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The Chain
Jeffrey M. Preston
2010 Gold Medal
244 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - General
Reviewed by Anne Boiling for Readers' Favorite
Eight years ago, Kylee disappeared. Her parents, Stan and Maggie, mourn her loss. Their desperation destroys their marriage. Just as suddenly as Kylee disappears, she reappears. She is wearing the same party dress, and she appears to be the same age. More than one faction is after the prize. This is truly a love story where the parents will risk anything to protect their daughter.
When I started reading "The Chain", I suspected a typical kidnapping/missing girl plot. "The Chain" is anything but typical. The plot is original, unique, and fantastic! The characters are well developed. There are unexpected twists and turns that keep the reader eagerly turning the pages. At times the reader will be guessing, who are the good guys? Will the Weavers survive? Is Kylee really the daughter of the Weavers? Who is the Big Man? This book has it all including a Native American hero. I want to tell you more about this book, but it would spoil the story if I did. This book is a must read, put it at the top of your reading list for this summer!
Eight years ago, Kylee disappeared. Her parents, Stan and Maggie, mourn her loss. Their desperation destroys their marriage. Just as suddenly as Kylee disappears, she reappears. She is wearing the same party dress, and she appears to be the same age. More than one faction is after the prize. This is truly a love story where the parents will risk anything to protect their daughter.
When I started reading "The Chain", I suspected a typical kidnapping/missing girl plot. "The Chain" is anything but typical. The plot is original, unique, and fantastic! The characters are well developed. There are unexpected twists and turns that keep the reader eagerly turning the pages. At times the reader will be guessing, who are the good guys? Will the Weavers survive? Is Kylee really the daughter of the Weavers? Who is the Big Man? This book has it all including a Native American hero. I want to tell you more about this book, but it would spoil the story if I did. This book is a must read, put it at the top of your reading list for this summer!
Recommend this book:
![](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=/book-award/dobbin-and-the-stardust-trail&media=https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51%2Bdut4975L._SL442_.jpg._AA200_.jpg&description="Dobbin and the Stardust Trail" has a magical quality. The book is based on an actual horse. I have seen photographs of the magnificent horse and the paintings that were used as illustrations in the book. The art work is outstanding. The story is one sure to please girls and boys alike.
I shared my copy with my 9 year old granddaughter Sarah. �...){kind=link}
Dobbin and the Stardust Trail
Diana Medler
2010 Silver Medal
36 Pages
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Children - Grade K-3rd
Reviewed by Anne Boiling for Readers' Favorite
"Dobbin and the Stardust Trail" has a magical quality. The book is based on an actual horse. I have seen photographs of the magnificent horse and the paintings that were used as illustrations in the book. The art work is outstanding. The story is one sure to please girls and boys alike.
I shared my copy with my 9 year old granddaughter Sarah. “Meme, my friend loves horses, she will like this book. The pictures are wonderful.The girl’s name is Sarah,I like that!”
This book passed my “grandchild test.” Sarah has read the book more than once and still ohhs and ahhs over the illustrations and story. Younger children will enjoy parents reading this book to them. Older children will be able to read this book themselves.
For a high quality read pick up a copy of "Dobbin and the Stardust Trail" for your children.
"Dobbin and the Stardust Trail" has a magical quality. The book is based on an actual horse. I have seen photographs of the magnificent horse and the paintings that were used as illustrations in the book. The art work is outstanding. The story is one sure to please girls and boys alike.
I shared my copy with my 9 year old granddaughter Sarah. “Meme, my friend loves horses, she will like this book. The pictures are wonderful.The girl’s name is Sarah,I like that!”
This book passed my “grandchild test.” Sarah has read the book more than once and still ohhs and ahhs over the illustrations and story. Younger children will enjoy parents reading this book to them. Older children will be able to read this book themselves.
For a high quality read pick up a copy of "Dobbin and the Stardust Trail" for your children.
Recommend this book:
The Secret of Bailey's Chase
Marlis Day
2010 Gold Medal
176 Pages
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Young Adult - General
Reviewed by Karen Pirnot for Readers' Favorite
Marlis Day offers a wonderful journey into the imaginative mind of the preteen child. Two cousins are drawn together through the tragic death of Grey Bailey's parents. With assistance from her newly-found friend and cousin Sparky, Grey Bailey is warned of evil forces which will attempt to undermine the magical powers granted to the cousins by their distant ancestor, Grandma Bailey.
Apart, the two cousins have no extraordinary powers but, together, they are able to move objects and explore avenues not available to the average child. The book teaches cooperation, inspiration, adventure and imagination, as well as stressing values important to the preteen caught between childhood innocence and teenage responsibilities.
"The Secret" is well written and should appeal to both girls and boys in the upper elementary years. I applause Ms. Day who pulls together a delightful adventure story which stimulates the young reader.
Marlis Day offers a wonderful journey into the imaginative mind of the preteen child. Two cousins are drawn together through the tragic death of Grey Bailey's parents. With assistance from her newly-found friend and cousin Sparky, Grey Bailey is warned of evil forces which will attempt to undermine the magical powers granted to the cousins by their distant ancestor, Grandma Bailey.
Apart, the two cousins have no extraordinary powers but, together, they are able to move objects and explore avenues not available to the average child. The book teaches cooperation, inspiration, adventure and imagination, as well as stressing values important to the preteen caught between childhood innocence and teenage responsibilities.
"The Secret" is well written and should appeal to both girls and boys in the upper elementary years. I applause Ms. Day who pulls together a delightful adventure story which stimulates the young reader.
Recommend this book:
The New Rules for Mortgages
Dale Robyn Siegel
2010 Silver Medal
224 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Business/Finance
Reviewed by Karen Pirnot for Readers' Favorite
Ms. Siegel provides the reader with an up-to-date and concise understanding of current credit and mortgage practices. The book is useful for both the first-time and the experienced potential home buyer.
The book is beautifully organized into concise and practical information which is comprehensible and current. The author provides step-by-step information on the understanding and improvement of one's credit score, as well as practical information related to gift and tax laws, as they apply to home ownership. Types of refinancing and mortgages are explained so that the reader has an honest and firm understanding of the process.
This is a superb book of practical information written by someone who writes knowledgeably in her field of expertise.
Ms. Siegel provides the reader with an up-to-date and concise understanding of current credit and mortgage practices. The book is useful for both the first-time and the experienced potential home buyer.
The book is beautifully organized into concise and practical information which is comprehensible and current. The author provides step-by-step information on the understanding and improvement of one's credit score, as well as practical information related to gift and tax laws, as they apply to home ownership. Types of refinancing and mortgages are explained so that the reader has an honest and firm understanding of the process.
This is a superb book of practical information written by someone who writes knowledgeably in her field of expertise.
Recommend this book:
Eyes In The Rearview Mirror
Basic Lessons From My Father
Joseph C. Pfeiffer
2010 Silver Medal
100 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Parenting
Reviewed by Lynn Fowlston for Readers' Favorite
As children we look up to our parents we think they are the smartest people we’ve ever known. That usually ends in the preteen age. Suddenly our parents know little and as we reach our early 20s they know even less because we know it all. However, there comes a time when we realize that our parents were pretty smart after all and it was us that were pretty ignorant.
“Eyes In The Rear View Mirror” is a book short book packed with much wisdom. Each Chapter Title is a quote and a lesson in life follows. For example; Always look for the knot on the bottom of the Christmas Tree; Do not bring your work home and do not take home to work and Never quit learning. This is a book of actual life stories and the lessons the author learned from them. They are humorous yet touching. We should all look back and remember the wisdom of our fathers, a time when families ate their meals together, went camping together, traveled together. We should all look in the rear view mirror and remember the eyes looking back at you.
I really enjoyed this book and it brought back memories of my own family and the wisdom I learned as a young child not only from my father but my grandfather as well. This book would be an ideal gift to give to any father for Father’s Day. I feel the cover should have some kind of a picture on it though, I think it would stand out better.
As children we look up to our parents we think they are the smartest people we’ve ever known. That usually ends in the preteen age. Suddenly our parents know little and as we reach our early 20s they know even less because we know it all. However, there comes a time when we realize that our parents were pretty smart after all and it was us that were pretty ignorant.
“Eyes In The Rear View Mirror” is a book short book packed with much wisdom. Each Chapter Title is a quote and a lesson in life follows. For example; Always look for the knot on the bottom of the Christmas Tree; Do not bring your work home and do not take home to work and Never quit learning. This is a book of actual life stories and the lessons the author learned from them. They are humorous yet touching. We should all look back and remember the wisdom of our fathers, a time when families ate their meals together, went camping together, traveled together. We should all look in the rear view mirror and remember the eyes looking back at you.
I really enjoyed this book and it brought back memories of my own family and the wisdom I learned as a young child not only from my father but my grandfather as well. This book would be an ideal gift to give to any father for Father’s Day. I feel the cover should have some kind of a picture on it though, I think it would stand out better.
Recommend this book:
The Light Of Innocence
Christian Living
Carl Marshall
2012 Gold Medal
144 Pages
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Christian - Living
Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite
Like many of us, Carl Marshall had questions. He turned to the Bible for answers. Marshall is a self taught Biblical Scholar. Most Biblical Scholars attend school for many years and have several degrees, Marshall's authority comes from the Holy Spirit.
Many Christians believe their duty is fulfilled by showing up at church on Sunday mornings. Those same people wait for someone to guide them, to interpret scriptures for them and in general to tell them how to live. Like Marshall they could make their own discoveries by delving into scripture.
I was raised in a Christian home. However, a time came when I began to question the rituals of the denomination and interpretation of my pastor. I also began to study and discovered that most of the rituals were man made. I discovered that I was in love with the denomination, the church building (stained glass windows) and the people. I loved the Lord but perhaps I was beginning to love other things more. I had to ask myself if I had lost my first love. Much like Marshall so began my journey
Light of Innocence is Marshall's story. This book is well organized and well written. I found this text to be inspiring. He covers many topics including baptism, Christian living, the virgin birth and church rituals. I highly recommend this book.
Like many of us, Carl Marshall had questions. He turned to the Bible for answers. Marshall is a self taught Biblical Scholar. Most Biblical Scholars attend school for many years and have several degrees, Marshall's authority comes from the Holy Spirit.
Many Christians believe their duty is fulfilled by showing up at church on Sunday mornings. Those same people wait for someone to guide them, to interpret scriptures for them and in general to tell them how to live. Like Marshall they could make their own discoveries by delving into scripture.
I was raised in a Christian home. However, a time came when I began to question the rituals of the denomination and interpretation of my pastor. I also began to study and discovered that most of the rituals were man made. I discovered that I was in love with the denomination, the church building (stained glass windows) and the people. I loved the Lord but perhaps I was beginning to love other things more. I had to ask myself if I had lost my first love. Much like Marshall so began my journey
Light of Innocence is Marshall's story. This book is well organized and well written. I found this text to be inspiring. He covers many topics including baptism, Christian living, the virgin birth and church rituals. I highly recommend this book.
Recommend this book:
The Sorcerer's Dream
Alysa Braceau, Dreamshield
2010 Honorable Mention
Kindle Edition
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Non-Fiction - Autobiography
Reviewed by Anna del C. Dye for Readers' Favorite
I was very interested to read this book based on the name alone. I guess the “Don’t judge the book by its cover” maxim is very true this time. First let me tell you that the name has nothing to do with fantasy at all, instead it deals with North American Indian lore, it describes an initiation into the sorcerer’s tradition. It takes you into the world of mastering conscious dreaming.
The story takes you through the life of a wife and mother on her quest for soul searching, spiritual healing. When she makes the acquaintance of a man dressed in a North American turban her life changes dramatically. According to her mentor she is a dreamer and she needs to learn how to manage her dreams to understand the message they bring to her. Through the help of this older mentor she is able to master her dreaming and to learn and see that which is in her body and mind. In the space of two and half years he teaches her all he knows, so then she can do the same for others. She learns to be in tune with her body, mind and soul in a healthier, happy way.
Soon they are talking of her as a medium and all the things she can see and why she sees them. They also talk about sex and how he has many women with whom he divides his time and energy. She is able to move through the experience with relative ease and later is able to pass her gift on to others that may become whole themselves. Her mentor then lets her understand that his training is done and leaves her with a charge to pass it on.
A different idea of a sorcerer is studied in this book, and it ends a bit abruptly for my taste. It was well done if you like mediums and ghosts, or people who like to communicate with spirits.
I was very interested to read this book based on the name alone. I guess the “Don’t judge the book by its cover” maxim is very true this time. First let me tell you that the name has nothing to do with fantasy at all, instead it deals with North American Indian lore, it describes an initiation into the sorcerer’s tradition. It takes you into the world of mastering conscious dreaming.
The story takes you through the life of a wife and mother on her quest for soul searching, spiritual healing. When she makes the acquaintance of a man dressed in a North American turban her life changes dramatically. According to her mentor she is a dreamer and she needs to learn how to manage her dreams to understand the message they bring to her. Through the help of this older mentor she is able to master her dreaming and to learn and see that which is in her body and mind. In the space of two and half years he teaches her all he knows, so then she can do the same for others. She learns to be in tune with her body, mind and soul in a healthier, happy way.
Soon they are talking of her as a medium and all the things she can see and why she sees them. They also talk about sex and how he has many women with whom he divides his time and energy. She is able to move through the experience with relative ease and later is able to pass her gift on to others that may become whole themselves. Her mentor then lets her understand that his training is done and leaves her with a charge to pass it on.
A different idea of a sorcerer is studied in this book, and it ends a bit abruptly for my taste. It was well done if you like mediums and ghosts, or people who like to communicate with spirits.
Recommend this book:
![](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=/book-award/shoot-the-wounded&media=https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51oSNrYFbTL._SL442_.jpg._AA200_.jpg&description="Shoot The Wounded" centers around the small town and families of Maplewood. Leigh and Ronnie were best friends in grade school, things changed as they started high school. Their family life was very different. In her teen years Ronnie turned wild. Jake was a new boy in the neighborhood. Soon problems arise though between Leigh, Ronnie, Jake and ot...){kind=link}
Shoot the Wounded
Lynn Dove
2010 Finalist
160 Pages
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Young Adult - General
Reviewed by Lynette Fowlston for Readers' Favorite
"Shoot The Wounded" centers around the small town and families of Maplewood. Leigh and Ronnie were best friends in grade school, things changed as they started high school. Their family life was very different. In her teen years Ronnie turned wild. Jake was a new boy in the neighborhood. Soon problems arise though between Leigh, Ronnie, Jake and others at school. Jake has a past that is about to threaten his friendship with Leigh and Ronnie.
This book digs deep into the lives of youth, the rumors, and the gossip. Words can damage people. That’s when you find out who are your real friends. The characters are well developed. I recommend this book to both teens and parents. I believe it will open dialogue between them. Shoot The Wounded reflects on many of the issues teenagers have to contend with today, pregnancy, drinking, family values and peer pressure.
"Shoot The Wounded" centers around the small town and families of Maplewood. Leigh and Ronnie were best friends in grade school, things changed as they started high school. Their family life was very different. In her teen years Ronnie turned wild. Jake was a new boy in the neighborhood. Soon problems arise though between Leigh, Ronnie, Jake and others at school. Jake has a past that is about to threaten his friendship with Leigh and Ronnie.
This book digs deep into the lives of youth, the rumors, and the gossip. Words can damage people. That’s when you find out who are your real friends. The characters are well developed. I recommend this book to both teens and parents. I believe it will open dialogue between them. Shoot The Wounded reflects on many of the issues teenagers have to contend with today, pregnancy, drinking, family values and peer pressure.
Recommend this book:
Alysa of the Fields
Book One in the Tellings of Xunar-Kun
Tina Field Howe
2010 Gold Medal
320 Pages
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Fiction - Audiobook
Reviewed by Anne Boiling for Readers' Favorite
This book begins with a description of the Cataclysm. Planet Xunar-kun was hit by meteor. The planet was devastated by the catastrophe. The next scene shifts to the death of Father Gordon the leader of the tribe. Father Gordon’s last words were instructions to teach the generations the things he had written. Three thousand cycles later the tribe is still living by his words.
We shift to the next scene where a slender girl, Alysa sits next to a stream crying. The girl has a new baby sister. She is angry that she will have to share with her new sister. Her clan was called the Field Folk. A young man from a tribe called the Trailman approached her. She knew she was not supposed to speak to a Trailman. Her tribe considered them savages.
The next scene returns us to the stream. Once again Alysa is crying. Her father has died of a mishap. Alysa had planned to join Orion and his tribe but now felt she needed to stay and help her mother.
Alysa’s father was a trader. Her clan needed another to take his place. A female had never served as a trader but Alysa volunteered. The matter was taken before the council and it was agreed she could serve as a trader to the Trailmen.
Alysa is a strong, brave character. She was willing to step out of the role tradition was forcing her into. There is a strong message in this tale for everyone including children. We should never force a stereotype on a person. Sometimes rules are to be broken. Tradition can be restricting. I quickly became caught up in Alysa’s tale. I found myself cheering her on. The different voices added much to the story. The narrator was very good. This story is strong in family and friends. It encourages adolescents to dream big, to take chances.
This book begins with a description of the Cataclysm. Planet Xunar-kun was hit by meteor. The planet was devastated by the catastrophe. The next scene shifts to the death of Father Gordon the leader of the tribe. Father Gordon’s last words were instructions to teach the generations the things he had written. Three thousand cycles later the tribe is still living by his words.
We shift to the next scene where a slender girl, Alysa sits next to a stream crying. The girl has a new baby sister. She is angry that she will have to share with her new sister. Her clan was called the Field Folk. A young man from a tribe called the Trailman approached her. She knew she was not supposed to speak to a Trailman. Her tribe considered them savages.
The next scene returns us to the stream. Once again Alysa is crying. Her father has died of a mishap. Alysa had planned to join Orion and his tribe but now felt she needed to stay and help her mother.
Alysa’s father was a trader. Her clan needed another to take his place. A female had never served as a trader but Alysa volunteered. The matter was taken before the council and it was agreed she could serve as a trader to the Trailmen.
Alysa is a strong, brave character. She was willing to step out of the role tradition was forcing her into. There is a strong message in this tale for everyone including children. We should never force a stereotype on a person. Sometimes rules are to be broken. Tradition can be restricting. I quickly became caught up in Alysa’s tale. I found myself cheering her on. The different voices added much to the story. The narrator was very good. This story is strong in family and friends. It encourages adolescents to dream big, to take chances.
Recommend this book:
The Ice Cream Theory
Steff Desehenes
2010 Gold Medal
273 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Self Help
Reviewed by Anne Boiling for Readers' Favorite
What flavor ice cream are you? Steff Deschenes compares human personalities to ice cream flavors. According to Deschenes, everyone falls into one of three categories: chocolate, vanilla or other flavors. She believes chocolates and vanillas should never fix. The exotic flavored people are handy when we feel daring but they are not something we’d want every day.
I prefer chocolate ice cream, especially, dark chocolate. Does that make my personality chocolate? Ummm, I’m not sure. Vanilla ice cream is good if you pour hot fudge sauce all over it.
What makes this book so good is the anecdotes. Deschenes shares memories, and more than a bit of herself. Her style is tongue-in-cheek, easy reading.
I love ice cream... chocolate, black walnut, butter pecan, toffee, chocolate, and, did I mention, chocolate. The cover naturally caught my attention. The text is well organized. The plot is well done. I would consider this book more of a memoir than a self-help, either way, it is worth reading.
What flavor ice cream are you? Steff Deschenes compares human personalities to ice cream flavors. According to Deschenes, everyone falls into one of three categories: chocolate, vanilla or other flavors. She believes chocolates and vanillas should never fix. The exotic flavored people are handy when we feel daring but they are not something we’d want every day.
I prefer chocolate ice cream, especially, dark chocolate. Does that make my personality chocolate? Ummm, I’m not sure. Vanilla ice cream is good if you pour hot fudge sauce all over it.
What makes this book so good is the anecdotes. Deschenes shares memories, and more than a bit of herself. Her style is tongue-in-cheek, easy reading.
I love ice cream... chocolate, black walnut, butter pecan, toffee, chocolate, and, did I mention, chocolate. The cover naturally caught my attention. The text is well organized. The plot is well done. I would consider this book more of a memoir than a self-help, either way, it is worth reading.
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