A Measure of Serenity by Bryan Prosek

 

 

Book Details

​Book Title:  A Measure of Serenity by Bryan Prosek
Category:  YA Fiction (Ages 13-17),  368 pages
Genre: YA Science Fiction 
Publisher:  CamCat Books 
Release date:  November 2022
Content Rating: PG. There aren't any graphic scenes, and no strong language.

Book Description:

A million thoughts, but only one right thing to do.

Eighteen-year-old Serenity Ashdown has a brilliant mind: she counts, calculates, and analyzes everything, all the time. Awkward. When her father suddenly disappears, Serenity follows his trail to a parallel dimension. The feds on the other side claim to want to help her go home, if she helps them reconstruct the right codes for the portal between worlds. But it’s soon clear they want something more: a gateway for invasion, because this version of Earth is dying.

​When Serenity learns that her alter-ego was killed in battle, she assumes “the other Serenity’s” identity and uses her unique abilities to lead the resistance in a mortal fight against the tyrannical super-government that is poised to invade her universe. Serenity has no idea how to be someone she’s not, but she has to try—or she may not have a home to return to.

MY REVIEW 

A Measure of Serenity by Bryan Prosek is a  YA Science Fiction Serenity was a genius. She is 18 years old and a senior at Harvard. Being the numerical genius in working with numbers landed a job for her in the same place as her dad. But she ended up in a world that wasn't her world but similar.

I really enjoyed this story. The characters were well crafted and the author does a really good job with their development throughout the story. Serenity is someone you can't help but like. Just the way she is with numbers is fascinating. I enjoyed her character and following her through the story. I enjoyed Serenity using her supreme smartness to find answers she was seeking. If you enjoy Sci-Fi and fantasy type books this is one you will want to check out. I think this is one you will like. 

I received a copy of this book from the author and iReadBook Tours to review. I was in no way influenced to write a positive review. Every word in this review is my opinion only. 

Buy the Book:
CamCat Books
Audible ~ Amazon
B&N ~ IndieBound ~ BookShop
add to goodreads

Meet the Author:

Bryan Prosek is a science fiction writer and business attorney. Along with his debut The Brighter the Stars and the forthcoming A Measure of Serenity, he has published books and articles in legal trade journals and magazines. When he isn’t writing or practicing law, you can probably find him watching science fiction movies or television shows. He loves the big screen and the small screen. There’s a good chance that he’ll be watching one of the numerous Star Trek movies or series, but he could be watching anything from Guardians of the Galaxy to The Conjuring.

connect with the author: website ~ twitter ~ facebook ~ instagram ~ goodreads

---

Enter the Giveaway:

THE MEASURE OF SERENITY Book Tour Giveaway

A Knock on the Door by Roberta K. Fernandez

 

Book Details:

​Book Title:  A Knock on the Door by Roberta K. Fernandez
Category:  Adult Fiction (18+),  392 pages
Genre: Crime Fiction / Thriller 
Publisher:  Subplot Publishing (Imprint of Amplify Publishing Group) 
Release date:  October 2022
Content Rating: PG-13 + M. The book deals with heavy themes, murder, and violence

Book Description:

Lori Crawford's world is turned upside down when her husband dies in a car accident. After twenty-five years of marriage, she thought she would forever live an uncomplicated, happy life with Jack. But just as Lori feels she’s coming out on the other side of her grief, Jack’s assistant at SpringWare, Rita Johnson, discovers information that convinces her that Jack was murdered.

​The two women vow to bring the perpetrator to justice. But time is running out, and their names are on someone’s kill list. The truth takes them down a path they never could have suspected. They set out to bring down one of the most powerful men in the country: the director of the National Security Agency. But who will believe them? And how many more will die before they do? Now, they have to decide if they have the courage—and the ability—to finish what they started.

BUY THE BOOK:
Amazon ~ B&N ~ BAM
indiebound ~ Bookshop.org
add to goodreads

MY REVIEW 

Lori Crawford's life was crushed in a moment when her husband was killed in a car accident. But was her? His assistant, Rita found evidence that maybe he was killed. Maybe he was murdered. But what would happen if they started checking into what was going on? And who in the office would do such a thing? 

This book was really good. There is a lot going on, many twists and turns to throw you off track, and I really had no idea who was really killing those they worked with daily. With characters with deep layers and the amazing writing of author  Roberta K. Fernandez, this is a book that will have you turning pages until the last one. I didn't want to put this book down unless I just had to. I really liked Lori and felt so bad for her that her husband and several she knew from the office was now gone. I liked her feisty and determination personality that didn't want to give up until she found the truth. If you enjoy a good suspense thriller, this is the one for you. I encourage you to check this one out. 

I received a copy of this book from the author and iReadBook Tours to review. I was in no way influenced to write a positive review. Every word in this review is my opinion only. 

Grady Whill and the Templeton Codex by Carole P. Roman

 

Book Details:

Book Title:  Grady Whill and the Templeton Codex by Carole P. Roman
Category:  Young-Adult Fiction (18 +), 286 pages
Genre:  Action-Adventure/Fantasy
Publisher:  Chelshire
Release date:   July 30 2022
Content Rating: PG. The author thinks the book is G-rated. A reviewer said it had some curses. Some may consider "Holy crap" is a curse.

"If I were to give a book to every young adult in this world, I would give them Grady Whill and the Templeton Codex by Carole P. Roman without blinking. I absolutely loved every moment of this uplifting and fascinating story. It's filled with valuable life lessons, adventure, peril, and highly relatable and lovable characters." Reviewed by Emma Megan for Readers' Favorite

"Harry Potter meets Sky High. If you're a fan of young adult stories where protagonists go to mysterious schools to train their superhuman abilities, don't miss out on Grady Whill and The Templeton Codex." Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Reader's Favorite
 
"Carole P. Roman has created a world that is unique, inhabited by characters that young people can easily relate to because of their similar concerns about growing pains... This book has a strong message and theme that deserves to be read." Reviewed by Vincent Dublado for Reader's Favorite​

---

Book Description:

Templeton Academy- the superhero high school is finally open! The prestigious institution is recruiting the best of the best to enroll in its student body. The school is as mysterious as it is exclusive.

Grady Whill thinks there is nothing special about him to make the grade. However, his best friend, Aarush Patel has been selected and thinks Grady has the right stuff. Even school bully Elwood Bledsoe is attending.

​If Grady is fortunate enough to be picked, his guardian has forbidden him to attend. Will a family secret prevent Grady from becoming the superhero he was destined to be?

Buy the Book:
Audible ~ Amazon
B&N ~ BookBub
add to goodreads

MY REVIEW 

Grady was orphaned after his parents passed away and he was raised by his grandparents until they passed, then he was raised by his young uncle. This boy had it rough! Grady and Aarush formed a close friendship that lasted through the super hero high school Templeton Academy. I like these two fun kids. The story deals with bullying, which is horrible that kids do that to their peers, but the author does a great job with this issue. I had fun following these two friends around and grew attached to them. This is a great story for your teens and tweens. It is clean, and lots of fun. 

I was able to listen to this book. Narrator Dan McGowan was very good with narratoring this book. I enjoyed his voice and it was nice for the story, made me feel I was a teen listening in. I look forward to listening to more book which Dan McGowan is the narrator. 

A special thanks to the author/publisher and iReadBookTours for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Also from the Pen of Carole P. Roman:

Book Details:

Book Title:  Giggles Galore Jokes, Riddles and Fun Facts for Kids of all Ages by Carole P. Roman
Category:  Children's Fiction , 170 pages
Genre:  Humor
Publisher:  Chelshire
Release date:   August 2022
Tour dates: Nov 7 to Dec 2, 2022
Content Rating: G. 

Book Description:

​What's more fun than a rainy afternoon?

A rainy afternoon with Giggles Galore!
Treat yourself and your child to this fun-filled book of jokes, riddles, and exciting bits of information.

Entertain your friends and family with a wide variety of jokes that include funny foods, animal antics, jolly jungles, farcical farms, dizzy dinosaurs, hilarious holidays, and a host of humor from all over our wacky world.

Fun facts are sprinkled throughout the book and give a welcome relief from all the giggles.
There's even a section where budding comedians can learn to create new jokes.

Lastly, join Carole P. Roman's beloved character, Susanna Maya Logan, for a short story about why we must use humor wisely, or it may not be considered funny by everyone.

A great tool to help a reluctant reader, Giggles Galore is the perfect way to practice social skills and develop friendships.

Buy the Book:
Amazon ~ B&N 

Meet the Author:

Carole P. Roman is the award-winning author of over fifty children's books. Whether it's pirates, princesses, spies, or discovering the world around us, her books have enchanted educators, parents, and her diverse audience of children of all ages.

Her best-selling book, The Big Book of Silly Jokes for Kids: 800+ Jokes! has reached number one on Amazon in March of 2020 and has remained in the top 200 books since then.

She published Mindfulness for Kids with J. Robin Albertson-Wren.

Carole has co-authored two self-help books. Navigating Indieworld: A Beginners Guide to Self-Publishing and Marketing with Julie A. Gerber, and Marketing Indieworld with both Julie A. Gerber and Angela Hausman.

Roman is the CEO of a global transportation company, as well as a practicing medium.

She also writes adult fiction under the name Brit Lunden and has created an anthology of the mythical town of Bulwark, Georgia with a group of indie authors.

Writing is her passion and one of her favorite pastimes. Roman reinvents herself frequently, and her family calls her the 'mother of reinvention.' She resides on Long Island, near her children and grandchildren.

connect with the author: website ~ twitter ~ facebook ~ bookbub ~ goodreads

Enter the Giveaway:

GRADY WHILL AND THE TEMPLETON CODEX Book Tour Giveaway

The Darker the Skies by Bryan Prosek

 

 

Book Details:

​Book Title:  The Darker the Skies by Bryan Prosek
Category:  YA Fiction (Ages 13-17),  292 pages
Genre: YA Science Fiction 
Publisher:  CamCat Books 
Release date:  November 2022
Content Rating: PG. It's very clean.

Book Description:

It only takes one to make a difference.

Just days before Jake Saunders plans on proposing to the love of his life, Jake is called upon once again to save his home, Earth. The Earthen Legion troops and its allies think they’re battling only pirates, but a new, more powerful foe from another galaxy flanks their forces and invades, in search of a weapon the planet didn’t even know it had.

​When Jake learns that this new enemy was responsible for the death of his father many years ago, he realizes he can finally face his true nemesis. The odds are stacked against Jake, but with the help of his friends and allies he’s made along the way, he must rally the remaining Legion troops and retake Earth before it’s too late. The fate of Earth and the fate of his love, rest in the balance.

MY REVIEW

Bryan Prosek is back again with the second book in his series. The Darker the Skies happens a few years after The Brighter the Stars. Jake Saunders is still with the Earthen Legion troops with his friend Cal. Jake is excited to be asking his girl to marry him, but before he can pop the question, he and Cal are called for another mission to save their home, Earth. This time, the forces are more evil, the time is longer. Jake does find some devastating news that may somehow bring him a bit of peace.

Prosek adds new well defined characters and a plot that will keep your fingers turning the pages. At least it did mine because I didn't want to wait to find out what is going to happen. Jake is still my favorite character I think. He's had such a difficult life, I want to see him happy. If you enjoy fantasy, or if your child enjoys this genre, and this is a clean read that your child can read.

I was able to listen to the audio version of The Darker the Skies. The narration by Joel Simler is very nice.  His voice is a great one for this type of books. He reads it so well. If you love  audiobooks, and YA Fantasy, this would be a really good audiobook for you.

Thanks to the author and iReadBook Tours for a copy of this book. The opinions here are mine alone. 

Buy the Book:
CamCat Books
Audible ~ Amazon
B&N ~ IndieBound ~ 

BookShop
add to goodreads

The Brighter the Stars by Bryan Prosek

 

 

Book Details:

​Book Title:  The Darker the Skies by Bryan Prosek
Category:  YA Fiction (Ages 13-17),  292 pages
Genre: YA Science Fiction 
Publisher:  CamCat Books 
Release date:  November 2022
Content Rating: PG. It's very clean.

Book Description:

It only takes one to make a difference.

Just days before Jake Saunders plans on proposing to the love of his life, Jake is called upon once again to save his home, Earth. The Earthen Legion troops and its allies think they’re battling only pirates, but a new, more powerful foe from another galaxy flanks their forces and invades, in search of a weapon the planet didn’t even know it had.

​When Jake learns that this new enemy was responsible for the death of his father many years ago, he realizes he can finally face his true nemesis. The odds are stacked against Jake, but with the help of his friends and allies he’s made along the way, he must rally the remaining Legion troops and retake Earth before it’s too late. The fate of Earth and the fate of his love, rest in the balance.

Buy the Book:
CamCat Books
Audible ~ Amazon
B&N ~ IndieBound ~ BookShop
add to goodreads

A Spying Eye by Michelle Cox

 

Book Details:

Book Title:  A Spying Eye: A Henrietta and Inspector Howard Novel by Michelle Cox
Category:  Adult Fiction (18+), 256 pages
Genre:  Historical Mystery
Publisher:  She Writes Press
Release dates:   Oct 25, 2022

Book Description:

In A Spying Eye, Clive and Henrietta return to Europe in an attempt to resurrect their failed honeymoon. While in London, they are approached by their old friend, Inspector John Hartle, who convinces them to search for the missing panel of the Ghent Altarpiece, a famous Renaissance painting, of which Hitler’s top men are also in pursuit.

Meanwhile, back in Chicago, Oldrich Exley threatens to cut off financial support for the entire Von Harmon brood if Elsie continues with her plan to marry Gunther―a situation made worse by the sudden appearance of one Heinrich Meyer, who claims to be little Anna’s father and threatens to take her away. Desperate, Elsie seeks the help of Clive’s sister, Julia, who is herself the victim of domestic abuse and who has fallen under the spell of a handsome Texas millionaire bent on acquiring a rare painting from the Howard collection.

​Clive and Henrietta’s search takes them to Chateau du Freudeneck in Strasbourg, France―the ancient seat of the Von Harmons and home to three eccentric distant relatives. What begins as a wild goose chase turns decidedly more deadly when several Nazi officers also arrive at the chateau in search of a “valuable item.” When Henrietta and Clive attempt to flee after Henrietta uncovers a shocking truth, they are forced to trust themselves to a suspicious French servant who seems all-too willing to help . . .

Buy the Book:
Amazon ~ Apple ~ B&N
BookBub
add to goodreads

MY REVIEW

This is my first read by Michelle Cox, so for me it was a little difficult jumping in on book number six. Even though Cox does a great job of including some back story so that this book can be read as a stand alone, I still feel I missed out on a lot of getting to know the previous characters and setting. 

That said, I did enjoy A Spying Eye very much. This story focuses on Clive and Henrietta and a return trip to Europe. While there, they were involved in an investigation of a lost painting. The mystery and intrigue was enough for me to keep reading and wanting to find out what was happening. Michelle Cox creates wonderful characters and makes it easy for readers to fall in love with them. All in all, this is a fabulous book to read. With the back story, you can read it as a stand alone, or if you have been reading the series, you will enjoy the continuous reading of this series. Will there be a book seven? Stay tuned and see. 

I received this book from the author through iReadBook tours. I was not expected to write a favorable review. The words here are totally my own. 

Meet the Author:

Michelle Cox is the author of the Henrietta and Inspector Howard series as well as “Novel Notes of Local Lore,” a weekly blog dedicated to Chicago’s forgotten residents. Her books have won over 50 international awards and have been praised by Kirkus, Library Journal, Publishers Weekly, Booklist, Foreword, Elle, Redbook, Brit&Co., POPSUGAR, Buzzfeed, and many others.

Unbeknownst to most, Michelle hoards board games she doesn’t have time to play and is, not surprisingly, addicted to period dramas and big band music. Also marmalade. She lives in Chicago with her husband, three children, and one naughty Goldendoodle and is hard at work on her latest novel. 

Connect with the Author:  website ~ facebook ~ twitter ~ instagram ~ tiktok ~ goodreads ~ bookbub

Enter the Giveaway:

A Spying Eye Book Tour Giveaway

On The Edge of Shattered by Kimberly Kearns

 

 

Book Details:

​Book Title:  On The Edge of Shattered: A Mother’s Experience of Discovering Freedom Through Sobriety by Kimberly Kearns
Category:  Adult Non-Fiction (18+),  252 pages
Genre: Non-Fiction, Memoir, Self-Help
Publisher:  Glass Spider Publishing
Release date:  November  2022
:  PG-13 + M: Intended for adults only, contains information on alcoholism   

Book Description

​Before she stopped drinking for good, Kim was lying to herself and everyone she knew about her daily habit—sneaking morning sips of vodka behind her husband’s back, emptying bottles of wine and hiding the evidence from her family, and convincing herself that nothing was wrong and everything was under control. Until she realized that it wasn’t, and that her dishonesty could cost her everything she loved. What would happen to her marriage if things continued in this way? And how could she be a mother to her young children if she remained trapped in this cycle of abuse? Deciding she had to make a change, Kim threw herself into a new life of sobriety seven months into the Covid-19 pandemic. But only after severing the chains of bondage did she realize how much work there was still to do. Opening the doors to buried memories and past traumas was only the beginning. Throughout her journey to sobriety, Kim would come to terms with the secrets and lies told by her parents and loved ones, allowing her a clarity and freedom she never before thought possible.

MY REVIEW

On the Edge of Shattered is the true story of author Kimberly Kearns and her alcohol addiction. Kearns opens her heart and gives readers the raw evidence of the way she snuck around with her drinking. It may be just a sip at times, but she was so addicted, she had to have her alcohol. Her life wasn't the pretty pictures or movies or even what is portrayed to be beautiful with parties and drinking, making it all look like a lot of fun. Her life had gotten to the deep down dark times of the struggles her addiction and what it was doing to her, as well as her family.

On the Edge of Shattered was not an easy book for me to read because there was a time I stood by a family member day after day while trying to kick the addiction of alcohol. Even though this never happened to me, I know the deep dark raw emotions that come as a result of alcohol. I appreciate so much that Ms. Kearns is willing to tell her story to the world. If it helps just one person, it would be worth it.

The beauty of this story is the part we get to see as Kearns tells of her journey to sobriety and the struggles it was to achieve her sobriety and the help she finds along the way. I love everything about this story because Kearns is one of the blessed ones on the other side of her addiction. And I am happy to say my family member is in the same position, as he was able to kick his addiction as well. If this is a story you connect with, please read On The Edge of Shattered and you may find the help you need. This book is getting Five Stars from me.

A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

BUY THE BOOK:
Amazon ~ B&N ~ BAM
Indiebound ~ Bookshop.org
Bookbub
add to goodreads

Meet the Author:

Kimberly Kearns is a wife to an incredible husband and a mother to three beautiful children. She currently lives in Need-ham, Massachusetts. She continues to tell her story of sobriety and inspire others every day on her blog at kimberlykearns.com, and through her Instagram account @asoberandstrongmom. Kimberly co-hosts the podcast The Weekend Sober and is a writer for the Webby Award-winning narrative podcast F*cking Sober: The First 90 Days. Writing has always been an escape for Kimberly, even as a little girl. Being able to express herself in words and getting lost in her imagination has served as a source of comfort to her as far back as she can remember. 

connect with the author: website ~ instagram ~ facebook  ~ bookbub ~ goodreads

ON THE EDGE OF SHATTERED Book Tour Giveaway