Beverly Stowe McClure's Blog: Enter Beverly's World of Writing, page 6

Dreams and Handsome Guys

Breaking Girl Code by Kathey Gray

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Like so many young people dissatisfied with their life, Alex left family and friends, fresh out of high school, in search of her dreams to be a songwriter. Three years later she’s on her way back home, her dreams crushed. What will she do now? Author Kathey Gray has written a novel that many people, both young and old, can relate to: the desire for something better than what they have, or so they believe.

Alex’s life soon gets even more complicated. Yes, it has to do with a handsome guy. The author has created characters that could be real people, some you might even be familiar with. You’ve heard that old saying: “Be careful what you wish for, you may get it.” It came to my mind as I read through the ups and downs of Alex’s relationships with family and friends. I sympathized with her in her search for happiness. Hearts are so easily broken, yet the spirit survives.

I think you’ll enjoy following Alex as she faces each crisis in her life. Will she find happiness in her love life as well as success in her world of music? Or does her future have some surprises waiting?




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Adventure and Friendship

CassaStar by Alex J. Cavanaugh

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Imagine flying through the air, zeroing in on your target. The pilot of the other craft also has you in his sights. The tension builds. You fire. The opponent fires. What happens next? If you enjoy space stories, action, and unforgettable characters, take a look at CassaStar by Author Alex J. Cavanaugh.

The characters are what draw me to a story. In CassaStar, we meet Byron, a young pilot with an attitude. Byron is an excellent pilot, better than most, but his life has left him with wounds that don’t seem to heal. Bassa is an older, experienced senior officer in charge of training pilots and navigators. He’s also a navigator who has unpleasant memories of his own.

When Byron and Bassa meet, and Bassa becomes Bryon’s navigator, both of their lives change. But is it too late for the two men to overcome the disappointments of their past lives and find the peace, love, and family they’ve always wanted?

In addition to the gentle touch of friendship and family in the story, the author’s descriptions of the battle scenes are so realistic I felt like I was there, holding my breath that Byron and his navigators, both of them, would win each battle. Even though I seldom read sci-fi, CassaStar held my attention. There was never a dull moment and the nice mix of action, characters and their goals, and suspense kept my attention until the last page.

Alex J. Cavanaugh has written a story that should appeal to readers, young and old. CassaStar would make a nice addition to high school libraries, your own library, and to public libraries, as well.




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An Adventure Back In Time

Some Very Messy Medieval Magic by C. Lee McKenzie

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Do you enjoy meeting witches, wizards, familiars, and other interesting characters? Do you like to travel back in time and meet people from centuries ago? If you answered yes, then I have the book for you. Author C. Lee McKenzie’s latest novel for middle grade readers, SOME VERY MESSY MEDIEVAL MAGIC, gives you all of the above and more. And you may be familiar with the main characters. Yes, Pete and Weasel are back. What? You haven’t met them yet? Well, you’re in for a treat.

In SOME VERY MESSY MEDIEVAL MAGIC, Pete and Weasel have to journey back in time to help a young page, Peter of Bramwell, get where he’s supposed to be when he should be there to prevent history from being changed. Since everyone blames Pete for the mix up, he and Weasel are responsible for correcting the problem. And time is limited. Will the boys succeed in their mission? Or will they fail and be responsible for changing history? Things are not always what they seem, and surprises await Pete and Weasel, and the reader too.

C. Lee McKenzie has created characters that will keep you guessing who the good guys are and who are the bad. Don’t be so sure you think you know. There’s plenty of action, never a dull moment, and also a guess as to what Pete and Weasel will be up to next. The story is perfect for middle-grade readers who should enjoy trying to solve the boys’ problems before the boys find the answers.

Pete and Weasel, along with the reader (this reader anyhow), learn a bit of history too. SOME VERY MESSY MEDIEVAL MAGIC would make a great addition to middle school classrooms and libraries, as well as your own private library. Recommended for teens and for adults who enjoy adventure and time travel as well.
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Will Anna Find Happiness

The Measure of a Heart by Janette Oke

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Today, most everyone has the opportunity for a good education. This was not always true. When Anna Trent finished eighth grade, her schooling ended. She could dream about continuing her education, but it was not likely to happen. God had plans for Anna, however, and Author Janette Oke has written a lovely story about trusting in God. A life that she could never believe awaits Anna. It's not an easy life, but with every problem comes a solution. She just has to have faith and find it. This is a story that will touch your heart as you follow Anna, hoping it will be the life she dreams of. I cheered her on as she made decisions that would change her life forever.The Measure of a Heart is a good story to read when you need encouragement or just a smile or two. Enjoy.



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What Makes a Bad Boy

The Blake Brothers by Kathey Gray

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


What is it about a “bad” boy that attracts a person’s attention? We read about them in books. We hear about them on the news. Perhaps we even know someone who is considered a “bad” boy. When I read about or meet a “bad” boy, I wonder, is he as bad as others say? Or does he have some good qualities?

With this in mind as I met the “bad” boys in THE BLAKE BROTHERS by Author Kathey Gray, I looked to see why they were bad. What in their lives sent them down the path that gave them the reputation of being “bad.” I also looked for good qualities in the boys. Did I discover any? You’ll find out when you read the book.

Young adult novels are my favorite books to read. The teen years are tough. And Author Kathey Gray has written a story that shows many of the problems teens go through as they learn about the world and about themselves. My favorite character in the book is Benjamin (Ben) Blake. Yes, he’s a “bad” boy. He’s also much more.

The author has woven a tale of school life, friendship, and first love that should appeal to teen readers who are facing similar situations Abigail and Ben experience. She even adds a touch of adventure and danger.

Kathey Gray is a new author to watch. She knows young people and she also has a great imagination. There is a sequel to THE BLAKE BROTHERS, where you can learn more about Ben the “bad” boy, his brothers, and Abigail. Be sure to put this book on your reading list.
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The True Treasure

Pirate Island by Katie L. Carroll

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


A legend, buried treasure, and danger. The perfect adventure for two daring 13-year-old boys. Right? And so, the middle grade/tween novel PIRATE ISLAND, by Katie L. Carroll, begins with William Bonny, 13, who is possessed (meaning the pirate takes control of his body at times) by the pirate Captain William Kidd, thinking about how he came to be on the beach, looking at Pirate Island, and dreaming of finding Captain William Kidd’s buried treasure. Then he goes on to tell his story.

Katie L. Carroll got it just right. William Bonny and his sometimes friend, Andy, talk like and act like kids you probably know. They have their disagreements. Who doesn’t? William also has trouble understanding his teenage sister, Kristina, and her boyfriend. Give him a few more years and he will. When William, Kristina, her boyfriend, and Andy finally set out to see if the treasure really exists, William discovers more than just the truth about the treasure. He also discovers the truth about himself.

PIRATE ISLAND is a sweet, fun, story about dreams and truth and what really counts in life. Recommended for middle school libraries and classrooms, and public libraries. Would make great gifts for the tween readers you know.




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Life for Some Teens is Tough

Red Ribbons: A Sequel to Just Perfect by Hanne Arts

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Being a teenager is not easy. Even a healthy teen has problems. But if a girl, or boy, has health issues, life can seem impossible. In Author Hanne Arts latest novel, RED RIBBON, Christina has anorexia, as well as other problems. She hates her body. She loves her boyfriend, Filip, who has his own life to deal with. Christina keeps a diary that allows the reader to see her emotions, to feel her challenges, and to hope that she finds herself, the girl that she can be.

RED RIBBON is a heartbreaking story that will have you wishing you could tell Chrissy that she’s beautiful, and her family loves her, and she can be healed. The author has written a book that young people who have self-image problems or eating disorders or other ideas that make them feel unwanted should read. This would be a great addition to middle grade and high school libraries.

The author sent me a copy of the book for my honest review.
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Spelling Correction in Previous Post.

Vitamins and Death by Medeia Sharif

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Imagine a school where the teachers have little to no control. Imagine a school where boys take turns with girls in the restroom, while another boy stands guard outside the door. To me, it’s difficult to think that schools like this exist, but Author Medeia Sharif opened my eyes to the fact that such schools may indeed be like the one in her novel VITAMINS AND DEATH.

Deidra Battle attends such a school after her mother lost her previous teaching job for having an affair with a student. Deidra lives in fear that others will discover she is the daughter of the woman that made the scandal everyone read about. She also has to deal with a mother who lives on pills. Deidra just wants to get through the next few months, graduate, and attend the local college. Is that asking too much?

My heart broke for Deidra. No child or teen should have to live in fear of the students at school and especially not of their mother. The author has created a family that unfortunately may be too real. All through the novel I kept hoping good things would happen for Deidra.

The language is rough and some scenes are graphic. Ms. Sharif tells it like it is. This story is not for young teens, but older teens might find a lesson in it. Another good novel about life from Medeia Sharif.



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A Story That Will Touch Your Heart

Vitamins and Death by Medeia Sharif

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Imagine a school where the teachers have little to no control. Imagine a school where boys take turns with girls in the restroom, while another boy stands guard outside the door. To me, it’s difficult to think that schools like this exist, but Author Medeia Sharif opened my eyes to the fact that such schools may indeed be like the one in her novel VITAMINS AND DEATH.

Diedra Battle attends such a school after her mother lost her previous teaching job for having an affair with a student. Diedra lives in fear that others will discover she is the daughter of the woman that made the scandal everyone read about. She also has to deal with a mother who lives on pills. Diedra just wants to get through the next few months, graduate, and attend the local college. Is that asking too much?

My heart broke for Diedra. No child or teen should have to live in fear of the students at school and especially not of their mother. The author has created a family that unfortunately may be too real. All through the novel I kept hoping good things would happen for Diedra.

The language is rough and some scenes are graphic. Ms. Sharif tells it like it is. This story is not for young teens, but older teens might find a lesson in it. Another good novel about life from Medeia Sharif.




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A Different Kind of Romance

Again, For Love by L.A. Dragoni

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Do you enjoy a good romance? Do you like a mystery? How about time travel, and characters that are so real you can imagine their story really happening? If this sounds like your kind of story then waste no time. Get a copy of Author L A Dragoni’s latest novel, AGAIN, FOR LOVE. I think you’ll be happy you did.

Speaking of love, I love this story. L A Dragoni’s novels keep getting better and better. The characters are just right. Lawson is not perfect. He makes mistakes, but he also is caring, especially when it comes to Jory, the woman he falls in love with. Theirs is not your normal romance. A lot of weird things happen to them. I don’t want to give away any secrets, but I did read with my fingers crossed that everything would work out good for them. In my humble opinion they were perfect for each other.

I also enjoyed meeting Terk, Lawson’s roommate. Now there’s a character you won’t soon forget. Not telling how, but he is a bit different. Fascinatingly so. I’m also not telling what happens to the cat. You’ll have to find out when you read the story.

L A Dragoni’s novel sure made me wonder what time travel might really be like, if it were possible. I’m not sure I want to try it. A fascinating read. Recommended.
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