Coming Soon
2026
Coming Soon!
The Missing Nativity of Speranzamonte by Katy Sloop Roberts
December 2025
Coming soon!
Hidden Heroes of our Community by George Horner
December 2025
Coming Soon!
Christmas on the Bay – A Collection of Holiday Stories from the Chesapeake Bay Writers
June 2025
Of course I have to rate & review this particular book! I’ve submitted stories to be included in this year’s Halloween Anthology. But you aren’t reading this because of that! You want to know if this anthology is worth a read. & again, of course it is. Various lengths, multiple authors with many tones, these individual tales will be sure to warm your Christmas heart. My favorite two stories are Dancing on DoG Street, by Kristen M. Overman and Willy and Trussy by Jan Marry. Not exactly a spoiler, but it’s out of this world!
Return to Christmas Town by D.W. Saur
January 2025
I highly recommend one reads this alongside the first book in the series, The Last Christmas. The companions make for cozy reads during Christmas, of course, but also any time you want that feeling that only the holiday season can elicit. Some drama, some romance, some Christmas, it will be one of those warm and fuzzy reads you pick up again and again when you’re by the fire and under a heavy blanket.
Kathy’s Secret by Lilly Vidal (Book 2 of Kathy’s Magical Adventures)
January 2025
What a fun follow-up to the first book, Kathy’s Smile. The plot tackles important, every-day themes with magical flair. Talking cats, friendship issues, and a family secret all make this story engaging for the reader. The author also loves to end her books with enticing cliff hangers that make you want more! Both books in the series thus far are highly recommended, review of the first book below.
The Strong Bear of Venice by Katy Sloop Roberts
August 2024
This is the third installment following our friends Luna and Fortuna on their next adventure. We are introduced to the beauty of Venice as well as a courageous little boy named Bernie. Bernie is being tutored by Luna in more ways than one, and it’s a great book following his growth as an individual. There are a couple of intense scenes with the magical kitty Fortuna, but all’s well that end’s well and by the end of the book, you may be surprised at who the Strong Bear actually is! As usual, the illustrations are an additional perk to wonderful storytelling. A must read for Luna and Fortuna lovers!
Uncovering by Dr. Lorelei Brush
August 2024
This is a novel I picked up at a local bookfest. The book is written by Dr. Lorelei Brush, per her website, “an author and advocate with over twenty years experience in international education and development”. She spent time in northwestern Pakistan, so it’s no wonder that her story follows Shahnaz, a liberal, observant Pakistani Muslim and the hurdles she faces as a working woman. It’s a gripping struggle between beliefs and the havoc they can reap on life. The beauty of the novel is that it doesn’t point fingers about who is wrong and who is right; it’s an exploration of life’s complexities from multiple points of views. Highly recommended.
Please Return to the Lands of Luxury by Jon Tilton
May 2024
This dystopian middle grade novel was a joy to read. My son won it during the Middle Grade March this past year and blew through the book over a weekend. It was an interesting vibe; one that makes you think and feel and yearn. You think about how this eerily echoes some things happening in our current times; you feel heartbroken, scared and optimistic for the characters and their struggles and battles; you yearn to know how this world came about and what is going to happen in the future.
April 2024
Such a haunting, riveting and thought-provoking novella which couples fantasy and horror into a well-written tale! With vivid imagery and gripping story-telling, you’ll be wishing for more when the story ends because you’ve become ridiculously invested!
HausMagick: Transform Your Home with Witchcraft by Erica Feldmann
March 2024
Fun, but also readable. Lots of great ideas and the ‘why’ behind them. Something to turn back to time and time again for inspiration to clear your mind, and your house! Her personal story is also included and what an interesting tale! While I have yet to visit her store in-person (it was closed when I was there in 2020 due to the pandemic), I’ve made purchases off of the website. Totally recommend if you’re into this sort of thing!
The Hint of Light by Kristin Kisska
March 2024
A very busy and emotional novel with plenty of hot topics, traumatizing events and a plain shocking ending! You’re kind of rooting for all the characters until the very end… I personally stopped rooting for a particular character at that moment! Scenes may be tough to read, and as the mother of a son, this hits in all the right places.
The Untold-Stories from WWII by DW Saur
February 2024
Each of these individual tales weave together to create one compelling story about certain horrific, historic events in time. Gripping descriptions mixed with surprising twists leave you wanting to learn more about these characters–even when the book is over. While not a fan of war books, movies, TV shows, etc, I would certainly read another tale about more untold war stories written by DW Saur. Thanks for getting me out of my comfort zone!
Yoga, Kids, and Animals Coloring Book by Raha Tree
February 2024
Not just for kids, this coloring book visually explains numerous asanas in a creative, fun way to help people with brains like to organize their bodies! Given as a gift to my son, I have no doubt he and I will use this not just as stress relief to color in, but also as a guide to practice yoga together. If I ever teach/do yoga kid’s classes, I know what book I’d hand out! 🫶
January 2024
Not my typical genre to read–I only found this because the author won one of my giveaways! With such a heavy topic, you need to be in the right headspace to read this. It follows two American men (the author is Canadian) on a missionary trip who suddenly find themselves trying to rescue a child from human trafficking. As the story continues, so many characters become entwined as you can see how they, and we, are all connected. I wouldn’t necessarily say it’s a happy ending, but more a realistic portrait of how sacrifices and altruism work. Half of the proceeds go to charity.
January 2024
FANTASTIC read! Where was this book when *I* was a kid? Real-world problems (think: moving, bullies) with some magical flair (think: spells, shape-shifting earrings), this book is creative and magical with its message.It also leaves the reader with a question at the end—and gives you the desire to find out more in Book 2! Artfully crafted, this book and its author are an inspiration to all. My 9 year old boy is also reading it, and I know he’s going to take the message to heart. ❤️
books & blogs by allison keli 