Teresa C. (nessy) reviewed on 2/4/2025 + 6 more book reviews

An awful book! Explains nothing and not worth reading! Dont waste your time.

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Karen C. (cowanrn) reviewed on 2/4/2025 + 13 more book reviews

Interesting and an easy read

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Rachel G. (roach808) - reviewed on 2/4/2025 + 184 more book reviews

The cover is amazing, the book is good. It's enjoyable and an easy middle grade read.

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Michael B. (Ichabod) reviewed on 2/3/2025 + 145 more book reviews

Music is a passion, my having spent decades selling it and crowding up endless brain cells with Casey Kasem-like trivia. I am drawn to music bios-- eager to get the lowdown on the lives of the artists. All too often, like Charlie Brown trusting Lucy's football hold, I am left disappointed by the experience. For every exceptional memoir like Keith Richards', there are lackluster ones from artists like Donovan or even the recent Doobie Brothers' that leave me unimpressed and ready to nod off.

The early sections of "Under a Rock" by Blondie's Chris Stein are very well-written and avoid the pitfall of being mere filler. His observations of the pre-Blondie years are entertaining and relatable, not always the case with celebrity bios, where the desire is to skim along until the career is taking off. Like the recent Ricki Lee Jones biography, Stein's book conjures up a nostalgic chord when hitting the landmarks of the past.

Debbie Harry is on the cover. She writes the forward. She is beautiful and charismatic and, really, the focal point of the group. This is not a Blondie bio, but rather the story of Chris Stein. As partners they led the group and enjoyed a long-term relationship, but-- while her star-quality was continually an issue-- her presence does not overshadow Stein's narrative.

Stein's portrayal of New York City life is a major element of the story. There was the pervasive crime scene, including a passage where Debbie was raped at knifepoint during a robbery while Stein was tied up. There is the rise of Punk and New Wave and clubs like CBGB's. Later there is even Chris's first-hand account of the 9/11 attack.

The stars and the glitter are all here. There are encounters with Warhol, Bowie, Iggy Pop, Lou Reed, Hendrix, Phil Spector, and Mick Jagger, among others. Blondie's rise, fall and resurrection in the late 1990's is all covered. Stein says he never felt the group rose as high as it could have, yet the reverence it inspires and its induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame would tend to challenge that assessment.

Following the pizzazz of the show biz chapters, we have the completion of the man's life. Recreational drugs, followed by hardcore addictions and serious medical challenges-- including a diagnosis of pemphigus vulgaris--; all took their toll. In the epilogue Stein states, "There's a tendency to present tales of personal addiction as colorful 'war stories,' art produced by pain and being hooked." He assumed he always presented these experiences to his kids in a "negative light." Tragically, he lost his nineteen-year-old daughter, Akira, to an accidental overdose.

In 1999, after a seventeen-year layoff, Blondie returned with "No Exit" and a tour that I was lucky enough to catch at a music convention. There was some skepticism as to whether or not they could still bring it. They were awesome. The group is back in the studio and planning an album release in the spring of 2025. While Stein remains a member of the group, he no longer tours due to a heart condition.

"Under a Rock" is an intelligent and clever rock biography that successfully combines glitz, glamour, and name dropping with a compelling narrative. It is an impressive example of the genre.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

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Nada A. reviewed on 2/3/2025 + 1408 more book reviews

Mrs. Porter Calling is the third book in the series, The Emmy Lake Chronicles. The books find a balance of the grim story of war and of the feel good story of a group of friends who are like family and the joy and comfort they find in each other even in dark times. Given the tone of all three books, I suspect going in how the book will end. It delivers that sweet story, but I would have appreciated something unexpected and unpredictable.

Read my complete review at http://www.memoriesfrombooks.com/2025/02/mrs-porter-calling.html

Reviewed for NetGalley.

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jjares reviewed on 2/3/2025 + 3454 more book reviews

This is a plodding story that did not hold my interest. Although I've read other books by this author, this one is not engaging. Callum Carmichael always knew he would marry Rose Gilbert. Although she was a banker's daughter and he was a simple farmer and a small landowner, they have always known they were meant for each other.

Suddenly, Rose breaks their engagement and won't talk with Callum. She starts losing weight and looking haggard. Still, she won't tell her friends that her father lost money in an investment. He cannot make any loans (because there is no extra money in the bank) and turns Callum down when he asks for money to build a house. I thought this was a pitiful sob story from start to finish. Score = 2 stars (because I finished it). I have no intention of reading the others in this series.


Waymaker Series- Total of 9
1. The Way to Healing (2021)
2. The Way to Peace (2021)
3. The Way to Family (2021)
** 4. The Way to Truth (2021)

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Valerie S. (VolunteerVal) - reviewed on 2/3/2025 + 665 more book reviews

This faith-based picture book highlights that there are all kinds of ways to be as a person (small or tall, quiet or loud, sporty or artistic, etc.) and God creates each person for a unique purpose and loves us no matter our personalities, interests, or skills. I appreciate that the children in the cute illustrations had a variety of skin colors and abilities (one child uses a wheelchair for mobility and several have glasses).

The book is apparently based on a song by Hillsong which is likely why the text is primarily paraphrased Bible verses rather than a 'story.' This was one of three faith-based picture books I read to our very young grandchildren, and they were the least engaged with this one, but that was likely due in part to waning attention spans.

Note: This story uses male pronoun for God which doesn't match my theology so I simply edited as I read aloud, replacing "him" with "God."

Thank you to David C Cook for the review copy of this book.

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Valerie S. (VolunteerVal) - reviewed on 2/3/2025 + 665 more book reviews

This story is about a heart (boy) who becomes very anxious during a group trip to the zoo when things don't go as planned. The illustrations are wonderful, and our young grandchildren related to the various areas of the zoo because they often visit our city's zoo.

At ages 2, 4, and 5, they were too young to relate to the child-friendly descriptions of panic and negative thoughts, but older children probably could. At first they were confused that the boy and heart were separate but understood after we talked about it.

I appreciated the simple prayer ("I'm okay. I can pray. God made today. God is the way.") that was included as a breath prayer and a finger prayer.

The book is part of the StrongHeart Stories series; I plan to check out others in the series.

Note: This story use the male pronoun for God which doesn't match my theology so I simply edited as I read aloud, replacing "him" with "God."

Thank you to David C Cook for the review copy of this book.

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Karen S. (MKSbooklady) reviewed on 2/3/2025 + 1008 more book reviews

A brilliant book. Once you start it you won't want to put it down until you've finished. Patch, Saint, Misty, Charlotte will all become parts of your life. A long journey which seems to go by in the blink of an eye.

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Thomas F. (hardtack) - , reviewed on 2/3/2025 + 2748 more book reviews

In this sequel to The Thirty-Nine Steps, considered one of the 100 best novels in English, John Buchan adds another irresistible spy mystery. It starts off slowly, but quickly picks up speed.

Buchan constantly put pen to paper, even when his other duties seemed overwhelming. He must have written over 100 works of fiction and non-fiction, including his own poetry.

What is most amazing is his extensive and critically acclaimed writing is perhaps the least of his accomplishments. Visit his Wikipedia page to discover why.

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JOANNE (joann) - , reviewed on 2/3/2025 + 419 more book reviews

For all of you fans of Stevie Nicks, this is a must read. Puts you in "tune" to her.

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Eileen S. (smileen) - , reviewed on 2/3/2025 + 275 more book reviews

Another fabulous book by Lisa Genova! It's been too long between books. Genova has a degree in neuro science and has written books about traumatic brain injuries, Alzheimer's, Huntington's Disease and ALS, and this time she tackles BiPolar Disorder.
This story is about Maddy, a young lady getting ready to embark on her college career. The summer starts out where she is depressed over her boyfriend breaking up with her, and it descends from there. She is under a lot of pressure at NYU, and her personality starts to change. We watch her go through manic episodes and depression while trying to carry on with her life, not understanding what is happening. This book was exhausting at times, and times I just couldn't put it down. I was so afraid for her life, and I was afraid for the ending. Lisa Genova obviously does a lot of research, and once again does not disappoint.

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jjares reviewed on 2/2/2025 + 3454 more book reviews

I was not impressed with this book. I've read this information in other books, and the scientific studies used were old (2009, 2012, 2006, to mention a few). Some of the information seems inflated. For example, I've read that the thermogenesis (increase in body temperature, to burn more calories) brought about by eating capsicum is infinitesimal.

This eBook seems to be "much ado about not much." Score = 2 stars.

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Melissa B. (dragoneyes) - , reviewed on 2/2/2025 + 855 more book reviews

I love the first three quarters of this book. It was very gothic and mysterious. I had this creepy feeling wash over me while I was reading it. Ended up being so immersed in it wanting to know what was truly going on. Loved it! Then the last quarter came along. I didn't hate it but I wasn't really pleased of where it went to and how it ended. I was wanting a bit more. Still a great story that I really enjoyed.

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jjares reviewed on 2/2/2025 + 3454 more book reviews

This book is a keeper! The author offers just about everything a cook could want. In addition to ingredients and procedures, she provides a time frame, number of servings, nutritional information, and alternative ingredients (for a different flavor, etc.). Some alternatives offer lighter options, such as other vegetables, gluten-free choices, etc.

The author uses the slow cooker to create these tasty meals. She has separated recipes into
BREAKFAST DELIGHTS,
HEARTY SOUPS AND STEWS,
COMFORTING MAIN DISHES,
SIDES AND SMALL BITES,
INTERNATIONAL FLAVORS,
HEALTHY AND LIGHT OPTIONS,
ONE POT FAMILY MEALS,
SWEET TREATS,
SEASONAL SPECIALTIES,
BUDGET FRIENDLY RECIPES.

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Melissa B. (dragoneyes) - , reviewed on 2/2/2025 + 855 more book reviews

I really liked the concept of this story. The idea feels all too plausible and it makes it kind of scary. The problem is, although this book had a lot of great ideas and some quite fun parts, it really didn't jump out at me like I expected it to. The characters were okay but there was no real attachment. Then there was the author over explaining everything. I don't mind it once in awhile but it seemed a constant in this book. Last but not least was the wit. I could see it in there and knew what it was but I didn't find it funny. I know everyone is different in what tickles their funny bone but as for me, this wasn't it. It was still a good story and I still had fun with it. Glad I read it.

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Julie Y. (naboo) reviewed on 2/2/2025 + 24 more book reviews

This is the first book I have read by this author, and I am definitely looking forward to reading more books by this writer. 

Cathy and Don Angel are on their way to Connecticut on Christmas Eve and end up dying tragically in a train accident. 

Shortly after their death, they meet the angel Gabriel. Gabriel tells them that in order to receive their wings, each one will need to perform three miracles by midnight Christmas Eve. 

The first miracle is to convince Jimmy O'Connor, an alcoholic, to leave the bar and go have dinner with his family on Christmas Eve. 

Next, find Maggie St. John, a homeless lady, a home for Christmas. 

After that, prevent Rowena Trent, a legally blind person, from committing suicide. 

Thereafter, Sister Marie Claire is dying from cancer, and the Angel's have to "make death easy for her".

Finally, both Cathy and Don are transported back to the location of the train accident. Their last miracle is to save Cassandra and "the boys".

This book will definitely tug at your heartstrings! I am surprised that this book has not been made into a Hallmark movie!

I definitely recommend this book for anyone who needs an uplifting read. 

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Melissa B. (dragoneyes) - , reviewed on 2/2/2025 + 855 more book reviews

I was excited to read this book. What fun to read about all the classic monsters in a battle against good and evil. The story had Dracula, Phantom of the Opera, Creature of the Black Lagoon, mummies, witches and a whole lot more. The story was adventurous and fun. It had some wit and even some unexpected brutal moments. The biggest issue for me was it was a bit too long. It started out strong but after awhile I started to get a bit bored. Then the ending came along and I was back at enjoying the story. Tightening up the tale and reducing it by 80 to 100 pages would've been perfect. I do look forward to the creatures next adventure though.

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Susan F. (scoutmomskf) - , reviewed on 2/2/2025 + 2647 more book reviews

In Amanda McCabe's A Convenient Winter Wedding: marrying Connor O'Neill is about survival for penniless heiress May Van Der Berg. The distant self-made millionaire is far from the passionate husband she'd once dreamed ofâ¦except for that scorching kiss!

As one of New York's oldest families, May's parents have standing and influence but little money. Her parents have made it clear that she needs to make a good marriage to the right person, but May hopes to find a man she can love. Connor O'Neill has plenty of money but is not accepted by New York society. Marriage to someone with the right pedigree would help his mother and sister.

The story opens with May avoiding a ball given for her to find a husband. She sneaks off to the gazebo for a few minutes of peace. She's surprised to see an unfamiliar man there already. A few minutes of conversation while neither worries about the usual façade sparks a quick connection between them. His wealth overcomes May's mother's attitude toward "new money," and her parents allow Connor to court her. Connor worries about turning May off with his rough around the edges personality, so he works extra hard at imitating the "gentlemen" of her class. His sudden formality causes May to wonder if he is only interested in what her family can do for him and not herself.

I loved that May dared to speak to Connor about her worries and that he answered her honestly. Once they cleared up that confusion, the courtship was everything she could hope for. I especially enjoyed the ice skating scene. Their initial connection grows into the love they both hoped for and a heartwarming ending.

I loved Connor's mother and sister. His need to make the best life possible for them was sweet. Their close ties were terrific. I laughed out loud when Connor's sister advised him how to win May - she knew exactly what to tell him.



In Lauri Robinson's The Railroad Baron's Mistletoe Bride: after years of estrangement, romance blooms when Kurt invites store clerk Harper and their shared niece to spend Christmas at his mansion. But are they just a family for the holidays?

Harper and her niece, Katie Jo, moved to another town after Harper's sister died giving birth to her. She worried that Katie Jo's father's family, wealthy railroad barons, would find them and take her away. She found a lovely little town without a railroad stop and made friends and a good life for herself and Katie Jo.

Seven years later, the day Harper feared arrived. Kurt Cavanaugh, Katie Jo's uncle, arrived, planning to take Katie Jo to Baltimore to meet his grandfather. Harper is not happy with the plan, as his grandfather was the one who forced Katie Jo's father to marry another woman.

Complicating matters, seven years ago, Harper was in love with Kurt, a customer at the restaurant where she worked. She had no idea that he had fallen for her, too. She fears falling further for him, even as he works to calm her fears, showing her he is on her side. But as her feelings for Kurt grow stronger, can she trust him not to break her heart again? I enjoyed seeing Katie Jo and Harper's effect on Kurt and the changes they brought to his life. There is a bit of trouble at the end, but it is easily resolved. The ending was great.

Katie Jo is a bright and cheerful child, and I enjoyed seeing her interact with the adults. It didn't take long for Kurt to fall under her spell. From the trip in the private railroad car to decorating for Christmas to sledding in the snow, Katie Jo easily fits into the Cavanaugh household.

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Cathy C. (cathyskye) - , reviewed on 2/2/2025 + 2328 more book reviews

Allison Montclair's Sparks & Bainbridge historical series continues to be one of my favorites. The growth of the main characters is wonderful, and An Excellent Thing in a Woman continues to let readers share in the lives of two strong, intelligent, and witty women.

Another thing I love about this series is the attention to detail. I really get a feel for post-World War II London. In this latest installment, readers get a behind-the-scenes look at the BBC Studios, and when Gwen buys a television, we see how that one item immediately begins to impact our lives.

The Official Secrets Act also plays a part in the book. Sparks' work during the war ties into the murder of the French woman, and trying to solve the crime isn't easy when she's signed documents stating that she's not allowed to mention anything she did during the war.

I'm really looking forward to the next book in this series. This is the third murdered client of The Right Sort Marriage Bureau, and I think the author is going to shake things up in book eight. Bring it on!

(Review copy courtesy of the publisher and Net Galley)

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Rodney C. (PaladinII) reviewed on 2/2/2025 + 19 more book reviews

From the table of contents
1. Father of Our Constitution? Hiawatha (Mohawk of Iroquois ). (not the one from the poem)
2. The Battle of the Thousand Slain Little Turtle (Miami)
3. The Miracle of the Talking Leaves Sequoyah (Cherokee)
4. Human Sacrifice to the Morning Star Petalasharo (Pawnee)
5. The Red Fox of the Everglades Osceola (Seminole)
6. The Day They Hanged the Sioux Little Crow (Sioux)
7. The Red Moses Chief Joseph (Nez Pierce)
8. The Man Who Talked with God Wovoka (Paiute)
9. Stone Age Man in the Twentieth Century Ishi (Yana)
Folklore tales from various tribes
I have added the tribes in parentheses to show the different tribes represented in this book. I enjoyed all chapters of this book but especially the six that I had not learned much about in other books. The six are chapter 1,2,4,6,8,9. I had never heard the Pawnee made human sacrifices with a female captive until reading this book. I had heard of the Ghost Dance and Ghost Shirts but was not aware a Paiute started the movement. I also found it interesting that the Ghost Shirts were claiming protection from bullets around the same time the Boxers of the Boxer Rebellion in China were making similar claims against Western firearms.

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Ron K. (WhidbeyIslander) - , reviewed on 2/2/2025 + 726 more book reviews

Not a complete success, although Scotland Yard's Perry's observations still amuse the reader. Not a murder mystery as such, more of Perry's dogged search for the missing manuscript. He sort of knows who the people behind the theft are, and we follow him trying to prove it and find the book. There were two places I felt dragged (one in the religious setting, the other a drawn out showdown with the criminals right at the end.)

Note: although readers in England might be aware of the dynamics of the Bronte children, if you are not, you may benefit from a quick search to read up on their later lives (all too short.) This could help right at the beginning of the story, but later on doesn't come into play at all.

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Thomas F. (hardtack) - , reviewed on 2/2/2025 + 2748 more book reviews

Jack Reacher books are often interesting, but they are like TV. You can read them and not have to pay too much attention to what is happening, as you would with more intellectual reading material.

That's not to say I don't enjoy them, but I read them sparingly as a break from more interesting books.

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Karen S. (BoysMom) - , reviewed on 2/2/2025 + 900 more book reviews

The Owls of Wickenden Wood by Shauna Kramer Barnes

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


A beautifully illustrated and wonderous tale of woodland magic.

The Owls of Wickenden Wood by Shauna Kramer Barnes is a beautifully illustrated children's picture book of a magical woodland adventure. The cool crispness of the pictures brings to life the mysterious tale of a young visitor suddenly transported to a secret woodland setting where owls talk and rule over the comings and goings in their presence. The suspense builds as the child traveler is asked to tell a story to the owls in exchange for returning to the woods from which he came.

In the drawings, the owls quickly multiply in number, eager to hear a new story, and the young visitor must gather his courage to meet their challenge. As his confidence builds, he is able to please the gathering with his tale and successfully gains permission to return to his home woods. The omission of color from the increasing crowd of owls lends an uneasy edge to the story, and I know that if I had been confronted with the burgeoning mass, I would have been fearful of the situation. The story provides plenty of opportunities for side discussions with young listeners about how they would feel, what they would do, and what they thought would happen next, making this a nice choice for reading aloud to small, intimate groups. For the most part, the illustrations present images of close-up action, with only glimpses of a foot here or there of the young visitor. This may make the visuals less effective when reading aloud to larger groups who may be unable to discern the half-seen evidence of the child's presence.

Rosenberg's illustrations match the emotions and vibe of the author's woods and complement the energy of the story. Very young readers may be a little alarmed by the sudden and growing crowd of owls initially, but once the simple and happy resolution is revealed, all should be satisfied and reassured.

I recommend THE OWLS OF WICKENDEN WOOD for sharing with young listeners in the classroom, in after-school programs, and as a bedtime story.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy from the author through Goddess Fish Promotions Book Tours.

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Elizabeth R. (esjro) - , reviewed on 2/2/2025 + 969 more book reviews

This is an excellent thriller that I finished in one day. Told in short chapters that alternate between the characters with endings that leave the reader hanging, the individual storylines doesn't make much sense until everythings snaps together. I did guess one of the twists but it was a relatively minor one. This book reminds me of early Harlen Coben standalones, which is a huge compliment.

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