Return to main page HERE!

Author: Suzanne Allain
Title - Mr. Malcolm's List (Regency)

Set in London, 1818. The Honorable Jeremy Malcolm, second son of the Earl of Kilbourne, is considered to be the biggest catch of the season, but he has earned a reputation as a heartbreaker. Lord Cassidy "Cassie" is Malcolm's friend and decides to let him know the title he has received. Cassie's cousin, Julia Thistlewaite, believes it to be true. Malcolm had escorted Julia to an opera (once) and she has waited for him to call ever since. Julia feels humiliated when Malcolm does not come courting. Family loyalty has Cassie asking Malcolm about it. This is how Cassie learns that Malcolm has a list of qualifications for a bride. Malcolm has been escorting ladies to events or dancing with them at parties in order to test each. None of the ladies, including Julia, has met his qualifications. The biggest mistake Cassie ever makes is when he tells Julia about the list.

Selina Dalton was a paid companion to Mrs. Ossory. When Mrs. Ossory died, she left Selina a comfortable settlement that guaranteed her an independence the rest of her life. Selina is just getting ready to return to her parents' home when she receives an invitation from Julia to spend time with her in London. Selina accepts, excited at some time in town. Yet upon arriving, Selina learns that Julia only invited her to help humiliate Malcolm. Julia wants to present Selina as the perfect woman he is looking for, then allow him to discover that SHE has a list and he fails to meet her qualifications. But by nature, Selina is open and very honest. Even though Julia threatens to send Selina away should she refuse to help, Selina decides to spend some time with Malcolm to see if he really is one to play with ladies' emotions or if Julia is simply a spoiled brat with wounded pride.

Selina and Malcolm meet by accident in a library, during a party. Selina has no idea it is Malcolm and finds her time with him pleasant. Malcolm is soon paying calls to Selina. Then the nephew of Mrs. Ossory, Henry Ossory, meets up with Selina and gives Malcolm some competition, which irks Julia to no end. Malcolm invites them all to a house party at his estate, Hadley Hall, in Kent. Let the plots and schemes commence!

***** A lovely Regency Romance with witty dialogues and the ever important happy ending. This cast of characters has a wide variety of personal attitudes ranging from meek to hardheaded. The clashes between the personalities keeps things hopping almost as well as Julia's schemes. There is only once or twice that pride keeps a character from listening to an explanation, thus keeping things from easily being solved. Whenever I find myself wanting to smack a character it lessens the enjoyment of the story for me. Do not be disheartened though, this only happens once or twice and it actually fits with the character's personality. Highly recommended for all fans of the Regency genre. *****

Author: K.G. McAbee
Title - The Dark Legacy
(Crystal Staircase, Book One)

The Macgregor family arrives at their new home, Rest-And-Be-Thankful. Ten-year-old Noah and his older sister, Holli, are thrilled to see it is a massive homestead built in the 1700's by their pirate ancestor, Captain Ambrose Craven. The pair, along with their overweight Lab named G-bert, looks forward to spending the entire summer exploring the place and its equally huge grounds. They know that it just may take the whole summer to investigate everything too. The home is several stories tall and has obviously been added onto many times.

According to the lawyer, only two months prior their Great Uncle Enoch Macgregor transferred ownership of Rest-And-Be-Thankful to their dad and then simply disappeared. Great Uncle Enoch also left Holli an expensive set of paint brushes since she loves to paint in acrylics. Since Noah loves books, he receives the journals of Enoch, a mysterious French woman from 1753, and Captain Craven! Within one journal, Noah reads a short poem about traveling through the painting within Rest-And-Be-Thankful and into a whole new world and time.

Soon Noah, Holli, and G-bert find themselves in a world where animals talk, the evil Captain Craven rules, and smelly skeleton minions abound. And the only way home is through a painting that dwells within Captain Craven's fortress.

***** W-O-W! This is the perfect adventure book for ages eight and up. The book follows Noah's point-of-view. His sister, Holli, is only a couple of years older. Like most siblings, they argue a bit, but obviously care for each other. G-bert adds some wonderful humor to help off set the spooky settings, mystery, and minions. The author did an amazing job of making all the characters believable. (Even the talking animals!) Be warned that there is a cliffhanger ending, but the next book, The Island Prison, will pick up where the first leaves off. I can hardly wait! Stellar! *****

Author: Crystal Temple
Title - Betty Morgana Through the Ages (YA / Oct. 2008)

After elves slaughter her village, Betty is reborn as a vampire, thanks to Drago, the king of all vampires. For the next ten centuries, she thrives on a diet of blood and revenge, in reverse order, but then, she discovers love and also her true purpose in "life." A prophecy has foretold her existence and shaped her destiny, if she has the courage to pursue it.

*** With a simple style, this story will surely be easily accessible for the younger audiences who are not mature enough for books such as Twilight, etc. Though at times the language is somewhat anachronistic to the era in which it is set, that will make it something to which pre-teens can readily relate, rather than having to learn the speech patterns of the past. For a first effort, this book shows that the author has promising potential if she continues to develop her skills. ***

Author: Hetty St. James
Title - Bertie's Golden Treasure (Traditional Regency)

Set in England. In the year 1812, Lady Zenobia "Bertie" Hadleigh is a the impressible age of sixteen. She has a twin sister named Abyssinia "Bessie". Even though they are twins, they are dissimilar in looks and interests. One of their brothers is named Tyler. Tyler has a close friend named Sean Brett. The group talks Bertie into accompanying them to a circus. Bertie has no interest in exotic animals, gypsies, or anything else the circus offers, yet Bertie agrees to go simply to be near Sean, who she has had a crush on for quite some time now. A fortune teller predicts for Bessie a silver treasure and for Bertie a golden one. All is normal until the other three in Bertie's group decides to play a harmless prank on her. However, the prank goes horribly wrong and since Sean played the biggest part, Bertie's humiliation is complete. After such devastation, Bertie wants nothing more to do with Sean.

Nicholas "Nick" Hadleigh may be the oldest brother of Bertie, Bessie, and Tyler, but he is also the Earl of Woode and head of household. Nick is wed to Joan, who said during their engagement that she would be thrilled to sponsor the sisters in London when they reach of age. In reality, she wanted nothing to do with Nick's siblings and had them moved into the Dower House once they were wed; so Nick's siblings resided there for years being practically raised by their aunts. After the circus fiasco, Nick decides to take a little more interest in the lives of his brother and sisters. Five years pass.

Bertie is not twenty-one-years-old and Joan has run out of excuses to delay presenting Nick's sisters to society. Bessie has no interest in having a season in London and stays home, but Bertie is excited. Aunt Kate ends up sponsoring Bertie with Joan only assisting. After several horrible instances in London, Bertie quits London and goes home. Bertie has not been away long, but she finds that things there have changed. Though Bertie now only wishes to be left alone to enjoy the solitude of spinsterhood, the new Duke of Kilnarne shows up to make her his duchess. Nick, still in London, has already given his blessings to the match and the Duke of Kilnarne will not take no for an answer.

***** I found this story to be a wonderful delight. Drama abounds from the beginning to the ending. Fans of the more traditional style of Regency Romances will especially enjoy this tale of a prior era. Humorous, touching, and true to the Regency period, this is a book not to be missed! *****

Author: Ruth Karas
Title - The Crystal Rose (YA)

From childhood, knights and their deeds have fascinated Breanne. After she is orphaned suddenly, she discovers a life that is equally adventurous and brings her into contact with knights, wizards, and dragons. She also learns many things she believed were wrong. But most importantly, she joins her life to that of the rightful heir to the throne, a man in hiding who will need all of the magic Breanne possesses to reclaim his place and restore peace to their land. Considering the man, who Breane loves, is more court jester than king, that could be a challenge for more than obvious reasons.

*** Though greater length would have served this book well by allowing for more world building, the author will easily entertain her target audience in this miniature epic fantasy. ***

Author: Lookman
Title - Mihte's Quest (Teen Fantasy)

After being abandoned by their mother and removed from their home, Jack, Ellie, and Jamie are sent to their father, a near stranger who lives in the country. However, despite all fears and dread, they find it a wonderful place until they are drowned by attacking swans and swept to the Underworld and slavery. When they are able to get free, the children become caught up in a quest to expel the evil Ghouls and restore the rightful Swan Princess so that order and beauty will return and all worlds will be safe from the darkness. The fate of their own land rests upon their courage and success.

*** This is a story that is simple enough to be accessible to younger children, but readable enough for even adults. Echoes of many classic stories, Swan Lake, Narnia, Greek and Celtic myths, and Arthur resound throughout the fast paced narrative. It is hopeful without being overly perky, balancing out the dark aspects as the trio of children find that their trials in the normal world have made them strong enough to face the fantasy land evils. ***

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! ****