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Engaño (The DeWitt Agency Adventures Book 2) by Lance Charnes – review by Stephanie Driskill

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Engaño (DeWitt Agency Adventures, #2)Engaño by Lance Charnes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Engaño was a good book. The characters were easy to like and to care about. Vik and her entourage were the best characters in the book. I found them to be realistic, witty, strong, and charming. At first, we see a bunch of spoiled brats living on trust funds and frittering it away on superficial things and places but hang on, there’s more to come. I found it a bit challenging to really get into the story until I was about 40 pages in but then found it hard to put down and just a fun little read. Mystery, romance, mayhem, money, and Instagram: Who knew that I would want to learn more about the social media aspect of all the apps and what it means to have followers and to be an influencer. I enjoyed the fact that the story took place in foreign countries to me as it meant I got to travel a bit through the book, and I always enjoy that! Pick up the book and follow Carson the private detective as she travels and solves a mystery, protects her “family” and just has a grand adventure!

 

The Guardian’s Legacy (The Coin of Time Series Book 1) by Luciana Cavallaro – review by Stephanie Driskill

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The Guardian's Legacy (Coin of Time, #1)The Guardian’s Legacy by Luciana Cavallaro
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Can I just say Wow! The Guardian’s Legacy was so much fun to read and get lost into its world. If you are a big fan of mythology, history, mystery, then this book is just perfect for you. Nik our main character is tasked with becoming the guardian of an ancient mysterious coin with untold powers that his traditionally his family has protected for many, many years. In order to become the guardian and taking possession of the coin from his grandfather, Nik must train in many different defense arts and even weapons that have not been seen or used for thousands of years! How cool is that?! The mystery you ask: Where did the coin come from, who gave it to the family to safeguard, and where is Grandfather? Read the book but beware, the ending is not as it seems. Cavallaro does a wonderful job of bringing the history aspects to life and the importance of history in our world today. The characters are amazing and believable, and it was so easy to get lost in their world. Join me in reading this wonderful book and relish in the fun of ancient history and mythology.

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Weep, Woman, Weep: A Gothic Fairytale About Ancestral Hauntings by Maria DeBlassie review by- Stephanie Driskill

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Weep, Woman, WeepWeep, Woman, Weep by Maria DeBlassie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Weep, Woman. Weep was such a great story. I appreciated the cultural history of La Llorona and how stories and legends from our culture can shape our lives and even our deaths. The main character Mercy is such a true heroine in this story. She is strong, independent, and takes perfectly good care of herself and her best friend Sherry (even in the death of her friend, she truly respects the friendship and love she has for her friend). I am enamored with the fact that Mercy is strong and independent and does not feel the need to rely on a man to be fully defined. I think this is such a great book for young women to read to understand that we are not defined by another person no matter if it is a friend or a lover, but rather by who and what we choose to do and be in life. Even being dealt a really crappy hand in life, Mercy did not give up and take the easy road of life. Kudos to DeBlassie for creating a fairytale worth reading and for developing such a strong character for us women! Definitely a must read for the ages! The ending….is there more to come?

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Notebook Mysteries- decisions and Possibilities by Kimberly Mullins – review by Stephanie Driskill

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Decisions and Possibilities (Notebook Mysteries #2)Decisions and Possibilities by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Notebook Mysteries by Kimberly Mullins is a fantastic book. Emma, our main character, is bright, witty, and such a strong female lead! I found myself walking in her shoes to solve each mystery and to fall a bit in love with Jeremy and rooting for their romance. The book is set in 1880’s Chicago and is such a wonderful tale of family, business, and mystery. The relationship between Emma and her sister Dora is so strong and supportive of all the characters I find myself envious of that relationship as I do not have a sister. Emma is such a strong well written character, and the supporting cast is quirky, balanced and exciting. I never thought I would pick up this book to read on my own but look forward to many more by Mullins. Mystery, intrigue, and family all rolled into one great book. As a woman who comes from an abusive relationship many years ago, it was refreshing to read about how these abused women are helped and nurtured to create lives for themselves with the help of Emma and her family. Absolutely a heart-warming book that really touched my soul! I totally give this book 5 stars in hope that others will read Notebook Mysteries and fall in love with such a warm and caring family who only lives to help others. This is exactly what I like to read in books and is so needed currently.

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Potager Plot ( A Backyard Farming Series book 5) By Vikki Walton – Review by Stephanie Driskill

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Potager Plot (A Backyard Farming Series, #5)Potager Plot by Vikki Walton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Gardening, death, mystery, murder, suspense and cast of great characters created a great reading experience for me! I loved the plot and quirky characters that made this book such a pleasure to read. My favorite character was Anne who was the Nancy Drew of the book and so labeled by her boyfriend who called her ND. I fell in love with the tiny details and relationships that were portrayed in Potager Plot. Watson described the characters so completely and gave each one their own persona it was as if I have known them all my life. Such a great read that was too good to put down and I am now needing to read the rest of the books in the series. I couldn’t believe how easy it was to feel like I was a part of the community and had a vested interest in solving the mystery. Definitely a must read from page one to the very end So yourself a favor and pick p the book, get absorbed into the community and see why this is such a wonderful book!

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Journeys Through TimeSpace (Journeys Through Book 2) By James Talisman – Review by Stephanie Driskill

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Journeys Through TimeSpaceJourneys Through TimeSpace by James Talisman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Journey Through Time Space by James Talisman is another amazing book! This one is soooo much better than the first one and I did not think it was possible. The characters are so well developed which makes it possible to fall in love with the characters and to truly feel their plights and journeys. I so appreciated the metaphysical journey each character went through but especially Julia and Matt. I highlighted several passages as they rang with much truth that spoke to my soul. The Seat-of-Power described so perfectly the energy that one can harness and use for the best of intentions. “There are seven important principles that embody all of creation. These powerful truths are available to be learned and used by anyone.” Powerful statement! I found myself reading the truths and comparing my journey as to where I am in my journey and what to look forward to. Can I just say that reading the book has expanded my own discovery of self and the magic and power within me? We are truly all connected through time and space. I loved that this book picked up right from the ending of the first in the book and I was absolutely amazed at the ending (no spoilers here). Do yourself a favor and read this book! I have read other books on spiritual journeys, metaphysical ideas, and the outer connectedness that we all are a part of, but this book really delves into al these topics but within a superb story that makes it understandable and provides the desire within to delve deeper into myself and my powers. Read this book! Set your intentions, connect to the source of All-That-Is, and tap into your Higher Self for guidance, love, and the magic which resides in all of us. The power is within you.

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the Dream Catchers (Prestoria) by J. U. Menon – review by Stephanie Driskill

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The Dream Catchers: PRESTORIA Series Book 1The Dream Catchers: PRESTORIA Series Book 1 by J.U. Menon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Prestoria was such a great little book. I truly enjoyed the storyline and the characters. I learned a bit about Indian culture and was impressed at the ease of reading. I thought that the characters Radhika and her brother Aarav were very well developed and easy to relate to. I absolutely loved the idea of being awake and present in one’s dreams and to participate in a challenge within one’s dreams and sleeptime world. The plot twist at the end was refreshing and I never saw it coming. Mr. Winters typifies the duality in all of us I believe exists when we are not true to ourselves and stand firm in our integrity. Not only a fun read for me, but a few life lessons thrown into the works as well. I recommend this book for those who want to escape into dreamscapes and enjoy our unique minds and experiences.

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the Rise of Manifesto the Great (Planet Hy Man) by Kerrie Noor – Review by Stephanie Driskill

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The Rise Of Manifesto The Great: A Sci Fi Comedy Where Women Wear The Trousers (Planet Hy Man)The Rise Of Manifesto The Great: A Sci Fi Comedy Where Women Wear The Trousers by Kerrie Noor
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Campy. Definition of campy is according to Merriam-Webster is “absurdly exaggerated, artificial, or affected in a usually humorous way.” Planet HY Man, so unlike our own everyday life yet so spot on when you think of the book in terms of our banal emotions and humor. Bravo for Kerrie Noor to be able to make us think about our lives but in a humorous and fun way that seems so ironic and farfetched from our lives as we live them now. The Rise of Manifesto the Great by Kerrie Noor is a great book which I can best describe as campy and full of fun. It really reminded me of the early science fiction films from the 50’s and 60’s. I could really picture Manifesto and the rest of the crew laying around bed-diving and smoking hemp. A battle of the sexes at its funniest! It is so great! What makes it such a great read is that it is original, funny, has a bit of mystery in the book but it is just FUN! If you are looking for a book to help wash away the day’s troubles and fall completely into Manifesto’s world and Planet HY Man, you must read this book

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the Rise of Manifesto the Great (Planet Hy Man) By Kerrie Noor- Review by Stephanie Driskill

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The Rise Of Manifesto The Great: A Sci Fi Comedy Where Women Wear The Trousers (Planet Hy Man)The Rise Of Manifesto The Great: A Sci Fi Comedy Where Women Wear The Trousers by Kerrie Noor
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Campy. Definition of campy is according to Merriam-Webster is “absurdly exaggerated, artificial, or affected in a usually humorous way.” Planet HY Man, so unlike our own everyday life yet so spot on when you think of the book in terms of our banal emotions and humor. Bravo for Kerrie Noor to be able to make us think about our lives but in a humorous and fun way that seems so ironic and farfetched from our lives as we live them now. The Rise of Manifesto the Great by Kerrie Noor is a great book which I can best describe as campy and full of fun. It really reminded me of the early science fiction films from the 50’s and 60’s. I could really picture Manifesto and the rest of the crew laying around bed-diving and smoking hemp. A battle of the sexes at its funniest! It is so great! What makes it such a great read is that it is original, funny, has a bit of mystery in the book but it is just FUN! If you are looking for a book to help wash away the day’s troubles and fall completely into Manifesto’s world and Planet HY Man, you must read this book

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MORNIN THE SUPER BIRD-FINDS A WAY TO FIGHT EXTINCTION by JULES HEARTLY – Review by Stephanie Driskill

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Mornin The Super Bird : Mornin Finds a Way to Stop ExtinctionMornin The Super Bird : Mornin Finds a Way to Stop Extinction by Jules Heartly
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Mornin the Super Bird: Mornin Finds a Way to Stop Extinction is such a cute book and the illustrations are to die for. I was able to read this book to my granddaughter, who just fell in love with Mornin and the quest to stop extinction. I think it was a great way to show how all species and living beings can and should work together to save species from going extinct. Mornin is such a sweet character and really inspired my granddaughter to do better in her treatment of all living things. I am in love with this book and the author. It is so important that children learn to work together for a greater cause and this book provides the inspiration to do just that. What a great lesson to learn in such a cute and easy to understand way.

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Red Coat by Isobella Dunn- Review by Stephanie Driskill

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Red CoatRed Coat by Isobella Dunn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Red Coat by Isobella Dunn is a cute little romance story with a bit of mystery thrown in to add some intrigue to the story. Sara, our main character is a teenage runaway and has been bounced from foster home to foster home. We get to follow along with her as she is an adult and now must face her own delinquent case and help Rachael overcome her fears of the foster system as well. But wait, a curveball has been thrown at Sara when she returns to Victory to reclaim her delinquent. Red Coat is a great read with Sara the main character being so easy to identify and empathize with. The few detours away from the romance into the intrigue are beautifully written and provide a relief from the typical romance genre. The intimate scenes are loving, tender, and heart warming written in such a way that the love the characters have for each other jumps off the page and into your heart. What a great read and I highly recommend following this author for more incredible stories. Fun and easy to read, Red Coat is perfect for a quiet afternoon by the pool, or a night wrapped up in a blanket by the fireplace. You will not be disappointed!!

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Dragons by Ty Drago – Review by Stephanie Driskill

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DragonsDragons by Ty Drago
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Conceal and Protect…the code of ethics every Kind lives by. A young boy lives the adventure of a lifetime however not by his choice. Kidnapped and taken from the life he once knew; Andy must now decide who he is and what he stands for. Who is telling the truth and who is using him for his abilities for tier own personal gain? What a great little YA adventure book. The characters are very relatable, and I became so deeply immersed in the story. Watching Andy come into his own, the struggle with who and what he is, and the sacrifices he makes are truly an inspiration. I never thought that a story could guide me on the path to choose who I am and to encourage me to stay true to my personal beliefs and essence of what makes me who I am today. This book really helps us to believe in ourselves and shows how to follow our true self. I was pleasantly surprised at the story and how it unfolded with so many twists and turns. Just know that you are in for a great little adventure once you pick up this book. Entertaining, thought provoking, and FUN! What else could a person ask for in a book. Easy read for YA readers and a good lesson to stay true to oneself. I highly recommend this book for all who want a great read and adventure. Get lost in the world of the Kind!

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Chameleon by Zoe Kalo Review by- Stephanie Driskill

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ChameleonChameleon by Zoe Kalo
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I give Chameleon by Zoe Kalo 4.5 stars. The book starts very foreboding and keeps up the suspense and mystery all the way through to the very end. Imagine being sent to a school run by nuns and a quote producing girl who seems to have the answers for everything? The mystery doesn’t stop and I couldn’t help but to identify with each character. Kalo’s development and description of characters are poetic and so readily able to be visualized in my head. I was drawn into the book and felt at home within the pages. A MUST READ for the young adult audience. I recommended this to my 12 year-old granddaughter who started it already and loves Paloma, the main character.

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The Web of Humanity by Maria Turchin- Review by Stephanie Driskill

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The Web of Humanity: A NovelThe Web of Humanity: A Novel by Maria Turchin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a small world we truly inhabit. Anna soon learns this as she uncovers family secrets and realizes we are all tangled in The Web of Humanity. Wow, what a great read this book was. Web of Humanity had it all: adventure, romance, espionage, and the power to make me understand others’ perspectives and the choices that are made in desperate times. Never judge a book by the cover, but more importantly, never judge a person by their appearance, beliefs, or background. I think this book appropriate for this time right now as we struggle with racism, corrupt government, unrest, corona pandemic, and war in our world. This book gives us hope and the determination to survive. Family is our greatest gift and should be cherished and loved for all eternity. Read The Web of Humanity by Maria Turchin. Her writing style is easy to read but keeps you hooked from beginning to end. Just when things seem to be worked out, nope, a new twist pops up. This story is a mix of fiction and history which brings you deep into the character, Anna’s, life and her past. Pictures are inserted throughout to keep the reader engaged and wanting more. Read this book. You will NOT be disappointed.

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