Book Review: Lord of Lightning by Suzanne Foster

Lord of Lightning by Suzanne Foster is a 2011 reissue of a novel originally published in 1990. A mysterious stranger in the small town of Shady Trees is bound to bring suspicion from the locals, especially when combined with stopping clocks and children insisting they have spotted a UFO and a strange figure glowing green that just happened to bring a bird back to life. Miss Lise Anderson is the straight laced school teacher trying to convince her students, and the town that nothing extraterrestrial is happening. But after a few encounters with the mysterious Stephen Gage Lise is certain that there is some electricity in the air.

Lord of Lightning left me with mixed feelings. It feels a little dated, but since it is a reprint that is not too unexpected. Lise is a prim school teacher in an extremely small town. She does not believe in the crazy rumors surrounding the newest member of the town, but seems willing to take whatever he is willing to offer her- although she does offer up the token protests. Stephen is certainly mysterious, and I like that his character keeps the mysterious air through out the book. In fact, there were moments when readers might find themselves wondering if he really is an alien or something paranormal. He has a tragic back-story, and an attraction to Lise that he seems unable to deny. The book walked the line between category romance and erotica, but never really seemed to excel at either one. I was left feeling rather let down, only because I have enjoyed more recent books from Foster, and thought she could have done much more here. But, perhaps this just shows how far she has come as an author since this book was originally published.

Lord of Lightning has great potential to be great category romance or erotica, but missed the mark. It seemed to walk the unexpected line between the two. It was a quick read, and showed me how much Foster has grown as an author, but was not a book I would widely recommend. Readers that are big fans of Foster might want to give it a look, to see the photos and information she has included about her life in the back, and to appreciate how much she has grown as an author.

Book Review: The Chieftain by Margaret Mallory

The Chieftain is the fourth book in the Return of the Highlanders series by Margaret Mallory. While reading the entire series does give a better feel for the secondary characters, you do not need to read the whole series to enjoy any of the individual books.

In this installment, Connor is the new chieftain of the MacDonalds of Sleat. He spends his energy trying to protect his people, and to stay alive. Rival clans and his treacherous uncle are plotting to take over his lands. He is aware that duty and circumstances not of his making will determine whom he will fight, who he can trust, and who he should marry. Connor depends on Ilysa, a young lass who has always been a good friend and just happens to be his best friend's sister. Ilysa runs a household so smoothly that she tends to fade into the background, and she likes it that way. However, her gift of foresight, show danger at every turn for Connor, and she can not let the man she has loved for years fall into dangerous traps even if that means losing him forever by way of his marriage to another.

The Chieftain is a well done, and well researched, historical romance. Connor is a strong man, with a sense of honor and duty that drives his very survival. I like that he seems aware of everything, and yet fails to see past the less than attractive clothes Ilysa wear to see the real woman. So typical and realistic, because people rarely look past the surface or what they expect to see. Ilysa is a woman that knows her own mind, and the power she has inside her. She might dress plainly and speak softly, but she makes things happen.I really like that Ilysa holds on to her values, even when it might be easy to follow one path, she knows what she is capable of and does what is right for herself, and Connor, even when it promises to hurt. Their happy ever after is hard won, and the journey holds a few surprises, one of which I admit to having seen coming, and is well worth the read. I liked that Mallory, as usual, includes further information on the historical facts that have an impact on the story in the back of the book. She includes the reality of the day, as where as where she took some liberties.

I recommend The Chieftain to fans of historical romance, particularly those that seek out the highland heroes. Readers that have enjoyed other books by Margaret Mallory will certainly enjoy her latest as well. Readers that have never read anything by Mallory, might want to get started soon, because the combination of historical research and powerful characters makes for a great read.

Picturebook Review: Isabella: Star of the Story by Jennifer Fosberry and Mike Litwin

Isabella: Star of the Story is a picturebook written by Jennifer Fosberry and illustrated by Mike Litwin,  which is scheduled for release today, April 1 2013. Isabella is a girl with a love of books, a big imagination, and snazzy purple hair. When Isabella and her parents head to the library Isabella becomes the characters from some of the most popular children's books. Isabella is briefly Alice, and Dorothy, Peter Pan, and a number of other well known personas. When it is time to check out and head home, Isabella decides that it is best just to be herself, at least until it is reading time again.

Isabella: Star of the Story is a fun story which highlights an early love of reading and the use of imagination. The pictures are bold and colorful, matching the story with exactly what was needed to really bring the entire story alive. As the mother of to young children with imagination to spare, I have to say that it can be both a blessing and a curse at times- but I would much rather my children have their extremely active minds than the alternative. Isabella is a girl that falls completely into the books she reads, and loves to imagine herself in the story. I loved her spunk and imagination, and her hair of course. On the other hand, I was less than thrilled with the image of the librarian towards the end of the book, as it was closer to now outdated stereotypes of librarians rather than the reality.  On the other hand, I really enjoyed the story as a whole, and the additional information about each of the books alluded to in the story and their authors.

I recommend Isabella: Star of the Story to readers of all ages. It is a great book for encouraging reading, the use of imagination, and library use. Children, and adults, that are already book lovers will recognize a kindred soul in Isabella, and make this book a fast favorite.

Hero of My Heart Blog Hop

Do you remember my review of the novel Hero of My Heart by Megan Frampton? If so, keep reading. If not, go take a peak and then come back. It's okay, I'll wait.

 

Now that my thoughts on the novel are fresh on your mind, the lovely folks of Romance@Random are having a blog hop with chances to win a free book, or even a box of books including the newest release from Debbie Macomber. Here is all the information you need to enter:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Early Picturebook Review: Scaredy Squirrel Goes Camping by by Mélanie Watt

Scaredy Squirrel Goes Camping by Mélanie Watt is another great addition to the series of picturebooks about Scaredy Squirrel, and is scheduled for release on April 1 2013. For those readers that are not yet acquainted with this rodent (for shame!), Scardey Squirrel is all about prevention, preparation, and avoidance. He is scared about just about everything, from logical things like getting sprayed by a skunk to the less logical fear of zippers. When he decides he wants to go camping his way, by watching it on television, Scaredy needs to travel though the nearby campground to plug in his extention cord. Along the way, he learns that camping is much better experienced first hand. But, it should be done safely of course.

Scaredy Squirrel Goes Camping is fun, silly, and simply a good time. Scaredy is not very comfortable with the idea of camping, or much of anything really. He has lists of fears, what to avoid, and how to avoid them. rather than risking zippers or skunks, he plans to camp from the safety of his couch, in his home. but as usual, once Scaredy gets out into the world, he discovers that the world will not destroy him and can enjoy himself. he is not worry free at the end, and still treats the world in his own special way, but gets a little closer to enjoying nature.

Scaredy Squirrel Goes Camping, and the entire series of books by Mélanie Watt, is fun and entertaining. it does not make outright fun of Scaredy's fears, but instead shows young readers how to deal with and face the things that make you uncomfortable without completely letting go of who you are. I plan on reading the entire series with my children, especially my son who fears getting the bottom of his pants wet or dirty. maybe seeing Scaredy face the perils of the world will encourage him to let go of those pant legs!

Book Review: Spaghetti is Not a Finger Food by Jodi Carmichael and Sarah Ackerley

Spaghetti is Not a Finger Food, written by Jodi Carmichael and illustrated by Sarah Ackerley is a chapter book about an eight-year-old boy with Asperger's Syndrome. Young Connor takes readers with him as he works his way through an average school day. We get to see his thought processes as he tries his hardest to be as cool as everyone else. Like any time people try to be what they think is cool rather than themselves, misunderstandings and disaster soon follows. However, at the end of the day Connor comes to the realization that he is exactly as 'cool' as he is meant to be.

Spaghetti is Not a Finger Food is divided into chapters, each one focused on a specific part of Connor's day. The story is fun, and easy to follow. Connor's unique trains of thought are easy to follow, and soon we are able to better understand just how his brain is making connections. Readers of all ages will find it funny, but it is also a great resource for children, parents, and teachers in better understanding how those with Asperger's Syndrome see the world. It is good for helping everyone better approach those that see the world a little differently, regardless of why, and remind us of the importance of good listening and patience.

Spaghetti is Not a Finger Food is a fun and important book to read. It would be a wonderful classroom resource, part of an organizational library, or addition to personal collection. Even if you have never met anyone with Aspergers, you must have had an encountered someone with a different way of seeing the world and communicating. There is wonderful insight and information here that can help us all understand each other while allowing everyone to be themselves rather than forcing conformity.

Picturebook Review: Baron von Baddie and the Ice Ray Incident by George McClements

Baron von Baddie and the Ice Ray Incident by George McClements is a picturebook about a young evil genius realizing that life is just no fun without a challenge. Baron von Baddie keeps creating great devices to battle superhero Captain Kapow, and losing. When he accidentally wins, he is convinced that his life will now be loads of fun, and it is for awhile. He begins making mischief, rearranging the days of the week, unleashing ice-cream-stealing robots, and binging on doughnuts. However, the Baron is quickly bored with his uncontested evil schemes. It seems that even villains need a superheroes.

Baron von Baddie and the Ice Ray Incident is a picturebook that is both great fun, and sneaking about delivering a message. The illustrations are bright, bold, and well detailed. they will appeal to most children, particularly those well on their way to enjoying graphic novels. Beyond the story of the young genius, there is the idea that getting what you think you want, and winning, does not equal happiness. All young Baddie ends up with after having his way with the world for a week, was some boredom and a stomach ache from all the ice cream and doughnuts. While it is hard for kids to understand that adults so no to things like staying up late and unlimited doughnuts, it is for their long term happiness not out of a desire for a fight. (Can you tell I have small children?)

I recommend Baron von Baddie and the Ice Ray Incident to children and adults alike. the story and illustrations are fun and extremely well done. It would be a nice addition to home, school, and library collections. The message is clear, but not told in a high handed manner. Rather, it is told with humor so that no young listeners will feel the story is directed at them. Perhaps the story will have the added bonus of interesting more young children in science, even if for nefarious purposes.

Early Book Review: In the Shadow of Blackbirds by Cat Winters

In the Shadow of Blackbirds by Cat Winters is a historical fiction novel for young adults and adults. It is scheduled for release on April 2 2013. The story is set in 1918, when the mood in the United States was particularly morbid. the world was deep in a world war and the Spanish influenza is killing those fighting and those waiting at home. With this backdrop, we met sixteen year old Mary Shelley Black, who is deeply interested in science and annoyed at those using the atmosphere to fleece the desperate mourners looking hope answers, and for hope. When her father is sent to prison for treason, Mary is sent to live with her aunt, and given the chance to reconnect with an old friend and his family. Unfortunately, all she discovers there is more tragedy, questions that need answers, and a terrifying series of encounters with both the living,and the dead.

In 1918, the world seems on the verge of apocalypse. People roam the streets in gauze masks to protect against the Spanish flu, a all able bodied men are being shipped off to war, and those left behind are doing everything to avoid the suspicion that they might hold traitorous thoughts.  Sixteen-year-old Mary Shelley Black watches as desperate mourners flock to séances and spirit photographers for comfort, including the door of her friend Stephen and his unscrupulous brother Julius. Mary is skeptical of all the ideas around surging popularity of spiritualism, although her Aunt Evie is much more willing to believe. When tragedy seems to befall Stephan, Mary's life becomes even darker, and the mystery surrounding Stephan's last weeks becomes foremost in her mind, only partially because of paranormal activity. The atmosphere and the action are both very dark, and moments will startle most readers, even when they think they already expected the worst. Be ready to be angered, saddened, and occasionally seriously creeped out as you read. I know I held my breath more than once waiting to see just what would happen next.

The historical aspect of In the Shadow of Blackbirds is haunting, and Winter's story only makes it more so. I thought I already knew about the atmosphere of the country due to the stresses of war, but was unaware of the deep set paranoia and the huge impact of the Spanish Influenza. I knew it had happened, but reading about the deep uncertainty about living through the night because of illness on top of the worries about those over seas and the impact of the war on the world made for a confused and scared populous. It is no wonder that spiritualism was so popular, and that otherwise intelligent people would believe obvious fraud, not just well done hoaxes. The book uses archival early-twentieth-century photographs, to bring readers even closer to understanding the time and feeling the atmosphere.

In the Shadow of Blackbirds is a haunting story full of history and suspense. I was not prepared for the depth and darkness in the book, but found myself deeply engrossed in the world of Mary Shelley Black. It was a phenomenal read, and I am glad that I read it. I would recommend this book to young adults and adults, but think that those easily upset might want to skip it. There is no glossing over about what trench warfare for our men was like, the emotional and physical scars they might have come home with (if they were able to come home), the death at home because of the flu, and the opium addiction problems of the day. The atmosphere and story are dark, but extremely well written. Read the book, but be prepared to follow it up with something light and fun to life your spirits when you are done.

Book Review: Double Crossed by Ally Carter

Double Crossed by Ally Carter brings together the worlds of her Heist Society and the Gallagher Girls series, numbering it 2.5 in the Heist Society series. The story takes place at a society gala, where a bored Macey McHenry, who we know to be a spy in training, and W.W. Hale the fifth, heir to millions and a master thief, meet up. the party turns into a hostage situation, but something just does not seem right to either Hale or Macey.  It is up to the two unusual social icons to outsmart the gang. Can spy and a thief trust each other enough to save the day, and will they need a little help from their friends to make it happen.

In Double Crossed readers get to see Macey, a disenchanted and bored socialite with some exceptional training from Gallagher Academy for Exceptional Young Women. She becomes curious when she sees an equally bored looking boy her age, that seems to be picking pockets at the party. Her boredom is relieved as she watches him and then strikes up a conversation. Hale is the heir to a large fortune, and just as bored and uncomfortable as Macey amid the glamour of the party. They each have their own ways of dealing with the crisis they face, and together walk the blurred line of right and wrong to stop a much more significant wrong from taking place.

Double Crossed is a fun cross over between two series that I have enjoyed in the past. While I full admit to liking the Gallagher Girls a little more, and remembering those characters a little better than those from the Heist Society, I still remembered enough to fully enjoy the story. I think this cross over has reminded me about the things I love from both series, and made me interested in refreshing my memory. with that in mind, I think it make bring fans from either series into the fold of fandom of the other. I recommend double crossed for anyone that has read and enjoyed any of the books from Ally Carter. If you have not yet had the pleasure, I highly recommend starting with I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You from the Gallagher Girl series and going on from there.

Early Picturebook Review: Daylight Moonlight by Matt Patterson

Daylight Moonlight by Matt Patterson is a non fiction picturebook that uses realistic illustrations to detail the differences between daytime and nighttime animals in a variety of environments. It is scheduled for release on March 28 2013. The twenty-two scenes include a forest, desert, ocean, beach, wetlands, parks, a backyard, and more. All ages can enjoy the detailed paintings and the information about the different wildlife on each page. I especially enjoyed the pages at the end of the book which include a numbered copy of each image used in the book with each animal listed, which might spark further interest or allow the answering of detailed questions asked by younger readers about the animals on each page.

Daylight Moonlight is visually engaging and enjoyable. The simple phrasing combined with the realistic paintings work very well to capture the interest and imagination of all ages. As each habitat was detailed in day and night, the differences become much more obvious. It ignited the interest for nature in my 6 year old, and refueled the interest of my 4 year old, who adores anything that might involve wildlife, grass, or dirt. The charts in the back of the book helped me further engaged my son, who is extremely fond of finding games, as I could ask him to find all the animals in each painting, and we could discuss the animals that interested him most in more depth.

I highly recommend Daylight Moonlight for use with children of all ages, and their families. It would work well in a classroom or storytime environment discussing nature.