Novella

This is a light read, best suited for a young audience, as it resonates strongly with the quirky banter and slapstick comedy of the 1996 sitcom Sabrina the Teenage Witch. The novella is jam-packed with multiple characters that unfortunately make little sense within the overall plot. Though the tale has potential, it falls short with the characters competing for attention. It would have bene=ited from a ‘show don’t tell’ policy, as every character is introduced with a detailed description like in a pantomime. A focus on the central characters may have worked better, as their personalities are somewhat wooden, and the attraction/ romance feels non-existent. The villain and goons are stereotypical caricatures, hard to engage with. In addition, it does not address pivotal questions such as why a Vegas casino? Would a Vampire go into hiding? What’s the villain’s story? This would perhaps be more enjoyable and understood better if the series were read in order.

Rika Chandra

D.V. Stone

someone who believes in rainbows and unicorns. Luke left town after high school, needing to prove himself and get away from his father. Now he’s back and he realizes that Calliope is all he’s ever wanted. “Jack and the Beanstalk” forms the basis of this fantastical tale. More interaction between Calliope and Luke at the start would have strengthened their connection. Additionally, more explanation of the magic of Lake Unami would have oriented readers better. Even so, “Sophia’s Magic Beans” is the kind of feelgood story that brings joy to readers’ hearts!

Tricia Hill

URBAN FANTASY: Single mother, Calliope Novak owns a candy store that brings happiness and jelly beans to customers. A free spirit, she devotes her time to her business and her six-year-old daughter. Luke O’Brian has lost his job and his reputation. He returns home to Lake Unami, New Jersey, for reasons he cannot explain. But he can’t help thinking of Calliope, his childhood girlfriend. It isn’t long, though, before Luke realizes his problems are connected to Calliope’s ex-husband. Calliope has no intention of getting back with her ex-husband. But Lake Unami works its magic and suddenly Luke and Calliope have a chance at a future neither imagined. Can the two =ind a way to bridge the hurts of the past to create a family for a little girl who believes in magic?

“Sophia’s Magic Beans” is a sweet, heartwarming tale woven with a touch of heavenly magic and the belief of a young child! Calliope is honest and direct and doing the best she can to raise her daughter and keep her business a=loat. Despite her ex-husband, she has discovered the person she is—

Lyon of the Highlands: The Lyons Den Connected World

Emily Royal

HISTORICAL: Wilhelmina Redstone might be a dowager countess, but her life was one of abuse and heartbreak. Her days are spent hiding from the world, an outsider in the current Count’s family. Then an opportunity arises to visit the infamous Lyon’s Den where women can arrange marriages in their favor. Duncan MacLeish is laird of his clan. His father was a wastrel, spending the estate’s money on his personal pleasures. As a result, Duncan, a giant of a Scot, must search for an heiress to take to wife. At the Lyon’s Den, he discovers a woman who brings out all his protective instincts. As much as Mina wishes to start afresh, Mina doesn’t believe she deserves happiness, and fears disappointing her new husband. Duncan knows that he will have to take things slow. Yet, he is determined to show his wife that she is his most precious possession.

“Lyon of the Highlands” delivers an emotionally charged tale that tugs at the heartstrings and offers a promise of hope! Mina is a wounded soul who has little reason to trust. Yet, she desperately yearns to =ind a place of her own where she can heal. Duncan represents safety and the possibility of a future. As Laird, Duncan has a duty to his people, but he places his duty to Mina above all. Even when he makes mistakes, he strives to do better, always seeking to gain Mina’s trust. Secondary characters =ill out the story. There’s a sense that the story would have bene=itted from being longer given the serious topics that are dealt with. Nonetheless, “Lyon of the Highlands” is a page turner that will captivate hearts!

Tricia Hill