Beverly Stowe McClure's Blog: Enter Beverly's World of Writing, page 12

Oliver and Jumpy, Stories 49-51

Animals make delightful stories for young readers. OLIVER AND JUMPY, Stories 49-51, by Author Werner Stejskal, are no exception. I haven’t read the previous stories, so I can’t comment about them, but these three stories are fun and should keep children entertained for hours.

In ICE, story 49, it’s winter and ice skating time. Oliver and his friends are skating on the frozen lake when Joey the Kangaroo gets in trouble and Oliver tries to help him. To add to their problem, a polar bear spots them and the bear sure looks hungry. What will Oliver and Joey do?

MICE CHASE, story 50, is the story of a cat and a mouse that are friends. My two cats like to chase mice, but not because they want to be friends. Anyhow, in this story Mausi, the mouse whose wife has just had six babies, asks Oliver for a favor. Can you guess what the favor is?

Story 51, DRAGON HEAT, has a dragon in it, of course, and most kids love dragons, right? This dragon has a problem with fire, and you’ll want to read the story to discover what happens to the dragon.

The illustrations by Maycee Ann Reyes are colorful, adorable, and child friendly. These books would make a nice addition to school libraries, classrooms, and your own library. So snuggle with your young ones and enjoy some good reads.
###

A Haunted House, Danger, and Romance

The Secret of Hillcrest House by Melanie Robertson-King

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Do you like to wander through old, abandoned houses, hoping maybe to spot a ghost? Do you wonder what happened to the family or families that once lived there? Do you enjoy discovering secrets?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you’ll want to read THE SECRET OF HILLCREST HOUSE, by Author Melanie Robertson-King. And I forgot to mention there’s a pretty hot romance, with some graphic scenes, as well.

From the very first pages of the story, the author gives us a mystery to solve when Jessica Maitland sees someone on the porch of the old house she just bought. It’s supposed to be empty, and has been for a long time, but rumors do say the house is haunted. Has Jessica seen a ghost or is it only her imagination? And that’s just the beginning of weird happenings in Jessica’s life. She’s not interested in romance; neither is Alain Fournier, police constable of the town. When the two of them meet, however, they try hard to not get involved with each other. Sometimes love knows best.

Told from both Jessica’s and Alain’s points of view, the reader learns each of their stories and also makes amazing discoveries along with the characters about the old house and its own story. They also learn a lot about themselves.

Characters that could be your next door neighbors, a good mystery to solve, and a romance that goes from hand-holding to sizzling. Melanie Robertson-King has covered them all. So enjoy reading THE SECRET OF HILLCREST HOUSE. I did. Recommended.




View all my reviews

Take a Journedy in the Magical Land of Bernovem

The Medallion by Victoria Simcox

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Good things don’t always happen when we want them to, and we have to wait. The waiting often is worth it, though. Take Author Victoria Simcox’s latest novel, THE MEDALLION (THE BERNOVEM CHRONICLES BOOK 3) in her series. After reading the first two books I looked forward to the next one. And it finally is here.

In THE MEDALLION (THE BERNOVEM CHRONICLES BOOK 3) we meet our favorite characters again, along with some not so favorite characters, the troublemakers, of course. As we travel along with Kristina and Hector through the world of Bernovem, in their search for the Wizard Azaril, we encounter all sorts of strange creatures: angels, a dragon, serpent, and bats. The author describes each character vividly, making them seem almost alive.

Then there’s Sentiz, the queen, on a quest of her own to find the Medallion and insure she’ll be the ruler of Bernovem. Several plots are going on in the story, and the author switches to different point-of-view characters to let the reader see their thoughts and reactions to the events taking place.

If you enjoy reading about magic, amazing and unusual creatures, some good, some evil, then pick up a copy of THE MEDALLION and travel along with Kristina and the other characters as they face almost impossible odds to reach their goals. Victoria Simcox has written another lovely story that will charm you and have you waiting for the next book in the series.




View all my reviews

A Mystery to Solve

A Spy in Me, The Harley Files, A Young Adult Sleuth Mystery Series, Freshman Year, Book 1 by Rebecca Green Gasper

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Ah, those college days. Possessing and selling pot. Girl falling to her death. Other girls feeling weird. Wait! What’s going on? Sometimes students at a university learn more than the courses they sign up to take.

In A SPY IN ME, THE HARLEY FILES, FRESHMAN YEAR, BOOK 1, by Author Rebecca Green Gasper, Harley Jenkins is in trouble, and it’s only her freshman year at the university. One girl is dead, with no clues as to what happened. Other girls keep fainting for no apparent reason. Harley, no, not named for the motorcycle, is suspicious about the death and what is causing girls to get sick.

Determined to solve the mystery, Harley and her reluctant friend Jade start nosing around to find a connection between the victims. But will they discover the truth in time to save other lives?
The author has written a story that sadly may hit on the truth about young girls that will do most anything to be what they consider beautiful. I won’t say any more because I don’t want to give away anything, but the characters could be the teens at most any college or university, large or small.

A SPY IN ME, THE HARLEY FILES, FRESHMAN YEAR, BOOK 1, would make a great addition to high school libraries and public libraries. The story could help young readers who believe they know all the answers to realize that maybe they don’t know as much as they think they do. It might help them keep from making a bad mistake, too. An enjoyable read with a good message for teens, and older folks as well.

The author sent me an e-copy of the book for my honest opinion. I think teens would benefit from reading the story.



View all my reviews

A Story to Touch Your Heart

Worth Her Weight by Janet K. Brown

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Sometimes those donuts, slice of cake, or an ice cream cone are too tempting. We eat a little, then a little more, and soon we notice we’ve gained weight. We also know why. It’s no big secret. We can’t stop eating though; we’re addicted to food.

In Author Janet K. Brown’s novel, WORTH HER WEIGHT, Lacey Chandler has a weight problem. Her self-esteem is low. Will she ever marry? Why would any man be interested in her? Sometimes she’s so miserable she considers suicide. Troubles with her younger sister, Katie, and niece, Rachel, cause her to eat more, even though she wants to stop.

The author does a wonderful job of showing Lacey’s emotional ups and downs as she struggles to overcome her weakness for food and make a better life for herself and her family, Rachel especially. She also might have a chance at love, if she only wasn’t overweight.

WORTH HER WEIGHT will touch your heart and have you cheering Lacey along to success. This is a good story for those who perhaps face the same situation Lacey faces. In addition to the eating issue, there’s another story line, a life and death matter, that will have you biting your fingernails to see what happens. I’m not telling. You’ll find out when you read the story.

I recommend this novel for readers who may be fighting their own battle, whether against food or other problems. I think it will help those whose lives seem out of control to see how one young woman deals with her addiction to find a better life for herself.

The author provided me with a copy of the novel for my honest review.
###



View all my reviews

A Tale for Ghost Lovers and for Non-Believers

Ghostly Visions: Ghost for Rent and Ghost for Lunch by Penny Lockwood

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Have you ever seen a ghost? Some people say they have; other people say there’s no such thing. If you aren’t a believer, you might change your mind after reading Author Penny Lockwood’s latest novel GHOSTLY VISIONS: GHOST FOR RENT AND GHOST FOR LUNCH.

In the first of the two stories, GHOST FOR RENT, Wendy Wiles not only has to deal with the possibility of her parents getting a divorce, she also sees ghosts, which her mother says do not exist. Her older brother Mike likes to play jokes on her, but Wendy knows the ghosts are real and not a joke. So Wendy, like most eleven-year olds, sets out with her neighbor Jennifer to solve the mystery. In their research about ghosts, the girls discover a lot more than they anticipated.

Penny Lockwood has done a nice job creating true-to-life characters. The relationship between Wendy and her brother is a lot of teasing but when things get tough, they show how much they care for each other.

In the second story, GHOST FOR LUNCH, we follow the same major characters, except with different friends, as they continue searching the history of the ghosts to find out why they cannot rest in peace.

GHOSTLY VISIONS: GHOST FOR RENT AND GHOST FOR LUNCH is a fun and not too scary read that not only middle-grade readers will enjoy, but so will adults. I did. The novel would make a nice addition to middle school libraries, public libraries, and of course your own library. I would suggest reading the stories with the lights on.



View all my reviews

Further Adventures of Finn MacCullen

Finn's Choice by Darby Karchut

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Tell me this isn’t the end. What will I do without Finn and Gideon, the boys that have taught me so much about bravery, friendship, family, and love? I’ve held my breath as they faced danger and even death from the Amandan, yucky creatures that are their enemies. For three years I‘ve followed apprentice Finnegan MacCullen and his mentor Gideon Lir, Knight of the Tuatha De Danaan, through their journey to make Finn a knight. They worked together, fought together, laughed together, and cried together.

In FINN’S CHOICE, THE FINAL BOOK IN THE ADVENTURES OF FINN MACCULLEN, by Award-winning Author Darby Karchut, a goddess threatens to separate apprentice and mentor. Gideon makes Finn a promise, however. But will he be able to keep it?

This novel is a lovely wrap up to the series. Even though he’s half human and half Fey, Finn’s pretty much like most boys of thirteen. He’s a bit “cheeky” (Gideon’s words.) He’s also a loyal friend and would give his life to save others. And girls confuse him. I love the relationship between Finn and Gideon. It’s more than mentor and apprentice; it’s like father and son. They have their disagreements, sure, but still honor and respect each other.

Darby Karchut writes such realistic scenes that they pull the reader into the story so deeply the reader becomes a part of the action, or conversation, along with the characters.
The novel also contains a pleasant surprise. Griffin, a Terrae Angeli from The Griffin Series, plays an important role in the story. Meeting Griffin and his mentor Basil, again, brought back old memories of their story. So you know what I’ll be doing this summer? Rereading the Griffin series, along with the Finn MacCullen books. What a way to spent hot summer evenings. If you haven’t read them, you ought to.

Once again, Darby Karchut has created a story that’s magical, and real-life, and also shows the importance of making the right choice to reach a goal. I recommend FINN’S CHOICE for MG readers and also for older readers who enjoy a great novel. FINN’S CHOICE would make a great addition to school libraries and classrooms, as well as your own library. This is not the end, for the characters live on in my thoughts. I think they will in yours, as well.



View all my reviews

Not for the Faint of Heart

A Love That Disturbs by Medeia Sharif

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Sometimes people find themselves in situations that they want out of, but circumstances prevent them from changing. What if they reach a point where they can’t go on with their lives the way they are, however? Do they risk losing family and friends by taking a chance at happiness or do they give in to pressure and continue living their unhappy lives?

In A LOVE THAT DISTURBS, Author Medeia Sharif’s latest novel for young adult readers, Haydee Gomez wants to get away from her pimp Rafe and just live a normal life, going to school like other girls and making friends. Maysa Mazaria, taunted for being a Muslim, wants to fall in love and not be married to a man of her mother’s choice. Then the girls make a discovery that has repercussions they never could have imagined.

Medeia Sharif has written a tender story that will touch your heart and perhaps even make you angry. Haydee and Maysa are such realistic characters, I kept thinking, is this really happening to teens in America? Do they face such challenges in their lives today? Are people as hateful and mean, yes mean, as some of the girls are that claim to be Maysa’s friend?

The author touches on controversial subjects in a gentle way that helped me understand other cultures better. A LOVE THAT DISTURBS would make a great addition to high school libraries, public libraries and you own library. I imagine many young people can relate to the challenge the girls have to deal with. Recommended.




View all my reviews

Nightmares, Mystery, Romance, and Death

Moonless by Crystal Collier

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Have you ever had nightmares that terrified you? Have you ever looked in a mirror and thought the reflection you saw was someone else because you’re not beautiful like the image staring back at you? In Author Crystal Collier’s fantasy novel MOONLESS (MAIDEN OF TIME BOOK 1) we meet sixteen-year-old Alexia Dumont, who has nightmares. For Alexia, they started when she turned sixteen, and, unlike the dreams most of us have, that go away when we wake up,
Alexia’s dreams come true.
The author has written a story about family, secrets, love, and danger. She has created a fantasy world with characters known as the “Passionate” and the “Soulless” to name a few. As Alexia, little by little, discovers the truth about her mother and father, as well as about Arik, the man she loves, she’s faced with choices that will determine not only her future but the lives of others as well.
I really like Alexia. She’s brave and bold at times. She’s also human, well sort of, enough to make mistakes. If you enjoy characters that keep you guessing what they’ll do next and a story with a touch of mystery and a little romance, then pick up a copy of MOONLESS (MAIDEN OF TIME BOOK 1). See if you can solve all the mysteries before the end. Things did not always turn out the way I expected them to. How about you?



View all my reviews

A Father, A Son, An Unexpected Romance

Stone's Heart by Darby Karchut

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Horses and cowboys. Children and humor. A love that changes everything. Give me a novel with all of these subjects and I will read for hours, which is what I did. Yes, thanks to Award-Winning Author Darby Karchut’s latest novel, STONE’S HEART, I lost myself in a gentle story that brought laughter to my heart, tears to my eyes, and characters that I’ll remember for a long time.

Linney Van Horn, a teacher hoping for a new beginning, moves from to the East Coast to the small town of Venture, Colorado. I loved Linney from the beginning. Why? Instead of selling her horse, Prince, and leaving him back home, she takes him with her and in her new town rents a small cottage with a corral. She is determined to put the past behind her, and I admired her spunk in making the best of her situation.

Stone Wheeler and his seven-year-old son, Beau, rent the cottage next door. Stone, the local farrier, has a couple horses of his own. He also is a country boy and a John Denver fan, which added him to my best guy list. With characters like these two, I knew the story would be exciting. And it was.

Linney and Stone both have experienced sadness in their lives recently, and neither of them is interested in a serious relationship, or so they think. However, Linney falls in love with Beau, who is all boy, a sweet reminder of the innocence of children, and my favorite character of all.

In STONE’S HEART, Ms. Karchut has written a story of family, friends, and seeking God’s guidance to make the right choices. Whether she’s dealing with Guardian Angels or Celtic mythology, as in some of her other novels, or contemporary romance as in this latest book, what I enjoy most is her emphasis on family, especially the father and son relationship. STONE’S HEART is no exception. What Beau and Stone share is touching and beautiful. Every child should be so fortunate to have a father like Stone.

The author also shows her love and knowledge of horses, along with proof that she’s as talented writing a contemporary story as she is writing about warriors and unusual creatures.

I recommend STONE’S HEART for everyone that loves a good story about family, disappointments, children, and even a scary scene or two that makes the reader chew on her fingernails, waiting to see the outcome. Yeah, pretty tense.

Another great novel from Darby Karchut. What will she come up with next?

The author provided me with a copy of the novel for my honest review.





View all my reviews