Heroes for Hire: First Contact by C.S. Feldman

November 27, 2018 By 1 Comment


Heroes for Hire: First Contact by C.S. Feldman
Book Two in the Heroes for Hire Fantasy Adventure Series
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Action/Adventure, Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Length: Full Length (187 pgs)
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Poinsettia

Her first—and quite accidental—foray into the field of heroics brought plucky St. Louis waitress Peg Brickner more than one narrow escape from danger and doom in the magical land of Cantrial. But hey, the first Hero’s Quest is always the roughest, right? Right. Unless maybe the next one involves airlocks that can suck people into the vacuum of outer space, warring alien races that are vying for political control of a planet, ruthless kidnappers, a ticking clock, and the ever-present risk of—God forbid—alien probings. And that’s before what was just supposed to be a simple ransom drop implodes. Suddenly it’s up to Peg to come up with Plan B before a snatched comrade disappears forever, an alien client’s hapless offspring meet a grisly fate, or all-out war takes over the planet. And all before her oxygen runs out. Sure. What could possibly go wrong?

Peg Brickner, Mighty Sagittarius, has signed up for another adventure!

Peg seems to have embraced her role as a hero for hire. With one successful mission under her belt, Peg has developed a bit of a taste for adventure. I had so much fun following Peg and her band of misfit heroes on their first mission that I could hardly wait for their next adventure to begin. In order to have a clear understanding of Peg’s team and how she “accidentally” became a hero, I highly recommend reading the first book, Heroes for Hire: Discount Prices. It is excellent and will greatly add to the enjoyment of this story.
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Peg has all the makings of a great hero, especially with Grodan as her mentor. Although Peg is very inexperienced, she is loyal, brave, and genuinely wants to help those in need. I loved seeing Peg reunite with Grodan and Kraak, but I must admit I missed Masie. The team didn’t quite feel complete without the dragon. It was amusing to see Peg and Danby working together. Danby insists he is nothing more than a master thief. Nevertheless, I get the sense that Danby cares for Peg and her team, or at the very least he enjoys annoying them. However, he comes to their rescue in moments when he doesn’t have to. Danby could have cut his losses and left many times, but he stayed. Peg just might make a hero out of the thief yet.

As I mentioned, Peg is incredibly inexperienced. While her heart is in the right place, she is prone to making errors. Many of her blunders are minor and extremely humorous. However, some of Peg’s mistakes are costly and have the potential to cause major devastation. It is a tough realization for Peg, but I have faith in Peg’s character. I’m certain there are more adventures in Peg’s future.

Throughout the story, Ms. Feldman has sprinkled excerpts from other books on magic. While these passages are not directly related to Peg’s current situation, they do provide some very useful background information on magical history. These passages also hint at something ominous on the horizon regarding the stability of magic and the portals that connect various worlds. I’m intrigued and look forward to learning more in the next installment of this series.

One of the things I enjoyed most about the first book, Discount Prices, was how well Ms. Feldman balanced humor and more serious moments. I’m pleased to report Ms. Feldman has once again achieved that perfect balance. I couldn’t help but chuckle as I watched Peg trying to adapt to life in outer space, and I was genuinely moved by the more serious moments. I was particularly touched when I learned more about Grodan’s past and how he was cursed into his current form.

Ms. Feldman did an excellent job creating the magical world of Cantrial in Discount Prices, and she has proved to be just as adept at creating a more technologically advanced society in space. She describes the planet, various alien races, and spacecraft in great detail that makes it easy to picture the new world Peg is exploring, but the pacing never suffers.

Heroes for Hire: First Contact is thoroughly entertaining. The Heroes for Hire series is quickly becoming one of my favorites. The pacing and world building are excellent, and Peg and her team are some of the most fun characters I’ve ever come across. I can’t wait for the next installment!

Filed Under: Reviews, Science Fiction/Fantasy Tagged With: , , , , ,

Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo

October 16, 2018 By Leave a Comment


Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo
Six of Crows 2
Publisher: Henry Holt and Company
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Length: Full length (546 pages)
Age Recommendation: 16+
Rating: 4.5 stars
Reviewed by Poinsettia

Kaz Brekker and his crew have just pulled off a heist so daring even they didn’t think they’d survive. But instead of divvying up a fat reward, they’re right back to fighting for their lives. Double-crossed and badly weakened, the crew is low on resources, allies, and hope. As powerful forces from around the world descend on Ketterdam to root out the secrets of the dangerous drug known as jurda parem, old rivals and new enemies emerge to challenge Kaz’s cunning and test the team’s fragile loyalties. A war will be waged on the city’s dark and twisting streets―a battle for revenge and redemption that will decide the fate of the Grisha world.

Kaz is not a man to be crossed.

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Kaz and his band of thieves have pulled off a nearly impossible heist only to be double-crossed by the man paying them, Jan Van Eck. Not only did he refuse to pay them the money they deserve from completing their mission, but he has the audacity to kidnap Inej. Van Eck couldn’t have made a graver mistake. Inej is the heart and soul of the team. Though the crew’s ties were fragile in the beginning,  they all rally without hesitation to come to her rescue. I absolutely loved seeing Kaz’s crew bond in this tale. They worked together well in the first book, but a few of them never completely clicked with the others for various reasons. However, they are truly united now. Not only do they have common goals, but they genuinely care for each other and will stop at nothing to rescue Inej.

Kaz continues to be an extremely compelling character. He manages to seem simultaneously unbreakable and incredibly fragile. The more I read, the more I could see the tiny cracks in his tough exterior. Despite his larger than life reputation, Kaz is an incredibly damaged young man who never got over the trauma of his brother’s death.

Kaz and Inej continue to inch toward a relationship, but they are both so wounded that the gap between them seems impassible at times. As I predicted after reading Six of Crows, their relationship is about to change. Kaz finally makes a powerful and moving declaration that puts to rest any doubts Inej might have about his feelings for her.

Ms. Bardugo has again outdone herself with the elaborate plot and quick pacing of this novel. Kaz’s gift for planning and scheming never ceases to amaze me! Even when I thought I knew what the plan was, Kaz was never completely reveals everything. At times his crew own is never entirely sure what his ultimate plan is. Even when things go horribly wrong for his team, Kaz is somehow able to spin it toward their advantage. I feel sorry for anyone who gets in Kaz’s way.

I must warn readers that one member of the crew does not survive. My heart was absolutely crushed, especially when this character’s death seemed so pointless and avoidable. I keep asking myself why this character died. Was it simply to prove that the team wasn’t invulnerable? Kaz and his crew have suffered so much, it broke my heart to see them lose one of their own.

Crooked Kingdom is an excellent sequel to Six of Crows. I highly recommend both books to anyone looking for a fast-paced tale with an intriguing cast of characters.

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

Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo

October 15, 2018 By 2 Comments


Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo
Six of Crows #1
Publisher: Henry Holt and Company
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Length: Full Length (462 pgs)
Age Recommendation: 16+
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Poinsettia

Enter the Grishaverse with the #1 New York Times–bestselling Six of Crows.

Ketterdam: a bustling hub of international trade where anything can be had for the right price—and no one knows that better than criminal prodigy Kaz Brekker. Kaz is offered a chance at a deadly heist that could make him rich beyond his wildest dreams. But he can’t pull it off alone. . . .

A convict with a thirst for revenge.

A sharpshooter who can’t walk away from a wager.

A runaway with a privileged past.
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A spy known as the Wraith.

A Heartrender using her magic to survive the slums.

A thief with a gift for unlikely escapes.

Six dangerous outcasts. One impossible heist. Kaz’s crew is the only thing that might stand between the world and destruction—if they don’t kill each other first.

The fate of the world rests in the hands of one of Ketterdam’s most notorious criminals.

Kaz and his band of thieves are a motley crew, but they grew on me rather quickly. I couldn’t help but like them in spite of, or in some cases because of, their faults. Kaz is particularly interesting. He is dark, ruthless, and seemingly untouchable. He has an uncanny ability to predict people’s actions. It is extremely impressive. However, Kaz is very harsh, even to those closest to him. Despite his prickly attitude, Kaz does care about his odd crew. Unfortunately, Kaz views caring for others as a weakness. The more I learned about his devastating past, the more I understood why he thinks and behaves the way he does, including the tragic reason he never takes off his gloves.

Inej is definitely the character that binds the crew. She has a way of putting everyone at ease. Some members of the crew can barely stand each other, but everyone likes Inej. I especially enjoyed watching her friendship with Nina grow. Kaz and Inej have a strange chemistry. It is clear they both care for each other deeply, but have never been able to express it. There are so many emotionally charged moments between them. I held my breath wondering if this moment would be the one that changes everything. Unfortunately, Kaz lets these moments slip away. I couldn’t help but be a bit frustrated. However, I do believe their relationship is on the cusp of a change.

Nina and Matthias are also a very odd couple. Their personalities clash quite a bit. He is so serious and she is so vibrant and full of life. Despite the stark contrast in their natures, I actually think they could be very good for each other. They have a lot of good and bad history. Yet, underneath it all they have simmering chemistry. It is going to take a lot of work to overcome their differences, but I think it will be worth it in the end.

Aside from having wonderfully rounded characters, Six of Crows has excellent pacing. Once the crew is assembled and begins planning the heist, I couldn’t put the book down. Kaz’s plan is crazy and yet plausible given the talents of each member of the team. Of course, nothing goes quite how it was planned. I raced through the pages wondering what would happen next and was consistently amazed at how they improvised and adapted to each changing situation. Even when things looked bleak, they still managed to find a way. Sadly, there will be serious repercussions for a particular member of the crew.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Six of Crows. The ending is satisfying, but the story is definitely not over. Kaz and his crew have a new mission of a much more personal nature, and I can’t wait to see what happens next!

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

Claire’s Last Secret by Marty Ambrose

September 21, 2018 By Leave a Comment


Claire’s Last Secret by Marty Ambrose
A Claire Clairmont historical mystery
Publisher: Severn House
Genre: Historical, Suspense/Mystery
Length: Full Length (182 pgs)
Rating: 4.5 stars
Reviewed by Poinsettia

A tragic death leads Claire Clairmont to be haunted by her past and the ‘summer of 1816’ she shared with Byron and Shelley in this first in an intriguing new historical trilogy.

1873, Florence. Claire Clairmont, the last survivor of the ‘haunted summer of 1816’ Byron/Shelley circle, is living out her final years in genteel poverty, but the appearance of British tourist, William Michael Rossetti, brings hope that she may be able to sell some of her memorabilia to earn enough cash to support her and her niece/companion, Paula.

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One summer changed Claire’s life forever.

Claire is a fascinating character who has never regretted living life on her own terms. She’s impulsive and driven by her emotions. Living with such passion and intensity has brought her joy and sadness. Old age has done little to mellow Claire. She still has a fiery spirit, but when I compare the sections from 1816 to those from 1873, it is clear Claire has learned to think before she acts. I enjoyed getting to know Claire in her youth and maturity.

There is still so much I want to know about Claire and her life. I definitely need to know the fate of Claire’s daughter. I also want to explore Claire’s relationships more, particularly with her stepsister Mary. I found their relationship a bit strange. They spent most of their lives together, but at some point, there was in irreparable rift between them. I’d like to know why. They seemed so close at times, and then at others Mary seemed very insecure about Claire’s friendship with Percy Shelley. Mary’s jealously is completely unfounded in my opinion. Anyone could have seen that Claire only had eyes for Byron.

I really enjoyed the atmosphere that Ms. Ambrose has created. This isn’t a book to race through. Part of the joy in reading it is soaking in all the details of the world around Claire and all the interesting people she’s met. I think it can be a bit difficult to get past viewing Byron and Percy and Mary Shelley solely as giants of literature. However, I think it is important to remember they were real people who loved, lost, and had problems just like everyone else. Ms. Ambrose made them realistic and relatable.

I must say I think the ending is much too abrupt. In fact, it is the sole reason I didn’t give this tale a five-star rating. Much of the book slowly builds tension concerning the mystery of Claire’s daughter and how it connects to a tragic incident in Claire’s present. I relished trying to discern which events in 1873 had roots in 1816. It seemed like anyone could be the enemy, and I enjoyed sifting through everyone’s actions and words trying to discover any hidden motivations. All of a sudden it was over. In the space of a few pages several major events were explained in ways I didn’t find particularly satisfying and didn’t seem to fit with the rest of the story. I can only hope the sequel addresses some of my concerns in greater detail.

I am so glad I had the opportunity to read Claire’s Last Secret. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Claire and can’t wait to learn more about her. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a historical mystery to savor.

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

Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin

September 18, 2018 By 1 Comment


Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin
Publisher: Little, Brown and Company
Genre: Action/Adventure, Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Middle Grade
Length: Full Length (278 pgs)
Age Recommendation: 8+
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Poinsettia

This stunning fantasy inspired by Chinese folklore is a companion novel to Starry River of the Sky and the New York Times bestselling and National Book Award finalist When the Sea Turned to Silver

In the valley of Fruitless mountain, a young girl named Minli lives in a ramshackle hut with her parents. In the evenings, her father regales her with old folktales of the Jade Dragon and the Old Man on the Moon, who knows the answers to all of life’s questions. Inspired by these stories, Minli sets off on an extraordinary journey to find the Old Man on the Moon to ask him how she can change her family’s fortune. She encounters an assorted cast of characters and magical creatures along the way, including a dragon who accompanies her on her quest for the ultimate answer.

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Who knew a goldfish could set Minli on the adventure of a lifetime?

Minli’s family works hard but are very poor. Yet Minli still finds joy in her life. She is captivated by the stories her father, Ba, tells every night. While Minli delights in her father’s tales, her mother, Ma, does not. Ma sees little use in telling stories of magic and treasure when their life is so dull and dreary. I found it extremely sad to watch Ma’s bitterness taint the happiness Minli found in the stories. In an attempt to change her family’s fortune, Minli buys a goldfish, which only further upsets Ma. Even though it is done unintentionally, Ma’s sour attitude has deeply affected Minli. Determined to change her family’s life and make Ma happy, Minli sets off on a quest to find the Old Man of the Moon and ask him how to change her family’s fortune. Can one small girl find the Old Man of the Moon?

Minli is a great heroine and role model for children. She is smart, resourceful, kind, and brave. She cares deeply for her parents as well as the friends she makes on her journey. When she leaves home, she isn’t running away from her parents or her life. She’s searching for a way to make it better. I must add I am extremely glad to see parents portrayed in a positive and loving manner. I have read too many books for children and teens in which parents are absent, indifferent, or neglectful. It is clear Minli’s parents love her very much and are anxious for her return.

Minli’s story is broken up by many small stories which are relevant to her journey, and I love how Ms. Lin wove all these tales and together. As I read, I began to see links forming between them. It was interesting to see how they all connected not only to each other, but also to Minli’s story.

Minli began her quest with the desire to change her family’s fortune. However, when she finally meets the Old Man of the Moon, she faces an unexpected dilemma and a difficult choice. I won’t spoil the ending, but I will say Minli’s response to the situation is beautiful, and I couldn’t have asked for a better ending to such a lovely story.

I had so much fun reading Where the Mountain Meets the Moon. It is a wonderful tale of family and friendship. I highly recommend it to readers young and old alike.

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

My Lady Jane by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton and Jodi Meadows

September 17, 2018 By 1 Comment


My Lady Jane by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton and Jodi Meadows
Publisher: Harper Teen
Genre: Historical, Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Length: Full Length (491 pgs)
Age Recommendation: 14+
Rating: 4.5 stars
Reviewed by Poinsettia

In My Lady Jane, coauthors Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, and Jodi Meadows have created a one-of-a-kind YA fantasy in the tradition of The Princess Bride, featuring a reluctant king, an even more reluctant queen, a noble steed, and only a passing resemblance to actual history—because sometimes history needs a little help.

At sixteen, Lady Jane Grey is about to be married off to a stranger and caught up in a conspiracy to rob her cousin, King Edward, of his throne. But those trifling problems aren’t for Jane to worry about. Jane gets to be Queen of England.

Like that could go wrong.

My Lady Jane is definitely not a story you’ve read in any history book!

When I first picked up My Lady Jane, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I knew it was supposed to be a humorous, alternate history version of the story of Lady Jane Grey, but since the reality of her story is far from funny I had no idea how this could work. My curiosity was piqued, and I eagerly dove in with an open mind.
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My Lady Jane is told from three viewpoints, Jane, Gifford (or G as he prefers to be called), and Edward. The switches between each character are clearly marked and never confusing. Telling the story from multiple viewpoints kept the plot moving along at a great pace. In fact, I found it hard to put the book down. Each time I finished a section I couldn’t help but keep reading to see what one of the other characters were up to.

I love the authors’ sense of humor. At times it is witty, absurd, or even tinged with a bit of seriousness.

“I asked him to change back to talk to me, but he won’t,” Jane said. “It’s disrespectful to remain a horse in the bedchamber, I should think.”

Desperate to console her he almost considered shouting, “Quick, someone get her a book! Any book!”

Quotes like these kept me giggling as I read. It takes skill to maintain a consistent level of humor throughout a book, and the authors’ do this well. It never once felt forced or overdone. Even the periodic interjections from the narrators were well timed and spaced and always entertaining.

Despite this tale being very funny, the plot is compelling. I cared about Jane, G, and Edward and could see real character growth in all three of them. Jane and G were a great couple. To say their relationship got off to a rough start is an understatement, but this made watching them slowly shift from animosity to friendship, and finally love all the more satisfying.

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the magic of the Eðians as this is a key element in the story. Eðians have the ability to turn into animals. Shape shifting appears to be an inherited trait, but what sort of animal a person becomes seems to be individual, meaning members of the same family wouldn’t necessarily all turn into the same animal. It was so much fun to see not only who turned out to be an Eðian, but also what animal they changed into. The final Eðian reveal is priceless!

My Lady Jane far exceeded my expectations! I highly recommend this delightful book to anyone looking for a lighthearted tale full of comedy, romance, and magic.

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

A Flame in the Night by Holland C. Kirbo

August 30, 2018 By Leave a Comment


A Flame in the Night by Holland C. Kirbo
The Legends of Aewyr #1
Publisher: Illadian Publishing
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Length: Full Length (383 pgs)
Age Recommendation: 14+
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Poinsettia

She alone has the power to stop Maal, the dark god of Hael, from destroying her world. Can she trust her powers and guard her heart, or will she lose herself to the flames?

In the land of Aewyr, the immortals stand as mankind’s last hope against Maal and his supernatural army of darkness, but the immortals have their limits. The kingdom of Ceredwyn watches and waits, praying for a savior. When eighteen-year-old Lakyn Trahearne annihilates a zuhl by immolating him, she’s not the only one stunned. Such power has never been granted by the gods, even to immortals. She’s young, and by all accounts, she’s human, and her powers are beyond comprehension. Ceredwyn may have found its champion.

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Nothing and no one have stopped Maal’s steady advance. But Lakyn’s powers have awakened, and love and loss are potent fuels within her. When Maal’s forces threaten the Ceredwyn royal family, Lakyn and Reuel must set aside their friction to protect the ones they love . . . If Lakyn can control the untamed powers within her and stand against the darkness that threatens them all.

Lakyn’s nightmares are about to become very real.

Lakyn’s has a good life. Even though she’s been touched by sorrow, she finds security in her loving, close knit family. When her nephew is born, Lakyn and her family are thrilled. Unfortunately, the moment Lakyn touches him, she has a terrible vision, and the nightmares that have plagued her for as long as she can remember, become more intense. Are they simply nightmares, or warnings?

When Lakyn’s family is attacked, her former life is ripped to pieces. The stories her mother used to tell her about immortals turn out to be true. Unfortunately, Maal and his army are very real as well. Lakyn barely has time to recover from tragedy before she begins training to control the power building within her. There are times when Lakyn just wants to run away and hide yet she keeps going. I admire her strength and determination. I like that Lakyn isn’t magically great at everything when her power manifests. Her training is gritty and realistic. I am curious as to why Lakyn never showed any sign of being different before her family was attacked. Did it take tragedy to unlock her power or was it simply the right time?

Lakyn and Reuel are a strange pair. I must admit I’m still not entirely comfortable with their love/hate relationship. Lakyn definitely set the tone from the first moment they met. She was harsh when Reuel was just trying to help. I completely understand she has been through a lot and her emotions are all over the place. However, she frequently speaks before thinking and hurts those around her. Often, Lakyn immediately regrets her outbursts and apologizes. However, she doesn’t seem able to apologize to Reuel. At least not very often. Reuel also becomes agitated and abrasive the more time he spends with Lakyn. One moment they love each other and the next they can barely stand to be in the same room. I found this confusing. When Reuel reveals a bit about his past, I began to understand his volatile mood swings, but Lakyn and Reuel still have a lot to sort out.

I’m intrigued by the gods, immortals, and forces they battle. Ms. Kirbo provided some of their history, but there is so much more I’d like to learn. I’m especially curious about Reuel. There is clearly something strange going on with his family. I hope my questions will be answered in the sequel!

I’m glad I read A Flame in the Night. The world Ms. Kirbo has created and the characters that inhabit it are thought provoking. I relish the opportunity to return to Aewyr to learn more!

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

When Dimple Met Rishi by Sandhya Menon

August 28, 2018 By 3 Comments


When Dimple Met Rishi by Sandhya Menon
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full Length (378 pgs)
Age Recommendation: 14+
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Poinsettia

Dimple Shah has it all figured out. With graduation behind her, she’s more than ready for a break from her family, from Mamma’s inexplicable obsession with her finding the “Ideal Indian Husband.” Ugh. Dimple knows they must respect her principles on some level, though. If they truly believed she needed a husband right now, they wouldn’t have paid for her to attend a summer program for aspiring web developers…right?

Rishi Patel is a hopeless romantic. So when his parents tell him that his future wife will be attending the same summer program as him—wherein he’ll have to woo her—he’s totally on board. Because as silly as it sounds to most people in his life, Rishi wants to be arranged, believes in the power of tradition, stability, and being a part of something much bigger than himself.

The Shahs and Patels didn’t mean to start turning the wheels on this “suggested arrangement” so early in their children’s lives, but when they noticed them both gravitate toward the same summer program, they figured, Why not?
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Dimple and Rishi may think they have each other figured out. But when opposites clash, love works hard to prove itself in the most unexpected ways.

How bad can a first impression be?

Dimple and Rishi’s first meeting is nothing short of epic. I can’t say much without spoiling it, but the first words out of Rishi’s mouth provoke a very strong reaction in Dimple. Rishi has such high expectations and everything that could go wrong does. It is certainly an unusual way to start a relationship. I felt so sorry for Rishi and couldn’t help but cheer him on in his quest to make things right.

Rishi is probably one of the best heroes I’ve come across. He has an air of quiet confidence about him that’s very appealing. I think it took a lot of courage to face Dimple after their catastrophic encounter, and even more courage to convince her they just might make a good couple. Rishi’s efforts to win Dimple over are sweet, thoughtful, and sincere. He’s persistent, not pushy, and never makes empty grand gestures. He does things because he genuinely cares about Dimple and wants to see her happy.

Dimple is very intense and passionate, which is wonderful. She’s also very driven to succeed in her chosen career and won’t let anything stand in her way, even love. While Dimple is impressed by Rishi’s attempts to win her heart, she maintains a guard around her heart. Dimple seems to believe she has to choose between love and her career, and that having one means sacrificing the other. I found this incredibly sad, especially since Rishi never once asked her to chose between him and her passion.

Dimple and Rishi are so good for each other. Their personalities are very complementary, and they push each other to be the best they can be. Of course, the road to their happy ending isn’t easy. They are young and on the cusp of a new phase in their lives. The world is scary, exciting and full of promise. As the summer ends, Dimple and Rishi have a decision to make. Is their relationship a summer romance, or something more?

I thoroughly enjoyed reading When Dimple Met Rishi. Dimple and Rishi are wonderful characters and it was a pleasure watching them fall in love. I’ll be reading more of Ms. Menon’s work very soon.

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

Secrets of Bennett Hall by Jordan Elizabeth

August 6, 2018 By 1 Comment


Secrets of Bennett Hall by Jordan Elizabeth
Return to Amston Book 2
Publisher: Curiosity Quills Press
Genre: Historical, Paranormal, Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Suspense/Mystery, YA
Length: Full Length (197 pgs)
Age Recommendation: 16+
Rating: 4.5 stars
Reviewed by Poinsettia

Darkness once twisted Adelaide Dinsmore’s mind, but she thought she had grown out of that. Her job as a teacher in Hedlund proved that – until she discovers one of her students dead and the town turns against her. As her mind starts to crumble, she is offered a new job, this time as a governess for Gentleman Bennett’s granddaughter back east.

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Then, Theodora begins to speak of a Villain who haunts secret passages in the manor, and Adelaide stumbles upon a sealed off wing where ghosts whisper from the shadows. Twisted inventions fill the basement and the villagers are wary of the Bennett family.

The longer she stays at Bennett Hall, the less likely her chance for escape, but she cannot leave Theodora or Joseph. The darkness in her mind might be the only thing to save them.

The past won’t let Adelaide go.

Adelaide is a magnet for trouble. She triumphed over the troubles of her childhood only to have tragedy strike again when one of her students dies under suspicious circumstances. Adelaide had my sympathy from the very first page. It is clear she cares for her students and had nothing to do with the death of the young girl, yet the town is determined to blame her. Adelaide isn’t even given a chance to defend herself and is sure her prospects as a teacher are ruined. Miraculously, a position as a governess falls into her lap, but is it too good to be true?

Adelaide is a strong young woman. With the love and support of her parents, she’s overcome the troubles of her past to become an accomplished teacher. When she accepts the position with the Bennett family, Adelaide is once again looking toward the future. However, I immediately suspected that all was not well at Bennett Hall. Theodora is a sweet girl, but everyone else behaves so strangely. Parts of the house and property are sealed off or forbidden, and strange noises haunt the night. The darkness surrounding Bennett Hall is suffocating. I wouldn’t have spent more than one night in such a creepy place, but Adelaide is determined to protect Theodora even if it means putting herself at risk. Joseph is a ray of sunshine at Bennett Hall. His kindness and warmth toward Adelaide immediately won me over. It was a pleasure to watch them fall in love and face the evil in Bennett Hall together.

Secrets of Bennett Hall is a very good read. The eerie atmosphere gave me goosebumps, and as the truth of Bennett Hall’s past is gradually revealed, I was truly horrified. I was on the edge of my seat wondering how it all end, and I must say the conclusion was unexpected. While this book is part to in the Return to Amston series, it stands alone extremely well. I highly recommend Secrets of Bennett Hall to anyone looking for a spine-chilling Gothic tale with a touch of romance.

Filed Under: Mystery/Suspense, Reviews, Science Fiction/Fantasy, YA/Middle Grade/Children's Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,

A Legacy of Love and Murder by Brenda Whiteside

July 11, 2018 By 1 Comment


A Legacy of Love and Murder by Brenda Whiteside
The Love and Murder Series Book 3
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Contemporary, Suspense/Mystery
Length: Full Length (321 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Poinsettia

In Austria to meet her great-grandfather and explore his castle estate filled with priceless art, August Myer arrives to find he’s died suspiciously. As one of the heirs, her life is in danger, turning this fairytale Alpine adventure into a nightmare of veiled threats, unexplained accidents, and murder.

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When August learns the handsome inspector is concealing a personal involvement, and the death of her great-grandfather is somehow connected, she takes the investigation into her own hands. The outcome could be the death of both of them.

August and her mother uncover more than family history on their trip to Austria.

August and her mother, Lacy, had high hopes for their trip to Austria. It was a chance to connect with long lost relatives and take in the beauty and history of the estate. Unfortunately, they don’t receive the warm welcome they were hoping for. August’s great-grandfather is dead and his widow, Eike, and nephew, Fabian, make it clear they see August and Lacy as intruders. In spite of it all, August and Lacy stay in the castle, but are they living with a murderer?

August is a fun character. She is spunky and certainly not afraid to speak her mind. She isn’t ruffled by Eike and Fabian’s chilly attitude. Her enjoyment of history and art leaps off the pages, and it was a joy to watch her explore the castle. August and Tobias have great chemistry from the start. Even though their personalities are very different, I think they make an interesting pair. August is a take action sort of woman, and I admire that about her. However, she does have a tendency to be impulsive and jump to conclusions. Tobias is more of a planner. He likes to gather as much information as he can before he makes a move. I think their skills complement each other nicely, and I enjoyed watching them work together.

The culprit of the crime is revealed well before the book ends. The suspense comes from watching August and Tobias solve the puzzle piece by piece. The tension is further increased as the murderer becomes increasingly bold in their efforts to prevent August from solving the mystery. I was on the edge of my seat wondering how far the villain would go!

I really enjoyed reading A Legacy of Love and Murder. The pacing and suspense are very well done, and Tobias and August make a great couple. While this is book three in the series, it stands alone very well. Fans of romantic suspense would do well to pick up a copy today.

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