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Showing posts from January, 2026

The Tail of Doug & Todd

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Title: The Tail of Doug & Todd  Author: Alexandra M. Longfellow  The Tail of Doug and Todd: A Golden Bond stands out as a sweet and thoughtful story about learning to accept change. Doug’s peaceful routine is turned upside down when Todd enters the picture. The gentle humor helps soften moments of frustration, making the story feel both real and reassuring. The characters are charming, with Doug’s calm wisdom balancing Todd’s playful curiosity. Their interactions feel natural, and the everyday moments like playing, chasing, getting into trouble reflect the small experiences that build meaningful relationships. The story unfolds with warmth, never rushing the emotional journey of the characters. By the end, the book leaves readers with a sense of comfort and happiness. It gently teaches that even when someone new enters our lives and changes our routine, those changes can bring more joy than we expect. This is a lovely book for teaching children about empathy, p...

A Season of Thunder

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Book: A Season of Thunder  Author: Alex Gerrick  A Season of Thunder is a richly layered narrative that blurs the boundaries between fiction and reality. Drawing on real events, Alex Gerrick crafts a story examining how personal histories are often inseparable from broader political and social forces. The novel’s tone is contemplative from the outset, signalling a journey driven by inner conflict as much as external investigation. What distinguishes this book is Gerrick’s willingness to expose vulnerability. The narrator’s self-doubt, moral uncertainty, and emotional exhaustion are central to the story’s power.  Gerrick’s descriptions of European cities, post-war landscapes, and quiet domestic moments create a strong sense of atmosphere. These settings underscore the novel’s central idea: that history lingers not only in places, but in people, shaping their fears, desires, and decisions. The book asks difficult questions about justice, memory, and whether trut...

Corrupted Souls: A Joe Erickson Mystery

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Book: Corrupted Souls: A Joe Erickson Mystery Author: Lynn-Steven Johanson This book is a strong and gripping example of crime fiction done right. From the very first chapters, the story demands attention with its disturbing crime and serious themes. Nothing feels exaggerated or unrealistic, which adds to the impact. Joe Erickson is a well-developed character whose flaws make him relatable. His determination to uncover the truth, even when his own life is at risk, drives the story forward. The investigation feels methodical and realistic, allowing the suspense to build naturally. The deeper Joe goes, the more dangerous the situation becomes. The connections uncovered are shocking and add emotional weight to the narrative. This is a crime novel that keeps the reader thinking long after the final page. Rating: 5/5

Electric Summer

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Book: Electric Summer  Author: Jedi Christensen  Electric Summer by Jedi Christensen is a gripping blend of science-fiction, mystery, and emotional drama that slowly pulls the reader into a world that looks bright on the surface but hides something far darker underneath. Set largely inside the dazzling theme park Future World, the story follows Nick and Judy as their lives are shattered by the sudden and violent death of their best friend, Scott. What begins as a tale of friendship, ambition, and youthful dreams quickly transforms into a tense investigation filled with unsettling questions, corporate secrecy, and moral ambiguity. The contrast between the park’s artificial joy and the raw grief of the characters is one of the novel’s strongest elements. The emotional weight of loss is handled with care, making Nick and Judy’s pain feel genuine and relatable. Inspector Dior adds an intriguing layer of suspense, bringing an analytical presence that keeps the reader gu...

Anasazi Vision

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Book: Anasazi Vision  Author: True North  Anasazi Vision unfolds with quiet intention, focusing less on action and more on reflection. True’s Mama is presented as an emotional compass, her influence guiding her decisions and shaping her sense of direction. This early focus on their relationship gives the story emotional depth. The Four Corners desert enters the narrative as a symbolic destination, one tied to solitude, ancestry, and clarity. As True moves closer to this landscape, the desert becomes a space where unanswered questions can exist without urgency. The author uses this setting to create a sense of pause and purpose. These opening chapters prepare readers for a meditative journey. By centering the story on family memory and place, the novel’s beginning draws readers into a world that values meaning, stillness, and self-discovery. It is a thought provoking book. It made me reflect on what I read. The book is well paced. I binge read it on the weekend. I a...

Dave and Me

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Book: Dave and Me  Written by: Rusty Austin  Dave and Me is an intriguing read. It is about remembering people, moments, and the unrepeatable feeling of being young and reckless with someone you trust completely. Rusty Austin presents these memories with clarity and humor, making the past feel alive.  Austin’s storytelling is confident and engaging, marked by sharp wit and a strong sense of voice. He doesn’t rely on plot twists. I loved the author's honesty in this book. Readers are drawn in by the details, the dialogue, and the unmistakable sense that these stories matter because they’re real. This book leaves a lasting emotional impression. It will stay on my mind for a long time. Dave and Me reminds readers that while moments fade, the stories we tell keep people present in our lives. This book offers laughter alongside reflection. I am grateful to get my hands on it. The photos included in the book helped me relate more to it.  Those who enjoy reading...

Uncommon Poems Common People

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🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸 Book: Uncommon Poems Common People  Author: T.D. Kruser 🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸 The author has written about ordinary experiences like falling in love, losing trust, questioning identity but presents them with uncommon sincerity. Each poem feels like a moment captured in time, preserving emotions exactly as they are felt. The themes of isolation and connection are especially strong throughout the book. Kruser explores the tension between wanting closeness and fearing vulnerability, a struggle many readers will recognize. The language is clear, allowing the emotional impact to come from truth. For every negative thought, Think a positive thought; For every positive thought, Think another positive thought. The poem Reflection will stay with me forever. This collection will resonate with readers who value emotional depth and introspection. I read a couple of poems in a single sitting. There are many key takeaways from this book. Those who enjoy reading poetry will be delight...