Review: Secrets, Monsters, and Magic Mirrors

Secrets, Monsters, and Magic Mirrors: Stone Arch Fairy Tales Volume 2 by Donald B. Lemke

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Graphic novels are one of my favorite reads. They lend themselves well to the adaptations and retellings. Editor Donald Lemke gathered together a solid collection of fairytales that include Rapunzel, Beauty and the Beast, Princess and the Pea, Thumbelina and Snow White. Each story is retold by a different author and illustrated by a different artist. Readers will delight in the different stories brought to life in pictures. I look forward to discovering Volume 1 in Stone arch Fairy Tales.

In particular, I enjoyed illustrators Jeffrey Stewart Timmins (Rapunzel) and M. A. Lamoreaux (Princess and the Pea). I also appreciated the added historical information at the end of each story. History behind the stories are fascinating. It's wonderful to know that stories don't spring up from under rocks. Stories are created, edited, shared and recreated.

Digital copy received from Capstone. Thank you, Capstone!

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Review: Jewelry Upcycled!

Jewelry Upcycled!: Techniques and Projects for Reusing Metal, Plastic, Glass, Fiber, and Found Objects by Sherri Haab

Sherri Haab and daughter Michelle Haab create a fun and entertaining new jewelry technique and project book. They provide over twenty projects for beginning to advanced crafters. Upcycled materials include metal, plastics, glass, cloth, found objects and more! Along with how-to's they include mini galleries after each chapter. The galleries create great springboards for making your own jewelry.


I browsed through the book I enjoyed the following projects:

Gift Card Jewelry (any plastic cards)

Plastic Bottle Jewelry (PET plastic bottle, soda or water type)

Shampoo Bottle Bead Charm Bracelet (shampoo or soap bottles)

Sewing Snap Jewelry (snaps, hook-and-eye closure)

Electronic Scrap Ring (broken cell phone or electronic parts)

Happy crafting!

Review: The Thirteenth Princess

The Thirteenth Princess by Diane Zahler


"My name is Zita, and I am the thirteenth princess. My twelve sisters are legendary, even in faraway kingdoms, but I am sure that you have never heard of me."


Zita was the last princess born. The king lost his wife and his daughters lost their mother. In his grief, the king banished his youngest daughter to the servants' quarters. Zita struggles not be noticed by her unhappy father, yet yearns to know her sisters. Triumph and tragedy mingle when the princesses discover an abandoned dumb waiter in the castle.

Diane Zahler recreated a new twist on the classic tale of The Twelve Dancing Princesses from the Brothers Grimm. Zahler's adaptation is beautifully written for middle school fairytale lovers. She adds mystery, adventure, magic and splashes of romance. If readers enjoy this classic tale, I would also recommend Entwined by Heather Dixon.


Reviewed from a library copy.

Review: The Betrayal of Maggie Blair

The Betrayal of Maggie Blair by Elizabeth Laird

Maggie Blair is accused of witchcraft. Being targeted as a witch means one thing - death. Maggie's on the run for her life. Her safe haven is her unseen father's brother - Blair. She journeys forth to find a new home away from home. But is her new haven safe? Her Uncle's family is defying the king, the soldiers are flooding the hills and old acquaintances arrive to mingle with her new family and friends.


The cover art is wonderfully haunting with a young woman's silhouette against the hills and water. It evokes the characters belief of standing alone. Maggie's life moves from stable to hectic when life dishes blow after blow. The feeling of hope and despair intermingle as Maggie struggles to find her place in life. I enjoyed the travel across historic Scotland as Maggie traveled from one side to the other and back again. Her questions about faith are appropriate and understandable. I was disappointed at the ending, but it's a fine read if you're interested in history, witch-hunts and battles of faith.


Time Period: Seventeenth-Century

Location: Scotland

Reviewed from a library copy.

Review: To Catch a Pirate

To Catch a Pirate by Jade Parker

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


The Townsend's, Annalisa and her father, are sailing to the governorship of Mourning in the Caribbean. The Phantom Mist intercepts their course and in dashes the unforgettable pirate James Sterling. James and his mentor Crimson steal the king's gold. Mr. Townsend is sent to prison and Annalisa takes up the call to be a privateer and hunt down the man you ruined her world - James Sterling.


If you're in the mood for a summer read, here is a book for you. Parker takes you to a world full of sailing on warm breezes, dangerous swordplay, treasure hunts and revenge. Excellent heroine novel with a touch of romance and sassiness. If Ms. Parker were to write more historical fiction, I would love to read them!

Reviewed from a library copy.

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Review: Geocache Surprise

Geocache Surprise by Jake Maddox

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Tim was looking forward to spending the final day of summer with his friends at the beach. But his friends had other plans - geocaching. What on earth is geocaching? It couldn't be better than a day hanging out at the beach.


A geocache fiction book for kids!? How fantastic! Geocaching is a new(er) outdoor craze that is very entertaining. Anyone can do it! The big ticket item needed is a GPS device. Tim didn't own one in the story but receives one in the end. The story called for it, but it seemed unrealistic. Jake Maddox does explain the sport very well and it can definitely interest others into going geocaching. He doesn't leave you hanging for more information either. At the end of the book, Maddox shares more information about GPSs and geocaching. I would highly recommend going on a geocache adventure of your own.

Reviewed from a library copy.

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Review: Timeless & An Unlikely Suitor

Timeless by Alexandra Monir

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Story...  Michele Windsor is forced to live with her New York City grandparents after tragedy strikes her small family. While she resides in her family's historical house, she uncovers her family history and their secrets. Yet, it goes beyond journal entries and faded photographs...she travels through Time and meets her ancestors and the man of her dreams.




An Unlikely Suitor by Nancy Moser

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Story...  The Scarpelli family is undergoing changes: a sudden death, an eviction and new jobs. Lucy is looking out for her mother and younger sister. In her new job as a New York dressmaker, she befriends Roaring 20's socialite Rowena Langdon. After meeting Rowena, her life takes a new path as she is asked to visit the vacation hot-spot: Newport.


Where can I go from your Spirit?

Where can I flee from your presence?

If I go up to the heavens, you are there;

if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.

If I rise on the wings of dawn,

if I settle on the far side of the sea,

even there your hand will guide me,

your right hand will hold me fast.

~ Psalm 139:7-10


--- --- ---


I read these stories one right after the other. The reason? They were both due at the library on the same day. In all honesty, I didn't know the premisis of either story. It was a very pleasant surprise that such different books linked so well together. I began reading Nancy Moser's An Unlikely Suitor. I followed up Moser's book with Timeless by Alexander Monir. Each book discusses the 1920's from different viewpoints. Moser tackles life as an immigrant seamstress and New York society. Monir continues with New York society, but adds a time travel twist. Both stories were very enjoyable. I was pleasantly surprised to find detailed historical notes at the end of each book. Historical accuracy and explanations are greatly appreciated. I look forward to more novels by Moser and Monir.

Reviewed from library copies.


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Review: Dark Mirror

Dark Mirror by M.J. Putney

My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars


M.J. Putney weaves a very compelling story about magic in 1800's England. Lady Victoria Mansfield, called Tory, discovers the curse of being a mageling in the world of England's aristocracy. The lower classes welcome magic, but families of higher rank look down upon any family member with a hint of magic. Children are sent to Lackland Abbey to be cured of her magic abilities. Yet, Tory discovers a whole new world at Lackland. She meets Elspeth, who loves magic and the young Marquis of Allarde who remains standoffish to everyone. Their journeys combine as they unite to save England from war.


I cannot wait to read the next installment in the Dark Passage series. (It is due out this fall.) Regency period is one of my favorite genres to read and adding magic to this piece was fantastic. M.J.'s author's note is a perfect final touch to this historical novel. She explains a true historic event she wove into the story. Her addition was wonderful with this note in particular, "People ask where I get my story ideas. Believe me, history offers lots of great stories!" Too true. Thank you for sharing an interesting piece of British history.


Reviewed from a Library Copy.

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