CRATER LAKE BATTLE FOR WIZARD ISLAND by STEVE WESTOVER

While visiting his crazy Uncle Bart at Crater Lake National Park, thirteen-year-old Ethan's world collapses when all the adults at Crater Lake disappear, including his parents. Now Ethan must rally his new friends and decipher the legends of Crater Lake to find the key to rescuing his parents from their earthen prison before he s captured too and their captivity becomes permanent.

Ethan is reluctantly planning to spend some time at Crater Lake with his Crazy Uncle Bart, the park ranger. When the family arrives Uncle Bart tells them the legend of Crater Lake, which Ethan ignores. Ethan's family stay and take the kids on a hike, where they are joined by Allie's family.  While the kids are exploring their parents are sucked into the ground. Jacob and Brady are Boy Scouts, whose whole troop disappears.

All of the people over 16 have disappeared from Crater Lake, leaving 5 kids, Ethan, Jordan, Allie, Jacob and Brady alone, with Che-tan a young Indian Boy who claims to have the key to rescuing their parents. He claims to want to help them (or does he?). Che-tan, they learn, can split into 4 birds.

Che-tan tells them how to find the key to release their families from the underworld prison. During their adventure the kids meet all kinds of challenges, they get separated, they fight zombies, they loose a friend.

Crater Lake Battle for Wizard Island by Steve Westover is written for young readers, but it grabbed my interest early on and when it ended it left me wanting more.

I would recommend this books for anyone from 9 years old and up to adult.

You can find Crater Lake at www.amazon.com in paper and Kindle, www.deseretbook.com, www.barnesandnoble.com, in paper and Nook. As always you can also check with your local library for inter library loan.

DESERT INTRIGUE The Adventures of John and Julia Evans by Linda Weaver Clarke

Mystery…Adventure...Romance...Humor...Intrigue! When Julia’s brother announces that his dude ranch is haunted, she believes that someone is trying to sabotage his place and force him to sell. The mysterious happenings have to do with Superstition Mountain, the lost Dutchman’s goldmine, and the great Thunder God. Is it possible that the legend of the Thunder God is actually true? After a terrible thunderstorm, everyone begins to wonder. John and Julia quickly head to Mesa, Arizona and discover a few mysterious events. Will they find out who is behind these disasters before Uncle Kelly’s dude ranch is ruined?

I have lived in Arizona for a few years, but don't know a lot about the lore of the area.

Desert Intrigue The Adventures of John and Julia Evans by Linda Weaver Clarke mixed adventure, intrigue and the lore of the Superstition Mountains along with humor and some romance  into one fun book.

I found myself caring about the characters and the ranch. I didn't want to have to put the story aside to work or sleep. I was trying to solve the mystery of the Thunder God and all of the unusual happenings and every time I thought I had it there was a new twist.

This is the 1st of Linda Weaver Clarke's books I've read, and I look forward to reading more.

I would recommend this book to anyone that likes clean family friendly mystery.

You can purchase Desert Intrigue, The Adventures of John and Julia Evans by Linda Weaver Clarke  on www.amazon.com, www.barnesandnoble.com, and www.smashword.com.

To learn more about Linda Weaver Clarke

CLICK HERE.

I recieved a free download of this book in exchange for my review. It didn't influence my opinion in any way.

THE WHAM CURSE by VIRGIL ALEXANDER

A Tale of Two Crimes In the 21st Century: In the rugged ranch country of eastern Arizona, Graham County Deputy Branden Allred and San Carlos Tribal Police Officer Allen Victor are investigating the death of a young Apache. At first it appears to be a freak accident, a conclusion the Sheriff likes, but the officers begin to suspect murder. Motive is the major missing element, and nothing makes sense until a one-hundred-year old unsolved crime comes to light. In the 19th Century: Near the end of the 1800's in the same vicinity as the present-day murder, US Army Major Joseph W. Wham, Paymaster, and his twelve-soldier escort were ambushed and the payroll in gold and silver coins was taken. Though several men went to trial for the payroll robbery, they were found not guilty. The loot was never recovered and never surfaced. Though the treasure was sought for decades it eventually faded from public memory. In working the present-day case, the policemen must deal with politics, cultural differences, and limited resources. Two local ranchers, an environmental activist, and an unknown horseman become the primary murder suspects. In a backdrop of historic places, diverse geology, wide vistas, breathtaking scenery, Native American culture, and rural society, the mystery carries the flavor of both the old and new West.

The Wham Curse is Virgil Alexander's 1st published novel. I had a hard time putting it down once I started reading.

It is a fast moving police drama that takes place near the San Carlos Indian Reservation in Arizona. Virgil Alexander is very knowledgeable about that part of AZ and included information about the rivers and canyons, and Apache Culture, that was interesting, and helped me picture how some of the historical events happened.

The Wham Curse takes place in modern day Arizona. A young,  Apache boy, just called Boy, who has the mental age of about 7 dies under mysterious circumstances. Tribal Police officer Allen and local deputy Allred, soon discover evidence pointing to murder.

Throughout the book there are snippets of the story of the Wham payroll robbery, that took place in the same area.

I loved this book, it is a fast moving police drama, with a little romance. Deputy Allred works hard to improve relations between the Sheriff and pretty much everyone he deals with.  Boy's Grandmother is a glowing example of forgiveness and listening to the spirit.

I would recommend The Wham Curse by Virgil Alexander to everyone, especially if you like reading authors like J.A. Jance.

You can find The Wham Curse at www.amazon.com in paperback and on Kindle.

APHRODITE'S TEAR by ROBERT ORSELINO

About the Book:

Russell Stevenson wants nothing to do with leadership, but the mysterious legacy of his father, and a beautiful woman, soon drag him into a battle he can't afford to lose. Caught between the brutal power of the Unity Council, government of Earth and her colonies, and a ragtag uprising with almost no hope of surviving, Russell must find out the truth about his father, and decide if freedom is worth living for.
APHRODITE'S TEAR by Robert Orselino was a good story. It takes place way in the future, when the Earth is under 1 government and a meteor has changed the atmosphere of Venus so it supports human life. Russell (RJ) spends his time working with his sister, who is a computer designed by his father, perfecting things his father invented. He masquerades as a playboy to throw Unity Council members off. When a mysterious man calls claiming to be a friend of his late Father's and and leader of the Venus Liberation Movement RJ wants nothing to do with them. After meeting with the mystery man, Rj, his sister Kira and Samantha, a government defector find the Unity Council after them, and they have to escape to Venus, where they get sucked into the fight for the freedom of the human race.
This is a 1st book for Robert and it is well edited, but it does have some weak areas. Although we have some back story on the characters, it isn't well developed and it made it hard for me to connect with them. The New Code that is mentioned occasionally needs to be explained more. There are hints of what it is, but I think a quick paragraph with one of the New Coders explaining it would not have detracted from the story. There was a lack of tension. During the government invasion of the VLM stronghold, the words were right, but it didn't make me want to keep reading to find out what was going to happen.
Overall I would recommend  APHRODITE'S TEAR if you are into Science Fiction, with a hint of romance.
APHRODIRTE'S TEAR by Robert Orselino is available for Kindle from www.amazon.com or in paperback from www.createspace.com.

THE ALIAS by MANDI TUCKER SLACK

About the book:
After a long and difficult divorce, Jacey thinks the worst is over. Little does she know she'll soon be forced to go undercover to protect her family, and in the process, she'll risk losing her identity, her future, and her heart. With a lightning pace, a good dose of humor, and a plot that's full of suspense, this thrilling novel is an edge-of-your-seat read.
I loved The Alias by Mandi Tucker Slack. It was full of suspense, danger, drama, humor and even a little romance. The plot is very fast moving and easy to follow.  Once I sat down to read it I didn't want to have to put it down, I wanted to see what happened next.
The subject of domestic violence and the mob were handled well.
The setting in Rural Utah was perfect, and Melissa's Aunt and Uncle welcomed Jacey and Blaze with open arms, never suspecting they weren't really family. Jacey felt guilty lying and forcing her son to lie to her "family", and planned to leave. She learned the meaning of family and forgiveness when her "Aunt & Uncle" come to her rescue after her ex husband gets too close.
I would recommend this to everyone.
The Alias by Mandi Tucker Slack is available from www.deseretbook.com and www.amazon.com in paperback and Kindle format.
To learn more about Mandi Tucker Slack CLICK HERE

SECRETS AFTER DARK BY MARIE HIGGINS

About the Book:

Will Hannah be Thornton Manor's latest victim?                              Residing at Thornton Manor under the premise of courting Jonathan Thornton, Hannah Forester intends to find out who murdered her father - and why. After all, Jonathan's brother Morgan was the last person to visit Peter Forester before his demise. But upon her arrival at Thoronton Manor, Hannah is informed that Morgan perished the previous year in a house fire. She soon learns the manor is full of secrets: a ghost haunting the East Wing, a white wolf that roams the grounds by night, and the story of a curse-protected treasure on the neighboring island. Most disturbingly, Hannah discovers that numerous young women have visited the manor only to vanish without a trace.

When a hooded, deep-voiced man visits Hannah's bedroom late at night, warning her to leave the manor for her own safety, she realizes he must be Morgan Thornton. But why does he hide in the East Wing, and why does his family insist he is but a ghost? As Hannah falls in love with the handsome older brother, she must continue to court Jonathan in order to remain at the estate. Can she convince Morgan where her true loyalties lie? And will she uncover the Thorntons' secrets quickly enough to solve her father's murder before she loses her own life?
I loved Secrets After Dark by Marie Higgins. It is a romantic mystery full of intrigue and with a paranormal twist, set in Victorian England.
Thornton Manor is reputed to be haunted, but Hannah is determined to stay there and pretend to court the youngest Thornton brother a simple minded boy named Jonathan, while trying to solve the mystery of her father's death.
Normally I shy away from books that have stuff like shape shifting and witches, but Marie Higgins was able to weave the mystery and romance so successfully that it was nearly impossible to put the book down and the paranormal components were a great addition to the story. The witch and the wolf made it more exciting. There were a lot of twists and turns especially at the end, that kept me guessing. Every time I thought I had it figured out, the story took a new direction.
I would recommend this to anyone, especially if they like mystery and romance.
Secrets After Dark by Marie Higgins is available at www.deseretbook.com, www.amazon.com in paper and on Kindle and as always you can check with your local library for inter library loan.
To learn more about Marie Higgins and her books  CLICK HERE.

I recieved a review copy of Secrets After Dark by Marie Higgins from the publisher, but that didn't effect my opinion in any way.

SHOPPING WITH GRANDMA and MY GRANDMA IS A MERMAID by Thomas Lee

This morning at Jordyn's baptism I discovered a wonderful children's author Thomas Lee. His books are delightful. They have big colorful pictures, large easy to read print and the stories are fun.

Thomas Lee is a wonderful story teller.

Shopping With Grandma:

Papa and the boys accompany Grandma on a shopping spree. Grandma promises it will only take a minute. But just how long is a minute? And can Papa keep the boys occupied without getting into trouble?

I read Shopping With Grandma by Thomas Lee this morning while we were waiting for Jordyn to change after being baptized. I found myself totally engrossed in the boy's adventure with their Papa while Grandma was shopping. Papa made shopping totally fun for the boys, with Grandma scolding him after every adventure.

My Grandma Is A Mermaid

by Thomas Lee

Boys, did you know your grandma is a mermaid?

Papa!

I'll prove it to you.

Has your grandpa ever told you a fish story so incredible that you cannot believe it? What if he told you that your grandma was the fish? Find out more in My Grandma is a Mermaid.

After reading Shopping With Grandma this morning, I borrowed My Grandma is a Mermaid from my brother. It is another delightful story with Papa trying to convince his grandsons that Grandma is a mermaid.
Thomas Lee's books have an appeal to a large age range. My 10 year old nephew enjoyed Shopping With Grandma as much as my 8 year old niece did.
I would recommend this for any school aged child, but I think adults will like them too.
You can find Thomas Lee's books as well as more information on the author and his future books on His website.