Travel

Paris Time

(Lost in Time Book 2)

Belle Ami

An independent young dermatologist, Jenne Lazaar, is visiting the Met in New York with her best friends, Emily and Gabriella. She is captivated by– and then swept into–one of a trio of Allegretto’s paintings, straight into the turn of the 20th century! Landing amid the wreckage in Paris during the Exposition Universelle with no money or identiOication, Jenne must Oigure out how to get back to presentday New York. Xavier Doumaz works for the French police. He is suspicious of Jenee’s sudden appearance at a crime scene, with unconventional clothes and speech. His attraction to her is undeniable and clouds his judgment, but a deeper and more sinister plot is afoot. Will Jenee be able to solve the mystery and return home? Dare she bring the handsome Xavier into her conOidence?

The author paints a vivid picture of Paris in 1900, with the heroine landing in the middle of an historic moment during the Paris exhibition. The research and attention to detail on the factual accounts and related events pull the reader in, weaving a magical spell of possibilities, including encounters with well-known artists of the time. It is an enthralling read that will certainly make the reader wish they could travel in time as well! The intricate plot lines may be a little confusing for readers at times if the preceding novel has not been read. The encounters feel a little contrived at times, as does the meeting with her benefactor so early on. Perhaps the story could have expanded on the friends’ relationships and plot lines and why these girls were chosen. Nevertheless, “Paris Time” is an enchanting walk through the past for fans of historical and time travel Oiction.

Rika Chandra

on the grounds in the afterlife: a place that resembles Hell a whole lot more than Heaven. There, they must uncover the mystery of their deaths. How did they die? Why? And who is responsible? Trapped in Limbo, the students’ time is running out to uncover all of these truths before they are unjustly sent deep into the circles of Hell for the rest of eternity.

Homecoming (Villa Vista Duology Book 1)

Frank Winter

SUSPENSE/THRILLER

Homecoming was supposed to be the best night of the students at Villa Vista High’s lives! Instead, it ends up being their last night alive. When tragedy strikes the school, the students are forced to remain

“Homecoming” is one of the most unique teen paranormal books on the shelves! From start to Oinish, it is driven by the large cast of characters. Each has been given the time and attention they deserve to become fully Oleshed out individuals. Mr. Winter nails the teen drama aspect while blending it with themes of morality and the afterlife. Unfortunately, there are moments where the novel doesn’t feel balanced. So much time is taken on the characters that it stalls the plot from moving forward at a good pace. When the action happens, it comes in full force! This is a truly intriguing book!

The narration is provided by the author, and this adds a wonderful layer of connection to the words on the page. Mr. Winter is passionate about his work and proud of it, and it shows! His ability to create different voices and tones for the characters is wonderful. For the most part, all are easy to tell apart. Only on occasion do they blend together. Accents are incorporated when needed. The pacing is good, helping carry some of the slower parts of the book and making them more gripping. A few special effects are added in, and that adds to the overall quality of the production making it top notch! This is a great book for lovers of suspense and paranormal stories!

Chelsea Andersen

The Brooch

(The Marylanders Book 2)

Donna Hechler Porter

HISTORICAL: After time spent as a prisoner with the Indians, Miller Mackintosh has a festering wound and a broken spirit. Promises to the dead impale the living as

Mac’s promise to Thomas McQueen hinders his own life and his path toward Thomas’s wife, Elizabeth. Elizabeth and Mac heal together, and Oind their way to the altar just in time for Mac’s Oirst wife, Janie, long thought dead, to return—pregnant. The church nulliOies their marriage, and Janie’s dying wish, that her twins be returned to their Indian father. This further tears Mac and Elizabeth apart. With the marriage nulliOied and Elizabeth pregnant with Mac’s child, the Indian who murdered Thomas attempts to kill John, Thomas’s son. Will Elizabeth Oind love again and save her family to Oind peace? The wonderfully written characters and the pain they endure during difOicult times are relatable. Both the main characters have had terrible losses in their lives they need to overcome, and each responds to those losses differently.

Elizabeth’s steadfast faith slowly restores Mac’s own, and through both love and faith, they are able to piece each other back together, only to be separated by fate. At times in the beginning, the jumble of languages of English, French, Shawanese, and Gaelic makes the reading somewhat cumbersome, but it smooths out and is more comprehensible towards the end. There are slight hints of sexual violence, no details are shared. The historical references and behavior of the church are detailed and seem accurate. A true Christian writing where some prayers are answered, and some are left unanswered.

Amy Rubottom