Showing posts with label Book Reviews. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Book Reviews. Show all posts

Saturday, March 22, 2025

Book Review of Syndicate by Felix Francis

A Dick Francis Novel


Race Horse and Jockey on a racetrack


Felix Francis returns with another intriguing mystery set in the world of horseracing, just like his father, Dick Francis did. With Felix growing up in the British racing world due to his dad once being a jockey, followed by a long career of writing horseracing mysteries, race horses and the world they inhabit, makes a natural setting for these stories. 


Synopsis of Syndicate


This novel’s main character, Chester Newton, is an organizer and manager of racehorse syndicates.  Being a member of a syndicate allows one to co-own a racehorse and experience the enjoyment found in the racing world without the complete expense involved in buying the horse and paying for its training. The joint enterprise of a syndicate makes owning a racehorse financially feasible for many more fans of the sport. 


Running racehorse syndicates, such as those Chester has done for the past twenty years or so, involves quite a lot of work and can be a high-stakes way of life. The successes of the horses on the racetracks can be filled with high-reward; losses can be disappointing.  But it has never been dangerous, until the evening after a fantastic win at the Epsom Derby when his daughter Amanda disappears from the family party.  


After several frantic and terror-filled hours, Amanda is found safe, but with no memory of what happened to her. Then Chester discovers that someone is trying to take over one of his syndicates by force. He begins to receive threatening calls from someone with a squeaky voice telling him how to run his horses by threats of serious harm to him and his family. Not just Amanda’s life, but also those of his son James and his wife Georgina. 


For the first time, Chester’s life is not just about horse racing or the money at stake, but the lives of his loved ones. 


Summary


As the reader learns about the world of British racehorse syndicates, author Felix Francis leads us on a thrilling race to the end to discover who is behind all the threats. 


Related Reviews of books by Dick & Felix Francis: 



For More Book Reviews, Check Out
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*Book Review of Syndicate 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.”


Thursday, March 13, 2025

Book Review- At the Edge of the Orchard

 

AI created text
Historical fiction is my favorite genre, and Tracy Chevalier is among the authors in this genre that I enjoy reading.  Her careful research and delightful way of pulling you into the story make her books real page turners.  At the Edge of the Orchard was a fascinating tale that I found myself unable to put down.

Book Summary

James and Sadie Goodenough leave their home in Connecticut to head out west.  When they get to Ohio their wagon gets stuck in the muddy 1830's black swamp area.  They decide to claim some land in this area and settle down to growing apple trees.  If they plant 50 trees within 3 years, they can claim the land for their own.  James is enthralled with apple trees, that remind him of his home in Connecticut, while Sadie is more interested in the apple jack that they can produce.  She can use it as an alcoholic retreat from the tough times that visit them, including deaths of a child to illness in many years.  Their children are helpers on their farm from a very early age.

The next part of the book skips to 15 years later when the youngest son Robert is wandering through the Gold Rush in California.  He is haunted from his past and the family he left behind when he was only 9 years old.  He does find some peace working with a naturalist and helping him to gather saplings and seed of the majestic redwoods and sequoias to send to gardeners in England.

I found the book to be very interesting and really appreciate the care the author takes in describing the historical settings in the novel.  The characters are delightful, and you find yourself pulled into their lives.

I have read several of Tracy Chevaliers books in the past and have never been disappointed.

About the Author

Tracy Chevalier was born and grew up in Washington DC.  After attending Oberlin college in Ohio, she moved to London in the mid 1980's.   Her first novel was Virgin Blue in 1997 followed by The Girl with the Pearl Earring in 1999.  She is currently working on her 12th book.

She does a lot of research for each book and one thing she likes to do is put herself in some of the situations she writes about.  She tried painting for one book, stitching for another and for At the Edge of the Orchard she spent some time among trees, including the redwoods and sequoias in California.
AI creation of redwood tree



Link to Book on Amazon

At the Edge of the Orchard, along with Tracy's other books can be found on Amazon.  Here is the link: At the Edge of the Orchard





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.”


Tuesday, March 11, 2025

Ian Fleming's The Penguin Complete 007 Centenary James Bond Book Collection Review

James Bond Book Collection
Here for your review is a popular set of books that celebrated the 100th birthday or centennial of Ian Fleming’s James Bond books. Called The Penguin Complete 007 James Bond Centenary Collection, it came attractively packaged in a red box with a cut out in the form of 007.

James Bond Fact Files said, “Every so often in the sea of marketed mediocrity perpetrated in the name of James Bond 007, something of worth is produced which is not only a joy to behold and own, but in time will also become a desirable and much sought-after collectable.”

This series definitely fits that description. The books were paperbacks with new and interesting vintage-style covers and this release made the books exciting for new and old readers alike. Many years later, these books are indeed desirable and a sought-after collectable.
The Penguin Complete 007 Centenary Book Collection of James Bond books by Ian Fleming.
The set included 14 books as shown here on this list, presented here in alphabetical order:

Casino Royale
Diamonds are Forever
Doctor No
For Your Eyes Only
From Russia with Love
Goldfinger
Live and Let Die
Man with the Golden Gun, The
Moonraker
Octopussy
On Her Majesty's Secret Service
Spy Who Loved Me, The
Thunderball
You Only Live Twice

It was a wonderful way to gift the whole set, perfect for anyone who loved the stories or for an introduction to the series. My dad was gifted a set around the release date, which I believe was 2008 here in Canada. The books would still make a wonderful gift set but they are long out of production and as mentioned above, much sought after. For those who don't know, this means that the sales price has risen. Dramatically.

If you are, however, a really big fan and want to add the set to your collection or if you are just curious, you can find The James Bond Centenary Collection here on eBay or sometimes here on Amazon. Occasionally, you will even see a new, sealed set on the resale market. However, you will have to have deep pockets to add it to your collection today.
A list of the books in The Penguin Complete 007 Centenary Collection by Ian Flemming.
The picture of the row of books shown above was kindly provided by eBay seller Bushido_108. Check out all of the great sets of books he has in store for you here, on eBay.

See you
At the bookstore!
Brenda
Treasures By Brenda

MORE READING:












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.”


Monday, March 3, 2025

Book Review: Edge of Collapse: A Post-Apocalyptic Survival Thriller by Kyla Stone

The Edge of Collapse series is a binge-worthy, 7 book set in the post-apocalyptic genre. After the attack on the US, knocking out the power grid, communications, planes, vehicles, and most everything that is modernized, the big picture focus for everyone is to shake off the confusion and try to survive. Edge of Collapse Book One narrows in on a much more personal level. This national crisis presents Hannah a slim opportunity to escape her captor years after her abduction. Hannah's broken, pregnant body is no match for the sociopathic predator but her need to return to her son is strong. This moment is her only chance to return home.

Photo of the book cover and text



Hannah is a devoted mother to a beautiful 3 year old son and was living a good life in a small Southwest Michigan town. She loved her husband, Noah, but they had been having some minor bumpy spots in their marriage. Then Hannah suddenly disappears.  Of course, everyone had their theories. Maybe her husband murdered her. Maybe she just ran away. Perhaps she was dead. People who knew her well knew that she would have never left her child. Regardless, the years passed without her return.

Now. Maimed and nearing the end of her pregnancy, the locked door of her basement prison unlatches. Hannah has tried to mark the days, months, and years in chalk marks on the wall but she is not sure of what month it is. She is sure that it is winter and brutally cold outside. Trying to push past her physical difficulties, paranoia, and panic attacks she intends to leave. Doing so means entering the forested area during a snowstorm with no idea where she is and how to get back home.

Edge of Collapse series Book One by Kyla Stone on Amazon

Gavin Pike is a hunter. A hunter of humans. Shortly after he put her in the basement, and during the time she was still trying to actively defend herself, he brought a photo to her on his next visit. A photo of her son and her husband in his Fall Creek patrolman uniform, standing in front of their home. This monster knew where her family lived. And knew her husband enough to obtain a current photo. With that unspoken threat, Gavin Pike had effectively ended her desire to physically fight back. A county correctional officer, Gavin wore a uniform and carried a badge that he often used to obtain things, power, and women. 

Liam is a sullen, loner Veteran who lives in an isolated cabin in the forests of Michigan. He had been visiting his twin brother and pregnant sister-in-law when the attack occurred.  With cars crashing and planes falling from the sky, Lincoln and Jessa die. Liam's sole focus is to return to his cabin as soon as possible.  During his trek toward home, in a remote wooded area, he encounters a pregnant women who hysterically screams at him to stay away from her. Liam is initially relieved to obey her and continue on his journey alone.  

But Liam is a good guy despite his stoney exterior. And he returns to retrieve her. Which places him directly in a predators sights. A predator who views killing others as a game which he always wins.

Oh yes, I forgot to mention the dog. The monster, Gavin Pike, keeps a large guard dog chained up at the cabin. Presumably to keep Hannah from being discovered in the rare event someone would come to the remote cabin. Terrified of being bitten, but empathetic, Hannah releases the huge Great Pyrenees from it's own prison. And, as guardian dogs do, this dog decides to actively protects his family. 

Author Kyla Stone paints a vivid picture of the conditions and the risk. The chapters are written in the voice of each individual character, telling their own version of the events. She does this beautifully.  Other reviewers use phrases such as "unputdownable", "intense", and "nonstop action". These phrases are often over-used in book reviews but in this case, the praise fits.  I have difficulties feeling as though I adequately describe the really good writing of others. If you are at all curious, I hope you will consider reading the reviews others have written about Edge of Collapse: A Post-Apocalyptic Survival Thriller, Book One. If this isn't your usual genre, don't be put off. This story was more Silence of the Lambs with Buffalo Bill than a doomsday prepper's guide to beans, band-aids, and bullets. 

One final thought, fans of the Reacher series on Amazon and of the author will enjoy these characters; flawed good guys fighting against bad guys. If you aren't familiar with Reacher, you might want to take a peek at my Reviewing Reacher The Book and the Amazon Series  




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.”


Saturday, March 1, 2025

Identity Unknown by Patricia Cornwell


Book Review of Book 28 of 28 in the Kay Scarpetta series.


Book Image of Identity Unknown by Patricia Cornwell


Patricia Cornwell sold her first novel, Postmortem, in 1990 while working at the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Richmond, Virginia. 


During that same time period, I was working for a Medical Examiner in Mid-Missouri and found the whole subject of the work of medical examiners fascinating and interesting. Thus, Postmortem appealed to me. After reading it, I immediately became a fan of author Patricia Cornwell. As a matter of fact, during that time my boss attended a medical examiner meeting on the East Coast and actually met Patricia Cornwell. 


Cornwell has written several series, but her most well-known one is that featuring Kay Scarpetta, a Medical Examiner in Virginia, as the main character. This is my review of her latest book in the series, Book #28 ~ Identity Unknown


Synopsis of Identity Unknown


The plot begins as Dr. Kay Scarpetta is summoned to an abandoned theme park to retrieve a body. She is devastated to learn that the victim is a dear friend; well-known astrophysicist, Sal Giordano. 


The  murder scene is very strange. The body appears to be atypically red and is found lying within a crop circle of petals. Examination of his fatal injuries indicate that he was dropped from a great height from an unidentified flying craft. 


The subsequent autopsy and investigation reveals suspicions that include an otherworldly force or perhaps something Giordano himself was involved in. 


Kay Scarpetta, along with her niece and her husband (both who work for the Secret Service) search out an explanation closer to home, which is possibly far more evil. 


Summary


Outstanding storytelling, with characters who feel like family after twenty-eight books in the series, Identity Unknown is an excellent addition to the Kay Scarpetta Series. I highly recommend it to fans of the series and of author Patricia Cornwell.


Related Review:


For more Book Reviews, Check Out


*Book Review of Identity Unknown 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.”


Thursday, February 27, 2025

Book Review of Everything Bundt the Truth

Cover of Cozy Mystry

 If you enjoy cozy mysteries, good food and interesting people, this book is for you.  This book is the first of the series of dinner club murder mysteries.  In 2017 it won a first-place award in the suspense novel category.  In March, the author is having her dinner club mystery series re-released.

Book Summary

This book introduces us to Jane Marsh, a recent widow who really wants to recapture a full life.  One of her first ventures is to host and try to join an exclusive dinner club.

Before the first dinner club at her house, Jane discovers that her new housekeeper has been murdered in her laundry room. This leads us to discover that Jane has a suspicious mind and is very interested in trying to solve the murder.  Her past career as a paralegal at a Denver law firm gives her some experience in knowing how to follow the clues.  

In this sometimes humorous and fun cozy mystery we follow along as Jane works on all of the clues to determine the guilty party.  Will it be one of the housekeepers' ex-husbands, her drug addicted son, or perhaps it is one of the members of the dinner club?  Or could it be someone else entirely?  You will want to be sure to get this hard-to-put-down book to learn the answer.  You won't be disappointed.

Book on Amazon

You can find this book along with others by Karen C Whalen on Amazon at Everything Bundt the Truth


More Reviews of Cozy Mysteries by Karen Whalen

The author has also written two other mystery series, and I have written reviews on both of these series.  I know you will enjoy them.




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.”


Saturday, February 22, 2025

Book Review of Bad Liar

A Crime Thriller by Tami Hoag


Louisianna  Bayou


Bad Liar is Book #3 in the Broussard and Fourcade Series.


Series Location: The fictional town of Bayou Breaux located in the Bayou country of Partout Parish in the French Triangle of Louisiana. 


Main Characters: Annie Broussard and Nick Fourcade


Annie Broussard, a Sheriff’s deputy, and Nick Fourcade, a detective with the Sheriff’s department, met each other in Book #1 of the series (A Thin Dark Line) while working on a case together.  By Book #2 (The Boy), Nick & Annie are married and parents to a little boy.  


In Book #3, Bad Liar, Annie is now a detective with the Sheriff’s department, while husband Nick has become the lieutenant in charge.  They end up working two separate missing persons cases, plus, a  murder. 


Synopsis of Bad Liar


Annie is searching for Robbie Fontenot, whose mother is desperate to find her grown son, a recovering drug addict. The local police have no interest in the case, stating an adult has the right to disappear.  Annie agrees to help the mother search for her son.


Meanwhile, Nick Fourcade investigates the seemingly sudden disappearance of Marc Mercier, a local hometown hero. 


It soon becomes apparent that nothing is as it seems in the lives of either man. And it’s unclear whether either - or neither - might be the unidentified murder victim. 


Mix in old  jealousies, new deceits, family loyalties gone wrong and love turned sour and Nick & Annie end up with a complicated trail to follow. 


Summary


This riveting new police procedural/crime thriller by author Tami Hoag takes you down a path that leads deep into the Louisiana swamp, endangering all who cross the path of a bad liar. 


~The Broussard and Fourcade Three-Book Series by Tami Hoag



For more book reviews, check out


*Review of the Tami Hoag crime novel ‘Bad Liar’ 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.”


Thursday, February 13, 2025

Book Review-10 Little Rules for a Double-Butted Adventure

 Book Cover

In this latest book by Teri M Brown, she departs from her usual historical novels and gives us a very personal view into a major challenge in her life.  Can you imagine riding 3500 miles across the country on a tandem bike?  Well, that is exactly what Teri did and along the way she discovered some amazing things about herself.  Although this is about her personal adventure, it has so much to offer to each of us as we meet life's challenges and create adventures of our own.

Book Summary

The book gives us a look at the challenges and successes that the author had during her cross-country tandem cycle ride with her husband.  She accomplishes this through "10 Little Rules" that she feels helped her through the journey.  She leaves room at the end of each of the rules for the reader to reflect on how this rule could affect the readers life. 

I loved the book and found it very inspiring.  Here are just a few of the key points I took away from the book.
  • Open Your Mind--don't always look for differences but rather look for common ground.
  • Setbacks--in any challenge you will have setbacks, you need to persevere and realize life is not in a straight line.
  • Enjoy the Downhills--sometimes we need to relax and enjoy the good times instead of always looking for the next challenge ahead.
  • Focus on the Now-stay in the present and it is much easier to get through.
  • Never Quit on a Bad Day--things will look up if you just give it time.
  • Continue to Dream--Hope and Dreams make your challenges come true.
There are many more insightful thoughts in the book, but I will leave them for you to discover as you read the book.  You can purchase it on Amazon at10 Little Rules for a Double-Butted Adventure .

Author Interview

I always like getting to know a bit about the author. Teri graciously agreed to answer my questions in an interview format.  Here are my questions and her answers.

1.       First of all, would you tell our readers a bit about your background.

I didn’t begin writing fiction manuscripts until 2017, and my first book, Sunflowers Beneath the Snow, launched in January 2022. However, I was not completely new to writing. I started my own business in 2000 helping small companies with their online presence by writing website copy, newsletters, and even email campaigns.

Although I wanted to write fiction, I was too afraid. At the time, I was living in an emotionally abusive relationship, and I couldn’t handle more rejection. However, when I finally left that relationship in 2017, the words started flowing from me and haven’t stopped.

Since the first book, I’ve also written An Enemy Like Me (Jan 2023) and Daughters of Green Mountain Gap (Jan 2024). As of February 14th, 2025, my fourth book, 10 Little Rules for a Double-Butted Adventure, launched.

 

2.       I found this book to be very inspiring.  What motivated you to share this adventure with your readers.

My husband and I chose to ride across the United States on a tandem bicycle to raise money for Toys for Tots. But that was not my only reason. After getting out of that bad relationship, I didn’t feel like I had any worth, value, or anything to contribute. I decided I wanted some kind of adventure that would prove to the world that I wasn’t done living. It turns out that I was the one who needed that lesson!

As we rode mile after mile for 3102 miles, I began to heal. I also began to see life lessons in the journey we were on. Because I love to mentor others, especially women and teens struggling to find their worth, I felt my experiences could be helpful to others – and 10 Little Rules for a Double-Butted Adventure was born.

3.       I have noted that this is your fourth book and the first three were written after the Double-Butted Adventure featured in this book.  In what way did your adventure inspire you to write the books?

I’m so glad you asked this question because the answer is “in all ways!” Let me explain.

As we were finishing up the last half-mile of our journey, my husband pointed up a hill to a flag. He told me it was the flag to the Marine Corps Memorial where we would end our ride. I started to cry. Then laugh. Then cry again.

At that moment, I realized something staggering. I, Teri M Brown, non-athlete, had successfully ridden across the United States on a tandem bicycle. I could do anything I put my mind to. It wasn’t a matter of “if I could do something.” Instead, it was a matter of “what did I want to do?” I knew the answer. I wanted to be an author.

As soon as we got home, I got to work. Fourteen months later, I held my first novel in my hand.

4.       What is the main thing you would like your readers to remember from this book?

You don’t have to be something special or extraordinary to do something big and bold and adventurous. Everything you need to succeed is already inside. All you have to do is want it and then start working toward the goal.

5.       Do you have any plans in the works or future books?

I’m currently finishing up a children’s book called Little Lola and Her Big Dream with illustrations by Lorri D Perini. I hope to have this out by early summer. I’m also working on a humorous contemporary novel about a woman going through menopause. Finally, I have an idea for another historical fiction, though it seems to have a mystery or suspense flair to it!

 

6.       Thank you so much for taking the time to answer these questions for our Review This readers.  Is there anything else you would like them to know about your books?

Although I cross genres – historical fiction, short stories, flash fiction, children’s books, creative non-fiction, and contemporary humor – all my books have one thing in common and that’s strong characters. I tell everyone I love to introduce readers to characters they’d love to invite to lunch.

If you enjoy character-driven fiction, I’d love to connect. Head on over to my website at www.terimbrown.com. There, you can connect with me on social media, join my twice-monthly newsletter, listen to my podcast Online for Authors and pick the next book on your TBR, purchase signed copies of my books, and/or reach out on my contact page.

 

Reviews of Other Books by Teri M Brown

Here are reviews of other books by this author on Review This.



 






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.”


Tuesday, February 11, 2025

Finger Puppet Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

Finger Puppet Board Books for babies and toddlers

My grandson absolutely loves his board books, but especially his finger puppet board book - let's review it here.

We found the Baby Bear Finger Puppet Book at a local shop and thought that our grandson might enjoy it, we couldn't have anticipated how much he would love the book. Firstly board books are always a favourite as he can turn the pages himself and can also fit them in his mouth for a quick taste test! Having a finger puppet as well just turns into a lot more fun.

The finger puppet has to have a hole to pop through and this hole is also really handy for little hands to hold on to when they are treating their book as a toy.

Putting your finger inside the bear puppet as you're reading and suddenly have Baby Bear popping up causes lots of giggles, although be warned sometimes your fingers can be gripped and squeezed really tightly!

When our grandson picks up the book by himself he is often pulling the puppet out and examining it with a frown - I'm sure he's wondering why it's not moving by itself unless Nanny or Pappy is reading it to him!

This was the only finger puppet book we could find locally and for some reason I hadn't thought about looking online for them (not really sure why when I'm always online!), this week I had a look on Amazon and there are so many different Finger Puppet Board Books available that he is getting a couple of other ones for his birthday.

I honestly believe that if you can make books fun when they are babies and toddlers you'll encourage a future bookworm and as a bookworm myself from a family of bookworms I do think that's a great thing.

Grandson and Grandparent approved.




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.”


Saturday, February 8, 2025

Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life - Book Review


A Review of a Young Readers book by Wendy Mass


A collection of keys


I have a deep love of reading and never pass up an opportunity to read. I usually carry a book with me when I go out just in case there are free minutes to fill. Waiting with nothing to do is not an option when I could be filling that time with reading. 


Recently I was at my son’s house waiting for the family to be ready to go out. Not realizing there would be a ‘wait time’, I neglected to bring along a book. Therefore, I looked around for something to read. My  grandson had a new book in the Young Readers genre and the title (Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life) looked intriguing. I began to read this book written for the 12- 14 year old age range, not planning on doing more than filling a few minutes of time with no intention of reading the entire book. I was wrong. Within two pages I was hooked.  The story turned out to be delightful and the writing captured my attention.  Thus, I ended up taking the book home with me to finish.  This is my review of the book and why I ended up reading a book written for Young Readers.


Synopsis of Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life



Jeremy Fink lives in a New York City apartment with his mom; his dad having died 5 years ago. Jeremy’s best friend, Lizzie, lives in the apartment next door with her dad. Being the same age and both being raised by single parents has brought them close.


As summer vacation begins, Jeramy plans on sleeping late, having a lazy summertime of leisure, going to the state fair, and anticipating his long-awaited thirteenth birthday in one month. 


Then, a box arrives in the mail that changes everything. 


First, we need to go back over everything that happened in that one month leading up to Jeremy’s birthday. There is the Big Mistake, the old man, the book, the lamp, the telescope, and this box, which started it all. 


The mysterious wooden box is beautifully made and has keyholes on four sides. The top has engraved words: 


The Meaning of Life: For Jeremy Fink to Open on his 13th Birthday.


A wooden box

The main problem is, the keys to the box are missing and the box is made so that only the keys will open it without destroying what’s inside. Jeremy and Lizzy set off to find the keys…. And thus their summer adventure begins. 


Summary


The story is filled with delightful, though rather quirky, characters; a coming-of-age story with surprising twists and thought-provoking ideas. It has a tweens-oriented mystery theme plus many subtle positive messages for youngsters. A really good story especially for those eager to officially become a teenager. 


Link to more reviews of YA books on ReviewThisReviews


For more Book Reviews, check out
ReviewThisBooks.com



*Review of the YA book “Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of  Life."

~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.”


Saturday, January 25, 2025

How to Age Disgracefully by Clare Pooley

A while ago, I reviewed The Authenticity Project by Clare Pooley. It is the story of a solitary green notebook that brings together six strangers and leads to unexpected friendship, and even love.


An older couple walking

Clare Pooley, a British author, has a special knack of weaving together clearly flawed (as aren’t we all in one way or another), but lovable characters and allows them to prove how worthy they are. This was so true in The Authenticity Project, and is even more so in her latest novel ~ How to Age Disgracefully


Cast of Characters


Lydia - who takes on the  job of running the Senior Citizens’ Social Club now that her children are grown, expecting she will spend her time drinking tea and playing gentle games of cards.


Art - a failed actor who has somehow turned into a kleptomaniac, and his best friend, William.


Ruby - a banksy-style knitter who creates unusual public yarning projects.


Daphne - who just turned 70 and regrets the number of years she has hidden away from her rather checkered past. Hoping no one any longer pays attention to who she was, she now feels a need to find some friends and stop being so alone.


Ziggy - a teenage dad - and his adorable toddler daughter, Kylie.


And, last, but certainly not least as she eventually plays a large part in the story, is an orphaned geriatric dog named Margaret Thatcher (after the former British Prime Minister) who sometimes gets called simply ‘Margaret’ or “Maggie”, depending on which of the senior citizens you ask.


A Brief Synopsis of How To Age Disgracefully


When you find yourself approaching the later decades of life, you discover that age makes you invisible and secrets are easier to hide.


When this group of seniors come together at a senior citizens’ center that shares space with a daycare, hilarious results are in store.


When an accident involving a partial collapse of the  buildings’ ceiling causes the local council to threaten to close the club, the members of the Social Club join together with their tiny daycare friends next door, along with Ziggy, his toddler daughter and the geriatric dog, to save the building. 


Their unorthodox methods may actually work, as long as their pasts, and the police, don’t catch up with them first. They certainly do turn out to be a far cry from the genteel 'tea & card playing' group Lydia thought they would be! 


Summary


How to Age Disgracefully is an absolutely delightful story with a charming group of characters. Clare Pooley has outdone herself with another ensemble comedy filled with characters who prove we are limitless at any age.


Related Link:



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*Review of 'How to Age Disgracefully' 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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Susan DeppnerSusan Deppner

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