Review: Really? At Your Age?: A Better Late Romance by Jacqueline Diamond

 

Really? At Your Age?: A Better Late Romance 

by Jacqueline Diamond

At 52, the doctor dares set her sights on love and motherhood!

Survivor of a painful divorce, Dr. Cody Matchett has a fulfilling medical career but no children. After a quake rattles her small town, she’s jolted into considering the fate of her frozen embryos—along with her long-simmering attraction to hospital attorney Ben Wright.

But as Cody seeks a lasting love and family, she and Ben uncover shocking secrets. Then there’s the tricky task of choosing a surrogate... a role for which Ben’s grown daughter volunteers!

My Take:

Dr. Cody Matchett appears to have it all together - a solid career in medicine at a local hospital in her small childhood California town. But appearances can be deceiving. She's managed to keep the attraction she has for the hospital attorney Ben Wright under control, since he's still loyal to his toxic wife murdered in a robbery. As if that weren't enough, Cody is 52 and can't have children, children she desperately longs for. A minor earthquake rattles Cody into considering the prospect of taking action on the six precious fragile frozen embryos she has in the vault. And it involves Ben too, as not only is his daughter being considered as surrogate mother to carry those embryos to term, he's the donor father for them as well!

As Cody tries to open dialogue with Ben about the embryos, Ben struggles with the attraction he feels for Cody, knowing that a relationship with her will prove difficult, as he's signed away any rights to the children they may have. And shocking secrets are about to hit the media that will upset both their lives.

 Content:

Drug Content:
PG – There's some drinking in this, bottles of alcohol in the fridge, casual drinking. A minor character has a drug addiction and makes bad choices that lead to disaster. 
 
Violence:
G – A murder occurred in the past, other than that, there's nothing at all.
 
Language:
PG – There are a few mild swear words.
 
Adult Content:
PG – There's adultery, pregnancy out of wedlock, discussion of fertility technology and sterilization surgery. There's a kiss or two but nothing further on screen.
 
Christian content:
Not much. There's some discussion of God, and a few characters pray. Still, there are positive character traits on display, such as loyalty, fidelity, diligence, and self-sacrifice. There are negative character traits as well, infidelity, murder, lying, and the like. Plenty of life as we know it.

 
Final Analysis:
I'm not usually a fan of lighthearted romances, but this one had me spellbound throughout. I can see why Jacqueline Diamond is a bestselling author. This book was well-written. The dialogue was on point, the settings were immersive, and the emotion raw and tangible. The characters were believable and the stakes were high. I found myself fully invested in the main characters and their struggles, unable to put the book down until the last page. I look forward to reading more by this author. Five Stars!

About the Author:

USA Today bestselling author Jacqueline Diamond has more than 100 novels to her name! A former Associated Press reporter and TV columnist, Jackie is best known for her Safe Harbor Medical romances (17 in all) and mysteries (four so far).

She is currently writing a series of romances about three sisters, all over 50, finding or rediscovering love. They are part of the Better Late collection of romantic comedies by Jackie and several other authors. Jackie's first romance in the series is Really? At Your Age?

Jackie has been honored with a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award. She and her husband, who have two grown sons, live in Southern California. You can learn more about her books at www.jacquelinediamond.net, where you can sign up for her free monthly newsletter. You can contact Jackie at JacquelineDiamondAuthor on Facebook or as @jacquediamond on Twitter.

Review - Health, Healing, and Wholeness by Tracy Crump

 Health, Healing, and Wholeness 

by Tracy Crump

Where do you turn for help when illness or injury strikes? No matter how bleak the prognosis, you can find hope and healing in Jesus.   Through her work as an intensive care nurse, Tracy Crump witnessed lifesaving miracles when everyone involved had given up--everyone except God. She cared for patients, family, and friends experiencing major health crises and offered encouragement no matter the situation, knowing we don't always experience healing in this life.
 
Crafted with unique examples of God's miraculous power and saving grace, Health, Healing, and Wholeness blends Scripture-rich meditations with biblical principles that highlight God's mercy in times of medical need. Moving stories of a mother's sacrifice, children overcoming catastrophic accidents, the beauty of a life well lived, and joy despite traumatic brain injury instill hope.
 
Whether you are experiencing a medical crisis, walking alongside someone who is, or caring for a loved one, these thirty devotions will bring comfort and peace. Prepare to embark on a journey to wholeness.
 
The Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in his wings. (Malachi 4:2NLT)

My Take:

Imagine taking examples from a life as a nurse in critical care, holding the hands of the seriously ill, injured, and dying, and watching miracles happen before your eyes. Then bottling that up into a well-written 30-day devotional. That's what this is. Concentrated examples of God's grace, healing, and rescue in life-threatening situations. 

 Content:

Drug Content:
G – none. Well, unless you count lifesaving medications only available with prescription.
 
Violence:
G – Though this book does discuss multiple instances of painful or repeated surgeries, there's nothing graphic or gory.
 
Language:
G – Squeaky clean
 
Adult Content:
G – Squeaky clean.
 
Christian content:
This is a Christian devotional. It's filled with references to God's love, His provision, His direction, His forgiveness, and His plan for your life. Every devotion begins with a verse and ends with a prayer and another verse. Scripture is referenced throughout. There are examples in here of patients who overcome incredible odds, terminal diagnoses, debilitating illnesses, devastating accidents, or even physical results of a life of poor decisions. I will tell you without hesitation or apology, expect to meet with God between the covers of this devotional. If you're willing to do business with Him, He's willing to do business with you. And this little book can be a table where you meet.

 
Final Analysis:
This devotional is a quick read. I finished the back half of it on a treadmill trying to get some exercise in, especially after getting an idea of what a heart condition can do to you. And yet, while walking on that treadmill, I was getting a workout on a different kind of heart condition. Because that's what can happen in this devotional. But I digress. The book is a treasure.  I'll be reading this to the family. There are 30 devotionals, each lasting less than five minutes minutes. So it's a good quick devotional for a month. Each one focuses on a different character trait and has a lot more meat than you'd expect for such a quick dive. Real-life experiences from the author's days as a nurse provide eternal truths. Well-written, engaging, convicting, and encouraging. Five Stars!

About the Author:

Tracy Crump writes devotions of hope that heal the heart. Drawing from her work as an intensive care nurse and using storytelling skills honed in writing for anthologies, she brings God’s Word to life in Health, Healing, and Wholeness: Devotions of Hope in the Midst of Illness.

Though this is her first book, Tracy is no stranger to devotion writing. Her work has appeared in Guideposts’ books as well as The Upper Room, Light from the Word, and other devotional publications. More than thirty of her short stories have been published, most in Chicken Soup for the Soul® books, and her articles have been featured in many national magazines. She proofreads for Farmers Almanac, is a freelance editor, and presents workshops through Write Life Workshops and at writers conferences across the country. She edits a popular writers newsletter, and her course on writing for Chicken Soup for the Soul is one of Serious Writer’s top sellers.

Tracy has been married to her high school sweetheart, Stan, for forty-five years. They live in north Mississippi and have two sons and four completely unspoiled grandchildren. She believes Grandma is the most beautiful word in the English language. Visit Tracy at www.TracyCrump.com.

Review: Before by Molly McNamara Carter

 

Before 

by Molly McNamara Carter

In the not-too-distant future, Leadership controls everything and everyone, and a new regulation threatens to take away 13-year-old Wren's little brother. Already reeling from her grandmother's relocation, Wren must give up school, her friends, and the protection of her parents to save her little brother from the cold grip of efficiency. Can Wren and her brother survive the exhausting journey, the scorching desert, and the threatening grasp of Leadership to cross the border to safety and freedom?

My Take:

"Efficiency is key for productivity, and productivity is key for safety." This is the mind-numbing mantra of Leadership, which tries to control the masses by eliminating their rights and freedoms. In the Leadership Lands, the government controls everything you do. All for the sake of efficiency. Before by Molly McNamara Carter is a dystopian tale of a teen’s flight with her mute little brother from a totalitarian state to a land of freedom. When Leadership announces that children who require special care will be forcibly removed from their homes for re-education, permanently, Wren realizes she will lose her little brother Kael, who is unable to speak. Under cover of night, Wren is forced to flee the city with Kael, and cross many miles of forbidding desert while pursued by the agents ordered to prevent their escape, at any cost.

 Content:

Drug Content:
G – none
 
Violence:
G – A wolf attacks one of the characters
 
Language:
G – Squeaky clean
 
Adult Content:
G – Squeaky clean.
 
Christian content:
Not much, but there seems to be a divine intervention going on in the protection of the main character. Wren puts her life on the line for her helpless brother again and again. People along the way take great risks to deliver these kids to safety.

 
Final Analysis:
I thoroughly enjoyed this adventure-packed dystopian thriller. Wren faces drones, soldiers, coyotes, scorpions, deadly heat, and terrifying storms. The threats to Wren and her little brother are tangible. There were multiple points in the book that my pulse was pounding in my ears, fully invested in the story, and hiding there in the dark with Wren, who transforms during the adventure from a slightly rebellious, carefree teen to a responsible and determined adult. is a well-written, action-packed thrill ride, but it’s more than that. This novel is a thought-provoking delve into a possible future devoid of freedom, all for the sake of efficiency. The world-building was immersive, the character development realistic, and the outlook, hopeful. The cover art by Denitsa Shopova was stunning. Before by Molly McNamara Carter is perfect for lovers of dystopian teen fiction and coming-of-age adventures. Five Stars!

About the Author:

Molly has been writing stories since she learned to read them. For her and her sisters growing up, she created magical lands full of adventures that were never far off. Molly continues to delight her own children with her stories and passion for books. She has lived in big cities, little towns, on islands, in mountains and in deserts. She loves adventures like jumping out of airplanes, riding camels, and even swimming with sharks. When she's not reading, writing or working on an art project, she loves to explore with her favorite people. One of her greatest joys is bringing the magic of stories to her readers. Visit her website at mollymcnamaracarter.com/

Review: Claw & Order: Fairy Goose Unit: The Pignapping by Donna Boock

 

Claw & Order: Fairy Goose Unit: The Pignapping 

by Donna Boock

This time, the little piggy couldn’t go wee-wee-wee all the way home from school. Instead, a big, bad ransom note points to a pignapping! Fairy Goose Unit detectives Clawed McDiddle and Allie O' Dumpling search for clues to bring home the bacon. But can they solve this mystery so the Swine family can live hogfully ever after?

Nivya Kuriakose, illustrator, and Donna Boock, author, the duo who brought you Moo-La-La-Ti-Da! (2021), team up once again in this rollicking fun and funny chapter book series.

My Take:

In Claw & Order: Fairy Goose Unit: The Pignapping by Donna Boock, This Little Piggy has gone missing and didn’t go wee wee wee all the way home from school. Clawed McDiddle, the Missing Creatures Detective cat in Fairy Goose Land, is just settling down for a quick catnap at the station when he gets the call.  He and his friend Allie O’Dumpling team up and are on the case! They interview the family, the teacher, and the bus driver, uncovering clues, identifying suspects, and clearing them one by one. Charming artwork on each page contains hidden clues you might miss, so it’s important to keep your eyes and ears open and look for evidence! In true mystery fashion, these two examine the clues and follow them in hopes of bringing the pignapper to justice and bringing home the bacon!

 Content:
Drug Content:
G – none.
 
Violence:
G – There is discussion of turning This Little Piggy into bacon. And there’s a kidnapping. This is an early reader book. I mean, come on. It’s soft edges.
 
Language:
G – Squeaky clean
 
Adult Content:
G – Not a bit.
 
Christian content:
This is on the level of Mother Goose, but there’s nothing Christian in it. Just a kid-friendly mystery.
 
Final analysis:
Claw & Order: Fairy Goose Unit: The Pignapping by Donna Boock is a well-written, engaging mystery story for early readers, and left me hungry for more books in the series. This charming mystery is not scary and is a cozy mystery for the younger set, concerning a safe space that the younger kids can feel comfortable in. Entertaining illustrations on every page add depth to the story, and it’s a quick read. It’s loaded with many baffling clues, and you encounter many well-loved nursery rhyme characters, like Jack and the Beanstalk, the Three Little Pigs, the Big Bad Wolf, Simple Simon, Wee Willie Winkie, Little Boy Blue, and Little Miss Muffet. Some of them help find clues, and some might just be suspects! This clean, delightful, illustrated mystery book is a sure winner for early readers and lovers of a cute mystery. Five Stars!
 

About the Author:

When Donna was eight years old, she dreamed of becoming an astronaut. Or maybe a news reporter. Or the person who names lipstick and nail polish those fun names like “Mauve-alous Darling.” But now she can’t imagine anything but writing books that allow her to be part of the very special moment when children are ready to take off and read. It’s pure magic! Donna is also the author of the very funny chapter book series Kinzie’s Kinventions and a picture book called Moo-La-La-Ti-Da!

Donna also loves sharing her passion for reading and writing by coming to play, oops- I mean, visit schools both in person & virtually. She also creates free materials like lesson plans, discussion guides, puzzles, and worksheets to support the incredibly special adults who support those incredibly important young readers. Stay in touch at www.DonnaBoock.com and also on her YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCri9... where you can find recorded readings, Kinzie’s “ViewTube” videos, and lots of upcoming fun!

Review: The Sins of Men: Tragic Saga of the Cabin Boy by Danny J. Bradbury

The Sins of Men: Tragic Saga of the Cabin Boy 

by Danny J. Bradbury

Can an impoverished boy overcome his humble beginnings, abduction and abuse to participate in a series of pivotal events in world history? In the same manner as John Jake's classic saga, The Bastard, this novel attempts to document the boy's trials and follow his journey in conquering his past. Set during the turbulent period leading up to the American Revolution, the boy must either slay his demons or perish to be lost as another footnote in history. The story will tear at your heart, but will you believe that such a boy can actually make a difference?

My Take:

 Peter Beale is a young boy from an impoverished family in England. He steals to help his large family have food to eat, and this lands him in prison, where he is selected and impressed into His Majesty's Navy, to serve as a cabin boy and the HMS Progress under Captain Auger. He is tasked with assisting the cook in preparing meals, swabbing the deck, and personally serving the captain dinner, in his cabin, alone. Some of the crew, and especially the greasy cook, have some idea what the captain does to little cabin boys. Peter manages to escape while the ship is being repaired in Boston, and is adopted by a wealthy merchant. But the demons from what happened on that ship continue to torment him. As he matures and war with England looms, will Peter gain victory over his past, or die in the process?

Content:

Drug Content:

PG - There is drinking and drunkenness, but not any more than you might find in a Disney film.

Violence:

PG-13 - Wartime is a bloody mess. Crewmen are hung, and men are shot, bayonetted, and mangled by cannon fire. A character loses a limb in a battle. 

Language:

G - Squeaky clean.

Adult Content:

R - Early in this book there is a somewhat graphic description of an act of sodomy with a boy. Many other acts like that occur but occur completely off-screen. If it was not for that first graphical depiction, this would be PG.

Christian content:

This book is not overtly Christian in nature or content. However, faith plays a significant part in multiple characters in the work. A mysterious protector in the jail teaches the bible to the boy. The sister of his adoptive mother uses the bible to teach him to read, and her husband is a pastor. In several instances, there is a call to pray for guidance and protection. Self-sacrifice, courage against overwhelming odds, and faith in God's cause are significant threads in this tapestry of the American Revolution.

Final analysis:

The Sins of Men: Tragic Saga of the Cabin Boy by Danny J. Bradbury is a well-researched historical novel, with gripping action, immersive worldbuilding, and high stakes. It is emotionally charged, and the author put enough into that first scene of sodomy to draw me into the work in hopes the victim would get his revenge. There were issues with tense and pacing in the first half, or I definitely would have given this one five stars, because it was extremely well-written, and by the end of the book I was fully invested and could not put the book down. Four Stars!

About the Author:

Danny J Bradbury is originally from Greeley, Colorado. He has a lifetime love of history and telling stories which he learned from his father. After spending years working in corporate America, he started writing alternate historical fiction novels to share his accumulated knowledge.

​

He is married and has three grown daughters and two grandsons. He served in the US Navy and now resides in South Carolina.