As a HUGE steampunk fan, I was thrilled when I got a chance to read The Lotus Effect, the first book in the Rise of the Ardent series by Bridget Ladd. Lily Emmerson is the daughter of two of the most important leaders of her...

In Humphrey the Hippo by Sara Japanwalla, Humphrey the hippo is shy and introverted. He finds himself self-conscious in a crowd and likes to be away from gatherings. The story is about how Humphrey overcomes his fears and faces the world with self-confidence. The book...

Words from the Sky: Dedicated Poems to each Heavenly Word by Rayan Abdul-Baki is a collection of spiritually uplifting poems that looks at life in a positive manner. The author speaks about life in general, dedicates poems to his mother, tsunami victims, victims of racism,...

Lovingly crafted memoirs, when offered with honesty and true devotion, have a particular warmth and charm seldom found in any other kind of writing. Grandfather’s Uncle by Philip McQuillan is no exception. There is such a naturally conversational singularity of purpose in McQuillan’s writing that...

Thorns of an Innocent Soul by Barbara Watkins is a book about the disturbing influences a bad mother can have on her children’s life. Written from the point of view of Jennifer, this novel takes us into an amazing world of betrayal, shattered innocence and...

My GRL by John W. Howell is a book filled with suspense, intrigue, conspiracy, and drama. John J. Cannon needed a break from work so he requested a one-year leave of absence for personal exploration, which he was entitled to as a partner who had...

What a wonderful story about love, lost love, and taking the thumps of life and daring to bounce back! To Tuscany with Love by debut novelist Gail Mencini is an absolute gem for those wanting to guess at the intricate ins and outs of love....

Buzzy's Feet by Uncle Amos and Carmi Katz is a delightful children's animal pictorial book which introduces readers to the concepts of self-confidence and self-acceptance. Buzzy is a spunky little duckling who is unhappy with his own feet when he begins to tire one day...

My Conversations with God by Carlos Aranda is an uplifting book that will draw you closer to God. The book tells us how God wants us to lead our lives and face the trials and tribulations that come our way. The author has used everyday...

Marionette by T. B. Markinson is the story of seventeen-year-old Paige Alexander. Paige is found in her home with slit wrists by her girlfriend. Her friend convinces her to undergo therapy. Though Paige does not think it is going to help her, she decides to...

Heirs of War by Mara Valderran is about five teenage girls connected by blood that know nothing of the life that fate has in store for them when they come into their powers. Destined to fulfill a prophecy that only one knows about, the others'...

For the Cause: The Cold War Gets Hot in Korea and Why Young Men Went to War by Alfred Wellnitz is about two young men from South Dakota who join the marines because they don't really know what else to do with their lives. Chris...

Goodbye Crocodile by Conor Patrick is an exquisite collection of twelve short stories that take readers on a wonderful reading journey. The stories are all set against an American backdrop, making readers introspect and drink in the superb narration and descriptions by the author. The...

After reading the Avalon Trilogy by Julie Elizabeth Powell, I saw 13 by the same author. I liked the author's style and thought I'd see what her style would be like in a different genre. In 13, thirteen different characters - all very shady, violent,...

Honor's Journey by D.B. Ayers is not just a book for children but a book for everyone who loves reading about lives in different times. This book is about twins Hawk and his sister Fox. Everything goes reasonably well in their little native American village....

Arach - Within Lie Dragons by MG Schoombee: Raphael dreams of becoming a rock star. He and his band take a road trip, wishing to become popular and famous. But the trip takes them on another journey where they find themselves fighting for their own...

It’s Just One of Those Days by Melissa Burke is a well written story that pulled me in immediately. The opening pages are about the main character Liz and she is talking directly to me, sharing her every thought. Liz is having 'one of those...

In The Peace Project, Denise Mathew writes about two young teens, Marilee and Jax, both of whom have cancer. Marilee is diagnosed with cancer and begins treatment. In the hospital she meets Jax, who works there and who eventually becomes the love of her life....

Duck and Friends: The Computer Chase (Volume 2) by Donna Gielow McFarland is a delightfully funny animal tale. McFarland takes us away from the usual talking animal story and into a crazy race to catch a laptop. Cat's computer was running slow so he asks...

Because of an accident that occurred during her childhood, Dawn McNally has given up hope of ever having a family of her own, so instead she spends her time working at Pioneer Manor Nursing Home where 83-year-old Moses Bailey is one of her favorite patients....