SONSHINE GIRLS - Book # 1 SUMMER SECRET by Author Rene' Morris.

Summer Secret is the first in a series of books that showcase four young girls as they share their summer before entering Junior High School in the fall.

Charli, Anna, Jessica, and Kristen set up fundraisers to earn money for church camp; they have sleepovers, and deal with the awkwardness of being thirteen. The church bully continues her reign of being rude and hurtful to the girls. Anna tries to “make-over” her friends and this causes tension throughout the book. The girls also learn how to deal with everyday issues and respond in a Christian manner.

Rene’ Morris’s debut novel of using Christian principles to deal with issues faced by young girls will have fans waiting anxiously for the next adventure of the Sonshine Girls. Ms. Morris is definitely a new, Christian author on the rise. If you’re looking for a new series for your daughter, this is it. The Sonshine Girls is similar to The Babysitter’s Club but with a Christian attitude.

THE SELKIE AND THE SIREN by Author Cillian Burns

Cillian Burns is a new author on the rise. Biologist Duncan MacDonaly, a Scottish Selkie shapeshifter from the Shetland Island seals, is developing a strain of oil-immune fish to help his clan survive.

Carli MacLeod thinks she wants a career, not a man. Her magazine is her life until she meets Duncan. Carli asks him to model for her magazine's cover, he accepts because he needs the money. As they spend time together, he falls in love with her and she with him. However, he must find a way to be completely human if he wants to follow his heart. Some strange nocturnal happenings at his laboratory pool cause Carli to wonder if he is a Selkie or a human. Will the answer to this destroy their love?

Ms. Burns has written an engaging, interesting story that will draw you into the hero/heroine's lives. She puts an interesting twist on the Selkie legend that leaves you no choice but to keep turning the page to see how their story ends. A must read that will keep you interested from the first to the last page.

Small Town Affairs

SMALL TOWN AFFAIRS
By
Joyce Brennan

Joyce Brennan has written an engaging, interesting, totally fulfilling novel that keeps you turning the pages to see what has transpired with the people in Rexford.

You immediately fall in love with the main characters, Olivia and Mitch. Their story is electric and captivating from the first moment the two meet. You will cheer them along hoping they can work through the problems and surprises that present themselves throughout the story.

The author introduces you to various characters from Rexford and the surrounding small towns. They all become important parts and people in the story and make the small town come alive with personalities. While the main focus of the novel is the romance between Olivia and Mitch, the author skillfully shows all the happenings and intrigue of small town drama.

This is definitely a keeper that will stay on my book shelf as one of the best I have read in quite some time. Congratulations Ms. Brennan.

White Holly

White Holly by Lady Gray is a warm, loving Christmas tale that brings to life a new version of the Santa story and how it came to be. The author has presented a beautiful memoir tribute to her father and the tender story he told of her birth.

This story captures the holiday spirit in an easy-to-read poem format. The detailed illustrations by D. A. Melvin bring this enchanting tale to life. Once you start the story you simply cannot stop until the end. The author and illustrations move you seamlessly from one scene to another.

This will be a keeper to be shared each Christmas with those you love as you wait for Santa to arrive at your home. White Holly is a fascinating story that will entertain all ages and become a cherished treasure. This book will be part of our Christmas books that come out to be read time and again.

Beth's Fella

This is a delightful, charming memoir that Frances D. Strong has written. Beth’s Fells is a beautiful coming-of-age story that follows the life of a girl and her best friend, a beautiful horse. It details how the girl dealt with her life as her sight began to fade more and more as she reached adulthood and had a family.

This book is written in an easy-to-read style that lets you feel like you intimately know the family. The characters are well developed and pull you right into the action of the story. You come to love these people and cheer Beth on as she meets every challenge with strength and spirit. The illustrations by Kay Payne help to move the story along as you vision the different happenings in Beth’s life.

Beth’s Fella is a book young people will enjoy reading. It teaches about horses and those that love them. It also helps children learn how to deal with disabilities. Thank you, Ms. Strong for sharing your story with us. This book will be on many shelves as a keeper for a long time

The Little Candy Breathing Dragons

This book is a charming, feel-good story about two candy breathing dragon sisters (Nay-Nay and Maj) who set out exploring one day and find themselves helping others they meet along the way.

Ms. Gloria Clark has gently dealt with subjects such as handicapped animals (a dog with no feet and a blind cat), as well as lost animals (the lion and dragon) and helping a deer get out of a well. She uses religious words to help convey to the reader how they can show acceptance, helpfulness, and faith. The moral of the story that is, “you must be kind to all you meet and help others when you can, for no good deed goes un-noticed and being kind is so easy to do.”

The Illustrations by Bobbi Switzer are beautifully drawn in full color and definitely help the story come alive.

The Little Candy Breathing Dragons is a keeper- book that will be read many times over and reside on many children’s book shelves for years to come. Ms. Clark is a new author whose books will charm and enlighten many lives.

THE ORANGE SLIPKNOT

THE ORANGE SLIPKNOT
By Jan Young
Illustrated by Pat Lemkuhl


The Orange Slipknot is an easy-to-read modern day story about ranching in the western United States told through 12-year-old Ben’s eyes. This is a great coming-of-age story where Ben learns the tough realities of being responsible for his own actions which results in his being treated as a man on the ranch.

The illustrations by Pat Lemkuhl are beautifully done, enhance the story and are placed strategically throughout the story bringing more effect to it.

There is a glossary at the back of the book to help understand some of the usage of specific ranching terms. Ms. Young has written a story that definitely allows the reader to learn and experience life on a western cattle ranch. This will be a book that stays on many young adults bookshelves as a keeper. Congratulations, Ms. Young.