All Is Not Forgotten by Wendy Walker ~ Book Review

Book Description: 

In the small, affluent town of Fairview, Connecticut everything seems picture perfect.

Until one night when young Jenny Kramer is attacked at a local party. In the hours immediately after, she is given a controversial drug to medically erase her memory of the violent assault. But, in the weeks and months that follow, as she heals from her physical wounds, and with no factual recall of the attack, Jenny struggles with her raging emotional memory. Her father, Tom, becomes obsessed with his inability to find her attacker and seek justice while her mother, Charlotte, prefers to pretend this horrific event did not touch her perfect country club world.

As they seek help for their daughter, the fault lines within their marriage and their close-knit community emerge from the shadows where they have been hidden for years, and the relentless quest to find the monster who invaded their town - or perhaps lives among them - drive this psychological thriller to a shocking and unexpected conclusion.

Purchase a copy on Indigo. 

About the Author: 

Wendy Walker is a practicing divorce attorney in Fairfield County, Connecticut who began writing while at home raising her three sons. She published two novels with St. Martin’s Press and edited multiple compilations for the Chicken Soup for the Soul series before writing her debut psychological thriller, All is Not Forgotten.  


Connect: Website | Twitter | Goodreads | Facebook |

Review: 

I enjoyed this book from the minute I picked it up. I didn't want to put it down as I was pulled into the story of the Kramer family and all the drama they hold. This story is told by a third person, a psychiatrist. We learn about Jenny and her family, her mothers past with men and what she has been hiding from her husband. Jenny struggles to regain her memory of that night in the dark forest. I wanted to keep turning the pages to find out who actually did it and what would happen to them. 

The author tackles a tough subject but does it without a lot of visual graphics. I did find some spots hard to digest but it is just the nature of the story. I give this book a 4 out of 5. The story line flows at an even pace and hooks you into all the characters drama, and there is many.   

~*Disclaimer: I received the above book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.*~

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Fantasy of Freedom by Kelly St. Claire ~ Book Review

Book Synopsis:

The Final Installment of Olina's story; Fantasy of Freedom, Book Four of The Tainted Accords 

A part of me knew when I was taken from Osolis,

That when I returned—if I lived long enough to return—I would carry death and destruction to her doorstep.

That is the irony of peace.

It only comes after war. 

Book Review:

This series has left me with a major book hangover! I cannot believe it is over. In the fourth and final installment of The Tainted Accords, we see Olinda’s epic transformation from a small, fragile girl into a strong, strategic leader. 

St. Claire has delivered a truly original and heroic fantasy. Her words grip you right back into Olinda’s story and keeps you in a state of profound suspense. The theme is gallant. I cannot rave enough about this fantasy series. 

Needless to say I give this book and the entire series a big five-star rating. 

Purchase a copy from Amazon. 

Learn more about author, Kelly St.Clare:

When Kelly St Clare is not reading or writing, she is lost in her latest reverie. She can, quite literally, drift past a car accident while in the midst of her day dreams, despite the various police sirens and chaos. 

Books have always been magical and mysterious to her. One day she decided to start unravelling this mystery and began writing. Her aim: To write stories she would want to read. As it turns out, this failed miserably. Do you know what it is like to read something you've written? Impossible, that's what. Not to mention, the ending is ruined before you've begun. Never-the-less, Kelly loves it and wishes she had more time to squeeze it in between her day job as a physiotherapist. 

~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Andrea'. All opinions are honest and my own.*~ 

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The Reflections of Queen Snow White by David Meredith - Book Review

Book Description:

What happens when "happily ever after" has come and gone? 

On the eve of her only daughter, Princess Raven's wedding, an aging Snow White finds it impossible to share in the joyous spirit of the occasion. The ceremony itself promises to be the most glamorous social event of the decade. Snow White’s castle has been meticulously scrubbed, polished and opulently decorated for the celebration. It is already nearly bursting with jubilant guests and merry well-wishers. Prince Edel, Raven's fiancé, is a fine man from a neighboring kingdom and Snow White's own domain is prosperous and at peace. Things could not be better, in fact, except for one thing: 

The king is dead. 

The queen has been in a moribund state of hopeless depression for over a year with no end in sight. It is only when, in a fit of bitter despair, she seeks solitude in the vastness of her own sprawling castle and climbs a long disused and forgotten tower stair that she comes face to face with herself in the very same magic mirror used by her stepmother of old. 

It promises her respite in its shimmering depths, but can Snow White trust a device that was so precious to a woman who sought to cause her such irreparable harm? Can she confront the demons of her own difficult past to discover a better future for herself and her family? And finally, can she release her soul-crushing grief and suffocating loneliness to once again discover what "happily ever after" really means? 

Only time will tell as she wrestles with her past and is forced to confront The Reflections of Queen Snow White. 

Where to Purchase:

Amazon:

USA: USA Link

Australia: Australia Link

Brazil: Brazil Link

Canada: Canada Link

France: France Link

Germany: Germany Link

India: India Link

Italy: Italy Link

Japan: Japan Link

Mexico: Mexico Link

Netherlands: Netherlands Link

Spain: Spain Link

UK: UK Link

Connect with the Author:

Facebook: Facebook Link

Author Website: Author Website

Author Bio: 

David Meredith is a writer and educator originally from Knoxville, Tennessee. He received both a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Arts from East Tennessee State University, in Johnson City, Tennessee as well and a Tennessee State Teaching license. On and off, he spent nearly a decade,  from 1999-2010 teaching English in Northern Japan, but currently lives with his wife and three children in the Nashville Area where he continues to write and teach English.

Book Review by Carmen:

I thought this version of Snow White was nice. There were times when the story became a little bit too wordy with its descriptions. I really enjoyed the love story that was in this novel. I gave it a 4 star rating and got a copy in exchange for an honest review.

*Please be sure to support the author by buying their books and connecting with them on social media.

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Like Father, Like Daughter by Christina Morgan ~ Book Review

Book Description:

Libby is pretty sure she didn’t kill her husband. Maybe her serial killer father can help her figure out what really happened before she is found guilty and sent to prison for life, just like him.

Libby Carter grew up with a loving mother and father – the quintessential suburban family. But she is deposited onto an emotional tilt-a-whirl when her father confesses to being the infamous “I-75 Strangler”. Against all odds, Libby finds love and stability with her husband Ryan.

Waking up to find her husband in bed beside her with his head nearly blown off was a horrendous shock, and the fact that she escaped unscathed shoots her to the top of the suspect list. Libby is left to wonder if she is truly capable of murdering the man she loves. After all, she can’t remember anything after their big argument the night before. Plus, she’s the daughter of a serial killer, so there’s that. Perhaps it’s in her DNA.

Libby risks her life to clear herself and find Ryan’s killer. The story makes an abrupt twist when she discovers someone is out there…watching her every move. She unexpectedly finds herself face-to-face with her stalker and in a fight for her life.

LIKE FATHER, LIKE DAUGHTER is the first in a thrilling trilogy about love, family and redemption.

Buy a copy: You can buy a copy of this book on Amazon.

Connect: For more info about her other books check out Christina Morgan‘s website.

Author Bio:

I was raised in suburban Central Kentucky in a family full of right-brainers. With a photographer/artist for a grandfather and an author/illustrator for a mother, I was bound to turn out on the creative side of the spectrum. I honed my writing skills in school, winning awards for my essays and short stories. I tried my hand at about every sport imaginable, which only went to prove that my efforts were better spent in other creative outlets such as art, singing, and writing. But it was writing that really stuck with me and I spent the next several years trying my hand at writing fiction novels, just for the fun of it.

I took a break for a while and focused on putting myself through paralegal school while raising two amazing Irish twin girls. I quickly learned that being a certified paralegal was the best career choice I could have made. On top of all of the cool cases I have worked on over the years, I was able to write original legal documents autonomously. When a national magazine for attorneys approached me in 2013 to write a short story for them about the life of a paralegal, I jumped at the opportunity. When the article was published and garnered me some amazing feedback, I realized how much I missed writing for leisure. I sat down and wrote my very first full-length fiction novel that year and haven’t stopped writing since.

I love reading (all genres except sci-fi), folk music, caramel macchiatos, puppies, thunderstorms, antique jewelry, dragonflies, the color purple (not the movie), and I enjoy a large sweet tea from McDonald’s every single day.

I live in Nicholasville, Kentucky with my husband and two teenage daughters, three dogs (one of which is blind and has only three legs), and two cats (one of which is still relatively feral.)

Review:

4-4.5 stars

Can you image the nightmare waking up and finding your husband of 8 years lying dead next to you? Killed with a single shot. And the thing is, you didn’t hear a thing. You just went to bed like every night and woke up like this. Do you think the police would believe you? Your friends? Will there still be any friends left? Well this is exactly what happened to Libby. She’s at the center of this story and has to make her own way out of this mess if she doesn’t want to end up behind bars.

I got swept right in. Ryan and Libby had a good marriage, not perfect, just normal you know. No financial problems, no enemies. The only one with motive and opportunity is Libby. The police isn’t doing their hardest either finding someone else to fit the crime. Should she attempt to take a plea bargain for something she didn’t do or just take her chances and risk the death penalty? What a difficult choice to make! The only hope she has left is doing a little digging on her own and see what skeletons come out of the closet.

Libby is convinced she didn’t kill her husband. Well as sure as she can be with this blackout. She loved him and couldn’t have done that. But then again, murder runs in the family, what if she has it in her genes, in her blood? It seems weird to say but I strongly thought Libby was innocent from the very beginning, I believed her immediately, her reactions felt honest, her questions logical. If she needed a friend she could count on me, along with her mother and her other friend Dani.

The pace was steady and it had a good flow that kept my attention all the way through. I wanted to keep on reading and was craving a happy end. It was easy to put myself in Libby’s shoes and to follow her thoughts and actions. The author has impressively captured the realism in this exceptional situation. The ending felt good and satisfying but not all that anticlimactic or surprising to me. I’ve read too many novels in this genre already to have me led on.

Like Father, Like Daughter reminded me very much of Linwood Barclay’s novels. Barclay happens to be one of my favourite authors and he too uses domestic scenes and ordinary people whom you can easily correlate with. The last chapter is holds a little teaser for the second book of this trilogy and I can tell you that this one also holds a lot of promise.

I am very happy I got the chance to read this excellent novel and I look forward to continuing the series.

I received a free copy of this book from GenuineJenn in exchange for my honest opinion.

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I choose LOVE by A.G. Biling

(Press Release for I choose Love)
========================

ATTRACT SUCCESS, MONEY, HEALTH, AND HAPPY RELATIONSHIPS WITH LOVE! "I Choose Love!", your personal guide to mastering your life, will show you how There is one bulletproof tool that can help you attract all the success, money, health, and happy relationships that you want: love. The even better news about it is that it is free. Forget about the strategies of the mind. Immerse yourself in love. Stop living your fears, start living your dreams. "I Choose Love! Overcome Your Fears To Attract The Life You Want" by A.G. Billig is a practical and holistic tool for becoming the masters of our lives with love. "Breaking down the walls of fear and allowing love to shine in our lives is a primary condition for achieving our goals whether they are related to health, relationships, financial abundance, career," says A.G. Billig. The author believes that we learn fear from an early age. As we grow up and turn into adults, our fears, worries, and anxiety multiply under the pressure of the modern society built on scarcity, competition, and emergency. We become easily controllable, out of sync with our authentic selves. Our being shrinks as our energy level, health, and creativity gradually decline. The life situations we confront with, a reflection of our thoughts and deep beliefs, create more fear. Fortunately, it is never too late to own our lives. As soon as we start living from a place of love, instead of fear - love for other people, nature, our job, our house, money, ourselves, positive changes occur. "The first step to living from a place of love is to understand the mechanisms that set in motion our existence and the universal laws. As well as why love - and not fear or hate, is our natural state of being. The first part of the book - Building The Foundation, explains these. Making a conscious choice and taking everyday action, at all levels, come next. The six secret techniques presented in Doing The Work - the second part of the book, will walk you through the process. Our body is a reflection of the Universe at a micro-level. Its components - the mind, the spirit, the heart, and the body are connected. Therefore, a holistic approach is required for its proper functioning. Think about your car. Its engine may work perfectly yet how could you drive it if the tires were flat?" says the A.G. Billig. Inspired by her personal journey to becoming a fearless human being, A.G.Billig interweaves real stories with ancient wisdom. The ideas presented in this book are the result of her encounters with spiritual teachers and healers such as Neale Donald Walsch and John of God, the study of ancient wisdom, and seven years of spiritual practice. "I believe that living from a place of love and a holistic approach of ourselves as beings made of flesh and energy, are the two master keys to creating success, money, health and happy relationships in our lives. I Choose Love! will help you implement both keys in your life. Take your time. You have your own rhythm. Daily and measurable baby steps are better than no action at all," says the author.

"I Choose Love! Overcome Your Fears To Attract The Life You Want" is available worldwide on Amazon.com in digital format. The book comes with three free bonuses: The Four-Week Workbook, two audio guided meditations and access to the Facebook support group "I Choose Love!" What readers say about this Amazon Bestseller: "Finally, I have a real, tangible tool I can give others that need to practice self- unconditional love so that they may go forward and practice unconditional love in their own lives." LoveReadinglLaughing "In a world filled with fears, this book makes a case for love. The book will remind you that love is a choice and give you the tools to choose love every day!" VisV "It is something everybody should read to realize that heroes are among us!" Zaraha "An easy-to-read, well-researched, personal and honest commentary on how to overcome fears and rise to your true potential. Inspiring!" TomasCrow "This was a great book for re-affirming your direction in life, and really deciding what you want, and taking the steps needed to make it happen!" BookKitty About A.G. Billig: A.G. Billig is writer across genres, author of the best-seller "I CHOOSE LOVE!", radio host, certified trainer, spiritual seeker, explorer of the human soul, traveler and dreamer. "Four Doors and Other Stories", released in 2012, marked her debut as a fiction writer. A.G.Billig believes that love is your natural state of being. Love that rejuvenates and inspires you, that gives you strength and abilities to defeat obstacles. Since fear and love cannot coexist in one heart, her mission is to empower people to start living their dreams with love. You can connect with her on: Twitter: @AGBillig Facebook: A.G.Billig Pinterest: AGBillig Instagram: AG_Billig A.G. Billig's Author Website Contact: contact@agbillig.com

ABOUT THE WRITER



I am a bestselling author, radio host, spiritual seeker, explorer of the human soul, traveler and dreamer who believes that love is our natural state of being. Love that rejuvenates and inspires us, that gives us strength and abilities to defeat obstacles.

I began writing short stories at the age of eight when imagining plots and characters became my favorite pastime. It has remained until now although traveling the world, outdoor activities, sports, spirituality, books, music, taking pictures, and Oona The Yorkie rank high on my list as well.

I wrote my first novel, a book I may decide to publish someday, at fifteen. By that time, I also discovered that I could express my creativity as a journalist. I wrote articles and interviews for several newspapers and magazines. Later I became a TV host and a radio presenter. In addition, after gradutaing from University, I developed a career in communication, as a PR consultant. I am enjoying wearing each one of these different hats because they all allow me to express my creativity, curiosity and love for people. 

As the daughter of a French father and an Eastern European mother, I am a natural born traveler. My trips took me across Europe, to the Americas and Asia. The 2010 spiritual journey to the magical land of Abadiania, Brazil, revealed to me that writing was my life purpose. It also made me realize that everything happens for a reason. That reason is to help us growth, to make us happy. As soon as we understand this, we understand the language of love spoken by the Universe. We recognize it in the small or big events we usually put down to coincidence or luck. You know, being at the right time, in the right place, with the right person.

Now that I've told you a bit about me, I am looking forward to knowing you. You are most welcome in my virtual home - www.agbillig.com. You can also connect with me on Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, Pinterest and my favorite 


  by Kris Metoyer

I CHOOSE LOVE –  overcome – your fears –to-attract the life you want -by A.G. Biling

One of the best books I have read describing why we should choose love.

From the beginning, the reader will feel flush and warm.  Like a good friend sharing how love can be possible.  By leading an adventurous life, you will feel powerful, and embark on a journey of unmistakable love.  You are surrounded by the universe, wanting you to be happy and loved.

Biling suggests people shy away from love due to fear.  The author intended for all readers to recognize loving your and others is ok.  She wrote during a time necessary for evolution in her own life.  The longing for life’s meaning and purpose sent her on a journey of discovery.

The diagnosis of my own sudden heart failure had me reading more books than I could imagine on life’s purpose.   The author A.G. Billing said she had the longing for life meaning and purpose.

I realized life is a gift.  Finding value and purpose helps us understand our mission here on earth.

A.G. Biling has shared a wonderful mind evolving book full of quotes and her own evolution on love.  She introduces us to the benefits love has, and how living in fear can create illness.  She sets out to show love is not failure.  Instead love is development and enlightenment.

The author emphasizes. “When you follow the inner voice of your heart, change becomes a miracle.  When you resist it, you experience it as adversity.  The universe forces you into the change you are afraid of or reluctant to make, because it wants you to grow, to manifest your full potential.”

Seeing that, “Healing old wounds, and finding your true self is a journey to the best you possible.” “Love attracts love.”  Don’t be fearful, all humans have weaknesses and strengths.

There are so many positive thought provoking topics in this book.  From the realization fear makes you weak and leads to illness, to the myth of I am not worthy of love.

If you or someone you know has been hurt by love, I recommend, “I choose love” and try again.  The book contains fabulous tools, and the realization we are one with the universe.  The change occurs as we evolve and rotate with the universe.  You have a choice to love and respond positively to others.

Biling writes, “If your heart is kind and incapable of hatred, don’t consider it a weakness.  Don’t wish you had a heart of stone.  Stay true to your nature.  Love attracts more love.”

My review includes my honest and unbiased opinion.  I enjoyed reading this book by A.G. Biling in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion.

I am happy to give, “I choose love” four stars.  Your body and mind will be rejuvenated after reading the message of A.G. Billing. 

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Minor, Novice and Limbo by Meghan McDonnell - Book Review(s)

Book Description:

Minor:

Minor is the first installment of the personal journals in which, for over 20 years, writer Meghan McDonnell has chronicled her life beginning at age eight through present day. With searing candor and tenderness, her musings on daily life and observations of family, social and romantic relationships coalesce in a commentary on growing up, facing down passion and fear, and American life in the 21st century. Wide in scope and vivid in detail, her journals are her confessional love letter to the world. Join her on a fearless, vulnerable, sometimes painful and quixotic, but always honest journey, also known as the human experience. Readers who love Cheryl Strayed or Karl Ove Knausgaard will enjoy this author. 

Volume one spans her eighth year through age 17; reflections on family, friendship, education, a stint at survival camp and coming of age. 

Novice:

Novice is the second installment of the personal journals in which, for over 20 years, writer Meghan McDonnell has chronicled her life beginning at age eight through present day. With searing candor and tenderness, her musings on daily life and observations of family, social and romantic relationships coalesce in a commentary on challenges, facing down passion and fear, and American life in the 21st century. Wide in scope and vivid in detail, her journals are her confessional love letter to the world. Join her on a fearless, vulnerable, sometimes painful and quixotic, but always honest journey, also known as the human experience. Readers who love Cheryl Strayed or Karl Ove Knausgaard will enjoy this author. 

Volume two of this addictive and vicarious series spans her freshman year of college, first love, a trip to Australia, and navigating young adulthood, living on her own among peers. 

Limbo:

Limbo is the third installment of the personal journals in which, for over 20 years, writer Meghan McDonnell has chronicled her life beginning at age eight through present day. With searing candor and tenderness, her musings on daily life and observations of family, social and romantic relationships coalesce in a commentary on challenges, facing down passion and fear, and American life in the 21st century. Wide in scope and vivid in detail, her journals are her confessional love letter to the world. Join her on a fearless, vulnerable, sometimes painful and quixotic, but always honest journey, also known as the human experience.Readers who love Cheryl Strayed or Karl Ove Knausgaard will enjoy this author. 

Volume three of this addictive and vicarious series spans her search for identity, grappling with life choices and heart ache, and plans for travel to Europe. 

Where to Purchase:

Amazon:

USA: Minor | Novice | Limbo
Australia: Minor | Novice | Limbo
Brazil: Minor | Novice | Limbo
Canada: Minor | Novice | Limbo
France: Minor | Novice | Limbo
Germany: Minor | Novice | Limbo
India: Minor | Novice | Limbo
Italy: Minor | Novice | Limbo
Japan: Minor | Novice | Limbo
Mexico: Minor | Novice | Limbo
Netherlands: Minor | Novice | Limbo
Spain: Minor | Novice | Limbo
UK: Minor | Novice | Limbo

Connect with the Author:
Twitter: Twitter Link

Author Bio:

Meghan McDonnell lives in Walla Walla with the man she loves. When she’s not writing or reading, she spends time outdoors, solves crossword puzzles, and pretends to garden.

Book Review by Carmen:
Minor:
Having grew up in the 90's, this one took me down memory lane, which I enjoyed. Sometimes I also felt that Meghan was involved with too many guys, but I enjoyed reading about her social and travelling life.
Novice:
In this one, Meghan seemed to be too all-over-the-place with her emotions, and I thought that if she looked in the right place (to her faith, to God), she'd find the eluding happiness that she's looking for.
Limbo:
Meghan starts realizing why her negative thinking has gotten her to where she is. She seems to have a bit of a better state of mind in this one, and starts making better choices.

I gave Minor 5 stars, Novice 4 Stars and Limbo 5 Stars. I got these copies in exchange for an honest review. I find that these are fun to read for the nostalgia, reminiscent and travelling aspects.

*Please be sure to support the author by buying their books and connecting with them on social media. 

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I Let You Go by Clare Mackintosh ~ Book Review

Book Description: 

On a rainy afternoon, a mother's life is shattered as her son slips from her grip and runs into the street . . .
 
I Let You Go follows Jenna Gray as she moves to a ramshackle cottage on the remote Welsh coast, trying to escape the memory of the car accident that plays again and again in her mind and desperate to heal from the loss of her child and the rest of her painful past.

At the same time, the novel tracks the pair of Bristol police investigators trying to get to the bottom of this hit-and-run. As they chase down one hopeless lead after another, they find themselves as drawn to each other as they are to the frustrating, twist-filled case before them.

Purchase a copy on Indigo. 

About the Author: 

Clare Mackintosh is an author, feature writer and columnist. She has written for The Guardian, Sainsbury's Magazine, The Green Parent, and many other national publications, and is a columnist for Cotswold Life and Writing Magazine.

Clare spent twelve years in the police force, working on CID, in custody and as a public order commander, and has drawn on her experiences for her début psychological thriller I Let You Go. She is currently writing her second novel, out next year.  

Connect: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | 

Review: 

I don't even know how I will review this book without giving out spoilers! I will try my hardest to not include spoilers. I will warn you if I am about to. Here are some words that come to mind - amazing, twisted, suspenseful, will keep you turning pages from the very start. The book is written in first person for some characters/chapters, third person for the investigators and first person past tense for another character later on in the book. With a handful of different characters intertwining their lives the author does this very well. At first I wondered why she didn't label chapters with characters names but then I see why and it makes a lot of sense. I was taken by surprise a few times. This is an emotional read and will tug at your heart strings. warning; it does talk about sexual/physical violence. There were times I found myself on the edge of tears or gasping out loud.

The authors police history shows up in the detective parts of the book and make it more real life action. There are stories within the story with the characters and a lot of back story. I found it roping me into wanting/thinking more about each character and what their lives were like before and after. The author also leaves us with an ending that will stay with you. Is there more to this or is it really over?

For a debut novel, this is fantastic! I really enjoyed this story and will look forward to more from Clare MacKintosh. I give this book a 5 star!
 

~*Disclaimer: I received the above book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.*~

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Grayling's Song by Karen Cushman ~ Middle Grade Book Review

Book Description: 

Like all Karen Cushman's gorgeous novels, "Grayling s Song"delves into the past to let us know what we must ask of our future. Lena DunhamIt s time for Grayling to be a hero. Her mother, a wise woman a sort of witch has been turned into a tree by evil forces. Tangles and toadstools! Lacking confidence after years of being called Feeble Wits by her mother, Grayling heads off dubiously into the wilds in search of help, where she finds a weather witch, an aromatic enchantress, a cheese soothsayer, a slyly foolish apprentice, and a shape-shifting mouse named Pook!A fast-paced and funny coming-of-age odyssey from a Newbery medalist.

Purchase a copy on Amazon. 

About the Author: 

Karen Cushman was born in Chicago, Illinois.

She entered Stanford University on a scholarship in 1959 and graduated with degrees in Greek and English. She later earned master’s degrees in human behavior and museum studies.

For eleven years she was an adjunct professor in the Museum Studies Department at John F. Kennedy University before resigning in 1996 to write full-time.

She lives on Vashon Island, Washington with her husband, Philip.

Connect: Website | Goodreads | Twitter | Facebook |

Review: 

Middle grade fans of historical fantasy fiction I believe will enjoy this book. Grayling is a young girl who doesn't have the best relationship with her "witch" Dr mother. Hannah Strong, Grayling's mother, belittles Grayling leaving her daughter feeling down with her self-esteem. Grayling is sent out to help reverse a curse that has left Hannah Strong a tree and all the other powerful Dr's in the area.

 This book took me a bit to get into. I found the pace was a bit slow for my liking and the story was very sad. The characters seemed more interested in being emotionally abusive to each other. The character that I did really like was Pook, a shape shifting mouse. He was a sweet, devoted mouse.  

The four ladies were on an adventure to get back Hannah Strongs grimore to turn her back into herself and not a tree. This is really a challenge to review. I do think it will make kids stop and think about their own strengths and abilities but at the same time I wasn't really feeling good about all the negative talking between the characters. I also feel it is better suited for 10 year old and up. The magic within the characters were fun and I would have loved to see how Grayling will develop now that she has been down this path to help her mother. 

I give this book a 3 out of 4 stars. 
 

~*Disclaimer: I received the above book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.*~

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