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Book Reviews: Teen Michael J Ives Lords & Lionesses Marlo Holly August Rain Nancy Beaule The Joker's Revenge Rick L Brown Two Lands: Book 1 of “The Journey” Series Cidney Swanson The Siren Sea Jessica K. Foster The Framing Game C.W. James Mission: Red Scythe Kyrie Wang Healer's Blade (Enemy's Keeper Book 1) Stacy A. Padula Gripped Part 4: Smoke & Mirrors William Carroll The Christmas Trials Katie Wesorick Lucky Enough Simon Drayton Gone with the Sun LOAD MORE

Book Reviews: Age 3 to 7 Jane Xu Can Pandas Be Koalas Too? Angela Odusanya Amelia's Loose Part Art: A Night at the Campsite Daniel Cramton Seeking the Lost: Sheep Jacqueline Priestly Life with a Tasmanian Devil Leandra and Kevin Decoud The What If Book Amber M. Berkowitz Gigglet The Happy Little Piglet Goes to School Jack Rotifer Teamwork! Betty the Iditarod Sled Dog Brett Gunning and Stacy Padula On the Right Path: Book One Katie Laprade Magical Things Vicki Scott Burns Charli's Turtle Triumph: A Marine Biology Adventure Scott Smallwood Be Like Greg Christina Davis Tilly the Troll's Shopping Spree LOAD MORE

Book Reviews: Adult Dawn Bragg and Devon Jeffers Valdes Reflections: Earth, Heart, Light, Dark S.D. Huston A Curse of Wings & Gems: A Cursed Royals Fantasy Romance Dr. Pietro Emanuele Garbelli The Doctor's Future: A Blueprint for Future-Proofing Your Profession and for Healthcare Decision Makers Leading the Evolution of AI/Robotics-Powered Medicine Scott Tomlinson Letters to my Dog Jim Sarto Is School Really Out For The Summer?: Abbreviated Musings of a High School Principal James Richard Hansen Skies and Chasms: Poems Charles Cone ...a burning desire to fly Sergio Salas Love in the Fine Print Joshua Qually Anxiety Reset 30 Days to Find Calm: A Self-Regulation Workbook for Busy Adults Pastor John Rumble The Psalms and Proverbs: Let's discover together the Treasures of the Psalms and Proverbs Robert Richardson 3 4 1 EF Nordmed Market of the Never Setting Sun LOAD MORE

The Nightingale Kept Singing < Back Teddi Ahrens The Nightingale Kept Singing The Nightingale Kept Singing is a moving work of historical fiction set during the harrowing Siege of Leningrad. Author Teddi Ahrens crafts a deeply personal and immersive narrative, following the experiences of Nadia and her family as their world is upended by war. The story opens with the family’s summer holiday abruptly shattered by the German invasion. Ahrens excels at portraying the everyday realities of wartime, such as the scramble for food, the constant threat of bombing, and the emotional toll of separation and loss. Through Nadia’s eyes, we witness the transformation of ordinary life into a daily battle. The inclusion of poetry and journal entries from Nadia adds a layer of intimacy, allowing readers to feel her hopes, doubts, and determination. Nadia is a compelling protagonist - resourceful, loyal, and real. Her relationships with her siblings, especially her younger brother Sasha and her beloved sister Anya, are described with tenderness and authenticity. The supporting cast, from the stoic Papa to the gentle neighbor Viktor Andreyevich, enrich the narrative and ground it in the collective experience of the siege. Ahrens does not shy away from the grim realities of war – the hunger, death, and moral dilemmas are ever-present. The decision to sacrifice the family’s goat, Zoyka, for food is a particularly poignant moment. Yet, the novel is not without hope. Acts of kindness, moments of laughter, and the power of music and memory offer light amid darkness. The nightingale’s song becomes a symbol of persistence and the refusal to surrender one’s humanity. Overall, The Nightingale Kept Singing is a beautifully written, emotionally resonant novel that brings the Siege of Leningrad to life through the eyes of a young girl. It is both a tribute to the resilience of ordinary people and a reminder of the costs of war. Readers interested in historical fiction, especially those drawn to stories of survival and courage, will find this book both enlightening and deeply affecting. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A poignant and beautifully written novel that captures the resilience, heartbreak, and hope of a young girl and her family as they struggle to survive war. Purchase here

The Secret of Spirit Lake < Back Jane Haltmaier The Secret of Spirit Lake The Secret of Spirit Lake, by Jane Haltmaier, is a heartfelt and engaging young adult mystery that blends themes of friendship, resilience, and the search for belonging. The story centers on Amy, a fourteen year old girl uprooted from her life in upstate New York to a lakeside town in North Carolina. Struggling with loneliness and anxiety about fitting in, Amy soon discovers that her new home is shrouded in mystery, haunted by the legend of a girl named Penny who disappeared decades earlier. As Amy befriends local teens Maggie, Marissa, and Sam, the group embarks on a quest to uncover the truth behind the ghostly happenings at Spirit Lake. Their investigation leads them through old newspaper archives, family secrets, and supernatural encounters. Haltmaier’s writing excels in creating authentic, relatable characters. Amy’s emotional journey, her initial resistance to change, her gradual acceptance, and her growth in confidence, will resonate with young readers facing their own transitions. The friendships depicted are nuanced and supportive, providing a positive model for teamwork and empathy. The dual narrative, alternating between Amy’s present and Penny’s harrowing past, adds depth and suspense, keeping readers invested in both timelines. The novel also addresses serious topics such as child abuse and neglect with sensitivity, offering hope and agency through the characters’ actions. The ghost story element is handled with a light touch, serving as both a metaphor for unresolved trauma and a catalyst for the characters’ personal growth. Overall, this is a beautifully crafted, and emotionally rich mystery novel that intertwines a modern teen's journey of friendship and self-discovery with a haunting historical mystery. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A heartfelt coming-of-age mystery where a lonely teen, finds friendship and courage while unravelling the ghostly secrets of her new lakeside home. Purchase here

< Back Scott Smallwood Be Like Greg Be Like Greg is a heartfelt children’s book written by Scott Smallwood and beautifully illustrated by LemonGrenade Creative. The book is inspired by Greg Bisdorf from Hamilton, Ohio, a local hero known for his generosity and willingness to help others. The story follows Monkey and Goose, two rescue dogs who live with their family in Hamilton. The narrative is simple yet powerful, making it accessible and engaging for young readers. The story begins with Monkey and Goose noticing the positive impact their friends have on the community. Inspired by Greg, they set out to join him in his good deeds. Through a series of small but meaningful acts, such as planting flowers in the park, picking up litter, and helping a friend find her lost baseball glove, Monkey and Goose learn the value of teamwork, empathy, and community involvement. Greg Bisdorf is portrayed not just as a character, but as a role model whose actions ripple through the community, motivating others to follow his lead. The recurring phrase, “Be like Greg,” serves as both a tribute and a call to action for readers of all ages. The illustrations are vibrant and inviting, capturing the characters personalities and their joy of helping others. The book’s message is reinforced by the author’s personal dedication and the illustrator’s commitment to community values, making it a genuine and uplifting read. Overall, Be Like Greg is a gentle reminder that small acts of kindness can make a big difference. It encourages children (and adults) to look for ways to help those around them, fostering a sense of belonging and responsibility. This book would be a wonderful addition to any home, classroom, or library seeking to inspire the next generation of community-minded citizens. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A touching and uplifting story that will inspire readers of all ages to support their community. Purchase here

< Back Jeremy Bradley-Silverio Donato Three Days Grace Three Days Grace by Jeremy Bradley-Silverio Donato is a tense, psychological drama that delves into the tangled web of family secrets, trauma, and the search for identity. The story is set in Paris and unfolds over three days, bringing together a cast of characters whose lives are bound by shared pain and unresolved conflict. Nick, a young American living in Paris, is forced to confront the death of his estranged father, Gene, and the wounds left by a childhood marked by abuse and silence. The story brings together Nick, his mother Lynne, her wife Susan, the enigmatic artist Laslo, and Marc, a Parisian friend, for a family gathering where they are forced to confront the ghosts of the past. Nick’s struggle to reclaim agency over his life and body is both heart-breaking and inspiring, while Lynne’s mix of guilt, denial, and longing for redemption is both sympathetic and infuriating. Donato’s narrative is particularly effective in highlighting how trauma reverberates through generations, shaping relationships and identity. The characters’ attempts to protect themselves and each other often result in further harm, a cycle the novel examines with honesty and sensitivity. The novel’s structure, with shifting perspectives and timelines, mirror the characters’ fractured memories and the nonlinear process of healing. The dialogue is sharp and realistic, often serving as a battleground for the characters’ competing truths. Three Days Grace does not shy away from difficult subjects, but offers moments of hope that healing is possible, even if the past cannot be undone. Overall, a powerful and beautifully introspective novel exploring the devastating impact of child sexual abuse. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A haunting, unflinching portrait of family, trauma, and identity. Purchase here

< Back Brittany Severn Ancora, Book One Book blurb... Pippa Wilder thought that being struck by lightning and being dead for fourteen minutes would be the worst thing that would happen to her… But when she begins to see ghosts, she has to wonder what this new gift, or curse, could mean for her future. With her newfound abilities, Pippa meets Shazo, who works in Ancora–a notorious suicide forest in Alabama–searching for those who have ventured inside. He entices her into the role of a ghost whisperer tasked with helping lost souls cross over. Leaving behind her familiar life, Pippa takes her chances in Alabama, where she meets Felix Murdock, a hearse-driving member of the crew at Ancora. Despite his reserved demeanor, a magnetic attraction kindles between them, fueled by his gentle heart. As the trio seamlessly works in service of the dying and the dead, Pippa falls into her role as she begins to accept her new abilities. But a sinister twist emerges when bodies that appear to have been slaughtered surface, leading to the unsettling belief that there might be a killer on the loose. And then she meets a ghost–Fin –who changes everything. Purchase here

< Back Clifton Wilcox The Lore Hunter: Brown Mountain Book blurb... For decades, the lights of Brown Mountain have defied explanation. Scientists call it natural. Locals call it something else. When Adrian Cross and his team arrive to document the phenomenon, they expect strange sightings—not missing people, fractured memories, and a presence that seems to anticipate their every move. The lights don’t flicker. They don’t drift. They hunt. As reality begins to bend and the mountain reveals its deeper secrets, the team realizes they are no longer observers— They are part of the pattern. And the mountain is not done with them yet. Purchase here

Come As You Are: Broken, Loved, redeemed < Back MM Myers Come As You Are: Broken, Loved, redeemed Book blurb... Come as you are, is a raw and powerful story of resilience faith and the healing power of unconditional love. It's a reminder that no matter how broken we feel, we are never beyond the reach of grace. Marie has always known pain, where her mother calls her a demon and bruises mark her skin more often than not. She's learned to survive in the shadows, unseen and unloved. However, when the walls of her heart are at their weakest, a whisper in the darkness changes everything: I love you. I died for you. Drawn by an invisible pull, Marie stumble into a small church on a Sunday morning her clothes torn and her heart shattered she smells of the basement where she spent the night after yet another beating but the congregation doesn't turn her away, they welcome her just as she is and at the altar with tears streaming down her face Marie meets Jesus for the first time. Life doesn't magically become perfect. Her mother's rage still burns, and the bruises don't stop but Marie is no longer alone. With Jesus as her constant friend and guide she begins to see herself as more than the mistakes her mother claims she is. She is loved, she is chosen and held by a God who walks with her through every storm. Purchase here

< Back Clifton Wilcox The Plagiarist's Game Book blurb... The Plagiarist’s Game is a dark literary thriller where a detective hunts a killer who stages murders as twisted recreations of classic tragedies. As clues hidden in poetry and academia unravel, the line between scholarship and obsession turns deadly. Purchase here

< Back K.c. LaSaga Dragum One young woman’s search for self-love and self-acceptance, by author K.c. LaSaga Kali Colombe is an ambitious young woman, desperate to leave Vancouver, Canada, in search of independence, romance, travel and adventure. As she sets out on a journey of self-discovery, and plans an epic trip to Europe, she meets and falls in love at first sight with another woman. Kali purchases a new condo and settles into life with her new love, stalling her plans to travel to Europe. But Kali’s parents are not happy about the relationship, and want her to return to the family home in Newfoundland. Torn between her lover and her family, her home and her desire to travel, Kali falls into a depression, despite the intuitive energy ‘Dragum’ gifted to her by her grandfather. Conflict and loneliness overwhelm Kali, and she falls into a deeper depression, as she loses sense of her own identity. Kali must fight to find her true self and break free from family preferences, social norms and cultural expectations. Dragum is an intimate, coming of age story about a young woman who must learn to break free from her family and find self-love and acceptance, by author K.c. LaSaga. LaSaga wrote the book based on her own experiences of depression in early adulthood. LaSaga explains ‘ I’m writing for the adults who are still treated like kids, the queer folk who have been brave enough to come out of the closet but are not accepted and the adventure seekers who are scared to take their first steps alone.’ This is a beautifully written novel in the first-person perspective, and an honest portrait of depression and its enduring aftermath. K.c. LaSaga’s prose is raw, emotional and moving, capturing Kali’s love, passion and inner turmoil. Many readers will relate to Kali’s experience, and I hope this book will provide comfort and support to those experiencing similar troubles. The book will appeal to readers who enjoy character-based novels, and romantic fiction. It will also appeal to those from the LGBTQ+ community, and anyone who has experienced, or has been impacted, by depression or mental health. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: This is a beautifully written, intimate and heart-rending novel, which shines a light on mental health and depression. Purchase here