Category: Books

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Book Review: Hero

A thin film of white powder trickled out the holes Mike’s teeth had made. He shook a little into his palm and looked at it. It was as fine as talcum powder. Powdered sugar. Why would anyone send a package of powdered sugar through the mail? He wet a finger, touched it to the powder and tasted it. Then he just stood there, his face twisted out of shape, and shock rolled through him in waves. What he had just tasted was heroin.

When Chris George and his dope sniffing dog Mike botch a case, they get kicked out the the Cost Guard. Lieutenant Ballard is convinced Chris is involved with the mob and messed up on purpose. When Chris takes a new job as night watchman at a warehouse, he isn’t expecting trouble. Not until Mike finds a package of heroin. Chris doesn’t think he’ll be believed if he brings the heroin to the Cost Guard. What will he do when his life is threatened?

This book has been a favorite of mine for a long time. It’s an intense, high-stakes story, but remains appropriate and clean for younger readers. In my opinion, this is the best of Walt Morey’s books.

Author: Walt Morey
Alternate Title: The Lemon Meringue Dog
Audience: Tween–Young Adult
Genre: Adventure
Pages: 165
Publisher: Puffin Books

Have you read any Walt Morey books? Which one is your favorite?

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Book Review: The Prisoner of Zenda

“Is the king dead?” he whispered.
“Please, God, no,” said I. “But he’s in the hands of Black Michael!”

Rudolf Rassendyll, an Englishman, bears a striking resemblance the king of Ruritania. A chance meeting in the woods leads to Rudolf’s acquaintance with the king. He never expects his face and head of Elphberg red hair to force him to become an impostor, but when the king goes missing, Rudolf is persuaded to impersonate the king until a rescue can be effected. Will they be able to snatch the king away from Black Michael? And what of the love blooming between Rudolf and Princess Flavia?

My first introduction to this story was in video format. I later read the book as part of the required reading for the One Year Adventure Novel writing class. I loved both versions. In some ways the story is a typical adventure tale but it has its own unique flair. A good read for girls and guys alike.

Author: Anthony Hope
Audience: Tween–Adult
Genre: Adventure
Pages: 208
Publisher: Penguin (and many others)

What books do you think The Prisoner of Zenda is similar to? What is your favorite scene from this book?

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Book Review: The Scarlet Pimpernel

“The Scarlet Pimpernel, Mademoiselle,” he said at last “is the name of a humble English wayside flower; but it is also the name chosen to hide the identity of the best and bravest man in all the world, so that he may better succeed in accomplishing the noble task he has set himself to do.”

While the French Revolution rages across the channel, the people of England are buzzing about a new hero. No one knows the true identity of the Scarlet Pimpernel, but all admire him. Lady Blakeney is no exception. Her husband, however, is a far cry from this dashing subject of legend. Foppish and dull, Sir Percy is a leader of fashion, but of little else. When her brother’s life is in danger, Lady Blakeney is forced to make a difficult choice. Will her decision bring both the men she loves to the guillotine?

I hope all of you have already read The Scarlet Pimpernel because you’ve been missing out if you haven’t. This is my absolute favorite classic. It is also the easiest to read classic I’ve discovered. The beginning is a bit confusing the first time through, but stick with it and you’ll find it well worth your while. In case you can’t tell, I highly recommend it. 😉

Author: Baroness Emmuska Orczy
Audience: All Ages
Genre: Classic Adventure
Pages: 273
Publisher: Dalmatian Press (and many others)
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What is your favorite scene from this book? What other French Revolution stories have you enjoyed?

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Book Review and Giveaway: Stalked

*Giveaway Closed*

Dearest Mother, Please do NOT be alarmed. As you can see from this address, I am not yet in Wisconsin. I’ve been delayed and will explain everything in another letter.

Falsely accused of theft, Rikke Svendsen is banished from Denmark. Separated from her mother and younger brothers, Rikke boards a ship to travel to America. She plans to join her father and older brothers in Racine, Wisconsin. But she finds more trouble on the ship. A deranged actor blames her for the death of his son. How far will he go to get revenge? Will Rikke ever see her family again?

I recently interviewed the author of this book here on this blog (read the interview here). She offered me a free review copy of Stalked and (of course!) I accepted. My great-great-grandparents came through Ellis Island and I love emigration stories from that time period. Stalked was no exception. The beginning felt a little rushed, but the story soon smoothed out and kept pulling me along. This is a fun historical fiction with a dash of suspense and a pinch of mystery.

Author: Kristiana Gregory
Audience: Young Adult
Genre: Historical Fiction
Pages: 147
Publisher: KK Publishing Corporation

Comment below for your chance to win a free, signed copy of Stalked! Do you know an interesting story about your ancestors journey to America? Why do you want to win a copy of Stalked?

EDIT: We have a winner! The free copy of Stalked goes to Margaret Millen.

Winner will be randomly selected from the list of comments. Please comment just once. Winner will be announced next Thursday. (Due to expensive international shipping, this book can only be shipped to an US address.)

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Book Review: Roses for Mama

“I need to–to find ways to teach them. Encourage them. Just like Mama did with me.”

It has been three years since their parents death. Seventeen year old Angela and her nineteen year old brother Thomas work hard to keep the farm running and raise their three young siblings, but are their efforts enough? Angela worries that she will not train her charges as well as her mother would. When a wealthy man comes to town and begins courting her, Angela dreams of a new future for all of them. But when Carter realizes she plans to bring her family with her, he calls of the wedding. Will Angela’s responsibility keep her from marriage?

This is one of my favorite books and has been re-read many times. Angela’s devotion to her family is refreshing. The story pulls you along like the current of a gentle stream.

Author: Janette Oke
Audience: Young Adult through Adult
Genre: Nostalgic
Pages: 224
Publisher: Bethany House

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Come back next week for a book giveaway of Kristiana Gregory’s newest book, Stalked!

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Book Review: My Brother, My Sister, and I

“Is Honorable Sister going to die?” I asked. I could not stop the tears.

With her mother dead and her father missing, thirteen year old Yoko, older sister Ko, and her older brother Hideyo struggle to survive. When Ko is seriously injured in a fire, Hideyo searches for more work to pay hospital bills and Yoko takes on the responsibility of caring for Ko. When Ko is accused of murdering their landlords, Yoko is determined to prove her sister’s innocence.

This is a great story about a Japanese girl in the aftermath of World War II. It is based on a true story. I recommend this book as a gripping and educational read.

Author: Yoko Kawashima Watkins
Audience: 12 and up
Genre: Historical Fiction
Pages: 224
Publisher: Simon Pulse

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Book Review: A Journey of Faith (Prairie River)

[Nessa] didn’t know how to disagree with a preacher, or if she was even allowed to, so she merely wrote, “Thank you, anyway, kind sir, but I am not going to marry you.”

Nessa has lived in an orphanage since she was a young child. Now, as her fourteenth birthday approaches, she worries about the marriage arranged between herself and the preacher, who is much older than her. Staying at the orphanage is not an option, so Nessa decides to flee. She arrives in Prairie River, Kansas with a depleted supply of money and no plans. Can she make friends and find a new life in Prairie River?

I read the Prairie River series several years ago and loved all of the books. I recently found one of the books at a book store and purchased it. Re-reading that book got me started and I have since re-read the first three books. I highly recommend them as good, clean and entertaining reading.

Author: Kristiana Gregory
Audience: 9 and up
Genre: Christian Historical Fiction
Pages: 212
Publisher: Scholastic

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Book Review: Jefferson’s Sons

Do you know who I am?

William Beverly and James Madison “Maddy” Hemings grow up in Monticello, but they are different from the other slaves. They are Thomas Jefferson’s sons. The fact is a secret everyone knows. Beverly aches for his father’s attention, but Maddy rarely thinks of Jefferson as his father, especially after his best friend is sold. How can a man admired for defending liberty hold his own children in bondage?

This is a very thought provoking book. The story is interesting, gives a peek into the past, and hold the reader’s attention. I recommend this book to any fan of historical fiction.

Author: Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
Audience: 12 and up
Genre: Historical Fiction
Pages: 368
Publisher: Dial