Reviewed by Peggy Jo Wipf for Readers' Favorite

The Charity of a Viscount captures the nobility of historical Britain in this sweet romance between a widow and a widower. Linda Rae Sande adds this book to her growing collection of romance novels. Viscount Marcus Lancaster is a dreamer and his favorite dream is about his first love as a teenager. He has completed his mourning time for his wife just as his daughter prepares for her coming-out. Charity has moved back to London and finds her late husband has left her with very little provision to live on. Taking a job as an official matchmaker for wounded soldiers allows her to earn a living while giving hope and finding love for those who are limited in their connections. Marcus pursues Charity as he sees his dreams are finally within reach, but sometimes his dreams impede actuality and Charity struggles with his view of reality.
 
The Charity of a Viscount is built around the fact that Marcus seeks the woman whom he can't have, while Charity is content finding love for others. The plot seems simple until Marcus's daydreams impede reality. The story rotates between Marcus and Charity, giving the reader a better understanding of the story. The characters don't disappoint as their insecurities often override the sensible thing to do and their position in society dictates their actions. Linda Rae Sande weaves humor within this story, keeping the reader entertained with their actions, which I enjoyed. Linda Rae Sande is a captivating author who specializes in bringing out a romance in the most unlikely places.  Her list of books in this genre will give the reader more books to enjoy after finishing this one.

Reviewed by Maureen Dangarembizi for Readers' Favorite

The Dragon’s Psychic by Linzi Baxter is a paranormal romance novel and book one in the Immortal Dragon series. Talia works for the supernatural council. She can see the history of an object when she touches it. Using her gift, she’s helped put away some of the most vicious supernatural murderers. That is until Gideon, head of the council, tries to blame the murder of two council members on their eight-year-old daughter. Kirin is a dragon shifter who has been contracted to find the missing child and psychic. He has always done his job and adding a little more gold to his hoard never hurt anyone. Catching up to the fugitives is easy but turning in his mate is not so simple.

The Dragon’s Psychic hit all the right buttons and is a great addition to the dragon shifter romantic sub-genre. It was most enjoyable. I loved the hero and heroine but I loved the little girl more. Alida's powers are just amazing and I can’t wait to see how she will impact the next books in the series. The story is not just about romance but also about doing what is right. For those who like stories on fated mates, this book should be right up their alley. There isn't as much conflict between the main characters but it certainly doesn't take away from the ending. Linzi Baxter introduces a host of alpha dragons sure to add sizzle to the coming books in the Immortal Dragon series. With the villain still at large, readers will enjoy uncovering the mystery as more books come out.

Reviewed by Gisela Dixon for Readers' Favorite

Moments: This to the Next: Poetry - Now and Eternity by Gary W. Burns is a poetry collection composed around the concept of time against the backdrop of nature. In Moments, Gary has brought together the various elements of time such as the past, present, future, eternity, now, and brought out the essence of it which is the present moment. The poems are grouped under various headings related to time such as A Point called Time, Moments to Hours, Clocks and Faces, Time – And You and Me, and each of these contain several short poems. The poems are usually a page long and some are just a sentence or two but still pack a punch and often contain a wealth of meaning in just a few words. There is also a short author bio at the end of the book with a list of his other poetry books.

I loved reading Moments: This to the Next: Poetry - Now and Eternity and re-read portions of it twice. This is a short book and, at first glance, it seemed as if the poems might be too short or simplistic. But this is not the case at all and sometimes the ones with just a few verses are the best ones! There is a beautiful harmony and serenity in these poems and I loved how they intertwine time and nature into one. Some of my favorite poems are Landscapes, Be Still, Midnight Bright, At One With, and The Bridge Called Journey although it’s hard to pick just a few! There is a distinct strain of metaphysics and philosophy throughout this book which I loved as well. Gary has a definite talent for poetry and his composition is soothing, with a great rhythm and technique. This is a must-read poetry book and I hope to read Gary’s other poetry books after this.

Reviewed by Divine Zape for Readers' Favorite

On the Occasion of a Wedding: Eclectic Love Poems by Ollie Bowen is a gorgeous collection of love poems and these poems are just awesome, a reflection of the beauty of love. And talking about love, the very first lines of the collection already give readers a taste of what to expect: “its sting / is what makes / it beautiful.” In this collection, readers experience different facets of love, its different expressions, and the emotions that fill the hearts of the personae as they celebrate a moment of love, capture a breath of it, or allow themselves to be transported.

Ollie Bowen’s poetry is designed for lovers; it celebrates the mystery of love, exploring the seasons of hearts that are aflame with love and conveying sentiments in a way that captures the human heart powerfully. The poems explore themes of carnal love, speaking about the “raw feeling of you” and also a love that is spiritual, when the heart looks heavenward, like a baby lifting its face towards a mother. The diction is celebratory, each poem a precious breath — short and succinct — capturing an emotion, a gorgeous thought, a longing, a fulfillment. On the Occasion of a Wedding: Eclectic Love Poems is a gift of love with lines to unwind by, thoughts to share with a loved one, and images that inspire. It is filled with religious symbolism and the exuberance of innocent love. Here is a collection that will thrill and inspire fans of poetry — no matter its kind!

Reviewed by Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers' Favorite

The Jaguar’s Story by Kosa Ely is an informative and special story about Chasca and Inti. A pair of Jaguar cubs, Chasca and Inti live with their mama in the rainforest. Their days are spent swimming, befriending others and learning how to roar loudly. One day, their rainforest is invaded by big machines on the land and in the sky and the cubs are scared for their lives. One night they make a run for it with their mama and set off on a journey that will surprise, delight and scare them as they try to find a safe place to live. An informative but cute book with plenty of colorful illustrations and lots of facts. Join in the game as you try to find as many animals, insects, flowers, mammals and reptiles as you can.

The Jaguar’s Story by Kosa Ely is a wonderful book, not just for children – adults can learn a lot from this too. The illustrations by Radhe Gendron are amazing, helping to bring the story truly alive. This isn’t just a kids story. This is an emotional journey, incredibly educational, teaching children to care for their planet, for their future, and to think hard about protecting the environment they live in. The extra facts at the end of the book are a great idea and they really bring home the fact that Jaguars, and other animals like them, really are an endangered species and if we don’t learn to look after what we have, we will lose it forever. This is a great story that is written in simple language, easy to understand and I am certain that kids everywhere will love it. It should be included in all school reading lists too!

Reviewed by Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers' Favorite

The Mysterious Phone Call by Brian O’Dell and Beth Lauderdale is book 2 in the Mud Street Misfits Adventure series. Sarah has to move with her family to Chicago but she doesn’t want to leave Ozark. She’s lived there for years and, together with her brother David, and best friends Molly, Connor, and Liam, formed the Mud Street Misfits. She doesn’t want to leave the gang behind but she’s always been shy when it comes to speaking up – this time will be no different. Before she leaves, she discovers that Mayor Scott, a man with no heart, is set on destroying the Orpheum Theater, a beautiful Ozark relic, and she can’t let that happen. With the Mud Street Misfits, Sarah has a fight on her hands to save the building but things aren’t all that they seem to be and the Orpheum Theater is hiding a secret that can't be seen by the human eye. Can the gang save the theater and what will they have to face to do it?

The Mysterious Phone Call: A Mud Street Misfits Adventure by Brian O’Dell and Beth Lauderdale is a fun read, ideally suited to its target audience. I didn’t read the first book but each in the series is based on one member of the gang. This time it’s Sarah and, together with the other characters, she has been well developed into a character you can relate to. This is a cool and fun adventure with a hint of the other-worldly in a plot that keeps you reading all the way through. The story is really well written with lots of twists and turns that keep you guessing and some very unique characters. Great book; this is a series to watch out for.

Reviewed by Peggy Jo Wipf for Readers' Favorite

The Cat Detectives in Russia: The Case of the Missing Faberge Egg is designed for upper elementary children and all animal lovers. R.F. Kristi blends two of her favorite topics - cats and mystery - to create an adorable, yet inquisitive Siberian kitty detective, Inca. When her human mom traveled to Russia to display her famous cheeses, Inca was excited to visit her mother country. Inca and her detective agency are intrigued by the mystery surrounding a very expensive Faberge egg that goes missing with no clues left behind. Inca must solve this mystery quickly to clear the name of someone dear to her, but could one of her new friends be involved in the theft?
 
R.F. Kristi has found her niche writing about felines and suspense. The Cat Detectives in Russia: The Case of the Missing Faberge Egg is the ninth in her Inca Cat Detective series. Charming friends and mysterious places will draw young people in with Inca as she takes on a new case that could implicate a royal cousin or her new robotic friend. The plot involves the characters traveling to famous historical buildings in Russia, allowing children to learn about the rich culture of the Russian people. The animals are fitting for their breed while adding personality to their individual characters. Overall, this book will feed a child’s imagination while educating them about different cultures, how to make new friends, and entertain them with the mystery surrounding a theft. This is an author that parents can point their children towards, knowing they can trust her to enrich their lives through books. I would like to mention the illustrations which complement the book beautifully.

Reviewed by Liz Konkel for Readers' Favorite

The Eye of Ra by Ben Gartner takes you back to ancient Egypt for an exciting adventure. John and Sarah Tidewell are two siblings with different opinions about leaving Colorado behind to move to Maryland. Sarah is looking forward to the adventure and is thrilled at the idea of seeing what else is out there while John doesn't want to leave the familiarity of his favorite hiking trails and his friends behind. When taking one last hike before they leave for good, the siblings stumble upon a mysterious cave and make the most shocking discovery: ancient Egypt lies on the other side. John wants nothing more than to return home before the door closes, leaving them trapped in Egypt forever, but Sarah longs to see what the world of the past has in store. Now they're in for a whole new adventure where they meet new friends, encounter dangerous cobras, solve the mystery of a tomb robbery, and fight to find their way back home, all while solving an even grander mystery that neither saw coming.

Ben Gartner delivers a story that brings a history lesson to life through an action-packed mystery and adventure that teaches kids about ancient Egypt. The mystery they uncover revolves around the culture during the time, specifically centering around the tombs. The historical details bring the setting to life by being subtly woven into the daily lives of the characters and through lessons taught to John and Sarah as the story progresses. The story teaches about the beliefs during the time and even their equivalent of a board game. The two siblings have vastly different personalities. Their difference of opinion creates a minor conflict between them which is worked out throughout the adventure as they're pushed to work as a team to solve a mystery, help their new friends, and find a way to return home.

The tone is whimsical and lighthearted, serving up an equal amount of discovery as it does adventure while subtly educating children about ancient Egypt in a way that never feels like a lesson. The story is a great read for all ages as it's enjoyable with action-packed moments and a mystery with several exciting twists and turns. Gartner captures key details of Egypt that help create a stunning visual for children. The Eye of Ra is a delightful tale of adventure and mystery that will make children fall in love with history and discover ancient Egypt while delivering action-packed moments, surprising moments, and relatable characters.

Reviewed by Gail Kamer for Readers' Favorite

In AJ Vanderhorst’s The Mostly Invisible Boy: Casey Grimes Book 1, an eleven-year-old boy struggles with the real fact that he can’t be seen all the time. Why? How to fix this? Casey doesn’t know. He just knows every day there are times when he is invisible. While out exploring one day, he climbs an enormous old oak tree, and his life changes forever. In the branches, Casey discovers he lives on the edge of his regular world and that of a fierce outlying region of another. One that involves monster control, witches, and Trickery School. He’s no longer sort of invisible, he’s fully visible to everyone, but his presence is not accepted by some. He adopts a new identity but that too leads to serious consequences for him, his young sister, and others in his new world. How will Casey handle his identity crisis? Like a true trooper!

AJ Vanderhorst’s The Mostly Invisible Boy shares the ever sensitive worry of young people—fitting in with others and the struggle with their own identity. The theme is shared through the eyes of an eleven-year-old Casey who really is invisible sometimes in his regular world but wishes to be seen. Vanderhorst connects to the deep feelings many middle school children deal with day in and day out. The Mostly Invisible Boy would make a great book for counseling classes in school settings as well as a shared reading with children and parents. If you are searching for a way to broach this subject with a troubled young one, this is the book for you.

Reviewed by Rosie Malezer for Readers' Favorite

Oink and Gobble and the Men in Black is a children’s picture book written by Norman Whaler and illustrated by Mohammad Shayan. Oink the pig and Gobble the turkey are the best of friends on the farm at Little Bottom. When strange men (both dressed as Men in Black) arrive after an unusual event had taken place, the animals investigate the event. During this investigation (unbeknownst to the Men in Black), Oink and Gobble speculate what the unusual event may have been, as well as look into what the Men in Black are up to. After looking too suspicious, Oink and Gobble return to the farm after which a shocking and hilarious truth finally reveals itself.

I very much enjoyed the humor in this delightfully entertaining tale. The ironic ending had me both laughing and in shock, which does not happen very often. I believe it is the talented Norman Whaler’s writing style which kept me immersed in the story from beginning to end, with each turn of the page leaving me wondering which exciting details were about to be discovered next. Oink and Gobble definitely make such an unlikely pairing of best friends, but their detective skills are quite hilarious, as is their ability to blend in with the background. Readers will find themselves turning each page with a smile and laughter as Oink and Gobble get themselves into deeper and deeper trouble with the farm’s visiting duo. I highly recommend Oink and Gobble and the Men in Black for younger audiences aged from 5-12, not only as a book to be read to them, but it would also be ideal as a book for beginners to practice fun reading skills on their own.