From Liberty to Magnolia: In Search of the American Dream by Janice S. Ellis

From Liberty to Magnolia: In Search of the American Dream by Janice S. Ellis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

From Liberty to Magnolia: In Search of the American Dream by Janice S. Ellis is the author's personal memoir of her life. As an African American woman in the time of the burgeoning civil rights movement, Ellis has a strong tale to tell. From her early days growing up on a farm in Mississippi to becoming a successful business woman, this is an inspirational tale that will inspire and motivate just about anyone. Having witnessed so many injustices, she strove to make the best of her situation, and endeavored to succeed and prosper in spite of the social climate of her past and even today. This is a thought provoking first hand account of what it was like to grow up in the south as a black female. Eye opening and entertaining at once, the level of detail the author provides is astounding. An enjoyable read that is highly recommended for something that will educate and expand your mind.

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Saving Sindia (Samantha Jamison Mystery Book 10) by Peggy A. Edelheit

Saving Sindia by Peggy A. Edelheit
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Saving Sindia (Samantha Jamison Mystery Book 10) by Peggy A. Edelheit is yet another great entry into this fantastic series. Samantha, or Sam, is embroiled in another interesting mystery, as she attempts to get some much needed rest and relaxation. Yet, a retreat to the beach doesn't exactly go as planned for Sam. Instead of relaxing she is compelled to explore the mystery of the Sindia, a shipwrecked sailing ship just off the coast of New Jersey. This story is fast paced, with a strong plot, yet the author manages to convey a deeper sense to Sam, a more reflective nature to the lead character, which truly sets this book apart from the others in the series. Sam is much more contemplative in this story, as she remembers her childhood. That aspect, along with an intriguing historical mystery based on fact makes for fascinating, riveting reading. Edelheit has done it again in creating a story that you can't put down until the end. Highly recommend and certainly looking forward to more from this author.

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Steal His Heart, Save Your Life by Jen Wilding

Steal His Heart, Save Your Life (just not in that order): The "Still-Single" Woman's Guide to the Subconscious Art of Attracting a Man by Jen Wilding
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Steal His Heart, Save Your Life (just not in that order): The "Still-Single" Woman's Guide to the Subconscious Art of Attracting a Man by Jen Wilding showcases the author's varied background and influences. Not only is she an author, she is a personal development coach, and a hypnosis practitioner. She has helped many people get their respective acts together when it comes to living their best lives. In this book, she addresses the need of single women to get it together, focus on themselves, and then look for an appropriate partner. The writing is direct and straightforward, albeit with a sense of humor. Generally speaking the author believes that we attract those who reflect our life. In some ways these relationships exist to teach us a lesson on a spiritual level. Overall, a well written book that covers a lot of ground from making peace with the past to loving without fear. Concrete examples and scenarios fill the book making it easier to recognize your role in relationships as well. Highly recommend for some keen insights into the dating world.

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The Crowlands by T.M. Creedy

The Crowlands by T.M. Creedy
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Crowlands by T.M. Creedy solidifies this author's stature in the world of mysteries and ghost stories. Sara is struggling to make ends meet, mostly due to her gambling addiction. That is, until she meets a young woman who needs to rent a room for a few days. A murder, assuming another's identity and ghosts round out this story that pulls you in right from the beginning few pages. The writing is descriptive, there is great scene setting, and the pace of the plot moves along at a good clip. You can't help but root for Sara as she finagles her way into a house-watching job in Australia, while her pockets are full of mysterious cash. A previous incarnation in the house is trying to make itself known, with plenty of mystery and strange happenings. Sara is left alone to figure out what is happening. Just a fantastic book with superb writing and well defined characters, highly recommend and looking forward to more from this author.

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Finger of an Angel by Panayotis Cacoyannis

Finger of an Angel by Panayotis Cacoyannis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Finger of an Angel by Panayotis Cacoyannis introduces us to Lily the sixty year old protagonist who goes on a spiritual journey. Blending realism with time travel and mind bending experiences, the author takes us down an interesting road. As Lily shares her sexual encounters in the woods, cavorting with men, drinking her bloody marys and freaking out about flies, we rally behind her to make sense of her life. There is a fine line between fiction and reality in all of our lives, Lily just seems to lurk in the in between spaces more. Maybe this is how she copes with tragic loss that has infused her life. This is mystical and magical writing, the author well versed in keeping the reader on his or her toes. When you think logically things should veer one way in the story, they go another. Wholly unique and a challenging read, this book is highly recommended.

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A Passover in Peshawar (A Charlotte Holmes Mystery Book 2) by AM Sardar

A Passover in Peshawar by AM Sardar
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Passover in Peshawar (A Charlotte Holmes Mystery Book 2) by AM Sardar is an elegantly written book that sets the stage nicely for this follow up to the first entry in the series, A Christmas in Calcutta (A Charlotte Holmes Mystery Book 1). As Charlotte Holmes and her would be sidekick Dr. Watan take on a new mystery, they become embroiled in controversy and danger. Not only has Dr. Watan found a new companion in a wife who has a horribly disfigured son, Charlotte has problems of her own. This story is a continuing intriguing amalgamation of the classic detective story featuring
a new kind of Sherlock Holmes with a fun vibe, uniquely formed characters and a fascinating and well rounded mystery. The setting is unusual, the plot is complex, and the characters themselves are both charming and intelligent. Highly recommend this book for a refreshing take on the classic historical British mystery.

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How to save the dragon: Instrument book for teaching impulse control to children by Madeleine Matthews

How to save the dragon: Instrument book for teaching impulse control to children by Madeleine Matthews
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

How to save the dragon: Instrument book for teaching impulse control to children by Madeleine Matthews is a useful tool when it comes to teaching children about impulse control. The book revolves around a fictional story with two characters, Wrinkles and Flappy, and describes the differences between acting on impulse and emotion, and using thoughtful reflection to make basic decisions. While this book is geared toward children it may also be useful for adults when guiding their children to make healthy decisions. There are plenty of worksheets toward the back of the book that will help in that endeavor. The illustrations are nicely done and reflect the thoughtfulness put into the book. Some of the content may be too complicated for children to understand, and while imparting a useful and helpful message, a child will certainly need an adult to guide them through this book while discussing its content.

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