Rating: 5 stars Best Staged Plans by Claire Cook is a novel that's about finding out what is important in life (tips for staging one's home and clearing out clutter are also included). Sandy and her husband have raised their two children and are ready for a new stage in their lives. At least, Sandy … Continue reading ‘Best Staged Plans’ by Claire Cook
Month: March 2015
Seven Year Switch by Claire Cook
Rating: 5 stars In Seven Year Switch, Claire Cook really makes the reader care about Jill, a single mom. Jill is a single mom because her husband, a fellow inveterate lover of world travel, took off to continue his travels without her and their three year old daughter, leaving behind an empty bank account and a … Continue reading Seven Year Switch by Claire Cook
‘The Queen of the Tearling’ by Erika Johansen: Beautiful adult fantasy saga
Rating: 5 stars Erika Johansen's debut novel, "The Queen of the Tearling" is a masterpiece. It's about a time in the future when society has devolved into something like the Middle Ages -- no modern comforts but lots of nobles and poor common folk. Into this mix comes the Queen, a nineteen-year-old girl named Kelsea, … Continue reading ‘The Queen of the Tearling’ by Erika Johansen: Beautiful adult fantasy saga
Exclusive interview with author Michael Grant
Michael Grant was in town (Chicago) for a few days as part of his world-wide tour for his trilogy, 'BZRK.' He was also willing to discuss 'Fear,' the latest in the 'Gone' series. Grant has answered many questions about BZRK on different websites including bookmachine.org, so this interview is about Grant himself, not just his books. … Continue reading Exclusive interview with author Michael Grant
‘Here Comes the Easter Cat’: A picture book not just for Easter
Rating: 5 stars "Here Comes the Easter Cat" by Deborah Underwood and illustrated by Claudia Rueda is an adorable and extremely clever book about a cat who longs to be the Easter Bunny. He is jealous because everyone loves the Easter Bunny. So the cat explains to the narrator, through facial expressions and a series … Continue reading ‘Here Comes the Easter Cat’: A picture book not just for Easter
Interview with Ilsa Bick, author of fabulous YA book Ashes
(Please note: This is a reprint of a 2011 interview) Ilsa Bick, the author of "Ashes," a wonderful new YA title about survival and morality when civilization is coming to an end, met with me to talk about her life, her writing, and what's next. Bick is an animated speaker, and after a day … Continue reading Interview with Ilsa Bick, author of fabulous YA book Ashes