Book two of the Mrs. B Mystery series features a strong plot, a compelling mystery and, just as the book did before it has the perpetually charming MrBook two of the Mrs. B Mystery series features a strong plot, a compelling mystery and, just as the book did before it has the perpetually charming Mrs. B herself.
This book finds Mrs. B and her similarly-aged, firecracker of a friend, Anne looking for their shared friend, Alice who has gone missing from the senior center. Mrs. B feels personally responsible for Alice's disappearance as she was supposed to give her a ride home that Sunday but ended up leaving without her when Alice never emerged from the senior center. This, as well as some personal issues with her daughter, takes an emotional toll on Mrs. B throughout the novel, an aspect that I felt really added a lot to her character development in the series.
Overall, I was really struck and impressed by the lengths that Mrs. B was willing to go to in searching for her friend. She was so persistent and tenacious that even when she was repeatedly told that Alice had probably just left town of her own accord, Mrs. B still continued to look for her if only just to confirm the naysayers conclusions. And, of course, since it's a mystery, we all know that there was more to the story than just that.
Anita Kulina is a great writer with a lot of talent and ingenuity. There were so many creative and distinctive qualities to the writing of this book, even down to the way that she separated out the sections with the headings detailing what day it was so you knew where you were in the story. I would love to read more of her writing and I hope she has many more books in mind for this series in particular. Mrs. B is a gem! I hope if I ever go missing she will come looking for me, too!...more
A drone bee tries to wreak havoc on the hive and wrestle power from the Queen. It is apparent just by looking at the cover who the culprit "bee" is, A drone bee tries to wreak havoc on the hive and wrestle power from the Queen. It is apparent just by looking at the cover who the culprit "bee" is, Donnie.Â
This graphic novel parallels today's U.S. politics in a humours and entertaining way. It reminds of the book 'Whose Boat is This Boat' by The Staff of the Late Show with Stephen Colbert. It is a quick read and reminds us that we need to take our democracy seriously and put some real thought into who we want as a leader. here is too much at stake, no matter what our political affiliations and beliefs are! I give it 5 stars for the lough out loud moments, illustrations, and message....more
The Christmas Cats are at it again, trying to help others in need. However, this time they may not be able to save the day for the bees and their queeThe Christmas Cats are at it again, trying to help others in need. However, this time they may not be able to save the day for the bees and their queen. It teaches children a bit about democracy and the importance of choosing a honest leader that will not corrupt the hive and country.
I think there will be some parents who will be reluctant to share this book with their children but if I had small children, I would. I think it is good to start teaching children about democracy and how we can and have elected corrupt leaders. ‘The Christmas Cats Flee the Bee� does this in a fun way. The rhyming prose and vibrant illustrations are excellent!...more
“Well, I said to myself, I can walk. I can play the guitar. And, I can sing. So, that's what I'll do.� A fascinating account of Oregon singer, Rand Bi“Well, I said to myself, I can walk. I can play the guitar. And, I can sing. So, that's what I'll do.� A fascinating account of Oregon singer, Rand Bishop's walk up the West Coast of the United States and his quest for peace. After the 2016 election, Bishop found himself depressed and besieged by middle-of-the-night worries. He felt that America was backsliding into a culture of what he refers to as “meanness.� Bigotry, racism, homophobia and sexism were reigning supreme once again and the hopelessness that Bishop was experiencing threatened to overtake him. Until, one day, he had an idea.
He decided to walk the entire length of Highway 101 on the West Coast. The route goes for 1,500 miles and winds all the way from Southern California up through Oregon and Washington State. Bishop intended to walk the distance with his guitar and his nine-year-old beagle, Millie.
What started as a foolhardy dream became a pilgrimage, a journey to the center of what truly makes this country great and, for Bishop a long look at his own soul. Despite not being a seasoned writer (he is a song writer), Bishop did great work with the narrative of his journey and the lives of the people that he met along the way. Reading along, I felt almost like I was traveling right next to him, meeting people from all walks of life and hearing their stories.
Bishop's story was inspiring, compelling, funny and sometimes heartbreaking. I couldn't agree more with his decision for embarking on the trek in the first place. It's so nice to read a memoir about peace and loving one another in this day and age and I really appreciated the overall message of the book. Rand Bishop's book touched my heart in a way that I haven't experienced in a long time and I know that it will stay with me forever. ...more
I can't seem to get enough of the husband and wife author team, Elyse Douglas! I have read several of their books and have loved all of them. The ChI can't seem to get enough of the husband and wife author team, Elyse Douglas! I have read several of their books and have loved all of them. The Christmas eve Series can be read out of order and I actually read the second book, 'The Christmas Eve Daughter' first.Â
Now for my thoughts on Book 1, 'The Christmas Eve Letter'. Though the books in this series can be read out of order, I am so glad I went back and read this book after reading book 2. It gave me more of the back story on how the lamp used to time travel was found and how Eve met and fell in love with Patrick in 1885.
When Eve found the lamp it contained a love letter to a distant relative, living in 1885 with Eve's same name. She didn't know that the lamp was a conduit to time travel but found out when she lit it and she woke up on a park bench in New York in 1885. She had know idea how she was going to get back to 2016 but in the meantime she wanted to find her distant cousin who she heard was dying of TB. Eve is a nurse and thought she may be able to help and also reunite her with the man who wrote the love letter. She thought that may be the key to finding the lamp to return to her time.
There was quite a bit of intrigue and romance in 'The Christmas Eve Letter'. I loved the interaction between Eve and Detective Sargent Gantly Patrick). The humor especially mad it fun and delicious! The sense of time and place were captured beautifully and mad it quite believable. I loved learning more about the female doctor in 1885, Dr. Long and her relationship with Eve. I love strong female characters and Eve and Dr. Long are both strong. I loved 'The Christmas Eve Letter' for it's intrigue, humor, and romance. Elsye Douglas is a excellent story teller and the character pop off the page and transport the reader into their lives. I listened to the audiobook and the narrator was excellent and added to the story coming to life. ...more
‘The Christmas Eve Secret� is the third book in The Christmas Eve, Time Travel series. I have read the first two but each book can be read independent‘The Christmas Eve Secret� is the third book in The Christmas Eve, Time Travel series. I have read the first two but each book can be read independent of each other. However, it is best to read them in order to get the most enjoyment from the series.
It is now 2019 and Eve and Patrick are overjoyed! Eve is pregnant. They are finally starting to feel settled and safe. Eve tells Patrick that she thinks they should destroy the lantern that has allowed them to time travel. She has a feeling that it is going to bring bad luck. One day when Patrick is away, Eve answers the door thinking it is a deliver but a man from the past pushes the door open and forces Eve to retrieve the lantern from the safe and he runs off with it. When Patrick returns home they go looking for and find the lantern and throw it in the ocean to prevent further incident.
Eve wakes the next morning to find that her entire life has turned upside down. She is forced to find the lantern again and time travel back to 19th century New York.
I love this series! Just when you think it can’t get any better, it does! In this edition, we meet Nikola Tesla and Thomas Edison. I especially loved that Tesla is there! This time Eve’s best friend, Joni accompanies Eve to the 19th century. She is a very quirky character and I especially loved her antics in the 19th century where women are supposed to know their place!
After reading books one and two, I thought they would make the perfect gift to readers of time travel or historical fiction but now with the third, I plan to buy the set of three for my sister in-law for Christmas. Shh, don’t tell her. LOL! I hope that Elyse Douglas continues the series with book 4 and beyond! Their writing brings their characters and 19th century New York to life! I think the series would also make a great television series! I give book 3 and the entire series 5 stars! Bravo!...more
“Things Too Big To Name� by Molly Best Tinsley begins with the equivalent of an authorial punch. The main character, Margaret, is driving down a dark “Things Too Big To Name� by Molly Best Tinsley begins with the equivalent of an authorial punch. The main character, Margaret, is driving down a dark highway when she hits a deer. Confused and disoriented, she manages to make it back to her house where she is immediately confronted by what may (or may not) be the spirit of her late husband. What follows after this is nearly 300 pages of a fascinating descent into Margaret’s mind as she questions her sanity and everything that she has come to know as true throughout her life.
This book was so well written that there were points where it had me questioning my own sanity. I’ve never read Tinsley’s work before, but she has such a seemingly effortless way of twisting and turning a narrative so it distracts you just enough that her well-toned action scenes can sneak up behind you and rob you blind. You can bet I’ll be tracking down more of her books after this! What an exciting and enthralling reading experience this was all around. This is the kind of book that leaves you thinking about it for a long time afterward.
Tinsley’s short, clipped sentences and respect of the reader’s intelligence is exactly my cup of tea in a novel. I’m not sure what else I can say except that I highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for something that will keep you guessing and that you absolutely cannot put down until it’s finished. I know I couldn’t. ...more
‘Medellin: Acapulco Cold� is the third book in Bill Fortin’s gripping series about CIA agent Rick Fontain. This installment in the series follows Rick‘Medellin: Acapulco Cold� is the third book in Bill Fortin’s gripping series about CIA agent Rick Fontain. This installment in the series follows Rick as he tries to track down a stolen nuclear warhead through the United States, Mexico, Russia, Malaysia and other countries all over the world. This case ends up being one of the most complex and life-threatening of Rick’s career. Fortin’s writing seems to get better and better with every new novel that he releases. This book was no exception in that regard.
In ‘Medellin,� Fortin’s writing is descriptive, compelling, snappy and witty. I found myself alternatively biting my nails and laughing out loud at Fontain’s quick one-liners many times while I was reading this novel. There were no parts of this book that dragged or bored me. It kept up a tense, action-packed plot throughout its entirety and kept me guessing about what was going to happen next till the very last page. These stories remind me a bit of a mixture of the James Bond films and ‘Die Hard� with some Alex Cross thrown in for good measure. I love the descriptions of CIA operations and technology. All of those details seemed genuine and added to the story quite a bit. I didn’t feel lost or like I couldn’t understand what was happening at all.
I don’t want to give too much away and spoil the entire plot because it was too awesome a read for that. This was just the kind of thriller I love, the kind that has equal doses of tension and comedy as well as an international setting. I’m hoping that Rick Fontain has more work to do in the future and that there will be more books coming out in this series....more
‘Daring Summer� opens with Ben driving recklessly, with his wife, Kim asking him to slow down. He accuses her of having an affair and seems intent on ‘Daring Summer� opens with Ben driving recklessly, with his wife, Kim asking him to slow down. He accuses her of having an affair and seems intent on killing both of them. He finally stops and Kim gets out of the car and walks. He races off but when Kim walks further up the road, she sees Ben’s car crashed and he is trapped inside.
Kim has thought about leaving Ben many times but hopes Ben will change. She wants their marriage to work. Now Ben is paralyzed and in a wheel chair and he blames her. He is more volatile than ever before.
Kim spends a lot of time on the beach, especially at night when she has time to herself. One night she sees a man with his dog. Eventually she meets the man, Derek. They embark in a daring affair and of course, Ben finds out about it. What happens next is shocking.
You may think that you have heard this story before however, the husband and author team of Elyse Douglas bring a welcome spin to this romantic suspense. I rarely read romantic suspense because after reading a few, they all seem like the same formula with name changes. However, I am a fan of Elyse Douglas so decided to give ‘Daring Summer� a try. I am so glad I did. It was the perfect summer read and it left me breathless.
I highly recommend ‘Daring Summer�! Whatever you do, do not start reading it if you have somewhere to go that day! It is impossible to put down!...more
Whenever a book starts out with a guy getting skunked and makes me laugh at the beginning, I know I'm going to enjoy it. I don't usually know that sooWhenever a book starts out with a guy getting skunked and makes me laugh at the beginning, I know I'm going to enjoy it. I don't usually know that soon with humorous books if I will enjoy them that soon! There is something so funny about the protagonist of this book. Jack Sullivan is a normal, average, middle-aged guy with a wife, two kids, a really stupid dog and a house in suburbia that he can't afford. He loses his job and is on the way to losing his house when he gets offered another job at a corporation in Indiana. Of course, for Southern Californian Jack, Indiana might as well be Guam for how remote and foreign it seems.
Jack is funny. He's not terribly smart or nice and he's certainly not very good at his job (no wonder he got fired) but he's hilarious because his life is just so....crazy. The things that happen to him are so off the wall and entertaining that I couldn't put the book down. I kept waiting to see what was going to happen next.
Aside from Jack, his wife, Carrie is the other main character. Carrie is also hilarious in a more ditzy and silly way. I found myself rooting for her even though she....uh, well, no spoilers but let’s just say she makes some interesting decisions about her personal life. I wanted her to succeed even though that might mean bad things for other characters I liked, too. She was strangely sweet and hopeful, an attribute that is hard to write in these types of books.
Jeb Stewart Harrison really created an excellent take on typical suburban life and working for a corporation here. It’s really a parody. If, after reading this review, you're still on the fence about checking out the book: don't be. It's worth the read just for the character names and one-liners alone. It is full of humor with substance! I can easily give ‘American Corporate� 5 stars. ...more
‘Literary Places� is a richly illustrated guide for literary travel. That is, travel for book lovers. It only provides short descriptions/short storie‘Literary Places� is a richly illustrated guide for literary travel. That is, travel for book lovers. It only provides short descriptions/short stories about the places you can visit. So I think it is a good introduction to literary travel but I would certainly want to read a more in depth travel book or articles to plan an actual trip.
I think ‘Literary Places� would make a great gift for literature lovers, as well as art lovers and would also make a handsome coffee table book....more
The first time I saw a Mini Cooper was in the 1969 film ‘The Italian Job�. I was 6 years old. The way all those mini cars raced around on screen was sThe first time I saw a Mini Cooper was in the 1969 film ‘The Italian Job�. I was 6 years old. The way all those mini cars raced around on screen was so cool! The car really captured my imagination. Growing up in the U.S., I never saw one in person. However, now living in Canada, I have seen a few. In fact, one of our neighbors own one. If you are curious about this cool mini car, this book is a great deep dive into the subject! It covers just about everything you want to know and more. The photos are excellent and I especially loved reading the history of how the Mini Cooper came about. ‘Mini: 60 Years� would make a excellent gift for any auto enthusiast!...more
I don’t read a lot of fantasy, so when I tell you that I loved this book�.well, it really means something.
Stephen Murdoch writes with a lot of skill. I don’t read a lot of fantasy, so when I tell you that I loved this book�.well, it really means something.
Stephen Murdoch writes with a lot of skill. Somehow he manages to create a world that is not only compelling and mesmerizing but that is new and interesting. I found myself reading this and realizing that I’d never read anything like it before in my life. Murdoch not only invents this world, but his narration shows you it with a light touch and just enough detail. I didn’t feel bogged down in endless descriptions of fantasy-world trees or animals. He related just enough detail to make the world seem real without over-doing it, which is a rare talent.
The main character of the story, Jack is easy to relate to. A teenage boy who lost his mother at a young age and now has an adversarial relationship with his father. Murdoch shows you the world of the Fire Priests through Jack’s eyes in many ways and that makes it even more creative and interesting. Jack struggles for his life in the world of Tenochtan. He struggles for the life of his best friend, Denny and both struggle against their destiny.
I found this to be kind of a story about becoming a man, even though the circumstances were, err�.shall we say a bit far removed from a normal young man’s journey to becoming a man. But I think that take on the book really opened up a different reading experience for me and made it even more enjoyable.
Murdoch’s book combines all of the best elements of a good fantasy novel� world building, a relatable hero, a grandiose character arc� with a modern writing style that left me in awe of his talent.
Five stars all around and I can’t wait to read the next book in the series!...more
I have been coaching authors on their online platform for years. Colleen Story takes this much further and helps you take a deep dive into your entireI have been coaching authors on their online platform for years. Colleen Story takes this much further and helps you take a deep dive into your entire author platform. She takes you by the hand and leads you on a journey to discover yourself, as an author. She shows you how to discover your strengths and how to harness them. There is homework and you must do all of it to really benefit from this book!
I am still a believer in have a strong online author platform with a website and social media but ‘Writers Get Noticed� shows you crucial steps in setting up your author business for success. Not to be missed!...more
‘Occupied� is based on the true story of Kurt Blorstad’s father Trygve and his family during the WWII German occupation of Norway. As the novel begins‘Occupied� is based on the true story of Kurt Blorstad’s father Trygve and his family during the WWII German occupation of Norway. As the novel begins, Trygve (age seven) and his brothers Thoralf (age eight), and Odd (age three) are living with their mother and grandmother in Norway. They use to live with their father in the U.S. but move back to Norway during the depression. Their father remains in the U.S. working and trying to earn enough money to move his family back to the U.S.
Trygve is the narrator throughout the book. He is excited to tell the reader that he also has another sibling on the way and hopes it will be a sister. His wish comes true. Trygve gives the reader a good picture of what it was like for the residents in the town during the occupation. His best friend is his brother Thoralf and they spend a lot of time with each other helping out their family and their Uncle who lives close by.
As they get older, they both get part time jobs after school. Trygve works for a local shop owner, baking bread and doing some clean up. However, he also serves as lookout when the town’s men gather in the shop to talk about the German occupation. He soon gets other responsibilities as well.
This book read almost like a middle school book to me and I think it would be good for sixth graders and up to learn about the occupation in an engaging way. It was written for middle aged adults and up and I do think that audience will certainly enjoy it as well. I am of middle age myself. The book is categorized as a Historical Thriller and while there was an element of heightened anxiety, I would not call it a thriller by any stretch. It is historical fiction. If you are looking for a historical thriller, you will be disappointed.
That said I really did enjoy ‘Occupied�. Kurt Blorstad transported me to German occupied Norway and I became part of the family. This was a great book to get lost in. Besides the names, the writing makes for easy and fast reading. Blorstand does an excellent job describing the time and landscape. ‘Occupied is a beautifully told story of coming of age during German occupation. I recommend it to historical fiction fans....more
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