This afternoon, our guest is Jessica Norrie, who is sharing a great review of her book, The Magic Carpet. Hope you enjoy checking this out as much as I did, and will remember to share it all over your social media. Thanks!

REVIEW: (from Amazon.uk)
5.0 out of 5 stars A magic carpet ride!
24 August 2019
Verified Purchase

This heart-warming tale of separate lives, cultures and ultimately families is seamlessly woven together and leads the reader on a magic carpet ride through their lives. As a teacher and parent myself I can see the strains such a homework task can put on a family but what a joy it was to see how it brought the community together. I may even use this idea myself! A page-turner from the start, I couldn’t wait to see how the story and families developed and now have my own little scenarios for how their lives continue. A must-read for anyone with a young family, or with an interest in schools and diverse communities. Continue reading →

This morning, I’d like to welcome Donna W. Hill back to The Write Stuff. Donna is sharing another review of her book, The Heart of Applebutter Hill. I know you’ll enjoy reading this one, and will pass it along on your favorite social media sites. Thanks so much!

REVIEW:

5.0 out of 5 stars
A wonderful combination of fantasy and reality
August 10, 2014
Wanda Fischer

In an age of confusion about refugees, bullies, standardized education, and what to do about people who can buy their way into anything in the world, “The Heart of Applebutter Hill” takes on all of these–and more–through the sensitive viewpoint of a 14-year-old blind girl who must confront not only these obstacles but also the day-to-day issues of adolescence. Being blind physically is not what holds Abigail Jones back; the virtual blindness of those around her–especially the adults–is an even bigger challenge. With the help of her wonderful guide dog, Curly Connor, and her best friend, she is able to take charge of more than one uber-difficult situation.

The author weaves a tale that is part Harry Potter, part Nancy Drew, part Dr. Who, and yet, completely original, because her heroine has to overcome a disability that the people in the world around her view as paralyzing. The reader, however, knows that Abigail is stronger and has better vision than those whose eyes have not physically failed them. She treats everyone she meets equally–until that person earns her distrust or disdain. And yet, she is also able to forgive those who would do her harm.

I was impressed with the way in which this writer was able to create new worlds, new ways in which the characters interact with each other and their pro- and antagonists, creative ways in which to solve problems, and ways in which to show how cruel people can be to others who are different and who may not “fit in.” The combination of fantasy and reality is just right. I think this is a book that would be excellent for sixth- or seventh-grade readers. The vocabulary is advanced enough not to patronize that age group, and teachers would also find that their students in that age group could learn new words–and maybe even some lessons about how to treat one another. Continue reading →

This afternoon, let’s welcome back Joan Hall, here to share a lovely review of Unclear Purposes, the 3rd book in her Driscoll Lake series. This sounds like one you’ll want to read, for sure, and I know you’ll be happy to share this review far and wide! Thanks so much!

REVIEW:

Mae Clair 5 out of 5 Stars
June 2, 2019
A well-plotted mystery/suspense novel

I’ve followed the Driscoll Lake series from book one. Each novel is excellent, but the final is in a league of its own. The author clearly owns her small-town setting and the people who populate it. When a woman is found murdered in Driscoll Lake, and two women die by similar means in a neighboring town, ex-FBI agent, Vince Green (now a private investigator) finds himself center stage trying to solve the murder. He and Christine Lawrence are the ones who found the victim in Driscoll Lake—a victim with a secretive past who has ties to multiple people in the town, including Christine’s ex mother-in-law. Toss in an old, unsolved crime, an arrogant police detective, art gallery clues, and the blossoming attraction between Christine and Vince, and you have book that will keep you entertained from page one.

Hall doles out her clues a little at a time, dropping them like breadcrumbs into a forest of divergent paths. Just when you think you’re starting to fit the pieces together, a new twist sends you down the wrong trail. The strong ensemble cast is handled with dexterity, each character awarded moments in the spotlight. Several of the secondary players are particularly notable. Equal parts mystery and romantic suspense, this intriguing novel presents a fabulous close to an excellent series. Each Driscoll Lake novel can be read as a standalone, including Unclear Purposes. Highly recommended!

BLURB:

Some people take secrets to the grave…

Three years after her husband’s murder, Christine Lawrence still struggles for balance. She has a rewarding career and a close circle of friends but feels oddly unfulfilled. Worse, the close relationship she once had with her teenage daughter has grown increasingly strained.

Former FBI agent, Vince Green, is battling demons of his own—painful secrets that drove him from Driscoll Lake. Newly resettled in the small town, he makes his living as a private investigator.

When Vince and Christine cross paths, stumbling over the body of a murder victim, he’s forced to confront memories he thought long buried. The circumstances surrounding the killing are eerily similar to a victim from his past.

As the body count continues to rise, Christine finds herself drawn to Vince. With a murderer stalking the streets of Driscoll Lake, neither is aware the killer has targeted her as the next victim—or that Vince’s past is key to unmasking a disturbed and deadly killer.

BUY Unclear Purposes HERE

Contact Info, Website, and Social Media Links:

joan@joanhall.net

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A very helpfpul post by Sally Cronin on book marketing, covers, titles, and more. Check it out, and take notes. (I bookmarked this one for future reference.) And as always, pass it along! Thanks, and thanks to Sally for such a useful post! 🙂