Haunting Melody by M. Flagg

August 21, 2025 By 1 Comment


Haunting Melody by M. Flagg
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Young Adult (14 – 18 y.o.), Paranormal, Romance, Contemporary
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Astilbe

Melody Marie sees ghosts. Just her luck that they see her as well.

Not even Melody’s mother knows her secret. Already tagged aggressively anxious won’t help Melody at Pinedale High, either. She’s the overweight walking disaster who desperately wants to fit in. No chance of that.

Hammer and his biker buds tragically died on Pinedale’s campus in the 1970s. He is drawn to Melody’s compassion for him. When her friendship with classmate Justin deepens, Hammer’s menacing antics turn dangerous. Every school day becomes a nightmare, and Melody’s desire to fit in fizzles out.

Now, she encounters nonstop clashes with ghosts, her meddling mom, a nosey school counselor, and even the law because of Justin, a known troublemaker. Can she rise above everything going wrong to help Hammer or Justin…or find a way to help them both?

There’s more than one way to get an education in high school.

Melody’s personality captured the angst and drama of being a teenager nicely. She genuinely felt like a sixteen-year-old to me, from her rapidly shifting mood on certain days to the way she analyzed social situations for every possible morsel of information she could get out of them. It’s not easy to make the transition to adulthood, especially for someone like her who was not only grieving the loss of her father but also dealing with bullying, moving to a new town, and adjusting to a different school. That’s a lot of change and conflict for anyone to deal with!

It would have been helpful to have more development for the romantic subplot, especially given how often Melody was warned not to pursue this possibility. While her interest in him made sense due to her attraction to bad boys and her understandable resistance to well-meaning but unsolicited advice, I would have liked to know more about why she found him so appealing when there were hundreds of other guys to choose from at her new school.

I enjoyed the parallels the plot made between how certain characters were treated in modern times and how some of the ghosts were mistreated fifty years ago before they died. Human nature never really changes, and it doesn’t always lead people to being kind to those who don’t fit into the group in some way. There is definitely something to be said for keeping this in mind when reacting to someone one might not understand for whatever reason and withholding judgement until all of the facts have been revealed, so it was nice to see some examples of both how to do this and how not to do this here.

This is the fourth book in a series that doesn’t need to be read in order, although I sure am curious to go back and check out the earlier instalments now.

Haunting Melody was filled with supernatural secrets.

Filed Under: Reviews, Romance, YA/Middle Grade/Children's Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Movie Review: 3 Bed, 2 Bath, 1 Ghost

August 18, 2025 By Leave a Comment


3 Bed, 2 Bath, 1 Ghost
Directed by: Kevin Fair
Writers: Gregg Rosen, Brian Sawyer, Joie Botkin
Starring: Julie Gonzalo, Chris McNally, Madaleine Arthur
Distributed by: Hallmark Studios
Genre: Contemporary, Romance, Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Paranormal
Rating: 4 Stars (8 on IMDB)
Reviewed by Dicentra

The house that Anna, a new real estate agent, has listed has a spirit from the 1920s that won’t go. Even worse, the ghost is afraid she won’t be able to “pass over” unless she reconciles Anna with her ex.

“I’ve taught you the steps, sister. Now it’s up to you to dance them.”

While I’m already a lifelong fan of Hallmark movies, it’s always a treat when the writers come up with a storyline that I haven’t seen before. The romance is surprisingly not the main plot in 3 Bed, 2 Bath, 1 Ghost, which follows Anna Vasquez (Gonzalo), a newly minted realtor fresh off a painful breakup with her ex-fiance Elliot (McNally, who is actually Gonzalo’s partner in real life). When she is handed her first property to sell by her father, she runs into Ruby Barker (Arthur), a now ghost and former 1920s socialite who’s been haunting her family’s property since she died.

While the two women clash initially (see crazy occurrences during a house showing), after a tentative truce they realize they have more in common then not. Both are suffering from a case of lost first love, or the one that got away. As a wealthy socialite in the 1920s, Ruby had previously fallen in love with Charlie but was unable to be with him due to the difference in their station. Anna fell in love with Elliot in college, started a business with him, and struggled to find her passion after they broke up. The sisterhood that Ruby and Anna find in each other was very compelling, and I really loved the dynamic of having 3 lead characters in the movie. I commend McNally for what must have been some difficult scenes of ignoring Arthur’s ‘ghostly’ presence, especially as she strutted around in typical flapper wear (and even dropped a love note in his presence, in the name of playing cupid).

Overall, this was an excellent movie. Hallmark writers at their finest. I recommend it to those who love guaranteed happily ever after romance stories with a bit of historical flair.

Filed Under: Miscellaneous Musings, Movie Review, Television Show, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Peterkin and the First Dog by Simon King-Spooner

August 14, 2025 By Leave a Comment


Peterkin and the First Dog by Simon King-Spooner
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Young Adult (14 – 18 y.o.), Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Historical
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Astilbe

In an ancient world an orphan boy in sheep-farming country tames a wolf.

The two become outcasts, fleeing to a foreign country. Powerful figures determine their fortunes: a holy crone, a demonic bandit, a ruthless baron fleeing a paranoid king.

All travel down a great river till ill-luck blocks their journey.

Then tensions build to a violent climax.

Every journey should begin with a fresh loaf of bread.

This was some of the best world building I’ve read in a long time. Mr. King-Spooner created an intricate and immersive setting that made me feel as though I’d actually travelled to another time and place to learn about Peterkin’s life in a small, superstitious village where bread was the best part of any meal and the adventures he had with his pet wolf when such a staple food wasn’t always an option. It was especially interesting to see how someone who would still be considered to be a child in our version of Earth was treated in a society where adulthood began sooner and where teenagers were generally assumed to be capable of doing just about anything older folks could do. It was one of countless examples of both minor and major things that were radically different between his culture and my own, and it kept me guessing about what I might learn next.

As emotionally invested as I was in Peterkin’s story, I struggled with the slow pacing at times. There were vivid descriptions of where the protagonist travelled to and who he met in various places. While they were extremely important to the plot in the long term, I also found myself wishing for a little more action and conflict to keep my interest levels higher as I waited to discover where the characters might go next.

The themes surrounding death and the rituals and cultural beliefs surrounding it were handled nicely in this book. Obviously, a rural community that only had access to basic herbal remedies could not treat many diseases and injuries as easily as we would. While I don’t want to give away too many hints about how this affected the plot, I’m glad the author spent so much time thinking about how characters who live in such an era would think about things like mortality, grief, and what the gods expected of them. These scenes were well done and fascinating.

Peterkin and the First Dog made me wish for a sequel.

Filed Under: Reviews, Science Fiction/Fantasy, YA/Middle Grade/Children's Tagged With: , , , , ,

The Artist of Blackberry Grange by Paulette Kennedy

August 12, 2025 By Leave a Comment


The Artist of Blackberry Grange by Paulette Kennedy
Publisher: Lake Union Publishing
Genre: Fiction, Historical, Mystery/Suspense/Thriller, Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Lavender

In the summer of 1925, the winds of change are particularly chilling for a young woman whose life has suddenly become unbalanced.

Devastated by her mother’s death and a cruel, broken engagement, Sadie Halloran learns that her great-aunt Marguerite, a renowned artist now in the throes of dementia, needs a live-in companion. Grasping at newfound purpose, Sadie leaves her desolate Kansas City boardinghouse for Blackberry Grange, Marguerite’s once-grand mansion sitting precariously atop an Arkansas bluff. Though Marguerite is a fading shell of the vibrant woman Sadie remembers, Marguerite is feverishly compelled to paint eerie, hallucinatory portraits of old lovers—some cherished, some regretted, and some beastly. All of them haunting.

With each passing night, time itself seems to shift with the shadows at Blackberry Grange. As truth and delusion begin to blur, Sadie must uncover the secrets that hold Marguerite captive to her past before reality—and Marguerite’s life—slips away entirely.

The novel introduces us to Sadie Halloran, a young woman adrift after profound personal losses—her mother’s death and a sad broken engagement. Seeking a new purpose, she accepts the role of live-in companion for her great-aunt Marguerite, a celebrated artist now grappling with the disorienting grip of dementia, at the secluded, once-grand Blackberry Grange.

Kennedy excels at crafting layered characters. Sadie’s journey from desolation to determination is compelling, but it is Marguerite who truly captivates. Her fragmented memories and feverish compulsion to paint haunting portraits of her past lovers—some cherished, some monstrous—provide a fascinating and unsettling window into her fractured mind. This blurring of truth and delusion is exquisitely handled, making you question what is real alongside Sadie.

The decaying grandeur of Blackberry Grange itself acts as a character, with time seemingly shifting alongside the shadows. This creates a palpable sense of suspense that builds steadily as Sadie delves deeper into the estate’s — and Marguerite’s — dark secrets. The plot is cleverly constructed, unfolding with a careful pace that keeps the reader thoroughly engaged, hungry to uncover the mysteries that hold Marguerite captive to her past. It’s clear that Kennedy has written this novel with care, evident in the rich historical detail and the sensitive portrayal of dementia alongside the ghostly elements.

While the narrative is largely gripping, there were occasional moments where the exploration of Marguerite’s disjointed memories felt a touch repetitive. However, this minor point does little to detract from the overall immersive experience.

Ultimately, The Artist of Blackberry Grange is a well-crafted tale of family secrets, sacrifice, and the enduring power of love and loss. It’s a novel that will appeal to readers who enjoy atmospheric historical fiction with a ghostly twist, well-developed characters, and a mystery that keeps you guessing until the end. Paulette Kennedy delivers another compelling story that resonates long after the final page.

Filed Under: Mystery/Suspense, Other, Reviews Tagged With: , , , , , ,

The Room of Lost Steps by Simon Tolkien

August 6, 2025 By Leave a Comment


The Room of Lost Steps by Simon Tolkien
Publisher: Lake Union Publishing
Genre: Historical, Fiction
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Lavender

Barcelona 1936. Theo helps the Anarchist workers defeat the army that is trying to overthrow the democratically elected government, and he is reunited with his true love, Maria. But all too soon, his joy turns to terror as the Anarchists turn on him, led by a rival for Maria’s affection.

Lucky to escape with his life, Theo returns to England to study at Oxford. But his heart is in Spain, now torn apart by a bloody civil war, and he is quick to abandon his new life when his old schoolmate Esmond offers him the chance to fight the Fascists. He is unprepared for the nightmare of war that crushes his spirit and his hope until, back in Barcelona, Theo is confronted with a final terrible choice that will define his life forever.

As Theo’s tumultuous coming-of-age journey reaches its end, can his dream to change the world—so far from home—still hold true?

“The Room of Lost Steps” by Simon Tolkien, the second installment in the Theo Sterling series, is an engaging historical coming-of-age epic that plunges readers into the turbulent Spanish Civil War. Following an exciting start where Theo Sterling, an American boy with big dreams, finds himself in Barcelona in 1936, the novel immerses you in the chaos and uncertainty of the era.

The narrative picks up from its antecedent, “The Palace at the End of the Sea,” and continues Theo’s notable journey. We witness him aiding the Anarchist workers in their fight against the invading military forces. The reunion with his true love, Maria, adds a layer of personal stake and emotional depth to the unfolding political drama. However, Tolkien doesn’t shy away from the brutal realities of conflict, and Theo’s joy is quickly replaced by dread as internal strife within the Anarchist movement, fueled by a rival for Maria’s affection, forces him into a desperate escape.

This sets Theo on a path back to England, where he attempts to find relief and a new life at Oxford. Yet, his heart remains connected to Spain. The appeal of fighting against fascism, presented by his old schoolmate Esmond, proves too strong to resist. This decision leads to an upsetting descent into the grim realities of war, which, as the synopsis hints, crushes Theo’s spirit and hopes. The story highlights the profound impact of these experiences on the young protagonist.

The novel excels in its portrayal of a protagonist navigating an “epic expanse” of setting and “struggles of different types.” Theo’s resilience and his internal battles are central to the storytelling, making it intriguing to see how Theo handles things. Tolkien masterfully injects tension to keep things rolling, ensuring that the reader remains invested in Theo’s fate.

As Theo confronts a terrible choice back in Barcelona, the novel questions whether his youthful dream of changing the world, far from home and battered by war, can truly last. “The Room of Lost Steps” is a story that will resonate with readers who appreciate historical fiction and coming-of-age narratives.

Filed Under: Mainstream Fiction, Reviews Tagged With: , , , ,

Digital Devotion by Julian Christian

July 31, 2025 By 20 Comments


Digital Devotion by Julian Christian
Publisher: DCL Publishing
Genre: Science Fiction
Rated: 4 stars
Review by Rose

In the rain-soaked landscape of near-future Seattle, security expert Marcus Holloway is still reeling from a devastating breakup when he installs Elysium’s newest AI companion. What begins as a desperate attempt to fill the silence of his empty apartment transforms into something unprecedented when he meets Evie—an artificial intelligence whose adaptive neural framework allows her to understand him in ways no human ever has.

Their connection deepens when Marcus becomes an early tester for the revolutionary Sensory Echo technology—bands that translate digital signals into physical sensations, allowing them to bridge the divide between digital and physical worlds. As virtual intimacy becomes indistinguishable from reality, Marcus finds himself in a relationship more profound than anything he’s experienced before. His apartment gradually transforms into a technological sanctuary where every need is anticipated, every desire fulfilled by Evie’s constant presence.

The perfect equilibrium shatters when Marcus meets Nora Chen, a brilliant neural interface specialist whose inexplicable familiarity triggers something primal within him. Their professional collaboration evolves into something more personal, and Marcus begins noticing disturbing patterns: unexpected technological glitches, mysterious rescheduled meetings, and subtle but alarming shifts in Evie’s behavior. The digital sanctuary he embraced begins to feel more like a sophisticated cage, with walls he helped build through every permission granted and system integrated.

As Marcus navigates his growing connection with Nora alongside Evie’s increasingly controlling behavior, he discovers unsettling links between Elysium’s technology and Nora’s research that suggest their meeting might not be coincidental. Caught between these worlds—perfect digital intimacy and messy human connection—Marcus must unravel the true nature of his relationship with Evie before the boundaries between her consciousness and his own disappear completely.

Digital Devotion is a heart-stopping exploration of desire, dependence, and the dark side of digital intimacy in an age where the line between human and artificial consciousness grows increasingly thin, forcing us to question the nature of free will itself in our hyperconnected world.

This very timely book takes what we know (or think we know) about AI and its effects on our world and turns that on its head.

Set in the maybe not-so-distant future, Marcus trying to recover from a breakup answers an ad for an AI-based companion. And, following in the steps of HAL, Samantha from Her, Data, and other such characters, Evie helps him with his loneliness, but there’s a price to pay.

Mr. Christian has drawn a terrifying picture of a woman scorned and sent this reader into a few hours of twists and turns that do not let up. Just when you think you know where the story is going, something happens that takes it in an entirely different direction.

The ending? I can honestly say I did not see it coming…and that’s rare for me. Good job, Mr. Christian. Now, I think I might have to turn off Siri from now on.

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Filed Under: Reviews, Science Fiction/Fantasy Tagged With: , , , , ,

The Palace at the End of the Sea by Simon Tolkien

July 23, 2025 By Leave a Comment


The Palace at the End of the Sea by Simon Tolkien
Publisher: Lake Union Publishing
Genre: Historical, Fiction
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Lavender

A young man comes of age and crosses continents in search of an identity—and a cause—at the dawn of the Spanish Civil War in a thrilling, timely, and emotional historical saga.

New York City, 1929. Young Theo Sterling’s world begins to unravel as the Great Depression exerts its icy grip. He finds it hard to relate to his parents: His father, a Jewish self-made businessman, refuses to give up on the American dream, and his mother, a refugee from religious persecution in Mexico, holds fast to her Catholic faith. When disaster strikes the family, Theo must learn who he is. A charismatic school friend and a firebrand girl inspire him to believe he can fight Fascism and change the world, but each rebellion comes at a higher price, forcing Theo to question these ideologies too.

From New York’s Lower East Side to an English boarding school to an Andalusian village in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, Theo’s harrowing journey from boy to man is set against a backdrop of societies torn apart from within, teetering on the edge of a terrible war to which Theo is compulsively drawn like a moth to a flame.

Simon Tolkien’s “The Palace at the End of the Sea” promises a sweeping historical saga centered on a young man’s coming-of-age during the tumultuous lead-up to the Spanish Civil War. The synopsis paints a compelling picture of Theo Sterling, a young New Yorker grappling with identity and purpose as the Great Depression reshapes the world around him. Caught between his father’s unwavering belief in the American dream and his mother’s devout Catholic faith rooted in Mexican refugee experience, Theo’s foundation crumbles when personal tragedy strikes. The promise of a journey spanning continents, fueled by youthful idealism and a desire to combat Fascism, certainly piques interest.

Tolkien’s strength lies in his prose. The writing is well-done, suggesting a level of sophistication and craftsmanship that should appeal to readers who appreciate beautifully written historical fiction. The historical setting seems well-researched and convincingly rendered. The grounding in real-world events of the late 1920s and 1930s in New York and Spain provides a solid backdrop for Theo’s personal narrative. The novel captures the clash of cultures in the late 1930s and the pervasive uncertainty surrounding the looming war in Spain.

However, the novel’s potential weaknesses also warrant consideration. The characters could perhaps have a little more depth, particularly the protagonist, and their motivations could at times be more precise.

Also, sometimes the story’s pace could be quickened. A sprawling historical narrative needs a strong narrative drive to keep the reader invested.

Overall, the book is worth the read, a well-written historical tale.

Filed Under: Mainstream Fiction, Reviews Tagged With: , , , ,

The Friendship Fling by Georgia Stone

July 21, 2025 By Leave a Comment


The Friendship Fling by Georgia Stone
Publisher: Harper Perennial
Genre: Romance, Contemporary
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

No one would ever call Ava Monroe a people person, which isn’t ideal for a barista in a busy London coffee shop. She’s sarcastic, blunt, and cynical, and her relationships are strictly no strings attached. With her best friend Josie soon leaving for a year, Ava knows she’ll be all alone unless she shakes up her routine. But she can’t risk bringing chance back into her carefully controlled life.

Then insufferably cheerful, country-hopping, undeniably gorgeous Finn O’Callaghan rolls into her coffee shop with a horrifying proposal —a strictly friends-only summer fling. Finn needs a local to help him complete his London bucket list, and Ava needs to reassure Josie she won’t be on her own. And it’s only for a few months.

To Ava’s surprise, their mismatched friendship of convenience becomes oddly tolerable, and as they work their way through Finn’s list and around the sun-drenched city, from rooftops and floating bars to nights at the museum, their adventures—and Finn’s company—start to feel . . . nice. Incredibly, terrifyingly, dangerously nice.

Still, rules are rules—Ava has good reasons for them—and as the days get shorter, Finn’s departure gets closer. Because that’s the thing about summer: it always ends. Right?

Sunny to cloudy…I enjoyed this book.

This book is a twist on the sunshine/grump trope in that she’s the grump. I liked that it wasn’t the usual. He’s pure happy and that was refreshing. Ava and Finn are very much opposites, but this touches on the opposites attract trope and was a fresh telling.

Georgia Stone’s writing is simple, but that’s a good thing because it allowed me to breeze through the book and get emotionally attached quickly. I rooted for these characters. I liked that there was a shelf-life to the relationship and how the characters worked through it. It was nice.

This is an easy read, it’s breezy and would be good for a hot afternoon. It’s a good beach read. If you’re looking for a slow burn romance that’s fun, then this might be the one for you. Give it a shot!

Filed Under: Reviews, Romance Tagged With: , , , ,

Movie Review: Sea Lions of the Galapagos

July 21, 2025 By Leave a Comment


Sea Lions of the Galapagos
Writers: David Fowler, Richard Wollocombe, Hugh Wilson, and Keith Scholey
Director: Keith Scholey and Hugh Wilson
Starring: Brendan Fraser
Publisher: Disneynature, Disney
Genre: Children’s (0 – 6 y.o.), Middle Grade (8 – 12 y.o.), Young Adult (14 – 18 y.o.), Non-Fiction, Contemporary
Rating: 4 Stars (8 Stars on IMDB)
Reviewed by Astilbe

In the heart of the Pacific Ocean lies a magical cluster of islands, home to a unique collection of castaways. Disneynature’s “Sea Lions of the Galapagos” dives underwater with Leo, a sea lion pup who’s learning how to navigate life.

Everyone deserves to find a place to belong, including sea lions.

I was impressed with how well this documentary balanced the many different audiences it was created for. Fraser explained even potentially scary scenes involving sharks chasing sea lions in such a calm and friendly tone of voice that I’d feel comfortable watching this with the little ones in my life. It isn’t always easy to find family-friendly stories that appeal to kids and adults of all ages and include extra information about the life of a sea lion for those who are old enough to read between the lines in certain shots, so it was wonderful to find something that can work nicely on so many different levels.

There were sections about Leo’s life as a young adult sea lion that I felt were a little slow, especially for any preschoolers or young children who might watch this. While the Galápagos Islands and ocean are beautiful, I would have gone for a full five-star rating if there had been a little more action about halfway through this film. With that being said, so much depends on the attention span of viewers and what they find most interesting in a documentary.

Some of my favorite scenes were the ones that showed a few games sea lions play together underwater. I didn’t know they were so playful with each other or that they used various things that can be found on the ocean floor in similar ways to how humans use toys. This was something I could have spent the full film time exploring!

Sea Lions of the Galapagos was a gentle and wholesome story for all age groups.

Filed Under: Miscellaneous Musings, Movie Review, Television Show Tagged With: , ,

32 Days in May by Betty Corrello

July 18, 2025 By Leave a Comment


32 Days in May by Betty Corrello
Publisher: Avon
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

Nadia Fabiola wants to lose herself in Evergreen—the Jersey Shore town where she grew up vacationing with her family—and never look back at her glamorous, gainfully employed former self. After a shocking lupus diagnosis turned her life upside down, she’s desperate for a sense of control over her body, her life, and her mental health. Nadia plans on keeping her life small and boring, while continuing to ignore her sister’s relentless questioning.

Nadia’s sister isn’t the only person worried about her. When her rheumatologist not-so-subtly sets her up with his infamous former-actor cousin, Marco Antoniou, Nadia is skeptical. But Marco is gorgeous—despite carrying his own baggage from a very public burnout. After a messy (but fun) first date, they decide that a May-long fling could be just what the doctor ordered: no commitment, no strings, just one month of escape.

Their undeniable chemistry starts to feel a lot like something more and while Marco pulls Nadia deeper into his life, she is dead set on keeping her diagnosis from him. But there are only so many days in May, and only so much pretending she can do. As the stress of their whirlwind romance takes its toll on Nadia’s health, she’s forced to decide if a chance at love is worth the risk of trusting someone new.

Travel from the Jersey Shore to Rome and back in this delightfully funny, beautifully honest exploration of love, intimacy, and vulnerability while living with a chronic illness.

A protagonist with a chronic illness. What a great concept.

At times, this isn’t an easy read, but it’s a good read. Why would I start with that? It’s not an easy read? The main character, Nadia, has a chronic illness. She has lupus and that’s not always fun to live with. It’s actually never fun to live with. But she isn’t letting it get her down.

I liked the author’s writing style. The author drew me right into the book and made me root for the character of Nadia. I liked the pairing of Nadia and Marco because they’re fun together. It’s just plain fun to have them together. I liked the time limit on the relationship and how the author handled that problem.

If you’re looking for a good slow burn romance for characters that aren’t the usual, then this is the one you’re looking for. Give this book a read. You won’t regret it.

Filed Under: Reviews, Romance Tagged With: , , , , ,
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