Tag Archive | book-reviews

From Literary Titan!!!

Jul29

From Literary Titan

Mary L. Schmidt’s latest children’s book follows young Horace, who is no ordinary pig. He’s a dreamer with his snout pointed firmly toward the stars. His greatest ambition? To venture into space. Yet, despite his lofty hopes, he quietly doubts that his dream will ever lift off. Until, unexpectedly, it does. A formal invitation arrives, and Horace is headed to the International Space Station.

Horace in Space is a delightful children’s book that effortlessly blends whimsical storytelling with factual space education. Tailored for children aged 1 to 8, this charming tale is brief in length, fitting for young attention spans, but rich in imagination and heart. The book’s vibrant illustrations serve as both emotional cues and narrative anchors, helping children see what Horace feels, thinks, and experiences.

Schmidt captures Horace’s sense of awe with genuine warmth. His naive excitement, so relatable for young readers, evolves into a more grounded understanding as his fantasy meets the real-world challenges of space. In doing so, Schmidt crafts a gentle lesson: reality might differ from dreams, but that doesn’t make it any less extraordinary.

The book strikes a thoughtful balance between imaginative adventure and educational value. Without ever sacrificing the fun, it introduces children to life in orbit, from the thrill of liftoff to the peculiarities of floating in microgravity. Facts are woven naturally into the narrative, ensuring that learning feels organic rather than instructional.

While Schmidt’s prose may not echo the playful cadences of Dr. Seuss or the clever wordplay of Shel Silverstein, Horace in Space still stands as a delightful addition to any young reader’s collection. Horace himself is an endearing protagonist, one whose journey feels ripe for expansion. It’s easy to envision this story as the launchpad for a larger series.

Horace in Space delivers more than just a tale about a pig in orbit; it offers young readers a chance to explore, imagine, and discover alongside a character who is every bit as curious and wide-eyed as they are.

Book Link

Road Kill

Jul21

Book Link

From Amazon:

A dark road. Two dead men. And a killer who won’t quit.

When a livestock trailer is found abandoned on a remote Texas Hill Country road—one man shot, the other skewered by an arrow—Deputy Adam Cash knows this isn’t your typical cattle theft. The trailer belongs to rancher Paul Moreland, who swears he knows nothing. The bodies suggest otherwise.

As Cash digs deeper, the case unravels fast. The victims worked for Moreland.

Another suspect, Branson Kent, is caught mid-heist—then ends up dead days later. The trail leads to Shaeffer’s Livestock, a shady auction barn where stolen cattle change hands and secrets run deep.

When a second murder silences the pen man who could have talked, Cash realizes someone is eliminating witnesses, and he might be next.

Roadkill is the fourth book in the Adam Cash Mystery Series, a pulse-pounding Texas mystery perfect for fans of C.J. Box, Jeff Carson, and Craig Johnson.

Award-winning author Jeff Kerr delivers another tightly woven modern Western thriller—packed with gritty justice, sharp twists, and the high-stakes tension only Texas can offer.

My Review:

Mary Schmidt

5.0 out of 5 stars Gritty for sure

Reviewed in the United States on July 20, 2025

Verified Purchase

Wow. This is the first book I’ve read by Kerr. Talk about a gritty murder mystery western book! This one packs a huge punch as the body count goes up. A great twist to modern day cattle rustling gone totally haywire. I thought I had it figured out but I was way off. Much of this novel is gritty, but not with actual mention of the bloody parts of the murders. Which is nice. This one packs a punch plenty without listing gruesome findings. Truly western feel and very much Texas!

When Secrets Bloom

Jul5

Book Spotlight: When Secrets Bloom, an Enchanting Transylvanian Historical Fiction Novel by Patricia Furstenberg

Book Title: When Secrets Bloom

Series: Blood of Kings, Heart of Shadows, Book #1

Author Name: Patricia Furstenberg

Publication Date: June 27, 2025

Publisher: Independently Published

Pages: 493

Genre: Historical Fiction / Mystery / Women’s Crime Fiction / Romanian Literature & Fiction

Any Triggers: n/a

Blurb:

Transylvania, 1463

Some secrets heal. Others kill.

Kate Webber, a 28-year-old Saxon healer, has long walked the line between reverence and suspicion. Trained in the healing arts under the guidance of Lord Vlad Dracula, she has learned that skill alone cannot protect a woman in a city ruled by fear. Her marriage to the powerful but secretive Magyar promised stability, yet left her silenced and watched. On a bitter Advent night, when a mother and her newborn face death, Kate defies her husband’s command and steps into danger — for life, not reputation.

When Kate succeeds, the city notices. Some with awe. Others with fury. The town physician, threatened by her talent and humiliated by her success, seizes his moment. And as rumors flare into accusations, old alliances stir. Iancu, Kate’s childhood friend and now captain of the Militia, comes to her aid during the perilous birth — rekindling memories of freedom, laughter, and trust, before marriage shackled her to duty.

Back in her workshop, a girl appears, pleading for a love potion. But Margit brings more than need. She leads a mob. Elsewhere in the city, Moise, a Jewish apprentice at the printing press, notices a cloaked figure drifting across the square: a Shaman whose presence draws whispers of Magyar’s hidden dealings. When a rare manuscript disappears from the press Moise begins to uncover a darker purpose: a sought-after book. On the day of execution Kate performs a final act of defiance, she saves another child, while Moise is framed for more than he could have ever imagined.

Kate and Moise’s fates, as well as the map’s legacy, unfold as some secrets must be read not in books, but in the hearts of those who hide them.

Kate is a fictional character, yet through her eyes When Secrets Bloom offers a vivid, textured glimpse into 15th-century life in Kronstadt (today Brasov), Transylvania. From the daily rhythms of a fortress ruled by Saxon and Szekler men to the endearing hopes of Vlach and Jewish communities; from the quiet power women wield behind closed doors to the looming shadow of the Church and to whispered fears of plague and heresy, this novel immerses the reader fully in a world both beautiful and brutal.

The presence of Vlad the Impaler’s memory — observed not through myth but through Kate’s wary, intimate lens — adds a haunting tension to the tale. It’s the kind of historical fiction that doesn’t just tell a story, it transports you into its bones.

Fans of rousing historical fiction with a feminist bent will find much to love in When Secrets Bloom.

Buy Link:

Universal Buy Link: https://mybook.to/wsb

This title is available to read on #KindleUnlimited.

Author Bio:

Patricia Furstenberg is a multi-genre writer inspired by the forgotten corners of the past, where truth and legend entwine. With a medical degree and a heart rooted in her native Transylvania, her stories often explore resilience, hidden truths, and the quiet strength of women. She is best known for her geopolitical fiction Silent Heroes and WW2 historical fiction Joyful Trouble. Part of an upcoming book series, When Secrets Bloom is her latest release. Today, Patricia lives in sunny South Africa with her family.

For more information about Patricia’s books please visit her website or find her on social media.

Author links:

Author website: https://alluringcreations.co.za/wp/

X / Twitter: https://x.com/PatFurstenberg

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PatriciaFurstenbergAuthor

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patfurstenbergauthor/

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/patfurstenberg.bsky.social

Amazon Author Page: https://author.to/PatFurstenberg

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/237060534-when-secrets-bloom

Wonder of Light

Jun29

Book Link

From Amazon:

Wonder of Light is officially a Trilogy. The title Wonder of Light is book 1 in the series. It is recommended to read them in order, but each novel can be read as a standalone.

I was inspired by true events to write this book; however, the story line and characters are fictional. It is a young adult romance, set in high school. It is a high school bully/adversaries-to-lovers style romance. There are depictions of violence, nothing too graphic, and profanity has been censored due to the spiritual nature of the book.

Sarah

There’s just something about Evan Simes that keeps drawing me to him. Even though he’s the opposite of me in almost every way and avoids me at every turn. He mostly keeps to himself. Especially when I’m in his presence. I don’t know what makes him so angry or resistant to my efforts to break down his walls, but he seems to want nothing to do with me. Yet I can’t help continuing to try to get through.

Evan

Belton’s bible queen, Sarah Warner, thinks she can fool me with her fake graciousness. I see through the facade. She and her popular crew are vapid pretenders hiding behind their trust funds and holier-than-thou images while looking down on those of they think are beneath them. Well enough is enough. They’re all going to pay for their sins. It’s only a matter of time before my best friend Tyler and I get our revenge.

My Review:

This novel is totally heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time. Older teenagers can relate to this novel as most characters are in their senior year of high school. Cheesy love stories? One or two. Abusive parental figures? Toss that into the mix. Serious illness? Fold that in gently with issues of being bullied and being saved by Jesus Christ is beautiful.

Finding Frankie

Jun22

Book Link

From Amazon:

An outlaw’s vow for revenge, a widower’s need for justice, and a child’s unshakable faith in God’s forgiveness.

Outlaw Frankie McNeal is used to doing whatever it takes to survive, but she’s tired of robbing banks and dodging the law. She’s convinced there must be more to life. Determined to find a better way for herself and her youngest brother with the money she’s saved, she’s positive one more robbery will give them the fresh start they need. When they are shot and left for dead, she’s bent on revenge for her brother’s death. It makes little difference if the man she’s after is her father.

When Daniel Myers stumbles across the injured woman dressed as a man, he suspects she’s part of the gang that killed his wife. The last thing he wants to do is bring trouble home to his daughter. Torn between leaving the woman to the coyotes and the need for justice, he promises to get her well enough to turn over to the law. But Daniel is a man with his own secrets. He struggles to justify his beliefs and his own sense of forgiveness when faced with his growing attraction. Set against a backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains, they’ll learn there’s a thin line between revenge and redemption—especially when the path is paved with dark secrets.

My Review:

Mary Schmidt

5.0 out of 5 stars Brings a person to tears

Reviewed in the United States on June 21, 2025

Format: KindleVerified Purchase

Wow. Kidd has written a great story. Full of the old west, hard work, strong feelings, outlaws, bandits, horses, farming, doctoring, hopes, dreams, fears, laughter, love, and Jesus. Throughout this book, life is woven in a tight tapestry of everything you can feel, see, smell, taste, and loss, heavy on those who don’t die in the natural birth order. The love remains, above all, the love and faith in Jesus.

Silenced Secrets

Jun17

Book Link

From Amazon:

Corrine Alday’s secret holds a community hostage-until it doesn’t!

On a blustery winter morning in 1964 a young woman is found dead in an alley. Reports of the unmarried woman’s pregnancy send shockwaves through the community. Knowing the ruinous impact the truth could have on their families, the local men deny any relationship with her. Alexa Owl and Detective Slater are assigned to travel back to 1965 to reveal who killed the woman, why, and who fathered her child. They soon discover respectable friends from their own time could be involved, and if so, Alexa fears relationships in the twenty-first century could be shattered. In the interim, Detective Slater is informed he’s been placed on probation. Mishaps on this assignment will not be tolerated. This is his last chance to fulfill the requirements to join Saint Peter’s Guardian Angel Squad. Suddenly, Alexa is torn back into the twenty-first century. Someone she once cared for has been murdered. Worse, mysterious text messages were sent to her before the murder, and they were answered, but not by Alexa! Meanwhile, back in 1965, Slater insists he can manage on his own. Nevertheless, his angel mentor, Detective Bobby Starr, has tapped someone else to take Alexa’s place. He believes Slater and his new partner will be an unstoppable team, but is it too late for Slater?

My Review:

As far as the Owl's Nest Mysteries go, I really loved this book. This book had more than one mystery, and more than one time traveler, which is different from the others, as only one person time traveled. Investigating one cold case murder and one current day murder was much to handle and do it right, yet McDonald did do it right! I won't write who the second time traveler was, but I do know I wish I could time travel in real life.

And The Gold Goes To…Willa R. Finnegan!

May18

Book Link

Gold from Literary Titan!

“Snow: Cursed takes a classic fairytale and shatters it like glass underfoot. We start with a familiar image: Snow White, pale as snow, hair black as night. But instead of dwarves singing in the mines, we get blood, betrayal, and wolves with names like Big Bad and Dummy. This story spins out into something entirely new, grittier, darker, and painfully human. At its heart, it’s about identity and control. Who are you when the world decides you’re evil before you even take your first breath?

What stood out most to me was the prologue. Finnegan immediately immerses the reader in a morally ambiguous space, blurring the lines between good and evil. The opening passage reads like a blend of philosophical reflection and personal testimony. Statements such as “no one is truly good, and no one is truly evil” are particularly striking, establishing the thematic foundation for the rest of the novel. Rather than presenting a simple fantasy, the prologue invites deeper reflection on the assumptions we make about people and the lasting impact of the roles society assigns them.

Snow herself is fascinating. She starts out fragile and frightened, learning that her own father plans to burn her alive because of a curse. That scene involving Merlin and the journal was particularly impactful and emotionally resonant. When she finds out about her supposed destiny and how her father lied to her for fifteen years, it’s devastating. And then she breaks out of the castle, climbs the wall, and everything flips. There’s this moment where she takes down Big Bad, the alpha wolf, and suddenly she’s “Red Riding Hood,” drenched in blood, leading a pack. That moment was striking, intense, and deeply affecting. It vividly conveyed her transformation, which felt palpable through the page.

While Finnegan’s writing occasionally leans toward directness in the dialogue, it’s balanced by a refreshingly original voice that brings a distinctive energy to the narrative. It’s dramatic and fast-paced, but it never takes itself too seriously, and I appreciated that. There’s a kind of campy magic in how she blends fairytale with modern sarcasm. When Snow throws a dagger near Dummy’s neck to shut everyone up, it’s brutal and hilarious. That blend of horror and humor works surprisingly well. The side characters are uniquely compelling, with Midnight the wolf standing out in particular. Her character arc is both surprising and dramatic, culminating in a plot twist that is as unexpected as it is effective.

The ideas in this book stick with you. Finnegan messes with traditional fantasy in a way that made me uncomfortable, but in a good way. There’s a recurring theme of rewriting your story instead of letting it be written for you. Snow literally goes from princess to fugitive to alpha to maybe something even darker. And that evolving identity is central to the whole thing. It’s not always clean or elegant, but it’s full of grit and soul.

Snow: Cursed is a fairytale for anyone who’s tired of black-and-white stories. It’s for readers who like a little bite with their magic. Readers are likely to find this story thoroughly engaging. It is intense, emotionally charged, and at times brutal, yet undeniably compelling. I found it difficult to put down.”

The Girl From Pompey

May15

Please welcome Bryony Best to my blog. Hello Bryony! I’m so happy to have you on my blog today.

Please introduce yourself to those reading this blog post.

I publish memoir style books that shine a light on healing trauma, addiction recovery and mental health. Spirituality is also embedded into all my books, and I share my own spiritual development and growth throughout my stories.  

I am also a Holistic Therapist who has studied mediumship for many years. 

My books are currently being used as resources within mental health in the U.K. and USA. I also created my own branding and I currently sell TGFP limited edition merchandise alongside my books.  

Has writing always been part of your life and when did you “know” that it was time to start writing your first book?

I have written poetry since I was a child, but I never thought of myself as a writer. I am a spiritual person who meditates daily, and it was while meditating that inspiration hit me and I started writing my first book back in 2011.

How difficult was it to write your first book?

It was easy. I was unaware of what I should have been doing and therefore I just transferred my ideas and knowledge into my laptop. Now, I plot and plan my chapters, research the theme and am more aware of what is required from me.

Have you ever wanted to give up and what stopped you?

Recently I have considered whether writing is a viable career for me financially, but I love creating stories and sharing my experiences to help others. I work multiple jobs and volunteer too, but I feel it is important to love what you are doing. I tried chasing the high-powered career and it did not make me happy. Writing and helping others makes me happy.

Who is the most supportive of you and your dream to be a writer?

My fiancé believes I will become financially independent and a famous author in the future, and he is my biggest supporter alongside my readers.

Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

My first book contains ten years of research for happiness and fulfilment, and I believe this is why the book has received such great reviews.

What is the best advice given to you (book or otherwise), and by whom?

Be true to yourself. When you fall asleep in bed are you happy with your choices? If yes, then continue.

What is your target audience and what aspect of your writing do you feel targets that audience?

My books entertain everyone, but they also contain themes for very serious subjects. Any person seeking guidance or advice for overcoming trauma, mental health, inspiration, or addiction can especially benefit from reading my book.

Did the cover evolve the same way, or did you work with someone to make it come together for you?

I have a clear idea of what I want before I finish the book making the cover design easier. I usually hire the same cover artist who is very talented.

What are you working on now? Can we get a peek, an excerpt?

I am currently writing my tenth book, and it will be book number five in The Girl from Pompey series. The story continues from my last book and is set in Wales. I share details of my new life, but it is not long before my demons catch up with me. The book has two timelines, one in the present and one in the past set in a mental hospital.

Any last words before we wrap things up?

I love writing books and connecting with readers. I publish disturbingly honest books based on my life. At the heart of my writing is a desire to help others. If you are ever in need of help, then please do not suffer in silence. Reach out or tell a friend. Call a help line or find someone to help you.

Bryony Best currently lives in Wales with her fiancé and much loved chihuahua dog. Bryony works part-time for a charity and writes books but hopes to be a full-time author in the future. In her spare time Bryony volunteers with her registered pet therapy dog in a local care-home alongside volunteering as a Reiki healer at a local church. Bryony is a Reiki Master with a diploma for Crystal Healing, alongside training for Mediumship for many years. In Bryony’s books she shares wisdom and Spirituality alongside her triumph defeating her own addictions and overcoming mental illness.

Social Media 

Bookbub – https://www.bookbub.com/profile/bryony-best

Instagram – https://instagram.com/bestbryony?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/thegirlfrompompey

Tik Tok – https://www.tiktok.com/@bryonybestauthor?_t=8aVbG7g14iM&_r=1

Website – https://www.bryonybest.com

Twitter – @bryony_best 

Goodreads – https://www.goodreads.com/friend/i?invite_token=MTNiMmM0OWItNjJlYy00MjBlLWE1OWQtNzdjNGJiNDEyMDFl

Linked In https://uk.linkedin.com/in/bryony-best-17b393221

X https://x.com/bryony_best?t=WM9_eGepNWjSriXReJVMJA&s=09

Amazon.com Author page – Amazon.com: Bryony Best: books, biography, latest updateBook on Amazon.com https://a.co/d/cxzDC7m

Broken Chances

May7

Book Link

From Amazon:

A young wife. A much older husband. Is it only the age gap that threatens to ruin their marriage?

When Margo marries Michael, she believes that her life will change forever. And it really does, only not in the way a young girl from a small country in Northern Europe thought it would.

Latvia, a dreamy land with rich historical heritage and endless beaches stretching for miles, for Margo, is a gloomy place where she would have to struggle for years to have a decent life. All she knows is her hometown – a depressing place built for the needs of the factory workers – dull commuting to the capital Riga, and a bar in the Old Town where she works, always full of loud and often unceremonious tourists.

Skipping a chance to explore her home country and the opportunities it might offer, Margo accepts Michael’s proposal and moves to a dramatically picturesque island in England.

A small, tightly-knit community, where everyone knows everyone and where nothing ever happens, is not particularly welcoming to a newcomer. Unfamiliar with local traditions and quirks, Margo often finds herself in awkward situations. Still, with each walk she takes along the coastal path on the small island she now calls home, Margo falls deeper in love with the stunning landscapes of the Jurassic Coast in Dorset. Alas, with each day she spends with Michael, she realises more clearly that her marriage is falling apart.

Margo keeps asking herself why what she thought was a chance of a lifetime turned into a disaster. Will she find the answer? And will she love again after having been bitterly disappointed in marriage and relationships?

Set against the backdrop of breathtaking landscapes of the Jurassic Coast in Dorset, England, “Broken Chances” is a self-discovery journey with a dash of cosy mystery and clean romance.

P.S. Expect to be smitten by charming dogs and majestic horses.

My Review:

Margo is young and dreams of having a new life away from Latvia. She marries an older man twice her age, and they move to an idyllic coastal town on an island in Dorset, England. Love didn’t rule Margo’s heart and she comes to realize quickly that the man she married does not love her. He only desires her cooking per his specifications, dinner on the table at exact times, household cleaner, anything he can get her to do. Yet he shows hatred and dissatisfaction with her cooking. A man who doesn’t love her, an island town with women who take a long time to make friends with. But she does succeed. Yet her life is empty. She looks forward to the days when her husband is not at home and out working. Along comes Finley, a young and handsome man who takes a shine on Margo. Margo’s husband becomes more abusive. Margo needs to get out of this marriage. Can she? Will Margo get out and away from her abusive husband? Will she ever find her own happily ever after? And what of her mother? Is she too old to marry again? Will anyone in Dorset have the dreams they dream of? This novel has a great plot with numerous subplots.

First Wives Reprisal: Book 1

May1

Book Link

From Amazon:

NOTE: Graphic Sexual relations trigger, Abused women trigger

This is book 1 of a 2 part book… not a series

Elaine Prescott may have been born into wealth and privilege, but she suffered as any other woman by a cheating husband. Stripping her of her self-worth, he left her devastated and humiliated. However, Elaine found the courage to fight back, and planned a reprisal, so intricate, her husband never saw it coming.

Once she dealt with her own husband, Elaine set her sights on gaining justice for her friends. Working together, these six women regain what their partners stole, and along the way formed lifelong friendships. They also discovered, that rebuilding their life in their fifties came with challenges. Love is on the horizon, but starting new romantic relationships after thirty years of being with the same man, they had to adapt to the current ways of dating.

Part 1 tells the story of Elaine’s, Alexia’s and Heather’s reprisals, and picking up the pieces of their broken lives. Enjoy the goings-on at Escapades, a women’s only club, and how love and betrayal, comes in many different forms.

My Review:

NOTE: Graphic Sexual relations trigger, Abused women triggers

Starting over in life when in your 50s is not easy. Starting over at any age is hard. The older you are, the harder it is. Betrayal is a bitter pill. In this book, vengeance is sought after and attained. Revenge comes at a cost, and that includes lives in danger, even lives lost! A vengeful ex goes back after a vengeful ex. The reprisals are wicked and truth hurts.