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Once Upon a Rhyme #3
Blue: (Little Boy Blue)
Be careful what you wish for because you might just get it . . . and it might not be what you expect!
Raven Birchfield has had her share of trouble ever since digging up an old book of nursery rhymes in the garden of her late eccentric aunt's house where she now lives. With the creepy graveyard next door, evil nursery rhyme characters are coming to life one by one, taking over the bodies of her family and friends.
Now her younger brother Johnny is acting odd, and the spirit of Little Boy Blue has made his appearance. At first she thinks she likes it since "Blue" as he calls himself, has a way with people and can play the trumpet better than her irritating little brother ever could.
But when awful things start happening and Johnny is stuck on another realm, Raven and her friend Candy know they have to save him before it's too late. But Johnny likes the life of Blue and wishes he could be him forever.
Be careful what you wish for, because you might just get it . . . and it might not be what you expect.
Be sure to read Mary, Mary - Book 1, and Muffet - Book 2 as well.
Raven Birchfield has had her share of trouble ever since digging up an old book of nursery rhymes in the garden of her late eccentric aunt's house where she now lives. With the creepy graveyard next door, evil nursery rhyme characters are coming to life one by one, taking over the bodies of her family and friends.
Now her younger brother Johnny is acting odd, and the spirit of Little Boy Blue has made his appearance. At first she thinks she likes it since "Blue" as he calls himself, has a way with people and can play the trumpet better than her irritating little brother ever could.
But when awful things start happening and Johnny is stuck on another realm, Raven and her friend Candy know they have to save him before it's too late. But Johnny likes the life of Blue and wishes he could be him forever.
Be careful what you wish for, because you might just get it . . . and it might not be what you expect.
Be sure to read Mary, Mary - Book 1, and Muffet - Book 2 as well.
- GenresYoung Adult
121 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 16, 2019
7 people are currently reading
7 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Rose
297 books1,286 followersElizabeth Rose is the author of medieval, paranormal, fantasy and contemporary novels. While based on romance, her novels have complex plots, action and suspense. She loves writing bad boy tortured heroes and empowered feisty heroines.
Her books have won rave reviews, and been seen on The History Channel as well as Wild Chicago. Elizabeth's books have won and been finalists in many contests. Here is a partial list:
Highland Spirit - Highland Chronicles WINNER of the Raven Award.
Bedeviled - Portals of Destiny, WINNER Creme de la Cover Contest
Beguiled - Portals of Destiny, WINNER - Creme de la Cover Contest
RONE Award finalists include:
Doubting Thomas - Bad Boys of Sweetwater
Highland Steel - Highland Chronicles
Tristan - Pirate Lords
Igniting Andrew - Bad Boys of Sweetwater
Highland Secrets - Secrets of the Heart
Seductive Secrets - Secrets of the Heart
Forgotten Secrets - all Secrets of the Heart
Summer's Reign - Seasons of Fortitude
Kindle Book Review Awards finalist and semi-finalist:
Highland Secrets
Forgotten Secrets
International Digital Award finalist:
Highland Spring - Seasons of Fortitude
Golden Palm Finalist:
Mary, Mary - Once Upon a Rhyme
Raven Awards Best Cover finalist:
May Queen - Holiday Knights
Raven Awards Runner-Up:
Lady and the Wolf - Tangled Tales
Books and Benches Reviewer's Choice:
Restless Sea Lord - Legendary Bastards of the Crown
Sapphire Award Finalist:
Kyros' Secret - Greek Myth Fantasy Series
Romantic Times Reviewer's Choice:
Thief of Olympus - Greek Myth Fantasy Series
Seen on the History Channel:
The Oracle of Delphi - Greek Myth Fantasy Series
And More!
Elizabeth is known for her many series which include:
Below the Salt Series
Highland Outcasts
Portals of Destiny
Legacy of the Blade
Daughters of the Dagger
Elemental Magick Series
Bad Boys of Sweetwater: Tarnished Saints Series Greek Myth Fantasy Series
MadMan MacKeefe Series
Legendary Bastards of the Crown
Seasons of Fortitude
Secrets of the Heart
Second in Command
Pirate Lords
Highland Chronicles
Barons of the Cinque Ports
Tangled Tales Once Upon a Rhyme
Holiday Knights
Dark Encounters
Cowboys of the Old West
Working Man Series, and more!
Someday Elizabeth hopes to visit the castles of Scotland and England personally. However, she has been to the jungles of Peru and Machu Picchu which inspired her novels, Curse of the Condor and Bistro Bachelor.
Visit her website to view her latest books and to read excerpts of her work. http://elizabethrosenovels.com.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
December 30, 2019
This is the first of Elizabeth Rose's Once Upon a Rhyme Series Books I've read, and I really liked it. I wasn't sure to expect. But this is not the Boy Blue of the nursery rhyme you may remember. Rather this is an evil twisted version of Boy Blue who comes to our world through a portal to take over a young teen Johnny. It's fantasy yes, but thoroughly entertaining as we find out in the story what his sister will do to save him. But will she succeed? I also like that it has an important message to be happy with who you are and not want to be who you are not; that's an especially important message for young adults in today's world.
March 29, 2020
Raven Birchfield's life isn't getting any easier. After dealing with a possession by Mary of the nursery rhyme Mary, Mary Quite Contrary and helping her best friend Candy through a possession by Little Miss Muffet, it seems that it is her brother Johnny's turn. After Raven's mom forgets about Johnny's birthday, Raven rushes to find him a present. After sifting through her Aunt Bestla's things, Raven finds a blue bomber jacket that she knows Johnny will adore. Raven figures out just a little too late that the jacket is connected to Little Boy Blue and her brother has turned into an overconfident, boastful, thief. To top it off, Raven and Johnny's father who left on Johnny's seventh birthday has return inexplicably and their mother accepts him back with no questions.
Blue is the third book in the Once Upon a Rhyme series and should definitely be read after Mary, Mary and Muffet in order to get to know the characters and how the nursery rhyme possessions work. Blue follows the same pattern as the first two books; however, now Raven has a better understanding of how things work and a friend she can trust with the craziness. Blue's possession was a little different since his evil characteristics weren't shown outright. Raven and Candy liked Johnny a lot better as Blue and so did he, but Blue's possession was the darkest and had the most potential for harm. I'm still confused about how a bomber jacket is tied to a 16th century historical figure as well as why the graveyard exists. Although, the intrigue has built up with the return of Raven's father as well as the growing connection that Raven's classmate Dex seems to have with everything.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
Blue is the third book in the Once Upon a Rhyme series and should definitely be read after Mary, Mary and Muffet in order to get to know the characters and how the nursery rhyme possessions work. Blue follows the same pattern as the first two books; however, now Raven has a better understanding of how things work and a friend she can trust with the craziness. Blue's possession was a little different since his evil characteristics weren't shown outright. Raven and Candy liked Johnny a lot better as Blue and so did he, but Blue's possession was the darkest and had the most potential for harm. I'm still confused about how a bomber jacket is tied to a 16th century historical figure as well as why the graveyard exists. Although, the intrigue has built up with the return of Raven's father as well as the growing connection that Raven's classmate Dex seems to have with everything.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
December 18, 2019
Nursery rhymes take on an entire new meaning, one which won't leave Little Boy Blue in the same light again.
Note: This is the third book in a series but can be read as a stand-alone. I did not read the other books before diving into it and had little trouble sinking into the tale.
Raven is a sixteen-year-old girl, who lives with her mother and brother in their deceased aunt's house. They struggle to make ends meet, but that isn't Raven's biggest concern. Her aunt was a bit strange, and since coming to the house, Raven has dug up an old nursery rhyme book as well as a crystal, which she wears around her neck. Her past experiences with the two have not been good, and this time doesn't appear it will be much better. Thanks to an attempt to give her brother a little happiness on his birthday, she's accidentally released a new nursery rhyme, one that takes over her brother's body. But her brother doesn't seem to mind, and neither does her best friend since this new version of him does appear pretty cool. But there's always more to these characters than first meets the eye, and Raven's convinced this time isn't any different.
I don't think I've ever read a nursery rhyme retelling. So, this was quite a refreshing spin. The author lays out the background nicely—Raven's family tries their best to get by but suffers quite a bit. It's hard not to feel for their situation, and although Raven's actions are a bit silly, considering the circumstances with her past run-in with rhymes, it's somewhat understandable why she takes the risk. Still, since she her and her friend have had bad experiences with the rhymes before, I was a little surprised by some of their actions.
Friendship is golden in these pages as well as sibling relationships. It's nice to see a YA novel which allows the relationship between brother and sister to hit the center light. There's a nice amount of intrigue, high enough tension to keep the plot plowing forward, and a dash of high school/junior high drama to make it a great fit for the intended age group. The alternate 'Johnny' did not always act his age, though, which didn't sit quite right. But then, I had a bit of trouble connecting to the characters, although the read was entertaining.
Especially the younger end of YAers and retelling fans are sure to enjoy this one.
I received a complimentary copy and enjoyed the tale quite a bit. So, I'm leaving my honest thoughts.
Note: This is the third book in a series but can be read as a stand-alone. I did not read the other books before diving into it and had little trouble sinking into the tale.
Raven is a sixteen-year-old girl, who lives with her mother and brother in their deceased aunt's house. They struggle to make ends meet, but that isn't Raven's biggest concern. Her aunt was a bit strange, and since coming to the house, Raven has dug up an old nursery rhyme book as well as a crystal, which she wears around her neck. Her past experiences with the two have not been good, and this time doesn't appear it will be much better. Thanks to an attempt to give her brother a little happiness on his birthday, she's accidentally released a new nursery rhyme, one that takes over her brother's body. But her brother doesn't seem to mind, and neither does her best friend since this new version of him does appear pretty cool. But there's always more to these characters than first meets the eye, and Raven's convinced this time isn't any different.
I don't think I've ever read a nursery rhyme retelling. So, this was quite a refreshing spin. The author lays out the background nicely—Raven's family tries their best to get by but suffers quite a bit. It's hard not to feel for their situation, and although Raven's actions are a bit silly, considering the circumstances with her past run-in with rhymes, it's somewhat understandable why she takes the risk. Still, since she her and her friend have had bad experiences with the rhymes before, I was a little surprised by some of their actions.
Friendship is golden in these pages as well as sibling relationships. It's nice to see a YA novel which allows the relationship between brother and sister to hit the center light. There's a nice amount of intrigue, high enough tension to keep the plot plowing forward, and a dash of high school/junior high drama to make it a great fit for the intended age group. The alternate 'Johnny' did not always act his age, though, which didn't sit quite right. But then, I had a bit of trouble connecting to the characters, although the read was entertaining.
Especially the younger end of YAers and retelling fans are sure to enjoy this one.
I received a complimentary copy and enjoyed the tale quite a bit. So, I'm leaving my honest thoughts.
November 10, 2019
I liked the fact that I could have read this book as a stand-alone. I was asked to read and review this book. It looked so interesting I purchased all three and started at the beginning. Since Raven Birchfield dug up an old nursery rhyme book and a quartz necklace things have not been the same. First, she was haunted by Mary, Mary Quite Contrary. Then she had to help her best friend who was being controlled by Miss Muffet. Who would have suspected she would now have to help her brother who is being controlled by Little Boy Blue. He found an old trumpet when they moved into his aunt’s house. He is not very good at playing it. However, Blue is definitely good at playing the trumpet. Johnny likes Blue so he is perfectly fine being stuck in this realm that Blue once lived in.
Everything happening to Johnny began when his sister found a blue jacket in an old trunk. It was given to her brother as a birthday gift. The jacket is all that is needed for Johnny to start behaving differently. There is a lesson to be learned in this one. This book talks about confidence or believing in oneself. I am liking the way these books are going and look forward to reading more by this author.
Everything happening to Johnny began when his sister found a blue jacket in an old trunk. It was given to her brother as a birthday gift. The jacket is all that is needed for Johnny to start behaving differently. There is a lesson to be learned in this one. This book talks about confidence or believing in oneself. I am liking the way these books are going and look forward to reading more by this author.
October 16, 2019
Raven and her best friend Candy have been through a supernatural nursery rhyme experience; ever since they have moved to a house which her mother inherited. It is full of weird dusty items. Raven's mother forgot to get a present for her son's birthday. Raven knew her mother is overworked and doesn't have much money. She told her don't worry, she would do something. She looked in the old trunks and found a nice Blue Leather jacket. It matched his blue trumpet, which he couldn't play. Johnny loved the jacket. Now the eerie experiences start to happen.
I do not want to spoil the story for anyone, but there are some valuable lessons and tips for everyone to learn to have a better feeling about themselves. The author, Elizabeth Rose, has done a great job in teaching us self confidence, and it is well worth it for people of all ages to read the story.
I do not want to spoil the story for anyone, but there are some valuable lessons and tips for everyone to learn to have a better feeling about themselves. The author, Elizabeth Rose, has done a great job in teaching us self confidence, and it is well worth it for people of all ages to read the story.
October 16, 2019
Review of Blue
Elizabeth Rose
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. They’re aren’t many of Ms. Rose's books that I don’t like but this one, although good, was just not my cup of tea. I loved her paranormal stories Familiar and The Caretaker of Showman’s Hill because they had a mature theme to them but even though the grounding in the nursery rhymes was an adult theme, she chose to express it from a YA audience and I took exception to that. For it to be a YA audience Blue was doing and saying very adult things. But maybe the other stories will be better. Everyone can have an “off" day every now and then. I am so looking forward to reading her next one, even though I was slightly disappointed with this one. I’m still a loyal fan.
Elizabeth Rose
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. They’re aren’t many of Ms. Rose's books that I don’t like but this one, although good, was just not my cup of tea. I loved her paranormal stories Familiar and The Caretaker of Showman’s Hill because they had a mature theme to them but even though the grounding in the nursery rhymes was an adult theme, she chose to express it from a YA audience and I took exception to that. For it to be a YA audience Blue was doing and saying very adult things. But maybe the other stories will be better. Everyone can have an “off" day every now and then. I am so looking forward to reading her next one, even though I was slightly disappointed with this one. I’m still a loyal fan.
December 24, 2019
Blue was an awesome book to read.
It's about a girl who is poor and wants to get her brother a birthday gift, so she goes into the basement of her aunt's house and finds a blue bomber jacket that she gives to her brother. Little does she know, that jacket belongs to a ghost known as Little Boy Blue who wants to possess her brother and get out of the ghostly realm.
How does she save her brother from being possessed?
If you like nursery rhymes but with an evil twist, be sure to read this book and others like it.
5 stars.
It's about a girl who is poor and wants to get her brother a birthday gift, so she goes into the basement of her aunt's house and finds a blue bomber jacket that she gives to her brother. Little does she know, that jacket belongs to a ghost known as Little Boy Blue who wants to possess her brother and get out of the ghostly realm.
How does she save her brother from being possessed?
If you like nursery rhymes but with an evil twist, be sure to read this book and others like it.
5 stars.
January 5, 2020
This was a quick read, appropriate for YA readers. It's the third in the series, but works well as a standalone.
This story mixes the paranormal with classic nursery rhymes, along with a moral lesson. It sucked me right in and I finished it in a few hours. I haven't yet read the first two, but now I'm intrigued and will definitely be going back to catch up!
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
This story mixes the paranormal with classic nursery rhymes, along with a moral lesson. It sucked me right in and I finished it in a few hours. I haven't yet read the first two, but now I'm intrigued and will definitely be going back to catch up!
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
October 20, 2019
A good addition to the series.
It's time little Johnny gets his chance to have his story. He is the everyday, normal younger brother, but Raven really loves him. The time she spends to save him, dealing with so many distractions, makes this fairy tale worth reading! Don't miss this one!
It's time little Johnny gets his chance to have his story. He is the everyday, normal younger brother, but Raven really loves him. The time she spends to save him, dealing with so many distractions, makes this fairy tale worth reading! Don't miss this one!
October 22, 2019
A real-life twist to an old nursery rhyme. This was written for a YA audience, but had a lot of grownup issues embedded in it. Raven and Candy have their own history with Nursery Rhymes and now it is her brother's turn. Blue is way more mature than any 14-year old and was odd in the story of Raven's baby brother. I did like the life's lessons to be learned and that is why it is a 4-star.
October 19, 2019
Little boy blue is not so little and he plays a mean trumpet and has a nasty streak. This story is a part of a twisted nursery rhyme series and is quite fun.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews