Restored Ministries Post

Check out my guest blogger post, Bravery, on the Restored Ministries website.  

Here is the link for the article:  

https://restoredministriesblog.wordpress.com/2016/08/21/bravery/

  

Thank you so much for your support!  Happy reading!

 

Quote for the Day

"They saw the robin carry food to his mate two or three times, and it was so suggestive of afternoon tea that Colin felt they must have some." 

—From The Secret Garden

Check Out My New Post!

Check out my new post on the Daily Megaphone to find out more about yesteryear.  Happy reading! 

 Flashback to the 90's

by Heather Snyder 

https://dailymegaphone.com/2016/08/25/flashback-to-the-90s/

 

The Case of the Crafty Christmas Crooks - My Review

Cindy Vincent’s book The Case of the Crafty Christmas Crooks was a delightful read.  Mysteries are my favorite genre, and this one did not disappoint.  This is the perfect text to give to a younger audience in order to introduce them to the mystery novel.  The two main characters, Buckley and Bogey, who are based on Vincent’s beloved cats, are wonderful to follow as the reader tries to uncover the clues of the case with them.  These detective sleuths are determined to protect their family from the Christmas crooks roaming the neighborhood, because as the name suggests, these villains are breaking into various homes in St. Gertrude 
and robbing them during the Christmas season.   

 

Buckley is new to the festivities of Christmas, and he desperately wants to learn more about the fuss surrounding Christmas.  Why is there a tree in his family’s living room, and why do you put presents around it?  Why do people love stars and whose birthday is everyone celebrating?  As Buckley tries to put the pieces together surrounding the recent robberies, he begins to scope out the facts regarding this amazing holiday.  But will he come to understand how important this one special day is?  And will the other cats in his home be able to explain it to him in a way that speaks directly to his heart? 

   

 

Bogey is the older wiser detective, and he has taught Buckley all he knows.  Even during this case, Bogey imparts his knowledge on this next generation of cat detectives.  Buckley notices how seasoned Bogey is, and is left in awe time and time again by how much Bogey truly knows about the humans in their community.  Buckley is determined to learn all he can from his incredible brother—including the mystery of this season.  

I love how Vincent uses this wonderful story to impart the wisdom of the Christmas story.  It is directly and simply stated by one of the furry characters, which makes it easy to understand.  This timeless story, which may be familiar to us, can now be understood by those who read this lively tale.  The adventures that take place amidst this very important scene become icing on the cake and the perfect ending to a wonderful escapade. 

I tend to give books as Christmas gifts, so if you are looking for a book Christmas present this year, I highly recommend purchasing this text for the young reader in your life.  And don’t forget—there are several other stories in the series as well!

Series: Buckley and Bogey Cat Detective Caper
Genre: Christian, Children's, Cat-themed Mystery, Suspense
Publisher: Whodunit Press
Publication date: October 11, 2013
Number of pages: 178

Buckley and Bogey, Cat Detectives, find their next case hits a little too close to home. Because someone has been breaking into houses and stealing all the Christmas presents! And the first two robberies even took place in their very own neighborhood. Holy Catnip! Of course, the boys leap in on all fours to investigate right away. Then it isn't long before they realize they are dealing with some real criminal masterminds, since these burglars know exactly how to cover their tracks. Plus, the crooks have the whole town of St. Gertrude on edge and they're threatening to ruin Christmas for everyone.

But figuring out the identity of the Christmas Crooks isn't the only mystery around. After all, Buckley had just been adopted from the cat shelter this year, and this was the first he'd ever heard about Christmas. And he quickly finds out there is a lot to learn! From Christmas trees to Santa Claus, and jingle bells to the birth of baby Jesus, the real meaning of Christmas is a mystery to him. But he and Bogey can't really enjoy any of it until the Christmas Crooks are caught. That's because it becomes very clear, very quick — these Christmas Crooks have set their sights on the boys' house, too! And the burglars are headed straight for their door. Holy Mackerel!

 GOODREADS | AMAZON
 

Cindy Vincent, M.A. Ed., is the award-winning author of the Buckley and Bogey Cat Detective Capers, a mystery series for kids and cat-lovers that features the adventures of two black cat detectives. And yes, as she is often asked, Cindy used her own black cats, Buckley and Bogey, as the inspiration for the series, since they seem to run surveillance on her house each and every night. Cindy is also the creator of the Mysteries by Vincent murder mystery party games and the Daisy Diamond Detective Series games for girls, along with the Daisy Diamond Detective novels, which are a spin-off from the games. She lives in Houston, TX with her husband and an assortment of fantastic felines. Cindy is a self-professed “Christmas-a-holic,” and usually starts planning and preparing in March for her ever-expanding, “extreme” Christmas lights display every year . . .

GOODREADS | FACEBOOK | PINTEREST | AMAZON | BLOG | WEBSITE

Other Books in the Series

 

What the Dickens? Little Dorrit

The Golden Braid - My Review

Melanie Dickerson's novel The Golden Braid would be quite familiar to most readers, because it is based on the fairy-tale legend of "Rapunzel," which is from a collection of stories by the Brothers Grimm.   Their collection of tales was first published in 1812, and has been read and enjoyed by the generations--including the most recent modern day adaptation--the Disney film Tangled.  Fairy-tales are always lovely to read, and this book brings to life a wonderful story from my childhood.  In fact, this particular text is from Dickerson's Fairy Tale Romance Collection, and I will be reviewing each novel from this series in the upcoming months.  

At the start of the text, the reader gets introduced to Rapunzel and her mother--or at least the only mother Rapunzel has ever known.  Rapunzel's one wish in life is to learn how to read.  Her mother's constant upheaval of their lives from town to town makes it difficult for Rapunzel to make friends--let alone learn to read.  Yet one day they happen upon a kind stranger on the road who saves them from a band of robbers--this one connection will change the course of Rapunzel's life forever. 

Sir Gerek is a loyal knight under the rule of Duke Wilhelm of Hagenheim.  This noble knight can be quite intimidating to those he meets, but his one character flaw is mostly connected to his past.  While he so wishes to never repeat the mistakes of his father, he seems to be a bit overbearing at times.  However, Sir Gerek has a kind heart, and he wants to live an honorable life for himself and the woman he will marry.  Yet the ghosts of his past must be dealt with in order for him to move forward.  Could a lowly peasant girl be the one to help him unlock his heart? 

Mystery, intrigue, deceit, revenge, and forgiveness are the ingredients that make up this true to life tale.  And it is easy to become connected with various characters as you hope for a good and victorious ending.  There were moments where I read rather quickly in order to find out the fate of a certain individual--all the while not realizing I was holding my breath. 

This is a beautiful read for those who love to revisit childhood stories, because this novel has a modern day twist that is perfect for the child at heart yet still connects with the adult who dreams of magical lands living within the pages of books.  If you enjoy classic tales that include dukes, knights, lords, and ladies--this book is for you!   

About The Book 

*Rapunzel can throw a knife better than any man around. And her skills as an artist rival those of any artist she’s met. But for a woman in medieval times, the one skill she most desires is the hardest one to obtain: the ability to read.

After yet another young man asks for Rapunzel’s hand in marriage, Mother decides they need to move once again, but this time to a larger city. Rapunzel’s heart soars—surely there she can fulfill her dream. But Mother won’t let her close to a man. She claims that no man can be trusted.

After being rescued by a knight on the road to the city, and in turn rescuing him farther down the road, Rapunzel’s opportunity arrives at last. This knight, Sir Gerek, agrees to educate Rapunzel in order to pay back his debt. She just has to put up with his arrogant nature and single-minded focus on riches and prestige.

But this Rapunzel story is unlike any other and the mystery that she uncovers will change 

everything—except her happily ever after.

*Synopsis is from the back cover of the novel.

About the Author  

Melanie Dickerson is the author of The Healer’s Apprentice, a Christy Award finalist, and winner of the National Reader’s Choice Award for Best First Book. Melanie earned a bachelor’s degree in special education from the University of Alabama and has been a teacher and a missionary. She lives with her husband and two daughters in Huntsville, Alabama.
Visit her online at:  www.melaniedickerson.com

  

Missing - My Review

Lisa Harris’ book Missing is an intense fast-paced read from start to finish.  No worries on feeling nervous throughout this text though—it is simply a brilliant read.  Think Law and Order via text—that is exactly what I thought as I learned more about each character and the choices being made.  This modern day detective style novel is very different from what I typically read, but I enjoyed checking out this different genre.  If you love detective stories, you will definitely enjoy this book.  

At the beginning, the author introduces the main character, Nikki Boyd.  Nikki’s life gets turned upside down when her sister is kidnapped, and she spends her days trying to find Sarah.  Her original college plans are put on hold as she learns how to become a good detective, yet ten years pass by and no new leads are found pertaining to the disappearance of her sister.  Many say Nikki is chasing a ghost, because it is believed Sarah is dead, but Nikki is determined to never give up.  She longs to find out what happened and to give herself and her family closure.  

Tyler Grant is one of Nikki’s best friends.  After his wife Katie suddenly dies, Nikki’s friendship with Tyler and his son Liam grows even stronger.  Soon, Nikki realizes she has fallen in love with him.  Therefore, when Tyler unknowingly finds himself in trouble, thereby putting his life in danger, it is up to Nikki and her partner Jack to uncover the truth.  As they try to put all the pieces together—pieces that connect old family friends and acquaintances—Nikki discovers hidden truths and secrets so many never told.  

How can so many individuals be connected to various events, and why are so many fearful when the truth is all they seek?  Even when a particular character appears to be good, difficult situations reveal their true nature.  Once again, life is in the balance because of greed and deceit—will integrity prevail?  As each chapter closes, this suspense novel keeps the reader guessing till the end.  

This book was a definite page turner for me, and I cannot wait to read other novels by this author.  If you enjoy suspense stories, I recommend adding this book to your reading list.  

This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to Revell Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group, for my copy.

About The Book

*Nikki Boyd isn't usually called in on homicides; her forte is missing persons. But when a case with two murdered and two missing pops up on a quiet suburban street, she's ready to start the investigation and find missing homeowners Mac and Lucy Hudson. When the first clues lead her to the boat of her friend Tyler Grant--and another dead body--Nikki must untangle what ties Tyler to the Hudsons. The clues pull her into a deadly maze of counterfeit drugs and a killer who will stop at nothing to silence anyone who threatens his business--including Nikki.

*Synopsis is from the back cover of the novel.

About The Author 

Lisa Harris is a bestselling author, a Christy Award winner, and the winner of the Best Inspirational Suspense Novel for 2011 from Romantic Times. The author of nearly thirty books, including Vendetta and the Southern Crimes series, Harris and her family have spent twelve years living as missionaries in southern Africa. Learn more at:  www.lisaharriswrites.com