The Green Baize Door (A Marie Chevalier Mystery) by Eleanor Birney

 

The Green Baize Door by Eleanor Birney
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book took me awhile to really get into the groove and I almost put it in the DNF pile but I persevered and I'm glad that I did. The writing is very well done but the character development is what took some time to get to where it needed to be. This isn't foreign to books that focus on historical events, places, and people, especially when it's trying to be done as respectfully and accurately as this story. Once everything got moving, this really captured my interest and I am excited to pick up future books in this series.

Set in the early 1900's, Marie's grandmother has been found dead. Actually, she is brutally murdered but who would do such a thing? She was the loving housekeeper for many years. Marie doesn't want her family to be blamed so she sets out to prove their innocence, all the while James a.k.a. Jamie is doing the same. Jamie is the son of the mansion owner and he, too, wants to make sure there is no blood on the hands of his family. Once Jamie and Marie meet up, they realize that one or both of their families may be involved.

As I previously mentioned, the writing is very well done. There is a lot to the class system of the day and describing all the different aspects, traditions, rules, etc. also takes some time. The meaning of the Green Door is also explained. I really appreciated this book but the ending was rather abrupt! It does make for needing to know more of the story immediately though!


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Love Big: A Sweet Story on the Power of Kindness and Caring (The Live Big Series) by Kat Kronenberg

 

Love Big: A Sweet Story on the Power of Kindness and Caring (The Live Big Series) by Kat Kronenberg
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a book focused on how the act of kindness and caring can go a long way. The rhino started out being a little rude to the dung beetle but one small act of kindness changed everything for the rhino, the beetle, and everyone they met along the path that day.

The illustrations in this story are very colorful and bright. Very well done!

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On the Run: Giovanni Madia's Saga Begins by P.J. Mann

 

On the Run: Giovanni Madìa's saga begins by P.J. Mann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

When I saw an author that I am a huge fan of was writing another series, I was eager to get my hands on it! There's nothing like settling down with a great book and realizing you've just finished the whole story in one setting!

This one is fast paced and features Giovanni Madìa. He's a respected clan member but when his boss double crosses him and his family is now in peril, Giovanni doesn't play. There is mystery, intrigue, and lots more in this riveting story! I'm super excited to read the books to come in this series!

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Dream Big: A Heartwarming Story on Overcoming Adversity (The Live Big Series) by Kat Kronenberg

 

Dream Big: A Heartwarming Story on Overcoming Adversity (The Live Big Series) by Kat Kronenberg
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book focuses on overcoming adversity in life. There is a caterpillar who wishes to fly, a tadpole who wishes to walk, a flamingo who wishes to be pretty, as well as a termite and baboon who wish for different things.

Confidence is hard for kids, especially if they've experienced negative thoughts and actions throughout their entire life. This book will hopefully encourage them to reach for the stars!!

At the end of this book, there are suggestions for activities that can be done with family and friends to extend the book's ideas of dreaming.

My favorite part of this book is the beautiful, vivid illustrations!! They are extremely well done!

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Think Big: A Story about Believing in Ourselves and Working Together (The Live Big Series) by Kat Kronenberg

 

Think Big: A Story about Believing in Ourselves and Working Together (The Live Big Series) by Kat Kronenberg
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a nice book about believing in yourself and working together to help others believe in themselves as well. The illustrations are my favorite part of this book. They are so bright and colorful that kids will be drawn to the story because of them.

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Shattered Peace: A Century of Silence by Julie McDonald Zander

 

Shattered Peace: A Century of Silence by Julie McDonald Zander
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

There are some books that you read that stick with you for awhile. This is one that I believe will stick with me. I normally struggle with reading dual timeline books and I did have some difficulties with this one in keeping things in line. However, this storyline grabbed me from the get go and wouldn't let me stop until I finished.

There are so many emotions in a book like this. It's based on a true story so knowing that made it even more real. There were moments I felt like I could have been Colleen in this book and going through the things that she was experiencing. This was a very intriguing story to me, and being a lover of WWII history, I learned a few things I didn't know much about.

This author, who is new to me, did a great job of explaining things and keeping them in perspective considering the dual timeline she wrote in. I am interested in reading more of her work!

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Shadowed Designs: A Shadow Defense Security Thriller Book 7 by Mavery Ellscott

 

Shadowed Designs: A Shadow Defense Security Thriller Book 7 by Mavery Ellscott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is one of my favorite series to read and this author gets better with every book. This can be read as a standalone but you'd be missing out on some pivotal characters that would make this more understandable.

There is a lot that I would love to say about this book but I really can't say much without giving it away. I will tell you to prepare to read this in one sitting or you'll be finding ways to revamp your schedule so that you can. This is fast paced, intense, suspenseful action with Olivia, Josh, and their K-9 trying to bury the people in the past and look forward to the future.

I look forward to more from this author!

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