New Review of Suspiciously Reserved

I'll be the first to admit I'm a bit obsessed with checking for new reviews of my books.  I decided to google the title of my latest publication, Suspiciously Reserved, and was delighted to find a new review on amazon.co.uk  Within the last year, Kindle has made my book available to readers in the UK, which had me very excited as two of my books are interpretations of Jane Austen's Emma and Pride and Prejudice.  Here is some of what Sarah Powell had to say:

"I liked Adkins' take on Jane, who comes across as likeable and long-suffering rather than too good to be true, while also remaining faithful to Austen's template. Frank and Jane's secret relationship is also touching, until the author falls prey to the familiar trap of apologising for Frank's behaviour after the reunion (in the original novel, he has no purer motive than simply wanting to have his cake and eat it!) Frank tells Jane, "It's far too soon to ask you to marry me. I sometimes wished we lived two hundred years ago, when this sort of thing wasn't so strange", which I thought was cute."

Powell had great recommendations for improvements to my novel as well as some heartwarming love for the book as well. I was especially pleased with this comment "I loved the scene where Emma and Knightley have their fight over Frank while playing a strenuous game of ice hockey on the Wii, with Jane listening distractedly in the background - very appropriate!" That is my favourite scene in the book as well.

Thank you so much to all of my readers who have posted reviews. It is truly a pleasure to hear what you think:)

Sarah Powell's review of Suspiciously Reserved

Zombiekins Review

amazon.ca

Stanley Nudelman finds a cute little zombie stuffy while shopping at the local witch’s yard sale.  He takes it home where his dog freaks out, but he thinks nothing much of it.  The next morning, all of his sister’s toys are mangled and ripped apart, so he takes Zombiekins to school.

Zombiekins is a fun read full of fantastic illustrations.  I’m pretty sure Bolger’s goal of reaching boy readers will be met with this tale.  I would not recommend it for younger readers as it is rather violent in parts. 

As an adult reader, I found the descriptions of teachers and especially Kindergarten very entertaining.  A favourite quote would be “In the Playhouse, one boy was pretending to be the kind of daddy who liked to wear an apron and bake mud pies, whil the girl he was playing with was pretending to be the kind of mommy who liked to throw dishes and yell at you to get a job (p. 97). “  Bolger certainly knows school culture!  His description of the staff room is also hilarious. 

Book Review: Hanging On To My Dreams

By: Arnold Henry, Saint Lucia’s First NCAA Division I Freshman Basketball Player

arnoldhenry.com

            This book is Arnold Henry’s autobiography of his basketball journey.  He was born and raised in Saint Lucia where he discovered his passion for basketball and then went on to be given a full scholarship to attend a military college in the U.S.  From there, he was chosen to join the University of Vermont NCAA team.  Unfortunately, accomplishing this dream did not turn out as well as Henry had hoped.

            I bought this book because I have met Arnold Henry, not necessarily because I am a big basketball fan.  I was most intrigued by his description of life in Saint Lucia and then his struggles coping with life in the United States.  I was appalled by the amount of racism he encountered, especially from coaches and fellow teammates.  I was saddened by his deep homesickness and loneliness throughout his journey.  It seems that schools that recruit international students should be better equipped to help them through the culture shock they experience. 

            He writes a very compelling story that earnestly captures his desire to improve his game, become part of a team, find love and provide for his family.  The ending leaves many questions unanswered and I hope a sequel will follow this captivating debut. 

Review of Restlessness by Aritha van Herk

This novel has a very interesting premise, which is the relationship between a woman and the man she has hired to kill her.  I loved the setting and found the descriptions of Calgary both hilarious and bang on.  I would categorize this book as literary fiction, which is nice once in a while; however, I would usually choose a story with more action and less internal monologue.  

A favorite quotation is "It's why the east won't take us seriously, because we dress up in cowboy clothes every Friday, like kids who've been given a set of cap guns." p. 79

Book Review - The Sorcerer's Letterbox by Simon Rose

www.simon-rose.com

A mysterious box has been in Jack’s family for hundreds of years.  One morning, Jack discovers a letter on a roll of parchment inside the box begging him for help.  The letter is marked 1483. A stranger arrives and gives Jack a metal wheel which unlocks the box’s power to transport Jack in time to the Tower of London.

This second book from Simon Rose, author of The Alchemist’s Portrait, is well-researched and strongly set in medieval London.  Jack is a brave, quick-witted, and likeable main character.  Short chapters and lots of action make this a great choice for reluctant, middle-grade readers.

Buy The Sorcerer's Letterbox!

Book Review - The Graveyard Hounds by Vi Hughes

From www.tradewindbooks.com

Strange things begin to happen the night Mike and Annie take their dogs to the school park.  First, Annie’s dog loses her bark, then the school playground burns down and next, the local church and graveyard burst into flames.  What is causing these strange occurrences and why does the principal seem to know more than he is saying?

The Graveyard Hounds is a quick-paced mystery story for middle grade readers.  Short chapters, charming illustrations, and lots of action kept me turning pages, even when I should have been cleaning the kitchen and making beds;)

Hughes has created brave, likeable characters and, as a former elementary school principal herself, reminds us why the word “pal” is part of principal! Buy Graveyard Hounds 

Review of The Alchemist's Portrait by Simon Rose

From www.simon-rose.com

When Matthew visits an art museum on a field trip, he is intrigued by an old painting of a Dutch boy.  Then the boy speaks to him.  So begins The Alchemist’s Portrait, an adventure-filled romp through art and history.

Matthew discovers that Peter, the boy from the painting, has been trapped inside his portrait by his evil uncle, Nicolass van der Leyden.  Now Peter needs Matthew’s help to go back in time and recover his uncle’s secret spell book.

I enjoyed this fast-paced fantasy story and especially the clever glimpses of history throughout.  A great book to introduce middle grade students to the past.

Buy The Alchemist's Portrait