Book Review: Tracking Justice by Shirlee McCoy

Tracking Justice by Shirlee McCoy is the first book in the contemporary romance Texas K-9 Unit series.  Eva Billows is a single mother who has learned over a hard life to rely on herself and not to trust others. Her son, Brady, is her life. Everything she does is to give him a loving and stable home, something she did not have as a child. Austin Black is a police detective dedicated to his job, and to helping others. When Eva's son is kidnapped in the night it is Austin and his K-9 partner, the bloodhound Justice, lead the charge to find him. But even when the Brady is found, the danger is only just beginning, both for their lives and their hearts.

Tracking Justice is a contemporary romance with a dash of faith based romance as well. Thankfully, the religious aspects flowed with the situations and characters, rather than jarring me out of the story. It was not expected, so it surprised me at first, but I do not think it would ruin the book for those of any beliefs. Eva's trouble laden path creates a wounded heroine, afraid to let others in because of her fear of being let down. Austin is a honorable man that does not want to miss out at a chance of real love, but does not want to disappoint a woman with his dedication to his job. Both face fears and struggles that readers can relate to on some level. The additions of a faithful dog, cute but frighten kid, and the suspense surrounding crime in an otherwise peaceful town make for an engaging and entertaining read.

I recommend Tracking Justice to readers that enjoy romance combined with action, danger, suspense, and family. Readers that enjoy a religious story with particularly enjoy the story, but readers that typically avoid such books will not be overwhelmed by that aspect of the story.

Book Review: Scent of Magic by Maria V. Snyder

Scent of Magic is the second book in the Healer Series by Maria V. Snyder. I recommend reading the first book, Touch of Power, before picking this one up because of the detailed character and world building involved in the series. However, I adore Snyder and highly recommend reading all of her books regardless. Scent of Magic picks up shortly after Touch of Magic ends. Avry is the last living healer in the Fifteen Realms. Although, the fact that she is alive is a secret to the world, except from Kerrick who is a forest mage and her partner. They need to do everything the can to stop the evil King Tohon and his dead army from taking over the world. But, at the same time Avry needs to reconcile with her sister and prepare rival armies for the fight to come. Meanwhile Kerrick is off to the north to fight his own battles with tribesmen with fantastic fighting skills and their own ways of doing things. Will either of their missions be successful, and will they survive long enough to be reunited. Danger, betrayal, and political maneuvering make everything more challenging for our favorite characters.

Scent of Magic holds with the quality that I expect for Snyder. I am not going to talk about the specific action, because I do not want to ruin the fun for returning readers to the series, and do not want to give anything at all away to those that have not read Touch of Power. The world and struggles for power are detailed and described in a way that leaves me fully invested in the outcome. Avry, Kerrick, and the eclectic crew of characters are as interesting and entertaining as always, although often leaving me wishing for another spin off series so that I can get more of a fix on the lives and thoughts of other characters. The motivations, fears, and relationships between characters are so well described that readers can find themselves holding their breath at key moments hoping for a good outcome. My only disappointment with the book was a cliff hanger ending. I am chopping at the bit for the next installment, with high hopes for a happier resolution than I expect.

I highly recommend Scent of Magic to those that have read Touch of Power. I high.y recommend both books, and any that follow, to readers that have enjoyed other books by Snyder, Tamora Pierce, and other fantasy novels high on character and story and low of sexual situations. The series is a great pick for adults, teens, and even some mature tweens. There is some significant fighting, and the dead army might be disturbing for some.

Book Review: Bah! Humbug? by Lorna and Lecia Balian

Bah! Humbug? is a holiday picturebook by written by Lorna Balian and illustrated by her daughter Lecia Balian. Margie is a young girl who writes to Santa in hopes of receiving a new teddy bear, as her much loved bear Herold is a little threadbare.  Her big brother Arthur thinks that Santa Claus is fake, and plots to prove it. Threats and teasing force Margie to go along with Arthur's plan. However, in the wee hours of Christmas morning Arthur just might be proven wrong, and Margie could receive a present better than anything she could have requested.

I know the Christmas season is over, but I just got to this book and had to share my thoughts. The illustrations are delightful and perfectly match the warm feelings of the tale. I found Bah! Humbug? to be endearing, and think it would play very well in families with children of many ages. This would be a great read in the weeks leading up to Christmas, and whenever sibling bullying might become an issue. During the holiday season, this book could keep believers and doubters from getting into battles, but Margie's gift could also serve as a wonderful lesson about what we really want versus what we request.

Early Book Review: Cowboy's Texas Rescue by Beth Cornelison

Cowboy's Texas Rescue by Beth Cornelison is the third contemporary romance in the Black Ops Rescues series. It is scheduled for release on February 19 2013. I did not read the two previous books, and did not feel like I lost anything from this book because of that lack. Jake Connelly lives to protect the innocent and take out the bad guys. He devotes his life to it. But, as he is hurrying home to visit with his critically ill father he is waylaid by a lady in distress and a murderous escaped convict. Chelsea Harris is recovering from her mother's serious health scare and a bad break up. As she hurries to get gas and to her parent's home before some nasty weather hits she is car jacked and put into serious danger. Can the two save each other in more ways than one?

I read Cowboy's Texas Rescue in one night. It was a quick read, but not due to any faults, rather because I just wanted to keep turning those pages to see how we might reach the end. Jake is a wounded alpha male, out to save the world because of a past tragedy. You know that hero, but he also has a quick wit and fun personality that makes him more than the stereotype. Chelsea is the self deprecating heroine, who has lost confidence in her appearance due to a crummy ex. Yup, again a character that should be boring, but her sardonic wit and ability to think beyond the moment of crisis to find logical solutions makes her more that expected. The danger they find themselves in, their skills, and their banter made this a fun read that made me hold my breath during a couple moments of serious danger for the pair, and those around them. There were only two things that bothered me with the book, both of which are extremely common in romance. One was Chelsea's thoughts about how great looking Jake was, and how he would have no interest in her because of her looks. The other issue was when the pair decided that it would be a good idea to get intimate when in serious danger. I know fear makes people do questionable things, but for two people that had been so practical and pragmatic it just did not work for me.

I recommend Cowboy's Texas Rescue to readers that have already read the two other books in the series, fans of Cornelison's writing, and those that like romance laced with danger and action. It was a read I did not want to put down, even with the couple things that bothered me. Not something I would add to my permanent collection, but a great weekend, vacation, or simply entertaining read.

Book Review: Secrets Clad in Light by Kyra Gregory

Secrets Clad in Light by Kyra Gregory is a novel that is hard to categorize for me. The initial blurb for the book says that it takes place in 1888 London, but as you read the story it could be happening in the future, and alternate world, or anyplace that can include poverty, abuse, and a sewer system. Henry is a man that risks everything to save the life of a younger man that seems to have attempted suicide by slitting his own throat. Henry is trouble by the choice, not knowing if he is condemning the other to a miserable existence, but does everything he can to save the life. Slowly, details about the pair, and the mysterious woman that helps them. The book offers emotional struggles, some mystery, and a slow reveal of information.

Secrets Clad in Light was a book that left me with mixed feelings. The reveal of information was slow, which was both good and bad. I liked the feel that while the book was written to have taken place in historic London, there was a feel that this could happen anywhere, anytime. Oppression and abuse can be present where ever people live. Henry is the main character, and the one we know most, and least, about. We know that he was some sort of employee or servant, that he loves Seth, and that he wants to help and protect others. The younger man he saved, Seth, suffered some abuse and has a long road of recovery ahead of him. There is a mysterious woman that aids them, and the majority of the story is about her effect on Henry and the discovery about her past. The emotional struggles Henry faces, worrying about everyone else's well being, and how they feel about him, is a common thread through the book.

Secrets Clad in Light is a unique book that could speak to many readers. I picked it up a few times before I read it through to the end. The story is vague enough in some details that I wondered a few times if I missed something in the world building, but it is also detailed enough on Henry's emotions and thought process that it could really capture some readers. Readers that like to be immersed in the setting might want to skip this book, but readers that are more interested in the moment rather that the setting would enjoy the book.

Early Book Review: The Odd Squad: Bully Bait by Michael Fry

The Odd Squad: Bully Bait by Michael Fry is a children's chapter book that is scheduled for publication on February 12 2013. Nick is short, he thinks he must be the shortest seventh grader in history. He does not really fit in with any of the groups at school, so spends most of his time bully dodging. An enthusiastic guidance counsel teams Nick up with two other outcasts, and the team is mentored by the eccentric janitor. The team of oddballs  come together to a common goal, fighting a bully, and learn about themselves and the nature of bullies.

The Odd Squad: Bully Bait was a great read, which I think is accessible to elementary and middle school students. It speaks to dealing with bullies, and how easy it can be to cross the line and act like a bully when feeling powerless. Some tough questions are dealt with, while still being funny. Nick is short but smart, stuck spending a good portion of his school day crammed in his locker. His family is a little different, and add to the quirkiness of the story. The other oddballs, Molly and Karl, have their own troubles and quirks. The bully, Roy, is as well developed as the three oddballs, as are the janitor and Nick's grandmother. rumors of a school ghost, and mentions of other interesting kids at the school, left me wanting to read more about what happens in those halls.

I highly recommend The Odd Squad: Bully Bait to middle grade readers, particularly those that have ever felt like an oddball or on the receiving end of the bully effect. There is some cute, awkward romance in the story, and a collection of unforgettable characters that will keep readers turning the pages. Fry includes some illustrations, which only further enhance the heart, humor, and truth of the story.

Early Book Review: X Marks the Scot by Victoria Roberts

X Marks the Scot by Victoria Roberts is a historical romance currently scheduled for release on February 5 2013. This highland romance is the follow up to Temptation in a Kilt, but is still a solid read to those that might not have read the prior book. In X Marks the Scot we met Declan MacGregor, a classic and not unexpected highland rouge. He has some serious skills with a bow and arrow, as well as with the ladies. Although, he seems to have trouble getting himself out of the connections he forges with the willing ladies. Lady Liadain Campbell is in Declan's care, an responsibility he takes seriously even though she is the sister to his greatest enemy, who just happens to be recently deceased. Liadain is nothing like the lasses Declan knows, she does not want his protection or his company, she just wants to be left alone and to return to her home. She is used to having freedom, and the English court is a place no one is fully free. Plots and whispered rumors arise, binding the pair together in a way neither anticipated. Now they need to either trust each other and become lost in the danger that surrounds them.

X Marks the Scot is a well researched and fun historical romance. There are recognizable names and moments in history tied to the deceptions and plotting that surround Declan and Liadain, which I appreciated. I really enjoyed the characters. While Declan was fairly predictable, a handsome lady's man bound by duty and honor for the most part, he also had a couple really cute moments when Liadain had to extract him from romantic difficulties of his own making. I absolutely loved Liadain, she was raised in a home with very little love, but plenty of time for her to understand herself and her skills. She is confident in her skills and intelligence and is never left doubting her own worth, I found that to be a nice change from the standard fair of women doubting their looks and own minds when facing obstacles on the romantic front.  I also like that the pair had a friendship of sorts, and did not fall into bed without having figured out some of their issues.

Readers that worry about this being the second book in the Bad Boys of the Highlands series will be relieved on several fronts. If you have not read Temptation in a Kilt, do not worry. The only thing you will be missing in this read is a feeling of dread when some secondary characters come into play, and the full story behind how Liadain's bother died and Declan gained a sister in law. Although, the short version is given in the context of X Marks the Scot, so you will understand the undercurrents those moments cause here. Readers that did pick up Temptation in a Kilt and felt it was a little lacking, have no fear! Roberts is growing as a writer, and I found myself caring about and liking the characters more in the second book than in the first. I look forward to seeing if the trend continues with her third book To Wed a Wicked Highlander. If the trend continues, she will soon be on my must read list for fans of heroes in kilts.

I recommend X Marks the Scot to readers that enjoyed Temptation in a Kilt, or liked it but thought it could have been more, because this second novel is even better. I look forward to Roberts' continued story and when this current group of characters will head next. I have high hopes for this author!

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Picturebook Review: Because Amelia Smiled by David Ezra Stein

Because Amelia Smiled, written and illustrated by David Ezra Stein, is a book that shows that even the smallest happy moment can cause a chain effect to bring joy to others. The illustrations are a little chaotic and messy, with dark lines and lots of color, but since life is as well I found that the style worked for me here.  The story follows one young girl, and demonstrates how her smile to a neighbor triggers a series of happy moments and good deeds. A sweet look at the idea that what comes around goes around.

Because Amelia Smiled is a delightful look at the idea that if you put good out into the world, it will come back around. More importantly is shows young readers that something as simple as a smile, wave, or good morning can really make someone's day and inspire them to pass the happiness they feel on to someone else. This could be used as a great discussion starter about how different the story could have been in Amelia did not smile, or if someone had done something mean instead of nice. This charming story can reminds us that even the tiniest bit of kindness can inspire more kindness, which could eventually make its way back to you, but even it it does not it has certainly made a difference in someone's day! Because Amelia Smiled is great for one on one sharing, storytime settings, or classroom discussion.

Book Review: Splintered by A.G. Howard

Splintered by A.G. Howard is a young adult novel that blends a girls search for herself, redemption for herself and her mother, and the Alice in Wonderland story. Alyssa Gardner is said to share a curse with her mother,brought on by her ancestor Alice Liddell, the inspiration for Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. The curse has put her mother in a psychiatric facility with declining health, while Alyssa has started to share some of the affliction, she can now her insects and flowers whispering to her. She might be going crazy, but she will do everything she can to hold herself together. Alyssa comes to believe that Wonderland is real, and that she must fix her ancestor's mistakes to free herself and her mother from the curse. Alyssa will face betrayal, tests of affection and memory, and her own belief in herself as she works to save her mother. Will she find love as she searches for the truth, or will she get lost in the dark and twisted world she only knows from childhood dreams.

Splintered is much more than a retelling of Lewis Carroll's stories about Wonderland. It is an emotionally deep look at a girl lost in her efforts to turn away from a part of herself she wants to ignore. Alyssa has channeled all that she wants to ignore about herself into her art and skating, to things that her best friend, Jeb, and her father understand and support. She worries for her mother, and that she will end up just like her. Even teens with parents that seem perfectly normal to outsiders often have these fears. The family curse, and Alyssa's discovery of its root origin, and he efforts to free her family are tightly woven with a mentor from Alyssa's childhood dreams. Jeb's accidental journey to join Alyssa could be a blessing or a curse, cementing their friendship to something more or destroying them both. Morpheus could be her greatest ally, a treacherous foe, out for only himself, or possibly all of the above. The journey through a Wonderland we might recognize from Carroll's tales, is twisted and darker than expected, as are the characters we met. The character development and the story itself are fast paced, often take unexpected turns, and were perfectly explored.

I highly recommend Splintered to readers that want something that shakes up the preconceived notions we have about classic stories, and the worlds they involve. Readers that enjoy deep looks at the emotional state and development of characters facing huge problems on top of the normal stresses of school, social life, and family will also find great value in this book. The world of Wonderland is not rehashed, rather it goes beyond anything that readers might expect, as do the characters that enter its borders. I cannot wait to see what A.G. Howard might write next.