Grimwell by Michael Belanger
Publisher: Woodhall Press
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Romance, Contemporary
Rating: 5 Stars
Reviewed by Astilbe
Embark on an unforgettable journey into the enchanting realm of Grimwell, where books wield an unexpected power to shape destinies. Meet Derek Winnebaker, a spirited barista with a penchant for literature and a taste for strong coffee. When Derek stumbles upon a novel detailing the whimsical adventures of a fantasy creature known as a grimkin, he finds himself irresistibly drawn into its fantastical world.
Using the book as his guide, Derek bravely navigates through life’s twists and turns, transforming from a downtrodden bystander into a courageous protagonist. From mustering the courage to ask out his crush to standing up to his tyrannical boss, Derek’s journey mirrors the epic saga unfolding within the pages of his newfound literary companion. Yet, just as Derek begins to master his narrative, the whims of fate take a dark turn reminiscent of Kafka’s surreal tales, challenging Derek’s agency in his own story.
In this captivating blend of comedy, romance, and twisted fairy tale, Grimwell prompts readers to ponder the profound influence of literature on our lives. Will Derek seize control of his destiny, or will he remain ensnared in the machinations of an unseen narrator? Prepare to be enthralled and enlightened as Grimwell invites you to reconsider the power of storytelling and the choices that shape our realities.
September Book of the Month Poll Winner ~ Grimwell by Michael Belanger
All I Know by Holly C. LaBarbera
All I Know by Holly C. LaBarbera
Publisher: Buckberg Mountain Books
Genre: Contemporary, Mainstream fiction
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by ChollaDespite childhood trauma and tragedy, Kai Martin has never given up, rising from devastation to rebuild her life over and over again, in this inspiring story of strength and resilience.
Kai sees her life as a series of concentric circles—her twin brother Kade occupying the center sphere with her, their parents surrounding them in the next, and the Tyler family in the outer loop, a connection Kai plans to make official by someday marrying Josh Tyler. The Martins and Tylers share memorable times together, but under the surface, they are two dysfunctional families struggling with alcoholism, depression, and abuse, all of which leads to a horrifying event that knocks Kai off her axis and makes her doubt everything she thought she knew.
Josh is there through it all, and Kai eventually gets the romance she dreamed of, embarking on a life of travel and adventure with the boy she always loved. Yet reality is more complicated than any childhood fantasy, and when painful family patterns are reenacted between them, Kai must decide how much of herself she is willing to sacrifice for Josh.
Ultimately, Kai must confront the heartbreaking truth that as much as we try to help the people we love, we can only truly save ourselves.
Kai’s life hasn’t ever been easy, but it has been consistent. The presence of her family and their friends, the Tyler’s, is the most constant thing in her life. Neither family is perfect, but they are always there for each other, in their own awkward, dysfunctional way. For Kai, Josh Tyler, her best friend’s older brother, is a light in the dark throughout it all.
Despite living through tragedy and a childhood full of dysfunction, addiction, and violence, Kai never let it deter her from living the life she dreamed. She really blossoms into her own person when she manages to leave home to attend college in California. Reacquainting herself with her childhood crush – Josh Tyler – is the final step in her transformation. However, her strong will and independence are often sapped whenever Josh is around.
Throughout the entire story, Kai is pushing for Josh’s love, wanting what she’d dreamed of having since she was six years old. At times, it blinds her to the truth, and at others, she’s able to see more clearly and accept things as they truly are. She follows a desperate track, one that drags her into a vicious cycle of happiness that turns sour and nearly ends in destruction. It’s heartbreaking to watch Kai struggle and succeed, only to fall back into old habits.
Told through Kai’s eyes, as well as through a series of letters, All I Know, is an engaging and heart wrenching story of growing up and moving beyond your past to find the true you. Sometimes that means making bad decisions and owning up to them, something that Kai becomes an expert at by the end of the novel. A fantastic, if often tough, read, All I Know touches on some rough topics, but in a very real way, one that doesn’t sugarcoat the harsh truths of life.
Death Message by Damien Boyd
Death Message by Damien Boyd
Publisher: Thomas & Mercer Publishers
Genre: Contemporary, Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by FernGraffiti is a dying art in this thriller from the bestselling DI Nick Dixon crime series.
A routine missing person enquiry takes a grisly turn when a young couple drag a box containing human remains out of a Somerset river. The victim was a surveillance expert investigating an exaggerated injury claim—a murder with an obvious motive, until a police officer is implicated and suspended.
Still brooding after his recent brush with police Professional Standards, Detective Chief Inspector Nick Dixon is on extended leave, helping his pregnant fiancée, Detective Sergeant Jane Winter, fight for her place on the major investigation team.
Convinced that the death of an art student is connected, Dixon returns to duty, and when graffiti depicting the murders starts to appear, the race is on to find the artist and the murderer. But, why the paintings? Could an infamous street artist be involved?
With colleagues questioning his every move, Dixon must stop a sadistic killer before another life is taken. Then a second art student is reported missing…
Detective Sergeant Jane Winter has no problem taking a new probational officer Sarah Loveday under her wing when the officer brings what at first appeared to be a routine missing persons report to Jane’s attention. As they begin to follow the usual procedure it soon becomes apparent that this missing person is anything except ordinary. And when parts of the person are found in a local river – dismembered and weighted down – it doesn’t take long for Jane’s fiancé, currently on leave DCI Nick Dixon to also find his curiosity roused. Can they uncover the various messages layered in this unusual case?
With DCI Dixon taking a slightly more back seat than usual in this novel I found I really enjoyed Jane’s time to step up and be fully one of the main characters in this novel. As Dixon’s fiancé and team member Jane has been a strong secondary for quite a few books now, but I really enjoyed seeing her both take a more active role, but also help train and lead what I feel might become the newest character in their team.
Readers should definitely feel able to pick up this book and read without any of the prior novels – this book stands very well by itself and certainly the plot is completed encapsulated here, with a clear beginning and a satisfying ending with the loose threads all cleared away. Readers who enjoy a solid and well plotted British police procedural should find this pacing and storyline definitely meets their expectations and readers who have enjoyed previous books in this series should be aware that there is a character death in this story. I personally felt the death was very well handled and sensitively treated.
Readers looking for something very high action or intense might not feel this book quite meets that criterion, but personally I’d much prefer a well plotted storyline with plenty of twists and turns as more of the mystery is slowly uncovered. There is some really good police work here and I definitely felt like this was an exceptional mystery. Readers who enjoy most British police procedural style books should feel this is a book well worth the time invested in it.
The Destiny Equation by J.S. Frankel
The Destiny Equation by J.S. Frankel
Publisher: Extasy Books
Genre: Young Adult (14 – 18 y.o.), Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Romance, Contemporary
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by AstilbeTempting fate. Is it fixed, or can you fight against it? Jordan Maduro and his girlfriend, Lydia Horiuchi, are about to find out!
Two universes, two lives… one shared fate. Jordan Maduro and Lydia Horiuchi come from two different Earths, but they share a destiny, one that could either mean their salvation—or their destruction.
Adventure is right around the corner.
The pacing was strong and exciting. This was one of those cases where I couldn’t find a good stopping spot when I needed to do something other than read for a while. No sooner did Jordan and Lydia get out of one sticky situation than they soon found themselves in another one thanks to fun plot twists and, in some cases, characters who didn’t do what I expected them to do in all sorts of creative ways. As much as I want to share specific scenes here, I don’t want to spoil anything for other readers given just how many surprises were packed into these pages and how closely entwined some of them are to each other. All I can say is to expect the unexpected, beware of moments that feel peaceful, and don’t assume that the way our world works is necessarily going to be repeated in other universes.
What held this back from a higher rating for me was the character development. There were details about Lydia and Jordan’s lives that were never fleshed out. For example, I wondered why both of them had spent so much of their childhoods in foster care without anyone adopting them. Normally, young, healthy children who can’t reunite with their birth families are adopted pretty quickly where I live, so it surprised me that these two had grown up in foster care. I would have also liked to learn more about their personalities and hobbies as I’d struggle to describe those things in much detail.
As usual, Mr. Frankel did an excellent job with his world building. I’ve been reviewing his books for about a decade now, and his ability to immerse his audience in worlds that have so many important differences from our own is one of the many reasons why I try to be the first reviewer to request his works whenever Long and Short Reviews receives them. I especially loved his descriptions of how one logs into the Internet or makes dinner in this particular world, but I really should leave the details of that for others to discover for themselves just like I did earlier. It was well worth the wait once it did show up in the plot.
The Destiny Equation was an engrossing read.
Crossing Day by William A. Glass
Crossing Day by William A. Glass
Publisher: Self Published
Genre: Young Adult, Alternate History, Suspense
Rated: 3 stars
Review by GingerIt’s been one hundred and sixty years since the Confederacy won its independence at the Battle of Altamaha Crossing. Slaves of African descent still perform most of the work in the South. This seems normal to Ryan Walters and his friends who attend high school in Huntsville, Alabama. Like teens everywhere, they enjoy sharing videos, playing sports, and hanging out with friends. Jaybird’s drive-in is their favorite gathering place. There, they befriend Mish, a slave girl who works as a car hop. When the drive-in’s owner sells Mish to a dirty old man, Ryan and his friends awaken to the injustice around them. Despite the danger, they decide to help Mish escape. Will they succeed?
I was drawn to Crossing Day for its unique perspective on American history. Set in a world where the Confederacy won the Battle of Altamaha Crossing, part of the American Civil War, the novel explores the lasting consequences of slavery and the continued oppression of marginalized groups.
The author skillfully weaves a complex narrative that parallels the horrors of the Nazi regime, highlighting the enduring themes of prejudice, injustice, and the power of human resilience. While the book’s heavy subject matter may not appeal to all readers, it offers a thought-provoking exploration of history and its impact on society. I could not help but make the connection between Isabel Wilkerson’s book titled Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents, and how both books link the system of slavery in America with the Nazis’ use of racist theories to label groups of people as inferior.
Crossing Day is an enjoyable read that I would recommend to teenagers and young adults, and if they like soccer they will probably enjoy the context of the book even more. One of the novel’s strengths is that the author’s vivid imagination creates an engaging plot for younger readers through relatable characters. Though the theme can be seen as heavy and sensitive it resonates deeply and prompts moments of reflection on personal values and had me looking to see what bias I may have. The author offers a reminder of history, its impact on society and various cultures, and the importance of standing against cruel and oppressive laws and actions.
Melanie Montgomery, the mayor’s daughter, never gave much thought about having slaves and how wrong it was. Her friends, who only thought of their time in high school, soccer games, and hanging out at Jaybird’s now have a newfound sense of justice as they embark on their mission to help Mish flee her fate. The teenagers’ journey of selflessness, courage, and activism are inspiring and thought-provoking. However, the frequent shifts in perspective and the overwhelming number of characters can be disorienting at times. Some of the character’s stories end abruptly and feel a little disjointed. This did not give me much time to develop a connection with the characters, nonetheless, I felt empathy for them because of their circumstances.
Since the book is titled after the Battle of Altamaha Crossing, I would have appreciated a more in-depth exploration of its significance. There are a few paragraphs where Bryson Walters explains to his son Ryan why they commemorate Crossing Day, however, I was confused why Bryson would celebrate Crossing Day when he is part of The Resistance group that is against General Van Dorn.
Through the journey of standing up against injustice, some gained insight, adapted, and joined the fight. However, those who choose to control with power and prejudice will see that there is redemption in a just world. Ryan and his friends demonstrate resilience and offer inspiration and examples of selflessness where the world needs it. In summary, Crossing Day is a compelling and thought-provoking novel offering a unique perspective on American history. Its exploration of themes such as prejudice, injustice, and the power of human resilience makes it a valuable book for readers of all ages.
Pent Up Thoughts by James B. Agape
Pent Up Thoughts by James B. Agape
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Non-Fiction, Poetry, Inspirational, Contemporary
Rating: 3 Stars
Reviewed by Astilbe“Pent Up Thoughts” is a remarkable collection of journaled thoughts, messages, and poems that shine a captivating light on the complex depths of mental health and self-care. This book beckons readers to take a soul-stirring voyage, delving into the complexities of anxiety, depression, self-love and acceptance, relationships, coping mechanisms, healing, and the widespread stigmas surrounding mental health. Divided into six sections, each part sheds light on an indispensable angle of the mental well-being experience, beautifully intertwined with self-care, resilience, and hope topics. This collection seeks to provide solace, inspiration, and a sense of connection to those battling mental health challenges or searching for a deeper understanding of the human experience and themselves.
Hope is essential and can be found in even the hardest circumstances.
I appreciated the time and effort the author put into describing just how exhausting and hopeless life can feel when someone is struggling with anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues. Even small steps in the right direction can feel as difficult as running a marathon or climbing Mount Everest. This isn’t always something that people who have never struggled with mental illness can easily understand, so I was glad to see it spelled out so clearly. Understanding that headspace is imperative to beginning to heal as well as to figuring out how to help someone who feels trapped by their illness.
The repetition in this book made it difficult for my interest levels to remain high. Certain points were brought up in almost every chapter without clear explanations as to why the author was mentioning them again. This would have been more effective if those sentences were trimmed down or if new information was included in later references to those subjects in my opinion.
The poems were beautiful, and I appreciated their steady cadence and rhyming schemes. Mr. Agape used those rules to explore the wide variety of emotions he experienced before, during, and after his diagnosis became official. There’s beauty to be found everywhere in life, especially in the parts of it that most people would struggle with if it happened to them. He has a real flair for this form of writing and it is my hope that he will be able to publish more of it soon. If or when there’s another poetry collection from him, I’d love to read it!
I should note that I was not aware this was an inspirational title when I requested it. The religious content is an occasional part of the author’s advice and takes up about ten to fifteen percent of the entire book. Still, it was and still is an important part of his life and healing process, so it was interesting to see how his faith affected the choices he made as he struggled with the hardest portions of his mental illness.
Pent Up Thoughts was thought provoking.
Obliteration Circle by Tommy B. Smith
Obliteration Circle by Tommy B. Smith
Black Carmenia #3
Publisher: Raven Tale Publishing
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Paranormal, Historical
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by AstilbeWhen the black-bound journal of Claude de la Cour fell into Chloe’s possession, the secret passages and hidden signposts of the world became revealed to her. With these discoveries, entities from beyond have marked her for destruction.
While investigating a series of ghastly deaths on the south Louisiana bayou, she is targeted by a terror she cannot fight. The burning circles in the dark intend to obliterate her and everyone around her. Fleeing for her life, Chloe’s days have become a desperate battle for survival.
Against such forces, is any escape or means of defense even possible?
Beware the bayou.
One of the things I’ve enjoyed the most about this world so far has to do with the characters’ realistic reactions to supernatural experiences that they don’t understand. They generally had a mixture of disbelief, curiosity, and deep fear that made it difficult for them to decide what to do in the heat of the moment. Some ran away as fast as they could while others made the courageous – if also sometimes foolish – decision to investigate further. In my experience, this is exactly how people tend to react in real life to unexpected and frightening events, so it was refreshing to see it play out in fiction the same way. Each character was still an individual, but human nature tended to guide all of them along similar paths as they attempted to figure out what was really going on.
I struggled a little with keeping track of the large cast of characters in this book. Some of them were people mentioned in the first two instalments of this series, but many more were new to the universe and therefore needed to be introduced during a fast-paced plot. It would have been helpful to have some more guidance about who all of the new folks were and what their personalities were like as that’s something that plays a big role in how someone reacts to things that they cannot yet explain.
The horror elements of the plot had a nice mixture of psychological, supernatural, and physical causes. Yes, there were a few gory scenes, but many more were about building tension for characters who were fumbling around with a few clues and didn’t always know if they were on the right track. That’s exactly what I like to see in this genre.
This is the third book in a series that I’d recommend reading in order for plot and character development reasons.
Obliteration Circle was wonderfully scary.
Ask The Parrot by Richard Stark
Ask The Parrot by Richard Stark
Publisher: The University Of Chicago Press
Genre: Contemporary, Mystery/Suspense/Thriller, Action/Adventure
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by FernIn Ask the Parrot, the followup to Nobody Runs Forever, ruthless thief Parker is back on the run, dodging dogs, cops, and even a helicopter. His escape brings him to rural Massachusetts, where he is forced to work with a small-town recluse nursing a grudge against the racetrack that fired him. Even in hiding, Parker manages to get up to no good. It’ll be a deadly day at the races . . .
On the run from the law, Parker is trying to find somewhere to lay low until the worst of the heat passes. Finding a semblance of refuge in a small town with a hermit who has a big idea, Parker is determined to make the situation work for him. But can they both turn their fortunes around and stay out of the grasp of the law?
While there is a thread interweaving through all the Parker books, by and large they all stand very well on their own. The last three books ever written, however, are a little more closely linked – and this is the middle book of that. While in one respect I do feel anyone can pick this book up by itself and thoroughly enjoy the lean, gritty and slightly old-fashioned hard-boiled heist novel, I equally really do feel a deeper connection and enjoyment would be had if the reader had also read the previous book to this – “Nobody Runs Forever”.
This book picks up mere minutes after where Nobody Runs Forever leaves off, and while it’s extremely clear the main thrust of what occurred in that book (three robbers got away with a large sum of money, one of whom was Parker) a lot of the depth of trouble Parker currently finds himself in really is laid as groundwork in the previous book. That said, this is an exceptionally well written story, and I did love how the seemingly unconnected people in the small town all began to weave together into their story – rather like a tar baby sucking everything in and not letting anything fully go.
If you haven’t read the previous books in this series, I can strongly recommend them. This is a brilliant series and a superb set of gritty, slightly grim and very lean heist novels that have utterly enthralled me these last few years. I will be deeply sorry to read the last one (there’s only one more left for me in this series) and since the author passed away a number of years ago this time there’s really no hope for any more to come.
With an older style of writing that remains refreshingly wonderful even in this modern era, this is a great series and an excellent book. I’m actually looking forward to going back to the start of the series and re-discovering them all again. Highly recommended.
Navigating ADHD: A Parent’s Guide to Cultivating Strength, Resilience and Connection by Emily Lawson
Navigating ADHD: A Parent’s Guide to Cultivating Strength, Resilience and Connection by Emily Lawson
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Non-Fiction, Contemporary
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by AstilbeDiscover how to rewire your child’s ADHD brain into a path of strength and joy for your child and you. It’s another hectic morning, and your child’s challenges are in full swing. You’re juggling breakfast, battling with the morning routine, and feeling the weight of unspoken judgments from those who don’t understand. You might feel alone and heartbroken in these moments, but you’re not. 6.4 million children are diagnosed with ADHD in the U.S. alone. Now, what if there’s a way to ease these daily struggles, to connect with your child beyond the ADHD label? This is where this guide steps in– a guiding light in that shared journey. It’s not just another manual; it’s a source of real understanding and solutions. Within these pages lies a unique blend of practical strategies and heartwarming insights shaped by the latest research and real experiences of ADHD parenting.
This isn’t about just getting through the day; it’s about transforming your daily challenges into opportunities for growth, deeper connection, and genuine joy. This book is your guide, from mastering morning routines to navigating school systems, from managing emotional outbursts to finding peace amidst chaos. In this illuminating guide, you’ll discover:
● How to turn daily struggles into triumphs with structured routines and effective communication
● The truth behind 8 common ADHD myths, setting the record straight and empowering you with accurate knowledge.
● The secret to effective advocacy, ensuring your child receives the education and support they deserve.
● 5 innovative tips for positive reinforcement, enhancing your child’s behavior and self-esteem in a nurturing way.
● How to master mindfulness and stress management techniques that bring serenity to both you and your child, even in the most hectic moments
● 10 easy techniques to improve focus in kids with ADHD – making schoolwork and daily tasks more manageable.
● A variety of self-care strategies that seamlessly fit into your hectic schedule, ensuring you stay energized and balanced. ● How dietary changes and physical activity can significantly improve ADHD management.
● How to build a support network – access an invaluable list of resources and connect with a community that understands and shares your journey.And much more… If you’re feeling overwhelmed or wondering if you can truly make a difference in your child’s ADHD journey, let this book be your guide. It’s crafted to address your daily challenges, offering practical and transformative solutions.
This isn’t just about managing symptoms; it’s about enriching your family’s life, deepening your bond with your child, and watching them thrive under your guidance and love.
Knowledge makes it easier to thrive.
One of the things I liked about this book was the many different types of coping mechanisms it shared. For example, I had no idea that jigsaw puzzles can help people who have ADHD learn how to stay on task more easily or that exercise could have such a calming effect as well. Pharmaceutical treatment is an important piece of the puzzle for many people as well, of course, but it’s helpful to know more about the lifestyle changes one can make to ease the symptoms of conditions like this one.
I would have liked to see more attention paid to how to handle ADHD with children who are either not yet old enough to attend school or are young adults. The vast majority of the information in this book was geared toward parents of children who were school age. While that is understandable given the way this condition can affect how well a child can learn in a classroom setting, I think there was still more to say about the age groups above or below that one as well. Preschoolers are learning all sorts of important academic and social skills that will be critical for them to succeed in a school environment in a year or two. Likewise, young adults also need to practice skills in order to prepare them for the workforce. This is a minor criticism of something I thought was otherwise well written and thorough.
The sections on various types of alternative medicine that some families use to treat ADHD were balanced and evidence based. Honestly, I was a little surprised by their inclusion when I first began reading them, but the author clearly stated what recent scientific evidence has been uncovered in favor of using each type and what the benefits and drawbacks are of including alternative medicine alongside more mainstream forms of treatment. That was a smart way to address the issue in my opinion, and it boosted my rating to a full five stars.
Navigating ADHD: A Parent’s Guide to Cultivating Strength, Resilience and Connection was a treasure trove of information on managing ADHD.
Lady’s Well by LJ Ross
Lady’s Well by LJ Ross
Publisher: Dark Skies Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
Rating: 3 Stars
Reviewed by FernTHERE’S SOMETHING IN THE WATER…
When the ancient waters of Lady’s Well in the rural village of Holystone begin to run red, it seems to be a nasty Hallowe’en prank and nothing more. But things take a sinister turn when the entire village suffers severe poisoning, and one old man turns up dead.
Accusations abound in the small, close-knit community, and ‘old’ religions spar against ‘new’ while fear runs like wildfire through the streets. With so many potential motives and countless opportunities, there’s only one man who can help solve this particular mystery…
Murder and mystery are peppered with romance and humour in this fast-paced crime whodunnit, set amidst the spectacular Northumbrian landscape.
The tiny rural village of Holystone has many customs – old and new – revolving around Lady’s Well. When the waters turn red sometime in the evening of Halloween half the small township feel it’s a distasteful prank, but the other half are convinced it’s an omen of ill will. Accusations abound in the small community and a number of already volatile situations surrounding the small village begin to flare. When first one, then another local is found dead DCI Ryan and his team can only treat these as suspicious and race to uncover what’s really going on in the tiny community.
This is the twentieth book in this series, and I have to admit the writing and plot feels just as fresh to me now as the first few books did. While there is a lot of history between the various team members, I was pretty pleased that I felt everything was very well explained and handled. It’s been a number of months since I’ve read one of this series and I didn’t feel as if I was missing anything – the author did a good job to explain everyone’s links and where the characters were all coming from. While certainly readers might be able to feel the weight of the shared cases and history all the previous books provide, I honestly feel anyone picking this book up on a whim with no previous reading under their belt from this author should be able to enjoy this mystery book as much as I did.
The plot is fairly straight forward and not overly complicated. Readers looking for some nefarious, intricate and deeply plotted puzzle might find this a little light. But I found the small town setting, the British Police Procedural tone and feel to the book coupled with the small team and various characters really helped this feel like an interesting and realistic police murder mystery story to me. There is a bit of residual drama surrounding two of the secondary characters which is clearly explained and I felt sympathetically handled from issues holding over from the previous book. This added a fair bit of emotional weight to the story and helped show the characters’ progression without interfering too deeply I felt with the main murder mystery plotline.
I was pretty pleased with myself for guessing part of the plot but found it equally enjoyable that there were a number of other aspects I didn’t get at all and found delightfully surprising. With a solid plotline having a number of elements wound well together and the cast of well-known and enjoyable characters I found this overall the be a strongly written and solid book that I can recommend to all mystery lovers out there.
