Book Review: Ghost of Blackwood Lane

Book Review:  Ghost of Blackwood Lane by Greg Enslen

ISBN:   978-1-938768-01-9

Publisher:   Gypsy Publications (October, 2012)

Author Bio:  Greg Enslen lives in Ohio with his wife Samantha and his three beautiful children.  He;s enjoying the small-town life after living in the hustle and bustle of Washington D.C.  Greg’s first book, Black Bird, received excellent reviews when published in 2005.  He’s written three novels and two works of non-fiction, and has several more books on the way.  For more information please see his website at www.gregenslen.com

Summary:  For years, the witness protection program has kept Gary Foreman safe from the horrors he left behind.  He’s got a new career and new friends, but they can never know his real name or where he comes from. 

But the program can’t protect him from the relentless dream of a young woman in danger.  It’s the same dream, night after night, and Gary is helpless, unable to stop the dream’s inevitable and horrifying conclusion.  The woman seems strangely familiar…is she someone from his dark past?  Is she even real?   All he knows for certain is that she needs his help, or she will die.

Review:  As a book reviewer you are often privy to great books and authors long before the rest of the population, and on occasion you find an author that is a literary genius.  Greg Enslen is nothing short of that.  With a writing style that fits somewhere between that of Nicholas Sparks and James Patterson, Greg Enslen grabs a reader’s attention and does not let go until the last word is read.  Simply put, this book is one of the best books I have ever had the honor of reviewing. 

In the book, Ghost of Blackwood Lane, Enslen creates three dimensional characters that are so life like you actually feel what they feel and see what they see.  This book took me through an entire gamut of emotion from heartache to happiness, and was a book I did not put down for two days.  This is an unforgettable book that will stay with you long after you put it down! 

Enslen has created a novel packed with suspense and romance, and I would not be surprised if there was a movie spun off of his work.  When this happens, consider the first ticket and front row seat sold!

Book Review: Aidey Comet - I Like to Write

Book Review:  Aidey Comet – I Like to Write

Aidey Comet - I Like to Write by Laura Lamascola, Illustrated by Adria Ruff

ISBN:  978-0984237593

Publisher: Gypsy Publications (September , 2012)

Author Bio:  Laura Lamascola is the author of Aidey Comet and is a prior member of the United States Air Force and a full-time mother who homeschools her three boys during the day.  Laura resides with her husband Dave and their seven dogs in her hometown, Lancaster, Ohio.

Summary:  Most parents would LOVE to hear the words “I like to write” from their child.  The exception, of course, is Aidey Comet’s parents.  What could possibly go wrong when Aidey innocently proclaims his latest interest?

Review:  Aidey Comet will capture your heart with his mischievous love of writing.  He is the epitome of every little boy, and as a parent you will be able to relate to his character.  Follow Aidey as he practices perfecting his love of writing.

Although I am sure his parents are not amused with his antics, it would be hard to be mad at a little boy like Aidey for very long.  His determination and excitement are refreshing, and the message of following your heart’s desire will surely catch on with your curious youngster also.

 

The illustrations in this book are brilliant and really bring this book to life.  I must say Ms. Ruff did a fabulous job breathing life into Ms. Lamascola’s character and together these two women have created an absolutely charming book that will be enjoyed by both parents and their children.    

Book Review: I Love Ladybugs

Book Review: I Love Ladybugs!

I Love Ladybugs! By Meghan Fisher, Illustrated by Middy Mathieu

ISBN number:  978-1-938768-00-2

Summary:  Ladybugs, ladybugs, all around.  Follow along with toddler Emma Rose as she finds ladybugs in her garden, in her house, and on her toys….to her delight!  Inspired by the author’s real-life daughter.

Author Bio:  Meaghan Fisher is substitute teacher and a former nanny.  She has over ten years experience working with children.  Meghan has a BS in Psychology and a Minor in Women’s Studies.  She is a published poet and is currently working on her first novel.  Meghan lives in Troy, Ohio, with her husband, daughter, and their two dogs, Sadie and Lexi.

Review:  In this book Fisher introduces you to Emma Rose, a curious little toddler who loves ladybugs.  Emma finds delight in the ladybugs that are all around the places and things she loves.  Simply written and beautifully illustrated with vivid and colorful pictures, this book is sure to be popular with your adventure loving youngster. 

Purchase this book at:  http://www.gypsypublications.com, 

Book Review: Lars the Monkey Flies a WACO Airplane

Book Review: Lars the Monkey Flies a WACO Airplane

Lars the Monkey Flies a WACO Airplane by Meaghan Fisher, Illustrated by Marla Fair

Published by Gypsy Publications (2010)

ISBN: 978-0984237517

Summary:  Lars wants to learn to fly a WACO airplane himself so he can share his love for flying with little passengers of his own. As Saturday approaches, the day that WACO pilots give rides, the pilot is missing. Can Lars fly the plane and save the day?

Author Bio: Meaghan Fisher is a substitute teacher and a former nanny. She has over ten years experience working with children. Meaghan has a BS in Psychology and a Minor in Women’s Studies.  She is a published poet and is currently working on her first novel. Meaghan lives in Troy, Ohio, with her husband, daughter, and their two dogs, Sadie and Lexi.

Review:  As a child Lars loved airplane rides, and as an adult he is determined to share his passion for flying with so that other children can also experience these rides.  When the instructor injures himself and can’t take people on airplane rides, Lars has two choices: sit back or make a difference.  The message of this book is refreshing and I love Lars’ passion for helping others.  This book is sure to teach your young child an important message on doing the right thing and making a difference!

Purchase this book from:  www.gypsypublications.com or http://www.amazon.com/Lars-Monkey-Flies-WACO-Airplane/dp/0984237518/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1341187866&sr=8-1&keywords=lars+the+monkey

Book Review: Sadie the Skunk

Book Review: Sadie The Skunk

Sadie the Skunk by Meaghan Fisher, Illustrated by Marla Fair

Published by Gypsy Publications (2009)

ISBN: 978-0-09842375-0-0

Summary:  Sadie the skunk thinks she is a cat until a sibling kitten points out Sadie’s differences from the rest of the family. Join her on her journey with Mr. Groundhog to find out what type of animal she is. Sadie the skunk thinks she is a cat until a sibling kitten points out Sadie’s differences from the rest of the family. When Sadie asks her parents about it, they answer all her questions, telling her they found her as a baby alone in the forest and brought her home. However, they can’t answer Sadie’s most important question – what kind of an animal is she? To find this out, they take her to wise old Mr. Groundhog whose answer sends her on a series of misadventures. In the end, it is Sadie’s most unique characteristic that helps her find her true home.

Author Bio: Meaghan Fisher is a substitute teacher and a former nanny. She has over ten years experience working with children. Meaghan has a BS in Psychology and a Minor in Women’s Studies.  She is a published poet and is currently working on her first novel. Meaghan lives in Troy, Ohio, with her husband, daughter, and their two dogs, Sadie and Lexi.

Review:  In this book, Sadie the Skunk struggles with questions about who she is and where she came from.  However, with the help of a clever groundhog Sadie’s questions are soon answered.  Sadie learns that what makes her different actually helps her to find her family.  This book is sure to delight any young reader with it’s adorable illustrations and cast of woodland creatures, as well as the message that it is okay to be different.

Purchase this book from:  www.gypsypublications.com or http://www.amazon.com/Sadie-Skunk-Meaghan-Fisher/dp/098423750X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1327286213&sr=8-1

Book Review: Mugs and the Secret Society

Book Review: Mugs and the Secret Society

“Mugs is a farmer’s son who lives on the outskirts of Troy, Ohio.  It is the summer of 1955 when Troy was booming with agriculture and transportation of farming goods.  A time when farming families lived off their gardens, and the simple life was valued and favored.  Follow these ornery boys through their remarkable summer adventures as they walk through Troy, play in the fields off Route 202, and fish off the banks of the Miami River.”

Mugs and the Secret Society by Steven Skinner

Published by: Gypsy Publications (2011)

ISBN 13: 978-0984237555

Review:               

It is so easy to be stressed and overwhelmed in today’s society.  It seems we are constantly in a hurry to do one thing or another, seldom slowing down to enjoy the many blessings that are bestowed upon us .  In the novel, Mugs and the Secret Society by Steven Skinner, you will be transported back to a time when life was slower and richer with meaning.   In a series of short stories, you will follow a young boy and his friends on their many adventures in and around Troy, Ohio.

Skinner writes with a descriptive narrative that is so vivid and rich you are actually transported back this time period.  Through his writing you are able to experience the sights and sounds of these adventures and it is impossible not to fall in love with the characters that he has created.

This book is marketed for the young adult, however I think this book would be enjoyed by many age groups.  Skinner’s writing is simple, funny, and with no blue humor.  This book was a welcome break from my work day stress and I loved that while I was reading it I often forgot where I was.  The beautiful thing about this book it that my 9 year old neighbor boy picked it up while over visiting, and was just as enthralled as I was.  He was amazed that, “Kids could just walk to the river and fish all day!”  Trust me when I say that this book is sure to be enjoyed by the entire family!

Purchase this book on Amazon.com at http://www.amazon.com/Mugs-Secret-Society-Steven-Skinner/dp/0984237550/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1341181801&sr=8-1&keywords=mugs+and+the+secret+society or on Gypsy Publications website at http://www.gypsypublications.com/bookstore/

Book Review: God Gives Us Choices

Book Review: God Gives Us Choices

God Gives Us Choices by Hope Rethman, Illustrated by Jackie Arling

Published by Gypsy Publications (2011)

ISBN:  978-0-9842375-2-4

Summary:  God Gives Us Choices captures a powerful moment between a young boy and his mother as they share a conversation sparked by a question asked by children everywhere: “Why does God let bad stuff happen?”

Author Bio: Hope (Hegemann) Rethman is a former third grade teacher. She took a leave of absence from her career to stay home with her children. During this time, Hope taught second grade religion classes for her local Catholic parish and wrote her first children’s book, God Gives Us Choices. She recently returned to the classroom as an intervention teacher. Hope resides in Maria Stein, Ohio with her husband and their four children.

Review:  In the book, God Gives Us Choices, a young boy named Matthew asks a hefty question:  “Why does God let bad things happen?”  Luckily for Matthew his mother is able to help him answer this question and gives him examples of how he can lead a more authentic Christian life.  Rethman’s book is a beautifully written and illustrated book that really helps children answer a tough question.  In a world where it is easier to go against God’s will, this book reminds us why it is important to always honor Him and do the correct thing.  This book will be enjoyed by all young children that are searching for answers as well as their parents, who will benefit from being able to give them a solid age appropriate retort.

Purchase this book from:  www.gypsypublications.com or http://www.amazon.com/God-Gives-Choices-Hope-Rethman/dp/0984237526/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1327289309&sr=8-1