Wednesday, April 30, 2025

#BookReview ~ Love, Lies, and Whiskey by Melissa Foster ~ #Romance #SecondChanceRomance #CowboyRomance #FoundFamily @GreysPromo

Love, Lies, and Whiskey by Melissa Foster is now live!




Get ready to fall hard for the mysterious Seeley “Doc” Whiskey and the one woman he never thought would walk back into his life, in this sexy and emotional second-chance standalone romance. The Whiskeys: Dark Knights at Redemption Ranch is a small-town, big-family series of standalone romance novels featuring fiercely loyal, insanely sexy bikers who give horses—and people—a second chance. No cliffhangers, no cheating, and a happily ever after that will leave you breathless.

About the Book:

First loves that were ripped apart, and the epic love that saves them.

At nineteen, Seeley “Doc” Whiskey fell hard for the governor’s daughter, and then she was torn away. He risked his life and his family’s legacy to get her back, only to find out that everything he believed about her was a lie. His heart has been locked down ever since.

Betrayed by everyone she loves, Juliette Chambers has been through hell and back. Now a single mother and veterinarian, Juliette moves back to Colorado to start over. The last person she expects to run into is the man who completely destroyed her.

A chance encounter turns into a moment of fury, sending them into an emotional maelstrom. Tears and accusations fly and passion ignites, but in their wake they discover a trail of secrets and lies and a life-changing blow that takes them to their knees.

My Review:

Romantic, emotional, and full of love.

Love, Lies, and Whiskey is the fourth book in The Whiskeys: Dark Knights at Redemption Ranch series. Doc and Juliette's story is a delicious second-chance romance. This book has all the feelings. The swoony romance, the epic betrayal that divided a family, the healing, and the reconciliation.

Not all is wine and roses in Colorado. Doc has never loved anyone like he loved Juliette. She destroyed him at the age of nineteen and when he sees her in town so many feelings bubble back to the surface. 

Moving to Colorado was risky but Juliette never thought she run into Seeley. When they come face-to-face in a local hospital, everything she's suppressed over the years rears their ugly heads. The time to confront the past is now and neither Juliette nor Seeley are prepared for the deluge of emotions that threaten to overwhelm them.

I was pulled into Juliette and Doc's love story. I felt their emotions as I immersed myself into their lives. The anger, betrayal, and sadness permeate the characters. They are also filled with so much love. Theirs is an epic love story that includes several bumps in the road. A story I dove right into as they uncovered the secrets and lies that led them to the present.

I was captivated by both their personalities, Juliette's strength, and Doc's gentle and loving ways. Their interactions were sweet and I loved the bond they still shared even after all those year. The author wove a wonderful tale with parts that made me cry, laugh, and fan my face. And, boy was I angry. Angry for the treatment of characters in the story, angry for the time lost, and angry that, even though this is fiction, people can really be like the unsavory characters in this book.

The secondary characters were supportive, protective, and fun to meet and spend time with. Their close-knit relationships, strong family ties, and real-life like characters round out this exceptional book. The author wrote a realistic book filled with romance, banter and wit, drama, humor, and emotion. Melissa Foster is my go-to for anything romantic.

I was provided with a copy of this book. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.


My Rating:




Download today!



Amazon Worldwide: https://lnk.to/LLW_Kindle











Meet Melissa Foster:


Melissa Foster is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, & USA Today bestselling and award-winning author of more than 100 novels. She writes sexy and heartwarming contemporary romance and women's fiction with emotionally compelling characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page. Melissa's emotional journeys are lovingly erotic, always family oriented, and feature fiercely loyal heroes, smart, sassy heroines, and complex relatable issues. Melissa enjoys chatting with readers and book clubs. Send her an email invitation to your next event!

Connect with Melissa:













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#BookReview ~ ONLY IN SEPTEMBER by Cynthia Flowers ~ #Romance ~ @GoddessFish


ONLY IN SEPTEMBER

Cynthia Flowers


GENRE: 

 Women's Fiction


BLURB:

When Jacqueline follows her trusty Labrador Bailey down a hidden path to the beach, she's unaware that her vacation plans on a small island off the New England coast has already taken her life in a new direction. Running into an unassuming local beach comber stirs new thoughts, desires, and a self-determination she never knew she possessed. Jacqueline will need to trust her instincts and make the most of what fate has in store if she wants the future that, until now, she has only dared to dream of.

MY REVIEW:

Only in September is a thought-provoking romance novella. Jacqueline meets a handsome stranger on Block Island. One who invokes feelings she doesn't share with her husband, and hasn't for a while. They have been drifting apart and her time spend on Block Island reaffirms her need to change.

I enjoyed Jacqueline and Bailey's story. This is an unconventional romance, one that doesn't develop the way you think it should. Beautifully written, the author created likable characters, provided descriptive visuals, and built a wonderful world. I was emotionally invested in Only in September and fell in love with Jacqueline, Bailey, and the rest of the cast. 

I was provided with a copy of this book. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.


MY RATING:



READ EXCERPT ONE:

The ferry was taking its sweet time making its way to Block Island.

Time is the ultimate dictator. Where did I hear that? I couldn’t have just come up with that one on my own.

Jacqueline French grabbed one of the last outside seats on the Block Island Ferry. It had only left Point Judith, RI, ten minutes ago, but for her, it seemed like ten hours ago. This would be her fourth September visiting this tiny tear drop-shaped island nestled between the south coast of Rhode Island and Montauk Point, located at the eastern tip of the south fork of Long Island, New York.

She always preferred visiting Block Island this time of year, after many of the Labor Day vacation stragglers dispersed and the kids were back at school. Although there were still a fair number of visitors, the din of racing mopeds was confined mostly to the weekends. Thanks to Michael, who she met on her first trip to Block Island, she came to know virtually every back road and trail on this seven-mile-long by three-mile-wide island. Beyond its beauty, Jacqueline’s deeper connection with the island was its shape. She shed many tears lately over the fate of her marriage and the direction her life had taken.

She always brought Bailey, her chocolate Labrador retriever, on her September sojourns to Block Island. Bailey enjoyed seeing the seals every year, and they seemed curious about her. But Bailey had become too arthritic to make the trip this year.


MEET THE AUTHOR:

Cynthia Flowers, a recently retired advertising professional, now grant writer, resides with her husband and four-year old Labrador named Eddie, at their “sanctuary” in Upstate New York, Although previously published, this is Cynthia's first book of fiction. Early on in grade school, Cynthia looked forward to creative writing class and enjoyed reading her stories aloud to her eager classmates.

PURCHASE LINK



GIVEAWAY INFORMATION and RAFFLECOPTER CODE:

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Tuesday, April 29, 2025

💙 1-Week Virtual Book Tour Invitation 💙 Against All Odds Anthology (Fantasy, SciFi, Romance, Escapism) - May 19-23, 2025 @MirrorWorldPub #Fantasy #SciFi #Romance #Escapism

Against All Odds, Volume 3 of the Far, Far Away Anthology series, is releasing May 19th. Please consider signing up to share Against All Odds on your blog, website, or social media accounts during the 1-week virtual tour.

Tour Dates: May 19-23, 2025


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The Third Estate by D.R. Berlin ~ @DRBerlinAuthor @RABTBookTours #RABTBookTours #TheThirdEstate #DRBerlin #Thriller



Secrets of the Manor


The Third Estate by D.R. Berlin

Suspense Thriller

Date Published: December 26, 2024

 

 



In a busy outdoor market, in broad daylight, an apparently ordinary woman is gunned down by a professional assassin. Twelve years later, the killer is back with a new target – and a mysteriously sinister employer…

 

About the Book:

What secrets could a father leave behind?

A gripping, high-stakes thriller that seamlessly blends espionage, mystery, and intense suspense, The Third Estate: Secrets of the Manor will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.

Sophie Allard, a promising jet pilot cadet at a prestigious military academy, finds her world shattered when she’s summoned to the Commander’s office with devastating news—her estranged father has died in a mysterious lab explosion at their family estate.

What begins as a routine investigation soon spirals into something far more dangerous.

As Sophie delves deeper into the secrets surrounding her father’s death, she uncovers hidden truths that threaten not only her career but her life. Unraveling a web of deception and betrayal, Sophie discovers that her father’s involvement with a powerful and shadowy organization—the Third Estate—could hold the key to both her survival and her downfall.

With an assassin hunting her every step and the enigmatic Grey Lady pulling the strings behind the scenes, Sophie must navigate a perilous landscape of secrets, lies, and danger.

 

This fast-paced thriller is perfect for fans of complex conspiracies, strong female protagonists, and unpredictable twists. If you love novels that combine action, suspense, and mystery, The Third Estate is your next must-read.

Will Sophie uncover the truth—before it’s too late?

 


About the Author:

D.R. Berlin is an award-winning author, U.S. Army veteran, and General Surgeon with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Writing minor from MIT. A graduate of the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, her career in high-pressure environments fuels the pulse-pounding suspense and authentic detail in The Third Estate: Secrets of the Manor. Berlin combines her scientific expertise and love of storytelling to deliver a gripping, intricate thriller that keeps readers on edge. Drafted as the unofficial photographer of her children’s sports teams, she has been affectionally dubbed the “Mamarazzi.”

 

Contact Links:

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Sunday, April 27, 2025

Death at the Dogpark by Neil S. Plakcy & Joanna Campbell Slan ~ @NeilPlakcy @joannaslan ~ Cozy Mystery

 


Death at the Dogpark by Neil S. Plakcy & Joanna Campbell Slan

About Death at the Dogpark:

Death at the Dogpark

Cozy Mystery

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Samwise Books (March 13, 2025)

Paperback ‏ : ‎ 192 pages

ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8230651178

Digital ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0DY1RXVLB

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Two gripping novellas explore murder, mystery, and mayhem at the local dog park in this unique collection from authors Neil S. Plakcy and Joanna Campbell Slan.

In "Dog's Punishment," Steve Levitan and his intuitive golden retriever Rochester uncover dark secrets when investigating the death of a controversial dog trainer. After Melissa Kawamoto is found dead at the local dog park, Steve must untangle a web of professional rivalries, stolen patents, and bitter grudges to catch a killer who turned a revolutionary training method into a deadly weapon.

In "Lamb Chopped," craft store owner Kiki Lowenstein's peaceful morning at the dog park turns horrific when her Great Dane Gracie digs up a severed hand. The discovery pulls Kiki into a disturbing investigation involving missing pets, corrupt officials, and a shadowy network trafficking shelter animals to research facilities. With help from her homicide detective husband, Kiki must expose the truth before more animals—and humans—become victims.

Both stories showcase the unbreakable bonds between humans and their canine companions while delivering clever mysteries filled with twists, turns, and compelling characters. A must-read for fans of cozy mysteries and anyone who believes dogs have an uncanny ability to point us toward the truth.

Purchase Link:

Amazon 

About Neil S. Plakcy:
  

I've wanted to be an author since I was about sixteen, when a high school assignment on A Separate Peace showed me how powerful writing can be. At the University of Pennsylvania I studied creative writing with Philip Roth and Carlos Fuentes; I went on to receive my MFA from Florida International University. My first published novel was Mahu, about a Honolulu homicide detective dragged out of the closet during a tough case. I put a lot of myself into Kimo Kanapa'aka, the hero, and yet he’s very much his own character, and much better than I am! He has had a powerful hold on my imagination for many years. I love writing about him and hope to keep doing so for a long time. He’s also the source of my favorite reader question. A few years ago, someone emailed to ask if he was circumcised. My first reaction was “Man, I’ll bet Stephen King doesn’t get questions like that.” But then, his are probably even weirder. I went online and did some research and discovered that at the time Kimo was born, hospital circumcisions were common. So there you go. My path to publication was a long and checkered one, as is the case with many authors. My first published stories were magazine erotica, and I still like to keep my hand in (no pun intended) with that kind of writing. But for the most part now I write mystery and romance—all my books seem to have both those elements, though in different proportions. I began writing the golden retriever mysteries because I spent so much time walking my golden, Samwise (yes, I’m a Tolkien geek). He had so many funny habits and such a strong personality that I just knew I had to write a book that featured a dog like him. (Fortunately, Sam had no habit of finding dead bodies.) I live in Hollywood, Florida now, with my partner and our golden retrievers, Brody and Griffin. 

Author Links:


About Joanna Campbell Slan:

 

Joanna is a New York Times Bestselling, USA Today Bestselling, and Amazon Bestselling author as well as a woman prone to frequent bursts of crafting frenzy, leaving her with burns from her hot glue gun and paint on her clothes. And the mess? Let’s not even go there.

Otherwise, Joanna’s a productive author with more than 80 written projects to her credit. Her non-fiction work includes how to books, a college textbook for public speakers, and books of personal essays (think Chicken Soup for the Soul).

Currently, she writes six fiction series: The Kiki Lowenstein Mystery Series (Agatha Award Finalist, contemporary, St. Louis setting, crafting), the Cara Mia Delgatto Mystery Series (contemporary, Florida setting, DIY, and recycling), the Jane Eyre Chronicles (Daphne du Maurier Award Winner, 1830s England, based on Charlotte Brontë’s classic), the Sherlock Holmes Fantasy Thrillers (late 1800s, based on Arthur Conan Doyle’s books), the Tai Chi Mystery Series (featuring a mature female amateur sleuth!) and the Friday Night Mystery Series (set in Decatur, IL in 1986 with a spunky female heroine.)

A former TV talk show host, college teacher, and public relations specialist, Joanna was one of the early Chicken Soup for the Soul contributors. She won a Silver Anvil for her work on the original FarmAid concert to benefit farmers.

In her ongoing quest never to see snow again, Joanna lives with her husband and their Havanese puppy, Jax, on an island off the coast of Florida.

Author Links:

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Amazon Author Page: https://amzn.to/3uF3h0g

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Saturday, April 26, 2025

#BookReview ~ Risky Pursuit by Nancy G. West ~ #YA #CozyMystery ~ Young Adult Cozy Mystery

 

Risky Pursuit by Nancy G. West

About Risky Pursuit:

Risky Pursuit

Young Adult/Cozy Mystery

Publisher: ‎ Fire & Ice Young Adult Books (March 25, 2025)

Paperback: ‎ 330 pages

ISBN-13: ‎ 979-8886533804

Digital ASIN: ‎ B0F285GVPD

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High school senior Decker Savage, burdened by his baby brother's death and dreading his parents' impending divorce, sees his mother with a scruffy stranger and follows him to a dark house. He hears shouts upstairs, a man hits the floor, and the culprit escapes. Decker follows the victim's ambulance. Through their mutual love of baseball, they become friends; but the elderly man can't remember who attacked him, and Decker fears the assailant will return. His grades crater, his relationships go south, his baseball skills are erratic, and by entering the man's house, he broke the law. He suffers anonymous attacks and receives threatening notes. If he doesn't forget the man and the house, he, his family, and his friend will be the next victims. Will Decker be able to uncover the culprit's identify, solve the mystery, and stop the attacks?

My Review:

Risky Pursuit is a bit darker and grittier than what I'm used to from Nancy G. West and let me tell you, I'm loving it. The story follows Decker Savage through an impending divorce, shady characters, and dangerous circumstances. After Decker finds his mom meeting with a stranger in the local diner, he finds himself following they mystery man right into a dark house, where an assault takes place. Finding friendship with the assault victim leads Decker into a mystery that he may not find his way out of before its too late. 

Filled with suspense and tension, Risky Pursuit takes the reader through a gamut of emotions as we watch Decker work through this gripping mystery. He can't help but want to solve the mysterious assault on his new friend. His life and the lives of those he loves are in danger. I was on the edge of my seat throughout this entire fast-paced young adult cozy mystery. 

I was provided with a copy of this book. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

My Rating:

About Nancy G. West:

 

Nancy West is a recovering business major who discovered that creating stories is a lot more fun than accounting. Her novel of psychological suspense, Nine Days to Evil, won the Clue Award, and The Plunge, a mystery/suspense novella, was a June 2019 selection for ALA’s book club and is Book 1 of the spinoff series, Aggie Mundeen Lake Mysteries. Her Aggie Mundeen Rom-Com Mysteries included a Lefty Award Finalist, Chanticleer Awards, and a Raven Award from Uncaged Book Reviews. She loves writing stories about ordinary teens and adults thrown into dangerous, suspenseful situations…a literary thriller, like Risky Pursuit.

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#BookReview ~ Jacob by VH Nicolson ~ #ContemporaryRomance #Romance #BillionaireRomance #FriendsToLovers #ForbiddenRomance @rararesources @BoldwoodBooks


Jacob


About the Book:

Resisting temptation will test me to my limits

Jacob:

I've been in love with Skye since we were kids. But she's off-limits, not just because I’m her boss, but she's my best friend's ex. And, together we made a pact as teenagers. And unbreakable bro code. Never Touch each other’s ex. Ever.

But I’m forced to spend hour after hour, day after day, with her beauty. In meetings, conference calls, emails, business trips. Every. Single. Week. It’s hideously torturous, and I shouldn’t want her the way I do. But then I think she might feel the same way…

Skye:
Jacob is my boss. He’s broad, toned, dripping in ink and it turns out the man I’m falling for has been under my nose this entire time and yet I can’t have him. It’s too complicated and he won’t betray his best friend and my ex.

So we resist. Although it’s amazing how much naughtiness you can get up to without touching. But then it becomes clear this is more than just lust. This might be real. How can we ever make this work? I wanted a fairy tale, but right now I'd settle for a chance to at least kiss my prince.


My Review:

Oh, where to start with Jacob. The book is intense and steamy, romantic and filled with regret, and a wonderful friends-to-lovers romance. Off-limits due to a pact made in his teens, Jacob never went after Skye. Her off-again-on-again relationship with one of his besties, Owen, made a relationship between Jacob and Skye impossible. Jay just loves her from afar, and has for years, even though it makes him miserable.

Skye knew Owen wasn't for her and finally put an end to their lukewarm relationship. His inconsiderate nature finally did her in. After an incident at the office with Jacob, her friend and boss, Skye is seeing Jacob in a new light,. A light she now wants to be part of and one she can't believe she never saw shining right in her face. There's a ridiculous bro code from when there were all teenagers standing in her way. One, that if Skye has her way, will cease to exist. 

I loved Jacob and Skye's story. It's one filled with regrets but one each character is mature enough now to see. Jacob knows he needs to stay away from Skye due to the agreement between himself and his best friends, Owen and Lincoln. Working along next to Skye and seeing her five days a week at work will have to satisfy him. The author delivers a compelling romance that is filled with ups and downs. The conflict in the story is heart-wrenching and every person's nightmare, especially for women. The author was delicate and considerate in writing everything in this book.

I was drawn into this story 100%. The characters are dynamic and three dimensional. They have feelings, emotions, imperfections, and realistic qualities. I felt for Jay as he watched the love of his life live her life with him in the friendzone. I felt for Skye after her feelings for Jay became apparent and he became standoffish. Full disclosure - I did not like Owen's character. He definitely doesn't know how to take no for an answer and is all about himself. He plays his part well and I can't wait to read his story because you know it's going to be good.

This is my first book by VH Nicolson. I could kick myself for not finding VH sooner and grabbing up Lincoln's book. He is also in this book and now I need to know his story. A mistake that I just remedied by purchasing a copy of Lincoln.

I loved Jacob and Skye's story and can't wait to read more by VH Nicolson.

I was provided with a copy of this book. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

My Rating:



 

Purchase Link:

Amazon


Meet the Author:


VH Nicolson is an author of contemporary romance. Since writing her first novel over lockdown, she is now completely smitten with writing love stories with happily ever afters. VH Nicolson was born and raised along the breathtaking coastline in North East Fife in Scotland. For more than two decades she’s worked throughout the UK and abroad within the creative marketing and design industry, as a branding strategist and stylist, editor of a magazine and sub-editor of a newspaper. Married to her soul mate, they have one son. She has a weakness for buying too many quirky sparkly jumpers, eating Belgium buns, and walking the endless beaches that surround her beautiful Scottish hometown she’s now moved back to.

Social Media Links:

Facebook: @authorvhnicolson

Instagram: @vhnicolsonauthor

Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/VHNicolsonNews

BookBub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/vh-nicolson


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Friday, April 25, 2025

#BookReview ~ Nobody Important -- #BookSpotlight ~ The Whispering Witch -- #Author Lee J. Mavin ~ #ChildrensPictureBooks #ChildrensBooks @pumpupyourbook


Two beautifully written and illustrated children's books...


Title: The Whispering Witch
Author: Lee J. Mavin
Pages: 50
Genre: Children's Picture Book (ages 4 - 12 years)

About the Book:

The Whispering Witch starts with a fading world. The trees are turning grey and the islands are sinking beneath the rising seas. Men of earth continued with their bickering and wars and all hope withered. A young girl came from the soil with one purpose, to heal the sick world. She regrew the glaciers and sprinkled down seeds into the rainforests and even brought the dinosaurs back, hatching from new eggs. The infant reptiles stretch out and play in the modern new world and the children adore them. However, the men cry out in object and gather their swords to bring her down. The leaders of earth witnessed these changes and only wanted to maintain order and control. But the leaders of mankind feared her touch. Distrustful of the power they could not control, they cast her away, determined to maintain their rule. Yet the witch did not come for them. Her message was for their children—the next generation, still untouched by the greed and ruin that plagued the old.

So, the powerful leaders of earth hunted her down and cursed her name. She did not fight them and returned back below, beneath the soil. However, she whispered to all the children of the world and asked them all to put away their father’s swords and look to the gardens, watering the world with hope.


Here’s what reviewers are saying about The Whispering Witch!

“The Whispering Witch is a beautifully crafted story that blends fantasy with a powerful message about nature, hope, and the dangers of greed. When the earth is on the brink of ruin, a mysterious witch rises to restore balance, but those in power, driven by fear, reject her. Yet, her wisdom is not meant for them—it is for the children, the ones who still have the power to create change. The writing is captivating, drawing readers into a world both magical and deeply relevant. The illustrations bring every page to life, making this a book that will be cherished and revisited time and time again. A must-read for families who love thought-provoking stories with heart and meaning.”

— Irina Smirnova


“A deeply moving tale with anime-esque visuals and a profound message to save the planet, this work of art earns four out of five stars. Suitable for readers 7 and up who love nature and advocate positive change, this is the tale of a witch like no other. The only question left to ask is: Will you be the one to listen?”

– Dakota Love

The Whispering Witch is available at Amazon.


Title: Nobody Important
Author: Lee J. Mavin
Pages: 50
Genre: Children's Picture Book (ages 3 - 12 years)


About the Book:

Nobody could have known that the Evil Ones would attack so suddenly from the North. They came with fire and folly, mounted on wild beasts, and the poor Underlings, who were very much undersized and unprepared, cried out for help across the Western Lands. They tried to broadcast the terror to the world and the Higher Elders and Wise Chieftains devised plans to strike back. As the war grew and grew the innocent Underlings watched in horror, hoping for someone to save them. One of those Underlings was Nobody Important (yes that was his actual name), and he came up with an unrealistic plan to stop the Evil Ones.

What was this unrealistic plan and how could somebody named Nobody Important bring an end to the war?


My Review:

Nobody Important is a children's book starring a character who is largely unknown and very ordinary. That is until Nobody Important created and puts a plan into motion. An unrealistic plan, at that. If you love rooting for the underdog, Nobody Important is right up your alley!

The illustrations are vibrant and eye-catching. The story is full of hope and courage. The story encourages anyone and everyone to speak up and speak out.

I was provided with a copy of this book. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.


My Rating:




Here’s what other reviewers are saying about Nobody Important!

“I really loved this book! This is perfect for children aged 4 to 12 and the illustrations are fantastic. At first the playful words and quirky characters seem to be fun and amusing, however as the story develops, the characters take on a darker side. Nobody Important is clearly reflecting a deeper meaning of current events and gives us hope. Maybe a simple poet like Nobody Important can bring peace?”

— Mario Chinwa

Nobody Important is available at Amazon.


About the Author:


Lee J Mavin is the author of 11 books. He is also a teacher and father. He has a Masters in Creative Writing and am solely focused on writing fiction (fantasy and horror) and poetry. He is now in collaboration the illustrator Karolina Piotrowski, a Polish artist who has brought many stories to life. He has worked and studied in China and Japan and studied with Dr Xiaohuan Zhao (a master of Chinese poetry) to complete his book Li Bai’s Shadow, at the University of Sydney. He has two children who are both avid readers, so he is always in the loop with trends in children’s fiction. He is married and lives in Sydney, where he teaches English.

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Thursday, April 24, 2025

#BookReview ~ The Whispering Witch -- #BookSpotlight ~ Nobody Important -- #Author Lee J. Mavin ~ #ChildrensPictureBooks #ChildrensBooks @pumpupyourbook


Two beautifully written and illustrated children's books...


Title: The Whispering Witch
Author: Lee J. Mavin
Pages: 50
Genre: Children's Picture Book (ages 4 - 12 years)

About the Book:

The Whispering Witch starts with a fading world. The trees are turning grey and the islands are sinking beneath the rising seas. Men of earth continued with their bickering and wars and all hope withered. A young girl came from the soil with one purpose, to heal the sick world. She regrew the glaciers and sprinkled down seeds into the rainforests and even brought the dinosaurs back, hatching from new eggs. The infant reptiles stretch out and play in the modern new world and the children adore them. However, the men cry out in object and gather their swords to bring her down. The leaders of earth witnessed these changes and only wanted to maintain order and control. But the leaders of mankind feared her touch. Distrustful of the power they could not control, they cast her away, determined to maintain their rule. Yet the witch did not come for them. Her message was for their children—the next generation, still untouched by the greed and ruin that plagued the old.

So, the powerful leaders of earth hunted her down and cursed her name. She did not fight them and returned back below, beneath the soil. However, she whispered to all the children of the world and asked them all to put away their father’s swords and look to the gardens, watering the world with hope.

My Review:

The Whispering Witch is a serious children's book with sad, but timely, overtones. The world portrayed in the story seems to parallel our current world:

1. War

2. Destruction

3. Loss of hope

A magical earth witch brings forth ways to heal the earth. As is today, greed and resistance to change undoes all of the good. There will be a time when the young generations will stand up to those causing the strife and destruction. Let's just hope it's not too late. There is a serious message on the pages of this book.

The illustrations are vibrant and beautiful. The story is powerful. A fictitious tale sounding a very real alarm.

I was provided with a copy of this book. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.


My Rating:





Here’s what other reviewers are saying about The Whispering Witch!


“The Whispering Witch is a beautifully crafted story that blends fantasy with a powerful message about nature, hope, and the dangers of greed. When the earth is on the brink of ruin, a mysterious witch rises to restore balance, but those in power, driven by fear, reject her. Yet, her wisdom is not meant for them—it is for the children, the ones who still have the power to create change. The writing is captivating, drawing readers into a world both magical and deeply relevant. The illustrations bring every page to life, making this a book that will be cherished and revisited time and time again. A must-read for families who love thought-provoking stories with heart and meaning.”

— Irina Smirnova



“A deeply moving tale with anime-esque visuals and a profound message to save the planet, this work of art earns four out of five stars. Suitable for readers 7 and up who love nature and advocate positive change, this is the tale of a witch like no other. The only question left to ask is: Will you be the one to listen?”

– Dakota Love

The Whispering Witch is available at Amazon.


Title: Nobody Important
Author: Lee J. Mavin
Pages: 50
Genre: Children's Picture Book (ages 3 - 12 years)

About the Book:

Nobody could have known that the Evil Ones would attack so suddenly from the North. They came with fire and folly, mounted on wild beasts, and the poor Underlings, who were very much undersized and unprepared, cried out for help across the Western Lands. They tried to broadcast the terror to the world and the Higher Elders and Wise Chieftains devised plans to strike back. As the war grew and grew the innocent Underlings watched in horror, hoping for someone to save them. One of those Underlings was Nobody Important (yes that was his actual name), and he came up with an unrealistic plan to stop the Evil Ones.

What was this unrealistic plan and how could somebody named Nobody Important bring an end to the war?


Here’s what reviewers are saying about Nobody Important!

“I really loved this book! This is perfect for children aged 4 to 12 and the illustrations are fantastic. At first the playful words and quirky characters seem to be fun and amusing, however as the story develops, the characters take on a darker side. Nobody Important is clearly reflecting a deeper meaning of current events and gives us hope. Maybe a simple poet like Nobody Important can bring peace?”

— Mario Chinwa

Nobody Important is available at Amazon.


About the Author:


Lee J Mavin is the author of 11 books. He is also a teacher and father. He has a Masters in Creative Writing and am solely focused on writing fiction (fantasy and horror) and poetry. He is now in collaboration the illustrator Karolina Piotrowski, a Polish artist who has brought many stories to life. He has worked and studied in China and Japan and studied with Dr Xiaohuan Zhao (a master of Chinese poetry) to complete his book Li Bai’s Shadow, at the University of Sydney. He has two children who are both avid readers, so he is always in the loop with trends in children’s fiction. He is married and lives in Sydney, where he teaches English.

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