young adult novel

A Storm of Doubts by JPC Allen

/ sandramervillehart

by Sandra Merville Hart

A Rae Riley Mystery

This young adult novel plunges right into the mystery and suspense from the first page.

Rae Riley,20, is just getting used to the idea of having a dad for the first time in her life. She’d lost her mother two years before with only clues to her father’s identity. Now she lives with her father, who is the sheriff, and has a whole slew of relatives.

But there are plenty of folks who want to cause trouble in the small Ohio city, relatives included. Rae’s desire to help others gets her in hot water over and over again until she runs the risk of ruining her new-found relationship with her dad.

There were plenty of twists and turns that led to unexpected outcomes in the story to keep me turning pages. The author does a good job building the suspense.

The story has many characters apparently introduced in earlier books. The author included a two-page chart in the beginning for readers to understand family relationships. However, it was still difficult to ascertain the major characters when there were so many named minor ones.

Even with that, the story held my attention. I believe that reading the Rae Riley Mystery books in order will benefit readers.

A page turner!

Amazon

Down to Davy Jones by Eddie Jones

/ sandramervillehart

Reviewed by Sandra Merville Hart

Caribbean Chronicles Series, Book 5

A time-travel pirate fantasy with an adventure at every turn!

The last thing Ricky Bradshaw remembered was being baptized in the river. The next minute he’s on a pirate ship, rowing with unbathed pirates to beat a storm. He figures his most recent epileptic absence seizure has landed him in real danger. It’s also taken him from his mom, who suffers from cancer.

The storm is an epic one and the pirates are looking for someone to toss overboard. The only paying passenger, Jonah, confesses to running away from God and ends up overboard. Ricky isn’t far behind him.

From there, things go from bad to worse in a series of misfortunes that will keep readers turning pages.

I love that pirates are not romanticized, as they often are in books written for teen boys. Consequences of our own actions and the punishment awaiting those who don’t accept Christ’s forgiveness is vividly portrayed.

I must also add that there were moments of gross punishments I skimmed over. All in all, the author has written a pirate adventure that shares truth few reveal. It’s a powerful story.  

Parents, I suggest reading the book before passing it along to your teenager. There is a note to parents/readers on Amazon that I’d like to share:

Down To Davy Jones is a fictional retelling of past pirate escapades based on future events.

Parents can trust the Caribbean Chronicles Series. There is no sexual dialogue or situations, excessive violence, or strong language, only a wee little bit of humor. 🙂 Down to Davy Jones deals with the afterlife and the consequences of taking our own life. Reader discretion is advised.

I was given a copy of the book by the author. A positive review was not required. The opinions expressed are my own.

Amazon

Skull Creek Stakeout by Eddie Jones

/ sandramervillehart

Book 2 of The Caden Chronicles Series

Solving a murder while on a family vacation gave teenager Nick Caden some publicity. His new job as reporter for The Cool Ghoul Gazette has him traveling to investigate a murder in Transylvania, North Carolina. A dead body with fangs and a wooden stake driven through the heart seems like something from a horror movie.

Were vampires real?

This story is filled with twists and turns—and danger at every one. I know the novel is written especially with tween and teen boys in mind, but I was on the edge of my seat the whole adventure.

A page turner!

This novel also comes with a writing opportunity:

The Cool Ghoul Gazette coolghoulgazette.com has several openings for teen reporters. No experience required. We will teach you how to write a lead, build upon the “who, what, when, where, how” reporting style, and help you improve your writing skills. Think of this like your high school newspaper, only way more fun.

The man who helps me write the Caden Chronicle series (Mr. Jones) graduated with a journalism degree back when reporters published the facts, not their opinions, and sought to present both sides of a story fairly.

In the case of The Cool Ghoul Gazette we need reporters who can write scary stories that may or may not have happened. For more information contact me, Nick Caden, at: editor@coolghoulgazette.com 

-Sandra Merville Hart

Amazon

.

 

Rumor of a Werewolf by Eddie Jones

/ sandramervillehart

Book 4 of The Caden Chronicles Series

The worst kind of monster is the one you never see coming.

Teenager Nick Caden has already solved three cases—and one has him hiding from a killer. Then a woman is found with savage paw prints on her neck, and the police speculate that a large animal, such as a wolf, killed her.

Nick wonders what attacked her. Some suggest a werewolf, but can that be true?

When his family sends him to Sleepy Hollow, New York, to stay with his mom’s friend and her daughter, Millie, for a few days, Nick has a chance to investigate. Millie’s impressed with his earlier successes and decides to help.

A dangerous decision.

Refreshingly real characters, an intriguing plot, honest searching for the truth, and the added danger from a previous killer all make this book a page turner for tweens, teens, and adults.

This novel also comes with a writing opportunity:

The Cool Ghoul Gazette coolghoulgazette.com has several openings for teen reporters. No experience required. We will teach you how to write a lead, build upon the “who, what, when, where, how” reporting style, and help you improve your writing skills. Think of this like your high school newspaper, only way more fun. 

The man who helps me write the Caden Chronicle series (Mr. Jones) graduated with a journalism degree back when reporters published the facts, not their opinions, and sought to present both sides of a story fairly. 

In the case of The Cool Ghoul Gazette we need reporters who can write scary stories that may or may not have happened. For more information contact me, Nick Caden, at: editor@coolghoulgazette.com 

-Sandra Merville Hart

Amazon

 

.

 

Home of Our Hearts by Robin Jones Gunn

/ sandramervillehart

Christy & Todd: The Married Years Series, Book 2

Sometimes it’s hard to keep a promise.

Christy had promised her best friend that she’d be at her wedding—only it’s in Kenya.

Todd’s long ago promise that he’d be at his dad’s wedding is now coming true. The problem is that the ceremony is in the Canary Islands where his dad will live with his bride. Thousands of miles will separate Todd from his father in the future but that’s not all—the Todd and Christy had been living in his father’s home that must now be sold.

Loss of jobs, financial difficulties, and serious illness of a family member plague the young couple expecting their first child.

This young adult novel is an easy read. Lovable characters easily drew me into their world. They made me want to spend more time with them so it’s great that this is a series.

I enjoyed this story.

-Sandra Merville Hart

Christianbook.com