Category Archives: reviews

The Diomedeia: Diomedes, the People of the Sea, and the Fall of the Hittite Empire by Gregory Michael Nixon Review

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

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The story of legendary hero Diomedes grows in this never before told story from author Gregory Michael Nixon, “The Diomedeia”. 

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The Synopsis

A historically-based novel with authentic, legendary, & fictional characters interacting across the extraordinary panorama of the Bronze Age Collapse in the Hittite Empire between the Aegean and eastern Mediterranean seas. Diomedes, previously a hero of the Trojan War, and the polyglot Peoples of the Sea raid inland into the Hittite Empire during its final months. It is both a study of ancient mythic consciousness and an exciting adventure of love, character, destruction, desperate survival, and the lived mystery of pagan rituals. It was a time of such chaos, royalty was overthrown, palaces and temples were burnt, and the power of the gods was thrown into doubt, yet the ancient Great Goddess, who had been suppressed, began to regain her former dominance.

Diomedes, though prominent in Homer’s Iliad — a warrior the equal of Hektor or Achilleus, a thinker as cunning as Odysseus and as wise as Nestor, and the only man who dared wound gods — has seldom, if ever, been the chief protagonist in literature. He is given his due within. His own wandering adventures and suffering after the destruction of Ilios are traced as far north as Kolkhis (Colchis) in the Black Sea, through involvement with the last Hittite royal family in Anatolia, and as far south as Alasiya (Cyprus) in the Mediterranean. He ascends the heights of glory but also must descend into the dark Underworld in the attempt to save the one he loves.

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The Review

This was a compelling, gripping ancient historical fiction read. As a longtime enthusiast in regards to Ancient Greek mythology and history, it was so fascinating to see the unique balance the author found between the educational, historical facts and mannerisms from the people of that era, with the exploration of mythology and the impact that belief system had on the people and their culture back in that era, including the reintroduction of the Triple Goddess and her role in people’s lives.

To me, the grand scale of the adventure and the depth of character that was found in Diomedes as a character was so powerful to read. The way the author was able to create a modern-day Iliad while still finding the tone and heart of what made Homer’s work so profound in that era was amazing, as was the complex mindset and actions of Diomedes as a whole. The attention to detail on the actions and culture of that historical period allowed the reader to feel pleasantly lost in that time, crafting a narrative that felt real and engaging.

The Verdict

Legendary, captivating, and entertaining, author Gregory Michael Nixon’s “The Diomedeia” is a must-read historical fiction read. The twists and turns in the narrative, the grand scale of the journey of Diomedes as a whole, and the thought-provoking story will stay with readers long after the final page has turned. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

I have been writing all my life, beginning in our small town in Saskatchewan. Most my adult life was spent as university professor, so my publishing to this point had all been academic (but still accomplished). As an avocation, in my off hours I studied the Mycenaean era of Ancient Greece, as well as theories of myth & ritual and the mythic mind. Once I retired, I returned to a novelistic venture I had been dreaming of since reading Homer’s Iliad at 15 years old: bringing to life the further adventures of the hero, Diomedes. When at last I dedicated myself to novel writing two years ago, my dream was reinvigorated. However, my characters insisted on entering the Hittite Empire, probably because its capital, Hattusa, came down in flames only a few years after Troy (Ilios). I followed their wishes and brought Hittite royalty into my tale, including Suppiluliuma II, the last of the Great Kings. I immersed myself in Hittite studies, and finally this unusual book emerged — an historical fiction with a strong portrayal of mythic consciousness at the time of the Bronze Age collapse..

An Owl without a Name by Jenna Greene Review

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

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A young injured owl must discover the true nature of one’s identity in author Jenna Greene’s “An Owl without a Name”.

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The Synopsis

The charming story of a young owl’s strange and disorienting journey to discover who he is and where he belongs.

When a young Great Horned Owl wakes up to find himself on the ground with a broken wing, he can’t figure out where he is, how he got there, or how to get back to the tree where he lives with his parents and older sister. Is this a test, to see if he is ready to leave the nest? Is he being punished for something? Before he knows what is happening, he is whisked away to a rescue centre, where he meets other owls who are also recovering from injuries before being released back into the wild. Lonely, confused, and very self-conscious of the fact that he doesn’t have a name, the young owl slowly adapts to his new surroundings. He makes friends, finds his courage, heals from his injury, and realizes that identity is about more than a name that is given to you. It’s about the character that you develop, especially when you face hard times. Heartwarming, whimsical, and inspirational, An Owl without a Name is an uplifting tale for young readers.

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The Review

This was a heartwarming and engaging children’s read. The author does a remarkable job of crafting a story that felt wholesome and educational, yet brought the warmth and emotional structure that was needed to draw young readers into the narrative perfectly. The focus on storytelling allowed the author to stoke the reader’s imagination as well, capturing the use of imagery and atmosphere perfectly to hone in on the overall theme.

Yet it was the theme and story that really brought this book to life. The author was able to really capture the essence of animal conservation, from how we as humans need to interact and respect wildlife, to the care and dedication that wildlife conservationists and veterinarians bring to the field. The balance the author found in this powerful theme with the development of this Owl protagonist struggling to find his own identity and what identity even means made this a profound reading experience.

The Verdict

Memorable, heartfelt, and engaging, author Jenna Greene’s “An Owl without a Name” is a must-read children’s book. The well-drawn-out journey that this baby Owl goes on in their recovery and the exploration of themes of animal conservation, identity, and finding one’s place in the world away from the comforts of home made this a truly fantastic book to come back to time and time again. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Jenna Greene is a YA/ Children’s writer. She is also a teacher … as well as a clumsy dancer, enthusiastic dragon boat paddler, and a semi-professional napper.

The Wise One (The Scottish Scrolls Book 1) K.T. Anglehart Review

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

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A young woman discovers her hidden ancestry and connection to powerful magic that could lead her to her destiny…or lead her to darkness in author K.T. Anglehart’s “The Wise One”, the first book in The Scottish Scrolls series! 

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The Synopsis

Mckenna’s never thought much of her nightmares, but on her seventeenth birthday, a vivid dream of burning at the stake awakens her dormant abilities, thrusting her into a world where faeries are real, spirits hold a grudge, and a High Priestess obsessed with a 16th-century prophecy is tracking her every move.

Now, her overprotective dads, Seán and Andre, are forced to tell her the truth—they know who her birth mother is, and her life is not the surrogate story she’s always been told. Abigail, Mckenna’s mom, is some sort of mystic, and Mckenna a Wise One.

Whatever the hell that means.

With the help of a persistent little wren and company of a newfound friend, Mckenna journeys to Ireland in search of her mother and real answers. Along the way, she learns to harness her innate magic and trust her intuition, as best she can anyway—Cillian, a kind and passionate delegate who crosses her path, is proving much harder to read.

Only her mother could truly help her halt her ill fate and prepare her for what’s to come . . . before she gives in to the darkness she knows is buried deep within.

Author K.T. Anglehart expertly weaves a story set in Ireland that is both timeless and unique, a perfect cross-market read for those searching for the next endearing urban fantasy classic.

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The Review

This was a highly creative, inventive, and engaging new urban fantasy novel. The way the author is able to blend the Celtic mythos with modern-day New Age environmentalism was fascinating to see come to life on the page, as was the balance of teen angst with the emotional hardship that comes with a child learning their origins and the discovery of a parent they never knew existed. The imagery that the author’s writing style brought to life in this book allowed the Ireland setting to really thrive and flourish on the page, bringing the reader to this beautiful country.

The amazing character development with the thrilling magical storytelling really made this story thrive and develop naturally. The use of Celtic mythology that brought everything from fairies and spirits to magic wielders and ancient prophecies to life was an inspired choice and allowed the author to build a strong backstory to elevate the character development of the protagonist, as well as her fathers and the companions she brings along with way. 

The Verdict

Memorable, adrenaline-fueled, and entertaining, author K.T. Anglehart’s “The Wise One” is a must-read urban fantasy read and a great start to the “Scottish Scrolls” series! The twists and turns that this story takes, the unique setting (90s era Ireland), as well as the strong character development, allowed the magical and supernatural elements of the story to shine brightly. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Katrina Tortorici Anglehart is an award-winning author from Montreal, with a multilingual prowess in English, French, Italian, and “Spanglish”. A dedicated academic, she holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism, a graduate certificate in Scriptwriting, and a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing.

Inspired by the wizarding world, the land of Narnia, and parallel planes, she penned The Wise One, inviting readers to connect with nature and its ever-present magic. Her exploration of the landscapes and folklore of Ireland and Scotland greatly influenced her debut YA urban fantasy, marking the inception of The Scottish Scrolls series.

K.T. Anglehart is a passionate advocate for bunnies, thanks to her late Netherland Dwarf, Magic—the inspiration behind her imprint, The Magic Dwarf Press. When she’s not writing or diving into magical reads, she revels in hiking, antiquing, and Netflix binges alongside her high school-sweetheart-turned-husband, Andy. They currently live in Toronto with their three pets: Nessie, a mysterious rescue dog from Puerto Rico, and their whimsical bunnies, Onyx and Stirling.

Paw Prints on the Couch by Kim Lengling Review

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

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Author Kim Lengling shares stories of heart and heartache as she touches upon the impact pets have on our lives in the book “Paw Prints on the Couch”.

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The Synopsis

Paw Prints on the Couch highlights the importance of our furry companions and the impact they have on our lives. The joy and yes, the heartache we experience when we have to say goodbye. Nonetheless, we celebrate the moments shared with our pets and the memories that will always be with us. What would our world be without our furry friends?

The stories acknowledge the joy that comes with opening your heart and home to a furry companion and is a testament to the eternal bond between humans and our animal companions.

With tales of loyalty, bravery, and above all, unconditional love, this book is a reminder of the powerful impact pets have on our lives. So grab a blanket, curl up with your own furry friend, and let the charming stories within “Paw Prints on the Couch” touch your heart and soul.

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The Review

As a pet parent myself, I instantly identified with the author’s collection of stories from some pet parents who felt that same emotional connection to their pets as I do to mine. The honesty and depth of each story were greatly reflected in the author’s writing style, allowing these memories and experiences to come to life in a unique way. 

The emotional core of this story rests in the shared memories they have with their animals. I know better than most the pain and devastating feeling that losing a beloved pet can have on you, and the author was able to dive into that element of being a pet parent with grace and heart that allowed the reader to feel those emotions as well. The author was able to find their voice in these stories as well, allowing the subject of each story to have their moment in the sun while also bringing her own heart and experiences to the stories.

The Verdict

Memorable, heartfelt, and engaging, author Kim Lengling’s “Paw Prints on the Couch” is a must-read nonfiction book on pet care and pet parenting. The passion and emotion with which the author brought these stories to life and the balance of heartbreak and heartfelt storytelling made this a compelling read. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

As a multi-published author, Kim shares her love of nature, animals, living with PTSD, and her mission of tossing Nuggets of Hope into the world through writing and her podcast, Let Fear Bounce.

She is the lead author and coordinator of a collaborative 3-book series titled When Grace Found Me and two stand-alone anthologies, When Hope Found Me (released November 2022) and Paw Prints on the Couch (released August 2023.)

In addition to writing, she hosts the podcast Let Fear Bounce, spotlighting people who make a positive difference in the world, whether by writing, film production, philanthropy, teaching, founding non-profits, and more.

You can regularly find Kim drinking copious amounts of coffee and taking long walks with her dog.

Confessions of a Knight Errant: Drifters, Thieves, and Ali Baba’s Treasure by Gretchen McCullough Review

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

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A professor and environmental activist accused of cybercrime must make his way to a safe haven, encountering unusual characters and situations along the way in author Gretchen McCullough’s “Confessions of a Knight Errant: Drifters, Thieves, and Ali Baba’s Treasure”.

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The Synopsis

Confessions of a Knight Errant is a comedic, picaresque novel in the tradition of Don Quixote with a flamboyant cast of characters. Dr. Gary Watson is the picaro, a radical environmentalist and wannabe novelist who has been accused of masterminding a computer hack that wiped out the files of a major publishing company. His Sancho Panza is Kharalombos, a fat, gluttonous Greek dancing teacher, who is wanted by the secret police for cavorting with the daughter of the Big Man of Egypt. Self-preservation necessitates a hurried journey to the refuge of a girls’ camp in rural Texas. Then a body turns up nearby that is connected to Middle East antiquities, and they are on the run once more.

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The Review

This was a compelling and humorous genre fiction tale. The author did an amazing job of crafting a narrative that felt both original and literary genius at the same time, capturing the tone and thought-provoking narrative style that made the infamous Don Quixote so infamous. The imagery in the writing itself really brought these settings to life, showcasing the vast settings that these characters walked through in their adventures.

Yet it was the balance of character development and an almost episodic format to the novel overall that made this story shine so brightly. Each chapter and section took on an almost individualistic approach as if the story was a television show playing out across 24 episodes. The way the author was able to create these unique and original characters in the narrative while still giving the protagonist and his companion enough time on the page to fully develop made this a fantastic narrative to get lost in.

The Verdict

Thought-provoking, memorable, and compelling, author Gretchen McCullough’s “Confessions of a Knight Errant: Drifters, Thieves, and Ali Baba’s Treasure” is a must-read genre fiction and humor novel. The twists and turns in the protagonist’s journey and the rich cast of characters will have readers eagerly devouring this book for years to come. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Gretchen McCullough was raised in Harlingen Texas. After graduating from Brown University in 1984, she taught in Egypt, Turkey and Japan. She earned her MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Alabama and was awarded a teaching Fulbright to Syria from 1997-1999. Her stories, essays and reviews have appeared in The Barcelona Review, Archipelago, National Public Radio, Story South, Guernica, The Common, The Millions, and the LA Review of Books. Translations in English and Arabic have been published in: Nizwa, Banipal, Brooklyn Rail in Translation, World Literature Today and Washington Square Review with Mohamed Metwalli. Her bi-lingual book of short stories in English and Arabic, Three Stories From Cairo, translated with Mohamed Metwalli was published in July 2011 by AFAQ Publishing House, Cairo. A collection of short stories about expatriate life in Cairo, Shahrazad’s Tooth, was also published by AFAQ in 2013. Currently, she is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Rhetoric and Composition at the American University in Cairo. 

Her website: www.gretchenmccullough.wix.com/gretchenmccullough

Yippee Ki-Yay, Motherf*cker!: A Trivia Guide to Die Hard by Mark Leslie Review

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

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Author Mark Leslie shares the behind-the-scenes moments and trivia that only a true fan of Die Hard could truly appreciate in the book “Yippee Ki-Yay, Motherf*cker!: A Trivia Guide to Die Hard”.

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The Synopsis

“Come out to the coast, we’ll get together, have a few laughs.”

That line, from one of many quotable moments from Die Hard, was an on the spot insertion during filming by actor Bruce Willis and director John McTiernan. That’s just one of numerous ad lib or almost accidental elements added to the film which make it such a memorable modern classic.

When Die Hard premiered in July 1988 John McClane didn’t just become a fly in Hans Gruber’s ointment, he heralded in a new era of action movies, inspired countless knock-off action movies best described as “Die Hard in a” or “Die Hard on a” copycats, and created a franchise that spanned five decades (if you include the 2020 DieHard battery commercial). Even thirty-five years later it continues to inspire heated annual debates regarding the film’s status as a Christmas movie.

This guide, lovingly researched by a die-hard (pun completely intended) fan of the 1988 action-adventure blockbuster collects trivia, behind-the-scenes stories of the movie, the script, the actors, and the books and other written material that Die Hard and several of the follow-on films in the franchise were based on or inspired by.

If you’re a fan of Die Hard, then you’re going to love Yippee Ki-Yay, Motherf*cker! Welcome to the party, pal!

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The Review

This was a fun and engaging trivia guide to one of the most iconic action films (and let’s face it, Christmas films) of all time. The author does a great job of presenting the history of this film and the events that occurred before, during, and after the film’s release to help inspire a cultural phenomenon. From the historical background of the terrorist groups who helped inspire Hans Gruber’s own criminal organization, to the creation of some of cinema’s most beloved quotable moments in the film, this book had a bit of everything.

The thing that stood out the most was the overwhelming sense of nostalgia this guide had as it dived deeper and deeper into the film. The way the author was able to analyze and detail the ways in which both hero John McClane and antagonist Hans Gruber made themselves into such iconic characters in the genre, from the actor’s performances to who they represented in the culture at the time, made this book feel so alive and vibrant on the page, and invigorating to get lost in this film’s complete history.

The Verdict

Thrilling, engaging, and mesmerizing, author Mark Leslie’s “Yippee Ki-Yay, Motherf*cker!: A Trivia Guide to Die Hard” is a must-read guide and trivia book that you won’t want to miss. The heartfelt love for this film and the nostalgia that the author infuses into each chapter will bring readers back time and time again to get lost in this iconic action film’s history. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Mark Leslie would be the first person to admit he’s still afraid of the monster under his bed. That might be why most of his books explore the darker side. In addition to penning a series of true ghostly tales (that include SPOOKY SUDBURY, HAUNTED HOSPITALS and CREEPY CAPITAL), he has written a few horror titles (I, DEATH, ONE HAND SCREAMING, and NOCTURNAL SCREAMS), is the editor of the horror anthologies CAMPUS CHILLS, FEEL THE FEAR, and SUPERNATURAL, and is the author of the humorous urban fantasy action/adventure ‘Canadian Werewolf” series.

His other passions within the non-fiction realm include fan appreciation/trivia books about the classic modern films Planes, Trains, and Automobiles (THE CANADIAN MOUNTED) and Die Hard (YIPPEE KI-YAY MOTHERF*****)

Proudly adopting the term “Book Nerd” for himself, Mark is most comfortable with a pen in hand, fingers on keyboard or with his nose stuck in a book.He can often be seen traveling to book events with a life-sized skeleton named Barnaby Bones.

Born in Sudbury Ontario, Mark has courted with a serious addiction to reading and writing his entire life. He has called both Ottawa, ON and Hamilton, ON home for about a decade each and currently lives in Waterloo, Ontario.

L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future Volume 36: Anthology of Award-Winning Science Fiction and Fantasy Short Stories REVIEW

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

A new group of talented, future sci-fi writers bring their stories to the world in the latest edition of the “L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future Volume 36: Anthology of Award-Winning Science Fiction and Fantasy Short Stories” anthology. 

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The Synopsis

Sci-fi and fantasy of tomorrow . . .

. . . selected by masters of today.

Where can you find the hottest new talent all in one book?

Right here. This year’s winning stories include a diverse collection of brilliantly realized worlds of dystopian politics, magical realism, post-apocalyptic adventure, and romance, dark fantasy and more.

You’ll love this anthology because these writers push the boundaries—and break beyond them . . . these illustrators envision the impossible—and render it real . . . these stories challenge the way we see ourselves—and present the world in a new way.

Buy Writers of the Future Volume 36.

24 Award-winning Authors and Illustrators

Bonus short stories by: L. Ron Hubbard • Katherine Kurtz • Jody Lynn Nye • Nnedi Okorafor

Art and writing tips by: Echo Chernik • L. Ron Hubbard • Mike Perkins • Sean Williams

Edited by: David Farland

16-page color Gallery of Artwork

Cover art by: Echo Chernik

Soar to new heights of Science Fiction & Fantasy.

Get to know tomorrow’s brightest creative talents chosen by some of today’s bestselling authors and celebrated artists including Kevin J. Anderson, Orson Scott Card, Larry Elmore, Brandon Sanderson, Dan dos Santos, and Robert J. Sawyer.

The future of science fiction and fantasy is in your hands.

Anthology includes: 12 award-winning stories, 16 full-color illustrations, 4 bonus stories, and 4 articles offering art and writing tips.

___________________________

4 bonus short stories:

“Borrowed Glory” by L. Ron Hubbard: For a single day of glory and the settlement of a dispute among immortals, a life can be a satisfactory price.

“The Green Tower” by Katherine Kurtz: The magic is strong in the Green Tower, and two young girls struggle to discover its secrets.

“The Phoenix’s Peace” by Jody Lynn Nye: The Phoenix has always been the guardian of Dembia. Now there’s trouble in the land, and mysteriously, the Phoenix has left two golden eggs.

“The Winds of Harmattan” by Nnedi Okorafor: A young woman seeks her destiny in the African winds of Harmattan.

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The Review

These were truly great, compelling science fiction stories. The authors each brought a great balance of compelling character development and rich science fiction development to their stories. The incredible artwork the magazine features is breathtaking. The style was very reminiscent of late 70s, and early 80s sci-fi storytelling. The style plays well with the genre and the anthology as a whole, as it speaks to the futurism aspect of the narratives found within.

To me, the heart of these stories rested in the fantastic blend of imagery in the author’s writing styles and the fantastic character growth that the stories brought forth. One story in particular, Catching My Death, is a great blend of sci-fi and fantasy, incorporating ideas of the supernatural and death itself into a modern, tech, and business-savvy world and showcasing the balance between life and death in a whole new light. 

The Verdict

Mesmerizing, haunting, and entertaining, “L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future Volume 36: Anthology of Award-Winning Science Fiction and Fantasy Short Stories” is a must-read sci-fi anthology. The compelling narratives powerful illustrations, and exceptional talent of these future authors will both engage and thrill readers who are looking to see the future of this beloved genre. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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All That Sparkles (Glitter Bay Mysteries Book 1) by Diane Bator Review

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

The discovery of a trunk of vintage clothes leads to a mystery involving a land developer and a 50-year-old heist that will have one person rushing to end the cycle of violence coming for them next in author Diane Bator’s “All That Sparkles”, the first book in the Glitter Bay Mysteries series. 

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The Synopsis

What do a trunk full of vintage clothes, a handsome land developer, and a fifty year old diamond heist have in common? Laken Miller receives a trunk full of expensive vintage clothing and a stack of newspaper clippings about a fifty-year old diamond heist. Now all she has to do is figure out who murdered Tilly San Vicente before the killer silences her as well.

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The Review

This was a compelling and delightful cozy mystery read. The rich atmosphere and powerful imagery the author’s writing style brought out allowed the reader to feel both transported into this narrative and engaged in the witty banter and gripping character development that the story brought to life. 

The way the author was able to craft a thoughtful mystery while also providing memorable imagery throughout this story, from the dynamic vintage clothing that started this journey to the tense moments of the heist that drive this story forward. The layer of romance that the story brings forth is a great balance to the overall narrative and allows the characters to become more relatable and engaging overall.

The Verdict

Thoughtful, entertaining, and captivating, author Diane Bator’s “All That Sparkles” is a must-read mystery novel and a great entry in the brand new Glitter Bay Mysteries series. The twists and turns the narrative takes on and the shocking revelations, as well as the impactful and emotional bonds that the characters form with one another, make this a fantastic start to a brand-new mystery series. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

A prolific mystery writer, I am the mom of three kids and two cats as well as author of Wild Blue Mysteries, Gilda Wright Mysteries, Glitter Bay Mysteries, and the Audra Clemmings Mysteries from Books We Love Ltd. with many more to come!

You can find me at:

Blog: http://dbator.blogspot.ca/

Website: http://penspaintsandpaper.com/index.html

Publisher Website: https://bookswelove.net/bator-diane/

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/dianebatorauthor/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7179945.Diane_Bator

MoneyWise Mabel’s Bursting Bank by Kalee Boisvert Review

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

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A young girl named Mabel learns the value of her money in the book “MoneyWise Mabel’s Bursting Bank” by Kalee Boisvert.

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The Synopsis

What should Mabel do now that her piggybank is full to the brim? Buy lots of candy? Spend it all on that toy she’s been eyeing? Finally get that unicorn sprinkler that sprays water from its horn?

When Mabel pulls her piggy bank out from under the bed, it’s stuffed. She can’t fit one more coin inside–Piggy is bursting!

What should Mabel do with all that money? Buy candy? Toys? Games!? Mabel’s so excited that her bed becomes a trampoline and she wants to spend it all. But then her mother explains that money doesn’t have to burn a hole in your pocket—a lesson that sends Mabel on a journey to learn what it means to become “moneywise.” Follow her as she takes her first steps to independence by opening a bank account!

Teach your school-aged kids fundamentals about money management with this approachable, fun, and charming debut from Kalee Boisvert, full of colorful illustrations and easy-to-understand concepts.

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The Review

This was a heartwarming and educational children’s book. The author was able to bring together lighthearted imagery and illustrations through this book to help illustrate the themes and message behind the narrative in a way that felt very inviting and engaging to the reader. The way the author was able to maintain that imaginative nature to the overall story while still balancing that with the knowledge being given to the children reading this book was incredible.

This story shined best when the author’s lessons being taught to the children were on display, and the fun illustrations really drew the reader into the story and what was being taught perfectly. The way this story appeals to both a child’s desire to learn and grow and a parent’s desire to bond and share that learning experience with their child was great to see come through on the page and made this a memorable reading experience. 

The Verdict

Fascinating, engaging, and memorable, author Kalee Boisvert’s “MoneyWise Mabel’s Bursting Bank” is a must-read children’s book. The beautiful illustrations and the important message of money savings not only illustrated the author’s own experiences, but the emotional underlay that this story held that brings parents and children alike together during this reading experience. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Kalee Boisvert has been in the financial industry for over fifteen years, but her love of money began very young. Growing up in a single parent household, she watched her mom struggle with finances and wished there was something she could do to help. She wasn’t going to allow her circumstances to define her, and thus her own journey into financial literacy and wealth management began. Kalee now has an MBA in Finance from the Haskayne School of Business and is a financial professional whose focus remains on sparking healthy and positive conversations around wealth and investments. She is also a proud mom to eight-year-old Ivy and new baby Jax. She lives with her family in Calgary, Alberta. MoneyWise Mabel’s Bursting Bank is her first book for children. Her self-help title Make Money Your Thing will be released by RE: Books in Spring 2023.

www.kaleeboisvert.com