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I have literally spent the last few days recovering from this last read. I have not finished a book that fast in quite some time. I guess all I needed to get me out of my reading slump was to just read a thriller. That should have been a no brainer. I am on the TikTok app and I found an account that shared vintage Goosebump books. I followed this account long before I realized it was an account of an Author. I saw Author E. Reyes share his books soon after I began to follow his content. The book that struck me instantly was the cover of The House on Moon Creek Avenue. The vintage look of the cover was so appealing to my inner 80s/90s kid heart. I ordered the book right away and as soon as it came in, I ripped it open and began to read.
This review does not have any spoilers but I totally wish I could share them!
The MC is named Cindy, and she is a single mother of a little girl named Mallory. She had a bad relationship with the child's father, so she left him to venture out on her own. With the help of her father and Uncle she was able to move into her Grandmother's former home. The story is set up much like a scary story used to be set up back when spooky stories were so good! She moves in and everything is fine, que in the 70s rock music. There is smiling and dancing. A feeling of eeriness starts to sink in when you realize that the new home is not all that it seems. The house is full of spirits and many of them are so scary that I had to make sure that I did not read the book before bed after the first day. I had forgotten how some of my books that I read carry on into my dream life. Let's just say I had some un-invited guests in my dreams like the Lady in The gown. This is one of the many spirits that cause Cindy to seek the help of well known paranormal investigators. As you continue to read the story you get to know Cindy and her family. You also get to know her love interest and her daughter Mallory. I love how the author managed to write different POV 's but still managed to hold my attention span. I could not get enough of the jump scares a long the way and the images that Author E. Reyes created. He certainly has a vintage flare about his writing and I very much loved reading his work. The end of the story was just as good as the beginning because I was unable to guess what was going to happen next. I tend to always guess the ending of stories and sometimes that is not always a good thing. I finished this book in a day and a half. This is a fast read for me because of my other duties but I was so thrilled to have a book that I could not wait to escape too.
If you enjoy thrillers and stories of the paranormal, and a feeling of nostalgia then this book is the book for you. I truly feel this Author is going to be one of the writers I find myself coming back to time and time again. Keep supporting the indie authors in your community and online. They truly hold gifts that the world needs to see! I will be doing grade sheets for all of my reviews for now on. Author E. Reyes does a wonderful job at making his books look like horror books of the 90s. IF you love the Goosebumps and Stephen King, Reyes is a one of a kind too!
Here is the grade sheet for this fantastic read:
To find out more about the Author check out the information below:
https://www.amazon.com/E-Reyes/e/B01HUDDA5G/ref=aufs_dp_fta_dsk
https://horror.org/latinx-horror-interview-with-estaban-reyes/
Book Blurb:
Kayce Smith is a mother like me, who loves her son and wants all of the wonderful things for him in this life. Her heart created a book out of love and the book is so instrumental in teaching children to believe in themselves, it was an honor to read it to my own son. Each page is full of beautiful illustrations displaying Hayes, the main character in different careers of life. He is sporting a prosthetic leg that does not stop him from doing any of the activities he loves. The story explains that the prosthetic leg can come in multiple colors like red and blue. The images on each page kept my six-year-old son engaged and entertained. He loved watching Hayes attempt new adventures without reservation. I especially liked the touch of the Shriner's bear in each photo. Hayes is seen doing karate, surfing, and even floating in outer space. What an amazing thing to have little eyes see!
We rated this book a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐5/5!
As a mother it is very important to me what a child reads and watches. I feel like positive messages for children at such a young age can help them develop positive thinking. My son was able to see that a child was able to be anything he wanted to be even with an extra special prosthetic leg. He was happy for Hayes and wanted to know more of what all he could do. Not only was I encouraging my son to aspire to be whatever he wanted to be but I was also educating my son to learn all he could about all kinds of people. This story hit home because my Grandfather was paralyzed in a car accident when he was newly married. He had two choices after his accident and that was to allow the disability of not being able to ever walk again place limits on his life. Or he could take his disability and work hard to make sure that did not define who he was. Over time he became a leader for young men and those who were injured in the military looking for guidance. He went on to compete in wheelchair races and other competitions. He won many medals and inspired so many people due to his strong work and determination. He used his disability to raise awareness and use it as a teaching tool not as a limit to his life. Kayce Smith wrote this book for her love of her son and wanting to teach him that he too could be all that he wanted to be in this life. Not to mention how amazing it is to use this book and their journey to inspire other children with prosthetics that they can overcome anything life throws at them. We will cherish this book in our library. I also would like to donate one of these books to our local Library and Children's Hospital.
Thank you, Kayce Smith, for such a remarkable read! Thank you for the encouragement and the wisdom. If you would like to know more about Haye's journey please follow her Instagram page @whatcanhayesbe. And if you would like to support the Shriner's Childrens Hospital who helped them during their journey, that would be something that the Author would appreciate.
Her is her website: What Can Hayes Be?
Feel free to check out our reading of "What Hayes Can be?" On YouTube! There will also be a live reading of this story on Friday 4 PM Est. Please follow my Author Page on Facebook @AmandatheBookwitch.
There are not many books written these days that take me back to how it feels to be a child again. Some books try to write the words but many fall short of achieving their goal. Recently, I ordered a book simply because the description and cover looked intriguing. I had no idea how much I would love the book or how much the book would inspire me. I finished this book faster than I expected too. I fell in love with the writing of a fellow Author and story.
I am giving this book a five stars or more rating simply because it is truly one of a kind. The Author is extremely talented. I would so much to say that she should be at the level of J.K. Rowling herself. I say this because the way the magic is written in this story is very similar. The world building was done so well that it did not take much for me to be hooked. Tilly is such a smart and curious girl who isn't scared to find answers. The ability to travel inside of a story while you are reading it and meet the characters is such an amazing idea! In fact, I am a bit jealous I did not come up with the idea for this story first. The story goes into the rules of BookWandering and how much of a responsibility it is for Book Wanderers to respect the gift. Tilly gets to take her new best friend Oscar a long for the ride and he is such a loveable character. He reminded me of a younger Ron Weasley. In my head, to be honest that is who I pictured for Oscar. I hate to keep comparing this book with Harry Potter but I cannot help it. The same excitment that I got when I first read Harry is the same excitement that I felt when I began this story by Anna James. The story mentions how important reading is and how special it is to hold a book in your hand. As a writer like myself, for children especially it is very important to write books that matter. I feel that Anna James wrote this to remind children that reading is a wonderful superpower. The characters inside her book are relatable and enjoyable. I absolutely had to get the Audible version of this story as well and I do not regret it at all. When I followed the story with Audible there were moments I would get lost inside the story myself. Hearing the narrator, Aysha Kala, bring Anne of Green Gables to life was remarkable. I could literally see her red hair and freckles in my mind! I have not read Anne of Green Gables in many moons but this story brought back that familiar feeling. The feeling of joy and pure love for a story. As a child reading comes naturally and without judgement. You simply embark on a stories adventure and you do it because it is enjoyable. I needed to be reminded of that feeling. I have noticed while on Instagram or Tiktok there are many challenges for reading many books. I think sometimes the fun of reading is zapped out of us because of the pressure the social world places on the act of reading itself. When I met Tilly for the first time inside Pages & Co., it was as if I was coming back home to an old version of myself. I saw myself in Tilly. The book has so many quotes that I had to highlight to remind myself why I write and read in the first place. The way Anna James wrote about reading in this book was truly magical. I felt like I was experiencing the love of reading for the first time as an adult. I know this book was written for children, but I truly think this book should be read by those who love to read no matter the age. Everyone from time to time, needs to remember what it feels like to be inside a good story. To be so involved with the adventure and the characters that you forget where you are and how much time has passed. That is when you know you have read a fantastic book. I ordered the rest of the books in the series because I must know what happens next for Tilly. Also, simply because I don't want the adventure to end. I don't want this feeling to ever end.
Thank you, Author Anna James, for reminding me why I write for children and why I read at all. You truly gave me the inspiration I so desperately needed. I think I am a bookwanderer too.
We are worthy. We are worthy. And we are ENOUGH.
-A. Bookwitch
Mr. Maloof by Danielle Marietta Pub date is 3/1/22, Pre-orders are up for grabs! |
My son and I were gifted this book from the sweet Author, Danielle Marietta. This book is beautiful from the cover until the end. The illustrator Sarah Jane Docker did a fabulous job with the design and the illustrations. This story was an absolute treasure to read with my son Ryder. We enjoyed the moments of genuine laughter as we got to know Mr. Maloof and his tricks. Ryder found it particularly funny as well because he too is a silly kid. He loves to play pranks on his Daddy and sister. I think any child who is playful and full of spunk will enjoy this book too. As a parent, I felt especially touched by this book because of it's message. The simple reminder that no matter how old you become, it is perfectly okay to remain silly. It is more than okay to be yourself, despite the age or the social expectations. I needed this reminder as a Homeschool Teacher and Mom. I needed to be reminded to be goofy with my kids and let loose a little. To enjoy the little moments in life that pass us by. To take wonder in all of the new adventures that my children embark on with me by their side. To laugh from inside of the heart and play often. Life can be so serious at times and children these days tend to grow up a lot faster than most. I feel this book teaches a very valuable lesson for the child and the parent alike. I will keep this one in my Homeschool library for many years to come and pass it down to my grandchildren one day. I will also be ordering two more, one for each of my nieces.
I highly encourage you to go ahead and Pre-order your copy On Amazon or wherever books are sold, so that you can add this gem to your home library. I promise you will not be disappointed. Danielle Marietta does not disappoint. She is in touch with her inner child, and it shows. I absolutely love her writing style and so does my son.
Thank you, Danielle Marietta, for this AMAZING read! We cannot read to add more of your books to our school. (I will be adding the book reading of, Mr. Maloof, from our Classroom to yours via our debut Youtube Channel. Stay tuned for more updates!)
Danielle is originally from Seattle but has been living in the DC metro area for the last 15 years. While studying at Howard University she met her husband. And although Danielle has always enjoyed writing, she did not take it seriously until she spent hours on end reading to their three children. She writes for them.
To catch up on any latest news, giveaways, and more subscribe to Danielle Marietta's Newsletter. Below is a link to her website to check out her other publications!
Author | Danielle Marietta (daniellemariettabooks.com)
The Cruel Prince by Holly Black |
Jez and Jay have always been fascinated by the African American folk magic that has been the legacy of their family for generations - especially the curious potions and powders Doc and Gran would make for the people on their island. But Jez soon finds out that her family’s true power goes far beyond small charms and elixirs…and not a moment too soon. Because when evil both natural and supernatural comes to show itself in town, it’s going to take every bit of the magic she has inside her to see her through."
Root Magic's main character is named Jezebel. The book is based in the 1960's and in the South Carolina. During that time discrimination and racism was very much alive. Jezebel at the very start of the story loses her grandmother. The story begins during her grandmother's aka "Gran's" funeral. I remember listening to the story on Audible while I was cooking dinner. Before I knew it my eyes were leaking tears for Jezebel. I also remembered how I felt when my grandmother passed, and the story started to reach my heart instantly. The story goes on to introduce other characters like her twin brother, Jay and her Uncle Doc. As well as her loving and protective Mother. I got a sense of a close bond between her family right away. The story gets really scary when the local Sheriff Collins comes by as soon as they get home from the funeral. I could sense a very threatening presence and it shook me to my core. I then cried more tears as this Sheriff intrudes on their time of mourning. You can feel the pain in Jeze's voice as the narrator the voice of, Imani parks, speaks on Audible. I was originally reading to know if this was a book I wanted to share to my children as well but then it became clear that this was a book that I needed to read/hear.
During the story integration among schools begins and Jezebel has to attend a class differently than her brother. She is then surrounded by children she has never met before. Early on you learn how lonely Jezebel is and how she struggles to make friends in school. I recalled how much I struggled at a young age as well. I kept mostly to myself and books. I remember how timid and shy I used to be. How often I was quiet and often bullied. Jezebel too experiences similar through a bully named Letty. Letty and her family (and many others) looked down on Jezebel for being part of a family who does "root work". They deemed it old fashioned, and taboo. However, many of the people in the community were seen at Jezebel's Uncle's Cabin for help with all kinds of things like health and other healing needs. Letty enjoyed taunting Jezebel and making her feel less than she was even though Jezebel was kind. Soon Jezebel makes friends with a kind girl named Suzie. They begin sitting together for lunch.
The story goes on to grow with Jezebel and her brother Jay as they being to learn the family's legacy. Root work with their Uncle Doc. You could almost picture his cabin in the mind's eye. The creaking cabin floor, the cobwebs in the corners, the smell of all kinds of potions and herbs. I began to understand some of what root magic was and how much it helped others. There was a time when only white people could go to the hospital or see doctors. Root Workers stepped up and helped when no one else would. I was very sad to hear how many people who practiced this type of magic were looked down on for it. They truly were holding many communities up and helping carry on their traditions. The story goes on to follow Jezebel as she comes into her power. Her twin brother Jay seemed to feel as if he was falling behind her. Jezebel seemed to grow into her power a lot quicker. I also noticed that there is a noticeable difference in what changes girls go through versus what boys do. In school Jezebel is called a "witch" and Jay isn't terrorized as Jezebel is. She begins growing in her abilities and many times she is almost killed or hurt by something who wants the power she maintains. Without giving too many spoiler alerts, the story goes on two have a few exciting moments. Some left me wide awake at 3 a.m. and fighting to keep the night light on.
You also notice the southern tones in the book. There are things spoken and thoughts that are clearly a southern thought. Being from the south I totally understood the concept and that is why this book felt more real.
This story felt like a special gem to read. I felt like the writer herself was telling me a story from the heart. One of love of family, Gullah-Geechee culture, and African folklore that is often times misinterpreted as evil or taboo. I felt a closeness with Jezebel and my younger self. When she was scared, I too became scared. I cried multiple moments for the pain Jezebel's family had to endure at the hands of a racist Sheriff. It was a very powerful story because of the many levels of subject matter. I was deeply touched at the level of bravery Jezebel had and the love her family shared together. That despite all of the scary things happening at that time they remained together and faced the world hand in hand. All the while trying to preserve the Gullah-Geechee culture and it's practices for their families. I gave this book a five-star rating because I feel I am a better person having read this book. The Author's Note at the end was especially knowledgeable and I felt like I needed the education. I want to learn more about the Gullah-Geechee culture and the folklore as well. I will be following the Author Eden Royce's journey from here on out. What a great book she has written. My heart was touched, and I bought the book for my Homeschool Library. I DID NOT feel like it was too scary to read for middle grade.
This story has:
Thank you so much Author Eden Royce for writing such an amazing book. And for sharing the Root Magic culture and knowledge with us readers. I cannot wait to read anything else you write. This book will have a permanent home on our Homeschool Library Shelf.
-A. BookWitch
Author Eden Royce is a Southern Gothic writer from Charleston, South Carolina.
Did you know she is a Shirley Jackson Award nominee? WOW! Her middle grade book, Root Magic is a Walter Award Honoree. WELL DESERVED!
Fun fact: She loves to roller skate! How fun!
To follow the Author Eden Royce and future projects/updates please go to her website below!Author of Southern Gothic Fiction (edenroyce.com)
You can find a copy of Root Magic on Amazon and wherever books are sold!
Here is an Author Interview as well to hear more from Author Eden Royce:
Eighteen-year-old Sara is not normal, and she’s losing her grip on hiding her inexplicable power. Hunted by a dark witch and facing devastating losses, Sara finds refuge in Ware Woods—a spellbinding forest protected by witches, shapeshifters . . . and thorny secrets. Here she discovers true magic and an electric connection with Thomas, a wickedly charming and equally headstrong witch from a dangerous family.
But Sara is an outsider who has brought darkness and a fatal prophecy to the forest. To prove she belongs in Ware Woods, Sara is tested and pushed to master new magics, all while concealing the monstrous force that makes her undeniably different.
As the dark witch closes in on her and an insidious blight threatens Ware Woods, Sara must release her full power—and either save the forest and everyone she loves or destroy everything.
When I began to read, Witch of Ware Woods, there was no real expectation. I came into the book with a small idea of what it was about. The beginning of the book became really clear that it was not just a normal quick read. This book was something so much more. It is not often that I find myself in my old teenage reading feels. A young girl sitting back reading a fantasy book without any knowledge of the world she is about to enter. A young heart eager for knowledge on falling in love, self-confidence, and balancing life. I remember that feeling being young and getting into more detailed books of love and fantasy. The main character (MC) Sara was so relatable from the very beginning. Her constant battle between her abilities and her need to figure out if she was evil was intriguing. I kept reading every day after the kids went to sleep. I wanted to read this book for myself and for my daughter who is thirteen. I Eventually it became so intense I began to just read for the fun of it. You know that moment when a book has your full undivided attention. The more I read of the story the more I began to remember a part of my old self. The young teenage girl I used to be who could not stand to close a book. The girl who hated to stop to eat because she just "had" to know what was going to happen next. This book made me feel that way again. It reminded me of why I enjoy reading as a hobby. It reminded me why I write and why it is important I never lose sight of the young girl in my heart. Her magic that she was capable of doing was astounding and very intense. I enjoyed reading how she would learn to use them and discover any new ones that lay under the surface. I think my favorite part of the book initially was when she first got to Ware Woods. Sonja did an amazing job at building this forest and visually creating this world for her characters. I can tell that she spent time on creating each section of the forest until every inch of it was just as real to her as it was for us the reader. The description of the trees and the homes were so vivid I could almost see them in my mind's eye. She basically did what a painter does on a canvas, but she did so with her words. I most enjoyed reading about each relative and person who lived inside the forest. It was very reminiscent to Twilight, when Jacob's family was introduced. But to me this story does a better job with a back story for everyone. It's as if Sonja understands exactly how important it is for the reader to know everyone and how deeply connected, they are. I think that is why she chose trees as the main focus because trees are deeply rooted and connected to the Earth. They are strong and steadfast. They provide shelter and comfort on rainy days. Family that is there for you with love so big can do the same thing. Family that is strong like an Oak tree for example, can make anyone fight for their home and for those they love. Sara continued to fight with the monsters within herself through the book, but it was not written in a way that would be annoying or repetitive. The buildup of her frustration within herself and her situation was a natural one which made the book more believable. The pain she felt during a really hard time in the book was also just as raw as loss would be. Loss is dirty, it is messy, it is anger, and it is pain. Sara felt all of those things and she pushed through them. I appreciated that message within this book as well, and I think young readers will find comfort in the story line. Now, I cannot write a review without addressing the love interest of the book.
Me, literally loving this book. |
Having an ancestor who was hung as a witch, Sonja is naturally drawn to all things magical and fantastical—trees and cemeteries in particular.
At 5’2” she is often caught climbing tables, chairs, and small children to reach the upper shelves. She likes coffee and tea equally, both of which most certainly contributed to her diminutive stature. She writes fantasy as if it were real, because believing makes it so.
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