“Dakota Crumb and the Secret Bookshop: A Tiny Treasure Hunt” by Jamie Michalak

Posted on August 6, 2023 by WordPress.com Support

Treasure Hunt Mystery!

Illustrated by Kelly Murphy

Dakota Crumb is good at finding things.  Her cousin in Paris has contacted her, begging her to come there and find a rare book.  As soon as she arrives, she quickly starts following the clues, which lead to a big surprise. This is a fun story, and youngsters get to solve a whodunit.  There is also an interactive mystery for the reader, too, so both they and Dakota Crumb can follow clues.  Expect giggles, and, perhaps, the need for help while trying to figure things out.

Humor and adventure will be had by children who are lucky enough to get this book.  This over-sized, hard backed, five-star story will be enjoyed by three- to eight-year-olds.  Great illustrations dot the pages.  Both you and your child will have a good time while reading this tale together, and I highly recommend it!

Thank you, Candlewick Press, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “Dakota Crumb and the Secret Bookshop.” for the purpose of review. I have not been compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal.

 

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“The Starlet Spy” by Rachel Scott McDaniel

Posted on August 2, 2023 by WordPress.com Support

Undercover Spy!

Amelie Blake is a well-known American actress from Sweden who is living a double life. WWII is raging, and important papers with designs of the atomic bomb were mistakenly left in Sweden. She is approached to return to Sweden as a spy. Amelie has the perfect cover of returning home to visit her sick mother.

She gets a very short course to learn to fire a gun, fight, and use other spy techniques. Once in Sweden, Amelie’s pursuit of the papers leads her to the home of the handsome and wealthy business man, Finn Ristaffason. Although suspicious that he might be assisting the Germans, she needs his help as she goes from one dangerous situation to another.

Amelie faces hazards of every kind including German agents and sympathizers that would like to see her killed. She often calls upon her faith to get her through.

This book is very exciting, and will keep you on the edge of your seat while turning the pages to find out what happens. Many of the events in the story are based on things that really took place.

The bravery and service of The Greatest Generation during this massive fight of good versus evil is demonstrated beautifully in this tale. Most of that group are gone now, including my own family members who were a part of them, so let us never forget what they did.

Fans of thrillers, WWII stories, and well-written narratives will enjoy this clean, five-star story!

Thank you, Barbour Publishing and NetGalley, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “The Starlet Spy,” for the purpose of review. I have not been compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal.

The Author’s Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/rachelscottmcdaniel/

The Author’s Twitter:  https://twitter.com/rachelsmcdaniel

The Author’s Website:  https://rachelmcdaniel.net/

 

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“Have You Seen My Invisible Dinosaur?” Written & Illustrated by Helen Yoon

Posted on August 1, 2023 by WordPress.com Support

Where O Where has My Dinosaur Gone?

Come join a little girl’s search for her favorite playmate, her invisible dinosaur.  He has been missing ever since she gave him a bath.  She tries making him his favorite snack, and putting missing posters everywhere to find him.  But no luck.  She wishes that it would rain or snow so his shape would show up.  But those things won’t happen on a sunny day.  No worries because a reunion does happen.

Little ones will love hunting for the dinosaur.  It would be fun to ask them for suggestions for finding the him.  Ask what they think the dinosaur really looks like.  Find out if they can spot him on any of the pages.

This is a lovely over-sized picture book that is hardbacked.  The many illustrations—done by the author–will bring smiles to the faces of children through seven years old.  Have fun with this five-star book!

Thank you, Candlewick Press, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of “Have You Seen My Invisible Dinosaur?” for the purpose of review. I have not been compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal.

 

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“The All American” by Susie Finkbeiner

Posted on July 30, 2023 by WordPress.com Support

Do Dreams Come True?

This is a snapshot of the Harding family in the 1950’s. They are a family of five, with a mom transplanted from England, a well-known author for a father, two girls and a married son. For good measure, there is also a quirky relative.

Highschooler Bertha, the oldest girl, loves baseball. She is talented and tenacious, the only girl that the local boys allow to play on their team. Bertha has always dreamed of being on the all-girls team, the Sweet Peas.

Flossie, in grade school, is a precocious child who is misunderstood and made fun of by her peers. But she is bookish and smart, although she talks with no filter, saying whatever pops into her head.  In today’s jargon, she would probably be called ADD.

You will feel like a time-traveler who steps back in the ’50’s as the characters speak the lingo of the day, and face situations of the era, both good and bad.

I like that this tale is told by two narrators, Bertha and Flossie giving their different perspectives of life for the Harding family. Their good times will make you laugh out loud. But they also faced things that had life-changing consequences. Be forewarned, some of those will require a handkerchief. I was engaged in this book until it took a dramatic twist towards the end, which turned me off to the story.

Fans of 1950’s tales, and the ups and downs in a family will enjoy this clean, 4-star book.

Thank you, Revell Books, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “The All American,” for the purpose of review. I have not been compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal.

The Author’s Website:  https://susiefinkbeiner.com/

 

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“Into the Fire” by Irene Hannon

Posted on July 24, 2023 by WordPress.com Support

Life & Love Heat Up!

Bri is an arson investigator. Like her predecessor, the legendary investigator, Les Kavanaugh, she can’t let go of a case if it raises alarms, even if there is no evidence. That is what is happening now, with the recent death of Les in a house fire. Red flags pop up that a man as careful as he would die in a fire.

ATF Special Agent Marc Davis was called in by Bri’s boss to help with this investigation. Although many ATF agents could be difficult to work with, Marc has been nothing but supportive. He helps her search for clues that this five was deliberately set. If Brie’s suspicions are correct, a killer is on the loose trapping his victims in fatal fires.

As Brie and Marc attempt to solve this mystery, they find their normal reluctance to open-up with others disappearing when around each other. Brie begins to have a series of “accidents” that range from problems with her car’s tires to bullets fired near her. The two face dangerous situations, some that seem impossible to escape from. Fair warning, the reader is made privy to the troubled mind and thoughts of the bad guy.

Join the excitement and nerve-racking intensity this clean tale delivers right up to the end. Find out if they track down the right person before it is too late. Fans of thrillers and well-written, absorbing stories, will enjoy this five-star book.

Thank you, Library Thing and Revell books, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “Into the Fire,” for the purpose of review. I have not been compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal.

The Author’s Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100050942934639

The Author’s Twitter:  https://twitter.com/IreneHannon

The Author’s Website:  https://www.irenehannon.com/

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“My Dog Just Speaks Spanish” by Andrea Caceres

Posted on July 20, 2023 by WordPress.com Support

 

Andrea Caceres Illustrator 

Potato, Potahto!

Aurora is a little girl who has a problem.  She has learned to speak English after moving to the United States, but her dog, Nena, will only speak Spanish.  Whenever she calls her, or speaks to her in English, she won’t respond.  No matter how hard she tries to get Nena to learn some English words, she refuses.

As the story continues, the reader will discover lots of Spanish words from the things Aurora says to Nena, along with many pictures containing things labeled with both the English and Spanish names.

This over-sized picture book contains a sweet story.  Little ones will giggle about the things Nena won’t do, and have fun learning the Spanish word for things they may be familiar with.  They may even pick up some Spanish words!  The author wrote and illustrated this five-star book.  Children through seven years old will enjoy this tale.

Thank you, Candlewick Press, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “My Dog Just Speaks Spanish,” for the purpose of review. I have not been compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal.

 

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Book Review “Unseen Danger” by Jerusha Agen

Posted on July 18, 2023 by WordPress.com Support

In Plain Sight!

Nevaeh is a beautiful young woman with the Phoenix K-9 Security group. She is part of a highly trained group of people, who along with their dogs, dedicate their lives to the protection of others.  Recently hired by the famous rapper, D-Chop, Nevaeh, and her co-workers patrol his grounds.  She works with Branson, an intimidatingly large man, who provides security inside D-Chop’s home, and anyplace he goes.

As more and more incidents take place that endanger D-Chop, Nevaeh, and Branson endeavor to find out who is behind it.  However, being with Branson can trigger Neveah’s PTSD, but she also finds him attractive.  Neveah tries to work through both feelings while facing kidnappers, possible bombs, and furious parents that have a grudge with D-Chop.

Despite increasing security, things get worse, and D-Chop threatens Branson with the loss of his job.  Danger and suspense dog their every step as they track the bad guy.  While there is lots of action and mystery, family ties and friendship also play a big part in this tale.

I enjoyed this five-star story that kept me guessing the identity of the guilty, while the struggle Nevaeh had with believing in God added another tension to the tale.  This exciting book will keep you turning the pages to the end.  Fans of intriguing puzzles, or well-written books, will love this book.

Thanks to the author for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “The Laws of Attraction,” for the purpose of review. I have not been compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal.

The Author’s Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/JerushaAgenAuthor/

The Author’s Twitter:  https://twitter.com/SDGwords

The Author’s Website:  https://jerushaagen.com/

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Sweet and Sour Sauce, Not Red & Naturally Gluten-Free

Posted on July 13, 2023 by WordPress.com Support

3/4 cup Swerve, or sweetener of choice

2 Tablespoons Honey

¼ cup pineapple juice

1 1/2 cups chicken broth

3/4 cup apple cider or juice

1/4 cup vinegar

1 tablespoon coconut aminos or gluten-free soy sauce

1 teaspoon salt

2 teaspoons chopped garlic

1/2 cup cold water

6 tablespoons cornstarch

1 Tablespoon Cherry juice concentrate

Stir Swerve, honey, pineapple juice, chicken broth, vinegar, apple cider or juice, coconut aminos (or soy sauce), salt, cherry juice concentrate and garlic together in a saucepan; bring to a boil lower heat.

Whisk water and cornstarch together until cornstarch is dissolved; whisk into the boiling mixture. Cook sauce until thickened, 5 to 7 minutes.  Watch that this doesn’t burn.

Pour over meatballs on top of rice.  Or use as a dipping sauce.

 

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“Cold Pursuit” by Nancy Mehl

Posted on July 10, 2023 by WordPress.com Support

Watch Your Back!

River and Tony are best friends, and are former profilers for the FBI. They were good at their jobs, until the day they met a serial killer face to face, and their lives have never been the same. The killer is caught and put in prison.

Lucky to be alive, and believing they were safe, River and Tony decided to start their lives over. They moved hundreds of miles to St. Louis, and opened their own investigation agency.

When they finally get a client, they face lots of complications, such as witnesses that are dead, and a possible second crime. Their lives are threatened in a variety of ways while in a deadly race to catch the bad guy.

Additionally, the killer who attacked them while they were in the FBI, had a secret partner. Unknown to River and Tony, this second person has been stalking them planning revenge. Who this person is, and whether or not he will catch them, will be revealed in a future book, because this tale ends on a cliffhanger. This is installment one in the Ryland-St. Clair series.

This is a clean tale. The reader will undergo intense psychological experiences while “inside” the head of the bad guy. He has extreme mental health issues that might be difficult for some readers to digest.

I appreciated the discussion of faith, and the lack of it, by some of the characters. There is lots of action, and mystery. This five-star book will make you want to sleep with the lights on. Fans of cognitive thrillers will enjoy this tale.

Thank you, Bethany House, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “Cold Pursuit,” for the purpose of review. I have not been compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal.

The Author’s Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/nancy.mehl

The Author’s Twitter:  https://twitter.com/NancyMehl1

The Author’s Website:  http://nancymehl.com/books/

 

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“Every Dog Has His Day” by Janice Thompson

Posted on July 7, 2023 by WordPress.com Support

In Pursuit of a Pooch!

Isabel has fallen in love with a rescue dog, and wants to adopt her. Then it was announced the dog is named Ginger, and belongs to Corey, a famous football player. When he shows up at the veterinary office Isabel works at, he has no paperwork to prove the dog is his.

Because of that, Isabel could not give Ginger to Corey. When she told him that, all the reporters that came with him to cover the reunion, write articles that imply Isabel is the bad guy.

Public opinion quickly turns against Isabel along with her veterinary office. Protesters appear outside the building, blocking customers from getting in. Other people threaten to not come back to the clinic. In the midst of it all, Ginger disappears, and they wonder if she has been dognapped.

As Isabel tries to track Ginger down, she comes across more puzzles concerning the pooch. There are many red herrings, and false leads before the truth is found.

This is a fun mystery that keeps you turning the pages to find out what happened. Quirky characters add to the mayhem. Isabel’s family and friends add a nice sense of community to the tale. This is part of a series, but this story stands on its own.

I recommend this five-star book to fans of whodunnits, dogs, and enjoyable stories.

Thank you, NetGalley and Barbour Books, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “The Laws of Attraction,” for the purpose of review. I have not been compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal.

The Author’s Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/JaniceHannaThompson/

The Author’s Twitter:  https://twitter.com/booksbyjanice

The Author’s Website:  https://janiceathompson.com

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