Samantha Sanderson Off the Record by Robin Caroll Review

Book Description

The third book in an exciting series about a girl with dreams to become an investigative journalist, each book promises to touch on a crime straight from the headlines, while also tackling tough issues faced by middle-schoolers everywhere.

In this third book of the Samantha Sanderson series, the school's grades have been tampered with, and Sam must enlist Makayla's help in hacking the computer system to discover the virus that was used and who committed the crime. But when the lead suspect is her newfound friend, Felicia, Sam must choose between sticking by her friends at all cost or reporting the story as she sees it.

The Samantha Sanderson series is about an ordinary girl with extraordinary dreams. Each book touches on a crime straight from the headlines, from bomb threats to bullying, while following Samantha and her friends as they navigate middle-school and questions about faith.

My Review:

This was an interesting book for me. When I was younger I loved reading mysteries, but computer science did not play a role. In this book computers play a huge role, and are in the middle of the mystery. Even though this is a mystery there is more to learn. The moral of the story to be nice to all your neighbors, even your unfriendly coworkers or classmates was a good one to learn. There are also sub-plots about friendship, family and trust. This is a clean and fun book for kids and I liked that even though God was talked about it was in a fun way. The discussion questions at the end are great for kids and parents/teachers to aide in chatting about the story. I am giving this book a 5/5. I was given a copy to review, however all opinions are my own. 

River's Edge (Cape Refuge Series) by Terri Blackstock Review

Book Description

The man Lisa Jackson loved most may have betrayed her.

Another used deception to manipulate her.

But did one of them kill her?

Ben Jackson is sure to defeat Jonathan Cleary in Cape Refuge's mayoral race, until his wife turns up missing the day before a major debate. Suspecting foul play, Police Chief Cade launches an island-wide search. But it takes a psychic's "vision" to point police to the riverside-and Lisa's body.

The evidence implicating Ben in his wife's murder is convincing. But as a local scandal escalates into a national media circus, Cade's instincts tell him to dig deeper. And he's not the only one. Blair Owens of the Cape Refuge Journal is using her investigative skills to uncover a rat's nest of dirty secrets-and more than one person with a motive for murder. But Blair's methods are jeopardizing her relationship with Cade, and an unsolicited prediction from the psychic only adds to her troubles. Is the man's so-called gift truly from God, as he claims?

Did Lisa's murder have anything to do with the mayoral race, her husband's alleged affair, or her decade-long struggle with infertility? Whoever the killer is, he's about to take his evasion of justice to the next, lethal level. And someone else is going to die.

About the Author

Terri Blackstock has sold over seven million books worldwide and is a New York Times best-selling author. She is the award-winning author of Intervention, Vicious Cycle, and Downfall, as well as such series as Cape Refuge, Newpointe 911, the SunCoast Chronicles, and the Restoration Series.

My Review:

I have read some of this authors other books. and I was excited to read this one. This writer leaves me guessing and I have to finish the book as soon as possible. There were many different reasons why this woman could have been killed. The author led me on many twists and turns. I liked that the characters kept their faith as well. The characters had their struggles and I could relate to some of them. It is always a pleasure to read a great mystery and feel as though the characters could be your neighbors or even your friends. I am giving this book a 4/5. I was given a copy to review from BookLook, however all opinions are my own. 

How to Survive Middle School and Monster Bots By Ron Bates Review

Book Description

Sometimes, being smart just isn’t enough

It’s been a rough winter for Howard Boward, science genius. Not only is he caught in the crossfire of winter’s most dangerous weapon (snowballs), his best friend, Winnie McKinney, is mad at him, and the school bullies seem to have made it their personal mission to make life at Dolley Madison Middle School miserable. But when Howard’s teacher tells him about the upcoming robot-building contest, Howard can’t resist using his superior knowledge of science to gain an advantage, especially since he’ll be competing against archrival Gerald “G-Force” Forster. Unfortunately, the secret goo he uses to make his cardboard robot move turns it into a multiplying, vengeance-seeking monster. If Howard doesn’t stop the robot rebellion in time, they’ll ruin everything—including his friendships and the school dance.

About the Authors

Ron Bates is a novelist and humor columnist who writes about secret laboratories, monsters, bullies, robots, cafeteria food, and other perils of middle school. A former newspaper reporter, he is the author of How to Make Friends and Monsters, How to Survive Middle School and Monster Bots, the comic book series Brawn, and numerous poems and plays for kids who like to laugh. He lives in Texas.

Ron Bates is a novelist and humor columnist who writes about secret laboratories, monsters, bullies, robots, cafeteria food, and other perils of middle school. A former newspaper reporter, he is the author of How to Make Friends and Monsters, How to Survive Middle School and Monster Bots, the comic book series Brawn, and numerous poems and plays for kids who like to laugh. He lives in Texas.

My Review:

This is a great book for kids that love science. It also proves that bullies need to stopped. This book also has a great paranormal side that has robots and Howard not seeing eye to- eye. I liked the book, it kept me interested and it was perfect for young kids. There were crime scenes, school events and a contest! the ending was good and I am glad that the author also included some "old" references that only us adults might get! I am giving this book a 4/5. I was given a copy to review from Booklook, however all opinions are my own.

Samantha Sanderson On the Scene By Robin Caroll Review

Book Description

The second book in an exciting series about a girl with dreams to become an investigative journalist, each book promises to touch on a crime straight from the headlines, while also tackling tough issues faced by middle-schoolers everywhere.

A new addition to the Faithgirlz! trusted brand of books introduces readers to Sam Sanderson, an independent, resourceful, tech-savvy cheerleader and aspiring journalist, and Sam's best friend Makayla. They're ordinary 7th graders who enjoy shopping, texting, and going to the mall-along with sniffing out the next big mysteries to report in the school paper.

As Samantha and the rest of the middle schoolers prepare for the upcoming Spring Fest, "mean girl" Nikki faces the reality that her parents are getting divorced. It's hard for Samantha to sympathize because of Nikki's unkind reputation. But when Nikki becomes victim of a string of attacks, Samantha takes it upon herself and her super sleuth abilities to get down to the bottom of the bullying.

My Review:

I was able to read the first book in this series and an adult Quilts of Love book from this author. I have really enjoyed them and knew that I would enjoy this book. They mystery was easy to solve, but I am not the target age group. I liked that the author made Samantha a religious kid, that had to deal with every day issues like bullies. I liked the ending too, and the questions are great for kids to reinforce what they have read. I can not wait to read this book with my God Child and do a book report! I am giving this book a 5/5. I was given a copy to review, however all opinions are my own.

At The Movies by Robin Caroll Review

Book Description

The first book in an exciting new series about a girl with dreams to become an investigative journalist, each book promises to touch on a crime straight from the headlines, while also tackling tough issues faced by middle-schoolers everywhere.

A new addition to the Faithgirlz! trusted brand of books introduces readers to Sam Sanderson, an independent, resourceful, tech-savvy cheerleader and aspiring journalist, and Sam's best friend Makayla. They're ordinary 7th graders who enjoy shopping, texting, and going to the mall-along with sniffing out the next big mysteries to report in the school paper.

In this first book of the series, Sam gets the lead on a developing and controversial story when an explosive device is discovered in a local movie theater-controversial because this movie theater has recently come under attack by a renowned, outspoken atheist, for allowing a local church to show Christian movies at the theater. Sam's family has always been strong in their walk with the Lord, and Sam knows what she believes, but for the first time her faith is really put to the test, especially when she compromises her ethics as a journalist when she reports on the case her father is overseeing for the police.

My review:

I really enjoyed this book. I liked that the book was a mystery with a young girl as the main character. This was also fun to read because Samantha wants to be a Journalist like her mom, but also part detective like her dad, who is a cop. That is why when a bomb is found she takes the opportunity to solve the crime. However she does not realize how much is at stake. If she succeeds then she will have the perfect article for her school paper. How far is she willing to go? There are discussion questions at the end and this is a perfect book for a book club of middle grade girls! I am giving this book a 5/5. I was given a copy to review, however all opinions are my own.

The Kissing Bridge By Tricia Goyer Review

Book Description

In the third book in the Seven Brides for Seven Bachelors series, award-winning author Tricia Goyer introduces a surprising new resident to West Kootenai as a young woman escapes from her stifling conservative Amish community to find a new life. Rebecca is an Amish woman whose pained past compels her to leave everything to become a nurse—abandoning her family and community. Caleb is an Amish man who is counting down the days until hunting season. At a crossroads in his own life, the excitement of hunting game is all he looks forward to. All the while he wonders what to do with the rest of his life. Even though he likes the Amish lifestyle, what good is an Amish man without faith in God?

An unexpected meeting pushes them together, and they embark with friends on a two-week-long wilderness wagon journey. Hardship tears down the flimsy walls of protection they've placed around their hearts, and as their friendship grows they open up to each other and eventually reveal their deepest secrets. While on the outside they appear to be traditional Amish people, inside they both know they are anything but that. Will their secrets pull them together or draw them apart? And will their faith in God grow? There is a bridge to cross at the end of the journey. Will true love take them across?

My Review:

I liked this book because Rebecca and Caleb were so much alike. They were both ready to leave their Amish community because they thought that the grass was greener on the other side. What they did not count on was God having a plan fo them. God threw them together on a journey that only they could take. The more they traveled they realized that they were running away from their past only to discover their future. In order to plan for the future they must first tell each other the secrets of their pasts. This was a really good story. I am giving this book a 5/5. I was given a copy to review from BookLook Bloggers, however all opinions are my own.

The Amish Garden Anthology Review

Book Description

"Where Healing Blooms" Vannetta Chapman

Emma discovers a run-away teen in her barn, and the bishop asks her to provide a haven for a woman and her two children. Then her mother-in-law reveals a secret about her garden. Will Emma choose loneliness or learn to accept God's gifts?

"Flowers for Rachael" Kathleen Fuller

Rachael's garden is beautiful, but she is lonely. Gideon is in love with Rachael, but when Rachael finds her garden in shambles after a crisis, she rejects his help. Will she realize she doesn't have to do everything on her own?

"Seeds of Love" Tricia Goyer

When a corporation shows interest in buying Sadie's heirloom seeds, she panics. They are all she has left of her Dat and Mem. Eli believes he can help Sadie, but a misunderstanding leaves her heartbroken. Will she trust him again, and will the seeds of a new relationship take root?

"Rooted in Love" Beth Wiseman

Rosemary is doing her best to run her family's household. She excels at all her tasks except one: gardening. Saul has been interested in her for years, but Rosemary has turned him down repeatedly. Saul begins helping with her family's garden, but someone is sabotaging his efforts-and keeping a secret that could change their lives

My Review:

This was a great read. This is the seventh book that has Amish Novellas in this format. They each focus on a certain theme. This books focuses on gardens and how as a garden grows so does love. There is something about growing a garden. The flowery scents, the food that you get to eat, and so much more. Each of these stories had a special twist to them. From buried money to a special delivery there is so much to love. I highly recommend this book. I am giving this book a 5/5. I was given a copy to review from BookLook Bloggers, however all opinions are my own.

The Garden Gate By Christa J. Kinde Review

The Garden GateSeries: Threshold Series

By Christa J. Kinde
Published by Zondervan
The Pomeroys pull together in the aftermath of the storm that shook West Edinton---and Prissie’s faith---to its very foundations. Letting go proves difficult, and holding on takes all of her courage. With the encouragement of a brother who’s in on her secret, Prissie finds her feet. With the help of the bane who’s now a brother, she takes a stand. As spring comes to the orchard, a cryptic remark from Abner hints at West Edinton’s long-kept secret. A beloved aunt returns from overseas. A faded angel takes up residence atop the Pomeroys’ refrigerator. A treasured friend must say goodbye. While ranks of the Faithful rally to defend what’s most precious, Prissie discovers that angels aren’t the only ones who are Sent.

My Review:
For me this book was all about good against bad and the people around you that help you get through it all. Prissie has a support system, and people that are there for her when she needs them. I really liked how the author made me feel like I lived in the same small town as Prissie. I got to know the people that live there and the author created a world that I could escape into. I would love to read more from this author and series. I am giving this book a 4/5. I was given a copy to review from BookLook Bloggers, however all opinions are my own.

Butterfly Palace by Colleen Coble Book Review

Elegance and wealth. Privilege and politics. The extravagance of the Butterfly Palace overwhelmed Lily’s senses and nearly smothered her painful memories. She pushed away her misgivings . . . She was perfectly safe in this huge house.

Austin, Texas—1904: Abandoned by the love of her life and still mourning the loss of her mother, Lily Donaldson has turned her back on the pain and come to Austin for a fresh start, working for the Marshall family as a kitchen maid in their luxurious mansion, the Butterfly Palace. The tasks before her are legion, and her mistress less than pleasant, but at least Lily’s new life will be, if nothing else, distracting.

But one night, while serving at a dinner party, Lily recognizes the man who abandoned her, Andy, her liaison from the livery stable, the blacksmith’s son . . . sitting among the distinguished guests. Though he recognizes her, Andy does not acknowledge her aloud, and Lily is left reeling, flabbergasted, and irate.

But before she can get an explanation, the path of the Servant Girl Killer swerves very close to the Butterfly Palace, sowing terror among the maids. Having come to Austin to start anew, Lily suddenly feels trapped in a spider web. How can she know who to trust in a house where lies come dressed in fine suits and deceit in silk gowns the colors of butterfly wings?

My review

Lily Donaldson found herself in Texas in 1904  having gone there because she needs to Even her life is not easy but she is able to ignore her troubles, for awhile.  Lily sees the man who left her at a dinner party at her place of employment. When he ignores her even though he knows her Lily is horrified. Then a person called the Servant Girl Killer is near her place of employment making all terrified. Who should Lily trust? I give this book a 4/5. I was given this book for the purpose of a review from BookLook Bloggers and all opinions are my own.