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beverlyjean

beverlyjean

has 41 followers and is following 43 people

I'm a former teacher, and now I write stories for children and young adults. My young adult novels, Listen to the Ghost, Secrets I Have Kept, Rebel in Blue Jeans, and Caves, Cannons, and Crinolines are available at Amazon and the publisher, Twilight Times Books. (Caves is in print or Kiindle and Nook.) Just Breeze, my novel for tween/teens, is ... more »
  • TX, USA
  • member since August 3, 2007

Reviews

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Displaying 1-10 of 65 reviews
  • Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night (The Locked Door Series)
    • Rated 4 stars

    “A dark and rainy night. Travelers with secrets. An inn that offers comfort. Or does it?

    In Author J. L. Hayes’ novella, DO NOT GO GENTLE INTO THAT GOOD NIGHT, we meet some interesting characters brought together by a stormy night. The Black Raven Inn becomes a refuge for brothers Jintaro and Kaorin, along with two partners from an entertainment troupe and other travelers seeking shelter. Told from different point of view characters, we learn a little about each of them, where they’re headed and why. There is also a mystery about a locked room that contains riches, or so it is believed. Oh, and there is a murder to add suspense to the plot.

    DO NOT GO GENTLE INTO THAT GOOD NIGHT brings together a mixture of different personalities, each with a story to tell. This is a book about successes and failures and making choices. There are a lot of characters to keep up with, and I sometimes got confused. But that’s just me. If you read the story on a dark and stormy night, be sure to turn on the lights and lock the doors. You don’t want any unexpected guests arriving, now do you?

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    beverlyjean wrote this review 4 days ago. ( reply | permalink )
  • When the Bullet Hits Your Funny Bone: The Essence of a U.S. Navy SEAL
    • Rated 4 stars

    “When you hear the words navy seal what do you think of? Big, tough guys? Serious men? Dangerous? Practical joke players? Whoa! Wait a second. Practical jokes? Now, I admit my knowledge of the military is sparse. I was four years old when my brother joined the army, so I had no idea what his life and training were like. Sure, I’ve seen a few movies about the wars and military life, but never really connected until I read Billy Allmon’s memoir, WHEN THE BULLET HITS YOUR FUNNYBONE.

    In his book, Billy Allmon gives a first-hand account of his life in the Navy Seals. I laughed. I cried. And I thank God for men like Mr. Allmon (and women) who are willing to risk their lives to keep me (and you) safe. The author describes in detail the training he went through, the friends he made, the jokes he and other members of the Seals dealt out and also endured, the sadness when one of their own lost his life, and how he and the others survived so much death and hardships. When every day of a person’s life could very well be his last, he tries to have fun whenever he can. And let me say the men in this book were very creative about their entertainment. Warning, the language is rough; he tells it like it is.

    WHEN THE BULLET HITS YOUR FUNNY BONE will stay with you long after you’ve finished reading it, at least it has me. The book also gave me insight into the minds of the brave men who choose a life that’s not for the faint of heart. Billy Allmon has written a book about courage, fear, and family, a book to remind us of the price of freedom.

    There are some editing problems, such as missing commas when speaking to someone. “…are you ok Bucky?” (p. 116) “No, not at all Walter, I think that you…” (p. 119) And other places. Also, sometimes the wrong form of a word is used: “When our platoon traveled too Florida …” (p. 127) and other little things that are easily overlooked. That said, WHEN THE BULLET HITS YOUR FUNNY BONE, written with both humor and seriousness, gives you an inside look at the life of a Navy Seal.

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    beverlyjean wrote this review 11 days ago. ( reply | permalink )
  • Safari Stanley's Farm Animal Friends - Peek-A-Boo (Who's Inside the Barn?) (Ages 0 - 3) (Baby Books Discovery & Play Series)
    • Rated 5 stars

    “Have you ever visited a farm? If so, what was your favorite part of the visit? My grandparents lived on a farm so I spent many hours in the country. My favorite part of the farm is the animals. If you have never been to the farm, here’s your chance to meet some neat little critters that you’ll encounter if you ever have the chance.

    Author Christopher Biggs’ picture book SAFARI STANLEY’S FARM ANIMAL FRIENDS introduces children to the different animals found on the farm. When Safari Stanley visits his friends on the farm, the reader first sees a partially hidden animal. A question is asked about this animal, and the next page then answers the question as it reveals the whole animal. The reader meets a hen and a rooster, along with other farm animals. Each little critter is bright eyed and I could swear they have smiles on their faces that should bring a smile to the faces of the children reading or having the story read to them.

    Not only are the animals introduced to the children, but they learn a few numbers as well. Written for ages 0-3, Christopher Biggs’ book is ideal for city kids, who may never see a live farm animal, and for country kids, who will be quite familiar with each critter introduced here.

    SAFARI STANLEY’S FARM ANIMAL FRIENDS would make a nice addition to your home library, nursery school libraries, and school libraries. The artwork, by Book Smarts Publishing, is just right for a delightful read for the young and the older reader that shares the story with the child. And before you know it, the child will be reading the story to parents, siblings, and anyone that will listen. What fun!

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    beverlyjean wrote this review 3 weeks ago. ( reply | permalink )
  • A Shadow in the Past

    A Shadow in the Past

    by Melanie Robertson-King
    • Rated 4 stars

    “Take a stone circle and a boy and girl dressed in old-timey clothes playing at the circle. Mix with an old mansion that has a history. Add a surprise or two. Stir, and you end up with a mystery, a girl’s dream, and a seemingly impossible romance.

    Sarah Shand loved the stories her grandmother told about Weetshill mansion. She knew that someday she would live there. The problem was, the mansion was old and falling down and no one had lived there since the 1950’s. Sarah still believed, however, as only a nine-year-old could believe.

    Fast forward ten years. Distraught over her breakup with her boyfriend, Sarah runs away to the mansion, where she swallows sleeping pills, passes out, and awakens in a different time and place. Author Melanie Robertson-King’s debut YA novel, A SHADOW IN THE PAST, is not only a time travel story, it’s also a story of love, family, and making choices. The author takes the reader back to a simpler time period, the Victorian era, where people dress and talk differently, and where Sarah certainly does not belong. Or does she?

    A SHADOW IN THE PAST has it all: good guys and bad guys, hope and despair, a gentle romance challenged by others. Of course, that’s what makes an interesting story, someone causing trouble for the heroine and hero. Sarah faces many challenges to discover who she is and what she wants, and the choices she makes affect not only herself but those she loves as well. Melanie Robertson-King has written a delightful story for teens and older readers too. So pick up a copy for yourself and another for your favorite teen and settle down for a good read.
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    ”

    beverlyjean wrote this review Friday, April 26, 2013. ( reply | permalink )
  • Bandits
    • Rated 4 stars

    “What would you do if you heard arguing and laser fire and when you ran to investigate you found your father dead, a knife in his heart in addition to the hole in his leg left by the laser? Even though your father was a Zukar, a faction of thieves on the planet Merwin, and you’ve lost all respect for him, he’s still your father and you also care for him? Add the knowledge that the murderers might be after you next and you have major problems.
    Author LM Preston’s novel, BANDITS, follows Daniel, his 10-year-old brother, Nickel, and their cousin Faulk as they flee from the men that killed Daniel’s father before they become the next victims. With their dad’s journal and the secrets inside it, the boys set off not only to save themselves but their world as well. Along the way they meet a cast of unique creatures that you wouldn’t want to encounter on a moonless night. Vivid descriptions place the reader with the characters as they face one danger after another. Both Daniel and Faulk take a fancy to Jade, adding romance, along with more conflict to the novel.
    BANDITS is not only an adventure and fantasy story, it’s a story about family and how those we love are not always who we think they are. Because of the rough language and the romance scenes I would not recommend this book for teens under 16. Several grammatical errors, such as “Jade, Nickel, and me (I) will lead them...” and “The fetid order (odor) of the…” also, “…to think the lost (loss)…” drew me out of the story. That said, if you like a fast-paced adventure, with a well-constructed magical world, then you should enjoy BANDITS. L M Preston has created a world that’s dangerous and full of interesting characters. You might want to lock your doors and turn on all the lights before you read BANDITS.
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    ”

    beverlyjean wrote this review Saturday, April 6, 2013. ( reply | permalink )
  • Victoria and the Ghost

    Victoria and the Ghost

    by Janet K. Brown
    • Rated 4 stars

    “A family torn apart.
    A girl uprooted from her home.
    A boy with killer abs and a cowboy hat.
    And a ghost.
    No doubt about it. Victoria Peterson’s live has changed, and not for the better, in her opinion. In Author Janet K. Brown’s debut YA novel, Victoria and the Ghost, 15-year-old Victoria moves from the city to the country with her dad and sister after her parents’ divorce, leaving behind her friends and most of all her mom. She hates her new life. Not even the hot cowboy, Brad Williams, can make her like the country. All she wants to do is live with her mom. But her mom has a new husband now, along with a stepdaughter. Nothing is the way it used to be and Victoria doesn’t know where she belongs anymore.
    Victoria and the Ghost is a story of family and change. It’s a story of give and take. To have a friend you have to be a friend. The people Victoria meet as she attempts to find her place in life, some friendly, others downright hateful and even dangerous, help her grow in understanding of what love really means. As for the ghost she encounters in the cemetery … well, you know how ghosts are, right? If not, you will when you read the story.
    So pick up a copy of Janet K. Brown’s Victoria and the Ghost, curl up in your favorite chair, and take a trip to the country and the wonderful characters that live there. You’ll be glad you did.
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    ”

    beverlyjean wrote this review Saturday, April 6, 2013. ( reply | permalink )
  • The Magic Warble

    The Magic Warble

    by Victoria Simcox
    • Rated 4 stars

    “Take a girl, a present from her teacher, and a pet rat, add dwarfs and fairies, a wicked queen and a prince, a ball called the Magic Warble and a Book of Prophecy, mix together and you have a story of adventure that will keep you wondering what will happen next.

    In Author Victoria Simcox’s fantasy novel THE MAGIC WARBLE, for MG readers, twelve-year-old Kristina Kingsly’s teacher gives Kristina a present that changes her life forever. A tarnished silver ball called The Magic Warble is inside the present and Kristina and her pet rat, Raymond, soon find themselves in a place called Bernoven, where she discovers she is the chosen one and must place The Magic Warble in its resting place, thus saving Bernoven from a curse. Along the way she meets a cast of delightful characters, among them Prince Werrien. As she and the prince struggle to reach Bernoven they face one danger after another, including the wicked Queen Sentiz and her son, who are determined to stop Kristina and Werrien. Will they reach their destination in time, lifting the curse over Bernovem? Or will they fail?

    THE MAGIC WARBLE is not only a fantasy story, it is also a story of friendship, family, and trust. Black and white illustrations give a visual image of the appearance of some of the characters and what they're doing. The author has created a fantasy world of beauty and also danger. An enjoyable read for the young and the not-so-young, as well.

    ”

    beverlyjean wrote this review Tuesday, March 12, 2013. ( reply | permalink )
  • Money and Teens: Savvy Money Skills

    Money and Teens: Savvy Money Skills

    by Wesley Karchut, Darby Karchut
    • Rated 5 stars

    “Now, I haven’t been a teen for many years, but I still need to manage my money wisely, no matter my age. And let me tell you, it isn’t always easy. Have you ever bought something you couldn’t afford and charged it perhaps? After all, you could pay it out a little at a time. Yeah, sounds simple, right. I’ve done it, among other careless things with my money.

    Authors Wes Karchut and Darby Karchut have written a book, MONEY AND TEENS SAVVY MONEY SKILLS, that deals with just about everything you need to know about money. And it can help you make a lot of decisions about every dollar you earn. I wish I’d had this book years ago when I thought credit cards were magic and the answer to buying everything I wanted, when I wanted it. Oops! Was I mistaken.

    A table of contents shows you what each chapter contains so you can easily find the topic you’re most interested in, though you will want to read the entire book because it’s filled with not only information but good advice too. Going back to the credit card for a second, Chapter 4 discusses debt. The credit card is good, if you pay what you charge during the “grace period” or in full each month. If you don’t, you may never pay off the amount you charged. How’s that? you ask. MONEY AND TEENS SAVVY MONEY SKILLS tells you. The chapter Consumer Savvy goes into knowing the difference between your wants and your needs. You’ll also read about debt, banking accounts, savings accounts, certificates of deposit and so much more. You’ll learn about taxes. Yep, you can’t get away from taxes.

    Are you planning to attend college and maybe need a loan? Check out Chapter 13, Student Loan Savvy. You didn’t know having money was so complicated did you? Whether you‘re having trouble money wise or not, this book will help you figure the best way to get the most for your money. MONEY AND TEENS SAVVY MONEY SKILLS would make a great addition to school libraries and public libraries, also colleges and individuals, to help make smart decisions when considering the best way to deal with every dollar you’ve worked so hard to earn. Like the front cover of the book says: “Waste Less, Have More.” Very good advice. Enjoy.

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    beverlyjean wrote this review Wednesday, February 13, 2013. ( reply | permalink )
  • 102 Puzzle Quizzes (Interactive Puzzlebook for E-readers)
    • Rated 5 stars

    “The weather outside is frightful, but the games are so delightful. What better way to spend a dreary winter day (or a hot summer day for that matter) than playing a game on your Kindle, iPad, or other electronic device?

    The Grabarchuk Family has new books out to challenge you and give you hours of fun. Okay, who wants to spend all their time cleaning house, cooking, etc? Boring. 102 Puzzle Quizzes will keep you busy, will exercise your brain, and also is a lot of fun. And for a former non-game playing person, that’s saying a lot. This brand-new puzzle collection is the 3rd volume of the Top Rated Puzzlebook: Puzzle Quizzes series. You’ll find great new puzzles to test you. Like the other books you answer the puzzle then check to see if you’re right. I’m proud to say that my puzzle-solving skills are improving. I’m not an expert yet, but I get more of them right than wrong. In this book you’ll find smiley faces, stars, and all sorts of shapes to challenge your skills. I still missed some, like the 2 Knights in a Square, but I’m learning from my mistakes. Someday I’ll get them all right.

    This review is from the HD edition, with better color, bigger images and sharper detail. As a person with poor eyesight, I appreciate the better images. So what are you waiting for? Download a copy and have fun.

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    The above review is for the HD edition. Here's for the E-Reader edition.
    This 3rd volume of the Top Rated Puzzlebook: Puzzle Quizzes series is like the HD edition, except the puzzles are in black and white, perfect for e-readers, with sharp graphics. Works well on and Kindle e-reader or tablet, also on other devices that use a free Kindle app, like my iPad. You’ll find puzzles for beginners through experts.

    Challenge your children to a game or two. But beware. Kids are pretty sharp. If you’re a kid, challenge your mom or dad to an afternoon of adventure. Have fun.

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    beverlyjean wrote this review Saturday, February 9, 2013. ( reply | permalink )
  • A Horse Called Trouble
    • Rated 5 stars

    “A horse. A girl. Both considered troublemakers. Both misunderstood. Both looking for someone to care. I love horses. We used to own a few. Their personalities, like humans, are quite different. I love children. We raised a few of those. Put the children and the horses together and you have a story of friendship and love and sometimes conflict.

    In Author C. K. Volnek’s tween novel, A HORSE CALLED TROUBLE, foster kid Tara Cummings is being punished for something she didn’t even do by having to attend horse therapy. Now, it isn’t that she doesn’t like horses, she does, but she’s tired of being blamed for everything that goes wrong. What occurs at Freedom Farms, the people she meets on the farm, along with a horse called Trouble, make Tara take a closer look at her life. Reading about the bond and understanding that grows between the girl and the horse that most people consider nothing but trouble brought back memories of the horses we once owned. Each one had a different personality. Horses and many other animals have a special sense of whether a person is kind or mean, and the author has shown this in the behavior of the horses in the story.

    A HORSE CALLED TROUBLE would make a great addition to school classrooms and libraries to help students see how harmful bullying is. It’s also a reminder that people sometimes are not what they seem, and most everyone has a problem or two that cause them to behave the way they do. Even though the novel is written for middle grade readers, I think all ages will enjoy it.

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    beverlyjean wrote this review Wednesday, February 6, 2013. ( reply | permalink )
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Displaying 1-10 of 65 reviews

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