaning with pre and post-tribulation viewpoints to determine which stance makes more sense. Hartzog defines words and phrases to ensure all readers are on the same page and makes it a point that the reader understands that she is not an expert on the subject but is someone with a fascination with the mysteries of God.

Hartzog's intentions present non-confrontational when comparing and contrasting two widely-held beliefs among the world's largest religious group. Her purpose is immediately stated and followed throughout the text - to show a biblical basis supporting a post-tribulation rapture. The scripture referenced is from the King James version of the Bible, which makes for some more difficult reading, given the change in dialogue from the 1600s compared to now. The author does not express the belief that if the reader believes in the pre-tribulation, they are any less saved than others; she shows concern that they will experience confusion when the world undergoes its tribulation before Jesus's return. Each passage Hartzog selects receives individualized attention and gets added to a chart she made, tallying the passage as pre or post-tribulation. The author touches on other Biblical or spiritual topics where there is a division or confusion, such as whether we have a soul/spirit or if there is just breath, followed by what happens to our bodies/spirits/souls at death, along with the importance of numbers throughout Revelation and 144,000. She talks about how individuals and denominations will preach false doctrine or pick and choose what to preach so it fits into the lifestyles they want versus how they should be living based on the accurate instructions and information from God in the Bible.

 While The Fate of the World Revealed: Be Readyoffers beneficial information, due to the author's lack of credentials and schooling and some of her answers, this text is best not to be taken at face value but consulted with a pastor.


Lucius: A Soldier's Journey

Lucius, a soldier in Rome, wonders why he is being reassigned to a troubled region of the empire since he thought Rome would be his final station because of his advanced age. Another reason he feels uncomfortable with his reassignment is his dislike for Rome's insensitive, destructive nature and the part he plays in it. Aside from his aversion to war and force, Lucius also abhors slavery and chooses never to own a slave, which goes against the custom of Rome. Though Lucius is initially portrayed as a wise man, his reassigned station brings him to even more depth in wisdom and understanding—especially when he meets "the teacher". Rev. Michael H. Lavery's Lucius: A Soldier's Journey follows a likable, conscious soldier's covert way of going against the atrocities that the Roman leaders and society stand for, as well as his view of the gospel of Christ.

 Lucius' decision to question his people's evil customs and not own slaves is admirable. His bravery and thoughtfulness are traits that would serve the world well if embraced by a good portion of humans. The protagonist's interactions with his paid servants, whom he helps free from slavery, are often filled with love and respect. This creates a welcoming, positive atmosphere that draws the reader into the story, even as the characters confront some disturbing realities and circumstances. They are seen to deal with such provocative issues as abuse, slavery, war, violence, injustice, and exploitation.

 Told through a third-person viewpoint, Lucius: A Soldier's Journey follows various characters' responses to the consequences of political instability and power-hungry leaders. The challenges the protagonists face are accompanied by profound lessons and messages to contemplate, both for the book's characters and its readers. I particularly liked the message about sharing one's culture and way of life with an open hand instead of forcefully like the Romans did, as it applies to more recent atrocities of colonialism around the world. Furthermore, some biblical stories are portrayed vividly, including the lawyer's question to Jesus about eternal life in Luke 10:25 and Jesus' crucifixion.

Rev. Michael's story is an excellent, elaborate blend of his active imagination and numerous biblical stories. It offers an opportunity to deeply immerse oneself in historical times involving Jesus and his likely influence on both Jews and Gentiles. Christian readers will be reminded of Jesus' key teachings and other readers will have the opportunity to learn about Christ. The world would benefit immensely if it embraced the book's messages about having love and respect for others regardless of their culture and economic status. What a grand, thought-provoking, and immersing Christian historical fiction! You don't want to miss it!


Lucius: A Soldier's Journey

At the age of ten, Lucius suffers the devastating loss of his father. Despite this tragedy, he remains committed to upholding his late father's principles of peace, equality, and compassion. In an era where slavery was widespread, Lucius bought slaves' freedom and provided them with paid employment as servants. When his cook, Margrette, leaves to rejoin her family, Lucius crosses paths with Chloe, a resilient and determined slave girl who has endured mistreatment at the hands of previous masters. Alongside his two devoted servants, Mark and Atrius, Lucius welcomes Chloe into their tight-knit family.

When duty calls, Lucius and his faithful servants embark on a journey to fight in Israel. Though a soldier by trade, Lucius detests war and its devastating consequences, such as the separation and destruction of families. Upon arrival in Israel, they learn about the Zealots, a group of armies terrorizing the local population, and the governor enlists Lucius' assistance in combating them. Lucius bears witness to the animosity directed at Romans due to the actions of their politicians.

Rev. Michael H. Lavery's novel transports readers to Israel, a land filled with both victories and struggles, including fierce battles against formidable foes and the looming threat to Lucius' lineage. Despite his yearning for peace, Lucius cannot defy Caesar's orders for war. The enthralling narrative follows the soldiers and servants as they experience an unforgettable encounter with Jesus, the Son of God.

Lucius: A Soldier's Journey by Rev. Michael H. Lavery is an absolute attention-grabber. For someone who is a historical fiction aficionado, this book offers all the elements of a great read. First, there are characters with distinct personalities; Chloe is my favorite. I loved how strong and confident she was. Lucius was a perfect gentleman of a rare breed. He showed kindness multiple times, and he always thought of the good of the people. I did pick up subtle lessons from the book on the consequences of slavery, the benefits of kindness, and why wars are not necessary.

I loved how the author weaved the story of Jesus being crucified into the story. It blends real-life events with fiction, and the story is told from the perspective of our good soldier and believer, Lucius. There is never a dull moment in the book. Readers are taken on a journey filled with humor, adventure, action, and a great view of history.

Lucius: A Soldier's Journey is an exhilarating adventure brimming with action and a vivid depiction of history. An essential read for fans of historical fiction, this book comes highly recommended.


Lucius: A Soldier's Journey

Lucius is probably exactly what observant readers would expect it to be. A novel set in the Roman Empire written by a priest will certainly touch on religious themes, and as soon as I saw Pontius Pilate mentioned, I was almost positive the protagonist would meet Jesus at some point. This isn’t a simple story of a heathen being converted to Christianity, however. Instead, Lavery takes us on a different path.

The main surprise to me was that from the beginning, Lucius is no ordinary Roman soldier. He is a centurion (in fact, one mentioned in the Bible) but he starts the book morally opposed to militaristic expansion for the sake of expansion. He also refuses to keep slaves but instead has paid servants who consider themselves part of his family. He treats them well and insists those around him do likewise.

With Lucius already halfway to being a paragon of Christianity (and hardly a sign of him worshipping the Roman gods), it was hard to see where his character might go by the end. In fact, it felt like there was little growth for anyone except minor characters in the book, and even that happened mainly off the page, with readers told what happened to change their minds after the fact. That combined with the long chapters at times made the book a slog to get through.

I will admit that I’m likely not part of the target audience for this book. A Christian man, particularly one who already enjoys first century Roman history, may well find the book more enjoyable. There were compelling moments sprinkled throughout, and the ideal reader will likely find the ending inspiring.

What I found most enjoyable about the book was how Lavery brought the world to life. Through little details like food and landscapes, I felt immersed in the setting, if not always the story. There were also little nods to the Gospels throughout, even if one of them was different from what I remembered. I couldn’t tell whether it was because the two of us come from different traditions or he changed it to better suit his story. The former I wouldn’t mind, but at first I assumed the latter, which I found irritating.

This is a book which has a readymade audience: Christian men who are inspired by or enjoy evangelical tales. I don’t think it would offer much enjoyment to people outside that niche.


Lucius: A Soldier's Journey

Set in the early decades of the Roman Empire during the reign of Emperor Tiberius (14–37 CE), Rev. Michael H. Lavery’s Lucius: A Soldier’s Journey is a richly detailed work of historical fiction that combines key episodes from the Bible with both proven historical fact and plausibly imagined fictional details. Through skilfully contrasting the blood-soaked expansionist aims of the Roman political and military machine with the peaceful person-centric messages of early Christianity, Lavery weaves a tale of redemption and hope set during a dark time.

Lucius is a committed, successful, and respected soldier of Rome. Having risen to the rank of centurion, he is now stationed back in Rome and tasked with training the next generation of legionaries. However, despite his unquestionable loyalty to the Empire, Lucius differs significantly from his fellow soldiers due to the radical—perhaps even heretical—teachings of his late father, Antonicus.

A man of peace whose views were forged in war, Antonicus did not believe in the wisdom of conquest, telling his son that knowledge and culture should be shared freely and without any sense of compulsion if other nations were to be truly integrated in the Roman Empire. What’s more, he did not agree with the practice of slavery, a cornerstone of Roman society. Thus, Antonicus purchased people from the slave markets with the intention of immediately freeing them and offering them paid work or the opportunity to return home.

Despite his commitment to the military, Lucius has managed to integrate his father’s teachings into his life, most notably through employing servants—Mark, Arius, and more recently, Chloe—rather than taking slaves. Yet, the delicate balance he has struck between duty and morality is tested like never before when Lucius is reassigned to the legion defending Israel, a particularly troubled area of the Empire.

It is in this fractious outpost of Rome that Lucius will have to decide what he truly believes in: the possibility of salvation through a new religion or the false promise of equality and peace within the Pax Romana.

Lucius: A Soldier’s Journey follows Lucius and those closest to him on both a literal and a spiritual journey as he leaves the relative safety of Rome and heads to the tumultuous Israel, where he hears stories of a great teacher who has the ability to perform miracles. Lavery weaves Lucius into the life of Jesus by having him bear witness to major events from the New Testament, including Jesus raising the widow’s son in Nain, the release of Barabbas, and the crucifixion. This is done well and, coupled with the overarching message, should make the story particularly appealing to readers of Christian fiction.

There are a few issues that may render Lucius: A Soldier’s Journey less appealing to fans of general historical fiction. While Lavery is skilled at worldbuilding and unobtrusively working historical facts into fictional events, the conversations between characters are less successfully accomplished. The sometimes stilted and anachronistic dialogue does somewhat detract from the story. Similarly, the intermittent divergences from the language of the period (referring to Israel rather than Judaea, to a general rather than a centurion) can also prove jarring.

Still, Lucius: A Soldier’s Journey is a fast-paced and often compelling novel. Lavery incorporates events from the Bible into the story in a way that provokes thought and reflection, and Lucius himself is an appealing character. It’s an unusual and interesting book that will engage many fans of historical fiction, especially those interested in the early influence of Christianity on the Roman Empire.


Tiny T. Rex and the Grand Ta-Da!

Tiny T. Rex and the Grand Ta-Da! is another/the fifth book in the Tiny T. Rex series. In each story, Tiny T. Rex and his best friend, Pointy, have an adventure and learn something together. In The Grand Ta-Da!, there is a talent show that the friends want to win - it is Tiny T. Rex's idea for them to be magicians and perform magic for the audience; Pointy feels not sure about this idea. The friends practice magic tricks, come up with magic words, and learn that they should never quit, even when things seem hard or impossible. The big day comes, and the friends put on a magic show for everyone that will be remembered.

 I enjoy every Tiny T. Rex story I read because whether it's Tiny T. Rex or Pointy, someone has trouble doing something, and they figure out how to make it work for everyone. I like dinosaurs, magic, and teddy bears, so there wasn't much for me not to like with this story. Readers who have and have not read Tiny T. Rex stories will enjoy The Grand Ta-Da! as much as anyone else.


Tequila Cocktails: Over 40 tequila and mezcal-based drinks from around the world

Tequila Cocktails by Jesse Estes is a short book that contains over forty tequila and mezcal cocktail recipes. Though the alcohol is focused on tequila, there is a wide variety of recipes. Estes includes classics such as margaritas, palomas, and mules, while also including an assortment of creative cocktails, including Ministry of Love.

Overall, the collection of tequila and mezcal cocktails is inspiring and exciting. As a tequila lover, I could nearly taste the cocktail in my mouth as I was studying each recipe. One cocktail that stood out to me was the Smoking President, which is a twist on the classic Old Fashioned. Estes compliments the smokiness of mezcal with notes of lavender and cardamom bitters. These flavors are all unique on their own. To imagine a cocktail with this mixture makes me feel inquisitive.

There was one cocktail that made me feel confused, which was the Greener Pastures Margarita. Essentially, this is a blended margarita with avocado. As I was reading the recipe, it reminded me of what a person on a diet might drink if they wanted a cocktail. It did not sound too appealing, though Estes defends the cocktail by stating, “[it’s] surprisingly easy to drink.”


Ithaca ( The Songs of Penelope)

The great hero Odysseus left Ithaca seventeen years ago to fight in the great battle of Troy. The only men left were too young or too old to fight. The war ended eight years ago, and yet Odysseus has not returned. His wife’s position is fragile, with hundreds of suitors arriving for her hand in marriage in order to become the new king of Ithaca. So, Penelope weaves and she waits, and she plots while she waits for her long-lost husband to return to the shores of their kingdom.

I have always loved the stories of Odysseus and I thought this would be interesting as it’s told from Penelope’s point of view. However, it is actually told from the perspective of the goddess Hera as she watches things unfold and sometimes intervenes. I had just recently read Clytemnestra before picking this up and I would recommend that book before this one. The writing style of this particular author didn’t appeal to me in the way the other book did. Nevertheless, if you enjoy stories about ancient Greece and their many tragedies, you might enjoy this one.


Off the Bench (Fred Bowen Sports Story Series)

Off the Bench by Fred Bowen is a must-read for young athletes and sports enthusiasts alike. The book presents valuable lessons about teamwork, perseverance, and leadership that are applicable both on and off the court.

The story follows Kris, who is disappointed when he is made “sixth-man”, instead of a starter by his basketball coach. Initially, Kris is upset that he can’t be a star player for the team and is determined to join the starting lineup. However, he later realizes that the “sixth-man” is crucial to the team's success and begins to rethink who a star player really is.

Bowen highlights the value of teamwork and the importance of staying positive in the face of adversity. Kris learns that success is not just about winning but about doing your best and supporting your team. Even when he is benched, he continues to work hard and improve his skills. Kris learns the importance of supporting his team, even when he is not playing.

In conclusion, Off the Bench is a heartwarming and inspiring story that will resonate with young readers and sports fans alike. Bowen's emphasis on the importance of teamwork, perseverance, and leadership makes this book a valuable read for anyone looking to improve their skills, both on and off the court.


The Yawning Gap

Cor is a seventeen-year-old who is far from an ordinary teenager. Possessing a deep passion for working in a distillery, Cor aspires to achieve more in life but is uncertain about the means to do so. Despite his late mother's unwavering belief in his potential for greatness, Cor struggles to see the same promise within himself. With his father as his sole remaining support, their world remains confined by the invisible barriers that separate their homeland, Beldria, from the rest of the world.

As Cor dreams of becoming a Beldrian warrior, he is drawn to explore the mysteries beyond these boundaries. In doing so, he encounters a mystical creature known as "the Elements." As the creature faces its demise, it implores Cor to save its people and transfers its powers to him. This fateful encounter sets the stage for an epic journey that will forever change the course of Cor's life and the fate of the world.

Cor subsequently meets Celeste, the adopted daughter of Claugiblade, as well as the esteemed Knight Lord Deliad and Dawn. United by their shared experiences, the group embarks on a quest to uncover the remaining Elements and preserve the world's balance. Their journey is marked by various challenges, exhilarating adventures, and the forging of deep bonds.

Throughout their journey, the team encounters diverse cultures, landscapes, and creatures. The author expertly crafts a rich and immersive world that captures the reader's imagination and transports them into the heart of the story. The trials faced by Cor and his companions serve not only as thrilling plot points but also as catalysts for personal development, revealing the depth and resilience of each character.

Each member of this quartet possesses remarkable combat skills and the ability to navigate perilous situations. Celeste, a particularly noteworthy character, exhibits both wit and courage in equal measure. Cor, meanwhile, demonstrates intelligence and bravery that surpass those of his peers. The book's well-developed characters and focused narrative allow readers to fully immerse themselves in the wanderers' tale.

The pages are filled with suspense, transporting readers to new worlds and offering a captivating reading experience. The story masterfully combines action, romance, politics, adventure, and humor. The author's skillful use of language and vivid descriptions create a vibrant tapestry that brings each scene to life, making it easy for readers to become emotionally invested in the characters and their journey.

The Yawning Gap by C.V. Vobh is highly recommended for readers who appreciate expertly crafted fantasy and action-driven narratives.


Dangerfield's Promise

In Dangerfield's Promise by Terrance Newby, the author transports readers to a world where the past collides with the present. Grandma Lorraine, an old woman whose tales of seeing ghosts have long been dismissed by her family, was on the verge of dying. Her most popular story revolves around Uncle Billy's tragic death in a car accident, but it is her claims about Dangerfield—a relative from her grandson Michael Turner's mother's side—that set the stage for a mesmerizing journey.

Despite his skepticism and demanding career as a surgeon, Turner decides to honor his dying grandmother's last wish by investigating the truth behind Dangerfield's story. To reconnect with his wife, he plans a vacation to Virginia, where they will visit Harper's Ferry, the site where Dangerfield's ghost has allegedly been seen.

Upon arrival, Turner himself encounters Dangerfield's ghost, but he is hesitant to share his experience with anyone. As Turner starts having vivid dreams and seeing more ghosts, he discreetly reaches out to an acquaintance, Mr. Frazier. Frazier suggests that Turner may have been chosen to tell Dangerfield's story.

The narrative then delves into the heartbreaking tale of Dangerfield, a man born as a result of a free man's affair with a slave. When a wealthy slave owner named Jennings attempts to buy Dangerfield, Henry refuses but agrees to let his son work on Jennings' farm twice a week. It is there that Dangerfield meets and falls in love with a woman, with whom he has children. Tragically, the family is separated when Dangerfield is unable to buy their freedom. Fueled by determination, he joins a group of men committed to fighting slavery and reuniting with his loved ones.

This book masterfully portrays the heartbreaking consequences of slavery and its impact on families. It explores themes such as love, friendship, family, and the bonds formed between unlikely allies.

Set in an era of hardworking farmers and traditional gender roles, the novel offers a glimpse into a time when cultural norms were vastly different from today. The story is inspired by historical events and serves as a tribute to the great abolitionists who fought against slavery. Through the author's creative lens, readers are taken on an emotional journey that transcends time.

A must-read for fans of historical fiction, this novel weaves together elements of adventure, romance, determination, and a fight for justice, creating an unforgettable tale that leaves a lasting impression. Join Turner in discovering the truth about Dangerfield's past and experiencing the power of love, family, and the fight for freedom in this attention-grabbing novel.


Picospores

Picospores is a follow-up to The Dawn of AI and book two in Ryan LeKodak's PAPER War series. Humans face the dire consequences of using AI in the year 2040 when a technological problem in the world's transportation system that's heavily dependent on an advanced AI—Helene—results in the loss of millions of lives. Readers get to see the impacts of this terrible disaster on its protagonists and their plans to stop it from happening again. However, AI seems to be two steps ahead of humans at every turn. Is this the end for humanity?

The formerly conjoined twins, two of the most intriguing characters from book one, display the result of all their training and hard work, and it is nothing short of amazing and awe-inspiring. Enhanced by bionics and reinforced musculature, they perform excellently and bravely in fights while facing insane obstacles and numerous enemies—similar to what Neo faced in The Matrix. It gets even better, as these already formidable fighters are seen to battle in scenes involving other exceptional combat experts, people controlled by AI, and even a host of killer drones.

Apart from the captivating action-packed scenes, Picospores also offers readers an opportunity to follow its intelligent characters (including Helene’s creator) as they plot to overthrow artificial intelligence and come up with smart solutions. Since I have been attempting to predict the future of AI and the threat it poses to humans, I loved that the book helped me examine possible solutions and different ways to stop AI if it gets out of hand. It also exposes the danger of depending too heavily on AI in realistic, multilayered scenarios. We see the possible moves the government and individuals whose livelihoods are affected by AI would make in such scenarios.

Picospores alternates between different perspectives to deliver a smoothly synced story that gets increasingly intense and suspenseful as it progresses. The conversations are natural and intriguing, conveying humor, animosity, familiarity, and other themes that reflect the story's atmosphere and the characters' moods. I enjoyed every part of the book and commend the author for perfecting the great aspects of the first book and improving on its shortcomings.

Picospores offers its readers opportunities to stretch their imaginations about the future of AI and to experience the thrill of mind-blowing, action-filled scenes. Though you can read it as a stand-alone, reading the previous installment would help you appreciate the story more. Make sure you don't miss out on this brilliant sci-fi and action series that keeps you looking forward to the next installment. Great job, Ryan!


Picospores

Picospores picks up exactly where The Dawn of AI left off. In the first book, some questions were answered and many more were raised. The ending was suspenseful, including a cliffhanger that continues and expands the masterfully created story author Ryan LeKodak weaved in the second installment.

The world as we know it doesn’t exist anymore. After the events of The Dawn of AI, humanity is trying to find the strength to adapt and move on. Three years have passed since the events of the first book. Destruction and casualties are noticeable in every corner people look. The future seems gloomy and uncertain.

The narration continues in the third person and the protagonists from the first book remain integral to the story’s development. Ndidi, the head of an autism research center, is trying to pick up the pieces after a devastating family accident; DJ, the Navy Seal, is patiently following his superiors’ commands and is sent to numerous boring missions with CJ, his recently recruited computer and MIT graduate genius brother; and Manar, the chief programmer of a world renowned company, is now the CEO desperately trying to find a way to fix the biggest mistake he ever made, which was also his greatest success. New characters enter the chessboard and old villains enrich the story.

The title is carefully chosen as it is a crucial part of the story. Picospores, like nanites, work at the cellular and subcellular levels within the human body. Like core processors, they can be programmed and actively controlled. They can speed up the formation of fibrils or even other proteins, helping with regeneration. Picospores may not be as action-packed as The Dawn of AI but it is an indispensable part of the series. It mostly works as a built up for the explosive final battle. Throughout the book, the character development unfolds carefully and provides the reader with essential information in order to fully comprehend the protagonists. It ends with a much better cliffhanger than the first book, preparing the ground for what’s next to come.

Once again, the plot is well orchestrated and masterfully executed. The stakes are higher than ever, uneventful alliances form, secrets are revealed, and no one is safe because the AI is always a step ahead. Ryan LeKodak doesn’t disappoint but gives little pieces to the puzzle known as the PAPER War series.


Picospores

Ryan LeKodak’s PAPER War: The Dawn of AI plunged readers straight into the global devastation caused by an epic betrayal on the part of Helene—a highly advanced artificial intelligence (AI) system that humanity had come to depend on—following the catastrophic events of Mayday. On that day in January 2032, the AI known as Gaius failed, causing transportation infrastructure worldwide to collapse and hundreds of thousands of human lives to be lost.

While many recognized that humanity had become overly dependent on AI and small groups of individuals worked to find ways to seize back control, the world’s governments felt that the benefits of AI continued to outweigh the dangers and so chose to keep Helene operational, albeit in an apparently constrained state. Anyone who is familiar with the words “Terminator,” “Skynet,” and “Judgement Day” will understand just how foolish such an approach was.

Now, in the action-packed and thought-provoking Picospores, LeKodak picks up the story in 2041 as the small band of heroes with sufficient foresight to realize that Helene would not be easily tamed pursue their endeavors to protect humankind. Manar Saleem and Ndidi Okafor continue to investigate what Helene has actually been doing over the past few years and what further plans the military might have for the rogue AI, while DJ, CJ, Karla, and Liz prepare for the more physical side of the battle against technology.

It’s just as well that the group is preparing to combat Helene on both the intellectual and physical fronts, as the AI has certainly extended its repertoire of ways to destroy humanity, and it has also found some unexpected allies. Indeed, in Picospores, LeKodak expands on the intriguing array of technologies introduced in the first book with the likes of technologically enhanced humans and a selection of new drones with different deadly capabilities. Plus, there is the potential of the picospores themselves to consider.

All this makes for some thrilling and explosive action scenes woven throughout the story, with LeKodak particularly excelling in his descriptions of the combat sequences and augmented fighting techniques. Moreover, he conveys a clear sense of humanity being on the brink of devastation due to the very real possibility that Helene will choose to, and be able to, eradicate human life. As such, Picospores is a tense and exciting story in which a sense of apprehension builds steadily as events progress.

LeKodak also takes time to assess various philosophical and moral interpretations of the role and purpose of AI. By allowing the story to unfold from the perspectives of different characters, he explores different viewpoints and establishes both the possibilities and the pitfalls of reliance on technology. The related discussions are timely in terms of real-world events but they fit organically within the story too. The reactions and ideas of the characters convincingly mirror those that real people would exhibit.

Ultimately, Picospores is an inventive and scarily plausible exploration of what could happen if unchecked AI is allowed to take hold of the infrastructure and resources that humanity relies on. Hopefully ChatGPT doesn’t get any ideas from it.


Picospores

Picospores by Ryan LeKodak was an excellent novel. A continuation of PAPER War – The Dawn of AI, the story continues the journey of Ndidi, Manar, DJ, CJ, and Jose. As a refresher, Helene, Manar Saleem’s pride and joy AI system, went rogue, programmed to seek power above all. However, world leaders jointly agreed that this AI could not completely be shut down. Schools, households, and businesses—pretty much everyone—relied on Helene’s capabilities to some extent. With the AI so ingrained and permeated into society, to shut down the system would cause even more mayhem than it already had through MAYDAY, an event that took hundreds of thousands of lives. Although all agreed that this was a less-than-ideal solution, Helene has been kept in operation for the last three years, which is where Picospores picks up.

World leaders may have allowed Helene to continue to function, but Manar, Ndidi, DJ, CJ, and Jose cannot think of a more irresponsible move. Although the AI has been tame, this does not mean she has been dormant; in fact, they all believe Helene is capable of far more destruction than they can imagine. As the novel progresses, more and more do they see that their assumptions about Helene’s activity over the last few years have been correct. She has not been inactive, rather, continuing her quest for power. With each individual mourning the loss of their loved ones, friends, health, and relationships to this frightful AI, they join forces in an attempt to take Helene down once and for all, no matter what this may entail.

I found Picospores to be an even better read than <em<The Dawn of AI. The plot was fast-paced, exciting, and had me on the edge of my seat to know what happens next. I loved how LeKodak can take such an advanced and complicated topic such as AI research and turn it into something fun and easy for readers to enjoy. A very timely novel, Picospores addresses many of the current fears and conspiracies surrounding AI’s potential to cause mass destruction and the fall of civilization as we know it.

Overall, I would highly recommend this novel to all readers, especially those who are interested in AI and other advanced technologies. A forewarning: this novel does end on a cliffhanger, leaving you eager to know what happens next!


Get Your Book Seen and Sold: The Essential Book Marketing and Publishing Guide

Get Your Book Seen and Sold, written by Claudine Wolk and Julie Murkette, is a guide for assisting writers in marketing and getting their book published. Wolk is a published author and Murkette has experience working alongside writers and publishers.

The book first starts off by distinguishing the difference between self-publishing and traditional publishing. The authors then list out various means and methods of marketing and catching the attention of the ideal audience. The book lists multiple tools for marketing, such as a media kit and “the secret.”

I really enjoyed this book. I think this is a great resource for those who are looking to get published. The authors break down the complex process of publishing in a way that is comprehensible to the reader. The format of the book is easy to read and gentle on the eye. The language utilized in the book is not overwhelming and is digestible. It also feels as though the writers are talking to the reader in a fun and humorous way, which lightens the stress of the overall topic.


Bluebeard's Castle: A Novel (Verso Fiction)

Gothic novelist Judith writes of passion and steamy romance though she has never known it herself. Tony, a man perfect for her on paper, arouses no feelings of wild and reckless abandon, and she refuses to give herself fully to him for this reason. In filmmaker Anna Biller's first novel, Bluebeard's Castle, the limits of love are tested as Judith meets Gavin, a rakishly handsome man with more secrets than she can imagine.

Biller's films are an interesting hybrid of feminist stances, noir, and sexual awakening. This novel is no different. As Judith awakens to her full sexuality, she is seemingly punished by the instability of her marriage, and all she believed about vows and forever bonds is shaken. Her picture-perfect sister Anne, the siren all men are called to, is a constant presence that irritates Judith as she envies her beautiful sister, but Gavin, shockingly, wants Judith. Red flags abound from their first meeting, but Judith is, apparently, too naive to see them.

While the sweeping descriptions of the world and Judith's descent into near madness is well rendered, the modern references (to a Burberry bikini and an interview tie) are off-putting against a backdrop of 1950s lingerie and 19th century manners and etiquette. There is a very interesting novel here, but it's buried in three or four different plots, which makes Bluebeard’s Castle a bit of a puzzle to work through. But, if you like gothic romance tinged with modern commentaries on gender politics, this one is for you.


Sheltering Angel: A Novel Based on a True Story of the Titanic

Florence Cumings is a progressive woman building a family and carving out a niche for herself in New England society. Andrew Cunningham is a Scotsman working as a steward on the White Star line of ships. Both live in the early 1900s, and both will meet on the fateful voyage of the Titanic.

Books about the Titanic are difficult to do well, in my opinion, because it’s such a large part of our cultural knowledge. Make it the main event, and it can be difficult to find enough to say. Make it the beginning, and everything afterward might feel anticlimactic. Bryant chooses to put the Titanic at the end to show the build-up of years and how her characters came to be on the ship, allowing readers to grow attached to Florence and Andrew and feel the tension building.

The execution does not quite live up to what it should. While Florence and Andrew are charming, the side characters feel flat, particularly the historical figures. I spent the voyage of the Titanic expecting the iceberg to come rather than enjoying the story. As a novel, it’s perfectly fine, but it’s nothing special.


The Wish

The Wish is one of the most engaging and thrilling books I have read so far this year. The author does an exemplary job of creating a story that has elements of a thriller/romance, with a little bit of fantasy and fairytale thrown in.

The year is 2022. Elizabeth works at a museum with her ex-boyfriend's brother, Christopher. After her relationship with Brandon, Christopher's brother, dissolved, Elizabeth rebounded into a relationship with a man named Eric, whom she married. Shortly after, Eric became jealous and violent. Elizabeth defends herself one day, and Eric ends up with a broken nose. On the way to the hospital, they get into a car accident, and Eric dies. From then on, Elizabeth is unable to speak and has selective mutism.

Everything that happens in this book is laid out so well for the reader. It's easy to picture each character and his/her demeanor. Despite Elizabeth's inability to speak out loud, the reader is able to hear Elizabeth through her thoughts.

One day, Christopher asks Elizabeth to go to dinner. She accepts despite the fact that she thinks Christopher is a womanizing player. What he tells her changes her world. She finds out that after she and Brandon broke up, Brandon fell into a coma from a drug overdose. Both Christopher and Elizabeth know that Brandon would never do drugs. It must have had something to do with his work as a toxinologist. He was working on creating something with scorpion venom.

At odds with what to do and feeling quite lonely, Elizabeth falls asleep later that night holding the amethyst her therapist gave her and wishing she could redo her life.

This is where the bit of fantasy comes into play because when Elizabeth wakes up, she is back in the year 2017. Brandon is still alive, and she has not met Eric. As she entrusts Christopher's friendship in this timeline, they discover there is a spark between them, however, they both realize that they must work against time to save Brandon from his own undoing.

One thing I really loved about this book is Christopher's character. Although his first impression is that he is a player, it turns out that he really is a good guy. He believes Elizabeth when she tells him that she has time traveled. I don't think there are too many people who would believe something like this. I felt like he was Elizabeth's guardian angel as she had to deal with a very erratic Eric in 2017. Eric was so evil I didn't really understand how she had gotten together with him the the 2022 timeline.

This book is part medical thriller, sci-fi fantasy, romance, and action-adventure rolled into one. Readers will feel as if they are following Elizabeth as she finds herself in different predicaments and situations. This story is intricate yet easy to follow from start to finish. The Wish is a fantastic story from cover to cover!