Fantasy and Reality Collide in ‘The Royal Order of Fighting Dragons’ [REVIEW]

The Royal Order of Fighting Dragons
A boy’s father dies in a freak accident. Or did he? When Ian learns the truth about his dad’s demise, he is forced to confront the unexpected truth in Dan Elish’s The Royal Order of Fighting Dragons. (Illustration by Sam Shearon)

Having tutored fifth grade students in the past, I am always on the lookout for stories which will captivate the imaginations of young readers. When Dan Elish’s The Royal Order of Fighting Dragons crossed my desk, I knew this would be a great title to add to my arsenal of middle grade fiction as soon as I started to read it.  Continue reading “Fantasy and Reality Collide in ‘The Royal Order of Fighting Dragons’ [REVIEW]”

Family Gets Trapped in the Midst of the French Indian War in Paul Bennett’s ‘Clash of Empires’ [BOOK BLAST]

Paul Bennett's CLASH OF EMPIRES Book Blast

Eager for a new beginning, one family heads West to forge their own chapter in history. But their new venture lands them in the midst of a battle they are not prepared to fight. How will they endure this unexpected trial? And what will become of their clan and the nation? Find out in the first volume of Paul Bennett’s riveting Mallory saga, Clash of Empires. Continue reading “Family Gets Trapped in the Midst of the French Indian War in Paul Bennett’s ‘Clash of Empires’ [BOOK BLAST]”

‘The Notorious Black Bart 1883’ Will Have You Reaching for Your Stetson Once More [BOOK BLAST]

The Notorious Black Bart 1883 Book BlastThere’s something about the Old West that has captivated our imaginations for years. Perhaps it’s that the men were rugged and wild, and so was the terrain. Maybe it’s that the vast expanse of country which opened up after the Civil War promised freedom and adventure. Or quite possibly, it’s because wordsmiths like Louis L’Amour, Zane Grey and Max Brand chronicled the lives of the gunslingers, lawmen, gamblers, pioneers and others in the pages of their novels so deftly that they made us all want to be cowboys at some point in our lives. (After all, haven’t we all imagined ourselves perching stetsons high atop our heads, pinning stars to our vests and practicing drawing Colt revolvers out of holsters riding low on our hips?) Now there’s a new novelist in town. Meet A. E. Wasserman. She will fuel your imagination once again as she brings the West back to vivid life in her new book, The Notorious Black Bart 1883.  Continue reading “‘The Notorious Black Bart 1883’ Will Have You Reaching for Your Stetson Once More [BOOK BLAST]”

Stone Fruit Cobbler [RECIPE]

Stone Fruit Cobbler
Stone Fruit Cobbler marries ripe and delicious nectarines with peaches in this simple recipe that is sure to be a hit with your family. (Photo by Jathan Fink, Jadeworks Entertainment)

We love this time of year as summer winds down and stone fruits like nectarines and peaches come into season. Delicious individually, picked fresh from the tree or purchased at the farmers market, we love their juicy goodness. Of course, if you utilize them to create a tasty dessert, they’re even better! So we’ve created this stone fruit cobbler which has just the right ratio of tart and sweet, and pairs perfectly with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Continue reading “Stone Fruit Cobbler [RECIPE]”

Captivating and Magical, ‘The Phantom Tree’ Delivers An Alternate Look at Tudor History [REVIEW]

The Phantom Tree
Two women bound by a pact, two enemies separated by centuries. Lose yourself in the pages of Nicola Cornick’s The Phantom Tree. (Illustration courtesy Graydon House)

When a long-lost Tudor portrait suddenly surfaces in the midst of a modern-day English festival, one woman’s carefully constructed life is turned on its ear. The face in the painting is as familiar as her own. But can it be? Did the woman in the portrait live? And if so, what secrets does she hold? Find out in Nicola Cornick’s engrossing new novel, The Phantom Tree. 
Continue reading “Captivating and Magical, ‘The Phantom Tree’ Delivers An Alternate Look at Tudor History [REVIEW]”