Book Reviews: Teen Stacy A. Padula Gripped Part 6: The Dunkin Legacy Stacy A. Padula Gripped Part 4: Smoke & Mirrors Ben Klotz The Trail To Twilight For The Gods: And Epic Martial Mystery Nancy Beaule The Joker's Revenge Michael J Ives Lords & Lionesses Marlo Holly August Rain Jessica K. Foster The Framing Game C.W. James Mission: Red Scythe Cidney Swanson The Siren Sea Helen P. Slater Wonders of the Soul William Carroll The Christmas Trials Katie Wesorick Lucky Enough 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

Emos, Posers, Goths, & Haters < Back John Randall Emos, Posers, Goths, & Haters Book blurb... There are Rules! Andrea Cox heads into her Senior Year of High School at Evergreen High, just outside of Seattle, on top of the world. Her initiation into the Empresses is a foregone conclusion. The Empresses are at the top of the food chain of the eight different cliques. Andrea's ambition may get the better of her as she tries to outshine the clique's president, Charlotte Davis. As the winter semester turns to spring, the old wounds of Evergreen High of what is known as 'The Reckoning' cast a disturbing shadow leading up to Prom. Will Andrea's ever-increasing need for popularity and social media success be her undoing? Meanwhile, bullying has consequences! Purchase here

Raven and the witch < Back Wendy Pym Raven and the witch Wendy Pym’s Raven and the Witch, the first book in the Bloodlines of Destiny series, is a captivating blend of Native American folklore, fantasy, and YA horror. The novel introduces readers to Raven Shikoba, a young Mohawk girl with shapeshifting abilities, destined to confront the malevolent blood witch, Ivy. Set against the backdrop of the Canadian wilderness in the 18th century, the story weaves themes of identity, magic, and the eternal battle between light and darkness. The narrative begins with Raven’s rigorous training under her mentor, Silent Wolf, a medicine man who can transform into a Dire Wolf. Raven’s journey is marked by physical and emotional challenges, as she grapples with her destiny and the prophecy that foretells her role as a savior of her people. Her shapeshifting abilities, particularly her transformation into a raven, are central to her identity and the story’s progression. The author’s vivid descriptions of Raven’s transformations and her connection to nature are beautifully rendered, immersing readers in the mystical world. Pym’s writing is rich in detail, painting a vivid picture of the Canadian wilderness and the mystical elements of the story. The author’s admiration for Native American culture is evident in her portrayal of their spiritual beliefs, connection to nature, and ceremonial practices. The pacing of the novel is well-balanced, with moments of intense action interspersed with quieter, reflective scenes. The battle scenes are gripping and vividly described, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. With its strong protagonist, vivid imagery, and thrilling plot, Raven and the Witch is a promising start to the Bloodlines of Destiny series. Fans of fantasy and folklore will find much to love in this enchanting and haunting tale. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A beautifully crafted tale that combines fantasy, horror, and cultural elements to create a unique and engaging story. Purchase here

Overcoming Deepest Grief, A Woman's Journey - Grief, Acceptance, Gratitude and Joy < Back Mary Aviyah Farkas Overcoming Deepest Grief, A Woman's Journey - Grief, Acceptance, Gratitude and Joy A collection of essays, prose, and poems, from author Mary Aviyah Farkas, following her journey through unimaginable loss, to acceptance, gratitude, and joy. Overcoming Deepest Grief, a Woman’s Journey: Grief, Acceptance, Gratitude and Joy is a collection of essays, prose, and poems by author Mary Aviyah Farkas. The book was written by Mary following the death of her beloved sister, and wife of eighteen years within a six-month period, and the trauma she experiences as she leaves her cherished home and builds a new life in Southern California. The collection follows Mary’s personal journey from the depths of depression and grief, through to acceptance, gratitude, and joy. We learn of Mary’s history, her connection with God, and her experiences of being a lesbian woman in the twenty first century. We see Mary build a new life, make new friends, connect with family, experience the joy from the simple things in life, and find new love. This book is a deeply intimate and emotional memoir of one woman’s journey through life, and her experiences of love and unimaginable loss. It gives hope and comfort to anyone who is experiencing grief and depression that they can live a fulfilling life and love again. This is a beautiful book, and a moving tribute to Mary’s wife, sister, and friends. Written by Mary during a turbulent thirteen-year period, and told through Mary’s unadulterated words, this is a book of pure, raw emotion. It is a deeply moving book, and it brought a tear to my eye on several occasions. Whilst the book is targeted at teens, it is equally suitable for adults. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘A deeply intimate and emotional memoir of one woman’s journey through life, love, and loss. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ Purchase here

Dragonfly Down < Back Annette Masters Dragonfly Down Annette Masters’ ‘Dragonfly Down’ is a gripping young adult novel that delves deeply into the complexities of family, love, and personal resilience. Through a tapestry of evocative prose and authentic character voices, Masters crafts a compelling story that will resonate with both teen and adult readers. The story centers on Laurel Greenleaf, a teenager born into a family whose fame and philanthropic work have made them both admired and targeted. The plot unfolds in the days leading up to and following a devastating fire at Olive House, the family’s newly renovated safe haven for unhoused teens on Sutton Island. The Greenleaf family arrive on Sutton Island, for what should be a celebratory summer. Instead, the summer is shattered by tragedy when an explosion destroys Olive House, leaving Laurel injured and her sister presumed dead. Laurel’s journey is marked by her refusal to accept the official story. The novel’s suspense is heightened by the interplay of memory, trauma, and unreliable narration. Laurel’s fragmented recollections of the night of the fire, combined with her art therapy sessions and interactions with skeptical adults, create a sense of uncertainty that keeps readers guessing. The plot twists intensify as Laurel discovers evidence that points to a deeper conspiracy. Dragonfly Down is a tightly plotted, emotionally charged thriller that uses its central mystery to explore themes of family, love, and resilience. Annette Masters keeps readers engaged with well-timed twists and a protagonist whose determination and vulnerability make her journey both suspenseful and deeply moving. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A tense and satisfying thriller that masterfully weaves family drama, mystery, and suspense into a heart-racing story of sisterhood and resilience. Purchase here

Shades of Yellow < Back Talia Orbach Shades of Yellow Being a teen has never been tougher. Fourteen-year-old Cassidy Summers has spent her whole life being shuttled from one home to the next, as her free-spirited mother attempts to discover herself in every location they explore, from Houston, Texas, to Paris, France. This time, they’re moving into her grandmother’s cramped apartment in Connecticut, so that her mother can carry out her “lifelong dream” of opening Summer’s Café to sell overpriced cupcakes. But when the café struggles to bring in business and her family’s savings start to dry up, Cassidy must confront the possibility of another move. Becca Fox has been training to become a member of the Advanced Youth Equestrian Team her whole life under the intense instruction of Vince Hudson. But between academic troubles, an ongoing rivalry, and a teammate that she can’t seem to stop thinking about—no matter how hard she tries—the possibility of securing a spot on the AYET begins to slip further and further out of grasp. Lauren Mahoney has always felt overshadowed by her older sister, Chloe, a varsity athlete, and all-around perfect person. It doesn’t help that Lauren’s mom seems to wish Lauren fit into the mold of anyone but herself, whether it’s Chloe or her best friend, Becca Fox. But when she finds a guitar that belonged to her father, who died when she was only a few years old, Lauren starts to discover a side of herself that she never knew existed. The worlds of three fourteen-year-old girls collide in this fresh debut novel, supercharged by unreliable parents, the immense pressure to succeed, and deep personal tragedy. Delightful, warm, and witty, Shades of Yellow leaves you feeling the profound power of friendship at any age. Purchase here

Montgomery Lake High #1: The Right Person < Back Stacy A. Padula Montgomery Lake High #1: The Right Person A gritty, teen drama, by author Stacy A. Padula The stars align for Chris Dunkin when he meets Courtney Angeletti at a beach in Plymouth, Massachusetts. He feels an instant attraction to her, and she is captivated by him, even though she has a boyfriend. Two months later, Courtney has broken up with her boyfriend and is dating Chris. It’s the first day at Montgomery Lake High School and the teens are recovering from a party at Chris’s house the night before. Chris had experimented with hard drugs in the past, and was addicted to alcohol and weed, but he was determined not to allow Courtney, an ethical, devout Christian, to follow in his footsteps. He knew he had to clean up his act to get the grades he needed to compete on the football team. As Courtney tries to fit in with Chris’s friends she turns her back on her best friend, Julianna, and stops going to church. Chris’s friend hosts a party at his mansion, but Chris decides not to go to avoid the temptation of drugs and alcohol. He advises Courtney not to go, but after an argument she goes along anyway. At the party, Courtney hooks up with her ex-boyfriend, and realises what a fool she has been. Cops arrive at the party, and Courtney narrowly escapes being caught, while a couple of her friends are arrested. Meanwhile, nobody has noticed that Julianna is sad and alone, and at crisis point. Will Courtney break up with Chris? Will she ever reconnect with her faith? And will anyone save Julianna, before it’s too late? Montgomery Lake High #1 : The Right Person, is an authentic and gritty teen drama, written by author Stacy A. Padula. The story follows Chris, Courtney, and their group of friends, as they try to navigate their way through high school. The book was written by Padula when she was a teenager and was inspired by her own high school experiences. This is a powerful and thought-provoking book that highlights the challenges and temptations that many young people face in high school. It explores several difficult topics, such as friendships and peer pressure, relationships and break-ups, drug and alcohol misuse and addiction, depression, parental break-ups, and parental neglect. This is an excellent novel, but it is also a valuable resource for young people, and anyone with a caring responsibility for a young person. Padula was motivated to write this book to help kids socially prepare for high school. The book does exactly that, and it will help parents, carers and teachers prepare for that transition too. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A powerful and thought-provoking teen novel, that highlights the challenges and temptations that many young people face in high school. Purchase here

Magic, Mystery, and the Multiverse: The Marvelous Multiverse App < Back Aurora Winter Magic, Mystery, and the Multiverse: The Marvelous Multiverse App A thrilling, magical, mystery ride through the multiverse, by author Aurora Winter Siblings, Ana and Zachary, from Los Angeles, California, are visiting their Aunt Wendy and Uncle Shockley in Vancouver. Ana is an aspiring actress, who dreams of making it big in Hollywood. Zachary is in remission from cancer, and immunocompromised. The siblings are in quarantine following their travels and are alone in the house and bored. They explore their aunt and uncle’s house, and find their uncle’s experimental, hydrogen-fueled car, named the Parallel Universe Pod (P.U.P). While they are exploring the car, Ana activates the Marvelous Multiverse app, which takes them on a joyride across the solar system. The P.U.P transports them to a parallel world and they crash land on a planet called Lokey, accidentally killing the evil Emerald Censor. Ana and Zachary meet the magical and mysterious inhabitants of Lokey and become instant heroes. When they learn of a Wizard Snapdragon with magical healing powers, they set off to find her, in the hope that she will cure Zachary’s cancer. But their arrival in Lokey has not gone unnoticed, and the siblings are soon pursued by Queen Crimson, who is determined to avenge the death of the Emerald Censor. As the siblings navigate this new world, the cruel Queen Crimson kidnaps Zachary. Ana must rescue her brother, whilst at the same time must confront the evil forces that are determined to destroy her. Magic, Mystery, and the Multiverse: The Marvelous Multiverse App is a magical, fantasy fiction, adventure novel, and the first book in a planned series, by author Aurora Winter. This is a fun, fantastic, fast-paced, fantasy adventure, well-executed by Winter. With a unique and imaginative plot, a mesmerising magical multiverse, and a host of wonderful and magical creatures, this book will appeal to young adult readers who enjoy adventure and fantasy fiction. Inspired by books, such as Wizard of Oz and Harry Potter, and movies such as Back to the Future, this book can sit proudly alongside those classics. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A fun, fantasy fiction novel, packed full of magic and adventure. A thrilling ride through the multiverse, not to be missed! Purchase here

Gripped Part 6: The Dunkin Legacy < Back Stacy A. Padula Gripped Part 6: The Dunkin Legacy Book blurb... One pursuit. One revelation. Unshakable faith. In Montgomery, Massachusetts, legacies endure-and one family’s hidden past could be their only hope. The Dunkin family is on the run, hunted by the ruthless Bilotti crime family in a high-stakes game of survival. As Taylor navigates his dangerous alliance with the FBI, brothers Jordan and Marc confront buried memories that unearth deep wounds and necessary truths. Their father, Jack, battles his own demons through haunting flashbacks, while Michelle Taylor’s tangled history with the family promises revelations that could heal old scars or sever relationships forever. Amid the danger, faith rises as the steady anchor-offering forgiveness, hope, and the courage to confront the darkest shadows. Danger closes in. Truths emerge. Will the Dunkins’ legacy deliver salvation or destruction? Purchase here

The Framing Game < Back Jessica K. Foster The Framing Game Book blurb... Virginia Benson would do anything to get into Yale, including begging Dean Alton for a letter of recommendation. But when a graffiti prank gets pinned on her, her shot at the Ivy League is at stake. To prove her innocence, Virginia enlists her ex-boyfriend Xander. But the case isn't cut and dried, and the suspects keep piling up. They're forced to spend more and more time together as they try to track down the culprits and Xander doesn't seem sorry about it. In fact, he's taking every sleuthing moment to do more than investigate the case. He's still looking for a way into Virginia's heart. 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