Are your middle-graders and preteens bored? Maybe they need to be introduced to an exciting adventurous, magical series called, Davey & Derek Junior Detectives! This series is an multi-award-winning series that kids love and parents too!
This Davey & Derek Series won (11 book awards) – 5 Pinnacle Book Achievement Awards, 3 Readers’ Favorite Book Awards – an Honorable Mention, a Silver Medal, and a Finalist, a Book Excellence Award Finalist, a Silver Medal in the Authorsdb Cover Contest, Top Shelf Awards – First Place and Finalist in Red City Review Book Awards and many 5-Star Reviews from Readers’ Favorite Book Awards.
PINNACLE BOOK ACHIEVEMENT AWARD WINNER! READERS’ FAVORITE BOOK AWARDS – HONORABLE MENTION!
Davey and Derek Donato are twins, but not identical, who love to play detective. They are always ready for adventure living in the sleepy little town of Lindon where nothing happens. The twins overhear about a sixth grader who lost her cell phone. The fifth grader twins kick into detective mode to solve their first case with the help of their friends, Mickey Catonni, aka cat. Things don’t seem to add up when a bully gets into the mix.
Davey & Derek Junior Detectives Series is a fun and magical series with spells, wands, a black cat, good witches, time travel, ghost hunting and more. There are also life lessons that include being kind, caring and respectful toward others, listening to parents, being helpful and doing chores, and bullying is never tolerated or accepted. Parents love this series too! When your MG/PT/YA read these books, you will rest easy that they are reading good, clean, and wholesome books. What more could you want in a book for your children? Parents are reading and enjoying them too!
All my books for MG/PT carry life lessons that I hope kids will remember and carry with them for a lifetime, e.g., friendship is important, family matters, bullying is never accepted or tolerated, be respectful of elders, be kind to others in need, lend a helping hand to others and show kindness at all times.
My goal in writing for MG/PT/YA is to encourage all ages to read daily to enhance their creativity, increase their vocabulary and enable them to live healthier and happier lives. Keep reading and I will keep writing. Thank you! Happy Reading!
This genre and age group is still my favorite to write. I plan to do another series in the next couple of years or sooner for MG/PT boys again. Girls also enjoy this series.
Grab your copies today and get your children reading again. I have some copies if you would like autographed copies and a free bookmark for that special MG/PT in your life.
Thank you so much for stopping by to read this post and for your continued support. Come back again soon. Please review books for all the hard-working authors out there. We will appreciate your efforts to help spread word about our work.
Blessings & Hugs! Stay Safe, Stay Well and God Bless!
READING GIVES YOU WINGS TO FLY! SOAR WITH JEMSBOOKS ALL YEAR THROUGH! HAPPY READING!
We took another trip to the tropical fish store to choose some more fish for our tank. Now it looks a little fuller.
We did lose one of the previous additions – a Powder Blue Tang. It was so beautiful but it died after a fright. It was not used to having a light on in the tank. When my husband put on the light to feed them one day it got frightened and flew up and down hitting against a rock and passed away shortly thereafter. So sad.
The new additions this time are:
Chocolate Chip Starfish
Yellow Wrasse
Hippo Tang (Dori)
Here are some photos of them being introduced to the tang and then after they are released into their new waterworld.
Here are the other fish who are introducing themselves to the newcomers. Some of them are not too sure about the new guys yet.
Bicolor Angel and Clown are getting friendly lately as you can see in above photo. They swam side by side. It could be because Clown was keeping an eye on Angel because it was getting too close to his precious Anemone. Haha!
Grammar Baslet is keeping a close eye on Yellow Wrasse because it was getting too close to its nesting place in the rocks.
Puffer is keeping out of all this drama. It stays by itself and ignores everyone except John and I when we go visit it. I guess I could call all these fish a he but who knows? I don’t! Puffer is sweet and goes right up to the glass to see you and listens when I talk to him. I love puffers. They are very interactive with humans. Maybe it’s because they are always hungry and have enormous appetites. He is incredibly forceful when he goes after the food that is thrown into the tank. He attacks it like it’s the best thing he ever tasted. He is already growing larger.
We hope that they all do well and are happy in their new home. I will keep you posted about how they are doing.
Thank you so much for stopping by to read about our new pets. We are thrilled to have them. Come back again for updates.
Blessings & Hugs! Stay Safe, Stay Well and God Bless!
READING GIVES YOU WINGS TO FLY! SOAR WITH JEMSBOOKS ALL YEAR THROUGH! HAPPY READING!
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 August of 2025. Here are the 11 books I read and reviewed for August. 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.
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.
What Happened at the Lake is a a gripping mystery thriller with violence, foul language and explicit sexual scenes. It was shocking to read. I had to get past all that in order to find out what happened and who the murderer or murderers were.
I don’t like this type of book and will not read any more of this author’s books, but it was a gripping story. I read it as quickly as I could to get through it all. It would be a difficult read to recommend unless you enjoy this type of book.
The Kill Artist is a thriller full of espionage, passions and murders on a grand scale. It is a long read that keeps the reader under pressure as the life of the Gabriel the main characters is constantly threatened. He is not only a spy but also a restorer of famous paintings when he is not only the run.
The author has a way of keeping the action ratcheted up and readers on the edge of their seats. It was an intense read full of non-stop action. I felt myself holding my breath as the one woman Gabriel loved was threatened by the man who he is planning to kill for destroying his life.
If you are looking for intense situations, action and adventure, this is the story for you.
The Sublet is a short read but full of mystery and suspense as the main character delves into the strange apartment she is now in. She is a ghost writer for the person who suggested this apartment to her. But can she trust this woman with her odd ways to be truthful with her when she discovers something unsettling about her new living arrangements.
A quick but satisfying read.
Truth Be Told is a short thriller packed with plenty of mystery, action and suspense. This is the second novella with these characters in this continuing saga where Stevie Duncan and her husband, Zane, worked together to solve the crime and bring peace once again to the town of Solitude.
The characters are well defined and intriguing and continually face danger head on in a fearless manner. The author created an enjoyable series with these two memorable characters. I look forward to more in this series.
Time Passages is a gripping, graphically violent, time travel, romance, fantasy that I couldn’t put down. Even when the violence ratcheted up under the cruel leadership of the ruler of Troy and war, I kept reading to see what the main character was going to do next.
Mike DeLucia did a commendable job of creating a fascinating character in Brodi who is not only brave and resourceful but also compassionate and empathic in every aspect of his life. His growing relationship with Valeria is sweet and touching and adds a lighter element to counteract the cruelty of her father, ruler of Troy.
I highly recommend this book if your love action, adventure and time travel. An enjoyable and entertaining fantasy adventure!
CHRISTMAS IN NEWFOUNDLAND BOOK 3
By Mike Martin
REVIEW
Christmas in Newfoundland is the third book in this series of holiday books that share Christmas traditions for the families in the author’s Winston Windflower series.
It is full of all the precious times that the family of Windflower and his friends and their families celebrate at this special time of year. The author shared the different customs that these characters continue to celebrate each Christmas such as cutting down a tree to decorate, baking special pies, cookies and other sweets, inviting friends to join in the celebration and even going from house to house in costumes called mummering.
This is a book that takes the reader back in time to their own holiday celebrations and the love of family and friends and also by sharing good times with those who are less fortunate. It is a heartfelt and warm feeling to read this book and the others in this series. I felt as if I was with the characters and celebrating too.
The author’s warmth and caring manner is deeply seated in his community and the characters in his books. It is most evident in the way he writes his stories with these beloved characters that are so real and unforgettable. I love his books and Winston Windflower’s character.
I highly recommend all Mike Martin’s books to those who enjoy reading books with heartwarming stories.
Americans Who Made American is a stirring collection of famous men and women in history who have changed our nation for the better by their dedication, hard work, high principles, and take-charge attitudes. They never gave up doing what they thought was right and stood against those who refused to make this a great nation with a strong foundation.
I especially loved reading about such fascinating people like Theodore Roosevelt, our 26th president; Francis Bellamy who wrote the Pledge of Allegiance which is recited to this day; Ralph Waldo Emerson who was a great philosopher; Abraham Lincoln, our 16th president who never gave up to make our country better, Harriet Tubman, a courageous woman who wanted to be free and helped others to be so, Mark Twain, author who also wore many other hats, and several more too numerous to mention here.
There are memorable quotes from each American and a little about their background and history. It was an enjoyable trip through history that I will read again to savor the wise quotes that helped to make a difference in America.
Abscond is an interesting short story sharing the life of this boy who dreams of being a tennis star. His father is surgeon but encouraged his son to follow his dream while his mother wants Ravi to follow in his father’s footsteps.
When something happens in Ravi’s life that changes everything for him, he must look at life differently and take on a stronger role in his life in order to succeed. He realizes just how strong he can be.
The cover below has three books in one by Uvi Poznansky. I have read all three and recommend them to all who love thrillers, suspense, mystery and plenty of action. I posted two of the review below. The first book I read previously.
This is the second book in the Ash series. I already read book one previously and reviewed it. I listened to this book on audible.
Ash is a strong and resilient protagonist who commands the stage in this well-developed tale of violence in society. She has a violent history in her past when she was attacked and raped which she is trying to forget.
When Ash arrives in Florida, she finds herself being stalked by an unruly and troubled teen. She is fighting her own demons but finds the strength and courage to help a family in need after their oldest son is kidnapped. The author has created a well-crafted story with twists and turns that keep the reader guessing until the satisfying ending.
The violence depicted in this story is frighteningly real and hits close to home with the troubled youth in our society today. This was an enjoyable read!
I listened to this book on Audible.
Overdose is part of a series of thrillers. I found this to be a gripping medical thriller that will hook you in right away! Ash, the main protagonist, has recovered from a coma. She has headaches and vertigo and can’t seem to get back to normal since having brain surgery by a doctor that she doesn’t trust.
The more she delves into this doctor’s life, Dr. Patel, she finds things don’t add up. Who is he? How come she can’t find anything on him for a good part of his life?
When Dr. Patel becomes interested in her romantically she goes on a date with him to try to find out more about him and his dead wife. Ash is in a relationship with Michael who is trying to understand what she is doing. She becomes more embroiled in the doctor’s life when the waitress of the restaurant where they dined hands her a pink cell phone as she is getting into a cab. This is the last thing the waitress does before she is shot. Michael helps Ash deal with what she witnessed by the recent murder and what she sees on the cell phone.
The author has created a mystery, thriller, romance that will keep you turning pages until the satisfying ending. I have read other books by this author that were of different genres that I enjoyed also. She did a good job with this genre too.
The Lost Letters from Martha’s Vineyard is a moving journey of the past and present of a woman’s life and her trials and tribulations. This woman lived in a time when women were not respected as individuals.
Mercy, her stage name, leaves her famous life in California behind to find herself on Martha’s Vineyard. What she finds there is not what she expected. She becomes embroiled in a mystery and a handsome oyster man.
The mystery is slowly unfolded through letters and Mercy’s granddaughter who seeks the answers to the secrets her grandmother has kept from her and her sister who grew up in her care.
An enjoyable and memorable read!
Thank you so much for stopping by to read this post and for your continued support. Come back again soon for news about books, reviews, and new publications and whatever else pops into my 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!
Sometimes when we think that things are looking down as we watch the rain pour from the skies. I always look up, for that is where you will see something surprising! Recently we had a downpour and I did just that – looked up to the sky and saw a gift from Heaven.
Of course, I snapped some photos for you to see. Unfortunately the photos don’t do the rainbows justice. But, alas, it is what it is. In my mind the rainbows are still bright, beautiful and a gift that I will treasure.
There is a double rainbow if you look closer! The colors are not as brilliant as in person but it still is incredible to see. There is always a gift at the end of the rainbow too. You just have to find it!
I hope these photos lifted your spirits today as they did for me. May all good things come your way!
Thanks for stopping by. 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!
Watch for a new short story collection from JemsBooks! My husband worked on the cover and here it is! I hope you like it! I will share the blurb soon and more information about this book. Stay tuned!
I created six stories for this collection which are in different genres once again. There is an underlying theme of wishes. Haha! This collection can be read by 15+ even though I listed for older adults.
I have been editing it at present and will sforward it along to my beta readers today. If all goes well, I will have it on Amazon and Barnes and Noble soon.
Well, I guess I will be getting back to my fantasy series once again after a little break. It is intense to write but I look forward to book 5 with a fresh mind.
Thank you so much for stopping by to read this post and for your continued support. Come back again soon. 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!
I have been busy lately with doctor appointments for my eyes. I recently had my second laser eye surgery to correct the pressure that is building up in my eyes due to impending Glaucoma. I am trying to get back to doing everything the best I can but need to rest my eyes in between tasks.
It is not over yet. I have to return to the doctor for pressure checks every two weeks and may need some more surgery. Not a pleasant thing to do either since I have had reactions – pain and inflammation in my eyes. I am praying that the pressure is going down and I won’t need another treatment. I am an anomaly to the doctor since it is unusual to have reactions like I do. But that is me! I am unusual!!
There have been many books that I have been reading and reviewing for fellow authors. I am trying to finish them up but need to take a breather in between them. I read eleven books in August. A couple of them I listened to on Audible to give my eyes a break.
I will be back to working on Book 5 of my fantasy series soon. Nothing holds me down for long! Sigh!
In between all this I have finished a short story collection that I will be publishing in September. Watch for the cover reveal soon. It was something to do to refresh my mind and get it ready to create another epic fantasy adventure in the series.
Watch for my new book and also for all the reviews I did in August. I hope you are well and reading and reviewing! Authors appreciate your efforts! I know I love to receive reviews. Happy reading everyone!
Thank you so much for stopping by to read this post and for your continued support. 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!
I can’t seem to stop myself from writing! I thought I was going to take a break between the next book but, alas, that did not happen. I sat at my computer intending to blog a bit and answer emails but found myself creating a short story, another, and another and two more. This will be my second short story collection written under J.E. Spina for 18+, even though teens can read these too. I just won’t call it a YA collection.
This collection may be shorter than my previous one, An Angel Among us, but it is still eclectic and will hold six stories in all. I hope to finish the editing soon and publish it by September. My husband must get creative with a cover soon too.
I won’t give anything away about this new book except that I enjoyed drafting the stories and may even write some more if I can’t help myself. Haha!
I will keep you informed about it and the publication date so you can check it out. In the meantime, please check out all my forty-nine other books. I once said that I would stop at fifty books, but I don’t see that happening, not unless HE decides HE is ready for me!
There are other books in the wings waiting for my attention so I can’t go anywhere yet! Keep watch for what is brewing next at JEMSBOOKS! You will be surprised at what I can create! It surprises me too!
These promos are a mixture of BMGN and John’s promos.
Children’s books in rhymeDrystan the Dragon Series
As you know, I am an eclectic writer of many different genres and for all ages. There is always something new in my head calling me to be let out. It drives me crazy at times. I hope you will check out some of my work soon if you haven’t already. I will get back to my laptop in between all the reading I do. Stay tuned for more!
Thank you so much for stopping by to read this post and for your continued support. Please visit again aoon. There is always something brewing at JemsBooks for all ages!
Blessings & Hugs! Stay Safe, Stay Well and God Bless!
READING GIVES YOU WINGS TO FLY! SOAR WITH JEMSBOOKS ALL YEAR THROUGH! HAPPY READING!
I was thrilled to receive this wonderful review of my short story collection: An Angel Among Us. This short story collection is a multi-genre collection of 15 stories. It was exciting to see that a reader enjoyed these stories and shared her thoughts about it. I am honored and thankful. Thank you, reviewer!
PROMO BY BMGN
Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers’ Favorite
An Angel Among Us by J.E. Spina is a heartfelt collection of short stories that spans a variety of genres, including romance, mystery, suspense, sci-fi, fantasy, horror, and paranormal. Each story is crafted with care, offering readers a glimpse into the lives of unique characters and their emotional journeys. The book’s title story, “An Angel Among Us,” is a touching tribute to the author’s late friend, Anne Gillis Benedetto, and sets the tone for the collection with its themes of love, loss, and hope. While the collection is a work of fiction, with the exception of Anne’s story, it’s filled with sincerity and warmth. The stories are uplifting, offering moments of comfort and inspiration. Spina’s ability to balance lighthearted tales with more serious themes showcases her versatility as a writer.
J.E. Spina’s stories are diverse, yet they share a common thread of exploring human emotions and experiences. From the poignant tale of Anne and Dick’s enduring love to the suspenseful twists in “A Loss in Time,” each narrative offers something different. Spina’s ability to weave heartfelt moments with elements of mystery and fantasy is commendable. Her dedication to her craft is evident in the attention to detail and the emotional depth of the characters. The stories are easy to follow, yet they leave a lasting impression. The inclusion of an author’s note and personal anecdotes allows readers to connect with Spina on a deeper level. An Angel Among Us is a book that can be enjoyed in one sitting or savored story by story, making it a wonderful addition to any reader’s library.
A collection of short stories that covers several genres including romance, grief/loss, mystery, suspense, sci-fi, fantasy and paranormal. This book is dedicated to a courageous friend who passed this year. The first story is specially created for her and is the inspiration for the title of this book.
You will find this book in three formats: paperback, ebook and audiobook.
I enjoyed creating these stories and happy to hear that a reader enjoyed them. This encourages me to write some more.
Thank you so much for stopping by to read this post and for your continued support. Please come bay again for more news about new books, reviews and more. There is always something brewing at JemsBooks for you and your family. JemsBooks for all ages!
Blessings & Hugs! Stay Safe, Stay Well and God Bless!
READING GIVES YOU WINGS TO FLY! SOAR WITH JEMSBOOKS ALL YEAR THROUGH! HAPPY READING!
I was excited to see the copies of my newest book Return of the Dragons: Gateskin Chronicles Book 4 are now here! I will mail out copies to my beta readers soon. I have a couple of copies left if anyone would like a copy. They are $26.00 plus shipping wherever you are. I will also autograph and include a bookmark free.
Please let me know since I only have a couple of copies available. I hope if you haven’t read any of this series that you will begin with book 1 to get into the story line and myriad characters. It is an epic fantasy that you will love from the first page until the last and want to pick up the next book in the series.
I also have a couple of copies of each book in the series if you want to begin at the beginning (which you should). They are also $26.00 plus shipping and will include an autograph and free bookmark.
It’s always so exciting when the books arrive and I open the box. They look so beautiful! The books aren’t real until I see them like this. They only exist in my mind until I can hold one in my hands. Do I look happy here?
I hope you will love them as much as I do! Book 5 is already begun but is on hold until I complete another book. I will do a post about that one.
This series is an epic fantasy for YA and adults too. You will find magic, wizards, fairies, Sprites, unusual creatures that roam the land and threaten to harm all those who venture too close. It is the constant struggle of good again evil where the strongest will prevail. Are you ready to take your first step into King Gateskin’s world? Once you enter you will be unable to leave for you will be hooked! Enter carefully and keep your eyes open for there could be a creature behind you right now!
LET THE ADVENTURES BEGIN WITH GATESKIN CHRONICLES and experience the magic, mystery and surprises that are inside this series! Happy Reading everyone!
I always have a few books in my inventory if there are some other books you would like to purchase with autographs and free bookmarks. Please let me know and I will give you the price of each plus S&H.
Thank you so much for stopping by to read this post and for your continued support. Please keep reviewing books for authors everywhere. We will love and appreciate your efforts to help spread word about our books.
Blessings & Hugs! Stay Safe, Stay Well and God Bless!
READING GIVES YOU WINGS TO FLY! SOAR WITH JEMSBOOKS ALL YEAR THROUGH! HAPPY READING!
I am excited to share the new additions we have just acquired for our saltwater fish tank. Most of the previous fish we purchased online have left us. Sad to say. Only two fish survived out of the six – Scouter Blenny and the Sun Sifter Starfish. They appear to be doing well.
The new additions are:
Power Blue Tang
Pufferfish (not sure what kind this is)
Bicolor Angel
Here are some photos I snapped as they were getting acclimated to their new water world and after they were set free to explore. The first three photos show the fish in bags as they get acclimated to the temperature of the water. The last three are of them free to explore.
Puffer and Powder Blue TangBicolor TangPuffer
They appear to be doing well so far. I don’t want to jinx them though. Some fish are stronger to survive a change in environments. This is a new store to us – Jay’s Aquatics – Salem, New Hampshire.
Below are photos of the fish that have been in the tank for a little while. The Clown, Scooter Blenny, anemone and Sun Sifting Starfish. The longest resident is the Clown fish.
We hope that these new residents will do well. I will keep you informed. If they do well, we will purchase a couple more from this same store. They were very knowledgeable and helpful when we asked questions and had concerns about which fish would do well with our present ones.
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!
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