Book Review: The Secret of the India Orchid

Published on by Erica
indiaorchid
Expected Release date: August 1, 2017 by Shadow Mountain

Anthony Blake is in love with his best friend’s sister, Sophia Elliot. But his plans to court her are put on hold when he is forced to resume his role as an undercover spy for the Crown. A secret document listing the names of the entire network of British spies-including his own-has been stolen. To protect Sophia, Anthony cuts off all ties to her and exchanges his life as an honorable earl for the façade of a flirtatious playboy.

Heartbroken and confused, Sophia travels to India, hoping to find healing in one of the most exotic regions of the British Empire. But the exotic land isn’t as restful as she had hoped. Instead, she finds herself embroiled in a mystery of a missing sea captain, a possible murder, and a plot that could involve the prince of India. And when Anthony appears at the British Residency, asking questions and keeping his distance from her, she is stunned.

She still loves him, and, in her heart, she knows he loves her too. But how can she rebuild her relationship with him if he won’t confide in her? Does she dare offer her heart to him a second time, or will their love be lost under the India sun?

My Review

I enjoyed this book. Full of mystery, suspense, and gentle romance.

Sophia’s heart belongs to Anthony, yet he has to abruptly cut off ties, leaving Sophia alone to deal with the wagging tongues of the Ton.  Unable to forget him, she decides to travel to India.
Of course, Anthony is there, and Sophia finds herself in the midst of a dangerous investigation. I enjoyed putting the clues together along with her. I loved how Anthony still loved her, and I love the ending.

I received an ARC via netgalley for review

 

Review: The Yard Sale by Shirley Jamiel

Published on by Erica1 Comment

the yard sale

Synopsis: It was late fall and the family decided to have a yard sale to make some extra spending money. Little did they know their most valued treasure would be stolen. Who took 5 year old Cindi and how does the family pull together to solve her mysterious disappearance?

Roxbury Book Rating: R   Contains reference to a sexual crime against a minor.

 

 

 

My Review:

This is an inspirational story about family and faith.

It is written in third person omniscient, and that might throw off some modern readers. We never fully get into the characters heads as the narrator shares their thoughts and what is going on. There’s bits of info dumping, but the info is pertinent, and it is easy to follow when the POV shifts.

There are multiple mentions of faith, God, and prayer.

Possible Spoiler Alerts below.

I really liked the character Cindi. She’s a smart 5 year old, and her quick thinking really saves her. There’s one scene in which the kidnapper stops at cheap motel for the night. While the reader is aware what the evil man is up to in the bathroom, and what his intentions are for the child, it never goes into detail. Due to the nature of the crime I would rate the book  R.

Despite the nastiness of the scene, this is one of the scenes that Cindi starts to really shine. When the evil man joins her in the room, he’s not aware that she has hidden herself under the bed, and that the shape in the bed is her doll.  One of my favorite scenes though is when she drops a pack of  allergy pills into his drink and is able to escape.

At the time of my writing this, there are a few typos and format issues with the book. But these are minor and should not interrupt the flow of the story.

This book is currently available at B&N,  Apple, and Kobo.

 

 

 

 

Review: Ojiichan’s Gift by Chieri Uegaki

Published on by Erica

ojichan's giftWhen Mayumi was born, her grandfather created a garden for her. It was unlike any other garden she knew. It had no flowers or vegetables. Instead, Ojiichan made it out of stones: ?big ones, little ones and ones in-between.? Every summer, Mayumi visits her grandfather in Japan, and they tend the garden together. Raking the gravel is her favorite part. Afterward, the two of them sit on a bench and enjoy the results of their efforts in happy silence. But then one summer, everything changes. Ojiichan has grown too old to care for his home and the garden. He has to move. Will Mayumi find a way to keep the memory of the garden alive for both of them?

This gentle picture book story will warm children’s hearts as it explores a deep intergenerational bond and the passing of knowledge from grandparent to grandchild over time. The lyrical text by Chieri Uegaki and luminous watercolor illustrations by Genevieve Simms beautifully capture the emotional arc of the story, from Mayumi’s contentment through her anger and disappointment to, finally, her acceptance. The story focuses on an important connection to nature, particularly as a place for quiet reflection. It contains character education lessons on caring, responsibility, perseverance and initiative. It’s also a wonderful way to introduce social studies conversations about family, aging and multiculturalism. Mayumi lives in North America with her Japanese mother and Dutch father, and visits her grandfather in Japan. Some Japanese words are included.

My Review:

Heartwarming tale with beautiful illustrations.

One of the things I loved about this storybook was that it showcases family love. Although Grandpa lived far away from Mayumi, he still was a part of her life through the garden he created for her. The ending is poignant.

I received and ARC from the publisher.

Thank you, Ms. Uegaki, for this beautiful story.

This book releases April 2, 2019.  You can pre-order on Amazon.