This week, I will be sharing my reviews of books and audiobooks from the Islands in the Mist series! This week, I have alread reviewed the first two books of the series and, today, I am sharing my review of the audiobook version of the third book, Rise of the Pendragon. Learn about the book and author J.M. Hofer, 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.

 

My Review

 

The Characters Drive the Story. Initially, in the first book, I was daunted by the number of characters and relationships. Now, that is the part of the series that I enjoy the most. As characters grow and change, their responses to the storyline change as well--some characters are growing older, some are growing up. There’s hesitation in some characters. There's a clear sense that every choice is going to cost something. The characters do not feel out of place or out-of sync--but, more like the natural progression of someone being pushed into responsibility (or out of it) whether he’s ready or not.

 

This book definitely slows down in places. There’s more focus on clan politics, strategy, and leadership decisions than on quests and constant action. It’s not a fast-moving fantasy with some chapters falling much heavier on discussion than adventure. For me, this actually made the world feel more solid. The stakes feel earned because we see the buildup. When conflict comes, it doesn’t feel random.

 

The audiobook performance continues to be a strong point. John Keating keeps his narration steady. He doesn’t try to over-perform the emotional moments, which works in the story’s favor. The tone feels consistent with the historical setting, and I never felt pulled out of the experience. 

 

Would I recommend Rise of the Pendragon? Absolutely — especially to readers who appreciate layered historical fantasy. This isn’t flashy storytelling. It builds. It takes its time. And by the end, I realized how invested I’d become in where all of this is heading. The pace was slower, but if anything, this novel made me more eager to see how the larger storyline unfolds. 

 

This morning, we are featuring Elmer Kelton’s The Blessing by John Bradshaw in our book spotlight! Learn about the book and author and enter for a chance to win a prize in the book tour giveaway at the end of this post. 

Date Published: 12-03-2025

Publisher: Devil's Claw Press

 

About the Book

Trouble is, it was bought from his old adversary, Fat Gervin, who is still as crooked as ever. Gervin finds a seeming loophole in the contract and tries to pull another fast one on Hewey, who is fed up with Gervin’s endless treachery. Tensions rise, and when Gervin is shot, it’s Hewey who’s on the hook for the crime. But things are never as they seem, and it’s up to an eclectic cast of characters to sort it out, and for Hewey to learn what’s really important in life. 

 

Written by longtime journalist turned novelist John Bradshaw, who was selected by The Elmer Kelton Estate to continue the Hewey Calloway tradition. 

 

Bradshaw attended South Plains College followed by Texas Tech University. He spent several years shoeing horses for a living as his writing career progressed. 

 

While the desire to write books was always there, Bradshaw first pursued a career in journalism. He wrote numerous stories for ranching, horse and horseshoeing magazines. 

 

Growing up, Livestock Weekly came in the mail once a week, as it does for most in the livestock industry. Writing for Livestock Weekly was always a goal, and in 2005 Bradshaw’s first story was published. It was a profile of Brownie Metzgar, a humorous cowboy still working in a feedlot while in his late 80s. 

 

In 2007 Bradshaw accepted a fulltime position with Livestock Weekly. While with the paper he had over a thousand stories published, as well as enough market reports to give him permanent nightmares. 

 

Horses have always played an important role in his life. The son of a horseshoer, he has spent a significant amount of time either on or under a horse. He still shows in both ranch horse and reined cow horse competitions. 

 

He and his wife, Sara, live outside Abernathy. Sara owns an architecture firm, SK Architecture Group, and they raise Spanish goats, hair sheep and cattle. 

 

In 2013 the couple had a stillborn son, Fox Joaquin Bradshaw. After several years of heartbreak they adopted an infant boy, whom they named Julian Boone Bradshaw. Boone died in his dad’s arms following an accident at the barn five days before his sixth birthday. 

 

 

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This week, I will be sharing my reviews of books and audiobooks from the Islands in the Mist series! Yesterday, I reviewed the first book of the series and, today, I am sharing my review of the audiobook version of the second book, Across the Sea. Learn about the book and author J.M. Hofer, 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.

 

My Review

 

Across the Sea is an Easier Story to Sink Into. Across the Sea feels like a natural step forward for the series, and it was much easier to settle into this book from the start. Having a better understanding of the many characters and their past connections made the story flow more smoothly for me, and everything felt more grounded this time around. The world and relationships felt familiar in a good way, allowing the story to focus more on emotion and momentum rather than world-building and character setup.

 

The Narrator Brings the Story to Life. Listening to this book on audio really elevated the experience. The narrator’s accent and delivery added so much depth to the characters, making the emotional moments hit harder. Dialogue felt more natural, quieter scenes carried more weight, and the overall tone of the story felt richer and more engaging. The narration helped pull me into the story in a way that I did not find on my own in the first book.

 

Across the Sea Brings Stronger Emotional Flow and Character Connections. This installment leans even more heavily into character relationships, and it works extremely well. With a clearer sense of who everyone is and how they’re connected after Islands in the Mist, the emotional stakes felt higher throughout the story. The pacing felt smoother, the tension more effective, and the character moments more meaningful. Everything seemed to click in a way that made the story feel fuller and more satisfying.

 

Would I recommend Across the Sea on audio? Absolutely. This audiobook give readers a strong continuation of the series, with engaging storytelling and excellent narration that enhances every part of the experience. I enjoyed the first book--but, loved this one. Listeners who enjoy character-driven fantasy with emotional depth will have a hard time hitting pause.

 

Buy the Book

Today, I am joining the audiobook tour for The Illusionist by Laurie Buchanan! Learn about the book and the Sean McPherson series and the author--and be sure to enter for a chance to win a giveaway at the end of this post. 

A Sean McPherson Novel, Book 5

 

A contemporary crime thriller perfect for Louise Penny and Robert Dugoni fans, Illusionist presents PI McPherson with an impossible dilemma: kill an author at a writing retreat in the Pacific Northwest, or let a college student die.

About the Author

Growing up, she dreamed of being a magician, an international spy, and a mad scientist. There’s still time!

 

Her writing studio is the hayloft of a historic carriage house in the Pacific Northwest, where creativity thrives. Her husband, Len, a private pilot, and Henry, their not-so-standard Standard Poodle, join her on daily walks. She always carries a camera because sometimes, the best word choice is a picture.

 

A journey that left an indelible imprint on her was a 20-day, 211-mile trek across the majestic landscapes of Scotland. She, her husband, and their son hiked from the North Sea to the Atlantic Ocean, with the pinnacle being the climb of Ben Nevis at the midpoint of their adventure, the highest point in the British Isles. 

 

"My writing goal is simple: to leave you wanting more." —Laurie Buchanan

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This morning, I have a children's book to share in our book spotlight! Learn about Kind Kids: The The Adventures of Hurley, Pearl, and The Pink Soldiers of Kindness and author Jenna McDonough!

Children's Book

Date Published: October 10, 2025

Publisher: Gatekeeper Press

With Mom’s loving guidance, Hurley and Pearl learn the power of pausing, breathing, and reflecting before reacting. They discover that kindness can heal hurt feelings, bring people together, and make everyone feel seen and loved. Inspired by Mom’s story of spreading kindness through small pink toy soldiers, the siblings embark on a heartwarming mission of their own—to brighten others’ days, one soldier at a time. 

 

At school, Hurley comforts a classmate with a pink soldier after a tough moment on the playground, while Pearl lifts the spirits of a substitute teacher who feels overwhelmed. Through these small but powerful acts, Hurley and Pearl realize that kindness doesn’t just help others—it also fills their own hearts with warmth and happiness. 

 

Their journey is about more than sharing toys; it’s about spreading love, empathy, and connection to everyone around them. Along the way, they discover a simple truth: kindness can change the world, one thoughtful gesture at a time. 

 

Complete with a heartfelt letter from the fictional Colonel Michael T. Pinkerton, Kind Kids inspires young readers to share their own adventures of kindness. This delightful and empowering story encourages children to take small steps to make big impacts in their families, classrooms, and communities while reminding them that kindness to others begins with being kind to themselves. 

 

Perfect for parents, teachers, and children alike, Kind Kids is a touching exploration of sibling dynamics, emotional growth, and the ripple effect of simple, kind acts.  

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About the Author

Beyond the app, I guide adults in identifying and releasing stuck energy through meditation, sound baths, and custom-designed healing experiences. I also developed coaching programs, such as Lifestyle Design and a proprietary program for high school juniors and seniors, as well as for any young adult navigating a transition year, to help them prepare with confidence for life beyond the classroom. 

 

My professional journey began in education. I hold a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus in Communications Journalism from Florida Atlantic University, and started my career as an Elementary ESE teacher. While I found teaching deeply fulfilling, I also experienced firsthand the challenges of burnout, which inspired me to seek balance through meditation, mindfulness, and yoga. As my life evolved and I became a mother, I continued to deepen my personal practice, remaining committed to wellness while shifting my focus toward family. 

 

During the global pandemic, I witnessed the surge of anxiety and stress across all ages and felt called to expand my work. What began as a personal passion evolved into a mission: to equip others—children, parents, and adults alike—with the tools they need to navigate life’s challenges with greater peace, presence, and emotional intelligence. 

 

In recognition of my dedication to wellness and emotional regulation, I have and continue to serve as a member of the 2024 and 2025 Forbes Health Advisory Boards.

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This morning, I have a fantasy novel to share in our book spotlight. Learn about Islands in the Mist and author J.M. Hofer! 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.

 

Set in Iron Age Britain and steeped in Welsh legend, the Islands in the Mist series brings to life the magic and mystery of the Arthurian Age.

In Islands in the Mist, we meet the great warrior, Bran, called home from the battlefield to his mother's deathbed. He honors her final wish by vowing to solve the mystery of what fatally attacked her in the night. Though many have dismissed it as a wolf attack, she insists it was not, and encourages him to seek the counsel of Talhaiarn, druid advisor to their clan.

On his journey, Bran encounters the fiery Lucia, widow to a Roman centurion, and her strangely-gifted stable boy, Gwion--an enigmatic child graced with understanding beyond his years. Lucia possesses "the Sight," an ability that has plagued her from the time she was a small girl, tormenting her with disturbing visions of events that invariably come to pass. Fate leads her to discover many of her maternal ancestors were masterful women gifted with similar psychic abilities and that some of them have been watching her from the shadows for years.

Upon returning to his village, Bran finds himself at odds with the hot-tempered Aelhaearn, who is determined to become their clan's next chieftain. To Aelhaearn's disappointment, Bran's sister, now priestess in her mother's place, convinces the clan to choose Bran for the honor instead. In the aftermath of their conflict, Bran discovers something shocking about his rival that causes him to rue his sister's decision.

As everyone strives to unravel the mystery surrounding their nocturnal enemies, their creator patiently carries out her plan, woven from the exploited weaknesses of her opponents. Slowly, all but one are pulled into the seductive maelstrom of her power.

 

My Review

The author’s writing offers a blend of action-packed scenes and character-driven dialogue. A great deal of attention is given to building the world and establishing its rules, which helps the story feel believable by the end. Magic and myth are present, but they are woven in carefully rather than overwhelming the reader. That said, readers will need some patience as the fantasy world develops. The pacing occasionally slows when the story pauses to explain background details, and a few of these moments feel a bit awkward in how they are introduced. Still, there is a steady sense of mystery that keeps the pages turning, especially as hints of greater danger begin to surface.

The novel introduces a lot of characters. While each serves a purpose, keeping track of how everyone is connected can occasionally feel complicated, particularly during more complex scenes. Readers may need a little extra focus to remember names and relationships as the story progresses. However, these connections ultimately help move the plot forward and add depth as the story grows.

Would I recommend Islands in the Mist? I would. It’s a strong start to the series and does a good job mixing action with mystery as the story unfolds. The world feels well thought out, even if the pacing slows now and then while details are being explained. Readers who don’t mind a slower build and enjoy stories with layered plots and mythic elements will find this one worth a spot on their reading list. 

 

This morning, we are joining the cover reveal for a new memoir from Sarah Church! Catch a glimpse of the cover, learn about book and author! 

Memoir

Date Published: April 22nd

Publisher: Acorn Publishing

Sarah Vosburgh has often felt misunderstood by her mother, a woman who lived a quintessential suburban life. But when her mother is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, Sarah’s world unravels, and she must confront a disease that will only worsen. As roles reverse between mother and daughter, Sarah faces the guilt of making decisions she hopes are the right ones while also carrying the grief of losing her mom bit by bit everyday. She navigates a labyrinth of health services amid the heartbreaking, and at times darkly humorous, realities of caregiving.

There are the white lies and midnight phone calls, the misbuttoned blouses, and the second slice of chocolate pie that tastes just as good as it did the first time. And then there’s the quiet awe at the persistence of connection even when language falters and names are forgotten.


Told in finely wrought prose and lyrical fragments of memory, Who Will Name the Bees? is a daughter's unflinching love letter to the flawed, fierce, and unforgettable woman who raised her.

 

About the Author

It was never in Sarah Vosburgh’s plan to be an author or to write a memoir. As a busy mom, wife, and psychologist, she always saw her life as full (sometimes overfull). But in the dark of night, memories knocked on her brain, compelling her to commit them first to paper, then to bits and bytes.

Sarah is a member of the International Memoir Writers Association and San Diego Writers, Ink. Her work has been published in A Year in Ink and numerous volumes of Shaking the Tree: brazen. short. memoir. A native New Englander, she now lives in San Diego with her husband, her daughter, her granddog, and a most extraordinary feline. 

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