Author: cvegnad

November 10, 2020

Bones of the Redeemed Book Review

A pit of corpses. An ancient cult. A quest for redemption that could leave her dead

About Bones of the Redeemed

A pit of corpses. An ancient cult. A quest for redemption that could leave her dead… New Mexico, 1952. Archaeology grad student Ruby Delgado is plagued by guilt after losing her son. So when her latest excavation drops her down a sinkhole filled with suspiciously mutilated bodies, she’s driven to bring the murderer to justice. But when digging deeper brings her dangerously close to a sinister religious sect, she could be their next sacrifice… Discovering some of the victims were crucified, Ruby pushes hard to give the evidence to the authorities. But when her trail crosses the path of a beaten man left for dead in the desert, she realizes she may be the only person who can save the community. Can Ruby stop the sacrifices and slay her inner demons, or will hers be the next body laid to rest? Bones of the Redeemed is a hair-raising standalone Southwestern mystery. If you like complex heroines, cult conflict, and hard-won redemption, then you’ll love Kari Bovee’s grisly tale.

My Thoughts

Bones of the Redeemed is a thrilling adventure that keeps you on the edge of your seat as we watch Ruby uncover deadly secrets in a remote, religious community.

You will love Ruby’s character – she is a strong, confident, intelligent woman who will not take no for an answer. She stands by her beliefs and will not allow anyone to tell she cannot do what is right. She has had a difficult past, an event that almost destroyed her (the death of her son) and we watch as she struggles to move forward. She has a passion and skill in the field of archaeology that others are quite jealous of. It is this passion and skill that assists her as she uncovers murders, a religious sect and works to uncover the identity of the murderer (or murderers?) all while trying to keep herself alive.

I loved every moment of this fast paced novel. The plot was unique, and kept me on the edge of my seat as I never knew what to expect next. You could never quite tell who was a friend or who was an enemy. There were many intricate layers to the community, their religious beliefs, religious members and questions surrounding the murders and timelines. Her skills are constantly put to the test and I loved watching her work through the situations she found herself in. Bones of the Redeemed is a definite must read novel.

You can purchase a copy of this book on Amazon.

Rating: 5/5

About the Author

When she’s not on a horse, or walking along the beautiful cottonwood-laden acequias of Corrales, New Mexico; or basking on white sand beaches under the Big Island Hawaiian sun, Kari Bovee is escaping into the past—scheming murder and mayhem for her characters both real and imagined, and helping them to find order in the chaos of her action-packed novels. Empowered women in history, horses, unconventional characters, and real-life historical events fill the pages of Kari Bovée’s articles and historical mystery musings and manuscripts. An award-winning author, Bovée was honored with the 2019 NM/AZ Book Awards Hillerman Award for Southwestern Fiction for her novel Girl with a Gun. The novel also received First Place in the 2019 NM/AZ Book Awards in the Mystery/Crime category, and is a Finalist in the 2019 International Chanticleer Murder & Mayhem Awards and the International Chanticleer Goethe Awards, as well as the Next Generation Indie Awards. Her novel Grace in the Wings is a Finalist for the 2019 International Chanticleer Chatelaine Awards and the International Chanticleer Goethe Awards. Her novel Peccadillo at the Palace is a Finalist in the 2019 International Chanticleer Murder & Mayhem Awards and the 2019 International Goethe Awards, as well as a Finalist in the 2019 Best Book Awards Historical Fiction category. Bovée has worked as a technical writer for a Fortune 500 Company, has written non-fiction for magazines and newsletters, and has worked in the education field as a teacher and educational consultant. She and her husband, Kevin, spend their time between their horse property in the beautiful Land of Enchantment, New Mexico, and their condo on the sunny shores of Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.

You can connect with her on her website, Twitter and Facebook.

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Disclosure: I received a digital copy of this book in order to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own.

November 9, 2020

Back to the Burgh and Beyond Book Review

About Back to the Burgh and Beyond

Meet Alexa Owl. She’s returned home to Pittsburgh after a divorce to start a new life and a new business, The Owl’s Nest Couturier Shoppe. Much to her surprise, she’s getting more than she ever bargained for: Detective Bobby Starr, and he’s no ordinary sleuth. Bobby is an angel who’s returned to Earth in hopes of earning his way into the Guardian Angel Squad. He’s been sent by none other than Saint Pete to acquire Alexa’s help to solve three cold case murders he left behind. Except, here’s the catch: he’s only been allotted four days to solve the first case! How in heaven’s name is she supposed to do that? Alexa is a professional seamstress—not a detective. Bobby insists the only way to solve the first case is to return to 1953, and Alexa’s not in love with that idea at all!

My Thoughts

I could not put this wonderful novel down! It made me laugh, it made me curious and I fell in love with the characters (they were just irresistible and Bobby just made you shake your head).

In this novel, Alexa Owl (love her name) is returning to her home town after a pretty pleasant divorce. She has started up her business, The Owl’s Nest Couturier Shoppe, in a beautiful older part of town (with a mix of old and new clients). What she doesn’t expect? A bunch of visitors from the building’s past! A beautiful but haunting cat that has long since passed away but whose spirit remains, an older woman whose family used to run a business in the building and the ghost that this story centres around – Detective Bobby Starr. Bobby Starr was not the world’s greatest detective (but he had a great heart most of the time) and had left three cold case murders unsolved. He is tasked with solving one of them in this novel and needs Alexa’s help to do so.

This is where the novel becomes hard to put down – Alexa travels to the past to help Bobby solve the murders. As Alexa spends time in the past solving the crimes, a copy of her continues to be in the present as she travels between the past and present. Alexa does an amazing job solving the murders, as she puts the pieces together and even saves an innocent man from being charged.

I loved the unique plot, it was well written and I loved the way the story developed. It was exciting and kept you on the edge of your seat, and while they were solving murders, Alexa and Bobby’s characters added some comic relief to the story throughout. This was an excellent read from start to finish, and one that I have already re-read.

You can purchase a copy of this book on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Rating: 5/5

About the Author

For twenty-six years C.S. McDonald’s life whirled around a song and a dance. Classically trained at Pittsburgh Ballet Theater School, The Pittsburgh Dance Alloy, and many others, she became a professional dancer and choreographer. During that time, she choreographed many musicals and an opera for the Pittsburgh Savoyards. In 2011 she retired from her dance career to write. Under her real name, Cindy McDonald, she writes murder-suspense and romantic suspense novels. In 2014 she added the pen name, C.S. McDonald, to write children’s books for her grandchildren. In 2016 she added the Fiona Quinn Mysteries to that expansion. She decided to write the cozy mystery series that everyone, including teens and tweens, can read and enjoy. Presently, the Fiona Quinn Mysteries nine books with a tenth slated for 2021. The books are also available on audio, narrated by Maren Swenson Waxenberg. Cindy’s newest venture is The Owl’s Nest Mysteries. Once again, she has set her cozy mystery in Pittsburgh. The female protagonist, Alexa Owl, is much different from Fiona Quinn. The Owl’s Next Mysteries has a little grit, a little time travel, a little romance, and a whole lot of cozy! Ms. McDonald resides on her Thoroughbred farm known as Fly by Night Stables near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with her husband, Bill, and her poorly behaved Cocker Spaniel, Allister.

You can connect with her on her website, Twitter and Facebook.

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Disclosure: I received a digital copy of this book in order to facilitate this review. All opinions expressed are my own.

November 6, 2020

Thomas and the Magic Railroad 20th Anniversary Edition

The beloved fan-favorite Thomas And The Magic Railroad (20^th Anniversary Edition) is coming to Blu-ray™ + DVD on September 29 from Shout! Kids, the first time the film will be available in high definition.

About Thomas and the Magic Railroad

This DVD is packed with extensive special features, sure to thrill fans who have long clamored for the deleted scenes to be released. The list of special features includes new interviews with the film’s stars Alec Baldwin, Mara Wilson, and Didi Conn as well as the film’s composer Hummie Mann, a two-part documentary with writer/director/producer Britt Allcroft, a behind-the-scenes reel, and deleted storylines and lost scenes, including deleted scenes with Peter Fonda, Didi Conn, Russell Means, and Doug Lennox.

Starring Alec Baldwin (The Boss Baby, 30 Rock), Mara Wilson (Mrs. Doubtfire, Matilda), Peter Fonda (Easy Rider, Ulee’s Gold), Didi Conn (Grease, Shining Time Station), Russell Means (Last of the Mohicans, Pocahontas), and of course Thomas the Tank Engine, Thomas and the Magic Railroad is a longtime favorite.

For as long as anyone can remember, the magical Island of Sodor has been the realm of enchantment, innocence, and talking train engines. Mr. Conductor (Alec Baldwin) is taking care of the whole railway while Sir Topham Hatt is away.

Mr. C comes from a family of miniature Conductors who travel between the Island of Sodor and Shining Time Station thanks to a supply of mysterious gold dust. However, Sodor’s steam engines suddenly find themselves heading for a load of trouble courtesy of the railroad baddie Diesel 10, whose plan is to destroy our hero Thomas and Mr.C and then take over Sodor before Sir Topham Hatt’s return! Thomas and Mr. C must save the engines before his dwindling supply of gold dust runs out!

Lily (Mara Wilson) has a hunch that her grandfather (Peter Fonda), up in his workshop on Muffle Mountain, can be the one to crack the code that will save the Conductor family and bring back to life the Magic Railroad (which runs between Sodor and the beautiful Indian Valley surrounding Shining Time). Lily teams up with Mr. C and Thomas and sets out to get Sodor back on track in this beloved, full-length adventure starring the world’s #1 tank engine.

While Thomas And The Magic Railroad celebrates its 20^th anniversary, Thomas the Tank Engine is marking his 75^th year as a beloved children’s character. Originally part of the Rev W. Awdry’s Little Railway book series, first released in 1945, Thomas was brought to life through the cherished TV series Thomas & Friends, created by Britt Allcroft (director/writer/producer of Thomas And The Magic Railroad) in the early 1980s. In the late ‘80s, Allcroft and Rick Siggelkow introduced Thomas to America when they created Shining Time Station. Many years on, Thomas’ legacy remains everlasting.

Special Features

“Return To Shining Time: Your Ticket To Thomas And The Magic Railroad” – Two-Part Documentary With Writer/Director/Producer Britt Allcroft
“Hello Mr. Conductor” – Interview With Alec Baldwin
“Finding Your Sparkle” – Interview With Mara Wilson
“There’s Something About This Place” – Interview With Didi Conn
“The Sounds Of Sodor” – Interview With Composer Hummie Mann
Behind-The-Scenes Reel
Deleted Story Lines

Movie Trailer

We loved the animated version of Thomas the Tank Engine when our boys were younger, they had all the character toys, sets and keepsakes. We could not wait to dive into this DVD and were completely impressed. We enjoyed every moment of both the film and the extras included.

With the holidays quickly approaching, this would make an excellent gift for the Thomas the Tank Engine fan in your life.

You can purchase a copy on Shout Factory and Amazon.

Disclosure: I received a copy of this DVD in order to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own.

November 5, 2020

Braidy Von Althuis and the Final Fight (Book 5)

“Your husband willingly signed over his life to Azra. Boris owes Azra his life and services. There’s nothing more to it than that.”

About Braidy Von Althuis and the Final Fight (Book 5)

Braidy von Althuis is going to get his father back, no matter the consequences. Mr. von Althuis has been abducted by Azra, Queen of Djinn, and the family is in shambles. Half of the von Althuises no longer have their magick, and an army of djinn awaits them at Azra’s gates. Somehow, despite all of the odds, Mrs. von Althuis, Uncle Rolo, Aunt Liz, Blockhead, and Braidy have to band together to retrieve Braidy’s father from the clutches of certain doom. Even though they hate each other, Braidy is determined to pull the fae and djinn together to fight against Azra’s tyranny. He will have to work with old friends, and old enemies, to finally end the war between djinn and fae that has come to a nasty head. Will Braidy be able to unite an army at his back and save his father, or will Mr. von Althuis belong to Azra forever? Braidy von Althuis and the Final Fight is a story about working past differences, justice, and morality.

My Thoughts

I loved Braidy von Althuis and the Final Fight. I found it exciting, full of adventure and risk but not too fast paced that you became overwhelmed. The characters were well developed and you felt a strong connection to them in this installment.

In this novel, Braidy brings together his family in order to save his Father. His father had been abducted by Azra in book four (learn more about this book here) and Braidy will do anything to help him but is he ready for what this may mean? He is tasked with bringing together groups of individuals that have a long history of mistrust and dislike to work together for the greater good. Can he encourage the groups to look past their differences, their hate and work together for justice? Or will he lose everything that he loves?

This was an exciting, adventurous novel that I could not put down. I really loved how Braidy’s character developed in this story – you can see what a strong, good, kind hearted individual he has, it shines through in this story. He is the voice of reason in a sea of adult voices that do not seem to listen to reason at all! I found this novel easier to read than book four without knowing the full history of the characters and the previous plots, so I definitely believe it can be read as a stand alone novel.

Young adults will love the characters and the plot. They will be able to relate to Braidy and the struggles that he faces in this novel. Parents will love the important lessons this novel brings with it. A definite win-win for everyone.

You can purchase a copy of this book on Amazon.

Rating: 5/5

Book Trailer

About the Author

I’m Cassidy, and I love storytelling! I’m incredibly passionate about writing, art, and anything that allows me to create my own worlds. My goal is to write dreamy fiction for all ages that is unique, inspiring, and imaginative. I want my books to instill wonderment in the reader. I like to write about themes that include coming of age, magic realism, identity, relationships, and bullying. My books are intended for readers ages eight to twenty-five, and are meant to connect the world of the fantastical to everyday life. I currently live in Colorado and just got my MA in Publishing!

You can connect with her on her website, Twitter and Facebook.

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Disclosure: I received a digital copy of this book in order to facilitate this review. All opinions expressed are my own.

November 2, 2020

The Boy Between – A Mother and Son’s Journey from a World Gone Grey

For anyone with depression and anyone who loves someone with depression, Amanda and Josiah have a clear message—you are not alone, and there is hope.

About The Boy Between – A Mother and Son’s Journey from a World Gone Grey

Josiah was nineteen with the world at his feet when things changed. Without warning, the new university student’s mental health deteriorated to the point that he planned his own death. His mother, bestselling author Amanda Prowse, found herself grappling for ways to help him, with no clear sense of where that could be found. This is the book they wish had been there for them during those dark times. Josiah’s situation is not unusual: the statistics on student mental health are terrifying. And he was not the only one suffering; his family was also hijacked by his illness, watching him struggle and fearing the day he might succeed in taking his life. In this book, Josiah and Amanda hope to give a voice to those who suffer, and to show them that help can be found. It is Josiah’s raw, at times bleak, sometimes humorous, but always honest account of what it is like to live with depression. It is Amanda’s heart-rending account of her pain at watching him suffer, speaking from the heart about a mother’s love for her child. For anyone with depression and anyone who loves someone with depression, Amanda and Josiah have a clear message—you are not alone, and there is hope.

My Thoughts

It is hard to put into words how powerful this story was for me. It was honest, open and raw – you feel their pain, their love and their hope. You feel the frustration and disappointment with the medical system. But most importantly, you feel connected to both Josiah and Amanda.

I have dealt with depression and anxiety for the last ten years (roughly) and I have good months and bad months. I have days where I feel I can accomplish anything (and take on more work than I can do and this backfires on me during my bad days) and days when I struggle just to get out of bed. I saw so much of myself in this story that at times it hurt. I know people mean well when they give suggestions on how you can “make yourself better” but going to the gym, eating better and just thinking positively doesn’t just make the feelings go away. It is almost a constant battle everyday, and it is not a battle that anyone else can do for you (although having a family who loves you and is your champion makes things so much better).

I hope that others reading their story that have never dealt with depression are left with a better understanding and compassion for others. That the stigma around mental health can be broken down and that there is better access to healthcare (not to mention providers that are able to support patients dealing with mental illness).

The Boy Between is a powerful and personal story, that took a lot of courage to share but I am so happy that they shared their story with the world. This is a definite must read for young adults and adults, and a great resource for families that are dealing with depression.

You can purchase a copy of this book on Amazon US, Amazon CAN and Amazon UK.

Rating: 5/5

About the Author

Amanda Prowse is an award winning international bestselling author best known for her contemporary fiction novels. A radio broadcaster and TV presenter renowned for her empathetic and emotional books, she is known in the UK as the ‘Queen of family drama’. Her books have sold over 8 million copies in dozens of languages around the world.

You can connect with her on her website, Twitter and Facebook.

Josiah (Josh) Hartley is the son of Amanda Prowse who has co-authored with his mother to tell the story of his journey through life so far. Born in the England, Josh was fortunate enough to attend one of the country’s elite public schools from an early age and was awarded a place at one of the UK’s top Universities where he planned to work towards a medical doctorate. But just at the moment when he should have been having the time of his life, he started feeling nagging tugs of self-doubt which spiralled into a depression during which time he planned his suicide. Luckily, his family intervened and after a roller coaster couple of years, he is alive and well and sharing his story to help other families who find themselves in the same position navigate their way through those difficult times.

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Disclosure: I received a digital copy of this book in order to facilitate this review. All opinions expressed are my own.