Book Review: 'Body on Ice: A Vermont Murder Mystery' by Alan S. Kessler

✰✰✰✰ A pastor's wife, known for her contributions as a Red Cross Volunteer, has hidden a secret life for years. When she's found dead under scandalous circumstances, her secret comes to light. Her marriage has been a sham, and she has enjoyed the "sporting" life. There's no shortage of suspects, but with city corruption manipulating the investigation, it's questionable whether justice will ever be served. This fast-paced story of sex, lies, and corruption will keep your attention as you try to keep track of the clues. 1919 was definitely a year to be remembered.

The Bottom Line: Based on a true story, this novella keeps you guessing with twists and turns and layers of corruption. Just when you think you have it figured out, there’s a surprise at the end. This is a page-turner that left me wishing it had been longer. Enthusiastically recommended for adult fans of mystery based on true events.

Details: Body on Ice: A Vermont Murder Mystery by Alan S. Kessler. Paperback published by Leviathan Books in 2024. 110 p. 978-1938394850 [NOTE: I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This was made possible via the LibraryThing Early Reviewers program.] 

Book Review: 'Shine' by Bruno Valasse

✰✰✰½ A beautiful little moth and his family are afraid of the dark! It prefers to stay inside where it's cozy, light, and safe. However, the little moth secretly loves watching the stars. Oh how nice it would be to see the stars up close, but in order to do that it must brave the darkness. The little moth learns to blend in and make new bug friends. As they explore the night, an unpleasant surprise awaits them. The little moth spreads his wings to try to save his new friends, and in the process he learns something quite remarkable about himself. 

The Bottom Line: Told from the little moth's point of view, this story celebrates being different, making friends, and overcoming a fear. The mixed media artwork features a limited color palette features a neon orange that practically jumps off the page; little ones will appreciate it. This feel-good picture book will help little ones understand that one can be different and overcome a fear. Recommended for little ones in Preschool - Pre-K.

Details: Shine written & illustrated by Bruno Valasse. Picture book published by Tundra Books in 2024. 32 p. ISBN: 978-1-77488-428-7 [NOTE: I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This was made possible via the LibraryThing Early Reviewers program.] 

Book Review: 'The Stroke Recovery Activity Workbook' by Activated Minds Press

✰✰✰½ Recovering from a stroke can be challenging physically, emotionally, and intellectually. With over 100 activities, this workbook aims to help those who have suffered a traumatic brain injury and want to regain their intellectual powers through brain games. Starting with easy activities and puzzles, the workbook progresses to medium and then challenging levels. Filled with activities including word searches, mazes, Sudoku, coloring, tracing, fill-ins, crosswords, matching, and more, these activities will keep one busy over time, while empowering the survivor to complete these games at their own pace.

The Bottom Line: Recommended for survivors of stroke, aphasia, and other traumatic brain injuries. This activity workbook starts out easy, so readers will not be overwhelmed. However, the more challenging activities might not be suitable for survivors of more severe brain injury. Thus, some readers may complete the entire book, while others may only want to challenge themselves to easier activities and games. The Large Type format is definitely helpful too. 

Details: The Stroke Recovery Activity Workbook: Aphasia & Traumatic Brain Injury Rehabilitation Exercises, Games & Puzzles to Help Regain Cognitive Abilities, Speech and Fine Motor Skills (Large Print) by Activated Minds Press. Paperback published by Activated Minds Press in 2023. 144 p. ISBN: 9781962176002 [NOTE: I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This was made possible via the LibraryThing Early Reviewers program.]

Book Review: 'The Hidden World of Gnomes' by Lauren Soloy

✰✰✰✰ Gnomes are hiding in plain sight. You just have to know where to look for them. Don't know where? Author & illustrator Lauren Soloy presents this informative and imaginative book about gnomes. Following the seasons of the moon, gnomes are busy little creatures with jobs and hobbies. Did you know that some gnomes even have pets? It's true! Check out this gem to find out.

The Bottom Line: This charming tome of gnome trivia is sure to please the young and the young at heart. With folksy artwork created using the Procreate app and plenty of characters, readers will delight in the daily antics of gnomes. There's even a recipe for gnome cookies!

Details: The Hidden World of Gnomes written & illustrated by Lauren Soloy. Hardcover published by Tundra Books in 2023. 96 p. ISBN:  978-0-7352-7104-3 [NOTE: I received a free, uncorrected proof in exchange for an honest review. This was made possible via the publisher and the Early Reviewers program at LibraryThing.]

Book Review: 'Indigo Hours: Healing Haiku' by Nancy Stone

✰✰✰✰✰ When the author's husband was diagnosed with "likely Alzheimer's," Stone turned to poetry and art to try to make sense of it all. In this book, she covers five years of challenges in the role of caregiver as she lays bare her feelings of sadness, grief, anger, fear, and sometimes little joys along the caregiving journey. Told with brutal honesty, humor, and compassion, the author shares little snippets of their life together post-diagnosis.

The Bottom Line: Caregiving is a role most of us wouldn't choose. Unfortunately, many of us, including me, are finding ourselves doing just that. Artist and author Nancy Stone has channeled both the joys and the challenges of caregiving into a beautiful book of haiku poems. Although based on her experience of caregiving for her husband, who has "likely Alzheimer's," this book would be helpful to anyone struggling with long-term caregiving regardless of diagnosis. Stone's haiku cover the entire spectrum of emotions that one faces as the loved one's illness progresses: anxiety, fear, compassion, care, kindness, anger, grief, frustration, sadness, loneliness, and resolve. Highly recommended for anyone who finds themselves in this situation and in search of wisdom. Stone's inspirational poetry, along with her playful illustrations, will simply soothe your soul.

Details: Indigo Hours: Healing Haiku written & illustrated by Nancy Stone. Paperback published by Rootstock Publishing in 2023. 104 p. ISBN: 9781578691425 [NOTE: I received a free, uncorrected proof in exchange for an honest review. This was made possible via the publisher and the Early Reviewers program at LibraryThing.]

Book Review: 'A Green Velvet Secret' by Vicki Grant

✰✰✰ When Yardley O’Hanlon’s beloved grandmother and best friend, Gidge, is diagnosed with cancer, the whole family knows their precious time with her is limited. Gidge is the type of person who likes to live life to the fullest. So when her body has had enough, Gidge knows it’s time to go. Yardley struggles to let go, but she holds fast in her belief that Gidge will return soon via reincarnation.

When she’s not working at the Over Easy Vintage Emporium, a used clothing store, Yardley looks for Gidge everywhere. One day a stranger arrives to pick up a prize. When the stranger opens the package she is shocked to discover a dress, and not just any dress either. It was a special dress Gidge only wore once. In that moment Yardley recognizes something familiar in the stranger, and everything goes haywire.

With a terrified customer, broken clues, and letters arriving from the deceased, Yardley must decipher what Gidge is trying to tell her from beyond. However, she can’t solve this on her own. Believing in good Karma, Yardley reluctantly opens her heart to form a new friendship with a troubled boy named Harris. Together they search for Gidge and find answers in surprising places.

The Bottom Line: While this book is a mystery, it’s definitely not what I expected. After a slow and sad beginning, the pace picks up as the main character grapples with feelings of grief and confusion as she tries to process the loss of her grandmother. Thankfully, the addition of other characters like Con and Harris add to the mystery as Yardley learns about family, friendship, and keeping secrets. Although geared towards kids ages 10 and up, there are some mature themes including euthanasia, illness, death, and cancer. Thus, I would recommend parents read along with their kids and discuss. [Note: Canada has different laws regarding euthanasia than the U.S., so this book might be better suited towards Canadian readers or readers in U.S. states where euthanasia is allowed.]

Details: A Green Velvet Secret by Vicki Grant. Hardcover published by Tundra Books in 2023. 256 p. ISBN: 978-0-7352-7012-1 [NOTE: I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This was made possible via the LibraryThing Early Reviewers program.]

Book Review: 'Aggie Morton, Mystery Queen: The Dead Man in the Garden' by Marthe Jocelyn

✰✰✰✰½ The third book in the series takes the young detective, Aggie Morton, and her pal, Hector, to a Yorkshire spa, where Aggie's recently widowed mother can take the waters and recuperate. Along with Grannie Jane, they all could use a break. As Aggie's mother settles in to her schedule of treatment, Aggie and Hector stumble onto not one crime, but two! The two young sleuths are delighted at the challenge, but with two mysteries to solve the stakes are higher. Together with the help of a young disabled patient and Grannie Jane, Aggie & Hector must get help before they meet their demise.

The Bottom Line: This installment was a quick, pleasant read that takes one back to a different era. The two sleuths have grown in their abilities to solve crimes and work well together as a team. Highly recommended for young fans of mysteries and historical fiction. I'm eagerly looking forward to the next book in the series.

Details: Aggie Morton, Mystery Queen: The Dead Man in the Garden by Marthe Jocelyn. Published by Tundra Books in 2022. 368 p. ISBN: 978-0735270817 [NOTE: I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This was made possible via the LibraryThing Early Reviewers program.] 

Book Review: 'Night Lunch' by Eric Fan

✰✰✰✰✰ Magical things happen when a Victorian lunch cart rolls into town at night. As a hungry little mouse keeps the street clean, he hopes for a few crumbs to eat. Eager customers line up, and the mouse keeps sweeping, tummy growling. The feathery chef takes all the orders in stride: coffee, mince pie, sandwiches, sausages, eggs, peppers, and biscuits. Yum! 

As the sky brightens, it's time to stop. Alas, not even a dropped penny is left behind. The little mouse trembles from hunger. The feathery chef notices all and invites the mouse inside for a sumptuous repast for two. And that's not all, before moving on, the owl has a surprise in store for his friend.

The Bottom Line: Luminous, dreamy illustrations bring this magical tale to life. This story about compassion, kindness, and friendship is sure to be read over and over again with your little one. Enthusiastically recommended for all.

Details: Night Lunch words by Eric Fan & pictures by Dena Seiferling. Picture book published by Tundra in 2022. 48 p. ISBN: 978-0-7352-7057-2 [NOTE: I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This was made possible via the LibraryThing Early Reviewers program.]  

Book Review: 'The Littlest Airplane' by Brooke Hartman

✰✰✰✰✰ There's an airport way up north where airplanes come and go all day. The turboprop is reliable, and the cargo plane is strong. The jet plane is super quick, but the littlest plane is always left behind. All the little bush plane can do is watch the others as they fly around, until one day, a storm blows into town. With people stranded in the snowy mess, the turboprop, cargo plane, and jet plane all try to rescue them. All three fail leaving the people struck. Who will save them now? Surely not the littlest plane. But the bush plane is not scared; slowly and surely he sets out. With the odds stacked against him and time running out, will the littlest plane be able to save the day? Check out this inspiring tale to find out. 

The Bottom Line: This sweet, inspirational tale reminds me of The Little Engine That Could. With rhyming verse and colorful, snowy illustrations, this picture book is sure to please. The book also contains information about the parts of a bush plane and a little bit of history at the end. Highly recommended for kids who need a little boost of self-confidence. Also, enthusiastically recommended for story times.

Details: The Littlest Airplane written by Brooke Hartman & illustrated by John Joseph. Picture book published by Alaska Northwest Books (am imprint of West Margin Press) in 2022. 32 p. ISBN: 978-1-51312-864-1 [Note: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This was made possible via the Early Reviewers program at LibraryThing.]

Book Review: 'Cress Watercress' by Gregory Maguire

✰✰✰✰ When Papa Watercress doesn't come home one morning, Mama must figure out how to make ends meet. That means moving out of their cozy burrow, and moving into the basement apartment at the Broken Arms. Although rabbits don't usually hang out with birds, mice, and squirrels, young Cress Watercress has no choice but to make friends with a hodgepodge of animals. 

While Mama struggles to pay the rent, Cress stumbles into a journey that will lead to new friendships and danger. Cress learns that if she is going to help her Mama, who always behind on the rent, she must grow up fast. With a sneaky fox, slithering snake, and terrifying bear to look out for, Cress has no time to complain. Check out this witty tale of family, friends, and hope for an engaging read.

The Bottom Line: This delightful tale comes from the fantastical mind of author, Gregory Maguire of Wicked fame. Perfect for kids in grades 4 - 7, this coming-of-age story will appeal to kids facing challenges and changes at home. While I have not seen the final illustrations, the proof illustrations are entertaining. Recommended with enthusiasm for all.

Details: Cress Watercress written by Gregory Maguire & illustrated by David Litchfield. Paperback uncorrected proof published by Candlewick Press in 2022. 224 p. ISBN: 978-1-5362-1100-9 [NOTE: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This was made possible via the Early Reviewers program at LibraryThing.] 

Book Review: 'Amber and Clay' by Laura Amy Schlitz

✰✰✰✰½ Travel back in time to Ancient Greece through the poetry and prose of Newbery Medal Winner Laura Amy Schlitz. It was a time when people were restricted to the boundaries of class. A time when households owned slaves. Melisto was born into a noble family, but unloved by her mother; while Rhaskos was born to a slave woman, who loved him with all her heart. This girl and boy with nothing in common would someday forge a friendship that would free them both. This is their story told in their voices and in the voices of others like the Greek god Hermes and the philosopher Sokrates. This haunting tale of a wellborn girl and a slave boy illustrates power of friendship and love that knows no bounds.

The Bottom Line: Don't be dissuaded from picking up this book because of its page count; the mix of poetry, prose, and illustrations of archaeological exhibits makes for quick reading. The author deftly transforms the reader into the audience, and the story is like watching a play. Once I started reading, I was transfixed. Very highly recommended for young adults and adult interested in historical fiction, Greek mythology, and supernatural tales of friendship. 

Details: Amber and Clay written by Laura Amy Schlitz & illustrated by Julia Iredale. Advance reading copy published by Candlewick Press in 2021. 544 p. ISBN: 978-5362-0122-2 

[NOTE: I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This was made possible by the Early Reviewers Program at LibraryThing. Some interior images were not final at the time this review was written.]