Monday Review by the Book Dragon: Compelling, thoughtful, and life-changing story!

The Book Dragon has read Corinna Turner's page-turning novella Three Last Things: or The Hounding of Carl Jarrold, Soulless Assassin and gives it five claws!

My review: I've chosen to review this story by one of my favorite authors today because it's my birthday(!) and because this story is so special and unforgettable. It's difficult to explain why this story affected me so much without giving away spoilers, but I'm going to try! This is unlike any story I've read before. It was far out of my comfort zone (taking place inside a prison) and yet I could NOT put it down. The realistic and suspenseful situation the author has created shows the power of love and loudly shouts the truth of the Latin phrase "dum spiro, spero" ("While I breathe, I hope"). So don't let the first person POV of a hardened murderer make you wonder if you should read this story--your life will be better for reading it!!!!!

Monday Review by the Book Dragon: Emotional sequel to a historical family saga

The Book Dragon has finished Pamela Sharp's What Truly Matters and gives it five claws!

My review: What Truly Matters is the sequel to Sharp's excellent Because That's What Families Do. The first book covered about 20 years in the lives of cousins Beth Bradbourne and Sarah Lockridge (and their families), from the mid-forties to the mid-sixties in the 20th century. What Truly Matters picks up after the startling elopement at the end of book 1 and deals with the consequences of that spur-of-the-moment decision.

Though this installment is a bit shorter and covers less than a year in the life of these families, the reader is caught up in the unexpected drama happening to many of the family members, those who have become beloved "friends" as well as a few familiar characters and new faces who are fascinating antagonists. The tension is sustained throughout, and the background historical events are seamlessly woven into the narrative, grounding the time and place and showing how the turbulence of the 1960's had a widespread effect on cultural mores and race relations.

Yet what I love about this story is not merely the big picture but the intimate family portrait Sharp has expertly drawn with her wonderful characters. Best of all, even though the ending is very well done, she has left room for a third book, so here's hoping there is more to come! I can't get enough of these families!

Note: There is some language, but the worst terms are not spelled out.

Monday Review by the Book Dragon: A Timely, Practical, and Inspirational Book for All Americans

The Book Dragon has finished Dan Crenshaw's Fortitude: American Resilience in the Era of Outrage and gives it 5 claws!

My review: I don't read much nonfiction, but when I happened upon a video clip of the author calmly speaking to an emotional reactionary, I immediately thought, "I want to be like him." I looked him up and discovered this book, and boy am I GLAD I did! I can't recommend this book enough, especially during these times of over-the-top rage and lack of civility. Thanks, Dan Crenshaw, for writing such an accessible, practical, timely, and inspirational book!

Every section of this book touched and convicted me, causing me to realize that after years of self-reliance, a strong sense of duty, and a get-er-done attitude in leadership roles, I had come to see myself as a victim of circumstances and was wallowing in self-pity, believing my life and purpose were over. Crenshaw's no-nonsense approach to life, his humility in admitting his own mistakes, and his willingness to openly share his own journey of suffering and enlightenment were exactly what I needed to read to get my life back on track. I greatly appreciate his stoicism, rational thinking, and historical context which makes current events much easier to understand.

Note: There are a few f-bombs. Crenshaw was a Navy SEAL and draws heavily on those experiences (and most of the f-bombs are in related conversations during training).

Monday Review by the Book Dragon: Powerful and compelling contemporary story

The Book Dragon has finished Three Last Things: or The Hounding of Carl Jarrold, Soulless Assassin, Corinna Turner's timeless and unusual story of suspense and persistence and gives it 5 stars!

My review: It's difficult to explain why this story affected me so much without giving away spoilers, but I'm going to try! This is unlike any story I've read before. It was far out of my comfort zone (taking place inside a prison) and yet I could NOT put it down. The realistic and suspenseful situation the author has created shows the power of love and loudly shouts the truth of the Latin phrase "dum spiro, spero" ("While I breathe, I hope). So don't let the first person POV of a hardened murderer make you wonder if you should read this story--your life will be better for reading it!!!!

Corinna Turner has become one of my favorite authors, and this story is just as compelling as her fantasy and dystopian books. You can find them listed at Catholic Teen Books.

Monday Review by the Book Dragon: Wonderful installment in my favorite fantasy series!

The Book Dragon has finished In the Double Agent's Service by Annie Douglass Lima and gives it five roaring claws!

My review: Having read all the previous books in this epic fantasy series, the Annals of Alasia, this sixth installment was worth waiting for! There are equal parts adventure, heroism, mystery, intrigue, revenge, romance, friendship, family, and humor in this story, and the pacing is superb! My favorite things about this series are the characters and world-building. The people are so real I want to meet them (well, most of them), and the kingdoms of Malorn and Alasia are so interesting, I want to visit them! The main characters, Erik (King Jaymin's bodyguard) and Anya, a seamstress, are the heart and soul of this book, and the fast-paced plot kept me guessing how things would turn out between them, as well as the fate of both kingdoms. I can't recommend this series highly enough to fantasy adventure fans of all ages!

Though this book can be read as a standalone, it will be even more meaningful if you read the rest of the series!

Whew, Joy's Sorrow is finally HERE!

I am relieved to announce that getting trapped in the Czech Republic at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic did not keep me from finishing this second installment in the Mercy's Children series! It's in Kindle format only for now, but I hope to release the paperback by the end of the month.

Great joy. Deep despair. Deeper dangers.

One thing would complete Duke Bennet d’Ardelane’s happiness: a child. Soon after his beloved wife, Princess Joy, tells him she’s expecting, disaster strikes.

First, an accident leaves the duke fighting for his life.

Then, sensing an opportunity, enemies of the king turn seeds of discontent into open rebellion. At the center of the discord, Ronan and Nelwina MacCallum will use any means necessary to seize the throne.

As the kingdom spirals into war, Bennet and Joy must overcome their personal sorrows and face the greater threats, or the friends, family, and people they love will die.

I've already changed the cover for the 3rd book, Valerian's Flight, because I realized my original cover wouldn't reflect the story. I'm anxious to share it with you, but I will take the time necessary to make it as exciting on paper as it is in my head!

Monday Review by the Book Dragon: A beautiful, enchanting story of a Russian Heroine

The Book Dragon has read Vasilisa by M. L. Farb and gives it five roaring stars!

My review: This is a rich, beautiful story that feels like historical fiction set in medieval Russia with strong flavors of old fairytale magic and romance. I was familiar with Vasilisa from an old Baba Yaga story, but Farb's Vasilisa is a living, breathing, heroic young woman with whom I immediately felt a strong empathy. She is an inspiring fictional heroine! The plot was full of surprises and SO difficult to put aside the book when it was time to do mundane things, like eat or sleep! I was fully immersed in this magical old Russia with the author's wonderful characters. The extras at the back were fun, too, including questions suitable for book clubs (hint, hint). I highly recommend this book!