Chocolate Crinkle Cookie Murder by Trixie Silvertale.

Cindy Claus is back in another new Christmas Catastrophe novel. The Christmas Carnival has not been held in Silver Shoals in many years, not since a collapse of the ice castle had caused the death of a young girl. This year, the city council voted to once again hold the carnival and added a number of additional security precautions and inspections before opening the event to the full public. But during the trial “soft opening” event, there is a collapse of the ice castle, killing the councilwoman who cast the deciding vote that allowed the festival to be held once again.

I read a review copy of this book and very much enjoyed it. One of the most amusing aspects for me about this book was the fact that not only do we get to enjoy Cindy Claus and her arctic fox Artikoa, but this book is a crossover story in which Mitzy Moon and her husband Sheriff Erick Harper happen to be vacationing in town and visiting the festival when everything happens, so we get to see a team-up of Cindy and Mitzy as they work together to solve this mystery, using all their special skills and abilities to do so. And as a fan of the Mitzy Moon books as well as the Christmas Catastrophe series this book was even more fun than either series on their own has been so far.

I really enjoyed seeing familiar characters from both series working together in this book. And getting to learn a bit more about the backgrounds of their furry companions (Artikoa and Pyewacket as well as Pyewacket’s association with Mitzy’s mentor, Silas) was a nice bonus for me. I hope that we will get to see another crossover between these two series at some point.

As with Ms. Silvertale’s other books, this one was a very fun read. I actually finished it in two days, barely being able to put it down so that I could sleep at night. (In other words, I really enjoyed reading this one.) It was fun, with enough twists and appearances of characters from both series to keep me curled up and reading long past my usual bedtime. And one of the best parts was the delicious sounding cookie recipes that were included at the end of the book. I have not yet tried making any of them, but they sound absolutely delicious and easy to make.

This is a book that I believe anyone who has read any of Ms. Silvertale’s other books, and especially either the Mitzy Moon books or the Christmas Catastrophe books will enjoy. I know I absolutely loved reading this one, and am looking forward to whatever this author writes next.  I would strongly recommend this book, especially during the holiday season so you can try baking the cookies to share with your friends and family.

Amazon requires me to state that I have an Amazon Associates account that I use to generate the links to the books on their website. Purchasing something after following those links will earn a few pennies for me off the sale, though as of yet I have not earned anything from my Amazon Associate links.

The Dawn Chorus by Karen Menezes

The Lightbender has survived the events that took place in the borderlands of Capherayna, though the trauma he experienced during that time remains. He has avoided dealing with his own pain, though he continues to travel and help the sick or injured wherever his journey takes him. This time, it has taken him to one of the cities that he has usually avoided. And in this book, he makes new friends, lovers, and even attempts to see what life might be like if he were to stay in one place. But staying put or even forming a long-lasting romantic relationship seems to be against his nature.

I read a review copy of this book, and while I enjoyed it more than I did the first book in this series—now that the worldbuilding was completed in the first book, it was easier for me to get into the story—I still feel that it lacks something. The writing and editing were good, but there was no rise or fall of action within the plot. And as near as I can tell, this book seems to be about The Lightbender helping others who are hurting, sick, or traumatized, yet when it comes to his own emotional pain and trauma, he appears to simply push it aside and try to ignore it. Or maybe he is simply trying to pretend it is not there at all?

While the tales told during this story are interesting, it feels like everyone other than the Lightbender, with his help, manages to grow and improve, though he is the central character of this book and what ties everything together. He does not seem to allow himself to heal or seek out or find someone who can help him through his own trauma. He simply seems to keep on as he always has … helping those around him and not allowing himself to truly become tied to any person or place. I did at one point think that I had run across a subplot that would allow him to confront the parts of himself that he kept seeking to hide or avoid, but that tidbit seemed to go nowhere, or maybe simply fell to the wayside. (And no, it doesn’t involve the temporary romances he has in this story.)

I have hope that it will come about in the next book and be resolved there, but with nothing changing and him not appearing to grow/heal in any way, for me it made the book feel rather flat. There was no rise and fall of action, and though he did seem to help those around him, more than once I wondered, where this story was going. Yes, we learn more about what happened from the king about what he suspects was going on during the events of the first book, but that was more stories being told without anything actually happening. As interesting as what I read was, I wanted to know what the point of it all was. As I mentioned, The Lightbender was clearly the central figure that drew everyone else around himself together, but for what purpose? Was it so that he could heal them while still avoiding dealing with his own pain? I’m still not certain I know the answer to those questions.

Amazon requires me to state that I have an Amazon Associates account that I use to generate the links to the books on their website. Purchasing something after following those links will earn a few pennies for me off the sale, though as of yet I have not earned anything from my Amazon Associate links.

Civil Unrest by C.R. Buchanan and Jason Diamond

This third book in the WolfStar series begins with tension growing between the Armada humans who have befriended the Dah’Sel and the Vee’Sal who view humans as demons. It’s hard to blame the Vee’Sal for this opinion, given that the Uprisers from Kep Four managed to steal one of the interstellar ships that brought humans to this world and proceeded to attack everyone they could. The Uprisers desire to destroy the members of the Armada and any intelligent life on this planet in order to claim it for themselves. But unlike the Dah’Sel, the Vee’Sal view all of humanity as one. And as far as they are concerned, if the friendships and the growing ties between the Dah’Sel and the Armada are not broken, war between not only the humans on this planet will be inevitable, but also between the two native clans will break out for the first time in generations. The Vee’Sal want all humans gone from their lands.

I read a review copy of this book and enjoyed it just as much as I did the previous two books in the series. It says a lot about the members of the Armada who have befriended the Dah’Sel and have sought not only their help, but to help them wherever they can as well. The Armada has not sought to force the Dah’Sel to submit to them, nor have they tried to change them. Rather, they have sought to learn the ways of this new world and to try and live accordingly. But with the interference of the Uprisers, it has become clear that not all of humanity seeks to change and belong. Too many seek to dominate and rule. And this is causing a great deal of conflict and damage to this once peaceful world. It makes one wonder if the nature of humanity is conflict? And if so, can that be changed somehow?

There is a lot happening in this book. And not all of it is about conflict, for one member of the Dah’Sel and one member of the Armada have been growing closer. So a secondary theme in this book seems to be about the power of love and friendship. But is a relationship between the two even possible if the other clan is so determined to see the humans---all of them---gone?

This is a book that is both entertaining and gives one a lot to think about when it comes to the nature of humans. The characters were very interesting, and the differences between the two native clans was clear. Yes, there were similarities between the clans, but when I think about it, I can see that it isn’t solely humanity that can have a combative nature. It’s more about how each individual chooses to live, peacefully and in harmony with those around us, or against those who are different, whether or not those same people may seek to befriend and help others. And of course, there is the issue of trust. And that might be at the heart of at least some of what happens in this story.

While this book does bring a potential conclusion to this part of the story, I expect that there will be more to follow. The ending of this book leaves us with the perfect setup for a new or continuing part of the characters’ stories. And I, for one, am looking forward to learning what is next for the humans, the Dah’Sel, and the Vee’Sel who live on Wahlor. I believe that anyone who enjoys reading science fiction, stories involving multiple cultures trying to coexist near each other, stories involving fighting for not only survival but what the fate of those living on the planet will be, or who has read and enjoyed the previous two books in the WolfStar series will likely enjoy this book as much as I did.

Amazon requires me to state that I have an Amazon Associates account that I use to generate the links to the books on their website. Purchasing something after following those links will earn a few pennies for me off the sale, though as of yet I have not earned anything from my Amazon Associate links.

The Assassin’s Saint by V.C. Willis

Dante and John are “laying low” in Terahime. John was gravely wounded as they escaped from Fallen Arbor after having returned Princess Sonya to the Capitol where she can secure her crown and remove those who are against her being crowned as Queen Sonya after the death of her father, the king. Though they have found somewhere safe where he can heal, John cannot seem to shake the infection that has been ravaging his body. While they are trying everything to help, Dante is working every job he can in order to pay for their place to stay and the medicines to try and help John heal from his near-fatal injury. Dante begins fighting in the Blood Exchange as a means to earn some extra coin and to gain experience in another fighting style. The winner of the tournament will be declared the Blood Champion of Terahime.” That title will open more doors for both Dante and John, as well as bringing them more support in their continuing battle against Fallen Arbor. That is, if Dante can win and they can both survive to continue their journey.

I read a review copy of this book and enjoyed it. I will start out with a content warning, as this is not a book meant for younger readers. It does contain some graphic M/M sex scenes as well as a fair amount of violence. But for all that, it is a very interesting story, especially if you have read the previous books in the series. I enjoyed learning more about what happened to Dante’s older brother Ashton as well seeing as some of the little easter eggs hidden within the pages of this book. (Hint: if you are familiar with the names of some of the other 4 Horsemen Publications authors and staff members, you will find some of them hidden as characters in this book, just as you will in the previous books in this series.)

While there is a fair amount of violence in this story (Dante is a Guild Assassin, after all), there are also stolen romantic moments between John and Dante, showing their humanity and the depth of their feelings for each other. Dante is a good man, one who would do anything in order to keep the love of his life safe. And John would do the same for him.  I enjoyed seeing this side of the two of them, as well as watching them grow as individuals and doing what they needed to do to survive, all while not forgetting about those they promised to help along with those who have helped them along the way.

I especially enjoyed some of the advice from those who came to know the two men during their stay in Terahime. Whether or not they knew who Dante and John really were didn’t truly matter, they were both respected for the help and caring they showed to others in the community. And in return, they were given advice that I think could easily apply to many of us reading these books … if we are paying attention and realizing that it is meant for more than just the characters in the story.

I think that anyone who has read and enjoyed any of the previous books in this series, as well as anyone who enjoys romance (especially if they do not mind that the romance is between two men and includes some graphic sex), would enjoy this story. I know I found it to be an enjoyable tale to read and am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.

Amazon requires me to state that I have an Amazon Associates account that I use to generate the links to the books on their website. Purchasing something after following those links will earn a few pennies for me off the sale, though as of yet I have not earned anything from my Amazon Associate links.

Shadowrun: Through the Decades Edited by Jennifer Brozak and John Helfers

This book is an anthology of Shadowrun stories whose settings span the decades. The first story in the book is set in the 2020s and each following story jumps forward to the next decade. Some characters did make appearances in multiple stories, though as expected, not as the main characters in the stories written by other authors.

It has been a very long time since I last read a Shadowrun novel or played the Role Playing Game and had forgotten how much I enjoyed both. So for me, this one was a great reintroduction to the Shadowrun universe. These stories were very well written and quite enjoyable to read. I loved the progression of stories through time, including getting to see some of the characters make appearances in multiple stories. I recognized a few of them from when I last read and played Shadowrun, and I look forward to reading more of these books in the future.

I believe this book would be enjoyed by anyone who plays (or who has played) the Shadowrun role-playing game or has enjoyed reading any of the books in the past. If you haven’t read the books or played the RPG before, this book is a great introduction to the Shadowrun universe.

Amazon requires me to state that I have an Amazon Associates account that I use to generate the links to the books on their website. Purchasing something after following those links will earn a few pennies for me off the sale, though as of yet I have not earned anything from my Amazon Associate links.

Licking the Spoon by Candace Walsh

This was an interesting memoir of one woman’s life experiences and her relationship with food and family through the years. Within her life story, we see her evolve from a young girl who goes through a great deal of life difficulties into a woman who has found happiness and a healthier relationship with food as she grows and changes through the years. I found this book to be well written, and at times both heart-wrenching and heartfelt. The author clearly had a very complicated life, as well as a love of cooking.

At times, I found her story hard to read, mainly because it seems to me that she was abused while still a child, and as she grew up she seemed to be developing an eating disorder that was complicated by her love of cooking a wide variety of types of foods. And though she didn’t appear to ever seek help for the eating disorder or have it too negatively affect her life, she did seem to overcome the triggers that caused her to experience the same pattern of eating problems while seeking therapy for some other personal issues.

I wanted to bring this up here because the patterns of abuse and eating disorders may be triggering for some readers. And while I felt for the author, as she struggled to overcome both these issues and the circumstances that periodically seemed to repeat and bring them back, it did make some parts of the story difficult for me to read. Those sections happened during what seemed to be some of the darkest points of her life. And again, she did find her way through and emerged stronger and healthier by the end of the book. And for that, I do applaud her.

The book is not entirely dark or depressing as she does have a number of happier memories and times that are talked about in her story. And the ending of the book is one where we do get to see her happy, healthy, and with something that should put a smile on anyone’s face.

During this book, the author talks about a number of cuisines that she grew up eating and cooking over the years, and those recipes are included in the last chapter of this book for anyone who would like to try them. (They do look like they would be quite tasty, so whether or not this book is one that is right for you, the recipes at the end still make the book a worthwhile read.)

I feel that this book would be a good choice for anyone who enjoys reading biographies about real people and the issues that they must overcome during their lives. It would also likely be enjoyed for the variety of recipes at the end of the book.

Amazon requires me to state that I have an Amazon Associates account that I use to generate the links to the books on their website. Purchasing something after following those links will earn a few pennies for me off the sale, though as of yet I have not earned anything from my Amazon Associate links.

The Unsuitable Amish Bride by Samantha Price

Cherish Baker has a problem. The reporter that she thought was her friend has threatened to publish the story of Caroline/. Between that and the other stories that he has learned about Cherish’s family through conversations they had shared, she doesn’t know what to do; those stories would create a scandal among the Amish community. After calling her elder brother Earl to ask for his help, Earl and his fiancee Miriam come to the Apple Farm for a visit and to secretly try to help Cherish find a way to convince the reporter not to publish his stories. Miriam is older than Earl, and as such, Wilma and her friends believe that she is not a good bride for Earl and seek to find more appropriate partners for both Earl and Miriam.

As with the previous books in this series, I greatly enjoyed reading this book. There is a good deal of drama happening throughout both plotlines, intertwining them beautifully to keep readers wanting to know what will happen next. Much of the conflict and ensuing drama was only to be expected, given what we have previously learned about the various members of the Baker/Bruner family. And to be fair, the problems were of their own making. After all, when a family member brings home his fiancee to meet the family, trying to break them apart to match them with other people that his stepmother might feel were more appropriate is never likely to go over well, no matter how well-intentioned Wilma’s motives might have been.

And as for Cherish, it has always been her inability to watch what she says and to whom that gets her into trouble. Though to be fair, we do see some personal growth for her in this book. She is finally beginning to learn when not to say things that will only cause more conflict or drama.

Anyone who enjoys stories about the Amish, Amish romances, or who has read any of the previous books in the Bonnet Sisters series will likely enjoy this book.

Amazon requires me to state that I have an Amazon Associates account that I use to generate the links to the books on their website. Purchasing something after following those links will earn a few pennies for me off the sale, though as of yet I have not earned anything from my Amazon Associate links.