Three Very Diverse Reviews

Those who visit here know I read a wide array of genres. It keeps life interesting. 

Today I have 3 very diverse reviews to share with you. The main reason for the diversity is I have a good many reviews to share and only a few openings in which to post them. Hope you find something to explore further.

First, I’d like to share a whimsical children’s book about a serious issue - losing hair during chemotherapy. Next, we’ll take a look at a charming light-hearted cozy mystery set in England. Last, we’ll finish up with an intriguing thriller set for release next month.

NOWHERE HAIR by Sue Glader

Cancer and all the elements that goes with it are hard enough to understand as an adult. But what if you’re a child and someone you love has it?

NOWHERE HAIR is a wonderful book to help adults explain to youngsters what happens to a person during chemotherapy. The book is geared toward youngsters ages 3 to 10.

The focus of the book is a young girl trying to understand why her mother has lost her hair. The messages are positive. It also points out the child has done nothing to cause the loss. This is a delightful book about a very serious condition.

The illustrations by Edith Buenen are vibrant and impressive, bringing the characters to life.

Author Sue Glader points out the book ends with two universal rules that I also feel are important and well demonstrated in the book. The rules are: 1) Do unto others as you would have them do unto you, and 2) What’s on the inside counts far more than how we look on the outside.

I wish there was no need for this book, but unfortunately a cure for cancer has not yet been found and millions must go through chemotherapy each year. This is a admirable book to pass along to anyone you may know that’s having to explain to a youngster why they no longer have hair.

Author Sue Glader’s website is www.NowhereHair.com

Here's a book video of NOWHERE HAIR.

Nowhere Hair by Sue Glader, Illustrated by Edith Buenen, Thousand Words Press, @2010, ISBN: 978-0-984-3591-0, Hardcover, 32 pages

FTC Full Disclosure - I requested this book and it was sent to me by the author in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.

A RATHER REMARKABLE HOMECOMING by C.A. Belmond

Looking for a read with a hint of nostalgia but with modern twists.

Author C.A. Belmond’s latest release, A RATHER REMARKABLE HOMECOMING, will fit the bill.

Belmond has created lovable characters with wit and charm. Her protagonists have been referred to as ‘a modern-day Nick and Nora’ and this assertion suits them perfectly.

American heiress Penny Nichols and her English hero husband Jeremy Laidley return home from their honeymoon to find clients waiting for them. Harriet Fieldworthy and her son, Colin, have been sent by Prince Charles to request the help of Nichols & Laidley Ltd.

It seems a property developer is trying to revamp the seaside landscape in a charming village in Cornwell. The only thing standing in his way is the home of Penny’s late grandmother, Beryl. It’s also the place she and Jeremy met as children.

The pair take on the case and must solve a historical mystery to save the village. They encounter Celtic lore, tales of smugglers and Shakespeare, and mix with a whimsical group of Cornish locals.

Belmond’s writing is reminiscent of quainter times but with modern villains, sprinkles of humor, romance, vivid descriptions of fascinating landscapes, and bits of historical gems. This is the fourth installment in the Rather series, but is a stand along book.

Grab a cup of tea and relax as Penny and Jeremy delight you with their latest adventure.

Author C.A. Blemond’s website is www.cabelmond.com

A Rather Remarkable Homecoming by C.A. Belmond, NAL Trade, @2011, ISBN: 978-0-451-23461-2, Paperback, 368 pages

FTC Full Disclosure - I requested this book and it was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.

THE COVENANT by Dean Crawford

In this novel, author Dean Crawford comes out of the gate with an action-packed adventure sure to keep you riveted to your seat till the end.

Archaeologist Lucy Morgan unearths a 7,000-year-old tomb on a dig in a remote part of Israel. It contains non-human remains. Realizing she’s discovered something that could change history as we know it, Lucy disappears before she can do anything about it.

Back in the states, Ethan Warner wants a quiet, normal life as he tries to piece his world back together. But when he’s asked by Lucy’s family to help find her, he can’t refuse.

In another part of the US, a possible homicide has detectives Nicola Lopez and Lucas Tyrell shaking their heads. The bodies show signs of hypothermia despite the scorching heat of August.

As the plot continues, all those involved learn who and what is behind not only Lucy’s disappearance, but the strange homicides. They also realize there is much more at stake than anyone could image.

Crawford keeps the story flowing smoothly back and forth from various location such as Israel, the US, and Jerusalem. He keeps the suspense high as he adds action and sprinkles in fragments of science and religion. THE COVENANT is a roller coaster ride until the end and even then he starts the next ride. Think Indiana Jones meets the X-Files with a bit of James Bond thrown in for good measure.

Author Dean Crawford’s website is http://www.deancrawfordbooks.com/index.htm

The Covenant by Dean Crawford, Touchstone/Simon & Schuster, @2011, ISBN: 978-1-4516-2853-1, Hardcover, 384 pages

FTC Full Disclosure - I requested this book and it was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.

Sorry for the extra long post today, but hopefully you’ve discovered a new book or 2 or 3 to add to your TBR stack. Thanks so much for stopping by.