Belinda Brand becomes an overnight sensation when Hollywood offers to make a film of her runaway bestseller. A confident, modern woman, she has the world at her feet – and a secret she is convinced no one will ever discover. Leah, her gentle and long-suffering stepmother will guess, but she would never betray her, or would she? When menacing notes appear after the Awards ceremony in London and then follow her across the Atlantic, Belinda realizes someone is threatening to expose her.As she struggles to stay calm, her best friend disappears, Belinda’s celebrity life turns into a nightmare and there is no one she can trust.If the Brand family thought they could lead a quiet, normal life, they were wrong. Danger continues to lurk in the shadows. A fast-paced, page-turning psychological thriller, full of surprises, twists, and turns. For fans of Karin Slaughter, Claire McGowan, Valerie Keogh, and Liane Moriarty.
What another great read by Ms. Clarke. I’ve read other books in any African setting, but this was the first one I’ve read in this series. This book can be read as a standalone book. As book two in the series, this one is rather awesome. I could relate to the character of Belinda and, to be honest, every page either had me sad for the protagonists or laughing at the absurdity of what has been woven into a tapestry worthy of a movie. Not just English humor, but if one can’t laugh in situations as they arise, they need more laughter in their life. The book starts in London, then goes to Los Angeles and finally the Mediterranean. Between all of that, the meat of this book is ripe for the next reader.
Classic and loveable Betty Boop is as fashionable, inspiring, and popular as ever!
If there’s one thing Betty knows, it’s how to make a lasting impression. For more than 80 years, the glamorous international icon has sung, sashayed, and “Boop-Oop-a-Dooped” past rules and conventions, unafraid to take risks or set trends, and proving time after time that she can do anything she sets her mind to! Betty is beloved by millions of fans around the world, who are enchanted not only by her adorable appearance and iconic phrase, but also by her wit, inspiring messages, and ahead-of-her-time wisdom.
Here the authors take ten empowering and universally inspiring themes pulled directly from the classic Fleischer Studios Betty Boop cartoons and demonstrate why they’re more relevant than ever in today’s world by blending them with modern images and timeless wisdom and advice. All-encompassing topics include:
Self-confidence
Positive thinking
Independence
Kindness
Healthy living
And more!
Youthful, ambitious, sassy, and confident, Betty Boop seeks to make a positive change in the world around her. She is vibrant and magnetic—she inspires. Betty is stylish and sexy, but never to please anyone but herself. She’s got class. She’s proud of who she is and won’t apologize for it, approaching life with irrepressible moxie. And with her daring look, can-do attitude, and irresistible charm, Betty is ready for anything that comes her way.
My Review:
Betty Boop has been around for a very long time. In this book, Betty provides uplifting quotes from Susan Horan. The wisdom from Betty over the years still applies today. Horan focuses on the body, mind, spirit, physical, mental, health, wellness, independence, and how to become empowered in the process of reading. The graphics contained within are memorable and life-affirming. This is a book that anyone can refer to time and again for the insightful nuances and downright beautiful positivity that Horan delivers.
“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.”
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.
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.
Thank you for having me on your blog yet again, Mary! (((Love having you on my blog!)))
My experience on the Cozy Book Nook podcast was wonderful and so eye-opening. The individuals who spoke on the podcast really peeled back the curtain to show me what the writing world is really like with all of its threads and connections. I’ll never forget the amazing advice they shared, and how happy they were that I am pursuing my dreams.(((So sweet! Love you!)))
I hope they will welcome me onto their marvelous podcast sometime soon for the second time so that I can expand my knowledge further. Their kindness has been unbelievable, and now that I know the gist of how this podcast on X works, perhaps I can contribute some of my knowledge as well. Learning from each other is one of the best things that authors can do in my humble opinion. With perseverance and lots of hard work, we can help each other soar as much as we have, maybe more. Authors helping authors is a powerful mindset.(((We will have you back the first Tuesday after school ends in May.)))
Talking to people from other countries was enlightening and again, very eye-opening too. It’s been very cool to continue conversations with some of the individuals, and knowing that my book is located in countries like Trinidad and Tobago, Russia, and Germany (among others) is unreal. I never would have thought that it would reach that far across the globe. It’s almost like a Snow: Cursed revolution spreading around the world. I’ll never forget how much some of those people have helped me in the literary world.
The knowledge that all of these wonderful individuals have shared will continue to inspire, help, and shape me as I ensue in my long and enduring career as an upcoming esteemed author. And Mary, a stellar award-winning author, thank you so much for taking me under your wing and showing me the intricate workings of what it’s like to be a writer. You will inspire me for the rest of my years. As a word of advice from me, if you have written a book and have not published it, go for it and just believe in yourself! You are worth much more than you know, and so are the magical words you place effortlessly—and sometimes painstakingly—on the page.
“This is a remarkable debut from a new, young author. It is full of familiar characters, but with a fresh and new perspective. I wanted to read it all at once, just to see who would come along next! It’s almost as though you’ve run into some old friends and get to spend pages and pages getting to know them again, but with a deeper understanding that would never have come from a children’s picture book. I highly recommend giving this book a read.”
“This isn’t your average fairytale! Snow’s journey from perfect princess to questioning everything she’s ever known is full of secrets, magic, and moral twists. Fast-paced and full of heart, it’s a thrilling read that keeps you guessing till the very end!”
“You would never know this book was written by a teen. So many twists, lots of excitement! Very well written!”
“After reading Snow: Cursed, I was struck by the icy tension, the emotional depth of the characters, and the way Willa R. FInnegan blended supernatural intrigue with lyrical storytelling. Her ability to craft atmosphere and mood, places her among the rising voices in modern fantasy fiction. Snow: Cursed has all the makings of a breakout success.”
“Willa R. Finnegan’s “Snow: Cursed” is a bold, lyrical reimagining of fairy tale tropes, balancing emotional depth with irreverent humor. The novel reframes the story of Snow White through confessional, poetic narration and sharp, modern dialogue.
Finnegan’s writing is emotionally resonant and hauntingly lyrical. Her use of repetition—“Once upon a time, I was good. Once upon a time, I was evil…”—adds a mythic gravity to Snow’s inner turmoil, while shifting perspectives keep the narrative intimate and fluid. Good and evil are not absolutes here but evolving states shaped by trauma, choice, and self-perception.
Themes of identity, disability, and belonging are delicately intertwined throughout. Snow’s wheelchair is depicted with refreshing pragmatism—it serves as both a hindrance and a powerful symbol of strength and defiance.
“Snow: Cursed” combines fable and farce in a part gothic fairytale, part twisted adventure completely unique. Finnegan’s voice is at once ancient and current, a candid reckoning laced with whimsy and grit.”
Thank you for having me on your blog yet again, Mary!
My experience on the Cozy Book Nook podcast was wonderful and so eye-opening. The individuals who spoke on the podcast really peeled back the curtain to show me what the writing world is really like with all of its threads and connections. I’ll never forget the amazing advice they shared, and how happy they were that I am pursuing my dreams.
I hope they will welcome me onto their marvelous podcast sometime soon for the second time so that I can expand my knowledge further. Their kindness has been unbelievable, and now that I know the gist of how this podcast on X works, perhaps I can contribute some of my knowledge as well. Learning from each other is one of the best things that authors can do in my humble opinion. With perseverance and lots of hard work, we can help each other soar as much as we have, maybe more. Authors helping authors is a powerful mindset.
Talking to people from other countries was enlightening and again, very eye-opening too. It’s been very cool to continue conversations with some of the individuals, and knowing that my book is located in countries like Trinidad and Tobago, Russia, and Germany (among others) is unreal. I never would have thought that it would reach that far across the globe. It’s almost like a Snow: Cursed revolution spreading around the world. I’ll never forget how much some of those people have helped me in the literary world.
The knowledge that all of these wonderful individuals have shared will continue to inspire, help, and shape me as I ensue in my long and enduring career as an upcoming esteemed author. And Mary, a stellar award-winning author, thank you so much for taking me under your wing and showing me the intricate workings of what it’s like to be a writer. You will inspire me for the rest of my years. As a word of advice from me, if you have written a book and have not published it, go for it and just believe in yourself! You are worth much more than you know, and so are the magical words you place effortlessly—and sometimes painstakingly—on the page.
“This is a remarkable debut from a new, young author. It is full of familiar characters, but with a fresh and new perspective. I wanted to read it all at once, just to see who would come along next! It’s almost as though you’ve run into some old friends and get to spend pages and pages getting to know them again, but with a deeper understanding that would never have come from a children’s picture book. I highly recommend giving this book a read.”
“This isn’t your average fairytale! Snow’s journey from perfect princess to questioning everything she’s ever known is full of secrets, magic, and moral twists. Fast-paced and full of heart, it’s a thrilling read that keeps you guessing till the very end!”
“You would never know this book was written by a teen. So many twists, lots of excitement! Very well written!”
“After reading Snow: Cursed, I was struck by the icy tension, the emotional depth of the characters, and the way Willa R. FInnegan blended supernatural intrigue with lyrical storytelling. Her ability to craft atmosphere and mood, places her among the rising voices in modern fantasy fiction. Snow: Cursed has all the makings of a breakout success.”
I was in our states’ competition Spelling Bee last month! It was a great experience!
You know that hush that falls when someone tells you something sacred? That’s what reading Shadow feels like.
It’s not loud or flashy. It doesn’t shout for your attention. Instead, it kneels down beside you—yes, you—and gently says, “This matters. Let’s talk about it.”
On the surface, it’s a story about a pet dog named Shadow who has passed away. But if that’s all you see, read it again. Shadow isn’t just about death—it’s about the moment children meet grief for the very first time, face-to-face, with no script and no armour.
What struck me most was the honesty. Schmidt doesn’t tiptoe around sadness. She doesn’t try to cover it in glitter or distractions. She simply invites children to feel what they feel—fully, freely, and without shame.
And then—oh, then—she offers comfort. The kind of comfort that isn’t a quick fix but a gentle holding of hands. Talking, drawing, planting flowers… small acts with big meanings. They don’t erase the hurt, but they honour it. And that’s where healing begins.
Illustrated with tenderness and accompanied by thoughtful parental guidance at the back, Shadow is as much a resource as it is a story. But more than anything, it’s a companion. A quiet friend for the quietest moments.
This is the kind of book you don’t just shelve. You keep it within reach—because you’ll want to share it when words fail and hearts ache.
Shadow is soft-spoken, but it will stay with you long after the last page—like pawprints in your memory and petals from a flower planted in love.
About the Book Excellence Award
This book is a winner of the Book Excellence Award, a tribute to literary brilliance and a celebration of books that stand out for their artistry, depth, and storytelling prowess. It reflects the mission of Book Excellence: to showcase outstanding literature that transcends time and genre.
Grief is a curious thing. It sneaks up in the form of a missing paw print, an empty corner where a bed used to be, or the silence where a bark once echoed. Shadow by Mary and Michael Schmidt is not just a children’s book—it is a gentle, necessary guide through the uncharted territory of loss.
Children often experience death for the first time through the loss of a beloved pet. But how do they process it? What words can comfort them when their furry companion is no longer there? Schmidt’s book does something many avoid: it acknowledges grief, normalizes it, and offers a way forward.
The First Goodbye
History shows us that humans have mourned pets for thousands of years. Ancient Egyptians mummified their cats; Romans etched epitaphs for their dogs. The pain of losing a pet is not new, yet we often struggle to help children navigate it. Shadow provides a roadmap, teaching kids that grief is real, valid, and—most importantly—manageable.
Take six-year-old Emily, for instance. She loses her golden retriever, Max, and doesn’t understand why he isn’t coming back. Her parents fumble for words. “He’s in a better place” feels hollow. But then they read Shadow together. They draw pictures of Max, plant a tree in his memory, and talk about their favorite moments. Grief doesn’t vanish, but it transforms into something gentler.
A Story That Heals
The book’s approach is both practical and profound. It suggests creative ways to process loss—drawing, storytelling, and planting flowers—while offering much-needed validation: “It’s okay to feel sad. It’s okay to cry.” Unlike many children’s books that gloss over hard topics, Shadow embraces them.
This is no accident. Studies show that children who learn about grief early are better equipped to handle future losses. A 2018 study by the Journal of Child Psychology found that children who openly discuss emotions form stronger coping mechanisms later in life. This book doesn’t just tell a story; it builds resilience.
Why Every Family Needs Shadow
Renowned psychologist Dr. Elisabeth Kübler-Ross once wrote, “The reality is that you will grieve forever. You will not ‘get over’ the loss… You will learn to live with it.” Shadow distills this truth in a way that young minds can grasp.
More than just a book, Shadow is an emotional toolkit. It reassures children that they are not alone. It reminds parents that silence isn’t always golden. And it teaches us all that love never really leaves—it just changes form.
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if every child had a guide like this for life’s first heartbreak?
Beyond Boundaries Reads Book Award
This book is a winner of the Beyond Boundaries Reads Book Award. The award honors exceptional works of literature that transcend borders—geographical, cultural, and imaginative. This award celebrates stories that connect us, foster empathy, and highlight universal themes while amplifying diverse voices from around the world. Spanning fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and youth literature, it recognizes books that inspire, challenge, and deepen our understanding of the global human experience. To nominate a book or for more details, visit our Beyond Boundaries Reads Book Award page.
Thank you for inviting me, Mary! Thank you to Christina and Laban, too, for having me as a guest on your Podcast. When everyone asks me what I did over spring break, I get to tell them that I was on my first podcast ever, a worldwide podcast, along with other writers around the world such as those from Copenhagen, Africa, Europe, the USA, and more, plus on the same day, people are talking about it on X (Twitter) and Instagram about it being an “epic” podcast and my name is making literary circles!
I really enjoyed the Cozy Book Nook podcast that I was generously invited to do on Tuesday this week. It was very eye-opening, and the ideas that were shared were wise and inspiring ones. Lots of thanks to all of the people on the podcast for making me feel so at home with other authors, and for supporting my dream. Maybe I’ll be back on the podcast one day.
Rest assured, I will invite you to be back on again, possibly in May.
My book, Snow: Cursed, is a twisted fairytale fantasy retelling of classics that influence children throughout the globe. It follows the storyline of Snow White, Snow, who on the eve of her fifteenth birthday finds out that she is cursed. She makes the decision that she will traverse her world until her curse is fulfilled. Snow determines to live life to the fullest, while also trying to figure out why she was cursed in the first place. As she wrestles with many difficulties, Snow comes upon a revelation—good and evil might be more than meets the eye.
I do have goals for my book; I want to share “Snow: Cursed” with the world, and bring it into people’s lives. Currently we are trying to get my book in all fifty states, and in different countries. At this point in time we have succeeded in twenty-six of the states. One copy of “Snow: Cursed” is located in Okinawa, Japan, and one in England!
Please support me by purchasing and reading “Snow: Cursed”. If you do choose to buy it, please leave a review on Amazon and Goodreads. Thanks again!
There you have it folks. Please note this 13-year-old dynamo began story telling to her mom at age THREE!!! Her Momager mother, Dawn Finnegan, wrote those stories down for her. Willa illustrated those same stories. She is a true child prodigy and the sky has no limit on where she is headed in the future. The podcast was epic! A link to the podcast is below with her writer links and her book video link.
Check out my book Snow: Cursed. Publishing my book was a dream come true. Kids can accomplish their dreams, too. https://t.co/DAZrOG9GZa
Life on Molly is a travel and lifestyle blog. I am a normal girl with many passions. I am an explorer of new places, a learner of new languages, creator of my ambitions, blogger, and a good pal. This blog is my little corner of the world where I am able to share my adventures with you and inspire you to live a life full of purpose.
When Angels Fly 