The Seeking Serum (Potion Masters, Book #3) by Frank L. Cole {Review}

The Seeking Serum (Potion Masters Book #3) by Frank L. Cole

Hardcover, 384 pages

Published January 7th 2020 by Shadow Mountain 

Source: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.

 

    

 

Mezzarix has stolen the Vessel, the source of power for all potion masters, and is preparing to launch his final attack on the potion-making community—which includes his own family.

Gordy and his family have gone into hiding, but when his mom uncovers some new information, she takes Gordy into the underground network known as the Swigs, a haven for renegade potion masters and black-market potions, to secure support in the fight against Mezzarix. But when Scourges, rebel potion makers acting on orders from Mezzarix, attack the Swigs, Gordy barely escapes with his life and is forced to leave his family behind.

As the fight intensifies between B.R.E.W. and the Scourges, it falls to Gordy and his friends—Max, Sasha, and Adilene—to locate Mezzarix's hidden headquarters, retrieve the Vessel, save the world, and unite the potion-making community.

The world of Potion Masters is full of fantasy and adventure as Gordy and his friends learn the power of friendship and loyalty, and to trust in their own individual talents.

 

My Review: 4 Stars

 

This is a series that must be read in order to fully appreciate and understand. The Potion Masters is a fun middle grade fantasy that lovers of that genre will enjoy.

 

Gordy and his friends are embroiled in some impossible situations as they battle to stop Gordy's grandfather, Mezzarix, from his sinister attempts to spread evil abroad. As this adventurous story progresses, the characters grow by leaps and bounds. It's enjoyable to have this book told from a couple of points of view, as it rounds out the story line, giving the reader insights into multiple characters thoughts, helping them to understand courses of action and reasoning.

 

This book is one non-stop adventure and thoroughly entertaining! 

The Transparency Tonic (Potion Masters #2) by Frank L. Cole {Review}

The Transparency Tonic (Potion Masters #2)
by Frank L. Cole

Hardcover, 384 pages

Publication: January 16th 2019 by Shadow Mountain 

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.

    

It has been nine months since Gordy and his friends, Max and Adilene, Saved B.R.E.W. (the Board of Ruling Elixirists Worldwide) and the Vessel—the power source for the secret society of potion masters. Now, Gordy is starting the eighth grade, and has been trying new potion brewing techniques, but when he starts zoning out during practice, he knows something is wrong.

Gordy and his friends continue to work on their potions, but when Gordy chooses Max as his lab partner, Adilene starts to wonder if she still has a place with her old friends. She turns to a new friend, Cadence, who might know a way to help Adilene become a potion master on her own.

And in Greenland, Mezzarix has a chance to escape his Forbidden Zone—as long as he agrees to work with the mysterious Ms. Bimini and replicate an unusual solution known as “Silt.” It could be just the weapon Mezzarix needs to destroy B.R.E.W. forever.

With both B.R.E.W. and the Vessel in danger, and with the potion world in chaos, it’s up to Gordy, Max, and Adilene to rally the remaining Potion Masters before it’s too late.

My Review: 4 Stars

Gordy and the gang are back to their adventures in this next installment in the Potion Masters series and you must read Book 1 to understand this one. 

These kids are now in 8th grade and a secret world of elixirists has been unveiled. There are so many foes abounding about and new characters emerge, which makes it difficult for Gordy and his friends to know who to trust. This society is mystical and fascinating, especially as danger escalates. The unexpected twists and turns make for a very exciting story and I'm eager for the next book, as this one ends on a cliffhanger, of sorts. 

This is a great book for the middle-grade fantasy lover. It's easy to let the imagination have free reign while reading these pages. 

Content: mild moments of action/adventure type violence

The Eternity Elixir (Potion Masters #1) by Frank L. Cole {Review}

The Eternity Elixir (Potion Masters #1) 
by Frank L. Cole

Hardcover, 304 pages

Expected publication: January 2nd 2018 by Shadow Mountain 

Twelve-year-old Gordy Stitser is one of the few people who knows the truth about the secret society of potion masters, because not only is Gordy’s mom on the Board of Ruling Elixirists Worldwide (B.R.E.W.), but she has also been training Gordy in the art of potion-making.

Gordy is a natural, and every day he sneaks down to the basement lab to invent new potions using exotic ingredients like fire ant eggs, porcupine quills, and Bosnian tickling juice.

One afternoon, Gordy receives a mysterious package containing an extremely rare potion known as “The Eternity Elixir.” In the right hands, the Elixir continues to protect society. But in the wrong hands, it could destroy the world as we know it.

Now, sinister potion masters are on the hunt to steal the Eternity Elixir. It’s up to Gordy, his parents, and his best friends, Max and Adeline, to prevent an all-out potion war.

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My Review: 4 Stars

Cole has a great way of bringing a normal human being into a magical world and making it seem completely normal. Gordy is from a family of potion elixirists and has a natural talent for it. Although he's young, he's completely capable of fighting villains and doing what he can to protect his family and this secret world.

When an eternity elixir falls into his hands, he and his father and two best friends fight long and hard and at times, Gordy doesn't even know what or who he is going up against. There are still some mysteries left open and I'm curious to continue on with the series to discover the secrets along the way.

There are many fascinating and intriguing characters within these pages and it's not always apparent who is good and who isn't, but it's sure a fun adventure discovering this magical world and what role each character plays. It's a fun and entertaining story.

Content: mild violence

*I received a copy and voluntarily read and reviewed this book, which had no influence on my thoughts and opinions*

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Finders Keepers (Rebels of the Lamp #2) by Michael M.B. Galvin & Peter Speakman {Review}

Finders Keepers (Rebels of the Lamp #2)
by Michael M.B. Galvin & Peter Speakman

Hardcover, 288 pages

Published February 7th 2017 by Disney Hyperion 

 

After Parker and his friends destroyed the evil genie, Xaru, they awoke an even greater threat: Vesiroth. An immortal sorcerer who was frozen for centuries is now free, and he’s determined to finish what he had started—taking over the world. In order to accomplish his goal he must find the Elicuum Helm, an ancient object that will grant the user extraordinary powers. But the helm was broken into three pieces many years ago, and now Parker, along with his genie, Fon-Rham, his cousin Theo, Reese and Vesiroth’s former protégé, will have to travel the globe to find the helm first before it's too late.

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My Review: 3.5 Stars

I read this one aloud with my kids and at first, we didn't realize it was Book 2 in a series. I guess I thought maybe it could stand alone? But there are some things that left us confused by not having read the first book, so I recommend reading them in order.

That said, this story is full of magic, danger, and genies, as well as a group of 7th graders who are working with some adults to stop a powerful threat--Vesiroth. This is a smart and resourceful group of kids, which I think is very intriguing to the middle grade reader. I like how they work together to come up with a plan and think fast on their feet when surprises are thrown their way.

The action and adventure is intense, especially when some events reveal unexpected twists. It is a fun and entertaining story, but I think we (my kids and myself) would have enjoyed it more if we had read the first book.

Content: mild language; mild violence.

*I received a copy from the publisher, which didn't influence my opinion in any way.*

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The World's Greatest Adventure Machine by Frank L. Cole {Blog Tour Review + Giveaway}

The World's Greatest Adventure Machine
by Frank L. Cole

Hardcover, 320 pages

Published 2017 by Delacorte

An adventure novel about four lucky kids and a mysterious, but thrilling ride for fans of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory or Jurassic Park!

CastleCorp and the famous Castleton brothers are unveiling the World's Greatest Adventure Machine! The roller coaster is an experience like no other, and four lucky kids have won the chance to be the first to ride it.
There's Trevor, whose latest stunt got him in trouble at school again. There's Devin, whose father is pushing him to be the next Internet sensation. Nika's wealthy grandfather isn't too pleased about her participation. And Cameron, he'll be the first to tell you, is a certified genius.
The whole world is watching. But as the kids set off on their journey, they begin to realize that there is perhaps more to their fellow contest winners than meets the eye. And the Adventure Machine? It might just have a mind of its own.

Join the contestants on their wild ride if you dare. Your adventure starts now! 

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My Review: 4 Stars

This is definitely a roller coaster ride that is sure to entertain any middle grade reader! It does have a slight feel of "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," as four kids are chosen through a contest to be the first to ride this ride. We have the trouble maker, the one eager to please, the annoying know-it-all, and the richie rich girl. As these kids come together, work together, and really get to know one another, they find that there's more to each of them than meets the eye and they have more in common than they realize. I love that they learn that first impressions and appearances can be wrong and that working together is key in most situations.

The adventure and danger elements are very intriguing, especially when I really couldn't tell what was up and what was down, what was real and what wasn't. Those things alone kept my interest and kept me flipping the pages until the book was finished. Since it is a middle grade book though, there are some things that didn't get too deep or fully develop like I wish they would have.

All in all, these are great, unique characters embarking on an entertaining adventure that isn't like any other. I'm passing this one on to my kids because I think they'll really enjoy it.

Content: mild violence/danger/moments of peril.

*I received a copy to review, which didn't influence my opinion in any way. All thoughts are my own.*

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Buy Links:

  

About the Author:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/franklcole

Website: https://frankcolewrites.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FrankL.Cole/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2997834.Frank_L_Cole

Giveaway:

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August 14: Katie's Clean Reads Collection, My Book a Day

August 15: LDS & Lovin' It, Min Reads and Reviews

August 16: LDS Writer Mom,  Rachelle J Christensen, Lisa is a Bookworm

August 17: Peggy Urry, Literary Time Out Rorie

August 18: Why Not? Because I Said So, Literary Time Out Tarah

 

Sign of the Green Dragon by C. Lee McKenzie {Review}

Sign of the Green Dragon by C. Lee McKenzie

Paperback

Published August 3rd 2016 by CreateSpace Edition 

 

 

Three plucky sleuths. A crumbling skeleton. A buried treasure.

After six months in a new school, Sam’s finally fitting in. He’s the one kid with enough talent to hit the winning home run and bring the baseball trophy back to Haggarty Elementary. But Sam’s guardian is shipping him off to boarding school before that can happen.

When teammates, Joey and Roger, hear his bad news, they plot to hide him until the big game. Their secret cave is a perfect place until an earthquake shatters a wall and reveals a wooden chest with a red-eyed dragon carved into its top. Inside, a bony hand clutches a map with a note, promising treasure.

With Joey and Roger, Sam sets off to track down the clues and hopefully discover treasure. When some puzzle pieces start to make sense, the boys become lost in a labyrinth of underground tunnels, trapped by dangerous thieves and sealed inside an airless tomb.

Sign of the Green Dragon gets a high five for fantasy, fun and some fearsome adventure. If you like intrepid would-be knights on impossible and dangerous quests, you’ll love this story. As one reader says, this book, “has more twists than a dragon’s tail.”

Order now to jump into the adventure.

 

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My Review: 4 Stars

 

Three boys find themselves thrust into the adventure of their lives when they discover a wooden chest with a secret map inside. Sam, Joey, and Roger put together a plan to follow this map to find clues and more, but they don't expect the danger that trails them around every corner. 

 

I read this aloud with one of my sons and he really enjoyed tagging along on this adventure. There are quite a few twists and turns that catch a reader off guard. It's later revealed that these boys are around 11 years old. I have a daughter who is 11 and I can't imagine her and her friends embarking on something as crazy as this escapade at this age, but it's very fun to pretend and imagine. That's one this book is really good at--sparking imagination and drawing the reader into the experience. It's easy to put yourself in place of one of the characters.

 

The book wraps up, but there is an open end, leaving a small window in the plot for another story to come through in the future. This is a fun fantasy adventure that most middle grade readers will enjoy. 

Content: some perilous situations

*I received a copy from the author, which did not influence my thoughts in any way. All opinions are my own.*

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Buy Links:

 

 

About the Author:

  

 I always have free gifts for visitors to my website, so stop by. Sign up and get your gift today.

In my other life--the one before I began writing for teens and younger readers--I was a teacher and administrator at California State University, San Jose. My field of Linguistics and Inter-cultural Communication has carried me to a lot of places in the world to explore different cultures and languages. I can say, “Where’s the toilet?” and “I’m lost!” in at least five languages and two dialects. Go ahead. Pat me on the back.

My idea of a perfect day is one or all of the following: starting a new novel, finishing writing a blockbuster novel, hiking on a misty morning trail in the Santa Cruz Mountains, saying Namaste after a great yoga practice, sipping a cappuccino topped at a bustling café, reading in front of a fire with snow outside, swimming in an ocean someplace.

I've just set out my perfect life. Day after day after day.

 

I Am Sleepless: The Hunteress (Book 2) by Johan Twiss {Review}

I Am Sleepless: The Hunteress (Book 2)

by Johan Twiss

Kindle Edition, 227 pages

Published February 28th 2017

            

The plan was simple—escape, join the rebellion, find the Reader. But nothing is simple when Director Tuskin sends his Huntress after you. In this thrilling sequel, Aidan and his coterie are put to the test after discovering the secrets of Sim 299. When Director Tuskin destroys the sim system, Aidan, Fig, Palamos, and Masay are forced to escape the Mount Fegorio training complex and enter the outside world for the first time since their birth.

But when things don't go as planned, the team must band together to survive and to avoid being captured by Sheva, the Huntress.

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My Review: 4.5 Stars

This Sci-Fi/Fantasy book picks up immediately where the other one left off and since I read Book 1 last year, it took me a little while to catch up on what was going on. This isn't my usual genre, but my son and I really enjoy reading it together.

Soooo many questions... Packed full of danger and adventure, this story moves at a swift pace, as the mysterious surrounding the secrets of Sim 299 are gradually revealed. There are puzzles surrounding many of the characters and some of these things come to light, which adds to the excitement of the story. For me, it's hard to tell what's good, what's evil, what's right, and what's wrong--my brain was constantly working, trying to decipher things.

I really liked the characters and the plot, but there were times when it seemed a little confusing--maybe too much going on? For the most part, it's very engaging and entertaining. Since it ended on a cliff hanger, we're hoping for more! We want to figure this out.

Content: some violence

*I received a copy from the author, which did not affect my opinion. All thoughts are my own.*

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Skipping the Scales (Book 2) by Pete Tarsi {Review}

Skipping the Scales (Book 2) by Pete Tarsi

252 pages, Kindle edition

Published July 12th 2016

The exciting sequel to the YA contemporary fantasy Flipping the Scales.Meredith, Marina, and Hailey's wildest dreams could be coming true.

Two weeks in the ocean changed Meredith's life and career goal. Now studying marine biology, she lands a summer internship at a local aquarium. Her aquatic intuition impresses her mentor, but how would the mermaids feel about holding fish captive in the name of science?

Marina has returned ashore to seek out her missing mother. A curious and cryptic painting leads to other clues, but the search through her mother's past reveals more questions than answers. Could her parents have left the ocean harboring a deep, dark secret?

Meanwhile, Hailey keeps Marina's tail safe and lives her lifelong dream to be a real mermaid. The experience is exhilarating, until the leader of the school suspects she is a human. If she gets caught, would it leave her friend forever marooned on land?

When second-guessing, mystery, and danger threaten to sink their dreams, will they skip out? Or will they work together and swim through the rough waters ahead?

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My Review: 4 Stars

This is series that must be read in order. In this second installment, Marina has returned to land to try and find her mother, give Hailey the opportunity to live her dream of being a real, live mermaid. I'm not a strong swimmer and don't even really like to put my face in the water if I don't have to, but even I used to daydream a little bit about what it would be like to be a mermaid. The story bounces back and forth between Hailey's adventures undersea and her friends lives on land.

I love the elements of magic, danger, romance, and plenty of adventure that make up this imaginative story. Although the characters are now graduated from high school, it reads as a middle grade novel. Hailey's heavy use of acronyms kind of drove me crazy, especially because it seems more fitting for a twelve year old to use than an older teen, but her bubbly personality and exuberance for life make up for it. The ocean puns are fun too.

This isn't a deep story, haha--another pun, but it is a lot of fun. The characters are mostly likable and there are a few twists and an underlying mystery or two that really give it an added dimension. And that ending? Let's just say some things are wrapped up and some are left open. I'm already waiting for more.

Content: mild romance

*I received a copy from the author, which did not affect my thoughts in any way.*

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Buy Links:

  

About the Author:

Pete Tarsi writes books that he hopes his daughters will enjoy. Two down, and so far, so good.

He graduated from MIT with a degree in Creative Writing and Physics, and he considers himself fortunate that he gets to do both. When he's not writing, he can be found teaching high school science, directing theatre, or spending time with his three lovely daughters. He grew up in a small town north of Boston and still lives in Massachusetts.

How to Become a Pirate Hunter by Marty Reeder {Blog Tour Review}

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How to Become a Pirate Hunter by Marty Reeder

Paperback, 208 pages

Published March 1st 2017 by Sweetwater Books

Not everyone is special. Or at least that's what Eric believes. But when the new girl Charlotte tells him he's a natural at hunting pirates, and offers to prove it, Eric can't resist the adventure. Thrown in the middle of the Spanish Main, Eric must quickly accept his skills, or else succumb to the horrors of the dreaded Willard Pirate Twins.

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My Review: 4 Stars

Sometimes I feel just as Eric does--I don't have any special talents. I have a few interests and hobbies, but I don't excel at any of them--I'm just mediocre. I love the idea that everyone has a natural talent and that it might not be something that is consistent to the time period you live in. When Charlotte, a new girl at school, tells Eric that he's born to be a pirate hunter, he almost scoffs. But when he's thrown back in a time where he has to fight off twin pirates, his true talents emerge.

This swashbuckling tale is full of adventure, danger, pirates, and more, which is entertaining. My imagination was sparked and I found myself wondering what my talent would be--I'm so curious!

I love the creative names of the towns and camp, as I grew up near the area that I believe the author is talking about and I could really visualize the setting well. Well...until Eric became a pirate. I could still picture it in my mind, but I haven't been on a ship like that before. However, the descriptions really are fun. They make me *almost* want to try my hand at pirate hunting.

Content: mild violence

*I received a copy through the publisher, which did not affect my thoughts and opinions in any way.*

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Buy Links:

  

About the Author:

Marty Reeder lives in Smithfield, Utah, with his wife and five children where he teaches Creative Writing and Spanish at the local high school. Though not a natural born pirate hunter, he taught sailing at Scout camps for many years and uses his history degree to fuel worlds of piracy and compensate for perhaps being born in the wrong time and place for his passions!

I Am Sleepless: Sim 299 by Johan Twiss {Review}

I Am Sleepless: Sim 299 by Johan Twiss

Paperback, 286 pages

Published October 28th 2015 by Createspace Independent Publishing Platform 

 

 

While the others slept, Aidan spent hours each night running sim after sim. Although he was only a twelve-year cadet, he had completed more simulations than any prime— ever.

“You are setting history,” General Estrago told him. “No one has ever made it to the current simulation you are attempting. The other Masters and I are eager to see what comes next.”

So was Aidan.

Synopsis:
The planet Ethos is at war with a mysterious enemy known as the Splicers. Their only successful defense is the Prime Initiative. All newborns with the compatible genetic code are taken from their families and injected with the Prime Stimulus. Each child that survives the stimulus develops an extraordinary ability and is conscripted into the military for training.

After turning twelve, Aidan is moved to the upper-class at the Mount Fegorio training complex. His special gifts allow him unprecedented success in the virtual training simulations, advancing him further than any prime cadet in history. No one knows what lies after sim 299, not even Director Tuskin, the ruthless and reclusive ruler of their planet. But something, or someone, has been guiding Aidan there. If he can pass the final tests, he may discover the key to ending the Splicer War.

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From the imaginative mind of debut author Johan Twiss, I AM SLEEPLESS: Sim 299 is an extraordinary space fiction adventure series that will delight readers of all ages. I AM SLEEPLESS has a clean read rating with the perfect mix of adventure, humor, and mystery in a SciFi Fantasy world that will keep you turning pages through the night.

Clean Rating: There are no scenes with sex, drugs, graphic violence or typical "earth" swearing in this novel. There are numerous fight scenes and action sequences where people are injured and/or die, but it is not graphic and takes place in a virtual simulation. Swear words are fitting to the fictional world of Ethos, such as Tuskin's Fury, Batmonkeys, Holy Hippophants, etc... There are budding romances with kissing involved. There are suspenseful situations with monster alien creatures, fitting of the science fiction genre, and an overall thematic undertone of good v. evil that is suitable for tweens, teens and young adults.

 

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My Review: 5 Stars

 

I read this aloud with my son and he absolutely loved it! This story is very creative in creating new creatures (complete with illustrations) and a new world, where a 12 year old boy, Aidan, battles an evil force to find the secrets of the Splicers. Paired with two unlikely friends, Aidan and his adventure is gripping and entertaining for readers of all ages.

 

The story was a little confusing at the very first, because as the world was built through words, I wasn't sure what some words were referring to and who was what. As the story progressed and I came to know what these things were, I found myself immersed in the story and intrigued by the lives of these kids and their world, Ethos. These characters are each mysterious in a way and exciting in another way. I love the bonds that are formed and the teamwork is heartening.

 

Each chapter contains a snippet at the beginning from Dr. T.M. Omori's book, helping the reader gradually come to know what the different types of primes are and their abilities and weaknesses. My son and are both eagerly awaiting a sequel of some kind, as this is the first in a series. 

 

This is a great book for those who love speculative science fiction and adventure, as well as for those who enjoy a clean and interesting adventure.

 

*I received a copy in exchange for an honest review*

 

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Buy Links:

 

About the Author:

Dear Brilliant Reader,
​
First things first. Sign up for my New Release Mailing List here: www.johantwiss.com/newsletter (simply cut-and-paste that address into your browser). You'll only get 4-5 emails a year from me. That's it! I'll tell you about new releases and book signings. Everyone hates spam, except my uncle Herbie. He's Hawaiian and loves the salty canned luncheon meat. But I will never serve you spam, ever, or share your info with anyone else.

Now that we have that bit of housekeeping out of the way and you've signed up for my newsletter, let me officially introduce myself. My name is Johan Twiss. It's a pleasure to meet you and thank you for your interest in my books. Besides being an author, I'm also a husband, a father, a church volunteer, and a business owner. As such, I am sleepless (along with much of the human race.)

I am passionate about writing clean science fiction and fantasy stories that are not only exciting, but suitable for tweens, teens and adults alike.

Currently, I live outside Dallas, Texas with my sweetheart and our 5 crazy kids. We enjoy playing games, watching movies, having jam sessions on a variety of instruments and throwing the gauntlet down for Family Fight Night. Yes, you read that correctly-- Family Fight Night. We suit up in the sparring gear and my kids attack me, practicing their blocks and strikes from martial arts class. Basically, they get to beat-up dad and have a great time.

Have a question? Complaint? Want to send me a gift card to the Cheesecake Factory? Simply reach out to me at my website at

www.johantwiss.com/contact

(I can also tell your future at no extra cost, although gift cards to Cheesecake Factory tend to make the predictions more accurate.)

Just Claire by Jean Ann Williams {Blog Tour Review and Giveaway}

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Genre: Fiction, Historical, Children's Publisher: Clean Reads Publication date: January 6, 2016 Number of pages: 208 ClaireLee’s life changes when she must take charge of her siblings after her mother becomes depressed from a difficult childbirth. Frightened by the way Mama sleeps too much and her crying spells during waking hours, ClaireLee just knows she’ll catch her illness like a cold or flu that hangs on through winter. ClaireLee finds comfort in the lies she tells herself and others in order to hide the truth about her erratic mother. Deciding she needs to re-invent herself, she sets out to impress a group of popular girls. With her deception, ClaireLee weaves her way into the Lavender Girls Club, the most sophisticated girls in school. Though, her best friend Belinda will not be caught with the likes of such shallow puddles, ClaireLee ignores Belinda’s warnings the Lavenders cannot be

​ trusted. ClaireLee drifts further from honesty, her friend, and a broken mother’s love, until one very public night at the yearly school awards ceremony. The spotlight is on her, and she finds her courage and faces the truth and then ClaireLee saves her mother’s life.

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Book Trailer

Author Jean Ann Williams, the eldest in a large family, enjoys digging into her fascinating childhood to create stories for children. Having written over one hundred articles for children and adults, this is her first book. Jean Ann and her husband live on one acre where they raise a garden, goats, and chickens. Her favorite hobbies are hiking through the woods and practicing archery with her bow.

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*I received a copy through Singing Librarian Tours in exchange for an honest review*
4.5 Stars

ClaireLee is thirteen years old and after a quick move to a new state for her father's new job and a traumatic birth of her baby brother, her world turns upside down. Her mother isn't the same and it's up to Claire to care for her younger siblings, run the household, keep her family together, go to school, and try and fit in with the Lavender girls and the locals. Being thirteen isn't easy, as.

I really enjoyed the way Claire is portrayed as a girl beyond her years in maturity, yet still possesses those childish impulses. Her coming-of-age is endearing and the lessons learned are mighty. Claire is very likable and it's easy to root for her along her path. I loved watching her gradually trusting those around her and found myself pitying her for her situation at times, especially when her parents with either too busy or too ignorant to do anything to ease her burdens. Her friendships were the heart of the story. Belinda reminded me of Peppermint Patty, from The Peanuts, as she's very brash, loud, and blunt, but is loyal to the core.

The flow of the story and the way the setting and characters are depicted felt very true to life in a small, transient, Northern California town in the 1960's. The pacing is gentle and realistic and I enjoyed every page.

Content: the characters are religious and often utter phrases from hymns or snippets of prayers; no language or romance; mild violent elements--not graphic, but some descriptions of blood and childbirth. Clean.

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May 23--Reading Is My SuperPower
May 24--Bookworm Lisa | Toni Shiloh Prayerfully-Lifted Romance
May 25--Katie's Clean Book Collection | Christy's Cozy Corners
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