Book Reviews and Recommendations

Permaculture Gardening For the Absolute Beginner

by All We Need Publishing

I have never had a garden before, although both my parents were avid gardeners. We always had plenty extra to share with neighbors and lots of healthy veggies for the family. So, as an adult, I have wanted to live that healthy lifestyle again, but the basic row-by-row garden plan has been daunting for me. Way too much work with the busy life I live.

BUT I AM EXCITED NOW that I have this CLEARLY WRITTEN and WELL-ORGANIZED book. Gardening is doable now that I have a guidebook. I am on the road to a healthier life!

THANK YOU, JOSIE BECKHAM. I am getting pots this week. I can do this!

Fragile Designs

by Colleen Coble

Fragile Designs by Colleen Coble had an intriguing beginning. Carly is a strong woman who puts her family first. She has a big heart. At times, though, I did find myself rolling my eyes. I do not want to give anything away, but I am curious as to how Carly could be that naïve (in her relationships with men). The main characters are developed while others fell a little flat. There was one individual in particular who had a major role that I thought needed more development. The first third of the book was engaging. It had me curious to find out what would happen next. Then, unfortunately, the story seemed to slow down as a slew of new characters were introduced along with farfetched, superfluous storylines. I wish the author had not tried to overcomplicate the mystery. I liked that the mystery involved a Faberge egg. Like the author, I find them appealing. They are unique works of art. I liked the action. I did feel that the story could have used more of it, especially in the middle. The guilty party can easily be identified despite the misdirection. A dramatic scene near the end had me rolling my eyes (again). The epilogue neatly wraps up the book (gives readers a heartwarming ending). There were some details in the book that were unrealistic (no way would they happen in real life). Carly made some choices regarding her child during the story that were questionable (would have mothers with young children screaming "what are you thinking"). The longwinded and repetitive explanations slowed down the pace of the story (and took away from the suspense). Fragile Designs has a good concept. I wish the last two-thirds of Fragile Designs had been like the beginning.

Oliver Jones

by Jedil Perry

When the twins, Oliver and Jessie, were born, something strange and mysterious occurred, leading to their mother's disappearance. As the years passed, rumors and speculation swirled about what happened to Melissa and whether the mysterious psychic's prophecy was true. As Oliver delves into the secrets of the past, he begins to unravel the truth about Melissa and his birth. But can he find the answers he seeks, or will the truth remain forever shrouded in mystery?

Oliver stumbles upon a mysterious journal. He realizes that only he can see its contents. As he delves deeper into the book's secrets, he begins to perceive otherworldly beings that are invisible to everyone else. But what does this mean? Is the journal somehow connected to his past? Or is there something even more sinister at work? Indeed, the lines between fantasy and reality start to blur.

Deception follows. Jessie is in a coma. There's an attack. A lot of chaos is happening all at the same time. Yet, Oliver merits a glimpse into the deepest mysteries of existence. The answers he finds are both illuminating and deeply unsettling, giving him a profound understanding of the origins of humanity. But the revelations also come with a heavy burden, as he faces the true meaning of life and death and the ultimate destiny of all beings. As Oliver discovers his newfound powers, he realizes he must use them to save those he loves, as well as countless others. To free them all, he must journey to a mysterious mansion where time has been warped and distorted. There, he must confront an ancient and powerful evil, and only his newfound abilities can defeat it. The fate of humanity hangs in the balance. Will he succeed in his quest and save the world from a terrifying future? Or will he be forever trapped in this mysterious realm?

Jedil Perry's world-building is superb, transporting the reader to an enchanting domain. Her prose is effortless and flows like a river, carrying us along on a journey of the imagination. The creatures she describes leap off the page, bringing the story to life in our minds. The author's ability to create such clear and concise images is impressive, and it adds a great deal to the reading experience. The characters are richly developed, with complex personalities and motivations. The author's talent is undeniable, making this fantasy tale a delight to read.

Likewise, the author's straightforward language allows the reader to immerse themselves in the story without getting bogged down by complicated prose.

Through her skilled storytelling, the delivery of the bully scene between the twins and Harold and Tom was shocking and satisfying. The contrast between the quiet and reserved yet mischievous Jessie and his sudden outburst of foul language and rage made a powerful and memorable moment. Jedil's ability to create such a gripping scene is a testament to her talent, and it's clear that she knows how to keep her readers on the edge of their seats. The delivery of that scene was indeed masterful.

The dark fantasy, the thrill, the suspense, and the author's ability to inject humor, especially into the conversation between the twins, were a true delight. This blend created a wholesome read. With the twins, the dialogue felt natural and authentic, with just the right balance of humor and sincerity. It was easy to imagine two siblings talking like this, and the author captured the playful and sometimes teasing dynamic between them. The humor felt effortless, adding a welcome touch of lightness to the story.

This book effortlessly has a firm grip on its reader. Fantasy and sci-fi readers will relish this title. I did not spot any grammatical errors that hindered my reading experience. Hence, the book deserves a 5-star rating. Great job, Jedil!

Oliver Jones

by Jedil Perry

"Code of Guardians" is truly a masterpiece, following the journey of Oliver Jones, a seemingly ordinary high school student who discovers he's anything but ordinary. His life takes a surreal turn when he starts witnessing abnormal occurrences and receives a cryptic drawing instructing him to seek out Adelfa. As his twin brother falls into a coma after an accident, Oliver finds himself deceived and transported into a mysterious realm, where he must navigate unfamiliar lands to find his way back home while being pursued by sinister forces.

The narrative is relentlessly action-packed, leaving readers eagerly turning each page in anticipation of what happens next. Oliver is a compelling protagonist, similar to Harry Potter in his destined role as the "chosen one", yet uniquely characterized by his selflessness, calmness, and ability to encourage his friends to face their fears. The book introduces a colorful array of eccentric characters, each contributing to the richness of the story. Twists and turns abound, ensuring a gripping read from start to finish.

Jedil Perry's world-building is nothing short of extraordinary, a testament to the meticulous effort invested in crafting a vivid and immersive setting. The writing is accessible and engaging, suitable for readers as young as seven years old, and devoid of any inappropriate content. The editing is seamless, maintaining a polished narrative throughout.

For lovers of adventure and fans of Harry Potter, "Code of Guardians" is a must-read, deserving of its five-star acclaim. From the enchanting realms of Epockeyer to the intriguing country of Gazner, readers will delight in exploring this captivating universe and meeting memorable characters such as the great wizard Vonshulu.

Sam Says

by Sam Hirschmann

Sam Says: You Are Born to Shine is a fun and entertaining tale by Sam Hirschmann. I instantly could see Sam in myself. I love how she wanted to be herself no matter what others thought of her. She continued to do so until she was accepted. It was great seeing how they, too, wanted to shine and embraced themselves. I thought this was an inspiring tale. I can see so many kids feel self conscious when going to school and worry about what others think. Sam shows it is okay to let loose to be yourself. Sam Says: You Are Born to Shine is creatively illustrated by the talented artist, Amelina Jones. The artwork beautifully illustrates how Sam's differences are truly a way for her shine over the others. The colors are eye catching for the youngest of readers and helpful to keep engaged. I believe the pictures are a perfect addition to the book. Five stars is what Sam Says: You Are Born to Shine deserves. I highly recommend it for readers who are between the ages of four and eight. I believe the book would make a wonderful placement in elementary classroom shelves, as well as, public children's libraries. I would love to see what other books that author Sam Hirschmann will be releasing in the future to inspire his younger fans. I received a hard cover copy of Sam Hirscmann's Sam Says: You Are Born to Shine from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

Ill-Fated Fortune

Ill-Fated Fortune by Jennifer J. Chow is the debut of A Magical Fortune Cookie series. I wanted to like this story, but I was unable to get into it. I found the characters to be flat and I was not a fan of Felicity (she is a whiner especially about getting up early). The plot was predictable with inconsistencies and repetitive details (such as Felicity not being able to bake, not having the family gift, she not like getting up early). I thought the fortune cookies were too simple for a bakery (just plain fortune cookies—did not use a high-end vanilla or even dip half the fortune cookie in tempered chocolate). I was baffled as to why Felicity shaped the fortune cookies on the rim of a mug (I know it is a small detail, but it seemed odd considering the items on hand in a bakery). I also thought her fortunes were pitiful (she could have gone online and found fortunes to print). I know I sound nitpicky, but the little details can make a story realistic, entertaining, and interesting. I thought the magical element was lacking (I like the idea). The mystery was simple. Felicity and her friend, Kelvin investigate the whodunit clumsily. The guilty party can be identified easily and early. The resolution was anticlimactic. The story has a feel-good ending, but it took forever to get there.

Undercover Colorado Conspiracy

by Jodie Bailey

Undercover Colorado Conspiracy by Jodie Bailey starts off with a bang, but then the pace slows down for a while. I liked the conspiracy in the story. There was a twist or two along the way. The characters were likeable. The Christian element was present. The main theme was letting go and letting God take control. Undercover Colorado Conspiracy had a good ending.

I Only Read Murder

by Ferguson Will

I Only Read Murder by Ian Ferguson and Will Ferguson is a book that I found a challenge to finish (I wanted to quit reading after the first three pages). Miranda Abbott is an extremely unlikeable character. Miranda is so self-absorbed that I am surprised that she noticed someone was murdered. I believe the story is meant to be humorous, but I found myself cringing and rolling my eyes (instead of laughing). The story takes place in a cliched small town with unoriginal characters. The secondary characters are flat. The pacing is slow (snails move faster) and repetitious details (it was so bad that I knew the information by heart by the end of the book). The author spelled everything out to readers (like we are dimwitted nitwits). There are inconsistencies in the story as well. The murder does not happen until nearly halfway through the story (reminded me of trudging up a big hill on a very hot day—it takes forever to get there). The investigation by Miranda (who thinks she knows everything about investigating a whodunit from the character she played on a television series) is simple and so is the crime. The killer is obvious. I ended up skimming to the end (I was fed up with Miranda). The ending had me groaning in disbelief. I Only Read Murder was cliched, trite, and monotonous.

Trapped In Yosemite

Trapped in Yosemite by Dana Mentink starts off with a bang. I thought the author captured the setting of Yosemite National Park. I was unable to connect with the two main characters, Stella and Von. I did not like Stella's deceit and her justifications. Vonn was a tough nut to crack. I did like seeing the characters grow (personally, emotionally, and spiritually) by the end of the story. There are a number of characters introduced. It takes time to learn about them and keep them straight (which does not help the pacing). The way the characters talked and acted, it made me believe that Trapped in Yosemite was part of a series (it's not). After the action at the beginning, the story slowed down for a spell. I was happy that the pace picked up in the second half along with the suspense. I did not enjoy the scenes where the two main characters evade discussing their feelings and Stella avoids telling Von about their baby (while everyone around them knows about it). There is tension, lies, gunshots, and extreme weather. Stella and Von work to uncover why someone wants to kill Stella. Faith is woven throughout the story. Two of the main themes are redemption and second chances. My favorite character in the story was Von's dog, Bear. Trapped in Yosemite had an uplifting and satiating ending.

The Quilt Room Secret

The Quilt Room Secret by Lisa Jones Baker is the third book in The Heart of the Amish series, but it can be read as a standalone. I enjoyed the descriptions of the beautiful quilts Trini Sutter created. I would love to own one of her creations. The Quilt Room Secret is a sweet story, but I found the pacing to be on the slow side. The overly detailed descriptions and repetitious details led to the lethargic tempo. Trini's two friends, Serenity and Abby, were certainly taken with the other two Lantz brothers, Gabriel and Stephen. I liked that the book did not solely focus on Trini and Jacob. I did find Trini to be a conundrum. She is having a crisis of faith and identity. She feels the rules of the Amish community to be restricting yet she is not baptized. I do not know how Trini kept track of all her lists. I thought the ending was rushed. I liked the wisdom that had been handed down by the Lantz brother's Aunt Margaret. She touched many lives. The Quilt Room Secret is a sweetly stitched story with a heaven-sent bequest, lengthy lists, peaceful countryside, quality quilts, and an old love note.

A Smoking Bun

by Ellie Alexander

A Smoking Bun by Ellie Alexander is the eighteenth A Bakeshop Mystery. It can be read as a standalone if you are new to the series. The story was not as easy to read as the others in the series. We are introduced to a number of new characters plus there are the regular characters (hotel staff, Ramiro's family, ski patrol, bakery staff, contest participants, townspeople). It can be a challenge to keep them all straight. I found the pacing to be languid (little action, but plenty of chatting and eating). The mystery was uncomplicated. The victim, of course, was not well liked. You do not get to know any of the suspects very well. The mystery is not at the forefront of the story. A couple of details give away the killer's identity. I like that we get to learn about a few of the outdoor activities available around Ashland. Jules arranged for the family to go on a midnight snowshoe trip on Mount Ashland (I bet the stars were beautiful) with a late-night feast. They also went skiing. Mount Ashland's annual downhill dummy competition is certainly different. As usual, there is plenty of baking, cooking, eating, and drinking wine. A Smoking Bun had a cheery ending. There was a tidbit at end regarding the obnoxious Richard Lord that had me chuckling. A Smoking Bun is a light, upbeat tale with a visiting family, a slain skier, a snug lodge, tasty pastries, downhill dummy competition, and sunny news.

My First Bible Stories

by Katherine Sully

Be careful. Katherine Sully has made some pretty drastic mistakes in her retelling of bible stories

Napoleon the First

by Walter Geer

Detailed and well wriiiten Sympathetic to its subject without being fawning. Full of small and interesting details.

Letters Of Wisdom

by Wanda E Brunstetter

Letters of Wisdom by Wanda E. Brunstetter is the third book in The Friendship Letters series. It can be read as a standalone, but I believe it is best to read the series in order. This will allow you to know the characters and their backgrounds. I thought the story was well-written with realistic, developed characters. Irma Miller struggles to take care of her children while her husband is away auctioneering. She has three children, and the two boys are active. She looks forward to receiving letters from her dear friends, Doretta and Eleanor. They send words of encouragement along with helpful books. Irma had a pleasant childhood until her father passed away and her mother remarried. Her stepfather was abusive, and Irma never understood why her mother did not intervene. We get to see how a victim of abuse can become an abuser. Those who have suffered mental and/or physical abuse may find the story hard to read. There were portions that I was unable to read. Irma's husband, LaVern, is a gem. It is obvious that he loves his wife and kids (and wants what is best for them). I like how the abuse was addressed. I was not aware that there were Christian counselors. Abuse, guilt, self-worth, bitterness, resentment, and forgiveness are themes addressed in the story. Letters of Wisdom is a character driven story. I liked how the characters told the story. I enjoyed catching up with the characters from the first two books. Letters of Wisdom is an emotional tale with an overwhelmed mother, helpful letters, a hardworking husband, energetic tykes, finding forgiveness, and a gracious God.

Roses In December

by Mark A Gibson

Roses in December continues the Hamilton Place series by Mark A Gibson. I loved the first book in the series, A Song That Never Ends and was excited to have the opportunity to get my eyes and hands on this one. I was not disappointed. I once again find myself taking a journey with characters that I felt like they were part of my own circle and have come to love. James' story took me on a roller coaster of emotions. I felt tears to my eyes in one moment, while feeling my heart warm at others. An overall beautiful story.

I do want to warn readers that since Roses in December is part of a series, it would be best to read the series in order to enhance the reading experience. Readers would miss out on a lot of information from book one, A Song That Never Ends, and may feel a little lost by starting off with this one.

I am giving Roses in December a very well well deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy reading saga fiction, as well as, historical fiction. I would love to read more books and / or series like this from Mark A Gibson in the near future. He has earned himself a new fan.

I received a paperback copy of Mark A Gibson's Roses in December from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

Book Of Doors

by Gareth Brown

After reading the blurb for The Book of Doors by Gareth Brown, I was eager to read it. I started reading and soon wondered if the person who wrote the blurb had read the book. I did not find myself liking any of the characters. The characters were underdeveloped. Cassie lacked personality and Izzy was a downer. The characters reactions were off. If I open a door and find something unexpected, I expect the character to be surprised, wonderous, curious, and "how in the world." There were comments about eating and food that were unnecessary (female body shaming comments). The antagonist is a sadist, but we are not told why. The villain seems to kill for no other reason than it brings her pleasure. There is extreme violence (torture). I was not expecting such gore. The stories pacing is either too slow or too fast (more telling than showing). The book did not have a flow. It jumps around from character to character as well as from different timelines. It makes for a confusing tale. I thought the book was drawn out with repetitive details. There is also foul language and terrible racial comments. I really did not appreciate the comment that the worst thing that ever happened was when women started feeling they were equal to men. The ending was anticlimactic. The Book of Doors lacked magic, fantasy, and fun. This booklover struggled to complete The Book of Door, but I did it helpful for my insomnia.

Pajama Party

by C E Jackson

I was not sure what to think of Pajama Party in the beginning. Within the first couple chapters, I was hooked. I found this quick story to be inspiring with an element of faith, hope and the power of forgiveness. I love how Karen has grown and made a change for the better. I admire her strength and bravery in trying to help her friends make a change, as well. She took a risk by having a pajama party and inviting old and new friends, as well as, those she was not close to or had been mean to in the past. I am giving Pajama Party four stars. I think many readers would enjoy reading it and find inspiration within the pages. I recommend it, especially for preteen and young teenage readers. They would definitely relate with the characters and what they are going through. Many readers would learn some very important lessons. I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.

Berried Grievances

by Peg Cochran

Berried Grievances by Peg Cochran takes us back to Cranberry Cove where Monica is nine months pregnant when it is so very hot. Everyone keeps asking Monica when her baby will arrive, which she found annoying, and I did as well. Monica is not Kreskin. Greg is so sweet and supportive. He cooks, takes Monica out to eat, and works at his bookstore. I did wonder about Greg attending an estate sale on a Friday evening. I have never seen a yard or estate sale in the evening (just seemed like an odd detail). The mystery was uncomplicated. A relative of Monica's college roommate dies during the Fourth of July fireworks. The family is stuck in town until the crime is solved. When Kelly, Monica's friend and former college roommate, asks her to look into the crime, Monica cannot say no (you know she is dying to dive into the case). Monica asks questions, manages to overhear a conversation or two, and happens upon a juicy tidbit. Each new detail helps Monica get closer to identifying the killer. There is a suspenseful reveal and good wrap up at the end. It seemed unfathomable that Monica would do some of the things she did while in her condition. The story moved at a relaxed pace. We get to follow Monica as she goes about her daily life (over a two-week period). There is plenty of cooking, eating, and relaxing. We get to catch up with Mittens and Hercules. I can tell that the author has pets from her descriptions of the animal's behavior. I was extremely disappointed with the ending. I was surprised that the author ended the story without providing two important details (she should have revealed at least one). Berried Grievances is not my favorite story in A Cranberry Cove Mysteries (as you can tell). Berried Grievances can be read as a standalone for those new to the series as the author provided the needed background information. Berried Grievances is a relaxed cozy mystery with a creative cranberry cookie, sweltering temperatures, a murdered grandmother, a belated baby, an absent tome, and a surprising solution.

A Season Of Harvest

by Lauraine Snelling

A Season of Harvest by Lauraine Snelling is the fourth novel in the Leah's Garden series. I do recommend reading the series in order as it will allow you to get to know the characters and their storylines. I thought the story was well-written with developed characters. I have enjoyed getting to know the Nielsen sisters. The sisters are smart, strong, hardworking, and family oriented. The Nielson sisters are industrious and have come up with good business ideas. I thought the author captured the time period and the locale. I like that we get to see the characters struggle as well as thrive. There are good life lessons in the story (control, pride, and fear). Faith is a central part of the Neilsen's lives. We see the importance of prayer as well as letting go of our worries and turning them over to God. The story is a slow starter, and I feel it would help if there was a list of the characters at the beginning of the book. I enjoyed the heartwarming ending. A Season of Harvest is an inspiring story with arduous farmwork, a grand store reopening, a blast from the past, a rebound romance, a new addition, and close sisters.

The Confident Hope

by C E Jackson

The Confident Hope is the fourth installment from the Hope series by E.C. Jackson. Even though it is part of a series, I believe it can be read as a stand alone. I have enjoyed the previous books of this series and this one does not disappoint. This book shows readers faith, love and hope. I adored getting to know the main characters, Mark and Pamela. I wanted to continue on to see if Mark will come to his senses and see who Pamela really is. I thought they had great chemistry together and was hoping that Pamela will find the confidence she needs and get what she's been longing for. I felt my heart warm all throughout the book and wanted to continue the pages until the very end. A wonderful read that put a smile on my face.

The Confident Hope will be getting a very well deserved five plus stars from me. I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy reading sweet and clean romance with an element faith within the pages. I look forward to reading the fifth addition to the Hope series, Overflow With Hope, to see where E C Jackson will take her characters and fans to next. I thought this one was so very good and I loved it.

I received a digital copy of E C Jackson's The Confident Hope from the publisher, but was not required to write a review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

Charlie Chaloosy Is Often Quite Choosy

by Brad Mason

Charlie Chaloosy Is Often Quite Choosy begins the fun and delightful series Brad Mason, EdD called The Charlie Chaloosy. I enjoyed this installment and the first introduction to Charlie. It was entertaining to see what awaited him. I loved the rhyming verses on the pages. I never knew what would happen with him from page to page. His journey included getting dressed, swimming (or not), making friends, playing, camping, etc. I like how Charlie had to face his fears and see how he will find joy when he takes the chance. I thought it was a good lesson for readers to learn from.

Charlie Chaloosy Is Often Quite Choosy is beautifully illustrated with the bright and vivid colors. They are a perfect addition to Charlie's adventures and give a wonderful visual to keep the youngest of eyes engaged all throughout.

I believe Charlie Chaloosy Is Often Quite Choosy is a five star read. I highly recommend it for readers who are between the ages of four and nine years. It would be a wonderful placement in public children's library and classrooms. I would love to see what other stories Brad Mason, EdD has in store for The Charlie Chaloosy series and will be releasing in the future. This one should not be missed.

I received a hard cover copy of Brad Mason, EdD's Charlie Chaloosy Is Often Quite Choosy from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

Lady For Hire

by Kristy Mickelsen

This book was so sweet! Made me smile after a very difficult week!

Waterloo

by John Naylor

Very well wriiiten and composed. Greatly detailed with eyewitness accounts, pictures and maps. Begins somewhat biased towards Wellington but then becomes more even handed in criticism etc

Read To Death At the Lakeside Library

Read to Death at the Lakeside Library by Holly Danvers takes us back to Lofty Pines, Wisconsin where Rain Wilmot is getting ready to host her first book club discussion. The group will be discussing Agatha Christie's Sparkling Cyanide. I like how the author tied Sparkling Cyanide into the story. Lofty Pines is a charming town with friendly residents (well, most of them). It is summer and the weather is perfect for spending time on the lake. Rain and her best friend, Julia, do not miss an opportunity to take a dip in the lake. The library is busy as people stop by to pick up books to read while lounging by the lake (or to read after dinner while relaxing on their deck). The mystery begins at the book club meeting where the group has a lively discussion about Sparkling Cyanide. Lily Redlin, who got a little hot under the collar at the meeting, is found dead in her home the next day. After the book club meeting, I knew who would die and how. I soon identified the guilty party. The why took longer to discover. Rain and Julia are eager to dig into the crime. The pair come up with justifications for why they should not turn over the information they have uncovered to the police (aka Julia's brother, Jace). The case details are repeated way too many times (preliminary details repeated three or four times before Julia and Rain begin sleuthing). The case is neatly wrapped up at the end. Rain, who thinks about her deceased husband, Max often, is ready to date (seems too soon since she often recalls Max and how much she loved him). Rain is attracted to Julia's brother, Jace Lowe (and it is obvious to everyone). I wish there had been less time devoted to romance. I lost track of how many times Rain admires Jace's attributes or thinks about him. I did like the addition of Bento. He is a Siberian Husky that Rain adopts. I am a fan of Siberian Huskies. They are loving and intelligent dogs. While Read to Death at the Lakeside Library is the third A Lakeside Library Mystery, it can be read as a standalone. The needed background information on the characters is provided. I want to like A Lakeside Library Mysteries, but they are not a good fit for me. It is an easy-to-read story with likeable characters and a quaint area. I like that the library is in a log cabin. The author also incorporated information about the state and creation of the Wisconsin Old-Fashioned Cocktail (recipe at the end of the book). Read to Death at the Lakeside Library is lighthearted tale with an energetic book club discussion, lounging by the lake, a Wisconsin cocktail, an unexpected death, an adorable dog, and a romantic prospect.