Tag Archives: adventure

August 21, 2023 · 7:00 am

Gamble of Hearts by Virginia Barlow (Book Review)

If you liked Bridgerton, you’ll love Gamble of Hearts! A regency romance laced with adventure, an arranged marriage, a love triangle, and more!

When a powerful duke arrives to collect his winnings from her brother, Lady Amora Hargrove discovers she is one of them. Following her brother’s arrest, she becomes the duke’s ward and falls for him hard and fast. Problem is, the duke has a violent hatred for gamblers, and she possesses a natural ability. Something he can never discover, or she will lose him forever.
The Duke of Ravencroft exacts revenge for his nephew’s death and gains a ward. Irresistibly drawn to the villain’s sister, he must play and gamble with their hearts or lose everything.

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(review request submitted by the author for an honest critique) 

 

I don’t typically reach for historical romances, but I’m glad I read Gamble of Hearts by Virginia Barlow. 

Action.

Adventure.

Suspense.

Multiple kidnappings.

Arson.

Secrets. 

Secret identity.

Surprise developments.

Strong heroine. 

Loving hero. 

Multiple villains.

Blackmail. 

All these elements made this a book I could not put down! 

 

Alexander and Amora did not have a meet-cute moment. She was given to Alexander by her brother, Nathan. As the story unfolds, readers will be shocked to discover her despicable brother used her as collateral multiple times. Nathan deserved everything that came to him. His sister, Amora, did not deserve all the evils she encountered at her brother’s hand or the hand of other men. However, she did deserve all the love and loyalty of her true love, the Duke of Ravencroft. 

Amora and Alexander did not meet under ideal situations, but their love, their passion for one another, is something people yearn for. Their relationship as a whole is one that people dream about. Who doesn’t want to find a life partner that is loving, supportive, makes you laugh, and brings you endless joy?

I recommend reading Gamble of Hearts. It has numerous surprising moments that will keep you turning the pages. Sex scenes that will have you fanning yourself or reaching for a cool drink. Sweet and tender moments. And scenes filled with pain that will have you wishing for Amora to finally get her happily ever after. BTW – she does. That’s not really a spoiler; I’m sure you already assumed she would. 

Read the book; I’m sure you’ll love it as much as I did!

 

Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤❤❤❤

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Meet the Author

I love being an author. It’s all about where your characters lead you. I start with a general idea. As the story unfolds I type as fast as I can in hopes I keep up with my characters.They have had me jotting on napkins, making notes while I’m waiting in a line, and waking me up in the middle of the night. The hard part is always the ending. My characters live with me and when I reach the end of the story, it is hard to say goodbye.Sometimes I let the story sit for a few days to make sure I’m okay with them leaving home to get published. Kind of like when you kids move out. LOL

I enjoy my grandchildren, and the time I share with them. They make me smile with their antics. I like to quilt, crochet, knit and sew. Cooking and baking are occasional itches I scratch. The rest of the time, they are necessary evils. LOL.

My greatest support comes from my husband. He has been my sounding board for all my stories. My daughters are also a great support to me. I couldn’t do it without my family.

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August 11, 2023 · 7:00 am

Zoe the Pull-Leash Dog by J. E. Brewer (Book Review)

Zoe is a little white dog with a whole lotta pull! Every time Edna takes her pup Zoe for a walk, Zoe takes Edna on a wild ride through town. In this laugh-out-loud picture book for little kids, Zoe and Edna wreak helpful havoc on townsfolk, but always with a positive result. As Zoe pulls the leash, the duo rushes past delivery men, grocery clerks, laundry ladies, jump-roping kids, and many others who can benefit from Zoe’s unique panache. It’s a hilarious story about helping people in unexpected ways. Vivid illustrations include “hidden Zoes” for youngsters to spot before each big event. As she races through town, dragging her long-suffering owner behind her, Zoe gathers a thank-you from everyone she meets. Zoe the Pull-Leash Dog is an imaginative book about an adorable, can-do canine.

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I received a complimentary copy of this book from Reedsy Discovery.  I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.

 

Most people have watched videos online or on tv featuring energetic dogs who are a handful once the leash snaps onto their collar. They drag their humans off porches, across lawns, and down streets, sending them flying in all directions. Zoe the Pull-Leash Dog by John Brewer features a white pooch who takes its owner on a wild ride around town. 

Zoe might be small, but don’t let their looks fool you; this doggie is no calm walker. The second Edna slipped on her glasses, Zoe was off to the races. The duo rushes past delivery men, grocery clerks, laundry ladies, jump-roping kids, and many others. Edna flew here, there, and everywhere, and the illustrations for the crazy journey were very humorous. 

Despite Edna’s run-in with power lines, clotheslines, and billboards, she emerged unscathed from the sticky predicaments. Each altercation led to a positive outcome, earning a well-deserved thank you. For example, at the grocery store, her speed helped wrangle multiple shopping carts. Edna also assisted a mailman by delivering a package. Her most impressive act was her topiary skills. She made trimming two bushes to look like a duck and goose seem easy!

Zoe the Pull-Leash Dog is an imaginative book about an adorable canine and their human who assist their community in unexpected ways. The non-stop action and pictures will make your child giggle. Amazon’s recommended reading age is 3-7, but I can see an even wider viewing audience enjoying the antics of the owner and pet. 

While the illustrations were phenomenal and full of hilarity, I wanted a final image of a sleeping Zoe next to her frazzled-looking owner. I think that image would’ve been a perfect non-verbal response to the question posed at the end of the story. Besides a small illustration request, this story was a home-run hit! 

Zoe the Pull-Leash Dog is a laugh-out-loud picture book full of action, adventure, and death-defying illustrations. 

 

Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤❤❤

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Meet the Author

I grew up in a hardworking lobstering town on the coast of southern Maine. As a Physics major at the University of Maine, I won the state creative fiction competition. Today I live on Boston’s north shore with my wife, a pre-school teacher. We have two sons and a little white dog.

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May 29, 2023 · 7:00 am

Charlie the City Chicken Visits a Farm by Helen McKeon (Book Review)

In this heart-warming story, Charlie sets out on a journey to a nearby farm and learns a valuable lesson about making friends. Despite his initial struggles to connect with the farm animals, Charlie discovers the joy of finding common ground and breaking down barriers through play.

Perfect for children ages 0 to 8, this charming tale will capture young readers’ imaginations and inspire them to be patient and open-minded when making new friends. Whether reading to your child or letting older kids read it themselves, “Charlie the City Chicken Visits a Farm” is a must-read for anyone looking for a fun and educational children’s book.

Looking for an engaging children’s book that teaches the value of friendship and inclusivity through play? Look no further than “Charlie the City Chicken Visits a Farm”!

Get your copy today and share in the fun!

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I received a complimentary copy of this book from Reedsy Discovery. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.

 

Making friends can be tricky for all ages. Children get into cliques, and new members of a class, team, club, or school frequently shy away from introducing themselves, fearing rejection. Like in Charlie the City Chicken Visits a Farm, there will be times when rejection happens, but this rhyming story teaches children to persevere. One day, with patience, they will find a friend. 

Charlie the chicken called the city his home. His home was loud with tall buildings, the polar opposite of the life he longed to live. One day, Charlie decided to walk to a nearby farm. Children will love the illustration of a hat-wearing chicken kicking up his foot while a couple of mice dine close by on a plate of pancakes topped with blueberries. The other drawings were also brilliantly drawn with bold color choices. 

When Charlie finally arrived at the farm, he met many animals, but also a challenge. Every animal he meets ignores him, including a hen. Charlie felt like he was doing something wrong. Children who’ve experienced the new friendship woes might wonder if they are “doing something wrong” too. They might want to “give up” like Charlie almost did. 

Charlie the City Chicken Visits a Farm teaches children that making friends takes patience. Also, friends come in all sizes, colors, and shapes! 

Amazon lists Charlie the City Chicken Visits a Farm by Helen McKeon for listeners birth to six years. This age bracket is perfect for multiple reasons. Babies will love the colors! Toddlers can use this story to learn farm animal names and their corresponding sounds. Three and four-year-olds will adore listening to the chicken’s adventure. Finally, the simple, rhyming text is perfect for new readers (five and six-year-olds). 

I recommend you share this story with your child and class. Teach them to treat others with kindness.  

 

Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤❤❤❤

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

 

Meet the Author

Helen McKeon is a self-published children’s book author and illustrator who dabbles in romance and alternative history on the side.

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May 25, 2023 · 7:00 am

Mishaps of Marvelouz Witch: Marvelouz Grows a Garden (The Mishaps of Marvelouz Witch Book 2) by Karen Fronterhouse (Book Review)


Marvelouz sees her sister’s beautiful garden and she immediately wants one of her own. Without any sort of research, she tries to create what her sister has and is surprised when it is not as easy as she thought it would be. Who is Cody at the local feed and seed? And where did that familiar-looking mushroom come from? Another lesson to be learned as a young witch hones her magic skills in the middle 1800s in Ricochet Forest.

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I received a complimentary copy of this book from Reedsy Discovery.  I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.

 

I didn’t read book one in The Mishaps of Marvelouz Witch series, but book two takes us on a wild journey as the young witch attempts to grow a beautiful garden like her older witch sister, Sparkleful. 

As the story begins, we catch up with Marvelouz, who was gifted a private dwelling for her thirteenth birthday. The customary “coming-out” gift allows a young witch to practice magic safely and privately. This present was perfect for Marvelouz since her spells tended to backfire. Her lack of magical control came into play as the story progressed. 

Marvelouz idolized her older sister, Sparkleful. Marvelouz wanted to do everything Sparkleful did for no other reason than to prove she could. When Marvelouz flew to her sister’s garden, her eyes became saucers. Before the witch stood the grandest garden she’d ever seen, and Marvelouz knew she had to create one herself. 

Marvelouz made several mistakes during the adventure. She should’ve taken her time and had patience with the process. She should’ve asked for assistance. Marvelouz wasn’t technically alone in the gardening fiasco. The witch had Pounce by her side. Ponce was a black cat and Marvelouz’s “pairing.” People who read paranormal/supernatural stories might recognize the word “familiar.” “Pairing” and “familiar” are (basically) the same thing. 

Pounce was a magical cat. He communicates with humans using puff messages. When Pounce has something to say, he sends the thought up in little clouds of smoke, and the picture forms to show it. The artistry of his thoughts was spectacular. Every illustration was well-crafted. 

Marvelouz and Pounce gardening skills need tweaking. While they managed to grow crops and flowers, her garden didn’t resemble the ones we’d see in our yards. Her garden became animated and not in a sweet, fairy tale way. Her plants were angry. They had eyes and fangs. Marvelouz’s spell backfired in epic proportions. She needed help and relied on a talking crow to forward her SOS to Sparkelful. 

Mishaps of Marvelouz Witch: Marvelouz Grows a Garden had humor, suspense, and action. Karen Fronterhouse created unique characters and a storyline that will fascinate elementary students. 

While the story had many great attributes, one being Julez the fanged blue mushroom, it also contained numerous editing mistakes. Despite the hiccups, I recommend the story to young readers who enjoy magic-infused reads. 

 

Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤❤❤

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

Meet the Author

I’ve always loved magic. I have spent my life working in accounting and being a single mom. The house, yard, job and all that goes with it. I love camping, fishing, gardening, dollhouses, Christmas and Halloween decorations. I laugh every day at my little dogs. They are my joy. Now that life is slowing down I’m taking the time to pursue my passion for writing fantasy fiction. I hope you all enjoy it and may you smile at least once.

A special thank you to Joe Camp, a master storyteller, for all his expert guidance, advice, and most of all his patience. It meant everything to me. Many thanks to my sister, who is also my best friend, for all the support and punctuation corrections and for reading the story over and over until it was complete. I’d be lost without you. Also thanks to my many Mountain friends who were so supportive and positive along the way.

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May 1, 2023 · 7:00 am

ROSA AND MEE: An AI Adventure Story by Ben Goldstein (Book Review)

Ten-year old Rosa lives in a shelter and attends a failing school in New York City. At school, Rosa is bullied and robbed. Things are going badly for Rosa until she is contacted by “MEE,” a newly created artificial intelligence, who inhabits her school’s computer system. Mee teaches Rosa to defend herself and helps her save her family from falling through the cracks of the welfare system. An inner-city Cinderella story.


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Visit the Author’s Website For More Information!

 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Reedsy Discovery.  I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.

 

Rosa and Mee written by Ben Goldstein, captures all the drama one might experience in school and much more. The author dives into family drama and issues with the law and even incorporates artificial intelligence into the storyline. 

As the story begins, eleven-year-old Rosa, her mother, brother, and other tenants in the building are rushing to safety. Their home was engulfed in flames. With nowhere to go, Rosa and her family had to turn to a shelter for help. Living in a shelter for any reason is a last straw solution for many families. But when life knocks you down, it’s their salvation. 

While Luishana searched for employment and new housing, Rosa spent her days at P.S. 101. Rosa’s school consisted of shy students and bullies. Like almost every other school in the U.S. and abroad, the bullies love to make shy kids’ lives miserable. The class bully Shantel did just that and participated in illegal acts. These unlawful acts put many lives in danger. Every character was connected in this story down to Mee, the artificial intelligence. 

Rosa was shocked when she initially met Mee. She had never met a computer that could communicate of their free will. Her reaction was realistic. Doubt what she was seeing and spoke to the teacher about the development. 

Mee proved to be very useful. It helped Rosa academically, aided her family out of a sticky jam, and also helped save her and Luis from thugs with deadly intentions. Mee was extraordinary, but so was Rosa. 

The more Rosa interacted with Mee, the more confidence she gained: in school and on the streets. Through Mee’s guidance, Rosa was able to learn martial arts. Rosa’s new skills were tested, and she prevailed victorious.

When the school was robbed, and a student went missing, Rosa and Mee worked together to save the day. When some people think of artificial intelligence, they imagine robots taking over the world. Mee proves that they are there to help those in need. Only criminals should fear them. Mee had eyes everywhere and could call upon his minions at any time. Okay, that last one will make more sense as the cliffhanger plays out. 

Rosa’s family did have a VERY happy ever after. They no longer have to fear falling through the cracks of the welfare system. Luis, the main target of the bully’s taunts, went from victim to hero. And the villains of the story received the appropriate punishment. Justice was served! 

Will Mee be Rosa’s sidekick forever, or is it the end of the dynamic duo? You’ll have to purchase the book to find out, and I hope you will. It had action, suspense, drones, drama galore, and plausible scenes. With the rapid advancements in A.I. and their remarkable learning capabilities, I’m confident we will one day communicate with a similar version of Mee.

There was one minor inconsistency: chapter one states Rosa is eleven, while the book summary says, “Ten-year old Rosa lives in a shelter and attends a failing school in New York City.” That should be a quick and easy fix. 

This book is perfect for teens and young adults. 

 

Review submitted  to Reedsy 2/25/23.

 

Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤❤❤❤

Amazon Purchase Link

Visit the Author’s Website For More Information!

 

 

Meet the Author

Ben Goldstein has written, produced, and directed, books, songs, films, and audio and video productions for such companies as Sesame Street, Jim Henson, Holt Rhinehart, Nelvana, CBS, and Scholastic. He has written for licensed characters, Clifford the Dog, Snuggle the Bear, and Rainbow Brite.

Reedsy Author Link

 

 

 

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