Mrs. Murray’s Ghost (Piccadilly Street #1)
“Mrs. Murray’s Ghost” is a paranormal middle-grade story that is set in 1967, Canada. Mary and her family move into a large house. The action starts when her family spends their first night in the new residence. They soon find out the house is haunted, but Mary finds additional residents, two Brownies. Those small, magical men from Scotland quickly became the characters I enjoyed the most. I appreciated their backstory and humor. The Brownies need Mary to help them get back home. While Mary struggles in a new school and deals with a bully, she gets very sick. What the Brownies do next was my favorite part of the story. This is a fun read those middle-grade readers and young at heart will enjoy. Four-Stars!
by C.S. Boyack
“Will O’ the Wisp” is a YA paranormal tale that focuses on fifteen-year-old Patty Hall. The Hall family seems to have been cursed, and Patty is determined to find out why. I love that this story is set in the 1970s. The high school dance and well-placed details of that era brought back some memories. The strained relationship between Patty and her mother is realistic, and Patty’s rebellious side is portrayed nicely, especially with wearing her leg braces. That side of her not only showed her determination, but her inner strength that’s needed to overcome evil. There were some truly terrifying parts, but there was also friendship, trust, and family. I could relate to Patty’s position that no one, other than her two friends, would believe her. If you like a teen protagonist with some horror and a strong female character, this book is for you. Five-Stars!
The Light (Wake-Robin Ridge #4)
by Marcia Meara
I’m a fan of the Wake-Robin Ridge Series, so I eagerly jumped right into book four. Rabbit is a character I’ve fallen in love with and enjoyed watching his growth since he first walked onto the pages. His relationship with his adopted parents and sister is stable and loving, giving him a base to explore his gift or “the Sight.” When Rabbit wants to see the Brown Mountain Lights on Halloween, he not only sees the lights but meets a young man, Austin, and befriends him. This relationship is an impressive addition to the series. At the end of the light show, Rabbit finds one light that differs from the rest. The story follows what happens to Rabbit, the light, and a new character, Boone, through several POVs, which allows the reader more insight into the carefully crafted tale. This had the charm of family and friends and the mystery of the orb and what it wanted from Rabbit. Although some bad people were lurking around this story, they weren’t front and center like the previous books, but this story was just as good, if not better. I highly recommend this series and now have added seeing the Brown Mountain Lights to my bucket list. Five-Stars!
Harbinger (Wake-Robin Ridge #3)
By Marcia Meara
“Harbinger” is the third Wake-Robin book, but the second one with a favorite character of mine, Rabbit. I’m drawn to seeing the world through innocence or eyes that aren’t jaded. Eleven-year-old Rabbit offers that. His determination to help while being guided by his “sight” no matter what the cost, is not only endearing but makes him a hero. He has found his place with his new parents and baby sister. I loved the relationship between siblings and the caring and support within the family. Their love balanced out the bad that they dealt with because of Rabbit’s gift. The POV switches between his parents, Mac and Sarah, and a troubled man, Cadey. Seeing inside Cadey’s mind gave a painful glimpse into how he got to this point. Rabbit and Mac’s decision to help Sheriff Wardell on a twenty-year-old cold case blended seamlessly with Cadey’s tormented thoughts. Add in Ol’ Shuck, the big black dog who is the harbinger of death, made this paranormal thriller hard to put down, even to sleep. I’ll be reading book four next and highly recommend this series! Five-Stars!
I only post my 4 & 5-star reviews. If I don’t like a book, I won’t finish it. It doesn’t feel right leaving a review in that case, but I have been known to email the author:) Life is too short not to enjoy every book you read!
Embrace your inner child by reading a good book! D. L. Finn
Great reviews, Denise. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks, John;) Happy to!
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What wonderful reviews, Denise. I envy your ability to read so quickly and effectively. Thank you for sharing these jewels with readers. 💗
Thank you, Gwen:) I go in reading spurts and enjoy every moment I am able to do it! Xo
Great reviews, Denise. Mrs. Murray’s Ghost sounds like a delightful read. I enjoyed Wisp as it was set in the 1970s, and I could relate to a lot of things. Still need to read Marcia’s Wake Robin Ridge series.
Like you Joan, I’m a fan of stories written in the 70s. Wisp offered that and a lot more. I’m sure you love Rabbit and the series!
Thank you so much for your wonderful reviews of Harbinger and The Light, Denise! I can’t tell you how happy it makes me to know you’ve truly enjoyed the series (so far) and that you love Rabbit and family that much. (He’s just the BEST fun to write!) And I hope the ending of The Light clued you in that there will be more stories coming from that beautiful mountain ridge, but I’m thinking they will be slightly different. After all, there are some new characters to include, and we don’t want those fancy business cards Sarah had made to go to waste, do we? 🙂 Probably going to do a spinoff series with a slightly different focus, but not to worry. All the “regulars” will be there, too.
Thanks again! You’ve made this whole weekend for me! 🙂 <3
I’m a big fan of Rabbit and family. I can image the fun you must have had writing him. What great news there will be a spin off story, my fingers had been crossed, and yes, can’t waste those new business cards:)
Great collection. I loved this group, in part because I haven’t read any of them. Thanks, Denise.
Thanks, Jacqui:) Can’t go wrong with this group.
Wonderful choices here, Denise. Congrats to the authors!
Thanks, Jacquie:)
So excited to see Wisp listed here. Even more excited that you enjoyed it.
I was excited to find it buried on my Kindle 🙂
I have not yet read any of these books, but have some of them waiting for me on my Kindle. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on each of them, Denise!
Thanks, Jan 🙂 You have some good reading ahead when you get to the books on your Kindle!
Wonderful reviews, Denise. I like the cover of Mrs. Murray’s Ghost. Emily-Jane Hills Orford is new to me. Thank you for your introduction. I enjoyed reading the reviews of C.S. Boyack’s and Marcia Meara’s books. Thank you for sharing.
I’m happy to share the good reads here, Miriam:) Emily-Jane Hills Orford was new to me as well.
It’s always good to meet new authors, Denise.
I have only read the first of Marcia’s books in this series, Denise, and it was a great read. I also enjoyed this book of Craig’s. I’ve seen another review somewhere for the first book and it also sounds very good. A great selection.
You will love the rest of the Wake Robin Ridge stories, Robbie. I found Emily-Jane Hills Orford’s book from a blog review. Thanks, Robbie!
Thank you, Robbie.
A great set of reviews for some wonderful writers. Thanks for sharing, Denise 🙂
Thanks, Harmony! I’m always happy to share those good books I’m reading:)
I’ve read them all but the first one, and I enjoyed the three I read very much. Can’t go wrong with any of them.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Best wishes to all the authors.
Thanks, Staci:) I agree you can’t go wrong with any of them!
A great round up of reviews, Denise. I’ve read all of these with the exception of the first one, and that sounds like a delightful story. I loved the 70s references Craig wove throughout Will ‘O Wisp (especially Quest cereal, LOL), and Marcia’s entire Wake Robin Ridge series is wonderful. I adore Rabbit. Like you, I would also love to see the Brown Mountain Lights!
Thank you, Mae. I remember our conversations about Quisp cereal.
The 70s references were great. I was a big fan of Quisp cereal. How could alien-ship shaped cereal not be great? It’s impossible not to love Rabbit. What a great character and those lights will be an exeriance to see:) Thanks, Mae!
I’ve read both of Marcia’s books, Denise, and loved them. A big fan on Rabbit over here. Ha ha. I haven’t read this one of Craig’s but do enjoy this imagination. And thanks for the introduction to Mrs. Murray’s Ghost. It sounds like a great MG story. Happy Reading!
Rabbit has a big fan club it seems. How could we not love him? Yes, Craig’s imgination brings a lot to a story, I agree. Happy reading, Diana:)
Lovely reviews Denise. Thanks for sharing your thoughts about these wonderful books.
Thank you, Balroop. I’m always happy to share the good books to read here:)
Great collection of books and fabulous reviews as usual, Denise! Thanks for sharing them.😊
Thank you, Vashti:) It’s great to be able to share the great books I’m reading!
All these books sound like great reads. Thanks for sharing:)
They were:) Thanks Sandra xo
Terrific recommendations Denise.. I love Craig’s books but have not got to this one yet.. and Marcia’s books are wonderful… great selection.. hugsx
Craig’s book had been buried on my Kindle. I’m so glad I found it! Yes, Marcia’s books are definitely wonderful:) xo Thanks, Sally!
Great reviews! I’ve read and loved both of Marcia’s books here – and am another member of the Rabbit fan club. I must look up the other two as well. Thanks.
Thanks. Alex 😉 Rabbit is definitely deserving of a fan club! Happy reading.
I’ve read Craig’s book and the third book in Marcia’s series (have the fourth waiting) and enjoyed both of them. Wonderful reviews, Denise!
Thanks, Teri:) You have a good read ahead!