Favorite Books: November

This is the latest in the “Charmed Inn Mysteries” series and if you haven’t read them, you should be! Though each book is a stand-alone, you really need to read the first two in order to get the full understanding of what’s going on. Roxy runs a small family B&B In a small town on the Susquehanna River. There are several family members who help her run the place, but the brunt of the work falls to Roxy. Oh, and there’s a resident ghost in the basement who you can contact through a payphone hidden behind a secret panel behind the welcome desk. Roxy’s family all have “powers”. Roxy’s is getting cryptic answers from books. When she asks a question, if a book throws out sparkles, she picks it ups and words pop out into the air to answer her–unfortunately, the message isn’t always easy to figure out. She also has a boyfriend, Dean, whose brother and his two kids live in the guest cottage behind the inn. And a cook who can be quite grumpy at times. Misty Simon never fails to entertain with her wry wit and saucy sarcasm to go along with a darned good mystery. A lot of cozy mysteries come across on the serious side, but not Ms Simon. You will giggle if not outright laugh at the shenanigans in her books. If you want to smile while being entertained with a puzzle, pick up any one of her mysteries.

This book takes up where the first one left off. Though you don’t need to have read the first one, I strongly suggest that you do – you won’t be disappointed and it will add a lot to this one. When you first start reading this one, you may think it’s an old-fashioned historical western. It is a “western” in that it takes place on a ranch in Wyoming, but it takes place in today’s world. Speaking of worlds, the author does an amazing job putting us there on the ranch and in the surrounding area. There are storms (a lot of storms!!) to deal with, the bitter cold, the dry heat (and fire danger), wild animals, and more. And do yourself a favor and pick up the first one “Chance’s Return” to get the whole experience of Chance, Casey, and the people at North Star Ranch.

 I love this book. So much so that I’m going to buy the paperback to replace my ebook because of the story. I so enjoyed every chapter/part of this book. The characters, the world building, the plot – I loved it all. It really struck home for me – maybe because I’m both an avid reader, a writer, and a librarian. It resonated with me on multiple levels. This is such an imaginative book full of fun, twists, and gentle mystery. It is a love story – not just between Rainy and Duke, but between writer and reader. Between you and the book. And as Rainy is fond of saying: “All stories are love stories if you love stories.” Thank you.

“Pencils Down.”

I absolutely love Kelly Fletcher’s books. And this one is no exception. From the first meet between Beverly and Ridge in the elementary school library, even the Fates knew these two belonged together. Okay, so it was just a little hokey when she spilled her coffee on his shirt and the stain ended up in the shape of a heart But it was also kismet. Beverly and Ridge have issues – especially Ridge. Not just because of his job, but secrets in his past. But they face their troubles with courage and aplomb, including small-town Beverly being thrown into the spotlights that come with dating a handsome star. But, as in all of the author’s romances, there’s a happily ever after ending that satisfies.

If you’re looking for a sweet romance that makes you smile and go “awww”, pick this one up, and the other books by this author. You won’t be sorry.

Favorite Books: October

I love this author’s works, but this one was a little dark. Actually, very dark. In this one, a husband and wife have to face their pasts where a young woman was killed. But who killed her? Or was it an accident? There are so many twists and turns in this story—in a good way—that keeps you turning the pages. It encompasses all the issues in a psychological thriller: obsession, secrets, revenge, suspense and more, as well as delving into the past and present. Not all of the characters are someone I’d want to invite to tea, but they are relatable (to an extent).

I live in an area populated by the Amish and Mennonite and many of the recipes in this book are reminiscent of the area. I loved the stories and memoir-like pictures as they bring back memories of stories my father told of growing up on an Amish farm. There are also plenty of color pictures to go with many of the recipes which help. As for the recipes themselves, they are clear, concise, and easy to follow. The author includes such ones like Shoo Fly Pie, Whacky Cake, Tapioca Fluff, Apple Fritters, and Whoopie Pies and so much more. Okay, not all of them are strictly Amish, but they are sooo good. The only slight drawback is that there is no nutritional information, but these are not recipes for the diet conscious. They are full of fat, sugar, and so much deliciousness that you can’t help but enjoy them — on occasion.

Favorite Books: September 2025

Juliet can’t wait to graduate from high school and finally move on with her life. Five more days and she’s free. She gazes out the window while her history teacher, Mrs. Johnson, drones on about war, famine and lack of water in Africa. A gong rings, startling Juliet out of her daydream. She looks around to see if it was one of her classmates pulling a prank when a little boy carrying a spear appears. Is he a ghost or something more? He pleads for her help and before she can argue, she is transported to a small village in Africa. History comes alive like never before and Juliet must decide how she can help Noko and his village before it’s too late. Thirsty for Water: A Short Story tells the story of Africa and the need for water in an approachable way for children of all ages. A great learning tool for teachers, parents and libraries.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57146750-thirsty-for-water

I love this series. I love the characters, the lodge and campground, and the town. I want to live there! Okay, enough about that. We are back in the Northwoods at the Cooper Campground with Emmy Cooper and her family. It’s Christmas and everyone is amped up to get the town decorated for the annual Covington Christmas Celebration. Unfortunately, a dead body wearing a Santa suit in the restaurant owner’s office could put a definite damper on things. Even though Emmy promises her boyfriend, cop Dean, that she won’t investigate, how can she not? I love Emmy and her family and friends. The town is definitely a Hallmark setting. You feel like you’re really there in the town with them. And the ending leaves you with a smile and a good feeling. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/241121011-yule-regret-it

I had a lot of fun with this story. I don’t know if you’re too young to remember, but years ago, there was a TV show called “Remington Steel” where a young woman created an imaginary man to be the head of her detective agency. This book has a similar premise in that the two sleuths – Marty (Martha) Hudson and her friend Irene Adler use Sherlock Holmes as their boss, but he is conveniently always out of the country. Oh, and the Moriarty siblings are Marty and Irene’s rivals in the PI business (thought technically, Marty and Irene are not PIs).

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If you’ve never used the original “The Artist’s Way” book, this is a good place to start. It basically takes all the information from the book and breaks it down into daily challenges then adds inspirational quotes and prompts to get you moving on what you want to do. As in the book, the author suggests writing morning pages—three pages, handwritten, first thing in the morning. But she also encourages you to take walks, make artist’s dates with yourself, and to be open to creativity. In addition, there is an appendix at the end that gives you 52 ideas for your artist’s dates in case you can’t think of one yourself. I’ve been in love with the Artist’s Way for years and this is just a new addition to the group. One suggestion, though, I’d get this as an actual book rather than as an e-book. I think that would make it easier to work with. Just my opinion.

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This is a beautiful book. Focusing on natural subjects like birds, animals, flowers, etc. The lessons contain vibrant pictures and clear explanations. You start with the first week with a simple sky with clouds and end up 36 lessons later with the advanced prickly pear cactus flower. It’s a comprehensive book that is great for beginners or amateurs looking to hone their skills with watercolor. The front chapter introduces the types of paint, brushes, and paper you need. The author stresses that you should purchase the best you can afford. I wish she had offered more budget-friendly options, but I understand the need for quality materials. She also gives you a list of other supplies that are helpful for the artist. I liked how each lesson gives you the techniques to be used, the materials and colors needed, the steps from first drawing to finished project.

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Favorite Books: August 2025

This was such a fun story. I loved that Jamie Bond’s father was so sure she was going to be a he, that he named her James when she was born. Though she goes by Jamie. I also enjoyed the play between Jamie and her father, Derek. He was a successful P.I. until someone wanted him dead. Jamie left a high-end modeling job to come home to take care of her father and take over the P.I. business. They mostly work divorce cases, but Jamie is determined to find who shot her dad, which gets her into a lot of trouble. The action is good, the suspense ramping up until the end with a sort-of satisfying ending. But also with a tiny thread left dangling that we know there will be more to come. Something I am definitely looking forward to. Amazon

THE POISONED KING:  This was an amazing fantasy story aimed at YA readers, but as a senior adult, I really enjoyed it as well. It is the second in the series and you don’t need to have read the first one to know what’s going on, but I strongly recommend that you do, if only to enjoy more of this world. The world building is excellent with impossible animals, scenery, and events to capture your imagination. I especially loved the creatures – especially the royal birds and the gesture language they taught to Anya, the princess. And I laughed out loud at the Harpy for a librarian! The story is peppered throughout with imaginative images and there is an extensive section at the end of the book that shows what the animals look like and describes them and their abilities. Christopher is back in this second book, but the story is more about Anya – though it takes both her and Christopher working together to solve the problems they are faced with. There is a lot of action, adventure, treachery, and revenge—and finding out what your true self is. And the ending definitely satisfied.

The story has the usual crazy family members – Sally’s father Dom who runs the local funeral home and has suspect taste in clothing and social graces; her mother who’s more into fashion than anything else; and her grandmother who can take on anyone, including Ice Pick. Though Sally swears she’ll stay out of the investigation – after all, she has a new baby to consider — that doesn’t happen. Which puts her, her best friend, and one of Guido’s daughters in mortal danger.

Yes, the story, like all the other ones in the series, is full of stereotypes. But it’s so much fun that you have to laugh at it all. And thank goodness for Sally’s grandmother who keeps everyone together, taken care of, and fed! I want her for my granny!

This is a lovely story about two people who have a shared love of art, but come from two different backgrounds. It is a deep romance that shows a lot of conflict between the two until they can put their differences aside and let love conquer all.

I am very familiar with this author’s books – and have been in love with her work from the beginning, and this book is no exception. The world building/descriptions put you right there on the farm with George and Madison. I could almost smell the lavender in the fields. The way she introduces George and his neurodiversity is well-done. And having an autistic person be the hero of the story was so touching. I love the way she introduces him, and the back-and-forth between him and Madison. Plus Madison’s journey from big-city land procurer to farmer’s love interest is perfect. The last scene in the book was the crème-de-la-crème. A HEA ending that leaves you smiling.

Misty Simon never fails to entertain with her witty cozy mysteries. They not only have the mystery, but quirky characters that make you laugh. Yes, there are dark moments – like the murders – but there are also lots of lighter times that let you know these characters could be real people. 

This includes a story within a story. The main character, Aubrey, is a new writer attending a private writing retreat being hosted by Willow Fox, a famous author. Aubrey is excited to be there, but there are a lot of underlying tensions that she picks up on. The book opens up with Aubrey working on the first chapter of her book, “Murder for Shore”, a cozy mystery. But after the first workshop, a real murder mystery occurs as Willow ends up dead. Aubrey’s friend, Jenny, is the prime suspect and she feels that it is up to her and her other two friends to prove to the handsome detective Tate that Jenny is innocent. But there are a lot of suspects and everyone seems to have a secret—and a motive. When Aubrey and her friends go snooping, they discover that even the building has secrets. As the mystery unfolds, so does Aubrey’s writing so you get to read Aubrey’s story as she’s writing it. (But it’s not finished before the book is, so you need to read the entire one in “Murder for Shore”.

This was an interesting premise to a story in that it’s written by the main character of another book! I love that the character says who her favorite authors are, including the publisher of this book. LOL The story is actually a good one full of mystery, secrets, and a touch of romance. I also loved that the hero of the story comes across as neurodivergent (autism?) in the beginning but his love for Daphne brings out the hero in him. And there’s a decent ending to both the mystery and a HEA for the romance.

Favorite Books: July 2025

July was a really good month for five star books!!

This was written in first person/(mostly) present tense so you feel like you are really there with Gabby as everything is happening. Gabby is sixteen years old, in her junior year of high school, and a very intense cross-country runner. She is also 5’11” tall and obsessed with being as small as some of the other runners. Since she can’t do anything about her height, she goes about controlling what she eats so she can be the same weight as them. Which means she is basically starving herself. This is a really sweet YA story that shows all the angst teens go through bullying, trying to fit in, to be the best at something, to date, etc. It also shows how all that angst can lead to serious food issues, especially in female athletes. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/231475869-a-whisper-in-the-trees

I’m usually not a fan of western romance, but this book just made me change my mind. It’s sweet, inspirational, and has a HEA ending that satisfies. The story is set on a ranch near the Teton Mountains in Wyoming. I love the characters but the real draw to the story are the descriptions of the land and the beauty of the mountains. Almost makes me want to take a trip out there! https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6607474-chance-s-return

I love these stories set in the Northwoods of Wisconsin at the Cooper’s Cove campgrounds. I love Emmy and how clutzy she is, her hunky cop boyfriend Dean, and her best friends. Plus her whole family. Emmy is a great character. And this town sounds like a great place to visit.
Well, except for the murder(s). This was a good cozy with lots of interesting characters and a satisfying ending. I am definitely looking forward to more books in this series. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/212705759-dead-white-and-blue

This is a story full of action, emotion, betrayal, secrets, and more. There are also giants, fairies, and, of course, dragons. For a YA, it is fast, intense, and full of adventures. If you like fantasy with great world building and characters, pick this one up. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/232702990-dragonborn

 This would be a good book for anyone wanting to learn more about Tarot decks and how to read them, not just teens. It is easy to read and to understand, though I will admit to being a little confused with the same key words for multiple cards. I appreciated that it was based on the Rider-Waite decks, but the author offers input on using other decks, and even creating your own deck. The author walks you through understanding what Tarot is – and isn’t, how to do a reading, different spreads (all nicely illustrated and explained), and what the cards are from the major arcana to the minor ones. In the back, there is a reference guide and resources to explore further. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61678847-guided-tarot-for-teens

Favorite Books: June 2025

I loved this book! It’s the first in a new series and is a paranormal cozy mystery. Roxy Gleason has taken over her family’s inn at her grandfather’s request. Roxy is what’s called a bibliomancer which means books give her clues to different things, not just in the pages, but sometimes shining in gold letters that hover above the books. That gift will help her solve the problems she’s facing and still keep the inn’s reputation. I loved the characters. They are fun (especially Roxy’s grandfather!) and there’s a bit of romance going on, which is a nice addition. I also love that the story takes place in Millersburg along the Susquehanna River in Pennsylvania, an area I actually know well. A place that has the last ferry that crosses the Susquehanna. Adding this touch of reality to the story enhances the setting. And the satisfying ending doesn’t hurt. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/216374564-by-hook-or-by-book

This is the perfect sequel to the author’s first book “Secrets, Shame, and a Shoebox”. Actually, it’s more a continuation of the story but from a different point of view. In this one, we’re following Kate (Katherine) instead of Harriet, though their stories are definitely intertwined in ways you can’t imagine. Adopted as a baby, Kate goes through the tragic loss of her family at age fourteen and ends up under the guardianship of her uncle Jack. Unfortunately, his job doesn’t allow him time to have a family, so he sends Kate off to boarding school. Though school isn’t awful, all she thinks is that she’s been abandoned again and she starts to plan her getaway. This is an amazing sequel to the first book and definitely worth reading if you’ve read the first–which you really should do, first. And I hope there is more coming for the people in these books. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61103030-the-twenty-one-year-contract

Mackenzie is a single mom who barely makes ends meet with a teenage daughter and a pushy mother. She inherits a run-down apartment house in Boston from her uncle and moves in. While going through her uncle’s office, she discovers he was a PI who left a journal about what it takes to be one. Determined to make a better life for her and her daughter (who has the same name), she decides to become one. And thus the fun begins.This is a light-hearted, fun cozy with a satisfying ending. I look forward to more from this author. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30629456-sleuthing-for-a-living

I actually enjoyed this one more than I did some of the others. In this one, Merry and the girls travel to Australia to a sister city to meet with the teen mayor there and help her with her recalcitrant council. Merry and her best friend Kelly plan to spend their time doing the sights – and maybe finding a koala or two (which they do at the zoo–and on the way to the airport). The girls are all teamed up with their matching Girl Guides in town and go about sightseeing and helping Sheila, the mayor, out – which they do to great success.  https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/236506509-marsupials-are-murder

Favorite Books: May 2025

This is a clever, well-constructed story that is part current time, part glimpses into the past. A past that is both true and tragic. Based in part on actual events that occurred in South Dakota in the 1880s and the 1970s, the story centers around the Pine Ridge Lakota tribe. As the daughter of a history buff, I grew up knowing about Wounded Knee and the events that transpired there. In this book, Sierra Masters’ old flame, Hunter, shows up at her home one day with photos that shock her and change everything she ever knew. Hunter is a film documentarian. She discovers that she was adopted and that her parents were part of the fight between the Native Americans and corrupted government. The descriptions of the Badlands are beautifully done, putting you right there in that stark landscape. But what really draws you in are the descriptions of the massacres that took place and the awful treatment at the hands of the white men. The terror and devastation are real. And Sierra “sees” it all as it happened. An evocative story with deeper meaning than just a good read – though it is definitely that. I also loved the reading list at the end so the reader can find out more information on this period of history.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58926515-whispers-through-time

This is the fourth book in the author’s Haunted Shores Mysteries. In this one, the main character, Darrell, his wife and 5-year-old son, Leo, drive from Maryland to Michigan to help his aunt celebrate her eightieth birthday. Along the way, Darrell discovers that his son has inherited his “gift” of being able to see ghosts. At a stop outside of Pittsburg, they visit a historical site of the Monogahela tribes… helping out these ghosts is the last thing Darrell wants to get involved with. Unfortunately, the fates have different plans for him as both he and Leo see the ghost of the missing Sheila and learn that she is not the only one to have gone missing recently. While trying to enjoy family time, they discover there are darker things going on in the small town of Saugatuck and the surrounding area.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/233778534-red-shadows-at-saugatuck

 I loved this story! I was expecting your standard cozy, but this is so much more. From the main character being part of a secret government experiment earlier in her life that lets her see ghosts, to the digital coding (and learning new words about it!) and the Russian mafia. She starts a business doing crochet and pulls in her best friend, juvie sister (Oona), sister’s friend (Jasmine), and the elderly Mary’s from the local church to help. Her brother is a cop and his partner is a hunk (of course). They find Jasmine’s boyfriend and his brother dead and the fun (not!) begins. There really is a lot going on in this story (loved the hidden basement!) and I can definitely see more books coming for Breezy and her “team”. This one has a satisfying ending with a surprise twist. Yes, it all may be a bit much for some people, but I really did enjoy this. And the crochet pattern at the end is a bonus. Definitely going to try that one.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/127466841-first-time-s-a-yarn

Wow. This book grabbed me from the first page and didn’t let go until the last. Luma is a good character, as are the others in the story. She is the one the elves have been looking for for twelve years—the one who will help free them from the wizards of another world who want to take over their world. There is action (a lot!), treachery, friendship, and even a dragon! She has to figure out how to come to terms with the fact that she is an elf and her life on Earth was an unfortunate accident of fate. She has no memory of before she got there, or of her powers, or how to use them, but everyone is depending on her to save the elf world. Unfortunately, there are just as many people who don’t want her to do it. If you’re looking for a decent fantasy story with lots of twists and turns, treachery and friendship, long lost love, and a war that could end multiple worlds. Or help them. Then you need to pick this one up. Definitely worth reading. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/231904027-daughter-of-starlight

Oy vey! What a fun story! This is the second in a series and takes place at a Jewish home for seniors. Rose is at it once again with her friends to figure out who killed the nasty Vera Gold and why. It may be the day for atonement, but that’s not happening. I absolutely love Rose and can “hear” her voice in my head as I read (she sounds a little like Barbra Streisand in “Funny Girl”). There a lot of Yiddish terms that the author does a good job of explaining without being over the top with it. And a few misses on Rose’s part – like when she talks about the Hippo laws (HIPAA). The imagery puts you right there, for instance when talking about the big store surrounded with a black moat lined with white stripes (parking lot). https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59695699-a-pain-in-the-tuchis-a-mrs-kaplan-mystery

This was a really good murder mystery with lots of suspects and lots of family angst going on. I found it interesting that the two sisters who live there are very protective of the youngest sister’s 3-year-old son to the point that they won’t let Jess near him. They eventually reveal that he is autistic and doesn’t take well to strangers. The author had me guessing until the very end – which I loved. And there was a satisfying ending that lets you know the family will be a family in total as Jess realizes that she needs to be there for hers. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/200055363-my-old-kentucky-homicide

Favorite Books: April

Wow. There are not enough words to describe how intense and fantastical this book is. It is full of angst, passion, action, danger, betrayal, and more. The world-building is beyond scope, drawing you immediately into Kel’s world. In this one, all the action centers around phoenix birds. Yes, the mythological birds that burn to a crisp, then are reborn. Only in this one, they are huge and are used by riders in races. Flaming races that can get you killed. From the first page where Kel, a trainer, is racing her phoenix, Savita in order to earn enough money to save her home, you are drawn into her world. An unfortunate accident gets her rider killed and she is forced to take on another rider—Coup—an arrogant rider with too much attitude. But there’s something about him that both draws Kel and repels her. They, along with Coup’s brother and Kel’s best friend reluctantly agree to work for a large company who can provide Kel with everything she needs to save Savita from being taken away for her debts. But it comes with a price that might be too high for them to pay. The only downside I found to this was the end – and the missing epilogue in this ARC. I really, really wanted to know what happened to Kel and Savita! Maybe in the print version? Or a second book? I hope so.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/215700931-of-flame-and-fury


Welcome to the Sunny Side Up Diner, where the jukeboxes jive and the secrets thrive…

 I fell in love with this series with the first book and this one was a good addition. In this one, Jax is trying to help her best friend Dani prove that Dani’s mother didn’t kill off her old enemy. They come up with a lot of suspects, but almost all paths lead to Nancy (Dani’s mom). As bad as Dani’s relationship is with her mom—and it is nasty—Nancy is still her mother. So Jax, her new beau Eliot, Dani, and Dani’s new boyfriend Ian go into sleuth mode and look for the real killer. But there are a lot of snags along the way. Like threatening notes left on Jax’s windshield.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/223920338-put-another-crime-in-the-jukebox

My Favorite Books: February 2025

A Valentine’s Day mystery full of sassy ladies, cute shoes, and even a cameo by the incomparable Betty White!

What a cute short story – just perfect for a quick read on Valentine’s Day (or any day). Maddie is tired of her husband (homicide detective) cancelling their plans at the last minute so she plans a special night just for them – but she has to help solve the death of Dana’s friend Peach before Maddie’s husband can get the night off. And it turns out to be a lot different than she thought!

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10333985-sweetheart-in-high-heels

This is an excellent book to begin with for the study of numerology. There is a lot of detailed information on each number and how they can apply to our daily lives. She even included a small section on how each number applies to the tarot, astrology, and gemstones. I would have liked more on this, but that was such a minor detail that it didn’t make a difference.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/220239054-guided-numerology-workbook

FROM MARCH:

This was a fun read that I really enjoyed. Any young teen who enjoys a good mystery will love this one. Skylar is a 13-year-old girl who loves solving mysteries (thanks to her detective grandfather). Her parents buy a ramshackle mansion that once belonged to an heiress whose last words were that anyone who is brave enough to follow the clues will find her jewels – so that is what Skylar sets out to do, even when faced with a gang of thugs who are out to beat her to the jewels.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53033394-the-mystery-of-the-hidden-jewels

This was a good paranormal romance. And the first one I’ve read with Bigfoot as the hero. But the author did such a good job with building the world, that it works and works well. In this one, Marnie is a librarian who was “downsized” from her job when another one pops up in an ad. Before she knows it, she is headed for Mystic Springs as the new head (and only) librarian. Then things get really strange. On her way there, she has a flat tire – and swears she saw Bigfoot. And the people in the small town—quite a few of them—aren’t exactly friendly to her. Except for a few, like Susan, who invited her there, and Eve, who runs the local diner, and then there’s Clint. A lumberjack-type man who captures her interest, and her heart.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/52890945-bigfoot-and-the-librarian

 

How would you like to have a top-level writing workshop for less than twenty bucks? You’ll get that in this book. You’ll find activities to help you consolidate ideas, create characters, develop settings, and come up with a plot as well as write and revise your novel. No, you will not write a full novel in seven days, but you will find strategies to help unblock you, if needed, or get going on that novel. The author gives you advice in a clear, concise manner that you can come back to again and again. It is useful for both the beginner and experienced writer.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/218115898-the-one-week-writing-workshop

These are a Few of my Favorite Things…

It’s time once again for the favorite (5*****) books of the year. Over the next few days, I’ll highlight my favorites for the year. I ask you to remember that reviews are subjective. What I love, you may not, and the opposite is true as well. But here we go:

JANUARY:

The Traveler’s Guide to the Lucky Gryphon: Recipes and Regalings

Hello there, traveler! Welcome to The Lucky Gryphon, the most magical tavern in the Crossroads. We’ve been expecting you. Your quest is keep this book safe. What you’re holding is a journal unlike any other. This book will reveal some of the tavern’s history, as well as scraps of insight on mine and Minthie’s origins. There are even some personal notes from the others that call The Lucky Gryphon home. “A Traveler’s Guide to The Lucky Recipes & Regalings” is a cross between a fantasy storybook and cookbook. Accompanying each recipe is a short story detailing the recipe’s origin, lore about the tavern, or a personal tale from one of the tavern keepers, Quincy and Minthie. With over 60 illustrations depicting everything from savory meals to sweet desserts, delicious drinks and easy snacks, there’s something in here for every foodie. From the archives of Minthie’s Library to you, this book is perfect for any fan of magic, fantasy, and food.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/198923676-a-traveler-s-guide-to-the-lucky-gryphon