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Author: Christine Norris
Title - Crown of Zeus

Though at first unhappy to be moving to London, Megan soon finds herself making friends and enjoying living in a "haunted" house. During a sleepover, she and her new mates discover a journal and then a book that draws them into a magical land where they must find the "Crown of Zeus" in order to return home. Their journey brings them face to face with legends; with Perseus, Theseus, the Pegasus, and the Sphinx. Through dangers untold, their quest continues, and is not over even when it seems to be.

**** Books like this bring children the magic of reading. Though the message is obvious to adult eyes, hopefully, younger readers will simply catch onto the fact that books can transport you to lands you can never hope to see with your physical eyes. Megan is an engaging heroine who dispenses classical legends in an easy to digest form, making this a both educational and fun read. ****

Author: Suzi Goode
Title - The Lost Wizard
(Teen)

Twins Mark and Jenny were looking for an adventure when they decided to explore the allegedly haunted house, but they were not expecting to find a crash-landing, very confused, absent-minded wizard named Magicus, much less get swept along with him at faster than light-speed on his journey. That's only the beginning of what the two children got caught up in when they met Magicus. Though he wasn't sure what he was trying to do, where he wanted to go, or how to do any of it, they liked him. Besides, when he was able to control his magic, he did it well. However, Magicus was only the first magically inclined person to land in their lives. Soon, his friend/enemy Jigie arrived looking for a youth spell, witch Totty Rimmer and her two turned into bird ex-husbands, the head of the Shades of Evil league, and a real ghost were making life interesting. The real question is, why are these people here, and what is going on?

*** Though for the most part, the story is rather nonsensical, the message in the end is one that will make you smile. This would be a great book for pre-teens who aren't quite old enough for Harry Potter. ***

Author: Ann Tracy Marr
Title - Round Table Magician
(Regency w/Paranormal)

Imagine a world where King Arthur and his Knights were not merely legends, but actual, historical figures and where magicians walk among everyday folk. This is the sort of world in which Lord Brinstone and Martha Dunsmore live. Aside from the magical aspect though, it is much the same as the world that did exist in the Regency era here, complete with societal rules that strictly governed behavior, and thus, even a noble deed might have consequences. Brin finds that stepping in when Martha needs a helping hand in a fight and then escorting her home may have compromised her honor, so he must be prepared to wed her. The thing is, he doesn't really know her and furthermore, he is a wizard and involved in covert operations. He does not want to tell just anyone such a thing, but Martha has a magical secret of her own as well. As they get to know each other, Brin will discover the truest magic is love.

*** Those who feared that the Regency genre might be dead need not worry. It is kept alive and healthy by such authors as this who employ their fertile imaginations to reinvent the world. Gentle humor and romance are combined deftly and pleasantly in this relaxing read. ***

Author: Meg Davis
Title - Sira (Young Adult)

Sira, daughter of Pax, risks much for the sake of kindness, never realizing the butterfly effect she will release. As she grows into a lovely young woman, all the peace and joy her mother worked to achieve are at risk from those hungry for power. Both Sira and her brother become their targets. Only by finding love and maintaining courage can they hope to keep their lands free in the light. Even so, sacrifices will be demanded.

*** In the simplicity of this story there is an underlying complexity that seasons it with interesting twists. Dark and light contrast to paint a clear picture of hope and faith. ***

Author: Rita Y. Toews
Illustrator: Jon Ljungberg
Title - The Bully (Ages 6-12)

This is a FREE book that anyone can read about dealing with bullies. You can either download to your computer, it takes only seconds, or open it up from the site. It looks like a picture book! Simply click the arrow to turn each page. And just like a "print" book, the reader sees the page flip. COOL!

The story is set in an elementary school and teaches how a bully operates and what your child and you can do to stop it all. There is also a multiple choice quiz for parents/teachers and children to do together. For the younger kids, there are lots of wonderful drawings that can be printed out for coloring.

Highly recommended reading for ages 6 - 12.

Author: Linda Joy Singleton
Title: Double Vision (Young Adult)

It all started with The Watcher! Haley was with her family at a restaurant when her eyes locked with his. At first glance he looked like an ordinary teen, but his eyes radiated danger and menace. Bravely Haley corned him only to have him vanish! By accident, the guy had left behind a pair of glasses with reflective dark lenses and seven wings carved in the frames.

When Haley wore the glasses it all looked like the world she knew, however, much was different. For example, cats do NOT wear collars that allowed them to talk and ask you to scratch them behind their ears, right? Wary of the sunglasses, Haley was unable to decide whether to destroy them or keep using them.

Haley knew she simply HAD to figure out what the glasses really were and how to work them. The glasses were her only hope to prevent a murder.

***** I have found that when I see a book with the names L.J. Singleton OR Linda Joy Singleton there is no need to read the back. No matter what it is about, it is going to be great. This story is no exception. It contains a fascinating plot and some interesting theories to boggle the mind. I loved every minute and recommend it highly. *****

Kathryn Sullivan: The Crystal Throne (Young Adult Fantasy)

Jeanne and Peter fall through The Watcher into a magical world of beings. They were picked by The Watcher to be the champions. Jeanne had an empathic ability on Earth that was amplified. When the Ring of Calada chose her as its wearer, Jeanne's powers increased. Peter did not believe in magic. His disbelief was a protection against magic which would help their cause. Together, with Fleet Ones (talking horses) and an elf, they must travel to the Crystal Castle beyond the Mountains of Illusions to defeat three powerful witches who ruled the land.

***** Excellent story! Filled with goblins, trolls, dwarfs, ghosts (life-drainers), windborne hounds, a wizard, elves, shadow creatures ... you get the idea. Jeanne and Peter seem to be in their mid-teens, but no exact age is given. All-in-all, in my opinion, this is one of the best fantasy e-books I have read! Highly recommended! *****

Mary E. Trimble: McClellan's Bluff
(Sequel to Rosemount /Young Adult)

Leslie Cahill was in eleventh grade. Her father, John, owned the "Circle C" ranch in eastern Washington. her older brother was named Wade and was the foreman. Her mother had died eleven years before in a wreck.

Life on a ranch was filled with chores, but she loved everything about it. Her brother was getting ready to wed, move out of the house, and into his own. The problem for Leslie was that her father was serious about a lady named Lilith. Wedding bells were definitely due to chime soon. It was hard for her to accept that he would soon remarry. It got complicated even more by Lilith's daughter, Roxanne. Roxanne was just NOT an easy one to like!

While juggling all this, Leslie met Sloan Stroh, the nephew of a neighbor. He was quite a few years older than Leslie and he kept asking Leslie to sneak out on dates with him. Being admired by a mature guy felt great to Leslie, but her father and brother had their doubts about him. How could she show them how great Sloan was? And was he REALLY as wonderful as she believed?

***** This is a great sequel to ROSEMOUNT, however, even if you did not read the first book everything will be easy to understand.

The author writes in a way that teens seem to understand and relate to. It deals with topics that hits close to home for many of today's younger generation. However, even if the reader has nothing in common with Leslie's home life, they will almost always find themselves in situations similar to some of Leslie's. This is another great book by Mary Trimble that I highly recommend! *****

Mary E. Trimble: Rosemount (Young Adult)

Leslie Cahill was a sophomore. She, along with her much older brother, Wade, helped her father with the ranch. She thought her life was perfect, until Rosemount.

John Cahill was determined that Leslie attend Rosemount, a boarding school for girls. Leslie was just as determined NOT to go! However, her dad forced her to. Leslie knew he was dating Lilith. She also knew Lilith had a daughter. So Leslie was convinced John was sending her off to a boarding school so he could marry and have a new family. When her dad dropped her off at her new dorm, Leslie ran away!

The school called about six hours after Leslie disappeared. Wade got the call before John had even got home and he immediately set off to locate his sister and bring her home for a serious family meeting! But Leslie had planned well. She had cut her hair, gotten a false photo I.D., her saving account, and a back pack of food and clothes.

***** This book covers about two weeks of Leslie's life as a run-away. She was lucky to meet one of two nice people who helped her out! The author did an excellent job of showing the story from Leslie's point-of-view, as well as, John and Wade's. I never set the book down once. It was that amazing! Highly recommend for ages 13 and up! *****

Judith B. Glad: title - The Anonymous Amanuensis(Regency)

Evelyn Dixon was secretary to Sir Wilfred Hadley, her uncle's father, for five years (until he died). Eve was the poor relation, forced to live with mean and spoiled Charlotte and Alfred. Eve convinced her uncle, Major Charles "Chas" Hadley, to write her a letter of recommendation for employment as a secretary. With it, she left for London. Once there, she became friends with Thomas "Tom" Patterson. They had met at a registry office. Eve found out quickly that no one would hire a female as a secretary. Tom heard of a position with Mr. James Quinton who engaged in the spice and silk trades. He was also the heir to the Earl of Seabrooke. Desperate, Eve had Tom purchase her some male clothing and teach her how to walk, talk, and act like a man. Once done, she applied for, and received the position!

Quinton had reason not to trust females. Even his mother was a bad example of the female gender. Prudence was the only female he cared for. His new secretary, Mr. Dixon, was extremely intelligent and well suited for his position, yet something did not feel quite right.

**** Now here is a well written Regency Romance! I found it to be a wonderful diversion on a rainy day. The secondary characters are as well developed as the main. The main plot, as well as, the sub-plots kept me riveted. I had to know what was going to happen next. Recommended reading! ****