Sandra C. Lopez's Blog, page 9
July 26, 2025
Review: STRANGERS IN PARADISE: FLOWER TO FLAME by Terry Moore
Definitely don’t mess with aParker girl. She will blow your ears off…literally. Loved the drawings and theaction scenes! These comics are definitely about girl power. Of course, thegirls have their own personal drama. Not sure what the Snow White sequence wasall about. A good read!
Rating:4 stars
Review: STRANGERS IN PARADISE: HEART IN HAND by Terry Moore
The last car scene was funny!After nearly having a heart attack, it’s all “are we there yet?” Again, I lovedthe illustrations! In this one, there is a question about sexuality. How canone love a man and a woman? And what happens when jealousy rears its ugly head?
A lot of drama and romanticentanglements. A good read!
Rating:4 stars
Review: STRANGERS IN PARADISE: DAVID’S STORY by Terry Moore
Even there is a kick-a actionscene that starts off this story, it’s not really that clear. I’m not surewhere the Chinese gangs fall into this. The politics were confusing. The artwork was cool as always. Looks like this David was the boy that was killed andthe boy’s killer was wracked with guilt. Were we going back in time here with aguy named David? An okay read.
Rating:3 stars
July 25, 2025
Blog Tour: GRANDMA'S BUCKET OF MERCY by Robin Carole
Children's Book
Date Published: May 28, 2025
Publisher: MindStir Media
📘 Book Description for Grandma’s Bucket of Mercy by Robin Carole
You are never too old or too young to learn life’s lessons.
From multiple award-winning author Robin Carole comes a heartwarming true story that celebrates the power of love, forgiveness, and generational wisdom. Grandma’s Bucket of Mercy is a touching tale of one young girl’s summer with her grandmother in 1960s California—and the quiet but profound lesson that would change two lives forever.
Ten-year-old Carole is sent on a mysterious errand involving her grandmother’s elderly neighbor, not knowing her grandmother is teaching her about the gift of mercy. Years later, Carole finally understands the full impact of that experience when a stranger shares how her small, anonymous acts of kindness transformed a life.
Beautifully written and deeply personal, this story is a tribute to the grit and grace of the women who survived the Dust Bowl and the Great Depression and to the enduring strength of intergenerational bonds. Grandma’s Bucket of Mercy is perfect for readers aged 9–12—and for the childlike spirit in every adult who believes in the quiet power of compassion.
✅ True story based on real-life events✅ Uplifting themes of family, kindness, and legacy✅ Ideal for ages 9–12 and meaningful for all ages🪣 Sometimes the smallest gesture can change everything.
Review: This book is a lovely ode to allthe things a grandmother has said and done for one little girl. See how shespends a 2-week visit learning little things about her grandma. Quick, short,and simple.
“What doesn’t kill you only makesyou stronger.”
This is where she begins theBucket of Mercy task of leaving goods for her grandmother’s cranky neighbor.Goes to show that a little kindness can go a long way.
“You are never too old or tooyoung to learn life’s lesson.”
A nice, little read.
Rating:4 stars
About the Author
Robin Carole is a multiple award-winning author and lifelong storyteller dedicated to preserving the legacy of the strong women in her family. A native Californian who grew up in the scenic wine country, Robin spent over 40 years in Deaf Education as a Certified Sign Language Interpreter, working with students from kindergarten through adult education.
Now retired and living in Spokane, Washington, Robin draws from real-life experiences and the stories passed down from her grandmother, mother, and aunts to write books that speak to the hearts of readers young and old. Her passion for storytelling began as a child, sitting at the feet of her family matriarchs, listening to tales of resilience, faith, and enduring love.
Her latest book, Grandma’s Bucket of Mercy, is a heartfelt tribute to the power of quiet acts of compassion—and a reminder that even children can change the world through kindness. Through her writing, Robin invites readers to revisit a time when life was simple, values were taught through action, and lessons of mercy could last a lifetime.
“My education, my work, my goals, and accomplishments are here for only a moment, but my family is a lifetime.” —Robin Carole
Fun Facts About Robin:
Her favorite meal is a classic Southern tomato sandwich She loves gardening, even if it mostly means pulling weeds Oldies music, storytelling, and pets bring her the most joy She still believes in the power of sitting together and sharing stories📚 Explore Robin’s books and discover stories that stay with you—because the lessons we learn from our grandmothers are often the ones we never forget.
Purchase Links
July 24, 2025
Blog Tour: LUCKY SECRETS by B.T. Polcari
LUCKY SECRETS
B.T. Polcari
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GENRE: Young Adult Cozy Mystery
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BLURB:
Collegestudent Sara Donovan is in the homestretch of graduating when a mysteriouspackage arrives with an invitation to an exclusive contest. One that willdrastically change the winner’s life. Included are unsettling photographs fromforgettable chapters in her life and a threatening note strongly suggesting sheparticipate.
Withno good options, Sara enters the contest and finds herself at a fabulousmansion up against eight formidable opponents, each with a dark secret and allracing to solve seven levels of riddles and puzzles.
Aftera contestant’s body is discovered, Sara contemplates dropping out when anotherpackage arrives, its chilling contents making clear she’s at the center of adangerous game with deadly consequences if she quits. But what it doesn’t sayis—what happens if she wins?
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ExcerptThree:
Karsh Azarian’s pretentious voice came from the end of thetable. “It would appear I am now the only courageous one going it alone.” Heheld a glass of red wine aloft in our direction, a smug grin splashed acrosshis stupid goateed face. “As it should be, I suppose. Fair play and what not.”
Across from me and next to Olivia Fantucci, ScooterJablonsky’s attention bounced between Karsh, Jimmy, and I. Then he pointed withhis half-full drink glass toward Frederick Volkov and Rod Toft, who were seatedon our side of the table to Azarian’s right. “Hey, Freddie boy, y’all beenquiet tonight. Whatsa matter, your contest off like a herd of turtles?”
Volkov fixed his hound-dog eyes on Scooter. “Quite thecontrary, Burl. Tell me, have you and Spencer made it out of your rooms yet, orare you still wrasslin’ with that devilish first clue?” Volkov finished with anamused laugh and clinked glasses with Toft. “Cheers, my friend.”
Scooter was about to blow when Spencer Fernsby insertedhimself in the conversation. “Frederick, throughout my career, I have seen yourkind come and go. Usually to prison for insider trading and fraud, I mightadd.” He raised a water glass to his lips. “My goodness, it would be quitedifficult to win the contest from a jail cell, don’t you think?”
Volkov jumped to his feet. Even from my vantage point, Icould see the blue vein throbbing in his forehead. “Are you threatening me,Fernsby?”
Fernsby smiled warmly, a contrast to his suddenly stone-coldblue-gray eyes. “That certainly wasn’t my intention. My respectful apologies.”
Jimmy whispered in my ear, “The plot thickens.”
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Review:
It all started with a strangepackage with a $50,000 diamond and a chance to participate in a life-changingcontest. What to do?Story is told in the unique andwitty voice of Sara, a college student. Although Sara tells the story in arefreshing way, there was still some considerable lag. It was the longnarrative and the long chapters that were the culprit for me. It took a whileto realize that Sara was, in fact, meeting a blackmailer in this “contest.” So,like the movie, Clue, everyone in a select group of people had a secret exceptthat there would be one winner with what would be deemed a “lucky secret.”O-kay. Rather odd and confusing.
Here is where we get too manycharacters thrown into the mix, which made it a little too confusing. Thissounded like a promising read. I liked the voice and the premise, but thedetails just seemed a little too scattered and confusing. I would’ve much preferreda simpler and quicker mystery. Typically, cozy mysteries have the dead body inthe first few chapters, but this one takes a long while to get to it.
The read itself was pretty good. Imight’ve been able to get into it more had I read the first book in the series,but, quite honestly, it wouldn’t have been a huge help.
A fairly nice read and a decenteffort.
Rating:3 stars
AUTHOR Bio and Links:
B.T.Polcari is a graduate of Rutgers College of Rutgers University, anaward-winning mystery author, and a proud father of two wonderful children.He’s a champion of rescue pups (Mauzzy is a rescue), craves watching footballand basketball, and, of course, loves reading mysteries. Among his favoriteauthors are Richard Osman, D.P. Lyle, Frederick Forsyth, and Michael Connelly.He is also an unapologetic fantasy football addict. He lives with his wife inscenic Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Website:http://www.btpolcari.com/
FacebookPage: https://www.facebook.com/btpolcari
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/btpolcari/
X(Twitter): https://x.com/btpolcari
GoodreadsProfile: https://www.goodreads.com/btpolcari
SignedCopies: www.btpolcari.com
Amazon:https://www.amazon.com/Lucky-Secrets-...
AppleBooks: https://books.apple.com/us/book/lucky-secrets/id6744645288
Barnes& Noble:https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/lucky-secrets-b-t-polcari/1147214891
Bookshop.org:https://bookshop.org/p/books/lucky-secrets/41569b963e658847
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GIVEAWAY I
B.T.Polcari will be awarding a $20 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn winner.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
July 23, 2025
Blog Tour: SERVES YOU RIGHT by Orion Gregory
Book Details:
Book Title: Serves You Right by Orion Gregory
Category: Adult Fiction (18 +), 300 pages
Genre: Mystery / Thriller
Publisher: Publish Authority
Release date: July 8, 2025
Content Rating: PG-13 + M: No explicit sex scenes, a couple of f-words, one suicide.Book Description:
Rookie detective Sydney Livingstone thought she’d left the chaos of her tennis career behind when she joined the small Walsh County Police Department. But a shadowy figure known as "The Enforcer" has other plans. On the dark web, a vigilante is waging their own brand of justice, pushing Sydney to confront a force that threatens to unravel everything she holds dear.
As she investigates a disturbing series of events, including a stalker targeting a seasoned officer, Sydney must navigate the twisted maze of corruption, deception, and a growing conspiracy within her own department. With the media spotlight on Walsh County and danger closing in, will Sydney uncover the truth—or become its next victim?Buy the Book:
AMAZON
add to goodreads
Review: A man murdered his wife two years ago and then a jury acquitted him of all charges. Then a random attack puts him in the hospital. Serves him right, no? Then another murder suspect that “beat the rap” was attacked. There was somebody called “The Enforcer” doling out justice by encouraging people on the dark web to kill unpunished criminals. Right away, this was an intriguing premise. I liked the idea of the vigilante justice. Meanwhile, Syd, a cop on suspension, was asked to look into these “vigilante murders.” Was there a leak among them? Was a county employee also a killer? This was a pretty engaging read, but sometimes this lagged a little too much, which dulled an otherwise scintillating concept. After a while, the narrative becomes much too long and trivial. For a crime mystery, I expected it to be quicker, shorter, and more suspenseful. The actual writing was pretty good, but the excitement level was mild at best. All in all, this was a fairly nice read and a good effort. Rating: 3 stars
Meet the Author:
Orion Gregory spent the early part of his career as a writer in the newspaper, magazine, and advertising industries, where he was the recipient of several prestigious awards. The latter part of his working career consisted of more than 25 years in marketing/sales industry. He never forgot his love of writing during that time, and always vowed to return to his roots. Presently, Orion spends the majority of his time writing mystery/thriller novels when he’s not coaching or teaching tennis. He finds great pleasure in mentoring young people and improving the conditions of animals in need. His life revolves around his wife and two daughters, as well as the wonderful friends he has made along his journey. He subscribes to the theory that the only bad pun is the one left unsaid.
connect with the author: website ~ x ~ facebook ~ instagram ~ goodreadsEnter the Giveaway: SERVES YOU RIGHT Book Tour Giveaway
Blog Tour: KILL POCAHONTAS by Ray Anthony Morris
KILL POCAHONTAS
Ray Anthony Morris
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GENRE: Thriller
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BLURB:
HalleeLandry is a promising young Tsawwassen First Nations attorney and litigatorwith an enviable résumé and a bright future. At only twenty-seven years old,she is not a residential school survivor. Or is she? Everything she hasunderstood to be true about her origins is challenged when she is kidnappedwhile in Kamloops to attend the annual Pow Wow. Now somebody wants her dead.But why? The perpetrators seem to be a confounding mix of low-level criminalsand a sophisticated cadre of malefactors backed by someone high up at theVatican. Hallee is bewildered to learn that her only allies are an elderly nun,a venerable old Catholic priest, and an Indigenous midwife. This motley crew ofimprobables faces long odds in unravelling a 50-year-old mystery before theopposing menacing forces erase history for good. Lurking in the shadows is along-standing conspiracy of extortion, child abuse, kidnapping, and murder. Theonly clues on offer are an old drawing, a scratchy cassette tape, and amajestic totem pole. First-time novelist Ray Anthony Morris beckons us into theclassroom and dares us to slip behind the curtain of an Indian residentialschool. Much like the backdrop of the mighty Fraser River, serpentining throughthe Canadian Rockies, this heroic story lifts our spirits on the wings ofheart-choking tales of uncommon valour and then plunges us straight into therollicking, white-water rush-ride of a sensational suspense thriller.
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ExcerptThree:
Rosie managed to grab hold of her mom’s arm and was kickingand writhing, feverishly trying to escape the clutches of the agent. Every kidin the truck was completely transfixed by the bizarre spectacle. She actuallysquirted loose momentarily, scrabbling in the dirt, kicking up gravel andbloodying her hands and both bare knees before the agent was able to subdue her
again and wrestle her to the truck.
The screeching was relentless. Ethan had never beforewitnessed such a vehement backlash against authority. He was both deeplysorrowful for Rosie’s misfortune and profoundly impressed with the strength anddetermination displayed by that seventy-pound little girl-warrior.
With one final sob that seemed to deflate her, Mrs. Sanovieat last slumped into the RCMP officer’s arms, giving up, at least for themoment, any further effort to physically regain her daughter. He gently movedaway from the truck as the agent got Rosie deposited in the back. The girl wasbending to and fro, barely able to contain the convulsions from her distressnor the
blazing hatred for her oppressors, all too evident in hereyes.
The big tailgate was eventually closed, and the driver wasnow settled in up front. With renewed vigour, Mrs. Sanovie burst from the RCMPofficer’s arms, certifiably enraged… She resumed her cursing and screamingwhile flailing her fists through the closing driver’s side window at Mr. IndianAgent.
Rosie tried to scramble over the kids to get to the tailgatebut, not wanting the little girl to hurt herself, some older girls held herwrists and tried to calm her, telling her it was all right, they were going toschool to play games and learn new things.
Exhausted and defeated at last, little Rosie dissolved intotears on the floor of the truck amid the hugs and sympathetic back pats of her“sisters.”
The truck hastily pulled away from the yard, the kidsducking for cover as Rosie’s mom let loose with some rocks in a final, futileprotest.
And it was off to “school” they went.
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AUTHOR Bio and Links:
RayAnthony Morris was raised in the small town of Oromocto, New Brunswick. He wasnot raised to look the other way, not take a side, or not get involved. Hisfriends know him as champion of fair play and an advocate for social justiceand racial equality. He currently lives alone in Alberta, Canada.
Thisnovel is a work of fiction but based on a true story that the author was simplycompelled to tell.
Website:https://rayanthonymorris.com/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/55008628.Ray_Anthony_Morris
https://amazon.com/dp/1779622139
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GIVEAWAY
RayAnthony Morris will be awarding a $10 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawnwinner.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
July 21, 2025
Blog Tour: AMERICAN ODYSSEY by Michael De Stefano
AMERICAN ODYSSEY
Michael De Stefano
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GENRE: Coming-of-Age
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BLURB:
Set in Philadelphia in the mid-1970s, American Odyssey chronicles the coming-of-age journey of Addison Caldwell, Cillian James, and Joey Brosco. In their quest for independence, our trio encounters the recently widowed Leila Bennett, a former prostitute turned farm owner. For Leila, a sultry summer blossoms into an odyssey of hope and healing; for the boys, work and awakening. Leila—a girl discarded and rescued—teaches the threesome that virtue does not lie in the struggle for independence or what one must sacrifice for its behalf but in love that reinforces enduring friendship.
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ExcerptTwo:
Joey emerged from the fields and Cillian from the kitchen.We tossed our bags in the bed of Leila’s behemoth pickup, and off we drove.Skipping the bus ride, we headed straight for Pittsburgh and the train station,blasting rockabilly music with the windows rolled down and enjoying our finaltime of what Leila called “hellraisin’.” As the train chugged west to eastthrough Pennsylvania, I repeatedly asked myself: Who was Leila Bennett? Couldshe have been just a girl, any girl? Was Leila as common as any one of amillion buttercups clustered in an open field and just as forgettable, or wasshe a four-leaf clover, a rare specimen who, over and over, would compel me tosearch for her in every crowd everywhere? Was she a young girl in a grown-upgirl’s body or a grown-up girl as lost as any child would be when set to wanderthe vastness of the universe? Air and space: they can prove fickle entities.Not enough of each can kill you, and too much can kill you even faster. Butwhether we blossom in a vast field or cottage garden, in a way, we all want thesame thing: the opportunity to strive for independence while enjoying thestrength and comfort of unity. Leila had experienced that aspect of humandesire for a time with Aunt Pearl, then later on, for a much briefer spell,with Uncle Dave. I hope, sooner than later, she finds just the right amount ofair and space that allows her to bask in the beauty of youth while flourishingas a woman.
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Topic: What 3 things do you hope readers will walk away withfrom this story?
1: Many years ago,The Beatles wrote a lyric that said: I get by with a little help from myfriends. Friends are not people we collect and follow on social media. True friendshipis a much deeper and richer concept; it transcends faith and politics; it’swhat we rely upon when all else fails.
2: Each of us haswritten their own coming-of-age story. Who we were in those tender times, whena summer’s day seemed like an eternity but the summer itself seemed too short,never fully leaves us.
3: Air and space are fickle entities. Not enough of each cankill us, and too much can kill us even faster. It’s a tricky exercise,maintaining our equilibrium on the path of self-discovery. Striving forindependence but wanting the strength and comfort of unity is a curious irony.I imagine it always shall be.
Thank you for your question. I appreciate the opportunity topost. I hope "American Odyssey" brings you many hours of enjoyment,
Kindest regards,
Michael DeStefano
AUTHOR Bio and Links:
MichaelDeStefano runs a hairstyling salon, where he has spent the past four decadesbeautifying the super people of Philadelphia. His past titles include thehistorical family saga The Gunslinger’s Companion, the comedy/tragedy Waitingfor Grandfather, and The Bohemian. You can find these novels and other writingssuch as his love essays and perspective pieces at his blog site Michael’sCorner.
Blog:http://www.michaelscorner.blog
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/michael.destefano.1654
Twitter:https://x.com/xMichaelsCorner
Amazon:https://www.amazon.com/American-Odyssey-Michael-Stefano/dp/1937769895/ref=sr_1_4
Barnesand Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/american-odyssey-michael-de-stefano/1147324924
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GIVEAWAY
Nightto Dawn Magazine & Books will be awarding a $10 Amazon/BN gift card to arandomly drawn winner.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
July 19, 2025
Review: THE BABYSITTER’S CLUB: STACY’S MISTAKE by Ellen Crenshaw
All the girls in the Babysitter’sClub were visiting Stacy in New York. Wow, New York! But for girls fromConnecticut, the Big City was like another planet—a scary, disgusting planet.But despite the fear and anxiety, the girls ended up enjoying the New Yorkscene and having a good time. But what happens when Stacy’s BSC friends meether NY friends? A clash of the Titans! Fights between all the girls!
Regardless, the BSC still had ajob to do—babysitting 10 kids.
With colorful and funillustrations, this was a hilariously wacky adventure! Goes to show that girlscan have fun no matter what. A good read!
Rating:4 stars
Review: IT’S ALIVE, IT’S ALIVE by R.L. Stine
The Robotics competition can getpretty fierce. Could Livvy have wanted to win so bad that she made her robotcome to life? No way! How would she have done that? She gets some pretty scaryimages of this robot in this story. But the weirdest part of all was herparents acting like…robots. What was going on here?
A wild robot adventure! A goodread!
Rating:4 stars
