A new review of Hunting Mariah – award-winning mystery/suspense/serial crime novel!

Posted on June 6, 2026 by jjspina

I recently received this lovely review on Goodreads of Hunting Mariah. I was thrilled to read it. Thank you, Shopia Burell, for taking the time to write this. I appreciate your kind words.

A review of the thriller book 'Hunting Mariah' featuring an image of the book cover and the reviewer, Shopia Burell. The review highlights the suspenseful and emotional aspects of the story.

I hope if you haven’t read this thriller yet that you will soon. It has a sequel that you will want to read to continue the story. They are both unputdownable novels if you love fast-paced thrillers with shocking endings.

JEMSBOOKS NOVELS FOR 18+ are available on Amazon as paperbacks, Audiobooks, and ebooks (Kindle) and Barnes & Noble as paperbacks.

Hunting Mariah – Kindle edition by Spina, JE. Mystery, Thriller & Suspense Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.

Amazon.com: Mariah’s Revenge (Sequel to Hunting Mariah) eBook : Spina, JE: Books

his book as well as all my novels for 18+ are in three formats – paperback, kindle, and audiobook. This book has won a First Lines Contest with Authorsdb and a book award from Maincrest Media Book Awards for thrillers.

One reader mentioned that he was shocked after reading this book since he knew me as a children’s book author of sweet, innocent stories. This book is anything but sweet and innocent. It is my debut novel back in 2014 and came from a dream and something I saw on the news at the time my daughter was going to enter college.

I had many nightmares while I was writing this book and waited four years before picking it up again to continue the story. I hadn’t planned on writing a sequel, but readers requested that I do. They wanted to know what happened to Mariah afterward. The nightmares began again and continued until I completed the second book. The killer had his say and left me alone after that. Thank goodness! Sigh!

Thank you for stopping by to read this post and for your continued support. Please come back again where something is always brewing at JEMSBOOKS! Remember to show authors some love by reviewing books wherever you purchased them. We appreciate the time and effort it takes to do that. God bless you!

Blessings & Hugs! Stay Safe, Stay Well and God Bless!

READING GIVES YOU WINGS TO FLY! SOAR WITH JEMSBOOKS ALL YEAR THROUGH! HAPPY READING!

Janice Spina aka J.E. Spina

Award-Winning Author

Jemsbooks for All Ages!

Jemsbooks.com

Jemsbooks.blog

Jjspina(at)comcast(dot)net

AMAZON.COM AUTHOR PAGE (All books)

AMAZON.COM JE SPINA NOVELS PAGE

AMAZON.CO.UK

BARNES & NOBLE

Posted in book reviews, crime/mystery/thriller, Hunting Mariah, Writing, book reviews and publishing, poetry, children's books, YA and novels | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Back to business now – vacation is over!

Posted on June 5, 2026 by jjspina

Now that I am back from vacation, caught up with the emails (almost), regular mail, paying bills, and of course washing mountains of clothes, I will have to get back to my WIP, Gateskin Chronicles Book 6. This is the last book in the series. It will be a good feeling to complete it but at the same time I will feel sad to say goodbye to all these beloved characters.

Promotional banner for 'The Powers of King Gateskin: Gateskin Chronicles Book 5' by Janice Spina, featuring multiple book covers from the series, author recognition, and reading age recommendations.

Purchase YA books here.

I will have to inform my promoter, BMGN about my latest award for Gateskin Chronicles Book 5: The Powers of King Gateskin. It recently received a Gold Medal from @Moms Choice Awards!

As I have already mentioned previously, I have some other WIPs waiting for my attention on a back burner that keep poking me to pick them up and get started. Sigh! I will do my best to work on them soon after this WIP is completed. But there are several short stories that I may write before I get to them. Please don’t tell them that. I don’t think I will get a minute of peace or sleep if they find out. Haha!

I may have some other projects to share soon. I can’t say right now because they are in the process of development and I don’t want to jinx myself. Keep coming back for more updates.

On my latest trip I shared some of my cards and bookmarks with others who asked what I do now that I am retired. They may have been sorry they asked. If you ask me about my books, there is no stopping me. The poor guy who was on one of the flights I took coming home got an earful, but he did ask me plenty of questions about my books. It was his own fault! Haha!

Well, I hope you will check out Gateskin Chronicles soon if you haven’t already. It is an epic fantasy that is garnering plenty of attention out there from all over. I can’t keep up with the emails and such. In fact, all my books are drawing attention, so much that I can’t handle it all on my emails! Yikes!

It’s funny, I have been writing for a long time and publishing since 2013, and now everyone is suddenly interested in my books! Who knew? I hope something good comes out of all this attention. I am getting older and may not be around to appreciate it all. They had better hurry out and discover me soon!! Sigh!

Thank you for stopping by to read this post and for your continued support. Please come back again soon and remember to review books that you love to help spread word about authors’ books. JEMSBOOKS is where something is always brewing!

Blessings & Hugs! Stay Safe, Stay Well and God Bless!

READING GIVES YOU WINGS TO FLY! SOAR WITH JEMSBOOKS ALL YEAR THROUGH! HAPPY READING!

Janice Spina aka J.E. Spina

Award-Winning Author

Jemsbooks for All Ages!

Jemsbooks.com

Jemsbooks.blog

Jjspina(at)comcast(dot)net

AMAZON.COM AUTHOR PAGE (All books)

AMAZON.COM JE SPINA NOVELS PAGE

AMAZON.CO.UK

BARNES & NOBLE

Posted in Gateskin Chronicles, Mom’s Choice Awards - Gold Medals, Return of the Dragons: Gateskin Chronicles Book 4, Search for the Medallion (Gateskin Chronicles Book 3), The Legend of the Taken Ones (Gateskin Chronicles Book 1), The Powers of King Gateskin: Gateskin Chronicles Book 5, The Unknown Territory (Gateskin Chronicles Book 2), Writing, book reviews and publishing, poetry, children's books, YA and novels, YA fantasy | Tagged , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Two-week Viking Cruise – Trade Routes!

Posted on June 4, 2026 by jjspina

We recently went on a two-week Viking Cruise to the Trade Routes. It was a wonderful trip and we saw some beautiful places.

Here is our itinerary where we traveled below:

A printed schedule for the Viking Saturn cruise, detailing ports of call from Barcelona, Spain to Bergen, Norway from May 16 to May 30, 2026. Includes a map and daily itinerary with arrival and departure times.

Our first stop was Barcelona, Spain where we came on board the Viking Saturn. It is always good to unpack and discover the ship and all its luxuries and FOOD! There was plenty of that. I think I gained a few pounds on all the sweets which I don’t usually eat! Yikes!

I have many photos to share below of each stop. Unfortunately, my husband injured his back and was in pain after the third day and couldn’t go on a couple of excursions. He visited the doctor and received meds and shots. He also used a cane and then a walker in order to get around faster. He is still in pain now that we are home but will be visiting a doctor soon. Otherwise, it was a wonderful trip.

Scenes below are of Spain – Barcelona, Cartagena and Malaga:

Several sailboats on calm blue water under a partly cloudy sky.
Sunset over a calm ocean with clouds and a silhouette of palm trees in the foreground.
View of the intricate rooftop and architecture of the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, featuring unique shapes and designs against a clear blue sky.
A couple poses for a photo in front of a grand, intricately designed cathedral, with stone carvings visible on the building's facade. Other tourists can be seen in the background.
Large wooden double doors with intricate geometric carvings, flanked by stone walls and a nearby parked vehicle on a cobblestone street.
A large, brown wooden door with decorative designs at the top, situated within a stone building on a narrow street.
An empty ancient amphitheater with a circular seating area, steps, and visitors walking throughout the structure under a clear blue sky.
Aerial view of a bullring surrounded by modern buildings, featuring an arena with sandy ground and tiered seating.
A panoramic view of a coastal port with buildings and structures in the foreground, featuring several boats and ships in the water, under a clear blue sky.
A distant view of a historic building in a city, featuring a partially visible roof structure under construction. Tall modern buildings and a crane are present in the background, with greenery and older structures in the foreground.
A stone building with arched entrances and balconies, surrounded by palm trees and greenery, on a clear blue sky day.
A vibrant jacaranda tree in full bloom, showcasing clusters of purple flowers against a clear blue sky, with a yellow building and city scene visible in the background.
A man and a woman sitting on a bench next to a bronze statue of a seated man in an outdoor plaza, surrounded by buildings and trees.
An ornate stone archway featuring intricate carvings and sculptures, leading to a large, dark wooden door with metal studs, surrounded by a decorative iron railing.
A seafood vendor at a market, standing behind a counter filled with various shellfish, including oysters, barnacles, and snails. The vendor is wearing an apron and gloves, while price signs in Spanish indicate the costs of the seafood on display.
A market stall featuring a variety of cured meats displayed in packages, with a vendor engaging customers. The stall is well-lit, and there are other food items visible in the background.
Vibrant market stall displaying a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, including cherries, peaches, apricots, and grapes. Handwritten price signs are visible alongside the produce.
A vibrant market stall filled with an assortment of fresh fruits, including cherries, melons, and oranges, with a vendor weighing produce in the background.
A vibrant fruit market stall displaying a variety of fresh tropical fruits including dragon fruit, mangosteen, avocados, and more. A vendor stands behind the counter, with colorful fruits arranged in baskets.
A serene sunset view over the water, featuring a silhouette of a mountain against a gradient sky transitioning from dark blue to warm orange and yellow tones.

Scenes of Porto, Portugal:

A woman standing on a riverfront promenade, looking at her phone, with a small boat docked nearby and a large bridge in the background. The scene includes hills with buildings on top, under a clear blue sky.
Interior view of a grand church featuring an ornate ceiling, intricate architectural details, and a prominent altar with golden accents, with visitors seated and standing throughout the space.
A detailed Baroque altarpiece depicting a crucifixion scene with a sculpted figure of Jesus on the cross, surrounded by ornate gold decorations and angels. In the foreground, two people are visible, focused on the altar.
Boats docked by a waterfront, with colorful flags and buildings in the background under a clear blue sky.
Historic gray building with intricate architectural details and a tall tower, featuring the letters 'BBVA' on the facade, surrounded by green trees and a clear blue sky.

Falmouth, England:

A picturesque view of a castle on a hill surrounded by greenery, with a sandy beach in the foreground where two people stroll. In the water, two kayakers paddle while boats are anchored nearby.
A view of a coastal village with low houses and a hillside, with several buses parked in the foreground and people walking nearby.
A herd of cows grazing in a lush green field with trees and hills in the background.
View of residential houses along a street, featuring various architectural styles, chimneys, and greenery along the roadside.

Bruges, Belgium:

A picturesque brick building with a pointed tower surrounded by lush greenery, reflecting in a calm river on a sunny day, with people enjoying outdoor seating nearby.
A picturesque brick building with intricate details, surrounded by trees and a clear blue sky, with a person walking in the foreground.
A busy boat filled with passengers cruising down a scenic canal on a sunny day, with another boat visible in the background.
A storefront with a door featuring a humorous sign about friendship and chocolate. The sign reads, 'There is nothing better than a friend unless it is a friend with chocolat.' The door has a small sign indicating 'Open' and 'Airco.' Decorative flowers and a sign for a chocolatier can be seen.
A horse pulling a carriage in a cobblestone street, with a man in shorts walking alongside and a shop featuring chocolate in the background, adorned with colorful flower decorations.
Exterior view of a chocolate shop named 'Le Comptoir de Mathilde,' featuring floral decorations, a sign reading 'Chocolaterie,' and tourists in front of the store.
A picturesque street view featuring an archway leading to a courtyard, flanked by two historical buildings. One building has a mix of brick and wooden architecture, while the other displays a shop sign for Belgian tapestries. A line of people is gathered outside, enjoying a sunny day.
A scenic view of a canal in a historic European town, featuring a stone bridge with pedestrians, a boat with passengers on the water, and charming old buildings with colorful rooftops under a clear blue sky.

Amsterdam, Netherlands:

View of multiple arched bridges spanning a canal, surrounded by greenery and reflections on the water.
A view of traditional Dutch canal houses along the water in Amsterdam, featuring houseboats and trees lining the canal.
A view of historic buildings along a waterfront, featuring a prominent church with multiple domes and towers in the background.
A multi-story building showcasing Asian architectural style with a green and gold roof, situated next to a body of water, surrounded by modern buildings.
A view of several boats moored on a canal in Amsterdam, with historic brick buildings in the background and a large structure resembling a mill.
View under a stone bridge with a bicycle on top, spanning a quiet canal with reflective water and trees along the banks.
Selfie of two women smiling at the camera in a modern building with elevators in the background.

Our wonderful guide in Amsterdam, Wendy!

Honfleur, France:

A scenic view of a hillside populated with a mix of historical and modern architecture surrounded by lush greenery.
A Ferris wheel in a scenic town surrounded by lush greenery and hilly landscapes.
A scenic view of a town with a mix of rooftops and green hills in the background.

Due to John’s injury, we missed the excursions to Portsmouth, England, Honfleur, France and Bergen, Norway. We had already been to Norway on another cruise and didn’t need to go on this excursion since we saw a lot of it previously. I took the above photos from the ship above of France.

Views of Bergen, Norway, a small submersible, and a war ship that arrived as we were there.

A brightly lit ferris wheel stands against a foggy backdrop, partially obscured by nearby buildings and satellite dishes.
A military vessel docked at a port, featuring a large crane for loading and unloading cargo, with containers stacked on the deck and a coastal view in the background.
A submarine partially submerged in water, docked next to a pier with a green and gray building in the background.
A white church with a green spire and cross, surrounded by colorful buildings and trees, with a mountainous backdrop under a cloudy sky.
A view of pink buildings with red roofs in the foreground, set against a backdrop of lush green hills and trees, with a small white house visible on the hillside.
A scenic view of a densely populated hillside neighborhood with houses featuring red rooftops, surrounded by lush green trees.

Here are some photos of the ship, tea time, dinners, and the cafe with all the wonderful food. There was plenty of shrimp, King crab and Dungeness crab. Each night they had a different meat at the carving station. Of course they had plenty of salads and desserts which I ate each night. I gained a few pounds but will be working to get it off again now that I am away from the cafe.

There are also four other restaurants to visit beside the World Cafe. We dined at The Restaurant most nights and ate at the World Cafe each morning and afternoon. There is a visit to the bridge also which was interesting.

A modern buffet counter with a variety of food options, including fruits and desserts, and a staff member in a white chef's coat preparing dishes.
A smiling older couple taking a selfie indoors, with a cruise ship visible through the window behind them.
An older man sitting at a dining table with a fork in hand, enjoying a colorful plate of fruit. A coffee cup and a glass of water are also on the table, along with a pitcher, in a modern restaurant setting with large windows overlooking the water.
A tiered serving stand filled with assorted pastries, including scones, macarons, and small cakes, accompanied by a teapot and cups of tea on a wooden table.
A smiling woman with long gray hair sitting at a table in a restaurant, raising a glass of red wine. She is wearing a navy blue blouse and a light cardigan, with a plate of food in front of her.
A plated meal featuring slices of meat with a glossy sauce, accompanied by mashed potatoes, a green vegetable, and a potato cake. In the background, there's a glass of red wine and a plate of fries.
A woman with long gray hair, wearing a colorful scarf, smiles while raising a glass of red wine at a restaurant, with a plate of food in front of her.
Close-up of a gourmet dish featuring a tender piece of meat on top of a square of polenta, garnished with fresh greens and surrounded by a rich sauce, with a glass of red wine and water in the background.
Two people smiling together at a restaurant table with a view of a marina in the background. The man is seated wearing a maroon sweater, while the woman stands beside him, both appearing happy. A partially eaten dessert and drinks are on the table.
An elderly man using a walking cane is exiting a room, wearing a patterned polo shirt and grey pants.
Indoor swimming pool area with a glass roof and sun loungers. Several people relaxing by the pool, with some swimming. Bright and airy atmosphere with natural light flooding in.
Interior view of a sunlit lounge area with chaise lounges under a glass roof, showing people relaxing and a clear blue sky above.
A seafood buffet with a variety of dishes including salmon, shrimp, crab, and other seafood options. Guests are serving themselves, with a Norwegian flag visible in the background.
A close-up view of a seafood display featuring lobster and various sauces, with a chef's hand serving the food. Colorful peppers and black stones are also visible in the presentation.
A close-up of a seafood dish featuring shrimp, squid, and chorizo in a savory broth, garnished with fresh herbs and served with a slice of toasted bread.
A smiling waiter in formal attire shakes hands with a seated elderly man at a restaurant table, with a glass of red wine and a tablet visible.
Woman seated on a couch, smiling and holding a cup of tea against a backdrop of ocean views.
Aerial view of a rooftop pool area featuring a larger swimming pool and a smaller hot tub, overlooking a river with industrial scenery in the background, including cranes and shipping containers.
A view from a cruise ship deck featuring lounge chairs and tables overlooking a calm river, with a bridge visible in the background under a clear blue sky.
Two young men in white uniforms with epaulets stand side by side in a ship's bridge with control panels and large windows in the background.
A ship officer in uniform operating communication equipment on the bridge of a ship, with various control panels and instructions visible.

The entertainment was wonderful with many talented singers and musicians. Here are some photos that I snapped along with some selfies of us.

Robert Brendan was the most talented and amazing cruise director I have ever heard and seen! His assistant cruise director was equally talented – Troy Lathan. The four cruise singers were wonderful also! I got to take a photo with some of them below. There was also another singer, Crystal, who sang like Whitney Houston when she sang, I will always Love You! She took my breath away! Wow!

A smiling older woman with long gray hair and earrings, wearing a colorful jacket, poses for a selfie in front of a window.
A smiling woman wearing a light sweater and floral top, standing outdoors on a deck with wooden furniture and a scenic view of a harbor and mountains in the background.
A selfie of an older man and woman smiling, with a view of a harbor containing cruise ships and mountains in the background, taken from inside a building with rain on the window.
A group of five individuals posing for a photo, featuring performers in red, white, and blue striped outfits, with one person in a floral top. The background includes a brightly lit sign.
Wonderful Cruise Singers – David, Amelia, me, Mels & Mikey
A smiling couple poses for a selfie in a venue with theater seating in the background. The man is wearing a black suit with a floral pattern, and the woman is in a floral-patterned blouse.
Fabulous Cruise Director – Robert Brendan
Four performers in striped outfits singing on stage under blue lights.
A musical performance featuring four performers in stylish striped outfits, with a drummer in the background, under stage lights.
A couple smiling for a selfie in a theater, with an audience visible in the background.
A singer in a sparkling blue gown performs on stage with a band in the background, featuring a drummer and keyboardist. The stage is illuminated with colorful lights and a backdrop displaying the Viking logo.
A male singer performing on stage in a formal suit, with a band in the background including a keyboardist and a drummer, under colorful stage lights.
A performer in a black suit singing on stage, with colorful stage lights and a starry backdrop.
A screen displaying the text 'Dancing Under The Stars' with a starry background and decorative lighting in a venue setting.
A last night of music and dancing! I danced my feet off! So much fun!
A person speaking into a microphone in a purple-lit setting, with a microphone stand nearby.
Assistant Cruise Director – Troy Lathan – Fantastic
A woman smiling for a selfie on a cruise ship with a harbor and industrial background, featuring clear blue water and sunny skies.
A smiling man and woman taking a selfie in a crowded venue, with seats and audience members in the background.
A smiling couple with headphones on, posing for a selfie with a scenic view of a coastline and city in the background.
A smiling senior couple posing for a selfie in front of a scenic ocean view with clear blue skies.
A woman with gray hair smiling while leaning on a railing of a cruise ship, with a scenic ocean view and a mountainous landscape in the background.
A smiling couple in sunglasses posing for a selfie in front of a historic cathedral with intricate stonework, surrounded by tourists.

We met some lovely people and made new friends. I also met other lovely new friends – Lee and her husband Mike and her stepmother Pat. I don’t have a phot of them though.

A man and a woman pose together, smiling. The man is wearing a gray blazer over a light blue shirt, while the woman is dressed in a black and white patterned outfit. They are in a spacious indoor setting with attendees in the background.
Joe & Ruth
A smiling older woman wearing a navy sweater and patterned scarf stands next to an older man in a red shirt and navy vest, both in a social setting with other people and soft lighting in the background.
Candra & Frank

It was a wonderful trip, but travel was tough with three plane changes on our way home. This made it difficult for John since he wasn’t walking too well with the pain. It was nice to be away but good to be home again. There is no place like home.

I hope you enjoyed all our photos.Thank you so much for stopping by to read this post and for your continued support. Please come back again soon.

Blessings & Hugs! Stay Safe, Stay Well and God Bless!

READING GIVES YOU WINGS TO FLY! SOAR WITH JEMSBOOKS ALL YEAR THROUGH! HAPPY READING!

Janice Spina aka J.E. Spina

Award-Winning Author

Jemsbooks for All Ages!

Jemsbooks.com

Jemsbooks.blog

Jjspina(at)comcast(dot)net

AMAZON.COM AUTHOR PAGE (All books)

AMAZON.COM JE SPINA NOVELS PAGE

AMAZON.CO.UK

BARNES & NOBLE

Posted in travels, Travels & vacationing, Viking Cruise, Writing, book reviews and publishing, poetry, children's books, YA and novels | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 7 Comments

JEMSBOOKS is official!

Posted on June 3, 2026 by jjspina

I received notification that my trademark is official as a business in New Hampshire! JEMSBOOKS IS OFFICIAL!

JEMSBOOKS is in the business of books for all ages, in multi genres and with important life lessons for children and MG/PT/YA.

You will see my logo trademark on all my books going back to 2013 and from now on. It is also copyrighted. The logo was created by my husband, John Spina.

An illustration featuring three colorful books with the text 'JEMS BOOKS' above them and the phrase 'Reading gives you wings to fly!' below against a blue background.

John also created another logo for my children’s books – JEMSBOOKS EXPRESS. This is also copyrighted.

A cartoon train labeled 'JEMSBOOKS EXPRESS' with a smoke stack and the phrase 'Reading Gives You Wings To Fly!' Above it, featuring a person's photo in the driver's window.

JEMSBOOKS for children has rhyming verses in most of the books, colorful illustrations and important life lessons for your children. There are 23 children’s books.

I write for all ages and in multi-genres so that there is something for all reading tastes and ages. There are 12 books for MG/PT, five books for YA, and 11 novels for 18+ for a total of 51 books that will entertain you and your family.

If you enjoy my books, please leave a review on Amazon or Barnes & Noble. Your efforts are welcomed and appreciate and please share your words with family and friends. Reviews are what authors need in order to become relevant on Amazon. Thank you so much for anything you can do to keep me relevant amongst all the millions of books that are now on Amazon and increasing every day.

Jemsbooks Children’s books are available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

MG/PT/YA books are available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Purchase YA books here.

JEMSBOOKS NOVELS FOR 18+ are available on Amazon as paperbacks, Audiobooks, and ebooks (Kindle) and Barnes & Noble as paperbacks.

A collage of children's book covers featuring various animals such as an elephant, raccoon, lamb, polar bear, crabs, and dragons with their respective titles.

CHILDREN’S BOOKS promo by John Spina

Banner for 'Jems Books' featuring the 'Make Believe' children's bedtime story series by author Janice Spina, highlighting titles and reading age of 5-8, and available in print and e-book on Amazon.
Cover of 'Family and Friends: Tales for Children' by Janice Spina, featuring colorful illustrations of children, animals, and a castle, with details about the book's availability on Amazon and a 5-star endorsement.

CHILDREN’S BOOKS promo by BMGN

A collage featuring book covers from the 'Davey & Derek Junior Detectives' series by Janice Spina, including titles like 'The Case of the Missing Cell Phone' and 'The Case of the Brown Scraggly Dog'.

MG/PT BOOKS promo by BMGN

Promotional image for the 'Abby & Holly' book series by Janice Spina, featuring book covers, an endorsement for 5 stars, and information about availability in print and e-book formats.
MG/PT BOOKS promo by BMGN
Promotional banner for 'The Powers of King Gateskin' by Janice Spina, featuring the Gateskin Chronicles Book 5 and additional books from the series with awards, emphasizing reading's benefits and availability on Amazon.

YA BOOKS promo by BMGN

A collage of book covers by author J.E. Spina, featuring titles such as 'Hunting Mariah,' 'Mariah's Revenge,' 'How Far is Heaven,' and several others from the 'Branyrd the Angel Series.' Each cover displays distinct images and colors, showcasing the themes of the books.
NOVELS FOR 18+ promo by John Spina
Promotional banner for 'Wishes', a short story collection by award-winning author Janice (J.E.) Spina, featuring a well and a rainbow, with additional information about the book's availability on Amazon and reading age recommendation.
NOVELS FOR 18+ promo by BMGN

My books have now won 51 awards from these award programs – Mom’s Choice Awards, Readers’ Favorite Book Awards, Pinnacle Book Achievement Awards, Authorsdb Book Cover Award, Top Choice Awards, and Book Excellence Awards.

Thank you so much for stopping by to read this post and for your continued support. Please come back again because there is always something brewing at JEMSBOOKS!

Blessings & Hugs! Stay Safe, Stay Well and God Bless!

READING GIVES YOU WINGS TO FLY! SOAR WITH JEMSBOOKS ALL YEAR THROUGH! HAPPY READING!

Janice Spina aka J.E. Spina

Award-Winning Author

Jemsbooks for All Ages!

Jemsbooks.com

Jemsbooks.blog

Jjspina(at)comcast(dot)net

AMAZON.COM AUTHOR PAGE (All books)

AMAZON.COM JE SPINA NOVELS PAGE

AMAZON.CO.UK

BARNES & NOBLE

Posted in Award-winning books, award-winning children’s books, Jemsbooks | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Books Read and Reviewed in May 2026!

Posted on June 3, 2026 by jjspina

Here it is already the end of another month. Where does the time go? I have been busy as usual reading some wonderful books for the month of May of 2026. Here are the 7 books I read and reviewed for May. I might have read even more if I didn’t have a few WIP. But I always seemed to have a WIP! That fact never stops me! I hope you enjoy reading these reviews.

I love sharing my eclectic reads in this Jemsbooks Segment, Books Read in the Month. I hope you will get a chance to look over these books soon. Thank you for your kind support of my work and that of my fellow authors.

A word cloud featuring terms related to reading, books, authors, reviewing, and blogging, with 'READING' and 'BOOKS' prominently displayed.

If you are an avid reader, as I am, please review the books you love on Amazon or wherever you purchased them for others to enjoy your reviews. Reviews are one way for readers to know about an exceptional book. We indie authors love to receive reviews and appreciate the efforts of readers to do them. Once again, I thank you for your kind support of me and my books and for supporting my fellow authors too.

When I wrote these reviews I rated them on Amazon, Goodreads and sometimes Barnes & Noble. I did not include the ratings here though. It is best to share my thoughts with you about how I felt about the book without the rating. Ratings can be deceiving at times.

We all feel differently about books. Sometimes we love them, sometimes we like them and still other times we may dislike a book. Some other books are so memorable they take your breath away! While still others are sweet, sensitive, and enjoyable reads that we soon will forget. But all these books I have reviewed were lovely reads as you can see from my reviews. I hope you enjoy my reviews and that they will help you to decide what will be your next read.

I Came Back for You is a mystery, suspense and heartbreaking story of loss of the main protagonist’s daughter. Bree Winter, mother of the murdered woman, is torn between believing that the murderer was caught until this individual claims on his deathbed that he did not kill this woman’s daughter. Now Bree must discover who really did kill her daughter. With her ex-husband’s assistance they search for the possible suspects.

What Bree doesn’t realize is she is coming too close to the truth and her interference in the police investigation just may get her killed. She continues to push forward and talk to all characters that were possibly involved with her daughter in spite of the danger this entails. She also has to deal with her ex-husband and his unexpected romantic advances toward her. She must fight her feelings and remember that she is in love with a wonderful man who is waiting for her to return to him in South America. Will she be able to do this?

This was an intriguing story that kept me turning pages and wondering who really did kill Melanie.

Leave it Up to Love is a short story that is a story within a story. One part is about a famous author who now has writer’s block since her husband died. She can’t concentrate since she lost her muse and has about given up ever writing another story again. The second part is about another author who is struggling to find her way with her work to be discovered.

The story comes together when the son of the famous author searches for another author who is willing to be a ghostwriter for his mother. The unknown author takes the job, hesitant at first to losing her identity but accepts because this famous author is her favorite writer.

When the two begin to collaborate, they find through several disagreements that their styles manage to flow. The son of the famous author is the one who brought these two authors together in order to help his mother find her way back to the one thing she loves to do. He has lost himself also since his father’s death. Will he find his way back to discovering love and living again?

This story, though short, had interesting characters that were defined enough for this reader to become engaged in the outcome of their collaboration. An enjoyable short read.

Home Again is predictable but sweet, engaging, and endearing about second chances in life, and never giving up even if you don’t think you can make it. The characters are well defined, likable and memorable.

This is a touching story of a first love and how one can find love again after forgiveness. Also, loving more than one person at a time in a different way is not impossible as this main protagonist, Madelaine realizes. She loves one man who abandons her after he realizes that she is pregnant at sixteen. He wants to live his life and leaves to become a famous actor who lives a wild life that causes his life to be in danger. What he discovers when he knows that he may die is heartfelt.

A memorable story that is a tear-jerker by this incomparable writer who knows how to deliver an enjoyable tale.

What Tomorrow Will Be is a moving, emotional story filled with heartache. It is a story of first love, second chances at love, and tragedy that makes the main character even stronger than she thought possible.

The main protagonist, Sienna, finds it difficult to go on after losing the love of her life in a tragic accident. She survives this horrendous accident but somehow finds the strength and courage to go on with her life. She eventually finds love again but is she complete? Will anyone ever compare to her first love?

This story is filled with emotion and unfortunate accidents that plague Sienna. It’s amazing that she somehow keeps coming back from the roller coaster of problems. It is a memorable story by the queen of emotionally-filled stories.

Where the Wind Blows is a lovely story of finding love in an unexpected way when a man, Chase, comes to deliver news to a woman, Jesse, that her husband has died. The woman is in the process of adopting a little girl. Chase never wanted to stay but finds himself drawn to Jesse and when he meets the little girl who captures his heart. Jesse pretends that Chase is her husband in order for the adoption to go through. They never expect to feel an attraction to one another.

A beautifully told story that captures the heart and has the reader cheering Chase on as he tries to help Jesse.

The Chosen Girl is a mystery thriller that is creepy and full of surprises. The main character follows a serial killer to Storyville to try to capture him. Strange things begin to happen and she is drawn into the mystery.

This was not Elle Gray’s best story but I read it to the end and things came together after a slow start.

Magic Hour is a beautifully told story about a little girl with a wolf cub who comes out of the woods one day to civilization. The main characters, Dr. Julia Cates, a psychiatrist, her sister, Ellie who is the police chief, take the little girl home to care for her. Julia has had a traumatic case before in her life and wants to succeed with this little wild child who doesn’t speak and acts like the wolf that she carried.

This is an emotionally charged story of how the child, now known as Alice, learns how to be human again with the aid of Julia. No one comes forward to claim this lost child and the story chronicles how the child is learning and acclimating to her new life. I felt the emotions Alice felt and how difficult it was for her to adjust and forget about what happened to her during her young life.

Kristin Hannah does it again with this unforgettable story of love being strong enough to overcome the most difficult circumstances. An unforgettable story that touches the heartstrings.

I highly recommend this emotional tale.

Thank you so much for stopping by to read this post and for your continued support. Please come back again soon for there is alway something brewing at JEMSBOOKS!

Blessings & Hugs! Stay Safe, Stay Well and God Bless!

READING GIVES YOU WINGS TO FLY! SOAR WITH JEMSBOOKS ALL YEAR THROUGH! HAPPY READING!

Janice Spina aka J.E. Spina

Award-Winning Author

Jemsbooks for All Ages!

Jemsbooks.com

Jemsbooks.blog

Jjspina(at)comcast(dot)net

AMAZON.COM AUTHOR PAGE (All books)

AMAZON.COM JE SPINA NOVELS PAGE

AMAZON.CO.UK

BARNES & NOBLE

Posted in Books read and reviewed, Monthly book reviews, Monthly Reads, Writing, book reviews and publishing, poetry, children's books, YA and novels | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Mom’s Choice Awards Gold Medal for Gateskin Chronicles Book 5: THE POWERS OF KING GATESKIN!

Posted on June 2, 2026 by jjspina

I was thrilled and honored to receive a GOLD MEDAL from MOM’S CHOICE AWARDS for THE POWERS OF KING GATESKIN: GATESKIN CHRONICLES BOOK 5! Thank you so much, @momschoiceawards!

PERSONALIZED ENDORSEMENT FROM MCA CEO

“We are happy to award deserving young adult books like The Powers of King Gateskin,” said Dawn Matheson, CEO, Mom’s Choice Awards. “Our panel of judges really felt this book merited a place on our list of the best in family-friendly products that parents and educators can feel confident in using.”

Gold medal emblem for Mom's Choice Awards, featuring stylized figures and the text 'Honoring Excellence.'

MOM’S CHOICE AWARDS GOLD MEDAL WINNER!

King Gateskin’s powers are tested in this epic fantasy series. There are some surprises with the dragons. Botular is trouble as usual, and Dragonaria discovers a secret that King Gateskin did not want revealed yet.

There is magic, mayhem, and danger in each chapter to keep readers engrossed. The King’s children use their powers not always in a smart way and put themselves at risk.

The chest is a problem with the Wizards who are concerned that there is more to the beams of light than first discovered. Will the evil wizard return to claim the chest that holds the Medallion and possibly something else?

I have had a lot of fun creating this YA series for you and hope you are enjoying it. The series has now received seven book awards. There is one more book in the works that will be published later this year or early next year.

Introduce your young adults to this epic YA fantasy that will hook them from the first book on. LET THE ADVENTURES BEGIN AND CONTINUE THROUGHOUT THE SERIES. Parents are enjoying it too!

Thank you to MOM’S CHOICE AWARDS for this prestigious award. I am humbled by this honor and greatly appreciate it and the fact that you loved my book.

Thank you, readers, for stopping by to read this post and for your continued support. Please come back again soon for there is always something brewing at JEMSBOOK!

Blessings & Hugs! Stay Safe, Stay Well and God Bless!

READING GIVES YOU WINGS TO FLY! SOAR WITH JEMSBOOKS ALL YEAR THROUGH! HAPPY READING!

Janice Spina aka J.E. Spina

Award-Winning Author

Jemsbooks for All Ages!

Jemsbooks.com

Jemsbooks.blog

Jjspina(at)comcast(dot)net

AMAZON.COM AUTHOR PAGE (All books)

AMAZON.COM JE SPINA NOVELS PAGE

AMAZON.CO.UK

BARNES & NOBLE

Posted in Gateskin Chronicles, The Powers of King Gateskin: Gateskin Chronicles Book 5, Writing, book reviews and publishing, poetry, children's books, YA and novels, YA fantasy | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 8 Comments

Broose the Moose on the Loose – a lesson in accepting differences!

Posted on May 31, 2026 by jjspina

As a mother and grandmother I know how important it is for children to read, that there are valuable life lessons and nothing is frightening for children. You will find this in all JEMSBOOKS for children. PS-Grade 3 and older.

https://www.amazon.com/Broose-Moose-Loose-Janice-Spina-ebook/dp/B00U5G7RJ6/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?crid=317KEDUBRLVJR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.NeEi2g0L1Jt4TTk9KjgrcNbMtPxiCwSHPPL58nF2Ei24OH7KWFeUVPkbCok1f3c2Yq5rUmuPbAmEjsUMGYYkBKLW8y6YyPzw8QJA7DExNlOXc-Syx4IdGlAPgzJNUiH1xy3dOVWBBNRvTlCF4ogjsAIy_y0k0To1ZjAho2GRkX9OD5K1FqtJLzSTfppl86Cc5MnTzsMGMTVTV7_wupfG7g.KFT7dkg8YEfvPF6qSCNLPDrDVfgx3v9Rfiqcrk1WJ-I&dib_tag=se&keywords=broose+the+moose+on+the+loose&qid=1779292212&sprefix=broose+the+moose+on+the+loose%2Cdigital-text%2C279&sr=8-1

PINNACLE BOOK ACHIEVEMENT AWARD WINNER!

Broose is a sad moose who has no friends until he meets a young boy. Read what happens when Broose meets a boy who has the same name as he.

This book teaches children to be kind to others who are different and friendship is important.

Here are what others are saying about Broose.

Several years ago I brought copies of Broose the Moose on the Loose to Moose Hill School in Londonderry, New Hampshire. The principal put a copy inside her glassed enclosure of all moose paraphernalia. Broose proudly sits there now. I was honored by this gesture.

The photos below are of my visit to the school where my grandsons were enlisted at the time. They are all grown now and in college or beyond.

Broose Displayed at Moose HIll School
Jason & Joey with Broose the Moose at Moosehill School
Broose the Moose in display at Moosehill School

Jemsbooks Children’s books are available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Here are the life lessons your children will learn from my children’s books:

Louey the Lazy Elephant – Louey teaches children the importance of not being lazy and always listening to your mother.

Ricky the Rambunctious Raccoon – Ricky teaches children to always listen to their mother.

Jerry the Crabby Crayfish – Jerry teaches children that it is okay to be different, be the best you can be and be happy with who you are.

Lamby the Lonely Lamb – Lamby teaches children to accept differences and to be kind to others.

Jesse the Precocious Polar Bear – Jesse teaches children that friends are important, and mothers know best.

Broose the Moose on the Loose – Broose teaches children to be kind and accepting of others who are different than you are.

Sebastian Meets Marvin the Monkey – Sebastian teaches children how important it is to be kind to animals, that animals have feelings too like humans and deserve our respect.

Colby the Courageous Cat – Colby teaches children to love one another and take care of their siblings.

Jeffrey the Jittery Giraffe – Jeffrey teaches children to be brave and help others in need.

Clarence Henry the Hermit Crab – Clarence Henry teaches children to work hard and do the best you can do and be happy with who you are.

Lucy the Talented Toy Terrier – Lucy teaches children to be kind to pets, how important a pet can be and how much this pet loves us unconditionally.

The First Star – teaches children that love of family is more important than all the riches in the world.

Drystan the Dragon Series Book 1: Drystan and Durward Save the Day – Drystan demonstrates to children that being kind and helping others is important and the right thing to do.

Drystan the Dragon and Friends Series, Book 2: Damara Helps Drystan Find His Roar – Drystan demonstrates the importance of friendship, being kind to others and helping others in need.

Drystan the Dragon and Friends Series, Book 3 – Delbert Finds Himself – Drystan teaches Delbert, a shy dragon, the importance of loving yourself as you are and that all colors are beautiful!

Drystan the Dragon and Friends Series, Book 4: Delfina Solves a Problem – Delfina helps Drago love himself and teaches him to be kind to others.

Drystan the Dragon and Friends Series, Book 5: Drago Does a Good Deed – Drago finds a rabbit in need of his help. He learns that it is better to be kind to others.

Drystan the Dragon and Friends Series, Book 6: Dragana Helps a Fairy – Dragana helps a fairy who is injured and in need. She doesn’t hesitate to help in any way she can and goes above and beyond to help this fairy. Being kind and helping others is what Dragana learns.

Make Believe: Bedtime Stories for Children Book 1: These six stories promote good behavior, encourage children to be kind to others, friends are important, differences should be accepted, and we are all unique and special.

Make Believe is Fun: Bedtime Stories for Children Book 2: These six stories help children to realize the importance of friendship, family, helping others in need and that it’s okay to be different.

Make Believe Again: Bedtime Stories for Children Book 3: These six stories promote good behavior in children as they learn valuable life lessons to be kind to others in need, family and friends are important and it’s okay to be different.

Make Believe Once Again: Bedtime Stories for Children Book 4: These six stories promote good behavior in children as they learn to be kind to others, it’s okay to be different, family matters more than riches or being famous, friends are important and be the best you can be.

Family and Friends: Tales for Children: These six stories teach children the importance of family and friends, that they matter, bullying should never be tolerated or accepted, help others in need, be the best you can be and never give up.

I feel pure joy writing for children and hope with God’s help and blessing to continue to write many more fun adventures for children to read and enjoy. I do enjoy writing for MG/PT/YA and 18+ too!

Please introduce your children to JEMSBOOKS today and discover the joy, fun adventures, colorful illustrations, rhyming verse and valuable life lessons.

Thank you so much for stopping by to read this post and for your kind support, please come back again soon where something is always brewing at JEMSBOOKS.

Blessings & Hugs! Stay Safe, Stay Well and God Bless!

READING GIVES YOU WINGS TO FLY! SOAR WITH JEMSBOOKS ALL YEAR THROUGH! HAPPY READING!

Janice Spina aka J.E. Spina

Award-Winning Author

Jemsbooks for All Ages!

Jemsbooks.com

Jemsbooks.blog

Jjspina(at)comcast(dot)net

AMAZON.COM AUTHOR PAGE (All books)

AMAZON.COM JE SPINA NOVELS PAGE

AMAZON.CO.UK

BARNES & NOBLE

Posted in animal stories, award-winning children’s books, Broose the Moose on the Loose, children's books, children's stories, Children’s books for PS-Grade 3 | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Jesse the Precocious Polar Bear – A valuable lesson is learned!

Posted on May 25, 2026 by jjspina

Children will learn a valuable lesson from Jesse the Precocious Polar Bear. Introduce your children to this sweet story and let them discover how Jesse handles a problem and learns something surprising.

MOM’S CHOICE AWARDS – SILVER MEDAL!

Jesse is a precocious and very intelligent polar bear. He likes to learn about everything but what polar bears are supposed to know. Jesse has a couple of surprising adventures and learns an important lesson.

Here are what readers are saying about this book on Amazon.

Cover of the children's book 'Jesse The Precocious Polar Bear' featuring an illustration of a polar bear and cub, with a quote from an Amazon review highlighting the story's themes of kindness and friendship.
A review of the children's book 'Jesse The Precocious Polar Bear,' highlighting its value as a bedtime story that encourages great conversations with young children.
Book cover of 'Jesse The Precocious Polar Bear' featuring a polar bear illustration and text highlighting an Amazon review that asks about the story's surprises and adventures.
Cover of the children's storybook 'Jesse The Precocious Polar Bear' featuring a polar bear illustration and text highlighting a positive Amazon review.
Cover of the book 'Jesse The Precocious Polar Bear,' featuring a polar bear illustration, with a quote from an Amazon review highlighting themes of following instructions and loyalty.

Here are the life lessons your children will learn from my children’s books:

Louey the Lazy Elephant – Louey teaches children the importance of not being lazy and always listening to your mother.

Ricky the Rambunctious Raccoon – Ricky teaches children to always listen to their mother.

Jerry the Crabby Crayfish – Jerry teaches children that it is okay to be different, be the best you can be and be happy with who you are.

Lamby the Lonely Lamb – Lamby teaches children to accept differences and to be kind to others.

Jesse the Precocious Polar Bear – Jesse teaches children that friends are important, and mothers know best.

Broose the Moose on the Loose – Broose teaches children to be kind and accepting of others who are different than you are.

Sebastian Meets Marvin the Monkey – Sebastian teaches children how important it is to be kind to animals, that animals have feelings too like humans and deserve our respect.

Colby the Courageous Cat – Colby teaches children to love one another and take care of their siblings.

Jeffrey the Jittery Giraffe – Jeffrey teaches children to be brave and help others in need.

Clarence Henry the Hermit Crab – Clarence Henry teaches children to work hard and do the best you can do and be happy with who you are.

Lucy the Talented Toy Terrier – Lucy teaches children to be kind to pets, how important a pet can be and how much this pet loves us unconditionally.

The First Star – teaches children that love of family is more important than all the riches in the world.

Drystan the Dragon Series Book 1: Drystan and Durward Save the Day – Drystan demonstrates to children that being kind and helping others is important and the right thing to do.

Drystan the Dragon and Friends Series, Book 2: Damara Helps Drystan Find His Roar – Drystan demonstrates the importance of friendship, being kind to others and helping others in need.

Drystan the Dragon and Friends Series, Book 3 – Delbert Finds Himself – Drystan teaches Delbert, a shy dragon, the importance of loving yourself as you are and that all colors are beautiful!

Drystan the Dragon and Friends Series, Book 4: Delfina Solves a Problem – Delfina helps Drago love himself and teaches him to be kind to others.

Drystan the Dragon and Friends Series, Book 5: Drago Does a Good Deed – Drago finds a rabbit in need of his help. He learns that it is better to be kind to others.

Drystan the Dragon and Friends Series, Book 6: Dragana Helps a Fairy – Dragana helps a fairy who is injured and in need. She doesn’t hesitate to help in any way she can and goes above and beyond to help this fairy. Being kind and helping others is what Dragana learns.

Make Believe: Bedtime Stories for Children Book 1: These six stories promote good behavior, encourage children to be kind to others, friends are important, differences should be accepted, and we are all unique and special.

Make Believe is Fun: Bedtime Stories for Children Book 2: These six stories help children to realize the importance of friendship, family, helping others in need and that it’s okay to be different.

Make Believe Again: Bedtime Stories for Children Book 3: These six stories promote good behavior in children as they learn valuable life lessons to be kind to others in need, family and friends are important and it’s okay to be different.

Make Believe Once Again: Bedtime Stories for Children Book 4: These six stories promote good behavior in children as they learn to be kind to others, it’s okay to be different, family matters more than riches or being famous, friends are important and be the best you can be.

Family and Friends: Tales for Children: These six stories teach children the importance of family and friends, that they matter, bullying should never be tolerated or accepted, help others in need, be the best you can be and never give up.

Thank you so much for stopping by to read this post and for your continued support. Please come back again soon because something is always brewing at JEMSBOOKS.

Blessings & Hugs! Stay Safe, Stay Well and God Bless!

READING GIVES YOU WINGS TO FLY! SOAR WITH JEMSBOOKS ALL YEAR THROUGH! HAPPY READING!

Janice Spina aka J.E. Spina

Award-Winning Author

Jemsbooks for All Ages!

Jemsbooks.com

Jemsbooks.blog

Jjspina(at)comcast(dot)net

AMAZON.COM AUTHOR PAGE (All books)

AMAZON.COM JE SPINA NOVELS PAGE

AMAZON.CO.UK

BARNES & NOBLE

Posted in award-winning children’s books, Books for children PS-Grade, Jesse the Precocious Polar Bear, Writing, book reviews and publishing, poetry, children's books, YA and novels | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Memorial Day – A Time to Remember those who Served!

Posted on May 25, 2026 by jjspina

I wrote part of this post for Memorial Day in past posts and thought they said it all for this special day of remembrance.

Copied from FB – perfect for Memorial Day!
Flags at a mailbox noticed on one of my walks @Jemsbooks

Here is a poem from the past. I thought it was appropriate to share it again this year.

Remember

Please remember those who served proudly and bravely for their country so we could be free.

They traveled far and wide.

Served their country with pride.

Walked long distances shoulder to shoulder, side by side.

Obstacles they did encounter and overcome.

To protect those at home.

They gave unselfishly in all their actions.

That so many lost their lives.

And have left fatherless children and widowed wives.

Others did go home but suffered from loss of limbs.

Or of mental capacities diminished.

They did all they could doing jobs that could not be finished.

God bless all those who sacrificed so much for all of us so we could be free.

And a very grateful and profound thank you to all who gave their lives so we could live in this beautiful land of endless opportunity.

by Janice Spina 2013

Our new flag now lit up at night (American Flag is supposed to be lit up at night and taken in during rain.) We don’t take it in during rain but now light it up! Looks beautiful! @Jemsbooks

My father served in World War II as a Marine. I remember how proud he was of his service. He received a Purple Heart after he was injured in combat.

My handsome father @Jemsbooks

Here’s my handsome dad in his Marine uniform above and below proudly marching. I couldn’t edit this photo below for clarity, reason why it is so blurry! I had a studio work on it several years ago but this is the best they could do. I loved that smile! He was a wonderful man and father. He was larger than life in my eyes! He was kind, caring and funny. If I don’t stop talking about him I will be crying all day. Thanks for listening.

img_3889
@ jemsbooks.com

What I did notice was how difficult it was for my father to talk about what he witnessed while he was in the service during WWII. He never really talked about the events until one day when I was a teenager.

I pushed him that day to talk about his experiences. All he could say was, “This war is something you can never forget. I lost many of my buddies. They were picked off and dropped down right next to me. I was lucky to survive with just a bullet wound.” My father passed away after a wonderful life in 2001. I miss him every day!

A special thanks to all servicemen and women for keeping us safe! God bless and keep safe all who served our nation proudly. For their dedication and sacrifice, I am truly grateful.

Thank you for stopping by to read this post. I appreciate your kind support of me and my books and all the reviews that I receive. Please keep them coming! I hope you will keep coming back for more entertaining reading and events about new works, daily news, birds, fish and other things that pop into my already overcrowded head. 

Blessings & Hugs! Stay Safe, Stay Well and God Bless!

READING GIVES YOU WINGS TO FLY! SOAR WITH JEMSBOOKS ALL YEAR THROUGH! HAPPY READING!

Janice Spina 

Award-Winning Author 

Jemsbooks for All Ages!

Jemsbooks.com 

Jemsbooks.blog

Jjspina(at)comcast(dot)net

AMAZON.COM AUTHOR PAGE (All books)

AMAZON.COM JE SPINA NOVELS PAGE

AMAZON.CO.UK

BARNES & NOBLE 

Posted in Memorial Day, servicemen and women, Writing, book reviews and publishing, poetry, children's books, YA and novels | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Lamby the Lonely Lamb – a sweet story for children!

Posted on May 22, 2026 by jjspina

Children love small animals like lambs. I created this story for my young granddaughter who had a stuffed lamby which she took everywhere. She asked me to write a story about a lamb and make it purple. I had to think this over and finally came up with this story. She loved it and had to share it with her preschool. The illustrations and cover were created by my husband, John. On the back cover is a photo of my young granddaughter and her lamby.

MOM’S CHOICE AWARDS – SILVER MEDAL!

Lamby is a very different lamb because of his color. He is lonely and only wants to be accepted by the other lambs. Find out what lesson Lamby learns when a little girl, Leah, comes to the farm where Lamby lives.

Here are what readers are saying about this book on Amazon.

Cover of the children's book 'Lamby the Lonely Lamb' featuring a purple lamb illustration and text highlighting a positive Amazon review.
Cover of the children's book 'Lamby the Lonely Lamb' by Janice Spina, featuring an illustration of a purple lamb on a blue background, with a review excerpt highlighting its appeal for young readers.
A review of the book 'Lamby the Lonely Lamb' by Janice Spina, featuring a purple lamb illustration on the cover. The review praises the author's comedic style and suggests the book is adorable and highly recommended.
An illustrated cover of the book 'Lamby the Lonely Lamb' featuring a cartoon lamb and a brief positive review highlighting its educational value.
Cover of the children's book 'Lamby the Lonely Lamb' featuring a purple lamb with big ears against a circular background, with a quote from an Amazon review expressing love for the story.
Book cover of 'Lamby the Lonely Lamb' featuring a purple lamb and a review quote emphasizing themes of tolerance and acceptance.

Here are the life lessons your children will learn from my children’s books:

Louey the Lazy Elephant – Louey teaches children the importance of not being lazy and always listening to your mother.

Ricky the Rambunctious Raccoon – Ricky teaches children to always listen to their mother.

Jerry the Crabby Crayfish – Jerry teaches children that it is okay to be different, be the best you can be and be happy with who you are.

Lamby the Lonely Lamb – Lamby teaches children to accept differences and to be kind to others.

Jesse the Precocious Polar Bear – Jesse teaches children that friends are important, and mothers know best.

Broose the Moose on the Loose – Broose teaches children to be kind and accepting of others who are different than you are.

Sebastian Meets Marvin the Monkey – Sebastian teaches children how important it is to be kind to animals, that animals have feelings too like humans and deserve our respect.

Colby the Courageous Cat – Colby teaches children to love one another and take care of their siblings.

Jeffrey the Jittery Giraffe – Jeffrey teaches children to be brave and help others in need.

Clarence Henry the Hermit Crab – Clarence Henry teaches children to work hard and do the best you can do and be happy with who you are.

Lucy the Talented Toy Terrier – Lucy teaches children to be kind to pets, how important a pet can be and how much this pet loves us unconditionally.

The First Star – teaches children that love of family is more important than all the riches in the world.

Drystan the Dragon Series Book 1: Drystan and Durward Save the Day – Drystan demonstrates to children that being kind and helping others is important and the right thing to do.

Drystan the Dragon and Friends Series, Book 2: Damara Helps Drystan Find His Roar – Drystan demonstrates the importance of friendship, being kind to others and helping others in need.

Drystan the Dragon and Friends Series, Book 3 – Delbert Finds Himself – Drystan teaches Delbert, a shy dragon, the importance of loving yourself as you are and that all colors are beautiful!

Drystan the Dragon and Friends Series, Book 4: Delfina Solves a Problem – Delfina helps Drago love himself and teaches him to be kind to others.

Drystan the Dragon and Friends Series, Book 5: Drago Does a Good Deed – Drago finds a rabbit in need of his help. He learns that it is better to be kind to others.

Drystan the Dragon and Friends Series, Book 6: Dragana Helps a Fairy – Dragana helps a fairy who is injured and in need. She doesn’t hesitate to help in any way she can and goes above and beyond to help this fairy. Being kind and helping others is what Dragana learns.

Make Believe: Bedtime Stories for Children Book 1: These six stories promote good behavior, encourage children to be kind to others, friends are important, differences should be accepted, and we are all unique and special.

Make Believe is Fun: Bedtime Stories for Children Book 2: These six stories help children to realize the importance of friendship, family, helping others in need and that it’s okay to be different.

Make Believe Again: Bedtime Stories for Children Book 3: These six stories promote good behavior in children as they learn valuable life lessons to be kind to others in need, family and friends are important and it’s okay to be different.

Make Believe Once Again: Bedtime Stories for Children Book 4: These six stories promote good behavior in children as they learn to be kind to others, it’s okay to be different, family matters more than riches or being famous, friends are important and be the best you can be.

Family and Friends: Tales for Children: These six stories teach children the importance of family and friends, that they matter, bullying should never be tolerated or accepted, help others in need, be the best you can be and never give up.

Thank you so much for stopping by to read this post and for your continued support. Please come back again soon because something is always brewing at JEMSBOOKS.

Blessings & Hugs! Stay Safe, Stay Well and God Bless!

READING GIVES YOU WINGS TO FLY! SOAR WITH JEMSBOOKS ALL YEAR THROUGH! HAPPY READING!

Janice Spina aka J.E. Spina

Award-Winning Author

Jemsbooks for All Ages!

Jemsbooks.com

Jemsbooks.blog

Jjspina(at)comcast(dot)net

AMAZON.COM AUTHOR PAGE (All books)

AMAZON.COM JE SPINA NOVELS PAGE

AMAZON.CO.UK

BARNES & NOBLE

Posted in award-winning children’s books, Lamby the Lonely Lamb, Reading for children, Writing, book reviews and publishing, poetry, children's books, YA and novels | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment