Early Book Review: Warren the 13th and The All-Seeing Eye by Tania del Rio, Will Staehle

Warren the 13th and The All-Seeing Eye is a middle grade novel with a Victorian feel written by Tania del Rio and illustrated by Will Staehle. It is currently scheduled for release on November 24 2015. Warren the 13th is a cursed 12-year-old Victorian bellhop who’s terribly unlucky. Despite how hard he works and the troubles he faces, he is still optimistic and curious. Orphan Warren’s pride and joy is his family’s hotel, but he’s been miserable ever since his evil Aunt Anaconda took over the management. Anaconda believes a mysterious treasure known as the All-Seeing Eye is hidden somewhere on the grounds, and she’ll do anything to find it. If Warren wants to preserve his family’s legacy, he’ll need to find the treasure first, if the hotel’s many strange and wacky guests don’t beat him to it!

Warren the 13th and The All-Seeing Eye is a fantasy adventure  with two-color illustrations that help capture the attention of readers. the book has a spooky feel and a fun mystery. warren works hard to keep his new Aunt happy, although he never can. he works even harder to keep his family's hotel, and legacy, running as well as he can by himself. He thinks the all Seeing Eye is just a myth, but when his aunt's sisters, and then a slew of mysterious guests, all come hunting for the treasure warren knows he needs to stay a step ahead of his aunt. Things get dicey for Warren as he tries to do his work and hunt for the eye, and both friends and foes seem to be everywhere. I liked how good-natured and hard working Warren was, and the perpetual residents of the hotel do their best to assist him and save the hotel. A mysterious girl and the new, wacky guests add extra spice to mystery and keep readers turning pages. I will admit that I was not expecting the end! There were small aspects of it that I was ready for, but the big picture was much bigger than I was prepared for, and I loved it.



Warren the 13th and The All-Seeing Eye is a wonderful mix of gothic fiction, mystery, and magic. The story draws readers in and keeps them guessing. Even when you think you have it all figured out, there is another surprise around the corner. 

Early Book Review: Bound in Darkness by Jacquelyn Frank

Bound in Darkness is the fourth and final book in the Immortal Brothers series by Jacquelyn Frank. It is currently scheduled for release on November 24 2015. I highly recommend reading this series in order, but I think determined readers could read this as a stand alone. 

After drinking from the fountain of immortality along with his brothers, Maxum is condemned by the gods to be entombed in the earth. Even though he has now been granted a reprieve by day, each night he is buried anew, his rock-hard body immobilized, his bones crushed by the pressure. There is only one way for Maxum to be completely free: He must kill the god who cursed him. The task will require tremendous power, so Maxum embarks on a quest to gather talismans to equip him for the battle. Then an earthy wench seduces him and steals one of his magical amulets, but he catches her. Finding herself between a rock and a hard place, she strikes a bargain. The beautiful and alluring Airianne is a skilled thief, and she can help him in his acquisition of the talismans. Will this stealthy seductress also try to steal his heart, or will their boldness end up getting them both buried?

Bound in Darkness is a satisfying read, both as a series conclusion and as a romance. Maxum is angry and bitter, but still manages to be a fair and compassionate man. He does not want to admit it, or show it too often, but it is clearly part of his personality. Airianne knows well not to trust or depend on others, she has been on her own from a young age and has turned to theft for survival. When she steals from Maxum she finds herself in a new kind of trouble. They strike a bargain and she joins his group, much to the disgust of one fellow member. She makes herself valuable, as she struggles to ignore the attraction between her and Maxum. The quest and the relationship between the pair are perilous on several levels, that the characters adapt to meet the challenges. I really liked their interactions and the tension that was constant through out the book as the crew struggled and changed as well. I was eagerly turning pages to see what would happen next, and when Maxum might share his secrets and goals with Airianne. A solid read with high action and great characters.

Bound in Darkness is a satisfying conclusion to the series, and better than the third installment (at least as far as I am concerned). It still is not quite up to my expectations of Frank, but it is very close. 

Book Review: What To Do With A Duke by Sally MacKenzie

What To Do With A Duke is a historical romance by Sally MacKenzie. It is the first book in the Spinster House series set in the village of Loves Bridge, although there was a novella as a prequel (which I did not read).

Miss Isabelle Catherine Hutting would rather be in the library than searching for a husband any day. So when Cat hears that the town's infamous Spinster House is open for a new resident, she jumps at the chance to put all this marriage business behind her. With her wit, independent spirit, and not least of all her beauty, Marcus can't help but be stirred by Cat. It's terribly unfortunate he's not looking to marry, given the centuries-old curse that left his family with the Spinster House to begin with. No duke shall live to see his heir's birth. But is there a chance the curse could be broken, in true fairy-tale fashion, by an act of true love? 

What To Do With A Duke is a fun and feisty historical romance. Cat is a smart and caring woman with a dream, fierce independent streak, and many siblings. While she loves her family she does not see the need to a husband, and just wants some peace and quiet to write her novel. Marcus is starting to get restless, and a need for connection is building but he does not want to marry in fear of the curse that dogs his family. They are both looking for happiness and peace. They both try to ignore their attraction and as the book goes on, ignore their hearts.  The combination of practical characters that are quick witted and exchange barbs with the best of them. I really enjoyed their interactions and how they both seem to want the best for those they care for. The bonus of a cat with a definite mind of its own just added to the fun and feels through out the book.

What To Do With A Duke is a a fun historical novel that let me wanting more. I am looking forward to reading the sequels. 

Not Currently Taking Review Requests

I am currently not taking review requests. I have far too many books in my to be read pile to continue accepting more at this time. Between the craziness of life, the books I already own, my public library, and my over eager request habit at NetGalley I simply cannot accept more books to add to my TBR pile.

Book Review: Serafina and the Black Cloak by Robert Beatty

Serafina and the Black Cloak by Robert Beatty is a middle grade novel with a Gothic or horror feel to it. Serafina has never had a reason to disobey her pa and venture beyond the grounds of the Biltmore estate.There's plenty to explore in her grand home, although she must take care to never be seen. None of the rich folk upstairs know that Serafina exists; she and her pa, the estate's maintenance man, have secretly lived in the basement for as long as Serafina can remember. But when children at the estate start disappearing, only Serafina knows who the culprit is; a terrifying man in a black cloak who stalks Biltmore's corridors at night. Following her own harrowing escape, Serafina risks everything by joining forces with Braeden Vanderbilt, the young nephew of the Biltmore's owners. Braeden and Serafina must uncover the Man in the Black Cloak's true identity before all of the children vanish one by one. Serafina's hunt leads her into the very forest that she has been taught to fear. There she discovers a forgotten legacy of magic, one that is bound to her own identity. In order to save the children of Biltmore, Serafina must seek the answers that will unlock the puzzle of her past.

Serafina and the Black Cloak is a story with mystery, adventure, and a little magic. Serafina does not know much about anything outside her daily life of hiding in the shadow and hunting the rats that try to call Biltmore their home. She knows nothing about her mother, or why she and her father secretly live in the basement. When she sees the man in the black cloak take a girl she begins searching for answers, not just about what happen to the girl but also about herself. Serafina and Braeden are characters that see themselves as ‘other’ and some of their friendship finds root in that, but they are both interesting characters on their own. I found myself deeply invested in both children’s lives, and interested in their history. I enjoyed the unfolding of Serafina’s history, though not all of it surprised me. I was disappointed that we did not get more about Braeden and some of the side characters did not get a solid resolution as far as I was concerned. I was enthralled with the read, and enjoyed it. The lack of small bits of resolution just left me hoping that Beatty would revisit the Biltmore, since this story concluded but left plenty of room for more adventure.

Serafina and the Black Cloak is an engaging middle grade read with a good balance of mystical and coming of age themes. I think this will be a popular read for many.

Book Review: The Skeleton in the Closet by Angie Fox

The Skeleton in the Closet by Angie Fox is the second book in the Southern Ghost Hunter mystery series. I know I have read other books by the author, but I have not read Southern Spirit, the first book in the series. Verity is in the middle of a town festival dealing with being hated by one of the town big wigs for her failed relationship with her son. Meanwhile the ex is hounding her, and she is kinda, quietly, dating his younger brother. Then there is the little problem of stumbling across as dead body while trying to help her sister with her work on the celebration. Her ghostly sidekick Frankie warns her to stay out of it. The very alive, almost boyfriend deputy sheriff, Ellis Wydell, inadvertently places her directly in the middle of it. Undaunted, Verity presses forward, uncovering scandalous secrets, long-forgotten ghosts, and a shocking trail of clues that places her directly in the path of a killer.

The Skeleton in the Closet is a fun and diverting paranormal cozy mystery. there are plenty of complications, ex boyfriends and almost boyfriends that just happen to be siblings not even close to the biggest of the issues Verity has to face. She is trying to free the gangster ghost that she accidentally trapped on her property, trying to solve the mystery of who would want to kill a hardworking woman, why she was killed, and dealing with a variety of ghosts and their conflicts as well. Even though I had not read the first book I felt like I got up to speed pretty quick, and only the details of Verity's break up and why the Sheriff dislikes her so much being the only things that make me feel like I missed something important in the first book. I found the mystery and the characters interesting, and really liked the tone of the story.     

The Skeleton in the Closet is a fast paced and fun weekend read. I flew through the story, looking for clues and just how everything would tie in together at the end. If you enjoy cozy mysteries with a ghostly theme this would be a great series to pick up. 

Book Review: Everyone Loves Bacon by Kelly DiPuccio, Eric Wight

Everyone Loves Bacon is a picturebook written by Kelly DiPuccio and illustrated by Eric Wight. Every food in the kitchen loves Bacon, and they all are his friends. He is practically sizzling with the popularity and praise he receives. However, after awhile all that fame goes to his head and he forgets about friends and family, instead focusing on how much he is loved. In the end things take a decidedly delicious turn.

Everyone Loves Bacon is a fun book that shows how easy it can be to lose ourselves in praise and attention. Bacon eats up all the attention he gets, and in doing so treats those that have always been by his side badly. This is never a good course of action, and his friends do not take kindly to it. The ending is not really a resolution to that problem, but is a good reminder that when 'everyone' loves you often times at least one of those admirers is out to take a bite of the action.

Everyone Loves Bacon is a a fun story with a delightful surprise ending. It was downright delicious, and now I am hungry for something crispy.

Book Review: The Perfect Bargain by Jessa McAdams

The Perfect Bargain is a contemporary highland romance by Jessa McAdams. As if being newly single isn't brutal enough, Sloane Chatfield's friends are constantly setting her up. When Sloane insists she's waiting for a certain sexy fictional Highlander to come along, her friends surprise her with a trip to Scotland to find her a new boyfriend. If she can find a Highland hunk to "break her heart" before her friends arrive she might be able to have some peace. Galen Buchanan is struggling to keep the family pub afloat. He is running out of money, and now there's an opinionated American lass parked at his best table, driving him mad. When Sloane asks Galen to be her pretend Highland boyfriend, and offers him enough money to save the pub. It's only for a few days, he figures. What's the worst that could happen?

The Perfect Bargain is a fun romance that take a woman that is more than a little disappointed in her former fiancee, and looking to run from her problems, and her interfering friends for awhile. She has a plan, but when it goes astray her back up plan includes the hunky bar owner with some serious financial issues. Nothing could go wrong, right? I liked that Galen and Sloane bantered back and forth, I love a couple that is comfortable enough with themselves and each other that they can bicker. I also liked that while Sloane is wealthy, she works hard and does not look down on those that do not have things as good as she does, in fact her work is all about charities and helping others. Galen might love the bar, but his reason for running it is more about family and doing what he thinks is right rather than the bar itself. The inclusion of the tiny village, Galen's family, and Sloane's group adds some fun characters and interesting conflicts that occasionally had me cringing or looking away in sympathy for the characters. I think the characters really made the book.

The Perfect Bargain is a fun and entertaining read. I enjoyed the characters and their interaction. It was a great weekend read, one that I pretty much inhaled in a day.

Book Review: The Shadows Fianna Trilogy by Megan Chance

The Shadows is the first book in the Fianna Trilogy by Megan Chance. Grace Knox is about to turn seventeen, and the world of Victorian New York society should be opening to her, instead, Grace’s world is closing in. The family business is gone, her brother is drinking and gambling,  her widowed mother cannot cope, her grandmother is slipping into madness, and now Grace is having disturbing dreams of ancient battles. Grace’s only hope is to marry Patrick Devlin and let his fortune save them all. Then Grace meets Diarmid, an Irish stableboy. Being with him means losing everything. But the secrets and mystery surrounding him are too compelling to ignore. Soon Grace is drawn into his world of legend and heroes, magic and prophecy.

The Shadows is the solid start to an intriguing series. I liked the premise and the combination of historical feel and Irish mythology. Grace is a reliable and reasonably pragmatic girl, though she does occasionally get a little romantic minded. She wants happiness and to save her family from destitution, and it seems that Patrick is the best choice to reach both goals. I like that Grace questions motives and feelings rather than just taking everything said at face value. The story becomes more interesting and complicated with the addition of Diarmid and the tasks everyone has ahead of them. There was a lot of build up for the problems and battles ahead, but some resolution and revelations when the book ended as well.

The Shadows captured my imagination and made me interested in reading more Irish mythology and continuing the series. It was a solid foundation for what could turn out to be a great new series.

Megan Chance is the award winning author of several adult novels, including Bone River. A former television news photographer with a BA from Western Washington University, Megan lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and two daughters. Visit her at www.meganchance.com.

Great Books Set in Connecticut; Novels and Non-Fiction in the Nutmeg State

It is always fun to read a book and recognize the landmarks and locations discussed on the pages. Even if the exact locations are not ones I pass by everyday, or even actually exist, often the feel of the state is still strongly felt. This might not be the case for larger states, but we Connecticut residents can often recognize the inspiration of our state in writing. Here are some books that make me smile because of the familiar settings in Connecticut.

In Pursuit of the Common Good: Twenty-Five Years of Repairing the World, One Bottle of Salad Dressing at a Time by A. E. Hotchner and Paul Newman is a perfect non-management book. The late Paul Newman is a hometown hero for most Connecticut residents. He used his fame and wealth to do as much good as he could. This book gives readers a glimpse into his compassion and style as well the partnership that built Newman's Own, an all natural food company. The book is a fun, playful read that informs and inspires.

The Sleeping Father by Matthew Sharpe is full of acidic humor and tragedy. Sharpe tells the story of a family trying to deal with betrayal and the father's stroke, which was pharmacologically induced. There is fear induced humor and satire in this character driven novel which keeps the sadness and humor of the story perfectly balanced. The story is set in a fictional town in Connecticut.

Summer Light by Luanne Rice illustrates the bonds of family you might expect to be shattered and the joy of finding the person you are meant to be with forever. The story is complete with struggles, tragedy and triumph not just a love story that follow the expected path. Set in a Connecticut shoreline town the book makes a great summer or beach read and captures the atmosphere of New London County perfectly.

The Barbarians Are Coming was the first novel by David Wong Louie. We see the details of family dynamics for a Chinese-American family in Connecticut, particularly the son's struggle to be American and ignore most of his heritage. Instead, he buries himself in his chosen career, denying what connections that could be made through cooking. This is a deeply affecting novel about fathers and sons, and the struggle to be true to yourself and your family or culture.

Tara Road by Maeve Binchy is an unexpected treasure. A story of two women that connect over the phone at just the right moment in their turmoil filled lives leads to the unique opportunity to trade homes for the summer, one in Connecticut and on in Dublin. We see the reality of life, relationships and hope. This is an original and well-crafted tale that entertains and moves the reader.

We'll Meet Again by Mary Higgins Clark is a murder mystery as well as a drama about best friends. One is convicted of murdering her husband and the other is a true crime reporter. A Connecticut socialite is the main character. She is released on parole and spends her free time trying to solve her husband's murder while readjusting to life.

I Know This Much Is True by Wally Lamb is not a light read, not fun or fluffy like most of my favorite and most recommended reads. It is a multi-generational story that is heartbreaking. It is full of family secrets and mental illness and the struggles that come from them. Locations from upstate Connecticut are as much a character of the book as any of the family members.

Explore these fantastic reads and get a little feel for the state of Connecticut, or if you are a fellow resident enjoy the feel of home. Nothing is better than reading a great book, except one that makes you feel at home in its settings.