A Very Merry Murder Mystery-Review

 

Christmas Cozy Mystery

I really enjoy cozy mysteries, so as the Christmas season was approaching, I found several Christmas themed cozy mysteries that I downloaded to my Kindle. I found one set of books that contained three different cozy mysteries all about a woman named Meridith and called Merry.  In these mysteries you are introduced to Merry and her interesting cast of friends who live in a small town.

Santa Slaughter

The first book in A Very Merry Murder Mystery series is set during a Christmas festival in a small town.  Meridith "Merry" is in between jobs and is working as an elf in the Santa hut.  Her friend Maggie has a booth by the Santa hut that sells hot chocolate.  On the first day of the festival Merry is working to set up the candy canes and her helpers are getting the children in line to see Santa.  The first two children enter the hut and start talking to Santa when he gets called away for a minute.  When Merry goes to take the photos she discovers that Santa is not there, the children show her how he went out the back door of the hut.  When Merry goes out to check on him she finds him on the ground and the mystery begins.  

First Date Disaster

In the second book, Merry's life his getting on a good track.  She now has a job running the cafe/coffee shop in her small town.  She also has a love interest in the town veterinarian.  When the book opens, they have yet to go on a date but that soon changes and things are looking up until they run into a dead body on their first date. Merry feels invested in solving the murder especially when a friend of hers becomes a suspect.  Rob, her date, is supportive and helpful but what a start to a relationship!  Will this work out? Will the murder be solved?  You will need to read the book to discover these answers.

The Body in the Bookstore

The third book in the series takes place when one of Merry's favorite authors, Aloysius Hunt comes to town to talk about his newest book at a local bookstore.  Merry's Aunt Cassie is also a big fan of the Mr. Hunt, so she comes to town to attend the event with Merry.  Before the event they are serving people in the cafe when a group of big fans of the Aloysius Hunt come in for some snacks and drinks before the big event.  They follow Mr. Hunt wherever he is speaking and they are very excited about his newest book.  

All is going well until they are at the bookstore, and a tragic accident occurs.  When it turns into a murder, it looks like they have another mystery to solve.

The Books on Amazon

The first three books in this series, along with the other six, can be purchased on Amazon in paperback or for Kindle.  Here is a link to the books A Very Merry Murder Mystery

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The Let Them Theory Book Review

The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins has certainly made a run this year after its' publication in December 2024.

Many a media feed currently contains the author and nuggets from the book. From podcast to influencer to award winning author of The Five Second Rule and The High 5 Habit and life coach Mel Robbins is very visible.

The Heart Of The Book

What I found to be the heart of the book and an excellent reminder for everyday life, every minute, every hour is the reminder that one cannot control others. Let Them is not about changing others, but changing what you can control which is yourself. The Let Them is paired with Let Me which is the key as to how you deal with difficult people, difficult decisions, unfair situations etc. 

Sounds simple in theory, but reality can be much different. If you are an older adult, I suspect you will have 'heard' much of what is in this book. But it is is helpful to view as a compilation, a reminder, a coaching moment. 

The Numbers

According to Amazon where the book has over 30,000 reviews with a 4.5 star rating; the book has generated the following numbers (and is currently number 2 this week on  Amazon Charts.)

• "Over 7 Million Copies Sold ...

• #1 New York Times Bestseller

• #1 Sunday Times Bestseller

• #1 Audible Bestseller

• #1 Amazon Bestseller "

Impressive indeed!

Makes A Great Gift

Fans of books which self help, life coaching, problem solving for difficult people will particularly enjoy this book. Younger adult readers who are entering jobs may very well benefit from the anecdotes in this book as they encounter situations new to them. Same would hold true for college students seriously considering management as a career.  Great stocking stuffer gift or graduation gift.

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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Reviewing Simone Stier's Cafe Cozy Mystery Series

 Simone Stier's Cafe Cozy Mystery Series starts with A Shot of Scandal where we first meet Parker Hayes, former true-crime podcaster who has decided she wants to try small town life and is reinventing her life as a cafe owner. When a murder and theft occurs at a high society gala in Magnolia Grove (said small town), Parker's plans for a peaceful life start to dissipate as her investigative senses start to itch.

If you love cozy mysteries then this is a great series to look into, it includes all the classic cozy tropes of small town, found family & quirky cast. The setting is the southern town of Magnolia Grove and the books really do make it feel like a warm, tight-knit community.

The characters are great, Simone Stier has done a great job in making the town's residents feel real. Parker's friendships and conflicts with other locals are often a highlight in the books. Although each book can be read as a standalone, if you read them in order you see Parker's growth as she lets people in and develops friendships.

I love the name of her cafe - Catch You Latte which is a very subtle nod to her history as a very successful true-crime podcaster. We learn more about why she stepped away from her podcast as we work our way through the early books. There are often references to episodes of her podcast and it's her experience as a former private investigator and podcaster that give her a unique view point on these situations.

I will say that for a small town there's a high body count and somehow Parker seems to keep stumbling into these murder cases at community events, galas, even haunted mansions.

The tone of these books is very cozy, there's humor, warmth, friendship and plenty of coffee and pastries. One of the recurring characters is Hazel who is a student that loves baking so works for Parker in her cafe baking the amazing cakes for Parker to serve. She also dyes her hair a different shade for each book, the color to compliment the coffee special that is featured in the book. I love the sound of these coffee creations as much as I enjoy the story.

In later books Parker also hires Renee to bake and let's just say Renee and Hazel are like chalk and cheese,. I'm looking forward to see where their relationship arc is going to lead.

Another notable character in the books is Major - her part time dog, because every small town cafe owner needs a dog in my opinion. Then there's Parker's love interest Walt, the town historian. I won't dwell on the myriad of other characters in these books - they are all just waiting for you to discover them.

The mysteries are well constructed with red herrings, twists and clues. There's also a good balance between investigating crime and her day to day cafe challenges. In book 2 (A Drizzle of Danger) for example her grand opening turns into a major crisis when a body is found near her cafe.

Later books continue to raise stakes and weave more complex plots eg A Measure of Mayhem involves a Polar Plunge at a festival, property disputes and hidden grudges. Just as you're thinking surely there's no more secrets this small town can hold and is there anyone left to kill? We see Parker being asked to help investigate a 15 year old cold case in a neighboring small town of Willow Springs in A Dusting of Doubt. 

These books are great for readers who prefer "cozy" over "dark" crime where the violence is implied rather than graphic. The book's tone stays light even when the stakes are high, making them relaxing reads. If you enjoyed Cleo Coyle's The Coffeehouse Mysteries you will love this series.

The series isn't over yet! There are 14 published books so far with one about to be released on December 1st and when you look at the author's page there are 9 other titles that have been listed as also coming! I am halfway through book 12 at the moment.

I love reading cozy mysteries to relax and unwind when my head is too full to concentrate on my more favorite genres of psychological thrillers or gritty whodunnits. Cozy mysteries tend to be more predictable and everything gets resolved happily which means you don't stay awake afterwards thinking about them and you also don't have to concentrate too hard to figure out what's happening.

I also love that a number of cozy mysteries are more character focused and this series is one where you really feel wrapped up in the community as you read the book - like friends on a page.

With all of that it probably comes as no surprise that I was introduced to this series earlier in the year when I was sick and promptly read the first five books in quick succession. I was introduced to a couple of other cozy mystery series at this time as well, but this is the only one where I have an alert to download the new books every time they are published which should tell you that I definitely give this series a big thumbs up.

If you want to enjoy this series and lots more amazing books then you might want to try out Kindle Unlimited - I love it and would rather give up Netflix than my Kindle Unlimited account!

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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Book Review of Dark Horse by Felix Francis

 Popular character, Sid Halley, makes a return in Dark Horse when he is brought in to investigate a stalking turned murder case. 

Synopsis

Dark Horse: A Dick Francis Novel

Rising Irish jump jockey Imogen Duffy is on the cusp of stardom, but her life is a nightmare. Her controlling and jealous ex-boyfriend, Liam, is stalking her, and when she tries to break free, his harassment turns violent. Fleeing to England, Imogen hopes to escape his shadow, but Liam refuses to let her go, also moving to England and continuing his harassment. 

Then, he is found murdered, a knife with Imogen's fingerprints left at the scene.

With the evidence stacked against her, Imogen's father enlists the help of former jockey turned private investigator Sid Halley. Reluctantly agreeing to the case, Halley's investigation soon becomes a life-or-death race against time. He discovers that he, too, is being watched and threatened, suggesting Liam's murder was part of a much larger and darker game. As the stakes get personal, Halley must uncover who is truly responsible for the murder and the new threats before the killer claims another victim.

Summary

Dark Horse is the latest in Felix Francis’ series of novels. It is an old-fashioned thriller with a horse-racing background. Written by Felix Francis in a manner similar to that of his famous father, Dick Francis, Felix brings back the beloved character Sid Halley. Fans of horse-racing, and of the Francis’ authors Dick and Felix, will enjoy this one. 

The ending is one that will surprise you!

*Book Review of Dark Horse is written by Wednesday Elf

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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Yukon Quest by Tracie Peterson Reviewed

Yukon Quest by Tracie Peterson is a great trilogy that I can highly recommend!

I love to read.  You could even say I am passionate about reading. As soon as I finish one book, I start another. I purchase books by the dozen just to make sure I am never without a book. Hmm, sounds a bit like an addiction even.

As an avid reader, I am always looking for a good book. Over the years, I have become more selective about what I will read. Just because it makes the bestsellers' list does not mean it will make my list. I do not care to read books that are sexually explicit or depict graphic violence. I see enough of that on the nightly news. While I do not read Christian Fiction exclusively, I do tend to prefer the books in that genre.

 

My Personal Review of The Yukon Quest Trilogy 

When I read the trilogy, "Yukon Quest" by Tracie Peterson. I found it intriguing; at times, perhaps even riveting. The stories are about the trials and hardships faced by three women trying to survive in Alaska during the gold rush. Surrounded by greed, lust, cruelty, deception and lies, these women are each challenged to maintain and defend their decency and faith.

I enjoyed the historical aspects as well as the romantic aspects of each of these books. I am captivated by the beauty and awe of Alaska and I would love to visit that breathtaking state. However, I would not desire to visit under the conditions of the 1800's.

One word of advice, you will not want to finish book 1 until you have book 2 in you possession.

 

Three Excellent Books!

 

 Treasures of the North (Yukon Quest Book #1)Check Price Ashes and Ice (Yukon Quest Book #2)Check Price Rivers of Gold (Yukon Quest Book #3)Check Price

 

About the Author ~ Tracie Peterson 

One of my favorite authors!  

Tracie Peterson, born 1959, is an author of Christian fiction. She writes many historical novels, with romantic threads in them, as well as writing with other Christian authors on joint novels. Many of her books are published by Bethany House. She originally used the pen name of Janelle Jamison.  Peterson has published over 60 novels.

Other Books by Tracie Peterson I Have Reviewed on Review This Reviews 

Forever By Your Side by Tracie Peterson Book Review 

A Shelter of Hope by Tracie Peterson - Book Reviewed

 

Read More Book Reviews at
ReviewThisBooks.com

Yukon Quest by Tracie Peterson by:

 

 

This book review article was originally published by me in 2009 on a different site that no longer exists. 

© 2009 Cynthia Sylvestermouse 

 

 

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Cozy Mystery Review-Murder at Cape Costumers

In her latest book in "A Cozy Capers Book Group Mystery", Maddie Day again brings together all of the interesting characters in a small Cape Cod town's book club.  The book group is dedicated to reading and discussing cozy mysteries, but when a real murder mystery happens in their small town they feel a need to help the police uncover the murderer.

Synopsis of the Book

In a charming village on Cape Cod, a Halloween murder shocks the community.  Enzo, the victim, is found dressed as a skeleton. A group of amateur sleuths from a local cozy mystery book club can't resist the urge to investigate, despite the police warning them to stay out of it.  As they dig deeper, they uncover a web of secrets and motives among the villagers, including the new owners of the costume shop, Shelly and Harini, an investment advisor, and the victim's nephew.  Can the book club solve the crime before they become the next victims?

The Book on Amazon

Maddie Days books can be found on Amazon in paperback, audible and kindle versions.  Here is a link to all 7 of the Cozy Capers Bookclub Mysteries.  Cozy Capers Book CLub

More Cozy Mystery Reviews

I always enjoy a good cozy mystery and so do many of the other writers for Review This.  Here are a few of the cozy mysteries we have reviewed.

• Murder on Cape Cod  This is another Maddie Day mystery.
  
• Tea by Sea   Wednesday Elf reviews this cozy mystery.
  
• Irish Village Mystery series  Margaret reviews a mystery series that takes place in an Irish Village.
  
• Toes on the Dash  This delightful cozy mystery series takes place in Colorado, and the main character is a high heeled tow truck driver.
  
• The Lighthouse Keeper  Lou reviews this cozy mystery that takes place by a lighthouse.
  
• Everything Bundt the Truth  This cozy mystery is one of a series that takes place around dinner parties.
  

 

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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So Long Chester Wheeler - Book Review

A novel by New York Times Bestselling Author Catherine Ryan Hyde about a road trip with unlikely companions who end up forming an unexpected bond. 

Synopsis

So Long, Chester Wheeler: A Novel

As the story begins, Lewis Madigan, a software developer, is experiencing the worst day of his life!

His worst day began as he arrived at work. It was a day that he expected to be getting a promotion and a raise and instead ended up with a pink slip in his pay envelope. 

If the news of getting ‘laid off’  wasn’t enough, when Lewis got home that day, hoping for a bit of sympathy from his live-in boyfriend, he discovers the boyfriend is in the process of moving out and leaving for good. Afterwards, Lewis learns that the ex-boyfriend has also cleaned out their joint savings account! 

Faced with a horrendous job market, no money and few prospects, Lewis is uncertain what to do next. 

Chester Wheeler

Enter Chester Wheeler. Chester is Lewis’ hateful next-door neighbor; wheelchair-bound, cantankerous, and a constant source of irritation with his homophobic insults. 

Chester has worn through a number of caretakers—no one can stand to be around him. When the last caretaker walks out, Chester’s daughter is at her wits end. She needs to be with her daughter and newborn grandchild, not taking care of Chester. Knowing Lewis is out of work, she talks him into providing end-of-life care for her father.

Lewis doesn’t need the aggravation of caring for his insufferable homophobic neighbor, but he does need the money. Told that the only requirements are to run errands and be on call just until the daughter can work out other arrangements, Lewis agrees. 

Chester Wheelers Request

After several days of bickering, baiting, pushing buttons and exchanging barbs, Chester Wheeler decides to ask Lewis for a big favor. He wants Lewis to drive him, in his old Winnebago,  from his home in Buffalo, NY to Arizona. He wants to see his ex-wife for the first time in thirty-two years ~ for the last time. Lewis is unable to say no to a dying wish, and agrees. The journey spans one week and two thousand miles, and becomes an illuminating journey into the life and secrets of a vulnerable man.

Summary

So Long Chester Wheeler is a novel with characters who will fascinate you. The story is told with humor and a deep understanding that sometimes the last people in the world we would expect to connect with are those who need our help the most.  It will make you think about your own feelings and how they influence your life. 

*Book Review of “So Long Chester Wheeler” was written by Wednesday Elf

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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Missing - A Perfect Vacation-A Perfect Nightmare

Missing- a perfect vacation-a perfect nightmare

I have been reading a lot of the same authors lately, so I decided to try reading an author that was new to me.  I found this book on Book Bub and found the book to be very interesting.  In fact from page one till the end of the book, I enjoyed every moment of it. So now, I have another author to read and I will look for more books by Christy Cooper-Burnett.

Synopsis

Megan Hamilton thinks everything is going great with her life, until her fiancé tells her she is boring and he no longer wants to marry her.  She is shocked and hurt when he tells her he has already found someone else that he wants to marry.

In an attempt to get her mind off her breakup, her mother, Michelle, invites Megan to go on a luxury cruise with her and her best friend Rochelle.  At first Megan refuses, but upon further reflection and her mother's insistence she decides to go on the cruise.

While on the cruise Megan meets a charming man, Nate, who is kind and fun and Megan begins to enjoy herself.  Is this a "Perfect Vacation" or a "Perfect Nightmare"? Megan soon finds out everything is not as it appears. 

I will leave the rest of the story for you to discover as you read the book.  I will just say the book is full of twists and turns till the very end of the book.

You can purchase the book on Amazon in paperback, kindle version or audiobook at the following link   Missing

About the Author

Since I had not read this author before, I looked up some information on her.  Christy Cooper-Burnett is a award winning author based in Southern California.  She has a degree in Administration of Justice and lives with her rescue dog, Beau.  She has one grown son who inspired her to write her debut novel "No Way Home".

Christy enjoys writing novels that encourage the reader to put themselves in the place of her strong female characters and think about how they would handle the unique situations in which they find themselves.

Other Books by Christy include the following:

• No  Way Home
• Escaping Home
• Finding Home
• Run
• Passport to Terror

 

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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Wanda Gág's Millions of Cats Book Reviewed

“Hundreds of cats, thousands of cats, millions and billions and trillions of cats.” That is the refrain from the classic children’s story, Millions of Cats by Wanda Gág.

THE AUTHOR

Gág was an American author, illustrator, translator and Millions of Cats was her first and is her best-known children’s book. Done in black and white in, according to Elizabeth Haidle in the book Before They Were Artists, her “wiggly dreamscape style.” You can find Before They Were Artists here on Amazon.

Gág used her own cats as models for the “hundreds of cats, thousands of cats, millions and billions and trillions of cats” in the book. Considered groundbreaking; it was the first picture book to feature images flowing across two pages. It also featured text that was handwritten by Gág's brother as Gág preferred this more natural look.

THE REVIEWS

The book was published in 1928 and was very popular in its day with critics and readers alike. It sold well despite the Great Depression, earning a Newbery Honor in 1929. The book is still published, is said to be the oldest picture book still in print and is still popular with readers despite the controversial but happy ending.

SPOILERS  

Please note that this book review contains spoilers. Reading farther will educate you but, at the same time, could compromise your enjoyment of this book.

THE STORY 

The story is that of an old woman and an old man who live happily in a cute little cottage surrounded by flowers. Despite being so lucky, they are lonely and the woman asks for a cat. The man sets out to find a cat, a “sweet little fluffy cat” but is so taken with all of the cats that he finds that he brings home “hundreds of cats, thousands of cats, millions and billions and trillions of cats.” The woman despairs at having to feed them all and in order to pick just one, they ask the cats, “Which one of you is prettiest?” The result? A cat fight of major proportions mentioned but not depicted in the book. After the cat quarrel, there remains a single, solitary “thin and scraggly” kitten who the couple adopts. In a concerning but happy ending, the ugly kitten wins.

THE CONTROVERSY

Is the book disturbing? What happens to the “hundreds of cats, thousands of cats, millions and billions and trillions of cats” after they "bit and scratched and clawed each other" is not explicitly stated when they argue over who is the prettiest. All but one of them are simply gone when the noise subsides and the old woman surmises that they have “eaten each other all up.” 

On Goodreads, one reader and reviewer says that the book has a wicked sense of humor and that the end is a bit of a joke acknowledging that people today don’t like jokes at the expense of animals. Remember that this book was written in 1928, which was a very different time. The roaring 20s was a time of prosperity and excess. 

That same reader also discussed the response of her children saying that they were surprised by the ending. When the cats started to fight, their eyes became really big and her little boy asked, "What's going to happen?" She went on to day that, "her children's heart strings were tugged upon when the answer came and her little guy gave a short 'Ha' at the conclusion.”

Another reader says, “You can have too much of a good thing, but is it possible to have too many cats?” and finishes by saying it is up to you to draw a moral from this story. 

Yet another reader says, it is an “entirely unexpected tale with a dark twist, like traditional fairy tales from the days when children were introduced to terrifying life lessons as well as moral goodness through fantastical animal stories, and social-political messages were hidden in nursery rhymes." She continues by saying, "It is also a charming story, highly original, with a happy ending.” 

Finally, a reader says, that the cats in this book are, as cats can be, “destructive, vain and (possibly) cannibalistic." She continues by saying that she "can see how other people might find that disturbing but that it rings true to her, as a cat-lover.” 

You can take this book as a simple picture book or, as some believe, as a book with a much bigger message driven by Gag’s political leanings. Public Domain Reviews, writes that this book "tells a very disturbing story about the barrenness of bourgeois living, greed, competition, environmental degradation and senseless violence."

BUY MILLIONS OF CATS

You can buy a nice, shiny new version of this book for the children in your life on Amazon by clicking right here. It is available in various formats including hardcover, paperback, Kindle and audiobook but it looks like the later two do not feature Gag's artwork.  If it matters to you as it does to me, make sure you are buying an original version of the book. It entered the public domain in 2024 and therefore, there are now numerous versions of the story available not all of which feature Wanda Gag's illustrations.  

To buy an antique, vintage or even possibly a limited edition or signed version of Wanda Gag's Millions of Cats, I would click here, to eBay.

SUMMARY   

Have you read this story? What do you think of it and, in particular, the ending? Would you read it to your children? Your grandchildren? I would carefully consider doing so, having read it myself and having a good feeling for what disturbs my children and/or grandchildren. As an adult with memories of this book? I would definitely add it to my collection.

Stay tuned for more about Wanda Gag and her books in another post. 

See you
at the book store!
Brenda
Treasures By Brenda

 

QUICK LINKS:

Dr. Seuss's Horse Museum Book Review

Bruce Degan's Jamberry Book Reviewed

A Treasury of the World's Greatest Fairy Tales Books Reviewed

Anne Alexander's The Pink Dress Reviewed

Juicy As a Pear: Wanda Gág’s Delectable Books

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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Book Review of Decoy Saves Opening Day

This new book, due to be released on February 3, 2026, is already, in its pre-order listing on Amazon, proving to be a very popular book in the Children’s Baseball Books category, as well as Children’s Dog Books. A darling story for children ages 4 to 8 who love both baseball and dogs.

Synopsis

Decoy Saves Opening Day

A new baseball season is about to begin. To Decoy, a Dutch Kooikerhondje breed known as a duck decoy dog, the baseball stadium has everything a dog loves ~ hot dogs, the biggest back yard ever, and thousands of human friends. Decoy knows he is going to have the best day ever! He’s been chosen to throw out the first pitch on this baseball Opening Day and make his ‘dog dad’ (famous baseball star Shohei Ohtani) proud. 

Oh No! Decoy forgot and left his lucky baseball at home. How is he going to throw out the first pitch without it?  Can he run back home, get his ball and get back to the stadium in time? 

Author of Decoy Saves Opening Day

This adorable debut story is written by Shohei Ohtani, MLB LA Dodger all-star, and stars his real-life pup, Decoy. Ohtani wrote this story with Michael Blank and the book was illustrated by Fanny Liem. 

Summary

The well-known Japanese baseball star, Shohei Ohtani, along with his dog, Decoy, support animal rescue organizations. They hope to use the profits of their debut story to help dogs find their forever homes. Shohei and Decoy are working to help real-life animals in need. 

You can pre-order “Decoy Saves Opening Day” here on Amazon. 

Note: Decoy actually DID throw out the first pitch. As the first dog to ever do so, Decoy delivered the ceremonial first pitch to Ohtani on their shared Bobblehead night on 8/28/2024. This is no doubt the cutest pitch you will ever see. Decoy definitely steals the show! Watch the YouTube Video below: 

*Book Review of "Decoy Saves Opening Day" is written by Wednesday Elf

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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A Single Thread by Tracy Chevalier

A Single Thread

 Historical Fiction is one of my favorite genres to read and Tracy Chevalier is among my favorite authors.  A Single Thread, did not disappoint.  Chevalier draws you right into the story from the very beginning and you not only read a moving story but learn a bit of history along the way.

Book Review

I found this to be a fascinating story of how one woman created a good life for herself despite the constraints of her time.  It takes place in England in the 1930's.  The country is just getting past World War I and the beginning of the next war is on the horizon.

Violet Speedwell finds herself to be deemed a "surplus woman".  She is a 38-year-old woman who has lost both her fiancé and her brother in World War I.  In societies eye she is doomed to be a "spinster".  That however is not what Violet wants for her life.  She wants to be independent and to do so does the unheard of and leaves her small town and family home to seek employment in the larger town of Winchester. 

 

She secures a job and makes friends. Through a friend she decides to join a group of women who embroider kneelers for the local Cathedral. Violet has never done this type of embroidery before, but she becomes quite dedicated to learning this skill and finds support and fellowship with the group.

When forces threaten to hurt her new independence, Violet must find a way to put down roots in a place and time where women are not expected to grow and thrive on their own. 

Through this book, I learned a lot about the challenges woman faced in that era and admired the way the main character overcame the challenges of the age.  I also learned a lot about the craft of the brodiers.

Book on Amazon

A Single Thread can be purchased on Amazon in hardback, paperback, audio and kindle versions.  Here is a link to get you to the book A Single Thread

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Love in the Present Tense - Book Review

Love in the Present Tense is an inspiring story of love in all its many forms. 

Synopsis of Love in the Present Tense by Catherine Ryan Hyde

Love in the Present Tense

Pearl is a street kid who, on her 13th birthday, becomes pregnant and accidentally kills the baby’s father, a police officer. She spends the next five years moving around, trying to keep hidden from the police who search for her and attempting to keep baby Leonard safe. Eventually, her past catches up with her and she never returns after leaving Leonard with her neighbor, Mitch.

Mitch is far from the ideal caretaker--he’s having an affair with a client’s wife--but he and Leonard must find a way to bridge the gap between them as they bond as parent and child. As time goes on, Leonard becomes very close to Mitch, but he never stops feeling Pearl's presence in a tangible way: her 'forever love' for him.  And Mitch discovers that taking care of Leonard is the best thing that ever happened to him.

The story's characters include a tough teen (Pearl), her sweet son (Leonard, age 5 at the beginning of the story, smart and loving and suffering from a degenerative eye disease), and the 25-year-old neighbor, Mitch, who maintains a home business. 

Summary

Narrated in the alternating voices of the principal characters, this novel is an examination of relationships and special bonds. Events go back and forth in time from one chapter to the next. Mitch and Leonard grow up together, through the power and the magic of the human heart.

Author Catherine Ryan Hyde once again gives us an astoundingly wise portrayal of human nature. 

*Review of the novel, Love in the Present Tense, was written by Wednesday Elf

 

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Walter’s Purple Heart - Book Review

Serious, sad, lighthearted and told with humor.

Each chapter is titled by a name, flipping between Michael, Walter, Mary Ann and Andrew

Synopsis of Walter’s Purple Heart

Walter's Purple Heart

Michael Steeb is an aimless 21-year-old pot farmer in Central California in the 1980s. He has no real plans or interests...until the day he connects with memories of a life that seems to belong to someone else. That "spirit" is Walter, a young American soldier killed in World War II.

Forty years ago….

Seeking answers on the Ouija board, he later comes to understand that Walter is an earlier incarnation of himself.

Michael eventually realizes that he has been given a mystery to solve. He is being asked to lead Walter's family to closure and peace and deliver the real truth behind Walter's Purple Heart. Somehow, he needs to achieve the forgiveness absent for so many years so Walter can move on, and leave his anger behind.

To accomplish this task given to him, Michael sets out to find Walter's best friend, Andrew, and Mary Ann, the fiancée Walter left behind. Mary Ann recognizes Walter in Michael immediately. But Andrew thinks Michael is nothing but a con man and doesn't believe a word he says. Michael, encouraged by the spirit of Walter, continues to try and accomplish the goal Walter has set for him. 

Summary 

A large part of the story is narrated by Walter ~ from beyond the grave.  Walter's Purple Heart is a fast-paced war drama and a deeply felt romance, with a unique twist on the prospect of multiple lives. 

A romantic story about a dead World War II soldier who transcends the barriers of time to touch the lives of the people he loved in his life.  Catherine Ryan Hyde at her best in this fascinating metaphysical fiction story.  

Related Links:

• Reviews of books by Catherine Ryan Hyde
• Book Reviews by ReviewThisReview's contributing writers can be found at ReviewThisBooks.com

*Book Review of Walter’s Purple Heart is written by Wednesday Elf

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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