The First Avocado by Greg Schindler

March 17, 2025 By Leave a Comment


The First Avocado by Greg Schindler
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Middle Grade (8 – 12 y.o.), Historical
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Astilbe

This is the true story of a family’s 1927 move from Michigan to Florida and the two years they live near Tampa. They move because the oldest boy breathed mustard gas in WWI and his lungs worsen each winter. During the eventful, seven week trip they camp nightly by the road and bathe in nearby streams. Near Tampa they live on a farm.

Flyers in Michigan promise warm winters, beautiful beaches, and a plethora of oranges in Florida. Those flyers don’t lie, but fail to mention the dreadfully hot summers, snakes, hurricanes, and the KKK.

The coming-of-age narrator of the story, Annie asks her mother some of life’s difficult questions and receives the wisest of answers. Annie and her niece, Doris, are baseball playing tomboys who insist on barging into a boys’ sport before the term “women’s lib” was ever coined. And her Dad, Fred, gets their beloved farm manager, Thaddeus, in trouble by being too nice to him.

Family is forever.

Some of my favorite scenes were the ones that explored difficult topics from a child’s point of view. For example, Annie had a lot of questions about how babies are made, what causes hurricanes, why grownups make so many decisions that kids don’t always understand, and why some people are prejudiced against other races. Adults have explanations for these things that a kid can’t always wrap their minds around right away, and I enjoyed comparing Annie’s understanding of how they worked versus how her parents and adult siblings would describe them.

It would have been helpful to have more character development. Annie was a tomboy who loved baseball, but I would struggle to describe her personality beyond saying that she was a kind kid who tried to see the best in everyone. This was a pattern that was even stronger for her various family members who travelled with her as there wasn’t a lot of information about whether they were introverted or extroverted, grumpy or cheerful, creative or practical, or anything else like that. As much as I wanted to give this a full five-star rating, I needed more information about the characters as people to justify that.

I loved the humor in this book. Annie and her family faced all sorts of problems on their trip to Florida and during the time they needed to adjust to southern culture once they arrived there. There were multiple times when I chuckled as I read about how they fixed their car with limited supplies, what they thought of avocados, and how they adjusted to the heat and humidity down south. Finding the funny side in the surprises of life is so important!

The First Avocado was full of adventure.

Filed Under: Reviews, YA/Middle Grade/Children's Tagged With: , , , , ,

DEATH: Friend or Enemy?: Views from the Other Side by Ann Merivale

March 14, 2025 By Leave a Comment


DEATH: Friend or Enemy?: Views from the Other Side by Ann Merivale
Publisher: 6th Books
Genre: Fiction, Paranormal, Contemporary, Historical
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Lavender

Death, as the saying goes, is the great leveler, and though many fear it, while others view it as a blessed release, its inescapability affects us all in some way. The author of this unusual book makes use both of her spiritual reading and of the knowledge she gained from 20-plus years’ experience of taking her Deep Memory Process clients back to deaths in their previous lives, thus giving a broad spectrum of possible post-death scenarios. These she illustrates with a combination of famous and fictional characters, drawn both from accounts that came from the ‘other side’ through her figurative pen and from factual research. Part of the book’s aim is to dispel all fears of death itself and to demonstrate that the notion of eternal damnation is mistaken. At the same time, it shows the reader that whether a lifetime lasts 10 years (as did Annie Darwin’s) or 97 (like Bertrand Russell’s), it has a clear purpose and value. The stories’ precise truth is, however, immaterial, as you will find them enjoyable, educational, and reassuring.

Ann Merivale’s DEATH: Friend or Enemy?: Views from the Other Side offers a fascinating and ultimately comforting exploration of death and the afterlife, viewed through a unique lens. This book offers a captivating blend of anecdotal evidence, historical context, and spiritual insight, all aimed at demystifying our ultimate fate.

Merivale’s 20+ years of experience with Deep Memory Process, guiding clients through purported past life regressions, provides a compelling foundation for the narratives within. The author cleverly weaves together accounts purportedly channeled from the “other side” through her “figurative pen” with factual research and historical figures like Annie Darwin and Bertrand Russell. This combination lends a sense of groundedness to the more ethereal aspects of the book, making it accessible to a wider audience.

The book’s strength lies in its storytelling. The promise of personal and up-close narratives from individuals who have passed is inherently intriguing. While the review acknowledges the “precise truth” of these stories may be immaterial, the reviewer emphasizes their enjoyable, educational, and reassuring nature. This suggests that Merivale has crafted compelling narratives that resonate on an emotional and intellectual level, offering a fresh perspective on the often-feared subject of death.

The inclusion of historical context adds another layer of intrigue, suggesting a blend of personal narratives and broader philosophical exploration.

Overall, DEATH: Friend or Enemy? is a unique read. It caters to those interested in exploring the mysteries of the afterlife, past life regression, and spiritual perspectives on death. While the book’s reliance on channeled accounts might not appeal to everyone, the combination of historical figures, personal stories, and the author’s extensive experience in Deep Memory Process makes it a compelling and potentially comforting exploration of life’s ultimate question. The promise of entertainment, education, and reassurance makes this book one to pick up this year.

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The Stone Circle by Elly Griffiths

March 7, 2025 By Leave a Comment


The Stone Circle by Elly Griffiths
Publisher: Quercus
Genre: Contemporary, Historical, Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
Rating: 3 Stars
Reviewed by Fern

Ruth’s partner in crime, DCI Nelson, has been receiving threatening letters. They are anonymous, yet reminiscent of ones he has received in the past, from the person who drew him into a case that’s haunted him for years. At the same time, Ruth receives a letter purporting to be from that very same person—her former mentor, and the reason she first started working with Nelson. But the author of those letters is dead. Or is he? The past is reaching out for Ruth and Nelson, and its grip is deadly.

DCI Nelson has received a few anonymous letters that are eerily similar to those he received during his first case with Dr. Ruth Galloway and a Bronze Age girl buried at a local henge. He’s uneasy, but resolves to ignore them as the original author of the letters is long dead now. But then Ruth calls to say she’s found what she thinks are somewhat recent bones of a young girl she finds when excavating at a new location right near that original henge, a recently discovered stone circle. Ruth and Nelson are finding their past is becoming ominously part of their present.

I’ve been a big fan of this series for a while now and even though I admit Nelson and Ruth’s off/on relationship drives me mental sometimes, I really enjoyed this book a lot. There is what I felt to be a satisfying amount of progress (of sorts) between Nelson’s family and Ruth/Kate. I loved that Cathbad was once again a solid and prolific character and part of this story. I even really enjoyed the amount of time spent with Judy and Cloughie this time around. I thought there really was a good amount of progress and time spent with all these main characters and the plot revolving around the missing girl whose bones were discovered. Overall, I found the balance in this story – for myself personally – was excellent. I do admit though that people who prefer the archaeology aspect to these books and the time spent focused on the dig and field work and more historical aspects might find this book a little light on for them and they might not be as satisfied as I am.

I particularly enjoyed how a good amount of the first quarter or so of this book really seemed to hark back to the first in this series (The Crossing Places) and even though it’s been quite some time since I’ve read that book, I enjoyed the parallels between the two. I wondered at times if the author was trying a sort of soft reset with the storylines – but I can’t decide if it’s my imagination and I’m reading too much into the parallels or not.

Readers who enjoy British police procedural books – especially those with strong ties to history and archaeology – should definitely find this series as a whole suits their tastes. With a strong cast of secondary characters and a well woven plotline that has a number of red herrings to keep most mystery readers guessing this was an enjoyable book and is a series I greatly enjoy. I’m looking forward to the next in the series.

Filed Under: Mystery/Suspense, Reviews Tagged With: , , , , ,

Christmas with the Queen by Hazel Gaynor, Heather Webb

March 4, 2025 By Leave a Comment


Christmas with the Queen by Hazel Gaynor, Heather Webb
Publisher: William Morrow
Genre: Historical, Holiday, Romance
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Cholla

December 1952. While the young Queen Elizabeth II finds her feet as the new monarch, she must also find the right words to continue the tradition of her late father’s Christmas Day radio broadcast. But even traditions must evolve with the times, and the queen faces a postwar Britain hungry for change.

As preparations begin for the royal Christmas at Sandringham House in Norfolk, old friends—Jack Devereux and Olive Carter—are unexpectedly reunited by the occasion. Olive, a single mother and aspiring reporter at the BBC, leaps at the opportunity to cover the holiday celebration, but even a chance encounter with the queen doesn’t go as planned and Olive wonders if she will ever be taken seriously.

Jack, a recently widowed chef, reluctantly takes up a new role in the royal kitchens at Sandringham. Lacking in purpose and direction, Jack has abandoned his dream to have his own restaurant, but his talents are soon noticed and while he might not believe in himself, others do, and a chance encounter with an old friend helps to reignite the spark of his passion and ambition.

As Jack and Olive’s paths continue to cross over the following five Christmases, they grow ever closer. Yet Olive carries the burden of a heavy secret that threatens to destroy everything.

Christmas Day, December 1957. As the nation eagerly awaits the Queen’s first televised Christmas speech, there is one final gift for the Christmas season to deliver…

When two old friends reunite after years apart, anything can happen. But will Jack and Olive be able to put the past behind them?

Christmas with the Queen is a love story stretching over the course of several years, showing that, even when you’re willing, the universe isn’t always going to play nice. But when it’s meant to be, love can and will find a way.

In an effort to distract himself from the sudden, tragic loss of his wife, Jack accepts an offer to cook for the royal family during their annual Christmas trip to Sandringham. Jack’s love of cooking and honoring his Louisiana heritage appealed to me in a big way. I loved him introducing jambalaya and other Creole treats to the English. Made me wish I could see their faces the first time they dipped into the spicy fare.

Olive is also trying to distract herself, but for different reasons. She’s always wanted to be a journalist, but in 1952, the jobs were rarely, if ever, offered to women. But she keeps trying, pushing whenever she finds an opportunity. Trying to balance the stigma of being an unmarried mother in the 1950’s with her ambitions, she manages to find a way to both follow her dreams and be the best mom she’s able to be.

While the love story is a very slow burn, it’s worth it. I enjoyed watching Jack and Olive reacquaint themselves, instead of just hopping into bed together and acting like there wasn’t a gap of several years between their last meeting. Seeing them rebuild their friendship before becoming a couple always gives me the warm fuzzies. Probably my favorite part of the book, however, were the little snippets we get from Queen Elizabeth’s point of view. Also, the bits from her annual Christmas address, something I didn’t know she did.

Christmas with the Queen is a sweet and sometimes sad holiday romance, spanning several Christmases. A great read for any lover of historical romances, holiday romances, or anything to do with the royal family.

Filed Under: Reviews, Romance Tagged With: , , , , ,

Sticks in a Bundle: The Early Years by Pat Spencer

February 28, 2025 By Leave a Comment


Sticks in a Bundle: The Early Years by Pat Spencer
Publisher: Seaside Writer Imprint
Genre: Historical, Fiction
Rating: 3 Stars
Reviewed by Astilbe

As the middle daughter in a family of Xhosa, Zulu, and Dutch descent, Eshile Mthembu’s life celebrates the strength and resilience of the human spirit. She lives in a Soweto shanty under South Africa’s apartheid rule, a policy designed to squash her dreams and control every aspect of her life. Her story reveals a history of racial injustice many know little about, as experienced by a young woman trying to understand it herself.

Despite cultural, religious, and linguistic differences, Eshile’s family bases their love and strength on the African proverb: Sticks in a bundle are unbreakable. But when a stranger from afar offers an unexpected opportunity, Eshile must decide whether to secure her family bonds or embrace the promise of a better life.

Love is stronger than hate.

One of the tropes I enjoy reading about the most involves exploring the differences between how children and adults understand the same thing. What seems clearcut and sensible to a grownup might be utterly confusing to a kid, and vice versa. Eshile and her sisters had all sorts of questions about adult matters, from why they weren’t supposed to walk in certain neighborhoods to what happened to their Dutch birth father. Their answers to these questions made me smile and made me want to keep reading.

The large cast of characters made it difficult for me to get to know the majority of them well even though this was nearly 300 pages long. There simply wasn’t enough time to dive deeply into most of their personalities, especially given how young Eshile was when most of these events took place. She wasn’t yet old enough to think critically about most of the adults around her, much less wonder why they made more complex decisions in life. As much as I liked the protagonist herself, this made it difficult for me to bond with her large extended family or many neighbors and friends who popped into their lives every so often.

Some of the most memorable scenes for me were the ones that explored how Eshile’s family passed down some Xhosa and Zulu traditions while modernizing or skipping other ones as the 1960s went on. There was so much emotion involved in some of them, and even the easier decisions were still make with caution and care. This evolution is something people from every culture tend to need to do from time to time, and I nodded along as I took note of the similar reactions to change between these characters and members of my own family who have felt all sorts of emotional reactions to how our traditions have remained constant, changed, or simply been modified from one generation to the next.

I struggled with the slow pacing. Even though I appreciated the detailed descriptions of Eshile’s cultural and ethnic backgrounds, pausing so often to explain what certain words meant or why characters expected specific behaviors from each other meant that the plot couldn’t move very quickly in most places. Sometimes this read more like a sketch of a large, complex family than a story that could be divided into a beginning, middle, and end in even the loosest interpretations of how novels are generally paced.

There are all sorts of interesting cultural and social reactions to families whose members come in a range of colors and ethnic identities. While my extended family has never faced the threat of legal trouble or jail time for being multiracial like these characters did, I did relate to how they navigated a world that may be kind to us one day and angry at our very existence the next. Representation matters not only for people who belong to the group being explored but also to readers who have never had to think about such things and may learn something new about what their neighbors, acquaintances, coworkers, and the strangers they pass by on the street quietly deal with. The more empathy we develop for each other, the better.

Sticks in a Bundle: The Early Years was thought provoking.

Filed Under: Mainstream Fiction, Other, Reviews Tagged With: , , , ,

You Will Be Peter by Jerry Lathan with Steven Manchester

February 19, 2025 By Leave a Comment


You Will Be Peter by Jerry Lathan with Steven Manchester
Publisher: Forefront Books
Genre: Historical, Inspirational, Fiction
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Lavender

He’s one of the most well-known figures in cultures around the world, etched into stained glass, painted in frescoes, even caricatured as standing at the gates of heaven with a long white beard and keys in hand. But long before he was portrayed as a venerated and untouchable figure, Peter was simply known as Simon, a twenty-something fisherman in a far-flung Jewish province controlled by the Roman Empire.

Loyal and faithful, impetuous and passionate, Simon’s quiet life is upended by the arrival of a man called Jesus of Nazareth, rumored to be the long-awaited Messiah who would rescue the Jewish people from oppression. When Simon meets Jesus, the mysterious man tells him, “You will be Peter,” a prophetic statement that would slowly transform Simon’s life. Eager to be free of the Romans, Simon joins Jesus in hopes that he can guard this leader who will, undoubtedly, build an army to challenge Rome. But as Simon waits for the army to form, he watches Jesus show a compassion for others Simon has never seen before. The miracles Jesus performs—healing the sick, feeding crowds of thousands—show not a display of military might, but of service and love.

Real, relatable and impeccably researched, You Will Be Peter draws on the four Gospel accounts to weave Simon Peter’s story into one seamless tapestry. Readers get a front-row seat to Simon’s three-year walk with Jesus, as Simon watches the Son of Man feed the hungry, raise the dead, upend the status quo and challenge the elite during one of world history’s most pivotal seasons.

In perhaps one of the greatest miracles, we can see ourselves in Simon, this ordinary man Jesus chose to accompany Him. Simon wasn’t well-educated, but he was faithful and headstrong. Though he could rush to judgment and use a foul word from time to time, he was the kind of friend who loved fiercely and was doggedly loyal—until he wasn’t. Although he failed, Simon wasn’t cast away from Jesus’ mission. In fact, his failures and subsequent redemption made him a more empathetic and capable rock upon whom the Church was built.

With storytelling artistry that transports readers to the first-century world, with the sights, sounds, and smells of that time, You Will Be Peter shares an age-old story told from a new set of eyes: it’s possible for one ordinary person, however unlikely, to change the world forever.

In You Will Be Peter, authors Jerry Lathan and Steven Manchester craft a remarkable narrative that revisits the life of one of history’s most iconic figures, Simon Peter. Often depicted in religious art as the esteemed apostle with keys in hand, Peter’s origins as an ordinary fisherman are seldom explored in depth.

This story delves into the transformative journey of Simon Peter as he encounters Jesus of Nazareth, illustrating how an uneducated man’s faith and loyalty can lead to a monumental impact on the world. At the story’s outset, we meet Simon, a young fisherman living under the overbearing rule of the Roman Empire. His life is one of simplicity and routine, until the arrival of Jesus, a man whose reputation as the Messiah incites hope among the Jewish people. The moment Simon meets Jesus, his life is irrevocably altered when he hears the words, “You will be Peter.” In this prophetic declaration lies the promise of transformation—not only of his name but also of his identity and purpose. Here, Lathan and Manchester effectively set the stage for a profound exploration of faith, loyalty, and the potential for change in every individual.

As Simon embarks on his journey with Jesus, he initially envisions a rebellion against their Roman oppressors. The expectation of military might is soon overshadowed by the reality of Jesus’ teachings and actions, which emphasize compassion, service, and love over violence and dominance. Through miraculous acts, such as healing the sick and feeding the hungry, Jesus reveals a different kind of strength—one rooted in humility and selflessness. This evolution of Simon’s understanding is pivotal; it illustrates how personal growth often occurs through witnessing the exemplary qualities of others. The authors adeptly capture Simon’s internal conflict as he grapples with his hopes for a warrior Messiah and the reality of Jesus’ mission. One of the most compelling aspects of You Will Be Peter is its portrayal of Simon as a flawed yet relatable character. He is not depicted as a paragon of virtue but rather as a passionate individual who occasionally falters. His impetuous nature leads him to make hasty judgments, and he experiences moments of failure—most notably when he denies knowing Jesus during the latter’s trial. These human shortcomings resonate with readers, reminding us that imperfection is part of the human experience. However, what truly sets Simon apart is his capacity for redemption.

The story reveals that failure does not equate to disqualification from purpose; rather, it can become a catalyst for growth and deeper empathy. This theme of redemption is integral to the narrative and underscores the belief that everyone, regardless of their past, can contribute meaningfully to the greater good. The authors also excel in their vivid storytelling, transporting readers to the first-century world filled with sensory details—the sights, sounds, and smells of the time. This immersive approach allows readers to experience the historical context that shaped Simon Peter’s journey. It emphasizes the urgency and significance of Jesus’ mission during a pivotal moment in history. By placing Simon at the forefront of this narrative, Lathan and Manchester invite readers to see themselves in this ordinary man—their struggles, their hopes, and their potential for change.

Ultimately, You Will Be Peter serves as a powerful reminder that even the most unlikely individuals can alter the course of history. Simon Peter’s transformation from a humble fisherman to the foundational rock of the Church illustrates that greatness is often born out of everyday experiences, faith, and the willingness to embrace one’s calling, even amidst uncertainty. This narrative not only reexamines the life of a biblical figure but also challenges readers to reflect on their journeys, encouraging them to embrace their imperfections and recognize the potential for greatness within themselves. Through Simon’s story, we learn that the path to making a difference in the world begins with a single step of faith.

Filed Under: Mainstream Fiction, Other, Reviews Tagged With: , , , , ,

Loving Lizzie Finn by Tamara Hughes

February 17, 2025 By Leave a Comment


Loving Lizzie Finn by Tamara Hughes
Publisher: Self-published
Genre: Historical, Romance, Suspense/Mystery/Thriller
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by Lilikoi

Lizzie Finn grew up in a brothel, and she’s reminded of that fact every day. She dreams of finding a job and becoming independent. Only then can she be free of her aunt’s disdain. First, she must find an employer who won’t turn her away because of her past.

Byron Greeley is determined to save his family’s business after Lizzie’s uncle falsifies the amount Byron owes on a loan from the bank. Determined to find proof of Teague’s perfidy, Byron slips into the banker’s house and rummages through the study only to be discovered by Lizzie, a red-haired beauty who utterly captivates him.

Byron offers Lizzie a job in exchange for information about her uncle, and because she believes her uncle is innocent, she agrees. When Teague discovers Lizzie and Byron’s growing affection, he threatens to destroy Byron and his family, insisting Byron is exploiting her. Is Teague’s warning well-founded? Are Byron’s feelings for Lizzie true, or is Byron using her for his own gain?

Loving Lizzie Finn is a charming historical romance with engaging characters, a hint of spice, and an intriguing, well-developed plot.

Lizzie Finn is an indomitable young woman who was raised in a brothel until her mother’s tragic death, when she subsequently became the ward of her uncle Eldon Teague, a prosperous businessman and bank president in Boston. Within the affluent home of her new guardians, Lizzie is subjected to harsh ridicule and shame by her maternal aunt Margaret, who constantly reminds her that she is the daughter of a prostitute with little chance of overcoming her scandalous past. Although her uncle Eldon is much kinder, Lizzie cannot wait to escape her aunt’s vindictive cruelty by finding employment and becoming self-sufficient.

Byron Greeley—a young businessman who has inherited his ill father’s textile factory—is juggling the responsibilities of supporting his parents while keeping the floundering company afloat. He discovers that the amount of the loan negotiated between his father and the bank president has inexplicably doubled, but with the original documents having mysteriously disappeared, he has no proof to confirm his suspicions that Eldon Teague has fraudulently tampered with the terms. When he breaks into Teague’s house in the middle of the night to look for evidence, he is caught by Lizzie, a fiery redhead who not only captures his heart, but provides the means for him to obtain the proof he seeks. In exchange for her cooperation in obtaining the original documents, he offers Lizzie a job, providing them both the means to accomplish their separate yet entwined goals.

The characters are compelling and likeable. Lizzie is brave, stubborn, and independent, hardened by the cruelty she has endured. Having witnessed the abuse of women in the brothel where she was raised, she has learned self-reliance and developed a fierce need for independence. Although she has vowed to never marry, Lizzie’s undeniable attraction to Byron makes her question her convictions. Byron’s noble heart and commitment to both his family and to Lizzie make him an endearing character, yet his involvement in criminal activities keeps the reader—and Lizzie—unsure of his true intentions. Aunt Margaret is a bitter, resentful, and angry woman who is easy to hate, yet as the story progresses and secrets are revealed, much more easily understood.

Although I did enjoy much of the novel, I found it lacked the descriptive details necessary to evoke the historical background setting of nineteenth century Boston. Lizzie’s freedom to come and go as she pleases without an escort or chaperone—even to the point of sneaking out of the house in the middle of the night for a clandestine meeting at a warehouse— are not only implausible, but inconsistent with the societal norms of the era. And while Aunt Margaret is credibly portrayed as an active member of the Society for Moral Reform against prostitution, it seems highly unlikely that the aristocratic wife of a prestigious bank president would publicly malign her niece by spreading salacious gossip about Lizzie’s prostitute mother—Margaret’s own sister— for fear of tarnishing her prominent husband’s professional reputation.

When Lizzie and Byron finally overcome numerous obstacles to arrive at the anticipated happy ending, truths come to light through a most unexpected source of revelation and satisfying redemption.

Despite the insufficient historical background and the inconsistencies with societal norms for young women, Loving Lizzie Finn is nevertheless an entertaining romance with appealing characters and an absorbing, enticing plot.

Filed Under: Mystery/Suspense, Reviews, Romance Tagged With: , , , , ,

The Dark Angel by Elly Griffiths

February 3, 2025 By Leave a Comment


The Dark Angel by Elly Griffiths
Publisher: Quercus
Genre: Contemporary, Historical, Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by Fern

When archaeologist Angelo Morelli asks Ruth Galloway to come to the Italian countryside to help identify bones found in picturesque Fontana Liri, she jumps at the chance to go—and brings her daughter along for what she assumes will be a working vacation. Upon arriving, Ruth hears murmurs of Fontana Liri’s strong resistance movement during World War II, and begins to sense that the townspeople are harboring an age-old secret. But how, if at all, could this chapter in history be connected to the human remains that Angelo has unearthed? Just as she’s getting her footing in the dig, DCI Nelson appears, unexpectedly and for no clear reason. When Ruth’s findings lead her and her crew to a modern-day murder, their holiday turns into anything but as they race to find out what darkness is lurking in this seemingly peaceful place. . .and who may be on their trail.

Dr Ruth Galloway finds herself in a bit of a low patch. With her mother only recently dead in the last few months, her off/on relationship with her married lover – DCI Harry Nelson – solidly off for now, and Nelson’s wife newly pregnant things are feeling difficult for Ruth. When an old colleague from Italy calls out of the blue asking for Ruth’s assistance, it feels like exactly the right time for her and her young daughter to take a quick working vacation before the school year starts once again. Only things in the sleepy little Italian town are not as peaceful as Ruth was expecting. Can she sort out what’s really going on before she and her daughter find themselves in danger?

I really love the plots in this series – always finding them to be a solid weaving together of British police procedural mystery and scientific archaeology. The plots and mystery are always clear and multi-layered. The romantic and family relationships, however, is usually quite murky, messy and often heart wrenching. I find Ruth generally to be a strong and independent heroine for these stories. While it’s completely understandable that Ruth is a little blue with quite a few changes having occurred in the recent past for her, I did find that low ebb of her confidence really seemed to cast a bit of a cloud over the story for me. I also think having Cathbad back in England and Ruth in Italy for the majority of the book might have helped this darker cloud feeling seep into the story for me. I feel Cathbad often can help Ruth feel a little more optimistic and seen. I really feel he lightens her thoughts sometimes and for this book I could have used a bit more of that.

That all said I absolutely love the murder mystery aspect to this plot and as always, I found the strongly written and well plotted archaeology was a joy to read. For me personally this is hands down the best series out there with this style of writing – I guess I just wish the personal and romantic relationships weren’t as messy and complicated as they are.

Readers who want a straightforward mystery might not find this gives them what they wanted. The inter-personal relationships take up a fair bit of space in this novel and while the plot and history are strong components of this book the relationships certainly give the other plots a run for their money. Readers who have enjoyed the previous installments likely will thoroughly enjoy this book as much as they have the others – and like me curiosity on what will happen next shall likely compel them into reading more, just like I’m sure I’ll be picking up the next in the series as well. A well plotted and well written novel, though an emotionally difficult one to read.

Filed Under: Mystery/Suspense, Reviews Tagged With: , , , , ,

Sour Apples: A Novel For Those Who Hate to Read by Paul Jantzen

January 28, 2025 By Leave a Comment


Sour Apples: A Novel For Those Who Hate to Read by Paul Jantzen
Publisher: Black Rose Writing
Genre: Middle Grade (8 – 12 y.o.), Historical
Rating: 3 Stars
Reviewed by Astilbe

The year was 1975, and that summer would prove epic for Jimmy Hamilton. Imagine, an eleven-year-old boy with an imagination so powerful that he uses it like others would use a compass. Jimmy Hamilton sets out for the adventure of a lifetime. But summer, with all its promise, throws him a curveball, and he loses his fort on three separate occasions to unwanted squatters. He comes to discover each new unwelcomed tenant proves more difficult to evict than the last. His plans have a modicum of success but each comes with unintended consequences.

Add to that mix, the prettiest girl his age, a baseball diamond, a groundhog, a snapping turtle, a boy with a heightened olfactory acuity, and the town vagrant and Jimmy soon finds his summer adventure is more than he expected.

Not every lesson happens in school.

Jimmy’s character development was realistic and well done. I enjoyed his adventurous and courageous personality as well as the fact that he was the sort of kid who would try almost anything once. One of his biggest flaws were the sometimes sexist things he said and thought about women and girls. Given the historical setting and his very limited exposure to other ways of living, this, too, felt accurate. While I hoped that he grew up to be more accepting given a few illuminating experiences he had with people who didn’t fit his assumptions about what girls should be like, I understood why he wasn’t currently at a stage in life when he was ready to think critically about such things.

It would have been helpful to have that same sort of character development for the secondary characters, too. Since everything was shared from Jimmy’s perspective and like many folks his age he wasn’t always interested in understanding other people’s points of view, this meant that readers only had small, brief glimpses into what anyone around the main character was actually feeling or thinking. Obviously, I wasn’t expecting multiple chapters dedicated to this topic or anything given how active and busy Jimmy was, but even occasional scenes here and there that dug more deeply into their personalities and interests would have gone a long way while I was trying to figure out what they were like as individuals.

While I wasn’t yet alive in this era, I did grow up in a family that didn’t have Internet access and sometimes didn’t even have a television for years. Boredom is much harder to come by when someone has constant access to such passive forms of entertainment, and the descriptions of the zany things kids come up with when they are left to their own devices were as relatable as they were funny to me. Yes, there was some risk taking and a few bad decisions involving wildlife, but there were also hours of fun to be had out in nature with nothing but a vivid imagination and whatever could be found in the woods to work with. That’s the sort of childhood everyone should have a chance to experience if you ask me.

Sour Apples: A Novel For Those Who Hate to Read made me feel like I’d visited the 1970s.

Filed Under: Reviews, YA/Middle Grade/Children's Tagged With: , , , ,

Serpent’s Point by Kate Ellis

January 23, 2025 By Leave a Comment


Serpent’s Point by Kate Ellis
Publisher: Piatkus (Little, Brown Book Group)
Genre: Contemporary, Historical, Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by Fern

Serpent’s Point in South Devon is the focus of local legends. The large house on the headland is shrouded in an ancient tale of evil, and when a woman is found strangled on the coastal path, DI Wesley Peterson is called to investigate.

The woman had been house-sitting at Serpent’s Point and Wesley is surprised to discover that she was conducting an investigation into unsolved missing person cases. Could these enquires have led to her murder?

While the case takes Wesley to Yorkshire and the Cotswolds, archaeologist Neil Watson is making a dramatic discovery of his own in the fields near the house.

When a skeleton is uncovered, the pressure rises to find a killer, and Wesley and Neil realise that Serpent’s Point holds more secrets than anyone could have imagined.

Serpent’s Point house in South Devon is shrouded in ancient tales of evil, so when a woman house sitting there is found strangled on the coastal path DI Wesley Peterson and his team are called in to investigate. Can they sort out what is trapped in the past and what is very much in the present day?

I’ve been enjoying this British police procedural mystery series for over a year now and found this book to be an excellent addition to the series. While there’s a bunch of previous books, readers should feel comfortable picking this one up even if the author and series is new to them. The police team have quite a history together, but they work well enough that no real prior knowledge is needed. Also the plot line and simultaneous archaeology plot are both fully contained in this story and can easily be picked up.

Readers who prefer an action-oriented story might find this a little slow – but I personally thoroughly enjoy the slower unwinding of the mystery and piecing together of the clues. I admit I found parts of the mystery plot easy to guess but there were still a few twists I didn’t see coming so I was invested and interested the whole way through the book. I also really like how the historical and archaeology aspect winds together so well with the mystery and that’s a driving force keeping my attention for such a long running series.

Readers who enjoy mysteries and/or historical books should check this book and this series out.

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