Wednesday, December 10, 2025

Fantasy Review: Thieves Carousel by Briana Chen

This morning, I have a fantasy novel to share in our book review feature spot! Learn about Thieves Carousel, the first book in The Carousel Series by Briana Chen. Read my thoughts on the book and be sure to enter for a chance to win a prize in the book tour giveaway at the end of this post.


 
​Book Title:  THE THIEVES' CAROUSEL by Briana Chen
Category:  Adult Fiction (18+),  300 pages
Genre: Fantasy
Publisher: Z-Choice International
Release date:  August 2025
Content RatingPG-13 +M: Some bad language, violence, and dark themes (implied abuse, self-harm)

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About the Book

​What price would you pay to undo a death?

In the shadowed streets of Aspizia, two thieves—Lyo Morandi and Jasper Bray—risk everything to rewrite the past. Haunted by the death of their friend Milo, they set their sights on a forbidden prize: a ring reputed to alter time.

To steal it, they must infiltrate the Thieves’ Carousel, a ruthless exhibition where the city’s most dangerous criminals flaunt their treasures—and fight to keep them. But as Lyo and Jasper descend deeper into the catacombs beneath Aspizia, they uncover a truth far more dangerous than they imagined: the ring’s power comes at a devastating cost.

Loyalties splinter. Betrayal lurks around every corner. Loyalties splinter. As the game turns deadly, they must ask themselves: How far will they go to rescue the past and save the future—and how much of themselves are they willing to lose?

The Thieves’ Carousel is a gripping tale of ambition, sacrifice, and the haunting price of second chances.
 
My Review

 

The Thieves' Carousel Builds the Series' World. The author does an excellent job of creating the darkness of her fantasy world — and bringing her characters' stories into it. The novel is action-packed, but slows at times as the scenes are set and the world develops for readers. The book is a great series opener that introduces readers to the characters and builds the world while still leaving some mystery and unknowns for revelation in future novels. 

 

Expect to Root for the Main Characters. Lyo and Jasper are the perfect duo in this novel, and the author builds their relationship and complex character traits to create a team readers will root for from beginning to end. While the characters face fantasy elements, the author's realism makes them relatable and intense. 

 

Would I Recommend The Thieves' Carousel by Briana Chen?  IF you enjoy dark fantasies, this is a good series opener. I love the characters and really look forward to seeing future adventures with them. The novel does have some slow stretches, but your patience is rewarded with an overall clever storyline and strong characters. 

 
Buy the Book

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 Meet the Author
BRIANA CHEN is an award-winning fantasy author and repeat offender when it comes to falling headfirst into fandoms. She loves morally gray characters, unpredictable plot twists, and books that make her stare at a wall for hours afterward.

She is also a digital artist, gamer, and graduate of Carnegie Mellon University. She currently spends her time battling artist’s and writer’s block—sometimes simultaneously—and pursuing more adventures to add to her hoard of treasure.

connect with the author: website ~ instagram ~ goodreads
  

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Tuesday, December 9, 2025

Christian NonFiction: The Blueprint of Becoming by Wesley Farnsworth

Today, I have a Christian, nonfiction book to share in our book spotlight! Take a moment and learn about The Blueprint of Becoming: A Practical Guide to Faith, Failure, and Finding Your Way Forward by author Wesley Farnsworth! 



A Practical Guide to Faith, Failure, and Finding Your Way Forward

 Religion / Christian Living / Nonfiction

Date Published: October 14, 2025

Publisher: Lucid Books Publishing

 

 

 

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About the Book

If you've ever felt defined by your past, unsure of your purpose, or desperate for change, The Blueprint of Becoming is for you. In this honest and hope-filled guide, Wesley Farnsworth shares how God transformed his life-and how He can transform yours too. Blending personal testimony with biblical truth and practical tools, this book lays out a clear path from brokenness to breakthrough. You'll discover how to identify what's holding you back, set faith-aligned goals, and boldly step into the life God designed for you. With reflection questions, real-life stories, and grace woven through every chapter, The Blueprint of Becoming invites you to surrender the old and fully embrace your new story. 

 

If you're looking to take The Blueprint of Becoming deeper, free companion resources are available on the books website. These include a 10-week Small Group Participant's Guide and a Leader's Guide, complete with weekly Scriptures, prayers, discussion questions, and practical challenges designed to help you and your group apply the book's lessons in a real and lasting way . Whether you're leading a church study, walking with a recovery group, or gathering with friends, these guides provide a simple framework to create honest conversations, foster community, and encourage transformation. Visit blueprintofbecoming.com to download your free copies. 

 

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About the Author


Wesley is the author of The Blueprint of Becoming, a practical guide to personal transformation. With over sixteen years as a professional photographer and dual master's degrees in branding and internet marketing, Wesley brings creativity, depth, and authenticity to every page. A former pastor's kid who has journeyed through addiction, shame, and healing, he now uses his story to help others find freedom and purpose. Wesley serves as an active leader in Celebrate Recovery and is the proud father of four amazing kids.
 

As featured on BookTrib, a leading source for book lovers and authors.


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Historical Fantasy Review & Author Guest Post: Boy with Wings by Mark Mustain

 


 

​Book Title:  BOY WITH WINGS by Mark Mustian
Category:  Adult Fiction (18+),  324 pages
Genrehistorical fiction/magical realism/literary fiction
PublisherKoehler Books
Release date:  March 2025
Content RatingPG-13: There is adult content, use of the f word and (in limited context) the n word 

Juvenile Non-Fiction: Carrie Ingalls The Forgotten Sister by Clarissa Willis

I grew up reading the Little House on the Prairie book series and watching the television series with my family, so I was excited to share this non-fiction chapter book for young readers! Learn about Carrie Ingalls: The Forgotten Sister and author Clarissa Willis! Be sure to enter for a chance to win a prize in the book tour giveaway at the end of this post! 



Non-fiction Chapter Book Juvenile Fiction

Date Published: 10-30-2025

Publisher: Solander Press


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About the Book


While her sister Laura chronicles their life on the frontier, Carrie Ingalls forges her own path. This is the story of the “forgotten” sister, a frail child who grows into a resilient woman of the American West. From the hardships of pioneer life, Carrie emerges as an independent journalist, newspaper editor, and landowner, quietly shaping the futures of fellow homesteaders and proving that strength comes in many forms.
 
 
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About the Author

 


 Award-winning author Clarissa Willis writes children's books. She has authored four picture books and one chapter book. Bloomers on Pike’s Peak, the story of Julia Archibald Holmes, received a Will Rogers Medallion Award and was a finalist for the Women Writing the West 2025 WILLA Literary Award in Children's Picture Books. Her book Fast as the Wind: The Story of Johnny Fry Pony Express Rider won a Will Rogers Medallion in 2023. The Three Little Pigs and the Not So Big Bad Wolf, released in early 2025. It tells a familiar story with a new twist. She believes childhood is a journey and strives to make it joyful through her books and public speaking.

 

Clarissa loves traveling and has a special connection to the American West. She finds inspiration in the red rocks of Sedona, Arizona, and the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. In fact, her next book, Not from Around Here, is set in Sedona and chronicles an unusual friendship between a young cowboy and his friend from far away.


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Thursday, December 4, 2025

Mystery Thriller Review: Avarice by Britt Lind

I love finding mysteries to share! This week, I have a thriller series that I'm reviewing--and, this morning, I have Avarice by Britt Lind in our book review spotlight! Learn about the book and the author--and be sure to enter for a chance to win a prize in the book tour giveaway at the end of this post! Check out the rest of the series below too if you missed those this week!


About the Book

“An awesome read that should be made into a film!” --Readers’ Favorite

Rosemaria Baker loved being a cop even though at times she had to chase down pimps, drug dealers, and killers who inhabited the sleazy dark world and back alleys of Hollywood. She decided to become a prosecutor because she enjoys putting the bad guys away even more than arresting them. When she met Josh Sibley, a down and out singer songwriter, she had no intention of falling in love with a man with whom she had nothing in common and, even worse, he was a murder suspect in a case she was investigating. But life had other ideas and after a few ups and downs, most of them involving dangerous criminals, they discovered they were soulmates, and their differences became the reason why they fell in love.  Taking a long-awaited holiday in Pacific Beach, California, Rosemaria and Josh are enjoying the sun and each other, anticipating a few days of focusing on the good things in life. Josh is also looking forward to touring Europe with Joell, who is a world-famous singer, as well as being Josh’s friend and mentor. But rain clouds blow in from the ocean and bring a raging storm and an attempt on Rosemaria’s life. She escapes the two gunmen who come after her but is injured in the attack and hospitalized. Josh is adamant that he will not leave for Europe until the shooters are caught. Fortunately, Rosemaria’s former partner, Larry Coleman, whose parents are obscenely wealthy, comes to the rescue. After much persuasion, Josh agrees that Rosemaria will stay with Larry’s parents in their heavily guarded mansion in Holmby Hills, the most exclusive area in the city, until he returns. 
 
Rosemaria, of course, cannot be convinced by her friends to stay out of the investigation. She gets deeply involved in the case from the safety of her gilded cage in the mansion and later, after Josh comes back, amongst the wealthy denizens of Beverly Hills. Working with her ex-homicide-detective father, and her former partners, she helps track down the suspects as they flee California while all her instincts tell her that the person who wants her dead is much closer to home. 

My Review 

 

Excellent continuation of the Series. I enjoyed this entire series — but Avarice was probably my favorite. The author creates a well-paced story that delivers plenty of thrills and twists, keeping readers guessing and engaged. The author's storytelling style focuses on her characters, and the dialogue and scenes feel well-organized and true to each character's role.

 

Avarice Dives Deeper into the Characters. In earlier books of the series, I didn't "love" the romance between Rosemaria and Josh — but that relationship seemed better rooted and developed throughout this novel. As the mystery unfolds, other relationships and characters play stronger roles as well. This novel, as with Malevolence, would appeal to fans of television crime dramas.

 

Would I recommend Avarice by Britt Lind? I enjoyed the even pace of this novel, and I found myself "believing" the characters and the relationships a little more than I did in previous books. Avarice is very well organized, with well-written dialogue and scenes that create a realistic flow to the novel, while entertaining readers from beginning to end — even offering some surprises.  I would definitely recommend this series to fans of police procedural thrillers and mystery novels.

 

 

Buy the Book 

 
Check out the Series

Wednesday, December 3, 2025

Mystery Thriller Review: Malevolence by Britt Lind

I love finding mysteries to share! This week, I have a thriller series that I'm reviewing--and, this morning, I have Malevolence by Britt Lind in our book review spotlight! Learn about the book and the author--and be sure to enter for a chance to win a prize in the book tour giveaway at the end of this post! Stop back throughout the week as I feature other books from the Rosemaria Baker Hollywood Mystery series too! 



Book Title: MALOVENCE (A Hollywood Mystery) by Britt Lind
Category: Adult Fiction (18 yrs +), 359 pages
Genre: Mystery / Thriller
Publisher: Bublish
Release date: May, 2022

Content Rating: PG: There is some bad language and very little sex​



About the Book 

 
Rosemaria must solve the murder of a young girl in Malevolence-A Hollywood Mystery. Politics play a part, but who and why will keep readers up at night! Highly recommended! -- Chanticleer Reviews


​Rosemaria Baker, a cop whose blood runs true blue, has become a prosecutor who now gets to put the perpetrators in jail instead of just arresting them. She is blissfully happy living with the love of her life, Josh Sibley, who is about to make a major breakthrough in his career as a singer-songwriter. But real life interrupts their perfect world when two girls who Rosemaria rescued from the streets of Hollywood become the targets of ruthless assassins after a third girl is murdered.

Rosemaria must arrange protection for the girls, continue working her caseload at the courthouse, investigate the murder, and deal with a coworker who seeks to destroy her career. Through it all, the love and support Rosemaria and Josh have for each other is unfailing. When it finally seems that some semblance of order is falling into place, Rosemaria faces an unexpected, terrifying threat, and she must depend on those who love her to rescue her from certain death.
 
My Review 

 

Well-Paced Mystery.  If you read my review of Deception, the first book in the series, you know that I struggled a little with the slow build, but loved Rosemaria's character. This novel is very well-paced, pulling readers in immediately and moving along quickly with character- and dialogue-driven scenes. This novel drops some clues for readers and some misdirection along the way, while still keeping the pieces of the puzzle engagingly hidden until the final few twists and turns reveal them.

 

Crime Drama T.V. Fans Will Enjoy the Novel. While I enjoyed the characters and the story development surrounding the actual mystery in Malevolence, I found myself preferring Rosemaria as an LA detective — and not settling into her career shift to the district attorney's office. Having said that, the plot is entertaining and interesting when read as its own story, without comparing it to previous books, and will undoubtedly appeal to those of us who love crime drama TV series.  

 

Would I recommend Malevolence by Britt Lind? I enjoyed the fast-paced mystery and setting of this novel, finding it much more evenly balanced and engaging than the first in the series. I still enjoyed Rosemaria's character — and found the characters and dialogue engaging and well-organized, creating a well-done thriller. I didn't find this novel realistic at times, but I loved the flow and storyline, and I look forward to reading more from the series and the author. 

 

 

Buy the Book
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Check out the Series

Children's Book Spotlight: You Don't See What I See by Ashley Sadrnoori

This morning, I have a lovely children's book in our book blitz spotlight! Learn about You Don't See What I See and author Ashley Sadrnoori! 


 


Children's Book

Date Published: April 14, 205

Publisher: MindStir Media

 

 

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Should you purchase an item via our links--we may receive slight compensation from an
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About the Book

 A heartwarming rhyming story that teaches kids the power of kindness, confidence, and self-acceptance.

Looking into the river,
They saw what they never believed.
They all had something special,
That they first didn’t see.
 

In You Don’t See What I See, children meet a group of charming animals who feel insecure about their unique traits. From floppy ears to bumpy shells, each animal believes their differences make them less special—until kind words from their friends reveal the truth: what they thought were flaws are actually their strengths. 

 

Through lyrical rhymes and beautifully illustrated pages, this story shows children that the way they see themselves is not always the way others see them. By encouraging gratitude, kindness, and compassion, the book helps kids celebrate their individuality and recognize their true value. 

 


Why You Will Love This Book

Celebrates Uniqueness – Teaches children to embrace their special qualities instead of comparing themselves to others.

Encourages Positive Self-Talk – Shows how kind words can change negative thoughts into uplifting ones.

 ● Builds Confidence & Resilience – Inspires young readers to believe in themselves and appreciate their strengths.

Fosters Empathy & Gratitude – Reminds kids to be kind to others while also being gentle with themselves.

Engaging & Fun – Written in playful rhyme with vibrant illustrations that captivate young readers.

Perfect for Families & Classrooms – A wonderful read-aloud that sparks conversations about self-worth, kindness, and emotional growth. 

 

Whether at bedtime, in the classroom, or as part of social-emotional learning, You Don’t See What I See is a book children will want to read again and again—while carrying its life-changing message with them forever. The book is ideal for ages 4-8.



About the Author

 

 Ashley Sadrnoori – Author, Teacher, and Advocate for Children’s Growth

Ashley Sadrnoori is an educator, author, wife, and mom dedicated to inspiring children to embrace their uniqueness. With over 12 years of experience as a middle school English teacher on the North Shore of Massachusetts, she has recently transitioned into a new role as a K–2 ESL teacher. Her mission is to help young learners build strong language skills while fostering confidence and self-expression. 

 

Ashley’s classroom philosophy centers around creating safe, supportive spaces where every child feels valued. She believes that when children are encouraged and cared for, they flourish academically and personally. 

 

Her journey into writing children’s books stems from a lifelong love of literature and a desire to use stories to teach important life lessons. Inspired by her own struggles with self-doubt and the transformative power of kind words, Ashley wrote You Don’t See What I See to help children develop self-belief, resilience, and empathy. 

 

At home, Ashley is a proud mother of energetic twin boys and the family’s beloved dog, Raven. Parenthood has deepened her understanding of the emotional needs of young children and strengthened her commitment to writing stories that uplift and empower. 



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