By Robbie Cheadle and Michael Cheadle
Neema is a giraffe that looks a little different on the outside. Her current herd shuns her and Neema finally breaks away from them with no hope of finding acceptance or a mate. The story is beautifully told using rhyming, which is fun to read. There are amazing photos, video links, and artwork included that add that special layer to this children’s book. After the story, there are many giraffe facts included to add to the experience that is for beginning readers or parents and children to enjoy together—although I appreciated this too. This will make a fantastic gift for my youngest grandchildren. I can highly recommend “Neema the Misfit Giraffe” which not only entertains and educates but offers a lesson that being different is okay.
Myths of the Mirror (Dragon Soul Quartet #1)
Treasa didn’t know her exiled and deceased father or much about the old ways. She lives with her mother in a world where dragons are cruelly treated and used for profit. The young man, Conall, who she is drawn to wants to be a dragon rider. He set aside feelings and did what was necessary to get there. Treasa finally sees the dragon’s living conditions, and it sickens her. This puts a wedge in their budding relationship. I must admit I felt the same as Treasa about how dragons were treated and rooted for the dragons. It heartened me that the old ways had a different approach that benefited the dragons and riders, but it was equally bleak at the level of the current fearful deception and greed. I loved Treasa’s character and her best friend, Gae, along with the little dragon pet, Trag. As Treasa learns more about her father’s past, Conall finally gets his day in the spotlight. There’s not only friend, love, and family relationships explored, but also what’s acceptable in the name of fortune and security. A well-written story that was hard to put down and I’m eager to continue this series to see what happens next. I can highly recommend “Myths of the Mirror.”
“The Life and Times of Le Bronco von der Löwenhöhle” introduces the reader to a charming dog, Bronco. I loved learning not only the history and care of this enormous dog but also his special place in the Wikman family. The first half of the book was stories from the day the sweet puppy came home to the moment he crossed the rainbow bridge. Having had a large dog years ago, I found myself connected with many of the shared events, especially the training, walks, and eating. It was wonderful as new dog members were brought into the family and how the dogs interacted. Within these stories were tips and facts that added to the experience. I laughed out loud a few times and wiped away tears, too. This book not only educates about a unique dog but captures the love of the humans who share their house with them. A heartwarming read filled with lots of great information that anyone who loves dogs, and animals, will enjoy. I can highly recommend this engaging read!
“Gone But Not Forgotten” is a quick horror mystery that is set on Halloween. It’s been a year since Bill’s wife drowned while taking a bath. His widowed neighbor, Mere, comes by to help him get through a tough night that is haunted by a ghost. Although my suspicions were right, there was an added twist that brought an extra layer into this page-turner. An exciting read that I can easily recommend to fans of horror.
“Second Chance Romance” is a sweet Christian romance set in a charming small town. A local paramedic, Jackson, was on his way to pick up his young daughter Rebecca when he came across an accident. He immediately rescued the woman, Melanie, and got her to the hospital. Luckily, Melanie only had some bumps and bruises that only required an overnight watch, and she was back on her quest to ask her only living relative to come live with her. Unfortunately for Melanie, her aunt Phoebe had no desire to leave. Melanie wasn’t an easy woman to deal with. Only her aunt knew that a horrible accident had claimed Melanie’s daughter and husband and how much she was hurting. Melanie had lost all her faith and couldn’t wait to get back to her job, which consumed all her time. I loved the developing relationship between Melanie with not only Jackson but also his daughter. Sweet Gum seemed like a place Melanie could heal if she allowed it to happen. A few twists changed her life in ways she didn’t expect. A well-written story that weaves in not only a woman’s coming to grips with her past, and possible romance, but her spiritual healing, too. This is a feel-good HEA that I can easily recommend.
Son of BOOKU Returns: with more Halloween haiku
“Son of BOOKU Returns” is another great addition to the BOOKU family. I loved all the pictures from Lorraine Parent’s Halloween display included with the short poems. It’s a fun way to celebrate Halloween, any time of the year. Each poem left me smiling. Here are lines from some favorites: “I feel accepted/They’re not spooked by my colors…”, “Wishing on the moon/We hope that when we grow up…”, “Merry pole dancers/Nightly shows through Halloween…”, and “The trees are alive/But we’re not! Get it?….” A whimsical poetry collection to add a sparkle to the Halloween season for all who love or need the lighter side of spooky.
Legacy of Souls (The Shattered Sea #2)
“Legacy of Souls” began with Raze enjoying some deserved peace. Leaving behind the politics of his noble birth and losing his wife, it looked like he’d found love again on his farm. But his father shows up and asks a favor of Raze to accompany him to see the Empress. In a society of slavery, murder, and greed, Raze must fight to save the ones he loves. Raze’s world is beautifully created, offering both its gentle and cruel side. I fell in love with many of the characters, including Raze and Bel, who only wanted a happily ever after. It was almost within their grasp until it was ripped away. There were several villains in this layered story who were made worse by their practice of soul swallowing, and one had manipulation perfected. One of my favorite characters, Johzar, balanced between right and wrong, tipping some of his actions more to almost kind-hearted. There were many twists and Raze had to decide whether to swallow another soul to have skills he lacked to fight evil. What I found fascinating is the idea of taking someone’s soul after they die and absorbing it into their essence. The person may gain the captured soul’s wisdom, feelings, skills, or even cruelty. The idea of taking away the freedom to move on after death seemed like the slavery of the soul, although that was not how it was viewed—by most. A thrilling fantasy that was hard to put down and can be read as a standalone, but I was glad I read the first book and made the journey with Raze. I highly recommend this for those who love compelling fantasy.
NOTE: Next week will be an early Books that Changed Me Winter Edition and my newsletter will be going out early, so I can take a holiday break. Watch for a special post Thursday.
Embrace your inner child by reading a book. Gift that inner child by giving a book to someone special this holiday season. D. L. Finn
