The Wishes That Went Wrong, by Ross Johnson, Kiran Akram illustrator

 

"Be careful what you wish for..."

How many time have we heard that with the added caution of  "...because you might just get it"? That's just one of the lessons Leo learns after winning an old lamp at a school fair. In the process of learning his lesson, he learns to fly, nearly drowns in a million dollars worth of pennies, and realizes maybe he'd just as rather not be able to understand and talk to animals.

This was a cute, fun book with well done, colorful illustrations. I liked the fact that he did think of his parents at one point, even if his wish went astray. I'm a bit fuzzy about what happened to Sparky, who you'll meet as the story goes along, but he was cute. I mean, seriously, what would you wish for if given the chance? As Leo learns, one needs to be careful what you wish for and maybe more importantly, learn from your mistakes. In other words, be specific. The genie, the Great Whizz Bang Boom, was fun, too, even a bit sympathetic toward Leo as Leo stumbles along. 

A plus is the list of suggested activities at the end based on the theme, a list I'm sure most can easily add to as they read. While I'm not quite sure Leo learned a complete lesson since he seems to gleefully move on into the next phase of his wish making, it's still fun and can lead to some good discussions. Like, oh, what did he do right/wrong, or what wishes the child might think others would make. Thanks #HappyTalesLLC for sharing this fun book with me. Even as an adult, I have to admit it had me thinking of what wishes I'd make.

The Secret Detective Agency, by Helena Dixon

 Publication March 27, 2025

It's a good thing I took the dog out for her walk before I started reading or I'd have had a very cranky dog. While it wasn't my plan, I found myself reading it straight through with only periodic breaks (I mean, my dog insists on her treats and cannot be ignored) and thoroughly enjoyed every moment of it, even if main character Jane Treen is very obviously a cat person. While I was a bit taken aback by Jane's chain smoking and seeming lack of consideration for others, such as worsening Arthur's asthma by smoking, I found myself liking her focused, albeit often prickly personality. Being on the introverted side myself, I probably related more to Arthur Cilento's wish for peace and quiet and routine, especially routine. And, of course, we can't ignore butler Benson, who seems to be terribly efficient and almost know what is needed before Jane or Arthur do. Oh, and Marmaduke, Jane's one-eyed cat rescued from the rubble of a bombing raid prior to the opening of the story. I liked them all, even while hoping Jane cuts back on the smoking, not to mention learns not to distract him when he's concentrating on code breaking. ings

Set in 1941 England at a time when deadly German bombings were common and frequent in London, being at Arthur's safer country home should have been a nice break. Nope. Not when the body count keeps going up. Even worse, they're covert agents under Jane's watch, two of them being killed almost under her nose. Has the intelligence community of Whitehall been compromised? Are there Germans or double-agents amongst them? How to find out? Urgency is obviously of the utmost importance but it seems like for every clue Arthur, Jane, and Benson find, there's another incident or death. Like what? Not telling, you're just going to have to read the book. Our three sleuths/spies show initially unseen sides of themselves as the story progresses, including skills that prove helpful. I found it interesting which of them remained the cool, calm head, too, not to mention Benson's foresight in toting along Arthur's medical kit to treat his breathing problems. I really want to know more about Benson, I must admit.

Bottom line, this series quickly hooked me. I liked the characters and the setting. The author also does an excellent job reminding us what being caught in a bombing raid was like with it's sudden randomness and death. I also have to admit to smiling when it noted they had lunch near Paddington Station, ie a connection to Paddington Bear. Totally unrelated but fun. I did seem to have a bit of trouble sorting out the side characters initially but realized without thinking about it that I'd done so, hence not a real issue. And, oh, boy, wait for that final action scene. That was unexpected, not to mention discovering who Jane's mother was. Oh, boy, thanks #Bookouture for this early intro to the Secret Detectives. I thoroughly enjoyed my time with them and am looking forward to their next case together.

Punctuation to the Rescue, by Cheryl Olsten

 

What punctuation mark would you be?

Perhaps you'd be direct like the period.

Or, maybe you'd prefer to weave longer, more complex sentences together like the comma.

Tell us!

Okay, that's it for my burst of "cleverness". Seriously, I admire the author for how well she was not only able to create distinct characters for the four basic punctuation marks but have each of them stick to their characteristic chatter. The illustrations were colorful and lively, with each character showing a unique personality and various reactions. Feeling unappreciated, they set out from their lighthouse library for a vacation on a fun island. Only one problem. Well, more than one. They run into a few sailing problems, including a nasty shark and wind up on the Island of Chaos instead. Why Chaos? There punctuation is ignored and words and creatures run amuck. Check out the various characters they meet, all shown running about creating mayhem. Seeing the chaos their absence can create, the four punctuation marks decide to stay long enough to restore order and, in the process, realize their own importance. 

I enjoyed the story and have to admit to laughing aloud when Question Mark asked the age old question of "Are we there yet?" Definitely a unique way of introducing children to the importance of using correct punctuation. Although aimed at young readers, I can actually see where it might be a hit with young adult readers or, heck, adults, too. It's whimsical and full of quirky characters while sharing a teaching moment (or a few). A delightful combo of words and pictures. Thanks author #CherylOlsten and #FleecydalePress for sharing this with me. I thoroughly enjoyed it and will be sharing with teacher friends and others who might enjoy it.

Sydney, Bean, and the Missing Gloves, by Janice E Collins

 

Just like children, dogs are often frightened of the unknown. They may try to appear brave but, well, aren't. This book does a lovely, subtle job of showing young readers that it's okay to be afraid, asking for help isn't a weakness, and, finally, that working together to solve problems is the best approach. It does this via the story of Sydney, the Labrador Retriever, and her unexpected new little Labrador sister, Bean. Sydney does her best to accept Bean but isn't happy about it, even when Bean swears to be the best little sister ever. Much to Sydney's surprise, comforting Bean seems to also comfort her and she manages to sleep through a storm. Then, uh-oh, mother's beautiful pearl gloves have gone missing. It seems Sydney has had a problem with shredding and burying such items when scared, so she's the natural suspect. 

That's when the story really takes off. Bean knows Sydney didn't do it as Sydney slept right there beside her all night. Bean vows to help Sydney find the gloves. Unfortunately, Bean is naive and soon falls pry to the wily neighborhood cat. It's never quite clear why Monty the junkyard cat sets out to trap Bean but the motive of bullies isn't usually really known, either. Sydney recruits help as she searches for Bean, help that includes Sgt. Riley the retired police K-9. Again, the idea that having help when you most need it isn't a weakness but a strength. Wait till you find out why a ferret is part of the group. Heck, even some squirrels and birds get involved. Love the sweet nod to a baby's first tooth via the baby bird's first lost feather. In any case, while I'm not sure how Monty managed to trap Bean, it's fun to see the group come together and work to save her. 

Bottom line, a cute, fun read, though would have probably targeted a bit older audience although it'd work as a read-aloud, too. The illustrations were well done, showing personality, and add to the feel. The teacher in me liked the subtle use of the dogs to show how young children may feel and act, not to mention work together towards a common goal, in this case saving Bean. And, oh, let's not forget the bonus benefit that helps Sydney when they finally return home. Thanks #AtmospherePress for sharing this sweet introduction to Sydney and Bean, not to mention all their friends and, okay, even Monty. That junkyard cat is surely not done playing with the doggie's minds.

Goats Afloat, by Lezlie Evans, Julia Patton (illustrator)

 Publication June 1, 2025

Wonderfully silly with equally quirky and silly illustrations that will have you grinning and finding something new hidden within each read.  In my mind, I realized I was getting a Dr. Seuss vibe as I read, aloud of course, and chuckled at the five goats' misadventures. The playful vibe runs throughout, even when the goats seem to encounter danger although you may be so busy scanning the illustrations on each page to see what you can see or read the little signs that pop up here and there to fret over the cartoon danger. 

Kids are going to love this one, especially if you (or the children themselves) have a bit of the dramatic and can get into the goofiness of the rhythm and rhyme. The text is even scattered about at times, no designated spot reserved, such as when it seems to flow down the river with the boat. Colors are bright and, well, colorful, and each of the goats seems to have a distinctive look, a plus in my mind. Their intentions are good, of course, to take a birthday cake and gift to Granny but, oh, no, they're scared to cross the bridge and encounter the scary troll, so they hatch a plan of jumping into a boat to get there. Needless to say, their plan doesn't exactly work out but that is where the fun really begins. I won't run the fun by detailing the story, which actually contains several teachable moments, but will say to keep your eyes on not just the bouncy rhymes but the illustrations. See who or what you can spy as you join them on their journey. The beaver is just the first. And, hey, what a surprise they're in for at the end when they meet Granny's guest.

Serious fun. I loved this. The illustrations are whimsical and funny in themselves, plus the unexpected sights you will see as you cruise along, not smoothly, let me assure you. The teacher in me can't resist pointing out the subtle nods to not making assumptions based on appearances, planning ahead, and adapting to situations as they evolve. Problems solving is definitely emphasized although, well, let's just say the goats don't necessarily excel at that. Bottom line, this is one I can envision grandparents loving to read to their grandchildren over and over, finding something new to enjoy each time. Thanks #TwoLions for allowing me this fun sneak peek at these goofy but adventurous goats. It was a fun read, both aloud and the times I kept flipping through to see what else I might see in the illustrations.

Gramps' Nonsense Poems, by Michael White

 

Is anyone surprised it was the corgi on the cover that sucked me into this book immediately? It was also the first poem I flipped to and read and was, as expected, not what most would expect. Instead, we have a poem about the Queen's corgis being, uh, unable to hold it in while riding in the Queen's royal vehicle. Since I'm convinced my Daisy considers herself royal by sheer corgi breed connection, it made me grin. Not that Daisy would do that, of course. 

That was my introduction to a fun, even silly read. And, don't think that's an insult to the author. He says in his intro that that is exactly what his poems are meant to be, fun and entertaining. I think I'd have liked him as a grandfather. Kids love silly stuff, though I note a few more serious thoughts that made me think creeping in amidst the silliness. Or maybe nostalgia, such as the tribute of a sort to ol' time horse drawn plows as opposed to our modern mechanical machines, done with levity, of course. I enjoyed them all, even the Geometry Party, but I loved the thought pattern of My Shadow being attached and only free of us when we leap and that maybe elves and goblins make the Cobwebs we inevitably run into somewhere along the line. Oh, and walking a squirrel. Something tells me my Daisy, who considers the resident squirrels her nemesis, wouldn't find that one funny, however cute it is. 

Bottom line, designed to be fun, which the illustrations add to, and does a good job doing so with ideas and whimsy that will surely appeal to children. Thanks #Troubador for the gift of laughter and ability to revert to my goofy child-self for a bit. The made me think and laugh.

Murder at Hideaway House (Eve Marlow Mystery Book 14), by Clare Chase

 Publication May 7, 2025 

How far would you go to achieve a long time desire?

Although I occasionally find myself annoyed with Eve for her obsessive curiosity and use of her job, writing obituaries, to question suspects, I also enjoy this series immensely. What can I say, I'm a sucker for character driven books and this series has a set of well developed regular characters and even the background of suspects seems to be nicely fleshed out. As a result, it's understandable why Eve sometimes finds it hard to approach someone as a suspect when, well, that person is a friend, someone she likes. Everyone has secrets, however, and, oh, my, there are a ton of them in this one. What seems like a normal renovation job leads to murder and explosive secrets unraveling families and associates. Nothing simple about this one. 

Who killed Duncan Blake? I won't detail the plot but it is full of twists and turns involving those secrets, obsessions with the past, affairs of the heart, shady business deals, shattered hopes and dreams, families being ripped apart, adorable, much-loved children, and it seems like everyone is lying. How will Eve sort out who did it when even the innocent may be protecting others? It was nice to not only see that Eve has gotten good about having backup but that Eve and new husband Robin work so well together, even if it did remind me that I seem to have missed a few books in the series. Robin was still sort of keeping a low profile last book I read, now they're married and he's able to be open, even if his gardening know-how doesn't seem to have dimmed. They were invited to Hideaway House so Eve could write a review of the facility, which is what started this whole investigation for Eve. Needless to say, the usual gang of friends is on hand to help sort it all out and you've got to love Moira's sleuthing personality. Oh, and I can't forget Gus, Eve's adorable dachshund, who provides his own kind of assistance.

Bottom line, a top-notch mystery with memorable characters, both good and bad. You won't feel much sympathy for the initial victim, though, that's for sure. That's said, I found myself warming to the various suspects, even the guilty party. Takes a talented author to make readers feel that way, I'd say. Thanks #Bookouture for this early peek back into Eve's life, a reminder to me to do some catch up reading. Library, here I come!

Bodies and Battlements (The Ravensea Castle Series, #1), by Elizabeth Penney

 

Publication May 27, 2025

Having thoroughly enjoyed the author's previous books, I was primed to enjoy this one from page one. For the most part, despite an unexpected slow start, my anticipation was justified. The only real issue I had was that I wasn't at all fond of main character Nora Asquith initially. Probably understandable as she is just about to open the doors to Ravensea Castle's first paying guests. Yes, in reality, romantic as a castle might appear to live in, they are expensive to keep up. As a result, Nora decided to transform a portion of the historic, supposedly haunted castle to paying guests. It's been a long, tedious process to not just ready the castle but jump through all the bureaucratic hoops placed in front of her, not to mention that her own sister, actress Tamsyn Asquith wasn't really in favor of the move. So, why is Tamsyn there? And, who is this couple showing up and expecting to stay that didn't reserve a room?  Then Hilda Dibble, a local who not only opposed the conversion of the castle but tossed repeated roadblocks in front of Nora shows up. What is she doing there and why was she in such a hurry to suddenly leave? That's just the beginning. Things begin to happen, not to mention Sir Percival, one of the resident ghosts, makes his presence known and then, yikes, the next morning Nora finds Hilda's dead body near the fountain in the garden. I'd say her endeavor to save the family home isn't off to a good start although, hmm, the dog-owning guest Nora found attractive, Finley Cole, turns out to be a detective. Well, at least he on the spot of the crime immediately.

Things get complicated fast. I won't detail the plot any further other than to say it's an intriguing mix of old world charm with the castle setting, cute pets, ghostly interventions, an endangered family legacy, shady deals, secrets and more secrets, twists and turns, and, ahh, budding romances. I ultimately liked the characters once we got into the book, even ghostly Sir Percival, who you'll warm to as you learn his backstory. They all have secrets. I'm hoping to learn more about Nora's plan to create and sale items like soaps and herbs made at the castle, too. Nora's family seems solid, albeit her father seems to fall into the stereotypical scholar/researcher/professor role while being able to spin a great story of the castle's past. Will Nora be able to sort out whodunit? Will she drive Finley nuts in the process? 

Bottom line, although it took me longer to fall into the story than expected, I found it an intriguing read and am looking forward to seeing where Nora's adventures take us next. I mean, we get to hang around in a genuine castle, with lovely gardens and a view, so not exactly a hardship. Also have to admit, I'm going to be curious where the romances lead. My thanks to #StMartin'sPress - #MinotaurBooks for this early introduction to Ravensea Castle and all its inhabitants. Something tells me this series may quickly become a "must read" for me. Great characters, intriguing mysteries, fun pets, and a few ghosts drifting about. Give it a read!

Horse, by Alex Hall

 

This would have been a must have for me back in my horse crazy girl days. Heck, I enjoyed it today despite being, well, a bit past that stage. The information is short and sweet with great photos illustrating every page. I almost felt like I could reach out and stroke the nose of one of the horses stretching its head out toward the photographer in one shot. for instance. Lovely horses of different kinds and colors.. The info is solid and easy to understand, covering the horse from as the cover indicates, head to hoof. 

This would be the perfect gift for a young horse lover who wants to know everything there is to know about horse basics. Perfect for young readers who've gained a bit of confidence without overwhelming them with text. While those who've been reading everything and anything horse for years may not find much new, the illustrations alone would make this a lovely gift. It'd also be a great addition to a children's library shelves. Thanks #RosenPublishingGroup for gifting me this opportunity to slip back into my former "everything horse" stage.

Murder by the Hook, by Betty Hechtman

 Publication April 8, 2025

 Although it took me awhile to get into this one, I ultimately wound up enjoying it quite a bit. The main characters were interesting, with Molly Pink seeming to be juggling three romantic possibilities at once, while the supporting cast was quirky but memorable. I'm not quite sure how Molly and best-friend Dinah managed not to strangle Adele and become the focus of a murder investigation themselves. While Adele is married to a policeman, she is a definite, frequently annoying diva who thinks knitting is taboo while crochet is the only way to go. Nor is she reluctant to share her opinion, wanted or not. It took me a bit to sort out the other members of the Hookers, ie crochet group, further complicated by a relatively large group of suspects encountered at Lisa and Jerry R's gathering, most with some sort of show business ties. My favorite was Heddy, a former pop star who now using her talent to sing to her avocado trees. Oh, and she thinks she's being invaded by aliens. You know, just another day in the Hollywood zone.

So, who kills Kirkland Rush, a news hound always in search of a good story. I mean, this gathering was to celebrate his upcoming marriage. The bride-to-be? She doesn't seem terribly distraught but, then again, maybe discovering his ex-wife not only there but more or less in charge of the plans....and his finances. Hmm... money is always a good motive?  There at the behest of her almost-husband, Mason, now friend, or maybe employer, Molly seems unsure of which. And, oh, the detective in charge? Seems to be another of Molly's former romantic partners. Ah, nothing like complicating things. But, wait, what did Molly and Dinah see while checking out the murder scene? Nah, couldn't be. Could it? All the while soothing the cranky Hookers who weren't having the relaxing outing they'd expected. And, to think, it starts when Molly's hired to catch a petty thief? How are the two crimes related? Or, are they? 

But, more than enough teasers. Once I more-or-less had the characters sorted and the murder happened, the pace seemed to pick up. The twists and turns and red herrings kept me guessing, all wrong, I must admit. I ultimately liked the main cast of characters and wait till you meet Adele's husband. What does a tie have to do with anything? Nope. Not telling. Thanks #BeyondThePagePublishing for this early peek at Molly's busy, complicated life and friendships. I'm waiting now to find out how she uses that special gift she picked up at that booth while I enjoy the crochet pattern and yummy sounding recipe.. 

Fearless Firsts: Artists Who Changed Entertainment: 50+ Entertainers Who Overcame the Odds, by James Buckley Jr., Ellen Labrecque, Steffi Walthall (illustrator)

 Publication May 6, 2025

A diverse collection of entertainers who've achieved first in a field, ranging from current names we'd all know to older, past achievers in a wide variety of fields. The illustrations are simple yet realistic with colorful graphics and charts/boxes of info scattered throughout. Each artist basically gets a one page text into with a full color rendering of them on the next. See the cover for an example of those rendering, While I tended to flip through, stopping, going back and forth, and enjoying the illustrations as I browsed. It's well-written and gives a brief recap of who, what, and why they're included, so even artists you don't know are nicely introduced. 

I considered it a real plus that so many different fields were included. All types of people in all kinds of fields, each achieving in their own ways. Everything from Taylor Swift and her amazing Eras Tour and Lin-Manuel Miranda of Hamilton fame on the cover, to lesser known but equally amazing personalities like Megan Piphus Peace, the first female puppeteer on Sesame Street and Carol Shaw, the first female game creator for Atari. The fields are nicely broken down for you at the back, btw, with artists listed in their category. I might also note that while Miranda obviously gets a mention, he's included as part of the whole of the cast of the musical Hamilton, a nice nod to the diversity of that cast. I'd also somehow missed that musical artist Billie English has Tourette's Syndrome, a disease that makes her rise to fame all the more amazing given that vocal renderings are often impacted by the disease. And, never fear, there are "oldies" included, too. I liked that both Desi Arnez and Lucille Ball were showcased, for instance, including her becoming the first female president of a studio at the time, one that produced the likes of "Star Trek", I might add. 

These are just a few of the talented artists showcased here. It was a delight to be reminded how artists have broken barriers, including Geri Jewell, the first actress with an open disability to star in a television series and wheelchair actress Ali Stoker, who won a Tony for her role in the musical "Oklahoma". I can't leave out a mention of Peter Dinkage, either, who was born with achondroplasia, a rare form of dwarfism but hasn't let it slow him down. So many wonderful personalities to meet and, as noted, this is just a handful of those to get to know in this book. There's also a timeline as well as chart of categories mentioned, and a solid list of where you can find out more. Thanks #SourcebooksKids for allowing me an early peek at this fun book. I appreciated the author's reminder that more firsts are being created every day. I mean, it wasn't that long ago few of us had ever heard of poet Amanda Gorman, so let's keep our eyes and ears open for the next "firsts".

Cat Got Your Tongs, by Victoria Hamilton

 

Publication March 18, 2025

Although I was sure I'd read some of this series, as I read I realized that I seemed to be mistaken. As it turned out, it didn't matter as it works well as a standalone. While, yes, it did take me a bit to sort out the characters, of which there seemed to be many initially, I quickly found myself caught up in vintage cookware collector Jaymie Muller's life and situation. The idea of a cat colony high on a bluff over a river was intriguing, especially as winter weather set in. We even get to know a few of the cats' quirks and personalities and a possible future solution to lessen the numbers there to be cared for. Jaymie also has a dog, a three-legged Yorkie named Hoppy and daughter Jocie's cat Lilibet. The relationship between Jayme and Jocie is adorable and nice to see. Husband Jakob is in and out of the story but plays a minor role of simply being there when support is needed this go-round. I ultimately enjoyed meeting the cast of characters, even the snoopy ones, and how they came together as a community as needed. Heck, even seemingly cranky Haskell Lockland turns out to have more dimensions than we first imagine. 

As for the mystery/murder, it doesn't actually happen until you're nearly 1/3 of the way through the book but there's a growing sense of unease in the lead-up. Part of it comes from the ominous weather, yes, but we get peeks at activities that, well, let's just say seem highly unusual and surely illegal. By the time the first body is found, we're fully immersed in the happenings and, if you're at all like me, already considering whodunit. Jaymie's relationship with the local police force was a definitely plus. Nice to see the police treated with due respect and not somehow shown as being inept. Not only is Jaymie's love of animals obvious, but her sense of caring stands out as the story goes along. I mean, this woman doesn't hesitate to speak out on behalf of her town and friends, not to mention take on a major role in a major event with very little planning time remaining. She also seems to have learned from past mistakes, not always easy. Never poke a bear, indeed. Toss in some curious seniors, aging rock'n'rollers, shady business dealings, unpredictable felines, family emergencies, family ties, and, well, much more, an it makes for an intriguing mystery full of characters you'll like and humor (hope you like puns--grin), and you'll be hooked right up to the scary conclusion. Stick around, though, for the rest and a vintage recipe!

Bottom line, despite coming into this series late, I thoroughly enjoyed it. I'm a huge fan of character driven plots and this one had unique, well-fleshed out characters that I quickly came to like. While more a dog than cat person, I definitely enjoyed the story's focus on basically animal rescue/care. Reading of a potential option to help at the end made me hope to hear more of it in future books. Yes, I'll definitely be keeping up with this series from now on, not to mention checking the library for back installments. My thanks to #BeyondThePagePublishing for the advance copy that introduced me to Jaymie and her circle of friends, family, and pets. The setting was fascinating and, I might add, nicely introduced to us, and I'm looking forward to my next visit.

Finally Home, by Cortney Cino, Tim Deberd (Illustrator)

 

Publication May 6, 2025

With April coming up soon as the Month of the Military Child and May as Military Appreciation Month, this seems a good time to share this review. It's a touching tribute to the military. That definitely includes family members. Told through the eyes of a pilot's young daughter, the book nicely captures the depths of sacrifice and love that military families endure in the service to their country. The text is easy to read yet captures the growing sense of anticipation as the children await Daddy's return. You may find yourself about to burst with joy yourself as the jets land and methodically disembark.

Special kudos to illustrator Tim Deberd.  Largely using soft, comfortable, let's say cozy feeling colors, he uses many little touches throughout that bring to life the old cliche of "a picture is worth a thousand words". I won't mention them all but standouts for me were the calendar on the wall with the days X'd out as the big day approaches and the eager faces of a child leaning out of a vehicle as it approaches the checkpoint to enter the base for the reunion. There even seems to be dust kicked up by the children's energetic run to their father when he finally steps from the plane. Though focused on one family, the sense of joy on the faces will make you smile. Enjoy spying these little touches as you read and enjoy the lovely illustrations. Children are often overlooked when it comes to discussions of family sacrifice, so it was a delight to see Cino focus on them. 

Bottom line, it's surely obvious I thoroughly enjoyed the book. Well thought out and executed with touching, meaningful illustrations, it offers a sort of thank you to all who serve, families included. My sincere thanks to #WhimspireBooks and author #CortneyCino for sharing this book with me early. It was truly a delight and living in Alaska, a state with a heavy military presence, quite relevant to this day and age. I loved the final picture of the united again family having fun around the dinner table.

The Seaside Murders (The Secret Detective Agency #2), by Helena Dixon

 

Publication April 30, 2025

Review to come as this one is part of a virtual Book Tour. In other words, this is just a note to me when I finished reading. Second book of series and I'm finding it quite good, I will say. 

Across Yosemite’s Wilderness, by Laurel Munson Boyers

 Publication June 17, 2025

Although I hadn't quite planned on reading this one so early, it seems particularly relevant right now given the political minefield our national parks have been caught up in. While written much earlier, I felt the author's genuine love of the park, nature, and reverence toward all living things should be shared. While I've never been fortunate enough to visit Yellowstone, I have visited Denali National Park and thus grasp some of the awe Boyers felt being responsible for this natural wonder. The book focuses on what as her last mounted patrol of the full park after some thirty years as a ranger, some of it as the first female head Wilderness Management Ranger. And what a journey it was. More amazing, her history with the park goes back further. Her grandfather was one of those who welcomed Teddy Roosevelt and John Muir to the park in 1903, leading to it becoming a national park under President Roosevelt, and she was born in Yosemite Village. Although the iconic Yosemite Valley is probably most familiar to most, the park itself is nearly the size of Rhode Island and, as is noted several times, is definitely a land of superlatives. 

I won't detail the journey for you but it was a fascinating ride. As it progressed, stories were shared, both serious and humorous, such as Boyers' own encounters with the unknown as a ranger and tales of the park's history and people. That includes Native Americans, of course, who surely traveled those trails long before its well-meaning but not necessarily well-informed caretakers took over. Being in bear country myself here in Alaska, I had to chuckle at the tales of how many, many efforts were made to keep food sources away from the bears. Uh, hanging it in a tree is no guarantee as, like the ol' cartoon Yogi Bear, these black bears (Yosemite's grizzly population faded out, alas) were smarter than the average bear, not to mention ranger. In between the personal reminiscences and observations, we learn a great deal about the history of the area and its residents, too, not to mention how really, really difficult it is to erase human traces of a campfire and such. Did you know heat from a campfire can basically sterilize the soil beneath it? Or that former Fist Lady Laura Bush is a strong proponent of Yellowstone and, for that matter, national parks period. Largely personal photos illustrated the book.

Through it all, however, the thing that stands out is the rangers' abiding love of their jobs and how seriously they take their oath to protect the lands for all. Anyone who thinks rangers are simply props in cool uniforms has no clue all that is involved. They undergo serious training for a variety of potential problems, problems ranging from tourists determined to pet a buffalo (don't even think about it), to learning the history of not just the lands but the life on it, both plant and animal, and how to best care for it. Many are trained in search-and-rescue, law enforcement, fire fighting, ow best to present their site to visitors that often include political and world leaders, mountain rescue, ecology, wildlife behavior and care, and, well, so many more that I just can't list them all. Even in the case of this book we learn about those responsible for the care of the horses and mules used to cover tough terrain with dizzying drops along the trails, and how to keep the animals and humans safe. It all combines to following the mantra of both preserving and using the areas, often a tough, very narrow line. There are areas, for instance, in the park that have never been logged or had their trees harvested. Nature at her best.

Bottom line, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Boyer has an engaging writing style and utilizes both facts and humor, dropping in bits of history as we go, not to mention some of her own oops moments. I liked her. It was her obvious reverence for all that goes to make up Yellowstone National Park that played repeatedly in my mind, however, as I read. The emphasis of why we need places like Yellowstone. Why people seek out nature. How hard rangers work to keep it wild and free. That it belongs to the people, not the government. And, well, I could go on but it's a strong message of why we should be preserving our parks, not stripping them of resources and all that makes them so special to so many. Okay, off my soap box. My thanks to #TheGlobePequotPublishingGroupInc - #FalconGuides for the early look at this timely, meaningful work.

Espresso Shots & Murder Plots: A Lila Bennett Cozy Mystery (Mysteries of Mount Pleasant Book 1), by Audrey Alden

 

I see lots of potential for this series. Interesting characters with diverse interests and mind-sets, a quirky main character who cares, often too much, small town with a boat harbor, romantic potential, and an adorable Golden Retriever, Finn. Toss in a murder with all sorts of twists and turns, not to mention red herrings, and it was interesting to get to know the characters and setting. While, true, I wasn't quickly taken with main character Lila Bennett, she grew on my as the story went along. True, my eyes got lots of exercise rolling at her actions, but her heart is big and her sense of caring came through. I particularly liked how she managed to get books into the hands of young people who couldn't afford them, for instance. And, of course, I loved Finn, who plays a role and has a dramatic moment or two.

Lila was a big city investigative reporter, but rather than finding the guilty party, she is more focused on proving the innocence of friends who are potential suspects. True, she was the only one who suspects them but it's important to her to prove their innocence. It's how she does it that kept me rolling my eyes. Let's just say, there's nothing subtle about her questioning and soon her friends, the ones she wants to prove innocent, are chaffing under the weight of her technique. One becomes so frustrated they even report her to the police for harassment. Wait till you see who she accuses of sending her a threatening letter!

Bottom line, frustrated as I was with her methods, the mystery was good and the plot twists and turns kept my interest. Lila cares about people and ultimately accepts her own mistakes, showing her ability for growth. Her banter and easiness with friend and business partner Amy shows another side of her, too, as does her devotion and even willingness to die for her dog. While we don't get to know the surrounding cast of characters well this go-round, their interests and personalities show potential. Thanks #BookSirens for introducing me to Lila and her friends and community. I'm looking forward to following their adventures in the future. Hopefully my eyes won't be rolling as frequently next time. Grin.

You Can Never Die: A Graphic Memoir, by Harry Bliss

 

Publication April 29, 2025

Sitting here with my own senior dog pressed against my side, this was a book I went into with both anticipation and trepidation.  I first encountered Bliss, I'm sure, via his cartoons for The New Yorker magazine and though I enjoyed his artwork, never really paid much attention. That changed when I discovered he'd illustrated books for writer/comedian/actor Steve Martin. I recall then being taken by appearances of a dog called Penny but was never sure if Penny was real and, if so, who she belonged to.

Penny was Bliss' much adored dog. While this book would seem on the surface a memorial to her, I mean, that's her sweet face on the cover, it's really as much about Harry Bliss and his life and the people in it as his dog. Penny gets star billing, of course, which is only right. Originally more his then girlfriend, now wife's dog, we learn how she ultimately wiggled her way into his heart, but we also get to know the human side of Bliss, his career path, and those who've mattered to him, family, friends, and, yes, pets. So, it's really his memoir, the path made clearer by Penny's presence. Nor is it the tear jerker the title may suggest although, be prepared, Bliss shares his emotional goodbyes to not just Penny but his own family. In the process, therefore, we learn about the human behind the frequently humorous artwork, as well as the role one dog played in his life. And, yes, Steve Martin does make a couple appearances including mentions of his own bond with his dog Roger. Martin, who's rarely serious in public statements, turns thoughtful. In the process of reading, we get to enjoy countless drawings, many of Penny, as well as photos of family and friends throughout Bliss' life.

Bottom line, while focused on loss, the book is really about bonds we share as we live, yes, live. It's about life. His grief had me reaching out without really realizing it at moments for my own furry girl, but then he'd backtrack and share a real, usually humorous moment and I'd smile as I realized what I'd done. Don't let anyone tell you cartoonists can't write, in other words. I thought of a line I've heard used at frequent memorial services. To paraphrase, as painful as our loss in now, would you trade it for never having the chance to know them? Of course not. Bliss gets this and although his anguish over losing a beloved furry family member of some 15 years resonates loudly, so to does the theme of life goes on. He even introduces us to his new dog, Junior, still seemingly in puppy mode as the book was written. Somehow, I think Penny would approve. My sincere thanks to #CeladonBooks and author #HarryBliss for gifting me this meaning introduction to all things Penny and life. As long as we have our memories, "You Can Never Die".