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Recommend this book:
Curse of the Tahiéra
Wendy Gillissen
2009 Silver Medal
444 Pages
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Fiction - Fantasy - General
Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite
Half Tzanatzi, Rom was not well accepted. He was a traveling merchant, peddling his dyes and spices. He traveled according to the seasons. This time he would travel through the Gardeth Forest, he'd been warned not to. People had been disappearing, later their bodies would be found frozen with an expression of terror on their face. He was not looking for companionship but the self proclaimed farmer Yldich seemed determined to travel with him. Rom doubted he was actually a farmer. Yldich had a special way of communicating with animals. He seemed to have mystical powers.
Eventually, Yldich admitted he was a Yaever, a true dreamer, for his people. Yldich had dreamed of Rom for seven years. There was an evil awakening deep in the earth, the evil was haunting the forest. He was convinced that only Rom could stop the evil. So begins the adventure...
Wendy Gillissen offers readers a fantasy that will stay with them long after they read the last page. This is a book you will want to read more than once. Each time you will pick up on something you over looked the first time. Curse of the Tahiéra quickly drew me into the tale. I found myself in a mythical land traveling with Rom, Yldich and Eald. Gillissen has created a world of her own imagination. The plot is deep yet entertaining.
Dreams and reality mix in the world Gillissen has created. Rom and Yldich are on a journey; along the way they make many stops and at each stop the reader is provided a bit more of the story. Dreams, mystical stories, magic and good versus evil, this book provide it all and much, much more. "The limitations you put on the world are stronger than its inherent magic."
Half Tzanatzi, Rom was not well accepted. He was a traveling merchant, peddling his dyes and spices. He traveled according to the seasons. This time he would travel through the Gardeth Forest, he'd been warned not to. People had been disappearing, later their bodies would be found frozen with an expression of terror on their face. He was not looking for companionship but the self proclaimed farmer Yldich seemed determined to travel with him. Rom doubted he was actually a farmer. Yldich had a special way of communicating with animals. He seemed to have mystical powers.
Eventually, Yldich admitted he was a Yaever, a true dreamer, for his people. Yldich had dreamed of Rom for seven years. There was an evil awakening deep in the earth, the evil was haunting the forest. He was convinced that only Rom could stop the evil. So begins the adventure...
Wendy Gillissen offers readers a fantasy that will stay with them long after they read the last page. This is a book you will want to read more than once. Each time you will pick up on something you over looked the first time. Curse of the Tahiéra quickly drew me into the tale. I found myself in a mythical land traveling with Rom, Yldich and Eald. Gillissen has created a world of her own imagination. The plot is deep yet entertaining.
Dreams and reality mix in the world Gillissen has created. Rom and Yldich are on a journey; along the way they make many stops and at each stop the reader is provided a bit more of the story. Dreams, mystical stories, magic and good versus evil, this book provide it all and much, much more. "The limitations you put on the world are stronger than its inherent magic."
Recommend this book:
Unlocking The Poet's Realm
Matt Wiebusch
2009 Gold Medal
506 Pages
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Fiction - Fantasy - General
Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite
Seventh grader Minnie was smart, average height and weight, and picked on daily by the bullies in the school. Her parents were busy fighting battles of their own. She only had one friend, her next door neighbor Isaac. Her parents had forbidden her to visit with him. One day, she ran into an old shed on Isaac's property to escape the bullies. Inside was a casket shaped box. She got in the box and was transported into the future, to a place called Buval.
Buval was not an ordinary place. It was a world owned and run by animals. There were giant bees that could talk, magical apes, monsters and many other animals. They recognized that Minnie loved all animal life. She had been brought to Buval to save their world. There was an evil presence plotting to destroy the animals and their world. There is danger at every turn. She must solve a cryptic poem to save the world.
Unlocking The Poets Realm is a great story filled with adventure and mystery. This book kept me guessing until the final climax. Teens, young adults and parents will enjoy Unlocking The Poets Realm. I enjoyed watching Minnie transform from a shy teen to a girl who can act on her problems instead of running from them.
Seventh grader Minnie was smart, average height and weight, and picked on daily by the bullies in the school. Her parents were busy fighting battles of their own. She only had one friend, her next door neighbor Isaac. Her parents had forbidden her to visit with him. One day, she ran into an old shed on Isaac's property to escape the bullies. Inside was a casket shaped box. She got in the box and was transported into the future, to a place called Buval.
Buval was not an ordinary place. It was a world owned and run by animals. There were giant bees that could talk, magical apes, monsters and many other animals. They recognized that Minnie loved all animal life. She had been brought to Buval to save their world. There was an evil presence plotting to destroy the animals and their world. There is danger at every turn. She must solve a cryptic poem to save the world.
Unlocking The Poets Realm is a great story filled with adventure and mystery. This book kept me guessing until the final climax. Teens, young adults and parents will enjoy Unlocking The Poets Realm. I enjoyed watching Minnie transform from a shy teen to a girl who can act on her problems instead of running from them.
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Romancing the Claddagh
The Curse of Macha
Ruby Dominguez
2009 Bronze Medal
140 Pages
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Fiction - Horror
Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite
Author Ruby Dominguez offers readers a tale surrounding the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center and Claddagh rings. Hundreds of Irish Claddagh rings are found in the collapsed World Trade Center. Dominguez brings the history of the legend of the ring to life.
The legend of the mystery is a combination of romance, tragedy and triumph. It originates in a small fishing village. The week before Richard Joyce’s wedding to his sweetheart, he was kidnapped and taken to North Africa by a slave trader. He was taught the trade of goldsmith. He designed a beautiful gold ring for his sweetheart, two hands clasping a heart. Years later he was released from bondage, returned to Ireland to find his sweetheart had never married. The ring represents love and loyalty.
Author Ruby Dominguez offers readers a tale surrounding the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center and Claddagh rings. Hundreds of Irish Claddagh rings are found in the collapsed World Trade Center. Dominguez brings the history of the legend of the ring to life.
The legend of the mystery is a combination of romance, tragedy and triumph. It originates in a small fishing village. The week before Richard Joyce’s wedding to his sweetheart, he was kidnapped and taken to North Africa by a slave trader. He was taught the trade of goldsmith. He designed a beautiful gold ring for his sweetheart, two hands clasping a heart. Years later he was released from bondage, returned to Ireland to find his sweetheart had never married. The ring represents love and loyalty.
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Keeper of the Lullabies
A book for grandmothers who cherish the world of children
Dr. Karen Hutchins Pirnot
2010 Gold Medal
36 Pages
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Children - Preschool
Reviewed by Anne Boiling for Readers' Favorite
Readers' Favorite Gold Medal Award WinnerEvery time I pick up my grandchildren they ask for a Buddy story. Buddy is our German shepherd. It is a long drive home. When they were toddlers, they would get bored so I began telling them stories about Buddy. The stories always included our grandchildren, our cat and Buddy. The adventures were humorous and entertaining. It soon became something special between us. As soon as they arrived home they drew pictures of their imaginary adventures.
Dr. Karen Hutchins Pinot’s book "Keeper Of The Lullabies" is a poetic tribute to grandparents that sing lullabies, tell nursery rhymes and tell Buddy stories. The author illustrated her book with dark subdued colors that will remind readers of bedtime.
Readers' Favorite Gold Medal Award WinnerEvery time I pick up my grandchildren they ask for a Buddy story. Buddy is our German shepherd. It is a long drive home. When they were toddlers, they would get bored so I began telling them stories about Buddy. The stories always included our grandchildren, our cat and Buddy. The adventures were humorous and entertaining. It soon became something special between us. As soon as they arrived home they drew pictures of their imaginary adventures.
Dr. Karen Hutchins Pinot’s book "Keeper Of The Lullabies" is a poetic tribute to grandparents that sing lullabies, tell nursery rhymes and tell Buddy stories. The author illustrated her book with dark subdued colors that will remind readers of bedtime.
Recommend this book:
The Blue Penguin
Dr. Karen Hutchins Pirnot, illustrated by Makenna Karen Klanot
2010 Bronze Medal
44 Pages
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Children - Grade K-3rd
Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite
Pookie was different. She was a blue penguin and all of her friends were black penguins. Her mother tried to explain to her that she was a special penguin but Pookie just felt different. Some of the other penguins teased her. Pookie felt like she wasn’t as good as the other penguins. Pookie tried hard at everything she did. She swam fast, caught fish and watched the little penguins carefully. One day, all the other penguins came to school painted blue, so they could be more like Pookie. Their teacher explained that there were other ways they could be more like Pookie. They could practice harder, be kind to others and be responsible. The other penguins made Pookie feel special. They decided to have a special day each week. The penguins could come to school painted any color they wanted. They called their special, “Let Me Be Me.”
The Blue Penguin is a delightful book with a message for first through third grade students. Pookie teaches children that it is ok to be different. It is ok to be who they are. The illustrations in this book compliment the story. The colors are bright and cheerful. Makenna Karen Klanot is eleven years old. She did a remarkable job.
I shared this book with my eight year old grandson and 9 year old granddaughter ;both enjoyed the story. Sarah took it back to her room to read it again. Ryan liked the names of the penguins. I highly recommend this book to teachers for their classrooms and to parents to share with their children.
Pookie was different. She was a blue penguin and all of her friends were black penguins. Her mother tried to explain to her that she was a special penguin but Pookie just felt different. Some of the other penguins teased her. Pookie felt like she wasn’t as good as the other penguins. Pookie tried hard at everything she did. She swam fast, caught fish and watched the little penguins carefully. One day, all the other penguins came to school painted blue, so they could be more like Pookie. Their teacher explained that there were other ways they could be more like Pookie. They could practice harder, be kind to others and be responsible. The other penguins made Pookie feel special. They decided to have a special day each week. The penguins could come to school painted any color they wanted. They called their special, “Let Me Be Me.”
The Blue Penguin is a delightful book with a message for first through third grade students. Pookie teaches children that it is ok to be different. It is ok to be who they are. The illustrations in this book compliment the story. The colors are bright and cheerful. Makenna Karen Klanot is eleven years old. She did a remarkable job.
I shared this book with my eight year old grandson and 9 year old granddaughter ;both enjoyed the story. Sarah took it back to her room to read it again. Ryan liked the names of the penguins. I highly recommend this book to teachers for their classrooms and to parents to share with their children.
Recommend this book:
Peter, the Pole and the Knob
Dr. Karen Pirnot
2010 Gold Medal
272 Pages
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Fiction - Drama
Reviewed by Debra G for Readers' Favorite
One summer day, during the excitement of a baseball game, there was an accident, lives were changed forever. Peter Michael Henderson hit the ball and slid into first base. The second baseman and pitcher collided. One of them fell on Peter’s head and severed his spinal cord. At 8 years of age, Peter was paralyzed and on a ventilator. His best friend Steve blamed himself, although it wasn’t his fault. Peter’s mother was an incredibly strong woman and her life had changed forever. Alicia, Peter’s little sister, was a dynamo bringing a smile to Peter’s face and reuniting him with his best friend.
I was deeply affected by this book. I could barely see to read the text as tears blurred my vision. "Peter, the Pole and the Knob" is an incredible story. It is a tale of strength and courage. The characters in this story are well defined. The plot is fiction, based on actual events. Dr. Karen Pirnot has a talent for bringing her characters to life. She also successfully expresses emotions through her art. This book will stay with the you long after reading the last word.
One summer day, during the excitement of a baseball game, there was an accident, lives were changed forever. Peter Michael Henderson hit the ball and slid into first base. The second baseman and pitcher collided. One of them fell on Peter’s head and severed his spinal cord. At 8 years of age, Peter was paralyzed and on a ventilator. His best friend Steve blamed himself, although it wasn’t his fault. Peter’s mother was an incredibly strong woman and her life had changed forever. Alicia, Peter’s little sister, was a dynamo bringing a smile to Peter’s face and reuniting him with his best friend.
I was deeply affected by this book. I could barely see to read the text as tears blurred my vision. "Peter, the Pole and the Knob" is an incredible story. It is a tale of strength and courage. The characters in this story are well defined. The plot is fiction, based on actual events. Dr. Karen Pirnot has a talent for bringing her characters to life. She also successfully expresses emotions through her art. This book will stay with the you long after reading the last word.
Recommend this book:
The Learners Of Owamboland
The Children of Twaalulilwa School
Gina Hutchins Inman, Dr. Karen Hutchins Pirnot
2010 Gold Medal
88 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Historical
Reviewed by Anne Boiling for Readers' Favorite
Readers' Favorite Gold Medal Award WinnerGina Hutchins Inman is a German-American citizen. In her desire to give to those less fortunate than herself, she traveled to Owamboland, Namibia, Africa where she spent 8 weeks with the children of the Twaahililwa School. She enjoyed the simplicity of their life. “The greatest impact of all was the realization that when you give to others, expecting nothing in return, the gifts which come back to you are abundant and lasting.” Inman did not know the language and knew little about the culture, but she willingly gave of herself. She found the people friendly and accepting.
There are 260 'learners' in the school. This book is filled with their photographs. Inman shares notes from the children with readers. The learners were eager to help out. When Inman became tired, they wanted to massage her legs.
Inman stayed with Meme Selma, the principal of the school and the Reverend of the church. Selma was instrumental in the rebuilding of the school after it was destroyed by war.
The photographs bring her experiences to life on the pages. She shares information about the culture: what they eat, how they wash their clothing and how they share with each other.
"The Learners of Owamboland" is a heartwarming book. We need more people like Gina Hutchins Inman, people that care enough about others to take risks.
Readers' Favorite Gold Medal Award WinnerGina Hutchins Inman is a German-American citizen. In her desire to give to those less fortunate than herself, she traveled to Owamboland, Namibia, Africa where she spent 8 weeks with the children of the Twaahililwa School. She enjoyed the simplicity of their life. “The greatest impact of all was the realization that when you give to others, expecting nothing in return, the gifts which come back to you are abundant and lasting.” Inman did not know the language and knew little about the culture, but she willingly gave of herself. She found the people friendly and accepting.
There are 260 'learners' in the school. This book is filled with their photographs. Inman shares notes from the children with readers. The learners were eager to help out. When Inman became tired, they wanted to massage her legs.
Inman stayed with Meme Selma, the principal of the school and the Reverend of the church. Selma was instrumental in the rebuilding of the school after it was destroyed by war.
The photographs bring her experiences to life on the pages. She shares information about the culture: what they eat, how they wash their clothing and how they share with each other.
"The Learners of Owamboland" is a heartwarming book. We need more people like Gina Hutchins Inman, people that care enough about others to take risks.
Recommend this book:
Behind the Columns
Arlette Gaffrey
2011 Silver Medal
354 Pages
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Fiction - Southern
Reviewed by Anne Boiling for Readers' Favorite
The setting is 1846 New Orleans.
Desiree was only ten years old when she fell in love with Marcel. She was sure the seventeen year old man loved her and would return from France ready to marry her. She was devastated when several years later he returns to New Orleans with his new bride on his arm.
Desiree lived on Chene Vue, a plantation, with her grandfather, a heavy drinker and gambler. His sudden death was a shock. Desiree was in danger of losing her beloved home.
Philippe Jaunet wanted the plantation and saw Desiree a means to get what he wanted. He attempted to force her to marry him. Lance Van Buren was a wealth northern in love with the beautiful young woman. Desiree wanted only her Marcel.
Behind The Columns by Arlette Gaffrey is a story of love, passion, and deception. The characters are well defined. Lance and Desiree play well off of each other. Neither is adept at romance. Philippe is cruel. The characters come to life on the pages of this lovely romance. The plot is well developed and flows along nicely. MS Gaffrey clearly brings to life the charm of New Orleans history. She brings to this book her great knowledge of the area.
The setting is 1846 New Orleans.
Desiree was only ten years old when she fell in love with Marcel. She was sure the seventeen year old man loved her and would return from France ready to marry her. She was devastated when several years later he returns to New Orleans with his new bride on his arm.
Desiree lived on Chene Vue, a plantation, with her grandfather, a heavy drinker and gambler. His sudden death was a shock. Desiree was in danger of losing her beloved home.
Philippe Jaunet wanted the plantation and saw Desiree a means to get what he wanted. He attempted to force her to marry him. Lance Van Buren was a wealth northern in love with the beautiful young woman. Desiree wanted only her Marcel.
Behind The Columns by Arlette Gaffrey is a story of love, passion, and deception. The characters are well defined. Lance and Desiree play well off of each other. Neither is adept at romance. Philippe is cruel. The characters come to life on the pages of this lovely romance. The plot is well developed and flows along nicely. MS Gaffrey clearly brings to life the charm of New Orleans history. She brings to this book her great knowledge of the area.
Recommend this book:
The Life O'Reilly
Brian Cohen
2010 Gold Medal
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - General
Reviewed by Anne Boiling for Readers' Favorite
Nick O’Reilly was a lawyer at a prominent law firm, Williams Gardner & Schmidt, where he had an excellent reputation and future. When the firm decided to take on a few pro-bono cases to better its reputation, Nick was assigned a domestic violence case. Nick soon found himself falling in love with his client, Dawn Nelson, and her son, Jordan. Becoming involved with a client was against the firm’s policy. Nick’s involvement with Dawn brought conflict at the firm and he was fired. Nick ultimately went out on his own and, just as things are coming together, life struck another blow.
This book will have a profound effect on the reader. Too often we think power, prestige, and money are important in our lives. In The Life O’Reilly, we discover what is truly important. Nick is a man that discovers his “cup runneth over.”
Brian Cohen is a master at character definition and depth. The personalities of the characters are distinctive. The reader watches as Nick develops into a man that knows what is important in life. While this book is entertaining, it is so much more. This book has a deep message for the reader. The plot was well developed and this book was hard to put down.
The Life O’Reilly is not at all what I expected. I expected a typical lawyer story. This book is anything but typical. The plot is original, absorbing and gripping. Readers will not want to miss this one. I suspect it will make the best seller list.
Nick O’Reilly was a lawyer at a prominent law firm, Williams Gardner & Schmidt, where he had an excellent reputation and future. When the firm decided to take on a few pro-bono cases to better its reputation, Nick was assigned a domestic violence case. Nick soon found himself falling in love with his client, Dawn Nelson, and her son, Jordan. Becoming involved with a client was against the firm’s policy. Nick’s involvement with Dawn brought conflict at the firm and he was fired. Nick ultimately went out on his own and, just as things are coming together, life struck another blow.
This book will have a profound effect on the reader. Too often we think power, prestige, and money are important in our lives. In The Life O’Reilly, we discover what is truly important. Nick is a man that discovers his “cup runneth over.”
Brian Cohen is a master at character definition and depth. The personalities of the characters are distinctive. The reader watches as Nick develops into a man that knows what is important in life. While this book is entertaining, it is so much more. This book has a deep message for the reader. The plot was well developed and this book was hard to put down.
The Life O’Reilly is not at all what I expected. I expected a typical lawyer story. This book is anything but typical. The plot is original, absorbing and gripping. Readers will not want to miss this one. I suspect it will make the best seller list.
Recommend this book:
 formed an instant connection. Against her father’s wishes,...){kind=link}
The Crescent
Jordan Deen
2010 Silver Medal
190 Pages
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Young Adult - General
Reviewed by Anne Boiling for Readers' Favorite
Lacey’s parents are constantly fighting. Her father is a violent alcoholic. When she hears the battles begin, she often sneaks outside. One night, she feels someone watching her and sees two big yellow eyes. At first she wasn’t sure if the animal was a wolf or dog. She and Grant (dog) formed an instant connection. Against her father’s wishes, she moved the gigantic dog into her bedroom. He slept with her, listened carefully to every word she spoke and attempted to protect her.
Lacey is seventeen years old and a senior in high school. During the mornings, she helps out in the office. It was an instant attraction when in walked Alex, handsome and sexy, he makes a play for her heart. A few days later, she met Brandon, even more attractive, but seldom around. However, there was a connection between Lacey and Brandon, continually in her dreams telling her to remember.
Eventually, the truth comes to light. Lacey must decide to save her intended mate or the people she knew as her family. If she makes one decision she dies and so does Brandon. If she makes another decision others die. Lacey is in the midst of an ancient war with no way out. Her body is transforming.
It is hard to believe that this is Jordan Deen’s first novel. It reads like the work of a seasoned author. The plot is a mix of fantasy and romance. The characters are well developed. I truly cared about each of them. While this book is definitely fantasy, it has a realistic setting. In this book, Lacey has to choose between her heart and mind. This is an unusual love story for Juvenile readers. Adults will also appreciate the depth of the story. I hope this is the beginning of a new series. I want to know more about Lacey, Alex and Brandon.
Lacey’s parents are constantly fighting. Her father is a violent alcoholic. When she hears the battles begin, she often sneaks outside. One night, she feels someone watching her and sees two big yellow eyes. At first she wasn’t sure if the animal was a wolf or dog. She and Grant (dog) formed an instant connection. Against her father’s wishes, she moved the gigantic dog into her bedroom. He slept with her, listened carefully to every word she spoke and attempted to protect her.
Lacey is seventeen years old and a senior in high school. During the mornings, she helps out in the office. It was an instant attraction when in walked Alex, handsome and sexy, he makes a play for her heart. A few days later, she met Brandon, even more attractive, but seldom around. However, there was a connection between Lacey and Brandon, continually in her dreams telling her to remember.
Eventually, the truth comes to light. Lacey must decide to save her intended mate or the people she knew as her family. If she makes one decision she dies and so does Brandon. If she makes another decision others die. Lacey is in the midst of an ancient war with no way out. Her body is transforming.
It is hard to believe that this is Jordan Deen’s first novel. It reads like the work of a seasoned author. The plot is a mix of fantasy and romance. The characters are well developed. I truly cared about each of them. While this book is definitely fantasy, it has a realistic setting. In this book, Lacey has to choose between her heart and mind. This is an unusual love story for Juvenile readers. Adults will also appreciate the depth of the story. I hope this is the beginning of a new series. I want to know more about Lacey, Alex and Brandon.
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