Tag: Book review

Book Review: An Illusion of Trust – by Linda Cassidy Lewis

An Illusion of TrustBook: an illusion of trust
Author: Linda Cassidy Lewis
Publisher: Two-Four-Six Publishing
Date: March 19, 2013
Genre: women’s fiction
Pages: 354
Price: $12.99; less on Kindle
My Rating: an excellent sequel but proudly can stand alone
 

Having read and reviewed The Brevity of Roses by Linda Cassidy Lewis I was happy to receive An Illusion of Trust to review as it is the sequel to Linda’s first novel. You can read my review of The Brevity of Roses here.

This story picks up where the first one left off. At the end of the first book, The Brevity of Roses, a new character was introduced, and under the circumstances I was not happy to meet her at first. In An Illusion of Trust she plays a major role. In fact, this story is told from her voice, her perspective, and it was cleverly done.

Renee is young, much younger than the women she now socializes with because of her marriage. Although her wealthy older husband professes to deeply love her, Renee is insecure and suspicious. A few times I was very annoyed with Renee, but I understood her insecurity and lack of confidence. She believes her husband is keeping secrets from her, and there is one woman in their circle whose attention to him adds to her suspicions.

Renee has secrets of her own, a past she doesn’t want known, and people she can’t forgive. Her tormented mind is reaching the breaking point, threatening her marriage, her children’s happiness, her own sanity. Combined with the pressures she feels from her new life – something has got to give. And it does!

An Illusion of Trust is a strongly written novel. Linda Cassidy Lewis is so convincing in her characters, bringing them to life in a very believable way, that it is easy for the reader to get pulled into their lives. This sequel to The Brevity of Roses is definitely not a disappointment. If you did not read The Brevity of Roses it is possible to read An Illusion of Trust and not have trouble following it, even though it is the sequel. Having said that, I would urge you to do yourself a favour and read both books, starting with The Brevity of Roses. Simply for the pleasure of it.

You can find An Illusion of Trust listed on my BUY THE BOOK! page.

Thanks for reading, and … Creative Musings!  🙂

 

 

 

Book Review: A Dragon’s Work is Never Done – by Stephanie Barrett

A Dragon's Work is Never DoneBook: A Dragon’s Work is Never Done
Author: Stephanie Barrett
Illustrator: Taryn Dufault
Publisher: Stephanie Barrett
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
Date: August 28, 2012
Genre: children’s picture book
Pages: 64
Price: under $10 paper; under $3.00 Kindle
My Rating: A delightfully fun story to capture the imagination
 

What a delightful diversion from novel-reading! I enjoy a good picture book, and this one fits the bill.

Six-year-old Alfie is busy playing with his train set one afternoon when his mother interrupted him to come wash his hands and sit at the table to eat his lunch. She had prepared for him a ham and cheese sandwich slathered with mustard, and she warned him to take small bites and chew carefully. But, Alfie took a “great big whopping bite” and … ohhhh … spicy hot! When he took a deep breath of air out came smoke, just like smoke from a dragon’s nostrils, followed by flames when he burped! He had toasted the top of his cheese and ham sandwich!

The author, Stephanie Barrett, built such a fun story from there. The kitchen in which Alfie was sitting changed, with grass and tree branches growing out of everywhere and right up through the ceiling and out the roof. He was sitting in a forest. When Alfie looked up he saw dragons flying across the sky!

Now, what child wouldn’t love to meet a friendly dragon? Even now I think I would love it. But this adventure was for Alfie, and what an exciting adventure he had! He learned to fly, and helped a dragon scare a princess, guard treasure, and many other interesting things. The dragon always received payment from the people he helped, but I won’t dish out that spoiler.  🙂

A Dragon’s Work is Never Done is not the usual 32-page picture book, so it is a little long for young readers but should keep them interested easily. The marvellous illustrations by Taryn Dufault complement the story with wonderful visuals. 

An added highlight is at the end of the book. There is a Florida postal address with an invitation to write to Marty (the dragon) or Alfie. From reviews I’ve read they do send handwritten replies to the children who write to them. Imagine a letter from a dragon; how cool is that!

A Dragon’s Work is Never Done is the first book in the Alfie’s Sandwich Series. Book two has since been released.

You can find A Dragon’s Work is Never Done listed on my BUY THE BOOK! page.

Thanks for reading, and … Creative Musings!  🙂

Book Review: The Tipping Point – by Walter Danley

The Tipping Point. Walter DanleyBook: The Tipping Point (A Wainwright Mystery)
Author: Walter Danley
Publisher: Marble Arch Communications
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
Date: 1st edition December 9, 2013, 2nd edition May 15, 2014
Genre: mystery thriller; crime mystery
Pages: 354
Price: $13.78 but can be found for much less
My Rating: a crime mystery full of twists and intrigue to keep the reader hooked
 
 

* Before the book was in its finished state, I received the ARC of the second edition of The Tipping Point to review; therefore, my comments are based on the unpolished product. *

Debut novel, The Tipping Point by Walter Danley, begins with murder and continues from there with corporate greed, intrigue, conspiracy, suspense, and more. There are many questions that come up which the reader will want answered before reaching the last page. Even though there were a few contradictions in the story, sidetracks and extra information that drew the reader away from the main story, and times when it was hard to follow who was speaking, the main thread carried through. It was set in the 1970’s, so the reader may find some subtle sexism that seems to be accepted by the characters.

Instead of my dwelling on the problems with the editing of this story, and inconsistencies which I hope have been corrected in the final edits, I would suggest – if you enjoy a novel such as I described in the first sentence of the above paragraph – you give this book, The Tipping Point, a try. 

You will meet Wainwright, who, after one of his partners is murdered, tries to uncover the corrupt undercurrent he discovers that prevails in their multimillion-dollar company. There are more deaths, threats, fraudulent dealings, love affairs, an illusive hit-man, and many well-developed characters to follow through it all.

The Tipping Point is not a straightforward tale, but one that is tangled and interesting to read. It is fast-paced where needed, and dramatic. Even with my habit of noticing flaws as I read, this was a story I wanted to follow to the end. I’m usually a good guesser at ‘whodunit’, but this one kept me guessing as to whom was behind the murders and conspiracy.

Readers will be satisfied with the ending Walter Danley wrote to The Tipping Point. Because of his fans’ requests, the author is working on a sequel. 

Visit Walter Danley’s website to view the trailer for The Tipping Point.

You can find The Tipping Point listed on my BUY THE BOOK! page.

Thanks for reading, and … Creative Musings!  🙂

 

 

 

Book Review: I AM OTTER – by Sam Garton

I am Otter - by Sam GartonBook: I AM OTTER
Author: Sam Garton
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Date: April 29, 2014
Genre: picture book, ages 4-8; Preschool – grade 3
Pages: 32
Price: hardcover $16.99 US suggested price, but can be found for less
My Rating: amusing, amazing illustrations to go with a delightful story. Love it!

 

If you have never met Otter or Otter Keeper (Sam Garton) through the blog I am Otter: The Unheard Ramblings of a Modern Day Domestic Otter, then you really must remedy that situation and go there. (But wait! Please read my review first, of course.)

I don’t remember how I was introduced to Otter, but I’m glad I found her and Otter Keeper because I always enjoy reading about what new antics have occurred. The best news yet is this book: I AM OTTER. I had to pre-order and be patient, but when it arrived it was certainly worth the wait.

I AM OTTER by Sam Garton is a gorgeous book! Sam is both the author and the illustrator, and he certainly has found his voice and artistic talent. Otter has attitude and determination which come across in amusing mishaps. The detail worked into each illustrated page is amazing and entertaining.

Otter Keeper is very patient and tolerant. Otter is such a loveable character who is always getting herself into trouble of one kind or another, and Teddy is always getting the blame. For example, on the jacket cover Otter says: I hope you like the story! (And if you don’t it’s probably Teddy’s fault.)

Small spoiler alert … enough to tempt you: Because Otter Keeper, no matter how much Otter tries to prevent it, goes to work every Monday, and Otter and Teddy don’t have jobs, they decided to open a toast restaurant. Unfortunately, they immediately ran into problems. Here’s an excerpt: Next, Teddy hadn’t told anyone how much our toast would cost. As a result, no one brought any spending money, which led to some embarrassing situations. Finally, Teddy got several of the toast orders wrong. Some of the customers complained and had to be asked to leave the restaurant.   The customers are toys from Otter’s toy box, and the illustration is of a few toys having been escorted (tossed) out the window. Too cute!

There are such pleasing and amusing surprises to this story, I laughed out loud. When my grandson was here for a short visit the day my book arrived, he and I enjoyed reading I AM OTTER together. Every page has so much to see, and the situations created are truly funny. I love books like this.

Check out this book trailer and get a taste of I AM OTTER by Sam Garton.

If you are looking for a fun and entertaining picture book for a little someone special, I urge you to consider I AM OTTER by Sam Garton. When I asked my grandson to read my copy with me he didn’t want to then, so I suggested we take turns reading the pages. That was acceptable, but he got so into the story he forgot a couple of times it was my turn and kept reading. 🙂 Now that’s a great recommendation.  😉

You can find I AM OTTER listed on my BUY THE BOOK! page.

Thanks for reading, and … Creative Musings!

 

 

 

Book Review: Cowboy Christmas by Rob Sanders

Cowboy Christmas by Rob Sanders
Book: Cowboy Christmas
Author: Rob Sanders
Illustrator: John Manders
Publisher: Golden Books-Random House
Date: September 11, 2012
Genre: picture book
Pages: 32
Price: $11.49 or less, in both hardcover and Kindle
My rating: A funny and colourful book that is enjoyable to read
 
 

 

I bought this book – Cowboy Christmas by Rob Sanders – as a Christmas gift for my grandson and borrowed it from him to review. He said he likes the book, and then enjoyed reading it to me.

Even though it currently is not in season, Cowboy Christmas is well worth the read anytime. Rob Sanders is expert with words, using some that will broaden a child’s vocabulary while enhancing the story. He has written such a cute twist on the idea of preparing for Christmas when things are not the same as one is used to having available.

Three days before Christmas four cowboys are in the desert – three are taking care of a herd of longhorn cattle and the fourth is the fatherly cook. The three worry that “Santy” won’t find them way out in the desert. They individually lament over being without a Christmas tree with decorations, yummy Christmas cookies to eat, and horses to dress up as reindeer to hitch to a wagon. Cookie (the cook) quietly convinces each that they can do that, and each makes the attempt – with hilarious results. For example, did you ever see a cactus Christmas tree with cans of corn hanging from it in lieu of popcorn? Rob Sanders wrote: Dub corralled cans of corn. “No corn popper,” he explained.

The surprise ending (for the young reader) is satisfying and yet leaves the reader imagining what is coming next beyond the end of the story. The illustrations by John Manders are colourful, funny, and well-matched to the story, adding great visuals to the descriptive words. 

Visit Rob Sanders’ very informative website (www.robsanderswrites.com) and check out the trailer for Cowboy Christmas, a book you may want to buy now for a young reader for Christmas – or anytime.

You can find Cowboy Christmas listed on my BUY THE BOOK! page.

Thanks for reading, and … Creative Musings!  🙂

Book Review: The Moon Coin (The Moon Realm series, book one) – by Richard Due

The Moon Coin, book oneBook: The Moon Coin (book one in The Moon Realm series)
Author: Richard Due
Illustrator: Carolyn Arcabascio
Publisher: Gibbering Gnome Press
Date: June 20, 2012
Genre: middle grade fantasy
Pages: 283
Price: paperback under $8.00 from sellers through Amazon.com, Kindle $4.00; Amazon.ca – paperback $14.60, Kindle under $5.00
My Rating: A captivating, dramatic, exciting fantasy that keeps the reader enthralled to the end
 

I received a copy of The Moon Coin from the author through Library Thing in exchange for my honest review.

It took me awhile to get to The Moon Coin on my R&R (read-and-review) list but once into it I stepped away from my usual habit of having two or three books on the go at once. This one, once I started reading it, wouldn’t let me go until I had reached the end, no cheating allowed. And once I reached the end I wailed, “Nooooo!”  Uh, yes, I wanted more.

The Moon Coin is a full course of detailed worlds with their populace and drama. It begins on Earth where we meet four-year-old Lily, and Jasper, her five-year-old brother, along with their parents, and their uncle Ebb with his  outlandish ‘tales’. Their mother doesn’t approve of his storytelling, but the children love to listen because the way he relates adventures is as if they were real to him, as if he had been there himself.

We then are taken from the introduction and meet the children nine years later to where the story really takes flight. There are strange creatures, a mysterious pendant, hidden places, time travel, danger, adventures, battles, and so much more.

The author, Richard Due (pronounced Dewy), debuted with this book, which is quite amazing. His worlds and their inhabitants are very well described and thought out in great detail. It is a most enjoyable journey if you appreciate a good fantasy. In fact, The Moon Coin was nominated in the 2012 Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards and became a Gold Medal Winner!

You can find out more about the author Richard Due, on his website. While there check out the illustrations by Carolyn Arcabascio. You can also enter the Goodreads giveaway for your chance to win a copy of The Moon Coin at the end of May!

The Moon Coin is book one of The Moon Realm series. Book two has been released, books three and four are to be announced,  and others are coming.

You can find The Moon Coin listed on my BUY THE BOOK! page.

Thanks for reading, and … Creative Musings!  🙂

 

 

 

 

Book Review: Flash Virus, Episode One – by Steve Vernon

Flash Virus, Episode OneBook: Flash Virus: Episode One
Author: Steve Vernon
Publisher: Stark Raven Press
Date: October 20, 2012 (second edition)
Genre: YA (young adult)
Pages: 56; not a paper book
Price: $0.00 (Kindle)
My Rating: strange, wonderful read; not only for young adults
 

 If you have never read any of Steve Vernon‘s work, what can I say? Steve writes with such abandonment that it is a rollercoaster ride experience when reading his books, blog posts, anything. His imagination takes the reader to places most wouldn’t even think to put on paper. 🙂 Mostly in a good way.

In the first episode of Flash Virus, a school is visited by strange … people? … who gift all the students with cell phones. The cell phones seem to cast some kind of spell over anyone answering the ringtone “here comes Santa Claus”, and it just gets more bizarre from there. There is an attempt at takeover, the expected teenage rebellion, and more. To be honest, I didn’t want to stop reading till the end, and the end came too soon!

Flash Virus: Episode One is amusing, strange, entertaining, and keeps the reader interested. The problem – when you want to keep reading – is this is only the beginning, but Steve Vernon has made following episodes available at very low prices on Amazon.

Flash Virus: Episode One is a good, safe, book for middle-grade readers and up. And Please forgive my overuse of the word ‘strange’, I meant it in a good way. 😉

Steve Vernon loves to write and share his work. You can find Flash Virus episodes on Amazon at very low prices, starting with FREE for episode one.

You can find Flash Virus: Episode One listed on my BUY THE BOOK! page.

If you want to check out another of Steve’s books you can read my review here, and also enjoy our interview here.

Thanks for reading, and … Creative Musings!  🙂