Kaye's Reviews
This is a place for book reviews from an avid reader of all genres. You will find familiar names plus some unknown authors here.
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
STILL COMING by Joseph Flynn
SNOW FLEAS AND CHICKADEES: EVERYDAY OBSERVATIONS IN THE SIERRA by Eve Quesnel
Have you ever gone for a walk and wondered what is making that sound? Or what kind of bug is that? This book answers some of those questions for the Sierra Nevada region in California.
Animals, trees, insects, or birds: Eve Quesnel tells of some of her favorite nature finds that are right within walking distance of her home.
I never heard of a snow flea, but learning about them and the way they propel themselves was interesting. She explains the difference between a white fir and a red fir.
This book is for anyone interested in nature. It's not like any other nature guide; this has a homier, more comfortable feel. Almost like talking to a friend about her adventures of the day.
Sunday, January 18, 2026
FEARLESS FOURTEEN (STEPHANIE PLUM SERIES BOOK 14) by Janet Evanovich
Would you deal with a crazy monkey, an aged has-been pop star, a stalker?
Stephanie Plum has to deal with all of this while on a case. One of her skips, Loretta, has disappeared after Stephanie took her in for reprocessing. While searching for Loretta, Stephanie has to take care of Zook, Loretta's son.
Loretta's brother is part of the crew to rob the bank many years ago. Now the rest of the crew wants the money that Dom hid, and are willing to kill for it.
If you read this book, please leave a comment or review. I would like to know your thoughts.
LEAN MEAN THIRTEEN (STEPHANIE PLUM SERIES BOOK 13) by Janet Evanovich
She has the help of Ranger and Morelli. Even though Morelli is a bit disconnected while protecting someone at a safehouse.
We get the usual Plum family fun and fiascos. Grandma, Lula, Connie, and the rest of the crew are here.
Book 13 is just as good as the rest.
If you read this book, please leave a comment. I would love to know your opinion.
Friday, December 12, 2025
TWELVE SHARP (STEPHANIE PLUM SERIES BOOK 12) by Janet Evanovich
The love triangle between Steph, Morelli, and Ranger, while titillating, is starting to get boring and overplayed. Both men are very macho, but neither seems to mind sharing her. Men like Morelli don't share their woman.
Ranger's daughter, Julie, would be a nice addition to future books. She seems tough and a little mischievous. She will definitely follow in Ranger's footsteps even though he didn't raise her.
I still consider this series the funniest I have ever read. And I would love to see it become a tv series.
Saturday, December 6, 2025
PRAY WHAT GOD SAYS by Christine Brooks Martin
Full of scripture for every felling, need and purpose. From health, strength, wisdom, and confidence to serving, worshipping and obeying the Lord. Also dealing with rejection, loneliness, and anger.
Great book to have on your bedside table for those times of need or to reconnect with God.
If you read this book, please leave a comment. I would love to know what you think.
ELEVEN ON TOP (STEPHANIE PLUM SERIES BOOK 11) by Janet Evanovich
new perfect life doesn't go as planned when someone from her past needs to get even with her.
Stephanie applies for three new jobs, Cluck-in-a-Bucket, Kan Klean Dry Cleaners, and the button factory. All are short lived and turn out badly. She just can't escape being a victim to her past, and being drawn back into the bounty hunting scene.
Along with Ranger, Morelli, her parents, and Grandma Mazur, Stephanie gives us her usual brand of hilarity and adventure.
I just love this series. I have said it before and I'll say it again. This series is one of the best written and funniest that I have ever read.
If you read this book, please leave a comment. I would love to know what you think of the story and why.
TENDER REBEL: MALORY FAMILY BOOK 2 by Johanna Lindsey
Rosalynn must run away from Scotland and escape her evil conniving cousin. She needs to marry quickly to protect herself and her inheritance from him.
Anthony Mallory is England's biggest rake, and he has no plans to change that. But once he sees Rosalynn
hiding in a quiet garden, his plans change. Even if he doesn't know it.
The two fall immediately for each other. But in usual romance novel style, they won't admit it.
Lindsey books are always a joy to read for me. I have her entire collection and have read them more than once.
This is a nice, easy, funny, and relaxing read.
If you read this book, please leave a comment. I would love to know what you think about the story,
Did you like it? Why or why not.
STROKES: VOLUME 1 by Delilah Devlin
CLAIM ME by Tawny Taylor
THE ELDERINE STONE: BOOK 1 DREAMS OF DESTINY by Alan Lawson
Jason finds himself in another land after investigating a shed in the middle of the woods. He meets Emily, Sherbit, Deron, and Gimble. They believe he is the savoir for this world. There is a prophecy that says he will defeat the Dark Lady, The Dark One and the darkness that they will bring to the world. The "twist" at the end was not a surprise, and was pretty easy to see coming.
This is a story for a 10- to 15-year-old. I didn't really connect with the story, but it wasn't a bad tale. Somebody of the proper age group would probably enjoy it.
Thursday, August 21, 2025
WALKERS: A ONE ACT COMEDY FOR FOUR ACTRESSES by Patricia Rockwell
Not really worth the time if you have read the other Essie Cobb Senior Sleuth books.
SMART MONEY MOVES: 2025 EDITION: SIMPLE TIPS THAT HELP YOU KEEP MORE OF WHAT YOU EARN by Serena Bennett
The author lives in the UK, so not all the links or services are available to me in the US. But for most of them, there is a comparable service or app in my country. Quidco is not available to me, but Rakuten is an app that gives you up to 6% cash back on purchases made through certain online sites.
I recommend this book to everyone. Because we all need to spend less and more smartly.
Tuesday, August 12, 2025
ZOOMED: AN ESSIE COBB SENIOR SLUETH MYSTERY BOOK 6 by Patricia Rockwell
While they are having their first meeting, and unexpected and unknown guest enters. She is very upset, yells about Will, and then disappears. Essie sees a mystery to solve. The girls start to investigate who this lady was and how can they help her.
These girls are always exciting and funny. But being able to solve this case seemed a little far-fetched to me. The story was still enjoyable. I recommend it to anyone who wants a light, quick, easy and fun story.
If you read this book, please leave a comment. I would love to know if you liked the story, and why of why not.
Friday, August 1, 2025
GHOSTED: AN ESSIE COBB SENIOR SLUETH MYSTERY BOOK 4 by Patricia Rockwell
This book is more about Essie and her family. The first 3 books involved Essie's 3 best friends in the investigations more.
There are 2 mysteries to solve. First, Essie's mental issues. That one is pretty easy for the reader to figure out. Second, what is Happy Haven's newest resident, Edward Troy, up to? This one comes as a total surprise.
If you read this book, please leave a comment. I would love to know your opinion and why you did or did not like it.
FIRECRACKERED: AN ESSIE COBB SENIOR SLUETH MYSTERY BOOK 5 by Patricia Rockwell
Essie and her 3 friends are on a mission to find out who shot Happy Haven's newest resident, Lester Mills, with a firecracker on the 4th of July and why. Now this is not just a firecracker, this was a drone driven missile.
I love this series. Essie and her friends are fun and adventurous. And the mysteries are intriguing, yet easy to solve if you pay close enough attention. The stories are short, easy, fun reads.
If you read this book, please leave a comment. I would love to know if you liked it, and why or why not.
Saturday, July 19, 2025
THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF BENJAMIN FRANKLIN by Benjamin Franklin
I knew some Ben Franklin's achievements, but there was a lot that surprised me. How much is true and how much is an old man posturing, I am not sure. I knew of course about the experiments with electricity. And that he started the university of Pennsylvania. I didn't know about his part in the creation of the fire dept. Or helping with the infrastructure of our roads. I knew he had something to do with the war, but not that he parlayed with the Indians or that he was a general.
If you want to learn about Ben Franklin, this book has a good amount of details. But if you also want to be entertained, look elsewhere.
If you read this book, let me know your opinion. Why you did of did not like it?
Thursday, June 19, 2025
MINISTRY OF MORGASM by Richard Buzzell
I would recommend this book to all men and women. It may enrich your sex life and beyond.
If you read this book, please leave a comment. I would love to know what you thought and why.
Wednesday, June 18, 2025
SEE/SAW: QUIRKY POEMS by Ken Tomaro & Nolcha Fox
Written by 2 poets taking turn with stanzas. It seems to be all over the place with no sense to it at times. But if you read the poems a second time, they make more sense now that you know where they are going.
Such random topics like eating from a dump that ends up his home, watching a hurricane, being apathetic or pathetic depending on your point of view, and a King Cake.
He is a House and Too Blue were pretty good. As Surely As was funny, it made me laugh out loud.
There are no real titles to the poems, the first line of each poem is the title.
My favorite line from the whole book has to be "God is way bigger than my ass. That's comforting to know."
If you have read this book, please leave a comment. I would love to know if you liked the book, and why or why not.
POSTCARDS TO HERSELF: A PROSE POETRY NOVELLA by Laura Stamps
Elaine misses the art of sending postcards to friends. She really misses receiving them. So she decides to write to herself.
Each postcard is so random and some of them make no sense. A guy on the corner in an orange suit, cars that drive to fast, doggy toothpaste.
It was ok, and a little funny. It took 1 hour to read. For the most part this book was thoughtless, yet strangely thought provoking at the same time.
If you read this book, please leave a comment. Let me know your opinion, and why.
NIGHT OF THE WOLVES: BOOK 1 OF THE PALADIN SERIES by David Dalglish
I found the main characters very likable and honorable in their actions. Even the supposed villain in the story, Redclaw, wasn't such a bad guy. Once I understood his motivation and desperation behind his deeds, I felt a little sympathy for him. He didn't attack and kill out of bloodlust, but for a better life for his pups.
I plan on ready the rest of the series. I hope that Jerico and Darius find peace in their friendship. Even though they believe in different Gods, and are supposed to be mortal enemies.
This book took about 6 hours for me to read.
If you read this book, please let me know what you thought. I would love to hear your opinion and why you felt that way.
Thursday, June 12, 2025
VALENTINED: AN ESSIE COBB SENOIR SLUETH MYSTERY BOOK 3 by Patricia Rockwell
When Essie finds an elaborate Valentine's Day card from a secret admirer in her mailbox, she must solve the mystery of who sent it. While her and her best friends (Marjorie, Opal, and Faye) are investigating, they find 2 more mysteries to solve. Who could be a drug dealer at Happy Haven and why is Grace Bloom having food trays brought to her room?
The answers may surprise you.
I thoroughly enjoy these books. Essie and friends are so fun and lovable. Patricia Rockwell writes so well. And they are quick easy reads.
Saturday, June 7, 2025
THE ITALIAN SOUL: HOW TO SAVOR THE FULL JOYS OF LIFE by Judith Valente
I found this book boring. At first, it is a look into the life of the Italian people. The lesson is slow down, take notice, eat well, and socialize for a better, longer life. These are things I will try to work into my daily life.
Halfway through the book, the author started to add her political views. This is where I quit reading. I do not care if you are a Trump supporter or not. A book on living a better life should not cross over into shaming half of Americans for their belief or who they choose to follow.
I will not recommend this book to anyone. It was not for me.
Friday, June 6, 2025
THE LAST PATIENT OF THE NIGHT (AN AJ DOCKER MEDICAL THRILLER) by Gary Gerlacher
He is an ER doctor. One night a young woman comes in with a broken arm, then later is left on the ER doorstep dead. Doc, his cop friend, Tom and Tom's K9 dog named Banshee, decide to find out what happened to her. They get involved with some bad Ukranian thugs. Doc is chased and almost killed a few times.
As the story goes on, we learn that Doc isn't all that bad of a guy. Most of the characters in the book are funny and
I really enjoyed The Last Patient. It is book 1 of 5, I will most probably read the rest when I find time.
If you have read this book, please leave you opinion. I would love to know if you liked it and why or why not.
Thursday, May 29, 2025
WHEEL OF DEATH: A MYSTERY BY 22 AUTHORS
Each chapter is written by a different author. It reminds me of the old camp side story time when each person had 5 minutes to add to the tale. It constantly takes the story into a new direction and gives a new twist to each chapter. But never lost the main thread of the story or got confusing. It flowed together very well. There is no end to the suspects, accomplices, and possible victims.
I really enjoyed Wheel of Death. The story was good and unpredictable.
If you have read this book, please leave a comment. I would love to know your opinion of the book and why.
Friday, May 23, 2025
THE REAL WOLFMAN by Phillip Wolf
Monday, May 12, 2025
TWILIGHT OF EVIL by George Alexander
What we believe to be the death of Hitler and the Third Reich may all be a lie. Twilight of Evil is the story of Adolf Hitler and some of his inner circle after the fall of Berlin. Hitler escapes and lives life in Argentina, along with Eva Braun and their daughter Uschi.
I'm sorry to say that this book just didn't do it for me. I found this story to be boring. It seemed to talk about Hitler like he was a good person. He is a loving father and husband, shows people appreciation even giving out gifts, and cries over the death of his dog. Although he does get his comeuppence in the end.
Sometimes the conversations were confusing and hard to follow. There were no breaks to holp you discern who was speaking.
These are just a couple. Although I will say the author did tell us in his preface that this is his first English novel.
Friday, May 9, 2025
PAPOOSED: AN ESSIE COBB, SENIOR SLEUTH MYSTERY BOOK 2 by Patricia Rockwell
Once again, we visit with Essie, Opal, Marjorie, and Fay for mystery and adventure. The ladies make 3 new friends, Santos, Clara, and Hubert.
The mystery begins when Santos asked Essie to help with a baby whose mother is missing. Maria works at Happy Haven, has an abusive husband, and seems to have deserted baby Antonio. But Santos believes she would never do that. Essie and the girls take care of the baby and try to find Maria. Meanwhile, they cannot let anyone know that the baby is in the facility, especially Violet the facility director.
Essie's neighbor is nosey, Hubert is infatuated with Essie, and Santos is worried.
The ladies are fun and very entertaining to read about. Papoosed is entertaining and a good read, but it wasn't as good as the first. This one was too focused on the care of Antonio, so the mystery was pushed to the side.
Keep baby quiet, feed the baby, change the baby, baby sleeps, repeat, repeat, repeat. There is only so many times I can read about the process and needs of a baby. I raised 3 boys of my own and 5 grandchildren, I know what a baby needs and does.
The story only takes about 3 hours to read. It is very light and fun.
If you have read this book, please leave a comment. I would love to know your opinion and why.
Wednesday, May 7, 2025
MIND GAME CHALLENGE: BEAT ME IF YOU CAN by Lselie Blckbrd
I had fun doing these (also a little frustrated on a few). If you have a couple hours and like to challenge yourself, then these are for you.
Sunday, May 4, 2025
BINGOED: AN ESSIE COBB, SENOIR SLUETH MYSTERY BOOK 1) by Patricia Rockwell
When Bob Weiderley collapses after winning a game of bingo, Essie and her 3 friends start to investigate. Essie, Marjorie, Opal, and Fay sneak around the complex searching for clues, interrogating staff and residents, and pointing out suspects. Could it be Violet (the facility director), Sue (the social director), Evelyn (one of Bob's friends and tablemates), Ben (a young man from outside who may be trying to scam Bob), or any one of the many residents and staff of Happy Haven.
Who tried to kill Bob and why? Will Essie and her friends find the culprit, and will they all survive the hunt?
I really enjoyed Bingoed. I think Ms. Rockwell has a great writing style. You don't have to think too hard to follow the story but you stay engaged. It's a short book. I read it in about 3 hours. I laughed out loud a time or two.
I recommend this book to anyone who just wants to relax and enjoy reading for an hour or two.
Thursday, May 1, 2025
PARAGLIDE (A JIM AND ERICA WINTERS ADVENTURE) by Peter Anthony Kelley
Jim, Erica and their mom, Genevieve are going on vacation in England. When Genevieve is kidnapped, the kids must find their estranged father, Edward, to save her.
The journey takes the 2 kids through England, Italy, and Switzerland. They are chased by 2 groups of people wanting to find Edward and a fortune in jewels that he has.
The story is full of adventure, intrigue and excitement. This is a tale for a teenager, but I still enjoyed it. The author makes it easy to guess who is behind the kidnapping. But also does a good job at confusing you for a moment or two.
If you have read this book, please leave a comment with your opinion. I would love to hear if you liked it, and why or why not.
Thursday, April 24, 2025
THE SMOOTH FULFILLMENT OF THE SOUL by Phoenix In The Stars
What do these things mean, and how can they help or hinder you achieving your goals? This book will explain each to you. Through transurfing (which means allowing for the highest degree of freedom to choose which sector of reality we would like to realize) you can grasp you higher self and any goal you strive for.
Using external intention instead of internal intention you can reach your goals. Instead of wishing/desiring an object or lifestyle, believe or act as though it is already yours. Then the universe will be more open to helping you achieve it.
I read through the book somewhat quickly, so I may not have grasped the entire meaning and methodology behind the words. This is the kind of book that you need to keep available and read more than once to follow the methods and practices that are suggested. I will try some of the methods, like being more positive about my goals reaching fulfillment. It will take some practice to retrain your brain But in the end, hopefully, it will be worth it.
Sunday, April 20, 2025
THE GREAT ESCAPE OF GODDESS INNANA: A LAW OF ATTRACTION TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE by Phoenix in the Stars
SUDDENLY SEX AN EROTIC POEM by Kelly J. Bean
A tale of a sexual encounter. Very descriptive. No rhyming but written in verse style of poetry.
Nothing special as far as the "story" goes.
A SMUDGE OF GRAY by Jonathan Sturak
Det. Brian Boise is on the hunt for a killer. His number one clue is a smudge of gray found at each crime scene. Trevor Malloy is a perfect father and husband. But he has a secret life outside the house.
The 1st half of the story was slow and bored me. But once the 2 main characters interact, it picks up the pace. Then comes to an unexpected end.
Mr. Sturak is a great storyteller. The characters come to life and you begin to feel for them. Brian with his family problems and need to succeed. Trevor with his evil nature. When the final fight comes, you are totally ready for it yet unprepared at the same time.
Saturday, April 5, 2025
PARTY GIRL CRASHES THE RAPTURE by M. E. Purfield
Lorelei is a high school senior, who thinks very little of herself. She smokes weed, drinks alcohol, and has sex with any guy who wants her. Her home life is not good, and she searches for attention and what she considers "love" wherever she can get it.
At the beginning of the story, Lorelei is not a very likable character. But as the story goes on and you learn more about her, you begin to sympathize with her. By the end of the book, you actually like her.
Lorelei suddenly starts having seizures and visions of a little girl. With these visions come a mystery of who is this child and who was killed. Lorelei learns a few secrets about herself and her family that she has suppressed. The end was a great twist. The main character development and the story progression is done nicely.
This is the second book by Mr. Purfield that I have read. I will read more since I really like his style.
This book has a great message for teens. Don't ever feel unworthy or down on yourself. You have to care about yourself, even when you feel that nobody else does.
I was given this book for an honest review by LibraryThing.
Monday, March 31, 2025
FOUND FOOTAGE (SYSTEMA PARADOXA BOOK 11) by Mary Fan
An enjoyable story for teens. I thought it was going to be a horror novel, but turned around into something different.
Jennie and Stacy are out in the woods, when they see a creature. After initially being scared, Jennie feels an unexplained connection with the creature. The girls decide to help the Mantis like creature.
Thursday, March 27, 2025
PROPHET'S DEATH (BOOK 3 OF THE NAOMI PACE SERIES) by Robert Creekmore
PROPHET'S DEATH (BOOK 3 OF THE NAOMI PACE SERIES)
by Robert Creekmore
4 stars
Naomi Pace/Hannah Sillman was sent to a conversion camp in book 1. She was abused and almost killed. When she escaped, she developed the power to converse with the earth. It would listen to her and rearrange itself as she needed. Naomi uses this power plus a couple more that she has developed to exact revenge on the people who killed her best friend, Charles, and almost killed her.
This is book 3 in the Naomi Pace series.
I really enjoyed this series. I read all 3 books. I only have 2 problems.
1. Naomi is too strong, with too much power. And with each book, she gets more powerful. 2.There are way too many typing errors. Missing words, wrong use of quotation mark, wrong names being placed in a conversation. Each of these issues happen multiple times throughout the books. Somebody should proofread all the books and fix these issues.
If you read this book, please leave a comment. I would love to know your opinion.
Saturday, March 15, 2025
PROPHET'S LAMENTATION (BOOK 2 OF THE NAOMI PACE SERIES) by Robert Creekmore
I enjoyed the story. It held my interest and was well written. The main characters are likable, and I found myself rooting for them with every new obstacle. I always love a good retaliation story. Justified vengeance works for me. I just find Naomi a little too strong and invincible. You don't really fear for her too much, because it seems that nothing on earth can hurt her.
Nate, Hershel, Diane, Zeke and Tiffany need a little more participation in the story. I will be reading book 3 next. I hope it doesn't disappoint.
My copy had a good many typos and errors.
Such as: page 78 (which one is the right date)
On the night of Wednesday, December fourteenth, the Geminid meteor shower begins. I view them through a small opening in the forest canopy.
The next day, Thursday, December fourteenth, begins like the previous three.
Or chapter 15 (Which is the proper spelling)
Rebecca talks about her life. Ms. Berniece, then Ms. Bernice.
These are only two examples. Most don't matter too much (like the spelling of a name), but others make a big difference.
If you read this book, please leave a comment with your opinion.
Wednesday, March 5, 2025
PROPHET'S DEBT (BOOK 1 OF THE NAOMI PACE SERIES) by Robert Creekmore
There were some rough spots in the book. Rape, murder, and mutilation are described in very clear detail. I could visualize the event, and had to put the book down for a short while. My only issue with the story is when the golem begins to appear. The story was "real" until then. These are things that are really happening in the world, even if we don't want to admit it. But the mythic creature took away from the tale for me.
I am still going to read the other 2 books to the series. I recommend this book to anyone who has a strong constitution, and can handle the couple of rough patches throughout the book.
If you have read this book, please leave a comment with your opinion. I would love to hear it and why you feel the way you do.